As travel reopens across the globe and India opens up to nations, we speak to industry experts to get their view on how tourism recovery in India is shaping up post the COVID-19 pandemic, the changes they’re witnessing in booking trends and what hotels have to offer to ease any pandemic anxiety passengers might have. By Anushka Goel
The pandemic has changed the way we travel. From booking flights left and right and being spontaneous with our trips back in 2019, the world saw a shift towards travel that was carefully planned and executed in the last couple of years.
Proper precautions were being taken and thousands opted for road trips over flight bookings, opting to stay in boutique and luxury accommodations that were sure to maintain all safety and hygiene protocols. Workcations became the new trend, and so did slow travel – with increased connectivity, one could work from anywhere in the world, which was an exciting opportunity for working professionals.
Tourism recovery in India post COVID-19
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Now, as the world reopens for travel amid the pandemic, a report by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), states that international travellers to Asia are set to rise by 100 per cent between 2022 and 2023 – highlighting the S-curve as demand surges when tourism reopens, and then returns to normal growth rates over a period of time.
And that’s not all – flight bookings to the region, especially India, are also rising, highlighting the increasing trust people are redeveloping in air travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Even hotels have been encashing on the rising travel trend, curating all-inclusive packages and deals that will excite customers to pick up their bags and travel internationally, like they used to back in the day, in the hopes of quicker recovery from the forced travel slump people were on in the last few years.
Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels, tells Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, “People are travelling with a vengeance to make up for lost time leading to a huge surge in demand in both business and leisure destinations. Flights are full and so are destinations within driving distance as everyone is stepping out at their convenience. The heatwave has also pushed guests to head towards cooler climes.”
Long-haul, direct flights gaining prominence as travel in India recovers
During the pandemic, there have been concerns over safety and hygiene at airports and in flights, too. For the longest time, wearing face masks and covers was mandatory in case one wanted to board a plane, and all airport staff had to be in PPE kits. Also, as international travel reopened late last year, several airlines are also recovering from COVID-19 and making their way back to the airplane rosters.
Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara, says, “Ever since the pandemic hit, the nature of travel has transformed tremendously. With safety, hygiene and direct connectivity taking the priority for travellers, there’s a lot of thought and planning that goes into crafting travel itineraries. Increased preference for direct connectivity (non-stop flights), especially on long-haul routes is perhaps one of the most prominent travel trends that have emerged from the pandemic.”
All this stems from a variety of concerns, but most importantly, avoiding the risk of contracting COVID-19 when in transit. Other factors include the COVID-19 testing norms that are still being imposed in some countries, along with the availability of visas, quarantine measures and more. “Looking at this trend, an increase in the frequency and number of direct flights will have a positive impact on demand and bookings,” Rajawat adds.
Hotels prioritising safety, travellers looking for leisure stays, staycations
One sector in particular that had to bear the blow when it comes to travel was the hotel industry. With borders sealed, several hotels in India were turned into quarantine centres, while many others remained guest-less. In the last few months, as global travel has picked up, brands such as the Hyatt-acquired Apple Leisure Group and other chains launched all-inclusive packages, to ensure guests do not need to interact with many third-party people during their stay, and reduce their risk of exposure, writes CBS News.
Closer home, brands such as ITC, Accor, Hyatt and many others have introduced safety packages and promises to ensure the traveller is at ease when visiting these properties. Pratima Badhwar, Chief Commerical Officer, Accor India and South Asia, tells us, “As travel restrictions ease, we are seeing a positive increase in corporate and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) inquiries. Furthermore, leisure locations are continuing to see guests explore staycation options for small breakfast and workcations, which result in them staying for longer periods. Our business hotels are seeing corporate demand (for travel) come back strongly.”
Chadha adds, “We have seen a massive shift in travel trends in the recent past. The travel sentiment is upbeat and spending quality time with loved ones. At the same time, the traveller is looking for enhanced hygiene, and safety.” And as far as destinations are concerned, whether it be beaches, hill stations or city breaks – ITC has seen a rise in demand for all, he says.
A rise in all-inclusive packages for the Indian traveller
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Both Chadha and Badhwar agree that staycations and leisure vacations are picking up as travellers have pent up demands, and business travel is returning too. Given the same, have hotels worked on any packages to provide comfort to travellers?
“We have enabled products that cater to most kinds of travellers and comes with the ITC Hotels, ‘WeAssure’ promise – our commitment towards health, hygiene and safe environs. The current portfolio of packages include a range of options such as ITC Hotels All-in-Getaway, which bundles most requirements in the package – thus saving the planning process time for the guest on a holiday. Another option is the Suite Memories offer – Spacious and splendid suites offering world class service in a tasteful setting. including all meals and a host of other benefits offer, and Gourmet Tales package offers – a gourmet getaway replete with a lavish stay in a suite and delectable meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner,” says Chadha, talking about the measures ITC is taking to bring back customers.
As for Accor, Badhwar tells us, “We have a myriad of offerings for our customers depending upon their preferences and choices. Our endeavour is to create wonderful experiences for our customers keeping in line with our ALL hygiene safety standards. Our recently opened Raffles Udaipur has some Exclusive Experiences for our guests, including sunset dining at the Belvedere Point, heritage nature walks to a village for a cultural immersion; adventure treks to name a few.”
An uptick in international tourism as India inches towards recovery post COVID-19
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With India resuming regular international flights, aircraft apart from those that were available as part of air bubble agreements are now making a comeback. This means a greater demand for international travel, as well as a rise in demand for international travellers visiting India – directing a shift towards the recovery of tourism in India post COVID-19.
According to Skift.com, South Asia (which includes countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Maldives), will be the quickest to recover and go back to pre-pandemic levels. And this is visible in the current travel trends, given that tourists from all over the world have been flocking to the Maldives for the longest time now, other regions, too, are seeing a rise in international tourists.
Rajawat tells us, “We have witnessed a significant uptick in bookings, for both domestic and international routes. Most of this traffic can be attributed to people who are Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR), or people travelling for leisure during the holiday season.” However, he adds that while the world may be visiting India and South Asia, Indians are booking flights for long-haul destinations such as London, Paris, Dubai and Frankfurt.
Overall, tourism recovery in India seems to be seeing a positive shift post the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world is still cautious as they step out, there is a general sense of ease and trust, and airlines, booking agents, hotels and all other stakeholders are doing their best to help travellers feel at ease with their safety protocols, packages and more.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock
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