News

With 70% recovery, Macao keen to tap India’s market potential: MGTO Director

As per the local reports, in July 2023, Macao experienced a surge in visitor numbers, marking its highest monthly level since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with an impressive total of 2.75 million visitors. Data provided by the Statistics and Census Service reveals that this figure for last month was an increase of 24.9 per cent compared to June. To continue this momentum, Macao Tourism plans to extend its reach within the immediate international markets in the coming year, which also includes India. “India hasn't typically ranked in our top 10 source markets. Nevertheless, India has always intrigued us. We've hosted unique events like weddings and the IIFA awards as well as incentive groups, attracting a special group of Indian visitors. While the numbers may not have been massive, the Indian market's diversity and potential are evident,” said Fernandes. Following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Macao acknowledges that it's still in a rebuilding phase. The absence of direct flights to Macao has presented certain obstacles in recovering from the Indian market, added Fernandes. However, there is a strong sense of optimism for the future, she said. “Macao is now back in business and open to international travel. We have high hopes that, with the gradual restoration of relationships and the resumption of various events, it will see a resurgence in Indian business,” she added, emphasising that the recently held PATA Travel Mart in Delhi, India was a cornerstone for Macao Tourism’s international market engagements. To kickstart the resurgence, Macao also initiated steps like inviting Indian buyers to explore the destination during their travel fair in July. This approach not only featured business meetings but also included tours of Macao's destinations. “Reciprocity is key, as Macao is also taking steps to reach out to India, creating a balanced partnership. While we are still taking the baby steps, it's crucial for us to rebuild relationships that have been strained during this period and revitalise our business here in India,” asserted Fernandes. Looking forward, Macao Tourism intends to engage with the Indian travel industry in several ways including participating in key marts and facilitating in-person business meetings. Their plan also involves collaborating with media partners to increase awareness about Macao and spark interest among the general public. “You have to create interest in the general public before travel agencies can sell products,” the Director emphasised. Besides India, Macao is also eager to tap into new markets, with initial attention on Asian destinations like Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and more. The near future also holds the promise of a new air route to Jakarta, Indonesia, as Fernandes shared, adding that Macao Tourism recognises the potential of the Asian market due to its substantial population base. The immediate future plan is also to explore European markets next year. Besides, Macao also hosted a familiarisation trip from the United States and Canada this year, signaling their keen interest to increase tourism inflow from key source markets post-pandemic

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What does the cruise scene in Goa look like?

November 11, Goa will start to welcome international cruise ships at the Mormugao port. This will go on till the month of May. At least 31 international cruise ships are expected to call at the port from November to May. Is this the start of the tourist season? It sure looks like it. If reports are to go by, some of the popular cruise vessels that will make a pit stop in Goa are Resilient Lady, Vasco-Da-Gama, Marella Discovery 2, Silver Moon, Seven Seas Navigator, Celebrity Millenium, Bollete, Nautica, Riviera, Le Jacques Cartier, Silver Whisper, Borealis, Crystal Symphony, Viking Sky and Asuka II. You can also expect to see India’s domestic cruise liner MV Empress (Cordelia Cruises) make a pit stop at Mormugao. When these cruise liners visit Goa, it is usually for a day. It’s important to note that even though these international cruise vessels visit Goa, there are no international cruises from Goa. There’s one from Mumbai though. Goa is more famous for its river cruises. Of course, there is absolutely no reason why one shouldn’t go for Goa’s river cruises. River cruises in Goa are immensely popular for several reasons. The serene and picturesque setting of Goa's rivers, with lush mangroves and vibrant birdlife, provides not only a tranquil escape for people looking for a quieter holiday, but also gives opportunities to enjoy some of nature’s most beautiful scenes. Also, these cruises, more often than not, offer a glimpse into Goa's rich culture and history. These cruises come with live music and dance performances and, if you have been to Goa, you’d know that these are some of the most important features of traditional Goan culture. These river cruises also come with the chance to savour delectable Goan cuisine and sip on local beverages while enjoying the scenic beauty of the riverside. It is perfect for those seeking a romantic escape and also for those looking to experience offbeat Goa.

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“Luxury Tribe India” returns on 11th – 14th March 2024

