Category Archives: Guest Column

Boosting Indian Tourism: The Role of Amusement Parks in Creating Memorable Travel Experiences

India is a land of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient traditions that have always offered great tourist attractions. Experiences for tourists range from pulsating cities to peaceful retreats. But now, there is a new star rising on the horizon of Indian tourism: the amusement parks! These lively, fun-filled havens are not just for kids; they are crafting unforgettable moments for people of all ages and, in a way, giving an entirely new dimension to the Indian travel experience.

The Indian amusement park scenario is currently booming and is worth billions of dollars. It is still emerging and full of opportunities for new innovations and exciting developments.

An Exciting Getaway

Imagine the wind rushing through your hair as you hurtle down a roller coaster track, experiencing the refreshing splash as you plunge into a water ride, or revelling in joyous laughter reverberating around a carousel. Amusement parks offer an exciting blend of family-friendly attractions, heart-pounding rides, and interactive entertainment, making them a popular travel destination that draws visitors from all over the world.

Multigenerational Fun
Amusement parks are growing as the face of family vacations in India, engaging and entertaining every age group, from toddlers to grandparents. There are gentle rides for the young ones, with their favourite cartoon characters waiting to meet and greet. Teenagers and adults get heart-pounding, adrenaline-rushing roller coasters and intricate water slides. Many parks also have themed dining features, live entertainment, and shopping areas; hence, they offer a full package for fun and relaxation.

Economic Impact and Employment
The surge of amusement parks in India is not just about fun; it is also about economic growth. These parks attract millions of tourists annually, significantly boosting local economies. They create numerous jobs, from ride operators and entertainers to food vendors and security personnel. Furthermore, they spur the growth of additional businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, further contributing to the economy.

Promoting Local Culture and Heritage
Many Indian theme parks offer a distinctive fusion of entertainment and education by skilfully incorporating the local culture. They celebrate the rich history and diversity of India through themed attractions, local cuisine, and traditional dance performances for visitors to enjoy.

Technological Wonders
Indian amusement parks are at the forefront of technological advancements, using innovative technology to enhance visitor experiences. From virtual reality rides and interactive attractions to advanced safety measures and eco-friendly initiatives, these parks are constantly evolving to provide the best possible experience for visitors.

The future looks bright for India’s amusement park industry. New expansions with technological advancements promise even more thrilling and immersive experiences, ensuring that amusement parks remain a key attraction for tourists.

The thrill that amusement parks provide is instilled in the spirit of Indian tourism, as they create travel experiences that are unforgettable for their fun, culture, and adventure. Be it the adrenaline rush for thrill seekers, a perfect family vacation, or revisiting childhood memories, India’s amusement parks have their magic to unfurl. Life is a roller coaster, so why not enjoy every twist and turn?

India has the undeniable potential to be a global aviation MRO hub

Jaideep Mirchandani, the chairman of the global aviation major Sky One, shares insights into the prospects, key trends, and technical innovations that can propel India’s aviation MRO to new heights

According to international management consulting firm Oliver Wyman’s ‘Global Fleet and MRO Market Forecast 2024-2034’, the global aviation fleet will increase by 28 per cent in the next 10 years, expanding from the present 28,400 aircraft to 36,400 by 2034. The report suggests that Asia will steer this growth and India will lead the expansion by adding aircraft at a rate of almost 13 per cent over the next five years.

The fleet expansion and growing demand for air travel in India will also result in higher demand in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. As per Deloitte’s ‘MRO in India-Poised to take off’ report, the Indian MRO industry size is expected to increase from USD 1.7 billion in 2021 to USD 4.0 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9 per cent against the expected global CAGR of 5.6 per cent. These statistics also indicate the possibility for India to steadily emerge as one of the largest MRO hubs in the region.

These growth prospects will also provide strategic investors, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and leading MRO players across the globe with ample investment opportunities in the Indian MRO space. The Government too has come up with various policies to support India’s growth as a major MRO hub.

