InterGlobe Aviation Financial Services IFSC Private Limited (GCE), a wholly-owned subsidiary of India’s most preferred airline IndiGo, announces movement from an existing office to a new, modern and bigger office in view of the expansion of the financing activities, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion in India’s growing financial and business hub.
The GCE office located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, will serve as a critical base for IndiGo to enhance its financing capability in supporting the growth of its operations and providing an unparalleled travel experience to its customers.
Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: “We are delighted to move to our new office at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. In line with the government’s vision to create a world-class, self-reliant ecosystem for aircraft leasing and financing through Gift City, this expansion supports our growth strategy, enabling us to enhance services and explore new opportunities. We look forward to collaborating with GIFT City stakeholders to drive our ambitions and cater to new India’s evolving travel aspirations.”
At the office opening the company senior leadership with CEO, CFO, Chief Fleet Acquisition and Financing had a Puja ceremony and welcomed representatives from the international leasing companies to IndiGo Gift city office.
GCE, received its captive finance company license from the International Financial Services Centre’s Authority (IFSCA) on June 26, 2024, and commenced operations on July 15, 2024. With the first aircraft delivered through GCE to IndiGo on 22nd August 2024, GCE has already successfully financed over 30 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, as of 31st March 2025 and acquired few ATR aircraft which have been leased to IndiGo.
In future, GCE will finance majority of the aircraft for IndiGo.
Organisers of the Devasom Sol Festival announced that tickets are now on sale for the event which is slated for next month.
The ten-day holistic retreat is slated to run from 1st to 10th May at the Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort in Thailand.
The Devasom Sol Festival offers over 90 hours of transformative sessions in mindfulness, wellness, arts, and nature, guided by 28 renowned specialists from across Thailand and the world.
It is the perfect opportunity for those who want to slow down and reconnect with nature, as well as those who want a meaningful beachfront escape with a touch of luxury.
Soulful sounds on the shore
Event organisers also announced the confirmed attendance of renowned Thai indie artist Phum Viphurit at the Devasom Sol Festival.
The exclusive acoustic session will take place poolside on 10th May from 17:30 to 18:30, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience Phum’s soulful sound in an intimate beachside setting.
Phum Viphurit rose to international acclaim with his 2018 hit single “Lover Boy,” and has since performed to sold-out audiences in cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Known for his heartfelt lyrics and laid-back charm, Phum’s music blends indie-pop, soul, and funk, resonating with a global fanbase.
Jazeera Airways has launched its largest ever summer campaign to promote its exciting summer destinations. With 700,000 seats on offer and multiple direct routes to breathtaking destinations like Budapest, Sochi, Yerevan, Rize, Sarajevo, Hurghada, Prague, and Krakow, Jazeera is setting the stage for an exciting and vibrant summer season to offer great summer experiences across the network.
The “Summer Experiences” campaign highlights brand storytelling and travel marketing in a fresh and enticing style with a strong emotional appeal. It is backed by a multi-layered, country wide activation that puts creativity at the heart of aviation.
Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Airways said, “Our new ‘Summer Experiences’ campaign is an out of the box approach to the simple concept that – travel is not only about the destination, it’s about the journey and more importantly, the experiences. Our latest campaign is more about invoking emotions. We want our passengers to feel the excitement of travel the moment they spot a Jazeera billboard or bus wrap or scroll past our ad online.”
A Broad Multi-Channel Execution
This campaign reflects Jazeera’s unwavering belief that every detail of travel—across the entire customer journey—should feel personal, seamless, and inspiring.
To ensure that the message hits home, Jazeera has launched a 360° campaign including social media and digital platforms, a visual takeover of billboards, digital screens, bus wraps, airport advertising, digital advertising and fresh video content — making the campaign unmissable.
