Indonesia Targets Indian Tourists with Strategic Presence at SATTE 2024

Indonesia Targets Indian Tourists with Strategic Presence at SATTE 2024

By Author

Published on February 21, 2024

In a strategic move to captivate the burgeoning Indian tourist market, Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is gearing up for a prominent participation at South Asia's Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) from 22 to 24 February 2024 at the India Expo & Mart, Greater Noida, New Delhi. This initiative follows a successful tourism promotion campaign in Mumbai earlier in February, underscoring Indonesia's commitment to tapping into India's potential as a key source market.

At SATTE 2024, the "Wonderful Indonesia" pavilion, located at Hall 10 Booth B08, will encapsulate the "Keep the Wonder" theme, showcasing 41 of the nation’s tourism industries. This includes an array of travel agents, tour operators, hotels, and tourist attractions, with Marriott Indonesia and Indonesia Safari Park stepping in as official partners. The collaboration aims to elevate Indonesia's profile among Indian travelers, particularly in the luxury travel segment, with tailored tour packages designed to meet the discerning tastes of luxury and ultra-luxury travelers from India.

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Indonesia is setting its sights on promoting five Super Priority Destinations to the Indian market, namely Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang. These destinations represent the pinnacle of Indonesia's diverse and rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique tourism offerings.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno highlighted the positive trend of Indian visitors to Indonesia, citing GlobalData’s travel and tourism intelligence that places India as the fourth largest source market for Indonesian tourism. "The continuous growth of visitors from India has shown promising trends, reinforcing our decision to focus our marketing efforts in this vibrant market," stated Uno.

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The tourism marketing series in the Indian market will culminate with the Indonesia sales mission in Chandigarh on 26 September 2024. This event, in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi, aims to further expand Indonesia's tourism network and attract potential tourists from various cities across India.

As Indonesia prepares to dazzle at SATTE 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy's proactive approach in the Indian market is a testament to its vision of making Indonesia a top-of-mind destination for Indian travelers, seeking to create lasting impressions and memorable experiences for visitors.

For more information on Indonesia's tourism offerings and participation in SATTE 2024, visit the official website of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.


Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

As part of Operation Sindoor, commercial flights have been suspended at 27 airports across north, west, and central India. The move has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

To ensure safety, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new advisories mandating heightened airport security across the country. All passengers are now required to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), and visitor access to airport terminals has been suspended until further notice.

Aviation authorities have also instructed airports to ensure that all CCTV systems are fully functional and have directed the deployment of air marshals based on priority and random selection.

Airlines have issued urgent travel advisories.

  • Air India posted: Passengers are advised to arrive at airports at least 3 hours before departure. 

  • SpiceJet posted: Check-in closes 75 minutes prior to flight. and Akasa Air urging passengers early arrival and limiting cabin baggage to one handbag up to 7 kg.

  • All passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry.

List of Airports Closed under Operation Sindoor:

Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.

According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the airspace over India’s western corridor from Kashmir to Gujarat, currently shows minimal civilian air traffic, highlighting the scale of the shutdown. Airports are expected to resume commercial operations by 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, but travelers are urged to stay updated through airline channels.

Passengers are strongly advised to recheck flight schedules, plan ahead, and cooperate with the enhanced security procedures to ensure smooth transit during this sensitive period.


A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.

Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.

Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.

Why More Couples Are Choosing Destination Weddings

So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.

And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.

The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.

Why Thailand?

Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.

Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.

Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.

Weddings as a New Form of Travel

Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.

Final Thoughts

Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.

Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.


Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2025

Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.

Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.

Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.

Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.

Further updates are expected in the coming hours.

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