The India market is now showing a lot of potential for travel to long-haul destinations including Fiji, says Tourism Fiji’s India-based communications manager, Kanishka Khimani.

Responding from India, Ms Khimani’s comments follows the three-day OTM (On The Move) India exhibition held in Mumbai which saw Tourism Fiji set up booth and interaction with potential buyers and participation.

OTM, held this year from March 14- 16, is one of India’s high value travel trade events for the past 22 years.

Ms Khimani said the quality of trade buyers at the event was great along with participation from various markets across India.

She said the Indian appetite for travel here was exemplified by the overwhelming interest in Fiji at the event.

“With Fiji just announcing reopening of borders for Indian visitors OTM was a perfect avenue to share information pertaining to new travel requirements with key partners and amplify the visibility for Destination Fiji and our product and service offerings.”

“For me OTM 2022 was nostalgic and rejuvenating to connect back with friends and colleagues from the travel industry and to catch up on key travel trends to look out for.”

She said Fiji’s participation in events as such was critical to developing network.

“As a result of our participation over the years, we realized that agents we meet at OTM always reach out to us when they need any information or support.”

“This encourages us to participate in the event every year.”

“Pre-COVID, Fiji saw an estimated 6,231 Indian arrivals in 2019 and 1,112 Indian arrivals in just Q1 of 2020,” she said.

But this number is about to change as international travel normalises, the world over, and tourists become adjusted to the travel requirements.

“The Indian outbound travel segment has grown leaps and bounds during the pre-COVID times, the number of Indians travelling was on the rise globally,” she said.

“The Indian leisure travellers have an inclination to spend on high end accommodation and luxury experiences.”

“We aim to continue our fruitful initiatives that we are carrying out in the Indian market to fuel this growth further.”

“I believe the market will continue to grow at a good pace with double digit increase in arrivals this year.”

How Has Tourism Fiji Been Promoting Fiji In This Market?
Ms Khimani said Indian travellers  were inclining towards experiential and niche holiday offerings.

“Destination weddings, golf tourism, marine adventure and luxury escapades in Fiji are the experiences that we are showcasing to the Indian market.”

“Through insight driven initiatives for India, we aim to showcase a wide range of hospitality options, outdoor activities and local experiences that travellers of different segments can choose from in Fiji.”

“We are continuing to work on our trade and consumer outreach in the market along with establishing more strategic partnerships.”

“We are also exploring the idea of resuming our annual roadshow, however that would be towards the second half of the year.”

“All in all, we are geared up to further our brand visibility and expand our reach in India.”

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj