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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 20, 2025
Booking.com, as part of its ongoing mission to make travel easier for all, has released new research highlighting the travel challenges faced by Indian neurodivergent travellers and the innovative solutions they seek for a more inclusive and stress-free journey.
The study, launched during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, reveals that while 79% of neurodivergent Indian travellers feel that current support meets their basic needs, 68% still experience difficulties, calling attention to the need for better industry-wide support, clearer communication, and a more thoughtful approach to inclusivity.
The report sheds light on essential areas where travellers are seeking change:
Travel rehearsals: A significant 74% of neurodivergent Indian travellers want access to ‘travel rehearsals’ — simulated scenarios that help them prepare for their journey beforehand. This could prompt airlines to introduce advance check-in, boarding walkthroughs, and familiarisation experiences. Attractions could also benefit by disclosing sensory-intense areas like strobe-lit zones prior to visits.
Sensory-friendly spaces: More than three-quarters (77%) are asking for sensory rooms where they can regulate their environment, while 74% would like more designated quiet spaces in locations like airports and hotels. In addition, 75% would like hotels and airlines to offer ‘block out noise’ amenities such as noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines as part of their standard offerings.
More inclusive design: The research also points to a demand for more inclusive accommodation options, with 76% requesting advance floor plans and contact-free check-ins. Meanwhile, 75% are looking for airlines to enhance cabin layouts to improve physical comfort and personal space.
On an industry level, 77% of respondents emphasise the importance of specialised training for travel professionals to better understand and meet neurodivergent needs.
AI-driven navigation tools: The research highlights optimism about technology’s role in reshaping the travel landscape. Almost four in five (79%) believe AI-powered tools could help reduce travel-related anxiety by providing real-time updates, navigating delays, and pointing them toward quieter, less stimulating areas within busy airports or hotels. This demand for personalised, tech-enabled solutions could help bridge accessibility gaps on a larger scale.
Commenting on the findings, Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, said, “Every traveller’s experience is unique and our findings reveal numerous opportunities to better understand the challenges neurodivergent travellers face. At Booking.com, we believe that travel should be a positive experience for everyone. While hotels and airports are working towards adapting to neurodivergent needs, by sharing these insights, we hope to inspire industry-wide collaboration, creativity and innovation, ultimately building a travel environment that's more inclusive and welcoming for all.”
Through collaborative efforts and tech-enabled solutions, the travel industry is poised to deliver a more seamless, accessible, and meaningful experience for neurodivergent travellers across India.
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By Hariharan U
Published on June 30, 2026
Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited (ABHFL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, has expanded its presence in New Delhi with the launch of a new branch in Shahdara. With this addition, the company now operates four branches in the capital, strengthening its distribution network in one of India’s key housing finance markets.
Shahdara, a well-connected and steadily developing residential locality, continues to witness consistent housing demand supported by strong metro and rail connectivity and proximity to key commercial hubs across Delhi and the NCR region. ABHFL’s new branch aims to improve accessibility to tailored housing finance solutions for homebuyers in the area.
The company offers a wide range of housing finance products including affordable housing loans, prime housing loans, construction finance, and loans against property. These services cater to salaried individuals, self-employed professionals, and emerging income groups, supported by a digital-first onboarding system that enables faster approvals and improved transparency.
To mark the launch, ABHFL has introduced a limited-period offer featuring zero login fees along with spot loan sanctions of up to ₹50 lakh. The offer is valid from June 24 to June 30, 2026, and is designed to encourage quicker and more affordable access to home financing.
Speaking on the expansion, Pankaj Gadgil, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited, said that New Delhi remains a key growth market for the company. He added that ABHFL is focused on deepening customer engagement by combining its expanding physical presence with strong digital capabilities to simplify the home loan journey.
The expansion aligns with ABHFL’s broader strategy of strengthening its retail lending portfolio while promoting financial inclusion and delivering a smoother, customer-centric “Happy Home Loan Journey” for borrowers across India.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has expanded the footprint of its Ginger brand with the opening of Ginger Siwan, Chapra Road in Bihar and Ginger Agra Fatehabad Road in Agra.
Commenting on the expansion, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, IHCL, said, "With the launch of Ginger hotels in Siwan and Agra, Ginger continues to strengthen its presence across India’s commercial and cultural cities. Siwan is rapidly emerging as a center for trade and commerce in Bihar, while Agra remains one of the country’s most iconic tourist destinations with strong demand from both domestic. The openings of Ginger Siwan and Ginger Agra reflect our strategy to expand in high-potential markets."
Located on Fatehabad Road, Ginger Agra Fatehabad Road features 70 keys, offering modern amenities and cityscape views. Guests can dine at Qmin, Ginger's signature in-house restaurant, which serves a selection of Indian, Mughlai and international cuisine. The hotel also includes a bar, providing a space for guests to relax and socialise.
In Bihar, Ginger Siwan, Chapra Road offers 30 keys designed for convenience, comfort and hassle-free stays. The hotel also features Qmin, the brand's all-day dining restaurant, serving a mix of local favourites and international dishes.
Both Ginger Siwan and Ginger Agra Fatehabad Road are equipped with banquet halls and meeting venues, making them suitable for corporate events as well as social gatherings.
Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, the UK-based luxury hospitality and hotel management group, has announced the launch of Hanric, Varkala, further expanding the Hanric by Eight Continents brand in India. The new property marks another step in the group's strategy to strengthen its presence across high-potential travel destinations while growing its experiential hospitality portfolio in the country.
Located in the heart of Varkala, the hotel has been designed to reflect the destination's unique coastal charm while offering guests a contemporary and comfortable stay. Known for its scenic cliffside views, beautiful beaches, vibrant local culture and rising popularity as a wellness destination, Varkala continues to attract travellers looking for a mix of relaxation, exploration and authentic experiences.
Hanric, Varkala features 32 well-appointed rooms, along with a restaurant, bar and banquet facilities, making it suitable for leisure stays, intimate celebrations and social gatherings. Blending modern comforts with warm hospitality, the property offers guests an ideal base to explore Kerala's picturesque coastline.
Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts will manage the property by drawing on its expertise in delivering personalised guest experiences, operational excellence and destination-led hospitality. The company aims to establish Hanric, Varkala as a preferred stay option for visitors to the region.
Commenting on the launch, Ms. Richa Adhia, Managing Director, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said, "The launch of Hanric, Varkala marks an important milestone in the growth of the Hanric by Eight Continents brand. Varkala's growing popularity as a coastal getaway makes it a natural fit for our vision of creating distinctive hospitality experiences rooted in place and culture. Through this property, we aim to offer travellers an authentic connection to the destination while further strengthening our presence in India's growing experiential hospitality landscape."
The launch reflects the group's continued focus on expanding in destinations with strong tourism potential and increasing demand for experience-led travel. Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts currently operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including Treetop, Hanric, Stamps, Ocho Homes and Signature Collection, across India, the United Kingdom and East Africa. Its growing presence includes destinations such as Belfast, Guernsey, Zanzibar, Kasauli, Udaipur, Sariska, Jodhpur, Pushkar and Varkala, highlighting the group's commitment to building a design-led hospitality portfolio across emerging and established travel markets.
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