Category Archives: Agents

Amid signs of improving diplomatic ties between India and China, the travel fraternity in India expects a 20–25% increase in business from China. Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, said, “Before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, China was an important source market for Indian tourism, and we expect a gradual recovery of inbound travel from China in the coming months as direct flights resume and the e-visa process eases.” “We expect at least a 20–25% boost in tourism-related business from China within the next 12 to 18 months,” he added. According to him, tour operators are actively preparing curated itineraries, improving digital booking systems and enhancing their partnerships with Chinese counterparts to cater to the likely surge in demand.

India Cruise Forum was officially launched at ITB India in Mumbai. This multi-city B2B initiative, jointly conceptualised by STIC Travel Group and DDP Group, will connect global cruise players with India’s most dynamic travel sellers. Speaking at a panel discussion, Isha Goyal, Director & CEO, said, “Travel agents play a significant role in selling cruises. Globally, almost 70% of cruise sales is done through travel agents even in mature markets, such as the US, Australia, and Europe. It is not because cruises are difficult to sell but because there is a lot of nuanced information, and travel agents can help consumers make better choices.”

The government plans to reduce operational costs for event venues in Delhi, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. “We are committed to supporting Delhi as a global hub for live events and entertainment,” said Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Sports Minister, addressing a high-level meeting convened by the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) recently. Kapil Mishra, Tourism Minister, Delhi and Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, also attended the event, which aimed to extend support to the events industry. Mandaviya said, “By streamlining processes and reducing costs, we aim to foster a vibrant cultural scene that benefits both artists and audiences.” Addressing the event, Kapil Mishra said, “Our vision is to transform Delhi into a creative capital that celebrates art, music, and culture. This initiative will not only boost tourism but also generate large-scale employment opportunities.” Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder & Director, Wizcraft International, said the Union minister’s support will help realise the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision to promote a concert-economy to help drive tourism and grassroots development.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer, outlining a vision that places India at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tourism growth story. With over 17 years at the John Keells Group (JKH), Singhawansa steps into leadership at a time when Sri Lanka’s arrivals from India have surged by more than 30% in the first half of 2025, reaffirming India as the country’s largest source market. “Sri Lanka is one of the most accessible and exciting destinations for Indian travellers, just 90 minutes away from Chennai and Bengaluru, and under four hours from Delhi and Mumbai,” said Singhawansa. “With scale, innovation, and consistency, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is ready to elevate these connections, offering luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences that resonate deeply with Indian leisure, MICE, and wedding segments.” Cinnamon’s flagship development, Cinnamon Life Colombo, represents a US$1.2 billion integrated resort the largest of its kind in South Asia. With 687 rooms and 160,000 sq. ft. of MICE facilities for up to 5,000 guests, it is designed to position Colombo alongside Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai as a regional powerhouse for Indian weddings, corporate events, and large-scale conferences. Beyond infrastructure, the group is investing in people and purpose. The Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is equipping Sri Lanka’s workforce to meet world-class standards, while initiatives such as EmpowHer target a 30% increase in women’s participation within three years, creating safer, more inclusive hospitality workplaces. Meanwhile, Cinnamon Nature Trails, the brand’s conservation-led tourism arm, continues to offer experiential journeys from whale watching to wildlife safaris that appeal to India’s rapidly growing interest in sustainable travel. “Tourism is about economic transformation and community empowerment,” added Singhawansa. “Our …

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Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, announced that the government would make serious efforts to amplify real estate activities within proximity to upcoming and new airports to ensure sectoral growth to an intended level of 15%. He pointed out that airports generate huge footfalls not only for recreation but also for diverse economic activities in and around their vicinity. Hence, the Government intends to encourage the creation of convention centres and hotels close to such airports for multiple economic gains. The Minister emphasized that airports around New York, London, and Hong Kong operate at very high economies of scale with multiple associated activities, including real estate development. India, he said, would take a cue from these examples to develop similar utilities around new greenfield airports. According to the Minister, the government plans to add hundreds of airports to its civil aviation trajectory because of the sector’s potential for growth.

Underlining the importance of the use of vernacular languages in travel marketing, Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Head – Holidays, Thomas Cook India, says, “Travel is all about comfort, confidence, and convenience, and nothing delivers those better than communicating in one’s own language. Our data shows why regional language marketing has been such a success story for large operators like us. From websites to social media, print ads to face-to-face conversations, the adoption of local languages has consistently driven higher engagement and bookings, especially with Thomas Cook’s new initiatives like Bengali-language group tours during Durga Pooja.”

In its latest report- Beyond the Runway- Scope of Non-Aero Revenue and Aerocities in India, Knight Frank India, a leading real estate consultancy in the country, in association of National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), highlighted the growing importance of non-aero revenues in shaping the future of India’s airports and urban growth. The analysis shows that airports managed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model generate 87% of the country’s total non-aero revenue while handling 64% of total traffic. This reflects the operational efficiency of the PPP model and its critical role in diversifying airport income streams beyond traditional aeronautical revenues. The ability of PPP airports to outperform their government-operated counterparts underscores the need for robust commercial strategies. Non-aero revenue streams, including retail, food and beverage, duty-free, parking, advertising, and real estate leasing, are increasingly central to financial sustainability. With traffic set to multiply in the coming years, this diversification will become indispensable for airport operators. The report notes that India’s largest hubs Mumbai and Delhi airports generate per capita non-aero revenues of USD 20.1 and USD 18.1 respectively, nearly matching leading global benchmarks such as London Heathrow at USD 21.6 and Tokyo Haneda at USD 19.9. As per the report, India’s annual air passenger traffic is projected to grow to ~600 mn by FY 2030, up from 412 mn in 2025. This sharp growth trajectory presents both opportunities and challenges for airport operators. While capacity expansion remains vital, monetising this rising passenger base through non-aero revenue channels will be equally critical to financial sustainability.

Skal Bombay 144 has elected its Managing Committee for the term 2025 – 27 durig the AGM held at IMC in Mumbai recently. Burjis Mehta continues as the President, Muffazzal Hafiji is Vice President 1 and Deepan Shah is Vice President 2. Satyaprakash Gupta has been elected as * Secretary and Nishant Mehta is the new Treasurer.

Cross Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, strategically positioned as an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers seeking accommodation solutions in Bangkok’s bustling Central Business District. Conveniently situated in the vibrant Sukhumvit area, Away Bangkok Sukhumvit offers unparalleled access to Bangkok’s key transportation links, including BTS Asok, BTS Phrom Phong, and MRT Sukhumvit stations. The hotel is easily accessible from both Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), ensuring seamless connectivity for international travellers. Guests will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to significant business and leisure landmarks, including the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Benjakitti Park, Benjasiri Park, Terminal 21, and The EM District, comprising Emporium, EmQuartier, and the new Emsphere. This location provides guests the advantage of exploring business hubs, shopping destinations, restaurants, and entertainment venues with ease. Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, introducing itself as an “Urban Sanctuary,” features 75 well-appointed guestrooms catering to various preferences. Guests can enjoy diverse culinary experiences at Twenty / 22 Bar & Restaurant. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant offers an array of Thai and international options, from classic Pad Thai to juicy burgers and refreshing drinks. Additional facilities include a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and a modern gym, providing guests with leisure activities that complement the hotel’s ethos of “Escape Everyday Life.” Opportunity for Travel Agents Away Bangkok Sukhumvit presents travel agents with a compelling proposition: a lifestyle hotel offering a blend of strategic location, varied room categories, and comprehensive amenities that meet both business and leisure expectations. It is crafted to deliver an elevated guest experience in a prime Bangkok setting.