Emirates Azerbaijan Oberoi Group

luxury and lifestyle travel magazine

Volume 20 | Issue 04 | May 2020 | ì250 / $8 US A Profiles Media Network Publication www.travelspan.in

Emirates sets industry- leading safety standard for customers

nes and Airli s face mask Azerbaijan unveils plan to revive tourism

Oberoi Group rolls out enhanced health, safety programme across all hotels Experience The best of Travel at YOUR FINGERTIPS SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL ISSUE

Scan this QR code to AVAILABLE ON get the latest issue of TravelSpan Magazine @travelspanindia travelspan1 on your tablet or mobile device! travel span @travelspan1 LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

A PROFILES MEDIA NETWORK PUBLICATION www.travelspan.in JANUARY 2019 | Rs.250/-

SETS NEW CONFERENCE RECORD

MUZIRIS PADDLE EXPLORES THE OLDEST SPICE ROUTE OF THE PERFECT WARM WINTER KERALA HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Top reasons travelers The can't keep away from BEST THINGS 20 TO DO IN

18TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION January February March April

LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

The Hot List 2019

Your guide to the rise of best resort wear The World’s SUNDRESS Best Hotels 2019 Collection Places To Stay Designer Resort Wear May Traveling June LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE Through LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE Volume 19 | Issue 06 | July 2019 | ì250 / $8 US Volume 19 | Issue 07 | August 2019 | ì250 / $8 US A Profiles Media Network Publication A Profiles Media Network Publication www.travelspan.in www.travelspan.in flydubai’s inaugural flight 2019 lands in World Airline Naples Awards announced J W British Marriott Debuts in Airways the Heart of unveils its Edmonton new lounge in Virgin San Francisco Gujarat Pride flight Top 5 expects over takes to ways to have fun Air Canada six crore the skies in Dubai with Opens Maple tourists to Atlantis, The Leaf Lounge visit the state Palm Hotel, Dubai 2019 Express this fiscal July August

LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Discover Breitling Bhutan Historical Partners With Thimphu Tshechu Bazaars of Etihad Airways Festival Istanbul For Limited Edition Watch Penang The Pearl of the Orient Snowy Israel 10 is the Land cool and Rovaniemi unique ways Must see places of Adventure to see CURIO Britain’s Arippara collection by Hilton Visit Malaysia Graceful debuts in South East campaign targets cities Waterfalls Asia, with opening of 30 million Khajuraho A Hidden Gem SAii Lagoon Maldives tourists by 2020 Enchanting The best Here’s why you The Bangkok thermal Business Srilankan Kerala spas in should spend A Lip-smacking Miracle & Hua Hin tourism Airlines Navratri Culinary Trip in of Underground shine for Turkey continues to forges ahead in Gujarat a Houseboat heat throughout “Redefined” MICE Rann Utsav contribute to with Business Asia of Thailand The Festive land of Gujarat Dubai’s economy Turnaround Plan September October November December Volume 20 | Issue 04 | May 2020 Contents 33

In This Issue... airlines and face masks 22 One of the safety measures a growing number of carriers have begun adopting, in addition to social 18 distancing, is requiring either their cabin crew or passengers to wear protective face masks during flights to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Hyatt announces global care and cleanliness 36 commitment Hyatt announces global care, cleanliness commitment at all hotels. ... The multi- layered commitment builds on Hyatt’s existing rigorous protocols, and it will include an accreditation process by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) at all hotels around the world among other things

Hotel product adaptations and impace on 42 operations in the post Covid-19 Era t he New normal adaptations and impact on hotel operations in the post-COVID-19 era

4 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in ContentsIn This Issue... 48 Oberoi Group rolls out enhanced health, 44 safety programme across all hotels In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Oberoi Group has rolled out an enhanced health and safety program at all Oberoi and Trident hotels. “At The Oberoi Group, we have always prioritised the health and safety of our guests and colleagues and have been working relentlessly to welcome guests back at our hotels

a zerbaijan unveils plan to revive tourism post 50 coronavirus t he programme will adopt a holistic approach to fuel innovation across the tourism industry, ensuring the involvement of all relevant public and private partners, and the safety of those working in the sector. It will culminate with the launch of Azerbaijan’s Domestic Tourism Campaign this summer.

53 Switzerland to reopen borders with France 53 Germanyh, Austria a fter Germany announced that it plans to abolish its reintroduced border controls by June 15, Switzerland has also come to agree with Germany, Austria and France to reopen their common borders by the same date, if the epidemiological situation allows

Sun will shine again - Maldives to unveil 56 tourism reopening plans on June 8 Sun will shine again: Maldives to unveil tourism reopening plans on 8 June. Tourism promotion officials in Maldives are preparing to host a grand virtual event to kickstart the island nation’s efforts to reopen its lucrative tourism industry.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 5 LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

ì250 / $8 US Volume 20 | Issue 04 | May 2020 | A Profiles Media Network Publication www.travelspan.in As travel and tourism restrictions

Emirates sets industry- leading safety standard for customers begins to ease, the world continues

d ines an Airl ks face mas to remain cautious, says UNWTO Azerbaijan unveils plan to revive tourism

Oberoi Group rolls out enhanced health, safety programme across all hotels The world is slowly opening up again, responsible easing of travel restrictions new research from the World Tourism will help ensure the many social

luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Organization (UNWTO) indicates, with and economic benefits that tourism destinations cautiously easing travel guarantees will return in a sustainable restrictions introduced in response way. This will contribute to the livelihoods to COVID-19. As the United Nations of many millions of people around specialized agency releases its Global the world. The sector is a driver of Guidelines for Reopening Tourism, sustainable development and a pillar of DEVENDER GROVER signalling a transition into gearing up for economies. UNWTO stresses the need for Editor in Chief & Publisher stronger and better recovery, 3% of all vigilance, responsibility and international global destinations have now taken steps cooperation as the world slowly opens up GAURA G BAHL Group Editor to ease travel restrictions. again.” UNWTO has been monitoring the Pololikashvili also welcomed the JASMINE GROVER global response to COVID-19 since growing confidence in the global tourism Associate Editor the start of the pandemic. The fourth sector, noting it stands ready to return JYOTSNA MALIK edition of its COVID-19 Related Travel to growth. While tourism has been International Sales Director Restrictions: A Global Review for Tourism the hardest hit of all the world’s major report, released recently, again looked economic sectors, UNWTO has led a joint RASIKA MATHUR Events Coordinator at the measures of 217 destinations response and last week released its Global worldwide as of 18 May 2020. The Guidelines to Reopen Tourism. These RAJESH MAURYA research shows that 7 destinations have guidelines outline the steps governments Head of Finance eased travel restrictions for international and the private sector can take to JITESH GANDHI tourism purposes. At the same time, accelerate recovery in the months ahead. Creative Director several more destinations are engaged Tourism-Dependent States Locked in significant discussions about the re- Down - Looking into global travel Address changes and subscription opening of borders. restrictions more closely, the UNWTO order to [email protected] Caution Remains - The report notes research shows that, the more important that 100% of all destinations worldwide tourism is to the economies of individual Registered with Registrar of continue to have some form of COVID- destinations, the more likely they are to Newspapers of India under 19-related travel restrictions in place. have introduced complete border closures. RNI No. DEL/ENG/2000/03308 Furthermore, as of 18 May 75% continued In the case of SIDS destinations (Small to have their borders completely closed Island Developing States), 85% continue PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Profiles Media Network Pvt Ltd. for international tourism. In 37% of all to have their borders completely closed BA-306, Tagore Garden cases, travel restrictions have been in for tourism purposes. New Delhi 110027, India place for 10 weeks, while 24% of global All UNWTO regions have more than Tel - +91 (124) 4111182 destinations have had restrictions in place 65% of their destinations completely Mob- +91 98107 15900 for 14 weeks or more. closed to tourism: Africa (74%), Americas Website: www.travelspan.in UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab (86%), Asia and the Pacific (67%), Europe Pololikashvili said: “The timely and (74%) and the Middle East (69%). PRINTED BY STUDIO 9 PRODUCTIONS 502, Jeevan Tara Apartments We are on Devender Grover Sector 43, GH 7, Gurugram 122009, India

RNI No. DEL/ENG/2000/03308 Travel Span is Printed Published Edited and Owned by Devender Grover. Printed Volume 20, Issue 04, May 2020 at G S Graphic Arts. A-18, Naraina Industrial Area, New Delhi - 110028 Editor: Devender Grover. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All information is correct at the time of going to press but subject to change. Editorial material, views and Content may not be reproduced in any opinions expressed in Travel Span are those of authors. Editor(s) assume no responsibility of any errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed resulting from the use of this information. The Publisher will not be responsible for any format without written permission from damage or loss caused by the late Publication, errors or failures of advertisements to appear. Products and services Profiles Media Network Pvt Ltd. mentioned are subject to change without prior notice.

6 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Trends

the same protocol, and those who are asymptomatic will be allowed to cross the border into India. India sets 14-day Other requirements include, “A self- declaration form in duplicate shall be quarantine for filled by the person in the flight or ship and a copy of the same will be given to international arrivals health and immigration officials present at the port of entry. The form may also be made available on Aarogya Setu app. ccording to new guidelines parents accompanied by children below “On arrival, the thermal screening issued by the Indian Union ten years, as per assessment by the will be carried out for all passengers AMinistry for Health and Family receiving states, home quarantine may by the health officials present at the Welfare, all international passengers be permitted for 14 days. airport, seaport or land port. arriving in India will have to undergo “For such cases, the use of the “The passengers found to be mandatory quarantine for a period of Aarogya Setu app has been made symptomatic during screening shall be 14 days. During his recent social media mandatory.” immediately isolated and taken to a address, civil aviation minister Hardeep All inbound travellers have been medical facility as per health protocol. The Singh Puri hinted at the possibility of advised to download Aarogya Set app remaining passengers shall be taken to reopening international travel by July- on their mobile devices. suitable institutional quarantine facilities, August, this year. At the time of boarding, only to be arranged by the respective state and Before boarding a ship or a flight, asymptomatic passengers will be allowed union territory governments.” all travellers will have to give an to board after the thermal screening. Anyone who is found to be undertaking for the quarantine. The The guidelines further said that coronavirus positive will be assessed period, however, would include seven those who will be arriving through clinically. The guidelines said, “If the days of paid institutional quarantine at land borders will also have to undergo cases are mild, they will be allowed their own expense, followed by seven home isolation or isolated in the Covid days of isolation at home with self- care centre, both public and private monitoring health. facilities, as appropriate. The ministry said, “For exceptional “Those having moderate or and compelling reasons such as cases severe symptoms will be admitted to of human distress, pregnancy, death dedicated Covid Health facilities and in the family, serious illness and managed accordingly.”

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 7 Trade

with not being considered as part of the Government’s stimulus package and is in talks with senior officials in the government to request for certain things. “We have written to the PMO and asked them to grant us relief on five fronts –roll-back of the TCS, not make Pan Card mandatory for foreign remittances for foreign OTOAI nationals and non-resident hopeful of International Indians, grant relief from GST, allow outbound tour operators to take interest free loans and Operations restarting soon expansion of working capital,” adds Riaz Munshi. “We at OTOAI are constantly striving to work for the benefit of our members and our industry. These are t has been over two months since the The first people to travel, in my exceptionally challenging times and lockdown has been in place and there opinion, would be those who are stuck we each need to stand for the other Iis no doubt left that the Travel and away from home – people who were otherwise we will all come crumbling Tourism Industry has been one of the travelling before lockdown, students down. It is tough but the travel worst hits sectors. Not only have the and similar such, once this traffic is fraternity should collectively try to people lost almost all of their existing taken care of, then the real picture will boost domestic tourism and give it business but the future too looks grim, surface. Are people ready to travel for the push it needs. Once international given the norms of social distancing. work? For leisure? To take a break? All skies open – which I think will happen However, a silver lining on the cloud these questions will be answered once in a phased manner, maybe in another has been the recent announcement the initial couple of weeks of domestic month or so, we must practice regarding opening of the Domestic travel is over. Having said this, I do responsible tourism and offer our flights, which is something that many hope the government will look into customers safe and new options where people were looking forward to. opening International flights also soon,” the scare of virus is not threatening. “Yes the move regarding opening of says Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI. Going forward, we have to be patient Domestic flights is a welcome one but The Outbound Tour Operators and outbound travel will definitely I am a little cautious and would rather Association of India (OTOAI), like revive soon,” shares Himanshu Patil, wait and see how things will function. many others, is also disappointed Vice President, OTOAI.

8 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Technology

movement restrictions in containment / red zones. The constantly evolving state-specific rules complicate this calculus further. Our recent travel sentiment survey, with over 5000 respondents, revealed that nearly 50% ixigo of air travellers planning to book a flight in the next few weeks are looking for a fully-refundable booking option launches ixigo Assured, for their travel. ixigo assured is the product anxious travellers were craving offers full refund on all for.” In addition to full refunds of upto Rs. 5000, ‘ixigo assured’ also Domestic Flight Bookings provides a travel insurance cover for trip delays (upto Rs. 10,000) and baggage loss (upto Rs. 5,000). ‘ixigo assured’ also provides emergency accidental hospitalization for Rs.3 Lakh Sum Insured and medical emergency evacuation for Rs.1 Lakh Sum Insured. The convenience fees and ixigo assured fees charged by ixigo shall remain non- refundable, and such refunds shall be credited directly into the bank accounts of travellers within 15 days of making a claim. ixigo assured can be availed by passengers in the age group of 2 to 70 years. Rajnish Kumar, Co-Founder & CTO, ixigo said, “We conceived, partnered, developed and launched this product within a record span of 3 weeks, as soon as it became evident that travellers would increasingly face a dilemma while booking their next trip Built during the lockdown, ‘ixigo assured’ offers the most as soon as flights resume. As travel competitive free cancellation product in the Indian OTA market. demand recovers, we want our users to feel confident and safe and give them a flexible, stress-free booking ith domestic flights 22nd May with departure dates within experience.” opening up with one-third 90 days of the booking date. This Though most domestic airlines Wcapacity effective 25th move is expected to benefit millions have been offering credit shells or May 2020, travellers are looking of travellers who may be unsure of waivers on rebooking and modification for reassurance on refunds in case booking for a future travel date due charges over the last three months, they need to cancel their flights amid to uncertainty on various fronts there is still a need for options that COVID-19 concerns. To reduce this and seek the flexibility of cancelling protect travellers who may want to travel anxiety, AI-based travel app their domestic travel plans starting cancel their flight bookings and avoid ixigo has announced the launch of from a price point of just Rs.399 per heavy penalties on cancellations. ‘ixigo ‘ixigo assured’ fares - allowing a full passenger. assured’ will benefit travellers who are refund guarantee upto Rs. 5000 for Commenting on the launch, Aloke uncertain of their travel plans at the cancellations made by travellers, for Bajpai, Co-founder & CEO, lowest price point in the entire OTA any reason whatsoever, prior to their ixigo said, “With the current pandemic market. Other zero cancellation or free date of departure. situation there is an increase in anxiety cancellation products in the market The ixigo assured option is available and uncertainty among travellers with are currently at least three times more on all new bookings made on or after respect to planning their next trip and expensive.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 9 Associations

measure that will reduce risk and enable a safe re-start of flying. But a layering measures that are globally implemented and mutually recognized by governments can his is how achieve the needed outcome. This is the greatest crisis that aviation has ever faced. A layered approach sees has worked with safety and with security. It’s the way forward for biosecurity as well.” air travel Here are IATA’s proposed guidelines, which IATA says should be temporary, regularly reviewed and replaced when working in a post- more efficient options are found (or removed should they become COVID-19 world unnecessary) … PRE-FLIGHT IATA says it can see the need for ATA’s new guidelines for airport and for Restarting Aviation offers a roadmap governments to collect passenger airline operations offer the clearest for airlines and airports looking to data in advance of travel, including Ipicture yet of what air travel could nail down best practices for a post- health information, “which should look like as the world emerges from COVID-19 world of global travel. be accomplished using well-tested COVID-19 travel restrictions. Alexandre de Juniac, channels such as those used for eVisa IATA says its newly released IATA’s Director General and or electronic travel authorization Biosecurity for Air Transport: A Roadmap CEO, says: “There is no single programs.”

10 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Associations

• Cleaning and sanitization of social distancing on board aircraft and high touch areas in line with local quarantine measures on arrival. regulations. This includes wide Instead of quarantine measures, availability of hand sanitizers. IATA advocates temperature checks and contract tracing, which work IN-FLIGHT toward the same goal of containment • Face coverings required for all and risk management, without passengers and non-surgical masks for crippling the air and travel industries. crew “Temperature screening reduces the • Simplified cabin service and pre- risk of symptomatic passengers from packaged catering to reduce interaction traveling, while health declarations between passengers and crew and contact tracing after arrival reduce • Reduced congregation of the risk of imported cases developing passengers in the cabin, for example by into local chains of transmission,” says prohibiting queues for washrooms. IATA. • Enhanced and more frequent deep IATA also reconfirmed its stance cleaning of the cabin against social distancing on board (i.e. leaving the middle seat open). AT ARRIVAL AIRPORT There’s no need to leave the middle • Temperature screening by seat open when passengers and crew trained government staff if required by are wearing face coverings, plus other authorities on-board health and safety protocols • Automated procedures (e.g. everybody is front facing, air flow for customs and border is from ceiling to floor, seats provide a control including use of mobile barrier to forward/aft transmission, and applications and biometric technologies air filtration systems that operate to (which have already proven tack record hospital operating theatre standards). by some governments) • Accelerated processing and “THE VITAL ELEMENT IS AT DEPARTURE AIRPORT baggage reclaim to enable social COORDINATION” Access to the terminal building distancing by reducing congestion and IATA says it is reaching out to should be restricted to airport / airline queuing governments with its guidelines, in workers and travellers (with exceptions • Health declarations and robust support of the COVID-19 Aviation being made for those accompanying contact tracing are expected to Recovery Task Force (CART) of the passengers with disabilities or be undertaken by governments to International Civil Aviation Organization unaccompanied minors) reduce the risk of imported chains of (ICAO). • Temperature screening by transmission “The Roadmap is the industry’s trained government staff at entry high-level thinking on safely re- points to the terminal building POTENTIAL ‘GAME-CHANGERS’ starting aviation. Timing is critical. • Physical distancing through all Barring the best-case scenario, Governments understand the passenger processes, including queue i.e. the discovery of a vaccine for importance of aviation to the social and management COVID-19, IATA also said that two economic recovery of their countries • Use of face coverings for ‘game-changers’ that could lessen or and many are planning a phased passengers and masks for staff in line eliminate many of the above guidelines re-opening of borders in the coming with local regulations. could be scalable, accurate and efficient months. We have a short time to reach • Self-service options for check- COVID-19 testing, and/or immunity agreement on the initial standards to in used by passengers as much as passports. IATA says would support the support safely reconnecting the world possible to reduce contact points and development of immunity passports and to firmly establish that global queues. This includes remote check- to segregate no-risk travellers, ‘at standards are essential to success. This in (electronic / home printed boarding a time when these are backed by will change as technology and medical passes), automated bag drops (with home medical science and recognized by science advances. The vital element printed bag tags) and self-boarding. governments’. is coordination. If we don’t take these • Boarding should be made as first steps in a harmonized way, we will efficient as possible with re-designed OPPOSITION TO QUARANTINE spend many painful years recovering gate areas, congestion-reducing boarding MEASURES ground that should not have been lost,” priorities, and hand luggage limitations. IATA also reiterated its opposition to said de Juniac.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 11 Associations

Urgent Implementation of ICAO COVID-19 Guidelines Needed

he International Air Transport public health authorities, these will “This layering of measures should Association (IATA) urged mitigate the risk of transmission of give travelers and crew the confidence Tgovernments to quickly the COVID-19 virus during the travel they need to fly again. And we are implement the International Civil process. committed to working with our partners Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) global These measures include: to continuously improve these measures guidelines for restoring air connectivity. • Physical distancing to the as medical science, technology and the Today, the ICAO Council extent feasible and implementation of pandemic evolve,” said de Juniac. approved Takeoff: Guidance for Air “adequate risk-based measures where Takeoff was one element of work of Travel through the COVID-19 Public distancing is not feasible, for example the ICAO COVID-19 Aviation Recovery Health Crisis (Takeoff). This is an in aircraft cabins”; Task Force (CART). The CART report to authoritative and comprehensive • Wearing of face coverings and the ICAO Council highlighted that it is of framework of risk-based temporary masks by passengers and aviation “paramount importance to avoid a global measures for air transport operations workers; patchwork of incompatible [aviation] during the COVID-19 crisis. • Routine sanitation and health safety measures.” It urges ICAO “The universal implementation of disinfection of all areas with potential Member States to “implement globally- global standards has made aviation for human contact and transmission; and regionally-harmonized, mutually safe. A similar approach is critical in this • Health screening, which could accepted measures that do not create crisis so that we can safely restore air include pre- and post-flight self- undue economic burdens or compromise connectivity as borders and economies declarations, as well as temperature the safety and security of civil aviation.” re-open. The Takeoff guidance screening and visual observation, The Report also notes that COVID-19 document was built with the best “conducted by health professionals”; risk mitigation measures, “should be expertise of government and industry. • Contact tracing for passengers flexible and targeted to ensure that a Airlines strongly support it. Now we are and aviation employees: updated vibrant and competitive global aviation counting on governments to implement contact information should be sector will drive the economic recovery.” the recommendations quickly, because requested as part of the health self- “The leadership of ICAO and the the world wants to travel again and declaration, and interaction between commitment of our fellow CART needs airlines to play a key role in the passengers and governments should members have combined to quickly lay economic recovery. And we must do be made directly though government the foundation for a safe restoration of this with global harmonization and portals; air transport amid the COVID-19 crisis. mutual recognition of efforts to earn the • Passenger health declaration We salute the unity of purpose that confidence of travelers and air transport forms, including self-declarations guided aviation’s stakeholders to a solid workers,” said Alexandre de Juniac, in line with the recommendations of conclusion. Moreover, we fully support IATA’s Director General and CEO. relevant health authorities. Electronic CART’s findings and look forward to Takeoff proposes a phased tools should be encouraged to avoid working with governments for a well- approach to restarting aviation and paper; coordinated systematic implementation identifies a set of generally applicable • Testing: if and when real-time, that will enable flights to resume, risk-based measures. In line with rapid and reliable testing becomes borders to open and quarantine recommendations and guidance from available. measures to be lifted,” said de Juniac.

12 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines Etihad Airways launches health and hygiene programme

in delivering this. For us it is not simply about dealing with a new normal – this level of genuine and innovative customer care has always been part of Etihad’s DNA since our inception.” Over the coming weeks, Etihad will also introduce Wellness Ambassadors at Abu Dhabi International Airport in partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports (ADAC). This will make sure the same levels of care and support are provided at every point of the customer journey through the airport, from check-in to security, immigration, the retail areas, lounges and boarding, so that guests can fly with added comfort, security and confidence. Once travel restrictions to and from the UAE are lifted, and the tihad Airways has launched ‘Etihad For those needing more specific airline resumes an expanded network Wellness’, an expanded and more and personalised information, of international flights, Etihad will Ecomprehensive health and hygiene skilled Wellness Ambassadors introduce Wellness Ambassadors programme and customer guide. This can be contacted directly 24/7 by on board, complementing the roles builds on the stringent measures already emailing [email protected]. This performed by other Cabin Crew, put in place by the airline to deal with dedicated multi-lingual team will offer and providing an enhanced level of COVID-19. The programme will be reassurance to customers by sharing customer care focused on health and championed by the introduction of advice on travel wellbeing and details wellness inflight. specially trained Wellness Ambassadors, of the health and sanitisation measures “The wide-ranging measures we are a first in the industry, who will provide being implemented throughout their taking are a strong reflection of those essential travel health information and journey. Etihad will expand the service already in place across the emirate of care so guests can fly with greater to include a web-chat option. All Abu Dhabi. When restrictions are fully peace of mind. Wellness Ambassadors will undergo lifted and travellers can once again enjoy Etihad Wellness initiatives will special training at the airline’s training the best our wonderful home has to offer, be communicated through an easy- facilities in Abu Dhabi, and online. they can rest assured their trip will be to-use online guide highlighting Tony Douglas, Group Chief to one of the cleanest and most well- the high standards of cleanliness, Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation maintained destinations in the world. health and hygiene being applied at Group, said: “Providing for our guests, This will of course also apply to those every stage of the customer journey. and their wellbeing, is one of Etihad’s transiting onwards through the capital. This includes culinary hygiene at the core values, and we have a responsibility We are grateful to our partners, including airline’s catering facilities and food to protect them, to keep them fully Abu Dhabi Airports, and the Department testing laboratory, aircraft cabin deep- informed, and to provide even greater of Culture and Tourism, for their cleaning, check-in, health screening, levels of genuine warmth and personal close cooperation in this far-reaching boarding, inflight experience and care. We must guarantee they can travel programme,” concludes Mr. Douglas. product, crew interaction, arrival, and assured in the knowledge that we have Etihad continues to follow UAE and ground transportation. Comprehensive every aspect of their journey with us international government, regulatory information on these travel health and covered, while still providing a top- and health authority directives, and is hygiene measures is available at www. quality travel experience. The Wellness playing its part in helping to limit the etihad.com/wellness. Ambassadors will play an important role spread of COVID-19.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 13 Airlines

Vistara’s cabin crew are receiving Vistara Brings Temporary appropriate training on minimising their chances of contracting or spreading the coronavirus. They will Modification to Inflight undergo thermal screenings before the departure and arrival of flights, and will be quarantined/tested if any colleagues Services for Health and or passengers show symptoms of infection or test positive for COVID-19. Safety Reasons The cabin crew will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and disposable gloves at all istara, a joint venture of Tata spent on aisle and interaction with times. group and Singapore Airlines, customers. On Vistara’s domestic Vistara shall implement social Vcontinues to take strong steps in flights, the service alterations include distancing across all possible response to the COVID-19 pandemic. reduction in meal choices and passenger touchpoints and encourage The airline today announced intended withdrawal of services such as onboard the usage of self-service facilities such temporary changes to its inflight sales, welcome drink, hot meals and as web check-in and airport check-in products and services on domestic beverages in Premium Economy and kiosks. and international flights to ensure Economy cabins, Starbucks coffee and Vistara maintains the highest health and safety of passengers and Turkish towels. Water-pouring will be standards in hygiene, including its staff upon resumption of services, replaced with distribution of 200ml disinfectant cleaning of all aircraft at when allowed by the authorities. In sealed water bottles on all flights, and the turn-around of every single flight line with social distancing norms, the cold refreshments will be served to and deep cleaning of all aircraft every airline aims to introduce new operating customers in Premium Economy and 24 hours with higher concentration procedures to minimise touchpoints Economy cabins, including to customers of approved disinfectant cleaners. of human contact on board by up to opting for Economy Lite fares. To further Vistara will equip all its aircraft with 80%. The airline may make further reduce the risk of spreading the virus surgical masks, gloves, sanitizer changes in compliance with regulatory by touch, the airline has implemented wipes and contact-less infrared guidelines once they are finalised and a temporary fleetwide removal of its thermometers. The airline will also notified. inflight magazine and other reading ensure a precautionary check-up with Vistara intends to continue serving material. Services on international the Airport Medical Support team for food and beverages in all cabins flights will also be reviewed accordingly any passenger showing symptoms of while reducing the cabin crew’s time to curtail contact with customers. COVID-19.

14 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines istara Opens Bookings For Domestic Flight Operations Resuming 25 May

istara, India’s finest full- service carrier, has announced Vresumption of its domestic flights from 25 May 2020, following an order of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India. The airline will temporarily operate on a reduced network and scale up gradually, subject to necessary regulatory approvals on the revised schedule of operations. Vistara will follow strict compliance with all new guidelines issued by the authorities across touchpoints to ensure health and safety of all passengers and staff. Vistara’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Leslie Thng said, “Aviation is a in and self-printing of boarding pass kit by the airline consisting of a face growth engine for the economy and and baggage tags for all passengers, mask, face shield and sanitiser. They resumption of air travel will give great implementing baggage limitations with will be required to wear face masks at impetus to the government’s overall only one check-in bag and one piece of all times throughout their journey – at efforts in helping the country eventually carry-on bag allowed and acceptance the airport and on board their flights return to normalcy. We thank the of passengers after certification of their – and use hand sanitizers frequently. government for taking this step and for health status on the mandatory contact Scanners will be used at the boarding their consultative approach in putting tracing Aarogya Setu app. gates to enable self-boarding wherever together the new SOPs/guidelines for Health and hygiene inside the cabin possible, while following a staggered all stakeholders in the aviation sector. are ensured in all of Vistara’s aircraft and sequential boarding process. We will support the government’s manufactured by Airbus and Boeing Vistara will temporarily suspend priority initiatives and maintain the highest that use multiple highly efficient airflow boarding and follow reverse zone level of safety, hygiene and security and filtration systems that continuously boarding, with the passenger in the last in our operations to provide a flying refresh cabin air with air from outside. row entering the aircraft first. experience to passengers that they can Powerful HEPA filters trap 99.9% of All of Vistara’s staff will wear continue to trust.” particulates such as viruses (including personal protective equipment (PPE) Vistara will be operating a reduced coronaviruses), bacteria and fungi and at all times, including cabin crew that network for the next few weeks, purify the air inside the cabin every two will wear protective gowns, face masks connecting 24 cities across the country. to three minutes, thereby making flying and face shields. The airline will also As part of the new SOPs/guidelines a highly safe mode of transportation. ensure disinfectant cleaning of all issued by the Govt. of India, the To complement all health and safety aircraft at the turn-around of every airline will take multiple measures to measures, customers will be required single flight and deep cleaning of all minimise contact between passengers to report to the airport at least two aircraft every 24 hours with approved and staff and for overall health and hours prior to their flight’s departure, disinfectant cleaners. All aircraft will safety reasons. This includes but is factoring in more time required to also be equipped with with surgical not limited to temporary suspension maintain social distancing norms and to masks, gloves, sanitizer wipes, and of Vistara’s well-regarded on-board clear necessary security/health checks. contact-less infrared thermometers for meal service, mandatory web check- Each customer will be given a safety any need arising on board.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 15 Airlines protects Emirates and prepares hile the world yearns to travel once again, meet and its all wide-body fleet Whug loved ones, seek new adventures and close those business deals, Emirates is busy protecting and readying the world’s largest all “That philosophy also extends to our around 3-4 employees working for wide-body fleet to take to the skies. Engineering team and how we maintain eight hours or so to cover it, our aircraft This could have proved daunting, and secure our multibillion dollar fleet need 4-6 employees working a 12-hour but Emirates Engineering, a division with the world’s largest number of shift. And taking extra precautions of the airline and one of the world’s Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. We while maintaining social distancing most technologically advanced aircraft don’t just cover our engines, but have adds its own interesting twist to the maintenance facilities, has it all a comprehensive aircraft parking and proceedings.” covered – literally! reactivation programme that strictly Ahmed Safa, Emirates’ Divisional follows manufacturers’ guidelines and The parked fleet Senior Vice President Engineering maintenance manuals, and we have Of the 270 aircraft in its fleet, Emirates said: “Emirates moves to a different enhanced standards and protocols of had initially parked and wrapped up 218 drumbeat – one where the highest our own. aircraft – 117 at Dubai World Central standards are absolutely fundamental “We also have the enviable and 101 at Dubai International airport to our entire organisational rhythm. challenge of a full wide-body fleet – that involved more than 15,500 man- Everything we do ladders up to ensuring – 115 A380s and 155 B777s – and hours of work. the best customer experience and the most sophisticated systems Now around 75 Emirates aircraft, both people feeling safe and reassured while and avionics in the industry. While passenger and freighter, are crisscrossing flying with us. a narrow-body aircraft only requires the planet carrying people on repatriation

16 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines

and cargo on essential missions. These dirt, water, birds and insects – can find and preservation works, the team continue to be maintained as per their way inside an aircraft are wrapped completes periodic checks at 7-, 15- standard operating procedures. Some up and made watertight. That includes and 30-day intervals across the fleet. aircraft are undergoing scheduled heavy engines and air data probes – such as These can include simple walk-around maintenance in Emirates Engineering’s pitot, static, temperature, angle of attack inspections to ensure all covers are hangars. sensors – engine intakes and exhausts, in place, and there are no visible and APU intakes and exhausts. damages or external leaks. Complex It’s been done before The interiors – whether cabin checks include removing the covers Routinely, Emirates covers all aircraft monuments, seats or inflight and reactivating aircraft systems, idling that are taken out of operations for entertainment equipment – are also engines and testing engine bleed air more than 48 hours. Much before the protected from the elements. Potable and flight control systems. pandemic, Emirates has had to cover water systems and aircraft fuel tanks are a significant part of its fleet during the preserved, and engine and APU systems Reactivating the fleet runway closures at Dubai International are protected. The process also involves Ahmed Safa said: “We need around airport, and even during the 2010 the greasing, cleaning and preservation of 4-5 dedicated employees and at least volcanic ash cloud disaster that landing gear and flight control systems. 18-24 hours to put one of our aircraft partially grounded the fleet. The team turns off all cockpit switches, back into service. Our customers and disconnects batteries, and installs control our employees can’t wait to see our Securing the fleet and ultra- lever locks and window blinds. majestic A380s and our powerful sensitive avionics systems 777s grace the skies again, operating All apertures and openings through Routine checks our normal schedules and delighting which environmental factors – sand, After concluding the protection travellers worldwide.”

Eurostar makes face masks obligatory for all passengers

Eurostar passengers will be required to cover their faces from Monday 4 May or risk being refused travel.

urostar has joined an increasing “Any type of mask is suitable as long starts to relax its lockdown restrictions number of transport providers in as it effectively covers your nose and from May 11. Erequiring its passengers to wear mouth”. France is also set to extend its face coverings. It also says that those turning up for health emergency for a further two The operator’s website confirms travel without masks may be refused months to July 24, and there are that “From May 4, passengers must travel, and warns that “fines may be proposals for a 14-day quarantine wear a face mask or face covering at imposed in France and Belgium if you’re period for all arrivals into the country. our stations and on board in line with not wearing a mask”. Eurostar is currently operating a guidelines announced by the French France recently announced that significantly reduced service between and Belgian governments”. the wearing of face masks will be London, Paris and Brussels, with just a Eurostar asks that customers bring compulsory on public transport and in handful of trains per day. their own masks with them, adding that secondary schools, when the country eurostar.com

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 17 Airlines

Emirates 2 sets industry-leading safety standard for customers travelling as it resumes operations

1. Emirates has introduced complimentary hygiene kits to be given to every passenger upon check in at Dubai International Airport and on flights to Dubai. These kits comprise of masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser. 2. To uphold the highest standards of safety and hygiene, Emirates has added a cabin service assistant (CSA) to the crew complement on flights over 1.5 hours. The CSAs will ensure lavatories are cleaned at frequent intervals of every 45 mins. 3. The airport team has also installed protective barriers at each check-in desk and immigration counter to provide additional safety reassurance to passengers and employees during 3 interaction over the counter.

18 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines

mirates has unveiled multi- Gloves and masks are mandatory complement on flights over 1.5 hours. faceted measures for employee for all customers and employees at The CSAs will ensure lavatories are Eand customer care at every step the airport in Dubai, while only masks cleaned at frequent intervals of every of the travel journey, redefining safety are mandated on Emirates flights. 45 mins. Each lavatory has been and hygiene standards on board and On arrival at the airport, thermal equipped with sanitising soap and hand on the ground. The new measures took scanners at various areas monitor washing instructions. effect today, with the resumption of the temperatures of all passengers To minimise the risk of infection regularly scheduled passenger flights to and employees. Physical distancing by touch, magazines and print reading nine destinations. indicators have been placed on the material will not be available during “Emirates is implementing a ground and at waiting areas to help this time. In premium classes, single comprehensive set of measures at travellers maintain the necessary use menus and wine lists will be every step of the traveller’s journey, distance at check-in, immigration, provided to passengers. Comfort to enhance the sanitisation of all boarding and transfer areas. items such as mattresses, pillows, touchpoints, and ensure the health The airport team has also installed blankets, headphones and toys will and safety of our customers and protective barriers at each check- be hygienically sealed. Emirates will employees. The risk of catching an in desk and immigration counter to resume its service with hot meals, infection on an aircraft is already very provide additional safety reassurance using high quality, cutlery and crockery, low, but we have spared no effort in to passengers and employees during sterilised before each use. reviewing and redesigning every step, interaction over the counter. Cabin baggage have to be checked- from check-in to disembarkation. Every in, and customers can only bring measure implemented is an additional Transit passengers essential items such as a laptop, reduction in risk, and taken altogether, Customers travelling through handbag, briefcase or baby items on our aim is really to make flying as safe Dubai International Airport and board. Customers are reminded to as possible. transferring onto another flight, will bring pens to fill out Health Declaration “We are working with all the go through thermal screening upon Forms required for some destinations. stakeholders in Dubai - including disembarkation. Transfer desks at the Emirates’ modern aircraft cabins the airport, immigration, health and airport have also been installed with have been fitted with advanced HEPA aviation authorities to implement protective barriers as a precautionary air filters which remove 99.97% of such measures, and we will continue measure. Airport staff, dressed viruses and eliminate dust, allergens to review and consult expert advice in personal protective equipment and germs from cabin air for a healthier for any development and changes. (PPE) will direct customers from a and safer on-board environment. After We are all aware that we have to safe distance for extra assistance. its journey and on landing in Dubai, adapt to different practices during Customers will be given an additional each aircraft will go through enhanced this pandemic in our day to day hygiene kit at the gate before boarding cleaning and disinfection processes to activities. their connecting flight. ensure safety and proper sanitation. All these measures, in combination with the proactive pandemic Boarding Emirates crew management strategies that the UAE The boarding sequence has been To safeguard its employees, has taken, show the seriousness staggered and passengers board by Emirates’ flight and cabin crew are with which we are taking the health row, from the last row to the first, provided with cars for pick up and and safety of our local and global in small numbers. The waiting area drop off at their home at the beginning communities and will give confidence has also been modified to ensure all and end of their duty. Operating crew to the public,” said Adel Al Redha, customers observe social distancing. check in for their rostered flights in a Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer. Emirates boarding agents, dressed in dedicated crew airport facility before personal protective equipment (PPE), being transported to the aircraft. Check-in will facilitate the boarding sequence. Layovers in destination cities have Emirates has introduced The boarding gates are deep cleaned been reduced where possible and on complimentary hygiene kits to be given and disinfected after the boarding of long-haul flights, where layovers are to every passenger upon check in at every flight. necessary, crew are put up in individual Dubai International Airport and on rooms in hotels. On return to Dubai, flights to Dubai. These kits comprise On board where all Emirates cabin crew are of masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes All cabin crew on board will be based, COVID-19 tests are done on and hand sanitiser. The hygiene kits fully kitted out in PPEs. To uphold all crew. Every crew member has been supplement a slew of additional the highest standards of safety and mandated a 14-day quarantine in their measures already introduced to keep hygiene, Emirates has added a cabin homes after every flight, unless they are customers safe. service assistant (CSA) to the crew on duty.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 19 Airlines Checklist for domestic air travel from May 25

