ISSUE 4 / VOLUME XIII / JANUARY 2022 Rs.350 / Pages 52
2022 The year of Possibilities
EDITOR'S NOTE
January Is A Month Of Wonder. It exists so we can put the past behind us and start afresh—if not with a clean slate, then with a renewed sense of the possible. So we wonder what this new year will bring? Our story “Looking at 2022 with New Hopes” (pg 16) addresses just this question. Industry leaders weigh in on what they expect from the new year and the general consensus is that good times are coming.
must visit domestic destinations (pg. 22). Let’s make it a great 2022! Enjoy what is hopefully the start of a wonderful new year, enjoy another chance to grow, reinvent and explore, and, of course, enjoy the issue!
We all know that with the advent of the pandemic, many of us switched into survival mode, adopting our own unique coping methods. Another story in this issue, (pg 28), discusses the long term ramifications of the virus on consumer behaviour. I am itching to sit on a plane and go on holiday; there’s only so many road trips one can take. Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, Covid has retreated, allowing us to indulge in a much-needed trip. We have two stories in this issue giving us much needed travel inspiration. One is a feature on the pint sized vacation treasureMonaco (pg. 08). The second is a list of
Publisher & Editor Srishti Jindal
CONTENT 08.
22.
A Family Escape To Monaco
10 Domestic Destinations One Must Visit In 2022
Prem Kumar
Divyia Asthana
16.
28.
Looking At 2022 With New Hopes
How The Pandemic Has Changed Traveller Behaviour In 5 Major Ways
Prem Kumar
Divyia Asthana
34.
46.
7 Revenue-Boosting Strategies For Your Travel Business In The New Year
Political Apathy Towards Tourism Has A Colossal Cost India Can’t Afford To Pay
Tanvi Banerjee
Prem Kumar
40. Everything You Need to Know About Finding A Co-Founder Tanvi Banerjee
@tnhmagazine
www.tnhglobal.com Printed, published and owned by Srishti Rai. Printed at Naveen Printers, F-11 B, Okhla Industrial Area, Ph-1, New Delhi-110020, Published at C-4, 2nd Floor, Community Center, Safdarjung Development Area, Opp Main IIT Gate, New Delhi-110016;
Publisher & Editor Srishti Rai
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Director Bharat S. Rai
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GM - Marketing Prem Sagar premsagar@tnhindia.com (M) +91 99106 81111
For any query : info@tnhindia.com
08
A Family Escape to Monaco The Principality of Monaco has family at the heart of its culture and ensures that families are able to relax and enjoy themselves in a safe, high-quality environment. From toddlers to adults, each can indulge in activities, stroll in parks, enjoy green spaces and laze around on the beaches. We’ve made a list of places to visit and things to do, while exploring the charming Principality of Monaco with your family.
Things to do Savor the food With hundreds of restaurants in a territory of just 2.2 square kilometers, Monegasque gastronomy is, like the country itself, a wonderfully diverse constellation with something to suit every taste and every budget. Most of all, though, Monaco is the perfect place to savour your own personal and unique gastronomical experience. Starting from the 3-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV by Chef Alain Ducasse and Le Grill at Hotel de Paris. At the Blue Bay, enjoy cuisine inspired by Caribbean and Mediterranean influences by Chef Marcel Ravin, on the terrace or in view of the open kitchen, enjoy the Japanese cuisine at Yoshi in the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. Enjoy farm to table
cuisine at Elsa, a 100% organic Michelinstarred restaurant. Chef at Yannick Alleno a l’Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo showcases Mediterranean cuisine. With a kitchen that opens onto the dining room, Le Restaurant Du Metropole Monte-Carlo places great emphasis on inventive and flavorful cuisine. Or just choose to go to Antonio Salvatore’s table at the newly-starred Rampoldi restaurant. For more local experiences, head to the Halle Gourmande at La Condamine market, Stars’n’Bars at the Port and Mozza in Le Larvotto district.
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Go for a swim A stay in the Principality can recharge your batteries in a fraction of a second. The benefits of the sea are self-evident. Prepare to be seduced by Larvotto Beach, located on Avenue Princesse Grace. The beach is made up of two coves and stretches for 400 metres. Several ramps enable easy access to the beach, along with numerous restaurants. You can also enjoy numerous water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing and many others.
Shop till you drop Monaco is synonymous with the high life and high living is incomplete without shopping sprees. Begin your shopping tour by heading to the Metropole Shopping Center. It has 80 highend shops and caters to almost every shopping need of its posh visitors. The, head to the ONE Monte-Carlo, where you’ll find the biggest names in fashion, haute couture, perfumes and jewellery in a setting that beautifully mirrors their prestige. Shop at all your favorite luxury brands in one location and in the open air, under the warm, blue Mediterranean sky.
Enjoy exciting events year round
The calendar in Monaco is usually studded with events and festivities that are open and fun for all. From January to December, culture is in all its forms in Monaco! The Principality has cultural events of all kinds, including some starry events like the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival, Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival and many more.
