The travel landscape in India is changing rapidly, as more Indians are prioritizing travel and budgeting more for it. Skyscanner’s Horizons 2023-2024 report indicates that 63% of Indians are planning to spend more on travel, the highest of any country surveyed. This trend is expected to result in more Indians vacationing abroad this year, with many willing to spend on upgrades for comfort and convenience during travel, such as business or first-class seats and access to airport lounges.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has introduced a digital initiative called DigiYatra, which is set to be rolled out at Chennai airport this week. This digital air travel app uses facial recognition technology to expedite the processing of passengers at various points in the airport, including entry gates, pre-security gates, and boarding gates. The system is already operational at 13 airports in India for domestic travel, with plans to expand to more airports and include international passengers in the near future.
Radisson Hotel Group has appointed Nikhil Sharma as the new Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President for South Asia, effective from April 1. This comes after a previous executive’s departure to Hilton earlier this year. Sharma’s experience in the hospitality industry positions him well to lead the South Asian region for Radisson Hotel Group.
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor for Indian travelers, with a survey by Agoda revealing that 87% of Indians are concerned about sustainable travel practices. Factors such as financial incentives and guidance on sustainable travel choices could encourage travelers to make more mindful decisions. The sustainable tourism market in India is expected to reach $151.88 million by 2032, up from $26.01 million in 2022.
Online travel agency Goibibo has launched the Student goPass program, aimed at providing affordable travel options for students across domestic and international hotels, flights, and buses. With India’s student population exceeding 150 million, this program is designed to cater to the travel needs of students who often migrate domestically and internationally for education.
Air India has introduced self-check-in and baggage drop facilities for passengers flying the Bengaluru-San Francisco sector, with plans to extend these services to other routes in the future. This initiative is part of the airline’s efforts to enhance the passenger experience and streamline the check-in process at airports, reducing wait times at conventional check-in counters.
