Landmark Event for Odisha and the Eastern Region

For Odisha and the Eastern Region, the convention was a landmark event. Dr. J.K. Mohanty, Chairman of IATO’s Eastern Region and CMD of Swosti Group, underlined the convention’s significance in showcasing Odisha’s unique tourism potential. He highlighted the opportunity to spotlight the state’s diverse offerings, from heritage temples and pristine coastlines to tribal and Buddhist tourism circuits. The presence of national and international delegates was an unprecedented chance to enhance the state’s visibility, attract inbound tourism, and stimulate infrastructure growth and policy focus. Dr. Mohanty noted that the convention would likely lead to a clear roadmap for promoting Eastern India as an integrated inbound circuit, with Odisha as its cultural and spiritual anchor.

Mohanty also acknowledged the gradual recovery of inbound tourism in Odisha post-pandemic, citing a rebound in interest from both domestic and international travellers, particularly in the heritage and eco-tourism segments. However, he pointed out a significant challenge: the lack of direct international air connectivity to Bhubaneswar, which limits access for global travellers. To address this, he stressed the need for enhanced international marketing, strategic airline partnerships, and curated experiential tourism packages. He stated that the Eastern Region chapter, in collaboration with the Odisha Tourism Department, has been conducting annual conclaves to highlight the needs and potential of the state’s tourism sector and advocate for more flight connections. The Swosti Group, he added, played a crucial role in the convention’s success, actively supporting logistics, hospitality, and coordination to ensure a seamless experience for delegates while also showcasing its commitment to expanding its own luxury and eco-tourism offerings in the state.

Northern Region’s Perspective: Resilience amidst External Disruptions

Sunil Gupta, Chairman of IATO’s Northern Region, described the convention as a vital platform for knowledge-sharing and policy advocacy. He said that the discussions at the convention will help shape strategies for the Northern Region, a hub of iconic Indian destinations, to revive and grow inbound tourism through better connectivity, infrastructure, and collaborative promotions.

Gupta added that while the Northern Region continues to attract a healthy share of inbound visitors, it has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. He highlighted the resilience of the sector, but also the sensitivity of inbound tourism to external disruptions like geopolitical tensions and natural disasters. He pointed to the proactive engagement of state tourism boards in international marts and global marketing campaigns. Key challenges, he said, remain inconsistent infrastructure, limited direct international air connectivity, and insufficient destination marketing abroad. He stressed the need for a more unified national promotional campaign and streamlined visa policies. He also shared a recent initiative by the Jammu & Kashmir chapter, where an IATO delegation visited Srinagar and Pahalgam to reassure the industry and public about the return to normalcy following an incident, an effort aimed at rebuilding confidence among both trade partners and travellers.

Western Region’s View: Addressing Stagnation and Safety Concerns

From the Western Region, Chairman Himanshu Agashiwala saw the convention as a crucial platform for dialogue between the private sector and government. He emphasized that the exchange of ideas would foster growth and quality work. He also highlighted the opportunity for tour operators from across India to interact and learn about the tourism potential of the Western Region.

Agashiwala said that the current state of inbound tourism in the Western Region is stagnant, though he noted some positive signs. Goa, he said, has shown a good tourist arrival rate, and Gujarat has a steady flow of NRIs. However, he expressed concern about Maharashtra, which he believes is lagging behind due to a lack of proper publicity and collaboration with the right partners like IATO. He also pointed out that Madhya Pradesh is making strides by boosting its pilgrimage sector. The main challenges, he asserted, are consistent issues with infrastructure development, and most importantly, safety concerns, particularly regarding women’s safety and geopolitical issues. He urged for concrete measures to curb such incidents and for the media to avoid spreading bad publicity. He mentioned recent initiatives by Maharashtra Tourism to promote inbound tourism by inviting agents to local festivals and planning to increase the number of tourism guides.

Southern Region’s Strategy: Unifying States for Seamless Travel

Pandian K, Chairman of IATO’s Southern Region, stated that the Puri convention has ignited meaningful discussions on policy reforms, sustainable tourism, and infrastructure development. He believes these discussions would lead to actionable strategies and government engagement, particularly benefiting the Southern Region, which has high potential but needs greater exposure. Pandian also sees the convention as a way to open doors to new business collaborations and increase visibility for lesser-known destinations.

Pandian informed that inbound tourism in the Southern Region is gradually recovering but has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, with challenges like visa delays and global economic factors affecting volumes. He noted that niche segments like spiritual tourism and Ayurveda are gaining attention. He highlighted a key challenge for the region: the lack of coordination between Indian states. He stressed the importance of tourism secretaries and administrators from different states periodically coming together to align on shared goals and operational practices. He cited the ‘One India One Permit’ policy as a progressive step that, if uniformly adopted, would significantly ease travel. He stated that his chapter actively holds regular meetings to discuss challenges, exchange market insights, and represent South India’s potential at national conventions and expos.

Imperative of Collective Action

A clear and unified message emerged from across all regions: India’s inbound tourism, while showing signs of recovery, has a long road ahead to reach and surpass pre-pandemic levels. The common challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, limited international air connectivity, safety perceptions, and a lack of cohesive, well-funded national marketing. The convention in Puri served to reinforce the critical need for greater collaboration between the government and private stakeholders, policy-level alignment among states, and a focused, unified approach to promoting ‘Brand India’ on the global stage. As the industry looks toward a more prosperous future, the outcomes and connections forged at this convention are expected to pave the way for a rejuvenated and more resilient inbound tourism sector across the entire nation.

—

The post IATO’s regional perspective: united efforts needed to boost inbound tourism appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Underlining this commitment to broadening the state’s appeal, Laxmikant Vaingankar, General Manager of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, stated in an interview with Travel & Hospitality (TH), “We aim to attract all kinds of tourists to Goa, where they can immerse themselves in our diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and unique experiences.” Earlier this year, Goa Tourism launched its regenerative tourism campaign aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of tourism, involving local communities in decision-making, and empowering them to benefit from sustainable development. The campaign’s overarching goal is to preserve the state’s landscapes, culture, and heritage while strengthening local economies through community-centric and eco-friendly initiatives.

