Travel
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.
Ooty's stunning attractions: Must-see places to visit!
Take a boat ride on Ooty Lake, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and offering picturesque views of the Nilgiri hills.
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.
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.
Must Watch
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.
SpiceJet launches daily non-stop flights between Delhi & Phuket
SpiceJet introduced daily non-stop flights linking Delhi and Phuket, beginning May 31, 2024. Departing from Delhi at 9:00 AM and returning from Phuket at 4:15 PM, the service aims to offer travellers an affordable means to explore Phuket. Ajay Singh, SpiceJet's Chairman and Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm for the inaugural Phuket route, highlighting its appeal to both leisure and business travelers.
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.
India's first time millennial, Gen Z bookers present a vast, untapped opportunity: Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb co-founder and chief strategy officer
Airbnb in India saw a 30% increase in bookings in 2023, emphasizing unique stays. Nathan Blecharczyk highlighted collaborations to boost local tourism, targeting millennials and Gen Z. The company reported $2.2 billion revenue in Q4 2023.