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SanKash clocks festivities early; Introduces “No Cost Working Capital” for travel agents

–          Plans to disburse INR 100 CR in the next 6-9 months at 0% interest

–          The Travel agents can avail up to INR 50 lakh with no collaterals, security, or guarantors

Mumbai, 12th October 2023: SanKash, India’s leading travel fintech today announced the launch of a new service – A no-cost Working Capital program. Under this new initiative, SanKash plans to disburse INR 100 CR in the next 6-9 months at 0% interest. The aim of the initiative is to provide the much-needed timely financial boost to travel agents, helping them operate smoothly, grow their businesses, and serve their customers better.

The biggest advantage is the travel agents can secure the funds they need without incurring any interest costs, making it an affordable and attractive financial solution. Moreover, the program is designed to be flexible, allowing travel agents to use the working capital for various business needs, such as covering operational expenses, marketing efforts, or expanding their service offerings.

The Travel agents can avail up to INR 50 lakh with no collaterals, security, or guarantors to qualify for the no-cost working capital program. According to several industry reports, there are nearly 3 lakh travel agent businesses catering to the holidaymakers. These are scattered across categories of service providers such as travel packages, cab and bus bookings companies. This segment will be worth an estimated $65 billion by 2027.

Speaking on the initiative, Akash Dahiya, Co-founder & CEO, SanKash, said, “Our No-Cost Working Capital initiative for Travel Agents, which aims to disburse 100 CR in the next 6-9 months at 0% interest, represents a pivotal moment not just for SanKash but for the entire travel industry. We recognize the indispensable role that travel agents play in curating exceptional journeys and ensuring seamless experiences for travelers worldwide. We firmly believe that a thriving travel industry is built on cooperation, innovation, and the financial well-being of its key players, and with this initiative, we are excited to take the industry to new heights.”

The tourism sector in India is on track to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2047, generating around 400 million job opportunities, according to a report by Visa and EY. The travel agents typically incur a high-interest cost ranging from 18-24% otherwise. With this initiative, travel agents can realize substantial cost savings, thereby improving their overall financial health. SanKash’s no-cost working capital program empowers travel agents to optimize their operations, offer competitive prices, and achieve better profit margins. This support ultimately contributes to the long-term success and sustainability in the travel industry.

by Honey

Jetstar’s Big Move: Avalon Takes Off Internationally In a major win for Victorian travelers, Jetstar Airways has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan at Avalon Airport, set to reshape regional aviation from 2026 onward. The low-cost carrier announced it will launch its first-ever international flights from Avalon, connecting the airport directly to Bali (Denpasar) — one of Australia’s most popular leisure destinations. Alongside this exciting addition, Jetstar will also reinstate its Avalon–Adelaide route, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase the frequency of Avalon–Brisbane services to meet surging passenger demand. The announcement represents a pivotal milestone for both Jetstar and Avalon Airport, which has long sought to expand its global footprint. The introduction of international routes marks the next phase of Avalon’s growth strategy — positioning it as a strong secondary airport option to Melbourne’s Tullamarine. Avalon Airport: From Domestic Hub to International Gateway Avalon Airport’s journey toward becoming an international gateway has been a long time coming. The introduction of Jetstar’s Bali flights cements its status as a crucial player in regional connectivity and tourism development. For Geelong and western Melbourne residents, the new service provides convenient and affordable access to one of Asia’s most beloved holiday destinations. According to Avalon Airport management, the Avalon–Bali route will not only attract thousands of leisure travelers but also strengthen tourism and economic ties between Victoria and Indonesia. Local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors, are expected to benefit from increased visitor flow. “The demand for outbound leisure travel remains exceptionally strong, and Bali continues to be a top destination for Australians,” said a Jetstar spokesperson. “Avalon is ideally located to serve both regional Victoria and Melbourne’s west, and these new services will make international travel more accessible and affordable for everyone.” Reconnecting Australia: Adelaide and Brisbane Routes Boost Domestic Travel Beyond international expansion, Jetstar’s decision to restart the Avalon–Adelaide route has been welcomed by frequent flyers and regional businesses alike. The route, which ceased operations during the pandemic, had long been a staple connection between Victoria and South Australia. Its return highlights Jetstar’s commitment to rebuilding domestic travel networks that were disrupted by COVID-19. Additionally, the airline plans to add more Avalon–Brisbane flights, responding to a sharp rise in domestic travel demand. This move will enhance connectivity between key eastern cities, providing travelers with more flexible and cost-effective options. Analysts believe Jetstar’s growing presence at Avalon could lead to more destinations being added in the coming years, transforming the airport into a vital hub for both domestic and short-haul international routes. Infrastructure Upgrades: Avalon Gets a Public Transport Link To complement Jetstar’s expansion, Avalon Airport is also set to receive a long-awaited public transport connection, improving accessibility for passengers traveling from Geelong and Melbourne. The new bus service will make it easier for travelers to reach the airport, which has previously faced criticism for limited transport options. The introduction of this link is seen as a crucial step toward making Avalon more competitive with larger airports. “Connectivity has …

