Jazeera transcending boundaries of customers' requisites

Jazeera Airways pledges foremost focus on providing its customers with comfortable and enjoyable travel experiences. Their continuous and relentless strive is to expand their network and improve offerings. Romana Parvi, Regional Manager, South Asia, Jazeera Airways, conveys that they are constantly evaluating and looking out to add new routes and destinations, whilst being committed to providing a wide range of travel options and comfortable travel experiences for every passenger.

Getting there. But not there yet!

Aviation, which had come to a grinding halt owing to the pandemic in 2020, has since travelled a long way from operating evacuation flights, converting passenger aircraft to cargo, to now resuming regular operations. As the world's outlook turns positive, are things all well and good, or do challenges still persist? TTJ speaks to Anju Wariah, Director, Group Business Development (Airlines), STIC Travel Group, to get a grab on the current sequence of events.

Oman Air extends horizon with impeccable service level at every touchpoint

Distinguishing itself for its personalised service, authentic Omani hospitality, and meticulous attention to all elements of the guest journey, Oman Air continues to position itself among the world's major carriers. Sunil V A, Regional Vice-President, Indian Sub-Continent and Far East, Commercial Sales, Oman Air gives an insight into the airline which is growing from strength to strength and has established a strong international presence as it now flies as far as Europe and the Far East.

Vistara fortifying its domestic network while expanding globally

Hailed for its distinguished flying experience, Vistara continues to maintain the highest standards of hospitality with best-in-class offerings. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara believes that Vistara's achievements in the last eight years including being the youngest and the only Indian airline to be featured in the World's Top 20 Airlines by Skytrax, ranked 16th, and the goodwill amongst their customers keep them motivated to continue growing and setting new benchmarks in the aviation sector.

The Role of Ancillary Services in Today's World of Travel and Tourism

Travel trends have undergone a huge shift in recent years. With leisure, as well as business travel, gradually penetrating most sectors of the population, the demand for exclusively curated travel packages has parallelly gone up. This is where selling travel ancillary services comes into the picture as it adds a personal touch to a traveller's overall experience.

India's dominant airline IndiGo charts impressively stirring expansion mode

At IndiGo, the fundamental principle that governs the business model is low-cost leadership. The airline is in a constant endeavour to lower costs and provide affordable, on-time, hassle-free travel experiences to its customers whilst simultaneously aiming for growth. Vinay Malhotra, HeadGlobal Sales, IndiGo, conveys that they have defined three strategic pillars of reassure, develop, and create to support their growth plans as they are looking to double in size and scale by the end of this decade.

Empowering employees to deliver unforgettable experiences to every guest

Taj Hotels has been the forerunner and custodian of authentic Indian hospitality. The brand believes in providing a unique luxury hospitality experience known as 'Tajness.' Their philosophy is built on the principles of warmth, kindness, and above all, exceptional service to their guests. Rahul Joshi, General Manager, Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra, tells that Tajness is ingrained into every facet of their business, which ultimately leads to a strong relationship with their guests and employees.

'Guest experience is driven across all levels at our hotel'

Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Pune and Residences joined the hotel in February 2023. With his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Ramandeep looks forward to leading the hotel to new heights of excellence.

Cordelia Cruises' Big Sea Bash A celebration of success

Having completed 208 sailings, carrying 1,75,000 plus cruise guests, sailing to six different ports of call, and staging 600 live shows on-board its cruise liner in 2022-23, Cordelia Cruises has indeed come a long way and positioned itself as India's premium cruise line.

AAMAGHATI - An Oasis of Rustic Elegance and Understated Luxury

Ranthambore, the tiger haven of Rajasthan, is not only known for its famed striped resident, flora, fauna, and unique topography but also for the luxurious resorts that lie just outside the park limits. These unique, chain-owned, and standalone properties cater to the top echelons of wildlife enthusiasts and vacationers. Aamaghati is the latest addition to this exclusive club.

From Passion to Prominence Pranav Kapadia's Entrepreneurial Journey in the Travel Industry

With a deep-rooted passion for travel inherited from his family, Pranav Kapadia, Founder, Global Destinations, embarked on a remarkable journey that led to the establishment of Global Destinations in 2008. Over the years, the company has grown to represent over 20 international clients and has built a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable partner in the travel sector. In this article, we delve into Kapadia's entrepreneurial journey, his approach to managing personal and professional life, and his perspectives on the importance of technology in the industry.

