The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, slated from May 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is gearing up to shed light on India’s burgeoning outbound tourism sector, poised to reach a staggering USD 143.5 billion annually by the decade’s end.
Recent data reveals that over 30 per cent of Indian travellers prefer Middle East destinations, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia topping the list. India stands as Dubai’s primary source market, with 1.9 million visitors recorded in the first 10 months of 2023. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors by 2030.
ATM 2024 will feature a dedicated India Summit, titled ‘Unlocking the True Potential of Inbound Indian Travellers,’ slated for May 6. This summit, in collaboration with VIDEC Consultants, will delve into India’s role as a key tourism growth market and explore current and future opportunities.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, highlighted India’s rapid outbound growth, fueled by a burgeoning middle class. “By 2030, India’s total travel expenditure will be valued at USD 410 billion, a substantial increase from USD 150 billion in 2019,” she stated.
Moreover, a survey by Acko Insurance underscores Indian travellers’ willingness to spend up to USD 7,000 on international trips, further boosting the appeal of Middle East destinations. Dubai, in particular, stands out as the preferred city destination, thanks to its proximity to India and enhanced connectivity.
Under this program, tourists can obtain a visa within two to five working days, allowing them to stay in Dubai for up to 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a maximum stay of 180 days within a year. This flexible visa option caters to both leisure and business travelers, offering unparalleled convenience and connectivity.
Curtis emphasised the significant role of Indian expatriates in driving business travel and bleisure in the Gulf states. “With over 8.5 million Indian expatriates currently working in the GCC, business travel and bleisure will undoubtedly underpin this growth,” she noted.ATM 2024 anticipates a record number of travel professionals representing both outbound and inbound travel to India. With an expected 20 per cent increase in exhibitors from India, the event will showcase the diverse offerings of Indian tourism, featuring exhibitors like TBO.com, Taj Hotels, Rezlive, and Rategain, among others.
Aligned with its theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,’ ATM 2024 will serve as a platform for stakeholders from across the Middle East and beyond to explore innovative solutions and opportunities in the ever-evolving travel industry.
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While inaugurating the development projects worth over INR 1330 crores in Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 program in Goa, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that the Government is committed to developing Goa as a tourist destination for conference tourism.
Highlighting the state’s allure for global events, Modi reminisced about pivotal gatherings like the India Energy Week 2024 and various significant diplomatic conclaves held in Goa. He underscored Goa’s track record of hosting prestigious tournaments such as the World Table Tennis Championship and the FIFA Under-17 Women’s Football World Cup, affirming its escalating prominence on the international stage. He assured that Goa will become a huge center for such events in the coming years.
Recognising the untapped potential of eco-tourism in Goa’s rural landscapes, Modi emphasised the administration’s focus on fostering tourism in the state’s hinterlands for the mutual benefit of local communities. He outlined initiatives aimed at bolstering Goa’s tourism infrastructure, including the development of modern amenities like food courts and restaurants, aimed at enhancing their appeal as a tourist hotspot.
He further spoke about the natural beauty and pristine beaches of Goa and said that it is the favourite holiday destination of lakhs and lakhs of tourists from India and abroad. “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat can be experienced during any season in Goa”, he remarked.
In addressing the government’s efforts to bolster connectivity and position Goa as a logistical nucleus, Modi highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance transportation networks, citing the inauguration of the Manohar Parrikar International Airport and the New Zuari Bridge as pivotal milestones.
2022 brought a resurgence in foreign tourist footfall, with FTVs surging to 1.75 lakh, showcasing growth of 695.45 per cent. However, the numbers still were below the pre pandemic levels. Going forward, Goa Tourism plans to intensify its promotion efforts in international markets by participating in prominent travel marts and exhibitions and organising international roadshows to attract more foreign tourists to the state.
He underscored Goa’s rapid infrastructural evolution, encompassing the development of new roads, bridges, railway routes, and educational institutions, propelling the state towards unprecedented growth.”These developments are propelling the growth of Goa to new heights,” he said.Further detailing about the INR 1300 crore worth projects that were inaugurated, PM Modi, said that the projects related with education, health and tourism will give a new push to the development of Goa. Notably, the laying of the foundation stone for a Passenger Ropeway linking Panaji and Reis Magos, alongside complementary tourism ventures, were also given a green flag.
Emphasising India’s diverse cultural and natural heritage, Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to showcasing India as a comprehensive tourist destination, accessible through a unified visa platform.
