Category Archives: Agents

Oman Air has been named the most punctual airline in the Middle East and Africa for 2023, scoring an outstanding 92.50/o On-Time Performance (OTP), the highest among all carriers across all categories. The rankings, published in the 2023 On-Time Performance Review by global aviation analytics leader, Cirium, measured performance data collected from more than 600 sources of real-time flight information. It’s the second consecutive time the Muscat-based airline has taken the top spot, having scored 91 TO/o during 2022. In aviation, on-time performance represents a pivotal cornerstone shaping the passenger experience. Flights that are on time mean smoother, less stressful journeys, making it a key differentiator for guest satisfaction. By committing itself to achieving exemplary on-time performance, Oman Air continues to prove its reliability, reduce travel uncertainties, and increase passenger confidence, underscoring its dedication to elevating the overall travel experience.

FAITH has appointed Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, as its Chairman with immediate effect. He takes over from Nakul Anand who since his retirement will no longer be a member of HAI Executive Committee, thereby relinquishing his position at FAITH. In his new role, Chhatwal will ensure a smooth continuation of FAITH’s initiatives and objectives.

TAFI has urged the PM to show more support to the travel agent channel. It stated, ‘The tourism sector can surely become more robust if all cogs in the wheel of tourism trade do well and work in tandem. The travel agent channel has been largely ignored and remains an area where your support would go a long way.’

Italy’s government has passed the budget law for next year. In the package, the government has decided to lower the minimum threshold of tax-free shopping from 154 euros to 70 euros (74.8 dollars) for all non-European tourists visiting the country. This was welcomed by McArthurGlen Group that has its largest shopping outlet in Serravalle.

EbixCash Limited has reported exceptional performance across all travel business verticals. The company has reported that its Corporate Travel business grew year-over-year (YOY) by 60% on an overall basis in 2023. EbixCash Travels added approximately 57 new clients in the prestigious large and mid-cap segment in 2023 itself. The group reported growth of approximately 40% in its business with LCC carriers while its GDS segments YOY grew by 37%. EbixCash Travel reported YOY growth of 33% in its business with the top line LCC carrier Indigo. EbixCash’s international passenger YOY growth was 52% across its India airline business. EbixCash Travel Managing Director Naveen Kundu said, “We are excited to have outperformed the travel industry trends in 2023 in almost all segments that we operate in. All our business verticals across EbixCash Travel have performed exceptionally well while allowing us to retain a leadership position in many domestic and international markets. We look forward to 2024 with stated goal of registering a record performance in the year.” In MICE & Event based travel businesses, EbixCash Travel continued to maintain its leadership position across India with a YOY revenue growth of approximately 25%. Passenger growth in the international MICE segment was approx. 150% YOY while it was 47% YOY across the combined domestic and international segment business. This growth was primarily driven by an approximate 80% increase in new client acquisitions in 2023. EbixCash also reported that its overall inbound business grew YOY by 287% in terms of incoming passenger growth & 264% YOY in terms of overall revenue growth. EbixCash Travel continued its No. 1 Leadership position in ASEAN countries like Indonesia and Philippines, where its business in aggregate grew YOY by …

Speaking about his expectations from 2024, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, says, “As we stride into 2024, the India opportunity is immense – a projected 50 million outbound travellers by FY 2030 and one that is ascending the global list of spends on travel. Shorter planning windows but longer stays, a desire for immersive local experiences, and individuals increasingly exploring travel opportunities tied to specific events also define a compelling narrative for the future of outbound travel from India.”

Sharing his views on trends for 2024, Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India), says, “Event-based travel is emerging as a significant trend, driven by the enthusiasm of Young India’s millennials, young professionals, and Gen Z. Their keen interest in the thrill of live concerts, events, and cultural immersion is poised to be a driving force for travel in the upcoming year. This demographic seeks immersive experiences that go beyond traditional tourism, reflecting a desire for dynamic and culturally rich journeys.”

Nearly eight out of ten surveyed passengers have faced one or more issues while flying with Indian carriers over the past two years, a survey by LocalCircles reveals. Major challenges identified include issues with in-flight services, boarding, check-in, baggage procedures, and poor aircraft interiors, including seats.

The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has awarded VFS Global the global tender to provide visa and residence permit services in 52 countries across the globe. Under this new agreement, VFS Global will continue to operate on behalf of the Government of Norway in all regions worldwide – Americas, Australasia, China & Hong Kong, Europe & CIS, Middle East & North Africa, Russia, Belarus & Armenia, and South Asia, including India. VFS Global has worked with the Government of Norway since 2014 and has successfully handled nearly 1.5 million applications on their behalf. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We look forward to a continued smooth and professional cooperation with VFS Global on provision of visa and residence permit services. The cooperation we have developed has proven to be effective and fruitful, with both our organizations working well together in performing their respective responsibilities and tasks.” Chris Dix, Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said: “VFS Global is delighted that we will continue to serve the Government of Norway as their sole service provider. We have enjoyed a strong partnership and welcome the opportunity to renew our services in the existing locations where we operate. We look forward to offering best-in-class visa solutions, and a seamless application process across all regions globally with an annual estimated customer count of 220,000. This is the eighth global contract win this year and is a testament to our dedicated efforts to provide all our client governments with top quality services.”

Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert, Mohit Joshi, says, “The value of experiences and cultural exploration will be key considerations, with price no longer solely ruling decision-making for Indian travellers. We expect this momentum to only grow next year as the 2024 report also highlights that 86% of Indian travellers plan to take the same number, if not more, trips abroad in 2024 compared to 2023. We also predict Nice in France to be a great-value destination for Indian travellers in 2024, with airfares having dropped by over a third over the past 12 months. 2024 will also see Indian travellers heading abroad to see their favourite artists play, with a third of fans saying they would travel to short-haul destinations to hear their favourite artists live, while 20% would fly long-haul.”