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Minister – Traveldaayri https://traveldaayri.com Traveldaayri Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:23:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 Bhutan’s Prime Minister calls for enhanced air connectivity with India to boost tourism, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/bhutans-prime-minister-calls-for-enhanced-air-connectivity-with-india-to-boost-tourism-et-travelworld-2/ Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:23:34 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/bhutans-prime-minister-calls-for-enhanced-air-connectivity-with-india-to-boost-tourism-et-travelworld-2/ [ad_1]

On his first visit to India post his relection in January 2024, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, emphasised the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and Bhutan to promote tourism during an exclusive interaction organised by FICCI in New Delhi. Highlighting the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, he invited more Indian tourists to explore Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes.

“Our aim is to target 1,50,000 Indian tourists in the coming year,” stated PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay, underscoring Bhutan’s commitment to enhancing happiness and well-being among tourists through a holistic tourism policy. Globally, Bhutan is targeting to receive 3 lakh tourists. In 2023, 72659 Indian tourists travelled to Bhutan. The country yet the reach the pre-pandemic visitor arrival numbers, when it had received 2.30 lakh tourists.

The Bhutanese PM also invited more Indian carriers to fly to Bhutan and utilise the current air travel agreement between both the countries.

Bhutan’s tourism policy revolves around the concept of Gross National Happiness, focusing on sustainable development, social progress, cultural preservation, and good governance. Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay highlighted Bhutan’s efforts in education, ensuring that tourists receive excellent care and experiences during their visit.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of good governance in ensuring the safety and security of tourists. He outlined plans to improve air access to Bhutan and sought collaboration from the industry to achieve this goal. Additionally, he announced that Bhutan government will work towards providing subsidies to airlines to reduce airfares and easing of permit processes for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan.

Bhutan celebrates rise of female guides in tourism sector on International Women’s Day 2024

Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase of over 25 per cent in the number of female guides in Bhutan, particularly since the country reopened its doors to tourism in September 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, there are approximately 1,809 certified and validated guides in Bhutan.

On the ocassion, Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI, emphasised Bhutan’s potential for tourism growth, citing its stunning landscapes and commitment to sustainable development. She called for increased collaboration between India and Bhutan in infrastructure development and trust-building initiatives.Dipak Deva, Chairman, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee, stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity between India and Bhutan to facilitate tourism. He also highlighted the demand for a common regional package for tourism covering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, a proposal that the Bhutanese Prime Minister supported.

The summit concluded with a shared commitment to fostering greater understanding and collaboration between India and Bhutan, with a focus on promoting tourism and enhancing people-to-people ties.

  • Published On Mar 16, 2024 at 01:21 AM IST

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Bhutan’s Prime Minister calls for enhanced air connectivity with India to boost tourism, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/bhutans-prime-minister-calls-for-enhanced-air-connectivity-with-india-to-boost-tourism-et-travelworld/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 21:16:09 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/bhutans-prime-minister-calls-for-enhanced-air-connectivity-with-india-to-boost-tourism-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

On his first visit to India post his relection in January 2024, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, emphasised the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and Bhutan to promote tourism during an exclusive interaction organised by FICCI in New Delhi. Highlighting the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, he invited more Indian tourists to explore Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes.

“Our aim is to target 1,50,000 Indian tourists in the coming year,” stated PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay, underscoring Bhutan’s commitment to enhancing happiness and well-being among tourists through a holistic tourism policy. Globally, Bhutan is targeting to receive 3 lakh tourists. In 2023, 72659 Indian tourists travelled to Bhutan. The country yet the reach the pre-pandemic visitor arrival numbers, when it had received 2.30 lakh tourists.

The Bhutanese PM also invited more Indian carriers to fly to Bhutan and utilise the current air travel agreement between both the countries.

