Category Archives: Agents

Speaking about the potential India poses for the luxury safari sector, Kennedy Ayoti, COO, Sopa Lodges, says, “Today, the Indian market stands at number three for us in terms of numbers. This made us realise its potential, so we took the initiative to study the market’s behaviour internally to be operationally prepared. Since our focused entry into India and partnering with Global Destination, we have realised tremendous growth — not less than 30% in barely a year. The cake is so big for everyone, and we want the lion’s share of it.”

The Ministry of External Affairs has sought assurance from China that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be “selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained, or harassed” and that Beijing will “respect” regulations governing international air travel. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also issued a travel advisory warning Indians travelling to, or transiting through China to exercise due discretion.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in its just released Global Outlook, updated its analysis of aerospace supply chain bottlenecks noting that aircraft availability remains one of the most significant constraints on industry growth. While deliveries of new aircraft began to pick up in late 2025 and production is expected to accelerate in 2026, demand is forecast to outstrip the availability of aircraft and engines. “Airlines are feeling the impact of the aerospace supply chain challenges across their business. Higher leasing costs, reduced scheduling flexibility, delayed sustainability gains and increased reliance on suboptimal aircraft types are the most obvious challenges. Airlines are missing opportunities to strengthen their top-line, improve their environmental performance and serve customers. Meanwhile travellers are seeing higher costs from the resulting tighter demand/supply conditions. No effort should be spared to accelerate solutions before the impact becomes even more acute,” said Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA.

Travl360 (A Unit of T4 Initiatives) has been honoured with the ‘Most Promising MICE Operator’ award at the Indian Travel Awards 2025. Munish Sekhri, Managing Director, said winning his third award at the platform felt amazing, adding that he looks forward to continued growth in the hospitality sector and dedicates the recognition to future opportunities.

At the TravTalk ThinkTank held at Le Meridien New Delhi, Gaurav Luthra, Industry Expert, Ex-Chief Business Officer, Yatra, and Ex-Managing Director, FCM India, emphasised that the next phase of growth for Indian travel companies will depend on leadership maturity. He noted that modern travel businesses cannot scale if decision-making stays centralised. “Leaders need to set the direction, articulate the ‘why,’ and then trust their teams to deliver without being on their shoulders,” he said. Luthra highlighted that companies embracing transparent goals, empowered teams and a culture of confidence will be best positioned to navigate rapid industry shifts and new-age customer expectations.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts stands united with its communities during this period of adversity and remains committed to supporting recovery efforts while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its guests and employees. Adverse weather linked to Cyclone Ditwah temporarily affected operations at several of its properties. The hotel group has issued a statement that says, ‘At a time when many of the communities continue to feel the impact of the floods, our thoughts are with everyone affected. Throughout this period, our priority has remained the safety and wellbeing of our teams, our communities, and the guests in our care. All guest safety protocols were upheld, in house guests remained safe, and timely updates were shared with our travel partners and stakeholders to ensure clarity and continuity. Thanks to the swift response and dedication of our teams, we are pleased to confirm that all affected resorts Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, Kandy Myst by Cinnamon, and Trinco Blu by Cinnamon have now resumed welcoming guests.’ Hishan Singhawansa- CEO -Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, says, “Despite the temporary disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah, I am immensely proud of how swiftly and safely our teams restored full operations. Our focus now is twofold, continuing to support the communities around us as they rebuild, and ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of every guest who places their trust in us. The warmth and resilience of Sri Lanka’s hospitality remain unchanged, and all our properties are fully operational and ready to warmly welcome Indian travellers this holiday season.” As of 1st December 2025, all Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts properties are fully operational. Resorts’ operations are functioning as normal. Importantly, business continues uninterrupted across its …