In alignment with these goals, Goa Tourism has introduced the ‘Ekadasha Teertha Campaign,’ which focuses on promoting spiritual tourism in the region. As part of this initiative, Goa Tourism is working to develop and enhance the state’s 11 key spiritual sites, improving infrastructure and visitor experiences.

“Traditionally, Goa’s beaches have been the main draw for both domestic and international tourists, but this is beginning to change,” said Vaingankar. “We are now moving beyond our beaches in our tourism development and promotion strategy. Goa is a rich and diverse destination, and we want visitors to explore and enjoy all the other facets of what we have to offer.”

Vaingankar shared that as part of the ‘Ekadasha Teertha Campaign,’ Goa Tourism is promoting and standardizing homestays near selected spiritual sites to provide convenient accommodations for visitors. “The response has been encouraging, and we are optimistic that many tourists will come to explore these sites and enjoy the experience,” he added.

“Going beyond beaches doesn’t mean that Goa is discouraging beach tourism. Those who wish to enjoy the beaches are most welcome, but we also want to cater to those seeking cultural or spiritual experiences, ensuring a diverse and enriching holiday for every visitor,” said Vaingankar.

He further added that the response from the local community to the ‘Ekadasha Teertha Campaign’ has been positive. “Locals are offering their homes as homestay facilities, which is undoubtedly bringing benefits to the community in the form of job creation, rental income, and more,” he said. According to Vaingankar, Goa has now evolved into a 365-day destination, attracting tourists throughout the year.

Vaingankar spoke to TH from Ahmedabad where he was recently leading Goa Tourism’s participation in the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF). According to Vaingankar, North India, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal are key domestic markets for Goa Tourism.

The post Exploring Beyond Beaches: Goa’s Evolving Tourism Landscape appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Q. How is MP’s travel trade looking forward to IATO’s forthcoming convention to be held in Bhopal?

A. The travel trade in Madhya Pradesh is eagerly anticipating the IATO convention in Bhopal. It is seen as a golden opportunity to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural beauty to a wider audience. Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the ‘Heart of India’, boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Khajuraho, Sanchi, and Bhimbetka. Local operators are excited to network with industry leaders, learn about the latest trends and innovations in tourism, and discuss strategies to attract more tourists to the state. This convention is expected to boost the visibility of Madhya Pradesh as a prime travel destination.

Q. What would be the state’s inbound operators’ expectations from the convention?

A: Inbound operators in Madhya Pradesh expect the convention to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. They are looking forward to sessions that address current challenges, offer insights into emerging markets, and present new business opportunities. Additionally, they hope to gain access to valuable resources, training, and support that can help them enhance their offerings and improve service standards. Networking with national and international delegates is also a key expectation, as it can lead to fruitful partnerships and increased inbound traffic.

Q. According to you, how will this convention benefit the state tourism sector and the local travel trade?

A. This convention will significantly benefit the state tourism sector and the local travel trade by putting Madhya Pradesh in the spotlight. It will attract attention from national and international stakeholders, leading to increased interest and investment in the region. The exchange of ideas and best practices will help local operators innovate and improve their services. Moreover, the convention will promote the state’s diverse attractions, such as the Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, potentially increasing tourist arrivals and boosting the local economy. Tourism contributes approximately 10% to the state’s GDP, and such conventions help in fostering a spirit of collaboration among various tourism stakeholders, leading to sustainable growth.

Q. How would you describe the current state of inbound tourism in MP? Where does the current number of inbound tourists stand as compared to the pre-pandemic level in the state?

A. The current state of inbound tourism in Madhya Pradesh is gradually recovering from the impact of the pandemic. While we have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, there has been a noticeable uptick in tourist arrivals, thanks to strategic marketing efforts and the gradual easing of travel restrictions. We are optimistic that with continued efforts and the upcoming IATO convention, we will soon surpass previous records. The state’s unique offerings, such as wildlife sanctuaries, heritage sites, and cultural experiences, continue to attract tourists from around the world.

Q. What are the main challenges facing inbound tourism in the state? What measures can be taken to address these challenges effectively?

A. The main challenges facing inbound tourism in Madhya Pradesh include connectivity, and creating greater awareness about the state’s attractions. To address these challenges, we need to focus on improving transportation networks, enhancing tourist facilities, and investing in digital marketing campaigns. Strengthening partnerships between the government and private sector is also crucial to ensure coordinated efforts in promoting tourism. Additionally, the Government has already started taking measures by introducing Air taxis for intercity connectivity.

Q. Tell us about the role of the IATO’s MP/Chhattisgarh Chapter in the development of inbound tourism in the state. Kindly share some recent initiatives by IATO’s MP/Chhattisgarh Chapter in this regard.

A. The IATO MP/Chhattisgarh Chapter plays a pivotal role in promoting inbound tourism by acting as a bridge between local operators and national/international stakeholders. We have been actively involved in organizing roadshows, participating in international tourism fairs like IFTM TOP RESA, FITUR, ARABIAN Travel Mart, and hosting familiarization trips for travel agents and media to boost tourism in the state.
Recently, we launched a campaign focused on eco-tourism and heritage tourism, highlighting the unique experiences Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh offer. For example, the ‘Heart of Incredible India’ campaign aimed to highlight the state’s rich heritage and wildlife, and it reached over 1 million potential tourists globally. We also conducted training workshops for local operators to improve their digital presence and customer service skills, ensuring they can effectively cater to international tourists.

Q. With tourism being a state subject, do you think there is a need to empower associations like IATO at the regional and state levels?

A: Absolutely. Empowering associations like IATO at the regional and state levels is essential for the holistic development of tourism. These associations have a deep understanding of local challenges and opportunities and can effectively advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit the regional tourism industry. By giving them more authority and resources, we can ensure that local voices are heard, and region-specific strategies are implemented. This decentralized approach will lead to more targeted and efficient promotion of tourism, ultimately driving growth and sustainability in the sector.

The post Paving the way for tourism growth: Mahendra Pratap Singh on IATO’s Bhopal Convention appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Founded in 2017, Axplore Travelplus Private Limited is a pioneering force in the travel industry, specializing in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) services. The company is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and fostering continuous innovation to redefine corporate travel experiences. Renowned for its bespoke solutions and personalized approach, Axplore Travelplus has earned acclaim for crafting distinctive and unforgettable corporate travel experiences.

