airport shopping

Everything You Need To Know About Mumbai Airport!

Mumbai is famous for many things, the Gateway Of India, the Elephanta Island, the Marine Drive and of course Bollywood.

But, amongst all these things, there is one which stands out and is the first thing that most tourists and foreigners visit, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport(CSMIA)!

Mumbai airport has been the second home to most frequent flyers in India and has made air travel easy for passengers passing through the city.

With its efficiency and infrastructure quality, CSMIA has become one of the best airports in India and a recognised name globally.

Yet, many of us are unaware of the years of dedication and planning that has gone in making this modern marvel.

So, let’s take a look at this airport’s journey and what it has achieved over the years.

History

‘Juhu Aerodrome’ was India’s and Bombay’s (now called Mumbai) first airport which was built in 1932. It was used by mail delivery airplanes and was located less than 2 Km from the actual site of CSMIA.

In 1940, authorities decided to find an alternative site and a spot was chosen at Santa Cruz where Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport was born.

Used by the military during World War ll by the British Royal Air Force, Mumbai Airport was managed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after Independence and in 1958, a new terminal was opened.

In 1972, the operation of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) was taken over by the International Airports Authority of India and expansion plans were soon implemented over the next three decades.

By the turn of the new millennium, the airport had grown to become one of the busiest airports in India and the world.

Awards & Recognition

Mumbai airport has transformed into a world-class airport over the years. For its efforts to modernize and upgrade the airport to meet world standards, CSMIA has won many national and international accolades. Here are a few honourable mentions:

  1. It won the ‘Best Airport In India’ Award by Air Passengers Association of India in 2007 & 2008
  2. It was the first international airport to win the prestigious ‘Airport of the Year’ Award by Frost & Sullivan Aeronautical Excellence in 2008
  3. It won the “Autodesk Hong Kong Building Information Modelling (BIM) Award” for its unique Air Traffic Control tower in 2009
  4. It also won the ‘Best Managed Airport’ award from CNBC AWAAZ in 2009 & 2014
  5. It bagged the prestigious Golden Peacock National Quality Award 2012.
  6. It received “Gold rating” in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for energy efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable terminal building design.
  7. It received the Forbes India Art Award under the “Corporate Commitment to Art” category in 2014 for its unique and beautiful airport museum “Jaya He”
  8. It bagged the prestigious ‘Golden Peacock Innovative Product/Service Award’ in 2014 for its ‘Pranaam GVK Guest Services’.
  9. CSMIA’s Terminal 2 has been awarded the “Platinum Design Award” in 2015 for Architecture, Building and Structural Design.
  10. It has been awarded the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award 2014-15’ under the category of Best Airports in Class X (metro) Cities.
  11. It was rated as the best airport in the 25-40 million passengers per year category by ACI in the Airport Service Quality Awards 2015.
  12. It has been voted as the ‘Best Airport in India and Central Asia’ by Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2016 & 2018.
  13. It has been awarded as “Best Metro Airport 2015-16” by Air Passenger Association of India.
  14. It has been in the Top 10  ‘Best Airport Terminals’ and was awarded the ‘Best Airport Staff’ award in India & Central Asia at the Skytrax Awards in 2017.
  15. It received World’s Best Airport at the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards 2017.

Interesting Facts About Mumbai Airport

  • Majority of the people won’t know this but, Mumbai Airport is also known as the Sahar International Airport.
  • The airport is the 2nd busiest airport in the country on the basis of a total number of international passenger traffic.
  • Mumbai Airport is the primary hub for many airlines. This includes airlines like Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, GoAir, Blue Dart Aviation, JetConnect, and IndiGo
  • The airport is named after the 17th-century Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji
  • You will find 4 levels in total at Terminal 2 of the airport. It includes the first level as the ground transport, Level 2 for arrivals, Level 3 for domestic departures, and Level 4 for international departures
  • Mumbai Airport’s art museum ‘Jaya He’ is the largest art project in the world which consists of more than 6,000 artworks in total
  • The Terminal 2 area of the airport supports more than 2300 CCTV camera and over 70,000 detection devices for fire. The airport also has a multi-level car park which can support more than 5,000 vehicles
  • It is one of the best airports for shopping. The retail space in the airport is about 21,000 sq. Meters, which has many national and international branded stores in it
  • The airport has achieved a lot in the field of environmental sustainability. In fact, it was the 1st Indian and 2nd Asian airport to be accredited with the prestigious ISO 14064 certification for Carbon Emissions Accounting

If you want to know about things to do at the Mumbai Airport, look no further. Download the AirWhizz app and get information about different places to eat, shop & relax at CSMIA along with real-time flight updates the next time you fly.

