“Spas are so 2010!”
A guest recently told me and I couldn’t agree more.
Today, wellness isn’t an add-on anymore, it’s the main course! A full-on emotional, mental, and physical smorgasbord.
“Forget cucumber facials, give us mindful mixology classes, early morning walks in nature, and sunrise Yin Yoga with goats,” a guest once told me.
A recent research by The Global Wellness Institute proves that “Wellness Went Viral Post-Pandemic.” In 2022, the global wellness economy was valued at $5.6 trillion dollars, 14 per cent higher than before the pandemic took the world by storm.
What do the numbers say?
●819.4 million wellness trips in 2022, nearly double pre-pandemic levels! (Think of a global yoga class with everyone from Paris to Patagonia.)
●Wellness trips represent 18.7 per cent of all tourism spending, meaning 1 in 5 travel dollars are now fueling well-being adventures. (Forget souvenirs, everyone’s buying meditation mantras and matcha smoothies.)
●Global wellness economy to grow at a phenomenal 8.6 per cent annually for the next 5 years.
●Wellness will top $6.3 trillion in 2023 and skyrocket to a staggering $8.5 trillion by 2027!
Here comes India into play!
A nation rooted in holistic wellness with its eras-old wellness systems and practices including Ayurveda, Yoga, plant-based satvik diets, zero-waste & sustainable farming, and spirituality-embedded spirituality retreats.
A slew of factors coupled together are contributing to India grabbing a larger pie in the overall growth of wellness tourism. The Asia-Pacific region including India marked a 107 per cent of 2019 recovery in wellness tourism.
1. Post-Pandemic Hangover
In the wake of the retracting pandemic, the world embraced the crucial role of wellness tourism and how it can immensely help their overall well-being, triggering a 180-degree transformation in people’s attitude towards personal well-being.
2. Rising Work Stress
65 per cent of working professionals struggle at work due to stress, and 47 per cent fear mental health repercussions- A recent global study by ADP found, the numbers clearly indicate a severely stressed-out workforce.
Thus, more and more working professionals are turning to wellness tourism as a mode of rejuvenation and responsible exploration to revitalize and unwind. Millennials aren’t just traveling for wellness – they’re craving it.
This generation tackles wellness tourism with a unique mindset, blending relaxation cravings with adventurous desires. Their inner journey isn’t just about spa days, it’s about escaping the daily grind and finding deep emotional fulfillment. Studies confirm this, showing Millennials seek stress relief and inner happiness through diverse, novel experiences. So, forget cookie-cutter wellness packages – Millennials want fresh adventures that soothe the soul and invigorate the spirit.
3. The 2Ds of Rising Income
Gen Zs and Millennials have a considerable disposable and discretionary income they’re willing to spend on wellness experiences with long-term health benefits.
The importance of achieving physical and mental well-being during yoga, rejuvenation treatment, herbal medicines, meditation, agritourism, and spa therapies at exotic locations.
4. Race To The Immunity Halo!
People woke up to the importance of a healthy body and strong immunity, all thanks to the havoc caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, the definition of immunity and wellness has extended to include intellectual wellness, hormonal wellness, facial wellness, sexual wellness, etc.
Simultaneously, the hospitality industry is keeping up with the rising demand for exclusive programs curated to rejuvenate their inner Everest. Recently, we at Ayatana shook hands with a celebrity wellness ambassador, Anshuka Parwani, to provide our guests with a transformative journey toward achieving inner balance and overall well-being.
Adults are chasing an immunity halo! A recent survey of 16,000 adults revealed a global obsession with immune health. A whopping 65 per cent are actively boosting their defenses with vitamins, wellness retreats, botanicals, and conscious food choices. In a world grappling with uncertainty, immunity has become the ultimate status symbol – the new six-pack.
5. Rising Awareness About The Power of Healing With Nature
A rising recognition of environmental factors shaping health extends from our homes to workplaces, communities, and travel. Wellness now extends far beyond the realms of hospitality and recreation, gaining traction among diverse stakeholders such as employers, schools, public health, and urban planning. This expanding embrace signals a broader movement, with these stakeholders poised to propel wellness initiatives to the masses, amplifying their impact on collective well-being. The changing narrative underscores a paradigm shift towards holistic health consciousness.
