Tag Archives: Kochi

AirAsia to start Kuala Lumpur-Ahmedabad direct flights from May 1

Expanding its India network, AirAsia is set to connect Kuala Lumpur with Ahmedabad.

This new route, set to take flight on May 1, 2024, will add to the airline’s rapidly growing connectivity to Malaysia, marking AirAsia’s 11th route from India, and third new route in 2024 alone. This will also serve as AirAsia’s first step into the state of Gujarat from Malaysia, further cementing its foothold in South Asia.

To celebrate this milestone, AirAsia is offering promotional fares for travellers from Ahmedabad wishing to explore Kuala Lumpur. One can fly from only INR7,999 to the Malaysian city and from just RM209 from Kuala Lumpur to Ahmedabad while booking till 28 January 2024 for travel between May 1, 2024 till March 19, 2025 on the airasia Superapp or www.airasia.com.

Bo Lingam, Group CEO, AirAsia Group Limited, said, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce yet another venture of AirAsia from the beautiful Ahmedabad to Kuala Lumpur as we continue to celebrate the commendable initiative by the government for visa free entry into Malaysia for Indian nationals. A city that is steeped in deeply-rooted traditions and heritage, Kuala Lumpur is a world-famous tourist hotspot for adventure seekers, globe trotters and foodies alike.

“When we launched our very first flight into India in 2008, our vision and mission had always been to enhance affordable connectivity between our two nations. Both Malaysia and India have plenty of untapped tourism potential and it’s been amazing to see how travel has boomed in both countries in the last decade. AirAsia will continue to broaden our horizons of connectivity, which undoubtedly will encourage and allow for more people to travel to various unexplored gems of India affordably.”

AirAsia operates a robust network of routes directly from India to Malaysia from both northern and southern cities ‒ Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata via its short-haul airline AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) and to New Delhi and Amritsar via medium haul affiliate airline AirAsia X (flight code D7).

Come February 2024, AirAsia will be commencing flights from Kerala, making it the second direct route from the state after Kochi followed by Jaipur in April and Ahmedabad in May.

 

Leading Global Cruise Players Eager to Sail into Indian Waters

The success of MV Ganga Vilas and other Indian river cruises has attracted global cruise companies to set their sights on India. This success has also motivated Indian entities to consider international routes. Two major global players are currently investigating cruise opportunities along India’s waterways, engaging in discussions with the Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways (MoPSW) regarding potential routes.

According to an official monitoring these developments, international giants like MSC Cruises, known for Mediterranean voyages, and Royal Caribbean, active in regions like Singapore and Thailand, are aiming to enter the Indian market.

The proposed routes encompass journeys such as Mumbai-Goa, Mumbai-Lakshadweep, Mumbai-Daman & Diu, and Chennai-Sri Lanka, among others. The majority of these routes are centered around Mumbai as the primary hub.

“There are global players that are eyeing operations along the west coast routes and to Sri Lanka. Compared to the east coast, where the sea and waters are relatively rough, the western waters are calmer and hence more popular,” said the official . India is also exploring cruise or waterways travel along India-Bangladesh protocol routes.

The global river cruises market is anticipated to reach approximately $1.71 billion in revenues by 2032, up from $1.45 billion in 2022, reflecting a 2% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) between 2022 and 2032.

In the current landscape, existing cruises continue to thrive. Ministry officials note that MV Ganga Vilas is fully booked until March, with its second journey anticipated soon. Cordelia Cruises has also experienced substantial growth, navigating through ports in Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Lakshadweep, Diu, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and three destinations in Sri Lanka—Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Jaffna. Total sailings have exceeded 200, accommodating over 400,000 passengers.

Italian cruise liner Costa has been maintaining a steady course. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, notes an initial surge post Cordelia’s launch, maintaining sustained momentum at a 100% month-on-month rate throughout the year.

The Tourism Ministry forecasts the cruise tourism market to reach a value of INR 35,500 crore by 2041, hosting a passenger count of 4 million. (Source The Business Line)

Kerala introduces heli-tourism connecting 11 destinations in the state

In a significant move to boost tourism and enhance connectivity, the state of Kerala has inaugurated a pioneering heli-tourism project. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas officially launched the initiative, designating Kochi as its central hub.

This ambitious project aims to connect 11 key destinations across the state, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Jadayu Para, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kozhikode, and Kasaragod.

Minister Riyas highlighted that the heli-tourism initiative seeks to minimize time spent on travel, providing tourists with efficient and seamless access to popular destinations. In addition, Kerala Tourism plans to unveil an informative microsite dedicated to heli-tourism.

Further developments in the project include the introduction of new helipads in strategic locations. Discussions with private stakeholders have already commenced to streamline the project’s implementation.

The heli-tourism services will be categorized into three types: ‘City Rides’ for short trips within or near cities, ‘Destination-to-Destination Connect’ facilitating exploration of tourist destinations within the state, and ‘Tourism Packages’ offering curated trips linking multiple destinations.

