Category Archives: Agents

TAAI’s 68th Convention & Exhibition is all set to take place from 17 to 19 September in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in collaboration with the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Celebrating its 74 years, the event will revolve around the theme, “Business with Goodness,” focusing on purposeful networking, thought leadership sessions, and meaningful industry engagement.

Manoj Samuel, CEO & Director, Riya Travel, noted that inbound tourism remains slow and infrastructure gaps persist. He highlighted Mumbai’s potential with its new airport and emphasised the need for improvement. “We are actively boosting trade engagement through roadshows and joint promotions, targeting not just tier I cities but tier II and III markets as well”, he said.

Avalon Waterways has carved an undisputed niche with their luxury river cruising, offering discerning travellers a refined yet relaxed way to explore Europe’s most iconic rivers. With its award-winning ships and immersive itineraries, Avalon has now become the cruise line of choice for small groups seeking to script unique memories in an apt setting. From milestone anniversaries to alumni reunions, ladies’ getaways, and club gatherings, Avalon transforms small group travel into unforgettable shared experiences. “We’re seeing an incredible rise in affinity groups choosing Avalon,” says Varesh Chopra, Managing Director – India, Middle East & South Asia. “Our intimate setting, seamless services with personalised experiences resonate deeply with travellers who want to connect, celebrate, and explore without the usual hassles.” Small groups are there to see more of each other while traveling in an unhurried manner rather than queuing up for each meal or excursion. One of the top reasons such groups love Avalon is the ease of the all-inclusive format and the personalised atmosphere on board. No coordinating hotel stays, sightseeing, transportation, or meals. Unlike large ocean liners, Avalon’s ships carry an average of 150 guests, creating a boutique luxury setting on the water. Groups numbering anything from 10 to 30 pax, enjoy the spacious suites, sun decks, and elegant spaces – all designed for making meaningful connections rather than meeting crowds. The truly all-inclusive format includes stay in award winning Panorama Suites, flexible gourmet dining options with local wines & beers even a really ‘Happy Hour’ each day, Services of a professional Cruise Director & expertly guided sightseeing with choices allowing both organizers and guests to focus entirely on creating memories. Travelers indulge in the local culture through evening …

The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH)  announces its most significant policy dialogue since the onset of the pandemic—the FAITH Conclave 2025—scheduled to be held on 12–13 August 2025 at The Taj Palace, New Delhi. Under the theme ‘Indian Tourism: Invincible Spirit’, this landmark event will bring together top leaders from both government and industry to collaboratively drive the shared goal of establishing India as a global tourism powerhouse by 2047. A Vision for 2047: $3 Trillion, 200 Million Tourism Jobs FAITH Conclave 2025 is a cornerstone in shaping the path to Tourism@2047—a bold, inclusive and achievable roadmap for India to become a top 5 global tourism economy. Discussions will focus on: Milestones for achieving India’s $3 trillion tourism vision Creating a pan-India tourism growth narrative Deepening Centre-State-Industry alignment Urgent steps to increase Inbound Tourism to India  Making tourism a concurrent subject in the Constitution Securing export industry status for tourism Reforming GST across the tourism value chain Spotlight on Tourism Reforms Key areas of discussion include: Developing a country-specific inbound strategy Boosting rural, wellness and spiritual tourism circuits Creating destination-specific marketing and infrastructure plans Confirmed Dignitaries & Thought Leaders: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon’ble Minister for DONER ShriRohanKhaunte, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Goa Senior functionaries from the Ministry of Tourism Industry leaders including: Mr Amitabh Kant (Former G20 Sherpa) Mr Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of Indian Hotels Company Ltd. Mr Rajesh Magow (Group CEO, MakeMyTrip) Mr Pieter Elbers (CEO, IndiGo) Mr Dipak Deva (MD, TCI) Mr Anil Chadha (MD, ITC Hotels) Mr K B Kachru (Chairman Emeritus, Radisson Hotels) Ms Homa Mistry (CEO, Trail Blazer Tours) And many more… FAITH’s structure ensures that every member association—ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI, has equal representation and …

Sabre’s global travel agency survey finds that 75% of them say the number of content connections has grown over the past three years and 80%+ believe that unified access through a single platform would reduce technology costs. At the same time, AI is seen as a powerful remedy, with 91% of agencies believing it can enhance both productivity and the customer experience. Yet, 41% remain concerned about AI’s long-term implications for the workforce, reinforcing the need for smart, responsible implementation.