The acclaimed luxury travel showcase, Luxury Tribe India, is set to return for its second spectacular event at the prestigious The Imperial, New Delhi, from 11-14 March 2024. With its unwavering commitment to fostering connections in the luxury travel niche, Luxury Tribe India signifies an unparalleled convergence of global luxury brands, elite buyers from India, and industry forerunners. The importance of India’s growing prominence as a market for luxury hospitality brands to promote themselves to, cannot be understated. According to Knight Frank’s 2023 Wealth Report, the number of UHNWs in India is set to rise by 58% in the next five years, while its HNW population will increase by 107%. All of which equates to a class of Indian traveller with a huge disposable income, and the means and propensity to travel. “I am delighted to announce the second in-person edition of Luxury Tribe India at The Imperial, New Delhi,” expresses Sheetal Rastogi, the visionary founder of Luxury Tribe. “The Imperial is more than just a hotel; it stands as a living legacy, having played host to India’s most pivotal moments and grand events. Hosting Luxury Tribe India within its storied walls is emblematic of the event’s grandeur and exclusivity.” Building on the momentum of its successful virtual shows and landmark inaugural in-person event in March 2023, Luxury Tribe is set to host the elite gathering of international luxury hospitality brands under one roof, providing an unrivalled gateway to India’s leading travel designers, influencers, bespoke luxury travel agencies, and tastemakers from over 20 cities across India. At Luxury Tribe India, exhibiting brands will spotlight a diverse range of destinations to this selective Indian audience. The show roster includes luxury hotels, high-end destination management companies, exclusive jet and yacht charter operators, expedition cruise lines, tourism boards, local attractions, and independent boutique hotels. Highlighting what sets Luxury Tribe India apart, Sheetal asserts, “Our distinction lies in our deep-rooted understanding of the Indian luxury market. Through our ILLUME conference, we offer in-depth insights and market trends facilitating seamless market entry.” Delving into the affluent Indian consumer profile and their inclinations, Sheetal shares, “Our event caters to a segment known for its formidable spending capability. The sophisticated Indian consumer is drawn to unique boutique accommodations and seeks truly authentic experiences. Their passion for gastronomy and cultural immersion is evident. When we look at their travel preferences, the classics of the UK, the US and Europe — Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain — consistently dominate the charts. Locales like Bali, Vietnam, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka are emerging as top picks for shorter trips. Moreover, we’re noting a growing interest in destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Japan, Finland, and Australia.” Sheetal wraps up with a forward-looking statement: “India stands out as a multifaceted, burgeoning hub for luxury travel. At Luxury Tribe, we’re sculpting a passionate community where international brands can delve deep into the nuances of the affluent Indian traveller’s preferences. We aim to pave the way for luxury hospitality and travel brands to forge lasting relationships and secure repeat bookings.” Louis Sailer, Senior Executive Vice President of The Imperial, shares his thoughts on hosting this truly exclusive event: “We would like to express our gratitude to Luxury Tribe India for partnering with our iconic hotel in Delhi. The Imperial, being the capital’s landmark hotel, is known for hosting the city’s most important events since time immemorial. The staging of this luxury travel trade rendezvous, which brings together hand-picked luxury travel buyers at this exclusive address, will be quintessentially unique for the attendees while being aligned with the hotel’s repertoire. It’s an honour for us to welcome the crème de la crème of prominent luxury travel representatives in this exquisite travel show.” Sailer further adds “India is vast, diverse and one of the top emerging markets in luxury travel with a demand for bespoke experiences tailored to individual needs. A show like Luxury Tribe will be an extraordinary opportunity to showcase exclusive luxury travel trends with inspiring sessions and will be a platform for international suppliers to present an unparalleled gamut of offerings to high-net-worth clients. The energy certainly seems progressive and promising for the Indian travel sector.” Yeishan Goel, Group CEO for THRS – Travel & Hospitality Representation Services, believes Luxury Tribe is pivotal for facilitating strategic discussions. “As the Indian luxury travel market continues to garner sustained global interest, platforms such as Luxury Tribe are instrumental in catalysing this growth trajectory. As the show brings forth more diversity in the buyers and exhibitors base ahead, it will become a pivotal space for strategic discussions every year. I am looking forward to welcoming the expanded consideration of diverse luxury tourism brands in the 2024 edit.” Federico Caligaris Papa, from the Tuscan estate Il Borro Relais & Chateaux, says that his property is joining Luxury Tribe India to elevate its positioning in the market with increased demand. “Over the last two years, our brand has been expanding throughout India, and Luxury Tribe India is the lever to achieve further notoriety and visibility among luxury operators,” he says. Yulia Gordeeva from The Mall Luxury Outlets reveals that she is most excited about returning and connecting with travel agents at the second edition of Luxury Tribe. “India is a huge country, and Luxury Tribe helps us to create awareness about our offer among Indian customers – it is one of the best shows I have ever attended. The organisation, and especially the level of the buyers, are superb.”

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Sri Lanka approves free tourist visa for seven countries to boost tourism

Tourists from China, India, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia will be issued free visas till March 31, 2024 under a pilot programme, the statement detailing cabinet decisions said. The scheme is part of attempts by Sri Lanka to boost tourism recovery and hit a target of five million arrivals by 2026, the statement added. The Cabinet also proposed to introduce an e-ticketing system for most of the tourist sites in the country in the near future, the ministry said, reported local media. The country of 22 million people, famed for its beaches, ancient temples and aromatic tea, saw its tourism industry pummeled first by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by a severe financial crisis last year that saw mass scale protests and shortages of essentials such as fuel. But the tourism industry is seeing a turnaround in 2023 with Sri Lanka clocking a million arrivals by September, for the first time since 2019. The island is expecting to close the year at 1.5 million arrivals. India is the largest source of tourists with 200,310 arrivals, followed by Russia with 132,300, latest data from the Sri Lanka Development Authority showed. Sri Lanka earned USD 1.3 billion from tourism in the first eight months of 2023, up from USD 33 million dollars during the same period last year, according to the central bank

