Travel

As the festive season brings its familiar rush of celebrations and packed itineraries, Bhutan offers a different kind of escape, shaped by ancient traditions, Himalayan landscapes and a deep connection with nature. Across five lodges set within the kingdom’s western and central valleys, Six Senses Bhutan brings together cultural discovery, thoughtful hospitality and opportunities to slow down, with each stop revealing a different side of the country. The journey unfolds through distinctive settings, from Six Senses Thimphu, nestled among apple orchards and pine forests and known as the Palace in the Sky, to Punakha’s Flying Farmhouse, set amid rice fields in one of Bhutan’s warmer valleys. At Paro, the Stone Ruins lodge is perched within 12th-century stone ruins, while Bumthang’s Forest in a Forest setting brings guests closer to the surrounding pine forest and river valley. At Paro, guests can experience Chubjakha Ruins Regale, a candlelit destination dining experience that evokes medieval Bhutan, complete with specially crafted cocktails, a Bhutanese menu cooked over an open fire and traditional masked-dance performances. The lodge also offers a base for an early start to the climb to Taktsang Lhakhang, better known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. In Gangtey, the Phobjikha Valley becomes the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes arriving from Tibet each October. Inspired by a traditional birdwatching bridge, the lodge offers views across the valley, while walking trails and cycling routes provide opportunities to experience its distinctive landscape and conservation setting. The sense of place extends to the dining experience, with Six Senses’ Eat With Six Senses philosophy centred on natural ingredients and wholesome, locally sourced produce. Guests can discover Bhutanese life through experiences such as mushroom foraging with a local chef, butter lamp lighting ceremonies with monks and visits to monasteries that remain integral to the country’s spiritual heritage. Wellness is woven into the journey through sunrise meditation, yoga, holistic spa treatments and traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths. For those looking to celebrate the festive season differently, these experiences offer a chance to trade crowded itineraries for time in nature, meaningful cultural encounters and moments of stillness. Whether exploring all five valleys or choosing a single lodge, Six Senses Bhutan offers a thoughtful way to close the year and welcome the next, with a renewed sense of connection.

As part of VA250, Visit Abingdon is thrilled to announce the launch of Traveling Back to Revolutionary Times: Abingdon, Virginia’s Revolutionary War Trail, a new mobile walking tour experience and passport powered by Bandwango. The mobile experience invites visitors and locals to explore the area’s Revolutionary War heritage and earn prizes along the way. After a period of beta testing with spring and summer visitors, this FREE, mobile passport officially launches today, offering a guided journey through Abingdon’s historic sites and homes, connecting guests with the people, places and stories that shaped the community during the nation’s founding era. The passport brings history to life through a combination of GPS-guided stops, multimedia storytelling and on-site engagement. Participants can visit locations such as The Muster Grounds, Sinking Spring Cemetery, and The Tavern, where custom plaques with QR codes unlock deeper layers of content. These digital touch points provide access to historical narratives, images, and audio-visual experiences that highlight the lives of local patriots, the events, and places that defined the region during the 18th century. The mobile experience also offers previously unseen insight into Abingdon’s Revolutionary history through exclusive interviews with homeowners and historians, plus rare interior footage from historic residences like the William King House that are not open for public visitation, providing an insider’s look into some of the town’s most significant locations. The pass is designed to be accessible for a wide range of audiences, including visitors, locals, students and history enthusiasts. The Revolutionary War Trail also includes opportunities for participants to reflect on their visits and share the experience with others via social media. “Abingdon’s Revolutionary War Trail offers a thoughtful and engaging way to experience our town’s history,” said Gabe Cristofari, Senior Planner and Town of Abingdon Staff Liaison to the Historic Preservation Review Board. “By combining historical preservation with modern technology, we are able to present these important stories in a format that resonates with today’s audiences while honoring the significance of our past. We look forward to welcoming both visitors and locals to discover Abingdon’s role in the early chapters of American history, especially during America’s 250th anniversary.”  In addition to preserving and sharing Abingdon’s Revolutionary history, Visit Abingdon hopes the mobile experience will encourage visitors to spend more time exploring the town’s historic downtown district. As participants travel between trail stops, they are invited to discover Abingdon’s locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and attractions, creating new opportunities to support local businesses while experiencing the community’s rich heritage firsthand. By blending technology with historical storytelling, the experience transforms Abingdon into a living museum, encouraging exploration and discovery at every stop. Each location along the trail provides a new perspective on the Revolutionary era, helping participants better understand the origins of freedom in a place where history unfolded firsthand.

