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If You Wish to Explore India, Come to Mahakumbh: Gajendra Singh Shikhawat

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department hosted the ‘Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude’ on November 29 at The Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi. The event, attended by Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UP Minister Jaiveer Singh, and key dignitaries, showcased the spiritual essence of Prayagraj, the host city for the upcoming Mahakumbh 2025. Serving as a curtain-raiser to the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the event highlighted cultural, spiritual, and infrastructural preparations for the gathering, expected to attract over 40 crore devotees globally.

Shekhawat emphasized India’s unique spiritual heritage and invited global tourists to experience the transformative power of Mahakumbh. “It is an ancient celebration of India’s rich and diverse culture and humanity. As we prepare to host the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela 2025 at Prayagraj, I extend an invitation to people across the world to participate in this monumental event that symbolizes the spirit of global unity and cooperation that is much needed in today’s geopolitically turbulent times. We see the Mahakumbh as an opportunity for cultural exchange. If you wish to see India in one place, then Mahakumbh Mela is the place. We are working diligently to provide all the support for accommodation, transportation, and guided tours around the Mahakumbh Mela grounds and in its vicinity, making the experience of each traveller as unique as it can get”, he said at the prelude event.

Jaiveer Singh, Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism Minister, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Mahakumbh-2025 is not just a spiritual gathering but a rare alignment that embodies India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). It will be a monumental event where diversity converges into unity.” He invited international visitors to witness the grandeur of this event, which will not only showcase India’s cultural depth but also set new global benchmarks in religious tourism.

Principal Secretary of Tourism, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, outlined the infrastructural advancements being made in preparation for Mahakumbh. He shared that an ultra-modern tent city near the Parade Ground featuring luxury accommodations such as villas, Maharaja tents, and deluxe tents is under construction. Additionally, 1,600 Swiss cottages are being set up in Arail, along with 200 cottages in Jhunsi and another 200 at parade ground to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Thrilling activities like helicopter rides and water sports will further enhance the visitor experience.

The event featured an engaging exhibition, cultural performances, and the screening of films related to Mahakumbh 2025. Ambassadors and dignitaries from countries including Suriname, Malaysia, Seychelles, Nepal, and Switzerland, among others, attended the event, showcasing the global interest in this monumental gathering.

The Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude concluded with vibrant discussions, a review of the tent city’s models, and an invitation to all to partake in this unparalleled celebration of spirituality and culture.

 

Let’s Get Real!!!

This year started on a remarkable note for Indian tourism sparked by the Prime Minister’s visit to the island of Lakshadweep, his outreach move before the ensuing national elections. While Modi’s pictures exploring the serene beach of Lakshadweep went viral, what followed was an unprecedented diplomatic row between India and Maldives with derogatory comments from latter’s ministers on the poor service quality of Indian hospitality.

While it brought about a sudden sense of nationalism and pride in our domestic destinations with a series of tweets from celebrities and an all-time high Google search trends on Lakshadweep, a knee-jerk reaction from leading OTAs only added the much needed masala to create drama like a daily soap on television.

What these moments brought about was a global spotlight on the beauty of Lakshadweep, and the need to explore this island instead of going abroad for beach exploration. Some reports even claimed that tour operators having received massive bookings for Lakshadweep and are witnessing a record number of cancellations for Maldives. However, it’s 2024, and it’s time we get real about our intentions when India is keen on playing a lead role, globally, on discussions of sustainable development, waste disposal guidelines and carbon neutrality.

India, with its long coastline, has established beach destinations that have failed to maintain a decent standard of hygiene and cleanliness to attract even high-value Indian tourists let alone bringing in a massive influx of foreign visitors. And for a small archipelago like Lakshadweep, a sudden spurt in tourists is a complete recipe for disaster. Look at Uttarakhand, where the past decade has seen frequent flash floods leading to massive destruction to property and human life due to unregulated tourism development at the cost of nature. The tourism industry globally, and especially Lakshadweep has reached a stage where a thorough study is required to understand the carrying capacity of a destination and waste management techniques to avoid a repeat of the kind of damage that even Ladakh is facing today.