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10 Best Airports In The World For Shopping!

For some travellers airport shopping may mean discounted foreign liquor or high-end chocolates and sweets, but frequent international fliers know well that hubs around the globe are stepping up their retail game.

A little retail therapy can make hours spent waiting at an airport fly by.

Why waste valuable time dragging heavy bags around the city when all of your shopping needs can be fulfilled at the airport on your way home?

To intrigue the inner shopaholic in you, here are the 10 best airports in the world for shopping

1.London Heathrow Airport, England

Europe’s busiest airport boasts of a 42000 square feet shopping space which is spread over 4 terminals.

You will find everything from pocket-friendly goods to premium products from world-renowned brands.

Things like perfumes, skin care products, alcohol and chocolates are available at all terminals but if you’re looking for items from brands like Burberry, Dior, Gucci and Cartier visit the airport’s Terminal 3.

Terminal 5 of the airport showcases the best of British design and craftsmanship with brands like Mulberry, Paul Smith, Links of London, and Smythson showcasing their products to departing passengers.

2.Singapore Changi International Airport, Malaysia

Singapore’s Changi Airport has been awarded the best airport in the world for the past 6 consecutive years, thanks to its beautiful architecture, efficient operation, luxurious amenities, dining and shopping.

You’ll get to enjoy products with prices which are comparatively cheaper than most airports around the world.

If you have time to spare, you can indulge yourself at the duty-free shops which are located in Terminal 1.

It has the widest range of beauty and skincare products amongst Asia Pacific airports, with more than 190 international brands on display.

You can buy electronic items like printers, laptops ,computer accessories from renowned brands and is a paradise for gamers with an extensive range of software and hardware from Sony PlayStation on display.

A wide selection of the world’s most premium wines and spirits is available, with an alcohol sampling bar where you can taste and buy.

3.Hong Kong International Airport, China

The city has a culture of shopping, which you can experience at the airport as well.

‘SkyMart’ in Terminal 1 and ‘SkyPlaza’ in Terminal 2 have the kind of retail space which would make any shopaholic jump with joy.

SkyMart has a “Downtown Pricing Guarantee,” so the price you pay at the airport will not be higher than what you would pay in the city.

The airport is not only about high-end products either. There’s a good mix of both premium and locally branded products on display.

4.Hammad/Doha International Airport, Saudi Arabia

If you have a long-haul flight with a layover in Doha, time will fly by thanks to the wide array of restaurants and shops in ‘Qatar Duty-Free’ located inside the airport.

It consists of a shopping plaza spanning over 40.000 square meters and comprising more than 30 fine dining establishments and 70 luxury retail stores.

Products like leather goods, designer bags, watches, jewellery, perfumes, souvenirs, travel gifts etc are available apart from the usual tax-free tobacco and liquor.

Luxury brands like Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Giorgio Armani, Godiva, Harrods, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren & Rolex have their goods displayed for passengers.

It’s a bit on the expensive side but the experience is defiantly worth it!

5.Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands.

Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is the perfect paradise for shoppers on a tight budget.

It is regarded as one of the best airports for shopping because of its unique offers which run mostly round the year.

With discounts and promotions such as ‘Buy 2 Get 3 Free’ on premium products, it can make any passenger think twice before moving to the boarding gate.

You can check out the latest offers and discounts at Schiphol Airport’s Official Site.

6.Incheon International Airport, South Korea

South Korea’s main international gateway in Seoul, the Incheon International Airport, is most popular for items such as perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol and cigarettes.

