The past year, 2023, presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities for destinations worldwide, shaped by evolving traveller behaviours, market dynamics, and ongoing global events. High international airfares, currently prevalent, are definitely a dampener on travel plans for the willing and yearning Indian traveller. They play as a deterrent, forcing leisure travel to short-haul destinations, as does GST, the recently enforced TCS, long visa processing times, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the recent Israel-Palestine disturbances.
Today, tourism boards are vying to woo Indian travellers as the power of these travellers is being noticed the world over as they seek quality travel products, newer destinations, and newer experiences, combined with their high spending power. Countries with traveller-friendly visa regimes and visas on arrival with shorter processing times have emerged as clear winners. This has even prompted countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia to introduce waivers of visa fees for Indian travellers. As airline operations worldwide start returning to normalcy, it is expected that more realistic and affordable air ticket pricing will return, with the hope that outbound travel will not only bounce back but surpass pre-pandemic levels.
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Travel Trade Journal.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Travel Trade Journal.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Clarks Hotels and Resorts adapting, innovating, and thriving in a dynamic hospitality landscape
In this insightful interaction with Rahul Deb Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer, The Clarks Hotels and Resorts, he highlights the brand's strategic growth, commitment to service excellence, and focus on innovation and expanding global reach.
Uttar Pradesh advances Responsible Tourism initiatives with key stakeholders
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable tourism with a workshop that brought together key industry stakeholders and global experts to discuss responsible tourism.
A Divine Confluence of Faith and Culture
Every 12 years, the city of Prayagraj transforms into a focal point of one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in the world—the Maha Kumbh Mela. Rooted in ancient Hindu tradition, this grand festival commemorates the mythological churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, seeking the nectar of immortality. As millions of devotees and pilgrims converge in the sacred city, they are drawn by the promise of spiritual renewal through a ritual bath in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet.
EGYPTAIR celebrates a year of connectivity and growth on the New Delhi-Cairo Route
In August 2023, EGYPTAIR launched its second Indian route with four weekly flights from New Delhi. One year into operations, TTJ spoke with Amr Ali, Country Manager, EGYPTAIR, about the journey and current offerings.
With a forward-looking strategy, IndiGo is well-positioned to lead the aviation industry in India
As IndiGo marks 18 years of soaring success, Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, unveils the airline's dynamic vision for the future. From ambitious fleet expansions to innovative customer experiences, the airline is set to redefine travel in India and beyond. With a robust strategy aligning with India's growing aviation sector, IndiGo aims to connect more destinations and elevate passenger comfort on its journey towards 2030.
SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), founded in 1991 and headquartered in the UK, is renowned for its luxury boutique hotels across the globe that offer personalised experiences with local flair. Mark Wong, Senior Vice President - Asia Pacific, SLH, who drives the brand's growth and visibility in the region, recently visited India. TTJ interacted with Wong about the exciting hotel brand and its foray into the Indian market.
Etrav continues to elevate its B2B strategies with advanced technology solutions
Henil Ruparelia, Managing Director, Etrav Tech Limited, highlights the company's impressive growth and strategic advancements. Headquartered in Surat with operations in Mumbai, Etrav has expanded globally, embracing innovative technologies and enhancing B2B offerings, thereby solidifying its position in the travel industry.
WelcomHeritage Bringing Luxury to Offbeat Destinations
In a world where travel preferences constantly evolve, WelcomHeritage stands as a symbol of timeless luxury and heritage preservation. Since its modest beginnings in 1997, the brand has grown into a collection of 35 distinct properties that offer more than just a stay; they provide a journey through India's royal history, natural beauty, and cultural richness. As travel trends shift toward authenticity and responsibility, Abinash Manghani, CEO, WelcomHeritage, shares how the brand is redefining luxury travel for the modern adventurer.
Asego addresses both traditional and new-age travel risks
Asego is leading the way in travel insurance with innovative products that meet the needs of modern globetrotters, offering comprehensive global coverage. Dev Karvat, Founder and CEO, Asego, highlights the company's strategic alignment with both inbound and domestic travel trends, providing tailored travel insurance solutions for today's travellers. Asego's commitment to diverse travel experiences and its emphasis on trust and reliability in the travel trade ensure its prominence in the dynamic travel landscape.
Maldives' Tourism Renaissance
As bilateral relations between the two nations continue on the path to improvement, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is amongst the organisations leading efforts to revitalise tourism from the Indian market. In an exclusive interview, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director, MMPRC, provided a comprehensive overview of the strategies and initiatives designed to reverse the recent decline in Indian tourist arrivals.
