BANGKOK, 19 May 2025: Bangkok Airways Plc has released its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting a total revenue of THB7,821.30 million, a slight decrease of 0.1% year-on-year, and a net profit of THB 1,686.1 million, down 10%.
Passengers carried stood at 1.28 million, representing a 2.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. The average passenger load factor stood at 81.5%.
Bangkok Airways Plc President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth noted that the airline continues focusing on destinations with strong connectivity, particularly routes to and from Samui. During the first quarter, the airline served 1.28 million passengers, representing a slight decline year-on-year due to a drop in domestic and regional routes, which saw a 13.5% decrease. However, the number of passengers travelling to and from Samui increased by 4.7%.
In Q1 2025, the company reported an operating profit of THB2,343.7 million, a 2% decrease from the previous year. Nevertheless, the average ticket price increased due to high demand for Samui-bound flights. At the same time, significant operating costs, namely fuel and aircraft maintenance expenses, decreased year-on-year.
The company reported EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) of THB2,882.4 million and a net profit of THB1,686.1 million for the period, of which THB1,674.9 million was attributable to the equity holders of the company. Earnings per share stood at THB0.80
In its concluding remarks, the company said it remains committed to conducting business with long-term sustainable growth in collaboration with all stakeholders. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are central to this approach, focusing on addressing climate change. Under the campaign “Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways,” the airline aims to align with global aviation industry targets, including the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
SINGAPORE, 19 MAY 2025: Air Astana expanded its route network to Vietnam by operating an inaugural flight from Astana to Danang on 14 May 2025.
The 169-seat Airbus A321LR aircraft departed Astana International Airport at 2255 and arrived at Danang International Airport at 0825 local time. Flight time: Seven hours and 30 minutes.
Air Astana operates direct scheduled flights to Danang twice weekly on Wednesday and Sunday.
Flight schedule
KC259 departs Astana (NQZ) at 2255 and arrives in Danang (DAD) at 0825 plus a day. KC260 departs Danang (DAD) at 1000 and arrives in Astana (NQZ) at 1545.
Danang is a picturesque coastal city in central Vietnam, renowned for its white-sand beaches, cultural landmarks, golf courses and well-developed transportation infrastructure. Just an hour away lies the historic town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as one of the best-preserved examples of a Southeast Asian trading port.
During Air Astana’s summer schedule, weekly flights to Vietnam have increased to 11. The airline currently operates flights to Nha Trang four times a week from Almaty and three times a week from Astana. Flights to Danang are scheduled twice weekly from Astana, and starting on 4 June 2025, they will also operate twice weekly from Almaty.
Kazakhstan citizens can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days.
BANGKOK, 19 May 2025: Asia Aviation Plc (AAV), the sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA) reported its 1Q2025 performance last week, posting a core profit (excludes foreign exchange impacts) of THB1.299 billion, up 6% year-on-year.
Revenues from sales and services came in at THB13.225 billion, down 4% YoY, largely due to a decrease in international tourist demand.
In line with Thai AirAsia’s cost leadership focus, operating costs improved during the quarter, with Cost per Available Seat Kilometre (CASK) down 12% YoY to THB 1.73. CASK excluding fuel declined 3% to THB1.13. Revenue per Available Seat Kilometre (RASK) stood at THB 1.97, down 10% YoY.
As a result of disciplined operational execution, TAA carried 5.6 million guests in the first quarter of 2025, up 2% YoY, with a robust load factor of 87%. Seat capacity increased by 9% to 6.4 million seats, driven by additional flights and frequency enhancements. The airline also expanded its fleet with the addition of one Airbus A321neo during the quarter, bringing the total to 61 aircraft, 55 of which were in operation. TAA received one aircraft in April and remains on track to receive four more aircraft in the latter part of 2025 reaching a total of 66 aircraft to support its future growth plans.
AAV and TAA Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya stated: “Thai AirAsia’s performance in the first quarter of 2025 highlights the company’s adaptability and resilience toward long-term financial sustainability. We are proud to have achieved a record-high 42% share of the domestic market, the highest in the country as of the end of March 2025.
“This milestone is primarily driven by our dual airport strategy, which enables us to serve domestic routes from both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports. As the only carrier to fully leverage Bangkok airports, we offer unmatched convenience, capacity and connectivity for Thai travellers – a unique competitive advantage that strengthens our market leadership.”
Domestically, operational momentum remained solid with 3.7 million passengers, marking a 9% increase YoY, representing 67% of the airline’s total passengers for the quarter, with a high passenger load factor of 91%.
