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-Top News Travel & Tourism UAE News

ICL Joins UNWTO; Unveils Global Expansion with 100+ New Branches 

ICL Tours and Travels LLC, headquartered in the UAE, has achieved a significant milestone by affiliating with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Building on this recognition, the company has unveiled ambitious plans to establish over 100 new branches worldwide as part of its global expansion strategy….reports Asian Lite News

Tours and Travels LLC, a leader in the tours and travel industry specialising in personalised and sustainable travel experiences, announced its official affiliation with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).  

This prestigious recognition was conferred during the 122nd Session of the UNWTO Executive Council in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.  

As the UN’s specialised agency, UNWTO champions tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the 2030 Agenda through collaboration with governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders. By becoming an Affiliate Member of UNWTO, ICL Tours and Travels LLC joins a global network of over 470 organisations committed to advancing sustainable tourism.  

This partnership strengthens the company’s mission to promote responsible tourism that empowers communities, preserves cultural heritage, and protects the environment.  

“This partnership is a significant milestone for us,” said K.G. Anilkumar, Chairman of ICL Group of Companies. “It provides a platform to collaborate with global leaders, share best practices, and contribute to a more sustainable tourism sector. We look forward to creating impactful and responsible travel experiences that benefit travellers and the destinations we serve.”  

Uma Anilkumar, Managing Director of ICL Tours and Travels LLC, added: “Our affiliation with UNWTO not only affirms our commitment to sustainability but also amplifies our ability to foster cultural exchange and community empowerment. We are excited to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global tourism.”  

“Being part of the UNWTO network gives us the opportunity to collaborate on a global scale, aligning our efforts with industry leaders to drive responsible tourism,” said Amaljith A Menon, Director of ICL Group International Operations. “We are excited to work alongside like-minded organisations to deliver meaningful travel experiences.”  

ICL Tours and Travels LLC’s approach is guided by three core pillars: empowering communities through economic growth and development opportunities, promoting responsible travel to protect natural and cultural heritage, and fostering cultural exchange to celebrate and understand diverse communities. Through its UNWTO affiliation, the company is poised to amplify its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  

The partnership enables ICL Tours to showcase its initiatives, collaborate with like-minded organisations, participate in global projects, and access valuable industry insights, all while benefiting from the institutional support and credibility of UNWTO. This recognition marks a step forward in ICL Tours and Travels LLC’s journey to shape a more ethical and impactful global tourism landscape. 

ALSO READ: World Bank: UAE a regional hub for trade, biz & travel 

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Business Kerala Travel & Tourism

Kerala’s Tourism Needs You 

 To fuel tourism expansion, Kerala is actively seeking substantial investments to enhance its tourism infrastructure, promote unique experiences, and ensure sustainable development, setting the stage for a new era of exploration and discovery…reports Asian Lite News 

 

Kerala Sets ₹1,000 Cr Ayurveda Goal 

Kerala has set a target of attracting investments worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Ayurveda sector before the Invest Kerala Global Summit, which will be held in the port city in February.   

Industries Minister P. Rajeev made the announcement at the sectoral meeting on ‘Ayurveda and Pharmaceuticals’, which was organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) here as a build-up to next year’s summit. 

He interacted with Ayurveda entrepreneurs and requested the support of the stakeholders and their associations to achieve the target. As the entrepreneurs called for establishing institutes to teach non-degree courses in this field, the minister assured that such courses would not fail to get approved. 

Getting approval for courses for pharmacists and therapists would not be difficult, he said. 

“There are huge investment opportunities in the Ayurveda sector in Kerala. The industries department will extend all support to the entrepreneurs to overcome practical difficulties,” Rajeev said. 

“With the advent of modern technology, the least job loss is in the ayurvedic sector. Hence, this sector can generate employment opportunities. Ayurveda is an area where local communities can find employment,” the minister added. 

