INDIAN TRAVELLERS
Airbnb says 30 pc rise in bookings from Indian guests for Olympic Games Paris 2024
Airbnb said travellers from over 160 countries and regions have already booked their stays on its platform during the sporting event. The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, nights booked during the dates of the Olympics are over five times higher than they were in the Paris region the same time a year ago, it added.
Divyanka Tripathi robbed of passports, valuables in famous European tourist destination
Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya were robbed while vacationing in Florence, Italy. Thieves broke into their car and stole passports and valuables worth Rs 10 lakh. Despite reaching out to local police and the Indian Embassy, the couple has struggled to get assistance. They are currently in a small town near Florence, relying on help from hotel staff and awaiting embassy intervention to secure temporary passports and return to India.
Türkiye marks a 34% surge in Indian visitors from January to May 2024
In early 2024, Türkiye saw a 34% surge in Indian tourists, reaching 1,26,000 visitors. Top destinations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Bodrum were popular. Efforts included a six-city TAAI roadshow and an OTOAI fam tour. Tourists also visited Pamukkale, İzmir, and Alaçatı, attracted by their natural beauty and luxurious celebrations.
NRIs, Indian tourists can now make QR code-based UPI payments in UAE
NIPL and Network International have teamed up to introduce QR code-based UPI payments in the UAE, offering Indian visitors a secure and familiar payment method. The collaboration aims to enhance the payment experience for tourists and NRIs in the region.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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