News

India proposed air bubble to South Korea in July 2021; waiting for its response: Scindia

The Indian government had proposed an air bubble to the South Korean government in July last year and the Centre has been waiting for its response, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Friday. Scheduled international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020 in view of the Covid pandemic. However, special flights have been operating between India and around 40 countries since July 2020 on the basis of air bubble arrangements formed with them. Congress Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor said on Twitter that some 8,000 Indians living in South Korea are protesting the absence of an air bubble between the two countries. "Since March 2020 India has suspended direct flights to and from South Korea, doubling travel costs for NRIs there. Not clear why since Covid-19 is well controlled there," he mentioned. In response, Scindia said on Twitter that an air bubble was proposed to the government of South Korea in July 2021. "The response is still awaited," the Minister added. The Indian government is actively watching, engaging with countries and calibrating its approach in accordance with the global Covid-19 situation, he mentioned. "Needless to say, safety is our top priority," he noted.

Read more

Treehouse Hotels and Resorts launches three properties in Goa

Treehouse Hotels and Resorts announces the official opening of three new properties in Goa. Treehouse continues its growth momentum, the tally of properties under Treehouse Hotels and Resorts now escalates to 8 with the addition of new cottages, villas, and serviced apartments across North, and South Goa. Treehouse MARS Beach Cottages, Calangute are sited 500 meters from the famous Calangute beach. It is in collaboration with Ailsinghani Hotels and offers splendour beach cottages to its guests. It has 12 premium and 8 pool facing cottages fitted with premium amenities to ensure a pleasant stay of the guests. Artistically embellished cottages with pastel shades intensify its ambience and catch the eyes of guests. The property has a pool for guests to enjoy. Treehouse Blue Serviced Apartments, Majorda has 22 apartments. Of which, 5 are studio apartments of 350 square feet with a balcony and rest 16 are onebedroom apartments spread across 750 square feet with 2 balconies. Property is pet friendly and comprises of a recreational area suitable for kids and a swimming pool. Treehouse Blue Villas, Colva has 3 villas, each of 3 BHK with latest amenities. Capturing the ultra-modern design and, common swimming pool will offer immersive guest experiences. This property is pet friendly. “While we continue our expansion journey and offer diverse category of hotels which can complement and accommodate and fit every kind of traveller. We invite you to Treehouse Sonnet, Anjuna and Treehouse MARS Beach Cottages are a perfect getaway for the celebrators. Treehouse Neptune Inn, Panjim best suited for casino lovers as the property has majority of Casinos located nearby the banks of river Mandovi. A wide window of options is available from Treehouse Nova, a boutique hotel at Cansaulim, Treehouse Silken Sands, a budget hotel at Benaulim, Treehouse Blue at Majorda offers apartments to Treehouse Blue Villas at Colva. We offer unmatched comfort and hospitality that comes with staying at a Treehouse Hotels and Resorts. The scale and diversity of The Treehouse family can meet guests’ needs whatever the occasion – whether a weekend getaway, a business trip, a family celebration, or a once-in-alifetime experience,” said Suman Ghosh, Chief Operating Officer of Treehouse Hotels and Resorts.

Read more

Sabre’s ‘SafePoint’ to have travel restriction tracking feature

Sabre Corporation’s travel risk management product, SafePoint, will now have an additional feature to track and monitor global travel restrictions. Whilst the solution is not limited to a singular event, it provides information regarding the spread of Covid-19 and new variants as well as destination entry restrictions imposed by countries including masks, vaccinations, health documentation, and quarantine requirements. SafePoint monitors world events in near real-time, 24/7. It utilises hundreds of data sources for events and restrictions that may impact travel arrangements and/or traveller safety. It helps Sabre’s travel agencies and corporate customers make more informed decisions and enhance the safety of their travellers by alerting them to restrictions that may impact their itinerary. Travellers will then be able to use the information to take action at any stage of their trip. “As travel rebounds, we believe a duty-of-care and crisis alerting solution is imperative to any travel business, especially in a world where travel advisories can change rapidly. SafePoint is designed to keep travellers and corporate travel managers apprised of critical events in a fast-moving world,” said Saunvit Pandya, Senior Director of Product Management, Sabre. “We are delighted to work with customers to provide them duty-of-care products to better serve their travellers”.

