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Kolkata-Bangkok Highway: The trilateral highway linking India, Myanmar, and Thailand

The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, also known as the Trilateral Highway, is an ambitious project aimed at enhancing connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Stretching from Kolkata in India to Bangkok in Thailand, the highway will pass through Myanmar, facilitating improved trade relations and regional integration. This project, which aligns with India’s Look East Policy, is part of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and is poised to be one of the longest highway projects in India. The vision behind the highway Initiated in 2002 under the leadership of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Trilateral Highway was conceived to promote friendly ties between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. The project aims to create seamless connectivity across the three nations, fostering economic growth and enhancing regional cooperation. Despite facing multiple challenges and delays, the highway is expected to be completed by 2027, offering a new dimension to trade and travel in the region. The completion of the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway is anticipated to bring significant benefits, particularly in terms of trade and connectivity. Here are some of the key advantages: Increased trade: The highway will facilitate an increase in exports and imports between India and the ASEAN nations, strengthening economic ties and boosting trade volumes. Connecting important cities: The highway will link several key cities across the three countries, including Bangkok, Yangon, Mandalay, and Kolkata. In India, towns like Siliguri, Guwahati, and Kohima will also be connected, enhancing regional accessibility. The highway will serve as a crucial link in the East-West Corridor and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, extending connectivity to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Improved travel options: Once the highway is operational, it will provide an alternative to air travel, allowing people to drive between Kolkata and Bangkok, potentially reducing travel costs. The highway is divided into different stretches, carefully planned to optimise connectivity and facilitate smooth travel across the three nations. Once completed, the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway will stand as a symbol of regional cooperation and development, transforming the landscape of trade and travel in Southeast Asia.

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KPMG-PHDCCI Reports Growth of Pilgrimage and Spiritual Travel Tourism in India

KPMG-PHDCCI report unveils the rise of pilgrimage and spiritual travel tourism in India, highlighting its growth, economic impact, and future opportunities. Pilgrimage and spiritual tourism are emerging as significant segments within the global tourism industry, reflecting an increasing interest in cultural, spiritual, and faith-based travel experiences. India, home to over 450,000 religious and cultural heritage sites, boasts a wealth of pilgrimage and spiritual landmarks. The recent report by KPMG in India and PHDCCI, titled “Sacred Journeys: Unfolding the Evolution and Growth of Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism in India,” was unveiled at PHDCCI’s 1st Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave. The report delves into the key drivers of this tourism sector, its economic impact, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for various destinations. With spiritual tourism in India on the brink of substantial growth, understanding the diverse motivations of pilgrims and providing tailored solutions is essential. Equally important is recognizing the inherent risks and sensitivities to ensure that this form of tourism promotes respectful, sustainable, and mutually beneficial interactions between visitors and host communities. The report underscores that, in the post-pandemic era, spiritual tourism has gained increased prominence, marked by a rise in the number of travelers and economic activity both globally and within India. The evolution of religious tourism now caters to contemporary travelers who seek more meaningful, responsible, and transformative experiences. Digital technology has significantly influenced religious tourism, with modern trends showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary practices. The rise in religious tourism in India can be attributed to increased digital exposure and favorable reviews from travel bloggers. The popularity of virtual pilgrimages, which soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to shape travel preferences. Many pilgrims now combine their spiritual journeys with medical treatments or wellness retreats. Improved connectivity and infrastructure have further facilitated easier travel, making it more convenient for visitors to access these destinations. Identifying various categories of pilgrims and addressing their specific needs is crucial for enhancing the pilgrimage experience and effectively managing resources. Pilgrimage tourism can be broadly categorized into explorers, solo travelers, and mass-organized pilgrims. Strategies to address these needs include the holistic development of religious sites by integrating adventure and wellness tourism, enhancing the visibility of lesser-known sites through research, preservation, and community involvement, and implementing educational programs to attract tourists interested in cultural enrichment. Vivek Agarwal from KPMG highlighted the importance of adopting a comprehensive, holistic, and sustainable approach to developing pilgrimage sites to enrich spiritual experiences and preserve these destinations. Aalap Bansal pointed out that while digital tools and social media have expanded the reach of spiritual practices, issues such as over-tourism and infrastructure strain must be addressed through sustainable practices and diversified tourism offerings. Ultimately, pilgrimage and spiritual tourism offer substantial opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange, provided that development is managed to safeguard cultural and religious heritage for future generations.