by Honey

Jetstar’s Big Move: Avalon Takes Off Internationally In a major win for Victorian travelers, Jetstar Airways has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan at Avalon Airport, set to reshape regional aviation from 2026 onward. The low-cost carrier announced it will launch its first-ever international flights from Avalon, connecting the airport directly to Bali (Denpasar) — one of Australia’s most popular leisure destinations. Alongside this exciting addition, Jetstar will also reinstate its Avalon–Adelaide route, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase the frequency of Avalon–Brisbane services to meet surging passenger demand. The announcement represents a pivotal milestone for both Jetstar and Avalon Airport, which has long sought to expand its global footprint. The introduction of international routes marks the next phase of Avalon’s growth strategy — positioning it as a strong secondary airport option to Melbourne’s Tullamarine. Avalon Airport: From Domestic Hub to International Gateway Avalon Airport’s journey toward becoming an international gateway has been a long time coming. The introduction of Jetstar’s Bali flights cements its status as a crucial player in regional connectivity and tourism development. For Geelong and western Melbourne residents, the new service provides convenient and affordable access to one of Asia’s most beloved holiday destinations. According to Avalon Airport management, the Avalon–Bali route will not only attract thousands of leisure travelers but also strengthen tourism and economic ties between Victoria and Indonesia. Local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors, are expected to benefit from increased visitor flow. “The demand for outbound leisure travel remains exceptionally strong, and Bali continues to be a top destination for Australians,” said a Jetstar spokesperson. “Avalon is ideally located to serve both regional Victoria and Melbourne’s west, and these new services will make international travel more accessible and affordable for everyone.” Reconnecting Australia: Adelaide and Brisbane Routes Boost Domestic Travel Beyond international expansion, Jetstar’s decision to restart the Avalon–Adelaide route has been welcomed by frequent flyers and regional businesses alike. The route, which ceased operations during the pandemic, had long been a staple connection between Victoria and South Australia. Its return highlights Jetstar’s commitment to rebuilding domestic travel networks that were disrupted by COVID-19. Additionally, the airline plans to add more Avalon–Brisbane flights, responding to a sharp rise in domestic travel demand. This move will enhance connectivity between key eastern cities, providing travelers with more flexible and cost-effective options. Analysts believe Jetstar’s growing presence at Avalon could lead to more destinations being added in the coming years, transforming the airport into a vital hub for both domestic and short-haul international routes. Infrastructure Upgrades: Avalon Gets a Public Transport Link To complement Jetstar’s expansion, Avalon Airport is also set to receive a long-awaited public transport connection, improving accessibility for passengers traveling from Geelong and Melbourne. The new bus service will make it easier for travelers to reach the airport, which has previously faced criticism for limited transport options. The introduction of this link is seen as a crucial step toward making Avalon more competitive with larger airports. “Connectivity has …

by INC42

When Thirukkurungudi Vengaram Sundram Iyengar, the Indian industrialist who founded the TVS Group, introduced intercity passenger bus service in Tamil Nadu in 1912, India barely had any organised bus services. At the time, most people relied on trains for long-distance travel and bullock carts for shorter routes, while motor cars were accessible only to a wealthy few. Today, 40% of India’s road-based travel demand comprises buses. While a large part of this percentage consists of unorganised, local players, tech-driven companies are… Source link