TOURISM INDIA APRIL 2021

INCREDIBLE INDIA

WONDERFUL WORLD AVIATION ONLINE TECHNOLOGY

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Editor’s Note

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Urgent need of policy support mechanisms

nce again the bookings have been cancelled and the restrictions increased on travel and the hopes of the Tourism sector also dashed as the second wave swept out globally. Amidst the spread of the pandemic, this season will also miss and most of the entrepreneurs have no other option to maintain their business.

The slow recovery of the sector after the vaccination rollout has come to standstill with the unexpected second wave. The foundation of this vibrant sector has been shocked again and this is expected further two to four months.

According to Medical experts, the second Covid-19 wave could last for around 12 weeks which indicates the travel; restrictions and slow down in all Tourism &Travel businesses. The super spread of the virus has led to partial lockdowns in many cities and states and if the situation worse full lockdowns are the only option but still there is hope for recovery because we have vaccines and as vaccinations pick up the spread of vaccinations will automatically slow down.

The global trends indicate the urgent need for policy support mechanisms. The economic impact of the already weak sector needs urgent support from the governments. As a result of the COVID impact, the Indian economy requires special and effective interventions to reboot. Since the economy faces the challenge, support mechanisms also have limits in this tough time.

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To avoid the full crisis stopping the spread of the virus through vaccinations and precautions is the only way.

The need for a multistakeholder collaboration is one of the important lessons from COVID-19 to the travel and tourism Industry. Because of the global nature and the high scale of crisis every branch in the Industry, the business organisations, and the public Institutions has forced to cooperate on the destinations nationally or internationally.

In this scenario the industry players must work together and rethink all aspects of the activities such as marketing, managing tourists flows to benefits local communities, Implementing digitalization for sustainability efforts to make the sector more resilient, If fails to make the corrections in this point no doubt the sector should face greater headwinds in the future. It will result in years of efforts to develop dynamic destinations that have been erased. Rebuilding destinations is necessary to support local economies. To rebuild5 the tourism system by prioritizing accessibility, connectivity, and transport is recommendable along with accommodation, restaurants, resorts, tour operators, travel associations, travel technology companies, and events However sustainable ways of tourism, initiatives, or startups that promote sustainable tourism will have a better chance to thrive in the future.

Rajani A Editor

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Contents

APRIL 2021

VOL. 23 NO. 12

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Cover: Kids enjoying their vacation at Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan Photo: Vipin Wilfred

MANAGING EDITOR Ravisankar K V EDITOR Rajani A EXECUTIVE EDITOR Raadia Mukadam ASSOCIATE EDITOR G. Ajithkumar ART EDITOR N Bhattathiri DIRECTOR - DESIGNS Anand Sankar PHOTOGRAPHERS Vivek R. Nair, Murukesh Iyer EXECUTIVE - DIGITAL MEDIA VAISHNAV RAMAKRISHNAN

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PEOPLE WANT TO TRAVEL AGAIN RAJIV MEHRA WILL LEAD IATO HARNESSING THE POWER OF CULTURE AND CREATIVITY IN TOURISM RECOVERY ANYTIME. ANYWHERE: ITB BERLIN NOW LARGE HOTELS WILL STRUGGLE POST-COVID

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TRACING THE REGAL FOOTFALL

BUSINESS & EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES

NEW DELHI D Anilkumar +91 9868123311

MUMBAI K V Satyanath +91 9745598126

KOLKATA Jayasree Singh +91 943306033

BANGALURU Damodaran K Nair +91 8310955261

EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICE TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT. LTD A-29, KUMARA VILAS, ELANKOM GARDENS, VELLAYAMBALAM, SASTHAMANGALAM P.O., TRIVANDRUM, KERALA, INDIA 695010 TEL: +91 471 2315256 MOB: 9847060531 CONTACT US Editorial Enquiries editor@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9847060531 Advertisement Enquiries marketing@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9745598126 Circulation & Subscription Enquiries circulation@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9745598126 Online Edition www.tourismindia.org www.tourismindiaonline.com Digital Edition: https://issue.com/tourismindia No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD. All rights reserved Copyright @2021 Printed and Published by Ravisankar K V on behalf of TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD, A-29, Kumara Vilas, Elankom Gardens, Vellayambalam, Sasthamangalam P.O., Trivandrum 695010 at Aarsha Offset Graphix, Mettukkada, Thycaud.P.O., Trivandrum- 695014 Editor: Rajani A

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STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL TOURISM

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V.R.KRISHNA TEJA IAS APPOINTED AS KERALA TOURISM DIRECTOR

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TEJUS JOSE AS GM RENAISSANCE BENGALURU RACE COURSE HOTEL TRANSFORMING TOURISM: UNWTO GLOBAL STARTUP COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED IMMERSION INDIA WINS FOR CREATING EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THROUGH TRAVEL

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UN AGENCIES PARTNER FOR GUIDE TO HELP WOMEN IN TOURISM RECOVER FROM CRISIS

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TIGHTENED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS UNDERLINE CURRENT CHALLENGES FOR TOURISM

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WICCI & SAATHIYA JOIN HANDS FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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IHCL ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF A NEW TAJ HOTEL IN JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

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VISTARA INAUGURATES SERVICES TO MALÉ

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AVIS INDIA LAUNCHES ‘AVIS CARE

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CAPT. NASSER AL SALMI APPOINTED AS COO OF OMAN AIR

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FLY WITH BLADE TO HILTON SHILLIM ESTATE RETREAT

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TOURISM NETWORKING EVENT BY SKAL HYDERABAD

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HOLI STAYCATION AT JW MARRIOTT HOTEL BENGALURU

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MAKE HOLI MORE COLORFUL AT COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT BENGALURU HEBBAL

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WEDDING DESTINATION @ THE LEELA AMBIENCE GURUGRAM

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UNIQUE VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS FOR CHILDREN BY 7 ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE

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LEARN THE ART OF SLOW TRAVEL

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MALDIVES: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMED

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VISIT MALDIVES HOSTS TOP TRAVEL AGENTS

66 BLIVE ANNOUNCES EXCHANGE & UPGRADE PROGRAM TO DRIVE ADOPTION OF E-BIKES

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

TOURIST ARRIVALS DOWN 87% IN JANUARY 2021 AS UNWTO CALLS FOR STRONGER COORDINATION TO RESTART TOURISM

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he devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global tourism has carried on into 2021, with new data showing an 87% fall in international tourist arrivals in January as compared to 2020. The outlook for the rest of the year remain cautious as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) continues to call for stronger coordination on travel protocols between countries to ensure the safe restart of tourism and avoid another year of massive losses for the sector.

Following a difficult end to 2020, global tourism suffered further setbacks in the beginning of the year as countries tightened travel restrictions in response to new virus outbreaks. According to the latest edition of the UNW8

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TO World Tourism Barometer, all world regions continued to experience large drops in tourist arrivals in the first month of the year.

Mandatory testing, quarantines, and in some cases the complete closure of borders, have all hindered the resumption of international travel. In addition, the speed and distribution of the vaccination roll-out have been slower than expected, further delaying the restart of tourism.

All global regions hit hard

Asia and the Pacific (-96%), the region which continues to have the highest level of travel restrictions in place, recorded the largest decrease in international arrivals in January. Europe and Africa both saw a decline of 85% in arrivals, while the Middle East recorded a drop of 84%. International arrivals in the Americas decreased by 77% in January, following somewhat better results in the last quarter of the year.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “2020 was the worst year on record for tourism. The international community needs to take strong and urgent action to ensure a brighter 2021.

Many millions of livelihoods and businesses are depending on it.

Improved coordination between countries and harmonized trav-

el and health protocols are essential to restore confidence in tourism and allow international travel to resume safely ahead of the peak summer season in the northern hemisphere.”

Outlook for 2021

With 32% of all global destinations completely closed to international tourists at the beginning of February, UNWTO anticipates a challenging first few months of 2021 for global tourism.

Based on current trends, UNWTO expects international tourist arrivals to be down about 85% in the first quarter of 2021 over the same period of 2019. This would represent a loss of some 260 million international arrivals when compared to pre-pandem-

are based on a number of factors, most notably a major lifting of travel restrictions, the success of vaccination programmes or the introduction of harmonized protocols such as the Digital Green Certificate planned by the European Commission.

The first scenario points to a rebound in July, which would result in a 66% increase in international arrivals for the year 2021 compared to the historic lows of 2020. In this case, arrivals would still be 55% below the levels recorded in 2019. The second sceic levels. Looking ahead, UNWTO nario considers a potential rehas outlined two scenarios for bound in September, leading to 2021, which consider a possible a 22% increase in arrivals comrebound in international travel in pared to last year. Still, this would the second half of the year. These be 67% below the levels of 2019.

People plan to spend more on travel again in 2021 – the end of the pandemic will likely spur long-term growth.

Personal safety is very important on a private trip – well-being is more important than travel choices

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

T&T SECTOR SUFFERED A LOSS OF US$4.5 TRILLION IN 2020 WTTC research reveals the huge impact of COVID-19 on global Travel & Tourism sector and the sector’s contribution to GDP plunged a staggering 49.1% in 2020

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s the pandemic ripped through the heart of Travel & Tourism, more than 62 million jobs were lost, representing a drop of 18.5%, leaving just 272 million employed across the industry globally.

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) has revealed the full devastating impact COVID-19 had on the global Travel & Tourism sector last year, which suffered a massive loss of almost US$4.5 trillion.

The report shows the sector’s contribution to GDP dropped a staggering 49.1%, this compared to the overall global economy which dropped by just 3.7% last year.

Vast losses run-up during 2020, paint the first full picture of a sector struggling to survive 10

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in the face of crippling travel restrictions and unnecessary quarantines, which continue to threaten the urgent recovery of the world economy.

Altogether, the sector’s contribution to global GDP plummeted to US$4.7 trillion in 2020 (5.5% of the global economy), from nearly US$9.2 trillion the previous year (10.4%).

In 2019, when global Travel & Tourism was thriving and generating one in four of all new jobs around the world, the sector contributed 10.6% (334 million) jobs globally.

These job losses were felt across the entire ecosystem of Travel & Tourism, with SMEs, which make up 80% of all businesses in the sector, particularly affected.

Furthermore, as one of the world’s most diverse sectors, the impact on women, youth, and minorities was significant.

