India-focused Cordelia Cruises is planning to pump in $1 billion by 2025 for acquiring at least three cruise ships as it aims to target the domestic market. Waterways Leisure Tourism CEO Jurgen Bailom said with government’s focus and support, the investment from this Indian venture could rise to $1.5-2 billion to meet the growing appetite for cruising by Indians over the next few years. 

Research conducted by the WTTC has revealed the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the Indian economy could surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, with a year-on-year growth of 20.7%. The forecast from the WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR), shows the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy could reach almost ₹15.9 trillion (U.S. $215 billion) in 2022, 1% above 2019 levels. 

Tanes Petsuwan, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, Tourism Authority of Thailand, revealed that the duration of Indian stays has increased post-pandemic. Pre pandemic the average stay of Indian traveller used to be five and a half days per trip which rose to six and a half days per trip after easing the travel restrictions. 

A new Asia Pacific survey by Marriott International revealed that over 81% of customers believe that in-person engagements with clients are vital for business recovery. The findings also revealed that 53% of customers felt face-to-face activities were important to motivating and establishing bonding among teams and building company culture. 

Findings from a study by GlobalData reveals that as luxury travellers resume travelling both domestically and abroad post-pandemic, they may begin to seek experiences that are more immersive and exceptional than in previous years. With travellers determined to make up for lost time, 2022 could see an increase in holiday budgets for luxury travellers, with an uptick in demand for ‘once in a lifetime’ adventures. 

India was ranked 54th place in a global travel and tourism development index by World Economic Forum, down from 46th in 2019, but still remained on the top within South Asia. Japan has topped the global charts, followed by the US, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, UK, Singapore and Italy in the top ten.  

Findings of a report on the aviation from Infomerics suggested that in India, single-aisle airplanes such as the 737 family will continue to drive growth in domestic and regional markets, such as short-haul flights from India to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. Indian operators will need 1,960 new single-aisle airplanes over the next 20 years. Single-aisle airplanes cover 64 percent of the global passenger jet fleet, which is likely to rise to 68 percent in the next 8-10 years 

The International tourism fair is planning its next edition with a very positive outlook, backed by the acceleration of tourism activity and by the resilience developed in recent editions, and with the significant government and industry support received. The major global event for tourism professionals, organised by IFEMA MADRID, will hold its 43rd consecutive edition from 18 to 22 January 2023. 

Zeeshan Khan, Assistant Director, Kashmir Tourism said that to celebrate 75 years of independence, Jammu and Kashmir government has identified 75 off-beat destinations among which 38 are in Kashmir and 37 in Jammu”. The Jammu and Kashmir government is focusing on campaigns aiming at confidence building. The government is also focusing on capacity-building programs, as a result of these rigorous promotions, the state witnessed a record-high tourist footfall of 6,00,000 this year.

Following a two-year hiatus, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman has restarted promotional strategies aimed at sector operators, media, and Indian consumers. The Ministry will oversee the development and promotion of tourism in the Sultanate under the direction of His Excellency Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, the new Minister. In line with this, Oman Tourism has named Buzz Travel Marketing India as its new Indian representative. The alliance intends to successfully increase the destination’s reach in India. Through its extensive network and dynamic team of professionals, Buzz Travel Marketing India will ensure that Oman’s diverse tourist attractions reach every travelling Indian.The organisation’s marketing initiatives for Oman will be positioned to meet the needs and developments that have shaped travel demand in recent years, such as the preference for large spaces, seeking experiences in harmony with nature to rejuvenate in complete safety, and connecting with the locals and the culture. Oman is recognised for its rich cultural heritage and traditions, as well as the art of hospitality and hearty welcome. “Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is happy to re-enter the Indian market and is looking forward to growing business with Buzz, since India is one of our most fruitful markets for Oman. The Vision 2040 of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is to position Oman to be all-year-round top-of-mind destination for culture-lovers, experience seekers, travellers passionate about adventure, and MICE, attracting more than 5 million international tourists annually with a high yield, travelling to the Sultanate to discover extraordinary one-of-a-kind experiences based on the country’s unique features,” says Saada Al Harthi, Director of Business Development, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.