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Uttarakhand unveils hotel discount plan to boost pandemic-hit tourism sector

The Uttarakhand tourism department has launched a pilot project to boost tourism under which tourists will be given discount coupons for their stay in hotels and homestays of ₹1,000, tourism minister Satpal Maharaj said. The decision to launch the Tourist Incentive Coupon (TIC) scheme was taken at a Cabinet meeting on Friday. The government hopes that the TIC will boost the tourism industry which has been severely hit due to travel restrictions during the lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic.Tourism is a major revenue earning and employment generation industry for the Himalayan state. The discount scheme comes into effect in the next few days. Maharaj said the offer will be applicable to tourists who will do e-booking for their stay in hotels or homestays in the state. “The tourists will be given the discount coupon while registering themselves on the government portal under tourist category. They will then be able to use the coupon during their stay in a hotel or homestay in the tourist spots of the state,” said Maharaj. He said, “The tourist will have to provide his Aadhaar card details while registering to avail the coupon and have to stay for minimum three days in the hotel or homestay. The scheme will also apply for the Char-Dham pilgrims.” Maharaj said that under the scheme the tourists will be provided a discount of ₹1000 or 25% of the hotel charge per day, whichever is less. “The discounted amount will be reimbursed by the government to hotel and homestay owners within 15 days on producing necessary documents regarding the bill charged from the tourist,” he said. For now, it will be a pilot project. “The scheme will be launched as a pilot project for one month which will probably cost the government ₹2.70 cr. If it’s successful, then it will be extended for two more months.

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Sikkim considering opening doors to tourists from October

