With the Middle East tensions flaring up, Air India has temporarily suspended its Tel Aviv flights and airlines have charted alternative flight paths to avoid the Iranian airspace. Longer flight paths will result in increased operational costs for the carriers, and the situation could also push airfares higher.
Air India, Vistara, IndiGo e inte and some international airlines are avoiding Iranian airspace and have opted for alternative paths for their flights to the West. A senior wide-body aircraft pilot at an Indian carrier told PTI that the alternative paths are increasing the flight duration.
With the revised flight paths chosen after taking safety and security into consideration, the duration of some flights has increased by around half an hour, the pilot said.
Such a scenario will result in higher operational costs, increased fuel usage and more crew members might have to be roped in for flights as there are duty time limitations. The pilot also opined the rise in expenses could even be passed on to the passengers, which means that international airfares could rise.
Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack. Amid the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Air India on Sunday decided to temporarily suspend the flights to Tel Aviv from Delhi.
Air India operates four weekly flights between the national capital and Israeli city. The Tata group-owned carrier recommenced services to Tel Aviv on March 3 after a gap of nearly five months.
Technicians at AI Engineering Services Ltd. — a state-run maintenance, repair and overhaul firm and an erstwhile Air India unit — will strike on April 23 due to various issues affecting their “well-being” and “professional growth,” All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Union wrote in a letter dated April 8 to the chief executive officer.
Air India and Vistara have opted for alternative flight paths for their flights to the West. An official in the know said that IndiGo, which operates flights to Istanbul with aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, is avoiding the Iranian airspace. Air India on Saturday said it was closely monitoring the Middle East situation and that its aircraft will operate on alternative flight paths to and from India. On Saturday, Vistara said it is making changes to the flight paths of some of the flights due to the situation in the Middle East.
On Sunday, India said it is concerned over escalating hostilities between the two sides that threaten regional peace and security.
Iran carried out the attack on Israel in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1, in which seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards personnel, including two generals, were killed.
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Air India, one of India’s premier global airlines, is set to introduce non-stop service between Delhi and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in Vietnam starting from June 1, 2024. The new route marks a significant addition to Air India’s extensive network and aims to provide travellers with enhanced connectivity and convenience.
Operating with its Airbus A320neo aircraft configured with two classes, Air India will offer flights five days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, ensuring flexibility for passengers.
The launch of this route is strategically aimed at strengthening Air India’s presence in Southeast Asia while catering to the growing demand for travel between India and Vietnam. It also presents an opportunity for Vietnamese travellers to access Air India’s global network, creating seamless connections for passengers from the United States, Canada, UK, and Europe via Delhi.
Here is the schedule of flights for the Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route, effective June 1, 2024:
– AI388: Departure from Delhi at 13:15 Hrs, Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City at 19:55 Hrs (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
– AI389: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City at 20:55 Hrs, Arrival in Delhi at 00:30 Hrs (+1) (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Currently, Air India operates non-stop flights between India and four key destinations in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket (Thailand), and Yangon (Myanmar). The introduction of the Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route reflects Air India’s commitment to expanding its global reach and offering passengers more travel options across the region.
China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and a vital source of imports for its manufacturing sector. The two countries are already connected via a system of highways and two railway lines that are old and need upgrading on the Vietnam side. The other would run from Hanoi to Lang Son province, which borders China’s Guangxi region, passing through an area densely populated with global manufacturing facilities, including some owned by Chinese investors.
A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India
offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.