However, I believe that this will be a long-term process which will begin with joint ventures between Indian and global MRO players. Initially, the focus will be on segments where there’s less stringent control over intellectual property, such as electrical systems, avionics, and repairing the structure of the plane. More complicated and valuable work, such as manufacturing important aircraft parts including landing gears, will come next.

The focus on MRO is intensifying more than ever before in India because it is the ‘heartbeat’ of a successful aviation industry and plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of an aircraft. However, it is an ever-evolving sector, the growth of which is impacted by various factors including policy regulations, and environmental sustainability.

The integration of technology also plays a very significant part in MRO services. While predictive analytics can help determine the future health of aircraft components and aid in early maintenance, digitalisation can enhance efficiency and safety, and optimise maintenance schedules. Technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) can monitor machine conditions and mitigate downtime, improving the overall quality of MRO services and safety markers.

Meanwhile, Augmented Reality (AR) tools allow technicians to interact with digital models of various advanced aircraft and are being used to increase the efficiency of MRO training as well. Further, by leveraging 3D printing or additive manufacturing capabilities, it is now easier to create 3D models of even geometrically complex objects, shapes, and textures. This will help MRO produce complex components and reduce production time and cost.

In every trajectory, there are also inevitable challenges and a survey by Oliver Wyman reveals that labour shortage is a major issue faced by MROs today. One of the reasons for this shortage is the paucity of experienced professionals. Airlines hence will need to invest extensively in training and development programmes to nurture the next-generation of experts. Supply chain disruptions, such as the non-availability of specific parts is also a complex problem. Demand assessment, inventory tracking systems, and building strategic relationships with multiple suppliers can help resolve unexpected spare part shortages to some extent.

In line with the aviation sector’s growing focus on sustainability, MRO providers will also have to continue innovating eco-friendly materials and processes to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.

In summation, the future of India’s MRO sector demands a collaborative approach, which includes strategic partnerships between policymakers, airlines, leading MRO providers, OEMs, and technology companies. This synergy can help build a robust MRO sector with engine maintenance capabilities that will meet the industry’s technological, sustainable, and operational requirements.

A Lonely Child No More

By Rajeev Kohli, CIS, CITP, DMCP, Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel

I started this piece two weeks ago and am now finishing it after the news of a most horrific predatory attack on a female visitor to our country. My mind is now in a state of disgust, shock, and despair, wondering how uglier India can become. And so this affects our industry as well.

I am not a pessimist, nor am I a fatalist. Quite the contrary. I believe that we each control our fate and write our futures with our actions and thoughts, individually and collectively. I consistently hear the same chatter around the industry water cooler: Inbound is down. We have no government marketing and promotions. Hotel rates are up. Room availability is an issue. The conversations are loud and depressing.

The fact is clear: Inbound tourism is the lonely child.

The system has all but abandoned this segment. Hotel partners have somewhat turned their backs on us. The government has disowned the industry. Customer demand in overseas markets is at an all-time low. These are not observations but facts.

Should we then surrender, hold our heads in despair and wait for the Grim Reaper to take his bounty? Or shall we rather be bold, band together and fight back to regain our space in the tourism eco-system? I would much rather do the latter.

One thing is clear: actions by our national associations and tourism bodies have failed to move the government to take any action towards inbound tourism. I don’t expect that to change. We have been unable to get any respect for our contribution to the national GDP and foreign exchange reserves. Mark my words: 20 years from now, economists will mention the current shortsightedness in ignoring a healthy diversification of foreign reserves sources.

Here is what stakeholders in inbound tourism need to do.

First, talk to each other, to our clients, and to our local partners. We need to have open and deep discussions not only on our current state of affairs but also on what got us here. How did our industry lose the plot so badly? What missteps did we make? What role do our associations have in the situation, and how could we have been better members? Introspection is healthy. We must learn from the past and change our course for the future.

