Travel Trade Journal - TTJ February 2025

In dieser Angelegenheit

As always, we bring you a rich mix of insights and updates from across the travel industry. Looking ahead to 2025, we have gathered key perspectives from outbound travel stakeholders and DMCs, offering valuable foresight into this evolving segment.

This issue also covers the recent TAFI Convention in Vietnam, which was widely recognised for delivering a powerful message on sustainability and responsible travel. Additionally, we take a deep dive into the 2025-26 Budget, analysing its impact on the travel sector, and explore a thought-provoking question: Is artificial intelligence—and its applications—a boon or a bane for humankind?

In addition, we shine spotlight on industry stalwarts, celebrating their invaluable contributions and insights. Our FAM reports this month transport you to fascinating destinations, including Saudi, and Moscow, providing firsthand experiences and fresh perspectives.
A major highlight of this edition is our special feature on TTJ Konnect, our debut event in Delhi, which successfully brought together industry partners for meaningful networking and collaboration.

We are excited to share these stories with you and hope this issue inspires new ideas and opportunities as we embrace another dynamic year in travel

Happy Reading!

VFS Global Champions Innovation, Partnerships, and Sustainability in Travel

At the TAFI Convention 2025, held in the breathtaking city of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, VFS Global was honoured with two prestigious awards, solidifying its reputation as a game-changer in the global travel and tourism industry. The accolades reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, partnerships, and sustainability, shaping the future of international travel.

3 mins

ProChile at 50 Strengthening Chile-India Trade and Tourism Ties

As ProChile celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organisation continues to enhance Chile’s global image as a vibrant hub for trade, culture, and tourism. In an exclusive conversation with TTJ, H.E. Juan Angulo Monsalve, Ambassador of Chile to India, and Jorge Loyola Castro, Chilean Trade Commissioner to India, Embassy of Chile, highlight the significance of this milestone year, particularly in strengthening Chile-India relations.

4 mins

Minor Hotels Set to Craft Extraordinary Experiences Through Local Culture

Minor Hotels has established itself as a forward-thinking leader in the global hospitality industry, driven by an innovative approach. In this exclusive interaction with TTJ, Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia, Minor Hotels, unveils the company’s bold vision for global expansion, with a particular focus on the rapidly growing markets of Asia and India. Minor Hotels is reshaping the hospitality landscape through innovative brand concepts, its unique asset right’ strategy, and capitalising on India’s rising appeal as a destination for luxury and immersive travel experiences.

6 mins

Authentic Greek Roots for a Worldwide Audience with Myconian Collection

The Greek island of Mykonos has long been synonymous with cosmopolitan glamour, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Yet, behind the island’s dazzling reputation lies a rich cultural heritage and a tradition of heartfelt hospitality, qualities that the Myconian Collection has nurtured from the beginning. Founded in 1979 by Mykonos natives Eleftheria and George, the Collection began life as a simple three-star, bed-and-breakfaststyle hotel. Today, it is a constellation of 14 five-star properties under affiliations such as Relais & Châteaux and other luxury hotel groups.

3 mins

TRAVEL AGENTS - The Real Catalysts Behind the India Outbound Boom

Tour operators and travel agents are at the forefront of India’s outbound boom, propelling the country’s rise as a top source market for international destinations. This explosive growth has transformed the India outbound story into a thrilling saga of opportunity and innovation. As the world rolls out the red carpet for Indian travellers across every segment, agents are the driving force—navigating trends, overcoming challenges, and crafting strategies to shape the future of this rapidly changing market. TTJ seeks to uncover the insights and strategies shaping this remarkable trajectory.

7 mins

Saudi Beyond the Dunes A transformative journey through time

For long I had heard whispers of Saudi’s enigmatic beauty. They called it a land where ancient stories are etched into sandstone cliffs, where the past and the future intertwine seamlessly. But whispers, no matter how enticing, rarely ever capture the true essence of a place. So, it wasn’t until I set foot in this mesmerising land upon the invitation of the Saudi Tourism Authority that I truly understood what the hype was all about. Jeddah, AlUla, and Riyadh—three destinations, three completely different worlds, each unfolded like chapters in an epic novel. I approached them with a blank slate, letting their magic paint vivid strokes on the canvas of my mind.

