Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

The AVIAREPS India team recently hosted a physical event for UTEN members in Mumbai. They conducted various presentations on outbound travel products such as Utah, Brussels, Budget Rent A Car, and Miami. Members were also treated to a Callebaut Chocolate Workshop. About 40 UTEN members attended this event.

Sarovar Hotels have signed a new Golden Tulip hotel in Goa. It will be the group’s 4th hotel in Goa, which is nestled amidst the picturesque and peaceful green hills of Arpora. Golden Tulip, Arpora upon completion in 2023 will have 50 well-appointed rooms and suites encased beautifully by quaint architecture that reflects Goa’s history and culture. Golden Tulip, Arpora aims to promote tourism in the area and offer high- quality service and stay options. Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, said “We are delighted to expand and strengthen our Golden Tulip’s leisure portfolio in this market which is a very popular destination among Indian and international tourists. We believe the hotel’s location with Sarovar’s signature hospitality will deliver a notable experience to business and leisure guests alike.”

Foreign-bound travellers from India that opted for Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) services grew by more than six times between January and July this year, revealed a data analysis by VFS Global. “Touchless travel with an enhanced focus on safety and well-being are key to customers today. The uptick in VAYD services is another great indication of changing customer preferences. With the digital consumer experience evolving rapidly, we foresee a higher demand for such premium services that enable our customers to prioritise safe travel,” said Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group COO – South Asia, Middle East & North Africa and Americas, VFS Global.

According to Ministry of Civil Aviation’s (MoCA’s) latest notification, India has started flights between 49 cities under the Air Bubble arrangement with 18 countries in September. These special flights will be operated by airlines under an air-bubble pact between two countries, their territories. The schedule of these flights is available only till September 30.

Amitabh Kant participates in Investors conference on Eco Tourism projects at Minicoy, Kadmat & Suheli islands. In a tweet, he mentions that responsible & sustainable tourism is based on carrying capacity in Lakshadweep islands. “Sensitive tourism can emerge as a big job creator for local islanders,” he said, stressing on the need to develop sustainable tourism products on the island.

Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi is organising the ‘Rediscover M!CE in Abu Dhabi’ webinar today at 3pm IST. The webinar will see top players from the Abu Dhabi tourism and hospitality industry discussing MICE opportunities for Abu Dhabi. Register to win exciting prizes. Write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Thursday informed that the state government has started giving Rs 2,000 to employees of hotels, restaurants and homestays registered with the tourism department. It will be distributed for five months through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). As per the release, the tourism department is transferring permissible assistance to the accounts of the employees whose names are uploaded by the respective hotels, restaurants and homestays on the tourism department’s portal.

The Philippines will lift travel restrictions on passengers coming from 10 countries beginning September 6, Malacañang announced on Saturday.”President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to lift the current travel restrictions in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia starting Sept. 6, 2021,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Travelbullz has set out a mission to make them the largest market place in the world that will connect supply to the distribution and make both sides tech savvy. They also aim to empower the traditional DMCs and the travel agencies and plan to shift from an offline model of buying and selling to digital. “All our customers are tech savvy, thanks to COVID, what would have happened 5 to 7 years later has already happened” says KD Singh.

As part of its ‘Thailand Build Back Better Together’ campaign, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) India, will promote its exotic beaches & attractions in Thailand this week. The destinations in focus would be Koh Samui- Koh Tao & Koh PhaNgan. Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director, TAT, New Delhi, shares, “These 3 islands are popular for honeymooners and diving enthusiasts. There are many other things also for people to enjoy”.