Gangtok: Sikkim is planning to open its doors to tourists from October. The state wants to project itself as a 'safe destination' to lure visitors back again. Tourism employs about 15 % of the state's population, and is severely hit because of the lockdown. The state tourism department on Friday held a meeting with all the stakeholders to discuss a strategy for reopening the sector on Friday. They came up with a draft proposal termed 'Reopening of State Tourism'. “The State cannot afford to abrogate its tourism industry for long. The resumption of tourism is likely to increase the probability of transmission of the disease. Still, it becomes imperative for us to ensure that the highest standards of health safety measures are put in place before we open the doors for tourism”, reads the draft. There be an effort to establish an efficient Tourism Health Safety and Treatment system in the state. “It will automatically translate into a major pull factor for the revival of future tourism in Sikkim. It may be prudent to take a restrictive approach, with most supply determined rather than market-driven, for the phase-wise reopening of tourism in the State”, mentions the draft. The draft proposal states: What the tourists coming to Sikkim need to abide? 1. The first phase of reopening will be considered only for domestic tourists. 2. All tourists travel in Sikkim to be permitted only for pre-booked/package tours (arrival to departure -Sikkim). 3. Only those tourists with valid COVID-19 negative certificates, (ICMR recognised hospital/labs) conducted within three days before their arrival (to be produced at the Check post) shall be allowed to continue their tour to Sikkim. 4. Only two entry points Rangpo and Melli will be permitted for tourist entries in the 1st phase. (to be decided by the government). 5. All tourists, to have registered their requisite details in the Web portal of the Department before arriving at the entry checkposts. (Their concerned travel agent/operator may help them with the registration). 6. The State government, based on the prevailing circumstances, will decide on the number of accommodation units to be authorised or permitted for operations in different phases. What the Hotels and Home Stays need to comply with? 1. Capacity: The first phase reopening to be provisioned for a maximum capacity of 2500 rooms or 5000 guests per day in the whole of the State, which is left to be decided by the government. 2. Containment Zones: No hotels/ homestays in the notified containment zones will be permitted to operate. 3. Occupancy: The permitted accommodation units shall not take more than 50% occupancy per day. 4. Room allocation: The room allocation to the guest shall be made in line with the social distancing norms, preferably one-room apart (alternative rooms). 5. Emergency isolation facility: The permitted accommodation units to designate and prepare at least one room for emergency isolation for emergency management of any suspected cases. 6. Room Reservation: The guest will have the option of booking accommodation in the state either by themselves or through OTAs or local travel agents. However, all transport and ground handling services are to be booked through permitted authorized local travel agents only. 7. Compliance: The accommodation units - noncompliant to the Operational Recommendation issued by the MOT and Post COVID Protocols for the Hospitality industry issued by the Government of Sikkim, as well as the standard protocols issued by the Health Department shall not be permitted for operations in the 1st phase. What the Travel Agents and Tour Operators need to follow? 1. All tourist transport and ground handling services including pick up and drop will be allowed only through authorized local travel agents or tour operators. No travel agency or tour operator without the authorization of the State Tourism Department will be permitted to operate in the first phase. 2. Any arrival transfer of tourists (entry to Sikkim) without the authorized travel agent’s or tour operator’s booking slip or service voucher will not be permitted. 3. The authorized travel agents or tour operators to provide the certified copy of their guest’s details, tour itinerary (arrival to departure), accommodation details, the vehicle and driver details to the nearest Tourism Information Centre or Department or at the entry points at least 24 hours before the arrival of the guests. (Provision of online uploading will also be enabled as soon as possible). 4. OTAs outside Sikkim will not be allowed to operate independent tours in Sikkim during the first phase. All tours by OTAs outside Sikkim to be routed through authorized local travel agents or tour operators of Sikkim. 5. The travel agents or tour operators shall be permitted to engage only tourist vehicles (luxury vehicles) for all tourist transports and sightseeing during the first phase for better tracking and monitoring of the visiting tourist. 6. Travel Agents or Tour Operators to use the same vehicle(s) for the whole tour (arrival to departure). They should avoid the change of vehicles in between the tours unless in case of breakdown or exigencies. 7. The travel agents or tour operators processing authorization shall, in no case, engage proxy operators to conduct their tours. 8. All authorized operators to strictly adhere to Operational Recommendations for Tourism Service Providers (MOT)and SOP to be issued by the Tourism Department. What does the Tourism Department need to enable? 1. Applications expressing interest for the resumption of business will be invited by the department from Hotels, Homestays, Travel Agents, and other tourism service providers. 2. The applicants will require to submit an undertaking (in prescribed format) along with their application, declaring their fulfillment and preparedness on all provisions under the operational guidelines and that they shall be solely held liable in the event of any violation of the guidelines or protocols. 3. The applications of only those hotels or travel agents registered with DOT and CAv and compliant to the Operational Recommendations issued by MOT will be admissible for the first phase operations. 4. The department will ensure adequate staff and infrastructure at the entry points of Rangpo and Melli for carrying out the entry formalities. 5. Valid COVID negative certificate - not more than three-days old, registration details of the Web Portal - Traveller ID, proof of pre-booking slips - service vouchers or tour itinerary issued by the authorized operators and vehicle details, will be checked at entry points. 6. There will be a dedicated Central Monitoring or Records Team at the Head Office which will monitor and maintain the records daily of tourist arrivals or departures along with movement details. All the entry and exit points and Tourist Information Centre will report to the Central Monitoring Team daily. How the Health Department can aid? 1. In case of detection or suspicion of any COVID-19 positive case or symptom of tourists at the entry point, a provision of isolation facility at Rangpo itself. Further course of action - treatment and management of the infected case - Health Department Officials. All costs that may be involved in the process (Isolation facility and treatment) will be borne by the tourist. 2. If a tourist is without a COVID-19 negative certificate and whether they must be permitted, then the minimum duration of their stay or quarantine needs to be decided in consultation with the Health Department. 3. In case of detection of any COVID-19 positive case of tourist during his or her stay - isolation, treatment, containment, and quarantine - to have the system of 'Tourist Health Safety and Treatment protocols’ in place. 4. Possibility of Rapid Antigen Testing facility for all incoming tourists at the entry points of Rangpo and Melli. 5. No odd or even restrictions for tourists' vehicles (luxury taxis), provided they carry proof of valid or live tour details and itinerary in the vehicle. 6. Tourist taxi driver engaged for tourist transport be tested for COVID-19.

