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Straits Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Bark chor mee and pupperoni pizza: Why more pets are eating like people
Sophie, one of four dogs owned by Ms Celine Lee and Mr Jonathan Goh, the co-founders of Gentle Pet Store, chowing down pet-safe pizza. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Bark chor mee and pupperoni pizza: Why more pets are eating like people SINGAPORE – Five-year-old female cocker spaniels Popcorn and Mochi are gourmands in their own right. They have sampled some of Singapore's most iconic dishes – like laksa, chilli crab with mantou and kaya toast – all thanks to their owners, government affairs consultant Wong Shiying and journalist Daryl Choo. Ms Wong, 28, is her dogs' chef de pet cuisine, adapting her favourite recipes by replacing various ingredients with pet-safe alternatives. Ms Wong Shiying prepares human-style meals, like laksa, with pet-safe ingredients for her cocker spaniels once every few weeks as a treat. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH For instance, her chilli crab recipe uses red bell peppers instead of dried chillies or chilli sauce, as chillies contain capsaicin – a compound that can cause digestive upset, vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. Other pet-safe ingredients include carob powder, oat flour and fresh vegetables such as broccoli, carrot and pumpkin. Since plating Popcorn and Mochi's first human-style dinner of steak and mashed sweet potatoes in December 2023, the dating couple have been documenting their cooking journey on social media. The pups' Instagram account (@popcornandmochi) now has more than 2,500 followers, while their TikTok account has drawn over 1,900 followers. In short videos, Ms Wong showcases her ingredient choices and cooking process, whether she is wrapping rice-paper spring rolls or hand-moulding pearl barley for dog-friendly sushi. Some dishes even come with punny names – like bark chor mee (bak chor mee), Pawtong Laksa (Katong Laksa) or Bark-kun Kaya Toast (Yakun Kaya Toast). Popcorn and Mochi are part of a growing social media trend where pets are fed human-style meals, as more 'pawrents' embrace fresh food diets for their furkids. Unlike dry kibble, fresh pet food is typically human-grade and made from raw or gently cooked ingredients – think cuts of meat, vegetables and whole grains – and packaged like ready-to-eat meals. 'Traditional kibble is designed for convenience and a long shelf life,' says pet nutritionist Cam Wimble. 'It often contains a lot of carbohydrates with synthetic vitamins and minerals added in. The high-temperature cooking process also reduces the overall quality of nutrients.' While kibble still dominates shelves, fresh food is gaining ground. A 2024 report by India-based market research firm Future Market Insights projects that the global fresh dog food market will hit nearly US$2 billion (S$2.59 billion) in 2025 and reach around US$3.17 billion by 2035. The Asia-Pacific region is currently the fastest-growing market for raw, fresh and frozen dog food. Mr Wimble, who has been crafting customised fresh food plans for pets since August 2018, has witnessed a 400 per cent growth in the number of clients between 2023 and 2024. Fresh pet food has made its way to pet stores like Gentle Pet Store in the form of gently cooked cubes of meats. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO 'People are becoming more informed about their own nutrition, and they're applying the same standards to their pets,' he says. Scientific research supports this shift. A January 2021 study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that gently cooked fresh food improves nutrient digestibility in pets, allowing them to better absorb essential vitamins and minerals. However, feeding pets raw food, especially meats, remains controversial. Some veterinarians caution against them due to the risk of bacterial contamination or nutrient imbalances. In a January article in The Straits Times , veterinarian Teo Boon Han urged owners to 'prioritise evidence-based nutrition' and consult professionals when considering a raw food diet. But if all is well with the adoption of a fresh food diet, Mr Wimble says the signs of a healthy pet will typically show between four and six weeks. 'Fresh breath, a glossy coat and firm stool – those are clear signs of a healthier pet,' he says. Local businesses tap demand where pet nutritionist Mr Wimble is a partner, is a Singapore pet nutrition company founded by siblings Suzanne Chia, 32, and Travis Chia, 36. The company was born out of Ms Chia's experience with her now three-year-old corgi, Ginger. Ms Chia got Ginger as a three-month-old puppy, but found out that she suffered from compromised liver function during her yearly health check when she was around one year old. Since switching from kibble to a customised fresh food diet, Ginger has shown marked improvement, including healthier liver values and increased energy levels. Motivated by Ginger's progress, Ms Chia is working towards making fresh pet food more accessible. 