Caravan, India’s fast-emerging B2B travel platform by TravClan, launched its 2025 edition in Kolkata with an impressive response from exhibitors, agents, and international stakeholders. With the theme “Travel Meets the Future,” the platform is bringing together travel brands, technology, and agents in a unique format designed for deeper connections and stronger partnerships. Stakeholders hailed Caravan’s choice of Kolkata, noting the city’s rising outbound travel demand and untapped potential as a gateway to Eastern India.
Explaining the vision behind Caravan, Chirag Agarwal, Co-founder & COO, TravClan, said, “Caravan was born out of a simple but powerful insight: India’s travel trade needed a platform that was not just about transactions, but about connections. Over time, it has grown into a strong brand that is shaping how the B2B travel ecosystem collaborates and prepares for the future.”
On choosing Kolkata to begin this year’s series, he added, “Kolkata is not only a cultural hub but also a gateway to Eastern India, a region with tremendous untapped potential. Eastern India has historically been underrepresented in large-scale B2B forums, and Caravan wanted to change that. With this edition, our aim is to strengthen relationships with local agents while giving them direct access to global suppliers.”
Industry leaders from the Maldives, cruise lines, and resorts praised Caravan’s boutique-style format. Here are exhibitors’ response:
Nitin Sharma, Account Head India, Kandima Maldives, shared, “Caravan is a brilliant initiative because unlike large expos, it allows for meaningful one-on-one interactions. Events like these are especially valuable in markets like Kolkata, where outbound tourism is growing rapidly. Travelers who earlier took multiple domestic trips are now choosing international holidays, as costs have become comparable.”
Prashant Kaushik, Business Development Manager, IRIS Reps, representing Makunudu Island Resort, echoed the sentiment, “Kolkata is a strong market for us, and we see good opportunities to increase our numbers from here. India is already one of the top two markets for our resorts, so growth from this region directly adds value. Caravan provides the perfect platform to strengthen ties with agents and expand our reach.”
For Ahmed Shifan, Sales and Revenue Manager, AAA Resorts / Medhufushi, Caravan’s consistency across cities is its biggest strength, “This is our second time participating with TravClan. After Mohali, we wanted to give Kolkata a chance, and again the experience has been great. Compared to large-scale events, Caravan offers a more focused format where you genuinely connect with quality agents.”
Sarang Karnik from Stardream Cruises highlighted Kolkata’s timing and location advantage:
“Our first Caravan has been a fantastic experience. Kolkata’s proximity to Southeast Asia makes our cruises especially appealing, and with strong outbound demand during Durga Puja, the timing couldn’t have been better.”
Agents See New Avenues for Growth. Their responses:
Mehak Kanoi of Back2Back Travels noted, “This format is very effective because it allows for deeper one-on-one interactions. Kolkata has often been overlooked compared to Delhi or Mumbai, but with TravClan’s efforts, the city is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Travelers here are increasingly switching from multiple domestic trips to international holidays. Southeast Asia remains popular, but there’s growing interest in exploring new destinations as spending power rises.”
For newcomers like Trago Trips, Caravan has been a learning curve. Founders Gaurav & Manav said, “As someone new to the trade, Caravan has been extremely valuable. The exposure to destinations like Dubai, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Bali will directly help us sell better. It gave us the knowledge and connections we wouldn’t have found otherwise.”
With Chennai and Bengaluru lined up next, Chirag Agarwal highlighted the diversity of opportunities, “Each city brings a different character — Chennai with its strong outbound and corporate base, and Bengaluru with its tech-driven, innovation-focused ecosystem. While Kolkata is about unlocking new potential, Chennai and Bengaluru are about scaling partnerships in mature markets. Our vision is to make Caravan the most impactful B2B travel series in India, expanding into more cities and delivering tangible business outcomes. The long-term goal is clear: to make Caravan the go-to platform where the future of India’s travel trade is shaped.”