Wynn Resorts announced continued progress on Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated resort to open in the United Arab Emirates. The 305-meter tower is nearing its full height, with topping-out expected in late November 2025, ahead of the planned spring 2027 opening. The tower has now reached the 70th floor, and work on the roof deck is underway. Progress on the tower’s exterior is advancing at pace, with 19,206 of the 26,247 façade panels installed, representing 73% completion. Across the resort’s low-rise structures, the combined concrete and steel works are now 97% complete. Exterior façades, interior fit-out, and the installation of elevators and escalators are all progressing steadily. Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,530 rooms, suites, townhouses, and Marina Estates. Structural work is now complete for 1,526 of the 1,530 accommodations, representing 99.7% progress. Interior fit-out is also well advanced, with work underway in 1,504 rooms- approximately 98% of the total- as mechanical, electrical, and finishing activities continue across the property. Most recently, Wynn Al Marjan Island announced the introduction of Coral Court, the resort’s Events & Celebrations Center. Created for weddings, galas, and international gatherings, the 7,700-square-meter venue features a column-free Grand Ballroom, six versatile meeting rooms, private salons for bride and groom, prayer rooms, and an event lawn overlooking the Arabian ocean. Designed with a sense of quiet elegance, the space pairs natural light with a sun-washed palette to frame each celebration beautifully — ensuring the occasion, not the architecture, remains the centerpiece. In addition, Wynn Al Marjan Island also recently unveiled the first details of its dining and events portfolio. Among 22 restaurants, lounges, and bars planned for the resort are an elegant French-American steakhouse by …

TravTalk hosted another edition of Think Tank at the Le Meridien New Delhi on ‘Succession Plans for Family-Run Travel Agencies’, bringing together prominent industry leaders to discuss leadership transition and continuity. The roundtable featured Rajan Dua, Managing Director, Udaan India; Guldeep Singh Sahni, Managing Director, Weldon Tours & Travels and Founding President, OTOAI; Dr Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel & Air Charter Group; Naveen Kundu, Founder, Tourism Futures.AI; and Gaurav Luthra, Industry Expert, ex-Yatra, ex-FCM India. The speakers shared candid insights on grooming next-generation leaders, strengthening governance, moving towards professional management, and future-proofing legacy travel businesses. The discussion emphasised that succession is a strategic, long-term process essential for stability, scale, and resilience in India’s evolving travel ecosystem.

Skål International India has expanded its presence in Jammu & Kashmir with the launch of its 20th club ‘Skål International Kashmir’ at Taj Dal View, Srinagar, inaugurated by Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, J&K. Expressing confidence in the strengthened tourism movement, he said, “Kashmir welcomes Skål International with open arms — together, we will invite the world to rediscover our peace, beauty, and hospitality. Any B2B networking is good for the Kashmir economy. Tourism is our key business, and Skål International India is doing excellent work — we are happy to see Kashmir in the spotlight for Skål International India.” Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, said, “Our goal is to establish at least one club in every State and UT — and even multiple clubs where the industry size demands it.” The ceremony followed official Skål protocols, including the oath and pinning of office-bearers and founder members, certificate presentations, recognition of tourism contributors, and messages of solidarity from Skål leaders. Office Bearers — Skål International Kashmir President — Sk Zahoor Ahmad Qari Vice President 1 — Sk Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon Vice President 2 — Sk Shamim A Shah Secretary — Sk Ather Yameen Narwari Treasurer — Sk Mir Anwar Membership Development Officer — Sk Tanveer Ahmad Khan Director — PR, Communications & CSR — Sk Irshad Hazari Auditor — Sk Rahil Patloo

Rail Europe recently hosted its key accounts from India and the GCC on an exclusive familiarisation trip across Switzerland and Germany, to strengthen partnerships and spotlight the seamless connectivity and flexibility of exploring Europe by train. Participating partners included Veena World, Kesari, Thomas Cook/SOTC, TBO.COM, Ottila International, Riya Holidays, Amigo Travels, and Satguru. Lufthansa served as the airline partner for the trip.