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<keyword id="20017832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Skyscanner" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Skyscanner" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Skyscanner">Skyscanner</keyword> has recently launched its annual "<keyword id="23717519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Trends-2025" source="keywords">Travel Trends 2025</keyword> Report" and it shows that <keyword id="20183888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-travellers" source="keywords">Indian travellers</keyword> are eager to explore destinations other than Europe. The report also shows a change in travel preferences, shedding light on the fact that many Indian travellers want shared experiences. It also reveals that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in 2025, looking for adventures that help build community connections. For the unversed, Skyscanner is a travel search engine that helps you find and compare prices for flights, hotels and car rentals, making it easier to plan and save money on your trips. <h2>Spending for experiences</h2>No matter the economic situation, Indian travellers are eager to invest in experiences. Recent data shows a significant increase in spending, with 58% planning to spend more on flights, 45% on accommodation and 34% on car rentals. While people are willing to spend, budget still plays a crucial role in choosing a holiday destination. The top considerations are: 65% look at hotel costs, 62% prioritise flight expenses and 54% consider food and drink prices. This focus on budget has led to lower airfares for destinations like Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Singapore, making travel more affordable. <h2>The rise of <keyword id="23717520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lesser-known-destinations" source="keywords">lesser-known destinations</keyword></h2>The report also says that travellers are exploring options beyond the usual European destinations. Shillong, India, is currently the most searched destination, with an impressive 828% increase in searches over the past year. Baku, Azerbaijan, follows closely with a 744% rise, and Langkawi, Malaysia, has seen a 433% increase. <h2>Embracing nature and tangible experiences</h2>There’s also a noticeable shift towards experiences that connect travellers with nature and offer a break from our tech-heavy lives. The report mentions that 90% of travellers enjoy visiting gardens and activities like dining around a campfire, sleeping under the stars and horse trekking are becoming more popular. <h2>Rise of <keyword id="19984369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sports-tourism" source="keywords">sports tourism</keyword> and other adventures</h2>The data also reveals a strong preference for shared experiences and immersive adventures. Trends include a growing interest in live sports events, immersive art experiences, stargazing and holistic wellness. Sports tourism is also on the rise, with 63% of respondents travelling for entertainment, 59% motivated by excitement and 50% hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite sports stars. Astro-adventure tourism is also gaining traction, with 56% of travellers interested in night sky photography, 53% wanting to sleep under the stars and 44% hoping to see the <keyword id="20079917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="northern-lights" source="keywords">Northern Lights</keyword>. This shift shows that many are looking for meaningful experiences. Another interesting trend is game-themed travel, with 88% of travellers inspired to visit locations from their favourite video games. Leisure travel and art-focused trips are also becoming popular. Apart from this, health and wellness tourism is also growing, especially among older generations. The data shows that 71% of those aged 45-54 prioritise health-conscious choices while travelling, compared to 54% of younger travellers (18-24 years old). Overall, 70% of Indian travellers report being more mindful about their health and well-being than ever before. This report thus highlights an exciting year ahead for Indian travellers, marked by a strong focus on shared experiences, immersive adventures, and wellness. As travel preferences evolve, destinations offering unique cultural experiences and good value are likely to attract more interest. Plus, the use of AI tools in travel planning is making it easier for travellers to fulfil their dreams of exploration and connection.

Europe is no longer India's favourite, we are up for experiences now, says Skyscanner report

Who does not love to travel? Most of us would give anything to take a long break from our regular work life and travel the world! And if the vacation rental behemoth <keyword id="19900375" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airbnb" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Airbnb" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Airbnb">Airbnb</keyword> is to be believed, Indians are taking to traveling with renewed vigor. When it comes to international travel right now, most Indians are traveling to Tokyo, largely to witness the momijgari (red leaf hunting), or the autumn tradition where leaves turn red, which makes for a breathtaking sight. For those seeking a little peace and quiet, the Amalfi Coast, off the Mediterranean Sea is in vogue. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are also being increasingly making their way on the travel wish list of most Indian travellers. Per Airbnb, other countries on this list include Montenegro, Norway, Luxembourg, and Georgia. Closer home, the bustling city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh is amongst the top travel destination for most Indians, along with the tropical Lakshadweep. People are also flocking to Ujjain and the hilly, quaint town of Munsiyari in Uttarakhand to take a well deserved break from their hectic lives. Says Vinay Bagri, Co-founder and CEO, Niyo, a travel banking platform"India’s growing middle class and increasing incomes are driving the rise in outbound travel. Additionally, India’s soft power diplomacy is shaping global travel industry trends. According to the Henley Passport Index, there are 62 countries where Indian passport holders can travel visa-free". "Niyo has seen a 60% growth in international travel over the past year. 55% among leisure travelers, 70% in student travel, and 25% in business travel. Interestingly, 40% of the customers we onboarded were first-time international travellers”, he continued. <h2>Be financially prepared</h2>But while it is great to travel, or take that dream vacation or overseas trip, setting aside money for the same can certainly be a herculean task. That's why, the key to a stress-free getaway, irrespective of it being a short break or an extended adventure, lies in making strategic investment choices. Here are some ways in which you can create a healthy corpus for your travelling, all from your savings: Creating a Vacation Budget Establish a comprehensive budget that covers expenses such as travel, currency exchange rates, time off from work, and the number of travelers. Conducting in-depth research on your destination, the best time to visit, and other relevant details can also lead to significant savings. A good idea is to plan in advance the number of vacations you wish to take each year. Deciding and booking your tickets ahead of time can help you save costs. Also, having a dedicated <keyword id="23343124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Fund" source="keywords">travel fund</keyword>, separate from your daily expenses, helps you stay focused. Consider using a fixed deposit or a liquid mutual fund to watch your money grow faster. Per Swati Bhargava, Co-Founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro, building a travel fund not only allows you to experience your dream vacation, but also fosters healthy financial habits that prevents debt and maximizes the value of your hard-earned money. Short-term Gains for Quick Access Says Bhuvan Rustagi COO &amp; Co-founder of Per Annum, "By exploring options such as recurring deposits, liquid funds and short-term bonds, individuals can enhance their financial flexibility, which can also help them plan any spontaneous adventures". Don't let your travel fund sit idle in a savings account. You can invest it in various short-term instruments, depending on your risk appetite. In case you want to play it safe, a recurring deposit or liquid funds are a good option. For people willing to take on more risk, P2P lending can also be a good option. Automate your way By setting up recurring transfers from your primary account to a dedicated travel savings account, you can ensure that a portion of your income is automatically saved each month. This disciplined approach will eliminates the temptation to spend impulsively, and will also help you stay committed to your travel goals. During the festive season, which will set in from next month, most online platforms, websites, and aggregators abound with enticing discounts on flights and hotels. Keep a keen eye on these deals, and you can significantly reduce travel expenses and plan your trip more efficiently. During the sales, travel portals often offer exclusive discounts tied to specific banks or release flash sales. That is also a great way to maximize your savings on travel. Many Indians are also turning to <keyword id="23343125" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cashback-Platforms" source="keywords">cashback platforms</keyword> to maximize their savings on travel bookings. According to reports, the travel sector sees an average cashback rate of 8%, the highest of all sectors. Further clubbed with credit cards you save a lot more on your hotels &amp; flights. No wonder, travel credit cards emerged as the frontrunners, experiencing a remarkable 27% YoY growth in 2023. "For those planning a festive season getaway, combining multiple offers can lead to substantial savings, making your dream destination more affordable”, continues Bhargava So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next travel destination now. With smart investments and budgeting, it might happen for you, sooner than you think!

