Located in the city’s heart, Himayath Nagar is a prominent commercial and retail hub with strong connectivity to Hyderabad’s key residential and business districts.

The area’s high consumer footfall, growing affluence and vibrant retail landscape make it an ideal location for SOTC’s continued expansion in the region.

The new store will serve travellers through SOTC’s integrated omnichannel model – offering a comprehensive portfolio of domestic and international holidays, group tours, personalised holidays and cruises, along with value-added services such as travel insurance, ensuring seamless end-to-end travel experiences.

Hyderabad/Telangana travel trends

Top Destinations:

· Domestic & Indian Subcontinent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andaman, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka

· International: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Egypt, Hong Kong, Switzerland, France, Finland, Norway, Sweden

· Island Destinations: Maldives and Mauritius

· Emerging destinations: Morocco, Georgia, Philippines, Taiwan, Uzbekistan

· Spiritual/Darshan Portfolio: Strong interest in pilgrimage experiences, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Char Dham Yatra and Vaishnodevi Yatra, reflecting the region’s continued affinity for spiritual travel

· Regional Product Portfolio: Exclusive special tours from Hyderabad designed specifically for our Telangana customers. These itineraries include local Indian language–speaking tour managers, Indian cuisine options and culturally aligned experiences, ensuring greater comfort and familiarity for travellers

· Emerging Travel Preferences: Travellers from Hyderabad and Telangana state are increasingly seeking experiential and bucket-list holidays such as luxury multi-destination cruises, polar expeditions to Antarctica, Northern Lights experiences across Finland, Norway and Iceland, self-drive holidays and adventure-led itineraries.

· Top customer segments: Multi-generational families, honeymooners/couples, working professionals, millennials and GenZ

· Average holiday duration: 4–6 days for domestic/short haul; 10–15 days for long haul

SOTC Travel Limited Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays Rakesh Bawa commented: “Hyderabad continues to be a strong growth market for SOTC in South India and presents a significant opportunity to tap into the growing travel demand from regional India. The launch of our Himayath Nagar outlet reflects our strategic focus on strengthening our presence in the city. With this addition, our network now spans five outlets across Hyderabad, with the centrally located Himayath Nagar store offering customers expert guidance and seamless access to our comprehensive range of holiday experiences.”

(Source: SOTC)

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As adventure travel continues to gain popularity, more travellers are adding scuba diving and snorkelling to their itineraries to experience Asia’s rich marine biodiversity firsthand.

Agoda has curated a list of standout diving destinations across Asia that offer memorable underwater encounters.

Sipadan Island, Malaysia – Sipadan Island is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier dive sites. Formed by living corals growing atop an extinct volcanic cone, the island is surrounded by thriving marine ecosystems. Divers regularly encounter sea turtles, barracudas, and reef sharks, while dramatic wall dives descend along a steep drop-off reaching depths of around 600 meters.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia – Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is known for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. The region is home to more than 1,500 species of fish and over 600 species of coral. Its remote location helps preserve pristine reef systems, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for both diving and snorkelling.

Similan Islands, Thailand – The Similan Islands are famous for their clear waters and striking underwater rock formations. Divers explore granite boulders, swim-through passages, and coral gardens, while encountering marine life such as manta rays and whale sharks.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines – A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is one of the Philippines’ most protected marine areas. Accessible mainly by liveaboard boats, the remote reef system offers encounters with sharks, manta rays, and large schools of pelagic fish in a pristine environment.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia – Known for its powerful currents and nutrient-rich waters, Komodo National Park offers some of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic dive sites. Drift dives reveal vibrant coral reefs and large marine species, while the surrounding islands are also home to the famous Komodo dragon.

Malapascua Island, Philippines – Malapascua Island has become globally known for its regular sightings of thresher sharks. Divers gather at Monad Shoal at dawn, where these elusive sharks visit cleaning stations. The area also offers night dives and macro photography opportunities among colourful reef habitats.

Andaman Islands, India – The Andaman Islands offer a mix of coral reefs, underwater cliffs, and historic shipwrecks. Clear waters and relatively untouched marine environments make the islands appealing for scuba diving and freediving.

Yonaguni Monument, Japan – Off the coast of Yonaguni Island lies one of the ocean’s most debated formations. The Yonaguni Monument features massive underwater stone structures that resemble terraces and steps. Whether natural or artificial, the site attracts divers intrigued by its scale and mystery.

 Agoda Senior Vice President, Supply, Andrew Smith, shared: “Many travellers come to Asia for its beaches, but beneath the sea, there are ecosystems that are just as remarkable. From coral reefs to rare marine encounters, these locations offer experiences that stay with travellers long after the trip ends. At Agoda, we are passionate about helping travellers discover such wonders and create unforgettable memories, with great deals across our wide range of accommodation, flights, and activities.”