ndian carriers including Air India, • Download baggage tag/ • Limit the use of lavatory and avoid Indigo, Vistara, Goair and Spicejet identification number, print it and affix non-essential movement in the aisle. Ihave reopened bookings for domestic it on the bag. In case, you are unable No queuing outside the lavatory and flights on their respective platforms. to download the tag, mention the PNR only one companion for children and As per Civil Aviation Ministry’s recent number along with your name on a elderly would be allowed. directive, only 1/3rd domestic flight thick piece of paper and affix it with a • No meal service onboard. Water capacity of the approved summer strong string. bottles to be made available in the schedule will be permitted to operate • Passengers need to travel in galley area or on the seats. Eatables from May 25. The provisional summer an authorised taxi/personal vehicle not to be consumed during the flight. schedule for domestic flights can be following the norms prescribed by the • No newspaper/magazine will be viewed here. Ministry of Home Affairs. Make digital available. No onboard sale of items. The Tata-SIA airline Vistara payments. • If the passenger feels announced that will be operating a • Certify your health status through uncomfortable, fatigued or has reduced network for the next few Aarogya Setu app or a self-declaration respiratory distress, it should be brought weeks, connecting 24 cities across the form. to immediate notice of the crew. country. • Before entering the terminal, wear Vistara’s chief executive officer, a mask or face cover. Do’s (Airport to destination) Leslie Thng said, “Aviation is a growth • The disembarkation from the engine for the economy and resumption Do’s (While boarding) aircraft would be sequential. of air travel will give great impetus • Passengers need to collect safety • Social distance/sanitisation to to the government’s overall efforts kit (three-layered surgical mask and be maintained at the arrival gate, in helping the country eventually sanitiser) from the airline near the aerobridges, coaches, jet ladders and return to normalcy. “We thank the boarding gate. ramps etc. government for taking this step and for • Wear a mask and sanitise before • Trolleys in the arrival area to be their consultative approach in putting proceeding to the boarding gate for used sparingly. together the new SOPs/guidelines for boarding pass scanning. • Passengers to wait at the baggage all stakeholders in the aviation sector.” • Be attentive to the boarding hold area until baggage arrives in Ministry of Civil Aviation, announcement and be in the boarding batches. Government of India has issued queue while social distancing. • Transit passenger will not be guidelines that need to be followed • Display of identity cards is allowed to come out of the transit area. by passengers from origin to airport; mandatory and check-in will be done by • Passengers to hire only authorised while boarding, inside aircraft and from the passenger through self-scanning of taxis to the destination. airport to destination. e-boarding pass. • On arrival, the passenger needs to follow health protocols prescribed by Do’s (From origin to the airport) Do’s (Onboard) the destination state/Union territory. • Ensure web check-in and get a • Face to face interaction to be Tags: domestic flights, hardeep Singh boarding pass. minimised. Puri, social distancing

20 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines

makes face masks United obligatory for all passengers nited Airlines is the designed to keep customers latest carrier to insist and employees safe. Uthat all passengers Last month the carrier wear face coverings when implemented social travelling with the airline. distancing on its flights, Last week United became including restricting the first “major US-based advanced seat selection carrier” to require all of its for adjacent seats in all flight attendants to wear cabins, and boarding fewer face masks when on duty. customers at a time to allow The airline has now gone for more distance during the one step further in requiring boarding process. passengers to do the same, For a round-up of which starting from May 4. carriers are introducing United said that it would face masks for staff and provide face masks free of passengers, please see the charge to all customers, as following details: part of a raft of measures

Turkish Airlines plans to resume domestic and international flights

urkish Airlines is resuming its dedicated team after each flight. HEPA journey. The inflight services will be domestic services today with (high-efficiency particulate air) will single-use only. Ta limited number of flights ensure high-level filtration in the aircraft. The disembarkation process will operating from Istanbul to Ankara, A hygiene expert will be appointed be controlled and guided by the cabin Izmir, Antalya and Trabzon. The details across all Turkish Airlines’ flights. The crew. of flights scheduled from June 1 to crew takes a temperature check and is Other safety measures issued June 3 can be viewed here. equipped with protective equipment. are online check-in, carrying extra The airline is expected to Only a limited number of personal mask throughout the flight journey; recommence its international flights belongings will be allowed inside the undergoing temperature check and from June 10. cabin. A hygiene kit including mask and maintaining 1.5 metres physical The flag carrier of Turkey has sanitiser will be provided for the flight distance. announced a set of guidelines that will be followed for a safe and hygienic air journey. As a part of this, passengers can perform contactless check-in at the airline’s counters and kiosks. Passengers will be called to the checkpoint in small groups and no- contact boarding procedure will be carried out. The aircraft are disinfected by a

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 21 Airlines

The resumed routes in Thailand include Don Mueang to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Panom, Roi Et, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, as well as the Chiang Airlines Mai- Hat Yai route. and Air Canada Passengers travelling with Air Canada will have to wear a face covering following a directive from Transport face masks Canada, the carrier said on April 17. Air Canada said travellers will hile most airlines around the Air Asia (Thailand) be required to show that they have world have drastically cut Air Asia Thailand will resume domestic a “suitable face covering” prior Wtheir flying schedules, many flights from May 1 with “strict health to boarding Air Canada flights. are still operating a small number of controls and social distancing protocol Passengers on all flights have to flights. One of the safety measures in place” including requiring passengers wear the face covering at check-in, a growing number of carriers have to wear face masks their own face during boarding, and upon entering begun adopting, in addition to social masks throughout the journey, the aircraft “where social distancing distancing, is requiring either their including during check-in and baggage is not possible”. Air Canada added cabin crew or passengers to wear claim. Guests will also undergo a that customers will be asked to protective face masks during flights to temperature check. lower their masks to help with full limit the spread of Covid-19. The carrier said its cabin crew on ID checks at check-in. While on Here’s a look at which airlines are these domestic flights will have to wear board, customers will be required to mandating face masks (this list will protective equipment such as masks, wear their face coverings during the be updated with more carriers as new goggles and gloves throughout the journey. announcements are made): flight. Canada’s flag carrier also said travellers

22 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines

can bring non-medical coverings such as Jet Blue simple disposable masks or scarves are cloth masks, scarves or a “similar item”. From May 4, 2020, all Jet Blue also possible.” customers will be required to wear “The airline will inform passengers American Airlines a face covering during travel. The in advance by SMS or email on their The US carrier said that from May policy comes after the airline began respective websites.” 1, 2020, all flight attendants will be requiring all crewmembers to wear face Lufthansa Group says “the obligation required to wear face masks. coverings while working. to wear the mask will apply until August The masks will be required for “Wearing a face covering isn’t 31, 2020 at the earliest.” flight attendants during every about protecting yourself it’s about mainline and regional flight and protecting those around you,” said Singapore Airlines the airline has added a drawer in Joanna Geraghty, president and chief The carrier has asked its cabin crew to the galley on every mainline flight operating officer, Jet Blue. “This is the wear face masks onboard. containing personal protective new flying etiquette. Onboard, cabin air “Crew are provided with Personal equipment, including masks for flight is well circulated and cleaned through Protective Equipment (PPE) like masks attendants and pilots, and other filters every few minutes but this is and gloves. As a precautionary measure, sanitising items. a shared space where we have to be all cabin crew are required to wear a mask considerate of others. We are also while operating flights,” said a Singapore Delta asking our customers to follow these Airlines’ spokesperson in an email sent to Delta has announced that from May CDC guidelines in the airport as well.” Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. 4, 2020, all employees and customers This new policy will require must wear a face mask “or appropriate customers to wear a face covering United face covering” when travelling with the over their nose and mouth throughout United Airlines said last week that airline. their journey, including during check-in, it became the first “major US-based “Aligning with best practice boarding, while in flight and deplaning. carrier” to require all of its flight guidelines from the Centers for Disease Customers will be reminded of this attendants to wear face masks when Control, this move comes on the heels requirement before their flight via email on duty. Cabin crew will be supplied of our announcement earlier this and at the airport by both terminal with one mask each per duty day, and week requiring employees worldwide signage and announcements. Small attendants may also choose to wear to wear face masks if they are unable children who are not able to maintain their own cloth mask. From May 4 all to maintain six feet of distance with a face covering are exempt from this passengers will also be required to wear customers or each other.” requirement. face coverings, with United providing CDC guidance defines a suitable face masks free of charge. Emirates face covering as an item of cloth that Travellers will now have to wear their should fit snugly against the side of Wizz Air own masks and gloves throughout the face, be secured with ties or ear As Wizz Air announced the reopening the journey from check-in until they loops, include multiple layers of fabric of its Luton base (May 1, 2020), it also disembark, Emirates said earlier this and allow for unrestricted breathing. brought in additional hygiene measures month. The CDC recommends surgical masks to ensure the health and safety of its According to the Dubai-based and N-95 respirators be reserved for customers and crew. carrier, all cabin crew, boarding agents healthcare workers and other medical The measures include the and ground staff who have direct first responders. requirement that throughout the flight, contact with passengers are wearing cabin crew are required to wear masks personal protective equipment (PPE) Lufthansa Group and gloves and will distribute sanitising which includes a protective disposable From Monday May 4 all member airlines wipes to each passenger. Onboard gown over their uniforms, and a safety of the Lufthansa Group will insist purchases are encouraged to be made visor, in addition to masks and gloves. passengers wear a face mask. by contactless payment, to minimise Lufthansa says, “It’s recommended physical contact. Eva Air that passengers wear them [face masks] Wizz also clarified that passengers Passengers travelling with Taiwanese throughout the flight and at the airport will also be required to wear face masks carrier Eva Air are required to wear face both before and after the flight whenever and onboard magazines will be removed masks throughout the flight except the required minimum distance cannot from the aircraft. for when they are eating or drinking be guaranteed without restriction.” Airlines are requested to share to minimise the risk of infection in “All passengers are requested to information from on whether accordance with regulation from Taiwan bring their own mouth and nose cover. they are requiring passengers or Centers for Disease Control, the carrier A reusable fabric mask is recommended cabin crew to wear face masks. said on its website. but all other types of covering such as ([email protected])

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 23 Airlines

s domestic travel restrictions features alongside flight search Airline begin to ease around the world, results at the time of booking. Aaccess to health and safety The airline data, powered by insights will be key to the resumption ATPCO’s Routehappy Rich Content, of business travel activity, according to incorporates new Reassurance UPAs health global customer research conducted by (Universal Product Attributes) from Corporate Travel Management (CTM). more than 100 airlines (representing and Australian states and territories will over 70% of global flight schedules). begin assessing their interstate travel Qantas’ new Fly Well program, safety restrictions from mid-June, with most announced yesterday, includes a range expected to be eased by the end of the of wellness features which will be July-September quarter, while New reflected in their Reassurance UPA’s data key to Zealand commenced easing restrictions in coming weeks and made available last week allowing domestic travel to in Lightning. resume. The data spans health and safety business This week, CTM launched measures such as airport and cabin integrated airline reassurance cleaning, health screening, food and travel data into its proprietary online beverage hygiene, passenger and crew booking tool Lightning, enabling wellbeing, as well as flexible booking CTM’s customers globally to view conditions. CTM CEO Australia and New confidence COVID-19-related airline service Zealand, Greg McCarthy said that CTM has responded quickly to customer feedback, integrating an extra layer of travel intelligence into its proprietary booking technology to allow customers to make more informed choices and feel confident about their return to business travel. “Our survey data clearly showed the negative impact that not travelling is having on our customers’ business performance, and we understand the challenges they now face in getting their teams back on the road with maximum safety and peace of mind. “As Australia and New Zealand prepare for a return to domestic travel, we’re thrilled to be able to deliver enhanced service information from airlines to help our customers make travel decisions that will increase traveller confidence and aide business recovery at the earliest opportunity,” he said. Seth Anagnostis, Head of Global Sales at ATPCO said, “It’s important to see more companies like CTM acting quickly to address the travel concerns of their customers globally and provide them with the information they need to get back to flying with maximum confidence. Partnering with CTM on their global roll-out of ATPCO’s Reassurance UPAs within the Lightning online booking tool is another step forward for consumer confidence.”

24 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines will resume Alitalia direct services to New York, Spain and from Milan to southern Italy

litalia will resume from 2 June the non-stop Rome-New York Aservice, direct flights to Spain (Roma-Madrid and Rome-Barcelona) and non-stop flights between Milan and southern Italy. The Airline will operate 36% more flights compared to May, flying on 30 routes to 25 airports, For the third quarter of 2020, Alitalia the Crisis Unit of the Italian Ministry of including 15 in Italy and 10 abroad. expects to increase its activity at about Foreign Affairs, even operating to and In detail, from Milan Malpensa 40% of what was planned before the from airports not usually served by the airport, where the Airline will carry on beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Airline, in order to repatriate Italian its operations until the reopening of Flight offering will increase according to citizens still stranded abroad. The Linate airport, Alitalia will operate, in the trend in demand, which is already Airline is organizing new special flights addition to the 8 daily services with recovering on some domestic routes, and with Argentina for the next few days. Rome Fiumicino, two daily flights to and benefiting from the progressive abolition All passenger flights are operated from Bari, Catania and Palermo (except by foreign countries of restrictions on with the aircraft capacity more than for any extension of the restrictions flights and passengers from Italy, as well halved, in order to comply with the on air transport to and from Sicily as from lower disincentive guidelines for provisions of the Italian law on social currently in force) and 4 daily flights to travels to Italy. distancing on board aircraft. and from Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia. During June and July, Alitalia will Since the beginning of the Covid-19 From Rome, after having already also continue cargo services with pandemic, Alitalia has never suspended increased services with Cagliari (from China which have allowed to import so its flight operations ensuring an 4 to 6 flights per day), beginning far over 70 million of protective face essential public service for travelers tomorrow, 21 May, Alitalia will increase masks and other medical supplies (such and operating, on average, more its flights with Catania and Palermo as respirators, safety gloves, protective flights than the main European airlines, (from 6 to 8 per day) and in June glasses and lab coats) necessary to in particular the low cost carriers. the Airline will connect its hub in manage the Covid-19 emergency. Despite the need to adopt a limited Rome Fiumicino airport with Alghero, Besides the 15 services operated flight program, in April, for instance, Bologna, Bari, Genoa, Lamezia Terme, between March and April and the 24 Alitalia operated about 10% of flights Milan, Naples, Olbia, Pisa, Turin, Venice flights that will be operated in May, the compared to the same month of the and, abroad, besides New York, with Airline has scheduled 25 further cargo previous year, against an average of Barcelona, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, services for June. 6% of flights operated by the main London, Madrid, Munich, Paris and Alitalia also continues to organize European flag carriers and about 2% of Zurich. special flights, in coordination with flights operated by no frills airlines.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 25 Airlines Domestic flights resume: Read state-wise rotocols Andhra Pradesh and you should follow West Bengal will not immediately restart ndian skies opened up for domestic Bengal will not immediately restart domestic flights passenger services after a hiatus of two domestic flights, civil aviation minister States such as Imonths due to coronavirus-induced Hardeep Singh Puri said. States such Maharashtra have lockdown across India. Indigo’s Delhi- as Maharashtra have only allowed a few Pune and Mumbai-Patna flights were flights each day from Mumbai airport, only allowed a few among the first to take off. Most of the India’s second busiest. Andhra Pradesh flights each day from states in India have given go ahead to the will start resume flights from 26 May, Mumbai airport flight resumption services from Monday. and West Bengal from 28 May. The two exceptions being Andhra Pradesh All scheduled commercial passenger and West Bengal. flights have been suspended since Various states have also put in March 25 when the government place protocols for incoming air imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb travelers. Andhra Pradesh and West the coronavirus pandemic.

26 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines

As flights resume, these are Uttar Pradesh Himachal Pradesh state-wise rules and protocols In Uttar Pradesh, travellers to the In Himachal Pradesh, the for flyers: state will be under home quarantine Dharamshala administration has said for 14 days unless they are staying for only persons with a valid address proof Tripura less than a week or if they clear the of the state should book tickets to the Domestic air operations will not coronavirus test earlier. They can get city and the flyer will have to obtain a resume in Tripura from Monday as themselves tested for the virus on the district entry-pass. Dharamshala will all flights operating to and from sixth day from their arrival and end have two flights from Delhi and one Agartala stand cancelled, according their quarantine if the results come out from Chandigarh daily. to Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport’s negative, PTI quoted Principal Secretary The incoming person will have officials. Services were halted as all the Medical and Health Amit Mohan Prasad to obtain an entry pass from the flights are connected to Kolkata and the as saying. concerned district administration, Kolkata airport is not available till May Outsiders on visits of less than a week which will have to be shown on de- 27, in view of cyclone Amphan. to the state need not go into quarantine boarding the flight at Gaggal airport of if they furnish details of their return Dharamshala. Tamil Nadu journey. All passengers coming to UP will It is mandatory for all the domestic have to register themselves on ht t p:// Uttarakhand air travellers flying into Tamil Nadu to reg.upcovid.in and furnish details Uttarakhand has announced register their details online in TNePass of themselves and family members institutional quarantine for all incoming Portal. After obtaining the flight tickets, travelling with them. A message will be passengers. the travellers shall register their displayed on their phones after this and details in TNe-pass portal following CISF personnel will let them leave the Andhra Pradesh the link https://tnepass.tneaa.orq duly airport only after checking it. Passengers coming to Andhra selecting the airport of arrival in Tamil Pradesh will be put under home Nadu. West Bengal quarantine. However, once their test Tamil Nadu government has decided Government officials said on Sunday results for Covid-19 come negative, to allow only 25 domestic flights per night that airports in Kolkata and they will be relieved from quarantine. day to Chennai, no restrictions for Bagdogra in cyclone-hit West Bengal Covai, Madurai & Trichy sectors. Flights will not operate any domestic flights Jammu and Kashmir from Maharashtra & Gujarat may be between May 25 and 27 but will handle The J&K government informed kept at the “barest minimum possible,” 20 flights each per day from May 28. that all passengers coming to no restrictions for outgoing flights. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) by train Banerjee earlier said that she will urge or domestic flights will be kept in Maharashtra the Centre to postpone the resumption institutional quarantine for 14 days The Maharashtra government on of domestic flight services at Kolkata and will be tested for coronavirus Sunday said it will allow 25 passenger and Bagdogra airports by a few days. using RTPCR test. If tested negative flights to take off from and as many to they will be sent home otherwise land in Mumbai from Monday, adding Karnataka to a hospital. Chhattisgarh, Andhra that the number will be increased In Karnataka, anyone coming from Pradesh and Telangana, too, announced gradually. states where there is “high prevalence” similar precautionary measures. Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik of Covid-19 will be kept in institutional said the state has agreed for 25 quarantine for seven days and if tested Kerala departures and an equal number of Covid-negative, the passenger will Kerala announced all travellers have arrivals each day from Mumbai. have to spend the next seven days to register online and undergo home Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh in home quarantine. Karnataka has quarantine for two weeks. However, the Puri said that limited flights will operate classified Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, government has made an exception for from Mumbai as per the approved 1/3 Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya those coming for business purposes or rd schedule from other airports in the Pradesh as “high prevalence” states. for a short duration. state. The passengers coming through The state’s health minister KK The Mumbai airport has even remaining states in the country will Shailaja has announced that “Even if offered two slots per day to Air India have to undergo 14 days of home the domestic flight services resume, from Monday in place of 10 slots quarantine. However, special cases those coming in must remain under offered earlier. One slot will be used for where businessmen are coming for strict home quarantine as per the operating wide-body aircraft between urgent work will not require to undergo guidelines… [Since] most people will be Delhi and Mumbai preferably in the any quarantine if they bring test results coming from the major hotspots of the evening. that are not more than two days old. country.”

