The first-ever direct flight between India and Cambodia has recently been launched by Cambodia Angkor Air, operating four times a week between Phnom Penh and New Delhi. This initiative is aimed at promoting the rich spiritual heritage of Cambodia and increasing travel opportunities between the two countries. The Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia to India expressed hope that the direct flight connectivity, as well as the popularity of medical tourism in India, would lead to a doubling of tourists between the two nations year-on-year.
The number of Indian tourists visiting Cambodia has been on the rise, with 20,000 tourists recorded in the first three months of 2024, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. However, the numbers have not yet reached pre-Covid levels, with 69,000 Indian tourists visiting in 2023 compared to 75,000 before the pandemic. India is a key destination for Cambodian tourists for medical and religious purposes, with many seeking affordable medical treatment in India and visiting Buddhist sites in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The direct flight connectivity is expected to boost other tourism aspects beyond pilgrimage and medical tourism.
To further enhance tourism between the two countries, India and Cambodia have launched the inaugural ‘Cambodia-India Tourism Year’. This initiative aims to allow citizens of both countries to explore and appreciate the common cultural heritage shared by India and Cambodia. The tourism ministries of both nations have come together to promote this initiative and encourage more travel between India and Cambodia. The hope is that this tourism year will attract more tourists and strengthen the ties between the two countries.
In other travel news, online travel company Ixigo’s stock was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange at over 45% above its IPO price, experiencing heavy demand from buyers. The company’s successful debut on the stock exchanges follows a strong performance during its initial public offering, where investors applied for about 98 times the number of shares offered. This successful listing is expected to provide the company with strong financial support for its growth and expansion plans.
Akasa Air has introduced ‘QuiteFlights’, a new initiative aimed at minimizing announcements during late-night and early-morning flights to enhance the in-flight experience for passengers. The airline will focus on providing essential safety messages only during flights operating between 10 pm and 6 am, along with adjusting the cabin lighting to create a calming atmosphere. Akasa Air recently expanded its international routes, connecting Mumbai with Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and has been steadily growing its network since its launch in August 2022.
Travel concerns for Indian LGBTQ+ travelers have been highlighted in a report by Booking.com, with a focus on finding destinations where they can be their authentic selves. Over 50% of LGBTQ+ travelers in India prefer destinations where LGBTQ+ tourism is well established, and many have booked trips to supportive destinations while canceling trips to unsupportive ones. Discrimination remains a major issue for LGBTQ+ travelers, with over 60% of respondents reporting negative flight experiences related to their identity. To avoid discrimination, many LGBTQ+ travelers prefer to select their seats in advance to minimize interactions with others.
