Ride-hailing company Ola on Tuesday said it has decided to shut down all of its existing global markets, namely the UK, Australia and New Zealand amid rising competition.
The company mentioned that it will be focusing on the Indian market as it sees an “immense opportunity for expansion” in the country.
“The future of mobility is electric — not just in personal mobility but also for the ride-hailing business, and there is immense opportunity for expansion in India,” an Ola spokesperson said in a statement.
“With this clear focus, we’ve reassessed our priorities and have decided to shut down our overseas ride-hailing business in its current form in the UK, Australia and New Zealand,” it added.
The company operates in hundreds of locations and provides several modes of transportation, including two-wheelers.
Meanwhile, Ola’s mobility business in the country has reported a profit of INR 250 crore in FY23 against a loss of INR 66 crore in FY22.
He added, “The electrification programme is not just about environmental benefits. It’s a catalyst for economic growth. It creates jobs during construction, reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, and positions Indian Railways as a modern and efficient engine of the nation’s economy.”
Its revenue rose 58 per cent to INR 2,135 crore in FY23 from INR 1,350 crore in FY22.”In FY23, we challenged ourselves — to not just grow and scale, but to do this profitably. While our revenue continued to grow at a strong clip of 58 per cent, we became EBITDA positive in the India mobility business,” the company said.
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The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, slated from May 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is gearing up to shed light on India’s burgeoning outbound tourism sector, poised to reach a staggering USD 143.5 billion annually by the decade’s end.
Recent data reveals that over 30 per cent of Indian travellers prefer Middle East destinations, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia topping the list. India stands as Dubai’s primary source market, with 1.9 million visitors recorded in the first 10 months of 2023. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors by 2030.
ATM 2024 will feature a dedicated India Summit, titled ‘Unlocking the True Potential of Inbound Indian Travellers,’ slated for May 6. This summit, in collaboration with VIDEC Consultants, will delve into India’s role as a key tourism growth market and explore current and future opportunities.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, highlighted India’s rapid outbound growth, fueled by a burgeoning middle class. “By 2030, India’s total travel expenditure will be valued at USD 410 billion, a substantial increase from USD 150 billion in 2019,” she stated.
Moreover, a survey by Acko Insurance underscores Indian travellers’ willingness to spend up to USD 7,000 on international trips, further boosting the appeal of Middle East destinations. Dubai, in particular, stands out as the preferred city destination, thanks to its proximity to India and enhanced connectivity.
Under this program, tourists can obtain a visa within two to five working days, allowing them to stay in Dubai for up to 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a maximum stay of 180 days within a year. This flexible visa option caters to both leisure and business travelers, offering unparalleled convenience and connectivity.
Curtis emphasised the significant role of Indian expatriates in driving business travel and bleisure in the Gulf states. “With over 8.5 million Indian expatriates currently working in the GCC, business travel and bleisure will undoubtedly underpin this growth,” she noted.ATM 2024 anticipates a record number of travel professionals representing both outbound and inbound travel to India. With an expected 20 per cent increase in exhibitors from India, the event will showcase the diverse offerings of Indian tourism, featuring exhibitors like TBO.com, Taj Hotels, Rezlive, and Rategain, among others.
Aligned with its theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,’ ATM 2024 will serve as a platform for stakeholders from across the Middle East and beyond to explore innovative solutions and opportunities in the ever-evolving travel industry.
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In a recent briefing by Manisha Saxena, Director General of Tourism, Govt of India, attention was drawn to a notable decrease in the budget allocation for overseas tourism promotion, which had sparked concerns within the industry recently. Saxena, however, clarified that while there appears to be a reduction in this specific budgetary segment, the overall financial commitment to tourism promotions has, in fact, increased.
