ATM 2024 panel examined the travel trends of the Indian travellers, one of the top source markets for the UAE, focussing on strategic importance of understanding and targetting the Indian travel market with innovative and tailored marketing strategies.

India is rapidly emerging as a crucial source market for global tourism, propelled by significant economic growth, demographic shifts and infrastructural improvements.

According to a press statement by Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, as discussed in its session Unlocking the True Potential of Indian Travellers, over three-quarters of Indian respondents prioritise travel and tourism for discretionary spending.

As per consulting firm Videc’s 2023 Indian Traveller Behaviour and Insights Report, 59 pc of Indian travellers prefer short weekend trips while 79 pc choose domestic over international destinations.

Of the international travellers, 84 pc were first-time travellers, with Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore as the top destinations, chosen for their proximity, climate and cultural appeal, says the report.

“The primary motivator for these trips is the need for a break from daily life, with 33 pc of travellers seeking leisure escapes. Furthermore, 69 pc book flights well in advance, contrasting with last-minute intercity bus bookings. Coupled with India’s rising digital proficiency and infrastructural enhancements like the Udan scheme, these trends are shaping India into a dynamic source market for global tourism, necessitating targeted engagement strategies to capitalise on this growth,” says Deepak Jain, co-author of the report.

The statement adds that following the presentation, an India Market Insights Summit panel session took place featuring prominent speakers, including Ross Veitch, CEO and Co-Founder of Wego, Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Business Officer, Corporate at MakeMyTrip and Ankur Garg Chief Commercial Officer at Air India Express.

The speakers emphasised the strategic importance of understanding and targetting the Indian travel market with innovative and tailored marketing strategies, focusing on sectors such as air travel, hotels, rail, and intercity buses.

“Today’s discussion on the Indian travel market highlighted the wealth of opportunities and the strategic importance of nuanced marketing approaches that cater to the unique needs of Indian travellers. This session is a cornerstone for fostering deeper understanding and cooperation between Middle East travel professionals and Indian travel enterprises,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.