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.

Qantas to launch a brand-new international route from Melbourne to Delhi from 22 December 2021, connecting Victoria to the Indian capital on a Qantas-operated flight for the first time in the airline’s history. From next month, Australia will open for certain categories of fully vaccinated international travellers like students, working holidaymakers and provisional family visa holders. Qantas will connect Delhi with Sydney and Melbourne from December. Australia has approved both Covishield and Covaxin as approved vaccines.

To update the Kolkata Travel trade about the gradual re-opening of Thailand for tourism from India, Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi supported by Royal Thai Consulate Kolkata, organized the Amazing Thailand Presentation & Networking Lunch at ITC Royal Bengal on 10th November 2021. Around 75 guests including travel agents, media and wedding planners attended the event. The session started with a welcome address Kasemsan Thongsiri, Acting Consul General – Royal Thai Consulate, Kolkata, who spoke about the consulate matters focusing on their efforts and procedures to assist travel to Thailand for Indians. He also informed the trade about updated guidelines on entering Thailand, protocol for travellers from India as well as documents and process for obtaining Thailand pass and visa. Next information on Thailand Re-opening and situation update was given by Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director- Tourism Authority of Thailand – New Delhi. He highlighted TAT’s new marketing campaign “Visit Thailand Year 2022” that will emphasize Thailand’s strength in biological diversity and cultural richness under the Amazing New Chapter’s concept. This was followed by a product presentation promoting popular destinations in Thailand like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai. The presentation also introduced new products and activities in Thailand that Indian travelers could enjoy. The afternoon ended with a Q&A session where members of the travel trade engaged with the TAT representatives and the Royal Thai Consulate to clear their doubts on flights, procedures, SOPs etc to visit Thailand from India and expressed their desire to visit Thailand soon. This event was a great initiative to reach out to the travel trade in Kolkata and update them about the tourism situation in Thailand as well as to highlight steps …