Scan & region and given the thrust on on region andgiventhethrust is arelativelylesser-explored regionofthecountry Northeast at Radisson BluGuwahati.“The meeting washeldonMarch19 Brar, the Chaired byRupinder promote tourismintheregion. deliberated onastrategy to east metforthefirsttimeand T instrumental in promoting the Northeast region. inpromotingtheNortheast instrumental they have constitutedacommitteeofstakeholders whowillbe Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, MOT, says that A knowledge for moreclarity. demand for abetterinsurance cover? Travel agentssay yes, alongwithbetterproduct Do insurance companiesneedtohonetheirproducts tomeetthechangingtraveller travel agents search for the best travel agentssearchforthebest tion in the travel community, as become a topic of conversa- Vol. XXXIIIIssue07; 1 April Nisha Verma Hazel Jain ddppl.com Better insurancecover? - holders intheNorth committee ofstake- he newly-constituted travel insurance has travel insurance has ic-related challenges, ayearofpandem- fter NE tradetoaidMOT Share st fortnight i­­ fortnight

Vaccine efficacy makingpeoplewait. Air Seychelles resumesMumbaiOps..... ADG, Ministry ofTourismADG, Ministry Brar Rupinder have to quarantine for 14 days have toquarantinefor14days and it’s still possible for them to if they haven't been vaccinated for clientstocontractCOVID-19 in thepicture?Itisstillpossible especially nowwithvaccination what isavailableinthemarket, way to protect their clients. But, ssue 2021 come,” shesays. inthemonthsto Northeast, promotional campaignsforthe itinerariesandsmall help uscraft We broughtinpeople whowould people toworkintheNortheast. ated asmalldedicatedgroupof ment hasputin,wehavecre- - thatthegovern infrastructure similar interestinJammu& Brar addsthattherehasbeen Domestic getsboost regular trainingondifferentprod- ensure thattravelagentsreceive Insurance companiesneedto age forthe14-dayquarantine? medical evacuationorcover adapted tothisneedbyoffering country. Haveinsurancepolicies if theytestpositiveinaforeign ..... A DDPPUBLICATION 08 08 13 Contd onpage6

Indianscannow flydirecttoMaafaru.... ShouldIndiaadoptIATA Travel Pass?.... - offering everything fromfreshwater beachestogreat nightlife. andmountaindestination,isnow asapilgrimage the country Nepal Tourism Board,initsbidtochangingtheperception of A Indian travel trade and travellers Indian traveltradeandtravellers is preciselywhattheywantthe pilgrimage destinationandthis lot moretoNepalthanbeinga trip, Regmi said that there is a Speaking onthepurposeoftheir met thetraveltradeinIndia. Executive Officer, NTB,recently , Chief Dr DhananjayRegmi service providershavetosay.service Here’s whatsomeagentsand cess ofchoosingtherightpolicy. demic hascomplicatedthepro- responsetothepan- industry’s changing natureoftheinsurance ucts. Evenwithtraining,theever- Nisha Verma (NTB), headed by (NTB), headedby Nepal Tourism Board delegation from

Contd onpage6

Chief ExecutiveOfficer, NTB Dr DhananjayRegmi change theway peopletravel. on how, ifatall,COVID vaccination will stakeholders sharetheirviewIndustry President, IATO Mehra Rajiv Pages : 28 shows newside Travel postvaccine 20 16 TravTalkIndia.com

that starts, theyshouldallowe-visas. that starts, ments and be easily verified online. Once - These could be issued by different govern allow that as an authenticated certificate. could for aPCRtest,sothegovernment enough totravel.Thereshouldbenoneed itshould be good and givena certificate, ing isthatonceyouhavebeenvaccinated I believe that what WTTC isalsosay- IbelievethatwhatWTTC tourists cannot be attracted by tourists cannotbeattractedby But, herealisesthatIndian Nepal andIndia,”hebelieves. hance therelationshipbetween linked packages,wecanen- circuit. Ifwefocusoninter Circuit, aswelltheBuddhist Ramayana Circuit,- with theMahabharataCircuit, religious sitesthatarelinedup in thatsegmentwehaveother Nepal toPashupatinath, even to know. “WhileIndians relate Contd onpage13 Contd onpage6 ` 20/-

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BULLETIN Domestic travel picks up in NE Domestic travel, and especially sustainable travel, is slowly picking up within Assam and the Northeast, with FITs booking anything from three to nine-night packages to destinations that don’t have too many COVID restrictions.

Hazel Jain or at the entry point at Facilita- on different dates have taken a tion Centres at the respective day-long tour to such places or ith his finger on There are still states mentioned. He high- with a night’s stay through Koy- the pulse, Arijit restrictions in lights an interesting trend that eli Travels within Assam,” he WPurkayastha, Chapter he has noticed. “Local tourists says, adding, “They have actu- Chairman – North East, Asso- Arunachal, in Assam are opting for more ally avoided crowds at popular ciation of Domestic Tour Opera- localised destinations owing destinations during weekends, tors of (ADTOI) and CEO, Meghalaya, to travel guidelines applicable and enjoyed the hidden gems Koyeli Tours & Travels, shares in Meghalaya. Shillong can – rural tourism with nutritious an insight on what’s happening Assam, Mizoram, be reached in a hop from Gu- tribal meals. We are therefore Nagaland wahati, where tourists have to hopeful that tourism will revive,

nights to nine nights’ stay cov- ering either Assam and Megha- laya or Arunachal Pradesh or Tripura in the last couple of months with tourists coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other metros,” he says. Arijit Purkayastha Chapter Chairman – North East, However, Purkayastha adds ADTOI and CEO, Koyeli Tours & Travels that there are still COVID re- strictions in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram on-ground in the Northeast and Nagaland (except Manipur region. According to him, do- and Tripura) where guests have stay mandatorily for one night albeit with a change. Families mestic and sustainable travel is to arrive with a COVID-negative and produce COVID-negative and FITs have started travelling slowly picking up within Assam RT-PCR report which is valid RT-PCR report. Now, local tour- with COVID-negative certificates and the Northeast. “This is evi- only if they were tested within ists from Assam are taking from other parts of the coun- dent from the fact that at Koyeli 72 hours and provide the CO- the services of tour operators try into this region. Northeast Travels itself, we have handled a VID-negative certificate at the within the state to venture the India is an ideal destination for few FIT tours ranging from three airport or the railway station unknown. Families from Assam repeat tourism." statistics Vistara a top APAC carrier Initiatives of 102 airlines were evaluated across Pacific, out of which nine airlines scored VIEWPOINT a Safe Travel Score of 4.0 or above – the highest ratio worldwide. Air China and Vistara are the top APAC full-service carriers with a Safe Travel Score of 4.1 out of 5 each.

TT Bureau VID-19 Safety Protocols (98%) Can we afford to say no? and Traveler Convenience ven as airlines con- (100%) – which contribute to Today, all research carried out anywhere in the world tinue to struggle in the the Safe Travel Score. Emir- to understand how the travel and tourism sector can Elight of COVID-19, the ates falls slightly shy of Qatar truly rise from the ashes of a forlorn year points to need of the hour is to streamline Airways with a Safe Travel only one direction – that of governments and indus- passenger-centric COVID-19 Score of 4.4 in the same safety and health protocols month. Indian carrier Vistara tries collaborating to ensure that travel becomes worldwide. To achieve that, gov- came in at number eight with seamless. To achieve that on a global scale, it is but ernments and the aviation indus- a 4.1 score and the only Indian imperative that a globally-accepted set of protocols try at large are doubling down carrier to figure in the top 10. the concept of health passports. be adopted by all countries so that people are less Essentially, these ‘passports’ Indian carriers did much hesitant to travel to destinations of their choice. And prove travellers’ COVID-19 vac- better in the LCC while this may swell well for the travellers, countries cination status, and supported the month, it took the leap to with the independent health a score of 4.1 on the February must also realise that as the dynamics of competi- passes, could enable the means leaderboard. Air India came tion change in the new normal, those who have un- of ensuring safe travel. in at number seven with a derstood the dire need for such an affiliation will be score of 4. APAC carriers soar the first ones to recover and tide over the ill-effects Each airline is undertaking As far as the LCCs are con- Safe Travel Score, Worldwide of a devastating virus. WTTC has already introduced varied operational strategies to cerned, AirAsia and IndiGo Airlines, February 2021 the SafeTravels stamp that was created for travel- adjust to the new market reali- lead the LCC leaderboard with ties. Air China and Vistara are a Safe Travel Score of 4.0 Full-Service Country Safe Travel lers to recognise destinations and businesses which the top APAC full-service car- each. Three Indian airlines Carriers Score have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene riers with a Safe Travel Score made it to the top 10 list with Qatar Airways Qatar 4.5 standardised protocols. IATA, too, has introduced of 4.1 out of 5 each. Vistara IndiGo leading the way and Emirates UAE 4.4 was at heels with Air China on SpiceJet following close at the Travel Pass - a standardised solution to au- Etihad Airways UAE 4.3 the January 2021 leaderboard number three with a 3.9 score. Delta Air Lines USA 4.3 thenticate country regulations regarding COVID-19 with a Safe Travel Score of 4.0. GoAir came in at number five Lufthansa Germany 4.1 passenger travel requirements. While several air- Through various initiatives over with a 3.8 score. Air China China 4.1 lines are already trialling this system, India doesn’t Turkish Airlines Turkey 4.1 Safe Travel Score, Asia Pacific Vistara India 4.1 seemed to have warmed up to the idea, yet. Must Airlines, February 2021 Iberia Spain 4.1 we not be more open to these innovative ideas that Cathay Pacific Hong Kong 4.0 Full-Service Country Safe Travel show promise? Should we be averse to taking risks Carriers Score without analysing the economic returns we may be Air China China 4.1 Safe Travel Score, Worldwide foregoing? It may be time for both government and Vistara India 4.1 Airlines, February 2021 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong 4.0 industry to put their foot down for the right purpose. Low Cost Country Safe Travel Qantas Airways Australia 4.0 Carriers Score China Southern Airlines China 4.0 All Nippon Airways Japan 4.0 Southwest Airlines USA 4.0 Air India India 4.0 AirAsia Malaysia 4.0 Korean Air South Korea 3.9 IndiGo India 4.0 Up go the numbers Japan Airlines Japan 3.9 SpiceJet India 3.9 In his recent address at the Rajya Sabha, Tourism Singapore Airlines Singapore 3.9 JEJU air South Korea 3.9 Ryanair Ireland 3.9 Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said that tourist inflow JetBlue Airways USA 3.9 to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has risen Safe Travel Score, Asia Pacific EasyJet UK 3.8 Airlines, February 2021 GoAir India 3.8 from over 3,700 persons in January 2020 to 19,000 Eurowings Germany 3.8 persons in January 2021. This marks a whopping Low Cost Country Safe Travel Carriers Score 413% growth. In fact, owing to COVID regulations Carriers worldwide of social distancing and travellers now increasingly AirAsia Malaysia 4.0 Per the assessment on Febru- segment with three Indian IndiGo India 4.0 seeking wide open spaces to travel to, wildlife tour- ary 28, 2021, Doha-based Qa- airlines in the top 10 list. SpiceJet India 3.9 tar Airways leads for the sec- Southwest Airlines from the ism is also gradually picking up, with the Northeast JEJU air South Korea 3.9 ond consecutive month with a US maintains the top spot on region seeing footfalls trickling in. The domestic GoAir India 3.8 Safe Travel Score of 4.5 out of the low-cost carrier leader- Indonesia AirAsia Indonesia 3.7 tourism sector continues to shine through, setting 5.0. Qatar Airways’ lead world- board with a Safe Travel Score Citilink Indonesia 3.7 wide and specifically among of 4.0 in February 2021. an example of resilience, collaboration as well as Scoot Singapore 3.7 full-service carriers is driven It, however, is tied with two a can-do attitude! Thai AirAsia Thailand 3.7 by its initiatives associated prominent Asian LCCs – Jetstar Japan Japan 3.6 with two sub-categories – CO- AirAsia as well as IndiGo.

