TOURISM INDIA MAY 2022 DIGITAL

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WONDERFUL WORLD AVIATION ONLINE TECHNOLOGY

MAY 2022 VOL. 25 NO. 01 Pages 68

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KTM 2022

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Editor’s Note

T

Big Journeys Small Steps

he Pandemic is moving into a new phase as people get used to its endemic status. People are cautiously excited to get back to their favourite destinations and discover new ones as many plans to celebrate missed milestones and relive pre-pandemic traditions while others try to adapt to the new normal.

The last two years have taught us that nothing is permanent, and the future is uncertain. The only constant thing is change. People are taking these lessons to heart and traveling like there’s no tomorrow. Domestic Travel is seeing an uptick and Family reunion-style vacations are taking center stage this year.

This year feels markedly different than the last. More than just fabulous trips and extravagant itineraries, the focus is on why we travel. More and more, travellers are choosing to vote with their wallets and want their money to make a positive impact on the communities they visit and the environment. Travellers are more cognizant of supporting small businesses and actively seek out hotel brands that have sustainability initiatives.

Travel & Tourism stakeholders can take advantage of the growth in domestic and industry-specific segments to aid recovery. There are more varied opportunities for stakeholders to work together to adapt to the endemic nature of covid-19 and help business travel recover while also keeping safety in mind. Collaboration is essential and in addressing this challenge, speed and success will hinge on nurturing and developing existing partnerships, establishing new ones all the while improving upon sustainability initiatives.

In this new context, public-private cooperation, dialogue, and continued policy engagement will play a major role in the sector to successfully navigate the ebbs and flows of endemic COVID-19 to restore inter-

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national mobility and rebuild traveller confidence.

The use of mixed in-person/digital events has increased, and this adds to the overall inclusivity for more people who wouldn’t have been able to travel to events. Digitalization cannot replace in-person interaction of most events but is an important medium to consider in the long run. After two years of uncertainty, Arabian Travel mart and Kerala Travel Mart are back on the calendar this month.

The stage is all set for KTM 2022, acclaimed to be the country’s largest buyer-seller mart featuring products and services of Kerala. Kerala is no stranger to global attention with its breathtaking natural beauty, myriad hues of tradition, and enchanting culture.

Kerala’s public-private partnership in Tourism has always been a beacon and has set high standards for the country. Even though Kerala is a forerunner in sustainable Tourism, remaining sustainable remains a challenge.

New initiatives to reignite the sector, diversifying, shifting to more sustainable tourism models, and investing in new technologies could help to shape the recovery.

The path of recovery will differ country-wise, 5 and the pace and scope of recovery will change with global developments but there is very much to hope for.

Tourism India Magazine has completed glorious 24 years of uninterrupted publication in April 2022 and entering our SIlver Jubilee year, with the support of the Travel & Tourism partners globally especially from India. Thank you for being with us all these years and looking for better and meaningful tie-ups in the coming years too Rajani A Editor MAY 2022 TOURISM INDIA

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VOL. 25 NO. 01

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

Contents 12

RK ROJA TAKEN CHARGE AS TOURISM MINISTER OF ANDHRA PRADESH

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TAMILNADU TOURISM TO WOO GENERATION Z

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KERALA LAUNCHES COUNTRY’S FIRST WHATSAPP CHATBOT FOR TOURISTS

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KERALA ALL SET TO HOST KTM 2022 KERALA TOURISM HOLDS ROADSHOW IN EUROPE

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KARNATAKA TOURISM MULTI-CITY ROADSHOWS TO WOO DOMESTIC FOOTFALLS

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ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET RETURNS TO DUBA

BUSINESS & EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES NEW DELHI D Anilkumar +91 9868123311 MUMBAI K V Satyanath +91 9745598126 KOLKATA Jayasree Singh +91 943306033 BANGALURU Damodaran K Nair +91 8310955261

EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICE TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT. LTD VRA A -33/1, JAGATH NIVAS, VELLAYAMBALAM, 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 @2022 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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INDIA REMAINS KEY SOURCE MARKET FOR GCC’S INBOUND TRAVEL

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UNWTO CALLS ON START-UPS TO JOIN “AWAKE TOURISM CHALLENGE”

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CYBER SECURITY & CYBER RESILIENCE FOR THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM:WTTC

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HOTEL SUSTAINABILITY BASICS’ TO ADDRESS TOURISM’S IMPACT ON THE PLANET

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CHINESE TRAVELER SENTIMENT REPORT SPRING 2022

Contents

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POPULAR DESTINATIONS FOR SPRING TRAVEL 2022

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FORTUNE HOTELS EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN AHMEDABAD

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ANAND KASHI BY THE GANGES, AN IHCL SELEQTIONS HOTEL, IN RISHIKESH

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HILTON BOLSTERS ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR HILTON AND HILTON GARDEN INN

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CHARGE ZONE PARTNERS WITH MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

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SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD APPOINTS RENJIE WONG AS AREA DIRECTOR INDIA & SOUTH ASIA

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A JUNGLE EXPERIENCE INTURN A HABITAT

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MENTAL HEALTH, INEQUALITY AND TRUST: WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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ETIHAD AIRWAYS FIRST TO ADOPT IBS SOFTWARE’S NEW IFLY CORPORATE

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QATAR AIRWAYS AND INDIGO REACTIVATE STRATEGIC COOPERATION

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QATAR AIRWAYS STEPS INTO THE METAVERSE WITH ‘QVERSE’ AND SAMA

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TOURISM MALAYSIA ROADSHOW IN INDIA AFTER BORDER REOPENS

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MALDIVES LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN WITH THOMAS COOK INDIA 11

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INDIAN INFLUENCERS EXPLORES MALDIVES

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NEWS / NATIONAL

RK ROJA

TAKEN CHARGE AS TOURISM MINISTER OF ANDHRA PRADESH Well-known South Indian Cine-star turned politician vows to make Andhra a tourism hub

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ccompanied by family members, relatives and followers, YSR Congress Party’s fire brand leader and Member of Legislative Assem-

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bly from Nagari constituency Ms. R.K. Roja took charge as Tourism Culture and Youth Welfare Minister April 13, 2022 at her chamber in the second block at Secretari-

at in Velagapudi. She signed the first file pertaining to launch of a bus service between Gandikota, popu;ar;y known as Grand canyon of India and Bengaluru, the IT

hub of Asia.

Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister Ch. Venugopala Krishna has felicitated Roja after she assumed office.

Later, speaking to the media, the tourism minister stated that she will strive to develop Andhra Pradesh a leading tourism hub in the country. The Tourism Department has already started expediting several projects to complete them as per schedule.

Steps will also be taken to promote sports in the State in a big way. Special efforts will be made to tap the rural sports talent. Roja said the aim of the state government is to make Andhra Pradesh as one of the preferred and attractive destinations in ease of doing business, investments and a tourist-centric state of India. Tourism is a major engine of economic growth and important source of employment generation as well as foreign exchange earnings. It has great potential to create large scale employment of diverse kind, from the most unskilled to the most specialised. Andhra Pradesh is a land of abundant tourism potential.

In response to a question, RK Roja stated that Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy is the brand ambassador for tourism in AP, and that she intends to enhance the tourist sector through reforms.

‘We will focus on temple tourism and eco-tourism in particular.’ The state has a plethora of tourism resources. We’ll find them, nurture them, and grow their revenue.’ Minister Roja expressed this.

Mr. Roja also She said that AP has several prominent tourist destinations where developmental works were taken up. Efforts will be made to protect the interests of artistes of several fields and rural sports will be promoted, she added. The government will also take initiative to promote Telugu language and focus www.tourismindia.org

on welfare of artistes, she said.

She also added that the YSRCP leaders and workers have worked like soldiers for the party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to take forward the legacy of former chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy by bringing the YSRCP to power The state is blessed with 974 km coastline, the country’s second longest after Gujarat, perennial rivers, scenic backwaters,

hills and forests, ancient temples and Buddhist sites, and has a vibrant and rich culture and heritage, she explained. Special chief secretary Dr Rajat Bhargava extended greeting to the minister.

APTDC chairman, SAAP chairman, additional secretary, joint secretary, ED of APTDC, CEO, culture, director, youth affairs and other officials were present on the occasion.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

TAMILNADU TOURISM TO WOO GENERATION Z Tamilnadu Tourism has opened its doors to entrepreneurs and other professionals to design and host such festivals and events which help to boost the Tourism sector in the state

D

r. M Mathiventhan, a doctor turned Politician, Minister of Tourism, Government of Tamilnadu during a meeting with Ravisankar K.V, Managing Editor, Tourism India shared his ambitious plans for Tamil Nādu Tourism Industry. To revive the pandemic-affected Tourism industry, the state tourism department has identified 354 sites for up-gradation of existing infrastructure. The upgradation focus will be targeted at domestic and international youth. Strategy for Social media marketing will be aimed to target the attention of this millennium generation.

Activities and Events will be designed to attract Generation Z. Eco camping will be redesigned to the taste of this younger generation, Kolli and Jawadhu Hills are identified for eco-tourism activities like camping, trekking, and other outdoor activities. Adventure Tourism and Beach Tourism will be given greater emphasis. Latin American Balloon festival will be replicated in the state of Tamilnadu for which a team of Tourism professionals has already visited the famous Leon International Balloon Festival in Mexico.

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Tamilnadu Tourism has opened its doors to entrepreneurs and other professionals to design and host such festivals and events which help to boost the tourism sector in the state. Cruise Tourism from Chennai to Colombo will be announced, whereby Tamilnadu tourism will set foot for a giant leap in this segment.

More than giving Industrial Status to the Tourism sector, Tourism Ministry focuses on Branding, Community Development, Investor friendly norms, and skill development. Tourism accreditation for associations and entrepreneurs will be made easier and a simple process. As a means to attract Generation Z to the hotels and Resorts run by TTDC, the restaurants, and their Facilities will be renovated and upgraded keeping in mind this young and futuristic target group Generation Z. Renaming the Restaurants at the Hotels and Resorts run by TTDC is one major strategy the decision-makers have in mind. Names, décor, and menus that are appealing to both domestic and international

youth will be introduced. Ferry Tourism, Seaplane Tourism, and Caravan Tourism will be introduced in stages.

