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Is it safe to travel to India? Travel advice amid fears for women’s safety

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Tourist numbers have rapidly dwindled in the Unesco World Heritage site destination of Hampi in India following the gang rape of two women and the death of a male tourist on Thursday night.

The two women, a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old Indian homestay operator, were stargazing with three male tourists near Sanapur Lake in Hampi, Karnataka, when a group of men attacked them. A male tourist from Odisha was later found dead, police said.

The attack has increased concerns about safety in Hampi, known for its group of spectacular remnants of monuments and temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire that attract thousands of domestic and international tourists.

Since the incident on Thursday, there appears to be a sharp decline in tourists making their way to the ancient village.

More than 25 homestays in and around Hampi saw travel agencies cancel bookings over the weekend, and local media is reporting that several tourists have cut their stays short and left the region.

Virupakshi V Hampi, secretary of the State Tourist Guides Association, confirmed there was a decline in homestay bookings.

“Even tourists from other states are cancelling or postponing their visit to Hampi,” he told The New Indian Express. “The entire nation condemned the Sanapur rape incident. Hope police increase patrolling in Hampi and surroundings.”

Vijayanagara police superintendent Shrihari Babu B L said his force was ready to take care of visitors to Hampi and that they would issue guidelines for homestay owners.

Foreign visitors in Hampi said they had been instructed to travel in groups and return to their homestays by 8.30pm.

The attack comes after similar incidents last year, including the gang-rape of a tourist from Spain in Jharkhand and the rape and murder of a 28-year-old Irish tourist in Goa.

Sexual assault reports in India have become more frequent in the country, as police recorded 31,516 rape cases in 2022, a 20 per cent increase from 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Yet the actual figure is believed to be much higher dueto lack of reporting caused by the stigma surrounding sexual violence in the country.

Government advice on travel in India

The UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any specific travel advice relating to the attacks in Hampi.

The FCDO does give advice on sexual assault cases in general in India: “There is a risk of sexual assault, including attacks on female foreign national visitors in tourist areas and cities.

“Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Serious sexual attacks involving both Indian and foreign nationals have been reported. British women have been victims of sexual assault, including rape, in multiple states in India. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day,” the FCDO writes.

The FCDO does also share advice on the state of Goa: “Many opportunistic criminals operate in Goa because of the high number of tourists.

“There have been some serious incidents involving British nationals in recent years, including sexual assaults and the murder of a young female traveller.”

If you’re the victim of crime in India, call:

  • police helpline: 100
  • national emergency number: 112
  • women helpline: 1091

The FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and the region Jammu and Kashmir, as well as all but essential travel to the state of Manipur.

FCDO advice for women travelling abroad to any country

The FCDO says that when planning travel, it is worth researching the local culture of a country and whether women travelling have received unwanted attention or difficulties because of their gender.

It warns that violence towards women and girls is a risk in many countries, but could take different forms depending on the local context, laws, history and culture in the country.

Rape and sexual assault are risks to people of all genders worldwide, it adds, and local services and attitudes towards it can vary by country.

The FCDO says they take any report of rape and sexual assault seriously.

Guidance on rape and sexual assault abroad

“If you have been sexually assaulted it is important to remember that it was not your fault,” the FCDO writes on its guidance page for British nationals who have been raped and sexually assaulted abroad.

“Rape and sexual assault is always wrong – no matter who commits it or where it happens. It is traumatic and it can affect you both physically and emotionally. Do not be afraid to get help.”

When reporting rape or sexual assault to the FCDO, it says you will be provided with immediate support on the telephone at any time of the day or night, staff will try to see you in person as soon as possible, and will be empathetic, patient, sensitive and non-judgemental.

They will also try their best to provide you with a female consular official if you prefer to talk to a woman.

In most countries, you must report the crime before returning to the UK if you want it to be investigated. UK police do not have jurisdiction to investigate an attack that has taken place abroad and cannot direct something to be investigated.

