But if you forget things during your vacation trip, it would be the most disappointing thing to experience. So, instead of missing them out, that would ruin your summer vacation, then we listed the things you shouldn’t forget to prevent paying a triple price for buying these things at your destinations.

1. Wristwatch –  Today, many people wear their wristwatches on different occasions including holidays because it prevents them from being late whenever you are having a scheduled trip. You should also not forget to bring a wristwatch on your out-of-town trip! While one of the best timepieces that you should wear on your summer vacation is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona which is great for traveling because it is very durable. Even if Cosmograph Daytona Price is very expensive, it will surely be useful for your summer vacation trip! Unlike mobile phones, wristwatches offer a longer battery time that is good for scheduled trips. Another good thing about a wristwatch is that it can add looks to your outfit because you can choose different types of the watch, such as sportswear, casual wear, or any other events depending on your summer vacation attire.

2. Phone Chargers or Power Banks

If you don’t want to be interrupted on your summer vacation because of low battery devices, then bringing phone chargers and power banks would help you stay focused on your holiday trip. Nowadays cellphones are multifunctional devices that make you entertained and connected to social media platforms and also allow you to take pictures around you at the same time listening to music. That is why phones are important to us, especially when having family gatherings or holiday trips. Bringing chargers and power banks is one of the important things to remember.

3. Umbrella

Many of you may think that having an umbrella is just an added weight to your luggage, but it is also important in staying dry when unexpected rain comes along. Even if the weather forecast says that it is not raining today because it is summer, it is important to always be prepared, especially on vacation trips. Another thing that is good about having an umbrella is that when there’s a strong wind you can use it to prevent eye irritation and blowing up your clothes. Well, let’s not forget about fashion pictorial in summer vacations, it also brings looks to you whenever you are planning to have a picture to post online.

4. Bottled Water

Traveling and exploring the world, trips, and transportation may be stressful. That is why you always have to have bottled water on your backpacks to stay hydrated. It also helps you in saving your money that instead of buying water that you already have, you can buy food instead. Some places you may explore don’t have clean tap water, and having packed bottled water makes you feel safe and comfortable. Many of the bottled water has what they called “filters” that are good when you are exploring in mountains and hiking that helps to clean all the water you want to drink, especially when you want to get from lakes or any nearest available tap water.

5. Hand Sanitizers or Alcohol

Another problem you may encounter in your summer vacation is that you can’t enjoy your trip, especially when eating your food while your hands are dirty. Well, hand sanitizers will help you stay clean whenever you are in contact with other people. Outdoor trips allow you to have contact with other tourists or any objects that may have a viral infection or harmful diseases that is why hand sanitizers are needed in outdoor activities to prevent you from having it. Another good thing about hand sanitizers is that they are easy to carry, and they have a variety of well-flavored scents you may enjoy.

6. Medications and First Aid Kits

When you suffer from dizziness, Asthma, and other severe conditions, then bringing your medical supplements and kits is the most important thing you must carry. Some people who are sensitive to sunlight and have rashes must bring ointments and lotions. The same for the persons with asthma, they must bring their inhalers for any sudden attacks. Having an absence of medications on your backpack will make you feel unsafe and discomfort because anytime you may be attacked by your illnesses. If you are prone to having headaches, bringing a pain reliever is another thing that is important to consider because you don’t want to get dizzy while you are on a vacation trip. In short, to prevent disrupting enjoyable exploration, be sure to always bring your supplements and medications for emergency use.

Takeaway

To avoid your vacation trips from the worst and upsetting experiences, be sure to prepare all the things you need for a more exciting and fun adventure. We assure you that the things listed above are the most important things you must bring to prevent any disruptions. There are many ways to appreciate your summer trips just like being on time and having your phone fully charged and ready. But the essence of summer vacation is to enjoy your relationship with your family and beloved ones as you keep in touch with them. Keep all these in mind on your next vacation or trip. Stay safe and enjoy! You deserve to relax!

The green shoots of economic revival are becoming visible already. With travel resuming, it is helping to mitigate the impact on jobs and businesses in several countries. The PMI is consistently increasing at a decent pace and stood at 57.5 in February. But how is the travel and hospitality segment faring in the current scenario? In the last four months, we have seen India’s domestic tourism recover consistently to become the 2nd fastest market to recover. While this is great news for the industry, we cannot neglect the impact that the shutdown had on the industry. The argument against providing stimulus to the industry was that it is a non-essential service or a luxury. I do not question the choices our respected government had to make, however as we resume life and start travelling again, it is important for each of us to understand the impact every single trip has on the economy of the country and the potential it has to safeguard the economic interests of this country.