Vikramajit Editorial Advertising Advertising (Mumbai) Mumbai: Devika Jeet Suchita Saran TRAVTALK is a publication of DDP Publications Private Limited. information contained in this publication which is provided The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning any 504, Marine Chambers, 43, New Marine Lines, Chairman Nisha Verma Nikhil Jeet Branch Manager All information in TRAVTALK is derived from sources, which we for general use, and may not be appropriate for the read- material solicited or unsolicited nor is he responsible for Hazel Jain Director Opp. SNDT College, Mumbai - 400 020, India, Manas Dwivedi Harshal Ashar consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report ac- ers’ particular circumstances. Contents of this publication material lost or damaged. Arumita Gupta General Manager Ph.: +91-22-22070129; 22070130 SanJeet Senior Manager curate information. It is passed on to our readers without are copyright. No part of TRAVTALK or any part of the contents Editor & Publisher Tripti Mehta Priyanshu Wankhade any responsibility on our part. The publisher regret that he thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system This publication is not meant to be an endorsement of any MIDDLE EAST: Desk Editor Gaganpreet Kaur Manager Advertising Das Publications Middle East (FZE) Manager cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in or transmitted in any form without the permission of the specific product or services offered. The publisher reserves Z1-02, PO Box: 9348, Saif Zone, Sharjah, UAE Nitin Kumar the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with Advertisement Designer this publication, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views publication in writing. The same rule applies when there Ph.:+971-6-5528954, Fax: +971-6-5528956 expressed by third parties in abstract and/or in interviews is a copyright or the article is taken from another publica- all advertisements without explanation. Design: Nityanand Misra TravTalk is printed, published and edited by SanJeet on behalf Sudhir are not necessarily shared by TRAVTALK. However, we wish to tion. An exemption is hereby granted for the extracts used All advertisements must comply with the Indian and Inter- of DDP Publications Pvt. Ltd., printed at Modest Print Pack Pvt. Production: Anil Kharbanda advice our readers that one or more recognised authorities for the purpose of fair review, provided two copies of the may hold different views than those reported. Material used same publication are sent to us for our records. Publications national Advertisements Code. The publisher will not be Ltd., C-52, DDA Sheds Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-I, New Circulation: Ashok Rana Delhi-110020 and published at 72, Todarmal Road, in this publication is intended for information purpose only. reproducing material either in part or in whole, without per- liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, New Delhi - 110 001 error or failure of an advertisement to appear. CIN: U22210DL2012PTC230432 Readers are advised to seek specific advice before acting on mission could face legal action. Ph.:+91-11-23234177 ASSOCIATIONS april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 TravTalk 5 Knowledge boost for TAAI members Organising its first physical event in the COVID-era, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) recently conducted a Tourism Conclave from March 9-12, 2021 at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. The event saw participation from more than 200 members and also included a tour of the area.

Manas Dwivedi explore domestic destinations. asm during the conclave and Our conclave provides more enjoyed their stay at the des- embers from 20 re- avenues to our members and tination. I would like to thank We are going gions and chapters gives them the hand-holding Gujarat Tourism and MOT for Macross India gathered they need to revive themselves their assistance and support to tie up with more and experienced the new- and help them move forward. in organising the TAAI Tourism states and tourism est tourism attraction of the I am happy that we got such Conclave,” she added. state. Organised in association a great reception from more boards to provide with Gujarat Tourism and sup- than 240 members who par- Delegates experienced the ported by Ministry of Tourism, ticipated and showed enthusi- accommodation facilities at members with the conclave’s focus was to Tent City 1 and Tent City 2 at educate travel trade members Kevadia along with a visit to the more practical and promote Gujarat as a tour- tallest statue in the world. They (L-R) Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI and Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI experiences ism destination for domestic It was also visited nearby attractions as well as inbound tourists, such as Jungle Safari, Aarogya empower members. “This initia- sessions that focused on how – Jay Bhatia stated Jyoti Mayal, President, necessary to take Van and many more apart from tive of TAAI shall ensure mem- we can move forward after the TAAI. “Members of the trade enjoying a dinner cruise on bers were familiarised with the pandemic. All participating mem- are going through challenging members out to river Narmada. region to promote ‘Dekho Apna bers gave good feedback about Tourism, addressed the conclave times due to the pandemic and motivate them and Desh’ and revive the promotion their trip. Going forward, we are via a live video call wherein he this offered them an opportu- Talking about the success of the of domestic and inbound tourism going to tie up with more states highlighted the initiatives of the nity to adapt to transformation, the consumers to event and the prospect of or- through personal experience. The and tourism boards to work to- government in promoting Gujarat and explore possibilities. It was ganising more such conclaves idea was to ensure that our mem- gether and to provide members and thanked the TAAI committee necessary to take our mem- explore domestic elsewhere in the country going bers know more about the prod- with more practical experiences,” for bringing their members to bers out after a long hiatus forward, Jay Bhatia, Vice Presi- ucts and offerings at Statue of Bhatia mentioned. SoU. He also assured support because we need to motivate destinations dent, TAAI, said that the success Unity before they start promoting and encouragement to mem- not only our members but con- – Jyoti Mayal of conclave in Gujarat depicts the it. Apart from familiarisation, we Jenu Devan, Commissioner bers in promoting Gujarat as a sumers as well to travel and need to impart skills, educate and had three informative knowledge of Tourism and MD, Gujarat wholesome destination. South India gets exclusive GSA TravelBullz has signed on Bangalore Classic Tours and Travels as its GSA for the South Indian market. The move will help the company expand its reach across the region, including tier-II and III cities.

Manas Dwivedi

ith an aim to expand its reach to tier-II Wand III cities across South India, TravelBullz has announced Bangalore Classic and tour consultant, helping hands with another expert in this Tours and Travels as Gen- thousands of clients plan their domain, TravelBullz, a com- eral Sales Agent (GSA) for ex- customised international tours. pany that has helped millions of panding its reach in the south- passengers plan their tours ern market of the country. This with ease. move will allow travel partners to increase their product Bangalore Classic Tours and portfolio and earn more rev- Travels is IATA-accredited, an enue with the advanced B2B active member of TAAI, and booking engine provided by even licensed by the RBI as TravelBullz. It will also help a full-fledged money changer, in management of agent and helping many travel agents to sub-agent accounts, which get best B2B rates. Its Found- will make transactions smooth Amarnath N er, Amarnath, was recently and hassle free. Founder, Bangalore Classic elected unanimously as Trea- Tours & Travels surer of the TAAI Karnataka Bangalore Classic Tours and Chapter. A great networker, Travels, founded by Amarnath N, The company now aims to sup- he is also the co-founder of has been serving the industry port the fraternity with easy and BNI Nakshatra Chapter and a since 1983 as a ticketing agent reliable travel solutions, joining member of FKCCI.

A recent study by ANAROCK suggests that in the newly-forged post-pandemic world, fractional ownership of vacation homes or high-worth resorts can potentially gain popularity. 6 TravTalk april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 QUICKBYTES

IndiGo announces Quarantine expense not covered? Rajkot as its newest destination FHRAI teams up AGENTS SPEAK SERVICE PROVIDERS with IRCTC to offer accommodation Contd from page 1 Right now we are mainly Currently, all our overseas Redevelopment of selling Maldives and Dubai, and travel policies cover medical ex- railway stations initiated if we take travel insurance for penses due to COVID-19 if con- in 10 states: Piyush Goyal these two countries, it doesn’t tracted during trip duration. The cover quarantine if someone medical expenses incurred dur- Greece & Iceland open tests positive in these two coun- ing quarantine period are also for vaccinated travellers tries. But it covers hospitalisa- covered. We offer coverage IATO waives tion. I don’t know any Indian for medical expenses related to subscription fee for companies that sell travel in- COVID-19 when the insured is Dev Karvat FY2021, extends surance that offers any special Mehernosh Colombowalla outside India, at no additional Founder & CEO, Asego Pradip Lulla COVID cover to travellers. But, Director, Beyond Borders Travel deadline for previous CMD, Cupid Travels Management Company cost. We offer insurance for five an international company called year as well traveller segments – leisure (in- We have launched a unique I am advising my clients to Allied does offer that travellers There are some insurance ternational), business (interna- combo product that covers the Flight tickets could take a separate insurance for can buy online in USD for Mal- companies that are offering a tional), students, domestic and travellers’ COVID-19 related cost more as lower fare COVID before travelling over- dives. However, there are cases cover for COVID-19 such as senior citizens. expenses as well. It includes band increases by 5% seas. In my opinion, the regular where clients have complained TATA AIG. However, the cover is hospitalisation, hotel quaran- travel insurance does not cover about discrepancies. for hospitalisation only if clients tine, cancellations along with Jeh Wadia bids adieu COVID; you need to take a sepa- are tested positive. It does not other new-age travel protection to GoAir, Ben Baldanza rate one that does. There are include hotel or house quarantine benefits such as roadside assis- new VC some insurance companies that and COVID-19 test costs. My tance, emergency medical and UAE approves offer COVID cover within India. advice to clients is to always get accidental expenses which not multiple-entry tourist For instance, Edelweiss offers themselves tested for COVID-19 only provides immediate relief in group insurance that covers CO- case of travel emergencies but visa for all nationalities before they travel overseas, and VID which is a top-up. Alterna- also boosts traveller confidence. in the world always take overseas insur- tively, you can buy a local COVID ance when they travel. The cost Considering the travel bans, this Mumbai exempts insurance in the country you land of insurance is negligible and product is being offered only to vaccinated travellers in. The best is to buy both – one well worth an investment to Parag Ved domestic travellers. We are plan- from quarantine from India and the other local to Anshu Tejuja avoid any possible expense Executive VP, Consumer Lines ning to start a similar product for ensure complete cover. MD, Ashoka Dream Holidays during your vacation. TATA AIG General Insurance international travellers. Travel by road to boost footfalls Boutique events soon Contd from page 1

Contd from page 1 ent way here. That’s why we Laxman Gautam, Head - Tour- Kashmir as well. “Gulmarg is came to India with 25 com- ism Marketing & Promotion exhibiting full hotels and even just that. “Indian tourists mostly panies from Nepal to show- Department, NTB, added that Srinagar has been exhibiting look for sun, sand and sea. In case what we can offer.” while they will be adopting the a fair response. We under- Nepal’s mid-hills, you can find He also shared that they have traditional approach of partici- stand that there is a lot more the first two and while we don’t appointed Buzz Travel Market- pating in fairs, organising func- that we need to showcase and have a sea, all major rivers that ing to help with promotions in tions, publicising via media and webinars are being planned flow into the Indo-Gangetic plain organising familiarisation on that front. Events will be Rupinder Brar originate in Nepal and hence, trips to Nepal, they will initi- hosted once the weather gets ADG, Ministry of Tourism there are many freshwater Laxman Gautam ate some new programmes. better. The same goes for Leh beaches. One can even enjoy all Head - Tourism Marketing & and Ladakh. We will be host- ity building and scaling up of recreational activities like camp- Promotion Department, NTB If we focus “We are working out special ing boutique events, keeping in operations, and the recent un- ing and rafting. The best part is on interlinked programmes and want to pres- mind that COVID is still lurking veiling of India@75 at Sabar- that all this is available just an that Indian travellers were ent to the market packages in and hence we need to be re- mati Ashram. hour’s drive away, in a coun- looking for everything from packages, we can collaboration with the private spectful of protocols. There is try that has a similar culture,” a nightlife to new proper- sector, so that people would be a lot more focus on adventure International marketing he said. ties in Nepal. “Hence,” he enhance the able to understand the changed as well,” she adds. Brar shares that the global added, “why shouldn’t we landscape of Nepal. They will media plan, which Ministry of The CEO also added that in showcase that in India and relationship look at it from a different, mod- Brar says that a lot of events Tourism crafts every year, is their research, NTB analysed do our branding in a differ- between Nepal ern view,” he shared. on the domestic front are already underway. “We are try- and India Gautam also added that they Land borders open Industry status for hotels in all states – Dr Dhananjay Regmi are primarily focusing on the The Nepalese government has announced the opening of land Indian market. “We will go to Hoping that the hospitality sector is given an industry status in all borders with India. “There are immigration points between India other countries, but in terms of states, Brar says, “It is a state subject and therefore, as a Ministry, we and Nepal near Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gorakhpur, Lucknow and Bihar. budget and a human resource have been advocating this at all levels. The Minister has also reached Even from Delhi people can drive for 3.5 hours and reach one of India. The NTO has already met focus, we will try to reach out out to all the state governments to accord industry status, and we are the borders of Nepal. Right now, there is only one flight each from a number of OTAs as well as to the tier-II and III cities of India glad that some states are coming forth with it. We hope that other India and Nepal between the two countries under the air bubble heads of various travel trade as- as well, because there is alarge states will also take cue and accord an industry status to the sector.” agreement. If we wait for flights to resume, it will be late and with sociations here. Regmi said that and growing outbound popula- the summer season almost here, people will look for travel pack- they are all happy to support tion from these cities that has ages. I have suggested to the industry in India that they make land Nepal in its campaign. “We have a good capacity to spend. Ear- already happening, such as ing to bring in more countries, transport packages to Nepal,” said Regmi. Around 9,000 tour- also invited them for a Fam trip lier, we were only focusing on the ADTOI Convention in such as Latin American na- ists from India travelled to Nepal last month, which may increase in April. Let’s hope that together metropolitan cities like Delhi, Kevadia, the ITM, a three-day tions. There will also be more if flights open. we can achieve what we are Mumbai, Chennai and Benga- workshop for homestay own- focus on the ASEAN and APAC looking to,” he shared. luru,” he added. ers of Darjeeling on capac- regions,” she says. NTO april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 TravTalk 7 Turning the tide for Indian travellers Conrad Maldives Rangali Island wants to woo the Indian market with its amazing offerings, many of which are tailor-made for Indian travellers and will certainly attract them in large numbers. Besides an underwater suite surrounded by colourful sea life, the resort has also re-designed its menu to include Indian vegetarian dishes.

