Latest news with #travelagents
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Indian state bans travel agents from advertising overseas roles
Jagjeet Singh Sidhu, president of New Zealand Forum for Immigration Professionals Photo: Supplied An immigration advisory body hopes a local government order in India - banning travel agents from offering help with overseas employment - will help curb immigration fraud in New Zealand. The New Zealand Forum for Immigration Professionals welcomed the recent state government's advisory in the Indian state of Punjab, directing local authorities to monitor travel agents in the region and ensure they don't offer or advertise any recruitment-related services. Local authorities in Punjab were also directed to obtain self-declarations from travel agents each month that state they were not engaged in any recruitment services. Enforcement drives against illegal travel agents and awareness campaign on legal migration would also be carried out, the directive said. The advisory follows a missive sent by the Indian government to Punjab's state government that highlighted repeated violations of India's Emigration Act (which bans travel agents from advertising assistance in securing jobs overseas) by travel agents in the state. The issue assumes significance after several cases of alleged exploitation, in which workers were brought to New Zealand through the accredited employer work visa scheme, could be traced to Punjab . "This decisive move is a positive step in combating illegal migration and immigration fraud," said Jagjeet Singh Sidhu, president of New Zealand Forum for Immigration Professionals. "We acknowledge that many individuals invest their hard-earned money in dubious agents in India with the hope of a better life abroad, only to be misled and disappointed," he said. "Such practices undermine the integrity of New Zealand's immigration system. ... [It] is a crucial step toward safeguarding the interests of genuine applicants." Narinder Singla, chairman of the Indian Association of New Zealand Manukau's crime group Photo: Supplied Narinder Singla, chairman of the Indian Association of New Zealand Manukau's crime group, hoped the move would be a deterrent for travel agents who sent people from India with dubious or fake job offers. "We believe it will have some sort of impact," Singla said. "[Travel agents] who were indulging in such things will at least be scared now." Arunjeev Singh, an immigration lawyer based in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe, was sceptical the directive would make a difference. "I don't think it will make any difference unless the New Zealand government stops education agents [in India] from doing student visas," Singh said. Sidhu agreed. "The current laxity within the New Zealand Immigration Act 2009 permits offshore agents to act on behalf of applicants for student visas only," he said. "This situation often leads to confusion among applicants, who, due to a lack of knowledge, are unaware whether their representatives are authorized by the New Zealand government. "We believe that legislative reforms are necessary to prohibit offshore agents from lodging student visa applications, ensuring that only authorized, licensed immigration advisers manage these processes." Sidhu advised migrants who wished to relocate to New Zealand to exercise due diligence. "We encourage prospective migrants to consult New Zealand lawyers or licensed professionals listed on where they can find qualified immigration advisers to assist them in lodging their applications securely and legitimately," he said.
Wall Street Journal
16-07-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Dark Web Travel Agencies Take Flight
As the summer travel season heats up, more cybercriminals are posing as online travel agents, advertising high-end vacation packages at sharp discounts. By charging unsuspecting customers a fraction of the cost for lavish trips, phony booking sites cover the full price with stolen credit and loyalty cards to rake in a tidy profit. Sales margins can reach well over 1,000%, cybersecurity firms say.
Arabian Business
14-07-2025
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia shuts down 10 offices in crackdown on travel operators
Saudi Arabia has cracked down on travel agents in the country for violating regulations, including operating without licenses and organising unauthorised Umrah and visitation packages. As part of its campaign to regulate tourism-related activities and ensure compliance with official licensing and operational standards across the Kingdom, the Ministry of Tourism has shut down 10 travel service offices in Riyadh. The ministry said it will impose legal penalties on violators, including fines of up to SAR50,000 (US$13,333), which can rise to SAR1 million (US$270,000) for repeat offenses. These offices also face closure, depending on the severity of the violations. The violations included transporting pilgrims using unlicensed vehicles and accommodating them in unauthorised hospitality facilities in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. According to the ministry, the inspections targeted travel and tourism agencies operating without the required permits or outside the scope of their approved activities. The initiative aims to protect the rights of tourists and visitors while enhancing the overall quality of services in line with Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy. The Ministry has urged all licensed tourism operators to strictly adhere to the terms and requirements of their permits, and called on the public to deal only with officially licensed agencies to safeguard their rights and ensure a safe and reliable travel experience.
