Author: Travel and Tourism Desk

The best travel hack? Stop planning around sights. Start planning around your appetite. The following is a representative story based on experiences commonly shared by Indian travellers. Priya, a Mumbai-based marketing professional, had been saving up for Paris for three years. She had the mood board ready for the Eiffel Tower at golden hour, a café au lait on a cobbled street, a croissant from a boulangerie. Then she landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, checked into her hotel, and went looking for dinner. What followed was 45 minutes of standing outside restaurants, squinting at menus, trying to figure out…

Turkish Airlines has steadily built a reputation as one of the world’s most connected and culturally rich airlines. With its hub in Istanbul, the airline operates flights to more countries than any other carrier, making it a key bridge between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Founded in 1933, Turkish Airlines has grown from a small regional carrier into a global aviation powerhouse. Today, it flies to over 300 destinations across more than 120 countries. This expansive network allows travellers to connect seamlessly across continents, often with shorter layovers compared to other international hubs. One of the airline’s biggest strengths…

Jamaica has marked a strong comeback in its tourism sector, surpassing one million visitors following recent hurricane-related disruptions. The milestone highlights the island’s resilience and growing appeal as a long-haul destination for global travellers, including those from India. The recovery comes after a period of weather-related challenges that had temporarily impacted tourism operations. However, coordinated efforts by the government, tourism authorities, and industry stakeholders ensured a swift restoration of services. This proactive response helped Jamaica maintain visitor confidence and sustain demand across its key travel segments. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett emphasised that the sector’s ability to bounce back reflects years…

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…