Sudhir Kumar, Senior Manager Data Science Engineer, Sabre Bengaluru GCC  The travel industry is intricate and multifaceted, and the process of ‘making travel happen’ involves multiple interconnected stakeholders. Each stakeholder aims to personalise the travel experience and has a vested interest in ancillary sales. Factors such as fluctuating prices, weather conditions, and socio-political events add more complexity to understanding and forecasting demand. The ability to predict demand accurately is crucial for travel operators, airlines, hotels, and other service providers to optimise pricing, capacity, and resource allocation. Predictive analytics, powered by machine learning (ML) models, has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing these complexities, offering data-driven insights that help businesses make more informed decisions. The rise of compute power and cheaper data storage With the rapid growth of digital platforms and the availability of large volumes of data, businesses are tasked with analysing this data effectively to forecast demand. This is where predictive analytics comes into play, enabling travel businesses to use historical data and advanced algorithms to make accurate demand predictions and stay competitive. How Predictive Analytics Helps in Travel Demand Forecasting Predictive analytics utilises statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyse historical data and forecast future trends. By examining past travel patterns, customer behaviour, and external influences, these models can identify trends and predict demand fluctuations with a high degree of accuracy. For instance, airlines can predict passenger loads, hoteliers can forecast occupancy rates, and travel agencies can assess which destinations will experience high demand during specific periods. One of the main advantages of predictive analytics is its ability to factor in real-time data, such as changes in consumer sentiment, political events, or unexpected weather disruptions, allowing …

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global business hub, driven by advancements in infrastructure, technology, and tourism that continue to attract significant international investment. Its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa enhances trade opportunities, while business-friendly reforms—including regulatory easing and foreign investment incentives—further boost its appeal. In 2025, the Kingdom’s prominence as a business destination will reach new heights with the full opening of Red Sea International Airport improving connectivity and the development of NEOM drawing increased global attention. As Saudi cities gain greater influence on the world stage and more airlines expand routes to the Kingdom, Saudia, the national flag carrier, stands out with a unique set of offerings that distinguish it from its competitors. Founded in 1945, Saudia has grown to become one of the Middle East’s largest airlines, offering a vast network of over 100 destinations from its primary hub in Jeddah. Renowned for its innovation and customer-centric approach, the below offerings showcase why Saudia is the preferred choice for business travellers to discover Saudia Arabia and beyond. Global Connectivity Saudia operates over 530 daily flights, connecting more than 100 destinations across four continents. In 2024, the airline significantly expanded its network, introducing new routes to Phuket, Thailand —while strengthening codeshare partnerships with leading carriers such as AEGEAN Airlines, Kenya Airways, Virgin Atlantic, ITA Airways, and Delta Airlines. These collaborations have enhanced access to major economic centres, including New York, Los Angeles, and Paris. This goes in addition to its already extensive network, with Saudia offering direct flights to the world’s top business hubs, including London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt, ensuring seamless travel for business professionals. Additionally, the Saudia visa …

Kazin DMC has entered the hospitality industry with the launch of Kazin Entertainment. The venture will kick-start with the opening of Jalsa, an upscale summer bar in Almaty, followed by a series of vibrant Indian-themed cafés in key tourist destinations across Kazakhstan. The move caters to the needs of both travellers & locals.

Join TourFox for an exclusive webinar today at 3 pm to explore their latest products and offerings. Learn how to book seamlessly on their portal and maximise your business. Europamundo Vacations will share key updates on their offerings as well. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

Guldeep Singh Sahni, Managing Director, Weldon Tours & Travels, has said that the ease of business has gone away from tour operators due to TCS. “It does not benefit the operator in any way. It is a tax, which a traveller is supposed to pay to the government and he is supposed to file return and we are being used.”

According to SpiceJet, the company’s founder, Ajay Singh, will invest ₹294.09 crore into the airline by converting warrants into equity shares, increasing his group’s stake from 29.11% to 33.47%. The investment aims to strengthen the airlines’s financial position, drive growth, and showcase confidence in its future.

