Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Mark Willis, CEO – Middle East and Africa, Accor, has said that in line with their expansion plans, with regard to openings in India, the group has over 25 hotels in the pipeline to open over the next 36 months. “Apart from the Raffles in Jaipur, other key openings for the year include a second ibis in Mumbai which will open late in the year,” he adds.

In a recent notice to members of trade and industry, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has announced the introduction of an online e-EPCG Committee module on their website https://dgft.gov.in/ wherein members of trade can file applications for seeking relaxation in policy/ procedure in terms of para 2.58 of FTP 2015-20.

Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market that concluded its in-person element on May 19, Taleb Rifai, Chairman, International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) and former Secretary General, UNWTO, said, “Governments must come together. They must work together. There is no sense in any country working on its own anymore.” The virtual element of ATM will take place from May 24-26.

A 150-bed oxygenated COVID-19 treatment centre – COV-AID@BLR – has opened at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Patients will be treated free of cost at the facility, however, the cost for medicines and tests would have to be borne by them apart from self-arranged ambulance service. COV-AID@BLR is open for the public and employees from the BLR Airport ecosystem.

With the country reeling under the havoc caused by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, tour operators in Kerala have come to the rescue. Amidst shortage of oxygen, ambulances and other medical supplies, these tour operators in the state are now converting their buses and vans into ambulances fitted with oxygen cylinders, many offering the service free of charge.

The Jharkhand government has announced that all passengers flying into the state will have to mandatorily home-quarantine for seven days and also register themselves on jharkhandtravel.nic.in. Passengers also need to get an RT-PCR test done on arrival if not already carrying a negative RT-PCR report issued within 72 hours of arrival.

On the occasion of International Museum Day, the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi launched its audio-visual guide App, making it possible for museum lovers to visit the Indian modern art exhibited at the museum virtually. Available on both Google and Apple application stores, the App allows users to listen to narrations and take museum tours that are a mix of rich imagery, videos and voice. A web version of the App is also available. The NGMA App and tours are free for all users. 

The IATA and Harvard ManageMentor course allows aviation professionals to quickly learn and apply new skills that are up-to-date and relevant in the industry. This programme, developed by aviation leaders and Harvard’s world-class experts, will not only foster leadership skills but will also prepare aspirants for real-world challenges as the industry restarts. The course is available at up to 40% discount on registration until June 7, 2021.

Absolute Hotel Services India has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Rivergate Resort India Limited and has added to its portfolio, U Rivergate Karjat. The project encompasses 42 rooms and 100+ individual gated Villa Scheme. Sameer Dharkar, Managing Director, Absolute Hotel Services – South Asia & Middle East region said, “We are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with Mr. Chandan Parmar, Director – Rivergate Resort India Limited and bring to the fore another premium leisure property in Maharashtra. This partnership gives us an opportunity to leverage the State’s tourism treasure trove and offer discerning travelers a global brand which will cast indelible hospitality impressions.”

Lily Pandeya has been appointed as the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Pandeya is a 1998 batch Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer. According to the order released by Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, she will be assuming charge of the post for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Before this, Pandeya was appointed as the Executive Director, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India.