Places to visit The Formula 1 track / Monaco Grand Prix If you are a diehard Grand Prix fan, then one can do the circuit walk during the off season. The Principality of Monaco is known for having the world’s most famous Formula 1 track, Circuit de Monaco, and also for being the host of one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The Japanese Garden The Japanese Garden is an oasis of peace and tranquility. The garden was created in 1994 in accordance with Zen principles and has all the essential features of a Japanese garden such as a pond, islands, a waterfall, lanterns, bridges, a teahouse and a Zen garden. The elegant composition of the lush green garden makes it equally ideal for posing for some Instagrammable pictures or for unwinding and soothing your mind.
January 2022
12 Cars collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco Located on the Terrasses de Fontvieille, this remarkable exhibition brings together almost a hundred cars of all ages, produced by the top European and American manufacturers, as well as six coaches belonging to HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Let your little ones take a look at the royal coaches.
Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology If history interests you then visit the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Founded in 1901 by Prince Albert I, the museum boasts a rare and important collection of fossils and excavated treasures originating from the Principality and nearby regions.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco If marine life interests you then a visit to the Oceanographic Museum is a must! Perched stunningly at the edge of a cliff in Monaco-Ville, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco displays a wide range of marine objects, such as model ships, sea animal skeletons, tools, weapons, etc. Among the many striking features of the museum is its cabinet of curiosities, which displays objects such as marine specimens, fossils, antique diving gear and so on. It also houses an incredible aquarium that hosts a wide and diverse range of flora and fauna.
January 2022
14 Explore the Fontvieille District Fontvieille is a district completely reclaimed from the sea. To start your Fontvieille walk, embark on the Sculpture Path and discover beautiful monuments works by famous sculptors from around the world. Contemporary works sit side by side with creations by sculptors living in Monaco. Next, make your way to the heart-shaped Rose Garden dedicated to Princess Grace where 4,000 roses of almost 180 varieties surround you!
Zoological Gardens Located on the southern flank of the Rocher, the Zoological Gardens were established in 1954 by Prince Rainier III. They are home to nearly 250 animals representing about 50 species. None of the animals here were purchased! What makes Monaco’s Zoological Gardens unique is that its animals were all donated, or were abandoned or seized by customs. During your visit, you will be immersed in an almost wild environment right in the heart of the modern Principality of Monaco. Monaco is the perfect destination for a family getaway. Come live out your dreams in the Principality!
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Looking At 2022 With New Hopes The year 2021 was a grim year, marked by pandemic-caused disruptions and devastation with the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. With vaccines and stronger precautions, the travel and hospitality industry is looking at 2022 with new hopes.
Now in the first month of 2022, a new variant of the Covid-19 virus is witnessing a surge in many countries including India, again threatening the world’s public health and economy. Vulnerable as it is to any global or regional crisis; the tourism sector has again been disrupted. However, the good news is that the new variant Omicron, although more contagious, is less serious than previous ones. And the new wave is expected to subside quickly. To begin with, let’s talk about 2021. For India’s travel and tourism industry, 2021 was a roller-coaster year. The last year saw the industry immensely disrupted by the second wave of the pandemic. This came at a time when the sector was trying to recover from the unprecedented impact of the first wave by focusing on domestic tourism. “In 2021, our business suffered immensely. Everyone operating in the inbound sector suffered a huge loss. We remained on survival mode; somehow managing to survive by doing domestic business,” said Homa Mistry, CEO of Trail Blazer Tours India. Trail Blazer is a leading inbound tour operator based in Delhi-NCR.
It was deja vu for the industry. If the first wave of the pandemic brought the sector to its knees in 2020, the second wave did the same in 2021. According to Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel, “2021 was a very hard year for the travel & tourism industry. Everyone struggled to survive due to a lack of business and the absence of any help from the government. “A little bit of government help would have, at least, boosted our morale and strengthened our hands in our fight for survival,” said Kohli. People in the industry lament the fact that the government did not offer any help to the industry during its unprecedented crisis. The industry had badly sought some support from the government to survive, but the government did little for the industry. “During the crisis, we were expecting some sort of help from the government but unfortunately that did not come,” said Ajay Prakash, President of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI). Prakash termed the last two years unprecedented for the industry in terms of disruptions and losses. “We could merely survive through the crisis. And if we could still survive, without any help from the government, it only January 2022
Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel
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tells about our resilience,” said Prakash, adding that if the government was unable to support us financially, at least it should have taken such steps that could help agents survive but nothing was done. Talking about the focus on domestic tourism during the pandemic, Prakash said that handling domestic tourism is not possible for everyone. There is a big difference between domestic and international travel. Customer, pricing, expectation, everything is different. “The big agents who had been dealing in the outbound for two decades can’t switch over to domestic tourism, overnight. The same is true for inbound tour operators,” said Prakash. He, however, added that some people did try domestic tourism and they succeeded to some extent.
Knee-Jerk Reactions
scheduled international flights, mid-range agents, who have been in outbound business for decades, and dependent on ticketing business, have suffered big setbacks during the last two years. “We saw some rays of hope when the government announced the resumption of scheduled international flights from December 15 last year, but that was also deferred due to emergence of Omicron, dashing our hopes of recovery,” lamented Prakash. That was completely a knee-jerk reaction on the part of the government, he added. “I think rather than banning or restricting the number of fights, the government should adopt a rational approach and lift the ban from scheduled international flights because such ban is not helping in containing the spread of the virus anyway, on the other hand, it is hurting tourism industry,” said Prakash. He added that the government should adopt a scientific approach and also take inputs from the industry before imposing stringent restrictions on travel.
