News

Air India becomes first Indian airline to implement New Distribution Capability (NDC)

Air India has become the first Indian airline to implement the New Distribution Capability (NDC), a cutting-edge technology developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This significant milestone transforms how Air India's products are offered to travel agents, corporations, leisure, and business travelers. By adopting the latest 21.3 schema of IATA’s NDC, Air India aims to enhance interactions with travel partners and streamline the booking process for customers. NDC enables travel agents to access real-time offers, ancillary services, and fare families, which were previously unavailable through traditional distribution systems. This will allow for personalized, transparent bookings, giving customers access to exclusive deals and tailored flight packages. NDC is a travel industry-supported program launched by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard. It enhances the way airline products are retailed in various channels. For Air India’s travel partners, this means access to a wider variety of offers and services, such as tailored flight packages and ancillary products, available in real-time. Customers can expect a more streamlined booking process with greater transparency and access to the best deals across all sales channels.

Read more

IndiGo Partners with Amadeus to Launch NDC Content for Global Travel Sellers

IndiGo, India's leading airline, has entered into a strategic partnership with travel technology giant Amadeus to provide its New Distribution Capability (NDC) content to travel sellers in India and globally through the Amadeus Travel Platform. This collaboration marks a significant move as IndiGo continues to enhance its customer experience and expand its market reach. IndiGo, set to carry over 110 million passengers in 2024, will now leverage Amadeus’ advanced technology and vast network to extend its reach to new markets and customer segments. Amadeus, with its 96 per cent global coverage of NDC-ready travel sellers, offers IndiGo an opportunity to distribute its content more efficiently and elevate its retailing capabilities. NDC technology, a breakthrough in the airline distribution landscape, allows for standardised messaging between airlines and travel sellers, enabling a more streamlined booking process. Through this partnership, travel agents and corporate clients will gain direct access to IndiGo’s full range of products, enhancing the booking experience by offering exclusive deals, dynamic pricing, and personalized promotions. Powered by Amadeus’ NDC capabilities and seamless integration with IndiGo’s IT systems through Navitaire, the airline will be able to build and present tailored offers more efficiently. This will boost ancillary sales and provide a smoother customer experience across sales channels. IndiGo has already implemented NDC booking capabilities in the UAE and Singapore, with plans to roll out in other markets soon.

Read more

Shangri-La Group Launches 'Eat Play Love' Campaign Featuring Curated Stays Inspired by Self-Discovery

Shangri-La Group has introduced 'Eat Play Love', a curated collection of travel experiences designed to inspire self-discovery, connection, and joy. Available across its MEIIA region, the campaign features culinary journeys, cultural adventures, and wellness escapes, inviting solo travellers, families, and couples to explore destinations with a fresh perspective. The campaign is anchored around three pillars—Eat, Play, and Love—each offering a diverse range of experiences. Culinary explorers can savour local flavours in Oman with a Frankincense Sommelier or embark on a guided market tour in Toronto led by Shangri-La’s chefs. Families can create lasting memories through snorkelling with sea turtles in Oman or exploring Mauritius on an e-bike adventure. The campaign also embraces the rising trend of solo travel. Shangri-La’s offerings cater to solo adventurers seeking reflection and connection, whether through guided wellness sessions in Dubai or curated sightseeing in New Delhi. According to luxury travel network Virtuoso, 71 per cent of solo travellers are female, a trend Shangri-La has reflected in its personalised experiences.

Read more

Thailand Tops Summer Travel Searches Among Europeans; India Sees Surge in Interest

As the European summer holiday season approaches, Thailand has once again emerged as the most searched Asian destination by European travelers, according to Agoda's latest data. Following Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia are among the top choices, with Vietnam entering the top five for the first time. India has also witnessed a significant rise in interest, with European searches for Indian destinations growing notably. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands have been identified as leading source markets, showing increased interest in Indian accommodations for the peak travel months of July and August. Within India, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Goa have emerged as the most searched cities by European tourists. The UK continues to be the largest source market for inbound travel to India, followed by the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Italy.

Read more

Gujarat Unveils Exciting Dharoi Adventure Fest to Boost Tourism

Gujarat has launched the inaugural Dharoi Adventure Fest at Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district, aiming to establish the region as a premier adventure tourism destination. The 45-day festival, inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, offers a variety of land, water, and aerial activities, including power boating, parasailing, paramotoring, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, and mountain biking. Beyond adventure sports, the festival features cultural performances, astronomy camps, stargazing sessions, nature walks, and photography tours, providing a holistic experience that blends thrill with cultural enrichment. To accommodate visitors, a fully air-conditioned tent city has been established on-site, comprising 21 luxury tents in various categories and two dormitory options, collectively offering over 100 beds. A dedicated dining hall provides meals and refreshments.

Read more

Meghalaya Introduces Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025 to Empower Local Filmmakers

On June 4, 2025, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma unveiled the Draft Meghalaya Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025 at the State Convention Centre. This initiative aims to bolster the state's creative economy by promoting film tourism and supporting local filmmakers. The policy introduces financial incentives, skill development programs, and infrastructure support to position Meghalaya as a premier film production hub. Key features of the draft policy include: Financial Incentives: Up to ₹1.5 crore for films produced in major Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Marathi. Grants for Cultural Promotion: Special grants and subsidies for productions that highlight Meghalaya’s heritage, culture, and tourism. Support for Local Creators: Training and upskilling programs for local content creators, along with incentives for films premiering on "Hello Meghalaya," the state's official OTT platform.

Read more