Category Archives: Agents

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce its alliance with Singapore Airlines Group’s global rewards program KrisFlyer, the most favoured frequent flyer program, designed to reward everyone who loves to travel with the airline and its partners. The alliance is aimed to bring a large network of Sarovar hotels into the fold of Singapore KrisFlyer’s exclusive benefits. As a part of the alliance, the KrisFlyer members will be able to avail of 20 % markdown on accommodation and food & beverage outlets across Sarovar group’s wide network of hotels in India. The KrisFlyer members can avail the benefits through a simple process of booking a hotel through the Singapore Airlines website or through the KrisFlyer application. A mid-market leader with an indomitable presence across leisure and business destinations, Sarovar group offers a collection of brands & hotels from budget to premium categories. Present in destinations that include cosmopolitan cities, exotic beach destinations, eminent pilgrimage cities and unsung destinations qualified  the group to become the preferred choice for partnership that aims to extend travellers a wide choice of cities and hallmark services of the Sarovar brand. Speaking on the partnership, Ajay K Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts said, “We are delighted to extend the hospitality of Sarovar group to patrons of Singapore Airlines. It is a mutually rewarding association to deliver a high level of services to a large audience of travellers who enjoy superior quality travels & stays and unwilling to compromise on seamless experience. We hope our wide network of hotels across most visited to unexplored destinations will allow travellers added choice and assurance that there is always a Sarovar branded hotel that celebrates India and Indian hospitality like none …

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a Vivanta branded hotel in New Gurugram, Haryana. The Brownfield project will be a part of a mixed-use development. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “With the signing of this hotel, IHCL steps into New Gurugram a satellite town with seamless connectivity to New Delhi and other important commercial hubs. It is situated in close proximity to large industrial areas and is witnessing major infrastructural development. We are delighted to partner with KPDK Buildtech.” The 160-keys hotel is situated in Sector 95A, New Gurugram, a comfortable drive from Delhi International Airport. In addition to the rooms, the hotel will have Mynt, Vivanta’s signature all day diner, a bar and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and fitness centre. There will be over 650 square metres of meeting space featuring a large ballroom and meeting rooms. Mahender Kumar Gupta, Chairman, KPDK Buildtech Pvt Ltd said, “We are excited to partner with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company for this hotel. Vivanta, the stylishly spirited brand is the right fit for New Gurugram which is growing rapidly.” With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 16 hotels across Taj, Vivanta, SeleQtions and Ginger brands across National Capital Region including four under development.

ITC Hotels continue to expand and strengthen its presence across India with the signing of three more properties under brand Storii in Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Speaking on Brand Storii’s expansion in India, Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels said, “We are happy to announce the addition of three new properties under Storii by ITC Hotels at some of the most sought-after destinations in the country. The new properties at Goa, Manali, and Prayagraj highlight our focus on growth and expansion in the boutique hotel space. Storii by ITC Hotels is fast becoming a preferred brand in the experiential segment, welcoming travelers seeking local experiences. Every property under this brand tells its own unique Storii.” Soon to open, Storii Moira Riviera, is located in Moira, a pretty village in North Goa known for its beautiful rivulet views, winding lanes and serene sunsets. This 15 keys boutique property follows the Mediterranean style design & architecture. Most rooms offer a plunge pool, fascinating scenic sights and various recreational facilities including the K by Kayakalp spa. Adding to their strength in Himachal Pradesh, ITC Hotels has signed the 23 keys Urvashi’s Retreat, Manali for brand Storii. Enhancing the boutique experience, every aspect of the property will be further personalized to offer a unique blend of local rusticity and splendor. With around one thousand square feet-large playroom, Urvashi’s Retreat is popular with kids. Located in the heart of the city, Storii Prayagraj is rooted in heritage and just 10 km away from the popular pilgrim spot – Triveni Sangam. Built in traditional architecture with sprawling lawns, the property will be extensively refurbished to accommodate a new wing even as the current heritage …

