On his first visit to India post his relection in January 2024, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, emphasised the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and Bhutan to promote tourism during an exclusive interaction organised by FICCI in New Delhi. Highlighting the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, he invited more Indian tourists to explore Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
“Our aim is to target 1,50,000 Indian tourists in the coming year,” stated PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay, underscoring Bhutan’s commitment to enhancing happiness and well-being among tourists through a holistic tourism policy. Globally, Bhutan is targeting to receive 3 lakh tourists. In 2023, 72659 Indian tourists travelled to Bhutan. The country yet the reach the pre-pandemic visitor arrival numbers, when it had received 2.30 lakh tourists.
The Bhutanese PM also invited more Indian carriers to fly to Bhutan and utilise the current air travel agreement between both the countries.
Bhutan’s tourism policy revolves around the concept of Gross National Happiness, focusing on sustainable development, social progress, cultural preservation, and good governance. Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay highlighted Bhutan’s efforts in education, ensuring that tourists receive excellent care and experiences during their visit.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of good governance in ensuring the safety and security of tourists. He outlined plans to improve air access to Bhutan and sought collaboration from the industry to achieve this goal. Additionally, he announced that Bhutan government will work towards providing subsidies to airlines to reduce airfares and easing of permit processes for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan.
Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase of over 25 per cent in the number of female guides in Bhutan, particularly since the country reopened its doors to tourism in September 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, there are approximately 1,809 certified and validated guides in Bhutan.
On the ocassion, Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI, emphasised Bhutan’s potential for tourism growth, citing its stunning landscapes and commitment to sustainable development. She called for increased collaboration between India and Bhutan in infrastructure development and trust-building initiatives.Dipak Deva, Chairman, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee, stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity between India and Bhutan to facilitate tourism. He also highlighted the demand for a common regional package for tourism covering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, a proposal that the Bhutanese Prime Minister supported.
The summit concluded with a shared commitment to fostering greater understanding and collaboration between India and Bhutan, with a focus on promoting tourism and enhancing people-to-people ties.
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Japan welcomed 2.79 million visitors in February, a record for the month and the most for any month since the Covid-19 pandemic began, boosted by travel during Lunar New Year holidays.
The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure was up from 2.69 million in January, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed on Tuesday.
Arrivals in February were 7.1 per cent higher than in 2019, when the Lunar New Year also fell in the second month of the year rather than the first. For all of 2019, Japan welcomed a record 31.9 million visitors before the pandemic struck.
Tourism to Japan all but stopped for more than two years during the pandemic. Since then, the industry has received a major boost from a weak yen that has made Japan a bargain destination for foreign travellers.
Current account data in January showed a record gain attributable to inbound tourism, illustrating the sector’s widening role in the economy. Visitors spent more than 5 trillion yen (USD 33.3 billion) in the country last year for the first time, exceeding the government’s goal.
Just before the onset of the summer travel season, India and Thailand last week finalised an agreement that will allow airlines to deploy more flights between the two countries. In a meeting in Bangkok, the countries agreed to increase capacity by 14,000 seats per week for both sides which is an increase by 43 per cent.
Travellers from 19 of 23 countries and territories, including South Korea and the United States, set records for February, the JNTO said. Japan is the top destination for travellers from 12 countries on Agoda’s online booking platform, said Agoda Chief Executive Omri Morgenshtern.
“Demand for Japan is very strong,” Morgenshtern said. “I assume, overall, you will see 2024 in the 2019 levels or slightly above.”
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Japan welcomed 2.79 million visitors in February, a record for the month and the most for any month since the Covid-19 pandemic began, boosted by travel during Lunar New Year holidays.
The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure was up from 2.69 million in January, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed on Tuesday.
Arrivals in February were 7.1 per cent higher than in 2019, when the Lunar New Year also fell in the second month of the year rather than the first. For all of 2019, Japan welcomed a record 31.9 million visitors before the pandemic struck.
Tourism to Japan all but stopped for more than two years during the pandemic. Since then, the industry has received a major boost from a weak yen that has made Japan a bargain destination for foreign travellers.
