The post Travel & Hospitality Sector in India projecting 8.2% net employment change in HY2 FY2025: TeamLease Report appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

TeamLease Services, a staffing solutions company in India, has provided detailed insights into hiring trends in the travel and hospitality sector. Its Employment Outlook Report for HY2 (October-March) FY2024-25 reveals strong growth in the sector, with 66% of surveyed companies planning to expand their workforce. The report also projects a Net Employment Change (NEC) of 8.2% during this period, reflecting the sector’s momentum in job creation.

The travel and hospitality sector’s growth is being fueled by the adoption of smart tourism technologies, a revival of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities, and a heightened focus on sustainable tourism practices. These factors are reshaping the industry landscape, creating new employment opportunities, and driving demand for skilled professionals in areas such as sustainability coordination, smart travel experience design, and contactless technology deployment.

This growth reflects the broader economic significance of India’s travel and tourism industry, which contributed 9% to the country’s GDP in 2024, amounting to over $ 11 trillion, an impressive 12% increase compared to the previous year. Domestic travel is also on the rise, with a notable surge in religious tourism and visits to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Government initiatives such as the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, aimed at theme-based tourist circuit development, the PRASHAD Scheme, focused on pilgrimage tourism, and significant investments in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity, are further catalyzing the sector’s expansion.

Indian travellers, though not yet the most travelled demographic globally, are emerging as significant contributors to the revival of international tourism. This trend has spurred demand for innovative and personalized travel services. To address this, companies are prioritizing recruitment in roles that align with the industry’s transition toward eco-friendly and digitally advanced travel experiences, ensuring they meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

The report highlights notable hiring intent by the survey respondents across India, with tier-1 cities like Mumbai (58%), Hyderabad (54%), and Ahmedabad (49%) leading the demand for talent. Simultaneously, tier-2 and tier-3 cities, including Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam and Jaipur, are emerging as employment hubs. Meanwhile, new locations such as Pune(18%), Visakhapatnam(15%), and Kochi(13%) are also gaining traction as significant centres of opportunity. This dual momentum across metros and smaller cities reflects the industry’s commitment to decentralising opportunities and addressing local talent pools.

The growing demand for skilled professionals is reshaping the job market. Sales roles lead hiring intentions, with 76% of companies seeking sales talent, followed by marketing (46%), office service roles (35%), and Information & Communication Technology (18%) positions. Engineering and blue-collar jobs are also seeing significant demand, reflecting the operational and technical advancements shaping the sector’s future.

Balasubramanian A, Senior VP and Business Head, TeamLease Services, said: “The positive hiring intent by 66% of the companies we’re seeing in the travel and hospitality sector tells a compelling story about how the industry is evolving. Businesses are gearing up to meet the demands of today’s eco-conscious and experience-driven travellers. Our report highlights how tier-2 and tier-3 cities in the country are stepping up as major employment hubs, alongside the usual metros, creating opportunities for talent in new regions.”

As the travel and hospitality industry grows, its commitment to sustainability and innovation is becoming more pronounced. Companies are prioritising developing eco-conscious travel options, smart tourism infrastructure, and seamless digital experiences, ensuring that the sector aligns with global trends. This transformation positions the industry as a significant contributor to India’s economic growth while reinforcing its role as a dynamic employment generator.

The TeamLease Services Employment Outlook Report sheds light on the opportunities and challenges in this evolving sector, highlighting the need for agility and innovation as businesses cater to a new wave of travellers seeking sustainability and personalisation.

 

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The post IndiGo reported a profit of INR 38.5 billion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Driven by strong demand for air travel, continued growth, and lower fuel cost, for the quarter ended December 2024, IndiGo reported a solid profit of INR 38.5 billion excluding the impact of currency movement, as against a profit of 30.5 billion during the same period last year. 

Including the impact of foreign exchange, the net profit for the quarter aggregated to INR 24.5 billion.