During the quarter, TAA continued to expand its flight network from its Suvarnabhumi Airport hub, launching two new routes to the Northeast region — Khon Kaen and Udon Thani in February. In addition, the airline also opened ticket sales for three additional routes: Suvarnabhumi to Surat Thani, Buriram, and Narathiwat, with services set to commence this 1 July.
The international market is rebounding steadily, and we are actively tapping into new growth corridors. While some East Asian markets namely China, Hong Kong, and Macau remain soft, strong performance from South Asia and upcoming new fifth freedom routes like Chiang Mai–Taipei–Sapporo are set to balance the pace of recovery.
“We remain optimistic about meeting our 2025 passenger target of 23 to 24 million with a strong load factor at 90%, and our planned fleet expansion to 66 aircraft by year-end strategic moves that will position us well for the peak season and beyond,” said Santisuk.
HUA HIN, 19 MAY 2025: Thailand’s once-thriving tourism sector is now navigating turbulent waters. Foreign arrivals are falling short of expectations, with a sharp dip in Chinese travellers, growing regional competition, and a stubborn hangover from global shocks and conflicts. Meanwhile, hotel occupancies are dwindling, and trust in the government’s response is wavering.
A controversial proposal presented by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports recommends that THB800 million be spent supporting foreign-based OTAs. It has drawn fire from the Thai Hotels Association, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is quietly adjusting its lofty 2025 target of 40 million arrivals down to a more sobering 35.5 million — matching last year’s numbers.
Photo: Wat Traphang Thong or Golden Lake Monastery in Sukhothai, the ancient UNESCO-listed city that’s considered the cradle of Thai culture
The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) is sounding the alarm and preparing a direct appeal to the Prime Minister. With tourism still seen as Thailand’s last economic engine, the time for action is now.
Beyond the Crisis: A 10-Point Plan to Help Build-Back-Better Tourism in Thailand
If the last few years have taught us anything, returning to “business as usual” isn’t good enough. Thailand’s future lies not just in numbers but in the quality of experiences we offer — and in protecting what makes us special.
1. Look Beyond the Numbers: Protect What Matters.
Tourism is not just GDP. It’s culture, community, and ecology. Growth must be measured by how well we safeguard local identity and avoid the trap of overtourism, not by the benchmarks of arrivals and receipts. Our future generations — our children — deserve to inherit more than crowded beaches and overbuilt hillsides.
Recent signs of international tourist misbehaviour — particularly in Phuket and Pattaya — are deeply concerning. Locals are becoming tired of such unruly behaviour and know they have a choice. Local anger and frustration are unsuitable for tourism — a potential death knell. Reports of fighting, public drunkenness, and the open use of cannabis are harming Thailand’s family-friendly image and deterring more conservative travellers, especially the older generation. The unmistakable waft of drug smoke in public areas has become a frequent complaint. Zoning for cannabis use and stricter enforcement in tourist areas must be considered if Thailand wishes to attract higher-value, responsible tourism.
And it’s not just behaviour. The rising cost of travel to Thailand is beginning to bite. When combined with a global tourism slowdown and reduced outbound Chinese travel, Thailand must fight harder for every tourist dollar without compromising its values or long-term vision.
2. Wellness Beyond the Spa: Retreats of the North
From forest therapy in Phayao to herbal medicine workshops in Kalasin, we can evolve wellness into a more meaningful, healing journey. Let Northern Thailand become Asia’s sanctuary for spiritual and physical renewal.
3. Embrace the River: Mekong & Ping as Slow Travel Arteries
Launch immersive river journeys through the Northeast and North, guided by local wisdom, supported by riverside homestays, and powered by the calm of slow travel.
4. Rise of the Rail: Revive Thailand by Train
Reimagine Thailand’s railways as a nostalgic, sustainable alternative to domestic flights. Think gourmet sleeper services, heritage routes, and curated stopovers along the way.
5. Expand the MICE Map: Spread business tourism across the map. Offer incentives to take conferences to secondary cities like Khon Kaen, North Phuket or Nakhon Ratchasima, with cultural side trips to boot.
6. Thematic Trails in the Northeast: Introduce themed, multi-province trails — spiritual journeys, heritage circuits, and culinary pilgrimages — that encourage longer stays and deeper connections.
7. “Live Like a Local” Homestay Programmes: Scale up authentic, regulated homestays. Let visitors share morning chores with buffalo farmers, weave silk with master artisans, or join temple festivals — the heartbeat of Thai village life.
