Sharjah Launches India-Focused Campaign as Arrivals Jump 38%
Whether it is Australia, Saudi Arabia, or Sharjah, the message is clear. If a destination wants to attract Indian tourists, generic campaigns will no longer suffice.
Peden Doma Bhutia is Asia Editor at Skift, where she covers the travel industry across Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Based in India, she reports on airlines, online travel companies, hospitality, travel technology and the business of travel, with a focus on how emerging markets are shaping global trends.
U.S. Tightens Visa Rules Again: Expect Longer Wait Times
While the rest of the world is opening its doors to travelers, the U.S. is turning visas into an obstacle course. At this rate, securing a U.S. visa may soon come with bragging rights.
Oyo Parent Rebrands as Prism Ahead of Fresh IPO Plans
What’s in a name? For Oyo, now Prism, apparently quite a bit. But investors will look past the rebrand for proof the company is more than a startup in new clothes, and that its profits are built to last.
Thailand Picks Anti-Casino Prime Minister: Gaming Bill at Risk
Anutin Charnvirakul’s appointment all but rules out a fast-tracked casino bill. For now, Thailand’s casino plans face steep political and social hurdles.
TBO Co-Founder on $125 Million Classic Vacations Deal and Building U.S. Presence
Oyo’s Motel 6 buy last year, and now TBO picking up Classic Vacations, show that Indian travel companies aren’t just playing catch-up globally, they’re setting the pace and shaping the game.
TBO Tek Buys Classic Vacations for $125 Million to Expand in U.S. Luxury Travel – Exclusive
One important question: Can TBO maintain Classic Vacations' high-end service while still getting the scale it needs?
Luxury Hotel Network Relais & Châteaux Maps Expansion Into Asia
Relais & Châteaux may one day have a loyalty program. But it won’t be because others do. It will be because they’ve found a way to make it fit their very specific model.
New U.S. Visa Rules Start September 2: What’s Changing?
The U.S. is closing its “drop-box” system for 57 nations. Expect longer waits, higher costs, and tighter screening, a reset likely to frustrate students, workers, and travel planners.
India and China to Restart Direct Flights After 5-Year Freeze
While the resumption of direct flights between India and China was likely inevitable, the tariff pressure appears to have sped up the process.
Trip.com’s AI Looks to Shrink Planning Work: Answer Three Questions, Get a Bookable Trip
Trip.com is promising less work for travelers. Now it must show that less work means better trips and more bookings.