China Eastern to operate daily non-stop Delhi–Shanghai flights
China Eastern Airlines will commence daily non-stop flights between New Delhi and Shanghai Pudong from 2 January 2026, responding to strong passenger and trade demand. The move follows the successful relaunch of the route in November 2025 after a five-year hiatus. Operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft, the service offers 18 lie-flat business-class seats and 245 economy seats. InterGlobe Air Transport continues as the airline’s exclusive GSA in India.
Storii by ITC Hotels enters India’s prime wildlife destinations
ITC Hotels Limited has announced the expansion of its boutique brand, Storii by ITC Hotels, into iconic wildlife destinations including Jawai, Ranthambore, Sasan Gir, and Dhari Gir. The upcoming retreats will offer intimate, nature-led experiences near renowned national parks, blending luxury with local character. With properties ranging from 15 to 60 keys, the expansion reinforces ITC Hotels’ focus on experiential hospitality while supporting sustainable wildlife tourism and local community engagement.
South African Tourism’s ‘Learn SA’ engages travel trade partners in Pune
South African Tourism successfully hosted the 11th edition of its ‘Learn South Africa’ workshop in Pune, engaging over 85 travel trade partners. The multi-city series aims to strengthen outreach in tier-2 markets and will continue in Kolkata and Lucknow in early 2026. The workshop equipped partners with deeper insights into South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings, addressing the growing demand from non-metro travellers.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli wins ‘Best Resort’ at 2025 Bund Design Hotels Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli has been awarded the prestigious ‘Best Resort’ title at the 17th annual Stylish Escape – Bund Design Hotels Awards 2025, held on December 3 in Shanghai. Presented by The Bund Media, the accolade recognises the resort’s excellence in design-led hospitality and innovation. The award places Sun Siyam Iru Veli among a select group of global properties shaping the future of contemporary resort design.
#First Opinion
“The introduction of direct non-stop service between Varanasi and Bangkok provides seamless access to one of India’s most sought-after international destinations. It aligns with our strategic focus on enhancing direct international connectivity from the nation’s rapidly growing non-metro and Tier-II cities. For inbound travellers, the service strengthens access to Varanasi – one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital – while further developing the Buddhist travel circuit for visitors from Thailand. This new connection reflects our credo of expanding the network with meaningful connections.”
Aloke Singh,
Managing Director, Air India Express
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