New data from Destination New South Wales reveals, in 2024, 181,300 Indian travellers visited NSW, spending an average of AUD 2,736 per person translating to over AUD 58 per night across an average stay of 46.8 nights. The report also shows a strong preference for Free and Independent Travel (58%), with nearly half travelling solo (49%).

RezLive.com, part of the Travel Designer Group, has expanded its India portfolio by adding travel insurance and train booking services. Jaal Shah, Managing Director, Travel Designer Group, said, “The decision to add travel insurance and train booking services to our platform is driven by our commitment to offering a comprehensive solution for our B2B partners.”

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, said, “Five years into the deadline to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals it is clear that progress is falling behind and many targets are at risk. Tourism, as one of the world’s largest socio-economic sectors, can help shift this course but only if we harness its full potential.”

SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications, made history by becoming the first Indian recipient of the PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. A member since 1999, he has served over 18 years in key leadership roles, including two terms on the Executive Board. He played a pivotal role in bringing the PATA Travel Mart to New Delhi in 2023.

The 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) officially opened today at Dubai World Trade Centre, uniting over 55,000 travel professionals from across 166 countries. With expanded exhibition halls, record-breaking participation, and exciting new features like IBTM@ATM, the show promises a powerful platform for shaping tomorrow’s global tourism.

Representatives from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands participated in the prestigious ASEAN-India Delegation during the MATTA Fair 2025, held from 18th to 20th April at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. The participation was part of the ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals’ Exchange Program, under the banner of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025. The ASEAN-India Pavilion at MATTA Fair was inaugurated by Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Government of India, in the presence of senior officials and delegates from ASEAN nations and India. The event was coordinated by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and brought together around 80 delegates from India and ASEAN countries, aimed at enhancing tourism collaboration, professional exchange, and destination promotion. Representing the Andaman Islands at the event were, Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary Tourism, A&N Administration; Mathew, Assistant Manager, Tourism Department, A&N Administration; M Vinod, President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) and Sumit Lall, Representative, Makruzz. The Andaman delegation actively engaged with tourism boards, trade partners, and media representatives, showcasing the Islands as a unique and emerging destination for nature, culture, and adventure tourism. M Vinod expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Secretary (Tourism) and Director (Tourism), Andaman & Nicobar Administration for their constant support and for providing the opportunity to represent the islands on an international platform. Participation in such global tourism events is key to positioning the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a competitive and sustainable destination for international travellers, especially within the ASEAN market.  

IndiGo announced that subject to Regulatory and Shareholder approvals, IndiGo’s Board of Directors appoints Michael Whitaker as an Independent Director. Whitaker served most recently as Administrator of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. agency in charge of air safety, efficiency, and the operation of the national air traffic system in the U.S.A. He resigned from the FAA in January of this year. Whitaker held numerous roles in his 30-year aviation career. Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director, IndiGo, said, “Mike’s deep and varied industry and government experience will contribute significantly to having an effective and diverse Board. His focus on efficiency, operations, air safety as head of the FAA will reinforce IndiGo’s longstanding focus on operating at the highest levels. Also, his extensive experience in International Governmental Affairs will be hugely instrumental as IndiGo continues its global expansion.” “I am deeply honoured to have the privilege of joining the Board of the world’s fastest growing airline on its way to become a global aviation giant,” Michael Whitaker said. “India is one of the world’s great travel hubs with unlimited growth potential. I look forward to working with the Board to continue the growth of this world-leading Indian company.”  

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) expressed its deepest sorrow and strongest condemnation of the recent heinous attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir. This despicable act, targeting those who came in the spirit of discovery and peace, is an attack not only on the lives of individuals but on the very fabric of the nation’s hospitality and harmony. TAAI mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. An act of violence against tourists is a direct strike at the soul of Tourism’s spirit and an attempt to instil fear and disrupt the positive narrative of Jammu & Kashmir. Such cowardly acts aim to derail the region’s tourism-driven resurgence, but TAAI stands united in saying, “We will not let terror define our future.” TAAI reaffirms solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir. They have promoted this breathtaking destination for decades and will continue to do so with unwavering determination. The association urges members, industry partners, and the travelling public to continue supporting Kashmir’s tourism sector and its resilient community, whose livelihood depends greatly on this vital industry. While incidents like these may cause short-term disruptions, TAAI said, “We are confident that with proactive government support, robust security measures, and the collective resolve of all stakeholders, tourism in Jammu & Kashmir will recover and thrive once again.” “We call upon the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure enhanced safety and protection for all tourists. The spirit of Indian tourism is unbreakable, and together, we will ensure it emerges stronger than ever.”

Addressing global geopolitical tensions and climate change, PATA leadership predicted a future of regional travel dominance. With rising airfare costs and increasing environmental awareness, long-haul tourism may become less viable. Asia’s intra-regional strength, where 80 per cent of arrivals come from neighbouring countries, positions it well for this shift. “We must stop assuming tourism equals Western arrivals,” said Peter Semone, Chair, PATA. “Our biggest spenders may already be next door.”

With Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in the Asia-Pacific market, PATA signalled readiness to support the kingdom with market intelligence and regional insights. While acknowledging Saudi’s robust in-house expertise, PATA highlighted its value as a connector offering knowledge from decades of Asia-focused tourism development. The collaboration could involve joint projects, knowledge sharing, and practical guidance to help Saudi adapt its tourism products for Asian travellers.