India’s growing wedding tourism: Our country is becoming a global hotspot for destination weddings, with a mix of cultural heritage, luxury venues, and customised services attracting couples from India and abroad. In a recent convention which brought together hoteliers, restaurateurs, and experts to explore topics ranging from sustainability to new-age restaurant trends, Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, rightfully opined that:
-India should rethink its approach to attracting international wedding tourism by offering a seamless experience for foreign guests.
-Direct flight connectivity, simplified visa processes, and curated, unique itineraries will make India the ultimate wedding destination.
-This market, second only to China, presents immense opportunities for growth.
-Weddings in India are not just events but cultural showcases.
Key takeaways include:
• India aims to become a premier wedding destination, capitalising on the growing demand for luxury wedding venues.
• The Indian wedding industry is a significant economic force, with 54 per cent of people spending over INR 1 million on weddings.
• Simplifying visa processes, offering curated itineraries, and improving flight connectivity can attract more international wedding tourism.
• Emerging trends in restaurants, including innovative dining experiences and technology-driven customer engagement, were also explored.
• Luxury wedding venues offer significant revenue opportunities for hotels.