Bhutan‘s tourism sector has witnessed a significant surge, with a record-breaking 25,003 guest arrivals recorded between January 01 and March 31, 2024. This figure marks a substantial leap from the 12,696 arrivals during the same period in 2023, showcasing a doubling in numbers.
Among the noteworthy statistics, March 2024 stood out as the third busiest month since the country’s reopening, with 14,822 arrivals. This remarkable growth indicates Bhutan’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination, especially in comparison to the pre-pandemic period.
The breakdown of visitors in 2024 reveals a diverse range of markets contributing to Bhutan’s tourism landscape. While 60 per cent of arrivals originated from India, the remaining 40 per cent came from various countries such as the US, China, the UK, Germany, Singapore, France, Italy, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, and Canada. Notably, the proportion of Indian tourists in March 2024 was 57 per cent, with international guests making up the remaining 43 per cent.
The growth rates in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023 showed significant increases across different countries. Indian tourists surged by 77 per cent, Americans by 97 per cent, and British guests by 84 per cent. Other notable increases included a 230 per cent rise from Japan, 325 per cent from Thailand, 256 per cent from Singapore, 46 per cent from Australia, and 74 per cent from Canada. European countries also contributed to the surge, with Swiss visitors growing by 134 per cent, Italians by 297 per cent, Dutch by 127 per cent, Spaniards by 165 per cent, Germans by 184 per cent, French by 300 per cent, and Belgians by 493 per cent. These figures underscore Bhutan’s growing global appeal and its ability to attract a diverse range of visitors.
Notably, New South Wales welcomed the highest number of international visitors, accumulated the most visitor nights, and boasted the highest visitor expenditure nationwide. The international segment contributed a substantial USD 11 billion to the visitor economy. Additionally, NSW experienced the most substantial growth in international visitor numbers, nights, and expenditure among all states and territories, with an increase of 1.8 million visitors, 42.8 million nights, and USD 6 billion in expenditure.
Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer, Department of Tourism, attributed the substantial increase in guest arrivals to various factors. The reduction in the Sustainable Development Fee to USD 100 per night made visiting Bhutan more accessible. Furthermore, extensive promotional efforts and media coverage have raised global awareness about Bhutan, contributing to the surge in tourist numbers.Nimah also highlighted Bhutan’s recognition as a ‘must-visit’ destination in 2024 by numerous prestigious publications, which has significantly boosted the country’s profile and visitor numbers. By targeting a wider audience and promoting Bhutan as an attractive destination year-round, the tourism industry has set a promising trajectory for the upcoming year.
It’s important to note that the data provided by Bhutan’s Department of Immigration includes only guests entering the country as tourists, excluding those in other categories. This surge in tourism numbers reflects Bhutan’s enduring allure and the success of its tourism promotion strategies on a global scale.
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As travel becomes an integral part of Indian lifestyles, Wowtickets.com, a UK-based flight booking platform recently launched in India, unveils insights into Indians’ favorite domestic destinations. Analysing data from 36 million travellers nationwide, Wowtickets.com sheds light on the top 15 travel destinations preferred by Indians, reflecting the nation’s diverse interests and rich cultural heritage.
Wowtickets.com conducted a search survey nationally to gather insights about the cities and routes that Indians love travelling in India and the results show that Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Srinagar are the top 5 destinations.
India’s passion for travel is evident, with bustling airports like Delhi and Mumbai ranking among the world’s busiest. With a thriving travel and tourism sector, India’s GDP growth has paved the way for enhanced infrastructure and transportation, catering to the evolving preferences of travellers seeking unique experiences.
Top destinations nationwide
Among the top 15 destinations, Goa emerges as the most sought-after destination, drawing travellers with its beaches and vibrant culture. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Srinagar follow closely, catering to both leisure and professional travelers.
Regional preferences
Regional variations in travel preferences are apparent, with Mumbaikars favoring destinations like Goa and Delhi, while Delhiites show a penchant for Goa, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Similarly, travellers from Bengaluru and Hyderabad exhibit preferences for key metropolitan cities and scenic locales.
Unique search patterns
Interestingly, travellers also explored unconventional routes, indicating a growing appetite for offbeat travel experiences. Searches from Lucknow to Gangtok, Mumbai to Leh, and Srinagar to Mumbai highlight the diverse interests of Indian travellers.
