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Tourism New Zealand reflects on a successful 2023, foresees continued growth in Indian market

Gregg Wafelbakker, General Manager Asia, Tourism New Zealand, shares insights on the achievements and strategies for the Indian market. From January to September 2023, the total number of arrivals from India reached an impressive 60,267, showcasing a remarkable 34% surge compared to the same period in 2019. The robust recovery during this period solidified India's position as a crucial visitor market for New Zealand. In a recent interaction with ETTravelWorld, Gregg Wafelbakker, General Manager Asia at Tourism New Zealand, provided a comprehensive overview of the milestones and insights gained in 2023, shedding light on the growth of New Zealand's tourism market and outlining strategies for the Indian market in 2024. https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/destination/international/tourism-new-zealand-reflects-on-a-successful-2023-foresees-continued-gr… 3/8 Wafelbakker described 2023 as a year marked by milestones, particularly in terms of visitation numbers and brand growth. From January to September 2023, the total number of arrivals from India reached an impressive 60,267, showcasing a remarkable 34 per cent surge compared to the same period in 2019. The robust recovery during this period solidified India's position as a crucial visitor market for New Zealand. Twenty Years in the Indian Market: A significant achievement celebrated in 2023 was Tourism New Zealand's twenty years of operation in the Indian market. In recognition of this milestone, a special event was organized to express gratitude to valued Indian partners. The event also served to acknowledge the significant contributions of these partners to the success of New Zealand's tourism growth. Additionally, frontline training sessions were conducted in Mumbai and Delhi, featuring a 20-member delegation from New Zealand representing various entities such as Regional Tourism Organisations, hotels, attractions, airports, and airlines. This marked Tourism New Zealand's first in-market event since 2020. Key Learnings and Takeaways: Wafelbakker emphasized the crucial learning from the accomplishments in 2023—the need to continue building momentum in India by growing the desire for New Zealand and converting this into bookings. The strategy involves leveraging strong partnerships through trade collaborations, media alliances, and opportunities for advocacy. Strategies for 2024: Looking ahead to 2024, Tourism New Zealand aims to continue converting high-quality Indian visitors. This involves incorporating content that specifically addresses travel obstacles for Indian travelers in campaigns, partnerships, and trade efforts. The focus will be on providing guidance on planning a visit to New Zealand, navigating travel within the country, and highlighting established health and safety measures. In summary, 2023 has been a year of achievements and growth for Tourism New Zealand, setting the stage for continued success in the Indian market in the coming year. The focus remains on building partnerships and addressing the specific needs of Indian travelers to enhance the appeal of New Zealand as a preferred travel destination.

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2023 was a year of mixed fortunes for Indian tourism industry

While the tourism industry was hit hard by the pandemic, it also saw some positive developments. The industry has recovered well from the impact and is back to pre-Covid levels, with some aspects even better, according to President of TAAI, Jyoti Mayal. Going forward, 2024 needs restructuring of tourism through effective marketing and promotion travel and tourism companies as well as aggressive social media campaigns, shared Maya. 2023 was a year of mixed fortunes for the Indian tourism industry. While the industry was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, it also saw some positive developments. The Indian travel industry has recovered well from the pandemic and is back to pre-Covid levels, with some aspects even better. Indians opting for more trips; shift towards mobile apps India’s economic growth has been among the highest in the world in the past decade, and positive developments on the economic front should contribute to propelling the country’s tourism industry as an increasing number of Indians with rising disposable incomes make a greater number of domestic and international trips . The pandemic was a major challenge for the Indian tourism industry, but it was also an acquisition opportunity for stronger players as the industry consolidated . The online travel industry in India is highly competitive and features several prominent players. In 2023, the industry saw a significant shift towards mobile apps as a channel for travel bookings. Many of the leading travel companies in India developed user-friendly mobile apps, allowing travellers to book tickets and accommodations on the go. The pandemic also led to a rise in domestic tourism, with plenty of pentup demand to support a relatively quick recovery. India, a mature market for tourism The year 2023 was very exciting and full of apprehension for the travel trade but surely there’s no looking back now. India acts as a mature market when it comes to tourism opportunities, and it continues to build new attractions and new destinations each time. Though the G20 presidency to India for the year has given a plethora of opportunities to grow in terms of conferences, meetings, exhibitions and more, the eventual responsibility lies in the hands of the tourism stakeholders to make the most of this opportunity by stepping on the foundation stone and building their foundation on it. A need to create the buzz among rising trends, opportunities The trends have been impeccable, and the travel agents have played a significant role as sustainability took centre stage. They have been striving to design sustainable travel itineraries and promote awareness of environmentally responsible travel. However, there is no denying the fact that a lot more needs to be done in terms of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional practices with tireless efforts to gain the necessary momentum. Social media is on the minds of people today; 30 seconds of reels are doing a miraculous job on the gram and therefore, with aggressive social media campaigns in place, the focus on developing vlogs and video messages and letting people know internationally that India is ready to welcome tourists can be a great idea for the approaching year. There is a need to create a buzz while addressing the safety issues for women travellers to mention categorically. With the world opening in a phase-wise manner and wooing travellers, it is imperative to deliberate how India may facilitate a one-of-a-kind tourism experience to its admirers. I also feel the travel industry today has many complex decisions to make and still relies on human expertise and outdated technology such as greenscreen or rudimentary interfaces. This leads to a best-guess approach, the risk of negative outcomes, and a steep learning curve. Travel companies are developing new tools for the frontline to process complex inputs and help guide “day-of” decision-making. For example, advanced simulation models such as digital twins allow companies to conduct rapid “what-if” analyses and provide real-time guidance to the frontline. Focus on quality, reliability & credibility of service India is positioning itself as a global leader in several sectors such as travel trade, cross border services, citizen services and more. As India marches towards a high momentum growth period, it will be critical to plan for factors that can impede progress and mitigate reputational and image risks. Hence the focus should be on quality, reliability, and credibility of the service providers it engages with, to ensure services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in line with established standards, else failure in service levels can erode confidence and trust in the government’s capabilities, leading to public dissatisfaction. The focus on quality also indicates that public resources are utilised wisely and that citizens receive the best possible value for money. As the President of TAAI, I would like to request each one of you to pledge this year to restructure tourism by effective marketing and thus promoting travel and tourism companies through continuous presentations, roadshows, and webinars. The travel trade and our industry have taken a big hit in the past two years and today at the revival stage, we are more than ready to cater to the needs of our customers in the best way possible. Despite the positive developments, the industry still faces several challenges and loopholes, but it remains to be seen how it will adapt to the changing landscape.

