United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA), in its recently concluded mid-year forum, concluded that there was a need to persuade IATA to come up with a policy that safeguards financial interests of travel agents as well as the passengers during disasters or market situations in future that are similar to COVID-19. Delegates at the forum also presented plans on restructuring business approaches post-COVID.

During the Unlock 3.0, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has helped in the facilitation of over 570 charter flights during August 2020. The airport handled over 67,500 passengers by connecting to 34 international destinations operated by 26 airlines during that period.  

Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore in association with the Karnataka Tourism Forum and Indian Motorcycle Riders Group organised a Biker’s Rally from Bengaluru to Mysuru recently. The rally was flagged off from the Oakwood property in UB city. It is aimed at reviving tourism, instil confidence and showcase Indian roads as safe provided all safety measures are followed.

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani has announced Heritage Tourism Policy 2020-2025 for the state to boost international as well as domestic tourism. According to the policy, historical monuments, palaces, and forts constructed before 1950 could be converted into hotels, heritage museums, heritage banquet halls and restaurants provided that ‘basic heritage’ structure is not altered.

TAFI has requested the GST Council and the Finance Ministry to review the refund of GST on air ticket refunds, and extend the date applicable for refund GST till March 31, 2021 due to the delay in total refunds by airlines. It said that as per rule, if tickets are not refunded till September 30, 2020, then GST will not be refunded and customers will end up losing 5% in the economy class ticket and 12% in business class of the ticket value. TAFI has also filed a case in Supreme Court for airline refunds and the next hearing is on September 23.

The tourism ministry has sanctioned two projects in Bihar and Kerala at a cost of Rs 125 crore under the Rural Circuit as part of its endeavour to take tourism to villages of the country. The ministry has identified Rural Circuit as one of the 15 thematic circuits for development under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ Scheme.

India’s airlines could still have 250-300 surplus aircraft by March 2021, and could therefore be headed for an unprecedented consolidated loss of USD 4-4.5 billion in FY2021. Approximately 400-450 aircraft were grounded by end of Q2 2020. This figure is expected to improve slightly with 250-300 aircraft being grounded by end of Q4.

UNITE 2020 by Saleint is a collaborative endeavor to bring MICE and Leisure buyers to connect and meet the suppliers on a virtual trade show platform. Enabled with secure video, voice and text chat capabilities, these face-to-face virtual meetings can be held at mutually acceptable times. This global virtual trade show is scheduled to start at 0000 hrs Toronto time (EDT) on September 16, 2020 and will be live till 23:59 hrs on September 17, 2020. One can expect to connect with 34 exhibitors who are representing more than 39 countries and 45 brands. It is expected that 1,700+ meetings will take place over the two days. The show also features 10+ business sessions with speakers from around the world. Funds collected for donation will be matched by UNITE by Saleint between USD 1 to USD 6 per login ID. Are you ready to UNITE?

Indian travel technology company, Qtech Software and AI-based SaaS start-up Vervotech have entered in a strategic partnership to provide Vervotech’s UNICA – hotel mapping and room mapping platform – as an integrated solution within Qtech’s travel ERP platform. Customers of Qtech Software will now have the option to choose a mapping solution of their choice.

PATA India will conduct a webinar on September 17, 2020 at 3pm IST titled ‘Europe: The New Order’ to bring a European perspective on tourism. It will have key international as well as Indian thought leaders sharing their perspectives. Market expectations and opportunities from countries like Austria, Benelux, Germany, Spain and Switzerland will also be tabled.