Category Archives: Agents

Embark on a journey beyond tradition as the Tamilnadu Travel Expo invites the trade to delve deeper into the tapestry of this state. This annual event, held on Sept 20-22 in Madurai, goes beyond themes, showcasing the state’s hospitality, wellness retreats and wedding destinations. To register, write to info@tamilnadutravelexpo.com or call 8939997767

As part of their shared commitment to highlight Oman as a preferred tourist destination, Oman Air and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism have joined forces for a special stopover promotion for passengers transiting through Muscat. Available until 30 November 2024, the offer provides a free one-night hotel stay for premium class passengers when booking a stopover in Muscat, while those traveling in Economy Class can enjoy two nights for the price of one. In addition, guests have access to exclusive discounts on tours, car hire, and other services, making it the perfect opportunity to explore Oman’s charming capital and beyond.

New Zealand’s tourism industry is facing a storm with the government’s recent decisions on increasing visa fees and the International Visitor Levy (IVL). Higher prices for tourist visas kick in from October 1, going from $131 to $211. Meanwhile its International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy (IVL) will also go up from $22 to 62 from October 1.

Accepting this recognition from DDP, Jay Bhatia, Managing Director, Tulsidas Khimji Holidays, and a ‘Pioneer in Industry Advocacy’, said, “This is my second one from DDP and after ten years this appreciation is yet again a humbling experience. It brings back responsibility and the hard work that has been put in over the last few years. Bringing in innovation is a challenge, and we work towards it every day.”

Tourism Office of Spain in India invites the travel trade to attend an exciting webinar on Ibiza, it’s biodiversity and it’s culture as it celebrates 25 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The top scorer of the Ibiza quiz will win a self-drive trip in Ibiza, sponsored by Ibiza Tourism Board. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

Winner of ‘Outstanding Leadership in Luxury Hospitality’ award and GM, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Manish Dayya, says, “This year has been thrilling for us with numerous accolades, including the Green Key Certification. For Accor, sustainability is at the very core of our business – sustainable transformation is a commitment we take very seriously.”

Ebix Inc. announced that it has successfully completed its Chapter 11 restructuring process and has emerged as a financially and operationally stronger company that is well-positioned for the future. The 12,000+ employee Company is now debt-free worldwide. Ebix Founder, Robin Raina, will continue to serve as CEO and Chairman.

In a recent announcement, Puneet Chhatwal, CEO, IHCL, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to enhancing the tourism industry. He stated, “We will increase the commissions from 10% by 25%, which means they will go to 12.5% for all of you.” This exclusive incentive is available to IATO members only.

Bird Group is set to make significant strides in the Quick Service and Casual Dining sectors. With an ambitious plan to launch 20 outlets by the end of 2024, 35 by the end of 2025 and 50 by the end of 2026, Bird Foods, a dedicated business vertical of Bird Group, is poised to redefine the dining experience across India. These outlets will be strategically located in popular locations across tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Dehradun, and Bhubaneswar. At present, Bird Foods boasts a promising retail presence with four QSR brands: Spice Nama at Omaxe Mall, Chandni Chowk; The Indian Stories at Pebble Downtown Mall, Faridabad and the Mall of Dehradun, Uttarakhand; KaChing at Mega Mall, Gurugram; and Eat.co at various locations, including Lucknow Airport Metro Station, Tughlakabad Metro Station and Old Delhi Railway Station (IRCTC Food Plaza). All these and future outlets will boast of proprietary technological initiatives redefining customer experience. “We are diligently executing strategic initiatives across all our business verticals, ensuring we not only meet but potentially exceed these targets. By staying true to our core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we are confident in our ability to achieve these significant milestones and continue driving growth for our company,” said Rahul Sehgal, Business Head, Bird Foods. Bird Group has always been at the forefront of innovation in the Indian business landscape. Their foray into the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector is a natural progression, rooted in their belief that good food, good value and excellent service have the power to bring people together, create memories, and elevate everyday moments. This new venture has quickly grown into a dedicated business vertical, offering a diverse range of …

Viacation Tourism announces the opening of its first retail store in Rajasthan, strategically located in City Pearl, Jaipur. This new addition marks Viacation’s entry into the Pink City, a place celebrated as the cultural heartbeat of India. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand further in the coming months to key cities like Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Siliguri, and Guwahati, bringing the Viacation experience to an even wider audience across India. Spanning 355 square feet, the Jaipur store was officially inaugurated on 2nd September. The store offers a wide array of travel services, including air ticketing, escorted group tours to Europe and other international destinations, domestic holiday packages, and MICE services. “We are excited to open our first retail outlet in Jaipur, a city that perfectly captures vibrancy and rich cultural heritage. This store is a significant milestone for Viacation as we continue to make our top-notch travel services more accessible to our customers. Our goal is to simplify and enhance the travel planning experience,” said Jatinder Paul Singh, CEO & Co-Founder of Viacation Tourism. Positioned on a bustling high street, this B2C-focused store emphasizes Viacation’s dedication to offering a premium shopping experience with personalized service for a diverse clientele. As part of its strategic growth plan, Viacation is set to expand to 25 locations by December 2025, further establishing itself as a trusted travel partner across India. The Jaipur store is designed to be a comprehensive travel hub, providing everything from flight and hotel bookings to organizing group tours and corporate travel. This new outlet reinforces Viacation’s reputation as a reliable travel partner in India, catering to the increasing demand for personalized travel solutions. Since April 2023, Viacation’s corporate headquarters have been based in …