Speaking on during a webinar conducted by the MoT recently, Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism discussed the important of training programmes for students in the hospitality and service industry and how more and more students should be encouraged to participate in these programme in near future by the tourism industry.

The Centre has extended the validity period of current airfare cap as well as the capacity utilisation of airlines till May 31. In one of the two separate orders, the Ministry of Civil Aviation extended the time period of airfare cap till May 31 from April 30. Till recently, the Centre had expanded the airfare cap by increasing the lower and upper limit. These fare bands came into force with effect from May 21, 2020.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced Liz Ortiguera as its next Chief Executive Officer effective May 17, 2021. She succeeds Dr Mario Hardy who will finish his term at the end of May. Ortiguera is a senior executive with over 25 years of global experience and expertise in general management, marketing, business development, and partner network management.

SP Dutt, a retired official of Air India, passed away after battling with the coronavirus disease. Known as Speedy to friends, Dutt served as the Communication and PR head for Air India. He was on ventilator since April 24. Dutt had completed an MS in applied science from New York University and was also a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a significant hotel management agreement with Kasetsinn Co to open Cross Pattaya Phratamnak. This will be the first property after their luxury brand renaming from X2 (Cross To) to Cross. The 78-key hotel is set to open in August 2021.

The UAE has affirmed that it stands in full solidarity with India amidst the challenging health situation in the country. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s leisure and entertainment hub, lit up in solidarity with the people of India as the country faces a record surge in Covid-19 cases. In light of the current situation, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island displayed the flag of India on its grid shell light canopy last night, as Yas Island extended a message of hope and unity.

After a gap of two years, Spain Tourism has restarted its Spain Specialist Programme (SSP), its e-learning platform designed by Turespaña to familiarise tourism professionals with Spanish culture, the regions of Spain, and its tourist attractions. All the SSP courses are free of charge and the travel trade can take it at their own convenience. Its online campus is available at http://campus.spain.travel/en-in/.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have announced a ‘Destination Tracker’ in preparation for the restart of international travel. The UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker is a new free online tool for governments to provide information on COVID-19 requirements for travel and the measures in place at the destination. The tool is available through the websites of both organizations.

The much-awaited virtual show MICE Engage 2021 organised by JTB India will take place today from 10am IST onwards. The event will see key travel service providers exhibiting at the show who will meet decision-makers from top corporate companies in India. For more information, contact Kritika Kunden at kritika_k.in@jtbap.com or Deepali Gupta at deepali_g.in@jtbap.com.

AVIAREPS, the India representative for Budget Rent A Car, will conduct it’s first-ever presentation for the Indian travel trade today at 11am IST. Khushbu Vora, its Account Manager, will highlight Budget’s offerings to the trade and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. To sign up, contact Jaspreet Kaur on 9650196532 or jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.