It’s regarded as the best one-stop shopping place for world travellers.

The shopping plaza is located in Terminal 1 and has more than 200 popular brands located in one place.

It offers reliable products at reasonable prices and the best quality services.

7.Dubai International Airport, UAE

Dubai International Airport has been one of the top three (based on total sales) duty-free retailer for a couple of years now.

Alcohol, perfumes and gold are the must-buys in the Sheikh Rashid Terminal (also known as the Concourse) which is home to majority of the shops.

Open 24/7, there’s 58,125 square feet of retail heaven with products from premium brands up for grabs.

8.Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

Zurich Airport calls its shopping area ‘Paradise’, and it might well be, based on the reviews from frequent flyers around the world.

Switzerland is one of the last places in Europe where fliers can still buy duty-free goods.

Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco and, of course, fine Swiss chocolates can all be pre-ordered via their website if you’re all about the bargains.

If you’re in the mood for browsing, you’ll be in for a treat, with various Swiss brands displaying their products.

Also, if you purchase stuff worth 250 Swizz Franc or more, you can check-in through their ‘Fast Track’ security queue.

9.Vancouver International Airport, Canada

Vancouver International Airport has often been voted the best airport in North America.

And one of the main reasons the airport is so highly regarded is the nearby designer outlet mall – McArthurGlen Designer Outlet.

Fashion savvy travellers can browse designer names like Armani, Coach and Banana Republic along with world-famous brands which are situated alongside top-notch restaurants and stylish coffee houses.

Prices are also reduced (up to 70%), making Vancouver Airport all the more attractive to the savvy spender. The outlet is currently being expanded to house another 35 new premium lifestyle brands.

10.Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Being one of the largest airports in Europe, Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport may not be the most attractive, but it does house a sea of shops.

And this being Paris, the fashion capital of the world, exclusive brand names and designer boutiques that can be seen on the streets can also be found on the airport’s three terminals.

However, Terminal 2 is perhaps best if it’s luxury you’re after. It is home to upmarket brands such as Hermès, Salvatore Ferragamo and Longchamp.

Now that we’ve got you excited about shopping at the airport, why not install the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about different airport shops along with real-time flight updates, airline information and much more on your fingertips and Fly Stress-Free!

 

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Interesting Facts About Airports That You Probably Didn’t Know!

Airports are fascinating places!

For some, they are simply a pickup point from where you travel from one place to another, but for many they serve as a second home.

The size and scope of airports can often be overwhelming, which is why it can peak the curiosity of many.

To shed light on some of the mysteries revolving around airports, here are a few surprising facts that you probably didn’t know about them.

1.Airports Often Sell Lost Luggage

Whether you leave or lose anything at the airport, it will go into a storage area where you have up to 90 days to collect it.

This includes luggage misplaced by airlines. However, airports won’t auction it until the airline has made all the efforts to try and track down the owner of the bag.

Airports take these items from storage rooms and either donate them to charities or sell them off for cash at auction houses.

In fact, last year Bangalore Airport held an auction for unclaimed baggage to get rid of the increasing pile of “lost” things.

2. Landing Slots Are A Huge Business

Airports charge airlines an exorbitant fee for the privilege of landing on their runways on certain days or times.

In fact, these landing slots are sold or traded between airlines.

For Instance, in 2016 Oman Air paid Air France $75 Million for an early morning arrival slot at the London Heathrow Airport.

High landing slot prices have been one of the major reasons why airfare has increased over the past 10 years.

3.Celebs Don’t Board Like You Do

You might have a famous person on your airplane, but you probably won’t know it.

Larger airports have separate check-ins and security protocols for celebrities. They often board their airplane directly through a secret door beside the jet bridge.

In the US, airlines such as United & Delta use a Porche or Cadillac to secretly transfer VIP’s from the terminal building to the airplane.

However, this kind of treatment doesn’t come cheap!

4.Airports Can Make Airlines Look Punctual

According to a travel survey conducted in 2017 on 8,50,000 flights globally, only 74 % of the flights arrived on time.

Airports change arrival timings to allow for delays and make airlines look more punctual than they actually are.

