Category Archives: Agents

M. Vinod, President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has expressed concern on Andaman & Nicobar shutting down the only civil airport of the islands for four days every week starting from March to May 2022. The reason being the re-carpeting work of the runway. He said, “The decision will prove to be catastrophic for the Andaman Islands’ economy, people’s welfare, lives and livelihoods.” He has written to the Home Minister, Defence Minister and Civil Aviation Minster, highlighting that tourism in Andamans runs exclusively on the airport.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has resumed cooked meals on all trains from February 14 after the service was stopped last year owing to Covid-19 restrictions. As of January, cooked food services was restored in 80% of trains. As of January, cooked food services was restored in 80% of trains. Ready-to-eat meals, however, will also continue to be served on demand. Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent unprecedented lockdown, e-catering services were suspended on March 22, 2020.

The matter regarding extending the validity of the approval/ recognition of the existing stakeholders (tour operators/ travel agents/tourist transport operators) given by the Ministry of Tourism and grant of provisional recognition for the new agencies in view of crisis caused due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been considered in the Ministry. It has been decided to give extension to the existing validity of the tour operators, travel agents and tourist transport operators upto 30.06.2022.

Travelport has launched a new Trip Manager portal on Travelport+, offering self-service for travelers to carry out fast, easy transactions for their trip on the go and continues its Intelligent Storefrontmission by making it easier for agents to understand offers and compare brands with similar attributes on a like-for-like basis. Agencies using Travelport can also better manage the hotel bookings they sell with a simple self-service rules engine, the Content Optimizer.

As of 24 January, a ‘vaccination pass’ is now required for people aged 16 and over in almost all places where the Health Activity Pass was previously necessary. The ‘vaccination pass’ requires proof of double vaccination and A negative Covid-19 test (PCR or antigenic) will no longer be sufficient.  The “vaccination pass” does not apply to adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age. However, they are required to have a “health pass” to access the places mentioned above (bars and restaurants, leisure activities, large shopping centers, inter-regional transport). Vaccines accepted by France are those recognised by the European Medicines Agency: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield and Johnson & Johnson. For more information, log on to: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coming-to-france-your-covid-19-questions-answered/

Qatar Tourism has announced new superyacht luxury cruises in partnership with Emerald Cruises, sailing from Doha launching in January 2023. Emerald Azzurra will offer a seven-night, eight-day itineraries from Doha, with stops at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Khasab, Oman; Fujairah, UAE; Zighy Bay, Oman; and Dubai and vice versa. Pre and post cruise tours are available where guests can opt for a three-day package to explore the sites and culture of Qatar. Highlights include the National Museum of Qatar, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, in the style of a desert rose; or a visit to Souq Waqif, to purchase local souvenirs and spices. Visitors can take a trip into the desert and visit the Inland Sea, before enjoying dune bashing and a camel ride. The news comes as construction continues on the new Grand Cruise Terminal located in central Doha, near the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif. The terminal will have the capacity to host two megaships and will offer various attractions, including an aquarium and art gallery. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “In line with the national strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, we are expanding our tourism value proposition and are excited to welcome travellers from around the world to experience the best of Qatari hospitality both on sea and land. The new itineraries launching with Emerald Cruises are another step towards achieving this vision. “Qatar has an incredible range of hotels, restaurants, activities and cultural landmarks which can be enjoyed pre and post the cruise, allowing guests the freedom to explore Qatar at their leisure. We welcome travellers from around the world to experience our beautiful country and the best …

The Kerala Travel Mart dates have been rescheduled from 24th-27th March to 5th-8th May, 2022 at the same venue. Speaking on the change, Dr Venu Vasudevan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of Higher Education and Tourism, Govt of Kerala, said, “We know that in certain regions, there are still restrictions that are applicable. So having considered all these matters, the KTM society has decided to postpone the Mart. We do this to ensure that all those people who have expressed interest in participating are given the opportunity to do so. We already have more than 1,100 travel partners who’ve expressed interest in participating and we want to ensure that every one of them will gather here physically during KTM.”