Bhutan’s tourism policy revolves around the concept of Gross National Happiness, focusing on sustainable development, social progress, cultural preservation, and good governance. Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay highlighted Bhutan’s efforts in education, ensuring that tourists receive excellent care and experiences during their visit.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of good governance in ensuring the safety and security of tourists. He outlined plans to improve air access to Bhutan and sought collaboration from the industry to achieve this goal. Additionally, he announced that Bhutan government will work towards providing subsidies to airlines to reduce airfares and easing of permit processes for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan.

Bhutan celebrates rise of female guides in tourism sector on International Women’s Day 2024

Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase of over 25 per cent in the number of female guides in Bhutan, particularly since the country reopened its doors to tourism in September 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, there are approximately 1,809 certified and validated guides in Bhutan.

On the ocassion, Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI, emphasised Bhutan’s potential for tourism growth, citing its stunning landscapes and commitment to sustainable development. She called for increased collaboration between India and Bhutan in infrastructure development and trust-building initiatives.Dipak Deva, Chairman, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee, stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity between India and Bhutan to facilitate tourism. He also highlighted the demand for a common regional package for tourism covering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, a proposal that the Bhutanese Prime Minister supported.

The summit concluded with a shared commitment to fostering greater understanding and collaboration between India and Bhutan, with a focus on promoting tourism and enhancing people-to-people ties.

  • Published On Mar 16, 2024 at 01:21 AM IST

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India now the 7th largest market for Tourism Western Australia; minister eyes direct flight, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/india-now-the-7th-largest-market-for-tourism-western-australia-minister-eyes-direct-flight-et-travelworld/ Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:28:07 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/india-now-the-7th-largest-market-for-tourism-western-australia-minister-eyes-direct-flight-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Image used for representation only </p>
Image used for representation only

Western Australia is witnessing a significant surge in tourism numbers from India, elevating it from the 11th to the 7th largest market. Rita Saffioti BBus MLA, Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Transport; Tourism, Western Australia, led the delegation to India to strengthen ties, explore new avenues of collaborations, and discuss challenges, including the prospect of securing a direct flight.

During their mission in India, Saffioti along with Carolyn Turnbull, Managing Director of Tourism Western Australia, engaged with the travel trade and media to gather feedback for refining their marketing strategies and facilitating investments and engagements.

“We see India as a key market for us. And we’re very keen to support further development while continuing our efforts to promote tourism and grow the awareness of Western Australia in India,” said the minister.

“One of the purposes of our trip to India this time is to talk to the airlines. Glad to share that we’ve had a couple of meetings already,” Saffioti shared while discussing the aspirations related to securing a direct flight.

The minister expressed optimism that the ongoing discussions with airline partners will yield positive outcomes in the near future, without divulging specific details.

Speaking further during a roundtable discussion held at The Leela Palace New Delhi yesterday, Western Australia’s Managing Director also emphasised the significant growth in the Indian market for Western Australia. “We are working very closely with our trade partners on quality marketing activity to most importantly, grow the awareness of destination, our unique offerings and the wonderful regions within Western Australia. We’re so lucky to be surrounded by beautiful, wide open spaces and the rich culture that WA offers,” stated Turnbull.

In terms of the unique experiences that Western Australia offers for the Indian tourists, she mentioned about the Swan Valley’s brilliant wine-growing region, Rottnest Island, the Swan River, Fremantle, and various cultural and sporting opportunities.

During the meeting, Turnbull also highlighted that even without that direct service, Western Australia has seen the Indian market’s robust growth from strength to strength. “What we’re doing on behalf of the State Government at Tourism Western Australia is putting a lot more time and dedication and contribution into our marketing efforts and we hope to notch up our efforts this year to be able to get more numbers from India. The jump showing India at the 7th largest market position for WA is extraordinary,” she stated.

Adding to this, the minister also underscored the need to seek direct feedback from the Indian travel trade fraternity on how to raise awareness further and support increased travel between the two regions.

Sunday Read: From pearls to pampering palates, journeying through the gems of Bahrain

Bahrain, often a hidden gem awaiting exploration, allows visitors to savour its essence without the typical tourist hustle. This appeals to travellers, including Indians, for both short and extended getaways. Notably, Bahrain is conveniently located just a short flight from India, offering easy travel with good connectivity from various airlines and cities, hinting at a surge in tourism numbers from India in the coming years.