“This reallocation is part of a strategic initiative by the ministry aimed at streamlining our promotional efforts in response to the evolving digital landscape. Our objective is to bridge the gap between domestic and overseas promotion activities effectively. We intend to conduct highly targeted promotional campaigns in both traditional and emerging markets. This approach will enable us to better understand market trends and preferences, ensuring that our promotional efforts resonate with our target audiences,” she explained.
Recently, during the interim budget announcement, the Indian Finance minister highlighted the government’s aim to enhance domestic travel while cultivating new tourist spots within India, improving connectivity and infrastructure enhancements in places like Lakshadweep. However, contrasting this, a mere sum of INR 3 crore was allocated for the promotion of India overseas through its ‘Incredible India’ campaign.
Speaking further, Saxena attributed part of the budget reduction in overseas promotion to the consolidation of overseas offices, emphasising a more streamlined and efficient engagement with diplomatic missions worldwide. This decision, she said, is aligned with the ministry’s broader strategy of maximising outreach through diplomatic missions. Notably, the ministry of tourism last year, had to shut its overseas offices bringing the number down from 20 to 8.
A few industry stakeholders dealing in the inbound tourism business, have noted that this drastic 97 per cent reduction from last year’s INR 100 crore allocation has marginalised the acclaimed Incredible India campaign, especially its overseas promotion and market development efforts. Taking a look at the figures on the other hand, the Ministry of Tourism has increased the FY25 budget estimate to INR 2,080.03 crore, up by 22 per cent from last year’s actual expenditure of INR 1,692 crore. The bulk of this, INR 1,750 crore, is designated for the Swadesh Darshan scheme, aiding state governments in tourism infrastructure development since 2014-15, as per a source. “Over the past five to ten years, significant strides have been made in infrastructure development, as part of initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan scheme. Concurrently, efforts have enhanced spiritual tourism and capacity building for tourism providers under the Prashad Scheme. These initiatives have resulted in the creation of new tourism products, such as adventure and rural tourism experiences. Dhordo’s recognition as the Best Tourism Village by the UNWTO has been a highlight, prompting the initiation of a similar competition by the Ministry of Tourism. Last year, 35 villages were identified as exemplary tourism destinations, with the competition now in its second season, drawing numerous entries,” she added.
At the launch ceremony at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, ITDC Managing Director MR Synrem said that they are actively seeking new business opportunities while enhancing its current verticals to build on the momentum of its record financial performance last fiscal year. “We aim not only to expand but also to elevate our existing services, exploring new avenues for ITDC’s growth as a company,” he said.
150 proposals received for destination development under challenge mode:
Amidst these discussions, Saxena also shared the updates on the domestic tourism front, revealing a surge in proposals from state governments for the development of destinations under challenge mode which was initiated under last year’s budget announcement.“We have received an overwhelming response, with nearly 150 proposals submitted by the states,” she disclosed. “Out of these, we are set to identify and develop 50 destinations, ensuring a comprehensive enhancement across all touchpoints of the tourist experience.”
Adding to that, Saxena underscored the pivotal role of hosting G20 meetings across 60 locations, venues which have helped spotlighting lesser-known facets of the country. “The extensive coverage of G20 events across 60 venues has significantly bolstered India’s global presence,” she affirmed. “Not only have we witnessed the emergence of state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, but also substantial capacity building efforts and the creation of unique tourism experiences, along with more convention centres and accommodation facilities lined up for launch.”
“This progress positions these locales for substantial growth in the tourism sector, especially in MICE. Initiatives such as establishing city-level bureaus for MICE tourism and promoting India as a premier wedding destination further underscore the commitment to expanding tourism opportunities and driving economic growth,” she stated reflecting on PM Modi’s aspiration to position India as a premier wedding destination on the global stage.
Parellely, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with key stakeholders including Convention Centers, hotel chains, IRCTC, and the India Convention Promotion Bureau, recently participated in the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) held in Melbourne, Australia. The aim was to bolster efforts to position India as a leading MICE destination in the Asia Pacific region.
