Akbar Travels has re-introduced its Super Saver Wednesdays promo that offers zero convenience fee and is valid for bookings done on Wednesdays on the company’s website (www.akbartravels.com) as well as the App. Customers are also exempted from paying service fees on ticket cancellations, reissue, adding baggage and seat selection.

India climbed back to the top of the domestic aviation growth chart in May with a 17.7 per cent year-on-year increase, as per IATA’s Air Passenger Market Analysis. This marks the 33rd consecutive month of double-digit RPK growth. However, the very strong upward SA traffic trend has slowed since the unexpected ‘demonetisation’ in November 2016, in line with the wider impact that this looks to have had on economic activity. Business confidence surveys have recovered somewhat in recent months, particularly on the services side. However, the upward trend in domestic RPKs has slowed to an annualised rate of around 7 per cent over the past six months. Year-on-year growth in global RPKs slowed to (a still robust) 7.7 per cent in May, having reached a six-year high of 10.9 per cent in April. Industry-wide RPKs have now grown by 7.9 per cent year-on-year so far this year compared to the same period in 2016. This is equivalent to annual growth of around 8.6% once you allow for the extra day in 2016 on account of it having been a leap year.

Bird Information Systems (BIS), a subsidiary of Bird Group and a leading provider of automated aviation and travel related software solutions, have partnered with Nepal Airlines Corporation to provide them with Internet Booking Engine (IBE). As per the new partnership, BIS will provide a booking platform that will deliver on time, accurate and reliable processing of online transactions for Nepal Airlines Corporation. This new service will be open for both B2B and B2C channels.

Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, is preparing a 10-year vision document, and would be increasing its fleet and adding more foreign destinations. According to a senior official of the airline, despite government planning a roadmap of disinvestment of Air India, Air India Express would be consolidating its existing operations and will be looking at adding more aircraft to its fleet and increasing its overseas footprint. Air India Express posted Rs 296.7 crore net profit in 2016-17.

International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 6 per cent in January-April of 2017 compared to the same period last year, with business confidence reaching its highest levels in a decade. Destinations worldwide received 369 million international tourists (overnight visitors) in the first four months of the year, 21 million more than in the same months of 2016 (+6%), according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. International arrivals reported by destinations around the world were positive overall, with very few exceptions. Most of 2016’s strong performers maintained momentum, while destinations that struggled in previous years continued to rebound in the first part of 2017. This is especially reflected in the better results of the Middle East (+10%), Africa (+8%) and Europe (+6%). Asia and the Pacific (6%) and the Americas (+4%) continued to enjoy robust growth. “Destinations that were affected by negative events during 2016 are showing clear signs of recovery in a very short period of time, and this is very welcoming news for all, but particularly for those whose livelihoods depend on tourism in these destinations”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. “As we celebrate 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, we welcome the continued development of tourism and recall that with growth comes increased responsibility to ensure tourism can contribute to sustainability in all its three pillars – economic, social and environmental. Growth is never the enemy and it is our responsibility to manage it in a sustainable manner,” he added. Regional Results: International arrivals in Europe (+6%) rebounded in January-April after mixed results last year, as confidence returned to some destinations that were impacted by security incidents, while others continued to grow strongly. …

The Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Varanasi is the newest luxury addition to Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels’ chain of hotels and resorts. Slated to open on September 4, 2017, The Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Varanasi is conveniently located halfway between the airport and the city, the resort is also conveniently connected to Sarnath via the new Ring Road. The 18 junior suites each with a private area of around 650 sq.ft. include high ceiling, teak wood carved furniture, hand-painted Shiva on the wall, a separate living area with a sofa and a large flat screen television; well en suite 150 sq.ft bathroom, a large private sit-out overlooking the gardens, and the ‘Ganga Kund’ (religious pond) Situated in rural surroundings, 11 kms from the airport and just 12 kms from the city centre (Cantt area) , the new expressway connecting the airport and the city makes it a convenient 20-25 minutes drive to either location. The new Ring Road to Sarnath starts just a few kilometers from us and once operational, will make it a pleasurable 25 minutes drive. Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels is a collection of boutique experiences and each of our properties are set in calm and serene handpicked locations, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Space and privacy, coupled with personalized service is what the Tree of Life is known for.