At the heart of Axplore Travelplus’s mission is a commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of businesses with prompt, reliable, ethical, and world-class service. The company manages intricate travel logistics and orchestrates large-scale corporate events with unwavering integrity and excellence, nurturing enduring partnerships built on trust and reliability.

Believing that travel should be transformative and deeply experiential, Axplore Travelplus curates economically viable adventures that blend innovation with value, ensuring each journey leaves an indelible mark. The company offers cultural immersion, adventure travel, and corporate retreats to provide meaningful and impactful travel experiences.

“At Axplore Travelplus, we recognize the profound responsibility entrusted to us by travelers and communities alike. This trust drives our commitment to excellence, compelling us to fully own our operations,” said Bindeshwari Prasad (Binu), Executive Director of Axplore Travelplus. “From meticulously crafting itineraries to upholding service and safety standards, we embrace the challenges and opportunities within our industry. This proactive approach not only enhances our ability to deliver exceptional travel experiences but also strengthens our bond of trust with clients and partners. We are dedicated to surpassing expectations and enriching journeys with professionalism and care.”

Innovation is the cornerstone of Axplore Travelplus. The company believes in fostering ground-breaking ideas through collaboration, where diverse perspectives challenge norms and redefine travel possibilities. United by a passion for exploration, their team pushes boundaries to ensure every journey exceeds expectations.

Creativity thrives through open dialogue, brainstorming sessions, and active listening, encouraging team members to share insights and expertise. This collaborative atmosphere stimulates fresh ideas, elevating service offerings and pushing boundaries. Axplore Travelplus harnesses collective creativity to deliver exceptional travel experiences that inspire and delight.

Gratitude for the trust and support of partners and clients is integral to Axplore Travelplus’s success. Their belief in the company’s vision and commitment to mutual objectives has been instrumental in its growth and expansion. This support encourages continuous innovation and excellence in travel experiences, aiming to create moments cherished for a lifetime by corporate clients, their staff, and channel partners.

Vision: Axplore Travelplus aims to become the most innovative, eco-conscious, and technologically advanced MICE Company, delivering exceptional events that inspire, engage, and leave a positive footprint on the world.

Roadmap: Axplore Travelplus plans to expand its market share into additional segments, including weddings, sports, and leisure tours. This diversification will cater to the evolving needs of a broader customer base, enhancing service offerings and reinforcing its reputation as a versatile leader in travel and event management.

The post Axplore Travelplus expands its presence, opens new office in Noida appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Binny Choudhary – Redefining Heritage Luxury at Noormahal Palace Hotel

Binny Choudhary, the visionary Managing Director of Noormahal Palace Hotel, Karnal, is synonymous with redefining heritage luxury in India. Her dedication to preserving India’s cultural heritage and providing unparalleled guest experiences has made Noormahal Palace Hotel a coveted destination for luxury travellers. With her innovative approach and commitment to excellence, Choudhary has transformed the property into one of India’s most Instagrammable palace hotels and a sought-after wedding destination in the Asian subcontinent. Binny’s passion for hospitality and her love for art resulted in the creation of a unique dining concept, Colonel Saab in London. In a short span of time Colonel Saab took the London hospitality by storm, winning accolades such as being named one of the top Indian restaurants by Forbes and winning the Best Restaurant Award at the Feed the Lion Awards. Colonel Saab has become a mecca for VIPs and celebrities alike, with guests ranging from Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai to pop icons and presidents.

Dr. Jyotsna Suri – The Visionary Trailblazer
Dr. Jyotsna Suri stands at the helm of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, steering it to unparalleled heights in the luxury segment. With over three decades of dedicated service, she has transformed the group into a beacon of excellence, operating 12 luxury hotels and resorts across India. Dr. Suri’s leadership ethos emphasises innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships, earning her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Order of The Rising Sun from the Japanese government. Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Harjit Kaur – Pioneering Excellence at Le Méridien
 Harjit Kaur, the visionary owner of Le Méridien, epitomises elegance and sophistication in the hospitality realm. Her upscale, design-focused hotel brand in New Delhi sets the standard for luxury and impeccable service. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, Kaur has elevated Le Méridien to a coveted destination for discerning travellers worldwide. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to innovation have solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

Chandrika Sultania – Empowering Women Through Hospitality

Chandrika Sultania, the dynamic Managing Partner of Imperial Park Hotel & Banquet, is on a mission to empower women through entrepreneurship in the hospitality sector. Her boutique property in Gurgaon offers experiential stays and emphasises efficient resource utilisation. Sultania’s visionary leadership has led to significant growth and recognition for Imperial Park, establishing it as a preferred destination for women travellers, families, and corporations. By promoting equal opportunities and creating a safe environment for women travellers, Sultania is redefining the landscape of budget hotels in India.

Ruchi Uberai – Shaping the Future of Hospitality with Amritara Hotels and Resorts
 Ruchi Uberai, Director of Amritara Hotels and Resorts, brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to the hospitality business. Her commitment to putting people first and embracing innovation has propelled Amritara to new heights, with 14 properties operational and in the pipeline. Uberti’s strategic vision and focus on planning have ensured the company’s resilience during challenging times, paving the way for sustainable growth and expansion. With upcoming projects in picturesque locations across India, Uberai is shaping the future of luxury hospitality.

As we celebrate the achievements of these exceptional women leaders, it becomes evident that their contributions extend far beyond the realms of hospitality. They are not only shaping the future of luxury hospitality in India but also paving the way for greater inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment within the industry. With their visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and passion for innovation, they are inspiring change and setting new standards of success for generations to come. As we look to the future, let us continue to celebrate and support women leaders in the hospitality sector, for they are truly the architects of a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

The post 5 Women Leaders Redefining the Hospitality Industry appeared first on TnHGlobal.

In an exclusive interaction, Brightsun’s Managing Director, Deepak Nangla, shared his company’s vision and strategy for the Indian market. He also talked about the impact of the pandemic on the travel industry and more.

