Asia monthly tips

The demand for alternative accommodations in India is at an early stage but continues to grow.

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is diving into the branded residences market with its first Taj Branded Residences in Chennai.

Weddings are the second-largest consumption category in India, coming only after food and groceries, according to a report by brokerage firm Jefferies.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is witnessing a resurgence. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka reported that earnings from tourism soared to over $1.5 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a 78% increase year-on-year.

The Chinese government has declared 2025 as “Visit Nepal Year in China” — an offering that came during a Nepal-China diplomatic consultation meeting in Kathmandu earlier this month.

Duty-free shops in the arrival areas of Thailand’s international airports will soon close down. This decision affects eight international airports, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok, as well as airports in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-Tapao (Rayong), Samui, and Krabi.

From its early days, Agoda has today evolved into a major player in the online travel space in Asia. Today, the online travel company is known for its advanced tech and three people have been an integral part of that journey: CEO Omri Morgenshtern, Chief Technology Officer Idan Zalzberg and Chief Product Officer Ittai Chorev.

Oyo has announced the launch of its first luxury hotel, the Palette Royal Reflections Hotel and Spa, in Dubai. The opening marks a significant step in Oyo’s strategy to expand its premium offerings, driven by the increasing demand from Indian tourists for high-end accommodations in the region.

“India is a country we’re very interested in,” Sebastien Bazin, the group chairman and CEO of Accor, said during the company’s earnings call Friday.

Online travel agency Yatra is working to expand its corporate share and enhancing its services to expand its total market, CEO Dhruv Shringi said on Friday.

In an effort to attract more tourists and remote workers, the Thai cabinet this week rolled out a series of new visa promotions, including visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and reduced compulsory health insurance for retirees.

Global rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Oyo-parent company Oravel Stays’ long-term rating to “B” from “B-” with a “stable” outlook.

India is actively working on expanding the DigiYatra facility for international travel. The DigiYatra Foundation expects to start prototype testing on e-passport based enrollment from next month, the CEO of DigiYatra Foundation, Suresh Khadakbhavi, said recently at an event in Saudi Arabia.

Travel distribution platform TBO Tek made its debut in the Indian stock exchanges Wednesday, and raised a little more than INR 15.5 billion ($180 million) from its IPO subscription last week.

IndiGo Expansion: IndiGo placed its first order for widebody planes with 30 Airbus A350 jets to enhance its long-haul international network, aiming to support India’s goal of becoming an aviation hub.

Expansion Plans and Market Strategy: Minor Hotels aims to open 50 hotels in India within the next 10 years, focusing on quality over quantity and emphasizing strategic partnerships and sustainable development. They plan to penetrate untapped markets, particularly in South India, and establish a significant presence in emerging destinations.

It’s been four months since the #BoycottMaldives trend started in India, and Maldives wants those tourists back.

India’s largest carrier IndiGo, which recently placed its first-ever order for widebody aircraft, plans to offer nonstop connectivity from major Indian airports to global destinations.

Dubai confirmed Sunday it would be shifting its airport operations from the current Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport “within the next 10 years.”

Capital A has announced an agreement for the divestment of its airline business and the acquisition of AirAsia X, forming a unified AirAsia Group.

Looking to establish itself as the number 1 online travel agency in Southeast Asia, Air Asia Move, previously known as AirAsia superapp, announced the launch of its ASEAN Explorer Pass on Thursday.