Nisha Verma tions which, she claims, other while families are entertained resorts don’t. at the more livelier island, Indian food for every taste bud arla Puverel, Gen- Rangali-Finolhu home to Puverel says that the Indian market is very important to them. She eral Manager, Conrad Safety & hygiene the resort’s kids club Majaa adds, “It’s one of the few markets that is travelling regularly right CMaldives Rangali Claiming that Hilton’s CleanStay Explorers Hub complete with now. Hence, it’s also very important that we attract them. Also, when Island, says that the “iconic” is an amazing programme, a splash park. the Indian market travels, they may give us feedback, allowing us property is one of the first in Puverel says, “Our rooms are to adapt to their needs. The Indian market is also very loyal. If they the Maldives, in the South Ari completely sealed 48 hours The family island offers one come to a property once, and if you can make a connection and Atoll that is a quick seaplane before the arrival of guests. In and two bedroom villas in- have a relationship, then they return with family and friends and do ride away from the interna- Carla Puverel the Maldives, you must enter cluding the Grand Water Vil- word-of-mouth publicity. Also, many Indian carriers are flying into General Manager tional airport. “We also have Conrad Maldives Rangali Island with a negative PCR test within las. The resort also offers 12 the Maldives, as well as close to where we are located and not only a twin-island experience that 96 hours of travel and then we dining options including Ithaa the international airport.” While they have had guests coming from offers a lot of space to guests, also have a dedicated medi- Undersea Restaurant. India, Puverel thinks it’s not as many as they would like. “Hence, we especially now when space, feeding — it’s beautiful to cal team that can administer are growing our brand presence within India. We are also relaunch- privacy and seclusion are so watch. We are one of the few the PCR test before departure, Puverel also says that en- ing one of our restaurants, which would be more suited to Indian important. While the water vil- resorts in the Maldives where which is very important. In fact, gaging with the trade is very food, such as Jain cuisine, vegetarian food on Tuesdays, etc. A lot las are more suited for adults, one doesn’t have to get on a we have even started getting of our team members in the kitchen are from India and it’s impor- our main island is more suited boat to see them. We are also our team members vaccinated tant that we have an identification and relationship so that people feel for families. The jewel in the very close to the whale sharks and right now, 60 per cent comfortable,” she shares. crown is The Muraka, our and can see them most of the of our team has been vac- three-bedroom residence with year,” she shares. cinated with the first dose We have a an underwater suite. We have of AstraZeneca.” twin-island important. “Our Commercial agents use in India. It is the a very beautiful location and Claiming that the lush green Director is from New Delhi, fastest way of communication. a lot of Manta Rays are in our vegetation on the island gives Twin Island Experience experience that and he has many connec- Every time we have a new of- lagoon in the evening. One can a “Robinson Crusoe feeling”, Another advantage that the tions. We are also working fer, a flyer is sent out. We do walk across the 500m bridge Puverel adds that a lot of property has is its twin island offers a lot of with Sandeep Raghav, Vice a lot of webinars as well as in between the two islands the resorts don’t have that. experience. Honeymoon- space to guests President, ISA, and we do virtual Fam trips so that the and the Manta Rays are often Another advantage that the ers enjoy a secluded island a lot of communication on agents can see the property,” swimming underneath and property has is 12 dining op- for adults at Rangali Island WhatsApp groups that she says. ‘We are building a community’ Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and member of the Board of Saudi Tourism Authority, made a keynote address at the launch webinar titled ‘Journeys of Arabia’, where he shared that 89 per cent of respondents to their recent survey said they were keen to travel again. This definitely is a huge opportunity.

Hazel Jain trol. Travellers are re-thinking keen to resume travel. And that At STA, we are not building how they want to spend their is a huge opportunity. But, to a network, we are building riends and partners vacation time – thinking of take advantage of that opportu- a community. A community of the Saudi Tour- visiting safe, less-crowded nity, we need to think differently. dedicated to positioning Saudi Fism Authority, wel- destinations where they can as a unique tourism destination come to ‘Journeys in Arabia’ be assured of a warm wel- The pandemic has shown – as home for Arabia. We have – our first-ever STA-owned come. I’m especially happy us how important it is to be to show travellers a country of event designed especially for to welcome our friends from agile and responsive. In the natural beauty, great diversity you – our international travel India. As the tourism market tourism industry, we need to and hidden treasures – of lush trade partners. You join us at begins to re-open, India is use information in the way valleys, clear seas and rugged a very opportune moment in supposed to become the most Silicon Valley companies do mountains, of 10,000 ancient the history of tourism. Travel significant source market of – as a source of competitive sites and stunning modern ar- is preparing for a rebound as the world. Eighty nine per cent advantage. In the New World, chitecture. A destination where the world begins to get the of respondents to our survey knowledge is empowerment. iconic places and unexpected COVID pandemic under con- we did recently said they were That is why we are building stories meet exceptional ex- landscape, one thing we ment to create a new disrup- smart systems that will give periences delivered with true know remains the same – tive way of working together. Saudi Arabia to open Red Sea by 2022 end you access to rich data and Arabian hospitality. people continue to dream of insight from all around the travel. Today more than ever We are excited to have you The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia is the world’s most ambitious luxury world at the same time we It will not be easy. Today, before, they seek inspiration, on this journey with us. To- tourism development, offering an exclusive experience of unparalleled are seeing it. That is why, Saudi has only five per cent they yearn to discover places gether we will create a place diversity for discerning global travellers. The Red Sea will welcome we are taking a lesson from global awareness as a travel unseen, to experience the for Arabia in the hearts its first guests by the end of 2022 and will attract a million overnight social media companies destination. But we’ve all faced unknown. The growth oppor- and the minds of travellers. visits per year by 2030. It will be an exquisite sanctuary offering and building a dynamic and challenges before. In these tunities in this new world of We will create new business luxury experiences customised to the needs of each visitor. Smart responsive content syndica- times, it’s perhaps more true tourism are endless. And to- opportunities and delight our technology will deliver innovative, tailored services from the moment tion system. Content that is to say that uncertainty is the gether we will realise them visitors together. I look forward visitors begin to research their trips to the time they return home. accessible in real-time and only certainty. But despite through partnership and to welcoming you to the home approved for use. the ever-changing global through a shared commit- of Arabia – to Saudi. 8 TravTalk april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 NTO Re-opening cautious but safe Malaysia looks at Q3 opening Razaidi Abd Rahim, Director, Tourism Malaysia, South India & Sri Lanka, Malaysia may open its borders in the third quarter of 2021, but already says they have a number of campaigns in the pipeline as they look to has the Indian travel trade excited. They’ve already raised queries and are convince the India travel trade to encourage their clients to the destination. seeking information for sending their clients to the destination.

Nisha Verma educational tourism, M!CE Nisha Verma which will help us convince and filming. Hybrid activities them that we are taking all nec- ith Indian tourist ar- will continue, perhaps in the ust as everyone else essary precautions and proto- rivals to Malaysia second half of the year or as did, Sulaiman Bin cols to ensure that the tourists Wdropping by 78.8 per and when border opens. The JSuip, Director, Tour- visiting Malaysia remain safe,” cent in 2020 compared to the roadshows will involve MTEX ism Malaysia, North & East he adds. In fact, the Direc- same period in 2019 owing and cover major regions of in- India, also thought that the tor informs that Indian agents to the pandemic, Razaidi Abd terest in South India. We will be pandemic wouldn’t last long. are already asking them about Rahim says that they had to working closely on shopping, But, he says that after a year bidding for big M!CE groups to focus on designing a sustain- Razaidi Abd Rahim diving and weddings in Malay- of closed borders, the big- Sulaiman Bin Suip Malaysia. “We have been re- able business plan. “We had to Director, Tourism Malaysia sia as part of the promotional gest learning was to not take Director, Tourism Malaysia ceiving enquiries from agents if South India & Sri Lanka North & East India rebuild the entire strategy and to anything for granted and be ensure that we are ready once prepared all the time. “Another borders open and attract people ciations to ensure complete thing we learnt from the pan- up with some joint promotional to Malaysia, making them feel it support and participation of demic was the importance of campaigns with our travel trade We will work is a safe destination. For this to airlines like Malaysia Airlines, We will be online promotions. Virtual en- partners. When borders open, happen, we have been in touch AirAsia and Malindo Air to build working on gagements are going to be key we will implement them and with industry with our partners in South India on our strengths and enhance in future, and we should be pre- will work with our industry part- and Sri Lanka,” he shares. Malaysia as the preferred des- shopping, diving pared for such eventualities,” ners in Malaysia to add value partners to tination for travel.” he says. to packages being offered by add value to But, Tourism Malaysia will ap- and weddings travel agents. India is one of proach recovery in a gradual He also shares that the NTO as part of the Bin Suip reveals that they re- our most important markets. packages being manner. Abd Rahim adds, has around 12 campaigns in cently had a meeting with part- We have also asked airlines to “Awareness, safety measures, the pipeline for travel partners. campaign ner agents, airlines and asso- work with us to create aware- offered by agents value-added packages, strat- “At a pan-India level,” Abd Ra- ciations where they concluded ness. I think, there are two key egising with our airline partners him says, “we have been plan- that everyone should now be issues we should be address- and agents will be key. We also ning a promotional campaign campaign.” The country, how- prepared with countries begin- ing— awareness and confi- they can start bidding for M!CE have the support of travel asso- with select travel partners and ever, will be cautious in opening ning to roll out their vaccination dence. Hence, we have planned group movements to Malaysia. ciations like TAAI, TAFI, SIGTOA airlines for special incentive borders to avoid another programmes. “We don’t want to to conduct Fam trips for agents, These are groups of 700-800 and other national-level asso- schemes targeting leisure, possible lockdown. be left behind. We have come media and key opinion leaders, Pax,” he shares. Air Seychelles resumes Mumbai Ops Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer, Air Seychelles, reveals that the twice-weekly commercial flight to Seychelles starting April 8 is a step to attracting the lucrative Indian source market to visit the archipelago. The airline is keen on leaving no stone unturned to persuade Indians to visit.

Nisha Verma has reopened its borders to about the Indian market, es- Flight schedule and fare details welcome visitors regardless pecially after seeing so many ir Seychelles is all set of their vaccination status. Indian visitors to Maldives, v Fare: Starts at `32,457 for Economy, `74,443 for Business to resume its com- which is a lot more than nor- Class Amercial flight between “Seychelles, with a relatively mal since there is a lack of v Aircraft: Airbus 320 Neo Mumbai and Seychelles start- small population and vaccina- destinations. Hence, we also v Service: All full-service carrier amenities and in-flight entertainment ing April 8, 2021, in line with tion level high enough for the Flight Origin Destination Depart Arrive Day the air bubble agreement with country, will be protected. This India. The twice-weekly flight means that now everybody HM260 Seychelles Mumbai 2210hrs 0415hrs Wed & Sat schedule has been charted Remco Althuis can come with no quarantine We have HM261 Mumbai Seychelles 0515hrs 0810hrs Thurs & Sun out in a bid to offer both CEO, Air Seychelles upon arrival and no restrictions business and leisure travel- on movement. Hence, Sey- appointed Bird he says, adding that while cally, Seychelles has been a lers the chance to book a CEO, Air Seychelles, says that chelles is now more acces- they are currently not flying to very important market for short or extended holiday in it is the right time to launch sible. Also, Seychelles main- Travels as our South Africa, once it reopens, weddings and also for honey- the country. Remco Althuis, these flights since Seychelles tains an air bubble agreement GSA in India and there will also be a lot of In- moons; that clearly changed with India, allowing the two dian guests who will find their with the pandemic. However, countries to operate commer- through them, way via Seychelles to get to we know that in the future, Travel SOPs cial services and therefore, Air South Africa. demand will be there. Hence, Seychelles could re-launch its we look at we will do different activities to v Negative PCR test certificate prior to departure from Mumbai, service into the important Indi- trainings and To extend their reach in the increase visibility for the airline regardless of vaccination status an market in April,” he shares. market, they have worked and the destination. We have v Complete Health Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com meetings closely with the Seychelles also appointed Bird Travels as v No quarantine on arrival in Seychelles Althuis adds that they are Tourism Board on vari- our GSA in India and through v Travellers to Mumbai need negative PCR certificate and self- exploring more routes based ous awareness activities. them, using technology like report on airsuvidha portal on demand and if business want to use this opportunity Zoom, we look at sales train- v 14 days home quarantine upon arrival in Mumbai is feasible, they would seek to get more Indians to see “We are working with partners ings, sales meetings and des- v Onward domestic passengers must verify entry guidelines of the regulatory governmental Seychelles and hopefully, in on organising media Fam trips, tination trainings to strengthen final destination approval to operate on these the future, it would lead to an social media engagements our engagement with the routes. “We are very optimistic increase in visitor numbers,” with influencers, etc. Histori- trade,” Althuis concludes. AVIATION april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 TravTalk 9 Minar now India GSA for Air Peace Minar Group has been appointed as the General Sales Agent for a Nigerian airline based in Lagos – Air Peace – which is expected to start operations in India this year out of Mumbai. It will be the first Nigerian carrier to connect India with Lagos and other West African countries.