India is the fourth largest market in the world for travel and tourism after the US, China and Germany. In 2019, travel and tourism contributed 10.4% to the global GDP. In fact, it is going to further accelerate in the upcoming years. In India, the total contribution by the travel and tourism sector to its GDP is expected to increase to $492.21 billion in 2028.  Moreover, in the same year (2028), International Tourists’ arrival is expected to reach 30.5 billion.

Why is travel set to boom in India?

The reason for the boom is three-fold or as I would like to say takes a 3D approach:

Diverse India: India as most travelers would say is in itself a continent with its rich geographical and cultural diversity, 37 World Heritage sites, and 10 bio-geographic zones. 

Digital India: Right after China, India has the second-highest usage of mobile data and mobile phones. With really low data costs and abundant tech-talent, India has been able to accelerate digital solutions for exploring, booking and experiencing travel in the country from any corner of the world.

Diplomatic India: Over the last six years, India has entered into multiple agreements with countries worldwide to ease visa restrictions for their citizens, helping both Indians travel more easily as well as attract more international travelers.

Besides, another major factor adds to this development. The travel industry is directly tied to economic growth. It is the only industry that connects transportation, construction, consumer goods, payments, engineering, service, events, governments as well as international trade and diplomacy. For instance, when a traveler visits India, he/she adds to the value chain of the both travel and hospitality industry. How? Right from taking a flight, booking a cab to staying in a hotel and exploring restaurants as well as shops in the country is helping players in these spaces to earn monetary value. At the same time, connecting these services via technology will play a vital role in the travel and hospitality industry while providing a unique experience to the international traveler in a foreign land. 

Now, India accounts for the highest number of domestic leisure travelers in the world. However, about 27% of the hospitality industry is dominated by smaller cities where the market is mostly unorganized and is primarily dominated by independent/unbranded hotels, these still form an important part of the hospitality business in India. In addition, the country is also strengthening its medical infrastructure, thereby leading to the growth of India’s medical tourism sector. In the years to come, the country is likely to emerge as one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism with better medical facilities. While these are contributing to the changing dynamics of the travel industry in the country, the pandemic is also playing an important role.  

Pandemic has helped in creating a level playing field

Smaller resorts, niche apps, eco-tourism, work from mountains, DriVacations are the trends in 2021, as travel re-emerges, putting micro-markets at the center of travel’s recovery. This creates an opportunity for small enterprises as well as startups to create their own market and compete with large hotel chains and tech-companies for the traveler’s wallet share. The good news is that with a huge pent-up demand there is already room for many.

Having said that, the onus now falls onto the governments, tech companies, and travel operators to figure out how tourists can flow optimally and regularize these niche players to ensure fair play for everyone. This is where intermediary tech-players like RateGain are playing a vital role in boosting the growth of the travel industry.

Such tech-players will help to link the entire value chain, and work with both new-age startups as well as leading players in each segment. The Covid-19 outbreak has also shortened the digital adoption roadmap of market players and technology changes that would have taken five years are now being implemented within two years in the travel and hospitality space. As the pent-up demand is released over the next 6-12 months, there is an immense opportunity to drive the accelerated growth of the SaaS-based travel-tech ecosystem and hence, driving the creation of more unicorns in the next 5 years.

A level playing field is always ripe for disruption as all sides look at tilting the market in their favor and that is why innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, data scientists should look at investing in this sector as all the players look to drive efficiency and revenue. Travelers, as well as technology buyers both, are open to new experiences and this is where lies the opportunity for more and more players in the travel space to develop new solutions and create new business models that will further augment the growth of the travel industry.

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India might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of the best countries to work from. But it’s definitely worth another look.

The Asian country has plenty of destinations on offer, with a range of costs and settings. You’ll find good wifi in many spots, too. Some of these destinations are so immersive you’ll hardly feel like you’re working at all.

Why become a digital nomad?

If you’re not already thinking about it, why should you consider becoming a digital nomad? Studies stretching over the past decade have found that a flexible approach to working has huge benefits on our mental and physical health. With the right set-up and planning, your income could also benefit, especially if you choose a destination where living costs are lower than where you earn your salary.

