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Traditional Travel Agency Market to See Substantial Growth

The global traditional travel agency market, valued at $143.9 billion in 2022, is set to experience significant growth, with projections indicating it will reach $212.9 billion by 2032. This growth is expected to occur at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2023 to 2032, driven by increasing demand for personalized travel experiences, flexible booking options, and collaborations with local service providers. The resurgence in travel following the COVID-19 pandemic has also prompted a renewed interest in traditional travel agencies as consumers seek expert guidance for their journeys. The market growth is being fueled by several factors, including the growing need for customized itineraries and travel packages. Consumers are increasingly turning to traditional travel agencies for curated experiences, whether they are seeking luxury vacations, adventure tours, or wellness retreats. These agencies, which are able to offer specialized knowledge and personalized services, have become invaluable in catering to the diverse and evolving needs of modern travelers. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in consumer preferences, with travelers seeking more flexible and adaptable booking policies. Traditional travel agencies, recognizing this change, have adjusted their policies to accommodate last-minute itinerary changes and cancellations, offering peace of mind to travelers. This shift towards flexibility, combined with an increased focus on health and safety, has led to a growing reliance on travel professionals who can provide expert advice and personalized service in navigating the complexities of international travel. Additionally, many agencies are increasingly offering integrated travel experiences that include packages combining transportation, accommodations, and leisure activities. This shift toward providing comprehensive services has made traditional travel agencies an attractive option for travelers looking to save time and ensure a seamless journey. By offering everything from luxury packages to wellness tours, these agencies are positioning themselves as experts in crafting unique and memorable travel experiences.

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Saudi Arabia set to host FIFA World Cup 2034

Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034 on Wednesday while the 2030 edition will take place in Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Also, the 2030 World Cup, which will also be the 100th anniversary of the showpiece will be hosted in six different countries, on 3 different continents. This is the latest caveat that Saudi Arabia has received after being named as hosts for the 2034 Asian Games as well as the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. In October 2023, FIFA set a 25-day deadline for countries to express interest in hosting the 2034 World Cup with both Australia and Saudi Arabia putting their names in the hat. Australia would, however, pull out after a few days in order to secure the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup hosting rights. This would leave Saudi as the lone candidate with FIFA even giving it a glowing review, scoring its bid 4.2 out of 5 — more than the 2026 bid of USA, Canada and Mexico, which received 4 out of 5.

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Thailand to roll out e-visa for Indian travellers from January 1

In a significant move, the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi announced the implementation of e-visa facilities for Indian passport holders starting from January 1, 2025. The new system aims to streamline visa applications, allowing applicants to pay through an offline payment method, as per a statement released by the embassy. The embassy highlighted that, until further notice, Indian regular passport holders are still eligible for a 60-day visa exemption for tourist and brief business travel. Applicants who choose the e-visa must, however, pay a non-refundable visa fee, for which the relevant Embassy and Consulate-Generals will provide information on offline payment options. The e-visa processing time will take approximately 14 days from the receipt of the visa fee. Applicants are required to submit their applications through Thailand’s official e-visa portal. The embassy also clarified the deadlines for transitioning to the new e-visa system. As per the order, ordinary passport applications submitted via processing agencies will only be accepted until December 16, 2024. For diplomatic and official passport holders, applications submitted directly to the Embassy or Consulate-Generals will be accepted until December 24, 2024.

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Hyderabad airport rolls out India’s first AI-powered operations centre

When it comes to adopting new technology, Indian airports are often in the news. Whether it’s using TaxiBots to save fuel for airlines or relying on solar or hydro projects to meet their energy needs, many big airports in the country have taken the lead. The latest example is Hyderabad Airport in South India, which now relies on artificial intelligence to make various aspects of its operations smoother and more efficient. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in the South Indian city of Hyderabad now has an operations center that is powered by artificial intelligence technology. Calling it the Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC), it will integrate airside, landside, and terminal operations into a unified system, utilizing real-time data to optimize decision-making, minimize disruptions, and ensure seamless operations, according to the official statement released by the airport. According to the GMR Group, which manages several airports in India, including Hyderabad, this tech will also be rolled out at other locations in a phased manner. APOC, the digital twin platform, will help with the passenger experience as well as assist with airport operations. GMR Airport explains that passengers will benefit in the following ways:

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Centre Pushes For Speedy Completion Of Bengaluru Metro

The Centre is pushing for speedy completion of the Bengaluru Metro expansion in the IT city, aiming for completion of Phase-2 by 2026 and Phase-3, which has two elevated lines, by 2028. The total ‘Namma Metro’ network will be 220 kilometres by then. Top officials in Delhi told CNN-News18 that the project is under close monitoring and the process for construction of both corridors in Phase-3 has been initiated. “The detailed design consultancy for both phase-3 projects is on now," a senior official said. The first phase of the Bengaluru Metro project has been operational since 2017 but the second and third phase have struggled in pace in the city which desperately required a wide metro network. “The entire 220 km ‘Namma Metro’ network in Bengaluru will be complete by the deadline of 2028," the official said. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Project will redefine urban mobility in the heart of India’s Silicon Valley, and is a collaborative venture between the Centre and Karnataka.

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Uttar Pradesh to launch new Heritage Tourism policy

Uttar Pradesh is preparing for a comprehensive Heritage Tourism Policy to revitalise its historic forts, palaces, and mansions through adaptive reuse, promoting experiential tourism. This initiative, inspired by Rajasthan's success in leveraging heritage properties for tourism, aims to create sustainable models for preserving history while boosting the local economy. The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), hosted a Heritage Tourism Conclave in Lucknow on 7 December. The event convened over 50 royal families, hotel groups, investors, and consultants to discuss the draft policy and gather feedback for finalisation before cabinet approval. During the conclave, Prateek Hira, Chairman of FICCI’s UP Tourism Committee, highlighted the growing demand for experiential travel, where visitors immerse themselves in the historic environment of heritage properties. Hira emphasised that Rajasthan’s approach to adaptive reuse has successfully preserved historic structures and fostered economic sustainability.

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