To attract Cinema and Film making tourism, Maharashtra Tourism has launched Mumbai film city tour bus and curating tours to witness live shooting, informed Aditya Thackeray, Tourism Minister, Maharashtra government after flagging off the bus in Mumbai.

Marking the commencement of its first commercial flight from Indore to Ahmedabad on January 3, India’s newest airline, Flybig has announced connecting Raipur from Indore from January 13 and a flight from Ahmedabad to Bhopal from February 1.

Cape Town Helicopters, the largest scenic helicopter operator in Cape Town has today announced a strategic partnership with Outbound Konnections as its Global Sales Agent (GSA) in India. The appointment of Outbound Konnections is part of Cape Town Helicopters’ strategic direction in ensuring they have footprints across all major markets globally. The group has already signed up global sales agents in Germany, France, Russia, United States of America (USA) and China. Speaking after the announcement Herman Geldenhuys, Cape Town Helicopters General manager, noted that the growth in international arrivals from South Africa’s key source markets since the government embarked on a tourism revival programme in 2019, informed the company’s targeted campaign in these markets. “International arrivals have been on a steady growth since 2010 with the Soccer World Cup Finals being South Africa, and the Indian market has been one of the fastest growing source markets. Our partnership with Outbound Konnections gives us a better standing in the industry in tapping into this market.” According to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism on the state of South African tourism in 2019, international arrivals hit 1.2 million in 2018/2019, up 1.5% from the previous year. The Indian market contributed to 8% of these arrivals, as the third largest source market; behind the United States of America, United Kingdom. Anjum Lokhandwala, Founder & Director, Outbound Konnections, on her part said, “We are happy to be appointed as the India office for Cape Town Helicopters. Cape Town Helicopters has been a well-known brand in terms of luxury, innovation and the quality of services it has to offer for all travel segments be it leisure, MICE or incentive groups, and we are very …

Welcomhotel has launched its first property in Himachal Pradesh, Welcomhotel Shimla. Tucked away in an unexplored village with experiential stays, lush green expanse and breathtaking views of the hills, Welcomhotel Shimla is the ideal getaway destination for those wanting to reconnect with Nature. As one leaves behind the bustling streets of Shimla city center and drives uphill, the tranquil town of Mashobra is only half an hour away and is a beautiful haven for hodophiles. Building a remarkable growth trajectory, Brand Welcomhotel is taking a giant leap, soon touching 26 hotels. A huge addition of 9 new Welcomhotel properties in the next 12 months; almost one new hotel every month makes this brand one of the fastest-growing brands in the country with an extensive location spread in every region in India. Blessed with pristine beauty, natural streams, bountiful orchards and lush green coniferous forests, Mashobra is a quaint, serene destination that attracts nature lovers, peace mongers, thrill seekers and history buffs. With a 25-hour check-in / check-out, all Welcomhotels give you that additional hour to explore more or simply bask in the warmth of your hotel. Welcomhotel Shimla offers a great view of the green splendor with all 47 rooms and suites overlooking the picturesque Mashobra valley. The views are panoramic and unparalleled. The building is laid out to receive maximum natural light and all guest room windows are designed at very specific angles to receive incessant sunlight from dusk to dawn. The design philosophy of the hotel is modern with minute elements of the old world charm and has all the makings of a “Green” hotel with commitment to sustainability – Ecological, Social and Economic. ITC Hotels’ specialized design team …

Darpan Jain (IAS), Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI), has said that Rs.1000 crore have been earmarked for programmes for tourism and medical value sector under the Champion Services Sector Programme, which is being coordinated by MoCI. Around Rs. 1000 crore worth of programmes have already been approved, he informed.

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has launched the round-the-clock COVID-19 testing facility using the RT-PCR method at the airport where flyers will be able to get the result in as early as 13 minutes. The cost of this rapid test would be Rs 2,400. Online pre-booking of the test is also available.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in its communication with travel trade at the STB India Virtual Tradeshow would focus on the preparations that have taken place in Singapore, as they gear up for a travel restart sometime next year, revealed GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East & South Asia- Singapore Tourism Board.

Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant has said that the cancellation of lights connecting the UK and India will affect tourism in Goa. “Tourism in Goa is dependent for its revival on international tourists, mainly those coming from the UK and Russia, so definitively there will be an impact,” he said.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is likely to provide a Rs 2,100 crore loan to the Tripura government for the development of urban areas and tourism in the state. Out of this, Rs 500 crore will be earmarked for tourism development.

Reuniting together, the members of Enterprising Knot of Travel & Tourism Associates (EKTTA) attended a workshop on ‘Facing the new normal’ at the State Convention Center (Lok Seva Bhavan) in Bhubaneswar. The workshop was organised by Odisha Tourism in association with Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.