Inbound travel to India, particularly in the leisure segment, experienced an abrupt halt owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there has been a gradual resurgence of inbound tourists post-pandemic, the numbers are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. Numerous challenges continue to impede a swift recovery. TTJ engaged with some industry stalwarts to gain insights into the ground realities.
– Gurjit Singh Ahuja
Looking at the current travel scenario in India, things look pretty gung-ho, with domestic carriers expanding their network and flight frequency and enjoying higher yields. Hotels, too, have nothing to complain about, enjoying higher-than-normal occupancy rates and ARRs. Overseas flights are packed to capacity despite high-priced airfares, while embassies struggle to keep up with visa issuance.
The COVID isolation of countries activated a new market source, and this is not the usual corporate or business traveller or overseas tourist. This new market is an explosion of a…