World Tourism Day: Here's where India is travelling to, and how you too, can join the bandwagon

<keyword id="19905190" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ladakh" source="keywords">Ladakh</keyword>, often referred to as the "Land of High Passes," is a mesmerising region located in the northern part of India. Famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and adventurous activities, Ladakh is a dream destination for many travellers. If you're wondering where to go this summer, here are six compelling reasons why Ladakh should be at the top of your list. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Breathtaking Scenery" comment="subhead" text="Breathtaking Scenery">Breathtaking Scenery</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="110122423" hostid="261" sizebytes="2105696" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Journey through Ladakh&amp;#39;s majestic landscapes, where every vista is a masterpiece of nature&amp;#39;s grandeur.&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Ladakh boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever witness. From towering snow-capped peaks to vast expanses of barren desert, the landscape here is nothing short of spectacular. The crystal-clear blue skies contrast beautifully with the rugged terrain, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere that's perfect for exploration and photography. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Unique Culture and Traditions" comment="subhead" text="Unique Culture and Traditions">Unique Culture and Traditions</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="110122433" hostid="261" sizebytes="2107482" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Dive into Ladakh&amp;#39;s rich cultural tapestry, where traditions come alive amidst breathtaking vistas&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>One of the most compelling reasons to visit Ladakh is to immerse yourself in its unique culture and traditions. The region is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Ladakhis, Tibetans, and Muslims, each with their own rich heritage. From colourful festivals and ancient monasteries to traditional music and dance performances, there's no shortage of cultural experiences to discover in Ladakh. Read - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/article/10-best-tourist-places-to-visit-in-ladakh/articleshow/109555242.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Top 10 tourist places to visit in Ladakh</a> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Adventure Sports" comment="subhead" text="Adventure Sports">Adventure Sports</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="110122458" hostid="261" sizebytes="1899536" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Embark on adrenaline-fueled escapades, from trekking rugged terrains to rafting down roaring rivers&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>If you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, Ladakh is the ultimate playground for adventure sports enthusiasts. Whether you're into trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, or mountain biking, there are plenty of thrilling activities to keep you entertained. The rugged terrain and challenging landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures that will get your heart racing and leave you with unforgettable memories. Read - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/top-10-adventure-sports-across-india-where-to-experience-them-in-2024/slidelist/109857299.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Best adventure sports destinations in India</a> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pristine Lakes" comment="subhead" text="Pristine Lakes">Pristine Lakes</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="110122463" hostid="261" sizebytes="2339101" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Reflect by the tranquil shores of Ladakh&amp;#39;s pristine lakes, where serenity meets sublime beauty&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Ladakh holds some of the most stunning stunning high-altitude lakes in the world, including Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar. These pristine bodies of water are renowned for their mesmerising blue hues and tranquil surroundings. Whether you're camping by the lakeside, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, a visit to Ladakh's lakes is sure to be a highlight of your trip. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Spiritual Retreat" comment="subhead" text="Spiritual Retreat">Spiritual Retreat</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="110122480" hostid="261" sizebytes="2416939" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Find solace in Ladakh&amp;#39;s ancient monasteries, where spirituality and peace converge amidst Himalayan peaks&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Ladakh offers a serene and spiritual retreat unlike any other. The region is dotted with ancient monasteries and Buddhist stupas, where monks chant prayers and perform rituals in the serene backdrop of the Himalayas. Whether you're a devout Buddhist or simply curious about spirituality, a visit to these sacred sites is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Eco-Tourism and Sustainability" comment="subhead" text="Eco-Tourism and Sustainability"><keyword id="21307311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eco-tourism" source="keywords">Eco-Tourism</keyword> and Sustainability</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="110122487" hostid="261" sizebytes="1773042" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Join Ladakh&amp;#39;s eco-tourism movement, where sustainable practices harmonise with the pristine environment for a greener tomorrow&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>In recent years, Ladakh has emerged as a pioneer in eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices. The local community is deeply committed to preserving the region's fragile ecosystem and traditional way of life. From eco-friendly accommodations and waste management initiatives to responsible tourism practices and conservation projects, Ladakh is leading the way in promoting environmentally sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and the local community. Ladakh is a destination like no other, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, adventure, spirituality, and sustainability. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Ladakh has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, embark on an unforgettable journey, and discover the magic of Ladakh this summer. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. What is the best time to visit Ladakh? Ladakh is best visited during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is relatively mild and most of the region's attractions are accessible. However, if you're interested in experiencing the famous Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River, the best time to visit is during the winter months, from January to February. 2. Is altitude sickness a concern in Ladakh? Yes, altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can be a concern when travelling to Ladakh due to its high elevation. It's essential to acclimatise gradually to the altitude by spending a few days in Leh, the main town of Ladakh, before venturing to higher elevations. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous activity, and consulting a healthcare professional before your trip can help prevent altitude sickness. 3. How do I get to Ladakh? The most common way to reach Ladakh is by air. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the main airport serving the region, with regular flights connecting Leh to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Alternatively, you can reach Ladakh by road via the scenic Manali-Leh Highway or the Srinagar-Leh Highway, both are operational during the summer months. 4. Do I need any permits to visit Ladakh? Yes, certain areas in Ladakh, especially those near the border with China and Pakistan, require permits for both Indian and foreign tourists. These permits, known as Inner Line Permits (ILPs) or Protected Area Permits (PAPs), can be obtained from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) office in Leh or online through the official website. It's essential to obtain the necessary permits before venturing into restricted areas. 5. What should I pack for a trip to Ladakh? When packing for a trip to Ladakh, it's essential to pack layers of clothing to accommodate the fluctuating temperatures, which can range from hot during the day to cold at night. Other essential items include sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and any necessary medications for altitude sickness. Additionally, it's advisable to carry a first-aid kit, trekking gear if you plan to trek, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

6 reasons why you should visit Ladakh this summer

For us Indians, summer is not just about sultry weather and parched lands. It's also about nostalgia with two-month-long vacations, travel with family, and exploring new places every year. Summer travel is a time-honoured tradition that beckons adventurers, families, and sun-seekers alike to embark on journeys of discovery and relaxation. Whether it's basking on sun-kissed beaches, trekking through mountains under clear skies, or immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of cultural experiences, summer offers a plethora of opportunities to create unforgettable memories. As travellers eagerly pack their bags and plan their escapades, the data around these plans also tells a story. And the popular travel portal Make My Trip has now revealed some interesting trends in its report “<keyword id="17059737" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Summer-Travel-Trends" source="Orion">Summer Travel Trends</keyword>”! The report gives a peek into the evolving preferences and behaviours of travellers across India. From the bustling streets of <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> to the serene landscapes of <keyword id="6354931" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayodhya" source="Orion">Ayodhya</keyword>, summer 2024 travel trends encompass a dynamic mix of traditional favourites and emerging destinations. Spiritual tourism remains vibrant, with pilgrimage sites like Puri and Varanasi drawing considerable interest. Additionally, the influence of external factors such as elections on travel patterns reflects the interconnectedness of travel and societal events. As one delves into the data, intriguing insights are evident not just on destinations but also on shifting trends in accommodation preferences and the duration of travel. Here are a few key takeaways from the report: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up" comment="subhead" text="Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up">Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up</cmsannotation> Goa retains its position as the top searched destination for travellers this year as well. However, Ayodhya has seen the sharpest growth in search volumes, attributed to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Following Ayodhya, interest in travel to Lakshadweep and Nandi Hills also shows noticeable increases. Read - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/article/best-beaches-to-visit-in-goa/articleshow/109728267.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Best beaches to visit in Goa in 2024</a> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Spiritual tourism shows no decline" comment="subhead" text="Spiritual tourism shows no decline">Spiritual tourism shows no decline</cmsannotation> This summer, Puri and Varanasi emerge as the most searched pilgrimage destinations. Travellers are showing keen interest in exploring the spiritual and cultural richness offered by these revered sites during their summer journeys. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Travel behaviour during elections" comment="subhead" text="Travel behaviour during elections"><keyword id="21579458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-behaviour-during-elections" source="Orion">Travel behaviour during elections</keyword></cmsannotation> Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and CEO of Make My Trip says they have seen a surge in traffic and bookings on redBus during election dates. People prioritise visiting their hometowns to cast votes, reflecting a significant trend in travel behaviour during electoral periods. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Growth in family and solo travel" comment="subhead" text="Growth in family and solo travel">Growth in family and solo travel</cmsannotation> In 2024, the family travel segment experienced a remarkable 20% growth compared to summer 2023. Solo travel also sees a significant uptick, with a 10% increase over the previous year's numbers, following the trend set by family travel. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mountains over beaches" comment="subhead" text="Mountains over beaches">Mountains over beaches</cmsannotation> Places with cool mountain terrains emerge as the top choices for domestic holiday destinations this summer. Travellers show a preference for destinations offering refreshing mountain landscapes, highlighting a trend towards seeking cooler climates for summer getaways. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="These international destinations saw the highest growth" comment="subhead" text="These international destinations saw the highest growth">These international destinations saw the highest growth</cmsannotation> Baku, Almaty, and Nagoya are witnessing the highest growth in searches among international destinations. Travellers are showing increasing interest in exploring these diverse and vibrant cities, reflecting a shift in preferences for their summer travel plans. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Average travelling days" comment="subhead" text="Average travelling days">Average travelling days</cmsannotation> On average, domestic travel durations range from 3 to 5 days, offering shorter yet fulfilling getaways. In contrast, international travel tends to span longer periods, averaging between 8 to 10 days, allowing travellers to immerse themselves more deeply in their chosen destinations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Most booked domestic packages" comment="subhead" text="Most booked domestic packages">Most booked domestic packages</cmsannotation> The most booked domestic tour packages today include <keyword id="6358126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh" source="Orion">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast region. These destinations offer diverse experiences ranging from serene mountain escapes in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir to tropical beach getaways in Goa and Kerala, along with the enchanting cultural and natural beauty of the North East, attracting travellers seeking a variety of experiences. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth" comment="subhead" text="Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth">Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth</cmsannotation> The tariff range of INR 2.5K to 7K per night constitutes approximately 45% of all homestay bookings. However, homestays and villas with tariffs exceeding INR 20K per night are experiencing the highest growth. Similarly, in the hotel sector, the INR 2.5K to 7K range remains preferred, but notable growth is observed in the INR 10K to 15K category, indicating a trend towards premiumisation. The summer travel landscape of 2024 presents a tapestry of diverse destinations and evolving travel behaviours. While Constant favourites like Goa continue to reign supreme, the rise of destinations such as Ayodhya and the growing interest in spiritual tourism demonstrate a nuanced shift in traveller preferences. The surge in family and solo travel, coupled with the increasing popularity of mid-range to premium accommodations, underscores the evolving dynamics of the Indian travel market. As travellers seek refuge in the cool mountain terrains or go on soul-searching journeys to pilgrimage sites, one thing remains clear – travel is not just about reaching a destination but also about embracing the experiences that enrich our lives along the way. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/international/webstories/ahmedabad-makes-it-to-the-top-8-global-destinations-for-slow-travel-see-the-list/slidelist/109916139.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Ahmedabad makes it to the top 8 global destinations for slow travel; See the list</a>

