Gujarat has emerged as a top Indian state for foreign tourists. Foreign tourist visits surged from 11,319 in 2021 to 17,77,215 in 2022, and reached 28,06,871 in 2023, reflecting a 58% increase. This significant growth, highlighted in recent Union Ministry of Tourism data, underscores Gujarat’s rising appeal with 28.06 lakh visitors in 2023. 

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “Aurangabad will soon become an international airport, with flights from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur landing there. This will increase inbound tourism to the destination. Similarly, if Bhopal also gains international airport status, it will improve conditions in Madhya Pradesh by attracting international airlines.”  

Via.com, a pioneer in online travel booking, today announced its dedicated Student Travel Business. This groundbreaking platform is designed to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of students, offering seamless travel experiences, exclusive deals, and unparalleled support. “We’ve seen a surge in student travel over the past decade, with a staggering 60% increase in young people exploring the world in the last five years,” says Ankur Sharma, Chief Business Officer at Via.com. “A recent study by the World Youth Student Exchange (WYSE) found that students who engage in international travel are 30% more likely to secure employment within six months of graduation. However, navigating complex travel itineraries, securing affordable accommodations, and managing finances can be daunting for students. At Via.com, we’re committed to simplifying the travel process. By leveraging our deep understanding of the travel industry and the specific needs of students, we’ve created a platform that empowers young adventurers to explore the globe with confidence. Our goal is to make international travel not just a dream, but an attainable reality for every student.” Via.com’s Student Travel Business offers a range of benefits, including: ● Exclusive Airline Partnerships: Access to discounted fares and student-friendly travel options. ● Flexible Booking: Catering to the dynamic schedules of students with hassle-free booking and cancellation policies. ● Baggage Benefits: Enjoy an extra baggage allowance of up to 23 kg to accommodate your belongings without additional costs. ● Curated Travel Experiences: Tailored itineraries and packages designed to enhance student travel adventures. ● University-approved health insurance: 10% discount on health insurance by international providers. ● Accommodation Options: Affordable options ranging from PGs and homestays to apartments, catering to various budget preferences. As part of its …

The first ‘Oman DownWinder’ event, initiated by the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), came to close at the Ras Al Hadd castle. The event, spanning eight days and covering 500 km across the sea, was part of a strategic push to diversify tourism and bolster Sultanate of Oman’s profile in adventure and experiential travel under Vision 2040. The event saw participation from 12 athletes, both local and international, who journeyed through the Sultanate’s stunning landscapes, promoting it as a burgeoning hub for sports tourism and events. The culmination of this adventure was marked by a ceremony in Ras Al Hadd, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, graced by His Excellency Dr. Yahya bin Badr bin Malik Al-Maawali, Governor, South Al Sharqiyah. Throughout their journey, the participants highlighted major tourist spots along the coast, solidifying Oman’s reputation as a premier kiteboarding destination. They relished unique experiences at the Sugar dunes in Khalouf, Masirah Island, and Ashkara, before arriving at Ras Al JinzReserve. The adventure provided a full exploration of Oman’s coastal beauty, which is enticing due to its favourable weather conditions during this period. At each of the seven journey stops, ranging from 52 km to 115 km, exhibitions were held to demonstrate the potential for short sprint and long marathon windsurfing events along the coast. Excellent weather conditions allowed for optimal speeds and challenging wave interactions, with each leg ending in restful pauses where the participants experienced Oman’s renowned hospitality. Emphasising the Oman DownWinder’s role in unlocking Oman’s tourism potential, Sultan bin Suleiman Al-Khudouri, Assets Manager, OMRAN Group and Acting Executive Director, Najm Project, said “This event marks a significant step forward, as we unveil the hidden treasures of Oman’s landscapes …

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said, “The Taj Group has expanded its presence in Madhya Pradesh and plans to open a beautiful heritage property between Khajuraho and Panna National Park, which will be one of its kind in the country. In terms of hospitality, accommodation, and infrastructure, Madhya Pradesh offers the best, second to none.” 

Karnataka Tourism Minister H K Patil announced that the government will introduce a new ‘Tourism Policy 2024-29’ focusing on various aspects of the sector. He stated, “We have decided to launch the new tourism policy within a month. The groundwork is underway. The policy will emphasise temple tourism, adventure tourism, recreational tourism, eco-tourism, educational tourism, and agro-tourism.” 

Naveen Kundu, Managing Director, Ebixcash Travel said, “The Union Budget 2024 is appalling when it comes to tourism. It’s all talk and no action! The already neglected sector has been simply ignored. Where have initiatives like Meet in India and Chalo India disappeared to? Can all that be achieved with a budget of just Rs 33 crores? There are lessons to be learned from neighboring countries which subsidise incentives for incoming tourists, thereby achieving significantly higher visitor numbers from India.” 

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 the product offerings. Get valuable insights and updates for your clients on July 29 at 3pm IST and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 

According to Allied Market Research, the global business travel market size was valued at $689.70 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $2.1 trillion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2022 to 2031. The trending factors responsible for fueling the business travel market include bleisure travel (business + leisure), IoT (internet of things), development of smart hotels, virtual reality for hotel bookings, and personalisation. 

In June, India’s domestic air passenger traffic increased by 5.76% to 13.2 million from 12.4 million in the corresponding month last year, according to the monthly data released by DGCA. IndiGo led the market with 80.86 lakh passengers, holding a dominant 60.5% market share, followed by Air India and Vistara, operated by the Tata Group, which carried 17.47 lakh and 12.84 lakh travellers, respectively.