India Leads in Planet-Friendly Food Choices, Outpaces Developed Nations

India Leads in Planet-Friendly Food Choices, Outpaces Developed Nations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2025

India is emerging as a frontrunner in embracing sustainable food choices, according to the Sodexo Sustainability Barometer, conducted in collaboration with Toluna Harris Interactive. The study, which surveyed over 7,000 participants across five key countries, marks India's growing significance as a market for sustainable and plant-based foods.

With insights from over 2,000 Indian consumers, the report reveals a strong inclination among Indians towards adopting healthier eating habits with minimal environmental impact. The findings also indicate that Indians show greater enthusiasm for sustainable food compared to their counterparts in developed nations.

Key Insights from the Study

  1. Health Over Environment: While Indians recognize the environmental benefits of sustainable food, their primary motivation lies in pursuing healthier, more balanced diets.

  2. Millennials Lead the Way: Millennials, aged 25 to 44, are driving the shift towards sustainable food choices, with 60% adopting such practices. In contrast, Gen Z remains more indecisive.

  3. Price and Taste as Key Factors: Despite their enthusiasm for sustainability, Indians prioritize price when choosing food, followed by taste and nutritional value.

  4. Role of Food Services: The food services industry is identified as a critical influencer in promoting sustainable eating habits in India.

Sustainability in Action

Sambit Sahu, Managing Director of Sodexo India, emphasized the food service industry's pivotal role in inspiring change. “We serve over a million consumers every day, and we believe we can influence food choices by adopting and embracing the right planet-friendly practices," he shared.

Sodexo’s initiative, Aarogyum, exemplifies this commitment, focusing on health and sustainability with balanced, flavorful recipes crafted by expert nutritionists and chefs.

A Growing Market for Sustainable Food

The findings underscore India’s potential to reshape food consumption trends as the demand for sustainable and plant-based options grows. The enthusiasm displayed by Indian consumers, particularly millennials, highlights a transformative moment in the country's food industry, where health and balance take precedence over environmental concerns, making sustainability a practical and achievable goal.

As Sodexo continues to leverage its extensive consumer base, it aims to set new standards in sustainability, encouraging mindful eating habits that benefit both individuals and the planet.


Bengaluru Airport Becomes India’s First to Secure Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation

Bengaluru Airport Becomes India’s First to Secure Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 1, 2025

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has created history by becoming the first airport in India, and among a select group worldwide, to achieve Level 2 Accreditation under Airports Council International’s (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme.

This achievement highlights BLR Airport’s dedication to embedding inclusivity across its infrastructure, services, and passenger experiences, ensuring smoother and more dignified journeys for travellers with reduced mobility and disabilities. The AEA programme is the only global initiative that benchmarks and improves accessibility in air travel, evaluating airports on their policies, facilities, services, and governance frameworks.

By reaching Level 2 Accreditation, BLR Airport has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement, making accessibility a central part of its long-term strategies and operational framework. A dedicated accessibility committee, consisting of airport stakeholders, drives initiatives to enhance facilities and mobility solutions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRMs) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Continuous staff training further ensures that assistance remains empathetic, professional, and personalised.

Speaking on the recognition, Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Ltd, said:

“We are honoured to be awarded the Level 2 Accreditation under ACI’s Airport Accessibility Enhancement programme. At BLR Airport, accessibility is not just a measure of infrastructure, but a reflection of our belief that travel should be inclusive, seamless, and experiential for every passenger. This milestone is the result of the tireless dedication of our entire team and the invaluable guidance from ACI, reinforcing our vision of building an airport that truly serves everyone. While we celebrate this achievement, we see it as a step forward in our continuous journey to make every traveller feel welcomed and valued at BLR Airport.”

BLR Airport has already pioneered several firsts in India, including the Sunflower Lanyard scheme launched in 2022 to support passengers with hidden disabilities, and the introduction of a sensory room for neurodivergent travellers, the first of its kind at an Indian airport. These initiatives, along with global collaborations and partnerships with government agencies and advocacy groups, further strengthen its role as a leader in building barrier-free, inclusive air travel.

With this recognition, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru reinforces its position as a pioneer in accessibility and inclusivity, advancing the vision of making aviation universally welcoming for all passengers.


India International Travel Mart Returns to Pune & Hyderabad in 2025

India International Travel Mart Returns to Pune & Hyderabad in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2025

The India International Travel Mart (IITM), one of the country’s longest-running and most trusted travel trade exhibitions, is set to return to Pune and Hyderabad in 2025.

  • IITM Pune will take place from 27–29 November 2025 at Expo Centre, Deccan College, Yerawada.

  • IITM Hyderabad will be held from 4–6 December 2025 at Hall No. 2, HITEX Exhibition Centre, Kondapur Post.

Now in its 26th successful year, IITM has established itself as India’s biggest travel event, connecting national and international tourism boards, travel operators, hospitality brands, technology providers, and other stakeholders from the tourism ecosystem.

Why IITM Matters

IITM is more than an exhibition, it’s a dynamic B2B platform designed for networking, destination promotion, and business development. With over 200 editions hosted across India, the event has become a trusted launchpad for new travel products, services, and partnerships.

The 2025 editions will feature dedicated pavilions for domestic and international destinations, luxury travel, experiential tourism, travel technology, and sustainable tourism solutions. Attendees can look forward to workshops, buyer-seller meets, and curated showcases designed to strengthen business networks and drive collaborations.

Organisers Speak

Commenting on the upcoming editions, Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said:

“India International Travel Mart has become a landmark event in India’s tourism calendar. It plays a vital role in driving growth by fostering direct engagement between destinations, travel brands, and buyers.”

Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added:

“With Pune and Hyderabad being among India’s fastest-growing tourism markets, hosting IITM in these cities allows us to bring together key stakeholders, promote destinations, and create stronger networks for the industry.”

Spotlight on Pune & Hyderabad

Both host cities represent high-potential travel markets:

  • Pune is a thriving hub for education, IT, automotive, and manufacturing, with strong leisure and MICE travel demand driven by its young professional base and proximity to the Western Ghats.

  • Hyderabad, also known as “Cyberabad,” is a leading IT, biotech, and pharma hub, with a growing middle-class population and strong infrastructure, making it a significant market for business and leisure tourism.

Focus for IITM 2025

This year’s editions will place special emphasis on:

  • Sustainable Tourism – showcasing eco-friendly travel solutions and responsible hospitality initiatives.

  • Emerging Travel Technologies – including AI-driven planning tools, VR travel experiences, contactless systems, and blockchain-based security.

  • Business Networking – creating opportunities for exhibitors to connect with buyers, partners, and investors through curated B2B meetings.

As India’s outbound travel market continues to boom, expected to surpass USD 44 billion by 2032, IITM stands as a strategic gateway for industry players to connect, collaborate, and capitalize on new opportunities.


Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Lemon Tree Resort in Pench, Maharashtra

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Lemon Tree Resort in Pench, Maharashtra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of Lemon Tree Resort, Pench, Maharashtra, its newest getaway in the heart of India.

Nestled amidst the scenic forests of Pench, which spans across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the upcoming resort will feature 60 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, spa, swimming pool, banquet spaces, and more.

Pench National Park, famously known as the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, sloth bears, and countless other wildlife species. This makes it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.

This signing further strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels’ footprint in Maharashtra, where it currently operates 14 hotels with six more in the pipeline. The expansion also reflects the brand’s commitment to growing its presence across India’s key leisure, wildlife, and experiential destinations.

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