NEWS | Bahrain red list removes India and Pakistan

Arrivals still need PCR tests on arrival and on the fifth and tenth days

The Civil Aviation Affairs has updated Bahrain's Red List countries, in line with directives issued by the Government Executive Committee in response to recommendations made by the National Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The latest update includes the addition of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Slovenia, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Costa Rica, and the Republic of Ecuador to the Red List, effective Friday, 3 September 2021.

The Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of India, the Republic of Panama, and the Dominican Republic have been removed from the Red List.

Pre-arrival PCR tests are no longer required for those entering the Kingdom of Bahrain from non-Red List countries whose vaccination certificates are recognised.

All passengers arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain will still have to take PCR tests on arrival and on the fifth and tenth days after their stay.

Passengers from Red List countries, including those who have transited through Red List countries in the preceding 14 days, are prohibited from entry, except for citizens or residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

All other travel procedures for arrivals from non-Red List countries remain in place. Additionally, all other travel procedures for citizens and residents arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain from Red List countries remain in place, including presenting a valid PCR test, done no more than 48 hours before boarding to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Red List countries:

• Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

• Republic of Tunisia

• Georgia

• Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Republic of Slovenia

• Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

• Republic of Costa Rica

• People's Republic of Bangladesh

• Republic of Indonesia

• Republic of the Philippines

• Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

• Republic of the Union of Myanmar

• Islamic Republic of Iran

• Republic of Iraq

• The Federation of Malaysia

• Socialist Republic of Vietnam

• State of Mongolia

• Republic of South Africa

• Republic of Uganda

• Republic of Zimbabwe

• Republic of Namibia

• Republic of Mozambique

• Republic of Malawi

• Ukraine

• United Mexican States

Red list countries are modified based on an assessment made by the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is periodically reviewed in line with international developments.

Source

NEWS | RARE India adds 18 new hotels to its portfolio

With these additions, RARE India now has 86 hospitality and destination brands across 18 states in the Indian subcontinent

RARE India, a community of some of the finest conscious luxury boutique hotels, palace stays, wildlife lodges, homestays and retreats in India and the subcontinent, has added 18 new hotels.

Seven of the latest entrants to the RARE India Community are based in North & West India, five in South & Western Ghats while six hotels are situated in the North Hills, Terai, East India and the Himalayas. With these additions, RARE India now has 86 hospitality and destination brands across 18 states in the Indian subcontinent, all of which offer experiential stays and immersions that place a great emphasis on community engagement and strive to preserve and protect the planet.

The new hotels and experiences in the RARE India Community include:

• North & West: Khem Villas in Ranthambhore (Rajasthan); Premkunj in Udaipur (Rajasthan); Dera Amer near Jaipur (Rajasthan); Killa Bhawan in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan); Mihir Garh near Jodhpur (Rajasthan); Rohet Garh near Jodhpur (Rajasthan); The Rohet House in Jodhpur (Rajasthan)

• South & Western Ghats: Gratitude Heritage, Kariappa House and Grand Hotel D'Europe in Puducherry; Dhole's Den in Bandipur (Karnataka); Cabo Serai in Cabo de Rama (Goa)

• North Hills, Terai, East & Himalayas: Karan Mahal in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir); The Apricot Tree Hotel in Nurla (Ladakh); Atali Ganga in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand); The Mandala House in Devprayag (Uttarakhand); Neeralaya in Manali (Himachal Pradesh); Ging Tea House in Darjeeling (West Bengal)

About these new members of the RARE India Community, Shoba Mohan, Founder, RARE India, said, “We worked away through the pandemic lockdowns, creating value and awareness for the RARE India Community hoping that when the world opens up for travel, our community of hotels, carefully chosen for their experiences and attitude towards sustainable luxury and community engagement, will be known globally and will be on the travel-list of Indian travellers discovering their own country and the subcontinent. This not only meant stepping up our marketing strategy to improve sales but also create better distribution of our hotels and experiences so that more and more travellers discovered the Community in many different ways.”

The RARE India Community consists of small, private, concept hotels that offer compelling stories in unique locations, have a sharp focus on ‘conscious travel’ and offer transformational experiences that create value for the community and preserve the pristine quality of the destination. These hotels are at destinations tucked away and off busy highways, with impactful visual stories of people and the place, impart knowledge and urge participation through expert-led immersions. RARE India hand-picks hotels after personally discovering them and vetting them for quality of service, concept and authenticity as well as their commitment towards preservation and conservation of the environment, destination, heritage, local traditions, culture and community engagement.

