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By Nishang Narayan
Published on December 8, 2024
Airbnb, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has launched India’s first Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa. The initiative, aimed at empowering individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities, was inaugurated in the presence of Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, and Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
This academy, part of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department, is designed to promote homestay tourism and build capacity among hospitality entrepreneurs across both urban and rural areas of Goa. The goal is to introduce participants to the world of hosting, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to start their journey.
To date, the academy has trained 25 homestay owners through interactive workshops conducted in partnership with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) Impact Ventures. The first round of workshops took place at Miramar Residency, catering to participants from North Goa, with another round set for Madgaon in South Goa, targeting an additional 25 trainees.
Rohan Khaunte spoke about the importance of the homestay segment in promoting regenerative tourism, emphasizing its role in preserving Goa's rich culture and supporting the state's "Goa Beyond Beaches" vision. He highlighted the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives available for women, who are often the custodians of homestays, noting that this initiative would empower them and contribute to economic growth while showcasing Goa’s authentic experiences.
Suneel Anchipaka, Director of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, shared that the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy would empower Goan communities through tourism entrepreneurship. He noted that by providing essential skills, the initiative aligns with Goa’s vision of fostering inclusive growth and showcasing its authentic tourism experiences to the world.
The academy’s curriculum focuses on entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and community building, with an emphasis on the specific needs and growth opportunities within Goa's tourism landscape. Participants do not need to be current Airbnb hosts, but must have a passion for enhancing their hosting skills and building genuine connections with travelers. This opportunity offers financial independence while contributing to the local economy by turning spare rooms or properties into income-generating assets.
Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, emphasized that the academy is a transformative initiative aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for local communities. He expressed Airbnb's commitment to cultivating a vibrant local tourism economy that benefits all, while enhancing the overall guest experience in Goa.
The launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy marks a new chapter in Goa’s tourism ecosystem, fostering inclusive growth, responsible tourism, and sustainable development. Through this collaboration, Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department are paving the way for a resilient tourism industry that empowers local communities and invites travelers to experience Goa beyond the conventional tourist hotspots.
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Published on August 11, 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has ranked India as the fifth-largest aviation market in 2024, handling 241 million passengers, surpassing Japan’s 205 million. The data comes from IATA’s latest World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report, which covers both international and domestic passenger movements.
India recorded an 11.1% increase from 211 million passengers in 2023, driven by strong domestic demand. The Mumbai–Delhi route emerged as the seventh busiest airport pair in the world, carrying 5.9 million passengers in 2024.
Globally, the United States retained the top spot with 876 million passengers (+5.2%), followed by China at 741 million (+18.7%), the United Kingdom at 261 million, and Spain also at 241 million.
IATA reported that Asia Pacific dominated the list of the world’s busiest airport pairs, led by Jeju–Seoul (CJU–GMP) with 13.2 million passengers. The only non-Asia Pacific route in the top 10 was Jeddah–Riyadh (JED–RUH).
Premium air travel also saw strong growth in 2024. International business and first-class travel rose 11.8%, slightly outpacing the 11.5% growth in economy travel. Asia Pacific recorded the highest growth in premium travel at 22.8%, with 21 million passengers, though economy class still expanded faster in the region. Europe remained the largest market for premium travel at 39.3 million passengers, while the Middle East had the highest premium share at 14.7% of all international travellers.
The report also highlighted aircraft utilisation trends. The Boeing 737 was the most widely used aircraft, operating 10 million flights with 2.4 trillion Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs), followed by the Airbus A320 with 7.9 million flights (1.7 trillion ASKs) and the Airbus A321 with 3.4 million flights (1.1 trillion ASKs).
IATA’s findings reflect India’s rapid ascent in global aviation, driven by expanding connectivity, a growing middle class, and increased fleet capacity.
By Hariharan U
Published on August 10, 2025
Ekostay, one of India’s leading names in the alternative hospitality space, has taken a big step forward in its growth journey with the launch of 19 premium villa properties across the country’s most sought-after leisure destinations. The move reflects the brand’s long-term goal of expanding its reach and meeting the rising demand for private, immersive holiday stays.
