Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ In 2023, Radisson Hotel Group made significant strides in India, including introducing the Radisson Collection brand and expanding its presence in tier 2 and 3 markets. The group signed 21 hotels during the year, including three under the Radisson Collection brand and ten under the Radisson brand. Additionally, the first international branded hotel in Ayodhya, Park Inn by Radisson, opened its doors in January.
The expansion strategy focused on tier 2 and 3 cities such as Raipur, Sonipat, Sonamarg, and Dera Bassi, with the upscale Radisson brand driving growth. The Park Inn and Suites by Radisson brand also expanded its footprint in the southern region, with plans for new hotels in pilgrim towns like Vrindavan and Ujjain.
Meanwhile, Booking.com’s 12th Annual Traveller Review Awards recognized Himachal Pradesh as India’s most welcoming region, with destinations like Mararikulam, Jaisalmer, and Bir also receiving accolades. Hotels in Himachal Pradesh experienced high occupancy rates towards the end of 2023, indicating a strong tourism demand.
In aviation, domestic air travel in January 2024 saw a slight decline compared to December 2023 but remained higher than pre-Covid levels. ICRA Limited reported a 15% year-on-year increase in domestic air traffic for the first 10 months of the fiscal year, with a stable outlook for the industry.
On the international front, the Korea Tourism Organization launched the K-incentive Scheme 2.0 to promote South Korea as a travel destination to Indian tourists. The program aims to incentivize travel agents and facilitate visa processes for tourists visiting South Korea.
Additionally, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services expanded to Sri Lanka and Mauritius, enhancing payment options for Indian tourists. This development is expected to boost tourism between India and these countries.
In personnel news, GB Srithar assumed the role of Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global, bringing extensive experience from his previous role at the Singapore Tourism Board. VFS Global, known for its visa application processing services, serves 67 client governments worldwide.