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has unveiled Laheq Island, a new residential community at The Red Sea promising to bring island-lifestyle to Saudi Arabia for the first time
Laheq marks the first plans beyond Phase One of The Red Sea that have been revealed to date. The destination welcomed the first guests in 2023 and now has five hotels open, plus an airport welcoming a regular schedule of domestic and international flights. Laheq, which is scheduled to open in 2028, is also the first development at The Red Sea with a primary focus on residential property ownership supported by an exceptional hospitality offering.
“Whether it’s for guests visiting or residents who choose to own a piece of The Red Sea, at Laheq they will experience luxury living with an enriching resort community that brings people together and fosters life-long bonds,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global
Just beyond the western shore of Saudi Arabia is the world’s fourth largest barrier reef. It surrounds an archipelago of 92 pristine islands and is home to more than 2,000 species of fish, many found nowhere else in the world.
Of all the islands in the archipelago, RSG chose the intimate jewel that is Laheq to become an extraordinary island community. It is 400 hectares of white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and clear blue waters.
New opportunities to own at The Red Sea
Private residences on Laheq take their cues from the character of the land, sea, sky and flora of the island. Natural timbers create elegant, shaded canopies, pergolas, and garden courtyards.
Laheq Island offers extensive amenities, entertainment and activities for residents and guests. A 115-berth marina, and sailing and watersports schools serve the seafaring set while a racket club, fitness center, sports field, picturesque 18-hole golf course and well-appointed park satisfy those inclined toward land-based activities. A bustling souq offers an amazing tapestry of sights and sounds with carefully curated products and essentials.
Additionally, residents and guests can indulge in a diverse range of premium beach clubs and dining experiences, each offering its own unique atmosphere from laid-back, barefoot settings to more refined venues. These establishments will highlight the best of local and international cuisine, with a focus on freshly sourced ingredients and exceptional culinary craftsmanship.
The island will also have two luxury resort hotels, with one focused on wellness and the other providing a more energetic and lively lifestyle offering that will resonate with adventurous and curious travelers.
“To date, we have established our reputation as a developer of regenerative tourism destinations, but we are more than that. We are a vertically integrated real estate developer and operator. This includes creating luxury private residences, delivering on Vision 2030’s goal to make Saudi Arabia a top destination to live, work and travel, while further driving economic diversification and jobs growth,” added Pagano.
Sustainable design
Foster + Partners, one of the world’s leading architectural firms, led the design of Laheq Island with a concept called “Forever Garden” because of its abundant use of plant life and vivid greenery.
The centerpiece is “The Ring”. The 800m diameter structure encompasses luxury apartments, hotels and retail, which encircle the white sand beaches of the island’s lagoon.
Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners, said: “Our vision is grounded in a deep appreciation for Laheq Island’s outstanding natural beauty. Residents and visitors are invited into a serene garden that engages all the senses and offers panoramic views of the magnificent surroundings.”
Regenerative tourism
The opening of The Red Sea and its natural wonders is made possible by RSG’s commitment to regenerative tourism. The developer coined the term to describe destinations that not only preserve but enhance their natural surroundings.
RSG has committed to planting and enhancing the condition and habitats of 50 million mangroves and vowed to protect and regenerate corals in the Red Sea and beyond. When fully complete, The Red Sea – including Laheq Island – will become the world’s largest destination to run on 100% renewable energy.
RSG is on track to compete all 16 hotels that make up Phase One of The Red Sea. Upon full completion in 2030, The Red Sea destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The dedicated international airport, Red Sea International, means residents always have quick and easy access to their homes.
Laheq is a key element of RSG’s expanding residential portfolio, managed by Red Sea Residences.
Accor, Valor Hospitality Partners, and ICD (Investment Corporation of Dubai), the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai, have strengthened their partnership with the launch of a six-hotel cluster in Dubai Deira Waterfront as part of the Deira Enrichment Program.
This expansion integrates three well-established Accor properties under the ibis Styles, Aparthotel Adagio, and Mercure brands, along with three new properties that will be branded as Novotel, ibis Styles, and Mercure in Dubai.
