Hazel Jain

VFS Global and CzechTourism join hands to promote Czechia’s allure to Indian travellers

VFS Global is pleased to announce that it has been appointed as the destination representation partner for CzechTourism in India to showcase Czechia’s diverse travel experiences and unique attractions. Leveraging its extensive reach and expertise, VFS Global will represent CzechTourism to drive marketing, public relations and trade engagement efforts to boost visitor numbers and enhance overall awareness of Czechia as a premier destination. Travelers from India can experience Czechia’s exciting outdoor activities and rich cultural heritage—featuring majestic castles, chateaux, seventeen UNESCO monuments, historic cities and Czech cuisine in traditional and modern form with a glass of premium Czech beer or local wine. With this strategic collaboration, CzechTourism and VFS Global are poised to elevate Czechia’s presence on the global tourism map, inspiring more travellers to explore the country’s extraordinary beauty and cultural richness. Jana Štumpová Konicarová, Marketing Director and Director of Foreign offices at CzechTourism, expressed, “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with VFS Global to promote Czechia’s rich cultural and natural attractions to travellers from India. In 2024, Czechia welcomed over eighty thousand Indian visitors, reflecting a growing interest in our vibrant cities, historic landmarks and serene countryside. Through this partnership, we aim to inspire even more travellers to explore and create lasting memories in one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.” Barbara Andelová, International Marketing Manager – New Markets at CzechTourism, added, “Partnering with VFS Global presents a tremendous opportunity to amplify Czechia’s presence in India. With a strategic focus on PR and marketing initiatives, our goal is to showcase Czechia’s deep-rooted heritage, diverse landscapes and unique travel experiences to a broader audience. Through this collaboration, we look forward to building stronger connections with the travel trade …

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VFS Global’s six-city roadshow draws record participation with over 750 travel agents across cities

VFS Global successfully concluded its six-city roadshow, attracting an overwhelming response from the travel trade community. More than 750 travel agents participated in the events held across Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chandigarh, and New Delhi. Organised ahead of the peak travel season, the roadshow aimed to strengthen VFS Global’s engagement with travel agents – key partners in supporting visa applicants. The initiative was supported by leading travel trade associations such as the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), whose leadership echoed the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders. “The response to our roadshows across cities has been truly heartening, and the positive feedback from the travel trade means a great deal to us,” said Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global. “Travel agents are an essential part of India’s travel ecosystem, often being the first point of contact for visa-related guidance. It’s important for us to remain connected with them, understand their concerns, and do all we can within our remit to support both them and the travellers. These roadshows reflect our continued commitment to working closely with travel trade.” During the roadshows, VFS Global introduced a dedicated referral programme for travel agents, designed to encourage closer collaboration and improve the overall visa application experience for its customers. Travel agents were also encouraged to advise customers to apply early for visas to avoid peak season delays. VFS Global reminded attendees that most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days in advance, with Schengen countries accepting applications as early as six months prior to travel. UK visa applications can be submitted …

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Join us for the final webinar by Los Angeles Tourism on 8 April at 3pm and get valuable tourism updates and exciting rewards

Los Angeles Tourism invites you to the third and final webinar in its exclusive travel trade series on 8 April at 3 PM IST. Stay updated with the latest insights from the partners on the city’s vibrant attractions, experiences, and travel offerings. Attend all three webinars and qualify for a special prize! For more info or to register, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

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Global hospitality industry must get its hotels ‘India ready’ to attract Indian travellers: Naveen Kundu

Speaking at a hospitality event, Naveen Kundu, MD, Ebixcash Travel Services, said, “To attract Indian travellers, the global hospitality industry must get its hotels ‘India ready’.” He suggested focus should be on food and beverage including other amenities and services and there should be an India manager for India market. India is never going to disappoint you, he added.

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DreamSetGo becomes first-ever Indian hospitality sales agent for Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

DreamSetGo has been appointed as the first-ever Official Hospitality Sales Agent from India for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The stunning Italian Alps will serve as the backdrop for this year’s Winter Olympics, offering an unparalleled setting for the world’s most exhilarating winter sports. In this exciting partnership with On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider for the Olympic Games, DreamSetGo is bringing Indian fans closer to the action. This collaboration promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, combining exclusive access to the sporting events with bespoke travel and luxury hospitality experiences.

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Passport-carrying adults in India intend to spend an average of $4,755 on leisure trips in the next 12 months: MMGY Report

According to new research by MMGY Travel Intelligence, passport-carrying adults in India intend to spend an average of $4,755 on leisure trips in the next 12 months, pinpointing a 14% increase in spending over the past year. The report titled ‘Portrait of Indian International Travellers’ unveils key new insights into the travel behaviours, motivations and preferences of Indian travellers exploring abroad.

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ITA Airways receives approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance

ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle. Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.” Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.” ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively. Leveraging their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance. “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will …

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Serena Hotels and Ark Travel Group partner to capture the Indian market

Serena Hotels Africa, the premier collection of award-winning safari lodges and camps, city hotels and beach resorts across East and Southern Africa, is proud to announce a strategic partnership ARK Travel Group. As the official representative for Serena Hotels in India, Anjum Lokhandwala, Director, ARK Travel Group, will spearhead efforts to connect discerning Indian travellers with premium travel experiences in East Africa. Through this partnership, Serena Hotels Africa will now offer Indian families, honeymooners, wildlife enthusiasts, and premium travellers an insider gateway to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and beyond. A Bridge Between Continents From the cosmopolitan charm of Nairobi Serena Hotel to the historical shores of Zanzibar Serena Hotel  in Stone town, and the majestic wilderness of Kirawira Serena Camp in Tanzania.  Indian travellers will now have unprecedented access to handpicked journeys within the Serena Hotels unforgettable itineraries, which fuse cultural depth with world-class service. “India is not just a growing outbound travel market—it’s a community that appreciates heritage, family, and the richness of storytelling, all of which Serena embodies,” said Lokhandwala. “My goal is to help Indian travellers reimagine East Africa—not just as a destination, but as a soul-stirring experience. With Serena Hotels, we are offering more than premium getaways; we are offering journeys that leave an imprint.” A United Vision Ashish Sharma, CEO of Serena Hotels Africa, expressed confidence in the new partnership: “Anjum Lokhandwala brings unmatched insight into the Indian travel landscape. With her at the helm, we assure our Indian travellers a seamless brand experience. Joyce Wangui, Director of Sales, added: “Indian travellers are looking for more than sightseeing—they want immersive stories and meaningful connections. Through Anjum’s contribution, we are curating experiences that blend refinement with the …

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Trafalgar conducts engaging presentation for travel trade in Bengaluru and Kolkata

Trafalgar recently conducted an engaging presentation for the travel trade in Bengaluru and Kolkata, providing key product updates and exclusive deals for the upcoming season. The training session, held in collaboration with Ottila and Rail Europe, received an enthusiastic response from agents, offering valuable insights and opportunities to them. Trafalgar also interacted with the travel trade in Guwahati, providing key product updates and exclusive deals for the upcoming season. The training session, held in collaboration with Rail Europe, received an enthusiastic response from the Guwahati travel fraternity, offering valuable insights and opportunities for the attending agents.

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