Current account data in January showed a record gain attributable to inbound tourism, illustrating the sector’s widening role in the economy. Visitors spent more than 5 trillion yen (USD 33.3 billion) in the country last year for the first time, exceeding the government’s goal.
Just before the onset of the summer travel season, India and Thailand last week finalised an agreement that will allow airlines to deploy more flights between the two countries. In a meeting in Bangkok, the countries agreed to increase capacity by 14,000 seats per week for both sides which is an increase by 43 per cent.
Travellers from 19 of 23 countries and territories, including South Korea and the United States, set records for February, the JNTO said. Japan is the top destination for travellers from 12 countries on Agoda’s online booking platform, said Agoda Chief Executive Omri Morgenshtern.
“Demand for Japan is very strong,” Morgenshtern said. “I assume, overall, you will see 2024 in the 2019 levels or slightly above.”
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On his first visit to India post his relection in January 2024, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, emphasised the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and Bhutan to promote tourism during an exclusive interaction organised by FICCI in New Delhi. Highlighting the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, he invited more Indian tourists to explore Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
“Our aim is to target 1,50,000 Indian tourists in the coming year,” stated PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay, underscoring Bhutan’s commitment to enhancing happiness and well-being among tourists through a holistic tourism policy. Globally, Bhutan is targeting to receive 3 lakh tourists. In 2023, 72659 Indian tourists travelled to Bhutan. The country yet the reach the pre-pandemic visitor arrival numbers, when it had received 2.30 lakh tourists.
The Bhutanese PM also invited more Indian carriers to fly to Bhutan and utilise the current air travel agreement between both the countries.
Bhutan’s tourism policy revolves around the concept of Gross National Happiness, focusing on sustainable development, social progress, cultural preservation, and good governance. Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay highlighted Bhutan’s efforts in education, ensuring that tourists receive excellent care and experiences during their visit.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of good governance in ensuring the safety and security of tourists. He outlined plans to improve air access to Bhutan and sought collaboration from the industry to achieve this goal. Additionally, he announced that Bhutan government will work towards providing subsidies to airlines to reduce airfares and easing of permit processes for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan.
Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase of over 25 per cent in the number of female guides in Bhutan, particularly since the country reopened its doors to tourism in September 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, there are approximately 1,809 certified and validated guides in Bhutan.
On the ocassion, Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI, emphasised Bhutan’s potential for tourism growth, citing its stunning landscapes and commitment to sustainable development. She called for increased collaboration between India and Bhutan in infrastructure development and trust-building initiatives.Dipak Deva, Chairman, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee, stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity between India and Bhutan to facilitate tourism. He also highlighted the demand for a common regional package for tourism covering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, a proposal that the Bhutanese Prime Minister supported.
The summit concluded with a shared commitment to fostering greater understanding and collaboration between India and Bhutan, with a focus on promoting tourism and enhancing people-to-people ties.
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Sabre Corporation, a global technology leader powering the travel industry, has appointed Sam Machado as the new Managing Director for the India market. With extensive experience in the travel and hospitality sector, Machado brings a wealth of knowledge to Sabre, having previously served in various leadership roles within the industry. His return to Sabre marks a significant milestone as the company reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and customer success in the region.
In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld, Machado highlighted trends he sees in the marketplace, Sabre’s plans, and what agencies need to be thinking about to harness India’s huge tourism industry growth.
Vision for growth
Machado’s professional journey in the travel industry has been characterised by continuous growth and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Having previously joined Sabre in 2011 and later progressing to lead sales across the Asia Pacific region, Sam’s decision to rejoin Sabre stems from his belief in the company’s vision to be the most valued technology platform in travel. He expresses his excitement about returning to India and South Asia, where he began his journey with Sabre and forged lifelong connections.
“In the dynamic and ever-evolving Indian market, there are immense growth possibilities, I’m thrilled to be back at Sabre, where I can make a significant positive impact on our customers’ businesses and the wider travel ecosystem,” he mentioned.
Focus areas and responsibilities
As the Managing Director for India, Machado will lay special emphasis on a customer-centric approach, with a primary focus on supporting both online and brick-and-mortar agency customers. He underscores Sabre’s commitment to providing innovative technology solutions that anticipate future trends and meet the evolving needs of travellers and agencies alike.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that our innovative technology solutions are at the forefront of the digital transformation happening across the travel marketplace. We aim to leverage strategic partnerships, enhanced customer relations, and relentless pursuit of technology-driven solutions to propel Sabre’s growth and presence in the region,” Machado explained.
