Air India-Vistara merger receives approval from Indian competition commission

By Author

Published on November 12, 2023

Singapore Airlines has confirmed that the proposed merger between Air India and Vistara is still on track, pending approvals from regulators and competition authorities in various jurisdictions. This merger, which has already received approval from the Competition Commission of India, will position Singapore Airlines with a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India Group, allowing them to tap into India's growing aviation market.

Currently, Singapore Airlines holds a 49% shareholding in Vistara, while the Tata Group owns the remaining 51% stake. The merger is awaiting foreign direct investment approval, as well as clearance from regulators such as India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Company Law Tribunal, and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore.

Once the merger is complete, Singapore Airlines will have a significant presence in all key Indian airline market segments and benefit from the rapid growth of India's civil aviation market. Air India, which was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022, has been implementing an ambitious revival and expansion plan.

During the first half of the 2023-24 fiscal year, Singapore Airlines Group reported an impressive 55.4% increase in net profit to SGD 1,441 million, compared to USD 927 million in the same period the previous year. Total revenue also witnessed growth, rising 8.9% to SGD 9,162 million from SGD 8,417 million.

As of September 30, the airline group had a fleet of 202 aircraft, including both passenger aircraft and freighters. SIA's operating fleet consisted of 140 passenger aircraft and 7 freighters, while Scoot, its non-frill carrier, had 55 passenger aircraft. Additionally, the Group has 96 aircraft on order.

Singapore Airlines reported a continued robust demand for air travel, particularly in the Northern Summer travel season, with passenger traffic rebounding in North Asia after the reopening of China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and Taiwan. In the first six months of the current fiscal year, SIA and Scoot carried 17.4 million passengers, marking a remarkable 52.3% year-on-year increase.

Looking ahead, SIA plans to ramp up services across its network for the Northern Summer 2024 operating season, including the restoration of Airbus A380 services to Frankfurt, deploying widebody Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft to Cairns and Male, and reinstating direct services between Singapore and Barcelona. Flight frequencies to several destinations will also be increased, aiming to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

However, the demand for air freight has remained soft due to inventory overhang and challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions. Increased competition and softer demand have contributed to a 46.2% decrease in cargo yields compared to the previous year.

The Air India-Vistara merger is expected to strengthen both airlines' positions in the Indian aviation market, while Singapore Airlines seeks to benefit from the opportunities presented by India's growing air travel demand.

MahaKumbh Mela 2025: A Spiritual and Hospitality Phenomenon

By Author

Published on January 15, 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, has returned to Prayagraj in 2025, drawing millions of devotees and curious travelers from around the world. This grand event, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, is not only a celebration of faith but a remarkable opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industries, highlighting India’s potential to host monumental events that blend tradition and modernity.

A Spiritual Confluence at the Triveni Sangam

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, set at the sacred Triveni Sangam—the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—has captivated attendees with its deeply spiritual atmosphere and extraordinary rituals. The first Amrit Snan, held on January 14, witnessed an overwhelming participation of over two crore devotees, who flocked to the Sangam for a holy dip, marking the beginning of a series of sacred rituals.

This year’s event saw the participation of diverse groups, including the Naga Sadhus and Kinnar Akhara, who performed their holy dips with immense grandeur and reverence, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the Kumbh. Alongside local devotees, international spiritual leaders such as Yogmata Keiko Aikawa from Japan added a global dimension, highlighting the universal appeal of the festival.

The event’s spectacle extends beyond spirituality. Helicopters showered rose petals on devotees during the Amrit Snan, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. Additionally, the light and sound show, narrating the rich mythology of the Kumbh, has become one of the most popular attractions for attendees, further enriching their experience.

A Global Gathering

The Maha Kumbh Mela has always been a global event, drawing attendees from across the world. This year, notable personalities like Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, participated in the rituals, embracing the spiritual essence of the festival despite minor health issues. Her presence, along with other prominent figures from the business, political, and entertainment worlds, added to the significance of the event.

The festival is not only a gathering of devotees but also a confluence of cultures and nationalities, making it a unique opportunity for cultural exchanges. Religious heads, dignitaries, and representatives from the 13 akhadas continue to lead the festival’s ceremonies, ensuring the traditions are upheld while also catering to the diverse international crowd that attends the event.

Hospitality Sector Boost

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has had a significant impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors. With millions of people descending on Prayagraj, the demand for accommodations has soared. Hotels, guesthouses, and makeshift campsites in and around the city are experiencing unprecedented demand, catering to visitors from all over India and the globe. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, every segment of the hospitality industry is benefiting from this massive influx.

The event also presents a unique opportunity for culinary tourism, as regional cuisines from Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India are showcased to cater to the diverse tastes of international and domestic visitors. Local vendors, food stalls, and restaurants are capitalizing on the opportunity, offering an array of traditional and fusion dishes to satisfy the festival’s attendees.

Moreover, the cultural and economic impact of the Maha Kumbh extends beyond just hospitality. The festival boosts local artisans, performers, and service providers, giving them a platform to share their craft and generate income. Vendors and craftsmen from all corners of India benefit immensely from the thousands of visitors attending the event, further bolstering the region’s economic growth.