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (“IndiGo”) reported its Third quarter fiscal year 2025 results.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period last year

• Capacity increased by 12.0% to 40.8 billion
• Passengers increased by 12.7% to 31.1 million
• Unit passenger revenue (PRASK) up by 0.3% to INR 4.72
• Revenue from Operations increased by 13.7% to INR 221,107 million
• CASK has increased by 6.8% to INR 4.83 (CASK ex fuel ex fx increased by 10.1% to INR 2.90) • EBITDAR of INR 60,587 million (27.4% EBITDAR margin), compared to EBITDAR of  INR 54,751 million (28.1% EBITDAR margin)
• EBITDAR excluding forex impact of INR 74,560 million (33.7% margin), compared to EBITDAR  excluding forex impact of INR 55,260 million (28.4% margin)
• Net profit of INR 24,488 million, compared to net profit of INR 29,981 million

Profitability Metrics

Particulars (INR mn);	Quarter ended
	Dec‘24	Dec‘23	Change
EBITDAR	60,587	54,751	+10.7%
EBITDAR excluding  foreign exchange*	74,560	55,260	+34.9%
PBT	25,271	29,985	-15.7%
PAT	24,488	29,981	-18.3%
Profit excluding foreign exchange*	38,461	30,490	+26.1%

 

*Net of gain on forex hedging of INR 591 million and Nil for quarter ended Dec’24 and Dec’23 respectively

Operational Metrics*

Particulars	Quarter ended
	Dec‘24	Dec‘23	Change
ASK (billion)	40.8	36.5	+12.0%
RPK (billion)	35.5	31.3	+13.5%
Load Factor	86.9%	85.8%	+1.2 pts
Passengers (million)	31.1	27.5	+12.7%

 

*Includes non-scheduled operations

Pieter Elbers, CEO, said: “We delivered a strong third quarter of financial year 2025, both operationally and financially. We reported  a total income of INR 230 billion, reflecting a growth of 15 percent and profit excluding the impact of  currency movement of INR 38.5 billion. Including currency impact, we reported a profit of INR 24.5 billion  highlighting effective execution of our clear and well-defined strategy. These results were driven by robust  demand in the market and our ability to cater to that demand supported by lower fuel prices.

We touched new milestones as we operated a peak of 2,200 daily flights and served a record 31.1 million  passengers during the quarter. We will continue the growth path to offer our customers with options to  conveniently fly to the destination of their choice.”

Revenue and Cost Comparisons

Total income for the quarter ended December 2024 was INR 229,928 million, an increase of 14.6% over the  same period last year. For the quarter, our passenger ticket revenues were INR 192,678 million, an increase of 12.3% and ancillary revenues were INR 21,531 million, an increase of 22.3% compared to the same period  last year.

Particulars (INR mn)	Quarter ended
	Dec‘24	Dec‘23	Change
Revenue from operations	221,107	194,521	+13.7%
Other income	8,821	6,102	+44.6%
Total income	229,928	200,623	+14.6%
RASK* (INR)	5.44	5.34	+1.9%
Yield (INR/Km)	5.43	5.48	-1.0%

 

*Net of finance income of INR 7,605 million and INR 5,834 million for quarter ended Dec’24 and Dec’23 respectively

Total expenses for the quarter ended December 2024 were INR 204,657 million, an increase of 19.9% over  the same quarter last year.

Particulars (INR mn)	Quarter ended
	Dec‘24	Dec‘23	Change
Fuel cost	64,226	68,414	-6.1%
Other costs excluding fuel	140,431	102,224	+37.4%
Total cost	204,657	170,638	+19.9%
CASK* (INR)	4.83	4.52	+6.8%
CASK ex fuel* (INR)	3.25	2.64	+23.1%
CASK ex fuel ex forex* (INR)	2.90	2.63	+10.1%

 

* Net of finance income of INR 7,605 million and INR 5,834 million for quarter ended Dec’24 and Dec’23 respectively

Cash and Debt 

As of 31^st December 2024

• IndiGo had a total cash balance of INR 437,808 million comprising INR 289,035million of free cash  and INR 148,773 million of restricted cash.
• The capitalized operating lease liability was INR 495,937 million. The total debt (including the  capitalized operating lease liability) was INR 651,385 million.

