Category Archives: Agents

The capital of Russia has signed an MoU with Thomas Cook India Group in Mumbai. The agreement marks the beginning of active co-operation with the Indian side in the field of tourism. The document is aimed at promoting Moscow as a key destination for leisure and business tourism in the Indian market, which the authorities of the Russian capital consider a priority market. Under the agreement, the parties plan to strengthen cooperation through the exchange of knowledge and best practices. They will also work on increasing awareness about Moscow’s tourism and MICE potential, and developing new travel products that are tailored to Indian travellers. “The Indian tour operator expressed interest in bringing its clients to Moscow this spring as part of a familiarization trip. The MoU was signed at the trade show, after we had agreed to organize a special presentation of Moscow as a tourist destination for Thomas Cook India Group and its clients, particularly in the MICE segment,” – said Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. According to him, Thomas Cook India Group representatives expressed their interest in promoting Moscow in the Indian market at the Meet Global MICE Congress: BRICS Edition, which took place in Moscow in December 2024. “The Thomas Cook India Group team are big fans of Moscow, and are considered trendsetters in the Indian tourism industry,” Kozlov explained.

Moscow City Tourism Committee hosted a prestigious gala dinner, brought together more than 170 key partners including prominent associations like TIA, OTOAI, NIMA, MICE agencies, TO and TA, government officials and media, along with delegates from Moscow, to celebrate the strengthening bond between India and the Russian capital. The event highlighted the growing collaboration in tourism and business sectors, underscoring Moscow’s commitment to enhancing ties with India’s outbound tourism market. This initiative aligns with Moscow’s strategic focus on the MICE sector, aiming to position the city as a premier destination for Indian business and leisure travellers. The evening welcomed guests with the unique traditional “Moscow Tea Time” followed by captivating performances from the renowned ‘Rusy’ dance troupe, blending Russian folk songs with modern choreography to showcase Moscow’s rich cultural heritage. It was an unforgettable spread of elaborate cuisines and extraordinary lucky draw prizes generously offered by the Moscow travel and MICE industry. Distinguished delegates included Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai; Dr. Elena Remizova, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo in India and Director of the Russian House in New Delhi; and Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, addressed the audience, emphasizing India’s significance as a top focus market and highlighting the growing popularity of the hassle-free e-visa among Indian travellers, noting a 1.4-fold increase in 2024 compared to 2023 with over 61,000 visits in the first nine months. Their speeches emphasized strengthening of unparalleled business opportunities and new attractions for the Indian travellers. Speaking on the occasion Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the …

Hailing Union Budget 2025, Hussain Patel, Director, TripJack, said, “The Union Budget 2025 reaffirms the government’s strategic vision to position India as a world-class tourism destination while driving employment-led growth. The initiative to develop 50 top tourist destinations in partnership with states, backed by improved infrastructure and inclusion of hotels in the infrastructure HML framework, will significantly enhance the country’s hospitality ecosystem. The emphasis on skill development through Institutes of Hospitality Management, easier access to MUDRA loans for homestays, and enhanced connectivity to tourist sites will empower local communities and entrepreneurs, creating sustainable employment opportunities.” He added, “Performance-linked incentives for states to strengthen destination management—covering aspects such as tourist amenities, cleanliness, and marketing—will ensure a superior travel experience for visitors. The continued focus on spiritual and religious tourism, particularly destinations associated with Lord Buddha’s life and legacy, aligns with India’s rich cultural and heritage-driven tourism potential. Simplified e-visa procedures and visa-fee waivers for select tourist groups will also make India more accessible to global travellers, reinforcing its position as a vibrant and diverse tourism hub.”

Every hotel room added to the ecosystem creates two direct jobs and approximately eight indirect ones, significantly contributing to tourism infrastructure, said KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. “Yet, despite its transformative impact, the sector remains under-recognized in policy priorities. HAI calls for the Budget 2025-2026 to announce imperative policy interventions that empower the hospitality industry,” he says.

Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Delhi Office announces a remarkable milestone: 233,000 Indians visited Japan from January to December 2024, representing a significant 40% increase in tourism from India compared to 166,394 visitors in 2023. Last year also saw the introduction of MICE movement to new regions, with some incentive tours extending their itineraries to Kansai and Hiroshima, whereas Tokyo had previously been the sole MICE destination.

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is ramping up efforts to deepen collaboration with India’s Outbound Tourism with special focus on the MICE sector. Moscow is reinforcing its status as a premier destination for both leisure and business tourism, with India emerging as a key strategic partner. Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, says, “While most tourists visit Moscow for cultural, educational, and entertainment purposes, the city has also been focusing on expanding business tourism, which is now a significant contributor to the local economy.”

Skyscanner has observed a significant increase in travel interest for the Maha Kumbh, with elevated booking volumes from January 12 continuing through February 26 aligning with key dates of the holy dip rituals. It also sees huge interest from international travellers, and the top five international cities that have searched for travel to Prayagraj around these dates are Dubai, London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Doha. This data underscores how travellers across India and the world are gearing up to immerse themselves in the spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, making it a pivotal travel moment for 2025.

Threeland Travel, a prominent Destination Management Company (DMC) specialising in Southeast Asia, partnered with the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) to provide exclusive travel services during the TAFI Convention 2025. Represented in India by Global Destinations, Threeland Travel facilitated pre- and post-familiarization trips to showcase Vietnam’s captivating destinations to Indian travel agents. These trips included Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Hoi An, offering immersive experiences that highlighted the natural beauty, cultural richness, and authentic local charm. The TAFI Convention, held from January 17-21 in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, serves as a vital platform for fostering relationships and exploring new opportunities within the travel and tourism sector. Recognizing the immense potential of destinations like Ninh Binh and Phu Quoc for Indian travelers, Threeland Travel aims to introduce these unique locales to the Indian market and integrate them into mainstream travel itineraries. One of the key highlights of the FAM trip was the gala dinner, hosted by Threeland, which took place at the elegant Vesak Ballroom within the Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex. The illustrious Tam Chuc Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam. Spanning an impressive 5,000 hectares, the complex is enveloped by serene lakes, verdant mountains, dense forests, and picturesque valleys, providing visitors with a truly tranquil and awe-inspiring experience. Tony (Tung Nguyen), Managing Director of Threeland Travel, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunity to support the FAM trips and host the gala dinner. “Collaborating with TAFI and Global Destinations to curate an unforgettable experience for Indian travel professionals has been a privilege,” stated Mr. Nguyen. “Hanoi, with its vibrant culture, Halong Bay’s breathtaking scenery, Da Nang’s coastal beauty, and Hoi An’s historical charm, offer immense …

A delegation from Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, led by Rofia Larsson – Vice President of Global Trade Development from the Los Angeles Office, met with key travel agents in India. They highlighted the city’s rich cultural and entertainment diversity while emphasizing exciting new developments that are set to further elevate Los Angeles as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers. Los Angeles is currently in the midst of a dynamic transformation, with major events and infrastructure projects reshaping the city’s future. Seema Kadam, Regional Director India Office, shares, “Los Angeles is experiencing an incredible decade of sports and culture. With world-class events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, NBA All-Star Games, Super Bowl XVI, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city is ready to welcome the world in ways we’ve never seen before. And that’s not all – we’re also undergoing a multi-billion-dollar upgrade to Los Angeles International Airport, which will redefine the travel experience for international visitors.” In addition to its major events, Los Angeles is embracing cultural and artistic evolution. New attractions include a variety of museum openings, the unveiling of Destination Crenshaw – a $100 million outdoor art and culture initiative, the introduction of the Intuit Dome and more. “India is the number one emerging market for LA, and we are thrilled to engage with our trade partners in India to showcase diverse experiences, from world-class museums, dining to iconic sporting events and immersive entertainment” adds  Kadam

As TAAI nears its 75th anniversary in 2026, celebrations began in January 2025 with the unveiling of a commemorative logo. Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI, emphasised that the next two years are going to be a runway for 2026, with the theme ‘connection, collaboration and celebration.’ He pointed out that TAAI will continue to expand committees and will focus on establishing a marketplace to enhance business network among members for collaboration.