Last mile connectivity, engagement with locals matter:
Beyond infrastructure, the ministry is also focusing on capacity building and promoting experiential tourism which involves active engagement of locals, she added. “For us in government and industry, it’s not just about promoting destinations. I always stress the importance of last mile connectivity. This means more than just having digital or transportation links—it’s about building up the skills and knowledge of the local workforce,” she said.
“Tourism isn’t just about popular spots anymore. Therefore, engaging local communities in delivering authentic and lesser known experiences not only enhances economic opportunities but also preserves intangible heritage. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we’re creating a tourism landscape that is inclusive, sustainable, and rich in diverse experiences,” she added.
Saxena, while addressing the tourism and hospitality industry stakeholders at the recently held PATA Tourism Powerhouse programme, also called for unity in addressing the challenges confronting the tourism sector, emphasising the imperative of collective action in realising India’s tourism potential. “By aligning our efforts and leveraging our collective strengths, both the industry and government can propel India’s tourism industry to greater heights. We have just touched the tip of the iceberg,” she concluded.
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60,000 people across Bhutan have been trained in cricket, playing on the highest altitude pitches in the world. To cater to the growing interest in cricket tourism, travel agencies in Bhutan are now offering specialised packages for cricket enthusiasts. These packages include the ground fee, match officials, equipment, lunch, refreshment, cricket opponent, first aid and even trophies.
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Goa is embarking on a significant shift towards regenerative tourism, aiming to redefine its tourism sector with a focus on environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Rohan A. Khaunte, the state’s Tourism & IT Minister, unveiled this transformative model on the sixty-second anniversary of the Liberation of Goa, aligning the initiative with the values of the Manila Declaration of World Tourism of 1980 and the recent Goa roadmap for tourism culled out from a G20 ministers’ meeting.
Khaunte stressed the urgency for change in response to environmental challenges and societal imbalances, advocating for sustainable practices in travel and tourism. He highlighted the regenerative model’s four pillars: spirituality, indigeneity, civilisational and cultural nationalism, and conscious tourism. The overarching goal is to revitalise landscapes, revive cultural heritage, and empower local economies through community-centric, eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable infrastructure.
“In the face of environmental agility and societal imbalance, the call for change equals louder than ever. It’s a clarion call that beacons us to reevaluate our efforts to travel and tourism,” stated Khaunte, emphasising the need for a paradigm shift towards sustainability.
As a part of this model, the Ekadasha Teertha Campaign will be rolled out in the 11 places of worship in Goa. Ekadasha Teertha will include the spiritual sites to be decided by the Department of Tourism. The Minister said that the campaign will be put to fruition in consultation with the local communities and involving particularly women and youth, in exploring, understanding, and projecting the rich culture, cuisine, and lifestyles of Goa.
Additionally, he spoke about the benefits of introduction of the new tourism policy in 2020 which reflected a commitment to cultural immersion with the special emphasis on homestays, run by local families within communities, largely by women. Moreover, the new Homestay policy takes a dedicated stance on promoting women’s empowerment by actively endorsing their participation in managing these alternate accommodations. Offering incentives such as grants totaling up to INR 2 lakh rupees and considerations for utilities has played a crucial role in bolstering these initiatives as per Goa Tourism Minister.When questioned about how the government plans to guide travellers interested in embracing regenerative practices, the minister highlighted that the vision commences with the latter, signifying the initiation of a profound idea.
“The Ekadasha Teertha serves as the pivotal point to craft a fresh narrative. For instance, the domestic tourists opting for a 4-night stay in Goa, will be inclined to delve into the rich tapestry of its temples. International tourists, on the other hand, seek wellness, and this regenerative tourist circuit is designed to cater precisely to that need. Our aspiration today is for tourists to immerse themselves in all that Goa has to offer, encompassing sun, sand, sea, software, spirituality, and beyond,” Khaunte told ETTravelWorld, adding that the initial count of 11 temples is merely a starting point; additional sites will soon be earmarked.
