Category Archives: Agents

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.

Oman Air has been named Best Airline Staff is the Middle East at the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Award. The prestigious accolade was accepted by Con Korfiatis, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, during the award’s 25th anniversary in Windsor, UK. It’s the seventh time Oman Air has claimed the title. “Oman Air’s consistent success in this category underscores our unwavering, dedication to fostering a service-oriented culture that is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Omani hospitality. I am extremely proud of the Oman Air family, both onboard and on the ground for providing time and again their dedication to service excellence and commitment to deliver an unmatched quality experience at every touchpoint,” said Korfiatis. The Skytrax World Airline Awards are considered one of the most prestigious in the industry, with travellers across the globe taking part each year in the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey.