How Much Is Too Much? Is the Government Shedding Enough Light on the Cautionary Shadow Casting on Indian Tourism?

NOVEMBER 2020, PAGES 32, `100 VOL. 8, ISSUE. 11

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? IS THE GOVERNMENT SHEDDING ENOUGH LIGHT ON THE CAUTIONARY SHADOW CASTING ON INDIAN TOURISM?

INDIAN HOTELS EVOLVING THE NATURE OF DOING BUSINESS POST-LOCKDOWN

TravelScapes

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

India’s tourism being hammered but not hampered Dear Readers, It is believed that “Every sunset is an Shoulder to shoulder, in a quest to quench opportunity to reset.” Facing the new sunrise the wanderlust in the post-COVID-19 world, now, the world will never be the same people will be stepping out of their routine, again and people will explore it a little more still would not skip on safe behaviour. More cautiously when it comes to travelling. While than before, they would seek for places that the tourism sector has termed Finance are safe and hospitable. The onus, thus, Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s cash-for- is on the hospitality sector to rekindle the LTC announcement a ‘major blow’ to the confidence among them and respond to the sector, India’s travel and tourism sector was changing trends of tourism. looking at festive season holidays to boost In India, the hospitality industry is evolving Varun Malhotra travel demand when people look to travel Publisher & CEO to their home state. Industry veterans think to contemporary needs as they resume that the decision will act as a deterrent for services after lockdown. The central and the tourism sector which was pinning its state governments have issued standard hope on the revival of business during the operating procedures and the change is festival season. In our November issue of visible at the hotels. We collected the current TravelScapes, we connect with India’s travel reports from the Indian hospitality honchos trade fraternity that acts as the pillar of the fetching a vivid idea on how the country’s foundation to recognise if the government’s hotels are taking a U-turn from the edge and current involvement in the tourism is simultaneously innovating novel scopes of sufficient or whether the country should aim doing business. for re-engineering of the entire spectrum of the business model and operational strategies alongside, aiding the trade to do Happy Reading! better business tomorrow.

Editorial & Marketing Office: Versatile Media: 207, PUBLISHER & CEO Varun Malhotra [email protected] Satya Mansion, Commercial Complex, Ranjeet Nagar, DIRECTOR Pranav Khullar [email protected] New Delhi-110008 Contact: 011 - 45530380/83 • [email protected] ASSOCIATE EDITOR Gagneet Kaur All information in TravelScapes is derived from sources ASST. EDITOR Sayanti Halder we consider reliable. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. Opinions/views expressed by third parties in abstract or interviews are BUSINESS HEAD Shilpi Sharma not necessarily shared by us. Material appearing in the AGM SALES & MARKETING (MUMBAI) Aarti Rajkhewa magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part(s) without prior permission. The publisher reserves the CONSULTANT Anindya Malhotra, Jitin Mann right to refuse, withdraw or otherwise deal with all ART DIRECTOR Rakesh Kumar advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisement Code. The ACCOUNTS Chandan Kumar Jha, Swati Jauhari publisher will not be liable for any loss caused by any delay in publication, error or failure of advertisement to ADMIN HEAD Dilip Kaur appear. Owned and published by: Varun Malhotra, Editor & EXECUTIVE-CIRCULATION Hari Puri, Raja Rari Publisher, EB-63, Maya Enclave, Hari Nagar, New Delhi - 110064 and printed at in-house facility. CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2020 VOL. 8, ISSUE. 11

OPINION FEATURE pg-8

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? IS THE GOVERNMENT SHEDDING ENOUGH LIGHT ON THE CAUTIONARY SHADOW CASTING ON INDIAN TOURISM?

TravelScapes connects with India’s travel trade fraternity to recognise if the government’s current involvement in the tourism is sufficient or whether the country should aim for a re-engineering of the entire spectrum of the business model and operational strategies alongside, aiding the trade to do better business tomorrow while reinstating on whether the travel trade fraternity sees any hope about tourism sector being looked after by the government and extend some help

OPINION COLUMN 7 “OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO REVIVE DEMAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE” Menino D’Souza, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa shares his outlook on how important it is for the country to modify the tourism norms by enthus- SPECIAL FEATURE ing confidence among tourists while he further highlights how Goa has started 14 CHECKING-IN TO PROGRESS moving towards revival INDIAN HOTELS EVOLVING THE NATURE OF DOING BUSINESS POST-LOCKDOWN Abiding by the “new normal”, TravelScapes connects with the honchos of the Indian hospitality sector to grasp how the hotels need to shift their sources of revenues while also innovating new ways for gathering the low hanging fruits of profits alongside strategies on implementing and managing the resources better GUEST COLUMN 21 “WE HAVE ENTERED A REGULAR UPDATES NEW TOMORROW” Vineet Mishra, General Manager, The 5...... MoT Ritz-Carlton, Pune & Cluster General 11...... Trade Manager Pune elaborates on how the Pune Marriott cluster is embracing the 18...... Hospitality new normal while setting the industry 24...... Outbound benchmark by ensuring safety and 28...... Aviation hygiene protocols at every touchpoint 30...... On the Move

4 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes MoT UPDATE

Tourists find Nainital safe in Unlock 5.0

ttarakhand Tourism is back on track after the reopening Uof the state in Unlock 5.0. The city of lakes, Nainital is blossoming again with the tourists’ inflow. People are stepping out in large numbers, Tourists and stakeholders are elated with this scenario. Uttarakhand is absolutely safe to travel and with all the essential safety measures in place, the numbers of tourists are bound to increase further. With lockdown curbs lifted by the authorities in Uttarakhand, Nainital witness tourists from all over the country. The resumption of boating in the area has brought back the tourism industry on track. Famous tourist hotspots like Mall Road, Naini Lake are regularly witnessing good crowd tourists. Adventure activity such as paragliding has also made progress in the city, witnessing a Ministry of Culture issues SOPs for large number of adventure lovers. A tourist from South Delhi, Santosh shared her views on cultural functions and programs safety in Nainital and said, "We are here for the second time. I can confidently say that all is safe in Nainital. My family enjoyed ased on the Unlock 5.0 Guidelines Relevant portion of these guidelines Paragliding and we noticed that everything is being sanitised Bof MHA and after taking into with respect to cultural programs is properly. The local crowd is taking care of mask and distance. consideration, suggestions received from reproduced here. “Social/ academic/ Local shop owners are also taking proper precautions related to various stakeholders in the creative industry, sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ COVID-19." Ministry of Culture issued detailed SOPs political functions and other congregations for “Cultural Functions & Programs” on have already been permitted with a ceiling preventive measures to contain spread of of 100 persons, outside containment COVID-19. zones only. Such gatherings beyond the These guidelines contain Standard limit of 100 persons may be permitted, Operating Procedures to be followed by the outside containment zones, by state/UT management of theatres and performance governments after October 15, 2020 only spaces, as well as the entertainment/ and subject to conditions. creative agencies, artists and crew or In closed spaces, a maximum of 50 pc any other persons who hire the auditoria of the hall capacity will be allowed, with or any other open/closed performance a ceiling of 200 people. Wearing of face spaces, whether on payment or gratis. masks, maintaining social distancing, Comprehensive guidelines have been provision for thermal scanning and use of issued for Artists & Crew, management hand wash or sanitiser will be mandatory. of Green Rooms, Stage management, In open spaces, keeping the size of the Costume and make up trials, sanitisation space/ground in view and with strict Indians can now travel to 17 of venue including stage, Open area observance of social distancing, wearing of seating. It is clarified that cultural activities face masks, provision for thermal scanning countries under air bubble shall continue to be prohibited inside and hand wash or sanitiser are mandatory. containment zones. Further, state/UT State/UT govts will issue detailed SOPs, agreement govts. may consider proposing additional to regulate such gatherings and strictly measures as per their field assessment. enforce the same.” ow, Indians can travel to 17 countries as the Ministry of NCivil Aviation has established a separate bilateral air bubble arrangement with Ukraine to conduct select international passenger flights between the two countries. This arrangement will allow the operation of special international passenger flights MoT organises a webinar on Bundi between the two countries. Apart from Ukraine, India has made a similar type of arrangement with 16 other countries. The list under the 'Dekho Apna Desh' series includes – Afghanistan, Bahrain, Oman, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, UAE, Kenya, Bhutan, UK, he Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna the vast unvisited hinterland of India have and the USA. TDesh Webinar series titled “Bundi: received less than deserved attention of "Transport bubbles" or "air travel arrangements" are Architectural Heritage of a Forgotten Rajput tourists, enthusiasts and scholars. temporary arrangements between two countries intended to Capital” on October 24, 2020 focused on resume commercial passenger services when regular international Bundi, Rajasthan. In shadows of erstwhile flights are suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are power centers of medieval India, are small reciprocal, meaning that airlines from both countries enjoy the historic towns largely unknown today beyond same benefits. their immediate geographical context. While On May 6, the Centre started the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ the considerable focus has been garnered to help the stranded people in reaching their destinations via on major historic imperial and provincial international repatriation flights who suffered due to the novel cities of India such as Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, coronavirus pandemic. Till October 13, 6,781 repatriation flights Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, etc., the were operated by the Air India Group under the Vande Bharat smaller cities and towns spread across Mission. So far, these flights carried over 8.84 lakh passengers.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 5 UPDATE MoT TravelScapes

MoT holds virtual meeting with 21 Kerala Chief Minister launches 26 states/UTs tourism officials new tourism projects in the state

nion Minister of State for Culture and erala Chief Minister UTourism (IC) Prahlad Singh Patel held a KPinayari Vijayan has virtual meeting with 21 states/UTs' Tourism recently launched 26 new Ministers/Officials in New Delhi. This tourism projects across the meeting was in continuation of the meeting state in a bid to boost the held on October 15, 2020 attended by State crisis-hit tourism sector. Tourism Ministers/Officials from 15 states/ Vijayan said that the tourism UTs. Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Yogendra sector in the state has suffered Tripathi, DG of Tourism, Meenakshi Sharma an estimated loss of around and other senior officials of the Tourism INR 25,000 crore due to the Ministry also attended the meeting. COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda of meeting included- He added that the epidemic Pinayari Vijayan facilitating ease of travel between states/UTs arrived at a time when the for promoting domestic tourism, incentives tourism sector in the state was thriving after overcoming several being offered by states/UTs to the tourism online program to train guides and is seen crises. “Once our state, the country, and the world survive COVID-19, and hospitality sector, working on system as a potential employment generator at the Kerala will once again become a tourist paradise,” he said while for assessment, awareness and training Pan India level. Currently, the program has inaugurating the projects in 14 districts through video conference. for hospitality industry (SAATHI) for the almost 6000 persons enrolled and with the The projects, a state government release said, are spread from adherence of safety norms and suggestions qualified persons being eventually coming the hilltop tourist centre Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram to the on "way forward" for revival of tourism, on the e-marketplace, the program is seen as northern-most district of Kasaragod. The completed infrastructure including working on the National Integrated having a huge potential in transforming the development project in Ponmudi has provided playgrounds, Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI) tourist experience in terms of the guiding and landscaping, and seating for children and families. Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism to create showcasing India. He also inaugurated Malamel Para Tourism Project at Kollam Beach robust database of hospitality units. All states assured that they shall be and Thanni Beach. A release issued by the state tourism department The Minister also informed about ensuring traveller safety and as much said the inauguration of an INR 49 lakh beautification project of the the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator harmonisation of recommended protocols as Mooloor Memorial at Elavumthitta in Pathanamthitta district. Certification program (IITF) which is an the local conditions permit.

Sikkim opens for tourists with protocols in place Goa government approves

midst the crisis happening new tourism policy Adue to the pandemic, ccording to a report, the Goa government last another ray of hope for domestic Amonth, approved the long-awaited Goa Tourism tourism has risen with Sikkim Policy 2020, with a vision to make the state the reopening for the tourists. “most preferred destination around the year for The government has allowed high-spending tourists” in 2024. Initially, the policy hotels, homestays and other got delayed due to lack of firm leadership and also tourism-related services to due to political instability. The policy document restart operations. The bookings predicts tourism development for the next 25 years for hotels and homestays had and a broad purpose to strengthen tourism assets, already started from September expand employment opportunities and tourism 27. infrastructure from the footfall heavy beach belts to The Himalayan state has eco-tourism initiatives in the hinterland. The idea is categorically stated that to reduce movement amid the that ‘only a maximum of 50 to make Goa the most preferred destination around all Standard Operating COVID-19 outbreak. The union per cent of the hall capacity the year for high spending tourists by 2024. Procedures (SOPs) announced home ministry on September with a ceiling of 200 persons The Goan government has made a provision by the central and the state 30 issued Unlock 5.0 guidelines, and mandatory wearing of face for creating a new tourism board, which will governments should be put in allowing cinemas, theatres and masks is must for gatherings’. take care of all decisions pertaining to planning, place by hotels and all tourism- multiplexes to open with upto The central government has development and marketing of tourism in Goa. The related activities. Notably, the 50 per cent of their seating specifically stated that lockdown board will work regarding strengthening tourism odd-even rule for all public capacity from October 15. will continue to remain in assets, expanding employment opportunities and transports was removed from Activities such as Business to force in the containment zones developing infrastructure in the beach belts, where after October 1. However, the Business (B2B) exhibitions, across the country. The central the footfalls are maximum. It will also kick off eco- restrictions continue for private social, political and religious government reiterated that tourism activities in the hinterland. vehicles. gatherings with a ceiling of 100 children below 10 years of age, The policy comes at a time when tourism in Goa, Taking a cue from Delhi, people outside containment persons above 65 years of age, the second largest revenue earner, stands severely which had first implemented zones with strict implementation and people with co-morbidities, affected. The Tour and Travels Association of Goa odd-even rule Delhi to tackle air of COVID-19 protocol have also pregnant women should remain estimates that the state’s tourism industry has lost pollution, the same was imposed been permitted. The Union at home, except for essential and about INR 1,000 crore worth of business due to by the Sikkim administration Home Ministry in its order said health purposes. lockdown measures.

