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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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the expanded integrated Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport after, which also joined the elite club of airports having 100 million passengers per annum (MPPA) capacity globally. The Delhi airport T1 now has the capacity to serve 40 million passengers per annum (MPPA) – doubling its previous capability.
Speaking on the occasion, I Prabhakara Rao, Group Deputy Managing Director of GMR Group, emphasised that the Terminal 1 expansion project signifies more than just infrastructure development. It represents a paradigm shift in passenger experience, embracing sustainability while doubling its previous capacity to serve 40 million passengers annually.
“Terminal 1 enhances capacity and redefines the passenger experience while embracing sustainability. The expanded integrated terminal, a marvel of innovation and aesthetics, will serve 40 million passengers annually, double its previous capacity. Through this project, we have reimagined a seamless journey facilitated by facial recognition, self-service kiosks, and automated baggage systems. Spacious concourses bathed in natural light, offering a haven of comfort with prayer rooms, yoga areas, and quiet zones are its integral part,” he said.
GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd (GIL)-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) undertook the expansion work in 2019 to make Delhi Airport future-ready. The expansion work was carried out as per the Master Plan 2016 as Delhi Airport witnessed a massive surge the Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) and passenger numbers, exceeding projections.
Redefining Passenger Experience
The expanded Terminal 1 redefines passenger experience with its fusion of elegance, innovation, and advanced technology. Consolidating Arrival and Departure terminals into a cohesive structure has significantly increased the overall area, offering enhanced facilities and services to travelers.
Advanced technologies such as Facial Recognition System (DIGIYATRA), Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS), and Individual Carrier System (ICS) ensure a seamless journey for passengers. Moreover, the terminal features expanded baggage reclaim carousels, multiple entry gates, and enhanced Shop and Dine facilities to cater to diverse traveller needs.
Special zones and elevated seating arrangements have been introduced for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), both on the Kerbside and inside the terminal. Moreover, the terminal boasts a wide range of passenger facilities including prayer rooms, yoga areas, lounges, laptop and mobile charging stations, self-medication rooms, and smart washrooms.
Terminal 1’s city-side developments offer an enhanced experience for Meeters and Greeters, featuring contemporary meet & greet zones, plush forecourt areas, and expanded parking facilities. The terminal, designed as a Green Building adhering to USGBC LEED Platinum standards, incorporates innovative features for sustainability.
The redesigned apron, featuring 82 Code C stands and a dual taxiway, ensures improved air traffic flow and enhanced safety. Technological upgrades contribute to efficiency and safety in aircraft handling. The design concept blends existing structures with new, symbolising the evolution of flight and India’s commitment to innovation in aviation infrastructure.
In addition to Terminal 1 expansion, Delhi Airport has undertaken other projects under Phase 3A to become a NET ZERO-CARBON EMISSION AIRPORT BY 2030. These include the construction of a fourth runway, dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT), and modifications in Terminal 3 to enhance passenger throughput.
In a bid to enhance air connectivity and streamline travel, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 12 new terminal buildings at Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Adampur airports. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for three new terminal buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi, and Belagavi airports.
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Visa application volumes from New Delhi witnessed 10 per cent year-on-year growth in 2023, marking a significant recovery to 82 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. The resurgence in travel confidence and the gradual relaxation of travel restrictions were key drivers behind this upward trend, according to VFS Global, the world’s leading visa facilitation service provider.
This surge in visa applications from New Delhi mirrors the broader growth trend observed across India, with the country experiencing a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in visa application volumes in 2023. Compared to pre-pandemic figures, visa application volumes from India reached an impressive 93 per cent of 2019 levels, signaling a strong rebound in international travel aspirations among Indian citizens.
Briefing a media roundtable in New Delhi, Vishal Jairath, Head of South Asia, VFS Global, sharing details said, “The sustained demand for visas from India in 2023 reflects the unwavering enthusiasm of travellers to explore global destinations. As we look ahead to 2024, we anticipate this positive momentum to continue. Hence, we advise applicants planning overseas travel from India to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.”
Among the preferred destinations for Indian travellers in 2023 were Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, and the US. This diverse selection underscores the adventurous spirit and varied interests of Indian globetrotters.
Moreover, VFS said the surge in demand for personalised services such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) reflects the evolving preferences of travellers. VFS Global recorded a remarkable five-fold increase in VAYD bookings in 2023 compared to 2019, indicating a growing appetite for convenient and hassle-free visa application processes.
