Dr. V P Jeyaseelan IAS has taken charge as the Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism and Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), a Government of Tamil Nadu undertaking. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the state's tourism sector, with a focus on driving growth, innovation, and enhancing visitor experiences.

As TTDC enters its 55th year, the organisation continues to build on its legacy of promoting Tamil Nadu's rich tourism offerings. For over five decades, TTDC has played a key role in connecting travellers with the state's diverse destinations, cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and hospitality experiences.

Today, TTDC offers more than 50 curated tour packages, operates a fleet of 15 luxury coaches, manages over 30 Hotel Tamil Nadu properties with Amuthagam restaurants, and maintains 16 scenic boathouses across the state. Its portfolio also includes the Blue Flag certified beach at Kovalam and Telescope Houses that offer panoramic views of some of Tamil Nadu's scenic locations.

From picturesque coastlines and hill stations to heritage sites and adventure destinations, TTDC continues to showcase the best of Tamil Nadu while creating memorable travel experiences for visitors.

Under the leadership of Dr. V P Jeyaseelan IAS, Tamil Nadu Tourism looks forward to strengthening its tourism initiatives, expanding visitor experiences, and building on TTDC's long-standing commitment to promoting the state's tourism potential.

Paisabazaar has announced the launch of PB Pass, a new complimentary airport lounge access benefit developed in partnership with Collinson International, a global leader in airport experiences and loyalty solutions.

The new program provides users access to over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences across more than 800 airports worldwide, powered by the LoungeKey network.

PB Pass has been designed to reward customer engagement on the Paisabazaar platform. Users who pay their credit card bills through the Paisabazaar app will get a chance to participate in a monthly “Spin the Wheel” contest, where selected winners receive a complimentary PB Pass.

In addition, the benefit is also extended to new credit card customers. Users who apply for a credit card via Paisabazaar and activate it, followed by their first bill payment through the app, will be eligible to receive a PB Pass as an assured reward.

Each PB Pass allows seamless access to airport lounges or travel experiences through a QR code-based system, eliminating the need for additional memberships or registrations. The network includes lounges such as Travel Club Lounge at Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand, Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, and Rose Lounge at Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Speaking on the launch, Santosh Agarwal, CEO of Paisabazaar, said the initiative aims to deliver value beyond acquisition and enhance customer engagement across the lifecycle. He noted that airport lounge access remains one of the most valued credit card benefits, and PB Pass makes it more accessible and convenient.

Rom Remy, Managing Director for South and Southeast Asia at Collinson International, highlighted growing travel demand in India and the increasing importance of lounge access as a premium travel benefit. He added that the partnership with Paisabazaar will help enhance travel experiences through the LoungeKey global network.

While lounge access is typically restricted by card tiers, spending thresholds, and usage caps, PB Pass introduces an additional simplified access model through a QR-based system and broader network coverage, complementing existing credit card benefits

GOPIZZA has appointed Mahesh Reddy as Co-Founder of its India business, recognising his role in building the South Korean food-tech brand into one of its strongest international markets as the company prepares for its next phase of expansion.

Reddy, who has served as CEO of GOPIZZA India since the brand entered the country in 2022, brings more than 26 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Under his leadership, the company has grown to more than 60 stores, making it one of India's largest Korean quick-service restaurant chains.

The appointment comes as GOPIZZA expands its K-Food Platform strategy, which brings together its flagship GOPIZZA brand, Korean street-food concept Gochujang, and dessert brand Dalkomi under a single roof.

Speaking on the development, Mahesh Reddy said the company's vision extends beyond pizza to creating a complete Korean food ecosystem in India. He noted that the integrated format will allow consumers to experience Korean cuisine and culture together through a single dining destination.

Central to this strategy is the company's "3-in-1 Hub Model," which combines all three brands within one outlet. The format has already been tested through company-owned pilot stores in South India and is now being prepared for nationwide expansion. According to the company, the model is designed to improve operational efficiency while increasing revenue per square foot.

Commenting on the appointment, Jay Lim, Founder and CEO of GOPIZZA, said Mahesh Reddy has been instrumental in establishing India as one of the company's most successful international markets. He added that the new role reflects the confidence in Reddy's leadership as GOPIZZA scales its presence across the country.

To support its growth plans, GOPIZZA is rolling out a Master Franchise strategy targeting experienced food-service operators and investors. The company plans to expand beyond South India into markets including Delhi NCR, Pune, and Ahmedabad. Franchise partners will gain access to all three brands through a single agreement, supported by GOPIZZA's proprietary plug-and-play kitchen technology.

The company has set a target of establishing 100 integrated K-Food Platform stores across India by the end of 2026, further strengthening its presence in the country's rapidly growing quick-service restaurant market.