Brightsun’s expertise

Founded in 1986 in London, Brightsun Travel has carved a niche for itself as one of the most reputable travel companies in the UK. With a diverse clientele comprising travel agents, tour operators, leisure customers, and corporates, the company is renowned for providing top-notch travel services.

Brightsun’s primary business involves transporting customers to long-haul destinations. It sends customers from the UK to destinations like the US, India, Thailand, and other long-haul destinations. Similarly, the company sends travelers from India to Europe, Japan, Australia, and other places. “Our main business is transporting customers to long-haul destinations; we don’t deal in domestic travel,” said Nangla.

An important expertise of Brightsun is that it leverages technology to gain insights into the latest customer preferences and travel trends, thus swiftly becoming able to cater to new trends and demands. “We have always prioritized understanding our customers, their needs, preferences, and new trends. Now understanding customers has become even much easier thanks to technological advancement,” said Nangla.

Weathering the Pandemic Storm

The pandemic dealt a severe blow to the travel industry worldwide, impacting revenues and operations. However, Brightsun’s transparent approach allowed it to weather the storm effectively. Due to its transparent and helpful approach during the pandemic, Brightsun retained the loyalty of its customers and suppliers, which benefited the company when travel returned in 2022. “Our business recovered about 60% in a year. It would be surprising to know that we achieved 60% recovery with only 25% of our pre-pandemic staff strength. Besides the loyalty of our customers, some processes that we put in place during the pandemic enabled us to handle the massive surge in travel with only 25% of our staff,” said Namgla.

An interesting thing that Nangla shared about the pandemic time is that travel companies which faced reality bravely and transparently were the first to bounce back. And those companies which put their head in the sand, closed operations, made no expenses and became losers when travel returned. “The winners were those who maintained transparency in their dealings with their customers; invested in technology, manpower training, etc,” said Nangla.

Talking of the impact of the pandemic on travel, Nangla said that the pandemic was catastrophic for the entire travel and tourism industry. “The industry’s revenues came down to a meager 5% whereas expenses remained as much as about 65%. This situation continued for a year or so. We faced an issue of cash flow. There was no money coming in, but we had to refund the huge amount of money to customers due to the ban on travel, but we behaved transparently,” said Nangla. Along with transparency, investments in technology also helped Brightsun survive and bounced back quickly. “When travel came back, we witnessed that cost of travel increased vastly; the cost of an average long-haul trip increased by about 20%,” added Nangla.

According to Nangla, in the leisure segment, it was the VFR (visiting friends and relatives) segment that returned with a vengeance after about a two-year gap. They did not care even about exorbitantly high airfare.

Brightsun’s India strategy

Brightsun sees tremendous growth opportunities in the Indian travel market. Nangla underscored India’s position as a lucrative travel market, backed by reports projecting it to be the second-largest long-haul market by 2024. Riding on the wave of India’s rising middle class and increased disposable income, Brightsun eyes a promising future in the country. Underling the importance of the Indian market, Nangla said, “All the reports and statistics for long-haul travel indicate that by 2024, India will be the second largest travel market, only next to China. Keeping in mind the impending scenario, it only makes sense for us to start preparing to ride the travel wave that is going to come in India.”

India’s rising middle class and their growing inclination towards leisure travel is a key driver of Brightsun’s growth strategy in India. The company anticipates an increase in extravagant trips from India as consumers with higher disposable incomes seek new experiences. “We are looking at how the Indian middle class is going to expand in the next 10 years. Obviously, with more disposable income, there will be more travel taking place in and out of India,” said Nangla.

India is so important for Brightsun that it is ready to bring a major shift in its policy. While Brightsun specializes in international travel, considering India’s vast domestic tourism potential, the company is ready to promote domestic travel in the country. “We acknowledge the immense strength of India’s domestic travel market, which records approximately 650 million trips annually,” said Nangla. “The one thing we have found in India is that its domestic travel market is incredibly vast. I read somewhere that there are about 650 million domestic trips taking place every year in the country. And it is such a large number that even though our strategy is for long-haul travel, we cannot ignore such a massive domestic market in India,” said Nangla. “Moreover one more thing that we have realized is that the income stream of Indians is slightly different to that of our foreign customers. Per capita income of Indians is a factor that we cannot ignore, so we have to downgrade our expectations for international travels from India,” said Nangla.

Brightsun acknowledges the significance of catering to the vast domestic tourism potential (travel within the country) while keeping in mind the vast domestic tourism market and the economic realities of the Indian population.

Nangla envisions a future where his company’s Indian operations will be on par with its UK counterpart, driven by India’s travel wave and Brightsun’s faith in this market and its strategic vision. Over the years, Brightsun has established a strong presence in India. It has offices in Gurugram, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai. Brightsun has more people working in its offices in India than in the UK and most of the company’s UK work is done also from its Indian offices.

Nangla stated that earlier the most works being done by Brightsun in India were for its UK market but during the pandemic, “when all travel companies across the world had nothing to do; we decided that now is the time to start selling out of India.”

Brightsun has embraced India’s, especially its millennium city Gurugram’s 24X7 working culture. With a significant workforce in India, the company is harnessing the benefits of India’s 24X7 working culture, providing superior service to its customers. “We have more people working in India than the UK and this has been the case since we opened our office here in Gurugram in 2004. Our India workforce has been increasing continuously since then,” said Nangla. “One of the main reasons that Brightsun has more people working in India than the UK is that India has this 24X7 working culture, especially in cities like Gurugram. There are a large number of people working in Gurugram, who have adapted their family life working around the shift,” added Nangla. “It is what customers want; accessibility 24X7. If we are accessible 24X7 to our customers, obviously we will be ahead in the competition and it is this that has impelled our growth over the years,” added Nangla. In April this year, Brightsun also opened its office in Mumbai.

