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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 13, 2024
Business travel is set to reach a record-breaking $1.5 trillion in 2024, according to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). This significant recovery marks a faster-than-expected rebound, with business travel poised to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 6.2%.
The pandemic had a greater impact on business travel than leisure, largely due to the rise of remote working and virtual meetings. Last year, while leisure travel came close to its 2019 peak, business travel was still lagging, down by 5.4%. However, as companies re-emphasize the need for in-person meetings, business travel has surged ahead.
Key Markets Lead the Comeback
The WTTC’s "2024 Economic Impact Trends Report" highlights the recovery in major markets. The U.S., which accounted for 30% of global business travel spending in 2019, is expected to reach $472 billion in 2024, a 13.4% increase from its 2019 peak. China, the second-largest market, is projected to see business travel spending rise by 13.1%, reaching almost $211 billion. Germany, the third-largest market, is forecasted to hit $87.5 billion, just under 1% higher than its 2019 levels. Meanwhile, the UK and France are expected to set new records, contributing $84.1 billion and $42.1 billion respectively to their economies.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson commented on the report at the 24th Global Summit in Perth, Australia. She noted, “After a challenging few years, business travel is not only back on track, but it is recovering much faster than expected, highlighting the importance of international travel for businesses around the world.” She also emphasized that while virtual meetings helped maintain connections during the pandemic, face-to-face interactions remain crucial for business success.
The Value of In-Person Meetings
Paul Abbott, CEO of American Express Global Business, reinforced this view, stating, "Companies around the world value travel and in-person connections more than ever, since people movement was restricted during the pandemic." He added that the halt in travel had serious economic consequences, including a drop in GDP, increased unemployment, and worsening mental health issues. Abbott believes that business travel is essential for economic growth and fostering company culture.
Additional Factors Driving Business Travel Growth
The report also attributes the resurgence in business travel to several factors. As global economies recover, companies are able to allocate more funds towards corporate travel. Blended travel, which combines business trips with personal vacations, has gained popularity, making business travel more appealing. The meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector has also seen a strong recovery, with in-person events returning after widespread cancellations during the pandemic.
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By Hariharan U
Published on March 16, 2026
The quick commerce battle in India is moving fast, and Eternal is making sure Blinkit keeps pace. The Gurugram-based parent company has infused Rs 450 crore into its quick commerce arm Blinkit, according to a regulatory filing with the Registrar of Companies. This is Eternal's first capital injection into the business in 2026, following a total of Rs 2,600 crore pumped in across 2025.
To put the 2025 numbers in context, Eternal injected Rs 500 crore in January, Rs 1,500 crore in February, and another Rs 600 crore in November of last year. The latest infusion signals that the pace of investment isn't letting up as competition in the 10-minute delivery segment continues to intensify.
Blinkit has reasons to feel confident heading into this next phase. The company turned profitable in the December quarter, reporting an adjusted EBITDA profit of Rs 4 crore in Q3FY26 compared to a loss of Rs 103 crore in the same period the previous year. Revenue jumped to Rs 12,256 crore from Rs 1,399 crore a year earlier, and gross profit climbed to Rs 3,539 crore from Rs 1,300 crore. Those are significant numbers, and they reflect a business that has found its footing even as it continues to scale aggressively.
The capital will support Blinkit's ongoing dark store expansion, working capital requirements, and operating costs as it pushes towards its target of 3,000 micro-warehouses by March 2027. As of December 31st, the company had 2,027 stores operational.
The competitive landscape around Blinkit is getting busier. Swiggy raised Rs 10,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement in December 2025, just over a year after its IPO. Zepto has filed confidential draft papers with SEBI for its own IPO. And larger players including Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance Industries are all stepping up their presence in quick commerce, making this one of the most actively contested spaces in India's consumer technology sector right now.
There's also been a notable leadership shift at Eternal. Founder Deepinder Goyal stepped down as Managing Director and CEO in February, with Blinkit founder and CEO Albinder Dhindsa taking over the top role. Dhindsa continues to lead Blinkit as well, consolidating leadership of the quick commerce business at a critical growth phase.
One more number worth noting: in terms of net order value, Blinkit has now overtaken Eternal's core food delivery business. That's a remarkable milestone for a segment that didn't exist in its current form just a few years ago.
Published on February 9, 2026
Devyani International Ltd (DIL), one of India’s largest quick service restaurant (QSR) operators, reported a net loss of ₹109.78 crore for the December quarter of FY26, widening from a loss of ₹76.46 crore in the same period last year.
Despite the higher loss, the company posted steady top-line growth, with revenue from operations rising 11.31% year-on-year to ₹1,440.9 crore. Total income, including other income, stood at ₹1,453.22 crore, up 11.48% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Total expenses during the quarter increased 11.71% to ₹1,446.5 crore. However, Devyani International said it saw broad-based improvement in margins, supported by operational efficiencies and performance across formats. Notably, its Biryani By Kilo business, acquired last year through Sky Gate Hospitality, achieved breakeven during the quarter.
Commenting on the performance, chairman Ravi Jaipuria said, “Our business continues to grow in a sustained manner. India operations grew 12.1% year-on-year, while consolidated revenues reached ₹1,441 crore. Our international business continues to gather strength from both an operations and profitability perspective.”
As of December 31, 2025, Devyani International operated 2,279 stores globally, including 1,877 in India and 402 overseas. During the quarter, the company added 95 net new stores, led by 54 KFC and 18 Pizza Hut outlets, while Biryani By Kilo added 13 locations.
The company has also initiated a focused turnaround strategy for Pizza Hut by rationalising loss-making stores and optimising capital expenditure. Separately, Devyani International’s board approved the acquisition of an additional 11.4% stake in Sky Gate Hospitality for ₹57.5 crore.
Published on February 4, 2026
The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a growing recognition of tourism and hospitality as key enablers of experience-led travel in India. With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support, the budget sets a positive direction for long-term destination growth.
For the wellness hospitality sector, the continued focus on India’s traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga signals a renewed intent to strengthen tourism offerings rooted in authenticity, wellbeing, and mindful engagement with cultural and natural heritage.
Sharing its post-budget perspective, Poonam Singh, Dharana at Shillim stated: "The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a considered recognition of tourism and hospitality as important enablers of experience-led travel. The emphasis on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support, alongside a continued focus on India's traditional wellness systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga, signals an intent to strengthen destinations grounded in authenticity, wellbeing, and a mindful engagement with cultural and natural heritage.
For the wellness and hospitality sector, these measures create opportunities to advance sustainable tourism, enable meaningful regional employment, and elevate service standards, reinforcing India's position as a globally credible destination for holistic wellbeing and conscious travel.”
The perspective underlines how policy support can encourage responsible investment, generate regional employment, and raise service standards across wellness-led destinations. As conscious travel continues to gain traction globally, such measures are expected to further strengthen India’s standing as a trusted hub for holistic wellbeing experiences.
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