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Airfares increase up to 25% for Diwali, Onam festival season travel

Airfares are heading northwards for the festival season, with the average one-way ticket price on key domestic routes being 10-15 per cent more for Diwali and 20-25 per cent higher for certain flights to Kerala cities for Onam, according to an analysis. An analysis done by travel portal ixigo for PTI showed that the average one-way economy class fare for non-stop flight on Delhi-Chennai route during October 30-November 5 period is 25 per cent higher at Rs 7,618. This is in comparison to the fare during November 10-16 period last year. For the given comparison period, the ticket price is 21 per cent more at Rs 5,162 on Mumbai-Hyderabad route and 19 per cent higher at Rs 5,999 and at Rs 4,930 on Delhi-Goa and Delhi-Ahmedabad routes, respectively. On certain other routes, fares are higher in the range of 1-16 per cent, as per the analysis. ixigo's Group Co-CEO Rajnish Kumar said travel demand for Diwali is on the rise with airfares higher than last year. "Popular routes like Delhi-Chennai, Mumbai-Bengaluru, and Delhi-Hyderabad are seeing average one-way fares ranging between Rs 4,000-5,000, marking a 10-15 per cent Y-o-Y increase as the festival approaches," he said. On the other hand, fares have also dropped in the range of 1 per cent to 27 per cent on certain routes for the given comparison period. While the ticket price for Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight has declined 27 per cent to Rs 2,508, the fall is 25 per cent at Rs 4,890 for Mumbai-Udaipur flight. In the case of Bengaluru-Hyderabad flight, the fare has dropped by 23 per cent to Rs 3,383 and by 21 per cent to Rs 7,826 for Mumbai-Jammu flight, the analysis showed. Also, an analysis of airfare trends on select routes for the upcoming festival in Kerala showed that prices have increased in the range of 1 per cent to 25 per cent on certain routes. At the same time, ticket prices have fallen around 6-35 per cent on some routes. The figures are average one-way fare for non-stop flights for departure during the September 6-15 period this year compared to August 20-29, 2023 period when Onam was celebrated. A 30 per cent rise in fare to Rs 4,102 has been registered for Hyderabad-Thiruvananthapuram flight for the given comparison period. A similar quantum of increase is there for Mumbai-Calicut flight to Rs 4,448. "Travel demand for Onam festivities has surged this year, with flight bookings and searches for travel to Kerala in the second week of September doubling compared to last year. Average airfares to key cities like Cochin, Calicut, and Thiruvananthapuram have risen by 20-25 per cent year-on-year," Rajnish Kumar said. There have been persisting concerns over high airfares, especially during peak and festival seasons. Against this backdrop, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, earlier this month told Lok Sabha, that the ministry was planning to introduce an online mechanism to address grievances to ensure passengers were not exploited by unnecessary fare hikes. Under current regulations, airfares are neither established nor regulated by the government after the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994. Last month, the ministry told Rajya Sabha that airlines have been advised to self-regulate as well as sensitised to exercise moderation in pricing of air tickets.

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Himachal Pradesh to host 'Dehra Utsav' to boost tourism and attract tourists

Himachal Pradesh, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is set to host a mega festival named 'Dehra Utsav' by the end of 2024. This announcement was made by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his visit to the Dehra Assembly Constituency recently. If reports are to go by, the festival aims to showcase the unique local culture of the region and draw more tourists to the area, boosting the state’s tourism sector. The 'Dehra Utsav' is expected to be a grand celebration, highlighting the traditional art, music, dance, and crafts that define Himachal Pradesh’s cultural identity. The event will provide a platform for local artisans and performers to display their talents, fostering a deeper appreciation of the state’s cultural diversity. By bringing these traditions to the forefront, the festival is anticipated to attract both domestic and international tourists, contributing to the region’s economic growth. During his visit, Chief Minister Sukhu assessed various development initiatives and potential locations for new government offices in Dehra. He urged the district administration to identify suitable land for constructing a new office for the Superintendent of Police and other essential facilities, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the region. The Chief Minister also reviewed ongoing construction projects in Dehra, including a fire station, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office, a hospital, a sericulture office, and Government Senior Secondary Schools. His visit included interactions with students, where he stressed the importance of staying informed about current events and developments within the state. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational standards and general knowledge among students. The CM also directed the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board to conduct a survey to address electricity concerns in Dehra, especially in light of upcoming projects like the Central University Campus and an international-level zoo. These projects are expected to increase the demand for reliable power supply, and the survey will help in planning and upgrading the existing infrastructure. Moreover, the Chief Minister announced plans to build new bus stands at Khundiyan in Jawalamukhi and Dadasiba in the Jaswan Pragpur area, aimed at enhancing commuter services and easing tourist travel. An integrated sports stadium will also be constructed in Dehra to promote youth participation in sports, serving as a community hub and helping to combat drug abuse among the younger population. Reports further add that the 'Dehra Utsav' is expected to become a significant event on the state’s cultural calendar, contributing to the region’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.

