Category Archives: Agents

The Thailand government has renewed its pan-India visa processing mandate with VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. VFS Global will cater to travellers from all over India through visa application centres and drop off centres as per the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai Embassy in Delhi and Royal Thai Consulate General in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. The company will manage all visa categories such as Visa TR, STV and long stay non- OA, non-B (employment) except medical treatment category.

Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI recently visited the mega fam held by the Expo 2020. TAAI and Expo 2020 have tied-up to promote the Expo across its member travel and tourism companies through presentations, roadshows and Webinars for the next 6months. Talking about the fam, Bhatia said, “Wonderful experience of over 180 cultures from around the world with all countries participating at the Expo, which will be on from October, 2021 to 31st March 2021. This is a fantastic location for families and tourist who are desirous to see the future of various economies.”

The steady lifting of restrictions across India and international destinations, vaccine acceptance and the potential reopening of commercial flights, is giving rise to significant travel demand Additionally, India’s upcoming Festive Season is proving to be a powerful driver of travel desire. To capitalise on this high potential opportunity, Thomas Cook India, India’s leading integrated travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched a series of physical consumer roadshows across key source markets pan India. Travel intent is at an all-time high:  Thomas Cook & SOTC’s latest survey reveals that over 85% respondents are keen to holiday between October to December 2021; 77% preferring international travel and 82% domestic. However, the constant flux in entry-exit regulations and health-safety protocols can be challenging.  Thomas Cook and SOTC’s physical consumer roadshows have hence been conceptualised to guide and assist customers through the complexities of travel in this Covid-era. The companies’ experts are stationed at each venue to provide advice and guidance in planning a smooth holiday experience. Key consumer catchment areas have been selected across high potential source markets including metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru mini-metros like Pune and Tier 2-3 locations across India, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Indore, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Surat, Baroda, Nashik, Madurai, Coimbatore, Vijayawada, Mangaluru/Udupi, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, etc. To ensure customer convenience, most of the roadshows are being held on weekends, at the companies’ outlets and a range of easily accessible venues – in close proximity to residential areas. Special Offers at the Roadshows: Buy One Get One FREE! Companion Offer Early Bird Offers Family Discounts per family Taj Voucher of Rs 10,000.00 on India Extravaganza & Grand India Holidays Crazy …

Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO, has revealed that MOT met with inbound tourism associations to create an action plan for overseas promotion after the visa opening announcement by MHA. While Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav will be the common theme for all promotions, MOT is planning to declare year 2022-23 as Visit India Year. For Dubai Expo, all associations have been asked to give presentations on the sector they represent. “While IATO will give presentation on Luxury in India as well as Heritage & Culture of India, ATOAI will be focusing on adventure opportunities, while ICPB will present on MICE.”

Thomas Cook India and its Group Company SOTC Travel, have jointly surveyed over 2500 customers across India’s key metros like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai and mini-metros like Pune and Tier 2 & 3 source markets, including Jaipur, Lucknow, Madurai, Kochi, Indore, Cuttack, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and Surat. The survey reveals insightful customer data, behaviour and travel trends with UAE (Dubai-Abu Dhabi) and Expo 2020 Dubai emerging as a clear driver of international demand for Q4 2021: Significant Travel Desire: 85% of respondents keen to travel (77% International, 61% domestic) Over 60% indicate clear intent to visit UAE with Expo 2020 Dubai topping the leader board of favourites; also cricket fixtures of IPL & T20   With re-opening of borders, vaccine acceptance/easing of restrictions, Indians are displaying strong travel appetite for UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi). Expo 2020 Dubai, starting October 1, 2021 and continuing up to March 31, 2022, has created a significant opportunity – with over 47% of respondents indicating keen interest to visit the event at least once this year.   Demand for Expo 2020 Dubai extends across a range of segments: Business Travellers (MNCs, India corporate houses, SMEs) & Trade Associations: 15% MICE Travellers: 25% Leisure Travellers (Families/ Extended families, Couples, Millennials, Seniors): 45% Education: 15%   No. of Visits & duration of stay:  47% respondents are likely to visit Expo 2020 at least once between October – December 2021 57% respondents indicated they would visit the Expo more than once (Oct 2021 – March 2022) Average duration of stay: ranges from 4 – 7 nights   Willingness to spend: Approx. Rs. 70,000 for a trip of 4 nights to upward of Rs. 250,000 per person for luxury …