The Indian travel trade professionals present during the meet unanimously agreed on the need for a concerted push in overall and consumer marketing for Western Australia tourism. They advocated for increased awareness of the destination, aggressive promotional campaigns and the creation of segment-specific packages to cater to diverse traveller interests.

To this, Saffioti reiterated the importance of staying true to Western Australia’s unique selling points (USPs) and suggested a more targeted approach to specific target segments. She stressed the need for strategic marketing initiatives that align with the preferences and expectations of the target audience.

Minister Saffioti, who also expressed having a deep connection with India, said she had fallen in love with its energy and warmth many years ago, reiterating the importance of the Indian market for Western Australia. Saffioti, who assumed the role of Minister for Tourism six months ago, emphasised the multifaceted relationship between India and Western Australia, supported by the fact that Western Australia has a strong presence of the Indian community.

She also expressed her interest in fostering relationships through sports and cultural exchanges as well, with a particular focus on cricket and other sporting events.

Saffioti also discussed the “Dream State” overseas campaign featuring a video by Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, aiming to showcase Western Australia’s diverse attractions and experiences.

  • Published On Jan 24, 2024 at 02:00 PM IST

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TN Minister urges timely completion of tourism projects, hotel cleanliness for visitor appeal, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/tn-minister-urges-timely-completion-of-tourism-projects-hotel-cleanliness-for-visitor-appeal-et-travelworld/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 07:58:12 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/tn-minister-urges-timely-completion-of-tourism-projects-hotel-cleanliness-for-visitor-appeal-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Representative Image</p>
Representative Image

The construction of stadiums in anticipation of the upcoming 48th India Tourism and Industry Exhibition 2023-2024 at Chennai Island is underway at a rapid pace, as confirmed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC).

Under the guidance of Minister of Tourism K. Ramachandran, a review meeting was convened on January 4, focusing on ongoing projects within the tourism department. Emphasising the importance of timely completion, the Minister urged officials to ensure these development projects are swiftly finalised for public utilisation. Further, he stressed the significance of maintaining cleanliness in Tamil Nadu‘s hotels to attract more tourists to the region.

During this session, the Minister, along with Principal Secretary/Tourism Commissioner and Chairman/Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Kakarla Usha, evaluated numerous tourism development initiatives. Other key representatives from TN Tourism Development Corporation were also present.

Bhaderwah in J&K earmarked as a weddings, MICE tourism destination

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.

As part of the inspection, the Minister also directed departmental officials and contractors involved in stadium construction to meticulously oversee progress and evaluate the government departments’ efforts for the 48th India Tourism and Industry Exhibition 2023-2024 at Chennai Island. Notably, a total of 51 stadiums are currently in the process of being built.The projects are being pushed for timely completion in a run up to host the next edition of Indian Tourism and Industrial Exhibition, a flagship event organised by TTDC since 1974. This spans 70 days annually on the island.

Following the pandemic, the 47th Exhibition ran for 73 days from January 4, 2023, to March 23, 2023, attracting a count of 830,000 visitors. Among them were over 200,000 students who gained insight into government initiatives and welfare schemes showcased during the exhibition.

According to the state tourism corporation, the event also had a socio-economic impact as it created direct employment opportunities for 10,000 individuals and an additional 30,000 indirectly, marking a significant contribution to the region’s workforce.

