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Published on July 10, 2023
OYO, a global hospitality technology company, has unveiled intriguing travel trends during the monsoon season. Notably, there has been a significant 32% surge in booking demand compared to the previous year.
Leisure destinations have taken the lead in driving this surge, indicating a notable shift in traveller preferences. Traditionally associated with summer vacations, people are now increasingly opting for delightful getaways during the rainy season.
Mountains have emerged as the clear favourite, experiencing an astounding 124% increase in travel demand this monsoon. Nainital, Mussoorie, Shimla, Lonavala, and Ooty have captured the imagination of travellers with their serene landscapes, picturesque views, and pleasant weather.
Beach destinations have also witnessed a notable upswing, with a remarkable 112% increase in bookings compared to last year. Goa and Pondicherry topped the list, while offbeat destinations such as Digha, Alibaug, and Kollam gained popularity among those seeking unique experiences during the monsoon.
Furthermore, spiritual destinations have seen increased traction, with Varanasi, Puri, Tirupati, Amritsar, and Haridwar emerging as the preferred choices for travellers seeking spiritual solace amidst the rain.
Overall, these trends reflect a growing trend of travellers embracing the monsoon season for leisure travel, exploring diverse landscapes, and creating unforgettable memories.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on April 6, 2025
India Assist, the real-time travel assistance platform known for providing emergency help and ground support to travelers, has taken a bold step into international operations by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE authorities. This strategic collaboration paves the way for the launch of UAE Assist, a free-of-cost service for every UAE visa applicant — setting a new benchmark for global travel safety and convenience.
With over 40 million visitors expected to benefit, UAE Assist will offer immediate access to support services upon arrival, including emergency advice, real-time guidance, and on-ground help at crucial moments. This development positions India Assist as a global game-changer in the travel safety and support ecosystem.
Speaking on the milestone, Harish Khatri, Founder and Managing Director of India Assist and UAE Assist, shared,
“Our expansion into the UAE marks a pivotal moment for us. By providing real-time assistance to millions of travelers, we are not only enhancing their safety and convenience but also setting a new standard in global travel support. This MoU is just the beginning of our vision to create a seamless travel experience for international visitors worldwide.”
The move is expected to fuel significant revenue growth for India Assist and lays the foundation for expansion into other international destinations. The company’s unique assistance model caters to a broad range of travelers — from leisure tourists and business professionals to first-time flyers and families — delivering peace of mind at every step of their journey.
India Assist’s proven track record includes partnerships with major events like the MahaKumbh and MotoGP, where its operational excellence in managing large volumes of travelers has been widely acknowledged.
India Assist is a patented, tech-powered real-time travel assistance app that delivers secure, seamless, and stress-free travel. With a unique model blending digital innovation and physical ground support, it offers instant help, emergency advice, and travel guidance. After making travel safer across India, it now embarks on a global journey—beginning with the UAE.
Stay tuned as India Assist continues to redefine how the world travels.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on April 5, 2025
Air India has rolled out a new digital capability that allows passengers to share the real-time location of their misplaced checked-in baggage using Apple’s AirTag feature. With this, Air India becomes the first airline in Asia to integrate Apple’s AirTag tracking functionality into its baggage support systems.
The move is part of the airline’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. By leveraging Apple’s AirTag and the 'Find My' app, passengers can now actively assist in the tracing of their lost luggage, which can significantly speed up the recovery process in cases of delays or mishandling.
“As we transform into a world-class global airline, we are excited to offer our guests an innovative option to help locate their baggage in case it does not arrive at the destination on schedule,” said Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Air India.
Air India handles over 100 million pieces of baggage annually, with more than 99.6% of them arriving on time. For the small percentage that are delayed—typically due to airport system errors or flight misconnections—this new functionality offers a simple yet powerful way for customers to support recovery.
Here’s how it works: passengers whose bags are missing can report the issue at the airport’s baggage counter, where a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) is filed. Using the 'Find My' app on their Apple device, they generate a Share Item Location link, which can then be uploaded via Air India’s website or mobile app along with the PIR number. The airline’s authorised teams at airports can then access this information to track the bag within airport premises.
Location sharing ends once the baggage is recovered or after seven days—whichever comes first. Passengers also retain complete control over their data and can choose to stop sharing the location at any time.
With this integration, Air India sets a new benchmark for digital adoption in the aviation sector, especially in the domain of passenger service and baggage handling.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on April 3, 2025
InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, and IndiGoReach, the CSR wing of IndiGo, in partnership with Sahapedia, successfully conducted the ‘My City My Heritage’ walk in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). Themed "Monks to Mausoleums: Rich History of a Timeless City," the event celebrated the city's deep-rooted cultural and architectural legacy.
This initiative, part of an ongoing campaign, aims to raise awareness about India's diverse heritage, encouraging communities to take pride in their history. Previous editions of the walk have taken place in Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, and Lucknow.
The walk began at the 2,000-year-old Aurangabad Caves, where participants explored intricate carvings that narrate tales of ancient Buddhist traditions. The journey continued to the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, often called the "Taj of the Deccan," showcasing its stunning Mughal architecture.
Led by Dr. Pushkar Sohoni, the event saw participation from local residents, government officials, and senior leaders from InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGo.
Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, emphasized the importance of preserving local heritage:
"Our ‘My City My Heritage’ initiative goes beyond famous landmarks. By spotlighting Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s rich history, we hope to instill a sense of pride among its residents, fostering a deeper connection with their cultural roots."
Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, highlighted the campaign’s impact:
"Walking through Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s historic sites reinforced the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Through this campaign, we aim to inspire travelers to explore India’s vibrant history, truly reflecting our motto—‘India by IndiGo’."
Both InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach have spearheaded several heritage preservation projects across India, including:
InterGlobe Foundation
Conservation of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi
Restoration of Indra Kund stepwell in Delwara
Tile restoration at Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum
Cultural mapping and documentation of ten cities
IndiGoReach
Restoration of Lal Bagh Palace in Indore
Conservation of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum in Hyderabad
By actively engaging with communities, ‘My City My Heritage’ continues to strengthen India’s cultural and historical fabric, ensuring these stories endure for generations.
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