6 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes OPINION COLUMN “OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO REVIVE DEMAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE”

The travel and tourism industry has always proven to be resilient in times of crisis and post-COVID-19 will not be any different though the road and process to recovery could be longer. Echoing a similar thought, Menino D’Souza, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa shares his outlook on how important it is for the country to modify the tourism norms by enthusing confidence among tourists while he further highlights how Goa has started moving towards revival

By Gagneet Kaur Menino D’Souza

It has been quite a difficult year for the governments including Indian tourism for the decline of international flows, the tourists, with precautions in July travel fanatics due to home confinement authorities, have placed their spotlight particularly in the destinations heavily 2020. D’Souza recently announced that during the lockdown. Had it been an on promotion of domestic tourism. dependent on international markets. Goa's tourism department has started ordinary year, people would have made “Confidence-building measures and “Our objective, therefore, is to the demarcation of beach shacks along plans to explore the unexplored places reassurance about health and safety revive demand as soon as possible. the North Goa coast that are indeed around the world. But the ripple effects standards of the tourist during travel One way how we can do this is to help the main highlight of Goa’s tourism of the pandemic have not just made it and stay along with our inherent overcome the fear of infection while segment. The state's northern belt and difficult for everyone to move anywhere cultural philosophies of Padharo travelling. The ministry will soon be beach shacks attract around 7.8 million but have also drastically derailed the Mhare Desh and Atithi Devo Bhava will releasing new post-lockdown protocols tourists annually and include some of growth engine of the tourism industry certainly invite our fellow countrymen for accommodation units to give the touristy beaches like Calangute, worldwide. Speaking against the to come and explore our own country. confidence to clients to travel and stay Anjuna and Candolim. The state backdrop of the sector dealing with The timing could not be more safe. We are also coming out with a tourism department also hopes that the the pandemic crisis, D’Souza shared, upcoming festive season will boost shack “Tourism is a significant part of many D’ Souza’s fresh perspective of the post-COVID travel world owners' revenues. Also, the long-awaited national economies and the immediate Goa Tourism Policy 2020 was approved and immense shock to the tourism sector • Domestic travellers would expect a perceivable change in health and by the Government of Goa led by Chief resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic safety standards when they have an interface with stakeholders in the Minister Pramod Sawant; the key intent is affecting the wider economy. As tourism value chain of the policy is to make Goa the “most governments around the world have • Travel insurance will gain wider acceptability among flyers preferred destination around the year introduced unprecedented measures to • Road trips from major population centres will see a sizeable uptake for for high-spending tourists” by 2024. contain the virus, restrictions on travel, the months to come Concluding on a suggestive note, D’ • Demand for responsible travel will be real, no longer limited to mere business operations and people- to- Souza specifies that while the revival lip service and by lines as nature and wildlife products will grab the people interactions have brought the attention of high spenders of the tourism sector will take longer tourism economy to a standstill. Many than expected, establishing confidence countries are now entering a new phase among tourists, though currently a in fighting the virus while at the same opportune as the ministry of tourism, set of recommendations for different challenge for India, will be crucial time managing the re-opening of the GoI has been working tirelessly on segments-travel agents tour operators, in longer term. In due course, when tourism economy. This is a complex strategies to boost domestic tourism,” transport operators and facility international travel opens, D’ Souza and challenging task and quantifying mentions D’Souza while he also guides,” D’Souza gives a brief outlook proposes that India may consider the impact on the tourism economy is adds that however, in the near term, on the chalked-out strategies by Goa’s having travel bubbles as an option for difficult.” domestic tourism is expected to offer department of tourism. post-lockdown tourism and asserts that Observing that most people are still the main chance for driving recovery Goa was one of the first states in India initiatives taken by the ministry through holding on to their travel plans for now of the tourism sector, it is unlikely that to declare itself COVID-19 free and had NIDHI and SAATHI are some efforts in but are keen to take short trips, the domestic tourism could compensate decided to open the destination for the direction.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 7 OPINION FEATURE TravelScapes

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? IS THE GOVERNMENT SHEDDING ENOUGH LIGHT ON THE CAUTIONARY SHADOW CASTING ON INDIAN TOURISM? By now, it is a known fact that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global tourism full beneficiary of the industry and all taxes coming from the industry is paid to trade is suffering from day one and will be the last to revive on a business the government. So, the tourism industry needs special care for it. The centre’s perspective. Consequently, India’s tourism had a very harsh setback however, this recent decision to redirect LTC funds of government employees to buy consumer is believed to be the sunset before opening up rays of opportunities for a great goods has been a shocker for the sector. Minus the impressing upon ‘Atamnirbhar comeback. The industry has strategically identified domestic tourism to be an Bharat’ by the command, the Ministry of Tourism is talking about the promotion immediate option to begin a revival of the industry and now, at many places in of domestic tourism without any hand-holding to the reeling tourism industry. India, tourism activities have reopened, with prescribed protocols. Surprisingly, However, the imbalance of support speaks otherwise. many people who had been confined to their homes due to the pandemic TravelScapes connected with India’s travel trade fraternity to recognise if the restrictions have started moving to safe and clean locations for private family government’s current involvement in the tourism is sufficient or whether the leisure and holidays. So in essence, tourism can be seen sprouting back again but country should aim for a re-engineering of the entire spectrum of the business slowly. And with such an emergence, the trade would seek aid and assistance of the model and operational strategies alongside, aiding the trade to do better business government for that much-needed impetus to accelerate further. tomorrow while reinstating on whether the travel trade fraternity sees any hope The industry can only look at the government for help and support, as it is the about tourism sector being looked after by the government and extend some help By Sayanti Halder

promote and boost the manufacturing sector only for STRIVING FOR SUPPORT the sale of household products. IATO had requested the Mainly to Save Business and Save Jobs, we are policymakers that all tour operators, recognised by the facing twin challenges in the survival stage and Ministry of Tourism, be allowed to cater to LTC holiday seek support from the government. In the last six seekers, so that not only it will offer the desired fillip months, IATO has approached all in the corridors to their sagging business but also lead to the effective of powers in the concerned ministries. Our and efficient promotion of domestic tourism. This has requests to help the survival of the industry been belied. We feel that there exist decision-makers that contributes ten per cent to the GDP and who do not understand the economic values attached employment of the country and earns the coveted to the development of tourism, which not only helps foreign exchange have not been considered, so far. jobs creations but also the rotation of funds spent by Our central government had announced various the tourists. On one hand, giving LTA, which can be financial packages in the past few months and PRONAB SARKAR, PRESIDENT, INDIAN converted in cash and other hand giving interest-free recently, but unfortunately, our industry did not get ASSOCIATION OF TOUR OPERATORS (IATO) loan for all govt. employees, on the other, there is no any such financial help. Service Export Incentive consideration or any effort by the government for the Scheme (SEIS) is declared by the Ministry of We were elated when the Prime Minister announced revival of the tourism sector and its employees who are Commerce for the years 2015 to 2020 and it is not from the ramparts of Red Fort in 2018 that tourism jobless since April 2020. Recently, the government has new. But we are still waiting for the announcement is an economic activity and all Indians should travel announced the opening of all visas for visiting India to release the licenses, which are very much at least 15 destinations by 2022. But this message is except e-visa and tourist visa, we do not understand this important under these unprecedented and difficult not understood by the decision-makers. They want to biased treatment for not opening tourist visas. situations.

8 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes OPINION FEATURE

three times, was not maybe warranted. Especially so, when consumer goods have already seen a 12 per cent jump and on the other end all segments of tourism - corporate, MICE, family travel, leisure, weddings are nil or negligent. Apart from taking away a cash demand source, not only does it tend to send a vote of no confidence in revival but also takes away money from travel in the 2018 to 2021's LTC block for when vaccine comes.

STRIVING FOR SUPPORT Multiple suggestions over the past nine months have been worked on collectively by ten FAITH associations. PRADEEP LULLA, ACTING PRESIDENT / VICE Real change will happen when there is a shared vision PRESIDENT, TRAVEL AGENTS FEDERATION between central and state governments on tourism. OF INDIA (TAFI) It is this critical that on the lines of GST council a legislatively empowered tourism national council The announcement of an option by the government is put up, headed by the PM and composed of all to convert LTC as an option to consumer coupons the CMs. Aggressive consumer campaign to restore instead of travel is to rob Paul to pay Peter. The confidence and revive national and inbound tourism government stated that they did not have any funds demand must be undertaken. Parallel interest-free to give stimulus as there was a large fiscal deficit due long term 10-year loans on direct benefit transfer must to the slowdown of the economy and now instead of be made to all GST registered tourism enterprises even morally supporting the worst-hit industry travel to support their salaries and operating costs. and tourism they have further axed it. We have no international business and very marginal domestic business and have been providing nearly 10 per cent of GDP and employing 50 million skilled and semi-skilled people. Realistically, how else can we grow from the P P KHANNA, PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF pre-pandemic loss of 90 per cent and support minimal DOMESTIC TOUR OPERATORS OF INDIA revenue to our tourist assets of airports and hotels to (ADTOI) have optimum revenue to survive?

The government’s announcement of LTC encashment STRIVING FOR SUPPORT by govt. employees to create demand for the consumer We need government intent in providing positive goods is like a bolt from the blue. From day one of stimulus to revive our sagging business. In the tax lockdown, in March, all travel trade associations have front, a tax rebate of INR 1.5 to 2 lakhs to all assesse to been requesting the government to provide a bailout incentivise domestic travel. From immediate front to plan for the COVID-19 ridden tourism industry, which exempt TCS on international tours so that to prevent E.M. NAJEEB, SR. VICE PRESIDENT, INDIAN has been hit badly, across the globe throwing people leakage of people booking on international portals as ASSOCIATION OF TOUR OPERATORS (IATO) out of business. With no business and unable to meet there would be a disparity of 10 per cent with five per the recurring expenses to run the establishment cent GST included and would result in revenue loss LTC funds unused for travel, which would make by stakeholders, we will collectively approach the to tour operators registered in India. Furthermore, part of the taxable income otherwise, is now being authorities of the highest order in the government for a major subsidy with the tour companies to give allowed to be used partially to buy furnishings. some relief. Without getting any relief, the tourism incentive value coupons to the Indian tourist to boost That is a facility extended to the employees, and sector was left to fend itself for its survival. LTC, which demand. that is not at the expense of their LTC facility. The constitutes a part of the domestic tourism business government employees still have the LTC facility, has also been taken away from the industry, which and they will utilise that for their travel. But if LTC will affect the growth. People travel a lot during funds were directed to full utilisation for travel and festivities under normal times and with the onset of tourism purpose, it would have been beneficial for the winter, there was little hope of people coming out of revival of the tourism industry to a great extent. The their hibernation come out of their homes to celebrate government is giving high priority for travel within the festivals with families and friends. Little hope left for country and they are spelling it out in the National the revival has been taken away by this action of the Tourism Policy that is coming up. A very dynamic government. tourism development, planning and management are envisaged in the policy, of which a draft is already STRIVING FOR SUPPORT published for discussion and inputs. Domestic tourism For the revival of domestic tourism, which is the is of high priority in the policy. So, the government is saviour of tourism industry post-COVID and also not completely going against its policy pronouncement bringing among the public the confidence to travel AASHISH GUPTA, CONSULTING CEO, even in the case of the LTC fund allocations and we in association with some state tourism boards FEDERATION OF ASSOCIATIONS IN INDIAN facilities. planning to organise FAM trips to travel trade TOURISM & HOSPITALITY (FAITH) fraternity to visit places of hospitality establishments STRIVING FOR SUPPORT and tourist spots to see whether all precautionary The festive season is one of the biggest tourism drivers A very detailed and well-thought plan and perspective measures as per the guidelines of WHO/ICMR/state in India. People across all walks of life (including the are spelt out in the National Tourism Policy 2020, govt. authorities are taken by the caretakers of these ones in government service) tend to be with their and that satisfies the industry about the road map places so that they can create confidence among families and travel. At the moment incentivising of the government about the tourism industry in travelling public to visit places. them negatively to cash out their LTC by spending India. A new dynamic tourism development pattern is

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 9 OPINION FEATURE TravelScapes

STRIVING FOR SUPPORT The Prime Minister speaks of "Swadesh Darshan" and the government decides to divert even the minimalist LTC away from travel and into the consumer goods space! I will refrain from commenting on the bizarre scheme, which requires one to spend four times the amount to claim the benefit. So, to expect this government to do anything to sustain the T&T industry is futile. The industry has to fall back on itself and become "Aatma Nirbhar."