Dmitrijus Konovalovas, Director & CEO, Wowtickets.com, emphasises India’s burgeoning tourism sector, poised to become a key player in the global market. “The travel industry in India is experiencing rapid growth, poised to become a significant player in the global tourism market. Predictions indicate that by 2023, the global tourism market will reach a value of USD 16.9 trillion, with India’s tourism sector making substantial contributions. This is largely driven by the enthusiastic travel aspirations of India’s youth, who prioritize exploration and adventure. As Indians increasingly explore destinations within their own country, domestic tourism receives a significant boost, further fueling the nation’s tourism growth,” he said.
The campaign aims to instill aspiration among Indian travellers and establish a loyal customer base with travel agencies based on the total number of passengers booked within the specified timeline. Scheduled to run for four months, from February to June 2024, the campaign seeks to capitalise on the growing interest in travel to Kenya among Indian tourists.
According to a report from Crisil, the travel and tourism sector in India is projected to experience a growth rate of 12–14 per cent in the coming years. India’s GDP growth has helped the travel and tourism sector thrive due to advancements in infrastructure and transportation, catering to the evolving preferences of younger travellers who seek memorable and unique experiences. In 2023, experts anticipate that the travel and tourism industry will generate approximately USD 9.5 trillion in revenue. Furthermore, projections suggest that by 2030, the global tourism market will soar to USD 16.9 trillion, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4 per cent from 2022 to 2030. During this period, the Asia-Pacific region is poised to experience the most substantial growth compared to other regions.
The top 15 most searched Indian destinations that Mumbaikars want to travel nationally.
Goa, Delhi, Bengaluru, Srinagar, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Dehra Dun, Patna, and Hyderabad.
Total searches were 31.86 lakh.
- The top 15 most searched Indian destinations that Delhiites want to travel to nationally
Goa, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Srinagar, Pune, Patna, Kolkata, Leh, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Kochi, Bhubaneswar
Total searches were 35.09 lakh. - The top 15 destinations Bengaluru wants to travel nationally
Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Patna, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Bagdogra, Guwahati
Total searches were 24.86 lakh. - The top 15 most searched Indian destinations that Hyderabadis want to travel to nationally
Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai, Tirupati, Varanasi, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Chandigarh.
Total searches were 10.98 lakh. - The top 15 destinations Chennai travelers searched nationally.
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Port,Blair, Goa, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Pune, Kochi, Guwahati, Madurai, Patna, Srinagar
Total searches were 90.5 lakh. - The top 15 destinations Kolkata travelers searched nationally.
Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Port Blair, Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Agartala, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar
Total searches were 10.97 lakh.
Indians also searched for some strange locations where there were no direct flights or fewer flights available:
Lucknow to Gangtok, Lucknow to Puducherry, Mumbai to Leh, Pune to Goa, Srinagar to Mumbai and Delhi to Shirdi, Deoghar to Kochi, Lucknow to Imphal, Agra to Jaipur, Gaya to Chennai and Nasik to Varanasi
Total searches were 10.97 lakh.
In terms of overall tourist numbers, Indonesia welcomed a staggering 11.67 million visitors in 2023, almost double the number in 2022. Bali alone received 5.23 million visitors, accounting for nearly half of Indonesia’s total tourism arrivals. To boost arrivals from India, plans for Vistara direct flights from Bombay and strengthening Delhi departures are in the pipeline.
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India has emerged as Nepal’s top inbound tourist market in February, the tourism authority here said on Saturday, as the key sector in the Himalayan nation is gradually witnessing recovery from the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic. Of the total 97,426 tourists arriving in the country by air route last month, 25,578 were from India, followed by China with 9,180 and the US with 9,089 visitors, according to data published by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
Thailand is in fourth place with 4,799 inbound visitors, while the UK and Bangladesh ranked fifth and sixth in the list with 4,571 and 4,099 tourists respectively.
According to NTB Director Mani Lamichhane, though the data showed over 25,000 Indians visiting Nepal in February, the actual number is much higher as a large number of tourists from India visited the country via land route.
In January, Nepal received 18,041 visitors from India.
The number of tourists arriving via air route in Nepal in February is 33 per cent up from February 2023, which witnessed arrival of 73,255 visitors. As compared to 2019, the pre-Covid 19 period, it was 95.12 per cent recovery. The number of tourists arrival in Nepal in February 2019 was 1,02,423, the NTB said.