As the attention shifts to the West Coast archipelago in India with an evident uptick in Google search traffic, EMT pausing Maldives bookings and ixigo experiencing a 2900% spike in Lakshadweep travel searches, the crucial question arises: should we look at Lakshadweep as an alternative to Maldives? Sustainability experts say No.
Goa, already a trailblazer, has been inadvertently practicing regenerative tourism, added Khaunte. “When we talk about Goa, we talk about ease of doing business, recently rolled out homestay policy, caravan policy, shack policy, Yuva Tourism clubs and so much more– we have already started contributing in our own way to the environment, society, and economics,” the Minister stated.
Amidst the allure of Goa as a popular tourist destination, the Minister further acknowledged the critical juncture where conventional practices threaten the very beauty that attracts millions. “It’s time for a change. It’s time for a shift,” he declared. “The regenerative tourism model underscores a commitment not only to enjoy Goa’s splendour but also to leave a positive and lasting impact on its landscapes, communities, and cultures.”
Initiatives to protect pristine beaches, rejuvenate coastal ecosystems, engage local communities, and promote festivals are already underway, he informed, adding that sustainable agricultural practices, the revitalization of ancient art forms, and support for local artisans are a few other steps under progress.
Speaking during the presentation on regenerative model vision that will run for 36 months, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS Director, Tourism & Managing Director, GTDC said the key is to develop mutual respect and appreciation between the visitors and the hosts. “We are in advanced talks with entrepreneurs and innovators in the tourism sector to help local women and youth get first-hand experience on becoming commercial partners in the Ekadasha Teertha endeavour,” he informed.
He added that Goa has set its sights on innovative solutions post-COVID, especially after analysing the unique challenges, including competition from countries like Thailand and Indonesia, modern cities like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, and large Indian states. He also said that Goa is transitioning from a sea-shore centric tourism model to a more inclusive, people-centric approach.
Concluding on a positive note, Khaunte invited the travellers to be part of the journey, urging them to explore Goa responsibly and leave footprints of positive impact. “Let us embark on this collective effort to ensure that these destinations remain a haven for generations to come. Let’s put back more than we can take out,” he reiterated.
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Amidst the ongoing social media buzz around boycotting Maldives and promoting Lakshadweep and Indian beach destinations after derogatory remarks made by Maldivian leaders, leading online travel agency EaseMyTrip has announced that has suspended all flight bookings to Maldives and announced to stop further Maldives bookings on its portal.
Standing in solidarity with the public sentiment, the company said, ‘nation comes first, business later’. Making the announcement, Nishant Pitti, CEO, EaseMyTrip on social media platforms however didn’t mention further details about when the booking will remain suspended.
In a separate post supporting the CEO, Prashant Pitti, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip issued a video on social media declaring that the EMT will no longer accept travel bookings for the Maldives and instead, it will redirect its focus to promoting Lakshadweep and Ayodhya, emphasising the potential of these destination and pushing domestic tourism in India.
“Every year, 3 lakh tourists from our nation travel to the Maldives, however now they will be unable to use this feature on EaseMyTrip. We have announced five new packages online on EaseMyTrip to promote Lakshadweep and we are proposing that more airlines should offer direct flight service to Lakshadweep from major Indian metro cities. I urge that other Indian travel platforms should also support our appeal,” Pitti said in the video.
He added, “In addition to promoting Lakshadweep, we are also promoting Ayodhya. I hope that Ayodhya develops into a popular international tourist attraction, akin to Lakshadweep, where visitors arrive in the spring and foreign travel to our nation rises. To advance our nation, we would like other airlines and travel websites to join our cause.”
Several Indian celebrities have strongly criticized derogatory remarks by Maldivian leaders against India and expressed support for promoting Indian beach tourism . This comes amid the row over derogatory and ‘anti-India’ remarks made by Maldives minister, leaders and other public figures after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the union territory of Lakshadweep.
