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TOURISM REVIVAL GLOBAL TRENDS KODAIKANAL MALDIVES AIRLINE NEWS

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Editor’s Note

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To revive hope for millions

he outbreak of COVID-19 had hit countries around the globe at different times and in various degrees but the response to curb the disease forced national lockdowns to travel restrictions and shutdown of borders that made tourism one of the hardest-hit sectors. The international tourist arrivals during 2020 declined between 58% and 78%, with 100 to 120 million direct tourism jobs at risk.

In the new normal, the world’s tourism turns to domestic travel. As part of travel normalization, travelers preferred mostly destinations closer to their home with international travel still having restrictions as a consequence of the pandemic. Countries with higher domestic tourism shares have the chance for faster recovery going forward and all countries are in the mode of promoting domestic tourism.

India, China, and the United States of America are the world’s largest domestic tourism markets in terms of tourist trips. According to the statistics in most large destinations, domestic tourism expenditure is indicated to be higher than inbound spending. Tourism expenditure makes a significant contribution to the economy and is, therefore, a key component to tourism. Globally, Domestic tourism is six times bigger than international tourism (1.4 billion international arrivals in 2018) usually measured in the number of tourist trips.

The initiatives implemented in this recovery period to promote domestic travel and restore confidence will play a key role in the future of the Tourism sector.

Building trust and confidence among travelers, workers, and host communities is the first step through im-

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plementing health, hygiene, and safety protocols.

As a service trade, tourism can have multi-faceted effects that transcend and impact other sectors throughout the socio-economic spectrum which may further impact recovery plans and its capacity to create jobs and transform societies. Making a fertile environment for entrepreneurship, maximizing efficient technologies, diversifying markets and products are some measures for a sustainable recovery of the sector.

In the current scenario, the importance of public-private partnerships should also be reinforced.

Many countries have already started marketing and promotion campaigns that encourage the citizens to travel to nearby destinations within the country for weekend trips to revive the regional tourism industry.

This encourages domestic demand and helps recover confidence in the sector. Tourism authorities are focusing on promoting rural, natural, less-known destinations while making sure to not neglect popular destinations entirely.

7 Fiscal and monetary measures have been implemented by many governments to ease the financial burden of entrepreneurs. Re-opening policies and recovery plans should be effective and should prefer people first, while also making sure to be in accordance with the latest science and epidemiological safety practices with partnerships and coordination for a safe restart which can hopefully accelerate recovery to revive hope for millions of people around the world.

Rajani A Editor

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Contents NOVEMBER 2020 VOL. 23 NO. 07 Cover : Lord Vishnu Statue in Badami Cave number 3 Photo: Dinesh Kannambadi Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

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 ONLINE EDITION VAISHNAV RAMAKRISHNAN

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UNWTO BRINGS TOURISM SECTOR TOGETHER TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

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174m T&T jobs could be lost due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions

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WTTC Global Summit in March 21’in Cancun

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Kerala opens beaches & parks for tourists, safety parameters enforced

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Raghu RaI’s Coffee Table Book on Kerala Capital

BUSINESS & EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES

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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 @2020 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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THE HOSPITALITY CHALLENGE: SUPPORTING THE HOSPITALITY TALENTS OF TOMORROW Kerala Tourism wins WTM Award for exemplary activities

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Global Steering Committee to revive international travel

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ITB Berlin goes virtual in March 2021!

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GOAIR RESUMES DIRECT FLIGHTS TO MALDIVES

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IndiGo operates 1,00,000 flights since lockdown

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American Airlines opts for IBS Software’s iCargo solution

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Qatar Airways Introduces its 1st Fully Vegan Range of Gourmet Dishes

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Oman Air adds flights to Chennai and Hyderabad

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SriLankan Catering makes Flavourful Entrance into Sri Lankan Homes

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BADAMI CLIFFS- THE ALMOND-HUED HILLOCKS

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Kodai Hills - Respite for frayed minds and bodies

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Vana reopened for guests

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IHCL Announces The Opening Of The Connaught- A SeleQtions Hotel In New Delhi

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Appointment -Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel

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Serendipity Arts Foundation to launch to a new digital art outreach initiative

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TRAVELING TO MALDIVES DURING COVID-19

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LILY BEACH RESORT MALDIVES - CALLING ALL INFLUENCERS!

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New Zealand’s Quirkiest Animals

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

UNWTO BRINGS TOURISM SECTOR TOGETHER T TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Tourism needs the support of governments and international organizations to grow back stronger and more resilient, benefitting many millions of people and businesses worldwide

he World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has once again brought leaders from across the sector together for high-level talks aimed at strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors. The 42nd Plenary Session of the United Nations specialized agency’s Affiliate Members focused both on immediate priori-

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ties for tourism’s vital restart and on the longer-term task of ensuring the sector continues to be a key pillar of sustainable development.

The event provided a unique, high-level platform to allow Members to share their best practices and proposals for recovery. With the theme “Recovering Tourism.

Rebuilding Trust. Reinforcing Partnerships,” the Session echoed the wider priorities of UNWTO, above all restoring confidence in international travel and promoting collaboration at every level. Participants were encouraged to make use of the new Affiliate Members Virtual Corner, launched to coincide with the Plenary Session.

The Plenary Session focused on laying the foundations for UNWTO’s Programme of Work for 2021.

This roadmap includes continuing to make tourism a key pillar of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and further enhancing sustainability and inclusivity across the whole of the sector.

UNWTO’s Affiliate Members, who include businesses, academia, and civil society actors, will play an important role in the United Nations specialized agency’s work in the challenging months ahead.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The engaged participation of every part of our sector will be needed to restart tourism and drive recovery.

From the start of this crisis, tourism has led the way in adapting to the new reality and putting public health concerns first. Now, tourism needs the support of governments and international organizations to grow back and grow back stronger and more resilient, benefitting many millions of people and businesses worldwide.”

Making good on UNWTO’s pledge to lead by example, this hywww.tourismindia.org

brid meeting again demonstrated that international travel is safe and that tourism is proactively adapting to the new post-COVID reality.

In all, more than 200 delegates took part in the Plenary Session, either in-person or virtually, with the diversity of tourism on full display Celebrating tourism at its best Against the backdrop of the Plenary Session, the UNWTO Affiliate Members Distinction Awards show how tourism is living up to its status as the ultimate people-first sector. The event celebrates those stakeholders that best embodied the spirit of solidarity and determination that underlined the sector’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. IFEMA was recognized for its response to the crisis, in particular for allowing its exhibition spaces to be repurposed for healthcare. At the same time, CNN was recognized for its inspirational communication campaigns, including its work bringing the UNWTO #TravelTomorrow campaign to a global audience of millions.

Other Affiliate Members recognized at the 2020 Awards include Chameleon Strategies for its work in Asia, and both Facility Concept and the Africa Tourism Partners Company for advancing UNWTO’s work in 11 Africa. The Xcaret Group was recognized for its work restarting attractions and theme parks, while IATA was commended for its work in support of the global air transport sector.

Alongside these, CaixaBank was recognized for its

contribution and support to tourism companies through its specialized business line “CaixaBank Hotels & Tourism”, with the Ayuntamiento de Madrid leading by example in fostering public-private partnerships for response and recovery.

The ceremony also highlights tourism’s wider contribution and the role Affiliate Members are playing in advancing this. EGEDA was recognized for its work promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, the Seoul Tourism Organization, was commended for its work promoting tourism as a tool for peace and reconciliation, while the Royal Commission for Al Ula was singled out for its promotion of inclusive community development through tourism.

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

174M T&T JOBS COULD BE LOST DUE TO COVID-19 AND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS WTTC Research reveals small yet positive job gains, driven by the return of domestic travel in a number of markets; Already in present circumstances, 143m jobs will be impacted

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he impact of current restrictions on international travel which continue through to the end of 2020 will be devastating, with as many as 174m million jobs lost globally. The new

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figures from the WTTC revealed that 174m Travel & Tourism jobs could be lost in 2020 if barriers to global travel remain in place.

WTTC’s latest economic data figures look at the punishing im-

pact of COVID-19, as well as local and global travel restrictions on the Travel & Tourism sector.

Down from the 197m jobs as detailed in the previous study in June, WTTC says this positive gain

is in most part driven by the return of domestic travel in countries such as China, which has shown a particularly strong recovery of its domestic market. It has also implemented a comprehensive testing and contact tracing programme, alongside health and hygiene protocols, further contributing to this significant increase.

The analysis shows that a staggering 31m jobs could be saved by the end of 2020 if the current global travel restrictions are removed sooner. Prolonged travel restrictions could also eliminate $4.7 trillion in the sector’s contribution to global GDP, equating to a loss of 53% compared to 2019.

Ms. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our latest data reveals the gravity of the long-term negative impact facing the global Travel & Tourism sector if we don’t work together to resume international travel immediately.

“As travel restrictions around

Worst forecast can be avoided if an immediate coordinated response is implemented the world remained in place over the summer months, our estimates report an increase from 121m to 143m jobs lost.

In the space of just four months, our study has shown further 22m jobs under threat worldwide. This is devastating news, and we need international coordinated action now.”

“The sector’s recovery will be delayed even further, with more jobs lost, unless quarantines are replaced with rapid, costeffective testing at airports on departure, and air corridors. The

longer we wait, the more the ailing Travel & Tourism sector faces total collapse.”

