Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Meenakshi Sharma, Director General, Tourism, has said that apart from coming out with the incentive schemes for tour operators in the form of MDA for promotions nationally or internationally, they are also relaxing the rules for approval of tour operators, so that the benefits can go to those who haven’t been involved with us and also for the start-ups. “This is because the promotion and marketing budget for the smaller formations are not burdened to them and the Government can pick up some of that tab,” she added, while addressing a CII Webinar recently.

After winning points from this ongoing game, Pankaj Sharma, Partner, Shubh Yatra, located in Jaipur, says, “This contest by Tripjack is a very exciting concept and a lot of agents are enjoying participating in it. I have recommended my colleagues and friends in the industry to sign up for this. Not only it does it provide some entertainment, but you can also win great prizes and use the Tripjack points on their website – whether it is hotels, air tickets, or packages. Tripjack also offers great rates and amazing deals.” Top winners every week also get Jalesh Cruise Package, AirAsia Tickets, & Hotels Stays. Visit tripjack.com now!

More than nine out of 10 (92%) of consumers trust personal recommendations with regards to health and hygiene, according to a new WTTC report titled, ‘To recovery and beyond- the future of travel & tourism in the wake of COVID-19’.

Jitendra Jadhav, Asst. Director (Niche Tourism Division), Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, has said that the Ministry has been directed by Sectoral Group of Secretaries to form guidelines on wedding tourism. “For this, inputs of industry stakeholders such as ICPB and wedding planners including Rashi Entertainment have been sought. Rajeev Jain, MD, Raashi Entertainment has been instrumental in quickly providing us detailed inputs as sought from the industry. The proposed guidelines on wedding tourism/destination weddings are under process and is expected to be finalised soon by the Ministry after getting approval from competent authority,” he said.

Pune-based Trips Academy has launched a certification feature in their mobile learning app for travel professionals, starting with Destination Antarctica as the first programme. These programmes are free for learners and offer interactive, engaging content that allows professional to learn at their convenience. Kiran Bhandari, Founder, Trips Academy, shares, “Each interactive learning module takes around five to seven minutes allowing users to integrate it into their busy work schedule. This is perfect for destinations, cruise lines, hotels, and suppliers looking to upskill and educate the travel trade on their offerings, using bite-sized subscription plans. This app is available for download in both Android and iOS versions. More programmes are in the pipeline.”

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, has said that 2021 should be the year of Dekho Apna Desh and the focus should be on domestic tourism. “The Prime Minister asked us to concentrate on ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ one year ago and that every citizen should visit 15 domestic destinations till 2022. However, now the time is such that in 2021 people will only travel within India, and this campaign would be really helpful for us. Year 2021 should be the year of Dekho Apna Desh and all of us should promote it with full force,” he said.

In his address on World Tourism Day, Yogendra Tripathi, Secretary – Tourism, said that this year’s global theme of rural tourism laid out by the UNWTO is in the right context and has come at the right time. “In a country as diverse as India where a significant number of people are deeply rooted to the villages, it is both an opportunity as well as a necessity that tourism develops itself and in turn develops rural communities. Rural tourism in India has significant potential, considering rich cultural and historical heritage, variety in ecology and terrains, as well as places of natural beauty spread across the country,” he said.

Representatives of the Indian tourism fraternity conducted a peaceful drive-through campaign in various cities of India on September 27, in an attempt to bring to the public’s attention the plight of the Indian tourism industry today and appeal to the government for some relief. Members held placards and posters that appealed #SaveTourism.

Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, has said that they have been in discussion with Ministry of Civil Aviation for many of their issues, one of which is the acceptance of credit cards by airlines. “It has been cleared by the PAPJC and IATA, but we are still knocking every airline’s door. There should be a directive from the government for the same. There should be neutral capping of fares. Also, we are looking at remuneration in a big way. As travel consultants, we should have a right to charge our fee. Else, our services can be treated as MRP product so that we are protected. We should be allowed to charge 10% fee on it like the hotel industry is charging service fee,” she said.

Zaid Kaladia, Proprietor of Chisti Tours & Travels in Mumbai, has been associated with Tripjack since the past four years. “The team at Tripjack is very helpful, accurate, and quick with responses 24×7, whether it is an urgent query or for a future booking. Moreover, the fare is very competitive. As one of the winners of their contest, I request all agents to sign up and win Tripjack coins that can be redeemed against future bookings,” he says. Top winners every week also get Jalesh Cruise package, air tickets and hotels stays. Visit tripjack.com now!