'We try to keep our products and services affordable so that more pet owners can see the benefits for themselves,' she says. Pet nutrition company offers a la carte and subscription-based fresh food meal plans for pets. PHOTO: offers premium fresh meals for pets through a la carte options and subscription-based meal plans. Subscriptions start at $1.50 for 100g, with mixed protein blends that include meats like chicken, beef, kangaroo and even crocodile. The food is prepared in a factory in Ubi – licensed by the Animal & Veterinary Service – with industrial-grade equipment, with delivery frequency options of seven, 14, 21 or 28 days for subscription-based meals. 'One of the most important ways to save money as a pet owner is to have a healthy pet. The cost of treating minor health issues that develop through poor diet is enormous,' Mr Wimble says. 'It isn't just about the financial cost of vet bills. It's a burden that impacts an owner's mental health.' fresh food is prepared in a factory in Ubi with industrial-grade equipment. PHOTO: Since launching in October 2022, has seen its customer base triple – a sign, Ms Chia says, that more pet owners are willing to invest in better food for their pets. The momentum has grown especially since June 2024, when the company began offering free pet nutrition consultations. The number of inquiries from pet owners has tripled from around 400 between April 2023 and March 2024 to roughly 1,200 between April 2024 and March 2025. These consultations allow owners to submit detailed information – such as their pet's breed, age, medical conditions and blood test results – so that trained team can develop personalised fresh food plans for each pet's needs. Ms Celine Lee, 33, and Mr Jonathan Goh, 39, co-founded Gentle Pet Store in June 2016, originally focusing on pet accessories. Gentle Pet Store co-founders Celine Lee and Jonathan Goh, seen here with their four dogs, started their business in June 2016. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO But a turning point came when the engaged couple noticed dramatic improvements in their then five-year-old French bulldog Lily's health after switching to a fresh food diet. Lily experienced allergic reactions to common meats such as chicken, duck and beef, as well as some fruit and vegetables. She would end up with diarrhoea, severe itching and ear infections from eating kibble. 'We never got her tested for her allergies, so we started her on a very limited diet of raw food and slowly added ingredients to see how she would react,' Ms Lee says. Lily's allergic reactions subsided with the switch. Inspired by the transformation, they expanded their offerings to include wholesome, nutrition-focused meals tailored for pets in October 2019. They now sell pet supplies online ( and in their physical store in Somme Road in the Jalan Besar area. 'Around a decade ago, demand for fresh food was still low and there were very few options available. Many pet owners relied on online advice and prepared DIY meals at home,' Ms Lee says. Since then, the business has seen its fresh pet food sales grow five times and now carries around 10 additional fresh food brands to meet rising customer demand. In April 2023, Ms Lee and Mr Goh launched a series of local delights-inspired freeze-dried treats, which sold out in three days. PHOTO: GENTLE PET STORE In April 2023, the couple introduced a series of freeze-dried treats based on local delights, such as sliced fish soup, Hainanese chicken and bak kut teh. It sold out during a three-day event for pets. Ms Lee says the treats were inspired by food that she and Mr Goh enjoy and was a one-off venture. Each bag sold for between $10 and $16, depending on flavour. While they do not intend to bring the local delights series back any time soon, Mr Goh says they are always on the lookout for new fresh food products to add to their offerings. The mini 'meatzzas' are among Gentle Pet Store's most popular fresh pet food products. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO One of the most popular fresh pet food products they currently sell is a mini pizza with a base made entirely of meat and toppings like cheese and fruit. The 11-inch 'meatzzas' cost between $12.90 and $15.90 each, depending on flavour. The love language of food Ms Wong Shiying enjoys experimenting with different recipes for her dogs Popcorn (pictured) and Mochi. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH From raw food plans to home-cooked meals to gourmet treats, food has become another way for pet owners to express care, creativity and affection. For many, it is no longer just about feeding their pets – it is about sharing an experience. Ms Wong can certainly relate. 'The food I've cooked for Popcorn and Mochi so far are all inspired by dishes I like to eat. When I see them enjoy it, there's a real sense of joy and fulfilment,' she says. Ms Wong swops out ingredients in original recipes for pet-safe alternatives and comes up with creative names for the revamped dishes. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Ms Wong says she was inspired to make such home-cooked meals for her pets after discovering another dog foodie duo on social media: Cedric and Edith. With more than 1.1 million followers on Instagram (@thecedlife) and 958,000 on TikTok, Cedric the dachshund and Edith the chihuahua mix from the United States have become viral sensations with their dog-safe versions of everything from chicken rice to burgers. Their popularity has even led to a cookbook – titled The Dog's Table – set to be released in December. It was through experimenting with recipes for their dogs that Ms Wong began to cook more regularly – not just for them, but for herself too. On some days, she and Mr Choo even finish off leftover ingredients like fish bone broth or shredded chilli crab meat from their dog's meals. Ms Wong's cocker spaniel Mochi enjoys her bowl of Pawtong Laksa (Katong Laksa). ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The couple say they make such decadent meals as treats for their pets only once every two to three weeks. Their dogs' daily diet typically consists of a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fibre, which they keep track of on a custom spreadsheet listing the nutritional values of different foods. Popcorn and Mochi were originally fed a diet of kibble, but upon recommendation by Mr Choo's sister, the couple slowly transitioned them to a fresh food diet comprising both raw and cooked meats over two to three months. Since switching to a fresh food diet in 2022, they have seen improvements in their dogs' overall health – from shinier coats to cleaner teeth. 'When vets find out that we feed them raw food, they often caution us against it. Be that as it may, they also always tell us that the girls are in good condition and are very healthy,' says Mr Choo. Preparing these meals is no small feat. The couple dedicate much of their Sundays to steaming vegetables, chopping meats and portioning out each meal into individual containers for the week ahead. 'Knowing exactly what goes into their meals helps me sleep better at night,' Ms Wong says. 'We don't even go these extra miles for ourselves, but I feel like pets are now really being treated like family members and people are willing to do a lot more for them.' Family, not furballs For Ms Lee and Mr Goh, their home is shared with a total of 11 pets – seven cats and four dogs. Nutrition is a top priority in their household, and while all their cats thrive on a fresh food diet, the dogs' preferences are more varied. One dog is on a full fresh food plan, two eat freeze-dried meals made from whole ingredients and the fourth still prefers kibble and did not respond well to a fresh food switch. Their approach to feeding is both flexible and tailored, driven by the belief that nutrition should meet each animal's unique needs, rather than follow a one-size-fits-all model. Ms Lee and Mr Goh's golden retriever Millie having dog-safe pork lasagna. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO 'We understand that the fresh pet food diet may not be for every dog. If raw or cooked food doesn't work out, then kibble is fine too,' says Ms Lee. Their thoughtful, individualised feeding philosophy reflects a deeper commitment to their pets' well-being – one that mirrors the broader fresh food movement gaining traction among pet owners. For many, including Ms Lee and Mr Goh, the shift towards fresh or minimally processed diets is rooted not in trendiness, but in care and a desire to offer the best to those they consider family. Ms Lee says: 'Now that there are more options for pet food, people are willing to spend more to try new things rather than limit their pets to eating the same thing every day for the rest of their lives.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Strong demand for premium beer from tier II cities, Rs 600 crore capex to support growth: SOM Distilleries
With planned investments of Rs 600 crore, SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd says premium beer in the country is seeing strong demand and growth in smaller cities in India. 'While tier 1 cities in the country continue to contribute heavily to the consumption, which is roughly about 35 per cent to 40 per cent of the total, the tier-2 towns are in many ways aping the consumer in tier- 1. The mushrooming of premium walk-in stores, premium on-premise outlets and the availability and growth of various premium beer brands is a big indicator. We are seeing a phenomenal growth in consumption of premium beers in tier 2 cities, which in many states far exceeds the state average,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SOM Distilleries . Diwakaran Suryanarayana says the Indian beer market is undergoing a clear shift. Traditionally dominated by mild and strong lagers, the category is now being redefined by consumers who are more aware, curious, and quality-conscious. There is a growing preference for premium beers that offer richer, more diverse taste profiles. This transformation, Diwakaran Suryanarayana says, aligns with global trends that emphasise quality, variety, and consumer experience. According to Future Market Insights, the premium lager segment, for instance, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7 per cent from 2025 to 2035, reaching a market value of $209.1 billion by 2035. This trend reflects a broader consumer inclination towards premium products that offer unique taste experiences and align with lifestyle choices. Imarc Group says the beer market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.72 per cent from 2025 to 2033, reaching Rs 802.5 billion by 2033. 'This growth is fuelled by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a cultural shift towards social drinking. The emergence of brewpubs and microbreweries in metropolitan areas has introduced consumers to a variety of beer styles, fostering an appreciation for premium beers,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana. To cater to this shift, SOM has already launched premium beers like Woodpecker Glide and Woodpecker Crest. 