The whole ecosystem of the Tourism Industry in Tamilnadu will be enhanced by the various short-term skill development courses that will be introduced soon. These skill development courses will create new employment opportunities and will professionalize the entire manpower working in this industry. This skill development drive will again allow the existing professionals to learn new practices in the tourism Industry. Celebrity photographers will be invited to capture various destinations and new posters will be de-

signed and displayed in all the major airports in India and abroad.

The vision and ideas of Dr.Mathiventhan will drastically change the entire landscape of the Tourism industry in Tamilnadu. But for skiing, this state will have all the Tourism products that can attract the attention of tourists belonging to all age groups. These major steps can generate employment and revenue and Tamilnadu will always remain at the top of the table as the major Tourism friendly state in India not for the number of Domestic and International Tourists, but for the experience.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

KARNATAKA TOURISM MULTI-CITY ROADSHOWS TO WOO DOMESTIC FOOTFALLS The first leg of these B2B roadshows is being organized in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Lucknow on May 17th, May 21st, May 23rd, and May 25th respectively.

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ith an aim to increase domestic footfalls, the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka along with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. shall organise Multi-City Roadshows from May 2022 to November 2022 to promote Karnataka Tourism and Travel Industry, like various tourist places, hotels, resorts, homestays, Tour operators, and other service providers from Karnataka. KSTDC has identified 19 cities across the country, which are the key source market for domestic arrivals.

The first leg of these B2B roadshows is being organized in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Lucknow on May 17th, May 21st, May 23rd, and May 25th respectively. This exclusive B2B Roadshow will have over 15 stakeholders from Karnataka interacting with more than 00 travel agent’s/tour operators of the respective cities. The main objective of Karnataka Tourism is to promote the State as a destination for Leisure, MICE, Adventure, Wildlife, and Wedding Destination in the Indian market. KSTDC shall be the nodal agency to conduct the roadshows in various cities of India.

The Roadshow will have B2B interac16

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tions and presentations that will showcase the destination and also open up new avenues in bringing the destination in a new light to the travel and trade community. The cultural performance will be organised to showcase the vibrant art forms that Karnataka is known for. The Roadshow will bring together different aspects of Karnataka tourism such as Nature, Wildlife, Adventure, Pilgrimage, Heritage and cultural heritage, and many more.

Karnataka is home to a large and exciting portfolio of globally acclaimed tourism products with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, splendid wildlife and resplendent nature, and virgin beaches to adorn. The Roadshow series will provide the impetus to domestic inbound travel and would enhance the marketing efforts of Karnataka Tourism to promote our destinations to the travel trade.

Mr. G. Jagadeesha, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation said “Karnataka with its diverse range of products is fast emerging as one of the most interesting and productive states for the travel trade, both for leisure and business travel. Domestic Tourism is the backbone of the Tour-

ism economy and has a lot of potentials that needs to be tapped. Post-pandemic, these Roadshow activities will be an excellent occasion for our stakeholders to renew contacts with the travel trade across India.”

Karnataka – One State, Many Worlds, which is well known for silk, milk, coffee, honey and many more is being showcased in a magnificent manner through 25 different boutiques, each displaying tourism circuits, handicrafts, cuisines, art, craft, culture, handlooms, etc. from Karnataka. Famed Mysuru silk, Dharwad Kasuthi, rosewood inlay, and sandalwood articles, Ganjifa paintings, mirror embroidery, Spices, Bidriware, terracotta items, honey, wine .

The State offers an avid traveller a vast range of tourism landscapes including heritage, archaeology, religion, wildlife, ecotourism and handicrafts. The Roadshow presented an ideal platform for the suppliers to provide information, and to interact directly with leading tour operators, key decision-makers from the industry, airline representatives and travel agents.

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NEWS /NATIONAL

KERALA LAUNCHES COUNTRY’S FIRST WHATSAPP CHATBOT FOR TOURISTS Send ‘Hi’ to WhatsApp No 7510512345 to get all info; More novel products on anvil: Kerala Tourism Minister

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n a country first, Kerala Tourism has launched its 24x7 WhatsApp

chatbot ‘Maya’ to enable tourists to access all information and updates about the tourism ecosystem in the state by just sending a ‘Hi’ to the WhatsApp no 7510512345, or by scanning the QR code to access the service.

Launching the dedicated WhatsApp interactive service at a function here, Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Kerala said Maya will serve as a virtual travel assistant for tourists to ask for and get complete information they need for a hassle-free travel experience in the state.

“The chatbot service, which leverages the potential of the technology for tourism development, will help attract more tourists to Kerala. The tourists can easily access a whole lot of information regarding the prime attractions in each place, our cultural diversity, culinary traditions of different regions and the 18

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routes and means for transport to reach various places”, the Minister said.

After the launch of Caravan Tourism, Kerala is also exploring the possibilities of more new products like heli-tourism and cruise tourism for holidayers.

While promoting the new products, the state is also paying due attention to the proper maintenance of established destinations, especially their hygiene and quality of services, he said.

Mr. V.K. Prasanth MLA, who presided over the function, said the Chatbot service is an effective medium to tell tourists across the world about our destinations and products.

Mr. V.R. Krishna Teja IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism said it is the responsibility of the tourism administration to ensure that tourists can easily access all information on a virtual platform regarding the place they are in or planning to visit. ‘Maya’ is the outcome of the timely intervention of the state Tourism Department to achieve this goal, he said.

Maya shares all information on destinations, experiences, stay, travel, and a whole lot of details that will keep them updated about the places they travel through or stay, in any part of Kerala.

Maya also assists tourists to know about the experience-oriented locations, never-miss spots, historical places, ecotourism, arts and culture hubs, festivals, local food, visa information, Covid protocol, weather updates and provides links to the official Kerala Tourism social media pages To connect and start chatting with Maya, the users only need to send a ‘Hi’ on the WhatsApp platform. They can scroll through the menu and decide on which options to explore further.

Mr. PA Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala launching Kerala Tourism’s Chatbot, Maya at Mascot Hotel Trivandrum. Also seen are Mr. V.K. Prasanth MLA and Mr. VR Krishna Teja, Director, Kerala Tourism

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NEWS / NATIONAL

KERALA ALL SET TO HOST KTM 2022 Buyers from 69 countries to attend the high-profile meet

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erala is all set to host Kerala Travel Mart 2022 from May 5 to 8 at Sagara and Samudrika convention centres in the Willing-

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don. Island,Cochin. The four-day fair will kick off on May 5 with Mr, Pinarayi Vijayan Chief Minister of Kerala inaugurating the fair and Mr P.A.

Mohamed Riyas Tourism Minister, Govt of Kerala chairing the function at Grand Hyatt in Bolgatty.

Being held after a hiatus of two

Curtain-raiser of second edition of Champions Boat League (CBL) at inaugural event years caused by the COVID pandemic, the Mart will be attended by delegates from 69 countries to engage in 55,000 business interactions.

Adding glitz to the opening session will be a sample show of the second edition of the Champions Boat League (CBL) being organised by Kerala Tourism. The IPL-modelled snake-boat race is scheduled to begin ahead of the Onam festival after the monsoon.

The day after the inauguration, the KTM-2022 venue will shift to the Willingdon Island, where Sagara and Samudrika convention centres will hold two days of hectic business meets. The concluding day on May 8 will provide public access to the pavilions in the two venues for five hours from 1 pm, Mr K S Srinivas IAS, Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism, said the post-pandemic situation is favourable for Kerala Tourism to regain its vitality and charm as other states are giving pretty good competition to Kerala.

He added that KTM-2022 would set the stage for the state to showcase its strength in the tourism sector before a global audience.

Mr V R Krishna Teja, Director, Kerala Tourism, said the curtain-raiser of the second edition of Champions Boat League (CBL), caravan tourism and adventure tourism are some of the key attractions of KTM-2022, which will be conducted adhering to all safety protocols.

A green event spread over an area of 1.5 lakh square feet, KTM will facilitate 55,000 business interactions, KTM Society President Shri Baby Mathew said. “While delegates from 69 countries are set to participate, KTM-2022 will have buyers from 25 states within the country.

Domestic buyers total 1,000, while www.tourismindia.org

those from abroad will be no less than 240,” he said.

Seminars on various topics led by officials, experts and stakeholders will also be held on the sidelines of the event. The mart will also feature exhibitions on key tourism themes.

Amid hopes of a revival in post-pandemic travel, KTM is expected to trigger attraction for visitors after two years of the global slide. The meet will be attended by a large

contingent of journalists, including 33 from abroad, and 75 vloggers.

Sustaining the spirit of the recent launch of the state government’s ‘Karavan Kerala’, the upcoming edition of KTM will have caravan tourism and adventure tourism among its focal themes. Alongside, the internationally-acclaimed Responsible Tourism, too, will receive prominent attention.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

KERALA TOURISM HOLDS ROADSHOW IN EUROPE B2B meets register impressive turnout of Italian and Spanish tour operators

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fter a hiatus of two years caused by the COVID pandemic, Kerala Tourism organised its first B2B meet in the Spanish capital Madrid and the

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Italian city of Milan, showcasing a range of its new tourism initiatives and popular destinations before the leading stakeholders of tourism and hospitality indus-

try in the two European cities.

The annual BIT Milan Trade Fair, held during April 10-12, was another event in which Kerala participated to build confidence in

the market and include the state back in the itineraries of tourists from the European continent.

Dr. Venu V, Addl Chief Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of Kerala, who led the delegation, gave a detailed presentation on the state and its way forward to attract tourists in a big way. Shri VR Krishna Teja, Director, Kerala Tourism, was the other member of the official delegation.

“The shows were part of the state’s ongoing promotional activities to consolidate its position in the European market and send out a loud and clear message to the tourists that God’s Own Country is once again as hospitable and safe as it used to be in the pre-pandemic times,” Dr. Venu said.

