The Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) continues to organise educational familiarisation tours across India, enabling its members to gain firsthand destination knowledge and strengthen their ability to curate memorable travel experiences for their clients. In June, ETAA Mumbai organized one to the sought-after destinations of Varanasi and Ayodhya for its members from Mumbai and Pune.
The tour was hosted by Balaji Travels, Varanasi, a B2B destination management company with its own hotels, a fleet of over 60 cars and coaches, and a team of more than 50 professionals. Under the leadership of Neeraj Neotia, its Managing Director, the tour was planned with every detail reflecting the team’s professionalism, warm hospitality and attention. Abhijit Bhalerao, Maharashtra Representative of Balaji Travels, accompanied the group throughout the journey.
The trip provided members with a comprehensive understanding of the destination. Along with the major attractions, the itinerary included hotel inspections, vehicle inspections, seamless VIP darshans, interactions with experienced guides, and cultural experiences, equipping members with valuable product knowledge to better serve their clients.
Member Testimonials:
Priti Kavte, Director, Vishwa Tour and Travels: “This wasn’t just another familiarisation tour—it was a truly enriching learning experience.”
N. J. Hariya, Shree Maharaja Tour & Travels: “Working with a DMC that owns its hotels, transport fleet, and employs trained, courteous, and grounded staff ensures a truly hassle-free experience for our guests.”
Rajshri Deshmane, Founder & Managing Director, Royale Tourism: “Thank you, ETAA & Balaji Travels, for the wonderful memories, valuable learning and an unforgettable experience. Looking forward to many more such journeys together!”
Minal Soni, SASAMI DESTINATIONZ: “Our trip to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya was deeply spiritual! Huge thanks to Team ETAA and Balaji Travels.”
Prashant Kainthola, YOUR HOTEL STAY & Travels: “Some journeys are not just about visiting destinations—they are about discovering new perspectives, building meaningful relationships, and creating memories that stay with you forever. Looking forward to many more such enriching FAM trips.”
Mrunali Sawale, Global Travel Fusions (GTF Holidays): “Grateful to ETAA for curating such a thoughtfully planned Educational FAM Trip to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.”
Yukta Shrotri, Yukta Holidays & Events: “A heartfelt thank you to ETAA and Balaji Travels for organising such a wonderful and memorable FAM tour. What started as a FAM tour has truly become the beginning of a new family for me.”
The initiative was strongly supported by Mr Jagat Mehta, National Board Member; Mr Abhijit Khadilkar, National Board Member & Membership Head; and Mr Dharmesh Advani, National Board Member. The Educational FAM was led and accompanied by Dipti Pradhan Thakoor, National Board Member & Events Head. The Mumbai coordinators, Tejas and Vinod, ensured the smooth execution of the tour.
With over 17 years of experience in the B2B travel and hospitality sector, she brings deep insight into travel trade dynamics, industry challenges and market developments. She holds an MA in English Literature and a Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, which underpin her strong editorial expertise. An avid nature enthusiast, she prefers outdoor and adventure-led travel, including hiking and trekking.