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International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2024 to Lead Asia’s Travel Market with Strong Global Support

The International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2024) is poised to emerge as a major force in Asia’s travel industry, fueled by the involvement of top global companies and organizations, heightened interest from esteemed international media outlets, and ongoing improvements to its International Hosted Buyer Program. Taking place from 05 – 07/9, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the event aims to establish Vietnam as a central tourism hub in Asia. “We position Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam as not just tourist destinations, but as a central tourism hub for Asia,” said Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism. Global Industry Leaders Set to Gather at ITE HCMC 2024 This year’s expo is set to host prominent international travel companies for the first time, including Australia’s Flight Centre Travel Group, a Fortune 500 company with a presence in more than 90 countries, and Intrepid Travel, named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential companies in 2023. ITE HCMC is also attracting key players from significant tourism markets such as the United States and Europe. Notable participants include Collette, America’s oldest travel company with over a century of expertise in luxury tours, and Exim Tours from the DERTour Group, a leading European travel service provider. CNN to Spotlight a Vietnamese Tourism Event for the First Time For the first time, CNN will provide extensive coverage of a Vietnamese tourism event for its Marketplace Asia program. This will significantly enhance the international visibility of ITE HCMC 2024, opening up new avenues for promotion and collaboration. The event has garnered support from over 40 international media agencies across 10 countries and territories. Enhanced Hosted Buyer Program Drives Quality and Impact With over 450 companies and brands exhibiting, and 200 international buyers from 33 countries and territories confirmed, the International Hosted Buyer Program is set to grow by 10% from 2023. This increase highlights ITE HCMC’s importance as a premier platform for global business networking. Throughout the three-day event, ITE HCMC will facilitate 10,000 B2B meetings, each tailored to the specific business needs of participants, ensuring effective matchmaking and maximum results. The online scheduling system, available from August 20th to September 20th, allows international buyers to pre-arrange meetings, minimizing on-site wait times. Additionally, the upgraded ITE HCMC App now features AI-driven matchmaking and QR code scanning for instant partner information, further enhancing efficiency and supporting the event’s eco-friendly objectives. Strategic Collaborations ITE HCMC 2024 proudly announces its strategic partners: Vietnam Airlines as the Diamond Sponsor and Official Airline; Saigontourist Group as the Diamond Sponsor; Nam A Bank as the Gold Sponsor; with Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), GEM Center, and Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon as Bronze Sponsors. Valued partners include Vietjet, Emirates, Vietravel Airlines, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel, Le Meridien Hotel, Mobifone, Air China, and China Southern Airlines, whose support has been instrumental in inviting potential travel businesses to participate in the International Buyer Program, contributing to Vietnam’s and the region’s tourism industry.

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ETAA’s first ever roadshow brings together 25 exhibitors

The Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) recently held its inaugural roadshow in Mumbai. The event featured 25 exhibitors from various sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Jagat Mehta, National Director, ETAA, shared with TravelBiz Monitor that while the event was modest in scale, it provided a more personalised experience for exhibitors and buyers. “We will assess the success of this event, and consider organising similar shows in other cities. If all goes well, we plan to continue this initiative after Diwali,” Mehta said. Dipti Pradhan Thakur, National Director & Event Head, ETAA, noted that ETAA has a history of connecting industry partners with travel agents and tour operators. “This is our first roadshow, and we have received an excellent response from the industry. Exhibitors range from insurance and loan advisors to DMCs and airlines. We are excited about expanding this initiative to other cities,” Thakur stated. When asked if the event was exclusive to ETAA members, she clarified, “The event is open to all travel agents in Mumbai, though we have charged a nominal fee for non-ETAA members.” Dharmesh Advani, National Director, ETAA, commented, “Although this is our first roadshow, we are thrilled with the response. Over 150 agents have committed to attending. Both ETAA and non-ETAA members recognise the value of this platform for interacting with exhibitors. Our goal is to ensure that everyone benefits from the event and increases their revenues,” Advani emphasised.