From tranquil beaches to mountain peaks, here are some of India’s best locations for a workation.

Goa

A prime opportunity for productivity and rejuvenation, this state’s ever-popular beaches are an essential consideration for any travellers looking to work with an ocean view.

Goa’s expansive infrastructure and booming economy means it offers workations at every price point. Luxury villas with sea views allow you to sit on a balcony with a laptop and a beverage, but there’s scope for more simplistic getaways too.

Cosy beach huts in some of the less tourist-y spots allow for an abundance of relaxation while you work on your latest client brief.

Not only that, Goa is an excellent place for cultural exploits in your time out. There is something for everyone. Active types can try water sports down by Anjuna beach. If all you want at the end of a working week is a stiff drink, hit up Tito’s beachside bar and club to let off some steam.

For more inspiration go to: https://goa-tourism.com/

Varkala, Kerala

If Goa’s greatness has been tried and tested on you one too many times, Varkala might offer a more offbeat alternative.

Its beaches and lakes are suited to the less tourist-focused traveller.

Hailed as a groundbreaker in responsible tourism, Kerala is host to sweeping mountain vistas and expansive tea estates. It prides itself on maintaining its gorgeous farms and fishing lakes, with the ecological benefits remaining front and centre for those that wish to make their trips as climate conscious as possible.

Workation dwellers hail Verkala’s expansive cafés for that real taste of homeworking. The area is full of opportunities to grab a seaside drink and snack. We recommend Cafe del Mar on the awe-inspiring north cliffs. It serves everything from delicious teas to complex curries, with incredible views to boot.

Don’t mistake seclusion for boredom though – Kappil Beach’s hidden ponds make for great weekend exploration.

For more information go to: https://www.keralatourism.org/

Darjeeling, West Bengal

If co-working is more your thing, Darjeeling offers a host of spots to do so. Described as having a ‘youthful vibe’ for workations, this is one for those that like to have a bit of company.

What’s more, you get to do it at the foot of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas.

Looking for an unconventional start to your trip? The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway features a train offering connections to a number of prime workation destinations. It’s not the most efficient way to do things, but it’s the perfect way to see incredible surroundings.

If going away to work doesn’t negate a series of pretty hefty deadlines, a taxi from Bagdogra airport is probably easier and takes way less time.

For more information go to: https://www.darjeeling-tourism.com/

Gokarna, Karnataka

Labelled as hippiedom’s final frontier by Condé Nast traveller, this is the absolute go to for fans of impressive architecture cloaked within boundless flurries of greenery.

Maintaining your wilting office houseplants needn’t be necessary – you’ll be face to face with endless vegetation no matter where your apartment sits in this hilly retreat.

It’s growing popularity ensures that those wanting to blitz through emails with a stellar view are not compromised by technology. There are dozens of getaways offering wifi connectivity in stunning apartments modelled after ancient temples.

Gokarna is a lot more than just India’s southern stopover – the temple town is great for history buffs, too. We recommend a visit to one of its many sacred sites, like the Mahabaleshwar Temple dating back to Hinduism in the 4th century.

For more information go to: https://www.karnatakatourism.org//

Udaipur, Rajasthan

This ‘City of Lakes’ makes India’s must-see lists time and time again, attracting creativity-driven digital nomads yearly. It has a huge market for hostel stays alongside some more premium options and encourages long term experiences for those in jobs that can afford them to take some real time to work away.

You best believe you’ll be bringing a proper camera on this particular workation, for there is just so much to take in. Lake Garden Palace floats within a stretch of the bluest waters you’ll ever see, and is a feat of Indian architectural prosperity. Shilpgram – a rural arts and crafts market that promotes Udaipur’s local talents – is well worth a visit for those in the creative industries looking to be truly inspired.

For more information go to: https://www.transindiatravels.com/rajasthan/udaipur/tourist-places-to-visit-in-udaipur

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Try a cabin in the woods, but reimagined for a totally different continent.

Known as ‘Valley of the Gods’ for its popularity as a Hindu retreat, Kullu has met newfound popularity as a workation destination for its nature-centric way of living. Rated Thrillopia’s top spot for Indian workations, the forests of Kullu make for the perfect pared back workspace.