For those planning their next diving getaway, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning your next underwater adventure today.

(Source: Agoda)

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This has been made possible through the use of parent company Alibaba’s consumer-facing application Qwen App, which is available to users in China and experienced over 200 million AI-native shopping orders during the recent Chinese Spring Festival campaign.

As a result, during the Spring Festival period, Fliggy’s overall AI orders increased by 800% — with attraction ticket bookings proving the most popular use case and orders soaring more than 24-fold. Meanwhile, conversion rates for air,  train and attraction tickets have become comparable to those of OTAs with decades of experience.

Fliggy Chief Technology Officer Alex Chen comments: “After launching a suite of AI travel‑planning products in 2025, our AI interface has moved closer to fulfilment, evolving from planning support to enabling actual booking fulfilment.

“Alibaba’s AI-native application, Qwen, can now integrate core services across Alibaba’s ecosystem — including Fliggy, Taobao, Taobao Instant Commerce, Alipay and Amap. Leveraging this capability, Fliggy is leading the shift: consumers can now use natural language to ask the AI to complete travel bookings on their behalf, while travel is increasingly integrated into more lifestyle scenarios, such as shopping, food delivery, and booking cinema tickets.

“Already consumers are moving from using AI just for search to actually using AI to execute tasks — we are pleased to see that dozens of forward-thinking destinations and major travel brands have already partnered with Fliggy to explore potential AI collaborations to be a part of this shift.” 

Late last year, Fliggy adopted a multi-agent approach to building AI-powered products to prepare for the shift from ‘online travel agencies’ to ‘omni-intelligent travel agents’.

About Fliggy

Fliggy was founded in 2016 and is one of China’s leading travel platforms. The company provides merchants with a B2C platform that reaches consumers directly, and also distributes products through B2B channels.

The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group. As such, travel suppliers selling via Fliggy benefit from the vast user base of the Alibaba ecosystem, including an active consumer base in China of over 1 billion users and its digital infrastructure, efficiency tools, and vast marketing reach.

(Source: Fliggy)

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A leading foreign exchange company, Travelex, released its inaugural Travelex Travey Money Insights Report last week, which suggests more than two-thirds of global travellers choose to take cash when they travel.

While domestic cash usage may be decreasing, the report found that, on average, 69% of travellers still use cash when overseas, higher than card usage (whether debit, credit, or pre-paid) in almost every region surveyed.

The majority of travellers also travel with a card, and the combination of cash and card gives travellers peace of mind and safety.

Travellers are also shifting decisively toward pre-trip planning, with most purchasing travel money weeks in advance.

“Domestic cash transactions may be falling, but in the travel money market, cash firmly remains king. Cash is vital for small items like tipping and taxis, whilst many travellers have reservations over cards being accepted and potential fees,” said Travelex’s Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock.

Travelex’s Travel Money Insights Report highlights the growing shift in how travellers acquire travel money, moving away from traditional in-trip purchases at the point of departure towards pre-trip planning and acquisition in the weeks and months before travel. On average, just 6% of those surveyed say they usually purchase their travel money on the day of travel.

“Travellers who traditionally relied on airport stores to acquire cash last minute are today far more inclined to do so in the weeks leading up to their trip — be that when they do their holiday shopping, or through alternative channels such as home delivery or pre-order click-and-collect,” added Bowcock. “Airport stores are still a key resource for many, but the market has shifted.”

The report coincides with Travelex’s 50th anniversary, the company having grown to become one of the market’s leading and most trusted foreign exchange brands since 1976.

Full report available here: Travel Money Global Consumer Trends – INSIGHTS 

About Travelex
Founded in 1976, Travelex has grown to become one of the market-leading specialist providers of foreign exchange products, solutions, and services, operating across the entire value chain of the foreign exchange industry in more than 20 countries. It has a growing network of ATMs and stores in some of the world’s top international airports, major transport hubs, premium shopping malls and city centres.

(Source: Travelex)

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The proposed demerger and restructuring are subject to NCLT and other regulatory approvals. 

The demerger and restructuring are being undertaken to unlock value for TCIL shareholders by demerging the Resorts and Resort Management businesses into SHRL and to attract investors to each business segment.

In a company statement, the board said it would also streamline TCIL’s existing capital structure, which would “result in improved earnings per share and enable sharper strategic and operational focus across each business vertical”.

TCIL owns or operates six resorts under the Nature Trails brand name. These resorts are spread across India in several scenic locations and offer a host of curated services across multiple attractive market segments, including adventure holidays,  educational trips and corporate getaways. TCIL will demerge this business into SHRL as part of the demerger.