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Oman Invites Indians to Explore Its Beautiful Nature

The Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract Indian tourists through a comprehensive promotional campaign in India, running until the 28th of this month. Oman has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian travelers, thanks to its diverse offerings that range from breathtaking coastlines to historic landmarks. Oman’s strategic location and accessibility from major Indian cities make it an attractive destination for Indian tourists. The Sultanate is aiming to welcome more than 600,000 Indian visitors in 2024, highlighting the growing interest in Oman’s unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. In a bid to strengthen its tourism appeal, Oman has partnered with several Indian travel companies to promote its tourism sector actively. These collaborations are crucial in positioning Oman as a top choice for Indian travelers seeking varied experiences, from adventure tourism to cultural immersion. H.E. Azzan Qassim Mohamed al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, recently met with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Tourism Minister, in New Delhi to discuss bilateral tourism initiatives. This meeting underscores the importance of India as a key market for Oman’s tourism industry. In addition to these efforts, Oman’s tourism authorities are focusing on simplifying visa processes and offering special deals to entice more Indian tourists. There is also a strong emphasis on niche markets such as adventure tourism, destination weddings, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, which are becoming increasingly popular among Indian travelers. Oman’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of its cultural heritage is another significant factor in attracting Indian tourists. The country’s approach to balancing modernization with tradition resonates with Indian travelers who value authentic and responsible travel experiences. This promotional campaign is part of a broader strategy by the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to boost visitor numbers from India and reinforce the strong ties between the two nations through tourism.

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Indian Tourists Discover Kazakhstan: Arrivals Triple

The Kazakhstan Tourism Board, along with seven representatives from the country’s tourism industry, recently engaged with Mumbai’s travel trade to highlight the diverse offerings and untapped potential of Kazakhstan as a travel destination for Indian tourists. Kazakhstan, an emerging destination in Central Asia, is rapidly gaining popularity among Indian travelers for its unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant cities of Almaty and Astana to the breathtaking national parks and serene landscapes, Kazakhstan offers a travel experience that appeals to a wide range of interests. According to the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the number of Indian visitors to Kazakhstan saw a remarkable increase in 2023. Visitor numbers soared from 28,000 in 2022 to an impressive 78,000 in 2023. Specifically, the number of Indian tourists utilizing accommodation facilities in Kazakhstan more than tripled, rising from 19,000 in 2022 to 54,000 in 2023—a staggering 178.57% increase. This significant growth in Indian tourist arrivals is largely attributed to several key factors. The introduction of daily direct flights between India and Kazakhstan has made travel more convenient. Additionally, the implementation of a 14-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens in 2022 has removed significant travel barriers, further spurring interest in Kazakhstan as a preferred destination for Indian tourists. On August 22, the Kazakhstan Tourism Board led a delegation to Mumbai, where they presented Kazakhstan’s tourism potential to Indian tour operators and members of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). The event, organized in collaboration with Salvia Promoters Pvt. Ltd., showcased the variety of tour packages available and emphasized the country’s readiness to welcome more Indian travelers. The event was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with support from the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India. The gathering also featured B2B meetings, fostering direct engagement between Indian and Kazakh tour operators, aimed at enhancing bilateral tourism cooperation. As Kazakhstan continues to position itself as a top travel destination for Indian tourists, the successful engagement in Mumbai marks a significant step forward in promoting cultural exchange and tourism between the two nations.

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