Asego unveiled its Summer Travel Special Plans, offering customised Global Assistance & Insurance at best-in-class prices for Indian travellers heading to some of the most-loved holiday hotspots in Southeast Asia. This summer-exclusive offering covers popular international destinations like Singapore, Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, where a rising number of Indian tourists are expected to travel in the upcoming months. Key Highlights: 24/7 emergency medical assistance & evacuation services for international travellers Pre-existing disease coverage in the event of a life-threatening emergency Asego TrackMate: Real-time baggage tracking tool with built-in compensation if luggage is not located within four days Adventure sports cover and Flight delay & missed connection cover With a deep understanding of evolving travel behaviours, Asego’s Summer Travel Special Plans have been designed to balance comprehensive coverage with destination-specific benefits and prices. These plans are ideal for families, solo explorers, and group travellers alike. Travellers can connect with Asego’s travel agent partners or Asego representatives to learn more and select a plan tailored to their destination and travel style. Speaking about the launch, Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego, said, “Summer travel is a time of joy and exploration, and we believe that it should also be a time of peace of mind. With our new Summer Special Plans, travellers can focus on creating memories, while we handle the unexpected.”

Los Angeles Tourism concluded a successful webinar series exclusively for the Indian travel trade. The webinars delivered crucial updates of LA’s dynamic tourism landscape, including its attractions and experiences. LA Tourism recognised the four attendees who attended all three webinars, Kanwal Jit Singh from Chandigarh, Nancy Castelino from Mumbai, Mriganka Shekar Chakraborty from Guwahati, and Deepak Mv. They will be rewarded with special goodie bags and Amazon vouchers as a token of appreciation. Warmest congratulations to the prize winners from LA Tourism team.                

Joined by Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield, Stranger Things’ Natalia Dyer, DC Comics Grant Gustin and spiritual leader Sadhguru Featuring music composed and performed by renowned Italian pianist, Ludovico Einaudi, and a dramatic display of 6,000 synchronised drones and pyrotechnics Saadiyat Cultural District lit up with a constellation of global stars gathered for the exclusive VIP opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s newest cultural landmark where art, technology and imagination meet in extraordinary ways. VIP guests were treated to a live performance by world-renowned Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi, whose captivating melodies set the tone for an evening of wonder. The celebration was made even more sensational with a striking display of 6,000 synchronised drones and pyrotechnics – acting as a prelude for what was to come: a night filled with colour, excitement and thrill. Among the guests of honour were Hollywood celebrities Cate Blanchett, Brendan Fraser and Andrew Garfield, Marvel star Pom Klementieff and DC Comics Grant Gustin, Stranger Things’ Natalia Dyer, music icon Swizz Beatz, spiritual leader Sadhguru and experimental music producer Flying Lotus. The renowned personalities joined creatives, leaders and visionaries from around the world to mark the launch of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Visitors are invited to discover the ever-changing, immersive artworks that respond to their movement and presence, inviting them to explore, connect and create while ensuring that no two visits are the same. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and other world-class institutions, the opening of teamLab phenomena Abu Dhabi further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for arts and culture.  

Malaysia Aviation Group (‘MAG’ or ‘the Group’) reports a positive Net Profit After Interest and Tax (NIAT) of RM54 million for the year 2024, marking a third consecutive year of positive operating profit at RM113million. This performance is further underscored by a robust Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of RM788 million, achieved despite operational headwinds, including proactive network cuts in Q4 2024, which reduced capacity by 18 per cent. The Group maintained a strong cash balance of RM3.0 billion as of 31 December 2024, without any capital injections from its main shareholder, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, since October 2021. The capacity cuts, driven by supply chain disruptions which extended maintenance times and delays in new aircraft delivery, were implemented during a traditionally strong quarter, impacting the Group’s full-year revenue, which stood at RM13,679mil – a marginal 1 per cent decrease year-on-year on the back of a 6 per cent increase in Available Seat Kilometre (ASK). However, passenger traffic remained robust in the premium segment with stronger load factors for both passenger and cargo segments. The Group also expanded its international network through new routes and deep partnership collaborations. The Group’s positive NIAT was further supported by a reversal of impairment on Rights of Use Assets, Aircraft, Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets amounting to RM426 million. These impairments, initially recognised during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, were reversed due to improved capacity, revenue, seat factor, and yield experienced in the financial years 2023 and 2024. Operational Highlights: Airlines and Non-Airlines Business Segments Airline Business Segment Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) posted an operating profit of RM139 million, an 87 per cent decline from RM1.09 billion in 2023 due …