You can report the crime to your local UK police who should send the information you provide to the country where the crime happened. However, it is up to the police forces in that country to decide whether to investigate a crime.

It may be possible to report an assault from the UK to a foreign police force via a third party, such as a local lawyer to make representations on your behalf to the local police.

The FCDO adds that “in a very small number of countries, being the victim of rape or sexual assault could be considered illegal” and could lead to local authorities questioning you. If you have concerns about this, contact the FCDO for advice.

Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)



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Being “The Best You”: Klook Partners with ICICI For Promoting Exclusive Travel Campaign In India

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July 11, 2025

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Home » LUXURY TRAVEL » Being “The Best You”: Klook Partners with ICICI For Promoting Exclusive Travel Campaign In India

Friday, July 11, 2025

New Delhi – Asia’s ultimate travel experiences platform, Klook, announced the unveiling of a new brand campaign, “The Best You”, which invites travelers to reconnect with themselves through out-of-the-ordinary travel experiences. Starring India’s beloved comedian, Bharti Singh, the “The Best You” campaign seeks to reframe the way people perceive travel—focusing on self-discovery, elation, and personalized connections.

The campaign alligns with a new partnership between the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card and Klook, a first-of-its-kind offering to India’s crème-de-la-crème consumers. The partnership holds the promise of giving card members the best-of-the-best travel benefits, which shall go a long way towards enhancing the travel experiences of India’s discerning travelers.

Bharti Singh’s Journey of Persistence and Rediscovery

The Bharti Singh saga is a touching tale of metamorphosis and endurance. India’s Queen of Comedy, Bharti has made a name for herself in an industry which isn’t too comfortable with women, let alone when crossing over into the zone of humor. But with determination, humor, and an iron self, Bharti has cracked open doors. Bharti reflects today about her personal transformation and how traveling became the core of her life.

“Not many know the work that went into me getting my place in the industry,” Bharti said. “Over the years, I have been bombarded with ideas about how I need to live my life. But now, I have to stop, calm down, and do something for me. Traveling does that for me—reconnect, open myself up to the new, and let the little things that really get to my heart, put a smile back on my face.”

With “The Best You”, Bharti invites you to share the travel spirit that builds individual growth and connectivity. Her message boils down to embracing the values of spontaneity and taking refuge in the little things—a serene night under stars, exploration of new cultures, or a first-hand experience of something. Bharti’s own adventure summarizes the ad campaign: travel is not about the locales, it’s about the emotions and experiences that keep you truly alive.

Special Travel Benefits for Times Black ICICI Bank Card Members

Klook’s partnership with Times Black ICICI Bank again expands the relationship with travel and luxury. Times Black Credit Card, made out of a rare metal, targets India’s elite customer segment specifically and gives them a set of hand-curated benefits and luxury offerings. As a result of the relationship, the card members are entitled to exclusive rights to a set of benefits provided through the Klook platform, consisting of:

Special discounts when you book experiences anywhere in the globe.

First access to sold-out events and attractions.

Professional customer service to ensure a comfortable trip.

For the discerning traveler, the Times Black card holds the prospect of taking their travel experiences to a higher level, not just with superior experiences, but with luxury-level service, as well as VIP benefits.

A Revamped Travel Experience for the New-Age Indian Travelers

According to Shivam Tyagi, the Marketing Lead of Klook India and the Middle East, “The Best You” program does not center on simple activity provision. It’s an offer to re-live happy moments and create significant, memorable experiences which have an emotional recall.

“People yearn for a connection now more than ever,” Tyagi explained. “They want to get away from the routine of everyday existence and reconnect themselves with the things and themselves around them. Klook aims to facilitate that connection through heart-touching travel—via shared humor, the rush of a new adventure, the grandeur of a new destination.”