All RARE hotels are curated destination experiences for travellers to experience, participate and create combined value. The new hotels in the Community will offer travellers interesting hotel choices with the RARE ethos embedded in their design and operations in many more locations.

Under its partnership with these hotels, RARE India will audit, endorse, advocate, create awareness and brand merit for the Community by taking the story of the destination, hotel and the owners to a diverse market segment and promoters.

RARE India will help build the hotel and experience brands by spotlighting their attitude and attributes to travellers as well as travel designers to help them ‘explore destinations and hotel differently’.

New Launch | The Chambers launches its new outpost in London

With this addition, The Chambers is now present at eight destinations across the globe

The Chambers, India’s first exclusive business club, announced the launch of its new outpost in London. Taj The Chambers, located at the iconic Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, is a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace.

The unveiling event saw the who’s who of the London corporate and social world come together over an elegant soiree. Ravi Shastri, former international cricketer and current coach of the Indian Cricket team, launched his book, Stargazing: The Players in My Life, in the presence of the Indian cricket team. With this addition, The Chambers is now present at eight destinations across the globe.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “The Chambers offers an exclusive address for a select community of accomplished acclaimed achievers. With its launch at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, London, we are excited to offer members access to an uber-luxury private and élite club in one of the city’s distinguished locations. Chambers members can now get access to its facilities at some of the world’s most important business hubs like London, Dubai and soon to open in New York. Members can look forward to experiencing Tajness and its familiar stamp of warm hospitality when travelling to these destinations.”

Designed by Conran & Partners, Taj The Chambers, London is a beautifully crafted private members club. It provides members a haven to conduct business at an exclusive office space, or simply relax and unwind in the company of select few. It features a sophisticated bar; individual work pods; a smart private dining space, which also transforms into a meeting room; and a lounge that offers Indian and international cuisine, rich in flavours and exquisite in presentation.

The Chambers Global Membership offers members a lifetime access with its accompanying benefits and privileges. Members enjoy unrestricted access to the business centre and club lounge across all Taj, SeleQtions and Vivanta hotels worldwide. From lifetime membership, best room prices and upgrades to complimentary breakfast, curated events and exclusive experiences, members can enjoy an unparalleled experience at The Chambers.

The Chambers, has presence across eight landmark Taj hotels including six in India, one in Dubai and now in London. It will soon be expanding to Bengaluru in India and New York.

NEW Opening | Fortune Hotels expands its footprint in Punjab with the signing of a new hotel

Set to be a ‘Fortune Park’ the new hotel would be the first branded first-class, full-service hotel of the city and will aim to cater to a mix of leisure, business and social clientele

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group has inked an operating agreement for a hotel in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. With this signing the premier hotel chain strengthens its footprint in the State.

Announcing the signing, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Limited, said: “We are pleased to announce our entry into Hoshiarpur and thank the promoters for their trust in us. This hotel enhances our portfolio mix. Our quality offerings along with the ITC’s Hotel Group legacy behind us, will give the city dwellers a premium address to host their celebrations and memorable events.”

Set to be a ‘Fortune Park’ the new hotel would be the first branded first-class, full-service hotel of the city and will aim to cater to a mix of leisure, business and social clientele alike.

Together with 57-rooms and suites, a restful spa, swimming pool, multiple food & beverage offerings and over 20,000 sq. ft. of banquet venues and extensive lawns, this regal property is located on NH3 just 6 km from Hoshiarpur town.

Poised to open later this year, the elegant hotel doubles up as a convenient getaway for the city residents to relax and rejuvenate over weekends. Its strategic location also makes it a great stopover for pilgrims enroute to religious places like Mata Chintpurni temple, one of the prime ‘Shakti Peethas’ in India.

NEWS | UAE’s tourism industry gets boost as all fully vaccinated travellers allowed entry

UAE’s tourism industry gets boost as all fully vaccinated travellers allowed entry

The UAE is to open tourist visa applications for people from all countries, as long as they have been fully inoculated by one of the World Health Organisation (WHO)-approved Covid-19 vaccines.

