Compiled by Debanjali Rakshit
IndiGo launches India’s first direct flight to Cambodia via Kolkata
IndiGo has launched the first-ever direct flights between India and Cambodia,
connecting Kolkata and Siem Reap. The thrice-weekly service, operated by Airbus
A320neo, marks India’s first direct air link to Cambodia. The route strengthens IndiGo’s
ASEAN network and offers Indian travelers easier access to Angkor Wat and Cambodia’s
cultural heritage.
The first flight took-off on Thursday, November 13, 2025 marking the commencement
of the new route. Flight 6E-1655 from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhaschandra Bose
International Airport departed at 1.50am and reached Siem Reap at 6.20am local time.
The return flight 6E-1656 will depart at 7.20am and reach Kolkata at 8.55am. The
operations will be held on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. With Indian tourist
interest on the rise and simplified entry through Visa on Arrival and e-Visa options, the
new direct flight is set to make travel more convenient.
China reopens Group Travels to Canada, boosts bilateral ties
China has officially resumed group tours to Canada via authorized travel agencies,
indicating a strong recovery for the international tourism industry and a return to global
travel confidence.
This important move is considered to create a significant increase in the number of
people-to-people exchanges and a deeper understanding between the two countries. The
initiative also forms part of China’s broader push to normalize international travel after
prolonged pandemic
The reopening will greatly enhance one of the world’s strongest tourism markets for
Canada, especially in big markets like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, and hotels,
retailers, and the service sector are in full preparation to welcome increased numbers of
Chinese visitors.
Accor clinches Top Honors at 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
Accor has solidified its leadership position in responsible hospitality by winning the
World’s Leading Climate Action Initiative at the 2025 World Sustainable Travel &
Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) for its supply chain decarburization initiative, “Achieving
Net Zero Together.” This industry award, which is supported by the World Travel
Awards and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, is another important step
forward for Accor in its ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability in global
hospitality procurement.
Launched in 2024, this award-winning program addresses one of the most significant
climate challenges in the sector: minimizing emissions associated with procurement
when many suppliers do not have significant maturity around carbon accountability.
With three pillars: measure, reduce, and promote low carbon suppliers, Accor’s program
has engaged over 1,000 supply partners (77% of procured volume) and elevated the
brand to among the top 6% of companies globally for supplier climate action, recognized
by CDP Supplier Engagement Leaders.
Oceania Cruises to offer a full winter season in the Mediterranean
Destination and gastronomy-centric luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises invites travellers
to embark on a new era of exploration during its first-ever full winter season of
Mediterranean sailings aboard Oceania Allura, the line’s latest expression of intimate,
seagoing luxury.
The 12-sailing collection for winter 2027-28 is ideal for travellers seeking a more
thoughtful way to experience Europe’s greatest destinations through a new seasonal
lens. The travellers are invited to delve into the cooler atmosphere that the
Mediterranean unveils in winter, allowing for the unhurried discovery of hidden corners
of cobbled cities, quiet museums and candlelit cafés that come alive with local charm
during the winter season.
China and South Korea’s Visa-Free Agreement Spurs Tourism Boom
The agreement established between China and South Korea to allow 15 days of visa-free
travel has prompted a surge in tourism, mobilizing both economies. The policy applies
to Chinese group travelers traveling to South Korea and also applies to South Korean
visitors to mainland China and has quickly prompted changes in travel patterns. During
China’s Golden Week, Chinese arrivals to South Korea grew over 60%, while Korean
bookings to China increased by 131% over last year.
Important cities like Seoul, Busan, Shanghai, and Jeju Island increased occupancy rates
at their hotels and activity by visitors at local attractions. The indirect impacts of this are
sizeable, and experts estimate that an additional million Chinese tourists could increase
Korea’s GDP growth by 0.08 percentage points. Airlines are increasing capacity, and
retailers are experiencing additional momentum from both cohorts of travelers.