Talking about Brightsun’s Indian operations contribution to the company’s revenues, Nangla said, “Currently around 95% of our revenues come from the UK and 5% from India.” According to Nangla, the current size of our company in the UK is in the region of about $410 million whereas in India, it would be around $22 million. “In the next 10 years, we expect our size in India to be similar to the UK’s as we would be riding the travel wave in the country,” said Nangla. “It has been one year and a couple of months since we started selling out of India. During this short duration, we have learned a lot, and going ahead we have to learn a lot in India. We aim to stay ahead in the competitive Indian market through innovations, leveraging our long experience and prior knowledge of upcoming travel trends,” said Nangla. “Being in business for so many years enables us to know in advance what’s going to come in India in the next six months or so, and when you know what’s going to come next, it is easier to adapt as per those trends and caters to customers’ demands.” Added Nangla.

Post-Pandemic Trends in India

During the post-pandemic recovery of travel, Brightsun observed significant shifts in travel patterns. Longer international trips and increased demand for experiential travel emerged as key trends, along with enhanced spending on short-haul trips.

In respect of expected travel trends in India, Nangla said, “In short terms, in the next couple of years, we see Indian spending more on travel than previously. We will see more extravagant trips taking place.” As regards international trips from India, Nangla said that the trips are now longer than before; the average duration of a holiday in a long-haul destination has increased from about 10 days to 14 days. In short-haul trips, they’re spending about 20% more per trip. “One of the reasons for this is that hotels are now more accommodating to leisure travellers; because currently, corporate travellers are less so there is more willingness to receive leisure travellers,” said Nangla.

Another trend Nangla mentioned is that there is a huge increase in demand for experiential travel. “Lots of people want to go on wine tours, religious tours, cruising that they’ve never done before. People are fulfilling their long-cherished desires and dreams of experiential travel. Obviously, this means a huge increase in spending on travel,” said Nangla.

Conclusion

As India takes centre stage in the global travel industry, Brightsun Travel’s heightened focus on the Indian market positions it for significant growth. With its dedication to providing top-notch travel experiences, the company aims to capture the hearts of Indian travellers and become a key player in India’s travel landscape. As India’s middle-class soars to new heights, there is tremendous potential for Brightsun to tape and grow in this vast and vibrant market.

The post UK-based Brightsun Travel heightens focus on the Indian market appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Looking back at 2022

The last year was fairly better for NTOs as compared to the previous two years which were witness to havoc and disruptions. In 2022, destinations like Germany, New Zealand, South Africa and others started welcoming tourists from the Indian market.

In fact, destinations like Germany witnessed a surge in Indian arrivals in 2022, which saw an overall increase in foreign visitors to Germany. Indian visitors to Germany grew by about 300 per cent until October 2022. “Recent figures have revealed the number of travellers from India to Germany between January and October 2022 were more than doubled compared to the same period last year. This suggests that Germany’s ongoing campaigns focusing on nature and sustainability are hitting the mark and driving the post-pandemic recovery,” said Romit Theophilus, Director, German National Tourist Office (GNTO) in India.

Besides the border reopening and relaxation in restrictions, targeted campaigning by GNTB led to a rebound in Indian travel to Germany last year. “We are very pleased with the way Indian travellers are increasingly looking at Germany as an all-year-round destination that has something for every member of the family,” said Theophilus.

In Europe, destinations such as New Zealand also started to see the return of visitors in 2022, as Gregg Wafelbakker of Tourism New Zealand informed. Wafelbakker, Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager for Asia, said that “While the numbers are promising, at 57% of pre-covid levels, we are expecting the return of visitation to be gradual.”

It is not only the European destinations that saw a rebound in travel from India, destinations like South Africa also saw a comeback in 2022 with Indians showing great interest in the destination. “Enquiries for South Africa from Indian business, as well as leisure travellers, have multiplied since the launch of our recovery campaign More&More in the first quarter of 2022,” informed Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism.

SA Tourism was quite active in the Indian market last year. Following its More & More campaign, SA Tourism held a 4-city Roadshow in India. Besides, the tourism board hosted Indian travel media to INDABA 2022, participated in SATTE 2022 and launched an exclusive India airfare campaign in partnership with Air Seychelles, in July.

Due to its active promotional engagement last year, South Africa received excellent responses from Indian travellers in 2022. “We started the year by outlining a strategic roadmap which helped us garner a 64% year-on-year increase in Indian visitors. Last year we surpassed our target of attracting 33,910 Indian arrivals,” said Nkani.

On the whole, 2022 was a year of recovery in India for many NTOs. The last year was a good year for Indonesia, as well, which is one of the leading destinations for Indians. “Indian visitors to Indonesia in 2022 are ranked 5th in Indonesia inbound and ranked 2nd in Bali, this condition is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air for our tourism industries and provides a good starting point in the upcoming post-pandemic global travel,” said R. Wisnu Sindhutrisno, Director of Tourism Marketing for Asia Pacific Region, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Expectations from 2023

Leaving their pandemic-inflicted blow and woes behind, NTOs are quite upbeat about the New Year and expect to build on the gains made last year. Sharing his optimism, Theophilus said, “In the wake of the tourism sector emerging from its most challenging years, Indian tourists are increasingly looking at Germany as a preferred destination.” Theophilus informed that many German cities have recently shared exciting news about the openings of new hotels and venues, as well as great events that await visitors in 2023 and beyond.

Hailing Germany’s uniqueness as a destination, Theophilus  said, “Germany has always been one of the most popular destinations, but what makes the country a unique destination  is its world-famous “Gemütlichkeit”, great connectivity, proximity to nature, cosmopolitan outlook and traditions for hospitality and foremost the country’s excellent infrastructure.”

As for expectations from the New Year, optimism prevails across NTOs. Close to Germany, New Zealand is another resilient destination riding high on the New Year optimism. Tourism New Zealand will continue to focus on pushing hard in key markets including India to accelerate tourism recovery. “We will continue using our new 100% Pure New Zealand global campaign ‘If You Seek’, to attract high-quality visitors to New Zealand,” informed Wafelbakker.

Like their European counterparts, South African Tourism is also sanguine about prospects in the New Year. “As we see an upswing in enquiries for South Africa, we anticipate a large number of footfalls from India in 2023,” said Nkani.

Talking about their plans for the New Year, Nkani said, “In 2023, we will continue to engage with our travel trade partners to boost Indian tourist arrivals to South Africa.”