'Our approach combines industry-first innovations such as cross-malt brewing, a 30-day maturation process, twist-open bottle caps, and pre-printed bottle labels with a strong focus on both taste and convenience,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana. Diversification The COO adds that the summer and festive seasons account for over 50 per cent of its business and the company is geared to meet the demand. 'These periods consistently witness a surge in demand, as consumers are more inclined to enjoy beer during social gatherings and celebrations. Warmer weather naturally boosts beer consumption, while festivals further amplify sales. Having said that, we are seeing flattening of the consumption pattern through the year in a few cities and towns, which augurs well for a brand owner and manufacturer as the capex deployed is better utilised,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana. Diwakaran Suryanarayana says that with over 22 per cent CAGR growth in volume and revenues over a period of last four years, the brand is focusing its efforts to grow the traditional lagers—both in mainstream and premium—and ensuring there is enough capacity available to cater to the rising demand for its brands. 'This will be our priority. Having said that, we are observing the presence and performance of the non-beer Alcobev like seltzers, wine-based RTD etc., which in our view is extremely niche now. However, we do not rule out the opportunity for SOM to venture into it,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana. To support growth, SOM says it has significant infrastructure investment underway. The company's subsidiary, Woodpecker Green-agri Nutrients Private Limited, is setting up a greenfield project in Khimsepur, Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh. This Rs 600 crore investment will include a modern brewery, distillery, and manufacturing facilities. 'The project is a key part of our expansion strategy to strengthen our presence across India. Uttar Pradesh offers strong market potential and a supportive business environment, making it an ideal location. Along with enhancing our production capabilities, the project is expected to contribute to local economic development and job creation,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Strong demand for premium beer from tier II cities, Rs 600 crore capex to support growth: SOM Distilleries
With planned investments of Rs 600 crore, SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd says premium beer in the country is seeing strong demand and growth in smaller cities in India. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India orders nationwide defence drills as Indo-Pak tensions rise From blackouts to bunkers: Inside India's civil defence mock drills across 244 districts on May 7 A woman spy who helped India defeat Pakistan in 1971 'While tier 1 cities in the country continue to contribute heavily to the consumption, which is roughly about 35% to 40% of the total, the tier-2 towns are in many ways aping the consumer in tier- 1. The mushrooming of premium walk-in stores, premium on-premise outlets and the availability and growth of various premium beer brands is a big indicator. We are seeing a phenomenal growth in consumption of premium beers in tier 2 cities, which in many states far exceeds the state average,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SOM Distilleries. Diwakaran Suryanarayana says the Indian beer market is undergoing a clear shift. Traditionally dominated by mild and strong lagers, the category is now being redefined by consumers who are more aware, curious, and quality-conscious. There is a growing preference for premium beers that offer richer, more diverse taste profiles. This transformation, Diwakaran Suryanarayana says, aligns with global trends that emphasise quality, variety, and consumer experience. According to Future Market Insights, the premium lager segment, for instance, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, reaching a market value of $209.1 billion by 2035. This trend reflects a broader consumer inclination towards premium products that offer unique taste experiences and align with lifestyle choices. Imarc Group says the beer market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.72% from 2025 to 2033, reaching Rs 802.5 billion by 2033. 'This growth is fuelled by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a cultural shift towards social drinking. The emergence of brewpubs and microbreweries in metropolitan areas has introduced consumers to a variety of beer styles, fostering an appreciation for premium beers,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana. Live Events To cater to this shift, SOM has already launched premium beers like Woodpecker Glide and Woodpecker Crest. 'Our approach combines industry-first innovations such as cross-malt brewing, a 30-day maturation process, twist-open bottle caps, and pre-printed bottle labels with a strong focus on both taste and convenience,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana. Diversification The COO adds that the summer and festive seasons account for over 50% of its business and the company is geared to meet the demand. 