Indian Visa Applications Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024, Reports VFS Global

Indian Visa Applications Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024, Reports VFS Global

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 29, 2024

Visa applications in India have exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time in the first half of 2024, signaling a strong resurgence in outbound travel. VFS Global, which handles visa services for 51 countries in India, reported a 2% increase in application volumes compared to the same period in 2019. The first half of 2024 also saw an 11% year-on-year growth in visa applications compared to 2023, highlighting the growing demand for international travel.

Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer (South Asia) at VFS Global, attributes this surge to a robust and sustained demand for outbound travel from India. "It was only a matter of time before pre-pandemic levels were restored," said Talwar. "India has been experiencing an extended travel season over the past two years, and we are confident that this momentum will continue through the end of the year."

With the increased demand, VFS Global has also observed a rise in the use of personalized services like Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD). This premium service allows applicants to complete their visa application process, including biometric enrollment, from the comfort of their home or any preferred location. VAYD bookings in India for the first half of 2024 have seen a five-fold increase compared to 2019, and a 16% rise compared to 2023.

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The strong preference for tailored services like VAYD reflects travelers' desire for convenience and security, especially in the post-pandemic era. Talwar expects the demand for these premium services to grow throughout the year.

In light of the rising demand, VFS Global has also emphasized the importance of using official channels to avoid fraudulent websites and social media pages that pose as VFS Global. Talwar reminded applicants that visa appointments are free and can only be booked through the official VFS Global website on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some of the most popular destinations for Indian travelers in 2024 include Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the USA, and the UK. With the continued growth in visa applications, VFS Global remains committed to providing secure, seamless, and reliable services to meet the needs of travelers across India.


Aircastle to Announce Third Quarter Financial Results

Aircastle to Announce Third Quarter Financial Results

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 2, 2026

Aircastle Limited has announced that it will release its third quarter financial results for the period ended November 2025. The results will be made public before market hours, offering investors and industry stakeholders insights into the company’s recent performance.

Alongside the announcement, Aircastle’s management will host a conference call to discuss the financial results and provide updates on business operations. The call will be open to all interested participants, including analysts, investors, and members of the public.

Participants will be able to join the live conference call by dialing the designated toll-free or international access numbers. Callers are advised to join a few minutes early and reference the company name, “Aircastle,” when prompted by the operator.

A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will also be made available on a listen-only basis through the company’s official website. Listeners are encouraged to visit the website in advance to ensure that any required software is installed for uninterrupted access.

For those unable to attend the live session, a replay of the webcast will be available on Aircastle’s website shortly after the conclusion of the conference call, allowing stakeholders to review the discussion at their convenience.


SKA Arcadia Strengthens Retail Mix with Bercos, The Barbeque Company & Domino’s at Wave City

SKA Arcadia Strengthens Retail Mix with Bercos, The Barbeque Company & Domino’s at Wave City

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

SKA Group has announced the addition of three popular food and beverage brands—Bercos, The Barbeque Company, and Domino’s—to the retail portfolio of SKA Arcadia, its flagship commercial development in Wave City, Ghaziabad. The new brands will occupy a combined area of over 14,500 sq. ft., further enhancing the project’s appeal as a high-potential neighbourhood retail destination.

Strategically positioned at the main entrance of Wave City on NH-24, SKA Arcadia benefits from excellent connectivity to Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, and surrounding premium residential catchments. Its location, coupled with a thoughtfully curated tenant mix, continues to position it as one of the region’s most attractive emerging commercial hubs.

Commenting on the development, Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, said that SKA Arcadia has been envisioned as a neighbourhood centre offering everyday convenience, quality dining, and a strong sense of community. He added that the inclusion of Bercos, The Barbeque Company, and Domino’s reflects the group’s focus on curating brands aligned with evolving consumer lifestyles, while creating a vibrant ecosystem where both retailers and customers can thrive as Wave City continues to grow.

The newly signed brands join established anchor tenants such as Haldiram’s, which occupies over 11,000 sq. ft. at the development. With these additions, SKA Arcadia further strengthens its positioning as a modern, experience-driven commercial destination designed for high footfall, convenience, and long-term value creation.

Spread across 2 acres, SKA Arcadia is a signature high-street commercial development featuring five floors of retail and dining spaces. The project offers premium amenities including fine dining restaurants, a food court, escalators, elevators, multi-level mechanical parking, power backup, and high-speed Wi-Fi, and is registered under RERA number UPRERAPRJ228610/03/2025.


Wonderla Delivers Record Q2 Performance with Strong Revenue and Footfall Growth

Wonderla Delivers Record Q2 Performance with Strong Revenue and Footfall Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 9, 2025

Wonderla Holidays Ltd. has announced its financial results for the second quarter and half year ended September 30, 2025, marking its best-ever Q2 performance in company history. The remarkable results highlight record revenues, strong footfall growth, and a sharp increase in profitability.

The company reported a 12% year-on-year rise in footfalls to 5.05 lakh visitors, with total income up 24% YoY at ₹88.52 crore and EBITDA soaring eightfold to ₹7.48 crore.

Parkwise, the company registered footfalls of 1.96 lakh in Bengaluru, 1.92 lakh in Kochi, 0.93 lakh in Hyderabad, and 0.24 lakh in Bhubaneswar, reflecting consistent performance across locations.

Commenting on the results, Arun Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Wonderla Holidays Ltd., said,

“This quarter marks a defining moment in Wonderla’s journey, as we achieved our best-ever Q2 performance with record revenues, footfalls, and a sharp improvement in profitability. A 24 percent year-on-year growth in total income and an 8X jump in EBITDA highlight the resilience of our business model and the power of the Wonderla brand.”

He added that the strong results were driven by effective branding and footfall-driving campaigns, alongside enhanced digital sales strategies, which now contribute to half of total bookings. The company’s investments in technology, operational efficiency, and customer convenience have played a vital role in driving this growth.

Chittilappilly also noted that new offerings like “Isle by Wonderla” continue to strengthen guest engagement and diversify the company’s revenue base.

“Looking ahead, we remain excited about the next phase of expansion. Work on our Chennai Park is progressing rapidly, and we’re on track to announce the launch by December 2025. With strong fundamentals, expanding capacity, and a trusted brand, we’re confident of sustaining our momentum and delivering long-term value to both our guests and shareholders,” he said.

With this milestone quarter, Wonderla Holidays continues to reinforce its leadership in India’s amusement park sector through innovation, guest experience, and strategic expansion.

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