8. Culinary Tourism Renaissance: Food is Thailand’s most persuasive invitation. Expand immersive culinary experiences: market tours, regional food trails, and farm-to-table dining, especially in lesser-known provinces.
9. Eco & Agro-Tourism for Urban Escapees: Build demand for weekend green escapes, such as mushroom foraging, birdwatching, organic farming, and more. Partner with schools and universities for nature-based education programmes. Introduce art classes and painting workshops.
10. Expand the “Half-Half”: Travel Subsidy to Expats
TAT’s “We Travel Together” scheme has shown strong results. Expanding it to Thailand’s 3 to 4 million expats could inject THB1.7 billion into the economy with minimal extra investment.
That’s not just a smart investment — it’s a strategic one. With careful targeting, it needn’t fuel overtourism. Quite the opposite: it can direct visitors to quieter provinces, mid-week travel, and low seasons.
Final takeaways – Slower, Wiser, Kinder
Tourism is not only about economics — it’s about the memories we shape, the communities we touch, and the landscapes we leave behind. Let’s resist the urge to chase volume for volume’s sake. Instead, let’s craft a tourism future that’s slower, wiser, and kinder to all who call Thailand home — now and in the years to come.
The Kingdom has everything it needs to succeed. All that’s left is the courage to choose a better path.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a respected travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. A former general manager of several leading hotels in Thailand and a regular speaker at international tourism forums, he is widely recognised for his insight into emerging travel trends and his passionate advocacy for Thailand as a world-class destination.
DOHA, 16 MAY 2025: Qatar Airways announced on Wednesday that it has placed the largest aircraft order in its history with manufacturing partner Boeing.
As part of its strategic fleet growth plan, the landmark order includes up to 210 Boeing widebody jets — 160 firm and 50 option — which is the largest widebody order and the largest 787 Dreamliner order in the American aerospace company’s history.
Photo credit: Qatar. Trump harvests a whopping airline deal for Boeing.
The deal was announced on Wednesday during President Trump’s visit with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar.
Qatar Airways has also signed an agreement GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, with additional options and spares, to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft — the largest widebody engine purchase in the history of GE Aerospace.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history and the biggest aircraft order in our history. This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation. This is so we can meet the strong demand in the airline as we seamlessly connect passengers to the world better than anyone.”
Order details
130 787 Dreamliners is the long-range, ultra-efficient widebody aeroplane family that has delivered a 25% fuel-use improvement and superior passenger comfort.
30 777- 9s, the world’s largest twin-engine aeroplane, is designed to set new standards in efficiency by reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the aeroplanes it replaces while elevating the passenger flight experience.
Options for an additional 50 787 and 777x aeroplanes.
Qatar Airways operates over 150 Boeing aeroplanes, including 777 and 787 passenger jets and 777 freighters. With this new purchase, Qatar Airways will become the largest Dreamliner operator in the Middle East.
Qatar Airways’ Largest Widebody Engine Deal in GE Aerospace History
The new GE Aerospace agreements solidify the company’s commitment to Qatar’s thriving aviation industry and build on the previous order for 188 GE9X engines, bringing the total to 248 engines. The addition of GEnx engines for the Boeing 787 fleet supplements their existing 124-engine order, further strengthening the national carrier’s commitment to efficiency and performance. The two deals also include service agreements to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines.
DUBAI, 16 MAY 2025: With global travel at an all-time high, Emirates has confirmed its busiest year for baggage handling yet. Between April 2024 and March 2025, Emirates handled more than 2.8 million bags each month, averaging 100,000 per day, from Dubai to 140 global destinations.
These figures mark a 3.7% increase in total bags from last year. Despite its complex operation, Emirates has maintained a 99.9% baggage handling success rate from its Dubai hub.
Emirates’ excellent statistical record for baggage handling places it as the top performing airline worldwide. 99.9% of all baggage coming from Dubai or transferring through reaches its owner on time at the correct destination. Emirates ‘baggage mishandling rate, which can be defined as ‘delayed, lost or misplaced baggage,’ is minimal at 1.4 in 1000 at the Dubai hub – almost 30 times lower than some other providers.
On a global level, when Emirates customers’ bags are unavoidably delayed, 91% are reunited with their owners within 72 hours. Internationally, this rate is notable because Emirates mainly manages international baggage and international transfer baggage, so the luggage goes on long and complex journeys that require a significantly higher level of attention than domestic travel.
