Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

The airline has stated that it is committed to increasing flights to destinations that have been temporarily halted owing to the pandemic, as well as facilitating for Indians to visit those destinations. Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to open its borders and welcome fully vaccinated Indian visitors, including those who had received the covaxin vaccine.

Delhi govt’s ban on the entry of petrol and diesel transport vehicles into Delhi till December 3, is not applicable to EVs and CNG vehicles. Even tourist vehicles are allowed into the state, said Amrit Mann (Hon. Secretary), ITTA, “Authorities should not make transport the scape goat, As per the resarch, vehicles contribute to less than 20 per cent of the pollution.”

One of the ardent advocates of non-saya dates for weddings, Rajeev Jain, MD, Rashi Entertainment, believes that the Indian wedding industry will witness a significant rise as the pandemic eases. “I believe that international weddings are opening up very fast and by 2022 we will witness many international weddings. The client will spend more on entertainment as new concepts arise. The expenditure on food and clothes will also go up as the number of functions will increase due to being held within India,” he says.  

New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals the recovery of the Asia Pacific Travel & Tourism sector has soared ahead of many regions in the world with a year on year growth of more than 36%. Before the pandemic struck, Asia Pacific’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP represented more than US$ 3 trillion (9.9% of the region’s economy).  

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.