Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, has commented, “Overall, the 2021 Budget is empowering people for greater economic freedom, sound infrastructure, metro, railways, airports, and highways. However, we are very disappointed that as travel and tourism has not got anything specifically, despite being a strong GDP contributor, as well as having a huge value chain going across all levels, which is going to be affected. We might see many shops closing down and people going out of business.” She added, “We expected much more than what was announced. However, we believe the Budget 2021 has focused more on spendings to enable economic growth through infrastructure roads and financial remedies. Travel, tourism and hospitality was completely neglected. As we await the fineprint, the direct taxes are not clear. “Further Dis-investment in AirIndia is still on the rocks and is expected to be completed this year. Clarity on the same is eagerly is awaited by us, the main stakeholder partner hereto. For Rail packages over the years this shall be a advantage since the Plan is to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030. Passenger Logistics shall have advantage in the circuits and infrastructure. “In Tourism we shall be able to attract for foreign tourist and give more opportunities to travellers. For passenger convenience and safety, the following measures are proposed—We will introduce the aesthetically designed Vista Dome LHB coach on tourist routes to give a better travel experience to passengers. The safety measures undertaken in the past few years have borne results. To further strengthen this effort, high density network and highly utilized network routes of Indian railways will be provided with an indigenously developed automatic train protection system that eliminates train …

Subhash Goyal, Secretary General, FAITH, has said that the tourism industry is totally disappointed from this Union Budget. “We had many expectations and it was a great opportunity lost for the government to revive this sector and save 30-40 million jobs which are at stake. Indirectly they have talked about increasing connectivity with road and railways infrastructure and ports. The 35,000 crores for vaccine and medical infrastructure enhancement could indirectly help medical tourism. Aim towards transparency in taxation is also good.”

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, shared that the budget has announced the opening of wellness centres in urban as well as rural areas, which would boost wellness tourism in the country. “It is a budget of the country which will propagate the theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat further.”

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the first paperless Budget of the country focused on building infrastructure but unfortunately had no mention on tourism and hospitality industry apart from introducing Vista Dome coaches on tourist routes. The tourism budget too has been reduced by almost 18 per cent, from Rs 2,499.33 crore in 2020 to Rs 2,032.04 crore in 2021. Apart from proposing tax exemption for aircraft leasing companies and plans to monetise AAI airports in tier-II and tier-III cities, the aviation industry too didn’t receive any relief. The FM announced Rs 1.10 lakh crore for outlay of Railways and capital expenditure along with a National Railway Plan for 2030. Additionally, more economic corridors are being planned to boost road infrastructure and tax holiday for startups has been extended by one year. The FM also announced tax exemption for LTC

Turkish Airlines has launched a new hygiene programme ‘TK Extra Care’, which highlights new protective hygiene measures, in collaboration with the global carrier’s ambassador Dr. Mehmet Oz, the producer and host of the world-renowned ‘The Dr. Oz Show’. In the three-minute animated video, Dr. Oz shows that from checking-in online and carrying only personal items in the cabin, passenger contact is reduced. Viewers learn that upon entering the airport, all passengers must wear a mask and are provided with hand disinfectant and body temperature screenings throughout the terminal. The video also highlights that Turkish Airlines has taken extra safety steps to ensure peace of mind, such as disinfecting luggage with a UV system and boarding passengers in smaller groups from the back of the plane to the front. Hygiene Experts are present on each flight to maintain a high health and safety level, while each passenger will receive a hygiene kit upon boarding.  

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, along with Alan Faena and Len Blavatnik of Faena Group, have entered a global strategic partnership aimed at expanding the Faena brand to strategic destinations worldwide. The two entities would work towards developing Faena Districts in select global destinations. The new venture will strengthen Faena’s personal and distinctive approach and will become a catalyst for exponential growth. Dubai is slated to be the first international destination. “Accor is building an experience-based hospitality platform and in doing so, we greatly value the energy and ideas that entrepreneurs, creators and visionaries bring. Alan Faena is a clear leader in the luxury lifestyle sector with his transformative concepts. Faena Districts are shifting the gravitational centers of the cities where they reside, making a true difference in their communities. These will serve as our model as we work hand-in-hand with the Faena team to help achieve their vision and global expansion ambitions. We look forward to a long and rewarding future working with Alan, Len and the entire Faena group,” said Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor. “We have found in Accor a perfect partner; we have a shared vision and passion. As Faena expands, we plan to continue rethinking hospitality lifestyle and shaping the path for groundbreaking concepts, setting new industry standards in the creation of inimitable environments rooted in culture, positively transforming cities, shifting old paradigms and becoming new international cultural epicenters. It has always been our dream to share the Faena ethos and artistic This partnership will result in pioneering businesses which specialises in the development of one-of-a-kind, socially responsible, holistic environments, anchored in cultural experiences ranging from residences and hotels, art and cultural …

SingapoReimagine MICE Virtual Show will be held from 3 – 4 March 2021. The 2-day virtual tradeshow will connect you with up to 40 leading suppliers including convention centres, hotels, unique meeting venues, destination management companies and tour operators in Singapore. Also get updated on Singapore’s progress towards the safe resumption of business events. Register now on https://events.miceneurol.com/singapore-reimagine/buyer-registration—stb

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State, Tourism & Culture, in his address at the launch of Bharat Parv, said that tourism was the most affected industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, but positive attitude and effective planning of the government is helping this industry to rebound in a magnificent way. “The diverse culture of India is our great strength and we can introduce it to the world through tourism,” he said.

In a tweet, Maharashtra Tourism revealed that on the occasion of National Tourism Day on 25th January, MOUs were signed with 11 companies for the development of Maharashtra Tourism. These initiatives undertaken by the government will create about 6,754 new jobs with a total investment of Rs. 2905 Crores.

IATO and TravTalk will be organising the second edition of the webinar on ‘Redesigning Itineraries: Ayurveda, Meditation and Spirituality’ today at 11:30am. The speakers will be Guru Yogi Shivan from Indimasi and Dr. Shiney Linu, Ayurveda Specialist at Kairali Ayurvedic Group. To register email: jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.