The post Govt of Nagaland names Air India Express as The official travel partner of the Hornbill Festival appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The airline celebrates the spirit of Nagaland with a Tsüngkotepsü-themed livery on one of its 50 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft and announces 15% discounts on flights to and from Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival. The Government of Nagaland has named Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, as the Official Travel Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, one of India’s most iconic celebrations of tribal heritage, music, food, and traditions. The announcement underscores the airline’s commitment to create meaningful connections rooted in people, places, and stories, and celebrate India’s rich cultural tapestry through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative.

The announcement was made jointly by Shri Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, along with Shri Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, at the airline’s headquarters in Gurugram, National Capital Region. The announcement was made in the presence of Government of Nagaland officials, including Shri Theja Meru, Chairman, Task Force for Music and Arts, and Shri Ababe Ezung, OSD, Transport Department, and senior leaders of the airline.

Welcoming Air India Express as the official Travel Partner, Chief Minister of Nagaland,  Neiphiu Rio, said: “Nagaland is pleased to welcome Air India Express as the Travel Partner for Nagaland Tourism and the Hornbill Festival. This collaboration marks an important step in strengthening connectivity, enhancing visitor experiences, and showcasing Nagaland to the rest of the country and the world. It is a welcome corporate partnership, and we look forward to the contributions of Air India Express towards our collective vision of nation building. Together, we aim to create greater opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth in the Land of Festivals.”

Speaking about the association, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “We are delighted to partner with the Government of Nagaland for this year’s  Hornbill Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and heritage. Under our overarching ‘Tales of India’ initiative, we celebrate the diverse cultural heritage and indigenous arts of our country. The Hornbill Festival reflects the spirit, artistry, and colours of the region like no other. The Tsüngkotepsü livery on our new Boeing 737-8 is a tribute to the rich artistic legacy of Nagaland, while also marking the first aircraft in our fleet to feature our newly retrofitted cabin. We look forward to welcoming guests to the Land of Festivals and supporting Nagaland’s growth as a cultural and tourism destination.”

As Nagaland prepares to welcome visitors from across India and around the world, Air India Express is bringing the celebrations closer with the arrival of its new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, VT-BWD, featuring a striking livery inspired by the Tsüngkotepsü design, a powerful symbol of identity and heritage, worn as a marker of great honour in Ao tribe of Nagaland. The aircraft will be received by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio, at Dimapur Airport on 22 November. The airline will also facilitate the travel of artists and organisers for the festival, along with a dedicated Hornbill experience kiosk at Dimapur Airport, to welcome travellers to the colours and character of Nagaland from the moment they arrive.

To enhance accessibility and drive tourism and footfalls, Air India Express is offering a flat 15% discount on direct and one-stop flights to Dimapur for bookings made between 20 and 30 November 2025, for travel from 20 November to 15 December 2025, using the promo code HORNBILL on the airline’s awardwinning website and mobile app.

Air India Express operates daily flights connecting Dimapur to Guwahati, with convenient one-stop onward connectivity from Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Patna. The airline utilises the same aircraft from Dimapur to Guwahati and onward to Delhi, allowing guests to continue their journey to the national capital without a change of aircraft, ensuring a smoother and more seamless travel experience. Across the Northeast region, the airline connects Guwahati with 126 weekly flights, Agartala with 21 weekly flights, Imphal with 21 weekly flights, and Dibrugarh with 14 weekly flights, strengthening mobility and access in the region.

Air India Express celebrates India’s cultural and festive fabric through thoughtful, guest-centric initiatives that incorporate local traditions into the travel experience. From Sattvik meals during Navratri and festive menus for Diwali to Onam Sadya during Onam, and gestures such as distributing rakhis onboard for Raksha Bandhan, the airline brings the warmth of India’s celebrations to the skies. These experiences, with the airline’s new campaign ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, encourage travellers to discover the country’s diversity and cultural depth, both on the ground and in the air.

As part of its ‘Tales of India’ initiative, Air India Express proudly showcases unique art and designs on its aircraft tails, representing the stories of India’s many regions. Alongside the Tsüngkotepsü design from Nagaland, the airline’s fleet features Akyobi, Moirang Phee, and Saphee Lanphee from Manipur, Gamosa and Jaapi from Assam, Idu Mishmi from Arunachal Pradesh, Khneng from Meghalaya, and Puanchei from Mizoram, honouring the artistic traditions of the Northeast and celebrating the spirit of India in flight.