Aging populations, chronic disease epidemics, and skyrocketing healthcare costs are stark reminders: we need wellness more than ever. Expanding awareness of healthy habits and mindfulness practices fuels a revolution – from sick care to self-care.
Wellness tourism converges the burgeoning tourism and wellness sectors, with India’s wellness market valued at INR 490 bn, with services accounting for 40 per cent. The rejuvenation segment sees a notable surge, estimated at INR 4-5 bn. Mirroring global trends, Bollywood celebrities are catalyzing aspirational demand for spa services, echoing the influence seen in international markets. This confluence signifies a robust growth trajectory at the intersection of travel and well-being in India.
The urban population, comprising 28 per cent in 2001, is projected to surge to 37 per cent by 2025, fueling a dual impact of heightened availability and awareness of wellness products alongside a rise in stress-related disorders. The urbanization wave propels growth in both enhancement and curative wellness products and services, spurred by peer pressure and a societal focus on appearance. Increasing health consciousness, exposure to global beauty trends, and widespread media influence contribute to the expanding wellness landscape.
The author is the Founder & MD of Ayatana Hospitality.
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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Sri Lanka‘s tourism sector soared to new heights in 2023, surpassing the USD 2 billion milestone in earnings and witnessing a remarkable surge in Indian visitors. As Sri Lanka emerges as a premier tourist destination, the island nation’s strategic partnership with India remains pivotal in driving mutual prosperity and cultural exchange through tourism.The recent conclusion of Sri Lanka Tourism‘s inaugural Business Networking event for 2024 in India, held in Mumbai and Delhi, served as a testament to the robust growth and resilience of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The events, attended by over 300 participants including industry leaders, travel agents, and industry stakeholders, underscored the shared commitment to fostering stronger ties between Sri Lanka and India in the tourism sector.
Highlighting the surge in Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka, the events celebrated the doubling of Indian visitors from 13,759 in January of the previous year to 34,399 in January 2024. This exponential growth was attributed to enhanced connectivity between the two countries, with 95 flights connecting Sri Lanka to nine Indian cities, ensuring seamless travel experiences and smooth transactions facilitated by India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Addressing the audience at the Mumbai event, Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs, expressed gratitude to India for its steadfast support in Sri Lanka’s tourism development journey. Minister Fernando highlighted Sri Lanka’s remarkable economic transformation and ambitious goal of attracting 2.5 million tourists in 2024, buoyed by the strong momentum witnessed in early 2024 with over 48,000 tourist arrivals in the first six days of February.
Reflecting on the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and India, Kshenuka Senewiratne, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi, emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation and connectivity between the two nations. Recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the strength of the partnership, with India’s support instrumental during economic challenges.
Sri Lanka has rolled out infrastructure development projects and innovative tourism promotion programmes in a bid to attract high-end tourists, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. During the tour, the President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited several tourist hotels, talking with owners to understand their challenges first hand, the PMD added.
Dr Valsan Kumaran Vethody, the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, stressed the importance of people-to-people connectivity in strengthening bilateral relations. With tourism serving as a bridge between cultures, Dr Vethody highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration in the tourism sector to fully harness the economic value of India’s vast tourism market.Looking ahead, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth and innovation, with ambitious targets set for tourist arrivals and plans for new infrastructure. Initiatives to promote sustainable tourism practices and preserve cultural heritage underscore Sri Lanka’s commitment to long-term industry success.
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Hotel industry in India is slated for a healthy revenue growth of 11-13 per cent in the next fiscal after a strong 15-17 per cent growth in the current fiscal, backed by steady domestic demand and ramp up in foreign traveller demand, stated a CRISIL Ratings analysis. The strong demand dynamics along with modest new supply will keep the operating performance of the industry healthy over the near term.
The healthy operating performance will augur well for the industry profitability where the earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) will continue the strong momentum over the current and the next fiscal. This, along with limited capital expenditure, will keep the credit profiles strong. The analysis of branded hotel companies with 70,000 rooms across categories, indicates as much.
