Abinash Manghani, CEO, WelcomHeritage, has said that hotels which are more adaptive to the customer will do far better at the end of this phase. Speaking at DDP Digital Conclave titled ‘The Post Pandemic Reset’, he said, “I think the branded ones are doing it first and subsequently, others will follow. Since customers are not sure of what they expect, there is a clear shift towards branded hotels,” he added.

VK Singh, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, has brought to light the many initiatives taken by his Ministry in the recent past. He says that these initiatives have not only helped overcome operating costs of the sector, but also facilitated both expansion of airports and skill development for which several centres have been set up, including those in Chandigarh, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

TAAI and Kazak Tourism have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote mutual interest and tourist arrivals between Kazakhstan and India via cooperation and collaborative relationship and experience changes on reciprocal basis. The signatories were Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI and Kairat Sadvakassov, Acting Chairman of the Board, Kazakh Tourism. TAAI members will get an opportunity to showcase ‘Incredible India’ towards inbound and M!CE segments for Kazak Tour Operators and travellers.

To provide regional connectivity and boost trade & tourism in the remotest parts of the country, Pawan Hans will now fly on the Chandigarh-Kullu-Chandigarh route from August 15 at reduced fares under the UDAN scheme. The flight will be operated thrice weekly, on Monday, Friday and Sunday. Bookings are open and can be made on the Pawan Hans website. The fare has been set at Rs6,500 (one way).

Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy has said that the sector has always been a strong driver for economic growth in the country and has one of the highest job creating potentials. “In 2019, the industry contributed US$194 billion to the Indian economy. For a Rs10 lakh investment, tourism can provide 78 jobs, as compared to 45 jobs in the manufacturing sector,” he added.

DDP Digital Conclave brings you an opportunity to learn from some of the brightest, most experienced minds in the hospitality sector strategies that will truly help bring business back. Speakers at the hour-long session titled ‘The Post Pandemic Reset’ are Abinash Manghani (WelcomHeritage), Alok Sharma (Shycocan Corporation) and Vineet Wadhwa (Fio Restaurants). To register, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj has said that comprehensive strategies of state governments will bring tourism back on track. He added, “We have worked on a two-pronged strategy in our state. On the one hand we have provided Rs200 crore relief package to respective stakeholders related to the tourism industry, and on the other hand rolled out various schemes to encourage self-employment opportunities for the local youth.”

A joint delegation of members from HRAWI, FHRAI, NRAI, AHAR and HAI met Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray over the continued timing restrictions on restaurants in the state, and informed the CM of restaurateurs’ distress. Thackeray has assured that he will be present in the next meeting of the COVID-19 task force and look for ways for a graded reopening of the restaurant sector.

Indian Railways has launched RailMadad, a one-stop solution for customer grievance, enquiry, suggestion and assistance, providing passengers access through website, App, SMS, social media and helpline number 139. A number of helplines that earlier existed in the Railways for various purposes have been merged into this, and will be available round the clock in 12 languages.

Indiatourism Hyderabad organised a ‘Walk and Cycle Rally’ to create awareness on ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The event saw enthusiastic participation, and about 100 students of University College of Women, Koti, participated in the rally. At the culmination of the event, everyone got together and sang the national anthem. Government of India is commemorating 75 years of India’s independence, which falls on 15th August 2022, at national and international levels in the form of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.