Malaysia Airlines has received seven stars – full marks – from Airline Ratings in an independent review of its COVID-19 health and safety measures. The rating is based on seven criteria— COVID-19 guidance on the airline’s website, social distancing during boarding, flight attendants’ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the compulsory wearing of face masks onboard, modifications to the meal service, passenger hygiene kits, and the deep cleaning of the aircraft. Malaysia Airlines was deemed to have excelled in all categories, resulting in it being awarded all seven stars.. Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines, Captain Izham Ismail said, “COVID-19 has presented a challenge unlike any the aviation industry has faced previously, and Malaysia Airlines has needed to adapt our services and protocols quickly to ensure that our passengers and staff are kept safe and comfortable. In July 2020 we introduced the “Fly Confidently” campaign, to educate passengers on the enhanced measures implemented across touchpoints at airports as well as on board. We are very proud that the range of measures we have put in place from check-in through to arrivals have been recognised by Airline Ratings and hope that this seven-star rating provides further reassurance to our customers that every flight with Malaysia Airlines will be safe and enjoyable for all onboard.”

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) plans to open two new resorts at Sinhagad Fort and Akkalkot. “There was a resort at Sinhagad fort that we had given on lease. After the lease expired, it was shut for a year. Now, we have renovated that place and we are opening our own resort. Almost 95% of the work has been completed. Once all the finishing touches are done, we will open within a month,” said Deepak Harne, Regional Manager (Pune), MTDC.

Venkatesan D, Regional Director of Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India recently visited Indore to interact with more than 50 members of TAAI’s MP & CG Chapter led by Hemendra Singh Jadon, Chapter Chairman. The discussion was around the importance of promoting India, new products in MP, and new strategies for selling including using more and more social media to showcase experiences and destinations, as well as involving social influencers.

Rupinder Brar, ADG, Tourism, recently informed the tourism stakeholders recently that MOT, in partnership with the Public Health Foundation of India would be organising a series of workshops and seminars for various segments of the travel and hospitality industry on health and safety during and post COVID times. She urged all Associations to ensure that their members participate in these workshops. Further, if there was any segment for which they would like these workshops to be arranged, they may inform MOT.

In a meeting held between industry stakeholders and Ministry of Tourism, chaired by Rupinder Brar, ADG, MOT, it was shared that SOPs are required for the segment of transport operators as well, since these are not included in the present SOPs. The meeting was held to discuss preparedness of stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries to received international tourists once the e-Tourist Visa is restored, with required protocols in place.

Virtual Bharat Parv 2021 was inaugurated in New Delhi by Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State, Tourism and Culture. The event will continue till 31st January. “Every state apart from West Bengal has participated in the Virtual Bharat Parv. The aim behind the event is that we analyse the year-long activities done with our executives and also plan the activities of the coming year and how we will move forward,” he said.

Arvind Singh, Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI) and a 1988 IAS officer of Maharashtra Cadre, has been appointed as the new Secretary of Tourism, GOI, and will be taking charge on February 1, 2021.  He will be replacing Yogendra Tripathi, who, after more than 2 years as Tourism Secretary, will be joining as Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. Singh, had also served as Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) in Government of Maharashtra.

The first Asia Travel show will be held on 15-16 March 2021. The two-day event, with its proprietary exhibition software, will allow travel professionals to rebuild relationships and recover their market. The virtual event will introduce the exhibitors to buyers, help grow their brand and build long-term profitable business connections. Get detailed analytics on buyers, offers a diverse portfolio of companies to meet, have dedicated Project Managers to guide you through the show and resolve issues, gives access to extensive thought leadership and panel discussions with worldwide experts, and allows you to network via easy one-on-one video calls.

The Adani Group signed concession agreements with the Airports Authority of India, for the management, operations and development of Guwahati, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram airports. The agreements were exchanged between N.V. Subbarayudu, Executive Director, Strategic Initiative Unit, AAI & Behnad Zandi, CEO Adani Airport in the presence of AAI Chairman, Arvind Singh, AAI Board Members & senior officials and Adani Enterprises.

Ministry of Tourism will organise Bharat Parva 2021 on a virtual platform. There will be a small physical event, and the main event will continue till 31st January, which will have state pavilions showcasing various handicrafts, culinary attractions, culture, activities, etc. Attendees can explore the event at bharatparv2021.com. There will also be cultural performances, which could be viewed online.