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Centara Udon celebrates remodelling

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 29 July 2023: Central Pattana and Centara Hotels & Resorts announced the highly anticipated relaunch of Centara Udon after completing a series of renovations to elevate the property even further with remodelled facilities and a new selection of dining options.

Centara Udon is a hotel under the development of Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s number one real estate developer for sustainability and developer of Central shopping centres, residential projects, office buildings and hotels nationwide: the latter, together with Centara Hotels and Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator.

Situated in the city’s heart, Centara Udon is just next to Central Plaza Udon Thani, the province’s largest shopping and lifestyle centre, spanning five floors and comprising a Central Department Store, TOPS supermarket and Major Cineplex. This newly renovated hotel is also conveniently located a short 15-minute drive from Udon Thani International Airport and 67 km from the Laos border, where travellers can experience the exciting new bullet train journey from Vientiane to Kunming on the China-Laos Railway.

This contemporary upscale hotel brings Centara’s signature warm hospitality and Thai family values to the region, catering to the needs of every guest, including families, solo explorers and MICE business travellers. Ranging in size from 32 to 128 square metres, the hotel offers 259 elegant rooms and suites with six distinct room types and flexible bed layouts to comfortably fit different group sizes, including the 64 square metre 1-bedroom suite ideal for families.

Renowned as a foodie heaven, Centara Udon has an ultra-modern selection of brand-new culinary experiences. Publico is the hotel’s all-day dining venue offering a mouthwatering Thai, European and Chinese fusion cuisine menu. The venue is designed to bring together the whole family and to delight all generations and tastes. The cosy ambience of the Lobby Bar is the perfect destination for an early evening tipple with a diverse local and imported wine and beer selection as well as special and classic cocktails.

The outdoor swimming pool is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring or meetings, where guests can enjoy light snacks and refreshments at the Pool Bar while soaking up Udon’s tropical weather. Travellers also have access to Cenfit, a fully-equipped fitness facility with separate hot/cold onsen and rejuvenating treatments at the award-winning Spa Cenvaree.

A prime location for MICE events, weddings, corporate functions and more, Centara Udon boasts three sophisticated event spaces, including a 700-sqm Grand Ballroom featuring high ceilings and room for up to 500 guests. Each tastefully appointed venue can be customised to suit guests’ needs while offering modern technology and exceptional service from the hotel’s designated events team.

“Our impressive round of renovations is now complete, and we are proud to announce the official relaunch of Centara Udon. With its convenient city-centre location, world-class MICE facilities, premium dining outlets and award-winning bar, this hotel plays an important role in the region. We look forward to continuing to share our Thai family values with visitors from near and far at The Place to Be in Udon Thani,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirathivat.

“Centara Udon is an integral part of the Central Udon mixed-use development, bringing together the vibrant synergy of Central Pattana’s businesses. With locally-inspired hospitality and world-class service, we are eager to welcome guests to this stunning property, promising an unforgettable experience for all,” noted Central Pattana PLC head of hotels and alternative investment Phoom Chirathivat. “

Exclusive benefits await The1 members at Central Udon and Centara Udon, making it the ultimate all-in-one leisure and lifestyle destination in Thailand’s northeast, perfectly suited for multi-generational families and business travellers alike.”

To celebrate its grand relaunch, Centara Udon is offering a special 15% discount on food and beverages (excluding alcohol) to indulge in exciting menus at Publico and Lobby Bar from now to 30 September 2023.

For more information on the relaunch of the new Centara Udon or to book an upcoming stay, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cud

To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Vietjet increases flights to Bali

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TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, 29 July 2023: Vietjet increases daily flights from its two hub cities – Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi – to the holiday island of Bali in Indonesia, effective 12 August.

The low-cost airline currently offers three daily flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Denpasar in Bali, all morning departures. It will add a fourth daily flight departing Ho Chi Minh City also in the morning. 

On the Hanoi – Denpasar route, the airline offers a single daily flight departing at 0950 and arriving in Bali at 1645. The return flight departs Denpasar at 1730 and touches down in Hanoi at 2145. Flight time on the route is five hours and 25 minutes.

From 12 August, the airline will schedule double daily flights with the additional early morning flight departing Hanoi at 0705 and arriving in Denpasar at 1200. The return flight from Denpasar to Hanoi will depart at 1310 and land at 1725 in Hanoi.