The cluster officially opened April 1, 2025, further solidifying Accor’s position in Dubai’s hospitality sector, addressing the growing demand for quality midscale and economy accommodations, expanding Valor’s current management portfolio in the UAE, and further cementing a commitment to operational excellence and financial efficiency.
With a diversified portfolio, this expansion caters to distinct traveller needs, with Adagio meeting the demand of extended stays, Mercure delivering locally inspired experiences, ibis Styles providing design-driven affordability, and Novotel seamlessly blending business and leisure.
“Focusing on strategic, sustainable and exponential growth is the driving force of our partnership with ICD and its wholly owned property developer Ithra Dubai,” said Julien Bergue, Co-Founder & Managing Partner – Middle East, AMEA at Valor Hospitality Partners. “This intensifies our firm commitment to the UAE and Dubai Hospitality Sectors, both well known for their innovation and excellence. The project also reflects our belief in our new slogan, ‘A Whole World of Local,’ which underscores our dedication to being closely connected to our partners and communities in the UAE, the Middle East, and wherever we operate.”
For Accor, the expansion aligns with its long-term vision for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. “Strengthening our collaboration with ICD reaffirms our commitment to sustainable growth with trusted partners. By integrating these properties under the Accor umbrella, we are reinforcing our alignment with the UAE’s vision to enhance tourism and hospitality infrastructure in key districts. This expansion also reflects the increasing demand for quality midscale and economy accommodations in Dubai, catering to a diverse range of travelers,” said Paul Stevens, Accor’s Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy brands for Middle East and Africa.
The partnership between Valor Hospitality Partners, ICD, and Accor exemplifies the synergy of global expertise and deep local market insights. By optimising financial performance and driving sustainable growth, this collaboration sets new benchmarks for Dubai’s hospitality industry, ensuring each property thrives in its unique context.
Aligned with the UAE’s sustainability and economic diversification goals, Accor and Valor Hospitality Partners integrates eco-conscious practices and community development throughout its operations. From resource conservation initiatives to skill development, Accor and Valor remain dedicated to fostering local talent and supporting national employment objectives.
This strategic agreement marks a significant milestone for all three partners, strengthening their collaboration in one of Dubai’s most dynamic districts. As demand surges for midscale and economy accommodations, the portfolio is poised to serve a growing segment of travelers seeking quality stays at competitive pricing.
Accor operates over 290 properties in the Middle East across all its brands, with plans to expand further, adding +130 new addresses by 2028.
Airports Council International (ACI) World offers an exclusive first look at the 2024 rankings of the world’s busiest airports, showcasing their resilience in navigating global uncertainty. Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, these airports have successfully held their top rankings, positioning themselves for continued growth.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports says: “Every year brings its own challenges in aviation, but some things remain constant. Dubai International (DXB) has retained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the 11th consecutive year, according to Airports Council International (ACI). With 92.3 million guests in 2024, we not only extended our decade-long hold on the top spot but also set a new global benchmark for international traffic at a single airport.
While this achievement is measured in numbers, it speaks to something far greater than scale alone. It reflects the extraordinary power of Dubai as a destination in its own right – a city people choose to visit for tourism, for trade and business, or to call home.
It is a proud moment for Dubai Airports and for the entire oneDXB community, whose collaboration and extraordinary efforts continue to shape the way we welcome the world and deliver a guest experience that reflects the spirit of this city.
But while milestones like this are worth celebrating, our focus remains firmly on the future. The development of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International is already underway, bringing with it the opportunity not just to expand capacity, but to completely rethink airport design and reimagine the travel experience itself.
It is a bold vision, shaped by everything we have learned, and driven by the ambition to redefine what is possible all over again.”
Iloilo International Airport welcomed Scoot’s first direct Singapore-Iloilo flight early on Monday, 14th April.
