Indian outbound demand for destinations like Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka have shot up after visa waivers were offered.
According to Agoda’s insights, the two South-east Asian destinations are reaping the most rewards. Thailand has grown in popularity since visa relaxation came into effect, with a 44 per cent increase in searches from India. Searches from India to Malaysia spiked even more, with a 49 per cent rise in January compared to October last year.
More Indian outbound travellers are interested to visit Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, pictured
Krishna Rathi, country director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, said: “With Malaysia and Thailand leading the way in terms of visa waivers, it’s clear that South-east Asia’s allure is growing stronger. The fact that many of these destinations can now be visited without having to worry about the paperwork will likely encourage even more Indian travellers to go abroad and explore.”
The visa-free regime also holds in good stead considering the upcoming Indian summer holidays. In order to make the most of the opportunity, markets like Malaysia are offering visa-free entry for Indian travellers till December 2024.
Naveen Nahar, partner, Travelz Factorry, noted: “The visa relaxation initiative not only provides these tourism boards with a distinct edge over competitors but also serves as a significant incentive for first-time Indian travellers. We are recording a noteworthy 22 per cent surge in travel inquiries for destinations like Thailand and Sri Lanka. As the holiday season approaches, we are expecting a further uptick in inquiries for the destinations providing visa fee waiver for Indian tourists.”
According to GoTMS Holidays’ founder Saad Javed, while seasoned and business travellers may not find the visa waiver a substantial motivator, it proves to be a compelling encouragement for first-time or less-experienced outbound travellers.
“As a company specialising in upscale and luxury segments, with a clientele often consisting of seasoned travellers heading to Europe and the US, the impact of visa fees on their travel decisions is relatively minimal. Nonetheless, an interesting trend has emerged with a marginal increase of five to seven per cent in queries for Thailand. In contrast, there is no noteworthy shift for the other countries offering visa relaxation,” added Javed.
Editor’s note: GoTMS Holidays’ founder was incorrectly named as Saad Naved – the correct name is Saad Javed. The change has been made in the article.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the 47th PATA Travel Mart (PTM) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 27 to 29.
PTM 2024 will feature a one-day conference, a two-day B2B business travel mart, and over 10,000 business appointments between buyers and sellers from more than 40 destinations across six regions.
The 47th PATA Travel Mart will be held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand this August (Photo: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center)
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “With nearly 30 million international visitors in 2023 and a recent visa exemption announcement for travellers from more than 60 destinations, Thailand is the perfect setting for all to engage in B2B networking and partnership-building with clients, decision-makers, and exhibitors worldwide.”
According to the report of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), in 2022 Thailand was ranked number one in South-east Asia, and fourth in Asia in terms of exhibition spaces. In addition, Bangkok is a business events hub with ease of connectivity to the city via two international airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang.
Moreover, Thailand has been home to PATA’s headquarters for a quarter of a century since its relocation from San Francisco to Thailand in 1998.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Hangzhou Trade and Tourism Group (HTTG), and Zhejiang Dragon Hotel Management Group (The Dragon Group) have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to drive the expansion of hotels under Hyatt’s Independent Collection and select service brands in China.
The agreement will also foster the strategic development of The Dragon Group and its hotel brands.
This collaboration will aid Hyatt to expand its brand footprint throughout China; Grand Hyatt Shenyang, pictured
This collaboration sets the stage for Hyatt to significantly expand its brand footprint throughout China, with the support of HTTG, a leading player with extensive experience in developing upscale hotels in China, and leveraging on The Dragon Group’s profound insights into the Chinese hotel market.
Under the cooperation, Hyatt and The Dragon Group plan to develop more than 60 hotels over the coming decade, the first of which is expected to be a Hyatt Place hotel in Hangzhou. Once affiliated, these hotels will be part of Hyatt’s loyalty programme, World of Hyatt. Guests will be able to earn World of Hyatt points and redeem them for free night awards and access many other benefits at Hyatt locations worldwide.
Stephen Ho, president Greater China and growth, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, commented: “We are pleased to join hands with HTTG and The Dragon Group and expand our franchise growth in Asia Pacific. Hyatt continues to seek innovative ways to develop our hotel portfolio by collaborating with owners and developers who share our values and commitment to expanding our brands in a country with such significant growth potential.”
Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) have teamed up to welcome Hilton guests to hundreds of independently minded luxury hotels in the most sought-after destinations around the world.
