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SHOWSTOPPER
EDITION 100 S-CLASS BY MERCEDESMAYBACH
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Celebrating the centenary of Maybach, Mercedes-Maybach has introduced a new special edition of the Maybach S-Class called the Edition 100. Each special edition model is handpainted in a two-tone Cirrus Silver and Nautical Blue livery. “Edition 100” emblems can be found on the C-pillars and on the centre caps. The 20-inch forged monoblock wheels also feature a new dark chrome finish. Limited to 100 units worldwide, the vehicle is powered by a hand-built, 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. mercedes-benz.com
A new world of travel
Post pandemic travel may not be so bad after all
ASHISH DHRUVA SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - MARKETING & CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AT INTERMILES
The pandemic has impacted the way people approach travelrelated decisions, aspects of which are likely to last for some time. According to a Consumer Spending Index Report by InterMiles earlier this year, close to 70 per cent of Indians have now placed greater emphasis on securing their future by increasing investments and savings, given the uncertainty around the pandemic. However, fact remains that people are still looking for experiences, they are still looking for getaways that guarantee solitude and immersive escapes to cope with WFH fatigue. The travel sector, especially domestic travel, is moving towards revival on the back of pacedup vaccination drives across the country and easing of movement restrictions.
GOING SLO-CAL
The one thing that the pandemic has taught people is to slow down and appreciate life, giving rise to immersive yet experiential travel options. There is preference for slow travel that offers travellers the time and flexibility to explore more while eliminating the stress of a packed, bucket-list itinerary. There is also an increasing interest in off-beat, communitycentric experiences that offer affordability and excitement while promoting responsible travel. Be it a workation, staycation or a weekend getaway, travellers are now more inclined towards fuller and richer immersive experiences that allow them to connect, explore and unwind. comfort and luxury in travel. The traditional checklist has now made way for questions such as “Does the location ensure adequate social distancing?”, “What are the safety and hygiene protocols put in place by the hotel?” and so on. The post-Covid traveller is seeking for highly controlled travelling options to ensure utmost safety. This is displayed in increased preference for higher category hotels, premium home stays, independent villas and boutique hotels that promise the comfort and experience of a vacation while meeting additional, heightened safety requirements.
CONTACTLESS TRAVEL
The pandemic has inspired significant change in the travel and hospitality industry which is now aiming to boost traveler confidence by making travel as contactless as possible. A range of new initiatives including enhanced mobile boarding passes, travel advisory subscriptions, digitalising inflight menus and more have been introduced to help mitigate the risks of Covid-19. The inclusion of the technology hopes to provide a safe, quick, and easy solution for passengers without having to interact with screens and booths. In parallel, travellers have also evolved to the idea of using contactless services and building appreciation for tech-rich experiences that promise travel safety at the forefront.
TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW
Post Covid-19 epiphany is that we have one earth and short life makes it mandatory for us to act now for our generations to come. Consumers and business are now more conscious and responsible towards the environment. Travelling sustainably – while it may sound grand – begins with the simplest of things, which when added up result in having major impact. For instance, something as simple as each person carrying their own reusable bottle of water while travelling, ensures that tons of plastic do not flood our oceans. Travellers can opt for local guides or workers from nearby villages or towns. Renting bicycles or hopping onto local transport while travelling is another a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Travellers are trying to lower their carbon footprint by avoiding flights for short stays and travelling by road. They are mindful of the hotel brands they are choosing -an ideal hotel brand would be the one that follows sustainability principles.
The past year and a half have been tough. However, it has made us connect better with our surroundings and taught us to live in harmony with nature. BTI