Nisha Verma Ruhani Duggal, Director, Minar that has been confirmed out when it comes to promoting air- place, the connectivity, etc., and are a lot of ideas that we are Group, says it will start with Mum- of India. lines. What is required are good then we start narrowing down experimenting with. Air Peace inar Group will be un- bai. “We are just gearing up for promotional offers and a strong specific selling strategies, and already holds a lot of love when dertaking sales and that, including sales, promotions, In terms of their strategy, Ru- network where we can promote look at incentives for our B2C as it comes to public sentiment. I Mmarketing activities and setting up the infrastructure hani shares that they are going Air Peace and show our agents have no doubt that we can do for Nigerian airline Air Peace and we are super excited to col- to take a two-pronged approach the value of choosing it over a remarkable job to position Air in order to position the brand with sales. “The first approach other airlines. When it comes Peace at the top.” and create awareness about it is, of course, the B2B channel. in the Indian market. Speaking Since we have a strong portfo- The aircraft Outlining the safety and saniti- on the new airline on board, lio of GSAs in our company, our in operation is sation measures, Ruhani adds, Harvinder Singh Duggal, Managing network of B2B agents is strong “We will be doing standard Director, Minar Group of Com- pan India and we think it’s all the Boeing 777. checks like having RT-PCR panies, says, “We're excited about building relationships tests uploaded before travellers to establish a footprint in the Air Peace also board the flight, and temperature West African market. Experts has connections checks and masks are manda- estimate that by 2034, India will tory. Sanitisers are available and become one of the largest avia- Harvinder Singh Duggal when it comes to the aircraft is sanitised before tion markets in the world, and Managing Director, Minar Group Experts say and after arrival of passengers. Ruhani Duggal business ties with Africa will that by 2034, Director, Minar Group the Middle East There is also a health evaluation grow manifold. We're gearing – Ruhani Duggal form which needs to be upload- up to take a strategic position- laborate with Air Peace and posi- India will be one ed on Nigeria’s portal when one ing and look forward to a close tion them to the top when it comes to B2C customers, which is our is flying with Air Peace. Besides partnership with Air Peace." to the Indian market. The aircraft of the largest second approach, we will start that, Air Peace is also an IOSA- Air Peace currently serves the in operation for Lagos-Mumbai aviation markets; by educating the Indian cus- well as B2B clients,” she details. certified airline, which is a stan- major cities of Nigeria and flies route is the Boeing 777 which tomer first about what all is there Air Peace already has a won- dard benchmark when it comes to West African and Middle has a three-class configuration. business with in West Africa to explore. Usually derful loyalty programme, she to safety in aviation. Hence, I Eastern destinations. The airline also has some fabu- with marketing in Minar Group, reveals. “Besides that, we’ll think Air Peace is doing a great lous connections when it comes Africa will grow we like to take a reverse funnel look at offers and promotions, job when it comes to sanitisation While the exact date of the to the Middle East,” she says. – HS Duggal approach. We first like to set the and collaborating with social and it’s going to be no less when route launch is not yet decided, So far, Mumbai is the only route base about the airline, about the media bloggers. Hence, there it starts flying to India.” ‘We expect 2022 to be a stellar year’ Speaking about the eleventh-biggest market in terms of spend for the UK, VisitBritain CEO, Sally Balcombe, expects that India will climb up to the NTO’s top 10 list soon given the market’s growth trajectory. The pent-up demand to travel among Indians is expected to be a driving force.

Hazel Jain ally, and that we can have as brutal so we expect it to be one of Jubilee of Elizabeth II and sort of vaccination passports. many meetings as we normally the earliest markets opening up. the Commonwealth Games The UK government will peaking exclusively to have during a physical show, And we will be delighted to see which will have a huge draw announce this soon, af- TRAVTALK on the sidelines and that people do make great you and welcome you!” for India. So we are expect- ter which we will announce Sof the annual five-day connections during such vir- ing a lot of business from the new requirements for in- global trade event ExploreGB, tual events.” Plans for 2021-22 India in 2022 which is going bound travellers.” Sally Balcombe said, “We Balcombe explains that the to be a stellar year for us. expect 2022 to be a stellar ExploreGB Virtual brought destination is getting ready “At the moment India is 16th year. The event saw 30 buy- together more than 350 global to welcome visitors. “We Our marketing strategy for in volume and the eleventh- Sally Balcombe ers from India this year and we buyers to connect online with CEO, VisitBritain are now building to 2022 this year will be all about how biggest market in terms of are expecting huge numbers 350 tourism industry sup- which will be a massive year we open up safely with our spend for us. But, the re- from India when international pliers and destinations from for the UK with the Platinum ‘We’re Good to Go’ scheme ally important thing is that you travel resumes. ExploreGB across the UK to do business. more than 1,000 pre-scheduled where nearly 44,000 business- are growing fast. We know we goes to show that you can re- Travel industry buyers from 20 one-to-one virtual business meet- es have signed up. It has also are the second-most popular ally conduct these events virtu- countries joined the event and ings took place during the event. been recognised by the WTTC. destination in Europe for the In India the That, supplemented with our India market. Indians spend ‘Good to Go’ and ‘Safe’ Referring to the in-house vaccination drive, the India a lot of money here and stay research conducted by VisitBri- market needs to know that we a longer time – 56 per cent VisitBritain has announced that tourism businesses in the UK regis- lockdown was tain, she added, “Our research are a safe country,” she added. more time than others on an tered to the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard scheme can now shows that India is ready to trav- brutal, so we average. We really value you be automatically issued with the international ‘Safe Travels’ stamp el. India was more positive about She also commented on the as a market and would like from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The WTTC stamp expect it to be travelling than pretty much any new protocols for internation- you to grow even more. Your enables travellers to recognise destinations around the world which other nation. It also scored very als travellers who are already growth trajectory will take have adopted global standardised protocols - so they can experience one of the high on the VFR traffic. There is vaccinated and said, “We you into our top 10 interna- ‘Safe Travels.’ VisitBritain is coordinating the Safe Travels stamp just so much pent-up demand to earliest to open are working on that at the tional markets very soon!” issue in the UK, on behalf of the WTTC. travel. In India, the lockdown was moment. There will be some Balcombe added. 10 TravTalk April 1st Fortnight issue 2021 AGENTS AI keeping agents at bay? New Residence in the capital Rajiv Bansal, CMD, Air India (AI), said the airline would move to a more Madhav Sehgal, GM, Hyatt Delhi Residences, says that the property will web-based than agent-based sales model. AI’s recent ban on agents from offer a new experience with its multi-category serviced apartments and selling select sectors has resulted in uproar. TRAVTALK gets the trade to speak. the unique style of service for both business and leisure guests.

Nisha Verma families, expats, medical tour- This has created a wrong ists, embassies and project- perception amongst customers lease tell us about related businesses. For engaging to not book through accredited Hyatt Delhi Resi- agents. Being IATA-accredited Pdences. Tell us more about your with our agents and Air India being an Located at Aerocity, Hyatt Delhi strategy for engagements. IATA BSP-concurrent airline as Residences provides an all- Keeping in mind an ideal stay online travel well as the national carrier must new luxury experience. Curat- for guests, we offer various partners, we ensure that the trade and agents ed for the discerning traveller, stay packages that include are protected and assisted. Air it includes 124 well-appointed are working with Pradip Lulla India does not connect with us Subhash Goyal Acting President & VP, TAFI Secretary General, FAITH apartments divided into bed- to support and assist in booking room apartments and duplex them for leisure challenges. We have received I am surprised and amazed at While Air India has restricted townhouses, with spacious business assurance from the MoCA Sec- the role Air India has now started Indian travel agents from selling interiors paired with Hyatt’s retary Pradeep Singh Kharola playing because this is the time inventory on select sectors like signature service excellence. that Air India and all Indian car- when all IATA agents and tour Rome, Toronto and Vancouver, Hyatt Delhi Residences is stra- uploaded on the hyattdel- riers shall assist and facilitate our operators need its help. Not only it has allowed agents in Europe, tegically located between Delhi hiresidences.com website. member travel agents. are they holding on to refunds Canada and the USA to sell seats and Gurugram business dis- due to agents and tour operators, on the same routes to India and tricts and provides guests with What about collaborat- they are also not allowing them vice versa. There seems to be a the opportunity to travel across Madhav Sehgal ing with Andaz for M!CE? to sell flights. Now that’s a very dichotomy of policy and a mis- both cities with ease. GM, Hyatt Delhi Residences Hyatt Delhi Residences and monopolistic tendency and it use of their commercial authority. Andaz Delhi are two differ- will not be tolerated. I hope that Air India has completely ignored Which segments are you ent properties catering to good sense will prevail. When the support that Indian agents targeting? staycations, bed and break- different target groups and the country opens up, and if to- have been offering to them on Along with high-income fast, long-stay deals and a lot offer separate services and day Air India does not stand with their weak sectors to help in- households, Hyatt Delhi Resi- more. As for engaging with amenities. But, if a guest stay- agents, the agents will not stand crease the seat-factor percent- dences targets groups of peo- our online travel partners, ing with us would like to opt with Air India. age. MoCA and the CMD are un- ple ranging from guests look- we are working with them for for a service at Andaz Delhi aware that this is harming AI. Jyoti Mayal ing for relocation, single female leisure business. We have or vice-versa, we'd be happy President, TAAI Inputs by Nisha Verma travellers, corporate travellers, long-staying offers and deals to facilitate it. 1,800 Pax to Dubai for M!CE Benazir Nazar, Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Holidays, shares an account of what went behind successfully conducting a M!CE group tour of 1,800 delegates to Dubai in February 2021. She says that the operations team in India also made sure that all visas and COVID-19 tests were done on time.

un, shopping and a tough decision during these were very few airlines flying family members.Visitors should cedures that can appear odd and prospective) updated, the some of the world's unprecedented times. But, we to Dubai since many airlines' get used to the smell of the sani- or excessive at first, depend- ‘Dubai experience’ remains at Sbest hotels – people have always believed that there slots were cut down from 7-8 tiser. Dispensers are everywhere ing on what guests are used its core essentially the same. visit Dubai to absorb it all. From is nothing in it but to prepare, to merely one or two slots. and everyone is expected to to. Less visibly but equally The facilities and services incredible modern architecture adapt and persevere. It took us All this was possible as we use them. reassuring were the guest of Dubai are exceptional, you to glossy beaches and high-end several trips, meticulous plan- could manage permissions to rooms that were subject to ad- can do wonders in restaurants and hotels, this is a ning, numerous Zoom calls and operate charters. Thanks largely to early, com- ditional cleansing, with non- Dubai! And, most stylish blend of a city and beach meetings with the Dubai tour- paratively strict movement vital paper items removed. Our important are the measures break. We, at Akbar Holidays, ism board to prepare and make Seamless entry and exit directives, sterilising proce- guests are very pleased with taken to ensure the guests’ Our pre committee team along dures and group gathering our approach to safety and safety and health. Of course, with the team of our local DMC, limitations implemented by sanitisation measures across this has been an extremely Arabian Journeys, made sure all properties, and we've en- challenging time, but we have everything was seamless from joyed great reviews and word- moved forward and adapted the time the group arrived un- of-mouth recommendations our product offerings and ex- til they departed. Just like the All this was on social media ever since periences to ensure our market residents, we experienced the this trip. gets what it deserves. city's precautionary measures possible as we first-hand. While those masks Vacationing has changed can prove irritating in the UAE could manage The coming months provide heat, it's good to know you're permissions to a unique opportunity for low- in a country with a relatively risk travellers to explore an in- are proud to share that we suc- sure that every new norm in the low infection rate, in part be- operate charters credible destination like Dubai cessfully operated a group of book was followed and execut- cause of the masks. The mask without the usual mass influx 1800 delegates to Dubai, ac- ed to a T. Our operations team rule extends to Dubai's theme of tourists. On the face of it, cepting the new norms, in the in India made sure that all visas parks, such as IMG Worlds of the UAE authorities, Dubai is vacationing here has changed, last week of February 2021. and COVID-19 tests were done Adventure, where rules apply on back to something approach- but as we continue to moni- Benazir Nazar on time. And, we managed to two-metre social distancing and ing normality. Our hotels fol- tor evolving travel and safety Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Holidays Commitment to the client to op- operate this group in the midst keeping every other seat empty, lowed – and in some cases situations and, where possible, (Views expressed are the author’s own. erate a group of such size was of the air bubble where there except when occupied by went beyond – mandatedpro- keep guests (both present The publication may or may not subscribe to them.) AGENTS april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 TravTalk 11 Bahrain at MICE Engage 2021 As one of the exhibitors at the upcoming MICE Engage 2021 virtual roadshow, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority (BTEA) hopes to inform the key corporates attending it about the destination’s safety and unique offerings for all their MICE requirements, helping bring the destination to the forefront.