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Valued at USD 41.2 bn in 2022, the global luxury car rental sector is likely to reach USD 61.96 bn in market capitalisation by the end of 2028. The growth translates into an impressive CAGR of 7.2 per cent, which is quite exceptional given the nascent stage of luxury mobility in the car rental service domain. Many important tailwinds are fueling the growth of luxury car rentals prominent among which are rising prosperity, expanding business travels, and increased spending on experiential activities. The fast-expanding global economy is also complementing the growth with corporate bookings and business travels soaring to a new high by the day. With so many interesting developments happening, here are key trends and innovations that are likely to dominate the luxury car rental space in the future: Experiential and Leisure Travel: While business travel continues to remain the backbone of the luxury car rental space, the strong potential exhibited by the experiential and leisure categories is infusing a new lease of growth to the category. The best bit is the growth trajectory across experiential and leisure categories is democratised with strong potential being witnessed from all across the globe. While North America continues to lead the growth of experiential travel, the emergence of Asia-Pacific is significant for sustaining the growth potential of luxury mobility in the long run. The growth in these two categories is also led by enhanced customisation offered by service providers which aligns with the broader preferences and choices of the customers. Eco-Friendly Perspective: While luxury mobility rental space is primarily about indulgence, the rising aspirations of customers in the category are not coming at the cost of the environment. Travellers are increasingly showing a preference for EVs and hybrid vehicles and as a result, the percentage of sustainable vehicles in luxury car rental fleets is rising at a significant pace. Going forward, the concern for sustainability is likely to intensify further which means the category growth will also push the sales of alternate vehicles in the market.
Subscription-based Model: The use of subscription-based models in the luxury rental space is fast funding favour with target audiences. In fact, the model is playing an instrumental role in bringing incremental growth to the luxury mobility space. In comparison to a conventional system, the subscription model offers greater flexibility while allowing customers to choose from a large range of vehicle models on offer. It also allows customers to rent for a longer time, thereby taking away the hassle of making payments on a daily basis.
Technology Integration: The rising levels of technology integration in the form of connected car tech, in-car entertainment, and advanced safety equipment are also driving growth prospects in the luxury car rental space. The appeal of these features is prominent among Gen X and Millennials and with Gen Z fast climbing the affluence ladder, the use of advanced technologies will help consolidate the standing of luxury rental services across customer demographics and generations.
A robust digital core is imperative to building resilient business operations, boosting employee productivity, tapping new revenue streams, and most importantly, creating memorable experiences for travellers. Gupta feels that travel businesses must design and develop their digital core and technology strategy in line with their unique requirements. Interoperable platforms and modular systems, cloud-native operating models, a strong data foundation, artificial intelligence capabilities, and security embedded in everything are all essential elements of this strategy.
Niche Influence: Within the car rental space, the emergence of niche categories is catching the attention of market experts. Take, for instance, the growing appeal of vintage cars, special-edition vehicles, and iconic models of yesteryears. These vehicles are striking a chord with customers and thanks to their innate appeal, service providers are earning hefty premiums on these offerings. Owing to features of exclusivity, rarity, and uniqueness, these categories are emerging as prominent growth accelerators for the luxury car rental space.
Challenges for Luxury Rental Mobility
Although brimming with exciting growth prospects, the category of luxury car rentals is also faced with some formidable challenges. The flux in the economic scenario, eroding brand equity, and handling operation costs are some of the significant challenges associated with the category. In addition, service providers also need to constantly add new customers to fuel the growth in addition to managing and retaining their existing customer base. Moreover, meeting regulatory compliances, managing insurance complexities, and securing the approval of authorities are prominent issues that the segment must overcome for a sustainable future.
The luxury car rental segment is at an inflexion point and promises exciting growth prospects for all stakeholders of the ecosystem. The rising affluence, demanding customers, and evolving preferences are causing a tectonic shift, helping service providers come up with improved offerings, innovative models, and technology integration to create, communicate, and deliver superior experiences to customers. In sum, the outlook for luxury car rental remains positive and the category is likely to emerge as one of the fastest-growing segments in the automobile market in the future.
The author is the Director at KTC India, leading transport company based in New Delhi.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETTravelWorld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETTravelWorld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.
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The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) ban on the newly-introduced Cruiser safari vehicles for resort owners and tour agents have left them fuming.
These nine-seater Cruisers, a replacement for the 22-seater old canters, will now be available for locals from Chandrapur only. The ban came into force on March 2. The park has six Cruisers with all of them operating from the Mohurli entry gate.
Chief conservator of forest (CCF) and TATR field director Jitendra Ramgaonkar said, “When we made these Cruisers available to everyone online, these were booked within minutes allegedly by resort owners. There was no room for those who came calling to my office for a berth.”
Ramgaonkar added, “The facility has been started with a good intention to benefit all but it seems it was misused by hiring agents in Chandrapur, depriving common tourists of an entry. Hence, we were left with no choice but to impose restrictions.”
