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By Nishang Narayan
Published on August 29, 2024
Indian travelers are showing a strong affinity for revisiting their favorite destinations, with Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali leading the list, according to a recent survey by global travel platform Agoda. The survey reveals that an impressive 67 percent of Indian travelers are returning to these destinations, underlining their deep-rooted love for the unique experiences these places offer.
Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, particularly Bali, have emerged as the top hotspots for repeat visitors from India, as highlighted by Agoda's latest Return Visitor Ranking. Following closely are Singapore and France, which also continue to captivate Indian travelers.
The survey, conducted earlier this month on the Agoda platform, targeted travelers who had recently booked a trip to their favorite destination. The findings show that a significant portion—42 percent—are driven by a thirst for adventure. Other major reasons for repeat visits include the allure of local cuisine (22 percent), a deep appreciation for arts and culture (20 percent), and the desire to reunite with family and friends (20 percent).
Krisha Rathi, Senior Country Director for India Subcontinent and Maldives at Agoda, shared insights on this trend: "Our Return Visitor Ranking shows that for Indian travelers, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali are more than just destinations—they are experiences that travelers crave to relive. Agoda is proud to facilitate these journeys, offering a diverse range of accommodations, flights, and activities to make every trip enjoyable, whether it’s your first or your tenth."
Interestingly, the survey also found that 58 percent of repeat travelers have visited their favorite destination between one and three times over the past decade. Even more remarkable, 4 percent of respondents have returned to the same destination ten times or more, showcasing the enduring appeal of these travel spots.
On a broader scale, the Agoda survey indicates that Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are the top destinations that travelers across Asia can’t get enough of. 'Ease of Travel' emerged as the leading motivator for these repeat visits, with 44 percent of Asian travelers listing it as their primary reason for returning to their favorite spots.
The survey was conducted via the Agoda platform between August 1 and 19, 2024, and included over 4,000 participants from 10 markets, including Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Destination Weddings on the Rise Among Indians:
In a related travel trend, a Skyscanner survey reveals a growing preference for destination weddings among Indian couples, especially younger ones. Nearly half (49 percent) of Gen Z respondents expressed a desire to tie the knot in a dream location, compared to 33 percent of Millennials. High-profile weddings, such as the Ambani wedding, have inspired many Indians to opt for lavish pre-wedding festivities, with 66 percent planning grand celebrations to mark their wedding milestones.
When asked about the factors that make these destinations irresistible, Indian travelers frequently cited 'Local Cuisine,' 'Ease of Travel,' and 'Affordability.' Additionally, 30 percent of respondents noted that 'Friendly Locals' played a significant role in their decision to return.
These findings not only highlight the travel preferences of Indian travelers but also underscore the growing trend of destination weddings, making it clear that certain destinations hold a special place in the hearts of many. Whether it’s for the love of adventure, the taste of local cuisine, or the joy of reuniting with loved ones, these destinations continue to draw Indian travelers back time and time again.
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Published on June 23, 2025
Thailand’s tourism sector continues its strong post-pandemic rebound, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that over one million Indian tourists have already visited the country before the halfway mark of 2025.
This early milestone underscores Thailand’s enduring appeal for Indian travellers across leisure, luxury, wellness, and spiritual tourism segments. It also builds on the record-breaking momentum of 2024, when Thailand welcomed more than 2.1 million Indian visitors out of a total 35 million international tourists.
Several factors are fuelling this continued growth:
A visa exemption programme allowing up to 60-day stays
Strong air connectivity with multiple direct flights from cities across India
The newly launched Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for smoother entry
A broad and diverse set of tourism experiences—from beach escapes and spa retreats to food trails and festivals
What’s especially noteworthy is the surge in travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities such as Surat, Rajkot, Nagpur, and Nashik, reflecting a broader shift toward high-spend, experience-led travel from emerging markets.
In response to this growing demand, TAT is ramping up its engagement efforts with India through joint promotions, customised marketing campaigns, and trade events designed to promote longer stays and higher-value travel.
These initiatives are closely aligned with Thailand’s long-term strategy of encouraging sustainable and inclusive tourism, ensuring the country remains a top choice for Indian travellers not just now—but well into the future.
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has reached a brand valuation milestone of $1.1 billion, marking an impressive 34% year-on-year growth, as revealed in the 2025 airline brand rankings by Brand Finance. This remarkable surge underscores the airline's strategic evolution and rising stature in global aviation.
Saudia now ranks 32nd globally in brand value among airlines, a notable leap since its debut in the Top 50 list in 2021 with a valuation of $506 million. In just four years, the brand has more than doubled in value, thanks to focused efforts in fleet enhancement, guest experience, and innovative initiatives.
The airline’s recent order of 105 Airbus aircraft highlighted its commitment to fleet modernisation and capacity expansion. At home, Saudia grabbed attention with BLVD Runway, a creative aviation-meets-entertainment concept aimed at engaging domestic travellers.
Globally, Skytrax honoured Saudia as the 'World’s Most Improved Airline' in 2024, a nod to its operational excellence and growing global presence. The airline has also maintained strong On-Time Performance (OTP) and received accolades for enhancing passenger experiences.
Commenting on this achievement, Khaled Tash, Chief Marketing Officer, Saudia Group, said:
“Achieving a brand value of $1 billion is a testament to our strategic initiatives and operational excellence, as well as the unwavering trust and loyalty of our guests. At Saudia, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation, ensuring that every journey with us is a step towards excellence.”
With this milestone, Saudia continues to strengthen its global positioning and reaffirm its role as a key player in the Kingdom’s ambitious aviation growth story.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 21, 2025
After a five-year pause, the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Sikkim’s Nathula Pass has resumed, marking a moment of cultural revival and international cooperation. The first batch of 33 Indian pilgrims was officially flagged off by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, along with two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
At the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Mathur shared his pride in seeing this revered journey once again take the route through Sikkim. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the pilgrimage and praised the Sikkim Government, ITBP, and Indian Army for their coordination in making it happen.
“It is a moment of immense pride for the state of Sikkim that this historic and spiritual journey is progressing through the sacred land of the state,” said the Governor, who also interacted with the pilgrims and wished them well.
The yatra, which was on hold due to the pandemic, is being seen not just as a spiritual revival, but also as a symbol of India-China goodwill. Pilgrims underwent strict medical screenings and a two-stage high-altitude acclimatisation process at the 18th Mile and Sherathang to prepare for the harsh conditions of the Himalayan region, where elevations cross 14,000 feet. An Indian Army official confirmed that all pilgrims had been medically cleared for the journey.
Sikkim’s Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia noted that this moment was historic and beneficial for regional tourism.
“After 5 years, history is being created that devotees from all over India are coming here and getting ready to start the Mansarovar yatra. It gives publicity to Nathu La and adds value to Sikkim tourism,” he said.
Pilgrims expressed deep gratitude for the arrangements. Shalanda Sharma, one of the participants, shared,
“This yatra is starting again after five years through mutual agreement between the Government of India and the Government of China. The arrangements, the hospitality, and the medical attention, we’re truly grateful.”
Another pilgrim, Indar Sharma, appreciated the efficiency of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and supporting authorities:
“We are carrying blessings and hope this yatra strengthens India-China ties and allows more pilgrims in the future.”
As per plan, the group was expected to cross over into the Chinese side through Nathula by 9:15 AM, where immigration processes would be completed before heading toward the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.
The yatra is being jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ensuring a secure and smooth journey for all pilgrims.
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