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Year-end review: MoCA awards 168 routes under UDAN 4.1, 100 new routes and 12 airports start operations

Sharing the report card for the year 2021, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said that the government made numerous efforts throughout the year with a vision to improve connectivity across the country. The Ministry highlighted its achievements in awarding 168 new routes under UDAN 4.1, commencing 100 new routes, and operationalising 12 new airports including three heliports. MoCA in a statement said that five key areas where it worked diligently including RCS-UDAN, Krishi UDAN, new drone rules, liberalised FTO policy, AirSewa 3.0, eGCA, Air India disinvestment, and monetisation of airports. "Krishi UDAN 2.0 aims to provide logistics for all agri-produce from Northeast, hilly and tribal regions. Drone Rules 2021 were notified to make India a global hub for R&D, testing, manufacturing, and operation. 787. Commercial Pilot Licenses issued during January-November 2021 are at an all-time high. Single window platform e-GCA was launched to eliminate operational inefficiencies, minimise personal interaction, improve regulatory reporting, enhance transparency and increase productivity," it said. AAI also issued award letters to establish nine flying schools at five AAI airports namely, Lilabari, Khajuraho,Belagavi, Kalaburgi, and Jalgaon. Pending grievances on AirSewa portal have been reduced from 1,354 on July 20, 2021, to 59 on December 15, 2021, clocking a 96 per cent reduction. The government is in the process to complete the sale and disinvestment process of the national carrier, Air India apart from issuing PIM for the sale of Pawan Hans. Around 300 services of the eGCA have been implemented in 2021. During the year, six airports including Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram were handed over for management under the PPP model to a private player. Under National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), 25 additional airports have been identified for monetisation in the next three years, said the Ministry.

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Saudi boosts pandemic measures at Mecca's Grand Mosque

Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, reimposed social distancing measures at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, after recording the highest number of infections in months. Workers have returned floor markings removed on October 17 to guide people to social distance in and around the Grand Mosque- which is built around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray. Saudi authorities said they will reimpose "social distancing requirements between worshippers and pilgrims" at the Grand Mosque, without specifying whether a capacity has been set. Earlier, the kingdom had said social distancing and masks were again required in both indoor and outdoor venues. The kingdom of approximately 34 million people has so far recorded more than 554,000 Coronavirus cases, including 8,874 deaths, the highest number of fatalities among the Gulf Arab countries. On Wednesday, Saudi recorded 744 cases, the highest number since midAugust. The Covid-19 pandemic hugely disrupted Muslim pilgrimages, which are usually key revenue earners for the kingdom, bringing in some USD 12 billion annually. The six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar- have been recording their highest numbers of new cases in months. Despite having the world's highest vaccination rate, the UAE has recorded the largest number of infections among Gulf countries at more than 757,000. On Wednesday, it recorded 2,234 infections, the highest number since June. The Emirates' Abu Dhabi crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, sought to reassure the people that "the UAE health sector is fully geared and prepared to address any challenges", according to the official WAM news agency. The UAE is gearing up to host New Year's Eve celebrations, including at Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, in the emirate of Dubai. Dubai, which is heavily dependent on tourism, was one of the world's first destinations to welcome back visitors July 2020. It is also counting on the six-month Expo 2020 trade fair to boost its economy.

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Airbnb's across India are all set to welcome travellers in 2022