Nepal’s tourism sector, which is badly affected by COVID-19, is expected to revive in 2024, and the February data is a positive indication, NTB Director Lamichhane said.
As the tourism season in Nepal starts after March, the number of visitors will significantly increase from next month, he said.
In terms of overall tourist numbers, Indonesia welcomed a staggering 11.67 million visitors in 2023, almost double the number in 2022. Bali alone received 5.23 million visitors, accounting for nearly half of Indonesia’s total tourism arrivals. To boost arrivals from India, plans for Vistara direct flights from Bombay and strengthening Delhi departures are in the pipeline.
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Currently sitting at the sixth or seventh position, India has the potential to become one of the top three source markets for South Africa tourism, according to Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India, and South East Asia, South African Tourism. She emphasises that achieving this goal hinges majorly on two key factors: establishing direct flights from India and streamlining the visa process for Indian travellers.
“There have been ongoing conversations for improved accessibility through e-visa pilot programs and direct air-connectivity to polish the bond between the two nations,” she said.
“We’ve engaged extensively with South African Airways to explore direct flight opportunities in the Indian market. Discussions include feasibility studies to ensure any potential direct flights are sustainable in the long term. While progress is ongoing, we understand the need for a comprehensive approach to address connectivity challenges effectively,” Nkani told ETTravelWorld.
At present, several stop-over flights fly from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Seychelles.
When asked about possible codeshare, she informed that various discussions have taken place with Indian airlines regarding the said agreements. “We’ve been in talks with various airlines, including Vistara, to explore potential collaborations. For instance, Emirates, part of the Star Alliance, has already established such agreements, enhancing connectivity to South Africa. We’re eager to see direct flights from India, which would be a significant milestone. It aligns perfectly with our desire to mark 30 years of partnership by landing a flight in South Africa,” she added.
Regarding current visa requirements, Nkani said that Indian travellers need to provide bank statements and a valid itinerary when applying for visas through VFS. Typically, visas are processed within five to seven days, although occasional delays may occur. “We are consistently piloting e-visas to streamline the process further, ensuring it is user-friendly and aligns with Indian travellers’ and other tourists’ needs,” she said, adding that South African Tourism is working closely with the Consulate General, and the embassy to ensure swift visa processing.
43% increase in Indian arrivals from previous year
With India boasting a population of 1.4 billion, including 950 million visa holders and a significant proportion of Millennials, representing a promising demographic for tourism, South Africa sees India as a key market. Emphasising India’s status as the fifth-largest economy and its substantial projected spending by 2024, Nkani expressed optimism about India’s role in contributing to Africa and South Africa’s tourism sector.
“Post-pandemic recovery figures are reflecting a 43 per cent increase from previous year. Although I acknowledge this progress, I am optimistic about the potential for further growth. This year presents a unique opportunity for us to capitalise on recovery efforts, especially considering that tourism sustains approximately eight jobs per tourist in our country. Celebrating 30 years of bilateral relations with India and South Africa’s own freedom anniversary, we aim to strengthen ties and boost tourism from India, especially with upcoming events like the 2027 World Cup cricket to be hosted in South Africa,” informed Nkani. Interestingly, some official stats from the tourism board show that the Indian city Mumbai remains a consistent frontrunner as the primary source city for South African Tourism in India. Reflecting this trend, inbound tourism from Mumbai saw a substantial 37 per cent year-on-year growth in 2023, significantly contributing to the overall surge in leisure and business travel.
Noteworthy is that 46 per cent of Mumbai arrivals expressed a keen interest in exploring South Africa’s natural attractions.
Speaking on the overall tourism arrivals from other markets, Nkani shared that the figure stood at 8 million post-pandemic, marking an 83 per cent recovery rate. “Our core markets include the US, UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, benefiting from direct flights and visa exemptions. However, we must consider these advantages when comparing India, which lacks direct flights and faces visa requirements. Nonetheless, markets like China and Australia have also shown promising growth potential. Africa also contributes significantly to our tourism numbers, with countries like Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe playing crucial roles,” she informed.
The collaboration between Kazakh Tourism and Salvia Promoters aims to attract tourist groups from India to Kazakhstan while effectively representing Kazakh Tourism’s interests in the Indian market. Chaudhary, with over two decades of experience in territory promotion and marketing, brings valuable expertise to the partnership. Salvia Promoters, known for its expertise in promoting Central Asian and Russian markets, received a certificate of representation from Sadvakassov.
