Nearly half of all travellers (48 per cent) now believe augmented or virtual reality experiences would help them better plan their trips, reveals Travelport’s Global Digital Traveller Research 2019. Demand is greatest among Gen Y (61 per cent) travellers, though still significant among all other age categories. 77 per cent of travellers have reviewed videos and photos posted by travel brands on social media.

According to the ICCA rankings, India has improved its position substantially in the recent times. New Delhi grew by CAGR of 13.9 per cent for a 5-year period followed by Mumbai (3.7 per cent), Bengaluru (14.5 per cent for a 4-year period), Hyderabad (8 per cent for a 3-year period), Chennai (9.3 per cent for a 5-year period) and Goa (4.7 per cent for a 5-year period). The country is identifying and adding cities wherein MICE can be a top draw to boost tourism and pep up economy of the location. The report on ‘Mice market in India’ has been commissioned by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

The domestic passenger traffic is forecasted to grow six to eight per cent this fiscal. According to the CRISIL Research, Low Cost Carriers (LCCs), on their part, are expected to post strong double-digit growth of 25-30 per cent in passenger traffic for fiscal 2020. The traffic forecast assumes capacity, in terms of available seat kilometres (ASKM), increase of more than 45 per cent and 30 per cent by SpiceJet and Indigo, and 15-20 per cent by the rest of the players, including Go Air, AirAsia (India) and Vistara. The capacity addition of players is supported by deregistration of aircraft of Jet Airways, which were under operating lease (accounting for about 85 per cent of the airline’s fleet) and re-leasing them to players such as SpiceJet and Vistara.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved Alliance Air plan to launch foreign operations by starting flights to Sri Lanka even as the airline’s parent Air India remains on top of the government’s disinvestment agenda. Alliance Air has been allowed to operate 7 flights a week from Chennai to Palaly and Batticaloa in Sri Lanka. The move has triggered speculation among Air India employees that government may not sell Alliance Air

Insight Vacations has launched its e-learning platform for India-based travel agents with enhanced functionality, ease of access and an improved user experience. Insight has revamped and updated its e-learning platform, addressing both the evolution of the brand and advisor feedback. The Insight Specialist program allows the brand to share its passion for travel with its community of partners by offering new educational opportunities as travel advisors look to offer premium guided journeys to clients and develop stronger sales as well as increase their earnings. Following the completion of the program, travel advisors will gain a deeper understanding of what Insight stands for and understand the Insight Difference, while gaining the knowledge to confidently sell Insight Vacations’ journeys. By completing the Insight Specialist Levels, these agents will become eligible for FAM trips and discounts on Insight’s journeys. Anthony Lim, Managing Director, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, Asia, says, “We know that travel advisors who are set up for success will offer the best recommendations, ensuring client satisfaction and returning guests with our new and exciting eLearning program. An Insight Vacations client is a client for life, with repeat rates of over 40 per cent, and our hope is to equip all of our travel advisors with the in-depth knowledge and tools to effectively sell our magical and personal journeys.” The Insight Specialist eLearning program is divided into three sections – Bronze, Silver and Gold – and agents can access the first Bronze level of training as of today with modules covering a fundamental overview of the brand, information on Insight’s target audience, tools for selling the journeys, and Insight Cares, consisting of itineraries offering experiences. The Silver Level will be available at a later date.

HPMF’s 9th anniversary that is marked by its convention and awards kick-started on 10 October in Kochi. The event will witness over 250+ delegate participation from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and UAE. Strategic B2B meetings will take place where vendors from the industry will showcase their latest products and services. Panel discussions where industry stalwarts will participate will also be witnessed during this three-day event.

In a quest to expand its international operations, Air India has announced that it will start its non-stop service to Nairobi from Mumbai starting November 27. The airline will operate four times a week- Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Tuesday and the flight duration will be of around 6 hours. The airline will also start it’s nonstop 4 times a week flight service to Doha from 29 October.

The Indian Railways’ plan to rope in private players to run its trains has drawn the attention of few airlines as well as travel portal MakeMyTrip, said sources in the Ministry of Railways. Two big players from the catering sector have also shown interest, said sources. Under this public-private partnership (PPP) model, railways remains the owner of the train, while an outsider takes care of ticketing, catering and cleaning. The overwhelming response from the biggies has prompted the rail ministry to put the plan on the fast track. It will soon finalise the terms and conditions for private players to operate the trains before calling for bids. “This has been conveyed to the interested parties,” said a source. Source: PTI

The Centre has given its green nod for developing a commercial airport in Kutch, Gujarat, entailing an investment of about Rs 1,400 crore, according to an official document. The proposed project to be developed by Mundra International Airport was recently approved by the Union Environment Ministry after taking into consideration the views of an expert panel. The project, which is estimated to generate employment for over 8,000 persons, is proposed to be commissioned in 2021-22. The environment clearance has been given to Mundra International Airport’s proposed project subject to the compliance of certain conditions, the document added. The company has been asked to obtain the clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) for safety and project facilities.

Ministry of Tourism with Indian Institute of Travel & Tourism Management has organised an Adventure Tourism Training Courses in Trekking. Over 30 local youth enrolled in the first batch which started on 24 September 2019. Approximately 90 local youth will be trained in three batches. The 10-day training course trained local youth in various aspects of mountain trekking and also gives them hands on experience.