The inaugural flight from Singapore carried 107 passengers when it arrived in the Central Philippine city at 5:35am.
This maiden flight for Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier was welcomed with a water cannon salute, local music, and refreshments.
Subsequently, the return flight heading to Singapore flew out at 6:10am on the same day with 103 passengers.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) released a statement regarding the flight, declaring: “The new route reinforces Iloilo’s role as a regional gateway and is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in Western Visayas. CAAP continues to work closely with aviation partners to promote regional growth while upholding the highest standards of safety and service.”
AirAsia introduced an Auto Visa Check (AVC) feature on its AirAsia MOVE app and website to allow seamless online check-ins for international routes that require a visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This latest innovation is part of the airline’s pioneering efforts to simplify the journey for millions of guests across the region by avoiding wait times and easing congestion at airport check-in counters.
With this innovative AVC feature, guests can verify their visa in real time during online check in, up to 14 days and until one hour before scheduled departure time, from the comfort of their home or while on the go.
How the system works
In order to use the AVC feature for checking in online:
Launch the AirAsia MOVE app or visit airasia.com
Select your flight to check in
When prompted, scan the sticker visa on your passport or upload the e-visa
Get your e-boarding pass once your visa is verified
If not, head to the check-in counter for a manual document check
For guests travelling with hand-carry luggage only, they may proceed directly to the boarding gate using their e-boarding pass (where applicable) or reprint their boarding pass at the self-service kiosk if needed.
Guests with checked baggage may print their bag tags at the kiosk and drop their bags at the designated baggage drop counter.
In the nearly three years following the weakening of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global travel sector has noted a significant increase in the number of cruises being booked by travellers.
While this is surprising enough to many people, it is a trend that travel professionals and intrepid travellers welcome as it offers a completely different way to see the world.
What’s more is that it may be booked anywhere in the world: the itineraries offer something for everyone regardless of age, gender, and personal preferences.
But as to why the cruise sector has boomed in such a way over the past several years, today’s report will show the mitigating factors and trends that are currently driving the popularity of cruises among today’s travellers.
While we are yet to hit the same numbers as before the pandemic, the cruise industry continues to grow
In a nutshell: the global cruise sector as of 2024
According to Grand View Research’s Horizon Databook for 2024, the global cruise sector earned a total revenue of US$8.87 billion as of the end of last year.
North America remains the industry’s largest core market, with Americans and Canadians accounting for 50.1 percent of the total market in 2024, though the United Kingdom, Japan, and Brazil are not far behind.
However, if we take regional markets into consideration, the Middle East is steadily gaining ground and places like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates stand to become major source markets for the sector by 2030.
Grand View Research analysts also project that, based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9 percent per annum, the global cruise sector stands to generate up to US$18.35 billion in total revenues by the end of the current decade.
While ocean cruises remain the biggest player in the industry, river cruises are steadily gaining sway in Europe, as well as parts of South and Southeast Asia.
Luxury cruises, particularly those run by major hospitality brands like Aman and Four Seasons, are also becoming quite popular and are growing well alongside experiential and / or expedition cruises.
Also, we need to take into consideration the fact that the average age of cruise passengers has significantly gone down over the past five years.
Changing demographics are significantly altering the industry
Thanks to television shows and cinema, many people grew up thinking that cruises were strictly for older people seeking more sedate pursuits as they ride the waves.
In the 21st century, however, nothing can be further from the truth as recent reports show that cruises now have solid appeal with a much younger demographic.
Indeed, a report published by BANC in the first quarter of 2024 represented by the chart above shows that individuals between the ages of 30 and 59 now make up 53 percent of the cruise passengers who travelled in 2023.
In a similar report, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) pointed out that the average age of cruise passengers has gone down from around 60 to just 46 since the end of the pandemic, and that the over-60 population now makes for just 32 percent of cruise passengers in the past year.
In both reports, there was also a notable rise in the number of Gen Z individuals taking to cruises: 9.1 percent in 2024 and the number continues to rise as of press time.