proposed with destination-centric plans, self-sufficient STRIVING FOR SUPPORT Destination Management organisations, management The government’s job is to give people hope, aid hierarchies, patterns, objectives, partnerships, etc. and confidence in good governance and policies and What the industry needs is that the government tourism have felt left out and abandoned, recently. At should seriously take the policies forward fast and a very basic level, the government needs to ensure the ensure efficiency. Simultaneously, we want the viability and survivability of tourism stakeholders. The government to be sensitive to the difficult conditions of government has refused with payrolls support and the different stakeholders’ verticals of the industry and neither are they allowing us to function. Airlines will JATINDER S TANEJA, MANAGING DIRECTOR, extent all possible support until a good come back. eventually get back to business and hotels are already TRAVEL SPIRIT INTERNATIONAL reopening but travel agents and tour operators have their hands completely tied. I want the government to We are all aware of the unimaginable and unreal open the country’s border and skies, allow travel like situation of India's tourism industry, at present, other countries around us. We need to let the tourism due to the ongoing pandemic. Apart from affecting restart and as consequence, people associated with millions of jobs and FOREX earnings for the country, inbound and outbound industries are dying, every day. the uncertainty of revival has led many tour operators, travel agents, hotels, and restaurants to shut their doors. Due to some unknown reasons, the travel trade has not received any support or stimulus package from the government of India at all. Unlike India, governments worldwide have helped the industry in their respective countries by offering salaries to the staff, cutting the taxes, tax holidays, providing grants, RAJEEV KOHLI, JMD, CREATIVE TRAVEL and trying their best to save the tourism industry. We understand that probably the inbound business will I understand the government’s intentions but not pick up immediately, with the world still fighting disagree with it. The government seems to be the pandemic and the traveller's hesitance and fear to hurting the sector that the travel allowances were catch the virus. However, this should not be deemed meant for and they were always designed to be as a reason to kill the inbound tourism industry travel allowances. However, I see that there is a completely. Of course, the sudden announcement of devil in the detail as my understanding from the AJAY PRAKASH, CEO, NOMAD TRAVELS redirecting the LTC funds to buy consumer goods will situation is that one first needs to spend 50 per cent further damage the domestic travel business for the of which, the government will reimburse 30 per The neglect of the travel and tourism industry by the selected authorised agents who were allowed to book cent. Consequently, one needs to spend 20 per cent Indian government is not new. It has been the trend for LTC packages. from his pocket on white goods. So essentially, it is years now. I see nothing new is the insult! Air India, a a subsidy for anybody who wants to buy consumer public sector (read government) undertaking endlessly STRIVING FOR SUPPORT goods. Nevertheless, after a lockdown of almost seven subsidised by taxpayers and the T&T industry is a The government needs to give its due importance to months, will the desire to purchase a refrigerator be significant contributor to the tax kitty, had the gall to the travel and tourism industry, which has created stronger than the desire of travelling and return to put out an advertisement asking the people to report the millions of jobs at the lowest level too before the hometowns or take a vacation? I don’t necessarily matter in case any travel agent charged them anything pandemic and contributed approximately 10 per cent think that there will be a huge diversion of funds over the fare published on the Air India website. The to India's GDP. At present, the industry is just looking away from the travel as I believe there won’t be implication being that travel agent were out to loot for support and aid to survive. Our minimum request a rush of the government employees to purchase the public! Air India pays no agency commission, their is that the sector must receive its due incentive by televisions, fridges or music systems during such website is notoriously glitch-prone, they made a fortune the government under the SEIS scheme, which is times. It is a drop in the well; there will be very little out of the so-called 'charitable' Vande Bharat flights normally distributed during July/September, every uptake. Unfortunately, the government has sent out and now, they accuse the agents of profiteering. The year. However, this year the same was not distributed a very negative and demoralising signal to the travel PM in his earlier global jaunts exhorted NRIs to send at a time when we all need it the most. We cannot industry and that is the painful bit of the situation. 'just five people per year to India' - supposedly putting understand why the government is holding on Travel can never be replaced by white goods and a premium on tourism as an engine of national growth. to that too when they should be coming forward the government has very little risk or exposure. Today, no international travellers are coming to India with more stimulus packages along with the SEIS Nevertheless, this has shattered the confidence and and everybody is banking on domestic tourism to help incentive to save the industry, which is at the brink of faith of the Indian travel trade fraternity. tide over the unprecedented crisis. diminishing.

10 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes TRADE UPDATE TBO’s first-ever virtual travel show with Island Hopper concludes

he TBO Group added another Sun Siyam, to name a few. Tjewel to its crown with the first- The key take back from the show ever virtual travel show exclusively are understanding, adaptability for ‘the Maldives with Island Hopper’. and personalisation with constant The virtual trade-show aimed at innovation and adjusting to changes providing an immense experience to the in consumer demand. The first participants and attendees to interact virtual travel show by TBO opened seamlessly. Hotels and resorts across the door for the group to explore Ankush Nijhawan, Co-Founder, TBO we have managed to add another the nation of islands participated for new opportunities for travel and Group said, “We are immensely grateful achievement to our portfolio. We aim to the virtual show, with stakeholders tourism professionals to network and to all our partners and attendees, who provide a one-stop solution for all your including Heritance Aarah, Taj Exotica collaborate. The introductory edition had the faith on our platform. With virtual travel and tourism needs with Resort & Spa, Dusit Thani, Adaaran observed participation from over 50 TBO Academy’s integration with Island awe-inspiring technology and a simple Resorts, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, and stakeholders and over 1000 attendees. Hopper for this virtual travel show, user-friendly interface.”

PATA announces new Chair and Executive Board

he Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the ratification of the new TPATA Executive Board. Soon-Hwa Wong has been formally endorsed as the Chair of the Association’s Executive Board and replaces Dr Chris Bottrill who was elected as the Chair in May 2018 and remains a member of the Executive Board as Immediate Past Chair. On his appointment, Soon-Hwa said, “It is indeed an honour to be given the privilege to serve PATA members, especially in a time like this. PATA will celebrate a significant milestone, our 70th anniversary, next year. We are embarking on a comprehensive organisation redesign that will transform PATA into an association that will lead the tourism industry into the post-COVID future and beyond. Together with our industry partners from both the public and private sector, we will commit to sustainable tourism development to benefit the economic well-being of the community at large. Come join us on our journey to build a safer and better world.” Soon-Hwa has some 40 years of extensive experience in the Asia Pacific tourism Simon Press and hospitality industry. After a long and successful corporate career, he founded Asia Tourism to provide advisory and consulting services to commercial and not-for-profit enterprises. He recently set up AsiaChina, primarily focusing on the two-way tourism 50 pc of registered WTM buyers flow between China and the APAC region. interested in the ME region

uyers from travel firms around the world can reconnect with MV Karnika to discontinue its Bestablished partners, forge new contacts and make business deals at next month’s WTM Virtual (November 9 to 11) from 7 AM to 10 PM operations GMT, to allow access to all the different time zones across the globe. Organisers of the online event aim to host 5,000 pre-selected buyers midst the ongoing pandemic, from a diverse range of companies across the world and from their Athe owners of MV Karnika global database. Of those buyers already registered, almost 50 per cent states that it is not in a position to have expressed an interest in the Middle East region. start the operation as the ports in To date, over 100 exhibitors from over 10 destinations in the Middle India has not given the date by which East have confirmed, which include Dubai Tourism, Expo 2020 Dubai, cruise ships can start its operations Emaar Entertainment, Jordan Tourism Board, NEOM, RAKTDA and due to the ongoing COVID-19 Saudi Tourism Authority, amongst others. Buyers will have access pandemic. to free one-to-one meetings, along with other opportunities to meet Since this sector has been exhibitors taking part in WTM Virtual and Travel Forward Virtual. devastated by COVID-19, the The online activities start with London Travel Week (October 30 to operations were at standstill since November 5), which hosts networking and promotional opportunities March 2020 and there were ahead of the main events during WTM Virtual. mounting debts in outstanding. The creditors arrested the ship through the admiralty WTM London’s Senior Director Simon Press said, “This will be a vital court. Owners have also appealed to the High Court and the Port Trust for assistance opportunity for senior buyers to reconnect with valuable contacts in to provide fuel, power and basic supplies to the 60 crew members in the ship. However, the wake of the pandemic, as we all look to recover and rebuild in 2021. they have yet to receive an update on their appeal from the HC along with the Port Many travel businesses have seen widespread changes in personnel Trust. over the course of the COVID-19 crisis so it’s more important than ever Unfortunately, due to this delay, the crew on the ship is living in poor conditions with for buyers and suppliers to make contact with the right people in order no fuel, power, etc. Owners hope to get the crew members signed off and relieve them so to plan their roadmap to recovery.” that they can go home, as soon as the legal formalities are completed.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 11 UPDATE TRADE TravelScapes

Saxony to be the first Official Cultural UNWTO to use AI to link tourism Destination of ITB Berlin 2021 workers with prospective jobs

axony is due to celebrate a genuine first sing advanced deep- COVID-19. At the same time, Sat ITB Berlin 2021: the federal state Ulearning Artificial workers can sign up to find has been declared the Official Cultural Intelligence (AI), the exchange available jobs that make use Destination of ITB Berlin 2021 and a matches people to the right jobs of their skills and experience. year later will be the host country of the in companies that are hiring, Members that have hiring World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. “The creating a bridge between needs also can sign up to post new concept of a cultural partnership is those looking for a job and jobs and find talent who can tailor-made for Saxony. This title provides organisations that need to do the job immediately. a special opportunity to draw attention hire quickly. All 159 UNWTO UNWTO Secretary-General to Saxony as an outstanding and globally member states, as well as Zurab Pololikashvili says, "The important destination for culture and cities make a corresponding announcement as the more-than-500 affiliate COVID-19 pandemic has hit along with unique natural attractions. We soon as the partnership has been sealed. members, will benefit from the global tourism sector hard, will be able to offer trade visitors from Next year, Tourismus Marketing direct access to the platform. and up to 120 million jobs are Germany and abroad a foretaste of events Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH (TMGS) will They will also be able at risk. However, tourism has in 2022, when Saxony will be the official present Saxony as the Official Cultural to offer talent exchange to a long history of adapting and host country of ITB“, said Barbara Klepsch, Destination of ITB Berlin, and along with workers who have lost their embracing innovation. This State Minister for Culture and Tourism in a variety of events will offer an insight into tourism-related jobs due to partnership is be a great help." the Free State of Saxony. It had originally Saxony’s wealth of cultural attractions. been planned to announce this status for Visitors to the stand will be able to 2021. The organisers of ITB Berlin and sense how art and culture blend with Oman, at present the partner country, are nature and the region of lakes and rivers Amadeus releases 'Destination X' currently negotiating a possible partnership merges seamlessly with a unique cultural for next year. Messe Berlin and Oman will landscape. study on current traveller sentiment he focus of Amadeus’s Tlatest research explores the leisure traveller’s mindset towards planning WTTC and global tourism CEOs and purchasing upcoming travel amidst the realities of present a plan to save millions of jobs COVID-19. To do this, Amadeus got the opinions of +8,500 n a historic first, G20 Tourism Ministers The private sector event was opened by HE CheckMyTrip users from around Ihosted more than 45 CEOs and members Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of the world through a quantitative of WTTC, who presented their plan to save Tourism and Chair of the G20 Tourism Track and qualitative survey. The the embattled travel and tourism sector and WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara research gives us very good appetite for travel despite and 100 million jobs, globally. During their to set the scene. This was followed by a reason to be hopeful about the the ongoing challenges and G20 Chairmanship of the Tourism Track, keynote from Chris Nassetta, President & CEO travel industry’s future. unknowns that still lie ahead. Saudi Arabia requested the collaboration of Hilton and WTTC Chair and contributions Amadeus’s research Healthy traveller appetites of the global travel and tourism sector on from CEOs and Ministers representing all findings, outlined in the eBook now can only lead to strong developing insights to help accelerate the regions of the world, including Argentina, UK, ‘Destination X: Where to Next business demand ahead. Seizing global recovery. As a result, the WTTC UAE, Singapore and Spain, who joined the - What Leisure Travelers Want this opportunity requires a presented a plan, which aims to restart private sector with a unified voice to agree in a COVID-19 World’, shows willing entrepreneurial spirit to international travel and tourism and recover that through joint collaboration, the recovery consumers have a healthy change from top to tail. 100 million jobs, globally. of travel and tourism can be accelerated.

Redirecting LTC funds gives a vote of no-confidence for travel sector

ederation of Associations in Indian look to travel to their home state. After hospitality industry which was looking to FTourism & Hospitality (FAITH), almost eight months of nil to now very get back on its feet after ‘Unlock’. the policy federation of all the national limited tourism activity, festive season Further, since this is a four-year block associations - ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, was one of the few demand drivers that scheme, it will also cut away funds for HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, the Indian tourism travel & hospitality future travel demand source for the next TAFI, expressed disappointment for the industry was looking forward to and the year when the LTC block ends in 2021. Indian travel and tourism industry that industry was hoping for more tax based This goes against the spirit of domestic LTC funds of government employees stimulus in the hands of all citizens to tourism push and year 2021 as domestic are being redirected to buy consumer travel when spent against GST rated tourism year being planned by tourism goods. travel agents, hotels tour operators, tourist ministry. Coming on the back of a prolonged transporters & restaurants. Instead It is requested that not only be the LTC lockdown, the Indian travel and tourism redirecting the LTC money of govt. funds be restored but also an income tax industry was looking at festive season employees to buy consumer goods would Additionally, it would also send a vote benefit be introduced for all citizens to get holidays boost travel demand when people dry up those funds for the travel sector. of no confidence to the tourism travel & income tax exemption while travelling.

12 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes TRADE UPDATE Global tourism to lose 174 million jobs in 2020

ased on reports by the World Travel & had projected a total job loss of 197 million, BTourism Council (WTTC), the travel and which has now been revised to 174 million. tourism sector may lose up to 174 million jobs, This positive gain is mostly driven by the globally in 2020 if barriers of travel remain in return of domestic travel in countries such as place. India stands to lose 1.4 million jobs, find China, which has shown a particularly strong industry insiders. If the current restrictions to recovery. Prolonged travel restrictions could international travel continue through to the also eliminate USD 4.7 trillion in the sector’s end of 2020 – resulting in a limited recovery contribution to global GDP. “Our latest data – the impact will be devastating, with as many reveals the gravity of the long-term negative as 174 million jobs lost globally. In June, WTTC impact facing the global travel and tourism sector if we don’t work together to resume World Dream restarts sailing and international travel immediately. The sector’s recovery will be delayed even further, with arrives in Singapore more jobs lost, unless quarantines are replaced with rapid, cost-effective testing at airports on orld Dream, Dream Singapore, World Dream has departure, and air corridors. The longer we WCruises’ 150,695 gross been on hiatus in Rotterdam, wait, the more the ailing travel and tourism ton mega-ship, arrived in the Netherlands after being sector faces total collapse,” said Gloria Guevara, Singapore in the morning taken out of service in early WTTC President and CEO. on October 25 with 187 February. The cruise ship will crew members aboard, undergo thorough cleaning who have completed their and sanitization before her 14-day quarantine on the inaugural ‘Super Seacation’ cruise ship before arrival sailings on November 6, to VFS Global to provide visa and OCI for in Singapore. The crew will ensure the health and safety undergo a further series of all passengers on board. India across the US of mandatory COVID-19 World Dream will be the testing as stipulated by the newest built cruise ship to s part of its expanding service network 2020: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) local authorities and are call Singapore home and Afor the Government of India’s Ministry application, passport application, renunciation required to test negative will be the first cruise ship of External Affairs worldwide, VFS Global of Indian citizenship and Global Entry before signing-up for active to restart service in the Lion has been awarded the contract to exclusively Programme (GEP) verification services. Due duty. Before her arrival in City. manage visa, OCI, passport, renunciation to COVID-19 restrictions, India visa services of Indian citizenship, and Global Entry remain suspended, at present. The re-start date Programme (GEP) verification services for for visa services will be announced according to the Government of India, across six cities directives of the Embassy of India in the USA. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi in the United States of America including The centres will be equipped with reveals new logo Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, world-class facilities aimed at providing an Chicago, Atlanta, and Houston. easily accessible and a superior application arner Bros. World Abu the heels of the Studio’s In these cities, VFS Global will provide the experience for customers and will make the WDhabi pulled back the brand refresh that included following services for Indian or US citizens, application process more convenient for curtain recently to reveal its the introduction of a refined and third-country nationals, from November travellers. reimagined logo. The new and modernised version of brand identity, which features the iconic shield, which is a mischievous Bugs Bunny reflected in the Park’s new atop the iconic Warner Bros. adaptation. BTEA appoints Intrepid Marketing & shield, was revealed to guests Don Strickler, General at the park just seconds after Manager at Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny’s surprise 80th- World Abu Dhabi said, “We Communications as India’s rep anniversary celebrations recently commemorated 80 wrapped up at the Warner years of Bugs Bunny during a he Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Bros. Plaza. The Park’s new fantastic birthday bash held at TAuthority (BTEA) has assigned logo embodies the exciting the park. Shining the spotlight Intrepid Marketing and Communications experiences guests can expect on our new identity on the to undertake all its trade, marketing, and at the World’s Largest Indoor heels of that was truly the icing communication initiatives across the country Theme Park and comes on on top of the cake!” to establish Bahrain as Indian travellers’ go- to short-haul destination. Sunil Mathapati On being appointed, Sunil Mathapati, Director, Intrepid Marketing and conversations around experiential travel and Communications said, “The team is elated to ‘dream itineraries’ around Bahrain. The India work with BTEA and explore the ‘new normal’ travel market remains promising as always of international travel. As travel restrictions and we want to engage with the consumers are changed and lessened, we are working directly and position Bahrain as one of the on expanding Bahrain’s presence, stirring most hype-worthy travel destinations.”

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 13 UPDATESPECIALMoT FEATURE TravelScapes CHECKING-IN TO PROGRESS INDIAN HOTELS EVOLVING THE NATURE OF DOING BUSINESS POST-LOCKDOWN

Each crisis, especially in this day of rest 95 per cent are ‘Bed & Breakfast’, Guest technology, is touted as the worst ever and Houses and unbranded budget hotels. The is bound to attract comparisons to earlier hotel industry faces a loss of INR 620 crores events. The existing COVID-19 crisis is and is currently facing extreme bad weather not surprisingly being compared to other conditions ever since the pandemic has catastrophic events of the past. As the checked in. The number one consideration mouthpieces are now saying, normal life post-COVID-19 will be on health and safety, in a post-Coronavirus environment will which translates into hygiene and sanitation not resume until a vaccine for the virus is issues of the hotel bringing in more expenses developed and widely distributed, which against little to no returns. The current has surely fetched major implications market sentiment, whether it is booking for the hospitality sector in the country. a hotel or just dining out is swaying in the Alongside, the pandemic has annihilated direction of health, hygiene and safety. As the operations of the hotel industry and also the market revives, properties that meet affiliate branches that government is directly top-notch sanitation expectations will be in accountable to boost. The pandemic has the best position to benefit from the early resulted in businesses thinking out-of-the-box demand. and exploring newer revenue possibilities. Abiding by the “new normal”, TravelScapes On a commercial aspect, the impacts of connected dots with the veterans of the Indian the crisis have reached every industry in the hospitality sector to grasp how the hotels world, with the travel and tourism taking a need to shift their sources of revenues while massive hit. Based on a recent report, the also innovate new ways for gathering the low branded, chain and some luxury standalone hanging fruits of profits alongside strategies hotels constitute 1.4 lakhs rooms, which are on implementing and managing the resources only five per cent of total rooms available. The better

By Sayanti Halder

14 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes SPECIALMoT FEATUREUPDATE

KUSH KAPOOR, CEO, ROSEATE HOTELS & RESORTS

One thing that is certain in these unprecedented, DEVELOPING THE DINING DECISIONS uncertain times is that COVID-19 will continue to be the Take away services from our restaurants have been determining factor on the road map to the recovery of popular with our diners since the beginning of April 2020. hospitality. While it might take time for the industry to Unique dining experiences such as private proposal and fully recover, hoteliers are coming up with innovative romantic dinners on the rooftop, or at the exclusive deck solutions to generate revenues. The hotel industry is in the lake view rooms, are being well received by our presently witnessing a surge in demand for ‘staycations’ guests. Roseate Hotels & Resorts' breakthrough has been - the answer to weary millenniums and work-from-home the ‘Kitchen Live Access’ feature, which allows diners employees who are in dire need for a vacation but want to view their meal being prepared with utmost hygiene to be assured of the best hygiene standards. Restaurants standards at any point of time with our ‘Care’ app in are focusing more on takeaways with contactless delivery addition to the safety protocols being followed by ‘Care by services. Roseate’ program.

PUSHPENDRA BANSAL, COO, LORDS HOTELS AND RESORTS

Taking into consideration the current situation of ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY FOR SAFETY unpredictable traffic to hotels, we have reshaped our Our hotel operations have adapted to the new practices sources of revenues by concentrating more on platforms and protocols with a major shift to hygiene and such as co-working spaces, facility management cleanliness, as a chief priority. Our "Safe Stay" initiative for offices, intimate events, meal credits along with with the motto of “KARONA SAFE; RAHONA SAFE” is staycation and workstations’ packages, discounts and based on the guidelines of The World Health Organisation special offers, which can be availed through our brand’s (WHO) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India official website. (FSSAI). The enhanced protocols include the mandatory social distancing, contactless check-in, sanitisation, in- room dining, thermal screening of guests, allotting room to guests after 48 hours of the previous checkout. We have adapted automation and new technology at our hotels. The check-in and check-out processes are more digitalised adding physical contactless technology and digital payments at our restaurants.

SARBENDRA SARKAR, FOUNDER & MD, CYGNETT HOTELS AND RESORTS

Now more than ever, revenue management is the DISSEMINATING MESSAGES TO PROCURE keystone that is aiding us to stay afloat. We are doing our GUESTS best to effectively steer today’s scenario to our benefit Thanks to Cygnett’s Safety Protocol Drive and Hygiene and concentrating on our core businesses—stay and Assured Drive, customers are mustering the courage and F&B. Furthermore, since the entire hospitality industry trusting us to come over and stay with us! We are working is banking on F&B to stay ahead of the competition, on a lot of new ideas, but scaling up to make all the ‘new one must look at creating a difference. Keeping in platforms’ successful will take some time. Presently, for us, mind the preponderant emotions at play currently, we the priority is to build trust and ensure loyalty. are working F&B to suit the prevalent sentiments. We We are leaving no-stone-unturned to let our guests and have researched and analysed customer behaviour to partners know of our high-level hygiene standards via understand that currently, guests prefer Food Bowls, clear communication at all touchpoints. Also, we have aggregate meals and immunity-boosting holistic meals, designed a campaign, “We will travel again”, for reaching a la’ carte rather than the buffet. Also, ‘Home Delivery’ out to our target audience and communicating to them is rage. We have already initiated QR coded menus, about all the policies/ safety measures that we have in contactless service and immunity-boosting food options place for them. in our menus across properties. We are now working on partnering with like-minded people and creating some novel F&B experiences. Apart from F&B, we are also creating staycation or a ‘work-from-hotel’ experience.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 15 SPECIAL FEATURE TravelScapes

RATTAN KESWANI, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR, LEMON TREE HOTELS & DIRECTOR, CARNATION HOTELS

For the past few months, we have been supporting the TRACKING UNIQUENESS OF THE CUSTOMARY national and state governments' needs for quarantining PRACTICES guests, and for hospitals to assist health workers. This Industry veterans reckon that due to the ongoing has created a revenue opportunity that did not exist, pandemic, the travel and hospitality sector will reach pre- earlier. Also, this demand will change as the number of COVID levels, not before 2022. However, the only breather cases reduces, and government regulations regarding in the entire scenario is that the industry is experimenting quarantine continue to change. As the peak declines, with new ideas and is exploring additional revenue we can see a lot more domestic travel picking up, streams. In the process, guests are also evolving with their which will continue to happen until the skies open up tastes, preferences and experiences. In our continued and international destinations have been cleared, and effort to provide a clean, comfortable and safe stay every possibly even after. We expect an uptick in domestic time a guest visits us, we have launched our ‘Rest Assured’ leisure travel, and with nearly 80 hotels across the initiative. We have extensively researched, benchmarked country, we are planning several packages targeted and implemented stringent cleanliness, sanitisation and towards staycations and great Indian getaways. As people social distancing protocols across our 80 properties, in are now beginning to travelling. India and abroad.

ROHIT VIG, VICE PRESIDENT-DEVELOPMENT, STAYWELL HOLDINGS & MANAGING DIRECTOR, STAYWELL HOSPITALITY - SOUTH ASIA

As COVID-19 continues to impact our travel industry ASSURING SAFETY AS A KEY PRIORITY globally, and we all continue to strive to flatten the curve, The safety and security of our guests and team members hotels need to review and understand the current forecasts have always been our number one priority. We have and trends that will help to reshape the revenue streams for implemented our post-COVID-19 brand standards for the initial rebound in the domestic demand. Our teams have hygiene and sanitation across all our hotels. The brand been staying connected with past and future guests through standards have been developed in conjunction with one social, email and editorial content that entertain and add of the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification value to maintain a strong brand relationship. We ramp up agencies, Bureau Veritas, and adhere to the Bureau our marketing efforts to target the right demographics and Veritas SafeGuard Assurance Program. This will help us to feeder markets with the right messaging and packages such address the primary concern and understand the seismic as weekend offers and driveway offers. On our hotels brand shift in the guests travel patterns. We are exploring to website, we are having a flexible cancellation policy. Our target short-haul, drivable guests and running series of revenue mangers are maintaining a healthy distribution mix staycation offers to encourage the guests to explore their with our OTA’s partners and brand channels to drive qualify own local. business. Simultaneously, we are running the “Discover Your Local” campaign.

KERRIE HANNAFORD, VICE PRESIDENT – COMMERCIAL, ACCOR - INDIA & SOUTH ASIA RESORTS

We, at Accor, have married innovation with hospitality to TAILORING LOVE FOR TRAVEL AND REGULARITY offer our guests safe and enjoyable experiences. The new normal has several opportunities in store for us and our We are driving strategic partnerships to meet the needs initiatives are well-designed to cater to the demands of our of a new generation of savvy and connected travellers. As guests. In the initial days of the lockdown, we introduced part of our campaign, Accor has rolled out the ‘Missed various initiatives, which curved a path for us to stay Celebrations’ offer that encourages guests to celebrate all connected with our guests and has helped us in generating moments such as birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, revenues as well. With a continued focus on the food and which they were unable to celebrate during the lockdown. beverage segment, we have our offers enabling guests to Under the offer, guests can earn vouchers equal to 30 enjoy their favourite meals such as takeaways, deliveries per cent of their spent while celebrating any occasion and have even curated DIY food kits for our guests. Many at restaurants and bars at any Accor property in India of our hotels are offering ‘Work@Hotel’ by providing a safe, and Sri Lanka. For the on-going festive season, Accor has alternative working space to individuals and organisations launched another exciting offer, under ‘For the love of looking to work remotely in a healthy and reliable Travel, For the Love of Now’ campaign. environment. We have also launched unique concepts such as staycations, movie screenings, etc. The progressive unlock has allowed people to step out and adapt to the ‘new now’.

