Speaking at a session on the ‘Investment Opportunities in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality’ during the ‘Tourism Fortnight’ at the India Pavilion, EXPO2020 Dubai, Rupinder Brar, ADG, MOT, GOI said, “India has opportunity and potential to become a hub for spiritual and religious tourism, as the govt. is focused in showcasing the strength of the Indian religions and philosophies to the world.”

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), launched a new scheme on for issuing Railway Reservation Ticket from 9147 post offices in UP. The rail passengers can now get their e-ticket from the nearest post office. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Railway Minister, launched this new scheme in Lucknow. Railways has taken this step keeping in view the convenience and needs of the passengers.

G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER virtually participated in the NE Festival and interacted with entrepreneurs and potential start-ups. With the visible and rapid development in the last 7 years, he urged the business community to confidently carry the message of ‘investment ready North East’ across the country and beyond.

Highlighting the interest in UNWTO’s innovation and start-up competitions, UNWTO has been showcasing talent and readiness to hear new voices and embrace new ideas. Their global innovation ecosystem is now made up of more than 12,000 start-ups from 160 countries, with US$83 million mobilized and 300 corporate partners currently working on new tourism technologies.

Travel & Tourism sector’s employment is set to rise by 0.7% in 2021, representing 2 million jobs, followed by 18% increase in 2022 – only 10 million below 2019 levels. However, there is dire need to proactively address the current issue of staff shortages that the sector is facing, particularly in developed countries. Highlights WTTC’s latest economic projections from October 2021.

Luxury hospitality bounced back from the middle of second quarter of 2021, and occupancy rates gradually increased. However, overall spending on hospitality stayed below pre-pandemic levels due to continued restrictions on international travel. The market reached €79 billion, up 20 to 22 per cent at current exchange rates from 2020, but still down 58 to 62 percent from 2019. Hotel chains outpaced independents, powered by their greater adaptability to shifting consumer needs.

TTAG met with Union Minister of Tourism, Culture & DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy & Minister of State for Tourism, Port Shipping & Water Ways Shripad Naik, to discuss issues like E-visa, extension beyond 5 lakh visas, uniform music license, Goa charter operations, restrictions from police department during elections, simplifying GST & TCS structure, transport challenges, etc., faced by tourism industry.

ATOAI’s active membership criteria has been revised. “We want people who’ve been actively involved in adventure travel, have their own equipment, guides, and manage adventure activities themselves, while those who promote adventure travel through operators continue to be in the associated group. The genuine active members are those who have their own operations.” stated Vaibhav Kala, Vice President, ATOAI.

The MOT, in alliance with FICCI, will host a series of events to showcase and promote Incredible India, at Dubai Expo 2020 from January 3 to 14, 2022. The Ministry will highlight and promote India’s tourism potential. Discussions and presentations will be held during these ten days, as per the calendar of events finalised by the Ministry and the industry partner FICCI.

As per press release by Hotel Association of India, The room rates have mostly returned to pre-covid levels at leisure locations. 2022 will be a year of hope, survival, and subtle recovery for the hotel industry in India. “Our industry is alive to the new trends that will shape the future—like use of technology, digitalisation, sustainable practices and increasing productivity in business,” stated M.P.Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI.