Author: Travel and Tourism Desk

Marriott International has strengthened its presence in India with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, marking the brand’s debut in Andhra Pradesh. Positioned in one of the country’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations, the hotel aims to cater to pilgrims, business travellers and leisure guests with a blend of comfort and modern amenities. Located close to the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the property benefits from strong connectivity. It is just a short drive from both the railway station and Tirupati Airport, making it a convenient choice for visitors arriving from across the country. The hotel has been designed to offer…

Turkish Airlines has expanded its footprint in the United Kingdom by adding London Stansted Airport to its growing flight network, making it the airline’s third gateway in the UK capital after London Heathrow and London Gatwick. The move marks another important step in the carrier’s strategy to strengthen its position in one of its key international markets. With the launch of services to Stansted, Turkish Airlines now serves six destinations across the United Kingdom, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Together with Dublin, the airline’s total weekly frequencies across the United Kingdom and Ireland will rise to 168 during…

From happiness’s quiet realms, we cross hemispheres to where vast horizons promise renewal: New Zealand and Australia, lands of dramatic landscapes and laid-back vibes. In 2026, these countries score highly on global happiness and livability metrics. New Zealand ranks seventh in the World Happiness Report with a score of 7.12, while Australia sits tenth with 7.06. Numbeo notes Australia’s quality of life at 194.8. Here, livability merges adventure with security, providing an ideal refuge for those seeking space, serenity, and escape from crowded urban density. New Zealand, or Aotearoa, stuns with its natural diversity. Auckland’s harbours shimmer beside Fiordland’s misty…

Hyatt strengthens its Essentials portfolio in India with a 140-key hotel catering to business and leisure travellers. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) has announced the signing of an agreement for Hyatt Place Ahmedabad Nikol, marking a key milestone in its ongoing expansion across India. Developed by Golden Buildcon, this 140-key property will combine modern comfort, style, and thoughtful amenities, enhancing Hyatt’s presence in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s commercial and administrative hub. The hotel is designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers. Guests will enjoy multiple dining options, including a main restaurant and a grab-and-go market. A 3,455-square-foot ballroom,…

Marriott Bonvoy brings its loyalty programme to life with a limited-edition tea collaboration and a chance to win one million points. India, March 16, 2026: Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s acclaimed travel programme, is making loyalty feel effortless, just like a daily cup of tea. In a unique partnership with Sri Lankan family tea brand Dilmah, Marriott Bonvoy has created Loyal-Tea, a limited-edition India-exclusive tea blend. This special collaboration will be unveiled at a public pop-up in Mumbai on 21–22 March, where members have the chance to win one million Marriott Bonvoy points. Many travellers find loyalty programmes complex and difficult…

Jamaica has solidified its reputation as a leading global tourist destination, claiming six prestigious honours at the 2026 Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Travel Awards. The island was crowned “Destination of the Year” at the 26th PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit, held alongside ITB Berlin, the world’s premier travel trade show. The accolades reflect the strength and diversity of Jamaica’s tourism sector. Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, was named Tourism Minister of the Year (Worldwide), recognising his visionary leadership and advocacy for sustainable and resilient tourism. “This award belongs to the people of Jamaica, to our…

Mumbai, 10 March 2026: Marriott International’s travel loyalty programme Marriott Bonvoy has announced a strategic partnership with Swiggy to bring travel rewards into everyday consumer experiences in India. The collaboration allows members of both platforms to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on regular transactions across Swiggy’s services, including food delivery, quick commerce and dining out. The partnership aims to extend Marriott Bonvoy’s loyalty benefits beyond hotel stays and travel. By linking their accounts, members can now accumulate reward points through daily spending on Swiggy’s ecosystem. The initiative reflects a broader shift towards integrating lifestyle services with travel rewards in India’s rapidly…

Turkish Airlines has reported a $2.2 billion profit from main operations in 2025, highlighting the resilience of its business model and long-term growth strategy despite global aviation challenges. The airline posted total revenues of $24.1 billion for the full year, marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase, supported primarily by strong passenger demand across international and premium travel segments. In the fourth quarter alone, revenues rose 12% to $6.3 billion, while profit from main operations increased 23% year-on-year to $534 million. Operational performance also remained strong in terms of capacity and scale. By the end of 2025, the airline expanded its fleet…

As the world prepares to observe World Sleep Day on March 13, 2026, Westin Hotels & Resorts is placing renewed focus on rest and wellness across its properties in the Asia Pacific region. The brand, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands, is reinforcing its long-standing philosophy that quality sleep plays a vital role in health, travel recovery, and overall well-being. For more than a decade, Westin has built its hospitality experience around three core pillars of wellness: Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well. At the centre of the brand’s sleep philosophy is the…

As World Sleep Day approaches on March 13, Westin Hotels & Resorts is reaffirming its commitment to wellness by placing quality rest at the centre of the travel experience. The brand, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, is introducing a series of immersive sleep-focused programmes across its properties in Asia Pacific excluding China. For more than a decade, Westin has championed well-being through its three core pillars: Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well. At the heart of the brand’s sleep philosophy is the iconic Heavenly® Bed, which features specially designed mattresses, plush pillows, and premium linens created to deliver…