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Record 6,500 tourists flock to Maldives in one day

Maldives Sees Record Daily Tourist Arrivals, Reaching 6,500 The Maldives is witnessing a significant surge in tourism, with daily arrivals hitting an impressive average of 6,500, according to recent data from the Tourism Ministry. This marks a 10% increase from the same period last year, underscoring the Maldives’ growing appeal as a premier travel destination. As of 2024, the Maldives has welcomed 1.2 million visitors, achieving 67% of the government’s annual target of two million tourists. With the current pace, the Ministry of Tourism remains confident in reaching this ambitious goal. August alone has seen a remarkable influx of tourists, with over 78,000 arrivals by the 12th, reflecting a robust upward trend in tourism. The average length of stay has also increased, with visitors now spending approximately 7.8 days in the Maldives, further boosting the sector. The highest daily influx was recorded in February, with an average of 7,400 tourists arriving each day, totaling 217,000 visitors for the month. August is on track to become the second-highest month for daily arrivals, closely following February. January and March also saw strong numbers, with an average of 6,200 daily arrivals. China currently leads in tourist numbers, followed by Russia and the UK. India, which topped the list last year, now ranks sixth. To enhance Indian tourist numbers, the Ministry of Tourism is intensifying its efforts through targeted campaigns and promotions.

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Brazil’s ambitious plan to boost its tourism industry by 2027

Brazil has unveiled a comprehensive plan to significantly expand its tourism industry by 2027. The ambitious strategy aims to increase domestic travel, attract international visitors and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. It was presented at the VIII Tourism Salon “Discovering Brazil” in Rio de Janeiro. According to the plan, the number of domestic trips is projected to soar from 93 million to 150 million, while international tourism revenue is expected to reach US$8.1 billion. To support this growth, the government aims to create 3 million jobs within the industry. Tourism Minister Celso Sabino attributed the sector’s recent success to factors such as the expansion of hotel chains, increased flight options, and rising incomes. He highlighted the impressive job creation, with over 50,000 new positions added since the beginning of 2023. The tourism development program incorporates sustainable development principles, innovation, and information technology. In addition, 20 targeted programs and projects have been developed to support the industry’s growth. As Brazil positions itself as a global tourism destination, this plan represents a significant step towards achieving its economic and social goals.

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Moscow and Siberia Open Doors to Indian Tourists with New Travel Program

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is dedicated to enhancing tourism and hospitality in the capital, positioning Moscow as a premier destination for international travelers, with a particular focus on attracting visitors from India. On August 31, the Moscow City Tourism Committee, in collaboration with Aeroflot, unveiled the “Russian Holidays: From the Capital of Russia to the Capital of Siberia” initiative. This project offers Indian travelers the chance to explore the stunning attractions of Moscow and the enigmatic wonders of Siberia, including the Siberian capital, Tyumen, where they can relax in thermal springs and savor local cuisine. The Indian delegation engaged in over 800 meetings with various companies, greatly increasing the potential service providers and options available to Indian tourists. Since the introduction of e-visas on August 1, 2023, over 30,000 tourists have utilized the service in its first month. The e-visa, valid for 60 days, permits stays of up to 16 days. Moscow is already taking proactive steps to accommodate foreign tourists who lack access to credit or debit cards. Currently, visitors can pay in cash or withdraw money from their cards at local banks. However, Russia’s Economic Development Ministry plans to introduce an electronic payment card for foreign tourists by the end of the year, addressing most remaining payment challenges. In the first half of the year, nearly 1 million foreign tourists visited Moscow, with an additional 600,000 arriving over the summer. Leading non-CIS countries contributing to this influx include China, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India. Notably, India was highlighted last year as one of the top non-CIS countries in terms of tourist numbers to Moscow, as noted by Kozlov. Moscow caters to both casual and budget-conscious tourists, offering a wealth of experiences. These include summer movie theaters and urban amphitheaters, pedestrian routes, hundreds of cafe and restaurant terraces, and leisurely strolls through beautifully renovated parks and gardens. With over 18,500 food service establishments and 3,500 summer terraces, Moscow presents a diverse range of culinary options to suit any taste and budget. The city’s food scene features restaurants serving international cuisines, unique cafes offering national dishes, and an extensive array of food markets. This culinary diversity is celebrated through popular annual food festivals such as Fish Week, RestoMarket Fest, and Tastes of Russia.

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Moscow Rises to Sixth Globally with Boost From Indian Business Travelers

Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, has highlighted India’s growing importance as a key tourism market for Moscow. India currently ranks as the sixth-largest source of tourists to the city, with an increasing number of Indian business professionals choosing Moscow as their preferred destination for business events. Business tourism now accounts for one-fifth of Moscow’s total tourist traffic. Kozlov’s recent visit to India aimed to strengthen ties with local tourism stakeholders and participate in a significant trade event. The Moscow City Tourism Committee is keen on deepening its engagement with Indian travelers, recognizing their growing significance in the Russian tourism landscape. Kozlov noted that before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel, tourist traffic from India to Moscow was growing steadily at an annual rate of 12-15 percent. A notable trend Kozlov emphasized is the preference of Indian business professionals for Moscow as a prime location for business events. Not only do business tourists make up a substantial portion of Moscow’s visitors, but around 40 percent of these travelers return to the city later with family or friends, underscoring Moscow’s appeal beyond business. In 2022, the Moscow City Tourism Committee reported that China, Turkey, and India were the leading sources of business visitors to Moscow from non-CIS countries. The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, saw a significant 14 percent increase in business visits to the city. Currently, there are 10 direct flights daily between Moscow and India, with seven connecting Moscow to New Delhi and three connecting Moscow to Goa, facilitating increased travel between the two countries. To further promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, Moscow is set to host the first-ever Meet Global MICE Congress on October 6. The event is expected to attract 250 representatives from the business tourism industry across 14 countries, including India, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. India and China will have the largest delegations at this international gathering, highlighting their pivotal role in Moscow’s business tourism sector.

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