Tag Archives: USA

Royal Gulf Tourism partners with Linkin Reps to strengthen presence in North & East India

Royal Gulf Tourism, a pioneer in the UAE’s inbound tourism industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Linkin Reps Pvt. Ltd. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Royal Gulf Tourism’s commitment to expanding its footprint in key regions of North and East India, enabling it to bring world-class travel services to a broader audience.

Royal Gulf Tourism: 25+ Years of Excellence in Destination Management
Founded in 1996, Royal Gulf Tourism has been at the forefront of UAE tourism for over 25 years. As one of the first Destination Management Companies (DMC) in the UAE, Royal Gulf has served more than 1.5 million tourists, translating to over 5 million tourist days. The company is affiliated with over 500 hotels, offering an extensive range of services, including hotel bookings, excursions, professional guides, transfers, and visa processing.

Royal Gulf Tourism began its journey as a specialist in inbound tourism from the Czech Republic and Slovakia and has since expanded its presence to Central and Eastern Europe, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa, Greece, and the USA. Its unwavering dedication to delivering flawless and memorable travel experiences has earned the company a reputation as the UAE’s premium and most reliable Destination Management Company.

A Partnership Rooted in Growth and Innovation
Through its partnership with Linkin Reps Pvt. Ltd., Royal Gulf Tourism aims to solidify its position in the Indian market. Under the leadership of Komal Seth, Director and Founder of Linkin Reps, the collaboration will focus on enhancing Royal Gulf’s visibility and fostering relationships with travel trade partners in North and East India.

The partnership promises to unlock new opportunities, delivering exceptional ground-handling and destination services tailored to the needs of Indian travellers. By combining Royal Gulf’s legacy of excellence with Linkin Reps’ proven track record in strategic sales, marketing, and representation, the collaboration is poised to redefine travel experiences for Indian leisure and MICE travellers.

Statements from Leaders
“We are excited to partner with Linkin Reps Pvt. Ltd.,” said a spokesperson for Royal Gulf Tourism. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing world-class travel experiences and forging meaningful relationships with our partners. With Linkin Reps’ extensive market expertise and innovative strategies, we look forward to achieving new milestones together.”

Komal Seth, Director and Founder of Linkin Reps Pvt. Ltd., shared her perspective, “Royal Gulf Tourism has a rich history of delivering exceptional services and curating unforgettable travel experiences. We are honored to represent them in North and East India and are confident that this partnership will open doors to exciting new possibilities for Indian travelers.”

The US has been an important outbound source market for Indians.

5mn Indians hold American visa, issuance up by 60%, says outgoing US Ambassador

Outgoing United States Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti on Monday said that over 5 million Indians currently hold American visas, with visa issuances increasing by more than 60% since his appointment as his country’s envoy here.

Speaking at an event at the Fulbright House in New Delhi, Garcetti said that for the second consecutive year, the US issued over one million non-immigrant visas to Indians, including a record number of visitor visas. He also highlighted the substantive reduction of wait times for all visa types, with the exception of first-time visitor visas.

“Since becoming Ambassador, we’ve increased our visa issuance by more than 60%, and for the second year in a row, we’ve issued over a million non-immigrant visas, including a record number of visitor visas,” he said.

Garcetti praised India’s growing prominence as the leading source of international students in the United States.

“I’m proud to say that since becoming Ambassador, India has become the number one source of higher education students in the USA. One in four foreign students in American universities are Indian,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in India, Garcetti expressed pride in the strengthened US-India relationship, emphasising the shared purpose between the two nations.

“This last speech is about you, about us. People are connecting across oceans and cultures for a common purpose to better the lives of our two nations and the world we inhabit,” he said.

Garcetti’s remarks come at a time of heightened concerns in India about potential changes in US immigration policies, particularly with the incoming Trump administration. The H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign workers to enter the US, has been under scrutiny, especially as Indian nationals make up over 70% of all H-1B visa holders.