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 27 Airlines

Delhi distributed equally in home quarantine departure and only asymptomatic As per the guidelines similar to that and government quarantine. passengers are allowed to board the released by the home ministry earlier, “The pilot[s] and crew members flight/train/bus. asymptomatic passengers can exit and other engineering staff of 5) During boarding and travel, all the IGI airport after the mandatory a flight will not be quarantined. passengers shall use face covers/mask. thermal screening. Passengers with mild They will come into an isolated They will also follow hand hygiene, symptoms can home-isolate or choose way to the hotel and go back. But respiratory hygiene and maintain government or private facility, the excluding them, every traveller environmental hygiene. guidelines stated. Moreover, appropriate in Assam will be quarantined,” 6) At airports/railway stations/ bus medical health will be provided to those state health minister Dr Himanta terminals required measures to ensure showing symptoms. People showing Biswa Sarma said. This could social distancing shall be taken. severe symptoms will be isolated and mean some form of institutional 7) Airports/railway stations/bus taken to a government facility. quarantine as Biswa went on to terminals should be regularly sanitized/ say: “The state government will disinfected and availability of soaps Punjab cover the expenditures of the and sanitizers shall be ensured. In Punjab, all incoming people coming into the state from 8) Thermal screening at exit point passengers will be screened. Those outside including food, hotel rent shall be arranged. found symptomatic would be sent during the quarantine period… The 9) Asymptomatic passengers will be into institutional quarantine, while the state has allowed district deputy permitted to go with the advice that others will have to undergo a mandatory commissioners to spend a maximum they shall self-monitor their health 14-day home quarantine. Rs.500 for food per person per day for 14 days. In case, they develop and Rs.200 for hotel rent under any symptoms, they shall inform the Bihar facility quarantine. The deputy district surveillance officer or the state/ The Bihar government said that 34 commissioners will also spend a national call center (1075). flights will operate from Patna’s JP maximum Rs.2,000 against the 10) Those found symptomatic will airport that boarding pass will act as a people under home quarantine.” be isolated and taken to the nearest permission pass. health facility. They will be assessed for Domestic travellers will be placed in Gurugram clinical severity at the health facility. home quarantines, while international If you’re flying to Delhi to 11) Those having moderate or travellers can use institutional head to Gurugram, note that the severe symptoms will be admitted to quarantine. administration has not only made a dedicated COVID Health facilities and The state government further 14-day home quarantine mandatory managed accordingly. said travellers will be put on “paid for those coming on flights, but those 12) Those having mild symptoms quarantine” for 14 days. arriving at Delhi airport will also need will be given the option of home The first flight to Patna will arrive to apply for a movement pass to enter isolation or isolated in the Covid Care from Mumbai early Monday morning. Gururam. Passengers need to acquire Centre (both public & private facilities) one at least two days ahead of arrival as appropriate and tested as per ICMR Chhattisgarh on the Saral Haryana website. protocol. If positive, they will continue The Chhattisgarh government said in COVID Care Centre and will be those showing no symptoms would Revised Guidelines for domestic managed as per clinical protocol. If be placed in 14-day quarantine at travel (air/train/inter-state bus negative, the passenger may be allowed government centres, homes or paid travel) to go home, isolate himself/herself facilities. Passengers will have to 1) Dos and Don’ts shall be provided and self-monitor his/her health for submit a written undertaking they will along with tickets to the travellers by further 7 days. In case, any symptoms strictly follow isolation norms. the agencies concerned. develop they shall inform the district “Baggage will be sanitised at 2) All passengers shall be advised surveillance officer or the state/national the airport and only select vehicles to download Arogya Setu app on their call center (1075). whose details are with the transport mobile devices. Govt has also given states power to department will be allowed to pick 3) Suitable announcement about develop their own protocol with regards and drop passengers,” General COVID-19 including precautionary to quarantine and isolation as per their Administration Department Secretary measures to be followed shall be assessment. Dr Kamalpreet Singh said. made at airports/railway station/bus It was announced last Thursday that terminals and in flights/trains/bus. one-third of pre-lockdown domestic Assam 4) The States/UTs shall ensure flights will operate from Monday. All Assam will be putting flyers on a 14- that all passengers shall undergo international scheduled commercial day quarantine. The passengers will be thermal screening at the point of passenger flights remain suspended.

28 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines

To minimize the number of layoffs, Air Canada will ask flight attendants to slash their schedules, go on leave for up to two years or resign with travel Air Canada privileges, according to an internal bulletin to members from the Canadian to lay off 20,000 workers Union of Public Employees sent out Thursday night and obtained by The amid COVID-19 fallout Canadian Press. The memo states that CUPE is in discussions with Air Canada over continuing the federal wage subsidy. ir Canada will lay off more than difficult decision today to significantly “We know this news is not what half of its 38,000 employees downsize our operation to align with any of us were expecting,” states the Anext month as it grapples forecasts, which regrettably means bulletin, signed by the president of with the fallout from the COVID-19 reducing our workforce by 50 to 60 per CUPE’s Air Canada component and two pandemic. cent,” the airline said in an email Friday other union officials. The layoffs, which will take place evening. “We estimate about 20,000 “The reality is that COVID-19 has June 7, will affect a minimum of 19,000 people will be affected.” severely impacted the demand for air staff and could go as high as 22,800. The airline made a similar decision travel over the past few months and The country’s largest airline — in March to let go of nearly half of into the foreseeable future. As such, along with its competitors — has its workforce under a cost reduction there is no denying that we are dealing seen demand for air travel evaporate scheme, only to rehire some 16,500 with the largest surplus of cabin amid ongoing border shutdowns and laid-off flight attendants, mechanics personnel in our history.” confinement measures, prompting Air and customer service agents in Though traffic is expected to pick Canada to ground some 225 airplanes April under the Canada Emergency up somewhat before year’s end, Air and slash flight capacity by 95 per Wage Subsidy — a program it has Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu said last cent. not committed to participate in past week the recovery will be slow, with at “We therefore took the extremely June 6. least three years of subpar earnings.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 29 Airlines

Air Canada says it’s “ready for take-off”, new sked has close to 100 cities

This is why we are introducing two new solutions for customers should their travel plans change.” In addition to Air Canada’s regular goodwill policies, starting June 1 the carrier says it will offer customers the choice of a travel voucher with no expiry date that is fully transferable or to convert their booking into Aeroplan Miles and get an additional 65% bonus miles. Both options are retroactive to March 1.

SUMMER 2020 SCHEDULE Air Canada’s abridged schedule for summer 2020 offers 97 destinations, down from 220 last year: • Within Canada, the schedule will increase from 34 routes in May to 58 routes in June, with more routes added in August and September. ir Canada is forging ahead abridged summer schedule offering • Air Canada has also updated its with its new summer 2020 a choice of nearly 100 destinations schedule until the end of July with Aflight schedule to close to 100 across Canada, in the U.S. and resumption of some services to the destinations in Canada, the U.S. and internationally,” says Lucie Guillemette, U.S., Caribbean, South American, around the world, as some economies Executive Vice President and Chief European and Pacific markets. begin to open up, even if the advisory Commercial Officer at Air Canada. • In accordance with provisions for against non-essential travel is still in “As we emerge from the COVID-19 air travel to the U.S. for Canadians, place for Canadians. pandemic, during which as much as Air Canada will resume service to the New options for passengers with 95% of our flights stopped operating U.S. on May 22, with six destinations refundable and non-refundable tickets and which has left us flying to less being served by May 25, including New come amid a mounting consumer than half last year’s destinations, York-LaGuardia, Washington-Dulles, furor in the refunds vs. vouchers our customers are expressing their Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston debate. Options for new, fully- eagerness to travel, where it is safe and Chicago. There are tentative plans transferable vouchers or Aeroplan to do so. We are accordingly gradually to resume more U.S. service as of June Miles with 65% bonus starting June 1 opening for sale flights for the summer 22, pending regulatory changes and mean more choices and flexibility for and beyond as we rebuild our network, demand. rebooking flights should travel plans leveraging our strong position as a • Internationally, Air Canada will change, says the airline (see more global airline,” she adds. continue to operate from its major details below under ‘Bookings and “Air Canada is ready for take-off, hubs to key global destinations in June. Cancellation Policies’). and we look forward to welcoming our This includes service from Toronto to Meanwhile the Air Canada customers onboard.” Frankfurt, London, Zurich, Tokyo and CleanCare+ biosecurity program offers Guillemette notes that “while the Tel Aviv; from Montreal to Frankfurt, peace of mind with the COVID-19 world is making great progress against London, Paris and Brussels; and from pandemic, says Air Canada. COVID-19, we know we must remain Vancouver to London, Hong Kong, “Air Canada has put in place an vigilant, which includes being flexible. Tokyo, and Seoul.

30 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airlines

• International services will expand has no expiry date, is fully transferable further starting in June and early and retains any residual value, or; July, including: Montreal to Athens, • The ability to convert the Rome, Geneva; Toronto to Munich, remaining value of their ticket into Lisbon, Amsterdam, Rome and Athens; Aeroplan Miles, with 65% more value Calgary to Frankfurt; and, subject to versus the normal rate for buying Miles. government approval, Vancouver to For voluntary changes, customers Shanghai. with refundable tickets will continue to have the option of refunds or the BOOKING & CANCELLATION above new options. For Air Canada POLICIES customers with non-refundable tickets Under Air Canada’s revised goodwill making voluntary changes on tickets policy, new bookings made up to June issued up to June 30, 2020, with an 30, 2020 can be changed without fees original travel date between March 1, for original travel between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 inclusive, 2020 and June 30, 2021. they have the option to choose from In cases where Air Canada cancels the two above new options of an Air flights due to COVID-19, customers Canada Travel Voucher or Aeroplan with refundable tickets will continue Miles. to have the option of refunds. Since The new goodwill policies and months, will be able to select one of Jan. 1, 2020, Air Canada has refunded cancellation options are retroactive for the applicable options depending on nearly $1 billion to customers. customers with original travel between their fare at aircanada.com beginning Both customers with refundable and March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. June 15, 2020. non-refundable tickets will have two Customers whose flights have Customers with Aeroplan Flight new options to choose from: been cancelled due to the impacts Rewards can continue to cancel their • An Air Canada Travel Voucher for of COVID-19 and who have already redemption bookings free of charge the remaining value of their ticket that received travel credit valid for 24 through June 30, 2020.

Boeing shifted toward a leaner design direction with the single-deck 777 Air France Retiring and 787 aircraft, Airbus continued developing the A380 in the late 1990s All Airbus A380s Immediately and early 2000s. With seating for around 500 passengers in a typical Air France is retiring all nine of its A380s immediately. configuration, Airbus pitched the plane to airlines as a capacity-rich option to shuttle large numbers of passengers he Airbus A380 has become While Air France is the first airline from their hubs to major destinations the latest victim of the global to retire its entire raft of A380s, it is on high-traffic routes. Tpandemic. Air France recently not the only airline to indicate that it The A380 made its debut in 2005 announced that it would be phasing will leave the once-promising jumbo and was touted as the future of out its entire fleet of double-deckers jet in its wake. In April, German carrier aviation, with companies like Singapore with the “definitive end” taking effect Lufthansa announced it would retire six Airlines, Emirates, British Airways immediately rather than by the end of its 14 A380s earlier than scheduled, and Qantas all betting on the bird. Air of 2022, as previously scheduled. Air and Emirates, the world’s largest France has had the enormous plane in France currently has nine Airbus A380s operator of the aircraft with over 100 its fleet since 2009, using it to operate in its fleet – five are owned by Air in its fleet, is reportedly considering routes from its hub at Paris Charles France or are on a financed lease, and retiring nearly half of them early as a De Gaulle to Los Angeles, New York four are on operating leases. This move result of the pressures now facing the JFK and Shanghai Pudong, among is expected to result in a write-down of aviation industry. others. But, like other carriers, it always 500 million euros (approximately $549 Airbus originally conceived the struggled to make the jet a profitable million) as the airline looks to conserve A380, with two complete decks, as an part of its fleet due to high operational cash in any way possible. answer to Boeing’s iconic 747. Even as and maintenance costs.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 31 Aviation Air Canada anticipates return of worldwide air travel by Christmas

Airlines changing cleaning process and working to educate public about safety measures

ir Canada vice president almost all of our product discussions air is circulated onboard its planes. suggests that by the time at this point,” said Strauss, “That’s one of the things we need to Awinter holidays roll around regarding cleanliness. “The whole adjust to make the flight safer,” said again, Canadians will be able to board industry will be working in tandem with Strauss. his company’s planes and fly almost one another to make sure it’s good The World Health Organization cites anywhere in the world. no matter what airplane you’re on, research showing there’s very little risk But Tim Strauss said he anywhere in the world.” of communicable diseases being shared knows that one of the biggest tasks American Airlines said that, as it in-flight through a plane’s ventilation involved in bringing air travel back to learned more about COVID-19 over system. The plane’s cabins use filters life after pandemic restrictions lift will the past two months, it overhauled its which trap virus particles, according to be convincing the public it’s safe to fly. cleaning process and now considers it a the WHO’s website. “I think by Christmas you will see key part of ensuring a plane is safe to fly. While Air Canada predicts better a significant amount of flying again,” “We’re rolling out completely new times for the industry by Christmas, said Strauss, vice president of cargo procedures that are disinfecting all Helane Becker, an airline analyst at at Air Canada. “We’ll be flying to most parts of the aircraft that a customer Cowen and Company, points out that places around the world and certainly touches before every flight,” said Jim other countries will need to lift their domestically.” There may be fewer Butler, senior vice president of airport pandemic restrictions and reopen their flights available and more connections operations and cargo at American economies first, in order to convince than travellers are used to, he added. Airlines. “Before this, while that people to travel. The airline industry has been disinfection happened, it tended to “You can’t go to London and hammered by the pandemic. Some happen more overnight.” quarantine for 14 days,” said Becker. “If Canadian airlines have stopped flying His airline is boosting its cleaning your vacation was going to be a long entirely while others, including Air Canada, staff while looking for ways to weekend and you go, it doesn’t work. have scaled back more than 90 per cent make boarding more efficient, so that “We need to get all these due to the dramatic drop in demand. flights aren’t delayed by cleaning. governments on the same page to kind At a virtual Canadian Club Toronto The airline also has been handing of open things up. Everyone wants it to event today, executives at several out personal protective equipment be done safely because no one wants major airlines talked about what the to all its customers and limiting the the recurrence of cases.” North American airline industry could number of people onboard by blocking Strauss said there are signs the look like post-pandemic. Air Canada, off the centre seats. Butler said the economy is about to turn around. Sunwing and American Airlines said most difficult part will be educating the Manufacturers are moving parts around corporate conversations about post- public about the measures being taken. the world on Air Canada’s cargo flights, pandemic operations are focused on People check in at an Air Canada he said, and his company is getting making sure planes are kept clean. ticketing kiosk at Pearson International ready to transport retail goods from Some airlines are changing how often Airport. Transport Canada has made it clothing manufacturers to North they sanitize their planes and are even mandatory for travellers to wear masks America. considering changes to how air is on planes and in airports when physical “These are companies that only circulated in passenger cabins. distancing isn’t possible. make these moves when they think there’s an economy coming back,” she ‘We are rolling out completely No point in travelling unless said. “That makes me very optimistic, new procedures’ countries are open for business that we are at the beginning steps of a “That is the absolute centre focus of Air Canada also is looking at how rebound.”

32 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Airports

Temperature screening equipment now being trialled at Heathrow

tarting 21st May, thermal satisfy medically grounded science; to protect public health while enabling screening technology is able to build confidence amongst the travel of goods and services that Sbeing trialled in Terminal 2’s passengers; and be practical for is needed to kick-start the economy. immigration hall to detect elevated airports to deliver. Current expert advice suggests that temperatures of arriving passengers. Temperature screening is part of a temperature checks at UK airports Learnings from these trials will be wider set of processes and technology are not required, however, it is hoped shared with the UK Government, to set to be trialled at Heathrow that are learnings from this trial will help aid the rapid creation of a Common looking at how the risk of contracting or governments introduce the policy International Standard for health transmitting COVID-19 while travelling framework leading to a global Common screening, needed to unlock global can be reduced. From this week, all International Standard for health trade and travel. operational Heathrow colleagues will screening. The technology under trial uses be wearing face coverings and will Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye camera detection systems capable be handing out face coverings to any said: “We welcome the Secretary of monitoring the temperatures of arriving and departing passengers who of State for Transport’s ‘air bridge’ multiple people moving through the do not have their own. This is in addition proposals to allow trade to continue airport. Passengers will be alerted to to the provision of over 600 hand between destinations with low the trials through signage placed at the sanitiser stations, enhanced cleaning COVID-19 risks. immigration hall, but will otherwise regimes, prominent signage featuring “To unlock the full benefits of see no visible change to their arrivals government health advice, perspex aviation for the economy, a Common journey as no other screening methods barriers for frontline contact points and International Standard for health will be needed. No personal data will be social distancing reminders. screening must be agreed by the global stored or shared through these trials. Heathrow will also explore the use of authorities – and the technology we If successful, the equipment may UV sanitation to quickly and efficiently are trialling now could be a part of this be rolled out across the airport into sanitise security trays and contact-free solution. departures, connections and colleague security screening equipment to reduce “As one of the world’s great trading search areas to further stress test person-to-person contact. nations, the UK should take a lead in its capabilities. Heathrow is clear any The launch of the trials comes as setting a global plan to reopen borders, measures or technology must satisfy the UK Government considers the when it is safe to do so. This will help certain tests if it is introduced as implementation of “air bridges” across protect millions of British jobs that rely mandatory in the future, including: destinations with low COVID-19 risk, on aviation, but are currently at risk.”