However, the threat persists as many of these jobs are currently supported by government retention schemes and reduced hours, which without full recovery of Travel & Tourism could be lost.

WTTC, which has continually been at the forefront in leading the private sector in the efforts to restore international mobility and rebuild global consumer confidence, has praised governments around the world for their prompt response. However, the global tourism body fears governments cannot continue to prop up threatened jobs indefinitely and must instead turn to the sector to help its recovery, so it can power the global economic revival by saving businesses and creating much needed new jobs, and saving the millions of livelihoods that depend on the sector.

The report also reveals a shocking loss in international travel spending, which was down 69.4% on the previous year. Domestic www.tourismindia.org

Job retention schemes look to have saved millions of jobs - but the threat remains; Swift action could see lost jobs and GDP contribution return by 2022. The report also reveals a shocking loss in international travel spending, which was down 69.4% on the previous year.

Domestic travel s pending fell by 45%, a lower decline due to some internal travel in a number of countries travel spending fell by 45%, a lower decline due to some internal travel in a number of countries.

Ms. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We must praise the prompt action of governments around the world for saving so many jobs and livelihoods at risk, thanks to various retention schemes, without which today’s figures would be far worse.

“However, WTTC’s11 annual Economic Impact Report shows the full extent of the pain our sector has had to endure over the past 12 months, which has needlessly devastated so many lives and businesses, large and small.

“Clearly no one wants to go through what so many have had to suffer during the past difficult 12 months. WTTC research shows the global Travel & Tourism sector alone has been devastated, burdened by an unprecedented

loss of almost US$4.5 trillion.

“With the sector’s contribution to GDP plunging by almost half, it’s more important than ever that Travel & Tourism is given the support needed so it can help power the economic recovery, which will be instrumental in enabling the world to revive from the effects of the pandemic.”

WTTC research shows that if international mobility and travel is resumed by June this year, it will significantly boost global and country-level GDPs – and jobs and the sector’s contribution to global GDP could rise sharply this year, up 48.5% year-on-year.

WTTC also predicts that if the global vaccine rollout continues at pace, and travel restrictions are relaxed just before the busy summer season, the 62m jobs lost in 2020 could return by 2022.

WTTC strongly advocates the resumption of safe international travel in June this year, if governments follow its four principles of recovery, which includes a comprehensive coordinated international testing regime upon departure for all nonvaccinated travellers, to eliminate quarantines.

It also includes enhanced health and hygiene protocols and mandatory mask-wearing; shifting to individual traveller risk assessments instead of country risk assessments; and continued support for the sector, including fiscal, liquidity, and worker protection. WTTC says the introduction of digital health passes, such as the recently announced ‘Digital Green Certificate’, will support the sector’s recovery.

The global tourism body also urges governments around the world to provide a clear and decisive roadmap, allowing businesses time to ramp up their operations in order to recover from the ravages of the pandemic.

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NEWS /TRAVEL TRENDS

65% INDIANS INTEND TO TRAVEL FOR LEISURE AND EXPLORE NEW DESTINATIONS IN 2021 InterMiles travel survey in the ‘Consumer Sentiment Index Report (Travel) 2.0’ reveals the insights and changing consumption patterns of the evolved Indian traveller

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nterMiles, a leading loyalty and rewards programme, has published results of their second travel survey in the ‘Consumer Sentiment Index Report (Travel) 2.0’. Based on responses received from over 11,500 InterMilers across India in January 2021, the report showcases insights and changing consumption patterns of the evolved Indian traveller.

Key Insights from the InterMiles Consumer Sentiment Index (Travel) 2.0: Leisure travel leads the way in 2021, with close to 65% respondents craving to travel and break away from monotony as they explore new places While 2020 witnessed the rise of the essential traveller, the new and evolved 2021 Indian traveller is 12

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looking for adventure and is keen on exploring new destinations, in

an attempt to leave behind the monotony of 2020. The roll-out of

vaccines and pragmatic innovations across the travel chain seem to have contributed to this increase in consumer confidence. Almost 65% Indians have shown intent to travel for leisure and adventure in 2021.

After spending almost a year distancing socially, 54% Indians say they want to travel to meet family and friends.

Business and corporate travel, which was anticipated to be one of the first segments to recover, is surprisingly third on the list of traveller priorities. However, business travel is anticipated to pick-up through the course of the year, with 85% consumers in favor of considering business / work travel in 2021.

The workcation trend is also picking up steam in India with travellers looking for a change of scenery as they fulfill their work obligations. Armed with their laptops and the internet, these digital nomads are more likely to stay away from touristy locations, and head to offbeat places. www.tourismindia.org

Mirroring and supporting this trend, India is already seeing the advent of several backpacking hostels, budget-friendly work-centric rentals, campervans and workation packages.

Over 60% Indians expressed confidence in domestic, local and hyperlocal travel In what is good news for an industry battered by the pandemic, InterMiles has seen a significant increase in positive travel sentiment across various verticals in 2021 – which is expected to be the 13 year of travel revival in India.

A comparison between InterMiles’ maiden Consumer Sentiment Index (based on responses collected in October 2020) and the recently published Consumer Sentiment Index (Travel) 2.0 (based on responses collected in January 2021), clearly displays an increase in intent to travel.

Additionally, 60% respondents are now also comfortable with remote or offbeat short stays. Consumers most confident with air travel, after personal vehicles Fuelling the self-

drives trend that emerged last year, highest levels of comfort continue to be witnessed with personal vehicles.

In contrast, 39% respondents are still not comfortable with any mode of public transport including taxis, autos, trains and buses.

Flexibility in date changes and lastminute free cancellation policies are key factors when making travel decisions. While travel post-Covid has predominantly been dependent on visual and actual assurance through safety & hygiene measures along with travel advisories issued by destinations, ‘flexibility’ seems to be the new buzzword on the block. Given the unpredictability and arbitrary nature of the Covid-19 virus, consumers want to ensure their travel plans are as flexible as possible at minimum cost.

According to the survey, 64% respondents will look for flexibility to change dates before making concrete travel decisions, while 62% will look for last minute free cancellations.

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NEWS/ NATIONAL

‘AID FOR TRADE’ EVENT-

TOURISM’S RECOVERY STRATEGIES HIGHLIGHTED

ADB partnered with the UNWTO to lead a conversation on what the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on global tourism means for development across the Asia-Pacific region

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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) partnered with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to lead a conversation on what the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on global tourism means for development across the Asia-Pacific region. Held as part of the World Trade Organization’s Aidfor-Trade Stocktaking Event, the special session brought key sector representatives together to assess how the sector can be transformed to drive recovery and build sustainability.

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from UNWTO, the pandemic led to a 73% fall globally in international tourist arrivals in 2020.

The drop has been even steeper in Asia-Pacific where ADB estimates a decline of over 80% for 2020, as many Asian countries continued to impose strict travel restrictions. This sudden fall has placed the sector’s ability to drive sustainable development forward on hold.

Building Sustainability and Resilience The special event at WTO, moderated by Anna Fink, Economist at ADB, explored how ‘aid-fortrade’ can be used to build greater sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector. Joining Matthias Helble Senior Economist at the Asian Development Bank and Zoritsa Urosevic Director of Institutional Relations and Partnerships at UNWTO were representatives from the governments of Azerbaijan and New Zealand, and Suzanne Becken, a tourism expert from Griffith University.

ADB’s Matthias Helble shared

that, according to latest ADB estimates, a full recovery for the sector is only expected by 2023 at the earliest. Promotion of domestic tourism, as well as the creation of ‘travel bubbles’ that would allow travel to resume between certain destinations, were highlighted as potential strategies for driving recovery in the short-term. The introduction of vaccine passes could further accelerate recovery. However, these measures should only be temporary, and countries ultimately need to prepare for a full opening.

Short and Long-Term Support for Tourism ADB’s Matthias Helble stressed that a prolonged pandemic puts the survival of large parts of the tourism sector at risk. To help governments finance policy measures that facilitate targeted aid to households and firms most severely affected by the pandemic, ADB launched a $20 billion support package in April 2020. By the end of 2020, ADB had committed

$16.3 billion of this package in the form of grants, technical assistance, and loans to developing member governments and the private sector. At the same time, UNWTO has expanded on its support to Member States across the region, including through the launch of the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package, delivering expert support to destinations across the historic Silk Road.

For longer-term recovery, UNWTO’s Zoritsa Urosevic stressed the importance of developing a new finance architecture to to adopt and build innovative, low carbon, circular, safe, and inclusive business policies, and instruments for recovery. At the same time, both ADB and UNWTO reiterated the importance of international cooperation and the harmonization of policies, both to restart international tourism and then to monitor and guide future growth to ensure the sector delivers on its potential to drive sustainable development.

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

WILLIE WALSH TAKES THE HELM AT IATA Walsh became the 8th person to lead the IATA when he took on the role of Director General on 1 April 2021, after an airline industry career spanning over 40 years

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he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Willie Walsh has officially taken on the role of Director General of the organization.

“I am passionate about our industry and about the critical work that IATA does on behalf of its members, never more so than during the COVID-19 crisis.

IATA has been at the forefront of efforts to restart global connectivity, including developing the IATA Travel Pass. Less visible but of equal importance, airlines continue to rely on IATA’s financial settlement systems, Timatic and other vital services to support their day-to-day operations. I am grateful to Alexandre for leaving behind a strong organization and a motivated team.

Together, the IATA team is absolutely focused on restoring the freedom of movement that airlines provide to billions of people around the world. That means your freedom to visit friends and family, to meet critical business 16

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partners, to secure and retain vital contracts, and to explore our wonderful planet,” said Walsh.

“In normal times over four billion travelers depend on aviation each year and the distribution of vaccines has put the value of efficient air cargo in the spotlight. Airlines are committed to delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable services. My goal is to ensure that IATA is a forceful voice supporting the success of global air transport. We will work with supporters and critics alike to deliver on our commitments to the environmentally sustainable airline industry. It’s my job to make sure that governments, which rely on the economic and social benefits our industry generates, also understand the policies we need to deliver those benefits,” said Walsh.

Walsh was confirmed as IATA’s 8th Director General by the 76th IATA Annual General Meeting on 24

November 2020. He joins IATA after a 40-year career in the airline industry. Walsh retired from the International Airlines Group (IAG) in September 2020 after serving as its CEO since its inception in 2011. Prior to that he was CEO of British Airways (2005-2011) and CEO of Aer Lingus (2001-2005). He began his career in aviation at Aer Lingus in 1979 as a cadet pilot.