With the new year approaching, it may appear that the holidays are coming to an end! But don't be discouraged; vacation season isn't done yet. It's only the beginning, as 2022 will include eight lengthy weekends! This translates to eight new trip options that are short, sweet, and revitalising. Small vacations are well-known for being the most efficient method to vacation; they are less taxing and allow you to swiftly return to your normal routine. They are also beneficial to your mental health and can assist you in de-stressing from your daily routine. To make the most of your vacation, all you have to do is plan ahead for your trips, stays, and departures. So, if you're ready to keep the vacation mindset going, here are some mini-break suggestions from Airbnb. Check into Stellar Villa in Goa on weekend of 14th Jan Begin the first of your little vacations in Goa! Everyone's favourite place to celebrate the end of the year should still be festive. Imagine endless stretches of sandy beach, palm-lined coastlines, cool night markets, and delectable cuisine from around the world! There's no better place for a quick getaway where you can relax and unwind while still feeling like you're on vacation. The Stellar Villa on Airbnb is a fantastic three-bedroom stay that will feel like an extension of your vacation, with lots of space for sunbathing, cooling down in the pool, sipping fruity cocktails on the lovely porch, or simply sleeping in the well-designed, minimalistic bedrooms. The hotel is conveniently located near some of the area's most popular beaches, so if you're searching for some exciting water sports or other activities, simply head out. Fly to Dubai for a fulfilling holiday on 1st March It is said that there is never a dull moment in Dubai. With Mahashivratri on Tuesday, take the Monday off and and stay at a 4-bedroom beachfront Airbnb Villa in Palm Jumeirah. In the city, where there are limitless sights and sensations, a short vacation might soon feel like a good long one. There's never a dull moment in this vibrant city, especially in March when the weather is ideal. But what good is a beautiful vacation spot if you don't stay in a luxurious hotel? In Palm Jumeirah, Airbnb Home Zahra is a beautiful four-bedroom beach-front villa with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. It also has a private pool and access to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. Spend the Holi weekend of 18th March in Jaipur Rajasthan is without a doubt one of India's most fascinating destinations, with a wealth of Indian history, culture, architecture, and splendour. As a result, it's no surprise that Holi is most popular here. Aside from Holi celebrations, you may explore beautiful sites like as the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort, and Hawa Mahal, as well as sample some of the most delectable cuisine. To feel completely loyal, stay at the Airbnb Exclusive palatial Gudliya Suite in City Palace, Jaipur, which is housed in the royal chambers of The City Palace Jaipur. The suite comes with a personal butler and all the extravagance imaginable, such as tailored menus, magnificent furnishings, enormous lush gardens, and so on. Visit Thailand for Good Friday on the 18th of April Thailand has a laid-back culture that is ideal for a quick getaway, with plenty of beaches and restaurants to relax at for hours on end. If you want to get out and about, there is enough to do, including plenty of shopping. However, if you want to unwind, stay at this Thai Style Airbnb Plus Home, which is created to capture the essence of Thailand. A pool, a covered patio deck with perfect seclusion and abundance of natural light are the highlights of the stay. It boasts clean, modern decor with locally crafted decor, making it ideal for a short trip to Thailand. Take a Road Trip to Lonavala on the 9th May for Eid Lonavala is a short drive away if you live in Mumbai. It continues to be popular with tourists as well as locals who come to get a breath of fresh air. The Bhushi Dam, Tiger Point, and other attractions are worth seeing, although Lonavala is better experienced indoors. Eid falls on a Monday drive up to this 5BHK Pool Villa with your family or friends. The Rentalgram is one such place that does the hill station justice. The two story, 10,000-square-foot retreat is well designed for a magnificent vacation house. It features a pool with jacuzzi jets, air-conditioned rooms, home-cooked meals, an atrium where guests may rest, read, and play games, as well as lots of outdoor area to enjoy Lonavala at its best. Club Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day to visit Manali in August You may easily make this a 5-day weekend if you prepare beforehand. Before winter sets in, the weather will be ideal for getting out and about. This is also a low tourist season, so you'll avoid the throngs and get the most out of Manali. There's never a shortage of things to do here, and it's a pedestrian-friendly town, so you can take your time exploring the countryside. The Westwood Villa on Airbnb is the ideal hideaway for your Manali vacation. Go there for a whole rustic experience, replete with warm interiors, spectacular views of the Himalayas, and lush gardens. The four-bedroom palace, which is only a few minutes from old Manali, also boasts an appealing coffee shop and reading room. Take a Swiss holiday on the Janmashtami weekend of 19th August Three days in Switzerland may seem like a small time, but it's a fantastic getaway any time of year and for as long as you can spare. In reality, a vacation in Switzerland will never be enough. So why not treat yourself to some of Switzerland's most unique experiences and make it a weekend to remember? Planning and attempting to make more of the countryside would be excellent. Make a simple plan ahead of time and you should be good to go for a relaxing vacation. Stay at Airbnb's Villa Wilen to make your trip to Switzerland more special. You might never need to leave because it has lake access, stunning views of the Alps, garden lounges, a BBQ, and a panoramic lounge. The stay is known for its modern architecture and has quick access to major Swiss tourist attractions and ski resorts. Celebrate Diwali in Sri Lanka on the 24th and 25th October This year, Sri Lankans will celebrate the start of the winter season and the Diwali celebration. There are festive vibes all around the country, and there are plenty of places to visit and things to do. A trip to the mountains to see Kandy, Haputale, and Nuwara Eliya, or to explore some of the lesser-known coastal places, promises an exhilarating vacation. Stay at the wonderful Beach House , an Airbnb property for a relaxing vacation, which features huge open rooms with high ceilings, a ready-to-dive-in pool, spotless white decor, and plenty of natural light.

