They say the best things come to those who wait. And that’s certainly true with Timothy, the premium brand of British travel goods. It’s taken 15 years of design and engineering excellence to get here, so why not pay us a visit, before you go anywhere else? A very warm welcome is waiting for you at 108 Jermyn Street and online at www.timothy.london Explore our suitcases. Your perfect travelling companion has just arrived in London. The journey’s taken 15 years.
Business Traveller India speaks to Robin Gupta, the creative force behind Total Indian Drama whose work deeply resonates with both viewers and clients. Whether it’s crafting heartfelt narratives or producing visually stunning campaigns, he is truly the maestro of modern storytelling.
Having worked with global brands and travelled extensively, how do you adapt your business strategies to cater to diverse markets and audiences?
Adaptability is at the core of my approach. Every market is unique, with its cultural nuances, audience preferences, and behavioral patterns. I focus on in-depth research and collaboration with local talent to ensure authenticity in our strategies. My mantra is “listen, learn, and localise.”
Travel often offers fresh perspectives and inspiration. How have your travels influenced your approach to content creation?
Travel has been one of my greatest teachers. A standout moment for me was my trip to Singapore 10 years ago. It inspired my film Singhapur, a story about three friends who travel to Singapore, observe local practices, and decide to implement them in India. That trip didn’t just inspire the film; it reshaped my perspective on how we can reimagine what we already have. These lessons continue to influence my work today, especially when creating content that aims to entertain and inspire change.
In the fast-paced world of content creation and production, how do you maintain productivity while travelling, especially when managing multiple projects on the go?
Staying productive while travelling is all about finding the right balance between
work and creativity. I also rely heavily on my amazing team, who handles much of the operational workload. I try to shoot something new whenever I travel— exploring fresh ideas and capturing unique visuals to excite the audience and keep my creativity alive.
In the creative world, I’ve learned that staying blank at times is just as important as staying busy. Travel gives me the opportunity to step back, observe, and reflect. These moments of stillness often lead to my most innovative ideas.
As someone who believes in not treating work like a 'job', how do you integrate elements of fun and exploration into your professional life?
I’ve never seen any creative endeavour as work—it’s something I truly enjoy, and it feels like a natural extension of myself. I’m often laughing and smiling while working on a project, and honestly, it feels more like a holiday than a job. Filmmaking is deeply personal to me, and having my wife in the same creative field makes it even more special. We constantly exchange ideas and inspire each other, so the element of fun isn’t something I have to create—it’s always there.
Exploring new places, meeting people from different backgrounds, and shooting fresh content keeps the process dynamic and enjoyable. It’s this variety that makes every day feel new and exciting.
Are there any plans to bring your dream of launching self-defence
classes for girls across India, internationally?
This initiative stems from my travels abroad, where I observed how women confidently work, travel, and thrive at any hour of the day. It highlighted the stark contrast in some parts of India, where safety concerns often limit opportunities for women. Addressing these issues can unlock potential and drive progress in ways we haven’t fully realized yet.
This will also create employment opportunities for martial artists in metro cities, with a structured grading and assignment system. This initiative must also include boys. They need to be taught moral values, respect for others, and the legal consequences of their actions. When we address these issues holistically, we pave the way for a safer, more confident society.
According to a recent report by Hilton, Indian travellers have officially surpassed Chinese travellers as the top travellers, driving growth in the hospitality industry.
Driving significant growth in the hospitality industry, this remarkable rebound is attributed to India's rapidly recovering economy. Resulting in increased disposable income, and a pent-up demand for travel. Hilton plans to significantly
IndIgo strengthens proaCtIve measures to mI tIgate Fog-related dIsruptIons
growth strategy:
1. Aggressive expansion plans
2. Partnering with Indian entrepreneurs and investors
3. Leveraging Indian talent in senior leadership positions globally
key highlights:
• Post-COVID travel rebound driven by India's economic recovery and increased disposable income
• Hospitality industry witnesses significant growth www.hilton.com
IndiGo, India's preferred carrier, has implemented proactive strategies to minimise disruptions during the winter season. To combat adverse weather conditions, IndiGo:
• Plans ahead, scheduling qualified Low Visibility operations (lvo) crews
• Strategically positions crews near airports
• Pre-arranges accommodations and transportation
• Coordinates airport standbys
• Utilises meteorological expertise for precise forecasts
• Conducts Safety Risk Assessments
• Carries additional fuel for holding patterns and taxi delays
• Monitors real-time visibility and manages crew rosters
• Provides customer support through regular announcements and ground operations representatives
• Offers refreshments and refunds/rebooking options for delays exceeding two hours
IndiGo's comprehensive approach aims to minimise fogrelated disruptions, ensuring a smooth travel experience. The airline adheres to stringent safety guidelines and communicates clearly with customers. goindigo.in
EmiratEs has launchEd its first Emirates World retail store concept in Southeast Asia, and it's located in Manila, Philippines! Key Features of the Emirates World Store:
• Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge Display: Get a firsthand look at the premium touches that define Emirates' in-flight luxury.
