INDIA INBOUND Still Awaiting a Bounce Back
Travel Trade Journal|March 2024
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
INDIA INBOUND Still Awaiting a Bounce Back

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 relatively dormant segment of the “domestic traveller.”

It is the domestic traveller, whether travelling over weekends, on staycations, or exploring the country, that came as a lifesaver for the Indian hotel industry. The icing on the cake was the increased demand for destination weddings and celebratory functions within India, responsible for record occupancies and increased revenue. The foreign tourists were no longer missed, except for the inbound tour operators whose livelihood depended on them.

The loss of inbound tourism for India is a big gain for our neighbours and countries offering capacity and a competitive travel product. The loss of a big chunk of charter business in Goa is a living testament to the current scenario.

Current Challenges

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