'These periods consistently witness a surge in demand, as consumers are more inclined to enjoy beer during social gatherings and celebrations. Warmer weather naturally boosts beer consumption, while festivals further amplify sales. Having said that, we are seeing flattening of the consumption pattern through the year in a few cities and towns, which augurs well for a brand owner and manufacturer as the capex deployed is better utilised,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana. Diwakaran Suryanarayana says that with over 22% CAGR growth in volume and revenues over a period of last four years, the brand is focusing its efforts to grow the traditional lagers—both in mainstream and premium—and ensuring there is enough capacity available to cater to the rising demand for its brands. 'This will be our priority. Having said that, we are observing the presence and performance of the non-beer Alcobev like seltzers, wine-based RTD etc., which in our view is extremely niche now. However, we do not rule out the opportunity for SOM to venture into it,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana. To support growth, SOM says it has significant infrastructure investment underway. The company's subsidiary, Woodpecker Green-agri Nutrients Private Limited, is setting up a greenfield project in Khimsepur, Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh. This Rs 600 crore investment will include a modern brewery, distillery, and manufacturing facilities. 'The project is a key part of our expansion strategy to strengthen our presence across India. Uttar Pradesh offers strong market potential and a supportive business environment, making it an ideal location. Along with enhancing our production capabilities, the project is expected to contribute to local economic development and job creation,' says Diwakaran Suryanarayana.
Time Business News
21-04-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
The role of payment gateways in mobile commerce
Mobile commerce is reshaping how consumers shop and transact, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile apps. To stay competitive, businesses must ensure seamless, secure and reliable payment processing. Payment gateways play an important role in enabling smooth transactions and supporting business growth in today's fast-changing digital economy. India's digital commerce sector is growing at an unprecedented pace, propelled by affordable smartphones, expanding internet access and advanced digital payment gateways. Future Market Insights projects the market to rise from USD 160 billion in 2025 to USD 640 billion by 2035, with mobile commerce driving this transformation. This blog explores how payment gateways enhance mobile commerce, improve customer experience and drive business success. The rise of mobile commerce Mobile commerce is transforming India's retail landscape, driven by smartphone adoption, affordable data and growing reliance on apps for shopping and subscriptions. Over 75% of online purchases now happen via mobile devices, a trend set to grow as digital payments become more widespread. To stay competitive, businesses must offer smooth and secure mobile payment experiences. A well-integrated payment gateway ensures seamless transactions, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving growth. The role of payment gateways in mobile commerce As India's digital commerce market grows at a CAGR of 15.7% from 2025 to 2035, secure and efficient payment gateways are essential for smooth transactions. These gateways facilitate the transfer of payment data between customers, merchants and banks, ensuring a frictionless checkout experience. What's driving the rise of mobile payments? With more people in India using smartphones to shop online, businesses need to make the payment process easy and mobile-friendly. A good payment gateway helps make this happen by offering fast, safe and simple ways to pay. Now, let's look at what's driving this growth and how payment gateways are helping businesses offer better mobile payment experiences. Faster payments, fewer drop-offs To stay competitive in the fast-moving world of mobile commerce, businesses need tools that remove barriers to purchase. Today's leading payment gateways offer capabilities designed to improve both the merchant experience and customer journey. Key enablers of seamless mobile payments include: Quick onboarding to help businesses start accepting payments faster. Two-click checkout to reduce drop-offs and improve conversion rates. Support for 100+ payment methods, including UPI, debit/credit cards, wallets and BNPL options. Loyalty point redemption to allow customers to pay using reward points. Flexible payment options With rising online spending, especially from India's growing middle class, affordability has become a major driver of purchase decisions. Key affordability features boosting mobile commerce include: Zero or low-cost EMI to make purchases more accessible. Debit and credit card EMI to cater to a wider audience. Cardless EMI and BNPL for customers without traditional credit access. Customised discounts, cashback and promotional offers to drive engagement. AI and machine learning for fraud prevention With over 10 billion UPI transactions per month, security is paramount in mobile payments. Payment gateways