“The feedback from Kerala’s trade partners, who attended the roadshows, has been very pos-

itive. It has also reaffirmed the effectiveness of B2B meets,” he added.

Mr. Dinesh K. Patnaik, Indian Ambassador to Spain, attended the Madrid B2B Meet on April 5, while Ms. T. Ajungla Jamir, Consul General of India in Milan, attended the roadshow in Milan on April 7and also visited the Kerala stand at BIT Milan. Qatar Airways was the Official Partner of Kerala Tourism at the Milan Roadshow.

Mr. Krishna Teja said “ The two roadshows were quite successful. Active B2B discussions also took place on the stand at the Milan trade fair. There was an impressive turn-out of Italian and Spanish tour operators and travel agents at both the roadshows who showed an enthusiastic interest in Kerala’s new tourism initiatives besides its traditional tourist destinations.”

The B2B meets, also witnessed active participation from Kerala’s trade partners in the private sector. The trade partners at the roadshows were Ayurveda Mana, CGH Earth, Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village, Pioneer Personalized Holidays, and Somatheeram Ayurveda Group.

By organising the roadshows, Kerala Tourism also leveraged the opportunity to tap the opening of international flights and free visas offered to foreign tourists as announced by the Indian government.

A total of 18,947 tourists from Spain visited Kerala in 2019, registering an increase of 20 percent compared to the previous year and the state witnessed arrivals of 28,046 tourists from Italy.

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET RETURNS TO DUBAI

With 1,500 exhibitors, representatives from 112 destinations, and an anticipated 20,000 attendees

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he 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is ready to welcome the world to the UAE from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 May 2022. at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in collabora-

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tion with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). ATM 2022 will host 1,500 exhibitors, representatives from 112 global destinations, and an anticipated 20,000 attendees. The live show

will be followed by ATM Virtual, which will run from Tuesday 17 to Wednesday 18 May 2022.

In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘The future of international travel and tourism’, ATM

2022 will feature a huge selection of sessions and events, enabling industry professionals from around the world to discuss current trends and explore longterm opportunities within the fields of travel, transportation, tourism, hospitality, events, attractions and more., Kerry Prince Chief Growth Officer, RX said: “Business travel expenditure in the Middle East is forecast to rise by 32% this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and these figures underscore the positive sentiment, that we’ve experienced throughout the region.

The show floor at this year’s edition will be over 85% larger than ATM 2021. This growth is thanks to the expansion of several sectors- and region-specific zones, including Travel Tech (380%); hotels (71%); the Middle East (57%); Africa (56%); Asia (50%); and Europe (49%).

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) commented: “Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism is pleased to be part of this significant fixture in the global tourism calendar and is looking forward to discussing and exploring opportunities for sustainable growth, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai the most visited destination and the best city in the world to live and work in. Since reopening to the global market in July 2020, Dubai has never looked back. As the host city, we welcome our industry partners and travel and tourism professionals to this vibrant networking environment to share experiences, insights, and best practices to reinvigorate tourism growth in a post-pandemic www.tourismindia.org

world. With Dubai continuing to lead the recovery of the international business events sector, it is also important that we recognise the steadfast support of all our stakeholders and partners, which has helped further enhance the trust that international travellers have placed in the city as a global destination that is open, safe and accessible.”

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market, said: “ATM 2022 will see a diverse range of industry leaders take to the stage, offering expert insights on trends, challenges, and opportunities from across our sector.

“Our opening session, for instance, which will be moderated

by CNN’s Eleni Giokos, will feature Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing; Scott Livermore, Chief Economist at Oxford Economics; and Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President – Middle East, Africa, and Turkey at Hilton.”

One of many show highlights, the revamped and rebranded ATM Travel Tech event, previously called Travel Forward, has undergone a year-on-year expansion of almost 400%. In addition to the latest travel technology products and services, the ATM Travel Tech

Stage will host a series of seminars, debates, and presentations focused on the long-term trajectory of tourism in the Middle East.

ATM 2022 will include in-depth buyer forums dedicated to India and Saudi Arabia, enabling attendees to explore trends and potential opportunities within both key markets. The show floor will also feature live interviews with aviation and hospitality experts; debates on the future of sports, city, and responsible tourism; digital influencer networking; best stand awards; and the return of ILTM Arabia, with its focus on the lucrative luxury travel market.

The upcoming edition of ATM will coincide with Arabian Travel Week, a festival of events dedicated to enabling travel professionals from all over the world to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches, and networking events.

ATM 2022’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, and Emaar Hospitality Group as the Official Hotel Partner.

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INDIA REMAINS KEY SOURCE MARKET FOR GCC’S INBOUND TRAVEL GlobalData analysts predict India’s outbound trips will hit 29 million by 2025 and India remained biggest source market for Dubai in 2021, with 910,000 visitors

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s Indian flight queries for the UAE and Egypt witness a significant uptick, and the country retains its position as Dubai’s biggest source market, India’s tourism sector will be a key focus for delegates, exhibitors and attendees at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 May. With India’s travel industry projected to account for 29 million outbound trips per year by 2025, according to analysis from GlobalData, and ResearchandMarkets.com predicting its outbound tourism market will surpass $42 billion by the end of 2024, ATM 2022 will offer a timely opportunity to explore the vast potential offered by the country’s travel, tourism and hospitality sector.

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of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows that the country ranked top of the emirate’s source market list for 2021, accounting for 910,000 inbound visitors, and short-haul flight queries for destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Egypt have witnessed a 30 percent uptick among Indian tourists, according to Thomas Cook (India).

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market, said: “The global pandemic had a major impact on India’s travel sector but, as our industry’s global post-pandemic recovery continues to gather pace, Indian tourists appear eager to return to their favourite Middle Eastern destinations. We are excited to explore the vast potential of this vital source market as part of our dedicated buyer forum at ATM 2022.”

The number of inbound tourists travelling from India to the UAE has witnessed a 50 percent increase of late, with VFS Global processing 40,000 travel visas since Dubai reopened its borders following the pandemic. With a buyer forum dedicated exclusively to India, attendees, exhibitors and delegates at ATM 2022 will have ample opportunity to take a deep dive into the country’s tourism, travel and hospitality industry, examining current and future trends, and exploring the ways in which destinations across the Middle East can capitalise on this important source market.

ATM 2022 will also host a range of high-profile exhibitors from India, including India Tourism, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, ITC Hotels, Le Passage to India Tours and Travels, Vervotech Solutions, Qtech Soft-

ware, TI Infotech, and WebEngage/ Webklipper Technologies amongst others.

“With the reopening of the Indian skies, flights to and from India now reach 3,250 flights per week by 66 airlines. Emirates alone is now back to pre-pandemic frequencies, operating 170 weekly flights to nine cities, which underscores the importance of the Indian market for the region.

“ATM 2022 offers the ideal forum in which to explore synergies between the GCC and Indian tourism sectors, and to identify opportunities to grow inbound travel in the future,” she added.

In addition to the dedicated India forum, ATM 2022 will also feature sessions focused on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Now in its 29th year and working in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai’s Department of Economy

and Tourism (DET) – formerly the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) – ATM show highlights in 2022 will include, among others, a destination summit focused on the key source market of India, as well as Saudi Arabia.

Previously called Travel Forward, the revamped and rebranded ATM Travel Tech event will take place on the ATM Travel Tech Stage, hosting seminars, debates and presentations as well as the inaugural ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition.

The dedicated ARIVALDubai@ATM forum, meanwhile, will cover current and future trends for tour operators and attractions, focusing on growing business through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership and executive-level connections.

ATM will once again play an integral role in Arabian Travel Week, a festival of events dedicated to en-

abling travel professionals from all over the world to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

The UAE remains one of the most Covid-secure countries on the planet, with consistently low case rates and robust measures to ensure tourists’ safety at every stage of their visit. Like its neighbouring emirates, Dubai is committed to maintaining the highest hygiene and safety standards. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has endorsed its pandemic management, awarding the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp.

In line with the UAE government’s forward-thinking transition to a four-and-a-half-day, Monday-to-Friday workweek, this year’s edition of ATM will commence on Monday 9 May.

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UNWTO CALLS ON START-UPS TO JOIN “AWAKE TOURISM CHALLENGE” The return of tourism is a chance to awaken its potential to transform lives

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NWTO has launched the second edition of its global flagship competition under the name of “Awake Tourism Challenge”. The competition will identify innovators who are advancing solutions to 6 different challenges, as well contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For the 2022 challenge, UNWTO will focus on specific areas that can help the recovery of the tourism sector in a disruptive way, and which deserve extra attention right now, namely: Community involvement: 80% of people living in ‘extreme poverty’ live in rural communities while domestic, rural and ecotourism have emerged as the most popular travel choices.

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protect natural ecosystems.

Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation: Sustainable capital has the potential to optimize resource usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a competitive advantage for businesses.

Tourism Tech for Good: Advancements in technology have

revolutionized the sector, especially since the start of the pandemic.

Artificial Intelligence, crypto, blockchain, metaverse, and NFTs are welcome in this category.

Tourism Education: Despite representing 10% of the world’s jobs, there is a need for updated data, and new tools for education and skills development.

Women Empowerment: Women tend to be concentrated in the lowest-paid and lowest-status jobs in tourism. Startups with a gender focus can be an important contributor to equality.

Organized in collaboration with Wakalua, the first global innovation hub for tourism, powered by Ávoris, the competition also counts on the support of a number of major partners, including; SPARK, the Innovation Hub of Les Roches from the Sommet Education group,

and Ankh Impact Ventures (AIV), an impact-driven venture capital investment platform with gender and racial equity lens. It also counts on strong public and private sector backing, with Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism, Singapore Tourism Board, KPMG, MasterCard, Amadeus, IE University, Telefonica, Wayra, ClarkeModet, The Fargo, BBVA, MentorDay, Finnova, Google for Startups, The Valley Digital Business School, the Future Food Institute and the Inter-American Development Bank all on board.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashviki said: “The return of tourism is a chance to awaken its potential to transform lives. UNWTO is calling on startups everywhere to put forward their ideas for meeting the biggest challenges our sector is facing and for making tourism a champion of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The 12 most disruptive startups (2 for each of the Challenges) will be given support to scale up.