Hazel Jain MICE movements with some mal, is seeing cases rise spo- ‘Safety for all’ will be the mantra incredible reviews from the cor- radically. There is a fear of travel in the future,” he says. haring the idea behind porate and MICE agents on how but there is eagerness also. participating in MICE seamlessly it was managed with MICE travel will start but, in The vaccination drive in Bah- SEngage 2021, Sunil BTEA assisting at every stage. my opinion, it would be with a rain is at very fast pace, he Mathapati, Director, Intrepid This shows the preparedness smaller number of Pax. Corpo- says, and BTEA expects that Marketing and Communications, of the destination to handle at the current situation, we Bahrain would be able to vac- the India representative for the any MICE movements. Our have to do with virtual meet- cinate the majority of the popu- Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition participation in MICE Engage ings. “We are positive to get lation in the coming months. Sunil Mathapati Authority (BTEA), says, “In the 2021 is to bring Bahrain to the Director, Intrepid Marketing and good traction from this event. We are past one year, pre-COVID Bah- forefront for the corporates, Communications We have been getting some “Bahrain has set up a Special rain has seen good demand for and showcase to them that MICE queries and are work- positive to get Task Force which has instruct- MICE movements. We have suc- Bahrain can be considered for Mathapati adds, “MICE move- ing on some leads which are ed all hotels, DMCs, restau- cessfully converted some large their next movement.” ments should start as the situ- in the month of June and July. good traction. rants, malls and tourist areas ation gets back to normal and This brings us to understand We do expect to strictly follow COVID proto- we think that corporate par- that corporates are looking cols. The current protocols ask JTB India invites NTOs, hotel chains to ticipation to this event will be to at international destinations there to be small travellers to board the flights to participate in MICE roadshow on April 28 explore new destinations within with direct flight connectiv- movements Bahrain with a negative certifi- With MICE travel from India slowly gaining momentum, JTB India will close proximity to India that has ity, support from the tourism cate. On landing, they will have host a unique B2C virtual platform dedicated to MICE travel slated to direct flights.” boards and strict safety pro- to download the ‘Beware App’ be held on April 28, 2021. JTB invites National Tourism Offices and tocols. We do expect that and then proceed for RT-PCR global hotel chains to participate in this in order to take advantage Sharing his perspective on there would be small move- rates would look at closer des- test with a fee. The travellers of its wide corporate network. The event will see attendance from virtual events, he says that ments,” Mathapati shares. tinations with direct flights for will be allowed to leave for their top corporate companies in India. For more information, contact while he is a firm believer of now. Corporate clients will also hotels, but would have to quar- Kritika Kunden at [email protected] or Deepali Gupta physical meetings that help Year 2020 has been a rough want to review their prepared- antine themselves till the re- at [email protected]. in transacting business much phase for all. “Even 2021, ness at every stage before they port is available on their App,” faster than virtual, looking which is limping back to nor- plan their MICE movements. Mathapati explains. 12 TravTalk april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 EXHIBITIONS The cutting edge in travel is here The World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) is an annual event where global leaders in travel and hospitality meet the next generation of innovators. The scale of innovation and creativity is vast. TRAVTALK highlights six promising start-ups, including two from India, who reached the finals.

Hazel Jain take cue from the new normal One such platform that is over 400 applications from and re-invent themselves to putting the spotlight on new more than 90 countries, cov- hese challenging adapt to the new world order. businesses who have innova- ering a broad spectrum rang- Innovator Speak times call for a pan- Small start-up companies are tive products to offer is the ing from digital solutions and "Ecowrap is a waste management cum Tdemic pivot. Travel already disrupting businesses World Tourism Forum Lucerne gastro-guides to mattress FMCG supply chain platform for hotels, and hospitality companies, and it will serve us well to take through its annual Start-Up rental. The scale of innova- restaurants and cafes. We offer free regardless of their size, must heed or risk irrelevance. Innovation Camp. It received tion and creativity is vast. Of waste bins to users to segregate dif- these, 15 finalists were chosen ferent types of waste at source. Once under five categories. From the waste is collected, it is resold to Six finalists to watch out for India, it received more than recyclers, manufacturers. To promote 50 applications! This proves waste segregation at source we provide Ecowrap (India) is an IoT and BOT to integrate living, working for hotels. It helps hotels digitise that innovative spirit is alive infrastructure and training. Our business SaaS-based one-stop solution and entertaining spaces atop, analogue purchasing and stor- and well, despite the ongoing model incentivises waste generators for Angraj Swami to help HORECA (hotels, res- forming different moving spaces age processes by using data global pandemic. That’s why it segregating waste at source." Head of Execution, Ecowrap (Jaipur) taurants, cafes) in sustainable to provide on-demand services for better decision-making and is more important than ever to treatment of their solid waste and shared mobility. Its applica- more efficiency. connect the driving forces be- "PashooPakshee works with communities and also create livelihood oppor- tion can enable small vendors hind it with established sourc- that live near tourist destinations to make tunities for women. reach larger audiences. PashooPakshee (India) mission es of knowledge and expertise, sustainable souvenirs. All our products are is to design and supply socially in order to shape the future of made by local artisans and women from Indy Guide (Switzerland) is Booknbook (UK) is an all-in-one responsible and destination-spe- tourism together. marginalised communities living in wildlife a booking platform for local platform for restaurant transfor- cific souvenirs which are made conflict areas. The idea is to contribute to guides, drivers and tour opera- mation to redesign management by artisans and locals living near The Start-Up Innovation local economy with sale of souvenirs and tors in underrated destinations. and customer experience. the destination. It was short- Camp 2021 will culminate inculcate a sense of pride in locals to pre- listed for WTFL Innovation Camp in a hybrid festival dedicated serve their destination. Usually, 20-25% of PIX Moving (China) builds au- Avisio (Austria) is an all-in-one 2021 in the top 10 in the Impact- to innovation in tourism on Savini Sonavaria the proceeds go back to the communities tonomous driving chassis PIX- supply management platform ing category. April 29-30, 2021 in Managing Partner, Pashoo as stipends." Andermatt, Switzerland. Pakshee (Mumbai) ‘Ecowrap stood out for us’ Prof Martin Barth, President & CEO, World Tourism Forum Lucerne, discusses the two finalists from India and why more start-ups should consider applying for their Innovation Camps. He adds that the main factors they considered in the selection process were pressing problems that candidates aimed to solve and their potential to scale.

Hazel Jain traction and great potential to go international, and therefore we as there a recurring believe that it could benefit enor- pattern in the type of mously from the camp’s expo- Winnovation developed sure to foreign markets outside by the finalists this year? India. PashooPakshee stood out Not at all, and this makes it so among close to 150 other appli- interesting for us and the whole cations as they offer a solution industry. The start-ups have to a real problem to both tourists different backgrounds, tackle Prof Martin Barth looking for purpose and destina- President & CEO different issues and come up World Tourism Forum Lucerne tions looking to showcase better with great new business mod- their unique identity and support els. There are great ideas of local artists. supporting companies to make very diverse business models remote work more meaningful. which made it very challenging What will the Start-Up Inno- Another start-up is focusing on for the jury to select three final- vation Camp involve? gives start-ups a chance to challenge to add value to the IHCL and TATA Trusts with the mobile ordering and delivery ists. The main factors that weigh The Start-up Innovation Camp connect with investors and destination in which the Camp Subcontinent India call soon. of food. One is focusing on up in the selection process are the industry. During the four will take place. We hope to have more part- mobile-based tour guides or a the pressing problems that can- days, they will be coached ners who will join our initiative new supply management con- didates are solving and their po- from master students from When can start-ups send in their to support and highlight the cept for hotels. tential to scale. Ecowrap stood It has the university in Lucerne who application for the next year? best start-ups. India is a very out exactly for this reason. It of- arrange individual meetings The dates for 2022 are not interesting market for travel Tell us what made you pick Ecow- fers a much-needed solution to demonstrated for them including personal fixed yet. But what we know is and tourism. India has to offer rap as one of the finalists? a pressing problem in emerging coaching with our innovation that we will organise our sec- what tomorrow’s travellers are Ecowrap is a finalist in the Im- countries- a one-stop solution solid traction and partner Accenture. Different ond Start-up Innovation Call looking for: great hospitality, pacting category (Sustainability for waste segregation, collec- great potential to keynotes, discussions and and Camp in India in 2021. Af- outstanding landscape, rich and Social Impact) where the tion, tracking, and recycling and exchanges will complement ter our successful start in De- culture, enough space, sus- competition was very tough and up-cycling for HORECA sector. go international the Camp. Last but not least, cember 2019 in Bengaluru, we tainable tourism products and we received many high-potential, It has also demonstrated solid all start-ups work on a local will be back with our partners delicious cuisine. QUICKBYTES april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 TravTalk 13 Vaccine efficacy making people wait

Contd from page 1 Vaccination will undoubtedly COVID-19 vaccination com- Vaccination will make a change the landscape of travel. ing in is a good thing for the trav- difference. We are looking at However, I think it’s going to el and tourism industry. I think a new normal and that new be a slow and gradual process. it will take another three to four normal will be travellers car- Some of the tourism bodies that months when most of the people rying their green vaccination we talk to, such as the NTOs, in this world will be vaccinated passports and checks at the are saying that it would still take and travel will gradually start. airport. They may not be looking time. They are looking at getting Hopefully, there is no new mu- for other things but vaccinated their entire population vaccinated tant form coming in. While there passengers, to welcome them before they even consider open- Jagdeep Bhagat have been new mutant forms in Deepak Bhatnagar and on arrival at the airport, also ing their borders. I think, even National Coordinator, NIMA the past, when people are vac- MD, Aamantaran Travel look to getting them vaccinated Swadesh Kumar after they open up the borders, cinated, it will be easy for them again or getting it checked. I Owner, Shikhar Travels India there will be many protocols in Vaccination is giving some to travel safely. So, I believe that If people in our source mar- am of the opinion that just Vaccination is the only solu- place depending on the country sort of confidence not only to in the next four to five months, kets are fully vaccinated, I am like SARS or bird flu, this is tion. If you want to go anywhere, and based on their requirements. travellers but to other stakehold- we will see clear guidelines and sure they will be more confident going to stay, and we have to hope that inbound tourism re- you need a vaccination cer- It’s not that it will be a ‘free for all’ ers like airlines, hoteliers and tour to travel and come to India. We get used to living with it and turns. Hence, it can be said that tificate and show it to them and and every citizen of every coun- operators as well. The hoteliers have already made a request move forward in life. Tourism inbound will start bouncing back you will be allowed to go. Hence, try can come in. Yes, the vacci- are very optimistic that once to IATO and to the Ministry of is an activity which cannot be from October or the last quarter it will be a passport to travel nation will help, but it’s going to the vaccination starts and if it’s Health & Family Welfare that at stopped because it’s human na- of this year. and those thinking of travelling be a slow process. It’s not going done for most of the population, least the frontline tourism work- ture to travel. should get the vaccination done to open up overnight. people will start moving. How- ers should be given the vaccina- as well. When we announce that ever, if you talk from the travel- tion on priority. If we can do that, India is open to tourists, people ler’s perspective, they are still in we will be able to convince our will come. They would only need a wait-and-watch module. Even partners across the globe and two doses of vaccination, and if they have got the vaccine, they in various source markets that that’s the passport for you to still aren’t sure of its success even though the country is so travel to anywhere in the world. rate, despite what the vaccina- big and everybody is not vac- In my opinion, June-July would tion companies claim. As an op- cinated, at least the tourism be when domestic market will erator, my confidence is building, workforce be vaccinated, so that bounce back and September- but not as a traveller. It will take travellers have no problem in coming to India. This, I believe, October would be when inbound at least a year for them to think Ravi Gosain Anil Srinivasan will help us. Rajnish Kaistha will bounce back. Executive Director, JTB India of moving in good numbers. MD, Erco Travels Director, Paradise Holidays India