While Garcetti did not directly address the anticipated policy shifts, he spoke about the importance of increasing economic and educational exchanges between the two countries, asserting that such ties would strengthen both nations. “The more ties we have to more Indians and the more ways we can find to grow our economic and educational exchanges, the stronger America and India will both be,” he said.

The envoy made a call to overcome division, stating: “Let’s prove any haters wrong, the way we always have, by meeting instead of tweeting, by investing instead of protesting, by connecting instead of objecting.”

Garcetti’s remarks were part of his final public lecture in a series discussing the US-India relations in different parts of India.
(Source: Express News Service)

Louisiana Office of Tourism hosts first-ever Sales Mission in India

The Louisiana Office of Tourism, the official tourism promotional agency for the state of Louisiana, USA, organised its first mission to India from in Mumbai and New Delhi.

The objective of this mission was to increase destination awareness amongst the travel and media on the diverse range of tourism offerings available for potential Indian visitors. The mission was led by Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana state, and Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism, along with Louisiana’s partners Visit Lake Charles, New Orleans & Company, and Mississippi River Country.

Visitor numbers from India to the USA continue to set new records. After the rapid recovery in visitor arrivals in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers, there has been an impressive growth of 35% in arrivals to the USA between January- July 2024, making India the second-largest overseas market for the USA. Louisiana, with its cultural experiences, unique local cuisines, music & entertainment, outdoors, and vibrant festivals, is a perfect extension for Indians planning a holiday in the US.

Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Market Development Cooperator Program, the expansion to the India market includes collaboration with U.S. Commercial Services and the U.S. Embassy as part of the International Travel Office’s efforts.

Louisiana is conveniently located in the Southeastern region of the United States and is easily accessible from major gateway cities of New York, Newark, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, making it a great addition to any USA itinerary. The primary gateway to Louisiana by air is New Orleans, with its newly renovated Louis Armstrong International Airport, facilitating easy access from all important Indian outbound cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai.

In 2024, Louisiana is celebrating the “Year of Music,” highlighting its rich musical heritage as the birthplace of Jazz, Cajun, and Zydeco forms of music. This campaign aims to attract visitors from around the world by showcasing the state’s vibrant and unique musical legacy.

“We’re very excited to have continued our work in India,” said Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism. “The Indian traveller is looking for the kind of authentic experiences, amazing music and delicious food that Louisiana is known for. We can’t wait to welcome even more visitors from India to our great state.”

IATO seeks budgetary support for overseas promotion to revive inbound travel

The Inbound Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has sought immediate government assistance as tour operators continue to suffer in the wake of sluggish FTA’s which still remain below 2019 levels.

The major reason for little revival in this sector can be attributed to lack of budgetary support for publicity abroad and withdrawal of incentives to tour operators which could be utilised for promotion in the key source market like the UK, Canada, the USA, Germany, Australia, France and Russia, the apex body said.

There is no gain saying that the tourism sector suffered the most during the pandemic. However since then, there has been a robust revival in Domestic Tourism and outbound travel. This is mainly due to pent up demand, allure of foreign locations and incentives like visa fee waiver announced by multiple countries. They have wooed our tourists as that boosts their economy but unfortunately there have been no such measures from our country and that has led to lack of foreign tourist numbers in India. Besides, the incentives announced by neigbouring countries have also weaned some foreign tourists away from our country, the association states.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, said, “In 2018 and 2019, India had 10.56 million and 10.93 million foreign tourist arrivals, 2023 which was a normal year the figure was 92.36 lakhs. Even this year we are not expecting 2019 level’s to be reached. At best we are expecting 7-9 percent growth over 2019 levels.”

He added, “Travel and Tourism created 79.86 million (direct + indirect) jobs and 15.34 per cent of jobs in the 2019–2020 year. Forex earnings in 2020 were in the tune of USD 7 billion In terms of GDP during 2019–2020, tourism contributed 5.19 per cent (direct + indirect). These figures indicate potential both in terms of contribution to GDP as well as the tourism potential. By that yardstick we can easily assess the huge opportunity lost for the country”.