Lost and found is another area where Emirates excels, with 94% of valuable items proactively recovered and returned to customers in Dubai within 60 minutes, thanks to a dedicated team. These items are found either on Emirates aircraft or at the Emirates hub in Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3. They are marked as ‘valuable’ because they are essential items for Emirates customers’ travel experience – passports, wallets and phones.
Latest developments for Emirates Baggage Handling
In 2024, the airline introduced Emirates Bag Connect. This tool is available to customers on the Emirates app and website and offers a comprehensive view of the baggage journey with timely baggage status tracking. An additional feature was also introduced to allow customers to track mishandled bag delivery, and this service is now available at 80 stations across the Emirates’ network.
In the Emirates Dubai hub, from 2.8 million bags handled monthly, an average of 2300 bags are found without baggage tags. Emirates and dnata teams work together to track the owner proactively. An average of 80% of these bags are recovered and loaded onto the aircraft before the flight’s departure, ensuring no disruption to the customer.
Various scenarios may have occurred on the rare occasion that baggage is delayed. Sometimes baggage tags are accidentally torn off, or occasionally, a bag could fall off the underground baggage belt as its rounds a corner. A transfer flight may be unavoidably delayed due to weather or a sick passenger, making it impossible to remove and reload the bag onto the passenger’s transfer flight in time. In this case, the customer’s bag is immediately loaded onto the next flight. This is done automatically by combining complex systems, such as the baggage handling system by Dubai Airport, the baggage reconciliation system by Dnata, and Emirates Bag Connect.
Emirates attributes its best-in-class baggage handling to robust systems and high-tech procedures, including a multimillion-dollar investment into software that Emirates has tailored to specific needs, providing full visibility of entire journeys. On an average Emirates journey from Dubai, a customer’s luggage goes on its own trip, interacting with many of the Emirates team. Steps can include a porter’s trolley to a check-in agent and baggage belt, to the ‘Boss Room’ where baggage is scanned with high tech security, to being loaded into dnata baggage containers and onto the moveable dollies bound for Emirates aircraft before it travels across the world, to meet the baggage handlers at a new destination.For information on the airline and to book flights, visit www.emirates.com.
KUCHING, 16 MAY 2025: Marking its debut at the Travel Malaysia Fair (TMF) 2025, held from 2 to 4 May at Singapore EXPO Halls 4 & 5, the event spotlighted Sarawak’s growing appeal as a sustainable, culturally rich, and easily accessible destination for Singaporean travellers.
With Singapore ranking among Sarawak’s top five international markets in 2024 and direct flight connections to Kuching, Miri, and Sibu, the Sarawak Pavilion featured five dedicated sellers, including established travel agencies: Meidi Travel Solutions, Singatour, and EU Holidays.
Offering specially curated packages highlighting Sarawak’s eco-tourism, culture, and adventure offerings, the pavilion served as a dynamic space for networking sessions with Singaporean travel agents to strengthen future collaborations and product development.
“Singapore has always been a vital market for us,” said Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. “Our presence and participation reaffirm our commitment to deepen engagement with Singapore’s travel community and reconnect with a mature market that values nature, heritage, and convenience. The significant turnout of Singaporean attendees at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024, supported by convenient direct flights, reflects the strength of this connection and the potential to grow it even further.”
STB is confident that renewed marketing efforts, stronger partnerships, and enhanced air connectivity — including 14 weekly flights operated by Scoot — will continue to drive momentum.
The event builds on the success of previous collaborative campaigns, including the 2024 Tripartite Campaign Agreement between STB, Scoot, and Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), reinforcing Sarawak’s growing presence in Singapore as a bleisure (business + leisure) and eco-cultural destination.
SINGAPORE, 16 MAY 2025: Southeast Asia’s premier B2B travel trade show, Travel Meet Asia 2025, will bring together high-level decision-makers from the leisure, MICE and business travel sectors in Jakarta on 25 and 26 June to unlock the full potential of strategic source markets in the region.
This year’s edition, attracting top travel buyers and sellers for the two-day B2B show, will convene at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue in the Indonesian capital from 25 to 26 June.
The show facilitates targeted market access and empowers businesses to explore new growth opportunities through one-to-one meetings, curated networking, and expert-led conference sessions.
Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia, will attend as the Guest of Honour and officiate the opening ceremony of Travel Meet Asia 2025, underscoring the government’s strategic commitment to strengthening international tourism partnerships and stimulating economic growth across Southeast Asia.
Early-bird registration for trade visitors is now open through 20 June 2025. Trade visitors are encouraged to secure their tickets at preferential rates to guarantee access to one-to-one appointments and exclusive conference sessions designed to shape the future of the region’s travel industry.