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The post Skyscanner Hosted its First-Ever ‘Snack Transit’ Pop-Up in India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

(Entrance to the Skyscanner Snack Transit pop-up in Delhi)

Skyscanner brought its first-ever Snack Transit Pop-Up to India, delighting food lovers and travel enthusiasts alike in Delhi and Mumbai. This innovative food-truck-meets-convenience-store experience marked an exciting step in Skyscanner’s journey beyond the digital realm, bringing its global travel inspiration to life, through flavour and discovery.

An extension of Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 Report, featuring its ‘Shelf Discovery’ trend, the pop-up drew on insights revealing that 79% of Indian travellers love exploring local supermarkets when abroad, as a way to experience new cuisines and cultures. By marrying India’s deep-rooted passion for food, the popularity of food trucks, and the growth of culinary exploration, Skyscanner demonstrated how snacks serve as a gateway to cultural discovery and travel inspiration.

Held at Select CityWalk, Delhi on 14 November and Carter Road, Mumbai on 15 November, the pop- up saw visitors enjoy a global tasting journey, sampling and collecting snacks from 16 countries, including favourites like Kit Kat Matcha, Sriracha Chilli Topaki, Tim Tam, and Coca-Cola Cherry, among others. This transformed snacking into a cross-cultural adventure that resonated with a diverse crowd, from Gen Z explorers and young professionals to families, students, and avid travellers, drawn by the blend of flavour and wanderlust.

From ‘Shelf Discovery’ to Street Discovery

At the core of the Skyscanner Snack Transit was a vibrant food truck where guests redeemed a complimentary snack by scanning a QR code to download the Skyscanner app and explore the Travel Trends 2026 Report. Surrounding the truck, a series of interactive zones brought the brand’s travel spirit to life, from trivia-based games like the ‘Spin Wheel’ and ‘Claw Machine’, where guests tested their travel knowledge to win additional snacks, to a Photo Booth that let visitors capture their moment of discovery with instant print souvenirs.

(Queues build at the Mumbai food truck as visitors wait to taste snacks from around the world)

This experience was extended online as well, with guests sharing their Snack Transit moments and tagging Skyscanner on Instagram, amplifying the excitement across both cities and celebrating the intersection of food, travel, and community.

Reflecting on the activation, Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said: “The Skyscanner Snack Transit isn’t just about food; it’s about the way we travel today. Curiosity has become the new currency of travel, and what used to begin with a search bar now starts with a spark of discovery – sometimes on a supermarket shelf, sometimes in a city street. By reimagining global snacks as symbols of exploration, we wanted to show how travel inspiration can be both tangible and universal. For us at Skyscanner, this activation marks a step forward in connecting travellers to the world through inspiring real-world experiences.”

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The post 7 in 10 Trips Are Planned by Women in India: Thrillophila Report appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

Thrillophilia has released its Women & Travel Decisions 2025 report, revealing a quiet but powerful shift inside Indian households. The country’s real travel decision-maker today is not the travel agent, the algorithm, or the loudest voice in the room; it is the woman who plans, filters, budgets, and ultimately shapes the family’s entire travel experience. Based on an analysis of 212,000 itineraries and 8.9 million planning signals, the report finds that women now influence or directly design 72% of India’s leisure trips, taking ownership of everything from budgeting and safety to emotional comfort and experience curation.

Women tend to book earlier, compare more carefully, and stress-test their choices before confirming a trip. On average, they book nine days ahead of time, which helps avoid price spikes, keeps itineraries stable, and reduces cancellations by 18%. They also read more reviews, open more photos, and circulate itineraries in family or friends’ groups more often, ensuring every detail is checked before a plan is final. Interestingly, even though women choose the destination, stay, experiences, and pacing, 62% of payments on women-planned couple trips are still made by men.

According to Thrillophilia’s data, women also have a signature vibe, the smart luxury aesthetic; Not flashy, just thoughtful indulgence, boutique stays, spa time, wellness walks, and unhurried sunrises. Women’s carts contain 28% more of these quality upgrades, yet overall spend stays within 6% of men’s. Unarguably, women aren’t splurging more; they are splurging smarter.
Women also apply over three times as many safety filters, which means fewer trip emergencies and a 23% drop in SOS calls, proving that women research and read about what they book.

Chitra Gurnani Daga, Co-founder, Thrillophilia, said,“Indian leisure is increasingly a She-Planner economy. Women are curating smarter itineraries, earlier bookings, safety-first choices, and meaningful upgrades without blowing the budget. As women continue to lead India’s travel decisions, the industry is shifting toward more thoughtful planning, better value choices, and deeply curated experiences.”

For domestic vacations, women lean towards slow yet value destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, with Goa third on the list. Internationally, women lean towards destinations that are value and luxury, both including Bali, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Travelling with kids and family, Thrillophilia’s data shows that women choose slow mornings, one marquee activity, and early dinners, leading to 7% fewer reschedules on planned itineraries. For families, this approach isn’t just a preference; it is a practical strategy that keeps trips smoother and more predictable.The most dramatic rise is coming from Tier 2 India. Indore, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur are emerging as the fastest-growing geographies for women planners, with Indore alone showing 31% YoY growth. As India’s She-Planner Economy grows, the implications extend far beyond destinations and itineraries; they will increasingly be shaped by a growing women-led travel ecosystem.

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The post 25.9% of American flyers have had luggage misplaced by airlines: Survey appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

Losing luggage during a holiday is a nightmare that travellers hope never to encounter. The study, in which more than 3,000 people across Australia, America and Canada were surveyed, found that 25.9% of American travellers have lost luggage while travelling with an airline. In contrast, 20.4% of Australian travellers and 30.4% of Canadian flyers had the same claims.

Of the American travellers who have had luggage misplaced, the majority reported waiting for days before receiving their lost luggage, with 6.9% reporting they never received their belongings. American travellers reported the highest rate of same-day luggage retrieval, with 22.3% having received their lost luggage within hours.

Over three-quarters of American flyers (76.6%) who have had their luggage misplaced never received any compensation or reimbursement from their airline and those who did received a median compensation of US$275.00.

The majority of American flyers with lost bags did not get reimbursed by their travel insurers. Meanwhile, 30.5% reported not making a claim to their travel insurance for their lost luggage, and a further 22.7% reported not having any travel insurance cover whatsoever.

Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, notes how travel insurance can cover your lost luggage.

“Losing your luggage on your holiday can be a nightmare. If your airline loses your luggage, they might reimburse you for the loss, but even then, it could be days or weeks without your gear,” Mr Taylor said.

“At the same time, there is a chance that the reimbursement you receive does not adequately cover you for your loss or damages. This is where travel insurance can help you bridge the gap.

“Ensuring your travel insurance policy covers you against loss or theft, including cash and travel documents, could potentially leave you with more adequate reimbursement should things go awry.

“Luggage cover while travelling affords you a great deal of peace of mind and allows you to focus on your trip.”

Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to check for the inclusions, limits and restrictions before purchasing.

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The post Paradise goes crypto: Trump’s Maldives resort to be world’s first tokenised hotel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dubai-based Dar Global and The Trump Organization have unveiled an unprecedented collaboration in the Maldives — pairing the Trump brand’s first resort in the archipelago with the world’s first tokenised luxury hospitality development. The announcement marks a breakthrough moment for both real estate investment and high-end travel, merging blockchain-enabled finance with an ultra-luxury island escape.

Revealed this week, the joint venture introduces the Trump International Hotel Maldives, a resort that will rise on a private island 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé. The development features approximately 80 ultra-luxury beach and overwater villas, designed for travellers seeking seclusion, exclusivity, and the highest levels of personalised service. The property is scheduled to open by the end of 2028.

A global first in hospitality investment

Unlike previous models where investors buy tokens representing completed real estate assets, this project tokenises the development phase itself — allowing participants to enter a premium hospitality investment from day one. The structure offers earlier exposure to potential returns within a high-growth luxury segment and marks a fundamental shift in how hotel projects can be financed.

Talking about the new venture, Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said: “We are delighted to bring the Trump brand to the Maldives in collaboration with Dar Global. This development will not only redefine luxury in the region but also set a new benchmark for innovation in real estate investment through tokenization.”

