Working from home has now paved the way for working from hotels, which has not only emerged as the latest trend but also as an innovative solution for hotels to earn revenue during the pandemic, as they offer special packages for corporates and have even tied up with co-working spaces. …

Government initiatives, need for multi-tasking, and his wish list, Madhavan Menon, Chairman & Managing Director of Thomas Cook (India), discussed a variety of issues in a free-wheeling, hour-long interview with TRAVTALK. He believes that we, as Indians, have it in our blood to adapt to changing dynamics of the world. …

Hazel Jain The Supreme Court has pronounced the verdict on the airline refund case that was led by Pravasi Legal Cell. It has accepted all recommendations made by DGCA regarding refund of airfare to passengers for tickets booked during the lockdown, whereby agents will get a full refund for tickets …

That is the question a lot of the travel agents are asking themselves these days. TRAVTALK speaks to IATA as well as the various national trade bodies to get their perspective to help our readers make an informed decision going forward. FY2020 saw 97% renewal of accredited agencies in India: …

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 …