The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) in partnership with the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore, took center stage on 01 August 2023, as they organized a highly successful roadshow at the prestigious Hotel Grand Regent in Coimbatore. The event aimed to foster mutual growth and cooperation between the two vibrant travel communities, while promoting the mesmerizing tourism opportunities in the Andaman Islands. With a turnout of 50 travel agents from Coimbatore, the event was graced by the presence of AATO’s President, M. Vinod, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in elevating the Andaman Islands as a prime tourist destination. The roadshow proved to be an invaluable platform for networking and knowledge sharing among the participants. Highlighting the event’s significance, M. Vinod, President of AATO, said, “We are excited to collaborate with the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore for this incredible roadshow. This platform has allowed us to showcase the diverse and breathtaking tourism opportunities that await travelers in the Andaman Islands. We are confident that this event will lead to fruitful partnerships and an increase in tourist footfall to our beautiful islands.” The event commenced with a panel discussion on “Tourism Opportunities in Andaman” that was moderated by the Joint Secretary of AATO, Saikat Biswas. The discussion delved into the untapped potential of the Andaman Islands as a year-round travel destination, featuring its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and thriving marine life. The insightful session garnered active participation from travel agents and industry experts, enabling the exchange of ideas on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

The Hotel & Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) organised an insightful seminar aimed at simplifying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the hospitality industry in Panaji. The seminar was held on the heels of the 50th GST Council meeting which took place on July 11, 2023, in New Delhi. The event saw attendance from 42 hospitality professionals including hotel and restaurant owners from across Goa. CA Jinit R Shah, a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience, conducted the seminar, providing in-depth knowledge and practical insights on GST related topics to the participants. The seminar focused on a variety of GST-related topics that are relevant to the hospitality industry. These topics included the rates applicable to restaurant services within hotel premises with different room tariffs, free food supplied to staff, food packaging, tips and service charge, covers charges, and sponsorships. For hotels, Mr Shah shared insights on the break-up of room tariffs and the applicable GST rates, including when there is provision for extra beds, or when guests use hotel utilities such as laundry services or consume from the mini-fridges in the rooms, among others. “The GST has been a complex and challenging tax regime for our industry and this seminar has helped us to better understand the rules and how to comply with them. His insights and practical examples tailored specifically for the hospitality sector have been immensely valuable for our members. The seminar has empowered professionals to navigate the GST landscape with confidence and efficiency, addressing doubts and providing valuable resources. The seminar has not only helped us clarify doubts on a variety of GST related topics but, has also equipped us better to …

Sentosa is set to introduce an array of leisure experiences to Indian travellers. The new developments were revealed during the visit of Chin Sak Hin, Assistant Chief Executive, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), who is here to strengthen SDC’s longstanding relationships with Indian trade partners to ensure that Sentosa is the preferred choice of destination for all Indian travellers to Singapore. Strategic partnership with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Currently, India is a top source market for Sentosa and accounts for nearly a third of overseas visitors to Sentosa Island for the first half of 2023. To leverage this high growth potential, SDC has inked one-year strategic partnerships with Thomas Cook (India) and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, respectively. The MoU aims to deepen the relationship between SDC and Thomas Cook and SOTC; highlight the range of discoveries in Sentosa; and shore up Sentosa’s position as a top-of-mind destination. The partnership will see SDC working closely with Thomas Cook and SOTC on activities such as product development, joint consumer promotions, as well as publicity to raise Sentosa’s profile in the India market, increase Sentosa’s capture rates of the India market particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities, and grow visitorship to and spend on Sentosa Island. Both Thomas Cook and SOTC will also curate exclusive packages that feature the latest offerings in Sentosa. The partnership is a timely and strategic move to refresh Sentosa’s brand image among Indian travellers, particularly as the island destination had repositioned itself earlier this year as an island of fulfilling experiences where discovery never ends. The new brand proposition presents opportunities and moments which allow guests to discover a new perspective while enjoying their time on …