Taking forward the #ChaloLakshadweep campaign on social media, Pitti also said that EaseMyTrip will come up with special offers for travellers making bookings for the now-popular beach destination.Meanwhile, several Indian celebrities including Bollywood actors and sports stars continue to support the promotion of Lakshadweep on social media and encourage travellers to explore Indian islands.
On the other hand, the country’s largest travel agency, MakeMyTrip informed that it has observed a 3400 per cent increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep since PM Modi’s recent visit to the union territory. The company has also announced the launch of a new ‘Beaches of India’ campaign.
The founder of Make My Trip, Deep Kalra, said that there has been no mass cancellation of planned holidays by Indians to the island nation. “We have not noticed such a pattern as of now. There has been no such mass cancellation,” Kalra said. Meanwhile, the Indian Association of Tour Operators said that the impact of the chain of events and the call for a boycott will be visible in 20-25 days.
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India is forecast to be a GBP 1 billion inbound visitor market by 2024, making it one of the UK’s fastest growing major tourism markets. In 2022, visitors from India spent a record GBP 764 million in the UK, exceeding 2019 levels by 2%. This growth has continued into 2023.
As per the latest available statistics, visitors from India spent a record GBP 349 million from January to June 2023, up 4% compared to 2019. Airline seat capacity from India to the UK also indicates strong recovery and growth. Looking at September 2023, seat capacity was up 53% compared to the same month in 2019.
“In 2022, we had about 516,000 visitors going to Britain and spending GBP 764 million, which was a record from 2019. In 2023, we are looking at 663,000 visitors going in and spending GBP 965 million, which will again be a record,” shared Louise Bryce, Partnerships Director, VisitBritain.
Air India’s latest connection between Delhi and Phuket is part of the 2,438,043 air-seat capacity between Thailand and India in 2023, representing a 77 per cent rebound over the pre-pandemic year in 2019. During the six-month visa exemption period (November 2023-May 2024), the number of flights between the two nations will increase by 3.4 per cent to 6,263 flights, while the number of seats will grow by about 1.27 per cent to 1,312,649 seats.
Bryce was in Delhi to lead Destination Britain India, a B2B event organised by VisitBritain, where over a dozen British industry suppliers from across the nations and regions, met up with 75 top buyers from India for business. The three-day trade event saw a series of pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings. The suppliers who attended the same included hotels, retailers, visitor attractions, tour operators, transport providers and local destinations from across Britain such as West Midlands Growth Company, Marketing Manchester and Visit Cumbria.
“A strong people connect exists between the two countries. Whether it is business, students, leisure or culture, there are a lot of commonalities between the two countries,” said Bryce.
“And while the perception is that people are going just to London, what we have observed is that Indian visitors spend more time in the rest of England than they do in London,” she said.
According to her, an average visitor from India spends about 27 days in the UK. “Of course, London is an important hub because that is where 96% of direct flights land,” she said.
In terms of growth trajectory, India is one of the fastest growing markets with one of the highest spenders, and delivers the most seasonal and regional spread in real term numbers, she said. “India is ranked at about 11th at the moment, given that Europe and Americas are our top markets owing to proximity. But, in time, we feel it will move up quickly and significantly,” she said.
In terms of engagement and growth within India, Bryce said that VisitBritain is now looking at extending its outreach beyond major metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai, to the tier two cities.
“Whether it is about going to Amritsar, which has a direct flight with Air India to Birmingham, to Trivandrum or even Lucknow, we are reaching out to educate the travel trade and create awareness because that is where we see the next wave of growth coming,” said Bryce. VisitBritain plans to host a series of roadshows in five tier two cities from January to March.
