GRN and Visit New Orleans strengthen trade engagement

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.

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.

Detailing the strategy, Mr. Deepak Narula, Managing Director, GRN, noted, “Today’s exclusive session, organised 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 emphasised, “We are rolling out similar curated gatherings across multiple cities nationwide to showcase GRNconnect alongside New Orleans.” Emphasising 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.”

Highlighting the city’s diverse offerings for the Indian market, Ms. Sheema Vohra, Managing Director, Sartha Global Marketing LLP, shared, “New Orleans offers an unforgettable fusion of culture, music, and hospitality that deeply resonates with Indian travellers. As the birthplace of Jazz and a UNESCO Creative City of Music, the city thrives on rhythm, fine dining, and iconic Mardi Gras traditions accessible throughout the year. This year, we are thrilled to showcase special highlights, including our first citywide Diwali celebration in October, energetic music events like NOLAxNOLA, and delicious culinary festivals. Whether you are honeymooners, families, or business travellers crafting custom three to ten day stays, New Orleans warmly invites Indian visitors to experience a rich cultural heritage, dynamic festival spirit, and legendary Southern warmth found nowhere else in America.”

The session offered fresh inspiration for GRN’s leadership as well. Impressed by the destination spotlight, Ms. Shivali Khosla, Executive Director, GRN, remarked, “Viewing the New Orleans presentation was truly eye-opening. While first-time visitors to the US might not immediately have it on their radar, it’s an absolute must-add to any itinerary. From its vibrant culture and world-renowned music to its incredible food and unique experiences, the city has so much to offer.”

Highlighting GRN’s commitment to empowering its trade partners, Ms. Khosla emphasised, “Beyond offering tailored itineraries, we actively champion our destinations across our digital platforms and social channels. We regularly run performance-based promotions and incentive programs for travel agents, ensuring our partners are well-rewarded for their achievements.”

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.”

Emphasising the destination’s vast appeal, Mr. Verma noted, “New Orleans is far too rich and multifaceted to summarise 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.”

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.