Author Archives: TBM Staff - Mumbai

Zostel Launches First Property in Andamans

 

Zostel has expanded its footprint with the launch of its first property in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located in the heart of Port Blair, this new property offers budget-friendly, high-quality accommodations, making it the only hostel chain operating in the region. The property features five private rooms and three dorm rooms, along with a rooftop café offering stunning sea views. With its prime location near the airport and easy access to beaches, historical sites, and natural beauty, it provides an ideal base for travellers exploring the islands.

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travellers seeking to experience its unique ecosystem, scenic islands, and rich culture. Zostel’s arrival in Port Blair provides budget-conscious backpackers a trusted accommodation option, enhancing access to nearby islands like Havelock, Neil, and Ross, which are famous for their crystal-clear waters, water sports, and island-hopping adventures.

Deep Banka, COO, Zostel, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “We are thrilled to bring Zostel’s community-driven travel experience to the Andaman Islands. Zostel Port Blair is not just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to exploring the islands’ natural wonders and culture.”

This new addition to the Zostel network is part of the company’s rapid expansion, with 10 new properties launched in 2023 alone. Looking ahead, Zostel plans to open 25 more properties across India by 2025, solidifying its position as a leader in the backpacker and budget travel segment.

The Hosteller Secures INR 48 Crore for Expansion

 

India’s top backpacker hostel brand, The Hosteller, has raised INR 48 crore in Series A funding, led by V3 Ventures, with participation from Synergy Capital Partners, Unit e Consulting LLP, and Real Time Angel Fund (Climber Capital), among others. Noteworthy individual investors include Harsh Shah of Naman Group Family Office, Akash Hiren Zaveri, founder of Plix, and Vedang Patel, founder of The Souled Store. Additionally, The Hosteller secured INR 16 crore as venture debt from Black Soil, marking a significant milestone in its expansion plans.

Founder and CEO Pranav Dangi stated that the investment will support the company’s tech-first, standardised approach to backpacking, enabling it to grow from its current 2,500 beds to a targeted 10,000 beds by March 2026. The funding will also allow The Hosteller to expand its reach and capture new audiences, as backpacker hostels have become increasingly popular with Gen Z and millennial travellers since the pandemic.

Arjun Vaidya, Co-Founder of V3 Ventures, highlighted the shift in travel preferences among Gen Z, who now favor frequent, budget-friendly getaways over traditional single-holiday plans. He praised The Hosteller’s tech-driven, standardised, and affordable approach as perfectly aligned with this trend, emphasising the company’s strong execution and future potential in the consumer travel market.

The Hosteller plans to use the capital infusion to reinforce its presence in popular locations like Rishikesh, Manali, Bangalore, and Delhi, while also expanding to new travel destinations. The investment will fuel the company’s mission to offer high-quality, immersive travel experiences across India’s key tourist spots, fostering a deeper connection with the growing backpacker community.

Charter Flights Attract Tourists From New Global Destination To Goa: Tourism Department

The Goa Tourism Department has said that the state is increasingly attracting international travelers from a growing number of countries. The department, in a media statement, said that new charter flights from key markets, including Russian cities Moscow and Ekaterinburg, London, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, are supporting international arrivals.

 

A Polish charter flight is set to arrive in the coastal state on November 8.

 

These flights signify Goa’s appeal beyond beach tourism, drawing visitors to the state’s scenic hinterlands and popular sites like Dudhsagar Falls, it said.

 

To enhance international accessibility, Goa is focused on securing better direct connectivity with key overseas markets, and collaborations with major airlines and international travel platforms are underway, a tourism department spokesperson said.

 

“However, establishing robust direct international connectivity requires further support from the Government of India, which we are actively seeking to make Goa an even more attractive, accessible, and globally connected destination,” he added.

 

The spokesperson noted that while global travel faced unprecedented disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting foreign tourist numbers worldwide, Goa’s international tourism is on a steady path to recovery.

 

“In 2023, foreign tourist arrivals rose to over 450,000, a significant increase from pandemic lows, as travel restrictions eased and global mobility improved,” he said.

 

According to the department, Goa saw over 8 million domestic visitors in 2023.

 

The spokesperson also downplayed comparisons between destinations in Goa and countries like Sri Lanka, suggesting such comparisons may yield an inaccurate perspective.