Like last year, this year too, SA Tourism will keep engaging with the Indian travel trade through interactive webinars, SATTE, multi-city roadshows and other programmes, with an aim to showcase its new offerings. The board will also continue to focus on upskilling and reskilling the travel trade to help them sell South Africa in the best possible way to the new-age Indian consumers.

India is one of the largest source markets for South Africa. India remains at the core of South African Tourism’s global strategy and holds much promise. It is worth mentioning that India has gone from being South Africa’s 8th largest international market post-pandemic to now being the 6th largest one, and “we are confident of further climbing up the ranks in terms of footfalls,” says Nkani.

Regarding expectations from the New Year, Sindhutrisno of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy said that 40% of Indian tourist visit Bali for weddings and honeymoons and hopefully this segment will continue to grow.  “Meanwhile we will also offer various exotic, luxurious Indonesian destinations and taylor-made exclusive travel packages in Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo and Yogyakarta, designated for the Indian rich and famous,” added Sindhutrisno.

Focus on sustainability in 2023

Many destinations in the New Year plan to focus on enhancing their sustainability credentials. For example, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) aims to strengthen Germany’s position the world over as a sustainable travel destination, this year. As Theophilus informed, “Main goal of the GNTB is to strengthen Germany’s global position as a sustainable travel destination. Efforts of the GNTB along with its India office are to draw the interest of potential Indian vacationers to Germany’s natural landscapes and sustainable vacation experiences in the rural regions.

Underlining the importance of sustainable tourism, Theophilus said that tourism can cushion the consequences of crises and help revive the economy. “Commercial aspects aside, tourism time and again has proven that it helps to forge cultural bonds and promotes understanding among nations. As the catastrophic floods and severe storms of recent years have shown, climate change also has an impact on tourism. That is why responsible tourism always takes economic, environmental, and social factors into account,” said Theophilus.

One of the European countries focusing markedly on sustainability is New Zealand. As Wafelbakker of Tourism New Zealand said, “As the tourism recovery gets underway, the focus will be around re-thinking travel experiences. This entails prioritizing the well-being of people and the environment, from local communities to enterprises, under a common vision for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable industry.”  Continuing further, Wafelbakker said, “The regenerative tourism is a trend that is continuing momentum across New Zealand where tourism operators are redefining sustainable tourism.”

Hotels in New Zealand are committing to environmental sustainability by implementing several sustainable initiatives like disconnecting themselves from the national power grid.

“Tourism operators are providing trailblazing transformative, regenerative travel experiences throughout New Zealand with their eco-conscious offerings aimed at giving back to their local regions,” said Wafelbakker, adding that the industry is undertaking a range of initiatives such as commitment to carbon zero, sustainable experiences and the development of carbon-neutral travel itineraries.

Exemplary as it is, the government of In New Zealand and the country’s tourism industry are working in full synergy to support New Zealand’s sustainability goals. “As international visitors return and we look to the future, there is work being undertaken by the government of New Zealand and the country’s tourism industry to ensure that the tourism system supports New Zealand’s sustainability and climate change goals,” concluded Wafelbakker.

It is not only the European destinations that are prioritising sustainability, even destinations such as South Africa are promoting sustainable tourism following the growing trend of sustainability. As Nkani informed, “We are taking conscious efforts, in collaboration with our province partners, towards promoting sustainable and rural tourism, with an aim to give back to the local communities and local economy.”  In the New Year, with its customized and personalized itineraries, “we are looking at mobilising niche communities like biking groups, runners, and golfers,” to promote sustainable tourism, informed Nkani.

Needless to say, the growing focus on sustainable tourism worldwide post-pandemic is admirable and holds immense promise for tourism, the environment and society.

The post NTOs are upbeat about 2023, to focus on sustainability appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Speaking about the new hotel, Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML, Greater Noida, said, “We started building this hotel during the pandemic years, the most of the construction works were completed during the covid.” He added, “During the Covid we started building more infrastructure facilities in our complex in addition to our exhibition and conference facilities.” Kumar added, “During the pandemic, people were painting a very horrible picture of the coming years, predicting that nothing was going to change; the pandemic was here to stay for a long time, so it is better to wait and watch and do nothing. But there were some organisations like IEML, which did not get carried away by their unfounded prophecy and pessimism, remained hopeful and kept working for the return of good days.” He said, “We were quite optimistic that the prevailing gloom will end soon, so kept upgrading our facilities and built this hotel.”

Emphasising the need of having such a hotel inside the venue complex, Kumar said that for people coming to conventions, conferences or exhibitions, hotel rooms are their very first requirement. “This is the first of its kind in India. At present no convention or exhibition centre has a hotel inside their complex,” added Kumar.

He added that guests staying at this hotel will have more time to spend at exhibitions. They will be able to save their commuting time. They will not have to bother about the parking issues. Moreover, “If visitors stay at the hotel, they will have more networking time,” said Kumar.

Kumar informed that IEML has built this hotel as part of its pre-planned integrated venue project. “Right from the beginning when this project was conceived, we adopted an integrated approach of development that included the development of hotels, helipads and other facilities in a phased manner. The new hotel was planned right at the beginning when this Expo and Mart was conceived. We had planned to develop this hotel as part of Phase –III of our overall project.”

Talking about the features of an integrated venue, Kumar said that an integrated venue complex has all kinds of facilities in one place besides exhibition, conferences and convention facilities.  “There is a huge benefit of having a hotel inside the complex, and we are very glad that we have been able to fulfil this need for an integrated venue complex in the country,” he added.

According to Kumar, IEML will build another hotel inside its complex by 2024, as part of its integrated project.  The company’s second hotel will be built from its initial public offering (IPO) proceeds. Last year in March, the company filed its DRHP (draft red herring prospectus) for IPO.

Commenting on the post-Covid business scenario in the country, Kumar said that post-covid things have much improved as far as business is concerned. “Lots of activities are happening at our venue. During more than two years of the pandemic and related restrictions, businesses lost lots of opportunities to host events that are important for their growth,” said Kumar. There is strong pent-up demand in the market and with the pandemic under control; companies are rushing to host events to make up for the lost opportunities. “I think post-Pandemic business is growing strongly in every sector including travel and tourism, hospitality, meetings, exhibitions, etc. Not to mention, these are among the sectors which suffered most during the pandemic as they were the first to be closed and last to get opened,” observed Kumar.