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group of airlines announced a restructuring of its Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad services, as SIA and Scoot adjust their capacity and network in response to evolving demand patterns. Chennai Scoot will commence daily services between Singapore and Chennai from 5 November 2023, while SIA will go to a twice daily service between the two cities from 29 October 2023. As a result, the SIA Group’s operations between Singapore and Chennai will increase from 17-times weekly to 21-times weekly. SIA will operate its Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-8, and Boeing 787-10 aircraft on its Chennai routes, while Scoot will operate its Airbus A320 aircraft. This transfer of services will reintroduce Scoot to Chennai after a three-year hiatus, and offer additional options for customers on this important route. Hyderabad SIA will take over Scoot’s daily services between Singapore and Hyderabad from 29 October 2023, and progressively increase its frequencies between the cities from seven-times weekly to 12-times weekly. The new five-times weekly morning services will be operated by SIA’s Boeing 737-8s, offering more options for passengers travelling from Hyderabad to and beyond Singapore.  The daily night services will be operated by SIA’s Airbus A350s.  As a result, Hyderabad will be entirely served by SIA’s full-service product. Bengaluru SIA will operate twice daily flights between Singapore and Bengaluru from 29 October 2023 using its Airbus A350s on all days except Thursdays and Sundays, where the morning flight will be operated by the Boeing 737-8. SIA will discontinue its thrice-weekly SQ512 and SQ513 Airbus 350 services. As a result, the Airline will operate 14-times weekly instead of the current 16 times a week, offering customers better connectivity from Bengaluru to key …

The 2023 edition of India Travel Awards (North) was held at the Hyatt Regency Delhi on 25 July, Addressing the event, VK Duggal, Former Governor, Manipur and Mizoram said, “With India’s international tourist offices being closed, the Indian embassies and high commission will have to play an important role in promoting Indian tourism overseas.”

Speaking on the sidelines of Tourism Australia’s 18th Australia Marketplace India (AMI) in Bengaluru, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, said, “India has improved its ranks among Australia’s source markets, and reached a milestone of emerging as the first market to recover to pre-Covid levels, with several marketing, public relations, distribution, and partnership initiatives aimed at enhancing Australia’s attractiveness and consideration. Our Key Distribution Partners, Aussie Specialists and Business Event agents have been vital in inviting Indians to Australia. We seek to maintain our current trajectory and unlock India’s potential growth towards the next decade of travel.”

Analysis of the CAPA – Centre for Aviation Fleet Database reveals that Singapore Airlines has the highest share of its seats in premium cabins at 15.5% among all global airlines. For the group of 50 airlines, premium seats represent an average of 9.5% of total seats, with a range from 3.2% (SAS Scandinavian Airlines) to Singapore Airlines (15.5%). Also high in the range are Emirates Airline (15.1%), Korean Air (13.5%), Japan Airlines (13.1%), British Airways (12.9%), Cathay Pacific Airways (12.6%), and United Airlines (12.1%).

The Indian hospitality industry has emerged with remarkable resilience and strength in the first quarter of FY23-24. Based on ground-level research, the sector is poised to report an impressive 15% rise in revenues compared to the same period in the previous financial year. This remarkable growth is primarily attributed to an upswing in occupancy rates, while the increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) remained limited. Despite the positive revenue trajectory, it is important to note that the profitability rise numbers may not be directly proportional to the revenue surge in comparison to Q1 of FY22-23. This is because the expenses in Q1 of FY22-23 had not yet reached their peak, with full-scale services and manning expenses hitting their stride only in the third quarter of the previous fiscal year. Nonetheless, the industry is expected to exhibit a significantly more robust profitability than the pre-COVID era. However, it is estimated that reported profitability growth for Q1 FY24 will be around 100 to 200 basis points lower than the previous financial year’s quarter 1. Given the seasonal nature of the hospitality industry, it is prudent to gauge the FY24 quarter 1 performance by comparing it to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year rather than its preceding quarter. This approach offers a more accurate outlook on the industry’s performance, as opposed to other sectors where seasonality plays a limited role. By adhering to this practice, stakeholders and investors can better assess the sector’s true growth and identify the underlying trends and potential challenges. Looking ahead, the prospects for the hospitality industry in quarter 3 and 4 of FY23-24 are exceptionally promising. The sector is poised to benefit significantly from major events …

Electronic visa will be launched in Russia from August 1, 2023, allowing Indian nationals to apply for their visa quickly and conveniently. The visa would allow entry into the Russian Federation on a guest, business, tourist visit as well as to participate in events. The term for issuing a single-entry visa would be no more than four calendar days and consular fee would be around $40. “This is a great initiative to boost tourism and ensure hassle-free visa for tourists without much documentation. Now, with e-visa and direct Delhi-Moscow flights operated by Aeroflot airlines, Russia is more accessible than ever. The e-Visa will be valid for 60 days and allow travellers to stay in Russia for no more than 16 days,” explained Prashant Chaudhary, MD, Salvia Promoters and representative of Russian Union of Travel Industry in India.

While launching the UDAN 5.2 for helicopters, MoCA Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “Under this we have increased the VGF and reduced the fare cap. Along with this, we have also started single window service platform of HeliSewa. Through this, you will be able to get all the approvals from ATC on your mobile. We have also started UDAN 5.2 for small aircraft. Today we have awarded 22 routes, which underlines the fact that air travel facility is being made available to citizens living in remote areas.”