  • Published On Jan 5, 2024 at 12:00 PM IST

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Tourism Minister unveils new policies on the horizon; maps path for Goa Tourism 2.0, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/tourism-minister-unveils-new-policies-on-the-horizon-maps-path-for-goa-tourism-2-0-et-travelworld/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 03:17:12 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/tourism-minister-unveils-new-policies-on-the-horizon-maps-path-for-goa-tourism-2-0-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Representative Image</p>
Representative Image

In a bid to transform Goa‘s tourism landscape, the government’s strategic introduction of the Caravan & Homestay Tourism Policies recently has become the catalyst for a local economic renaissance. These initiatives were envisioned not merely as announcements but as transformative tools, aiming to generate employment opportunities and spotlight the state’s diverse offerings, according to Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C and Printing and Stationary, Rohan Khaunte. Now, the state preps to roll out another set of policies that seamlessly align with the vision of promoting Goa beyond beaches. “Our focus has been on integrating these policies effectively. We’re working on implementing them in a way that not only meets objectives but also aligns with industry needs. The response has been encouraging; industry players are supportive and eager to see these policies in action. The goal is not just to announce policies but to ensure their practical realisation, benefitting both the locals and the tourism sector,” added Khaunte who has been closely involved with the policy rollouts.

Goa’s allure for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant party scene is a well-known narrative, however, there’s a growing need to spotlight the plethora of experiences the state offers beyond its beaches especially post-Covid, Khaunte reiterated. The focus, he said, has shifted towards providing diverse experiences to tourists, culminating in extensive research efforts, while leading to fomaryion of Homestay Policy which is intricately linked to a sustainable tourism model, primarily targeting the rural belt.

Amid ongoing operations of existing homestays, the policy focusing on rural tourism has garnered substantial interest, as per Khaunte. “Plans for new development of homestays are in progress, carefully balancing tourism growth with the preservation of Goa’s cultural heritage,” shared Khaunte.

“In collaboration with Airbnb, we’ve established an MoU ensuring the framework for SOPs, capacity building, and standardised quality, collaboratively working with the government. Post this, we’ve begun receiving applications under this policy and expect to discuss our progress in a month or two.

Additionally, the Homestay policy specifically champions women’s empowerment, encouraging their involvement in running these homestays. Incentives, such as grants up to INR 2 lakh rupees and considerations for utilities under domestic use, not commercial, have been instrumental in supporting these endeavours, as per Khaunte.

Similarly, in a collaborative effort with industry stakeholders, the Caravan Tourism policy is strategically designed to attract suitable investors and investments. “The emphasis remains on responsible promotion and avoiding overexploitation,” the minister told ETTravelWorld.

“Thorough evaluations of applicants are imperative, considering the volume of applications received for both policies. Our aim is to meticulously assess and select the right stakeholders, particularly concerning the caravan segment,” said Khaunte.

While the Homestay and Caravan Tourism Policies have taken centre stage already, the 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.

“For us, simply launching policies isn’t enough. Our ambition is to ensure that all these policies see the light of day by the end of this fiscal year, by March 31. Our primary focus has been on the Homestay and Caravan policies, and while the drafts for the remaining three policies are prepared, timing is critical. We aim not to confuse the market with loads of policies but to orchestrate a strategic and timely release,” shared Khaunte.

For the upcoming year, the tourism department aims to focus on quality tourism and diversify target markets and focus on other key markets. “Understanding tourists’ potential spending, industry insights advocate that tourists are willing to spend more if provided with the right offerings. To tap into these opportunities, we’re exploring uncharted territories, aiming to connect with emerging markets. US, Japan, South Korea, South Asia, and the Middle East are on the radar, alongside domestic travellers from tier two cities. There’s a significant opportunity for us in hosting weddings and MICE events, aligning with the PM’s initiative to host weddings in India,” the minister stated.

Need for right storytellers, well-packaged tours to attract travellers to MP: Priyadarshini R Scindia

In her fireside chat during the ET Travel & Tourism Conclave, Priyadarshini Raje Scindia, Cultural Curator & Storyteller presented her vision to revive MP’s allure through storytelling mastery. Scindia also mentioned that the current focus should be on seeking collaborations from hotels and properties, eager to invest and collaborate with families across MP, which can help craft unparalleled visitor experiences in the state.

Connectivity, he added, stands as another pivotal aspect in meeting the economic and employment objectives within Goa’s tourism industry. “Collaborative efforts with Indigo Airlines have facilitated improved connectivity to several cities like Guwahati, Nagpur, Nashik, Amritsar, Kashi, Varanasi, Ranchi as well as tier two regions, bolstering our outreach. Our efforts align well with the Dekho Apna Desh scheme encouraging tourists visiting India to explore various states within the country,” he stated.