leverage AI-powered fraud detection to enhance security and optimise success rates using: Real-time fraud prevention to detect suspicious transactions. Transaction optimisation for higher success rates and minimal payment failures. UPI transforming payments Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been a game-changer for India's digital economy. UPI-powered advantages such as speed, simplicity and secure flows have made it the preferred method of payment across customer segments. UPI-powered advantages include: UPI intent flows for direct and secure mobile payments. UPI deep links to enable cash-on-delivery payments via messaging apps. Reaching new markets With over 900 million internet users expected by 2030, rural and smaller urban areas are set to lead the next phase of e-commerce growth. Digital commerce penetration beyond metro areas is expected to account for over 50% of the market by 2030, requiring businesses to ensure their payment systems are inclusive and adaptable. Global reach through multi-currency support Cross-border commerce is expanding rapidly, with B2B digital commerce projected to reach USD 360 billion by 2030. Payment gateways enable businesses to process international transactions seamlessly. Global payment features that simplify international transactions include: Multi-currency processing for smoother cross-border transactions. Automated currency conversion for a seamless international payment experience. Sustainability in digital commerce With more businesses adopting green practices like eco-friendly packaging and EV-based delivery, digital payments are playing a role in driving sustainability. Payment gateways support these efforts through: Digital invoicing to eliminate the need for paper bills. Paperless transactions that reduce the carbon footprint of commerce. The future of mobile commerce and payment gateways India's retail e-commerce market is expected to hold a 60% value share by 2025, driven by fashion, electronics and groceries. To stay ahead, businesses must integrate scalable, secure and feature-rich payment gateways that align with evolving consumer expectations. Why businesses need robust payment gateways: Higher conversions: A frictionless checkout experience encourages repeat purchases. A frictionless checkout experience encourages repeat purchases. Reduced cart abandonment: Faster transactions increase completion rates. Faster transactions increase completion rates. Enhanced security: Encrypted payments ensure safe transactions. Encrypted payments ensure safe transactions. Seamless cross-border payments: Multi-currency support allows global expansion. Simplify mobile payments and scale with a smart payment gateway. With digital commerce expected to grow 4x by 2035, adopting advanced payment gateways is vital for secure, seamless mobile transactions—enhancing user experience, streamlining operations and enabling global business expansion. By using AI-led fraud detection, UPI, affordability tools and cross-border features, businesses can unlock growth. As digital payments evolve, integrating an advanced payment gateway such as Plural can be key to long-term success. Sources: TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Observer
14-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
India top source market for tourists to Oman
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman should make efforts to attract tourists from India, as a recent report indicated that the country's outbound tourism market is projected to reach $55 billion by 2034, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). The report stated that India's tourism industry is experiencing growth, fuelled by rising disposable incomes, a widening middle class and improved global connectivity. According to Future Market Insights, demand for international travel in India is primarily driven by increasing demand for international travel, particularly among millennials seeking diverse experiences abroad. Another study from STR suggests that India has increasingly become one of the most targeted source markets globally, with many destinations intensifying their efforts to attract Indian travellers. It should be noted that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has been discussing ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, 88,647 Indian nationals arrived in the Sultanate of Oman in January this year, including 44,652 visitors, forming the second largest group of visitors after Emiratis at 82,600. The Sultanate of Oman is a preferred choice for 50 per cent of outbound Indian travellers who book less than 14 days before the travel date. According to a report by the popular Indian travel portal last year, the maximum last-minute flight bookings were made for Oman, Nepal and the UAE. The report also mentioned that for outbound Indian travellers, around 56 per cent of international hotel bookings are made 14 days before the day of travel. The South Indian state of Kerala is the most important when it comes to booking international flights on impulse, with 41 per cent of travellers from Kerala. With most flight durations within two to four hours between Indian cities, the tourism potential is enormous for short vacations. Major Indian cities are well-served by Air India, Oman Air and budget airlines like SalamAir, Indigo and Air India Express.