The brand, with all it stands for—informality, self-exploration, and a healthy dose of fun—is perfectly compatible with the traveller of today, who increasingly, through travel, wishes to have a genuine re-invention of the self. Whether it’s the romanticism of a serene Balinese sunset or the frivolous street-food explorations of Bangkok, “The Best You” celebrates the individual moments that, when collectively shared, make travel a holiday and not a trip—and a genuinely transformational experience.

What’s Next: Future Plans and Future Travel Opportunities

Klook and Times Black ICICI Bank joint venture is said to become a defining element of the luxury travel ecosystem of India. For the times to come, the joint venture shall offer card members even more personalized services such as limited edition travel services, exclusive event activities, and broader coverage of emerging travel destinations. That’s just the beginning of what promises to become a new chapter for the new age Indian traveler who seeks luxurious experiences.

Both Times Black ICICI Bank and Klook recognize the evolution of the travel environment and are committed to delivering premium, personalized services that enhance the process of traveling. By leveraging the global platform of Klook and the Times Black card’s exclusive features, the new joint venture seeks to reposition the relationship of premium Indian travelers with the world.

Including Travel as a Part of Self-Discovery This launch of “The Best You” and Times Black ICICI Bank partnership are a true reflection of what travel today is all about. Checking the boxes of the places or seeing the attractions does not hold true anymore, today it is all about the moments, the people, and the experiences that make your trip all the difference. Bharti Singh’s own reflections are a reminder that travel can play a part as a tool of individual exploration as much as a source of much pleasure and connection. As Klook continues to grow its presence in India’s luxury travel market, the partnership marks a new chapter in how India’s elite adventurers see the globe—curated, personalized, and meaningful.



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Find Sunflowers In Full Bloom At These Places In India This Month – Travel and Leisure Asia

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July 11, 2025

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Find Sunflowers In Full Bloom At These Places In India This Month  Travel and Leisure Asia



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Wego India Innovates with Technology to Streamline Travel Search, Address Trends, and Drive Post-Pandemic Growth

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11 hours ago

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July 11, 2025

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Wego India Innovates with Technology to Streamline Travel Search, Address Trends, and Drive Post-Pandemic Growth

Friday, July 11, 2025

Wego India, a prominent metasearch engine in the travel industry, is revolutionizing the way Indian travelers plan and book their journeys by leveraging cutting-edge technology. According to Bernard Corraya, General Manager of Wego India, the company’s focus on technology and customer experience has been pivotal in enhancing travel search and expanding options for Indian users.

In an exclusive interview with TTW, Bernard Corraya, GM of Wego India, discussed the company’s innovative approach to revolutionizing the travel experience for Indian users. He highlighted Wego India’s integration of real-time APIs, offering seamless flight, hotel, and train bookings. The platform now features flexible fares, multi-carrier itineraries, and a growing focus on experiential accommodations. Corraya also emphasized Wego’s efforts to deliver personalized travel recommendations using machine learning. As India’s travel industry recovers post-pandemic, Wego is contributing to both domestic and outbound tourism by offering flexible, competitive options and a streamlined travel ecosystem.

Wego’s platform aggregates real-time data from airlines, hotels, rail operators, and OTAs through API integrations, ensuring users have access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive options available. This enables the search for flights, hotels, and trains to be smooth and seamless. A significant addition in early 2024 was the integration of a train-booking service, which directly pulls IRCTC availability, allowing users to search for train tickets alongside flights and hotels. The service is designed to allow users to filter by various preferences, such as class, departure time, and fare type, and even complete payments without leaving the platform. Underpinning this service is a robust infrastructure that ensures that search results are up-to-date, reducing booking friction and improving the user experience for Indian travelers.

Looking ahead to 2025, Wego India has observed key trends in travelers’ preferences. Indian users are increasingly opting for flexible fares, which offer refund and rescheduling options, as well as multi-carrier itineraries for better convenience. Additionally, premium-economy seating is gaining popularity for medium-haul flights as travelers seek more comfort. On the hotel front, there is a growing demand for experiential and long-stay accommodations, particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities. The preference for boutique properties and serviced apartments—combining home-style amenities with hotel services—reflects a shift in how Indian travelers want to experience their stays.