The region only became accessible following Indian independence, so decades of remote standing have allowed its sublime woodlands and apple orchids to flourish. Downtime can be spent on a plethora of hiking routes throughout the Great Himalayan National Park.

Though if hiking isn’t your thing – let’s be honest, it isn’t for everyone – Kullu’s rivers offer a number of activities, from rafting to fishing. Don’t be put off by the uber-remote setting though, as Kullu’s position as a prime secluded workspace ensures it’s cabins have strong internet capabilities.

For more information go to: https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/kullu-2/

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Since Uber’s launch in 2010, ride-hailing has grown to one of the most dominant transportation modes in many cities. Thanks to ride-hailing, travelers no longer need to wave a hand to taxicabs in hope of getting picked up. Even if you are fortunate enough to own a car in a city, you are free from driving after drinking and don’t need to find an elusive parking spot, which often seems to equate to winning a lottery.

Along with their exponential growth, however, companies such as Uber and Lyft have had to endure a number of criticisms and scandals. One of such crises is that there have been a number of incidents where its drivers committed sexual assault or other crimes. But our research provides a surprising finding: Ride-hailing, in fact, reduces the occurrences of sexual assault.

In our article “The Deterrent Effect of Ride-Sharing on Sexual Assault and Investigation of Situational Contingencies,” we analyzed data from New York City in 2015, which include Uber transaction records and crime reports. We found that the more Uber pickups take place in a neighborhood, the less likely it is for a rape incident to be reported in the same area. Our results suggest that a 1% increase in Uber pickups lead to a decrease in reported cases of sexual assault by as many as 48 cases per year in NYC.

Ride-hailing drivers can be dangerous people. We’re certainly not saying that they’re not committing crimes — however, the good people who work for Uber or Lyft might also be helping to keep the innocent away from other potential dangerous people, too.

Our in-depth analysis reveals more interesting insights. Specifically, we find that ride-hailing contributes to a greater reduction in rape cases in areas and situations where the transport supply rarely meets the demand, such as:

• at the areas where fewer taxi pickups occur.
• in the outer boroughs of NYC (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx) — rather than in Manhattan.
• in the areas with a greater percentage of nonwhite residents.
• at nighttime.
• in the areas with more alcohol-serving places during Friday-Saturday nights than during weekday nights.
• when a greater number of other crimes occur in the same area.

So, how is this possible? How can ride-hailing decrease, rather than increase, reported sexual assault incidents? Simply put, it helps potential vulnerable victims by moving them to safer places (home) as quickly as possible.

Waiting for a taxi on the street, walking eight blocks to a subway station or even riding the subway home alone may be undesirable options late at night, but ride-hailing affords travelers with an option to escape such a situation. Our data shows that wait times for Uber are substantially shorter than it is for taxis, and in the outskirts of a city, Uber is more widely available. In 2015, in the outer boroughs of NYC, about 23% of the rides were provided by Uber, which was twice as much as in Manhattan (12%), increasing up to 91% in the areas farthest from Manhattan (e.g., Bensonhurst, Queens Village, Cambria Heights).

This is thanks to real-time matching of supply (drivers) and demand (passengers) through Uber’s mobile platform. Its platform knows exactly where both passengers and drivers are and can instantly match a passenger to the nearest driver, whom it can direct to the exact location of the passenger. Dynamic pricing also allows drivers to respond to market demands instantly, which helps match supply and demand closely.

This platform’s real-time matching and dynamic pricing also explain why the crime-deterrent effect of ride-hailing is stronger outside Manhattan. As said, it is difficult for a passenger to find a taxi out on the street; by the same token, it’s difficult for taxi drivers to find passengers on the street. Taxi drivers usually drive around or wait at popular pickup spots (e.g., airports, train stations, hotels), but it is not economical for them to do this in the outer boroughs. Because of this difficulty in finding passengers, most of them tend to operate at heavily populated areas. Ride-sharing fills this transportation gap, allowing potential crime victims to easily transport themselves to their homes.

We have also observed this effect across other cities in the U.S. between 2005 and 2017. We found that when Uber commences its service in a city, the number of reported rape incidents has declined by up to 6%.

So, what do our findings mean for policymakers? Our research echoes that public safety and transportation are interrelated matters, and reliable, convenient transportation infrastructures for citizens can be one of the mechanisms to deter crimes.