Navigating market dynamics & unlocking growth opportunities
The new Sabre India MD identifies the Indian travel marketplace as one of the most dynamic and exciting markets globally. With predictions indicating India’s rise as the fourth largest spender on travel by 2030, there are significant opportunities for growth. To navigate these changes, Machado emphasises the importance of understanding the unique needs of diverse clientele and providing them with the necessary tools and expertise to capitalize on this growth.
“We focus on providing our travel agency partners with the necessary tools and expertise to capitalise on this growth. Our strategic partnerships, like the one with Air India, showcase our commitment to aligning with local market needs.”
Facilitating digital transformation & enhancing customer experience
Sabre’s commitment to digital transformation is evident in its comprehensive suite of AI-powered microservices and automation tools designed to enhance customer success. Sam emphasises Sabre’s role in facilitating digital transformation within the travel sector in India, highlighting the importance of reducing manual work and enabling better business decision-making through advanced technology solutions.
“Through everything we’ve been talking about! It’s about bringing our technological transformation and our customer-centric approach together with our advanced solutions and our deep expertise in the market. It’s through working with our technology partners and our travel partners across the entire travel ecosystem. We’re proud to sit at the beating heart of the travel ecosystem and we take that responsibility very seriously, giving us countless opportunities to create positive momentum not just for Sabre but for our customers and their travellers,” he said.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, the sector leaders are bullish about sustained and growing demand for experiential travel. Travelers, driven by a desire for genuine connections and transformative encounters, are expected to shape the industry’s future, according to Suresh Rangarajan, Founder & CEO of Colive.
Growth plans for 2024 and beyond
Machado feels that 2024 is a pivotal year for technological transformation at Sabre. “This will be the year we fully complete our move to the Cloud. We’re on schedule and right on the cusp of being completely migrated to the Google Cloud. We went into that tech transformation to deliver all sorts of benefits and capabilities for Sabre and the travel industry at large – to reduce costs, unlock greater efficiencies and capabilities, and enhance our ability to deliver transformative products and services at speed for the wider travel ecosystem,” he mentioned.
He further added that the company now have 100 per cent of Sabre agency and airline shopping in the Cloud, which is giving them greater scalability to meet the needs of their regional and global partners. “Our data scientists, engineers and travel technology experts from Sabre and Google are working together every day and our team in Bangalore has been involved in regular hackathons and tech talks to solve real-life challenges and provide platforms to share ideas as we work together to reshape the future of travel.”
This year, Sabre in India will be working with their customers to support its own digital transformation. The company has a range of products and solutions, including booking tools, APIs and automation products, that significantly reduce manual work and allow agents to operate online and from mobile devices, allowing them to service customers better and in more ways.
“We anticipate greater and greater demand for these products as agencies transform from traditional to hybrid models. In the years to come, we expect to see more and more unique content offerings that will provide opportunities for growth, but also complexity in adoption. Fortunately, with Sabre Red 360 and our unique marketplace, Sabre is best positioned to solve for this complexity and ensure our customers continue to have access to the widest breadth of content and seamless workflow,” Machado further said while talking about strategic vision for the Indian market.
How can Sabre support travel agencies?
While answering the question on agencies’ perspective on harnessing growth potential of the tourism industry and how Sabre can support travel agencies in adopting to the evolving needs of the market, Machado said agencies need to ensure they have the right technology to compete in the complex travel landscape of today and tomorrow, and what is vital is that they start from the back to the front.
“They need to start with what they want to achieve so we can help them get there. They need to be thinking about both automation and innovation. It’s vital they can increase efficiencies by replacing repetitive, manual tasks with automation, which is why we’re seeing such interest in our Automation Hub and TicketExpress, and Automated Exchanges and Automated Refunds. By reducing time spent on back-end tasks, agencies can focus more on their customers and future business strategy,” he suggested.