Let’s get into a room for a full day and talk it out. We leave our egos outside the door. Let our frustrations come out. These discussions will organically lead to answers. Healthy debate leads to great solutions. Right now, we are all running around like headless chickens trying to survive. Growth will never happen if we do not pause to understand.

Second, we need to accept two things.

One, domestic tourism is currently filling the needs of our hotel partners. There is nothing wrong with that. I, for one, am very grateful that domestic travellers allowed our hotels to survive during the pandemic and that our tourism infrastructure emerged unscathed. This is very different from what happened in the West when hospitality assets shut down en mass. This market will organically see a shift in spending patterns and habits, and the balance will return. When I don’t know, but the laws of economics state it will. Sacrosanct.

Second, the Government of India just doesn’t care. They saw the low-hanging fruit of domestic travellers where they had to do very little work, letting the states do the heavy lifting. There is no accountability, no one to question what is and is not being done. Therefore, there is no reason for us even to think things will change in the short to medium term.

The private sector needs to finally put their hands in their pockets and create a private sector marketing fund. Even if each one of us gives 0.5% of our top line, that adds up to something better than nothing. As small as that may be compared to the government spending, it will be enough to make credible actions online. We need to get our national inbound association to release the money it is hoarding to help bring back the industry. There is no defensible reason for them to sit on crores when their core segment needs help.

We must create a private sector crisis management team to help combat the negative press. The recent attack on the Spanish visitor has brought back the tremors of the Nirbhaya case of 2012. Yet we learned nothing. It’s De Ja Vu in its entirety. We have no crisis management policy, no voice or statement to counter or address the news. As the private sector, we have no official stance to say anything. Today, India is ashamed. Our claim to Incredible India stands in ruins today. The lack of reaction is all on us. No action is equally complacent to the horror. Rule # 1 of crisis management is to be present, forward-facing, and honest. Unfortunately, we have none of those characteristics in those who govern or lead. So, let’s now learn and do it on our own.

I can go on and on. But for now, these are just a few things we can do independently. Without asking for anyone’s permission or help. What’s stopping us?

Stay positive. We have been at the low before, but we always come out on top. It’s our perseverance as an industry. I am proud of all of you for that. I shall be a lonely child no longer! I can no longer sit quietly. So, watch out for an email from me.

Happy to get feedback and thoughts on this issue. rajeevkohli@creative.travel

Navigating Compliance Turbulence: Lessons from Aviation’s Regulatory Frontiers

Rishi Agrawal, CEO and Co-Founder, TeamLease RegTech

In the ever-evolving landscape of civil aviation, recent fines imposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have underscored a pivotal challenge for the industry: maintaining compliance amidst a sea of complex regulations and standards. The aviation sector, known for its stringent regulatory environment, demands that organisations not only keep abreast of the latest directives but also integrate robust systems to ensure unwavering compliance. The recent actions taken by the DGCA against non-compliance scenarios have brought to light the urgent need for a systemic overhaul in how aviation giants manage and adhere to regulatory requirements.

The Foundation of Compliance: Awareness and Integration
At the core of any successful compliance strategy is a deep understanding of regulatory obligations. Civil organisations are tasked with navigating a labyrinth of directives issued by a multitude of regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the DGCA, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), among others. The first step in ensuring compliance is to cultivate a culture of regulatory awareness across the organisation.
However, awareness alone is not sufficient. Companies must embed good regulatory practices into their operational DNA through the digitisation of internal processes. By leveraging technology, organisations can enhance transparency, reduce human error, and preempt potential compliance breaches. Digital systems equipped with risk flagging capabilities are instrumental in identifying and addressing non-compliance issues promptly, thereby safeguarding the organisation against potential fines and reputational damage.

Proactive Monitoring and Enforcement of Security Protocols
Security within the aviation sector is non-negotiable. Regulators like the DGCA, AAI, and BCAS employ a rigorous framework to monitor and enforce security protocols across airlines and airport facilities. This framework encompasses a range of legislation and rules designed to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew alike. Compliance in this domain is not static; it requires continuous vigilance, periodic audits, and routine checks to verify the airworthiness of aircraft and the serviceability of airports.

