In-the-Issue

‘We are moving from fear to caution’

Thomas Cook India conducted its first M!CE roadshow in Mumbai recently, no doubt prompted by their corporate clients’ desire to return to normalcy, and having already conducted a few M!CE events. While virtual events may still be popular, it will, corporates say, will complement physical M!CE events in the months …

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Assam undertakes agent engagement

Assam Tourism, with the help of trade associations, recently conducted a workshop as well as a familiarisation tour for travel agents to inform them about new experiences and destinations in Assam. Around 14 travel agents participated in the tour. The Chief Guest of the workshop was Deba Kumar Misra, MD, …

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More airports to be privatised

Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is working towards reinstating of the tourist visa with other ministries, as well as privatising about 10 more airports starting financial year 2021-22. Nisha Verma Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, MoCA, has shared that the government is planning to privatise another six to 10 airports starting …

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MOT budget gets 61% hike

The annual budget allocation for FY 2021-22 is 61 per cent higher than the revised annual estimates of FY 2020-21, says Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism (MOT). He says that the budget will be used for various infrastructure projects and promotional activities for the tourism sector. Nisha Verma Arvind …

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APAC has hope, but mild

According to a PATA study, by the end of 2023, international visitor arrivals into and across APAC could return to 96 per cent of the volume of foreign arrivals received in 2019, albeit under a mild scenario. PATA’s report titled ‘Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2021-2023’ presents three growth prospects for …

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ITM 2021 packs a virtual punch

The third India Tourism Mart, to be held from February 18-20, will be quite different from its previous editions, besides being a virtual affair. Subhash Goyal, Honorary Secretary General, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), shares details. Nisha Verma Preparations for the first Virtual ITM are in …

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VisitBritain scores super innings

Keeping with the shared passion for cricket for both countries, the VisitBritain Cricket Carnival invites trade partners in India to form their ‘Dream Teams’ on the ‘Dream11’ App and participate in the tournament, as sports tourism continues to play an important role in driving future tourism into Britain. Hazel Jain …

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WITT to empower women

TAAI, along with DDP Group, has launched a new avenue and stream for women in the travel trade. Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, shares details on the initiative that has been aptly named ‘Women in TAAI and Travel’ (WITT). Nisha Verma Jyoti Mayal feels that the women in the tourism industry …

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Money matters for hotels

The Maharashtra hospitality sector is thankful for the industry status effective April 2021. But what about making finance available at a lower rate of interest with a longer gestation period, hoteliers ask. Hazel Jain In an event held in Mumbai recently, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India …

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India’s prowess…

Medical tourism, already on the rise, can be a game changer in the future if the government and travel trade unite. Nisha Verma India was booming as a medical tourism destination pre-COVID. By mid-2020, India’s medical tourism sector was estimated to be worth US$5-6 billion. In 2017, 495,056 patients visited …

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