Agencies also need to ensure they aren’t passive bystanders in the new world of offer-and-order. The travel industry is on the brink of a seismic shift, driven by tech innovation and a new wave of consumer demand. So, for travel agencies looking to up their game, the time for introspection is now. Modern travel retailing is not just about selling flight tickets from Point A to Point B, but about improving the entire journey from dreaming about a trip to landing back home. Airlines are already adopting a model of offers and orders in which NDC lets airlines offer personalized bundles.
Message to industry stakeholders
Sharing a message of collaboration, innovation, and shared success to industry stakeholders, clients, and partners, Machado expressed his excitement about the journey ahead and reaffirmed Sabre’s commitment to driving innovation and contributing to the growth and success of the travel industry in India and South Asia.
“With collaboration and innovation, we can navigate the evolving landscape, unlock new possibilities, and reshape the future of travel in India and South Asia. I’m so excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working closely with all of our stakeholders to achieve our collective goals. Together, we can navigate the evolving landscape, unlock new possibilities, and reshape the future of travel in India and South Asia,” he concluded.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, embracing data-driven personalization is not just a trend but a fundamental strategy for success. Haninder Sachdeva, Managing Director & CEO, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts shares that from pre-booking to post-stay engagement, hotels that harness the power of data analytics and technology can create tailored, memorable experiences for their guests.
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South Korea is set to launch a new workcation visa, officially named the F-1-D visa, allowing remote workers from overseas companies to stay in the country for an extended period. The move is a part of South Korea‘s tourism strategy, aiming to attract 30 million visitors annually and generate $3 billion in tourism revenue by 2027.
The new visa allows qualifying remote workers to apply for visas for their dependent family members to stay in Korea during the visa validity period.
Although the workation visa encourages remote work, it explicitly prohibits visa holders from being employed or conducting profit work in Korea. Any income generated must be from a non-Korean employer, business, or entity.
South Korea aims to double its tourism target by attracting 30 million visitors annually by 2027, with a revenue goal of USD 3 billion. The workation visa aligns with this vision, aiming to not only attract high-earning foreigners but also to vitalise local economies across various regions in South Korea.
As part of the Visit Korea Year 2023–2024 initiative, the country is introducing measures to enhance the overall tourist experience. These include expanding group electronic visa fee waivers, increasing limits for immediate tax refunds on duty-free purchases, and improving transportation reservation services and payment methods.
The workation visa is launching as a trial period, and its success will determine its permanence. The Korean justice ministry expressed hope that the new visa category would encourage foreigners to explore various regions of Korea, contributing to the local economies.
The changes come into effect as a response to the evolving cost of living and are designed to ensure that travellers have adequate financial resources to cover their expenses during their stay in Finland. These modifications aim to strike a balance between facilitating tourism and addressing the practical aspects of financial support for short-term visitors.
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IntrCity SmartBus, a leading player in the intercity bus travel sector, has reported an impressive growth trajectory in 2023, showcasing a resilient performance despite challenges posed by the pandemic. In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Kapil Raizada, Co-founder, IntrCity SmartBus, shared insights into the company’s achievements, technological advancements, and the evolving trends in the travel industry.
Significant Growth Trajectory in 2023
Raizada highlighted IntrCity SmartBus’s exceptional growth, revealing, “Our network has demonstrated rapidly growing consumer adoption, with annual revenues in FY23 growing 6.5x compared to FY21. This growth has been accompanied by a continuous increase in margins, even during the pandemic interruptions, with the gross profits increasing 9.0x over the same period.”
He emphasised the company’s financial performance, stating, “In the first half of the current fiscal year, we have achieved a revenue of INR 178 crore with an EBITDA profit of INR 2.9 crore. Annual revenues are expected to cross INR 350 crore this year, along with the first full year EBITDA profits.”
In terms of operational scale, Raizada reported, “The IntrCity SmartBus network now reaches 2.5 lakh seats per month with over 100 million passenger-seat-kilometers. The brand is now the market leader across several routes in both North and South India, commanding a 15-20 per cent market share in a traditionally highly fragmented industry.”
Key Drivers and Consumer Experience
Discussing the key drivers for SmartBus’s success, Raizada highlighted, “IntrCity SmartBus functions as a mobility platform, revolutionizing the perception of bus travel and positioning it as a convenient alternative to overnight long distance trains.”
