The Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) 2024 began with a grand inaugural ceremony at Bay 15, Dona Paula, followed by an eventful first day at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, showcasing a promising future for Goa’s tourism industry.
A notable focus of this year’s GITM is on regenerative tourism, a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices that prioritize the restoration and revitalization of local ecosystems and communities.
The inaugural ceremony on April 2 was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism & Managing Director GTDC, Nilesh Shah, TTAG President, Vivek Kerkar, Skal President Goa Chapter, and Carlos Desouza, Convenor CII.
On the occasion, Anchipaka set the tone with his opening address, emphasising GITM 2024‘s significance in promoting tourism and fostering collaborations. He highlighted GITM’s role in elevating Goa’s tourism sector and showcasing its diverse offerings to a global audience, facilitating meaningful partnerships crucial for sustainable growth.
“GITM serves as a cornerstone event in our efforts to elevate Goa’s tourism sector to new heights. By bringing together industry stakeholders, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world, GITM provides a unique opportunity to showcase the diverse offerings of our beautiful state to a global audience. GITM facilitates meaningful collaborations and partnerships that are essential for sustainable growth in the tourism industry. It also gives hoteliers and tour operators a golden chance to showcase their businesses and connect with leaders globally,” he said.
Nilesh Shah, TTAG President, echoed these sentiments, noting GITM 2024’s advocacy for sustainable tourism practices and preservation of Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.
The first day of GITM 2024 at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium focused on regenerative tourism, highlighting Goa’s appeal for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding destinations. The event unveiled Goa’s commitment to showcasing its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings, with discussions on emerging trends and strategies driving the state’s tourism industry forward.
These power-packed events brought together over 500 travel agents, tour operators, and key stakeholders from the Indian travel trade associations. The STA delegation engaged extensively with participants, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and long-term business collaborations in India. In addition to the networking events, STA actively participated in prominent trade shows like OTM in Mumbai and SATTE in Greater Noida.
In the panel discussion focused on regenerative tourism, industry stakeholders shedded light on regenerative tourism’s importance and outlining Goa’s vision for sustainable tourism practices and responsible travel.During his keynote address on Day 1 of GITM, Anchipaka outlined Goa’s vision for a tourism sector that not only thrives but also preserves the state’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. “With a steadfast focus on sustainability and responsible travel practices, we envision a tourism sector that is not just economically prosperous but also environmentally and socially conscious. Our commitment to Regenerative Tourism goes beyond mere preservation; it encompasses a holistic approach that seeks to regenerate and rejuvenate our ecosystems, communities, and cultural traditions. Our vision for Goa’s tourism sector is one that harmonizes with nature, respects local cultures, and fosters meaningful connections between visitors and our communities. By embracing Regenerative Tourism, we not only enhance the visitor experience but also ensure the long-term sustainability of our tourism industry,” he said.
With a robust turnout of international and domestic buyers, including delegates from various countries, GITM 2024 serves as a platform for fostering collaborations and driving positive change in the tourism industry.
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The 11th edition of the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) concluded in Ras Al Khaimah, highlighting the imperative for strategic investments in technology, sustainability, and a skilled workforce to ensure the aviation industry’s resilience and growth in the face of evolving challenges.
Themed ‘Exploring the Future of Travel’, the two-day summit brought together key stakeholders from the aviation and tourism sectors to deliberate on pressing issues and opportunities shaping the Middle East aviation market, known for its rapid expansion.
Discussions at the summit revolved around sustainable growth, technological innovations, and the role of aviation in economic development. Participants emphasized the importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in steering the industry towards a greener future and addressed the critical need to bridge the skills gap amid soaring travel demands.
Day 1 focused on emerging technologies driving aviation transformations and the potential for advanced air mobility to enhance tourism experiences in the MENA region. Additionally, experts underscored the influential role of Middle Eastern airlines in setting global trends and reshaping consumer travel behavior.
Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, highlighted Ras Al Khaimah’s emergence as a tourism hotspot, attributing its success to investments in air connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives. He emphasized the significance of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa in promoting seamless travel experiences.
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.
Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia, stressed the aviation and tourism industry’s pivotal role in economic growth and job creation, calling for collaborative efforts to address sustainability challenges. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation, underscored the need for supportive policies and digitalisation to foster industry resilience.Julia Simpson, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council, urged stakeholders to prioritise sustainability and regulatory frameworks conducive to sustainable aviation. The panel also discussed the importance of aircraft leasing in driving sectoral growth and financial flexibility.
Hosted in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and supported by global industry partners, AAS 2024 provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration to navigate the aviation industry’s future challenges and opportunities.
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In recent years, India has emerged as a hub for Medical Value Tourism, attracting patients from around the world for high-quality medical treatments at a fraction of the cost in their native countries.