KKR World, led by Kunal Kothari, has been awarded the mandate to represent Schilthorn Cableway in India market. Schilthorn Cableway is again dependent on expert support directly from the market. Kothari is representing the company in the Indian market since the beginning of April. The tourism expert from Mumbai has extensive and long-standing know-how in the European rail travel business. An estimated 1.42 billion people live on the Indian subcontinent; the potential of inhabitants willing to travel is therefore huge. The Schilthorn Cableway Ltd. has been active in the market for years, until 2016 this was always with the support of a representative directly on site. Now it is time to rely more intensively on additional support again: Since the beginning of April, Kunal Kothari from India is the new right-hand man of Alan Ramsay, Head of Markets at Schilthornbahn, on a 40-percent basis in all matters relating to the Indian market. “It is a great honour for us to have been able to engage Kunal Kothari for the Schilthorn Cableway,” Ramsay is pleased to say, “he brings with him a great deal of experience and knowledge in all aspects of rail travel.” Indeed, the Indian’s wealth of experience is immense: the 46-year-old from Mumbai completed a university degree in Travel & Tourism Industry Management at the end of the 1990s, worked for several years for the major tour operator Thomas Cook in Dubai before returning to Mumbai to work for over seven years as Regional Manager Sales & Marketing for Rail Europe India, the largest B2B distributor of train travel in Europe. In 2018, he founded his own company, KKR World, which specializes in consulting and representing select Swiss …

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will return to Melbourne next year for the first time since 2015, with Australia’s largest annual tourism trade event to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from Sunday, 19 May 2024 to Thursday, 23 May 2024. Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, announced Melbourne as the next host of the event on the trade floor of ATE23 on the Gold Coast. “After a couple of years of hybrid events it has been great this year to have ATE back to its traditional format on the Gold Coast and we can’t wait to work with Visit Victoria to deliver another amazing ATE in 2024,” Harrison said. “Melbourne has proudly hosted our premier travel trade event on eight occasions in the past and we look forward to taking ATE, and more than 2,000 delegates, back to Melbourne to drive future tourism business across Australia.” “ATE brings together tourism businesses, tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world for four days of appointments, as well as networking events, which are more important than ever before as competition grows for the tourism dollar.” ATE24 will be the ninth time ATE has been staged in Melbourne, which first hosted the event in 1991 and then again in 1992, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2009 and 2015. Melbourne had been due to host the 2020, but the event did not go ahead due to the global pandemic. ATE provides tourism operators around the country with the opportunity to meet and do business with international buyers from around the world. ATE24 will run from 19 May 2024 to 23 May 2024, with delegates from 30 countries expected to attend. ATE24 will …

IATO President Rajiv Mehra has written to the Prime Minister requesting him to restore the Service Export Incentive Scheme (SEIS). As an alternative to this, IATO suggested the introduction of a scheme in the new Foreign Trade Policy, as the inbound tourism sector is still suffering and needs hand holding by the government. Additionally, the association seeks roll back of TCS of 20% to 5% on Overseas Tour Packages announced in the Union Budget.

In a statement issued by Goa First airline, it has said that in order to recover losses, it has sought compensation of approximately INR 8,000 crores in the SIAC arbitration. If it is successful in the arbitration, it is hoped that, the airline will be able to address the liabilities of its creditors. The statement adds that, however at this stage, in the absence of Pratt & Whitney not providing the required number of spare leased engines in accordance with the order issued by the emergency arbitrator, the airline is no longer in a position to continue to meet its financial obligations.

