Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Pradeep S Kharola, Secretary, MoCA, has said that the government will now focus on promoting Indian carriers. Speaking at a webinar organised by FAITH, he said, “We have realised the importance of tourism and aviation as an industry. Hence, as a matter of policy, the government would be giving more thrust on promoting Indian carriers.”

Raul de la Rosa Machado, Counsellor, Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, says that at this time of involuntary inaction in the tourism sector, it is the right time to get educated about Spain. Talking about the upcoming Virtual Spanish Travel Show, he said, “This is the time to prepare ourselves for the so-called new normal, to gather all information possible.”

The Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB) comprising ACI World, IATA, and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group (WWACG) recommend regulators worldwide to temporarily adopt more flexible slot rules as quickly as possible in order to preserve essential air transport connectivity.

From December 7 to 11, Russian Expo Days (RED) online exhibition for travel professionals from India will take place at russiadays.travel. Eight exhibitors have already confirmed their participation: St. Petersburg, Kamchatka, Krasnodar, Murmansk, Vladimir, Tula, Samara and Amur regions. In the framework of the RED business programme, there will be live sessions on e-visa, tax-free shopping, industrial tourism, and online presentations with travel businesses of Russia’s regions. All webinars and materials are available for free for all registered users. The website is constantly updated with new information and virtual stands of the exhibiting regions are already open. Join the event here: russiadays.travel.

CAPA India recommends the development of 100 new low-cost airports by re-targeting of the planned $4-5bn of capital and other assets earmarked for investment in regional aviation over next 10 years.

Spree Hotels has signed a new boutique hotel in Aurangabad, located in the industrial powerhouse of Waluj. This will help the group further cement its strong presence across the country. Spree will bring the first boutique and mid-market hotel in this suburb, filling an urgent need. The Spree Aurangabad will offer comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar and grill, large and luxurious banquet halls, 24×7 multi-cuisine dining options, and a host of technological enhancements for a quality stay.

Phillip Island Nature Parks in Australia has announced increased capacity at the Penguin Parade and the planned re-opening of the Nobbies Centre and Antarctic Journey, as it takes the last few steps towards COVID Normal and a COVIDSafe summer. This will bring all of the Nature Parks’ attractions back into operation seven days a week for the first time since March. Numbers of tickets to the Penguin Parade will increase from 50 to 500 per night with all venues operating under the organisation’s strict COVIDSafe Plan. Tickets for the Penguin Parade will be released in stages and are only available for purchase online. A new system of ticket holders being given a staggered entry time to the visitor centre is also being introduced to ensure physical distancing is maintained. All visitors will be at the beach before the penguins arrive. The reopening of the Nobbies Centre and Antarctic journey, planned for December 3, will bring the Nature Parks’ attraction offering whole again and also offers visitors the chance to enjoy the ocean views, café, exhibits and to do some Christmas shopping. The team has been busy treating the Nobbies Centre to a complete makeover to ensure it is fresh for the summer.

India Tourism Kolkata, Regional Office (East), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India celebrated the Constitution Day, led by the Regional Director (East) followed by a brief discussion on the salient features of the Indian Constitution.

People who have travelled for business in the past 18 months are less concerned about the increased risk of catching and transmitting the virus (26%) compared to those who have travelled just for leisure in the past 18 months (43%), reveals Amadeus’ insight on India through its survey titled ‘Rethink Travel’.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced a new initiative to reimagine travel for Singapore and the rest of the world, by sparking conversations, stories and ideas to collectively shape the future of travel. Called SingapoReimagine, it will kick off with a series of forums around the world to start discussions on how to reshape global travel. Global partners will be invited to share knowledge and exchange ideas, with the first one to be held in Singapore next year before being hosted in other parts of the world.