Ensuring Qualified Pilot Rostering Through Rigorous Training and Qualification Standards
Pilot rostering, particularly under challenging weather conditions, demands stringent adherence to established training and qualification standards. The aviation industry has set clear guidelines for pilot eligibility, training, and certification, particularly for operations in adverse weather conditions. Ensuring that only qualified and compliant pilots are assigned to flights is paramount for passenger safety and operational integrity.

Streamlining Compliance Through Technology
The dynamic nature of regulatory requirements in the aviation sector necessitates a strategic approach to compliance management. Transitioning from paper-based, ad-hoc compliance processes to a technology-driven framework is critical. Modern compliance management solutions provide a comprehensive toolkit for tracking, managing, and reporting compliance across various domains, significantly reducing administrative burdens and enhancing overall compliance efficacy.

Fostering a Culture of Compliance Through Industry-Wide Initiatives
The journey towards compliance excellence is a collective endeavor. Industry-wide initiatives and best practices play a crucial role in mitigating compliance challenges, particularly in passenger services. By embracing digital transformation, airlines can not only streamline their compliance processes but also foster a culture of shared responsibility towards regulatory adherence.

Leveraging Technology for Effective Compliance Management
The integration of technology in compliance tracking represents a paradigm shift in how aviation companies approach regulatory obligations. Advanced compliance management platforms automate the monitoring of compliance statuses, regulatory updates, and document management, thereby ensuring that companies remain on the right side of the law.

Addressing Non-Compliance: A Proactive and Transparent Approach
Handling and reporting security incidents, especially those involving deviations from standard operating procedures, require a proactive and transparent approach. Establishing clear compliance obligations, conducting periodic training, and implementing a robust framework for incident reporting are essential components of an effective compliance strategy.

The Role of TeamLease RegTech in Navigating Compliance Challenges
In addressing the compliance challenges faced by aviation companies, TeamLease RegTech emerges as a pivotal ally. With its comprehensive suite of products, TeamLease RegTech assists organisations in managing the lifecycle of compliance obligations, from tracking regulatory updates to automating compliance processes. This partnership not only enhances compliance efficiency but also empowers companies to navigate the regulatory turbulence with confidence.

In conclusion, the recent fines imposed by the DGCA serve as a wake-up call for the aviation industry to reevaluate and strengthen their compliance frameworks. By fostering regulatory awareness, leveraging technology, and embracing a culture of compliance, aviation giants can not only navigate the complexities of regulatory obligations but also set new standards for operational excellence in civil aviation.

How Amusement Parks Are Turbocharging Local Tourism and Economy

The phrase “amusement parks” conjures up images of our own childhood memories in our mind. For more than a century, amusement parks have been a mainstay of entertainment, thousands of people visit these parks every year, which provide a variety of attractions like water slides and roller coasters. Only in the last 20 years, with the advent of globalisation and an increase in consumer disposable income, has the idea of theme parks and amusement parks experienced a significant upsurge in popularity in India.

The ever-changing social and economic landscape, along with demographics, are significant factors influencing demand for amusement parks. They have an impact on consumer behavior, therefore to guarantee customer pleasure, any business must choose the appropriate group of target customers in order to convert a happy customer into a devoted one and eventually into a product or service. According to a report by FICCI – KPMG, the amusement park industry in India is growing rapidly. In 2019, the industry generated over Rs. 5,000 crore (USD 625 million) in revenue and employed over 250,000 people. A higher standard of living is also made possible by the type of work, as well as the many training programs linked to services. When a well-known amusement park is open, demand for local stores, restaurants, lodging, and transportation all increases. Suppliers who supply the park with goods and services are also included in the economic stimulation, resulting in a network of interconnected business connections that may promote sustainable growth.

