Between search, social media, 24-hour news, streaming platforms, and online marketplaces, we’ve never had so much information available at the click of a button. So, it’s no surprise that more than half of people (60%) share photos on social media while traveling and nearly a third (30%) use social media as inspiration for their next trip. With social becoming central to booking decisions, travellers are gaining more influence and feeling more empowered to leverage all the data at their fingertips. Travel is a large ticket item for many travellers, and protecting their financial investment is a priority. Social media and sharing reviews become critical to building confidence to book. In fact, most people (92%) want to see reviews before booking. They also look at multiple sources to validate reviews including hotel sites, online booking sites, TikTok and more. And the information they find can be consequential to their decision. According to Expedia Group research, one in three people (33%) opted not to use a travel brand because of a negative post they saw on social media. This is where travel advisors can play a pivotal role in helping a traveller find the right products to meet their expectations. While travellers trust that a highly rated hotel will deliver a great experience, a  travel advisor can add another layer of trust and security to reviews if they’ve vetted properties and apply their “stamp of approval.”

Expedia announces a 24/7 call centre facility for the Indian Market. The call centre is dedicated to the B2B Expedia TAAP (Travel Agent Affiliate Program) partners and will be operational 7 days a week including weekends and Public Holidays. The dedicated helpline will cater to the growing travel needs and will offer assistance to our customers 24/7. By calling the dedicated number (0124 4873873) our agents can choose from the required IVR selection, and the calls can be conducted in both English and Hindi language.

Turpal, a platform to boost post reservation sales, will be organizing a webinar on 12 October at 3pm, where a live demo and introduction will be done for the travel trade. To register mail jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.  

Jazeera Airways, based in Kuwait and a leading low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East, continues to support an expanding network of routes. Jazeera Airways currently flies to over 50destinations operating a reliable fleet of Airbus A320neo and A320ceo aircraft.  With the return of international travel during 2022, the airline is going forward with its expansion plans offering affordable travel across the Middle East, Central & South Asia, North Africa and Europe.  Jazeera has been established in the Indian market for five years and now has a strong pan-India presence with six destinations: Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai. Later this year two additional routes will be added to Thiruvananthapuram and Bangalore. Jazeera Airways is responding strongly also to the 2030 Vision that is driving growth in travel to Saudi Arabia. Jazeera is working closely with the Saudi Tourism Authority to support the marketing of eight routes they currently operate into the Kingdom. The growth plan constitutes of Romana Parvi, Regional Manager – South Asia engaging in showcasing knowledge about product & its offerings and exchanging business ideas by participating at various travel trade marts like TTF Ahmedabad, BLTM Delhi and OTM Mumbai. Jazeera Airways will also participate at various tradeshows in Indore, Raipur, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Chennai and the Wedding Travel Show in Dehradun. Parvi mentioned that “The response has been positive as we’re seeing healthy load factor for forward bookings. We are continuously reviewing the opportunities in the India market and will work upon it to meet these demands.”    

Cross Hotels & Resorts, along with TravelBullz is conducting a webinar on 7th October at 12pm. Representatives from both the brands will update the trade about their offerings. Participants also have a chance to win exciting prizes. Register atjaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com, +91 9650196532.

Cross Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to introduce travelers to Cross River Kwai, one of Kanchanaburi’s most-talked-about riverside hotels with themed guest rooms and floating cabins. The Fallingwater Pool Villas has one and two-bedroom rooms, the latest in hand-crafted luxurious accommodation. Each of the 10 multi-storey units are blessed with spectacular scenery and Tenasserim mountain range. It is along the stretch of Kwai Noi River. Cross River Kwai is surrounded by with green, mature trees, towering bamboo, and native flora and fauna giving the retreat a balanced natural ambience. The resort incorporates elements unique to Kanchanaburi and the town’s history and strategic location. The Fallingwater Pool Villas expands the nature-inspired narrative of Cross River Kwai and pays homage to Erawan Falls in the nearby Erawan National Park. From the comfort of their living room, guests can plunge into the indoor-outdoor swimming pool or sit back and feast their eyes upon the beautiful countryside. The living area opens onto a private deck with comfortable sun loungers overlooking the majestic river. The master bedroom features floor to ceiling windows that offer unobstructed view of the river and mountains that blend with natural features. Guests can go on an excursion to Kanchanaburi’s Bridge over the River Kwai, visit Death Railway museum or Erawan National Park. They can also visit the town centre or participate in activities at the resort. Alternatively, they can sit back and admire nature in all its infinite beauty. The hotel currently operates 26 hotels in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan under five distinct brands: Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen, and Cross Collection.

Skill management programme should be conducted for Locals without charges/ free or subsidized training programmes ,shall generate employment and revenue for the  Locals/State: PP Khanna at Dharamshala Conference

Celebrating World Tourism Day, the Ministry ofTourism, will present the National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Further, as India celebrates 75 years of independence, the Ministry of Tourism commences its Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) iconic week on 27th September 2022, and also recognizes the efforts of industry stakeholders by conferring the National Tourism Awards.

Asian tourists are only expected to resume international travel at pre-pandemic levels gradually, by 2024, the new chief executive of online travel agency Agoda said. The Asia-focused company expects tourists from Asian countries, excluding China, will take about six months after respective COVID-19 restrictions are lifted to travel confidently, said Omri Morgenstern, who took the helm at Agoda in July.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, addressed the National Conference of State Tourism Ministers in Dharamshala recently, where he requested G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and DoNER, to declare 2023 as Visit India Year for foreign tourists. “This will help the industry to revive, otherwise I expect just 35% business to come by 31st March 2023,” he said.