India’s wedding season is approaching, with an estimated 4.8 million weddings expected to take place this year, generating a revenue of $70.4 billion. Last year, 3.5 million weddings brought in $50.7 billion. Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, with couples looking for unique and personalized experiences. Luxury hotels are seeing a rise in demand for destination weddings, with properties in locations like Udaipur, Bengaluru, and Bhuj seeing a significant increase in bookings.
Air India Express and AIX Connect, two low-cost airlines under the Tata Group, have merged to form a larger entity operating under the Air India Express brand name. The merged entity is set to have a fleet size of 88 aircraft, with plans to expand further. The number of routes it operates has increased, and passenger carriage has grown significantly. The merger aims to cater to the growing demand for air travel in India, especially among the younger population seeking affordable and appealing travel options.
The U.S. Mission to India has opened 250,000 additional visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, students, and skilled workers. This move is expected to assist hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants in scheduling timely interviews. The U.S. has seen a significant increase in Indian travelers, with over 1.2 million Indians visiting the country till September 30 this year, marking a 35% increase from the previous year.
Thomas Cook India has partnered with Atirath Technologies to develop a generative AI solution for the travel industry, aiming to provide more personalized and customized travel experiences. The joint venture is expected to enhance the company’s reach, reduce dependence on human resources, and create a new distribution model. The AI solution will be voice-enabled with local language transcription and speech capabilities, offering innovative travel solutions to customers.
Cordelia Cruises is planning to expand its operations to destinations like Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The luxury cruise line completed three years in India and is considering launching a 10-night Chennai to Singapore itinerary. The company also plans to increase frequencies on key routes and expand domestic itineraries to include more destinations in India. Eco Hotels and Resorts has launched a new property in Nagpur, Maharashtra, with plans to make all its hotels carbon neutral. The company aims to turn a profit by the end of March 2026 and received a 13% stake acquisition from EaseMyTrip last year.