Walsh is deeply familiar with IATA, having served on the IATA Board of Governors for almost 13 years between 2005 to 2018, including serving as Chair (20162017). He will work from the Association’s Executive Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

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illie Walsh became the eighth person to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA) when he took on the role of Director General on 1 April 2021, after an airline industry career spanning over 40 years.

Walsh is deeply familiar with IATA, having served on the IATA Board of Governors for almost 13 years between 2005 to 2018,including serving as Chair (20162017).

Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1961, Walsh joined the country’s flag carrier Aer Lingus in 1979, as a cadet pilot, becoming a captain in 1990. One year earlier, he

had moved into a management position in the airline’s flight operations department, beginning a rise that led to him being appointed Chief Executive of Futura, Aer Lingus’ Spanish charter airline in 1998.

He returned to Aer Lingus in 2000 as Chief Operations Officer (COO) and was appointed Chief Executive in October 2001 at a time when the carrier was in a grave financial crisis following the 9.11 attacks. Walsh led a radical restructuring that returned Aer Lingus to profitability.

In 2005, Walsh was appointed Chief Executive of British Airways (BA). He led

BA through the 2008/09 Global Financial Crisis, established a transatlantic joint business venture with Iberia, Finnair and American Airlines, and oversaw the 2011 merger of BA and Iberia under a newly established parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG). Walsh served as Chief Executive of IAG from its inception until he retired in September 2020.

At IATA Walsh will work from the association’s main offices in Montreal, Canada and Geneva, Switzerland.

A citizen of Ireland, Wash holds a Master of Science and Business Administration from Trinity College, Dublin.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

KERALA TOURISM LAUNCHES ‘MY FIRST TRIP 2021’ Campaign targeting domestic tourists March 25-29 drive aims to woo tourists in post-pandemic era

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erala Tourism has launched a pioneering travel initiative led by ten influencers from around the country who will carry out a new-media campaign to attract domestic tourists in the post-Covid era.

Ms.Rani George, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism, flagged off the Kerala Blog Express, titled ‘My First Trip 2021’, which is slated to conclude on March 29.

The influencers will tread different itineraries for six nights and five days, facilitating production of exclusive contents for Kerala Tourism. The images, videos and literature generated by them will be shared on social-media platforms as #MyFirstTrip. They will announce to the world that destinations in God’s Own Country continue to be open for tourists.

Mr.V.R. Krishna Teja, IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism and Mr. Biju. B.S, Dep-

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uty Director, Marketing, Kerala Tourism, were also present at the function held at the Hotel Mascot in the city.

“The trip will give the participants a chance to not just visit the famous tourist destinations in Kerala, but experience the cuisine, culture, art and other popular activities around,” Rani George said.

“Tourism industry was struck by the pandemic and Kerala was no exception. Gradually, we learned to live on with Covid-19. We started to see visitors coming to Kerala from November-December 2020. Now, these vloggers can also spread the word to the world that Kerala is safer to explore since Covid-19 cases are on the decline in the state. So, people would understand the situation,” she added.

Mr. Teja, in his address, said that through the trip, the vloggers would certainly experience

‘Best-case scenario’ could see 111 million jobs recovered; At least 84 million global Travel & Tourism jobs predicted to return this year

the warmth of people and understand how safe the state was to explore.

My First Trip 2021 has only domestic influencers and aims to provide additional impetus to the current domestic marketing initiatives of Kerala. Four of them are from Mumbai, three from Delhi and one each from Hyderabad (Telangana), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Ajmer (Rajasthan).

‘My First Trip’ will take the influencers on a trip across various destinations in 10 specially

branded cars, stipulating to the pandemic protocol in mind. The participants will follow five different itineraries around the state.

The destinations include the Jadayu Earth Center at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district, Thumboormuzhi Garden near Chalakudy in Thrissur district, Vazhachal, Athirapally waterfalls near it and the Malakkapara hill-station in the area.

The travellers will also experience village life at Munroe Island (Kollam) and nature walk along the bird sanctuary in Kumarakom (Kottayam) and a houseboat cruise there, besides visits to the Muziris Heritage project sites north of Kochi and a town walk through coastal Alappuzha.

Other highlights are visits to the Punnamada lake, Marari beach, boating in the Periyar lake, Tea Museum in Idukki district, the dams at Kundala and Mattupetti and water sports at Cherai northwest of Kochi.

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Ms. Rani George, IAS, Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism, flagging off Kerala Blog Express, titled ‘My First Trip 2021,’ in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala Tourism Director Shri V R Krishna Teja, IAS, (extreme left) is also seen www.tourismindia.org

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NEWS/ TRAVEL EVENTS

SATTE 2021 MAPS THE NEW NORMAL TRAVEL TRENDS Sustainability, Niche, Domestic & Experiential Tourism Take Centerstage in the New Normal

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he 28th edition of SATTE 2021 is being organized by Informa Markets in India with a comprehensive line of best practices & safety protocols between 24th to 26th March 2021, at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi.

The expo was inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr. Arvind Singh, Secretary Tourism, Govt. of India along with

key dignitaries Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Maldives; Mr. M P Bezbaruah, Former Secretary – Tourism, Govt. of India and Secretary General, Hotel Association of India; Mr. Maneck E. Davar, Chairman, Service Export Promotion Council, and Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Vice-Chairperson, FAITH, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in

India and Ms. Pallavi Mehra, Group Director, Informa Markets In India.

With the current international air travel restrictions, SATTE reoriented its strategy that is mainly focused on the domestic market along with select International destinations that have opened doors for tourists post the lockdown lift. The– NCR, is witnessing participation from

Ms. Pallavi Mehra, Group Director and Publisher-T3, Informa Markets In India ; Mr. M P Bezbaruah, Secretary General, Hotel Association of India; Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Maldives (Guest of Honour); Chief Guest - Mr. Arvind Singh, Secretary - Tourism, Govt. Of India; Mr. Maneck E. Davar, Chairman, Service Export Promotion Council; Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Vice-Chairperson, FAITH & Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India at the inaugural ceremony of the 28th edition of SATTE at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida.

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cross-sections of the industry and has garnered great support from the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, Service Export Promotion Council (SEPC) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Ayush and State/UT Tourism Boards such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, to name a few. Uttar Pradesh is the ‘Host State’ for SATTE 2021.

International participants such as Nepal, Maldives, Malaysia, Utah and Expo2020 Dubai are showcasing their product profile and preparedness to woo Indian travelers. Private players such as TravelBoutiqueOnline, ITC Welcome Heritage, My Value Travel, Tripjack, Youngistan Travellers, STS World, Destination India, Nix Tours, Hora Tourism, and Rayna Tours, amongst others, have also participated this year.

SATTE 2021 has one-of-a-kind features such as SATTE Virtual Zone, and the T3 Studio that is enabling exhibitors to communicate their services effectively to the buyers.

Speaking at the inauguration of SATTE, Mr. Arvind Singh, Secretary - Tourism, Govt. of India, congratulated the organizing team of SATTE for sending out the message of resurgence in the travel and tourism industry. He also mentioned that travel and tourism is the leading service industry of India and as per WTTC, contributed 6.8% of the total economy amounting to INR. 16,681 billion. It generated 39,82,18,000 jobs which translates to 8.0% of the total employment of the Indian economy. Mr. Singh also added, “In-

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dia is emerging as a nation to look up to for several countries in terms of health infrastructure, we have already vaccinated 32 million people and would be continuing our efficient drive. Coming to strengthening the foundation of travel and tourism industry, the Ministry has launched ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign which has already organized more than 80 webinars.

Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, added, “We are glad to receive such an overwhelming response from our exhibitors, and support from authorities and tourism boards. The industry is still subject to the see-saw effect in terms of the economy. Exhibitions like SATTE will surely drive a positive tone among the associated stakeholders and industry players, while strategically strengthening ‘Atmanirbharta’ as envisaged by the Government. We are upbeat about the future and about the efforts we all need to put together for the revival. Two common themes that have emerged are ensuring safe and sustainable growth and greater use of the latest technology solutions. These can be leveraged to build further inroads into niche, in-demand segments like Domestic leisure business, and wellness and health tourism that we are also promoting at SATTE.” Addressing the gathering, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Maldives, said, “SATTE 2021 is a crucial way forward to move past the crisis, which will echo across the globe.” He also thanked Indian Govt. for their support, Indian tourists for visiting Maldives 21 and playing an important role in making it the

next door travel destination. By the end of this year, more than 3,00,000 Indian tourists are expected to visit Maldives which is a highest recorded number for any country. Dr. Mausoom added “Indians are hard-working individuals, be it IT professionals, doctors or executive class - they all need a vacation break, and we are working to kickstart our North airport which will cut the travel time by 45 minutes for Indian tourists. Very soon Maldives is all set to become the first country to initiate Vaccine Tourism called as “3V”- “Visit, Vaccinate and Vacation”; it will give travelers the option to get vaccinated against Covid-19 in the Maldives and promote it as a safe destination for tourists” SATTE 2021 conference will present a host of thought-provoking knowledge sessions on topics such as Domestic tourism: Exploring unexplored; Technology: Adopting SMART tourism; Luxury tourism: outbound alternative?; International tourism: Tackling pandemic impact; Religious tourism: potential untapped; Wellness Tourism: the big opportunity and Women in travel.

Day 1 of the conference saw panel discussions on topics such as Domestic tourism: Exploring unexplored, International tourism: Tackling pandemic impact, A destination Showcase by Gujarat and panel discussion on Technology: Adopting SMART tourism. Day 2 will witness panel discussions on Religious Tourism, Wellness Tourism and Women in Travel along with Destination showcases by Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Lakshadweep.

SATTE 2021 is amply supported by its AllSecure & Travel Safety Guidelines – a safety standard initiative

by Informa that will safeguard the Health and Safety of the exhibitors, visitors and its employees to RESTART exhibitions. These are in line with the government’s guidelines to ensure a smooth, secured experience for everyone at the show. In a nutshell, the expo has laid a concrete steppingstone for the travel and tourism industry to proceed towards a balanced recovery.