Wynn Resorts has announced the name of its new multi-billion-dollar integrated resort, debuting in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Wynn Al Marjan Island. The Company also unveiled the design vision of its first-ever beachfront resort, which is inspired by the tranquil seascape of Al Marjan Island, a group of four islands. The resort is being developed with local partners Marjan LLC, and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC. Wynn Al Marjan Island rises more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the sea, welcoming visitors to a premium luxury experience, including exceptional entertainment and gaming amenities. For its first project in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, the US-listed developer and luxury resort operator will create a serene and stylish setting that takes inspiration from the stunning sea views. With an estimated project cost of approximately USD 3.9 billion, the iconic silhouette of Wynn Al Marjan Island will transform and accelerate the Emirate’s rise as a major global tourist destination, while also creating substantial value to its economy through tourism and job creation. The project will pave the way for the accelerated growth of allied business sectors. Foundation construction work began onsite earlier this year. The brand’s signature, high-design opulence will be reflected in its approximately 1,500 lavishly styled rooms, suites and villas. Visitors can look forward to a wide array of entertainment options, a gaming area, 24 dining and lounge experiences, innovative spa and wellness experiences, a high-end shopping esplanade, a state-of-the-art events center, a theater hosting a unique production show, and other amenities. Designed for both longer visits and day trips from neighboring Emirates, the resort will offer abundant and layered experiences including nightly state-of-the-art laser and light …

Desert Adventures Tourism, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook India and GCC-based travel conglomerate Kanoo Travel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture in Saudi Arabia at Arabian Travel Market 2023. Desert Adventures is a premium Destination Management Company headquartered in the UAE, operating in the GCC and Jordan. The collaboration brings together two of the largest and most reputable travel trade organisations in the Middle East, aiming to create the most comprehensive destination services company in the region. The joint venture marks a significant milestone in both Companies’ history as they combine their expertise, resources, and capabilities to provide travellers with unparalleled travel experiences in Saudi Arabia. Desert Adventures Tourism has been a leading company and partner of choice for many worldwide tour operators with 25 years of experience in destination management in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Oman. The company has developed a reputation for providing stability, consistency, and quality of service that its partners have come to trust. Kanoo Travel, an esteemed travel company with a legacy spanning over eight decades, offers the most comprehensive and reliable travel solutions. With a focus on corporate travel, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE), leisure and holiday travel, airline representation, and marine travel, Kanoo Travel has established itself as a leader in the travel industry. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional solutions and services has been consistently acknowledged, resulting in numerous regional industry awards.   Peter Payet, CEO of Desert Adventures, expressed excitement about the new venture, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Kanoo Travel to provide the most comprehensive destination services in Saudi Arabia. With their extensive local knowledge and resources and …

Experience Abu Dhabi has announced Indian superstar Ranveer Singh, as an official ambassador, inspiring visitors to discover the diverse range of experiences that can be enjoyed on a trip to Abu Dhabi. During the two-year partnership, Ranveer will share his holiday highlights, inviting Indian travelers to find their pace in Abu Dhabi and enjoy everything that the destination has to offer, from an action-packed calendar of events including IIFA, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi NBA Games, to the variety of adventures and cultural experiences that can inspire, excite and restore. Ranveer commences his exciting role by starring in Abu Dhabi’s new summer campaign film, ‘One Summer Isn’t Enough’. In the film, audiences will witness Ranveer explore some of Abu Dhabi’s hotspots, from soaking up the sun in the chilled pools of Saadiyat Beach Club to taking in the wonder at Louvre Abu Dhabi and racing around the famous Yas Marina Circuit, before enjoying retail therapy at one of the city’s incredible malls. A true showman, Ranveer could not leave Abu Dhabi without perfecting the iconic Al Ayyala dance – deeply rooted in UAE culture, it involves performers using thin bamboo canes to move to the steady beat of drums. Ranveer’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for Abu Dhabi is sure to inspire every traveler to add Abu Dhabi to their summer bucket list. With so many things to do, summer is an ideal time to visit the UAE capital. Just like Ranveer, Indian travellers can be inspired by Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and heritage scene across 23 locations, including Qasr Al Hosn and the presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan. Alternatively, those looking for adventure can reach new …