To ensure competitive pricing and a wide array of options, Wego India utilizes a dynamic pricing engine that aggregates fares from multiple sources, including direct airline APIs, global distribution systems, and third-party OTAs. This ensures that Wego India users have access to the most competitive prices, along with the flexibility to explore both standard and exclusive package deals.

The company has also embraced the demand for personalized travel recommendations. Wego employs machine-learning algorithms that analyze a user’s past searches, bookings, and travel preferences to present more tailored options. This creates a more personalized experience, allowing users to discover flights, hotels, and destinations that match their individual needs. Additionally, the homepage features “inspiration modules,” offering curated destination guides based on collective trend data.

As India’s travel industry recovers post-pandemic, Wego India is playing a crucial role in facilitating both outbound and domestic travel. With the rise in domestic tourism and outbound travel, Wego India has integrated self-drive rental services through a partnership with Zoomcar, further enhancing the convenience of travel. The company has also worked to make the booking process contactless, ensuring safety and flexibility for travelers. By aggregating multiple travel services—flights, hotels, trains, and self-drive rentals—into a seamless ecosystem, Wego India is paving the way for future growth in both leisure and business travel.

1. How is Wego India leveraging technology to enhance the travel search experience for Indian users?

Wego India operates a robust metasearch engine that aggregates live inventory from hundreds of airlines, hotels, rail operators and OTAs via real‐time API integrations. In early 2024, Wego introduced an integrated train-booking service—pulling IRCTC availability directly into its app and website—to complement flight and hotel search, allowing users to filter by class, departure time and fare type, then complete payment without leaving the Wego platform.

Under the hood, a combination of low-latency caching, incremental data polling, and predictive algorithms for ticket-confirmation probabilities ensures that search results remain both comprehensive and up-to-date, significantly reducing booking friction for Indian travelers.

2. What trends are you seeing in Indian travelers’ preferences for flights and hotels in 2025?

Users increasingly prioritize refundable or “flex” fares, multi-carrier itineraries and premium-economy seating for greater comfort on medium-haul routes. Meanwhile, hotel searches reflect a clear shift toward experiential and long-stay accommodations: demand for boutique properties in tier-II and tier-III cities is rising, and extended-stay travelers are booking serviced apartments that blend home-style amenities with hotel-class services.

3. How does Wego India ensure competitive pricing and comprehensive options in a highly dynamic market?

Wego’s dynamic pricing engine continuously polls multiple fare sources, direct airline APIs, global distribution systems and third-party OTAs, refreshing rates every few minutes to capture flash sales and limited-time bundles.

By presenting these aggregated deals side-by-side with standard fares and surfacing exclusive package rates, Wego India guarantees that every search surfaces the broadest choice at the most competitive price.

4. Can you share how Wego is addressing the growing demand for personalized travel recommendations in India?

To move beyond generic search results, Wego deploys machine-learning models that analyze each user’s past searches, bookings, trip durations and demographic signals. These algorithms rank flight and hotel options in order of likely affinity considering preferred cabin classes, budget bands and even seasonal travel habits, while “inspiration modules” on the homepage deliver hand-curated destination guides based on collective trend data. The result is a bespoke planning experience: rather than wading through hundreds of options, users are presented with personalized suggestions that align closely with their unique preferences and travel histories.

5. How is Wego India contributing to the recovery and growth of India’s outbound and domestic travel markets post-pandemic?

As India’s travel industry rebounds, with outbound trips climbing sharply throughout the year and domestic tourism leading the recovery, Wego has expanded its rail-booking service to capture intra-India travel demand and partnered with Zoomcar to integrate self-drive rentals directly into its platform.

By aggregating flights, hotels, trains and self-drive vehicles into one seamless ecosystem and by championing contactless booking pathways and flexible cancellation policies. Wego is empowering both leisure and business travellers to plan safe, autonomous journeys across India and beyond.

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