Indian travellers trade screens for peace, souvenirs for exclusive finds & sightseeing for wellness In a fragmented and often overstimulating world, Indian travellers are increasingly seeking value not just in what they spend but what they gain. Whether that means unplugging completely, travelling for an exclusive purchase, maintaining a wellness routine on the road, celebrating together, following music and culture, or tracing history and mythology – getaways are increasingly reflecting how Indians choose to live. And despite broader consumer spending slowing and global economic tides shifting,  travel appetite remains strong – with 58% of Indians planning to travel abroad more in 2027. Instead of giving up on travel, Indians are adapting how they spend, with 56% planning to spend more on flights and 44% on accommodation. At the same time, value remains central, with 67% having changed a holiday destination or considered doing so because an alternative offered better value. Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India, said: “Indian travellers are entering 2027 with a stronger appetite to explore, but they are also becoming more considered about how they spend their time and money. We’re seeing a shift from simply choosing where to go towards thinking more carefully about the experience they want from a trip, whether that is switching off, discovering something new, staying active or getting better value. With 87% of Indians now confident using AI to plan and book travel, technology is also becoming an important part of this decision-making journey. Tools such as Skyscanner’s Explore with AI can help travellers turn an idea into a trip, while features like Price Alerts and Drops can help them stay on top of fares and spot opportunities to travel for less. The opportunity for travellers in 2027 is to use these tools to be more flexible and intentional, without compromising on the experiences that matter most.” Combining exclusive Skyscanner proprietary data with insights into 2,000 Indian travelles and supporting data from trusted partner, the seven trends shaping travel in 2027 include: Sound Bound – Music is taking Indian travellers beyond traditional concert halls, with 43% choosing carnival experiences and 38% preferring unique venues such as volcanoes, pyramids and caves for music-based experiences while on holiday. While genre leads as the biggest consideration at 27%, cultural immersion (20%) and seeing a new venue (19%) also shape music-led travel. Signal Severance – Switching off is easier said than done for Indian travellers, with 43% saying it takes a little time to clear their head and stop checking their phone, while only 23% switch off immediately at the start of their journey. Yet going off-grid could help them reconnect with what matters, with 75% saying they would feel more connected to nature and 73% to themselves without their phones. In response, destinations offering a chance to slow down and switch off are seeing rising demand, with Pokhara, Agatti and Phu Quoc emerging as top destinations for digital disconnection. Gymcation – Health and fitness travel is inspiring Indian travellers to seek out destinations where staying active and prioritising nutritious choices is as easy as sightseeing. 91% are likely to book a hotel offering nutritional-performance breakfast options, while 53% actively look for fitness facilities and are willing to choose one hotel over another if its fitness offering is better. Deepak “Our registration data shows that fitness is no longer something Indians pause when they travel – it’s becoming a reason to travel. Nearly half the athletes at our Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru events this year travelled from another city, sometimes another state, just to compete. That tells us the ‘gym-cation’ isn’t a niche behaviour anymore; for a growing number of Indian travellers, a workout event is now as legitimate a reason to book a trip as a concert or a marathon.” Pilgra-merch – The best keepsakes are the ones you have to travel for. 80% of Indians have visited a specific destination or store to purchase a location-exclusive item, with Gen Z (84%) and Millennials (82%) particularly likely to have travelled for an exclusive purchase. Nearly half (49%) would even fly for up to three to six hours to buy something they cannot get elsewhere. Sten Do Surge – As couples marry later in life and move away from traditionally gendered celebrations, the classic ‘stag’ or ‘hen’ trip is giving way to a more inclusive era of joint travel – the ‘Sten Do’. 73% Indian travellers prefer either a shared celebration or a mix of shared and separate celebrations. Fun (64%), more time together before the wedding (53%), convenience (49%) and cost savings (48%) are driving the shift. Grand Odysseys – In a fast-paced world, history and mythology offer context, grounding travellers in timeless human stories. For Indian travellers, the past is inspiring the present, with 89% having had their travel plans inspired by a historic event, a classical story or myth, or both. Historical figures (61%), architectural wonders (57%) and mythological legends (52%) are among the strongest sources of inspiration. Currency Chasers – Savvy Indian travellers are actively matching destinations to better value. 