As to why this is so, we look to s statement made by Fora Travel head of cruise Randy Marsden said in an interview with USA Today earlier this month: “Basically, people who originally thought that cruising wasn’t meant for them, and are now starting to see these products that are catered to them, and even seeing like the older, more established cruise lines offering new things on board to appeal to younger travelers.”
Social media and traditional media both have their part to play as well, as many solo travellers cite travel influencers on Instagram and TikTok as their primary source of inspiration for booking their own cruise experiences.
Accommodations in today’s cruise ships are at par – possibly even more so than – with those of land-based hotels
Better than conventional hospitality?
Considering how global cruising was the last sector in the travel industry to recover from the pandemic, it has since gained momentum and we are currently seeing competitive pricing despite inflationary issues, along with an upsurge in bookings.
In an interview in October of last year, Patrick Scholes, a travel and leisure analyst at Truist, remarked that cruise companies are having their day in the sun despite ongoing economic issues affecting other sectors in the travel and tourism industries.
Brandt Montour, an analyst for Barclays, commented: “The cruise industry’s continued strength in bookings and demand, whilst cracks form across much of the rest of the travel market, is primarily driven by the combination of the still significant discount to land-based vacations coupled with the relatively elevated service levels.”
Given Montour’s sentiments and trends seen in the third and fourth quarters of 2024, cruises are gaining popularity as a more exciting and significantly cheaper alternative to more conventional hotel stays and land-centric tours.
Indeed, accommodations on board ship are now more or less at par with those of their land-locked counterparts; larger or more luxury-centric cruise lines also offer exclusive butler service, in-room dining, and other perks for their passengers.
Top decks on today’s cruise ships feature numerous activities for passengers
Something for everyone
At the recent rebrand for StarCruises and Dream Cruises (previously known together as Resorts World Cruises), company president Michael Goh pointed out that, not unlike hotels, cruise ships have a lot to offer today’s travellers.
Interestingly, Goh pointed out that some travellers made this discovery whilst looking for alternative trips during the pandemic.
According to Goh: “During the COVID period, there were not many travel options for travellers and they were like, ‘I have to come on board the cruise ship.’ When they did come aboard the cruise ship, they realised how exciting it was in terms of the facilities that the vessel offered.”
The passengers who came aboard at the time were active individuals who were feeling restless following the enforced isolation of the period.
For these travellers, cruise ships offered a variety of ways to stay active and have fun that they would not have normally encountered on a conventional staycation or tour.
Goh said: “So, we’ve got a zipline, six water slides, and even onboard entertainment; that’s what actually opened their eyes. Today, when we talk about cruise ships, travellers no longer say that they had a very boring time onboard.”
This sentiment is shared by StarCruises’ senior vice-president for entertainment Colin Kerr who was quick to remind us during a recent interview that, not too long ago, cruise vacations were thought of as sedate and slow-paced experiences; the coming of younger passengers, Millennials and Gen Z in particular, has pretty much upended this scenario.
Kerr said: “As times change and we keep getting new generations coming aboard, we’ve had to rethink what we do. Attention spans are a little bit shorter now. We have to offer a lot more variety and have people moving around, so that’s what we’re doing now.”
As a result, cruise ships offer a broad spectrum of activities to appeal to all ages and all levels of personal activity.
Onboard theatres offer shows ranging from musical performances that would not be out of place on Broadway or the West End, to contemporary magic acts and acrobatic spectacles to easily rival those of the famed Cirque du Soleil.
Along with shore excursions, active types are spoilt for choice thanks to onboard gym facilities, extreme sport options like ziplining and rock climbing, and even aquatic fun in the form of pools of varying depths and water slides of varying heights and angles.
For cruise lines that lean strongly towards family-centric vacations, daycare centres and conventional play areas have been augmented with experiential areas for older children which combine play with learning, as well as digital and virtual reality arcades and even team-building activities for teenagers.
