Yatra Online Limited (Yatra), one of India’s leading online travel companies, today announced a major upgrade to its AI-powered travel assistant, DIYA, making it the world’s first AI assistant capable of planning and booking dynamic multi-city travel itineraries across destinations, cities, and countries in a single conversation. Available exclusively on Yatra’s consumers platforms across web, android & iOS, this upgrade marks a significant advancement in AI-led travel technology.

Unlike existing AI travel assistants that are limited to single-destination searches or require users to switch between multiple platforms to piece together a journey, DIYA enables end-to-end multi-city planning and booking within a single, continuous chat conversation. From intuitively understanding traveler intent to surfacing the best flight options and recommending hotels across destinations, DIYA goes a step further by creating ready-to-book packages and curating relevant local experiences.

Travellers can now simply describe their multi-city travel plans in natural language, e.g “Plan a 7-day trip covering Bali & Singapore for 2 people. I’ll start from Delhi on July 17.” and DIYA will instantly create a comprehensive, bookable itinerary that includes flights, hotel stays, & packages across cities, and curated activity recommendations, eliminating the need to navigate multiple tabs or manually build itineraries.

DIYA accommodates a range of journey structures: one-way trips across cities, return flights from same or a different destination, or full multi-country loops. It recommends hotels for each stop and suggests relevant experiences, reducing trip-planning time from hours or days to minutes.

This builds on DIYA’s existing capabilities as a generative AI-powered travel assistant that offers end-to-end trip planning, booking, and post-booking support across chat and voice in over 100 languages. Powered by advanced AI models including Google’s Gemini, DIYA leverages natural language processing, real-time integrations, and retrieval-augmented generation to deliver personalized, context-aware travel experiences.

Commenting on the development, Siddhartha Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Yatra Online, said, “The gap in online travel has never really been about access to options. There are plenty of those. The real problem has always been the effort it takes to turn those options into an actual trip. Travellers were left to do all the hard work themselves – coordinating across platforms, second-guessing their choices, and spending weekends on planning instead of looking forward to the journey. With DIYA, we are taking a major step forward in closing that gap. From the first message to the final booking, DIYA holds the entire experience together- intelligently, conversationally, and in real time. That, for us, is what making travel truly intelligent looks like.”

“DIYA leverages the semantic intelligence of Large Language Models to deeply understand traveler intent and sentiment. It then applies advanced reasoning to craft highly personalized itineraries and dynamic travel packages-seamlessly identifying the best flights and hotels in real time. Users can continue to refine the package until it’s perfectly aligned with their needs,” adds Shakti Goel, Chief Architect and Data Scientist, Yatra Online

Since DIYA’s launch in August 2025, Yatra continues to expand its capabilities as a consumer-first AI travel assistant, moving closer to fully autonomous, end-to-end travel planning. By combining conversational intelligence with real-time execution across flights, hotels, and experiences, DIYA is redefining how travellers discover, plan, and book increasingly complex journeys in a faster, more intuitive way.

The post Yatra’s DIYA becomes the world’s first conversational AI Assistant with end-to-end multi-city travel planning and booking capabilities appeared first on TnHGlobal.

With immediate effect, Nitu Samra has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer on  an interim basis, until the Board of Directors can conclude a formal selection process. 

Nitu has been serving as Chief Financial Officer of Noida International Airport since  October 2021 and has been closely involved in the airport’s development journey,  overseeing financial stewardship, governance, and strategic planning during a key  phase of the project.  

Christoph Schnellmann, who has led Noida International Airport as Chief Executive  Officer since August 2020, will join the airport’s Board of Directors as Executive Vice  Chairman. In this role, he will continue to support the project and its transition to  operations.  

Daniel Bircher, Chairman, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, said: “Aer  the inauguration of Noida International Airport by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in March  2026, the goal was to enable the start of operations as early as possible. This  management change brings the airport into compliance with Bureau of Civil Aviation  Security requirements while maintaining continuity in the airport’s leadership team. The  newly structured team will support a smooth transition into operations, guided by clear  and transparent governance and a strong corporate culture.” 

