Category Archives: Agents

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer, outlining a vision that places India at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tourism growth story. With over 17 years at the John Keells Group (JKH), Singhawansa steps into leadership at a time when Sri Lanka’s arrivals from India have surged by more than 30% in the first half of 2025, reaffirming India as the country’s largest source market. “Sri Lanka is one of the most accessible and exciting destinations for Indian travellers, just 90 minutes away from Chennai and Bengaluru, and under four hours from Delhi and Mumbai,” said Singhawansa. “With scale, innovation, and consistency, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is ready to elevate these connections, offering luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences that resonate deeply with Indian leisure, MICE, and wedding segments.” Cinnamon’s flagship development, Cinnamon Life Colombo, represents a US$1.2 billion integrated resort the largest of its kind in South Asia. With 687 rooms and 160,000 sq. ft. of MICE facilities for up to 5,000 guests, it is designed to position Colombo alongside Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai as a regional powerhouse for Indian weddings, corporate events, and large-scale conferences. Beyond infrastructure, the group is investing in people and purpose. The Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is equipping Sri Lanka’s workforce to meet world-class standards, while initiatives such as EmpowHer target a 30% increase in women’s participation within three years, creating safer, more inclusive hospitality workplaces. Meanwhile, Cinnamon Nature Trails, the brand’s conservation-led tourism arm, continues to offer experiential journeys from whale watching to wildlife safaris that appeal to India’s rapidly growing interest in sustainable travel. “Tourism is about economic transformation and community empowerment,” added Singhawansa. “Our …

Join Switzerland Tourism for an exclusive webinar on the various touristic products and services of Travel Switzerland and Rail Europe. Learn about the upcoming first-class Swiss Travel Pass promo for travellers visiting Switzerland Oct 2025 – Mar 2026, through which they can enjoy complimentary first-class travel days. For more info, write tojaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, announced that the government would make serious efforts to amplify real estate activities within proximity to upcoming and new airports to ensure sectoral growth to an intended level of 15%. He pointed out that airports generate huge footfalls not only for recreation but also for diverse economic activities in and around their vicinity. Hence, the Government intends to encourage the creation of convention centres and hotels close to such airports for multiple economic gains. The Minister emphasized that airports around New York, London, and Hong Kong operate at very high economies of scale with multiple associated activities, including real estate development. India, he said, would take a cue from these examples to develop similar utilities around new greenfield airports. According to the Minister, the government plans to add hundreds of airports to its civil aviation trajectory because of the sector’s potential for growth.

Underlining the importance of the use of vernacular languages in travel marketing, Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Head – Holidays, Thomas Cook India, says, “Travel is all about comfort, confidence, and convenience, and nothing delivers those better than communicating in one’s own language. Our data shows why regional language marketing has been such a success story for large operators like us. From websites to social media, print ads to face-to-face conversations, the adoption of local languages has consistently driven higher engagement and bookings, especially with Thomas Cook’s new initiatives like Bengali-language group tours during Durga Pooja.”

In its latest report- Beyond the Runway- Scope of Non-Aero Revenue and Aerocities in India, Knight Frank India, a leading real estate consultancy in the country, in association of National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), highlighted the growing importance of non-aero revenues in shaping the future of India’s airports and urban growth. The analysis shows that airports managed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model generate 87% of the country’s total non-aero revenue while handling 64% of total traffic. This reflects the operational efficiency of the PPP model and its critical role in diversifying airport income streams beyond traditional aeronautical revenues. The ability of PPP airports to outperform their government-operated counterparts underscores the need for robust commercial strategies. Non-aero revenue streams, including retail, food and beverage, duty-free, parking, advertising, and real estate leasing, are increasingly central to financial sustainability. With traffic set to multiply in the coming years, this diversification will become indispensable for airport operators. The report notes that India’s largest hubs Mumbai and Delhi airports generate per capita non-aero revenues of USD 20.1 and USD 18.1 respectively, nearly matching leading global benchmarks such as London Heathrow at USD 21.6 and Tokyo Haneda at USD 19.9. As per the report, India’s annual air passenger traffic is projected to grow to ~600 mn by FY 2030, up from 412 mn in 2025. This sharp growth trajectory presents both opportunities and challenges for airport operators. While capacity expansion remains vital, monetising this rising passenger base through non-aero revenue channels will be equally critical to financial sustainability.

Skal Bombay 144 has elected its Managing Committee for the term 2025 – 27 durig the AGM held at IMC in Mumbai recently. Burjis Mehta continues as the President, Muffazzal Hafiji is Vice President 1 and Deepan Shah is Vice President 2. Satyaprakash Gupta has been elected as * Secretary and Nishant Mehta is the new Treasurer.