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Vistara announces daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Bali

  • Oct 25,2023
  • TD

Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines, announced daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Bali, starting 01 December 2023. This makes Vistara the only airline offering direct connectivity between the two cities currently. Vistara will be deploying its A321LR aircraft, with a three-class configuration, giving its customers the option to fly in Business, Premium Economy, or Economy cabins when travelling on the route. Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents. Bali has become an increasingly sought-after holiday destination for Indians due to its accessibility, proximity, and hassle-free visa on arrival facility. Commenting on the introduction of the new destination, Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said, “India is the second-largest source of foreign tourists to Bali, and with hassle-free visa-on-arrival , Bali remains one of the preferred holiday destinations for Indians, besides being popular for MICE traffic. Additionally, as the second largest trading destination for India in the ASEAN region, Indonesia exhibits great potential for business travel as well. We are delighted to be the only airline offering direct connectivity between Delhi and Bali. We are confident that customers will appreciate having the option to travel on India’s finest full service airline on the route.” Vistara will accept all eligible customers meeting visa/entry requirements in both countries, as specified by the respective government bodies. Vistara strongly encourages its customers to fully understand these guidelines before making their bookings. Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. The only Indian carrier to feature amongst World’s Top 20 Airlines, Vistara has been named ‘16th Best Airline’ globally, while also being recognised as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth consecutive year, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row and ‘Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia’ for the second time in a row at the coveted World Airline Awards 2023 by Skytrax. Vistara also received the ch-aviation Asia’s Third Youngest Airline Fleet award for the second consecutive year.

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Air India Express To Focus On Routes For Price-Sensitive & Leisure Travellers

Air India’s low-cost subsidiary Air India Express will focus on routes which have a higher component of price-sensitive customers and leisure travellers, airline’s Managing Director Aloke Singh has said. Singh also said that Air India Express is not looking at spreading its capacity all over the country in the beginning and instead will first consolidate its presence on the existing routes. A subsidiary of Air India, Air India Express is in the process of merging low-cost domestic carrier AirAsia India with itself, and last week unveiled its new brand identity. Air India Group, comprising Air India, Air India Express, AIX Connect and Vistara, is owned by the Tatas, which is also in the process of consolidating its airline business. As part of it, Vistara, which is a 51:49 joint venture airline between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, is also in the process of merging with AI India. “The focus of Air India Express will be on routes which have a higher component of leisure travellers, a higher component of price-sensitive customers. In fact, more of non-business while Air India will focus primarily on routes which are higher yielding, which requires business class and a higher level of in-flight services,” Aloke Singh told PTI in an interaction. He said that the Air India Express network will be structured in a manner that it flies to the destinations where Air India does not fly as it at present has different priorities. It will have to be a rationalised network and therefore Air India Express, at least in the short term will not operate on routes such as Delhi-Mumbai, a route which has higher yield customers, and is served very well by Air India. He said that the difficult part of the Air India Express-AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) merger has already been done with the integration of back-end platforms, processes and manuals, among others, adding that “now there is a legal process which is going on, and which normally takes 6-9 months for completion. We are hoping that this process will get over by the end of March next year. Moreover, since Air India Express has a codeshare agreement with Air India, it will not be losing out on such markets as well, by flying the latter’s connecting passengers to the domestic destinations served by it. For example, he said, if Air India has a connecting passenger who is coming in from London, and has to go to Surat, Air India can sell that itinerary on an Air India-coded flight, which will be operated by Air India Express. “So, it is really, the synergy benefits that are getting unlocked in this (arrangement),” he added. On the competition from market leader IndiGo, Singh said Air India Express has its strengths, which it will play out. “We are not looking at spreading our capacity all over the country right of the back. We will first consolidate our presence on the routes where we are already operating, get to a meaningful scale there and then start looking at other markets. So, this is the broad thinking for our networks,” he said. “We are in the market, so obviously we will be competing with each other but there will be routes where we may have some advantage. There may be routes where we will get feeds from Air India, and that will actually top up our own occupancy and that is our strength,” Aloke Singh emphasised. He said that with most of the integration work completed, now we have the growth agenda before the company, which is preparing for the growth and also deploying and operationalising that growth. Alongside, the airline is also progressing for the transformation agenda with certain targets, including the plans to have a market share of about 20 per cent on the short-haul, international and 15 per cent on domestic, he stated. “We have a certain matrix for efficiency and profitability also targeted..broadly we are looking at the market, at the operating model, the organisation and the value. So, these are our four pillars for the transformation,” he said. Noting that profitability is a function of many things – product, network and scale, Mr Singh said that if the operations are sub-scale, it will be very hard to be profitable, especially in a hyper-competitive market like India. Profitability is also about your route network as well as about your products. The short-haul international markets are inherently more profitable because an airline can optimise its aircraft flying over a long distance. So, your unit cost will be lower and it will also have lower fuel prices, he added. “So, for all these reasons, you can’t look at a network in isolation… there will be a great deal of transfer connections happening. And that will build in efficiency, which will enable you to utilise your capacity better,” Singh said.

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