Visa policies are a crucial factor shaping outbound travel, influencing both leisure and MICE tourism. Simplified processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival attract travellers, while complex or delayed procedures deter them. Shravan Bhalla, Director, High Flyer Visa policies play an important role, as they regulate the entry of passengers into a …
Read More »Anil Singh
Rise of detour destinations
As global travel evolves, there is a growing liking for unique, less crowded destinations. Whether it is leisure or MICE, the emerging trends are reshaping how we explore the world. Markus Tan, Regional Director, STB, India, Middle East, South Asia and Africa Indian travellers have evolved, with changing preferences that …
Read More »TAFI pledges to green tourism
TAFI, set for its Vietnam convention from 17-20 January under the theme, ‘Tourism for Tomorrow, Protecting the Planet’, aims to promote eco-friendly travel via its members. Hazel Jain The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) is spearheading a movement towards environmentally responsible tourism with its convention theme, ‘Tourism for Tomorrow, …
Read More »Hoping against hopeUnion Budget 2025
Tourism industry is keeping its fingers crossed with hopes that the Union Budget 2025 will give some relief in TCS and GST as far as outbound is concerned and help encourage investment within India to bridge the demand-supply gap. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO We expect the Budget to be in …
Read More »Is industry ready for transformation?
As we step into 2025, the global landscape is poised for transformative growth. Against this backdrop, industry is gearing up to tackle emerging challenges and seize opportunities. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO The IATO expects robust growth in inbound tourism for 2025, driven by improved infrastructure, streamlined visa policies, and increased …
Read More »Redefine India as high-value destination: Amitabh Kant
Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, says that India’s tourism sector must prioritise job creation. To drive growth, it needs legislations on destination management, improved infra, and a focus on high-value global tourists. Janice Alyosius The 18th Annual CII Tourism Summit 2024 witnessed a compelling discussion led by Amitabh Kant, India’s …
Read More »e-visa scheme lacks appeal?
Industry stakeholders say that the success of ‘Chalo India’ campaign lies in sustained efforts by the Government of India and its integration into broader promotional strategies. Janice Alyosius The Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Chalo India’ campaign, launched recently at WTM London, aims to rejuvenate India’s inbound tourism by offering 100,000 free …
Read More »DDP Group thanks Mumbai travel trade partners
TRAVTALK has entered its 35th year, and what better way to celebrate than with a glittering networking dinner in Mumbai? The city’s travel industry elite came together to toast DDP Publications and the journey we have shared. TT Bureau From our beginnings as a travel industry publication to diversifying across …
Read More »‘Increase in hotel inventory must’
Hospitality leaders say keeping in view the demand, there is a need to add more hotels in the country. They stress the need for expanded infrastructure, rate parity, and balanced inventory, especially for weddings. Janice Alyosius The Indian tourism and hospitality sector is currently riding a wave of growth, driven …
Read More »Free e-visa to foreigners on OCIs’ advice
Under its ‘Chalo India’ campaign, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, will allow 100,000 free e-visas to foreigners on recommendation from OCI cardholders. Janice Alyosius India launched its ‘Chalo India’ campaign at the World Travel Market (WTM) London, held from 5-7 November, to boost inbound tourism with free e-visa …
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