Goa remains top, spiritual tourism remains hot, premium accommodations grow fast — MMT’s summer travel trends for 2024

<ul><li>A survey by travel agency Agoda found wellness to be one of the top three motivations for Indians to travel in 2023. </li><li><keyword id="2808667" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="oyo" source="Orion">OYO</keyword> and EaseMyTrip shared that Gen Zs and millennials are pursuing spiritual pursuits, including trips to religious destinations. </li><li><keyword id="6357203" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="varanasi" source="Orion">Varanasi</keyword>, <keyword id="48458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tirupati" source="Orion">Tirupati</keyword> and <keyword id="4903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Puri" source="Orion">Puri</keyword> were some of the favoured destinations as per data shared by four different travel organisations.</li></ul>The pandemic turned the world digital but also led to multifold physical and mental health issues. Consequently, digital detox and regeneration have become <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/travel-trends-in-2023-digital-detox-regenerative-travel-and-inner-peace/articleshow/96281360.cms">increasingly</a> popular. In India, this has translated into an increased interest in spiritual and wellness tourism, including trips to religious destinations, according to travel agencies. And this interest has expanded to include GenZs and millennials. Travel agency Agoda conducted a survey and found wellness to be one of the top three motivations for Indians to travel in 2023. The survey was conducted with 10,000 travellers from across 12 countries, including India. As per Agoda, “Many (people) wish to embark on trips to recharge themselves, mentally and physically, with wellness contributing to the number two spot in the ‘reasons to travel’ ranking of Agoda’s Travel Trend survey. Countries with high inclination include India (20%), South Korea (24%), Singapore (25%) and Thailand (29%).” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Spiritual tourism no longer restricted to senior citizens" comment="subhead2" text="Spiritual tourism no longer restricted to senior citizens">Spiritual tourism no longer restricted to senior citizens</cmsannotation> For the longest time, religious destinations were considered to be low on the travel bucket list — especially for GenZs and millennials, but that appears to have changed. “With the need for spiritual connect taking priority, millennials and GenZs are setting new trends for the industry. With every passing day, spiritual and self-care travel are catching pace, and the demand is growing,” said OYO in its Cultural Travel 2022 Roundup Report. As per the travel agency EaseMyTrip, there has been a 60% increase from 2019 in people in general are opting for holy destinations or spiritual or wellness tour packages. And, women aged between 30-35 are leading the search. “We’ve observed a sharp surge of 60% in the number of tourists opting for spiritual and wellness retreat packages as compared with pre-Covid. These are closely linked with religious pilgrimages and the various festivals prevalent across the subcontinent,” said Rikant Pittie, co-founder, EaseMyTrip. “More than ever, travellers are looking within, and often they are seen clubbing this journey within - with a trip to wellness or a spiritual retreat. Tending towards slow and spiritual travel formats, travellers opt for wellness or therapeutic retreats that allow them to disconnect and rejuvenate from their busy schedules,” said a spokesperson for MakeMyTrip. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Top favourite destinations" comment="subhead2" text="Top favourite destinations">Top favourite destinations</cmsannotation> In light of the rising interest in spiritual destinations, certain places are definitely enjoying more interest than others. Varanasi, Tirupati and Puri were among the top destinations as per data shared by four travel organisations — Ixigo, EaseMyTrip, OYO and Kayak. “Cultural destinations like Varanasi saw more than 50% rise in bookings for travel last year on our train apps. Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh witnessed one of the highest comebacks and was the most-searched spiritual hub in 2022 recording a 200% increase in train search queries,” shared Rajnish Kumar, co-founder, Ixigo. The increased interest in these destinations is also boosted by pent-up demand for travel and the availability of better facilities like hotels and good connectivity to reach the destination, said OYO in a report that was released in December 2022. Rishikesh, famous among Indians and foreigners alike, is known for its ashrams and adventure sports like river rafting. At the same, it’s home to India’s premium hotels, like Ananda wellness resort and Taj Rishikesh. Similarly, popular religious destinations like Tirupati and Puri offer luxury accommodations — Marasa Sarovar in Tirupati or the Mayfair Heritage in Puri. Ixigo and OYO also listed Mathura, Mahabaleshwar and Madurai as emerging spiritual tourism destinations in India. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/india-is-going-to-be-a-huge-paid-market-spotify-india/articleshow/98442816.cms">India is going to be a huge paid market: Akshat Harbola, head of strategy, Spotify India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/wedding-bells-ring-in-16-rise-in-february-auto-sales-2-wheeler-sales-yet-to-hit-pre-pandemic-levels-fada/articleshow/98443213.cms">Wedding bells ring in 16% rise in February auto sales, 2 wheeler sales yet to hit pre-pandemic levels: FADA</a>

