In a strategic move to boost Brunei tourism for Indians, Royal Brunei Airlines has announced a new direct flight service connecting Chennai, India, with Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. Commencing this month, the airline will operate three weekly flights on this route, responding to the growing demand for travel from India to Brunei and capitalizing on the increasing interest of Indian tourists in Southeast Asia.
New Flight Routes Between India and Brunei
This new service, part of a broader Brunei-India tourism strategy, aligns with India’s vision for 2025, designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism. It reflects the country’s strategic ‘Act East Policy, ‘ which aims to deepen relationships with Southeast Asian and Indo-Pacific nations.
A spokesperson for Royal Brunei Airlines emphasized that this route supports India’s goals of enhancing connectivity and cultural exchange between India and the ASEAN bloc, noting the growing potential of Indian tourists to Brunei.
The Brunei travel market in India is experiencing rapid growth, aligned with broader projections by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) India, indicating that Indian travelers will make over 50 million international trips annually by 2030.
A report from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) supports these figures, highlighting that “98% of Indian travelers were eager to explore new destinations in the first half of 2024.” The airline has also begun promoting Brunei attractions for Indian travelers, including the country’s rich cultural heritage and modern attractions.
Enhanced Travel Services and Flexibility
Air India has rolled out a new service called ‘Fly Prior’ to complement its latest flight route.’ This service allows passengers to switch to an alternative flight up to 12 hours before their originally scheduled departure for an additional fee. It is designed to accommodate travelers who need to make last-minute itinerary adjustments.
Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner, further strengthens the tourism initiative. The company recently held a roadshow in India to strengthen its relationships with travel agents and wedding planners. Its ambitious plans include opening 50 new hotels across India over the next decade, with the first Anantara-branded property scheduled to open in Jaipur later this year.
New Luxury Properties Marks India’s Growing Hospitality Industry
In the accommodation sector, luxury villa company StayVista has introduced a new brand, Vize, which partners with real estate developers to create vacation homes. Amit Damani, co-founder of StayVista, noted, “The returns on holiday homes are 2 to 3 times that of a residential city home,” underscoring the profitable potential of this market.
Additionally, Goibibo has launched the next chapter of its ‘No-Compromise’ campaign targeting travelers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The campaign, featuring popular actors Jayaram and Kalidas, leverages nostalgia by referencing the cult classic film ‘Panchatanthiram.’
Moreover, SAMHI Hotels is expanding its presence in Hyderabad by introducing a new 170 to 175-room upper upscale hotel. This follows the company’s recent acquisition of Innmar Tourism and Hotels and the 142-room Trinity Hotel in Bengaluru, marking continued growth in India’s hospitality industry.
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