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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Spiritual circuits to gain as India opens doors to Chinese tourists
The Indian tourism sector has cheered the government's move to resume issuing visas to Chinese nationals after a hiatus of five years, while calling for 'concentrated efforts' to attract tourists from the neighbouring country, who had formed 27 per cent of the total foreign tourist footfall to India in 2019. 'It is a good move. China is one of our major trade partners, and tourism, which fosters people to people interaction, could lead to greater cooperation and understanding. But mere liberalisation of the visa regime is not enough. There should be a concentrated effort to create and actively promote itineraries and experiences geared to attract Chinese tourists,' said Ajay Prakash, vice president of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH). India had received around 300,000 Chinese tourists in 2019, after which the Covid-19 pandemic prompted countries to close borders. 'Chinese tourists accounted for nearly 27 per cent of total foreign tourist arrivals to India in 2019, and we are very glad to welcome this move from the government as China is an important source market for the country,' said Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), which has been pushing for this for the past three years. In 2018, a survey conducted by and Chinese International Travel Monitor, said that Delhi and Mumbai were the top most visited Indian cities for Chinese tourists. However, the Taj Mahal in Agra took the cake as the most favoured site. 'Chinese tourists mostly used to visit in big groups and enjoyed the variety of experiences that India offers. The golden triangle, made up of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, was among the most sought after tours from these groups,' said a tour operator who did not wish to be named. Now, with the evolution of spiritual tourism in the country, the Buddhist spiritual corridors coming up in Bihar, connecting the ancient Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples, there will be heightened interest from the Chinese traveller, say industry experts. 'With regional tourism now regaining momentum post-Covid, we believe the restoration of visas for Chinese tourists is critical to revive inbound growth,' Gosain added. The Embassy of India in China announced on Wednesday that Chinese nationals can apply for Indian visas from Thursday (July 24, 2025) after completing an online application and obtaining an appointment at the Indian Embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou. This move comes on the heels of China resuming the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in June this year.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India's spiritual circuits to benefit as Chinese tourists make a comeback
Indian tour operators are cheering the government's move to issue tourist visas to Chinese citizens for the first time in five years – a sign of thawing relations between the two nations. 'It is a good move. China is one of our major trade partners, and tourism, which fosters people-to-people interaction, could lead to greater cooperation and understanding. But mere liberalisation of the visa regime is not enough. There should be a concentrated effort to create and actively promote itineraries and experiences geared to attract Chinese tourists,' said Ajay Prakash, vice president of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH). India had received around 300,000 Chinese tourists in 2019, after which the Covid-19 pandemic prompted countries to close off their borders. However, the two most populous nations in the world did not lift travel restrictions for each other's citizens. 'Chinese tourists accounted for nearly 27 per cent of total foreign tourist arrivals to India in 2019, and we are very glad to welcome this move from the government as China is an important source market for the country,' said Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), which has been pushing for this for the past three years. In 2018, a survey conducted by the Chinese International Travel Monitor revealed that Delhi and Mumbai were among the top visited Indian cities for Chinese tourists. However, the Taj Mahal in Agra was the most favoured site to visit. 'Chinese tourists mostly used to visit in big groups and enjoyed seeing the variety of experiences that India offers. The Golden Triangle – made up of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra – was among the most sought-after tours from these groups,' said a tour operator who did not wish to be named. Now, with the evolution of spiritual tourism in the country, the Buddhist spiritual corridors coming up in Bihar, connecting the ancient Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples, are set to see heightened interest from Chinese travellers, say industry experts. The Embassy of India in China announced on Wednesday that visas can be applied for starting Thursday (July 24, 2025) after completing an online application and obtaining an appointment at the Indian Embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou. This came after China resumed the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in June this year. As many as 750 pilgrims were selected from 5,500 applicants. Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar had also travelled to China in July and met his counterpart Wang Yi, along with other national leaders, including President Xi Jinping. These steps have been instrumental in this move, say industry experts, adding that the move will help in.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Time of India
Amid global flight chaos, tourists are turning to Southeast Asia
'Destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia are seeing increased interest, especially for last-minute bookings and shorthaul vacations' Amid the Israel-Iran conflict and the rising tensions across the Middle East, and widespread airspace closures, global travel is in turmoil. 'Chaos is an understatement,' say travel agents. But if you're still unsure about your summer plans, there are a few destinations that remain safe for a short, stress-free getaway. 'Many destinations in East and Southeast Asia such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore remain unaffected by the Israel-Iran conflict and continue to be stable options for international travellers,' shares Bharatt Malik, Senior VP, Flights & Hotel Business, Yatra Online. 'Destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore witness increased interest' Travel operators share that geopolitical uncertainty often brings with it a sense of caution among travellers. And choosing a stable destination has become more important than ever in the current times. Ravi Gosain, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators, tells us, 'Southeast Asia is benefiting from this shift in travel preference. Destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia are seeing increased interest, especially for last-minute bookings and shorthaul vacations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cặp EUR/USD: Đà Tăng? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo These countries offer good connectivity, fewer geopolitical risks, and cost-effective options.' 'For international travellers, preparation is key currently' Travel decisions during uncertain times are deeply personal, but safety becomes the top Travel decisions during uncertain times are deeply personal, but safety becomes the top priority, say travel aggregators. 'It's important to stay informed by regularly checking airline priority, say travel aggregators. 