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Delving into the intricate facets of India’s aviation industry, Akasa Air‘s Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer, Praveen Iyer talked all and more about the prospects of growth, challenges, and the pursuit of sustainable, customer-centric innovation. Emphasising India‘s proclivity to undervalue its vast potential, Iyer advocated for a paradigm shift in mindset, urging a recognition and harnessing of the nation’s exceptional capabilities and top-tier service in aviation.
Unprecedented growth trajectory post-Covid
Visibly, India’s aviation sector is charting a swift upward path, with domestic travel primarily leading in 2023. Iyer added that the aviation industry’s trajectory in India over the past year post-Covid stands as a critical point of analysis. As also highlighted by him, the recent statistics in India’s flights show a remarkable upswing, with just November 25 marking a record-breaking 4,67,000 passengers, highlighting a significant resurgence from the industry’s previous lows. This surge, said Iyer, signifies a substantial recovery.
“The visible infrastructure development sets the stage for a robust decade ahead. The growth story appears sustainable, unlike the unsustainable rapid growth witnessed in the past. We’re now seeing steady, consistent growth, demonstrated through network expansions by airlines, be it domestic or international,” he said.
“Unlike the unsustainable growth spurts witnessed in previous decades (such as between 2000-2010 or 2015-16, characterised by growth rates ranging from 25% to 40%), the current trend emphasises consistency,” he added.
Regulatory landscape, infrastructure development paving the way
The aviation landscape in India has seen an incredible evolution, particularly in terms of regulations and infrastructure, said Iyer. According to him, the strides made in infrastructure development have positioned India at the forefront globally.
“I would say we have better infra from anywhere in the world,” he commented, highlighting the impressive state of infrastructure such as Terminal 2 (T2) at Kempegowda International Airport and upcoming plans for Navi Mumbai and Delhi.
Emphasising the comprehensive nature of this growth, he further added, “It’s the overall infrastructure that we have built around travel and tourism, which is just phenomenal. This holistic approach has not only boosted major cities but also smaller towns, tier 2 & 3 cities, shaping up their infrastructure to cater to the increasing demand,” he shared.
However, he also emphasised India’s tendency to underestimate its potential, urging a realisation of the untapped market with only 6 per cent of the population having taken to the skies. India’s to underestimate its potential. “Our consistent flaw lies in underestimating ourselves. The exceptional caliber of world-class service we offer is truly remarkable, and this reflects in the influx of tourists. Take, for instance, the phenomenal 300 per cent surge in foreign tourist arrivals in J&K; it’s not a shocker at all,” he said.
“With a population exceeding 140 crores, only a fraction have embraced air travel. There’s immense untapped potential. This is barely touching the tip of the iceberg; there’s a vast journey ahead of us,” he asserted.
For India, sky’s the limit but there’s a long way to go. “We’re nowhere near where we supposed to be,” added Iyer.
Challenges & strategies
In the Indian airline industry, challenges are an inherent part of the journey. Yet, this is the essence of the aviation space, especially for airlines, said Iyer, adding that addressing these head-on has been the modus operandi for the airlines.
“Infrastructure hurdles, particularly the limitations faced in expanding capacity within constrained airports, have been formidable. However, the tides are turning, and we’re witnessing progress. Our industry is growing, and the need for increased capacity is evident where we, as a country, are looking at an eventual fleet size of 1300-1400 aircraft in future,” he said.
He was also happy to mention that the investments are pouring in to transform these challenges into opportunities. “While external challenges persist, such as the perpetual obstacle of fluctuating ATF (aviation turbine fuel) prices impacted by global geopolitical tensions like wars, we’ve maneuvered through these headwinds,” he said.
Mitigating these challenges has been a pivotal part, he added. Despite factors beyond control, like ATF prices, Iyer said that the industry has strategised to fortify the industry within the means. “Initiatives such as the ability to lease aircraft within the country are some ways we’ve embraced these challenges, turning them into opportunities for growth and stability.”
Airlines are free to charge air fares as per their operation viabilities subject to compliance to DGCA rules, MoS in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Dr V. K. Singh stated in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. But they must also comply with DGCA guidelines in case of cancellations and delays, he said. DGCA, on its part, keeps a check on regulations compliance by scheduled domestic airlines, he shared.
Technological advancements and sustainability
Technological innovation in aviation, especially in pricing, revenue management, and customer touchpoints, are pivotal focus too, said Iyer, speaking during the Fireside chat at Economic Times Travel & Tourism Conclave recently held in New Delhi.
