Category Archives: Agents

As fireworks burst across the National Mall next Friday night, the countdown to America’s 250th in the nation’s capital will begin with a flourish. Washington, DC will serve as center stage for the national celebration in 2026, with the city’s international symbols of American independence, rich history and local culture at the heart of the festivities. Major new openings across the city – including an immersive museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, renovations to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and completion of the National Air and Space Museum – combined with a full calendar of special events, festivals and exhibitions – make Washington, DC the place to be all year. “Throughout 2026, nowhere will the celebration for America’s 250th be more spectacular than the nation’s capital,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “There’s only one place visitors will find the complete package for the occasion: special programming, can’t-miss experiences, new attractions, excitement, value, the Declaration of Independence itself, and ways to learn about its impact on different segments of the population.” Destination DC and a growing list of more than 75 participating organizations from the local tourism and hospitality community are planning an inclusive, citywide celebration, extending from the National Mall to the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, places and people.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, is organising an exclusive webinar for the Indian trade on 2 July at 3 pm. Speakers from Oman Air, JW Marriott Muscat and Zahara Tours will highlight the latest offerings. Register and attend for a chance to win exciting prizes. For details, contact jaspreetkaur@ddppl.com.

Turtle Down Under in collaboration with Tourism Australia will conduct a webinar today at 12pm, highlighting the different experiences that visitors can indulge in when travelling to Australia. It will include exclusive destination presentations from tourism board members. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Priority Pass, owned and operated by Collinson International, announced its partnership with the Chennai Bulls Team, which sees them become the ‘Official Airport Lounge Partner’. The strategic collaboration kicks off at India’s inaugural rugby sevens league, which began in Mumbai on 15 June 2025. The league makes history by being the first of its kind in the country to take place in the sevens format, featuring six teams of elite international rugby talents alongside top-tier players from India, including the Chennai Bulls. As part of its ongoing commitment towards supporting athlete wellness, Priority Pass will be providing a one-year Prestige Membership to every player and coach of the Chennai Bulls Team. This membership will enable the team to gain unlimited access to more than 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences in over 725 airports across 145 countries, including 70 in India. Commenting on the partnership with the Chennai Bulls Team, Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair, Collinson International, said, “India’s inaugural rugby sevens league marks a significant step toward establishing rugby as a premier sport in India, while supporting aspiring athletes; and as such, we are thrilled to be supporting the Chennai Bulls. By providing the team with access to Priority Pass’ airport lounges and travel experiences when travelling domestically within India as well as globally, we hope that they can enjoy a better rest before their flights and arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed and ready to perform at their best.” Gaurav Goyal, Chennai Bulls, India Lead said, “We are thankful for Priority Pass’ dedication and support for our athletes as they embark on this milestone competition. This valued partnership will greatly enhance the travel experience for our teams, significantly easing …

This summer, the pulse of global football will beat from the heart of America’s capital. From June 18 to June 26, 2025, Washington, DC hosts several matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, welcoming some of the world’s most storied clubs to a city where history is more than just monuments—it’s a way of life. When titans like The Boss, Red Castle, Blue Waves, and Zebras and Bulls clash in pursuit of the ultimate title, it won’t just be about the game—it’ll be about everything around it: the electric streets, the passionate fans, and the unforgettable atmosphere that only DC can deliver. Washington, DC offers football fans more than a seat at the match—it offers a storybook setting that turns every moment into a memory. After the final whistle, visitors can stroll through the architectural grandeur of the National Mall, unwind at the chic new waterfront eateries along The Wharf, or take in panoramic views from the Washington Monument. For agents, this is the perfect time to showcase Washington as the ultimate dual-destination: where passion for football meets a playground of cultural treasures, world-class dining, and iconic attractions. Travel agents can now unlock exclusive hotel packages and curated local attractions through TBO.com, giving fans seamless access to everything Washington, DC has to offer—on and off the field. Whether they’re die-hard supporters or first-time visitors, fans will find a tailored DC experience waiting for them. What agents can pitch: Centrally located hotels with easy access to match venues and major landmarks Local experiences to elevate downtime—from monument night tours to Potomac River cruises It’s a chance to turn a football trip into something legendary. With limited availability during FIFA season, there’s …

As per Amadeus’s latest report titled ‘Travel Dreams’, 82% of business travellers and 66% of leisure travellers ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ likely to take the opportunity to explore a destination digitally before taking a trip. Travelers from India are the most likely to take a virtual tour of a destination before traveling, with 61% ‘very likely’ to do so. For guests, this technology can provide an immersive and detailed view of a property or location, helping to make informed booking decisions. By building trust with a virtual tour, travel sellers can reduce uncertainty and drive conversion rates.

Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, said the recent US travel advisory is unlikely to impact inbound tourism significantly. “The advisory covers areas not on regular tourist itineraries. Most American tourists visit Rajasthan, Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—not Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Chhattisgarh or Jharkhand,” he explained. Gosain added that “J&K has always been under the ‘Do Not Travel’ category, so it’s not new.” On Northeast India, he said, “Tourists usually stick to capital cities like Guwahati or those in Nagaland and Meghalaya, which are exempted.” He emphasised that organised leisure travel from the US remains unaffected by the advisory.

Announcing a launch of a new product, Monish Shah, Founder & CEO, DreamSetGo, said “What’s the one thing money usually can’t buy? Time with legends! With great excitement, we at DreamSetGo are launching our game-changing new offering, Travel with Legends! Our debut experience ‘Backyard to Brisbane and Beyond’ is more than luxury travel. It’s an intimate, unhurried journey, hosted personally by Australian cricket icon Matthew Hayden. This new product doesn’t just offer a holiday, it offers unique human connections. It’s a shift in how travel stories are told. It transforms “I stayed in the same hotel as Matthew Hayden” into “I holidayed with Matthew Hayden.” Imagine travelling to Brisbane, enjoying a backyard barbecue hosted by none other than cricket legend Matthew Hayden himself, experiencing the pristine luxury of Hayman Island, sailing the stunning Whitsundays and diving into the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Announcing a new initiative, Nishant Pitti, Founder & Chairman, EaseMyTrip.com, shared that the company is launching a strategic initiative to partner with high-potential, scalable businesses in sectors like travel, wellness, financial products, insurance, airport services like lounges, meet and assist, baggage handling, lifestyle and education. “We’re looking for founders who need working capital to grow. EaseMyTrip can take up to 49% equity with a clear objective to help them scale,” he said.

SOTC Travel has inaugurated its first franchise outlet in Raipur and in the state of Chhattisgarh, reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its retail footprint across India. Chhattisgarh is emerging as a strong source market for the Company’s holiday business and is witnessing promising travel demand with Raipur and its surrounding catchments being key growth drivers. SOTC’s new franchise outlet is strategically situated in the city center, to serve both leisure and business segments. The Raipur outlet offers end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including International & Domestic Holidays (Group tours, Personalized Holidays, Cruises, etc.); Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.