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    Tourism

    Tourism

    MoT invites feedback on Draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India

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    18th June 2021;MoT/PIB News: India The Ministry of Tourism has formulated a Draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India – An initiative towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Driven by the spirit of “Vocal for Local”, rural tourism can contribute significantly to the mission of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India can be accessed from the following link also available on Ministry of Tourism’s website https://tourism.gov.in/ under “what’s new” section. https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/202106/Draft%20Strategy%20for%20Rural%20Tourism%20June%2012.pdf Before proceeding to finalize the draft strategy document and to make the document more comprehensive, Ministry of Tourism would like to invite feedback/comments/suggestions on the draft National Strategy and Roadmap. The comments may be forwarded to the Ministry of Tourism on or before 30th June, 2021 at e-mail IDs : js.tourism@gov.in, bibhuti.dash72@gov.in, prakash.om50@nic.in.

    Tourism

    Turkey is ready for Summer 2021 with High Safety Measures

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    New Delhi,25th May 2021: One of the global leaders of Safe Tourism, Turkey is ready for 2021 summer season with heightened safety measures. Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) hosted the ambassadors of foreign missions, in the Safe Tourism event held in Antalya, Turkey from May 21 to 23. Indian Ambassador to Turkey also graced the event with his presence and experienced the measures on-site. The ministry aims to ensure that all safe tourism measures are experienced directly by the representatives of foreign missions to Turkey. Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, talked about the preparations for the 2021 summer season and stated in his speech that, “As a leading country in safe tourism, Turkey welcomed more than 16 million guests in 2020, and we are looking forward to 2021 to be a year of heightened safety in tourism season. We are ready for the Summer 2021 season with more than 10,000 certified tourism facilities across Turkey.” While addressing the ambassadors during the event, Minster Ersoy also mentioned that, “Tourism safety has been our top priority over the last year and we had a successful season of certification program that has become one of the best practices worldwide. In our national vaccination program, more than 27 million doses of vaccine have been applied to Turkish citizens to date. The vaccination program, in which we prioritize tourism workers, will continue to accelerate in June,” added Minister Ersoy. Launched by Turkey in June 2020, Safe Tourism Certificate certifying compliance with global safety standards for tourist spots, accommodation facilities and airports. The Certificate have been awarded to more than 9,800 businesses as it enters its second year and includes various restaurants, cultural venues, congress facilities, marine tourism facilitates, theme parks and ski lift facilities. Starting in 2021, Turkey made this certificate compulsory for all accommodation facilities with a bed capacity of 30 and above. Turkey has also given priority to tourism personnel within the scope of the national vaccination program and is ready for 2021 summer with high safety standards.