“The domestic travel demand, which remained a key driver this fiscal, will sustain next fiscal as well. This momentum will be supported by healthy economic activity which drives business demand and continuing leisure travel demand which reinvigorated post the pandemic. While the demand will remain strong, the growth rate is expected to taper off next fiscal due to high base. Consequently, the average room rates (ARRs) are expected to grow 5-7 per cent next fiscal against 10-12 per cent this fiscal and the occupancy is expected to remain healthy at current levels of 73-74 per cent,” stated Anand Kulkarni, Director, CRISIL Ratings.On the other hand, the foreign tourist arrivals in India, despite a growth this fiscal, are estimated to remain 10 per cent below pre-pandemic level and pick-up in the same will provide fillip to the hotel demand next fiscal. Foreign tourist arrivals are expected to be at 9.5-9.8 million persons this fiscal against 7.9 million last fiscal and 10.6 million in fiscal 2019, as per CRISIL.
Looking ahead to 2024, Sodhi predicts a resurgence in corporate travel, with business travellers displaying increased confidence and planning trips to foster business growth and strengthen professional relationships. Notably, major global airlines are expected to exceed pre-pandemic capacity levels, with two percent more seats offered in 2024 compared to 2019, albeit with a six percent reduction in the number of flights.
Apart from the aforementioned factors, demand in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and events) segment is also expected to remain healthy as corporates have resumed their activities post the pandemic induced hiatus.In addition to demand, favourable supply situation is one of the critical drivers of the strong performance of the industry.
“Greenfield capex is expected to remain muted with the new room addition remaining at 4-5 per cent per fiscal over the next couple of years. While the demand rebound has boosted the industry sentiments, the cost dynamics still remain a constraining factor for new capex. High land costs, sizable increase in construction costs, long gestation period coupled with cyclicality in the sector is resulting in cautious new capex in the sector. Therefore, brands may keep adding rooms through management contracts, which will limit their upfront capital costs,” added Nitin Kansal, Director, CRISIL Ratings.
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Yatra Online, leading corporate travel services provider and a prominent player in the online travel sector, has announced robust financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24. With a 23 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, the company continues to strengthen its position in the market despite facing certain operational challenges.
The consolidated financial performance for Q3-FY24 reveals a significant growth in revenue from operations, amounting to INR 1,103 million, marking a 23 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. However, the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBIDTA) showed a decline of 25 per cent year-on-year, standing at INR 48 million. Adjusted EBIDTA also experienced a decrease of 11 per cent, amounting to INR 100 million. Nonetheless, the net profit surged impressively by 119 per cent year-on-year, reaching INR 11 million.
Operational highlights for the quarter indicate a robust performance in Yatra‘s domestic air passenger segment, witnessing a remarkable growth of 26 per cent year-on-year, outpacing industry growth by a significant margin. This growth underscores the company’s effective strategies in capturing market share and solid brand recognition. Gross bookings also saw a healthy increase of 18 per cent year-on-year, totaling INR 18,605 million.
Despite challenges posed by muted business travel spends across certain sectors, Yatra continued to expand its corporate client base. The quarter saw the addition of 26 new corporate accounts, with a total annual billing potential of INR 2,237 million. Notably, subsequent to the quarter’s end, Yatra secured partnerships with prominent entities, including one of India’s largest banks and a leading pharmaceutical company.
Company’s EBITDA reached INR 653.7 million, up by 10.9 per cent year-on-year. Also, there were 3.8 Lacs hotel night bookings and 7.7 Lacs in the other bookings. Following a successful quarter, EaseMyTrip also acquired a stake of approximately 13 per cent in ECO Hotels and Resorts and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Uttarakhand.
Dhruv Shringi, Whole Time Director & Chief Executive Officer, Yatra Online, expressed pride in the company’s strong performance during the December quarter. He attributed the robust growth in the air passenger segment to Yatra’s brand recognition and effective market strategies. Additionally, Shringi highlighted the company’s continued focus on expanding its corporate clientele and enhancing shareholder value.In a bid to fortify its market position and express gratitude to shareholders, Yatra recently launched the Yatra Prime membership initiative. This program aims to enhance travel experiences for shareholders by offering value-added benefits and convenience.