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Travel + Leisure
11-07-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
American Airlines Just Added New Routes to Mexico and the Caribbean—See the Full List
'Tis the season to plan holiday travel. American Airlines recently announced an expanded holiday schedule, with new or increased routes to popular vacation destinations including the British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. "American Airlines is giving travelers the perfect gift for Christmas in July with new routes and more flights to popular destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America this winter," the airline shared in a news release. The new routes include daily service between Chicago (ORD) to Mexico City (MEX) starting on Oct. 26, 2025, as well as holiday service from Chicago to Queretaro, Mexico (QRO) from Dec. 18, 2025 through Jan. 5, 2026. Additionally, the carrier is increasing its frequency of flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Aruba (AUA); San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU); and St. Maarten (SXM) to as many as three daily flights. It is also launching a new daily service between Philadelphia and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ). The airline's hub at Miami International Airport (MIA) will see a surge of new flight frequencies, including the Bahamas (MHH, ELH); Kingston, Jamaica (KIN); and San Juan (SJU). The airline is also increasing its frequency to Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS) to five daily flights. While the airline announced the new routes and schedules, tickets won't be available for purchase until July 14 on American's website or through travel agents. For travelers looking to save on airline travel, experts recommend booking about three months in advance for domestic trips, and more than no later than three months for international trips. Travelers can also save by flying into nearby airports, or booking on off-peak days. 'As the leading U.S. airline in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, at American we're focused on growing our network, giving our customers access to their favorite destinations in the region—from the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico to the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Mexico City, and beyond,' José A. Freig, Vice President of International and Inflight Dining Operations at American, said in a release. 'With these new routes and additional flying, next winter we'll operate 10% more seats than the previous year, a testament to our commitment to the region and our customers.'
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disney Cruise Line makes huge change that will delight cruisers
Disney Cruise Line makes huge change that will delight cruisers originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Deciding to take a Disney cruise is a big decision for many families. Disney Cruise Line vacations are generally more expensive than most mainstream cruise vacations, requiring many families to budget and carefully plan far in get the best price on a Disney cruise, travel agents usually recommend booking as soon as new cruise itineraries are released. A few times a year, the cruise line releases a few months of itineraries at a time about 15-18 months in advance of their sailing dates. For example, summer 2026 itineraries were released in February 2025, and fall 2026 itineraries are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Although you don't have to pay the entire cruise fare at the time of booking for a Disney cruise, you are required to pay a deposit to secure your reservation. And putting that initial down payment on a cruise is big commitment for many families. But just before the next batch of cruise itineraries is released, Disney Cruise Line has quietly made a big change to its required deposit amount that will make it easier for many families to book their dream Disney cruise far in the past, Disney Cruise Line has occasionally run a limited-time 50% off required deposits special offer, but now, the cruise line is making that discount permanent. As of June 18, Disney Cruise Line has reduced the standard deposit amount due at the time of booking from 20% to 10% of the cruise fare (before taxes, fees, and port expenses). That means booking a Disney cruise now costs much less up example, the deposit amount required for a Disney Treasure cruise for a family of four that costs $6,500 (including taxes, fees, and port expenses) is now less than $600 at the new 10% deposit rate rather than about $1,150 at the previous 20% deposit rate. Under the new deposit policy, passengers with an open-ended Placeholder Reservation made on board a Disney cruise will pay even less up front when booking a cruise of seven nights or longer. When they choose a sail date for their Placeholder Reservation, Disney cruise passengers will only be required to pay a 5% deposit on voyages of seven nights or booking a Disney cruise and paying the deposit, you'll be required to pay the remaining balance of the cruise cost by a specified final payment date. That date varies based on the cruise length, but is usually 90 to 120 days before the sail date. To make the cruise cost more manageable, many Disney cruisers will spread payments out over the months between booking and their final payment due date. Disney Cruise Line allows passengers to pay at their own pace, making Disney cruise payments at any time and in any amount they choose up until the date that the final balance is due. Related: Savvy Disney vacationers use this service to save big on trips Disney gift cards can also be used toward Disney cruise payments. Smart planners are sometimes able to purchase discounted Disney gift cards to use for their cruise at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, when they're available. Target Circle Card holders can also purchase Disney gift cards for 5% off face value at Target stores. If you change your mind about your Disney cruise or need to cancel for any reason, you can typically get a refund if you cancel most cruises before 120 days in advance of your sail date for most stateroom categories. For some shorter cruises, you may be able to get a refund if you cancel more than 90 days before the sailing date. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