 

Network and Fleet 

• As of 31^st December 2024, fleet of 437 aircraft including 45 A320 CEOs (19 damp lease and 6 secondary leases), 199 A320 NEOs, 128 A321 NEOs, 48 ATRs, 3 A321 freighters, 12 B737  (damp lease) and 2 B777 (damp lease); a net increase of 27 passenger aircraft during the quarter.
• IndiGo operated at a peak of 2,200 daily flights during the quarter including non-scheduled  flights.
• During the quarter, provided scheduled services to 89 domestic destinations and 34 international destinations.

Operational Performance 

For the period October – December’24

• IndiGo had a Technical Dispatch Reliability of 99.89%.
• IndiGo had an on-time performance of 73.3% at four key metros and flight cancellation rate of  0.97%.

Future Capacity Growth  

• Fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 capacity in terms of ASKs is expected to increase by around  20% as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Awards and Accolades 

• IndiGo was recognized as ‘2024 Airline of the Year’ by Centre for Aviation (CAPA) • IndiGo was honoured at ‘National Energy Conservation Awards 2024’ by Government of India • IndiGo won prestigious NCPEDP Helen Keller Award 2024 for Promotion of Employment for  Disabled People (NCPEDP)
• IndiGo was recognized among the Top 25 Safest Workplaces by KelpHR PoSH Awards 2024 • IndiGo was awarded for ‘Excellence in Sustainability Initiatives’ by Dubai Airports at Dubai  Airports excellence awards 2024

 

 

 

 

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The post Virgin Australia Tops On-Time Performance Charts in December appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Virgin Australia has been recognised as the country’s most punctual and reliable major airline for December 2024, according to on-time performance (OTP) data released by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE). The airline achieved an impressive departure OTP rate of 74.7% and completed 99.4% of its scheduled domestic flights, with a daily average of nearly 400 flights. Remarkably, there were four consecutive days between Christmas and New Year when no flights were cancelled.

Record Passenger Movements

December also marked a record month for Virgin Australia, with more than 1.925 million guests flown across its domestic and international network. This is the highest number of passengers flown on Virgin Australia services in any December throughout its 24-year history.

Commentary from Virgin Australia Group CEO

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka expressed her pride in the airline’s performance during the critical summer holiday period. “The stakes are never higher than during the important summer holiday period, so we are really pleased to have been the most reliable major Australian airline in December,” said Hrdlicka. “We knew it was going to be an extremely busy time and we were prepared with a number of additional resilience measures, including more team members at airports and spare aircraft on standby.”

Hrdlicka also highlighted the significant improvement in on-time performance. “Our on-time performance improved by 18.5 percentage points from December 2023 to December 2024. Over the past twelve months we have been working hard to improve our operational performance, and it is wonderful to see these positive results, especially at such an important time of the year,” she added.

Commitment to Schedule Completion

Virgin Australia has been particularly focused on completing its schedule. For 11 of 12 months in 2024, the airline recorded a higher completion rate than its major competitor. “When unexpected disruption occurs, for example due to weather, we will prioritise completing a flight even if it means a delay is necessary. When challenges arise, our aim remains to get our guests to their destination on the day they have chosen to travel,” Hrdlicka explained.

Accommodating Rex Customers

Following the suspension of Rex’s jet operations in July 2024, Virgin Australia has continued to accommodate Rex customers free of charge. More than 135,000 Rex customers have been rebooked free of charge, with over 125,000 of them having already travelled.

Looking Ahead

Virgin Australia’s dedication to improving operational performance and ensuring passenger satisfaction has clearly paid off. As the airline continues to focus on reliability and customer service, travellers can look forward to more positive travel experiences with Virgin Australia.

For more information and to book flights, visit Virgin Australia.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s celebrate this achievement together.

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The post Celebrity Cruises Launches ‘Dream Makers’ Program for New Celebrity Xcel® appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In an exciting industry first, Celebrity Cruises is inviting travellers to dream up their perfect vacation aboard the new Celebrity Xcel® through its innovative Xcel ‘Dream MakersSM’ program. This global initiative allows vacationers to contribute their ideas and preferences across culinary, entertainment, and interior design to help finalise the cruise line’s newest billion-dollar ship, set to launch in November 2025.