LA Tourism hosted a webinar exclusively for the Indian travel trade on 8 April, 2025. The online event aimed to provide key updates and insights into the vibrant tourism offerings of Los Angeles. A highlight of the webinar was an informative quiz, offering attendees the exciting opportunity to win rewards. LA Tourism announced the 5 lucky winners of the quiz: Bhushan Narayan Redkar, Kesari Tours, Pan India Neha Nagrani, Bourbon Holidays, Pune, Maharashtra Praveena K, Viswathi Tours And Travels, Chennai Soubhagya Nayak, Adapt Holidays, Rourkela Dr Venkateswaran Raman, Vibes Air Services Private Limited, Bengaluru Congratulations to the five participants who aced the webinar quiz!            

With a vision to position itself as India’s final frontier for transformative travel experiences, Arunachal Pradesh has unveiled a sweeping new tourism policy and brand identity. TravTalk explores the key takeaways that the travel trade must take note of to leverage the state’s evolving tourism landscape. With a clear vision, investor support, skilled workforce development, and a renewed brand identity, Arunachal Pradesh is ready to emerge as a world-class destination. Experiential Tourism Arunachal Pradesh’s new tourism policy places a strong emphasis on experiential travel, moving beyond traditional sightseeing. The government has identified key focus areas such as Farm Tourism, Wine Tourism, Wellness and Spiritual Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Film Tourism, Ecotourism, Tribal Tourism, MICE Tourism, and Border Tourism. These segments offer travel businesses new ways to craft authentic and immersive itineraries for both domestic and international markets. Skilled Workforce To ensure quality service and empower local communities, the state will prioritise capacity building through skill development programmes. Training will be provided to small businesses and local guides, and partnerships with premier institutes like IITTM and IHM will help formalise education in tourism and hospitality. The introduction of tourism management courses in state institutions will further professionalise the sector. Land Access The new policy is designed to attract investments by streamlining processes and offering infrastructure support. Land banks will be set up at the district level for tourism-related projects, accessible via the state tourism website. A dedicated facilitation cell will be launched to guide investors and resolve queries. Additionally, Arunachal Pradesh will collaborate with Invest India to proactively engage with potential investors in the sector. Bold Branding With a refreshed brand identity and a striking new logo, Arunachal Pradesh is set to …

Fiji is redefining sustainable tourism with the launch of Loloma Hour, a first-of-its-kind initiative that invites visitors to spend an hour making a positive environmental, cultural, or community impact during their stay. Dubbed a ‘happy hour for the environment,’ Loloma Hour embodies the Fijian spirit of Loloma—acting with generosity, driven by love. Whether planting coral, restoring mangroves, or engaging in cultural traditions, travellers can leave a positive mark on Fiji while experiencing its unique way of life. New approach to sustainable travel Tourism Fiji created the ‘Loloma Hour’ initiative as part of the country’s overarching sustainability goals that aim to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage by unifying and amplifying sustainability efforts across Fiji’s vital tourism industry. With travellers becoming more conscious of their environmental and social impact, Loloma Hour positions Fiji as a leader in sustainable tourism. The initiative not only enhances Fiji’s appeal to eco-conscious travellers but also strengthens its reputation as a destination that prioritises cultural and environmental stewardship. “True happiness comes not just from what you take, but what you give,” says Srishti Narayan, Chief Marketing Officer, Tourism Fiji. “Loloma Hour gives visitors a chance to help preserve what makes Fiji so special—its people, environment, and traditions,” she added. How it works Visitors can take part in Loloma Hour through partnering resorts, hotels, and tour operators across Fiji, with activities spanning four key pillars: Giving Back to Wildlife: Conservation walks, marine research, and species protection Giving Back to the Community: Cultural storytelling, traditional weaving, and village programmes Giving Back to the Reef: Coral planting, reef restoration, and marine habitat building Giving Back to the Coastline: Mangrove planting, tree restoration, and beach cleanups Participating resorts Leading …

SriLankan Airlines concluded a humanitarian relief mission to Myanmar on 5 April 2025, undertaken at the request of the Government of Sri Lanka. The operation involved the transportation of 26 relief personnel and a consignment of essential relief equipment, including urgently needed medical supplies. Despite significant logistical challenges and time constraints, the SriLankan Airlines team responded with exceptional professionalism and commitment. The mission was planned and executed at short notice following the formal request from the Ministry of Defense. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders under considerable constraints was no easy feat, but the seamless collaboration of all parties involved ensured a safe and timely operation. SriLankan Airlines extends its sincere appreciation to the Secretary of Defense and his team for their unwavering support and cooperation, which was instrumental in the success of this effort. This mission stands as yet another testament to SriLankan Airlines’ continued commitment to humanitarian causes, both at home and abroad, reaffirming its role not only as Sri Lanka’s National Carrier, but also as a proud partner in serving humanity worldwide in times of need.  

LOT Polish Airlines completed the renovation of the Polonez Business Lounge at Warsaw Chopin Airport. The renovated space is now available to authorised passengers, departing from Warsaw. With this comprehensive transformation, LOT elevates its service standards, offering greater comfort tailored to the needs of all travellers. The lounge provides an ideal setting before the next stage of their journey. The refurbishment aligns with the national carrier’s strategic goals for 2024-2028. “We aimed to create a space that not only meets the highest standards of comfort but also redefines the travel experience for passengers who value modernity, exclusivity and a premium atmosphere. The LOT Business Lounge Polonez now combines elegance with functionality offering more space, innovative solutions and carefully selected amenities that enable both relaxation and productivity. We wanted every guest to feel special and experience Polish hospitality at the very heart of our connecting hub, Warsaw Chopin Airport. We are delighted to welcome guests to our LOT Business Lounge Polonez,” said Izabela Leszczyńska, Director, Product Development and Customer Experience, LOT Polish Airlines. A major advantage of the redesigned interior is the expanded usable space the Polonez Lounge now offers over 860 m² for guests, following a 153 m² expansion. As a result, the LOT Polish Airlines lounge offers more than 60 additional seats. New features in the expanded section include a self-service bar and a conference room, equipped with a screen and electrical outlets. Relax Spot by Phenomé x LOT is a unique relaxation space where passengers can enjoy premium skincare treatments. The beauty salon is a rare service available in only a handful of business lounges worldwide, making LOT Business Lounge Polonez truly stand out. Relax Spot by Phenomé …

Ticketing and distribution authority Hahnair celebrates the addition of 8 new partner airlines in the first quarter of 2025. With this extensive technology infrastructure, Hahnair enables partner carriers to sell tickets through more than 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. “This remarkable growth is a testament to the value airlines can gain from a partnership with Hahnair,” says Adriana C. Carrelli, Vice President, Airline Business. “With more than 25 years of sales expertise, we offer reliable and cost-effective solutions which bring immediate business results. Our partner airlines benefit from expanded market reach, simplified indirect distribution and interline opportunities with our network of over 350 partner airlines.” “We are pleased to offer travel consultants around the world a wealth of additional ticketing choices,” adds Kimberley Long, Vice President, Agency Distribution, Hahnair. “With easy access to millions of flights on the Hahnair HR-169 ticket stock, we are ensuring business growth for our travel agency partners while supporting them through our 24/7 service desk, free refund service and free insolvency protection with each ticket.” Available in selected GDSs under their own IATA code Air Rarotonga (GZ), Cook Islands EuroAtlanticAirways (YU), Portugal Eurowings (EW), Germany (market restrictions apply) My Freighter, operating under the trade name Centrum Air (C6), Uzbekistan Wideroe (WF), Norway Available in all major GDSs under the code X1 Aero Dili, (8G), Timor Leste LIAT 20 (5L), Antigua and Babuda My Freighter, operating under the trade name Centrum Air (C6), Uzbekistan  Available in all major GDSs under the code H1 BermudAir (2T), Bermuda Travel consultants can easily verify the availability of Hahnair’s partner airlines in their respective markets by utilising the ‘Quick Check’ tool on hahnair.com.