Sharing his expectations from the upcoming VirtuallyYoursSouthAfrica roadshow on October 20, Vuyani Dayimani, CEO – Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency, says, “The Eastern Cape Province is the jewel of South Africa; it offers tourists authentic experiences from bungee jumping off the highest bridge in the southern hemisphere, to big seven safari, hiking diverse trails, being the birth and resting place of Nelson Mandela. Its hospitable people and unique culture and heritage, endless coastal line, myriad of outdoor activities, adventure sports, and urban life experiences spread across different regions make it a destination for all seasons. ECPTA hopes to be able to showcase all of this and more at the expo, after two years of presenting the destination to Indian Travel Trade partners, the agency seeks to see Eastern Cape included in more travel packages to South Africa with the focus on increasing bed nights and geographic spread.”

Sudesh Poddar, recently-elected president of Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India, says, “In spite of several requests to all state governments we haven’t been able to get any relaxation of property tax. There has been no relaxation of excise license fees too. We have sent several letters and sent delegations to respective departments without any effect. We have met several ministries and relevant government departments with our requests, but we haven’t been able to resolve these issues.”  

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will be launching another Bharat Darshan tourist train from Madhya Pradesh October 8 in a bid to promote religious tourism in the country. The launch comes days after the IRCTC started a similar ‘tourist train’, which is meant to explore the five northeastern states under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative. These tour packages are meant to be all-encompassing, with the IRCTC team taking care of all the travel needs of the passengers.

Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has done a special tie-up with Sarovar Hotels across India for offering special hotel rates to TAFI members. An initiative by the TAFI Hotels & Resorts Committee, the tie up will allow members to sell inventory of these hotels and resorts using these special rates for their clients. Jigar Dudakiya, Committee Representative, TAFI, says, “To use the facilities, TAFI members must have a TAFI logo and membership number on their email signature. The same will be verified and checked for authenticity by principals. Team TAFI is Pro-actively working to get more such deals to benefit their members.”

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.