40% exhibitors introducing new products
To further engage with the Indian market, SAT recently concluded a series of successful roadshows in India, marking its presence in Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. This 20th annual roadshow signifies a crucial step in engaging with the Indian market, unveiling a year-long plan to connect with Indian consumers and redefining strategies to tap into India’s growing outbound travel market, as per Nkani.
With more than 40 exhibitors from South Africa, including 14 SMMEs, this event aims to foster mutually beneficial partnerships with Indian trade buyers. “Notably, over 40 per cent of the exhibitors are introducing new products this year, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the partnership,” she added.
These engagements, as per Nkani, serve to introduce new regions and experiences to potential travellers, thereby diversifying the tourism offerings. Additionally, there have been negotiations with airlines aiming to secure better prices for Indian travel agents, she added, informing about the recent collaboration with Ethiopian Airways to offer discounted fares.
In addition to these roadshows, SAT also conducts destination workshops in various cities and engages directly with Indian corporates to promote South Africa as a premier travel destination. “This strategy has proven effective, with a notable conversion rate observed during such interactions. These multifaceted efforts underscore our commitment to promoting South Africa as a desirable destination and ensuring that Indian travellers have access to a wide range of experiences beyond traditional tourism offerings,” she said.
Sports, weddings: Segments seeing growth
As Nkani noted that Indians are increasingly becoming avid travelers, Experiential tourism has become a focus for SAT, with activities like adventure sports, marathons, and cultural experiences attracting Indian travellers.
“Sports tourism has emerged as a significant revenue generator, particularly due to the increasing health consciousness among Indians. Notably, South Africa hosts the Comrades Marathon, drawing a substantial number of Indian participants, with over 300 runners attending annually. Additionally, destinations like Cape Town, attract Indian travellers seeking similar niche experiences,” said Nkani.
Besides these, weddings have emerged as a promising segment for SAT. “Despite initial concerns about connectivity from India, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the interest we’ve received from the market. In the past year alone, we’ve facilitated approximately 10 Indian weddings, marking a positive beginning for us in this sector,” she said.
Furthermore, there is a rising trend of bikers exploring South Africa through both on-road and off-road biking adventures, said Nkani. Another notable trend is “buddy tripping,” where groups of young professionals, including doctors, travel with friends, often splitting into separate gender-based excursions. Additionally, there’s a notable increase in women’s group travel and youth travel which has seen significant demand.
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ACI World released its annual World Airport Traffic Forecasts (WATF) 2023–2052 dataset, unveiling key insights into air travel demand and trends for the next three decades. Among the highlights, it was noted that the passenger numbers are forecasted to double by 2042 and soar to 2.5 times higher by 2052 compared to 2024 figures.
At the dawn of 2024, global passenger traffic is poised to hit 9.7 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time since COVID-19 gripped the world.
Projections indicate a steady ascent in global passenger traffic, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3 per cent from 2023 to 2042, followed by a slightly moderated growth of 3.6 per cent from 2042 to 2052.
By 2024, international passenger traffic is anticipated to approach the 4 billion mark, while domestic passenger traffic is projected to reach 5.7 billion, stated the forecast.
Looking further ahead to 2042, international passenger traffic is expected to surge to 8.7 billion, with domestic traffic hitting 10.6 billion.
The dynamics of the global passenger market are expected to undergo a notable shift, with emerging and developing economies taking the lead.
In 2023, the leading spots among the top 20 markets for total passenger traffic are held by the US, China, India, Spain, and the UK. However, by 2042 and 2052, China takes the lead, followed by the US, India, Indonesia, and Spain, reflecting a shift in global air travel dynamics over the years.
Between 2023 and 2042, these economies are projected to experience a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4 per cent, fueled by burgeoning population bases and rapid income rises.
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.
ACI‘s latest WATF provides an extended 30-year outlook, incorporating data from 141 countries, including 29 new additions. This resource offers granular forecasts for passengers, air cargo volumes, and aircraft movements at global, regional, and country levels.“The projections indicate that global passenger traffic is set to reach 9.7 billion by the end of 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and suggest a doubling by 2042 and a 2.5-fold increase by 2052. In the long-term, the global passenger market dynamic is expected to transition from advanced economies towards emerging and developing ones as they experience significant urbanization and population increases, often combined with rapid economic growth favourably impacting their disposable income and willingness to travel,” said ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira.
