In a paradigm shift from one-stop location-specific approach, Kerala has firmly marked itself as a destination for extended holidays for all segments of visitors with diverse experiences across the state like homestays, drive holidays, wellness vacations and adventure activities, State Tourism Director, V R Krishna Teja, announced. “Year 2022 is going to be the year of Kerala Tourism. The year ahead is packed with events and festivities including the Kerala Travel Mart in May, Champions’ Boat League (CBL) and Kochi Muziris Biennale besides several cultural and literary fests and adventure tourism activities,” he said.

G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and DONER, has launched an e-marketplace platform at a special event organised to coincide with the International Women’s Day at the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Gwalior. This portal will be similar to platforms like OLA, Uber, etc, which would help Incredible India Tourist Facilitators & Guides (IITFs/IITGs) to get business opportunities and work as a bridge between the customer and the service provider.

From 1ST March 2022, there will no longer be a quarantine obligation requirement even for those arriving from non-EU countries. To enter Italy, any of one of the Green pass certificates like vaccination certificate, certificate of Covid 19 recovery or negative test result will be sufficient. This was established by an ordinance signed by the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza. We are moving more and more towards the relaxation of the Covid containment measures. The Italian government has decided to further simplify arrivals from abroad to support the tourism sector. The end of the quarantine regime for arrivals from abroad is another fundamental step in the government’s plan, for a new phase of co-existence with the virus. The executive order has already lifted the mandate to have a swab test for those arriving from European Union countries. The measure goes hand in hand with an improvement in the epidemiological situation after the recent re-opening of night clubs and the end of the mandate to wear a mask outdoors. This will put an end to the state of emergency by 31st March 2022. Among the measures envisaged in the Government roadmap that is put forth by the Minister of Tourism Mr. Garavaglia, is the elimination of the Super Green Pass mandate in hotels. At the moment, this law mandate which was enforced in Christmas 2021 still remains in force in all hotels and accommodation facilities. Starting April 2022, in view of the Easter holidays, it should be easier for Italian and foreign tourists to stay in hotels with the abolishment of the mandatory use of the Reinforced Green Pass as it will be no longer necessary to have a Covid vaccination …

Kerala Tourism will roll out aggressive promotional campaigns across the country, targeting diverse segments. The campaigns will be based on various themes and will be bolstered by a series of travel trade networking activities, including participation in trade fairs, and B2B roadshows. Dr. Venu V, Addl. Chief Secretary (Tourism), said, “The theme-based projects have been made after meticulous planning. Some of the new projects, like the biodiversity circuit, and Caravan Holidays, in particular, will take the travellers to Kerala’s unexplored areas while observing all the pandemic protocols, thus helping the state go beyond established destinations.”

With Maharashtra opening up for tourists, its tourism department has started rigorously promoting various tourism segments. Maharashtra tourism department has organised 20 mini festivals all through February and March. It will also conduct FAM tours for tour operators in March from various cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru.

Europe’s travelling activity will be on the rise despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the aerospace company Airbus has said. According to the CEO of Airbus, Guillaume Faury, the 27-nation-bloc will witness a surge in travel this summer as the conflict on the Eastern part of the continent won’t impact the internal European markets.

Two weeks after he was appointed Air India chief executive officer, Ilker Ayci has declined the offer to join the Tata Group-owned airline. Ayci, former chairman of Turkish Airlines, had earlier served as advisor to Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has decided to include cruise ride, water and adventure activities at 20 tourist destinations in the state. Scuba diving, water rafting, speed boats and banana boats among other activities are expected to begin soon as a regular sport for tourists at 20 water bodies of the state. It has invited expression of interest (EOI) from investors for organising cruises. Umakant Choudhary, deputy director of adventure and water tourism at MPTB, said, “We have 22 notified water bodies. Recently we have issued expression of interest for cruise operations. Other water sports such as scuba diving, water rafting, speed boats and banana boats will also be introduced at selected locations.”

Abu Dhabi has updated its Covid-19 travel protocol as on March 1, 2022 and has removed the requirement for PCR test to travel to the country for fully-vaccinated Indian travellers. Key changes include no rapid test required under six hours at the airport and no RT PCR test required under 48 hours. Children under 16 are exempted.

Discover quintessential Dutch elegance in an intricate maze of 25 connecting Golden Age canal houses. After a full renovation, completed in August 2016, this hidden neighbourhood now features: 225 guest rooms & suites, tranquil inner gardens, meeting & event spaces, a garden café, a hotel bar and a restaurant that serves simple yet beautifully crafted dishes. The Pulitzer is a unique blend of up-market, traditional and modern Dutch craftsmanship hidden amongst the city’s iconic canals. The buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries have been carefully restored to combine original, historic canal house components with modern and luxurious aspects. From leading merchants to flamboyant Dutch aristocrats, the former residents of these canal houses lend Pulitzer Amsterdam the opportunity to inspire guests and visitors with its rich character and history. Guests can choose from four distinctive room types and three suite categories, as well as the beautiful romantic Pulitzer Suite. The four exceptional Collector’s Suites with private entrance on the Keizersgracht and breathtaking views over the canals are inspired by the stories of intriguing characters who may have inhabited the canal houses over the years; from a determined art admirer to an eccentric book lover; a music composer and an antique collector. No two rooms are the same; each combines Amsterdam’s rich past with the modern present in an eclectic mix of designs and elements that complement the charm of each individual room. Speaking on this partnership, the Commercial Director, Gladys Camphuijsen, says, “For years we have seen the Indian market as such a great opportunity for the Pulitzer Amsterdam, however we didn’t have the right tools to enter this market. With commencing the relationship with One Rep Global, we feel like we have found the perfect way to …