TTN

In Brief

Share  

New experiential travel opportunities

THE Travel Corporation has announced a global partnership with ME to WE by offering immersive volunteer trips for all generations, worldwide. In partnership with ME to WE, travellers have a unique opportunity to visit three iconic destinations: India, the Ecuadorian Amazon and Kenya.

Spending time with the local community and learning about the indigenous Kichwa culture while on a journey to Ecuador is something that travellers can now experience at ME to WE’s Minga Lodge in the Amazon jungle. Travellers will also be invited to the home of a local shaman to experience a traditional cleansing ceremony and blessing.

Each ME to WE Trip takes place in a community where credible sustainable development initiatives are shaping the future of the community.

This gives travellers an opportunity to immerse in volunteering activities. Half the profits go back to support the NGOs supporting ME to We projects. A similar community based itinerary is planned around indigenous communities in India and Kenya.

 

Travel industry recognises Zubin Karkaria

ZUBIN KARKARIA, CEO – VFS Global, and CEO – Kuoni Group, was conferred with the prestigious ‘Award of Distinction’ by the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), for his long-standing contribution to the Indian travel and tourism industry.

Speaking at the event, Karkaria said, "I am honoured to receive this recognition from TAAI, with whom I have been closely associated since the beginning of my career. VFS Global has always supported and cooperated with the travel fraternity whilst ensuring the overall sanctity of the visa application process as per requirements of our client governments."

The award recognises Karkaria’s pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit and his role as a mentor in the industry. Karkaria, who has been a part of the travel industry for more than 25 years, established visa processing multinational VFS Global in 2001.

In 2015, he became the first Asian to head the Switzerland headquartered Kuoni Group. The award was presented to him at the 63rd TAAI Convention held in Abu Dhabi last month.

 

Agents to win $100,000 with GTA promo

GTA, Kuoni’s global travel distribution arm, has unveiled a new "Festive Rewards" campaign that gives travel agents the chance to win thousands of dollars’ in cash, G-Shop points and prizes. Running globally until December 31, 2016, the Festive Rewards campaign will see hundreds of GTA’s top-selling travel agent partners rewarded with cash, G-Shop points and high-value gifts. Over 500 hand-picked/specially-selected hotels and resorts from around the world have confirmed their participation. The rewards campaign is part of GTA’s 41st anniversary celebrations.

At the end of the 12-week promotional period, 20 top-performing agents, based on their total transaction value during the campaign, will each receive a cash prize of $2,000.

All other qualifying agents will go into GTA’s 2017 New Year Draw and each stand a chance to win a brand new iPhone 7. In total, GTA will give away $100,000 worth in cash, prizes and reward points.

The winning agents will be revealed in the first week of January 2017.

 

Banyan Tree spreads its roots

BANYAN Tree Hotels & Resorts has signed Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy, a strategic hospitality and tourism firm based in Dubai to promote the group hotels in the GCC region – Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Velavaru and Angsana Ihuru – as well as Banyan Tree Seychelles.

Srikant Peri, general manager, Maldives at Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, said, "We are delighted to partner with Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy. With short and frequent flights, we have recognised that the Gulf region offers significant potential for the growth of our resorts and we are looking forward a forming a long-lasting relationship."

Ahmed Fathallah, general manger Destination Marketing for Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy, added, "We are very pleased to welcome Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Velavaru, Angsana Ihuru and Banyan Tree Seychelles to our portfolio. Banyan Tree is already recognised in the region and we will leverage our market knowledge to further promote its unique selling points and generate more business to the properties."

Spacer