Strengthening India x Vietnam connectivity with direct flights from South India Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier of Vietnam, announced the launch of direct flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad to Hanoi, further expanding its footprint in the rapidly growing Indian market. Starting May 2025, the airline will operate four weekly flights from Bengaluru (BLR) and three weekly flights from Hyderabad (HYD) to Hanoi, using its modern Airbus A321 aircraft. With the addition of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Vietnam Airlines will now operate from four major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, further solidifying its presence in the region. Passengers traveling on the new routes can expect a premium flying experience onboard the Airbus A321, featuring comfortable seating, modern cabin interiors, curated Indian meal options, and Vietnam Airlines’ renowned hospitality. These flights will also provide seamless connectivity from India to popular destinations across Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and ASEAN countries, making travel more convenient for Indian passengers. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India, Vietnam Airlines, expressed his excitement about the expansion, stating, “India is an extremely important market for Vietnam Airlines and South India has witnessed a surge in demand for travel to Vietnam. We are excited to cater to this growing segment with the launch of direct flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. We are reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class service and seamless connectivity for passengers from all parts of India.” This strategic expansion marks a major milestone in strengthening air connectivity between India and Vietnam, offering seamless access to one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic travel destinations. It also reinforces Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to serving the increasing demand for business and leisure travel between the two countries. Adding to this, Abhishek …

LOT Polish Airlines Team announced their Published Promo Fares from India, bringing you great opportunities to explore a variety of attractive destinations at unbeatable prices for your customers.   Promo details: Sales Period: 03.25 to 31.03.25 Travel Period: 01.05.25 to 22.07.25 Applicable routes: India to Poland, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe Type of travel: Round trip Service Classes: LOT Business Class, LOT Premium Economy Class and LOT Economy Class Bookable via: GDS and NDC Promo offer (including taxes and fees) in INR from Delhi and Mumbai to: Poland from ₹44,200 Iceland from ₹54,069 (latest network addition effective 12.04.25) London from ₹45,800 Milan from ₹45,900 Oslo from ₹46,500 Amsterdam from ₹48,000 Prague from ₹48,400 Geneva from ₹48,700 Malta from ₹53,625 (latest network addition effective 16.04.25)  

A delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by M Vinod (President, AATO) along with K Hamza, Vivek, Sajid, and Saikat Biswas, met Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi (Retd.) to discuss key concerns impacting the tourism industry in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The delegation emphasised the need for a comprehensive tourism policy and the formation of a tourism committee comprising stakeholders and officials for better coordination. They also requested support for the revival of AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur flights, which were withdrawn in April 2024, and raised concerns over SpiceJet’s route withdrawal, which has led to increased airfare prices and inconvenience to travellers. AATO also urged the administration to open new islands for tourism to ease overcrowding at existing destinations and enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, the delegation requested the extension of Inland Vessel (IV) limits, allowing better maritime connectivity and smoother operations for tourism-related boat services. Joshi appreciated AATO’s efforts and assured that the administration is committed to addressing these concerns for the sustainable growth of tourism in the islands. AATO extends its gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his valuable time and continued support in strengthening the Andaman tourism industry.  

The launch of the first State Chapter of the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) happened in Tamil Nadu. The inauguration ceremony was graced by distinguished guests and industry leaders in Chennai. The event was honoured by the presence of Chief Guest, Venkateshan, Regional Director (Southern Region), India Tourism, Chennai, and the Guests of Honour, Amla Dantas and Carl Dantas, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, ETAA. During the event, the newly appointed office-bearer team for the Tamil Nadu chapter was announced with PV Sharan Kumar as Chairman, Fathima Bai as Secretary and Selvi Grace Jecintha as Treasurer. The event was elevated by the attendance of several ETAA National Board Members, including Jagat Mehta, Director and National Board Member, Dipti Pradhan Thakoor, Director, National Board Member and Event Head, Joyson, National Board Member and Regional Director, South India and Abhijit Khadilkar, Director, National Board Member and Membership Head. The inauguration witnessed an enthusiastic crowd of 50+ attendees, including ETAA members, industry professionals from airlines, hotels, tourism, and members from ETAA Bangalore. This event marks an important milestone in ETAA’s mission to expand and strengthen its presence across India, offering new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and development in the tourism sector.