Tag Archives: Indian Outbound

Presidential Inauguration, WorldPride and citywide conventions, meetings and sports help sustain momentum of $10.2 billion industry Major events of international interest and several notable openings present opportunities for continued growth for Washington, DC’s $10.2 billion tourism industry, according to Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation of the nation’s capital. DDC unveiled strategies to build on an impactful first year of its “Only One DC” campaign and leverage events, including the presidential inauguration and WorldPride 2025, at its annual Marketing Outlook Meeting at the Washington Hilton. “India continues to be a market of top importance to Washington, DC, welcoming 165,100 Indian visitors in 2023,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of DDC. “The market is currently the city’s second largest overseas inbound market and reflects the highest spending total at $287,400,000 USD for the year.” “DDC launched its award-winning campaign last year in India. ‘There’s Only One Washington, DC’ positions the destination as wholly unique, spotlighting a diversity of experiences that research shows India prioritises, including arts and culture, shopping, luxury amenities and a robust culinary scene. “Additional funding has allowed us to reach more potential travellers than any campaign to date. In 2025, we will continue to be more aggressive with our global advertising in the Indian market and plan to meet with Indian travel agents and media.” “Nearly 26 million visitors to Washington, DC last year directly supported more than just our hotels, restaurants, tour operators and local businesses. Over $10 billion in spending and $2 billion in tax revenue impacts the entire city, emphasising the continued importance of tourism to Washington, DC” Washington, DC welcomed a record-breaking 25.95 million total visitors in 2023, up …

The Iran Tourism Board announced the successful conclusion of its dynamic three-city roadshow in India, aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage and diverse travel experiences of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The roadshow began in Mumbai on 10th September, continued in Hyderabad on 12th September, and concluded on 13th September in New Delhi. The roadshow featured distinguished dignitaries from Iran, including Aliasghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi, Deputy of Tourism, Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Ministry; Moslem Shojaee, Director General, International Tourism Promotion; H.E. Mofidifar, Acting Consul General, Islamic Republic of Iran; and H.E. Rahul Narwekar, Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Mumbai. Strengthening Tourism Ties Between India and Iran The primary aim of this roadshow was to foster stronger tourism ties between India and Iran. By engaging directly with Indian travel agents and tourism professionals, the Iran Tourism Board sought to build robust business relationships and promote Iran as a premier travel destination. The initiative featured 11 Iranian hoteliers and travel agents who explored business opportunities and presented a variety of tourism packages to their Indian counterparts. Collaborations with key organisations such as MTOA, TAAI, TAFI, and IATO were also part of the strategy to enhance Iran’s visibility among their members. Aliasghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi remarked, “We are thrilled to present the beauty and historical richness of Iran to the Indian market. This roadshow has provided a unique platform to share Iran’s cultural tapestry, including our historic landmarks and renowned hospitality. We look forward to deepening our partnerships with Indian travel agents and encouraging more Indian travellers to explore the wonders of Iran.” H.E. Mofidifar, Acting Consul General, Islamic Republic of Iran to Mumbai, delivered an inspiring keynote address. He passionately spoke about …

TRN Marketing, a leading marketing company, announced its new partnership with Thompsons Africa, a top destination management company in South Africa. This collaboration aims to elevate South Africa’s position as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists. Through this partnership, TRN Marketing will serve as Thompsons Africa’s representative in India. Leveraging Thompsons Africa’s expertise and resources, TRN Marketing will develop tailored marketing campaigns and initiatives to attract Indian travellers to South Africa’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique experiences. Sidhartha Roy, Senior Vice President, TRN Marketing, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are elated to collaborate with Thompsons Africa and introduce their exceptional services to the Indian market. South Africa offers unparalleled beauty and adventure, and we are committed to inspiring Indian travellers to explore this remarkable destination.” TRN Marketing will focus on promoting South Africa’s top attractions, including safaris, scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. By utilising targeted marketing efforts, industry partnerships, and dedicated promotional activities, TRN Marketing aims to increase Indian tourism to South Africa and strengthen the ties between the two nations. With its extensive experience in destination marketing, TRN Marketing is well-positioned to enhance South Africa’s presence in the Indian market. This partnership with Thompsons Africa marks a significant step in enriching the travel experience for Indian tourists and broadening their horizons with the wonders of South Africa.

