Sabre Corporation has revealed the survey insight from over 70 corporate travel management companies (TMCs) from across Asia Pacific, on latest trends in terms of regional bookings. The survey discloses that as economic growth continues to sweep across the region, more companies are expecting their corporate travel managers for door-to-door travel booking solutions, demanding expense integration and most importantly, to identify cost saving opportunities. “The results of this survey reflect the critical role of TMCs in assuring the business success of their clients. More than ever, members of the travel industry need to work closely together to enable a smooth, relevant shopping experience for the traveller,” said Todd Arthur, Vice President, Sabre Travel Network, Asia Pacific. Almost 7 in 10 (65%) respondents admit they are asked to identify cost savings, and this cost-conscious approach is encouraging travel managers to find new ways to minimize spending. While premium economy continues to gain ground in the region, 1 travel manager in 3 has recorded an increase of close to 5 percent in premium economy bookings over the last year. As travel-related expenses become a central consideration for companies, the survey also reveals that downgrades, shifting reservations from business to economy class, account for close to 40 percent of their bookings. What’s more, almost 1 in 4 have identified a significant increase in their LCC share of volume.

The German Travel Mart (GTM) inaugurated its 45th edition in Wiesbaden, Germany. Addressing the inaugural session, Brigitte Goertz-Meissner, President, Board of Directors, German National Tourist Board, says, “More than 500 key accounts from 51 countries are participating in this year’s GTM.” Petra Hedorfer, CEO, GNTB, declaring the 45th GTM open says, “Tourism is more important than ever and it serves as the perfect basement for working together, learning from each other and to make this world a better place.” According to Thomas Bareiß, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy and Federal Government Commissioner for Tourism, “Hesse and Wiesbaden reflect some of the typical strength of German tourism.”

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism stood at USD 28.9 billion (INR 1.97 trillion) in 2018, which accounted for 5.4 per cent of the total exports, according to a latest FICCI-Yes Bank report. The contribution is further expected to increase by 6.8 per cent in 2019 and rise by 5.6 per cent p a by 2029 to reach INR 3.63 trillion. However, India ranks 14th in terms of absolute FEE and 122nd in terms of share of visitor exports in total export. India is also the third largest globally in terms of investment in travel & tourism with an investment of USD 45.7 billion (INR 3.12 trillion) in 2018, accounting for 5.9 per cent of national investment. This is expected to increase by 9.4 per cent in 2019 to INR 3.42 trillion, and further rise by 7.4 per cent p a till 2029, taking the share in national investment to 6.1 per cent.

A report titled ‘Journey of Me Insights’ by Amadeus reveals that 57 per cent Indian travellers are most interested in virtual reality that allows them to preview or experience something they would see on their trip, compared to 51 per cent APAC travellers. Also, according to the report, an augmented reality mobile app that delivers digital overlays containing interactive information about the culture or history of a tourist site interests APAC travellers the most compared to other new technologies. However, travellers in India showed greater interest in having a 360-degree interactive video that allows them to experience something they would see on their trip.

Year-on-year RPK growth slowed substantially in the domestic India market in March 2019, from 8.3 per cent in February, to 3.1 per cent currently, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA). Over the past five years, annual growth has averaged a double-digit pace close to 20 per cent. In large part, the slowdown reflects the disruption of flight operation for Jet Airways, including a number of flight cancellations, as well as construction works at Mumbai airport which also interrupted operations. Rising airfares in recent months are also likely to have weighed upon passenger demand.

Mumbai-headquartered Guideline Travels, which also sells B2B and B2C tour packages, is looking to add to its list of channel sales partners. It currently has 11 such partners pan India. Pradeep Saboo, Partner, Guideline Travels LLP, says, ““Most people don’t know this but we are more than cruises. We have been selling Europe for more than 15 years and US for more than nine years. In fact, we bring out our own brochure with global itineraries like Europe, US, Australia, and New Zealand. For B2B, I only sell group tours and not FIT tailor-made packages. We currently have 11 channel partners, apart from our own four offices, in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai and even Raipur and are looking to add more in various cities. We train these agents in Mumbai and give them 25 of our brochures.” He adds that the packages are completely inclusive and they have a policy of no optional sightseeing on tour. All meals, tips, insurance are included as well. Moreover, all meals are vegetarian/Jain, except the breakfast which is at the hotel. But this has not stopped non-vegetarian clients because of its all-inclusive deal. While it also sells to agents outside of its 11 channel partners, the commissions differ, giving more advantage to the partners. There is no joining fee for agents who are free to conduct their regular business except group tours. Saboo adds, “We need active agents. They don’t need to be exclusive with us, except when it comes to package tours, which needs to be done only with us. We offer them continuous guidance and their clients can call us directly for clarifications. Moreover, we don’t require a minimum guarantee.”

In a survey of 7,500 people in 12 markets globally, an Amadeus-IHG study titled ‘Drivers of Change in Hospitality’ reports that 40 per cent of Indians have stayed in a personalised room that was customised to their needs (e.g. furnished with preferred furniture and room accessories). Traditional room types will no longer be the core product offered by hotels. Instead, guests will choose from room configurations that match their needs, the report states. This is known as attribute-based booking. In-room amenities, non-room inventory, and even tickets for out-of-hotel attractions can be flexibly included in bookings, and this very much represents the way that consumers want to be able to buy. Attributes that can be added into rooms include functional items, both low-tech and high-tech – a cot for infants or smart room technology. For example, some 64% of global travelers are interested in having access to a voice assistant (e.g. Alexa, Google Home) in their hotel room. Choosing which floor you stay on is also a customizable option.

The regional arm of national carrier Air India, Alliance Air has announced that it will launch flights to Pune and Bengaluru from Belgaum in Karnataka, six days a week from May 15. The new flight operation is being introduced under the central government’ regional connectivity scheme, UDAN. The airline will use 72-seater ATR aircraft on both the route. Flight 9I-513 will depart from Bangalore at 2.15 pm and arrive at Belgaum at 3.40 pm from where it will depart at 4.05 pm and arrive at Pune at 5.20 pm. From Pune, flight 9I 514 will depart at 5.45 pm and arrive in Belgaum at 7.05 pm. It will depart from Belgaum at 7.30 pm and arrive in Bangalore at 9.10 pm on all days except Tuesday, said the airline in a statement. Alliance Air has so far launched services on 29 regional routes under the Udan scheme, since its launch in April 2017.

Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines’ customer service is now also available via Facebook Messenger App. The chatbots can be used by all Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines customers. If the digital assistants do not know what to do, the chat can be forwarded directly to a service center employee. In the future, they should also provide specific answers on free baggage allowances, the whereabouts of baggage or push notifications in the event of delays, cancellations or gate changes. The bots are constantly being developed and will also be made available on other channels such as airline apps, airline websites or other messenger services such as Whatsapp. Self-services will play an increasingly important role in the future. In addition to automated solutions, Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines will continue to be personally accessible to their customers via their service staff.

Accor has introduced the concept of ‘Day Stays by Accor’ at its 51 hotels across India. Through this concept, guests can make bookings for 12 hours or less and pay with a discount of 60 per cent on the best available rate of the day and can shorten their stay, rest and save time. Whether you are in transit and have ample time to relax or attending a seminar in the city, or have something to celebrate an occasion, come and experience the impeccable hospitality with Day Stays by Accor. Le Club Accor Hotels members can also earn points through this programme.