Just a few weeks ago, G20 Tourism Ministers hosted more than 45 CEOs and Members of WTTC who, at the request of Saudi Arabia, presented the 100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan to save the already crippled Travel & Tourism sector, and 100m jobs globally.

The game-changing plan was created with input from WTTC Members and covered a range of key initiatives that hinged on securing strong international coordination to re-establish effective operations and restart international travel.

Among other measures, this included eliminating quarantines and other travel barriers.

Through the implementation of an international testing regime, combined with rigorous health and safety protocols, to enable the world to adapt to living with the COVID-19 virus while minimizing the risk of it spreading further.

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

CANCUN IN MEXICO TO HOST WTTC GLOBAL SUMMIT IN MARCH 2021 The world’s leading Travel & Tourism event will take place on 23-25 March 2021 to help restore Travel & Tourism around the world

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he first major conference in the ‘new normal’ of the COVID-19 world hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) will take place in Cancun, Mexico on 23-25 March 2021.

WTTC is once again hosting the most influential event in the Travel & Tourism calendar, to help lead the sector into recovery and restore millions of jobs around the world. The 20th WTTC Global Summit, delayed from Spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held in the popular Mexican resort of Cancun, in partnership with the Government of Quintana Roo, from March 23-25 14

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and will take place in a hybrid format, observing all health and safety protocols.The hybrid format will include invitations to the live event, with restricted numbers and extensive outdoor sessions to ensure physical distancing.

Those unable to attend will be able to take part virtually, with up to 20,000 online free registrations available, enabling participants to listen to a range of specially invited international guest speakers headlining the event and engage in special breakout sessions.

World-leading hygiene and safety protocols will be in place throughout the Global Summit to ensure

the health of every participant at the event, with testing and regular health checks, guided by the very latest medical and scientific advice.

Previous Global Summits have attracted some of the biggest international speakers in the world, including former US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, former President of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, and former President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso.

Gloria Guevara President & CEO of WTTC and the Governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, said that this innovative event will

be conducted with responsibility and according to the ‘new normal’, and will become a platform for the recovery of the sector.

The Global Summit will take place at The Moon Palace Convention Centre, and Jose Chapur, President of Palace Resorts Group was also present at the press conference, during which he thanked WTTC and the Government of Quintana Roo for their trust in holding this event at the Moon Palace.

The Palace Resorts Group holds the WTTC Safe Travels stamp and has been conducting the highest standards of hygiene and security since the beginning of the pandemic.

Ms. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC wants the Global Summit to learn from the challenges of the pandemic to showcase how we can use this experience to adapt to COVID-19 and

lead the global Travel & Tourism sector back to recovery and save millions of jobs - and thousands of business large and small - which have been thrown into turmoil since the beginning of the year.

“The stakes in the Travel & Tourism sector could not be higher, so the WTTC platform provides an essential form for the very highest industry leaders and key government representatives to discuss and take action.We must use the Global Summit to establish a consensus on international cooperation and coordination to accelerate the recovery, as well as public/private partnership and restore vital public confidence to travel safely once more. The 2020 Global Summit will benefit and showcase not only Mexico, but the wider regions of the US, Latin America and the Caribbean.”she added.

Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, Governor of Quintana Roo said: “The WTTC Global Summit in Cancun will be the place where we will discuss the future of tourism in the new world.“During the Global Summit, we will implement enhanced safety and hygiene protocols such as mask wearing, physical distancing, hygiene and sanitisation, along with fast turnaround testing, all of which will enable us to host a safe large-scale event.

WTTC which will announce its major new initiatives for 2021 during the Summit, has been at the forefront of international efforts to save the Travel & Tourism sector, which has been ruined by the impact of COVID-19, leaving tens of thousands of businesses hanging in the balance, and threatening the jobs of nearly 200 million people employed in the sector globally.

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NEWS/ NATIONAL

KERALA

OPENS BEACHES & PARKS FOR TOURISTS, SAFETY PARAMETERS ENFORCED Beaches of Kerala have always attracted visitors from all corners of the world on account of their unsurpassed beauty, warmth of waters and cleanliness 16

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erala is opening its beaches, parks, and museums for domestic tourists from November 1, marking the resumption of tourism activities in full swing ahead of the annual tourism season, after remaining shut for eight months following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the first phase, tourist destinations and services across the state were reopened on October 10, by strictly adhering to a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures

(SOPs) to ensure the safety of visitors.

The services that started receiving guests on October 10 included houseboats on backwaters and personalized boating and adventure tourism spots, which have controlled access and it is easy to implement the SMS (Social distancing, Mask, and Soap Sanitizer) norms. Hill stations were also thrown open, signaling the revival of the revenue-generating industry.

“Beaches of Kerala have always attracted visitors from all corners of the world on account of their unsurpassed beauty, the warmth of waters, and cleanliness. It is significant that we are re-opening our beaches, including globally famed sea-side destinations like Kovalam, when the annual tourist season is around the corner” said Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Tourism Minister, Govt of Kerala.

“The response in destinations and services that resumed operations early this month has been encouraging, with the footfall gradually increasing. The stake-holders have extended their total co-oper-

ation to see that all safety parameters are followed. The visitors are also complying with the guidelines issued by the State Government,” said Mrs. Rani George IAS Secretary, Kerala Tourism.

“As we re-open our beaches, Tourism Department officials on the ground are making extra efforts to ensure that the specific guidelines are followed to the last detail,” said Tourism Director Shri P Bala Kiran IAS. As part of safety parameters for beaches, which do not have controlled access, directions have been issued to ensure that officials are deployed at the entry points, walkways, and open areas, equipped with a thermal check, sanitizers, and hand-wash facilities. Boards prominently featuring “Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ are being put up and walkways, hand-rails, and shelters will be sprayed with sanitizers at regular intervals.

Tourism police personnel will be posted, if necessary, to help Kudumbashree volunteers and Life Guards. A register will be kept at the entry for recording details of visitors.

For parks and museums, online ticket /SMS booking will be explored to the extent possible at the gated entries. Vehicles will be allowed to be kept at the parking areas for a maximum of one hour.

A register will be kept at all entry points for entering the visitor’s name, native place, contact number, and time and date of the visit.

Strict instructions have been issued for street vendors to follow COVID-19 protocols. Cleaning and fumigation of toilets and restrooms will be taken up at regular intervals.

As per the SOP issued by the Government earlier, the visitors to the state will have to follow Break the Chain norms including wearing masks, use of soap and sanitizer, and follow social distancing.

Tourists coming for visits of less than seven days are exempted from quarantine but they should register in the COVID Jagratha portal. If visitors plan to extend their stay for more than seven days, they have to undergo a test at their cost on the 7th day at ICMR/ state government approved laboratories.

The visitors are advised to avoid travel if they are symptomatic.

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NEWS / BOOK RELEASE

RAGHU RAI’S COFFEE TABLE BOOK ON KERALA CAPITAL

Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Mnister of Kerala has released the Coffee Table Book on Thiruvananthapuram written by Ms. Lekshmi Rajeev and Photographed by renowned photographer Mr. Raghu Rai

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hiruvananthapuram - An Artist’s impression, a Coffee Table Book on Kerala capital w ith a collection of images by eminent photographer Raghu Rai for Kerala Tourism as part of the capital city heritage project is released by the Chief Minister Mr.Pinarayi Vijayan.

The visual treat, explores the city’s culture, heritage, and life through a fascinating collection of shots viewed through the lens of Raghu Rai, coupled with graphic descriptions by Lekshmi Rajeev.

While releasing the compendium through video-conference the Chief Minister said “This is a fantastic work that has tapped fully the mes-

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merizing power of photography to capture the images of the city”.

Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, State Tourism Minister presided over the function held at Mascot Hotel, said that this outstanding work would add considerable strength to the capital city heritage project. Dr. Shashi Tharoor MP and Raghu Rai joined the ceremony online.

It was an unforgettable experience to capture the images of Thiruvananthapuram with its vibrant life and culture, Rai said. , The 190-page work is a visual statement on the city which encapsulates its history, culture, and heritage.

A visual statement on the city, the

190-page work encapsulates its history, culture and heritage. While most similar collections have their emphasis on nature, this work has its accent on human life in the city.

Apart from the capital city, the Tourism Department has been implementing heritage projects to protect and preserve historical and cultural assets of Alappuzha, Muziris and Thalassery Ms. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism said.

Mr. M Vijayakumar, Chairman KTDC, Mr. P Bala Kiran IAS, Tourism Director, Mr. V K Karthika, Editor & Publisher Amazon Westland and Ms. Lekshmi Rajeev attended the function.

THE HOSPITALITY CHALLENGE: SUPPORTING THE HOSPITALITY TALENTS OF TOMORROW I

It shows how innovators from around the world can keep tourism, hospitality and travel at the very forefront of sustainable development and positive change for all

n June 2020, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Sommet Education launched the Hospitality Challenge. This was designed to identify ideas and individuals capable of accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative has received almost 600 applications from all around the world. The 30 top finalists will be granted a full-board scholarship for Bachelor or Master’s degree-level courses at 30 different hospitality programs. All of them are hosted by Sommet’s internationally renowned institutions specialized in Hospitality and Culinary Arts: Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, and École Ducasse.

