Category Archives: Exhibitions

Rules for FDI and Overseas Investments to be simplified to increase FDI inflows and promote use of Indian Rupee as currency for overseas investments, said the FM in her Interim Budget speech. She also said that 1.5 lakh core provision for long-term interest-free loans will be made to support infrastructure investment by state governments. The states will also be incentivised to implement Business Reforms Action Plans and digitalisation to develop tourism. All in all, the Union Budget 2024 was not a total let-down as far as tourism is concerned. Perhaps it has sown the seeds for a better tourism experience in India. But that may be too far into the future. Moreover, there has been no change in taxation, which has disappointed the travel trade no end. Their main gripe was the extremely high GST rates and the procedures, as well as bearing the onus of determining the quantum of TCS.

Sitharaman has raised our hopes when it comes to tourism in India, which bodes well not just for domestic but also inbound tourism, which has been suffering since Covid. Delivering to the states, she highlighted the development of ‘iconic’ tourism centres by the states who will be allowed long-term, interest-free loans for such long-term development. For domestic tourism, the FM announced projects for better port connectivity and more tourism infrastructure, that will be taken up on islands in India, including of course Lakshadweep! All in all, her Budget highlighted promoting investments into India, including its infrastructure projects. In positioning India as a global tourist destination, we’ll also create jobs, stimulate investments and unlock economic opportunities for other sectors. In addition to the measures outlined in the interim budget, I propose the following measures. Vishnupath temple at Gaya and Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar are of immense spiritual significance. Comprehensive development of Vishnupath temple corridor and Mahabodhi temple corridor will be supported, modeled on the successful Kashi Vishwana temple corridor to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations. Rajgir, Rajgir holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The 20th Tirthankara Muni Suvaratha temple in the Jain complex, Jain temple complex is ancient. The Sapta Rishi or the seven hot springs form a warm water Brahmkund that is sacred. A comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir will be undertaken. Our government will support the development of Nalanda as a tourist center besides reviving Nalanda University to its glorious stature. Odisha’s scenic beauty, temples, monuments, craftsmanship, wildlife sanctuaries, natural landscapes and pristine beaches make it an ultimate tourism destination. Our government will provide assistance for their development to Odisha …

With the aim of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Interim Budget 2024 yet again showcased a lofty imagery of the ‘new and improved’ India. However, it does fleetingly mention tourism and its development – directly and indirectly. To build a foundation for future development, the FM underlined its Startup Credit Guarantee Schemes that will encourage new businesses in various sectors including, hopefully, tourism. She mentioned that the country ‘is capable of creating more opportunities’ which cannot be further from the truth. Sitharaman added that the focus will be on ffostering and sustaining growth to create great opportunities for all and to fulfil aspirations. She said that the MSME will be an important element of this policy. Coming to aviation, she said that it has been ‘galvanized in the past 10 years’ with number of airports doubled, expansion of the UDAN scheme, 517 new routes carrying 1.3 crore passengers, and the expansion of existing and new airports that will continue, she committed. Mentioning the success of G20 meets that took place across India, she said the country has made itself an attractive destination for MICE. ‘The corporates want to explore India and religious tourism offers great opportunities.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is set to organise a multi-city B2B roadshow in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad this July. Titled ‘Singapore Tourism Board Roadshow 2024. Holidays Made in Singapore’, the event features 50 exhibitors representing hotels, attractions, airline, cruise lines and destination management companies. Notably, seven of these exhibitors are participating for the first time, including the city’s famed family-friendly attraction Museum of Ice Cream, and Disney Cruise Line, which has made Singapore its exclusive Southeast Asian homeport for five years starting next year. India is a major tourism source market for Singapore, with direct flights from 17 cities within a 4 to 6-hour range. Since the resumption of international travel in 2022, Indian tourists have been drawn to Singapore’s evolving range of offerings. In 2023, many new hotels, attractions, and lifestyle experiences have emerged, offering more activities and venues for India’s travel agents and planners to consider when crafting holiday itineraries, MICE programmes, and wedding celebrations. STB’s global campaign, “Made In Singapore”, showcases the city as a destination of unique and unexpected experiences. In line with this, the 2024 multi-city roadshow is themed “Holidays. Made In Singapore” to equip the Indian travel trade community to promote Singapore as a differentiated destination for various consumer segments. As part of the B2B roadshow, STB is also hosting two curated business matching platforms between Singapore wedding suppliers and Indian planners in Ahmedabad and Kolkata, important source markets for Indian wedding celebrations. Featuring eight venues, hotels, aviation and cruise partners, and DMCs, these networking events build on STB’s continuing efforts in India to spotlight Singapore’s unique selection of wedding venues and experiences, including a partnership with celebrated couturier Rahul Mishra, and the …

