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Nashik is making vineyard tourism a hit in India

Next time you’re unsure about what snacks to serve with wine at a home get-together, try bhaji (onion fritters). Believe it or not, this is a combination recommended and endorsed by the experienced winemakers at Sula Vineyards. An assortment of cheeses or processed meat is not the only option, they say. When we tried this striking combination ourselves during a wine ageing masterclass at their vineyard in Nashik, we couldn’t help but agree. Every weekend (even on weekdays, tbh), people from Mumbai and Pune drive to Nashik, a tropical wonderland better known as the wine capital of India, to see scenic vineyards and learn more about the winemaking process. At the forefront of this growing vineyard tourism is Sula, one of the world’s most visited wineries. It hosts almost 400,000 people annually in Nashik for guided tours and wine tasting. Nashik - the wine capital of India An hour’s drive from Nashik airport, Sula Vineyards welcomes you with verdant views all around. Never-ending rows of grapevines meet the gaze, and you might be lured to run towards them right away. Whether you can see wine grapes growing or not depends on the time of your visit. The time of the harvest is from January to March, in contrast to many other countries like France, California, Italy, and Turkey, where harvesting is done around September and October. Owing to the proximity to the equator, weather conditions in India (in this case, Nashik) are different, and hence the winemaking process runs on a completely different cycle, which brings along its own set of challenges. Yet, Sula has an international presence in over 25 countries. “One of the primary challenges we face is changing the perception of Indian wine. Traditionally, when people think of wine, they think of regions like Europe, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Positioning Indian wine alongside these established giants requires a dedicated effort to highlight the unique qualities and craftsmanship of our products,” Karan Vasani, COO, Sula Vineyards tells India Today, while adding that only 2 per cent of the production is currently exported. “Another significant challenge is the competitive price point. International wine markets often operate on high volume and thin margins, which can make it difficult for us to compete directly on price. However, we have found success by focusing on the premium and elite segments, where the quality and distinctiveness of our wines can truly shine,” he adds. Sula - leading wine tourism in Nashik Sula is credited for turning Nashik into the wine capital of the country. Founder Rajeev Samant set up the first winery in Nashik in 1999 and is now championing sustainable viticulture by generating around 60 per cent of the electricity used with solar panels and using recyclable packaging. In 2021, the company was accepted as a member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). As one takes a round of the vineyards in Nashik, one can see solar panels etched atop the wine-tasting area. Wine tasting is among several activities visitors explore at the vineyard, which hosts a young crowd as well as families from nearby cities of Mumbai and Pune each day. One can also take a look at the fermentation tankers in which the grape juice is stored and peek inside the barrel room where the ageing of premium wines takes place in French and American oak barrels. Vineyard resorts for weekend getaways However, this vineyard in Nashik is not limited to being a day-out spot. It is a fabulous weekend getaway as it also boasts a stay property – The Source – a luxury vineyard resort comprising a mix of well-built suites, cottages, and crowd-puller tree houses. Each of these accommodations has a distinctive vibe and build, but making you feel in the lap of nature is a common element. For instance, the suites are built in a palatial setting where lush green trees not only serve as spectacular surrounding scenery but also grow through the stair alleys within the resort. The treehouses, also built with a luxurious aesthetic, boast glass walls to ensure scenic delights.

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Taiwan introducing Visa-On-Arrival For Indian Tourists

