The National Tourism Policy, which had been in the pipeline for a long time, is now under the observation of various trade associations, as the Ministry of Tourism seeks suggestions and feedback from them. TRAVTALK spoke to association heads to understand the recommendations they plan to make. Subhash Goyal, Secretary …

They are high in demand, thanks to COVID-19, but charter flights are a tough job to pull off. Amidst lack of clarity about state and country-wide quarantine protocols and permissions, operators have to jump many hurdles to get the aircraft off the tarmac. Hazel Jain Even as one of the …

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of Tourism & Culture (I/C), claims that the COVID-19 crisis has given the Ministry of Tourism an opportunity to mend procedures for the future and put things in order. He adds that they have also been able to list more hotels with MOT during the crisis. …

Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel recently held meetings with travel, tourism and hospitality associations, seeking their view and suggestions on the future of travel and tourism in India and how to move forward. While suggestions have poured in from each association, it now boils down to a wait-and-watch game. Rajiv …

Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, says that as the country readies itself for the commencement of travel, it is essential for both government and industry to have a common voice that delivers the right message. She also shares some updates from the Ministry. Nisha Verma With travel …

SpiceJet has received the government’s nod to operate flights to the US and the UK. It has already operated over 450 charter flights to repatriate over 75,000 Indian nationals stranded abroad. The airline will also operate its first long-haul flight from Amsterdam to Bengaluru on August 1. Manas Dwivedi In …

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C), Tourism & Culture, says that it is imperative to increase the number of Buddhist tourists and pilgrims coming to the country, for which both government and industry need to work together and overcome shortcomings. Nisha Verma As the country grapples with a drop …

The first digital conclave themed “reselling tourism” concluded with a record number of viewers from the Middle East and Asia. There were two sessions; the first session included three personalities in the travel trade – Nasir Jamal Khan, Jamal Abdulnazar and Tarique Khatri. Shehara Rizly The three panellists mentioned the …

In order to keep the industry professionals well informed of all the initiatives taken for recovery post COVID. TRAVTALK conducted two digital conclaves with some of the eminent personalities in the industry. It also entailed the commendable leadership steps taken to open the country for international visitors. HE Khalid Jassim …

The Indian travel industry is still debating the refund process for air ticket cancellations, and agents are bearing the brunt. TRAVTALK dug deeper into the issue and inquired if being an IATA member helped relieve some of that burden and were they willing to renew their membership. While 82% agents …