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2 vax doses likely to be made compulsory for auto, taxi travellers in Bengaluru

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the civic agency of Bengaluru, is seriously considering replicating the Mumbai model of making two doses of vaccination compulsory for those who travel by autos, taxis and public transport. The proposal has already been sent to the government and authorities are confident of getting the nod sooner. Not only this, the BBMP is also contemplating to make it compulsory for those who use public transportation like buses, metro, in case of continuation of the Coronavirus infection as a preventive measure. Chief Health Officer of BBMP Dr Balasundar has stated that two doses of vaccination has been made compulsory at public places and authorities are considering making it compulsory for auto and taxi travellers. The decision will be taken after considering the situation. Dr Trilokchandra, Special Commissioner for Health stated that the rule is already being implemented in Mumbai. The government has made it compulsory for travelling in auto, taxi and public transportation. "We want to replicate it in BBMP limits," he said. Meanwhile, after five months Bengaluru has recorded 565 Corona infection cases in the city in the last 24 hours. The 551 Covid cases that were reported on July 24 were the highest number earlier. As many as 6,846 people are being treated at the designated hospitals as per the health department statistics. As many as 82 containment zones have been formed in Bengaluru presently following the outbreak of Covid cases. Meanwhile, 87 international passengers tested positive for Covid-19 and they have been isolated in designated government as well as private hospitals.

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Hawaii re-thinks tourism amid Omicron spread, here’s what's in for travellers

John De Fries still recalls fishing the waters off Waikiki Beach in Oahu as a kid in the 1960s. “Growing up, my family fishing grounds were a source of food first and recreation second,” he says. “Today they’re a playground surrounded by hotels.” Born and raised in Waikiki, De Fries was appointed president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority in Sept. 2020, when coronavirus shutdowns had the state’s economy reeling but the community and environment thriving. In 2019, the state of 1.5 million people hosted a record 10.4 million visitors—unsustainable figures that had residents feeling sour. Though tourism netted $2.07 billion in tax revenue that year, Hawaiians lamented its effects on traffic, beaches, and the cost of living. For locals, the quietude of 2020 “was somewhat euphoric,” says De Fries. “It felt like we got our islands back.” But that wasn’t sustainable either. Nor was the boom that happened in July, when visitor arrivals exceeded their 2019 level by 21% despite strict Covid-19 testing protocols, mask mandates, capacity restrictions, and staff shortages. That, says De Fries, “was like putting 220 volts of electricity through a 110-volt circuit.” Rental cars became so scarce that U-Hauls were found in beach parking lots; resorts jacked up rates, with average stays at hotels in Maui of $596 a night in August; new taxes were sought; and vacation-starved visitors didn’t flinch. What comes next is a radically transformed experience for visitors—and locals—hopefully, in a good way. For the first time, Hawaii’s tourism authority is majority-run by Hawaiian natives, rather than white mainlanders with hospitality degrees. With the input of locals, who range from farmers to hotel owners, each of Hawaii’s four counties has created a strategic plan that stretches into 2025 and focuses on sustainable destination management rather than marketing. The plan relies heavily on community involvement and visitor education. “In the past, visitors were spoon-fed what outsiders thought they wanted,” says Kainoa Horcajo, founder of the Mo'olelo Group, a Maui-based consultancy that helps hotels to reimagine their cultural experiences. “Now, it’s time to take a risk, challenge the visitor, and give them something real.” Here are the ways your experience of the state might change in the near future, and possibly forever. You’ll Need a Reservation to Visit Popular Natural Attractions Want to see the black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park in Maui or cross the Kauai’s Kalalau Trail off your bucket list? You’ll now have to make a reservation anywhere from 24 hours to 30 days in advance, depending on the site and season. The new system, which covers roughly a dozen of Hawaii’s most visited parks, is meant to curb traffic in local communities and tread more lightly on natural resources. Parking and entry fees for non-residents, which can cost from $5 to $15 per person, will also help to better maintain the sites. Take Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Oahu, a marine area that had been seeing 3,000 daily visitors before the pandemic. New measures there caps entries at 720 visitors a day and hikes fees from $5 to $25 for non-residents. Before entering the water, everyone is required to watch a 9-minute educational video that talks about coral regeneration and marine life, and the park is closed two days a week to let the ecosystem rest. Sean Dee, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Outrigger Hospitality Group, which operates nearly two dozen properties across Hawaii, calls this the future of sustainable tourism. “The water is cleaner, visitors are educated, and the revenues help manage the bay,” he says. “It’s a win-win for everyone.” You’ll Have to Get a Crash Course on Being a Good Tourist The informational video at Hanauma Bay is just one example of how the state is trying to stoke cultural and environmental awareness among visitors. This September, Hawaiian Airlines started airing a five-minute video reminding guests to only use reef-safe sunscreen, keep distance from endangered animals such as monk seals, and be cautious of rip currents and shore breaks in the ocean. Meanwhile Jon Benson, the general manager at the Hyatt-managed Hana-Maui Resort, has removed all of such former amenities as towels and lounge service at nearby Hamoa Beach, home to a sacred Hawaiian burial place. He’ll reinstate them only if the site can be properly honored with guidance from local kupuna, or elders, he says. “Guests complain,” Benson admits. “But when I explain why the services are on hold, they begin to understand the land around them isn’t just for photos and enjoyment. It has deep cultural significance. It’s our responsibility to educate them.” You May Be Charged a Conservation Fee on Arrival Currently Oahu is lobbying for the establishment of a regenerative tourism fee that would apply to all arriving tourists and directly support conservation and environmental management programs. The state seems keen on approval, given that it cannot spend more than 1% of its annual operating budget on natural resource management. Expect this to look a bit like the $100 fees that are charged upon port entry in the Galápagos, or embedded into airfares to the tiny Pacific island-nation of Palau. (In the latter destination, it’s called a “Pristine Paradise Environmental fee.”) The government is looking at both examples to model what soon may come. You’ll See a Less Colonial Version of Hawaiian Culture In the past, tourism fed into the stories marketing executives thought White people wanted to hear, says Clifford Nae'ole, cultural adviser for the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and former president of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. Hawaiian food was pineapple pizza and spam; a luau was just about girls dancing in grass skirts. Now, chefs are proudly incorporating native Hawaiian ingredients such as ulu, or breadfruit, into dishes, and luaus have become historical lessons about the Polynesian migration to Hawaii just as much as they are entertainment. Those luaus, for instance, won’t include grass skirts—a costume that was introduced by 19th century missionaries as a more modest alternative to traditional skirts and lioncloths made of kapa, or bark cloth. “Now when kumu [hula teachers] are told costumes are too revealing, they push back and say this is the traditional dress,” Nae'ole says. You’ll also see this change when you receive a lei upon arrival. Now they will be made from locally grown flowers instead of orchids, which are imported from Southeast Asia at high financial and environmental costs and have been used for decades only because White mainlanders found them pleasing. At the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, local florist Lauren Shearer, owner of Hawaii Flora + Fauna, teaches visitors how to make the garlands from foraged native fauna such as blue jade, crown flower, and ferns. “Ancestors didn’t just use lei for personal adornment,” says Shearer. “They were also used for peace treaties and to establish hierarchies.” Other cliches are also being rejected. The newly renovated Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort on Oahu, for instance, shines a spotlight on modern Hawaiian music, not just traditional ukulele, hosting such award-winning slack key guitarists as Sean Na'auao nightly. And at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria property on Maui, cultural ambassador Kalei 'Uwēko'olani goes beyond offering outrigger canoe paddles and brings in storytellers such as navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka to share tales of her father’s historic, technology-free Hokulea canoe crossing from Hawaii to Tahiti. You’ll Be Encouraged to Give Back Last November, the Hawaii Tourism Authority launched a campaign in conjunction with Hawaii Tourism USA (formerly the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau) to introduce the concept of malama, or caring for the land. “Everyone relates to aloha,” says De Fries. “Malama is emerging as its sister value.” “We’ll always have tourists who come to sip mai tais by the pool, but programs like malama are helping us target a more mindful traveler,” says Ilihia Gionson, public affairs officer with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Since its initiation, the program has grown from having 16 hotel and airline partners to today’s 110, which have all committed to rewarding guests with a free night’s stay if they spend a day helping to clean beaches or reforest land. Teraj Allen, a 36-year-old recording artist from New York, and his partner, Barry Hoy, 42, recently made their first trip to Hawaii and spent a day planting trees on Kauai with the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative to partake in malama. “In my head, I thought we were going to a beach destination, and one of the highlights was this experience,” says Allen. “It felt special to be able to leave a legacy.”

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Bahrain Airport achieves Covid-19 safety rating

Bahrain International Airport (BIA), managed by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), has been certified with the highest five star Covid-19 airport safety rating. The accreditation was conducted by Skytrax. Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, chief executive officer at BAC said: “We are proud to obtain this five star rating, which recognises the immense efforts made by our team on a daily basis to ensure our customer’s travel to be peaceful. We dedicate this award to the government of Bahrain, which has taken proactive measures since the start of the pandemic to protect public health and safety, as well as to the frontline healthcare workers, who have worked tirelessly to keep the people of Bahrain safe.” Speaking on the occasion, Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “The standard, efficiency and consistency of Covid-19 safety protocols that are provided here at BIA are excellent, and we congratulate BAC on receiving the accreditation. The safety rating provides an assurance to customers travelling through the airport and highlights the effectiveness of the hygiene and safety protocols.”

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