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, added: “Dar Global continues to push boundaries, from developing world-class destinations to pioneering new investment structures. Tokenising the development of Trump International Hotel Maldives marks a global first that blends luxury, innovation, and technology in a way that will transform how the world invests in hospitality.”

A new era for luxury and investment

With this project, Dar Global reinforces its reputation as one of the most forward-thinking developers in the world, while The Trump Organization expands its footprint into one of the world’s most aspirational destinations. Together, they are reshaping what the future of hospitality investment looks like — one where blockchain, high finance, and ultra-luxury resort design converge in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

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The post Breaking News: IATA calls out EU261 reform appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reiterated its strong concern that proposed reforms by the European Parliament to EU261 consumer rights regulation will entrench and worsen its flaws.

In a statement released today, 18th November, IATA officials pointed out that these reforms have ensured ever-rising costs to consumers and airlines whilst failing to tackle the main concerns of passengers. 

According to IATA director-general Willie Walsh: “Everyone knows there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Similarly, there is no such thing as a ‘free’ bag or ‘free’ compensation thresholds. The EU Parliament’s new provisions to EU261 work as a ‘reverse Robin Hood’, putting further costs on to the 99 percent of passengers who don’t benefit from it. They are imposing things people haven’t asked for, and don’t want to pay for unless they choose to.”

Walsh further pointed out that, given a choice, passengers would prefer to pay for what he referred to as “a less gold-plated compensation scheme” in exchange for lower fares. 

He continued by saying: “MEPs are meddling in business and operational issues they don’t understand. It’s essential the Parliament’s proposals are modified, and the Council position is upheld. The best guarantee of great customer service is choice and competition delivered by a thriving air transport market.”

Walsh went on to say that the correct reform of EU261 could serve as a starting point for a meaningful competitiveness strategy for European aviation, and show that European politicians are serious about the lessons of last year’s Draghi report and the need for fewer and smarter regulations.

Imperfect regulations

The shortcomings of EU261 have been known for years. 

In June, European governments finally acted to put in place changes to EU261 that would safeguard connectivity and preserve the competitiveness of European aviation. 

While far from perfect, the European Council attempted to achieve a more balanced regulation, something which was always the objective of reviewing EU261. 

The most notable reform was to move the thresholds for compensation from the present three hours to four hours for short haul and nine hours for long haul. 

This would reduce the perverse incentive for airlines to cancel delayed flights, and be consistent with passengers’ preference to arrive late rather than not at all. 

The European Parliament is seeking not just to eliminate these threshold improvements, but add numerous additional measures, such as the ability to bring a cabin bag for free. 

There is no evidence passengers want these provisions and much less that they are willing to pay higher fares as a result. 

IATA’s passenger survey in May showed 72 percent prefer to have the lowest fare and pay for additional services as required. 

The same survey noted that 97 percent of passengers were ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ satisfied with their most recent flight. 

Furthermore, IATA analysis of Eurocontrol statistics has discovered that less than one percent of flights are delayed beyond three hours. 

This means that 99 percent of passengers are paying for a compensation scheme which only one percent of travelers benefit from, and it follows that the compensation scheme should therefore offer as much value for money as possible.

A sense of urgency is necessary

The need for action is growing ever more urgent, as European air connectivity growth has slowed in some of the most important markets. 

IATA Economics research shows that in the 2014-2024 period, on average, France’s connectivity grew by only 2.2 percent per year, the Netherlands by 2.9 percent, and Germany by just 0.4 percent. 

Governments should be pulling every lever at their disposal to create an air transport industry that is more competitive. 

That means not just the right reform of EU261, but also: 

• Removing passenger taxes. These damage connectivity. Some governments have recognized this: Sweden deleted its passenger tax in July. Germany has said it will do so. We urge other governments to do the same; and
• Making changes to the ReFuelEU “Green Deal” Regulation and EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Fuel producers should be incentivized to make affordable Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and airlines should be able to benefit from using it. At present, airlines pay a US$2.9 billion penalty for buying SAF compared to regular jet fuel. This is on top of payments into the ETS. The recent STIP proposal by the European Commission is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen when words will turn into action. 