A Collaborative Approach

Celebrity Cruises aims to involve its guests in the decision-making process to ensure their satisfaction with the final product. Michael Scheiner, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Celebrity Cruises, shares, “We want to ensure our guests love our products and experiences, so involving them in the process to perfect Celebrity Xcel was a great way to achieve this. Celebrity Cruises is known for groundbreaking innovation in ship design and experiences unlike any other at sea. When Xcel launches, guests won’t have just found their happy place, they’ll have helped us build it.”

The Role of Dream Makers

Dream Makers, passionate contributors from around the world, will have the final say on key elements of the Celebrity Xcel’s offerings. Through online polls and unique experiential in-person events, the public will help perfect the ship’s design, culinary, and entertainment options. They will put their skills to the test by:

• Choosing textiles, managing interior design elements, and curating service offerings.
• Selecting their favourite dishes and beverages, choosing table settings, and shaping dining concepts.
• Providing input on headline shows, curating props and costumes, selecting playlists, and participating in decisions for pivotal entertainment positions onboard.

Pushing Boundaries of Leisure Travel

With the help of Dream Makers, the Celebrity Xcel is set to push the boundaries of leisure travel. The ship celebrated a major milestone on January 18, floating out of dry dock at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This float-out ceremony marked the completion of the ship’s exterior, bringing it one step closer to welcoming guests.

The Celebrity Xcel will also advance Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to sustainability with its first tri-fuel capable engine, representing a significant step toward Destination Net Zero, the company’s vision for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Inaugural Voyages

Celebrity Xcel’s inaugural season will launch from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, the ship will embark on her inaugural European season with seven- to eleven-night journeys from Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Join the Dream Makers

Those interested in joining the Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ can learn more and get involved by visiting Celebrity Cruises. Embark on a journey where dreams meet reality, and become part of the exciting future of luxury cruising with Celebrity Xcel!

This innovative approach by Celebrity Cruises marks a new era in luxury cruising, allowing guests to shape their ultimate travel experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this groundbreaking program and make your mark on the Celebrity Xcel.

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The post Experience Ultimate Wellness: Six Senses Fiji’s Annual Retreat with Fluidform appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Six Senses Fiji is redefining transformative travel with its second annual wellness retreat, in partnership with Fluidform—the celebrated Pilates and movement method founded by Kirsten King. This exclusive retreat, set against the stunning backdrop of Malolo Island, offers guests an unparalleled holistic experience from 12 to 16 June 2025. The program includes movement, nourishment, and relaxation designed to reconnect body and mind.

A Comprehensive Wellness Journey

Twice-daily Pilates sessions guided by Kirsten King form the core of the retreat. Participants will also benefit from hot and cold plunge therapy, sound healing, and a sunrise hike across the breathtaking landscapes of Malolo Island. Each guest receives a personalised wellness screening, ensuring their journey is tailored to their needs.

Holistic Culinary Experience

Each day begins with a Fluidform-inspired wellness breakfast accompanied by invigorating living tonics based on Six Senses’ holistic philosophy. The chef meticulously selects the freshest herbs, Fiji-grown microgreens, and organic ingredients, providing guests with a garden-to-plate culinary experience.

Mark Kitchen, General Manager at Six Senses Fiji, emphasised the retreat’s focus on harmony with nature: “At Six Senses Fiji, we believe that true luxury lies in the ability to nourish both body and mind in harmony with nature as we reconnect with ourselves and those around us. Our partnership with Fluidform enables us to deliver an extraordinary wellness journey that our guests will treasure.”

Immersive and Educational

Kirsten King highlighted the benefits of the retreat: “Being away on retreat allows guests to dive into Pilates and engage in intimate conversations about their body and imbalances—aspects of their well-being they might not have time to address in their day-to-day lives. My aim is to educate guests so they leave Six Senses Fiji with pearls of wisdom and practical insights that inspire lasting change. Immersed in nature, in stunning Fiji, guests can look forward to a profound shift from the start to the end of the retreat.”