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FEATURE / TRAVELOGUE

TRACING THE REGAL FOOTFALL Chittor Fort is magnificence and artistic exemplary got it a space in the UNESCO Heritage Site in 2013

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trip to Rajasthan is seldom out of any wanderlust‘s bucket list ; the endless sea of scorching sand, silhouettes of garish folk dancers, the intricate mirror works on their ghagras , fathomless tunes from tired harmoniums , the twirls of the

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Ghoomar dancers , Kathputli the peppy colored puppets and endless forts and palaces with umpteen tales of valour and glory One could indulge in endless shades of dreams of this land where every site showcases the regal essence and glorious

history , and none would leave this land without getting a sneak peek into Royalty .

As the dust and din settled down after a severe summer, a journey to Rajasthan begins in February.

The itinerary was kept pretty

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FEATURE / TRAVELOGUE

“As any traveler would vouch for, we too repeat that any detours in a trip, a walk down the road less travelled, glimpses of unseen beauty, all these make a trip more memorable than a meticulously planned itinerary” Vipin Wilfred & Sherry Joseph

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simple taking hints from the usual tour operations and schedules.

Ahmedabad - Udaipur- Jaisalmer - Jodhpur and then return through the national capital.

As any traveler would vouch for, I too repeat that any detours in a trip, a walk down the road

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less travelled, glimpses of unseen beauty, all these make a trip more memorable than a meticulously planned itinerary.

A casual browsing through the inflight magazine ended with the name Chittorgarh. The column read Chittorgarh - Centuries of

regal legacy. A land which reminds of immortal tales of sacrifice and heroism. Home to Rani Padmini, Mira bai and Pannadai.

The rerouting was inevitable from Udaipur to Chittorgarh, a two-hour train journey.

The train pulled into Chittor-

garh, a relatively small township rather late into the night. Chittorgarh or Chittor Fort is a five-mile ride from the station. Decided to retire for the night in a lodging close to the Railway station.

Next morning, the journey to Chittorgarh Fort, perched on a high cliff, began in an auto rickshaw after bargaining down from Rs. 300 to a more easy one hundred Rupees . A winding hill road leads to the main gate, called Ram Pol, of the Fort.

The entrance to the Fort costs Rupees twenty.

And here it was, the threshold of a magnificent structure that has lived, witnessed, and spoke of gallantry.

As history unfolds, Chittorgarh belonged to the founder of Mewar dynasty, Bappa Rawal. As in most Royal tales there are two versions to this, one that he conquered it from the Mauryas and www.tourismindia.org

the other that it was gifted to him as dowry.

In Ad 734, Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar dynasty. The kingdom spread through many provinces till Gujarat. It was a mighty troop in every aspect, geographically, and in monetary terms, the clan was a supreme power. Between the plains of Sultanate of Delhi and Gujarat, there has been innumerable, ghastly tales of invasion.

27 The first invasion was in 1303, when Aladdin Khilji was intrigued by the tales of Princess Padmini’s beauty. The chivalrous Chittorgarh troops proved meek in comparison to the Khilji men. The King, Rathan Singh succumbed to the injuries. Pages of history states that the Princess and seven hundred damsels committed Jauhar - a ritual of self-immolation. The remaining menfolk ritually marched to the battlefield to

get themselves killed.

Twenty-three years from then, a young royal from Shishoda named Hummer Singh fought back to restore the legacy. Thus, he became the first of the Shishoda Dynasty. In the next one century and half, Mewar became a supreme power. In 1527 the Mewar king Raja Singh even had the mettle to throw down the gauntlets at the ever-powerful Mughal Babbar, a failed effort though.

In 1535 Sultan of Gujarat Bahadur Shah invaded Chittorgarh.

It was a bloody duel, and history repeated itself. The Queen Karnavati and her ladies self-immolated themselves and the 32,000 men gave up their lives in their saffron garbs.

Much later in 1568, Emperor Akbar invaded Chittorgarh and took over the Fort from Maharana Uday Singh II. Yet again, a few Rajput women gave up their lives.

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FEATURE / TRAVELOGUE In 1616 Mughal emperor Jahangir, through a treaty, returned the Fort to the Rajput’s.

Chittor Fort The Fort, it’s magnificence and artistic exemplary got it a space in the UNESCO Heritage Site in 2013. The Fort rests on the plains made over River Berach, a tributary of River Banas. Spanning 13 miles and 700 hectares, it is one of biggest Forts in Asian subcontinent. The initial name was Chitrakooda and it is said to have been built by the Maurya Emperor Chitrangada.

Folktales attributes the building of the Fort to Bhima, and states that when he struck the earth, water gushed out and made Bhim Lathakund, an artificial water body.

There are seven entry points to the Fort the main one being Sooraj, the one named for Sun. Just outside the Sooraj, it is a vast plain land, where the enemy troops gathered before an attack.

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Huge spikes are seen on the main doors to stop elephants from trampling it . Inside the Fort the sculptures tell of the Hindu, Jain and Mughal culture. There were times when seventy thousand people resided within the Fort.

Today there aren’t many who live here and there are strict restrictions on renovations.

Rana Kumbha palace On the right is one of the oldest structures, Rana Kumbha palace, with its steeples seen from miles away. Kumbakarna Singh renowned as Rana Kumba ruled Chittor from 1433 to 1468. This palace is said to be originally built

by Bappa Raval in AD 734 and was later redone during Rana’s reign.

A structure out of well-polished stones, it’s magnificent and is beyond words. The countless patios all around the palace makes one spellbound.

It is believed that it is in the cellars of this palace where Rani

Padmini and the other womenfolk performed Jauhar to save their honour. According to legends, this was also a home to the Krishna Bhakti Poetess, Mirabai.

There’s a light and sound show every evening for the tourists outside the foyer.

Vijay Stambh To commemorate his victory over Malwa Sultan Mehmood Shah, Rana Kumbha erected Vijay Stambh. It took ten years to put it together, and is visible from every corner of the Fort. Its 37 meters tall, and there are nine floors in total. There’s a narrow stairway which takes you right to the top.

The walls are adorned with timeless pieces of art. At the end of 157 steps you will see the city of Chittor , a sight worth the climb , and the illuminated Vijay Stambh reminds every visitor of the illustrious history of the Fort .

Kumbha Shyam Temple In the 15 century Kumbha Shyam temple was built by Maha Rana Kumban .

An ardent Vishnu devotee , Rana picked up the ruins of a temple built ages ago in the 8 th century. The archways and inner walls are adorned with the sculptures of the Hindu Gods and goddesses, Vishnu being the main idol.

Meerabai offered their daily prayers in this temple.

Markings of her spiritual guru’s footprints are preserved in this place of worship.

Quite close by there’s another temple, Meera Mandhir, a private spot for offering prayers for Mira, also built by Rana kumban. Both the temples have adapted the indo aryan architecture.

Samadeshwar temple Samadeshwar temple is a big structure with intricate designs and architecture marvel and is dedicated to Shiva. The temple was built in the eleventh century by Raja Bhoja. Chronicles

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FEATURE / TRAVELOGUE

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To commemorate his victory over Malwa Sultan Mehmood Shah, Rana Kumbha has erected Vijay Stambh. It took ten years to put it together, and is visible from every corner of the Fort www.tourismindia.org

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speak about modifications to the temple during thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. As the renovations spanned through five centuries traces of varied architectural styles can be seen here.

Rani Padmavati’s Palace On the South of the Chittorgarh

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Fort is Rani Padmavati’s palace, which bears testimony to one of the tragic stories in History. It is an Ivory colored three storied palace with patios, amidst water bodies.

It is believed that this is where Khilji caught a glimpse of Ra-

nis beauty through a reflection on a mirror. That glimpse of the gorgeous Queen lead into the destruction of Chittor. The infamous mirror is kept and guarded in the palace. Very close to the palace is Padmini kund pond, and right in the middle of the pond is

Jal Mahal, where the queen used to spend her days during hot summer.

Kirti Stambha Another marvel is the Kirti Stambha. It is a 12-century tower and was built by a Jain Merchant Jijaji Rathod. It’s 22 meters tall and is believed to be a dedication to the Jain Acharya Adinath. The structure is a very evident effort of glorification of Jainism.

Historians speak about the Jain influence in this province during that era. Though little smaller in stature than the Vijaystambh, Kirti Stmabh or the Tower of Fame is believed to have existed before the Vijay stambh. The architecture style of this six storied structure mostly comprise of latticed arches and carved balconies. Jain inscriptions and images of Jain divinities run through the walls of this tower.

Rathan Singh palace, the winter abode for Mewars is close to

the Ratneshwar ponds. The place has a rectangular layout, with well-maintained lush gardens. .

There are many visible damages to the monuments, arts work and sculptures which might have happened through various inva-

sions.

There are more sights to see, more stories to listen to. Every brick has a tale to tell ....

May be, Another day, another time …!

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NEWS / APPOINTMENT

RISHI KUMAR AS NEW GM OF INDORE MARRIOTT HOTEL M r. Rishi Kumar, an experienced hospitality professional has been appointed as the General Manager of Indore Marriott Hotel, the biggest leading 5-star Deluxe Hotel in Central India.

Known for his exceptional leadership qualities complimented by the diverse work experiences, he brings valuable knowledge from the wide-ranging assignments with prestigious International and Indian Hotel chains. Rishi Kumar, an expert hotelier and a demonstrated leader and has worked with some of the worldclass hotels in his previous assignments including Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Getaway, Taj Lands’ End Mumbai.

In his new role, he envisions a stellar roadmap for the hotels’ positioning within the hospitality landscape. With an outstanding reputation in establishing personal connections with guests and associates alike, his approach to work has always been commendable.

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Rishi Kumar, General Manager said, “I am very excited to embark on this new journey with Indore Marriott Hotel. I look forward to creating elevated experiences for our guests and taking the Hotel to the next level of success, hand in hand, with this excellent

team.” With his astute business skills, Rishi has always put a benchmark in the areas he has catered to. Marriott International looks forward to witnessing Indore Marriott Hotel reaching new heights under his expert guidance.

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NEWS / HOSPITALITY

NEW POPULAR DESTINATION WEDDINGS WITH IHCL Intimate Timeless Indian Weddings brings together a team of wedding specialists who will curate every whim, fancy, or wish of guests

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eople are discovering some of India’s most magical and unexplored destinations for their special events. From an

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entire Palace for an intimate re- ing options to guests looking for gal wedding to an exotic beach or dream, fairy-tale weddings in India. mountain side resort, IHCL hoWhilst traditional locations never tels offer compelling and excit- go out of style, many lesser dis-

covered venues are now of new interest. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, guests can now choose to tie their knot amidst rich wildlife at the hotel in Corbett and have the perfect ‘pahadi’ wedding with instrumental live music providing a surreal backdrop to celebrations. Those envisioning a wedding in a more off- beat location but with a royal touch, Gwalior is another perfect venue with its ornately designed high ceilings, antique chandeliers, and beautifully landscaped lawns.

