Bengaluru: Next jewel of India?

Who would have thought that Karnataka’s largest city will become one of India’s star attractions. It has quietly developed hotel and airport infrastructure for not just MICE but also leisure, with great connections to domestic and international destinations.  looks at why Bengaluru has become an attractive proposition the world cannot ignore.

Hazel Jain

Presenting the state budget for 2022-23, Basavaraj Bommai, then Chief Minister of Karnataka, had said that his government will upgrade Bengaluru into a MICE hub of the country by leveraging the advantages the city enjoys as a business capital, IT capital, as well as its world-class infrastructure in technology and air connectivity. Add to this, its beautiful Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport, and we have a great market for not just MICE but leisure travel as well!

Thomas Cook and SOTC recently operated an inaugural charter to Bhutan from Bengaluru at full capacity, indicating that there is a strong appetite from Karnataka for unique destinations like Bhutan. The companies see South India as a vital market, contributing over 50 per cent to Bhutan’s business. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India), says, “This has given us the confidence to operate two additional charters in May. We had handpicked Bengaluru airport as the gateway for this initiative based on three clear opportunities: Karnataka is our top source market, high demand for unique destinations-experiences, and absence of direct connectivity for Bhutan from South India. What is noteworthy is that all our flights are currently at a 100 per cent booking position.”

Hotels springing up

An analysis of the latest Skyscanner Travel Insight data shows that since the start of 2024, searches for domestic travel in India are up 19 per cent year-on-year (yoy). What’s more – the top domestic destinations for Indian travellers in 2024 shows that Bengaluru is at number two position, only after Delhi. Thanks to all the investment coming into this market, we will see about 10 premium hotels inaugurated in 2024 in Bengaluru. While a Hyatt is coming up at Hebbal, a Hilton is coming up at Whitefield. An IBC hotel is also coming up, along with a Taj hotel at the airport. JW Marriott is planning a new hotel near Devanahalli.

The demand for convention centres in Bengaluru has also seen a significant rise in recent years. Previously, conventions were primarily held in Mumbai and New Delhi, with Hyderabad being the main destination in the South. However, Bengaluru has emerged as a prominent location for such events. Initially, the BIEC was the main venue for exhibitions. However, with the establishment of numerous hotels in the city, the landscape has changed.

Balaji M, CEO, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, says, “Bengaluru’s reputation as a prime destination for events and MICE activities stems from various factors. Firstly, its status as a major IT hub and the presence of numerous multinational corporations drives demand from corporates. Additionally, the city’s excellent connectivity via air, rail and road network makes it a convenient choice for hosting events. Moreover, Bengaluru’s vibrant tech and startup ecosystem contributes significantly to the demand.”

Varun Mehrotra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center, says, “The kind of demand that is required for convention centres in Bengaluru hinges on mastering Optimised Space Management. Conducting a comprehensive exploration of the nuances of space allocation, group ceilings, and optimal venue utilisation is crucial. Hotels in Bengaluru have adapted to catering to these distinct market segments by offering specialised and tailored services. Convention attendees benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and expert event planning services. The city boasts of a vibrant amalgamation of traditional and contemporary cultural experiences, from historic landmarks to eclectic dining and entertainment options. This diversity makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a well-rounded travel experience.”

Good air connectivity

The Bengaluru airport embodies India’s soaring aspirations. Its self-drop bag service significantly enhances airport operations, improves passenger experience and contributes to a smoother travel process. Additionally, the new terminal at Bengaluru airport will cater to the increasing demand and accommodate flights, enabling domestic as well as international airlines to expand its network to additional cities.

Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO, FLY91, an airline enhancing regional connectivity, says, “Our idea is to provide Indian travellers from smaller towns, for example, Sindhudurg, seamless travel to Bengaluru. There are many individuals who are employed with tech companies and other corporates who hail from different towns and cities, and they would like to travel back home, or to a leisure destination or to attend religious ceremonies. We are seeing a mix of travellers who are visiting Bengaluru for leisure, business, meetings and VFR. We have stepped in to add last-mile-connectivity and make tier II and tier III cities like Sindhudurg, Jalgaon and Agatti more accessible.”

Qantas, the national carrier of Australia, has also announced additional flights from Bengaluru to Sydney to cater to strong demand over the holiday season. Between mid-December 2024 and late March 2025, the airline will increase flights from five per week to daily, adding over 12,000 seats between the two cities over the four-month period. Cam Wallace, CEO, Qantas International, says, “Demand for travel between India and Australia continues to be incredibly strong, so we are pleased to be responding with extra flights to Sydney. These additional flights are timed to carry more travellers to Australia in summer, while also helping more families and friends reconnect over the holiday period.”

Making travel easier is, of course, the new T2. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer at Bangalore International Airport, says, “As we reflect on the past financial year, it’s been a landmark period with the highest passenger figures ever recorded in our airport’s history. We have also seen an increase in the number of airlines. We are poised to solidify our position as the premier gateway to South and Central India.”

Great outbound market

Speaking about the Bengaluru market, Markus Tan, Regional Director, India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa (IMESA), Singapore Tourism Board, says, “With 25 direct weekly flights to Singapore, Bengaluru serves as an important source market for us. The continuous revitalisation of Singapore’s tourism offerings and experiences resonates effectively with the preferences of the local consumer base.”

New developments at airport

• Prepare for a transformation near Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru as Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL) unveils investment plans for a two million square feet Business Park and 775-key hotel, along with a concert arena in Airport City with capacity to host 10,000 attendees.
• The Combo Hotel will feature the Vivanta brand with 450 keys, along with the Ginger brand providing 325 keys. It is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. The hospitality landscape within the Airport City has also witnessed expansion, with the 370-key Taj Bangalore hotel.