As an industry, the medical tourism sector anticipates supportive measures from the upcoming budget. The budget is anticipated to acknowledge and support this growing sector. Financial incentives, streamlined visa processes for medical tourists, and investments in healthcare infrastructure, promoting alternative healthcare services, addressing mental health, and fostering public-private partnerships are some of the key expectations.
The budget must focus on the digitisation of health initiatives, support domestic production across APIs, formulations, and medical devices, an foster programmes to support local research.
The Indian healthcare sector has witnessed a remarkable growth of 22 per cent CAGR from 2016 to 2023, reaching a valuation of USD 350-400 billion. Driven by a population of 1.4 billion and the countless patients who travel to India for healthcare and wellness,
The hospital sector in India was valued at INR 7940.87 Bn in FY21 in terms of revenue & is expected to reach INR 18,348.78 Bn by FY 2027, growing at a CAGR of 18.24 per cent.
With the groundwork laid to position Indian as a medical and wellness hub in the global market in the previous years, the union budget is expected to have major allocation for the travel and tourism sector including medical value tourism:
Creating Inclusive Healthcare Beyond Metros:
The industry is expecting focus on an inclusive healthcare system that reaches beyond metropolitan areas. The upcoming budget should allocate increased funds to the healthcare industry, specifically targeting accessibility and affordability in tier II and tier III cities. Measures such as tax reforms, a more supportive GST structure, a focused framework for healthcare insurance, medical supplies, telemedicine, and localised medical tourism can help the sector further grow.
This also includes the need for an enhanced healthcare infrastructure, especially in non-metro cities. The industry expects the government to prioritise infrastructure development in non-metro areas, emphasising its potential benefits for local communities and the broader improvement of global healthcare services.
Investing in Training and Development:
Tourism including medical value tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the GDP of the country at 10 per cent. It is a sector that accounts for thousands of jobs. With the advent of new silos in this industry including rehabilitation, wellness, unani, ayurveda, interpreters, advanced medical equipment and treatment, client serving etc, it is important to allocate funds for training and development programs for healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses and the other tertiary services as well. Recognising the pivotal role the industry at large plays in delivering quality care, including pre-treatment and post-treatment services, the industry believes that investing in their skills will contribute to better healthcare outcomes.
Focus on R&D, Infrastructure, and NCD Prevention:
In a broader context, healthcare leaders stress the need for increased allocations to research and development, infrastructure upgrades, and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. India’s healthcare spending is at a modest 1.8 per cent of GDP as compared to the global average of 6 per cent. The interim Budget is an opportunity to address this gap, potentially increasing allocations to 2.5 per cent of GDP, as recommended by the NITI Aayog. Encouraging private sector participation for faster infrastructure development aligns with the ambitious goal of ensuring universal healthcare accessibility.
Indigenisation of Healthcare Services: In the fiscal year 2023 budget, the Ayush ministry witnessed a 20 per cent increase, reaching a total allocation of INR 3647 crore. This financial boost acknowledges the effectiveness of indigenous holistic treatments, especially through Ayurvedic facilities. In addition to cost-effectiveness, these traditional therapies can position India as an attractive destination for medical tourism. Focus on enhancing and promoting these will ensure our inclusion as a global leader in medical value tourism.
Digital Transformation:
In an increasingly digital world, the travel and tourism sector must keep pace with technological advancements. The budget could introduce initiatives to accelerate the digital transformation of the industry, including online booking platforms, a digital repository of healthcare services, virtual tourism experiences, and the integration of digital health records for medical tourists.
Financial Incentives for the Tourism Industry:
One of the key expectations is the introduction of financial incentives to boost the tourism industry, which I turn would help the medical tourism industry as well. This could include tax breaks, subsidies, and other forms of financial support for travel agencies, hotels, and other entities involved in the sector. The goal is to stimulate domestic tourism and attract international visitors. Expectations are high for the budget to include measures promoting sustainable tourism practices as well. This could involve incentives for eco-friendly accommodations, initiatives to preserve natural habitats, and campaigns to raise awareness about responsible tourism among travellers and overseas patients.
As the Union Budget 2024-25 takes centre stage, the healthcare industry’s expectations resonate as a call for transformative policies and increased investments for a more resilient, accessible, and innovative healthcare ecosystem.
The author is the Founder & CEO of Global Care, leading medical value travel company.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETTravelWorld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETTravelWorld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.
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The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) celebrated its most successful year for tourism, marking a record-breaking 1.22 million overnight arrivals in 2023, demonstrating an 8 per cent increase in overnight arrivals to the nature Emirate in comparison to 2022. This notable achievement is bolstered by a remarkable 24 per cent year-on-year surge in international visitors, which was supported by over 2,200 international activities across 30 countries.