India’s magical theme parks not only entertain visitors, but also are essential to the vibrant role of our changing economy and culture. Imagine an environment where happiness is the primary focus, where there is a bustle of activity, laughter from families, and delight from children. This magical atmosphere isn’t only the result of thrilling rides and attractions—rather, it’s engrained in the various consumer behaviours and demographics that define our global nation.

Amidst this fanciful realm, businesses find themselves at a crossroads where it becomes imperative to properly identify their target audience. The objective is to create an experience that transforms a satisfied client into a loyal follower and, eventually, an enthusiastic ambassador for the business, rather than just providing a brief distraction.

Here are some of the key impacts:
Job Creation: Amusement parks create employment opportunities, ranging from entry-level positions to skilled jobs in areas such as maintenance, operations, and management. Furthermore, Amusement parks also have a knock-on effect on the local economy. An increase in parks contributes to the neighbourhood’s infrastructure development.

Learning Experiences: Often incorporate educational elements into their attractions, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about science, history, and other subjects in an interactive and engaging manner.

Tourist Spending: Visitors to amusement parks contribute to the local economy by spending money on tickets, food, merchandise, and other services. This injection of tourism dollars can have a positive multiplier effect on the community.

Improved Infrastructure: The presence of a popular amusement park may stimulate improvements in local infrastructure, including roads, transportation systems, and utilities, to accommodate the increased influx of visitors.

Diverse Visitor Base: Amusement parks attract a diverse audience, bringing people from different regions and even countries. This cultural exchange can enrich the local community and promote understanding between different cultures.

In conclusion, amusement parks are major drivers of the local economy and greatly enhance the well-being of the communities they serve. It is impossible to overstate their contribution to local economic stimulation, employment creation, and tourism promotion. Despite certain operational difficulties, amusement parks continue to have a very beneficial overall economic influence on local and regional communities. These attractions’ contribution to economic growth will probably continue to be an engaging story in the years to come as they develop and grow. They bring in money, support neighbourhood companies, create jobs, pay taxes, draw tourists, and enhance the standard of living. Any nation or area that wishes to increase tourism might benefit greatly from having amusement parks.

SECURITY CONCERNS VERSUS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

What exactly can handle the impressions of strict security contrasted with great-experience needs?

After sailing seamlessly through immigration counters at airports in 60 plus countries in the the last decade and a half, to be asked to step aside for further questioning at the Ben Guiron airport in Tel Aviv came as an irritant, howsoever minor. Especially since they allowed me to go without asking a single question.

The world today is cautious, suspicious and should definitely be on guard. However, from the tourism standpoint, how smooth, unobtrusive and efficient this process can be may define tourism friendliness to starry eyed visitors.

Adverse news relating to security or safety hits tourism like a ton of bricks. And if the ‘prevention is better than cure’ is the dictum to follow, the thankless job of relevant bodies to nip crime or unrest before it happens turns vital.

Any lack of deterrence and detection abilities of security apparatus is inexcusable in today’s world. Towards this, even among front line travel industry workers, consistent development of security measures, personnel and training rises to the forefront. They should not just be equipped professionally and emotionally to tackle such situations whenever they arise but also try to prevent them in the first place.

Recently there were reports of panic created by an irresponsible passenger at Atlanta in USA that led to the authorities almost vacating the airport. Closer home in India’s Rishikesh an ugly midstream brawl on the rapids between rafters was another irritant. Similarly, regular news of unsavoury arguments amongst passengers themselves and with crew as well, during flights requires definitely keener attention.

Thankfully enhanced and greater travel experiences can always help ride over such hiccups.

As my last fortnight’s experience showed, the sheer sunny disposition of Nadia, our guide in Jerusalem who narrated three thousand years history right till 2023 with humour and wit and Majid, our eager young Uber driver who stopped the car to actually treat us to baklava he bought for us from his favourite shop at Tel Aviv were very warm experiences indeed.

So much so that the brief cross examining, even while entering the airport to fly back didn’t seem a bother.

(The views expressed in the column are of the author, and may or may not be endorsed by the publication)