Taiwan is exploring the possibility of introducing visa-on-arrival for Indian travelers, aligning with global trends of simplifying visa processes to boost tourism. Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang highlighted Taiwan’s interest in tapping into India’s substantial outbound market. Before any final decision, talks with the immigration department are anticipated. ResearchAndMarkets.com predicts that India’s outbound MICE tourism market will achieve a valuation of $13.4 billion by 2031. Currently, India ranks as the ninth-largest market globally for business travel expenditure and holds the fourth position in the Asia Pacific region. Sunny Sodhi, Managing Director of FCM Travel India, highlights that 86% of Indian business travelers view travel as essential for achieving their business objectives. The Global Business Travel Association forecasts that India’s business travel spending will hit $38 billion this year, with a projected return to pre-2019 expenditure levels anticipated by 2025. Notably, India experienced a significant 25% surge in business travel spending in 2023, reaching 78% of pre-pandemic levels. In a bid to promote Taiwan’s tourism offerings to Indian travel trade professionals, the Taiwan Tourism Administration launched the Taiwan Specialist Program in April. This initiative includes an e-learning program aimed at familiarizing professionals with Taiwan’s attractions. Taiwan further engaged with the Indian travel trade through a multi-city roadshow across Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, with a particular focus on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment. Joseph Cheng, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s Singapore office, emphasized the growing importance of MICE travel, surpassing traditional business travel norms. Taiwan is keen on enhancing its offerings in this sector to cater to the preferences of Indian travelers. India’s outbound travel market, encompassing over 27 million people, sees 41% traveling for leisure and recreation, while 16% travel for business purposes, reflecting a substantial portion dedicated to MICE activities. FCM Meetings & Events India noted a notable resurgence in incentive trips, reporting a 30% increase in requests during the first quarter compared to the previous year. In the latter half of this year, Taiwanese authorities will extend invitations to Indian businesses for exploratory visits to central and southern Taiwan. This initiative aims to deepen Indian companies’ understanding of Taiwan, fostering stronger collaboration between Taiwanese and Indian tourism sectors. To actively cultivate the international tourist market, Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communication’s Tourism Administration is expanding its focus beyond traditional markets like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It now targets Indonesia and India as pivotal new markets for growth. Since the establishment of the “Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Mumbai” on February 7, 2024, the Administration has invited ten incentive travel-specialized travel agencies from India to visit Taiwan from June 20 to 25. This marked the first group post-pandemic, emphasizing immediate MICE market development and long-term mass market targeting through phased marketing strategies. The itinerary for this inaugural group centered on Yilan, showcasing Taiwan’s diverse tourism resources and high-quality hospitality. Highlights included visits to Toucheng Farm for rural and eco-tourism experiences, the National Center for Traditional Arts to appreciate Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, traditional architecture, and the scenic beauty of the Northeast Coast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area. In Taipei, the group explored the Grand Hotel’s secret passages and enjoyed retro costume changes in Dadaocheng. This exchange enabled Indian businesses to gain a deeper appreciation of Taiwan, laying the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between Taiwanese and Indian tourism industries. The Administration also aims to reinstate direct flights between Taiwan and India to enhance travel convenience, comfort, and affordability. In the second half of the year, more invitations will be extended to Indian businesses to explore central and southern Taiwan, including the scenic landscapes of Taichung, the cultural allure of Kaohsiung, and the natural and cultural treasures of Hualien and Taitung. The Administration welcomes more enthusiastic Indian visitors to discover Taiwan’s unique charm and endless delights. To facilitate these opportunities, the Administration hosted a “Taiwan-India Tourism B2B Networking Session” on the 24th, drawing around 15 businesses from travel agencies, hotels, and the tourism and leisure sectors. The event fostered lively face-to-face interactions and forged valuable business connections between Taiwanese and Indian tourism professionals. Highlighting India’s status as the world’s most populous country, with around 40,000 Indian tourists annually visiting Taiwan pre-pandemic, the Administration sees significant potential in India’s burgeoning “new wealthy” and “business traveler” segments. With India’s robust economic growth and diverse cultural appeal, visitor numbers are expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels this year. Impressed by their experiences, Indian businesses provided positive feedback and expressed intentions to develop new travel products, bolster promotions, and increase tourist flows from India. The Administration plans to maintain ongoing communication and explore further collaboration opportunities.