The scholarships are dedicated to accelerating the personal development of talented individuals who will build the Hospitality of Tomorrow. Bringing the submitted projects to life and increasing their chances of impacting the tourism sector has been the driving force of this challenge. The three most entrepreneurwww.tourismindia.org

ial projects among the 30 winners will receive seed money from Eurazeo, the leading global investment group to which Sommet Education belongs.

Out of the 600 applications, 39% were submitted from the Americas, followed by Europe (28%), Africa and the Middle East (both 18%), and Asia and the Pacific (15%).

Putting People and Planet First The Hospitality Challenge focused on four categories. The Hotels and Hotel-Related Operations category was the most popular, receiving 41% 19 of all applications, followed by the Luxury Travels, Goods and Services category (34%), then the Food and Beverage category (17%), and finally the Smart Real Estate category (8%). The breakdown of the different categories demonstrates a strong interest in improving the operational side of hotels through its social impact, with many projects aiming to reduce unemployment and the better management of hotel staff.

Among the four categories, four eminent trends have emerged:

waste reduction and sustainability, jobs and education, safety and travel experience, as well as revenue and productivity. Almost 50% of the projects address Sustainable Development Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth. Many projects also offer new perspectives on the COVID-19 response.

A large number of the high-quality projects promoting inclusivity and sustainability to reinvent the Hospitality of Tomorrow, also provides fresh ideasfor the tourism sector.

These will allow tourism to keep on contributing to overall socio-economic recovery.

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NEWS/ AWARDS

KERALA TOURISM WINS WTM AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY ACTIVITIES DURING COVID-19 Kerala’s Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission received this recognition in the category of ‘Meaningful Connections’.

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I

n a massive affirmation of its exemplary activities aimed at promoting Responsible Tourism during the challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic, Kerala Tourism has been bestowed the coveted ‘Highly Commended’ Award by World Travel Mart London.

Kerala’s Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission received this recognition in the category of ‘Meaningful Connections’.

The RT Mission received the award for its innovative work on ‘Wok at Home Videos’ and storytelling audio and video series produced and presented by various Mission units in the state during the pandemic that has posed multiple challenges to the tourism sector.

The Work at Home Videos have been developed by RT Mission entrepreneurs with a message to stay home safely during the lockdown but not to despair and to adopt measures to effectively prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

The videos also make an impassioned appeal to the tourists visiting Kerala to see their activities as soon as the pandemic-triggered issues are brought under control.

“The award proves that the RT Mission is becoming a driving force in sharing innovative ideas and ensuring public participation in the tourism sector,” said Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.

Ms. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism said the Mission has played a significant role in the tourism sector during the pandemic. “This is a morale-boosting recognition that celebrates the best-in-class of global travel and tourism industry,” she added.

Mr. P. Bala Kiran IAS, Director of Kerala Tourism congratulated all the RT Mission unit members in Kerala for this sterling achievement and sustaining tourism activities in the most adverse circumstances. www.tourismindia.org

“The award proves that the RT Mission is becoming a driving force in sharing innovative ideas and ensuring public participation in the tourism sector.”

Mr. Kadakampally Surendran Minister for Tourism Govt. of Kerala

The RT Mission had instructed the members of various units to wash their hands with sanitizer or soap and start their work. They were presented as a video document to engage them during the lockdown period. Besides becoming a marketing tool, it also became an instant hit in national and international platforms. This was followed by storytelling audios about each area and its festivals, followed by the videos on various traditional musical instruments and other folk art forms.

Mr. K Rupeshkumar , State RT Mission Coordinator said the Mission received a total of 1,048 audios and videos, all of which were produced and edited by the unit members. These were viewed by thousands of people through various social media platforms. During the World Folklore Day, these videos were aired at the ‘Folkkathone’ programme for 90 minutes.

21 “The uniqueness of this recognition is that the RT Mission units are proving that life-affirming activities need to be presented live without exaggeration to be evaluated and recognised by the world,” he added.

The award jury said it was the most popular intervention in the world to give confidence to entrepreneurs and tourists who are reeling from the epidemic. “The move sends a message that any

crisis can be overcome by working with one mind,” it noted.

This is the 5th International Award for the Responsible Tourism Mission since its formation in 2017. The Mission has also won three National Awards.

There are currently 20,017 units operating in Kerala under the Mission with more than one lakh beneficiaries as part of its activities. The units under the mission earned revenue of Rs 35 crore in three years. One of its salient features is that 80 per cent of the total units are headed by women.

The Mission, which also runs 140 experiential tour packages, has so far imparted training to 7,000 people. Also, 48 new tourism destinations have sprung up through the Mission’s flagship projects Pepper and Model RT Village.

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NEWS/ INTERNATIONAL

GLOBAL STEERING COMMITTEE TO REVIVE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WTTC is continuing to lead the response to the devastating challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the struggling Travel & Tourism sector.

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o provide a route to recovery for the Travel & Tourism sector by reviving international travel through the public-private partnership, WTTC takes on global leadership and coordination role.

G20 Tourism Ministers have hosted more than 45 CEOs and Members of WTTC, who at the request of Saudi Arabia, presented their Jobs Recovery Plan to save the besieged Travel & Tourism sector and 100m jobs globally.

The WTTC Jobs Recovery Plan could save 65 million jobs across all G20 countries, including Spain.

Regionally, Asia Pacific could save the most, with 45.8 million jobs, followed by the Americas with 20.2 million and Europe with 19.9 million. In India alone, 16 million Travel & Tourism jobs could be saved under the WTTC plan.

During the historic G20 Tourism Ministers session, WTTC and its Members presented their plan to 22

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save the embattled Travel & Tourism sector and explored key initiatives to deliver the prompt recovery of the sector and save millions of lost jobs.

WTTC is continuing to lead the response to the devastating challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the struggling Travel & Tourism sector.

Now it intends to establish a structure to deliver on these goals, led by a global Steering Committee, comprised of 12 WTTC Member CEOs and other business and institutional leaders to establish an international consensus to take action.

The priorities and recommendations made by the Steering Committee will be passed onto functional working groups for action and delivery. These specialized working groups will address how to open up travel by creating crucial ‘air corridors’ and a globally

recognised standard for an airport test and trace regime, amongst others. In addition, a Government Affairs Working Group will liaise with individual governments to ensure they have all the relevant data and information needed to support our efforts.

Ms. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC is uniquely positioned to provide a platform at the highest level where the private and public sector can work together to help revive international business and leisure travel and save 100 million jobs globally and 16 million in India alone.

“What came out of the historic G20 meeting with international business leaders was a clear consensus that only cooperation at the highest level and engagement with the public and private sector will achieve action.

It is vital that ‘air corridors’ be restored between the world’s leading

financial hubs, such as the hugely important transatlantic route between London and New York.

“Restoring these routes for international business travellers must be coupled with the agreement and adoption of globally recognised standards for a rapid, cost effective airport test and trace regime.

“Together these will help create a safe and hygienic environment to travel and aid the beleaguered Travel & Tourism sector which continues its fight for survival.

“This in turn will act as an engine to help kickstart the economic global recovery to benefit the whole Travel & Tourism sector and millions of jobs throughout the supply chain which are dependent upon international travel.

“The economic fallout from COVID-19 continues to relentlessly burn its way through the Travel & Tourism sector. However, our plan could save 100 million jobs through strong international cooperation, removing travel barriers and introducing an international testing protocol at airports to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

“While I am encouraged by the unity and strength of purpose shown by the private and public sector at the recent G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting, there is so much at stake that we must redouble our collective efforts to save the sector together.”

WTTC will continue working with major industry bodies and global organisations, such as International Air Transport Association (IATA, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airport Council International (ACI), World Economic Forum (WEF), International Chamber of Comm Intro: Up to 100 million jobs globally and 16 million in India could be saved.erce (ICC), to further take forward the positive steps which have already been achieved.

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ITB BERLIN GOES VIRTUAL IN MARCH 2021!

ITB Berlin and ITB Berlin Convention will take place from March 9-12, 2021 – as a virtual edition

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TB Berlin and ITB Berlin Convention will take place from March 9-12, 2021 – as a virtual edition Under consideration of all circumstances, Messe Berlin has decided that ITB and ITB Berlin Convention will take place from 9-12 March 2021 in digital form as a purely B2B trade fair and conference.

Since 1966, the travel in23 dustry has been meeting face to face every year in March in Berlin – many industry players have countless memories of

the tourism industry’s annual “class reunion” and benefit from the business relationships established there as the No.1 platform for a successful business, new and established contacts, inspiration, and interaction.

ITB as the World’s leading Travel Trade Show, let us look forward to a thrilling virtual edition of ITB Berlin that brings the entire industry together in one digital place.

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NEWS / AIRLINES

GOAIR RESUMES DIRECT FLIGHTS TO MALDIVES The airline scored 4.2 marks out of 5 as the safest airline in India

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oAir has resumed its flights to the Maldives under the travel bubble currently established between Maldives and India.

Three airlines are currently traveling to the Maldives under this special arrangement, including Air India and SpiceJet. 11 weekly flights are scheduled to be operated.

The travel bubble initiative which was initiated on 25th August has enabled a regular path with weekly flights between the two countries.

Indigo Air and Air India are currently operating flights, along with the resumption of flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Male’ with the reopening of borders.

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ists of all nationalities, there has been a notable reduction in tourist arrivals compared to the pre-COVID figures.

However, with the increase in flight resumptions and connections, the Maldivian government hopes to have an increase in the number of tourists arriving by the end of the year.

