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Maldives-based Atmosphere Hotels to expand to other South Asian countries including India

Maldives-based Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts promoted by Indian entrepreneur, Salil Panigrahi, is keen to expand its footprint into other South Asian countries and destinations. The development team of the hotel company is hoping to make a couple of breakthrough announcements early next year. The hotel company which has been actively marketing it’s luxury properties in Maldives in India market for last three years had strengthened the India operations early this year by appointed a development team under a seasoned hotelier, Souvagya Mohapatra as Managing Director of the company for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. Meanwhile, the hotel company hopes to make their portfolio of hotels appealing to all segments of travellers with the opening of two new resort properties to their ‘Colours of Oblu Collection’ portfolio in the first quarter of 2022. The hotel company will open two new resort properties - Oblu Select Lobigili and Oblu Xperience Ailafushi - early next year. With this the number of Oblu Collection resorts will go up by four, including the already existing Oblu Select Sangeli and Oblu Nature Helengeli. While the Oblu Select Lobigili is scheduled for opening in the last week of February, 2022; the Ailafushi resort will be up and running exactly a month afterwards. Introducing the new properties under the new Colours of Oblu Collection portfolio to the trade in Delhi, Stephane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer of Atmosphere Hotels said that with the two new resorts, they will be able to cater to all sections of travellers from markets like India, especially the family travellers. “Before this we were not very much focussed on the family market. These new resorts, especially the Oblu Xperience Ailafushi is an entry level affordable luxury resort targeted at family market,” Laguette said in an interaction with ETTravelWorld. The Oblu Xperience Ailafushi is a 4-star all-inclusive resort with 268 villas in 4 different categories. These include Ocean View rooms, Ocean View Family Rooms, Beach Villas, and Water Villas. Both the resorts are located close to the Velana International Airport, and adjacent to each other giving opportunities for guests to use some of the premium facilities while staying at the Ailafushi. Oblu Select Lobigili is a 5-star ‘Adults Only’ resort with 68 premium villas spread under two broad categories of SunNest Beach Pool Villa and SunNest Water Villa and Nest Water Villa. The highlight of the Lobigili resort is its underwater restaurant, Only Blu. “South Asia in general and India in particular are major target markets for us,” said Laguette. India market contributed around 30 per cent of the guests for Atmosphere properties in Maldives during Covid-19, he said. “We expect big traction from the Indian market for our Ailafushi resort, because of its family-orientation,” he added.

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Sikkim restricts entry of foreigners, no Inner Line Permit to be issued

The Sikkim government has announced that it has restricted the entry of international travellers and foreign nationals effective December 1 amidst ongoing concerns over the new Covid-19 Omicron variant. The government in an official order has announced that it will stop issuing Inner Line Permit (ILP) to foreigners. The notification issued by the Home Department of the state informed the guidelines for containment of Covid-19 in the state have been reviewed. “In view of order number 58/Home/2021, issued by Home Department, I am directed to inform you that no ILP (Inner Line Permit), RAP (Restricted Area Permission), PAP (Protected Area Permission) passes shall be issued to foreigners visiting Sikkim,” the order signed by Additional Secretary (Home Department) read. The order will remain effective and in force till 6 pm, December 15. However, there are no restrictions on the entry of domestic tourists or Indian nationals entering Sikkim.

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No RT-PCR required for fully vaccinated domestic flyers coming in to Maharashtra

Amending its earlier order, Maharashtra now does not require fully vaccinated domestic passengers to carry a negative RT-PCR report. The state government has said that an RT-PCR test certificate showing negative result within 72 hours before boarding, would only be required for those who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated. In a further rollback of the recently-implemented rigorous restrictions, the state government has also narrowed down the list of inbound arrivals who need to undergo institutional quarantine from 12 to three high-risk countries - South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The order from the Chief Secretary, Debashish Chakrabarty, mentions, “Highrisk air passengers may be deplaned on priority and separate counters will be arranged by respective airport management authorities at all international airports of the state for their screening and verification. Such all high-risk air passengers shall have to undergo RT-PCR Test immediately on arrival at respective international airport and shall undergo mandatory 7-day institutional quarantine with a second RT-PCR Test to be carried out on 7th day.” If the test taken on the seventh day is found to be positive, then the passengers will have to be shifted to a hospital with Covid treatment facilities. However, if the result is negative then they will have to quarantine at home for seven days. This will also apply to any passengers who have visited the high-risk countries in the past 15 days before arrival in Maharashtra. Maharashtra had recently amended travel rules for domestic and international passengers following global concerns over the Omicron variant. The Centre has then asked the state authorities to align the policies, saying that Maharashtra’s order was in divergence with the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Union government.

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Fairfield By Marriott Opens Hotel In Dehradun

