How Countries Are Competing for India's Next Million Tourists

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Indian tourists have continued to be key source markets for multiple countries in 2024. India was the third-largest source market for Singapore last year, with a total of 1.2 million tourists. This was up from 1.07 million Indians in 2023. China topped the list of Singapore’s source markets in 2024, followed by Indonesia. 

Meanwhile, tourists to Kenya increased by over 12% in 2024 as compared to 2023. The country is now expecting a 20% growth in tourists from India this year. 

In Maldives, which had a rocky start to 2024 in terms of Indian tourists, India fell from the biggest source market in 2023 to the sixth place last year. From January till October, Indian tourists to Maldives continued to decline. As the relationship between the two countries began improving, the number began rising gradually. 

As a result, in 2024, Indian tourist arrivals went down from over 209,000 in 2023 to 130,805. However, with better relations and more efforts, Maldives is now aiming to attract 300,000 Indians this year. 

Efforts Ramp Up: Maldives is planning to hold monthly events in India to meet its target. Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) chairman Abdulla Ghiyas said that for the first time, the country has hired a brand ambassador to advertise in the Indian mass media. The organization is also collaborating with Indian and Maldivian airlines to connect other Indian cities to Maldives. 

Kenya is expecting a boost in meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism and leisure travel from India. For this, the country’s tourism board is focusing on collaboration with the private sector to attract travelers as well as investors from India. Kenya Airlines has also entered into an interline codeshare agreement with Air India.

Brigade Hotel Ventures IPO Gets Regulator’s Approval

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has given its approval to the proposed initial public offering (IPO) of Brigade Hotel Ventures. The hotel company is looking to raise INR 9 billion ($103 million). 

Brigade Hotel has nine properties and a room inventory of over 1,600. It has partnered with hotel operators including Marriott, Accor, and InterContinental Hotels Group and operates in the upper upscale, upscale, upper-midscale, and midscale segments. 

Skift had earlier reported that it plans to use a major chunk of its IPO proceeds to repay some of its existing debt. The company plans to restructure its finances across fiscal 2025 and 2026 to reduce interest burdens and boost cash flow flexibility.

The rest of the funds will be used for expansion, including five new hotels in high-growth regions across India. The company will also reserve a portion of the funds for potential acquisitions.

India’s Medical Tourism to Cross $13 Billion by 2026

India’s medical value travel (MVT) sector is expected to reach $13.4 billion by 2026, according to projections shared by the Indian ministry of tourism. Medical value travel is defined by Indian trade association FICCI, as visits by overseas patients for availing medical treatment.

The ministry said that India has key advantages in this sector, including affordability and fast appointments. It added that India has a healthcare spectrum ranging across modern medicine, ayurveda, and yoga.

India has also introduced medical visas and medical attendant visas for those seeking treatments, and offers medical e-visas to travelers from over 170 countries.

Hilton Debuts DoubleTree by Hilton Brand in Bhopal

Hilton has signed its first DoubleTree by Hilton-branded hotel in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The 229-key hotel is expected to open in 2027. According to Hilton, the hotel will be the largest in Bhopal to date.

Hotel chains are redirecting their focus on regional markets. Earlier this week, Indian hotel chain Sarovar Hotels also launched a Tulip Inn-branded hotel in Bhopal.

Both Hilton and Sarovar said that Bhopal is emerging as a key business destination. Its cultural history is expected to attract leisure travelers as well.

Tamil Nadu to Start Data Collection at Tourist Spots

Tamil Nadu is planning to roll out a centralized system of data collection to track visitor footfalls at tourism spots. The state is planning to use the data to analyze and assess the potential of different destinations and the issues at these spots.

Currently, data is being collected in each district and figures are consolidated after all the information has been collected. The state will also monitor implementation of policy reforms and tourism initiatives on the ground.

Radisson Resort Khopoli Opens in Maharashtra

Radisson Hotel Group has opened the 115-room Radisson Resort Khopoli in Maharashtra. This is part of the group’s strategy to grow its presence in emerging leisure destinations across India.

“Maharashtra continues to be a key market for us, and with this opening, we are tapping into the growing demand for premium hospitality in offbeat locations,” said Nikhil Sharma, managing director and area senior vice president at Radisson Hotel Group South Asia.