For instance, many areas with underprivileged populations suffer from persistent crime and are typically underserved by public transportation. As we mentioned, ride-hailing has a greater crime-prevention role in the outer boroughs or in more economically deprived areas. Our research informs us that by improving transportation infrastructures in such areas, we can bring multifaceted values to the citizens, including crime prevention.

To fill the transportation gap, some local governments are starting to operate on-demand transportation services. Under this service, instead of buses running over fixed routes on a predetermined schedule, passengers can request a ride anywhere, and a bus will respond and transport the passengers. Many universities also operate safe-ride programs for students around the campus. These types of flexible transportation systems can be more cost-effective for municipalities and while playing a role in crime deterrence.

Companies that aim to provide customers and employees with reliable transportation could benefit from IT-enabled transportation platforms, where new technology startups can play a role. For example, healthcare organizations have partnered with major ride-hailing companies to provide reliable transportation for their patients (e.g., Uber Health, Lyft Health), so that they can easily reach to care providers.

Ride-hailing drivers can be dangerous people. We’re certainly not saying that they’re not committing crimes — however, the good people who work for Uber or Lyft might also be helping to keep the innocent away from other potential dangerous people, too.

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India is doing a great job in coming out of the slowdown, but the need for better regulator remains. We must not let monopolistic powers establish a controlled environment in the market and exercise their powers for dominance, said Deep Kalra, CEO, MakeMy Trip, in a recent webinar series Talk with the Legends. The webinar interaction was hosted by Dr. Ajay Data, founder of Made in India app VideoMeet. Deep further added, “The days of pandemic reminded us of existential crisis and bootstrapping in its full form. Europe has done a great job in not giving an unfair advantage to giant-sized companies, and thereby the consumer interest has not been comprised.”

Being an industry leader in giving people international & domestic travel-stay experiences, Deep Kalra, CEO, MakeMy Trip, highlighted the adverse situations his company was subjected to during the lockdown. While the executives at MakeMy Trip board-level took 100% pay cut, 50% cut was subjected to other senior members and 10% to other positions. The hardest thing for the MakeMy Trip remained to retrench 10% of their workforce, which was a great lesson to learn. However, following the mantra of ‘Never waste a crisis’, the team worked on strengthening their relationships with the hotel industry, travel agents, bus operators, etc. This alternative work done around this time has helped them to bounce back as domestic travel is back to 50% of their pre-COVID levels, and luxury hotels are providing them business opportunities more than what they were ready to in Pre-Covid times.

He also added, “MICE will be the slowest recovering segment in events and corporate travel due to the acceptance of remote working and virtual meetings. Solo individual trips and weekend getaways are currently bringing recovery to the industry.”

The talk enlightened the audience about changing nature of businesses, digital transformation among sectors and the survival strategies adopted by leaders to combat the slowdown. According to Kalra, India will see the emergence of around 2 million user base, who will be comfortably doing digital transactions post-Covid, this number stood at just 1 million before the pandemic; this reflects the gamut of opportunities fintech, health tech, edtech will present in the coming times. Thousands of users attended the session via Laptop, Smartphones and Tablets on VideoMeet application.

Dr. Ajay Data, Founder of the VideoMeet App, host of the interaction in conclusion said, “Lockdown has taught us all to constantly look for alternatives and be prepared with our contingency plans. This has made the Indian businessmen and young entrepreneurs adopt digital tools more than before due to their accessibility and wide reach. As it is only via Internet and the virtual meetings that seamless communication could prevail. Talk with Legends is our effort to bring business leaders to the forefront and discuss directly with the viewers their experiences and learnings during the difficult phase of lockdown.”

The Asia-Pacific digital map market size has seen a growth of 10% from US$2.6 billion in 2018 to US$2.9 billion in 2019. According to ABI Research, a global tech market advisory firm, the top 5 digital map vendors in the region had combined revenue of US$1.5 billion in 2019, making up about 53% of the region’s market share. Of the five companies, four are from China, including AutoNavi, NavInfo, Tencent, and Baidu Map, showing how Chinese companies are dominating the Asia-Pacific digital map market. At the same time, there are an increasing number of international players and domestic start-ups that are rising to the occasion and penetrating the Asia-Pacific market by offering new digital map products and solutions.