Despite certain headwinds in the operating environment, Yatra said it remains committed to seizing growth opportunities and ensuring sustained upward momentum.
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Sabre Corporation, a global technology leader powering the travel industry, has appointed Sam Machado as the new Managing Director for the India market. With extensive experience in the travel and hospitality sector, Machado brings a wealth of knowledge to Sabre, having previously served in various leadership roles within the industry. His return to Sabre marks a significant milestone as the company reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and customer success in the region.
In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld, Machado highlighted trends he sees in the marketplace, Sabre’s plans, and what agencies need to be thinking about to harness India’s huge tourism industry growth.
Vision for growth
Machado’s professional journey in the travel industry has been characterised by continuous growth and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Having previously joined Sabre in 2011 and later progressing to lead sales across the Asia Pacific region, Sam’s decision to rejoin Sabre stems from his belief in the company’s vision to be the most valued technology platform in travel. He expresses his excitement about returning to India and South Asia, where he began his journey with Sabre and forged lifelong connections.
“In the dynamic and ever-evolving Indian market, there are immense growth possibilities, I’m thrilled to be back at Sabre, where I can make a significant positive impact on our customers’ businesses and the wider travel ecosystem,” he mentioned.
Focus areas and responsibilities
As the Managing Director for India, Machado will lay special emphasis on a customer-centric approach, with a primary focus on supporting both online and brick-and-mortar agency customers. He underscores Sabre’s commitment to providing innovative technology solutions that anticipate future trends and meet the evolving needs of travellers and agencies alike.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that our innovative technology solutions are at the forefront of the digital transformation happening across the travel marketplace. We aim to leverage strategic partnerships, enhanced customer relations, and relentless pursuit of technology-driven solutions to propel Sabre’s growth and presence in the region,” Machado explained.
Navigating market dynamics & unlocking growth opportunities
The new Sabre India MD identifies the Indian travel marketplace as one of the most dynamic and exciting markets globally. With predictions indicating India’s rise as the fourth largest spender on travel by 2030, there are significant opportunities for growth. To navigate these changes, Machado emphasises the importance of understanding the unique needs of diverse clientele and providing them with the necessary tools and expertise to capitalize on this growth.
“We focus on providing our travel agency partners with the necessary tools and expertise to capitalise on this growth. Our strategic partnerships, like the one with Air India, showcase our commitment to aligning with local market needs.”
Facilitating digital transformation & enhancing customer experience
Sabre’s commitment to digital transformation is evident in its comprehensive suite of AI-powered microservices and automation tools designed to enhance customer success. Sam emphasises Sabre’s role in facilitating digital transformation within the travel sector in India, highlighting the importance of reducing manual work and enabling better business decision-making through advanced technology solutions.
“Through everything we’ve been talking about! It’s about bringing our technological transformation and our customer-centric approach together with our advanced solutions and our deep expertise in the market. It’s through working with our technology partners and our travel partners across the entire travel ecosystem. We’re proud to sit at the beating heart of the travel ecosystem and we take that responsibility very seriously, giving us countless opportunities to create positive momentum not just for Sabre but for our customers and their travellers,” he said.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, the sector leaders are bullish about sustained and growing demand for experiential travel. Travelers, driven by a desire for genuine connections and transformative encounters, are expected to shape the industry’s future, according to Suresh Rangarajan, Founder & CEO of Colive.
Growth plans for 2024 and beyond
Machado feels that 2024 is a pivotal year for technological transformation at Sabre. “This will be the year we fully complete our move to the Cloud. We’re on schedule and right on the cusp of being completely migrated to the Google Cloud. We went into that tech transformation to deliver all sorts of benefits and capabilities for Sabre and the travel industry at large – to reduce costs, unlock greater efficiencies and capabilities, and enhance our ability to deliver transformative products and services at speed for the wider travel ecosystem,” he mentioned.
He further added that the company now have 100 per cent of Sabre agency and airline shopping in the Cloud, which is giving them greater scalability to meet the needs of their regional and global partners. “Our data scientists, engineers and travel technology experts from Sabre and Google are working together every day and our team in Bangalore has been involved in regular hackathons and tech talks to solve real-life challenges and provide platforms to share ideas as we work together to reshape the future of travel.”