The announcement, which will be implemented from August 30, was made jointly by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

According to a statement carried by state-run news agency WAM: “The decision applies to citizens of all countries, including those arriving from the previously banned countries. Arriving passengers on tourist visa must take mandatory rapid PCR test at the airport. The previous rules for unvaccinated, including exempted categories, remain in place.”

Travellers are urged to register their vaccination via the ICA platform or the Al Hosn application.

Total revenues generated by the UAE’s tourism sector reached AED11.3 billion ($3bn) during the first six months of 2021, up from AED8.6bn in the year-earlier period, according to official data.

Lower cases driving tourist visa demand

The WHO has so far approved shots from AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac. Cases have been steadily dropping in the UAE, which has also rolled out one of the fastest vaccination programs in the world.

On Saturday, the Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHaP), revealed that the total number of coronavirus vaccine doses provided up to date stood at 18,056,765 with a rate of vaccine distribution of 182.57 doses per 100 people.

Source

Marriott International| Marriott’s “The Exchange – All for One” Brings Industry Leaders Together to Reignite Meetings and Events

Marriott Displays Connect with Confidence Protocols at Largest Customer Event Since Start of Pandemic

After a year of mostly virtual meetings, Marriott International hosted its largest in-person customer event since the start of the pandemic last week, showcasing health protocols and marking a positive sign for the recovery of the meetings and events industry. The event was a milestone for the company’s “Connect with Confidence” program, a global initiative by Marriott Bonvoy Events, which provides industry-leading resources and innovative solutions for hosting meetings and events today.

Marriott’s “The Exchange” event, held August 24-27, 2021 at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Orlando, Florida, brought together nearly 800 attendees – including corporate and association meeting professionals, as well as Marriott executives and sales professionals.

Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International, said, “Meeting with our corporate and association customers face-to-face at The Exchange reminds me of the power, energy, and connection that we get from being together in person – it’s an experience that can’t be replaced by screens and emails. I am continually inspired by the resiliency of our industry, our people, and our customers, and I’m enthusiastic about being back on the road and returning to group meetings and conferences.”

The Exchange Opening Session with Tim Oldfield, Stephanie Linnartz, and Anthony Capuano (left to right)

The event, themed “All for One,” illustrated for customers how they can host in-person events, while prioritizing attendees’ well-being, as the COVID-19 landscape continues to evolve. Committed to demonstrating a spirit of respect and care, Marriott implemented enhanced protocols before and during the meeting. All attendees were required to provide either a COVID-19 vaccine validation or proof of a negative COVID-19 test in advance of the event, submitted using the free CLEAR app’s Health Pass feature. Attendees who did not submit advance proof of vaccine validation were also tested on-site by ITA Group/Eurofins, with a negative test required for event entry.

Additionally, customers experienced various “Connect with Confidence” elements and industry-leading best practices first-hand, both before and during the event. Jerome Bruce, MBA, Director of Meetings and Exhibits at the Association of Government Accountants, said, “The industry has been through a lot over the past year. I applaud Marriott for once again bringing leaders, planners, and hoteliers together for collaboration, learning, and connecting face-to-face. It is valuable to hear from Marriott leaders, listen to the stories of resiliency and perseverance of hotels throughout the pandemic, and learn about the emerging trends and opportunities.”

Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization at Marriott International, said, “We launched our Connect with Confidence initiative a year ago to help meeting and events professionals navigate the pandemic and find new ways to create exceptional meetings experiences. Our goal is to instill confidence in our customers and encourage an eventual return to group meetings, while staying nimble and keeping well-being front and center. The Exchange is a pivotal moment in that journey.”

Attendees participated in industry meetings, collaborative breakout sessions, volunteer opportunities, and in-person networking sessions, including a marketplace connecting customers with 115 hotels.

Sessions at The Exchange covered critical industry topics such as risk management, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and global operations protocols. Marriott speakers included Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer; Stephanie Linnartz, President; Liam Brown, Group President, United States and Canada; Erika Alexander, Chief Global Officer, Global Operations; Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization; and Julius Robinson, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for U.S. and Canada.

Throughout the past year, Marriott Bonvoy Events has continued to create and provide resources that empower meetings professionals to Connect with Confidence. Most recently, more than 3,000 industry professionals experienced a series of Hybrid Event Learning Labs.