Switzerland Tourism is pleased to announce Christian Schoch as the new Director India for Switzerland Tourism. Schoch is from Eastern Switzerland and began this role effective April this year. After starting his career in the financial sector, Christian Schoch was quickly drawn to tourism, where he worked in the aviation industry and obtained a degree as a tourism expert. He went on to work in tourism marketing, followed by several positions as marketing manager and project manager in marketing agencies. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening Switzerland’s presence in the Indian market, a key growing region for the country’s tourism industry. In his new role, Schoch will be responsible for driving tourism strategies, building partnerships, and implementing marketing initiatives to attract Indian tourists to Switzerland. “I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to contributing to the existing growth of Switzerland’s tourism sector in India. I am eager to leverage my experience and collaborate with our partners to highlight the unique attractions, initiatives like Swisstainable, and experiences that Switzerland offers,” said Schoch.    

All-inclusive airfare starting at INR 37,839/- for Ethiopian Airlines flights from Mumbai/Delhi/Bengaluru/Chennai to Cape Town/Johannesburg In its endeavour to make the Rainbow Nation more accessible to Indian travellers, South African Tourism has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to launch its #ExploreMore&MoreForLess campaign. Aiming to alleviate the burden of air travel costs while visiting international destinations, the campaign offers lowest ever fares for visiting South Africa from India at just INR 37,839/-. The airfare is applicable to Ethiopian Airlines’ routes from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai to Cape Town and Johannesburg and is up for grabs through the campaign period starting 1 September to 30 September 2024. Available exclusively through the Ethiopian Airlines’ website and mobile application, customers can choose to travel anytime between 01st October – 31 December 2024 while making their bookings during the offer period. As per the offer terms, travellers can further avail an additional discount of 10% on the base fare. Announced at the onset of festive season, the offer enables Indian travellers to effectively plan their long-haul journey keeping in mind two significant occasions – Diwali and Christmas. When travelling internationally, airfares are often a major deciding factor for families and individuals alike and play a vital role in selecting experiences one can choose to indulge in during their trip. South African Tourism, in its partnership with Ethiopian Airlines’ aims to empower travellers to curate their itinerary more freely and cherish their time away whole-heartedly. An extension to South African Tourism’s wildly popular More&More campaign, #ExploreMore&MoreForLess empowers Indian travellers to embark on as many quests from the 3,000 adventure activities, majestic wildlife and varied culinary experiences available in South Africa. Expressing his enthusiasm on the campaign launch, …

Mamaka by Ovolo invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar to explore unique and exciting opportunities at the property. Attendees will get a chance to e-meet the hotel’s General Manager, Director of Sales and Assistant Sales Manager. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddpal.com or 9650196532.

Turkey-based Holitopia Travel appointed FootprintsWorldwide as its Sales & Marketing Partner in India. Holitopia Travel, an acclaimed destination management company announced its partnership with FootprintsWorldwide. This collaboration aims to bring the unforgettable experiences offered by Holitopia Travel to the Indian market. Holitopia Travel is more than just a destination management company; they are architects of extraordinary journeys. With a deep commitment to excellence, they specialise in curating personalised travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Holitopia Travel as a FootprintsWorldwide Experience As the Sales & Marketing Partner for Holitopia Travel in India, FootprintsWorldwide will employ its expertise and professionalism to introduce the Turkish destination to the Indian market. Prioritising on delivering seamless and memorable adventures, FootprintsWorldwide will offer a variety of products tailored to the needs of Indian travellers. Whether it’s conferences, special events, group tours, or bespoke experiences, delivering seamless and memorable adventures in Turkey will be the main objective of this collaboration. Commenting on the partnership, Cansu Gunay, Managing Director, Holitopia Travel, expressed her enthusiasm, “We are delighted to appoint FootprintsWorldwide as our partner in India. Their deep understanding of the luxury as well as MICE segments in the Indian market, coupled with their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to the discerning travellers, make them the perfect partner for us.” This partnership marks a notable move forward for both Holitopia Travel and FootprintsWorldwide. By combining their strengths, they aim to create exceptional memories for Indian travellers exploring the stunning landscapes and rich history of Turkey.