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WTTC launches Safe Travels protocols for adventure travel

The latest protocols for the global Travel & Tourism sector focus on measures to ensure the reopening of adventure tourism, which should see an increase in popularity as travellers seek more unique experiences post COVID-19. he World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the latest set of measures designed to rebuild global consumer confidence, reduce risk and encourage the return of Safe Travels. The latest protocols for the global Travel & Tourism sector focus on measures to ensure the reopening of adventure tourism, which should see an increase in popularity as travellers seek more unique experiences post COVID-19. WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, held detailed discussions with key stakeholders and organisations to ensure maximum buy-in, alignment and practical implementation. The measures help to set clear expectations of what travellers can experience in the ‘new normal’ which offer safe environments as travel restrictions are eased. Backed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the WTTC protocols also take into account guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the WTTC Safe Travels stamp recognises those destinations, countries, businesses and governments worldwide which have adopted them. Protocols for the adventure tourism industry were compiled on the basis of insights and frameworks developed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), in collaboration with a number of key tour operators in the segment such as Abercrombie & Kent, Eurotur, Intrepid and The Travel Corporation (TTC), to support the safe, healthy and responsible restart of adventure tourism around the world. Within these protocols, the adventure tourism industry refers to a wide variety of adventure tourism experiences including cycling, rafting, trekking, skiing, snowboarding, wildlife safaris and culinary tours, among others. Not only are these activities mostly outdoors, thus limiting time spent in indoors; but group sizes can be managed to allow for physical distancing. It is expected that this type of tourism will see growth in the post-COVID landscape. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Adventure tourism is becoming increasingly popular amongst travellers and will represent a key component to travel in the new normal. According to our recently launched COVID-19 Travel Demand Recovery Dashboard, it is also one of the fastest growing segments, which is why it is vital to establish measures allowing safe travels for adventure travellers. “Consumer confidence is crucial for Travel & Tourism to resume. We know travellers will want to explore the world around them once more, so long as they are confident in their safety. The return of Travel & Tourism will help power the world’s much-needed economic recovery, which is why these protocols are so important. “We would like to pay tribute to all those companies in the global private sector who have stepped forward and rallied around in support of the WTTC Safe Travels protocols. They create the consistency needed to allow a re-invigorated Travel & Tourism sector to re-open for business. The expertise from businesses large and small has contributed to define the new experience for travellers, and these robust global measures have been embraced around the world.” The welfare of travellers and the millions of people employed throughout the Travel & Tourism sector at the heart of WTTC’s comprehensive package of Safe Travels protocols. They avoid the emergence of multiple standards, which would only confuse the consumer and delay the sector’s recovery. They also provide consistency to destinations and countries as well as guidance to travel providers, airlines, airports, operators, and travellers, about the new approach to health and hygiene in the post COVID-19 world. WTTC divided the new guidance into four pillars including operational and staff preparedness; delivering a safe experience; rebuilding trust and confidence; and implementing enabling policies. Measures announced today include: • Reduce participant capacity limits for activities as appropriate to allow for physical distancing • Ensured activity difficulty levels do not exceed guest ability and skill, thus decreasing the need for a possible rescue • Provide clear, consistent, and up-to-date communication on new health & hygiene protocols via the organisation’s channels, both digitally and physically through clear signage • Promote contact tracing apps if required by local legislation • Inform guests about support available if questions or concerns arise • Share guest guidelines ahead of trip or activity digitally and in person upon arrival on the basis of advice from health authorities, which may include the wearing of face masks or coverings, guidance on hand hygiene and avoiding physical contact. Consider having consumers acknowledge guidelines: • Encouraged guests to purchase tickets online if possible • Keep the same households, families, or members of group bookings together for all activities to lower risk of exposure for those outside of that unit, wherever possible • Ensure, where possible, that each guest can handle their own equipment and gear for the duration of the trip. Where possible, guests should be encouraged bring their own equipment or gear, such as bikes, skis, and helmets among others • Limited physical contact and queuing where possible