In the wake of this, IATO urges the government to restore, if possible, hike the budget for promotion abroad. Overseas advertisements both electronic and print and road shows abroad should resume. Besides, a PLI on the lines introduced for the manufacturing sector can be given to tour operators as that can help in earning foreign exchange and with this money they can promote the destinations abroad. Besides, the government should consider visa fee waiver as the resultant increase in numbers would easily offset the revenue lost in terms of visa fees.

These measures together can help in restoring FTA’s in India, IATO says.

Visit Qatar conducts two-city roadshow & networking events in India

Visit Qatar has concluded its two-city roadshow in New Delhi and Mumbai.

The event brought together 25 key partners, providing an exclusive platform to engage with over 200 of India’s top travel agents and tour operators. This initiative showcased Qatar’s versatile appeal, catering to a wide range of travellers – from leisure seekers to business tourists, highlighting the country’s diverse tourism offerings.

Qatar’s proximity to India, combined with Qatar Airways’ extensive global network and visa-free policy for Indian nationals with a Discover Qatar accommodation voucher, further enhances its appeal as a top destination in the Middle East. Additionally, Indians holding a valid visa from any one of the following countries – USA, UK, Schengen, Australia, New Zealand, Canada can avail for the Hayya A3 visa and arrive in Qatar with a pre-approved electronic travel authorisation.

The roadshow featured a line-up of partners, including 15 leading hotels such as The St. Regis Doha, Marsa Malaz Kempinski – The Pearl, Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha, Mandarin Oriental Doha, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Le Royal Méridien Doha, W Doha, The Outpost Al Barari, Rixos Qetaifan Island North, Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park, Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, Radisson Blu Hotel and Rosewood Doha. Additionally, 10 destination management companies (DMCs) participated, including Discover Qatar, Tawfeeq Holidays, Q Moments, Travel Designer, Qatar International Tours, Regency Holidays, Mannai Air Travel, Ali Bin Ali Holidays, Satguru Travel and Experience Qatar.

In a significant move to promote Qatar’s MICE offerings, Visit Qatar hosted its inaugural corporate networking evening in Mumbai. The event brought together over 25 leading corporate representatives from sectors including Banking, Finance, Insurance, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Cement and Paints. Eight of Doha’s most prominent hotels, including Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, The St. Regis Doha, Marsa Malaz Kempinski – The Pearl, Radisson Blu Hotel, Rosewood Doha, W Doha, Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha, and The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, presented their MICE capabilities, showcasing Qatar’s potential as a foremost destination for corporate events.

The evening fostered productive networking, strengthening connections between Qatari hospitality providers and key Indian corporate decision-makers.

Qatar’s appeal to Indian travellers is evident in the sharp increase in arrivals over the past few years, with numbers rising from 166,000 in 2021 to 420,000 in 2023. This year alone, Visit Qatar has successfully managed 12 MICE groups from India, with a strong pipeline for the coming year, including a significant incentive group of 2,600 corporate guests set to visit next month. As Qatar continues to expand and diversify its offerings, it is well on its way to becoming a top destination for both leisure and business travellers from India.

Indians taking 2 or more overseas trips have grown by 32%: MMT Report

MakeMyTrip (MMT) has released its ‘How India Travels Abroad’ Report for June 2023 to May 2024, period.

Highlighting the importance of the report, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said, “With rising disposable incomes, greater exposure to global cultures, and the increasing ease of travel, more Indians are exploring both domestic and international destinations for leisure as well as business. Our data attests to the growing confidence in exploring new destinations and indulging in different/luxury experiences, which is also transforming the travel industry.

While domestic tourism remains buoyant, as noted in our previous report, our latest findings highlight the notable changes in international travel behaviour driven by macroeconomic factors that are fuelling the surge in travel among Indians. These trends present an exciting opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to innovate and cater to the evolving needs of Indian travellers.”