Cross Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, strategically positioned as an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers seeking accommodation solutions in Bangkok’s bustling Central Business District. Conveniently situated in the vibrant Sukhumvit area, Away Bangkok Sukhumvit offers unparalleled access to Bangkok’s key transportation links, including BTS Asok, BTS Phrom Phong, and MRT Sukhumvit stations. The hotel is easily accessible from both Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), ensuring seamless connectivity for international travellers. Guests will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to significant business and leisure landmarks, including the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Benjakitti Park, Benjasiri Park, Terminal 21, and The EM District, comprising Emporium, EmQuartier, and the new Emsphere. This location provides guests the advantage of exploring business hubs, shopping destinations, restaurants, and entertainment venues with ease. Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, introducing itself as an “Urban Sanctuary,” features 75 well-appointed guestrooms catering to various preferences. Guests can enjoy diverse culinary experiences at Twenty / 22 Bar & Restaurant. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant offers an array of Thai and international options, from classic Pad Thai to juicy burgers and refreshing drinks. Additional facilities include a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and a modern gym, providing guests with leisure activities that complement the hotel’s ethos of “Escape Everyday Life.” Opportunity for Travel Agents Away Bangkok Sukhumvit presents travel agents with a compelling proposition: a lifestyle hotel offering a blend of strategic location, varied room categories, and comprehensive amenities that meet both business and leisure expectations. It is crafted to deliver an elevated guest experience in a prime Bangkok setting.

SriLankan Airlines completes another journey around the sun on 1 September 2025, celebrating its 46th Anniversary by giving its valued customers more reasons to explore the world with special anniversary offers. A pioneer in the region, SriLankan Airlines has long been a true ambassador for Sri Lankan hospitality on the global stage. Local in spirit, global in operations and renowned for its award-winning service, the airline looks ahead to many more years of seamlessly connecting people, cultures and trade. Spreading the cheer, customers can enjoy 20% off Business Class and 15% off Economy Class return fares to all online destinations when booked via the SriLankan Airlines website between 1 – 5 September ’25. Members of the airline’s loyalty programme, FlySmiLes, who book within the first two weeks of September will also earn 46% bonus miles, symbolising 46 years in the skies. No anniversary celebration is complete without recognising the airline’s own internal customers – its dedicated employees. Throughout September, SriLankan Airlines will host a series of special programmes for staff, including religious services to invoke blessings on the airline. Over the years, SriLankan Airlines has proven its versatility in an ever changing and challenging aviation landscape. Today, it remains one of the major international airlines from South Asia, having achieved numerous milestones and accolades along the way. In 2025 alone, SriLankan Airlines has garnered several prestigious awards including, Best People’s Airline of the Year at the Hybiz TV Business Excellence Awards; Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – South Asia at the PAX Readership Awards; Most Loved Brand in Aviation in LMD’s Most Loved Brands; Silver in the Best Regional Airline category at the ShareTrip–Monitor Airline of the Year; and …

Hahnair, a leading provider of airline distribution services, has appointed Travesla as its official service partner in India. The new collaboration will strengthen support for travel agencies in the region, providing guidance on Hahnair’s suite of ticketing services, including access to over 350 partner airlines. Travesla, led by aviation veteran Salil Nath, is a representation company and GSA combining global expertise with a partner-first approach. With deep knowledge of the Indian market and decades of leadership experience at airlines and travel management companies, the team at Travesla is uniquely positioned to support agencies with local insight and global opportunities. Kimberley Long, Vice President of Agency Distribution at Hahnair, said: “We are very happy to collaborate with Travesla. Their service and deep understanding of the Indian market will be invaluable in strengthening our support to travel agencies across the region.” In their role as the general point of contact, Travesla will provide dedicated support to travel agents for any inquiries related to Hahnair services. This includes information about ticketing services, conducting informative presentations and training sessions, and facilitating ticketing authority requests to Hahnair’s partner airlines. Moreover, Hahnair’s Service Desk remains at the disposal of agents for any questions regarding issuing tickets on Hahnair (HR) stock at serviceindia@hahnair.com. Bharat Kapoor, Regional Vice President, will also be available to provide additional support, further reinforcing Hahnair’s commitment to its partners in the region. “We trust Travesla to be an extension of Hahnair in India. Their market expertise, commitment to service, and close relationships with the travel trade make them the ideal partner for representing us locally”, added Kapoor. Looking ahead, Salil Nath, Founder & CEO of Travesla, emphasised the benefits for travel agencies: “We are …

The Maldives, long celebrated as a leisure and honeymoon destination, is fast carving a new identity as a hub for MICE. At the forefront of this transformation is Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the city’s first 5-star property and a landmark++ redefining the capital city as a stage for corporate gatherings, weddings, and milestone celebrations. Located just ten minutes from Velana International Airport, Barceló Nasandhura Malé offers seamless connectivity and an ideal setting for both business and leisure travelers. With 136 rooms and 116 serviced apartments, five dining outlets, a luxury spa, the city’s first oceanfront pool, and wellness facilities, the property is designed to balance productivity with relaxation. What sets it apart is its 1,034 sqm of dynamic event space, including flexible meeting rooms, banquet areas, and two ballrooms that can be tailored for events of all sizes—from boardroom discussions to 600-guest dinners. Its location, infrastructure, and service standards make it a strong contender for the growing Indian outbound MICE market. Speaking about the opportunity for India, Alefiya Singh, Founder of IRIS Reps, shared: “Barceló Nasandhura Malé fills an important gap for the Indian market. While the Maldives has always been top-of-mind for leisure, corporates are now exploring it as an exciting destination for conferences and offsites. With its proximity to the airport, versatile event spaces, and excellent connectivity, this property offers exactly what Indian planners are looking for. At IRIS Reps, we are actively reaching out to agents and corporates across India to showcase this potential.” As the exclusive representative of Barceló Hotels in India, IRIS Reps is spearheading awareness campaigns through trade outreach, training sessions, and marketing initiatives. The goal is to establish Barceló Nasandhura Malé as the go-to …