Experts taking part in the meeting hailed the tremendous support the state government gave to protect the credibility of Ayurveda, who wished that innovation and modern technology should be integrated into Ayurveda without compromising on traditional and heritage elements. 

Over the years, the mainstay of Kerala tourism has been the hugely popular Ayurveda packages being offered across the state especially where the tourists flock in large numbers. Incidentally at the hugely popular signature event of Kerala Tourism, held every other year, the Kerala Tourism Mart which took place here last month, ayurveda was the most discussed tourism product of the state. Tour operators from Russia and Europe, after seeing the Ayurveda product spread that is on offer in Kerala, have promised to promote such packages in their countries. 

Rahul Puts Wayanad on Top 

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday posted a video showing tourist places of Kerala a day after he said that he (Rahul) would help Priyanka Gandhi to make Wayanad a tourist destination.  

He visited Kerala’s longest zipline located in the district at the Karapuzha dam site and was seen freely interacting with the workers of the dam site. He was accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi whose fate will be decided on Wednesday when the Wayanad goes to polling. 

In the video that has now gone viral, he says: “On Priyanka’s campaign trail in Wayanad yesterday, I had the chance to connect with some truly inspiring locals. Despite the recent challenges, they’re not giving up. They’ve built incredible attractions – the largest giant swing in South India, a drop tower, and a thrilling zipline all to show visitors that Wayanad is as stunning and safe as ever. I even tried the zipline myself, and I loved every second of it.’ 

However, he added that the reality is tough as the recent landslide has left tourism hanging by a thread, and livelihoods are suffering from shopkeepers to homestay owners and the adventure park team, ‘everyone is working hard just to keep things going’.  

Congress wrote on X that LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi had a candid interaction with some locals in Wayanad whose stories of resilience greatly inspired them. 

“From the largest giant swing in South India to a thrilling zipline, the people of Wayanad have built incredible tourism and adventure spots. Despite their hardships, they continue to work hard to revitalise the local economy,” Congress wrote on X.  

The party added that Wayanad embodies the best of India, and both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have taken on a mission to make it a top destination in Kerala. 

Local Congress legislator I.C. Balakrishnan told IANS that the visit by Rahul and Priyanka has evoked a tremendous response in and around the now popular tourist destination. 

“He will make all efforts to promote Wayanad which has suffered the worst-ever landslide that washed away four villages. His visit will certainly do a world of good for tourists especially after the video has gone viral,” said Balakrishnan. 

He added that it was worth watching how he interacted with the workers and wanted to find out every aspect of the adventure park at the Karapuzha dam site.  

“There was a lull after the landslide and his video will be hugely beneficial for the tourism industry,” added Balakrishnan. 

Seaplane Era Takes Off  

With the first seaplane landing in the Kochi backwaters on Sunday, seaplane tourism is set to take off in Kerala.  

The seaplane, which took off from Vijayawada, touched down at the Bolgatty backwaters in Kochi at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. 

Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas will officially flag off the trial seaplane service from Bolgatty to the Mattupetty reservoir near Munnar at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. 

This marks a major milestone in Kerala’s ambitious plan to link its scenic waterways through aerial routes. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has played a crucial role by providing technical expertise and infrastructure for the seaplane project. 

With its extensive network of rivers, lakes, and lagoons, Kerala is well-suited for seaplane tourism, offering travellers a unique experience of the waterways combined with the thrill of flight. 

The new seaplane services are expected to open up fresh tourism avenues, enabling visitors to enjoy stunning aerial views. Kerala, famed for its backwaters and extensive coastline, stands to gain significantly from this tourism innovation. 

This initiative is anticipated to boost tourism and contribute to Kerala’s economic growth by creating jobs and improving connectivity to some of the state’s most remote and scenic areas. 

Tourism department officials highlighted that seaplanes offer the advantage of large windows, providing passengers with breathtaking views over Kerala’s landscapes, particularly the Western Ghats and Munnar. 

The amphibious aircraft, capable of taking off and landing on both land and water, can carry up to nine passengers. While the tourism sector is enthusiastic about the seaplane project, Kerala faces challenges in making the initiative sustainable in the long term. 

