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About India Outbound Magazine

India Outbound, a brand of Media India Group, 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. India Outbound brings to you the latest trends of the market with in depth analysis.

World’s tallest swing ride in Bollywood Parks, Dubai

Focused on the Indian and South Asian outbound tourist market, entertainment theme park Bollywood Parks in Dubai will re-launch in 2021 with nine new action-packed world-class rides ‘inspired by the vibrant Indian culture’, an authentic Bollywood themed shopping experience at the ‘Bollywood Souq Bazaar’ and a new line of Indian food and beverage offerings including the debut of its ‘Namaste India’ restaurant.

Bollywood Parks is situated inside Dubai Parks and Resorts, owned by DXB Entertainments PJSC, and is Middle East’s largest theme park destination comprising of four separate theme parks. With over 100 rides and attractions, Dubai Parks and Resorts is located is ideally located between both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi international airports.

The re-opening of the park will see the introduction of the world’s tallest swing ride, the Bollywood Skyflyer, that stands at 150 m. Other attractions include Wheel of Stars, a 55-meter ferris wheel, Taxi No.1, an 88-meter family rollercoaster inspired by Mumbai’s famous yellow-black cabs, and Rodeo Ki Sawari, a family ride with triple spinning action inspired by the traditional rodeo experience.

Also, a major part of the park’s expansion is the new Mela Junction, the home to the parks exciting new rides and one of its most unique and Instagrammable locations. The park’s food and beverage offering has also been updated to include an authentic Indian cuisine restaurant, Namaste India, as well as food and beverage experiences across the park, that will give guests the opportunity to discover and enjoy the flavours of Indian street food.

“After extensive enhancements, the park has a whole new offering for 2021 that includes new food and beverage outlets, shopping experiences and world-record holding rides. The addition of the nine new and exciting rides will make the Bollywood Parks Dubai experience a day out like no other. The Bollywood Skyflyer ride will be the new favourite of adrenaline-seekers, while the additional eight new family rides and kids’ attractions will bring to life the vibrant culture of India. Each new ride has been designed to give our guests an authentic and immersive experience which will transport them to the very heart of India, without having to leave Dubai. And the fun really doesn’t stop here as still to come for the park this year is the launch of the region’s first Wooden Coaster, the Bombay Express, which will earn the park another world-record title,” says Ahmad Hussain Bin Essa, chief operating officer, DXB Entertainments.

New off-road driving routes in Abu Dhabi for adventure seekers

The department of culture and tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched six off-road driving routes for visitors to explore the desert in Abu Dhabi. The routes cover Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafrah and Al Ain, which adventurers can follow to embark on desert camping and desert safari experiences in their own private vehicles.

The route maps have been designed with all levels of driving experiences in mind, from beginner to the advanced. One can also use a professional guide cum driver. Each route provides a variety of sightseeing opportunities, including camel and gazelle sightings, unique desert dune views and access to oases. The route maps include Al Remah, Al Ain to White Sands, Hameem Loop, Umm Al Oush, Liwa Crossing and Al Khazna, all of which will be available through participating tour operators as well as the Abu Dhabi off-road webpage.

“Abu Dhabi is a wonderful destination for adventurers and those looking to connect with nature, thanks to its diverse and rugged landscape. Off-road driving in Abu Dhabi will provide adventurers with the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi’s beautiful landscape and embark on exciting and varying adventures throughout the year. The initiative also opens new doors for operators, who can now offer a wider variety of desert experiences to visitors,” says Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, the executive director of DTC Abu Dhabi.

Kenya invites Indian tourists to experience its magic again

Kenya is welcoming Indian tourists into the destination to sample the unique Kenyan tourism products in 2021. As a key source market, Kenya is banking on India to boost its international tourism numbers during the year.

Official statistics from Kenya's ministry of tourism and wildlife indicate that Kenya registered a total of 122,649 travellers from the Indian market in 2019. In 2020, statistics for the period between January to October show the total number of tourist arrivals into Kenya from India was 25,251. The decline is attributed to travel restrictions imposed by both Kenya and India as part of the measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. But as travel picks up in 2021, Kenya sees the Indian market as key to the revival of tourism going forward.