Post-pandemic, MICE is probably one of the few segments in the larger travel and tourism sector to bounce back swiftly, said Kumar. “Luckily, there is tremendous demand in this segment at present. People are unwavering in their commitment to covering for losses made during the pandemic. Hopefully, the gap between the demand and supply will be filled with the upcoming venues and properties,” he added.

India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida has consecutively been conferred with the best standalone convention centre award in the country by the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India. “I am very glad that we have been awarded standalone best convention centre in the country by the MoT consecutively two times, in 2022 and the preceding year,” said Kumar.

India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida is one of the country’s leading venues for worldwide business-to-business exhibits, conferences, congresses, product launches and promotional events, among other things.

The post First of its kind in India: Expo Inn, Suites & Convention in Greater Noida appeared first on TnHGlobal.

Buoyed by a clutch of global awards and accolades, Kerala Tourism will unleash a raft of new projects and events that will turn the state into an all-season destination and make the stay of new-age travellers a relaxing, rejuvenating and learning experience by unfolding before them the captivating charm of the rural hinterland and lesser-known places.

Introducing new destinations, conceptualizing innovative tourism circuits, investing in infrastructure development, broadening the award-winning Responsible Tourism initiative, which allows tourists to experience village life and local communities to benefit, and ensuring better connectivity are the new focus areas of the state’s rejigged tourism initiatives.

This was announced at a media session addressed by Mr Sreekumar S, Deputy Director(in-charge) of Kerala Tourism, as part of the Kerala Tourism Partnership Meet at Eros Hotel in the city today. More than 200 Delhi-based tour operators and travel agents participated in the meeting.

Raising its profile beyond the celebrated image as a land of enchanting natural beauty, the emphasis now will also be on activity-driven and experiential tourism that would take visitors to the interiors of the state and explore its unknown or little-known spots, making it an inter-connected tourism hotspot.

As part of a concerted strategy to promote Kerala as a global wedding destination and a paradise for honeymooners, the state government has announced a project to mount digital and airport-based marketing campaigns, highlighting its huge potential in this promising segment. The three projects — ‘Destination Wedding Campaign – Airports Translites’, ‘Destination Wedding Campaign – Social media, Google search & Display ads’, and ‘Promotion of Destination Wedding Microsite’ — will focus on the state’s inherent strengths that make it an ideal choice for destination marriage.

Under the ‘Destination Wedding Microsite’ project’, e-brochures will be prepared with eye-catching pictures of ideal wedding destinations and content in both English and Hindi. Also, online promotion of e-brochures and web pages will be done via Google ads.

Kerala will also leverage its globally acclaimed Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission, which allows visitors to experience village life while supporting the communities that host them. The Mission has now become the first government-owned society in the state to provide training, marketing, and other support systems to local communities to start various initiatives in the tourism sector. Registering the RT Mission as a society will help it from getting funds from local governments and other agencies.

The RT initiative bagged a global award at World Travel Market (WTM), London last year. The New York Times has now paid glowing tributes to it while releasing the list of 52 must-visit places in 2023 in which Kerala features as the only destination in India.

Kerala Tourism will also display the trendsetting caravan tourism (Keravan Kerala) and the award-winning STREET, which is an acronym for Sustainable, Tangible, Responsible, Experiential, Ethnic Tourism hubs that take tourism deep into the state’s interiors and rural hinterlands.

Kerala recently launched the Destination Challenge initiative to identify and develop a large number of places with tourism potential across the length and breadth of the state. Tourism Department will be taking on board local self-government institutions like panchayats as key partners in this scheme, which is based on the concept of ‘explore the unexplored’ and creating micro-destinations in every corner of the state, down to the panchayat level. This would mean at least one destination in each panchayat.

Alongside, Kerala’s houseboats, caravan stays, jungle lodges, plantation visits, homestays, Ayurveda-based wellness solutions, countryside walks and adventure activities, including trekking to verdant hills, will provide a unique experience to visitors. Adventure, Wellness, MICE and Responsible Tourism, will also be taken forward with a greater sense of purpose and vigour.

Kerala Tourism will also launch a string of travel trade networking activities, including participation in trade fairs and organizing B2B roadshows in January-February in prominent Indian cities. These include the February 2-4 OTM (Outbound Travel Market) Mumbai at Jio World Convention Centre, and TTF (Travel and Tourism Fair) Chennai where the state’s unique touristy features will be showcased.

Besides, plans have been chalked out to organize roadshows in Chandigarh, Jaipur and Lucknow in January. Another series of B2B trade meets will be organized in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru in February

Kerala Tourism Minister Shri Mohamed Riyas says the focus will no longer be confined to beaches, backwaters and hill stations. “We now want to transform the whole of Kerala into an interconnected tourist haven where visitors get plenty of choices and diverse experiences. All this will make a trip to Kerala a wholesome experience for visitors looking for diverse experiences, be it a stay in a houseboat or caravan, ecologically responsible adventure activities, or visits to heritage and cultural centres.”

The recent global awards and accolades are recognitions for the state’s community-based activities in the travel and hospitality sector. The government considers that sustainable tourism development will be meaningful only if it leads to the benefit of local communities. The global honours will give a fillip to the arrival of foreign tourists to the state.

Kerala set an all-time record in domestic tourist footfalls last year. The state hosted 1.33 crore tourists in the first three quarters of the year. Significantly, this marked an increase of 1.94 per cent from the pre-pandemic year.

The post Kerala Tourism revamps strategy to woo travellers with new initiatives appeared first on TnHGlobal.

COVID made the travel industry crawl and almost forced it to a halt. Things have been changing for the last few months, as life cannot come to a halt. Yes, we are again experiencing renewed COVID scare, but all we need to do right now is to stay calm, and make 2023 a year of meaningful travel.

Will that again stop us from traveling? No, it won’t. But, the safety protocols will again mean endless lines at the Airport. We already see that the waiting time to even enter airports is around an hour or so. To avoid this people will be asked to arrive at the airports much before their scheduled flight times, which will again lead to chaos at the airports.