Noida International Airport remains focused on delivering a modern aviation gateway  that will serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth

The post Noida International Airport Appoints Nitu Samra as Chief Executive Officer appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Air India today announced a new interline partnership with WestJet, Canada’s leading leisure carrier, to boost connectivity between India and North America beyond Toronto and Vancouver.

The partnership enables single-ticket itineraries combining Air India and WestJet flights, offering smoother journeys, coordinated baggage handling, and simplified journeys for travellers.

Through this partnership, Air India guests travelling to Toronto or Vancouver can take onward connections on WestJet to 17 Canadian cities and 14 U.S. cities, namely:

• Canadian cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna, St. John’s, Prince George, Victoria, Fort St. John, Terrace, Cranbrook, Comox, Nanaimo
• U.S. cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa, Nashville, Las Vegas, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Springs, Santa Ana, Fort Myers.
• Halifax, Calgary and St. John’s are also accessible via Air India’s select European gateways at Amsterdam (Schiphol), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), London (Heathrow), and London (Gatwick).

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Canada continues to be a key market for Air India, driven by strong people‑to‑people ties and increasing trade between our nations. By partnering with WestJet, we are making travel across North America more accessible and effortless for our guests, with coordinated baggage handling, single‑ticket convenience, and a far wider choice of destinations.”

John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, the WestJet Group, said: “By bringing this interline agreement to life, we’re significantly expanding access between India and Canada, making it easier for our shared guests to seamlessly visit high-demand destinations across North America. This partnership aligns Air India’s long-haul strength with WestJet’s North American reach, creating meaningful new travel options and improving the end-to-end journey for travellers.”

Air India currently operates 17x weekly non-stop flights to Canada, including 10x weekly services to Toronto and 7x weekly services to Vancouver.

To its European gateways that provide connections on WestJet flights to Canada, Air India operates a total of 75x weekly services, including 49x weekly to London (Heathrow), 5x weekly to London (Gatwick), 14x weekly to Paris (Charles de Gaulle) and 7x weekly to Amsterdam (Schiphol).

Interline itineraries are available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app and through travel agents worldwide.

The post Air India enters into interline partnership with Westjet appeared first on TnHGlobal.

 VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, has been appointed as an Authorized Visa Agent (AVA) for Singapore visa services in Chandigarh and Chennai in India by The High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in New Delhi, and the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Chennai, to make the Singapore visa application process seamless for applicants across Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

Singapore visa applicants across Punjab and Tamil Nadu will now be able to submit their applications for Tourist & Family visit Visa and Business Visa categories at VFS Global’s state-of-the-art Visa Application Centres in Chandigarh and Chenai with ease.

Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, said, “We are honoured to be appointed as the Authorized Visa Agent for Singapore visa in Chandigarh and Chennai. These partnerships reflect the trust reposed in VFS Global’s proven expertise in delivering secure, efficient and applicant-centric visa services worldwide. Through this appointment, we aim to further enhance accessibility and convenience for visa applicants across Punjab and Tamil Nadu by combining technology-driven processes with high service standards. We sincerely thank by the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in New Delhi and the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Chennai for their confidence in VFS Global and remain committed to supporting their mission of facilitating safe and seamless mobility.”

VFS Global offers visa services on behalf of 54 countries in India, through a network of 562 visa application centres at present, with more locations set to give live soon.

Please note that VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enroll biometrics, if applicable. VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa. Decision making on the granting or refusal of visa is the sole prerogative and sole responsibility of the concerned Embassy.

The post VFS Global launches Singapore Visa services in Punjab and Tamil Nadu making the application process seamless appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Headquartered at Paro International Airport, Drukair connects Bhutan with key cities across Asia, including Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya and Dubai. Through this collaboration, Drukair’s fares, schedules, and inventory will be accessible on the Amadeus Travel Platform, allowing travel sellers in India to book and sell Drukair network.