'It's important to stay informed by regularly checking airline notifications, government advisories, and news updates related to one's destination or transit notifications, government advisories, and news updates related to one's destination or transit routes. Consulting with trusted travel agents can also help one get a clearer picture of the ground routes. Consulting with trusted travel agents can also help one get a clearer picture of the ground situation and available options. We strongly recommend choosing activities/experiences and situation and available options. We strongly recommend choosing activities/experiences and stays that allow easy modifications or cancellations, so you're not caught off guard by any laststays that allow easy modifications or cancellations, so you're not caught off guard by any lastminute changes. minute changes. Always carry essential documents, both digital and physical copies , and keep , and keep emergency contacts handy,' explains Hari. emergency contacts handy,' explains Hari. Invest in travel insurance Travel insurance is often overlooked, but in unpredictable times, comprehensive coverage is essential. 'Given the current geopolitical tensions, international travellers are advised to plan their trips with added caution. Investing in comprehensive travel insurance that covers unforeseen disruptions is highly recommended,' advises Bharatt Malik. 'Travel insurance offers protection not just for emergencies, but also for everyday travel hiccups like an activity getting cancelled or a booking falling through,' adds Hari Ganapathy, Cofounder, Pickyourtrail. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Time of India
‘The mental toll of planning travel through the Middle East now is real'
'Mandatorily check your flight status before leaving for the airport' Amid the tensions and unrest in the Middle East, on Monday, multiple countries closed their airspaces and several Middle Eastern airlines cancelled their flights. While Air India had temporarily suspended operations to North America, Europe and the Middle East, on Tuesday the airlines said it will progressively resume flights to these regions. However, with several long-haul flights cancelled, delayed or diverted, travel anxiety has been running high and trip organisers report there is panic among travellers as many have been stranded around the world. After briefly closing their airspace, Bahrain and Kuwait have reopened it, as per a Reuters report. Dubai Airports also resumed operations following a short suspension but warned of possible delays and cancellations on X. With Russian and Ukrainian airspace shut due to the ongoing war, the Middle East has become a key corridor for Europe–Asia flights. According to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions, carriers are now likely avoiding hubs like Doha and Dubai over fears of potential drone or missile strikes on US military bases in the region. 'Travel insurance a must' Mandatorily check your flight status before leaving for the airport Maintain contact with your travel agent, especially for cancellations, emergencies Make sure you have a travel insurance that covers you for delays and disruptions – Zakauddin of Holiday Hub In a travel advisory, Air India announced, 'As airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today, with most operations to and from the Middle East resuming from 25 June. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lékař varuje: 'Hlavní příčina velkého břicha nemá nic společného s kaloriemi …' Dozvědět se víc Undo Flights to and from Europe, previously cancelled, are also being progressively reinstated from today, while services to and from the East Coast of the US and Canada will resume at the earliest opportunity. Some flights may experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts and extended re-routings/ flight times, but we are committed to minimising disruptions.' 'This is a serious setback for India's travel and tourism sector' Speaking on the disruption in air travel, Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, said, 'The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has begun to cause widespread disruption in international air travel... This development is a serious setback for India's travel and tourism sector. The connectivity between India and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and North America will be significantly affected, impacting both outbound and inbound traffic. If the situation continues to escalate, we may witness large numbers of travellers stranded at various global transit points. This will not only create logistical challenges but also lead to emotional and financial distress for passengers and increased pressure on tour operators and airline partners to provide emergency assistance.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Print
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
Air India bookings down 20 pc; fares dip up to 15 pc after Dreamliner crash
A London-bound Air India flight, AI-171 carrying 242 passengers and crew members crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. All but one on board the plane died along with nearly 29 on the ground when the aircraft smashed into a medical complex in Meghaninagar area of the city shortly after takeoff. An Air India spokesperson did not respond to a query seeking comments from the airline. New Delhi, Jun 20 (PTI) Bookings for Air India flights have declined by around 20 per cent on domestic as well as international routes while the average fares have dropped by 8-15 per cent in the aftermath of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash last week, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) President Ravi Gosain said on Friday. 'Following the unfortunate incident involving Air India, we have observed a temporary decline in bookings, particularly on international sectors. While the exact percentage varies by route, our estimates indicate a dip of around 18–22 per cent on international bookings and a 10–12 per cent decline domestically in the immediate aftermath. However, this appears to be a short-term sentiment-driven reaction, as confidence typically stabilizes over time,' Gosain told PTI. The IATO president shared that there has been a moderate adjustment in fares across key Air India routes. 'On an average, ticket prices have reduced by 8–12 per cent on domestic sectors where the airline competes directly with low cost carriers like IndiGo and Akasa. On international routes, especially to Europe and Southeast Asia, fares have seen a drop of 10–15 per cent, depending on route occupancy and competition. These reductions are mix of promotional strategies and yield correction due to lowered demand,' Gosain said. Asked whether there have been cancellations by travellers for Air India flights booked via tour operators, the IATO president said, 'Yes, we have witnessed a noticeable rise in cancellations, particularly from corporate and high-end leisure travellers who prefer to switch to alternative carriers'. He informed that the increase in cancellations was 15–18 per cent internationally, and 8–10 per cent domestically over the past week. However, this trend may normalize in the coming days as no systemic safety issue has been reported and authorities like DGCA reaffirm Air India's compliance with international safety standards. Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) General Secretary Rajiv Mehra also shared that an up to 20 per cent decline in bookings has been observed for Air India flights while the fares have turned cheaper by about 10 per cent on certain sectors where there is high competition with other carriers. 'As far as Air India is concerned, fares are around 10 per cent cheaper for both domestic and international routes than other airlines on certain sectors. Besides, there is a 15-20 per cent decline in new bookings for Air India flights on domestic as well as international routes after the crash,' Mehra said. He asserted that all airlines have to pull up their socks as far as aircraft maintenance is concerned, to ensure passengers. PTI RSN IAS CS RSN ANU ANU This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
