Category Archives: Agents

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.

Development of Northeastern Region, DoNER, Minister G. Kishan Reddy has said that the government has placed development of the northeastern region as a foremost priority through the ‘Act East’ initiative. During a virtual event, the Minister interacted with entrepreneurs and potential startups. He urged the business community to confidently carry the message of ‘investment ready North East’ across the country and beyond. Reddy felt that the Northeastern region now has the opportunity to lead the development journey of New India.

In the wake of Omicron, 95% of international bookings and 80% of domestic bookings have been postponed or cancelled said Sunil Gupta, Chairman Northern Region, IATO. “We have been severely impacted by the surge and Omicron, it is disheartening since we work hard on bookings and itineraries and everything suddenly cancels” he added. 

Tourism & Events Queensland, in conjunction with Tourism Australia, has specially produced tutorial guides on how to capture the best ‘Night’, ‘Action’ and ‘Landscape’ photography shots. These tutorials (a series of 3 x 2mins videos) are produced in association with Queensland’s content creator Jesse Lindeman. To inject a bit of fun, the State Tourism Organisation is running a photography contest only for its India-based trade partners. The first 25 qualified entries will win a A$20 Amazon vouchers. In addition, the top three winners will also win one of Jesse’s exclusive Queensland print (framed).     The contest is open to all outbound travel trade staff based in India. However, the participant will need to register as an Aussie Specialist Program (ASP) agent in Tourism Australia’s online portal. It is easy. All the staff need to do is to login (or register if he/she is not yet an ASP agent) to learn from a few easy tips explained in the tutorials. Each participant then submit his/ her your own favorite photo(s) to Diksha Singh (dsingh@tourism.australia.com) by 28th January 2022. Participant may choose to submit his/her photo under any of the below categories (note : please indicate chosen category in their email headline): (A) Night (B) Action (C) Landscape He/she can submit up to 3 photos per category. There is also the flexibility to submit across ONE, TWO or all THREE categories. Winners will be announced at the Queensland ‘Scenic Rim – ‘Top 10 destinations to visit in 2022’ webinar on 4 February 2022 at 11am IST. Do register your seat at this webinar: Webinar Date: 4 February 2022 Time: 11 AM – 12 PM IST Register here for the webinar

The events industry in India is all set to get a new address with the latest offering from Swosti Group – Swosti Premium Beach Resorts, the first five-star premium luxury beach resort at Sipasurubuli, Puri. The property that comes equipped with facilities to host mega conferences and elaborate wedding ceremonies, boasts of large open-air landscaped lawns. The 125 luxury rooms (including 5 premium luxury long suites on the 12th Floor) offer a no-obstruction view of the sea. The centrally air-conditioned property boasts of more such state-of-the-art facilities. Each banquet hall will be attached to an open-air lawn. For the young and young-at-heart, there is also a game zone at the food court area to make sure there are enough activities to keep the guests occupied. A state-of-the-art wellness spa and gym will also be made available at the resort to ensure fitness and wellness are at the top of everyone’s mind. And the basement comes equipped with ample parking space to be able to host large weddings and conferences. Having provided employment to more than 1200 people with offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and associated offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, Swosti Group under the leadership of J K Mohanty has been promoting the tourism sector of Odisha successfully since 1981. The new Swosti Premium Beach Resorts will give direct employment to 375 people and indirectly employ around 700 people, including all vendors. Emphasis will be given to the local people who have experience in the hospitality industry or have done courses in hotel management from Swosti Institute of Management & Social Studies. Apart from Swosti Grand, Swosti Premium at Bhubaneswar and Swosti Palm Resort at Gopalpur-on-Sea, Swosti Chilika Resort …