UNWTO will present the best ideas to its Member States, Affiliate Members, and investors, providing them with a unique networking opportunity. Additional benefits include the chance to pitch at a special UNWTO Demo Day and access to technical support and to the UNWTO Innovation network, as well as a curated mentorship program with both one-on-one and group training sessions on key topics such as Intellectual Property, sustainability in business and leadership, possible seed funding for female Startup founders from Ankh Impact Ventures, and incubation for 3 months at the SPARK Innovation Lab. For the 2022 challenge, UNWTO will focus on specific areas that can help the recovery of the tourism sector in a disruptive way, and which deserve extra attention right now, namely: Community involvement: 80% of people living in ‘extreme poverty’ live in rural communities while domestic, rural and ecotourism have emerged as the most popular travel choices.

Green and blue economies: Tourism can be a source of economic opportunities and at the same time www.tourismindia.org

Participants were private and public sector as well as the Ambassadors to Andorra or Spain of Cabo Verde, Bulgaria, France, GuineaBissau, Kazakhstan, Spain and Saudi Arabia protect natural ecosystems.

Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation: Sustainable capital has the potential to optimize resource usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a competitive advantage for businesses.

Tourism Tech for Good: Advancements in technology have revolutionized the sector, especially since the start of the pandemic.

Artificial Intelligence, crypto, block chain, metaverse, NFTs are welcome in this category.

Tourism Education: Despite representing 10% of the world’s jobs, there is a need for updated data, and new tools for education and skills development.

Women Empowerment: Women tend to be concentrated in the lowest paid and lowest status jobs in tourism. Startups with a gender focus can be an important contributor to equality.

29 Organized in collaboration with Wakalua, the first global innovation hub for tourism, powered by Ávoris, the competition also counts on the support of a number of major partners, including; SPARK, the Innovation Hub of Les Roches from the Sommet Education group, and Ankh Impact Ventures (AIV), an impact-driven venture capital investment platform with a gender and racial equity lens. It also counts on strong public and private

sector backing, with Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism, Singapore Tourism Board, KPMG, MasterCard, Amadeus, IE University, Telefonica, Wayra, ClarkeModet, The FarCo, BBVA, MentorDay, Finnova, Google for Startups, The Valley Digital Business School, the Future Food Institute and the Inter-American Development Bank all on board.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashviki said: “The return of tourism is a chance to awaken its potential to transform lives. UNWTO is calling on startups everywhere to put forward their ideas for meeting the biggest challenges our sector is facing and for making tourism a champion of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Startups are invited to participate provided that they are apply to 1 of the 6 challenges Include 1 or more SDGs. Startups that are innovative in nature and provide value-added solutions, sustainability-driven scalable, potential for international growth and potential to be applied in corporations and destinations (countries, regions) and an Early Stage or Series A startups, accelerated before and have a tested pilot and business plan with a full-time team already in place can participate.

The 12 most disruptive startups (2 for each of the Challenges) will be given support to scale-up.

UNWTO will present the best ideas to its Member States, Affiliate Members and investors, providing them with a unique networking opportunity. Additional benefits include the chance to pitch at a special UNWTO Demo Day and access to technological support and to the UNWTO Innovation network, as well as a curated mentorship programme with both one-on-one and group training sessions on key topics such as Intellectual Property, sustainability in business and leadership, possible seed funding for female Startup founders from Ankh Impact Ventures, and incubation for 3 months at the SPARK Innovation Lab. Applications are now open and will close 31 June 2022. The winning startups will be announced in October.

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CYBER SECURITY & CYBER RESILIENCE

FOR THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM:WTTC Report outlines pillars to strengthen cyber security for businesses around the world

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TTC has launched a major new report at its Global Summit in Manila, to help the sector’s stakeholders understand how cyber resilience is shaping the Travel & Tourism sector and plan for a safer and more robust future.

The report, ‘Codes to resilience’, in joint efforts with Microsoft, draws on comprehensive research and indepth interviews with cyber security experts in leading Travel & Tourism Organisations such as Mastercard, JTB, and Carnival Corporation, among others.

The report shows that whilst the 30

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COVID-19 pandemic has propelled the world and the sector into a more digital future, with the opportunities provided by digitalisation, new challenges have emerged, especially in cybercrime.

The inaugural report focuses on three key areas considered critical for the sector: cyber resilience, key issues, and six best practices based on the lessons learned prior to and during the pandemic.

The report goes on to show how digitalisation has become a strong enabler of business within Travel & Tourism, and given the international nature of the sector, it looks at the

role of legislation around individual data protection.

According to the report, more than seven out of 10 (72%)SMEs in the UK, the U.S., and Europe, have fallen victim to at least one cyberattack, and with SMEs representing 80% of all Travel & Tourism businesses, mitigating cyber risk must remain a priority for the sector.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Technology and digitalisation play a key role in making the whole travel experience more seamless, from booking a holiday to checking in for a flight or embarking

on a cruise. “But the impact of cyberattacks carries enormous financial, reputational and regulatory risk.”

This critical report reveals four key issues to address in order to improve cyber protection and enhance resilience: securing identity data, securing business operations, understanding the impact of COVID-19, and managing global legislation.

According to the report, certain actions can help businesses better prepare to repel an attack, while laying the foundation to support longterm cyber resilience. Educating and training all staff, expanding risk security beyond the physical workplace, employing a zero-trust approach to cyber security, and transparency, among others, have been recommended by industry experts as good practices.

Cyber resilience is a crucial element of the future of Travel & Tourism, as cyber systems continue to facilitate and enhance activities among the sector’s stakeholders.

This critical report reveals four key issues to address in order to improve cyber protection and enhance resilience: securing identity data, securing business operations, understanding the impact of COVID-19, and managing global legislation

During a panel session at the tourism body’s Global Summit event being held in Manila, industry leaders heard that cybercrime has cost the global economy U.S.$1 trillion and could reach a staggering U.S. $90 trillion by 2030.

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report, in 2019, before the pandemic stopped travel in its tracks, the Travel & Tourism sector generated more than the U.S. $9.6 trillion for the global economy.

However, in 2020, the pandemic brought the sector to an almost complete standstill, causing a massive 50% drop, representing a severe loss of nearly U.S. $4.5 trillion. Digitisation has played and will continue to play a pivotal role in Travel & Tourism’s growth and recovery from COVID-19. It is therefore essential for the sector to integrate cyber security and cyber resilience to continue its recovery from the pandemic while supporting its growth in the future.

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‘HOTEL SUSTAINABILITY BASICS’ TO ADDRESS TOURISM’S IMPACT ON THE PLANET T

‘HSBasics’ provides a starting point to drive sustainability in hospitality Criteria include 12 actions that are fundamental to hotel sustainability

he World Travel & Tourism Council has launched its ‘Hotel Sustainability Basics’, a globally recognised and coordinated set of criteria that all hotels should implement as a minimum to drive responsible Travel & Tourism.

The initiative was launched at its prestigious Global Summit being held in Manila and will help every hotel address and improve its environmental impact.

Developed by the industry for the industry, it highlights 12 actions that are fundamental to hotel sustainability and will help raise the base level of sustainability across the entire hospitality industry by providing every hotel a starting point on their sustainability journey.

The initiative has already gained support from major global groups such as Jin Jiang International (Holdings) Co., Ltd. including their affiliates Jin Jiang Hotels, Louvre Hotels Group, Radisson Hotel Group, Accor, Barceló Hotel Group, Meliá Hotels International, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), as well as key hotel associations around the world like the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the Hotel Association of India (HAI) and many 32

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more. Collectively this represents more than 50,000 hotels around the world.

WTTC’s ‘Hotel Sustainability Basics’ provides the global hospitality sector with a baseline of positive actions to be taken to ensure they meet at least the minimum sustainability requirements.

However, this is just the beginning of their journey, and WTTC urges the sector to seek constant improvements beyond the 12 basic criteria so that every hotel, whether an individual business or part of a larger group, moves on to more advanced frameworks and greater sustainability.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are launching the Hotel Sustainability Basics to ensure no hotel, however small, is left behind in the drive to introduce a basis sustainability measures within a minimum level the next three years.

“Sustainability is non-negotiable but not every small hotel has access to the science on how to make a difference. This gives everyone access to a global standard and provides consumers to travel to conferences.

WTTC wants the hospitality industry to lead by example so that

sustainability becomes the basic requirement used to drive change forward for this generation and the next.”

The criteria, developed by WTTC in close collaboration with leading global brands and industry associations, focus on actions that are fundamental to hotel sustainability and address tourism’s impact on the planet across a spectrum of critical issues.

These criteria include actions to measure and reduce energy use, measure and reduce water use, identify and reduce waste, and measure and reduce carbon emissions.

It also includes a linen reuse program, the use of green cleaning products, the elimination of plastic straws, stirrers, and single-use plastic water bottles, the implementation of bulk amenity dispensers, as well as measures to benefit local communities.

WTTC is now calling upon hotel operators, owners, associations, and investors around the world to officially support the initiative and work across their networks to implement the criteria over the coming three years.

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CHINESE TRAVELER SENTIMENT REPORT SPRING 2022 B

The Spring 2022 China Traveler Sentiment Report is published by Dragon Trail Research

etween 9-and 14 March 2022, Dragon Trail Research surveyed 1,011 mainland Chinese travelers about their travel preferences and behavior, including appraisals of outbound destinations, opinions about China’s quarantine-on-arrival policy, and domestic travel experience.

The spring 2022 sentiment survey came at a point where global pandemic controls were being lifted significantly, but Chinese domestic outbreaks were on the rise. News reports in China showed the advent of war in Europe. Under these circumstances, it’s not surprising that more than half of the survey respondents

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were not planning to travel.

Yet at the same time, sentiment around “eager to travel” also grew significantly since Dragon Trail’s last traveler survey in September 2021.

