Category Archives: Agents

Türkiye, a premier destination for travellers worldwide, continues to see a remarkable surge in tourism from India. In the first 5 months of 2024, the number of Indian visitors reached an impressive 1,26,000, representing a 34% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge is notable against the backdrop of 2023, wherein Türkiye welcomed a total of 2,74,000 Indian tourists for the entire year. This significant growth highlights Türkiye’s ongoing appeal and its strategic efforts to attract more Indian tourists. Indian tourists have shown a strong preference for a variety of tourism experiences in Türkiye. Many Indian visitors are exploring Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, shopping, and dining experiences at their own pace as Free Independent Travellers (FITs). Several regions and cities in Türkiye have seen a notable increase in Indian tourists. Istanbul, renowned for its historical landmarks, vibrant culture and unique gastronomic experiences, remains a top destination. Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscapes and hot air balloon rides, has also attracted many Indian visitors. Coastal areas such as Antalya and Bodrum, which are known for their stunning beaches and luxury resorts, are also popular for unique wedding ceremonies, honeymoons, luxurious celebrations, and events. Other destinations like Pamukkale, İzmir, and Alaçatı are known for their natural beauty and historical sites, drawing significant numbers of tourists. This impressive growth is attributed to active promotion and PR activities in India, as well as successful collaborations with Indian stakeholders, including travel agents, corporates, and wedding planners. Earlier this year, Türkiye Tourism concluded a successful six-city India Roadshow in collaboration with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). This initiative aimed to strengthen ties between the Indian travel trade and Turkish tourism, fostering …

Expressing their dismay against the proposal of 2 per cent sustainability fee, TTAG wrote to Goa’s Tourism Department stating, “Imposition of 2 per cent levy on every invoice will adversely affect our competitiveness and the compliance burden will increase. No other tourism destination in India’s inbound market levies such a fee.”

Underpinning the increased fund allocation for tourism in the Interim Budget 2024, Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Honorary Secretary, ITTA, expects, “More fund allocation in Union Budget 2024 for upgrading road transport. Tourist transport operators should be allowed to import vehicles on zero or subsidised import duty and reduced GST.”

Singapore Tourism’s multi-city roadshow ‘Holidays Made in Singapore’ launches today in Chennai, aiming to bolster ties with the Indian travel trade community. Featuring 50 exhibitors from diverse sectors, the event will proceed to Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. The roadshow seeks to attract more Indians to Singapore.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “We requested the Prime Minister for financial support to be provided to tour operators based on their foreign exchange earnings. Additionally, we urged the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to allocate a budget of rupees ₹1,000 crore or more for the revival of incoming tourism.”

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that TCS is a fair point raised by outbound sector, because people who are doing business in India are getting disincentivised and who travel abroad can make the payment and obviate the entire necessity of paying the tax. “We will be taking it up with the Ministry of Finance,” he added.

OTOAI had a follow-up meeting with Suman Billa, Addl. Secretary, Tourism after heads of travel trade associations met new Union Minister of Tourism. “We have been assured that the ministry will take our issues. We will meet again to discuss how outbound tourism is benefiting inbound tourism,” said Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI.

Abu Dhabi Tourism invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar on Al Ain city, the thrilling new attractions it has to offer, exciting adventures, and authentic Emirati hospitality that your clients can enjoy. Tune in on July 4 at 3 pm. To register and get more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Following the 39th IATO Convention, Madhya Pradesh aims to claim the top spot in India’s tourism, under the guidance of Sheo Shekhar Shukla, MD of State Tourism Board. Highlighting the preparedness for 1,000 inbound operators, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman, IATO MP Chhattisgarh Chapter, expressed belief that they will achieve the target.

From January to May 2024, Singapore welcomed over 5 lakh Indians. “To draw more visitors from the country, Singapore will hold a multi-city roadshow from July 8-12 in Chennai, followed by Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad,” said Markus Tan, Regional Director, India, Middle East, South Asia and Africa, STB.