Being one of the major source markets for Malaysia, India has contributed significantly to the country’s tourism landscape. “Malaysia has witnessed 80.2 per cent rise in Indian visitors with 2.96 lakh arrivals from January to April in 2024 compared to the same period last year,” said Manoharan Periasamy, DG, Tourism Malaysia.

MOT apprised that India has witnessed 9.24 mn Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in 2023, which marks an increase of 43.5 per cent from 2022. Interestingly, 1.22 mn of them were from APAC countries – Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Republic of Korea. Additionally in 2023, 6.35 lakh foreign tourists arrived in India for medical purposes.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, along with Oman Air, Magic Travels, and W Muscat, invites the travel trade to attend a webinar on the destination and offerings. Get insights and updates today at 3pm IST and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532

Hospitality giant Eraaya Lifespaces has announced a significant milestone in their acquisition of US-based Ebix Inc., reporting a payment of ₹101 crore. With the latest remittance of US$12 million (approximately ₹101 crore) in July 2024, Eraaya Lifespaces Limited is excited to share progress on the acquisition. So far, a total of US$21.75 million (around ₹181 crore) has been paid towards securing Ebix Inc. Moreover, a substantial payment of US$35 million (approximately ₹293 crore) is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2024. This acquisition entails the Consortium securing 100 per cent equity in Ebix, encompassing its assets and certain liabilities across its global subsidiaries, as detailed in a stock exchange filing. The bid submitted by the consortium led by Eraaya Lifespaces had been approved and accepted as the highest and best bid for Ebix and declared as the winner following the auction process overseen by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court at an ascribed enterprise value of US$361 Million (₹3,009 crores approximately). The acquisition will be effectuated through Ebix’s Plan of Reorganization proposed in its Chapter 11 proceedings, subject to ongoing negotiations among the consortium, Ebix, and Ebix’s creditors and other stakeholders. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court had allowed the Plan of Reorganization to be sent to creditors for voting and scheduled a hearing to consider approval of the plan.

Urging the Government of India ahead of the upcoming Union Budget, Nitin Mittal, Coordinator South, NIMA, said, “The government of India should think of providing GST rebates or GST refunds to the MICE group or international tourists on shopping, if not then at least on the purchase of sustainable products like khadi, and Indian handicrafts.”

As per the new amendments in e-Visa provisions by the Ministry of Home Affairs, India’s Port Blair seaport is now a designated entry port for e-Visa holders. The amendment will boost yacht and superyacht business along with cruise tourism. Now, five other Indian seaports where persons with e-Visa will be allowed includes Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao, Chennai, and New Mangalore.

Appreciating the promotional strategy of Abu Dhabi in India, Abdulla Mohammad, Director, International Operations, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said, “India is the number one source market of tourists to Abu Dhabi. We hosted over 1.67 lakh guests in our hotels from India this year, representing a 37 per cent growth vis-a-vis last year.”

Cross Hotels & Resorts designated Andrew Hartley as the Vice President of Commercial. With a wealth of 20 years of experience in sales & marketing and commercial operations, Andrew has served in Thailand, Singapore, Australia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Oman within the luxury hotel industry. At Cross, he will be engaged in business growth in the commercial direction at the Bangkok Corporate Office. Before taking on Commercial, Cross Hotels & Resorts, Andrew was the Assistant VP – Strategic Sales & Marketing for Raffles Hotels and Resorts in Cambodia. His previous roles include esteemed positions at prominent hospitality establishments, including Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in the Asia Pacific, Sofitel in Australia, New Zealand & Fiji, and Intercontinental in China.

Sitara Himalaya, a boutique hotel in Manali represented by Gaia Escapes, has recently earned a prestigious spot under the Relais & Châteaux banner. This exquisite 10-bedroom garden retreat captures the grandeur, beauty, and spirituality of the Himalayas. Perched at 8,200 feet, just 13 km from Manali on the road to the ancient Buddhist valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, Sitara Himalaya embodies the essence of Good Earth, the iconic lifestyle brand founded by Anita Lal. Surrounded by multiple tourist hotspots, it offers an idyllic escape from the hustle of metro cities, inviting guests to immerse themselves in Vedic tranquillity. Its inclusion under the Relais & Châteaux brand stands as a testament to its unparalleled services and serene ambiance.

Future Market Insights (FMI) report revealed that the Asia Pacific religious tourism will progress with an estimated CAGR of 11.4 per cent between 2024 and 2034. Starting at US$7,940 million in 2024, it is on track to reach US$23,371 million by 2034. The industry size of religious tourism in the Asia Pacific was US$7,146.8 million in 2023.