Perceptions around the safety of international travel destinations also improved across the board – for each and every country on the list.

Quarantine-on-return remains the biggest obstacle to outbound tourism, and our spring 2022 survey reveals shifting attitudes towards this policy. Compared to September 2021, an increasing number of travelers would prefer quarantine to either be relaxed or stay the same, with fewer calling for stricter mea-

sures. At the time of writing, it has been announced that a number of cities in China will in fact reduce hotel quarantine for inbound travelers to 10 days, down from 14.

In other areas, Chinese travelers remain extremely consistent: Independent travel is now strongly preferred over traditional large-group tourism, and nature tops the list of preferred travel themes.

This report also includes a detailed look at two major travel themes for domestic Chinese tourism: Winter sports, and travel to the island province of Hainan. While both are popular – with the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics giving a major boost to snow and ice tourism this year – our survey findings reveal significant potential for continued growth.

Despite China’s zero-COVID policies and current restrictions, travelers have not lost their taste for adventure, and even appear to be relaxing their concerns about international travel – good news as the travel industry continues to await the country’s long-anticipated reopening.

POPULAR DESTINATIONS FOR SPRING TRAVEL 2022 T

The rebound for travel continues at a strong pace

raveling solo? Planning a romantic getaway? Looking for some family fun? Whatever type of travel you have in mind, CheapOair’s newest list of top ten destinations for travel in April and May, 2022 will inspire you. The brand also identifies some differences in the popularity of destinations when comparing the results for solo travelers, couples, and families.

From the top ten lists, the first five destinations are the same for the three traveler types addressed.

However, rankings vary by each group. For solo travelers, New York City is the most booked destination for springtime travel. Couples are opting for Las Vegas as their preferred locale, and not surprisingly, families are twice as likely to be visiting Orlando than the number two city in the family top ten.

Families are also more likely to be venturing to other countries. Cancun, Mexico City, and Guadalajara all make an appearance on CheapOair’s list of most-booked destinations by family travelers.

Solo Travelers –New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, Las Vegas, Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago, Miami, Houston,

www.tourismindia.org

Washington DC, Atlanta Dallas Couples -Las Vegas, New York Orlando, Los Angeles, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Chicago, Houston, Denver, San Juan PR, Dallas Families - Orlando, New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, San Juan PR, Cancun, Mexico City, Chicago, Guadalajara “Getting away this spring is top of mind for travelers of all types,” comments Glenn Cusano, Fareportal CFO and Co-CEO. “We expect to see increasing consumer interest in travel to the extremely popular destinations that made our spring top ten lists, and locations worldwide, as public confidence in the safety of travel continues to grow. And to make it easier to decide to travel, consumers can visit CheapOair to view current covid-related 35 safety policies by destination.”

The rebound for travel continues at a strong pace. According to the TSA’s latest numbers,passengers going through travel checkpoints at US airports in March of 2022 has now reached 87% of 2019 traveler counts.

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FORTUNE HOTELS EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN AHMEDABAD Branded as Fortune Select SG Highway Ahmedabad, the upscale hotel is set to further strengthen Fortune Hotels’ robust portfolio in Gujarat

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ortune Hotels has opened its third hotel on the vibrant side of Ahmedabad, in the heart of the city’s booming business district. Branded as Fortune Select SG Highway Ahmedabad, the upscale hotel is set to further strengthen Fortune Hotels’ robust portfolio in Gujarat. This modern hotel will be the chain’s eighth hotel in the state of Gujarat, and the first under the ‘Fortune Select brand.

Fortune Select SG Highway Ahmedabad offers 91 well-appointed, spacious, and well-appointed rooms and suites with premium amenities and tasteful décor. All rooms offer vast views of the transcendent highway and come with hi-speed WiFi, satellite LED TV, and other comfort amenities for the modern-day business and leisure traveller.

Showcasing Fortune hotels’ skilled expertise in food, Fortune Select SG Highway Ahmedabad features multiple F&B outlets including Zodiac- the all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant with alfresco seating, Dravida-a South Indian delectable restaurant, and Fortune Deli, a confectionery outlet known for its delightful coffees and snacks.

To uplift the moods and spirit of the guests, the hotel will soon have a new wellness 36 36

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wing which will feature a new fully-equipped fitness center and a restful spa. Together with an outdoor swimming pool, these new facilities are sure to bring bliss and comfort to guest stays.

Addressing the needs of social and business events, the hotel also has multiple banquet halls, a business center, and a meeting room to facilitate uninterrupted business on the go.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Limited, said, “We are delighted to add a third hotel to our growing portfolio in Ahmedabad. A very demand-driven market with immense business potential, Ahmedabad not only attracts because of its vibrant culture but also is an urban center of importance for us. We hold seven other strategic alliances in the state, indicative of our deep-rooted imprint, brand popularity, and commitment to the State of Gujarat. Ahmedabad continues to attract business and leisure travellers throughout the year, and we are all set to welcome guests to experience the Fortune Select Advantage we bring with us.”

Further expressing his gratitude to the Owning Partners, he said -“We thank the investors for showing confidence in brand Fortune and

for trusting us with their second property in the city. With the Fortune Advantage by our side, we look forward to many such fruitful associations in the future.”

Fortune Select SG Highway Ahmedabad stands 14 km away from the airport, 10 km from the railway station, and just 3 km from the Gujarat High Court; offering easy access to important business landmarks, hospitals, commercial establishments, and key destinations in and around Ahmedabad. It is ideal for both business travellers and leisure travellers alike. With this new opening, Fortune Hotels now holds 8 hotels with a cumulative inventory of ~700 rooms in Gujarat.

Mr. Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Limited

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ANAND KASHI

BY THE GANGES, AN IHCL SELEQTIONS HOTEL, IN RISHIKESH 24 themed rooms, conceptualised on the Vedic Panchamahabhuta philosophy, offer breathtaking views of thick forests, lofty mountain ranges, lush fruit orchards and the Ganges.

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ndian Hotels Company has opened Anand Kashi By the Ganges - IHCL SeleQtions hotel in Rishikesh. Nestled between the majestic Himalayan Mountains and the banks of the pristine waters of the holy Gan-

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ges, it was the erstwhile residence of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “Known as the Yoga Capital of the world, Rishikesh is an

eclectic mix of culture and adventure, attracting tourists from around the world for decades. Strengthening its presence with the addition of Anand Kashi, IHCL will now offer two distinct hotels in the pilgrim town.”

Anand Kashi’s 24-themed rooms, conceptualised on the Vedic Panchamahabhuta philosophy, offer breathtaking views of thick forests, lofty mountain ranges, lush fruit orchards, and the Ganges. The hotel showcases Garhwali architecture with a contemporary touch. The allday diner, Ana Rasa, gives a taste of global cuisines along with a slice of fresh organic produce from the hotel’s orchards. Guests can enjoy a starry night at the rooftop bar, Amrit Tara, or have a relaxed meal at the Ganga Deck. The flexible conference rooms are perfectly equipped for intimate business meetings and conferences.

Amrit Kashi Spa by Forest Essentials draws inspiration from its serene surroundings, and its holistic treatments provide a deep sense of inner peace. At the hotel, guests can indulge in bespoke experiences including the Ganga Aarti by the resident priest or just watch the Ganges flow from the hotel’s private beach and soak in the energy of Rishikesh.

“Anand Kashi on the banks of the sacred Ganges is the ideal place for the rejuvenation of body, mind, and soul. We look forward to welcoming guests to this tranquil haven,” said Pradeep Gusain, Hotel Manager,

Anand Kashi By The Ganges – IHCL SeleQtions.

With the opening of Anand Kashi, IHCL will now have seven hotels in Uttarakhand with two under development.

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HILTON

BOLSTERS ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR HILTON AND HILTON GARDEN INN H

The onboarding of top hospitality professionals for Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru

ilton Group has announced the onboarding of top hospitality professionals for Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru, as the hotels prepare to scale up their operations.

The team has been carefully selected for its deep operational experience and history of delivering premium hospitality services to the customers, to build capabilities for the dual properties.

The extended leadership and operations team includes Sonam Sharma - Cluster Director of Finance, Anubhav Lal - Cluster Director of Marketing Communications, Abhishek Roy - Director of F&B, Karishma Dutta - Director of Sales, Kunal Salooja – Director of Sales-MICE, Akanksha Katiyar – Front Office Manager, Payal Joshi- Executive Housekeeper, Vinod Nair - Director of Security and Sivan Muppedathy - Chief Engineer.

Sonam Sharma joins as Cluster Director of Finance and brings with her 40

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over 15 years of finance leadership and focused domain experience in end-toend Accounting & Financial Management. She is a hands-on manager with expertise in strategic planning & execution, finance process transformation, supply chain management, compliance & controls, fund management, and stakeholder management in a diverse cultural setup. Additionally, Sonam also heads the Finance department of the sister property ‘Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks’.

Anubhav Lal joins who has been appointed as Cluster Director of Marketing and Communications, is an astute and result-oriented professional with over half a decade of experience in hospitality luxury sales & marketing.

With a demonstrated ability to manage and build trusted relationships with the clients, Anubhav is also handling the responsibility of heading the marketing needs of the sister property ‘Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks’.

In his last assignment, he was associated with Hilton Mumbai International Airport. In the past, he has worked with Cleartrip.com and Grand Hyatt Mumbai wherein he was actively involved in planning and executing the marketing strategies, based on business objectives and overall brand narrative.

Abhishek Roy, Director of F&B is a result-oriented versatile hospitality professional with over 17 years of experience in the F&B sector. With his proven ability to effectively manage operations in intensely competitive environments, Abhishek ensures high standards of customer service at all times. Abhishek brings a decisive leadership style with the philosophy that team success is true success and has been recognized as Best F&B Manager

by FHRAI in past. A motivated manager, he is known amongst his colleagues for his sense of commitment; ability to innovate out of box solutions to drive operational efficiency and seamlessly

connect and manage multi-functional processes. Demonstrated expertise and success in handling a diverse range of functions entailing Start up’s, F&B Operations, Training, and Budgeting.

He is a well-rounded hotelier who has built a career in different locations with iconic brands such as Accor, Leela, Taj, and the Marriott.

Karishma Dutta joins as Director of Sales. A hospitality professional who prioritizes innovation, Karishma will be responsible for Sales, New Business Development & Respective Account Management at the property. She is a seasoned hotel sales professional with 13+ years of work experience. In past, she has been part of leading hospitality brands in the industry like Shangri-La Hotels, The Leela Hotels, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

Kunal Salooja joins as Director of Sales MICE. He brings with him seasoned expertise as a MICE and hotel pre-opening professional with a demonstrated history in food and beverage operations, events, and sales. With close to two decades of hospitality experience, Kunal has been associated with leading brands such as Accor, The Oberoi, and Hyatt in various capacities.

Akanksha Katiyar as Front Office Manager- She comes with experience spanning over a decade, specializing in

areas like hiring, retention, and training of front office teams. Prior to her stint at Hilton, she served in the capacity of Front Office Manager at Hyatt and has also worked with hospitality majors like St. Regis Doha and Marriott. Akanksha is recognized by her peers for her sharp operational acumen and commitment to the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

Payal Joshi as Executive Housekeeper – With over 16 years of hospitality experience, Payal has managed housekeeping and front office operations of leading hotel chains like Taj, ITC, Fortune Park Hotels, Royal Orchid, and Hyatt. She joined the Hilton group in 2018, with the Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks where she quickly grew to become a key leadership resource for the hotel before being moved to the newly launched Hilton dual properties – Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park. Payal is recognized by her peers for her strong operational excellence, seasoned expertise in pre-opening and R&R asset management, and defining effect on the job training plans for her team.

Sivan Muppedathy as Chief Engineer – Sivan has comprehensive knowledge and understanding of technical services, asset, and property manage-

ment. At the Hiltons Embassy Manyata Business Park, he focuses on implementing best practices that improve efficiency and reduces operating costs.

He is also known and respected by his peers for his innovative problem-solving approach and emotional quotient which enables him to be an effective decision maker while taking people along. Sivan is a seasoned and expert technical professional with over 26 years of experience in India and the Middle East during which he has extended his support to some leading hospitality majors like JW Marriott, and Hyatt Regency amongst others.

Vinod Nair as Director of Security: Vinod is a seasoned professional who comes with over three decades of experience in the domain of safety and loss prevention. As a former armed forces veteran, Vinod brings astute planning and detailing abilities and a strong understanding of law and safety regulations. Prior to his new role at Hilton Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru, he worked as an Area Manager, Safety and Security for Hilton India.

The Hilton Garden Inn Promise affirms the brand’s goal to make each guest’s stay better and brighter. Guaranteed. With 940 hotels in 55 countries and territories around the world,

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NEWS/ HOSPITALITY

CHARGE ZONE PARTNERS WITH MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

To deploy EV charging stations at Marriot hotels and aims to Install 100+ Fast DC CCS2 Charging Stations Across hotels of Marriott’s brands pan India

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HARGE ZONE, a technology-driven EV Charging Network company has announced that it has partnered with Marriott International to deploy EV charging stations across all its properties in India. As part of the partnership, CHARGE ZONE has started with the first opportunity and has installed a Fast DC 60kW/120kW Charging Station with Dual Charging Guns at “The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake” and will complete the installation of 100+ EV chargers in a phased manner by December 2022. This initiative is also part of Marriott’s commitment to sustainable operations and to creating an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging infrastructure around the globe.

Designed to charge e-4w, these charging stations will be open to the public as well as to users of Marriott’s EV fleet. CHARGE ZONE’s charging stations are Rapid DC charging points with the CCS2 charging protocol that provides 80 % charge in 45-60 minutes and a full charge in 90-120 minutes depending on the EV’s battery size. These chargers also come with an additional facility of Type-2 AC chargers wherever needed.

Bhaskar Gurunath, Area Director of Engineering, Marriott South Asia, said, “Marriott continues to be a 42

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leader in offering guest experiences that exceed expectations and setting the standard for global sustain-

ability targets within the hospitality sector. By partnering with Charge Zone, Marriott International is mov-

ing closer to its goal of creating an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, in its hotels around the globe, that can be accessible by its patrons and the general public alike.

Range anxiety is one of the largest stumbling blocks for a customer to move from internal combustion fossil fuel-powered vehicles to Electric Vehicles. Considering Marriott’s presence across the globe, we would want to play a part in reducing that anxiety by providing chargers in our properties where the road warriors can park and recharge their vehicles as well as recharge themselves while waiting for vehicle batteries to be charged.”

Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & CEO, of CHARGE ZONE, said, “We constantly endeavor to partner with organizations that are actively looking to transition to cleaner forms of mobility, reduce carbon footprint and create a positive impact on the environment. This can only help when we build a holistic ecosystem of both electric vehicles as well as charging infrastructure. Our longterm partnership with Marriott underscores our commitment to building a network of convenient and accessible charging in large metro locations as well as Tier-1 cities and is a strong indicator of the rapid adoption of EVs across the country.

In the long term, our goal is to expand the scope of EVs across public and personal mobility and explore more breakthroughs in the current EV landscape with our full-stack EV charging solutions. ” As part of its vision of building a network of ONE MILLION EV charging points, CHARGE ZONE has created an active B2B and B2C network for EV charging stations for both fleet and retail customers. It has set-up up 1450+ charging points across 650+ EV charging stations, serving around 5000 EVs on a daily basis. The company also recently completed the electrification of over 1000 km of National Highways in India, by installing a network of twenty(20) unmanned, app-driven, Superfast EV charging points along the Gujarat- Maharashtra National highway. www.tourismindia.org

SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD APPOINTS RENJIE WONG AS AREA DIRECTOR INDIA & SOUTH ASIA

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ingapore Tourism Board (STB) has appointed Renjie Wong as Area Director, India & South Asia (Mumbai). He will be based in Mumbai managing West & South India and will work with STB’s offices and representatives to oversee the Board’s destination promotion and marketing efforts to ensure that Singapore remains the top of mind leisure and business destination among Indian visitors. Renjie takes up his appointment at a time when Singapore, as part of its easing of pandemic travel restrictions, has introduced the Vaccinated Travel 43 Framework (VTF) with effect from 1 April 2022. Under this, fully-vaccinated travelers from India are able to enjoy quarantine-free visits via any flight between the two countries.

Speaking on how this appointment will help STB to bolster its destination marketing in the country in this recovery phase and beyond, GB Srithar, Regional Director (India, Middle East & South Asia), Singapore Tourism Board, said, “We warmly welcome Renjie to our team in India. He brings varied experience and a global outlook with him, which will be key to us as we make stri-

dent advances towards tourism recovery. Pre Covid, India was the third-largest visitor source market for Singapore and the top cruise source market. With restrictions on travellers visiting Singapore being eased with effect from this month, we are excited to welcome back our friends and fans from India. Under our trade engagement theme ‘Charting our pathways to tourism recovery, together, we are already working closely with our trade partner-friend to launch tactical packages for the upcoming summer and family holiday season. On the consumer engagement front, STB continues to showcase Singapore’s vibrant destination offerings to Indian travellers in fresh and innovative ways.

Renjie will help drive these initiatives with particular focus on the West and South India regions.”

Renjie Wong has been with the STB since 2016, where he has managed a portfolio of high-growth markets including Myanmar and Cambodia. He has also served a two-year stint in New York City and San Francisco, where he led the North American market in the areas of tech partnerships, MICE industry business development and marketing, and brand marketing partnerships across the continent. Prior to assuming his role as Area Director (Mumbai), he served as Assistant Director of Hospitality Industry Transformation, leading efforts to foster sustainable growth across the Singapore hospitality industry. “I am honoured to lead a dynamic team managing West and South India, particularly during this incredibly exciting time of global tourism recovery. We aim to grow Singapore’s reputation as the destination of choice for international outbound travel from India. I look forward to working together with our travel trade partner-friends and stakeholders in the years ahead, to welcome Indian travellers back to Singapore,” he said.

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FEATURE/ HOSPITALITY

BY Ram Kamal Manoj

Klov Resort & Spa situated at Thirunelli in Wayanad district of Kerala is a blessed, peaceful, and cozy jungle resort for those who are looking for a little luxury at a forest stay

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or a business meeting, the organisers proposed Klov an upcoming Jungle Resort in the Wayanadan forest Thirunelli, and send to me a flight ticket to Kannur International Airport, Kerala’s new addition to its air travel routes. They promise me that a 2-hour interesting drive from the airport towards the resort through typical Kerala countryside and then half an hour uphill drive in the Wayanadan Ghat roads to this resort will be exciting.

Yes, it was.

Klov is a blessed, peaceful, and cozy jungle resort for those who are 44

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looking for a little luxury during a forest stay. Surrounded by River Kalindi (not the North Indian Yamuna which is also called Kalindi), which originated from the mighty Bhramagiri mountains a peep away, and an elephant passage on the other side.

The resort is well designed by noted architect Tony Joseph with an earth concept and build with mud.

My two days of stay in the resort was a much-needed break for me, even though I came to attend a business discussion. Our business discussions went on late in the night

and had a background score of Kalindi River’s water symphony and occasional trumpets of Elephant crossing one mountain to another.

Chef Biju Monian is a well-experienced chef who also knows how to handle a vegetarian like me with exciting dishes. While having breakfast in the restaurant I was fortunate enough to witness an interesting acrobat training programme of a giant squirrel family. Pappa giant squirrel sitting in one tree and Mamma giant squirrel sitting in another and encouraging the baby squirrel

A JUNGLE EXPERIENCE INTURN A HABITAT

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​ lov Resort & Spa K Unit of Spice Valley Resorts Pvt Ltd, Near Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad, Kerala 670646 Mobile: +91 9778682544 email: info@klovresort.com www.klovresort.com www.tourismindia.org

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FEATURE / HOSPITALITY

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to perfect his art of jumping and tree crossing was an interesting episode.

According to General Manager Renjith Jacob, the Pappa and Mamma Squirrels are frequenters, and for my luck that was the day, they scheduled for the training of their baby.