Kerala Tourism will play a facilitating role, while private agencies will be responsible for providing services, adhering to all security specifications. Approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is mandatory for the commencement of services.

Choppers used for heli-tourism will have a seating capacity ranging from 6 to 12 passengers. Expressions of interest will be invited shortly, requiring aspiring operators to submit detailed plans for consideration, as outlined by Minister Riyas. The launch of this heli-tourism project is poised to transform the tourism landscape in Kerala, offering visitors a unique and efficient way to explore the scenic beauty of the state.”

IITM to be held in 9 cities across India in 2024

As the global tourism industry is looking forward to 2024, Sphere Travel Media & Exhibitions has announced schedule of the India International Travel Mart (IITM).
Schedule of Events
• IITM Kochi: 19 – 21 January 2024
• IITM Kolkata: 1 – 3 March 2024
• IITM Ahmedabad: 15 – 17 March 2024
• IITM Chennai: 26 – 28 July 2024
• IITM Bangalore: 2 – 4 August 2024
• IITM Delhi: 20 – 22 September 2024
• IITM Mumbai: 18 – 20 October 2024
• IITM Pune: 29 November – 1 December 2024
• IITM Hyderabad: 6 – 8 December 2024
The IITM series of travel events provide opportunities for direct and face-to-face engagement with potential customers. This hands-on experience allows potential customers to better understand and appreciate the features and benefits of the offerings, leading to higher conversion rates and increased sales.
With this year’s edition of ‘IITM,’ Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions enters into its 25th year of providing the travel industry; a productive platform to showcase, network and do business.
With organisations and tourism boards from over 30 Indian states and over 25 countries, ‘India International Travel Mart’ will showcase a variety of destinations from different spheres such as international destinations, travel-technology products, niche travel verticals pilgrimages, adventures, culture & heritage, beaches, hills and many more.
The events for 2024 shall have over 1,500 participants from over 25 key tourism segments. The participants include Tourism destinations, Travel agents & Tour Operators, DMC, Hotels & Resorts, National Tourist Offices, Online Travel Portals, Adventure Tour Operators, Eco – Tourism activities, Travel Technology, Wedding Destinations etc.
Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia, said, “In recent years, the Indian outbound travel market has witnessed an unprecedented surge, transforming the nation into a formidable force in the global tourism landscape. Fuelled by rising affluence, a growing middle class, and increasing travel aspirations, Indian travellers are exploring the world like never before. This phenomenon has significant implications for destinations worldwide and offers exciting opportunities for the travel industry to cater to this burgeoning market”.
Highlights:
• This year ‘India International Travel Mart’ will see several new products in the Hospitality and Travel sphere being unveiled.
• IITM will unveil the IITM Travel Start-up forum at the IITM Events.
• The ‘India International Travel Mart’ provides an ideal ‘marketing opportunity’ and ‘excellent backdrop’ to enhance the participant’s ‘brand-equity’ in the eyes of the discerning travel-market.
• Boost for Domestic Tourism: Domestic Travel being India’s biggest travel segment, this year shall see participants from over 25 different tourism specialties from over 30 Indian states.
• The events are supported by all major associations such as ADTOI, ATOAI, IATO, TAAI, SKAL, ETAA, TOA, Karnataka Tourism Society, Travel and Tour Operators of Andhra Pradesh, Tour Operators Association of Telangana, Network of Indian MICE Agents, etc
Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia added “India’s domestic tourism industry has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth in recent years. With a diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich tapestry of traditions, the country offers a myriad of travel experiences for its own citizens. As disposable incomes rise and travel becomes more accessible, Indians are increasingly exploring their own nation, boosting the domestic tourism sector, and generating substantial economic benefits. The base of over 500 million discerning domestic holidaymakers; it is a yearlong bankable market; no hospitality and travel organization can ignore”.

Kerala to launch Beypore-Kochi-Dubai cruise service

In a bid to boost tourism, and aid international travel, the Government of Kerala has granted permission to the Beypore-Kochi-Dubai cruise service, kick-starting soon. Approval was granted after witnessing a surge in demand from non-resident Indian passengers.

The report also confirmed that the first step towards introducing service is being taken, and the same has been announced by Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Once the service is launched, it will provide great benefits to the non-resident Keralites, living overseas. It is expected to give a big relief to the soaring airfare, and will cost them half or one-third of any airplane tickets. Under this amount, the cruise will allow them to carry three times more luggage than any airplane.

The report says the cruise service is expected to take a load of up to 1,250 passengers at a time, providing them a seamless travel experience on sea. It will be equipped with robust technology, ensuring smooth travel for everyone on board.

YA Rahim, President, Indian Association Sharjah, says the ship will take hardly three days to reach its destination, Mint Report. In addition, he further says, “The idea is to get the service up and running before school break in December. We want to make sure that Indian expats in the UAE can travel to their hometown without paying exorbitant airline charges.”

Meanwhile, the report says the ship has been specially designated for the Kochi-Dubai route only. Its vessel was created in Kochi for another state. However, now it has shifted to use in Kerala Gulf services.