As of 24 January, a ‘vaccination pass’ is now required for people aged 16 and over in almost all places where the Health Activity Pass was previously necessary. The ‘vaccination pass’ requires proof of double vaccination and A negative Covid-19 test (PCR or antigenic) will no longer be sufficient.  The “vaccination pass” does not apply to adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age. However, they are required to have a “health pass” to access the places mentioned above (bars and restaurants, leisure activities, large shopping centers, inter-regional transport). Vaccines accepted by France are those recognised by the European Medicines Agency: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield and Johnson & Johnson. For more information, log on to: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coming-to-france-your-covid-19-questions-answered/

Qatar Tourism has announced new superyacht luxury cruises in partnership with Emerald Cruises, sailing from Doha launching in January 2023. Emerald Azzurra will offer a seven-night, eight-day itineraries from Doha, with stops at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Khasab, Oman; Fujairah, UAE; Zighy Bay, Oman; and Dubai and vice versa. Pre and post cruise tours are available where guests can opt for a three-day package to explore the sites and culture of Qatar. Highlights include the National Museum of Qatar, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, in the style of a desert rose; or a visit to Souq Waqif, to purchase local souvenirs and spices. Visitors can take a trip into the desert and visit the Inland Sea, before enjoying dune bashing and a camel ride. The news comes as construction continues on the new Grand Cruise Terminal located in central Doha, near the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif. The terminal will have the capacity to host two megaships and will offer various attractions, including an aquarium and art gallery. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “In line with the national strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, we are expanding our tourism value proposition and are excited to welcome travellers from around the world to experience the best of Qatari hospitality both on sea and land. The new itineraries launching with Emerald Cruises are another step towards achieving this vision. “Qatar has an incredible range of hotels, restaurants, activities and cultural landmarks which can be enjoyed pre and post the cruise, allowing guests the freedom to explore Qatar at their leisure. We welcome travellers from around the world to experience our beautiful country and the best …

Union Minster of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday announced that 16 new airports will be built in five Central Indian states. He said that 16 new airports will come up in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa, Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur, Bilaspur and Jagdalpur, while nine airports will be built in Uttar Pradesh, one in Rajasthan and two in Maharashtra. Scindia also highlighted the need of better integration between the central and state governments for the success of PM-Gati Shakti scheme.

Recovery of the pandemic-hit Indian aviation sector will benefit from the sale of Air India and the handover of the airline to the Tata Group, the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament said. The annual report card of the economy that comes a day ahead of the Budget said the Air India handover, coupled with a boost to digital infrastructure and structural reforms in telecommunications, would have a positive impact on the pace of recovery of the aviation sector.

The Kerala Travel Mart dates have been rescheduled from 24th-27th March to 5th-8th May, 2022 at the same venue. Speaking on the change, Dr Venu Vasudevan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of Higher Education and Tourism, Govt of Kerala, said, “We know that in certain regions, there are still restrictions that are applicable. So having considered all these matters, the KTM society has decided to postpone the Mart. We do this to ensure that all those people who have expressed interest in participating are given the opportunity to do so. We already have more than 1,100 travel partners who’ve expressed interest in participating and we want to ensure that every one of them will gather here physically during KTM.”

To meet the fund requirements for the various schemes implemented by the Ministry of Tourism during the Financial Year 2022-23, the Finance Minister has earmarked an allocation of Rs 2,400 crore in the Union Budget 2022-23, said Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy. This allocation he said, is 18.42% higher than the Budget allocation for the year 2021-22 and 76.82% more than the allocation of 2013-14.

Thomas Cook (India) and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have introduced a slew of over 50 Mauritius holidays. Customers can opt for air-inclusive or land-only products starting at an unbeatable price of Rs 20,550.00. An island nation away from crowds, yet at a convenient short haul flight duration, Mauritius offers a kaleidoscope of cultures, eclectic gastronomy, vibrant local markets, a host of pristine beaches and clear blue waters, catamaran/speed boat/ yachting and water sports, spa-wellness experiences. Sightseeing options include the La Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park (valley of colours with 23-coloured earth), Black River Gorges National Park, Le Morne Brabant – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand Bassin, L’Aventure du Sucre, waterfalls and trekking/hiking amidst volcanic landscapes. Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s holiday range includes budget, value to luxury itineraries, with options designed to appeal couples, multigenerational families, young professionals/millennials, adventure seekers and solo travellers. For India’s newlyweds, the Companies’ Honeymoon Specials include options like: complimentary couple’s spa/ special discount on select therapies, in-room breakfast, candlelight dinner/ sundowners, bottle of sparkling wine/champagne, etc. Thomas Cook and SOTC have included both ready-to-book air-inclusive and land-only holidays; also customised itineraries, co-curated with holiday experts. Customers opting for air-inclusive holidays can choose a direct flight on Air Mauritius (twice weekly ex-Mumbai), or a unique combination of Mauritius with Dubai via Emirates. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) said, “Indians are displaying strong pent up demand and to accelerate demand, we have launched our extensive Mauritius product line. Mauritius’ hassle free visa-on-arrival and simple health protocols, coupled with our attractive Mauritius holiday range, offer the best of beach holidays and unique experiences to appeal to every Indian traveller …

Development of Northeastern Region, DoNER, Minister G. Kishan Reddy has said that the government has placed development of the northeastern region as a foremost priority through the ‘Act East’ initiative. During a virtual event, the Minister interacted with entrepreneurs and potential startups. He urged the business community to confidently carry the message of ‘investment ready North East’ across the country and beyond. Reddy felt that the Northeastern region now has the opportunity to lead the development journey of New India.

G Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General, Tourism, has shared that recently, MOT has come out with the formation of tourism clubs in schools and colleges. “These clubs will make a calendar of events, which will include adventure tourism activities. We are trying to tell them to have more curriculum and activities under adventure tourism. State governments are trying to promote these activities and I am sure these tourisms clubs will give the much-needed orientation to the students. Future generations will see the result of all our efforts,” he claimed.

The travel services market share in India is expected to increase by USD 11.11 billion from 2020 to 2025, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 11.55%. This travel services market research report of India provides valuable insights on the post COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by service (domestic flight services, hotel accommodation services, rail ticket services, cab services, and others) and booking (online and offline).