Dubai A Futuristic City Embracing Sustainability and Attracting Global Investors

At a media roundtable held during the Arabian Travel Market 2023 in Dubai, Bader Ali Habib, Head of South Asia, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), shares how Dubai, 'City of the Future,' has established itself as a hub of innovation, investment opportunities, and smart living. Beyond its iconic skyline and luxurious amenities, Dubai's government has taken significant strides to create a comfortable and forward-thinking environment, encompassing both social and physical infrastructure.

Sea World Abu Dhabi Unveiling the Exquisite Realms of Marine Marvels

Miral Group welcomes a remarkable addition to its collection of iconic attractions at Yas Island, introducing a marvel, unlike anything the world has witnessed before. In a comprehensive exploration, Travel Trade Journal delves into the mesmerising realms of the 'epic ocean' and highlights a compelling story of why a visit to Seaworld Abu Dhabi is an absolute imperative this summer.

Relationships and new connections, recipe for success

Auxilia Networks is a boutique tourism consultancy firm set up to provide value to agencies and organisations in overseas markets that want to enter the India market or expand their presence here, and to foster engagement between foreign and Indian trade entities. Over the years, Paramjit S. Bawa, Founder and Principal, Auxilia Networks, has built and grown a wide network of tourism contacts all across India and many other parts of the world, which he is now leveraging to make his business work.

Holiday Moods Adventures launches portal for bespoke Polar itineraries

Holiday Moods Adventures (HMA), a Delhi-based, 26 years old experiential and adventure tour operating company, launched its B2B portal on April 28, 2023. Earlier, this year, Havila Kystruten Operations AS (Norway) appointed HMA as its cruise distributor in India. Tejbir Singh Anand, Managing Director, Holiday Moods Adventures, shares insights on the latest developments in the company.

ITC Hotels delivering superlative experiences backed by technology and workforce

ITC Hotels has always been the trendsetter in the market and has taken some incredible initiatives to keep up with the trends like sustainability, global perspective, and finding balance with the new consumer habits. Benita Sharma, Area Manager North, Luxury Hotels and General Manager - ITC Maurya, shares a few aspects of the brand that prides itself on moving with the times and serving its customers in the most modern, convenient, innovative, and efficient way possible.

Champagne Towers and Immersive Experiences to Woo Younger Cruisers

The cruise industry had its fair share of hardships during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this was a time of great learning and self-introspection, resulting in a critical evaluation of trends, habits, and consumption patterns. The cruise lines are now back with a bang and the party has just begun.

Tamil Nadu to leverage its Tourism Strengths to achieve more footfalls

According to the India Tourism Statistics 2022 report, Tamil Nadu ranked first in domestic tourist arrivals in 2021 and also reflected good numbers in international arrivals, albeit, there was a slump in inbound travel. With a great mix of ancient civilization, heritage, rich history and culture, grand temples, colorful festivals, vibrant art forms, urban disposition, and natural beauty, Tamil Nadu has carved a unique position for itself as one of India's most-visited destinations. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is optimistic about more tourist footfalls into the state as they are giving impetus to many tourism initiatives and laying special focus on improving infrastructures and amenities. In this exclusive interview with TTJ, Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, Director of Tourism and Managing Director, TTDC, shares how they are promoting Tamil Nadu in the domestic and international arena and the initiatives taken to strengthen the state to become a much more fascinating travel destination than it is.

Get Bedazzled on the Nile...

Operating an elegant and luxurious fleet of three cruise vessels plying the Nile, Mayfair Cruises is one of the top river cruise operators in Egypt. With great expectations from the India market, Maggie Petrova, Commercial Director, Mayfair Cruises, was in Mumbai recently to share more about their product portfolio and their readiness for the India market as she invites more Indians to visit Egypt and unravel the mysteries of the Nile, on-board one of their luxurious vessels.

MOKSHA Luxury in the tranquil foothills of the Himalayas

Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort near Chandigarh offers a serene getaway with wellness amenities, nestled in the tranquil Himalayan foothills. This idyllic retreat offers a multi-sensory experience that pampers the mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in a world of natural beauty and peacefulness, where only the sounds of birds and rustling bamboo interrupt the calm.