In terms of human loss, 2021 was worse than 2020 as the second wave of the pandemic was more contagious and fatal. The country’s medical infrastructure was completely overwhelmed due to the massive number of Covid patients in the need of hospitalization. Although unlike 2020, there were no nationwide lockdowns, different states and regions of the country had lockdowns at different times as they saw the peak of the virus at different times. This only complicated the problem of the travel industry as lack of harmony in health protocol and restriction created huge problems for inter-state travel. “It is very clear to us that Covid-19 is a new disease in the world which will stay for long. As this is a new disease for governments, they have been unable to develop a coherent and effective strategy to contain it. Because of lack of knowledge and understating of the pandemic, governments time and again resort to knee-jerk reactions and impose restrictions to contain the disease. This has been the government policy since 2020 when the country saw the first wave,” said Homa Mistry. According to him, this is absolutely wrong policy, having no scientific basis. Besides this, the fact that the government doesn’t take the tourism industry very seriously further aggravates the plight of this sector.
Ban On Scheduled Overseas Flights It is due to the flawed and irrational policy that the government continues to ban scheduled international flights between India and overseas. Unless this ban is lifted, tourism can’t bounce back and the losses in the sector will keep mounting, said Mistry. According to Prakash, due to this continued ban on
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Lessons From 2021
Way Forward
The industry learned many things in the past two years; one such thing is to always be prepared to face any crisis. The second thing is to diversify your business to survive any future crisis. “One lesson is that we should not confine ourselves to any one vertical. Travel companies need to diversify their business. Many are already doing this. I am already doing this by doing businesses such as domestic and weddings,’’ said Mistry. Domestic tourism will benefit from this diversification. Inbound and outbound tourism professionals promoting domestic tourism will be blessings in disguise for the country’s domestic tourism, which will see better professionalism, packaging and services. Mistry’s company had solely been dealing in inbound business, but now it is tapping opportunities in other segments.
As the pandemic related uncertainty will continue to persist, how to survive will remain the top priority for the industry. For their survival, Homa Mistry stresses that it is essential that the inbound tour operators continue to diversify their business and focus on domestic tourism until inbound tourism restarts substantially. According to Mistry, now is the time the government should at least spread the message that India is safe as far as travel is concerned, that a large number of people are vaccinated in the country. Every country is doing this; India should also do this so that when tourism restarts people will be ready to visit India.
Expectations From 2022 Now talking of expectations from the New Year, people in the industry believe that 2022 will a better year for the tourism sector irrespective of the overall impact of Omicron. “I am very confident that the New Year will be better than the last year, simply because people have learned to live with the virus and that a large number of people is now vaccinated,” said Rajeev Kohli. The industry’s optimism also comes from the assumption that unlike Delta or other previous variants of the Covid-19, Omicron is not as lethal. The industry also believes that its intrinsic quality such as adaptability and resilience, along with people’s pent up desire to travel will help the sector bounce back quickly in the New Year. Kohli said that certainly, the New Year would be better than the past two years, but bouncing back to the pre-Covid level will not be possible any time soon.
Last year’s ferocious second wave of the pandemic and its poor handling, according to Kohli, delivered a massive blow to India’s global brand reputation, which needs to be restored first, to revive tourism in the country. Kohli said that it is also important that both the government as well as private stakeholders should come together to brainstorm and formulate strategies to revive tourism. Moreover, everyone in the industry should talk in one voice whether it’s pricing or safety concerns. Talking in divergent voices will further damage our reputation. The focus should be on regaining brand reputation. Prakash cautions that people in the travel trade and travellers also need to behave a little responsibly and maintain caution. They should follow proper health protocols like avoiding crowds, maintaining social distancing and wearing masks. For the industry, there is no better way than showing its resilience and imagination to recover and survive in the New Year. While there are genuine hopes of the restart of international travel in the first quarter of the New Year, considering the high uncertainty associated with international travel, the focus must continue to be on domestic tourism. Some degree of financial help from the government will certainly go a long way in restoring the confidence of the industry. Let’s hope that 2022 would be a year of optimism and promises, for our country, for the world, and of course, for the travel & tourism industry.
January 2022
Ajay Prakash, President of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI)
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10 Domestic Destinations One Must Visit In 2022 India is famous for its natural diversity, rich cultural heritage, and iconic history. In one country, you can find everything to appeal to any traveller, whether that is majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, historical architecture, engaging experiences, or anything in between. As international travel remains uncertain under the shadow of the Coronavirus pandemic, there is no dearth of travelling locations within India.
Accessible and affordable, you can plan multiple trips throughout the country during 2022, keeping your travel itinerary packed with exciting destinations. Return to previously known favourite locations or set out to explore the unknown – domestic travel is an adventure in its own. Here are some of the top 10 domestic destinations to visit in 2022.
1. Leh, Ladakh Ladakh is known as the Land of High Passes and is famous for its picturesque views and crystal clear skies, with abundant natural beauty. A cold desert, Leh is the joint capital of Ladakh, and the largest town of the Union Territory. Open for travellers in 2022, Ladakh is a great destination for solo travellers, couples, and families. Top attractions are the Leh Palace, Kargil, Magnetic Hill, Zanskar Valley, Khardung La Pass, Pangong Tso Lake, and Nubra Valley. In Leh, you can enjoy rock climbing, ice hockey, campfires, trekking, river rafting, backpacking,
shopping, and local delicacies such as chhurpi, thukpa, and butter tea. Best time to visit is between April and September.
