IATO President Rajiv Mehra has written to the Prime Minister requesting him to restore the Service Export Incentive Scheme (SEIS). As an alternative to this, IATO suggested the introduction of a scheme in the new Foreign Trade Policy, as the inbound tourism sector is still suffering and needs hand holding by the government. Additionally, the association seeks roll back of TCS of 20% to 5% on Overseas Tour Packages announced in the Union Budget.

With its plan to attract private investment in its premium properties stuck even five years after signing of the agreements, tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said if the project proponents fail to kickstart the projects, then the government would revisit its decision. “There’s no more waiting. If they fail to carry forward the projects in the next two to three months, we will have to revisit the 2016 agreements. People cannot be sitting idle with tourism properties, Khaunte said.

In a statement issued by Goa First airline, it has said that in order to recover losses, it has sought compensation of approximately INR 8,000 crores in the SIAC arbitration. If it is successful in the arbitration, it is hoped that, the airline will be able to address the liabilities of its creditors. The statement adds that, however at this stage, in the absence of Pratt & Whitney not providing the required number of spare leased engines in accordance with the order issued by the emergency arbitrator, the airline is no longer in a position to continue to meet its financial obligations.

Jobs portal, Indeed, reveals the top job roles highlighting a remarkable increase in job opportunities in the hospitality sector, in the duration of March 2022 to March 2023. With a growth of about 60% in job posting and 20.10% increase in job seeker interest on the platform (clicks), the career opportunities in this industry are flourishing.

Wynn Resorts has announced the name of its new multi-billion-dollar integrated resort, debuting in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Wynn Al Marjan Island. The Company also unveiled the design vision of its first-ever beachfront resort, which is inspired by the tranquil seascape of Al Marjan Island, a group of four islands. The resort is being developed with local partners Marjan LLC, and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC. Wynn Al Marjan Island rises more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the sea, welcoming visitors to a premium luxury experience, including exceptional entertainment and gaming amenities. For its first project in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, the US-listed developer and luxury resort operator will create a serene and stylish setting that takes inspiration from the stunning sea views. With an estimated project cost of approximately USD 3.9 billion, the iconic silhouette of Wynn Al Marjan Island will transform and accelerate the Emirate’s rise as a major global tourist destination, while also creating substantial value to its economy through tourism and job creation. The project will pave the way for the accelerated growth of allied business sectors. Foundation construction work began onsite earlier this year. The brand’s signature, high-design opulence will be reflected in its approximately 1,500 lavishly styled rooms, suites and villas. Visitors can look forward to a wide array of entertainment options, a gaming area, 24 dining and lounge experiences, innovative spa and wellness experiences, a high-end shopping esplanade, a state-of-the-art events center, a theater hosting a unique production show, and other amenities. Designed for both longer visits and day trips from neighboring Emirates, the resort will offer abundant and layered experiences including nightly state-of-the-art laser and light …

Desert Adventures Tourism, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook India and GCC-based travel conglomerate Kanoo Travel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture in Saudi Arabia at Arabian Travel Market 2023. Desert Adventures is a premium Destination Management Company headquartered in the UAE, operating in the GCC and Jordan. The collaboration brings together two of the largest and most reputable travel trade organisations in the Middle East, aiming to create the most comprehensive destination services company in the region. The joint venture marks a significant milestone in both Companies’ history as they combine their expertise, resources, and capabilities to provide travellers with unparalleled travel experiences in Saudi Arabia. Desert Adventures Tourism has been a leading company and partner of choice for many worldwide tour operators with 25 years of experience in destination management in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Oman. The company has developed a reputation for providing stability, consistency, and quality of service that its partners have come to trust. Kanoo Travel, an esteemed travel company with a legacy spanning over eight decades, offers the most comprehensive and reliable travel solutions. With a focus on corporate travel, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE), leisure and holiday travel, airline representation, and marine travel, Kanoo Travel has established itself as a leader in the travel industry. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional solutions and services has been consistently acknowledged, resulting in numerous regional industry awards.   Peter Payet, CEO of Desert Adventures, expressed excitement about the new venture, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Kanoo Travel to provide the most comprehensive destination services in Saudi Arabia. With their extensive local knowledge and resources and …

Experience Abu Dhabi has announced Indian superstar Ranveer Singh, as an official ambassador, inspiring visitors to discover the diverse range of experiences that can be enjoyed on a trip to Abu Dhabi. During the two-year partnership, Ranveer will share his holiday highlights, inviting Indian travelers to find their pace in Abu Dhabi and enjoy everything that the destination has to offer, from an action-packed calendar of events including IIFA, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi NBA Games, to the variety of adventures and cultural experiences that can inspire, excite and restore. Ranveer commences his exciting role by starring in Abu Dhabi’s new summer campaign film, ‘One Summer Isn’t Enough’. In the film, audiences will witness Ranveer explore some of Abu Dhabi’s hotspots, from soaking up the sun in the chilled pools of Saadiyat Beach Club to taking in the wonder at Louvre Abu Dhabi and racing around the famous Yas Marina Circuit, before enjoying retail therapy at one of the city’s incredible malls. A true showman, Ranveer could not leave Abu Dhabi without perfecting the iconic Al Ayyala dance – deeply rooted in UAE culture, it involves performers using thin bamboo canes to move to the steady beat of drums. Ranveer’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for Abu Dhabi is sure to inspire every traveler to add Abu Dhabi to their summer bucket list. With so many things to do, summer is an ideal time to visit the UAE capital. Just like Ranveer, Indian travellers can be inspired by Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and heritage scene across 23 locations, including Qasr Al Hosn and the presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan. Alternatively, those looking for adventure can reach new …

Building on its robust presence in India, Lufthansa today announced the introduction of two new routes – Munich to Bangalore and Frankfurt to Hyderabad.  The new flights on the Munich-Bangalore route will be operational three times a week, with the first flight scheduled on November 3, 2023. The flights from Frankfurt-Hyderabad will commence operations in the coming winter and combined these flights represent the first new routes in Asia Pacific for the Group. This expansion underlines Lufthansa’s long-term vision to strengthen its footprint in the Indian market by catering to the growing population of young working professionals. The brand intends to make the best of India’s untapped growth opportunity – especially in the post-COVID era – by providing consumers with the most premium travel experiences during their international trips, be it for business or leisure. With more than 50 weekly services to India, the Lufthansa Group tradition in India dates back nearly a century, and these new routes will strength its position as the leading European airline group on the subcontinent.

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, said that India plans to develop 50 new tourism destinations across the country and envisages making 59 new air routes operational to boost tourism in the country. “We plan to promote Green Tourism and open 50 new tourism destinations and launch publicity in the overseas market,” he said.

Rezlive.com, TravTalk & Turning Point will host a unique Red Carpet Desert Networking Event on 2 May in Dubai. This will happen on the sidelines of ATM at Camp – Al Awir with dinner. Attendees will have the option to also indulge in dune bashing. For more information, please write to Sonia Butalia at Sonia.butalia@ddppl.com or call +91-9650311174.