In recent developments, Mitsubishi, Japan’s biggest trading house, and telecoms company NTT have jointly acquired a 30% ownership in HERE Technologies, the world’s leading mapping company based in the Netherlands. This deal is aimed at developing route optimization services in logistics for the Japanese companies and further cements HERE’s growth and penetration in the Asia-Pacific region. “There seems to be a growing focus on location data and technology as a business enhancer for many businesses in Asia-Pacific. Companies in different verticals, including automotive, transport and logistics, public sector and infrastructure, are seeking out these opportunities through investments in, and partnerships with, digital mapping companies,” explains Jun Wei Ee, Research Analyst at ABI Research.

With the push for developments in fields such as autonomous driving, intelligent transport systems, and smart cities, the digital map ecosystem has seen an increase in partnerships to accelerate growth in each of these fields. For example, Toyota Motors has partnered with Chinese autonomous driving start-up Momenta in an attempt to commercialize its HD mapping system in the China market. The Japanese automaker utilizes satellites and cameras to build HD maps of roads, a crucial requirement in autonomous driving development. On the intelligent transport systems front, companies like Bosch are cooperating with local system integrator and technology service provider, FPT IS in Vietnam, to upgrade road transportation systems with smart surveillance and management systems to improve traffic flows, optimize route improvements or expansions, and issue fines.

As Asia-Pacific is seeing growth in smart city projects, this consequently produces large amounts of location data that requires efficient management. Digital mapping companies utilizing technologies like artificial intelligence and big data will create endless capabilities for mapping technology to address these problems. “Location technology is set to be a crucial component in the evolution of businesses as companies look for creative and innovative ways to improve on their products and services,” concludes Jake Saunders, Vice President at ABI Research.

These findings are from ABI Research’s Asia-Pacific Digital Map Ecosystem application analysis report.

COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on businesses around the world. The transport and logistics sector, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, has been one of the hardest hit. Companies had to quickly pivot their strategies to cope with new challenges brought on by the pandemic, with initial success. ABI Research, a global tech market advisory firm, forecasts that commercial telematics system revenue in Asia-Pacific will nearly double from US$7.3 billion in 2020 to US$14.1 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 13.9%.

“Throughout the supply chain, COVID-19 presented specific challenges from contactless delivery, the shutdown of truck stops, and the closure of back offices, which caused disruptions between suppliers, distribution hubs, and retailers/consumers,” explains Kangrui Ling, Research Analyst at ABI Research. “As a result, location-based solutions, including real-time traffic data, estimated time of arrival notifications, and vehicle visibility, are playing an important role in tackling these challenges.”

Major logistics providers are grappling with the short-term effects of country-wide lockdowns, as shuttered borders continue to restrict the movement of goods and services. DHL reportedly suffered an impact of US$79 million to their February earnings. Shipments of cargo from China have seen a four-to-six-week delay; likewise, in India, over 500,000 cargo trucks were reported to have been stranded on highways. Fleet managers have a crucial need to enhance visibility and improve connections between operations, drivers, and customers. Real-time location monitoring and dynamic routing have been key in allowing network operation centers to optimize routes on the fly and improve customer satisfaction by reducing late deliveries and bettering goods tracking.

Major e-commerce and delivery companies—such as Meituan Dianping, Alibaba, Grab, and Gojek—have implemented distancing measures and contactless delivery to ensure the safety of their drivers and customers. Autonomous deliveries have advanced due to the pandemic. JD.com began using drones to deliver goods to remote locations in China earlier this year, making them the first e-commerce firm to do so. The Chinese giant also deployed land-based autonomous delivery robots to aid in last-mile deliveries of medical products and groceries.

“In the long term, we do see supply chains and fleets becoming more automated and robust through the use of technologies such as ADAS, fleet telematics, artificial intelligence, and big data,” concludes Jun Wei Ee, Research Analyst at ABI Research. “In addition, the focus will shift toward autonomous delivery form factors, as the pandemic continues to alter consumer behaviors. Within all these developments, location technology will be key.”

In order to promote domestic tourism, MakeMyTrip plans to tap less-explored but high potential destinations in the state, along with native businesses aiming to elevate the local economy through homestays. All such properties in the area shall be listed under MakeMyTrip’s Alternative Accommodations category to promote the experience of rural way of life for travellers. With the increase in demand for immersive travel experiences and eco-tourism, there has been an exponential growth in home-sharing economy. This partnership will not only boost the earnings of micro-entrepreneurs but will also help tap the tourism potential in the state.