2. Gangtok, Sikkim With enchanting allure and peaceful charm, Gangtok is a serene destination in Sikkim, popular amongst nature levers and adventure enthusiasts. Isolated from the rest of the country, Gangtok has a laid back culture that is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway. There are a mix of markets, monasteries, nature spots, and sightseeing, along with adventure sports like paragliding, mountain-biking, river rafting, and trekking. Some of the leading attractions of Gangtok are the Kanchenjunga Mountain, Phodong monastery, Magnan, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and Ban Jhakri falls. Gangtok welcomes tourists year-round, however, avoiding the Monsoon season from July to September is recommended due to the risk of landslides. January 2022
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3. Alappuzha, Kerala Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alappuzha (Alleppey) is famous for its backwaters and beaches. Located parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, the backwaters and lagoons are calm and peaceful, and can be explored through houseboats and cruises. The myriad beaches are pristine and great for picnics and spending time with loved ones. Places to checkout in Alappuzha include Kuttanad, Pathiramanal, Vembanad Lake, Punnapra Beach, and St. Andrew’s Basilica. Relax with famous Kerala Ayurveda Spas, or kayak through the canals, to rejuvenate and reenergise. The best time to visit Alappuzha is from October to February.
4. Jodhpur, Rajasthan Rajasthan is rich with heritage and is home to many popular tourism destinations in India, including Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City’ is the second largest city in Rajasthan and boasts of magnificent architecture with numerous forts, palaces, havelis and temples. Some of the impressive sites in Jodhpur include the Mehrangarh Fort, Khejarla Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Phool Maha. Experience village life through the village tours, feast on delicacies such as Dal Bati Churma and Malai Ghevar, try out camel safaris, and fly through the air with flying foxes. Best time to visit Jodhpur is from November to February.
with stunning scenery, lakes, and camping available. Top attractions include the tea plantations, Tiger Hills, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Avalanche Lake, and Katary Falls. Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train, try out the local chocolates, and shop in the Tibetan Market. Ooty can be visited throughout the year.
7. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is considered the Yoga Capital of the World, but it offers much more. With adventure sports, fun cafes, ancient temples, Yoga Ashrams, mountains, and the Ganges, Rishikesh can be exciting and peaceful. Popular attractions in Rishikesh are Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Neer Garh Waterfall, The Beatles Ashram and Shri Bharat Mandir. If you have the time, try out a few workshops, or get an adrenaline rush with bungee jumping, rafting, giant swings, cliff jumping, kayaking, or flying fox. While Rishikesh can be visited all year round, depending upon activities some months may be more suitable than others.
5. Havelock Island, Andaman And Nicobar Islands The largest and most famous of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, visiting Havelock Island is perfect if you want to enjoy water sports, calming resorts, and vivid marine life. With less crowds and a plethora of beaches, you can try out scuba diving, jet skis, sea walks, snorkelling, diving, and more. Explore the sites such as Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, Mangrove Forest, Kalapathar Beach and gorge on the yummy seafood cuisine. There are lots of lovely cottages and resorts to stay in while on Havelock Island. Best time to visit is from October to May.
6. Ooty, Tamil Nadu The ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ Ooty, located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu features plush tea plantations, gorgeous greenery, and cascading waterfalls. A must-visit destination for tea connoisseurs, Ooty has something for every traveller,
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8. Coorg, Karnataka Located on the slopes of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Coorg is famous as the Scotland of India. The misty and stunning landscape offers immense beauty, along with rich history, adventure, and delectable cuisine. Top attractions in Coorg are Tadiandamol Peak, Iruppu Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, Coffee Plantations, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary,and Cauvery River. Travellers can revel in the natural beauty, the sparkling waterfalls, mixture of flora and fauna, and engage in trekking, camping, fishing, and white water rafting. Best time to visit is from September to June.
Fort. For natural beauty, you can head to the Panna National Park, Raneh Falls Canyon, Pandav Waterfall, and try out the jungle safari. Best time to visit is from October to February.
Get Ready, Get Set, And Go! Carefully yet confidently, travelling is opening up and domestic destinations are an easy and fun way to change your surroundings, refresh your perspective, and have a great time. There are a massive number of locales throughout India that are waiting to be explored and experienced. Choose any location that appeals to you, and plan your next big getaway.
9. Auli, Uttarakhand Auli in Uttarakhand might be known as a skiing destination, but it is so much more than only ski slopes. With abundant snow in the winters and moderately cold climate in summers, Auli is a captivating and chill hill station situated in the Himalayan mountains. There are many attractions to visit in Auli, including the Auli Ropeway, Joshimath, Nanda Devi Peak, Chenab Lake, Kwani Bugyal, Valley of Flowers, and the hot spring in Shaildhar Tapovan. In the winters, you can embrace the snow with skiing and snowboarding, while all year round you can go for trekking, ropeway rides, camping, and sightseeing.
10. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh For history, architecture, and culture, the ancient city of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is a worthwhile destination. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho is known for its exquisite architecture, grandiose temples, and intricate sculptures, and also has a plethora of natural wonders to visit. Popular attractions are the multitude of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist Temples, Sound and Light Show at the Western Group of Temples, Mastani Mahal, and Ajaigarh January 2022
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How The Pandemic Has Changed Traveller Behaviour In 5 Major Ways Slowly yet steadily, the world is recovering from the initial massive impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Through multiple waves and lockdowns, the travelling and tourism industry has witnessed many changes – from complete lockdowns to limited travel bubbles, and staggered reopening. With experts predicting that the Covid virus will stay in some form or shape, travellers are adapting to the new normal by changing their travelling preferences.
The global travel and tourism market dropped to a valuation of approximately $296 billion in 2020 from $720 billion in 2019. In 2022, the travel and tourism market is expected to recover in the range of $755 billion, and continue its rise to $924 billion in 2025. While the market is poised for strong recovery, traveller behaviours have been fundamentally changed. Here are the 5 major ways that traveller behaviour has been changed by the pandemic.
1. Precautions Are A Priority With governments worldwide emphasising the importance of masks, sanitisation, vaccination, and social distancing, precautions have become a priority for post-pandemic travellers. They want to know that wherever they are travelling and the mode through which they are travelling are following safety precautions. Many tourism and
travel service providers have taken heed and are openly announcing the security measures they have in place. From airlines providing masks to restaurants having fully vaccinated staff, the implementation of health precautions has been widespread. Depending upon the region and active cases, additional precautions can be implemented, such as mandatory testing. Knowing that security measures are taken helps travellers feel more confident in their travelling plans. Other effective precautions include having doctors on-hand in case of any health emergencies, and clear protocols in case of Covid outbreaks. The nature of the pandemic and its high transmission levels have transformed security precautions from a ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have’ feature for travellers.
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2. Spontaneous Sojourns Travelling and a change of scenery is a common need for people worldwide, particularly in times like now. As people spend more time cooped up in their homes, their interest in quick getaways increases. Spontaneous trips are on the rise, with travellers switching from advanced long-term planning to instant trips that suit their needs. These spontaneous trips can easily be incorporated into busy lifestyles, bringing a breath of freshness to monotonous lives. Post-pandemic there has been a substantial increase in weekend getaways and trips planned at the last minute. Affordable last minute deals, easy online booking, and engaging images help motivate travellers to simply pack up their bags and go. With changes in Covid cases taking place each day, spontaneous trips help travellers make the best use out of lulls in cases, when they feel more confident to travel.
risk of contracting Covid manifold, and many restrictions are still in place. Spending extensive amounts of time at home and working from home have also spurred the interest of travellers in reclaiming peaceful surroundings found in remote locations. Smaller cities and less frequented tourism spots that are off the beaten path are less crowded and offer travellers a great way to refresh themselves. Remote locations are an excellent change of scenery and change of pace for travellers. There are also many different types of remote locations available, catering to a wide range of traveller preferences, for example, natural beauty, mountains, lakes, cabins, resorts, historical places, and more. It is an opportune time for travel and tourism providers in remote locations to build and expand their customer base with post-pandemic travellers. Depending upon the location and natural resources, other features can be added to supplement the appeal.
3. Focus On Flexibility All of the uncertainty of the past 2 years, and sudden swings between low and high cases has increased the focus of travellers on flexibility. When they are booking their travel plans, they want to be able to adjust the plans as needed. For example, if there is an unexpected rise in local Covid cases, or if the travellers themselves or their family members test positive, they want to be able to reschedule their travel plans . Previously, offering free refunds and date changes was a relatively uncommon feature supported by travel and tourism providers, and typically available at a premium price. As unreliability of long-term planning skyrockets, most travellers post-pandemic want the flexibility of adjusting their travel plans. It can be expensive for travel and tourism providers to facilitate a high degree of flexibility as it can lead to an increase in last minute cancellations. Nevertheless, it is still strongly recommended. Travellers build a positive association with flexible providers and are likely to return again.
4. Remote Locations Ranked Higher Worldwide, travellers are preferring to visit remote destinations in place of famous tourist locations, bigger cities, and metropolises. Any type of crowd increases the
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5. Domestic Travel In Demand International travel has become more complicated than ever, with the need for vaccine passports, negative Covid tests, air bubbles, and quarantines. Getting trapped abroad is also a real concern if travellers are tested Covid positive at their destination. As a result, post-pandemic travellers are increasingly turning to domestic travel options. Travelling within the same country offers excellent flexibility and greater degree of control over travel plans. Planning and executing domestic travel is far easier than international travel and travellers can frequently return again in the future. Domestic trips tend to be more affordable and can be planned at the last minute. With more travellers turning to domestic locations, there are excellent opportunities for domestic tourism locations. By catering to the interests of domestic travellers, they can gain long-term customers that can return with greater frequency as compared to international travellers.
Transforming With Traveller Behaviours Trends in travel and tourism come and go, and adapting to each trend is not feasible or advisable. However, the change in traveller behaviours due to the pandemic has been growing over the past 2 years, and is likely to stay. By transforming with the post-pandemic traveller behaviours, travel and tourism businesses can stay relevant for current and future travellers.
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7 Revenue-Boosting Strategies For Your Travel Business In The New Year Let’s face it — the past few years have been tough on the travel industry. With lockdowns, mandatory quarantining, border closures, and vaccine passports, travel as we knew it has changed drastically. However, with great struggles also come great opportunities. Despite the global slowdown, in August 2021, around 36 percent of people around the world were still engaging in some type of travel activity. While this is nowhere near the pre-pandemic numbers, people do not appear to be averse to travelling, of course keeping all the necessary precautions in mind.
