Taking the train to Machu Picchu is one of the most efficient ways to reach the ancient Incan site if you prefer not to hike—and if you can snag a ticket onboard Belmond's Hiram Bingham train, it's also the most glamorous.
24.09.2024 - 09:49 / skift.com / Peden Doma Bhutia / Travel Podcast
In this episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia and India Reporter Bulbul Dhawan dive into the top travel stories from India this month. They explore Leela Hotels’ move toward an IPO, South Africa’s new visa reforms, and Oyo’s acquisition of Motel 6. The discussion also covers key trends in Indian aviation and how Indian millennials are driving a surge in travel spending.
Leela Palaces’ $599M IPO: A significant move in India’s luxury hospitality market. Plans to use proceeds for debt reduction and expansion. Future growth focused on wildlife and heritage tourism. Expansion aligns with experiential travel trends. IPO places Leela in competition with hospitality giants like Taj and Oberoi.
South Africa Visa Relaxations: New Trusted Tour Operator Scheme targets Indian and Chinese tourists. Visa waiver schemes and focus on smaller Indian cities to boost tourism. Digital visa processing to enhance travel ease.
Oyo’s Acquisition of Motel 6: Critical for Oyo’s North American expansion. Strengthens Oyo’s U.S. footprint with 1,500 Motel 6 locations. Acquisition part of Oyo’s broader IPO plans and global expansion strategy.
Shift Toward Direct Flights: Indian travelers increasingly favor direct flights for convenience. Growth in international routes by Indian airlines like Indigo and Air India.
Millennials Lead Travel Spending: Millennials prioritize experiences over material goods. Co-branded credit cards and travel perks drive spending.
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In this episode, the discussion kicks off with the news of Schloss Bangalore, the luxury hospitality group behind India’s Leela Palaces, filing for a $599 million IPO. This move comes at a time when the Indian luxury travel market is booming. Leela plans to use a significant portion of the IPO proceeds to reduce its debt and expand its portfolio. Future growth includes venturing into wildlife and heritage tourism, with new properties near popular tiger reserves. The IPO will pit Leela against established hospitality giants like Taj and Oberoi as competition heats up in India’s luxury hotel sector.
The episode also touches on the broader context of visa reforms globally, particularly in South Africa, making travel easier for key source markets like India and China. South Africa’s recent visa relaxations, including a Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, is aimed at attracting Indian and Chinese tourists. With tier-two and tier-three Indian cities being targeted, South Africa is tapping into emerging markets. The episode covers Oyo’s acquisition of Motel 6, its latest move to strengthen its footprint in the U.S. Motel 6 is a well-known brand with 1,500 locations across the U.S. and Canada, so this deal instantly
Taking the train to Machu Picchu is one of the most efficient ways to reach the ancient Incan site if you prefer not to hike—and if you can snag a ticket onboard Belmond's Hiram Bingham train, it's also the most glamorous.
Goa is not ready to lose out on the destination wedding business, especially this close to the upcoming wedding season. The state has rolled back its decision to increase the fees to hold private events, including weddings.
Summer vacations to Europe don’t have to mean sea and sand. Fresh water is equally as appealing, and the continent’s most beautiful lake regions are simply stunning year-round. Lake Como’s crystal clear water, dramatic scenery, picturesque villages, and five-star hotels — not to mention A-list celebrity visitors — have contributed to the region’s reputation for being the most romantic (and luxurious) lake in Europe. And while this is very true, Como is breathtaking, across the continent are other bodies of water that deserve attention. From the shores of Lough Corrib in Ireland, where you can stay in an ancient castle, to the limpid turquoise water of Lake Päijänne in Finland, where you can sleep overnight in a floating hotel made entirely of glass, these are the best lakes in Europe for a luxury vacation.
Mount Yoshino in the Nara Prefecture is one of Japan’s most popular spots for cherry blossom (sakura) viewing. There’s a wide range of varieties and approximately 30,000 cherry trees and according to Japan Travel, they were planted over 1300 years ago. In spring, the area gets extremely busy with people traveling to see the light pink to white flowers with a backdrop of the region’s stunning natural landscape peppered with historic temples, hillside towns, and must-visit cities. This other-worldly natural phenomenon is so famous that people plan bucket-list vacations to Japan during the season in order to see the trees in full glory. But if you don’t like the idea of walking through crowds of people on cramped paths, you might want to consider a more luxurious way to enjoy the sakura and book a helicopter flight with AIROS Skyview. Matador Network reached out to AIROS Skyview to chat about the various routes they offer and how you can tailor-make your own cherry blossom voyage to take in the collage of colors from the sky.
When most Americans think of cruises, they probably think of island-hopping in the Caribbean or cruising by glaciers in Alaska from afar. That may be appealing for some people, but for others, the idea of being lazy on a ship of thousands of people for a week doesn’t sound like much of a vacation.
While the Maharajas’ Express is often considered as India’s most luxurious train, it’s certainly not the only high-end option for rail travel in the country. The lesser-known Palace on Wheels, operating since 1982, is a train that runs seven-night, eight-day trips in the state of Rajasthan in very opulent fashion.
River cruises are soaring in popularity. They are becoming a new luxury tipple for those looking for a more intimate cruising experience on a smaller vessel. UNIWORLD is one of the leading boutique river cruise companies specializing in all-inclusive vacations. From classic routes such as The Danube and The Rhine to jungle adventures on the Peruvian Amazon, the cruise line offers exciting itineraries across the globe, with new offerings added throughout the year. One of their most extravagant trips is the Death on the Nile (without the murder) Splendors of Egypt and the Nile Cruise.
When visitors to Greece flock to the famous islands of Santorini or Mykonos, they’re overlooking the natural beauty that the northern part of the country has to offer. The island of Thassos is a perfect alternative for those seeking a more tranquil and authentic Greek experience, and Elia Stone Villas Deluxe Private Pool Villa is the ideal place to stay while you’re there.
After years of limited mobility, Chinese outbound travel is set to make a significant recovery during the upcoming October Golden Week, according to Dragon Trail Research.
Saudi Arabia has launched its first-ever marketing campaign targeted exclusively at Indian tourists: “Shaandaar (Spectacular) Saudi.”
In a move to expand its international reach, India-based hospitality company Oyo announced the acquisition of Motel 6 and Studio 6, two economy lodging brands, from Blackstone for $525 million. This all-cash deal positions Oyo to significantly boost its presence in the U.S., adding nearly 1,500 properties to its portfolio.
Elivaas, a tech-driven luxury villa and apartment management Indian startup, has secured $5 million in a funding round led by Bengaluru-based 3one4 Capital, with participation from Peak XV’s Surge and other angel investors.