Gen Zs & Millennials aid spiritual & wellness-driven tourism recovery in India

<ul><li>Kyari Innovations claims to manufacture the world’s first smart walking stick - a tech-enabled walking stick equipped with LED lights, panic alarm, power bank, and an electrical probe. </li><li>Currently, it has a growth rate of 16.7%, with revenue of ₹30 lakh in FY 20, ₹1.2 crore in FY21, and ₹1.4 crore in FY22. </li><li>The founders walked away with a deal from sharks <keyword id="824423" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="peyush-bansal" source="Orion">Peyush Bansal</keyword> and Anupam Mittal – for an investment of ₹51 lakh for 6% equity. </li></ul>Whether it’s embarking on the famous Triund Trek, paragliding off the hills of Bir, or going on a jungle safari in Ranthambore, adventure tourism has certainly gained popularity among Indians. And Kyari Innovations, the latest startup to appear on <keyword id="11924074" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shark-tank-india" source="Orion">Shark Tank India</keyword> S2, caters to this market by providing adventure safety gear. Founded in 2017 by sibling duo Smratika and Abhay Sharma, the Ghaziabad-based startup <a href="https://kyari.in/smart-stick-guardian/">manufactures and sells </a>Guardian - which is the world’s first smart walking stick, claimed the founders. Designed and made in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>, Guardian is a tech-enabled walking stick equipped with LED lights, a panic alarm, a power bank for portable charging, and an electrical probe (taser) with 10,000 volts of charge – enough to immobilise an attacker temporarily without causing serious injuries. It has a battery life of 720 hours. The smart walking stick is available in three versions, priced between ₹10,000-₹17,500. Along with the smart stick, Kyari provides accessories like a stand that can be remodelled to be used as an axe or shovel, and a wall mount and moto mount to mount the stick at home or on a motorcycle, respectively. Around 2,000 forest guards are already using the smart walking stick, claimed the founders. Kyari also manufactures ANIDERS (Animal Intrusion Detection and Repellent System) - a device that helps prevent crop raids and protect wildlife. ANIDERS has been installed in <a href="https://kyari.in/animal-intrusion-detection-repellent/#1466844053299-d3e3b352-f414">forest departments of over 20 Indian states</a>, as per the company. A basic model of ANIDERS is available for $233, or approximately, ₹18,900. The founders also <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhay-sharma-kyari/">stated on LinkedIn </a>that Kyari is recognised by NRDC (National Research Development Corporation) and accredited by ICAR, the Government of India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="A tiger encounter that made an entrepreneur" comment="subhead2" text="A tiger encounter that made an entrepreneur">A tiger encounter that made an entrepreneur</cmsannotation> Smratika and Abhay Sharma come from a family of adventure enthusiasts. As they shared on the show, growing up, their dinner conversations were dominated by discussions on animals and NatGeo. However, the idea of developing a smart stick struck Abhay after his own encounter with a tiger. “Like you sharks are sitting so close, I encountered a tiger at a similar distance and I was on foot. I was alone, and suddenly a tiger came from behind a boulder. I just froze. The tiger saw me and left but I remained frozen on the spot. That’s why I know, when you face a wild animal, you freeze - you can’t even scream,” shared Abhay on the show. Abhay Sharma, who’s a designer himself, graduated with a Bachelor’s of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering from Amity University in 2019. He also <a href="http://www.nrdcindia.com/assets/vendor/filemanager/userfiles/Awards/Awardees_Feedback_NRDC_National_Meritorious_Invention_Awards-min.pdf">won </a>the prestigious National Budding Innovator Award in 2017 for developing ANIDERS. He’s responsible for designing the Guardian smart stick. On the other hand, Smratika graduated with a Bachelor’s of Technology degree in Computer Science from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University in 2015. She went on to work as a software engineer with Accenture for five years. She is <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/smratika/">responsible </a>for Kyari’s brand strategy. Kyari earned revenue of ₹8 lakh in its first year of operations, in FY19. Currently, it has a growth rate of 16.7%, registering sales of ₹30 lakh in FY 20, ₹1.2 crore in FY21, and ₹1.4 crore in FY22, as stated on the show. It also achieved year-to-date sales of ₹75 lakh in FY23. The founders also claimed that despite spending on research and development, and drawing salaries, they’ve consistently maintained a profit margin of 30% for three years and in fact, reinvested their savings to set up in-house manufacturing. “This is great. You have to do everything on your own in India, from beginning to end. Without vertical integration, you can’t deliver quality in India, unless you scale a lot,” remarked Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal, after hearing about the company’s setup. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Cut-throat negotiations" comment="subhead2" text="Cut-throat negotiations">Cut-throat negotiations</cmsannotation> Namita <keyword id="174" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="thapar" source="Orion">Thapar</keyword>, executive director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Amit Jain, the co-founder of CarDekho.com, were the first ones to make a joint offer of ₹51 lakh for a 10% stake, valuing the company at ₹5.1 crore. Simultaneously, Mittal, along with Lenskart co-founder Peyush Bansal, and boAt co-founder Aman Gupta, made a joint offer of ₹51 lakh for a 12% equity stake, valuing the company at ₹4.25 crore. “You (the founders) invest in R&amp;D and are innovative and long-term thinkers. So I have to be with you in this business,” said Bansal. However, the founders stated that they couldn’t go ahead with either of the valuations because the maximum equity they could offer was 2% for ₹51 lakh - valuing the company at a whopping ₹25.5 crore. While all the sharks responded that it was too high a valuation, Gupta walked out of the deal. The other four sharks, however, kept revising their offers. In a matter of minutes, the company’s valuation rose to ₹10 crore, with Bansal and Mittal offering ₹80 lakh for 8% equity, while Thapar and Jain offered ₹51 lakh for 6%- valuing the company at ₹8.5 crore. When the founders lowered their ask –for an investment of ₹51 lakh for a 5% equity stake– and tried to negotiate further, both Bansal and Mittal made it clear that there was no room to budge since any change in equity stake would lose them money. However, Bansal and Mittal agreed to match Thapar and Jain’s offer of ₹51 lakh for 6% equity. At the same time, Thapar commented to Jain that it was clear the founders wanted to go with sharks Bansal and Mittal, and thus didn’t revise their offer further. Finally, the founders agreed to a deal from Bansal and Mittal – ₹51 lakh investment for 6% equity, valuing the company at ₹8.5 crore. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/google-to-axe-12000-jobs-ceo-sundar-pichai-says-company-hired-for-a-different-economic-reality/articleshow/97176523.cms">Google to axe 12,000 jobs; CEO Sundar Pichai says company hired for a different economic reality</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/how-to-use-quiet-mode-on-instagram/articleshow/97175190.cms">Instagram's new quiet mode is here to help you take a break from the buzz – here's how to use it</a>

This startup that makes ‘smart’ stick for adventurers walks away with a sweet deal on Shark Tank India

