IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is focusing on international expansion as part of its 2030 vision. To achieve this goal, the airline is placing a strong emphasis on codeshare agreements. Malaysia Airlines has recently entered into a codeshare agreement with IndiGo, allowing both airlines to provide their networks to their customers. India is Malaysia Airlines’ largest international market, making this partnership beneficial for both carriers. IndiGo already has codeshare agreements with several other airlines, including Qantas Airways, Turkish Airways, and British Airways, among others.
In February 2024, Indian hotel room rates saw a significant increase compared to the previous year. Average Daily Rates (ADRs) were 7-9% higher than in February 2023 and surpassed pre-Covid levels by 29-31%. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) also witnessed a 15-17% increase over January and was 24-26% higher than pre-Covid levels. Additionally, new hotels are continuously being opened and signed, indicating growth and confidence in the hospitality sector in India.
Hilton recently announced the signing of Conrad Jaipur in Rajasthan, marking the third Conrad property in India. The company sees India as a priority market and is optimistic about its growth in the country. Hilton plans to double its footprint in India over the next three to four years, building on its current portfolio of 26 hotels. With the tourism and hospitality industry showing signs of recovery, Hilton is looking forward to a successful year in India.
India’s newest regional airline, FLY91, has partnered with aviation software solutions provider IBS Software to enhance its customer experience. FLY91 aims to attract and retain customers through the implementation of IBS Software’s reservation system. The airline started its commercial operations in March 2024 and is focused on enhancing connectivity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. By utilizing dynamic pricing capabilities and efficient reservation systems, FLY91 hopes to establish itself as a competitive player in the Indian aviation market.
Bengaluru has been identified as the most affordable tourist destination in India for the upcoming April-May season. With an average room rate of INR 4,600, the city offers a cost-effective travel option for tourists. Online travel platform Agoda has also ranked Bengaluru as the sixth-cheapest destination in Asia. This recognition highlights the city’s appeal to budget-conscious travelers and its affordability compared to other tourist destinations in the region.
Online travel agency Goibibo has recently onboarded actor Jayaram and his son Kalidas Jayaram as brand ambassadors. This move follows the brand’s partnership with Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan last year. By partnering with celebrities, online travel agencies aim to capture the attention of a broader audience. The trend of collaborating with well-known personalities to promote travel platforms is also reflected in Cleartrip’s recent partnership with former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.