Tourist resorts and livea-

boards resumed operations in July whereas guest houses were reopened in October. Tourists entering the Maldives are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to departure and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 96 hours prior to departure to the Maldives.

INDIGO OPERATES 1,00,000 FLIGHTS SINCE LOCKDOWN IndiGo, India’s largest Airline, marked the accomplishment of completing 1,00,000 flights since lockdown on November 11, 2020

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he tally includes scheduled commercial operations, passenger charters, CarGo charters, Air Bubble flights, and repatriation flights under the Vande Bharat programme.

The airline had earlier completed 50,000 flights since lockdown on September 12, 2020.

IndiGo reached this milestone with the operation of 6E 216 from Hyderabad to Varanasi this morning. IndiGo operated these flights while adhering to all the precautionary measures, ensuring a safe and hassle-free travel experience on-board a lean, clean flying machine.

Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to have successfully operated 1,00,000 flights as of today since the lockdown period. After the most unprecedented halt to the whole aviation industry, it is indeed an achievement for us. This gives us the

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proud feeling of being an integral part in supporting India’s growth towards the economy and employment via our operations.

Completion of this milestone is a validation that the faith of passengers in air travel has been restored and the overall air travel demand is also coming back to its pre-COVID shape gradually. We look forward to achieving more milestones in the coming months as we go by the current demand.

We will continue to 25 adapt our business to the needs of the hour”.

Being the leading CarGo operator in the domestic market, IndiGo operated 2687 CarGo flights over the last 6 months and transporting over 23350 MT of CarGo between April to October 2020.

To celebrate this milestone, IndiGo has also planned various activities at the airports including the achievement announcement, decorations, ribbon cutting ceremony with a dedicated check-in counter and a surprise flash mob.

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NEWS / AIRLINES

AMERICAN AIRLINES OPTS FOR IBS SOFTWARE’S ICARGO SOLUTION American Airlines completes transition to digital Global Cargo Business and Operations with IBS Software’s iCargo solution

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merican Airlines Cargo continued the modernization of its business with the deployment of the iCargo Mail business capability, completing the implementation of all key modules in IBS Software’s iCargo platform. iCargo Air Mail Handling and Mail Revenue Accounting is the final module to go live at American’s cargo and is fully integrated across all the iCargo modules, thus enabling enhanced real-time air mail capacity segmentation, allotment, monitor-

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ing, handling and mail revenue accounting across the global cargo and mail network and providing end-to-end management of the air mail business from a single fully integrated air cargo and mail management system, available on all stations including American’s domestic and global hubs.

With this successful go-live, American has become the first US carrier to move away from the industry’s legacy system into an end-to-end fully integrated cargo management solution that man-

ages all aspects of American’s cargo business, including offers, routings, pricing, scanning, executing, operational performance, issue resolution, and accounting for its domestic and international postal partners as well as its air cargo customers. iCargo has helped American simplify landscape of its cargo business’s by reducing the number of systems from 90 to 10, eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies in systems and processes that will drive improvements for its over 8,000-strong

cargo team and 30,000 customers.

“Completing the transition to iCargo is a critical step in digitalizing our global air cargo business. Air cargo has played a vital role during the pandemic, and it is important that we continue to innovate and press ahead with our digital strategy as we look toward the future,” said Angela Hudson, Head of Transformation for American Airlines Cargo.

“Our entire team owned this transition and have been working side-by-side to leverage our new tools with customers in mind,” she added.

With the core business embedded in the new technology, American can now provide technology-led business solutions and continue innovating around digital distribution strategies and digital customer engagement strategies.

“The successful go-live of iCargo at American Airlines is a testament to the commitment that

Mr. V.K. Mathews Chairman, IBS Software

iCargo and IBS Software bring to the global air cargo business. The successful remote delivery of the final product demonstrates the strong implementation capability and processes followed by IBS,”

said Ashok Rajan, SVP and Head of Cargo & Logistics at IBS Software.

“American Airlines Cargo has an incredible team running an intensive schedule and we’re delighted that iCargo will be playing a critical role in helping their business grow,” he added.

“I’m so incredibly proud of our team across the globe and our core team of experts that partnered with IBS. Having an endto-end cargo management platform that enables us to grow and adapt is critical, now more so than ever. In September 2020, our cargo-only schedule more than doubled to help us meet demand and serve our customers around the world. Our talented team combined with an industry leading platform means we’re well equipped to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our customers and industry,” said Jessica Tyler, President Cargo and Vice President Airport Excellence at American Airlines.

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NEWS / AIRLINES

QATAR AIRWAYS INTRODUCES ITS FIRST FULLY VEGAN RANGE OF GOURMET DISHES

Award-winning airline crafts a range of delicious vegan dishes for Business Class passengers as demand for plant-based food grows and Economy Class customers can continue to pre-order special vegan meals ahead of travel

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atar Airways crafts a range of delicious vegan dishes for Business Class passengers as demand for plantbased food grows and Economy Class customers can continue to pre-order special vegan meals ahead of travel To cater the demand for plantbased food and elevate passengers’ culinary experience Qatar Airways has introduced its first range of fully vegan dishes to its à la carte menu for Business Class passengers on all flights.

The newly crafted vegan dishes use only the freshest locally

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and internationally sourced ingredients and are available to all Business Class passengers flying from the airline’s Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, and selected flights into Doha.

Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways said: “We always strive to provide our customers with authentic and indulgent experiences in the skies.

We are delighted to incorporate a vegan main course choice to our on-board menu, offering our passengers yet another lifestyle choice that redefines the expectations from a five-star airline.”

Designed with sustainability and taste at its heart, Qatar Airways’ range of flavourful vegan dishes include smoked moutabel, spiral courgettes and arrabbiata

sauce, tofu and spinach tortellini, asian barbecue tofu, noodles, scallions and shiitake, fried tofu with vegetable tajine, cauliflower couscous and kalamata bruschetta, and chickpea flour omelette.

The airline also offers a wide selection of special meals to cater to different dietary requirements.

Special requested meal up to 24 hours before their flight is another offer for Passengers that include young traveller meals, vegetarian or religious meals and medical or health care meals.

Qatar Aircraft Catering Company (QACC), the exclusive catering provider at Hamad International Airport, ensures that all in-flight meals are prepared to the highest quality using the freshest in-

gredients.

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the airline has applied necessary health and safety measures onboard its flights, including in the preparation and serving of food. As part of an effort to minimise contact between crew and passengers single-use menu cards and sealed refreshing wipes are introduced and Business Class meals are served on a covered tray and a cutlery wrap is offered to passengers.

Economy Class meals and cutlery are served sealed as usual, and menu cards have been temporarily discontinued. All social areas onboard the aircraft have been closed adhering to the social distancing measures.

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NEWS / AIRLINES

OMAN AIR ADDS FLIGHTS TO CHENNAI AND HYDERABAD O

Twice-weekly service set to start on 19 November to Chennai and Hyderabad

man Air adds twice-weekly service to the Indian cities of Chennai and Hyderabad with service set to start on 19 November.

Flights to and from both cities will be operated on Thursdays and Saturdays. These schedules are confirmed until 31 December 2020.

Additional information is available at omanair.com, the airline’s offices, and travel agents.

Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently.

Masks are required when guests are onboard 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 increase 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 depart from Oman should ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements, which are provided at omanair.com, as well as the requirements at their destinations.

Guests planning to travel to Oman should ensure they are aware of all requirements by the Civil Aviation Authority.

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Oman Air adds twice-weekly service to the Indian cities of Chennai and Hyderabad with service set to start on 19 November.

Flights to and from both cities will be operated on Thursdays and Saturdays. These schedules are confirmed until 31 December, 2020.

Additional information is available at omanair.com, the airline’s offices and travel agents.

Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently.

Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the air-

craft, 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 increase 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 depart from Oman should ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements, which are provided at omanair.com, as well as the requirements at their destinations.

Guests planning to travel to Oman should ensure they are aware of all requirements by the Civil Aviation Authority.

CUISINE GASTRONOME - FLAVOURFUL ENTRANCE INTO SRI LANKAN HOMES SriLankan Airlines introduces with its spectacular range of heat-and-eat Frozen Meals from traditional homes of island nation!

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uisine Gastronome – a global brand of premium meals

by SriLankan Catering, is set to be launched in Srilanka and abroad, catering to Sri Lankans in the country and overseas.

‘Cuisine Gastronome’, designed as the ultimate solution to the rising demand for good quality, frozen meals and is made with the finest, fresh ingredients, and no preservatives. Offering a delicious range of local and international favourites fit for the palettes of the world’s most discerning food connoisseurs, Cuisine Gastronome offers sheer convenience and the quickest solution to a fabulous meal in minutes.

Cuisine Gastronome’s extensive range features local favourites such as Kalu Pol Polos Ambula with Country Red Rice, Sri Lankan Yellow Rice with Black Chicken Curry. International specialties include Penne Pasta in Rich Sundried Tomato Sauce, Thai Sweet Chilli Fish with Wok Fried Noodles, Cannelloni Stuffed with Rich Creamy Chicken, Polo Cacciatore Italiano with Penne Pasta and English Country Lamb & Mint www.tourismindia.org

Pie, and a variety of other delectable meals, just waiting to be enjoyed in the comfort of home.