This year, Sabre in India will be working with their customers to support its own digital transformation. The company has a range of products and solutions, including booking tools, APIs and automation products, that significantly reduce manual work and allow agents to operate online and from mobile devices, allowing them to service customers better and in more ways.
“We anticipate greater and greater demand for these products as agencies transform from traditional to hybrid models. In the years to come, we expect to see more and more unique content offerings that will provide opportunities for growth, but also complexity in adoption. Fortunately, with Sabre Red 360 and our unique marketplace, Sabre is best positioned to solve for this complexity and ensure our customers continue to have access to the widest breadth of content and seamless workflow,” Machado further said while talking about strategic vision for the Indian market.
How can Sabre support travel agencies?
While answering the question on agencies’ perspective on harnessing growth potential of the tourism industry and how Sabre can support travel agencies in adopting to the evolving needs of the market, Machado said agencies need to ensure they have the right technology to compete in the complex travel landscape of today and tomorrow, and what is vital is that they start from the back to the front.
“They need to start with what they want to achieve so we can help them get there. They need to be thinking about both automation and innovation. It’s vital they can increase efficiencies by replacing repetitive, manual tasks with automation, which is why we’re seeing such interest in our Automation Hub and TicketExpress, and Automated Exchanges and Automated Refunds. By reducing time spent on back-end tasks, agencies can focus more on their customers and future business strategy,” he suggested.
Agencies also need to ensure they aren’t passive bystanders in the new world of offer-and-order. The travel industry is on the brink of a seismic shift, driven by tech innovation and a new wave of consumer demand. So, for travel agencies looking to up their game, the time for introspection is now. Modern travel retailing is not just about selling flight tickets from Point A to Point B, but about improving the entire journey from dreaming about a trip to landing back home. Airlines are already adopting a model of offers and orders in which NDC lets airlines offer personalized bundles.
Message to industry stakeholders
Sharing a message of collaboration, innovation, and shared success to industry stakeholders, clients, and partners, Machado expressed his excitement about the journey ahead and reaffirmed Sabre’s commitment to driving innovation and contributing to the growth and success of the travel industry in India and South Asia.
“With collaboration and innovation, we can navigate the evolving landscape, unlock new possibilities, and reshape the future of travel in India and South Asia. I’m so excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working closely with all of our stakeholders to achieve our collective goals. Together, we can navigate the evolving landscape, unlock new possibilities, and reshape the future of travel in India and South Asia,” he concluded.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, embracing data-driven personalization is not just a trend but a fundamental strategy for success. Haninder Sachdeva, Managing Director & CEO, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts shares that from pre-booking to post-stay engagement, hotels that harness the power of data analytics and technology can create tailored, memorable experiences for their guests.
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In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld shortly after his transition to the health and medical education department, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, the former tourism and culture secretary, reflected on the strategic initiatives undertaken and notable achievements in the last year or so.
“One of the key lessons that I learnt as Secretary Tourism, is that in the future, sustainable tourism is going to be a very important element of the growth and development of the tourism sector. Involvement of the stakeholders, particularly the young population of our country, in the livelihood opportunities provided by the tourism sector is paramount,” he said. He stressed the need to showcase Jammu and Kashmir’ tourism potential globally, aiming to position the region as a hub for sustainable and responsible tourism.
Describing J&K as the crown of Incredible India, Shah expressed optimism about the sector’s continuous growth, attributing it as the backbone of the region’s economy.
“If the recent trends are any indication, this sector will only grow from strength to strength in times to come. The contribution of tourism in the GSDP of the J & K economy and the number of jobs related to the sector will automatically see an increase in the years to come,” said Shah.
He also highlighted the recent surge in tourist footfall, reaching a historic high of 2.11 crores in a single year, and the significant impact of hosting the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting.
J&K Tourism welcomed Mudgul as their Secretary, poised to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessor Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah’s tenure which notably witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism activities and numbers growing threefold, pinning J&K’s on the global tourism map.
