PATA India Chapter team had a meeting with Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, who would also be the Chairman, PATA India Chapter. There were discussions on important matters in inbound travel, and some of the points included that there is a need to promote summer markets as soon as possible, which shall be supported with virtual roadshows. The team also suggested free visa for tourists for a year; and reduced entrance fee to monuments that will attract tourists.

AirAsia India Credit Card Policy has been changed with immediate effect. The credit card upload policy of the airline, which was in effect since 1st Feb 2021, will no longer be valid. The airline has sent a new circular which details the new policy in detail. Ajay Wadhawan, Chief of Sales, AirAsia India shared this on social media. In the previous circular

Naveen Kundu, Managing Director, EBIXCASH Travel Services has been appointed as the Co-Chairman for the domestic tourism committee of FICCI. In the new role, Naveen will be involved with various government agencies & tourism committees to strengthen the footprints of domestic tourism in India. This committee will be working as a sub-committee under the aegis of FICCI Tourism Committee to address the various issues and roadblocks in terms of domestic travel and technology, which act as a hindrance for sustaining the rapid growth of this sector. “My vision has always been to enhance the domestic tourism demand of what is called the untouched India for which I already havew a couoke of national awards by the Government of India , build a core team at FICCI team who can help promote & push the fulfilment of the domestic tourism products across India such as hoteliers , Ground operators of various states , transport suppliers , individuals and companies from the artisan in-dustry  and local bodies .Domestic & Regional tourism is the key indicator for inclusive economic development & job creation,” said Naveen Kundu.

Sharing his immediate agenda if elected as the new President of IATO, Rajiv Mehra, MD, Uday Tours & Travel said he will get the membership fee waived off for members for 2021-2022 as soon as possible. Another priority he mentioned is a WhatsApp group within 7 days post results, where members can get all important information and communication from the association. He further  said that his team’s target is to get SEIS for the tour operators for the next 5 years by getting it included in Foreign Trade Policy 2021-25 and to remove the requirement of minimum Rs. 2 crores turnover of foreign exchange earnings in MDA Guidelines for overseas promotion

ADTOI, with support from MOT, is all set to kick-off its 10th Annual Convention today with support from Ministry of Tourism at Kevadia, Gujarat. The inauguration ceremony will start at 5pm today, and will be graced by the presence of Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State, Tourism & Culture. The business sessions will begin tomorrow, which will see Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism addressing a session on ‘Role of Aviation in Promotion of Tourism’. Rupinder Brar, ADG, Tourism will moderate a session on ‘Technology is Future-Travel Real from Virtual’.

TAAI, along with DDP Group has launched a new avenue and stream for women called Women in TAAI and Travel (WITT). Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, says that the reason behind this initiative is to empower the women in the industry, and make sure they are represented well. Mayal believes that travel and tourism can provide women with a plethora of opportunities. “We have already tied up with the MOT and FICCI FLO, to see how we can encourage more women to come in front, and at all levels,” she said.

Eros Hotel New Delhi Nehru Place has reopened its ‘Empress of China’ restaurant, which is known for its authentic Chinese flavours and old-world charm. The Fine Dining Chinese speciality restaurant boasts of an elegant and spacious private dining room with attached lawn that provides a stunning view of the famous Lotus Temple and makes the guests feel closer to the nature. Empress of China epitomises the magic of authentic Chinese delicacies and brings out distinctive and contrasting flavours of the three main provinces namely – Sichuan, Yunnan and Hunan. The restaurant’s Master Chef Tenzin Losel along with his team, has curated a gourmet menu offering ample options all for food connoisseurs. Empress of China’s specialities include Beijing Duck, Szechuan Red Snapper, Salt Baked Chicken, Empress Dim Sum Platter, Empress Corn Cake, Steamed Jasmine Chocolate among others. “In light of the current situation, we are following all protocols to keep the place hygienically clean and safe for all our guests and team members. We are taking all safety precautions and ensuring safe distancing so that our patrons feel the same warmth and comfort while enjoying their favourite food at Eros Hotel,” said Davinder Juj, General Manager, Eros Hotel New Delhi. Restaurant Timings: 1900 hrs – 0000 hrs Cost for two:  INR 3000 plus taxes

Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group, commented that India’s vaccination program may help in economic recovery. “However, the Indian economy is awaiting a return to normalcy in sectors such as travel and aviation. These sectors are now carrying most of the COVID-19 burden and have yet to start operating at anywhere near pre COVID-19 levels. They are also the sectors responsible for enormous job losses and consumption declines. We expect a full throttle vaccination programme to bring the long-awaited cheer to the sector,” he added.

JK Mohanty, CMD, Swosti Group, shared, “We are very disappointed with the Central Government’s budget, as nothing has been given to the hotel industry or the tourism fraternity, which employs almost 10% of the workforce and also to those living in the interiors of India, where no other industry can go and survive. Many hotels, restaurants and tour operators, have closed offices for good, and still nothing has been given to them.”

PP Khanna, President, ADTOI, said, “The tourism industry is really disappointed, especially after seeing over 30% unemployment. While the budget has proposals on railways, roads and ports, it is surprising how without any direct allocation of funds to MOT or state tourism boards, we would be able to follow the slogans like, Dekho Apna Desh, Incredible India and Ek Bharat , Shrestha Bharat? The industry was to be recognised post-COVID, which has not been done.”