“Partnering with Amadeus opens new horizons for Drukair and Bhutan. This collaboration allows us to connect with more travelers around the world, offering seamless access to our flights. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive growth and strengthen our presence on the global travel map,” says Mr. Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair.

“We are delighted to welcome Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines to Amadeus Travel Platform. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to enhancing connectivity and empowering the travel ecosystem with greater choice and efficiency. By bringing Drukair’s inventory onto Amadeus Travel Platform, we are enabling travel sellers in India to seamlessly access and book flights to Bhutan, opening new opportunities for growth while delivering richer travel experiences to customers. We look forward to supporting Drukair in expanding its reach and strengthening its presence in the market.” says Sandeep Dwivedi, Managing Director, Travel Sellers, India & the Sub-Continent, Amadeus.

The post Drukair now live on Amadeus Travel Platform, opening Bhutan to Indian travelers appeared first on TnHGlobal.

The vessel, previously known as Exploris One, will join the company’s Antarctica programme and replace the current ship Seaventure. This move marks an important milestone in the company’s strategy to transition from chartered vessels to owned ships, allowing greater control over the expedition experience and onboard offerings.

“By replacing a chartered vessel with one that we own, we strengthen our ability to shape the expedition experience from start to finish,” said Anders Kristensen, Chief Commercial Officer at Polar Latitudes Expeditions. “This allows us to refine every aspect of the journey, from expedition planning to onboard learning, ensuring travellers experience Antarctica in the most immersive way possible.”

A Ship with a Legacy in Polar Exploration

Built at Finland’s renowned Rauma shipyard, Discoverer has sailed some of the world’s most remote waters over the years under several notable names, including Silver Explorer and Prince Albert II.

The vessel underwent a major refurbishment in 2023, introducing upgraded guest accommodations, modernised technical systems and redesigned public spaces. Ahead of its Antarctic debut with Polar Latitudes, further enhancements are planned to align the ship with the company’s small ship expedition philosophy that focuses on deeper exploration, expert-led learning and responsible travel in fragile environments.

New Voyages and Expanded Antarctic Access

Beginning with the Antarctic season of 2026 and 2027, Discoverer will operate all previously scheduled departures that were planned for Seaventure. Guests already booked on those voyages will sail aboard Discoverer in equivalent cabin categories.

The addition of the vessel will also enable Polar Latitudes to expand its Antarctic departure calendar, with more sailings scheduled during the peak travel months.

Among the highlights will be the company’s iconic Crossing the Antarctic Circle itinerary, a milestone journey sought after by expedition travellers around the world.

Beyond Antarctica New Expedition Frontiers

When not sailing in Antarctica, Discoverer will operate voyages for sister brand Heritage Expeditions, exploring remote corners of the world.

In early 2027, the vessel is expected to venture into new territory, navigating through the dramatic Chilean fjords and introducing Patagonia to the company’s expedition portfolio for the first time.

Growing Interest Among Indian Expedition Travellers

The expansion comes at a time when interest in expedition cruising and polar travel is steadily growing among Indian luxury and adventure travellers who are increasingly seeking once-in-a-lifetime journeys to remote destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic.

With small ships, expert expedition teams and immersive wildlife encounters, Polar Latitudes Expeditions aims to offer travellers a deeper understanding of these pristine environments while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible exploration.

A New Chapter for Polar Latitudes

For founder John McKeon, the addition of Discoverer represents the next phase of the company’s evolution.

“We have had many successful seasons with Seaventure, and we are grateful for the journeys we have shared,” he said. “At the same time, Discoverer represents the next step in our long-term vision of building one of the most comprehensive expedition cruise programmes in the industry. There is much more to come.”