“The successful implementation of the G20 event proved to be a watershed moment for the tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir. It resulted in an almost 3 time increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals in J&K,” he told ETTravelWorld. Shah outlined other major successes, including the promotion of offbeat destinations, a focus on sustainable tourism through home stays, boosting border tourism, reviving film tourism, promoting golf tourism, emphasising cultural tourism, and democratising the sector by involving youth in remote areas with tourism and allied activities.
Now appointed as the Secretary for the Health & Medical Education Department, Shah had previously overseen the successful implementation of an important World Bank project in J&K and served as the Mission Director for the prestigious Jal Jeevan Mission.
He is replaced by Yasha Mudgul, an IAS officer of the 2007 batch who was recently serving as the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government for the Cooperatives Department, before taking over the helm.
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In a significant move, Zoomcar, the leading player in the digital car rental space, has successfully gone public on NASDAQ through a merger deal with IOAC. In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Greg Moran, CEO & Co-Founder of Zoomcar, expressed his excitement and satisfaction about this milestone, highlighting the rarity of homegrown companies making it to the US exchange. He emphasised the strong partnership formed with IOAC, particularly with its Chairman & CEOMohan Ananda, who is also the primary sponsor of the SPAC and is now a significant investor in Zoomcar.During the interaction, Moran stated, “The alignment of medium to long-term goals in building out Zoomcar from a fundamental standpoint is very aligned, and that’s not super often in an IPO transaction.”
The choice of NASDAQ was deliberate, given Zoomcar’s expansion plans outside India, with a footprint in Indonesia and Egypt, and aspirations to enter new geographies across Southeast Asia and Latin America.
SPAC Route for Going Public
When asked about the decision to go public through a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), Moran highlighted the benefits for a company of Zoomcar’s scale. He pointed out the concrete partnership formed with the investor base and the better visibility into the capital acquired, providing more confidence and focus on core execution.
“The SPAC transaction is a little more defined, and you can focus a little more on the core execution as opposed to very extensive marketing efforts, which is typically the case in a regular IPO,” Moran explained.
Global Expansion Plans
Zoomcar’s growth plans include expanding its footprint in emerging markets. Moran identified India and Indonesia as strong emerging markets and outlined plans to enter markets like Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Brazil, and Mexico in the coming quarters.
Bullish on India’s Market
Moran further expressed a bullish outlook for the Indian market, highlighting Zoomcar’s 90 per cent market share in the country. He emphasised the vast untapped opportunity in India, with millions of potential hosts and users yet to explore the platform. The company plans to dial up its investment, particularly in Tier-II cities, tourist destinations, and regions with significant travel and tourism potential.
AI Integration and Product Features
Zoomcar, which distinguishes itself with AI-driven solutions for user experience, including machine learning models for matching supply and demand, personalisation for guests and hosts, and advanced fraud detection is also seamlessly integrating AI into the platform, with a focus on creating next-level personalisation for users.
Mathias Schmid, Senior Vice President, Trip Division, Booking.com provided deeper insights into the company’s vision and the role of the new COE in an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld. For the Indian market, this translates into scaling the attractions business and adding more relevant products to cater to the unique preferences and travel patterns of Indian users.
No Plans for US Market Entry
Despite its listing on NASDAQ, Zoomcar has no plans to operate in developed or mature markets like the US or Europe. Responding to the query, Moran explained that the company’s core focus is on emerging markets, such as India, Indonesia, and Latin America.
Future Trends: SUVs and Electric Vehicles
Moran also discussed emerging trends during the discussion, including a growing preference for SUVs and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles on the Zoomcar platform. He anticipates these trends will continue to accelerate over the next 4-5 years, driven by government initiatives and evolving consumer preferences.
Focused on Core P2P Platform
In response to whether Zoomcar would venture into ride-hailing or ride-sharing, Moran stressed the substantial opportunity in the self-drive category, with a multi-thousand crore market. He stated, “I certainly don’t see us drifting into anything new. We are a core P2P platform for self-drive, and it’s quite different from a P2P ride-hailing platform.” Zoomcar will continue to focus on its core business for the foreseeable future.
