In a webinar organised by ITDC on the revival of the hotel industry, Rakesh Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism said that the first challenge for hotels and ministry after reopening of hotels to rebuild consumer confidence. “We have to jointly convince people that they have to trust the industry, otherwise the demand will not pick up,” he said.
Read More »Tripjack IPL Travel Agent Fantasy League winner
The first winner of the ongoing Tripjack Fantasy League contest is AR Vinoth Kumar, Proprietor, VKM Travels, from Port Blair. He wins the second prize of 7,500 Tripjack coins that he can redeem on the Tripjack website. Commenting on this, Kumar says, “I love cricket and follow IPL regularly. I have been working with Tripjack for two years and like their quick payment and auto-update system online.” Join the IPL Fantasy contest now on tripjack.com and win daily prizes.
Read More »KTO to conduct webinar on Friday, September 25 with special focus on Busan region
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) will conduct a destination presentation on Friday, September 25 at 11am that will have a special focus on Busan. Along with KTO, the webinar will also have representatives from Busan Tourism Organization and a DMC joining in from Korea for product updates. Young Geul Choi, Deputy Director, Korea Tourism Organization, New Delhi office, says, “Each region of South Korea has its own unique feature and characteristic. To bring a better understanding of each special region, we decided to conduct a destination presentation with a special focus on Busan – South Korea’s second-most populous city. The local charm paired with attractions and shops are what draw people back to Busan. It is the perfect destination for slow travel, filled with hidden attractions in its side streets. It is also a food haven with its streets lined with restaurants and food vendors. The city is home to landmark attractions like the Yongdusan Park escalator and the popular Busan Tower among others. With this webinar, travel agents can add more value to their South Korea itineraries and recommend it as the first choice once travel between India and South Korea resumes.” To sign up, contact Jaspreet Kaur on 9650196532 or jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.
Read More »Tourism New Zealand launches new campaign, to organise ‘Virtual Road Trip’
Tourism New Zealand virtually launched its new campaign ‘Messages from New Zealand’ today in presence of Steven Dixon, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Asia, Tourism New Zealand and His Excellency, David Pine, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India. ‘Messages from New Zealand’ features everyday New Zealanders sharing video messages of hope and care with their international whānau (family), presenting a unique Kiwi perspective about what is important to them. The campaign showcases locals who embody the values of manaakitanga (hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (care for the land) through positivity and encouragement. This beautifully captures their wholesome messages of kindness and compassion to family, friends and loved ones all around the world. The campaign will be released through social and digital channels. Each of these ‘Messages’ will show that New Zealand is a country which is driven by what matters in life, underpinned by the purity of its values such as Manaakitanga and Kaitiakitanga. And to build on the success of these webinars, and further engage and educate agents, Tourism New Zealand will launch a ‘Virtual Road Trip’ campaign later this week. The ‘Virtual Road Trip’ will showcase a different region of the country each month. This campaign will be shared on Tourism New Zealand’s travel trade website. To bring to life the campaign in India, Tourism New Zealand will be partnering with its Indian whānau, including influencers – who have a strong affinity with New Zealand – highlighting their own personal experiences and connections with the country. Commenting on the campaign, Dixon says, “The travel industry has been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis tremendously in the past few months and it is important now more than ever, that we stay connected to visitors and our travel …
Read More »KTM 2020 to be held virtually from Nov 23-27
Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2020, will be held virtually this year. To be held from 23rd-27th November, KTM Virtual 2020 will be an online buyer-seller event. The flagship inbound event of ‘God’s Own Country’ is usually held biennially in Kochi, Kerala.
Read More »‘One focal point for info needed in India’- PATA India webinar
Speaking at the PATA India Chapter’s webinar ‘Europe-The New Order’, Margreet van Egmond, Director Spain, Travel Marketing Concept (TMC), has said that travel agencies and associations across Spain are asking for one focal point for information on India. “In India, many regions have different protocols when people enter, and hence agencies are asking for one focal point, so that people can go to one destination, which has all the inputs, which is very important,” she revealed.
Read More »Daily prizes to be won in Tripjack IPL Fantasy League
Participate in the IPL Travel Agent Fantasy League organised by Tripjack, India’s largest B2B travel company, starting tomorrow to win prizes every day! Hasan Patel, Director, Tripjack, says, “There are about 60 matches in the IPL and the Fantasy league will have contests daily. Before every cricket match, travel partners need to log into the app or through tripjack.com and set up a team of the best 11 players. Top winners from every match can win hotel stays, air tickets, gifts, and loyalty points called ‘TJ Coins’.”
Read More »Need to persuade IATA to protect travel agencies: UFTAA
United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA), in its recently concluded mid-year forum, concluded that there was a need to persuade IATA to come up with a policy that safeguards financial interests of travel agents as well as the passengers during disasters or market situations in future that are similar to COVID-19. Delegates at the forum also presented plans on restructuring business approaches post-COVID.
Read More »TAFI requests GST Council to review GST refund on air tickets
TAFI has requested the GST Council and the Finance Ministry to review the refund of GST on air ticket refunds, and extend the date applicable for refund GST till March 31, 2021 due to the delay in total refunds by airlines. It said that as per rule, if tickets are not refunded till September 30, 2020, then GST will not be refunded and customers will end up losing 5% in the economy class ticket and 12% in business class of the ticket value. TAFI has also filed a case in Supreme Court for airline refunds and the next hearing is on September 23.
Read More »‘New paradigm of luxury travel is emerging’: Mehernosh Colombowalla
Speaking at the TravTalk Digital Conclave, Mehernosh Colombowalla, Director – Beyond Borders Travel Management Company, has said, “A new paradigm of luxury travel that is life-enriching and values-based is emerging. It’s important to stay positive, believe in yourself and channelise your energy in finding opportunities during these difficult times. Don’t wait for others to help you. Help yourself. Inspire your customers during this long hiatus.”
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