Whereabouts June 2021

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Government will unveil various projects focusing on the revival, Kerala Tourism Minister "The government will implement all possible measures to ease the current problems being faced by the industry. Special marketing campaigns will be conducted once the second wave of Covid-19 recedes," said the Minister.

News Desk

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erala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas assured the stake-holders that the government will unveil various projects focusing on the revival of the vital sector ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, including special marketing campaigns. The Minister P A Mohamed Riyas was addressing a virtual meeting of representatives from various associations of Kerala Tourism and Hospitality sector including KTM and CII. The meeting was convened to elicit suggestions for revival of the industry that has been hit badly by the pandemic and work out plans for an impressive comeback. While addressing the stakeholders, the Minister said

P A Mohamed Riyas Tourism Minister Kerala

that the government will closely work together with the industry with the aim of doubling the tourists' arrival by 2025, and hoped that 2022 will be turn out to be a ‘Covid-19 Free Tourism Year’.

U. S. to resume student visa appointments for July & August News Desk

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tudent visas remain a top priority for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India. The Embassy is making every attempt to facilitate student travel in time for the fall semester. As such, on June 14, 2021 U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will open limited July and August student visa appointments at posts across India. Students beginning a new program with a program start date on or after August 1 may travel to the United States up to 30 days prior to the program start date and do not need to submit a request for a national interest exception. Continuing students may also resume their programs on or after August 1, and travel 30 days before their program resumption date. We are unable

to approve expedite requests for Fall 2021 students with scheduled appointments in July or August. If your appointment date may result in a potentially late start, please reach out to your school to discuss options.

KEY POINTS: US embassy intends to start intensive two months of interviews starting July 1st. Tens of thousands of interview slots would be available starting Monday, 14th June. Keep a close eye on the website to book your appointment. You need RTPCR test before 72 hours of flying. Currently, there is no need to quarantine. Type of vaccination currently depends entirely on individual schools. They might accept it or might ask you to get vaccinated once you reach campus.

The participants explained to the Minister how the pandemic had resulted in a severe setback for the entrepreneurs and all others engaged in the sector. They noted that unlike any other state, Kerala Government had provided total support and encouragement to the industry during the crisis. The Minister told them that the urgent task will be promoting internal tourism and the arrivals from other states. "Apart from completing the present projects on a time-bound manner, two

new heritage projects focusing on Ponnani and Aranmula will be planned and implemented quickly," he added. "The roads to tourism centres will be developed and more tourism circuits will be formed by connecting destinations. Through the socially-committed Responsible Tourism, the benefits of tourism sector will be made available to more people. The government's goal is to support the kind of tourism that brings benefits to entrepreneurs, tourists and local community alike," the Minister pointed out. Rani George, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism, V.R. Krishna Teja, IAS, Director, Tourism, and Biju BS, Dy. Director (Mktg) were also present.

KTM collaborates with Kerala Tourism to vaccinate stakeholders News Desk

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erala Travel Mart Society (KTM) is organizing a Covid Vaccination Drive in collaboration with the Kerala Tourism Department, to give priority to those who are working in the tourism sector. The aim is to make Kerala the first 100% tourism vaccinated state in India by providing complete vaccination to those working in the tourism sector and other tourism associates. To reach this goal Tourism Department has introduced priority vaccination for the age group of 18-44 years and has appointed nodal officers to carry out this task. In addition to this, district-wise KTM members have been appointed as liaison officers to assist nodal officers with this initiative.

a help desk to create more awareness. He requested that all members of the tourism sector to utilize this opportunity and get vaccinated. This will help our industry to prepare for the safe re-opening of the tourism sector in Kerala and restart our businesses soon.

Baby Mathew Somatheeram has informed that KTM has launched

June 2021 5


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