Those who visit the resort for trekking or exploring the forest fauna and flora can sleep at night with the lullaby of the Kalindi River and if you’re lucky you can go to bed after watching a tusker or a herd crossing the elephant passage from your room balcony.

A visit to Dwaparayuga Thirunelli Maha Vishnu temple will complete your blessings. My recommendation to families is to take their children to this safe jungle resort teach them about biodiversity, flora, and fauna, and take a safe forest trekking with expert tribal guides who now work at a resort.

I had a chat with inhouse guide Byju, a tribal youth who stay in a settlement some 2 kilometers away about the interesting places to visit

and how he ensures safety. He said he is the son of the forest. By smell and feel of the place, he can foresee the surprise visitor/s to his guests and keep them safe and give them a delightful lifetime forest experience.

Presently the resort has 22 poolside garden rooms, 4 Kalindi cottages, and a well-served multi cuisine restaurant ready to serve the guests. Another 12 more river view rooms will be ready for occupancy in 6 months. Every room has Wi-Fi, a tea/coffee maker, an electronic safe, a swimming pool, and a kid’s pool.

No rooms are fitted with television

which could spoil your attention to the finesse of the details of jungle life. The wellness spa in the resort is called the Padma.

The resort packages include trekking, wildlife safari, wellness spa, local community visit, and bird watching. The resort can be reached from Kannur and Kozhikode which are the major air, and rail connections with an approximate two and a half hour road drive.

Writer is a Veteran Journalsit and Brand Conultant

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NEWS / TRAVEL ANALYSIS

MENTAL HEALTH, INEQUALITY AND TRUST: WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The birth rate in the world’s most populous countries has dropped by more than half since 1960, according to United Nations’ birth rate figures. In 8 of those 10 countries, it is already at or below the natural replacement rate of 2.1 48

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wo years into unprecedented upheavals brought about by the pandemic, polling company Ipsos outlines some key things we’ve learned.

Mental health has come to the fore, now seen on a more equal footing with physical health. The pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities and disparities across age, gender, ethnicity, and geography. The pandemic modi-

fied birth rates - causing many to delay having children and potentially accelerating population decline. Public trust in governments seems to have increased.

What can we learn from the disruption that spread around the globe in 2020 and is still throwing up challenges and effects?

Just over two years ago, the World Health Organization decreed that COVID-19 was a pan-

demic and called on countries to take urgent and aggressive action. The upheaval that followed had some immediate and some longer-lasting consequences, with research from Ipsos highlighting ways our lives have likely changed forever.

“It feels like we are now at an inflection point when it comes to the pandemic,” writes Ben Page, Chief Executive of Ipsos, in the

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While inequality was widely cited as a concern before the onset of the pandemic, many feel that COVID-19 has exacerbated rifts along with gender, age, and income lines www.tourismindia.org

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NEWS / TARVEL ANALYSIS report. “Today feels like a good moment to take stock and think about what we have learned during this period. Just what can we say about what the whole experience tells us about individuals, economies, and societies?”

Mental health, inequality, and family planning are just a few of the themes explored in the report. Here are four key areas: Spotlight on mental health COVID-19 created many challenges, such as extreme isolation as workplaces and schools around the globe were shuttered, or confinement with in-person access to few people. Many found stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness increased. On average, 79% of people surveyed across 30 countries say that their mental and physical health are now equally important.

“The pandemic not only threatened our physical health but also had a profound effect on our mental wellness,” the report says.

“Many people say their personal health situation has worsened, and that they are experiencing mental health challenges for the first time.”

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Even so, just one-third said the healthcare systems in their country treated mental and physical health with equal importance, suggesting there’s a way to go before systems catch up.

“The full extent and long-term implications of this will take some time to become apparent, yet investment in mental health services is still only a small fraction of overall health spend,” according to the report. “This balance may have to shift if societies are to adequately respond to emerging health needs.”

Widening inequalities While inequality was widely cited as a concern before the onset of the pandemic, many feel that COVID-19 has exacerbated rifts along with gender, age, and income lines.

Ipso’s research shows that in July 2020, 37% of British millennials (age 25- 40 years) said their generation would have a worse life than that of their parents. At the same time, just 37% of younger Americans said there will be money left in the system by the time they retire.

The affluent were able to carry on spending during the pandem-

ic, the Ipsos research shows, and in many cases, they were spending more, with luxury purchases increasing in 2021 compared with a year earlier.

The pandemic “has exacerbated existing inequalities and disparities across age, gender, ethnicity, and geography.” the report says.

“These have perhaps never been as visible as they are today.”

Population decline The population is now declining at a faster rate, Ipsos says.

“Uncertainty has caused many to delay having children, accelerating the pre-existing phenomenon of population decline,” the report says. “We expected this ‘empty planet’ scenario to take hold by 2050. It may now become even sooner.”

The birth rate in the world’s most populous countries has dropped by more than half since 1960, according to United Nations’ birth rate figures. In 8 of those 10 countries, it is already at or below the natural replacement rate of 2.1.

Public trust Perhaps one of the more unexpected effects of the pandemic has been an increase in public trust with regard to governments.

Even so, they were still low in the ranking of trustworthy professions. Doctors, scientists, and teachers topped that list of trust, while politicians, ministers, business leaders, and bankers were at the bottom.

While these four themes show some of the changes we’ve seen over the last two years, Ipsos was keen to point out that much is still uncertain about the future, with geopolitical tensions at a high and the economic outlook uncertain.

“There are many things we do not know,” Ipsos says. “And we would be foolish to try and make too many predictions.”

ETIHAD AIRWAYS FIRST TO ADOPT IBS SOFTWARE’S NEW IFLY CORPORATE I

Corporate Solution for Premium Corporate Partners

BS Software and Etihad Airways have launched iFly Corporate to transform the airline’s corporate flyer experience. iFly Corporate will allow Etihad to manage multiple corporate accounts with a one-stop solution, that enables direct distribution by replacing intermediaries and ensuring corporate customer retention.

Etihad’s partners will now benefit from a self-service corporate travel solution, that provides a seamless

booking experience across multiple platforms, through integration with Etihad’s Passenger Service Systems and the end user’s HR systems.

Premium partners will also be able to unlock exclusive discounts including extra baggage, bonus miles, and priority check-in for all bookings. A configurable business rules engine will help Etihad corporates to manage user profiles and travel agreements while ensuring compliance with employee travel policies.

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Martin Drew, Senior Vice President of Global Sales &Cargo Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad launched iFly Corporate to take our corporate solutions to the next level as business travel returns. The holistic solution will both streamline our internal operations and benefit our customers’ corporate experience - and we are looking forward to a continued partnership with IBS Software on our joint mission to modernize the air travel experience.”

Vijay R Chakravarthy, Vice President, IBS Software, said: “We are proud to be working with Etihad as the launch customer of our pioneering iFly Corporate product. The solution will further elevate Etihad’s corporate services, helping the airline to enhance cost savings, policy compliance, and integrated corporate loyalty. We are excited to embark on the journey into the next generation of corporate travel solutions with Etihad and believe this will be a prosperous partnership for both companies.”

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NEWS /AIRLINES

QATAR AIRWAYS AND INDIGO REACTIVATE STRATEGIC COOPERATION Privilege Club Members will soon earn Avios on all code-share flights operated by IndiGo

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atar Airways and IndiGo have reactivated their strategic cooperation followed by the lifting of the suspension on international scheduled flights by the Indian government.

Qatar Airways is currently operating

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190 flights per week to and from 12 destinations in India, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Kozhikode, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram. IndiGo is currently operating 154 flights

per week between Doha and eight cities in India and including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur. As part of this expanded code-share agreement, Qatar Airways will be placing its marketing

Mr. Akbar Al Baker Group Chief Executive Qatar Airways, code on IndiGo-operated flights between Doha and Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, starting from 25 April 2022, and Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kozhikode, starting from 09 May 2022.

Both Qatar Airways and IndiGo flights are optimally connected to Qatar Airways’ hub, the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha. This allows passengers to benefit from seamless and convenient connections to the airline’s entire route network, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia/ Australia.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The reactivation of our strategic partnership with IndiGo is another milestone

in the development of aviation between the State of Qatar and India. Together, both Qatar Airways and IndiGo will offer over 340 flights per week to 13 destina-

tions in India. Never before has our partnership with IndiGo been stronger and the resumption of our strategic cooperation demonstrates the resilience, agility, and commitment both partners have shown in overcoming the challenges of the pandemic.”

Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, Wholetime Director, and Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo added: “We are excited to reactivate our code-share agreement with Qatar Airways, one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines. We are confident this strong partnership will not only expand opportunities for the customers but also boost trade and tourism in both countries. With the easing of restrictions, we believe that this will create economic growth through IndiGo’s seamless nationwide connectivity. We look forward to serving customers on our lean, clean flying machine, as we extend to them our on-time, affordable, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience.”

In addition to faster and more convenient connections to and from India, members of Qatar Airways’ loyalty programme Privilege Club will benefit from the strategic cooperation as members will soon be able to earn Avios on all code-share flights operated by IndiGo. Likewise, Qatar Airways’ generous baggage rules, which are especially important for international travelers apply on all code-share flights.

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Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, Wholetime Director & CEO IndiGo Airlines www.tourismindia.org

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NEWS / AVIATION

QATAR AIRWAYS STEPS INTO THE METAVERSE WITH ‘QVERSE’ AND SAMA Qatar Airways introduces ‘Sama’, the industry’s first-ever MetaHuman cabin crew – inviting website users on a virtual journey of discovery ahead of their next adventure

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atar Airways has entered the metaverse by launching QVerse, a novel virtual reality (VR) experience for visitors to the airline’s website.

Users of the www.qatarairways. com/QVerse website can now virtually tour and navigate the Premium Check-in area at Hamad International Airport (HIA), the cabin interior of the airline’s aircraft, including the award-winning Business Class Qsuite, and the Economy Class cabin, by using their own Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs). The national carrier of the State of Qatar is also the first global airline to introduce a MetaHuman cabin crew offering a digital interactive customer experience.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “With physical boundaries beginning to be challenged by the metaverse on an increasingly larger scale, it is exciting to embrace a technology that enables all travel enthusiasts to enjoy a uniquely immersive experience of our award-winning products and services.”

