Yatra.com has launched a new mobile application, Yatra Mini, targeting value seeking travellers featuring bus, train and budget hotel bookings. The App is built to cater even to lower end android phones and is supported by Android 4 & above. The multi-lingual travel App is available in Hindi, English and regional languages such as Tamil, Bangla, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu. Yatra.com is targeting customers in Tier-II and Tier-III with Yatra Mini.

In an effort to tap into top technology talent in the silicon valley of the country, MakeMyTrip has inaugurated its technology center in Bengaluru. The new office is a milestone in MakeMyTrip’s 16-year journey in India and a true reflection of company’s vision of being reliable, efficient and at the forefront of technology. The company plans to recruit 300 people over a period of next 12 months. Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and CEO-India, MakeMyTrip said, “Bengaluru is the Silicon Valley of India and it makes perfect sense for the pioneer in online travel to be actively present in the city. Our presence in the city is in line with the company’s aggressive growth plans and an increased focus on using technology as an enabler to make travel buying experience easier.  Bringing together e-commerce, data and analytics under one roof at the new center will help us in using technology as an enabler to serve the customer better. The rapid smartphone adoption and the app eco-system has necessitated us to offer personalized solutions and we will be using the Bengaluru facility in app development and data analytics. We now have over 23 million downloads of our app till date with last 8 million downloads coming in 2016 itself and being in Bengaluru will help us grow rapidly and be agile, especially in the fast changing technology world.”

A delegation from Wakayama Prefectural Government, Japan, met Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, on August 8, 2016, in Mumbai to renew the MoU between Wakayama Prefectural Government (WPG) and the Government of Maharashtra that was signed in October 2013. As part of the MoU, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the Ajanta – Ellora Development Phase 3 and showcasing their full support towards development of tourism in Maharashtra. The MoU also highlights the joint efforts of both parties to enhance mutual economic growth, promote agro and food processing between local enterprises through existing framework that the both the Governments have established. Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “The renewal of the MoU term and this association will help increase tourism inflow in Maharashtra and Wakayama through the agreement. It has been a great platform for us to increase our global footprint and put Maharashtra on a World map. It has strengthened bilateral trade between India and Japan and has mutually benefitted these two countries to strengthen their respective tourism prospects. I propose the establishment of a Japanese village near Ajanta-Ellora to further attract tourist footfalls from Japan and welcome our Japanese brothers with better warmth and hospitality. Would like to offer land for the establishment of this village. We must also organise special Japanese tours in Maharashtra.” The Minister also invited the Japanese delegation to attend the planned Buddhist Conference in Aurangabad in October. Wakayama Prefecture delegation proposed their plans to promote Ajanta Visitor Centre and a clean-up camp at the World heritage site with locals at Ajanta.

Emirates has announced that it will provide financial assistance to all 282 passengers who were on board the fateful Emirates flight between Trivandrum and Dubai that crash landed at Dubai International Airport on August 3. According to an Emirates spokesperson, “We remain in contact with the passengers and can confirm that Emirates has offered financial assistance to meet their immediate needs. This includes support for their lost baggage items, as access to the aircraft is still highly restricted while investigations are underway, as well as medical expenses and other incidental expenditures. We are also refunding their tickets.” Emirates is committed to extending every possible support to our affected customers. We will review all claims.

Khalid Khan has been re-elected as President of Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO) while Mahender Singh will continue to hold the post of General Secretary of RATO for the next two years. The members were re-elected unopposed at the annual general meeting of the association. The new Executive Committee (EC) will be selected soon. Thanking the members, Khan assured all members of continuous efforts for betterment of RATO members, their rights and interests and for the promotion of tourism in Rajasthan

Cox & Kings has curated a travel guidebook titled ‘Dubai: An Experience’ that gives a glimpse of the city’s offerings and details about places to see, hotels and restaurants. The guidebook was launched by actor Emraan Hashmi and Karan Anand, Head, Relationships, Cox & Kings at Crossword bookstore in Mumbai. Anand said, “Dubai continues to be one of the most preferred overseas’ destinations for Indian travelers and caters to every taste, budget and age group. With the launch of this travel book, we want to help travelers plan their trip better and experience Dubai in a whole new light. The book is well attuned to the needs of both first-time and experienced travelers and offers in-depth information on hotels, attractions, restaurants and activities along with tailor-made itineraries for different periods of stay and interests.” The book is published by Times Group Books and is available at leading bookstores across cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore along with shopping portals like Flipkart, Amazon, and Infibeam.