The partnership will expand the luxury experiences offered by Hilton as unique SLH properties join the hotels of the growing Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts brands.
Hilton’s customers will soon be able to book, earn and redeem points for stays at participating SLH properties
Through this collaboration, which will ramp up in the months ahead, all of Hilton’s customers, including the more than 180 million members of Hilton Honors, will soon be able to book, earn and redeem points for stays at participating properties in the SLH community of 560 luxury boutique hotels spanning 90 countries.
Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton, said: “This relationship with Small Luxury Hotels of the World will grant Hilton customers and Hilton Honors members access to a community of high-end boutique hotels in exciting new luxury travel destinations, giving them more ways to dream, book, and earn and redeem points with Hilton.”
Participating SLH hotels will be bookable on all Hilton channels, giving the hotels exposure to a broad audience while allowing them to retain the independent spirit that makes each property unique.
“Hilton customers, including Hilton Honors members, gain access to our unrivalled collection of exceptional boutique hotels, while our properties enjoy amplified reach to a loyal and discerning audience. It’s a game changer for independently owned hotels on a global scale,” said Shaun Leleu, chairman, SLH.
Dorchester Collection’s has launched The Lana, Dubai, its first hotel in the Middle East. The new property is also the first step in curating a new phase for the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood.
The Lana boasts 225 rooms and suites (each with an outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling glass windows) as well as eight new dining concepts – it will also be home to the first Dior Spa in the UAE, set to open in April 2024.
The Lana, Dubai is set to open in April this year
Inspired by Dubai’s ever-changing skyline, the 30-storey building features an interconnected design with a central podium – The Lana Promenade – for retail and restaurants, and an infinity rooftop pool with views over the cityscape and desert landscape.
The hotel is located on the Marasi Bay marina, overlooking Burj Khalifa, and is a 15-minute walk from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and a 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
Commenting on the opening, Christopher Cowdray, president of Dorchester Collection, said: “As Dorchester Collection welcomes its first guests in the Middle East, we are entering a new era in our company history. The Lana is one of the year’s most anticipated hotel openings, and we are certain it will be celebrated for its remarkable design, superb location in one of the world’s most vibrant cities and a dining scene that will undoubtedly attract much local and international attention.”
Nagasaki Marriott Hotel, Japan
Nagasaki Marriott Hotel offers 207 guestrooms and suites featuring views over Nagasaki Port and Mount Inasa. Facilities include F&B outlets, fitness centre, and a conference room.
Directly connected with JR Nagasaki Station, the hotel provides guests with convenient access to Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen and local JR lines, and is about a two hours’ drive from Fukuoka Airport.
Nearby landmarks include the new Dejima Messe Nagasaki Convention Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Glover Garden, as well as the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Visitors can alo hop on a boat ride from Nagasaki Port to another UNESCO World Heritage site－Hashima Island, better known as Battleship Island.
Hilton Nanjing Niushoushan
Hilton Nanjing Niushoushan, China
Nestled within the Niushou Mountain cultural tourism zone, the 381-key Hilton Nanjing Niushoushan is surrounded by a serene atmosphere, inspired by traditional Chinese study and tea rooms.
The hotel has a reception lobby, a 1,350m² pillar-less banquet hall, indoor kids’ club, and dining options.
Four Points by Sheraton Palawan
Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, the Philippines
Launched in December 2023, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan is located on Sabang Beach nearby a farm with rice fields, farm animals and veggie gardens which are accessible to guests for a true farm-to-table dining experience.
The beachfront hotel also has an open courtyard, two restaurants, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and sauna, kid’s club, business centre, as well as indoor and outdoor event venues.
Nearby attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River; Sabang mangrove forests and waterfalls, Ugong Rock adventures, and Honda Bay.
Parkroyal Serviced Suites Jakarta
Parkroyal Serviced Suites Jakarta, Indonesia
Parkroyal Serviced Suites Jakarta is situated within levels 73 to 82 of Luminary Tower at the Thamrin Nine development and dominates the central district skyline at 304m across 95 levels.
All 180 rooms, comprising studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, boast floor to ceiling windows, as well as facilities including a Residents Lounge, gym, and swimming pool.
The property has convenient direct access to Grand Indonesia and Dukuh Atas MRT, LRT, Commuter Line, and Airport Train services.
Further East, one of the most-watched luxury travel tradeshow in Asia-Pacific, has made one thing very clear when its latest edition was held in Seminyak, Bali in November 2023 – the future of Asia-Pacific’s luxury travel landscape is burning bright.