Slowly, all the countries will start opening their borders for travellers. However, travellers Swosti's intriguing tours will definitely take precautions despite being vaccinated. All Swosti Travels is promoting its exciting six-night, seven-day itinerary to the SOPs and protocols will have shakti peethas in which could be promoted to not just pilgrims but to be in place, I believe. All the also cultural tourists looking to learn about the Indian culture. countries will do the checks at the border, but slowly and TT Bureau Sanjay Razdan steadily, it will start. Many coun- Manmeet Singh Director, Razdan Travels Proprietor, Sky High Tours & Travels tries may open in April, like Tur- here are 12 shakti Advertorial Vaccination is an ongoing key, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia, No one had dreamt what peethas in popular process, and I don’t think it’s Ukraine, etc. However, they will the COVID virus could bring to TOdisha culture and going to change much con- definitely monitor the situation the entire world. What began Swosti Travels’ tour covers sidering inbound or outbound. because not everyone is sure in late 2019 and devastated some of them. This six-night, Nothing will change till flights about how long it will take to all of 2020 still continues to seven-day itinerary covers are not re-started or the tourist stop the spread even after vac- exist. And, with new mutations places like , visas are not issued, because cination. We are not expecting coming in, something we keep , Jajpur, Khordha- as far as India is concerned, the travel to start 100 per cent im- hearing of every now and then, Ganjam, Puri and . cases are going down except mediately, but vaccination will it is again very difficult for in a few places. I think we are definitely help in encouraging anyone to precisely say what Day one starts from Bhu- ready, as one can see domestic movement for tourism. Domes- will happen in the future as the baneswar where guests visit tourism moving at a big level. tic travel is already in full swing. new variants are different from Hirapur 64 yogini Temple, Kedar For inbound, I still feel that it In a highly populated country like the initial virus, to an extent. Gouri Temple and Lingaraj Tem- for guests on the beach of the day is free at Blue will take time because the India, managing vaccination with Things continue to be uncertain ple. The capital city of Odisha, of Gopalpur. Flag Beach. Day five, guests source countries, mainly West- such a great speed is commend- and there's no knowing which Bhubaneswar is also known as visit Shree Jagannath Temple ern Europe, USA, Canada, able, and it will also help in out- way they will turn and when. the ‘Temple City of India’ owing On day four, guests proceed and Maa Vimala Temple in Australia, etc., are still badly bound traffic's surge. However, trusting on World to a congregation of over 600 to Puri, on the way visiting Na- Puri. Then proceed to Bhu- affected. Until the source coun- Health Organization and the temples. It also has activities rayani Temple, Bhagabati Tem- baneswar where guests tries are not fine, it would still medical fraternity which has like zoological park, botani- ple at Banpur and Chilika Lake visit take at least 6-8 months before come up with the vaccinations, cal gardens, planetarium and – Asia’s second-largest brack- and Maa people will think of travelling I definitely feel that it will not only a museum. Day two excur- ish water lagoon. Chilika Lake at Kakatpur on the way. long haul. Vaccination definitely help health-wise, but will also sion includes travel from Bhu- welcomes migratory birds Day six includes a visit to is going to instil a lot of confi- definitely help in the economical baneswar to Cuttack’s during December to April from Maa Charchika Temple at dence in the travellers for sure, movement and turning into real- Temple, Bhattarika Temple Siberia, Australia and other Banki and Maa but until quarantine and other time businesses. That said, only at Badamba and Maa Biraja countries. The wild Asiatic at Jagatsingpur. SOPs are not removed, inbound time will give us a true picture of Temple at Jajpur. Day three Irrawaddy Dolphins are one and outbound travel is still go- how the COVID-19 virus will act includes proceeding to Go- of the major attractions here. This itinerary is the best way for ing to be difficult for some time. out this year and how business palpur, on the way visiting Guests can also do boating on tourists to explore the cultural & However, I hope that should start Riaz Munshi will be. Ugratara Temple and Tarata- the lake to see Temple heritage sites as well as experi- by October. President, OTOAI Inputs by Nisha Verma rini Temple. The evening is free situated on an island. Rest ence its natural offerings.

16 TravTalk april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 AVIATION Should India adopt IATA Travel Pass? While two international airlines have adopted the IATA Travel Pass, IATA is in talks with the Indian authorities and airlines to adopt the application.The Pass moves existing paper processes to a digital platform with up-to-date information on entry requirements. Here’s what it can do to solve the existing challenge of allowing international movement safely.

Hazel Jain health requirements through the first to pilot components, its Timatic solution, so IATA Qatar Airways was the first air- o address the chal- Travel Pass is a natural evo- line in the Middle East to pilot lenge of health-check lution to support the industry the components.” Passengers Tinefficiencies, errors during the pandemic.” on Qatar’s Doha-Istanbul route and fraud – which is an in- began trialling the digital plat- creasing problem around the Two airlines, one from Asia form from March 11. world, IATA has developed Pacific (Singapore Airlines) a solution called IATA Travel and the other from the Middle Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Pass, a mobile App to help Vinoop Goel Executive, His Excellency passengers easily and securely Regional Director, Airports and Akbar Al Baker, says, “We are External Relations, APAC, IATA manage their travel in line with the industry’s firmest advocate government requirements for Given the for introducing digital solutions languages used, it will be very COVID-19 tests or vaccines. nal Relations, Asia Pacific, to help passengers safely and difficult to implement a paper- The IATA Travel Pass moves International Air Transport scale, it's difficult seamlessly navigate complex based certificate verification existing paper processes to a Association (IATA), says, “An and ever-changing entry re- process,” he says. There is a digital platform and joins it with electronic process will be bet- implementing strictions across the globe. We cost to the airlines but the pric- up-to-date information on en- ter to manage the volumes of a paper-based are proud to be at the forefront ing is yet to be determined. But try requirements. This makes data that are likely to be needed of trialling this platform, being it will be free for passengers. the process more convenient and it will help passengers to model for travellers and helps avoid adapt to any changes more Different stages of – Vinoop Goel HE Akbar Al Baker fraudulent documentation. easily in government require- Group Chief Executive implementation ments. Importantly, there will Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines became the Sharing his views on why be paper-based alternatives for world’s first airline to pilot the this product is good for India, people who do not have mobile East (Qatar Airways), have al- IATA is talking to the Indian Travel Pass mobile application too, Vinoop Goel, Regional phones, albeit less convenient ready adopted this. Goel adds, authorities, the DGCA and the for digital health verification, Director, Airports and Exter- ones. IATA is already managing “While Singapore Airlines was airports as well to get them on- starting with passengers trav- board, so that they can possi- elling from Singapore to Lon- bly look at passing an industry- don from March 15-28, 2021. Mohammad Al Bulooki wide policy on this. This marks the second phase COO, Etihad Aviation Group of its digital health verification Goel adds that Indian airlines process trials. Passengers with can benefit from this applica- mobiles on Apple’s iOS can one of the first globally and the tion. “It is a fully digital solu- download the App and create first airline in the Middle East tion that can be quickly rolled an ID. They can also book their to do so. IATA Travel Pass is out and can cater to a huge pre-departure COVID-19 test a huge step towards proving aviation market like India. at one of seven participating that ICAO’s global standards Also, given the prevalence of clinics in Singapore via an on- for digital passports do work. e-solutions in normal Indian line portal. They will be able to It will also help governments day-to-day activities, the In- view their test results, as well across the world to come to- as confirmation status to fly, gether in the development of directly on the App. standardised regulations.” It is a step to Etihad Airways is currently Where is India in all this? running a trial but it is still in the Have any of the Indian airlines proving ICAO’s implementation stage, reveals shown any interest in adopt- Goel. Mohammad Al Bulooki, ing the IATA Travel Pass? Goel standards for COO, Etihad Aviation Group, digi-passports shares, “COVID-19 tests and vaccinations will be key to get work the world flying again. Since – HE Akbar Al Baker August 1, 2020, Etihad is the Tests and only airline requiring a pre- vaccination departure negative PCR test result for all passengers world- will be key to dian population is well versed wide, and again on arrival in with such mobile solutions Abu Dhabi.” get the world and we are confident that they flying again will be quick to adopt the IATA Meanwhile, British Airways Travel Pass. Given the scale has launched a third travel – Mohammad Al Bulooki and diversity of the Indian air passport App through its travel market and the multiple check-in portal.

says, “Yes, we are in talks with Indian authorities and the In- IATA Travel Pass & aviation dian airlines for the Travel Pass Airlines that have adopted IATA Travel Pass: Singapore Airlines and to be used in India.” While the Qatar Airways airlines don’t need any gov- Airlines that are running trials: Thai and Thai Smile, Air Serbia, ANA, ernmental permission to trial Gulf Air, airBaltic, Malaysia Airlines, RwandAir, Air NewZealand, Copa or adopt the IATA Travel Pass, Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, IAG, Singapore Airlines, Qatar, Qantas.

18 TravTalk april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 familyalbum A solid TAAI with domestic tourism Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) recently collaborated with Gujarat Tourism to host its Tourism Conclave for the year at Statue of Unity, Kevadia, from March 9-12. The Conclave brought members from all regions together to brainstorm on new ideas and opportunities in domestic tourism in the new normal. agents april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 TravTalk 19 Book Thai ASQ hotels on Unveiling a new product, TravelBullz is now offering travel agents the option to book Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) hotels in Thailand on its portal. This may well serve as a new opportunity for agents to earn while selling outbound packages, also allowing them to enjoy a multitude of other benefits.

Manas Dwivedi choices based on their cli- quarantine requirements are single global system of a Singh believes, adding that ent’s budget, detailed process affecting tourism in Thailand vaccine passport is ap- social distancing and masks or non-Thai national- and requirements listed on the from the Indian market. “Yes, proved, the tourism business will become the norm even ity travellers, many booking engine for the benefit it has had a huge impact. will start becoming normal. with the vaccine in place. This Fhotels in Thailand, of agents, and client infor- Normal leisure travel is non- is not going to change. together with hospitals, have mation are some of the few existent and only essential “Once that is implemented, launched Alternative State advantages that our state-of- travel is taking place due to all tourism boards will open TravelBullz is keenly waiting Quarantine packages for the-art booking engine pro- the quarantine requirement. borders for travel and incom- for Thailand and Singapore those returning from abroad. vides,” he shares. However, we are expecting ing tourist traffic will start to open their borders, and The ASQ is a process of KD Singh the Thai government to relax reaching pre-COVID levels. looks forward to welcoming quarantine at government- Founder & President, TravelBullz Looking at the current situ- mandatory quarantine stay to We are also expecting that in guests to these destinations. accredited hotels in Bang- ation, Singh feels that long be reduced to seven days for the next 6-12 months, travel kok at the traveller’s own complete COE to Thailand, fin- vaccinated travellers and 10 restrictions may be lifted and "We believe that now is the expense. These hotels have ish visa formalities and book days for non-vaccinated trav- international travel may start time for the outbound travel been approved by Thailand’s the hotels at best rates on ellers,” he says. again as normal, subject to fraternity to start preparing Ministry of Public Health and www.travelbullz.com. Instant no new challenges arising for outbound travel and busi- the Ministry of Defence, and With the arrival of the CO- due to COVID. Vaccination will ness. We see light at the end cover a wide price range. Sharing more information is confirmation and VID-19 vaccine and the give travellers an insurance of the tunnel and look forward KD Singh, Founder & Presi- vouchers, and a rapid pace at which travel- and safety against COVID, to business going back to nor- The packages are being made dent, TravelBullz, who says lers are getting inoculated, and they will start travelling mal across all destinations,” available online, and provide that there are numerous ben- variety of hotels Singh thinks that once a and planning their vacations,” he concludes. a big opportunity to all travel efits for travel agents in book- agents to make bookings ing ASQ hotels on TravelBullz. based on client’s seamlessly for their clients budget are some World Travel & Tourism Council will host its 20th Global Summit from April 25-27 on the and earn additional revenue. “Instant confirmation and theme ‘Uniting the World for Recovery’. The Summit is set to take place in the popular With instant confirmation, vouchers, seamless transac- of the advantages Mexican resort town of Cancun. trade partners can easily tions, a wide variety of hotel 20 TravTalk april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 aviation Indians can now fly direct to Maafaru Maldivian, the national carrier of Republic of Maldives and owned & operated by Island Aviation Services (IAS), will start direct flights between Maafaru and Mumbai from April 13, 2021.Aishath Jennifer, Deputy Managing Director, Maldivian, shares details and what lies ahead for the carrier.

