MAM
Travel Buddy unveils expansion plans to enter SAARC & South-east Asia market by 2025
Mumbai: Travel Buddy, a new-age social travel network and experiences marketplace, has unveiled its expansion plans of creating authentic experiences for users in Southeast Asia and the SAARC region by 2025. Home to over 2.5 million users, Travel Buddy is a one-stop platform designed to cater to the diverse needs of travel enthusiasts, whether you are looking for like-minded people for your next trip, localised information about a particular place or even travel-related service.
With the active participation of 85,000+ travel suppliers and insights from 10,000+ travel influencers, Travel Buddy offers a fresh, localised and enriching perspective on exploring different parts of India. Boasting an impressive record, the platform has over 60,000 premium subscription members from 2,000+ cities, and within the first month of its launch, Travel Buddy had already facilitated the sale of over 250 unique travel experiences, redefining the way people engage with travel and adventure.
Travel Buddy has established itself as a travel-friendly marketplace for both inbound and outbound travellers, and is further looking at strengthening its roots in every corner of the country. This will enable the company to build a strong brand that attracts and builds local influencers network for when it steps foot in the Southeast Asian and SAARC region.
Speaking on the expansion plans, Travel Buddy founder and CEO Saurav Chakraborty said, ‘’Travel Buddy is on a journey to redefine how travellers experience destinations and their localised culture. We empower, both, explorers and locals to foster meaningful interactions and authentic experiences. Our immediate plan of action is to add 1000 more unique experiences by 2023 – that the travellers reminiscence for lifetime. We are more focused than ever and while we are passionately creating experiences in India, we have plans to build and drive the same experiences in the SAARC and in the Southeast Asian region in 2025, and we are very optimistic.’’
Travel Buddy is swiftly aiming to cater to inbound travellers arriving in India, with immediate intent rather than waiting for the years 2024 or 2025. Their primary objective revolves around establishing a robust network of local influencers to enhance the experience of foreigners visiting India. Given the rapid growth of inbound tourism and its significance within the Indian tourism sector, Travel Buddy is deeply committed to contributing to and benefiting from this flourishing trend.
As the global travel landscape evolves, Travel Buddy is positioned to contribute positively to inbound tourism in India, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision to enhance the country’s appeal as a tourist destination. By offering verified and vetted local experts, Travel Buddy aims to boost the trust and confidence of international travellers. Travel Buddy’s uniqueness stems from its emphasis on local influencers who act as trusted guides, revealing the hidden gems and distinctive aspects of various destinations. With more than 10,000 verified local influencers across 150+ cities in India, Travel Buddy has already carved a niche for itself in the market. The initiative embodies the ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava” – the welcoming nature of Indians – which is being extended globally to put India on the travel map.
With a commitment to Environment, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG), Travel Buddy is also setting itself apart by proactively addressing the ecological impact of travel. The company’s advisory board, composed of seasoned industry experts, underscores its commitment to responsible growth and innovation.
Brands
Tommy Hilfiger unveils Spring/Summer 2026 watch collection
Checo Pérez fronts campaign blending F1 energy with Classic American Cool.
MUMBAI: Checo Pérez just traded the racetrack for the wrist game because when a Formula 1 star says time flies, he means it literally. Tommy Hilfiger Watches & Jewellery has launched its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, fusing modern craftsmanship with the brand’s signature Classic American Cool aesthetic. Global ambassador Checo Pérez, one of motorsport’s biggest names, headlines the campaign, infusing the line with high-octane confidence and relaxed sophistication.
Pérez said, “I’ve been a fan of Tommy Hilfiger since my childhood. The brand’s classic heritage style feels natural to me relaxed, confident and easy to wear. This watch collection blends modern innovation with the quality and tradition Tommy Hilfiger is known for.”
The men’s lineup is led by the bold Bank chronograph (44mm case, aluminium pusher guards, tachymeter bezel), powered by a Japanese chronograph movement and available with integrated bracelets or genuine leather straps. Other designs include the TH Oxford, featuring a textured dial inspired by the brand’s iconic Oxford shirt.
For women, the collection offers refined femininity through pieces like the 22mm Norah (slim two-tone case, navy patterned dial with Roman numerals) and the new Mackenzie (geometric bezel, frosted dial that catches light with subtle sparkle).
Shot against vintage cars and effortless style, the campaign captures the spirit of modern motorsport while celebrating timeless, versatile design suited for daily wear or statement moments.
Manufactured by The Movado Group Inc. under licence from Tommy Hilfiger and distributed in India by Titan Company Limited, the Spring/Summer 2026 Watches collection is now available.
In a world where time waits for no one, Tommy Hilfiger isn’t just keeping pace, it’s racing ahead, proving the perfect watch doesn’t just tell time. it tells your story, lap after stylish lap.