16 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes SPECIAL FEATURE

NOSHIR A MARFATIA, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - SALES & MARKETING, THE FERN HOTELS & RESORTS

Around 74 of our operational hotels have reopened post SURFACING NEW ALTERNATIVES the lockdown. Additionally, we are opening another eight Ever since hotels were allowed to reopen from June, we to ten new hotels over the next three to four months. have introduced stringent safety and hygiene measures So, we are buoyant and upbeat on the ultimate recovery to our hospitality operations. Self-branded as Staygiene, of the hospitality industry! Yes, in the current short- these “new normal” protocols ensure social distancing, term, our mainstay segments of corporate business contact-lite operations and full safety in all our kitchen travel, MICE conferences and banquets and inbound and housekeeping operations. Two new initiatives that leisure travel are all virtually non-existent. Our focus, we have launched during this period are our Experiences therefore, has been on strengthening our reach in the eGift Cards platform - gift vouchers for room stays, F&B, other segments that are currently getting good traction Staycation packages and all other hotel facilities and - Leisure and Staycation packages at all our resort services at all our hotels and our mobile food delivery app, destinations, City Break Staycation packages at all our 'Yummy Thoughts' by The Fern Hotels & Resorts. Both business locations, self-drive holiday packages for our these initiatives have found great interest with our hotel metro-city guests to close-by proximity destinations, clients and guests. So, there is always something new small, intimate destination weddings at many of our happening at The Fern Hotels & Resorts. hotels and resorts, encouraging our guests to travel with their small pets to our four pet-friendly resorts, local F&B food parcel takeaways and home deliveries of our popular menu items at many of our hotels.

DHANANJAY SALIANKAR, HEAD OF SALES & MARKETING, FORTUNE HOTELS AND RESORTS

The pandemic has severely impacted the travel and KNOCKING ON NEW OPPORTUNITIES tourism world over and it is no different in India. While As the government bodies are easing the travel every brand is doing its best and paving identical paths restrictions, we are looking at growth in the domestic for their revenue growth, it is to be understood that it travellers looking for short stays in the city or at a drivable will take travel demand and hotels a long time to come destination. We have introduced many new approaches back to normalcy and recover. Like every other brand, to welcome the ‘new normal’, to ensure the safety and we have also brought changes and have reshaped our security of our guests and to make the stay hassle-free. sources of revenue. We have introduced holiday and Besides knocking in all sorts of opportunities in the workation packages such as ‘Unlock Business’, Fortune market place and driving business, some innovative Getaways, Hills of Fortune and Suite Surprises, which are steps that Fortune Hotels have undertaken to ensure targeted to customers willing to travel for a much-needed guest safety include sanitised-sealed rooms, contactless break from the ‘new normal’. We have also brought our payment options, QR codes in all the areas, digital menus, focus from mainstream revenue generators to alternate contactless check-in option and much more. To ensure avenues of business such as laundry, food deliveries, we put our best foot forward to delight our guests, we sanitisation services etc. To ensure the safety of our are ensure the wellbeing of our employees and have guests and colleagues, Fortune hotels have introduced introduced temperature and wellness checks, hygienic ‘Safe Stays at Fortune Hotels’, which ensures round-the- food in the cafeteria and a detailed roster system. clock safety and hygiene protocol, all throughout.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 17 UPDATE HOSPITALITY TravelScapes

Dubai hotels post highest occupancy since February ubai’s hotel industry reported its highest occupancy level since DFebruary, according to preliminary September 2020 data from STR. Year-over-year declines in the key performance metrics remained significant, STR said in its report. Occupancy levels increased to 45.4 per cent in September 2020 as against a decline of 37.6 per cent during the same month of 2019. Average daily rate (ADR) reached AED 284.15 (USD 77.4) during the month, down 20.8 per cent compared to September 2019, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) touched AED 129.03, down 50.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY). Even with the YoY declines, September was Dubai’s second consecutive month with occupancy above 40.0 per cent (August: 41.0 per cent). ADR and RevPAR, while substantially improved from pandemic lows, were lower than August levels.

Fairmont Royal Pavilion reopens doors from November 1 airmont Royal Pavilion announced that the hotel has reopened its doors Fto guests and visitors on November 1, 2020. This includes select guest services and Food & Beverage options. “The hotel’s top priority remains the safety, care and wellbeing of our Fairmont Royal Pavilion family. Sarovar Hotels expands footprint Welcoming, safeguarding and taking care of others are at the very heart of what we do and who we are,” said Jean-Christophe Martinez, General in Maharashtra Manager, Fairmont Royal Pavilion. “Today, this means keeping our guests and employees safe by arovar Hotels and Resorts recently announced the expansion of its portfolio preventing the spread of COVID-19 – partnering with top experts to Sin Maharashtra with the signing of a fine hotel in Aurangabad, a city known implement new standards of safety and enhanced operational protocols for its historic importance and vibrant tourist traffic. Sarovar Portico upon and procedures which are among the most stringent in the hospitality completion will offer 68 well-appointed rooms and suites offering modern industry. For generations, we have been a proud-standing member of the amenities and personalised service. The hotel aims to promote business and community, and during these unprecedented times the spirit, passion tourism in the area and offer high-quality service and stay options. The hotel is and determination of our Fairmont Royal Pavilion family has truly strategically located in Shendra MIDC and in proximity to the airport. shown through.” Offering guests a comfortable stay and pleasant experience, Sarovar Portico The new operational standards being implemented at the hotel and at will feature state-of-the-art banquet hall with conferencing and meeting Fairmont properties across North and Central America were developed facilities, multi-cuisine restaurant and a fitness centre. With unmatched F&B and vetted by a team of expert advisors to ensure maximum efficacy in offerings and seamless service, it is also the perfect venue to host social as well preventing the spread of all viruses and pathogens, including COVID-19, as corporate events. with oversight by Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspections Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We and certification. are glad to be setting our footprints in this rich heritage city and getaway to numerous exotic tourist destinations. With our immense focus on providing quality accommodation and services at the best rates." The Leela Mumbai opens its doors UAE, Saudi hotels to see making a with enhanced safety measures ith caution being the new normal, The Leela Mumbai in partnership faster recovery Wwith Bureau Veritas India has elevated its sanitisation, hygiene and safety procedures with SURAKSHA – a comprehensive program to he Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region hotels sector recovery ensure the wellbeing of guests and associates. For the last three decades, Twill start in Q4 2020 and continue in 2021 despite a lot of uncertainty in the brand has come to be known for delivering an uncompromising level the market regarding the expected performance of hotels, according to Colliers of personalised services with the true graciousness of Indian hospitality. MENA Hotel Market Survey. SURAKSHA is grounded in genuine care and is backed by unobtrusive The forecast assumes a faster recovery for the UAE and Saudi Arabia technology so guests have trust and confidence as they begin to travel markets, comparatively. The UAE is expected to benefit from the build-up to again and continue to experience the renowned Leela service. the Expo with the actual event expected to start in Q4 2021. The 2020 forecast The Leela Mumbai has taken a holistic approach to develop and for Saudi Arabia assumes restricted pilgrim access to Makkah and Madinah validate additional protocols and sanitisation procedures, which have during Ramadan and Haj. been redefined as per international norms. These protocols will be Once the expected recovery begins in Q4 2020, the markets are expected reviewed regularly and certified by a team of hygiene experts from Bureau to continue benefiting from the on-going tourism initiatives, upcoming mega Veritas, India. projects as well as domestic tourism, the report further said.

18 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes HOSPITALITY UPDATE

The Fern Hotels & Resorts gives Lazy Lagoon, Baga - A Lemon The Fern Beach and Hill Holidays Tree Resort opens he Fern Hotels & Resorts has welcome guests are The Fern Hillside Tlaunched The Fern Beach and Resort, Bhimtal (Nainital), The Fern emon Tree Hotels Limited, Designed for the comfort of every Hill Holidays at ten of its hotels, Surya Resort, Dharampur (Kasauli Lthrough its management traveller, most of the plush and five of these offer stunning beach Hills), The Fern, Lonavala & Viola subsidiary Carnation Hotels Pvt. comfortable rooms and suites offer holidays, and the remaining five are Beacon Resort, Lonavala, and The Ltd., announced the opening of a panoramic view of the Baga River situated at spectacular and breath- Fern Residency, Manali. the 44 key resort– Lazy Lagoon, and Creek. Complementing the stay taking mountain heights, Noshir A These holiday packages come with Baga- A Lemon Tree Resort. are Citrus Café – the multi-cuisine Marfatia, Senior Vice President - a lot of attractive inclusions, such This marks the launch of the coffee shop, and Slounge – the Sales & Marketing, The Fern Hotels & as complimentary room upgrades, company’s fifth hotel in Goa, thriving bar and grill. Resorts said. unlimited date change options at no with existing hotels in Candolim, The resort caters to every The five beach holiday destinations extra charge, early check-in 9AM and Calangute and Morjim. Located traveller’s needs, from daycationers include The Fern Silvanus Resort, late check-out 6PM at no extra charge, on Baga Creek, Lazy Lagoon, Baga and extended leisure travellers to Alibaug, The Fern Samali Resort, usage of all available recreational is an expansive and aesthetically beach and party animals. Guests Dapoli (Ratnagiri), both in facilities at the hotels, among many designed Lemon Tree Resort. This can swim a few laps in the stunning Maharashtra and The Fern Kadamba others. All Fern Holidays are two charming retreat, located in the pool, chill at the Verandah, test Hotel & Spa, Panjim, The Fern nights/three days’ packages on CP heart of the vibrant North Goa their skills at the fishing deck, shoot Kesarval Hotel & Spa, Verna and plan, inclusive of breakfast, with INR area, offers alluring views of the a few games of pool, or beat their The Fern Residency, Miramar, all in 2000 F&B meal credit included in the Baga River and Creek. friends at foosball. Animal lovers Goa. The five hill properties eager to package rate. The resort features 44 well- can also spend some time with appointed rooms and suites, which the six turtles who have taken up combine understated elegance with residence in one of the lagoons at modern amenities and facilities. Lazy Lagoon, Baga.

Vana reopened for its guests

ana, a wellness retreat in our vast spaces ensure privacy as Grand Mercure Bengaluru at VDehradun reopened on October 5, well as a safe distance. Vana has also after closing in March 2020 as a safety created its bubble – all employees Gopalan Mall opens its doors measure. The retreat, nestled in the have been tested for COVID-19 and Sal forest, offers authentic traditions stay inside the retreat. We have also rand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall opens doors to curated of wellness, medicine, and wisdom, to set an upper limit to the number of Gwedding experiences adhering to ‘ALLSAFE’, Accor’s global standards help people heal, feel protected and be reservations, to preserve the safe zone of safety and hygiene. The hotel with its culturally immersed ambience cared for. “This time has provided us created.” and multiple indoor and outdoor venues gives the guests a perfect setting with space for reflection and to consider While the Uttarakhand government for their big day. “Weddings call for expert planning and commitment what Vana should be going forward has lifted the requirement of a COVID to make this special day truly memorable. In the current situation, to with. We wish to be just a little easier to test for entering the state, Vana ensure maximum safety of the guests, after every event the whole hotel afford, thus we have revised the retreat is ensuring that every guest has a is thoroughly disinfected and made ready for the next one,” adds Sachin pricing and enhanced our Ayurveda and negative certificate obtained no more Maheshwary, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Yoga offering and placed them at the than 96 hours before arrival at the Mall. The hotel offers various personalised experiences for its guests and very core of Vana’s wellness offering. retreat. The retreat is offered for a 360-degree wedding support that assists them at every step, from selecting Vana should be life-changing and minimum of three nights. It includes the décor to finalising the photographer. nothing less,” said Veer Singh, Founder stay, meals, personalised treatments Built paying homage to the architectural brilliance of the Hoysala and Creator of Vana. and therapies, as well as Retreat dynasty, the hotel resonates a perfect balance of heritage and modernity “Safety and wellbeing are Programs with yoga, meditation, much unlike a city hotel. Thorough and frequent sanitisation routines paramount at Vana,” explained cuisine lessons, functional fitness, are undertaken by our rigorously trained team to ensure the safety and Prasoon Kumar Pandey, General talks, music and more. Certain wellbeing of all our guests. The wedding packages start from INR 1.5 Manager, Vana and continued saying, physical wellness objectives require a Lacs onwards. “As the retreat is spread over 21 acres, minimum duration of the retreat.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 19 UPDATE HOSPITALITY TravelScapes Fortune Hotels introduces three UAE, Saudi hotels saw making a new offers for its leisure travellers faster recovery

ortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s as a refreshing option, to be close to he Middle East and Northern actual event expected to start in Fhotel group, has announced home and yet away in the blissful TAfrica (MENA) region hotels Q4 2021. exciting new offers for leisure confines of a hotel. With the ‘Safe sector recovery will start in Q4 The 2020 forecast for Saudi travellers to usher in the festive Stays at Fortune Hotels’ programme, 2020 and continue in 2021 despite Arabia assumes restricted pilgrim season. These value-centric offers Fortune Hotels have made sure guests a lot of uncertainty in the market access to Makkah and Madinah nudge guests to restart travel as they stay is as warm and comfortable as regarding the expected performance during Ramadan and Haj. Once prepare to ring in the festivities with the safe and hygienic care they extend of hotels, according to Colliers the expected recovery begins in Q4 family and friends. right from pre-arrival to checkout. MENA Hotel Market Survey. The 2020, the markets are expected to The attractive retreat packages have Announcing the initiative, forecast assumes faster recovery for continue benefiting from the on- been designed to suit individual guest Dhananjay Saliankar, Head of Sales & the UAE and Saudi Arabia markets. going tourism initiatives, upcoming needs; while the Fortune Big Breaks Marketing, Fortune Hotels said, “The The UAE is expected to benefit from mega projects as well as domestic offer is an all-inclusive offer bundling post-COVID scenario has reintroduced the build-up to the Expo with the tourism, it added. everything that guests desires on their us to finding happiness in the simple special vacay; on the other hand, joys of life. Fortune Hotels too wants the Fortune Getaway offer surprises to spread the cheer this festive season the guests with its pocket-friendly by extending attractive savings to its features, giving them the flexibility to guests so that more people may avail pick and choose only those services the benefit and travel to discover the they deem essential during their stay. joys of togetherness.” To avail this offer For guests, who don’t want to travel all guests need to do is visit fortune out of their city, ‘in-city stays’ comes hotels.in and book a stay.