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said the ODOP initiative has the potential to drive the growth of the tourism sector which in turn will push employment generation. The ODOP (one district one product) initiative is aimed at selecting, branding, and promoting one product from each district of the country.
It is also aimed at creating sustainable employment at the district level while promoting holistic socio-economic development.
The initiative has a “strong impact on tourism…I expect the ODOP to actually translate into stronger tourism in the years to come and tourism is a powerful driver of employment…ODOP, can, is and should become a more powerful driver of tourism,” he said.
The minister said this while felicitating winners of the national ‘One District One Product’ awards during the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Utsav celebration here.
Jaishankar added that while making in India is “very” crucial, branding and promotion of products are important as it helps in increasing demand.
“ODOP has been a great promoter of what has been made across the country, he said adding Geographical Indicators (GI) today are one of the big areas of competition.
In 2023, more than 5 lakh tourists visited Bhaderwah, showcasing the progress made by the region in the tourism sector. The tourism officials expressed keen interest in bolstering the tourism sector to generate livelihood opportunities, particularly in Bhaderwah, while revealing the ongoing efforts by private stakeholders to establish world-class hotels and 5-star facilities in the district.
GI is actually a “very powerful” part of branding and that ODOP will definitely provide, he said. The products which have been identified under the programme include coffee from Araku; Shopian apples and honey from Bathinda.
On exports, the minister said that both foreign affairs and commerce ministries are working together along with Indian missions to boost the country’s outbound shipments.
The government mainly gifts ODOP products to foreign delegates.
During India’s G20 Presidency, the ODOP artisans, sellers and weavers got a lot of visibility on the Global stage.
“Foreign policy, foreign economic policy and foreign commerce policy” come together, he said adding ODOP represents the diversity of India in a unique and tangible way.
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In a recent interaction with ETTravelWorld, Gregg Wafelbakker, General Manager Asia at Tourism New Zealand, provided a comprehensive overview of the milestones and insights gained in 2023, shedding light on the growth of New Zealand‘s tourism market and outlining strategies for the Indian market in 2024.
Wafelbakker described 2023 as a year marked by milestones, particularly in terms of visitation numbers and brand growth. From January to September 2023, the total number of arrivals from India reached an impressive 60,267, showcasing a remarkable 34 per cent surge compared to the same period in 2019. The robust recovery during this period solidified India’s position as a crucial visitor market for New Zealand.
Twenty Years in the Indian Market:
A significant achievement celebrated in 2023 was Tourism New Zealand’s twenty years of operation in the Indian market. In recognition of this milestone, a special event was organized to express gratitude to valued Indian partners. The event also served to acknowledge the significant contributions of these partners to the success of New Zealand’s tourism growth. Additionally, frontline training sessions were conducted in Mumbai and Delhi, featuring a 20-member delegation from New Zealand representing various entities such as Regional Tourism Organisations, hotels, attractions, airports, and airlines. This marked Tourism New Zealand’s first in-market event since 2020.Key Learnings and Takeaways:
Wafelbakker emphasized the crucial learning from the accomplishments in 2023—the need to continue building momentum in India by growing the desire for New Zealand and converting this into bookings. The strategy involves leveraging strong partnerships through trade collaborations, media alliances, and opportunities for advocacy.
Strategies for 2024:
Looking ahead to 2024, Tourism New Zealand aims to continue converting high-quality Indian visitors. This involves incorporating content that specifically addresses travel obstacles for Indian travelers in campaigns, partnerships, and trade efforts. The focus will be on providing guidance on planning a visit to New Zealand, navigating travel within the country, and highlighting established health and safety measures.
In summary, 2023 has been a year of achievements and growth for Tourism New Zealand, setting the stage for continued success in the Indian market in the coming year. The focus remains on building partnerships and addressing the specific needs of Indian travelers to enhance the appeal of New Zealand as a preferred travel destination.
While the Homestay and Caravan Tourism Policies have taken centre stage already, the state government is gearing up for the introduction of additional policies such as agro-eco tourism, wellness, and adventure, focusing on attracting investments while ensuring transparency and regulation in the tourism landscape. The Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C and Printing and Stationary, Rohan Khaunte shared all and more with ETTravelWorld. Read here.