On the international front, Khaunte shared that there are several ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Civil Aviation aimed at securing increased seat allocations for international airlines or exploring cooperative arrangements to attract more visitors from the mentioned emerging markets.

Further, building upon earlier conversations with ETTravelWorld on attracting digital nomads to Goa, Khaunte shared that Goa’s innovative initiative, in collaboration with private operators, for launching seahubs resembling beachfront shacks, is set to kick off next month. “We anticipate digital nomads, who traditionally stay in hotels, utilising our homestays. Domestically, we already host a significant number of digital nomads, approximately 10 to 12,000, predominantly working in creative spheres,” he shared.

Beyond just supporting the local ecosystem, these individuals contribute to capacity building, fostering the narrative of tech tourism in the state, said Khaunte. However, as the state govt looks towards positioning Goa and the country on the international digital nomad map, the primary concern is the International digital nomad visa. “Goa’s aspiration to establish itself as a hub for tech tourism hinges significantly on overcoming these visa challenges. A successful resolution would not only benefit Goa but the entire country,” he shared.

With an optimistic outlook, Khaunte hopes that these challenges will get resolved, potentially post the 2024 elections and asserted that it could significantly augment the country’s capabilities to accommodate more digital nomads.

In the post-Covid era, tourists have shown interest to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of Goa, he reiterated. “When we talk about #Goabeyondbeaches, we’re encompassing wellness, MICE, spiritual journeys, weddings, food, and sports tourism. The recent surge in global-level sports events has also expanded this perspective. It’s crucial for us to explore these diverse avenues thoughtfully,” he said.

Festivals, he said, also play a pivotal role in promoting the essence of Goa. “While Shigmo and Goa Carnaval have been iconic, we aim to elevate festivals held throughout the year that enrich our cultural tapestry. Celebrations like Sao Jao, Feast of St. John the Baptist, Chikal Kalo, and more contribute to Goa’s historical recognition and spiritual heritage. We plan to scale up these festivities to attract tourists seeking authentic experiences,” the minister added.

Looking ahead, the upcoming year promises an expanded lineup of festivals, he told ETTravelWorld, adding that the visitors can now anticipate a diverse array of events scheduled each month. “It’s an opportunity to explore and experience these cultural celebrations firsthand, aligning with the vision of Goa tourism 2.0,” he concluded optimistically.

Khaunte was sharing the insights with ETTravelWorld during the 2nd edition of the Economic Times Travel & Tourism Conclave & Awards. Present as a Guest of Honour at both the inaugural and 2nd edition, the minister highlighted the ET Travel & Tourism Conclave & Awards’ significance in acknowledging industry innovation, creativity, and dedication. He emphasised that initiatives like these not only applaud accomplishments but also serve as catalysts for ongoing industry excellence, fostering growth and success within the tourism sector and its stakeholders, while also encouraging those in the government sector as well.

  • Published On Dec 21, 2023 at 05:00 PM IST

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Karnataka to draw up plan to develop tourism with pvt partnership: Minister, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/karnataka-to-draw-up-plan-to-develop-tourism-with-pvt-partnership-minister-et-travelworld/ Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:53:23 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/nature-destinations-travel/karnataka-to-draw-up-plan-to-develop-tourism-with-pvt-partnership-minister-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Representative Image</p>
Representative Image

There are about 25,000 “worthy monuments” in Karnataka that the state has not been able to protect and a plan will be drawn up to develop tourism with private partnership, Tourism Minister HK Patil said on Tuesday. Patil was responding to questions by MLAs during Question Hour in the assembly.

“There are about 25,000 worthy monuments in the state, we have not been able to protect those; so we want to attract the private sector and reap the benefit out of it by creating basic infrastructure facilities, among others,” Patil said.

Noting that the tourism department has been and is taking active steps to attract private investment and promote ease of doing business, he said efforts are underway for attracting private investment in 26 areas.

