Online travel agency Ixigo experienced overwhelming demand for its initial public offering, with investors applying for shares nearly 98 times the amount offered. The company raised $40 million from anchor investors, with the IPO listing scheduled for June 18. After initially filing for an IPO in 2021 but facing unfavorable market conditions, Ixigo decided to try again in 2022, raising $89 million due to consistent profitability over the past years.
The company plans to allocate funds from the IPO towards working capital, cloud infrastructure, and technology investments, as well as driving growth through acquisitions and strategic initiatives. Meanwhile, the Moscow City Tourism Committee is targeting business travel from India through a new training program to promote MICE events in the Russian capital. India has become a key emerging source market for Russia, with plans for a visa-free group tourist exchange agreement between the two countries in the works.
Radisson Hotel Group has made its debut in West Bengal with the signing of Radisson Hotel Siliguri, a 150-room property set to open in 2028. The company sees potential in the region’s industrial resources and natural beauty for hospitality growth. Indian travelers have expressed preferences for accommodations with amenities such as on-site restaurants, flexible 24-hour check-ins, in-room air conditioning, and breakfast, according to Booking.com. They are also willing to pay extra for services like laundry, room upgrades, curated tours, and room service.
Rail ticketing platform redRail has introduced a Gen AI-powered chatbot on WhatsApp to provide real-time updates on train schedules, PNR status, and coach positions. The chatbot supports multiple languages and aims to enhance the customer experience while eliminating the need for specific keywords in queries. IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed Holiday Inn Resort Kufri in Himachal Pradesh, set to open in 2026, as part of its expansion strategy in India. The company aims to provide diverse hospitality experiences across leisure destinations in the country, with plans for additional hotels in the pipeline.
