Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Vikrant Grover, Director, Kazin DMC (Caucasus Region), announces the acquisition of Georgia-based agency TRAVEX. With this addition, over 3000 B2B agents across Kazin’s 10 source markets will gain access to experiential itineraries, tier I pricing, and professional services.

Even with the growth Rail Europe is witnessing in India, Florence Pasquier, Chief Commercial Officer, Rail Europe, believes there is still a lot of scope for growth here. “India is a very dynamic market. Indians love to travel, and they love Europe. That is why we are working closely with NTOs to inspire Indians to travel to new places, or travel differently to the same place in Europe, or even combine different countries with Rail Europe,” she says.

Domestic traffic forecast for FY2024 has been revised downwards slightly by CAPA from 160mn to 155mn airline passengers, due to the sudden grounding of GoFirst, scaling down of SpiceJet operations, greater focus by IndiGo on international routes, more aircraft on the ground than expected, due to supply chain issues becoming more, rather than less serious, and unexpected weakness in demand during October and first half November.

Destinations looking to harness the full potential of the growing Indian market could consider tailoring their value propositions in alignment with one or more of the 5 key points that influence where travellers choose to go, as per the latest McKinsey report on India market. They must determine factors such as the attractiveness of the destination, visas, connectivity, affordability, and the overall travel experience.

Speaking at a conference of all State Tourism Secretaries, V Vidyavathi, Tourism Secretary, MOT, has urged the state governments to fast-track the completion of ongoing tourism projects funded by the Ministry, and to focus on identifying tourist destinations for development. She also discussed the implementation of G20 Goa Roadmap and Travel for LiFE program with the states for their effective implementation.

Shravan Bhalla, Convention Head & VP, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, says, “Post fam trips, travel agents can sell Kenya as a wildlife destination in a much better and more professional way. Stay in Kenya can be extended to 10 nights from just 4-5 nights”,

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, says that the country will scrap entry visa requirements for citizens of India and China visiting the nation beginning from 1 December 2023 for up to 30 days. This decision comes with a view to boost the tourism and local economy.

Louise Bryce, VisitBritain’s Partnerships Director, said, “There is pent-up demand within the Indian market, but trade relationships, economic, political, and cultural ties, and 1.6 million people with Indian heritage that live in the UK is really helping to support that growth.”

“We are promoting weddings via ‘I do’ campaign, so we support PM’s view on overseas weddings. But, there is need for infra improvement. All the monuments, Goa beaches, heritage sites should be open for weddings,” strongly appeals Rajeev Jain, Director, Rashi Entertainment.

5th OTOAI Convention which was held at Sarova Stanley, Nairobi, Kenya, from 24th-27th Nov. “150 members were present in the convention and we are happy about receiving positive response from the members who went for fam trips and sightseeing,” said Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI.