Travel
Demand momentum to sustain in travel industry for 4-5 yrs: Thomas Cook's Madhavan Menon
The travel industry is expected to continue growing at a steady pace for the next four to five years, according to Madhavan Menon, executive chairman of Thomas Cook (India). Menon believes that the increasing purchasing power of people who can afford holidays, regardless of the cost, will continue to drive the growth trend. He believes that the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered an evolution in travel and taught companies the importance of productivity.
Indian travellers, CXOs take to adventure trips
Indian travelers are increasingly seeking adventure, with travel and hospitality companies noting a 30% year-on-year increase in demand for adventure trips. From biking tours in Malaysia's Penang to paragliding in Thailand’s Chiang Mai, the trend is gaining popularity among enthusiasts, including CEOs and CXOs of India Inc. Many are also interested in unique experiences in the Himalayas.
Two Desktops and a Printer: Ixigo boss Aloke Bajpai shares 'How It All Started' pic on stock listing
Ixigo, led by co-founder Aloke Bajpai, made a strong debut on Dalal Street with its shares closing 78% higher than the issue price, valuing the company at Rs 6,275.87 crore. Bajpai celebrated the milestone with nostalgic photos showcasing the platform's evolution from humble beginnings. The successful listing reflects ixigo's resilience and potential in the competitive travel industry.
Work on to expand Digi Yatra to railways, hotels, tourists spots & other public places
Digi Yatra is currently used by air travellers for paperless movement through airport checkpoints. In this procedure, biometrics such as a facial scan are used instead of a boarding pass. As of now, this facility is available at 14 airports in India, and 15 more airports are set to have it by 2024-end.
Delhi-Leh bus service turns into money spinner for HRTC
Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) is earning Rs 1.23 lakh daily from the Delhi-Leh bus service, skipping night halts at Keylong. The 33-hour journey is economical and time-saving, boosting tourism in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts.
Cambodia-India Tourism Year launched in New Delhi
The first Cambodia-India Tourism Year was inaugurated in New Delhi, marking the commencement of the inaugural direct flight service by Cambodia Angkor Air between Phnom Penh and New Delhi. The event, officiated by Manisha Saxena, emphasized the significance of the initiative for boosting tourism between the two countries.
India's growing soft power is in its rich cultural fabric: Shekhawat
Newly appointed Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, pledged to amplify India's tourism potential and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. Emphasizing India's transition from its colonial past to "Bharat," Shekhawat highlighted the diverse art, music, dance, and natural sites spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Corporate travel sees a drop amid extreme weather, election heat
The industry expects corporate travel to pick up soon, with the arrival of monsoon rains, schools opening, and work life getting back to normal after the elections.
Gen Z to help India's travel spending expand 9% a year: McKinsey Report
A new McKinsey report predicts India's travel spending to grow at 9% annually driven by strong GDP growth. Domestic air passenger traffic is set to double by 2030, boosting the domestic travel market to potentially become the world's fourth largest.
Ambanis’ pre-wedding tour expected to add steam to demand for cruise celebrations
The Ambani pre-wedding cruise celebration is set to boost demand for cruise weddings in India, with industry insiders like Cordelia Cruises and Lotus Aero Enterprises noting the allure of all-inclusive packages and mesmerizing ocean views.
Must Watch
Travel platforms see bookings hot up for chilly destinations
Travel companies are experiencing a surge in bookings as extreme heatwave conditions drive people to cooler destinations like Kullu, Manali, and Ladakh from Delhi. Flight fares to Leh have increased by 54%, with searches for last-minute escapes also rising.
Temperature surges, so does summer travel this year
According to MakeMyTrip's summer travel trends, the family travel segment has grown by 20% this year, as compared to the summer of 2023, while solo travel grew by 10% over last year's numbers. In terms of most booked holiday packages this summer, destinations with cool mountain terrains are the top picks with Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala and the North East emerging as most sought after places.
Travelling by Indian Railways? Now avail tech-driven services by MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip will be offering enhanced travel experience for Indian Railways passengers by introducing tech-driven features like 'Seat Lock' and Route Extension Assistance. Additional features include Nearby Stations Recommendations, free cancellation policy, Food in Train for food delivery to seats, and Train Tracking and Platform Locator. CEO Rajesh Magow talked about the comapany's commitment to empowering travellers with choice and convenience.
India's global travel & tourism index rank up at 39th: WEF index
India climbed to the 39th position on the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, reflecting the resurgence of global tourism post-pandemic. The US leads the list, while India ranks highest in South Asia and among lower-middle-income economies. India boasts competitive infrastructure and resources, driving travel demand sustainability.
Easy Trip Planners signs letter of intent to join ONDC
Easy Trip Planners Ltd signed a letter of intent at 'ONDC Startup Mahotsav' to join ONDC, in support of India's digital commerce transformation. The collaboration aligns with the company's vision of being nation-first and contributing to India's digital economy growth, led by EaseMyTrip Co-Founder Rikant Pittie.
High airfares remain a challenge, says Thomas Cook India's Madhavan Menon
Thomas Cook India's Executive Chairman Madhavan Menon highlighted high airfares and limited airline capacity as significant challenges affecting both leisure and business travelers in India. Despite an increase in scheduled flights, the demand-supply constraints are expected to ease only in the long term with the introduction of new aircraft. Menon outlined the company's plans to expand its physical network through owned and franchise outlets and enhance its digital presence.