The minister also highlighted the programmes to promote tourism in the areas of adventure, agriculture, recreation, caravan, culture, cultural village, eco, heritage, homestay, hotel, houseboat, museum and gallery.

Effective governance, stakeholder synergy & innovation, key cornerstones for smart destinations

At the 2nd edition of Economic Times Travel & Tourism Conclave & Awards, the discussion on building smart destinations, the experts shared the multifaceted approach required to steer tourism towards sustainability as well as economic prosperity. They also upheld stakeholder involvement as an indispensable tool needed to create and manage smart destinations.

He said a plan to adopt memorials is underway, along with providing basic facilities at tourist spots. Coastal districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada have a lot of scope for adventure tourism and there is interest in it, he added.

Responding to a question from Malavalli MLA PM Narendraswamy, Patil clarified that inspection work is being done to start cable cars at Yellammanagudda, Madhugiri, Anjanadri, Nandi betta and Gaganachukki, along with technical and financial viability, and the work may begin once the report comes.

  • Published On Dec 6, 2023 at 08:00 AM IST

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Indonesia Deputy Minister, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/indonesia-deputy-minister-et-travelworld/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:47:11 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/indonesia-deputy-minister-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.</p>
Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

During an elaborate conversation on efforts to promote tourism in Indonesia with ETTravelWorld, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia said the country has seen tremendous growth in tourism this year and the tourism department is working to promote new destinations beyond Bali among Indian travellers. Excerpts from the interaction:

ETTravelWorld (ETTW): We heard that your recent tourism roadshow in India exceeded expectations. Can you tell us more about it?
Ni Made Ayu Marthini (NMM): Absolutely, we were thrilled with the response in Mumbai. We expected a maximum of 100 buyers, but to our surprise, 150 attendees joined us, representing a 150 per cent increase in capacity. It was a very busy and fruitful event, and we received excellent feedback from all the participants. A lot of travel agents from the city had direct interaction with me.

ETTW: It seems like 2023 has been a positive year for Indonesia’s tourism. Could you share some insights into the growth and the government’s role in promoting the country?
NMM: Certainly, let’s start with the numbers. In 2020, we welcomed around 270,000 Indian tourists. However, this year, from January to July alone, we’ve already had 345,000 visitors from India, marking a significant 120 per cent increase in just the first semester. This growth is indeed very encouraging and indicates a strong appetite among Indian travellers to explore Indonesia.

ETTW: While Bali remains a top choice for Indian tourists, it’s clear you’re looking to diversify. Can you tell us about the new destinations you’re promoting and why?
NMM: We want to showcase the incredible diversity of Indonesia. While Bali is fantastic, we have so much more to offer. That’s why we’re on a roadshow themed “Exploring New Destinations Beyond Bali.” We’re highlighting five exciting places. We believe these destinations offer a unique and diverse experience for Indian travellers.

Maninjau: Known for having the world’s largest volcanic crater lake, it offers beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and unique culinary experiences. Direct flights from Chennai make it easily accessible.

Borobudur: Home to the world’s largest Buddhist temple, it’s a cultural hub in Java, perfect for those interested in history and art.

Lombok: An island close to Bali, it offers similar natural beauty and cultural richness, with the added attraction of the MotoGP circuit.

Komodo Island: Famous for Komodo dragons, it’s an ideal destination for island-hopping and diving.

Likupang: Located on the north tip of Sulawesi, it’s a serene destination perfect for those seeking tranquillity.

Tourism recovery from Indian market strong but yet to touch 2019 numbers: TAT New Delhi Office Director

Ranked at number five in terms of top source markets for the country, in 2019, the Indian traveller arrivals to Thailand was almost 2 million. Last year, when Thailand fully opened its borders in July, it clocked almost 1 million Indian travellers. “From the first of January until August, though we have surpassed last year’s numbers, we may just not be able to touch the 2019 level,” said Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), New Delhi office.