A firm favourite and destination for all seasons is Goa. Complete with the sound of the waves, the hotels in Goa are equal parts romance and tranquillity. Overlooking the beautiful Arabian Sea, a Goa wedding is always magical.

For a beach resort down south, Kovalam offers picture- perfect open-air seaside venues facing the lagoon. An ultimate romantic location with the allure of the magnificent Taj Mahal monument, Agra makes for another vibrant option. If nature is your calling than the panorama of Kashmir is unparalleled. Offering sweeping views of the Dal Lake, the mountain range and tulip gardens, the setting couldn’t be more ethereal.

Intimate Timeless Indian Weddings brings together a team of wedding specialists who will curate every whim, fancy, or wish of guests; the most skilled and inventive Chefs who create culinary wonders, talented florists and dedicated staff who make it their mission to transform dreams into reality. www.tourismindia.org

IHCL STEPS INTO TAWANG WITH A VIVANTA HOTEL

T

he Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a Vivanta hotel in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

This hotel is a management contract with Mr. Pema Khandu. Commenting on the signing, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Di- rector and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “We are excited to partner with Mr. Pema Khandu to set foot in the scenic and unexplored state of Arunachal Pradesh. This signing is in line with Aspiration 2022 to be present in all the states of India.

With Vivanta Tawang, the company continues its journey of pioneering new destinations. This signing also demonstrates our commitment to North East India – we will now be present in five states in the region.”

Nestled in the gentle slopes of Tawang, Vivanta Tawang has a refreshing vernacular architecture using local materials. The hotel has 88 spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the valley. Surrounded by lush foliage, the hotel features waterfalls and imposing fort-like natu-

ral retaining walls, which is characteristic of the region. Facilities of the hotel include a multi-cuisine restaurant, a restobar and recreational facilities such as an indoor pool and spa, meeting rooms and a banquet hall for social and business gatherings. It is a Brownfield project slated to open in 2022.

Mr. Pema Khandu said, “We are pleased to partner with IHCL. We are confident that this hotel will give a fillip to tourism in the region along with providing employment opportunities for the youth of the state.”

Situated in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is located at an elevation of approximately 10,000 ft. to the east of Bhutan. Famous for Tawang Monastery, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monasteries, it attracts travellers for its unique tribal culture, and picturesque vistas.

IHCL has eleven hotels in the North East region, West Bengal and Bhutan including five under development.

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NEWS / AIRLINES

INDIGO INTRODUCES ‘6EBAGPORT’ IN COLLABORATION WITH CARTERPORTER FOR DOOR-TO-DOOR BAGGAGE TRANSFER SERVICE

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n line with its vision to provide one-stop shop services to its customers, IndiGo has partnered with CarterPorter, an on-demand platform that connects the airport to doorstep to launch ‘6EBagport’, to provide door to door baggage delivery service. The airline has commenced the service from April 1, 2021 in New Delhi and Hyderabad and will subsequently launch it in Mumbai and Bengaluru for delivery to and from home and airport. The facility will enable passengers to travel worry-free as CarterPorter will transfer their baggage contactless from one destination to another with added assistance inside the terminal.

The service starts at a nominal rate of INR 630 for one way and passengers can book the service from the comfort their home.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, IndiGo said, “We are continuously striving to enhance our customer 38

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service and this collaboration is a step further towards providing a one-stop hassle-free experience. The service will bring relief to customers who may want to travel with additional baggage from home to airport or would like to go for a meeting directly from airport without carrying bags. Our partnership with CarterPorter will ensure that our customers have a seamless experience as their baggage gets transferred door to door while they fly onboard our lean, clean flying machine”.

Mr. Harsha Vardhan, CEO, CarterPorter said, “We are elated to partner with India’s leading airline,

IndiGo, as we take their customer journey to next level by providing personalized baggage porter for door-to-door service. In addition to shorter wait times at the air-

Mr. Harsha Vardhan, CEO, CarterPorter

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, IndiGo Airlines

port, the service will also bring relief to people who seek convenience and need to have a baggage free passage from one city to another. IndiGo’s ideology of providing hassle-free customer experience is in line with our service pillars and we look forward to serving IndiGo customers.”

With ‘6EBagport’, customer baggage gets effectively and securely picked and transported with tracking from the first destination to the last one. The ‘6EBagPort’ service can be availed up to 24 hours prior to the departure of the flight and anytime on arrival. It also includes a service insurance of INR 5000 per baggage item for the contents and container. IndiGo passengers can book the service at www.6EBagport.carterporter.in.

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NEWS/ AIRLINES

QATAR AIRWAYS TO OPERATE WORLD’S FIRST FULLY COVID-19 VACCINATED FLIGHT QR6421 will be operated by the airline’s sustainable A350-1000, and will carry only vaccinated crew and passengers on board, with passengers also serviced by fully vaccinated staff at check-in

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atar Airways continues to lead the recovery of international travel, operating the world’s first fully COVID-19 vaccinated flight. QR6421 departed Hamad International Airport carrying only vaccinated crew and passengers on board, with passengers also to be served by the fully vaccinated staff at check-in. The special flight showcased all the measures the airline has put in place to ensure the highest standards of safety and hygiene on board, 40

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including its latest innovation, the world’s first ‘Zero-Touch’ inflight entertainment technology.

The special service was operated by the airline’s most technologically advanced and sustainable aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, with the flight also fully carbon offset in line with the carrier’s environmental responsibilities.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Today’s special flight demonstrates the next stage in the recovery of interna-

tional travel is not far away. We are proud to continue leading the industry by operating the first flight with a fully vaccinated crew and passengers and providing a beacon of hope for the future of international aviation. With aviation being a critical economic driver both globally and here in the State of Qatar, we are thankful for the support we have received from our government and local health authorities to vaccinate our staff, with over 1,000 vaccinations being administered

per day.

“It is in Qatar Airways DNA to be at the forefront, setting the highest standards of safety and customer service. Before the pandemic, Qatar Airways became the first and only airline to be awarded the Skytrax Airline of the Year five times. When the pandemic hit its peak in early April, our airline continued flying to help repatriate millions of stranded passengers and transport essential medical supplies, while also implementing the latest innovations in biosafety and hygiene. As the vaccine rollout begins to gather pace worldwide, Qatar Airways remains committed to being the airline passengers and travel partners can rely on, operating one of the largest global networks to provide the

Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have lead the industry during the pandemic, being the first global airline and first and only airport in the Middle East and Asia to achieve connectivity needed to reunite families and friends and support global trade.

“Qatar Airways Cargo has also played a vital role in maintaining a reliable schedule across our net-

work of destinations. Since the onset of the pandemic, Qatar Airways has helped transport more than 500,000 tonnes of medical supplies and delivered close to 20,000,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to over 20 countries.”

Passengers onboard will be able to live stream the historic experience thanks to Qatar Airways’ industry-leading Super WiFi onboard that combines the latest technology from Inmarsat, SITA for Aircraft, and Thales.

To show its gratitude to those who have played key roles throughout the pandemic, Qatar Airways gave away 100,000 complimentary return tickets to healthcare workers and 21,000 to teachers around the world in 2020.

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NEWS / AIRLINES

HOW ETIHAD AIRWAYS HAS NAVIGATED THE PANDEMIC All crew on board of Etihad are vaccinated and only airline in the world requiring all guests to show a negative PCR test before travelling and testing again on arrival

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tihad Airways, marks one year since the UAE announced flights were to be grounded due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In recognition of this, Etihad has released a video charting the key milestones in the most challenging year in aviation history.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Ex-

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ecutive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As the pandemic took hold, the announcement on 23 March 2020 to ground the UAE’s airlines was not entirely unexpected, yet it was the toughest day of my career. Despite the unthinkable challenges, we recognise there have been so many accomplishments and small vic-

tories over the past year.

“We quickly realised that we needed to turn this negative into an opportunity, and that’s when the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit we’re known for kicked in.

Our agile operation allowed us to react quickly to the changing market conditions and regulatory framework, at the same time as

developing the pioneering Etihad Wellness programme. Having been the first airline to require 100% PCR testing before departure and again on arrival, we then became the first airline to operate with all crew on board vaccinated.”

At the start of the pandemic, Etihad took advantage of having most of its fleet on the ground to complete the most extensive aircraft maintenance programme in its history. All 96 passenger aircraft were surgically and clinically refreshed so they looked like they were fresh out of the hangar.

This included minor maintenance tasks, such as seat repairs and updates to Inflight Entertainment Systems, to bringing forward scheduled engine changes and modifications on several aircraft.

In addition to normal scheduled flights, Etihad operated special freighter and humanitarian flights to countries in Africa, Europe and Asia including Havana and Costa Rica – destinations the

Etihad’s trail-blazing response included the launch of Etihad Wellness and an extensive maintenance programme for last one year since 23 March 2020, when the UAE grounded all passenger flights due to the pandemic airline had never flown to before.

Etihad Cargo, the airline’s freight operation, had a strong year, driven by huge demand for medical supplies such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and pharmaceuticals. In November 2020, Etihad joined the Hope Consortium, an Abu Dhabi-led coalition formed to facilitate the distribution of Covid vaccines across the world. The consortium has a complete end-to-end supply chain solution covering

demand planning, sourcing and world-class facilities for transporting temperature sensitive cargo at ultra-cold conditions up to -80⁰.

Internally, Etihad also launched ‘Project Vision’, which prioritised envisioning what the travelling public would want from an airline post-Covid.

The first initiative to be inspired by this, in June 2020, was the Etihad Wellness programme.

This involved the introduction of Wellness Ambassadors, who are available to support guests with their health and wellbeing needs online, at the airport and on board.

In another world-first, on 10 February 2021, the airline announced 100% of its crew on board – both cabin crew and pilots – were vaccinated against Covid. This achievement was a result of the organisation’s tremendous efforts to ensure the health and wellbeing of its employees.

NEW SAFETY VIDEO BY ETIHAD

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tihad Airways has unveiled a new safety video, filmed on location at Louvre Abu Dhabi, to give passengers across the globe, a glimpse of what attractions the capital has to offer.

Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience Brand & Marketing, Etihad Airways said: “Our safety video needed a refresh including the safety messaging requirements due to Covid. This new video goes beyond its main purpose of educating guests about essential safety information, it also reflects our brand and personality, while leveraging the very best of our beautiful home, Abu Dhabi.”

The video is set at Louvre Abu Dhabi, with Etihad’s very own cabin www.tourismindia.org

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crew demonstrating safety features of the aircraft and other Etihad employees acting as guests.

Emirati voice-over artists were used to voice the video in English and Arabic. To further ensure a consistent guest experience, the accompanying music is part of Etihad’s new signature sound collection which is used across the airline for a variety of touch points. The sonic branding is inspired by Abu Dhabi and is an eclectic mix of Emirati and international instrumentation and arrangements, played by musicians from the UAE and around the world. Etihad’s new safety video will be progressively rolled out starting with the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners in April 2021.

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NEWS / AIRLINES

OMAN AIR

EXTENDS COMPLIMENTARY COVID-19 OVERAGE UNTIL 31 DEC 2021 Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey

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man Air, has extended its complimentary COVID-19 coverage until 31 December 2021. The complimentary coverage is for expenses incurred by medical treatment or quarantine related to the COVID-19 virus, and applies to tickets issued for travel after 1 October 2020 until 31 December 2021.

The coverage is provided to guests who purchase tickets on omanair.com, through the airline’s Call Centre, at Oman Air’s offices or through travel agents after 1st October 2020, and is part of the airline’s expansive efforts to ensure that guests are safe at all times so they can fly confidently. Details are available at omanair.com.

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The coverage now includes Oman resident cardholders (expats) who are required to present medical coverage for their destination and return to Oman, if travel is completed within 31 days. Omani and GCC nationals do not require Covid-19 insurance, as per the directive issued by Oman’s Supreme Committee for COVID-19 safety.

Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day.

Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety and a number of other steps have been taken to e­­nsure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times.

Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, caa.gov. om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate.

Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are provided at omanair.com, along with any requirements at their destinations.

GREATER FLEXIBILITY WITH ‘MORE BAGS FOR LESS’ AT OMAN AIR

n its on-going commitment to provide guests with optimal flexibility, Oman Air has introduced a revised Excess Baggage Policy. By replacing its existing “extra bag” fee with a new weight-based fee, the airline now effectively offers ‘More Bags for Less’ to passengers who require more baggage allowance.

Previously, economy class passengers (excluding Super Saver) were allowed 2 bags and a total of 30 kilograms, and passengers exceeding the 30 kilograms were required to pay a fixed excess bag fee. While the revised policy maintains the 30-kilogram free baggage allowance, it differs in the fact that passengers are no longer limited to 2 bags and excess fees are calculated based on 5-kilogram weight increments. Free baggage allowances have also been revised for Business and First and aim to provide all Oman Air guests with more convenience at a time when www.tourismindia.org

travel behaviours are constantly changing to adapt to COVID-19 health and safety measures.

Oman Air reminds passengers that the Standard Bag Specifications are total linear dimensions of up to 159 CM and maximum weight of 32 KG. A Single Baggage exceeding 159 CM in dimen-

sions but within 32 KG of weight is subject to the Oversized Baggage Charge over and above any Excess Weight Baggage charges.

Excess baggage is available for advance purchase on omanair. com, as well as through the Oman Air call center, sales offices, and various travel agencies.

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NEWS/ AIRLINES

GULF AIR & ETIHAD AIRWAYS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC COMMERCIAL COOPERATION The Strategic Commercial Cooperation Agreement was signed by Captain Waleed AlAlawi, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer and Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group

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ulf Air and Etihad Airways have signed a Strategic Commercial Cooperation Agreement (SCCA) to deepen their partnership between Bahrain and Abu Dhabi and beyond the respective hubs.

The wide-ranging SCCA, subject to obtaining applicable governmental and regulatory approvals, sets out specific actions for deepening and broadening commercial cooperation, building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the airlines signed in 2018.

The SCCA envisages a phased approach to closer collaboration between the partners. In the first phase, by June 2021, the scope of the partners’ codeshare agreement, first signed in 2019, will be significantly expanded. Gulf Air and Etihad will be able to offer up to an additional 30 combined destinations beyond the Bahrain and Abu Dhabi hubs, across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.

The partners will work together to optimise joint operations on the Bahrain-Abu Dhabi route, with improvements to network connectivity over each of the partners’ hubs. The partners will also enhance their respective offerings to premium tier customers of Falconflyer and Etihad Guest, including reciprocal lounge access at the hubs and enhanced recognition through a guest’s journey, regardless of the operating airline.

Additionally, the partners will work together to improve the customer journey on Bahrain Abu Dhabi, making it more seamless, regardless of the operating carrier, with enhanced and harmonised policies and products in areas such as baggage and ancillaries.

The 2018 MOU also provided for exploration of MRO, pilot and crew training, and cargo opportunities, which the parties will now re-visit in light of current market

opportunities and company requirements.

Captain AlAlawi said: “Our relationship with Etihad Airways has always been strong and today we are reaching a higher level of collaboration with many more opportunities in the horizon between the national carriers of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. This agreement will empower both of us to offer a more elevated experience to passengers and widen their travel options.”

Tony Douglas said: “This agreement reinforces the strength of the ongoing partnership between our two airlines. We look forward to exploring pragmatic ways in which the two carriers can increasingly work seamlessly between our two capitals, enhance benefits and customer experience for our most frequent travelers and further extend the reach of our joint networks beyond our hubs.”

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NEWS/ TECHNOLOGY

IBS’S IFLIGHT PLATFORM TRANSFORMS LATAM AIRLINES GLOBAL OPERATIONS LATAM Brazil and LATAM Paraguay will deploy iFlight later in 2021, as part of the multi-phase transition.

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ATAM Airlines Group has deployed IBS Software’s iFlight digital platform to optimize their flight and crew operations across all its Spanish Speaking Carriers (SSC) and cargo subsidiaries. All the LATAM SSC and cargo subsidiary carriers (LATAM Chile, Colombia, LanExpress, Peru, Ecuador, Chile Cargo, Cargo Colombia, and Cargo Brazil) are already operating on the integrated iFlight Ops and Crew SaaS platform.

LATAM becomes the first airline to implement the latest version of iFlight, which has been optimized to help airlines balance operational disruption with cost efficiency and customer satisfaction across their entire network. iFlight is a fully integrated technology platform developed as three specific modules to optimize Ops, Crew and Hub management, making IBS Software the first company to provide the aviation industry with this level of operational insight and management functionality.

Through the implementation of iFlight, LATAM’s System Operations Team has a single integrated platform to proactively monitor Ops and Crew management and make informed, data-led decisions. The single view of Ops and Crew means that LATAM can respond in real-time to flight disruptions caused by external factors, improve customer service, reduce delays, and the impact of disruption and cancellation costs. iFlight’s comprehensive cost and KPI monitoring capability will allow LATAM to evaluate the full financial impact of operational decisions and reduce operational cost overruns.

LATAM Brazil and LATAM Paraguay will deploy iFlight later in 2021, as part of the multi-phase transition. www.tourismindia.org

“With this transformation, we are now able to harness the latest industry technology to optimize efficiency and ensure our passengers benefit from improved on-time performance. The deployment reinforces our commitment to providing industry leading services and experiences to our passengers” said Hernán Pasman, Chief Operations Officer, LATAM Airlines Group.

“This iFlight implementation is an important milestone in the digital transformation journey at LATAM,” said Mathew M Baby, Head of Airline Operations, IBS Software. “The digitization of airline operations has never been more important as airlines look to improve Ops and Crew utilization to capitalize on all possible efficiencies and enhance the passenger experience. IBS Software is committed to innovation, and providing airlines the technology they need to respond to the ever-changing market.”

The global pandemic has placed enormous pressure on airlines to remove inefficiencies and reduce costs. Airlines need a proactive, data-led operations strategy as they emerge from the pandemic, so that they can minimize the impact of delays, diversions, cancelations, and irregular operations (IROPs) as they resume and maintain operations. Integrated solutions help airlines success49 fully implement contingency plans and reduce the impact of disruption, as they adapt to an evolving post-COVID-19 world. iFlight will equip the LATAM operations teams with the insight needed to make informed, strategic decisions about their business models and operational objectives.

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NEWS /AIRLINES

SRILANKAN AIRLINES

RELAUNCHES WEBSITE WITH A BRAND-NEW LOOK AND FEEL Multifaceted features include total customer-friendly experiences

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riLankan Airlines has launched its re designed website with a modern look and feel with improved functionality to enhance user experience. The website features an intuitive design ensuring better performance across all devices keeping in line with industry standards and best practices.

Taking into consideration the new trends in the air travel industry and customer needs the airline unveiled the modified website with a completely new look and feel with added features.

The site contains several new enhancements, such as the ability to view the latest offers and fares to many destinations easily and providing an optimized search option for better surfing.

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on any device.

The website is equipped with the intelligence to identify the most popular routes searched by visitors and offers dynamic fares at a glance, making it easier for users to make their purchase decision. The upgraded features are easy to navigate and are instinctively laid out for hasslefree planning. The addition of a feedback section for visitors to provide their responses facilitates the airline to improve the user experience on srilankan. com further.

Head of Worldwide Sales for SriLankan Airlines, Dimuthu Tennakoon said “With the new and improved srilankan. com, we have transformed the SriLankan Airlines online platform into a one-stop-shop for travel. Especially during this current global situation, we aim

to optimize our online channel to be a highly dependable and convenient tool for our customers.

The new srilankan.com is more user-friendly, informative and provides improved functionality for customers to book and manage their tickets as they wish”. The website offers a total trip management opportunity for the existing and new customers which includes the complete customer journey from information on travel requirements and latest updates, booking a ticket, requesting an upgrade to business class, secure a seat with extra legroom, advanced reservation of a seat, preordering meals, online checkin, 24-hour chat assistance and other pre- and post-purchase support options.

Passengers using this customer-centric webtool

are now able to view fares to their preferred routes at a glance, value-added services and payment options available for their country of purchase under travel information. The new website also offers special assistance, baggage handling and other general information to aid the customer make an informed decision. Under the experience category, the

website offers information about the airport, cabin details and mobile application download instructions.