One of the major highlights of the event was the inspiring interactive session conducted by the First Secretary Soliev with the trade partners who showed overwhelming interest in learning about the destination. While addressing industry questions on Uzbekistan tourism, the First Secretary shared detailed information on the destination, attractions, Visa issuance, accomodation availability, and more. The event was also attended by Sadriddin L Suyarov, Attachee at the Uzbekistan Embassy in India.
“Our focus would be to create awareness and inspire people to explore the UK beyond the major cities,” said Bryce, adding that inventory – be it hotels or airlines – remains the biggest challenge in group travel.
“So that’s where we come in to say, you plan six months in advance because other markets globally are doing that. If you want inventory for your group departures, you have to think about six to eight months in advance for better rates and cost benefits,” she advised.
MICE has been an important segment for VisitBritain. “We have observed a big movement among the corporates after a long time. A lot of this has to do with the fact that nothing happened for two or three years. UK or London figured majorly in rewards for the incentive groups for the dealers or staff. And the fact that visas have been turning around quickly for the UK has obviously helped us,” she said.
Film tourism is another important segment for VisitBritain and it is planning to launch a film tourism campaign soon. “It will be largely paid activity in the US, Germany and France. But we plan to distribute it across our own channels through the media and through trade as our major theme over the next three years,” she concluded.
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With the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) gaining utmost prominence, the state is now trying to pin its focus on the sector, said Hareet Shukla (IAS), Secretary, Tourism Department of Gujarat. “MICE sector is one of the important efforts made in the tourism sector to increase all-year-round tourism. One of its features is that conferences and meetings are held all year round and due to this, there are many differences in the economy,” he acknowledged.
“According to last year’s report, Gujarat is the number one preference among the total foreign tourists visiting India in the tourism sector. Gujarat is also in the top five in the field of domestic tourism,” added Shukla.
As a prelude to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat (TCGL) and India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) are jointly organising a three-day event, The 14th Conventions India Conclave (CIC) on the theme of “Sustainable MICE: Empowering Event Towards the USD 5 Trillion Economy” from December 7 to 9 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
“We are happy to host this conference in Gujarat. Our purpose is to highlight Gujarat in the Indian MICE Industry. For this, we aim to create a sub-brand, ‘Meet in India’. MoUs will be signed which will facilitate India’s MICE Industry and Tourism Sector,” informed Shukla.
The 14th Convention India Conclave, will be inaugurated by Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Mulubhai Bera, Minister of Tourism, Cultural Activities, Forest and Environment, and Climate Change, Gujarat on 7th December 2023. As per the department’s estimated figures, about 300 delegates will participate in this program. Additionally, 30 exhibitors and 80 buyers will also be a part of the event.
In the context of this pre-event, Secretary Shukla held a press conference at Leela Hotel, Gandhinagar.
There was excitement noted for the upcoming Incredible MICE (iMICE) event, which is anticipated to further elevate India’s profile as a MICE destination. Calls were made for the strategic classification of MICE hotels to streamline the sector, and recognition was given to India’s substantial development in MICE infrastructure, with a strong recommendation for its continued expansion and enhancement.
Speaking at the conference, Dr. Sourabh Pardhi (IAS), Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat (TCGL), reiterated that Gujarat has always been a leader in hosting big conferences and events.“Gujarat, with its rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and diverse landscapes, has emerged as a compelling destination for both leisure and business travellers. To take this to a different level and provide a platform for the 14th Convention India Conclave. In the context of MICE, Gujarat has always been the leader in organizing big conferences. We have organised G20, vibrant Gujarat, Defence expo, Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, and many more MICE events recently which got attention across the globe,” he said.
“This platform enables us to showcase Gujarat in locations where significant events draw a high footfall,” he asserted.
Amresh Tiwari, Vice Chairman, ICPB and Chairman 14th CIC spoke on the role of ICPB and their participation in the event. He said that the objective of the India Convention Promotion Bureau is to promote MICE. ICPB is a dedicated national apex body of India that showcases India as a leading MICE destination. It is an organization that was formed in 1998 between the Government of India, the Ministry of Tourism, and the private sector through PPP.
