In a new research commissioned by Airbnb, it has emerged that around 79% of Indian travellers want to travel in ways that positively benefit local communities both economically and socially. It was also found that 68 percent of respondents are prepared to forego comforts and luxuries on a holiday if their actions can support a sustainable tourism outcome. More than 60 percent of people in India are conscious that communities need economic recovery and will factor this into where they travel and how they spend their money. Almost two-thirds of Indians place importance on using travel to meaningfully connect with communities and culture, with 60 percent believing it important that they immerse themselves in local communities. Over 50 percent of Indian travelers say that technology-driven solutions can make the tourism industry more inclusive, by enabling a wider range of local stakeholders to benefit economically

According to the third Tourism Satellite Account, tourism sector contributes around 15% in total employment of the country as per 3rd Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for the years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. This will be around 228 million jobs (both direct and indirect) due to tourism. This information was given by Minister of Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy in reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and DoNER, has said that MOT started the destination-based skill development training programme at 7 iconic sites in FY 2019-20 to train, upgrade and sensitise the local people residing near the tourism sites and destinations. This programme continued in Financial Year (FY) 2020-21 and upscaled to more than 150 new destinations. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, this programme took place at 44 destinations. This programme is continued during the current FY 2021-22 and has taken place at 24 destinations.v

Under the Bharat Gaurav scheme, private tour operators can now take trains on lease from the railways and run them on any circuit of their choice. They will have the freedom to decide routes, fares and quality of services under the scheme. The railways has earmarked 3,033 ICF coaches for this purpose, roughly translating to 150 trains. Anyone, from societies, trusts, consortia and even state governments can apply to take these trains and run them on special tourism circuits based on a theme.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to adopt simple, predictable and practical measures to safely and efficiently facilitate the ramping-up of international travel as borders re-open. Specifically, IATA urged governments to focus on three key areas, simplified health protocol, digital solutions to process health credentials, and COVID-19 measures proportionate to risk levels with a continuous review process.

Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and DoNER, reviewed the various tourism projects funded by the Government of India in Visakhapatnam recently. “We will develop the beautiful coastal city of Vizag not just as a world tourist destination but also as a centre of trade & commerce,” he said. He also assured all stakeholders that the Government will revive the industry and support the development of the tourism infrastructure.

Cordelia cruises have successfully completed 16 sailings with approximately 17,776 families and guests since its launch in mid-September. They have achieved 100% consumer occupancy. Jurgen Bailom, CEO and President, Waterways Leisure Tourism, says. “Indians were far from familiar with cruising especially locally. The thick of the pandemic was itself a significantly daunting time. I am overjoyed and humbled in equal measure with the response we have received since our launch. This response is pushing us to do better and offer so much more. Cordelia Cruises has put India on the global cruising map.”

Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) is conducting a webinar for the Indian travel trade on Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna today from 3:30pm IST. Markus Kustatscher, Tourism Manager of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna will present the wonderful Imperial Collections of the Habsburg family in Vienna. “The Imperial Collections of the Habsburgs with the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, the Imperial Treasury Vienna and the Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna are one of the most important collections of artworks and breath-taking treasures in the world,” says Kustatscher. To join the webinar, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

MakeMyTrip has joined hands with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to promote regional air connectivity through UDAN scheme. Under the partnership, MakeMyTrip will now power UDAN flights on AirSewa portal to provide air connectivity to common man at affordable airfares to underserved destinations. MMT will market UDAN flights on its platform to promote its visibility and product discovery, making the dream of flying a reality for millions of Indians. MMT will also market UDAN flights offline through its large network of franchisee retail stores for offline booking. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, said, “Promoting air connectivity to unserved and underserved regions not only provides impetus to the economy but also contributes to equitable and inclusive growth. As the RCS-UDAN scheme completes four successful years – our enabling policies, incentives and partnerships with leading travel players will only improve air connectivity for common man at affordable airfares on regional and remote routes.” Deep Kalra, Founder & Executive Chairman, MakeMyTrip, added, “UDAN is a first of its kind scheme globally and has immensely contributed to domestic aviation market growth. We are privileged to work closely with the Government to promote regional air connectivity through online and offline travel channels and contribute towards Indian Aviation’s transformation under dynamic and bold leadership of Hon’ble minister.

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department has decided to organise winter carnival in the beautiful valleys of Patnitop every week to popularise the unknown or unexplored tourist places in the Union Territory. The 12-day fun-filled carnival will kick off from December 23, 2020 to January 3, 2021 and will be held at Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean, Jammu’s latest adventure and lifestyle destination.