The seaplane project has been introduced under the Civil Aviation Ministry’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN. 

Kerala Tourism had proposed launching seaplane services from various locations, including Kovalam, Ashtamudi Lake, Kumarakom, Idukki Dam, Mattupetty Dam, Punnamada, Malampuzha Dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Chandragiri River in Kasaragod. 

The government identified these water bodies for seaplane operations after the Civil Aviation Ministry simplified regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). 

These changes allow non-scheduled operators to enter the market by eliminating the need for waterdrome licences and easing compliance requirements. 

Notably, in 2013, the Kerala government invested Rs 14 crore to set up waterdromes on Ashtamudi and Punnamada lakes. However, the project was halted due to protests from the fishing community, primarily led by pro-Left unions. 

According to sources within the Kerala government, the state had considered a proposal from a private operator to link four airports and several major water bodies, including those in Kochi. 

The operator quoted Rs 54 crore for a two-year contract to provide a four-hour daily service connecting these locations, but the state has not yet made a decision on this proposal. 

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India News London News Travel & Tourism

Goa tourism minister Khaunte to lure international travellers at WTM London

Minister Rohan Khaunte is in London to attend World Travel Market, Rahul Laud reports

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Minister of Tourism who also holds other portfolios like  Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Printing & Stationery is leading a delegation, including Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Sandip Jacques, IAS, Secretary (Exposition of St. Francis Xavier). Kuldeep Arolkar, Tourism Deputy Director and Shawn Mendes, OSD to Minister for Tourism, at the World Travel Market – the annual Mecca for the global travel and tour trade.

The Goan delegation will speak to speak to the media, tour operators, and tourism trade in London to promote the Goan state.

Another paradigm shift is the new thinking that Goa is much more than Fish Fenny and football, and aims to move beyond its reputation as a beach destination.

Khaunte’s dynamic policy is to reach out to the global traveler that Goan hospitality is world class and its roots and essence are world-class in the hinterland, eco-tourism facilities and a regenerative tourism approach that is more than sustainable making it the first state in India with this tourist approach.

Khaunte is convinced and strongly believes that the environment, local communities, and the Goan economy will flourish through regenerative tourism practices:  In contrast to sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to improve and restore ecosystems, communities, and cultures.

The regenerative approach aims to leave a positive impact, contributing to the well-being of destinations and fostering resilience,  Cultural and environmental preservation and restoration,  Community empowerment, and Inclusive tourism – a collaborative public-private participative approach.

Khaunte desires a serious solid long-term plan and strategy that goes beyond the glitz glitter glamour of the Casinos.

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India News London News Travel & Tourism

Goa tourism minister Khaunte to lure international travellers; next week in London

Minister Rohan Khaunte is all geared up to travel to London to attend World Travel Market, Rahul Laud reports

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Minister of Tourism who also holds other portfolios like  Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Printing & Stationery is leading a delegation, including Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Sandip Jacques, IAS, Secretary (Exposition of St. Francis Xavier). Kuldeep Arolkar, Tourism Deputy Director and Shawn Mendes, OSD to Minister for Tourism, to attend the World Travel Market the annual Mecca for the global travel and tour trade, in London.

The Goan delegation will speak to speak to the media, tour operators, and tourism trade in London to promote the Goan state.

Another paradigm shift is the new thinking that Goa is much more than Fish Fenny and football, and aims to move beyond its reputation as a beach destination.

Khaunte’s dynamic policy is to reach out to the global traveler that Goan hospitality is world class and its roots and essence are world-class in the hinterland, eco-tourism facilities and a regenerative tourism approach that is more than sustainable making it the first state in India with this tourist approach.

Khaunte is convinced and strongly believes that the environment, local communities, and the Goan economy will flourish through regenerative tourism practices:  In contrast to sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to improve and restore ecosystems, communities, and cultures.