The Department of Tourism (DoT), Philippines received overwhelming response during its four-city roadshow for the travel trade. The roadshow that commenced from Kolkata on August 8, travelled to Chennai on August 9, Bengaluru on August 10 and finally to Mumbai on August 11. DOT Director, Verna Buensuceso, who was leading a delegation of 16 members from Philippines said, “We had more than 100 agents and operators in each city. Our growth shows that there is a lot of interest from the Indian market for Philippines. In 2015-16, the numbers grew by 22 per cent with a arrivals from India touching 75,000. This makes India the 13th biggest market for us globally.” SanJeet, Tourism Attaché, Philippines Tourism said, “The year 2016 is witnessing a strong start for Philippines Tourism, especially from the India market. We believe in putting our best efforts to make every roadshow more promising than the last one. The Indian travellers’ palate has become experimental and therefore, through our numerous trade initiatives, we envisage the influencers of the Indian travel market to sell the destination more effectively to the end consumers.” The program for the roadshow included presentations by officials of DoT Philippines, DMCs and hotels from the Philippines in addition to Q&A, detailed networking sessions and a special lucky draw for the participants.

South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) has identified India as a key growth market and has accorded it greater focus in terms of engagement with the trade and marketing efforts. Dana Urmonas, Regional Director, Southeast Asia & India, SATC, who was visiting multiple cities in India to meet the trade, says, “India is one of the world’s fastest growing outbound travel markets in the world and we at the SATC recognise the huge potential this market holds for us. The way Indians are now travelling and spending is changing significantly; they are looking for unique, memorable experiences. With wildlife experiences, pristine beaches, unspoilt nature and fantastic food and wine, travellers can get close to the real Australia in South Australia.” According to the recent International Visitor Survey Report March 2016, the number of Indian visitors to South Australia reached 10,000, with record spends of AU$18 million in the state. The 2015 India-Pakistan World Cup match hosted at the Adelaide Oval drove considerable awareness for the state and the SATC is looking to leverage the momentum built. The SATC is targeting affluent, global travellers in the age group of 25-55. The core target segments include leisure travellers, group travellers, honeymooners and families. To attract these travellers, SATC has been promoting three key destinations: Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Barossa.

The Taj Group of Hotels has launched the ‘Timeless Wedding Concierge by Taj’ service across 13 properties of the brand including Taj Palace Delhi, Vivanta By Taj Surajkund, Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Taj Exotica Goa, Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur, Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad, Taj Bengal Kolkata, Taj Krishna Hyderabad, Vivanta By Taj President, Vivanta By Taj MG Road, Vivanta By Taj Malabar Cochin, Taj Coromandel Chennai and Taj Capetown. The concierge service promises to be a one-stop-destination for all wedding requirements for a wholesome and personalised experience. The new concept will handle all phases of a wedding from pre-wedding planning to post wedding services along with personalised services and assistance for decor, ambiance, lighting to music and menu. “What we are trying to create is a one point stop where there is a single point contact to co-ordinate and create experiences including pre-wedding functions as well as anything that happens post wedding,” says Chinmai Sharma, Chief Revenue Officer, Taj Hotels, Resort and Palaces. Source: The Financial Express

Sarovar Hotels has announced the launch of RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur. The hotel has 43 rooms and suites offering magnificent views of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Room rates start from Rs 4,999. The hotel was launched in the presence of Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, Vice Chairman–Tourism Department and ex-Tourism Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagdish Sipahiya, Chairman of Kangra Co-Operative Bank, Rajesh Ranjan, Director-Development, Sarovar Hotels and Keshav Chauhan, Managing Director, R.S. Construction. Speaking on the occasion, Ranjan, Director-Development, Sarovar Hotels, said, “We are very glad to be launching the first branded hotel of Palampur. Palampur is an important leisure destination that attracts nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is the gateway to numerous tourist and pilgrimage destinations in Himachal Pradesh. We hope to bring in a new level of comfort and facilities to travellers to this region with our superior accommodation and excellent services.” Located 6 km from the Palampur Railway Station, 1 km from ISBT bus stand and 40 Km away from Kangra Airport, RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur is conveniently accessible to guests.