By Mewati Sitaram
The Gypsy Travel Festival (TGTF), a curated travel extravaganza organized by Gypsy Travel Network, took place in Mumbai on January 11 and 12, 2025, at Jio World Drive, BKC. This two-day event showcased some of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Seychelles, and Utah, alongside leading travel brands such as CGH Earth, Club Med, Ponant Expeditions, Once Experiences, and many others.
The festival featured travel curators like Björn Pálsson from Crazy Puffin Adventures, Vinayak Singh from The Dram Club, and Insia Lacewalla from India with Insia, who participated in engaging panels and masterclasses. The event also attracted a dynamic lineup of travel experts, including Shivya Nath, Matty Jordan, Aneesh Bhasin, Anshuka Parwani, Vir Nakai, Jehan Driver, Rashmi Chadha, and Ankita Kumar, offering visitors an exclusive opportunity to explore, interact, and learn about the best global travel experiences under one roof.
Lubaina Sheerazi, Co-founder of The Gypsy Travel Festival, expressed her excitement, stating, “We were thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind experiential travel festival to the people of Mumbai. TGTF was born out of our recognition of the growing demand for bespoke travel experiences in India. The festival was designed to help visitors find experiences that resonate with their travel preferences and priorities.”
At TGTF, visitors had the chance to address all their travel-related queries. From Conscious Travel, Eco-Tourism, and Wildlife experiences to Beverage Tourism and Journeys of a Lifetime, attendees could explore diverse topics. There were expert-led sessions on traveling with pets, applying for a Schengen visa, tips for first-time visitors to Japan, and maximizing frequent flyer miles.
Lubaina added, “Whether you travel to relax, recharge, or revel in new experiences, this festival celebrated the diverse passions and our shared love for travel and adventure. We hoped that the two days of the festival would spark meaningful conversations and inspiring stories that would fuel wanderlust among all the visitors.”
The festival featured immersive virtual tours, interactive experiences, and hands-on workshops, taking guests on a sensory journey around the world. Attendees were able to taste tropical flavors with Seychellois Rum, participate in a traditional Qatari coffee ceremony, and even create their own oud fragrance to transport themselves to the souks of Qatar. Additionally, visitors enjoyed the opportunity to access exclusive travel deals and savor world cuisine at the festival.
Sandeep Shevale, Regional Manager for the Indian subcontinent at Visit Qatar, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “Visit Qatar was excited to be a part of The Gypsy Travel Festival. Qatar is a unique blend of modernity and tradition, and we were thrilled to showcase this dynamic destination to all the travelers attending the festival.”
Zach Fyne, Global Markets Specialist at the Utah Office of Tourism, shared his excitement as well: “The Utah Office of Tourism was delighted to participate in India’s premier consumer-focused travel festival. Since beginning our efforts in the Indian market in 2021, we have received phenomenal interest in Utah’s Mighty 5® national parks, scenic byways, and world-class ski resorts. The Gypsy Travel Festival provided an incredible opportunity to directly engage with attendees and promote our awe-inspiring landscapes.”
Bernadette Willemin, Director-General of Marketing at Tourism Seychelles, remarked: “Tourism Seychelles was thrilled to be a part of The Gypsy Travel Festival. Seychelles has been increasingly popular among Indian travelers as a premier beach destination. TGTF presented the perfect platform for us to connect with travelers and showcase the diverse experiences awaiting them on this island paradise. With the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles, we encouraged beach soccer fans to not only attend the matches but also explore the unparalleled beauty of Seychelles.”
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
