New Delhi: Travel agents from the South Asian country claimed on Wednesday that more and more Indian tourists are choosing to travel to the Middle East after India's largest airline, IndiGo, recently added new flights to the area.
Last Friday, two new direct flights from Ahmedabad to Jeddah and Abu Dhabi were introduced by IndiGo, which commands about 58 percent of the domestic market in India.
According to the airline, its goal is to "increase travel options and strengthen ties between India and the Middle East."
"As part of our commitment to enhancing accessibility and bridging India with international markets, we are thrilled to announce the commencement of flights between Ahmedabad and two prominent Middle Eastern cities, Abu Dhabi as well as Jeddah," IndiGo head of global sales Vinay Malhotra said in a statement.
In addition to giving travellers more options for vacations and business trips, he added, "These new routes will also facilitate trade, particularly from Ahmedabad, known for its robust textile industry."
"IndiGo is delighted to improve flight connectivity between India and the KSA and the UAE."
According to travel agents, the Middle East is increasingly the preferred destination for many Indian tourists.
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According to Rajeev Chhajer of Ahmedabad-based RC Events India, "since 2020 there has been a jump in the number of people travelling to the Middle East countries, and the main reason is business and tourism."
Due to the city's proximity to Ahmedabad and the fact that "the destination offers a good experience," tour operator Ajay Modi said that some Indians in Gujarat state, where Ahmedabad is situated, also favour to travel to cities like Dubai.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Manish Sharma, director of Ahmedabad-based Akshar Travels.
"Countries in the Middle East are now aware that tourism can help keep the economy humming. Because of this, these nations are becoming more open and allowing Indians to travel throughout the area. According to Sharma, Indians travel for both business and leisure.
He continued, "Real estate is booming, and Indians are going to look around the area for businesses and jobs." Additionally, the area is very friendly and closer to us.
Airlines have increased their service on these routes as a result of the Middle Eastern nations, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have actively promoted their tourist destinations like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
"With Jeddah and Abu Dhabi serving as popular tourist destinations, more people than ever have a desire to travel. This kind of expansion was required immediately, according to Jyoti Mayal, president of the Travel Agents Association of India, in light of this sentiment and efforts to improve global connectivity and meet the rising demand for air travel.
"Both KSA and the UAE have launched a number of new projects and campaigns that are increasing visibility and luring Indian tourists. Customers can now enjoy the best hospitality and unmatched service in these locations.
Major figures in the Indian tourism sector have previously predicted that Saudi Arabia will emerge as a major new travel destination for Indians, with the number of visitors from the South Asian nation expected to double this year.
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According to Abhishek Sharma, who is based in the Taj Mahal's hometown of Agra, the Saudi Tourism Authority held a number of promotion programmes in India in February that further piqued the interest of Indian tourists.
"Recently Saudi came to promote tourism in India and this has an appeal among the people," he said to Arab News.
Sharma claimed that the Kingdom's "liberal visa policy" and "new openness of Saudi Arabia" are factors in the growth of tourism there.