SriLankan Airlines FlySmiLes members can also login to the website with their credentials and redeem their points as they wish.

Members are also facilitated to earn miles as they book their travel on the website.

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NEWS / OUTBOUND

TOURISM MALAYSIA INDIA GEARS UP FOR BORDER REOPENING I

India remains one of the top market sources for Malaysia and contributed 735,309 international tourist arrivals in 2019

n anticipation of border reopening, Tourism Malaysia India Offices are engaging with Travel Agents Asso[1]

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ciation of India (TAAI) and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) in a three-day meeting starting 19 Feb[1]

ruary 2021 to set sights on strategic planning and come up with key initiatives, strategies, and activities,

Organised at the ITC Gardenia, the Directors and the entire marketing staff from Tourism Malaysia New Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai Offices are also meeting up with tour operators and travel agents of Bengaluru to get feedback on the current COVID-19 pandemic to woo back Indian tourists to Malaysia.

The meeting also serves to update the partners on Malaysia’s latest situation as well as tourism products and developments. Mr. Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia New Delhi Office said, the recent Malaysia Airlines achievement in receiving full marks for its COVID-19 health and safety measures (by Airline Ratings) shows Malaysia’s preparedness

and commitment towards safety and hygiene.

Therefore, we will continue to build confidence and awareness that hopefully will translate into a desire to travel to Malaysia once the crisis ends.

Mr Hafiz Hashim, Director of Tourism Malaysia Mumbai Office said, the other focal point is the much-anticipated opening of the outdoor theme park in Genting Highland in the second quarter of 2021.

The official opening of this ‘Genting Skyworlds’ is music to travellers’ ears and the travel industry alike.

Meanwhile, Mr. Razaidi Rahim, Director of Tourism Malaysia - Chennai Office said, Malaysia is also committed to brand itself as an ecotourism destination,

with an outlook towards balancing the development and conservation of its natural environment & heritage. India remains one of the top market sources for Malaysia and contributed 735,309 international tourist arrivals in 2019. The first two months of 2020 recorded a phenomenal cumulative growth of +29%.

However, the spread of the coronavirus globally led the countries to close their borders and cancelling most flights.

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FEATURE / DESTINATIONS

19 COOL CALIFORNIA MUSEUMS With its rich history, diverse cultures, and cutting-edge arts community, it’s no surprise that California boasts world-class institutions. Whether you want to see fine art, experience handson science, or explore history in contemporary ways, the Golden State has a thought-provoking, fun way to do it.

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alifornia Museum, Sacramento Housed in the State Archives Building, this multimedia museum illuminates California’s history through video and oral-history kiosks, along with traditional art and artifact displays. Signature exhibits focus on different communities—from Native American tribes to the contributions of Chinese Americans while the California Hall of 2. Crocker Art Museum, Fame celebrates innovators from Sacramento John Muir to Tony Hawk.

In 1872, the Crocker family helmed by a State Supreme Court Justice turned part of their Sacramento mansion into a gallery.

Today it’s the oldest art museum west of the Mississippi. The family collected a lot of 19th-century paintings, but the collections have since expanded to include later artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Ansel Adams.

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3. The Haggin Museum, Stockton The stately museum in Stockton’s Victory Park has a solid base of fine art, including a Renoir and a selection of Albert Bierstadt’s gorgeous paintings of Yosemite Valley. But it also has a flair for pop culture: Its permanent collection includes baseball memorabilia and many works by iconic advertising illustrator J.C. Leyendecker.

the albino alligator in the aquarium. Stargaze in the Morrison Planetarium, which displays a digital universe on its 75-foot dome screen.

4. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco This huge, airy museum off Union Square offers a breath-taking backdrop for its collection of modern and contemporary art.

Even the staircases, which narrow at the top, are meant to subtly challenge your perspective. It boasts 33,000 works and features a who’s who list of artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo. Get close to see (and smell) the Living Wall on the SFMOMA’s third-floor terrace, featuring 19,000 plants, many native to the Bay Area.

5. California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

The LEED Platinum–certified museum complex inside Golden Gate Park boasts four attractions in one: a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest. Choose from a range of exhibits, from the three eyed chameleon in the rainforest to

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8. Museum of Western Film History, Lone Pine

6. Oakland Museum of Lone Pine’s collection of moviemaking artifacts is set in the AlCalifornia, Oakland This Oakland museum has been a abama Hills, where hundreds of trendsetter for its interactive “environments” like the hands-on Nature Studio where you can create habitats by combining natural materials and sounds. The museum’s three California-themed galleries (History, Natural Sciences, and Art) feature kiosks that invite you to learn about Golden State topics such as Spanish colonialism, Mount Shasta, and moviemaking.

movies and TV shows have been filmed. Browse the memorabilia, including a 1928 Lincoln camera car, then pick up brochures to explore Movie Road, where Gladiator, Iron Man, and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier were filmed. It’s a key stop on this movie locations road trip.

This Santa Clara County museum devoted to the history of high tech relocated in the 1990s from Boston to—where else?—the heart of Silicon Valley. With galleries and multimedia experiences detailing everything from slide rules to the smartphone, this is arguably the most significant collection of computing artifacts in the world.

Inter55 active experiences let you see how different apps work, or you can try your hand at coding.

can still see plenty of artifacts and photos from that historic era of development. Even the San Bernardino County museum’s 1911 building is part of the story: It was originally a hotel, built by the railroads to cater to a new generation of travelers. This list of 14 Must-See California Museums includes more unique museums, like the Cable Car Museum and the Yo-Yo Museum.

9. Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Barstow 7. Computer History MuYou can drive only part of this seum, Mountain View iconic route these days, but you

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12. The Getty Center, Los 10. MOXI, The Wolf Muse- Angeles 14. The Broad, Los AngeDesigned by architect Richard um of Exploration & Inno- Meier, the dramatic hilltop com- les This architectural stunner in vation, Santa Barbara plex sits on 86 acres, including The playful spirit of Santa Barbara’s hands-on museum is evident from outside—it was designed to look like a sandcastle.

Inside, the all-ages museum invites you to explore topics such as sound, speed, and magnetism—for instance, little ones can crawl inside a giant guitar while older kids learn how strumming sounds are made.

gardens that are works of art themselves. The permanent collection is composed of works spanning the 17th–21st centuries and include some by masters such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh. To see an extensive collection of antiquities, head to the Malibu branch set in oil tycoon J. Paul Getty’s former villa. .

downtown Los Angeles—the name rhymes with “road”—is the culmination of one couple’s contemporary art collection. See works by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and more, and don’t miss the Infinity Mirrored Room, with its seemingly endless LED light display.

It’s free, too, with online reservations.

This Ventura County complex celebrates the life and times of the 40th U.S. president, and sits on 100 hilltop acres, with sweeping views that stretch to the ocean. Artifacts, photos, and video clips tell the story of his Hollywood career and impact on history, while other exhibits explore the Berlin Wall and the Secret Service. Step inside a retired Air Force One airplane, then enjoy lunch in the pub named for Reagan.

downtown Los Angeles boasts pieces by Henri Matisse, Diego Rivera, and Catherine Opie. Focus your visit on one of the rotating exhibits, but don’t miss the outdoor collections—like a mesmerizing installation of streetlamps.

Palm Springs’ flair for elegant design, with its collection of modern art, studio glass, and photography—including Bill Anderson’s timeless images of desert-loving movie stars. The collection even includes full-sized mid-century modern architecture: Albert Frey’s glass-and-steel masterpiece Frey House II sits on the hillside above the museum. Make the museum part of your explorations of Palm Springs’ mid-century modern landmarks.

15. Palm Springs Art Mu11. Ronald Reagan Pres13. Los Angeles County idential Library and Muse- Museum of Art, Los Angeles seum, Palm Springs This sleek museum embodies um, Simi Valley This sprawling property in

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16. Riverside Art Museum, Riverside

Located in downtown Riverside, the Inland Empire’s biggest museum is home to works by Toulouse Lautrec, Marc Chagall, and Alberto Giacometti. Starting in 2021, the museum will also debut The Cheech, a collection of Chicano art and culture from the extensive collection of Cheech Marin, spanning from pre-Columbian art to modern murals.

17. Robert & Francis Fullerton Museum of Art, San Bernardino

Fascinated by ancient Egypt?

You’ll love this museum of global art, artifacts, and ceramics set on the Inland Empire campus of Cal State San Bernardino, which has one of the largest displays of Egyptian antiquities in the western U.S. As a bonus, admission is free.

18. Museum of Us, San Diego

You could spend weeks exploring Balboa Park’s 17 museums—from the Old Masters at The Timken Museum of Art to the awe-inspiring Fleet Science Center. Be sure to include this fascinating museum, formerly known as The Museum of Man, which explores the human experience through creative exhibits—about monsters, beer culture, even cannibalism.

The safety of both visitors and residents is a top priority in the Golden State. Before traveling, familiarize yourself with local guidelines and reg-

ulations for all of the destinations you plan to visit. We also encourage everyone to check out Visit California’s Responsible Travel Hub as well as the latest Travel Updates

19. USS Midway Museum, San Diego

As home to a large naval fleet, San Diego is a natural spot for this museum housed on a historic aircraft carrier.

Climb inside the 30 aircraft on deck, then peek inside the former sleeping quarters, engine room, and jail. Head to the Battle of Midway Theater for an authentic account of the World War II battle, then take one of the virtual-reality flight simulator rides, including one that recreates aerial combat.

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NEWS /AIRPORTS

SFO EARNS “VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER” The San Francisco International Airport honored for continued commitment to travelers throughout COVID-19 pandemic

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he San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has been recognized by Airports Council International (ACI) World for their “Voice of the Customer” initiative, which honors airports that continued to

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prioritize customers and ensure their voice was heard during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant challenges posed by this pandemic, SFO has continued to gather feedback from passengers using ACI’s Airport

Service Quality program.

“SFO has evolved to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but our commitment remains the same: to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers,” said Airport Direc-

tor Ivar C. Satero. “ACI’s Airport Service Quality program has guided our efforts for years, and more than ever, now is the time to ensure we meet and exceed travelers’ expectations. We are grateful for this honor from ACI World.”

“The Voice of the Customer recognition celebrates the commitment of airports that continued listening to passengers and adapting processes and procedures to meet changing expectations of customer experience in response to COVID-19,” ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said. “As our industry works towards recovery, airports that listen to – and prioritize the needs and expectations of – customers will be better-placed to respond. ACI’s ASQ programme gives airports the tools, objective measurement and benchmarking, for airports to gather information on the needs and expectations of customers and help drive their performance in response.”

Airport Service Quality (ASQ) is a world-renowned and globally established benchmarking program measuring passengers’ satisfaction while they are traveling through an airport.

The ASQ program provides the research tools and management information to better understand passengers’ views and what they want from an airport’s products and services.

At SFO, the ASQ passenger surveys are conducted by Corey, Canapary & Galanis, which is a registered San Francisco Local Business Enterprise (LBE). www.tourismindia.org

PHILADELPHIA IA ACHIEVES AHA & GBAC STAR FACILITY ACCREDITATION

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hiladelphia International Airport (PHL) has achieved Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) from Airports Council International (ACI) and Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Facility Accreditation for health and safety measures put in place throughout the airport’s facilities.

The AHA program provides airports with an assessment of how aligned their health measures are with ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines and ICAO Council Aviation Restart Task Force recommendations, along with industry best practices.

“Airport passengers and employees deserve safety standards that are not just transparent, but measurable,” said PHL Chief Operations Officer Keith Brune. “Our team is committed to restoring confidence in the safety of air travel.”

The AHA program requires airports to have rigorous and doc59 cleaning, umented standards for disinfecting, social distancing and ventilation across its entire physical footprint, from check-in counters to security checkpoints to boarding gates to concessions, baggage claim and more.

“Philadelphia’s travel industry has already done so much to restore consumer confidence during this global crisis,” said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron.

“We’re proud to add yet another safety credential to other regional programs like the PHL Hospitality Health Pledge, that will encourage travelers to come back to Philadelphia.”

The (GBAC) STAR Facility Accreditation, considered the gold standard for prepared facilities, helps organizations and businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from biological threats and biohazard situations and real-time crises. PHL joins the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), Lincoln Financial Field and area hotels in meeting the rigorous standards required of the GBAC program.

“The accreditation will ensure our passengers, staff and tenants that the Division of Aviation is serious about the health and safety of all those who work and pass through the airport,” said Janet Stressman, PHL Custodial Manager who spearheaded the GBAC Star™ application process. “The accreditation also benefits our Custodial unit to set new goals and try new methods to monitor and improve our cleaning best practices. Through the guidance of the GBAC Star™ Accreditation program, the Custodial team can review our cleaning and disinfecting processes which will enable us to improve and expand upon our cleaning and disinfecting practices moving forward.”

GBAC is a division of ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry.

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NEWS/ HOSPITALITY

ANANTARA KIHAVAH MALDIVES VILLA’S PRIVATE POOL RESIDENCES S

etting a new precedent in naturally inspired design and luxurious living in the greatest aquatic paradise on earth, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas have a collection of the largest private pool residences in the world offers Maldivian accommodation experiences, comprising of seven, is the pin-

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nacle of palatial seclusion, ideally suited for multi-generational vacations and larger group travel.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the island encircled by a pure white shoreline, the renovation of the residences saw a careful preservation of the element of space while marrying a light and airy interior refit with smart

ACCORDING TO AN ANALYSIS BY MYBAGGAGE.COM, THE MALDIVES IS THE MOST INSTAGRAMMED TOURIST DESTINATION RIGHT NOW, WITH THE EIFFEL TOWER AND TIMES SQUARE CLOSE BEHIND

technology home comforts.

Thus, creating a balance between an utterly brand-new look and maintaining a welcoming famil61 iarity which repeat guests have come to expect in the resort’s 10th year of service excellence.

TWO-BEDROOM OVER WATER POOL RESIDENCES Perched over a crystal-calm lagoon Anantara Kihavah’s Two-Bedroom Over Water Pool Residence offers commanding views of the Indian Ocean.

The quintessential Maldivian experience, these over water retreats generously spaced at www.tourismindia.org

1,500 sq. m, feature floor-toceiling windows across its entirety, guaranteeing vast views of shades of blue. Outfitted with a professional working kitchen in the living and dining room, each ensuite bedroom at either end features ample individual outdoor living space, whilst the infinity pool and shaded outdoor dining sala is the ideal hangout for shared leisure activities with family or friends.

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NEWS/ HOSPITALITY saw the addition of a gym fully equipped with the latest in TechnoGym machinery, and a couple’s spa treatment room. Both rooms are fitted with retractable blinds, allowing for ample sunlight by day and unfiltered stargazing at night. Whilst relaxing with a signature Anantara Spa massage, a peek into the marine life in abundance just beneath the residence, is made possible with the strategic placement of glass panels underneath plush spa treatment beds. Glass-bottomed whirlpool bathtubs have also been fitted in each bathroom, providing therapeutic massages and astounding underwater views even during bath time.

Staying true to the heritage of the Maldives, each residence features Kajan thatched palm

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roofs and Balau hardwood flooring spanning the entire length of its expansive outdoor deck, accompanied by netted hammocks suspended over water.

Tiled in natural Sukabumhi stone, the infinity pool presents an ever-shifting overtone of green and blue with each movement of the sun, mirroring the hues of its turquoise-coloured surroundings.

4, 3 & 2 TWO - BEDROOM BEACH POOL RESIDENCES At a commanding 2,000 sq. m, the crown jewel in this collection is the Four-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence. A connecting door set at the end of a lush garden pathway adjoins a standalone villa fitted with its own ensuite, infinity pool, and dining pavilion, with the main wing of the residence.

A capacious layout smartly opti-

mised for creating shared memories or moments of solitude, this four-bedroom sanctuary comfortably accommodates up to eight adults and four children, or 12 adults. In a testament to the premise of luxury at its most spacious, the collection’s remaining beachfront hideaways start from 1,330 sq. m for the two-bedroom option to 1,770 sq. m for the three-bedroom residence.

Cradled by lush foliage and bright bougainvillea accents, occasional sights of coconut trees jutting through floors or ceilings is testament to the resort’s commitment toward preserving the natural beauty of the island, whilst optimising each residence’s space.

Like the over-water pool residences, each beachfront resi-

dence’s architecture reflects Kajan palm roofs and Balau decks.

The newly extended swimming pools, measuring 20 metres x 6 meters for the four-bedroom retreat and 16 metres x 6 metres for the two- and three-bedroom residences, are now fitted with massage jets, whilst an outdoor Sala Thai provides shaded relief for lounging and dining.

The simple yet elegant façade belies the intricate redesign within. A light neutral palette uplifts a previously dark wood scheme, presenting an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and relaxed, yet modern and luxurious. Rattan details, woven straw carpets, Maldivian motifs and teak wood furniture further accents the distinctively tropical vibe of each room. Floor-to-ceiling doors of the main living and dining area ef-

fortlessly slides open for sweeping views of the tropics. Further embodying island living at its most luxurious, a water feature wall designed to mimic that of a real waterfall, is the highlight in each revamped bathroom newly fitted with intelligent toilet technology. Wellbeing and fitness are also not forgotten – with each residence outfitted with its own private double-bed spa treatment room and gym featuring a complete range of fitness equipment.

With a dedicated Villa Host to attend to every need, and a Wine Sommelier, Personal Chef and Baby-Sitting service on request, a stay in one of these residences is a promise of a truly private escape.

Anantara as a luxury hospitality brand have collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

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NEWS / PRODUCT LAUNCH

SALUD LAUNCHES READY-TO-DRINK GIN & TONIC IN INDIA A lifestyle beverage brand raises the bar with its launch of the first ever Ready-To-Drink Gin & Tonic with its first three flavours- Original, Cucumber, and Lavender

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ALUD, in spanish, means ‘Celebration of Life’, and the brand is all set to change the way people celebrate life, with the launch of the first ever ready to drink Gin & Tonic range

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in India. Salud positions itself as a lifestyle brand, whose priority is to bring premium quality, at affordable pricing, for all age groups and lifestyles. Salud makes an entrance with G&T 2.0; an mix-

ture of sophistication and freshness. With a strategic, yet subtle breaking of gender assignment to RTDs, Salud is a game changer, targeting a much wider bracket of the alcohol drinking demographic.

Salud launches G&T 2.0 with its first three flavours- Original, Cucumber, and Lavender.

Original- Salud retains the original classic way that Gin is consumed with resplendent English Juniper, and the effervescence of Indian Tonic. The fresh flavor can transport you and gives you the most versatile drinking experience.

Cucumber - Retaining the original formula, Salud has skilfully crafted the beverage with succulent English cucumber, and Indian tonic to offer you an invigorating experience.

Lavender - Aromatherapy in a bottle, this fine beverage with subtle French Lavender, together with the Indian Tonic, and English Juniper, results in an equally distinctive and sublime flavour.

With a vision to be boundless and global, Salud brings alcoholic beverages, and soon, nonalcoholic beverages, as well as craft spirits that encapsulate a healthy balance of fun, class, and ease. Through the executions of being an aspirational brand, Salud also brings to you merchandise, and musical experiences under the titles of Salud Live and Salud Sessions.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Shetty, the founder-director of Salud Beverages Pvt. Ltd said, “We are a brand with the desires to create a distinct identity with our products. We want to innovatively impact the alcoholic, and nonalcoholic beverage landscape alongside being unique. The care, passion and attention to detail with which we have created Salud, we are confident to soon transform into a global Indian lifestyle brand”.

Prasad Vanga, Advisor and Investor to Salud & Founder and CEO of Anthill Ventures shared his experience, “From the very beginning we saw great potential in the brand, and the people behind it. They are hardworking and driven individuals. With so much passion, and belief in their products, adding to a portfolio that is so diverse, we are excited to finally introduce Salud to the world.”

Meanwhile, Rana Daggubati, a www.tourismindia.org

serial entrepreneur-actor & advisor and investor at Salud, shared his excitement and said, I have worked with startups through the many years, across various domains.

This enables me to understand the process of nurturing and growing a business from scratch. When Salud approached me with their vision, long term plan, brand ethos, & product portfolio, it was an easy

Mr. Ajay Shetty Founder & Director Salud Beverages Pvt. Ltd

decision to make”.

Salud promises us a new beginning, a fresh life, with a 2.0 update! And given the year we’ve had, maybe a little G&T is exactly what we need!

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