Air New Zealand unveils first-ever sleeping pods for economy travellers
The product will debut on select ultra long-haul flights between New York City and Auckland, one of the world’s longest commercial routes. Bookings are set to open on May 18, with travel commencing from November 2026.
Akasa Air forays into Vietnam; adds Hanoi as the 7th international destination
Starting September 4, 2026, the airline will operate four weekly direct flights connecting Mumbai and Hanoi. The introduction of direct connectivity will support the travel momentum and expanding economic and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Global uncertainty strains travel; India’s growth story remains strong: Puneet Chhatwal
Global headwinds, domestic resilience and long-term growth ambitions define the latest hospitality outlook, as shared by Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, at a recent public forum, where he outlined the sector’s current state and future trajectory.
Decoding “Affordable” Luxury
As Indian travellers have started to spend more, travel more often, and demand experience-first trips, the very meaning of luxury is being reshaped, which is less about opulence, more about value and access. SATTE this year, brought a provocative question to the limelight: can luxury truly be affordable, or is the industry redefining aspiration for a wider market?
Goa records 28.5 lac visitors in Q1 2026
Goa has begun 2026 on a steady footing, sustaining tourism volumes at near record levels despite increasing global pressures on travel. The State recorded approximately 28.5 lakh visitors between January and March, closely matching Q1 2025, the strongest first quarter in the state’s tourism history. A key driver this quarter was the continued expansion of Goa’s MICE ecosystem. India Energy...
Suba Hotels appoints Hakimuddin Kanorwala as Chief Finance Officer
Hakimuddin Kanorwala has joined Suba Hotels Limited as Chief Finance Officer (CFO). Kanorwala brings over 15 years of extensive experience in finance and accounts, with deep expertise across financial planning and analysis, budgeting, treasury, taxation, compliance, risk management, governance, strategic finance, and financial reporting...
SOTC partners with Tourism Australia to host MICE engagement
SOTC Travel partnered with Tourism Australia to host a high-impact MICE engagement in Mumbai to inspire its top corporate clients. The event witnessed strong participation from CXOs and senior executives representing leading multinational corporations and Indian corporate houses across sectors including BFSI, paints, automotive, FMCG, electronics, manufacturing, and trade. The engagement...
For 2026, Türkiye bets on resilience, cultural connect & connectivity to reignite Indian numbers
While India is not yet among the top 10 source markets, its long-term potential remains significant given the rapid growth of outbound travel. Encouragingly, early signs of recovery are already visible. 2026 trends further suggest a gradual upward movement, indicating that demand from India remains positive despite short-term headwinds.
Anant Swarup joins FICCI as Secretary General
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has appointed Anant Swarup as its Secretary General, effective April 14, 2026, reinforcing the organisation’s senior leadership at a pivotal moment for Indian industry. Swarup brings to the role over three decades of distinguished experience in public policy, trade remedies, logistics, regulatory reform, and international...
Women in Tourism: From Presence to Power
Women in tourism are no longer confined to the margins of the industry’s workforce; they are increasingly shaping its direction, influencing consumer behaviour, and redefining how travel experiences are conceptualised and delivered. Globally, women account for 54% of the tourism workforce, according to UN Tourism, a figure that significantly surpasses most other sectors.
