Concerts boost travel: Coldplay and Diljit fans drive surge

Travel

Coldplay and Diljit Dosanjh concerts in India fuel a travel boom, with flight and train bookings skyrocketing across major cities.

India is witnessing a surge in travel bookings as fans flock to highly anticipated concerts by global superstar Coldplay and Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh. ixigo, India’s leading OTA for the Next Billion Users, has observed a sharp rise in flight, train, and bus bookings and searches to key concert cities, reflecting the growing trend of music tourism in India.
From Mumbai to Chandigarh: Concert-Goers Drive Travel Boom for Coldplay & Diljit Shows
Mumbai, which will host Coldplay’s event between 18-21 January 2025, has experienced a staggering 350% year-on-year (YoY) increase in flight bookings. Chandigarh, one of the destinations for the DIL-UMINATI India tour, has seen a 300% YoY surge in flight bookings, leading the demand for Diljit’s concerts. Other DIL-UMINATI event cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Indore have recorded an average 100% YoY growth in flight bookings on their respective concert dates.
Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo, shared his thoughts on this trend: “We’ve observed a significant shift in Indian travellers’ preferences, with more people willing to spend on experiences like music concerts and festivals. The passion for live performances is driving fans to travel, and this surge in bookings across flights, trains, and buses shows how music tourism is becoming a major force in the country. This increased demand is also affecting airfares for major concert dates, with one-way non-stop flights from Bangalore to Delhi, typically priced around Rs 6,500, now reaching Rs 16,000 on October 26th. Likewise, a one-way flight from Mumbai to Delhi, which usually costs around Rs 5,700 in October, will now cost travellers Rs 12,000 on October 26th.”
Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO, ixigo Trains & ConfirmTkt, highlighted the rise in train bookings: “Fans of Diljit Dosanjh and Coldplay are opting for train journeys to attend the upcoming concerts. Train travel demand for Diljit’s shows in October & November in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore has seen an average MoM increase of 85-90% in train bookings. Coldplay’s Mumbai concert has driven a massive 800% YoY growth in train bookings between 18-21st January 2025.”
Tier 2 Cities Fuel Bus Travel Demand for Concerts
Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, shared insights on the rising bus travel demand: “Searches for bus tickets to Diljit Dosanjh’s concert destinations have spiked on our platform. Ahmedabad is leading with a week-on-week growth of 25-38%, followed by Pune and Bangalore. Notably, we are also witnessing strong demand from tier-2 cities such as Jaipur, Nagpur, Dehradun, Varanasi, Indore, Surat, and Kanpur for Diljit’s concerts.”
ixigo Travel Data | Music Tourism

DILJIT DOSANJH | DIL-LUMINATI INDIA TOUR 2024

ixigo Flights Data

Concert City
Concert Dates
Year-on-Year Increase in Flight Bookings

Delhi
26 Oct 2024
185%

Hyderabad
15 Nov 2024
17%

Ahmedabad
17 Nov 2024
115%

Lucknow
22 Nov 2024
25%

Kolkata
30 Nov 2024
66%

Indore
8 Dec 2024
150%

Chandigarh
14 Dec 2024
300%

ConfirmTkt Data

Concert City
Concert Dates
Month-on-Month Increase in Train Bookings
Month-on-Month Increase in Train Searches

Delhi
26 Oct 2024
75%
87%

Hyderabad
15 Nov 2024
148%
159%

Ahmedabad
17 Nov 2024
23%
28%

Lucknow
22 Nov 2024
10%
12%

Pune
24 Nov 2024
17%
19%

Kolkata
30 Nov 2024
29%
33%

Bangalore
6 Dec 2024
51%
90%

AbhiBus Data

Concert City
Concert Dates
Week-on-Week Increase in Bus Searches

Delhi
26 Oct 2024
15-20%

Hyderabad
15 Nov 2024
18-20%

Ahmedabad
17 Nov 2024
25-38%

Lucknow
22 Nov 2024
10-25%

Pune
24 Nov 2024
25-35%

Bangalore
6 Dec 2024
20-30%

Indore
8 Dec 2024
10-15%

Chandigarh
14 Dec 2024
20-25%

COLDPLAY | MUSIC OF THE SPHERES WORLD TOUR 2025

ixigo Flights Data

Concert City
Concert Dates
Year-on-Year Increase in Flight Bookings
Month-on-Month Increase in Flight Bookings

