LUXURY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
India's rich turn to concierge cards for things money alone can't buy
Luxury concierge firms like Sulit Lifestyle and Lunar Tales are catering to ultra-high-net-worth clients in India. These firms focus on sourcing rare luxury items that are often hard to find. Requests for such products have significantly increased in recent years, underscoring rising demand. Clients are willing to pay substantial premiums for speed and exclusivity when acquiring these items.
Travel platforms and hotels see uptick in bookings for Diwali
An impressive uptick in Diwali travel bookings has been recorded this year, surpassing last year's figures. Online travel sites report a boom in both domestic and international reservations, particularly among Gen Z adventurers. These travellers are opting for extended holidays and making early bookings, indicating a shift towards peaceful, eco-friendly options that allow them to escape the hustle of urban life.
Cordelia Cruises targets top-five global cruise market status for India by 2032
Cordelia Cruises intends to expand its fleet to enhance domestic cruise tourism and increase capacity. The company currently operates two ships and plans to introduce a third earlier than expected. It emphasizes the potential of the Indian market, noting significant opportunities due to the coastline. The impact of rising fuel prices has affected operating costs, yet the company remains profitable.
Corporate offsites, incentive trips make a comeback as companies resume travel plans
Corporate offsites and incentive trips are witnessing a revival as companies resume travel plans. Businesses are now scheduling deferred trips alongside new programmes for enhanced team engagement. Popular destinations include both domestic locations like Goa and international options such as Japan and Thailand. Companies aim to create curated experiences that foster collaboration and learning among employees. The focus remains on building connections and strengthening team culture during these offsites.
Trehan IRIS to develop a senior living project in Gurugram
Trehan IRIS will introduce a senior living community in Gurugram, complemented by a commercial landmark in Noida. The ambitious IRIS Broadway Greno West project in Greater Noida West has secured an investment of Rs 400 crore. Aimed at a vibrant young population in the area lacking adequate retail and entertainment options, this mall is projected to attract large crowds and foster substantial annual revenue.
Who was Emma Marie Laurent? French travel influencer tragically dies at 24 in Nicaragua - Cause of death and her final social media post
Emma Marie Laurent, a French travel influencer, died in a tragic accident in Nicaragua on October 9, 2026. She was traveling with two other women who also lost their lives in the incident. The vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the Nahualapa River during severe weather conditions. Three women drowned, while the driver survived the ordeal.
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Karwa Chauth gift ideas for wife: Want to make her feel special? Check 12 thoughtful presents that go beyond flowers and chocolates
Karwa Chauth Gift Ideas: Looking for the perfect Karwa Chauth gift for your wife? From personalised jewellery and skincare hampers to romantic dinners, thoughtful keepsakes and weekend getaways, there are plenty of ways to make the occasion special. Whether you prefer a meaningful handmade present or a practical gift she can use every day, these unique Karwa Chauth gift ideas can help you choose something she will cherish.
Tourism is the sector the market writes off in a downturn. Is it indicating something else? 7 stocks with upside potential of up to 27%
For years the street has believed that when the economy slows, tourism and hotels are the first to feel it. The logic: A hotel stay is not like food, medicine, electricity, or school fees. It gets cut when money is tight. But a change is visible. Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, is a comprehensive report that evaluates five key components of 4,000+ listed stocks – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. The simple average of the above-mentioned five component ratings is normally distributed to reach an average score.
Goodbye sightseeing, hello selfcare: The nearly trillion-dollar business of getting your life back
Wellness travel is transforming holidays as Indian travellers increasingly prioritise fitness, sleep, stress relief and personal wellbeing over conventional sightseeing. From Hyrox races and yoga retreats to luxury wellness resorts offering medical diagnostics, longevity programmes and digital detoxes, the trend is reshaping tourism. Experts say the real challenge is turning holiday wellness experiences into lasting everyday habits.
World's first floating hotel cost $45 million, helped thaw relations between North and South Korea, but its journey ended with tragedy
The Four Seasons Barrier Reef Resort opened in March 1988 as the world’s first floating hotel off the coast of Australia. But it faced challenges due to bad weather and high operational costs, leading to multiple sales and relocations. The luxury hotel eventually ended up in North Korea. Tragedy struck in 2008 after a South Korean tourist was shot dead, leading to increased tensions, and abandonment of the hotel.
‘Indian hotels have spoiled us’: Entrepreneur pays $600 for US hotel stay, shocked by what was on breakfast menu
An Indian entrepreneur’s comparison of hotel breakfasts in the US and India has sparked a debate online after he found the food options limited during a stay at a JW Marriott costing around $600 per night. Vineeth K highlighted the elaborate spreads often offered at Indian and Asian luxury hotels, while users debated food variety, value for money and whether bigger breakfast buffets necessarily mean a better hotel experience.
As Thailand cracks down on foreigners, a tourist paradise reconsiders its welcome
Thailand is facing a growing backlash against foreign influence in its tourist hotspots, particularly southern islands such as Koh Phangan, Phuket and Koh Samui. Locals fear foreign investors and businesses are reshaping communities, driving up property prices and pushing residents out.
Pour Over Coffee Roasters plans 100 outlets by 2030
Pour Over Coffee Roasters intends to expand to nearly 100 cafés by 2030 while focusing on its roasting business. The company is exploring franchise opportunities with established hotel and restaurant operators for growth. POCR currently operates four outlets and plans to add three more by the year's end.
An entire island stay for Rs 5,000 a night, just 400 km from Bengaluru. Anand Mahindra shares a hidden Karnataka getaway
Anand Mahindra highlighted the Jumadi Islands near Udupi, Karnataka, after Siddharth Dialani of BharatAgri shared his experience of staying on an entire island through a homestay for Rs 5,000 a night. Mahindra reflected on the appeal of solitude despite living in a connected world, calling an island all to oneself a potential “ultimate luxury” in a country of 1.4 billion people.
In 1950s, this transport was considered luxury travel before SUVs and private jets came along. It had a washroom, heating and air conditioning
In 1954, Greyhound transformed bus travel with its Scenicruiser, featuring a raised observation deck, panoramic windows, air conditioning and reclining seats. Built to make highway journeys feel luxurious, the futuristic coach became an icon of American transportation. More than seven decades later, a surviving example heading to auction offers a glimpse into an era when the journey mattered as much as the destination.
India needs to fix travel experience to attract more foreign tourists, Nikhil Kamath ignites tourism debate
To increase the number of foreign visitors, India should improve the tourist experience upon arrival. Experts highlight the importance of resolving issues such as lengthy queues and inadequate public washrooms. The lack of hotel rooms during peak seasons also deters travelers. Innovative travel solutions, including AI assistants, are on the rise. By diversifying destinations, India can promote longer visits and encourage repeat travelers.
The rise of the wedding entrepreneur: How India’s celebrations are creating new creative businesses
India's wedding industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, evolving into a diverse and complex sector that goes beyond traditional offerings. A new wave of specialised entrepreneurs is emerging to meet the demand for customized, multi-day events, requiring varied expertise and coordination. Destination weddings are expanding opportunities for countless service providers, and with India's rich creative resources, the nation is set to influence the luxury wedding market worldwide.
'Loneliness' in China is now a $1 trillion 'singles economy' in the world's second most populous country with 1.4 billion people
China’s growing number of people living alone is driving a $1 trillion singles economy, with businesses offering products and services tailored to solo consumers, from one-person meals and travel to pets, gaming and AI companions. The economy is likely to grow to $4 trillion by 2030. The trend is also reshaping spending habits, ageing concerns and China’s wider consumer market.
Quote of the day by Prince Harry, 'You've got to have fun in life. Otherwise, wow - imagine life without fun' offers life lesson advice on why fun, happiness, enjoying life matter more than we realize
Quote of the day by Prince Harry is a simple celebration of something people can easily overlook: the right to enjoy being alive. Fun does not have to mean extravagance, irresponsibility or constant entertainment. It can be found in friendship, family, creativity, travel, hobbies, humor, nature and unexpected moments that make an ordinary day memorable.
India says 'I do' as wedding boom sends hotel bookings soaring
Hotels are seeing a significant increase in wedding bookings for the upcoming season. Most prime dates at popular destinations are already reserved by planners. Enquiries and confirmed bookings are arriving four to six months in advance. Hoteliers anticipate double-digit revenue growth in the wedding segment. Spending on curated guest experiences and personalized decor is also rising.
Hotel demand surges in September as BRICS, corporate travel fuel bookings across India
September bookings show a substantial rise for Indian hotels this year. Corporate travel and official government movement are driving this significant increase. Major cities and tier-two locations are experiencing higher occupancies and daily rates. Events like the Global Fintech Fest and Semicon India are boosting demand. This trend indicates a strong performance for the hospitality sector this month.
Small wins, breakups and bad weather among new travel triggers for Indian travellers: Study
Indian travellers are increasingly taking trips without waiting for holidays. Fifty-eight percent of travellers took trips simply because they wanted to. Many travellers booked trips to celebrate small wins and for a change. Everyday situations also emerged as unconventional triggers for travel. Travellers are creating their own reasons to get away.
BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi luxury hotels face room crunch, tariffs surge around event dates
Delhi's luxury hotels are experiencing a severe room shortage and increased prices. This situation is occurring just before the upcoming BRICS Summit event. Many top properties show no availability for the summit dates. High tariffs are being quoted for the few remaining rooms. This surge impacts regular tourists and business travelers.
Swiss pharmaceutical heir Frank Binder is selling his 10,700-square-foot Hollywood Hills mansion for $35M. He wants a $2B floating city
Frank Binder bought the Los Angeles estate for $33 million in 2018. Now, eight years later, he is putting the 10,700-square-foot home on the market while pursuing an even more ambitious project: a 323-metre residential superyacht with homes costing up to $100 million.
Indian tourists flocking to Oman, arrivals up 11 per cent: Official
Oman is seeing a surge in Indian tourists, with arrivals rising 11% to 6.94 lakh in 2025. Another 3.81 lakh Indians visited in the first half of 2026, supported by direct flights from more than 10 Indian cities and growing demand for family, luxury and adventure travel.
In 1960, Marlon Brando discovered Tetiaroa while filming 'Mutiny on the Bounty'. 66 years later, his 35-villa refuge now combines luxury with conservation and clean energy
More than 66 years after Marlon Brando first discovered Tetiaroa, the island's most enduring legacy may be the idea that paradise is something to protect, not simply something to possess.
South Africa targets 1 lakh Indian tourist arrivals in 2026
South Africa is targeting 100,000 Indian tourist arrivals in 2026, up from nearly 70,000 in 2025. It is focusing on younger, experience-seeking travellers while improving visa processes and air connectivity and promoting destinations beyond Cape Town and Johannesburg.
India's MICE sector to grow by 12-14 pc annually for next 3-5 years: NIMA
The MICE sector in India is set to experience an annual growth of 12-14 percent over the next five years. Meanwhile, destination weddings are skyrocketing with year-on-year growth rates of 15-20 percent. Tier II and III cities are increasingly recognized as promising locations for MICE and wedding events.
The unusual suspects: A luxe bucket list of lesser-known travel destinations
The ‘Mona Lisa’, Stonehenge, Palace of Versailles — these fabled tourist spots are dreadfully overcrowded. Try these lesser-known, but just as intriguing destinations.
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