(Source: Vietjet)

Dusit launches ‘Tree of Life’ sustainability

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TTR WEEKLY
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The farmer holds rice in hand.

BANGKOK, 28 July 2023: Fully embracing ‘Sustainability’ as one of the four key pillars of Dusit Graciousness, Dusit International has rolled out a new group-wide sustainability initiative, Tree of Life, designed to ensure the company delivers on its promise always to have a positive impact wherever it sets foot. 

Intended to cover the entire Dusit group, the programme is initially being rolled out to all Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, including 54 properties operating across 19 countries. Other business units, including Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services, will join the programme soon. 

Designed by the company’s Sustainability Committee, the Tree of Life program has 31 criteria aligned with selected United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals and industry-specific targets set over four levels of achievement. It includes Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) elements, ensuring that Dusit properties operate sustainably. 

The programme’s mandatory level one encompasses eight crucial criteria to promote sustainability and responsible practices across the entire Dusit group. These criteria include the protection of vulnerable species, the minimisation of food waste, the reduction of single-use plastic, the implementation of effective waste segregation methods to enhance recyclability, the promotion of energy conservation and efficiency, the prioritisation of staff and customer well-being through robust safety management practices, the prohibition of trafficking and sexual exploitation, and active collaboration with local community leaders to identify and support projects or activities that bring tangible benefits to Dusit’s broader communities.

Hotels and business units are awarded Tree of Life’ leaves’ based on their level of achievement. Dusit properties that exceed the compulsory criteria outlined in mandatory level one are eligible to move up the levels. Level two requires a level one pass and the achievement of 18 criteria; level three requires a level two pass and the achievement of 23 criteria; and level four, the program’s pinnacle, requires a level three pass and the achievement of 28 criteria. Guests, customers, and partners can easily ascertain a property’s level based on the number of leaves it has been awarded. 

“Implementing the Tree of Life programme at Dusit International is not only a strategic move but also a reflection of our deep-rooted values as a company,” said Dusit International Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun. “This initiative reinforces our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance practices. 

“By aligning with global sustainable development goals and industry-specific targets, we aim to lead by example, inspire change within our industry, and leave a positive and lasting impact on our communities. The Tree of Life program catalyses transformative action, ensuring that our properties operate harmoniously with the environment, foster well-being for our guests and employees, and make a meaningful difference in the world.”

The Tree of Life programme will be closely monitored and supported by Dusit International’s dedicated Sustainability Committee, led by  Suthumpun. This committee will play a vital role in overseeing the implementation and progress of the program, conducting regular audits to assess compliance, and identifying areas for improvement. Furthermore, the Sustainability Committee will proactively develop new policies and procedures to ensure the program remains dynamic, responsive, and aligned with emerging global standards and best practices.

Dusit International COO Gilles Cretallaz said: “Through our Tree of Life program, our hotels and resorts will embark on a transformative journey that intertwines sustainability with the fabric of our operations. With each leaf earned, our properties will reaffirm their commitment to shaping a world where harmony between nature and hospitality flourishes and every guest experience leaves a lasting positive legacy. Our leaf-based system symbolises reassurance, ensuring guests can easily determine the transformative impact their choices make, and rest assured knowing they are contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous world for generations to come.”

Dusit’s strategy for sustainable business is aligned with the four pillars of Dusit Graciousness.

Service (personalised and gracious), Well-Being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), and Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental).   

In 2022, Dusit Hotels and Resorts became the first hotel chain in Thailand to source 100% organic jasmine rice at all of its properties throughout the kingdom. By directly purchasing from small-scale farms in northeastern Thailand, Dusit provides nutritional benefits to its guests, customers, and employees and generates sustainable income for the communities it supports. The company also began procuring cage-free eggs for six of its hotels, with plans to implement similar projects as it further enhances its supply chain management this year.  For more information, visit: http://www.dusit.com/

Wego and IHG Hotels & Resorts ink partnership 

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 28 July 2023: Wego, an online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), inked a global partnership with IHG Hotel & Resorts that allows Wego users to search and book 15 of IHG’s 18 brands worldwide.

The brands are Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. 

