Somya Deep
Bringing together a targeted group of travel agents, the event focused on embedding the vibrant Louisiana city into US-bound itineraries while showcasing major technology and interface upgrades across GRN’s booking ecosystem.
Positioning New Orleans for US itineraries
The primary objective of the gathering was to bridge product knowledge gaps for front-line travel agents, enabling them to confidently package and sell New Orleans to travellers.
Outlining the core philosophy behind the initiative, Mr. Kishore Verma, Executive Director, GRN, explained, “The goal of this event is to thoroughly empower our travel agency partners. Destination knowledge is the cornerstone of effective selling; if agents aren’t fully equipped with the insights and unique selling points of a region, they can’t confidently recommend it to their clients. We’re here to bridge that gap.”
Emphasizing the destination’s vast appeal, Mr. Verma noted, “New Orleans is far too rich and multifaceted to summarize in a single sentence. From Mississippi River cruises and world-class museums to its famed nightlife, it offers an incredible spectrum of experiences. The city is rapidly emerging as one of the most sought-after destinations in the United States.”
The session also proved eye-opening for GRN’s leadership. Reflecting on the impact of the destination presentation, Shivali Khosla, Executive Director, GRN, shared, “When I saw the New Orleans presentation, I was also kind of amazed to see that it is such a beautiful destination. Though, the first timers may not know about it. But it should be a part of the itinerary because it has lots to offer, whether it’s culture, whether it’s food, music, experiences.”
Highlighting how GRN supports its agency base, Khosla emphasised their ongoing promotional efforts: “And plus, apart from itineraries and all, we are also kind of doing promotions within the social media and within our website. We run different promotions with travel agents, depending on the kind of achievements they’re going to do or whatever. So yeah, so incentives and all are in place with us.”
Pan-India outreach & expanding product ecosystem
The Visit Orleans and GRN collaboration forms part of a broader, multi-city trade engagement roadmap planned throughout the year.
Deepak Narula: Detailing the strategy, Mr. Deepak Narula, Managing Director, GRN, noted, “Today’s exclusive session, organized in partnership with New Orleans, was a dual milestone for us. While we unveiled exciting new features on GRNconnect to a select group of travel partners, New Orleans showcased why its vibrant culture and rich heritage make it an essential inclusion in every USA itinerary.”
Highlighting their nationwide reach and destination appeal, Mr. Narula emphasized, “We are rolling out similar curated gatherings across multiple cities nationwide to showcase GRNconnect alongside New Orleans.” Emphasizing the destination’s unique charm, he added, “Renowned for Mardi Gras, legendary cuisine, and non-stop nightlife, New Orleans is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the US.”
Beyond destination training, GRN leadership confirmed significant platform enhancements and upcoming launches:
- Revamped GRN Connect UI: A streamlined, faster user interface featuring improved navigation, richer product search results, and enhanced usability.
- Evolved Hotel Booking Engine: GRN’s flagship hotel product has been strengthened with deeper supplier integrations and upgraded core booking technology.
- Monthly Product Pipeline: A continuous rollout of new travel product lines and DMC channel integrations planned over the coming months.
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