|
Increased accommodation searches point to a rising interest for calmer, scenic escapes
SINGAPORE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda analyzed accommodation search data for India's topmost searched destinations for Valentine's Day weekend, revealing a rise in interest compared to previous year in places such as Pondicherry and Varkala that offer a calmer pace of travel, scenic settings, and opportunities for shared experiences. From coastal towns to hill retreats and heritage cities, couples were keen to visit the places that allowed them to slow down and spend meaningful time together on Valentine's weekend.
According to Agoda, Pondicherry recorded a 48% increase in accommodation searches compared to the previous year. The coastal town attracts couples with its seaside promenades, quiet beaches and streets shaped by French-era architecture, offering a walkable setting filled with cafés, boutique stays and ocean views. Varkala followed with a 41% increase in travel interest compared to the previous year, drawing visitors to its cliffside coastline where guesthouses, cafés and beaches sit above the Arabian Sea, creating a cozy environment ideal for a romantic getaway.
Chennai also saw a 38% increase in searches from the previous year, appealing to couples who want a mix of beach access, cultural sites and city comforts. Visitors often combine time along the Marina shoreline with visits to historical temples, museums and a varied dining scene, giving the city a flexible itinerary for romantic trips. Beyond the southern coastline, Lonavala in Maharashtra saw a 36% increase in accommodation searches compared to the previous year, with its misty hills, waterfalls, and nature trails making it a convenient weekend escape for couples from nearby cities. In the north, Udaipur recorded a 33% rise in travel interest, continuing to attract couples with its lakes, palaces, narrow old-city streets, and heritage properties that lend themselves to romantic, picturesque stays.
Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, "Valentine's Day is becoming all about shared experiences full of love over grand gestures. This year, we saw growing interest from couples towards destinations that offer scenic settings, relaxed environments, and the space to spend quality time together, whether by the beach, in the hills, or in a heritage city. At Agoda, we make it easy for travelers to plan these getaways with a wide range of accommodation options, value deals, and a seamless booking experience."
Travelers planning their getaways can browse Agoda's wide range of offerings, spanning over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000+ activities worldwide. Running from 14 to 28 February, Agoda's Mega Sale will offer up to 60% off on hotel bookings, with special flash sales of up to 70% on 17 February and exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 10 to 13 February. The latest offers can be found on the Agoda app or at agoda.com/deals.
Increased accommodation searches point to a rising interest for calmer, scenic escapes
SINGAPORE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda analyzed accommodation search data for India's topmost searched destinations for Valentine's Day weekend, revealing a rise in interest compared to previous year in places such as Pondicherry and Varkala that offer a calmer pace of travel, scenic settings, and opportunities for shared experiences. From coastal towns to hill retreats and heritage cities, couples were keen to visit the places that allowed them to slow down and spend meaningful time together on Valentine's weekend.
According to Agoda, Pondicherry recorded a 48% increase in accommodation searches compared to the previous year. The coastal town attracts couples with its seaside promenades, quiet beaches and streets shaped by French-era architecture, offering a walkable setting filled with cafés, boutique stays and ocean views. Varkala followed with a 41% increase in travel interest compared to the previous year, drawing visitors to its cliffside coastline where guesthouses, cafés and beaches sit above the Arabian Sea, creating a cozy environment ideal for a romantic getaway.
Chennai also saw a 38% increase in searches from the previous year, appealing to couples who want a mix of beach access, cultural sites and city comforts. Visitors often combine time along the Marina shoreline with visits to historical temples, museums and a varied dining scene, giving the city a flexible itinerary for romantic trips. Beyond the southern coastline, Lonavala in Maharashtra saw a 36% increase in accommodation searches compared to the previous year, with its misty hills, waterfalls, and nature trails making it a convenient weekend escape for couples from nearby cities. In the north, Udaipur recorded a 33% rise in travel interest, continuing to attract couples with its lakes, palaces, narrow old-city streets, and heritage properties that lend themselves to romantic, picturesque stays.
Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, "Valentine's Day is becoming all about shared experiences full of love over grand gestures. This year, we saw growing interest from couples towards destinations that offer scenic settings, relaxed environments, and the space to spend quality time together, whether by the beach, in the hills, or in a heritage city. At Agoda, we make it easy for travelers to plan these getaways with a wide range of accommodation options, value deals, and a seamless booking experience."