Travellers will get access to over 4,000 open hotels across global destinations and ultimately find the perfect hotel stay that matches their requirements anywhere in the world. 

IHG’s latest offering will be promoted across all Wego channels, providing travellers with information on the latest properties and trendy destinations. 

Commenting on this strategic partnership, Wego chief hotels officer and co-founder Craig Hewett said: “Partnering with one of the world’s leading hotel companies, IHG Hotels & Resorts, reflects our commitment to provide our users with global hotel offerings and deals. Through this partnership, we will promote IHG Hotels & Resorts to our large user base in the MENA region and aim to convert more bookings to IHG’s global network of hotels.” 

Wego compares various accommodation options in the marketplace to offer competitive rates from local and global travel agencies, hotel direct and websites.

Airline passenger traffic grew in June

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 July 2023: Recovery in international passenger markets remains robust, as travel demand grew in June despite inflationary pressures and the weakness in regional currencies according to preliminary June 2023 traffic figures released this week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

Asia Pacific-based airlines carried 23.2 million international passengers in June, representing a 159.3% year-on-year increase compared to June last year. Regarding revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), traffic surged by 131.1%, whilst seat capacity increased by 120.9%. As such, the international passenger load factor of 82.2% in June was 3.6 percentage points higher than the corresponding month in 2022. Overall passenger traffic averaged 72.5% of 2019 levels for the month, with demand climbing alongside the expansion in flight frequencies and route networks.

Meanwhile, global trade activity was muted with the ongoing declines in new export orders. The easing in container shipping rates relative to air freight rates further discouraged demand for air shipments.

Against this background, air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), declined by 8.1% year-on-year in June. By comparison, offered capacity edged 0.7% higher, leading to a 5.9 percentage point fall in the average international freight load factor to 60.7% for the month.

Commenting on the results, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “In the first half of the year, the number of international passengers carried by Asian airlines quadrupled to a combined 120 million, boosted by the upsurge in leisure and business travel demand, as the region’s economies emerge strongly from the pandemic.

“During the same period, the region’s carriers posted a 10% decline in air cargo demand. Many factors, including a post-pandemic shift in spending from goods to services and higher merchandise prices, weighed on global air cargo markets.”

Looking ahead, Menon forecast: “The outlook for air travel remains positive, buoyed by the ongoing restoration of flights and networks. The travel and tourism sector is rebounding strongly and contributing to the global economy. Asian airlines and other aviation stakeholders are working to ensure that air travellers have a smooth and safe travel experience over the upcoming peak summer holiday season.”

MATTA coordinates European media trip

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 July 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), together with four State Tourism Offices (STOs) and the Malaysia Aviation Group, will host a media trip for European media professionals to promote Malaysia to emerging European source markets.

The project recruits Tourism Perak, Penang Global Tourism, the Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Selangor to engage with the media.

The media professionals selected for this trip will embark on specialised itineraries developed by the STOs to highlight new and iconic tourist attractions in the four states. It will provide participants with firsthand experience and coverage opportunities of Malaysia’s remarkable destinations.

Flights will be sponsored by MAG, which comprises Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings and will showcase the comprehensive coverage provided by the airline group to destinations throughout the country.

The event was wholly supported by MATTA’s Technology Partner, Fusionex, a leading global AI and data technology provider, which also developed and managed mattaonline.travel – an online marketplace where consumers can purchase various value-for-money holiday packages.

Judges line up for Changemakers Awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 26 July 2023: The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) and Web in Travel (WiT) have appointed the Judges Panel for the inaugural Travel Changemakers Awards 2023.

The Awards seek to recognise innovators that have used technology to build back better, post-pandemic, with the winners to be announced at WiT Singapore from 2 to 4 October 2023.

Those awarded will demonstrate their respect for the environment, create meaningful engagement with local communities or unearth hidden gems for travellers to discover. They laud the repurposing of assets rather than building new ones and demonstrate that diversity and inclusion are critical to building back better.