Exhibitor Line-Up: Asia and Beyond Showcased
Leading travel companies have confirmed their participation as exhibitors, including: The Ascott Limited, Celyon Escapade, CN Travel Group, Crossing Vietnam, DidaTravel, DMC Asia Plus – Vietnam, Hoian Memories Land, Khiri Travel, Little Bhutan, Miki Travel, Nippon Travel Agency, SUNRATE, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Meliá Hotels International, Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, Gofan Safaris & Travel Africa, Resorts World Sentosa, Transsib Voyage, Ama Waterways, TUI Hotels & Resorts, and Wow India Travel & Tours.
Backed by Regional Associations
The event is proudly supported by five leading regional associations: the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), the Association of the Indonesian Tour and Travel Agents (ASTINDO), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) and the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA). Their support underlines TMA’s credibility and its importance as a platform for market access across Southeast Asia.
Top Buyers Confirmed from Across the Region
More than 400 regional and international buyers have already confirmed their attendance, representing sectors such as incentive travel, corporate travel management, tour operation, and online distribution. The following renowned companies are among those sending their top buyers to participate:
Travel Meet Asia 2025 offers unmatched access to buyers, partners and fresh perspectives for professionals across the travel ecosystem.
Conference Programme: Expert Insights to Shape the Future of Travel
The Travel Meet Asia conference programme will feature a strong line-up of distinguished speakers who will share data-driven insights and practical strategies across six key themes — market overview and trends, travel and destination marketing, hotels & alternative accommodations, MICE & corporate travel, travel technology, transportation & logistics. Highlight speakers include:
Travel Meet Asia 2025 stands as the definitive platform for trade professionals seeking to forge new partnerships, discover emerging trends and unlock the full potential of Southeast Asia’s travel markets.
Early bird registration for trade visitors is now open until 20 June 2025. To learn more and register, visit: travelmeetasia.com/visitor
SINGAPORE, 16 MAY 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) as its newest Association Partner, marking a significant step in strengthening international collaboration across Travel & Tourism.
Based in Istanbul, TÜRSAB is one of the world’s most established and professional tourism organisations, representing nearly 16,000 member travel agencies across Türkiye.
Established in 1972, the Association has long played a leading role in shaping Türkiye’s tourism landscape and driving industry development through advocacy, professional training, and strategic representation.
Operating through 34 Regional Representative Boards and 15 Expert Committees encompassing all major tourism industry segments, TÜRSAB is dedicated to raising professional standards and enhancing global competitiveness.
Its core activities include protecting the rights of travel agencies, delivering industry-focused education programmes, and actively promoting the sector both nationally and internationally.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “We welcome TÜRSAB into our global network of leading Travel & Tourism voices. Türkiye is a vital part of the worldwide tourism economy, and TÜRSAB’s expertise makes it a valuable contributor to our shared vision.
“As we shape a more sustainable and innovative future for the sector, TÜRSAB’s insights and collaboration will help ensure inclusive growth and long-term resilience. We look forward to their active participation and to strengthening ties with Türkiye’s dynamic tourism industry.”
TÜRSAB President Firuz Bağlıkaya commented: “As the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), which continues its way with determination as the world’s largest tourism professional organisation, it is very important for us to participate in an important international organisation such as the World Travel and Tourism Council.”
“We believe that WTTC will add value to TÜRSAB as an international organisation, and likewise, TÜRSAB will make significant contributions to WTTC with its experience and knowledge of more than half a century. With the mutual synergy of WTTC and TÜRSAB, world tourism will greatly benefit.”
The Association also plays a key role in international representation, ensuring Turkish tourism is effectively positioned globally. Through this partnership with WTTC, TÜRSAB is poised to contribute to broader sector-wide discussions on policy, sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.
DELHI, 16 MAY 2025: Thomas Cook India shattered its financial performance records, reporting its highest-ever consolidated profit before tax of INR3,784 million in its FY25
Total income from operations grew 12% year-on-year to INR82,815 million.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited Managing Director & CEO Mahesh Iyer.
Operating profit before tax (PBT) for FY25 grew 15% to INR3,821 million from INR3,337 million.
Operating PBT for Q4 FY25 grew 51% to INR917 million from INR608 million.
Standalone Operating PBT for FY25 grew 20% to INR1,650 million from INR1,377 million
Q4, typically an investment quarter, was profitable for a second consecutive year.