GVK Power and Infrastructure Ltd has announced the completion of the sale of its residual stake of 10 per cent in Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) held through its subsidiary, Bangalore Airport Infrastructure Developers Private Limited to Fairfax India Holdings Corporation for a consideration of Rs 1,290 crore (approximately $200 million). In March 2017, GVK closed an agreement which was signed during March 2016 with Fairfax India to sell a 33 per cent stake in BIAL. It had retained a 10 per cent stake and the management of BIAL. Subsequently, in June 2017, GVK announced its decision to conclude the sale of this residual stake to Fairfax India, subject to necessary consents and approvals. Dr. G V K Reddy, Founder Chairman & Managing Director, GVK, says, “Since de-leveraging is currently our top priority, we decided to part ways with BIAL. However, we would like to reiterate that the airports sector will continue to be a core focus area for GVK. We will now focus on Mumbai as well as the Navi Mumbai airport for which we have won the bid and also on selectively evaluating privatisation opportunities. Capacity optimisation and real estate development will now be the priority areas for the existing Mumbai airport.”

Steven Dixon, Regional Manager-South and South East Asia, Tourism New Zealand, said that they recorded 54,928 tourist arrivals from India for the year ending May 2017, an increase 15.2 per cent while holiday arrivals were up 10.3 per cent (26,320). He also informed that the total length of stay of Indian travellers in New Zealand for the year ending May 2017 is 48.3 days with holiday being 12.4 days. Tourism New Zealand conducted its annual travel trade event, Kiwi Link India in New Delhi, which allows one-on-one meetings for Indian travel agents, product managers and planners to interact with New Zealand operators. Tourism New Zealand introduced the new, improved version of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme at the event. A total of 35 tourism operators from New Zealand, four airlines, Immigration New Zealand and Indian delegates from 42 companies participated in the event. Tourism New Zealand also hosted key buyers from around India in New Delhi for the two days of the event.

Tourism New Zealand introduced a new and improved version of its 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme at Kiwi Link India 2017 in New Delhi and to celebrate is giving travel sellers the chance to win one of four holidays to New Zealand, flying Air New Zealand. The new programme aims at enhancing travel sellers’ knowledge of New Zealand while presenting an opportunity to potentially increase their sales and referrals. Speaking about the programme, Steven Dixon, Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Manager-South and South East Asia, said, “As India is a priority market for us, it is important for us to constantly educate our Indian trade partners with product knowledge and new developments taking place in New Zealand. The 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme, has evolved significantly over time. We are confident the improved programme will meet the needs of industry and are excited to be launching it today.” The new programme introduced has a Gold, Silver and Bronze tier structure, and provides specialists the opportunity to list their offerings on Tourism New Zealand’s main marketing channel – newzealand.com. Additionally, it increases credibility with clients through a certification and use of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist logo. By successfully completing 10 training modules, the seller is entitled to become a 100% Pure New Zealand Bronze Specialist and the status can be maintained by completing 2 additional training modules every two years. The 100% Pure New Zealand Silver Specialist can be earned by attending one TNZ led in-country or webinar training session or the Kiwi Link event, in addition to the 10 training modules. The status of the Silver programme can be maintained like the Bronze programme with the addition …

Absolute Hotel Services Group (AHS) has announced a cooperation between AHS and Vienna House, Austria’s largest hotel group, to expand their related brands in Asia and Europe. Vienna House currently owns and/or managed 36 properties throughout Europe. AHS India plans to introduce this new brand in India soon. The new corporation between AHS and Vienna House will be beneficial for both hotel groups with the expansion of AHS’ U Hotels and Resorts brand into the European market via AHS Europe office in Vienna, Austria while also expanding the Vienna House brand in Asia under the auspices of Vienna House Asia. Jonathan Wigley, CEO, AHS, says, “In Vienna House I can think of no better a partner to introduce our U properties into Europe as their reputation precedes them for an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction and authentic hospitality, which is exactly what we at AHS are looking for to spearhead our expansion westwards.” CEO of Vienna House, Rupert Simoner adds, “Having Absolute Hotel Services as our partner in Asia is a genuinely exciting time for us as now we have the strong background and unwavering support of an already well-established and respected company to bring the Vienna House experience to a whole new market in Asia