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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.
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Published on August 27, 2025
SpiceJet has taken a pioneering step towards digital innovation and eco-friendly travel by becoming the first airline in India to roll out paperless boarding at Shillong Airport. Passengers checking in at the airport counter will now receive their boarding passes directly on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for printed copies.
This new feature aims to make the check-in process faster, greener, and more seamless. By reducing reliance on paper, the initiative also aligns with SpiceJet’s commitment to sustainability.
Despite the availability of web check-in and Digi Yatra, Indian airports still printed more than 9 million boarding passes in June 2025, resulting in nearly 6 tonnes of carbon emissions. SpiceJet’s move directly addresses this avoidable footprint, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious aviation practices.
The paperless boarding feature is powered by SpiceJet’s indigenously developed Web Departure Control System (WEBDCS)- a browser-based platform that enables airport staff to issue:
Digital boarding passes via WhatsApp or email
Baggage tags via SMS
This system works on tablets as well as standard airport computers, ensuring smooth operations while enhancing efficiency.
Speaking on the milestone, GP Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer, SpiceJet, said, “At SpiceJet, we are constantly working to enhance the travel experience for our passengers while embracing sustainability. The introduction of paperless boarding at Shillong Airport is a significant step in that direction. We look forward to expanding this convenience-driven initiative across more airports in the near future”.
SpiceJet has confirmed plans to extend the WhatsApp-based paperless boarding experience to other domestic airports in the coming months, furthering its position as a leader in sustainable and passenger-centric air travel.
About SpiceJet:
SpiceJet is India’s favourite airline, making flying affordable for millions of Indians. An IATA-IOSA certified carrier, it operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and is among the country’s largest regional players, operating multiple daily flights under UDAN – the Regional Connectivity Scheme. A majority of its fleet features SpiceMax, India’s most spacious economy-class seating.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 25, 2025
Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has added Kozhikode (Calicut) to its network as its 30th destination and 24th domestic city in just under three years of operations. Starting 1 October 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode, strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and Kerala’s Malabar coast.
The new addition builds on Akasa Air’s existing services to Kochi and further expands its footprint in Kerala. Kozhikode, known for its cultural heritage, coastal charm, and active trade, is a hub for both leisure and business travellers. The daily service is expected to boost tourism and trade opportunities between Kerala and metropolitan centres.
Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “We are delighted to add Kozhikode as the 30th destination on our network, marking a milestone in Akasa Air’s growth story, and expanding our connectivity in Kerala. The city’s unique cultural character and thriving economy, combined with Kerala’s renewed emphasis on tourism and infrastructure, make it an instrumental addition to our network. Our daily Mumbai–Kozhikode service will not only enhance connectivity between India’s commercial capital and the Malabar coast but also act as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.”
Within just 37 months of commencing operations, Akasa Air has grown to 30 destinations, making it the fastest-growing airline in Indian civil aviation history. Its strategy is centred on affordable and reliable connectivity while steadily expanding its reach.
The airline continues to enhance customer experience with modern aircraft offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and Café Akasa’s festive and healthy menus. Akasa has also introduced industry-first innovations such as QuietFlights, SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights, and a pet travel policy, along with products like Akasa GetEarly and Akasa Holidays, reflecting its focus on passenger comfort and convenience.
Published on August 17, 2025
Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong comeback, with more than 4 lakh devotees visiting the holy Amarnath shrine this season, a clear sign of the region’s renewed appeal after challenging years.
Speaking at the FAITH Conclave 2025, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that J&K offers two distinct travel experiences: pilgrimage tourism in Jammu and leisure tourism in Kashmir. He stressed that both require sustained investment and innovation to ensure visitors not only arrive once but return for more.
“My success will not be measured by how many tourists come for the first time, but by how many choose to come back. For that, the quality of their experience is key,” Abdullah said.
To address crowding at popular spots and open fresh opportunities, the J&K Government, in partnership with the Government of India, has launched SPREAD, a ₹5,600-crore transformative project supported by multilateral funding, with hopeful participation from the World Bank. The initiative will develop nine purpose-built, sustainable tourism destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, backed by improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and modern amenities.
Adventure tourism is also on the agenda, with Gulmarg set for upgraded winter sports facilities in collaboration with private partners, aiming to meet global skiing and adventure standards. Trekking routes will reopen following comprehensive security reviews to ensure visitor safety.
The plan extends beyond leisure and adventure to untapped segments like pilgrimage and border tourism in Jammu—going beyond the famous Mata Vaishnodevi shrine to include vibrant experiences such as the Suchetgarh border tourism circuit.
Praising the region’s timeless charm, Abdullah remarked,“Kashmir was heaven on earth long before Kerala was God’s own country. The road ahead is now filled with light, and with the support of industry partners and associations like FAITH, we will continue to grow stronger.”
From the world’s tallest arched railway bridge to snow-covered ski slopes, rich spiritual heritage, and pristine landscapes, Jammu & Kashmir is positioning itself as a year-round destination. The government’s approach blends infrastructure development with sustainable practices, keeping hope, optimism, and faith at the heart of its tourism vision.
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