International luxury travel players who spoke to TTG Asia at the event expressed glowing optimism for 2024. Despite geopolitical uncertainties in 2023, luxury travel players enjoyed a quick business rebound – and as the region is largely regarded as a safe destination, it is expected to continue drawing well-travelled individuals.
Further East returned to Seminyak, Bali in Indonesia in November 2023
Paul Levrier, director of Asia Concierge, said luxury travel had grown fast post-lockdown, and the pace of growth “has taken everybody by surprise”.
Levrier said: “When we set up this company for the (luxury) market, we did not realise how strong the demand (for Asian destinations) would be, despite the region’s reopening lagging far behind North America and Europe. Demand for bespoke, high-end and high-touch (travel to Asia) is stronger than anyone could have predicted two years ago.”
Such strong interest in Asia among wealthy travellers is reflected in the surge in renovations of big name hotels, opined Levrier, who believes that properties are fighting to deliver an even better product.
Several of such refreshed properties had participated in Further East 2023. Amandari in Bali, for example, has updated its hardware with 10 new residences. The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa Nusa Dua Bali, recently emerged from a total revitalisation.
Imperial Hotel Tokyo is undergoing guestroom renovations, and will build a new Tower Building to house apartments and condominiums.
Andreas Grosskinsky, Indonesia country director of Asia Concierge, added: “We have seen one-and-a-half years of business for Bali compressed to a single year. Bali has just been a destination that got a lot of good vibes in 2023.”
Grosskinsky shared that the US is a big market for Asia Concierge, and love for Bali has been especially strong.
Official arrivals data supports Grosskinsky’s observation – at press time in December, Australia, India, China, Germany and the US made up the top five source markets for Bali tourism.
However, with more of the world opening up for tourism and Bali’s continued high hotel occupancy rate, Grosskinsky said travel interest for Bali in 2024 could slip. Vietnam and Laos, he said, could be the destinations to watch.
Having delivered yet another successful event, Serge Dive, founder and CEO of This is Beyond, the owner of Further East, expressed confidence that the luxury travel market would grow “bigger and better” in spite of geopolitical pains.
“The market has always been immune towards economic downturns. When the economy is great, (the wealthy) work hard and do not have time for a holiday and do not see their families much. It is only during the difficult years that they can finally take off with their families.”
Casting his projection for Asia, he said: “About 40 per cent of the human population is in Asia and I think 50 per cent of new hotels in the world have been built in Asia. That gives you an indication of growth.”
Dive added that Asia’s brand of sincere hospitality will help to drive up the number of well-heeled travellers “wanting to visit Asia”.
Luxury travel sellers and buyers are upbeat about 2024 prospects
Experiences lead the way
Levrie has seen a shift in the way people approach luxury travel.
“Before, people would want a nice hotel and a nice car, that’s it. Now, it is all about experience, authenticity, and high-touch. This requires industry players to be more creative. It is no longer just the scope of products on offer, but also the quality of service outside of the major tourist areas,” he stated.
Grosskinsky added that hurried itineraries that feature a new destination every two nights are out of the picture. Travellers now want “anchor points” that appeal to them, where they would spend five wholesome nights before moving on.
Hotels are in on the experience game too, and have developed unique programmes to entice luxury travellers to stay on longer.
Aman properties in Indonesia have crafted local experiences that their foreign guests can partake in. At Amanwana in Nusa Tenggara, a whale shark conservation experience is offered with Konservasi Indonesia Foundation. At Amanjiwo in Borobudur, Magelang Regency, traditional archery and fortune-telling the Javanese way are available.
Radit Mahendro, regional director of marketing Indonesia, said Chinese guests at Amanjiwo in Borobudur, Magelang Regency, have turned out to be big fans of cultural discoveries; Chinese travellers were once perceived to be inactive.
Another trend to watch is the rise of family groups. Chandima Wickremasinghe, director of sales and marketing of Taj Hotel Maldives, said such profiles are turning up even in the Maldives, long known as a honeymoon destination.
Joali Maldives, which used to be an adult-only resort, has added a kids club and offers family packages.
Wickremasinghe also noted a growing interest in holistic wellness during vacations. Healthy meals, physical fitness and mental exercises are on travellers’ to-do list.