“Investing responsibly in current and new infrastructure remains key to ensuring that we can sustainably meet capacity growth to maximize the social and economic benefits of aviation,” Oliveira added.
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Uber has released its annual travel index titled ‘Riding with Intercity‘, offering key insights into outstation travel trends in India. The index highlights significant patterns in travel behavior, particularly emphasizing the popularity of weekend getaways among Indian travellers.
In 2023, Uber witnessed a surge in Intercity trips, with weekends emerging as the preferred time for travel. Most Intercity trips were booked on Saturdays, followed closely by Sundays and Fridays, indicating a clear inclination towards weekend outstation travel.
The unprecedented growth in Intercity travel is attributed to several factors, including the rise in leisure and religious tourism across the country and notable improvements in road infrastructure. The development of national and state highways has not only reduced travel times but also enhanced the overall comfort of road journeys, prompting more individuals to opt for longer-distance travel by road.
To cater to the evolving needs of travellers, Uber introduced new features, such as round trip bookings lasting up to 5 days, allowing riders to retain their Uber and driver throughout the journey. This flexibility in booking, combined with the ability to schedule rides up to 90 days in advance, has garnered significant traction among users, with a fivefold increase in the number of Intercity rides reserved in advance in 2023.
The ‘Riding with Intercity’ index also unveils the most popular destinations chosen by riders in 2023, ranging from tourist hotspots to off-beat routes and religious pilgrimages. For instance, Mumbai residents favored visiting Pune and Nashik for a quick getaway, while Delhiites frequented Agra and Jaipur for their historical architecture. Bangaloreans, on the other hand, preferred Mysore and Nandi Hills as their top getaway spots.
Moreover, the index reveals that round trip bookings were particularly popular among leisure travellers and those embarking on visits to places of worship, as they could retain the Uber with them throughout the journey. Conversely, one-way trips were predominantly booked by individuals visiting family, allowing for flexible return dates.
According to the ‘Riding with Intercity’ index, Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Agra, and Bangalore-Kolar are the top three intercity routes in India. The index also highlights the most popular intercity weekend travel months in 2023, which include July, September, October, November, and December. Saturday, Sunday, and Friday are the top three days of the week for Uber Intercity rides in 2023.
For the Indian adult women surveyed, an all-girls trip isn’t simply a holiday, but it gives them the opportunity to get away from day-to-day worries (48 per cent), chance to try new foods (32 per cent), delve into new experiences together (43 per cent) and discover new places (30 per cent).
The index also sheds light on the top uses for intercity travel in 2023, with family visits, business travel and meetings, and tourism being the most common reasons. When it comes to intercity round trips, tourism (religious and leisure), business travel and meetings, and family visits are the top three uses.
Finally, the index reveals the most popular getaways around major cities in 2023. For instance, around Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Lonavala, and Alibaug are the most famous getaways. Similarly, around Bangalore, Mysore and Nandi Hills are the top getaways, and around Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Vrindavan, and Chandigarh are the most popular ones.
As Uber continues to revolutionize mobility in India, offering various options such as Moto, Auto, Cars, and Buses, the company remains committed to providing seamless transportation solutions for millions across 125 cities in the country. With a decade of service, Uber reaffirms its dedication to keeping India moving forward and facilitating sustainable income opportunities for over 800,000 Indians.
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India was ranked fifth among the top five largest passenger markets for Singapore‘s Changi Airport, which handled 328,000 flights and 58.9 million passengers in 2023, rebounding to 83 per cent of traffic levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to official data released on Wednesday. Indonesia topped the airport’s passenger market in 2023, followed by Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and India, as per the latest figures released by the Changi Airport Group (CAG).
India was the sixth travel traffic generator for the Changi Airport in 2019. Before the pandemic hit in 2019, the airport had registered 68.3 million passenger movements.
The 2023 traffic passing through Changi airport was also an 83 per cent increase from the 32.2 million passengers the airport handled in 2022.
About 328,000 flights took off from or landed at Changi Airport in 2023, the data stated, as against 382,000 flights it handled in 2019.
Between October and December 2023, the airport recorded 16.1 million passenger movements, surpassing 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
December was the busiest month of the year, with 5.8 million passengers moving through the airport. This was 91 per cent of traffic levels in December 2019.
