A Harvard University study has revealed that air travel “is as safe as or substantially safer than routine activities people undertake during these times.” Factors such as universal use of masks, diligent cleaning protocols and advanced air filtration systems on planes combine to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission on a plane to below that at grocery stores or restaurants.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has become the first airport in India to launch a start to end paperless e-boarding facility for international passengers. For now, the service has been made available for a few international flights of IndiGo airlines. The airport is already offering a similar facility to domestic passengers flying out of Hyderabad.

In its hospitality & hotels overview for the Indian market, HVS Anarock highlighted that the hotel sector is showing early signs of recovery with occupancy improving M-o-M across most major markets driven by the gradual revival of domestic leisure travel in the country. Goa & Jaipur have been witnessing noticeable improvement in occupancy. Corporate travel continues to remain subdued.

Union Minister of State (I//C) for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel virtually attended BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting virtually. The meeting was held through video conference under Chairpersonship of Russian Federation.

Imran Ahamed, Owner of Pride Holidays, says, “I’ve been associated with Tripjack for the past one year since I started my company, and I’ve been getting really good support from their entire team. From visa processing to ticketing and hotel bookings – every support extended by the Tripjack team is one step ahead of any other online service portal in India. Their recent launch of the Fantasy League contest is one more milestone in the Tripjack journey.” Top winners get air tickets sponsored by AirAsia and hotels stays every week. Visit tripjack.com now!  

IATO in association with TravTalk is organising a workshop cum webinar on personality development today at 11:30 am where award-winning Happiness Coach, Sakshi Mandhyan, Founder- Mandhyan Care will give a keynote address on ‘How is COVID-19 changing your personality’. The session will focus on motivation, mental wellbeing and behavioural adaptability. To register, write to Jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

PM Modi in an election rally said that tourists like to visit places where good internet and mobile connectivity is available apart from other facilities such as good roads and hotels. “Keeping this in mind, we are giving emphasis on providing better facilities to visitors in Gaya under the Buddhist circuit scheme,” he said.

PATA India Chapter is organising an interactive webinar titled ‘Unburden your Thoughts and Fear’ on November 4 at 10:30 am with Performance Coach & Mentor Munish Verma to help participants overcome day to day business challenges. Verma is an internationally recognised transformational program leader and expert in corporate training. Contact Poonam Rajput at manager@pataindia.org for registration.

In a letter to the finance minister, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has sought a complete review of Kamath committee suggestions on loan mortgage restructuring for the hospitality sector on a priority basis. The association stated that the industry is facing serious challenges in complying with the financial parameters suggested by the committee.

The Adani Group is all set to take over airport operations, management and development at Mangaluru by October 31, Lucknow by November 2 and Ahmedabad by November 11. MoCA has signed MoU with 3 entities of Adani Group for customs, immigration and security.