According to the World Economic Forum’s latest Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, while travel and tourism demand has remained resilient, there are already signs that travellers are adapting to high inflation by seeking better deals, opting for local or off-season trips, and, when possible, using more price-competitive ground transport over flying. 

Hilton has announced the signing of its flagship Hilton brand in Gurugram, part of India’s National Capital Region (NCR). In partnership with Baani Group, Hilton will develop the Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre, set to open in late 2024. With 26 hotels currently in operation and 22 more in development, Hilton aims to expand its presence in India to 75 hotels in the coming years, reinforcing its leadership in the Indian hospitality market.

Kerala is preparing for the 12th Kerala Travel Mart (KTM-2024) from 26-29 September 2024, expecting its largest turnout. So far, 592 foreign buyers from 71 countries have registered. Notably, buyers from 27 countries, including China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, will attend for the first time at Asia’s largest tourism event.  

According to JLL, the Jan-March quarter saw 90 branded hotel signings with 9,710 rooms. 13 hotels were conversions, making up 12% of the inventory. Focus was on tier II and III cities, with 75% of the 2,316 keys from 36 hotel openings in Jaipur, Indore, Surat, Ayodhya, and others. 

VisitBritain’s latest inbound tourism forecast estimates £32.5 billion will be spent by international visitors in the UK this year, up 5% on 2023, and up 14% on 2019. Looking at visits to the UK, 38.7 million visits are forecast, up 2% on the 38.0 million seen in 2023 however still 5% shy of 2019 levels. 

Gyan Bhushan, IES – Senior Economic Advisor, MOT said, “As India continues to assert its position as a premier global travel destination, fostering collaborations and partnerships within the tourism sector is imperative for realizing its vast potential. By facilitating direct engagement between GCC buyers and Indian tourism stakeholders, not only opens new avenues for collaboration but also lays a robust foundation for sustainable tourism growth.”  

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has applauded Rikant Pittie, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, for his insightful remarks on how Digital India initiatives have fostered a thriving Indian startup ecosystem and are poised to accelerate the Viksit Bharat. Viksit Bharat 2047 represents the government’s vision to transform the county into a developed entity by its 100th independence in 2047. The Prime Minister emphasised that startups will play a pivotal role in building a ‘Developed India,’ and the government’s focus will remain on enhancing this ecosystem and providing startups with the platform to excel. Mr. Rikant Pittie, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, says, “There were 450 registered startups in 2018. But today, there are more than 1 lakh startups. The startup ecosystem is growing rapidly. With the Digital India initiative of 2015, internet penetration has increased tremendously. In fact, the Bharat Net Scheme launched by the government has provided 2,50,000 villages with internet. I feel the future of the country is in the hands of technology. Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, also mentioned that India’s digital economy is growing at a rate of 2.8 times. As the digital economy grows, there will be a lot of changes that will come through. I am confident that India will be a developed country even before 2047.” EaseMyTrip’s positive outlook towards the initiatives of the Government of India aligns with the government’s efforts to bolster the Indian startup ecosystem at the grassroot level. This mutual support system not only fosters growth but also provides a platform for startups to thrive. Additional Information: On a recent development, EaseMyTrip was also amongst the few unicorns to have collaborated with Government-led Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to join …

AZETA INCOMING ARGENTINA a leading Incoming Tour Operator & DMC, based in Buenos Aires – Argentina, with more than 30 years of experience, Specializes in exclusive, tailor made programs and offers A-Z travel services combining Argentina with Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru. From 2012 AZETA INCOMING ARGENTINA is certified with Quality Management System ISO 9001-2008. Global India Reps, has the collective experience of almost 20 years in representing, launching, promoting and creating a network for business from India – with deep connections in Europe, Asia, Central Asia & as far as Canada. Upon signing the agreement, Mr. Federico Gavazza, Director, AZETA INCOMING ARGENTINA said “I am delighted that through our newly appointed In market Exclusive Representative, GlobalIndiaReps we can introduce AZETA INCOMING ARGENTINA programs, custom services to the Indian market. Outbound Travel from India presents a significant opportunity given the huge demand for this region and we wish to offer and serve the outbound travel market for 2024.” “With their unique experience, strong trade relationships and proven track record of success launching new international products from India, we are confident that GlobalIndiaReps, headed by Mr. Ashish Saran will springboard and accelerate our entry into the Indian outbound market from Asia”, Federico, added. Mr. Ashish Saran, Business Head, Global India Reps added “Lesser known but exciting no less, exotic experiential journeys will be a fast growing segment from this market. Agents Looking at newer destinations & newer product formats, are keen to promote such journeys and this will create a unique distinction for their markets.”

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of a strategic partnership with NILE Hospitality for growing its mid-scale brand Park Inn & Suites by Radisson in Rajasthan and Gujarat. This move comes as part of the Group’s robust expansion strategy, driven by the growing demand for quality hospitality experiences in tier 2 to tier 5 cities of India. Under this partnership, NILE Hospitality will be responsible for growing the Park Inn and Suites by Radisson brand in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Gujarat boasts higher industrial activities along with tourist and pilgrimage destinations such as Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Dharoi, and Kutch, presenting an excellent business opportunity while helping the tourism boost in the region. Rajasthan being a culturally rich, heritage destination with historical forts, palaces, art, and culture makes it an interesting tourism destination for travelers. Park Inn and Suites by Radisson brand positions itself as a smart hotel investment opportunity, with a clear focus on value maximization for its stakeholders. By offering a conversion-friendly model tailored for the Indian market, the brand adds to the diversity of Radisson Hotel Group’s offerings in the country. On the consumer front, the essence of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson is centered around “Inviting Modern Comfort” ensuring that guests feel welcome, valued, and well-cared for. With an average size of 50 to 70 keys, hotels under the brand will be equipped with inviting social spaces, a welcome corner, a fitness center, services like free WiFi, and signature breakfast options for delivering a holistic experience to guests. “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with NILE Hospitality to strengthen our presence in western and northwestern India. Tailored for the Indian market, Park Inn & Suites …

India and the UK have updated their air service agreement, allowing airlines to add 14 weekly flights between London Heathrow, Delhi, and Mumbai, enhancing connectivity. Both sides can now operate 70 flights per week between Heathrow and Delhi & Mumbai. Previously, only 56 flights were allowed.