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 33 Events Debut Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Virtual event gets underway

• ATM Virtual will place focus on emerging trends, opportunities and the challenges directly impacting the travel and tourism industry amid COVID-19 • The event, which runs from 1-3 June 2020, will feature a host of webinars,conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking, and one-to-one meetings • Over 12,000 participants from 148 countries have registered

session ‘A Conversation with Sir Tim Clark’ will take place from 11:00am – 12:00pm GST (8.00am – 9.00am BST) on Monday 1 st June. The President of Emirates Airline will speak to John Strickland about his time at the airline, its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its plans for the future, as well as unveiling Emirates strategy, including planned fleet and network changes. Another key event taking place on the first day is ‘OTAs & Distribution for Tours & Attractions post-COVID’. Run by Arival, the global research authority on the tours, activities and attractions sector, Dr. Taleb Rifai Fahd Hamidaddin this session will focus on the rise of Chairman of Itic and Former Secretary Chief of Investment Strategy and Tourism online travel agencies, the re-opening General of unwto Marketing Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia of operations, and what this means for tour and attraction operators across ravel trade professionals from ME, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), said: the Middle East. across the world will gather “Our debut event not only underscores Meanwhile, other highlights from Tonline tomorrow (Monday, 1 ATM’s mission to support and guide the day one include ‘Communicating and st June 2020) for the first day of region’s vast travel and tourism industry Building Confidence Now’ and ‘The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Virtual, a during and beyond COVID-19, but it Hotel Landscape in a post-COVID-19 newly-launched three-day event for the also demonstrates our commitment World’ sessions. region’s tourism community. to delivering positive business and Day two will feature The Virtual The debut event, which will run from networking opportunities to the entire ATM China Forum. Taking place from 1-3 June 2020, will place a focus on community, during even the most 11:00am – 12:00pm GST (8.00 – emerging trends, opportunities, and the challenging times. 9.00am BST), the forum will focus challenges which are directly impacting “With up to four live high-level on the recovery of outbound travel the travel and tourism industry amid the sessions each day, industry experts from the country and how Chinese COVID-19 global health pandemic. Over will address a range of topics including travellers have been changing their way the course of three days, ATM Virtual a road map to recovery, tourism of accessing information about foreign will feature comprehensive webinars, strategies for the future, the hotel destinations. live conference sessions, roundtables, landscape in a post-COVID-19 world, The packed agenda will also feature speed networking events, and one-to- and the resilience of the travel industry, the debut Travel Forward Virtual one meetings, as well as facilitating as well as exploring the ‘new normal’ event. Over the course of three days, new connections and offering a wide that lies ahead, emerging travel suppliers and senior executives will range of online business opportunities. technology and sustainability trends.” be provided with innovative insights Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Kicking off proceedings, the opening of what travel technology has to offer

34 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Events

beyond 2020. Addressing the impact of COVID-19, the event will help bridge the gap between uncertainty and resilience during these unprecedented times. Highlights of on the second day will include the following sessions: ‘Catapulting Resilience Through Technology and Analytics’ and ‘Conversational Commerce for Travel Brands.’ Another highlight of our second day will be live webinar ‘Bouncing Back: Tourism Strategies for the Future’ which will see industry experts including Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief of Investment, Strategy and Tourism Danielle Curtis Sir Tim Clark Marketing for the Ministry of Tourism Exhibition Director me Arabian Travel Market President of Emirates Airline Saudi Arabia and Keith Tan, CEO, Singapore Tourism discuss how the long-term tourism development interview between Harold Goodwin, the And, one-to-one pre-scheduled strategies implemented by the region’s WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor, and 30-minute meetings between editors, governments will become a catalyst for Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior Vice exhibitors, and buyers will also take recovery when travel patterns adjust to President Responsible Business and place, while live video sessions will the ‘new norm’. Safety & Security, Radisson Hotel include Q&As and polls which will Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief of Group. Inge will be speaking about be run alongside the presentations to Investment, Strategy and Tourism the latest thinking on post-COVID-19 enable audience interaction. Curtis Marketing, Ministry of Tourism hospitality, managing hotels and the added: “In addition, a host of hour- Saudi Arabia, said: “As global travel supply chain and about advancing the long speed networking sessions, restrictions ease, our focus is on responsibility agenda when resources between key buyers and exhibitors, ensuring that Saudi Arabia is ready to are limited. will culminate in over 900 5-minute welcome visitors as soon as they are The Influencers’ Summit will meetings that can then be extended ready to travel. We are collaborating also take place the last day and will into more in-depth meetings where a across the public and private sectors, include a session entitled ‘Make business need is identified. “Targeting to safeguard the wellbeing of visitors, Your Connection: Influencers as exhibitors from this region while continuing to invest in high a Key Part of the Marketing Mix – predominantly, the dedicated quality tourism experiences. Saudi COVID-19 The Road to Recovery,’ networking events will feature one Arabia offers endless appeal to the featuring a panel of prominent travel Middle East-focused session per day, modern traveler. We are optimistic and lifestyle influencers including as well as sessions for buyers, focused about the future of tourism in the Abdullah al-Jumah, Author, Lawyer on purchasing European and Asian Kingdom and we remain committed to and Influencer and Talel al-Rashed, products, plus a session specifically our long-term targets.” Hospitality and Gastronomy Expert, targeting Chinese buyers.” Drawing the debut ATM Virtual who will discuss the importance of As well as addressing the impact to a close, the third and final day, best practices and how to create the global health pandemic has had on Wednesday 3 rd May, will include relevant, engaging and impactful the hospitality industry, the debut ATM highlights such as an interview travel and lifestyle content in the Virtual will provide travel professionals with Wizz Air CEO, Joszef Varadi, current climate. This will be followed with a wealth of information, advice the International Travel Investment by a special networking event focusing and support to cope with the current Conference summit and a webinar titled on the Influencer Tourism market. crisis and planning for the future. ‘What are you doing to energise your Meanwhile, a series of independently Arabian Travel Market would like to operational performance?’ which will moderated, pre-recorded on-demand thank the Ministry of Tourism Saudi discuss the power of data analytics in roundtables have been designed to Arabia and the Italian Tourist Board for helping to maximise performance. discuss emerging hot topics such as their support of ATM Virtual as Gold Also, on the third day will be domestic travel, luxury travel trends, Sponsors. the Responsible Tourism session, corporate travel, the challenges faced ATM Virtual takes place from ‘The Implications of Covid-19 for by travel providers and agencies and Monday 1 st to Wednesday 3 rd June Responsible Hospitality’, with an tourism recovery plans. 2020.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 35 Hospitality and Food

n a bid to ensure the safety of guidance in public areas across hotels. colleagues and guests during the Daily surveys will be conducted Iongoing Covid-19 pandemic phase to examine colleague comfort, a and beyond, Hyatt has pledged to hotel’s cleanliness, working order and enhance its operational guidance and customer service, thereby allowing resources. hotel leaders to make the necessary The initiative involves an changes immediately. accreditation process by the Global Additionally, a working group of Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) at all trusted medical and industry advisors their hotels worldwide. The hospitality will be deployed to address specific brand plans to introduce a GBAC STAR health and hygiene issues. accreditation through a performance- Hyatt has also set up a The Hyatt Hyatt based cleaning, disinfection and Care Fund, to support colleagues with infectious disease prevention financial pressures during these difficult programme, thereby enabling safe and times. healthy hotel environment. Detailed Mark Hoplamazian, president announces training will come into effect at more and CEO, Hyatt said, “The world as than 900 Hyatt hotels around the we knew it has been fundamentally globe. changed by Covid-19 and when we are global By September 2020, every Hyatt all ready to travel again, we want to hotel will have at least one person on make sure that every Hyatt colleague property trained as hygiene manager and guest feel confident that each care and who will look after the improvised aspect of our commitment is designed operational guidance and protocols. with their safety in mind, and that we’re cleanliness These include increased frequency putting their wellbeing first. of cleaning with hospital-grade “To do this, we must critically disinfectants on all high-touch examine the hotel experience from commitment surfaces, guestrooms and shared every vantage point – from our rooms spaces; implementation of enhanced and our lobbies to our spas and dining food safety and hygiene protocols for – bringing in the latest research, restaurants, room service and group technology and innovation to make meetings and events; prominently that happen. Hyatt’s Global Care placed hand sanitiser stations and Cleanliness Commitment is an throughout the property; protective important expression of our purpose masks and other equipment for hotel to care for people so they can be their colleagues and social distancing best – now and in the future.”

36 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Hospitality and Food

Hotels, Bars & Restaurants offer Govt. to Consider Abeyance of Liquor Licenses

HRAWI appeals for time extension on fee installments.

he Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India T(HRAWI) has written to the Maharashtra Government, requesting to devise a policy whereby hotels, restaurants and bars in the State would be able to keep their licenses under abeyance or in custody for a period of one year or until the next renewal date. The Association has further requested the State Excise Department to provide an extension of time on the installment scheme by two months in view of the severe loss to business incurred by hospitality players during the lockdown. The Association had earlier asked the Government for a waiver of the 15 per cent increase in annual excise license fee. To this, the Government offered liquor license holders the choice to either pay the entire fee by June 1st to the businesses,” said Gurbaxish Singh Pursuant to the Excise department receive a waiver or to pay the whole in Kohli, President, HRAWI. circular dated 25.03.2020, in view of three installments spread over one year. HRAWI has also suggested that the pandemic and lockdown, renewal “Since 22nd March, 2020 hotels and establishments that choose to keep of license was subject to two schemes restaurants have been closed and in-dining their licenses in custody should be free whereby the license holders could pay specifically has been prohibited. We are to revive their licenses upon payment of full amount as per old fees rate without not generating any revenue nor are we sure fees and with no further new or additional 15 per cent hike before 30th April and when will we be able to in the foreseeable conditions attached when reviving. OR pay the fee at the new increased future. We aren’t even being allowed to “For many small establishments Rs.8 rate in 3 installments. The time to pay sell liquor as take away or deliveries. lakhs is a significant amount of money in the first scheme above has now been Against this backdrop we have been asked especially, to be paid in advance, at extended up to 1st June, 2020. to pay the liquor license fee with a 15 once. There is zero cash flow and no “The lockdown is still in force and per cent increase and our request for the assurance if business will continue to there is no likelihood of service of liquor rollback of the increase has been ignored. survive tomorrow. Under this situation, to resume in Hotels and Restaurants. Furthermore, we are not being allowed to paying such a huge fee is difficult and It will not take any less than 6 to 8 sell liquor as take away or deliveries. So it will drain whatever little liquidity an months after the lockdown opens for now we are requesting the Government establishment may have in reserve for the industry to revive. Keeping this in to devise a policy whereby restaurants & the uncertain times to come. There are mind and the fact that our industry hotels are able to keep the license under around 18,000 FL III license holders and is severely impacted, we request that abeyance or in custody for a period of one if the situation persists, the industry the installment scheme be modified year or till the next renewal date during will partially collapse. We are afraid by extending the time to pay fees by the subsistence of this pandemic or till that 40 to 50 per cent of businesses 2 months on each of the installments. such time that the circumstances are not will be forced to shut and the fee is an We plead that the payments to be favorable for doing business. I am sure unwarranted financial burden at this due on 31st August, 2020; 30th that this is a very reasonable demand and time,” said Pradeep Shetty, Vice November 2020 and 28th February, which is fair to both the Government and President, HRAWI. 2021,” Kohli concluded.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 37 Hospitality and Food

years of dedicated service to the company, having most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, (responsible for leading the global operations of the business and its family of brands around the world), is a treasure-trove of knowledge and business resilience. Troy Alstead is founder, president, and CEO of Ocean5, the unique new place for playing, meeting, and dining, and Table 47, the new farm-to-table, fresh from the scratch restaurant, both located in Gig Harbor, Washington. His ability to determine what the new-age customer needs and curate a product that successfully helps satisfy the said need, at scale will be valuable as OYO goes about its journey of helping people live the good life. He is also on the Board of Topgolf Group Ltd, Harley- Davidson Inc, and Levi Strauss & Co. “We are delighted to welcome Troy YO Hotels & Homes has to OYO’s board of directors,” said OYO Hotels announced the appointment of Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group OTroy Alstead as an independent CEO, OYO Hotels & Homes. “Troy member of the company’s board of brings tremendous operating and & Homes directors. He will join the board that governance experience that will help has Industry experts like Gerardo Issac us continue delivering on our mission (Gerry) Lopez, Operating Partner at to help millions of middle-income Announces SoftBank Vision Fund, Betsy Atkins, people around the world gain access CEO & Founder of Baja Corporation, to quality accommodations at different the Munish Varma, SoftBank Investment price points. As we continue to grow Advisers, Bejul Somaia, Managing and to deepen our relationships with Director, Lightspeed Venture Partners asset owners and consumers around Appointment and Mohit Bhatnagar, Managing the world, we are fortunate to have Director, Sequoia Capital and Aditya seasoned professionals like Troy on our of Troy Ghosh making it a powerful, diverse, board of directors.” and truly global combination. “OYO, with its unique asset-light As an independent member of the business model and strong data Alstead as Board, Troy will play a supervisory role capabilities, is creating something and provide guidance to the Founder entirely new for more than 3 billion and the management on key business middle-income travelers and city Independent decisions. His depth of experience in dwellers who need accommodations operations, financial management, that meet their standards and also Member of business resilience planning and growth their budgets,” said Troy Alstead. “I cycle management will strengthen look forward to working with Ritesh, the company’s ability to deliver on the management team, and my fellow the Board sustainable growth, operational board members as OYO strives to and service excellence, and help us become the world’s most beloved and continue building a strong culture of preferred hotel brand,” he added. corporate governance. Known worldwide as a new age young Former Starbucks veteran will hospitality startup, OYO Hotels & Homes help the company strengthen Troy Alstead has attracted some of the world’s Troy’s experience from ground-up leading investors, including Airbnb Inc., its focus on corporate in building the solid foundations of SoftBank Vision Fund, Sequoia Capital, governance at multiple levels Starbucks Corporation through 24 Lightspeed, and Hero Enterprise.

38 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Hospitality and Food Ruby Hotels plans Stuttgart opening

uby Hotels is planning a new blackout curtains, high-quality linen and represents an attractive new addition to 150-room hotel and 1,700 m2 extra-long and wide custom mattresses. the Stuttgart hotel market,” commented Rco-working space in central It is the second time a Ruby Hotel Michael Struck, CEO and founder of Stuttgart’s Gerber shopping centre. has been integrated into a shopping Ruby Group. The Munich-based hotel brand which mall. The first was the Ruby Coco in The Gerber shopping mall is owned it calls ‘lean luxury’ will launch its first Dusseldorf, which opened in 2018, and by the life and pension assurance Stuttgart property in the Spring of 2023. is based on top of the famous “KÖ- company, Württembergische Combining a hotel and ‘Ruby works’ Galerie“, directly on one of the most Lebensversicherung AG. Klaus Betz, co-working space in the city’s central famous shopping streets in Germany, Head of real estate at the company Gerber shopping centre, the new hotel the Königsallee. said: “We are delighted that the Gerber will be Ruby’s 10th project in Germany and the first time actual retail space shopping mall is increasingly turning as it aims for a total of 17 properties has been converted for this purpose. The into a mixed-use development and by 2023, increasing from its present conversion work of the 8,000m² space indeed is being perceived as such. This eight including a new addition in London is scheduled to start in the autumn of is where an attractive building offering which opened at the end of 2019. 2021 in collaboration with the Stuttgart local amenities such as retail units and The new hotel and co-working space architecture firm, BWK Architekten. restaurants focusing on quality and with approximately 190 workstations “As a conversion of former retail sustainability, also accommodates office will be on the top floor of the city space right in the heart of the city, the space and a hotel development. The shopping mall and have an industrial Gerber project represents a ground- fact that we were able to acquire Ruby style with high, open ceilings and breaking milestone for us. We have is an important milestone in Gerber’s exposed concrete. created completely new room types for strategic development and a sensible Guest rooms will range in size from this project, adapted to the challenging addition to our overall concept. This ‘Nest’ rooms (14-15 m²) to ‘Loft’ rooms floor layouts. The excellent location, high project means that we are combining (21-23 m²), with the property also ceilings and unusual style of the building more than six types of use in one housing a 24-hour bar and a library. All are a perfect match for our lean luxury development which complies with “The guest rooms will have soundproofing, philosophy and the project therefore City of Short Distances” concept.”

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 39 Hospitality and Food Centara Hotels & Resorts Launches Exclusive Deal Offering Voucher with Extra 50% Value for All of Its Resorts in Destinations Worldwide

the COVID-19 crisis. The voucher is valid for purchase on its website from now until October 31, 2021. Each Centara hotels or resorts will features at least one premium restaurant, each has a spa and fitness center. The hotel designs and style vary ranging from family-friendly beachfront resort to romantic beachside hideaway, adult-focused resort, residential setting, long-term comfort in residences and suites, villa luxury, and barefoot paradise in a secluded setting. There are 76 properties of Centara Hotels & Resorts that span across all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises seven brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, uy Now, Travel Later those who wish to travel the world Centra by Centara, Centara Residences with Centara Hotels & when it is safe to travel again. & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging BResorts, Thailand’s leading hotel Buy a Centara cash voucher for a from 5-star city hotels and luxurious operator has launched a special deal future escape with a value starting at island retreats to family resorts and to gives an extra 50% for its vouchers THB1,000. Vouchers can be redeemed affordable lifestyle concepts supported sales for hotels and resorts in different for hotel stays or spending in the hotel by innovative technology. It also has its destinations around the world. while staying at any Centara Hotels own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Prepare to enjoy your dream & Resorts’ properties in Thailand and Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity destinations soon whether it’s the overseas. Centara will add a further of formats allow it to serve and satisfy “city-center” locations or beautiful 50% value to the purchase. Half will travelers of nearly every age and lifestyle. beaches and islands, Centara Hotels go to the buyer, with the value of the At present, Centara Hotels & Resorts & Resorts will bring you to experience voucher being increased by 25% to get also has implemented the safety measures a range of upscale hotels and resorts. more out of the next adventure. The in the hotels that remain open with secure You will be able to have memorable other half will be made as a donation protective measures and hygiene cleaning experiences in both facilities and to “Help the Heroes,” a campaign which incorporates guidelines from the services of the “Centara” brand. These aimed to support health workers and World Health Organization (WHO) for are the best travel deals offering to frontlines who works tirelessly during safety trips of all guests.