    Tourism

    HKTB Steps Up Various Promotions to Drive Tourism Recovery

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    18th May 2021: The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) held its annual Tourism Update event online this morning (18 May), discussing tourism trends and sharing details of the HKTB’s latest strategic plans with around 2,700 trade representatives from Hong Kong, mainland and overseas travel agencies, attractions, hotels, airlines, retailers, restaurants, meeting and exhibition operators, cruise lines, and other travel sectors. HKTB Executive Director Mr Dane Cheng told the representatives the HKTB was preparing to step up promotions and would launch a new round of the Hong Kong Neighbourhoods campaign. In addition, the HKTB also hopes to relaunch mega events in physical formats to prepare for tourism recovery.Mr Cheng said: “As well as driving local tourism through the Holiday at Home platform, the HKTB has maintained Hong Kong’s international profile with a succession of promotional campaigns throughout the pandemic.“The global economy has started to rebound with Asia predicted to recover sooner and the Mainland expected to outperform other markets in economic growth. Combined with the gradual easing of the pandemic situation in Hong Kong, this makes it a good time for Hong Kong to further raise its profile. As cross-border travel gradually resumes, the HKTB will launch the Open House Hong Kong platform to conduct large-scale promotions in our source markets.” The HKTB has in recent years launched two promotions, Old Town Central and Sham Shui Po, under its Hong Kong Neighbourhoods campaign. Both were warmly welcomed by visitors who appreciated the in-depth experience they offered. To tie in with the opening of M+ visual culture venue in late 2021, the HKTB will focus its next promotion on the West Kowloon Cultural District and its surrounding area in the next quarter by revamping the promotions on the authentic local cultural aspects of the neighbourhood to help boost interest from visitors as travel resumption draws closer. If the pandemic situation in the city remains under control, the HKTB also hopes to relaunch mega events that Hong Kong people can initially take part in. The first event to return in a physical format will be the Hong Kong Cyclothon, and the HKTB is studying the feasibility of extending its route to the Hong Kong Section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to add to the event’s appeal. For other mega events to be conducted in an “Online+Offline” format, new elements of interests will be added to maintain Hong Kong’s global visibility. The HKTB will also continue to lobby for international large-scale business events and meetings to be hosted in Hong Kong. However, the pace of global tourism recovery will be determined by the situation surrounding the pandemic and the vaccination rate worldwide. The HKTB therefore appeals to everyone in tourism-related industries to take part in the vaccination programme and help Hong Kong achieve herd immunity as soon as possible. At today’s event, the HKTB invited representatives from leading Mainland and Hong Kong brands to share their insights at two forums titled “Seize the Business Development Opportunities in the Mainland and Greater Bay Area” and “Global Hong Kong Brands Gear Up for the Recovery”. Guests at the forums discussed the way forward for tourism and the preparation works. Here are some of the insights they shared: Industry Forum 1: Seize the Business Development Opportunities in the Mainland and Greater Bay Area Mr Yanxiang Liu, General Manager of Tickets & Travel BU, Meituan: “In the wake of the epidemic, the travel industry has accelerated its online transformation, and consumer behaviour and demand have changed. Meituan is committed to exploring effective ways to drive the recovery of the tourism industry. We will leverage the strengths of technology and e-commerce to provide a diverse consumer experience and help Hong Kong’s tourism industry better grasp market trends, allowing us to work together to build a vision for a better life.” Mr Liwei Yang, Head of Volcengine Culture & Tourism Industry, ByteDance: “The idea that ‘content is king’ has become the key to success in digital marketing in recent years. Data analysis plays a very important role in the widespread communication of content. ByteDance will continue to maximise its capabilities in big data analysis, cloud computing and artificial intelligence to move forward with our industry partners.” Mr Frank Huang, Vice President, Fliggy: “The convenience brought by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will further increased the demand for travel within the Greater Bay Area. Young consumers has become a key visitor segment. Fliggy will continue to work with the Hong Kong tourism trade to attract visitors from the Greater Bay Area through a variety of promotional platforms and resources and drive tourism development.” Industry Forum 2: Global Hong Kong Brands Gear Up for the Recovery Dr Jennifer Cronin, President, Wharf Hotels and Chair, Heritage Tourism Brands: “Hong Kong’s hotels are renowned for offering the world’s best service. Not only has the quality been enhanced during the pandemic, but we have also committed to be ahead of the curve in guest expectations under the new travel paradigms. I believe the Hong Kong tourism industry is more than ready and geared up for a swift recovery.” Mr Simon Large, Director Customer, Cathay Pacific Airways: “To meet travellers’ expectation throughout their consumer journey, we believe that digitalization, such as digital travel passes in the aviation industry, will play an important role in facilitating the safe, progressive return of international travel, enabling our customers to travel with reassurance and convenience throughout their journey. Moreover, we also believe that vaccination is the key of tourism recovery.” Mr Eric Gnock Fah, COO & Co-founder, KLOOK: “We are witnessing a permanent shift in consumer behaviours and digital adoption will only accelerate further. While the pandemic has brought many challenges to the travel industry, it also presents an opportunity to rethink and reinvent to address evolving customer expectations or risk being left behind.” Mr Syed Asim Hussain, Founder, Black Sheep Restaurants: “I believe in the magic of Black Sheep Restaurants and I believe in our city. Hong Kong is going to come back in a big way, and we