69% always or often consider a destination’s currency strength when booking holidays, while 67% have actually changed a holiday destination because another offered better value. Among Gen Z, that rises to 77% when including those who have changed or considered changing destination. Trending & Best Value Destinations Skyscanner’s experts have highlighted the key travel behaviours and destinations shaping Indian travel in 2027, with international travel appetite remaining strong and travellers increasingly seeking experiences that offer better value, wellness, culture and discovery. For Indian travellers looking to make the most of their holiday budgets in 2027, value is a key consideration.  Top 10 Trending Destinations List Trending Destinations* % Increase In Searches Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan +748% Rupsi, India +502% Okinawa, Japan +279% Malvan, India +258% Tirana, Albania +237% Podgorica, Montenegro +236% Sandakan, Malaysia +189% Pokhara, Nepal +166% Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei +139% Phu Quoc, Vietnam +133%  Top 10 Best Value Destinations List Best Value Destinations** % Price Drop Jaisalmer, India

Technology, talent and an unwavering focus on the customer will be critical to maintaining competitiveness as the travel industry enters its next phase of growth, according to senior industry leaders at Arabian Travel Market 2026. Industry Leaders Discuss Future Readiness at ATM 2026 The insights were revealed during From Rebound to Readiness: Shaping What’s Next Across the Travel Ecosystem, an executive roundtable presented by FUTURE & at the ATM Experience Hub. The session brought together senior decision-makers from destinations, hospitality, technology, digital travel and payments to examine how organisations can strengthen their readiness for the future. Led by Sita Sahu, CEO and Founder, FUTURE&, the roundtable featured Liam Findlay, Chief Executive Officer, Miral Destinations; Pratik Kachroo, Executive Director, Khamas Hospitality; Leon Li, Vice President, Public Affairs, Alibaba Fliggy; Anthony Nakache, Managing Director MENA, Google; and Maha Nizam, Head of GCC Marketing, Visa. Changing Traveller Expectations and Technology Changing traveller expectations were high on the agenda, with participants highlighting growing demand for seamless planning, greater personalisation and more integrated experiences throughout the customer journey. Anthony Nakache, Managing Director MENA, Google, said: “Travellers want frictionless planning, more personalised experiences and greater integration. The distinctions between destination experiences are increasingly blurring, and consumers now expect everything at the same time. The good news is that the technology is there to support stakeholders across the ecosystem in responding to these expectations, from planning and delivery through to post-holiday engagement. AI can help the industry fulfil many of these higher expectations.” AI and Human Talent in the Travel Sector While AI and emerging technologies are expected to play an increasingly significant role across the sector, participants also stressed the importance of people in delivering meaningful travel experiences. Maha Nizam, Head of GCC Marketing, Visa, said: “Travel is a very human and personal experience. Technology can help us become more personalised, but ultimately it should elevate what people can do within an organisation. AI and technology will continue to attract investment, but our people, employees and consumers are what reflect the journey, what a company stands for and how we can serve travellers better.” Customer-Centricity Remains a Key Priority Customer-centricity was also identified as a key consideration for businesses balancing competing commercial and operational priorities. Liam Findlay, Chief Executive Officer, Miral Destinations, said: “Every conversation we have, whether it is about revenue or product development, always comes back to the customer first. What does the customer want and how will they react? Priorities will always differ in our industry, but for us it is simple: the customer is always number one. Whatever we do as an organisation at Miral, that priority is driven from the top all the way down.” Future Readiness Becomes a Competitive Priority As travel enters its next phase of growth, future readiness is emerging as a competitive priority for businesses across the sector. As traveller expectations evolve and technology accelerates change, industry leaders are shifting their attention from short-term recovery to the capabilities, partnerships, and investment decisions needed to drive long-term growth and maintain competitive advantage. Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said: “Future readiness is about turning change into competitive advantage. The decisions businesses make today around technology, talent and customer experience will determine how effectively they can respond to the opportunities ahead.” ATM 2026 Explores Travel 2040 and Innovation Held under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology, ATM 2026 is examining how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and evolving traveller expectations are influencing the future of tourism. The Experience Hub’s roundtable programme complements ATM’s wider conference agenda with focused peer-to-peer discussions, bringing together industry professionals to exchange practical challenges, commercial realities and operational insights. Arabian Travel Market Continues to Connect the Global Travel Industry Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market remains the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East, bringing together the global travel community to develop partnerships, share knowledge and explore new business opportunities across the sector. ATM 2026 continues at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday 17 September.