40 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Hospitality and Food

Centara Hotels & Resorts launches ‘Help the Heroes’ campaign with donations to support healthcare workers and communities in need

entara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, Chas launched ‘Help the Heroes’, a campaign aimed at supporting those in need during Covid-19, with donations going to the Chaipattana Covid-19 Aid Fund (and other pandemics) and Thai Red Cross Society.‘Help the Heroes’ is an initiative designed to directly benefit health workers and vulnerable communities impacted by Covid-19. When a consumer buys a Centara cash voucher for a future escape, Centara will add a further 50% value to the fight against COVID-19 and we are very to stay at home. The company also purchase. Half will go to the buyer, with serious about supporting the global recently introduced a high-quality the value of the voucher being increased efforts to beat the disease. That’s delivery service to take food to people’s by 25% to help them get more out of why we created this initiative and we homes during the crisis. their next adventure, when it is safe to are very happy to be contributing to The group has implemented the travel again. And the other half will be both honourable charities. We also following safety measures in the hotels made as a donation to those in need, understand the current strain on families that remain open: social distancing with the customer able to choose which and communities who are unable to arrangements, installation of additional of the two charities Centara donates to. leave their homes or provinces, or see hand washing hand sanitising stations Both selected charities support the friends and loved ones, so we hope by in public areas of hotels and resorts and fight against Covid-19. The Chaipattana providing a little extra to customers in common areas frequented by guests Covid-19 Aid Fund (and other too, it can give them something to and employees; expanded employee pandemics) provides support for under- look forward to when it is safe to travel training in transmission prevention, resourced hospitals with items such again”, said Thirayuth Chirathivat, which incorporates guidelines from as personal protective equipment and CEO, Centara Hotels & Resorts. the World Health Organization (WHO); other essential medical supplies. The ‘Help the Heroes’ is part of Centara’s notices in public areas to inform guests Red Cross Society provides medical ongoing efforts during Covid-19. about the situation and protective supplies to hospitals and masks to the The company is also providing measures they can take; frequent most vulnerable people. complimentary hotel accommodation periodic sanitising of common areas To help Thailand’s heroes, people and meals to healthcare workers while within each property, including food can visit the company’s website and buy flagship property, Centara Grand at preparation areas, restaurants that Centara cash vouchers. Valid from now CentralWorld in Bangkok, has hosted remain open and common guest areas; until 31 October 2021 and with a value doctors, nurses and other healthcare and providing updates to guests on starting at THB1,000, the vouchers can staff from the Police Hospital since 1st the situation as needed. In addition, be redeemed for hotel stays or spending April 2020. The company is also poised thermal scanners check the temperature in the hotel whilst staying at any Centara to launch a social media campaign of guests and visitors; those with high Hotels & Resorts’ properties in Thailand to thank the healthcare heroes from fever or other symptoms may undergo and overseas. Thailand and around the world. additional screening. When checking in, “We are enormously grateful for Centara Hotels & Resorts supports all hotel guests are also asked to fill out the fantastic and selfless work being social distancing and the Thai a questionnaire enquiring about their carried out by medical workers in the government and global initiatives prior trips.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 41 Hospitality and Food

Hotel Product Adaptations and Impact on Operations in the post-COVID-19 Era - by Manav Thadani

n our 25 years of hospitality consulting, we had never thought Iwe would see a period quite so transformative for hotels. The next few years will witness a much greater push in terms of how hotels operate: owner–operator relationships could well be re-defined, as could management- employee relationships. Moreover, the consumer behaviour of travellers and the hotel product itself will be studied closely to determine what’s relevant and what’s not. This article focuses on the hotel product: most importantly, on Rooms, F&B and Public Area adaptations that would need to take place from a product perspective. Travellers are going to look for a unique and special reason to travel to a country, city or hotel. Unless the hotels (and guest houses) out there do more than cater to a basic set of travel needs – in other Notwithstanding, marketing executives teams have insisted on a size which in words, create a genuinely compelling utilise a lot of fluff and jargon to most cases is 15-20% larger. And we and differentiated offering – they will be differentiate their hotel product. Brands have seen this again and again. The in big trouble. instead need to shift their emphasis unsuspecting owner therefore ends up Branded hotels have been playing to maintaining strong safety and spending more on a per-square-foot with brand standards to meet their hygiene standards: if hotels can be basis. Unfortunately, for many owners, own requirements of segmenting hotel built cheaper because they can become this expenditure is also about being products, to avoid area-of-protection simpler to use, then that would be the able to satisfy their ego. I think going clauses in hotel management contracts way to go for brands. Here’s a look at forward we will need to be smarter and to be able to have multiple hotel certain things that should change and and focus on investments that are products in the same market. Too many help bring about standardisation. productive and meet a new set of brands within each hotel company needs. that have been created, mainly to keep Room Size Matters We believe that if a Upscale hotel growing and not because of any serious We believe there could potentially was earlier built with a gross area of customer needs. This will either start be a big shift in focus from room 900–1100 per sq ft or a mid-scale getting rationalised by the brands sizes and amenities to safety and hotel was built at 800-900 per sq ft themselves or they will be forced to do health. The past few years have seen then the general rule should be as so by owners. Brand standards should be owners complain that it’s become too to how we can reduce this by 10% based on the returns owners make, what expensive to build hotels. Large room to 15% at the very least for all new customers need and most importantly sizes have become the easiest way for builds. If we truly expect that the what they are ready to pay for. large multi-branded hotel companies number of permanent employees will Frankly, most travellers and, in to ask for differentiation: for a given go down by, say, 20% in times to particular business travellers, are brand, rooms in the US may be 32-34 come, then we need smaller locker looking for a clean room, efficient WIFI sq metres, but be of a different size rooms, administration areas, smaller and a comfortable bed and shower. in Europe. In Asia, brand development staff cafeteria etc. With sustainable

42 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Hospitality and Food

development a key subject in today’s defined by state authorities. However, crucial inputs from the Finance, world, the time for conservation has on the other hand back of the house Sales and Marketing and Revenue come and every inch of the developed areas could actually reduce as people departments. The Finance department space needs to be re-engineered. combine job roles and there are fewer will have to give insights into the Room design and fit outs may become employees. Certain functions will government relief packages available much simpler and more standardised. get combined to bring payroll under to them as well as legal requirements Ideally, the brand will provide four ready control, as highlighted in our article to be fulfilled by the hotels. Sales options and the owner gets complete Talent Management, Engagement and and Marketing departments will designs and plans for the one he/she Compensation. Further, the need to be need to identify different markets to picks. Instead of larger, we believe sustainable may result in engineering attract business from and consortium rooms will need to become simpler areas becoming more compact, as marketing is expected to gain with less ‘stuff’, making them easier to new plant and machinery is generally momentum. We highlight the need for clean and allowing fewer objects that smaller, more efficient and sustainable. Sales teams to accept the fact that guests can touch. Expect the same In terms of hotel operations, some simply lowering rates would not attract in the bathrooms. Finally, we think adaptations required at department more guests (refer to our article: some of the minimum room inventory level will be as follows: Road to Recovery Through Revenue requirements may go away and the • Hygiene and Safety: Security Management). Weekend demand in city focus will instead be on the most departments will have to continue hotels may need to be turbo-induced appropriate inventory for that location thermal scanning for guests and staff using attractive pricing. Additionally, and market. at all points of entry into hotels. A departmental costs will have to be sustainable method will need to be relooked at and stringent cost control F&B Adaptations devised to sanitise guest luggage measures will need to be put in place. Perhaps the time has come for coming in. Front Office team members • Digital Marketing: As consumers full-service hotels in urban locations will need to ensure adequate social in general become more tech-savvy to examine their F&B offerings. With distancing between guests at all times in lockdown periods, digital marketing the aim of reducing cost it may be and procuring details of travel histories will gain popularity now more than important to restrict F&B outlets to and possible symptoms may continue ever before. Marketing Communication one or two. Freestanding restaurants in the immediate to medium term. In Managers will need to focus their have already taken a march over many the longer term, the Housekeeping energy on connecting with existing and hotel restaurants and this may be a department will become a key player potential guests across various digital good time to evaluate the restaurant in ensuring that stringent room platforms, re-iterating for guests the product. The use of technology will checks are carried out in an effort to initiatives taken by their brands and grow and so will the guest’s ability to ensure maximum levels of hygiene individual units during the COVID-19 order / pay by using QR codes (see being maintained throughout the crisis to ensure guest comfort and our article ‘Who Moved My Cheese? hotels. Sanitisers will not only become guest and employee safety. – Disruptions That Will Redefine available throughout the hotels but • Contact-less Services: Contact- Hospitality in a post Pandemic will also form an essential part of the less services that are yet to gain World’). Menus may well be displayed housekeeping caddy. The Hygiene popularity in Indian hospitality may well in large display units or the old- and Quality Control department will become the trend in the post COVID-19 fashioned blackboard; for now, buffets become essential to ensuring safe era, such as: a) Self-check-in kiosks will certainly find their way out and receiving of raw materials, as well as b) Online check-in and check-out c) therefore smaller menus may come quality checks of staff, food products Electronic minibars and d) Digital Key back in fashion. Coffee shops will need and surfaces. Food related hygiene and technology to have potentially larger areas and sanitation has been covered in detail in • Public Areas: Public areas, may spill outdoors or into the corridors the section titled Food and Beverage: especially swimming pools and for now, as it may not be physically The Way Forward. Brands may consider fitness centres, will have to be closely possible to maintain social distancing introducing a position for the Chief monitored by trained staff. Guests will otherwise. How about instead of an Health/ Hygiene Officer who would be have to undergo thermal scanning and open kitchen we have a visible dish responsible for creating guidelines for number of guests using the facility washer? hygiene and sanitation practices at a at any given point of time will have to corporate level and monitoring these at be controlled. Spa and Fitness Centre Other Adaptations unit level. memberships for non-resident guests Banquet sizes may need to be • Reforecasting Exercise: In the may lose popularity in the medium to reviewed as it may become difficult immediate term, hotels will need to long term. Equipment at the fitness to provide buffets for weddings and undertake an extensive re-budgeting centres and business centres will need social distancing guidelines may get exercise for the financial year with to be sanitised after every use.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 43 Hospitality and Food beroi Group r lls ut enhanced health, safety programme across all hotels

ospitality firm The Veritas, a world leader in Oberoi Group on laboratory testing, inspection HFriday said it has and certification services rolled out an enhanced to validate and review their health and safety programme, it added. programme at all Oberoi and Bureau Veritas will also Trident hotels for its guests undertake various virtual and employees in the wake and in-person training of COVID-19. sessions to supervise The health and safety the implementation of standards and procedures the hygiene and safety will be supervised by standards at Oberoi and dedicated hygiene and Trident hotels, it added. safety managers at each Vikram Oberoi, hotel, as well as by senior Managing Director and members of the hotel Chief Executive Officer of management team, Oberoi The Oberoi Group said, “At Group said in a statement. The Oberoi Group, we have Vikram Oberoi, The Oberoi Group has also always prioritised the health Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer collaborated with Bureau and safety of our guests of The Oberoi Group

44 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Hospitality and Food

and colleagues and have Every effort will be made to hotels are prepared under been working relentlessly ensure our award winning impeccably hygienic to welcome guests back at hotels continue to be the environments. Restaurants our hotels. It is imperative safest and most desirable across Oberoi properties for us to take extraordinary option for our guests and our ensure safe distancing with measures to ensure the employees,” he added. necessary safety precautions wellbeing of our guests, and It is imperative for the without diminishing the our people.” group to take extraordinary dining experience of guests, “Our stringent health measures to ensure the the statement said. and safety standards are wellbeing of its guests, and Hotels will additionally now available on the Oberoi its people, he added. ensure their fleet of hotel- Hotels & Resorts and Trident “Every effort will be made owned and operated cars are Hotels websites in their to ensure our award winning thoroughly sanitised before at the restaurants or in their entirety. We hope this will hotels continue to be the and after each trip, it added. rooms, the statement said. help our guests understand in safest and most desirable The hotels will use Founded in 1934, The detail the measures we have option for our guests and technology to minimize Oberoi Group operates 33 implemented for their safety our employees,” Oberoi said. contact, whether it is for hotels, two Nile Cruisers and perhaps others too may Food and beverage guests checking in or and a Motor Vessel in the find these standards useful. at Oberoi and Trident checking out or for dining backwaters of Kerala.

Specializing in luxury hotels and resorts, The Lodhi, New Delhi Namby has a rich experience spanning announces appointment of over two decades. Rajesh Namby as GM

he Lodhi, New Delhi has experiences. At The Leela Palace, New announced the appointment Delhi, he spearheaded the launch of Tof Rajesh Namby as the General one of the most comprehensive culinary Manager of the hotel. portfolios in the city to much acclaim Specializing in luxury hotels and and success. Under his leadership, resorts, Rajesh has a rich experience The Leela Palace, Udaipur saw new spanning over two decades, during developments and consecutively won which he was associated with several accolades, including being renowned hotel chains like The the No. 1 Hotel in the country on Leela, Hyatt, Hilton and Taj Group. TripAdvisor, and the prestigious title of His last assignment was as General the ‘World’s Best Hotel’ and ‘Asia’s Best Manager of The Leela Palace, Udaipur, Resort’ by Travel+Leisure in 2019. and prior to that he was the Resident Rajesh was conferred the Food & Manager of The Leela Palace, Beverage Professional of the Year in the Chanakyapuri. Rude Food Awards 2012 by Vir Sanghvi During his 17 years of association and won the Jury Award for Outstanding with the Leela Group, he was Performance as General Manager in the an integral part of their culinary BW Hotelier Indian Hospitality Awards operations and played an instrumental 2018. He has also been recognized as role in transforming their F&B by the Game Changer in the F&B Trends in introducing new standards of service the Country by the Food and Nightlife and pioneering new levels of dining Magazine.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 45 Hospitality and Food The Fern Hotels & Resorts unveils Staygiene

modifications, as directed by The lobby floor will circumstances and the local have clear demarcations authorities. at the reception for social The carefully drafted distancing. All guest touch- document lays guidelines points in public areas will and protective measures be cleaned continuously to ensure the safety of its using leading sanitizers guests as well as employees. and disinfectant products Daily temperature checks, like Diversey. Correctly- regular sanitization, formulated hand sanitizers enhanced awareness will be in place in all the training sessions on hygiene public areas. and preventive actions, To ensure that the regular medical check-ups guest feel safe inside the and doctor visits are some room, enhanced cleaning of the salient features of the protocols have been new Operating Procedures formulated for all rooms (OP) for the employees. prior to and after each The document stresses guest’s stay. All room and the optimal use of bathroom surfaces, floorings technology to reduce human and high guest touch- touch to the bare minimum. points will be cleaned and Online e-registration options disinfected daily. Moreover, before arrival, scanned ID all guest rooms will be proofs before check-in, rested for a mandatory e-version of reservation minimum period before confirmation voucher are being allocated to the next some of the new OP’s guest. All room linen and Suhail Kannampilly, to ensure minimal guest guest laundry treated using the CEO of the company interaction during check in. enhanced wash cycles Right from the time the and approved chemicals The Fern Hotels New Normal guest is picked up from the to provide added safety airport, utmost care will be for guests and all laundry taken while transporting services will be contact less. he Fern Hotels & safety measures across all the guests. All hotel cars Right from the time we Resorts has unveiled its Fern and Beacon hotels, will be sanitized before and pick up a guest till he checks Tits new operational based on the directives after every use, only two out, each and every thing has standards, Staygiene - received from the Ministry guests will be allowed per been planned in detail. We The Fern Hotels New of Health and Family car and chauffeurs will be want to inform our guests Normal, where health and Welfare, FSSAI and the local equipped with protective that we are doing everything hospitality come together government authorities, gear at all times. in our control to safeguard for heightened guest and Suhail added. The CEO Precautionary measures the health of our guests and employee safety, Suhail also stressed that these for guests include checking our employees. We promise Kannampilly, the CEO of the guidelines and procedures of prior travel history, regular our thoughtful hospitality to company said. would be continuously temperature checks during each and every guest with The organisation has evolving and would be stay, health check protocols, utmost care, one we open executed these hygiene and subject to change or disinfecting luggage etc. our hotels, Suhail added.

46 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Hospitality and Food

Marriott International prepares to Welcome Back Guests with Limited Time Offer Save Now, Stay Later!

An amazing 30 per cent and above off on all bookings, offer open till 30th June 2020!

arriott International today 90 hotels to choose from across India, • Stay 2 nights and pay for 1 night announces the launch of a Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri • Stay 3 nights and pay for 2 nights Msteal deal! Lanka. Guests can opt for any of the Booking period: Until 30th June A limited time offer curated specially following offerings, coupled with the 2020 for their hotels across South Asia. flexibility to modify their reservation at Stay dates: 01st June 2020 - 30th Starting today, guests can avail any any point in time. Whatever the kind June 2021 of the 3 complimentary offers while of holiday you plan next, with Marriott In recognition of the current making their bookings till 30th June you will find safe environs, first-class scenario, guests can request for 2020. Whether booking for leisure or amenities and distinctive service. contact-less room check-in along business, guests can avail their stays with convenience of paying digitally. from now* until 30th June 2021. Details of the offer Marriott International believes foremost Making the deal all the sweeter, one Guest can use code ADR and choose in the health and safety of every guest can earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points with from any of the below offers while and has in place enhanced hygiene & the booking of each stay. booking their stay via Marriott.com: sanitization practices across all their A variety of exciting holiday • Minimum 30 per cent off on the hotels. We look forward to welcoming destinations are available, with over room rate across all hotels you back!

