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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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Odisha to revive river cruise tourism

BHUBANESWAR: IN a bid to revive the tourism industry amid Covid-19 pandemic, the State Government on Thursday announced plans to revive river cruise tourism on public private partnership (PPP) mode. Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy directed the Tourism Department to chalk out modalities while exploring possibilities of innovative tourism activities at high level meeting with experts and stakeholders on digital mode. Tourism Secretary Vishal Dev said three principal river cruise circuits can be developed in river Mahanadi, Chilika lake and in water bodies in reserve forest near Dangamala including the National Water Way-5 from Dhamara to Paradip. Bhitarkanika circuit can connect the spots like Chandbali-Aradi-Dhamara-Khola to other spots in Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary. This circuit can be a five nights and six days cruise. Chilika circuit can connect Chilika, Kalijai-Nalabana-Honeymoon island-Mangalajodi-Satapada-Rajhans island-Satapada and Puri. It could be a three night and four days cruise. “River cruise is compatible with Covid-19 restrictions. There is a huge scope and latent market for world class river cruising in Odisha. It can also be connected with many eco-spots and refill the economic activities in the sector,” Tripathy said. Issues relating to various regulatory permissions, compliance to pollution norms, river jetties and bar license were discussed at the meeting. The Chief Secretary said the State Government will provide all support for this activity. State PPP cell was advised to work out the details in consultation with department of Tourism and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation. He asked Tourism department to coordinate with Inland Waterways Authority regarding statutory requirements.

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Nepal government planning to give priority to Indian tourists to revive tourism

Wooing Indian tourists is a high priority for the Gandaki provincial government of Nepal once the travel restrictions are lifted after the lockdown. According to the latest statement given by Nepal's Tourist Minister Bikash Lamsal, the Nepal government is planning to give utmost preference to Indian tourists on their list as they form a major part of Nepal foreign tourist arrivals. Reportedly, of the total tourists who visited Nepal’s Pokhara, the City of Lakes, in 2019, 40 per cent were from India. In the year 2018, Nepal’s foreign tourist count was 11.73 lakh, and the majority were from India. Top tourist activities in Nepal include trekking, paragliding, boating, kayaking, etc. Lamsal said that although the government was unable to welcome tourists from abroad in 2019 due to the Coronavirus, they are trying to make the situation conducive to tourist foreign tourists in the upcoming years. The minister also added that Nepal tourism is celebrating the year 2019-2022 as Tourism Year, and they are aiming for two million tourists. In addition, the year 2021 will be Tourism Infrastructure Improvement Year and 2022 International Tourism Year. Since the tourism sector has suffered in terms of revenue this year due to the pandemic, the country is trying to cover up the losses and trying to make better efforts for the next year. Reportedly, Nepal has suffered a loss of 13 crore Nepal rupees per day owing to the present pandemic, which has suspended all tourist activities.

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