Retreat Details and Highlights

• Price: Rates start from FJD 10,243 per person.
• Dates: June 12 to 16, 2025.
• Location: Six Senses Fiji, Malolo Island.
• Inclusions:
  • Four nights’ accommodation.
  • Shared land and boat transfers to and from the airport.
  • Daily breakfast, three-course dinner daily, and one group farewell beachside dinner.
  • Twice-daily Pilates sessions.
  • Private Wellness Screening introduction at the Spa.
  • One 60-minute Signature Massage.
  • 24-hour GEM (Guest Experience Maker) service.
  • Twice-daily guest room turndown and freshen up service.
  • Bottled drinking water.
  • Use of resort facilities: main pool, spa wet area, tennis court, gym, and non-motorised water sports.

• Itinerary Highlights:
  • Dynamic Pilates at sunrise.
  • Sunrise hike across Malolo Island.
  • Fluidform wellness breakfast and living health tonics.
  • Hot and cold plunge pools.
  • Herbal sauna and steam.
  • Private 60-minute wellness treatment.
  • Sound bowl healing.
  • Private Wellness Screening.
  • Evening activation Pilates.
  • Dinners of locally sourced and grown ingredients.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and wellness with Six Senses Fiji and Fluidform. This retreat promises a profound shift from start to end, leaving guests rejuvenated and inspired. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to reconnect with yourself and nature in the beautiful setting of Fiji.

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The post Hong Kong Airlines Touches Down on the Gold Coast Just in Time for Lunar New Year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In a highly anticipated move, Hong Kong Airlines has resumed its Australian services after a six-year hiatus. The inaugural flight arrived on the Gold Coast in perfect time for the 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations, marking a significant boost for local tourism and trade.

The seasonal service is set to bring 5,000 seats to the Gold Coast over the next four weeks, with flights operating until 15 February. The festive atmosphere at the terminal was electric as lion dancers kicked off the celebrations. Among those present to welcome passengers from the first flight were Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell, Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans, and other dignitaries.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell expressed his excitement at the influx of visitors from Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year period, highlighting the positive impact on the local economy and job market. “We are excited to welcome thousands of travellers over this four-week period,” Minister Powell said. “This service is expected to bring $9.14 million in overnight visitor expenditure, supporting up to 90 local jobs.”

The seasonal service offers visitors quick and easy access from the tarmac to the beach, presenting an excellent opportunity for the local economy and tourism operators. This initiative is another success story for the $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans was thrilled to welcome Hong Kong Airlines back to the Gold Coast. “We’re delighted to welcome Hong Kong Airlines’ guests to our beautiful city and can’t wait for them to experience the best of an Australian summer across the whole region,” Ms Evans said. She recalled that China was the Gold Coast’s number one international market before the pandemic, attracting more than 300,000 visitors a year. Evans expressed hope that this renewed connection with Hong Kong would pave the way for long-term services across key markets in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Mainland China.

Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Mr Yan Bo celebrated the full flight of passengers on their inaugural voyage. “We are delighted to have a full flight of passengers on our first voyage, with around 300 travellers coming to experience Queensland’s warm climate and exciting tourist activities,” Mr Yan Bo said. He also looked forward to welcoming visitors from the Gold Coast and Queensland to Hong Kong during their operation period, encouraging them to immerse in the vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations and enjoy authentic Hong Kong cuisine.

Hong Kong Airlines President and Captain Mr Sun, who joined the cockpit crew for the first flight, emphasised the airline’s commitment to providing high-quality services. “As one of Hong Kong’s leading full-service airlines, Hong Kong Airlines is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive services, including flexible baggage allowance options, complimentary inflight meals, and comfortable seats, to ensure that every passenger can enjoy a pleasant journey,” Mr Sun stated.

The return of Hong Kong Airlines’ service was met with enthusiasm by Acting City of Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates. “It’s a touchdown for our city, and what a welcome return after six years,” said Cr Gates. “Let’s hope that just like Hong Kong’s famous orchid, something magical grows from the return of this seasonal service to our city. We have so much to share, and I applaud all involved.”

Tourism and Events Queensland’s (TEQ) Ollie Philpot and other partners marked the milestone arrival. Mr. Philpot noted the collaborative effort between Hong Kong Airlines, Experience Gold Coast, and Tourism Australia to highlight the Gold Coast in Hong Kong and Mainland China. “This is an exciting moment, and one we hope signals the beginning of a major boost to the festive period on the Gold Coast,” said Mr Philpot.

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn celebrated the resumption of Hong Kong Airlines’ services as a significant step forward for the tourism industry. “China is a hugely important source market for the Gold Coast, so we are thrilled to see Hong Kong Airlines’ services lift off again,” Mr Warn said. He noted that visitation from China had increased to 56,000 visitors in the year ending September 2024. “While the market is still on the long road to recovery, this is a very positive sign, and we’re confident the new Hong Kong Airlines seasonal service will only bolster those numbers further.”

This seasonal service will continue to operate until February 15th, 2025, thanks to the support of the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund. With the renewed connection between Hong Kong and the Gold Coast, the region will enjoy a prosperous and vibrant Lunar New Year.

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The post UN Tourism at FITUR 2025: A milestone event for sector-wide cooperation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

UN Tourism has returned to the FITUR international trade fair to advance the sector’s shirt towards greater accessibility and growth propelled by investments and innovation.  On the eve of FITUR 2025, UN Tourism gathered high-level delegates to celebrate its 50th anniversary, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to making the sector a pillar of peace and understanding. Looking to the next 50 years, UN Tourism once again used the platform of the leading tourism trade fair to advance priorities for the present and the future, with a focus on supporting new ideas and technologies and boosting investments into the sector.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “As UN Tourism celebrates 50 years, FITUR meets for the 45th time. Together, we have helped shape global tourism, building bridges between the public and private sectors, promoting dialogue and cooperation and advancing shared priorities around innovation, sustainability and resilience.”

Within the framework of FITUR 2025, the UN Tourism leadership held a series of high-level meetings with delegates, including Ministers of Tourism, business leaders and representatives of its Member States.

FITUR 2025: Tourism investments take centre stage
In Madrid, UN Tourism welcomed key stakeholders for a special Investment Breakfast, hosted in partnership with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The event brought together experts to focus on the key opportunities and challenges for growing investments into the sector across the region.
On this occasion, UN Tourism presented the latest additions to its growing portfolio of “Tourism Doing Business” Investment Guidelines. The two new publications focus on the investment landscape of Panama and also Brazil, partner country of FITUR 2025.

Making tourism more accessible to all

Further advancing its commitment to making tourism and its benefits available to all, UN Tourism and AccessibleEU hosted a special side event at FITUR (23 January).

Organized in collaboration with the ONCE Foundation, the European Network for Accessible Tourism and ILUNION Acesibilidad, the event “Accessible Tourism: Harnessing the Benefits of Inclusive Destinations for Companies and People” celebrated the progress made in this field, making clear the advantages to destinations of being more inclusive. The event also assessed the challenges standing in the way of opening up destinations to visitors of all abilities, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure and the use of innovation to boost accessibility.

UN Tourism Affiliate Members: New allies welcomed
UN Tourism welcomed its growing network of Affiliate Members to FITUR 2025, further strengthening ties right across the diverse sector. A special “Affiliate Members Corner” was held, focusing on “Targeting Traveler Segments”. The event assessed key growth areas and other areas of potential for destinations looking to diversify their tourism offerings.
At FITUR, UN Tourism signed new Memorandums of Understanding with Affiliate Member CIFFT (Audiovisual Tourism Advertising), designed to advance creativity.

 

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The post Grab great discounts with IndiGo’s “Getaway Sale” appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

IndiGo is back with its “Getaway Sale”, offering great discounts on fare & ancillaries for both domestic and international sectors. Customers can avail this limited time offer from January 23 to January 26, 2025, across all channels, Discounted fares for domestic routes start at just INR 1,499 and at INR 4,999 for international routes. for travel period of 15-day advance purchase.

Customers can elevate their travel experience with up to 15% off on pre-paid excess baggage options (15kg, 20kg, 30kg) across specified routes and times for both domestic and international sectors. Additionally, enjoy up to 15% off on standard seat selection for enhanced comfort on all sectors. Pre-booked meals are available at 10% off, and 6E Prime and 6E Seat & Eat come with discounts of up to 30%.