He detailed the unique selling points that set IntrCity SmartBus apart, stating, “Travellers can experience the comfort of private cabins with flat beds for enhanced privacy. Additionally, boarding points with Wi-Fi-enabled AC lounges provide a space to unwind and recharge, complete with in-built washrooms, and on-table food service to ensure hygiene and convenience.”
Raizada emphasised the company’s commitment to safety, mentioning, “IntrCity SmartBus has implemented various measures acknowledging the safety concerns people face, especially women and older individuals, face while traveling on buses. To address these concerns, the platform provides buses equipped with CCTV and WiFi, real-time bus tracking, and secure boarding areas.”
Technological Innovations for Efficiency and Safety
IntrCity SmartBus leverages advanced technology for tasks such as route optimisation, real-time tracking, and enhancing passenger safety. Raizada explained, “The IntrCity Mobility System incorporates several applications including the Consumer Platform, Operator Dashboard, Crew App, IOT-based Fleet Analytics, and a 24/7 Command Centre. This complete platform caters to all aspects of organizing intercity bus services, offering travelers a seamless and exceptional journey experience.”
Uber India has released highlights of its annual data report – How India Ubered – encapsulating the key trends from how India moved this year. The analysis from the trips in 2023 revealed some very interesting trends about cities with the highest number of trips, the total number of kilometres covered in Uber rides, popular travel trends in intercity travel, the city with the most late-night trips, and also several rider preferences.
He detailed the use of IoT fleet analytics, stating, “The platform employs IoT fleet analytics to establish a network of ‘connected buses,’ ensuring seamless, on-the-go monitoring and efficient operations. This technology allows real-time performance monitoring and analytics for each vehicle, contributing to overall smooth performance.”
Addressing Urban Congestion and Intercity Connectivity
Raizada discussed SmartBus’s role in addressing urban congestion and enhancing intercity connectivity, saying, “SmartBus strategically tackles urban congestion and enhances intercity connectivity through innovative measures. IntrCity SmartBus network provides an affordable & reliable shared public transport, which is the core of creating a greener, de-congested mobility ecosystem.”
He detailed the routing strategy, mentioning, “Our network routing is designed so as to ensure that each bus addresses a specific geographic segment of a city, so as to minimize the distance that travelers have to commute to reach the nearest boarding point of their IntrCity SmartBus.”
Speaking about the diverse demographics of IntrCity SmartBus travellers, Raizada stated, “IntrCity SmartBus caters to a diverse demographic of travellers, influenced by evolving trends and preferences.” He highlighted shifts in travel patterns, saying, “During the Diwali break, there was a significant uptick in travel in and around Goa. Tourist destinations such as Tirupati, Goa, and Manali are projected to experience more than a twofold growth compared to the previous year.”
Raizada also emphasised the platform’s adaptability, noting, “These observations suggest a dynamic and diverse traveler base for IntrCity SmartBus, with preferences spanning both leisure and functional routes. The platform remains adaptable to evolving demographics and travel trends, ensuring a comprehensive and responsive service to meet the diverse needs of its passengers.”
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The Ministry of Tourism convened the National Conference on Adventure Tourism, held from December 18 to 19, 2023 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Based on the theme, ‘Viksit Bharat@2047: Making India a Global Adventure Tourism Hub’, the primary objective revolved around creating a platform for in-depth discussions and formulating strategies to propel India into a prominent role as a global adventure tourism destination.
Fueled by ambition, the Ministry of Tourism aims to achieve a robust USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, with a substantial contribution of USD 800 billion from adventure tourism alone. This vision also encompasses elevating India into the top ten adventure tourism destinations globally.
To materialise this goal, the agenda includes attracting 20 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and 80 million Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) specifically for adventure tourism, generating a significant foreign exchange of USD 90 billion. Domestic visits are expected to reach 4 billion for adventure tourism within the country. Such an ascent from the 96th to the 10th position globally necessitates a cohesive strategic roadmap jointly designed by the Central Government in collaboration with States and Industry stakeholders.