Speaking at a Heritage Tourism Conclave in New Delhi, Rajender Kumar, Secretary – Tourism, Civil Aviation, Devasthanam Management & Pilgrimage, Government of Gujarat, outlined the state’s proactive vision for inclusive heritage tourism, stating, “We are not only restoring monuments but also ensuring direct benefits to local communities through jobs, infrastructure, and cultural pride.”

India has strengthened its position on the global business travel map as it has been ranked among the world’s top 15 business travel markets, recording US$43 billion of spending in 2025. This places India at eighth position globally, just behind South Korea and ahead of Italy and Brazil. Along with South Korea and Turkey, India is identified as one of the fastest-growing markets in the 2025 forecast.

Bhutan Tourism has revealed that Indian tourists were the largest group to arrive into the country with 94,280 visitors in 2024. Of this, 55,000 Indians entered via the Phuentsholing land border, and 10,000 enter by air through Paro Airport. India continues to be the dominant source market, and with 65,393 visitors in the first half of 2025, they have already reached nearly 70% of their total 2024 visitor numbers.

Akoya Hotel & Spa, a luxurious and award-winning 5-star property nestled on the pristine shores of Réunion Island, has announced the appointment of Global Destinations as its official sales and marketing representative in India. This partnership represents a major milestone in Akoya’s global expansion strategy, with a strong emphasis on the rapidly growing Indian outbound travel market. Leveraging their extensive industry expertise and well-established network within the Indian travel trade, Global Destinations will lead efforts to position Akoya Hotel & Spa as a top choice for Indian luxury travelers, honeymooners, families, and bespoke MICE groups. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Akoya Hotel & Spa seamlessly blends French sophistication with the serene charm of island life. The property features 104 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each offering private balconies or terraces with sweeping views of the ocean or lush tropical gardens. Guests are invited to indulge in a luxurious yet intimate experience — from sunrise breakfasts by the pool to romantic dinners under the stars, every moment at Akoya is thoughtfully curated to inspire relaxation and refined indulgence. “India is a key market for us, with a growing demand for immersive, long-haul luxury experiences,” said Joel Narayanin, CEO of Akoya Hotel & Spa. “With Global Destinations as our trusted partner In India, we are confident in reaching the right audiences and inspiring Indian travelers to explore the magic of Réunion through Akoya”.  Pranav Kapadia, Founder of Global Destinations, added: “Akoya Hotel & Spa is the kind of property Indian travelers dream about—stunning, serene, and rich in experiences. With its French heritage, immersive wellness offerings, and tropical allure, it’s the perfect blend of familiarity and discovery. We’re excited to …

ITA Airways is Official Airline Carrier of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale di Venezia, one of the most important cinematographic events internationally, which will take place from August 27th to September 6th in Venice Lido. ITA Airways participation to the Biennale Cinema 2025 reaffirms the Company’s role not only as ambassador of our country’s excellence and cultural heritage in the world but also as reference Italian carrier. Furthermore, supporting national cinema, art, and culture represents a choice that is consistent and strictly integrated with ITA Airways’ corporate identity. Thanks to this partnership, the Company establishes itself as Official Airline Carrier of the International Exhibition of Cinematographic Arts – La Biennale di Venezia for three consecutive years, until 2027. “Being Official Airline Carrier of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale di Venezia is much more than a simple partnership for us, it is an honor and a true homage to one of the most iconic events in the world in a city – Venice – that includes all key elements our country is known for – history, excellence, creativity, and style. – affirmed Joerg Eberhart, ITA Airways’ CEO and General Manager – Supporting such a prestigious event confirms ITA Airways’ central role not only as reference carrier connecting Italy with the rest of the world but as Made in Italy ambassador as well. The Venice International Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia, art and culture’s global showcase, reflects innovation, style, and culture – core values of our country which ITA Airways continuously strives to enhance”.