For additional information and resources related to enhanced meeting and event offerings, including more information about Marriott’s Commitment to Clean, visit www.marriottbonvoyevents.com.

NEWS | Blue Iris Hotels signs agreement with Sai Palace hotels to operate at Bidar, Karnataka

The Hotel will be branded as a “Blue Iris Boutique” and shall open doors on the 20th September, 2021

Blue Iris hotels announced the signing of a 30 room hotel with Sai Palace hotels Pvt Ltd, to operate at Bidar Karnataka. Parmeshwaran M, General Manager – Operations, represented Blue Iris Hotels with Mr. Rajashekhar Jeerge, Owner of the Sai Palace Hotel.

The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, Banqueting & conferencing facilities and boutique styled, no frills rooms. The hotel will be scheduled to open mid-September.

The hotel will be located in Nobad, Bidar and in the middle of the auto industrial area. 3 kms away from the airport and 3.5 kms away from the city’s railway station, and another 3.5 km away from this will be the city’s first branded hotel.

Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib is a Sikh historical shrine situated in Bidar, Karnataka. Gurdwara Nanak Jhira Sahib was built in the year 1948 and is dedicated to the first Sikh guru Guru Nanak. Bidar has a very long association with Sikhism as this is the home town of Bhai Sahib Singh, one of the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones).

Speaking on the venture, Russell Gregory, Brand Custodian for Blue Iris mentioned “We do see a lot of potential from the religious tourism segment, auto , pharma and agri sectors for this city. Moreover, being the city’s first brand, we are excited about this venture . We will continue to focus on tier 2 and tier 3 cities, as we see a huge growth within this market”

Sharing his thoughts on the sign up, Jeerge, Owner of Sai Palace Hotels quoted , “ We are very happy to have joined hands with Blue Iris Hotels and are keen to work together and make this relationship work for the long run and are excited to see how this venture pans out to be”.

NEWs | The Fern Hotels & Resorts partners with SpiceJet's inflight entertainment platform, SpiceScreen

SpiceScreen gives access to an amazing collection of unlimited entertainment, podcasts, magazines, and games along with an exclusive travel section.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has partnered with SpiceJet's inflight entertainment platform, SpiceScreen, to showcase its selected properties on the platform.
SpiceScreen gives access to an amazing collection of unlimited entertainment, podcasts, magazines, and games along with an exclusive travel section that highlights hotels, vacations, and mid-air cab bookings.

“We have tied up with SpiceScreen (SpiceJet IFE), to showcase our hotels on this platform. SpiceJet has selected 55 of our Fern, Zinc by The Fern, Beacon and independently branded hotels depending on their flight routes.  Our hotels will feature on all operative SpiceJet flights”, Mohit Sharad, General Manager - Sales & Marketing (North & East India) said.

Giving details about the program, Mohit informed that SpiceJet guests would be able to make their hotel bookings on our brand website booking engine. All 55 participating hotels will offer SpiceJet guests booking their hotel rooms through this platform a flat 20 % off on the hotel’s BAR rates. Besides the guests will also get a 20% discount on food and beverages and complimentary room upgrades & late check-out till 4 pm, both subject to availability. This promo offer is now live online.

Concept Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. manages 84 hotels & resorts with 4900+ rooms currently operational under management or opening shortly across 69 locations in India and internationally, under The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Zinc by The Fern and Beacon Hotels brands. The company is a part of CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, a multi-dimensional Nepalese conglomerate.

NEWS | Airbnb and SEWA extend their partnership Through this extended partnership, Airbnb will train SEWA members on home sharing, hospitality, quality standards and responsible hosting practices

Airbnb and the Self Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA), an organization representing 1.5 million self-employed women living mostly in India’s rural areas, have announced the extension of their partnership to onboard SEWA members from Ladakh as hosts on the Airbnb platform.

This partnership will expand livelihood opportunities for women in rural Ladakh and form part of broader efforts to rebuild tourism in a way that delivers positive outcomes for communities.
Through this extended partnership, Airbnb will train SEWA members on home sharing, hospitality, quality standards and responsible hosting practices under the ‘Hum Sab Ek’ (We are One) initiative, while fostering digital inclusion and enabling these women Hosts to connect with a global community of travelers.