<ul><li>While the Union Budget hasn’t traditionally doled out reforms for the hospitality sector, after a year of losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the <keyword id="2173225" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel-and-tourism">travel and tourism</keyword> industry will look at <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> to help the sector until demand revives.</li><li>Reforms is the one big word that every entrepreneur, every operator in this country is expecting specifically, from a travel and <keyword id="20048" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism">tourism</keyword> fraternity perspective, said Ritesh Agarwal of OYO.</li><li>According to the Hotels Association of India (HAI), about 70% of the direct jobs in the hotel sector are at risk while 40% of all hotels in India are on the brink of permanent closure.</li></ul>India’s travel and tourism industry believes that <keyword id="8420431" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-2021">Budget 2021</keyword> can’t not bring in relief for the battered sector. “It is the most impacted and has the capability to recover quickly as it has small businesses in this segment. Hence, it's crucial for the small businesses to get all types of motivation and help. We have already started seeing a lot of support coming in from various support programs, and we hope for more,” said Ritesh Agarwal, Founder &amp; Group CEO, OYO Hotels &amp; Homes at the recently held Resurgence TiEcon Delhi – NCR event. While the Union Budget hasn’t traditionally doled out reforms for the hospitality sector, after a year of losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as people stayed home and flights continue to stay banned in several countries, including India, the travel and tourism industry will look at Nirmala Sitharaman to help the sector until demand revives. According to the Hotels Association of India (HAI), about 70% of the direct jobs in the hotel sector are at risk while 40% of all hotels in India are on the brink of permanent closure. And they have come with their own laundry list of expectations of budgetary provisions, better regulations, and policy decisions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Infrastructure status" comment="subhead" text="Infrastructure status">Infrastructure status</cmsannotation> Giving infrastructure status to hotels is a top demand from the industry which will give them access to better credit. “Doing so will allow businesses to avail electricity, water, and land at industrial rates along with improved lending rates,” said Bhanu Chopra, Founder and Chairman, RateGain. The HAI has also recommended hotels of above ₹25 crore capex (excluding land) should be declared as infrastructure. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Increase Leave Travel Allowance" comment="subhead" text="Increase Leave Travel Allowance">Increase Leave Travel Allowance</cmsannotation> “One could expect a tweak with Leave Travel Allowance (LTA), which is a tax break on travel expenses that can be claimed twice in a block of four years. You might see certain relaxations there, which allows more domestic travel or it could be that instead of twice in four years, you increase that number. The additional increase is only if you actually travel,” said Hemal Zobalia, Deloitte Haskins &amp; Sells LLP told Business Insider in an interview. HAI in its list of recommendations to the government has also said that there should be a modification of rule. “Government may modify the rules and allow citizens to avail LTA benefits for hotel stays too for a period of two years. LTA exemption to be available annually,” said the HAI spokesperson. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Income Tax and GST relief" comment="subhead" text="Income Tax and GST relief">Income Tax and GST relief</cmsannotation> The industry is also rooting for income tax reductions which will increase the cash flow of businesses. Currently, the income tax rate is 30% plus surcharge of 7% or 12% (based on income) as well as 4% education cess. “Several taxpayer-friendly amendments like GST relief in case of bad debts and relaxation in the ineligible list of input tax credit are much needed by the industry during the ongoing Covid times,” said Tushar Aggarwal, Founder Partner, Tattvam Advisors. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="A Natural &amp; Cultural Heritage Restoration Fund of ₹2,000 crore" comment="subhead" text="A Natural &amp; Cultural Heritage Restoration Fund of ₹2,000 crore">A Natural &amp; Cultural Heritage Restoration Fund of ₹2,000 crore</cmsannotation> To boost domestic tourism, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) has suggested setting up a Natural &amp; Cultural Heritage Restoration Fund with a corpus of ₹2,000 crore. This, the association believes will encourage “sustainable and responsible development around each vertical of adventure tourism &amp; cultural tourism.” SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/airlines-want-budget-2021-to-lower-jet-fuel-price-and-parking-charges/articleshow/80561951.cms">Airlines want budget 2021 to lower jet fuel price and parking charges</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/india-needs-to-add-massive-amount-of-solar-and-wind-power-capacity-this-year-to-meet-its-first-target/articleshow/80496138.cms">India needs to add massive amount of solar and wind power capacity this year to meet its first target</a>

India’s travel and tourism sector is hoping that the Budget won’t leave them behind

As the mercury plummets and the latest weather forecast predicts fresh rounds of <keyword id="10265" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Snow">snow</keyword> across the Indian mountains, a gleeful crowd from home and abroad goes traipsing upon the ethereal <keyword id="918784" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="ski-slopes">ski slopes</keyword>. Heading off to the <keyword id="23693" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Swiss-Alps">Swiss Alps</keyword> or <keyword id="2005582" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Val-dIsre">Val d’Isère</keyword> in <keyword id="6354785" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="France">France</keyword> might be the classic choice of many, but <keyword id="2005583" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Powder-skiing">powder skiing</keyword> in the <keyword id="52569" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword> is getting increasingly popular among local and <keyword id="1704954" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="global-tourists">global tourists</keyword> in love with <keyword id="1614562" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="winter-sports">winter sports</keyword>. India is now home to a dozen or so <keyword id="2005584" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ski-areas">ski areas</keyword> and plans are afoot to build several international standard <keyword id="78303" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ski-resorts">ski resorts</keyword>. 
 <keyword id="90842" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="skiing">Skiing</keyword> took off in the country during the days of the <keyword id="81273" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="British-Raj">British Raj</keyword> when two army officers first started the <keyword id="2005578" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ski-Club-of-India">Ski Club of India</keyword> in <keyword id="108228" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gulmarg">Gulmarg</keyword> back in 1927. Fast-forward to 2014 and you will find improved facilities, along with the eternally breathtaking <keyword id="6439698" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="mountain">mountain</keyword> views, the best <keyword id="2005590" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Powder-snow">powder snow</keyword> and the vast, undulating <keyword id="2005591" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Snowy-tracks">snowy tracks</keyword> – from <keyword id="2005592" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gentle-slopes">gentle slopes</keyword> and <keyword id="2005593" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Groomed-trails">groomed trails</keyword> to <keyword id="2005595" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Steep-bowls">steep bowls</keyword>, <keyword id="2005596" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chutes">chutes</keyword> and <keyword id="2005598" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tree-runs">tree runs</keyword> spilling off the magnificent ridges. Gulmarg in <keyword id="23412" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jammu-Kashmir">Jammu &amp; Kashmir</keyword> and <keyword id="484044" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Auli">Auli</keyword> in <keyword id="44522" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarakhand">Uttarakhand</keyword> are the showpiece destinations, especially Auli, which features the <keyword id="2005599" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Second-largest-slopes-in-Asia">second largest slopes in Asia</keyword>. A research survey by the <keyword id="2005579" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Alpine-Tourism-Promotion-Council">Alpine Tourism Promotion Council</keyword> (ATPC) considers Auli’s slopes to be the best in the world. 
 <keyword id="2005600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Heli-skiing">Heli-skiing</keyword> in the Himalays is another fabulous experience as the chopper flies one to spectacular heights and the <keyword id="105846" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Skier">skier</keyword> rides down the unexplored slopes – the perfect setting for this great <keyword id="6739232" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Adventure-sport">adventure sport</keyword>. The thrill-hunters can also go <keyword id="2005604" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yak-skiing">yak skiing</keyword> in <keyword id="6363190" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manali">Manali</keyword> – an <keyword id="2005608" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Extreme-snow-sport">extreme snow sport</keyword> only meant for the brave hearts. Those looking for <keyword id="2005609" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Off-season-skiing">off-season skiing</keyword> would not be disappointed either. There is <keyword id="2005611" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Grass-skiing-in-summer">grass skiing in summer</keyword>, held on a 120 meter-long grassy slope in <keyword id="569617" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solang-Valley">Solang Valley</keyword> where one can use special <keyword id="2005612" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Skis-fitted-with-wheels">skis fitted with wheels</keyword>. If you are already feeling excited and want to chill out among the snow, slopes and the wild <keyword id="383218" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="slides">slides</keyword> and <keyword id="95340" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tumbles">tumbles</keyword>, here is a look at India’s 7 <keyword id="2005614" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Best-skiing-destinations">best skiing destinations</keyword>. 
 