Thomas  Cook India Limited Managing Director & CEO Mahesh Iyer commented: “I am delighted to announce this demerger of Thomas Cook’s Resorts and Resort Management business into Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited. This demerger and restructuring unlock tremendous value and potential for TCIL shareholders by streamlining the existing capital structure and improving Earnings Per Share. The  demerger and restructuring also pave the way for a future listing of SHRL, enabling it to  chart its own course in the rapidly expanding hospitality space in India” 

(Source: Thomas Cook India)

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Weekend trips have become increasingly appealing, offering a refreshing break from the daily grind without requiring extensive time off work. These short getaways provide an opportunity to explore new cultures, indulge in local cuisines, and experience diverse landscapes, all within a few days.

Whether it’s a serene beach retreat, a bustling city adventure, or a cultural exploration, weekend trips cater to the modern traveller’s desire for spontaneity and variety, making them ideal for those looking to recharge and rejuvenate.

Siem Reap, Cambodia: Siem Reap serves as a gateway to the ancient world, with the iconic Angkor Wat and other historic temples such as Ta Prohm and Bayon Temple. Beyond its archaeological wonders, the city offers vibrant nightlife on Pub Street and cultural immersion through local markets and museums. Ideal for history enthusiasts, Siem Reap presents to visitors both exploration and relaxation.

Goa, India: Known for its beaches and vibrant culture, Goa is a haven for those looking to unwind and enjoy a festive atmosphere. From the scenic Dudhsagar Falls to the historic Fort Aguada, Goa offers a combination of natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Visitors can indulge in local seafood, explore quaint villages, and experience the region’s unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences.

Hoi An, Vietnam: Hoi An captivates with its well-preserved architecture and charming canals. This former port city is a cultural treasure, featuring wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings. Visitors can enjoy the Hoi An Night Market, relax on An Bang Beach, or take a basket boat tour on the Thu Bon River, making it a perfect destination for cultural exploration.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur offers a mix of cultural immersion and modern attractions. From the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to the bustling Petaling Street, visitors can experience a variety of sights and sounds. The city’s rich culinary scene and diverse cultural heritage make it an exciting destination for a weekend getaway.

Busan, South Korea: A lively port city known for its beaches, mountains, and cultural sites, visitors can explore the scenic Gwangalli Beach, visit the historic Beomeosa Temple, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Jagalchi Market. With its blend of natural beauty and urban excitement, Busan is perfect for a dynamic weekend escape.

Samui, Thailand: Samui Island is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. Visitors can unwind at Chaweng Beach, explore the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, or take in the views from Lad Koh Viewpoint. With its harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure, Koh Samui is perfect for beach lovers seeking a serene escape.

Agoda Senior Vice President Supply,  Andrew Smith, shared: “Asia is a treasure trove of experiences, and Agoda is thrilled to guide travellers to these incredible destinations. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, beach relaxation, or urban exploration, Agoda has the perfect weekend getaway for you.”

(Source: Agoda)

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Now in its 17^th edition, Agoda’s Gold Circle Awards celebrate properties that consistently deliver high guest standards, maintain strong digital engagement and stay adaptable. 

Taiwan’s standout performance marks a milestone: 2025 is the first time it has led the ranking and placed in the top five markets by winner count, underscoring the consistency and agility of hotel partners in the market.

This year’s national ranking highlights excellence across the hospitality sector, led by Taiwan in first place and Vietnam in second. Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia shared third place, followed by a tie between the Philippines and India in fourth, with Australia in fifth.

Regional travel demand remains dynamic, with intra-Asia travel continuing to shape travel patterns across the region according to Agoda’s recent ‘Tailored to Win’ report. 

As traveller profiles diversify and expectations for seamless digital experiences continue to rise, the Gold Circle Awards commend hotel partners that have maintained strong operational fundamentals and refined how they engage and convert travellers through Agoda’s platform at scale.

“Every year, what stands out to me is how much effort happens behind the scenes to make a stay feel effortless for the guest,” said Agoda Senior Vice President, Supply, Andrew Smith. “Over the years, we have seen different markets rise through the rankings, which is a healthy sign for the industry. It shows hotels across the region are learning quickly, adapting to new guest needs and raising their standards in ways travellers can feel. Across Asia, our winners have stayed agile and digitally strong, and we will keep investing in tools and support that help them keep performing as traveller needs evolve.”

This year’s results also point to a continued appetite for distinctive stays, alongside trusted hospitality standards. Over 50% of this year’s Gold Circle Awards went to independent properties, representing an 11% increase from the previous year and underscoring growing appreciation for more unique, personalised guest experiences. Additionally, this year’s awards reflect renewed momentum within the hospitality industry, recognising 2,200 unique winners, including properties receiving a Gold Circle Award for the first time and those returning to the program since 2020. 

(Source: Agoda)

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The two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took effect on Tuesday during a meeting between Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae and Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch in Wonju. 