The airport recorded its busiest day of the year on Dec 22, the Friday before Christmas, with 203,000 passengers passing through its terminals.
In December, 30,400 flights landed at or departed from the airport.
Quoting CAG, The Straits Times newspaper reported that all the regions to which the airport is connected are recording healthy recovery in passenger traffic from pre-pandemic levels. North America was the region that recorded the greatest growth of more than 25 per cent, compared to 2019.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai witnessed an impressive 35 per cent surge in passenger traffic in the calendar year 2023, welcoming 51.58 million passengers compared to 38.33 million in the previous year. The airport also observed a 20 per cent growth in Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), making a total of 3,34,391 movements, which emphasizes CSMIA’s efficiency and excellence in aviation.
Meanwhile, Europe, the South-west Pacific (comprising Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands such as Fiji) and South Asia are near full recovery, rebounding to more than 90 per cent of passenger traffic levels in 2019, the report said. Compared to 2022, North-east Asia was Changi Airport’s leading region in 2023, with passenger traffic increasing more than four times that of the previous year. This was mostly due to a rise in travel between China and Singapore.
China had gradually loosened its Covid-19 controls from January 2023. Singapore later became one of the first countries China allowed its citizens to travel to in tour groups. Last July, China reinstated 15-day visa-free entry for Singaporeans.
Among the airport’s top 10 markets, China, Japan and South Korea were the fastest growing in 2023 compared to 2022.
The busiest routes to and from the airport throughout the year were Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Bangkok in Thailand, Jakarta in Indonesia, Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia, and Manila in the Philippines.
However, Changi Airport’s cargo flows dipped 6 per cent compared to 2022 amid global economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures, the report said.
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Agoda, the leading digital travel platform, has kickstarted the new year by revealing the top five emerging destinations in India through its “New Horizons List.” Analyzing year-on-year search data, Agoda identified Ahmedabad, Kodaikanal, Mahabaleshwar, Ooty, and Kochi as the cities witnessing significant growth in traveller interest.
India’s New Horizons List
1. Ahmedabad: 44 per cent increase in searches
2. Kodaikanal: 35 per cent increase in searches
3. Mahabaleshwar: 22 per cent increase in searches
4. Ooty: 21 per cent increase in searches
5. Kochi: 19 per cent increase in searches
Ahmedabad Tops the Charts
Ahmedabad, the financial hub of Gujarat, claimed the top spot with a remarkable 44 per cent increase in searches year-on-year. Home to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, Ahmedabad’s rich cultural and culinary heritage has made it increasingly popular among Indian travellers. The city’s hosting of the 2023 Cricket World Cup further boosted its appeal.
The New Horizons List is dominated by picturesque nature destinations, with Kodaikanal experiencing a 35 per cent increase in searches. Hill stations Mahabaleshwar and Ooty witnessed a rise of 22 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively. Kodaikanal’s unspoiled natural beauty, Mahabaleshwar’s sweeping hill vistas, and Ooty’s captivating colonial-era ambiance and tea plantations are attracting growing attention.
Kochi, a vibrant port city in Kerala, secured the fifth spot with a 19 per cent increase in searches. Known for seamlessly converging history and modernity, Kochi remains a favorite among travelers for its Dutch and Portuguese architecture, vibrant food and spice markets, and traditional cultural experiences.
GoMMT, the owner of Goibibo and MakeMyTrip, has secured the top spot for the sixth consecutive year, showcasing its unwavering influence in the Indian subcontinent. Booking.com and Agoda retained their second and third positions, consistently holding their ground from the previous year. TravelGuru exhibited notable growth by climbing two spots to secure the fourth position, while Expedia slightly receded to the fifth spot in the ranking.
Exciting Year Ahead for Indian Travellers
Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, expressed, “2023 has proven to be a great year for travel in India. Agoda’s Year-on-Year search data highlighted growth across domestic, inbound, and outbound travel. The New Horizons list features quite a few hill stations and some bustling cities with a mix of food, culture, and interesting activities. As the new year begins, we are excited to see the trends that will shape the preferences of Indian travelers.”The emerging destinations on the New Horizons List present an exciting opportunity for travellers to discover new facets of India.
