Sunil Kumar, President, UFTAA, has said that the association has initiated a concept of Zero Risk with IATA that can protect the agents and airlines from any future risk to either parties. “The current scenario has reflected our unpreparedness to protect the monies of the stakeholders and the customers, owing to the challenges the agencies had to go through. In an evolving scenario, it is time that such a Zero Risk to either of the stakeholders is envisioned through IATA’s governing resolution and we be better prepared to handle such crisis, if it would ever come up in future,” he says. Towards this, all Global Federations of Associations which are part of IATA’s PAPGJC have come together and a working group is getting created with terms of reference of the committee meeting the expectations of all. “This working group will involve representatives of airlines, agency associations, and IATA. This is anticipated to be finalised by January and thereupon the working group can deliberate to plan a great legacy for the future which does not pose any risk or threat to our customers or agencies. We eagerly look forward to this working group to be able to come up with a favourable solution for the industry and its stake holders,” Kumar adds.

Ministry of Tourism (MOT) has shared the draft guidelines of the Champion Sector Scheme, ‘Incentive To Tour Operators For Enhancing Tourist Arrivals To India’ with the industry for their comments. The scheme is aimed towards extending financial incentives to Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) of short haul / long haul countries or Inbound Tour Operators approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on a pilot basis

Russia will be offering e-visa from 1st January 2021 to 52 countries, including India. The information was shared at the Discover Moscow Digital Roadshow. “Indians can file for electronic visa to enter Russia for tourist, business, humanitarian and guest visits. E-visa will be valid for 60 days from the date of receipt, for up to 16 days to travel to all regions of Russia. Tourists will not be required to provide an invitation, hotels reservations or any other documents to confirm the purpose of the trip. They have to pay a counsellor fee of about US$40, and it will be free for children under 6 years. The period of issuing the e-visa will not be longer than 4 calendar days the date of submission. The application can be submitted by a travel agent as well.

IndiGo has recommenced operations from 8 cities in the Northeast—Agartala, Aizawl, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Guwahati, Imphal, Jorhat & Silchar. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer, IndiGo said, “Being the airline with the most connections from the North-eastern states to the entire country, we take immense pleasure in slowly and steadily getting back to the recovery path on the back of strengthening confidence in air travel. We are providing nonstop connectivity to our customers from Northeast to key metro cities, catering to the increasing demand for direct flights owing to the pandemic. We have established more than mandated procedures and guidelines to provide a safe and hassle-free travel experience onboard our lean, clean flying machines. We will continue to strengthen our network and connectivity in the Northeast, in line with the government policies and focus on development in the region.”

Rupinder Brar, ADG, Ministry of Tourism, has said that they are in discussion with Quality Council of India organising the entire travel trade, on the lines of SAATHI & NIDHI hospitality platforms. “In the supply chain there are tour operators, OTAs, taxi operators and bus operators. The idea is not just to bring people into a database, but to make sure to reach out as support to the industry from the Government perspective and also to make the ecosystem safe for the future traveller. It is not only from the COVID perspective, but because a value chain needs to be created for the consumer.

GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East & South Asia, Singapore Tourism Board, has revealed that they are expecting 40+ Singapore tourism stakeholders (comprising attractions, DMCs and hotels) to network and re-engage with the travel trade in India at the Singapore Virtual Tradeshow. The virtual event is scheduled on January, 12th, 15th, 19th and 21st for South, North, West and East India respectively. “Themed “Charting Our Pathways to Tourism Recovery”, we will present latest developments in Singapore and share information on some of the product enhancements by the stakeholders with safe management measures in place,” he said.

Speaking at a webinar, Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, has said that Niti Aayog is working on infrastructure development for tourism & hospitality, and they are waiting for the Govt think tank’s report to discuss this with the industry. “Niti Aayog is working on it and even the development work in Andaman has been started as a model initiative for the same.   Even the Prime Minister wants us to exploit opportunities with our long coastline. We will be working with other ministries, as well as the private sector, once Niti Aayog comes with its report,” he said.

‘Unlocking Nepal: Understanding Tourism Opportunities’ webinar is all set to take place today at 10:45am. Sharing information aboit Nepal at the virtual event will be Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board, along with Laxman Gautam, Officiating Director, Tourism Marketing and Promotion Department, Nepal. To register, email Jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com, or call +919650196532.

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of Tourism & Culture, chaired the 5th meeting of  National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board, which saw in attendance representatives from different concerned ministries, insurance companies, medical service providers, Director AIIMS, and many other concerned executives. The aim of the meeting was to consider ideas for plans in this segment.

Senator Travels in New Delhi, completed 34 years of being in business on 11th December, 2020. The company is known for ticketing and tour related services for a long time.