Tag Archives: travel

EaseMyTrip partners with Hyperface to enhance credit card capabilities

 

EaseMyTrip has formed a strategic partnership with Hyperface, Asia’s first Credit Cards as a Service (CCaaS) platform. This collaboration aims to enhance EaseMyTrip’s card management capabilities by providing comprehensive card solutions for both new and existing customers. With Hyperface’s innovative solutions, EaseMyTrip will be able to improve customer onboarding and engagement through hyper-personalised campaigns and enhanced digital-first experiences.

As part of this partnership, Hyperface will support EaseMyTrip’s existing co-branded credit and debit card programs in collaboration with its bank partners. Additionally, both companies are working towards launching new co-branded credit card programs designed to offer tailored benefits and rewards to EaseMyTrip’s customer base.

Hyperface’s CCaaS platform offers a comprehensive solution for brands looking to launch, manage, and scale credit card programs. This will allow EaseMyTrip to provide a seamless, value-added experience to their customers while also expanding their offerings in the financial services sector.

“We are excited to partner with Hyperface in our mission to deliver the best possible financial products to our customers. This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing our card programs and ensuring our customers benefit from a seamless, value-added experience,” said Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip.

ATOAI to host Adventure Tourism Awards at Convention in Dec

 

 

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is set to host the ATOAI Awards 2024, a premier event recognising top achievements in adventure tourism. Scheduled during ATOAI’s 16th Annual Convention in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from December 3rd to 8th, 2024, the awards highlight leaders who are setting benchmarks and fostering sustainable practices in the sector.

 

These awards will honor remarkable individuals and organisations in categories like Excellence in Adventure Tourism Practices, Pathfinder, Champion of Sustainability, and Trailblazer. Special recognition will also be given to women entrepreneurs in adventure tourism and those promoting responsible practices, emphasising the industry’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

 

The ATOAI Awards aim to celebrate the contributions of visionaries and pioneers who propel adventure tourism forward. Each category applauds dedication to sustainability, unique approaches, and transformative advancements that are shaping the future of Indian adventure tourism.

 

Industry members are invited to submit nominations by November 12, 2024, including detailed documentation, such as photographs and videos, that showcase the nominee’s impact.

India launches an ambitious campaign at WTM to increase inbound

 

India has launched an ambitious campaign at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London to boost inbound tourism and strengthen its position as a global travel destination. Represented by a 50-member delegation of industry stakeholders, including state tourism boards, tour operators, airlines, and hoteliers, India aims to showcase its diverse cultural heritage and tourism offerings, from immersive experiences to unique regional attractions. The event, held from November 5-7, 2024, includes a dedicated pavilion that highlights segments like wedding tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel, and pilgrimage tourism, particularly the Mahakumbh.

In alignment with its “Chalo India” initiative, India seeks to engage its significant diaspora in the UK, encouraging them to invite non-Indian friends to explore India’s rich cultural tapestry. The initiative, backed by a dedicated portal, also offers incentives like free e-tourist visas for foreign friends. With a diaspora of approximately 1.9 million in the UK, this initiative underscores the country’s commitment to expanding tourism and fostering cultural connections.

The India Pavilion at WTM 2024 has a special mock wedding setup to showcase the grandeur of Indian weddings, along with displays of India’s cultural, linguistic, and traditional heritage. The pavilion presents a variety of niche tourism experiences, including wellness, adventure, ecotourism, and culinary tourism. Participants from several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and Daman and Diu, are actively promoting local attractions and experiences.

The Ministry of Tourism emphasised that, as one of the fastest-growing major economies, India is committed to sustainable tourism development, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. India’s recent G20 presidency provided an ideal platform to highlight its vast tourism potential, reinforcing its reputation as a prime global destination and positioning it to attract millions more international visitors.

Thomas Cook, SOTC launch Europe 2025 Tours

 

Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, have launched their Europe 2025 Summer Holidays with an early booking campaign targeting value-conscious Indian travellers. The initiative aims to encourage advance bookings and early visa applications, offering attractive discounts and exclusive add-ons for bookings made by November 15, 2024. Leveraging their bulk-buying strength, Thomas Cook and SOTC are providing significant pricing benefits, along with a variety of ready-to-book, air-inclusive group tours.

The Europe 2025 packages offer multi-destination and single-country itineraries, with options to explore popular destinations like the UK, Italy, Switzerland, and France. Travelers can enjoy scenic rail journeys and cruises, such as the Golden Pass Line and Scandinavian Fjords, plus exclusive experiences like a luxury stay in St. Moritz. The tours include quality accommodations, guided group travel, Indian and local cuisine, and premium experiences such as luxury shopping excursions.

Thomas Cook and SOTC are also running special launch offers, allowing travelers to choose between a free holiday, complimentary cruise, or up to INR 35,000 in discounts on select itineraries. Customers booking certain Europe tours can enjoy bonus trips like a 4-night stay in Morocco or a Mediterranean cruise. Rajeev Kale, President of Holidays, MICE, and Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, noted the 12-15% increase in demand for summer travel, which prompted the company to launch early and provide a range of enticing offers to ease travel planning and ensure a stress-free booking experience.

Reflecting changing travel preferences, Thomas Cook and SOTC have introduced unique European experiences such as the Midnight Sun in Norway, horse carriage rides in St. Moritz, and a champagne lunch atop Jungfraujoch. To further cater to Indian tastes, culinary highlights include Lindt chocolate tastings, traditional beverages, and wine tours in France. S.D. Nandakumar, President of SOTC Travel, emphasised the company’s commitment to serving the evolving interests of Indian travellers through its diverse offerings and convenient booking channels across India.

Thiruvananthapuram Airport suspends flights for procession

 

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) will suspend flight services from 4 PM to 9 PM on November 9 to accommodate an annual procession that crosses the runway. This traditional event draws large crowds and holds significant cultural importance in the region.

The airport has coordinated with local authorities to ensure passenger safety and minimise disruptions. While flights will be halted during this five-hour window, TIAL is committed to resuming normal operations promptly afterward.

Travellers are advised to check their flight schedules and plan accordingly, as this temporary suspension may affect their travel plans. The airport’s management emphasises the importance of this event and appreciates the understanding of passengers and airlines during this time.

For further updates, passengers can stay informed through official channels. This unique intersection of tradition and modern travel highlights the rich cultural heritage of Kerala while ensuring safety at the airport.

Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Express begins, 11-hr journey

 

The Indian Railways has launched its longest Vande Bharat Express, connecting Delhi to Patna. Covering nearly 994 kilometers, this train completes the journey in about 11 hours and 35 minutes, offering a faster, luxurious alternative for travellers heading home for Diwali and Chhath Puja.

Departing from New Delhi at 8:25 AM, the train will reach Patna by 8:00 PM, with stops at key stations like Kanpur, Prayagraj, Buxar, and Arrah. For the return journey, it will depart from Patna at 7:30 AM and arrive in Delhi by 7:00 PM. This new route will operate on select days, offering an additional option for holidaymakers.

Ticket prices for the Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Express are set at INR 2,575 for an AC chair car and INR 4,655 for the executive chair car. The train exclusively offers chair car seating, prioritising comfort and speed for this high-demand route.

Launched in time to meet the festive travel demand, this Vande Bharat Express aims to ease the rush during peak travel season. Indian Railways hopes the service will significantly enhance travel convenience, ensuring that passengers reach their destinations swiftly and comfortably.