The post Polar Latitudes Expeditions Introduces Discoverer to Its Fleet, Expanding Antarctic Adventures for Global Travellers appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Star Air’s commitment to reliability is reflected in its punctuality, with over 85% of flights from Belagavi and Kolhapur departing on schedule. The airline is also increasing its weekly schedule from 455 to 550 flights this summer, responding to rising demand across its network. With nearly 3 million passengers carried since inception, Star Air continues to deliver on its mission of “Connecting Real India.”

The airline has launched a daily direct service between Belagavi and Mumbai, further integrating North Karnataka and Central India with the nation’s financial capital. At the same time, Kolhapur’s connectivity is being enhanced with new and improved flights to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru, along with vital links to Kishangarh and Indore.

With introductory fares from just ₹4,499* for Kolhapur-Mumbai and Kolhapur-Bengaluru routes, and ₹5,049* for Belagavi-Mumbai, Star Air is making both business and leisure travel more accessible than ever. The airline is committed to expanding its reach and making air travel affordable for underserved regions and emerging cities, delivering value, reliability, and comfort to every flyer.

Commenting on this expansion, Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at Star Air, said, “Focusing on Kolhapur and Belagavi is central to our vision of strengthening our presence in India’s aviation sector. With every new route and every additional aircraft, we’re building bridges between businesses, families, and dreams. Our growing network is about empowering communities, unlocking

economic potential, and showing that regional India is ready to soar. We remain deeply committed to reliability, comfort, and making air travel accessible to all.”

For Kolhapur’s industrialists, manufacturers, and exporters, these connections mean improved access to Mumbai’s stock exchanges, ports, and corporate headquarters, accelerating supply chains and fostering face-to-face negotiations. Direct flights to Bengaluru now empower Kolhapur’s SMEs and entrepreneurs to connect with India’s dynamic IT and start-up ecosystem, while Belagavi’s business community enjoys easier access to national markets, driving trade and collaboration.

But the impact extends far beyond business. Enhanced air links are making travel easier for tourists, students, and families; strengthening social and cultural ties; and opening new doors for education, tourism, and professional opportunities. Kolhapur’s rich heritage and Belagavi’s unique character are set to attract more visitors than ever.

Passengers can expect a seamless travel experience, with hot meals and beverages served onboard every flight. The airline’s Embraer E175 fleet offers a comfortable 1×2/2×2 seating layout, with both business and economy class options, setting new standards for regional aviation comfort and service. Bookings for the new flights are now open on www.starair.in and through leading travel platforms, and fares are subject to applicable terms and conditions. As Star Air continues to expand, Kolhapur and Belagavi’s direct links to India’s economic centres promise to boost regional growth, mobility, and prosperity for years to come.

The post Star Air Unveils Exciting New Getaways, Fresh Routes from Belagavi and Kolhapur Invite Travelers to Explore South and West India appeared first on TnHGlobal.

The opening was marked by an event held on 12 March 2026 at Worldmark 4, Aerocity, attended by industry partners, travel professionals, and stakeholders from across the industry. The gathering offered an opportunity for networking and interaction, along with a walkthrough of the new workspace. Guests engaged in conversations with the company’s leadership and team members while learning more about the company’s growth strategy and future plans in the region.

Founded in 2006, TBO.com has grown into one of the leading B2B travel distribution platforms globally, connecting travel buyers and suppliers through a technology-driven marketplace. The platform enables travel agents and partners to access a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, holiday packages, transfers, sightseeing, cruises, and other travel-related products through a single integrated platform.

Over the years, the company has built a strong presence across multiple international markets, supporting thousands of travel partners through innovative technology solutions and an extensive global inventory. Its platform simplifies travel bookings while enabling partners to expand their business opportunities through seamless connectivity with global suppliers.

Strategically located near Indira Gandhi International Airport, Aerocity has emerged as a prominent hub for aviation, hospitality, and travel businesses. The new office location is expected to strengthen collaboration with partners while enhancing the company’s operational presence in the region.

