News

Bihar to get six new airports under UDAN

Six more cities in Bihar will get air connectivity, with the state cabinet on Tuesday giving its nod for the signing of an agreement in this regard with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), officials said. The new airports will be developed in Madhubani, Birpur in Supaul, Munger, Valmiki Nagar in Bettiah, Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme UDAN, they said. The cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, gave its go-ahead for signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state’s Directorate of Aviation and the AAI for developing the airports, they added. “A total of Rs 150 crore has been allocated, with Rs 25 crore for the development of each airport,” Additional Chief Secretary S. Siddharth told reporters. The decision was taken with a few months left for the assembly elections in the state. The cabinet also gave its nod to the issuance of the Letter of Award (LoA) to Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Ltd for the construction of a five-star hotel near Income Tax Golumber in Patna, he said. “The hotel will be developed on the public-private partnership (PPP) mode, and the land will be given on a 90-year lease. The bidding process for the construction of two more five-star hotels, near Bankipore Bus Stand and near R. Golumber in Patna, is also being finalised,” he added. The cabinet also fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for chana at Rs 5,650, mustard at Rs 5,950, and masoor at Rs 6,700, Siddharth said. It was also decided that the contract of 1,717 retired army personnel recruited in the Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) will be extended till 2025–26. The cabinet also approved guidelines for the recruitment of clerks and librarians in government schools and libraries. “Under the new rules, 50 per cent of clerical posts in the Education Department will now be filled through compassionate appointments, while the remaining 50 per cent will be filled through direct recruitment,” the officer said.

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Asia’s cruise-first OTA Int2Cruises launches in India

In a move set to reshape the way Indian travellers discover and book cruise vacations, Int2Cruises, Asia’s cruise-first Online Travel Agency (OTA), has officially marked its entry into the Indian market. Built by cruise industry veterans with over 50 years of combined global experience, the platform aims to bring convenience, transparency, and affordability to a category often perceived as complex and inaccessible. Cruise vacations are fast gaining momentum among Indian families, young explorers, and multi-generational travellers, yet planning remains highly fragmented, often requiring separate bookings for the cruise, flights, hotels, visas, and excursions. Int2Cruises solves this problem with an all-in-one digital platform that lets users compare ships, itineraries, and real-time pricing across global cruise lines, while also offering full-service support for every element of the vacation. Akansha Agarwal, CMO at Int2Cruises Akansha Agarwal, CMO at Int2Cruises said, “Indian travellers today are confident, digitally savvy, and looking for memorable experiences. But cruise booking remains fragmented and often overwhelming. With Int2Cruises, we have built a seamless, end-to-end platform that removes the stress and adds joy to the planning process. It’s a cruise booking, the way it should be, simple, transparent, and expert-backed.” The platform aggregates live inventory from all major cruise lines. To name a few, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, MSC Cruises, Costa, Ama Waterways and Viking River Cruises and Disney Cruise Line, allowing users to compare cabin types, fares, and departure dates in real time. With just three clicks, travellers can secure bookings with no hidden fees, zero service charges, and multiple secure payment options. Cabins can also be held for free, with the flexibility to pay later, offering convenience and control throughout the planning process. What sets Int2Cruises apart is its tech-led, service-first philosophy. AI and machine learning power personalised cruise recommendations based on individual travel preferences and history, while a dedicated cruise expert is always available via chat or call for real-time support. The platform goes far beyond simple bookings, offering end-to-end holiday planning that includes visa and insurance assistance, curated pre- and post-cruise stays, destination-specific shore excursions, and smooth airport transfers, all backed by best-price guarantees. With short-haul cruises from Mumbai, Singapore, Dubai, and Japan gaining momentum, and younger Indian travellers prioritising experiences over logistics, cruise tourism is at a tipping point. Trends like multigenerational travel, immersive itineraries, and adventure-led voyages are redefining how Indians engage with holidays at sea. Positioned at the centre of this shift, Int2Cruises is building the go-to platform for India’s new wave of cruise travellers, offering depth, flexibility, and trusted expertise under one digital roof.

