Sharjah records 38% tourism growth in 2025; India among top source markets
Sharjah has reported a strong 38% growth in tourism performance in 2025, supported by robust international demand and focused market strategies. India continues to be a key source market, ranking among the top five contributors to visitor arrivals. Building on over 172,000 Indian visitors in 2024, Sharjah is seeing increased luxury and experiential travel from metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Goa welcomes the first Almaty Charter Flight of the season at Mopa
Goa’s international connectivity received a boost with the arrival of the first seasonal charter flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, at Manohar International Airport, Mopa. Operated by Fly Arystan, the flight landed at 10:25 am carrying 174 passengers. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted the role of charter services in expanding Goa’s global reach and attracting quality international travellers.
OYO launches Insta Stays for last-minute travellers across India
OYO has introduced Insta Stays; a new initiative aimed at last-minute and spontaneous travellers across India. Available on the OYO app and website, the program enables instant booking confirmations at verified properties, even during peak travel periods. With room rates starting at INR 999, Insta Stays focuses on affordability and convenience. OYO Wizard members receive an additional 5% discount.
ixigo Travel Index 2025 highlights OTT, spiritual and East Asia travel trends
ixigo has released The Great Indian Travel Index 2025, revealing how cultural events, OTT content and spiritual journeys shaped travel this year. Flight searches grew 45% YoY, bus bookings rose 42%, and train searches increased 20%. OTT shows fuelled a surge to Northeast destinations, while Gen Z drove a sharp rise in spiritual travel led by Maha Kumbh-linked Prayagraj demand. Internationally, Japan and South Korea emerged as the most booked destinations for Indian travellers.
#First Opinion
“At Asego, our vision for 2026 is to further strengthen our role as a trusted travel protection partner to the Indian travel trade. Our focus will remain on co-creating relevant, purpose-led protection solutions that address evolving traveller risks, while empowering agents through technology, training, and seamless support, driving mutual success and growth. We aim to expand our assistance-led offerings to reach a wider audience, deepen our presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, and continue innovating across real-time travel support services, digital enablement, and specialised protection solutions.”
Dev Karvat,
Founder & CEO, Asego
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