Mövenpick Moscow Taganskaya opens in Moscow övenpick, a leading brand of the building's configuration, Mwithin Accor, announced the as well as the selected colour opening of the Mövenpick Moscow scheme of the facade, creates a Taganskaya hotel, a new flagship for complete architectural solution and the Mövenpick brand in Russia and highlights Mövenpick favourably CIS countries. Mövenpick Moscow against the neighbouring building. Taganskaya is located on the inner Mövenpick Moscow Taganskaya side of the Garden Ring, a central offers 154 comfortable guestrooms, ring road avenue around Moscow, including ‘Superior’, ‘Deluxe’ and in the old city district with a rich ‘Executive’ categories. Spacious Suite history - the former "Goncharnaya rooms, featuring a panoramic view of Sloboda" - near the subway and just Moscow, are located on the top two 10 minutes’ drive from Red Square. floors of the hotel and are the pride Roseate supports India’s The eight-storey hotel perfectly of Mövenpick Moscow Taganskaya. blends with the landscape and Additionally, the hotel offers two hospitality & tourism sectors architectural appearance of the rooms equipped to receive guests area. The harmonious combination with special mobility needs. oseate Hotels & Resorts is including Delhi, Jaipur, Rproud to take initiative in Ahmedabad, Nashik, Mumbai, support of the hospitality industry Goa, Gokarna, Bengaluru, and to promote tourism across Wayanad, Alleppey, Kovalam, the country. To do this, they are Varkala and Kanyakumari, across organising a bike ride starting 3700 km on bike. from New Delhi to Kanyakumari. This campaign aims to promote The bike riders will pass through safe travel within the country different states, stay at different and boost domestic tourism in locations and help achieve the goal India. The Ministry of Tourism, of pushing tourism and travel in Government of India (Incredible India an initiative taken for the first India) has graciously come time by any hotel brand during the forward to support Roseate Hotels pandemic. & Resorts in this endeavour with Travelling from Delhi to the Director-General of Tourism Kanyakumari, the bike riders flagging off the ride on October 25, will cover the India destinations 2020, at the crack of dawn.

20 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes GUEST COLUMN WE HAVE ENTERED A NEW TOMORROW Vineet Mishra, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Pune & Cluster General Manager Pune elaborates on how the Pune Marriott cluster is embracing the new normal while setting the industry benchmark by ensuring safety and hygiene protocols at every touchpoint

With the world and several industries adapting to the single team member of the utmost need to understand repercussions of the global pandemic, we have entered hygiene protocols and provide them a platform where a new tomorrow. The Pune Marriott cluster of hotels they can brush up on their technical and soft skills. This including The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, JW Marriott, Pune, increased sense of self-awareness is exemplified in their Marriott Suites Pune and Courtyard by Marriott, body language as they apprise our guests of the stringent Pune Hinjewadi remain committed to providing safe regulations in place. Weekly calls and Town hall and clean environments and to upholding the highest meetings with the staff not only see our dedicated team standards of cleanliness. Guided by the Commitment share ideas but also features a host of engaging sessions to Clean program, this multilayered commitment and virtual competitions that help lighten the mood. builds on our existing rigorous protocols, enhanced Along with maintaining a positive sentiment at operational guidance and training support resources the workplace, these testing times also call for us to around guest and associate safety and peace of mind, reach out to our corporate partners and clientele, who associate training and support resources to contribute have been our biggest pillar of support. The General to various aspects of the hotel experience. At the onset of the situation, each of our hotels assembled a functional response team, hotel “BY STANDING UNITED WITH OUR PARTNERS Cleanliness Champion and engaged a hygiene expert, which enabled us to promptly update detailed AND ASSOCIATES, WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT guidance to our guests and address specific needs and situations. We continue to engage with leading WE SHALL SAIL THROUGH THIS TIDE industry professionals as part of its commitment to act holistically in this new environment. The program is an important expression of our purpose to care for our guests and associates as well The steps we are taking on cleanliness and new Managers of the Marriott Pune cluster who have as our cleanliness commitment. It is our endeavor to hospitality norms are as much about the health and personally reassured customers on our operationalised make every guest and associate feel confident that safety of associates as they are about our guests. If measures through digital platforms. By standing each aspect of our commitment is designed with we have learned anything during this pandemic, it united with our partners and associates, we are safety and wellbeing in mind. We have embraced this is that we are all in this together. By taking care of confident that we shall sail through this tide as well new change and aligned ourselves to ensure optimum associates and following these new protocols – we will as play a significant role in making a positive impact hygiene measures, not only for the safety of the guests be collectively taking care of our guests and the global within our local community. but also our associates. Encompassing all touch-points community. Our goal is simple: Live our TakeCare Speaking of community, since the early days of a guest’s journey, clinical levels of cleanliness and culture to do the very best we can for our associates of this crisis, our hotels have led corporate social hygiene involve a mandatory temperature check upon and our guests. responsibility efforts in Pune. In these tough times, arrival, luggage being disinfected, contact-less check-in We are on the constant lookout to create new our workforce has put the cause above themselves and check-out through Marriott Bonvoy app, public experiences that add immense value to our guests. and have been a pillar of strength for many stranded area signage’s reiterating social distancing norm, Exploring new customer engagement avenues and guests in the city by catering to them tirelessly. One of frequency of cleaning is recorded and the rooms being expanding our services, we adapted to a new model our purpose-driven initiatives saw us collaborate with disinfected at regular intervals. regarding our home delivery service with ‘Marriott on the Panchshil Foundation where we distributed ‘Care Reiterating the need to maintain social distancing, Wheels’. This initiative sees us deliver curated culinary Packages’ to those in need of aid and relief. we have reduced the seating capacity at the restaurants offerings to customers at their doorstep rather than On April 5, the Marriott Pune cluster displayed the and meeting areas along with maintaining an exact Six an in-person exchange. The ongoing situation has also 'Light of Hope' by illuminating rooms of the hotel, feet distance between each table. Strict cleanliness and presented us with the chance to reposition weddings offering a ray of positivity and hope to the community hygiene training and protocols are in place for the teams and curate them as an intimate affair, making it a amidst these challenging times. working at the kitchen, restaurants, in-room dining memorable day to cherish for our esteemed guests. We have had tremendous success and weathered areas, and banquet spaces enabling them to adhere to We have ensured that the outdoor and indoor public many storms and crises. We know with confidence standard procedure. At the heart of the house, where areas, that host such events, are ready for MICE and that this will pass, and we will emerge as an even our associates work, we are increasing the frequency weddings as we adhere to government regulations stronger team. As we embrace the new normal slowly of cleaning especially in high-touch areas like associate along with reinforcing the need to practice and abide but surely, we invite you to partake in our contact-free entrances, locker rooms and laundry and linen areas by social distancing norms set in place. stay and dining journeys that promise better, brighter and educating our teams with the help of QR code and Knowledge is the new tool that keeps one aware and days of joy and family celebrations ahead. visual communication collateral. motivated in such testing times. We are advising every Until then, stay safe!

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 21 GLOBETROTTER TravelScapes Travel to be as strong as ever!

MAP OUT YOUR PENDING TRIPS FOR NEXT YEAR WITH THESE FIVE TOP DESTINATION CHOICES

s we progressively proceed to resume our lives with new normal determining Aour future travel plans, things look up for travelling in 2021 though the idea of international travel might seem inconceivable now. Yet, there is no question that travelling post-pandemic will see a huge demand for places offering safety and exclusivity. This new face of travel is going to have a silver lining for the whole travel experience with over-touristy destinations being less crowded, travellers opting for more isolated places, thoughtful and responsible tourism taking the lead and staycations and workations ruling the demand graph. As the experts assure that cities will be thriving again and we will be back in the blue skies by next year, TravelScapes has compiled the top five destinations to inspire your imagination for 2021, help you choose your next getaway and get you excited about travelling again, be it for a vacation, staycation or a workation! By Team TS DUBAI Whether you’re gearing up for mid-term break or looking to turn your next brunch into a weekend affair, Dubai has rounded up a versatile range of stay options in the heart of the city to ensure a class- apart and luxurious stay while dealing with the office chores to maintain the work-life balance. From negotiable and budget accommodation to the creme-de- la-creme of grandeur and luxury, Dubai provides exactly what one’s lifestyle and agenda demands. Having popular tourist attractions gradually opening, one cannot expect a monotonous stay. Plus, the recent safety and hygiene protocols that the city’s municipality and authorities are maintaining, staying in or moving around the metropolis, with an ease of mind, is as simple as it gets.

22 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes GLOBETROTTER

UTTARAKHAND Uttarakhand has been a favoured choice for travellers from around the world, who visit the devbhoomi every year to look for an ideal escape for a life-changing experience. A plentiful of homestays, hotels, and resorts in Uttarakhand are offering delightful and pocket-friendly workcation (work during vacation) packages to the visitors, which can be tailor-made as per the demand. Nestled amidst the calm Himalayas, away from the hustles and bustles of the busy cities, Uttarakhand can work up to be the best-possible escapade, without compromising on the official obligations. Be it a 9 to 5 routine overlooking the Himalayas or a weekend deep into the jungles, Uttarakhand offers much to travellers especially in spots such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, Chakarta, Mussoorie, Almora, and Corbett National Park.

TAIWAN MALDIVES RAJASTHAN Stretching in all four directions, Taiwan has every The latest addition to the ‘new normal’ are staycations, Rajasthan vacations are like walking into both an alternative an individual, a couple or even a family providing an escape route from our mundane routines artist’s palette and imagination. With the ‘Pink would expect for a mind-free to a budgeted-luxurious and the Maldives fits in this need, the best. Considered City’ of Jaipur and all its palaces and prettiness, the escapade. As Taiwan has not officially recorded any local as a destination of all seasons, the Maldives can rightly devastatingly beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert, the transmission since April, global border restrictions have fit into both the concepts or work as well as staycations. multi-coloured Brahma Temple at Pushkar, the all kept travellers from traveling to this country. Domestic It all comes down to whether one would like to save cash blue desert city of Jodphur and Udaipur’s Lake Pichola travel craze took over the COVID-free island, with with its purple Aravalli Hills, it’s the whole gamut of or visit the Maldives at its most exciting. The quietest urban dwellers crowding out hiking trails and limited gorgeousness. Royalty speaks volumes when it comes to time to explore this part of the world is of three to four accommodation in surrounding islands. Its well-trodden Rajasthan and with royalty, comes the secret recipes of tourist spots benefited from subsidies and enthusiastic days. But if one would like to experience this destination the royal kitchens. Loaded with flavors, staycations in summer travellers and would eventually be an amazing in peak seasons, summer can be the best pick. Also, Rajasthan are nothing short of a gastronomic delight. spot for Indians to go beyond the borders yet confine to discover the real essence of the Maldives, one must Explore the luxurious properties alongside the local themselves in safe and sound confinement. From high- go beyond the walls of the villas and resorts to soak in restaurants (abiding by the hygiene and protocols) and end hotels to isolated cottages in the countryside, Taiwan the warm sunshine and calming breeze that the island engage in some lip-smacking delicacies, served with has everything that wanderlust has to offer. presents, unendingly. decadent care.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 23 UPDATE OUTBOUND TravelScapes TAT launches “Amazing Thailand, The Healthy Journey” campaign

he Tourism Authority of Thailand East and South Asia have placed ‘spa and T(TAT) has launched the new “Amazing wellness’ among the Top Five activities and Thailand, The Healthy Journey” campaign, ‘health and medical check-up’ among the targeting travellers from South-East and Top 10 activities when visiting Thailand.” South Asia seeking medical and wellness The “Amazing Thailand, The Healthy services in a short-haul destination. Journey” was launched in July 2020, with Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy the support of the Department of ASEAN Governor for International Marketing Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as (Asia and South Pacific) said the “Amazing well as many private healthcare centres. Thailand, The Healthy Journey” campaign TAT invited ambassadors and diplomats Yas Island concludes destination reflected the “New Normal” tourism and from 11 countries, including Myanmar, corresponded to the changing tourist Lao PDR., Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, sponsorship of the first-ever behaviour patterns and choices affected by Brunei, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri the COVID-19 pandemic. Lanka and Pakistan to participate in four ‘Virtual Travel Mart’ “Tourists are shifting towards short- familiarisation trips that showcased health haul destinations and placing more focus and wellness tourism experiences, including as Island Abu Dhabi has concluded a successful destination on health and wellness trips. This trend modern and alternative Thai medical Ysponsorship of the first-ever Virtual Travel Mart (VTM) in is substantiated by our survey on tourist treatments in Bangkok, Prachin Buri, India, which took place on September 15 and 16, 2020. As part behaviour patterns during 2016 to 2019, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi of its efforts to continually connect and engage with key industry which found that travellers from South- and Prachuap Khiri Khan. stakeholders, Experience Hub, a subsidiary of Miral and the trade and promotion arm of Yas Island Abu Dhabi, showcased how the destination has quickly adapted to the changes brought about by COVID-19 and has remained committed to the growth of its trade partnerships, particularly in the South Asian travel trade industry. A leading destination for many Indian travellers, Yas Island Abu Dhabi was granted a great opportunity to partner and learn from those working in the industry at VTM, as the destination prepares to welcome guests back to experience the destination like nowhere else. Experience Hub currently has a growing network of more than 200 trade partners and 3,000 Yas Experts in India and reported 15 per cent Y-o-Y growth from India in 2019. Aligning with its goals to invest in key markets, VTM has granted Experience Hub the opportunity to connect with a multitude of industry experts, partners and stakeholders. To cap off the destination’s sponsorship of the event, Yas Island has introduced another round of ‘Yas Expert Competition’, which encourages travel agents and professionals too.