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Meyyafushi Maldives set to welcome guests from October 2025

Meyyafushi Maldives, a brand-new five-star premium all-inclusive boutique resort, is preparing to open its doors on October 1, 2025, promising a seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and sustainability in the heart of the Lhaviyani Atoll. Just 35 minutes from Velana International Airport by seaplane, the resort is designed to offer a transformative escape on a pristine natural island, combining eco-conscious hospitality with unforgettable experiences. The resort will operate on a 24-hour Premium All-Inclusive plan, covering every aspect of a guest’s journey, from fine dining and wellness to adventure and recreation. Meyyafushi will house 95 villas and suites, each with a private pool and expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, including the opulent four-bedroom Presidential Overwater Suite, complete with an infinity pool, cinema, private spa room, and sweeping ocean views. With ten dining and beverage outlets, including five restaurants, three bars, a wine cellar, and a 24-hour café, the culinary experience at Meyyafushi is as diverse as it is exceptional. Guests can indulge in ‘Bubble,’ the exclusive underwater restaurant, savour gourmet teppanyaki at ‘Sukun,’ or enjoy fine vintages at ‘Raa,’ the resort’s overwater wine cellar. The adults-only rooftop Sky Bar & Sunken Lounge, complete with a glass-bottom pool, adds to the allure of the island’s dining scene.

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Ethiopian Airlines commences flights on Addis Ababa-Hyderabad route

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, has officially launched a new direct passenger service connecting Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Hyderabad, India. The inaugural flight took off on June 16, 2025, marking a significant step in enhancing air connectivity between Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The new route was celebrated with a vibrant ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, aviation leaders, and distinguished guests. This development reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to deepening ties between the two regions while providing more convenient travel options for passengers. The airline will operate the service three times a week, with flights from Addis Ababa to Hyderabad scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and return flights from Hyderabad to Addis Ababa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Commenting on the launch, Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said, “We are pleased to commence this new passenger service to Hyderabad, the fifth destination Ethiopian operates in India. We believe that beyond providing air transportation service, this new flight will play a pivotal role in strengthening trade and tourism ties between the two regions.” He further stated, “This route offers convenient passenger transport services, and Ethiopian will continue exploring new opportunities to expand its network in India and the region. As the continent’s top carrier with wide connectivity and world-class service, we remain dedicated to meeting the growing demand and fostering stronger partnerships across borders.” Ethiopian Airlines currently operates over 50 weekly passenger and cargo flight services to five Indian cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. With the addition of this new passenger route to Hyderabad, Ethiopian will solidify its presence in India to serve growing travel demand. It also provides more choice and seamless connections to passengers to and through India and the region at large.

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Thailand welcomes over 1 million Indian visitors before mid-year

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Indian tourist arrivals to Thailand have crossed the 1 million mark before the halfway point of 2025. This milestone validates Thailand’s enduring popularity and growing appeal as a year-round destination among Indian travellers in various segments. As of mid-June 2025, over one million Indian visitors have travelled to Thailand, reflecting a steady increase in outbound travel from India and strong two-way tourism ties. The achievement comes after a record-setting 2024, which saw Thailand welcome more than 35 million international tourists, with India contributing a significant share of 2.1 million arrivals. Thailand’s wide-ranging tourism offerings—from bustling cities and idyllic beaches to spiritual retreats, wellness escapes, and an impressive culinary landscape spanning street food to fine dining—continue to resonate with Indian travellers who value high-quality experiences with prices to suit every pocket. Strengthened by robust air connectivity from across India, a visa exemption scheme permitting stays of up to 60 days, and user-friendly innovations like the recently launched Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), the arrival experience has become more seamless than ever, ensuring quicker processing and greater convenience. TAT has also observed a rise in demand from emerging Indian markets. Notably, cities like Surat, Rajkot, Nagpur, and Nashik are emerging as promising markets for luxury travel, with a visible uptick in premium bookings, wellness holidays, and bespoke experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand remains committed to deepening engagement with the Indian market through tailored campaigns, joint promotions with travel partners, and high-impact trade events and roadshows across the country with a focus to encourage longer stays and quality travel experiences, in line with TAT’s global strategy of promoting high-value, sustainable tourism.