The combination of these additional costs is making the profit margins and viability of many new routes or adding frequencies highly questionable, reducing choice for consumers.

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The post ATIA members find themselves inspired by Fukushima’s recovery from disaster appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Three Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) members returned from a four-day familiarisation trip to Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, inspired by a region transforming its story from disaster recovery to a renewed showcase of culture, cuisine, and hospitality.

Led by ATIA director of membership and industry affairs Richard Taylor, the group was made up of Sophie Lin of Reho Study Tours, Simone Thannhauser of Connections Travel Group, and Charisma McDonald of Global Travel Co.

Taylor said of the experience: “Programmes like this are about connection between our members, the destinations they experience, and the communities that welcome them. Fukushima’s people have transformed resilience into hospitality. Their warmth and creativity remind us why travel is such a powerful force for renewal. The trip also demonstrated how ATIA delivers practical value for members while helping destinations connect directly with the Australian travel trade.’’

The trip, which was featured on local Japanese television, forms part of ATIA’s growing roster of international opportunities that are designed to help members strengthen relationships, expand their expertise, and bring new destinations to Australian travellers.

The partnership between ATIA and Fukushima Prefecture reflects growing demand among Australian travellers for authentic experiences that extend beyond Japan’s traditional tourism hotspots.

Immersion in Hope Tourism

Hosted by the Fukushima Tourism Board as part of its Hope Tourism programme and conducted in partnership with ATIA, the fam trip introduced participants to the diversity of experiences now on offer across the prefecture from its samurai heritage and traditional towns to world-class food, sake, and wine.

Participants explored a region that has rebuilt its tourism offering after the 2011 tsunami while at the same time proudly preserving its history and identity.

Likewise, the tour had the dual benefits of delivering practical value for ATIA members as well as directly connecting the Fukushima destination with the Australian travel trade.

While Fukushima’s recovery story remains a point of pride, the fam trip highlighted the attractions and experiences that make it a compelling destination for Australian travellers. 

Members explored the preserved Edo-period post town Ouchi-Juku, the iconic Tsurugajo Castle, and the restored fishing port of Matsukawa-ura, where locals have revived the centuries-old Hamayaki or shoreside seafood barbecue.

Other highlights included the Samurai Meijo-kan Armour Experience which enables visitors to dress up in a 15kg suit of Samurai armour;  the Tomioka Winery and Haccoba Craft Brewery, and a lively exchange dinner with local tourism operators in Iwaki City.

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The post Helicopters are making a Riyadh comeback: NYC-style transfers may be next — Here’s everything you need to know appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

At the Dubai Airshow, Riyadh Air and The Helicopter Company (THC), both Public Investment Fund (PIF) entities signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding aimed at reshaping premium mobility within Saudi Arabia. The partnership marks a significant step in integrating advanced air mobility solutions into the Kingdom’s expanding aviation ecosystem — and a key milestone in Riyadh Air’s mission to redefine the modern travel experience.

The agreement sets the foundation for a new era of seamless travel, enabling Riyadh Air passengers to connect effortlessly from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) to destinations across Riyadh and beyond via helicopter. Similar to services already popular in cities like New York and Nice, the initiative seeks to offer fast, personalised, and efficient transfers, cutting city commute times dramatically.

Talking about the partnership, Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, said: “THC continues to unlock new modes of mobility that deliver high standards of safety, comfort, and convenience. By partnering with Riyadh Air, we are reinforcing national integration in the aviation sector and contributing to PIF’s mandate to strengthen strategic sectors and support Saudi Vision 2030.”

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, added: “Our commitment extends beyond traditional air travel; we are building a world-class travel experience that reflects the Kingdom’s ambition and growing global presence. Our collaboration with THC embodies a shared mission to advance premium mobility solutions that contribute to the transformation of the national aviation landscape.” The partnership comes as Riyadh Air prepares to launch commercial operations with a state-of-the-art fleet designed to elevate the Kingdom’s position as a global aviation hub. By incorporating helicopter transfers into its offering, the airline aims to deliver a differentiated premium product tailored to travellers seeking speed, personalisation, and convenience from runway to final destination.

With both companies now working to identify routes and operational frameworks, the service is expected to become a defining feature of Riyadh’s future mobility landscape, supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader push toward innovation across aviation, tourism, and urban transport.