The past two years have given businesses in the travel and tourism industry time to introspect, re-evaluate, and remodel. But how can a travel business boost its revenues in such uncertain times? Here are 7 revenue-boosting strategies that you can consider for your travel business in 2022.
1.Health And Safety Above All Since the pandemic began, health and safety have been the key concerns of travellers. In a recent survey, even vaccinated respondents remained concerned about safety and hygiene while traveling via airports. Travelers also have similar concerns about accommodation, local transport, and other arrangements.
your brand’s reputation. For instance, if your business requires staff to meet customers in person, consider ensuring that all your staff is fully vaccinated. Alternatively, businesses can offer services that promote health and safety. For example, a travel agency may offer RT-PCR tests to clients before they travel or give regular updates about the COVID-19 situation in relevant travel destinations. Assurances of cleanliness, safety and hygiene do play a factor in purchasing decisions made by travellers. Therefore, your efforts can help the anxious travellers to feel more comfortable, allowing for better brand recall and an increased opportunity to generate revenue in the new year.
For travel businesses, this concern presents an opportunity to focus on the “quality” of your services and strengthen January 2022
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Jan Issue 2022
2. Explore The Unexplored Overwhelmed by crowds and anxious about travel uncertainties, travellers are now increasingly choosing to go off the beaten path. Air bubbles, quarantines and other confusing mandates have discouraged customers from international travel. Instead, domestic tourism has been leading the industry’s recovery in several parts of the world, including in India. Staycations and workcations, which became more popular in the country during the pandemic, are predicted to stay in demand in 2022 as well. In fact, road trips have taken the cake in India. According to a recent poll, almost 70% of respondents wanted to go on a road trip close to home.
including tours, flights and more. Indians too have started browsing online for travel-related products and services with companies like MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, Yatra and receiving significant online traffic. The digitisation of the industry presents an immense potential to generate revenue for travel businesses. Adopting digital solutions and enhancing the business’ social media presence helps you to expand your brand’s reach and connect with more customers. Furthermore, working on a digital platform allows for quick dissemination of information about the brand as well as its product and services. This enables your business to connect with targeted audiences quickly and organically.
Additionally, rather than focusing on promoting tourist metropolises, travellers today want to explore the “hidden” gems around them. Investing in products and services that are in line with these trends may help your travel business stand out and increase sales.
3. Experiences Over ‘Packages’ The pandemic has not just changed businesses, it has also changed the consumer. After months of staying at home, people have started travelling with a purpose. For instance, people may want to travel to meet family and friends. In the upcoming year, travellers will continue to seek meaningful experiences rather than “tour packages.” In a survey conducted in early 2021, almost 85 percent of respondents from India wanted to explore local sites, while 72 percent wanted to try local food. Keep in mind, meaningful experiences can differ based on the audience. To appeal to a wider range of customers, travel businesses can also focus on curated, personalized experiences that keep the customer-at-the centre. Sustainable tourism is on the rise, as many travellers want to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable travel practices. Experience-based tourism offers excellent opportunities for supporting sustainability, and recognizing the importance of sustainable tourism and promoting it actively through your brand can further boost revenue.
4. Go Online The world is online, but are you? The digital revolution has been an integral part of making travel more accessible for all and has helped to drive business’ profits. More and more people are using online booking tools for their travel,
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5. Make A Budget
7. Know Your Customers
Making a budget is perhaps one of the most important strategies to boost your revenue. Budgeting helps businesses to keep a track of how much the business earns in a month and how much can be spent on operational costs.
If there is one thing we know about the new normal, it is that nothing is normal —including travellers’ preferences. The pandemic has caused a seismic shift in who is travelling where and how. For instance, young people, who often look online for cheap bookings, remain interested in travelling. But they may not prefer to splurge. Alternatively, some high-income households want more high-priced “exclusive” vacations. However, a big segment of the market—business travel—has been relatively slow to recover. Therefore, to ensure good revenue management in 2022, businesses should re-calibrate and understand which segment of the market they want to serve.
Budgeting for the new year is a great way to think about cashflow and increasing your business’ revenue. The budget helps to set achievable goals, find areas of priority, and plan savings for periods when business is slow. With an up-to-date budget, you can identify scope for expansion and funds available for investment in new measures.
6. Build Your Capacity In the past two years, several businesses have had to downsize or they do not have sufficient resources to support new business models. Therefore to meet evolving consumer demands, and manage their revenue stream for 2022, businesses should take stock of their current resources and build their capacity. For instance, travel businesses may choose to hire additional employees to meet the demands of their customers. Sometimes travel businesses cannot build their capacity alone. So, it is important to also survey the ecosystem for potential partners and competition. To maximize potential, save on costs, and expand reach or the quality of service, travel businesses should work with others in the industry in the new year.
The pandemic has also affected the different services that travellers require. Ticket cancellations, lockdowns, and service disruptions have become common in the past two years. This has caused the average traveller to demand more flexibility with bookings, reservations, and cancellations. By supplementing the needs of your customer base with attractive offers and flexibility, your travel business can be on track to boost its revenue in 2022.
