Sriharan Balan, Managing Director, Madura Travel Service, said, ‘Weddings have emerged as significant game-changers post-COVID. Europeans are increasingly interested in embracing the South Indian way of getting married. Pondicherry, in Tamil Nadu, is attracting numerous French nationals to wed in the South Indian style with a touch of beachside ceremonies. This trend has just begun, and we anticipate it to become a market worth a minimum of $10 million solely in Tamil Nadu by 2025.”

Monish Shah, Founder & Chief Business Officer, DreamSetGo said, “Post the pandemic, sports tourism has emerged as the first sector within tourism to recover. Sports travelers now constitute 10-12% of the entire outbound travel market, a notable increase from the mere 5-7% five years ago. Based on the current consumer sentiment, we anticipate 200% growth in the premium sports travel segment in 2024, mainly led by mega sporting events such as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the Olympic Games Paris 2024.”

Akmal Aziz, Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia said, “In response to rising demand, the Malaysian government is negotiating with the Indian government to enhance the number of slots available under the bilateral aviation agreement. Following feasibility studies and market research, airlines are also considering launching new flights from tier II and III cites. Hopefully, flight frequency will increase in 2024.”

Begin 2024 with a tropical escape and welcome the year with a commitment to craft unforgettable memories. Envision a trip through stunning landscapes, with thrilling adventures, full of savory cuisine, culture, and captivating encounters. Begin your year with the promise of enriching experiences in the Philippines. As the cool, dry season graces the islands in the initial three months of the year, this period provides an ideal window to explore a country that is filled with warmth, beauty, and the genuine hospitality that the country is renowned for. Key tips: Whether you are a seasoned traveler or setting out on your first international escapade, proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and memorable journey. Travel Documents – Ensure your passport is up-to-date and has at least six months of validity beyond your planned return date. Visa – Check if you need a visa and apply for one if necessary Register for eTravel – all arriving and departing passengers should register at eTravel, which is a prerequisite for the conduct of immigration formalities by the Bureau of Immigration Health & Vaccinations – It is advisable to be up to date on routine vaccines. Packing Essentials – Travel lightweight and breathable clothing, including swimwear, cover-ups and comfortable footwear fitting to your choice of activities. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and travel power adaptors. Currency – The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, it is a good idea to have cash on hand for smaller establishments and in more remote regions. Language & Cultural Awareness – English is widely spoken but be prepared to hear a rich blend of dialects aside …

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman is organizing an exclusive webinar for the travel trade. Join the webinar to explore the offerings of the country on Monday, 22 December 2023 at 3pm (IST). Save the Date! Kindly register to attend the webinar. Contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 for more info.  

Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS, said, “A PAN Card is not a mandatory requirement for a Schengen Visa. However, voluntarily submitting your PAN Card or additional financial credentials can enhance the overall strength of your visa application and provide further assurance of your financial stability to the authorities.”

Sitapaat Suttisuntrangkura, General Manager, Cross River Kwai, said, “We have our Indian specialists that will help us to maximize our capability to arrange or accommodate Indian Clientele upon their needs and requests as Indian market is quite new for us”.

In an exclusive interview with Ayyappan Rajagopal, Chief Executive Officer of Cleartrip, quotes that same old mundane itinerary would not work anymore; clients/customers demand and want new experiential and unique itineraries to attract a greater number of loyal clients.

Ministry of Tourism has developed Incredible India thematic brand films for welcoming of foreign tourists to the country which have been specifically curated for the leading overseas market. Brand films are being circulated domestically and internationally for promotion purposes.

The research by WTTC highlights the consistent, steady growth of young people employed directly by the sector over the last decade, with a total of 39.7 million jobs supported by Travel & Tourism around the world in 2019, up 28% since 2010. However, this figure was significantly impacted by COVID-19, where youth employment dropped 27%.