Tag Archives: B2B

Big Bus Tours appoints Auxilia Networks as India Representative

Indian tourism consultancy firm Auxilia Networks has been appointed as exclusive India Representative for the iconic global hop-on hop-off bus tour brand, Big Bus Tours Group.

Auxilia will promote the Big Bus portfolio of open-top sightseeing bus tours in over 25 of the world’s most popular cities across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. They will also promote the company’s other multi-national brands including leading UAE travel company Tour Dubai.

Alexi Tabrizi, Executive VP, Global Sales, Big Bus Tours, said, “India has become a key source market for our global tours across all 4 continents that we operate in. Engaging with this market is critical for us to achieve our global growth targets. The Indian traveller is aware, aspiring, and forever looking to explore new cities and destinations and there’s no better way to do that than to take one of our open-top bus tours with accompanying commentary. India is a vast and varied country, so we sought a partner with a deep and comprehensive knowledge of the market along with a solid network of trade and media contacts. Auxilia ticked several boxes for us and we’re delighted to be working with PB and his team.”

Phil Boggon, Chief Commercial Officer, Big Bus Tours, said, “We very much look forward to working with Paramjit and his team at Auxilia Networks in our new partnership to bring the Big Bus Tours Group global portfolio of experiences to the Indian market. We can’t wait to welcome many more Indian customers to the cities that we showcase, where we can provide them with a range of experiences, from hopping on one of our Big Bus Tours buses, splashing aboard our Singapore Duck Tours, to enjoying Tour Dubai’s fantastic Desert Safaris or Dhow Cruises. We are confident that our partnership with Auxilia Networks will help us reach and serve this growing and dynamic market.”

Paramjit Bawa, Founder & Principal, Auxilia Networks, said, “We are absolutely thrilled that Big Bus Tours chose Auxilia as their partner in India. What an addition to our family of premium international partners they are – we’re talking about the biggest operator of open-top sightseeing bus tours in the whole world, a truly iconic global brand – in over 25 cities across 4 continents. As an example of our ambition to partner with the best companies in their respective fields, Big Bus are pretty hard to beat. We will promote their sightseeing tours and other verticals under their global umbrella through a mix of B2B and B2C activities, PR and media engagement.”

 

Sri Lanka sees 200,000 Indian tourists during early 2024

In early 2024, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector recorded nearly 200,000 visitors from India.

The country has ramped up efforts to attract Indian tourists, employing various strategies to showcase its diverse attractions. A key event in this campaign was a networking cruise on the Ganges in Kolkata last week. The event, attended by Kolkata’s travel agents, industry leaders, and a delegation from Sri Lanka, aimed to strengthen ties and promote Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings.

Chalaka D Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, emphasised tourism’s importance as the island’s third-largest revenue stream. He noted the sector’s evolution to include sports, culture, spirituality, and history. Recent years have seen Sri Lanka enhance its presence in India through strategic B2B engagements and participation in global travel trade shows.

Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs, expressed gratitude for India’s support in advancing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. He highlighted tourism revenues exceeding USD 2 billion in 2023 and over USD 1.25 billion in the first four months of 2024. The Minister aims to attract 2.5 million tourists in 2024, supported by visa-free entry for Indian travellers.

The focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism is also significant, with Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, noting India’s importance as a key market. The MICE sector’s share of total tourist arrivals is expected to rise from 9.5% in 2023 to 12 per cent in 2024, with revenue targets set at USD 550 million for 2024 and USD 1.36 billion by 2026.

Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart takes place in Jaipur from Sept 13 to 15

 

The fourth edition of the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) is set to take place from September 13 to 15, 2024, at the Birla Auditorium in Jaipur. The event, themed “Wedding, Incentive, Conference, and Event” (WICE), aims to showcase Rajasthan’s capabilities in hosting weddings, incentives, conferences, and events.

His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur announced the event, emphasising the significance of the wedding industry for Rajasthan and the state’s potential as a premier destination for weddings and related events. The RDTM will provide a platform for stakeholders in the tourism sector to showcase their offerings, including heritage, adventure, wildlife, pilgrimage, weddings, eco-tourism, and village tourism.

The event will facilitate B2B meetings and networking opportunities under one roof. This year’s edition aims to highlight Rajasthan’s unique appeal as a wedding destination on a global scale, further boosting the state’s tourism industry.

The Stakeholders Meet began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, led by HH Maharaja Gaj Singh, alongside key dignitaries including Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department Smt. Gayatri Rathore, Tourism Department Director Dr. Rashmi Sharma, FHTR and HRAR President Kuldeep Singh Chandela, FHTR Senior Vice President and FICCI Rajasthan Co-Chairman Surendra Singh Shahpura, Jodhana Hotels and Restaurants Association (JARA) President J.M. Boob, TAAJ President Maharaj Chandrashekhar Singh, RATO President Mahendra Singh, and FHTR General Secretary CA Virendra Singh Shekhawat.

Other notable speakers at the event included Rituraj Khanna, CEO, Q Events; Meenakshi Berry, Managing Director of Meetings and Events by Eunoia; Thakur Siddharth Singh, Executive at IHHA; Mahavir Sharma, Executive of the Federation of Rajasthan Event Managers; and Sameer Babel, President of the Association of Event Entrepreneurs.

The RDTM is expected to attract a significant number of attendees from the tourism sector, providing an unparalleled platform for networking and business opportunities.

Turkiye Tourism, OTOAI to conduct Mega Fam for members

Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has partnered with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) to organise a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members.

