INDIAN TRAVELLERS
India's tourism sector ripe for the picking: Booking Global CEO
The company, which also operates Agoda, Priceline and Kayak, said the Indian government has launched several tourism projects to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity and increase access to many of the country's tourist destinations. Additionally, they have also implemented visa-friendly initiatives such as e-visa or visa-free entry to many countries, which has propelled inbound and outbound travel.
Now, any Indian citizen can register for a chance to fly to Space
Any Indian citizen can enroll in the programme by paying a fee of $2.50 (Rs 207.5) to cover the costs of verification checks aimed at ensuring safe and fair voting. Joshua Skurla, cofounder, Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) told ET they are excited to have India as part of its human spaceflight programme.
Indians up their game on foreign vacations with luxury hotels, formula 1 drives and epic train rides
Indians are driving luxury travel in the Asia-Pacific region, with 89% of them planning to spend more in the next 12 months. This is according to a report released Monday by Marriott International on high networth travellers in the Asia Pacific.
Spend on the world like never before
Indians drive outbound remittances, preferring foreign airlines due to underdeveloped domestic industry. Improving connectivity and tourism infrastructure is vital to boost domestic tourism. Developing skills and promoting gender-neutral employment are crucial for growth in the travel and hospitality sector.
89% Indian high net worth travellers planning to spend more in next 12 months: Report
The Luxury Group by Marriott International's report highlights growing trends in luxury travel across Asia Pacific, driven by high-net-worth (HNW) travelers. Key findings include a significant increase in travel spending, especially among Indians (89%), with 74% preferring to travel within Asia Pacific. Culinary experiences are a top priority for 88% of travelers, and celebrations account for 25% of planned holidays
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Indian foreign spending skyrockets 29-fold in a decade
Over the past decade, Indian expenditures on foreign exchange have surged dramatically, increasing from $1.1 bn in FY14 to $31.7 bn in FY24, driven largely by travel expenses. In contrast, remittances from overseas workers into India grew by 71%, rising from $70 bn to $120 bn over the same period. India remains the top recipient of foreign remittances globally, receiving nearly double the amount received by Mexico at $66 bn.
Guyana diaries: Bhojpuri nights, ubiquitous Hindu temples & booming economy
Guyana exudes a strong sense of Indianness that resonates deeply with visitors from India, particularly noticeable in Georgetown, its capital and the only English-speaking country in South America. The Providence Cricket Stadium greets visitors with a prominent "Bhojpuri Nights" banner, reflecting the cultural blend. Nearby, ISKCON stands as one of Georgetown's largest temples, underscoring the presence of Indian culture. Renowned eateries like the one owned by former West Indies cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan offer a taste of familiar cuisine.
US proposes plan to scrap additional security checks for Indians at transit points
US and India collaborate to enhance aviation safety through streamlined security processes, improved passenger flow, and ongoing information exchange. The one-stop security concept offers benefits like enhanced safety, reduced costs, and shorter connection times, emphasizing proactive risk mitigation and continuous safety improvements.
Indians spent over €12 million in rejected Schengen visa applications last year
In 2023, Indians faced high rejection rates for Schengen visas, resulting in a loss of €12.1 million. Schengen states rejected 1.6 million visa applications, generating €130 million. Indians, Turks, Algerians, Moroccans, and Chinese were among the most affected, with Indian and Turkish nationals experiencing the highest financial losses.
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.
Travel ease on horizon? Taiwan mulls visa-on-arrival for Indians
Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chung Kwang Tien, announced on Tuesday that the Taiwanese government is contemplating offering visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens.
Don't scrimp on train travel safety
More than 22 million Indians travel daily in over 13,000 passenger trains, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in the wake of the Sealdah Kanchanjungha Express incident and the limited operationality of the anti-collision system, Kavach.
Bookings for no-visa destinations observes rise among Indian tourists this summer
Bookings for visa-free destinations from India are surging this summer, driven by young Indians. Airbnb reports 80% of bookings in Thailand by Indian guests are from Gen Z and millennials, with searches increasing over 200% during Easter and Holi long weekends.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Indians are travelling than ever before: Mastercard Economics Institute on travel in 2024
In 2024, more Indians are traveling internationally than ever before, driven by a growing middle class and expanded route capacity, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute's report. Domestic air travel surged 21% above 2019 levels, while international travel rose by 4%. Top destinations for Indian travelers this summer include Amsterdam, Singapore, London, Frankfurt, and Melbourne. The report highlights a shift in Indian travel habits towards exploration and discovery, with increased visits to Japan, Vietnam, and the United States.
India in talks with like-minded countries to regulate tourism in Antarctica
India is collaborating with like-minded nations to advocate for regulated tourism in Antarctica, recognizing the threat posed by an increasing number of tourists to the continent's delicate ecology. The issue of regulating Antarctic tourism will be discussed at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and the Committee for Environmental Protection meeting in Kochi from May 20 to May 30. The Ministry of Earth Sciences, hosting these meetings, aims to facilitate visits to Indian research stations in Antarctica for the general public.
Ayodhya, Lakshadweep record highest growth in searches this summer: MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip's summer travel trends reveal Ayodhya, Lakshadweep, and Nandi Hills among the domestic destinations with the highest growth in searches, while Goa remains the most-searched. Puri and Varanasi top the list for pilgrimage destinations, with Ayodhya witnessing a surge in search volumes. Internationally, Baku, Almaty, and Nagoya show significant growth in searches, alongside Luxembourg, Langkawi, and Antalya. Family travel has grown by 20%, and solo travel by 10% compared to last summer.
Family trips over solo trips, holiday coupons as wedding shagun: MakeMyTrip survey reveals Indians' travel habits
Indian travelers are redefining domestic tourism and asserting a significant presence in international travel markets, according to MakeMyTrip's "India Travel Trends Report". The number of Indians embarking on more than three trips per year surged by 25% in 2023 compared to 2019, with a notable increase of 46% in spontaneous bookings. Domestic travel is increasingly embracing spiritual journeys, with searches for destinations featuring or around religious spots growing by 97% in the last two years.
Indian sports fans are flying more to be where the action is
Indian sports fans are travelling the world to watch their favourite sporting events across categories like never before, buoyed by rising disposable incomes, travel companies said.
MakeMyTrip and Singapore Tourism Board ink MoU to spark Indian wanderlust
MakeMyTrip and Singapore Tourism Board have signed an MoU to boost Singapore as a top destination for Indian travelers. Collaborative efforts to enhance inbound travel through tailored holiday packages and marketing campaigns. Singapore sees significant interest from Indian tourists, aiming to attract more visitors by expanding infrastructure and improving amenities.
Yeh dil maange luxury! Indians holiday in style
Companies are catering to this trend with upscale offerings, such as Thomas Cook's relaunch of premium European packages and Cleartrip's surge in sales of premium air tickets. This shift reflects a growing preference for exclusive and curated travel experiences among Indian travelers.
43% are wanting to take a long international trip this year: Booking.com
According to Booking.com Travel Predictions 2024, 57% of Indians are planning a long domestic trip and 43% are looking forward to a long international trip (5+ nights) this year. Mountains are a popular choice for Indians to escape the summer heat, with 50% preferring a nature trip, followed by beach trips (48%) and city trips (37%). Bengaluru and Mumbai are the most searched destinations this summer, with hill stations like Ooty, Srinagar, and Manali also popular. Goa remains a favorite for beach lovers.
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