Category Archives: Agents

Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, Travel Designer Group said, “RezLive.com has made waves in the travel industry by launching cruise bookings in India, a move met with an enthusiastic response from its travel partners.” The milestone underscores the company’s dedication to diversifying its offerings, catering to the growing demand for luxury and experiential travel in India.

Sharing his views and expectations on the upcoming Union Budget, Hussain Patel, Director, TripJack, says, “The travel and tourism sector hopes the Union Budget will address its pressing challenges and pave the way for sustained growth. Rationalizing GST rates for travel agents and enabling input tax credits are essential steps to reduce operational costs and improve market competitiveness. Simplifying compliance processes can further alleviate the administrative burden on businesses. Additionally, promoting domestic and inbound tourism through innovative awareness campaigns and eco-friendly initiatives can foster sustainable development and boost the sector’s long-term prospects. The budget will most likely focus on expanding regional connectivity programs like UDAN and accelerating tourism infrastructure development in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to unlock untapped domestic travel markets. Emphasis on digitization and targeted skill development programs can empower travel agents to adapt to emerging industry trends. Offering affordable credit facilities to small and mid-sized travel agents can strengthen financial resilience and support business growth. If these measures are included in the budget they can stimulate robust and sustainable progress in the industry.”  

Royal Jordanian Airlines is delighted to announce the launch of new non-stop routes connecting Amman with Mumbai and New Delhi. The Mumbai route will operate with four weekly flights starting on April 17, 2025, and the New Delhi route will commence with four weekly flights starting on September 17, 2025. These new routes align with Royal Jordanian’s growth and expansion strategy, focusing on positioning Jordan as a premier tourism destination for the Indian market and enhancing connectivity to over 45 global destinations. In line with the “Explore Jordan” program, the launch of these routes highlights Royal Jordanian’s commitment to showcasing Jordan as a unique tourist destination for Indian travelers. Jordan offers a rich array of experiences, blending ancient wonders like Petra and the Dead Sea with the modern vibrancy of Amman, creating an authentic and contemporary Arabian journey just five-hours away. Through these routes, Royal Jordanian aims to introduce Indian travelers to Jordan’s charm and diversity while positioning itself as a boutique airline that delivers exceptional service, connects cultures, and brings this remarkable destination closer than ever. Amman, the hub of Royal Jordanian Airlines, will serve as a gateway for Indian travelers to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, providing seamless connections to a wide range of destinations. As part of its expansion plan, Royal Jordanian will introduce 19 brand-new A320neo and Boeing 787 aircraft in 2025/26. The new routes to Mumbai and New Delhi will be served by the A320neos, featuring dual-class configurations (Economy and Business), advanced in-flight entertainment, and WiFi services to enhance the passenger experience. These state-of-the-art aircraft ensure travelers enjoy exceptional comfort, efficiency, and a seamless journey. Flights from Mumbai and New Delhi will launch …

The much-awaited MTF Premier League III, organized by MTF Events, is all set to take place on January 12, 2025, at the DSC Cricket Grounds. As the third edition of this exciting tournament, the event promises to be bigger, bolder, and more exhilarating than ever before. With 8 dynamic teams battling it out in a series of thrilling matches, the MTF Premier League has become a hallmark event for cricket enthusiasts and members of the travel trade community. Each team, comprising 15-16 skilled players, has been preparing rigorously for months to deliver top-notch cricketing action. The day-long event will feature: • Round Robin Matches to kick-start the adrenaline-pumping action. • Semi-Finals and Finals to crown the ultimate champions. • A Special Friendly Match, adding an extra dose of fun to the proceedings. But it’s not just about cricket! True to the MTF spirit, the event will also o􀆯er: • A gastronomical journey with a wide variety of food and drinks. • Live entertainment and engaging activities to keep spirits high. • Opportunities to network and unwind in a vibrant, festive atmosphere. MTF Premier League III is made possible by the generous contributions of team owners and sponsors, ensuring that the event remains a free-for-all celebration for registered players and supporters. Special Thanks to our Travel Trade Media Partners for giving us the due coverage in their publications. To enhance the excitement, we have a digital- experience with live updates and interactive engagement, including opportunities for supporters to cheer for their favorite teams through social media and on-site activities. Entry Details: • Registration is mandatory. (Open to Senior Travel Professionals only). • Walk-ins and children are not permitted. • Dress code: …

With demand still outpacing supply, Indians will continue to pay more for hotel stays and room rates, says ICRA, with the current supply pipeline lower than post-FY09. In the last two financial years, while room inventory increased by around 5%, demand grew by 8-10%. A similar trend is expected to continue in FY25 and FY26 with the pace of hotel room supply growing between 4-5% and demand increasing by 8-9 %. Although supply announcements have picked up in the last 18-24 months, it is expected to lag demand over the next few years.

The Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region has announced an inter-ministerial Tourism Task Force that has been set to develop one world-class tourism site per North East state to attract global visitors. The task force will also work towards establishing GI status for 200 unique products in the NE region and foster cultural identity and brand recognition. Tourism sites for development in each state have been identified and shared with the respective states, however, the state shall be taking a final decision on the way forward.

Sharing an update from the Ministry of Tourism, Dr Sagnik Chowdhury, Deputy Director General & Regional Director (West & Central India) at Ministry of Tourism, said “We plan to document GI tagged products all across India. In the western region we will focus on Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and the UT of Daman & Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli. We will document, photograph and develop literature on all GI tagged products in this region. They are an indicator of our heritage and culture and will help attract tourism.”

The Government of Odisha has launched a luxury cruise service on the Chilika Lake at Barkul in Khurda district. Deputy CM of Odisha Pravati Parida says, “Tourists can relish the beauty of Kalijai Island and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary while travelling on the luxury cruises at Chilika, which will undoubtedly boost tourism in the state. Commissioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the service has begun with two luxury vessels.

Global music icon Lionel Richie, whose illustrious career has spanned decades, took to the stage at Atlantis, The Palm’s world-famous New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, entertaining guests with his greatest hits and fan favourites on the biggest night of the year. Celebrated for his soulful voice and magnetic stage presence, Richie performed timeless classics including “Hello”, “All Night Long (All Night),” “Easy,” and “Brick House” along with many additional popular hits. Richie’s much-loved 60-minute set which saw him captivate audiences from all corners of the globe with his artistry on the grand piano, brought the house down in the run up to the 2025 countdown. Adding to the night’s exciting atmosphere, Atlantis Dubai lit up the sky with 12,975 fireworks spanning from Atlantis, The Palm to the world’s most ultra-luxury experiential resort, Atlantis The Royal as guests watched in wonder. More than 4,000 guests, including Dubai residents and visitors alike, rang in the new year in dazzling style. Accommodated on a custom-built deck overlooking The Palm Island and twinkling skyline, the legendary event featured a fantastic 30-piece band, free-flowing Champagne, and a lavish buffet, including 50kg of caviar, two tonnes of lobster, 300kg of Alaskan king crab and 6,000 oysters. Atlantis, The Palm also expanded its seating this year to include brand-new VIP Sky Suites, featuring enhanced amenities, award-winning dining options and breathtaking views of the stage and fireworks display to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Travel among India’s senior citizens has evolved over the years with tour agencies observing a rise in demand, especially post-pandemic for adventure and non-traditional international destinations such as Antarctica and, the North Pole. According to KareVoyage, senior citizen travel is growing 17% year-on-year while its outbound senior travel numbers have tripled between March 2021 and March 2024.