    Recent News, Tourism

    INSPIRE, ENGAGE, EDUCATE: SAUDI TOURISM AUTHORITY LAUNCHES ‘JOURNEYS IN ARABIA’

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    An exclusively curated webinar bringing together travel trade partners for the first time to explore and discover Saudi’s exciting new tourism offering 17 February 2021, India The global travel industry is undergoing its most profound transformation. As the landscape evolves, it is more important than ever to continue to inspire, engage and educate travel trade for when the world safely re-opens and travel resumes. Saudi Arabia is a relatively new destination on the global stage. As the authentic home of Arabia, Saudi offers unique, diverse and unparalleled experiences, a land of natural assets, rich culture and heritage and adventure. To bring to light the Saudi offering, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched ‘Journeys in Arabia’, an exclusive online event curated especially for Travel Trade Partners around the globe.The virtual engagement series, taking place across six markets around the world, is a first-of-its-kind initiative for STA, a source of inspiration and excitement, designed to inform partners about the diverse products and experiences that Arabia offers. The India ‘Journeys in Arabia’ webinar brought together local travel trade partners, for an opportunity to hear from thought leaders and experts in the tourism industry. The line up of speakers was: • Welcome address by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority • Keynote conversation ‘Journeys Make People’ between Abdullah Al Dakhil, International Communication Manager, Saudi Tourism Authority and celebrated Indian Journalist Vir Sanghvi • Expert panel discussion with:  Haitham Mattar, CCO, Saudi Tourism Authority  Benazir Nazar, CEO, Akbar Travels  Deep Kalra, Founder & Group Executive Chairman, Make My Trip  Madhavan Menon, Chairman & Managing Director, Thomas Cook Group  Rakshit Desai, Managing Director – India, FCM  Sheema Vohra, Managing Director, Sartha Global Marketing The session provided insights into the current state of travel and the opportunities and challenges in addressing the growing demand and interest in Saudi as a new destination. Some of the key highlights and market insights of the discussion were: – India has been identified as one of the key source markets and STA’s tourism strategy focuses on promoting experiences related to culture, heritage, nature and adventure in Saudi. – Indians, especially the online consumers and millennials, are late planners and constantly seek new destinations, within close proximity to India for last-minute holiday planning. Shorter-duration packages, direct flights and ease in visa (preferably e-visas) procurement will be game-changers for a new destination like Saudi. – Saudi offers exceptional experiences for diving, adventure sports, and sustainable tourism. The country will also host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021.These developments reflect the new travel motivations that Indian leisure travellers actively seek today. – Two key considerations among the Corporate/Leisure market are awareness and attractiveness. While the former can be achieved through communication and information dissemination, via visual and video content on Saudi; attractiveness will come from exquisite on-ground experiences that visitors have while at the destination. – The high-end Umrah market from India is a major captive audience, combining pilgrimage with leisure through post-Umrah leisure packages. – Promoting unique destinations like AlUla for wedding tourism will be a huge draw for Saudi. – Lastly, consumer behavior has seen a drastic shift in a post-Covid world with both MICE and Leisure travel experiencing a heightened ecological sensitivity. Travelers are seeking clear information and assurance related to hygiene and safety. Following up on the success of the ‘Journeys in Arabia’ webinar, STA will also be hosting an immersive virtual road show for India on March 2-3, 2021, partnering with the most relevant destination, experience and hospitality brands in Saudi to showcase the best of what the Kingdom has to offer. As part of the ‘Journeys in Arabia’ webinar series, the next webinar takes place for Germany, followed by UK and Russia. (First published in Aviation World web edition)

