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Incentive Travel Is Growing in India as a Performance Booster

Incentive trips are making a comeback, according to FCM Meetings & Events India. The corporate travel firm noted a 30% jump in requests for them in the first quarter from a year earlier. They’re also known as employee reward programs, and they’re big in India: Top-performing staffers get to go to a new destination, and the companies get a way to foster teams and motivate younger and mid-career employees. It’s business, but still a perk. Manpreet Bindra, FCM Meetings & Events Leader, Asia, said both employers and employees prefer incentive trips to vouchers or cash-in-kind. “The Indian business travel market has surpassed pre-pandemic levels and we do expect this segment to continue growing,” Bindra told Skift. Business Travel Spending in India The Global Business Travel Association projects that India will experience an 18% growth in business travel spending in 2024, reaching $38 billion. It also anticipates a full recovery to pre-2019 spending levels by 2025. India is the ninth-largest market globally for business travel expenditure and the fourth-largest in the Asia Pacific region, representing 5.7% of business travel spending. The global incentive travel market is expected to reach $217 billion by 2031, according to a report by Allied Market Research. The rate of growth during this period is expected to be highest in the Asia Pacific. South African Tourism during its recent roadshow in India spoke about how Indian corporates are one of the largest contributors to incentive travel in the country. South African Tourism has kickstarted the third edition of its incentive travel initiative – Corporate Think Tank in India. Nearly half of arrivals to India from South Africa were for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Around a quarter of those MICE arrivals were for incentive trips. When to Book and Where to Go? FCM has managed incentive trips for Indian startups to large-scale enterprises in not just popular destinations like Thailand and Indonesia, but also emerging destinations like Vietnam. “Companies are looking at destinations with both hotel and air seat capacity as well as the ease of visa procedures for incentive travel,” Bindra said. “The most popular destinations in Asia are Bangkok and Pattaya, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, and Colombo although Hong Kong and Macau are starting to gain traction again due to the increased air seat capacity as well as tourism marketing initiatives.” One of the biggest impediments to recovery of business travel has been a lack of airline capacity and competition, FCM Consulting had noted in its November trend report. Bindra also highlighted the advantage of a larger booking window. “If companies can confirm their group movements before 6 months of travel, they stand to save more than 20% in airfare,” he said. FCM also advises its clients to book group movements 9 months prior as then fares for full-cost carriers would be about the same as low-cost carriers, Bindra noted. The global average ticket price of flights booked for business travel have been witnessing a significant increase post Covid. FCM noted in February that the Mumbai to London economy fare saw a 25% hike, while business class fares on the route went up by 13%.

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Italy rolls out its long-awaited Digital Nomad Visa; find out how to qualify

Italy has become the newest EU member to introduce a Digital Nomad visa, thereby presenting remote workers with an enticing opportunity to blend work with leisure while exploring the country. Effective as of April 4th, a recent law permits individuals without an EU passport or any other visa to reside and work legally in Italy for an extended period. After years of deliberation by Italian lawmakers, the country's digital nomad visa has finally materialised, which is aimed specifically at remote workers desiring to experience life in this sought-after European destination. According to the Italian government, digital nomads are defined as non-European Union or Swiss citizens possessing high skills and capable of working remotely, either independently or in collaboration with a company. However, do note that obtaining Italy's digital nomad visa is not straightforward. Applicants must have an income three times higher than the minimum level required for exemption from healthcare costs, equating to nearly €28,000 annually or about $30,400. Italy's visa is notably one of the more challenging EU Digital Nomad visas to acquire. Prospective applicants must meet the criteria of being 'highly skilled,' as defined by the Italian Government, which pertains to individuals engaged in highly qualified work activities utilising technological tools enabling remote work, regardless of residency status. This law is enshrined under article 27 of the immigration code, as per the reports. Financial requirements also pose a hurdle, especially concerning Italian healthcare costs. Applicants must be either freelancers or employees with an annual salary of at least €28,000 (slightly above $30,000), with no stipulation that the income must originate from remote work. Furthermore, applicants must hold a minimum of a three-year college degree or a professional licence for their field or demonstrate substantial experience. Additionally, they must exhibit six months of relevant work experience in their desired remote field. Documentation proving accommodation arrangements in Italy and healthcare coverage, either through private means or enrollment in the Italian National Health Service for €2,000 ($2,100) per year, is also required. Family members may potentially accompany the applicant, subject to local police discretion, while individuals with a criminal record within the past five years are automatically disqualified. Interested individuals must apply at their local Italian Consulate prior to arrival in Italy. The visa is valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal within the country. Upon arrival, applicants have eight days to apply for a residence permit, or permesso di soggiorno. Self-employed individuals must additionally obtain an Italian tax VAT number and seek guidance on local tax obligations. Italy now joins Japan in offering Digital Nomad visas, aiming to stimulate economic growth by attracting high-earning foreign workers. Japan's visa targets digital nomads earning over $63,000 annually, requiring proof of private health insurance for the duration of their one-year stay. As per the reports, Romania topped the list in terms of straightforward process while applying for the said visa, while Croatia ranked second with relatively low salary and accommodation requirements. Spain fell in the middle, necessitating in-person applications with varying response times but a modest minimum monthly salary requirement. Cyprus emerges as one of the most challenging countries to obtain a Digital Nomad visa, mandating prior entry to the country and rigorous health screenings. Andorra, Montenegro, and Latvia plan to introduce similar schemes soon, while Germany offers a Freelancer Visa valid for three months, extendable under specific conditions to a three-year residence permit.