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its three-city roadshow in India. Led by MTPA’s Director, Mr. Arvind Bundhun, and featuring a delegation of 21 esteemed partners from Mauritius, this roadshow exemplified the robust bond between India and Mauritius and the promising potential for collaborative growth within the tourism sector. The roadshow commenced in Pune, followed by Chennai on the 29th of May, and Jaipur on the 31st of May, catalysing synergies within the industry. Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), expressed his delight regarding the success of the three-city roadshow in India. He stated, “I am immensely pleased with the success of our three-city roadshow in India. With increased activities and more flights from India to Mauritius, this roadshow was crucial for us as MTPA is committed to facilitating seamless travel experiences and showcasing the diverse attractions Mauritius has to offer. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who participated in making this roadshow a resounding success.” The Chennai leg of the roadshow was graced by Mr Donald Payen Chairman MTPA. His esteemed presence underscored the paramount importance of India as a key tourism partner for Mauritius and laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation. Sunil Mathapati, Country Manager MTPA India, conveyed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled with the responses of the travel agents in all the three cities. The enthusiasm and interest shown by attendees reaffirm our belief in the appeal of Mauritius as a top tourist destination. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts to promote Mauritius and strengthen the ties. With such positive feedback, we are motivated to further enhance our outreach activities and provide travelers with …

To increase the number of visitors from India to South Africa and address the visa challenge, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism of South Africa, said that the tourism ministry is in talks with the president about a visa waiver of up to 90 days for Indian travellers. The ministry must collate a joint report with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of State Security regarding this matter. She has recommended that India should also enjoy the BRICS visa waiver of 90 days, as is done for Brazil and Russia.

STB India recently chose a golf platform in India called 4moles to connect with its C-suite corporate clients who have been organising premium MICE events overseas, at two networking MICE events held in Delhi and Bangalore, reaching key decision-makers. To stay competitive, especially in an environment where the common perception is that Singapore is expensive, STB believes it is vital to target corporates with an interest in hosting premium MICE events in Singapore.

With an aim to promote local sellers, the 4th edition of Goa International Travel Mart is all set to commence on 3-4 April at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. It will also be held virtually from 3-9 April. Suneel Anchipaka, Director Tourism, Goa said, “GITM 2024 aims to redefine Goa’s tourism landscape by focusing on regenerative, spiritual, and hinterland tourism, setting new standards for sustainability and inclusivity. Over 250 national and int’l buyers are part of this year’s event.”

Sharing his views on some of the key drivers that is facilitating business travel in India, he said, “There are multiple factors that are contributing to this. Corporate growth in terms of revenue and EBIDTA margins are growing and by this FY end we will see India grow 18℅. FDI into India is at record levels. Moreover, the aviation boom in India with 700-odd aircraft in Indian skies right now is pushing business travel. It is a super exciting time in India. “

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “The boom in outbound travel from India is driven by the growing middle class. In 2020, only 37 million households had annual income between $10,000-$35,000, but owing to rapid economic growth, by 2030 it will rise to 177 million households.”