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IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, today announced a partnership with Single.id to enable IndiGo BluChip members to earn rewards in a simpler, faster way on their everyday spends across brands such as McDonald’s(West and South), Wow! Momo, Snitch, Colorbar, Himalaya and Pizza Hut, amongst many others. Through this integration, customers can link their debit or credit cards on the IndiGo Single.id Portal and start earning IndiGo BluChips automatically when they shop across a wide network of high consumption categories like fuel, shopping, dining and many more without coupons, codes, or any extra steps. Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital and Information Officer, IndiGo, said: “IndiGo BluChip is designed to be truly ‘easy to earn and easy to redeem’, while continually strengthening IndiGo’s value proposition for our loyal customers. We are pleased to partner with SingleID, a collaboration that further enhances the experience of IndiGo BluChip members by offering them additional opportunities to accelerate rewards and benefits through everyday spending—whether on dining, shopping, fuel or other daily essentials. We are confident that this partnership will create meaningful ways to engage and delight our customers across their everyday spends, making their journey with us more rewarding.” “This partnership enables IndiGo BluChip members to unlock more value from their everyday transactions. By powering this with card-linked technology, we are helping create a frictionless and scalable rewards experience that enhances both customer engagement and brand discovery.” said Chandra Bhushan, Country Head, Single.id India. After registering the card of their choice, customers will be automatically directed to Single.id’s user‑registration page to complete the reward‑mapping process. Returning users who wish to link additional cards will be taken directly to the card‑linking page, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience. Once a user has linked their card(s), all eligible transactions made at participating merchants will automatically accrue IndiGo BluChips, as per the programme’s terms and conditions.

The strategic collaboration expands ticketing distribution and supports international touring opportunities Etihad Arena, the UAE’s leading indoor entertainment venue, has announced District by Zomato as its Official Ticketing Partner, marking a new chapter in how audiences discover and access live experiences in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration represents a strategic step in Etihad Arena’s continued growth, expanding its global reach while supporting increased visitor footfall to Yas Island. It will enhance access to the region’s most anticipated events while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism economy. The District by Zomato platform enables consumers to discover their city through experiences spanning across dining, live entertainment, attractions, and live activities; not just navigate it. In the UAE, where social life seamlessly blends dining, entertainment, and culture, the collaboration      between Etihad Arena and District represents a natural evolution of the consumer journey. By aligning with these existing social patterns, the collaboration engages fans during their discovery phase, facilitating a smoother transition from social planning to live event attendance. Beyond local integration, the platform’s international network provides a foundation for scaling global touring opportunities within the region. Through this collaboration, District will integrate with Etihad Arena’s existing ticketing ecosystem, enabling discovery and access to live experiences to its user base. The partnership also reflects a shared vision to position Abu Dhabi as a leading regional entertainment hub, strengthening the calibre of international touring acts, enhancing live experiences across cultures and generations, and bringing communities together. Marcus Osborne, General Manager at Etihad Arena, said, “We’re pleased to welcome District as an Official Ticketing Partner of Etihad Arena. As we continue to grow our global audience, partnerships like this play an important role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism ambitions. Together, we can strengthen our offering, attract international touring productions, and continue delivering world-class experiences to audiences in the UAE and beyond.” Kunal Khambhati, Founder & COO – Events, District by Zomato, said, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Etihad Arena, one of the region’s most exciting live entertainment destinations, as its trusted ticketing partner. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for District as we continue to redefine the live events experience across the UAE. Etihad Arena has established itself as a premier home for exceptional entertainment, and together, we’re committed to delivering world-class, fan-first experiences.” As Etihad Arena continues to build on its momentum as a leading destination for live entertainment, the partnership with District strengthens its ability to attract international touring productions while connecting global audiences to Abu Dhabi’s growing calendar of events.