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 47 Hospitality and Food Signum Hotels & Resorts to offer a Contactless, Sanitized Experience

All precautions and all norms are now being followed as per the WHO, CDC and local health authorities by upgrading the cleaning and sanitisation protocols.

ignum Hotels & Resorts advanced technology in the regular to reduce costs and improve the continues to be bullish on the operations is being implemented and business in the times to come, all Supcoming domestic demand. Due social distancing norms are being bases have been covered. To add, to the fact that post-COVID hospitality incorporated. A new vendor’s policy Signum Hotels & Resorts hasn’t carried will require less congested venues, is also being implemented to ensure out any retrenchment instead it has more manageable properties and iconic stringent measures in terms of health, changed the way its hotels will operate driveable destinations, it believes its safety and security. The safety of its and is working to ensure owners and hotels are perfectly poised to benefit team is as is important as the guests, employees are aware of it. from the coming uptake in domestic and we have ensured that they will be An emerging hotel company with 18 travel. provided with masks and gloves and Hotels in India and UK, Signum Hotels With clear SOP’s and unique COVID other necessary personal protective & Resorts, delivers world-class hotel safety assurance practices, Signum equipment. management services that make owners has invested its time in the last two From conducting various sessions and guests alike feel valued. With state- months to adapt, create and fortify its with owners and staff members to of-the-art methodologies to run and operations to offer a contactless and making them feel comfortable and manage the best of properties, each more sanitized experience. Starting steering them through these times in prime locations, Signum simplifies from confirmation emails to contactless to educating and talking to owners processes, increases revenue, reduces key drops, it has mapped the complete about the various steps being taken expenses, and drives direct bookings. guest journey and ensured all facets of the same have been meticulously taken into consideration and safeguarded. All precautions and all norms are now being followed as per the WHO, CDC and local health authorities by upgrading the cleaning and sanitisation protocols. Medical checks for the staff are being carried out,

48 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in Hospitality and Food

Anantara with QR code passes and • Temperature screenings assigned seating at entrances Announces Extension • Individually sealed • Face masks and gloves water bottles and glasses worn by team members at all of ‘Stay with Peace of with covers times and changed regularly • Individual clickers and • Regular and thorough presentation material cleaning with special Mind’ Programme To • Coffee break attention on high-touch refreshments and lunches areas, using disinfectants Include MICE Facilities in individual, sustainably approved by the packaged single use boxes Environmental Protection • Outdoor lunch and Agency and electrostatic s the world begins hotels’ meeting, events coffee break areas spray technology for full to reopen, and and conference spaces and • Physical distancing in coverage Acolleagues, families focusing on wellbeing for bathrooms • Guidance on physical and friends start to guests and team members. • Meeting room distancing in elevators and reconnect and look to the Beginning at Thailand’s sanitaiton after each event other public areas future, Anantara announces flagship property, Anantara • Air-conditioning and • Ongoing training to the extension of its recently Siam Bangkok Hotel, the ventilation system sanitation ensure that team members launched ‘Stay with Peace of measures will be rolled out on a daily basis are fully updated on Mind’ programme to include to all Anantara hotels and Health and hygiene sanitation requirements MICE facilities. To ensure resorts globally. Preventative measures throughout the As new science and guest and meeting delegate measures being introduced hotel focus on guests’ technology evolves in confidence, Anantara will to safeguard guests and wellbeing, with enhanced helping to combat the be implementing stringent team members will include: levels of sanitation. They proliferation of Covid-19, new health and hygiene • Socially distant seating include: Anantara will be alert and measures, with enhanced arrangements for all • Easy access to health responsive to continuously levels of sanitation meetings and conferences stations with hygiene gel ensure the safety of guests extending throughout the • Online pre-registration and wipes and team members.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 49 International

The world-renowned Flame Towers buildings in the capital city Baku of Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Unveils Plan to Revive Tourism Florian Sengstschmid, Post-Coronavirus CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board

he Azerbaijan Tourism Board him, will be when the world shifts to numbers plummeted in April, when (ATB), who manages the Caspian a new normal in a post-COVID-19 era the novel coronavirus began to Tcountry’s destination brand, has that will comprise of new experiences spread more rapidly. The overall developed a four-phase plan designed and campaigns tailored to a number of international visitors to SUBSCRIBE to get the tourism sector back on track different type of global traveler. Azerbaijan decreased by 92 percent. after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. Tourism is among Azerbaijan’s key The Azerbaijani government adopted ATB CEO Florian Sengstschmid sectors impacted by the coronavirus a series of measures to mitigate the said the first phase focuses on outbreak. In March, the country’s negative impact of the pandemic utilizing the ongoing lockdown period borders were closed, while incoming on various industries, including to connect with stakeholders and and outgoing passenger flights tourism. It has allocated 2.5 billion LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE partners virtually and create digital have also been suspended under AZN (€1.35 billion) or 3 percent of content. government-led measures to curb the the GDP to contain the negative “The second phase will be focused spread of the virus. The restrictions will effects of the virus on the national

ì250 / $8 US on domestic tourism, which we are in remain in force until May 31, when the economy. Hotels, travel agencies and Volume 19 | Issue 08 | September 2019 | A Profiles Media Network Publication the process of rolling out as soon as the lockdown in the country is expected to tour operators have begun receiving www.travelspan.in special quarantine regime will be lifted,” end. support under an entrepreneurship relief Sengstschmid said. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak package launched by the government. “The third phase will be when a in Azerbaijan, momentum behind The package includes payroll support, a few travel restrictions are lifted and the country’s tourism sector was financial support program for individual borders reopen; we will use a staggered growing. In January and February of (micro-) entrepreneurs, tax holidays, Israel is the Land approach to roll out communications in this year, 426,000 tourists from 149 rebates and exemptions program and a of Adventure our operational markets and restore key countries traveled to the country, credit support program. Graceful campaigns,» he explained. accounting for 17 percent year- Sengstschmid noted that ATB is Visit Malaysia Khajuraho campaign targets The fourth phase, according to over-year growth. However, tourist preparing for the post-quarantine 30 million Enchanting tourists by 2020 Kerala Here’s why you A Lip-smacking PRINT should spend Culinary Trip in Navratri a Houseboat SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE 12 MONTHS ISSUES AT Rs.2010/- in Gujarat online: www.travelspan.in 50 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in call: +91 124 411 1182 DIGITAL 12 MONTHS ISSUES AT Rs.1210/- International

period in Azerbaijan with the first target ATB has re-launched its 2 websites inviting stakeholders in Azerbaijan being reviving domestic tourism. – tourismboard.az (B2B) and Azerbaijan. to pursue even better healthcare “We are in the process of launching travel (B2C) alongside a new innovative practices in their businesses for the a domestic tourism campaign, in the health & safety program, called sake of safeguarding public health framework of which we collaborate with SAHMAN (Sanitation and Hygiene and supporting the regrowth of the local hotels and tourism agencies in Methods and Norms), for local industry industry. order to provide various tour packages players to improve the standards of Spokesman to the State Tourism to people traveling within Azerbaijan,” hygiene and sanitation. Agency, Kanan Guluzade said if the he said. ATB launched SAHMAN project in government approves the end of the He went on to add that once cooperation with the State Tourism lockdown on May 31, the new tourism international travel restrictions are Agency (STA) of the Republic of season in Azerbaijan will be launched lifted, travelers will be back on track, Azerbaijan and the Food Safety Agency on June 1. However, ATB officials and Azerbaijan will continue offering of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AQTA) in expects the country to see a mass unique experiences and opportunities April of this year. “SAHMAN,” meaning influx of tourists to the country by the under the national “Take Another Look” “immaculateness” in Azerbaijani, is end of this year. slogan. a nationwide campaign aiming to Meanwhile, officials at the Operative “Once travel restrictions are lifted, simultaneously maintain Azerbaijan as Headquarters under the Cabinet I believe people will be eager to travel a high-quality destination for tourism of Ministers, announced that the to less crowded places and discover and business, and promote existing government is developing a set of hidden gems. In this context, Azerbaijan health, safety, and hygiene standards. instructions for hotels and recreation has so much to offer, with its diverse Supported by the World Tourism centers that will outline their activities landscapes, 9 out of 11 climatic zones, Organization, it focuses on three key in the post-quarantine regime. One of dozens of unique languages, and people aspects of the tourism value chain - the requirements is the allocation of a who have lived here for thousands of accommodation, food & beverage, special room at the hotels for dealing years,” he said. and touristic transportation providers, with suspected COVID-19 cases.

LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

ì250 / $8 US Volume 19 | Issue 08 | September 2019 | A Profiles Media Network Publication www.travelspan.in

Israel is the Land of Adventure Graceful Visit Malaysia Khajuraho campaign targets 30 million Enchanting tourists by 2020 Kerala Here’s why you A Lip-smacking PRINT should spend Culinary Trip in Navratri a Houseboat SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE 12 MONTHS ISSUES AT Rs.2010/- in Gujarat online: www.travelspan.in call: +91 124 411 1182travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.inDIGITAL 51 12 MONTHS ISSUES AT Rs.1210/- International

in the Dead Sea

he Dead Sea lies at the lowest Sea show bathers casually reading to the Department for Jewish Zionist point of dry land on earth, more newspapers or books while relaxing Education, Cleopatra and Herod the Tthan 1,300 feet below sea level. on the water with no visible means of Great visited the Dead Sea for its Completely landlocked, it is actually support. curative powers. Mud from the Dead a saltwater lake.Tourists are drawn The unique salt and chemical Sea has been beneficial in treating from all over the world to bathe in this content of the waters of the Dead Sea psoriasis and rheumatic disorders. unique body of water, which is bordered make it toxic upon contact to fish and Among the minerals found in the by Israel on the west and Jordan on the nearly all marine life. The only living waters and mud of the Dead Sea are east. beings that reside in the dead sea bromide, magnesium and potash as are bacteria and an especially hardy well as mineral salt. “Swimming” in the Dead Sea species of algae. Contact with the In actuality, it is nearly impossible to water of the Dead Sea is not toxic to Visiting the Dead Sea swim in the Dead Sea. Because of the human skin, however, the water may Spring and fall are ideal times to high salt content of the water, people cause stinging in open cuts or wounds, visit Israel and its beaches, including who bathe in the Dead Sea can actually according to Frommer’s. the Dead Sea, as the weather hovers float on the surface of the water. between 60 to 80 degrees during Several photos taken from the Dead Therapeutic Properties this time. Israel also enforces strict The high salt and rich mineral content standards for its beaches. However, of the Dead Sea waters is what makes travelers to the Israel side of the it possible for bathers to float on its Dead Sea should plan their trips surface without effort. This unique around Passover in the spring and chemical composition also gives the High Holy Days in the fall, when the waters of the Dead Sea special accommodations are scarce and at therapeutic value to bathers. According peak rates.

52 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in International

similar to Switzerland at the epidemiological level, noted the official, but Italy is in a different situation where circulation within the country is still restricted, thus Switzerland the reopening of borders with Italy could only be considered later. to Regarding the border issue, Michael Ryan, head of the Health Emergencies Program of World Health Organization (WHO), reopen borders commented on Wednesday that it brings no additional risk in the with decision to reopen the land borders France, between Switzerland and the three of Germany, Austria its neighbours. “If the risk of disease in your country is like mine, and your comprehensive measure like mine... ith the positive development at a press conference that the decision then you are not adding any extra in containing COVID-19, was taken jointly with the three risk by moving your citizens between WSwitzerland plans to reopen countries concerned, and the condition the countries,” Ryan said in a virtual its borders with France, Germany and was that the pandemic curve remained press conference from Geneva. Austria on June 15, the Federal Council positive in the following days, Xinhua As of Wednesday, Switzerland announced on Wednesday. reported. reported 30,413 confirmed COVID-19 Karin Keller Sutter, federal councillor France, Germany and Austria cases in total, 33 more than the as well as head of the Federal are currently in a period of previous day. The fatality number is Department of Justice and Police, said deconfinement and present a situation 1,564.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 53 International

is COVID-19 Free

fter 9 weeks of battling tirelessly confirmed to have reached Seychelles this pandemic is the local authority the deadly COVID-19 worldwide in March 2020 as the announcement known as the Public Health Authority Apandemic, Seychelles – the small of the first two cases of COVID-19 was under the supervision of its Seychelles’ island holiday destination in the Indian made on March 14, 2020. Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Jude Ocean with a population of less than a The number of cases on the island Gedeon. hundred thousand inhabitants – is now increased slowly during the next three The public health team reacted COVID-19 Free. weeks and reached its peak on April promptly and effectively to establish The country, which reported a 6, 2020 when the 11th case was emergency protocols with the number of 11 cases in total, has confirmed including the only two local directions of the WHO, to respond to announced the last infected patient transmitted cases following which the COVID-19 crisis to treat the active tested negative for a continuous there has been no other positive cases cases and curb the spreading of the number of days and is now considered reported on the islands. COVID-19 virus within its population. to be healed from the COVID-19 virus. Behind the successful handling of Provision for quarantine facilities and The COVID-19 pandemic was the delicate situation, resulting from an immediate rapid response team

54 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in International

was created from the time WHO had Seychellois authorities remains on declared COVID-19 a pandemic in mid- high alert for any eventualities. The January. Public Health Authority alongside other Following the detection of the last organisations are working hard to keep person subjected to the infection citizens, expatriates and visitors safe and acting in a precautionary manner from the pandemic. to restrain the inflation of infection As announced by the President on numbers in the Seychelles, a travel ban April 28, 2020, visitors and returning order imposed by the authorities came residents arriving in Seychelles will into effect at midnight on Wednesday be subjected to strict measures April 8 in Seychelles, restricting imposed by the Public Health Authority, movement for citizens except essential including a 14-day compulsory service workers. This measure was quarantine. maintained for 21 days. Speaking about the destination being On April 28, 2020, Seychelles’ free from COVID-19, the Minister for President Danny Faure announced a Tourism Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, lifting of restrictions on the movement Minister Didier Dogley stated that the of people on May 4, while travel exceptional work done by the health restrictions will end on 1 June when authorities has been tremendous and it the Seychelles International airport will has enabled the Tourism stakeholders reopen on June 1, 2020. to get back to the drawing board to plan For the moment, Seychelles is free for the arrival of our first visitors. from the COVID-19 pandemic and the “As the situation around the world remains precarious, it is a blessing for our small nation to have been able to curb the spread of the COVID-19 on our shores. As a destination, this is a very big advantage for Seychelles; there is a lot of preparatory work here on the ground with our partners to make sure that Seychelles sends a strong message of being a safe destination. When the world opens up and people start travelling, safety in regards to COVID 19 is going to be a major factor for visitors planning to go on holiday,” said Minister Dogley. He further mentioned that with the opening of the airport on June 1, 2020, Seychelles will be in a very strong position to market itself as a safe destination; something that most tourists will be yearning for after being confined to their homes for months. Composed of 115 islands, the Seychelles Archipelago land of lush vegetation and natural pristine beauty lies scattered across their secret corner of the western Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, some thousand miles away. All cases have been reported and treated on Mahé. No cases have been reported on the inner island of Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Island and the Outer Islands.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 55 International

aldives Marketing to recovery and we are Sun Will and Public Relations committed to welcoming the MCorporation tourists to the sunny side of (MMPRC) said the life,” a statement read. “Maldives, The Sun Will MMPRC is inviting Shine Again” event will take tourism industry partners place at 8pm local time on to participate in the event Shine June 8. by sending a recorded During the three-hour video message of not more Again Facebook live event, well- than 60 seconds. Interestd wishers from around the partners can review the world, including celebrities, video guidelines here. influencers, artists and fans The Maldives official of Maldives will join tourism tourism promotion body promotion officials from has earlier said that it was Maldives to the Maldives “to show their ready to launch new tourism love, sentiments, wishes, promotion campaigns as memories and messages soon as the government set unveil tourism to remind that ‘The Sun a timeline for reopening the Will Shine Again’ in the country’s borders. reopening plans Maldives.” Maldivian officials have “…. [the event aims] to been bullish on their ability announce [to] the world to contain the coronavirus on June 8 that we are on the road outbreak and reopen the

56 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in International

country in the third quarter Malaysia and Sri Lanka. been identified, bringing the closing of government of the year. Visitors from three regions total number of confirmed offices, schools, colleges The government has of Germany (Bavaria, North case in the Maldives to and universities. formulated five scenarios Rhine-Westphalia and 1,078. Non-essential services with possible timelines for Baden-Württemberg), two Three deaths have been and public places in the reopening borders and the regions of France (Île-de- reported and 58 have made capital such as gyms, tourism sector. France and Grand Est) and full recoveries. cinemas and parks have also The best case scenario two regions of South Korea The Maldives announced been shut. sees the country reopen were also banned from a state of public health Restaurants and cafes in borders by May, but the entering the country. emergency on March 12, the capital have been asked most likely scenario projects All direct flights to and the first such declaration to stop dine-in service and a July date for reopening from China, Italy, South under a recent public health switch to takeaway and the borders and restarting Korea and Iran were also protection law. delivery. tourism in October. In the cancelled. The public health A nationwide shutdown of worst case, borders may Cruise ships and foreign emergency declaration has all guesthouses, city hotels only open by January 2021. yachts were also banned allowed the government and spa facilities located on The coronavirus outbreak from docking at any of the to introduce a series of inhabited islands is also in has hit the Maldivian country’s ports. unprecedented restrictive effect. economy hard, as travel With arrival numbers and social distancing Tourism promotion restrictions and other falling and the visa measures, including stay- officials in Maldives are preventive measures affect suspension in effect, several at-home orders in capital preparing to host a grand the country’s lucrative resorts across the Maldives Male and its suburbs, a ban virtual event to kick-start tourism industry, which had been closed. on inter-island transport and the island nation’s efforts to contributes the bulk of the Tourism has been the public gatherings across the reopen its lucrative tourism island nation’s state revenue bedrock of the Maldives’ country, and a nationwide industry. and foreign reserves. economic success. The $5 Before the pandemic, the billion-dollar economy grew government had been bullish by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with about tourism prospects, tourism generating 60 per targeting two million, high- cent of foreign income. spending holidaymakers this However, the government year after last year’s record is at present projecting 1.7 million. a possible 13 per cent However, tourist arrivals economic contraction this saw a year-over-year decline year — an estimated $778 of 22.8 per cent in the first million hit. 10 days of March. Officials On March 8, Maldives say the number of tourist reported its first cases arrivals to the Maldives of the novel coronavirus, could drop by half in 2020. as two hotel employees All international airlines tested positive for Covid-19 have suspended scheduled at a luxury resort in the operations to the Maldives, archipelago. as the island nation enforced Eighteen more cases a blanket suspension of on- — all foreigners working arrival visa in late March in a or staying resorts and bid to combat the spread of liveaboard vessels except the novel coronavirus. five Maldivians who had Even before the visa returned from abroad — suspension, the Maldives were later identified. had closed its borders A six-case cluster of to arrivals from some of locals, detected in capital the worst-hit countries, Male on April 15, confirmed including mainland China, community transmission Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, of the coronavirus. Several Spain, the United Kingdom, more clusters have since

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 57 International

About the Grand Palace The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782, and it consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well The as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length. Grand After King Rama I the Great ascended to the throne in 1782, the Palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre reopen of administration had been located in Palace Thon Buri, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. to visitors from 4 June For various reasons, the new King considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a he Tourism Authority of Thailand will be under strict health and safety new capital on the other side of the river. (TAT) in its latest updated has measures to control and prevent the By his royal command, a palace was Tsaid that the Grand Palace spread of the Coronavirus Disease built to serve not only as his residence, and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, when but also as the site of administrative Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok will be visiting the Grand Palace and Wat offices. The royal compound has been reopened Thursday, 4 June, 2020. The Phra Kaeo, TAT would like to remind known since then as the Grand Palace. update was posted on the Royal Office all to stay safe through this difficult The two earliest buildings erected website (https://www.royaloffice.th/ time and follow the health and safety within the complex were the Dusit Haha en/2020/05/25/the-grand-palace-will- recommendations by keeping social Prasat Throne Hall and the Phra Maha normally-be-open-on-june-4-2020/). distancing, wearing a mask or cloth Monthian. https://www.royaloffice.th/ TAT understands that the reopening mask, and frequently washing hands. en/the-palaces/.