Read more

Passengers’ entry time restricted at Srinagar airport

Passengers will be allowed entry to Srinagar Airport only three hours before their flight departure as part of the measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 infection, officials said on Thursday. The regulation of the entry of passengers comes in view of some of the passengers entering the airport seven to eight hours before the flight departure time which leads to an increase in the crowd at the aerodrome. “Passengers are requested to please come to the airport only up to three hours before flight departure time,” Director, Airport Authority of India (AAI), Srinagar airport, Kuldeep Singh said here. He said the entry to the airport shall be given only up to three hours before flight from Thursday. “The time of entry to the airport is maximum three hours before flight departure. This is necessary to control the congestion at the airport because we want to reduce the chance of infection,” he said. Singh asked the passengers to cooperate with the security staff in maintaining the access control at the airport. The director said some passengers were entering the airport seven to eight hours before the time of their flight which increases the crowd at the airport and also increases the risk of infection. Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday witnessed a 50 per cent jump in daily Covid cases as the union territory recorded 1,695 fresh cases of Coronavirus.

Read more

The ‘Desert Detox’ revealed: How to enjoy a healthy holiday in Qatar

Qatar Tourism invites travellers to renew and rejuvenate in the new year with holistic and natural wellness escapes. The perfect place to cleanse the mind, nourish the body, and heal the soul, here’s how Qatar’s abundance of spas, activities, and relaxing excursions combine to create a transformational ‘desert detox’ healthy holiday. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said, “Mental health and wellness is becoming more of a necessity than a trend, and Qatar is filling that demand by introducing world-class wellness facilities and activities. Qatar’s new Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is the largest wellness destination in the Middle East. From having a spa under the stars, or going glamping out under our impressive sand dunes, to taking sunset yoga classes, Qatar offers an outstanding ‘desert detox’ break to work on a new you.” For those after the ‘desert detox’ Qatar Tourism has rounded up a list of the top healthy experiences. Visitors can pick from an escape to the desert, healthy dining, luxurious downtime in a peaceful location, or a full-scale wellness programme. For the mind Mind Body retreat at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som This retreat allows visitors to rebalance and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. The aim is to reset well-being and boost immunity through various healing traditions and holistic activities. The retreat can be booked from 3 to 14 nights. Glamping under the stars Step out onto the warm desert sand and connect with nature in a journey to Khor Al Adaid, Qatar’s breath-taking inland sea. Visitors can ride camels, dune bash and feast on a traditional buffet dinner, before spending the night under the stars. Colour the stress away Colouring isn’t just for children; it’s also used as a restorative way for adults to unwind at the Artist Cafe. This hidden gem is located in Qanat Quartier in The Pearl-Qatar and allows the minds creative juices to run free as stress is unleashed with each brushstroke. For the body Stretch, tense, relax Enjoy a day or a holistic integrative weekend retreat, and indulge in Ashtanga, Hatha and stretch yoga in both group and private classes at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Visitors can also spend time nourishing their bodies with a juice cleanse or take a sound bath in the luxurious spa. Those who wish to stay in the city can visit the W Doha, which recently opened the largest Sisley Spa in the world bringing Parisian elegance to the heart of Doha. Dining in health Treat the body to a delightful selection of nutritious, delicious, and locally sourced meals on a trip to Qatar. Start the day with a delectable breakfast or a cleansing menu at Doha’s first 100 percent vegan café, Evergreen Organics – there are three now in town. Then lunch at Chef’s Garden or Baladna restaurant for a farm-to-table experience, before grabbing a healthy snack for the day from Green and Go. Paddle your energy with kayaking at Purple Island Replenish the connection with nature with a kayak ride at Al Thakira’s mangrove reserves, one of the most beautiful natural sights in Qatar. Guide a kayak through a wide variety of unique flora and fauna, including seasonal flamingos and herons. Stay beautiful, stay happy Replenish the skin’s glow with organic products from Botany, where all products are locally sourced and created with natural products. For the soul Full moon yoga Absorb the vibrations and energy from the moon to connect, deepen, and reenergise the body with yoga classes by Evolve Mind Body Soul. The programme cultivates increased self-awareness and clarity for the mind under the moonlight. Sound healing Take part in a meditation class supported by live playing of Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other musical instruments to awaken the soul at Niya Yoga. The experience aims to lead the mind to a calm meditative state. The digital detox For those who are always on the go and glued to their screens the Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers a Digital Wellness Escape to ease stresses and strains resulting from the frequent use of digital devices. Spa under the stars Experience a world beyond and enjoy one of the most unique experiences in Qatar, Under The Stars, curated by the Saray Spa at the Marriott Marquis Doha – on their 50th floor helipad.