Jairath highlighted, “The adoption of contactless and personalised services like VAYD signifies travellers’ prioritisation of safety and convenience, especially in the post-pandemic era. We anticipate a continued demand for such premium services in 2024, as travellers seek enhanced experiences and peace of mind during their journeys.”
Bringing with him a distinguished career spanning over 27 years, Srithar joins VFS Global from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), where he held various pivotal roles, including Area Director for South India & Sri Lanka and Regional Director overseeing marketing and tourism development across multiple regions. In his new role, Srithar will leverage his extensive expertise to provide specialized services in Travel, Trade, and Tourism Services to VFS Global’s client governments.
In light of the anticipated surge in travel demand, VFS Global has urged applicants to apply for visas well in advance to secure timely appointments and ensure seamless travel planning. Additionally, travellers are advised to remain vigilant against fraudulent entities purporting to offer visa-related services and to report any suspicious activities promptly.With international travel on the rebound, VFS Global said it remains committed to providing travellers with comprehensive visa services and optional value-added services for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
VFS Global, serving as the trusted partner to 52 sovereign governments in India, operates a vast network of over 560 visa application centers across 19 cities. While the organisation facilitates front-end administrative tasks related to visa applications, it plays no role in the decision-making process of visa approvals or rejections.
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The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), led by GMR, has successfully concluded the physical construction and refurbishment of Runway 28/10 (RWY 10/28), also known as the second runway. While the technical integration is underway, unforeseen technical issues have caused a slight delay in its operational readiness. The completion is now anticipated within the next 8 to 10 days, as DIAL collaborates closely with partner Honeywell to expedite the final processes.
The physical construction and refurbishment of Runway 28/10 have been successfully completed. However, due to unforeseen technical issues, the operational readiness, initially set for January 19, has been slightly delayed. The ongoing collaboration with Honeywell aims to resolve these issues promptly.
CAT III Compliant Fourth Runway
The newly constructed fourth runway at Delhi Airport is set to achieve CAT III compliance on January 26, contributing to a total of three CAT III-compliant runways. This compliance enhances the airport’s operational capabilities, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Post the rehabilitation work, Delhi Airport is gearing up for future-ready operations with an increased passenger handling capacity of 100 million passengers per annum (MPPA) across its three terminals. The airside capacity is also set to elevate, enabling the handling of 140 MPPA.
According to the Civil Aviation Minister, the authorities were compelled to enforce a shutdown of operations for some time even on CAT-III runways. The decision was taken keeping passenger safety in mind, which remains the foremost priority for all in the aviation ecosystem, he added. CAT III runways cannot handle zero-visibility operations.
The re-carpeting project, initiated in September 2023, focused on the 3,813 meters long and 45 meters wide second runway. The comprehensive process included milling the entire length of the runway and overlaying it with Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB). PMB enhances the mechanical properties of bitumen, making it resilient against heavy-duty traffic and extreme weather conditions.Once the integration is complete, Delhi Airport will be equipped to undertake operations with its full capacity, ensuring efficient passenger handling and airside operations. The enhancements align with the airport’s vision for future growth and technological resilience.
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In a momentous occasion, Air India Express marked the inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham by launching its maiden flight from Ayodhya to Delhi on December 30, 2023. The inaugural flight, IX 1769, took off at 17:23 hours, making Ayodhya the airline’s 45th destination and its third station in Uttar Pradesh, following Lucknow and Varanasi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Ayodhya International Airport, and Air India Express was an integral part of this historic day. Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, presented the first boarding pass of the flight to the guests at the Ayodhya airport, marking a significant milestone.
Singh expressed pride in directly connecting Ayodhya to major metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata right from the commencement of operations at the airport. These cities, being vital hubs on the airline’s network, offer convenient one-stop itineraries for pilgrims and tourists from the Northern, Southern, and Eastern parts of India to reach Ayodhya.
The Ayodhya to Delhi route will be served daily, while flights to Bengaluru and Kolkata will operate on a tri-weekly basis. Passengers can make bookings through the airline’s award-winning app and website, airindiaexpress.com, along with other major booking platforms.
his announcement follows the recent news of IndiGo’s inaugural operations from the soon-to-be-inaugurated Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport in Ayodhya, starting from December 30, 2023, connecting Delhi. Additionally, commercial operations from Delhi to Ayodhya will commence from January 06, 2024, followed by flights from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya starting January 11, 2024.