58 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in International

thereafter. February 2 will communication with daily be the outright ban of these press conferences of the nationals.- National Communication On March 16, Prime Committee of Covid-19 and Mauritius Minister Pravind Jugnauth regular interventions by the announces the closure of Prime Minister even when he overcomes Covid-19 the borders of Mauritius was himself in self-isolation. to the countries of the An application, beSafeMoris, How Mauritius became COVID-19 free European Union, the United has also been launched Kingdom, and Switzerland for continuous information from Wednesday, March 18 on the situation and the for a period of two weeks.- precautions to be taken. On March 19, after the In practice, the experience announcement of the first of health services for diseases three cases of the Covid-19, such as malaria has greatly the Prime Minister declared a helped in monitoring contact state of national containment tracing of people found to from the next day for 14 days. be positive. In addition, the The entire economy is shut centralization and creation down except for essential of isolation units for people services and a few grocery in need of intensive care stores and pharmacies.- has helped to minimize the Sanitary confinement spread of the virus. A policy will be tightened three days also helped by the creation later and then extended for of quarantine centres to the first time until April 15, accommodate all returnees. It a second time on May 4 and should be noted that there is finally a third time on June a good synergy between the 1 with a gradual opening government and the private of certain sectors of the sector, including hotel groups economy, from 15 May. which have made no less than The Prime Minister justified eight hotels available to the this extension so that the government for quarantine stabilization of the spread purposes. of the virus would not be Finally, it should be annihilated by a second added that Rodrigues Island, orld-renowned pandemic are to be found in wave of the disease. another part of the Mauritian tourist paradise, the responsiveness of the Mauritius’s success in Republic, located 600 km Wthe Republic of Mauritian authorities and the controlling and stabilizing the from Port-Louis, and also a Mauritius has not escaped effectiveness of a primary coronavirus can, therefore, popular tourist destination, the Covid-19 pandemic. health system well-seasoned be explained by the recorded no case and that However, whilst the World in dealing with epidemics importance attached to this the sanitary confinement Health Organization (WHO) such as malaria or dengue. pandemic by the Mauritian only lasted 14 days there.If predicted more than 20,000 To put the records authorities. The closure no case has been detected cases and 1,139 deaths in straight, Mauritius did of the borders first for the for 20 days, vigilance has the group age of over 60 not wait for the WHO to Asian countries affected not been relaxed and tests years, there will have been declare the coronavirus by Covid-19 and then for for the Covid-19 continue only 332 positive cases and as a pandemic before the other countries and the for all those who worked only 10 deaths for the whole implementing precautionary quarantine of Mauritians during the confinement population, of which only and control measures.- and residents coming from period, including medical five directly related to the As of January 23, abroad demonstrates the will personnel, police, and coronavirus. As of Sunday, passengers inbound from to prevent the coronavirus employees of grocery May 17, no new cases have China are quarantined. A from reaching the coasts of stores. To date, 87,177 been recorded in Mauritius measure extended to other Mauritius. tests of Covid-19 have been for 20 days. The reasons Asian countries such as We also note a desire for performed and 149 people for this control of the South Korea and Japan transparency and continuous are still in quarantine.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 59 International Thailand launches certification scheme to enhance tourism health and hygiene standards

economic recovery measures, the Thai people will safely pass through these critical phases. Mr. Chote Trachu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said, “The policy of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is to prepare tour operators and tourists for the period after the country has ensured safe conditions for travel. The virus has caused widespread travel disruption resulting in a negative impact on the global economy. Tourism is the hailand’s tourism and health world, infecting and killing many people. first industry to have been authorities have teamed up to Currently, Thailand has been able to affected and may be the last industry launch a unique certification control the spread of the disease thanks to recover to normal. It is necessary to T LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE scheme aimed to prepare the Thai to the quick action taken by the Royal make a major adjustments to ensure its tourism industry for the recovery period Thai Government and the whole-hearted future sustainability.” SUBSCRIBE and enhance confidence amongst support of the general public. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports

international and domestic tourists. “However, Thailand is still at risk of has assigned TAT to adjust the tourism ì250 / $8 US Volume 19 | Issue 08 | September 2019 | A Profiles Media Network Publication The “Amazing Thailand Safety being hit by a “second wave”, which will policy to be in accordance with the www.travelspan.in and Health Administration: SHA” require continued vigilance and public Cabinet’s resolution under TAT’s project was launched today by Mr. support for the prevention and control mission. The urgent policy is to upgrade Phiphat Ratchakitprakan, Minister measures. At the same time, we must the standard of cleanliness and hygiene GET YOUR COPY OF TRAVEL SPAN of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Chote ensure a gradually phased-in economic under the concept of “Repair – Rebuild”, DELIVERED FREE TO YOUR DOOR Trachu, Permanent Secretary of recovery with behavioural change in so that tourism establishments can BEFORE IT HITS THE SHOPS + Israel Amazing Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Dr. accordance with the new way of life or adjust their products and services in is the Land FREE ACCESS TO THE IPAD + Panpimol Wipulakorn, Director-General, New Normal.” accordance with the New Normal and of Adventure IPHONE EDITIONS! Department of Health, Ministry of With the gradual phasing in of boost tourist confidence after the crisis Graceful Subscription Visit Malaysia Khajuraho PRINT Public Health, and Mr. Yuthasak the New Normal, the government has eased. campaign targets SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism wants the Thai people to make a “The SHA project aims to make 30 million Enchanting Offers tourists by 2020 Kerala 12 MONTHS ISSUES AT Rs.2010/- Authority of Thailand at a press living and return to normal life while tourism a part of the overall national Here’s why you A Lip-smacking should spend Culinary Trip in conference “Amazing Thailand Safety protecting them from a further spread preventive measures and ensure that Navratri a Houseboat DIGITAL & Health Administration: (SHA)” at the of the virus through a broad range both Thai and foreign tourists have a in Gujarat SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE Grand Ballroom, Floor 2, The Athenee of preventive hygienic and health- positive experience, and that they are 12 MONTHS ISSUES AT Rs.1210/- Hotel, Bangkok. control measures, as announced happy and confident in the sanitation and Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakan, daily by the Centre for COVID-19 safety of Thailand’s tourism products and Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, Situation Administration (CCSA). As services”, Minister Phiphat said. “The Covid-19 virus spread quickly and such, through the combination of Dr. Panpimol Wipulakorn, HOW TO SUBSCRIBE widely to many countries around the preventive measures and social and Director-General of the Department online: www.travelspan.in call: +91 124 411 1182

All Payments in favour of Profiles Media Network Pvt Ltd. Contact: Studio 9 Productions - 502, Jeevan Tara Apartments, Sector 43, GH 7, Gurugram - 122009, India 60 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in International

of Health, Ministry of Public health and safety standards will be one 3. Recreation and tourist attractions Health said, “The cooperation between of the key criteria for Thai tourism to 4. Tourist transport vehicle the Ministry of Public Health and the establish its competitive advantage in 5. Travel agents / tour operators Ministry of Tourism and Sports is the recovery period. The desire to travel 6. Health and beauty parlours designed to improve the ‘New Normal’ will remain strong, but when it actually 7. Department stores and shopping situation in three areas: Leisure Tourism, comes to the decision-making time, centres sports and MICE. The Public Health visitors will opt for those destinations 8. Sports stadiums for tourism measures will help to promote tourism where they feel confident about their 9. Theatres / cinemas by 1) reducing the risk of infection and personal safety.” 10. Souvenir shops and other stores. transmission from travel, and 2) building The Governor said that all applying The names of the SHA certified confidence in travel because it impacts establishments will undergo strict establishments will be publicized on all sectors of tourism. inspection and be assigned the SHA via www.tourismthailand.org/ “The Ministry of Public Health logo as a mark of quality certification thailandsha and through the would like to request people travelling of the service standards of that communication channels of TAT’s to various destinations to please establishment. The logo will be issued domestic and overseas offices to build strictly abide by the various preventive by TAT and have a validity period of two confidence for tourists. measures in order to facilitate a speedy years. All the names of the accredited Tourism operators and those return to normal travel. Even after the establishments will be entered into a interested in tourism service providers relaxation measures, we would like to database. If any violations are reported, or wanting to apply to participate in the request all travellers to abide by the the logo will be revoked. Amazing Thailand Safety and Health prescribed guidelines in order to reduce Ten types of business can request Administration (SHA) programme, can the risk of infection.” the SHA standard as follows: obtain further information https:// Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, 1. Restaurants / food outlets thailandsha.tourismthailand.org/, or Governor of the Tourism Authority 2. Hotel / accommodation and contact E-mail: [email protected]; of Thailand, said, “Ensuring high convention centres Official Line: @thailandsha.

LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE

ì250 / $8 US Volume 19 | Issue 08 | September 2019 | A Profiles Media Network Publication www.travelspan.in

GET YOUR COPY OF TRAVEL SPAN DELIVERED FREE TO YOUR DOOR BEFORE IT HITS THE SHOPS + Israel Amazing is the Land FREE ACCESS TO THE IPAD + of Adventure IPHONE EDITIONS! Graceful Subscription Visit Malaysia Khajuraho PRINT campaign targets SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE 30 million Enchanting Offers tourists by 2020 Kerala 12 MONTHS ISSUES AT Rs.2010/- Here’s why you A Lip-smacking should spend Culinary Trip in Navratri a Houseboat DIGITAL in Gujarat SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE 12 MONTHS ISSUES AT Rs.1210/-

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE online: www.travelspan.in call: +91 124 411 1182

All Payments in favour of Profiles Media Network Pvt Ltd. Contact: Studio 9 Productions - 502, Jeevan Tara Apartments, Sector 43, GH 7, Gurugram - 122009, India travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 61 International

recovery of the tourism sector and France lays out encourage people to travel to France. • Financial support for engineering in local areas across France will be significantly increased by the Banque des Territoires and, in particular, tourism plan capacity building for those involved in Atout France’s ‘France Tourisme Ingénierie’ initiative. that includes €18 billion for • Atout France will fully commit to supporting digital innovation and transformation in the tourism sector. tourism-related businesses Along with Welcome City lab, it will send a call for projects to businesses and startups that are willing to suggest solutions that will help build the tourism of tomorrow. An online platform for sharing data on France’s tourism offering will be created to highlight the digital component of the tourism recovery plan. • Atout France will play an active role in developing roadmaps for different sectors and territories in preparation for the tourism recovery and transformation contract, due in autumn 2020. The first round of feedback is scheduled for July 2020. Atout France will propose a formalization process with local authorities as well as the various regions already involved. • In addition to the tourism plan, Prime Minister Philippe also highlighted several advancements towards the reopening of France’s tourism sector. These include the following: he government of France has recovery and transformation. o The reopening date for cafes and unveiled a one-off support plan Atout France, the France Tourism restaurants will be decided in the week Tto support the country’s tourism Development Agency, has been enlisted commencing May 25. In designated industry in the wake of COVID-19. to perform the following tasks as part ‘green’ departments, it may be possible Following an interministerial of this new plan: to reopen on June 2 if the current state meeting on May 14, France’s Prime • The Agency will work to bring of the pandemic doesn’t worsen. Minister, Edouard Philippe laid out the together industry players under one o French residents will be able to go plan to major players in the industry, distinctive logo that will encourage on holiday in France in July and August. including Atout France’s Christian everyone to identify and pass on Overseas territories will be included. Mantei, President of the Administration health protocols across all tourism o The hotel and tourism industries Council, and Caroline Leboucher, activities. It will also be involved have committed to promising a full Director-General. with a national campaign to promote refund to anyone who has cancelled The plan concentrates on three key such protocols, which is being rolled a reservation or had a reservation areas: health measures, information out by the government’s Information cancelled for COVID-19-related and reassurance for travellers; €18 Service. reasons. billion to go towards supporting • Starting June 2020, Atout o The government is putting in place tourism-related businesses, sporting France will roll out a communications a plan designed specifically for social and cultural events in order to “move campaign in partnership with relevant tourism that will allow everyone to go from emergency to recovery”; and public-sector and local tourism on holidays and business trips. It will be preparing a contract for tourism professionals to assist with the presented in the coming weeks.

62 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in On the move Trust is the new currency, says UNWTO Secretary-General

Dear Friends,

It is imperative that we get the world moving again – once it is safe to do so. We are monitoring the introduction of travel restrictions around the world. Our latest data shows 100% of all destinations have restrictions in place. Depending on when and where travel restrictions are lifted, international tourist numbers could fall between 60 and 80% this year. The global tourism decline has already taken a toll on national economies, people’s livelihoods, and on our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Without a strong and vital tourism sector, many millions of jobs and small businesses are at risk. UNWTO has been calling for concrete steps which put words of support into action. This week, we have been encouraged by the action plan set out by the European Union to relaunch tourism in a timely, responsible and coordinated manner. The lifting of travel restrictions, first within nations and then across international borders, will allow the many social and economic benefits tourism brings to return not just in Europe but around the world. The EU plan, which owes much to the work of Commissioner Breton, is an example for the rest of the world to follow. The coordinated rolling out of new health and safety protocols for every part of the tourism value chain – including travel, accommodation, food and leisure – will make it safer to travel. Trust is the new currency of our ‘new normal’. And tourism is ideally positioned to be the vehicle to channel trust. If people trust in governments and in the tourism sector to keep them safe from harm, they will indeed travel tomorrow. As the ultimate person-to-person sector, and one that promotes solidarity and friendship, tourism will play a key role in spreading trust more widely, with benefits traveling far beyond tourism itself. Only this way can we drive our economies back towards growth and start rebuilding our societies.

Thank you. Zurab Pololikashvili UNWTO Secretary-General

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 63 On the move Radisson Hotel Group appoints new General Counsel for the Asia Pacific

Radisson Hotel Group Asia Pacific President Katerina Giannouka. Source: Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Hotel Group has appointed Nisha Menon as its new General Counsel for the Asia Pacific

Radisson Hotels General Counsel for the Asia Pacific, Nisha Menon

adisson Hotel Group has corporate governance in Asia Pacific. cross-border joint ventures and bolstered its legal representation With more than 13 years of legal licensing contracts in Singapore, Rin the Asia Pacific with the experience and expertise, Ms Menon Indonesia, India and Thailand. appointment of Nisha Menon as its new graduated with a Bachelor of Law Ms Giannouka said Ms Menon’s General Counsel for the region. Degree (First Class) from the University experience spoke for itself. Based in Singapore, Ms Menon sits Law College at Bangalore University “In the last decade she has worked on Radisson Hotel Group’s Asia Pacific in 2007, and went on to enroll as an on an impressive number of prestigious Executive Committee and will report Advocate with the Karnataka State Bar projects, involving complex cross-border directly to the group’s Asia Pacific Council in the same year. transactions for multinational companies. President, Katerina Giannouka. In 2016, she qualified as a Solicitor “Her intricate familiarity with Speaking about her new position, she of England and Wales. legal matters in various Asia Pacific said it was pleasing to join an “exciting Throughout her career as a legal countries, accompanied by her company with a positive mindset”. advisor, Ms Menon has concluded knowledge of the hospitality industry, “I look forward to joining the team and multiple major deals, including mergers, will play a key role in helping Radisson facilitating the company to expand its joint ventures, asset sales, private Hotel Group to achieve our strategic presence across Asia Pacific,” she said. equity transactions and more. goals across the region.” Since 2011, she has worked with As General Counsel at Radisson Hotel At a glance: companies in Singapore, most recently Group, Ms Menon will be responsible for • Radisson Hotel Group has as Senior Legal Counsel for Parkway all legal matters and issues of corporate appointed Nisha Menon as its new Pantai Ltd. governance in Asia Pacific. General Counsel for the Asia Pacific. In the hospitality industry, she This will include advising on • Ms Menon joins Radisson from has been involved with numerous investment and development projects, Parkway Pantai Ltd. where she was projects involving some of the world’s handling real estate and hotel Senior Legal Counsel. leading hotel groups, such as Marriott management matters, including leases, • As General Counsel at Radisson International, Hilton Worldwide and local regulatory framework and permits, Hotel Group, Ms Menon will be responsible InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and managing all areas of employment for all legal matters and issues of including management agreements, law.

64 travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in On the move

Vijay Kesavan appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing for Jalesh Cruises

alesh Cruises, India’s first Amadeus India. premium cruise liner, has Commenting on the Jappointed Vijay Kesavan as appointment, Jurgen Bailom, Director of Sales & Marketing in President & CEO, Jalesh March 2020. In his new role, he will be Cruises, said, “We welcome Vijay responsible for driving the company’s onboard the Jalesh family. He brings sales and marketing strategy and with him a rich experience and we look expanding its presence in new markets. forward to working alongside with him Kesavan brings over 20 years of to take Jalesh to the next level”. sales and leadership experience to Commenting on his new Jalesh. Prior to this he was associated role, Vijay Kesavan said, “I am truly with organisations like Akbar Travels, honoured with my association with Thomas Cook and Musafir.com. Vijay is the first premium cruise liner in the a travel industry veteran and brings a country. Together, we will capture the wealth of experience from across the next wave of growth for Jalesh. I look travel distribution chain. He has also forward to the new challenges and earlier worked at companies like Indigo great experiences the brand has to Airlines, Abacus International and offer”.

Sanjay Rai joins Sarovar Hotels as Sr VP sales & marketing product development programs for each brand In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the planning targeted towards existing and and implementation of sales, marketing and product development new markets. programs for each brand targeted towards existing and new markets His last stint before joining Sarovar was with The Oberoi as executive vice-president arovar Hotels and global sales, where he was Resorts has announced responsible for leading Sthe appointment of domestic and international Sanjay Rai as senior vice sales function for The Oberoi president- sales & marketing. Group, including The Oberoi A seasoned professional with and Trident brands. an experience of close to four Prior to this, he has worked decades, he has demonstrated with ITC Limited for over success in areas of brand fourteen years, handling management, customer different roles in sales and acquisition, sales promotions, marketing. With The Oberoi alliances & partnerships and Group for nineteen years, stakeholder management. in two stints, and in Max In his new role, he will be HealthCare for close to six responsible for overseeing the years as executive director- planning and implementation marketing and customer of sales, marketing and management.

travelspan / May 2020 www.travelspan.in 65 SUBSCRIBE TRAVELSPAN.IN Inspiring the most affluent and discersing travellers.

Engage with the website and its

LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE social media platforms through: Display ads, carousels, videos, photos and more.

ì250 / $8 US Volume 19 | Issue 12 | January 2020| A Profiles Media Network Publication www.travelspan.in

Capri Palace to become first Jumeirah property in Italy @travelspanindia travelspan1

travel span @travelspan1

KLM looks ahead to tech and travel trends for 2020 For advertising queries please contact The Hyatt Regency Brand Debuts in Kerala 91-124-411 1182 Lakes towers Taj Jumeirahopens in Dubai

• 33% off on annual subscription Why Subscribe? • delivery monthly to your doorstep • 42% off on digital subscription and read Travel Span on any device

Subscription Cover Price You save You pay Print ì 250 x 12 = ì 3000 ì 990 ì 2010 Digital ì 180 x 12 = ì 2160 ì 950 ì 1210

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE online: www.travelspan.in call: +91 124 411 1182

All Payments in favour of Profiles Media Network Pvt Ltd. Contact: Studio 9 Productions - 502, Jeevan Tara Apartments, Sector 43, GH 7, Gurugram - 122009, India SUBSCRIBE TRAVELSPAN.IN Inspiring the most affluent and discersing travellers.

Engage with the website and its

LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE social media platforms through: Display ads, carousels, videos, photos and more.

ì250 / $8 US Volume 19 | Issue 12 | January 2020| A Profiles Media Network Publication www.travelspan.in

Capri Palace to become first Jumeirah property in Italy @travelspanindia travelspan1 travel span @travelspan1

KLM looks ahead to tech and travel trends for 2020 For advertising queries please contact The Hyatt Regency Brand Debuts in Kerala 91-124-411 1182 Lakes towers Taj Jumeirahopens in Dubai

• 33% off on annual subscription Why Subscribe? • delivery monthly to your doorstep • 42% off on digital subscription and read Travel Span on any device

Subscription Cover Price You save You pay Print ì 250 x 12 = ì 3000 ì 990 ì 2010 Digital ì 180 x 12 = ì 2160 ì 950 ì 1210

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE online: www.travelspan.in call: +91 124 411 1182

All Payments in favour of Profiles Media Network Pvt Ltd. Contact: Studio 9 Productions - 502, Jeevan Tara Apartments, Sector 43, GH 7, Gurugram - 122009, India