10 mins

Deep Dive into Rhodes' All-Season Potential with Nikolas Kavalieros

Greece has long been associated with iconic islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, often attracting visitors in a seasonal surge limited to the warmer months. However, traveller preferences have evolved towards yearround, experience-rich destinations. Forward-looking enterprises reimagined what Greece could offer to these emerging markets. One such innovator is the World of Travel Factory (WOTF) Group, a Destination Management Company (DMC) specialising in Mediterranean locales, including Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Under the direction of Managing Director, Nikolas Kavalieros, WOTF has taken the lead in introducing the Indian travel market to Rhodes—a lesser-known yet thriving Greek destination - positioning it as a viable, 12-month, multi-experience option.

4 mins

India Surges to #2 Spot for Overseas Arrivals to the USA in 2024

Brand USA successfully hosted its 11th India Sales and Media Mission from January 20-22, 2025, at the Taj Krishna in Hyderabad. The event brought together an impressive delegation of 48 US tourism companies and 67 exhibitors, engaging with 123 senior Indian travel trade and media professionals.

2 mins

FLY24HRS Scaling Travel Solutions with Innovation and Transparency

FLY24HRS is more than an air ticket consolidator—it is a game changer in the travel industry. It is the brainchild of S.R Chaudhary, Founder and CEO, FLY24HRS, an entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges. From humble beginnings to an industry leader, he shares the insights and strategies that fuelled his journey, transforming a ground-up idea into a successful business.

3 mins

Trulyy India embraces Future-Ready Hospitality

How we travel is evolving rapidly, shaped by shifting preferences, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Travellers today seek more than just sightseeing; they look for meaningful experiences, cultural interactions, and deeper connections with the destinations they visit. Naresh Arora, Founder and CEO of Trulyy India Hotels, Resorts, Camps, and Safaris, is embracing these changes by integrating cultural elements, eco-friendly practices, and technology into his hospitality approach.

3 mins

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE A MIRACLE OR A FRANKENSTEIN?

The introduction of personal computers in the last quarter of the 20th century transformed the world as we know it today, but initially, it all came with its own set of apprehensions and fears. The World Wide Web (WWW) created a transformation like no other as humanity entered the 21st century. Now, as we approach the second quarter of the century, a new technology that has the potential to control humanity stares us in the face: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

5 mins

Moscow During Winters A Compelling Destination with an Extra Layer of Magic

In December 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC) BRICS Edition in Moscow, where the city revealed itself in its winter splendour—a true fairytale setting. With temperatures plunging to -10°C, Moscow’s iconic landmarks were dusted with snow, and the air was crisp and refreshing. The chill added to the city’s charm as we wandered through its snowy streets, admiring architectural marvels, vibrant Christmas markets, and a mix of the old and new, all while being introduced to the city’s remarkable MICE potential.

7 mins

TAFI 2025 Convention ignites powerful conversations on sustainability and responsible tourism

TAFI 2025 Convention was instrumental in sending a powerful message advocating for sustainability and responsible tourism. Through thought-provoking discussions, strategic collaborations, and eco-conscious excursions, the convention reinforced the collective responsibility of the tourism industry to build a sustainable future. The convention also served as a platform to promote cultural exchange and strengthen tourism ties between India and Vietnam.

3 mins

First Edition of TTJ Konnect Ushers in a New Trend in Business Networking

The inaugural edition of TTJ Konnect, held in association with TBO. com, made a grand debut at The Imperial Club, New Delhi.

2 mins

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Travel Trade Journal Magazine Description:

Sampan Media's monthly publication 'Travel Trade Journal ' is devoted to strategic and policy issues in the travel and tourism sector covering all news and views related to agents, national & international tourism boards, hotel industry, transportation, government policies and civil aviation sector in the country.