Fairfield by Marriott has announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun, marking the brand’s first opening in the Uttarakhand region. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Dehradun, the 102-room new hotel is set to welcome guests with the brand’s signature warm service, friendly hospitality, and experiences. Neeraj Govil, Senior Vice President – Operations, Asia Pacific (Excluding Greater China), Marriott International, said, “We are delighted to introduce our first Fairfield by Marriott hotel in the pristine land of Uttarakhand in India. The opening also marks the 21st Fairfield by Marriott hotel in the country, indicative of the market’s appetite for the brand and a testament to our focus on bringing a diversified portfolio for different types of travellers. We look forward to expanding our portfolio further across India to offer new accommodation in attractive destinations.” Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun offers 102 spacious, modern and well-equipped rooms with separate work and rest areas. Each guestroom features the sweeping views of either the lower Himalaya ranges or the scenic pool for guests to relax and rejuvenate. The property's public spaces feature the "modern calm" aesthetic of the Fairfield by Marriott brand, which encompasses open layouts, multifunctional spaces and natural light. Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun presents three signature dining outlets. Pano, the all-day dining restaurant, overlooking the stunning foothills of the Himalayas, offers both authentic Indian and international favourites from the restaurant’s à-la-carte menu as well as the many selections made available at the daily buffet. Plumeria, a contemporary lounge where guests can enjoy light bites, coffee and cocktails. It also offers guests the shopping convenience of a 24- hour utility store, stocked with daily essentials. Those who are looking to unwind after a long day can enjoy sundowners by the poolside at The Pool Deck. The hotel offers three versatile meeting rooms and an event spaces covering over 5000 sq. ft, featuring a state-of-the-art ballroom, a foyer and an adjoining outdoor lawn making it the perfect venue for weddings, special occasions, and corporate events. Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun will have access to an array of amenities including a fitness centre, a scenic outdoor swimming pool and an open-air pool lounge overlooking the luscious hills of the valley. Shankush Mahajan, Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun, said, “Dehradun is a beautiful cultural town where guests can explore the centuries-old canals and a plethora of nearby attractions, ranging from the sprirtual town of Hardiwar to the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh and the stunning colonial architecture of Landour in Mussoorie. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy the warm service and friendly hospitality at Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun while exploring what the city has to offer.”

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Indian Railways’ Chennai-Mumbai Express train completes 100 years of service

Chennai-Mumbai Express: Indian Railways’ Chennai-Mumbai Express train completes 100 years! On Wednesday, the Chennai division of the Southern Railway zone celebrated the centenary of the Train Number 22159 / 22160 Chennai-Mumbai Superfast Express service. On 1 December 1921, the train made its maiden run as the Madras-Bombay fast passenger train, officials said. A statement said from 1 March 1930, the passenger train service was converted into express train service and later on July 1 that year, it started running as a superfast train. The Chennai-Mumbai superfast express train covers a distance of 1,284 kilometres, according to an IE report. The Chennai-Mumbai Express train passes through a total of 31 railway stations between the cities of Chennai and Mumbai running via popular destinations Pune, Solapur, Daund, Yadgir, Raichur, Cuddapah, Guntakal, Renigunta and Arakkonam. The Chennai-Mumbai Express train offers travellers, multiple class coaches, to choose train seats or births, the statement further read. According to the report, a celebration was organized by the Southern Railway authorities to commemorate the Chennai-Mumbai Express train’s centenary at the Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station ahead of its departure to the city of Mumbai. The locomotive of the train as well as the last two coaches were decorated. Besides, there was also a cake cutting event. Moreover, cakes and toffees were distributed to the Indian Railways’ staff as well as the travelling passengers. To mark the journey of the train on its centenary, the senior staff waved the flag, the report added. Meanwhile, the Southern Railway zone has recently issued a statement saying that the Railway Board has approved speeding up as well as upgradation of Train Number 16795 / 16796 Chennai Egmore – Tiruchchirappalli – Chennai Egmore into Superfast Express train service with changed train numbers of 22675 / 22676 on and from 8 December 2021.

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Karnataka Omicron LIVE Updates: Two dose vaccination must to enter malls, cinema halls

20:22 (IST) Dec 03 Karnataka reports 413 new Covid-19 cases, 256 recoveries and four deaths in the last 24 hours. Tally rises to 29,97,246, toll jumps to 38,220 20:22 (IST) Dec 03 Omicron: Govt orders probe into test reports of South Africa national that allowed him to leave India A day after two cases of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus was detected in the state, the Karnataka government on Friday ordered a probe into test reports of the 66-year-old South African national, that allowed him to leave the country. Meanwhile, amid some reports that at least 10 South African travellers have gone untraceable after reaching Bengaluru, the government directed officials to look into it, trace them immediately and get them tested. (PTI) 16:50 (IST) Dec 03 Karnataka government postpones all events in educational institutes till January 15. Citizens are allowed into theatres, multiplexes, shopping malls only if they're fully vaccinated. No change in number of people allowed to attend marriage functions: Revenue minister R Ashoka 15:42 (IST) Dec 03 Building a strong financial industry ecosystem in Karnataka is a priority: Minister Karnataka large and medium industries minister Murugesh Nirani on Friday called on Fintech companies to invest in the state and promised to provide all possible assistance. He said building a strong financial industry ecosystem across districts in Karnataka is a priority for the government. (PTI) 14:29 (IST) Dec 03 Omicron variant in India: Patient No. 1 fled country before confirmation One of two Covid-19 Omicron cases in Bengaluru, a 66-year-old traveller from South Africa who was the first to test positive (on November 21, though the variant had not been determined then), discreetly left Bengaluru on a flight to Dubai a few days ago. 14:05 (IST) Dec 03 Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai chairs meeting related to Covid-19 situation and the two Omicron cases. (ANI) Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai chairs meeting related to Covid-19 situation and the two Omicron cases. (ANI) 13:54 (IST) Dec 03 10 South African nationals go missing, Karnataka govt worried After detection of the country's first two cases of Omicron infection in Bengaluru, the Karnataka Health department is now worried over 10 South African nationals, who have gone untraceable in Bengaluru, sources revealed. (IANS) 13:34 (IST) Dec 03 Karnataka chief minister Basavraj Bommai to chair high-level meeting with experts shortly. 13:09 (IST) Dec 03 A video meeting on Omicron was discussed with the directors of the medical colleges and senior officials of the medical education department at Magadi Road health center today: K Sudhakar A video meeting on Omicron was discussed with the directors of the medical colleges and senior officials of the medical education department at Magadi Road health center today: K Sudhakar 12:12 (IST) Dec 03 Health minister K Sudhakar has also scheduled several meetings on Friday to discuss the situation in the state, ahead of the high level meeting. (IANS)

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