Global tourism experienced a 4% upturn in 2021, compared to 2020 (415 million versus 400 million). However, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72% below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO. This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73%. 

At the India Pavilion in Expo2020 Dubai, Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, MoT said that India is a highly attractive market for exhibitions due to its rapid economic growth and rising demand from consumers and businesses. “India possesses excellent convention and hospitality infrastructure, unparalleled cultural, natural attractions and a rapidly growing economy all of which act as catalysts to India emerging as a hub of business and social events,” he explained. 

FHRAI has written to Prime Minister seeking a special relief package for the tourism and hospitality sector due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-induced lockdowns. The association has requested that the Centre treat it as the “most distressed sector due to Covid-19. The industry has reported losses of ₹140,000 crore and around 500 lakh jobs were lost due to the pandemic. 

In the wake of Omicron, 95% of international bookings and 80% of domestic bookings have been postponed or cancelled said Sunil Gupta, Chairman Northern Region, IATO. “We have been severely impacted by the surge and Omicron, it is disheartening since we work hard on bookings and itineraries and everything suddenly cancels” he added. 

New highways and airports have been the biggest help the government has provided to the tourism industry. The improved road network in Uttarakhand and the improved flight connections in J&K and Ladakh are set to benefit the states. “With the development of Jewar Airport, both Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are likely to witness an increase in foreign and domestic travel once things return to normal” said Jaideep Dang, Managing Director, Hotels and Hospitality Group, South Asia, JLL in CII Northern Region Summit on Tourism & Hospitality 2022. 

Choice Hotels India adds another glorious property to its portfolio with Comfort Inn Coral River in Madhopur near Pathankot further strengthening its presence in the Punjab region after Patiala, Bhatinda, Amritsar, and Zirakpur. Strategically located at the meeting point of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, Pathankot serves as the gateway to numerous popular tourist destinations including Dalhousie, Chamba, Kangra, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Jwalaji, and Chintpurni.   Mr. Vilas Pawar, CEO, Choice Hotels India, said, “Punjab has a huge potential for leisure and business propositions. The region is culturally rich and a favorite destination for tourists. Holding up with our promise to offer an international experience with warm hospitality at best value proposition strong, we are elated to add yet another property in the city of Pathankot”.   Mr. Dinesh Mahajan, Owner of Comfort Inn Coral River, a progressive Farmer, Environmentalist, Hotelier, and Horticulturist said, “We are proud of our association with Choice Hotels, and we endeavour to offer the best accommodation and service experience in the region. The USP of our resort is the location and the view. Together with Choice Hotels, we are set out to offer value for money accommodation with impeccable service   Comfort Inn Coral River showcases modern guest rooms with high standards of amenities, understanding the quintessential needs of the guests. With picturesque views of the river, an around-the-clock in-room dining facility, high-speed internet, a business center, laundry, and a host of other services, the hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers.  

EbixCash has been awarded the prestigious contract to design, develop, build, install, maintain, operate, and transfer the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) for all state buses operated by two government-owned transport companies: Calcutta Public Transport Corporation (CSTC) and West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBSTC). EbixCash will implement the on-demand bus automation system over a minimum of 1,500 buses in the state. The initial contract term is 7 years, with EbixCash rolling out the platform over the next 3 months.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday issued an advisory on Purposive Testing Strategy for COVID-19 in India, stating that RT-PCR is not required for individuals traveling interstate within India. However, testing is mandatory for international travelers as per laid down guidelines at Indian airports, seaports, and ports of entry.

An 8-member delegation from the events and wedding industry came together to meet the Health Minister in New Delhi to urge him to remove the 20-pax cap in the capital. The team, led by Rajeev Jain, MD of Rashi Entertainment, met Health Minister Satyendar Jain to consider some relaxations

The permanent delegation of India to UNESCO yesterday announced that on the occasion of World Hindi Day, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre has agreed to publish Hindi descriptions of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites on WHC website. Union Education and Skill Development Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan via Twitter welcomed the decision. He said that Hindi is a matter of pride for every Indian and Hindi lover. The popularity of Indian languages on the global stage is welcoming and encouraging.