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In a recent revelation by global hotel technology giant STAAH, leading travel platforms GoMMT (MakeMyTrip), Booking.com, and Agoda have maintained their supremacy in India’s rapidly growing travel economy. The report highlights the dominance of these channels, emphasising their strategic positioning to capture a significant share of the expanding Indian travel and tourism market.
GoMMT, the owner of Goibibo and MakeMyTrip, has secured the top spot for the sixth consecutive year, showcasing its unwavering influence in the Indian subcontinent. Booking.com and Agoda retained their second and third positions, consistently holding their ground from the previous year.
TravelGuru exhibited notable growth by climbing two spots to secure the fourth position, while Expedia slightly receded to the fifth spot in the ranking.
Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head, STAAH, commented on the significance of these online booking channels, stating, “With their huge reach in the Indian subcontinent and beyond, these online booking channels are well placed to capture their share of the burgeoning Indian travel and tourism market.”
According to reports from Sabre and McKinsey, domestic travel in India has already surpassed pre-Covid levels, and international trips are expected to witness significant growth, projecting an increase from 13 million in 2022 to 80 million in 2040.
STAAH SwiftBook booking engine secured the sixth position, showcasing its continued relevance and year-on-year revenue growth. Shoaib emphasised that despite the resurgence of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), travellers have shown a sustained inclination to book directly with hotels.
“STAAH’s continued presence in the top 10 online booking channel list is representative of this trend,” added Shoaib.
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.
Highlighting the resurgence of business travel post-Covid, Global Distribution System (GDS) has reentered the top 10 channels. STAAH GDS and WebBeds secured the eighth and tenth positions, respectively, reflecting the strong demand from the business travel segment. HRS, an online booking portal specialising in business travel, also maintained a position in the top 10 list.Airbnb, the popular online marketplace for short-term and long-term rentals, retained its seventh position, further underlining its influence in the Indian market.
STAAH’s data, representing over 19,000 properties across 90 countries with 350+ integrations, suggests that accommodation providers are adopting a holistic commerce strategy to attract the right guests at the right time. Shoaib concluded, “New and established online channels are making the distribution mix, allowing accommodation providers to be booked according to evolving seasons and updated traveler preferences that span multiple channels.”
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2023 was the year when travel was officially back to normal on par with the pre-pandemic levels. Travellers flew, took trains, crossed oceans and even went on a trip to space to tick off their bucket list. It was an eventful year. As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome another year, here are some of the unique travel trends that dominated 2023 proving that the travel industry is dynamic, constantly changing and evolving.
Rise of conscious travel
Travellers became conscious of their impact on the environment and opted for eco-friendly accommodations and experiences that support local communities and leave minimum carbon footprints. A large number of travellers ensured that their itineraries included local experiences such as a visit to a local village, getting in touch with a local craft and more.
Digital nomads going strong
Many offices allowed their employees to work from home, leading to many working professionals becoming digital nomads, working and travelling across the world.
This travel trend is set to rule 2024 as well.
Wellness travel
This trend has been popular for a few years now but in 2023, travel agents saw a sharp increase in the bookings where travellers were interested in trips that offered them mental or physical wellness. Tourists increasingly chose destinations that offered yoga retreats, spa experiences and meditation.
Trending destinations for Indian travellers
Some of the most popular destinations favoured by a large number of Indian travellers in 2023 were Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Maldives and Kazakhstan. Most travellers were interested in discovering offbeat destinations and experiences.
Youtube and Instagram reels played an important part in inspiring travellers to explore these destinations, especially since most GenZ and Millennials look to these platforms for inspiration.
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, says Aditya Sharma, Community Director at Vaatalya, is attributed to the discovery of dark sky sanctuaries and reserves in places like Hanle in Ladakh, Benital and more.
Private group trips The desire to get together with friends and family for a holiday or an experience after the pandemic shows no sign of stopping, resulting in an increase in private group holiday bookings in 2023.
More people planned holidays with their entire family or a group of friends this year and indulged in experiences they will enjoy in a group, whether it’s going on a beach holiday, booking a villa in the mountains or hiking trips.
Food experiences
2023 saw a significant shift with food experiences emerging as a key motivator for travellers when booking holidays. Beyond the traditional sightseeing and relaxation, the culinary landscape of a destination became a focal point where travellers showed immense interest in unique and immersive gastronomic adventures.
This emphasis on food tourism reflected their desire for cultural immersion and a deeper connection with the destination.
The author is the Director of Brightsun Travel.
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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