Air India Express already operates both international and domestic services from Uttar Pradesh. The airline has a weekly schedule of 21 flights connecting the sacred city of Varanasi to Bengaluru and Sharjah. Furthermore, with 60 weekly flights from Lucknow, Air India Express links the capital city to Dubai and other prominent Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune.In a bid to enhance customer experience, Air India Express recently introduced the Vista VIP, a business class-like product featuring wider seats, increased legroom, Gourmair hot meals, additional baggage allowance, and Xpress ahead priority boarding services. Moreover, the airline made history by becoming the first to operate a direct flight from Surat to Dubai on the same day the Surat International Airport inaugurated its new international terminal.
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The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a consortium led by GMR Airport Infrastructure has announced a significant enhancement in passenger transit experience at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi with the inauguration of two state-of-the-art flyovers. These strategic additions are set to transform the traffic flow to and from the airport, providing passengers with a seamless and signal-free journey.
The two newly opened flyovers, namely the ‘Aerocity Flyover‘ and the ‘Parallel Access Road (PAR) Flyover’, come as a welcome relief to commuters by streamlining traffic movements in and around the bustling Delhi Airport.
The Aerocity Flyover, a four-lane, one-way structure, ingeniously constructed at the Aerocity metro station junction, is set to become a game-changer. This flyover is meticulously designed to connect Terminal 1 (T1) to Terminal 3 (T3) of the Delhi Airport, eradicating the need for inconvenient traffic signals. Commencing from the western side of the Andaz Hotel, Aerocity, the Aerocity Flyover gracefully culminates at Central Spine Road, just short of the Eastern Cross Taxiway. Travellers will appreciate the significantly reduced travel time between these vital terminals.
The Parallel Access Road (PAR) Flyover is an integral part of the dedicated cargo terminal corridor, providing two lanes on both carriageways. With a strategic flyway located near NH8, this corridor simplifies the movement to and from the Cargo Terminal, effectively segregating heavy vehicular traffic from passenger vehicles. The journey starts in close proximity to the Hanuman Temple and concludes near the Andaz Hotel. This clever separation of vehicular traffic helps to decongest the airport approach road, enhancing the overall efficiency of Delhi Airport’s operations.
The GMR Group plans to increase its stake in Hyderabad Airport by acquiring the 11 per cent stake held by Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) for $100 million. This acquisition will raise GMR Airports’ stake in GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) to 74%. The transaction is expected to be completed within 135 days. GHIAL operates Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and handled 2.1 crore passengers in 2022-23. GMR Airports is the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second largest globally.
With a total length of 800 meters for the Aerocity Flyover and 600 meters for the PAR Flyover, these remarkable additions offer passengers a signal-free journey between the airport’s three terminals. Furthermore, these flyovers restrict the movement of heavy vehicles on the airport approach road, ensuring that passengers enjoy a seamless and efficient transit experience to and from the Delhi Airport.I Prabhakara Rao, Deputy Group Managing Director of GMR Group, expressed his enthusiasm during the inauguration, emphasising, “Passenger experience is paramount for the GMR Group, and this is evident in the various initiatives undertaken at the Delhi Airport. However, for us, the passenger experience begins even before a traveler enters the Delhi Airport. Keeping this in view, two new flyovers have been constructed to help ease the transit to and from Delhi Airport and provide seamless passage for the passengers.”
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Full-service carrier Vistara has announced daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Bali, starting December 1, 2023. This would make Vistara the only airline offering direct connectivity between the two cities currently.
According to Vistara, it will be deploying its A321LR aircraft, with a three-class configuration, giving its customers the option to fly in Business, Premium Economy, or Economy cabins when travelling on the route. Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app and through travel agents.
“India is the second-largest source of foreign tourists to Bali, and with hassle-free visa-on-arrival, Bali remains one of the preferred holiday destinations for Indians, besides being popular for MICE traffic,” said Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara.
Wilson also shared an update on the Vistara – Air India merger. “The merger of Air Asia India and Air India Express is at an advanced stage. The planning and approvals for the merger of Air India and Vistara is also proceeding well, and our aviation training academy, which is going to be India’s largest, is shaping up well. The broader ambition of these efforts is to better connect India and Indians to each other and to the world,” he said.
“Additionally, as the second largest trading destination for India in the ASEAN region, Indonesia exhibits great potential for business travel as well. We are delighted to be the only airline offering direct connectivity between Delhi and Bali. We are confident that customers will appreciate having the option to travel on India’s finest full service airline on the route,” said Kannan.Bali has become an increasingly sought-after holiday destination for Indians due to its accessibility, proximity, and hassle-free visa on arrival facility.