Image: Wikipedia

Time To Celebrate The Snow: Check Out These 7 Ski Destinations
In India

From a hippie music culture to incredible trekking and a delicious food trail, this pristine land has it all. One of the seven sister states in India’s North Eastern part, <keyword id="46408" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arunachal-Pradesh">Arunachal Pradesh</keyword> redefines serenity. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/travel-on-a-shoestring-budget-italy-at-rs-20000/articleshow/57717638.cms">Being on the most eastern part </a>of the country, the state takes pride in receiving the first sun rays of a day. With the <keyword id="52569" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword> serving as the wall, the state is crucial for its location as it serves as international border to China and <keyword id="6356970" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Myanmar">Myanmar</keyword>. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/travel-on-a-shoestring-budget-italy-at-rs-20000/articleshow/57717638.cms">ALSO READ: Travel on a Shoestring Budget: Italy at Rs 20,000</a> 
 
The state is blessed with amazing scenic locations that would give any traveller a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/travel-on-a-shoestring-budget-seychelles-at-rs-20000/articleshow/57465613.cms">penchant to explore</a>. There are doubts about connectivity, insurgency and food habits of the state. But let’s take clear all doubts here. 
 The Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh held its first Arunachal <keyword id="3442757" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pradesh-tourism">Pradesh Tourism</keyword> Conclave 2017 in New Delhi last week where Home Minister <keyword id="638723" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kiren-Rijiju">Kiren Rijiju</keyword> and the Tourism Secretary <keyword id="2211978" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Joram-Beda">Joram Beda</keyword> assured of all safety. Moreover Arunachal, being India’s border to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/travel-on-a-shoestring-budget-italy-at-rs-20000/articleshow/57717638.cms">China</a>, is highly secured. The society being matriarchal is extremely safe for women. 
 In an exclusive chat with <keyword id="824043" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Business-Insider">Business Insider</keyword>, the tourism secretary, <keyword id="4343415" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="jerom-beda">Jerom Beda</keyword> said, “<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/travel-on-a-shoestring-budget-italy-at-rs-20000/articleshow/57717638.cms">People needn’t worry</a> about food if they are vegetarian. If you love <keyword id="899463" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sarson-Saag">Sarson Saag</keyword> (mustard leaves) and Palak (spinach), know that we have 200 odd variety of saag to choose from.” Also he assured the foodies of zero disappointment. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/travel-on-a-shoestring-budget-seychelles-at-rs-20000/articleshow/57465613.cms">ALSO READ: Travel on a shoestring budget: Seychelles at Rs 20,000</a> 
 Promoting the tourism destination as major adventure hub, <keyword id="1783431" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="beda">Beda</keyword> said, they have signed <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/travel-on-a-shoestring-budget-italy-at-rs-20000/articleshow/57717638.cms">Memorandum of Understanding </a>with four key partners to work together to promote tourism and attract tourists. 
 
If you plan to visit Arunachal Pradesh this year, these are the best places to visit if you are a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/travel-on-a-shoestring-budget-seychelles-at-rs-20000/articleshow/57465613.cms">traveller.</a>

From experiencing the first sunrise to offbeat adventures, these are the
5 best places to travel in Arunachal Pradesh

In an uncharacteristic response from an industry body which tend to be mellow in their take on government policies, the Federation of Associations in the Indian Tourism &amp; Hospitality (<keyword id="6389686" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="faith">FAITH</keyword>), said on Sunday that the Indian tourism industry has "gone into a state of disbelief and shock". This is the policy federation of all the national associations representing the complete tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75790707" title="Lockdown 4.0 ⁠— India issues new guidelines allowing states to decide the red, green, and orange zones" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> "The industry has gone numb from a lack of any umbrella direction from the government or without any fiscal &amp; monetary support," it said. The industry body said, "Indian Tourism industry goes into a state of shock and disbelief as there were no announcements to support tourism, 10 weeks of constant discussions come to a naught and industry has gone directionless". With no visibility of cash inflows the Indian tourism industry is now looking at large scale bankruptcies, business closures which will lead to job losses across cities, towns and hinterlands of India. This has the potential to set back the Indian tourism, travel and hospitality industry by many years, it said. The body said that the Indian tourism industry was looking forward to deep set of survival measures for tourism from the Rs 20 lakhs crore package announced over 5 days, which however were not addressed. The Indian tourism, travel and hospitality sector impacts almost 10 per cent of GDP through its direct and indirect impact. It has already seen over one quarter of accumulated losses which began from February onwards. There is no cash inflow expected for many quarters over FY20-21 as the key segments of the Indian tourism economy will be down. The international inbound tourists, inbound and VFR - (visiting friends and relatives) and the outbound travel will remain mostly non-performing due to international flight restrictions and tragic impact in most key markets tourism markets of India, the association said. "Domestic travel and corporate travel within the country may slightly ease up post lockdown but will be highly restricted due to fear of travel among elders and children, the new social distancing norms, corporate travel freeze and the closure of the holiday season which will impacting all leisure, adventure, heritage, spiritual, cruise and niche tourism segments," it said. The meetings incentives exhibitions &amp; events segment will be severely impacted due to the meeting size restrictions. Consequently all tourism service providers, the hotels, travel agents, tour operators tourist transporters, restaurants, guides will be compromised and the tourism industry of India will be operating with extreme under capacities making most tourism businesses unviable on a cash operating basis. To prevent this and to ensure survival, FAITH had proposed a dedicated interest and collateral free long term fund for paying salaries and operating costs and for a minimum of 12 months of complete waiver of fixed central &amp; state statutory and banking liabilities without any penal or compounding interest which have not been addressed. The proposed MSME fund with its many underlying restrictions may have a very limited usage. FAITH &amp; its ten member associations (ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI) had been constantly dialoguing with all factions of the government over the past 10 weeks the PMO, ministries of Finance, Commerce , Aviation, and Tourism, with RBI, with all 28 Chief Ministers, Niti Aayog and with the Empowered Group 6. Indian tourism travel and hospitality impacts 10-12 per cent of India's employment which covers almost 5 crore plus direct and indirect jobs. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/indian-firms-can-now-directly-list-in-foreign-markets-there-are-a-few-more-big-changes-to-companies-act/articleshow/75785648.cms">Indian firms can now directly list in foreign markets – there are a few more big changes to Companies Act</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/policy/news/india-will-merge-some-government-companies-and-privatise-some-cpse/articleshow/75785709.cms">India will reduce the number of central government companies⁠— some of them will get bigger and some will be sold to private players</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/india-puts-a-pause-on-new-bankruptcy-cases-for-a-year-and-other-changes-that-will-cap-the-rise-in-bad-loans/articleshow/75785508.cms">India puts a pause on new bankruptcy cases for a year ⁠— and other changes that will cap the rise in bad loans</a>