Women make up a significant portion of Airbnb’s Host community in India. As of August 11 this year, new women Hosts in India with one listing have earned almost INR 30 million since the start of the pandemic and women make up almost 30 percent of our entire Indian Host community. Through home sharing, women hosts are able to significantly augment their earnings and some women entrepreneurs have embraced being home hosts full-time.

Ladakh is well-known as a pristine and unique hub for culture and ecotourism. SEWA hosts in Ladakh will offer a unique and immersive experience in the ancient village of Phayang in Leh Ladakh. These hosts will also be leading the way on energy efficiency and responsible resource use through accommodations with amenities such as newly installed solar lights.

This extended collaboration was announced at a seminar titled ‘Ladakh: New Start, New Goals’ organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said: "The Airbnb-SEWA partnership is an excellent example of how the benefits of tourism can better serve communities and help rebuild tourism across the country, especially in Ladakh. The region is a significant draw for domestic and international tourists, and these partnerships enable not only a wealth of tourism experiences, but economically empower communities with the help of platforms such as Airbnb."

“We are proud to extend our partnership with SEWA in Ladakh and help empower local women Hosts on Airbnb to secure their financial independence and bring valuable tourism dollars into their communities. As part of our broader efforts to help rebuild tourism for the benefit of local communities, we aim to work together with these micro-entrepreneurs to promote sustainable and responsible travel and stays that contribute to resilient local economies and support jobs. Airbnb will continue to work closely with these women Hosts through training and best-practice sharing.” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager - Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

"'Hum Sab Ek' is our rural innovation. We have worked together with Airbnb to create meaningful livelihood opportunities for our women members. Gandhiji’s Oceanic Circle perspective advocates helping each other rather than competing with each other. Together with Airbnb, our goal is to build a strong community of SEWA hosts who can learn from one another, constantly improve hosting standards, and together create a more welcoming environment for Indian women in hospitality." said Reema Nanavaty, Director, SEWA.

NEWS | Maldivian govt to sign contract for India-funded Greater Male Connectivity Project today

A contract for the construction of the largest-ever infrastructure project funded by India in the Maldives will be signed on Thursday.
The contract will be inked between the archipelagic nation's government and Maharashtra-based construction and engineering company Afcons infrastructure.
The Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will be the largest-ever infrastructure project in the Maldives, funded under the Indian Grant and Line of Credit.
Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir, said that the GMCP is not only the biggest project India is doing in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives overall.
"The Greater Male Connectivity Project is concrete proof that India is a robust development partner of the Maldives in addition to being the First Responder in times of any emergency in the Maldives. This iconic project will give a major boost to the Maldivian economy," he said.
India and Maldives signed the GMCP agreement in 2020.
The project aims to revitalize the Maldivian economy through a $400 million Line of Credit (LOC) and $100 million grant linking its capital Male with Gulhifalhu Port and Thilafushi industrial zone along with a regular cargo ferry service between the two countries to boost trade and commerce.

This project will be an infrastructural complement to the Gulhifalhu commercial port project which is being done under an Indian LoC of USD 800 million.
Since the current Male port has already reached its maximum physical capacity, the Maldives Government has decided to shift the Male port to Gulhifalhu island. This has given rise to the need to consider the development of link bridges to the three industrial islands for seamless connectivity, as per sources.

Source

Marriott International | Wanderlust Meets Purposeful Travel with a Voice

Marriott Bonvoy Partners with The Washington Post Creative Group to Identify a New Generation of Travel Storytellers

After more than a year of staying at home, travelers had time to think about how to do a lot of things better — and travel is no exception. The Washington Post Creative Group and Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, today announced the launch of an uplifting new search for underrepresented storytellers who will embark on ‘Regenerative Travel’ trips. Tapping into the latest insights of consumers wanting to leave a place better than they found it, three selected writers will explore a regenerative travel trend that benefits local communities, economies and the environment, in addition to the traveler’s personal wellbeing.

“As we continue to reignite the spirit of travel, we are excited to collaborate with a like-minded brand to invite these storytellers to join the conversation and lead the way of making the world a better place than we found it,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President, Brand, Loyalty, and Portfolio Marketing, Marriott International. “With thousands of destinations to explore, experiences to discover, and people to meet, Marriott Bonvoy is an immersive and inclusive travel platform, helping expand individuals’ worlds and minds, in ways big and small.”

