Maldivian, the National Carrier of Republic of Maldives, will start direct flights between Maafaru and Mumbai from April 13, 2021. Aishath Jennifer, Deputy Managing Director, Maldivian, shares that Indians can land at Maafaru and reach their respective resorts or guest houses in no time. “It will be very convenient if they come to Maafaru Airport, and we have four atolls with about 10,000 tourist beds in this region. With four islands in this vicinity, there is a lot of opportunity for the tourists. Unlike Male, we are asking the tourists to report to the airport only two hours prior to departure of the flight, so that they can spend more time in their resort or guest houses,” she said.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), have signed a Vivanta resort in Hampi, Karnataka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 80-room resort is a management contract with Dhruvdesh Ventures. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “IHCL has been a pioneer in developing new destinations and putting them on the global tourist map. With Vivanta Hampi, IHCL will create new circuits with Goa and Bangalore for both domestic and international travellers. We are delighted to partner with Dhruvdesh Ventures.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Willie Walsh has officially taken on the role of Director General of the organization. He succeeds Alexandre de Juniac. “I am passionate about our industry and about the critical work that IATA does on behalf of its members, never more so than during the COVID-19 crisis. IATA has been at the forefront of efforts to restart global connectivity, including developing the IATA Travel Pass. Less visible but of equal importance, airlines continue to rely on IATA’s financial settlement systems, Timatic and other vital services to support their day-to-day operations. I am grateful to Alexandre for leaving behind a strong organization and a motivated team. Together, the IATA team is absolutely focused on restoring the freedom of movement that airlines provide to billions of people around the world. That means your freedom to visit friends and family, to meet critical business partners, to secure and retain vital contracts, and to explore our wonderful planet,” said Walsh.

Pu Robert Romawia Royte, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism, Mizoram, recently graced the function of Certification and graduation ceremony of tour guides sponsored by the North Eastern Council in Aizwal, Mizoram. Out of 95 trainees, 83 qualified for certified tour guide. Rajasthan government gave its nod to the selection, training and licensing of 6,000 new tourist guides, and approved the use of residential premises as guest houses in urban areas.

The current Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) has been extended till 3oth September 2021 from previously 31st March 2021. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, commented on the same, saying, “Since the validity of the existing policy has been extended till 30th sept, we are hopeful that SEIS will be announced soon. The 2019-20 SEIS payment was to be made by 31st March 2021. Now, with the new date, as and when the order comes by 30th September, we can claim our money.”

Cross Hotels & Resorts has announced that it has expanded its regional footprint with entry into the Japanese market in a master franchise agreement with AB Accommo Company Limited. The deal involves opening of seven properties with a total of 844 keys within four years stretching across Okinawa in the far south to Hokkaido. “Taking our business and brands into the prized Japanese hospitality marketplace is a watershed moment for Cross Hotels & Resorts. This agreement to franchise our brands into the Japanese market speaks volumes for the work we have done to define our branding and distribution value proposition and the manner in which our partners have embraced it. This partnership has been made possible by our ability to curate a product for our partners specific needs. I have a deep respect for our colleagues in the enterprise and I see a long and prosperous future with AB Accommo,” said Kent Davidson, Managing Director, Cross Hotels & Resorts.

CruiseWorld India 2021 is slated on 6th April 2021. “With this virtual event, STB India aims to re-engage with our partner-friends in the cruise holiday business. Themed “Charting our Pathway to Cruise Recovery”, the event will highlight the safe, gradual resumption of cruise operations in Singapore and provide destination updates,” shares GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East and South Asia, Singapore Tourism Board.

Jeh Wadia has stepped down as the Managing Director of GoAir and Ben Baldanza, the former CEO of Spirit Airlines, has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the airline. Baldanza has been advising the board and management for GoAir, and will now work directly with CEO Kaushik Khona and Pankaj Chaturvedi, the Chief Financial Officer.

TRS member K R Suresh Reddy, during the recent Rajya Sabha session asked Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, “I would advise that instead of selling PSUs, instead of selling LIC, why don’t you sell Indian tourism? That is where you will really get money. Convince the Prime Minister. Make him the face of tourism so that the Ministry can benefit.” Patel announced that they will be unveiling the new tourism policy soon.

Hotel Association of India (HAI) has urged industry stakeholders to treat tourism as a ‘common agenda’ and highlighted the need to make tourism viable, sustainable, accessible and affordable for all. The association has also suggested that the private sector and state governments should work together to usher the revival of the tourism sector and put it back on the track of recovery. KB Kachru, Vice President, Hotel Association of India and Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor-South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “This will help strengthen the sector to unlock its potential and generate employment to support the post-pandemic economic revival.”