Fora acquires AI startup Legends

Fora, a tech-powered travel agency, has acquired AI-focused data platform Legends for an undisclosed amount. Both companies, founded in 2021, share a focus on combining technology with the human touch in travel. Legends, winner of the 2023 Phocuswright/Web in Travel Global Startup Pitch, developed LegendsDNA – a platform that uses consumer data to deliver predictive insights aimed at boosting personalisation, engagement and revenue. Fora plans to integrate LegendsDNA into its advisor portal, client-facing tools, and supplier-facing products to modernize interactions and scale distribution.

Fora co-founder and chief product and technology officer Jake Peters said Legends’ ability to turn data from phones, emails, and calendars into actionable insights “immediately excited the builder in me,” noting the companies had been in talks for years before deciding on a full acquisition. Legends’ co-founders, Shaina Shiwarski and Stephanie Daniel, will join Fora in leadership roles, with Shiwarski as vice president of product and Daniel as general manager of Legends and vice president of strategic initiatives.

RedDoorz marks Bali milestone as digital nomad demand soars

RedDoorz, Southeast Asia’s largest multi-brand hospitality platform, has opened its 100th SANS property, the SANS Vibes Hotel Seminyak, in Bali, marking a major milestone for the lifestyle economy brand launched in 2020. Since its debut, the brand has logged over 1.3 million stayed nights across 35 cities. Founder & CEO Amit Saberwal called the achievement “a proud milestone” and noted that Bali is the ideal place to celebrate, especially as digital nomadism continues to grow.

Bali’s tourism sector is rebounding strongly – foreign arrivals rose 20% year-on-year in 2024 to 6.3 million visitors. SANS is also rolling out new sub-brands – SANS Stay (minimalist budget), SANS Vibes (lifestyle-focused), and SANS Elite (premium design) – to meet varied traveler preferences and property owner needs.

TourRadar’s $1M RISE funds travellers’ and creators’ adventures

TourRadar has launched RISE, a $1 million partner fund aimed at rewarding travellers, creators, guides, and agents who inspire the next generation of organised adventures. The initiative is part of the company’s pivot toward social-driven, mobile-first travel planning, investing directly in user-generated content, local expertise, and community storytelling. The program also includes the first-ever Partner Trip – an exclusive adventure with immersive experiences and workshops for top contributors.

RISE builds on the success of TourRadar Moments, an in-app feature where users share short-form videos linked to bookable tours. Participants can earn cash, travel credits, perks, and commissions through content creation, promo codes, and bookings. Already, the fund is fueling content from travelers in over 160 countries, boosting interest in off-season and lesser-known destinations, and tapping into the creator economy’s appetite for authenticity over perfection. Pittman likened the vision to building a “partner economy” that could grow from $1 million to $10 million and beyond.

AirAsia takes off in the Metaverse with “AirAsia World” on Roblox

AirAsia has launched AirAsia World on Roblox, an immersive metaverse experience that blends gamified challenges with cultural exploration across ASEAN. Built on two pillars – ASEAN Exploration and Rewarding Experiences – the platform allows players to virtually tour vibrant destinations, engage with cultural touchpoints, and take part in mini-games, journal entries, and seasonal events. The goal is to spark real-life travel interest through interactive play. Highlights include the AirAsia Ride Grand Prix go-kart race, the AirAsia Pilot Academy flight simulator, and the ability to “taste” Santan meals virtually before boarding an actual flight.

Developed by AirAsia brand co., Objekk, and Lumiworks with support from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s IP 360 Metaverse grant, AirAsia World marks another step in the airline’s expansion into entertainment and digital engagement. Following projects like AirAsia Buds Adventures and the RedGames Jam, this Roblox launch taps into a global platform with millions of user-generated experiences. Players can explore two main maps – AirAsia Central and ASEAN Island – as part of a strategy to strengthen AirAsia’s regional presence and connect with younger, digitally engaged audiences in creative ways.

Agoda says ‘Wellness & Walkability’ key to winning over Asia-bound travellers

Agoda’s latest ‘Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends Report’ reveals rising European interest in Asian destinations, with Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam topping summer 2025 searches. Malaysia led with a 20% year-on-year surge, while Greece, Turkey, and Poland also showed strong growth. This shift reflects a growing preference for authentic, immersive experiences. Agoda highlights walkable cities like Chiang Khan, Melaka, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City as prime opportunities for hoteliers to stand out by emphasising proximity to attractions and offering curated street tours or walking guides.

Wellness tourism is another major draw, with the Asian market projected to reach USD 156 billion in 2025. European travellers are seeking destinations that combine cultural immersion with wellbeing experiences such as spa packages, yoga classes, and digital detox retreats. Chiang Khan, with its car-free walking street and sunrise views over the Mekong, is cited as an ideal wellness destination. Agoda’s Andrew Smith notes that the opportunity for hoteliers lies in anticipating how guests want to experience destinations, not just where they want to go – blending walkability and wellness to capture the growing European market.

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is preparing to participate in the prestigious ‘International and French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa 2025’ in Paris, scheduled from September 23 to 25. This major international tourism trade show will host over 30,000 visitors from more than 120 countries, offering a key platform for UP to connect with global travel professionals, tour operators, and investors.

UP to Promote Varanasi, Ayodhya and the Buddhist Circuit at Global Travel Fair

The state aims to highlight its cultural heritage, tourism diversity, and investment opportunities. Preparations are underway to create an engaging pavilion that will present UP’s spiritual, cultural, and ecological tourism assets. The exhibit will include handcrafted products, temple-style architecture, and interactive elements like LED displays and virtual tours.

With around 3 lakh French tourists visiting India annually, and approximately 7 lakh Indians traveling to France, the event provides a significant opportunity to strengthen bilateral tourism ties. UP’s focus will be on attracting travellers to destinations such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, and the Buddhist Circuit.

Wellness, Eco- and Rural Tourism on Focus; Yoga, Ayurveda and Homestays to Be Promoted

The tourism department plans to promote sectors like heritage tourism, eco-tourism, wellness and Ayurveda, and rural experiences. Offerings such as yoga centres, Ayurveda retreats, and homestay programs will be featured.

Digital Tools, AR Selfie Zones and Sustainable Stall Design to Boost Visitor Engagement

A tourism app and QR code-enabled systems will support easy access to travel information and bookings. Live performances of folk dances like Mayur Nritya, Raas Leela, Bundeli, and Kathak are scheduled to engage the international audience.

Augmented reality selfie zones and digital kiosks will provide immersive experiences of key sites across the state. A key feature of the stall will be its sustainable design, using eco-friendly materials and avoiding plastics, to promote responsible and environmentally conscious tourism.

What is IFTM Top Resa?

IFTM Top Resa is France’s leading B2B travel trade show, featuring over 170 destinations and 1,400 brands. It provides global exposure for tourism departments and businesses seeking access to the European market.

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Event Reach

Over 30,000 participants from 120+ countries attend the three-day event annually, making it a hub for global tourism networking.

Benefits of UP’s Participation

The event is expected to boost foreign tourist footfall, draw investment in wellness and heritage sectors, promote ODOP products internationally, and enhance UP’s visibility in the European travel market.