“Through ICPB we market the country for MICE and we are aiming to make our country a MICE destination for the world,” added Tiwari.
“Our vision is to establish at least 10 world-class MICE centers in the next 5 years and these should be considered among the top 50 in the world. One of which will also be from Ahmedabad,” he said.
He further revealed that ICPB will be organising B2B sessions and conferences on various topics on December 8 and 9, besides fixed meetings of exhibitors and buyers in the B2B session.
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The Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Sangeet Natak Akademi, is orchestrating a celebration of classical music in Vijayawada.
The event, named Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam, will take place from December 10 to 12, 2023, on the banks of the River Krishna. This much awaited event will bring together renowned artists and witness active participation from students representing music colleges of Andhra Pradesh and nearby states. The festival shall also feature exhibitions of regional cuisine, local handicrafts and handlooms. The festival also aims to promote the hidden gems of the region including spiritual, heritage and eco-destinations.
The event aligns with a broader mission to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of India. Focused on reviving the traditions of Harikatha and Namasankeerthana, the musical gala seeks to create an immersive experience for attendees.
The Punjab government has also orchestrated heritage fairs and festivals, earmarking a budget of INR 15 crore for this purpose. The state is also planning to revamp the eco-tourism and Culture Policy alongside other key initiatives soon. There’s also a strong focus on enhancing Adventure and Water Tourism, capitalising on the growing interest in water sports.
As a prelude to the main event, a series of concerts have been arranged at six distinctive venues on November 27, 2023. These performances will take place in Bobilli, Rajahmundry, Lepakshi, Movva, Nellore, and Kurnool, each featuring eminent musicians. As the nation anticipates this cultural extravaganza, the Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam festival promises to be a harmonious convergence of tradition, talent, and the timeless allure of classical music, inviting visitors from all across the country.
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France continues to draw a strong growth in visitor arrivals from India, with the latter ranking at 15th in terms of visitor arrivals to the European nation. Set to catch up with pre-pandemic numbers of 704,230 visitors from India in 2019, 4,99,180 Indians travelled to France between January to June of 2023. This is as against 4,30,180 visitors in 2022 (with no travel in the first quarter because of Omicron).
According to Oxford Economic, Indian visitors to France spent USD 0.47 billion USD in the first half of 2023 as against USD 0.29 billion in 2022.
In October, a delegation of 33 French companies travelled to India to interact with the key representatives of the Indian tourism industry and promote their product over 2 days of scheduled meetings.
Most resorts expect to open in December or for the Christmas holidays, which appear to be well booked. According to the Association of Mayors of Mountain Resorts (ANMSM), the occupation rate for the first part of the season is already 52 percent, compared with 51 percent at the same time last year.
The event, organised by Atout France-France Tourism Development Agency in Kochi (Kerala), is the 5th edition of its flagship B2B event, that is aimed at building successful synergies between French tourism partners and the travel trade fraternity pan India. Last year, it was held in Udaipur, Rajasthan. “India is within the top 15 source markets for France and happy to announce that arrival figures for the first half of the year (mid June) are at an approximate of 4,99,000,” said Sheetal Munshaw, Director, Atout France India.
“We have had a very satisfying turnout for this edition of our showcase. Both our partners and agents displayed strong levels of motivation and a keen interest in the showcase of destination France to the discerning Indian traveller,” said Munshaw.
And now, with the Paralympic Games slated to take place in Paris next year, she opined that the interactions between the partners and agents would play a key role in establishing France’s strategic positioning as a preferred tourist destination for this year and the next.
This year also marks 20 years of Atout France’s presence in India.
The route through quaint medieval villages and rolling vineyards close to the border with Germany drew 7.7 million tourists last year, nearly half of them from abroad. It is the busiest in France after the storied wine trails that wind between the prestigious chateaux of Bordeaux and Champagne, but arguably the most scenic, particularly in autumn when the vines turn a blaze of gold and bronze.