However, stakeholders said that earlier one canter was made available online. Regarding the issue, Ramgaonkar said, “When one canter was available online, the same issues cropped up and common tourists could not book it. Yet, we will consider putting one or two Cruisers online soon.”
In response to grievances voiced by the local community, Tadoba has prohibited resort owners and safari/tour agents from bookings Cruisers. These safari vehicles are in demand owing to the economic cost of Rs 500 per person.
As per the new rule, locals from Chandrapur can book Cruisers from 11am to 2pm at the field director’s office on Mul Road in Chandrapur. From 3pm to 5pm, locals running home stays can do the bookings by visiting the office on a first-come-first served basis. One home stay owner will be able to book only six seats per day.
At a time when it is the peak wildlife tourism season and visitors from all over the country are making a beeline in Tadoba, the restrictions have left resort owners and tour operators disappointed. They termed the move as vote bank politics by forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to appease local voters before the Lok Sabha elections.
“There are six Cruisers in Tadoba. All these vehicles operate from the Mohurli gate. Why this bias?” said Nikhil Abhyankar, a resort owner at Kolara.
“A tourist entering the park from Kolara on the Chimur side is also part of Chandrapur. So, whom will you call a local? All the entry gates are part of Chandrapur. Why should they not benefit?” Abhyankar asked.
“When Cruisers were brought in, it was decided to distribute them at other gates so that the other locals could gain. Today, the maximum number of resorts are based in Kolara but despite the demand, neither the canters were started nor do the Cruisers operate from here. Why should only one entry gate benefit always? We too pay conservation fee to the park,” said some resort owners.
“The local community, which often relies on the reserve for their livelihood through eco-tourism and conservation efforts, has been particularly vocal about the need for regulation. Kolara, Navegaon and Zari gates should also get Cruisers,” said a section of guides.
Contrarily, the decision to restrict the use of Cruisers has been welcomed, but many tourists feel its benefit should not be confined to Chandrapur only. “What wrong have we done? If a politician can contest elections from anywhere in the country, why can’t Indian nationals enjoy a safari in a Cruiser?,” asked wildlife tourist Nitish Bhandakkar from Nagpur.
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People thronged markets in the national capital on Sunday, ahead of Holi, making last-minute purchases of colours or gulals, trendy water guns, and colourful wigs.
Sadar Bazar in the national capital wore a festive look as shops recorded huge footfalls of people buying different kinds of items for the celebration of the festival of colours.
Masks inspired by leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Yogi Adtiyanath, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, among others, were trending in markets, bringing a distinct political flavour to the Holi celebrations ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
A shopkeeper in one of the crowded markets in the national capital said the demand for masks and water guns with photos of political leaders was higher as compared to the other items on sale.
“Water guns with images of PM Modi are in great demand. People are paying well for these water guns. However, the overall sales this year are slightly lower than last year. However, the markets are buzzing,” he said.
Another dealer of Holi items said the demand for colours and gulal was higher than last year.
Speaking to ANI, Md. Rashid, a shopkeeper in the Sadar market, said, “The water guns with images of PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and CM Yogi are in demand as the elections are not too far away now. This year, we sold more items as compared to last year.”
Another shopkeeper, Saleem Ahmed, who sells colourful wigs, also talked up the sales this year.
“Everyone wants to wear a festive look on Holi. These colourful wigs are selling big this year. The overall sales this year, ahead of Holi, is better than the previous year. The pleasant weather is also one of the reasons why pre-Holi shoppers are turning out in such big numbers,” he said.
People across the country flocked to nearby markets to purchase sweets and colours. The streets were dotted with make-shift shops selling gulal, colours, toys, and other decor.
Many travellers are taking three days off to extend the holiday to nine days, thanks to the unique opportunity of Holi and Good Friday falling in the same week. According to various travel agencies and online portals, there has been a huge surge in demand, with close to 350 per cent increase in both domestic and international travel for the extended Holi weekend compared to last year.
Not just enthusiastic countrymen but overseas tourists as well could be seen breaking into unbridled celebrations ahead of Holi.Tourists were seen flocking to Pushkar in Rajasthan to not just bask in the local celebratory flavour around ‘Pushkar ki Holi’ but also mingle with locals.