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Indians travelled close to 1,000 cities across world

Uber, the global ride-hailing app, shared travel data of India-registered users that give a peek into the global travel trends of Indians. Uber’s data reflects a sharp increase in the number of Indians using the ride-sharing app abroad during 2023, with the number of overseas travellers being second only to Americans. During the ongoing summer travel season, Indians are expected to surpass records set in previous years. “Indians have been breaking all travel records over the past couple of years, and it’s heartwarming to see how Uber continues to be their trusted last-mile partner in these travels,” said Prabhjeet Singh, president, Uber India and South Asia. “Be it the familiarity when landing at an airport in a new city, or the safety when riding late at night, it’s a huge mark of trust for us to see Indians book an Uber for their overseas travels.” Uber App Usage Data: Indians travelling overseas like never before: - A million Indians using Uber in their travels overseas - Indians travelled to close to 1,000 cities across 68 countries overseas - Most Uber-ed countries: 1. The United States 2. The United Kingdom 3. Canada - Most popular month of overseas travel in 2023 was May; June in 2022 - Indians tried 21 different Uber products including Comfort Electric, Multimodal Transit, and UberX Indians used Uber's luxury cars and SUVs: - Porsche Cayenne - Jaguar F-PACE - Range Rover Sport - Mercedes S450 - BMW 740i M Sport - Lincoln Navigator Indians used Uber's premium EVs: - Jaguar I-PACE - Audi e-tron Sportback - Mercedes EQE 500 - Ford F-150 Lightning

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Etihad to step-up North America services this winter

Etihad will expand services to North America this October with plans to increase flight frequencies on its Abu Dhabi-Boston route. The carrier will also begin operating its new Airbus A350 aircraft on daily flights to Toronto in the upcoming winter season. The Middle Eastern airline will begin daily services to Boston Logan International Airport on 27 October, increasing frequencies from four weekly flights as per the current schedule. The decision, the carrier said, is based on the route’s “strong performance” and comes just three months after Etihad introduced the non-stop Boston service in March. Etihad chief revenue and commercial officer, Arik De, said: “Having already experienced record passenger demand, we’re excited to invest further in the North American market by expanding our flight frequency out of Boston ahead of the peak winter travel season.” Flights to Boston will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with 28 business class seats and 262 seats in economy. Meanwhile, the carrier’s daily service to Toronto Pearson Airport from 27 October will be operated by its Airbus A350 aircraft, which includes 44 business suites with “enhanced” privacy. According to the carrier, the A350 produces 25 per cent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous aircraft models.

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International travel advisors can plan their trip to Antigua and Barbuda with new visa-free access