 

“Goa does face some challenges, for example, limited scheduled international air connectivity. The state government is working closely with the Centre to re-evaluate point of call and additional seat entitlements for Goa, to establish more robust international connections,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air India, Vistara merge for seamless travel

 

Air India is implementing a series of customer-focused initiatives as it merges with Vistara on November 12, 2024. With the integration, over 115,000 customers holding Vistara tickets are expected to travel under the unified Air India brand in the first month post-merger. To maintain continuity, Vistara flights will be operated by Air India but will retain a distinct four-digit flight code starting with “2” (e.g., UK 955 will now be AI 2955). This will ensure a familiar booking and in-flight experience for customers, who will continue to enjoy Vistara’s products, services, and cabin crew.

To support passengers through this transition, Air India has set up additional resources across key airports in India, including help desks, support kiosks, and personnel wearing “How may I assist you?” branded T-shirts for easy identification. Airport security and self-service kiosks are also updated to guide customers with Vistara tickets towards Air India check-ins. International terminals will have additional information placed near check-in counters, and customers calling Vistara’s contact center will be seamlessly redirected to Air India support.

In line with the merger, Air India is welcoming over 4.5 million Vistara loyalty members to its loyalty program and offering customers extensive connectivity to over 90 domestic and international destinations. With codeshare and interline partnerships, passengers will have access to more than 800 additional routes. Upgrades to Air India’s narrowbody fleet include new aircraft deliveries and retrofit programs, with all legacy narrowbody planes expected to feature modern interiors and advanced amenities by mid-2025. The new A320neo aircraft will boast a mix of Business, Premium Economy, and Economy seating, offering varied options for travellers.

Air India’s fleet enhancement includes six A350 aircraft already servicing routes between Delhi, London, and New York. The refurbished A320neo promises an elevated inflight experience with premium seating, refreshed interiors, and features like USB charging options, device holders, and modern lighting. These advancements reflect Air India’s commitment to providing an upgraded, seamless experience to its expanded customer base, catering to today’s evolving travel demands and solidifying its position as a global airline.

Tata Power partners with Noida Airport

 

Tata Power has partnered with Noida International Airport (NIA) to drive renewable energy adoption within India’s aviation sector. This strategic collaboration includes two Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for the supply of wind and solar energy, with Tata Power Trading Company Ltd. (TPTCL) overseeing the renewable portfolio to meet NIA’s clean energy needs. Under the agreement, TPTCL will supply 10.8 MW of wind power, while Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL) will develop a 13 MW onsite solar capacity, ensuring a substantial portion of the airport’s energy demands are met sustainably.

In addition to clean energy, Tata Power is developing essential dry utilities and electrical infrastructure for NIA. The company has committed to a 25-year operation and maintenance service agreement, reinforcing the airport’s resilience and aligning with its goal to operate as a smart energy hub. This comprehensive infrastructure development, backed by a INR 550 crore investment, marks Tata Power’s dedication to creating eco-friendly, large-scale energy solutions in India’s rapidly growing aviation industry.

Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD of Tata Power, highlighted the significance of this partnership in building Net Zero Airports and leading India’s green aviation transition. By pioneering clean energy integration, Tata Power supports NIA’s mission to become a sustainable leader as India plans to construct over 200 airports in the coming years, setting a green model for future infrastructure projects.

With an initial capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually, Noida International Airport aims to expand its sustainable operations across four development phases, eventually catering to 70 million passengers. Christoph Schnellmann, CEO emphasised that the collaboration aligns with NIA’s long-term sustainability vision, sourcing over half its energy from renewables and establishing the airport as a model for environmentally responsible operations.

Nazneen Batliwalla appointed Head HR for SKIL Group

 

SKIL Group has announced the appointment of Nazneen Batliwalla as Head of Human Resources. With over 15 years of experience, Nazneen will lead the company’s initiatives in talent retention, employee engagement, and employer branding, reinforcing SKIL’s position as a top employer in the industry.

Nazneen has built a successful career driving programs in Talent Acquisition and Development at leading brands such as Reliance Broadcast Ltd, Tata CLiQ Luxury, and Good Glamm Group. Her expertise in creating supportive and engaging work environments has earned her recognition as a leader in human resources, and she aims to bring that experience to SKIL.

In her new role, Nazneen will play a key part in strengthening SKIL’s employer branding efforts, building a collaborative workplace, and ensuring that talent is nurtured throughout its career journey. Her leadership will help align the company’s HR strategies with its vision for growth and success, both in India and internationally.

Vikash Kejriwal, COO, SKIL Group, expressed excitement about Nazneen’s appointment, emphasising her significant contribution to talent development. He believes her expertise will be crucial in creating an exciting and dynamic workplace for both current and future employees as SKIL Group continues its growth and transformation.