It is no more about being able to cater to the masses but evenly spreading out tourist traffic to maintain a fine balance. It is best to learn our lessons and avoid mistakes of the past. Even established destinations are now moving away from welcoming hordes of tourists, and are advocating tourism that is sustainable in the long run. Nature is a gift that has seen sustained abuse for centuries, and it’s time for humans to pull the plug.

Moreover, infrastructure development is a structured and time-consuming process. One can’t just rest on the natural beauty of a destination while there is not enough accommodation available and airport connections are negligible. It takes years of planning, execution, development and rigorous marketing on trade and consumer fronts to generate the desired tourist numbers. Jumping the bandwagon without awareness of the ground infrastructure is a dangerous trend.

‘Visa-waiver can stimulate economic activities in tourism & hospitality sectors’

With Malaysia announcing visa-waiver for the Indian market, the move is expected to boost inbound to the South East Asian nation. Manoharan Periasamy, Sr Director, International Promotion (Asia & Africa), Tourism Malaysia speaks to Disha Shah Ghosh about implications of the visa-waiver announcement, engagement with the travel trade in India, and competitive advantage of this decision between India and China.
Q. How will the decision by the Prime Minister of Malaysia to waive off visa for Indian nationals starting December 1, impact inbound traffic from India?
The decision by the Malaysian government to waive visas for Indian nationals is likely to have a positive impact on inbound traffic from India, and is a significant step to enhance bilateral relations and with simplified travel requirements, more Indian tourists may be inclined to visit Malaysia. They may find it more convenient to plan trips, leading to a rise in the number of tourists exploring Malaysian destinations, cultural attractions, and other tourism-related activities.
This move can stimulate economic activities, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, encourage cultural exchanges, and strengthen ties between the two nations. The influx of Indian tourists may contribute to increase spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and local attractions, providing a positive impact on the Malaysian economy. In addition, business travellers, investors, and professionals may find it more convenient to conduct meetings, explore opportunities, and participate in trade events, fostering economic cooperation between the two countries.
Finally, visa waivers can serve as a diplomatic gesture, demonstrating a commitment to fostering positive relations between the two countries. It can be seen as a measure to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote people-to-people connections.
Q. What made the Malaysian government make this announcement for key tourism source markets of India and China at this point of time?
There are several factors as to why Malaysia introduced the visa-free policies, especially in key tourism source markets like India and China:
1. Boosting Tourism: One of the primary reasons for implementing visa-free policies is to stimulate tourism. By eliminating or simplifying visa requirements, a country can attract more visitors, boosting its tourism industry and the economy.
2. Economic Impact: Increased tourism can have positive economic effects, including the creation of jobs, growth in the hospitality sector, and additional revenue from tourism-related activities.
3. Enhancing Diplomatic Relations: Visa-free policies can be used as a diplomatic tool to strengthen ties with specific countries. By facilitating travel, a country may aim to foster better diplomatic relations and cooperation.
4. Market Diversification: By targeting specific markets like India and China, governments may aim to diversify their tourism sources, reducing dependency on traditional markets and expanding their reach to emerging economies with a growing middle class.
5. Competitive Advantage: In a competitive global tourism market, countries may implement visa-free policies to gain a competitive advantage over other destinations. This is especially true for countries looking to attract a larger share of the international tourism market.
Q. With this development, what measures are underway to entice the various Indian traveller segments?
The Malaysian government is likely to implement various measures to entice different segments of Indian travellers. Tourism Malaysia will be focusing on a few strategies for the successful implementation of the tourism industry’s development and performance as follows: –
i. Forge smart partnerships with travel industry players e.g. airlines, travel agents, top tour operators and OTAs. The establishment of both private and public sector partnerships is pertinent; both sectors will work together to offer new packages and better service quality to realign Malaysia as the preferred tourism destination.
ii. Enhance tourism promotion (online and offline) through digital medium/ online brochures, and participation at international tradeshows/ exhibitions/ travel expos and roadshows,
iii. Optimise strategic communication/media engagement; for instance hosting social media influencers, media, travel agencies, corporate companies, travellers, incentive groups, and tourism associations from India to experience Malaysia through familiarisation trips.
iv. Co-organise international events like the International India Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024 to Malaysia; a major platform to showcase Malaysia to the most prestigious event from the Bollywood industry.
v. Collaborations with travel agencies and online platforms to streamline the visa-free process could also be part of the strategy. Additionally, efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and ensure safety and comfort for Indian tourists could play a significant role in attracting diverse segments of Indian travellers to Malaysia.
Q. Currently, where does India rank as a priority market for Malaysia. With this development, how do you see India improving in its ranking?
India is a significant priority market for Malaysia, with strong economic ties and cultural connections. India is Malaysia’s fifth largest source of tourists. Malaysia recorded 14.4 million tourist arrivals between January and September 2023, with 472,479 from India.
In terms of air accessibility, 180 flights with 33,374 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, and IndiGo. In addition, the availability of flights as well as the expected increase in flights and new routes will also be able to increase the number of Indian tourists arriving in Malaysia.
The country has emerged as the fastest-growing outbound destination, surpassing other nations in tourism sector growth. The decision to waive off visa could enhance this relationship, fostering tourism and business exchanges, and potentially elevating India’s ranking in Malaysia’s priority markets.
Q. In terms of forecast, how will this announcement impact competitiveness between India and China, both considered as strong tourism source markets in Asia?
The Malaysian government’s decision to waive off visas could lead to increased competitiveness between India and China as tourism source markets in Asia. This move may attract more tourists from both countries and the impact on competitiveness will depend on various factors including marketing strategies, accessibility, and travel infrastructure. Monitoring tourism trends and promotional efforts will be crucial to assess the evolving dynamic between India and China in Malaysia’s tourism sector.