Read more about ‘The Complex Process Behind Your Airline’s Flight Schedule’

5.Celebrity Chefs Don’t Run Their Airport Restaurants

If you come across a celebrity chef’s restaurant at your next layover, chances are it isn’t actually run by the chef themselves.

Due to tricky logistics and security checks, special airport restaurant companies are in charge of running these outlets at an airport.

That means while you might have a nice meal, it’s probably not as good as it would be if you went to their actual restaurant.

6.Air Traffic Controller Towers Are A Peaceful Place

Contrary to popular belief, people in the Air Traffic Control(ATC) tower work in a stress-free environment.

In an interview with ‘The Telegraph’, an ATC tower operator said that people imagine ATC towers to be a hectic place where people are constantly screaming and throwing things at each other but it’s the opposite.

He also went on to say that outsiders are always surprised to see the serene environment inside an ATC tower.

7.Airport Operators Deliberately Keep Queues Longer

Airports are enormous, especially the boarding gate area!

But why is it that despite peak hour traffic, only one queue leads to a particular flight?

This is not because it’s convenient, but a single queue gives the person standing in it a sense of fairness that everyone would have to go through the same grind as they’re going through.

8.The Letter ‘X’ In Airport Codes Doesn’t Mean Anything

In movies, you must have seen people flying to or from LAX(Los Angeles International Airport).

Well! That ‘X’ doesn’t really stand for anything.

In 1938, International Air Transport Association(IATA) decided to change the airport coding format from 2 letters to 3 letter codes.

Thus, places like Los Angeles which had 2 letter codes had to add an ‘X’ in the middle or end of their previous airport codes.

9.Cash Exchange Rates At Airport Are Terrible

Passengers never get a great exchange rate at an airport terminal because exchange bureaus take advantage of disorganized travellers who have left things to the last minute.

If you’ve forgotten to buy your currency in advance, you’ll get far better rates by ordering it online, than getting it exchanged at the airport.

So remember to take cash in the currency of the country you’re going to before leaving for your trip.

10.Airports Are Designed To Stop You From Getting Lost

A lot of thought goes into airport layouts to ensure the smooth flow of travellers.

The key to a successful airport design is easy navigation, which is achieved through subtle but effective design cues that help people find their way from security to the gate.

For instance, airports are designed to have duty-free shops between security checks points and the boarding gate, to help you relax after clearing security & get you in the mood for shopping before boarding your flight.

If you want to go shopping before you catch your flight, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get information about different eateries and shops at the airport along with airline information and real-time flight updates to Fly Stress-Free.

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10 Things To Bring Along On A Long-Haul Flight!

In recent years, travelling by air has become really comfortable and the flight crew does their best to keep it that way. But, travelling for long hours, especially on international flights, can get boring and tiring at times.

Long-haul flights are a test of endurance, whether you are a frequent flyer or are new to air travel.

But If you are well prepared and know what to take with you onboard, it can make a whole world of difference to your flying experience.

To help get you through a long flight comfortably, we have come up with a list of 10 essential items you must have with you onboard.

NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES

Airlines these days make sure that there is minimum noise in the airplane cabin, but if you are a light sleeper, noise cancelling headphones can make it easier for you to sleep on the flight.

Also, headphones that the airlines provide are not that great when it comes to quality.

So, if you are going to spend several hours on a flight, might as well get a good pair of headphones to enjoy in-flight entertainment and help you doze off.

MINI TOILETRY BAG

If you’re travelling on an overnight flight, make sure you pack a small pouch of toiletries in your carry-on bag.

These days you get travel sized disposable toothbrush, hand sanitizer, toothpaste and dry shampoo spray so go ahead and take advantage of them when you fly.

SLEEPING GEAR

If you’re on a long-haul flight and want to avoid jet lag when you reach your destination, you’ll need to get some sleep.

Pack an eye mask and bring a travel pillow along with you.

You’ll be able to doze off easily with them and the constant chatter in the cabin or your neighbour’s reading light will not affect you.

TRAVEL WALLET

Use a travel wallet to organize and store all your important documents in one place.

