World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) research has shown that if the right measures are followed by governments across the world, travel and tourism jobs could surpass 2019 levels – up 20.1% year on year, to more than 349 million. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said, “Last year, 62 million travel & tourism jobs were lost globally, and our data shows a rise of a meagre 0.7% this year. If governments can start looking internationally and support travel & tourism with simplified rules to enable the safe return of travel, there is the opportunity to save jobs and boost economic wealth.”

All flights from Pune Airport will not operate for 14 days from 16 October 2021 to 29th October 2021, owing to runway resurfacing works, revealed Airport Authority of India- Pune on its Twitter handle as per the information received from Indian Air Force (IAF).

A recent survey by International Air Transport Association (IATA), air travellers are increasingly frustrated with the COVID-19 travel restrictions. The survey within 11 markets in September showed confidence that the risks of COVID-19 can be effectively managed and that the freedom to travel should be restored. 67% of respondents felt that most country borders should be opened now, up 12 percentage-points from the June 2021 survey.

Mark Willis, CEO – India, Middle East and Africa, Accor, has said that after Raffles Udaipur, India is soon to get its second Raffles property in Jaipur. “It’s wonderful to see India recovering. We recently opened the first Raffles there and we have a second raffles coming up as well, which is also interesting as there will be two ultra-luxury properties coming in the same country within a close time frame. The future looks bright for India,” he said.

GMJ Thampy, CMD of Riya Group, has been presented the prestigious UAE Golden Visa for 10 years by one of the highest authorities in the UAE government— General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. This visa, presented only to eminent entrepreneurs & personalities, allows Thampy multiple entries for 10 years. Otherwise, UAE offers a single-entry visa for limited days – 30 and 90 days. Thampy expressed his happiness saying, “I am extremely honoured for being able to establish a trustworthy footprint in the travel space in the UAE market and offer extraordinary services to its nationals and travellers.”

Baywatch Stayzz has been appointed as the GSA for The Fern Creek in Kodaikanal, which are experiential glam tents situated in the heart of Kodaikanal. Manish Kriplani, MD, Baywatch Stayzz and Baywatch Travels, says, “These are unique tents in 1.5 acres of land, offering experiential luxury for patrons. With 7 tents, one restaurant and indoor and outdoor lounge areas, they offer everything a traveller can ask for. We are also looking at expanding the number of tents in future.”

IRCTC is set to launch a special tourist train for exploring five North Eastern States under the initiative ‘Dekho Apna Desh’. The 14 nights and 15 days trip will take passengers to regular tourist places, but also untouched, unexplored and unimaginable destinations. The journey will start from Delhi’s Safdarjung railway station and will cover five states in Northeast, which would include places like Guwahati, Kaziranga and Johnhart in Assam, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, Kohima in Nagaland, Una Koti, Agartala and Udaipur in Tripura, Shillong and Cherapunji in Meghalaya.

Indian government will be opting for reciprocal treatment to foreigners applying for visa, depending on their country’s visa policy for Indian tourists, reports an official of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In a bid to iron out the issues arising due to the travel policies currently, MHA held a meeting under the Union Home Secretary, where it was decided that reciprocal treatment will be adopted for tourists visiting India. He added, “Many countries have opened for tourists from foreign countries but have posed several restrictions for Indian travellers. The issues have been raised with the diplomats of concerned countries to get issues resolved.”

Ministry of Tourism is shifting its overseas office in Paris to Moscow, revealed Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism. On being asked if there will be another office in France, she revealed that there will be another office in Frankfurt, Germany to manage promotions in the region.

Switzerland Tourism will conduct a webinar on Wednesday, 6 October, 2021, focusing on the vibrant city of Zurich. The cosmopolitan city located in the heart of Europe, is a melting pot of culture, and is a buzz with activities and experiences, day and night. This captivating webinar will take viewers live to Zurich and give them a glimpse of its popular highlights and attractions. To register, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532