Boeing’s commercial market outlook for India reveals that the country’s air passenger market will double in size by from the pre-pandemic level by 2030. The first to recover be VFR traffic. International traffic, by comparison, is expected to take at least until 2023 to make a full recovery, primarily owing to travel restrictions, vaccine roll-outs and a slow return of business travel.

The Tourism Office of Spain – Mumbai will conduct a webinar ‘Returning to Sevilla’ on April 8 at 3pm IST for travel trade professionals to showcase MICE experiences in Sevilla by representatives from the Congress and Convention Bureau Sevilla. The city of Sevilla that leaves its mark on every visitor. Perhaps its because of the grandeur of its monuments or maybe the scent of jasmine in its squares, or it could be the rhythm of flamenco dancing or the Spanish guitar music in its streets, or the grand celebration of its festivals. Participants stand a chance to win Amazon vouchers on attending all webinars. To register, contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Sharing the idea behind organizing a virtual roadshow dedicated to MICE, Anil Srinivasan, Executive Director at JTB India, says, “The feedback we received from our corporate customers is that their channel partners were not very happy about doing more virtual meetings and events. They are keen to do offline events now and resume physical travel. We had been waiting for an apt time to launch our virtual roadshow – MICE Engage 2021 – where we could bring the buyers to meet exhibitors from the travel domain such as NTOs, hotels, airlines, etc.”

Haitham Mattar, who presently serves as Senior Advisor at Saudi Ministry of Tourism, will take over as Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) at IHG Hotels & Resorts April 18th onwards and will be based at their Dubai office. This is Mattar’s second stint at IHG, having previously spent 11 years at the company between 2000 and 2011 in different capacities.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled a new safety video, filmed on location at Louvre Abu Dhabi, to give passengers across the globe, a glimpse of what attractions the capital has to offer. Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience Brand & Marketing, Etihad Airways said: “Our safety video needed a refresh including the safety messaging requirements due to COVID. This new video goes beyond its main purpose of educating guests about essential safety information, it also reflects our brand and personality, while leveraging the very best of our beautiful home, Abu Dhabi.” The video is set at Louvre Abu Dhabi, with Etihad’s very own cabin crew demonstrating safety features of the aircraft and other Etihad employees acting as guests. Emirati voice-over artists were used to voice the video in English and Arabic. To further ensure a consistent guest experience, the accompanying music is part of Etihad’s new signature sound collection which is used across the airline for a variety of touch points. The sonic branding is inspired by Abu Dhabi and is an eclectic mix of Emirati and international instrumentation and arrangements, played by musicians from the UAE and around the world. Etihad’s new safety video will be progressively rolled out starting with the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners in April 2021. To protect health and safety, the new video was filmed following strict COVID safety protocols, including all cast and crew having to present a negative PCR test.

Indian flag carrier Air India has announced that it will operate a direct flight between Moscow’s Sheremetyevo AS Pushkin Airport and Goa airport every Thursday from April 14 to October 28, 2021. The carrier has opened bookings for the flight via its website, booking offices, call centre and authorised travel agents.

Karnataka Tourism Directorate has decided to consider 62 Star Classified Hotels, and also those applying and registering in future as a Star Classified Hotel, as Industry status. These hotels have to apply and get Industry certificate from Commissioner, Industrial Development and Director, Industry and Commercial Department. The order is applicable April 1, 2021 onwards.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is set to connect virtually with Indian stakeholders through CruiseWorld India 2021 on April 6, 2021, revealed GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East and South, STB. Themed ‘Charting our Pathway to Cruise Recovery’, the event will bring together key cruise lines and cruise agents stakeholders, highlight the safe, gradual resumption of cruise operations in Singapore and provide destination updates.

Opening in 2022, Amaala will be an ultra-luxury resort destination spanning three sites – a first for the region. Its pristine natural environment and temperate climate will provide a magnificent backdrop to premium facilities, diverse offerings and engaging experiences. Hidden in plain sight on Saudi Arabia’s north western coast, Amaala will be a place of self-transformation inspired by the arts, wellness and the purity of the Red Sea.

Hyatt Hotels plans to grow its brand footprint in India by more than 70% by 2023. With over 20 executed managed and franchised agreements, Hyatt will add more than 3,600 keys to its existing portfolio across eight distinct brands in the country, including the Andaz, Alila, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place.