In 2023, Saudi Arabia experienced a significant increase in Indian visitors, with the goal of attracting 7.5 million Indian tourists over the next seven years. The Saudi Tourism Authority organized networking events in major Indian cities to interact with travel trade associations and promote tourism between the two countries. Air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia has also improved, with flights now connecting 12 major Indian hubs with Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has simplified its visa process for Indian travelers through options like e-visas and visa-on-arrival.
The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), which owns the Taj Hotels, reported signing 52 hotels and opening 34 properties in the 2023-24 fiscal year. With a portfolio of over 300 properties, IHCL is focusing on expanding its luxury, upscale, and budget brands. The company plans to introduce more full-service hotels to cater to emerging markets. IHCL also established partnerships with boutique hotel chains, adding 14 new properties to its portfolio.
Akasa Air, a budget airline, began its international operations with its first flight from Mumbai to Doha, Qatar. The airline secured traffic rights for three additional international destinations and aims to expand its network to Kuwait, Jeddah, and Riyadh. Despite being operational for less than two years, Akasa Air has already captured a 4.5% market share in the Indian aviation market. The airline currently serves 20 domestic destinations and is steadily growing its presence.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, launched operations in Jagdalpur and Agatti, adding to its network of 88 domestic destinations. The airline now connects cities like Hyderabad, Raipur, Bengaluru, and Agatti Island. With these new routes, IndiGo is enhancing its domestic connectivity and providing more travel options to passengers across the country. The airline continues to grow and expand its services to meet the increasing demand for air travel in India.
The Indian aviation industry is expected to experience a 10.5% surge in seat capacity in the second quarter of 2024, marking a significant increase from previous years. IndiGo, in particular, is projected to see a 4% increase in average capacity per flight compared to 2019 figures. With these developments, India ranks third in terms of average seat capacity globally, positioning the country as a key player in the aviation sector. The growth in seat capacity reflects the rising demand for air travel in India.
India emerged as the fourth-largest international tourism market for Canberra, Australia in 2023, surpassing pre-Covid levels of Indian visitors. VisitCanberra reported that a significant number of Indian travelers visited the city to visit friends and family. India’s inbound tourism market for Australia is rapidly growing, driven by the expanding middle class. Efforts are underway to increase direct air connectivity between the two countries, with collaborations between Indian and Australian carriers and airports to facilitate smoother travel experiences for tourists.
