India sees renewed zest for domestic business travel
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Domestic business travel across India is fast gaining pace, driven by IT, FMCG and banking companies.
The strong uptick in corporate movements has enable Thomas Cook (India) & SOTC to close its March business at 90 per cent of 2019 levels, revealed Indiver Rastogi, president & group head – global business travel.
“Corporate travel is witnessing a definitive acceleration (due to) easing of travel restrictions and economic growth gaining momentum,” he said.
According to some Indian hoteliers, the hybrid work arrangements undertaken by Indian companies are helping to fuel the rise in domestic business travel demand.
Sarbendra Sarkar, founder & managing director, Cygnett Hotels and Resorts, said the “hybrid style of working…has opened the doors for cross-city meetings”.
Sarkar is confident that business travel bookings will continue to gain pace and “reach a high by year-end”.
Clear signs of improving business, according to Sarkar, are the “good ADRs” commanded by hotels now as well as rising airfares.
Key metro cities like New Delhi and Mumbai are leading the demand for corporate travel.
Rastogi also pointed out that while uptick is evident across key Indian hubs, Mumbai is witnessing the fastest recovery for his company’s business travel segment.
Sarkar noted that business travel is a critical component of the hospitality business, as it “eases the pressure of inconsistent leisure traffic”.