Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) has assigned Intrepid Marketing & Communications to undertake all its trade, marketing, and communication initiatives across the country to establish Bahrain as Indian travellers’ go-to short-haul destination. Addressing the appointment, Dr. Ali Hasan Follad, Acting Director of Marketing and Tourism Promotions, BTEA, said, “We are thrilled to commence our partnership with Intrepid and are confident that they will be instrumental in navigating Bahrain through the current challenges affecting international travel. We’ve worked with Intrepid’s management and they’ve been instrumental in positioning Bahrain as a notable short-haul destination for the Indian families, couples and adventurers. We are certain that this partnership will enhance our existing relations with the travel fraternity in India. Also, Intrepid will be building new bonds with the online travel communities.” Sunil Mathapati, Director, Intrepid Marketing and Communications, said, “The team is elated to work with BTEA and explore the ‘new normal’ of international travel. As travel restrictions are changed and lessened, we are working on expanding Bahrain’s presence, stirring conversations around experiential travel and ‘dream itineraries’ around Bahrain. The Indian travel market remains promising as always; we want to engage with the consumers directly and position Bahrain as one of the most hype-worthy travel destinations.” As on October 2020, Bahrain’s COVID-19 cases are under control, said Dr. Ali Follad. “The National Medical Task Force, a part of ‘Team Bahrain’ led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy  Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, is doing a tremendous job in fighting Covid-19,” he added. Assuring the safety of Bahraini citizens and residents alongside international travellers, he said Bahrain is prepared and ready to …

One Above has acquired a DMC in the Mediterranean destination of Greece called Orama Travel, which means ‘travel with a vision’ in Greek. Now called One Above Greece, the new office starts operations from its new location in Athens. Speaking on this occasion Rahim Aslam, Founder, One Above, says, “One Above Greece promises the visitor diverse experiences beyond the stereotypical sea and sun holiday usually associated with Greece. Yes, Greece is incredible for offering riveting summer holidays but there is more to Greece than this. Consider a holiday in Greece any other time of year and you will begin to appreciate its diversity and discover a side of it that you didn’t know existed!” He adds that the One Above team specialises in offering exceptional services to tourists travelling to Greece. “Our expertise and rich experience of 30 years, inspired by the knowledge and the taste of our customers originating from all over the world make us an essential partner for everyone wishing to organise their travel, be it for leisure or business. Over the years, we have learned to respect the traveller, consider the travelling experience with a different outlook, and continually improve all our travel destinations as per the current trends,” he adds. Rahim adds, “One Above Greece will provide the critical knowledge necessary to make all travel arrangements successful. Our reputation for high quality, creative service is based on our ability to help you manage your clients travel arrangements more effectively. It is based on our philosophy of service with an extra measure of value, service that goes above and beyond the typical requirements of a DMC. Our mission is to provide every client with the best …

Hasan Patel, Director of B2B travel portal Tripjack, says, “We conceptualised the Fantasy League to increase our engagement with our travel partners during these times. This innovative concept of the Travel Agent Fantasy League is now in the second phase and the excitement level has doubled. The competition has more than 3,000 winners till date and we are seeing more and more users participate daily. Visit Tripjack.com and start playing now!”

The ‘Tent City-Kutch’ in the Rann of Kutch is all set to open to welcome guests from November 12. The Tent City-Kutch offers a unique chance to visit one of the most beautiful and breath-taking locations in Gujarat – the White Rann of Kutch. Spread over 7,500 sq. km, the White Rann is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. “The Tent City-Kutch is spread over 5 lakh sq mt, and will open for guests from November 12 to February 28. It comprises more than 350 tents, which have been set up at Dhordo village near the White Rann,” said Bhavik Sheth, Finance and Operation Manager, Lallooji & Sons.

The Golden Chariot, to be run by IRCTC, will restart operations from January 2021 in a new avatar. The train was handed over to the IRCTC for operational and marketing purposes by the Karnataka Tourism Department in January 2020. IRCTC has said that the tours will commence from Bengaluru and cover places in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala before returning to Bengaluru. The IRCTC has introduced three packages for tourists.

IATO in association with TravTalk is organising a webinar with Art of Living on the topic, ‘Redesign Your Itineraries- Wellness Tourism’ on Thursday, November 5 at 11:30 am. During the session, Rajeev Nambiar, Director, National Teachers Desk, The Art of Living, will be sharing his thoughts on the topic with the audience and inspire them to do better planning. To know more and register, contact Jaspreet Kaur at Jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Civil Aviation, has announced that the price-cap system for domestic airlines will be extended further by another 3 months. It was earlier valid till November 24, and now it has been extended further till February 24, 2021. The ministry will relook at it in February.

A Harvard University study has revealed that air travel “is as safe as or substantially safer than routine activities people undertake during these times.” Factors such as universal use of masks, diligent cleaning protocols and advanced air filtration systems on planes combine to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission on a plane to below that at grocery stores or restaurants.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has become the first airport in India to launch a start to end paperless e-boarding facility for international passengers. For now, the service has been made available for a few international flights of IndiGo airlines. The airport is already offering a similar facility to domestic passengers flying out of Hyderabad.

In its hospitality & hotels overview for the Indian market, HVS Anarock highlighted that the hotel sector is showing early signs of recovery with occupancy improving M-o-M across most major markets driven by the gradual revival of domestic leisure travel in the country. Goa & Jaipur have been witnessing noticeable improvement in occupancy. Corporate travel continues to remain subdued.