Infrastructure Development and Future Growth

In preparation for the millions of visitors, significant investments have been made in infrastructure development. Roads, sanitation facilities, public transport, and security measures have been upgraded to ensure a smooth experience for attendees. These improvements benefit local communities and create a sustainable foundation for future growth in Prayagraj, ensuring that the city remains a key destination for cultural and religious tourism long after the festival concludes.

A Cultural and Economic Phenomenon

The Maha Kumbh Mela is more than just a religious event; it’s a celebration of India’s cultural heritage and its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. The festival’s influence extends far beyond Prayagraj, with international media outlets covering the event and amplifying its global reach. This helps position India as a premier destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.

The hospitality professionals managing the logistics of the festival—ranging from accommodation to cultural immersion experiences—play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless experience for all participants. Their expertise ensures that the complexities of organizing such a massive event are addressed with precision, allowing attendees to focus on the spiritual and cultural aspects of their visit.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is a testament to India’s ability to host events of monumental scale. Beyond its spiritual significance, it is a thriving hub for cultural exchange, tourism, and economic growth. As the world witnesses the grandeur of this celestial gathering, the hospitality and tourism sectors stand to gain immensely from this once-in-12-year event. The Maha Kumbh not only strengthens India’s position on the global map but also sets the stage for continued growth in the tourism industry, making it a landmark event for both spiritual seekers and industry professionals alike.

Maha Kumbh Mela Sparks Soaring Demand for Travel and Accommodation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 15, 2025

With the Maha Kumbh Mela set to begin in Prayagraj, travel and accommodation platforms are witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand. Major platforms such as Oyo, MakeMyTrip, and Booking.com report soaring interest, with hotel searches, bookings, and premium accommodation rates hitting record levels.

An Oyo spokesperson revealed that booking requests during the Maha Kumbh period are double the available inventory, with demand on Shahi Snan days reaching three times the number of rooms available. "The search volume for Oyo hotels has doubled this week compared to the same week last month, reflecting heightened demand among travellers," the spokesperson shared.

Similarly, MakeMyTrip has observed a 23-fold increase in searches for Prayagraj compared to the same period last year. "Travel demand is particularly high during the event’s opening and closing weeks," said Rajesh Magow, MakeMyTrip co-founder and group CEO. “Tent accommodations have seen strong demand as devotees look for immersive experiences close to the Maha Kumbh. Our specially curated packages have also witnessed a positive uptick, with families and groups leading the bookings.”

Premium Hotel Prices on the Rise

Due to a limited supply of branded premium hotels in Prayagraj, rates for homestays and alternative accommodations have skyrocketed. For instance:

A room at Zone Connect by The Park costs ₹30,680 for January 13 on Booking.com.
Heritage Inn offers rooms at ₹23,600, while Hotel Krishna Continental charges ₹29,589 for a superior queen room.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, highlighted the event's massive impact: “Searches for Prayagraj have increased 35-fold between November 30 and December 7 for check-ins between January 11 and February 28. Additionally, cities like Varanasi have seen a 70% year-on-year surge in searches, along with increased interest in Vrindavan and Lucknow.”

Immersive Spiritual Experiences Drive Demand

Beyond Prayagraj, neighboring cities are also benefiting from the influx of visitors. According to Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti, spokesperson for Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan, the organization’s Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati cottages—capable of hosting 9,000-10,000 people—are fully booked. "We anticipate 15-20 lakh visitors at our pandal, including international devotees from the UK, USA, Singapore, and Australia," she noted.

As millions of pilgrims and visitors prepare for this grand spiritual event, the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to draw global attention, transforming Prayagraj and its surrounding areas into bustling hubs of devotion and tourism.

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 15, 2025

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has announced that the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is expected to attract over 1.5 million foreign tourists from around 100 countries. The event, which will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is being positioned as a global spectacle, reflecting India’s vibrant heritage and cultural diversity.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Kalagram, a sprawling 10-acre cultural hub in Nagvasuki, Shekhawat described the Maha Kumbh as the world's largest fair, embodying India's unity in diversity. The Kalagram will be one of the main attractions, offering visitors a glimpse of India's rich cultural tapestry through interactive exhibits, stage performances, and immersive experiences.

Key Highlights of Kalagram:

A grand entrance replicating the 12 Jyotirlingas.
A showcase of the Char Dhams and the Eternal Kumbh Exhibition.
Seven regional cultural courtyards, each highlighting the diversity of India's traditions.
The Anubhuti Mandapam, providing a unique sensory experience.
Over 230 master craftsmen demonstrating traditional art forms.
Authentic Indian cuisines at state-specific food stalls.
Performances by more than 14,630 cultural artists.

Shekhawat emphasized the efforts by the Ministry of Culture to give the Maha Kumbh global recognition, with preparations ensuring a seamless experience for the expected 45 crore devotees and tourists. Programs will be held across various venues, including Kalagram, Ganga Pandals, Jhunsi, Nagvasuki, and Arail.

For international visitors, a tent city has been established by the Tourism Ministry, offering amenities like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma. Additionally, air travel arrangements have been made for spiritual destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.

Shekhawat remarked:
"The Maha Kumbh is more than a fair; it’s a confluence of faith and culture that attracts people from across the globe, showcasing India’s spiritual and cultural richness."

The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises a 45-day celebration of India’s unity, diversity, and heritage, serving as a platform to present the country’s traditions and values to the world. With extensive preparations underway, the event aims to leave a lasting impression on both devotees and international tourists.

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