One of the tourists visiting Pushkar expressed his delight saying he was’very excited’ to be in India to cerebrate Holi.
“I feel very happy to be here. This is one of the holiest sites in the world. I am getting good energy and celebratory vibes from the locals. It just feels very nice. I am excited to experience the ambience around the festival here,” he told ANI.
Holi, a festival celebrated with as much fervour in the country as it is overseas, will be marked on March 25, Monday, this year.
The festival is preceded by a ritual of lighting bonfires called Holika Dahan, signifying the burning of the demon Holika.
Some of the country’s oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, such as Vrindavan, Mathura, and Barsana, draw revellers on this day, smearing themselves with the colours of Holi.
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In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Darrel Wade, Chairman and Co-Founder of Intrepid Travel, shared insights into the company’s plans for the Indian market and its global growth strategies. Intrepid Travel, headquartered in Australia, is a renowned sustainable travel company offering over 1,150 trips across all seven continents, with an average of 10–15 travelers per tour.
Wade discussed Intrepid’s global growth trajectory, highlighting a record year in 2023 despite challenges posed by the pandemic. The company is poised to double in size by 2030, with a strong focus on expanding its operations in key source markets like the USA, UK, and Australia. Wade also emphasized the significant growth potential for Intrepid in India, projecting a triple growth by 2030 compared to the global average.
“We’ve taken a global view, and effectively it falls into a couple of buckets of development. We’re saying that we’re going to continue to do what we do but just do more of it. Between now and 2030, the business will double in size. So in the context of India, it’s perhaps more interesting because we’ve had our own office in India since 2006,” Wade commented.
Currently Itrepid is currently deadling with over 10,000 travellers from India. Last year, this number was 8,000. The projection for the coming year from Indian perspective is 12,000. Globally, Intrepid Travel dealt with 3 lakh travellers.
India’s Potential as an Adventure Tourism Destination
Intrepid Travel sees India as a prime destination for adventure tourism, given its diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and historical significance. Wade expressed enthusiasm about India’s potential to attract adventure travellers from around the world and highlighted the need to break stereotypes about Indian tourism by promoting diverse attractions beyond the Golden Triangle.
Wade said, “The capacity that India has to really go to different places and do different things is quite extraordinary. The sheer variety of the activities that we can engage our travelers with is pretty much second to none in the world.”
“India is rapidly establishing itself as a top destination for adventure tourism, attracting thrill-seekers from all over the world. The travel landscape has shifted with an increase in adventure travel, which is driven by a desire for unique experiences. Off-grid destinations, sustainable tourism, and immersive cultural experiences are all current trends. Furthermore, India’s rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality contribute to its allure, making it an ideal adventure destination for those seeking both excitement and cultural immersion. Intrepid Travel expects to bring more than 30000 travelers every year to India by 2030.
Also, it is encouraging to see that our government is emphasizing on India’s strategic goal of expanding its infrastructure and tourism industry. Recently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said India wants to be a USD 1 trillion tourism economy by 2047, which will further catalyse India’s growth as a leading adventure tourism destination,” said Rama Mahendru- Country General Manager- India, Intrepid Travel talking about growth in the Indian market.
Social Impact Initiatives
Intrepid Travel is committed to social impact initiatives, including promoting gender equality, empowering local communities, and supporting underprivileged groups. Wade discussed initiatives such as employing more female leaders within the company and creating gender-neutral spaces to foster inclusivity. “As a business, we take a strong stance on gender equality and really, wherever we operate, we try to ensure that the benefits of tourism are spread across all genders.” Wade commented.
Abu Dhabi [UAE], His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the emirate. Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ambitious blueprint signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector.
Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
With a strong focus on sustainability, Intrepid Travel is working towards reducing carbon emissions and implementing responsible tourism practices across its supply chain. Wade stressed the importance of responsible travel that benefits local communities and minimises environmental impact. “We’ve got a long history on sustainability and purpose-based work. We’re in a very lucky position at Intrepid, we’ve got a long history on sustainability and purpose-based work,” he said.