An approximate of 1,500 scheduled meetings took place between buyers and exhibitors over the two days of interactive exchanges, reinforcing India’s potential as a source market for destination France.
The French delegation comprised of partners, including La Vallée Village (member of the Bicester collection), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, Le Clair De La Plume, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, Disneyland, Occitannie tourism, representatives from Nice and Cannes, among others, who have either maintained a steady presence on the market or are new entrants interested to make a foray into the market.
In fact, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is all set to make its India foray in Mumbai and open its gates to the public in 2024.
“The next and the 16th edition of the Rendez-vous en France trade show will take place in Toulouse, in the Occitanie region. So we are really excited to have them here,” said Munshaw.
“Though skiing is very niche in India, but Indians love the mountains and we are really looking forward to having more tourists travel to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region,” she added.
Added Barabara Breheret on behalf of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme, “Apart from mountains, we would like to tap the Indians’ interest in French gastronomy. Our new product is aimed to promote gastronomy in three regions – Burgundy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Les Airelles. We are looking to attract repeat travellers who seek experiences around wine and food.”
An EU-wide data-sharing scheme for Airbnb and similar rentals to help crack down on illegal short-term lets is a step closer after negotiators struck agreement Thursday. Airbnb welcomed the EU agreement, saying setting “clear rules” across the European Union to replace the current patchwork of national laws on the sector was “a watershed moment for Airbnb and our industry”.
While travellers from Mumbai and Delhi have been the most active in taking up experience travel, Breheret feels there has been a growing interest from the Bengaluru market.
Breheret has been actively involved in promoting film tourism to France from India and said the interest in the region has only grown with more projects coming their way.
“Provence is another region that we would like to promote as part of experience tourism offering,” added Christian Douchement, Responsable des marchés internationaux et Promotion, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme. “We would really like the Indians to experience the magic of lavender fields. The slow travellers can especially explore the castles and organic life of this region,” he added.
Indians’ love for shopping has had brands such as La Vallée Village exploring bigger partnerships in India. “For some nationalities La Vallée Village is a must do. It makes us happy to see that we are already on the list of Indian travellers,” said Patrick Allais, Senior Business Development Manager (Tourism and Partnerships), La Vallee Village.
“Indian travellers are particularly sensitive to attention and we have great offerings in terms of welcome and services that make them feel special. We suggest they book through a travel agent as the incentives are much higher and therefore greater benefits,” he added.
According to Allais, in terms of sales, Indians are among the top five, especially during the peak season, between April and July. “There is no more ‘season’ per se any more and we see Indian shoppers visiting us in big numbers till as late as October this year,” he shared.
Lise Talbot Barré, Consul General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai, Didier Talpain, Consul General of France in Kolkata and Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai, held special sessions to provide useful insights on visa submissions and other relevant information to the Indian partners.
“In Kolkata, we try to process short term visas within a week and the process is very smooth. All you need to have is your documents in place. We do not have territorial specialisation for application, but the applicant must be prepared to travel to the centre for completing the formalities that require their physical presence,” said Didier Talpain, Consul General of France in Kolkata.
“In 2019, we processed more than 30,000 visa requests and around 24,500 visas were delivered. This year so far, till August, we have processed more than 21,000 visa requests. So going by the trends, we are expecting to cross 30,000 visa requests processed,” said Lise Talbot Barré, Consul General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai, sharing data points from her region.
Of these, she said, 70 per cent made for short term visas and 25-30 per cent are business visas (short term), she shared, adding that the number for business travellers would actually be higher as a lot of business travellers go for short term visas when visiting the country to participate in fairs and other events.
According to the Consul Generals, there is no longer a “season” for travel any more as Indians have evolved into all-season travel, especially post-Covid.
And, with a smooth visa process and improved connectivity, the ease of travel has only grown.
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