Brands
J. Hampstead names Bobby Deol as brand ambassador
MUMBAI: In a move that blends old-school charm with new-age elegance, premium menswear label J. Hampstead has roped in Bobby Deol as its brand ambassador. Affectionately dubbed “Lord Bobby” by his legion of fans, the actor brings gravitas, grit, and undeniable style to the marquee fashion house.
Known for its legacy in fine suiting and shirting, J. Hampstead has long been a torchbearer of European craftsmanship married with Indian precision. The brand’s ready-to-wear and bespoke offerings have earned it a loyal following among India’s discerning dressers.
Talking about the association, Deol says, “I’m honoured to represent J. Hampstead, a brand that exemplifies classic style and lasting quality. Its attention to detail and legacy of excellence align perfectly with my own fashion values.”
J. Hampstead director Avnish Poddar adds, “Bobby’s distinctive style and appeal make him an ideal ambassador for the brand. His association brings fresh energy and strengthens our connection with today’s aspirational, fashion-conscious consumers.”
This latest partnership is not just a campaign, it’s a statement. It positions Bobby as the face of a league that’s a cut above, where tailored threads meet timeless swagger.
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Brands
AI becomes key tool for Indian travellers, Agoda report finds
68 per cent plan to use AI for trips as 33 per cent already rely on it.
MUMBAI: Holiday planning is getting a software upgrade less “Where should we go?” and more “What does the algorithm say?” Indian travellers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to map their journeys, with new data from Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report suggesting that AI is fast becoming central to how trips are imagined, planned and booked.
While 33 per cent of respondents said they already use AI tools for travel planning, a far larger 68 per cent indicated they are likely to rely on it for their next trip pointing to a sharp acceleration in adoption in a market already comfortable with digital-first travel.
What travellers want from AI, however, goes well beyond basic search. The report shows 38 per cent are looking for recommendations on local attractions and activities, while 37 per cent expect personalised itineraries. Destination discovery remains a key use case at 29 per cent, with dining suggestions (23 per cent) and budget management (22 per cent) also emerging as practical applications.
The shift reflects a broader change in expectations AI is no longer a novelty but a planning companion expected to work across every stage of the journey, from inspiration to execution.
Trust levels appear to be keeping pace. Nearly 88 per cent of respondents said they either trust or feel neutral about AI-generated recommendations, including 53 per cent who expressed clear confidence. This builds on earlier trends, with Agoda’s 2025 survey showing nine in ten Indian travellers already using apps to book travel suggesting AI adoption is more evolution than disruption.
The company has been testing this appetite through initiatives such as its 2025 AI-powered Vacation Planner campaign, which generated customised itineraries and visuals based on user inputs, delivered with a layer of celebrity-led engagement.
For platforms like Agoda, which aggregates more than 6 million properties, over 130,000 flight routes and 300,000 travel activities, AI offers a way to navigate scale without overwhelming users turning abundance into relevance.
As AI continues to embed itself into everyday decision-making, India is emerging as a market where travel planning is not just going digital, but decisively intelligent.