The regenerative approach aims to leave a positive impact, contributing to the well-being of destinations and fostering resilience,  Cultural and environmental preservation and restoration,  Community empowerment, and Inclusive tourism – a collaborative public-private participative approach.

Khaunte desires a serious solid long-term plan and strategy that goes beyond the glitz glitter glamour of the Casinos.

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Goa London News Travel & Tourism

Goa tourism minister Khaunte to lure international travellers; next week in London

Minister Rohan Khaunte is all geared up to travel to London to attend World Travel Market next week , Rahul Laud reports

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Minister of Tourism who also holds other portfolios like  Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Printing & Stationery is all geared up with – Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Sandip Jacques, IAS, Secretary (Exposition of St. Francis Xavier). Kuldeep Arolkar, Tourism Deputy Director and Shawn Mendes, OSD to Minister for Tourism – to travel to Goa next week to attend the World Travel Market the annual Mecca for the global travel and tour trade.

The Goan delegation will speak to speak to the media, tour operators, and tourism trade in London to promote the Goan state.

Another paradigm shift is the new thinking that Goa is much more than Fish Fenny and football, and aims to move beyond its reputation as a beach destination.

Khaunte’s dynamic policy is to reach out to the global traveler that Goan hospitality is world class and its roots and essence are world-class in the hinterland, eco-tourism facilities and a regenerative tourism approach that is more than sustainable making it the first state in India with this tourist approach.

Khaunte is convinced and strongly believes that the environment, local communities, and the Goan economy will flourish through regenerative tourism practices:  In contrast to sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to improve and restore ecosystems, communities, and cultures.

The regenerative approach aims to leave a positive impact, contributing to the well-being of destinations and fostering resilience,  Cultural and environmental preservation and restoration,  Community empowerment, and Inclusive tourism – a collaborative public-private participative approach.

Khaunte desires a serious solid long-term plan and strategy that goes beyond the glitz glitter glamour of the Casinos.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan CM unveils Investment Promotion Scheme at London investor roadshow

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-Top News Africa News Travel & Tourism

Kenya taps into diaspora community to grow visitor arrivals

The initiative is expected to boost tourism arrivals currently at 1.9 million to its target of 5 million by 2027, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a preferred travel destination..reports Asian Lite News

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), a state-owned marketing agency, on Sunday launched a campaign leveraging the country’s missions abroad to increase tourist arrivals.

June Chepkemei, KTB chief executive officer, said Kenyan missions abroad would play a crucial role in augmenting the campaign, dubbed ‘Ziara Kenya: One Diaspora, One Tourist,” which seeks to harness the over 3 million Kenyans in the diaspora to help market their motherland through their networks within the host countries, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Kenya has 66 missions abroad which represent our country. This existing infrastructure provides an ideal platform to position Kenya as the most attractive destination for international travellers,” she said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The KTB official spoke during a meeting that gathered key heads of departments from KTB and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking to bolster Kenya’s tourism presence abroad.

The initiative is expected to boost tourism arrivals currently at 1.9 million to its target of 5 million by 2027, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a preferred travel destination, KTB said.

Chepkemei said the campaign will empower Kenyans living abroad to promote tourism within their social networks with incentives, which she said KTB will work together with the travel trade to make it a reality.

“We will be working closely with the travel partners whom we are encouraging to put in place personalized travel packages, and incentives for referrals as a way of motivating the Kenyan diaspora to join the campaigns,” Chepkemei added.

Eliphas Barine, director general of Political and Diplomatic Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the support of the Ministry to KTB in its programs that are aimed at boosting Kenya’s tourism potential by aligning with regional and global tourism agendas.

While saying Africa’s growing market presents immense opportunities, Barine suggested Kenyans in the diaspora can play a critical role in drawing visitors to Kenya by promoting the country’s rich culture, wildlife, and natural beauty.

“We need to synergise as industry stakeholders to ensure that our mandate is realised, and Kenyans are served. The African market is becoming increasingly exciting, and with initiatives like the Africa Agenda 2063 – ‘The Africa We Want,’ it’s time for the diaspora to begin exploring the continent, starting with Kenya,” Barine said.