RAKTDA said that this robust performance is a testament to its’s strategic growth initiatives, including investments in tourism infrastructure, targeted promotional campaigns, and a commitment to sustainability.
In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah achieved several notable accomplishments, solidifying its status as a global destination. Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah was recognised as a hub for business and social events, with a 23 per cent growth in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) revenue. The region also saw a remarkable 103 per cent increase in revenue from weddings.
Ras Al Khaimah also made history by achieving Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program, becoming the only destination in the Middle East with this level of certification and showcasing its commitment to responsible tourism. The Emirate also reported significant improvements in energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste output, surpassing baseline averages by 23 per cent, 29 per cent, and 61 per cent, respectively.
Enhancing airlift into Ras Al Khaimah is vital for achieving tourism arrival goals. The Emirate saw an increase in international air connectivity through direct flights with Qatar Airways, IndiGo, Smart Wings, Centrum Air, and SmartLynx. Direct flights from India, a key tourism source market, were increased, contributing to accelerated arrivals growth. Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah welcomed cruise liners, with 14 luxury cruise calls expected in the 2023/2024 season, growing to 20 by 2025/2026 and 50 by 2030/2031.
The region also collaborated with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) to promote cross-destination tourism and boost visitor arrivals to both Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam.
In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah hosted several notable events, including the 2023 WMF Minifootball World Cup, DP World Tour, RAK Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, Exotic Wedding Planning Conference, and the Global Citizen Forum.Finally, Ras Al Khaimah set two Guinness World Record titles during the 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone display, which attracted over 65,000 visitors.
Advance bookings for tour operators for the 2024 summer season are already significantly higher than in the last tourism year and the pre-pandemic year of 2019, DRV said. It also anticipated a boost from revenues from medium haul trips, including to Turkey and Greece, and that long-haul destinations would see more passengers paying higher fares.
Commenting on the achievement, Raki Phillips, CEO, RAKTDA, expressed satisfaction with the remarkable year, stating, “Despite global challenges that have impacted our industry, we remained agile and resilient as a tourism community, working together to deliver a destination offering that would resonate with our visitors and residents alike. Ras Al Khaimah is firmly on the path for continued success in 2024 and beyond.”
Delivering More Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah
RAKTDA’s efforts to promote Ras Al Khaimah globally resulted in an 8 per cent increase in total annual visitors, reaching the milestone of 1.22 million, with a significant 24 per cent boost in international visitors. The Emirate also witnessed a notable rise in hotel occupancy, reaching an impressive 74 per cent, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 12 percentage points.
More Rooms Drive Visitor Growth
Ras Al Khaimah’s expanding hotel portfolio is central to attracting more visitors. In 2023, several new hospitality projects were announced, including Nobu, Le Méridien, W Hotels, JW Marriott & Hilton on Al Marjan Island, totaling over 1,800 keys. The destination also welcomed Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort and the reopening of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah following refurbishment. Upcoming hotel projects include Westin Resort, Sofitel Al Hamra, Rove Al Marjan Island, Rotana Mangrove, and Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge.
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Dhruv Shringi, Co-Founder & CEO of Yatra Online, engaged in a fireside chat at the 2nd ET Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave & Awards, offering insights into the evolution of Yatra’s platform, the impact of technology, and the future of the travel industry.
He was speaking during a fireside chat interaction with ETTravelWorld on the topic: Online travel agencies – Achieving growth during disruptions.
Shringi outlined Yatra’s continuous product evolution, emphasising the strategy of adding more products to the platform. He highlighted the low marginal cost of selling additional products once the platform is in place, with a focus on a deeper and wider product portfolio. This includes cross-selling of services such as insurance, attractions, and car rentals. Shringi underlined the importance of both technology-enabled and manually interfaced products in this evolution.
AI and its impact on the industry:
Shringi delved into the multi-layered impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the travel industry. He discussed the positive and negative repercussions for employers, customers, and employees. From an employer’s perspective, AI can reduce service costs significantly, creating a cost advantage. However, customers need to be aware that their data is being used to provide customized responses. Shringi also highlighted the changing skill sets required for employees in the era of automation.
Addressing future innovations, Shringi envisioned concierge apps transforming the industry. He discussed a utopian scenario where users could simply instruct their devices to plan a trip, and the app would provide options, eliminating the need for manual intervention. He emphasised the potential for such innovations to disrupt the industry significantly.
Corporate travel and technology adoption
Shringi further shed light on Yatra’s focus on corporate travel, positioning it as the bedrock of the organisation. He highlighted the increased adoption of technology solutions by companies, driven by the need for scalable and automated business processes. He predicted a decade of integrated technology focus in contrast to the previous decade’s consumer-focused technology adoption.
