At the recently concluded ITB India 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed between the Iranian Tour Operators Association (ITOA) and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI). This collaboration marked a significant milestone in strengthening tourism ties between India and Iran. The MoU was signed by Mostafa Shafie Shakib, Chairman of ITOA, and Riaz Munshi, President of OTOAI. The signing ceremony took place at OTOAI Booth no. D29 at ITB India and was witnessed by distinguished members of both associations, including Shravan Bhalla, Vice President of OTOAI, and Monia Kapoor, Joint Secretary of OTOAI. This event…
Author: Disha Ghosh
Collinson International’s 2024 Travel Benefits and Engagement Report reveals millennials in India are spending as high as USD 6,031 per annum on travel. Travel is one of the highest credit card spend categories for survey respondents in India, accounting for almost a third (27%) of annual expenditure. Millennials in India spend the most on travel (USD 6,031 per annum) when compared to other generations. 93% of Indian survey respondents agreed that travel rewards or benefits encourage credit card use for everyday spending and travel expenses, with more than half of the total survey respondents (52%) having redeemed such rewards and…
Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (AAHL) has introduced “aviio,” a digital transformation platform designed to enhance the airport ecosystem in India. As a first-of-its-kind initiative, aviio aims to foster greater collaboration within the aviation community, improving passenger experience and operational efficiency. The platform offers real-time data access to airport stakeholders, enabling passengers to receive timely updates on security checks, wait times, gate changes, and baggage status. An official communique stated that through this innovation, AAHL seeks to redefine airport operations and set new global benchmarks for seamless airport management. The aviio platform, built to cater to the unique requirements of AAHL’s…
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday released an advisory circular outlining the baseline airworthiness criteria for the type certification of Vertical Take-Off and Landing capable aircraft (VCA). The VCA at present is powered by electrical system. This significant step aims to streamline the certification process and ensure the safety and reliability of emerging electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies in India. The advisory provides comprehensive safety requirements on the design, construction, structural strength, flight performance, equipment, power plant installation, flight crew interface and other information required for type certification of eVTOL aircraft. This circular has been…
Yas Island Abu Dhabi has recently enhanced its guest experience with the launch of the Yas Island Lounge at the arrivals area of the new Zayed International Airport. The lounge was inaugurated by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, and Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports. This modern facility serves as a convenient and welcoming space for visitors, offering a seamless transition from the airport to their accommodations on Yas Island. The Yas Island Lounge provides a relaxing environment where visitors can learn about the island’s many attractions, make bookings, and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages.…
In a latest development ahead of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) elections, former President Iqbal Mulla has announced his candidacy for the top position. Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor, Mulla emphasised a growing demand for change among members, vowing to focus on practical solutions that address the everyday challenges of the travel industry. Mulla identified taxation and compliance as the biggest hurdles facing the industry, particularly highlighting the need for clarification and reduction in GST rates for tour operators and travel agencies. He called for action on simplifying Input Tax Credit (ITC) complexities, especially for packaged tours and services…
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is set to conduct elections for the national leadership on September 30 at ITC Maratha in Mumbai. Talking to TravelBiz Monitor, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said, “The elections are due this month on the 30th with the team completing their two-year tenure. I will be filing my nomination for the President’s post.” Talking about her tenure of leading the oldest and largest travel trade association in India, Mayal said, “It has been a long journey of various ups and downs that we have withered with great zeal. I have ensured we continuously engage…
South Africa is set to launch a new visa initiative in January 2025, offering a 90-day visa waiver for Indian tourists as part of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). The programme aims to simplify the visa process for tourists from India and China by allowing pre-approved and registered tour operators to handle group visa applications. This initiative is designed to attract more tourists from these critical markets, with Indian tourists currently making up just 3.9% of South Africa’s international arrivals. The TTOS will expedite visa processing through a dedicated team, addressing the preference of many tourists from India and…
Visit Qatar has concluded its two-city roadshow in New Delhi and Mumbai. The event brought together 25 key partners, providing an exclusive platform to engage with over 200 of India’s top travel agents and tour operators. This initiative showcased Qatar’s versatile appeal, catering to a wide range of travellers – from leisure seekers to business tourists, highlighting the country’s diverse tourism offerings. Qatar’s proximity to India, combined with Qatar Airways’ extensive global network and visa-free policy for Indian nationals with a Discover Qatar accommodation voucher, further enhances its appeal as a top destination in the Middle East. Additionally, Indians holding…
Discover the World has entered into a partnership with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, to expand its presence in the Indian market. This strategic alliance aims to introduce Indian travellers to the unparalleled experience of river cruising with AmaWaterways, known for its service, innovative ship design, and diverse itineraries across the world’s most iconic rivers. Key Highlights of the Partnership: • Exclusive Access to Premium River Cruises: Discover the World will represent AmaWaterways’ extensive portfolio of river cruises, offering Indian travellers exclusive access to some of the most sought-after itineraries in the industry. • Tailored Travel Experiences: With…