Commenting on this announcement, Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Board said, “We are delighted to partner with MakeMyTrip that has transformed travel and tourism landscape in India. This partnership is aimed to attract both domestic and international travellers and make them experience culture, nature and hospitality that Madhya Pradesh has to offer. The partnership not only provides a fillip to rural economy but will also help boost tourism in a big way.”

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Speaking about the partnership, Vipul Prakash, Chief Operating Officer, MakeMyTrip said, We are honoured to join hands with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to meaningfully promote homestays in a state that has immense tourism potential.  We have seen growing number of people seeking travel experience in authentic surroundings and they are choosing homestays as their preferred accommodation option.

With rich heritage, culture and beautiful wildlife, Madhya Pradesh is one of the most promising domestic destinations in India and we look forward to promoting micro-entrepreneurs who are opening their homes to boost tourism in the state, he added.

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Homestays opened and promoted under this agreement will conform strictly to high quality standards. Both MakeMyTrip and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board will conduct training sessions and workshops on ‘hosting standards and best practices’ and other operational aspects for current or potential hosts of homestay facilities and unique properties in Madhya Pradesh.

FOREVER YOUNG

With more content for travellers to choose than ever before, it can sometimes be difficult to cut through the clutter. This means that travel agents are more relevant than ever before, acting as strategic allies for travellers on a quest to book the best fare, and holiday. Travel professionals reveal that those aged between 35-50 make up close to 60% of their customer-base, proving that despite the rise of online platforms meant to facilitate personal bookings, there’s nothing quite like having a professional to help enhance the booking experience. What’s more, a whopping 3 in 5 respondents indicate that personalized requests are the main reason why customers reach out, allowing them to create unique packages that reflect each traveller’s needs.

SILVER IS GOLDEN

The Asian population is quickly aging, with the region on track to have the oldest population in the world in just a few decades. More than 40% of consumers served by travel agents are over the age of 50, and over one third of those surveyed identified that retirees are among their most popular customers, just after families and couples. In fact, 4 in 10 agents confirm that travel for groups of retired people is on the rise, with packaged tours listed as the main reason why people over 50 reach out to travel agents. A total of 46% of those included in the 50-69 branch, and close to 60% of the 70 and over age group request packaged tours that include flights, hotel and transportation bookings, with wellness or religious activities often being the main reason for their bookings.

GREEN GIANT

Travel is a truly powerful tool, providing the ability to bring people and cultures closer together. However, with tourism rates continually rising from one year to the next, the ecological footprint created by the travel industry cannot be overlooked. Consumers in APAC are increasingly taking the environment into consideration when making purchases and travel is no different. Sabre’s Traveller Trend Survey found that over 60% of travel consultants identified a growing concern for the environment among travellers. The survey also reveals that an impressive 70% of travellers are asking for sustainable tourism options, and close to 30% are requesting for alternate modes of transportation. Sadly, the survey also reveals that only 2% of leisure travellers across Asia Pacific ask to purchase carbon credits.

THE GENDER GAP

With solo travel growing year on year, the Sabre Traveller Trends Survey discloses that in Asia, men account for 10% more of the solo travel bookings than women. When it comes to bookings, women tend to prefer travelling in groups. However, when it’s time for a couples’ getaway, the survey reveals that both parties do their part, with nearly 40% of both men and women reaching out their travel consultant to assist with the booking.

ME, MYSELF AND I

As consumers across the board expect customization to be part of their retail experience, a shocking 60% of respondents indicate that personalization is the main reason why they are called-upon to book travel. Helping to fulfil the growing demands of those aged 34 and below to book their next sport and adventure travel, which account for approximately 50% of group bookings, or simply to identify better prices for their customers, travel consultants are trained professionals who play a big part in making dreams come true.

“As the leading technology provider to the global travel industry, Sabre is pleased to support suppliers, airlines, hotels and travellers with smart technology solutions that facilitate their end-to-end journey,” said Todd Arthur, Vice President, Sabre Travel Network Asia Pacific. “As we look towards 2020 and continue to reimagine the future of travel, Sabre is committed to the development of cutting-edge innovation that allows travel consultants to better know and better serve their customers. In a market as dynamic as Asia Pacific it is essential that travel consultants leverage intelligent retailing practices and tools to ensure they maintain their competitive edge, and fulfil their business objectives,” he added.