Ahead of World Tourism Day, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is celebrating the forthcoming arrival of Norwegian Spirit to Australia & New Zealand waters for the first time. The ship has recently undergone the most extensive bow-to-stern modernisation in the history of the line’s innovative fleet and is designed with the adult cruiser in mind. NCL’s new Australia and New Zealand itineraries allow travellers the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s pristine vistas and Australia’s rugged coastlines from one of the best vantage points in the world – the ocean. The inaugural 2021/2022 summer sailing season sees Norwegian Spirit head Down Under, offering a collection of 8, 10 and 12 day port-intensive itineraries departing from Sydney and Auckland that will reveal breathtaking beauty to even the most well-travelled. From cruising the scenic peaks and tree-lined cliffs of Milford Sound, to exploring the historic buildings and fine food of Akaroa – New Zealand’s only French settlement – or venturing to Eden’s Ben Boyd National Park for some snorkelling in the summer sunshine, guests will be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities to explore ashore. Once onboard the all-new Norwegian Spirit, guests will experience laid-back luxury as they explore a completely enhanced ship, offering reimagined and refined adult-centric spaces, fresh staterooms and 14 new venues. Further updated elements include the second Onda by Scarpetta restaurant at sea, a doubled-in-size Mandara Spa, an expanded Pulse Fitness Center and the adult-only retreat Spice H2O. Guests can enjoy panoramic ocean views from Spinnaker Lounge, or a glass of bubbles in the Charles Rennie Mackintosh inspired Magnums Champagne & Wine Bar. Norwegian Spirit boasts 10 bars and lounges and 14 dining options – from Teppanyaki, an …

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, has said that 2021 should be the year of Dekho Apna Desh and the focus should be on domestic tourism. “The Prime Minister asked us to concentrate on ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ one year ago and that every citizen should visit 15 domestic destinations till 2022. However, now the time is such that in 2021 people will only travel within India, and this campaign would be really helpful for us. Year 2021 should be the year of Dekho Apna Desh and all of us should promote it with full force,” he said.

In his address on World Tourism Day, Yogendra Tripathi, Secretary – Tourism, said that this year’s global theme of rural tourism laid out by the UNWTO is in the right context and has come at the right time. “In a country as diverse as India where a significant number of people are deeply rooted to the villages, it is both an opportunity as well as a necessity that tourism develops itself and in turn develops rural communities. Rural tourism in India has significant potential, considering rich cultural and historical heritage, variety in ecology and terrains, as well as places of natural beauty spread across the country,” he said.

Representatives of the Indian tourism fraternity conducted a peaceful drive-through campaign in various cities of India on September 27, in an attempt to bring to the public’s attention the plight of the Indian tourism industry today and appeal to the government for some relief. Members held placards and posters that appealed #SaveTourism.

Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, has said that they have been in discussion with Ministry of Civil Aviation for many of their issues, one of which is the acceptance of credit cards by airlines. “It has been cleared by the PAPJC and IATA, but we are still knocking every airline’s door. There should be a directive from the government for the same. There should be neutral capping of fares. Also, we are looking at remuneration in a big way. As travel consultants, we should have a right to charge our fee. Else, our services can be treated as MRP product so that we are protected. We should be allowed to charge 10% fee on it like the hotel industry is charging service fee,” she said.

Zaid Kaladia, Proprietor of Chisti Tours & Travels in Mumbai, has been associated with Tripjack since the past four years. “The team at Tripjack is very helpful, accurate, and quick with responses 24×7, whether it is an urgent query or for a future booking. Moreover, the fare is very competitive. As one of the winners of their contest, I request all agents to sign up and win Tripjack coins that can be redeemed against future bookings,” he says. Top winners every week also get Jalesh Cruise package, air tickets and hotels stays. Visit tripjack.com now!

