Insight Vacations has launched its e-learning platform for India-based travel agents with enhanced functionality, ease of access and an improved user experience. Insight has revamped and updated its e-learning platform, addressing both the evolution of the brand and advisor feedback. The Insight Specialist program allows the brand to share its passion for travel with its community of partners by offering new educational opportunities as travel advisors look to offer premium guided journeys to clients and develop stronger sales as well as increase their earnings. Following the completion of the program, travel advisors will gain a deeper understanding of what Insight stands for and understand the Insight Difference, while gaining the knowledge to confidently sell Insight Vacations’ journeys. By completing the Insight Specialist Levels, these agents will become eligible for FAM trips and discounts on Insight’s journeys. Anthony Lim, Managing Director, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, Asia, says, “We know that travel advisors who are set up for success will offer the best recommendations, ensuring client satisfaction and returning guests with our new and exciting eLearning program. An Insight Vacations client is a client for life, with repeat rates of over 40 per cent, and our hope is to equip all of our travel advisors with the in-depth knowledge and tools to effectively sell our magical and personal journeys.” The Insight Specialist eLearning program is divided into three sections – Bronze, Silver and Gold – and agents can access the first Bronze level of training as of today with modules covering a fundamental overview of the brand, information on Insight’s target audience, tools for selling the journeys, and Insight Cares, consisting of itineraries offering experiences. The Silver Level will be available at a later date.

Keeping pace with technology, Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum at its 9th Convention has launched its interactive website which will help navigate the users connect with the purchase managers of various hotels in one click. Nitin Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary of HPMF, says, “We are delighted to be in Kochi and in order to help the industry in the best possible way, we are launching our first ever interactive website which will be a one-stop destination for the queries users may have.”

HPMF’s 9th anniversary that is marked by its convention and awards kick-started on 10 October in Kochi. The event will witness over 250+ delegate participation from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and UAE. Strategic B2B meetings will take place where vendors from the industry will showcase their latest products and services. Panel discussions where industry stalwarts will participate will also be witnessed during this three-day event.

In a quest to expand its international operations, Air India has announced that it will start its non-stop service to Nairobi from Mumbai starting November 27. The airline will operate four times a week- Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Tuesday and the flight duration will be of around 6 hours. The airline will also start it’s nonstop 4 times a week flight service to Doha from 29 October.

The Indian Railways’ plan to rope in private players to run its trains has drawn the attention of few airlines as well as travel portal MakeMyTrip, said sources in the Ministry of Railways. Two big players from the catering sector have also shown interest, said sources. Under this public-private partnership (PPP) model, railways remains the owner of the train, while an outsider takes care of ticketing, catering and cleaning. The overwhelming response from the biggies has prompted the rail ministry to put the plan on the fast track. It will soon finalise the terms and conditions for private players to operate the trains before calling for bids. “This has been conveyed to the interested parties,” said a source. Source: PTI

The Second Edition of the HollandCity Global Travel Trade Show took place in The Hague, where 90 buyers from 10 countries met, interacted and held business meetings with over 90 suppliers from all over Holland. From India, 11 buyers participated in the show, organised by the NBTC Holland Marketing. The grand dinner was held in Delft. Sharing more details, Carola Muller-Van Rijn, Global Travel Trade Manager, NBTC Holland Marketing said that the second edition was much bigger and better in terms of scale and participation. “The year, we’ve had a bigger setup with more participants from different countries and suppliers around the country. The show acts as a platform for all over markets to come over and explore a lot of what our beautiful Dutch regions and cities have to offer”, she said. She further informed that India is the second fastest growing market for Holland. “There was a 8 per cent growth in the number of tourist arrival from India in 2018 in comparison to 2017. In 2019, we are forecasting to welcome 200,000 visitors from India. We received 178,000 visitors in 2018.

The Centre has given its green nod for developing a commercial airport in Kutch, Gujarat, entailing an investment of about Rs 1,400 crore, according to an official document. The proposed project to be developed by Mundra International Airport was recently approved by the Union Environment Ministry after taking into consideration the views of an expert panel. The project, which is estimated to generate employment for over 8,000 persons, is proposed to be commissioned in 2021-22. The environment clearance has been given to Mundra International Airport’s proposed project subject to the compliance of certain conditions, the document added. The company has been asked to obtain the clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) for safety and project facilities.

Lords Hotels and Resorts launched Lords Eco Inn at Morbi, Gujarat. The hotel is equipped with contemporary rooms, multi-cuisine restaurant, banquet hall, spa, jacuzzi, conference room and gym. The hotel is located in the prime industrial area in Seven Cera Mall Village on Jetpar road. The inauguration ceremony was followed by lighting of lamp by Popat Kagathara, Promoter, Lords Eco Inn and the felicitation was done by Pushpendra Bansal, Chief Operating Officer, Rishi Puri Sr. Vice President and Ajay Pawar, Regional General Manager, Lords Hotels and Resorts. Commenting on the occasion Pushpendra Bansal said, “This boutique hotel is a fantastic addition to our growing portfolio in Gujarat. With its significant development, Morbi is a hub of ceramic tile manufacturers and is now gradually emerging as a preferred destination for manufacturing non-woven plastic products. It is an important location for us to further tap the market and grow our business.”

Ministry of Tourism with Indian Institute of Travel & Tourism Management has organised an Adventure Tourism Training Courses in Trekking. Over 30 local youth enrolled in the first batch which started on 24 September 2019. Approximately 90 local youth will be trained in three batches. The 10-day training course trained local youth in various aspects of mountain trekking and also gives them hands on experience.

Globus family of brands, including Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways, is unveiling their spectacular 2020 touring vacations to Europe, North America, South America and many more. It’s offering more than 500 vacations on seven continents to over 70 countries. The global network of Globus family of brands partners gives access to some of the world’s most exclusive experiences. Globus’ special access to fascinating places is combined with expert Local Guides who share the untold stories of the places they call home. “2020 marks special year with our new Cosmos branding as we’re celebrating the unparalleled and attainable access a Cosmos tour provides to the world’s ‘wow’ moments. With its new look and feel, Cosmos is celebrating with specials offers on its value-centric vacations.” added Varesh Chopra, Regional Director – South Asia and Middle East for the Globus family of brands. “In addition to this, this year we are also focusing on the undiscovered tours, an inventive series of touring vacations which invites our travelers to leave behind the crowds and forget the familiar, trading them for places beloved by the locals. These vacations take travelers through the winding roads and unspoiled villages other tour companies don’t visit and cruise ships don’t overnight”.