The Korea Tourism Organization New Delhi Office hosted a travel mart and roadshow in Chennai on September 11, 2026, at the ITC Grand Chola, bringing together Korea’s tourism industry with Tamil Nadu’s travel trade community. The roadshow was attended by more than 500 travel trade professionals, with participation from 16 Korean destination management companies and 5 airline partners. Representatives from the Korea Visa Application Centre were also present, offering attendees direct insight into visa processes for travel to Korea. The roadshow saw participation from several distinguished guests, including: Ms Hyeran Chun, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai Mr Raja Gopal Sunkara, IAS, Director of Tourism, & Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Mr Nam Soo Park, Head, Korea Visa Application Centre Members of leading travel trade associations, including TAAI, TAFI, OTOAI, ETAA, and SKÅL International India, also attended, reflecting strong industry interest in the growing tourism relationship between Korea and the southern region. Ms Cho Yoonmi, Director, Korea Tourism Organization New Delhi Office, made her first visit to Chennai. She shared: “The presence of 16 DMCs and five airline partners in one room here in Chennai shows just how seriously the industry is taking Korea as a growing destination for Indian travellers. I was genuinely encouraged by the enthusiasm we saw from the trade today. We are also working closely with our airline partners to strengthen connectivity from the southern region, making it easier than ever for travellers here to explore Korea. This is just the start. We’re committed to building long-term partnerships across Tamil Nadu and the southern region.” The evening program continued with the KTO team presenting an overview of Korea’s tourism offerings to the attendees, followed by a performance by THE PAINTERS, a Korean live art performance group known for combining painting, music, dance, and visual artistry. The event concluded with a gala dinner, bringing together trade partners, government officials, and industry representatives to mark the occasion.

Luxury weekend getaways in India offer the perfect opportunity to step away from everyday routines without planning a full-fledged holiday. A few days can be enough to wake up among coffee plantations, disappear into a mist-covered forest, enjoy uninterrupted Himalayan views or simply spend time somewhere that asks very little of you. The best escape, however, depends on what you want from the break. From a working coffee plantation in Coorg to a remote Himalayan ridge in Kasar Devi, here are six luxury stays for different ways of spending a long weekend. Luxury Weekend Getaways in India for Coffee, Rain and Culture Set within a 300-acre working coffee and spice plantation, Evolve Back Coorg offers an immersive way to experience the landscape and culture of Kodagu. A stay can begin with a guided plantation walk or a Coffeeology session at the Sidapur Coffee & Culture Museum, before moving beyond the property to discover the region’s traditions. Guests can cycle through neighbouring villages with a naturalist, visit a traditional Ainemane and follow it with a home-cooked Kodava lunch. During the monsoon, the plantation takes on a particularly lush character, making the landscape itself part of the experience. For travellers looking for a long weekend that feels distinctly removed from city life, Coorg offers a combination of nature, local culture and time to slow down. For those who would rather disappear into the forest Spread across 76 acres of coffee plantations and ancient forest, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary offers a secluded take on a monsoon escape. Misty mornings, forest trails, birdsong and a seven-acre lake make the surrounding landscape central to the experience. The resort’s 27,000 sq. ft. wellness centre brings together Ayurvedic traditions, modern recovery practices and the Aujasya wellness programme, while its all-villa accommodation offers privacy for those who would rather spend the long weekend without a packed itinerary. It is particularly suited to travellers whose idea of a break is fewer plans, more nature and plenty of time to themselves. Come for the coffee, stay for the company Chikmagalur’s coffee-growing landscape provides the setting for The Serai, located at the foothills and slopes of the Western Ghats. Surrounded by plantations, thick green canopy and the rain-fed landscapes of Malenadu, the property offers an easy base from which to experience the region. For friends or siblings travelling together, the appeal is less about ticking off a sightseeing list and more about having a landscape to explore together. The days can move between plantation experiences, time outdoors and long stretches of simply enjoying the weather and company. For those who want Goa for the calm In the quiet neighbourhood of Cuelim in South Goa, The Postcard Cuelim occupies a historic property overlooking 3,500 acres of green paddy fields. At its centre is a 350-year-old chapel, while the property retains the character of its Portuguese heritage. For travellers with little interest in crowded beaches and busy nightlife, Cuelim offers another version of Goa. Mornings can begin with views of the surrounding fields, while the rest of the day can be spent within the heritage property or exploring the quieter side of South Goa. It is a stay for those who want the destination without feeling obliged to see all of it. For the traveller who wants to get properly away Perched on a ridge in Kasar Devi above Almora, The Kumaon offers a remote escape, with just 10 suites overlooking the Himalayan landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces make the mountains an integral part of the stay rather than something to be visited on an excursion. Those looking to explore can take a waterfall hike, visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary or walk through villages and terraced farms. For everyone else, the setting itself makes a strong case for doing very little. This is the option for travellers who want a long weekend that feels genuinely removed from their usual surroundings. For those who want wildlife, open skies and room to breathe Set in the rural landscape of Rajasthan, RAAS Chhatrasagar overlooks a private reservoir against the Aravalli hills. Its 16 luxury tents offer privacy and views of the lake, while the surrounding landscape provides plenty to explore. More than 250 bird species can be spotted around Chhatrasagar, with nature walks and birdwatching offering an opportunity to experience the landscape at a slower pace. Kayaking, sunset boat rides, wilderness safaris and village experiences offer other ways to spend the day. It is a different take on a luxury long weekend: less about a packed itinerary and more about having open landscape and wildlife all around you.

