Category Archives: Agents

Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI, “6th convention of OTOAI will take place in the magnificent city of Moscow from 10-13 July 2025.” He added, “Post-pandemic, Russia has made a very positive move by simplifying the visa process for Indians. This clearly reflects their intention to welcome us and strengthen tourism ties between our countries. We are confident this convention will help boost mutual tourism opening new avenues for cooperation.”

At a recent PATA forum, Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, delivered a compelling message to the country’s travel trade. She emphasised to empower Indian tour operators, convert global partners into India ambassadors and think beyond destinations by thinking of markets. Sinha called on tourism associations to offer consistent, high-quality training to equip Indian tour operators with deeper knowledge of their own country. “It is not just about showcasing India. It is about understanding it well enough to package it meaningfully,” she said.

After TAAI’s intervention, IndiGo will reinstate SME fares for retail agents withdrawn earlier due to misuse. Agents must sign an indemnity and upload GST details for every booking. TAAI also ensured OTAs will soon be restricted, creating a fair marketplace. Agents are advised to contact the respective IndiGo sales representatives.

Speaking about the woes of Indian travel agents, Tarun Malhotra, Managing Director, InOrbit Tours, said, “China embassy and consulate are rejecting 98 per cent visa application without any reasons. Passports are returned to applicants without any reason ? Please be careful and inform your guests accordingly.”

In a powerful call to action for India’s travel trade, Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, has urged tour operators and travel agents to rethink the role of associations and demand greater value for their membership fees. Speaking at the PATA forum, Sinha emphasised that associations must evolve into data-driven knowledge hubs, aggregating market insights, consumer trends, and geopolitical travel shifts to truly serve their members in today’s dynamic environment. “Membership fees—whether high or low—should come with tangible returns. Associations must become aggregators of information. We used to buy such data while negotiating trade deals. Today, travel agents need that same level of insight—what kind of travellers are coming, from where, and what they want to experience,” she said.

Global Destinations steps in as the official Sales and Marketing arm for Ada Tours in India. With this exciting partnership, Ada Tours, a leading inbound tour operator (DMC) specializing in Brazil, Latin America, Central and South America, and Antarctica, brings bespoke, high-touch travel experiences to India’s fast-growing outbound market. Founded in 2007, Ada Tours has curated exceptional, personalized journeys for over 10,000 happy travelers, offering a wide range of travel solutions for individual travelers, families, friends, corporate groups, MICE, and special interest segments. Their portfolio spans VIP experiences, adventure and eco-tourism, gourmet and wine-focused tours, cultural journeys, and niche programs for professionals such as baristas, chefs, perfumers, and spiritual travelers. The company has also successfully managed delegations for major global events such as BRICS, G20, the Olympics, and international sporting events. With a highly experienced multilingual team fluent in seven languages, Ada Tours ensures 24/7 ground support, deep local insights, and curated experiences, making them a trusted DMC for travelers seeking authentic journeys through Latin America. Strategic Partnership to Expand Latin America’s Reach in India Through this partnership, Global Destinations will focus on building Ada Tours’ brand visibility, trade relationships, product training, and customized itinerary support in India. The collaboration aims to tap into the growing interest among Indian travelers for offbeat, exotic, and experiential destinations, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, and beyond. Speaking of this significant partnership, Pranav Kapadia, Founder & Director of Global Destinations, shared, “We are excited to represent Ada Tours in India and bring their deep expertise and creative travel solutions for Latin America to our market. With Indian travelers increasingly seeking unique and meaningful experiences, destinations like Brazil and other parts of Latin America …

Tourism India Alliance (TIA) is all set to organise Tourism Exchange (TEX) on 10 January 2026 in Odisha. The national-level event aims to be a convergence point for tourism stakeholders, spotlighting innovation, partnerships, and destination marketing. “We aim to foster bilateral tourism and create long-term value for our members in 2025 and beyond,” said Jagdeep Bhagat, President, TIA.

Understand how your clients can enjoy their summer at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore during this hour-long webinar on 11 April that will focus on new attractions, luxury accommodations. For more information or to register, contact Jasmeet Singh at jasmeet.singh@buzztravelmarketing.com or call +919953432363.

Special Director General of Police Varun Kapoor conducted a workshop on cyber crime and cyber security for the Travel Agents of Association of India at the Jal Auditorium on 8 April. The workshop was attended by the TAAI team as well as travel agents and stakeholders of the city. TAAI MP CG Chairman Hemendra Singh Jadon, Munish Kumar from Air India, Arvind Rathore from Indigo Airlines Travel Agents and trade partners were present in the workshop. Addressing the workshops, Dr. Kapoor said that the use of computers, smart phones has increased a lot and most of our time is spent on social networking sites, online games, shopping. The use of computers, smart phones, internet has become a part of our life. With their increasing use, the number of cyber crimes has increased. Children and women are most at risk from this. Cyber ​​criminals make their victims using email, chat rooms, social networking sites, fake websites and software. Due to this, incidents of digital arrests have also increased, for which awareness campaigns are being run across the country. It must be kept in mind that do not accept friend requests from unknown persons on social media. Do not share your personal information such as date of birth, address, phone number, bank account information, credit/debit card information, password and OTP, etc. Keep changing your passwords from time to time. If someone on the phone, claiming to be a bank employee, asks you for information about your bank account, credit card/debit card etc., do not give it. Do not like, comment and forward every post on social media unnecessarily and without investigation. Do not click on unknown links. Do not install software, apps, …

Hyatt Hotels plans to introduce its all-inclusive resorts to India breaking new ground in the branded hospitality segment in the country. Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director, Hyatt (India and South West Asia), says that the hotel group is planning to introduce its all-inclusive brands Ziva and Zilara brands to India. He added that he is convinced India is ready for the all-inclusive model as domestic guests now account for up to 80% of its bookings.