What a year it has been for the tourism industry indeed. For a sector which was once neglected and mostly considered as an afterthought, tourism has received its share of priority and prominence in the year 2014. India is surely playing on a new pitch with new players who are thinking tourism, talking tourism and also walking the talk of tourism. There seems to be a clear sense of positivity in the air and crucial projects which were rusting in the corridors of power are finally breaking through the cobwebs. The visa on arrival initiative that was highlighted in Arun Jaitley’s Budget speech recently took shape with 43 countries gaining efficient access into India. The decision on the part of both, the ministry of external affairs as well as the home ministry, will surely work well for inbound tourism, both in the leisure and the MICE space.
The recent railway initiative by the PMO to increase connectivity to the North East is probably one of the best announcements that can happen in the domestic tourism space. The North East is truly the pride of India and fortunately, we finally realised it before it was too late.
On the international front, Indian discerning travellers are raring to go. Yeh Dil Mange More seems to be the calling as they are asking for experiences which are out of the ordinary and are ready to explore places that are far and beyond. New kids on the block, namely Hungary, Peru, Bulgaria and riding on this new wave to explore the unexplored, they are ready to lure the Indian clientele to places that are dream destinations.
Our cover story this issue on outbound whisky and wine routes will give you an insight into the temperament and tastes of the Indian traveller. Travelling to experience cuisine, tastes and flavours seems to excite Indian travellers and they are ready to take a deroute to enjoy a fulfilling soul-stirring sojourn.
Take time to reflect on the year gone by so that we all step into 2015 to discover a newer you.
Reema Lokesh
Editor