India’s geographic diversity stands as a substantial advantage, boasting rich natural and eco-tourism resources. The country boasts 70 percent of the Himalayas, a 7,000-kilometer coastline, both hot and cold deserts, extensive forest cover (ranking 10th globally), and a remarkable count of recognized UNESCO Natural Heritage sites. Furthermore, India hosts an array of iconic wildlife species, including tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and more than 1200 species of birds.
Despite this wealth of natural resources and potential, India currently holds a comparatively low position in the global adventure tourism sphere. Recognising the country’s immense potential to emerge as a global adventure tourism marketplace, efforts are being directed toward attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
To give impetus to adventure tourism’s development, the Ministry of Tourism has laid out a comprehensive National Strategy. The Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management has been designated as the Central Nodal Agency for Adventure Tourism, providing crucial technical support. Additionally, the establishment of a National Board for Adventure Tourism, comprising representatives from Central Ministries, States, and Industry Stakeholders, aims to provide guidance for sectoral development.
Strategic pillars have been identified to foster sustainable tourism, adventure tourism, and ecotourism, including state assessments and strategies, capacity building, marketing and promotion, safety management frameworks, rescue grids, destination and product development, and governance frameworks.
During the conference, the Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Adventure Tourism India Website’ and announced the ‘Best Adventure Tourism Destination Competition 2024’.
The event also witnessed various presentations, including the National Strategy for Adventure Tourism by Additional Secretary (Tourism) Rakesh Kumar Verma. Emphasis was placed on capacity building, marketing, promotion, and the necessity of collaboration among central, state, and industry stakeholders.
Notable international and industry perspectives were shared by Mike Druce, Coach at Slalomcoach, and Ajeet Bajaj, President ATOAI, respectively.
These agreements aim to enhance knowledge-sharing on adventure tourism, focusing on film shooting and infrastructure development in Gujarat. Key developments planned through the MoUs are establishing a four-star resort and an entertainment zone and culture theme park. ATOAI also signed an MoU with the UP Tourism Development Corporation as well.
The conference also dedicated a session to ‘Propelling States for Adventure Tourism’, featuring presentations from various states showcasing their adventure tourism assets, development initiatives, skill building efforts, marketing strategies, safety measures, and alignment with national policies and digital platforms.
On the subsequent day, the focus shifted to ‘Destination Planning, Development, and Management’, sharing best practices and experiences. Case studies on developing Ekta Nagar as a green field tourism destination and creating a sustainable and responsible tourist destination under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 were spotlighted.
The final session provided updates on various initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism, encompassing the Incredible India Portal, Meet in India campaign, Wed in India campaign, Travel for LiFE Campaign, Travel for LiFE: Tourism for Tomorrow Competition, Best Tourism Village, and Best Rural Homestays Competition.
The state representatives including Sachin Kurve, Secretary, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB); Swapnil Naik, Secretary (Tourism), Arunachal Pradesh; Hareet Shukla, Secretary (Tourism), Gujarat; Kaushlendra Vikram Singh IAS, MD MP Tourism corporation; Kunzes Angmo, Director (Tourism), UT Ladakh; P.B. Nooh, Director (Tourism), Kerala; C.S.Rao, Principal Secretary, Sikkim Tourism and Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Pr. Secretary, Punjab made the presentations during the conference.
Director Niche Tourism, Radha Katyal Narang, commended the State Government of Gujarat and the Adventure Tour Operator Association of India (ATOAI) for the success of the 15th Annual Convention & Pre-Vibrant Gujarat Event, emphasising the Ministry’s ongoing efforts in promoting and developing sustainable adventure tourism in the country.
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In the past few years, India has seen a significant rise in medical tourism, with a clear upward trend in the number of medical tourists. The influx of medical tourists to India has grown steadily from 1.83 lakh in 2020 to 5.04 lakh in 2023 (till October).
In the past few years, India has witnessed a steady increase in medical tourism, as indicated by the rising numbers of medical tourists arriving in the country, stated Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy. In 2020, the count stood at 1.83 lakh, which surged to 3.04 lakh in 2021, followed by a substantial increase to 4.75 lakh in 2022. Notably, the trend continued upward in 2023, reaching 5.04 lakh by October.
To support this burgeoning sector, the Government of India has taken substantial steps, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. A USD 14.8 billion loan injection has been announced, aimed at bolstering infrastructure. Additionally, financial aid in the form of working capital and personal loans has been extended to revive tourism-related businesses post the pandemic setback.
