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Young Indians drive surge in travel to Thailand

Young Indians are driving the increased Indian tourist inflows to Thailand with Airbnb reporting a more than 60 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings by Indian guests and tourists to Thailand between 2022 and 2023. This surge in interest, particularly notable during the recent Holi and Easter long weekends, saw searches for Thai stays by Indian travelers increasing by over 200 percent during these periods. The surge in travel interest is predominantly driven by India's younger demographic. Gen Z and Millennials, who constitute the largest share of the Indian population, accounted for 80 percent of Airbnb bookings to Thailand in 2023. According to data from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, India ranks as the fifth largest inbound market for Thailand. The recent boost in travel can be attributed to several factors, including the Thai government’s visa-free policy for Indian citizens, which has been extended until November 11, 2024, and the availability of numerous non-stop daily flights. This policy has significantly lowered barriers to travel, making Thailand an even more attractive destination for Indian tourists.

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Qatar Airways and China Southern to Offer Better Travel Options with New MoU

Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have taken a significant step forward in their strategic alliance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding travel options and convenience for passengers. This agreement, which includes a comprehensive codeshare arrangement, is designed to enhance the market presence and collaborative efforts of both airlines in key areas such as cargo services and frequent flyer programs. The MoU was formally signed by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, and China Southern Airlines President and CEO, Mr. Han Wensheng. This partnership underscores the commitment of both airlines to providing enhanced connectivity and service quality for their passengers. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “As part of our robust partnership with China Southern Airlines, Qatar Airways is building on the success of the new route from Doha to Guangzhou, which was launched in April this year, to offer more choice to both airline passengers. It is a proud milestone for us to serve the prominent Chinese market in collaboration with our key partner, and look forward to extending our award-winning offerings to travellers flying through China.” President and CEO of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited, Mr. Han Wensheng said: “China Southern Airlines launched a direct route from Guangzhou to Doha in April, which has strongly promoted the connectivity between China and countries and regions along the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. In the future, China Southern Airlines will deepen cooperation with Qatar Airways, strengthen complementary advantages, and work together to bring more comfortable and convenient travel experiences to our passengers.” Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines are set to deepen their collaboration by extending enhanced frequent flyer benefits to members of their respective loyalty programs, Privilege Club and Sky Pearl Club. Passengers will now be able to earn and redeem Avios and Miles on flights operated by both airlines. Additionally, tier benefits such as lounge access and other exclusive airport services will be available, further elevating the travel experience for loyal customers. This strengthened partnership aims to provide seamless and rewarding journeys for frequent flyers across both networks.

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Western Railway Undertakes Pre-Monsoon Works To Ensure Smooth Travel For Commuters

Western Railway is committed to provide smooth travel for its commuters, to keep the wheels of trains running and ensure uninterrupted services, especially during the monsoons. Due to the sustained efforts and infrastructure upgradations, the suburban operations have become better in the past few years during the monsoons, and WR ran train services smoothly and normally over Mumbai suburban section with minimum disruptions, despite heavy rainfall. Western Railway is undertaking several monsoon preparatory works on a mission mode along with proper upkeep & maintenance of the mechanical, signalling, electrical assets & equipment, etc. In this direction, Niraj Verma, Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai Central conducted inspection of Vasai Yard on 12th June, 2024. He was accompanied by Senior Divisional Engineer (Coordination), Senior Divisional Engineer (South), Senior Divisional Signal & Telecom Engineer (South) and other senior railway officials. According to Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, to ensure uninterrupted services during the ensuing monsoon, specific areas of concern are being identified and all possible efforts are taken so that the work is completed on time. The work for improvement to drainage system at Vasai Yard is being undertaken and a Traffic Work Order (TWO) at Point No 215/216/217/219/187 is progressing at a fast pace. After completion of this TWO, there will be better & more efficient reception & dispatch of trains in the Goods yard During the course of inspection, Verma inspected and discussed the other undergoing pre-monsoon preparations such as provision of dewatering pumps, cleaning of central and side drains, desilting of culverts, track circuiting of signaling department, etc. Based on the past history of water logging between Vasai – Nalasopara, DRM advised some innovative works such as gated opening in protection wall for one way discharge of rain water, cross drain of HDPE pipe in half moon shape, which will facilitate easy cleaning. At Vasai Yard, some locations where chocked ballast were observed, it was advised for screening of ballast to improve cross drainage.Western Railway is ensuring continuous monitoring and all efforts are being taken for maintaining disruption free travel to commuters.

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Air India Express to operate daily flights from Mangaluru Intl Airport to Abu Dhabi from July 22