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Marriott International debuts Autograph Collection Hotels in Nepal

Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, has made its debut in South Asia with the opening of The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection in Nepal. This will be Marriott Bonvoy’s 19th brand in South Asia (India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). Located in the heart of the city, The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection, boasts 285 rooms, including suites, each narrating a unique story – a hallmark of Autograph Collection hotels. The hotel exemplifies the brand’s ethos, beautifully showcasing Kathmandu’s rich history through a refined and sophisticated perspective. Guests will be treated to an authentic sense of place with panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan range, the sacred Swoyambhunath Stupa, and the hotel’s serene, lush gardens. Autograph Collection Hotels are inspired by a clear vision and story that makes each property individual, special, and exactly like nothing else. The brand includes over 300 independent hotels across the world, each hand-selected for their inherent craft, distinct perspective on design and immersive experiences that will leave a lasting impression on guests. The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection features “The Storyteller”, a curated installation woven into the hotel’s public spaces – a layered experience that shares the hotel’s legacy through personal stories, historic fragments, and guest contributions, thus being kept alive, guest by guest. “The debut of Autograph Collection Hotels in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection is a proud milestone for Marriott International, marking the arrival of our 19th brand in this vibrant region. South Asia continues to be a dynamic growth engine for Marriott International, and the debut of Autograph Collection Hotels in Kathmandu reflects our commitment to expanding into culturally rich leisure destinations. With its deep-rooted legacy and unique character, The Soaltee Kathmandu Autograph Collection perfectly aligns with our vision of delivering immersive, one-of-a-kind stays across the region,” commented Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, Marriott International – South Asia. Nestled within the city, The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection, with its history dating back to 1966, stands as a cornerstone in Nepal’s hospitality history. The hotel’s architecture harmoniously blends contemporary design with traditional Nepalese motifs, reflecting the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Situated on 12 acres of lush, landscaped grounds in Kathmandu’s Tahachal area, the property has long been a preferred destination for dignitaries, celebrities, and travelers seeking luxury and authenticity. The interiors of The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection, are infused with local artistry, featuring wooden jaalis, exposed bricks, and traditional Thangka paintings, creating an ambiance that honors Nepalese heritage while embracing modern comfort. Each guest room and suite is meticulously designed, blending traditional Nepali elements with luxurious amenities, high-end furnishings, and contemporary technology, making the hotel a landmark of elegance and a testament to Nepal’s evolving hospitality landscape. Guests at The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection, can indulge in a rich culinary journey from Garden Terrace, an all-day dining restaurant serving signature Nepali thali, Kakori offering Awadhi-Indian specialties and chef’s signatures such as Murgh Chapli Kabab, Rogan Nalli and the famous Dal Kakori, to Bao Xuan specializing in authentic Chinese cuisine. Patio offers open-air dining with live music and garden views, while Rodi Bar and the Sports Lounge provide vibrant spaces to relax with drinks and entertainment. The hotel is also equipped with an indulgent spa offering a thoughtful selection of therapeutic and relaxing treatments blending time-honored traditions with modern techniques such as Hot Stone Therapy, Shirodhara, and the Traditional Newari Massage. Complementing the wellness journey, guests can also unwind at the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy a game of tennis on the hotel’s clay court, or work out at the fully equipped, 24-hour fitness center, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. For large-scale gatherings, weddings, and grand celebrations, The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection, offers an impressive 25,000 sq. ft. of versatile indoor and outdoor banqueting space. Nestled in a prime location, the hotel is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan ranges, providing a stunning and unforgettable setting for any occasion. The hotel remains deeply committed to sustainability initiatives, incorporating eco-friendly practices in its operations. From energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, an in-house water bottling plant that minimizes the use of plastic, an herb garden and water conservation practices to waste reduction initiatives and the increasing use of locally sourced materials. “We are incredibly proud to announce The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection as the first Autograph Collection hotel in South Asia. With a legacy spanning over 58 years, this iconic hotel seamlessly blends Nepal’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. Whether guests are exploring the vibrant city, soaking in the Himalayan beauty, or hosting unforgettable events, the experience is truly distinctive. Guided by Autograph Collection’s brand promise of authenticity and compelling storytelling, we are excited to usher in a new chapter for this landmark property and the brand in the region,” said Avinash Deshmukh, General Manager.

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