RAK to boost Jebel Jais tourism offerings as Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) Princess Cruises announces early-2021 Rhas announced its long-term investment strategy aimed at boosting the growth and diversification of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s world cruise cancellations highest mountain. This announcement, made at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), underscores the emirate’s resilience ue to restrictions and limitations "We share in the disappointment of this and recovery momentum despite the challenges posed this year by Dwith border and port access cancellation for guests of our world cruises the COVID-19 pandemic, as per a statement. determined by the government and because it’s a pinnacle cruise vacation AHIC 2020, being held in a new format takes the event ‘on health authorities and the continued experience, booked by some of our most the road’, taking place virtually and onsite over three days from uncertainty of airline travel, Princess loyal guests,” said Jan Swartz, Princess September 29 to October 1. Each day, hosted in a new location Cruises is cancelling its early 2021 World Cruises President. Guests currently booked with select live audiences, it will be streamed onto a virtual Cruises and Circle South America cruises on these cancelled voyages will receive platform purposed for both onsite and virtual attendees. AHIC on two ships namely Island Princess 2021 a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) brings together key industry leaders and stakeholders in a new World Cruise sailing from North America, equivalent to 100 per cent of the cruise fare format featuring a combination of physical and virtual sessions, including associated segments and paid plus an additional non-refundable which will be attended by Raki Philips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah remaining voyages sailing immediately bonus FCC equal to 25 per cent of the Tourism Development Authority, and Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK prior and the Pacific Princess 2021 Circle cruise fare paid. To receive the above FCCs, Hospitality Holding. South America sailing from Australia, no action is required by the guest or their including associated positioning cruises. travel advisor.

24 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes OUTBOUND UPDATE

Taiwan successfuly hosts ‘Dîner en Blanc’ global event

arking the increased momentum of old friends had not seen each other in Mof a domestic ‘Opening Up’ plan, years, so they decided to don white clothes Taiwan’s Pop Music Centre hosted the in order to recognise each other,” informs annual Dîner en Blanc, the largest in scale Taiwanese organisers Luluyelife and and participation, till date. Typically, the adding, "This year, when the pandemic event is held in over 90 countries across has plagued the world, Taiwan’s measures the globe, witnessing participation that have been recognised internationally, even exceeds 100,000 citizens across the UK, receiving high international attention.” US, Australia, France, Mexico, Singapore, In absolute white, from decor to cutlery, Morocco eases travel restrictions South Africa, to name a few. Only three celebrations and even the official attire, countries eventually hosted the event this year’s dinner in Taiwan included on international visitors this year - Australia (in Perth), New dancers, internationally renowned artist Zealand (Auckland) and Taiwan (Taipei Billy Chang serving as the artistic director, he Moroccan National Passengers must also present City) - also a commentary on the strong and the Golden Melody Award Hakka TTourist Office (MNTO) has either an invitation from a management abilities of these countries, Singer, Hsieh Yu-Wei as the lead singer. A confirmed that the national Moroccan company or a confirmed in relation to the current pandemic. total of 2000 participants including the border regulations have been accommodation booking for the “Originating in Paris in 1988, a group city’s Mayor were in attendance. relaxed to international visitors to duration of their stay. travel to the country. As of now, Morocco is a geographical travellers of visa-exempt countries and cultural crossroad, which can enter the country on has managed to preserve its presenting a negative COVID-19 authenticity for centuries while South African Tourism hosts Virtual PCR test where the results are opening up to the world. Morocco dated no more than 72 hours is also characterised by its huge Speed Marketing sessions before departure. They no longer diversity in landscapes and climate, need serological tests. along with a 3500 km coastline. outh African Tourism is calling on Sall tourism businesses and service providers to take part in the 2020 Virtual Speed Marketing sessions. These sessions are an initiative of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), which creates a platform for tourism businesses to gain local and international exposure for new and existing tourism products with the aim of building a quality visitor experience. Speed Marketing is a market access platform created to provide tourism businesses with an opportunity to interact and forge business relationships between products and buyers (Tour operators and DMCs who are already packaging and selling the destination or have interest in doing so). “As the TGCSA, we are committed to contributing to the recovery of the sector from the adverse impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. So we are excited Dubai announces new travel to be able to provide a platform for tourism industry products and services to be able to showcase their offerings to the relevant buyers. We trust that this protocols platform will help to foster long-standing business partnerships,” says Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, SAT's Acting Chief Quality Assurance Officer. ubai's Supreme Committee these directives, the Supreme Dof Crisis and Disaster Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management recently announced Management in Dubai headed by a number of changes to the travel Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed protocol for passengers arriving bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced Peru enters phase four and begins or departing from Dubai, with a new set of travel protocols for the aim of easing hassles for Emiratis, residents, tourists and tourism reactivation passengers and exempting citizens transit passengers travelling into from additional procedures and out of Dubai. eru recently received the ‘Safe Travels’ seal from the WTTC, a certification without compromising on According to the revised Pendorsed by the UNWTO and the CDC. Furthermore, the country has doubled precautionary measures to ensure protocols, Emiratis returning the number of domestic flights and recently PROMPERÚ launched the ‘Volver’ the safety of passengers. to Dubai from overseas are not campaign, which seeks to reactivate domestic tourism. The changes have been taken required to do a PCR test prior Important museums and archaeological sites in the country were also following the directives of His to departure, regardless of the reopened in October, with all the biosecurity measures needed and receiving Highness Sheikh Mohammed country they are coming from and only 50 per cent of their usual capacity in visitors. Added to this is the expected bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice the time spent there. They will reopening of Machupicchu, scheduled for the first days of November receiving President and Prime Minister of only be required to conduct a PCR only 30 per cent of its capacity in visitors. It should be noted that since October the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Under test-on-arrival in Dubai. 5, international flights were also reactivated in Peru.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 25 REPORT TravelScapes

INTERNATIONAL TOURIST NUMBERS COULD FALL 60-80 PC IN 2020: UNWTO

he COVID-19 pandemic has TOURISM HAS Forecast for domestic and international tourism in 2020 Tcaused a 22 per cent fall in the international tourist arrivals during the BEEN HIT HARD, first quarter of 2020, the recent data from the World Tourism Organization WITH MILLIONS (UNWTO) shows. According to the United Nations specialised agency, the OF JOBS AT RISK crisis could lead to an annual decline of between 60 per cent and 80 per cent IN ONE OF THE when compared with 2019 figures. This places millions of livelihoods at risk and MOST LABOUR- threatens to roll back progress made in advancing the Sustainable Development INTENSIVE Goals (SDGs). UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab SECTORS OF THE Pololikashvili said, “The world is ECONOMY facing an unprecedented health and economic crisis. Tourism has been as well as the widespread introduction hit hard, with millions of jobs at risk of travel restrictions and the closure in one of the most labour-intensive of airports and national borders. This sectors of the economy. translates into a loss of 67 million (-22 million). 2. Loss of USD 910 billion to USD Available data reported by international arrivals and about USD 1.2 trillion in export revenues destinations point to a 22 per cent 80 billion in receipts (exports from INTERNATIONAL TOURISM 2020 from tourism decline in arrivals in the first three tourism). SCENARIOS 3. 100 to 120 million direct months of the year, according to Although Asia and the Pacific show Prospects for the year have been tourism jobs at risk the latest UNWTO World Tourism the highest impact in relative and downgraded several times since the This is by far the worst crisis that Barometer. Arrivals in March dropped absolute terms (-33 million arrivals), outbreak and uncertainty continues to international tourism has faced since sharply by 57 per cent following the the impact in Europe, though lower dominate. Current scenarios point to records began (1950). The impact will start of a lockdown in many countries, in percentage, is quite high in volume possible declines in arrivals of 58 per be felt to varying degrees in the different cent to 78 per cent, for the year. These global regions and at overlapping times, Forecast for international tourism in 2020 depend on the speed of containment with Asia and the Pacific expected to and the duration of travel restrictions rebound first. and the shutdown of borders. The following scenarios for 2020 are based EXPERTS SEE RECOVERY IN 2021 on three possible dates for the gradual Domestic demand is expected to recover opening up of international borders. faster than international demand • Scenario 1 (-58 pc) based on the according to the UNWTO Panel of gradual opening of international Experts survey. The majority expects to borders and easing of travel see signs of recovery by the final quarter restrictions in early July of 2020 but mostly in 2021. Based on • Scenario 2 (-70 pc) based on the previous crises, leisure travel is expected gradual opening of international to recover quicker, particularly travel borders and easing of travel for visiting friends and relatives, than restrictions in early September business travel. • Scenario 3 (-78 pc) based on the The estimates regarding the gradual opening of international recovery of international travel are borders and easing of travel more positive in Africa and the Middle restrictions only in early December East with most experts foreseeing • International tourism down 22 pc in Q1 and could decline by 60-80 pc recovery still in 2020. Experts in the over the whole year Under these scenarios, the Americas are the least optimistic • 67 million fewer international tourists up to March translates into USD impact of the loss of demand and least likely to believe in recovery 80 billion in lost exports in international travel could in 2020, while in Europe and Asia • UNWTO has outlined three possible future scenarios depending on translate into: the outlook is mixed, with half of the how the crisis unfolds 1. Loss of 850 million to 1.1 billion experts expecting to see recovery international tourists within this year.

26 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes REPORT

INNOVATION TO BE THE KEY FOR TRAVEL RECOVERY: EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL

nnovation will be the key for unpleasant truths about the Ikick-starting travel and tourism’s environmental impact caused by business recovery, as businesses try to travel. The industry’s engagement bounce back and, digitalisation and with the Sustainable Development sustainability accelerate, according Goals is lower than other industries, to global market research company such as consumer goods and Euromonitor International. The travel packaging, specifically for responsible industry experienced an existential consumption and production crisis this year with real GDP growth (SDG12) with 46.2 per cent of travel at -4.8 per cent in 2020, Euromonitor businesses engaged, compared to an said in its newest report ‘Accelerating industry average of 62.7 per cent. Travel Innovation after Coronavirus’ This awareness is pushing that launched on November 9. consumers to question their travel The pandemic revealed some behaviours and shift towards responsible consumption. “Globally, the Nordics are implementing a now commonly used, are reinforced over a fifth of consumers consider sustainability strategy, 10 per cent with stricter hygiene and social permanently shifting away from higher than the global average.” distancing measures. international travel with the desire To create a safer environment The travel industry is showing to reduce carbon emissions and for travellers, the use of AI and resilience, agility and strength in stay closer to home,” said Caroline automation accelerated, reinventing times of adversity and innovation is Bremner, Head of travel research at the customer journey. Virtual a key vehicle for adapting to the new Euromonitor International. “This experiences became popular with normal and moving towards recovery. message is reinforced in regions such European cities introducing ‘off the Bremner will also virtually present as Scandinavia and Europe, where beaten path’ virtual tours led by locals further insights on the topic at WTM 65 per cent of travel businesses in while contactless and self-service, London 2020 on November 9.