Travel Services EBIT grew by 29% in FY25, aided by a strong turnaround of the group’s global DMS companies; Forex grew by 21%
Cash and bank balances at the close of the fiscal year (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025) stood at INR20,739 million. In the group’s statement for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025, the board recommended a dividend of INR0.45 per share.
Commenting on the results, Thomas Cook (India) Limited Executive Chairman Madhavan Menon said: “Thomas Cook India has delivered another robust performance to wrap up FY25, reporting its highest ever consolidated PBT of INR3,784 million. PBT grew an impressive 46% in Q4 FY25 and 10% for the FY25.
“The FY25 results were driven by strong all-round delivery — with Travel Services EBIT growing by 29%, aided by a strong turnaround of Global DMS Companies; Forex growing by 21%.”
Thomas Cook (India) Limited Managing Director & CEO Mahesh Iyer added: “I am proud of the strong all-round performance of the teams across businesses & geographies for FY25. Our focus will remain enhancing customer experience, digital transformation and cost optimisation. Going forward, we remain cautiously optimistic given recent geopolitical events, global trade wars and potential effects.”
How business sectors performed
Corporate Travel
• Turnover grew by 10% y-o-y for FY25; 2% for Q4 FY25
• 11 corporate accounts acquired across sectors like IT, Media, Pharma, FMCG, Manufacturing, BSFI
• 3 new large corporate accounts implemented for Q4 FY25
• 50% touchless transactions led by the adoption of the corporate self-booking tool in Q4 FY25
• Non-Air business has grown over 29% y-o-y; Hotel business grown by 52% y-o-y for FY25
• Managed over 150 groups, including mega groups of 500 to over 1000 delegates per group. Key international destinations: Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, UK, UAE, Azerbaijan, Malaysia; Domestic: Goa, Jaipur, Delhi, Kolkata
• Successfully managed the National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand as the exclusive partner for accommodation, catering and transport, managing a 20,000-member contingent, including 10,000+ athletes, 5,000 support staff and 3,000 dignitaries
o Championed the ‘Green Games’ initiative with the planting of over 1600 trees and sustainable practices
• Successfully managed the Khelo India Para Games 2025 in Delhi as the exclusive partner for accommodation, catering and transport for 1,300+ para-athletes and 1,000+ support staff across three venues, including provision of 8,000+ room nights with para-special accessibility requirements and 35,000+ meals served through live kitchens
o Delivered 2,000+ coaches and small vehicles with para-special accessibility, alongside 24×7 support through a dedicated control room and 11 city arrival points, ensuring seamless athlete experiences
Leisure Travel
• Sales growth of 20% y-o-y for FY25; 19% for Q4 FY25
• Operated significant volumes (group and personalised products) for Maha Kumbh; premium accommodation and exclusive guided darshans
• Successfully operated tours for the Japan Cherry Blossom season; Unique culinary experiences included Indian chefs flown down to the destination
• Expanded Domestic & Short-haul cruise portfolio; ocean and river cruises (international) continued to perform well
• Experiential travel witnessed high demand – including Northern Lights, events (Rio Carnival) and Polar cruises (Antarctica), Jan to March migration (Kenya)
Destination Management Services (DMS) Network
• India DMS: Turnover grew by 21% y-o-y for FY25; 17% for Q4 FY25, in line with the increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
Overseas DMS: Sales grew by 30% y-o-y for Q4 FY25 and 23% y-o-y in FY25
• Middle East – Desert Adventures: During the quarter, sales saw a healthy increase, led by strong performance in the MICE segment. FIT business in Q4 FY25 remained subdued, primarily due to lower contributions from CIS countries. However, this was more than offset by the MICE segment, led by Gulf Dunes, which secured significant bookings, including major events such as those for Amway (with a topline of INR1078 million) and BMW. Additionally, the entity’s luxury travel segment, Arabian Lux, and the OTA business showed encouraging growth, contributing positively to the quarter’s overall performance
• Asia Pacific – Asian Trails: Delivered positive growth in Q4 FY25, primarily driven by contributions from Thailand, Vietnam and Australia
• USA – Allied TPro: While sales were subdued during the quarter, however, it saw improved margins primarily driven by a mix change towards higher Groups and VIP segments.
• Private Safaris
o South Africa: Q4 FY25 showed steady y-o-y performance, with improved contribution margins driven by upselling efforts within the Groups and MICE segments
o East Africa: The performance in Q4 FY25 declined sharply, primarily due to the absence of business from FTI following its insolvency. The company continues to make progress on strengthening business from existing partners and by adding new business to compensate for the loss witnessed