The flight from Delhi will depart daily at 00:30 hrs and arrive in Bali at 11:05 hrs and from Bali daily at 12:10 hrs and arrive in Delhi at 17:45 hrs (exact timings may differ slightly for respective days of operations), the company informed.
The airline will accept all eligible customers meeting visa/entry requirements in both countries, as specified by the respective government bodies, it said.
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The Delhi government has approved a scheme for a premium bus service that aims at reducing intracity usage of private vehicles and help reduce pollution, officials said on Monday. The government uploaded the draft of the Delhi Motor Vehicles Licensing of Aggregator (Premium Buses) Scheme, 2023 on its website in August and sought public feedback. The city government hopes to encourage the middle and upper-middle classes to switch to public transport through the scheme.
According to the scheme, a licence holder shall ensure that no premium bus shall be engaged or acquired with a registration date beyond three years from the date of notification of the scheme.
“Subsequently, induction of any new Premium bus, the prevailing emission norms, BS-VI must be compliant, either Air-Conditioned CNG or electric buses. After January 1, 2025 the induction of only electric buses shall be allowed, no CNG-operated bus even if having BS-VI compliance shall be allowed to be inducted under this scheme,” it said.
The scheme mandates that an aggregator shall take measures to ensure the safety and security of women passengers and provide a rapid response mechanism, including a panic button on its mobile and web-based applications that should be functional at all times and have modalities of API-based integration with law enforcement agencies for prompt redressal of complaints.
It permits dynamic pricing provided that the base fare shall not be less than the peak fare of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) air-conditioned buses.
In 2020 the Delhi government had set an ambitious target to register five lakh new EVs within five years and achieve 25 per cent of all newly sold vehicles being electric by 2025.
The Road Transport Ministry has revealed plans to enhance vehicle and passenger safety in India through the introduction of new mandates. The proposal includes mandatory bus body certification and the installation of ‘indirect vision’ devices in buses. The Bus Body Code will require certification from government-recognized testing agencies. The ‘indirect vision’ devices, similar to Blind Spot Detection systems, will improve driver visibility and maneuvering.
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The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, will host the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023. The event is set to take place at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) also called Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, and is scheduled to run from October 4 to 6, 2023.
The upcoming PATA Travel Mart 2023 is poised to be a pivotal event for the global tourism industry, promoting collaboration, sustainable practices, and cultural exchange among tourism professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.
Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Bangkok, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit organisation globally recognised for its efforts in promoting responsible travel and tourism development in the Asia Pacific region. The PATA Travel Mart holds a prominent place as an international trade exhibition, facilitating trade interactions between global buyers and sellers, with a primary focus on the Asia Pacific region. India’s role as the host nation this year further highlights the country’s efforts to fostering responsible and inclusive tourism practices.
This year’s event will feature a wide range of activities, including the PATA Gold Award, the PATA Youth Symposium, PATA Forum on Sustainability, and the core B2B Mart.
India’s participation in the PATA Travel Mart includes a dedicated pavilion showcasing the diverse spectrum of destinations, both well-known and lesser-known, within the country. Several Indian states and government entities, such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and the Handlooms Development Commissioner, are also setting up stands and stalls to display their products.
Although the event primarily caters to business-to-business (B2B) interactions, it serves as a valuable platform to introduce global audiences to the thematic products offered by Indian states, including wellness, adventure, heritage, culinary experiences, and art and craft.
The Ministry of Tourism also announced the forthcoming edition of the Best Tourism Village Competition in 2024, aimed at fostering rural tourism development and easing off burden from cities plagued by overtourism. Further, a national competition titled Tourism for Tomorrow, focusing on case studies and best practices, was also inaugurated during the event, in line with the priorities outlined in the Goa Roadmap.
Speaking of the event venue, the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi recently hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit, giving a dias to India’s to showcase itself as a sought-after destination for hosting large-scale international events and conferences.Lately, India’s growing prominence in the tourism sector has been characterised by sustainable and inclusive tourism initiatives, has made it an attractive choice for organising Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events.
In a recent development, the Ministry of Tourism also launched the Travel for LiFE sustainable program on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2023, under the aegis of Mission LiFE. This initiative encourages responsible behaviour among tourists during their travels.
The Ministry is also planning to continue cleanliness initiatives and providing essential amenities at 108 designated sites, including those covered by the “Travel for Life” program and other popular tourist destinations.
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For a destination that is heavily reliant on tourism, Thailand‘s economy suffered a big blow during the pandemic as its robust industry virtually collapsed. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand, the country received about 40 million visitors in 2019, and the government estimated they spent 1.9 trillion baht (USD 53.2 billion) – an amount that plummeted by more than 99 per cent by 2021.
