News From ETTravelWorld

More from ETTravelWorld

• Mahindra Holidays & Resorts reports robust Q4 2024 results with highest-ever consolidated income

  For the full fiscal year FY24, Mahindra Holidays reported record-breaking financials across key metrics. The Total Income soared to INR 1,424 crores, marking a 12per cent YoY increase. The EBITDA stood at INR 406 crores, with an EBITDA Margin of 28.5per cent, showcasing a 90 bps YoY growth. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) reached INR 213 crores, reflecting a 16per cent YoY growth, with a PBT Margin of 15per cent.

  

• Indians embrace new experiences: Solo adventures, travel hacks, & spontaneous getaways on rise

  More Indians are planning on travelling alone this year (84 per cent) compared to their global counterparts (66 per cent). Further, nearly two-thirds of Indian travellers (59 per cent) say they plan on travelling for more than one solo adventure. Khanna said they are choosing to travel alone as a special treat, to reconnect with themselves, and to take a break from the chaos of daily life.

  

• Madhya Pradesh gets two floating jetties in a bid to promote cruise tourism

  The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has signed an agreement with the Inland Waterways Authority of India and the Government of Gujarat. ​​ This will be used as a terminal for a pontoon cruise. MP Cruise tourism initiative is being taken by the Tourism Board with the aim of promoting tourism in the state. The cruise on the Narmada River will cover a journey of 120 km.

  

• Saudia launches Al-driven travel solution platform 'TC'

  The Travel Companion introduces a host of personalised features tailored to individual preferences, delivering search results from verified sources and employing image-based responses for enhanced user experience. This comprehensive platform serves as a unified hub, enabling users to seamlessly book concierge services such as accommodations, transportation, dining options, activities, and attractions without the hassle of switching between multiple applications.

  

• Flight to long haul: IndiGo places order for 30 Airbus wide-body aircraft

  IndiGo's current fleet boasts over 350 aircraft, and in June 2023, the airline placed a record-breaking order for 500 aircraft with Airbus, comprising A320NEO, A321NEO, and A321XLR models. With nearly 1,000 A320 Family aircraft yet to be delivered, this new order cements IndiGo's strategic partnership with Airbus and marks the beginning of a promising collaboration with Rolls Royce.

  

• Marriott makes strides towards net-zero emission with SBTi

  The company has set ambitious targets to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2 per cent by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Additionally, Marriott has committed to reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from various activities by 27.5 per cent by 2030 from a 2019 base year, with the goal of having 22 per cent of its suppliers adopt science-based targets by 2028.

  

• Nearly half of India's Gen Z ready for first independent trips abroad, reveals Skyscanner survey

  The Skyscanner survey showcases the travel aspirations and meticulous planning of Gen Z in India, emphasising their inclination toward cultural immersion, vegetarian-friendly options, and thorough itinerary planning. Understanding these travel preferences, Skyscanner said it aims to empower young travellers by providing valuable resources and tools for effective trip planning and budget management.

  

• IHG Hotels & Resorts set to double its presence in India over next 5 years

  The surge in signings, especially in the midscale and upper midscale segments, reflects IHG Group's commitment to catering to a diverse range of guests. By focusing on primary and secondary markets like Amritsar, Lucknow, Zirakpur, Kasauli, and Katra, IHG aims to capture the growing demand for branded accommodations across India.

  

• Club Med bets big on ski & mountain resort business, gains impressive growth from India & other markets

  Club Med has achieved a record first-half 2024 bookings performance at +14 per cent as of March 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, which already showed record levels. In a recent conversation with ETTravelWorld, Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med's ESAP Markets, shared valuable insights into the company's business strategies, expansion plans, and the significance of the Indian market.

  

• EU introduces new Schengen visa rules for Indian travellers; industry welcomes the move

  New Schengen Visa Rules for Indians: Effective from 18th April 2024, the European Commission has introduced specific regulations governing the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Indian nationals. These rules, part of the newly implemented visa 'cascade' regime, offer easier access to visas with extended validity for travellers with an established travel history residing in India. The travel and tourism industry in India welcomed the move and applaued the initiatve take to ease Schengen visa process for Indian travellers.

  

• Bhutan lifts mandatory travel insurance requirement for tourists

  The mandatory travel insurance requirement by Bhutan government was initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure coverage for unforeseen emergencies, particularly related to medical expenses arising from the pandemic. However, with the situation improving and travel restrictions easing, Bhutan has decided to withdraw this mandatory requirement to enhance tourism accessibility.