Leveraging Agoda’s global tourism insights and marketing expertise, the company will support the region’s destination marketing initiatives and explore data-driven promotional opportunities to strengthen the local tourism industry.

Gangwon State is a year-round destination for nature lovers and culture seekers. In winter, ski resorts and snow festivals draw visitors. In summer, cool mountain retreats and riverside activities provide relief from the heat. With fresh seafood, mountain herbs, artisanal markets and cultural sites that reflect Korea’s rural heritage, plus convenient links to Seoul and a growing range of boutique hotels, Gangwon is an accessible and authentic choice for active holidays and relaxed getaways.

Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae commented: “By connecting the private sector’s global capabilities with Gangwon’s tourism assets, I expect this partnership with Agoda to strengthen Gangwon’s tourism competitiveness further. We will continue to support public–private cooperation projects to advance the region’s tourism industry.”

Agoda Chief Commercial Officer, Damien Pfirsch said: “Gangwon State offers tourists from around the globe a remarkable variety across all seasons — from world-class ski resorts in Pyeongchang to national parks and beaches — and there is a great deal of potential to unlock. Through our work together, Agoda will showcase Gangwon’s year-round appeal to international travellers.”

South Korea is one of Agoda’s key markets and remains important to the company as it continues to invest and innovate to the benefit of travellers and partners in the country. This is evident in deeply localised offerings such as 24/7 Korean-language customer care, an extensive motel selection, integration with Naver Maps, local payment methods like Kakao Pay, and Agoda commercials tailored to Korean travellers. 

(Source: Agoda).

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In his role, Andréen will lead global airline sales, account management, commercial strategy, business development and customer support, helping airlines translate technology investment into measurable commercial outcomes.

He will work closely with airline partners to scale adoption, deepen strategic relationships and drive more agile, customer-centric retailing. 

Andréen has held senior leadership roles at Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), B&B Hotels, Dreamlake and Travelport.

Additional leadership update

Darren Rickey, a Sabre veteran with more than 25 years of experience, has been appointed Senior Vice President, Strategic Commercial Partnerships. This position will focus on advancing Sabre’s most critical growth initiatives and strategic partnerships. 

(Source: Sabre)

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Tourism transport operators across Malaysia play a crucial role in supporting both inbound and domestic tourism.

Many of these operators have already entered into contractual agreements with both local and overseas travel agencies months in advance to provide transportation services for tourists exploring Malaysia.

The prices quoted and agreed upon by both parties were based on the prevailing fuel prices at the time the contracts were signed.

With the recent hike in fuel prices, operators are now facing substantially higher operating costs. However, as these contracts have already been finalised, tourism transport providers are unable to revise their agreed rates. This situation places many operators under considerable financial pressure and may result in significant operational losses.

For example, the cost of fuel for a standard tour bus has increased significantly. Before the fuel price hike, a full tank cost approximately MYR747 per bus.

Following the recent increase, the cost has risen to MYR969 per bus per tank, representing an estimated 35% to 38% increase.

If the government does not intervene to cushion this impact, tourism transport operators may have no choice but to increase transportation charges by at least 30% over current rates to remain financially sustainable.

MATTA President, Nigel Wong, said the situation warrants timely intervention to ensure tourism transport operators can continue operating sustainably and support the broader tourism ecosystem.

“Tourism transport operators are a vital part of Malaysia’s tourism value chain, providing essential services that ensure smooth and reliable travel experiences for visitors. Many operators have already committed to fixed contract rates with travel agencies based on earlier fuel prices. The sudden increase in fuel costs means they are now absorbing these additional expenses, which could lead to significant financial strain,” said Wong.

He noted that the industry had previously demonstrated resilience when tourism vehicles were excluded from the diesel subsidy rationalisation, stating:

“Previously, when tourism transport vehicles were excluded from the diesel subsidy programme, operators accepted the policy decision and continued to operate despite the challenges of maintaining competitive pricing.

However, the latest fuel price hike places an even heavier burden on the sector and could hurt businesses if no mitigating measures are introduced.”

He stressed that targeted and temporary assistance would help cushion the impact while safeguarding the sustainability of the tourism supply chain.

MATTA respectfully calls on the government to consider providing temporary and targeted fuel subsidies specifically for tourism transport vehicles. Such support would help operators manage the sudden increase in operating costs and ensure they are not forced to operate at a loss.

“Ensuring the sustainability of tourism transport services is critical as Malaysia prepares to welcome more international and domestic visitors in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. Timely support for this sector will help preserve service quality, maintain industry stability, and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness as a preferred tourism destination,” Wong said.

MATTA remains committed to working closely with the government and industry stakeholders to ensure the continued resilience and growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

For more information on MATTA, visit www.matta.org.my. 

(Source: MATTA)

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