TravTalk India Online Magazine
GRN Connect, a travel services company, has announced plans to introduce a new development phase on its portal that includes Rail Europe, theatre tickets, and self-drive cars, and has recently established a fourth DMC in the UAE. The company is also offering various schemes to travel agents on the portal, including a promotion with Saudi Tourism.
TT Bureau
Deepak Narula, Managing Director, GRN Connect, while sharing the company’s long-term plans said, “In the near future, we will be introducing a new phase that includes Rail Europe, theatre tickets, and self-drive cars. Additionally, we have recently established a UAE DMC, making it our fourth DMC alongside the USA, Egypt, and India DMCs. The UAE DMC has been developed with an aim to offer incentives to the travel agents,” he said. “In addition, we have various schemes on our portal, which are available to travel agent. Currently, we are running a promotion with Saudi Tourism, wherein they book a hotel in Saudi and we are giving three nights and complimentary transportation We have several other schemes in place, and we are currently waiving off credit card charges. These schemes are available on our portal,” he added.
Speaking of the Indian travel agents, Narula said, “They are performing exceptionally well, and their service standards are of a high calibre. Although we have been hearing discussions about the travel trade struggling to survive, I am confident that it will endure.”
Sighting an example, he said, “In the USA, a significant number of travellers are handled by travel agents, accounting for 65-70 per cent of the market, which is an encouraging statistic. Therefore, my recommendation and advice to travel agents would be to continue the fantastic job they are doing and to persevere and flourish in their trade.”
He added, “We came to the conclusion that there existed a disconnect between the travel trade and various government agencies during the pandemic. It became apparent that we required a grassroots organization or association to bridge this gap and aid travel agents in addressing the COVID-related gaps. This led to the conception of the GATE association.” When asked about what sets the association apart from others, he explained that the team is unique and highly motivated. “The individuals involved have experienced significant hardships during the COVID era, and they have brought me on board as an experienced member. Together, we are committed to making a meaningful impact,” he said.
India is introducing new policies for National Tourism Boards and tourism offices worldwide, emphasizing the significance of digitization and online marketing in reaching a broader audience. This move is beneficial. “The digitization approach is crucial, and India is taking measures to implement it. In the USA, we have commenced making presentations to local tour operators, receiving favourable responses, and India is gaining support,” he said.
