Resorts World Cruises has officially been launched on board the flagship brand Genting Dream. Colin Au, CEO and Executive Director, Resorts World Cruises said, “We are super excited to officially launch Genting Dream under the Resorts World Cruises brand. We are keen to explore Dubai as a market and will be soon exploring more opportunities to take the Asian cruising experience to the global markets.” Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises said, “We are thankful to all the partners and industry friends for their consistent support and confidence in us. We look forward to your continued support to take Resorts World Cruises to new heights and new markets, together!”

From July 1, companies providing incentives such as foreign trips, cars, gold coins or gift items exceeding 220,000 to their dealers and distributors, will need to deduct tax at the rate of 10 per cent. This comes after a new Section was added in the Finance Act. 2022.

Compared to May 2021, India’s bookings have grown by 178 per cent even though the country witnesses high cost of travel, revealed RateGain Travel Technologies in their monthly PULSE survey of May 2022, which show Travel Demand has no impact of global inflation.

Choice Hotels International is closing down its operations of its wholly owned subsidiary, Choice Hotels India, which is now being taken over as master franchise by Suba Group of Hotels, based out of Mumbai. Suba Group of Hotels has properties across the country and also includes brands like Click and 1589.

South Korea has announced that starting 8 June 2022, all international travellers to Korea are not required to quarantine regardless of their vaccination status. COVID-19 testing will still be in effect, making it necessary for travelers to submit a negative COVID-19 test result. Travellers must do a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test before departing to Korea.

The transport department of Delhi issued 4,286 International Driving Permits (IDP) from February till June 7. In fact, in June alone, they issued 439 IDPs to residents of Delhi who had moved abroad to study, work, and other business purposes. Of the international permits issued this year, 1,150 were issued for the United States and 986 were issued for Canada.

Rupinder Brar, ADG, Tourism, has said that MOT will be working very closely with both Ayush and Home Ministry to make sure that this visa gets enabled very fast. She also said, “As seen in the last few years, e-visa facility has grown for not just tourism but medical visa as well. It has only helped India forge its position in these sectors.”

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO has requested the government to remove hurdles which are creating hindrances in revival of inbound tourism to our country and also has requested to help in in getting refund of travel agents from Jet Airways. He has requested to MoCA that directives should be issued to all domestic airlines, not to make it compulsory for the travelers to do web check-in.

Spree Hospitality launches its bold and unconventional brand with the opening of Zip by Spree Hotels Mangala Towers in Thrissur, Kerala. This 4-star property is located near Thrissur business centers and is one of the top business hotels, fully equipped to meet corporate and business needs.

Singapore has eased entry for travellers. At the ‘Reimagine Cruising from Singapore’ webinar, it was revealed that travelers will not require Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) or Vaccinated Travel Passport (VTP) for entering Singapore. Now, it’s only a three-step process which includes proof of vaccination for pax of age 12 and above; apply your visa (3-day approval process) and submit your arrival cards online three days before arrival.