• Curated Merchandise: Browse Emirates-branded merchandise and travel accessories, including the latest NBA collection for basketball fans.
• Smart Technologies: Interactive self-service screens allow customers to browse flight options, check availability, and more.
• One-Stop Shop: Explore Emirates' best-in-class products
and services, and enjoy onboard hospitality and excellence. This launch underscores Emirates' commitment to the Philippine market, providing Filipinos with top-notch service and connecting them to over 140 destinations worldwide. With 28 weekly flights and an interline agreement with Philippine Airlines, Emirates is set to expand its network and offer more travel options.
Emirates plans to invest AED 100 million to roll out more reimagined retail spaces in key markets over the next three years. After Manila, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, and Nairobi, we can expect more exciting launches soon! emirates.com
Etihad airways unvEils 10 nE w routEs for 2025, E xpanding global rE ach
Etihad airways announcEs the launch of 10 new destinations for 2025, marking a significant expansion of its global network. These routes will strengthen Etihad’s position as a leading airline and boost Abu Dhabi’s status as a major tourism and business hub. The new destinations are: Algiers, Atlanta, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Krabi, Medan, Phnom Penh, Taipei, and Tunis.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that the expansion reflects Etihad’s commitment to meeting the needs of its
passengers, offering diverse destinations for business, leisure, and cultural travel. He added, “Abu Dhabi is ready to welcome even more visitors to enjoy its rich culture, world-class hospitality, and vibrant tourism offerings.”
Etihad is also offering a free stopover program, allowing travellers to explore Abu Dhabi with a complimentary hotel stay. With these additions, Etihad will offer over 90 destinations in more than 50 countries, supporting its goal to welcome over 20 million guests in 2025. etihad.com
Polo, often hailed as the “sport of kings,” has deep roots in India, evolving from a royal pastime into a symbol of nobility, tradition, and cultural heritage. The game is deeply woven into the fabric of nobility, requiring strategic skill and a perfect partnership between the horse and rider—an enduring bond that lies at the heart of the sport.
Around the 6th century BC, in the expansive grasslands of Central Asia, the earliest versions of polo began to take shape. Played by nomadic tribes, ancestors of the modern Mongols and Persians, this primitive form of the game was more a martial training exercise than the refined sport recognised today. Fast-paced, physical, and demanding exceptional equestrian skill, polo served as a way for warriors to sharpen their cavalry tactics, enhance teamwork, and provide entertainment during periods of peace.
The first recorded game of polo dates back to 600 B.C. in Persia or modern-day Iran, where mounted nomads from Central Asia introduced the sport as they migrated westward. As these nomadic tribes travelled, they carried the game with them, and it eventually reached the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, where the modern version of polo is believed to have originated.
While the game’s origins in the subcontinent can be traced back to ancient Persia, it was in India, particularly in the northwestern regions, where polo truly flourished. By the 16th century, under the patronage of Mughal emperors and their love for equestrian pursuits, polo was a thriving, central part of courtly life; and became intricately woven into the fabric of Indian royal culture.
Polo was formalised in India by British military officers in 1859 at the Silchar Polo Club, which was founded in 1834. Around the same time, the Kolkata Polo Club was established in 1862, becoming one of the oldest polo clubs still in operation today.
From India, the sport rapidly spread across the globe, first reaching England in 1869, Argentina in 1872, and the United States in 1876. This swift international expansion led to the formation of the Indian Polo Association (IPA) in 1892, aimed at overseeing the sport’s growing popularity and organisation.
In the 1950s, to reignite interest in polo, the Argentine Polo team was invited by the IPA to compete in various tournaments across India. These matches, held in cities such as Jaipur, Delhi, and Bombay, reinvigorated the sport’s presence.
Many early tournaments were hosted by the Kolkata Polo Club, which played a crucial role in preserving and promoting polo in the region. Today, the Kolkata Polo Club continues to nurture players who compete at the international level.
The Indian Polo Association (IPA) was established in 1892, with prominent teams from regions such as Alwar, Bhopal, Bikaner, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Patiala, Jodhpur, Kishengarh, and Kashmir. During this time, many cavalry regiments of the British and British Indian Army also fielded teams. Notable among them were the Central India Horse (CHI), Prince Albert Victor Own Cavalry (PAVO’s Cav), the Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, the 10th Royal Hussars, the 15th Lancers, and the 17/21st Lancers.
In 1975, the late President of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, graciously agreed to serve as the Patron-in-Chief of the IPA. To mark this, a new trophy, ‘The President’s Cup,’ was introduced. This prestigious trophy is played in rotation across Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
In 1992, the IPA celebrated its centenary, and since then, polo in India has experienced a resurgence. Today, 33 polo clubs are registered with the IPA, and the sport has expanded to new regions such as Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. In India, polo is no longer solely the domain of the military; a growing number of corporate and industrial houses now support teams, further fuelling the sport’s growth in the domestic circuit.
The word “polo” is derived from the Balti term “pulu,” meaning “ball,” highlighting the cultural exchanges that took place along the ancient Silk Road.
In the 16th century, Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and a passionate polo player, played a key role in popularising the game in India.
In the 19th century, British tea planters discovered polo in Manipur, India. Captivated by the sport’s exhilarating nature, they went on to establish the first polo club in Silchar in 1859.
In 1876, newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett introduced polo to the United States, and by the close of the 19th century, the sport was flourishing across the country.
Today, polo is played in over 77 countries. While it is still considered an exclusive sport, it has become increasingly accessible to a wider audience. Its rich history enhances grandeur, grounding it in a tradition that stretches across continents and spans millennia.
In 1860, British soldiers Lieutenant Joe Sherer and Captain Robert Stewart visited Manipur, where they saw locals playing a horseback game involving chasing and striking a ball with a stick. Enthralled by it, they returned to Kolkata and formalised it, introducing goalposts and the rule of four players per team. This led to the founding of the Calcutta Polo Club in 1860, marking the birth of polo as an organised competition.
Manipur is the birthplace of modern polo, with the game deeply embedded in the region’s cultural and mythological heritage. Polo is central to local festivals, celebrated through grand rituals, and is mentioned in Manipur’s literary texts namely Thangmeirol and Kangjeirol.
This strong connection between polo and Manipur highlights its integral role in the sport’s evolution.
In 1933, the Jaipur polo team achieved an unbeaten record, winning all open tournaments in the UK and the Indian Championship from 1930 to 1938. However, the Second World War disrupted polo in India, and the Indian Polo Association (IPA) took charge of its revival.
The IPA invited international teams for exhibition matches across India. In 1950, the Argentine Polo team played in Jaipur, Delhi, and Bombay, followed by the Pakistan Army Polo team in 1955. These visits were pivotal in restoring polo’s popularity.
In 1957, India sent its official polo team, including Major Kishan Singh, Kr. Bijay Singh, Rao Raja Hanut Singh, and H.H. Maharaja of Jaipur, to the World Championship in France. The team triumphed, defeating all others and cementing India’s reputation in international polo.
The leading figure in Jodhpur polo was Lieutenant-General Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh, the brother of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. General Pratap Singh founded the Jodhpur Lancers and played a key role in the team’s association with polo. Today, Jodhpur is regarded as a major hub for the sport in India, known for hosting some of the most prestigious polo tournaments and contributing significantly to the sport’s legacy in the country.
Often called the “conqueror of the sports world,” polo has long been known as the game of royalty, rulers, nobles, and aristocrats since ancient times. Notably, Punjab played a pivotal role in the sport’s origins, marking the beginning of an era where equestrian prowess was celebrated. The region’s contribution to polo has captured the hearts of spectators, establishing it as a symbol of both skill and prestige.
While polo may not be the most popular sport in India, it remains a key attraction for equestrian enthusiasts. Delhi, in particular, has earned a reputation for fostering amateur riders, thanks to the Delhi Polo Club. The club is dedicated to training both instructors and young riders, playing a vital role in developing polo talent and promoting the sport.
• One of the oldest recorded sports.
• Was once patronised by royalty.
• A polo ground can range between 300 to 1600 yards in length and can be around 150 to 300 yards in width.
• A four-player game.
• The game has a unique handicapping system based on the skill and experience of the player.
• The mallets are generally made of bamboo or different composite materials, having a long handle with a wooden head that has a rubber grip.
• Polo matches are played in periods called “chukkers,” with each match consisting of six or eight chukkers, lasting about seven minutes.
• Polo made its debut as an Olympic sport in the 1900 Summer Games.
• Polo ponies are full-sized actual horses that are small in stature.
If you’re a polo fan or just starting to dip your toes into the sport, getting to know some key polo terms is a must. Not only will this boost your enjoyment of the game, but you’ll also be able to sound like a pro when you’re discussing it—no more blank stares when someone mentions a “chukker” or a “mallet”! BTI
Chukker
Mallet
Handicap
Hook
Line of the Ball
Bump
Pony
Goal
Handicap Goal
Umpire
Does the updated Citroën C3 Aircross have what it takes to make its mark in the hotly contested mid-sized SUV segment? Business Traveller India drove the 7-seater French SUV to find out.
ndia stands as the fastest-growing car market globally, making it a top pick for global automakers. Among the latest entrants is Citroën, the French carmaker with a rich heritage dating back to 1919, that set foot in India in 2021. After a little over 2 years of operations, Citroën entered the hugely popular, but competitive mid-size SUV segment with the C3 Aircross in 2023. To address challenges faced by the brand, Citroën updated the Aircross recently, prompting Business Traveller India to spend a week with it.
Design AnD styling: The C3 Aircross is a fine-looking car that could easily pass for a more expensive SUV. With the chevron badge still relatively unknown and the Aircross's limited presence on Indian roads, buyers can enjoy a sense of exclusivity. Its bold front grille, sharp LED headlights and big 17-inch wheels give it an impressive stance.
interior AnD Comfort: Inside, the Aircross offers an expansive cabin, available in 5 or 7-seat configurations. The 5-seater version offers class-leading boot space while the dualtone dashboard and the large touchscreen infotainment system add modern touches, with features like climate control and rear AC vents enhancing comfort. However, light fabrics may prove challenging to maintain in India’s dusty environment.
fe Atures AnD teChnology: The updated C3 Aircross includes 6 airbags and essential safety features as standard. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is impressive and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, tyre- pressure monitoring system and a rearview camera are other noteworthy additions. That said, cruise control, push-button start, ventilated seats, and a sunroof are still sorely missed.
PerformAnCe AnD Driving DynAmiCs: Performancewise, the C3 Aircross excels with its 1.2- litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with a slick six-speed automatic transmission, delivers strong performance on the highways and convenience in the city. The suspension offers a superb balance of comfort and handling, making it enjoyable to drive on the open road. Engine refinement remains an area for improvement, however.
ConClusion: The updated C3 Aircross is a solid choice for those who enjoy driving and value comfort. While it may lack some modern features, its comfort and driving characteristics stand out. With better interior plastics and additional features, the C3 Aircross could become a complete package. BTI Abhinav Suri
this image, 'Shaandar Khidki' captured by Aman Moroney on a Sony FX3, showcases a vintage window from one of the narrow lanes in Jodhpur's Blue City. the window’s intricate design highlights the rich Rajasthani architecture, with its delicate craftsmanship and cultural significance. the vintage elements and architectural details reflect the deep artistic heritage and timeless beauty of Rajasthan’s urban landscape.
Grand Hyatt Macau
Grand Hyatt Macau is located in an urban resort, with in the City of Dreams. The hotel offers a total of 791 rooms and suites, an outdoor heated pool, and comprises a pillar-less Grand Ballroom, the Salão do Teatro junior Ballroom featuring an interactive open kitchen concept, and many multi-function meeting rooms. It will definitely bring you an extraordinary experience.
A range of authentic dining options are available at the hotel, including the Lobby Lounge, Beijing Kitchen, and mezza9 Macau - all have recently undergone upgrades to bring an elevated dining experience. Plan your visit now and discover the excitement of #LivingGrand.
To book, please visit grandhyattmacau.com