Travelers planning their getaways can browse Agoda's wide range of offerings, spanning over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000+ activities worldwide. Running from 14 to 28 February, Agoda's Mega Sale will offer up to 60% off on hotel bookings, with special flash sales of up to 70% on 17 February and exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 10 to 13 February. The latest offers can be found on the Agoda app or at agoda.com/deals.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
From Pondicherry to Udaipur, Agoda Mapped India's Trending Valentine Getaways
|
BANGKOK, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With a remarkable 30% growth in size and participation, Vitafoods Asia 2026 organised by Informa Markets, is set to redefine the nutraceutical industry in Asia, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The event will feature an exhibit space of 30,000 square meters with over 800 companies, representing an impressive 30% growth compared to the 2025 edition. Taking place once again at the state-of-the-art venue in Bangkok – Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) from 2 – 4 September 2026.
New Country Pavilions and New Experiential Activities & Features
This year's event will also see the addition of two new country pavilions, Australia and New Zealand, further enhancing its global representation and showcasing innovations from these regions in the nutraceutical and functional food industries. In addition to its expanded size and international reach, Vitafoods Asia 2026 will introduce a host of exciting new features designed to elevate the attendee experience and provide deeper insights into the industry:
Sensory Box: A workshop-style feature that enables attendees to experience food ingredients through sense of smell, touch, and taste. Creating an interactive experience that enables attendees to re-imagine user experience for their nutraceutical development.
From Lab to Launch: The event will host a range of speakers that will provide valuable insights to R&D professionals, enabling them to envision the product all the way from raw ingredients in the laboratory to finished goods, with concept to completion journey for research professionals, including clinical trials.
Four-Factor Solution Workshop: Delivered in partnership with the Healthy Marketing Team (HMT), expert brand builders specialised in serving brands, businesses and people in the food and nutrition industry, this programme is curated to guide and enable entrepreneurs to align their products and brands with the target audience and market. "The workshop will focus on learn the success factors in nutrition & health marketing, innovation, and branding, and avoid failure"
Thailand Nutraceuticals Award Powered by Vitafoods Asia: A prestigious award ceremony recognising excellence and innovation in the Thai nutraceutical sector for finished products.
Pet Nutraceuticals Showcase: A special exhibit highlighting the growing market for nutraceuticals designed for pets.
Theme for Vitafoods Asia 2026
The overarching theme for Vitafoods Asia 2026 is "Nutraceuticals Trends Across Generations", focusing on redefining health and wellness across all life stages. This visionary theme emphasises cutting-edge science, natural ingredients, and personalised nutrition through technology, aiming to create a future where people not only live longer but live better. These include gut and microbiome health, cognitive and mental wellness, active body and longevity, and personalised and digital nutritional enablers.
"Vitafoods Asia 2026 is set to redefine the future of health and wellness by embracing cutting-edge science, natural ingredients, and personalised nutrition technologies. Our theme, 'Nutraceuticals Trends Across Generations,' envisions a world where people not only live longer but thrive at every stage of life. This year, the event will be 30% bigger and feature greater international participation, making it a truly global platform to explore innovative solutions that cater to the unique health needs of each generation, from Boomers to Generation Alpha. Together, we are fostering a healthier and more vibrant future for all." added Rose Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets.
"As an Australian brand, Healthy Care values Vitafoods as a global platform to connect with partners across markets and gain insights into evolving health and wellness trends. This marks our first participation at the event, and we see Vitafoods as an important opportunity to further expand our reach across Southeast Asia. We look forward to building strong partnerships and contributing to conversations shaping the future of nutrition." added Michael Wu, General Manager, Nature's Care Manufacture Pty. Ltd. (Australia).
Vitafoods Asia continues to be the leading platform for professionals in the nutraceutical, functional food, and dietary supplement industries, offering a unique space to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest trends and innovations.
"For those who are still deciding whether they should attend Vitafoods Asia, I would 100% recommend coming here. It's the best place to explore trends, meet partners, potential partners, future partners, existing customers and clients, as well as brand owners. It's the ideal venue to build your network, engage in face-to-face meetings, and develop meaningful connections." added Pierre-Luc Morlet, Sales Director, Pharm Active Biotech Products.
From my perspective, what I enjoy most is the opportunity to meet so many professionals from across Asia in one place. I think this is a great platform for us to exchange ideas, discover opportunities, and connect with numerous potential partners.'' added Alex Du, General Manager, Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd.
For more information about Vitafoods Asia 2026, visit www.vitafoodsasia.com
About Vitafoods Asia
Vitafoods Asia is the leading nutraceutical event in Asia, bringing together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in the nutraceutical and functional food sectors.
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Gautam Jatwani
Senior Marketing Manager
Gautam.jatwani@informa.com
BANGKOK, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With a remarkable 30% growth in size and participation, Vitafoods Asia 2026 organised by Informa Markets, is set to redefine the nutraceutical industry in Asia, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The event will feature an exhibit space of 30,000 square meters with over 800 companies, representing an impressive 30% growth compared to the 2025 edition. Taking place once again at the state-of-the-art venue in Bangkok – Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) from 2 – 4 September 2026.
New Country Pavilions and New Experiential Activities & Features
This year's event will also see the addition of two new country pavilions, Australia and New Zealand, further enhancing its global representation and showcasing innovations from these regions in the nutraceutical and functional food industries. In addition to its expanded size and international reach, Vitafoods Asia 2026 will introduce a host of exciting new features designed to elevate the attendee experience and provide deeper insights into the industry:
Sensory Box: A workshop-style feature that enables attendees to experience food ingredients through sense of smell, touch, and taste. Creating an interactive experience that enables attendees to re-imagine user experience for their nutraceutical development.
From Lab to Launch: The event will host a range of speakers that will provide valuable insights to R&D professionals, enabling them to envision the product all the way from raw ingredients in the laboratory to finished goods, with concept to completion journey for research professionals, including clinical trials.
Four-Factor Solution Workshop: Delivered in partnership with the Healthy Marketing Team (HMT), expert brand builders specialised in serving brands, businesses and people in the food and nutrition industry, this programme is curated to guide and enable entrepreneurs to align their products and brands with the target audience and market. "The workshop will focus on learn the success factors in nutrition & health marketing, innovation, and branding, and avoid failure"
Thailand Nutraceuticals Award Powered by Vitafoods Asia: A prestigious award ceremony recognising excellence and innovation in the Thai nutraceutical sector for finished products.
Pet Nutraceuticals Showcase: A special exhibit highlighting the growing market for nutraceuticals designed for pets.
Theme for Vitafoods Asia 2026
The overarching theme for Vitafoods Asia 2026 is "Nutraceuticals Trends Across Generations", focusing on redefining health and wellness across all life stages. This visionary theme emphasises cutting-edge science, natural ingredients, and personalised nutrition through technology, aiming to create a future where people not only live longer but live better. These include gut and microbiome health, cognitive and mental wellness, active body and longevity, and personalised and digital nutritional enablers.
"Vitafoods Asia 2026 is set to redefine the future of health and wellness by embracing cutting-edge science, natural ingredients, and personalised nutrition technologies. Our theme, 'Nutraceuticals Trends Across Generations,' envisions a world where people not only live longer but thrive at every stage of life. This year, the event will be 30% bigger and feature greater international participation, making it a truly global platform to explore innovative solutions that cater to the unique health needs of each generation, from Boomers to Generation Alpha. Together, we are fostering a healthier and more vibrant future for all." added Rose Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets.
"As an Australian brand, Healthy Care values Vitafoods as a global platform to connect with partners across markets and gain insights into evolving health and wellness trends. This marks our first participation at the event, and we see Vitafoods as an important opportunity to further expand our reach across Southeast Asia. We look forward to building strong partnerships and contributing to conversations shaping the future of nutrition." added Michael Wu, General Manager, Nature's Care Manufacture Pty. Ltd. (Australia).
Vitafoods Asia continues to be the leading platform for professionals in the nutraceutical, functional food, and dietary supplement industries, offering a unique space to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest trends and innovations.
"For those who are still deciding whether they should attend Vitafoods Asia, I would 100% recommend coming here. It's the best place to explore trends, meet partners, potential partners, future partners, existing customers and clients, as well as brand owners. It's the ideal venue to build your network, engage in face-to-face meetings, and develop meaningful connections." added Pierre-Luc Morlet, Sales Director, Pharm Active Biotech Products.
From my perspective, what I enjoy most is the opportunity to meet so many professionals from across Asia in one place. I think this is a great platform for us to exchange ideas, discover opportunities, and connect with numerous potential partners.'' added Alex Du, General Manager, Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd.
For more information about Vitafoods Asia 2026, visit www.vitafoodsasia.com
About Vitafoods Asia
Vitafoods Asia is the leading nutraceutical event in Asia, bringing together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in the nutraceutical and functional food sectors.
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Gautam Jatwani
Senior Marketing Manager
Gautam.jatwani@informa.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Vitafoods Asia 2026 Expands by 30%: A Bigger, More Dynamic Trade Event with Exciting New Features & Increased International Participation
Vitafoods Asia 2026 Expands by 30%: A Bigger, More Dynamic Trade Event with Exciting New Features & Increased International Participation