Nisha Verma to welcome Indian tourists atolls with about 10,000 tour- to the north and assure them ist beds in the region. Route details t present, Maldivian that we will make the experi- Maldivian will operate the A320 and A-321 aircraft on the route. The operates three flights ence memorable. The Maafaru Maafaru International Airport, A-321 has a capacity of 200 seats and includes Business Class Afrom Malé to Trivan- International Airport is located located in Noonu Atoll, opened as well. Maldivian will be serving hot meals on board. Tourists are drum and two flights from Malé in the north of Maldives. The in 2019. It is also managed by required to report only two hours prior to departure of flight from to Kochi. The Mumbai flight island and the airport are sur- Island Aviation Services. Maafaru International Airport. connecting to Maafaru will rounded by beautiful blue sea operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and sandy beaches, unlike the Indian market and Sundays. Aishath Jen- airport located in the capital. Aishath Jennifer Jennifer says that they have re- vated to promote this flight. “We Deputy MD, Maldivian More routes in future nifer says, “We look forward Hence, we thought it would be ceived good feedback from the see huge potential in this area. Maldivian is closely study- resorts in the region and that We would love to see a lot of ing new routes and might add a good experience for people tour operators are highly moti- Indians use this opportunity to direct flights from other cit- Bird Travels appointed as India GSA who want to travel to the north come and visit us. We believe ies in India as well, perhaps Maldivian has appointed Bird Travels, the airline management service of Maldives. They don’t need that the Indian market will be in the next couple of months. arm of Bird Group, as its General Sales Agent in Mumbai. The ap- to come to the capital, which equally excited to explore this pointment is a move by the airline to build upon its presence in the could be expensive if they want We are giving new side of Maldives,” she adds “We haven’t completed our international arena, support its expansion in India, strengthen the air- to travel back to the north. We optimistically. Jennifer also says studies, but hopefully, we will line’s sales team and provide support to the Indian travel trade. “This are giving Indians an oppor- an opportunity that tour operators in India be- soon be able to announce new relationship with Bird Group is a vital one for us and one we believe tunity to come directly to the lieve there will be huge demand routes as well. Delhi is also it will flourish,” says Jennifer. To this, Vijay Bhatia, President, Bird north and take a speed boat to come directly for this flight. “We have been fly- in our plans. We are looking Group, adds, “We are confident that together, both organisations will or air taxi to their place of stay, to the north, ing to India for the last 13 years. at new ways to connect India have a long and successful partnership. Strengthening the airline’s thus minimising their travel This would be our fourth Indian and Maldives. Now that we are commitment and growing confidence in the market, Bird Travels is time along with ticket fare. This minimising travel route. We hope to get a good connecting north of Maldives, happy to take up the responsibility for the airline's sales, marketing is the first time an international time and fare load factor from this sector and in the future, we plan to con- and ticketing activities in Mumbai.” flight will come to Maafaru.” I am sure it will be a great suc- nect India with the south of She adds that there are four cess as well,” she adds. Maldives,” she says. Luxury amidst nature Gujarat’s latest GIFT to India Gujarat Tourism recently conducted a Fam tour for agents to promote its international-class M!CE destination in the making – GIFT City. Narrating his experience is Randhir S Vaghela, IATO Chairman (Gujarat Chapter).

dding another flower so travel agents could get first- missions. So there is a lot of to its bouquet of hand information on GIFT City potential for GIFT City. We will Aofferings, Gujarat and GIFT City Club & Business start promoting it now. The Tourism is now looking to GIFT City Club has 65 opera- promote a new world-class tional rooms right now out of destination that it has been the total of 103. developing – GIFT City in its The target capital city of Gandhinagar. GIFT City is an integrated de- About 25 members of the audience is the velopment on 886 acres and X2 Hoi An Resort & Residence, by Cross Hotels & Resorts, is the newest addition to Vietnam’s An Bang Beach stretch. trade associations IATO and includes offices, residential A green sanctuary idyllically located, it features 650 metres of river frontage and is home to 70 private villas, 8 Pool Suites ADTOI from Ahmedabad re- corporate and apartments, schools, hospi- as well as a hotel with 31 loft units and 61 Deluxe rooms. cently went on a familiarisa- M!CE clientele. tal, hotels, clubs, retail out- tion tour to GIFT City (Gujarat lets and various recreational International Finance Tec-City) We will start facilities. GIFT City has multi which is being promoted as a services, SEZs and all build- M!CE destination. promoting it ings are green and sustain- Delhi celebrates India@75 able structures with their It is India's first International own chiller plants and waste Financial Service Centre and the Center, which was the main fo- management systems. world's fifth. The 103-key GIFT cus. The target audience is the City Club located within the City corporate and M!CE clientele. is officially classified as a five- star hotel and offers all club Since Gandhinagar is the facilities. The two-day trip was capital, there are lots of min- organised by Gujarat Tourism isterial offices and diplomatic Getting to GIFT City Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City located on the banks of the Sabarmati River is 12 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Interna- Randhir Singh Vaghela Indiatourism Delhi (Northern Region) organised a heritage walk in the Mehrauli area of the capital on March 23 to IATO Chairman (Gujarat Chapter) commemorate the 75-week-long celebration of India@75. It also organised a photo exhibition on the life of Shaheed Bhagat tional Airport and is India's first operational smart city and interna- Singh, inaugurated by Arvind Singh,Secretary, MOT. Rupinder Brar, ADG-MOT, was also present. tional financial services centre. (Views expressed are the author’s own. The publication may or may not subscribe to them.)

22 TravTalk april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 AGENTS A new era of personalised travel Technology will play a major role in facilitating recovery, ushering in a new era of personalised travel that will present more opportunities for businesses and a better experience for travellers. Sean Menke, Chief Executive Officer, Sabre, outlines how Sabre enabled change beyond the pandemic.

ear 2020 was game- the world were facing the head- among them Southwest Airlines declined, and the maximum other side of this pandemic, changing – it pre- winds that we were dealing with and Lufthansa Group. decline was less than two I am certain that travel will Ysented the greatest and we needed to help them percent – even factoring in rebound. We are committed challenge ever faced in the work through what was taking “Long term, we believe that previous obstacles to growth to our vision to create a new travel industry, with global air place. While we are still manag- that the initiatives we have been travel will continue to be a like the 9/11 attacks, SARS, market for personalised travel and hotel bookings down more able to set up through 2020 and growth industry. Over the last or the 2008 financial collapse. by 2025, and intend to deliver than in any previous year. As a are continuing to work on now 50 years, there have only been While no one can predict ex- on that vision by continuing to leading technology provider to will enable us to reshape travel six calendar years in which actly what future travel will focus on our own tech trans- the global travel industry, Sabre We intend in the years and decades to global passenger volume look like, especially on the formation and on developing has had a front-row seat, with come,” said Sean Menke. and delivering flexible, differ- insight into global trends and to continue to Key focus areas to overcome the crisis entiated products that help our data as events unfolded. Despite the headwinds of 2020, customers drive revenue and focus on tech Sabre recorded some major v Consumer demand for a personalised experience, focusing yield,” said Menke. As the impact of the COVID-19 transformation achievements. The company ad- on IT capabilities, processes and intelligence to enable intelligent virus spread, Sabre took quick vanced its technology transfor- retailing and decisive actions to improve and delivering mation and modernisation which v Future of distribution by enabling airlines to distribute person- its resilience, taking measures included the continuing migra- alised offers through the GDS marketplace and Sabre’s direct such as reducing fixed costs, differentiated tion of its technology to Google channels raising additional liquidity and products Cloud. On the hospitality IT side, v The low-cost carrier market, where Sabre worked to create more introducing a flexible ‘work the company signed key com- ways for LCCs to retail and distribute content from anywhere’ programme. mercial wins and renewals in v Strengthening the hospitality IT solutions portfolio by growing the These actions allowed the team 2020 with major players like All- CRS business and adding full-service capabilities to its property management system to focus on the day-to-day busi- ing through the crisis, there is Inclusive by Marriott and Louvre Sean Menke ness in 2021 and 2022. “We a group of us at Sabre that is Hotels. Sabre also extended dis- v Technological transformation, Google being one of the more Chief Executive Officer, Sabre also had to focus on our cus- very focused on our evolution tribution agreements with some important partnerships (Views expressed are of Sabre and Menke. tomers – many of them around beyond COVID-19. We believe of its largest airline customers, The publication may or may not subscribe to them.) How to build a brand in a pandemic Representing 14 luxury brands within less than a year of its inception, the One Rep Global team didn't let the pandemic bog down its spirit. They share their mantra for sustenance through a tumultous year for people and businesses around the world, some of the latter still reeling under the impact of the outbreak.

Manas Dwivedi aid hotels is to not rely on the previous markets but instead to he OneRep Global diversify and invest in multiple team turned the pan- markets in order to mitigate T demic into an oppor- risk,” she adds. tunity. Now representing 14 brands in less than a year of and they work to deliver a its inception is a testimony of great experience. “What makes what hard work and commit- us different from others is We have the in-depth knowledge and Sheena Raina Raniga Sowmya Rao Vijaymohan Mayank Tuteja expertise. We also believe Director of Strategy - Tokyo Director PR & Communications, Director of Sales, Delhi One Rep Global One Rep Global One Rep Global received trust that who you know is very important in our business to and support get things done and we have ful of primary markets, instead from our luxury friends all over. We have an diversify and mitigate risk by enviable advisory board com- We learnt Ensure investing in multiple markets. travel advisors prising the who’s who of the Hotels will require specialist to not rely on a client’s offering – Mayank Tuteja representation companies in handful primary is communicated geographies unfamiliar to them, Hemant Mediratta to represent them.” Founder, One Rep Global We believe markets, but to the Mayank Tuteja, Director of diversify & invest right audience For Sowmya Rao Vijaymohan, Sales, Delhi, One Rep Global, ment to good service can do. that who you Director PR & Communications, says, “With the kind of trust Sharing their success story, know is very – Sheena Raina Raniga – Sowmya Rao Vijaymohan One Rep Global, it is the belief and support we have received team One Rep Global shares in providing a 360-degree from our luxury travel advi- its mantra. important in solution to clients that has sors, we are focused to have a industry to guide us. Sales To this, Sheena Raina Raniga, ensured their success. rewarding year. One Rep Glob-

Hemant Mediratta, Founder, our business distribution-wise, our reach Director of Strategy -Tokyo, One “Hotels typically rely on a hand- al is synonymous with luxury One Rep Global, says his team – Hemant Mediratta is beyond 30 cities across six Rep Global, adds, “What we ful of primary markets and in and ultra-luxury brands,” is committed to partnerships countries,” he says. learnt is to not rely on a hand- a post covid era our advice to he shares. NTO a premier dive destination Themed ‘Our Sea, Our Story’, the three-day Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) 2021 was Media Partners: conducted virtually by Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines to help support and sustain the country’s dive industry.

