why otr
OTR: Empowering Global Tourism Since 2004
OTR connects international tourism destinations with travel trade professionals through annual workshops in key cities. With a legacy of fostering global partnerships, OTR creates in-person experiences that drive revenue and growth, empowering the travel industry to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
WHY INDIA?
India is one of the fastest - growing outbound travel markets in the world.
India, with 1.2 billion+ people and 8% GDP growth, is a powerhouse for outbound travel growth.
With 62 million passport holders, India is the second-fastest-growing outbound travel market.
Post-Pandemic Revival and Future Prospects
India’s economic resilience and infrastructural improvements are set to restore its outbound travel momentum. With the pandemic’s impact gradually fading, projections indicate a record-breaking 28.5 million outbound travelers by 2025. This resurgence highlights India’s potential to become a dominant player in global tourism, driven by a wealthier, better-educated population and improved infrastructure.
India's Outbound Tourism: A Rising Force
India’s expanding economy, youthful population, and growing middle class are fueling demand for new travel destinations and products, making it a lucrative outbound tourism market. Between 2009 and 2019, outbound tourism from India surged by 143%, growing from 11 million to 27 million travelers. Despite a significant setback during the Covid-19 pandemic, when outbound trips fell to 7 million in 2020, recovery projections for 2024 show promising growth.
Driving Forces Behind India’s Tourism Growth
WHY MIDDLE EAST?
The Middle East Outbound travel market has witnesses a remarkable rise
during the past years
Rapid Outbound Growth
8.2million in 1990 to 36.2 million in 2019. It was infact world’s fastest growing market with over 8% increase in outbound travel in 2019.
Tourism Growth Forecast
A WTO forecast projects 38 million tourists travelling to overseas destinations by 2023 --give the heading in two to three words
Rising Demand for Unique Experiences Among Middle East Travellers
Tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, including countries like UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan, are showing a growing preference for unique travel experiences. These include cultural, historical, and nature-focused adventures, coupled with a strong inclination towards the luxury travel market. Outbound travellers from these countries are increasingly exploring diverse options, driven by the desire for personalized and meaningful journeys. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the GCC countries contribute nearly 60% of the Middle East’s outbound travel, underscoring their significant role in the global travel industry.
Economic Growth Driving Leisure Travel in the Middle East
The demand for outbound tourism from GCC countries remains robust, supported by political stability and economic growth across most of the region, except Bahrain. Approximately 82% of outbound travel from these nations is for leisure purposes, while 18% is business-related. The Middle East’s travel and tourism sector is projected to reach $246 billion this year, a recovery that is only 8.9% below pre-pandemic levels. These trends highlight the region’s resilience and growing influence in the global travel landscape, as noted by research from the World Travel and Tourism Council and the European Tourism Council.
Middle East Travel Sector: Recovery and Economic Impact
The sector contributed $270Billion to the region’s economy in 2019,
before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
However, in 2020, when Covid-19 brought international travel to
an almost complete standstill, the sector’s contribution dropped
51.1 per cent by more than $138Billion.
The sector’s contribution to global gross domestic product could
almost reach pre-pandemic levels in 2022, with a further
year-on-year rise of 25.3 per cent next year.
WHY SOUTHEAST ASIA?
Southeast Asia’s Booming Travel Industry
Southeast Asia has been a top international travel destination for years, and its growing income levels now make it an important source of tourists both within the region and beyond. The travel industry in Southeast Asia saw gross bookings of $53.7 billion in 2019, signaling strong growth. As the market continues to expand, travelers are increasingly seeking diverse destinations and experiences across the region.
Changing Travel Interests in Southeast Asia
The interests of travelers in Southeast Asia are shifting, with growing demand for unique and immersive experiences. Tourists are increasingly drawn to cultural, historical, and natural attractions, seeking more personalized and luxury travel options. This evolving trend highlights the region’s rising prominence as a key destination for travelers looking for meaningful travel experiences.
Southeast Asia’s Expanding Tourism Market
Southeast Asia’s travel industry is rapidly growing, with rising income levels contributing to an increase in both inbound and outbound tourism. The region’s growing affluence is helping boost its appeal as a global tourist hub, positioning it as a vital part of the international travel landscape.
Evolving Travel Trends in Southeast Asia
- from the classic local beach holidays to more seasonal and specific
trends. - Outbound travel by Southeast Asians grew by a dynamic 11% in
2019, according to World Travel Monitor figures. - There was a healthy 7% increase in international business trips, and
a strong 12% rise in the number of visits to family and friends (VFR)
and other leisure trips abroad. - After a double-digit rise in international trips in 2019, the outlook
remains strong for 2020 and the upcoming years.
There has been visible change in the travel sector of the Southeast
Asian market. The main backdrop for this is the culture and
accessibility.