A discount of up to 50% is available on Fast Forward services and emergency XL Extra legroom seats, priced at INR 599 for domestic sectors and INR 699 for international sectors.

IndiGo also offers exclusive bank promotions on its website and app, enabling customers to maximize their savings on bookings. Customers can benefit from a flat 20% instant discount when using American Express credit Cards on January 24, 2025, and a 15% and 10% discount on domestic and international flights respectively when booking with Federal Bank Credit Cards and Debit Cards until January 28, 2025.

For further information and to take advantage of these offers, customers are encouraged to visit the IndiGo website or download the IndiGo mobile app.

 

 

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The post Consumers in favour of sustainable travel but cost is king: WTTC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled its latest report, exploring the critical gap between travellers’ desire for sustainable options and their actual behaviour. Launched at FITUR 2025, Madrid, the report Bridging the Say-Do Gap: How to Create an Effective Sustainability Strategy by Knowing Your Customers was developed in collaboration with WTTC knowledge partner YouGov.
The report explores the disconnect between what travellers say about sustainability and the choices they ultimately make.
It provides actionable guidance to Travel & Tourism businesses on how they can address this gap by offering solutions that make sustainable travel both more accessible and more attractive, ultimately balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility.
The study, drawing on a survey of more than 10,000 respondents, categorised travellers into six consumer segments, ranging from the eco-conscious “Hopeful Worriers” to the disengaged “Climate Change Agnostics”. Each group comes with unique behaviours, priorities, and barriers to selecting sustainable choices.
Understanding these diverse perspectives is essential for businesses to craft effective sustainability strategies that resonate with their audience and drive real impact.
According to the data, cost and quality remain the dominant priorities for travellers, outweighing sustainability considerations. Across all consumer segments, more than 50% say cost is the most important factor influencing purchasing decisions, while around 30% prioritise quality.

In stark contrast, sustainability is a primary factor for only a small minority, ranging from 11% to 7%, even among the most environmentally conscious groups.
A lack of visibility also remains a significant barrier to progress. Over 10% of respondents reported no exposure to sustainability messaging or information through any channel, including mainstream media, social platforms, or community-driven initiatives.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travellers care about sustainability but when buying travel, cost and quality are king. Customers expect businesses to create affordable sustainable options. But many WTTC companies inspire change – whether that is regrowing coral reefs or reducing food waste. Customers engage with brands that have strong values.
“I am delighted to collaborate with YouGov for such a crucial piece of work. By closing the say-do gap, we not only protect the planet but ensure more rewarding experiences for customers and a brighter and more resilient future for our planet.”
Research was also carried out by WTTC Member, Trip.com, culminating in The Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2024. Trip.com’s report supports WTTC findings, noting the importance of cost and making sustainability hassle-free, encouraging consumers towards more sustainable action.
Business Recommendations
WTTC’s report offers seven key recommendations to help the industry bridge this divide, calling on businesses to lead by example, partnering where possible with other businesses and governments on sustainability initiatives.
To drive real change, the report recommends highlighting the economic and personal benefits of sustainable travel, ensuring eco-friendly options are simple and convenient for consumers, and introducing tiered reward programmes to motivate action at all levels.
Tailored marketing that speaks directly to the values and needs of individual consumers has been shown to significantly increase engagement across different segments. Designing out unsustainable options to make sustainability the default choice can facilitate the decision-making process and improve the overall experience.
Many Travel & Tourism companies are actively adopting sustainable practices and communicating them to consumers.
Intrepid Travel prominently labels trip itineraries with their carbon impact and offsets
emissions automatically. Iberostar leverages AI technology to reduce food waste in its hotels and prioritises underutilised fish stocks. Hilton has equipped over 1,800 hotels with EV charging points, with nearly a third of its EMEA properties powered entirely by renewable energy.
As climate action becomes an imperative rather than an option, this report equips businesses with the tools and insights they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
WTTC urges all Travel & Tourism business leaders to leverage this report to inspire innovation and chart a sustainable path forward.

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Source: traveldailymedia