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
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