The adjustments have been made in response to a combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record high jet fuel prices for international operations, which significantly impact the commercial viability of certain planned services. Please refer to this Press Release for more information: https://www.airindia.com/in/en/newsroom/press-release/Air-India-rationalises-international-route-network-through-August-2026.html

Mother’s Day today is less about gifting things and more about creating moments—shared meals, meaningful conversations, and experiences that linger long after the journey ends. Reflecting this shift, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel present a curated portfolio of 20 destinations across India and the world, each offering a distinctive blend of wellness, culinary discovery, culture, shopping, and immersive experiences designed to celebrate every kind of mom. Kerala Kerala is synonymous with slow, restorative travel—making it ideal for a wellness-led Mother’s Day journey. Beyond the classic houseboat stay in Alleppey, travellers can opt for multi-day Ayurveda programmes at heritage resorts, focusing on stress relief, detox, and rejuvenation. Culinary experiences are equally rich—from toddy shop lunches and seafood grills along the coast to curated Syrian Christian meals served in traditional homes. Spice plantation walks in Thekkady offer insight into Kerala’s culinary roots, while Kathakali performances add cultural depth. Add village cycling, canoe rides, and shopping for spices and handlooms for a complete experience. North East India The North East is perfect for moms who enjoy travel that feels personal and off the beaten path. In Meghalaya, explore living root bridges, hidden waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers like Dawki, with opportunities for kayaking and nature walks. Assam offers a slower pace with tea estate stays—think guided plantation walks, tea tastings, and colonial-style bungalows—alongside river cruises on the Brahmaputra with wildlife spotting and local cuisine. Across the region, vibrant tribal markets, bamboo handicrafts, and indigenous food traditions—smoked meats, fermented flavours—offer a deeply immersive cultural experience. Seasonal festivals and music further enhance the sense of discovery. Kashmir Kashmir offers an almost poetic travel experience, where every element feels unhurried and immersive. Begin with a stay on a traditional houseboat in Srinagar—complete with carved wooden interiors, morning kahwa, and visits to floating vegetable markets. Days unfold with guided walks through Mughal gardens, orchard visits during harvest seasons, and leisurely shopping for pashmina shawls, papier-mâché artefacts, and saffron. Culinary experiences include multi-course wazwan meals and local bakery treats. For gentle adventure, head to Gulmarg for gondola rides, meadow walks, or even beginner skiing in season. The overall experience is one of calm, culture, and scenic beauty. Himachal Pradesh Himachal blends mountain charm with a variety of immersive experiences. In and around Manali, boutique homestays and riverside cafés create a relaxed base, while nearby villages offer orchard visits, local cooking sessions, and interactions with artisans. Wellness retreats focus on yoga, meditation, and digital detox, often set against panoramic mountain views. Light treks, nature walks, and scenic drives through valleys add a touch of exploration without being strenuous. Shopping for handwoven shawls, woollens and Tibetan artefacts in local markets rounds out the experience, along with sampling Himachal and Tibetan cuisine. Andaman Islands The Andamans offer a tropical island experience that balances relaxation with marine adventure. On Havelock Island, travellers can unwind on Radhanagar Beach – ranked among Asia’s best while also exploring coral reefs through snorkelling and scuba diving. For a more unique touch, night-time bioluminescence experiences and glass-bottom boat rides reveal the underwater world in a gentle, accessible way. Food is centered around fresh seafood, best enjoyed at beachside cafés. In Port Blair, colonial history tours, local markets, and handicrafts add cultural context. It’s ideal for moms who enjoy a mix of leisure, nature, and soft adventure. Bhutan Bhutan offers a deeply meaningful and mindful travel experience. Visits to monasteries like Tiger’s Nest are complemented by meditation sessions, nature hikes, and hot stone baths rooted in local wellness traditions. The country’s focus on happiness and sustainability shapes every experience—from simple, nourishing meals to interactions with local communities. Markets offer handcrafted textiles and artisanal goods, making it perfect for moms seeking a slower, more introspective journey. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s compact size allows for a diverse yet relaxed itinerary. Begin with tea estate stays in Nuwara Eliya, complete with plantation walks and tastings, then take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through lush hills. Coastal regions offer beachside relaxation and seafood dining, while national parks provide wildlife safaris. Add spice garden visits, cooking classes, and local markets for shopping, and Sri Lanka becomes a well-rounded destination combining leisure, culture, and soft adventure. Nepal Nepal is ideal for a soulful yet scenic journey. In Kathmandu, explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and heritage squares rich in history. For a more tranquil experience, head to Pokhara for lakeside relaxation, sunrise views over the Himalayas, and gentle nature walks. Wellness experiences include yoga retreats and meditation, while local cuisine like momos and thukpa adds a comforting culinary layer. Adventure options like short treks or mountain flights offer a touch of exploration without being too demanding. Switzerland Switzerland is where scenic beauty meets indulgent, slow travel. Panoramic train journeys like the Glacier Express offer a front-row seat to alpine landscapes, while lakeside towns such as Lucerne and Interlaken provide a serene base for relaxation. Wellness takes center stage with luxury spas and thermal baths, often set against mountain backdrops. Culinary experiences include Swiss chocolates, cheese tastings, and fine dining, while shopping for watches and artisanal goods adds a refined touch. Gentle adventures like cable car rides, lake cruises, and nature walks make it both relaxing and engaging. France France offers a perfect blend of culture, gastronomy, and effortless elegance. In Paris, days can be spent exploring museums, enjoying café culture, cruising along the Seine, and indulging in luxury shopping. Beyond the capital, regions like Provence offer lavender fields, vineyard tours, and farm-to-table dining. Culinary experiences—from patisserie trails to wine tastings—are central, while boutique shopping and art bring in a cultural dimension. Spain Spain is vibrant, sensory, and experience-driven. From tapas trails and cooking classes to flamenco performances and bustling local markets, every moment feels alive. Cities like Barcelona and Seville offer a mix of architecture, shopping, and cultural immersion, while coastal regions provide beachside relaxation. Wine regions and countryside stays add a slower, indulgent pace, making Spain ideal for moms who enjoy food, culture, and lively experiences. Australia Australia offers diverse,

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Garner Jagdalpur, marking the brand’s entry into the state of Chhattisgarh. The 117-key hotel will be developed by Freedom Hospitality and managed by United Hospitality Management (UHM), one of IHG’s trusted third-party management companies in India. IHG’s newest midscale conversion brand, Garner™, builds on the company’s strength in the essentials segment, offering quality stays at an accessible price point. Designed to deliver a relaxed and flexible guest experience, the brand caters to value-conscious travellers seeking dependable comfort supported by IHG’s global enterprise systems. Located in Jagdalpur in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh and set to open in 2029, the hotel is well positioned to benefit from the city’s accelerating economic momentum. This growth is being driven by ongoing infrastructure development, mining activity and the expansion of small and medium enterprises, supported by favourable government initiatives. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “Garner’s growth trajectory in India continues to be strong as we expand into emerging markets with high potential and our partnership with United Hospitality Management further strengthens our ability to scale the brand in these markets. Jagdalpur represents an important entry point into Chhattisgarh’s developing Bastar region, where infrastructure investment and economic diversification are creating new opportunities for quality accommodation. Garner’s efficient and flexible model combined with UHM’s strong local operational expertise, enables us to partner with owners to unlock this potential while delivering long-term value.” Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management (UHM), India commented, “We are pleased to deepen our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts with the signing of Garner Jagdalpur, a project that reflects the growing maturity of demand in India’s emerging destinations. At United Hospitality Management, our focus is on unlocking the full potential of such markets through a combination of operational discipline, local market insight, and brand-aligned execution. Garner’s conversion-friendly, scalable model is particularly well suited to these environments, enabling us to deliver consistent guest experiences while optimising asset performance. As we expand our Garner portfolio, we remain committed to building high-performing hotels that create long-term value for owners and resonate with the evolving needs of today’s value-conscious traveller.” Bakhtyaar Khan, Managing Partner, Freedom Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce Garner to Jagdalpur. The region’s evolving economic landscape and growing demand for quality accommodation present a compelling opportunity. With IHG’s global expertise and the strong proposition of the Garner brand, we are confident the hotel will become a preferred choice for travellers while delivering strong returns for us.” Garner’s continued expansion across India reflects IHG’s commitment to unlocking growth in the country’s dynamic emerging cities, where demand for branded, high-quality hospitality continues to outpace supply.

