MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel platform, has introduced Semantic Search, an AI-powered feature designed to simplify the discovery of hotels and homestays. The feature allows travellers to type queries in everyday language, such as “pet-friendly hotels in Manali with a swimming pool” or “heritage stays near Jaipur forts with parking,” eliminating the need to manually navigate through multiple filters.

Built on the same AI framework as MakeMyTrip’s GenAI-enabled assistant, Myra, the Semantic Search system interprets open-ended queries to provide relevant, context-driven results tailored to individual preferences. Users receive personalized recommendations enhanced by property visuals, curated user-generated content, and context-based rankings.

The system also includes AI smart suggestions, offering recommendations like “beachfront hotels in Goa” or “Ooty stays with mountain views,” complete with context tags such as “great for families” or “private pools available.” This ensures faster, simpler, and more intuitive discovery for travellers seeking the perfect stay.

“Our goal is to make travel planning as natural as conversation. With AI Search within the stay booking experience, we’re simplifying one of the most important parts of the traveller journey, finding the right stay. Instead of forcing users to think like a system, we’ve built a system that understands how people naturally express themselves,” said Ankit Khanna, Chief Product Officer, MakeMyTrip.

This development builds on MakeMyTrip’s broader AI innovation strategy. Earlier this year, the company launched the Beta version of its GenAI Trip Planning Assistant, Myra, which supports travellers across the journey, from discovery and booking to in-trip and post-travel assistance. Currently available in English and Hindi, Myra also plans to expand into additional Indian languages based on user feedback.

With Semantic Search, MakeMyTrip aims to deliver a more natural, personalised, and efficient experience for travellers, taking the frustration out of finding the ideal stay and setting a new benchmark for AI-driven travel planning in India.

Tea Post, a popular homegrown tea café chain, has launched a thoughtfully curated Diwali campaign titled ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’. Through this initiative, the brand aims to highlight that Diwali is not just about grandeur but about cherishing simple, heartfelt moments with loved ones over a comforting cup of chai at one’s favourite baithak spot.

The campaign transforms Tea Post outlets into festive spaces filled with colour, creativity, and celebration. A variety of on-ground experiences bring together everyone associated with the brand, customers, franchisees, employees, vendors, and landlords in a shared festive spirit.

As part of the celebrations, the ‘Chai Sang Rishte’ contest invites customers to share their chai memories, while franchisees participate under the theme ‘Rishton Se Roshan’. Employees join in through the ‘Hamara Tea Post Tyohaar’ video contest, and the brand extends gratitude to its vendors and landlords for their continued support over the years.

Adding a cultural touch, Tea Post has introduced Diwali Baithak, a series of open-to-all gatherings that feature soulful music, shayari sessions, and festive décor across cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Jamnagar, and Jaipur. These events include interactive workshops such as lantern-making and diya-painting, fostering community engagement and creativity.

Speaking about the campaign, Darshan Dashani, Founder of Tea Post, said, “‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’ is dear to each one of us who has made Tea Post their comforting hangout place over the years. Tea Post has been celebrated for more than just chai, which includes people, conversations, and memories. This Diwali, we aimed to dedicate the celebrations to the timeless bonds of our customers, teams, and partners. Because wherever there are our own, there’s always a reason to celebrate.”

Guests can also savour a variety of 15 signature chai blends paired with traditional snacks like samosas, theplas, and maska buns, enjoyed amid marigold décor and festive lights. Select Tea Post cafés in cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, and Vadodara have turned into Diwali hubs, offering creative DIY sessions such as candle-making, bookmark designing, and ceramic art.

With over 250 outlets across 60+ cities in India and Dubai, Tea Post continues to grow as more than just a tea café, it is a space that celebrates culture, connection, and community, one cup at a time.

Sterling Holiday Resorts, a leading name in experiential holidays, has launched its latest ‘Discoveries & Experiences’ (D&E) initiative, “Soil to Soul,” at Sterling Wayanad. Nestled amidst Kerala’s lush plantations and spice gardens, this immersive Farm-to-Fork experience celebrates sustainable tourism, local culture, and authentic culinary traditions.

The “Soil to Soul” journey takes guests on a half-day exploration through organic farms and spice plantations, offering a firsthand understanding of Wayanad’s agricultural heritage. Participants engage with local farmers, learn about paddy cultivation, coffee, and spice farming, and harvest fresh produce. The experience culminates in a hands-on cooking session led by Sterling’s expert chefs, where guests use the fresh produce they have harvested to prepare traditional Kerala dishes using time-honoured methods.

Adding depth to the journey, guests also interact with indigenous Wayanad communities, whose stories and food traditions bring authenticity to the experience. Visitors take home handcrafted spice packs and recipe cards, extending their connection to Kerala’s food culture beyond their stay.

“With ‘Soil to Soul,’ we want our guests to go beyond the conventional holiday, to connect with the land, people, and stories that make Wayanad special,” said Harinath Mohanasundaram, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “It’s a celebration of food, culture, and sustainability, and a meaningful addition to our growing D&E portfolio.”

Sterling’s Discoveries & Experiences platform offers guests curated, locally rooted engagements that bring each destination to life. At Sterling Wayanad, travellers can also enjoy guided nature walks and bird-watching trails, or explore the resort’s collaboration with Uravu, a local NGO that promotes bamboo craftsmanship and tribal livelihoods, each experience designed to build authentic connections with the region’s ecology and culture.

Through “Soil to Soul” and other D&E initiatives, Sterling Holiday Resorts reinforces its commitment to sustainable and experiential travel in India, offering guests memorable journeys that truly go from farm to fork, from Soil to Soul.