Focusing on healthcare infrastructure, major players like Apollo Hospitals, MAX Hospitals, ASIAN Hospitals, SHALBY Hospitals, Fortis Hospitals, and the Manipal Group are spearheading initiatives to establish cutting-edge medical facilities in tier-II and tier-III cities. This development is making advanced medical procedures, such as dental implants and cosmetic surgeries, accessible in these cities, challenging the notion that such treatments were limited to larger urban centers due to distance and time constraints.
Sharing the numbers from the last three years, the minister said the FTA provisional figures for 2023 stood at 6.43 million (from January till September), 1.52 million in 2021 and 6.43 million in 2022. The foreign exchange earnings from tourism jumped to INR 1,66,660 crore during Jan-Sept this year compared to INR 1,39,935 crore for the full year in 2022.
The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) plays a pivotal role in accrediting healthcare organisations. Recognised by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua), NABH accreditation holds international acclaim, significantly boosting India’s standing in medical tourism. Moreover, NABH also extends accreditation to Medical Value Travel Facilitators, an important segment within the medical tourism domain that was previously largely unregulated.
To further promote domestic tourism, the Ministry of Tourism revised the guidelines for the Scheme of Market Development Assistance (MDA) in November 2020. This revision aimed to expand the scheme’s scope and benefits, including provisions tailored for Medical Tourist Service Providers. Financial support under MDA for the promotion of Domestic Tourism has seen an upward trajectory, totaling INR 20,37,118 across the years 2021-24.
Over the years, significant financial aid has been provided for the promotion of domestic tourism initiatives, shared Reddy. As per the data, in 2021-22, an amount of INR 6,86,237 was released, followed by INR 7,06,668 in 2022-23. The support continued into 2023-24, with INR 6,44,213 released till mid-December, culminating in a substantial total amount of INR 20,37,118 allotted for this purpose.
Underpinning these efforts is the Ministry of Tourism’s formulation of a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism, disclosed Reddy, who was speaking during a Lok Sabha session.
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South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary is set to make its debut in Ladakh, at Hanle village within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
This Dark Sky Reserve, aided by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, promises to boost India‘s astro-tourism, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh.
Hanle, known for India’s first dark sky reserve, offers excellent stargazing conditions due to its secluded location, high altitude and minimal light pollution. It will provide an optimal site for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes at an altitude of 4500 meters.
In the context of India’s space achievements, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 solar mission, the Dark Sky Reserve is anticipated to captivate enthusiasts, joining the exclusive ranks of 15 or 16 similar sites worldwide, said Singh. With a tripartite MoU signed among the UT Administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the project aims to bolster local tourism and economy through science and technology initiatives.
The Minister informed that the Sanctuary is being set up with the help of Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, which is affiliated to the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India.
Set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Sakhir Desert, this camping season is poised to be a celebration of nature, culture, and community. The tourism sector aims to attract prominent international events that engage large number of tourists and strengthen the position of Bahrain as an important tourism attraction on a regional and international level.
Dark Sky tourism is said to have grown significantly in recent years, and Hanle’s opening to all visitors is anticipated to significantly increase tourism in the area. The recently permitted overnight stay for foreign tourists in Hanle by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs adds to the region’s appeal.Singh also spoke about the Snow Sculpture that was introduced in Ladakh last year in a big way from the winter season and is promoted as a tourist attraction, which will also create job opportunities for the locals.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the exhibition ‘Ladakh’s Pride’ to mark the fourth anniversary of the establishment of the Union Territory, the minister also acknowledged Ladakh’s uniqueness. He emphasised its status as India’s youngest Union Territory with the oldest civilization.
He also underscored Ladakh’s commitment to becoming “Carbon Neutral,” unveiling a INR 50 crore Special Development Package, a funding approach by the Central government for the region’s diverse projects.
The minister also praised Ladakh’s cultural richness through the exhibition ‘Ladakh’s Pride,’ showcasing GI-tagged treasures of Ladakh like Seabuckthorn, Raktsey Karpal Apricots, Ladakh wood carvings and Pashmina wool.
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