These delicious and healthy ready-to-eat meals are prepared by highly trained and experienced staff in state-of-the-art kitchens that adhere to the highest international standards of hygiene and quality control at all stages; from sourcing raw materials and preparation to packaging and distribution. SriLankan Catering’s world-class facility has won numerous, global awards and accolades for its standards of excellence.

When Cuisine Gastronome was conceived as an idea, the main objective was to take the best 31 quality, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to the world, in a manner that is simple and convenient to consume. The idea was then extended to market the brand locally in answer to the need for good quality, ready-to-eat meals by Sri Lankans living in the country. Indirectly, the Covid-19 pandemic too played a role in Cuisine Gastronome being marketed locally.

When international flights across the world were halted, SriLankan

Catering’s Board of Directors decided to expedite the global frozen meal project, to explore other avenues in revenue generation, and thus put all their efforts into making Cuisine Gastronome a resounding success in Sri Lanka and eventually, abroad.

SriLankan Catering Limited began its operations as Air Lanka Catering Services in 1979, as a private limited liability company.

The company then became BOI approved and in 1998, SriLankan Catering became a fully owned subsidiary of Air Lanka Limited, which is now SriLankan Airlines.

Over the years, SriLankan Catering has catered to numerous international airlines that arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) including SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Air China, Oman Air, Korean Air and Turkish Airlines The company is proud to be the sole airline caterer in Sri Lanka and currently manages two restaurants and a lounge bar, in addition to 7 other outlets at the BIA. NOVEMBER 2020 TOURISM INDIA

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FEATURE/DESTINATION

by Ajai Kumar K. S. / Sridevi Narayanan Photographs by Manoj Vasudevan

THE ALMONDHUED HILLOCKS

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yers Rock in Central Australia is a massive natural formation of red-sandstone enlisted by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The region contains an abundance of natural springs, streams, marshes, caves with

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vegetable-dyed cave paintings and rock carvings. To experience a spectacular view of this massive hillock glow into red at the times of maturing sun and during the Sunset, tourists who visit the nearby Kata-Tutja National Park

flock here in multitudes. Likewise, the reddish cliffs in Badami, a historical town in north Karnataka, are also illuminated by the twilight dawns and dusks.

While the Ayers Rock is named after an Australian Bureaucrat,

Badami derived its name from the Hindi word of Almond; “badam” - denoting the colour of the pale-red-sandstone ridges, which is a landmark of the town.

From historians’ point of view, the word Badami is a derivative of Vatapi. Vatapipura, the capital center was flourished during the period of the Chalukya Dynasty who ruled from 5th to 8th AD. Winding roads from all directions through, vast agricultural lands of sunflower, mustard seeds, mice, millets then through Badami Town leads to the abode of Badami Hills. Out of the four cave temples engraved in Badami cliffs, the fourth cave is attributed to the Jain cult. The first one is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the second and third cave temples are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

The rock-cut cave temples on the lap of the hillock and other structural temples that survived

in the surroundings show the efflorescence of art, culture, and the mastered engineering skills during that period in Badami.

According to the mythological allusions Lord Siva has 32 hands. One can find a distinctive manifestation of a dancing Siva figure on the entrance of the First cave, which is dedicated to Siva on its right sidewall. The 18-handed Dancing Siva, 9 on the left and 9 on the right, is unique and rarest of the rarest one among the Nataraja figures. These 18 hands formulate 81 dancing postures mentioned in Natyasastra of Sage Bharata. From the main hall, one can see the sanctum sanctorum where a Shivalinga is seen. The ceiling of the cave has a skilfully carved five-headed coiled serpent, the divine Adishesha. The presence of the Ardha-nareeshwara figure and the importance given to it symbolizes the equal

status enjoyed by the women.

The ornamental decorations on the pillars make anyone bow to its expounded artistic excellence.

Harihara and Dwara-palakas (door guards) are commonly seen in many Siva temples, but Siva and his consort Parvati on riding pose sit on the Nandi bull is a rare sort of figure.

Siva-sub-cave on the right side has “Vatapi-Ganesh” carved on the wall having distinctive features with total contrast to a normal Ganesh figure.

Unlike other appealing Ganesha Idols “Vatapi-Ganesh” figure has no crown instead the long hair tied together like that of a Sage.

Only two hands are seen here whereas a normal Ganesh has four hands. Another exceptional feature here is the flat-stomach of the idol without a snake-belt, instead of a big belly, which is a common feature of a normal Ga-

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BADAMI, FORMERLY KNOWN AS VATAPI, IS A TOWN AND HEADQUARTERS OF A TALUK BY THE SAME NAME, IN THE BAGALKOT DISTRICT OF KARNATAKA, INDIA. IT WAS THE REGAL CAPITAL OF THE BADAMI CHALUKYAS FROM AD 540 TO 757. IT IS FAMOUS FOR ITS ROCK CUT STRUCTURAL TEMPLES. www.tourismindia.org

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FEATURE/DESTINATION nesh figure.

On the second Cave, the idiol of Vishnu is found destroyed, which notifies us of the importance of preserving the endangered archaeological monuments. As the Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it houses various figures connected with Vishnu’s myths and incarnations, of which the Fish, first incarnation of Vishnu- on the ceiling and Four Swastikas carved in a single line are impressive.

The third Cave is considered to be the oldest and the largest among the four Cave Temples of the Hillock and believed

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to be constructed by a powerful Chalukya King, Mangalesha in AD 578 which is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The inscriptions carved here are in Sanskrit in the old form of Kannada alphabets.

Lord Vishnu’s gorgeous sitting figure on a five-headed mythological serpent Ananta is stunningly carved on the sidewall of the long pillared-hall. Paintings by vegetable dye on the ceilings have surpassed the time to glow the eyes of the modern visitors.

Apart from that, a host of various carvings of Kubera, Indra the monsoon god sitting on his white-elephant-Airavat and of Varuna, the god of the Sea sure is a sight to behold.

The fourth Cave chiselled on the crest of the hill much later by the end of 7th AD has the specialty of a rock-cut Jain Basati (temple of Jainism). Most of the figures in this Cave are on the engraved (inner carvings) forms- while all the earlier Cave Temples in Badami possess embossed (projected carvings) style of sculptures. A large Idol of

Lord Mahavira in meditation posture (dhyana-mudra) is carved in the sanctum sanctorum. On both sides of Mahavira, there are figures of Parshwanata and Bahubali on the right and left respectively. Some incomplete idols are also seen here that enrich the artistic elegance of the Forth Cave.

A fortification built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th Century stand atop the Badami Cliff ridges supervises the whole region with its brooding eyes even today. An aerial view from the Hillock of Agasthya Theertha, a large sacred pond on the ground with surrounding edifices, the bustling Badami town, a vast spread of greenery - comprises of agriculture and marshes- is sure enough for any backpacker to mark their calendars to the almond hued hillock.

Ajai Kumar K. S.

Sridevi Narayanan 37

Manoj Vasudevan www.tourismindia.org

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FEATURE/DESTNATIONS

KODAI HILLS RESPITE FOR FRAYED MINDS AND BODIES Kodaikanal is a hill town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s set in an area of granite cliffs, forested valleys, lakes, waterfalls and grassy hills. At 2,000 meters above sea level, the town centers around man-made, star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, bordered by evergreen forest. Rowing boats can be hired, and hikers and cyclists follow the 5k Lake Road path around the shore.

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O

ur ancestors knew one thing for sure, that when you really need to get away from it all, you head for the hills.

Whether its to quench one’s spiritual quest or it is about the rejuvenation of mind and body, Kodaikanal is amongst the most sought after hill station in its own right, that competes for the tourist’s affection. It is not known who about who invented this name but Kodaikanal comes from two Tamil words, ‘Kodai’ and Kanal’ which literally mean ‘relief from heat’ and the place never seem to disappoint.

It is actually a summer forest. It is also referred to as ‘the gift of the forests’ and ‘princess of hill stations’. Built in the year 1845 at

an altitude of 2130 metres above sea level, with the purpose of getting respite from the scorching South Indian heat and the thus breeding tropical diseases, it is an apt place to be to take refuge from the high temperatures of cities at lower elevation. It has a monsoon influenced subtropical highland climate, because of which the city experiences a cool weather through out the year.

The earliest known residents of the hill town were the Palaiyar tribal people. The said modern Kodaikanal was established by American Christian missionaries and British Bureaucrats. The result is a large number of churches in the city. Apart from various Hindu temples, there is also an active community

of Tibetan Buddhist refugees.

Later, the elite Indians chose the place to settle down. The town is set on a plateau above the southern end of Palani Hills.

The hill town covers an area of 21.45- sq-km and is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute.

Kodaikanal is known for its rich flora. Of the big trees, cypress, eucalyptus and acacia are the dominant varieties. The hillplantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares. There is also the popular Kodaikanal Lake which was manmade in 1863. Row boats and pedal boats and horses

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FEATURE/DESTNATIONS and cycles can be hired here to indulge in those very activities associated with visiting a hill station. East of the lake is the beautifully maintained botanical garden, Bryant Park, named after H.D.Bryant, a forest officer from Madurai. There is Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Green Valley View, Pine Forests, Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Telescope House, Dolmen Circle,

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Thalaiyar falls, Chettiyar Park, Lutheran church, Pillar rocks, Silver cascade, Guna caves and Dolphin’s nose to explore while in Kodaikanal. It also is a popular place for trekkers and golfers.

Kodaikanal, a charming hill station is stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai(120 km away) in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake, and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an

ideal hill resort for tourists. It is also home to the Kurinji Andavar temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.