When asked, Iyer said that today technology reigns supreme as the nerve centre of operations. “The focus primarily centers on pricing and revenue management, where significant investments in Machine Learning and AI by airlines predict and cater to consumer behaviour. These advancements extend far beyond mere airport infrastructure. Passengers now receive precise updates on gate allocations and baggage belt locations, enhancing the overall travel experience. These developments underline a larger commitment to customer-centric technological advancements, with each airline and newly constructed airport raising the bar in tech enablement,” he stated.
While innovations like facial recognition have long been implemented in some international airports, India is steadily progressing toward integrating similar initiatives, aiming for a seamlessly interconnected travel experience, he added.
Addressing sustainability is another crucial focus within the aviation industry, Iyer said.
“Initiatives at Akasa Airlines, for instance, include the procurement of highly fuel-efficient aircraft, boasting a 16% reduction in carbon emissions compared to other narrow-body aircraft. These steps contribute to a larger vision of environmental preservation. Emphasis on biofuel production and implementation is another significant stride, considering India’s elevated carbon emission status. Investments in eco-friendly airport infrastructures and sustainable practices, such as biodegradable meal packaging and crew uniforms, just as Akasa does, are visible markers of a commitment to greener practices,” he added.
“Sustainability begins at an individual level, the journey towards a more environmentally conscious aviation industry hinges on collective efforts to drive this agenda forward from within,” stated Iyer.
Akasa Air: the launch, competitive edge & plans for international routes
Akasa, India’s newest airline, launched its first commercial flight on August 7, 2022 to support the growing demand across India with the greenest and youngest fleet in the country.
The inception of Akasa Air stemmed from a collective vision shared among industry professionals, as per Iyer. “We together saw a window of opportunity when the pandemic allowed us time to strategise. This dedicated effort during a challenging period led to the conceptualisation of Akasa Air,” he shared.
The core driver behind Akasa Air’s establishment was the identification of substantial growth potential within specific income segments, he added. “We observed a consistent growth in the middle and higher middle-class income groups, which directly translates into increased disposable income and greater willingness to spend on travel,” he noted, adding that this guided the airline to project a robust trajectory for the next decade, despite the unforeseen disruptions caused by the pandemic in 2021.
When asked, Iyer shared that what sets Akasa Air apart was the collaborative effort of professionals aiming to pioneer innovation in the aviation sector, a trend they had predicted might be mirrored by others in the industry.
Their predictions surpassed initial estimations, and the airline pleasantly surprised with the overwhelming response, said Iyer. “We underestimated the potential for 2022-23 but we are extremely happy to note how things have panned out for Akasa,” he shared.
Celebrating the milestone of 20 aircraft, the airline now gears up to venture into international operations, already holding rights to key destinations like Doha, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina, Iyer shared.
Further, with the competition gaining ground in the aviation market, Akasa Air aims to distinguish itself through affordability, he added. He also highlighted the remarkable response received for the crew’s uniforms, particularly the sneakers, and the enterprise’s gender-neutral approach.
The airline also aims to secure a reputation for its punctuality, aspiring to be one of the most reliable carriers, not just in the country but globally, Iyer said.
Additionally, through “Pets on Akasa,” the airline provides the opportunity to bring your beloved pets along, either in the cabin or the cargo section. This initiative aligns with Akasa’s vision of fostering an all-embracing and compassionate travel atmosphere. Presently, Pets on Akasa service is accessible for domestic flights within India.
“Our aspiration is to forge an airline that people connect with, one that evokes positivity and satisfaction during travel,” he emphasised.
“Our future blueprint centers on creating an airline that embodies a feel-good factor and stands out for its reliability,” Iyer concluded.
Passenger revenues are expected to reach USD 717 billion in 2024, up 12 per cent from USD 642 billion in 2023. Revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) growth is expected to be 9.8 per cent year on year. IATA stated that 4.7 billion people are expected to travel in 2024, a historic high that exceeds the pre-pandemic level of 4.5 billion in 2019.
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The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently initiated an impactful project known as the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme-2023. This collaborative effort took flight on December 8, 2023, at Sultanpur National Park, a designated Ramsar Site nestled in Haryana.
Particularly emphasizing nature-tourism and its integral role, the joint effort between MoT and MoEFCC aims to tap into the nature-tourism potential of Ramsar Sites countrywide. Sultanpur stands out as one of the initial five priority Ramsar Sites identified in the first phase, alongside Bhitarkanika and Chilika in Odisha, as well as Yashwant Sagar and Sirpur in Madhya Pradesh. These sites have been earmarked for targeted training programs under the Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP), showcasing the commitment to fostering local communities.