'Indian tourism industry is in a state of shock and disbelief'

Millennials and <keyword id="159493" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gen-z" source="Orion">Gen Z</keyword> are a cohort born between 1981 and 1996 and contribute to roughly 1.8 billion, equating to more than 23 per cent of the population globally. Millennials have not only changed the demographics of checking into hotels but have also influenced major aspects of the hospitality industry. They play a huge influence and are responsible to dictate many future trends and graphs of the service sector. Their spending power can be attributed to professional advancement, international exposure, and higher discretionary income. The pandemic created work-from-home opportunities that led them to travel extensively, taking advantage of flexible remote working. This led to an increase in travel demand that gave a new boost of life to the hospitality industry. The pandemic created motivation to 'revenge travel' where millennials felt the urge to escape monotony, desire to explore, meet new people and make random travel plans. This has led Indian travel and hospitality professionals to tap the emerging demand by evolving and ditching the conservative approach. Here's to how the hospitality sector can change the game, perhaps forever. Go digital: No matter, how cliche this may sound, it's a digital boom and the new-age traveller uses the internet right from checking in to request a stay, room administration, making payments, planning itineraries, and waiting for the room to open with a digital command. The truth is that Gen-Z doesn't mind undertaking a travel excursion with no human interaction. The only way ahead is to be digitally present. Make room for leisure-merging travel with work: Technology has blurred the boundaries between work and leisure. It's not uncommon for a coding engineer to crack codes whilst on a beach in the <keyword id="6354908" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="maldives" source="Orion">Maldives</keyword>. The millennial believes in 'Work hard, party harder'. The hospitality industry needs to create more holiday spaces where business isn't compromised while on a vacation enabling work-life harmony. Millennials and Experiential travel: Gen Z and Millenials are upbeat, moody, and spontaneous. An itinerary doesn't hold much importance because they may decide to prod an unusual region or destination rather than simply following a tour plan. Experiential travel is on the rise and travellers are looking to explore offbeat regions and immersive experiences. It can be in the form of rural tourism, culinary tourism, or adventure tourism. The crux is to create holidays that are meaningful and authentic. The rise of <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s <keyword id="6363239" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="luxury" source="Orion">Luxury</keyword> villas/homestays and wellness: The pandemic spurred the demand for luxury properties and homestays that are basically weekend homes for a relaxing staycation. Travellers are seeking comfortable private accommodations that are far from the daily hustle, have a stocked kitchen, 24X7 Wi-Fi, and an on-demand staff. A homestay or private villa provides Millenials with the privacy and discretion to travel with groups or solo, relax, unwind, and stride in the property without worrying about restrictions on time and space. Travel and wellness: Millennial travellers are looking for enriching experiences to achieve and maintain good health and a general sense of well-being. This definitely doesn't mean that wellness travel is confined to luxury resorts and spas. The hospitality industry as a whole can take advantage of this emerging trend by marketing your business as a way to contribute to wellness tourism and promoting communities by benefiting locals as well as tourists. It can be as simple as empowering travellers by learning a new skill set that encourages personal growth. The trend of solo travel: Solo travelling is a travel trend that strongly resonates with Gen-Z and millennials. It's a huge opportunity in the hospitality sector if they could successfully cater to this modernized segment of travelling solo. The hospitality sector could create fun and out-of-ordinary properties that reflect the vibrant and adventurous spirit of young travellers. Exploring unique destinations: Unmatchable zeal and enthusiasm is a characteristic that defines the new generation traveller. The rebel millennials are opportunists and adventurers and want to explore unexplored destinations. The new set of travellers wants to break through the conventional shackles of travelling by being torchbearers of exploring unique destinations even if it involves risk. The advent of social media has fuelled the desire to travel to make an impact. Travelling is no longer a behind-the-door experience, but it's the new cool for the <keyword id="15422653" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="millenials-of-india" source="Orion">Millenials of India</keyword>. The hospitality sector can bank on the trend by expanding and investing in unique properties that can create lucrative opportunities that could prove to be profitable investment. The idea is to create travel experiences that are immersive, trending, transformative, and unforgettable. It's an era of adventure and adrenaline rush that also demands moments of calm and peace. Striking a balance between both is like the perfect baked cheesecake, with notes of sweet, creamy, and tangy. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/a-climate-change-induced-natural-disaster-has-struck-india-every-day-of-2022-so-far-new-cse-report-shows/articleshow/95274864.cms">A climate change-induced natural disaster has struck India every day of 2022 so far, new CSE report shows</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/parents-of-school-going-children-worried-as-quality-of-delhi-air-deteriorates/articleshow/95276609.cms">Parents of school going children worried as quality of Delhi air deteriorates</a>

You Searched For "adventure tourism in india" and got 11 results

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