Manav Soni, CEO, Exclusive Travels; Managing Committee Member, TAAI; and Chairman, TAAI Tourism Committee, offered a balanced view on OTAs at TravTalk ThinkTank. “OTAs help filter out non-profitable business,” he said. Soni explained that while digital platforms cater to transactional bookings, complex and high-value travel continues to rely on agents. He emphasised that during crises, travellers seek personalised support, reinforcing the role of agents in the ecosystem.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.