Also central to this endeavour is the Alternative Livelihood Programme, a facet of the Amrit Dharohar initiative. The main objective is to empower and train local community members residing near Ramsar sites. By partnering with the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM) and the MoEFCC, the initiative aims to fortify nature tourism at these sites while concurrently offering alternative means of livelihood for the local populace.
In an interview with ETTravelWorld, DG Tourism, Govt of India, Manisha Saxena shared that this is going to be an international level promotional event to be hosted with the international buyers. The detailed discussions will be carried out at the ICPB CIC event starting today in Gandhinagar. The aim is also to catalogue the destinations used during the G20 and maximise their potential by hosting a variety of events, she said.
The first phase focuses on Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, where, in conjunction with the State Forest Department, 30 individuals from the local communities will undergo comprehensive training to become certified nature-guides.The Amrit Dharohar initiative was introduced by the MoEF&CC earlier in June 2023 as a part of the budget announcement for 2023-24. Its core mission revolves around spotlighting the distinctive conservation significance of Ramsar Sites across India while actively creating employment avenues and bolstering local livelihoods.
The collaboration extends beyond governmental bodies to encompass a network of formal and informal institutions, ministries, agencies, and individuals, all rallying together for this noble cause.
The inauguration of this event was done by Manisha Saxena, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, in the presence of Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Prof Alok Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, officials from MoEF&CC, and senior officials from the Haryana Forest Department, among others.
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In terms of tourism performance, the first half of 2023 brought positive news for Macao. Sharing stats with ETTravelWorld, the Director at Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes revealed that in the first half of 2023, Macao Tourism witnessed a positive recovery, with approximately 70 per cent of its market rebounding.
As per the local reports, in July 2023, Macao experienced a surge in visitor numbers, marking its highest monthly level since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with an impressive total of 2.75 million visitors. Data provided by the Statistics and Census Service reveals that this figure for last month was an increase of 24.9 per cent compared to June.
To continue this momentum, Macao Tourism plans to extend its reach within the immediate international markets in the coming year, which also includes India.
“India hasn’t typically ranked in our top 10 source markets. Nevertheless, India has always intrigued us. We’ve hosted unique events like weddings and the IIFA awards as well as incentive groups, attracting a special group of Indian visitors. While the numbers may not have been massive, the Indian market’s diversity and potential are evident,” said Fernandes.
Following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Macao acknowledges that it’s still in a rebuilding phase. The absence of direct flights to Macao has presented certain obstacles in recovering from the Indian market, added Fernandes. However, there is a strong sense of optimism for the future, she said.
“Macao is now back in business and open to international travel. We have high hopes that, with the gradual restoration of relationships and the resumption of various events, it will see a resurgence in Indian business,” she added, emphasising that the recently held PATA Travel Mart in Delhi, India was a cornerstone for Macao Tourism’s international market engagements.
To kickstart the resurgence, Macao also initiated steps like inviting Indian buyers to explore the destination during their travel fair in July. This approach not only featured business meetings but also included tours of Macao’s destinations. “Reciprocity is key, as Macao is also taking steps to reach out to India, creating a balanced partnership. While we are still taking the baby steps, it’s crucial for us to rebuild relationships that have been strained during this period and revitalise our business here in India,” asserted Fernandes.
PATA’s forecasts predict that international visitor numbers by the end of 2023 will reach approximately 76 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This trend is anticipated to continue, reaching 107 per cent in 2024 and 116 per cent in 2025. The relaxation of restrictions and the reintroduction of group travel are expected to further improve the situation by the end of 2023.
Looking forward, Macao Tourism intends to engage with the Indian travel industry in several ways including participating in key marts and facilitating in-person business meetings. Their plan also involves collaborating with media partners to increase awareness about Macao and spark interest among the general public. “You have to create interest in the general public before travel agencies can sell products,” the Director emphasised. Regarding connectivity, discussions with Indian airlines are underway, as the Director clarified, “Our aviation authority is in discussions with various airlines, including Air India. Although it’s still early in the process, Macao recognises the importance of building these connections to expand its reach, acknowledging the gradual recovery of aviation and airport capacity worldwide,” she said. Currently, there are no direct airlines flying in between India and Macao.
Besides India, Macao is also eager to tap into new markets, with initial attention on Asian destinations like Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and more. The near future also holds the promise of a new air route to Jakarta, Indonesia, as Fernandes shared, adding that Macao Tourism recognises the potential of the Asian market due to its substantial population base.
The immediate future plan is also to explore European markets next year. Besides, Macao also hosted a familiarisation trip from the United States and Canada this year, signaling their keen interest to increase tourism inflow from key source markets post-pandemic.
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