Future Expansion and Partnerships
Looking ahead, Intrepid Travel plans to expand its presence in India through innovative initiatives, including investments in unique accommodation options that enhance traveller experiences and benefit local communities. Wade emphasised the need for partnerships with stakeholders, airlines, and government bodies to promote sustainable and well-managed tourism growth.
“We see enormous opportunity and beyond travel ties between America and India are growing anyway. So we see India playing very strongly to that aspirational theme,” Wade anticipated.
Wade also highlighted the economic benefits of tourism, including job creation, skills development, and revenue generation for governments. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that tourism growth is sustainable and beneficial for all involved parties.
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The Department of Tourism in Bhutan has unveiled the Druk Neykor programme, an enriching tourism experience encompassing 108 sacred sites and monuments across the country. Designed to offer a profound exploration of Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and spirituality, the programme welcomes travelers of all ages seeking a deeper understanding of the nation’s unique heritage.
The Druk Neykor programme kicks off with tours to 16 significant sites within Thimphu, including the revered Wangditse Lhakhang, Tshelung Ney, and Talangkha Drugyel Goenpa. These sites are conveniently accessible either by road or through scenic hikes, with various accommodation options nearby such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
Chosen based on their sacredness, historical importance, easy accessibility, and popularity, the Druk Neykor sites offer a pilgrimage-like experience.
Travellers can opt for the Druk Neykor programme through authorised Bhutanese Tour Operators, although visiting the sites independently is also possible. What makes the experience truly immersive is the unique passport system of Druk Neykor, where travellers collect stamps at each spiritual site visited. From the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery to the tranquil Druk Wangyel Chorten, Dochula, each stamp narrates a tale of spiritual awakening and cultural immersion. Moreover, the stamp book features QR codes, providing detailed information about each site upon scanning.
The Druk Neykor programme invites visitors to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery amidst Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and natural beauty. It offers a captivating opportunity to traverse ancient pilgrimage routes, engage with local communities, and partake in age-old rituals and traditions that have shaped Bhutan’s spiritual heritage for centuries.
Dorji Dhradhul, Director General, Department of Tourism-Bhutan, emphasised, “The spiritual legacy of Bhutan harmonises with its natural allure, and Druk Neykor presents a unique chance to explore both facets in unison. We extend a warm invitation to travellers worldwide seeking a genuinely spiritual and immersive travel encounter to participate in the Druk Neykor programme and contribute to promoting Bhutan’s pilgrimage sites and distinctive culture.”
The guide features a diverse range of tourist events, including iftar and suhoor offerings, as well as luxurious accommodation packages, ensuring an unforgettable experience for tourists during the holy month of Ramadan. From live performances to traditional bazaars, food and beverage vendors, and more, participants can immerse themselves in the essence of Ramadan in Bahrain.
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Despite facing significant challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the global tourism sector has witnessed remarkable resilience, with people worldwide spending a staggering amount on travelling and vacations. According to data from Stocklytics.com, global travel and tourism expenditures have exceeded USD 4 trillion in the past five years, highlighting the enduring appeal of travel and leisure activities.
The rebound in the tourism sector has been particularly notable, with global travel and tourism revenues projected to increase by 8.3 per cent in 2024, reaching almost USD 930 billion. This surge marks the highest revenue figure ever recorded in the industry, reflecting a strong resurgence following the pandemic-induced downturn.
Hotels emerged as the dominant segment in terms of spending, accounting for nearly half of the total expenditure over the past five years. With a cumulative revenue of USD 1.85 trillion, hotels significantly outpaced other sectors such as package holidays, camping, cruises, and vacation rentals.
Hospitality and consumer tech companies are emerging as hunting grounds for such talent, which can command compensation packages ranging fromINR 70-80 lakhs, reaching up toINR 1-2 crore for CXO appointments. The travel market in India, estimated at USD 75 billion in FY20, is projected to reach USD 125 billion by FY27, according to data from industry body FICCI.
The years 2020 and 2021 witnessed unprecedented challenges for the tourism sector, characterized by steep revenue declines. However, despite these setbacks, people continued to allocate substantial resources to travel and vacation activities, underscoring the enduring appeal and importance of leisure experiences.A detailed breakdown of regional spending patterns revealed that Europeans emerged as the top spenders on vacation and travel, with a total expenditure exceeding USD 1.2 trillion in the last five years. Americans followed closely behind, with USD 917.7 billion in total spending, while Chinese travellers accounted for USD 666 billion in expenditures during the same period.