Looking Forward To 2022 Over the last few years, the pandemic has affected the travel and tourism industry in an unprecedented way. Since demand and willingness for travel has reduced, businesses in this sector have felt a pinch. However, despite the financial crunch, this period has been valuable in helping travel businesses re-calibrate and understand customer sentiments. In 2022, businesses have several opportunities to grow their revenue by experimenting with products, working styles, new platforms, and technology.
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Everything You Need To Know About Finding A Co-Founder You are brimming with ideas for your new travel business and are getting ready for an entrepreneurial adventure; the only thing missing? A co-founder. But who is a co-founder, and do you really need one for your enterprise?
Why You Should Look For A Co-Founder
How To Find A Co-Founder
Sometimes two heads may be better than one to kick off your business venture.
More than just any co-founder, you need to have a suitable co-founder that provides the right balance to your skills, and can support your business growth. So, how do you find a co-founder? Let’s get started.
Starting a business on your own can become tiring or overwhelming at times. In such instances, it is helpful to have someone to share your burdens and your journey with. This person can be a co-founder – an individual who is passionate about the project, believes in your vision and wants to help you grow your business successfully. Co-founders can add significant value to your enterprise by contributing connections, technical know-how, capital, new ideas or a fresh perspective. Several well-known businesses and brands have co-founders. For instance, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard started Hewlett & Packard (HP) together, and college-mates Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google while studying at Stanford.
1. Think About The Right ‘Fit’ Think of your co-founder as the missing part of a puzzle. So, before you start looking for one, list out some qualities that you would want in an ideal co-founder. It is also important to identify the key areas that you need support with and how the co-founder should complement your skills. The ideal co-founder depends on your specific needs and experiences. For instance, you might look for someone who is proficient in finance and operations to grow those January 2022
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aspects of your business. Alternatively, you may look for someone who is a very good orator. Some may want their co-founders to be based in a particular geography, have specific skill sets, or be very passionate about the business idea.
3. Think Outside The Box
2. Leverage Your Networks
Don’t Limit Yourself By Physical And Imagined Borders: Speak to candidates who might be working in different sectors or industries or might be living in a different city. This may not only help you identify gaps and blind spots but also leverage the candidates’ expertise. For instance, you may have an idea for a travel app. While you may have experience on the travel and business side, you might need a co-founder who is well-versed with technology and digital matters.
Sometimes the search for a co-founder begins at home, but in most cases, entrepreneurs have to leverage their networks to find the ideal candidate. This process usually requires a lot of legwork along with dedicated time and resources. Search In Your Immediate Circle: From Facebook to Yahoo! Several successful businesses have been built in garages, college dorms, or even at the dinner table. So, maybe look for friends, family members, maybe even your former colleagues who might be interested in partnering with you to be a co-founder. However, working with loved ones can get tricky sometimes. Therefore, when working with a friend or family member, try to separate the personal and professional. Ask For Leads: A good first step to kick-start the process involves reaching out to people around you for suggestions and leads. From college seniors to neighbours, ask the people in your networks if they know anyone who might fit the brief. Even if they do not know of someone, they will be able to point you in the right direction. Attend Networking Events And Gatherings: Industry or profession-related events are often great opportunities to interact with like-minded people. These events allow you to think about new ideas and learn what others have been working on. More importantly, they allow you to understand the skills and knowledge possessed by potential candidates. You can also look for networking events specifically scheduled for meeting co-founders. These events can range from casual ‘meet and greets’ to getaway camps, and speed-dates.
Sometimes, traditional ways may not help in finding the perfect partner, so it is important to experiment and think about your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Let’s look at Airbnb for example. The company was founded by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, who studied in the same college. However, they soon realised that they needed someone more knowledgeable about technical matters related to web development. Recognizing this need, Gebbia invited a technical architect and his old roommate, Nathan Blecharczyk, as Airbnb’s co-founder and its chief technology officer. Do You Truly Need A Co-Founder: If you are having a difficult time finding a co-founder, re-evaluate your needs and the qualities that you are searching for in one. In some instances, although you may want a co-founder, you might actually not need one. Alternatively, you may think of different qualities for a co-founder after taking a step back.
Search Online: As the world goes online, more and more people are creating social media profiles. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook have become great resources to find individuals who match your requirements (at least on paper). Additionally, several websites also play ‘matchmaker’ and help you find good candidates for a co-founder. These include websites like Co-FoundersLab, AngelList and more.
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4.Communicate About Expectations And Requirements As you begin your search, it is also important to discuss your expectations with co-founder candidates. Tell them what their compensation will look like, the amount of commitment required, and the challenges that you foresee. Will you be pulling all-nighters together or not making revenue in the initial stages? Don’t forget to be candid about such details while discussing the position with potential candidates. Once you have identified areas where the co-founder may support you, think about other logistics. Consider how you would manage the business together, if you would be comfortable with ceding control, and how you would adapt to build a successful partnership.
What Next? Finally, after putting in a lot of effort and hard work, you find suitable candidates. What next? Great partnerships need a lot of trust, communication, and time. Take a few weeks or months to work together with potential co-founders. Get to know them better, understand their plans, and adapt to differences. Soon enough, you will be on track to build and grow your dream business!