Antigua and Barbuda, a Caribbean gem, thrives on tourism with visa-free access to 130 countries, rich culture, and stunning attractions, boosting its economy. Antigua and Barbuda, renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, stands out in the travel and tourism industry. The twin-island nation welcomes visitors from around the globe with its extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival policies, enhancing its appeal as a top Caribbean destination. As of 2024, citizens from 130 countries can enter Antigua and Barbuda without a visa, including major markets like the United States, Canada, and most of Europe. Additionally, visitors from 28 countries can obtain a visa on arrival, simplifying travel plans for many. These flexible visa policies have positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a leader in the tourism industry, driving significant growth and attracting a diverse range of visitors. The islands’ efforts to facilitate easy entry reflect their commitment to being at the forefront of global travel industry leaders, boosting tourism and contributing substantially to the local economy. Overview of Tourism Growth Antigua and Barbuda, an island country part of the Lesser Antilles, experienced a significant increase in the number of international visitors in 2023, with over 930 thousand visitors. This represents a 43 percent increase over the previous year. Visitors by Country United Kingdom (UK) The UK remains a major source of visitors to Antigua and Barbuda. British tourists are drawn to the islands’ beautiful beaches, historical sites, and cultural events. United States of America (USA) The USA is another leading country of origin for tourists visiting Antigua and Barbuda. American travelers appreciate the islands’ easy accessibility and the rich mix of relaxation and adventure activities available. Canada Canadian tourists also contribute significantly to the tourism numbers. The pleasant climate and various attractions make Antigua and Barbuda a favored destination, especially during the winter months. Tourism Expenditure In 2023, international tourists visiting Antigua and Barbuda spent over 1.9 billion East Caribbean dollars. This figure is the second highest recorded in the past decade, with the peak being a little over two billion East Caribbean dollars in 2019. Visa-Free Travel to Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda have strategically positioned themselves as a top Caribbean destination by offering visa-free entry to citizens of 130 countries, simplifying travel for millions of potential visitors. This liberal approach attracts a diverse range of visitors, from business travelers to leisure tourists seeking a Caribbean escape. For example, tourists from the United Kingdom can stay for up to six months, while travelers from Schengen Area countries are permitted a 90-day stay within a 180-day period. Key details include: Europe: Most European Union countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, as well as non-EU countries like the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway. North America: The United States and Canada. Latin America and the Caribbean: Several countries including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and many Caribbean nations such as Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. Asia: Includes countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Oceania: Australia and New Zealand are also included in the visa-free list. Africa: Selected countries like South Africa and Botswana can enter visa-free. Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives Antigua and Barbuda are committed to sustaining and expanding their tourism sector through strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experience and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Infrastructure Investments: Continued upgrades to airports and seaports are pivotal in accommodating growing tourist numbers and improving overall accessibility. Sustainable Tourism: Efforts to promote eco-friendly tourism include developing sustainable resorts and encouraging practices that minimize environmental impact. Economic Diversification: While tourism remains central, there are ongoing efforts to diversify the economy by strengthening other sectors like agriculture and financial services, reducing over-reliance on tourism. Antigua and Barbuda’s robust tourism sector is a testament to the islands’ appeal as a premier Caribbean destination. From visa-free travel and strategic infrastructure investments to vibrant cultural festivals and natural attractions, the country offers a rich tapestry of experiences for international travelers. As the tourism industry continues to thrive, it remains a vital contributor to the nation’s economic health and cultural vibrancy, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda will remain a sought-after destination for years to come.

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Earn free lunches and glasses of wine in this European country by picking up litter

Copenhagen has launched an innovative program to promote eco-friendly practices among tourists. The program, called CopenPay, will run from July 15 to August 11, and will be rewarding visitors for sustainable actions, such as litter picking, biking, and using public transport. By showing a public transport ticket or proof of their actions, tourists can earn rewards like free lunches, coffees, glasses of wine, museum tours, and kayak rentals. If reports are to go by, the said program is designed to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism without increasing the number of visitors. Mikkel Aaro Hansen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, highlighted the dual goal of enhancing the tourist experience while reducing environmental strain. He stated, “With CopenPay, we’re empowering people to experience more of what Copenhagen offers while placing less burden on our planet.” This initiative aims to create memorable and environmentally responsible experiences for tourists. Rikke Holm Petersen, communications chief of the tourism board, told the media, “When you travel abroad - if you fly to other places or you travel by car - you pollute. One of the things we can change is getting people to act more sustainably at the destination.” The program encourages tourists to adopt sustainable practices during their stay, aligning with the broader goal of promoting sustainability. Currently, 24 local businesses are participating in CopenPay, offering rewards without any government funding. This collaboration between the city and local businesses reflects a collective commitment to sustainability. Copenhagen’s mayor, Sophie Haestorp Andersen, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “I’m thrilled to see an initiative like CopenPay that combines our rich cultural life with a strong commitment to sustainability.” She emphasized that the program aligns with the city’s goal of promoting sustainable solutions. The pilot scheme's success will determine if CopenPay will be extended throughout the year. By incentivising eco-friendly behavior, Copenhagen hopes to set a new standard for sustainable tourism, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and enjoyable travel experiences can go hand in hand. This program represents a significant step towards reducing the environmental footprint of tourism and promoting a more sustainable future for the city.

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