Air India Express (IX) is all set to increase frequency of its flights from Mangaluru International Airport to Abu Dhabi to a daily flight from July 22, 2024. At present, IX operates 4 flights in a week to the capital city of United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. This will also result in uptick in daily flights to Bengaluru to 8, with IX and IndiGo restarting flights and IX routing aircraft for enhanced Abu Dhabi operations. At present, IndiGo (4) and IX (1) operate a total of 5 flights daily on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru sector. From July 8, the daily flights on this sector will go up to 6, with IX restarting its second daily flight. This number will further increase to 7 from July 22 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. IX will operate this additional flight onwards to Abu Dhabi from Mangaluru. The Bengaluru-Mangaluru leg will operate purely as a domestic flight and Abu Dhabi passengers will board at Mangaluru. From August 1, flights on Bengaluru-Mangaluru sector will go up to 8 on three days in a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday respectively. IX will operate the third flight on these days to go with its two daily flights. IndiGo will operate 5 daily flights including the fifth flight which it announced in the summer schedule starting March 31. For operations on this sector that sees high passenger footfalls, IX uses the Boeing-737 Max and IndiGo uses the Airbus series aircraft. On the Mumbai-Mangaluru sector, IX will operate the afternoon flight from July 16 in place of Air India, which will continue to operate the morning flight. Currently, airlines from Mangaluru International Airport, operate 5 daily flights to Mumbai and Bengaluru, 2 daily flights to Chennai and Hyderabad respectively, one daily flight to Delhi, 3 weekly flights to Pune and 1 weekly flight to Tiruchirappalli. International flights operation includes 2 daily flights to Dubai by IX and 4 weekly flights by IndiGo, 4 weekly to Dammam, 3 weekly to Muscat, 2 weekly to Doha and Bahrain and 1 weekly each to Kuwait and Jeddah – all by IX.

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Passengers who missed train in Chennai Central to get berths under Emergency Quota

Southern Railway has offered to help some passengers who could not board Train No. 12840 Chennai Central-Howrah Superfast Mail in Chennai on June 11 to get accommodation under the Emergency Quota. According to railway sources, a senior official of the Chennai Division got in touch with Vinay Yadav of West Bengal and his family members who had confirmed tickets in Coach S-3 but could not enter the train after unauthorised persons barged into the compartment and occupied reserved berths. Assuring them refund for the tickets that could not be used for travel, the official asked them to book fresh tickets in Train No 12842 Chennai Central-Shalimar Coromandel Express departing Chennai on June 12 and offered to help them in getting berths confirmed under the Emergency Quota. On June 11 night, many passengers with confirmed tickets could not board the Chennai-Howrah Superfast Mail after unauthorised persons barged into the Sleeper Class compartments even as the empty rake of the train was being brought on to the platform. Despite complaints to the Travelling Ticket Examiner, Station Manager and Station Inspector, there was no change in the situation. Several families were stranded in the platform after the train left, Mr. Vinay Yadav said. “In no time, many coaches were fully occupied, mostly by ticketless travellers or those with waitlisted or unreserved tickets. The entire coach was full and many were sitting or standing with luggage along the pathway. The doors were either locked or jam-packed with no scope for anybody to enter. Even if senior citizens, women and children manage to push through the crowd, they would not be able to move, lie down and use the toilet through the long journey. There was no assistance from the railways. We booked rooms in a lodge and will have to stay here till June 11 morning. I have already spent more than ₹25,000...,” he said. The Division Railway Manager of Chennai Division chose to respond in social media. In a reply to this correspondent’s post on ‘X’, he said Southern Railway was operating four weekly holiday special trains to Howrah connecting Chennai area in addition to the existing seven regular train services. The June 11’s rush was probably due to the festival holiday. Necessary steps had been taken to reduce crowding in the coaches. The number of Sleeper Class coaches in Train No. 12840 Chennai Central-Howrah Superfast Mail and Train No. 12842 Chennai Central-Shalimar Coromandel Superfast Express trains were increased. Expressing shock over reserved coaches in the Chennai-Howrah Superfast Mail being taken over by unauthorised travellers, Chennai Central constituency MP Dayanidhi Maran of the DMK said this was not just unfair to travellers with confirmed tickets, but a major security concern as well. “Southern Railway needs to investigate why no action was taken at the station to resolve the issue and also ply more trains along such corridors to help ease the plight of workers,” he said. The Ministry of Railways has to create a comprehensive roadmap for the modernisation of stations, and security mechanisms and do a thorough study of passenger traffic and requirements along all lines at the earliest, Mr. Maran said.

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Taj becomes world's strongest hotel brand on back of rapid revenue growth

Taj Hotels, the flagship brand of Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has become the world’s strongest hotel brand on the back of rapid revenue growth. The brand has been recognised as the world’s second fastest-growing brand, after Sheraton’s Four Points, stated a Brand Finance report titled Hotels 50 2024. Taj’s brand value soared to $545 million, stated the report. “We are delighted for the iconic brand Taj to be honoured as the World's Strongest Hotel Brand yet again, in its milestone 120th year. Receiving this recognition for four years, thrice as number one in the world, is a testament to the brand’s century-old legacy of pioneering destinations, setting global benchmarks, and showcasing Indian hospitality to the world,” said Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and chief executive officer, IHCL. “This achievement underscores the trust and affection of our guests and the steadfast dedication and commitment of our colleagues in delivering warm and sincere service, a true hallmark of Taj,” he added. With an improved Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.9 out of 100, Taj earned an AAA+ rating -- the highest brand strength rating awarded by the leading brand valuation consultancy. “Taj’s BSI score climbed more than three points and performed exceptionally well across various brand strength metrics, such as familiarity, consideration, recommendation, and reputation,” the report added. The hospitality giant had reported a 29.36 per cent growth in its consolidated profit after tax to Rs 438.33 crore in the fourth quarter ended March 2024. Meanwhile, Hilton, with a brand value of $11.6 billion, continued to hold its position as the world’s most valuable hotel brand for the ninth consecutive year.

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