The panel consists of industry leaders as follows:

  • Aya Aso, CEO, SAVVY Collective
  • Rod Cuthbert, Chairperson, Jayride; Board Member, Veltra (Tokyo); Board Member, Tourism Tasmania; Founder, Viator
  • Loic Dujardin, Head of ESG, Traveloka
  • Fred Barou – Senior VP, Online Travel and Market Strategy, Amadeus
  • Kelly Kolb – VP for Government Affairs, Travelport
  • Steven Liew – Director of Public Policy, APAC, Airbnb
  • Choe Peng Sum, CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group
  • Aloke Bajpai, Co-Founder, Group CEO and Managing Director, ixigo
  • Elaine Tan, Director, AirAsia Foundation
  • Daniel Gelfer, Director of Global Government Affairs, Agoda
  • Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive of Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board

ATTIA managing director Chris Kerin says: “We are delighted by the support demonstrated by the travel tech industry for these awards and are equally thrilled to have assembled such an esteemed judging panel. With their collective expertise, we are confident that the submissions will be held to the highest possible standards.”

“We are delighted with the calibre of judges that have embraced these awards in its first year,” adds WIT founder Yeoh Siew Hoon. “It is an honour to recognise those who turned ideas into action and initiated programmes to build back better during the pandemic. They will deservedly get their heyday with these awards, demonstrating exactly how the travel, tourism and hospitality industries have learned lessons over the pandemic to plan and create a better future for all travellers”.

There are five Awards categories – Environmental Awareness & Action, Local Community Engagement, Hidden Gems, Regenerative Tourism and Diversity & Inclusion. Award winners will be recognised at WiT Singapore from 2 to 4 October 2023.

Air Canada shifts to Dubai’s Terminal 3

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 27 July 2023: Air Canada and Emirates achieved a customer service milestone as part of their partnership by moving Air Canada’s operations to Dubai International’s (DXB) flagship Terminal on 26 July.

The co-location of operations in one of the world’s premier terminals will significantly improve customer connecting experience and underscores the benefits of the partnership between the two airlines launched in November 2022.

Customers transiting in Dubai between the Americas on Air Canada and the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Africa on Emirates will enjoy a seamless and expedited experience with the convenience of remaining in the same terminal.

Emirates chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim said: “We are delighted to welcome Air Canada to Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai, which marks another step forward in our strategic partnership to deliver even more value to travellers. Co-locating at T3 means Air Canada customers can enjoy a smooth connection experience when transiting in Dubai onto Emirates’ global network, and those eligible can enjoy access to Emirates’ signature Business Class Lounges and other hub facilities in Dubai before their flight. Working closely with Air Canada, we hope to enhance travel experiences and offer even more convenient connectivity for travellers.”

Welcoming Air Canada to Terminal 3, Dubai Airports Chief Operating Officer  Majed Al Joker said: “In addition to a long history of partnership, Dubai Airports and Air Canada share a common goal of consistently delivering exceptional service and exceeding guest satisfaction. This relocation will streamline Air Canada operations, enabling us to optimise our airport’s efficiency and improve the overall travel experience. Terminal 3 is a world-class facility designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern travellers, with biometric touchpoints, spacious and comfortable waiting areas, and a wide variety of dining and shopping outlets.” 

The first inbound Air Canada flight landing at Terminal 3 arrives on 26 July 26, with the first outbound flight scheduled to depart from Dubai to Toronto on 27 July. Dedicated Air Canada check-in and bag drop counters for Signature Class will be available in the First & Business Class Dropoff. Premium Economy and Economy will be located at the main entrance. Air Canada Signature Class customers and eligible Aeroplan Elite members (Aeroplan 50K and above) will also have access to the Emirates Business Class lounge in Terminal 3.

“Air Canada’s new home at Dubai International Terminal 3 is an important milestone which underscores the significance of our strategic partnership with Emirates and the importance of our flights between the UAE and Canada,” said Air Canada Executive Vice President Network & Revenue Planning Mark Galardo.

“In addition to Air Canada’s customers benefiting from seamless onward connections to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent with our codeshare and frequent flyer partner Emirates, they will also enjoy an elevated experience throughout their airport journey.”

Since November 2022, when the partnership commenced, the carriers have expanded their codeshare relationship to 42 routes, enhanced their underlying interline agreement, developed a reciprocal loyalty partnership for customers to earn and redeem points, enhanced cooperation between their Cargo businesses and increased capacity in their respective hubs. Air Canada has also developed a partnership with Emirates’ sister airline, flydubai.  