Thomas Cook Indian travellers increasingly look beyond conventional holiday formats, distinctive destinations combined with ease of access and curated experiences are emerging as important considerations in holiday planning. Recognizing the opportunity across destinations where connectivity can be a consideration, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched exclusive charter flights to Lakshadweep from Bengaluru for the year-end holiday season. Thomas Cook Launches Lakshadweep Charter Flights From Bengaluru Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel will operate five exclusive charter departures between Bengaluru and Agatti from December 2026, creating enhanced access to Lakshadweep during the peak year-end travel period. The charter-led holiday is positioned as a premium, all-inclusive beach experience, bringing together exclusive charter connectivity, premium accommodation, meals and curated experiences for travellers seeking a more immersive island holiday. The specially curated journeys provide access to the spectacular islands of Thinnakara and Bangaram, with a choice of premium stays including Praveg’s Atoll at Thinnakara, Taj Coral Pearl Bangaram and IHCL SeleQtions, Bangaram. Travellers can choose from non-sea-view and sea-view room categories, based on their preferred holiday experience. From turquoise waters and coral landscapes to the distinctive character of island living, the offering brings together the destination’s natural beauty with the convenience of an end-to-end holiday experience. Thomas Cook and SOTC Plan Five Agatti Departures in December 2026 The charter initiative forms part of Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s broader focus on identifying opportunities where enhanced connectivity can enable greater access to sought-after destinations. During the same period, the companies are also operating charter flights to Bhutan from Mumbai, complementing the new Lakshadweep connectivity from Bengaluru. Together, these initiatives reflect an approach centered on identifying routes where there is an opportunity to bridge connectivity gaps and create more convenient access to destinations with strong traveller interest. The Avismarniya Bhutan Fly Direct offering provides travellers with a curated opportunity to explore the Himalayan kingdom, with four distinct holiday products designed around different accommodation choices as well as differentiated experiences. This allows travellers to select a Bhutan journey based not just on where they stay, but also on the type of experience they want to enjoy across the destination. From Bhutan’s monasteries and dramatic landscapes to its distinctive cultural heritage and immersive experiences, the portfolio offers multiple ways to discover the Himalayan kingdom, supported by charter connectivity from Mumbai. Thomas Cook Expands Charter Holiday Strategy With Bhutan Flights Across both destinations, the focus is on going beyond connectivity alone to create thoughtfully curated holiday experiences. Lakshadweep brings together a premium, all-inclusive island escape with exclusive charter connectivity from Bengaluru, while Bhutan combines charter access from Mumbai with a choice of four differentiated holiday products centered around the destination’s landscapes, culture and immersive experiences. Together, the charter-led journeys reflect the evolving preferences of Indian travellers for distinctive destinations that offer both ease of access and richer, more personalized holiday experiences. Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Indian travellers are increasingly looking for holidays that bring together distinctive destinations, greater convenience and meaningful experiences. Lakshadweep offers a compelling premium beach holiday proposition, and our charter series from Bengaluru brings together exclusive connectivity with premium accommodation, meals and curated experiences as an all-inclusive holiday. At the same time, our charter-led approach across Lakshadweep and Bhutan allows us to identify opportunities where enhanced connectivity can make sought-after destinations more accessible. This gives us the flexibility to create more distinctive holiday options in response to the way Indian travellers are choosing to travel today.” Mr. S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, said, “Charter-led travel enables us to look beyond conventional connectivity and create holiday opportunities around destinations where access can be enhanced through a more curated approach. Lakshadweep is particularly compelling as a premium, all-inclusive island holiday, while Bhutan offers a very different proposition centred around its landscapes, culture and immersive experiences. With charter operations from Bengaluru to Lakshadweep and from Mumbai to Bhutan, and four distinct Bhutan holiday products offering differentiated accommodation and experiences, we are bringing together destinations and travel formats that reflect the growing preference among Indian travellers for greater choice, convenience and more distinctive ways to holiday.”

