IATA’s 2023 Report: A Shift Towards Faster, Smoother Air Travel

IATA’s 2023 Report: A Shift Towards Faster, Smoother Air Travel

By Author

Published on November 2, 2023

In the world of air travel, passengers are the heart of the journey. Understanding what makes their hearts tick is crucial for the industry. This year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) conducted its 2023 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), and the findings are eye-opening.

Passengers Embrace Technology for a Speedier Journey

The days of long, tedious booking processes and slow-moving airport lines might soon be a thing of the past. The survey revealed that travellers are all about speed and convenience. They're not just willing but eager to adopt new technologies like biometrics to make their journey smoother. Imagine walking through the airport without juggling multiple documents – that's the future passengers are asking for.

Booking Made Easy: Travelers' Preferences

When planning a trip, passengers prefer simplicity. They like to start their journey from an airport close to their home, prioritising convenience over ticket prices. Also, a majority prefer to deal directly with airlines for bookings. But that's not all. They crave transparency and easy access to optional products and services. Think of it like shopping online; passengers expect the same level of clarity and simplicity.

Payments: A Quest for Convenience

It turns out, when paying for tickets, convenience tops the list. While credit and debit cards are the most popular methods, there’s a rising trend in using digital wallets, especially in the Asia Pacific region. And, let’s not forget those who prefer direct bank transfers, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. IATA’s response? Introducing IATA Pay for a seamless bank account debiting system.

The Visa Challenge: Simplification Is Key

Complex visa requirements are a significant turn-off for travellers. The majority wish for a hassle-free online visa process and are willing to share their immigration information for faster airport procedures. This is a call for governments to streamline their visa processes, making travel more accessible and less intimidating.

Airport Processes: The Need for Speed

At the airport, every minute counts. Passengers want to breeze through the airport, especially when they're travelling light. The interest in off-airport processing, like immigration and baggage check-ins, is rising. There's also a strong inclination towards programs for trusted travellers to speed up security screenings.

Baggage Handling: Flexibility and Control

Passengers are looking for more options in baggage handling, like home pick-up and delivery services. They also want the ability to track their luggage, reflecting a growing interest in self-service and digital solutions.

The Rise of Biometric Identification

Confidence in biometric identification is soaring. Many passengers prefer it over traditional passports and boarding passes. There's a strong sentiment for securing personal data, but the overall trend is towards embracing biometrics for a more streamlined travel experience.

A Future of Streamlined Travel

IATA’s One ID initiative is at the forefront of this transformation. It’s about using biometrics to eliminate queues and make air travel a breeze. This initiative, combined with IATA’s efforts to digitise pre-travel authorizations, is setting the stage for a radically improved travel experience.

The survey paints a clear picture: passengers are yearning for a faster, more convenient, and technologically advanced air travel experience. The industry is listening and evolving, marking the beginning of a new era in air travel.


IHCL's Tree of Life Amoravida Opens Its Doors in North Goa

IHCL's Tree of Life Amoravida Opens Its Doors in North Goa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced the opening of Tree of Life Amoravida in North Goa. The 66-key boutique resort offers guests a quieter setting to explore Goa, bringing together nature, local culture and leisure.

Located amidst green surroundings and the region's natural landscape, Tree of Life Amoravida follows the brand's focus on intimate stays rooted in their destinations. The resort caters to travellers looking to explore Goa at their own pace while enjoying a relaxed stay away from the busier parts of the region.

Commenting on the opening,  Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Select Service Business, IHCL, said, "Travellers today want stays that let them absorb a destination at their own rhythm. This shift towards slow travel shapes everything we do at Tree of Life, where each resort is intimate by design and rooted in its locale. Tree of Life Amoravida brings this philosophy to a quieter, lesser-seen side of Goa."

The resort offers a range of dining and leisure options for guests. Appetite, its all-day dining restaurant, serves a selection of cuisines, while Aura Bar provides an open-to-sky rooftop terrace where guests can unwind. The property also features a swimming pool for relaxed afternoons and a well-equipped fitness centre for those who want to maintain their workout routines during their stay. For celebrations and special occasions, Tree of Life Amoravida offers indoor and outdoor venues suited to social gatherings and private events.

Beyond the resort, guests can explore trails through the Goan hinterland, spend time by the water and discover local traditions. These experiences bring together the region's natural surroundings and cultural character, offering visitors a more personal way to experience Goa. With its boutique setting, dining options and focus on destination-led experiences, Tree of Life Amoravida adds another stay option to North Goa for travellers seeking a slower and more relaxed holiday.


Sterling Opens Bandhavgarh Resort, Blending Wildlife, Heritage and Culture

Sterling Opens Bandhavgarh Resort, Blending Wildlife, Heritage and Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL) has opened Sterling Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh, strengthening its presence across Central India's wildlife destinations. The new resort brings together tiger safaris, natural landscapes, regional cuisine and historical attractions, adding another property to Sterling's growing wilderness portfolio.

With resorts across 15 wildlife landscapes in India, Sterling is building its presence in wilderness tourism by offering experiences that extend beyond wildlife sightings. Bandhavgarh adds to this approach, combining its well-known tiger habitat with dense sal forests, open meadows, rich biodiversity and a history reflected in ancient sculptures, caves and historical sites.

The destination's attractions include Bandhavgarh Fort and Shesh Shaiya, known for its reclining Vishnu sculpture. These experiences offer visitors opportunities to explore the region's heritage alongside its natural surroundings.