Emirates began its daily Boeing 777 service between Montreal and Dubai in July, which complements its expanded daily Airbus A380 schedule between Toronto and Dubai. Air Canada will commence its new non-stop four times weekly flights between Dubai and Vancouver on 30 October 2023, with its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet will complement its daily service between Toronto and Dubai.

Aeroplan and Skywards members can collect and redeem points when travelling with Air Canada or Emirates, and eligible customers can access priority check-in, boarding and airport lounges.

For more information visit www.emirates.com.

Four Seasons Langkawi launches events package

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 27 July 2023: Situated between a mile-long private beach and scenic mangrove forests, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is promoting a special offer to entice meeting groups to book the resort to “connect, collaborate and celebrate.”

Event groups save up to 35% when they book the resort’s latest special package. It includes daily breakfast, complimentary room and upgrades, with rates starting from MYR1,800.

The offer includes special meeting packages starting at MYR320, 20% savings on food and beverages, and 15 savings on Spa treatments.

Groups staying at both Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur (one-night minimum) and Four Seasons Resort Langkawi (two-night minimum) gain an additional 5% discount off the entire bill.

Offer valid until 22 December 2023. To make a booking, email [email protected].

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is just a 55-minute flight from Kuala Lumpur and a 75-minute flight from Singapore.

With 1,155 square metres (12,432 square feet) of flexible function space, the resort provides a variety of indoor and outdoor venues that can be tailored to suit the occasion and group size.

“We encourage guests to take advantage of our stunning island scenery,” says General Manager Ivan Giles. “Spread across 20 hectares (48 acres); our outdoor settings play a key role in creating unforgettable events and unlocking fresh inspiration and energy for teams.”

A standout feature of Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is its mile-long private beach, which serves as a spectacular backdrop and doubles up as a versatile function space.

The beach is also a top choice for team-building activities such as volleyball, catamaran sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and sandcastle building.

Along with three modern meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, the resort has a wide selection of outdoor venues — open-air villas, scenic pavilions, and private dining rooms or terraces at all the restaurants.

Add excitement to the itinerary with team-building activities such as rock climbing, archery and cooking classes. Embark on a bicycle tour and cycle through local Langkawi villages to get a glimpse into local life, pass picturesque waterfalls and paddy fields or explore the surrounding UNESCO Global Geopark on special excursions such as mangrove safaris, rainforest ziplining, and custom-made group adventures.

Offer valid until 22 December 2023. To make a booking, email [email protected].

(Your Stories: Langkawi)

PTM heads for Delhi this October

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, 27 July 2023: After a three-year pause, the PATA Travel Mart makes a comeback hosted by  India’s Ministry of Tourism from 4 to October 2023 in Delhi.

“After a hiatus of three years due to the pandemic, we are delighted to be organising PATA Travel Mart 2023 in person in India… India is proving to be an important market in the recovery of travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. With its many initiatives in sustainable and inclusive tourism activities, it has the potential to be a preferred tourism destination, loved by both global and domestic tourists,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone. “With its rich culture and beautiful natural landscapes, it is the perfect setting for people to access decision-makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships, and I would like to welcome members and non-members to join us at this exceptional destination.”

Photo credit: PATA.

Around 300 international buyers will attend to network and engage in business communications with around 350 seller organisations, mainly from Asia.

The mart agenda includes a one-day conference and the two- B2B travel mart that generates an estimated 1,000 business appointments.

Global travel buyers are sourced from Africa (Egypt, South Africa), the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, US), Asia (China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines), Europe (France, Russia, Spain, UK), and the Pacific (Australia, New Zealand). Overseas Indian wedding buyers will also be participating in the event.

Pragati Maidan, Delhi’s largest convention centre and exhibition hall, host the mart and conference. The venue has nearly 150 acres of exhibition space, making it among the biggest exhibition centres in India.

It is owned, operated, controlled and managed by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the trade promotion agency of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

India is an important source of outbound travellers for the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, with searches for outbound travel increasing 225% this year,  according to an Economic Times study quoting data from the booking website Agoda.

Outbound trips from India will surpass USD42 billion by 2024. Europe will receive 20% of that outbound traffic, 10% the Pacific, and the balance 70% going to Asia, the Economic Times study reported.

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