ETTW: How many days would you recommend for an ideal stay in Indonesia to explore these destinations?
NMM: Of course, I’d love for visitors to stay as long as possible, but I understand time constraints. If you have two weeks, that’s ideal. Spend five days in Bali, then three days each in Lombok, Borobudur, and Likupang. It’s a balanced itinerary that allows you to explore different facets of Indonesia.

ETTW: Destination weddings are gaining popularity. Are you working with Indian wedding planners, and what incentives do you offer for wedding tourism?
NMM: Yes, we collaborate with wedding planners, offering a wide range of options. Indonesia’s competitive prices make it an attractive wedding destination in itself. Our hospitality, warm culture, and diverse cuisine add a special touch to weddings. We’re very creative and can cater to unique preferences, ensuring memorable experiences for couples.

ETTW: Connectivity plays a crucial role in tourism. Have there been any recent developments in air connectivity between India and Indonesia?
NMM: Definitely. Direct flights are a game-changer. Indigo recently started direct flights from Mumbai to Jakarta. This flight is getting great response, and from what I have heard, it is running at 80 per cent filled capacity. Indonesian private airline Batik Air also flies from Chennai to Medan. We’re planning to connect seven more Indian cities to Indonesia soon. Another good news is that Vistara will soon offer flights from Mumbai to Bali, enhancing connectivity further.

ETTW: What are your targets for the Indian market, and how do you plan to achieve them?
NMM: Our goal is for Indonesia to be among the top 10 destinations for Indian travellers. We currently account for only 2 per cent of Indian outbound travellers. We aim to reach 3 per cent soon. We’re committed to showcasing the diverse beauty of Indonesia and ensuring Indian travellers have unforgettable experiences here. We believe Indonesia can become a favourite and frequent destination for Indian tourists.

  • Published On Sep 28, 2023 at 09:37 AM IST

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Kerala’s tourism thrives despite Nipah scare, assures state minister Riyas, ET TravelWorld https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/keralas-tourism-thrives-despite-nipah-scare-assures-state-minister-riyas-et-travelworld/ Sun, 24 Sep 2023 22:16:53 +0000 https://traveldaayri.com/adventure-travel/keralas-tourism-thrives-despite-nipah-scare-assures-state-minister-riyas-et-travelworld/ [ad_1]

<p>Representative Image</p>
Representative Image

Despite concerns surrounding the recent Nipah virus outbreak, Kerala‘s tourism industry remains robust and unaffected, according to State Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas. The state’s tourism activities continue as scheduled, including the state’s most anticipated event, Champions Boat League (CBL), marking the commencement of the peak inbound season.

Addressing the ongoing situation, Riyas emphasised that the Nipah virus situation is well under control, primarily confined to certain areas within Kozhikode district. The Kerala government has implemented comprehensive containment measures, and both Riyas and the Health Minister Veena George are closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Kozhikode.

Riyas reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm, stating that Tourism Department officials are in constant communication with travel and hospitality industry stakeholders, who report that all tourism activities are proceeding as planned.

MP to host festivals around weaves & wildlife, push homestays to attract tourists

The state will host the Chanderi Festival from October 5, Gandhisagar Festival in the same month and the Kuno Festival. The focus of the state, said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism and MD of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, is to promote new products and segments. Excerpts from an interaction.

In the affected areas, the government has mobilized medical resources and strengthened the health infrastructure. Localized quarantine zones have been established, and strict precautions are being enforced. These proactive measures are already showing positive results.Kerala’s tourism sector has a history of resilience, having weathered previous crises, including natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic. In the first half of 2023, Kerala Tourism recorded a 20.1 percent increase in domestic arrivals, setting the stage for further growth by year-end.

Minister Riyas highlighted Kerala’s robust healthcare infrastructure and a track record of effective responses to medical emergencies, reassuring tourists that the state remains a safe destination.

Despite recent concerns, Kerala continues to beckon travellers with its captivating landscapes and cultural experiences, inviting visitors to explore its offerings without apprehension.

  • Published On Sep 18, 2023 at 09:49 AM IST

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