India resumed scheduled international flights on March 27 after a two-year ban due to Covid-19. Luxury retreats in particular are expecting a significant influx of foreign visitors.
Luxury resorts in India are preparing for an influx of international visitors this season. “Starting March-end, we expect a very buoyant demand from clients from the US, Western Europe, West Asia and other regions,” Mahesh Natarajan, chief operating officer of IHHR Hospitality Ananda told Sri Lanka’s The Island Online.
Ananda, the luxury spa resort situated at the Himalayan foothills, has witnessed a strong interest from international tourists after the issuing of tourist visas recommenced in December 2021. Allen Machado, CEO, of Niraamaya Wellness Retreats, also confirms that overseas visitors – particularly from the UK, US and West Asia — are indicating they are keen to visit the country.
To meet the pent-up demand, foreign airlines have outlined their schedules for India. According to The Times of India, Dubai-based Emirates will bring back its pre-pandemic flight frequencies to the country with 170 weekly flights between Dubai and nine Indian cities starting April 1. Air France-KLM has also confirmed it will operate 20 weekly flights in April, increasing to 30 in May.
