MAM
Agoda: Goa emerges as top destination for Republic Day weekend
Mumbai: As India gears up for the year’s first long weekend, domestic getaways are on the card for travellers. Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed the top locales that Indians will be exploring during the upcoming Republic Day weekend. For the second year running, Goa emerged as the most searched destination, followed by Puducherry, Jaipur, Ooty and Mahabaleshwar.
Goa is a traveller’s favourite year-round, and the Republic Day weekend will be no different. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife and is home to pristine beaches, alluring forts, and local delicacies. Coming in second after Goa was Puducherry, another coastal destination, which offers a unique blend of French and Indian cultures. The town is home to mesmerising architecture, and stunning beaches, and is a wellness paradise.
Jaipur, also known as the pink city, claimed the third spot on the list. Jaipur has captured travellers’ attention because of its rich heritage and the abundance of sightseeing experiences on offer. With culinary delights, shopping experiences at the local markets, and the chance to explore landmark palaces, Jaipur caters to the varied preferences of any travel enthusiast.
The growing popularity of the other two destinations in the top five – Ooty and Mahabaleshwar – revealed that scenic beauty is an important driver for travel preferences this Republic Day weekend. The two hill stations offer stunning views and unique experiences, from strawberry picking in Mahabaleshwar to exploring the aromatic tea plantations of Ooty. Both cities provide a perfect canvas to travellers seeking a relaxing weekend trip.
Agoda country director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives Krishna Rathi shared, “As 2024 kicks off, the first long weekend is clearly marked in the calendars of many Indian travellers. Agoda’s booking data highlights an interest in diverse destinations that offer a mix of cultural, culinary, and local experiences. Mirroring the trend in 2023, Goa, Puducherry and Jaipur have yet again emerged as the top choices for a domestic getaway. We expect to see similar excitement for domestic and international trips from Indian travellers and look forward to helping them see the world for less with the great deals on Agoda’s platform.”
Agoda, offering over 3.9 million holiday properties, flights, and activities that can be booked together, is at the forefront of making travel easy and accessible. For Indian tourists looking to explore domestically or abroad, Agoda’s platform provides an ideal gateway for a hassle-free and memorable travel experience.
Brands
Akamai appoints Fiona Zhang as regional VP, channel sales and programs for Asia Pacific and Japan
New regional VP to scale partner ecosystem amid cloud and AI demand
BENGALURU: Akamai Technologies has appointed Fiona Zhang as regional vice president for channel sales and programmes in Asia Pacific and Japan, doubling down on its partner-led growth strategy in one of its fastest-evolving markets.
In her new role, Zhang will oversee the company’s channel strategy and partner ecosystem across the region, with a focus on helping partners deliver more value to customers navigating increasingly complex cloud and security needs.
The move signals Akamai’s continued bet on its partner network to drive adoption, expand market reach and fuel revenue growth. A key pillar of this strategy is Akamai Partner Connect, the company’s unified global programme designed to simplify engagement and accelerate partner-led business.
Across Asia Pacific and Japan, demand for cloud, cybersecurity and AI-led solutions is rising sharply. Akamai is responding by expanding its network of service providers, distributors, system integrators and technology partners, aiming to bring more localised expertise and scalable solutions to enterprise customers.
Zhang brings over 15 years of experience in channel sales and programme leadership across cybersecurity, cloud and networking. Since joining Akamai in 2019, she has led channel strategy and operations in Greater China, where she drove partner-led growth across delivery, security and compute offerings.
Before Akamai, she was head of channels at Palo Alto Networks in China, where she oversaw rapid expansion and revenue growth. She began her career at Cisco, holding roles across sales, business development and channel management.
“Asia Pacific is one of the most diverse and fast-moving technology markets in the world, and that makes a channel-first strategy essential,” said Zhang. “Across APJ, our partners are doing far more than reselling. They are building capabilities, advancing AI adoption and helping enterprises navigate a complex digital landscape. My focus is on making Akamai the platform our partners want to build their business around.”
Echoing the sentiment, Akamai Technologies vice president and managing director greater China Sean Li said, “Our channel ecosystem is fundamental to Akamai’s growth strategy. Fiona’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partner network and enabling partners to capture new opportunities across the region.”
With enterprises accelerating digital transformation and AI adoption, Akamai’s latest leadership move underscores a clear message. In a market driven by partnerships, the company is placing its bets firmly on the channel to lead the next phase of growth.
