AAI has taken up development programme to spend around Rs. 25,000 crores in next 4-5 years for expansion and modification of existing terminals, new terminals, expansion or strengthening of existing runways, aprons, Airport Navigation Services (ANS), control towers, technical blocks etc. to meet the expected growth in aviation sector. It was revealed by General (Retd.) Dr. VK Singh, Minister of State, Civil Aviation, in Rajya Sabha.

Senior delegation from PATA India Chapter met with G Kishan Reddy, Cabinet Minister, Tourism & Culture, and put forth their recommendations and requests for his consideration. The minister gave them enough time, a patient hearing and has agreed to implement many of their suggestions. He also mentioned that he will have another meeting soon.

Naveen Kundu, Managing Director, EBIXCASH Travel Services, has said that in the last one and a half years, he has seen a surge in private stays and private flying, with people preferring resort stays, exclusive pool and water villas over city hotels and increasingly opting for chartered flights like never before. He also added that as soon as borders open, Indians would be travelling everywhere.

Rupinder Brar, ADG, Ministry of Tourism, has revealed that they are developing a narrative with carbon free or relatively less carbon footprint-based tourism. She added, “Ladakh would be the first state, for which we are writing a vision document.” The MOT will be soon having an event in Ladakh for the same.

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has said that he hopes that other states follow Maharashtra in doing away with RTPCR test for fully vaccinated travellers. He revealed that in a meeting with associations and state tourism boards, it was agreed upon that the states will work towards having uniform protocols in the entire country.

G Kishan Reddy, Cabinet Minister, Tourism & Culture, has said that the centre, the state, industry and the private stakeholders need to jointly identify the priority areas, so that the revival of tourism, is focused on a sustainability and responsible travelling. “To achieve true potential of tourism, the fundamental requirement is to ensure coordination at every level of activity. We need to have a proactive approach from every stakeholder, be it centre, state, industry or private players,” he added.

With its majestic temples, unique culture and traditions, and numerous beaches for surfing or relaxing, Bali is every traveller’s dream. So is Away Bali Legian Camakila by Thai hotel group Cross Hotels & Resorts. Nestled between Legian Beach and a bustling shopping and entertainment street, the hotel allows guests to experience the best of both worlds – stunning sunsets right on the beach with views of the Indian Ocean and the colourful Balinese ambiance right outside the front door. The accommodation reflects a refined Balinese décor providing a culturally textured yet modern escape from the outside world. Guests can settle in at their own pace while enjoying two spacious swimming pools, a relaxing spa, or a workout at the fitness centre. A selection of menus with international and Balinese cuisines awaits them, available through the day or night and complemented by an eclectic drinks list. Away Bali Legian Camakila offers 117 rooms and suites including three spacious suites allowing guests the laid back holidaying they deserve. Adjacent to the main pool, Azaa Restaurant & Bar offers delicious Balinese and international cuisine throughout the day. The Beach House creates exotic tastes in an exceptional location offering an infinity pool and bar – the perfect place to take in Balinese sunset views overlooking the Indian Ocean on Legian Beach. Salila Spa is another excellent space of absolute relaxation offering restorative body treatments by qualified spa professionals. Weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and birthdays – all events will remain most memorable with the splendid and picturesque Legian Beach as a backdrop. The events team at the hotel strives to do its best at creating what guests can only imagine! Time to get away from your …

FHRAI has shared its suggestions on the proposed amendments to Consumer Protection (e-Commerce) Rules, 2020 to Anupam Mishra, Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The suggestions aim to cover the duties and responsibilities of sellers, of e-commerce entities as well as to protect the consumer and hotels and restaurants owners in case of deficiency in services.

During the last five years (FY 2016-17 to FY 2020-21), an amount of Approx. Rs. 17784 crore has been spent by the Government/Airports Authority of India in renovating/building airports, according to information given by General (Retd.) V K Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Civil Aviation. He also said that during the last three years, Government of India (GoI) has accorded ‘in-principle’ approval for setting up of two Greenfield Airports across the country namely Jewar (2018) in Uttar Pradesh and Hollongi (2019) in Arunachal Pradesh.

Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State, Tourism, has said in a tweet that work on weather road to connect Char Dham is going on along with Rishikesh- Karnaprayag rail line. Apart from that, in Uttarakhand, renovation work of Kedarnath is also being carried out under the BJP Government in the state.