AIRLINE REVENUES SET FOR AROUND 46 PER CENT DROP IN 2021: IATA

he total airline industry revenues in 2021 are Texpected to be down 46 per cent compared to the 2019 figure of USD 838 billion, said the International Air Transport Association (IATA), noting that recovery has been delayed owing to new COVID -19 outbreaks. The total airline industry revenues in 2021 are expected to be down 46 per cent compared to the 2019 figure of USD 838 billion, said the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in new analysis. The industry cannot slash costs sufficiently to neutralize severe cash burn to avoid bankruptcies and preserve jobs in 2021, it added, reiterating its call for government relief measures to sustain airlines financially and avoid massive employment terminations. IATA also called for pre-flight COVID-19 testing to open borders and enable travel without restrictions including border closings and quarantine kilometres to ‘spread’ costs over. Preliminary results quarantine. measures. IATA expects full year 2020 traffic to be for the third quarter show that unit costs rose around The previous analysis was for 2021 revenues to be down 66 per cent compared to 2019, with December 40 per cent compared to the year-ago period. down around 29 per cent compared to 2019. This demand down 68 per cent. Looking forward to 2021, IATA estimates that to was based on expectations for a demand recovery Furthermore, as airlines have reduced capacity achieve a breakeven operating result and neutralise commencing in the fourth quarter of 2020. Recovery (available seat kilometres, or ASKs) in response to cash burn, unit costs will need to fall by 30 pc has been delayed however, owing to new COVID the collapse in travel demand, unit costs (cost per compared to average CASK for 2020. Such a decline is -19 outbreaks, and government mandated travel ASK, or CASK) have risen, since there are fewer seat without precedent, it added.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 27 UPDATE AVIATION TravelScapes AAI to develop Greenfield Airport in Arunachal Pradesh's Hollongi

irport Authority of India A(AAI) has undertaken the work of constructing a Greenfield Airport at Hollongi, 15 km from Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated cost of INR 650 crore. The project includes development work i.e. construction of airport pavements, airside work, Oman Air flies to three terminal building and city side Indian cities from October works. At present, Soil testing and field survey works are AAI stated, “With an area of will be an energy-efficient man Air, the national carrier of Oman, completed and site clearing 4100 sqm, the new domestic building provisioned with a Ohas started flights to India on October 8 work is in progress. Substructure terminal building of the Hollongi rainwater harvesting system with two flights per week connecting Muscat works have already been Airport will be able to handle and sustainable landscape. The with Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi. Flights to and completed and superstructure 200 passengers during peak development work also includes from Delhi will depart and arrive in each city fabrication is under progress. hours. Equipped with eight the construction of ATC Tower on Mondays and Wednesdays. Flights to and The tentative date for check-in counters, the terminal cum Technical Block, Fire from Mumbai will connect on Sundays and completion of the project is building will have all modern station, Medical Centre and other Thursdays. Flights connecting Muscat and Kochi November 2022. passenger facilities. The terminal ancillary works”. will depart and arrive in each city on Sundays and Thursdays. Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently, it said. Virgin Atlantic launches flights Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website between India and Manchester to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate, it said. irgin Atlantic recently announced that it will north of England, India has the world’s largest Guests departing from Oman should also Vbe launching services from New Delhi and diaspora. These new services will open up over ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure Mumbai to Manchester. Travellers can now fly 130,000 seats between India and Manchester and requirements. three times a week from Mumbai to Manchester aim to respond to the large, fast-growing demand starting December and twice a week from Delhi to visit friends and relatives. beginning January. These new services will go Juha Jarvinen, CCO, Virgin Atlantic commented, on sale on October 20 and will complement the “We are delighted to launch new flying from our ACI, IATA seek global airline’s existing services from Mumbai and Delhi to home in the north in Manchester. India boasts the London’s Heathrow Airport. largest foreign-born population in the UK and we’re action to protect the With more than 16 million Indians living outside anticipating that post-COVID-19, the demand to of the country and 5,00,000 living across the travel home to visit loved ones will increase." aviation industry irports Council International (ACI) World Aand the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reinforced the urgent call for governments to use testing as a means Private jet sector set for quicker to safely re-open borders and re-establish global connectivity and to prevent the systemic recovery: Report collapse of the aviation industry with non-debt generating financial support. The dual measures he private jet sector is set for quicker recovery will likely take a prolonged amount of time to regain would protect countries from the importation of Tas passengers switch to private flights pre-pandemic levels. To stay viable, private jet COVID-19 cases, avert an employment crisis in to reduce risk of contracting COVID-19, said companies need to now strengthen their focus on the travel and tourism sector, and ensure that GlobalData. The private jet industry felt similar the growing leisure market while corporate travel the critical aviation structure remains viable and shockwaves to the rest of the aviation sector at remains bleak.” able to support the economic and social benefits the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a MICE tourism now looks to be one of the last on which the world relies. The Air Transport promising rebound in recent months looks set to types of tourism to recover as businesses look to Action Group (ATAG) estimates that 46 million recover some of those losses as wealthy leisure cut costs and reduce the risk of their employees jobs are at risk because of the loss of connectivity passengers switch to private flights to reduce the contracting the virus, which makes online events/ caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The vast majority risk of contracting COVID-19. meetings much more of an attractive proposition for of these (41.2 million jobs) are in the travel and Ralph Hollister, Travel & Tourism Analyst at least the short-term. It is in fact leisure travellers tourism sector which relies on aviation. The at GlobalData said, “According to GlobalData, that have helped private jet companies on their remainder (4.8 million jobs) are spread across international business arrivals are expected to path to recovery. Some passengers that would have direct employment in aviation, including airports decrease by 40.7 per cent year-on-year (YOY) in flown commercially are now paying a premium to fly and airlines. 2020. This dramatic reduction in business travel private to meet their needs of safety and security.

28 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 TravelScapes AVIATION UPDATE

Repatriation and intl. travel of over 20 lakh people facilitated since May

he government of TIndia has facilitated the repatriation and international travel of over 20 lakh people through different means since May 6, 2020, said Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Hardeep Singh Puri State, I/C, Civil Aviation. Puri said that under the India may resume international Vande Bharat Mission, 17, similar arrangements. (NER, hilly and island 11, 128 people have travelled He further said that states) during the COVID-19 flights completely by Q1 of 2021 back to India and 2, 97, domestic operations were lockdown. Airlines operated 536 people have travelled started in a calibrated 588 flights, flew more than ardeep Singh Puri, Minister resumption of international out of India. Speaking manner with 33 per cent five lakh kilometres and Hof Civil Aviation said that flights will depend on the virus about international travel, capacity of the approved transported about 1000 he expected international situation in the country, Puri Puri informed that the summer schedule w.e.f. tons of essential cargo. The flights from the country will be said and continued, “I cannot Government of India has May 25, 2020, enhanced airlines delivered testing fully operational only by the anticipate whether other formalised air bubble to 45 per cent from June kits and medical equipment first quarter of 2021. India had countries will allow in people arrangements with 16 26 and 60 per cent from to remote locations when earlier extended the ban on from India. We have gone ahead countries such as USA, September 26, 2020. More movement by all other regular, scheduled international and made the best out of a very Canada, France, Germany, than 1.2 crore domestic modes of transport was air travel until October 31. In a difficult situation, navigated UK, Maldives, UAE, Qatar, passengers have flown since restricted. Huge support series of media interactions, he through turbulence.” Pending Afghanistan, Bahrain, May 25, 2020. 1,56,565 was received from IAF, anticipated that the number of resumption of scheduled Japan, Nigeria, Kenya, passengers travelled on state governments and domestic flights and passengers international air travel, Iraq, Bhutan and Oman. 1525 flights today. administrations of Union would reach pre-COVID-19 levels India has air bubbles with 16 He added that government Lifeline UDAN was Territories. Further, 1928 between the Diwali festival season countries with a few more under is in discussion with Italy, launched to transport tons medical cargo brought next month and the New Year. negotiation. Air bubbles are Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, experts and equipment to by Air India from foreign “Domestic aviation is temporary flying arrangements Ukraine and others for every corner of the country countries. continuing on a steady growth between two countries aimed at trajectory. We should touch pre- restarting commercial passenger COVID figures between Diwali services, suspended as a result of and the New Year,” he said. Full the COVID-19 pandemic. Global air passenger traffic to dip by 66 per cent this year Air India bid’s deadline may he International Air Transport down 63.8 per cent compared to a year extend till December 15 TAssociation (IATA) has downgraded its ago and load factor plunged 27.2 points traffic forecast for 2020 to reflect a weaker- to an all-time low for August of 58.5 per ccording to recent updates, than-expected recovery as evidenced by cent. Based on flight data, the recovery in Athe government will ease a dismal end to the summer travel season air passenger services was brought to a halt asset valuation norms for Air in the northern hemisphere. IATA has in mid-August by a return of government India by allowing bidders to downgraded its traffic forecast for 2020 to restrictions in the face of new COVID-19 put in offers on an enterprise reflect a weaker-than-expected recovery as outbreaks in several key markets. "Forward value basis to attract potential evidenced by a dismal end to the summer bookings for air travel in the fourth quarter suitors. The government is likely travel season in the northern hemisphere. show that the recovery since the April low to further extend the deadline IATA now expects full-year 2020 traffic to point will continue to falter," said IATA in a for putting in a preliminary be down 66 per cent compared to 2019. statement. expression of interest for the The previous estimate was for a 63 per Whereas the decline in year-on-year loss-making national carrier to cent decline. August passenger demand growth of global revenue passenger- December 15. The reports also continued to be hugely depressed against km was expected to have moderated to prompted that the bids will be normal levels with revenue passenger-km minus 55 per cent by December, a much sought on an enterprise value downturn has already hurt tax down 75.3 per cent compared to August slower improvement is now expected with basis - a popular valuation revenues and upset asset sale 2019. This was only slightly improved December forecast to be down 68 per cent methodology for takeover deals. plans, with less than five per compared to the 79.5 per cent annual on a year ago. Asia Pacific airlines' August The sale of Air India is crucial cent of the targeted amount contraction in July. traffic sank 95.9 per cent compared to to the government’s plan of being raised so far. Economists Domestic markets continued to the year-ago period, barely budged from a meeting its asset sale target of estimate the shortfall will blow outperform international markets in 96.2 per cent drop in July, and the steepest 2.1 trillion rupees (USD 28.6 out the deficit to more than terms of recovery although most remained contraction among regions. Capacity dived billion) in the financial year to double the budgeted 3.5 per substantially down on a year ago. August 90.4 per cent and load factor shrank 48 March. The pandemic-induced cent of gross domestic product. capacity based on available seat km was percentage points to 34.8 per cent.

NOVEMBER 2020 travelscapesonline.com 29 ON THE MOVE TravelScapes

DUNCAN O’ROURKE GURUPRASAD SANKARNARAYANAN SHERIN MATHEW PROMOTED AT: Accor - Northern Europe PROMOTED AT: Oyo Hotels & Homes - Bangkok PROMOTED AT: Hilton Chennai TO: CEO TO: COO - South East Asia and the Middle East TO: Commercial Director As part of the recently announced organisational Guruprasad 'Guru' Sankarnarayanan will take Hilton Chennai announced the joining of Sherin reset of Accor, Duncan O'Rourke has been the position of Chief Operating Officer for South- Mathew as its Commercial Director. Mathew comes promoted to Chief Executive for the extended East Asia and the Middle East. He will lead all with more than 14 years of rich and formidable northern Europe division. The new region is a central business, including revenue, channels, experience in Hospitality Sales & Marketing. He merger of the previous Northern, Central, East supply, transformation, operations and strategic shall be responsible for developing a commercial and New East Europe teams. In his capacity, he partnerships. He was given the promotion after a strategy covering all segments and channels to will be responsible for Scandinavia, UK, Benelux, successful stint as country head for Oyo Thailand, maximise revenue and profit performance of Ireland, Poland and Russia in addition to his current where he grew the portfolio of hotels in the the hotel. Also, he will lead the execution of the responsibility for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. country. commercial strategy with integrated revenue.

JACKIE BROWN MARIANA ZEIDAN AMIT SACHDEVA PROMOTED AT: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts PROMOTED AT: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media PROMOTED AT: Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram London City, UAE Downtown TO: Regional Director - North & West Europe TO: Director of Revenue TO: General Manager Jackie Brown is the new Regional Director for Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City has Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram Downtown North & West Europe, overseeing a growing appointed Mariana Zeidan as its new Director of appoints Amit Sachdeva as the GM. He will be portfolio of 120 Wyndham branded properties in Revenue. Before moving to Dubai, Zeidan spent responsible for overseeing and implementing high the region, with almost 70 hotels in the UK alone. almost two years at Radisson Blu Hotel, Beirut operational standards and driving performance Jackie brings a varied industry experience across Verdun as revenue manager having previously across verticals at the hotel. He has an experience sales, revenue management and events, having spent three years at Al Manshar Rotana Hotel, spanning over two decades in Luxury, upper- worked for several independent hotels and major Kuwait. She will play an pivotal role in achieving upscale, convention, business and economy hotel hospitality chains. targeted goals and drive maximum revenue. operations.

HERMAN KEMP KIRTI ANCHAN GAURAV MISRA PROMOTED AT: Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, PROMOTED AT: Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain- PROMOTED AT: Holiday Inn Express Gurugram Cambodia Manama Sector 50 TO: General Manager TO: General Manager TO: General Manager

Hyatt has appointed renowned hospitality Jumeirah Group has appointed Kiriti Anchan as Gaurav Misra has been appointed as the General professional Herman Kemp as GM of Hyatt the General Manager for Jumeirah Royal Saray Manager for Holiday Inn Express Gurugram Sector Regency Phnom Penh, the largest internationally Bahrain. Starting as an F&B trainee at ITC Grand 50. This is a unique appointment as Misra takes on branded hotel in the heart of Cambodia's capital. Sheraton in Mumbai, Anchan has been working dual responsibility of maintaining his current role A Dutch national with extensive experience in his way through the hospitality industry for nearly of Portfolio Operations Manager for ten Holiday Southeast Asia, he will oversee the pre-opening 20 years. His first taste of the Jumeirah working Inn Express hotels and spearheading the team at of the 247-room property, which will become the life was in 2005 where he was a team leader at the hotel. He comes with around 18 years of rich first Hyatt Regency hotel in Cambodia. Madinat Jumeirah. experience in managing Hotel Operations.

30 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2020 IT’S A BIG WORLD OUT THERE DOORS ARE OPEN , YOU CHOOSE

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