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Govt allows airline to operate at 60% capacity

Up till now, airlines were operating at 45 percent of their pre-COVID level capacity. After resuming domestic passenger flights in India from the May 25, the Civil Aviation Ministry had allowed Indian airlines to operate at 33 percent of their pre-COVID levels which was increased to 45 percent from the June 26. "While this move is sentimentally positive for airline companies, we believe that demand will remain muted in the near future and is expected to pick up post the festive season and maintain a neutral rating on the sector," Jyoti Roy, DVP-Equity Strategist at Angel Broking told Moneycontrol. He said markets would be keenly awaiting data for the domestic aviation industry for August which would be released in a few days by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aviation ministry issued an order on September 2 stating that, "45 percent capacity may be read as 60 percent capacity," modifying its June 26 order where it had put a 45 percent cap on the number of domestic flights. Over 1.20 lakh passengers took to the skies across the country on September 1, the Civil Aviation Ministry has said, adding that domestic aviation operations continue to grow steadily.

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Andhra Pradesh allows tourism activities to resume as per Unlock-4 norms

Special Chief Secretary (Tourism and Culture) Rajat Bhargava said all tourist destinations, ropeway operations, boating, adventure sports and tourism-related transport operations were being opened with immediate effect. Tourism activities are set to resume in Andhra Pradesh after a gap of five months as the state government on Friday permitted opening up of sites as per Unlock-4 guidelines. Special Chief Secretary (Tourism and Culture) Rajat Bhargava said all tourist destinations, ropeway operations, boating, adventure sports and tourism-related transport operations were being opened with immediate effect. Similarly, all museums and archaeological sites, including forts and protected monuments, buildings and structures were also being opened to the public, Bhargava told PTI. We have issued necessary instructions to the AP Tourism Development Corporation and the Commissioner of Archaeology and Museums in this regard, asking them to scrupulously following the Unlock-4 guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, he said. The closure of tourist sites and facilities, including hotels run by the APTDC due to the COVID-19 lockdown, caused a revenue loss of about Rs 10 crore a month since March. Meanwhile, Rajat Bhargava, who is also Special Chief Secretary (Revenue), issued a memo, permitting opening of bars in Class-1 clubs, tourism facilities and also military canteens for liquor sale. He directed the Excise Commissioner to take necessary action in line with it.

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Goa Travel operators demand air bubble with 3 nations

Panaji: With entry restrictions for domestic travellers lifted, the hospitality industry is eager to have a similar relaxation for international travellers too. Travel operators handling international bookings, including charter operators, have now requested the Goa government to push for an air bubble with Russia, the UK and Poland. India has extended the ban on international flights till September-end. Goa’s charter season takes off in October while bookings usually start as early as April-May. This season, however, bookings have been delayed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Two days ago, representatives of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) met with tourism secretary J Ashok Kumar and tourism director Menino D’Souza, pressing for an air bubble with Russia, the UK and Poland. The delegation had a meeting scheduled with chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday but it was called off after he tested positive for Covid-19. Goa receives 8-9 lakh international tourists per year, with charter components in the range of 2-2.5 lakh. Travellers from the UK and Russia constitute the largest chunk of its international guests. Chief operating officer at Sita and TCI, Ernest Dias, said although they have started receiving queries from their regular operators, especially from Russia, it is important that international flights resume at the earliest if bookings are to start. “Charter operators are ready to come but our international borders must open. Our request is to have an air bubble arrangement as it exists in other countries and to allow scheduled and charter flights to land in Goa,” he said. Vice-president at Minar Travels (India Pvt Ltd), Abida Kumar, said people have become tired of sitting at home for eight whole months. “Business will trickle in in October-November, but it will pick up in a big way in January,” Kumar said, adding that she had been getting queries from the UK, Kazakhstan and Russia. While pitching for reopening Goa as an international holiday destination, TTAG president Nilesh Shah said it would have to be done carefully and with adequate measures in place.

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