Exploring tourism growth segments

Some segments of Indian outbound tourism are showing maximum gain. To identify these segments-from small groups, large groups, leisure travellers, incentive travel or other categories-TRAVTALK speaks with industry players.

INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA

Sulaiman Suip, Director, Touralism Maysia

With middle class families spending more on foreign travel, India is a potential market for Malaysia. On our part, we have multiple attractions for all segments. While virtually all segments – honeymooners, single people, DINKS, students, families, ladies’ clubs, and senior citizens, etc. are growing, the number of leisure-trip seekers is constantly increasing. More Indians are visiting to admire nature, enjoy theme parks, and exploit the bargain shopping opportunities offered

Sheetal Munshaw, Director, Atout France

France has witnessed an unprecedented growth of Indian tourists in the last few years. This growth is across segments, especially the group series, and FITs choosing France as a solo destination. The corporate incentive segment has also surged. France is also becoming a very aspirational choice for destination weddings. This upward trend can be attributed to our concerted efforts to position France as a premier destination by showcasing it to our Indian travel trade partners, and our efforts to better equip the French travel industry to adapt to the specificities of the Indian clientele.

Hassan Madah, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism

Several Indian outbound segments are yielding more gain. While MICE and family – travel are the largest segments, small groups of luxury travel are giving the highest gains per passenger. In Israel, we’ve seen growth in the last year from two sectors, mainly luxury and High-End travel, and selective MICE groups with high spends. Weddings and honeymooners are also spending more. The number of Indian honeymooners visiting Israel has grown impressively.

Hanneli Slabber, India Travel Award winner, Regional GM-Asia, Australasia and Middle East, South African Tourism

South Africa’s overall attraction makes it popular for all segments, but over the last couple of years, young couples and families are two of the key India market segments visiting the country. Young couples get to bond over the numerous adventure activities, wildlife safaris, bush walks and diverse culinary experiences. Families find themselves drawn to South Africa owing to the wide variety of adventure-led activities for every family member to indulge in – kids, parents and even grandparents. The country is very inclusive when it comes to children, and seniors are encouraged and assisted in participating in everything from bungee to shark-cage dives and wildlife walks.

Isra Stapanaseth, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi Office

While almost all segments of travellers from India are increasing, some segments have shown extraordinary growth. The maximum growth and gain segments are weddings, honeymooners, leisure holiday-seekers, and incentive travel. The incentive travel sector is booming. Thailand has become a preferred destination for these segments because of its wealth of attractions that are available at reasonable rates, backed up by sustained marketing in the Indian market.

Beena Menon, Representative – India, Tourism Ireland

FITs and MICE as the two maximum growth segments to Ireland. In FITs, self-drives are increasing, with visitors wanting to set their own route, and choose their own itinerary. Ireland offers remarkable choice; thanks to two world-class touring routes, namely, Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal. Screen tourism also continues to grow, with the filming of the Game of Thrones series in Northern Ireland, and the Star Wars films on the Wild Atlantic Way. MICE is also growing phenomenally. The British Irish Visa Scheme, improved air access to Ireland, its proximity to the UK, and availability of Indian food are all boosting this sector.

Sonia Prakash, Destination Vice President, Holland

Large group tours with brands like Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook India, SOTC India and other standalone tour operators, are showing maximum growth and gains in Indian traffic to Holland. This is mainly owing to increased MICE movement to the country. Holland is one of the high-selling destinations in Europe and has different attractions for all kinds of tourists–from the beautiful canal city of Amsterdam, Madurodam (miniature Holland) and not to miss, Keukenhof garden is an all time favourite of Indian tourists. Now, with Jet Airways and KLM starting new flights between Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, and Amsterdam there will be more Indians travelling to the country.

Romit Theophilus, Director—India, German National Tourist Office

MICE and group tourism are the maximum growth sectors to Germany. Germany’s extensive and world-class convention facilities make it an ideal MICE destination, and these are sought-after by Indian companies. Group tourism is also showing great gains, thanks to its location in the heart of Europe! Almost all groups to Europe include Germany in their itinerary due to it’s all-round tourist infrastructure and attractions.

Arjun Kant Chadha, Manager, Philippines Tourist Office, India Travel Award winner

The Philippines Department of Tourism has been actively promoting the archipelago not only as a normal holiday destination but also for luxury visitors, MICE, weddings and small groups. While most segments are increasing, the maximum gain segment from India has been small groups and honeymooners.

Eckard Kremer, Asia Head, Munich Tourist Office

We have been actively promoting the castle city not only as a holiday destination but also for other segments which include luxury, MICE and small group travel. While overall traffic from India has grown, the maximum gain segments are groups – both small and large – which visit the city during their European tours.