“So, companies are adopting technology at a pace which has not been seen in the past decade. The last decade, as I said was more consumer focused in the next decade will be more integrated focus,” he said.
Discussing partnerships, Shringi emphasised the importance of collaboration to drive business growth. He cited examples of partnerships with destinations like Saudi Arabia and technology partnerships with companies like Nirvana in Abu Dhabi. Shringi advocated for organisations to play to their strengths and partner with others to create a marketplace-like environment.
“Right so the partnerships I personally feel are a great way of growing the business. So, because you can’t really do everything yourself. At least you know, you can do it yourself and do a good job. That’s what I feel I feel it’s better to focus on one or two core areas where you’ve got to make a lot of skill and in-depth expertise, and then partner with the others who focus on certain other areas and make it a platform like a marketplace in that sense,” Shringi said.
Regarding domestic tourism, Madhavan Menon emphasised the growth across various forms, including road transport, cruises, and resorts. He noted the success of cruises, citing a significant increase in people driving to resorts. Menon highlighted that new destinations, including Kashmir and the Northeast, are witnessing increased tourism due to improved accessibility.
Consumer booking trends
Shringi shared observations on changing consumer booking trends, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. He highlighted the prevalence of mobile devices as the primary channel for consumers in these markets. Shringi anticipated a shift towards simpler transactions being conducted on mobile devices, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges related to payments, confidence in international travel, and visa processes.
Shringi commended the Indian government’s significant investment in infrastructure, especially in the travel sector. He noted the substantial capacity expansion in aviation, attributing it to government spending on infrastructure projects. Shringi expressed optimism about the sector’s growth and capacity building, fueled by government initiatives.
The Yatra CEO’s insights and interaction at the 2nd edition of ET Travel & Tourism Conclave & Awards on November 30 in New Delhi provided a comprehensive view of Yatra’s strategic direction, the transformative impact of technology, and the dynamic landscape of the travel industry.
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Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman of Thomas Cook India, shared insights and reflections on the travel industry during a recent industry overview cum fireside chat on the sidelines of the 2nd ET Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave & Awards in New Delhi on November 30. Menon expressed optimism about the industry’s ability to transform challenges into opportunities over the last two years.
In the retrospective view, Menon emphasised that the disruption caused by the pandemic had served as an opportunity for the travel industry. Despite the challenges, travel companies showcased outstanding performance by reengineering costs and adapting to changing circumstances.
“I think we’ve come up with as an industry, despite all the challenges, despite everything, if you look at the performance of the travel companies, it has been outstanding,” he mentioned.
Opportunity in disruption
Menon acknowledged that the industry now faces a new set of challenges, including disruptions in the supply chain, resulting in higher costs, geopolitical issues, and other unforeseen obstacles. However, he highlighted a McKinsey study, indicating a positive outlook for tourism, predicting a significant rebound despite the challenges.
Consumer behavior & sustainable travel
Menon discussed the shift in consumer behavior, moving from revenge travel to sustainable travel. He noted the sustained growth in the number of people traveling, emphasizing the long-term trend. Menon also pointed out the positive impact of consumer behavior changes on the industry, contributing to its recovery.
“These are numbers that sort of things inspire us to believe that this is a long-term trend, that we go back to the India growth story and talk of whether we were altered and memoving towards the USD 5 trillion economy number,” he mentioned while talking about rising demand despite rising prices and other challenges.
During the ET Travel & Tourism Conclave, Arvind Singh, Former Tourism Secretary & AAI Chairman highlighted India’s tourism growth, projecting a INR 16.5 trillion contribution to the economy in 2023, a mere 3.5 per cent dip from pre-pandemic 2019 figures. Singh also discussed global tourism’s outlook, foreseeing a 23.3 per cent surge in Travel and Tourism GDP, nearing USD 9.5 trillion for 2023.
Domestic tourism & new destinations
Regarding domestic tourism, Menon emphasised the growth across various forms, including road transport, cruises, and resorts. He noted the success of cruises, citing a significant increase in people driving to resorts. Menon highlighted that new destinations, including Kashmir and the Northeast, are witnessing increased tourism due to improved accessibility.
Inbound tourism recovery
While inbound tourism faced challenges earlier in the year, Menon expressed optimism about its recovery. He attributed the rebound to India’s visibility on the global stage, benefiting from the G20 and the positive perception of India as a tourist destination.
Menon acknowledged the collaboration between the travel industry and the government but emphasized the different objectives. He suggested that while the government could focus on attracting tourism into India, the industry’s role is to ensure sustainability and visibility to maintain growth.
In conclusion, Menon highlighted the sustained trend in the travel industry, driven by changes in consumer behavior and a focus on sustainability. He stressed the importance of continued efforts to ensure the industry’s growth and sustainability.
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