One Rep Global has partnered with Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan, to represent them in the outbound tourism sector of the Indian market. Located in a protected nature reserve, the Gangtey Valley is home to the black-necked cranes that fly in to roost every winter from Tibet. The Gangtey Lodge is perched at the head of the valley, with sweeping views over the 17th century monastery, upland pastures and extensive pine forests. The 12 beautifully-appointed farmhouse-inspired suites, each with their own cosy fireplace and spacious private bathroom, reflect Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with warm fabrics and earthen tones. There are several experiences for guests at Gangtey Lodge to enjoy. These have been designed to embrace one’s spiritual side or to cater to the adventure or nature seeker. The Lodge’s Guest Experiences partners with the local community and it’s neighbouring 17th-century Monastery and Monks University and serves to drive it’s ethos of placing people and traditional livelihoods at the heart of its mission to grow and thrive together. For those who like a quiet and relaxed vacation, the resort also offers culinary experiences and pampers one with its wellness programme. Khin Omar Win, Co-founder and Owner, Gangtey Lodge, says, “In partnership with One Rep Global, we are excited to welcome our friends from across the border.” Hemant Mediratta, Founder of One Rep Global, adds, “Post COVID-19, people will be more encouraged to take fewer, more immersive trips as opposed to travelling multiple times a year. Their emphasis will be on experiential travel and their choice of hotels will follow suit. Gangtey Lodge is one such destination that we are proud to represent to the Indian customer as it represents everything that people are …

One Rep Global is now the India partner for Bear Luxe Japan to represent them in the outbound tourism sector of the Indian market. Bear Luxe Japan, a Japan-specific B2B network operating a concierge service and an industry-first digital portal that connects a global network of luxury travel designers specialising in travel to Japan with leading luxury travel suppliers. A members-only platform, Bear Luxe Japan provides access to services and amenities of leading Japanese agents who have been verified to provide bespoke travel programmes and offer the most spectacular travel experiences by way of showcasing authentic insights and contributing to the experience of Japanese culture and traditions. Designed and created in response to international buyers’ difficulty in communicating with independent Japanese suppliers, add to which was the ambiguity and absence of a standard payment and commission system, the portal bridges the gap by offering a one-stop window for accommodation, transportation, custom experiences, negotiations, reservations and payments. Along with providing a comprehensive access to a host of services, the goal is to contribute to the creation of meaningful luxury travel experiences that in turn support the further development of Japanese culture and tradition and sustain local industries. Bear Luxe Japan Co-founder and COO, Hiroyuki Miyatake says, “Partnering with One Rep Global increases our visibility in the Indian market and to the Indian consumers and we look forward to welcoming them in the near future.” To this, Hemant Mediratta, Founder, One Rep Global, adds, “Post COVID-19, people will be more encouraged to take fewer, more immersive trips as opposed to travelling multiple times a year. Their emphasis will be on experiential travel and their choice of hotels will follow suit. To that …

One Rep Global has been appointed as the India partner for Air Dynamic to represent them in the Indian market. Air Dynamic is a Swiss-based aviation company that offers private jets and helicopters for charters. While their helicopters are based in Switzerland, Italy, Côte d’Azur and French Alps, their jets are available for charters across the world. The brand also has a well-established presence in assisting with sales, purchase and management of aircraft world-wide as well as providing logistic solutions and aircrafts for challenging environments. Offering a variety of helicopters and jets with easy and quick bookings, door-to-door service, including authorisations and paperwork, Air Dynamic is a perfect choice for hassle free travel, be it for family vacations, getaways, celebrations events, sports events or group travel. Adding to this is the flexibility, stylish comforts, privacy, all-inclusive, uncompromised standard of service they provide. Air Dynamic assures its customers the best and safest possible travel solution, making it the smartest way to travel private. Raffaella Meledandri, Sales Director of Air Dynamic, says, “India has always been a land of opportunity. Over the past few years, increasing number of Indians have started flying charters. They have seen the advantages of this and thus, this is the perfect time for us to enter the Indian market. Armed with the marketing skills that One Rep Global brings to the table, I am confident that Air Dynamic is going to become a force to reckon with in India.” Founder of One Rep Global, Hemant Mediratta further adds, “According to reports, there has been a surge of over 60% in charter enquires since the lockdown in India as people are looking for safe travel options within India and across the world. There are several advantages to flying a private …

Mandeep S Lamba, President (South Asia), HVS ANAROCK, during a webinar, has advised hotel owners in India to not sell right now. “This is not a great time to sell. But if your cash flows are not holding out and you have no other way of managing it, then there is no option but to sell. Other than that, I would advise everybody to hold on because valuations will be a little depressed if you sell now. So the best advice I can give hotel owners is that if you have the ability to manage your cash flows for the next 12 months, then just hold on,” he advises.