Skift Take
Saudi Arabia experienced a 50% increase in Indian visitors in 2023 and now aims to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors over the next seven years.
The Saudi Tourism Authority has announced its goal to make India its top source market by attracting 7.5 million Indian visitors in the next seven years.
As part of its efforts in India, the Saudi Tourism Authority organized networking events in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi to engage with travel trade associations.
Saudi-India tourism: In 2023, Saudi Arabia saw a 50% increase in Indian tourist arrivals compared to 2022, with 1.5 million Indian tourists visiting the country. The air connectivity between the two nations also rose by 31% between 2019 and 2023, with flights connecting 12 major Indian hubs with Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Boosting marketing efforts: The Saudi Tourism Authority has signed agreements and partnerships with tour operators, travel associations, and event planners in India. The country has also simplified its visa process for Indian travelers by offering options like e-visa and visa-on-arrival.
Indian Hotels Company Opened 34 Hotels in 2023-24 Fiscal Year
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) opened 34 properties and signed 52 hotels in the 2023-24 financial year. The IHCL portfolio now includes over 300 properties, with 91 hotels in development.
The portfolio features 14 new hotels from IHCL’s partnership with Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels. The company has ambitious plans for its luxury brand Taj, upscale brand Vivanta, and budget brand Ginger.
IHCL aims to establish upscale full-service hotels to tap into emerging markets, as stated here.
Akasa Air’s International Operations Commence
Budget airline Akasa Air began its international operations with a flight from Mumbai to Doha. The airline plans to expand to other international destinations like Kuwait, Jeddah, and Riyadh in the coming months.
Despite being operational for less than two years, Akasa Air captured a 4.5% market share in the Indian aviation market in February 2024. The airline currently flies to 20 domestic destinations.
IndiGo Commences Operations From Jagdalpur, Agatti
IndiGo expanded its network to Jagdalpur and Agatti with new flight routes. The airline now operates flights between Bengaluru and Agatti on a daily basis.
With these additions, IndiGo now serves 88 domestic destinations.
India to Witness 10.5% Surge in Seat Capacity in Second Quarter
India’s aviation industry is projected to see a 10.5% increase in airline seat capacity in the second quarter of 2024, compared to previous years. This surge represents a nearly 17% increase from 2019 levels.
IndiGo, the largest airline in India by market share, is expected to experience a 4% rise in average capacity per flight in the second quarter of 2024.
India Fourth-Largest International Tourism Market for Canberra
India was the fourth-largest international tourism market for Canberra in 2023, surpassing pre-Covid levels. Indian travelers continue to visit Australia, with over 402,000 visitors between February 2023 and January 2024.
In a statement, Nishant Kashikar from Tourism Australia highlighted India’s rapid growth as an inbound market due to its expanding middle class. Efforts are underway to enhance direct air connectivity between India and Australia.
