Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Singapore Tourism Board, Professional Convention Management Association and UFI have launched a White Paper on reimagining the future of business events. It reveals that there is a stronger appetite for digital or hybrid events from respondents in Asia, and that the number of events they are planning to exhibit at has recovered to its pre-pandemic levels.

The Ministry of Tourism has invited entries for the National Tourism Awards 2018-19. The last date for receipt of entries in the respective divisions in August 10, 2021, 16:00 Hrs. Entries are requested in hard copy, with accompanying material to send in a digital format. This year, MOT has included the Hall of Fame award as well.

Sunil Kumar, Immediate Past President of TAAI, has been re-elected as the President of UFTAA at the Annual General Assembly (Virtual) held on 29th June, 2021. UFTAA’s General Assembly unanimously resolved to draw the attention of governments on ‘Vaccine Equity’ related to uniform policy on the corridor of travel formalities The introduction of complex procedures by few governments, in the opinion of UFTAA, can delay the most required turnaround of Travel & Tourism industry to its previous robust levels.

Uzbekistan Airways, the national flag carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan has appointed Wingspan Group, the Airline Management Services Company & Specialist in Russia and CIS Countries for over two decades, as its new Passenger Sales Agent (PSA) for the Indian market. Abzal R Akramov, Uzbekistan Airway’s General Manager India stated that “We are pleased to appoint Wingspan Group to position our brand, create awareness of our products and sell our services in an important market – the Western & Southern India.” The new PSA, Wingspan Group will use its vast experience and will be the immediate liaison for the airline’s sales development in India, including ticketing and direct support services to the travel trade. “Wingspan Group is happy to be associated with Uzbekistan Airways as their Passenger Sales Agent (PSA) in India. Uzbekistan Airways is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the CIS Countries and has aggressive plans to connect India and Uzbekistan through their hub in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. We look forward to a great working association with Uzbekistan Airways and are optimistic of making their online operations a success & also resume flight ex-Mumbai once the pandemic is over,” commented Tasneem Udaipurwala, Director, Wingspan Group. About Uzbekistan Airways Uzbekistan Airways currently operates weekly flights to Delhi with increased capacity on The Dreamliner B787-800 & B757-200, a state of the art twin class 270 seater equipped with full-flat beds in business class and unmatched legroom in the economy, with in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi onboard. From Tashkent as its hub, Uzbekistan Airways reaches out to several cities in Russia, CIS Countries, Western Europe, the Middle East and the United States of America. Uzbekistan Airways operates one of the largest fleets …

Aviareps India successfully concluded its first 3D digital roadshow in India with 12 partners on board representing destinations namely Brussels, Miami, Moscow and St. Petersburg, hotel brands namely Radisson Hotels and Rocco Forte Hotels, tourism products offering in Brussels namely Choco Story and the biggest tourism attractions – Atomium and Mini Europe, car rentals services of Budget Rent a Car and finally important suppliers namely MP Benelux and Get to Belgium. Held from 23-24 June 2021, the virtual roadshow saw presence of industry visitors from all corners of India. Over the two days of the virtual fair, a total of 250+ attendees from the vibrant Indian outbound travel fraternity ensured 350+ pre-scheduled meetings and 1,710 contacts exchanged via booth visitations as well as allowing agents to interact amongst themselves thus making this a highly interactive platform. “The maiden virtual edition of Aviareps India Travel Connect is a clear indication that it is time for us to shift gears and focus on development and continuity of business. And, while it is the first of its kind in India, I hope all the attendees benefit from the interesting discussions and virtual connections during these two days which we will soon transform into face-to-face encounters in the near immediate future”, stated Ellona Pereira, Head, Aviareps India.

Displaying keen appetite in India’s high growth international education segment, Thomas Cook (India), has announced its ‘Study Buddy’ program – with special offers on all student remittances made until September 30, 2021. The offers are available across the company’s omnichannel touch points – over 1100 retail outlets (both owned and FX Mate B2B partner outlets), toll free contact centre # 1800 2099 100, and portal www.thomascook.in With Indian students having lost out on their academic year due to the pandemic, 2021 has witnessed a significant resurgence in the overseas study opportunity. The increasing uptick in admissions for the upcoming semester commencing July-August 2021, offers Thomas Cook India strong potential. To maximise on this opportunity, the company’s Foreign Exchange business has launched its special ‘Study Buddy’ program to benefit students on every education remittance made until September 30, 2021. Highlights of the Study Buddy offer include a Grand Prize – One Free* Air Ticket to study destination per month (for travel up to Sept 2022), daily prize to be won – a bluetooth headphone, and assured gifts including a Lenskart Gold membership, P&G vouchers. Deepesh Varma, Senior Vice President, Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) said, “The international study segment is a highly opportune one and we are already witnessing growth of over 20%. Our Study Buddy program with attractive offers has hence been specially designed to benefit our students and thereby increase our share of the education remittances business.”

The Tourism Office of Spain – Mumbai continues with its hour-long webinar series in July that has been exclusively designed for the Indian travel trade. The final one for this series will be held on Thursday, July 8 at 3pm IST and will focus on the World Heritage Cities of Spain. Those who attend all three webinars and participate in the educational quiz stand a chance to win Amazon gift vouchers. To register, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. Visiting Spain brings you into direct contact with the history of its civilizations. There are 15 stunning UNESCO World Heritage cities to be seen in Spain, each with its exceptional sights and unique scenes. Take the time to explore their local cuisine, learn about their customs, and take part in their fiestas for a complete experience and an unforgettable trip. This webinar will inspire you to plan a culturally-oriented journey into the art and splendor of Spain.

In its monthly overview of the hotels and hospitality sector, HVS ANAROCK reveals that while hotel occupancy in most cities witnessed month-on-month decline in May due to restrictions and lockdowns in various states, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai observed the highest occupancy in the country (31-35%) during the month.

Pradeep Shetty, FHRAI’s Joint Honorary Secretary, has said that while they are happy the disastrous state of affairs of the sector and the plight of millions of workforce employed in the sector have been recognised by the government, the promotion of domestic tourism is the need of the hour. “Therefore, we request the government to incentivise domestic tourism as well,” he says.

Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, has said, “Data must drive global restart policies that manage COVID-19 risks while reviving livelihoods and boosting economies.” He adds that travel cannot be restricted only to those who are vaccinated because data suggests that testing, not quarantine, is the solution. Screening can keep COVID-19 importation at manageable levels.