Tourism Authority of Thailand recently hosted the Amazing Thailand Roadshow to India in Lucknow on 21 August, 2024 and Chandigarh on 23 August, 2024 to promote the country’s diverse offerings for the Indian travellers. The events started with a B2B session providing a platform for Indian travel agents to connect with Thai tourism representatives, including hoteliers, attraction operators, destination management companies and airlines. Deputy Executive Director highlighted Thailand’s latest tourism developments Phimpha Ratanapruk, Deputy Executive Director, ASEAN, South Asia, South Pacific Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, in her opening remarks welcomed the travel trade in both cities. She highlighted the Amazing Thailand Product with latest developments in Thai tourism, including new destinations, products, and experiences, with a special focus on the country’s Wellness Tourism offerings. India’s growing importance as a Thailand tourism market Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi, dwelled upon the significance of Indian visitors to Thailand and expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Indian travel trade in making Thailand the preferred holiday destination for Indians.  Presently, India holds the third position among Thailand’s inbound tourist markets. The Director also expressed her gratitude in visiting Lucknow and Chandigarh, where she met with travel agents, wedding planners, and media representatives. She stated the rapid growth in Thai tourism from Tier 2 cities in India is commendable and emphasised on its potential for international travel. The Amazing Thailand Roadshow to India served as a valuable opportunity for Indian tourism professionals to learn about the latest advances in Thai tourism and explore new possibilities for their clients. With its diverse attractions, vibrant culture, and growing wellness offerings, Thailand continues to be a popular destination for Indian travellers …

Oman Sets the Stage as a Premier Luxury Destination for Indian Travellers The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman continues its India Roadshow in Chennai, reinforcing Oman’s position as a top-tier destination for Indian travellers seeking luxury, culture, and adventure. The roadshow commenced with a strategic press conference in the capital, followed by a grand promotional tour across key Indian cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. This vibrant event showcased Oman’s unparalleled offerings, featuring 18 prominent players from the private sector, including leading luxury hotels and airlines, all eager to introduce their finest offerings to the discerning Indian market. The atmosphere was charged with energy as Indian travel trade professionals engaged in meaningful dialogues with Oman Tourism officials. The message was clear: Oman is not just a destination; it is a luxurious haven of natural beauty, rich heritage, and extraordinary experiences that promise to leave a lasting impression. Luxurious Stays in Oman: Where Elegance Meets Tradition: At the heart of Oman’s appeal is its array of world-class luxury accommodations. From the opulent palaces of Muscat to serene beachfront resorts and boutique desert camps, Oman offers Indian travellers an exquisite range of lodging options. The newly opened St. Regis Muscat adds a touch of modern elegance to this portfolio, offering unparalleled service and amenities that blend luxury with local charm. Some properties are known for their regal splendour, while others showcase a minimalist design influenced by traditional Omani architecture—highlighted as must-visit sanctuaries for those seeking the pinnacle of comfort and elegance. Oman: A Vital Market for Indian Travellers: His Excellency (H.E.) Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, underscored the …

Switzerland Tourism invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar to explore Zurich’s unique and exciting attractions including presentations by Zurich Tourism, FIFA Museum and Best of Switzerland Tours. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2025! For more info, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.