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-Top News Asia News Travel & Tourism

Indonesia to grant visa-free access to Taiwanese citizens

Sandiaga disclosed the information during a meeting with foreign journalists, where he also outlined Indonesia’s “golden visa” and “second home visa” programmes….reports Asian Lite News

Indonesia has submitted a proposal to grant visa-free access to Taiwanese citizens, according to Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno.

The proposal is now with the Directorate-General of Immigration for approval, as the country seeks to expand its tourism reach and attract more international visitors, Taipei Times (CNA) reported.

Sandiaga disclosed the information during a meeting with foreign journalists, where he also outlined Indonesia’s “golden visa” and “second home visa” programmes. These initiatives are designed to boost tourism and encourage foreign investment in the country. The Minister emphasised the importance of these programmes in increasing the nation’s global tourism standing.

The announcement comes just days before Sandiaga is set to leave his post ahead of Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration as Indonesia’s next president. During the transition to the new government, Sandiaga highlighted key investment opportunities within Indonesia’s special tourism economic zones, encouraging foreign companies to explore ventures in various cities.

Despite Taiwan being considered for visa-free access, it was notably absent from Indonesia’s most recent list of 13 countries and regions granted such privileges. “It is unsatisfactory that the Indonesian government only approved visa-free entry for 13 regions and countries,” Sandiaga said.

He pointed out that neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Thailand have already extended visa exemptions to a broader range of nations, reported Taipei Times.

The Directorate-General of Immigration reviews its visa-free country list every three months, Sandiaga noted, and the agency will soon operate as a non-ministerial department under the new government.

The Minister expressed optimism that the visa-free programme will soon extend to Taiwan, China, and other key markets such as Australia, India, the US, and several European nations.

Visa exemption is a crucial policy to elevate Indonesia’s tourism sector, Sandiaga said, citing the country’s ranking of 22nd in the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Travel and Tourism Development Index. “The visa programmes are crucial for Indonesia to make it to the top 10 in the index,” he added.

Additionally, Sandiaga announced that Indonesia would participate in a major international travel fair in Taiwan next year. Starting from the Lunar New Year, two charter flights per week will operate between Taipei and Banyuwangi, Taipei Times reported.

“As the Ijen volcano complex and Mount Bromo have become very popular among Taiwanese and Chinese tourists, the direct flights from Taipei to Banyuwangi are expected to attract more tourists from Taiwan and China to Indonesia,” Sandiaga said. (ANI)

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-Top News Travel & Tourism UK News

UK makes electronic travel authorization mandatory

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK…reports Asian Lite News

The United Kingdom is fast transitioning to a digital immigration system for immigrants coming to the UK. People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status.

eVisas offers an alternative to hard copy immigration documents, reducing the risk of theft, loss, or alteration, allowing individuals to expedite their travels. Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission in advance before travelling to UK. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. Nationalities of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates can apply for an ETA now. From 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.

ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025. ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of the immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. 

An ETA allows you to travel to the UK. Whether you can apply depends on the date you travel and your nationality as shown on your passport. The UK government is taking major steps towards delivering its ambitious aim to digitise the UK border and immigration system and has today set out new implementation dates for the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme.

Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK. The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia. The government is asking migrants in the UK who currently use a physical immigration document, including a biometric residence permit (BRP), or a passport containing ink stamps or visa vignette stickers, to take action now and create an online account to access their eVisa.

Most BRPs are due to expire on 31 December 2024, and BRP holders are urged to take action before their BRP expires.

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-Top News Travel & Tourism UK News

Govt urged to scrap ‘racist’ visa route

The 10-year route to a visa is used by hundreds of thousands of people who are not eligible for other immigration schemes because of a lack of income or professional qualifications….reports Asian Lite News

Britain has been urged to scrap a 10-year visa route and cap all routes to settlement in the country at five years. The long and expensive visa route for immigrants has been labeled “racist” after analysis showed most applicants who feel forced to go through it are people of color, according to a report in The Guardian.

