Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, Air Asia has said that intercontinental travel is going to take a hit for a while. “It will come back. However, I think long haul hub carriers will not recover as quickly as low-cost carriers, not because we’re better, but just the market is going to change. I think people would rather jump on a plane to Phuket, or even domestically, than schlep all the way to Australia,” he said while speaking at CAPA Live event.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO and Pronab Sarkar, Immediate Past President, IATO met with Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, in her office to thank her for the recent announcements for revival of tourism and also to seek support from the government on issues like SEIS, TCS, GST, ECLGS and export industry status. A communication from IATO mentioned that the meeting was historic and fruitful. On issue of ECLGS, she said that revised rules and guidelines are being issued to the banks. On the other issues raised by the IATO representatives, she gave a very patient hearing and assured to look into their suggestions/recommendations favourably based on its merit.

Bento Resorts has entered a partnership with Red Apple Travel, a global giant in the business of travel and hospitality. Under the new deal, Red Apple Travel will exclusively Market Bento resorts. Manish Tandon, Chairman, Bento Resorts said, “We wanted to bring more flavour and flair to the industry and therefore wanted to expand the scope and area of our operations within the country.”

First direct flight has been launched between Rajkot and Goa, which will be operated by SpiceJet. The daily flight will leave from Goa Airport at 2pm and will arrive at Rajkot Airport at 7:25pm. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Cabinet Minister, Civil Aviation, in a tweet called it a historic day for Saurashtra.

A team from the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s India Office led by Director Sammy Yahia, along with Consul General of Israel and Govardhan Eco Village’s Director – Shri Gauranga Das Prabhu met with Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra, to inaugurate the Indo-Israel Partnership for Experimental Learning between the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Govardhan Eco Village. The Ministry of Tourism and Govardhan Eco Village are working closely together to curate a comprehensive 10-day course for the students that will expose them to Sustainable Ecosystems in India (3 days) – at the Govardhan Eco Village, and in Israel (3 days), as well as an immersive cultural experience in Israel (4 days).  The Experimental Learning Partnership courses are being curated to attract approximately 5,000 young Indian adults, over the next 3 years, in higher levels of education, to offer them the opportunity to experience Israel. While the education program is still be designed, scholars will study the different aspects of sustainability in Israel, while increasing awareness of Israel’s excellent education system.  The cultural aspects of the course will include immersive experiences in different parts of Israel.  This could include visiting the Dead Sea Region – for its unique ecosystem; Jerusalem for its interesting history, architecture and cultural diversity; and Tel Aviv for its leading start-up ecosystem. Sammy Yahia, Israel’s Director of Tourism for India and Philippines said, “I am elated by the interest of the Govardhan Eco Village to exploit Israel’s immense potential and making it available to young Indian adults, who can come to Israel and learn about environmental sustainability and ecotourism, while experiencing the unique culture of Israel.”

In a bid to promote adventure tourism, the Maharashtra government approved the state’s new adventure tourism policy. The policy will channelize adventure tourism on land, air and water. Around 25 different adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, water rappelling, river rafting, biking, rock climbing, scuba diving etc. will be covered in the policy.  The policy will cover the promotion of adventure activities as well as registration, regulation, monitoring, planning, promotion, training etc. of various adventure event organisers and adventure training organizations. State Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray shared, “Safety being the priority, adventure tourism organizers will need to be vigilant as per the provisions mentioned in the policy regarding the safety of tourists. Norms for trained and experienced trainers, quality, and standardized equipment will be laid down. State level committees and divisional level committees will be constituted for effective implementation of adventure tourism policy. These committees will consist of experts in land, air and water tourism.”

Subhash Goyal, President, Confederation of Tourism Professionals, has said that the Government should announce immediately E-Tourist Visa and Scheduled International flights in the month of September/October. “The Tourist season to India is from October to March. While domestic tourism is helping a few hotels but people like Govt. recognized Tourist Guides, Tourist Transport Operators, Tourist Taxi Drivers pan India and small Tour Operators and Vendors are starving. We have to fulfil our Prime Minister’s dream of making India a 5 trillion dollar economy,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the much-awaited Rudraksh convention centre at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. In a tweet, the PM said, “I am delighted to be inaugurating the Rudraksh convention centre in Varanasi. Constructed with Japanese assistance, this state-of-the-art centre will make Varanasi an attractive destination for conferences thus drawing more tourists and businesspersons to the city.”

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated various development projects in Varanasi, which includes Tourist Facilitation Centre under the Project ‘Development of Varanasi Under PRASHAD Scheme – Phase II’ and operation of Cruise Boat from Assi Ghat to RajGhat under the Project ‘Development of River Cruise in Varanasi under PRASHAD Scheme’. Anandiben Patel, Governor, Uttar Pradesh; Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; and Minister Nilkanth Tiwari and M. P. Surendra Narayan Sinha were also present on this occasion The project “Development of Varanasi Under PRASHAD Scheme – Phase II” was approved by the Ministry of Tourism with the cost of Rs. 44.69 crores in Feb. 2018. The components viz. ‘Panchkoshi Path’, ‘Pilgrim Facilitation Center’, ‘Rameshwar’, ‘Road Development’ and ‘Signages’ have been successfully completed and dedicated to the nation. The project ‘Development of River Cruise in Varanasi under PRASHAD Scheme’ was approved by the Ministry of Tourism with the cost of Rs. 10.72 crores in Feb. 2018. The components viz. ‘Passenger Cum Cruise Vehicle’, ‘Modular Jetty’, ‘Audio Visual Interventions’, and ‘CCTV Surveillance’ have been successfully completed and dedicated to the nation. Prime Minister praised the state government for the optimum use of the funds released by the Government of India for creating the facilities of international standards.

Thailand continues to be a dream destination for golfers from all around the world. In a recent survey, more than 97% respondents from India reveal that they rate Thailand as a top-quality destination for a golfing break. Besides world-class golf courses, factors contributing to this choice include warm hospitality, value for money, affordable luxury and proximity to India. Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director TAT, New Delhi, says, “It is expected that Thailand would be the first destination where the majority of golfers would travel for their first golf holiday post two years of COVID-19.”