Mumbai
18-21 Jan 2025
355%
171%

ConfirmTkt Data

Concert City
Concert Dates
Year-on-Year Increase in Train Bookings
Year-on-Year Increase in Train Searches

Mumbai
18-21 Jan 2025
842%
368%

George is the News Feed Manager, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager at the TravelDailyNews network of online newspapers. At the same time, he is completing his studies in the Department of Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business.

Wego highlights India’s premier travel destinations for 2024 adventures

Travel

Wego reveals India’s top destinations for 2024, offering a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure tourism.

As global travel continues to grow, India remains a top destination for those seeking a rich blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and adventure. Wego offers insights into some of the best places to experience the country’s unique charm, highlighting destinations that cater to all types of travelers.
Goa: Tropical Paradise
For those seeking a laid-back escape by the sea, Goa is an unbeatable destination. Known for its sun-soaked beaches, lively nightlife, and a unique blend of Portuguese and Indian influences, Goa is a tropical haven for both domestic and international travelers. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the coastline or explore vibrant markets and colonial-era churches, Goa has something for everyone.
Rajasthan: Royal Heritage
Step back in time with a journey through the royal heritage of Rajasthan. This desert state is home to some of India’s most majestic forts and palaces, offering a glimpse into the country’s regal past. Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur are among the must-visit cities, each brimming with architectural splendor, rich traditions, and immersive cultural experiences. Rajasthan allows travelers to experience the grandeur of India’s royal history while exploring the vibrant bazaars and rich cuisine.
Kerala: Tranquility and Nature
For those in search of peace and natural beauty, Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” offers a serene retreat. With its tranquil backwaters, lush tea plantations, and renowned Ayurvedic wellness centers, Kerala provides the perfect getaway for nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts. From the picturesque hill stations to the palm-fringed coastlines, Kerala’s charm lies in its ability to blend relaxation with natural splendor.
Leh-Ladakh: Adventure and Exploration
Adventure seekers will find their paradise in Leh-Ladakh, a remote region nestled high in the Himalayas. Known for its rugged landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient monasteries, Leh-Ladakh offers a unique combination of natural beauty and thrilling activities. Travelers can embark on treks, bike rides, or explore the area’s remote valleys and towering mountains, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape into the wild.
Mumbai: Urban Vibrancy
For travelers drawn to the energy of big cities, Mumbai is the ultimate urban experience. As India’s financial capital, Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures, offering everything from historic landmarks like the Gateway of India to cutting-edge skyscrapers. Known for its thriving film industry, diverse cuisine, and bustling street markets, Mumbai’s vibrancy offers a dynamic contrast to India’s quieter, rural destinations.
A Travel Experience Like No Other
“India offers a travel experience like no other, combining ancient traditions with modern attractions,” said Bernard Correya, General Manager of Wego in India. “Whether travelers are seeking adventure in the Himalayas, exploring the royal heritage of Rajasthan, or enjoying a serene retreat in Kerala, India remains a must-visit destination for 2024.”
Beyond the Popular Spots
Beyond these renowned destinations, India offers a wealth of other captivating experiences. Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Amritsar draw travelers interested in the spiritual side of India, while wildlife enthusiasts can explore the diverse fauna of the country’s many national parks. Hill stations like Shimla, Darjeeling, and Manali provide cool, scenic escapes from the bustling cities, making them popular among both domestic and international tourists.
Easier Travel with Wego
With an increasing number of flights and customized travel packages, Wego makes it easier for travelers to explore India’s vast offerings. Whether planning for a solo adventure, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, India has something to offer for everyone. From its majestic landscapes to its vibrant cities, India remains one of the world’s most diverse and enriching travel destinations for 2024 and beyond.