It is a spectacular sight to watch the mist clear from the temple top by late morning, revealing the full expanse of the valley below. The unique flowering plant ‘Kurunji’(Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloomed in 2004, is nature’s gift to Kodaikanal.

Kodaikanal located amidst

the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerizes all visitors and is frequented all through the year. There are more than fifty hotels to cater to the subjective requirements of the tourists.

It goes without saying that the economy of Kodaikanal is predominantly run by tourism.

Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu State, India Region Kongu Nadu District Dindigul PIN Code 624101 Established 1845[1] Total Area 21.45 km2 (8.28 sq mi) Elevation 2,133 m (6,998 ft) Population (2011) • Total 36,501 • Density 1,100/km2 (3,000/sq mi) Sex ratio M 51% F 49% Languages • Official Tamil Time zone UTC +5:30 (IST) Telephone code 04542 Nearby town Palani & Madurai Literacy 89.50% (2011) Precipitation 1,650 mm (65 in) Avg. summer temperature 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) Avg. winter temperature 8.3 °C (46.9 °F)

Photo: (L) Blue Mountains of Kodaikanal.

by Silvershocky / courtesy: wikimedia

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NEWS / HOSPITALITY

VANA REOPENED FOR GUESTS A

s we learn to live in a ‘new normal’, there has never been a better time for people to consider a spiritual reset and change in holistic physical, mental, and emotional state. Keeping this in mind, Vana, a wellness retreat nestled in the Sal forest, Dehradun reopened on October 5, The retreat offers authentic traditions of wellness, medicine, a n d wisdom, to heal and feel protected.

“This time has provided us space for reflection and to consider what Vana should be going forward with.

We wish to be just a little easier to afford, thus we have revised our offers and enhanced our Ayurveda and Yoga offers.,” said Mr. Veer Singh, Founder, and Creator, Vana “Safety and wellbeing are paramount at Vana,” explained Mr. Prasoon Kumar Pandey, General Manager, Vana. “As the retreat is spread 42

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over 21 acres, our vast spaces ensure privacy as well as a safe distance. Vana has also created its own bubble – all employees have been tested for COVID-19 and stay inside the retreat. We have also set an upper limit to the number of reservations, to preserve the safe zone created,” added Mr. Pandey.

As per the protocol of the gov-

The wellness retreat based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand in Northern India is offering enhanced Ayurveda, Yoga and Sowa Rigpa experiences

ernment of Uttarakhand, COVID negative certificate is mandatory to enter the state, Vana ensures that every guest has a negative certificate obtained no more than 96 hours before arrival at the retreat.

Vana’s offerings now begin at Rs. 25,000. The retreat is offered for a minimum of three nights. It

includes stay, meals, personalised treatments, and therapies, as well as Retreat Programs with yoga, meditation, cuisine lessons, functional fitness, talks, music, and more. Certain physical wellness objectives require a minimum duration of the retreat. These include Weight Management for a minimum of 14 nights, Detox, and Ayurveda Panchakarma for at least 21 nights.

Established in 2014 by Veer Singh, Vana is a place for anyone who seeks wellbeing and what lies beyond conventional understanding. Vana aspires to create a thoughtful balance between what is necessary to prescribe to an individual. Built on an estate of 21 acres, Vana comprises 66 rooms, 16 suites, and additional 4 standalone villas.

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NEWS / HOSPITALITY

THE WOODROSE CELEBRATES ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY The Woodrose, part of renowned hospitality chain Brigade Hospitality has become an integral part of the residents of Brigade Millenium as a sought-after community lifestyle club allowing its members to enjoy the best of food, leisure, and entertainment

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T

he Woodrose, part of the renowned hospitality chain Brigade Hospitality celebrates its 15th Anniversary. Located in the picturesque area of South Bangalore at the spacious and green residential enclave of Brigade Millenium, The Woodrose is much loved for its resort-like ambiance, which also has won an award for its architectural design.

The luxury property provides exceptional sports facilities, health & wellness services. It can accommodate both business and social events alike, meeting rooms for corporates, green lawns, and banquet halls for events. With 30 comfortable rooms for guests to stay in, these rooms are well equipped with in-room amenities that add to its versatility.

Over the years, The Woodrose has become an integral part of the residents of Brigade Millenium as a sought-after community lifestyle club allowing its members to enjoy the best of food, leisure,

and entertainment. The club has excellent dining venues, Melting Pot - a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers mouth-watering dishes to appease your palate; The Baking Company to satiate your cravings for desserts, and Tonic Bar to relax with some unique beverages.

Sharing his excitement on The Woodrose completing 15 years, Mr. Vineet Verma, CEO & Executive Director, Brigade Hospitality said, “It gives us great pleasure to announce the completion of 15 glorious years for The Woodrose @ Brigade Millenium. It feels like only yesterday when we laid the foundation stone for the club and we are so happy to see The Woodrose has become a favourite destination for our Members and their families. This journey has been greatly enriched by their continued encouragement & support. We thank each and every member of The Woodrose

family as also our staff, Associates, and all those who have helped us achieve this milestone.

On the 15th Anniversary of The Woodrose, we stand committed to further improve our products & services in keeping with our Members’ expectations.”

Brigade Hospitality, a fully owned subsidiary of Brigade Group is one of the most eminent organizations, with a diverse portfolio, in the hospitality industry. Striving towards the satisfaction of their guests, Brigade Hospitality pays the utmost attention to their needs. Brigade Hospitality has some of the city’s well – known lifestyle membership clubs like The Woodrose, Augusta Club, Signature Club Resort, Regent Club, and Galaxy Club. Besides clubs, hotels, and convention centers, Brigade Hospitality also specializes in catering services and independent living for seniors.

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NEWS / HOSPITALITY

IHCL OPENS THE CONNAUGHT - A SELEQTIONS HOTEL IN NEW DELHI A bold new expression of Delhi’s rich heritage

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he Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has announced the opening of The Connaught, New Delhi which presents a unique and striking design, combining the art deco charm of Connaught Place and contemporary luxe interiors.

Strategically situated in New Delhi’s prime area, Lutyens, The Connaught will be a part of the SeleQtions brand – a named collection of hotels and resorts.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “The Connaught is the newest jewel in the crown of the SeleQtions portfolio. With its thoughtfully designed interiors, The Connaught reflects the best of the cultural and social milieu of the city. With the launch of The Connaught, IHCL further strengthens its presence in India’s capital.”

Exuding character at every corner, the hotel features 104 spaciously designed rooms conceptualized by the globally renowned Swedish designer, Christian Lundwall, of LWA. Located in the heart of the city, The Connaught is a perfect

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abode for business and leisure travellers.

The hotel’s distinctive offerings include an all-day diner, The Hub, which takes guests on a gastronomical journey across global and local cuisines, whilst featuring some of Delhi’s legendary favourites. The restaurant opens into an al-fresco dining venue, and also extends into a stylish cocktail bar that promises to be the city’s most sought after watering hole. The Connaught has state-of-the-art spaces for business conferences or social gatherings, including a 2000 sq. ft. open-air terrace.

“The Connaught is a vibrant expression of New Delhi, which includes elements of fun and flamboyance. This is perfectly complemented by our warm and attentive team, who will deliver personalized and immersive experiences. I am looking forward to welcoming guests to our oneof-a-kind hotel,” said Ms. Sonali Chauhan, General Manager, The Connaught, New Delhi.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 15 hotels in Delhi-NCR, including two under development.

RENAISSANCE BENGALURU RACE COURSE HOTEL APPOINTS RADHIKA DEWAN AS THE DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

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adhika Dewan has been appointed as the Director of Sales & Marketing at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel. Radhika’s core responsibilities at the hotel will include planning and implementing of the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, maximizing hotel’s revenues, exploring busi47 ness opportunities through events, setting annual budgets, forecasting, analyzing revenue reports and strategy amongst others.

Hailing from a background in hospitality with over 13 years of experience spanning across India preceded by her stint in Sri Lanka at Sheraton Colombo ,Radhika

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is a result-oriented and passionate sales professional with a wealth of experience in enhancing sales, marketing and revenue streams.

Her portfolio boasts a proven track record of outperforming market-leading competitors through astute planning, account management, market and customer insight, and identification of innovative solutions.

Having graduated from the Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad, Radhika gained a strong experience in the hospitality industry by working with luxury brands such as Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide & Accor International Inc. NOVEMBER 2020 TOURISM INDIA

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NEWS / ART & CULTURE

SERENDIPITY ARTS FOUNDATION TO LAUNCH TO A NEW DIGITAL ART OUTREACH INITIATIVE ~SA Virtual, 4 - 21 December 2020~

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n light of the evolving landscape of audience engagement, Serendipity Arts Foundation launches a new digital experience called SA Virtual. Starting from the 4th December 2020, SA Virtual will be spread across two weeks and the programming will be hosted and linked from a specially designed website, serendipityartsvirtual.com which will give everyone free access by simply registering.

SA Virtual is an extension of the Foundation’s focus on expanding its digital offerings in the year 2020.

The Internet as a common ground for daily interactions, in a rapidly changing world, the Foundation has launched a number of sucMr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Founder Patron Serendipity Arts foundation,

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cessful digital initiatives, such as SAF x You, the How to…Series, and the Memory Capsule Project. Given stringent advisories on travel and public gatherings by governments across the world, from the early quarter of 2020, the physical edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival stands postponed. However, continuing with the series of digital offerings from Serendipity Arts Foundation, SA Virtual will respond to the internet and its big role in connecting people from across the world and consolidating its offerings, which binds us together. The SA Virtual will turn to the internet as a site in order to forge meaningful artistic collaborations that are hinged on the innovative integration of the arts and the digital space, aiming to foster an increasingly open and accessible arts community.

The virtual programme from the 4th December – 21st of December, seeks to conceptualize and adapt artistic visions and projects for spaces that can be created and

Ms. Smriti Rajgarhia, Director Serendipity Arts Foundation

accessed digitally; not merely using the internet as an alternative medium, but as a dimension with its own unique properties that can encourage new thinking and create new possibilities for how art is created and how it is experienced, for years to come.

SA Virtual will feature curated projects, performances, workshops, talks, engagement-based initiatives, and discourse around the arts. Some of the curators whose projects will feature as part of SA Virtual are Amitesh Grover, Anmol Vellani, Anuja Ghosalkar & Kai Tuchmann, Kristine Michael & Chandrika Grover Ralleigh, Lina Vincent & artistic collaborator Akshay Mahajan, Mandeep Raikhy, Veeranganakumari Solanki, Siddhant Shah, and more. All of the featured curators have approached the mandate of curating for an internet-based audience by transcending the traditional silos between artistic disciplines. The emphasis is on collaboration and on increasing creative inclusivity by www.tourismindia.org

thinking beyond the conventional definitions of who is an artist.

Explaining the idea behind SA Virtual, Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Founder Patron Serendipity Arts Foundation, said, “Historically, the arts have survived perilous times and emerged stronger because of an innate ability to adapt, acclimatize and evolve. Over the last few months, the internet surge has catalyzed this evolution.

Through SA Virtual, we have tried to draw attention to the limitless possibilities that arts as a practice and the internet as a medium can offer each other”.

One of the highlights of the performances will be My story | Your story | Our story, curated by Anmol Vellani. This project will49have two performances—in live and recorded medium respectively, and an unfinished story.

Another, The Last Poet, is being curated by Amitesh Grover, as a multilayered art form with theatre, film, sound art, creative coding, digital scenography, and live performance—to be navigated by visitors as rooms and doors leading to experiences. Meanwhile, Mandeep Raikhy’s The Body-in-Movement

is imagined as an interconnected web of thinking, seeing, making, and writing. This curatorial proposition is conceived of as a laboratory that enables a group of artists from across disciplines to think through what it means to move/ create/perform in these times, what the digital space has to offer to the emergent discourse of the body and the ways in which presence/ absence of the body is constructed and experienced within the digital web.

Additionally, the programme features Vertigo Dance Company’s performance One, One & One, choreographed by Noa Wertheim, and a dance workshop, supported by the Embassy of Israel in India.

A performance of Introducing...

Antigone, Interrupted by Scottish Dance Theatre will be presented during the virtual programme, with support from British Council India.

SA Virtual will also proactively engage with people from a range of demographics guided by a strong policy of diversity and inclusion and offering a selection of free workshops and conversations.

Highlights include craft artisan workshops including Phad, Madhubani, and Gond paintings, guided drawings, inclusive art workshops for children, DIY sensory engagement activities, Kite making, Scroll painting, Sanjhi paper cutting, recipes from Goan restaurants, and much more. Viewers will also get to attend Zoom talks and active engagements around the commissioned SA Virtual project. These talks or engagements will be with the artists and curators who are working on the project. Conversations also include roundtables on the iconic yesteryears arts and literary journal, The Modern Review, that shaped India’s political and cultural discourse as part of an upcoming research project called Text / Matters and exploring the print publics of the past and present.

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

TRAVELING TO MALDIVES DURING COVID-19 MALDIVES REOPENED ITS BORDERS TO TOURISTS OF ALL NATIONALITIES AND WELCOMED THEM BACK TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE

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he Maldives is a picture-perfect archipelago, situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and home to tiny coral islands that provide for natural isolation. The island nation is famous for its beauty and is celebrated as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

Due to the ongoing global pandemic, COVID-19, tourism had

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to come to a standstill and the country had to close its borders as part of the stringent public health measures taken to curb the outbreak.

After almost four months of closure, on 15th July, Maldives reopened its borders to tourists of all nationalities and welcomed them back to the sunny side of life.

As the world recovers from the

current situation, the government made the decision, fully confident in the safety measures and preparations to ensure the protection of tourists and people working in all tourist establishments. The resumption of the tourism industry was only given the go-ahead following extensive protocols, after important consultations with health professionals and relevant

stakeholders.

During the first phase, only resorts and liveaboards in uninhabited islands resumed operations.

The signature “one-island-oneresort” concept also ensures that visitors to the country are based in their respective resorts. Together, these unique arrangements make it easier for visitors to maintain social distancing, whilst enjoying a truly safe and secluded holiday.

On 15th October, guesthouses in inhabited islands resumed operations as well. Wearing masks is mandatory for tourists and locals at all times in these islands. The development of local tourism is further aided by the introduction of “Split-Stay.” At first, this was only permitted between resorts but as of 23rd October, the local Health Protection Agency (HPA) has permitted split stay between all tourist establishments, with prior approval as per the guidelines by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).

All tourist establishments have been regulated to ensure that they are in line with the COVID-19 tourism guidelines; a COVID-19 safe tourism guideline was issued by the Ministry of Tourism along with a certification program to uphold proper safety and hygiene standards.

In conjunction with the reopening of borders, a marketing campaign called “Rediscover Maldives…the Sunny Side of Life” was launched

by Visit Maldives, during a virtual campaign where top international media from 21 countries including the main source markets joined in. In September, the second segment of this campaign, “Rediscover Maldives Webinar Series”, also commenced in which 4 sessions targeted to different markets were conducted over a span of 2 weeks. During this webinar series, “A Dozen Must-do Experiences in Maldives” was also launched. The aim of this campaign was to take viewers on a spectacular journey www.tourismindia.org

with a dozen unique experiences; some of them only attainable in the Maldives. It also showcased the uniqueness of the destination and created excitement by giving a rare glimpse of the destination through videos on several online and social media platforms.

As of 14th October, there are 3 COVID-19 hospital facilities in the greater Male’ region with 263 beds and an additional 5 COVID-19 hospital facilities across the country with 183 beds. Currently, there are over 11,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with a total of 37 deaths. These cases are saturated in the greater Male’ region. Further to this, there are 21 active cases in inhabited islands and in 23 resorts, including 22 tourists and 34 staff.

However, the government, together with relevant stakeholders, are ensuring that the Maldives remains a safe haven for tourists to travel to and has enforced several measures to warrant this.

Firstly, all tourists are required to fill an online Traveler Health Declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure to the Maldives.

At first, a negative COVID-19 test result was not required but in 51 September, the government made it mandatory for all tourists to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate within 72 hours prior to departure to the Maldives. On 14th October, the government extended the validity time to within 96 hours prior to departure to the Maldives, easing access for tourists embarking on long-distance and time-consuming flights. Additionally, all tourists are required to wear masks and will undergo

thermal screening on arrival.

The Maldives has been gaining recognition in the efforts to make it a safe destination for travelers.

The country received the “Safe Travels Stamp” by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in recognition of the efforts to implement enhanced health and safety measures, in line with the WTTC global Safe Travels protocols.

Additionally, Velana International Airport received the ACI Airport Health Accreditation for consistent measures, which are in line with ACI’s standards in the “new normal” during the pandemic. Velana International Airport is the second airport in the Asia Pacific Region to receive Health Accreditation.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Allied Insurance, has also introduced the first COVID-19 Travel Insurance in the Maldives. This policy covers charges for services including isolation costs, medical treatment, and transportation costs to isolation/medical facilities and consists of two plans; “Allied Inbound” and “Allied Inbound Plus.” The package covers 7 or more days and can be purchased before arriving in the Maldives through the Allied Insurance website. More information can also be acquired through the toll-free hotline 1600.

There are indications of tourism recovery as the tourism sector continues to gather momentum in getting back to its normal level of operations. This is evident with increased flight movements and tourist arrivals, as they gradually increase.

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NEWS/ HOSPITALITY

LILY BEACH RESORT MALDIVES CALLING ALL INFLUENCERS! L

ily Beach Resort & Spa has just unveiled a new page on their website where influencers and key opinion leaders who want to partner with the resort to do a marketing campaign can go on and fill up.

If you are an Influencer who thinks that their brand is congruent with the brand of the resort and has some great ideas to market the resort to their 44

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respective followers in their respective markets do check out the page and fill it up and the resort will contact you shortly.

This new page will streamline the process so that the resort can work together with the best influencers that can add value to the brand and run some great marketing campaigns together.

Located at the island of Huvahendhoo, the 5-star all-inclusive

Lily Beach Resort and Spa presents luxurious villas and suites.

Set on the island of South Ari Atoll, Lily Beach Resort is a 25-minute seaplane ride away from Velana International Airport. It is the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept in the Maldives and the best all-inclusive resort in Maldives and Asia as per TripAdvisor.

The resort focuses on creating a luxurious experience that pro-

LILY BEACH RESORT & SPA NOW HAS A SPECIAL PAGE IN THEIR WEBSITE JUST FOR YOU! vides the best value for money due to its great Platinum Plan. The plan includes experiences like all-you-can-eat scrumptious buffets, excursions, and activities galore, and a great selection of drinks like premium wines and spirits from all across the world.

