News

How Asia Is Dominating Gen Z Backpacking: Surprising New Report

Forget the days when backpackers were relegated to the fringes of the tourism scene. Backpacking is making a major comeback, and this time, it’s being led by none other than Generation Z. The youngest generation of travelers is heading to Asia in droves, exploring everything from the temples of Cambodia to the bustling streets of Tokyo, and the ancient ruins of Vietnam to the pristine beaches of Sri Lanka. As these destinations embrace the backpacker trend, Asia is experiencing a tourism renaissance, driven by budget-conscious, adventure-hungry Gen Z travelers. And if you thought they were just looking for a cheap getaway, think again. These young adventurers are changing the game, with eco-friendly travel choices, a thirst for authentic experiences, and a deep appreciation for cultural immersion. So how are countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and others capitalizing on this backpacking boom? From vibrant hostels to off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, these countries are crafting the ultimate backpacking experiences that not only cater to Gen Z’s needs but also boost their local economies and transform the tourism sector.

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IndiGo commences direct flights from Mumbai and Bengaluru to Krabi

IndiGo takes off for its newest international destination, Krabi, Thailand. This marks IndiGo’s third destination in Thailand, joining Bangkok and Phuket. The daily flights from Mumbai and Bengaluru to Krabi will provide seamless connectivity and a comfortable travel experience for both leisure and business travellers. Flight 6E1085 will depart from Mumbai at 04:15 and arrive in Krabi at 10:10, while the return flight 6E1086 will depart Krabi at 21:45 and reach Mumbai at 00:40. Similarly, flight 6E1083 will take off from Bengaluru at 15:30 and land in Krabi at 20:45. The return leg, flight 6E1084, will leave Krabi at 11:35 and arrive in Bengaluru at 13:45. The addition of Krabi to IndiGo’s network is a strategic move to further strengthen trade and tourism ties between India and Thailand, fostering cultural exchange and driving economic growth. For Indian travellers, this expansion offers shorter travel times and more affordable options, minimizing the need for layovers and making Krabi more accessible than ever before. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to commence daily direct flights to Krabi, Thailand, from Mumbai as well as Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in fostering India-Thailand bilateral ties. With these convenient flights our customers can enjoy this resort town and its local landmarks & panoramic views. IndiGo operates over 95 flights a week, from India to Thailand and offers seamless connections to Bangkok, Phuket and now also to Krabi. As we expand our international footprint, IndiGo remains committed to providing customers with effortless access to more parts of the world, through convenient and reliable flight options.”

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Radisson Hotel Group revives India Sales Roadshow after five-year hiatus

Radisson Hotel Group today marked the return of its long-paused sales roadshow in India, aiming to re-establish strong connections with B2B partners and highlight the breadth of its growing hospitality portfolio. After a five-year break, the roadshow was relaunched at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Delhi Airport, and is set to continue in Mumbai at the Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport on April 11, 2025. “This will now be an annual event. We used to do sales roadshows in the past, but there has been a five-year pause. With over 130 operating hotels in the country today and a strong presence across tier one, two, and three cities, it felt like the right time to bring this back,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group. The 2025 edition has seen enthusiastic participation, with over 60 Radisson hotels represented across both cities. “We intend to scale it up from next year onward,” said Nikhil.

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Luberon Targets India’s Growing Luxury Travel Market with Focus on Mumbai and Bangalore

Luberon Tourism aims to attract luxury Indian travellers by engaging with the travel trade in Mumbai and Bangalore, highlighting the region’s unique, tranquil experiences. In an effort to increase Luberon’s visibility and appeal among Indian travellers, Franck Delahaye, Director of Luberon Tourism, recently embarked on a promotional tour in India. The primary objective of his visit was to build connections with the travel trade in Mumbai and Bangalore, aiming to position Luberon as an exclusive and sought-after destination for discerning Indian tourists. While Luberon is a well-known destination in Europe, it remains relatively untapped by Indian travellers. Delahaye emphasized that the beauty of Luberon lies in its pristine landscapes—quaint hilltop villages, sprawling lavender fields, and scenic olive groves—which evoke the charm and tranquillity of the French countryside. However, Luberon is not intended for the typical first-time traveller looking to experience France’s major cities, but rather for those seeking a more intimate, luxurious getaway. Delahaye explained that Luberon’s appeal is most suited to smaller, high-end groups. With only 45 hotels, most of which are luxury accommodations, the region caters to families, couples, and niche groups with specific interests. Rather than focusing on mass tourism, Luberon aims to attract repeat visitors who are drawn to its authentic, peaceful atmosphere.

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Italy Launches Luxury Healing Retreat with Yoga, Sound Therapy, and Spa at Anantara Convento di Amalfi from 4-15 May 2025

Italy unveils a luxury healing retreat with yoga, sound therapy, and spa indulgence during the Convent Wellness Weeks at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel from 4 to 15 May 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of a 13th-century monastery perched above the Mediterranean, this exclusive event invites guests to immerse themselves in transformative wellness practices led by expert Beatrice Adochitei. With a perfect blend of serene yoga sessions, soothing sound healing, and indulgent spa rituals, this retreat promises a complete mind-body reset, offering a rare opportunity to experience true rejuvenation in one of Italy’s most historic and breathtaking locations. Perched high above the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and nestled into the cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel offers travelers a rare blend of heritage, tranquility and luxury. Originally a 13th-century Capuchin monastery, the property has been thoughtfully transformed into an exclusive five-star retreat, allowing guests to immerse in the serene rhythms of monastic life while indulging in the finest modern comforts. From 4 to 15 May 2025, the hotel invites both guests and visitors to take part in Convent Wellness Weeks with Beatrice, a limited-time wellness experience curated to celebrate the importance of self-care, mindfulness and inner harmony. Designed for those seeking deep rejuvenation, the event is a rare opportunity to reset body and mind under the expert guidance of Beatrice Adochitei, a globally respected wellness practitioner. A Healing Haven on the Amalfi Coast Built into the cliffside above the famed Walk of the Monks, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel offers panoramic views, lemon-scented breezes, and an atmosphere of profound stillness. Guests stay in what were once the quarters of Capuchin monks, now luxuriously reimagined with refined interiors and peaceful Mediterranean vistas.

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Southwest Airlines Enhances Group Travel Booking with New Self-Service Tool for Travel Experts

Southwest Airlines has launched a new group booking tool, designed to streamline reservations, deposits, name changes, and reporting for travel professionals. Southwest Airlines has introduced an innovative tool aimed at travel professionals who specialize in group travel. The newly launched Southwest Groups platform is designed to streamline the booking process, making it quicker and more efficient. This self-service tool enables users to shop, book, make deposits, and manage reservations seamlessly, while benefiting from the airline’s extended flight schedule through 2026. The platform also offers convenient features such as the ability to easily make name changes and access detailed reporting dashboards for better management. In addition to Southwest Groups, Southwest Airlines provides other B2B services, including Southwest Meetings. Both platforms can be accessed via the airline’s self-service portal, Southwest Business Assist, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for business customers.

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