George is the News Feed Manager, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager at the TravelDailyNews network of online newspapers. At the same time, he is completing his studies in the Department of Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business.

35th Shanghai Tourism Festival celebrates culture with global events and parades

Travel

The 35th Shanghai Tourism Festival showcases cultural diversity through parades, performances, and events, running from September 14 to October 6.

SHANGHAI, CHINA – The 35th Shanghai Tourism Festival officially kicked off on September 14 with live performances and a grand parade on the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall, where Olympic athletes and artists from both home and abroad celebrated local and international cultures.
The festival, running through October 6, is designed to create unforgettable experiences and a unique journey for both local residents and international travelers. The opening ceremony featured a vibrant display of cultural diversity with 25 performance teams from Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania, each participating on one of 25 dazzling floats. Adding to the spectacle, Olympic athletes from Shanghai, including Paris 2024 competitor Tan Haiyang, joined forces with singers and dancers to deliver the opening show titled “Igniting, Joyful City.”
Staging 100 events, showcasing 1,000 products and witnessing the participation of 10,000 businesses, the Festival, themed “Visiting Shanghai”, is hosting a wide variety of events such as “Sleepless Nights of Fun,” “Waterfront Adventures,” “Urban Charm” as well as exhibitions for people to explore diverse cultural landscapes, such as the “Great Art of Dunhuang” and “Exhibition On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt.”
Each district in Shanghai is embracing a unique theme, such as an ancient town exploration, waterway tours, and food festivals, to highlight the city’s rich cultural diversity. Additionally, double-deck sightseeing bus tours are enhancing their offerings with the “Eternal Notre-Dame” VR digital immersion exhibition, providing a deeply immersive experience. Furthermore, seven specially themed CityWalk events will be organized, each designed to showcase unique aspects of Shanghai’s vibrant urban culture.
In addition, Trip.com has upgraded the route of the free half-day tour for international inbound customers and joined hands with more than 200 brands from 20 countries worldwide to bring special offers of hotel, airport and top attraction tickets, while Greenland Group is collaborating with Expedia to launch exclusive privileges including free tickets to the exhibition.
More than 20 new stories are opening at the Global Harbor mall during the Festival, and Jiushi Tourism will launch a series of sports and travel offers in conjunction with the 2024 Shanghai Rolex Masters.
“Over the years, the Festival has grown into a symbol of Shanghai and established the city as a world-famous tourist destination and window for travelers from around the world to experience Shanghai’s beautiful landscapes, delicious foods and specialties, and learn about China and its profound cultural heritages,” said Cheng Meihong, Deputy Director General of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.

George is the News Feed Manager, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager at the TravelDailyNews network of online newspapers. At the same time, he is completing his studies in the Department of Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business.

Louis Lewis Appointed CEO of Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Travel

Saint Lucia, October 2, 2024 — The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has appointed Mr. Louis Lewis as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2024. Mr. Lewis previously served as CEO and Director of Tourism at the Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) for nine years before its rebranding as the SLTA in 2017.

During his earlier tenure, Lewis played a pivotal role in strengthening Saint Lucia’s brand, increasing airlift, and elevating the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival to international prominence. Most recently, he served as CEO of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL), where he successfully implemented innovative marketing strategies and partnerships that significantly boosted Tobago’s global visibility.

With an MBA in General Management and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of the West Indies, Mr. Lewis also brings advanced training in Tourism Destination Management and certifications in project management to his new role. He expressed his excitement about leading the SLTA, stating, “This position allows me to return to my roots, and I am eager to bring my professional experience to a dynamic team. Together, we can continue to elevate Saint Lucia’s standing as a premier global destination.”