Ranked at number five in terms of top source markets for the country, in 2019, the Indian traveller arrivals to Thailand was almost 2 million. Last year, when Thailand fully opened its borders in July, it clocked almost 1 million Indian travellers. “So the recovery is about 50%,” said Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), New Delhi office.
“And this year, from the first of January until August, though we have surpassed last year’s numbers, we feel we may just not be able to touch the 2019 level. The main reason for that is that the recovery has been gradual. However, in terms of revenue, Indian travellers are spending more and booking longer trips,” said Trirattanasongpol.
A tourist from Shanghai, who identified himself only as Dai, said he was impressed with the “very lively” welcome ceremony at the airport, though he noted that the immigration officer who checked his passport did not immediately know about the temporary visa exemption policy. He said he plans to stay for two weeks and visit other cities besides Bangkok, including Chiang Mai and Phuket.
According to Trirattanasongpol, after the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, Thailand has been focused on the resumption of tourism the most. “The market has not picked up at the same level as in 2019,” she said. “So, in this year, and also the next, we will focus on the reception of the market. We will boost our connection and reach in not only the metro cities, but in the secondary cities as well,” added Trirattanasongpol.“Luxury experiences have picked up and we are seeing a lot of women travellers visit Thailand,” said Trirattanasongpol. “If Bangkok was the first choice for Indian travellers (being the aviation hub), Phuket as a luxury destination has really caught up with the Indian traveller,” she said.
The popularity of Pattaya, a pre-pandemic favourite, appears to have waned among the travellers due to health and hygeine securities. “People are more concerned about hygiene and health security than before. The same is the case with Indian tourists. Instead, they are opting for newer destinations and more luxurious experiences,” she said.
The two new destinations that are fast catching the Indian travellers’ fancy are Krabi and Khao Lak in Phang Nga province. The government is now promoting smaller cities as destinations for tourists to encourage them to stay longer and spend more, she shared.
When it comes to the revival of tourism, Malaysia remains the number one source market for the country. “Because we are neighbouring, we are the preferred weekend destination for Malaysia. Also, people in Malaysia can travel as many times as they want,” said Trirattanasongpol.
China is ranked number two followed by Russia and then Korea. At number four is Japan. “The revival rate from most of these markets has been steady, except for Japan, which has been the slowest to pick up,” she shared.
Under the scorching sun, Thai archaeologist Tanachaya Tiandee clambers through ruined pagodas in the ancient town of Si Thep, trying to unlock their mysteries — a task made harder because many of the clues are missing. “The big picture like the building was discovered, but the artefacts which tell little details are missing, making a lot of stories untold about Si Thep,” Tanachaya said.
Of the lot, Malaysia and Korea have been the most aggressive in the number of tourist arrivals in the country. Lately, Thailand has even introduced a new visa-free policy for the Chinese to boost tourism.
For the India market, Thailand has been consciously and successfully promoting MICE and Wedding tourism, apart from leisure. TAT has well designed benefit schemes for the tourism partners, especially big groups that are over 100 pax. “We have lucrative offers that partially cover expenses for them. For big wedding groups, too, we have attractive benefit schemes for the wedding planners. In fact, we plan to revise the same in the next fiscal year, starting October. The new scheme will focus more on the customer itself,” said Trirattanasongpol.
Ease of business and consumer satisfaction have been two big factors in driving big groups to Thailand. “We are getting good business from secondary cities in India and are looking at active collaborations in Bhubaneswar and Guwahati, and we plan to focus more on tier two and three cities,” she said.
The big challenge for Thailand is to encourage and induce the travellers to embrace sustainability, particularly with larger groups. “We are consciously directing our marketing campaigns towards more high value and sustainability opportunities,” she shared. Food waste has been a tricky aspect to handle in case of big weddings but now with the hospitality sector taking on active campaigns, TAT is actively steering the change.
Increasingly, its marketing campaigns are focussed on mindfulness and slow travel, driving home the point of responsible tourism. “Our current ‘Amazing Thailand’ campaign is focussed on ‘write your own new chapters’, where it encourages a traveller to discover new things and focus more on oneself. It is all about mindfulness and deeper explorations,” she said.
In terms of focussed promotions in India, TAT has been holding roadshows to engage and connect the trade partners, in India and Thailand. “We are looking to do more collaborative and joint promotion with the partners, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities. Our focus would be new destinations, new segments and active senior citizens. We are also looking at special promotion with women travellers as our TG,” she shared.
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