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Astro-tourism, an intriguing fusion of astronomy and travel, captivates travelers in search of distinctive and meaningful experiential travel experiences. In an era where travelers crave journeys beyond conventional tourism, astro-tourism emerges as a celestial avenue to rediscover the marvels of the cosmos. A trend on Instagram, “A Sky in Your Gallery,” gained popularity, which also shows the connection today’s Gen Z and Millennials have towards sunrise, sunset, stargazing, meteor showers and so on.
For centuries, the night sky has held humanity in awe, inspiring poets, guiding explorers, and sparking creative brilliance. While Astro-tourism has deep roots in the West, its popularity is blossoming in India. Astro-tourism is becoming more and more popular, reflecting a general desire for deeper bonds with the universe and establishing India as a destination of choice for those looking for experiences in space that go beyond the typical. This increase is attributed to the discovery of dark sky sanctuaries and reserves in enchanted places like Hanle in Ladakh, as well as the creation of astro sanctuaries in Benital, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Solan Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
The ascendance of Astro-Tourism in India
Rajasthan became the first state to launch a night sky tourism initiative in March 2022, installing high-quality telescopes in all 33 districts. India’s first dark sky reserve was established in the Ladakhi village of Hanle. Educational insights, such as understanding the age of starlight or navigating using the North Star, contribute to a deeper understanding of astronomy. This section delves into the factors propelling the growth of astro-tourism in India and the unique experiences it unfolds for travelers.
The experiential essence of Astro-Tourism
In the broader industry perspective, astro-tourism is navigating a fascinating trajectory, fueled by a confluence of technological advancements, societal shifts, and an evolving fascination with the cosmos. Vatalya’s unique position, offering a panoramic view of the entire Galaxy just 100 kilometers from Chandigarh, exemplifies a paradigm shift in accessibility. This accessibility, combined with efforts to simplify astronomy for diverse audiences, reflects a crucial aspect of the industry’s evolution—making celestial experiences inclusive rather than exclusive. Moreover, the comparison of travel times to the moon, illustrating technological advancements, underscores the dynamic nature of astro-tourism.
For individuals deeply intrigued by the cosmos, our astro-tourism initiative provides a surreal and once-in-a-lifetime journey that reconnects them with the wonderment of childhood days spent reading about these celestial phenomena. It’s an opportunity to witness the grandeur of the universe, bringing to life the lessons learned in geography classes and fostering a deeper understanding of the night sky. The stargazing sessions, coupled with educational insights, cultivate a broader perspective, reminding travelers of their place in the vastness of the cosmos.
In the dynamic world of hospitality and travel, the distinction between offering authentic local experiences and falling into the clichéd abyss of tourist traps holds significant implications. According to Raoof Razak Dhanani, Managing Director, Sayaji Hotels Group. Investing in local experiences is not just a cultural nod but a strategic move towards fostering equitable economic benefits.
Economic impacts and sustainability
Astro-tourism wields a significant influence on local economies, acting as a transformative force that unlocks economic potential in remote areas. Strategically positioned observatories draw avid astronomers, fostering economic benefits through accommodations, dining, and travel services. This upsurge in tourism positively ripples through communities, enhancing social and economic standing by promoting skill development, cultural interaction, and the preservation of indigenous history.Promoting sustainability, astro-tourism establishments forge connections between travelers and the environment. Adhering to sustainable tourism principles, these establishments prioritize environmentally friendly methods to minimize their impact.
The conservation of black sky reserves and the reduction of light pollution not only preserve celestial clarity but also contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts. This commitment ensures optimal conditions for stargazing experiences. By incorporating eco-friendly practices during workshops and events, astro-tourism initiatives strive to minimize their ecological footprint. In contrast to traditional establishments that may inadvertently contribute to light pollution, the conscious management of luminosity guarantees an unaffected night sky during non-event periods. This mindful approach not only enhances celestial observations but also aligns with broader environmental goals.
Active participation in the conservation of black sky reserves signifies dedication to preserving the beauty of the night sky and contributing to overarching environmental preservation objectives.
The author is the Community Director at Vaatalya, a sanctuary dedicated to sustainable living.
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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