They are deep enough and have various pockets to fit your cash, tickets, immigration forms, ID and passports.

Plus, it’s easier to pull out the whole wallet rather than looking around for different documents in your bag.

SNACKS

The food that is served on flights can make you feel bloated and feeling uncomfortable especially on a long-haul flight.

Fruits, salads, mixed nuts and vegetable sandwiches are all good options to bring on your flight.

Munch on some healthy homemade snacks while you watch an in-flight movie and skip the bland airplane meals!

Here are some tips on How To Eat Healthy When You Fly!

ENTERTAINMENT

It’s going to be a long flight, so prepare yourself to fill every hour with some form of entertainment.

Download some movies, songs, TV series or video games on your mobile or tablet before you leave as backup, in case you get bored of in-flight entertainment!

It will keep you entertained when you are done sleeping and will also keep you alert during the flight.

BOOKS/MAGAZINES

Bring at least one book or a magazine with you!

It will be useful when your airplane is landing/taking off or when you need a break from your device’s screen.

Also, it’s a good option to keep a backup if your tablet’s battery dies.

WIPES/TISSUES

Airplane lavatories are covered with germs and it’s easy to catch an infection.

Make sure that you pack some bleach wipes or sanitized tissues for your long trip.

Also, one more advantage of packing them is that it eliminates the need for liquids in the carry-on, they are easy to carry and don’t leak or spill in your bag.

MEDICINE KIT

Carry a small medical kit with you, regardless of whether it’s a long flight or not.

Dehydration can cause a headache, cabin pressure can trigger sinus problems, the lack of proper cleaning can set off dust allergies and strange food might give you stomach issues.

Be prepared for every situation and pack the medicines you think you will need or consult your family doctor.

*Remember carry only over the counter unprescribed medicines and check whether the destination you are flying to allows them.

SCARF

Avoid using airplane blankets and carry a long scarf.

All seasoned travelers carry scarves with them because they can be used as blankets when your airplane’s AC is at full blast.

Also, make sure you dress comfortably overall, since you will be in the same clothes during the flight and wearing loose clothing in the airplane will help you sleep better.

So, the next time you fly and are looking for travel accessories, headphones, sleeping gear or just a nice book to read, download the AirWhizz App. Avail exclusive discounts on Swiss Military accessories as an app user and get information about airport shops and their location on the move.

Have a comfortable flight and Fly Stress-Free!

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10 Ways In Which Airports Make You Shop At Duty-Free!

Whether you are flying for the first time or are a frequent flyer, waiting for your flight at the airport can be an exhausting and boring task.

It is during this time, that people tend to explore the airport and go shopping at duty-free shops.

To cash in on such travellers, airports are carefully designed to influence you to go and spend your money at these shops.

Yes! It’s true.

Here are the different ways in which airports influence you to shop when you fly.

1.SHOPPING ZONES AFTER AIRPORT SECURITY

Many people don’t observe this, but you are allowed into airport shopping areas only when you clear the security check.

Travellers are generally relaxed after clearing security. Airports use this to their advantage by locating duty-free shopping zones right after security booths.

You are more likely to indulge yourself into some care-free shopping after the stressful process of waiting in the security line, removing your belt or jacket and being physically searched by a serious looking security personnel.

2.SHOPPING ZONES BEFORE THE BOARDING GATES

Ever noticed the number of duty-free shops you pass by before boarding a flight?

To encourage people to explore what the airport has to offer, terminal buildings are designed in such a way that you have to walk through the shopping area before boarding the airplane.

3.LEFT CURVING WALKWAYS

The next time you travel to the airport, notice how walkways are curved towards the left in duty-free shopping zones.

According to a research conducted by analytics firm Intervistas, most of the passengers at the airport are right handed and tend to look towards the right side while pulling their suitcases with that hand.

That is why walkways curve towards left and most duty-free shops are located on the right side of the walkway.

4.THE “GOLDEN HOUR” CONCEPT

‘Golden Hour’ is a common term used by airport officials and duty-free retailers.

It is the time passengers spend idling around after clearing security and before boarding the flight.

Airports want to increase the time you spend in the golden hour because the more time you spend waiting for your flight, the chances of you spending will increase.

Airports have streamlined security checks for this reason as well. They want you to spend less time at security checks and more time shopping at duty-free.

5.RELAXATION AREAS AT THE AIRPORT

The more you are relaxed the more you tend to spend!

Airports around the world offer facilities like sleeping pods, showers and massage chairs to make the passenger feel relaxed.

They want to create a stress-free environment for you to spend money buying gifts for your family and friends.

According to a DKMA research, relaxed travellers at the airport spend 7% more on retail and 10% more on duty-free items as compared to travellers who are not relaxed.

6.PROVIDING INFORMATION WHEREVER POSSIBLE

If you go to an airport, you will see enough signs and screens which make the boarding process simple for you.

By providing information to you, the airport makes sure that you have a stress-free journey through it. By doing this they usually succeed in keeping you relaxed when you reach the shopping area.

At many airports, there are signs at shopping areas which show the amount of time the passenger will take to reach the boarding gate rather than the distance in meters. They do this so that passengers know how much they can spend shopping before boarding the flight.

7.SHOP DESIGN

At most airports, duty-free shops are located near big windows to allow natural light inside the store.

This is because people are inclined to shop at stores which have natural light rather than artificial lights.

Also, airports shops are designed to be user-friendly and inviting. They have wide aisles to accommodate people with suitcases and have pyramid shaped shelves which give you a sense of space and a better view of the products displayed.

8.SHOPPING ZONE LAYOUT

According to a study conducted by IKEA, the priorities of a passenger shopping at the airport is topped by duty-free goods, followed by food and drink, newspapers/magazines and gifts and specialty items.

Many airports around the world have designed their shopping zones in the form of a ‘Serpent’, strategically locating shops and restaurants to cater to these priorities.

Also, this kind of layout allows passengers better visibility of the services available for them in the area. The more twists and turns, the better.

9.FEELING OF A MARKETPLACE

Airports try to recreate the feel of a vibrant marketplace near duty-free shopping zones to make it more appealing to passengers.

Shops are often clustered and display local products, live music and art performances are regularly held and other fun activities are conducted to engage the passenger and give them a feel of a local market at the airport.

10. KIND OF SERVICES OFFERED

To quicken the buying process, airports choose the kind of service and products they have to offer depending on how busy the airport is and what kind of travellers it receives.

At an airport which is busy, services and products which can be sold quickly are generally offered to the passengers.

Also if the airports receive more passengers from countries which are developed or have a culture of gifting, the level of product and services offered goes up.

If you want to know more about ‘Duty-Free’ shops at your airport, simply download the AirWhizz App. Get information about places to shop and other services available to you at the airport on the move.

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Will TripAdvisor Open Stores In Indian Airports?

With the boom in travel industry in recent times, people in India look to online sites like TripAdvisor to book hotels, find local restaurants and read articles on travelling.

The company has a huge presence online all over the world, but in an attempt to increase its user base and brand value, TripAdvisor has been increasing its presence offline as well.

Even though they haven’t officially announced this, but the company has been opening TripAdvisor branded stores at major international airports Globally.

On December 2017, TripAdvisor opened its first airport store in Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport in partnership with retailers Paradies Lagardère.

In the past few months, they have opened stores at airports in Houston, Phoenix, Charlotte and Raleigh. They expanded their offline network in Asia by opening their store at the Hong Kong International Airport.

The company has been keeping this project under wraps, saying that opening stores at airports is simply an opportunity to build their brand name.

Their stores currently sell travel products like toiletries, neck pillows and beverages along with branded TripAdvisor merchandise such as T-Shirts, luggage tags, baseball hats, travel packs and passport holders.

The company is planning to open a store in New Orleans In 2019 and have said that they will open more stores at places where there is a high volume of tourism traffic.

Air Traffic in India has shown a growth of almost 18 % last year making it the fastest growing aviation market in the world. We hope that TripAdvisor can look at this growing market as an opportunity to increase their presence and benefit millions of travellers in India.

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