Read more

Sustainable Practices And MICE To Boost Tourism In India: Rakesh Verma

The India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai which is currently hosting ‘Tourism Fortnight’, organized two special sessions to promote sustainable tourism and MICE segment in the country. Key officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India along with industry representatives, participated in the sessions titled, ‘Tourism at Crossroads – Mainstreaming sustainability for future of tourism’ and ‘Meet in India: Emerging Hub for Business and Social Events’. The session on MICE tourism was important in highlighting India’s impressive combination of accommodation and conference support facilities that make the country a successful MICE destination globally. The session was addressed by Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Chairman, India Convention Promotion Bureau virtually. Addressing the session, ‘Meet in India: Emerging Hub for Business and Social Events’, Verma said, “MICE industry is an important contributor to national economies as it contributes to income generation and creates huge employment opportunities, provides an impetus to hospitality services including sectors like accommodation, food and beverages, convention services, transportation, tourism, and entertainment. India possesses excellent convention and hospitality infrastructure, unparalleled cultural, natural attractions and a rapidly growing economy all of which act as catalysts to India emerging as a hub of business and social events.” He added that India is also a very attractive market for exhibitions keeping in view the rapid economic growth and rising demand from consumers and industry destinations. Another crucial sector that Shri Verma highlighted is that of Wedding Tourism. He said, “Wedding is another important niche area which is growing rapidly, many destinations in the country are emerging as wedding destinations and industry is getting more organized.” Talking about the roadmap of MICE Tourism in India, Verma said, “Ministry of Tourism is working on the strategy to position India as a MICE destination in the world and a hub of mega conferences and exhibitions. It is working towards creating enabling conditions and institutional framework at the central, state and city level for the growth of MICE industry. The short-term goal of the Ministry is to enhance India’s share in MICE business to 2% from the current share of approximately 1% to promote the growth of MICE industry in the country.” The session on Sustainable Tourism, held on 9th January, was also crucial to address key challenges for tourism sector and the ways in which future of tourism could be shaped by sustainable and responsible policies and action by the Governments and Private Sector. The session was facilitated by G Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, virtually where he highlighted strengths of India to work towards ensuring sustainably responsible tourism practices. Addressing the session, ‘Tourism at Crossroads – Mainstreaming sustainability for future of tourism’, Rao said, “Tourism is one of the important sectors globally as it provides almost 11-13% of employment globally, and ranges between 7-9% of the GDP of many countries. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has clearly defined guidelines for Sustainable Tourism which are to conserve government resources, protect biodiversity while respecting resources of the cultures, benefiting the local communities and to address the needs and benefits of the tourism industry.” He added that planning is a pivotal element of urbanization, and it needs to be addressed meticulously, for the future generations to thrive.

Read more