According to the latest CAPA Insider edition for South Asia, as of the start of 2020, India’s largest airline, IndiGo was the 10th largest in the world by weekly seat capacity. The four largest carriers were all based in the US. It was the only Indian airline to be listed in the top 10 list.

Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, says that she is hopeful that bookings on repatriation flights will be opened for agents too. “Agents were kept at bay when it came to booking Vande Bharat flights. All repatriation flights should come on the GDS. Now that processes between countries and ministries are established, it should be opened to us.”

Sharing some details on member engagement, Pradip Lulla, Acting President and VP, TAFI, says, “Since a regular convention is not possible this year, we will conduct a virtual one in October or November 2020. We are in talks with technology partners and sponsors for this.” Hearing on TAFI’s sole petition filed in the SC against MoCA and DGCA is now on July 20.

The latest key findings from CAPA India’s exclusive ‘Traveller Sentiment Tracker’ indicate that the second quarter is increasingly looking like a washout. The outlook for Q3 will depend upon how fast the infection curve can be flattened so that consumer confidence is restored. But at this stage, the public does not appear to be in any rush to return to the skies, especially when it comes to international travel.

The railway ministry has offered nine routes to private players in the Northeast Frontier Railway zone that covers most parts of north Bengal and the entire North East region. It is estimated that the total project would bring in investments of Rs 30,000 crore. Among the routes selected are Guwahati’s link to Delhi and cities like Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru and Bhopal.

PATA India Chapter will conduct its next webinar on 15th July, 2020. Titled, ‘Tourism PowerHouse in an Evolving Landscape’, the webinar will have key international speakers such as Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA and Oliver Ponti, VP Insights, ForwardKeys. They will share global trends and analysis on the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector and the way forward.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has assured the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) that the government is working on re-opening protocols. He said that they would re-open in a phased manner to avoid any backlash. Thackeray also informed that the government is working on certain concessions such as in excise fees to help revive the industry.

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, has said that his ministry has encouraged state governments and Union Territory administrations to consider providing relief measures to the sector. These measures include waiver of penalty or interest to be levied on payment of dues owed to the state bodies, relief from excise fees, electricity duty, and reduction of property tax.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a review meeting on the progress of Kashi Vishwanath Dham Project in Varanasi, has directed the Kashi Vishwanath Trust to prepare a route map with appropriate tourist guides to help pilgrims who visit the complex. He also said that all old temples which were unearthed during the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Parisar should be protected and preserved. Help of experts should be taken to maintain their historical and architectural legacy. Carbon dating should be conducted so that these temples and their importance is highlighted to the tourists and pilgrims who visit the temple.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma recently inaugurated ‘isolated cottages’ called Orchid Log Houses in New Shillong Township funded under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.  He said, “The idea is to adapt to the changing situation. It is important that we have cottages that are isolated but have good infrastructure.” However, Meghalaya is currently closed for all tourists.