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RBI proposes to introduce new category of money changers

The Reserve Bank on Tuesday proposed to introduce a new category of money changers may conduct business through an agency model by becoming Forex Correspondents (Fx of Authorised Dealers. Currently, the Reserve Bank issues licences to authorised dealers - banks authorised to deal in foreign exchange -- and full-fledged money changers. Licence are also granted to financial and other institutions to carry out specific foreign exchange transactions related to their business. The Reserve Bank on Tuesday proposed to introduce a new category of money changers who may conduct business through an agency model by becoming Forex Correspondents (FxCs) of Authorised Dealers. Currently, the Reserve Bank issues licences to authorised dealers -- banks authorised to deal in foreign exchange -- and full-fledged money changers. Licences are also granted to financial and other institutions to carry out specific foreign exchange transactions related to their business. The framework for licensing of Authorised Persons (APs) under FEMA, 1999 was last reviewed in March 2006. The RBI said that keeping in view the progressive liberalisation under FEMA, increasing integration of the Indian economy with the global economy, digitisation of payment systems, evolving institutional structure, over the last two decades, it has been decided to rationalise and simplify the licensing framework for APs. The review aims to meet the emerging requirements of the rapidly growing Indian economy, and achieve operational efficiency in the delivery of foreign exchange facilities to common persons, tourists, and businesses while maintaining appropriate checks and balances, it said while issuing draft Licensing Framework for Authorised Persons (APs) under FEMA. "To enhance the ease of doing business, it is proposed to introduce a new category of money changers who may conduct money-changing business through an agency model by becoming Forex Correspondents (FxCs) of Category-I and Category-II Authorised Dealers. Such entities shall not The central bank has sought comments from stakeholders on the draft by January 31, 2024.

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Kerala’s RT Mission to host mega are & craft fair at BeyporeWater Fest starting today

Planned as an upfront initiative, the event will have discussions and workshops on preser the craft traditions and leveraging them for promotion of tourism. The Responsible Tourist and Textile Art Festival is a part of the third edition of Beypore International Water Festival (BIWF) to be inaugurated today by Kerala’s Tourism Minister. Kerala Tourism is hosting an event during the third edition of Beypore International Water Festival (BIWF) to spotlight the country’s diverse handicraft heritage, aligning with the state's push for sustainable and inclusive tourism. The Responsible Tourism and Textile Art Festival, to be inaugurated by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, will run until December 30. It's a showcase of art and craft traditions spanning 17 Indian states, featuring pottery, weaving, dress-making, and more—cherished skills passed down through generations. Organised by Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission, the festival not only highlights Kerala's esteemed handloom industry but also offers live demonstrations where artisans from various states display their crafts, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation. “The craft festival has been conceived as an added feature to the Beypore international water festival when the ancient port town of Malabar is all set to emerge as a global tourism hub,” Riyas noted. “Leveraging the fabulous handloom, handicraft, agricultural and cuisine traditions of different states of the country is important for responsible and sustainable tourism promotion. Apart from displaying a wide variety of textile traditions, the festival will have live demonstrations of the art and craft,” added RT Mission State Coordinator K. Rupeshkumar. These include pictorial embossment, dyeing, textile printing, making of decorative clothes like tapestries and display of different types of handlooms and spinning equipment used by craftspeople from various states and sub-regions. The expo will also have a wide range of items on sale: tourist souvenirs and agricultural as well as food products from various units of the State RT Mission — at affordable prices. Planned as an upfront initiative, the event will have conversations and workshops on preserving the craft A section on Kerala’s agricultural products at the expo, planned in association with Agrifarm Tourism Network units, will showcase an assortment of organic food products and spices, besides promoting the Village Experience packages from different districts. According to an official update, the entire spectrum of travel and tourism stakeholders including HATS, women RT clubs and adventure tourism agencies have extended their support to the event. Today also marks the inauguration of the highly anticipated Beypore International Water Festival (BIWF) by the Tourism Minister Riyas. This event is poised to attract global attention with its lineup of competitive water sports featuring participants from various countries, enhancing its BIWF, organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the District Administration and District Tourism Promotion Council, strategically unfolds across prime locations like Beypore Marina Beach, Chaliyam Beach on the Chaliyar River banks, Nallur, and Beypore Port. The festival extends its reach to key spots like Kozhikode Beach, strategically aiming to draw both local and international business interest. The festival launch commences with a bicycle rally from Kozhikode Beach to Beypore Beach at 7 am on December 26. It will also feature an array of cultural showcases, a sizable food festival, engaging adventure sports activities, and exclusive access to Navy and Coast Guard vessels. The event roster boasts an international kite fest engaging participants from five countries, dinghy boat races, flyboard demonstrations, surf ski displays, flea markets, paramotoring, sailing regattas, and net throwing, among other activities.