Manas Dwivedi tain our standing as a leading sustainability of the marine april 2021 diving destination in the world.” environment. “PHIDEX is dis- Date Event Time n her opening re- tinct from other dive shows as marks, Bernadette She added that the Department it is the only one with a dive 1 Gulf Travel Show (GTS) 11:30 am IRomulo-Puyat, Tour- of Tourism recognises diving travel exchange – Travex, a ism Secretary, Department B2B programme solely meant 6 STB Cruise World India Webinar 11:30 am of Tourism, Philippines, said, for the dive market along with 8 Spain Tourism Webinar- Sevilla 3:00 pm “This is the largest platform post-event familiarisation trips in the country for mobilising World events to complement the trade Expo. 6-10 AAHAR Delhi industry experts, stakeholders Bernadette Romulo-Puyat Through these event compo- ITB India (Virtual) 10:00 am and divers in one space. We Secretary, Department of Tourism, such as this nents, we understand the Phil- 7-9 Philippines are here to foster collaboration, ippines advantage in the region 8-10 AITF Baku innovative ideas, sustainable are crucial both as a dive destination and 15 Spain Tourism Webinar- Andalucia 3:00 pm solutions and economic oppor- event that reflects the world- for recovery as a dive travel business hub,” tunities. With the gradual acti- class diving destinations we Romulo-Puyat shared. 15 CAPA Live 08:30 am vation of dive travel and tourism are promoting with the theme of the diving in various parts of the country, ‘Our Sea, Our Story’. This event industry This year’s PHIDEX hosted 21 IATA Webinar on vaccine transport 05:30 pm world events such as this are raises awareness not only in discussions by a number of 22 Spain Tourism Webinar 03:00 pm more crucial for the recovery of the Philippines about its rich prominent international per- the diving industry. With Philip- biodiversity but also the differ- sonalities who are experts 27-29 MRO-Americas Orlando pines widely recognised by sci- ent initiatives that contribute to as a major tourism product on the sea. Expo participants 27-29 Virtual PATA Annual Summit 2021 07:30 am entists as the centre of marine the growth and development and hopes to further grow this were able to view all these lec- biodiversity, it is fitting that we of the diving tourism industry. industry in the country through tures and panel discussions 28 JTB Corporate MICE Show 10:00 am lead the region in marking an These are the efforts that sus- an event that advocates for on the event website. It also 28 UNWTO Asia Pacific Webinar 10:00 am served as a space for divers and enthusiasts to purchase 28-30 OTM Mumbai A survey by Travel Consul reveals that a majority 46 per cent respondents feel that experiences and equipment 28-30 World Tourism Forum Lucene, business will be back to normal pre-COVID levels only by 2022, while 26 per cent feel from partners and exhibitors Switzerland this will happen only by year 2023. through the virtual market- place called Travex. For more information, contact us at: [email protected] M!CE budgets unchanged? Data from SOTC MICE Survey reveals that 25 per cent of corporates are looking at foreign destinations for MICE and 39 per cent indicated their MICE budgets would remain the same. SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head (B2B & Foreign Exchange), SOTC Travel, shares more insights.

usiness environment historical and cultural heritage, sights and data obtained via elevated the next level of MICE is now rapidly different best business hotels and de- sustained corporate engage- experience for the next genera- Bfrom the first two de- veloping infrastructure are the ment and the SOTC MICE Sur- tion with its latest innovation – cades. For the MICE segment, key reasons for the growth of vey, 25 per cent of corporates MICE Plus. It presents the extra there has been an increasing are looking at foreign destina- edge and skill to handle the shift with preference for virtual tions for MICE travel and 39 per needs of domestic and global and digital experiences and in cent of the corporates indicated clients of the MICE segment. the short-term, hybrid events that their MICE budgets would MICE Plus has been curated have become a preferred event There has remain the same. with inputs from our esteemed format. In addition to corpo- been optimism corporate customers, global rates in India, there has been a SOTC has successfully de- hotel chains, airlines, tourism demand for virtual events from among livered an international MICE bodies and also feedback re- corporates based in the ASEAN group of 750 delegates to ceived from our passengers. countries. We have success- corporates to reassurance with the future of fulfil is the interaction between Dubai in January 2021 and has MICE Plus caters specifically to fully conducted a large number visit venues MICE travel. There has been op- the corporate and their part- been receiving interest from the current travel requirements. of virtual events for corporates timism among corporates to visit ners (for employees/dealers/ corporates for MICE tours to based in the ASEAN countries. with a clear focus destinations and venues with suppliers/customers). There is international destinations such We are seeing a lot of interest a clear focus on hygiene and a need for personalised face- as Dubai. In addition to interna- among corporates across in- on safety safety. Our innovative initiatives to-face business interactions, tional destinations, SOTC MICE dustries for their senior team launched during the lockdown: product launch events, sup- has witnessed an encouraging members/CXO-level meetings, MICE Plus, Hybrid Virtual MICE plier/customer meets to gener- response for domestic desti- and with the success of this, domestic MICE. There has been and our Assured Safe Travel Pro- ate feedback. To cater to this nations for a group of 40-250 incentive travel and events are pent-up demand for domestic gram have been receiving strong growing demand, MICE events delegates to domestic destina- likely to begin. MICE, and destinations like appreciation across our corpo- will surely be organised. tions such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ooty, Munnar and Kashmir are rates - seeking the expertise of , Ooty, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, SD Nandakumar Shift to India for MICE being preferred. our MICE Teams in their busi- Data shows positive trends Jaipur, Kashmir, Hyderabad, President & Country Head (B2B & India has emerged as one of ness plans for the future. The Many countries are seeing a etc. With an opportunity to re- Foreign Exchange), SOTC Travel the most preferred MICE des- We do see a shift in preference fundamental opportunity that gradual re-opening for the MICE think and reimagine offerings (Views expressed are the author’s own. tinations. Warm hospitality, rich for bigger brands for trust and exists and the demand that we sector and as per customer in- to customers, SOTC MICE has The publication may or may not subscribe to them.) 24 TravTalk april 1st Fortnight issue 2021 movements

Accor Sayaji Hotels The Fern Hotels & Resorts India & South Asia Mumbai Bengaluru Reema Diwan has been appointed as Director Design and Technical Sayaji Hotels has appointed Amit Gera as the new General Sujadh Khan has been appointed as the Director of Sales for Services at Accor India and South Asia. With an extensive background Manager Operations. An alumnus of IHM Shimla, Gera is a RSO-Bengaluru for Concept Hospitality - The Fern Hotels & in hospitality design and a futuristic technical passionate hospitality professional with more Resorts. He has 14 years of experience in the expertise, Diwan will lead the planning, design than 20 years of experience in operations. hospitality industry. Before joining Concept and construction of projects under Accor Prior to taking up the new role, he was Hospitality, Khan had worked with Lemon and will be responsible for designing associated with Hilton Chennai as Tree Bengaluru as Director of Sales. His high-impact guest experiences. In the Director of Operations and has previously last assignment was Director of Sales past, she has been associated with worked with hotels like The Oberoi Cecil for Royal Orchid Hotels, Bengaluru. Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Taj Shimla, Marriott Mumbai, Taj Fort Aguada Concept Hospitality is an environmentally Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, where she (Goa), Leela Palace Bengaluru, Sheraton sensitive hotel chain with 82 hotels and was instrumental in crafting brand Bengaluru, Radisson Blu Jaipur, resorts currently operational under identity and conceptualising Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad and management or opening shortly various brands under the Hilton Bengaluru. under The Fern, The Fern IHCL portfolio. Residency and other brands.

The Westin Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts Hyatt Centric MG Road Goa Mumbai Bengaluru Sunil Kumar has been appointed as General Manager of the Yash Chandhok has joined Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts as the Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has appointed Rahul R Nair soon-to-be-launched The Westin Goa. With over two decades of Sales Manager in India, and will be based in Mumbai. He will be as Director of Sales and Marketing. With more than a decade of experience in world-class luxury hotels, he responsible for driving the sales and brand- sales experience, he has worked with leading brings to the role his dexterity in hospitality building of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts Indian and international luxury hospitality operations and management. In the new in the Indian market. Chandhok brings brands such as the Taj Hotels Resorts role, with focus on health and wellness, with him three years of experience in the and Palaces, Fortune Hotels, ITC hotels, Kumar will bring forth his beliefs in hospitality industry and in the past, has Park Hyatt and Hilton Hotels Worldwide. personal well-being to offer an enriching been associated with big hotel brands such His most recent position was as Director experience to guests. Prior to taking up as IHG and Marriott International. Jumeirah of Sales with Hyatt Place Rameswaram. a position at The Westin Goa, he was the Hotels & Resorts operates 24 Jumeirah- In his new role, Nair will be responsible hotel manager of JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu branded properties in eight countries and has for the entire sales and marketing and will and has also worked with Four Seasons been making a distinguished impact on spearhead the growth and development as Hotel Manager. the global hospitality market for of the hotel. more than two decades. What's kept the trade busy? Our heritage, our power!

At the recently-concluded10th International Heritage Tourism Conclave in Panchkula, Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, released a Knowledge Report titled ‘Harnessing Power of Heritage Tourism with Focus on Sustainability’. The report offers an insight into the scope and opportunities in preservation of cultural and natural heritage. Poona Hoteliers enjoys a good game Cricket never fails to unite

Poona Hoteliers Association organised its cricket Premier League 2021 (PHAPL) across three days in early March. The To coincide with England’s ongoing cricket tour of India, Nijhawan Group, TBO Group, Vistara, VFS Global and the UK event generated good response and saw active participation from 20 teams. Team Sayaji, that played its final match with government organised a cricket tournament in Gurugram. As a keen cricketer himself, British High Commissioner to India, Team Blue Diamond, created history by lifting the PHAPL championship for three consecutive years. Alex Ellis, attended and played in the tournament. At the close of play, Travel Trade 11 were crowned winners.

lastpage Long-haul, direct flights to shine Vinod Kannan, Vistara's Chief Commercial Officer, believes there's going to be opportunities for long-haul and direct flights from India. He also discusses in detail how the airline is faring and what lies in store for 2021-22.

TT Bureau Kannan says it's going to hap- network planning team was An evolving hub strategy pen in stages. “I think regional changing networks almost ev- Looking at the way Vistara is espite the pandemic, travel will start probably in the ery other day because the de- positioned – as a full-service Vistara has not can- next three to six months, assum- mand patterns were changing, carrier between metro cities, as Dcelled any of its planned ing that we don't have any major and different states were com- well as to serve the international deliveries. In fact, over the last second, third or fourth wave in ing up with different rules. In an market, its primary and second- couple of years, it has taken various countries. But, inter- ideal scenario, you can plan for ary hubs would remain. “What about seven or eight of them, in- continental or long-haul travel certain leisure routes or certain will probably change is some cluding deliveries of the 787s and might take eight to 12 months, labour-dependent routes, but of the routes that we would not the 321s. In a panel discussion probably towards the end of this in reality, we will probably be have thought of operating in the conducted by CAPA – Centre for year. The Civil Aviation Minis- looking at routes that have the past, we are operating some of Aviation recently, Vinod Kannan, try is already thinking about a least resistance, routes that are them today. Some routes were Vistara's Chief Commercial Offi- the easiest for people to actually probably not on the top of our cer, outlines the airline’s strategy travel on,” he says. list pre-COVID but then be- for the near future. Sharing more cause of migration, because of details on the planned fleet, he Contactless service people moving from primary cit- says, “To put things in context, Some routes Technology is something that ies to secondary, tertiary cities, pre-COVID, 90 per cent of capac- were not on the every airline is now looking at those have now become im- ity was deployed on domestic. to see how they can offer more portant. That's an evolving land- We had only about five destina- top of our list, self-help, more contactless, or scape but, fundamentally, we're tions internationally, but we've a better customer experience. not going to look at any major expanded. In fact, we've grown but with people “One thing that is really impor- changes in the hub structure,” more internationally now with moving to tertiary tant to point out is, at least in he says. the travel bubbles India has with the Indian context, the mindset various countries. We started cities, those of customers has changed. If flights to London and Frankfurt, you look at it pre-COVID, the for example. It's actually been an have become percentage of customers who opportunity for us. We remain important did an off-airport check-in committed to the order book of was between 30-40 per cent. about 70-plus aircraft in the next Now, it's 95 per cent because couple of years. We will have a you need to have a boarding fleet size of 120 by about, I would mechanism they should put in pass before you can even en- say, mid-2023 is what we're place for scheduled international ter the airport. I think some of shooting for.” travel. It's probably going to be these changes are here to stay. bilateral. I don't think they're go- This crisis has hastened some He believes there's going to be ing to open up the whole world of these changes which might opportunities for long-haul and at once.” have taken much longer for pas- direct flights from India, with sengers to come to terms with at people wanting to fly direct. “We Speaking on network planning, least in the domestic context,” have two 787s for long-haul and Kannan says that every airline Kannan says. four more on order. We will have will probably take what they're a fleet of six, hopefully by next given, given the current situa- year,” Kannan says. tion. “As much as we'd like to say that the network planners Crystal ball-gazing could predict what's going to Sharing his views on interna- happen, all that was out of the tional travel in the Asia Pacific, window 12 months ago. My

Vistara flies to Malé Vistara inaugurated its non-stop flights between Mumbai and Malé on March 3. It offers choice of Business, Premium Economy and Economy class on the route. The airline will fly three times a week un- Vinod Kannan der India’s transport bubble agreement with the Republic of Maldives. Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara

Postal Reg. No.: DL(ND)-11/6044/2021-22-23; WPP No.: U(C)-178/2021-23 for posting on 1st-2nd and 16th-17th of the same month at New Delhi GPO, New Delhi-110001, RNI No.: 53492/1991 Date of Publication: 30-03-2021