With a strategic focus on capitalising on the strong and growing travel demand from Chennai—one of its key source markets, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has inaugurated its new outlet in Manapakkam, Chennai. The new outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to 10 locations in the city and 16 across the State, enhancing access to its comprehensive range of travel services. Manapakkam is emerging as a prominent residential and IT hub in Chennai. With its expanding residential and corporate ecosystem, Manapakkam has emerged as an important catchment for a diverse and growing base of travellers. Thomas Cook India Manapakkam Outlet Strengthens Chennai Network The new outlet will cater to travellers from Manapakkam and its neighbouring catchments across diverse customer segments of families, couples, Young India’s Millennials and GenZ, business travellers and GenS (seniors). Thomas Cook’s Manapakkam outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised Hholidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance, etc. Additionally, Thomas Cook’s AI booking platform assists customers in planning their personalized vacations in real time by checking availability and making reservations in a matter of minutes. Chennai/Tamil Nadu Travel Trends Year-round travel:Chennai travellers are increasingly leveraging public holidays and weekends to take multiple short breaks and mini-cations throughout the year, extending travel beyond traditional holiday seasons. Growing demand for pilgrimage and spiritual tourism:Pilgrimage and spiritual travel continue to gain momentum, with Thomas Cook India strengthening its Spiritual Tourism portfolio to cater to this growing segment. Key destinations include Kailash Mansarovar, Char Dham, Puri, Kashi, Ujjain and Ayodhya. Emergence of fresh new destinations:Chennai travellers are displaying growing interest in destinations such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Iceland, Antarctica and Seychelles. Cruise holidays and charter flight-based holidays are also gaining traction. Demand for unique experiences:Travellers are increasingly seeking differentiated and immersive experiences, while exploring emerging destinations beyond conventional itineraries. Top destinations: International: Europe’s Switzerland, France, Austria, Italy, Spain; the Scandinavian countries of Finland, Norway and Sweden; Eastern European destinations such as the Czech Republic and Hungary; Australia and New Zealand; South America; Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Japan and South Korea; as well as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Domestic and Indian subcontinent: Kashmir-Leh, Northeast India, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Kerala, Sri Lanka and Andaman

Thomas Cook India Ahmedabad, with a strategic focus on Gujarat’s strong and growing travel market, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has inaugurated its new outlet in Ahmedabad’s Nikol area. The outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to 5 locations in the city and 12 across Gujarat, strengthening access to its comprehensive portfolio of travel and holiday solutions. Thomas Cook India Ahmedabad Travel Trends Ahmedabad is a key source market for Gujarat and the wider West India region, with travellers increasingly exploring new destinations and experiences through multiple short breaks, weekend getaways and public-holiday travel. The market also has a strong preference for group travel, regional departures and curated experiences tailored to local cultural and dietary preferences. The new outlet will cater to families, couples, millennials & GenZ, business travellers and GenS (seniors), offering end-to-end solutions including domestic and international holidays, group tours, personalised holidays, cruises and travel insurance. Thomas Cook India’s AI-powered booking platform further enables customers to plan personalised vacations, check availability and make reservations seamlessly. Ahmedabad-Gujarat Travel Trends: Year-round travel:Gujarati travellers are increasingly using public holidays and weekends for multiple short breaks and mini-cations beyond the traditional holiday season. Strong preference for group travel:Gujarati-specific group tours remain popular, with travellers valuing Gujarati-speaking Tour Managers and vegetarian/Jain food preferences. Gujarati-specific regional and festive tours:Departures such as Albelu Europe, Aneru Europe and Adhbhut Asia are gaining popularity, offering curated experiences with Gujarati language and cuisine preferences. Growing spiritual tourism:Pilgrimage and spiritual travel continue to gain momentum, with Thomas Cook India strengthening its Spiritual Tourism portfolio to cater to this segment. Unique experiences and new destinations:Travellers are increasingly seeking differentiated experiences and exploring emerging destinations beyond conventional itineraries. New connectivity-led opportunities: Improved air connectivity is opening up new outbound opportunities, with Sri Lanka emerging as an attractive option. Thomas Cook India has introduced special packages with direct flights to Sri Lanka ex-Ahmedabad, offering greater convenience to travellers.

