Thailand has extended its visa waiver for Indians, allowing travelers to stay for 60 days with the option to extend for another 30 days. This extension has stimulated demand and reinforced Thailand’s status as a favored destination for Indian travelers. Online travel agencies have reported significant growth in bookings, with routes to Thailand seeing a substantial increase in travel. Direct flight connectivity between the two countries has also played a crucial role in attracting Indian tourists to Thailand.
Zoomcar, a car rental company, has raised $9.15 million through a private placement to repay debts and for general corporate purposes. The company, founded in 2013, operates in India, Indonesia, and Egypt and has plans to add 20,000 cars to its platform by March 2025. Zoomcar recently launched fulfillment centers to manage cars, cleanliness, and parking, with a goal of expanding to 100 centers by the end of the year.
Star Air, based in Bengaluru, is planning to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft over the next three years. The airline aims to induct two new Embraer E175 aircraft by March 2025 and four more by March 2026. With a current fleet of 9 aircraft, Star Air is focusing on expanding its operations across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India to increase profitability in the current fiscal year. The airline emphasizes connecting smaller regional areas with major hubs.
Radisson Hotel Group has opened Namah Nainital in Uttarakhand under Radisson Individuals Retreats, marking its fourth operational hotel in the region. Partnering with Indian conglomerate DS Group, the property was previously known as Manu Maharani before rebranding. Radisson is expanding into leisure destinations to meet the growing demand in these regions. Namah Nainital offers a picturesque backdrop for travelers looking for a retreat.
MakeMyTrip has revealed that Indian couples are traveling to beach destinations for their honeymoons, with Thailand emerging as the top international destination. Domestically, Andaman has replaced Kerala as the most-booked honeymoon destination, while Goa remains a popular choice. Maldives saw a decline in bookings likely due to diplomatic tensions. Indian couples also traveled to destinations like Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles for their honeymoon.
Air France-KLM will operate 50 weekly flights to and from India during the winter season, an increase from the 39 weekly flights during the summer. The additional flights connect Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru with Amsterdam and Paris. The airlines recognize India as an important market, reflecting the growing demand for international travel among Indian passengers. Claude Sarre, Country Manager for Air France-KLM, highlights the significance of the Indian market for the airlines.