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Political Apathy Towards Tourism Has A Colossal Cost India Can’t Afford To Pay Tourism and politics are inescapably linked. It is the politicians who make all policies and take decisions that have ramifications for the tourism sector, directly and indirectly. While political stability is a must for a destination to attract tourists, political uncertainty and unrest is an anathema to tourism. Good governance, as a part of the overall political process, is important for the growth of the tourism industry, whereas maladministration and too many regulations hinder tourism from thriving.
Similar to most segments of the economy, tourism is unarguably heavily dependent on the politics of its country for growth. How politicians, political parties and voters look at the tourism sector, and how much awareness they have about contribution, potential and issues of the sector, make a big difference as far as the growth and development of tourism is concerned. Politics is a key factor that enables some countries to have a more developed tourism sector than others.
Impact Of Politics On Tourism The politics of a country create the environment and background upon which the tourism industry can either flourish or suffer. Tourism-friendly policies, investing in tourism, and encouraging tourism are all heavily dependent upon the politics of the country. Instability and disorder
are discouraging for all types of tourists, regional and international, and can damage the tourism potential of a country. Even without outright disorder, a mediocre response, laxity and poor development can also restrict the growth of tourism. Unfortunately, in many countries, there exists a huge gap between how politics perceive tourism and what the tourism industry expects from politics and policymakers. This gap is deep in India, with many politicians seeing no stakes for themselves and their constituency in the development of the tourism industry. As a result, the tourism industry does not get due attention in public policy formations, limiting the growth of tourism.
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Ignoring Tourism At An International Level With easy flights and fast connectivity, tourism is transcending national borders. More and more people are choosing to explore the world and broaden their horizons. However, not only in domestic politics tourism is often ignored at an international level. Tourism today is the second largest category in international trade, but unlike trade of manufacturing and other services, not enough collaboration is happening between countries for tourism exchange. Tourism is generally ignored when leaders discuss trade, both at bilateral and multilateral levels. Even economists and social scientists are not paying much attention to this important segment of the world economy. When political leaders don’t take much interest in tourism development, the effect continues on to an international level, where bureaucrats also don’t prioritise tourism. The outcome is that tourism becomes a victim of political and administrative apathy. With tourism largely absent from political and economic discourse at an international level, its socio-economic benefits are also not duly evaluated. As a consequence, the growth potential of tourism is underexplored in many parts of the world. This exclusion is damaging for the long-term interests of the tourism industry as well as that of society. Not only does the tourism industry lose out on profits, people worldwide miss out on unique experiences.
Consequences For India India, with its vast size, immense diversity, and rich history, has everything needed to be a leading tourist destination in the world. Regrettably, tourism in India is a victim of lingering political ignorance and insensitivity. Indian politicians across the aisle often see tourism as a luxury, only meant for the wealthy. They ignore the sector’s socioeconomic potential. Due to the apathy and ignorance of politicians, issues of the tourism industry rarely find any mention in electoral campaigns or parliamentary debate. The development of tourism is not a priority for governments and the industry is heavily taxed, making it an uncompetitive destination. Globally, India is not seen as a leading tourist destination. In 2019, India received about 11 million foreign tourists; not a big number considering the vastness of the country. Even a small country like Thailand received about 40 million foreign tourists in 2019.
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Need Of The Hour
Time To Act
Clearly, India lags far behind when it comes to the tourism sector. Bringing tourism into political focus is integral to tap into the vast tourism potential of the country. There is a need to include the subject of tourism in overall political and governance discourse. Trade bodies must act unitedly and determinedly to sensitise politicians about the economic and social benefits of tourism.
It is time to end the lingering political apathy towards tourism and accord it with a high priority in the overall economic policy. The industry should be galvanised to leverage India’s vast tourism potential.
Travel trade bodies should conduct in-depth and comprehensive research, highlighting their needs to politicians in their respective regions, and outlining the benefits boosting tourism can offer. Ministers, MPs and MLAs in large numbers should be invited to conventions and other prominent forums of trade bodies to bridge the gap between the tourism industry and the country’s political system.
Political focus on tourism will be good not only for the economy and society, but also for the country as a whole. India can demonstrate its soft power through tourism by showcasing its culture, history, and traditional practises like Yoga, Ayurveda, etc. This would certainly help in enhancing the brand image of the country. Due to the Covid-19, the time may not be opportune for tourism; but from a long-term perspective it is certainly the right time to bring tourism to the centre stage of political discourse.
Politicians typically take interest in the development of tourism only if it is seen as bringing substantial values to their constituency. For example, tourism is relatively more developed in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala.
Leveraging Tourism One of the biggest challenges India faces today is extremely high levels of unemployment. This has a cascading impact on other aspects of lives such as health, both physical and mental, life expectancy, education, and law and order. Capital-intensive sectors like manufacturing have been failing to generate sufficient employment to meet the needs of the population. The agriculture sector is already overburdened with huge disguised unemployment. For a democratic welfare state like India, a labour-intensive sector such as tourism offers immense possibilities with its job generating capacity at comparatively low investment. A versatile industry, tourism offers job opportunities for people of varying educational backgrounds, technical capabilities, and age groups. It can also prevent unequal migration to other states in search of job opportunities. January 2022
DL-SW-01/4211/20-22 | DATE OF POSTING: 5-6 OF MONTH | RNI NO. DELENG/2010/33723 | DATE OF PUBLISHING: 4th OF THE MONTH