A key finding from the report suggests that international travel search volumes remain relatively steady across all seasons, with December being the most active month for international travel searches.

The October-December quarter attracts the most searches for short-haul destinations, while the six-month period between April and September sees higher searches for mid & long-haul destinations.

The report also reveals that popular destinations such as the UAE, Thailand, and the USA top the chart of the destinations that Indians love to travel to, with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan leading the emerging destinations chart.

Some other key highlights from the report are:
• Wanderlust Boom: More Indians are taking trips to international destinations, with a 32% growth in people taking 2 or more trips in a year. The top ten most searched countries remain the same as 2023, contributing to 64% of all international searches on the platform. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi lead the charts for international travel searches. UK, Australia and Germany are the most popular student destinations.

• Emerging Hotspots – There has been a 70% increase in the combined search volume for the top 10 emerging destinations. Almaty and Baku have seen phenomenal growth rates of 527% and 395%, respectively. The overall contribution of searches for emerging destinations on our platform has increased from 10% to 14%, indicating that Indians are exploring newer global destinations.

• Business Class not just for Business – Interest in luxury travel is rising among Indians, with a 10% growth in searches for business class flights in the international segment. Hong Kong shows the highest growth with a 131% increase in searches followed by Sri Lanka, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.

• Luxury vs. Budget: Indian Travelers’ Hotel Choices – While Indians are on the lookout for pocket friendly experiences, close to 50% of international hotel bookings fall in the above INR 7,000 per night tariff bracket. With New York being the most expensive place to book a hotel, South Asian destinations such as Pokhara, Pattaya, and Kuala Lumpur emerge as the top destinations for budget-friendly stay options.

o Travellers from Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana spend the most on premium hotel bookings
o In contrast, travellers from Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu show a higher preference for budget hotels

• Homestays and Villas on the Rise – Searches for homestays and villas have surged by 42%. Bali, Dubai and Singapore make for the highest share of searches for homestays and villas, while cities like Interlaken, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome are also leading this trend, showing maximum growth in search volumes.

• Jet-set for Leisure – Fifty-five percent of all trips to international destinations are for leisure, followed by 33% for VFR (visiting friends and relatives). Thailand is the most favourite leisure destination for Indians. An impressive 44% of international travellers from West Bengal chose Thailand as the overseas destination. The UAE, Europe, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam are the other top leisure destinations for Indian travellers.

• Urban Nightlife Dominates – More than one-third of Indians prefer urban destinations with a vibrant nightlife. Travellers from West Bengal and Punjab make up the largest share of those seeking urban nightlife. Bangkok, Pattaya, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, and Ho Chi Minh City are the top five destinations for travellers seeking vibrant urban nightlife. Additionally, 23% of Indians also have a proclivity towards shopping and luxury, with Dubai and Singapore being the top favourites.

• Love for flexibility, assurance, and extra baggage – Japan, Europe, the USA, and South Korea are the top destinations where Indians opted for Zero Cancellation for flight bookings. The UAE, Thailand, Europe, and the USA, on the other hand, had the highest share of travellers purchasing travel insurance. Indians also have a preference for additional baggage – travellers from Rajasthan booked the most extra baggage, followed by those from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Additionally, Europe, the UAE, Singapore, and the USA, saw the highest share of travellers opting for Visa Rejection Full Refund.

• Impulsive Travel Trend – Close to 50% of international flights and 56% of international hotel rooms are booked less than 14 days before the travel date. Oman, Nepal and UAE have the highest last minute flight bookings, while Qatar, Oman and Azerbaijan lead in last minute hotel bookings. European cities, on the other hand, have longest Advance Purchase (AP) windows.

The “How Indians Travel Abroad” report spotlights India’s emergence as a global travel force. As travellers seek authenticity and personal connections, the travel ecosystem must adapt. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins in Greece or sipping tea in Sri Lanka, Indian travellers are leaving their footprints across continents.