    Tourism

    IHG launches its biggest Cyber Sale Offer ever

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    IHG has taken the biggest shopping event of the year to new heights with the launch of its Cyber Sale: a guaranteed 50% off participating hotels and resorts across India in key cities and popular leisure destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Agra, Kochi,  Mahabalipuram and more; as well as in Middle East, Africa, Australasia, South Pacific and Asia, for IHG Rewards Club members when booking a two night minimum stay. Non-members will receive a guaranteed 45% off when booking a two-night minimum stay. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales around the corner, savvy shoppers can treat themselves, friends and family to something that can’t be wrapped this holiday season. IHG Rewards Club members will also receive a two-day pre-sale window to book: Sale dates: IHG Rewards Club members: 24 Nov to 2 Dec. Public sale begins 26 Nov to 2 Dec Stay dates: IHG Rewards Club Members: 25 Nov to 30 June 2021. Public: 27 Nov 2020 to 30 June 2021 Plus, these offers are backed with the safety and assurance guests need, including flexibility to modify the reservation without penalty at least one day prior to arrival, and the IHG Clean Promise – meaning guests can travel with confidence without sacrificing on the fun!

    Tourism

    2,500 participants from 59 countries participated at Gulf Travel Show 2020

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    Dubai, November 24, 2020: The first-ever virtual event in the region, the Gulf Travel Show 2020 ended its final day with 40 plus exhibitors, 3,000 one-on-one meetings, 2,500 visitors which included travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies and media. San Jeet, Director, DDP group reiterated in his address, “Advancing connections in a changing world has never been more important. We want you to make the most of this platform and help us shape the future. Our goal is to offer a virtual show that is as dynamic and as rewarding as a physical one. As we embark on this new endeavour, we intend to build connections, grow businesses and establish long-term mutually beneficial relationships.” Kai Miethig, a travel buyer from Bahrain said, “As a participant and attendee of the first-ever virtual Gulf Travel Show, I was very impressed by the presentation, the platform and the show. Theuser-friendly design, the entrance, the overview hall, pre-scheduled meetings, the quality of exhibitors and information was absolutely great. Overall, it was a splendid experience.” Beverly Au Yong, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board, Middle East said, “Singapore Tourism Board is delighted to have participated in the Gulf Travel Show organised by TravTalk. The event gave us an opportunity to reconnect with our valued partners from the region and engage in many meaningful conversations with them. We also witnessed and participated in some outstanding panel discussions led by stalwarts of the travel industry, which were insightful and topical. This show has brought together industry experts, world-class speakers and attendees from across the region under one roof, allowing them to engage, connect and better their relationship.” Local and international industry leaders attracted viewers with their insightful and engaging panel discussions. For the first time, the first female Emirati General Manager interviewed the first female Saudi General Manager in a very engaging conversation that shared many aspects of promoting more youth to the hospitality industry in the region. Sharihan Al Mashary, Hotelier, General Manager, Asia Society United Nations SDSN Youth interviewed Maram Kokandi, General Manager of the Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah. Re-connecting with the region: what to expect now? Nasir Jamal Khan, CEO of Al Naboodah Travel, raised this question with Khaled S. Al-Idrissi, Regional Director of Sales, Middle East and Africa – Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; Siobhan Naughton, Trade Executive, Tourism Ireland; and Nina Gupte, Head of Administration, Al Tamimi Co. Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO, Cozmo Travel highlighted how to deal with the new normal in conversation with Arijit Munshi, General Manager, Tune Protect; Sanjay D’souza, General Manager, Sayara Rent a Car; and Binoy Ouseph, Commercial Director,ibytab2btravel. Trends defined by technology companies were explained during insightful discussions with Travelport and Amadeus. Gulf Travel Show’s exclusive buyer programme gained the most traction during the show. Buyers appreciated the personalised services and enjoyed the competitive Leader Board. A lot of exciting giveaways kept the agents working till late evening.

    FOREWORD

    Dear Reader’s,

     

    The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

    Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

    There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

    In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

    We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

     

    Happy Reading!

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    We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

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