“Kenya is blessed with many tourism offerings that excite travellers from across the globe. The Indian market is one that has continued to uptake our tourism offerings for many years. Kenya and India continue to have cordial relations especially because both countries are bound by both history and culture. It is certainly not by mistake that India has been one of our key source markets,” Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO, Betty Radier said.

Radier further assured tourists from India of their safety while in the destination. She said, “I would like to assure you that Magical Kenya is safe and ready to welcome you back. We have in place tourism and hospitality protocols within the hotels, and tourism attractions and experiences as well as our airports to ensure everyone’s safety while travelling.”

Travellers will have to produce negative Covid-19 report before boarding for New Zealand

New Zealand will ask international travellers from most countries to produce negative Covid-19 test results before boarding flights to the country.

“Given the high rates of infection in many countries and evidence of the global spread of more transmissible variants, it is clear that most global air routes will be of critical concern for the foreseeable future,” Covid-19 Response Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins said in a statement.

The pre-departure test requirement would soon expand to all countries and territories excluding Australia, Antarctica and some Pacific Island nations, he said. Visitors would still have to complete the 14-day mandatory quarantine and undergo testing upon arrival in New Zealand.

Australia modifies rules for international travellers

Australia has made it mandatory for inbound travellers to get tested before departure and has made the wearing of face masks compulsory throughout the flight and while at the airport. According to the latest update issued by the Australian authorities, passengers flying into Australia must receive a negative Covid-19 test result prior to their departure.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said exemptions for extenuating circumstances include seasonal workers from amber risk countries where there is limited access to testing. “We need to have tailored responses when it comes to applying this,” Morrison said. Australia will also be reducing the caps on international arrivals in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland by 50 pc until February 15.

Tourism Authority of Thailand conducts random audits at SHA-certified establishments

Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, the director-general of the department of health, ministry of public health, and members of the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Safety Standards Audit Committee conducted a random audit of SHA-certified restaurants.

“The audit process adds an extra layer of protection to what is already an extremely strict verification process. It intends to build consumer confidence that establishments continue to adhere to the Amazing Thailand SHA rules and regulations after being certified,” Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor said.

The committee decided to randomly conduct audits at Amazing Thailand SHA-certified restaurants because restaurants and food outlets are the second highest number of establishments (2,156) that have been officially Amazing Thailand SHA certified. The random inspection is part of a two-part audit programme to ensure consistency of the Amazing Thailand SHA standards for hygiene, health, and cleanliness for the entire premises, all equipment, and operational staff.

Another audit programme, ‘Voice of Customer’ (VOC), is a user satisfaction survey that encourages guests to submit important feedback that can include, but is not limited to, any possible violations or discrepancies. Guests can scan a QR code on the establishment’s Amazing Thailand SHA logo and fill out a questionnaire to report any questionable practices. This helps boost consumer confidence that businesses or services are complying with the rules and regulations on an ongoing basis.

Brand campaign for Saudi Arabia’s ancient walled city Al Ula

The maiden destination brand campaign for Al Ula, the heritage centrepiece of Saudi Arabia, has been unveiled titled as "The World's Masterpiece".

Al Ula is a city of the Medina region in the north-western Saudi Arabia. Historically located on the incense route, Al Ula contains the first UNESCO world heritage site called Hegra also known as Al-Hijr. The ancient walled city is packed with mud-brick and stone houses.

“The World’s Masterpiece is a play on both the skilful artistry of ancient civilisations who carved elaborate artworks into the rocky outcrops, as well as the pure and unspoilt beauty of the geological rock formations and landscapes sculpted by nature,” said Phillip Jones, chief destination management and marketing officer, Royal Commission for Al Ula (RCU).

“Our heritage sites are now available all year-round and with new hotels, restaurants and adventure experiences including trails, bikes and buggies coming throughout 2021,” said Jones.

“We are already receiving a lot of interest from international travellers excited to explore a new destination with such history including ancient civilisations from the Dadanites to the Nabataeans and the Romans,” commented Melanie de Souza, executive director of marketing, RCU.


India Outbound is a publication of Media India Group