The SLTA also expressed its gratitude to former CEO Lorine Charles-St. Jules for her leadership, which helped the organization navigate pandemic challenges and secure multiple international awards. Her initiatives, including the Lucian Links Program, have made lasting impacts on Saint Lucia’s tourism sector.

Mr. Lewis’ return comes at a time of transformation in the global tourism industry. Under his leadership, the SLTA aims to position Saint Lucia as the top destination for high-net-worth travelers, eco-tourists, and adventure seekers, while fostering strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Puma® and Olympic champion Julien Alfred.

Program to launch tourist visits for German universities’ students to Petra-PDTRA

Travel

Petra – Chairman of Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), Dr. Fares Breizat, Thursday announced an “integrated” program for university students in Germany and its employees, as well as other European countries, aimed to organize tourist visits to the city of Petra.اضافة اعلانBreizat made the announcement during a meeting with a delegation from the German Jordanian University (GJU) within “Language and Culture Program,” to learn about the PDTRA’s experience in managing the archaeological site of Petra.Breizat noted the PDTRA will work to raise the level of Petra’s marketing and promotion, diversify tourism products, and hold a number of events that suit local, Arab, and foreign tourists, to increase the number of visitors to the ancient attraction.Breizat briefed the delegation on the PDTRA’s operations to manage the archaeological site as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and a World Heritage Site.Furthermore, he highlighted the PDTRA’s efforts made to raise the level of the region’s development and endeavors to care of the infrastructure and the services provided to visitors.During their visit, the GJU delegation toured the city’s archaeological treasures and visited the museum to view its artifacts.Read more National ContentJordan News

Italy warning as tourists set to be hammered by major delays on Saturday

Travel

Tourists visiting Italy could face huge delays this Saturday as bus, tram, underground and train operators across the country are set to strike for 24 hours.Starting in the early hours of October 5, regional and long-distance trains operated in Italy Trenitalia, Trenord and ITALO could be impacted, as well major buses, trams, and underground stations in Milan and Rome.Even though companies are required to offer a minimum service during the week, there’s no such requirement over the weekend, so transport links will vary from city to city depending on the operator.For those visiting Rome, buses, trams and the underground run by ATAC will not be in service from 8.30am until 5pm, but they will run outside of these hours.In Milan, the underground will be disrupted from 8.45am to 3pm, and again after 6pm until the end of the day’s service, according to Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM).Lake Como tourists may be impacted by the funicular running from Como to Brunate, which could be disrupted from 8.30am to 4.30pm and again from 7.30pm until the end of the day’s service.For tourists in Lombardy, state-owned Trenord which offers connections to Milan’s Malpensa Airport has not confirmed what level of service it will provide.Long-distance and regional journeys may be impacted on the Trenitalia and Italo lines.Trentalia’s website states a minimum service will be provided during walkouts, and transiting trains will reach their final destination if a strike starts during its journey. Tourists can check updates via the Infomobilità section of its website or app.The strike is backed by the union ORSA.

