The Embassy of the Czech Republic has inaugurated the 16th  Czech Republic Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India, in Goa on January 17. HE Milan Hovorka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in India, inaugurated the centre located in Panjim. He said, “The launch of the Czech Republic Visa Application Centre in Goa reflects the country’s genuine commitment to provide for the growing demands of visas to the country among Indian tourists, business and culture. As a result of this policy, the Czech Republic has emerged as one of the preferred European destinations for Indian tourists.” The opening of 16 visa application centres in India over a two-year period signifies VFS Global’ s strengthening association with the Embassy of the Czech Republic. Vinay Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East and South Asia, VFS Global, said, “Outbound traffic from India is constantly growing, and the Czech Republic in particular is rapidly gaining popularity as a preferred tourist destination among Indian travel enthusiasts. With India being a large source market for travel to Europe, the new centre will help enhance the visa services network for the Czech Republic visa applicants in the region.”

Emirates announced a US$ 16 billion (AED 58.7 billion) deal for 36 additional Airbus A380 aircraft, with 20 firm orders and 16 options. Emirates’ A380 fleet operates both GE and Rolls-Royce engines, and the airline is evaluating engine options for its latest A380 order. The additional Airbus A380s will be delivered to Emirates from 2020 onwards. Together with the airline’s 101-strong A380 fleet and its current order backlog for 41 aircraft, this new order brings Emirates’ commitment to the A380 programme to 178 aircraft, worth over US$ 60 billion. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, said, “This deal reflects Emirates’ confidence in shaping the future and its commitment to advancing Dubai’s vision to grow further as a world-class destination and aviation hub.” His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group signed the MOU with John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft at the airline’s headquarters in Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed said, “We’ve made no secret of the fact that the A380 has been a success for Emirates. Our customers love it, and we’ve been able to deploy it on different missions across our network.”

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson has announced that it has renamed itself to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. This strategic name change will allow the brand and individual hotels to leverage the global recognition and strength of the Radisson brand. Changes will include a new visual identity, updated logo and refreshed marketing and hotel collateral. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, which also includes Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza and Park Inn by Radisson. The consumer-facing changes will be made in stages throughout the first half of 2018. Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, “We are delighted that our Country Inn & Suites brand will be taking on a new name to leverage on the strength of the Radisson brand, drive awareness and increase marketing efficiency. Country Inn & Suites hotels deliver modern country warmth and heartfelt experiences, through inviting design, products and services.” “Country Inn & Suites is a market leader in the mid-scale segment in India. Identification with our core brand Radisson will lend further strength to its brand identity and appeal to investors and promoters in the fast growing mid-scale segment”, added Raj Rana, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.  

Ministry of Tourism has streamlined the hotel classification guidelines to make them simple, transparent and time bound. The application for classification and payments of fees have been made through digital platform only, ensuring the eradication of possibility of delay or manipulation caused by human interference. The recent amendments have included a time limit of three months, thus removing any discretion in the matter. This will ensure a time bound compliance and speedy disposal of cases. The amendments have made it clear that liquor shops in the premises of the hotel other than bars will not be considered for classification under star hotels “with alcohol” category, to remove any ambiguity. It has been made mandatory for all the hotels classified under all categories to display their classification status prominently at the reception and on their websites under a separate icon on the opening page, which will display the order of classification issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The amendments have included a detailed timeline within which the classification has to be completed. In every case where the required documents and procedures are fulfilled, the classification will be completed within 90 days.

IFEMA kicks off the international schedule of tourism trade fairs with FITUR 2018, one of the greatest business platforms for world tourism in Madrid from January 17-21 with India as its Partner Country. Like every year, the event will allow agents from the travel and tourism industry to establish the lines of work that will set the programme for the entire year. Many business meetings are being held, and contacts and business exchanges being made. The international trade show is set to generate 260 million euros over its five days, and strengthen various sectors connected to tourism. The tourism fair has grown by 8 per cent and international participation has grown by 13 per cent this year.  

Saudia, or Saudi Arabian Airlines has increased its frequency from 12 to 14 flights a week to Delhi with a new aircraft to serve the Indian skies. “Now we are flying with the new A-330, our new regional aircraft, which is very good with flatbeds on its business class,” said Ibrahim Mohammed Alqubbi, Manager, Saudia—India. The airline has opened a new office in Delhi which would offer ticketing and back-end services. Alqubbi along with Dr. Saud Mohammed Alsati, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to India inaugurated the new facility of the airline. Further, Alqubbi informed, “The new office will give a new brand image of Saudi Arabia Airlines in India and offer more space as well as greater support to our customers in India. In India, we opened a new destination recently from October 1, 2017. We are planning to open more destinations in 2018 depending on the bilateral.”

Skål International Delhi-125 hosted its first networking gathering at The Oberoi, New Delhi where over 100 members attended the event. The association is set to host Skål Ball on February 17 in New Delhi, informed Ranjit Vig, Secretary, Skål International Delhi-125. “The large attendance at the event is a reflection of the interest and desire of the members to be a part of this fraternity. We have a long way to go and are looking forward to be awarded as the best club of the year,” he said. Vig also pointed out that the drive to increase membership is a key agenda for 2018. The association is also planning to introduce a wellness programme for its members soon.

Having received as many as 459,000 Indian visitors during January-October in 2017, Malaysia tourism board is targeting to receive 800,000 Indian visitors by the end of 2018, informs Mohamad Taib Ibrahim, Senior Deputy Director, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board. “Indian families and the leisure segment of travel showed the highest growth in Malaysia. Since last year, we have restructured our marketing approach by way of partnerships with big players in the Indian market for joint promotion of Malaysia. Partnering with Akquasun Group for their roadshows is the first promotional activity for the trade in 2018; we will continue these efforts with other key players as well,” said Ibrahim. While the Genting Island is scheduled to open for Indian visitors sometime this year, the tourism board has introduced two new products—Desaru Coast and Forest City while aggressively promoting Legoland.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts has expanded in India with the opening of Conrad Bengaluru. The 24-storeyed hotel is owned by Prestige Group and managed by Hilton. Featuring 285 guestrooms including 21 suites, Conrad Bengaluru offers five dining and bar experiences, a full-service spa and salon, 17,000 square feet of event space, a 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor temperature-controlled infinity pool overlooking the expanse of the city as well as a dedicated kids’ pool. “Conrad Bengaluru is an outstanding addition to our luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific and we are delighted to be partnering with the Prestige Group on this project. The timely arrival of Conrad Bengaluru in India demonstrates Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to growing the brand’s presence in the country, complementing its sister property Conrad Pune,” said Daniel Welk, Vice President—Operations, Luxury and Lifestyle, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Conrad Bengaluru enhances our fast growing portfolio of 34 properties and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional hotels in key gateway locations to meet the growing needs of global luxury travellers,” said John T. A. Vanderslice, Global Head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts. “Conrad Bengaluru will delight guests with customised service, as well as provide them access to a world of connections and inspired experiences.”

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has added another property to its portfolio of hotels with the launch of The Fern, Akota-Vadodara. Situated 2 kms from Alkapuri, the commercial hub of Vadodara, this is the second Fern property in the city with 72 rooms in two categories, namely, Winter Green and The Fern Club Rooms. Dining options include Zeste-a multi cuisine all-day-dining restaurant and 24 hours in-room dining service. The banqueting facility comprises Magnolia and Terraco banquet halls along with a meeting room. Suhail Kannampilly, COO, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “The Fern, Akota-Vadodara gives us another opportunity to host our guests in Vadodara. We have a strong presence in Gujarat with nine hotels operational in seven cities and we look forward to further consolidate this.”