India ranks 52nd on global travel and tourism list

Of approx. 140 countries, India has ranked 52^nd in the World Economic Forum’s recent list of travel and tourism. This is yet another morale booster for the T&T industry.

The list states that Spain has topped the charts, followed by France, German, the USA, Britain, Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Japan, and Canada in the top 10 rankers. India’s competitiveness in travel industry looks stronger than ever, now as it has managed to climb up 13 places to reach this rank.

India’s economic growth is catching up speed as it is gradually growing as a top business travel destination. This is a sign of good scope for the current and coming financial years.

Hey Travel Agents in Delhi NCR, you better keep an energy drink handy, as a lot of business prospects are coming your way!

Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2013 had reserved 65^th rank for India. This year’s report features ranking across 141 countries in 14 dimensions. The report also states that India needs to improve health, hygiene, information, communication and technological aspects of the travel industry, in order to establish a higher rank for itself.

Tour operators in Delhi NCR must start paying attention to the kind of vendors for transport, food, accommodation, etc. they tie-up with for their travel packages. They must ensure that hygiene is well-maintained to have enhanced health value. Additionally, facilities of urgent health care or first aid should also be arranged.

Security is another concern. Hence, the tour operators must make sure that their agencies offer secured and safe options to the clients. God forbid, yet if anything goes wrong, then along with the agency’s India’s reputation and the market scenario would be at stake.

Current India’s travel and tourism sector accounts for 5 percent of India’s employment. The potential of employability and business growth is huge, considering India’s 7 million international visitors in relation with China’s 55 million. Probably, a microscopic focus on domestic tour packages in India for the offbeat cities would add to huge value additions, in addition to other strategies that can be implemented for expanding the potential of this sector.

India’s travel and tourism industry is likely climb clouds nine or maybe higher. Let’s watch how the industry resolves all the bottlenecks to reach that high and keep our fingers crossed.

TravelSpider is an IATA, ASTA, TAAI & DOT Approved Travel Agency In Delhi NCR

Benefits of hiring a Corporate Travel Agency

Using a corporate travel agency has many advantages. Some of them may include price discounts, hotel reservations, emergency, and customer service to name a few. It may seem practical and cheaper to use the internet, but it has many limitations compared to having a professional travel management company.

Reality Check

Let's get to the point - airlines are businesses. They want to make as much money as possible and will find every opportunity to so. Do you think those items for sale in the plane are for your convenience? If you think that the internet or newspaper has the best prices you couldn't be further from the truth.

Why do airline ticket prices vary? During peak seasons like Christmas, more people demand travel tickets. The number of airplanes and seats are pretty much the supply and it is limited. More people will buy tickets with departure dates near December 24 dates and return dates after January 2.

There aren't enough plane seats to accommodate every single person who would like to travel on that date - therefore airlines charge higher prices. How can you beat it? Reserve at least 3 months prior. The problem is most people don't know their schedule since their work can interfere with their plans. Airlines know this and more importantly, will take advantage by charging higher prices.

A corporate travel agency buys tickets in bulk from airlines and far ahead of time. They are charged wholesale discount business class airfare not available to you on the internet or anywhere else. It is their incentive from airlines so that they too can make money.

Travel Management Companies

Corporate travel agencies are not dinosaurs. They also use computers and have internet. In the same way you probably scour the internet for prices, these companies have special software that can view dozens of websites simultaneously.

Agents know where to look for better airfares. Some agencies have special deals with particular airlines so they have access to the air ticketing system. If you are looking for discount business class airfare, or special prices for a group package it is better to go to these companies. You can negotiate prices with them whereas you can't when reserving online.

Customer Service

When you reserve on the internet it is hard to change plans, but agents can be given a tentative date and can hold on for you until a certain time. The longer your company's relationship with them, the better your benefits will be due to your credibility.

Bad weather happens around the world resulting to cancelled flights. When this happen what do you think everyone would do? They all call the airline at the same time. Often it will take you forever to reach them or they won't really be of much help.

A corporate travel agency will be there for you and know what emergency actions to take. They already know your first question - how soon can I leave? Good companies are informed and will take immediate action for you. They will either rebook you in another airline quickly or find you an affordable hotel nearby if the weather gets really bad.

Hotels & Meeting Management

Corporate travel management is not limited to airplane tickets. They also know where to find cheap hotel booking in an emergency at good prices too. In fact some even have meeting management services.

A corporate travel company has far more advantages over doing reservations yourself. The advantages are discounts, customer service and other services all leading to peace of mind.

TravelSpider is a travel management company in Delhi NCR, India