Bahrain Tourism unveils ‘Celebrate Bahrain’ with events and activities

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has announced the final list of events and activities, themed “Celebrate Bahrain” to be held in in collaboration with partners, marking the Kingdom’s national days. The diverse arrangement implies a fusion of family, musical, cultural, and sporting events set to captivate citizens, residents, and visitors alike throughout December.

The festivities begin with a series of events, such as the enchanting “Festival City,” a carnival showcasing several entertainment games, delectable restaurants, and live performances for families to enjoy. The celebration continues with the second edition of the Heritage Village, showcasing Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage. For those looking for a unique shopping experience, the annual “Autumn Fair” takes place at the Exhibition World Bahrain. This exhibition offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities, adding a vibrant touch to the festive season.

As the year comes to a close, the New Year’s Eve celebrations promise to be spectacular. Various locations such as Marassi Al Bahrain, Bahrain Bay, Water Garden City, Bahrain Financial Harbour, Bahrain Fort, Bahrain National Museum, and Al Najma Club are set to host events featuring dazzling fireworks displays. These gatherings provide a fantastic way for residents and visitors alike to ring in the New Year with joy and excitement. The festivities also include the return of the Muharraq Nights Festival offering an immersive experience in the heart of Muharraq City. For sports enthusiasts, the calendar boasts prestigious events such as the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship, Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, horseracing competitions, and the Brave championship series.

To enhance the tourist experience, BTEA also introduced special packages focusing on various fields, such as exploring Bahrain’s rich musical and cultural diversity, golf experiences, New Year’s celebrations, coral events, and sports. Each package was curated to provide unique offers and benefits for a memorable stay. As part of these extraordinary offerings, Gulf Air extended a festive gesture with a generous 16% discount on flight offers, ensuring a seamless journey to Bahrain’s enchanting festivities. Furthermore, shoppers and diners enjoyed treats with discounts and prize opportunities at Moda Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Seef Mall, and The Avenues. For a hassle-free and immersive stay, tourists could avail themselves of comprehensive packages covering accommodation, entertainment, and transportation.

As the enchanting “Celebrate Bahrain” events unfold,” Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority stands ready to welcome citizens, residents, and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the vibrant festivities, creating enduring memories in the heart of the kingdom. Simultaneously, BTEA is poised for action, gearing up to launch intensified promotional campaigns that aim to not only showcase the significance of the festivities but also to ensure maximum global participation.

Global business travel spend to reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2027: GBTA

Global business travel spending rose by 47 per cent to USD 1.03 trillion last year and is expected to grow to nearly USD 1.8 trillion globally by 2027, according to a report by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

The 2023 GBTA Business Travel Index Report also found that the global business travel industry rebounded faster than expected in 2023. It attributed factors including pent-up demand following the pandemic and healthier economic conditions than forecasted as having significantly contributed to this recovery.

It comes at a time that the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced a strategic partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) for the upcoming edition of the annual ATM event. It will be held from 6-9 May, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The two global organisations have been appointed as ‘Knowledge Partners’ for the regional trade show.

During ATM 2024, ICCA will deliver seminars on insights into recent research, innovations, and best practices covering a range of topics for the MICE industry, while GBTA will outline the prevailing trends in the business travel sector at the show.

According to the ICCA statistical forecast, which charts the history and performance of the International Association Meetings Industry from 1963 to 2022, 10,602 business events were recorded worldwide last year, of which 9,009 (85 per cent) were in-person.

It represented a 349 per cent increase from the previous year when only 2,007 in-person events occurred. The Middle East accounted for the highest percentage of in-person delegates (94 per cent) in last year’s official figures.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said, “All of the latest research suggests that the business events and business travel sectors are going from strength to strength. These sectors have always been important verticals at ATM, and the official partnership with ICCA and GBTA for the 2024 edition will take our offering to the next level. By collaborating with these respected industry leaders, ATM aims to deliver even more value and innovation to its attendees and exhibitors.”

The theme for the 31st edition of ATM is ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. Participants include those from the fields of aviation, accommodation, hospitality, attractions, and technology, among others. Last year’s event welcomed more than 40,000 attendees, the largest number recorded to date.

Catherine Logan, regional senior vice president for the EMEA and APAC at GBTA, added, “Although one of the smaller global business travel markets, the MEA region has huge potential for growth and recovered more than any other region in 2022, reaching 95 per cent of pre-pandemic business travel spending. Business travel spend in the region is forecast to exceed this figure in 2023 and reach USD 30.6 million and continue its growth trajectory going forward.”

 

SKIL Travel’s new website showcases immersive travel solutions for corporates

SKIL Travel, a leading travel solutions provider, announced the launch of its new website, http://www.skiltravel.com/. The unveiling of this website is a significant milestone for the company, as it aims to provide its expanding consumer base with a platform to explore and experience its comprehensive, end-to-end travel solutions. With a special focus on corporate clients, SKIL Travel is committed to delivering hassle-free and delightful travel experiences.

The new website offers an interactive and user-friendly interface designed to help corporate travellers easily navigate and explore SKIL Travel’s unique offerings. From domestic and international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) services to thoughtfully planned corporate travel solutions, SKIL Travel ensures that every aspect of the journey is taken care of, offering a one-stop-shop for all travel needs.

Speaking on this, Shylender Jindal, Founding Chairman & Managing Director, SKIL Travel, said, “We are thrilled to unveil our brand-new website, which serves as a window to the world of travel solutions that SKIL Travel has to offer. Our commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences is reflected in every aspect of this website. We understand the unique needs of our corporate clients, and our website showcases our dedication to providing them with the finest travel services available. We invite both our existing and potential customers to explore our website and discover how SKIL Travel can make their travel dreams a reality.”

Key features of the new website include:

Corporate Cabs: SKIL Travel offers reliable transportation solutions to corporate clients, ensuring punctuality and comfort for their employees across India.

MICE Services: With years of experience in handling large-scale corporate events, SKIL Travel excels in planning and executing conferences, seminars, exhibitions and employee offsites that leave a lasting impact.

Accommodation: The website provides a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays, tailored to suit the preferences and budgets of corporate travellers.

Customized Travel Plans: SKIL Travel’s expertise in crafting personalized travel itineraries ensures that every corporate trip is seamless and enjoyable.