The resort offers two separate sets of experiences for both families and couples with an interesting layout of the resort into a quiet zone and a fun zone. A family holiday where the parents can indulge in some grown-up time too sounds like a page straight from a book of fiction but with Lily Beach’s Turtle Kids Club it is most definitely a fact.

From hermit crab races, crafts, water sport activities to treasure hunts, the little ones will have an absolute ball while parents take a well-deserved break with a diving trip, an indulgent spa treatment, or simply enjoying a cocktail together.

The heart of the experience is the team at Lily Beach whose impeccable personalised service is the key ingredient that keeps guests coming back as repeaters over the years. They are ready and waiting with their amazing smiles and dedication to keep providing the best possible service to their guests.

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

NEW ZEALAND’S

QUIRKIEST ANIMALS

Some of New Zealand’s greatest celebrities aren’t human. If you’re looking for a thumbless autograph, these are the hottest animals you can find around the country

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ome of New Zealand’s greatest celebrities aren’t human. If you’re looking for a thumbless autograph, these are the hottest animals you can find around the country.

It is no secret that New Zealand is home to the most diverse wildlife who have thrived in their natural habitats for many years.

Here is a list of some of the most

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iconic and unique creatures, no less than celebrities themselves!

Young Ken the kea – the famously cheeky indigenous mountain parrot – has been making a name for himself in the South Island town of Nelson since June, when he interrupted a horse-riding lesson. At the time, the Department of Conservation (DoC) asked residents not to feed or

play with him, worried Ken would be spoiled and unable to survive in the wild.

But Ken didn’t want to live in the wild. He is more at home with the picket fences and petunias of suburbia. He’s been spotted taunting pets, shooing humans off their own decks, and just generally “throwing things around and just having a good old play”.

There have been 12 sightings over the past month up and down the coast including in the middle of Nelson city itself. He’s recently been seen gazing longingly through windows at the people inside.

Mittens is a large Turkish Angora cat that reigns over central Wellington with a furry fist. Mittens have received the key to the city, been a calendar model, and was once in the running for New Zealander of the year; all this despite having no real achievements and a criminal record.

His daily promenades are broken up by naps in offices and libraries, and by the call of the car.

Mittens cannot resist the sweet sound of a car door opening and will come running for a kip in a motor vehicle. He is not always stopped by doors and has been known to jump through open car windows at stoplights.

A map of Mitten sightings marks his territory as from the outer suburbs across through the central city. The vagabond feline has become an official resident of the city, and it’s better to let him do his thing. He knows what he is doing.

A family of gigantic goats have become local celebrities in Auckland. Steve and Dave Jr (DJ), are comparable in size to small cows.

Steve is three years old, around two metres tall, and 106kg. Steve and DJ love a ride in the car and have been sighted around the city. The frequent farmers markets, searching for a bargain, and are often found at one of the city’s beaches laid out flat for a kip in the sun. “Steve is definitely aware that he is a celebrity,” said owner Grant Solley. “He can pose for the camera.”

DJ is only a year old, but he is not the baby of the family; that’s little Chips, three months old and already the cover girl of the local community Facebook page. She is named for the pile of woodwww.tourismindia.org

chips and afterbirth they found her buried under.

Wee baby Burt Chop didn’t have a mum, and the other sheep got a bit rough with the young lamb.

When he was moved into the human house for a bit of hand-rearing, Burt found where he belonged: with the dogs.

His owner, Naomi Abraham, describes him as “the most useless sheep on the farm”; but he is the most talented animal on this list.

This Romney sheep can jump, swim, and run like the wolves he thinks he descends from.

If you are driving past farms on the Banks Peninsula, keep an eye out for a sheep/dog wearing sunglasses – that’ll be the one and only Burt.

This $80,000 bird flies in a private plane, has his own island, and has done nothing to earn this sycophantic treatment. His greatest claim to fame is making love to the unwilling head of a zoologist in the middle of a Stephen Fry documentary. Though his will is strong, his skills are not; Sirocco has failed to produce any offspring in his 23 years.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) reckons he is worth the insurance money though; he is a marketing asset. Sirocco has

around 235,000 Facebook fans, making him almost four times as popular as the leader of the opposition, Judith Collins.

Sirocco loves a swim in the sea, a floret of broccoli, and staunchly refusing to be attracted to his own species. As a hand-reared parrot, he loves his human friends, and these days can be found hanging out at Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Dunedin.

The Little Penguin rehabilitation facility in Napier is home to some very good penguins – and some very naughty ones. Some of the penguins were abandoned as chicks, some were injured or became sick in the wild, and all of them have found a home with each other. The National Aquarium of New Zealand keeps track of how they’re adapting to their surroundings and gives out monthly awards for good behavior.

If the penguins’ sense of worth weren’t under enough pressure, there’s a Penguin of the Year competition that anyone in the world can vote on and this year, Captain, one of the nicest penguins and a real gentleman won the crown for Penguin of the Year 2020.

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NEWS / AUTOMOBILE

FORD ENDEAVOUR A BOLD NEW FACE OF ADVENTURE Ford Unveils A Special Sport Edition Of Endeavour At INR 35.10 Lakh; Donning bold, black exteriors, Ford Endeavour Sport, features several design enhancements to accentuate an already imposing stance and appeal

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onning bold, black exteriors, the much-awaited Sport Edition of Ford Endeavour is now ready to conquer any terrain. The special edition goes on sale across India at INR 35.10 lakh. Featuring a dozen impressive exterior changes, the Ford

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Endeavour Sport will be the new top trim variant in the Ford Endeavour vehicle lineup, available only with an all-wheel-drive or 4X4 driveline.

“Ford Endeavour Sport in black makes a bold statement – whether it is your regular commute

during the week or your off-road adventure during the weekend,” said Vinay Raina, executive director of marketing, sales & service at Ford India. “We are thankful to our customers for their faith in Ford Endeavour & hope the special edition Sport will strengthen

it further.”

Just one look and everyone will have their eyes set on the Ford Endeavour Sport’s impressive black and butch exterior, reminiscent of a black-cape donning invincible superhero whose might can conquer all, in this case, any terrain.

The special black edition smoked headlamps complete the Ford Endeavour Sport’s impressive look. Ford Endeavour features an all-LED headlamp for both low and high-beam that provide up to 20% greater lighting penetration for enhanced nighttime visibility.

The black theme is carried through to the side with ebony black ORVMs, fender grille, and dark inserts on side steppers. A smart SPORT decal will embellish the doors and tailgate. One of the most noticeable changes on the new Endeavour Sport is its ebony black premium alloy wheels and roof rails that make the SUV sporty yet elegant.

All variants of Ford Endeavour come with a factory-fitted, cloud-connected device that communicates with vehicle owners in real-time via the FordPassTM smartphone application.

The innovative feature gives drivers the ability to lock gears in the desired range to deliver an engaging and more controlled drive experience – especially in challenging driving situations such as slippery roads or steep off-roading conditions. Up to seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag, ensure all-around safety. Terrain Management System (TMS) with four preset modes – Normal, Snow/Mud/Grass, Sand, and Rock – that alter the vehicle’s throttle response, transmission, the four-wheel-drive system, and traction control to confidently tackle any situation. www.tourismindia.org

New top-trim to offer black smoked headlamps, ebony black front grille, black roof rails, new black alloys & special SPORT decals on doors & tailgate. Special edition to be a performance leader with powerful & efficient 2.0L EcoBlue engine, world’s first 10-speed AT, SelectShift® tech & Terrain Management System Progressive Range Select or SelectShift® on the Ford Endeavour is another first for the segment.

A panoramic sun-roof, covering up to 50% of the roof and Flexible seating and cargo arrangements – including fold-flat second- and 57 first-in-class power-fold thirdrow that can hold up to 2,010 liters of cargo.

The engine is mated to the world’s first 10-speed automatic transmission that is responsive, faster and facilitates smoother acceleration in all driving conditions. Progressive Range Select or SelectShift® on the Ford Endeavour is another first for the segment.

Ford’s renowned voice-enabled, in-car connectivity technology SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, Google Auto compatibility and First-inclass Active Noise Cancellation, a technology used in noise-cancelling headphones to help reduce low-frequency engine sounds from entering the cabin.

Semi-Auto Parallel Park Assist, push start button, handfree power lift rear gate, rear and front parking sensors, rear parking camera, automatic headlamps, automatic wipers, DRLs, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power-adjustable driver & front passenger seat.

Hill launch assist and hill descent control for better control going up or down a hill. Standard 3-year or 100,000 KM factory warranty, and scheduled maintenance cost as low as 73 paise per kilometer*The Ford Endeavour Sport will be available in three colours – Absolute Black, Diffused Silver, and Diamond White.

The Endeavour Sport will also offer Ford’s globally-renowned mobility and connectivity solution FordPassTM at no additional cost. Owners will be able to perform several vehicle operations -- like starting, stopping, locking, or unlocking the vehicle, know remaining fuel levels & distance to empty & locating their vehicle– remotely, via the FordPassTM app.

Introduced on the day of Equinox, a biannual astronomical alignment of the Sun and Earth when daytime & nighttime are of equal duration, the Ford Endeavour Sport too inspires its owners to strike a balance between their routine lives and the more adventurous side of their personality, which they rarely explore.

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