There must be a solution to this chaos. And that’s where Encalm Hospitality Pvt. Ltd steps in. Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, Encalm was envisioned by Vikas Sharma, who is the CEO of the company. The brand is trying to make travel hassle-free and rewarding by providing ultra-luxurious hospitality services at airports, making the travel experience more comfortable and relaxing.

Encalm launched The Encalm Lounge and Airport Meet and Assist services under the brand ‘Atithya’ at the Delhi T1 and T3 airports, and Hyderabad Airport. After Delhi and Hyderabad, they will be launching their services at the upcoming Goa International airport at Mopa.

The Encalm Lounge at Terminal 3 is a premium facility located on the mezzanine level at the International Departure a floor space of 12,238 sq. ft with a seating capacity of 245 people. Designed to help travelers relax and reduce their travel anxiety, the Encalm Lounge, open 24/7 offers a variety of amenities including uninterrupted Wi-Fi, gourmet and international cuisines, and wellness and spa services. The lounge also provides constant access to flight information, newspapers, magazines, a live cooking station, a bar, and a lounge bay.

Our team was in conversation with Mr. Vinay Tyagi, Head, Lounge Operations, Encalm who has been associated with the hospitality industry and hospitality brands at the airports for over two decades. He talks about the group’s expansion plans, their Atithya airport services, airport hospitality services in India, and more.

1. Please brief us about Encalm?

We launched Encalm about a year ago after giving a lot of thought to providing quality hospitality services to travelers. We have already carved a niche for ourselves in providing luxurious experiences in airport hospitality in just one year of operations.

We currently provide Meet & Assist Services under the brand name “Atithya”, at Delhi and Hyderabad airports. These services are tailored to suit the individual requirements of the guests, to make their transit memorable. Apart from that, we provide exclusive access to lounges under the brand name “Encalm Lounge” at the Delhi and Hyderabad Airports. We have also opened our first spa under the brand “Encalm Spa” at Delhi Airport.

We are currently serving 3500 plus guests daily and we are happy to see the list of happy clients growing daily. At Encalm, we are committed to developing one of the most admired airport hospitality experiences in India that would constantly seek to bring value and convenience to the guests and customers during their travel through Indian Airports. Encalm also aims to develop seamless integration with technology platforms for providing a wholesome experience to air travelers including, airport concierge, limousine services, shopping and hotel stays, etc.

2. Tell us about Atithya, and your meet and assist services at the airport.

Atithya is rooted in our culture of treating a guest like God – Atithi Devo Bhava (अतिथि देवो भव). Aptly we have named our bespoke Meet and Assist service, “Atithya.”  Atithya is there at every step to take special care of our guests and to provide a comfortable airport experience for travelers. Atithya takes care of everything – from doorstep pick up/drop, to baggage handling, buggy service, wheelchair assistance, and exclusive lounge access.

Our team at Atithya is trained to take care of the needs of all our guests be they first-time travelers, seasoned business executives, or public personalities. We invest in numerous training hours to ensure your experience with us is tailor-made.

We have thoughtfully curated these services keeping in mind the specific requirements of each traveler and have our services into various categories i.e.; Silver, Gold, Elite, and the flagship Travel Buddy Service. The exclusive ‘Travel Buddy Service’ is designed to assist travelers from their homes, accompanying them through the journey and dropping them off safely at the designated destination.

We have also introduced a premium luggage wrapping service, “EnWrap” at Delhi and Hyderabad airports. This allows travelers to ensure that their luggage receives extra care during their journey. A well-trained professional makes sure that the luggage is wrapped as per global standards and the usage of biodegradable material makes this a must-have for your entire luggage. The service can be availed at the EnWrap kiosk located in the check-in halls.

3. Airport Hospitality is still a new concept in the market. Also at airports or railway stations, people are more concerned to catch their flights/trains, how do you think people will react to the services?

People nowadays are always multi-tasking and trying to squeeze out the maximum from their day. In such scenarios, coming from a hospitality background, our first thought was to provide a seamless airport experience to our clients. Our services are designed not just to provide comfort and relaxation but to save valuable time through an efficient team that is well aware of all airport formalities.

Our airport Meet and Assist Service is on track to change the airport service dynamics. With Atithya, guests can just hand over all their worries about airport formalities to us and actually enjoy the experience. From greeting the guests at the entrance to taking them through all the procedures until they board the flight, Atithya is there to serve our guests at each step.

4. How does the Encalm Spa meet the various needs of different travelers?

After ‘Atithya’, and the airport Lounge, Spa is the third product of our brand. Located above the shopping arena and next to the food court at Delhi International airport on the international side, our spa services have been curated to give travelers solace in between their transit. We have designed spa packages ranging between 10 minutes to 90 minutes.

There are more spas are in the pipeline in DIAL in the coming months. The company will be opening a second spa in the T3 terminal’s domestic soon. Additionally, the Spa will be part of a Premium Lounge that we currently working on in the T3 terminal.

5. Where do you see yourself in the coming years?

Encalm is also working on a premium lounge at Terminal 3 of the Delhi airport in a couple of months. The premium lounge from Encalm will have around 600 plus seating capacity. Travelers having an access to this lounge can look forward to offerings ranging from a cigar room, premium beverages, sleeping pods, Fitness Center, and a wellness zone apart from gourmet dining.  The lounge covers an area of 30,000 sq. ft. It’s actually a ‘lounge inside a lounge’ concept. The area has been aesthetically developed for travelers where they can just sit in serenity to read a book or take an important meeting, sans any external distraction. To further enrich the customer’s traveling experience, we have also collaborated with renowned chefs to provide our guests with an international gourmet food experience.

Encalm has a global tie-up with TAV İşletme Hizmetleri, a leading operator of airport lounges in the world, which gives our customers access to airport services and lounges of TAV in over 65 airports in the world and 500 airport lounges.

We are also looking forward to operating around 20 plus different outlets by the end of the financial year 2022-23. The total number of lounges would be around 11 in Delhi; five in Hyderabad and three in Goa.

The post Creating delightful experiences appeared first on TnHGlobal.