Tete-a-Tete with Sandeep Arora, Director of Brightsun Travel Private Limited

The travel industry has been one of the industries that has witnessed the massive impact of the Pandemic and post-pandemic the industry is rebuilding itself. We got in touch with Sandeep Arora, Director of Brightsun Travel Private Limited, India, and deep-dived with him on understanding how the travel industry is shaping up in India. 

How has the travel business performed in H1'2023 and What are your expectations for the Travel business to grow in H2'2023

In the first half of 2023, the recovery from the global pandemic continued to shape the travel industry's trajectory and we witnessed a notable resurgence in overall travel demand. 

During H1'2023, we have seen a gradual improvement in our bookings compared to the same period in the previous year. There was a significant uptick in domestic travel as travelers sought to explore India. Moreover, with the reopening of international borders in many destinations, we observed a resurgence in international travel, particularly to popular tourist destinations like Dubai, Maldives, Bali, and Vietnam. 

As we move into the second half of 2023, Brightsun Travel holds a positive outlook for the travel industry. With prolonged periods of restricted travel, there is considerable pent-up demand for leisure and business travel. We expect a surge in bookings as people eagerly plan their long-awaited trips and adventures. Travelers' preferences have also evolved during the pandemic, leading to an increased interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations and nature-centric getaways, and we aim to offer a diverse range of destinations to cater to these evolving demands. 

 Do you think the travel business has recovered from pandemic hits (If Yes, then How and If No, then how much time do you feel would be sufficient)?

The travel industry has been showing positive signs of recovery from the pandemic. However, it's important to note that the recovery has been gradual and varied across different regions and sectors. Various factors have contributed to the industry's recovery. Widespread vaccination campaigns in many countries have bolstered traveler confidence, leading to an increase in leisure travel and a gradual return of business travel. Governments have eased travel restrictions, reopened borders, and implemented various health and safety protocols to facilitate safe travel. 

Air travel, in particular, has experienced a resurgence as airlines resumed operations, added new routes, and reported higher passenger numbers compared to the height of the pandemic. The hospitality sector, including hotels and accommodations, has also seen improvements in occupancy rates and bookings as travelers resume their travel plans. Consumer behavior has evolved since the pandemic, with preferences shifting towards more sustainable and experiential travel options. 

We have heard that Wellness Tourism is gaining traction, especially in India, and leading to a lot of inflow. How do you see this as an industry change?

India has always been a popular destination for wellness tourism whether we talk about Ayurveda retreats in Kerala or yoga centers in Rishikesh but yes, after the pandemic we are seeing a flourishing trend of wellness tourism in India, leading to a significant influx of travelers seeking holistic experiences. With an increased focus on well-being, wellness tourism allows us to curate tailored and immersive experiences that align with our customer's preferences. Whether they seek relaxation, self-discovery, or a balance of physical and mental rejuvenation, we offer a plethora of wellness-centric itineraries. Travelers now have access to a wide range of wellness-focused experiences across India, such as Ayurveda retreats, yoga and meditation centers, spa resorts, and rejuvenating natural settings. Embracing wellness tourism also means promoting sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Brightsun Travel is committed to offering eco-friendly travel options, collaborating with eco-resorts, and encouraging our customers to engage in mindful and environmentally conscious activities during their journeys. 

Any specific industry trend you would like to highlight

As I spoke about earlier, sustainable tourism has emerged as a dominant force in recent times, reshaping the travel industry and driving the decisions of both travelers and industry stakeholders. With a profound commitment to preserving our planet and its unique cultural heritage, sustainable tourism has become more than just a trend; it is a fundamental responsibility we all share. 

At Brightsun Travel, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable travel practices by partnering with eco-conscious accommodations, supporting local communities, and offering experiences that enrich both the travelers and the destination. We encourage our customers to embrace the concept of responsible tourism, make mindful choices during their journeys, and recognize that each decision we make has a lasting impact. As we look ahead, we will continue to integrate sustainability into our operations, offering a selection of eco-friendly travel options and promoting awareness about responsible tourism.  

 What are your business plans?

Throughout the years, Brightsun has remained committed to driving innovation by continually introducing new products into our business. Each year, we make it a point to integrate and train new offerings, a process that typically involves the incorporation of 2-3 exciting projects into our system. 

In 2022, we took a significant step forward by re-engineering our hotel booking process. This transformation was aimed at providing our valued customers with an extensive array of results, all delivered faster than ever before. Our dedication to enhancing the customer experience through seamless and efficient hotel bookings remains unwavering. 

As we venture into 2023, we acknowledge that the corporate market may still be in the process of recovery to reach the levels observed in 2019. However, we are optimistic about the robustness of the Meeting, Incentives, Conference, and Exhibition (MICE). Many companies are seeking ways to reward and motivate their staff, and MICE presents an excellent opportunity to fulfill these requirements. 

Furthermore, with the steady rise in disposable income, we anticipate the emergence of new market segments, particularly in India. The cruising sector is set to gain traction as customers actively seek fresh and captivating experiences. At Brightsun, our objective is to capitalize on the potential of both the MICE and the emerging cruising market. By tapping into these segments, we aim to cultivate new revenue streams that will further enrich our business.  

 How do you see overall government policy support in the segment?

As the tourism industry is projected to contribute 9% of the GDP by 2028, it is essential for the government's investment to match this level of significance. 

To stimulate further investment in India's hospitality sector, particularly in the 4-star category, reducing taxation on hotel stays would serve as a positive incentive for hoteliers. Such measures would encourage the establishment of more hotels, including unique experiences like Mahindra in remote regions, where there exists untapped potential for tourism expansion. 

Another aspect that demands attention is the regulation of tour operators and travel agents to ensure the responsible selling of travel products and address consumer concerns effectively. Financial checks on travel companies and the implementation of robust procedures for disaster management can be instrumental in achieving these goals. Such measures will enhance consumer confidence and ensure better safety standards within the industry.