With this expansion, TBO.com continues to reinforce its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and strengthening relationships within the global travel community. The Aerocity office is expected to play a key role in supporting the company’s growing network of travel partners and its long-term growth within the global travel industry.

The post TBO.com Opens New Office in Aerocity, New Delhi appeared first on TnHGlobal.

With Ortahisar’s inclusion in the Cittaslow Network, Türkiye’s total number of slow cities has risen to 29, further strengthening the country’s presence in the global Cittaslow movement.

Ortahisar: Where Heritage and Slow Living Unite

Ortahisar, which has also earned a spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of ‘The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages, stands out as a must-visit destination and deserves a place on every traveller’s bucket list in the region. Located approximately 6 km from Ürgüp, one of Cappadocia’s largest settlements, Ortahisar showcases the region’s distinctive rock-carved architecture, crowned by its ancient castle and an iconic skyline dotted with hot-air balloons.

At the heart of the town rises the Ortahisar Castle, believed to date back to the Hittite period. Today, the castle serves as one of the region’s highest points, and offers breathtaking panoramic views over Cappadocia’s dramatic landscape. Carved into the rock, the castle features an intricate network of caves, dovecotes and labyrinthine tunnels, and is widely regarded as ‘one of the world’s earliest multi-storey settlements’.

Clustered around the castle are striking examples of Cappadocia’s vernacular architecture. Stone-paved alleys, lined with apricot stalls and rose-scented tea gardens, lead visitors toward scenic valleys that once played a vital role in the area’s agricultural life. The rock-carved storage spaces in these valleys historically preserved local products, including apples and potatoes, as well as citrus fruits brought from the Mediterranean, such as oranges and lemons.

Ortahisar is also home to remarkable religious landmarks, including Sarıca Church, Cambazlı Church, Tavşanlı Church, the Balkan Deresi churches and Hallaç Deresi Monastery, all reflecting the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage that defines Cappadocia.

Türkiye Embraces the Cittaslow Spirit

The Cittaslow movement emerged in response to concerns that globalisation is homogenising city life and erasing its unique identity. In Cittaslow cities, life moves leisurely, and local cuisine, architecture, traditions, and history are well-preserved. The Cittaslow Türkiye network was established in 2009 when Seferihisar became the first Turkish member of the Cittaslow. Since then, the network has steadily expanded as new cities have joined.

Today, Cittaslow Türkiye comprises 29 districts across 24 provinces in all seven regions of the country, further strengthening Türkiye’s reputation for preserving its rich cultural heritage and local identity. Türkiye’s twenty-nine Cittaslow cities include Ahlat, Akyaka, Arapgir, Çameli, Demre, Daday, Eğirdir, Finike, Foça, Gökçeada, Gerze, Göynük, Güdül, Halfeti, İbradı, İznik, Kemaliye, Köyceğiz, Mudurnu, Ortahisar, Perşembe, Safranbolu, Şarköy, Şavşat, Seferihisar, Uzundere, Vize, Yalvaç and Yenipazar.

The post Türkiye welcomes its 29th Slow City as Cappadocia’s Ortahisar joins the Cittaslow network appeared first on TnHGlobal.

The series commenced with UL1144, Mumbai–Colombo, carrying Team USA, followed by UL1145, Colombo–Ahmedabad, for Team India and UL1128, Chennai–Colombo, for Team Namibia on 16 February. UL1188, Kolkata–Colombo, transported Team England on 17 February; UL1128, Chennai–Colombo, carried Team New Zealand on 18 February; and UL1143, Colombo–Mumbai, operated for Team Zimbabwe on 21 February. The final charter, UL1143, Colombo–Mumbai, on 1 March once again carried Team England, marking the successful completion of this special series and reaffirming SriLankan Airlines’ commitment to powering champions in the skies and beyond.

The post SriLankan Airlines Powers ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with Seven Special Flights appeared first on TnHGlobal.