that costs US$14,200 for two guests
was a sought-after product.
“Moreover, small luxury boat
cruising in Europe was also popular
in 2017.”
New unexplored destinations
such as Croatia, Poland and Ukraine
were also high on the popularity
charts in 2017. Indian high-end
tourists also headed to South
America for their holidays last year.
Observed Anand: “Europe is
the top favourite, with the US
coming in second. Wildlife in Africa,
namely destinations such as Zambia
and Botswana, are very popular
with the Indian luxury travellers.
Destinations like Oman, Turkey,
Greece and Dubai also continue to
be among the favourites.”
In the past, Indian food was
preferred by Indian luxury
travellers. However today these
luxury travellers are indulging in
epicurean dining.
Said Chugh: “Epicurean dining
has become very popular among
Indian luxury travellers. They are
visiting destinations like Spain and
taking cooking lessons from the local
chefs.
“It is a way that make these
travellers feel close to the culture of
the destinations they are visiting.”
Demand for culinary trips from
high-end Indian tourists is expected
to grow further. According to Cox
& Kings Travel Style 2018 study,
while culinary trips as part of larger
holidays are already in place, what
will emerge in 2018 are food tours
that not only focus on dining or
food tasting but delve deeper into
cooking styles, history of cuisines,
local flavours and traditions.
Operators expect to witness
further growth in the Indian
outbound luxury travel market this
year. Cox & King’s Anand is looking
at a 10-13 per cent increase over
2017.
“This year is looking up,” agreed
Tyagi. “We are even doing bookings
for next year already, as some of
these high-end tourists plan a year
The
Indian
upmarket
traveller…
goes for a diverse range of
experiences
picks epicurean dining over
Indian food
is widely expected to grow
in numbers again this year
in advance to enjoy the best early
bird offers, especially the ones who
are keen to cruise.
“There is good demand for
shorter three- to four-night retreats
as well. We even have a client who
wishes to visit South America,
including Ushuaia down south,
the southernmost city of the world.
We have a request from a group of
about 20 doctors who wish to do an
Antarctica expedition.”
Cox & Kings Travel Style 2018
study also shows that the Indian
traveller has now moved on to
more intimate experiences such as
river and canal cruises in Europe.
Experiencing unparalleled comfort
while exploring the heart of
magnificent hinterlands in river
cruises will be the flavour of 2018,
it says. Exploring magnificent cities
in France as you sail in its inland
waters like Arles, Avignon, Viviers,
We are
even doing
bookings for
next year
already, as
some of
these high-
end tourists
plan a year in
advance...
Aditya Tyagi,
founder,
Luxe Escape
Tournon and Lyon to experience
France’s beauty intimately, or gliding
along Russia’s river waters to explore
Uglich, Yaroslavl, Kuzino and Kizhi,
river cruising has piqued the interest
of travellers, the report says.
Destinations are heeding the
changes.
Said Sutheash Balasubramaniam,
managing director, Sri Lanka Tourism
Promotion Bureau: “This year, the
Indian luxury travel segment is one
of our key focuses. Sri Lanka has
many local and international hotel
brands that can cater to high-end
tourists.
“We are introducing a US$700,000
digital advertising campaign for the
Indian market this year. It will also
highlight our unique products and
experiences on offer for the Indian
high-end tourists.”
Even hospitality players overseas
are mapping out strategies to tap
the Indian luxury travel market.
One such is the Palladium Hotel
Group that in the past has hosted
Bollywood celebrities like Kareena
Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. It is looking
at joint promotions with Indian
travel consultants to reach out to this
segment.
Sandra Polo Canudas, Asia-Pacific
sales manager, Palladium Hotel
Group, said: “The Indian market is
picking up for us. This year we are
looking to strengthen our presence in
India by appointing a communication
agency and establishing a
representation.
“We are also looking at joint
promotions with travel agents like
Thomas Cook to target Indian high-
end travellers.”
TTG Asia luxury | May 2018 19