Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Citing the pandemic as a factor, Rajni Hasija, Tourism & Marketing Director, IRCTC, said that there is a need to move out of the traditional itinerary and adopt new ways of travel amid a change in pattern in the tourism sector. She said, “The travel sector is set to undergo a transition from multi-destination tours to offbeat and slow-paced destinations.”

Under the Bharat Gaurav scheme, private tour operators can now take trains on lease from the railways and run them on any circuit of their choice. They will have the freedom to decide routes, fares and quality of services under the scheme. The railways has earmarked 3,033 ICF coaches for this purpose, roughly translating to 150 trains. Anyone, from societies, trusts, consortia and even state governments can apply to take these trains and run them on special tourism circuits based on a theme.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to adopt simple, predictable and practical measures to safely and efficiently facilitate the ramping-up of international travel as borders re-open. Specifically, IATA urged governments to focus on three key areas, simplified health protocol, digital solutions to process health credentials, and COVID-19 measures proportionate to risk levels with a continuous review process.

Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and DoNER, reviewed the various tourism projects funded by the Government of India in Visakhapatnam recently. “We will develop the beautiful coastal city of Vizag not just as a world tourist destination but also as a centre of trade & commerce,” he said. He also assured all stakeholders that the Government will revive the industry and support the development of the tourism infrastructure.

Cordelia cruises have successfully completed 16 sailings with approximately 17,776 families and guests since its launch in mid-September. They have achieved 100% consumer occupancy. Jurgen Bailom, CEO and President, Waterways Leisure Tourism, says. “Indians were far from familiar with cruising especially locally. The thick of the pandemic was itself a significantly daunting time. I am overjoyed and humbled in equal measure with the response we have received since our launch. This response is pushing us to do better and offer so much more. Cordelia Cruises has put India on the global cruising map.”

Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi is organising Reunite #INABUDHABI- Luxury webinar on 26th November at 11:30am IST. Get a chance to learn more about upscale experiences, luxurious stay options, world-class dining and entertainment options. To join the webinar, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

Visit.Brussels together with the Embassy of Belgium in India organized a networking lunch for 35 trade partners at the residence of H.E. François Delhaye, Ambassador of Belgium to India. The event was highly appreciated with warm interactions between the trade partners and representatives from the cultural, economic and visa sections of the Belgian Embassy. In fact, representing Visit.Brussels HQ was its Business Development Leisure – Pieter Callebaut, who was seen interacting with the travel fraternity, while reassuring them about the importance of the Indian market for Brussels’ tourism industry. The highlight of the event was Belgian gastronomy wherein participants were offered a spread of Belgian delights from waffles to beers and fries to Belgian beats. H.E. François Delhaye, while addressing the trade fraternity, said, “During these last two years we have been missing our Indian friends, but now Belgium is open for tourism again and we see the number of visa applications going up. Another good news is that we’ll probably see an increase in the number of flights between India and Europe in the coming weeks. The vaccination level in Belgium is very high and our hope is that this latest wave of Covid will not last long. To our Indian friends I say “Now is the time to start planning your next spring or summer trip to Europe” and there is no better place to start than Brussels, the capital and heart of Europe, a city rich in history and famous for its gastronomy and quality of life.” In 2022, Visit Brussels is planning on continuing to grow awareness and visibility of the European Capital through workshops, sales visits, travel agent destination trainings, consumer programs and much more. Training programmes are in …

Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) is conducting a webinar for the Indian travel trade on Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna today from 3:30pm IST. Markus Kustatscher, Tourism Manager of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna will present the wonderful Imperial Collections of the Habsburg family in Vienna. “The Imperial Collections of the Habsburgs with the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, the Imperial Treasury Vienna and the Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna are one of the most important collections of artworks and breath-taking treasures in the world,” says Kustatscher. To join the webinar, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

MakeMyTrip has joined hands with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to promote regional air connectivity through UDAN scheme. Under the partnership, MakeMyTrip will now power UDAN flights on AirSewa portal to provide air connectivity to common man at affordable airfares to underserved destinations. MMT will market UDAN flights on its platform to promote its visibility and product discovery, making the dream of flying a reality for millions of Indians. MMT will also market UDAN flights offline through its large network of franchisee retail stores for offline booking. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, said, “Promoting air connectivity to unserved and underserved regions not only provides impetus to the economy but also contributes to equitable and inclusive growth. As the RCS-UDAN scheme completes four successful years – our enabling policies, incentives and partnerships with leading travel players will only improve air connectivity for common man at affordable airfares on regional and remote routes.” Deep Kalra, Founder & Executive Chairman, MakeMyTrip, added, “UDAN is a first of its kind scheme globally and has immensely contributed to domestic aviation market growth. We are privileged to work closely with the Government to promote regional air connectivity through online and offline travel channels and contribute towards Indian Aviation’s transformation under dynamic and bold leadership of Hon’ble minister.

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department has decided to organise winter carnival in the beautiful valleys of Patnitop every week to popularise the unknown or unexplored tourist places in the Union Territory. The 12-day fun-filled carnival will kick off from December 23, 2020 to January 3, 2021 and will be held at Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean, Jammu’s latest adventure and lifestyle destination.