BOBCARD LIMITED, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, has announced a limited-period Lifetime Free (LTF) offer on its premium BOBCARD ETERNA Credit Card for new customers. Customers can now get ETERNA with zero joining fee and zero annual fee, against a standard joining & annual fee of INR 2,499. Avail limited-period Lifetime Free offer on premium BOBCARD ETERNA Credit Card at zero joining and annual fees Fully geared up for the summer season to fuel your travel plan, the Lifetime Free offer is valid for a limited period until 30th June 2026. ETERNA will offer unlimited domestic lounge access, accelerated rewards on travel, dining and international spends, reduced forex markup, and other premium lifestyle features. These benefits will help customers achieve their travel goals without stressing about the costs. Beyond fulfilling travel goals, this offer enables customers to unlock meaningful annual savings through waived fees and ongoing partner-led offers, with regular BOBCARD users potentially saving INR 4,500–INR 5,000 annually, while ETERNA cardholders can unlock value exceeding INR 1,00,000 per year through a combination of premium benefits and lifestyle-led offers. Over a three-year period, Lifetime Free cardholders can realise savings of ₹15,000+ compared to similar fee-based offerings in the market. Under this offer, cardholders are eligible for a range of features including accelerated reward points (15 reward points per INR100) on select luxury spending categories like travel, dining, international, online shopping, a 1+1 complimentary movie ticket benefit every month, 3 rewards points on all other spends, and spend-based rewards. These benefits, combined with curated partner offers, further enhance the overall savings potential for customers across every day and premium spending categories. The card also includes a welcome benefit, 12 months FITPASS Pro membership, valued at INR 48,000, allowing customers access to FITPASS partner gyms across the country for a full year at no additional cost. The cards further provide unlimited complimentary domestic airport lounge access, delivering additional lifestyle value that contributes to the overall annual savings proposition for cardholders. In addition, the ETERNA Credit Card offers a low foreign currency markup and supports UPI-linked credit card payments on its RuPay variant and GPay linkage on Visa & Mastercard variants, enabling usage across both international transactions and everyday domestic spends. The card also provides personal accident insurance coverage, a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, lifetime free add-on cards, and flexible EMI with tenures 6 to 48 months. Cardholders can further access periodic merchant offers through BOBCARD’s partnerships with top shopping & travel platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Make My Trip, Yatra, Reliance Digital, Myntra, & more. These partnerships play a key role in consistently driving additional value and savings for cardholders throughout the year. With this Lifetime Free offer, BOBCARD aims to make premium credit card benefits more accessible, while reinforcing its commitment to delivering value-driven and customer-centric financial solutions. Commenting on the LTF offer, Mr Ravindra Rai MD & CEO BOBCARD LIMITED, said, “At BOBCARD, we continue to focus on adding value for customers from the very beginning of their relationship with us. This limited-period Lifetime Free offer on the BOBCARD ETERNA Credit Card is intended to provide new customers access to premium benefits without joining or annual fees, while enabling a rewarding and hassle-free credit card experience. The offer also supports cardholders across their everyday spending, travel, and lifestyle needs.”

From the banks of the Bosphorus to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia — the landscapes that captivated India’s biggest filmmakers are waiting for you Long before the travel itinerary, there was the movie hall. For millions of Indian audiences, their first glimpse of Türkiye arrived not through a guidebook but through a cinema screen — a chase sequence across the rooftops of İstanbul, a song filmed against the surreal rock formations of Cappadocia, a romantic montage set against the glittering waters of the Bosphorus. Türkiye has, over two decades of Bollywood filmmaking, become one of the industry’s most beloved locations — and the country is now inviting Indian travellers to move from spectator to explorer, and discover for themselves the landscapes that have long held Bollywood’s imagination. Türkiye’s appeal to Indian filmmakers is neither coincidental nor fleeting. The country offers something that few destinations can match: the visual variety of an entire continent compressed into a single nation. Ancient Ottoman architecture, medieval bazaars, volcanic valleys, turquoise coastlines, and a metropolis that straddles two continents — each of these has provided Bollywood directors with ready-made cinema. The result is a destination that Indian travellers already know, in the most instinctive sense, before they have set foot on Turkish soil. İstanbul: The City That Has Played Every Part Of all Türkiye’s cities, İstanbul has drawn Bollywood’s lens most frequently and most dramatically. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus strait, and the Maiden’s Tower have all featured in major Indian productions. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s Ek Tha Tiger brought the Maiden’s Tower to mass Indian audiences; the thriller Baby used İstanbul’s streets as its high-stakes backdrop; the ensemble drama Dil Dhadakne Do shoot against the city’s waterways, with its skyline visible in the frame. Abhishek Bachchan’s Guru filmed the celebrated ‘Mayya Mayya’ sequence inside İstanbul’s Nuruosmaniye Mosque, turning a sacred Ottoman interior into one of the most visually striking song picturisation in modern Bollywood. For the Indian traveller, a walk through İstanbul’s Historic Peninsula is, in the most literal sense, a walk through Bollywood history — the same arcades, the same water, the same architecture that the camera found. Cappadocia: Where Bollywood Found Its Other World Cappadocia’s landscape of volcanic fairy chimneys, cave monasteries, underground cities and hot air balloon-filled skies has made it one of Türkiye’s most recognisable locations for Indian audiences. The region’s geology — millennia of eruption and erosion producing formations found nowhere else on earth — gives it a quality that filmmakers describe as naturally cinematic. Director Ribhu Dasgupta’s action production Durga was shot across Cappadocia’s dramatic terrain, adding the region to the growing roster of Bollywood-stamped locations across the country. For travellers who have watched those landscapes on screen and felt the pull of the unfamiliar, Cappadocia delivers exactly what the camera promised. Antalya and Bodrum: The Mediterranean Canvas Türkiye’s southern and western coastlines have long provided Bollywood with its sun-drenched sequences. The ancient city of Perge in Antalya was used as a filming location for Race, while the Mardan Palace Hotel in the same province appeared in Ek Tha Tiger. Antalya’s combination of Roman ruins, resort infrastructure, and coastal drama makes it a natural set — and a natural destination for travellers who want to pair cultural discovery with the kind of landscape that regularly makes international cinema’s shortlist. Beyond the Frame: Türkiye Supports Film Tourism at Every Level Türkiye’s emergence as a premier Bollywood filming destination has been supported, in part, by a deliberate government policy to attract international film productions through infrastructure, logistical support, and location facilitation. Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha, an adaptation of Forrest Gump, was among those confirmed for Turkish locations, with shoots planned across İstanbul, Adana, and Mount Demirkazık in Niğde. The action film Race 2, the drama Game, and Mission Istanbul: Darr ke Aagey Jeet Hai have all filmed across Turkish cities, steadily deepening a filmography that now gives Indian travellers an extraordinary map — one plotted in scenes they have already seen, places they already feel they know. For travellers motivated by nostalgia as much as novelty, that familiarity is the invitation. Türkiye has been on Indian screens for two decades. The country is now extending a more direct one.

Trimex Foods Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading multi-brand restaurant operators, has been awarded exclusive franchise rights in India for Panda Express, the world’s largest American Chinese dining brand, by a Subsidiary of Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. Through this alliance, Trimex Foods will introduce and scale Panda Express’ operations to 100 stores, with an investment of Rs 400 crore, starting with Delhi NCR, and across major metros and emerging cities. This partnership marks a major milestone in Trimex Foods’ growth journey and signals a new chapter in the expansion of fast casual brands in India. Customers here will now be able to enjoy the brand’s iconic signature dishes such as Original Orange ChickenR and Honey Walnut ShrimpR “At Trimex Foods, we are committed to partnering with brands that combine strong global appeal with local adaptability,” said Vaibhav Kaushish, a spokesperson for Trimex Foods Pvt. Ltd.  “Panda Express embodies innovation and quality, and we are confident that its signature wok-cooked dishes and warm, dining experience will resonate strongly with India’s increasingly adventurous and discerning food lovers.” Trimex Foods’ extensive experience in operating international restaurant brands in India – including Chili’sR Grill & Bar, PAUL, CinnabonR- positions it uniquely to lead Panda Express’ market entry and build long-term brand love. Supported by a strong infrastructure spanning real estate, supply chain, and culinary innovation, Trimex plans rollout starting 2027. “We are delighted to partner with Trimex Foods, whose proven track record serving guests and caring for and developing their people, make them the ideal custodian of Panda Express. India is one of the most dynamic restaurant markets in the world, and this collaboration is an exciting step forward in our global expansion,” said Doug Stalgren, spokesperson for Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. Founded in 1983 by Andrew and Dr. Peggy Cherng, Panda Express currently has an annual turnover of over $ 6 billion. The brand operates over 2,600 restaurants across 12 countries globally, blending Chinese-inspired recipes with American hospitality. The brand’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and family values has garnered international acclaim – including recognition as a 2026 Brand Icon by Nation’s Restaurant News for its enduring global appeal.

BLS International, a leading global AI & tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, has commenced Belarus visa operations in Mumbai, India, reinforcing its commitment to delivering accessible and efficient visa facilitation services to applicants. The Belarus Visa Application Centre (VAC) facilitates visas for all categories, including travel purposes such as Transit, Tourism, Business, Study, Private, and Participation in cultural, educational, sports, and scientific events. Designed to provide a seamless submission experience, the visa application centre features dedicated, professionally managed facilities within a secure environment. With well-connected public transport options, the VAC is conveniently accessible to applicants. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, said, “India’s outbound travel market is growing at an extraordinary pace, and our responsibility as a global visa facilitation leader is to ensure that every aspiring traveller has access to a seamless, dignified, and efficient visa experience. The commencement of Belarus visa operations in Mumbai is a reflection of that commitment — bringing a new destination within closer reach of Indian travellers while upholding the highest standards of service delivery. At BLS International, we don’t just process visas; we open doors to the world.” BLS International continues to focus on delivering an efficient, transparent, and applicant-friendly submission process in accordance with official guidelines.