RCdTT Director’s Data-Driven Insights Featured at 4th PATA India Tourism PowerHouse

The 4th PATA India Tourism PowerHouse was successfully held in New Delhi on 8-9 January 2026. Professor Haiyan Song, Mr and Mrs Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism and Director of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation and Tourism (RCdTT), delivered a keynote address on “Analyzing the Growing India Opportunities” under the forum’s theme, “Accelerating Tourism for Tomorrow Powered by Data and Knowledge.” Professor Song’s analysis provided a critical empirical foundation for mapping the future of India’s tourism sector.

Drawing on his expertise in global travel dynamics, Professor Song presented a compelling forecast for India’s resilient outbound tourism market, identifying Thailand, the United States, and Singapore as the top three preferred destinations for Indian travelers. His research highlighted the unique stage-based growth model of the Indian market, driven predominantly by first-time international travelers—a distinct pattern compared to the frequency-led growth seen in mature Southeast Asian economies.

Further supporting the forum’s theme, Professor Song spotlighted Sri Lanka’s rapid emergence as a major destination for Indian tourists, attributing its success to geographic proximity, competitive pricing, and targeted promotional campaigns. This case study underscored the practical power of data in understanding market shifts.

Professor Song’s presentation provided essential context for discussions on intelligence-driven decision-making, sustainable development, and MICE potential. Other keynote speakers, such as Dr. Suman Billa, Director General of Tourism, Government of India, and PATA CEO Mr. Noor Hamid, also emphasized the importance of AI adoption, sustainability, and community-centric models. The forum’s concluding call to action for cross-sector partnerships and strategic analytics was a direct extension of these keynote speakers’ core arguments.