QATAR Where Blooms the Desert Rose

First mentioned in the writings of the Roman statesman, 'Pliny the Elder', around the mid-first century AD, who coined the word \"Catharrei,\" referring to the inhabitants of this region. Qatar has since come a long way today, from once being the source of some of the best pearls in the world that its pearl divers harvested, to being the poster child of the world oil economy. Today the Doha skyline boasts magnificent superstructures by leading names in architecture, malls, hotels, stadiums, and marinas that reflect the spending and buying power of a country that boasts the fourth-highest per capita income in the world. Host to the 2022 FIFA world cup, Qatar is now working to welcome the fruits of the global tourism economy as the world moves toward alternative energy sources.

Singapore's Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West opening soon, set to thrill visitors

Visitors will soon be able to walk through Singapore's new bird park and get a glimpse of how the birds and their caretakers are settling into their new home at Bird Paradise, which softlaunches on May 8, 2023. Next to the new park, enjoy the many dining and retail options as well as playgrounds at Mandai Wildlife West, the new ungated public node which serves as the gateway to Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild.

Aitken Spence Hotels Ready to cater to Indian Travellers in the Maldives

Aitken Spence Hotels, operating 18 hotels and resorts across Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Oman, is eyeing further expansion in the Maldives. Darell De Crusz, VP and Head, Sales and Marketing, Aitken Spence Hotels, credits the Maldives' success in handling the pandemic while keeping tourism afloat to India's efficient vaccination drive and crisis management. Aitken Spence Hotels is well-prepared to cater to the Indian traveller, with a range of Indian cuisine available at its properties. The hotel group also focuses on sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint while providing a luxury experience to its guests.

Soneva Unveils Next Phase of Wellness Development Soneva Soul

The latest in cuttingedge wellness technology added to Soneva Soul's transformative treatment offering in the Maldives.

From Back Office to Boardroom The Evolution of Priyanka Nijhawan and Nijhawan Representations

Priyanka Nijhawan, Director, Nijhawan Group, in an exclusive interview with Travel Trade Journal, shared her journey from a maths and computer science student to becoming an integral part of Nijhawan Group's representation vertical. Her journey began in 2005 when she started handling the backoffice accounts. After taking a sabbatical to focus on her family, she jumped back in and grew the representation vertical from just two accounts to multiple accounts and established various verticals, including PR and marketing, over the years. Today, Nijhawan Group offers end-toend solutions for B2B travel, account management, influencer campaigns, and joint marketing activities.

Destination DC keen on investing to encourage more visitations from India.17

Capitol Building Elliott L Ferguson II serves as President and CEO of Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC. In this exclusive interaction with Elliott, we get to know more about the destination which has quietly grown from a political and historical city into a serious arts, culture and gastronomical destination, this shows that the city isn't relying just on its history to attract visitors.

KISSIMMEE The Vacation Heart of Florida

On the Northwest shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, in the heart of Sunny Florida, just a 20-minute taxi ride from the Orlando International Airport, and in close proximity to all the major attractions like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Legoland, and the Kennedy Space Centre lies a town that goes by the synonym 'Vacation Home Capital of the World, Kissimmee.' TTJ interacted with Yinglu Tian, Director, International and Domestic Sales, Experience Kissimmee, who recently visited India to share with the Indian travel fraternity, the latest developments and offerings that the region offers across the various travel segments.

US witnesses good rebound and strong growth in Indian arrivals

Special screenings of Brand USA's bigscreen movie, 'Into Nature's Wild' in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru showcase the stunning natural beauty of the United States.

Miami City: A Year-Round Destination with Something for Everyone

Beaches, nightlife, shopping, food, music, sports, art and culture... Miami is a year-round destination that has something for everyone. Joe Docal, the Director, Travel Industry Sales at the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, was recently in India for Brand USA's multi-city roadshow. A travel industry veteran, Joe started his career in the car rental industry, then moved onto the cruise industry where he worked at Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Crociere before joining the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2016. At the Greater Miami CVB, he has been responsible for working with the team of global representatives for the GMCVB, tour operators and travel advisors in key domestic and international markets. Joe is currently responsible for overseeing Europe and Emerging Markets.

Tourism New Zealand's Success Story in Attracting Indian Visitors

Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand's tourism industry has maintained its steady growth in Indian visitors. According to Angela Blair, GM International, Tourism New Zealand, the growth trend is expected to continue. New Zealand offers a variety of travel experiences for families, couples, and adventure seekers from India. Simultaneously, the board works closely with Indian travel agents and tour operators to promote the country as a travel destination. The country has also implemented safety measures to ensure a safe and healthy travel experience for Indian tourists.