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The post India Is Driving Krabi’s Biggest Tourism Reinvention in Decades — And Thailand Is All In appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Earlier this month, as Krabi concluded its two-city India roadshow in Bengaluru and Mumbai, it became clear that Thailand’s Andaman jewel is entering a new phase of tourism evolution. With new direct flights, rising demand from luxury and wedding segments, and a growing focus on sustainability, Krabi is positioning itself as far more than a beach escape — it is shaping itself into a premium, experience-driven destination for Indian travellers.

Travel Daily Media spoke with Nattachit Oonsiam, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mumbai Office, who outlined how Krabi is redefining its appeal and why India sits at the heart of this transformation. Below are edited excerpts from our conversation.

Travel Daily Media (TDM): India continues to be one of Thailand’s strongest markets. Why is the Indian traveller especially important for Krabi right now?

Nattachit Oonsiam (NO): Krabi is at a very interesting moment in its tourism journey. For years it has been loved for its beaches and islands, but today it is evolving into something much broader — a destination that offers sustainable, nature-focused, gastronomic and cultural experiences, and is increasingly attractive to niche, high-value markets such as film tourism, MICE and weddings. Indian travellers are essential in this transition because they bring both volume and diversity. We are seeing demand from honeymooners, families, friends travelling together, wedding groups and incentive travellers. There is also a noticeable rise in the number of Indians looking for authentic, responsible travel experiences, which aligns perfectly with Krabi’s positioning as a prototype destination for ethical and community-based tourism.

TDM: IndiGo’s new direct flights to Krabi have generated a lot of excitement. What early trends are you seeing?

NO: The direct flights from Mumbai and Bengaluru have changed the market almost instantly. They have significantly shortened travel time, and that convenience is shaping new traveller behaviour. We already see stronger weekend and shoulder-season demand, increasing interest from families and small groups, and more flexible, multi-destination itineraries — for example, travellers pairing Krabi with Bangkok or Phuket for a longer holiday. The visa exemption for Indian citizens has further accelerated interest. Travellers now feel Krabi is not just beautiful, but also seamless and easy to access, which is a powerful combination.

TDM: Indian travellers increasingly want luxury, weddings and immersive itineraries. How is Krabi adapting to these expectations?

NO: Krabi is transforming its offering to match these segments. The region’s private-villa inventory, boutique resorts and experiential operators are elevating their services with curated island experiences, bespoke diving and boating routes, high-end honeymoon programmes, and a growing focus on gastronomy. One standout example is Krabi’s cave-dining experience at The Grotto, which is becoming very popular among Indian couples. We also see rising interest in film tourism, especially with major productions like Jurassic World Rebirth showcasing Krabi’s landscapes. All of this helps position Krabi as a place where travellers can enjoy intimacy, exclusivity and a strong sense of place.

TDM: Sustainability is a central theme in global travel, including among Indian tourists. What steps is Krabi taking to grow responsibly?

NO: Krabi is being developed as a sustainability prototype for Thailand, which is something we are very proud of. The Amazing Krabi Green Guide Fest, for example, brings the community, hotels and tourism operators together to embed the “7 Greens” approach — from green gastronomy and green learning to low-impact tourism activities. This is not a cosmetic effort; it is creating real change on the ground through waste-reduction programmes, low-carbon travel routes, local sourcing initiatives and community-led experiences. The goal is clear: to ensure that Krabi’s growth benefits local people and protects its natural ecosystems while giving visitors a deeper, more meaningful connection to the destination.

TDM: After the strong trade response to the roadshow, what can Indian partners expect from TAT and Krabi in 2025–26?

NO: The roadshow was a reaffirmation of Krabi’s growing relevance in the Indian market, and we plan to build on that momentum. You will see more familiarisation trips for Indian agents, deeper collaborations with airlines and tour operators, and targeted campaigns for key segments such as honeymooners, wedding groups, young families and women travellers. We also intend to scale our digital storytelling to showcase Krabi’s luxury, sustainability and experiential strengths. With the visa exemption and Thailand Digital Arrival Card making travel even easier, this is an ideal moment for Indian agents to package Krabi as a seamless, high-value experience for their clients.

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