India's inbound tourism to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 202

Foreign Tourist Arrivals to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels by 2025: Booking.com Report

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 13, 2024

India’s tourism sector is witnessing a significant surge, with foreign tourist arrivals expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2025, according to the latest "How India Travels 2024 – The Inbound Edit" report by Booking.com. The report, conducted in collaboration with Accenture, highlights India's growing appeal, underscored by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and competitive pricing, making it one of the top destinations in South Asia.

In 2023 alone, over 9 million foreign tourists visited India, driving foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism to USD 15.3 billion in the first half of 2024. This marked a 17.6% increase from the previous year and a 5.5% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The surge in inbound tourism is not just boosting the economy but also creating substantial employment opportunities, with the potential to generate 58 million jobs by 2033.

The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and United Arab Emirates have emerged as top inbound markets, replacing traditional frontrunners like China and Canada. In 2024, new markets like Hong Kong, Australia, Italy, and the Netherlands also made their way into the top 10. While major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur continue to attract the lion's share of visitors, lesser-known destinations like Hampi, Leh, Patnitop, and Khajuraho have seen year-on-year growth double, as tourists increasingly seek out off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The influx of tourists has been fueled by the ease of online bookings and greater flexibility, with 52% of visitors opting for full travel packages and 40% booking individual components separately. Online platforms are playing a key role in offering personalized travel experiences, a growing trend among foreign tourists.

Despite the positive trajectory, challenges remain. Limited customization options (49%), a lack of seamless travel packages (51%), and an overwhelming amount of information (43%) were some of the barriers identified in the report. Addressing these issues will be crucial to maintaining momentum in the inbound travel market.

As part of World Tourism Day celebrations, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster the industry, including the "Chalo India" campaign, which offers 1 lakh gratis visas to foreign tourists. The Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs have also been introduced to promote responsible tourism across 50 prominent destinations, fostering sustainability and empowering local communities.

Looking ahead, India’s inbound tourism is poised for further growth. The report emphasizes the need for simplified visa processes, expanded international flight routes, and continued promotion of India’s diverse travel offerings. With targeted investments in infrastructure and digital resources, India is set to cement its position as a premier global travel destination.

Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, stated, “Vision 2047 for Tourism is designed to position India as a leading global destination. Through technology and data analytics, we are committed to offering travelers unparalleled experiences, from wellness to adventure tourism.”

Santosh Kumar, Country Head at Booking.com, noted, “The surge in foreign tourist arrivals demonstrates India’s rising stature as a must-visit destination, offering authentic and immersive experiences that cater to a wide variety of traveler preferences.”

Anshul Gupta, Managing Director at Accenture, added, “India’s tourism industry is undergoing a technology-driven transformation. Leveraging AI and big data, the country is well-positioned to streamline travel operations and enhance visitor experiences, reinforcing its place on the global tourism map.”

With such strong indicators, the future of India’s inbound tourism looks brighter than ever, promising further economic growth and global recognition for the nation’s unparalleled travel experiences

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines Announce New Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 23, 2025

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have taken their partnership forward with the launch of a new codeshare agreement. This move builds on Etihad’s recently introduced Abu Dhabi–Hanoi service, creating smoother travel options between the UAE and Vietnam.

With this partnership, Etihad guests can now book onward journeys to major domestic destinations in Vietnam as well as popular cities across Asia, all on a single ticket. Travellers also benefit from one check-in and automatic baggage transfer, making Abu Dhabi an easy connection point to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "This partnership with Vietnam Airlines delivers significant value to our guests by unlocking access to some of Asia's most dynamic and popular destinations. Our new Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service has been warmly received, and this codeshare agreement transforms it into a gateway to Vietnam's most exciting cities. Combined with our frequent flyer partnership, which enables loyalty members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across our combined global networks, this collaboration underscores our commitment to providing our guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior travel experiences."

From Vietnam Airlines’ perspective, this collaboration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier. Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development, Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is pleased to advance our partnership with Etihad Airways through this new codeshare agreement, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. The collaboration offers seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while allowing more travellers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature warmth and hospitality. Together with our expanded frequent-flyer partnership, this agreement enhances convenience, broadens destination choices, and strengthens tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and the UAE.”

The rollout of the codeshare will take place in phases. As it expands, passengers of Vietnam Airlines will gain access to six destinations beyond Abu Dhabi, Athens, Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, and Istanbul, opening up a wider network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through Etihad’s strong connectivity.

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines already have a frequent flyer partnership in place. Launched in July 2025, it allows Etihad Guest and Lotus Miles members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks. This loyalty integration adds more value to the newly announced codeshare, giving travellers broader options and smoother travel experiences.

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

Flight No.: 6E 0033
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Departure: 04:05 (local time)
Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

Flight No.: 6E 0034
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Departure: 11:15 (local time)
Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.

Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.

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Foreign Tourist Arrivals to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels by 2025: Booking.com Report

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Etihad and Vietnam Airlines Announce New Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

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IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

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Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

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