Thomas Cook (India) has expanded its footprint in Gujarat with the launch of a new Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in Surat. This expansion augments Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in Gujarat to 10 consumer access centres: 5 owned branches and 5 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets across Gujarat state. In this new age of travel (Covid-era), customers are understandably seeking the guidance and reassurance of holiday experts to navigate through the complexities and changes in travel and health protocols. To guide and support its customers with their travel plans and requirements, Thomas Cook India has set up a new Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet at Surat. Additionally, to build consumer confidence in travel, Thomas Cook India has launched TravShield – comprehensive Safety Commitment & Assured Safe Travel Program in association with Apollo Clinics that covers every aspect of physical safety as well as mental and financial security to give the customer complete peace of mind. Over the past 18 months there has been a strong pent-up demand and with the easing of restrictions and re-opening of borders, Gujarat’s consumers are displaying a strong travel desire for travel to international favourites like Maldives, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Switzerland, France, Austria, Turkey, Egypt and Russia; also domestic locales like Goa, Andamans, Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, etc. Key segments driving growth from Gujarat include families/extended families, couples, group of friends, millennials/young professionals, businesses and b-leisure. Thomas Cook’s Gold Circle Partner outlet in Surat offers consumers end-to-end travel solutions with a bouquet of travel and travel related services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.

Sharing an encouraging note on the latest development involving the disinvestment of Air India, Madhavan Menon, Managing Director – Thomas Cook India Group, says, “The 100% disinvestment of Air India along with Air India Express (AIXL) and Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) by the Government of India is a significant move that reiterates its commitment towards disinvestment and certainly one that we welcome wholeheartedly. Across our companies at Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI and our global Destination Management Specialists, we  couldn’t have hoped for a better buyer than the Tata Group who had created a world class airline in 1932, with the Maharaja ruling global skies till it was nationalised in 1953. This move will certainly be a long term play for the Tatas and with noteworthy aviation brands in their portfolio, several strategic options that are available to the team at Bombay House. We look forward to supporting the Tata Group and a re-emergence of the tourism sector with a powerful Indian aviation brand – leading from the front.”  

A new resort that has opened in the Maldives on October 1, 2021 has appointed Black Turtle as its official India representative. The representative company is led by Karishma Kazi. A premium all-inclusive resort, Cora Cora Maldives is the first resort in the Maldives that celebrates and embraces the culture and heritage of the destination. Located in the Raa Atoll, Cora Cora Maldives is 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport or 30 minutes by domestic flight, followed by a 20-minute speedboat journey. Comprising of 100 villas and suites, each one has been curated to reflect the spirit of the Maldives and is prevalent in all of the nine accommodation categories. Accommodation sizes range from the Beach Villas at 68 sqm to the two-bedroom Lagoon Pool Villa with slide inject an element of fun into the traditional over-water villas which the Maldives is famed for. Each villa is created with comfort in mind and set between the tropical vegetation and sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. The Beach Villas are positioned on a sugar-soft, white, sand beach offering a mesmerizing view and the Overwater Villas offer a romantic experience. Cora Cora Maldives will be the first resort in the Maldives to showcase a licensed art gallery and museum, showcasing the cultural heritage of the island. With over 400 incredible local artefacts in the collection, guests can explore the rich history of the Maldives in breath-taking natural surroundings. Cora Cora Maldives will also host guest artists from around the world, curating exclusive exhibitions for guests. Cora Cora Maldives will offer its guests a one-of-a-kind immersive Maldivian cultural, experiential and culinary experience. Comprising of 100 villas, five restaurants, two bars, an …

GMJ Thampy, CMD of Riya Group, has been presented the prestigious UAE Golden Visa for 10 years by one of the highest authorities in the UAE government— General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. This visa, presented only to eminent entrepreneurs & personalities, allows Thampy multiple entries for 10 years. Otherwise, UAE offers a single-entry visa for limited days – 30 and 90 days. Thampy expressed his happiness saying, “I am extremely honoured for being able to establish a trustworthy footprint in the travel space in the UAE market and offer extraordinary services to its nationals and travellers.”

Baywatch Stayzz has been appointed as the GSA for The Fern Creek in Kodaikanal, which are experiential glam tents situated in the heart of Kodaikanal. Manish Kriplani, MD, Baywatch Stayzz and Baywatch Travels, says, “These are unique tents in 1.5 acres of land, offering experiential luxury for patrons. With 7 tents, one restaurant and indoor and outdoor lounge areas, they offer everything a traveller can ask for. We are also looking at expanding the number of tents in future.”