The data underscores the global appetite for travel and leisure activities, highlighting the sector’s resilience and capacity for recovery in the face of unprecedented challenges. As global travel restrictions ease and consumer confidence rebound, the tourism industry is poised for further growth and innovation, signaling promising prospects for stakeholders across the travel ecosystem.
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Akasa Air, known for its rapid growth in India’s aviation sector, has officially commenced international operations with the launch of non-stop flights connecting Mumbai and Doha. The inaugural flight departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 1745hrs IST on March 28 and arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha at 1940hrs AST. This new route signifies Akasa Air’s strategic move to expand its global presence and enhance connectivity between India and Qatar.
The commencement of the Mumbai-Doha route is a significant milestone for Akasa Air, featuring four non-stop flights per week to facilitate travel and trade between the two countries. The inaugural flight ceremony at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport was attended by key executives of Akasa Air, including Neelu Khatri (Co-Founder and SVP International), Ankur Goel (Chief Financial Officer), Belson Coutinho (Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer), and Bhavin Joshi (Co-Founder and Sr. Vice President – Strategy).
During the event, a ceremonial lamp was lit to mark the inaugural flight, and a special boarding pass was presented to the first passenger. The occasion also witnessed an all-women operating crew comprising two pilots and five cabin crew members, adding a touch of inclusivity and celebration to the launch.
As part of its expansion strategy and in response to strong demand, Vistara has announced the deployment of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Delhi – Bali route, effective from 31st March 2024. This move comes in anticipation of increased travel during the upcoming summer season. Vistara initially launched daily non-stop flights on this route in December 2023, operated by its A321LR aircraft, becoming the sole airline to offer direct flights between Delhi and Bali.
With the flight’s convenient schedule, travellers from various Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Goa, Varanasi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Delhi will have seamless connectivity to Doha via Mumbai. Akasa Holidays, a subsidiary of Akasa Air, also offers customizable and affordable holiday packages for travelers looking to explore Doha.Akasa Air has secured traffic rights for three other international destinations – Kuwait, Jeddah, and Riyadh – signaling its ambitious plans for further global expansion in the near future. Since its inception in August 2022, Akasa Air has served over 7.75 million passengers and established connections with 21 cities across India and now Doha in Qatar.
The flight schedule for QP70 includes a departure from Mumbai to Doha at 17:45, with an expected arrival time of 19:40 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Similarly, QP71 includes a departure from Doha to Mumbai at 20:40, with an expected arrival time of 2:45 (+1) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Revenue from tourism in Kenya jumped nearly a third in 2023 over the previous year beating the pre-pandemic numbers, according to the tourism ministry.
Kenya has been a major tourist destination in East Africa traditionally attracting visitors from across the world to its wildlife parks and Indian Ocean beaches.
A ministry report seen by AFP on Sunday said revenue rose 31.5 percent last year to hit 352.5 billion shillings (nearly USD2.7 billion).
But per capita spending in dollar terms by the 1.95 million visitors fell.
“Despite the increase in the number of visitors in 2023 as compared to 2022, the average per capita expenditure in US dollars decreased significantly,” the report said.
The airline, whose biggest shareholder is the Kenyan government, also said in a statement that its loss after tax had reduced to almost 23 billion shillings from more than 38 billion shillings the year before. Total revenue for the year surged by 53 per cent to 178 billion shillings, which the airline attributed mainly to a 35 per cent growth in passenger numbers to 5.04 million, according to its audited results statement.
“This is partly attributed to the sustained depreciation of the Kenya shilling against the major currencies.”Before the coronavirus pandemic, tourism brought in about USD2.24 billion in 2019 from two million visitors, or about 10 percent of GDP.
Americans accounted for the largest number of 2023 arrivals at 265,310, followed by Ugandans (201,623), Tanzanians (157,818) and 156,700 from the United Kingdom.
The ministry hopes to welcome 2.4 million tourists this year.
In January, Kenya’s immigration services said the first batch of foreign tourists had arrived under a simplified “visa-free” entry system it hoped would encourage more visitors.
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