But this is all the tip of the iceberg; we will not be surprised if cruise lines continue to step up their game in the coming months and years and a new generation of travellers makes its way to the high seas.
Kempinski Hotels and BTG Hotels (Group) Co., Ltd. (BTG Hotels) recently renewed their long-standing strategic partnership.
At present, Kempinski Group has already begun the implementation of a strategic plan that seeks to reclaim and strengthen its market leadership in the global hospitality sector.
As part of the renewed partnership, Kempinski and BTG Hotels will focus on Chinese travellers by launching a new brand which will offer a curated selection of rooms, experiences and services to cater to the evolving needs of the local demand.
According to Kempinski’s chief product officer Rasha Lababidi: “Given China’s strategic importance in our strategy, this new lifestyle brand will just reinforce our long-term commitment to the local market and will help further expand our footprint in the region. Domestic travellers will benefit from the best of both worlds, Kempinski hospitality and service expertise on one hand, distinct products and experiences specially designed for them on the other hand. Together with BTG Hotels, I look forward to bringing this new brand to life.”
The extension of the partnership between Kempinski Hotels and BTG Hotels demonstrates Kempinski long-term vision to remain a key hospitality player in the region, as part of the transformational change that the brand is going through to develop and position Europe’s oldest luxury hospitality group as a dynamic, world-class leader in the luxury travel industry.
A long-standing plan of action
Under the renewed agreement, Kempinski Group is launching a multi-year investment plan to support the growth of the very successful partnership with BTG Hotels.
This plan will focus on four key pillars:
Expand the Chinese Heritage Portfolio for the Kempinski brand, enlarging the offering for sophisticated Chinese travellers discovering China and offering authentic Chinese heritage experiences for the international travellers discovering this beautiful country.
Launch a new lifestyle hospitality brand to reach 200 hotels in China over the next five years. Leveraging the strength of BTG Hotels, the continuous growth of the Chinese market and Kempinski’s expertise in crafting unique experiences, this new brand will enlarge the choice for Chinese customers in China.
Continue to strategically support the Bristoria brand portfolio and strengthen the collaboration to expand the global expansion of the NUO brand and establish it as a benchmark in luxury cultural hospitality worldwide.
Reinforce the cooperation on membership system integration.
This commitment underscores their mutual ambition to lead the way in hospitality and meet the evolving needs of the Chinese market.
Shared success
According to BTG Hotels chairperson Li Yun: “BTG and Kempinski have achieved tremendous success during the past two decades. China’s role on the travel and tourism stage has undergone a major shift in the last quarter century, and Kempinski has been a part of that journey since day one. We look forward to further strengthening the long-term strategy in the region, leveraging the hospitality expertise of Kempinski, and together, continuing to be a driving force in the development of China’s hospitality landscape.”
For her part, Kempinski chief executive Barbara Muckermann remarked: “Kempinski and BTG enjoy a strong partnership and rich history together, as pioneers in luxury hospitality in China. We are very fortunate to have BTG Hotels, the third largest hotel group in the country, as our partner. Our collaboration offers us a unique advantage to continue aggressively expanding in the region. I look forward to the next phase of the collaboration to reinforce our position into the future.”
Kempinski originally expanded into China in 1992 with the country’s first-ever five-star luxury hotel, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center, formerly known as Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center.
Following early successes in China, Kempinski and BTG created Key Co in 2001, a joint venture established to operate hotels throughout China, leveraging the hospitality expertise of Kempinski, as the oldest independent luxury hotel company in Europe, and BTG Hotels’ reputation as the most prestigious travel and tourism company in China.
In 2018, Kempinski and its long-term Chinese partner mutually agreed to prematurely review the joint venture for another 50 years as a sign of confidence from both parties in the partnership and the enduring potential of this market.
Today, the joint venture is one of the largest international luxury brand operators in China, operating 22 hotels.