Taking place from June 30 to July 6 2024, this initiative is dedicated to highlighting the myriad attractions of Türkiye to Indian travel agents. A total of 40 OTOAI members from across India will be participating in this exciting endeavour, representing diverse regions and tourism interests.

OTOAI’s collaboration with TGA reflects a shared commitment to nurturing tourism partnerships and facilitating meaningful exchanges within the travel industry, further strengthening ties between India and Türkiye.

The upcoming familiarisation trip will offer OTOAI members an immersive journey through Türkiye’s iconic destinations, ensuring an experience rich in cultural exploration and scenic marvels. Covering the cities of İstanbul, Antalya, and İzmir with specific visits to Pamukkale and Kuşadası, participants will explore the diverse array of attractions that Türkiye has to offer, ranging from ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders. Each stop on the itinerary is meticulously curated to highlight Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and renowned hospitality, providing OTOAI members with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tourism offerings.

In addition to sightseeing excursions, the trip will also include strategic B2B meetings scheduled in İstanbul, where Turkish tourism sector representatives and Indian travel agents will convene to foster meaningful discussions and forge valuable partnerships. These meetings are expected to serve as a pivotal platform for collaboration, allowing industry professionals to explore innovative avenues for enhancing tourism between India and Türkiye. By facilitating dialogue and exchange, the aim is to strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable growth in the tourism sector, that both nations can benefit from.

Speaking about the collaboration, İsmail Bütün, General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) said, “India has emerged as a pivotal market for the Turkish tourism sector witnessing a consistent surge in Indian tourists annually. Our partnership with OTOAI propels us to further connect with and cater to discerning Indian travellers, fostering deeper cultural exchanges and enriching experiences. This endeavour will foster enduring partnerships within the Indian travel trade fraternity, enabling them to gain firsthand experience of everything Türkiye offers as a destination.”

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “OTOAI is delighted to collaborate with TGA for this exciting initiative. As India’s leading outbound tour operators association, we are committed to promoting international travel and fostering collaborations that benefit our members and the global tourism industry at large. This familiarisation trip will provide our members with valuable insights into Türkiye’s tourism offerings and facilitate networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the Turkish tourism sector.”

In the 2023, Türkiye hosted approximately 275,000 Indian tourists, and the country anticipates a further increase for 2024.

EaseMyTrip acquires minority stake in ETrav Tech

EaseMyTrip has invested about USD 4 million in ETrav Tech, giving it a 4.94% stake in the company and boosting its effort to grow its non-air segments.

ETrav Tech is a B2B company serving travel agents with content such as air tickets, hotel bookings, holiday packages, visa services, travel insurance, car rentals and bus tickets. The company said it currently serves more than 30,000 travel agents, 600 distributors and 700 clients that use its API or white label services.

“We are aiming at diversifying our portfolio in the non-air segments. After investing in hotels, we now intend to enhance our services for our corporate clientele and investment with ETrav Tech Limited will be pivotal in the same,” said Nishant Pitti, Co-founder and CEO, EaseMyTrip.

“Leveraging their tech capabilities and expertise in dealing with B2B clients, we are confident to service our corporate clients better with improved offerings. Strategic decisions like these mark a milestone in our journey and fortify our commitment to providing seamless travel experiences for our customers, backed by innovation and technology.”

Henil Ruparelia, MD, ETrav Tech, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with EaseMyTrip, a prominent player in the travel industry. Their strategic focus on diversifying into non-air segments aligns perfectly with our vision for expansion and innovation. By combining EaseMyTrip’s investment with our tech capabilities and B2B expertise, we aim to deliver unparalleled services to corporate clients. … We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and look forward to achieving mutual success and growth.” (Source: Phocus Wire)

Tourism NZ partners with Air New Zealand & Singapore Airlines for 3-city B2B trainings

Tourism New Zealand, in collaboration with Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines conducted in-person product trainings across three cities to help the travel trade partners upskill their knowledge about New Zealand.

The joint effort showcased the unique tourism offerings of New Zealand’s off-peak seasons of autumn, winter and spring while emphasising the seamless connectivity between India and New Zealand through Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines.

The series of training took place in Ahmedabad, Kochi and Kolkata between January and February 2024. A total of 185 travel agents actively participated in the trainings, and the sessions provided valuable insights into the diverse tourism experiences New Zealand has to offer.

Gregg Wafelbakker, General Manager Asia, Tourism New Zealand, expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of these collaborative efforts, stating, “Our joint initiative with Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines underscores our commitment to bolstering trade capability and facilitating the conversion of visitors in the off-peak. These face-to-face trainings have proven to be instrumental in equipping travel agents with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively promote New Zealand’s unique tourism offerings. We are delighted with the enthusiastic response from the travel agent community, and we remain dedicated to fostering such partnerships to further enhance New Zealand’s appeal as a premier travel destination.”

“Joint trainings conducted with Tourism New Zealand are vital in equipping trade agents with relevant destination knowledge and to boost affinity for New Zealand. With the recent joint venture alliance extension with Singapore Airlines, we’re further committed to ensuring network connectivity and to bring more visitors to New Zealand. Our partnerships remain important to boost trade and tourism, and to provide visitors with more choices and connectivity from anywhere to New Zealand,” remarked Johnathan Zhang, General Manager Asia, Air New Zealand.

“Singapore Airlines (SIA) is honoured to have partnered with Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand for this tripartite trade engagement roadshow in Ahmedabad, Kochi and Kolkata recently. New Zealand is a key outbound destination for SIA from India, and the roadshow gave us the opportunity to not only showcase our world class product offerings to the trade, but also helped us to reinforce the strength of our network between the two countries.