Category Archives: Agents

In a focused endeavour aimed at bringing back confidence in travel amidst global uncertainty, Thomas Cook (India) and its group company SOTC Travel, have launched ‘TravSure’. This first-of-its-kind, safe travel program reiterates Thomas Cook and SOTC’s customer-first commitment – and delivers a stress-free journey with comprehensive support and financial protection. Emergency situations result in significant disruption to travel plans for customers – including cancellations, charges and rescheduling.  Understanding the multiple pain-points during emergency situations, TravSure has been meaningfully designed to provide customers with 24/7 assistance-support via a dedicated representative. Importantly, the program protects travellers from financial burdens by covering costs that arise during such unforeseen events. With traditional travel insurance policies typically excluding war/war-like and force majeure scenarios, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s TravSure is a bold industry-first initiative, designed to fill that critical gap and financially safeguard their international group tour customers. The program offers protection against travel emergencies such as flight suspensions, trip curtailments due to war/war-like situations, political unrest, riots, airspace closures, etc. TravSure aims at empowering customers: travel with confidence, knowing that you are protected at every step.

Arjun Baljee, President Royal Orchid Hotels has said that Regenta Z – the everywhere budget hotel brand to explore every neighbourhood, is something he is excited about. “It’s fresh, vibrant, and designed for the new-age traveller. Today’s Gen Z and millennials don’t just want a place to stay—they want an experience. Regenta Z brings together style, tech, art, and social connection in a fun and affordable format. We’re creating spaces where people can work, chill, and share their journeys. It’s bold, it’s local, and we believe it will really connect with today’s digitally driven, experience-seeking crowd,” he says.

According to a new study from Marriott International, luxury travellers in Asia Pacific are approaching their journeys with both confidence and discernment, as 72% plan to increase their spending on high-end travel in the coming year. This growth is led by travelers in Australia (85%), Indonesia (81%), and Singapore (80%), who are showing the strongest intent to invest more in premium experiences. Among all travel types, family travel stands out as the top priority for spending, with 47% of affluent travelers most willing to splurge when journeying with their immediate families.

Cross Hotels & Resorts in Thailand invites the Indian travel trade for an exclusive webinar on 4 July at 3 pm IST, focusing on its latest offerings. Get insights to help create enriched itineraries for your corporate clients, showcasing the best of what the hotels has to offer. For more info, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Speaking about the challenges in booking international train travel, Björn Bender – CEO & Executive Chairman – Rail Europe, says “It is still too complicated – too fragmented. We don’t need more apps, we need more cooperation. We don’t need more ‘mobility talk’, we need open standards, transparent fares and access to data. That’s where our energy and resources goes, every day.”

With the support of its members in Bihar, ADTOI has launched its fifteenth state chapter at a ceremony on 28th June 2025 in Patna. It was attended by state govt. officials, stakeholders of the industry from the state, ADTOI MC Team led by Ved Khanna, President, and members from Bihar. Nand Kishore, MD Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation of Patna was the Chief Guest. This initiative of ADTOI shall make the Chapter Office Bearers to work closely with the State Tourism authorities and stakeholders in the State to bring more domestic tourists to the state. The Chapter Chairman is Prabhat Kumar, Visit Bihar Destination Management, Secretary is Rajesh Kumar, Indian Tourist Bureau, the Treasurer is Sachin Sharma, Shyam Forex Tours & Travels. Khanna in his address emphasised the necessity of having State Chapter for coordination with State Tourism authorities and the stakeholders in the State to bring winds of change in the progressive growth of tourism that will bring economic benefits to the state in many ways. Members are requested to extend their full support to our Bihar Chapter in promoting the destinations in the State among the domestic tourists to increase the tourist traffic in the State. The association has also signed an MoU with Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority to jointly organise ‘ANDHRA PRADESH – ADTOI NATIONAL TOURISM MART-2025 from 17-19 September 2025 in Visakhapatnam. This initiative aims to position Andhra Pradesh as a leading destination for domestic tourism and will serve as a unique platform for industry stakeholders, tour operators and travel professionals to collaborate and showcase the diverse tourism offerings of the region.

Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural edition of ETAA Business Partners Meet 2024 which brought together over 100 travel agents and 25+ B2B partners including international and domestic tourism boards, hotels, DMCs, and VFS Global, the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) is excited to announce the 2025 edition of this highly anticipated event on July 11, 2025 in Mumbai. Dharmesh Advani, ETAA National Board Member, shares, “This year, the response has been even more enthusiastic—all tables were sold out within two weeks. The event will feature engaging and informative presentations by Global Destinations, along with participation from leading DMCs, Malaysian tourism board, Airlines, and VFS. Our official insurance partner, Asego, will also be present to guide attendees on comprehensive travel insurance solutions.” The event is open to both ETAA Members and Non-Members — all B2C travel agents are welcome! Contact Abhijit Khadilkar at +919820092837 for more details or register directly here.

As fireworks burst across the National Mall next Friday night, the countdown to America’s 250th in the nation’s capital will begin with a flourish. Washington, DC will serve as center stage for the national celebration in 2026, with the city’s international symbols of American independence, rich history and local culture at the heart of the festivities. Major new openings across the city – including an immersive museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, renovations to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and completion of the National Air and Space Museum – combined with a full calendar of special events, festivals and exhibitions – make Washington, DC the place to be all year. “Throughout 2026, nowhere will the celebration for America’s 250th be more spectacular than the nation’s capital,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “There’s only one place visitors will find the complete package for the occasion: special programming, can’t-miss experiences, new attractions, excitement, value, the Declaration of Independence itself, and ways to learn about its impact on different segments of the population.” Destination DC and a growing list of more than 75 participating organizations from the local tourism and hospitality community are planning an inclusive, citywide celebration, extending from the National Mall to the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, places and people.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, is organising an exclusive webinar for the Indian trade on 2 July at 3 pm. Speakers from Oman Air, JW Marriott Muscat and Zahara Tours will highlight the latest offerings. Register and attend for a chance to win exciting prizes. For details, contact jaspreetkaur@ddppl.com.

Turtle Down Under in collaboration with Tourism Australia will conduct a webinar today at 12pm, highlighting the different experiences that visitors can indulge in when travelling to Australia. It will include exclusive destination presentations from tourism board members. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.