Thomas Cook (India) and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have introduced a slew of over 50 Mauritius holidays. Customers can opt for air-inclusive or land-only products starting at an unbeatable price of Rs 20,550.00. An island nation away from crowds, yet at a convenient short haul flight duration, Mauritius offers a kaleidoscope of cultures, eclectic gastronomy, vibrant local markets, a host of pristine beaches and clear blue waters, catamaran/speed boat/ yachting and water sports, spa-wellness experiences. Sightseeing options include the La Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park (valley of colours with 23-coloured earth), Black River Gorges National Park, Le Morne Brabant – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand Bassin, L’Aventure du Sucre, waterfalls and trekking/hiking amidst volcanic landscapes. Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s holiday range includes budget, value to luxury itineraries, with options designed to appeal couples, multigenerational families, young professionals/millennials, adventure seekers and solo travellers. For India’s newlyweds, the Companies’ Honeymoon Specials include options like: complimentary couple’s spa/ special discount on select therapies, in-room breakfast, candlelight dinner/ sundowners, bottle of sparkling wine/champagne, etc. Thomas Cook and SOTC have included both ready-to-book air-inclusive and land-only holidays; also customised itineraries, co-curated with holiday experts. Customers opting for air-inclusive holidays can choose a direct flight on Air Mauritius (twice weekly ex-Mumbai), or a unique combination of Mauritius with Dubai via Emirates. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) said, “Indians are displaying strong pent up demand and to accelerate demand, we have launched our extensive Mauritius product line. Mauritius’ hassle free visa-on-arrival and simple health protocols, coupled with our attractive Mauritius holiday range, offer the best of beach holidays and unique experiences to appeal to every Indian traveller …

Naveen Kundu, Managing Director, Ebixcash- Travel & Holidays, has said that he has huge expectations from this budget and his request to the Finance Minister is to declare tourism sector as a priority sector for the next two years and offer it industry status. Also, he requested for tax refunds to domestic travellers who spend large amount of their vacation budgets in India. Other recommendations included budget for loans with rates of interests as offered to industry, with flexibility of re-structuring the loans at least twice due to the frequent lean cycles. “The government shall offer tariffs which are at par with the industry if not lower. Provide tax concession to hotels and resorts in India to boost demand for domestic tourism and inbound tourism. Provide tax subsidy to travel agents who promote inbound tourism (FOREX earning agencies) and offer them incentives on earning FOREX as exports sector. Create a budget to appoint several large PR companies globally to promote ‘Product India’ with all its diversity and hospitality. Offer a financial tax support to corporates / associations who conduct their meetings & events in India. Offer direct financial support of up to Rs. 1000 crores for all global companies/ associations and world bodies who conduct their events, conferences and exhibitions in India. Announce a state-of-the-art skill development institute on the lines of IIM, which will be India’s first tourism university offering various courses. Reduce haulage on luxury trains and offer tax subsidy on operating more luxury and Bharat Gaurav trains in India,” he said.

India’s leading luxury travel company ATD Journeys Pvt Ltd today announces its new visual identity today, establishing a synergy between the three brands, A Travel Duet, A Travel Circle and A Travel Quest, the new visual identity encapsulates the evolution of luxury travel, adapting to consumers distinct travel needs, taking personalization and service to the forefront, while gearing up for our 10-year anniversary in 2023. The brand’s pastel tones reflect the warmth the company exudes, and its elements are inspired by world design, silhouettes, contemporary art piece, urban and scenic textures, geometric shapes, and tiled patterns. Founder & CEO, Mr Pritish Shah adds “We started back in 2013 and have believed in a slow and steady approach to building our luxury travel brands. Having achieved many milestones over the years we feel the brand is well poised to scale up now. The new brand identities re-enforce our commitment to delivering world class experiences to our guests.” The brand implementation will come live over the coming months with new websites in the pipeline.