Sustainability focus
Sustainability dominated discussions at Further East 2023, especially with regards to the “carbon footprint of travel”, pointed out Dive.
He noted that airlines, hotels and other travel organisations are now taking steps to tackle the issue.
Sunga Watch, an environmental organisation based in Bali, is protecting and restoring rivers all along Java to stem the flow of plastic waste into the ocean.
Gary Bencheghib, co-founder of Sungai Watch, said: “We activate local communities to take part in eradicating plastic waste by using simple technology and cost-effective ways. We make them proud of keeping their rivers clean.”
The organisation also recycles and reuses plastics to make products such as building materials and furniture. It communicates with big companies on cutting the production of single-use plastics and with authorities on supportive policies and regulations.
Potato Head Family, which enforces zero-waste operations in its hospitality business, is working to create sustainability awareness through products, activities, and experiences offered at its facilities.
Ronald Akili, founder and CEO, added that he is also keen to revive environmentally damaged tourism areas, like Kuta.
Total outbound hotel bookings during the Chinese New Year period have reached a three-year high, with an increase of over 310% compared to the same period 2023, according to DidaTravel.
The global travel destination company has released data reflecting the growing trend for Chinese outbound travel during the Chinese New Year holidays.
Outbound hotel bookings by Chinese travellers in Singapore increased by 11 fold year-on-year (YoY), while hotel bookings in Malaysia grew nine old and in Thailand, by 243%.
These figures can be attributed to pent-up demand following the lifting of border restrictions in mainland China and recent visa exemption announcements.
The top destinations for outbound mainland Chinese travellers during this period include Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, Spain, and the USA.
Long-haul destinations in Europe, such as France, Italy, UK, and Germany, and in the Americas, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada remain popular with Chinese travellers.
In the same period, the average daily rate for hotels witnessed a global increase of 32% YoY. This increase is partly attributable to a pent-up demand for booking accommodation in higher standard hotels.
Notably, there was a decrease in bookings for one and two-star hotels, dropping from 7% to 2.6%. Additionally, bookings for three to four-star hotels saw a decline from 69.7% to 65.2%.
Conversely, there was an increase in bookings for five-star hotels, rising from 23.3% to 32.2%, indicating the increasing trend for Chinese travellers’ preference for luxury accommodation.
They are also travelling for longer, with an increase in the average length of hotel stays from 2.8 to 3 days. Notably, stays in Malaysia increased from 2 to 2.5 days, Thailand from 2.5 to 3.1 days, Singapore from 3 to 3.5 days, and the Philippines saw the most significant increase from 2.3 to 4.6 days.
Rikin Wu, Founder & CEO of DidaTravel, says: “We are thrilled to witness the enthusiasm of Chinese travellers to explore international destinations and new experiences, even during this traditional holiday. At DidaTravel, we are committed to meeting the dynamic needs of Chinese travellers by providing a diverse range of hotel products from all over the world. We believe that this tourism boom not only fuels economic recovery but also boosts public confidence in the power of travel to create unforgettable moments and forge meaningful connections.”
DidaTravel is a one-stop platform with a portfolio of over 70,000 competitively sourced direct hotel contracts and 1,000,000 hotel products from over 600 global suppliers. It also offers over 20,000 tours and activities, and connects with more than 500 airlines flying to more than 20,000 destinations.
The Indonesian government is boosting shopping, health and religious tourism to attract international arrivals and encourage domestic travel to balance ongoing foreign exchange leaks.
Speaking at a tourism coordination conference, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, director of trade, investment and international economic cooperation, Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), identified the three sectors of growing outbound travel’s spending that has contributed to the leak in foreign exchange earnings – shopping, health and religious trips.
Borobudur has the potential to be a great religious tourism site if activities were created there to attract tourists
The government noted an increase in the interest of shopping trips to Thailand and South Korea by Indonesians. Additionally, around two million Indonesians a year seek treatment abroad in Malaysia and Singapore, while the demand for Umrah to Saudi Arabia also increased. Data on August 2023 shows that more than 800,000 people have made the Umrah trip, where the average package price is 25-35 million rupiah (US$1,597-US$2,240) per person.
To court shoppers, the government is creating shopping destinations in Indonesia through the promotion of events like the Jakarta Great Sale Festival, which has been going on for several years and Kepri Great Sale in Batam, which is under planning.
The government is also boosting the medical and wellness tourism sector to encourage Indonesians to seek medical treatments locally – the Sanur Special Economic Zone development featuring international hospitals is an example of such an effort.