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India set to become a global destination for ‘wellcations’: Navneet Nagpal

In a recent discussion with ETTravelWorld, Navneet Nagpal, Principal Consultant at Spect Hospitality Services, shed light on the evolving trends in the travel and hospitality industrial India, with its rich heritage of alternative wellness methods, is poised to become a global destination for wellness vacations. Market reports predict a substantial growth of USD 1,299.84 billion in India's health and wellness sector between 2020 and 2024, indirectly propelling the 'wellcation' industry. Wellcation as a trend particularly has disrupted the travel and hospitality industry as of late. It has become a popular concept that blends gastronomy, spa/fitness indulgence, and wellness as a focus to embrace personal well-being. Particularly in India, which is home to alternative wellness methods and techniques to deal with modern-day health issues, making it the perfect global destination for wellness vacations. India, with its rich heritage of alternative wellness methods, is poised to become a global destination for wellness vacations. Market reports predict a substantial growth of USD 1,299.84 billion in India's health and wellness sector between 2020 and 2024, indirectly propelling the In a recent discussion with ETTravelWorld, Navneet Nagpal, Principal Consultant at Spectra Hospitality Services, shed light on the evolving trends in the travel and hospitality industries. Wellcation – A disruptive trend One of the key topics discussed during the interaction was the growing trend of 'Wellcation,' which has significantly disrupted the travel and hospitality sector. Nagpal highlighted that Wellcation, a concept blending gastronomy, spa/fitness indulgence, and overall wellness, has gained immense popularity. During the discussion with ETTravelWorld, Nagpal shared several key insights. The importance of offering the right product at the right price with the right operator was emphasised. “It was noted that asset managers are increasingly becoming a commodity in the industry. Spectra, a company involved in hospitality and real estate, is actively engaged in glamping projects in Bangalore and is also establishing an The concept of wellness is evolving into holistic wellness, with hotels incorporating spacious green areas. Nagpal further elaborated that successful projects have been completed in locations such as Kashmir, Gir (wellness retreat), and Goa. Further, Spectra has two projects that are currently under pre-opening in Bangalore, with another upcoming project in Coorg. The discussion also identified several roadblocks in the industry, such as skill gaps post-pandemic, the need for better education in sustainability and technology, and the increasing importance of AI and automation. “To address these challenges, sustainability initiatives, such as the use of rework their numbers for viability, and align with market demands. As the travel and hospitality industries navigate post-pandemic challenges, Spectra Hospitality Services, through its insightful initiatives and partnerships, aims to lead the way in embracing and driving these transformative trends.

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UAE: Sharjah bans 2024 New Year's eve fireworks celebration in solidarity with Gaza

An emirate in the United Arab Emirates, one of few Arab states that has official ties with Israel, has banned New Year's Eve fireworks this year as an expression of solidarity with the people of Gaza.The decision was announced in a Facebook post by Sharjah police, warning on Tuesday that legal measures would be taken against those found violating the ban.The ban is "a sincere expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in the Gaza Strip," Sharjah police said in the post. Sharjah is the UAE's third-largest emirate by size and population behind Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are seven emirates. The UAE forged ties with Israel in 2020 in a move that paved the way for other nations to build relations with Israel. The Gulf regional power has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the war in Gaza, however, condemning Israel's bombardment and invasion of the enclave. It has also condemned Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack that started the war and called for the release of hostages taken captive that day into Gaza by the Palestinian Islamist group. Sharjah's decision on New Year's Eve fireworks appeared to be limited to that one emirate, as public celebrations continue to be advertised in the country's other emirates. The UAE's showpiece New Years Eve fireworks display are typically held in Dubai, the country's most populous emirate and a regional tourism hub, centred around landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the palm tree-shaped artificial island, the Palm Jumeirah.

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