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About India Outbound Magazine

India Outbound is India’s only B2B travel media platform, that encompasses a print magazine, a website, an online TV channel and dynamic social media platforms, entirely dedicated to the promotion of foreign destinations and products in India. India Outbound is a niche platform not just for tourism destinations and products to promote themselves to the Indian travel industry, but also for decision makers to build/change their strategy in a context where the Indian outbound market is not only growing but changing with new dynamics. These trends, India Outbound analyse and predict them.

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Govt of India advises avoiding travelling to China as coronavirus starts spreading

The new coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as the outbreak continues to spread outside China. "The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Economies in Asia will have to brace for a tough year ahead as China deals with the tourism fall out. China has halted all group tours both domestically and internationally to contain the spread of the deadly virus that was believed to have originated in Wuhan. Tourism in China was already down before the virus hit due in part to the Hong Kong protest and the trade dispute between Beijing and Washington.

In Thailand, a favourite destination for Lunar New Year, officials estimate a potential loss of revenue of THB 50 million (USD 1.6 billion). Last year Thailand’s tourism industry welcomed nearly 11 million Chinese visitors boosting a sluggish economy, Thailand is facing a dark time because of the coronavirus tourism is severely threatened.

As countries across the world are banning travel to China, some other neighbouring countries like Hong Kong Macao, Vietnam etc will be hit as well. Tourism in India will also be threatened as aviation companies have started cancelling flights to and from China. India receives a good number of Chinese visitors, especially in Buddhist circuits. The ministry of health and family welfare of the government of India has asked the Indians to refrain from travelling to China.

Tourism New Zealand’s destination presentation in New Delhi

Tourism New Zealand organised a roadshow in Delhi this week to promote its latest brand campaign “100% Pure New Zealand”. New arrangements and benefits for the Indian leisure travellers were announced including more streamlined visa services with a faster processing time of seven working days.

Neha Bhola, the country manager of Tourism New Zealand presented new products and destinations New Zealand has for Indian tourists. The campaign showcases what makes New Zealand unique as a holiday destination – the warm and friendly people, stunning landscapes and a variety of things to do.

Speaking to India Outbound magazine, Venessa Chen, the regional consumer marketing manager (Asia) of Tourism New Zealand said, “Landscapes and the warm friendly hospitality are one of their key USPs as well as fresh foods road trips and the sceneries. These are the top things for which Indian tourists will feel attracted to travel to New Zealand. Just like India, in Māori culture, dawn is a significant time of the day - every dawn we celebrate life and new beginnings. With each morning, we acknowledge its potential.”

Commenting on this, Tourism New Zealand’s regional trade marketing manager (Asia), Steven Dixon, who was connected over with Skype expressed his appreciation towards TNZ associates in India and welcomed three new partners.

LA Tourism partners with Sonam & Rhea Kapoor for new campaign

Building on its successful partnership with Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja in early 2019, Los Angeles Tourism’s latest digital marketing campaign showcases the city’s cultural, culinary, shopping and wellness offerings through the eyes of power siblings Sonam and Rhea Kapoor.

The multi-part series follows the siblings as they explore the diverse neighbourhoods of Los Angeles. From shopping on Abbot Kinney in Venice and at the ROW DTLA (Downtown LA), to dining at world-class restaurants like MTN, Nightshade and The Bazaar by José Andrés, the sisters experienced their favourite parts of the city together.

“There is a natural affinity between Los Angeles and India thanks to our shared love of film. We wanted to utilise this campaign to build on that affinity and show prospective Indian travellers the diverse options they have to eat, play and shop in LA through the eyes of our mutual friends, Sonam and Rhea Kapoor,” stated Don Skeoch, chief marketing officer for Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.

"LA's become like a second home to us. It's just everything that I like about the States rolled into one package with sunshine and good weather around it," said Rhea Kapoor.

“There is an outdoor vibe and so much emphasis on health, fitness, and good food. There is something for everybody,” said Sonam Kapoor.

TravelShop Turkey hosts destination workshop in Kolkata

Travelshop Turkey, the leading DMC of Turkey is conducting its Destination Turkey workshop in Indian cities to present its products and offerings for the Indian market. After Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, the 20+ delegation brought its campaign to eastern India at Swissotel Kolkata.

The delegation comprised of Turkish travel and tourism businesses like hotels, airlines and other service providers, whose representatives presented their cases for the Kolkata and East-Indian outbound tourism market.

Members of Skal International Kolkata that comprises the best of Kolkata’s outbound industry leaders attended the event where they interacted with the delegates as they feel Turkey has a lot of potential for this side of the Indian market. They discussed how Istanbul has become the fourth most desired MICE destination in the world and they would like to promote the same in India more aggressively.

While speaking to India Outbound magazine, Murtaza Kalendar, the general manager of TravelShop Turkey said, “We have been very much active in the Indian market for many years. We participate in most of the major exhibitions, interact with the travel trade, associations in all the top cities and have been able to make a strong connection with the outbound industry partners. Our Indian partners have also helped us tremendously to position Turkey and its destinations like Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum and Cappadocia in becoming very much desirable among the Indians. We would like to take this further and along with our tourism board and Turkish Airlines, as we want to continue this promotional drive to woo more tourists to the country where East meets the West."

Bulgaria expands its reach in India through a partnership with Representation World

The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria to India has partnered with Representation World, a Delhi-based tourism marketing company to expand its tourism activities in India. As part of the association, Representation World will be responsible for increasing the awareness about Bulgaria in India. The partnership will further strengthen Bulgaria’s outreach and presence in the country.

Eleonora Dimitrova, the ambassador of Bulgaria to India said, “Indian tourist arrivals have registered double-digit growth in the last few years, especially after Indian filmmaking industry has discovered our country as a shooting destination. We believe the visa procedures and the lack of direct flights, connecting our two countries are among the top reasons to have the presence of Bulgaria on the Indian tourism market still far from what we desire it to be. The good news is that end of 2019 we have signed a contract with VFS Global, which is going to facilitate the procedures for application for Bulgarian visas through 16 offices all over India.”

Iliya Dekov, minister plenipotentiary, head of trade and economic affairs said, “Bulgaria as an untapped European destination has a huge potential for the experienced Indian travellers. Indian travellers would love to explore the shooting scenes of Dilwale, Bahubali, Shivaay, Brahmastra and other famous Indian movies, which have been filmed there. By promoting our country as a shooting destination, we are eager to increase the film-induced tourism, that has a very special appeal to the Indian travellers.”

BLTM, the bleisure show of India 2020 opens in New Delhi

BLTM New Delhi, the two-day travel mart opened on Friday at the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel. The leading trade show on business, MICE & leisure travel has Taiwan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, many hotels and airlines among other participants.

BLTM New Delhi is hosting 100 hand-picked corporate buyers from all over the country, including some of India’s largest corporates along with 50+ corporate buyers from Delhi-headquartered companies. Global admin heads, VP & country admin heads, global travel category managers and travel procurement heads from these companies are attending BLTM. The India Corporate Travel Forum at BLTM is hosting world-class panel discussions on key corporate travel issues.

“BLTM is the only travel trade show in India focused on business + leisure travel and MICE. More than a hundred sellers at BLTM are meeting 275+ hosted buyers, by prior appointment. In addition, there are 1,500+ qualified travel trade visitors. So, BLTM is about quality,” said Sanjiv Agarwal, chairman & CEO, Fairfest Media, the organisers of BLTM.

Priceless Cities programme launched in South Asia by Mastercard

Mastercard has launched its flagship Priceless Cities programme in South Asia, starting first in Sri Lanka that will allow global travellers to gain exclusive access to several unique experiences when they visit the island destination. Priceless Cities is a programme available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders and provides access to unforgettable experiences in the cities where one lives and travels. Currently, the programme covers over 40 cities and destinations.

India accounts for the largest number of visitors to Sri Lanka. According to official estimates, approximately 425,000 Indian tourists were expected to visit the country in 2019. Be it embracing history and heritage, witnessing the colonial charm of the central highland tea estates, or experiencing the excitement of Colombo, Priceless Cities will unlock several unique experiences for Mastercard cardholders. This will be in one of the world’s most diverse and exciting islands, the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

“Mastercard has identified 10 areas or passion points that people care about. Travel is one of them. With the launch of Priceless Cities in South Asia, Mastercard cardholders will be able to experience an immersive way to travel by enjoying privileged access and attractive offers. The ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences will let them live their passions, something that money cannot buy. This will help Indians who are increasingly aspiring to enjoy offbeat and unique activities, vacation closer to home in Sri Lanka.’’ said Manasi Narasimhan, vice president, marketing and communications, South Asia, Mastercard.

Among other global experiences on offer are the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix with behind-the-scenes access, helicopter rides across Paris, exclusive dining experiences in Prague and ballet experiences in New York City.

AI is the future of travel industry, says SOTC India Holiday Report

Technology today is advancing at a rapid pace and has permeated into every sector. Combining AI (artificial intelligence) with advanced analytics principles can ensure personalised service, resulting in better value and memorable experience to customers. New age travellers in the country are exposed to the power of choice. Having options makes customers more satisfied.

According to the latest SOTC India Holiday Report, 71 pc of travellers across four age groups chose flexibility and customisation in holiday preference while those under the age group of 25 and less (Gen Z), 59 pc respondents preferred flexibility and customisation as the top reason to choose customised holidays. Millennials have also played an important role and have embraced technology. In enhancing customer experience further, SOTC Travel has recently introduced an exclusive tool powered by AI to help customers plan their holidays more efficiently.

Daniel D’Souza, president and country head Leisure at SOTC Travel said, “Traveller preferences have changed over the years, and it has become crucial to cater to their demands suitably. Technology is revolutionising travel. A Trip Planner can be used to improve personalisation and tailor recommendations. To personalise customer service further, we have imbibed AI technologies into our customer service portfolio and operations. The Trip Planner can guide the traveller on their holiday, suggesting experiences that can be categorised as popular spots, hidden gems, culture, outdoors, shopping, historic sites and more.”


India Outbound is a publication of Media India Group