The 10-year route to a visa is used by hundreds of thousands of people who are not eligible for other immigration schemes because of a lack of income or professional qualifications. Many work in low-paid jobs, such as cleaning or care work. Other common routes to settlement in the UK take five years.

According to freedom of information data obtained by the charity Ramfel, there are 218,110 people on the 10-year route.

Analysis of Home Office data showed that all but one country in the top 10 nationalities who felt forced to use the route were those with predominantly non-white populations. The top five were Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Ghana and Bangladesh. Overall, 86 percent of people using the route were from Asian or African countries, while 6 percent were from Europe.

People seeking to gain a visa via the 10-year route must renew their leave to remain with the Home Office every 30 months, meaning four renewals. The fee for each renewal is £3,850 ($5,095). The Home Office can grant a fee waiver but many requests are refused.

According to a 2023 report on the 10-year route by the legal advice and support service Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, the think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research and the charity Praxis, the most common way of covering the fees was to borrow money, with many people remaining in debt afterward and struggling to pay for basic living costs.

A GMIAU spokesperson said: “These numbers confirm what people on the 10-year route already know: It is a racist policy. People are being driven into debt, forced to choose between paying thousands of pounds in visa fees to keep their legal status and keeping their families fed and warm.

“Ten years is far too long for anyone to wait to settle. The route must be scrapped. A good place to start would be to cap all routes to settlement at five years.”

Nick Beales, of Ramfel, said: “The 10-year route is an enduring legacy of the hostile environment. Like many other Conservative policies from this period, the racist intent is clear, with African and South Asian nationals far more likely to be placed on this arduous and often brutal route toward securing permanent immigration status.”

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Lite Blogs Travel Travel & Tourism

Indian Outbound Tourism to Hit $55B by 2034

Few emerging markets and opportunities for outbound travel include various Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Eastern European countries…reports Asian Lite News

India’s outbound tourism market is projected to reach over $55.3 billion by 2034, from the estimated more than $18.8 billion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4 per cent, a report showed on Wednesday.

The FICCI-Nangia knowledge paper also highlighted India’s online travel market, which consists of sales of travel services through online channels, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5 per cent between 2024-29 — from $17.24 billion to $28.40 billion.

Few emerging markets and opportunities for outbound travel include various Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Eastern European countries.

“India alone stands out as a key source market for Sri Lanka. The integration of the Indian UPI payment system with ‘LankaPay’ has simplified payment options for Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka,” said Geshan Dissanayake, Minister Commercial, High Commission of Sri Lanka in India.

The report said the government administration and the tourism industry stakeholders in India may undertake various strategic interventions to promote the outbound tourism market. These include bilateral engagement, improved connectivity, support to travel industry stakeholders, MSME development, marketing of international destinations, digital transformation, curated packages and hospitality partnerships.

Mary Mutuku, Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya to India, informed that currently, the India market is among the top 5 in Kenya’s key sources of tourists, and this has the potential to grow even further.

“With an increase in the number of flights between the two countries along with the opening of Nairobi Expressway, tourists will have more convenience travelling in Kenya. A new cruise terminal at Mombasa port is a major boost to cruise tourism,” she added.

According to Seitenov Darkhan, Deputy Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India, there has been a significant growth in the number of tourists coming to Kazakhstan from India which is also due to offering a 14-day visa-free regime for Indian tourists along with an increase in the number of direct flights.

“We invite major Indian investors to participate in implementing these initiatives in our country,” he added.

Ankush Nijhawan, Chairman, FICCI Outbound Tourism Committee, said the global travel and tourism industry is expected to reach $2.6 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.2 per cent. “The traveller preferences are becoming increasingly diverse, and demand tailor-made travel services. Demographic boost, government support, increased connectivity and niche segment growth are powering India’s outbound travel boom,” he added.

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