To attract religious travellers, Indonesia is showcasing Borobudur Temple as the centre of Buddhist religious tourism in the world, with more than half a billion Buddhists in Asia as potential visitors to the temple. This way, more tourists will be encouraged to visit for spiritual and cultural experiences, which in turn helps generate income and promotes the cultural heritage of Indonesia.
In response to the initiatives, Jongki Adiyasa, board member of the Indonesia Inbound Tour Operator Association (IINTOA), said “the mindset needs to be corrected first”.
Jongki said the government should instead focus on providing facilities for the trade to promote Indonesia abroad more.
Heben Ezer, head of the inbound and domestic division of the Association of Travel Agents in Indonesia (ASTINDO), opined that the government should maximise promotional budgets, such as by providing discount vouchers for groups handled by tour companies and in collaboration with outlets like Bellagio, Sarinah Department Store or Grand Indonesia shopping complex.
“This way, Indonesians do not need to go to Johor (Malaysia) to find premium shopping outlets,” he said.
And to advance health tourism development, Indonesian hospitals need to improve their services to match what is available in neighbouring countries.
Citing an example, Heben said: “Indonesians go (abroad) for treatment because they feel comfortable with the (better) and measurable treatments that they get compared to (their own home country).”
Heben added that hospitals in Malaysia also provided treatment packages.
He urged collaborative efforts among health and wellness service providers and travel trade players for the positive development of health tourism in Indonesia. Furthermore, he said wellness facilities should not only be developed in Bali but across Indonesia.
Regarding the development of religious tourism, Heben raised the question of how to encourage more Buddhists from around the globe to visit Borobudur when the Indonesian Buddhists only perform rituals at the temple during the Vesak festival.
Wayan Suena, president director of Indonesia Impression, pointed out that Borobudur, the oldest Buddhist site, could be a great religious tourism site if activities were created there, for example, morning meditations.
He said: “Religion is related to prayer (as well as a) psychological experience. Develop more religious activities so guests will stay around Borobudur longer, but make management less rigid.”
Jongki agreed that Borobudur could very well be made into a religious tourism site but there must be a clear concept first.
“Regulating religious destination areas must be clear. (We need to) take into account the daily visitor quota and the arrangement of plots for certain sects because they have their (own) occupied places,” he added.
The interim budget 2024-25 recently presented by Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has drawn mixed reactions from the country’s tourism industry. While the focus on infrastructure development received appreciation, key demands of the past like industry status and rationalisation of taxes were once again overlooked.
As per the interim budget, states will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of ‘iconic’ tourist centres, and to brand and market them on a global scale. A framework for rating based on quality of facilities and services will be established too.
India’s interim budget 2024-25 has overlooked key demands by tourism stakeholders; Varanasi, India, pictured
The Indian finance minister also announced that 400,000 normal rail bogies will be converted to the high-speed Vande Bharat standards to enhance safety, convenience and comfort of passengers.
Mahesh Iyer, managing director & CEO, Thomas Cook (India), said: “An important highlight of the interim budget is the government’s plan to provide long-term interest-free loans to states for the development of iconic tourism centres and promotion on a global standard – these will be a key driver for expanding tourism circuits across the country.”
In order to boost domestic tourism, the Indian government plans to introduce projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities on islands like Lakshadweep.
“The projects to enhance connectivity in the country through the development of airports, railways metro lines, ports in our unexplored islands and tourism infrastructure, will enhance demand and generate employment. We are also optimistic about additional futuristic support from the government in granting infrastructure status to hospitality and tourism, which will help us achieve a long-awaited status,” said KB Kachru, chairman emeritus & principal advisor, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia. For the unversed, having an industry status facilitates easier access to loans with interest subsidies besides helping to reduce costs of hospitality projects.
On the other hand, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) expressed disappointment over the lack of relief for travel agents in terms of not withdrawing the increase in Tax Collection at Source (TCS) rates on overseas tour packages.
“Even though announcements have been made regarding infrastructure development for the tourism industry, we expected the government to look into our concerns for the last two years, like the increase in TCS rates on overseas tour packages, which impacts travel agents operating in India, making them non-competitive,” said Jyoti Mayal, president, TAAI.
The Indian government introduced the new TCS rates from October 1 last year, increasing it from five to 20 per cent. Since then, TAAI has requested the government to withdraw the steep hike through various pleas.
