OTM 2017 assures bright future of Tourism
Mumbai 23rd 2017
Bombay Exhibition Center witnessed biggest travel show of India OTM 2017 from 21st to 23rd Feb
Around 900 sellers from around 40 countries participated in the show. These sellers include National , State Tourism Boards, Hotels, Airlines, Destination Marketing Companies (DMCs), vendors serving leisure as well as MICE markets.
It was feared that demonetization will dampen the spirit of travel industry. Yes, initially it was like a shock but looking at the kind of serious enquiries were made and the business conducted, it ensures that travel industry is ready to leap forward.
It was interesting to see that many unexpected destinations were marketed, Rawanda was so far known as a country for its genocide, was pitching for guests ! Bangladesh is also trying very hard to promote its adventure, wild life, river cruises and culinary art form. How many tourists have ever heard about northern lights of Iceland. I was surprised to see that a remote helmet Munsiari on Tibet border in Uttrakhand was also focused. It can give you an idea of diversity of destinations marketed at the show.
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and art festivals.
Indians will be seen travelling to far off lands like Japan to witness the cherry blossoms, experiencing Northern lights, travelling to Tuscany for a cooking experience with a master chef, learning to ski on a ski holiday in the French Alps, and celebrating milestone occasions with an intimate holiday with family and friends in some of the popular destinations.
From OTM show it is clear that industry is fully prepared to cater tourists interested in experiential destination holidays in India. Music, art and culture events destinations in the length and breadth of globe also attracts Indian travelers.
It is also a fact that holidaying is no longer only for the riches. An increasing number of Indians are now taking time out from their busy life to travel with their family and friends to bond, celebrate, explore, and experience varied lifestyle, culture, and culinary art form.
Despite of stress on world economy and turmoil in many parts of world, there has been a boom in the travel market, and travel has become a lifestyle statement of 2016. The coming year will only see it evolve and mature further. Indians are gradually becoming evolved travelers. Wherever I travel overseas I find majority of visitors from India and China.Best part is that Indian travelers are no longer just tourists. From backpacking to luxury travel, their requirements are varied and interesting.
Despite of stress on world economy and turmoil in many parts of world, there has been a boom in the travel market, and travel has become a lifestyle statement of 2016. The coming year will only see it evolve and mature further. Indians are gradually becoming evolved travelers. Wherever I travel overseas I find majority of visitors from India and China.Best part is that Indian travelers are no longer just tourists. From backpacking to luxury travel, their requirements are varied and interesting.
Indian travelers are exploring innovative soul satiating holidays like a master class with a chef, spa holidays for those wanting rejuvenation, ski lessons or skydiving for those looking at adventure, trekking and hiking for the nature lovers, and the art lovers have biennale .
Indians will be seen travelling to far off lands like Japan to witness the cherry blossoms, experiencing Northern lights, travelling to Tuscany for a cooking experience with a master chef, learning to ski on a ski holiday in the French Alps, and celebrating milestone occasions with an intimate holiday with family and friends in some of the popular destinations.
Some people travel for food, while others travel for shopping. Some are solo travelers, while some prefer travelling with family. There is a very interesting segment of female only segment is also emerging. Girls also want to have loads of fun with friends from their gender only. I know many tourist operators running exclusive 'Eva" tours.
According to TripAdvisor’ study, as many as 44 percent of travelers from India increased their travel spends in 2016. Being high on the global list of travelers, who want to try something new, India is 18th in the global travel budget rankings, with an estimated average budget of $3,107, compared with the global average travel spend of $5,100.
From OTM show it is clear that industry is fully prepared to cater tourists interested in experiential destination holidays in India. Music, art and culture events destinations in the length and breadth of globe also attracts Indian travelers.
According to Booking.com, about 58 percent of travelers plan to allocate their travel budget to experiences. People in India now prefer good hotels, restaurants, activities like scuba diving, skydiving, hot air balloon ride, dinners, parties at high-end bars.
Indians are not only looking for discovering unique place but also aim to create unforgettable memories. Whether it is travelling within India or outside India with extended family or celebrating a milestone with a food and best of luxury or leisure experience, travelers will return with memories that outlive the actual experience.
According to AARP survey, globally 99 percent will take at least one leisure trip in 2017, with an average of five or more trips expected throughout the year. 51 percent guests expect to only travel domestically, but a significant portion is hoping to travel both domestically and internationally it is 43 percent. The same trend will be seen in India as well.
Some of the top destinations of 2017 are likely to be Sri Lanka, Romania, Taiwan, Cambodia, Seychelles, Philippines, Croatia, South of Italy, Tasmania, and Madagascar, . These destinations are still undiscovered and most Indians are now looking for new places rather than frequenting the same destinations. Experiential will increase because people are looking for more than a holiday. They are looking for making their holiday into learning, something deeper for them to absorb out of the holiday - a take back.
Indians are not only looking for discovering unique place but also aim to create unforgettable memories. Whether it is travelling within India or outside India with extended family or celebrating a milestone with a food and best of luxury or leisure experience, travelers will return with memories that outlive the actual experience.
According to AARP survey, globally 99 percent will take at least one leisure trip in 2017, with an average of five or more trips expected throughout the year. 51 percent guests expect to only travel domestically, but a significant portion is hoping to travel both domestically and internationally it is 43 percent. The same trend will be seen in India as well.
Some of the top destinations of 2017 are likely to be Sri Lanka, Romania, Taiwan, Cambodia, Seychelles, Philippines, Croatia, South of Italy, Tasmania, and Madagascar, . These destinations are still undiscovered and most Indians are now looking for new places rather than frequenting the same destinations. Experiential will increase because people are looking for more than a holiday. They are looking for making their holiday into learning, something deeper for them to absorb out of the holiday - a take back.
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