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'Don't': US Warns Iran Over Likely Attack On Israel; India Issues Travel Advisory

India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory, urging Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Iran and Israel until further notice. Those already residing in these countries were advised to contact the Indian embassies and register themselves due to the escalating tensions. New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, several countries, including France, India, Russia, Poland, and the United Kingdom, have issued warnings advising their citizens against travelling to Israel. This caution comes in light of threats from Iran of a potential attack following a strike on its consulate in Damascus earlier this month. The Ministry of External Affairs in India issued a travel advisory urging Indian citizens to refrain from travelling to both Iran and Israel until further notice. Indians currently residing in these countries were advised to contact the Indian embassies and register themselves in light of the escalating tensions. The White House acknowledged the imminent threat posed by a potential Iranian attack on Israel, although no specific details regarding timing were disclosed. In response to the heightened tensions, the United States announced the deployment of reinforcements to the Middle East, signalling concerns over the possibility of an Iranian assault on Israel. Meanwhile, German airline Lufthansa announced the extension of its suspension of flights to and from Tehran, citing soaring tensions in the region. Additionally, the airline disclosed its decision to avoid Iranian airspace for its flights. Israel-Iran Tension: Top 10 Developments 1. US President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Iran amid fears of an imminent attack on Israel. 2. The warning followed reports, citing credible sources, that Iran plans to attack Israel within the next 48 hours. 3. The US has been on high alert since Tel Aviv attacked an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria, resulting in the death of three Iranian generals. 4. Several countries, including the US, UK, and France, issued new travel guidelines for their government employees in Israel due to the Iranian threat. 5. India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory advising citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and Israel until further notice. 6. The United States deployed reinforcements to the Middle East in response to concerns over a potential Iranian assault on Israel. 7. German airline Lufthansa extended its suspension of flights to and from Tehran due to escalating tensions in the region. 8. Tensions reached a critical level after a strike demolished the Iranian consulate in Syria, further exacerbating the situation. 9. Iran accused Israel of the strike, which resulted in the death of a top Iranian military commander and six officers. 10. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that an attack on Israel was "inevitable" following the consulate strike.

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The world’s best airports for food and drink

Airport dining There’s no more captive consumer than a traveler caught between airport security and the departure gate, which is why Food & Wine’s 2024 roundup of the world’s best airports for food and drink got our mouths watering. It’s no surprise that Singapore’s renowned Changi Airport has been declared No. 1. As well as boasting the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, it has more than 200 food vendors from which to choose, as well as a hawker street market, robot bartenders and an outpost of Raffles where you can drink a signature Singapore Sling. At No. 2 is Tokyo-Narita International Airport, where guests can delight in Japan’s culinary traditions. And at No. 3, the luxury environs of Dubai International Airport offer treats such as a pastry shop specializing in eclairs, as well as all the trusty international restaurant chains you’ll want to remind you of home. The great outdoors Europe’s highest pedestrian suspension bridge has opened in Italy, 574 feet (175 meters) above a ravine in Umbria. The half-mile journey across the Sellano bridge takes 30 to 45 minutes and – as if the drop didn’t provide enough drama – there’s a 223-foot incline at one end. Think you could handle it? Over in Africa, the roaring waters of Kalandula Falls in Angola are said to be sacred, and rituals were once performed there to calm the gods. As one of Africa’s hugest waterfalls, perpetually shrouded in an ethereal mist, it’s easy to see how it earned its hallowed reputation. While down in South America, an American woman and a Costa Rican guy met hiking Machu Picchu in 2010, but didn’t swap details and never expected to meet up again. Fate, of course, had other plans for this pair. In a bar in Aguas Calientes, they talked Shakira and things got “a little celestial.” Grand designs A groundbreaking “blended wing” demonstrator plane has been cleared to fly in California. The radical triangular shape of JetZero’s Pathfinder allows the whole aircraft to generate lift, minimizing drag. Nearby in Colorado, Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator plane has successfully started test flights. CEO Blake Scholl tells CNN his team’s goal is to cut flights to “half the time or less it takes today” and that supersonic planes will replace conventional jets in our lifetime. Starting over Hey Duolingo, teach us about “buena vida.” This week, we have the tale of a US woman who decided to change life’s tune by moving to Mexico and opening a music school. She travels back to the States about twice a year but has no plans to return for good. And then we have this couple, also from the United States, who, after years of unsuccessful IVF and multiple health issues, found unexpected happiness in Spain. “Andalusia has taken us in, cared for us in a way we never could have imagined,” says one. “Like interest on a bank account we never knew we had.”

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The United States has restricted travel for its employees in Israel amid fears of an attack by Iran.

The US embassy said staff had been told not to travel outside the greater Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Be'er Sheva areas "out of an abundance of caution". Iran has vowed to retaliate after Israel struck the Iranian consulate in Syria 11 days ago, killing 13 people. UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has phoned his Iranian counterpart to urge against further escalation. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the consulate attack but is widely considered to have been behind it. Iran backs Hamas, the Palestinian group fighting Israel in Gaza, as well as various proxy groups throughout the region, including some - such as Hezbollah in Lebanon - that frequently carry out strikes against the Israelis. Those killed in the consulate attack included a senior commander of Iran's elite Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon, as well as other military figures. The attack came at a time of continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent the war in Gaza spreading across the region. Speaking on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden warned Iran was threatening to launch a "significant attack" and vowed to offer "ironclad" support to Israel. The commander responsible for US operations in the Middle East, Erik Kurilla, has travelled to Israel for talks with officials on security threats. The Pentagon said the visit had been scheduled previously but had been brought forward "due to recent developments." Following a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Lord Cameron said he had "made clear... that Iran must not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict". "I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence," he said. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken to the foreign ministers of China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to argue that further escalation is not in anyone's interest. It is not clear what form any reprisal attack would take nor whether it would come directly from Iran or via one of its proxies. On Sunday an Iranian official warned Israel's embassies were "no longer safe", suggesting a consulate building could be a possible target. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has told his US counterpart that "any direct Iranian attack" on Israeli territory would "require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran". Asked about the travel restrictions on Thursday, state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not disclose the "specific assessments" behind them, but added: "Clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel." The UK Foreign Office has also updated its travel advice for Israel to state that the country's government has raised the "possibility of an attack on Israeli territory from Iran, and that such an attack could trigger wider escalation". Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October, the Foreign Office has warned against travel to large parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. German airline Lufthansa has extended a suspension of flights to the Iranian capital Tehran until Saturday. The October attack saw gunmen kill 1,200 people and take more than 250 hostage after crossing into Israel from Gaza. Israel says that of 130 hostages still in Gaza, at least 34 are dead. More than 33,000 Gazans, the majority of them civilians, have been killed during Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says.

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Spain to scrap ‘golden visas’ for foreign investors

Spain will scrap its so-called “golden visa” program granting residency rights to foreigners who make large investments in real estate in the country, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters on Monday. Ending the scheme would help make access to affordable housing “a right instead of a speculative business,” Sanchez said. The program awards non-EU citizens investing at least 500,000 euros ($541,250) - without taking out a mortgage - in Spanish real estate a special permit, allowing them to live and work in the country for three years. “Today, 94 out of every 100 such visas are linked to real estate investment… in major cities that are facing a highly stressed market and where it’s almost impossible to find decent housing for those who already live, work and pay their taxes there,” Sanchez said. He added that the government would launch the process to eliminate the scheme at Tuesday’s weekly cabinet meeting after studying a report submitted by the Housing Ministry. From the start of the golden visa scheme in 2013 until November 2022, Spain issued almost 5,000 permits, government figures show. Chinese investors top the list followed by Russians who invested more than 3.4 billion euros, according to a 2023 Transparency International report that questioned whether authorities investigated the origin of the funds. The measure is unlikely to affect the property market since less than 0.1% of 4.5 million homes sold during that period were purchased under the scheme, according to property website Idealista. Spain’s housing problem was not caused by the golden visa scheme, but rather by a lack of supply and a spike in demand, said Idealista spokesperson Francisco Inareta. “The measure announced today, which focuses on international buyers rather than encouraging new homes to come onto the market, is yet another misdiagnosis,” Inareta said. Neighboring Portugal has recently revamped its own “golden visa” scheme and excluded real estate investment to tackle a housing crisis. Foreigners who want to secure residency rights can still put their money into investment funds. The European Commission has long called for an end to such programs, citing security risks.

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