Category Archives: Agents

Covid-19 has diverted the whole world to habituate into the new normal. The travel fraternity is under immense scrutiny. Three months after cutting pay for most employees, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, one of India’s largest representation companies; Nijhawan Group has announced the reversal of salary cuts of their employees amid the pandemic- repaying them for what they gave up. The sentiment has a silver lining of new hope for the future of the travel and tourism sector. The representation giant announced it is ending those salary reductions in part because the plausibility of a worst-case scenario has “significantly reduced” since the pay cuts were implemented. Priyanka Nijhawan, Director, Nijhawan Group said, “During these difficult and unprecedented times, our employees have been through immense pressure & challenges. This pandemic has made us emerge stronger with courage and hope for a better future.  The travel industry as you are aware is one of the worst-hit by the pandemic and while others have struggled, Nijhawan Group as a team has shown courage, commitment and leadership in tackling the innumerable challenges in these crises times through commitment and hard work, we have tackled all hardships along the way. It is the faithfulness and loyalty of our employees that has made this possible.” In reviving employee salaries, Priyanka Nijhawan reiterated a pledge that “no one at Nijhawan Group is going to lose their job” because of the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, she also urged everyone to continue to focus and participate in working together to bring back the business, as it was pre-COVID.  

Nagsri Prasad Sashidhar, Chief Happiness Officer, NAGSRI- Creating Special Memories, shares that as soon as Thailand is ready to open, they will be looking forward to send a whole lot of clients to the Land of Smiles. “With TAT India offices doing their job phenomenally, our clients are waiting to explore the lovely region and have wonderful experiences. Thailand is a wholesome holiday getaway for Indian travellers.”

According to TravTalk CEO Survey, economic activities are expected to return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic level by Q1 2022. 48.1% of respondents feel recovery will happen by Q1 2022, while 34.6% feel the pre-pandemic level will be achieved by Q1 2021.

Sharing his experience in Thailand, Sanjay Mehta, CEO, Trans Globe Travels, “Two years ago, I went on a Mega fam trip to Thailand. It was a refreshing and amazing experience visiting Thailand. The weather was really good and I loved spending time on the pristine beaches. I visited Koh Chang and Pattaya and it is truly a hidden gem of Thailand.  Enjoyed Kayaking, snorkelling and spending time at pristine beaches during the trip. Overall, the country is the best place for a holiday.”

Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) will host its biggest virtual travel trade event “Travel Business Azerbaijan Online” (TBA 2020) on October 14. The online event will bring together local and international tourism professionals in hopes to forge partnerships and profitable business deals. The event aims to bring together 300 buyers from around the world.

Sharing her experience in Thailand, Sonal Swamy, Managing Director, Syrisa Travels, says, “Our unforgettable trip to Thailand in the summer of 2019 was filled with memories and wonderful experiences. Can’t wait to travel again and enjoy late night walks, foot massages, green Thai curry lunches, long shopping tours and being in the wild with nature again in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.”    

As per the order dated 31 August, 2020 by the Office of District Magistrate, North Goa, there is no requirement for COVID-19 testing for travellers coming to Goa whether by road, rail or air. This is compulsory only for international passengers. Bars have opened, however ban on casinos and river cruises will continue.

Naeem Khan, Director, Mulberry Tours , says, “Thailand is a destination well suited for all kinds of travel, whether it be leisure, FIT, MICE or weddings. The country has a lot to offer—amazing beaches, wonderful food, great night life and a vibrant culture, I have so many fond memories to remember from my numerous trips to Thailand. It is the most preferred holiday destination for Indian travellers.”

Manish Kriplani, MD, Baywatch Travels, has launched Baywatch Stayzz, which include serviced luxury villas and houses for rent. “There was a huge void of having luxury full-service villas, where travellers can relax with having dedicated butler service, and housekeeper, chef and other resources at their disposal. We found that there was demand and availability for the same, which was a great prospect. We have 9 villas as of now and we plan to have 50 such villas in the next 2-3 months in Chennai. While some villas we are obtaining on lease, some are on revenue share, while for others we are only doing sales & marketing. While we have made PDF brochures now, we are preparing a very robust e-commerce website portal, where we are going to host all these villas and which will have all the information about them.”

Ravi Gosain, MD, Erco Travels, has said that with moratorium limit ending on 31st August, many travel companies must shut down. “Situation is very unfavourable for tourism industry. On 31st August, moratorium is ending, and most of the people, whether employees or employers took a moratorium and were expecting that something will roll out. However, things haven’t improved. From September onwards, I don’t think companies of any size are able to pay a single bill. Hence, this will be a huge setback. Hence, I am sure there will be many bankruptcies after this moratorium has ended,” he shared.