Commenting on the opening, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said, “India's wilderness destinations are far more diverse than the wildlife they are famous for. Every forest has its own landscape, history, culture and cuisine and therefore a different story to discover. Bandhavgarh is particularly compelling because it brings together one of India's celebrated tiger habitats with centuries of heritage and the distinctive culture of Baghelkhand. As Destination Architects, our ambition is to bring these dimensions together so that a safari becomes part of a richer, more memorable holiday for families.”

A Forest Retreat Near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Located in Tala village, approximately 2.5 km from the Tala Gate of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Sterling Bandhavgarh features 26 rooms across four categories. The accommodation options include Machan Suites with private machans and outdoor showers, Courtyard Rooms with Balconies overlooking the gardens, Safari Tents with Private Sit-outs and Forest Rooms.

The resort also features a swimming pool, gardens and outdoor relaxation spaces, giving guests places to unwind between excursions.

Its location provides access to the Tala safari zone, while visits to other zones, including Magadhi and Khitauli, are subject to Forest Department permits and regulations. Beyond safaris, guests can explore activities such as birdwatching, village walks, nature trails and cycling, offering different ways to experience the surrounding landscape.

The resort is designed to appeal to families and leisure travellers looking to combine wildlife experiences with relaxation, local culture and outdoor activities.

Building on Sterling's Partnership in Central India

The opening also expands Sterling's existing association with Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, which is connected to the company's resort in Kanha. The partnership has now extended to Bandhavgarh, creating an opportunity to develop connected wildlife holidays across two prominent destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking on the launch, Pranav Sharma, owner of Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, said, “Our association with Sterling at Kanha has given us the confidence to extend this partnership to Bandhavgarh. Sterling brings strong operating expertise, brand reach and an understanding of how to create distinctive destination experiences. We are delighted to build on this successful relationship and bring another compelling wilderness retreat to travellers.”

With Sterling's presence in both destinations, travellers can plan a Bandhavgarh–Kanha journey, exploring different forest landscapes, habitats and wildlife experiences within a single holiday.

Baghelkhand Cuisine Adds to the Experience

Regional food is another part of the experience at Sterling Bandhavgarh. The resort's restaurant, The Sal, features local preparations such as Birra ki Roti, Saal Patta Murgh, Baans Mein Pakaya Chawal and Kumhde ki Kheer, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of Baghelkhand.

Alongside Indian and international favourites, the resort offers experiences such as the Jungle Thali, showcasing regional flavours, and Gaon ki Rasoi, inspired by the cooking traditions of local communities. Outdoor dining and bonfire evenings further connect the stay with the surrounding natural environment.

The opening of Sterling Bandhavgarh adds to the company's growing network of wildlife and nature destinations across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. By combining accommodation with safari experiences, regional food and local heritage, Sterling aims to encourage travellers to explore India's forests beyond a single destination or wildlife sighting.


Ramee Group Announces 70-Key Sea-View Resort in Dapoli, Maharashtra

Ramee Group Announces 70-Key Sea-View Resort in Dapoli, Maharashtra

By Hariharan U

Published on October 27, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a new 70-key resort in Dapoli, Maharashtra, expanding its leisure portfolio with a coastal property featuring sea-view accommodation, wellness amenities, dining facilities and dedicated spaces for destination weddings and corporate gatherings.

The upcoming property will comprise premium rooms and serviced apartments, with every guestroom offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Located in the Konkan coastal town of Dapoli, the resort is positioned to attract leisure travellers from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and surrounding urban centres seeking weekend escapes.

Commenting on the announcement, Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President – India, Ramee Group of Hotels, said the group's expansion strategy focuses on delivering immersive hospitality experiences rooted in local character.

“Dapoli is rapidly emerging as India's next prominent weekend getaway, strategically serving major urban clusters including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and surrounding regions. The addition of the Dapoli property marks an exciting milestone in our resort portfolio. By offering sprawling sea views from every room and comfortable, thoughtfully designed stays, we are creating a unique sanctuary for guests,” he said.

The project is being developed in partnership with Agatsya Hospitality, a subsidiary of Phatak Developers. The collaboration aims to strengthen the region's hospitality offering while supporting the development of Dapoli as a coastal leisure destination.

Akshay Phatak, Owner of Agatsya Hospitality, said, “We are delighted to partner with Ramee Group of Hotels, one of the most respected hospitality brands in the lifestyle & leisure space. Phatak Developers is committed to elevating Konkan's tourism, and this collaboration marks an exciting step toward bringing world-class hospitality to Dapoli. We have complete trust in Ramee Group's operational expertise and we look forward to setting a new benchmark for coastal hospitality together.”

Dining, Wellness and Recreation

The resort's culinary offering will centre on a flagship all-day dining restaurant serving a combination of international favourites and regional coastal cuisine, bringing local flavours into the guest experience.

Facilities will include a fully equipped gymnasium, spa, swimming pool and dedicated indoor and outdoor children's play areas. These amenities are intended to cater to families and leisure travellers seeking a combination of relaxation and recreation.

A key feature will be the property's indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces, designed to accommodate corporate retreats, social gatherings and large-scale celebrations. The facilities are expected to support demand for destination weddings and event-led travel in the Konkan region.

With its combination of sea-view accommodation, wellness facilities and event spaces, the Dapoli resort will add to Ramee Group's leisure portfolio while contributing to the region's evolving hospitality landscape.

About Ramee Group of Hotels

Founded in 1985 by Raj Shetty, Ramee Group of Hotels, Resorts & Apartments is an international hospitality group with a presence across India and the Middle East. Its portfolio caters to corporate and leisure travellers through accommodation, dining concepts and lifestyle-oriented hospitality offerings.

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