EaseMyTrip.com is set to acquire 51 per cent of the aggregate paid-up share capital of each of the three prominent travel companies incorporated in India, to solidify its position as a major player in the travel and tourism industry. The company proposes to acquire includes – Guideline Travels Holidays India Private Limited, Mumbai, TripShope Travel Technologies Private Limited, Jammu and Kashmir and Dook Travels Private Limited, New Delhi. The consideration for the proposed acquisition will be paid by EaseMyTrip by way of issuance of its equity shares to the selling shareholders of the respective target companies on a preferential basis. Nishant Pitti, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, “These three companies have a strong track record and a wealth of experience in their respective areas. Together, with these remarkable travel companies, we extend and embrace to a diverse spectrum of exceptional services catering to larger markets. Together, we are poised to ignite the wanderlust of countless explorers, crafting unforgettable journeys that resonate with every soul and paint the world with the colors of adventure and discovery.’’ Guideline Travels Holidays India Private Limited, Mumbai: Guideline Travels, a highly reputed travel company that excels in both B2C and B2B circuits. The company boasts an extensive product portfolio international group tours, bespoke FIT ventures, fixed departures and MICE movements and has its major business line in cruises. “Being pioneers at cruise selling, we sought an aggressive online selling platform for cruise products around the world. Our partnership with EaseMyTrip gives us a big thrust to bring a bouquet of cruise products to our B2B as well B2C clients. Partnership with EaseMyTrip opens up our horizons and will allow us to bring to fruition our vision hence …

Tourism and hospitality sector in Rajasthan has been designated full-fledged industry recognition. As a result, investors are exhibiting a keen interest to invest in the state’s tourist sector. Rashmi Sharma, director of the tourism department , “ The Rajasthan Tourism Department is currently focusing on identifying and developing new, lesser-known tourist destinations within the state as part of its new tourism policy, which is continually luring Investors to invest in the state and allows them to conduct all of their business through a single window rather than compelling them to visit various places” Industrial Status: The department issues entitlement certificates to tourism units in order to grant industrial status benefits. The units that receive this certificate receive power at industrial prices, which are around 30% lower than commercial rates. At the same time, UD tax on these units is levied at industrial rates, which are 80% lower than commercial rates. There were 1,262 applications for entitlement certificates for industrial status received by the department, out of which 859 have been issued. Similarly, 41 applications have been received under the Rural Tourism Scheme 2022, of which 35 certificates have been issued. So far 25 guest houses have been registered by the department in the state. The state operates about 850 home stays (paying guests) by combining old and new policies. What is included in tourism units: Hotel and Motel, Heritage Hotel, Budget Hotel, Restaurant or Cafeteria, Resort, Sports Resort, Health Resort Spa, Camping Site, Amusement Park, Animal Safari Park, Convention Center / Mice, Museum, Rope Way, tourist luxury coach, caravan and cruise tourism.

McArthurGlen has recently made an addition to its portfolio with Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy, shares Matthias Sinner, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen Group. Could you tell us more about the new MAG centre in Paris? Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny is McArthurGlen’s new luxury and premium shopping destination, located just to the west of Paris. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy. Spanning over 20,000 square metres, the centre boasts a thoughtfully curated brand mix of international fashion favourites including Missoni, Stella McCartney, Moncler, Philipp Plein, Vivienne Westwood, BOSS, Furla, Karl Lagerfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Maje, Angelo Vintage, New Balance, Adidas, Claudie Pierlot, L’Oréal and Roberto Cavalli at a minimum of 30 per cent off. It also plays host to an exceptional line up of food and beverage options, including the globally recognised luxury Parisian establishments Ladurée and Angelina, famous for their delicate macarons and iconic hot chocolate respectively. For guests looking to treat themselves further, French gelato brand Amorino and an elegant champagne bar offer the perfect places to pause and relax while shopping, and the popular American burger chain Five Guys caters to customers craving a quick bite between visiting their favourite stores. How is this different to other centres? Not only does Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny have the McArthurGlen DNA, delighting visitors and providing them with an extraordinary day-out experience, it is also home to an exclusive Maison des Métiers d’Art, GVRNY, newly launched …

 Today, the Italian National Day, marks the launch of the new ITA Airways Washington Dulles – Rome Fiumicino direct flight. The inaugural flight, which departed today at 4:20 p.m. from Dulles International airport, was operated with the new Airbus A330neo, the first aircraft completely built according to ITA Airways’ new cabin design. To celebrate the launch of the new intercontinental route and the entry into service of the new aircraft, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the departure gate in the presence of Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President International Sales ITA Airways, Chryssa Westerlund, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority, and Min. Plen. Alessandro Gonzales, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Italy in Washington.   To further underline the importance of the new connection between North America and Italy, ITA Airways was partner of the Italian National Day celebrations held yesterday at the Italian Embassy in Washington. On the occasion, the Ambassador of Italy in Washington, Mariangela Zappia, said: “ITA Airways’ new connection and plans to expand its network in the United States are important, long-awaited steps that bring America even closer to Italy and allow us to strengthen not only tourist flows but also the political, economic and cultural relations between our two countries”.   The Washington destination inaugurates the expansion of ITA Airways’ intercontinental network for the 2023 summer season and is enhanced by the introduction of the new Airbus A330neo, which made its first commercial flight today. The Airbus A330neo is the benchmark in terms of technology, digitization, innovation, efficiency, design, and ultimate expression of Made in Italy, reflecting the fundamental pillars of ITA Airways. The new Airbus, A330neo dedicated to the marathon …

A delegation from PATA visited New Delhi recently to do a recce for the PATA Travel Mart 2023, which is scheduled from 4-6 October at Pragati Maidan. The delegation, along with the office bearers of PATA India Chapter, met with Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, has said that during G-20 Presidency, MOT has planned a number of events, engaging not only government stakeholders, but also travel trade and hospitality sector. “We plan to promote green tourism, open 50 new tourism destinations and soon launch a publicity campaign in overseas markets during our presidency,” he informed.

Concerned over rising incidences of online hotel rooms booking frauds and instances of targeted smear campaigns on social media against hospitality brands, HRAWI will take up the issue with the concerned Government authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Air India has launched a non-stop flights between Delhi and Amsterdam. It will operate from June 11, 2023 with a two-class Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This is Air India’s eighth continental European city to be served. The addition of Amsterdam brings the total number of non-stop flights between India and Europe to 77 per week. Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India, said, “With the launch of this new non-stop flight to Amsterdam, Air India adds further breadth to our long-haul network and more options for our customers. Together with the three other European routes started in recent months, and others to come, it supports our objective of establishing Delhi as a significant international hub.”

In 2022, Indian outbound travel recorded a y-o-y rise of 190%, significantly higher than the average global increase of 90 per cent. This was the first time India generated Asia’s highest outbound travel volume, with foreign trips exceeding those of China, South Korea and Japan.

Inbound tourism to India is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 12 per cent from 2022 to 2027, driven by rising disposable incomes, growth of the middle class, and increasing awareness of India as a tourist destination, revealed a report by Nangia Andersen in association with FICCI.