Yossef Fatael, Vice President, UFTAA, has said that they have written to IATA that there is a need to renegotiate BSP agreement and structure. “We think that this is the time to renegotiate the agreement, the relationship, the structure of the BSP, as well as the way the relationship between the principal (airlines) and the agents is being governed. Our demand is to go back and discuss the governance of the programme and to make some urgent changes that will reflect all the weaknesses that we are experiencing during this crisis time,” he said while giving his presentation at UFTAA Mid-year Forum 2020 Part-2.

Dubai Tourism has concluded its first virtual Fam, where Bader Ali Habib, Manager, Indian Subcontinent, International Operations, has said that the emirate can resume international MICE events from October 1, 2020. “We have re-activated our MICE demand. Local MICE events have resumed from September 15, 2020 and international events can resume from October 1, 2020,” he says.

The PATA Destinations Competitiveness report reveals that for developing nations like India that have an above-average travel and tourism competitiveness due rich natural and cultural resources combined with price competitiveness, if investment in health and hygiene does not increase, they may lose some of their competitiveness in the years to come, given the shift in traveller expectations due to the pandemic. Consequently, future tourists might not consider the destination’s sites and price value worth the risk.

Ronak Patel, Owner of Ahmedabad-based Shahi Holidays, has been associated with Tripjack since the last one year. Speaking about this new agent engagement launched by Tripjack, he says, “It’s probably the first time that an agency has launched such a contest which is very exciting. The best part about it is that the Tripjack coins that you win can be used to book hotels and flights on tripjack.com for our clients.” Agents can join the IPL Fantasy contest now to win daily prizes. Weekly winners also win 2-night on Jalesh cruise for a couple.

Dr Himanshu Talwar, Assistant Secretary General, Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), has donned many a hat in his career, that of a TEDx speaker, a public relations professional and an eight-time National Award winner for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and significant contribution towards Management, Legal and Vocational Education. He has also authored books and articles for both national and international journals, his latest book being a story of two people who always put each other first. Titled ‘Aasakti – Too fond of you’, the book describes how their story began amidst “nervous stammering and disrupted phone lines.” It reads: “Shlok and Sana first met each other in middle school and the distance, from mere streets to oceans, between them could not keep them apart at heart. They grew up together and their regular phone calls only helped accelerate what they felt for each other.” Dr Talwar, for more than a decade, has been working for international organisations, facilitating people-to-people contacts, and conducting training/ workshops for professionals on international relations, strategic management, cross-cultural and corporate communications, business, and corporate laws, entrepreneurship, etc. During his corporate journey, he has worked for governments of Japan, Poland, United Arab Emirates and El Salvador, and trained nationals of East Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and top executives of MNCs.

One Rep Global has partnered with Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan, to represent them in the outbound tourism sector of the Indian market. Located in a protected nature reserve, the Gangtey Valley is home to the black-necked cranes that fly in to roost every winter from Tibet. The Gangtey Lodge is perched at the head of the valley, with sweeping views over the 17th century monastery, upland pastures and extensive pine forests. The 12 beautifully-appointed farmhouse-inspired suites, each with their own cosy fireplace and spacious private bathroom, reflect Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with warm fabrics and earthen tones. There are several experiences for guests at Gangtey Lodge to enjoy. These have been designed to embrace one’s spiritual side or to cater to the adventure or nature seeker. The Lodge’s Guest Experiences partners with the local community and it’s neighbouring 17th-century Monastery and Monks University and serves to drive it’s ethos of placing people and traditional livelihoods at the heart of its mission to grow and thrive together. For those who like a quiet and relaxed vacation, the resort also offers culinary experiences and pampers one with its wellness programme. Khin Omar Win, Co-founder and Owner, Gangtey Lodge, says, “In partnership with One Rep Global, we are excited to welcome our friends from across the border.” Hemant Mediratta, Founder of One Rep Global, adds, “Post COVID-19, people will be more encouraged to take fewer, more immersive trips as opposed to travelling multiple times a year. Their emphasis will be on experiential travel and their choice of hotels will follow suit. Gangtey Lodge is one such destination that we are proud to represent to the Indian customer as it represents everything that people are …

One Rep Global is now the India partner for Bear Luxe Japan to represent them in the outbound tourism sector of the Indian market. Bear Luxe Japan, a Japan-specific B2B network operating a concierge service and an industry-first digital portal that connects a global network of luxury travel designers specialising in travel to Japan with leading luxury travel suppliers. A members-only platform, Bear Luxe Japan provides access to services and amenities of leading Japanese agents who have been verified to provide bespoke travel programmes and offer the most spectacular travel experiences by way of showcasing authentic insights and contributing to the experience of Japanese culture and traditions. Designed and created in response to international buyers’ difficulty in communicating with independent Japanese suppliers, add to which was the ambiguity and absence of a standard payment and commission system, the portal bridges the gap by offering a one-stop window for accommodation, transportation, custom experiences, negotiations, reservations and payments. Along with providing a comprehensive access to a host of services, the goal is to contribute to the creation of meaningful luxury travel experiences that in turn support the further development of Japanese culture and tradition and sustain local industries. Bear Luxe Japan Co-founder and COO, Hiroyuki Miyatake says, “Partnering with One Rep Global increases our visibility in the Indian market and to the Indian consumers and we look forward to welcoming them in the near future.” To this, Hemant Mediratta, Founder, One Rep Global, adds, “Post COVID-19, people will be more encouraged to take fewer, more immersive trips as opposed to travelling multiple times a year. Their emphasis will be on experiential travel and their choice of hotels will follow suit. To that …

One Rep Global has been appointed as the India partner for Air Dynamic to represent them in the Indian market. Air Dynamic is a Swiss-based aviation company that offers private jets and helicopters for charters. While their helicopters are based in Switzerland, Italy, Côte d’Azur and French Alps, their jets are available for charters across the world. The brand also has a well-established presence in assisting with sales, purchase and management of aircraft world-wide as well as providing logistic solutions and aircrafts for challenging environments. Offering a variety of helicopters and jets with easy and quick bookings, door-to-door service, including authorisations and paperwork, Air Dynamic is a perfect choice for hassle free travel, be it for family vacations, getaways, celebrations events, sports events or group travel. Adding to this is the flexibility, stylish comforts, privacy, all-inclusive, uncompromised standard of service they provide. Air Dynamic assures its customers the best and safest possible travel solution, making it the smartest way to travel private. Raffaella Meledandri, Sales Director of Air Dynamic, says, “India has always been a land of opportunity. Over the past few years, increasing number of Indians have started flying charters. They have seen the advantages of this and thus, this is the perfect time for us to enter the Indian market. Armed with the marketing skills that One Rep Global brings to the table, I am confident that Air Dynamic is going to become a force to reckon with in India.” Founder of One Rep Global, Hemant Mediratta further adds, “According to reports, there has been a surge of over 60% in charter enquires since the lockdown in India as people are looking for safe travel options within India and across the world. There are several advantages to flying a private …

Kapil Kaul, CEO, CAPA India, has said that Indian travel and aviation industry can use COVID for structural changes or reforms. “Indian travel and aviation industry must not push for tactical changes, but push for structural changes,” he said at the CAPA India webinar titled ‘Designing a Strategy for the Revival of Indian Inbound, Outbound & Domestic Tourism’.

IATO has shortlisted 14 short-distance itineraries for tours of 2-3 days and submitted the list to Ministry of Tourism on the latter’s request. The ministry had also asked IATO to give suggestions for promoting seaplane travel, golf and Buddhist tourism. The Association has submitted the same after receiving inputs from its chapter chairmen.