TTG Asia Luxury May 2018 | Page 24

luxury market report india Above An Indian family experiencing the northern lights Have rupees will travel experience Wealthy Indian travellers are discovering the joys of diverse and deeper experiences, reports Rohit Kaul 18 TTG Asia luxury | May 2018 India’s luxury travellers are exploring a range of new destinations and activities while on holidays. From expeditions in the Antarctica, to staying in luxury chalets in Chamonix in the French Alps, their holiday options are vast and experiential in nature. “It is all about luxury experiences,” said Karan Anand, head, relationships, Cox & Kings. “This can range from booking a balcony cabin suite on a cruise ship, to staying in a luxury chalet at Glacier 3000 or in Chamonix in the French Alps, where you go skiing or take basic lessons. “Some Indian luxury travellers just prefer soaking in the local culture.” According to luxury travel planners, the outbound luxury market from India is expanding at a rate of 10 per cent per annum presently. Said Praveen Chugh, chairman, Business Travel: “The Indian economy has remained buoyant in spite of recent challenges such as demonetisation and the introduction of a Goods & Sales Tax. The ultra high income group in India is looking to spend on unique activities and products while on holidays.” High-end cruise holidays are in demand. Ultra-luxury cruise lines, such as Regent Seven Seas which offers exclusive suites with private terraces and choice of multi-cuisine meals, are getting popular among Indian luxury tourists. Said Aditya Tyagi, founder, Luxe Escape: “We recorded extremely good business last year. The popularity of the Nordic countries for holiday experiences like the fjords, countryside and northern lights was high. “There was good demand for luxury cruises like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas. The seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage cruise