Mechukha Trout Quest 2.0 draws 56 anglers from Bhutan, Thailand and across India to the Yargyap-chu River near the China border, closing with a call to build sustainable, community-led tourism in the valley Mechukha Trout Quest 2026 has put the remote Himalayan valley of Mechukha in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district firmly on the adventure-tourism map. Tucked into a remote Himalayan valley in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district, minutes from the China border, Mechukha has spent the last few days doing what few destinations this far off India’s tourism map manage to do: pulling elite international competitors to its doorstep. The second edition of the Mechukha Trout Quest concluded on July 26, 2026, with a valedictory ceremony that doubled as a statement of intent — that this valley, and its pristine Yargyap-chu River, is ready to be taken seriously as a destination for high-end, responsible adventure tourism. Mechukha Trout Quest 2026 Brings 56 Anglers to Arunachal Pradesh The tournament drew a field of 56 elite anglers, including competitors from Bhutan, Thailand and across Indian states, competing along the banks of a river still clean and cold enough to sustain a serious game-fishing circuit — increasingly rare in the Himalaya, and increasingly the reason serious anglers are willing to travel this far to cast a line. The event featured Shri Bobby Satpal, widely regarded as India’s foremost fly angler and guide, headlining a field that organisers say has firmly placed Arunachal Pradesh on the international adventure-tourism map. The Mechukha Trout Quest 2026 also, organisers built in a dedicated local competition exclusively for residents of Shi Yomi district, held at the high-altitude Pasang Sonam Lake. Local anglers competed for a top prize of ₹1,00,000, with ₹50,000 for the runner-up — a deliberate choice to ensure the tournament’s economic benefit reached the valley’s own communities, not just visiting competitors. Sustainable Fishing at Mechukha Trout Quest 2026 At Mechukha Trout Quest 2026, conservation remained oversaw the technical and conservation side of the competition. Dsouza serves as India’s Representative for the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) and as Vice President of Environment for the All India Game Fishing Association — credentials that ensured the tournament ran to international conservation and sporting standards throughout, reinforcing the event’s positioning as a catch-and-release, low-impact model for game fishing rather than a purely extractive sport. Mechukha Trout Quest 2026 Promotes Sustainable Adventure Tourism Mechukha Trout Quest 2026 was organised in collaboration in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as part of a longer-term strategy to strengthen the state’s adventure-tourism infrastructure and visitor experience. Officials said the department remains focused on turning responsible, community-engaged angling into a genuine economic driver for remote border districts like Shi Yomi — the kind of high-value, low-volume tourism model increasingly seen as the right fit for ecologically sensitive Himalayan valleys. Arunachal Pradesh Backs Community-Led Adventure Tourism The closing ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Guest of Honour Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Education and RWD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; along with Shri Rujjum Rakshap, Director of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Manjunath R., IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Shi-Yomi District; and Army officers from the region. Chief Guest Shri Gabriel Wangsu presented the cash prizes across the professional fly-fishing, lure-fishing and local community categories. In his valedictory address, Minister Wangsu underscored the need for sustainable tourism models built specifically around Mechukha’s ecology, describing regulated, eco-friendly adventure sports like this tournament as essential to generating long-term economic welfare for local communities, a vision he tied directly to the Department of Tourism’s broader mandate to use inclusive, community-first tourism as a driver of regional growth. Mechukha Emerges as a New Adventure-Tourism Frontier Departing competitors, guided throughout by Tournament Director Derek Dsouza in his capacity as an official IGFA representative, left the valley with more than medals: several international anglers reportedly committed to returning for the next edition, citing the region’s professional organisation and its still-untouched high-altitude terrain. For a valley this remote, that kind of repeat interest from international competitors is itself a strong early signal — the sort travel operators and adventure-tourism boards elsewhere spend years trying to manufacture.