From scenic hillside retreats in Ooty and Kodaikanal to coastal escapes in Goa, and popular weekend getaways in Lonavala, Alibaug, Karjat, Igatpuri, and Pune, these newly added villas are designed to combine comfort, local charm, and personalised service. With over a dozen properties in Tamil Nadu’s hill stations and nearly half a dozen spread across Maharashtra’s favourite holiday hubs, Ekostay is strategically strengthening its presence in high-demand travel zones.
Market insights from Wryght Research & Capital reveal the potential ahead: India’s vacation rentals market is projected to grow from USD 3.45 billion in 2025 to USD 16.7 billion by 2034, with branded villa stays alone expected to touch USD 1.56 billion by 2029. Rising trends like workcations, leisure travel, and the digital nomad lifestyle are fuelling this growth.
“At Ekostay, our expansion is not just about increasing numbers. It’s about deepening our connection with travellers across India”, shared Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director and Co-founder, Ekostay. “Each property is designed to feel like a second home while delivering the consistency and quality we’re known for”.
Echoing the sentiment, Varun Arora, CEO and Co-founder, highlighted the shift in travel patterns. “Travellers now want privacy, flexibility, and unique experiences. Our focus is to be present in the places our audience loves while ensuring the service standards they expect.”
Sohail Mirchandani, COO and Co-founder, emphasised that operational excellence remains a priority: “With every new location, we scale our systems, teams, and support to guarantee a seamless stay experience.”
On the acquisition front, Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer and Co-founder, noted, “We carefully select properties that align with our brand ethos, ensuring they unlock high-demand travel destinations for our customers.”
With this latest expansion, Ekostay now operates over 160 villas across India, reinforcing its leadership in the premium homestay segment and strengthening its presence in both the South and Maharashtra markets.
About Ekostay
Ekostay is a premium alternative hospitality brand offering curated private villas that blend distinctive design, hotel-grade service, and homely comfort. Its portfolio spans beaches, hills, and countryside destinations, delivering stays that combine local flavour with elevated hospitality.
Published on August 6, 2025
Indian travellers are increasingly setting their sights on global getaways, and the latest campaign by travel-tech platform Alike is helping make those dreams a reality. Titled Free Visa Holidays, the campaign addresses one of the biggest hurdles in international travel – the cost and complexity of visa processing.
With destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bali leading the charge, the campaign has struck a chord with audiences across Tier 1 metros and even among working professionals and urban migrants from smaller towns planning their first international trips. The appeal lies in its simplicity — visa-free holidays and a no-hassle booking experience that makes international travel feel not just possible, but personal.
"We launched this campaign to remove the most common red tape Indian travellers face – the cost and complexity of the visa process," said Ashish Sidhra, Co-founder of Alike. "The response has reinforced that people are ready to explore the world; they just want the friction taken out of the way."
This sentiment reflects a broader shift in Indian outbound tourism. In 2005, Indian passport holders had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 25 countries. Today, that number has more than tripled to around 90 countries, thanks to simplified e-visas and visa-on-arrival options. Meanwhile, India’s outbound travel has skyrocketed — from under 7 million trips in 2005 to over 28 million in 2024, driven largely by first-time leisure travellers looking for short-haul, visa-easy vacations.
Alike’s campaign rides this wave, not just offering access, but encouraging action. By simplifying travel discovery, removing bureaucratic barriers, and enabling tech-first planning, it’s creating a more inclusive and intuitive travel experience.
"We aren't just handing out a freebie," Ashish added. "We're raising the bar for what travel should feel like — personal, smooth, far more convenient and accessible. This is about building confidence in international travel again, especially for those doing it for the very first time."
Beyond the visa waiver, Alike also offers optional itinerary support and tools for digital trip planning, giving travellers the flexibility to design journeys their own way.
About Alike
Alike is a global travel-tech platform reimagining how Indians travel abroad. Built for modern explorers who prioritise flexibility and personalisation, Alike combines instant bookings, free visa processing, curated experiences, and eSIM add-ons into one seamless platform. From search to stay, Alike is designed to make travel simpler, smoother, and more personal.
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