From Trump’s GoFundMe to Harris’s travels, the politics of Helene prove tricky

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyFind out moreCloseAs your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn’t have the resources to challenge those in power.Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November electionAndrew FeinbergWhite House CorrespondentRick Scott is one of the most conservative voices in the Senate. He has tussled with Joe Biden over Social Security and Medicare. A major supporter of Donald Trump, he even traveled to New York during Trump’s criminal trial. But on Thursday, as Biden touched down in Florida to assess the damage of Hurricane Helene, Scott greeted Biden. And it’s not the only time he’s done so. Last year, after Hurricane Idalia ravaged the state, he did the same — while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was running for president at the time, elected not to meet with Biden at all. In 2018, as Trump was trashing Puerto Rico in the news and delayed aid to the region following Hurricane Maria, Scott, then a governor running for Senate, chartered flights to the island. His outreach to Puerto Ricans likely played a role in him beating longtime incumbent Democratic senator Bill Nelson by a hair.Disaster relief puts politicians in strange places because it’s one of the few areas where even die-hard conservatives expect government to carry the load. Even in states like Florida, which has not elected a Democratic governor in 30 years, Republican elected officials live and die knowing they cannot screw up hurricane relief infrastructure.Indeed, one major reason Governors Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Andy Beshear of Kentucky — both Democrats — won re-election in red states was because of their focus on providing relief after hurricanes and tornadoes.On Wednesday, Kamala Harris visited Georgia to survey the damage wrought by Hurricane Helene. She will head to North Carolina on Friday, after a brief campaign stop in Wisconsin. Both Georgia and North Carolina are battleground states. And unsurprisingly, good disaster relief can often equal good politics. In 2012, Barack Obama won areas in the northeast that he had lost — such as the ardently Republican Staten Island — thanks to his response to Hurricane Sandy. Republicans have sought to say that the Biden administration is still providing inadequate relief to the victims of Helene. On Wednesday, Matt Gaetz shared a cartoon of Biden avoiding victims of Helene in order to provide aid to Ukraine instead — despite the fact that Gaetz voted against a continuing resolution just last week that would have kept the government open, which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Gaetz being a massive hypocrite should surprise nobody. Other members of Congress debased themselves worse. Nancy Mace, a pro-Trump Republican with as much of a penchant for self-promotion, sent out an email with a subject line suggesting it would concern Helene disaster management — only for the email to actually be about her bill preventing transgender youth from receiving gender-affirming care. Mace also voted against keeping the government open, all while she chastised Harris for a supposedly inadequate response.The biggest example in modern history of an elected official botching disaster relief is Senator Ted Cruz, who is up for re-election this cycle. His Democratic opponent, Colin Allred, has made it a point to remind people that he ditched Texas for Cancun in 2021 during a historic winter storm. That debacle temporarily earned Cruz the nickname “Flyin’ Ted”, itself a play on the “Lyin’ Ted” moniker given to him by Trump.It might seem unfair and perhaps even a little tacky that politicians would use such humanitarian disasters to attack one another during an election cycle. But the truth is that, in hyper-polarized times, being too chummy can sometimes backfire. In 2012, Republican Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey famously hugged Obama during the Sandy response, despite him being a major surrogate for Mitt Romney. That paid dividends for Christie, as he overwhelmingly won re-election. But it became an albatross when he tried to run for president.Both Harris and Donald Trump — whose own contribution to Helene disaster management has been to set up a GoFundMe for the victims — will have to bear that in mind as they navigate this latest catastrophe.

Eight Oregon spots rank among top 10 hotels in the PNW, say Condé Nast Traveler readers

Travel

If Oregon needs an ego boost, our state needs to look no further than the Condé Nast Traveler 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. According to the publication, readers cast “a staggering 575,048 votes” in the 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Categories include cities, resorts, cruise lines, spas, airlines and airports, trains, luggage, and countries.In the Top 10 Hotels in the Pacific Northwest category, Oregon dominated. The list, which features readers’ choices for the top hotels in the region outside of Seattle, includes eight Oregon getaways, representing areas including Portland, the coast, wine country, and Central Oregon.Coming in at No. 1 is the Stephanie Inn, in Cannon Beach, which has already made Travel+Leisure’s list of the “15 Best Resorts in the U.S.”Here’s the rest of the list, in order: The Allison Inn & Spa, in Newberg; Lakedale, in Friday Harbor, Washington; The Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard, in Dundee; Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa; The Heathman Hotel, in Portland; The Inn at Abeja, in Walla Walla, Washington; Oxford Hotel, Bend; Sentinel, in Portland; and The Nines, in Portland.This strong showing is the latest example of what has shaped up to be a plethora of lists that shower superlatives on various aspects of Oregon, including nods to our campgrounds, beaches, charming small towns, pizza, and, of course, the Time Out designation of the Kerns area in Northeast Portland as one of the five coolest neighborhoods in the world.— Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, [email protected] or @KristiturnquistOur journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe