Janice Alyosius

Travstarz expands DMC portfolio, adds Morocco as 27th destination for Indians

Travstarz has added Morocco as its 27th destination, expanding its DMC portfolio. Pankaj Nagpal, MD, Travstarz Global Group, said, “Morocco offers a mix of culture, history and cuisine, making it ideal for Indian travellers, from youngsters to luxury seekers.” He noted the destination’s growing appeal, with four-star-plus options and diverse experiences for all interests. 

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NOK AIR to resume flights from Hyderabad and Mumbai to Bangkok starting 26 October 

NOK AIR, Thailand’s leading low-cost carrier that feels like “Full-Service carrier”, is delighted to announce the resumption of its direct flights from Hyderabad ( 4 times a week) and Mumbai (Daily) to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), effective 26th October 2025. The return of operations to these key routes marks a robust comeback after a brief summer pause, that reinforces NOK AIR’s commitment to serve the Indian market. Coinciding with the start of the winter travel season, this relaunch will provide Indian travelers with effortless access to Thailand’s vibrant culture, acclaimed cuisine, wellness retreats, diverse shopping, world-class golf tourism, and iconic holiday destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Chiang Rai—all easily connected via domestic flights from Bangkok. True to its motto, “We Fly Smiles,” NOK AIR continues to deliver a superior flying experience at affordable fares. Passengers may select from two value-packed fare options: • Nok Air X-tra: Includes 20 kg checked baggage, 7 kg cabin bag, premium seat selection, inflight entertainment, and a complimentary snack box with water. • Nok Max: Includes 30 kg checked baggage, 7 kg cabin bag, premium seat selection, and a complimentary snack box with water. The renewed service and convenient departure timings from Hyderabad and Mumbai ensures travelers maximize their time in Thailand. The flights will further strengthen connectivity between Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Thailand, ensuring travelers enjoy spacious seating, onboard entertainment, and renowned Thai hospitality provided by NOK AIR’s friendly crew.

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India records 1.31 lakh medical tourist arrivals between January and April 2025

India welcomed 1,31,856 foreign tourists for medical purposes between January and April 2025, representing 4.1% of total arrivals, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Tourism Minister shared with the Rajya Sabha. Bangladesh led the 2024 list with 4.82 lakh arrivals, as medical tourism grew sharply from 1.82 lakh in 2020 to 6.44 lakh in 2024. 

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Delhi government unveils ₹25 crore plan to highlight capital’s tourism appeal 

The Delhi government has announced a ₹25 crore tourism boost for 2025–26, combining a ₹5 crore branding campaign with ₹20 crore for infrastructure upgrades. Plans include national and international mart participation, cultural festivals and redevelopments at Dilli Haat and GTB Memorial, aiming to enhance Delhi’s image as a vibrant global destination.   

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99% Indian travellers keen on AI, still 83% prefer dealing with agents

According to a report by Booking.com, Indian travellers are among the world’s most excited about AI, with 99% expressing enthusiasm and 98% keen to use it for planning trips. AI assistants now outrank influencers in trust. However, most travellers prefer human oversight, with only 16% fully trusting AI to make independent travel decisions. 

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IATO convention in Puri targets 25% rise in inbound tourism, ₹10,000 crore economic boost 

IATO is optimistic about boosting inbound tourism to Puri, Odisha, through its annual convention. Highlighting the potential impact of the event, Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, said, “With government support in marketing and promotion, IATO’s action plan could drive a 20–25% rise in inbound tourist arrivals, adding ₹8,000–10,000 crore annually to the local economy.” 

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Challenge Based Destination Development scheme to upgrade 42 destinations across India

Under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan, the Ministry of Tourism has identified 42 destinations across four themes and sanctioned 36 projects, including in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that the projects aim to enhance infrastructure and boost employment by March 2026. 

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More than 95 lakh tourists visited J&K in H1 2025: Union Tourism Minister

Jammu & Kashmir recorded over 95.9 lakh domestic tourist visits from January to June 2025, despite the April terror attack in Pahalgam, government data shows. The Centre confirmed that no economic impact assessment was conducted. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said efforts are ongoing to support local stakeholders and revive tourism in the region. 

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FAITH Conclave 2025 focuses on centre-state synergy and GST rationalisation for tourism growth

Ajeet Bajaj, Vice Chairman, FAITH, said the top policy priorities this year include rationalisation of GST-reducing incidence across the tourism value chain and allowing set-offs to boost competitiveness. He also stressed on export industry status for inbound tourism and centre-state alignment to avoid policy fragmentation and accelerate infrastructure development.

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Agents see surge in demand for value for money and experiential travel in tier II cities

Jaal Shah, Founder, RezLive.com and Group Managing Director, Travel Designer Group, said, “Agents are increasingly searching for destinations that offer strong experiences without premium pricing. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Georgia have seen a noticeable spike in demand. Even within the UAE and India, there’s renewed interest in tier-II cities that provide solid infrastructure without the cost of major metros.”

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