He added: “Our status as the first 54

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airline to introduce a MetaHuman cabin crew is a testament to our unwavering desire to innovate and delight our customers.

We are constantly looking forward to adopting and introducing novel technologies that enhance our passengers’ complete journey.”

The experience was developed using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, the world’s most advanced real-time 3D creation tool, and MetaHuman Creator, a cloudbased app for creating high-fidelity digital humans. Qatar Airways is the first global airline to introduce a MetaHuman cabin crew, featuring a digitally-created high-fidelity 3D human model named ‘Sama’ – whose name is of Arabic origin and translates to ‘sky’. ‘Sama’ offers an interactive customer experience through engagement with the user, taking them on a virtual journey of discovery, while presenting the unique features in both the Business and Economy Class cabins through a narrated script.

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NEWS / OUTBOUND

TOURISM MALAYSIA ROADSHOW IN INDIA AFTER BORDER REOPENS

The roadshow kicks off in the city of Delhi, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The mission is headed by Mr Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa)

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alaysia has finally lifted sanctions on its border on 1st April 2022, marking the end of travel restrictions in the country.

Leveraging this new development,

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Tourism Malaysia has decided to embark on its first roadshow to six major cities in India from 18th until 30th April 2022, after more than two years of hiatus.

The roadshow kicks off in the city of Delhi, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The mission is headed by Mr Manoharan Periasamy, Senior

Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa) together with Malaysia’s tourism fraternity which consists of 3 Malaysia-based airlines, 22 travel agents, 4 hoteliers, and 4 product owners.

India remains and has been one of the top market sources for Malaysia and has contributed 735,309 arrivals (+22%) in 2019. Apart from its objective to instil confidence among Indians to feel safe to visit Malaysia once again, the roadshow aims to provide a platform for the industry community to bounce back and steer the tourism sector back to its former glory, if not better. “This is the right time to be back in India, and planning for this roadshow is very opportune. The resumption of scheduled international flights from

India coincides with the reopening of Malaysia’s international borders,” said Mr Manoharan.

“We are thrilled and enthusiastic to welcome Indian travellers back on exciting, new value-driven and action-packed itineraries to witness the best and latest of what Malaysia has to offer. There is so much to explore after two years, especially with the newly opened outdoor theme park, Genting SkyWorlds, the wedding venues such as refurbished Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur, Desaru Coast situated on the Eastern Coast of Johor, Lexis Hotels and Resorts at Port Dickson and a magnificent new attraction, the Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest building. I am sure these new attractions along with our beautiful

beaches, exhilarating mountains and jungles with a plethora of activities will make your trip a memorable one,” he added.

Since the reopening of its borders, India is on the top four arrivals to Malaysia. Malaysia has opened its shores for quarantine-free travel on 1st April 2022 to welcome fully-vaccinated international travellers. The entry procedure requires an RT-PCR test two days before departure and travellers must undergo professionally administered RTK-Ag within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia. Currently, Malaysia eVISA can be applied online and more than 14,000 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, AirAsia, IndiGo, and Air India Express.

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NEWS / OUTBOUND

MALDIVES LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN WITH THOMAS COOK INDIA

MMPRC LAUNCHES DESTINATION MARKETING CAMPAIGN WITH THOMAS COOK INDIA 58

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aldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation has launched a destination marketing campaign with India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, Thomas Cook India.

This strategic partnership is aimed at sustaining the Maldives’ visibility among Indian travelers and increasing arrivals from India to the Maldives. The three-month campaign will be conducted from April to July 2022.

Thomas Cook enjoys strong consumer trust with over 140 years of expertise in the travel & tourism sector, a diversified portfolio of travel and related products services, and an extensive B2C and B2B consumer base, in pan India.

They are also the biggest tour operators to sell a vibrant range of holidays that incorporate value,

premium to uber-luxury properties from the Maldives to the Indian market and beyond. In a focused two-pronged initiative to build high visibility and catalyze demand from the highly viable India market, this strategic partnership is a continuum of the strong relationship between Thomas Cook India and MMPRC. Through this campaign, MMPRC will market the destination as one of the safest destinations for India or Indian travelers across all segments and profiles. The campaign will highlight the unique geography of our scattered islands. It will also help MMPRC to promote our tourism products, including resorts, hotels, guesthouses, liveaboards, and the unique experiences available for tourists in the destination.

Under this campaign, we will be

able to provide the latest information about the destination and its travel guidelines to the travel trade and tourists from the Indian market. The campaign is expected to create visibility for the Maldives and increase room nights and passenger numbers.

Speaking on the partnership with Thomas Cook, MMPRC’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, highlighted that India has been a top source market to the Maldives in the past couple of years, citing that the market played an imperative role in the recovery of the tourism sector post covid. Thoyyib further expressed confidence that this campaign with Thomas Cook would further boost bookings and arrivals from India for the upcoming summer season and beyond.

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Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited stated that ‘It gives us immense pleasure to work with MMPRC as their strategic partner to jointly promote destination Maldives among India’s travelers. This campaign has been strategically launched to coincide with India’s peak travel season. Additionally, with our unique omnichannel network we offer customers the convenience of selecting their preferred mode of contacting us: via our holiday app, virtual holiday store, website, call center, or extensive retail network of over 350 outlets pan India.”

This campaign is conducted as part of our marketing strategy for the Indian market, which focuses on boosting arrival numbers, marketing different tourism segments, and experiences available in the Maldives. The strategy also aims to generate visibility, maintain the Maldives as a top-of-mind destination and strengthen the brand name in the Indian market. India was the largest market in 2021 with over 278,740 travelers and a market share of 22.6%. As of 30th March, Maldives welcomed over.

427,677 tourists to the country, out of which 46,154 or 10.8% of tourists are from India, ranking as the 3rd top source market to the destination.

The world is currently on the

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Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, CEO & MD, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited

trajectory to adapt to a broader new normal and ease covid measures across all sectors to recover from the negative impact caused to economies due to covid restrictions. We are witnessing more countries easing travel measures and opening with a new normal.

With regards to the recent development across the world, Maldives has also eased travel restrictions imposed on tourists which enforced presenting of negative PCR tests by all travelers. In this regard, from 4th March 2022, tourists visiting the Maldives are no longer required to present a Covid-19 PCR negative result upon arrival if the prescribed doses of vaccine are completed 14 days prior to the date of arrival. As of 13th March 2022, the Maldives has also lifted the national public health emergency, imposed in response to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ease of travel restrictions and measures would make it easier for tourists to visit the Maldives.

Gateway Malabar Holidays (P) Ltd. is an established Destination Management Company with multi operational offices in India. We set fresh trends and establish new standards for best practices in the tourism industry enriching customer satisfaction offering 61 sober clean packages, with professional guidance made available at every lap of your journey.

Our objectives Inbound,Domestic & International Tours Medical Tourism Wellness Tours

Individual Travel Leisure Groups Exclusive Round trip tours Luxury Fleet of Vehicles

Gateway Malabar Holidays (P) Ltd. IInd floor, Thirunilath Buildings, Geethanjali Junction, NH 47 Bypass, Vytilla Branches : Cochin | Calicut | Bangalore | Sri Lanka | Dubai

www.tourismindia.org

Meetings and Incentives Best valued hotels and resorts Create and Explore new destinations

+91 (0) 9995112200 | +91 (0) 9847288822 info@gatewaymalabar.com, www.gatewaymalabar.com MAY 2022 TOURISM INDIA 61

NEWS / OUTBOUND

INDIAN INFLUENCERS EXPLORES

MALDIVES

MMPRC INVITES CELEBRATED INDIAN INFLUENCERS TO THE MALDIVES FOR A FAMILIARIZATION TRIP

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s part of the effort to main- tination in the Indian market a celebrities was held from 7th tain the Maldives’ position familiarization trip to a group of - 11th April 2022 by Maldives as the top of mind des- prominent Indian influencers and Marketing and Public Relations

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Corporation.

The team consists of Ashi Kanna, Shruti Sinha, Mehak Ghai, and Aashna Malani. They stayed at Sun Island Resort & Spa and Le Meridien Resort & Spa during their trip to the Maldives. The leading team experienced several adventurous and leisure experiences in the Maldives such as snorkeling, spa and wellness facilities, watersports, and other unique Maldivian experiences. In addition, the team embarked on a gastronomic journey and discovered haute gourmet cuisines unique to each property.

India was the top source market for the Maldives last year, with 27 marketing activities conducted for the market last year. This includes joint-marketing campaigns, webinars, participation in major fairs and exhibitions, roadshows, and hosting familiarization trips. As of 30th March 2022, Maldives has welcomed 427,577 travelers in total, out of which 46,154 travelers are from India.

The world is currently on the trajectory to adapt to a broader new normal and ease Covid-19 measures across all sectors to recover from the negative impact caused to economies due to Covid-19 restrictions. We are witnessing more countries easing travel measures and opening with a new normal. With regards to the recent development across the world, Maldives has also eased travel restrictions imposed on tourists which enforced presenting of negative PCR tests by all travelers. In this regard, from 4th March 2022, tourists visiting the Maldives are no longer required to present a Covid-19 PCR negative result upon arrival if the prescribed doses of vaccine are completed 14 days prior to the date of arrival. As of 13th March 2022, the Maldives has also lifted the national public health emerwww.tourismindia.org

gency, imposed in response to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ease of travel restrictions and measures would make it easier for tourists to visit the Maldives.

As the company responsible for marketing the Maldives as a destination abroad, MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarization trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament

to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travelers from all over the globe.

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Isn’t it awesome to ss our world restart again

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TOURISM INDIA

MAY 2022

VOL 25 NO. 01

RNI NO. KERBIL/1998/7642

Bloom In Tranquillity We bestow the aura of tranquillity in the ambience.

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