Povinelli added, “Regenerative travel isn’t just a buzz phrase, but a whole new way of traveling. The ethos of this opportunity is around WP Creative Group and Marriott Bonvoy’s shared belief that the regeneration of travel calls for a new generation of travel storytellers. For those who want to rethink what travel stories we tell and how we tell them, these two powerhouse brands are empowering the next generation of travelers with new tools for compelling, authentic narratives.”

“The Washington Post Creative Group is uniquely positioned to elevate these voices, with a mission to present inclusive, accessible travel coverage to the more than 73 million readers nationwide who come to our site each month,” said Scott Weisenthal, head of The Washington Post Creative Group. “We’re delighted to further this commitment by amplifying underrepresented voices in the travel space and by giving them access to our best-in-class storytelling technologies. We’re even more delighted to do it with Marriott Bonvoy, a brand that shares our purpose-led values.”

Three travelers will be selected and work under the guidance of a dedicated content editor and seasoned journalist. Marriott Bonvoy will enable the travel journey, while the Washington Post Creative Group will provide access to immersive technologies and a team of talented videographers, producers and interactive designers who will help them tell their stories. The chosen storytellers will also be featured in “TripTok,” a special takeover of The Washington Post’s Webby award-winning TikTok channel that reaches nearly one million followers.

NEWS | Sri Lanka reopens borders after a long-anticipated wait

Sri Lanka has officially reopened its doors to India with a clear travel safety protocol and no minimum stay period. Fully vaccinated international tourists can move freely around the country after an on-arrival test.

As the ease in restrictions globally pave way for a strong comeback of international travel, Sri Lanka has taken a big step ahead in reopening its borders for India. The pioneer of luxury experiential travel in the destination and part of the family-owned Dilmah Tea Company, Resplendent Ceylon welcomes this move by launching specially curated packages for Indian travellers that offer an inimitable selection of ‘Tea, Sea and Safari’ journeys.

As the sole member of Relais & Chateaux in Sri Lanka, Resplendent Ceylon has been globally renowned for its benchmark hospitality and consists of three distinctive, boutique luxury resorts in the destination: Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge. Across its portfolio, the hospitality group has been curating bespoke experiences that showcase the finest in immersive luxury travel, along with a consistent commitment towards contributing to local communities and the environment.

“We’re confident this positive step by Sri Lanka Tourism will facilitate seamless travel between our neighbouring countries in the coming months. India is an important market for us and Resplendent Ceylon is delighted to invite discerning Indian travellers once again to experience meticulously tailored ‘Tea, Sea and Safari’ journeys combined with benchmark luxury hospitality across our resorts.”, said Malik Fernando, Managing Director, Resplendent Ceylon.

The latest Sri Lankan Tourism health protocol for Indian travellers shares detailed information on the travel safety guidelines approved by government authorities. These have been designed to ensure maximum safety for travellers and local communities. Only fully vaccinated Indians who have completed the recommended vaccine doses will be considered (after 2 weeks from their final vaccination), with no minimum stay period requirements. Further enhancing travel opportunities between both countries, the national carrier SriLankan Airlines is soon expected to increase connectivity and flight frequencies from Indian cities to its hub in Colombo.

NEWS | Diggi Palace to up its F&B game

As a heritage hotel that has forever taken pride in promoting the culture and literature of the state, Diggi Palace has become synonymous with some of the most celebrated festivals across the city. Being the flagship brand for partnering with the Jaipur Literature Fest, the hotel has carved a niche for itself amidst Jaipur and even nationally and internationally. However, it is to be regarded that Diggi Palace has been an active collaborator with varied organizations from diverse verticals to endorse, partner, and host some of the most unique and celebrated festivals in the Pink City.

Not just the Jaipur Literature Fest, but the palace has been hosting the SAARC Sufi festival held in Jaipur for the last four years. “We have also been the proud partners for the Heritage Fashion Week of Rajasthan for the past three years among other events. Over the years, the Jaipur Literature Fest has come to garner massive media attention, thus propelling it into becoming one of the most celebrated events of Diggi Palace. However, the heritage hotel has over the years collaborated and shall continue to do so with events that are as much unique, celebrated, and diverse as the JLF festivals,” Rudra Diggi, Owner, Hotel Diggi Palace commented.

Diggi informed us that the revival of tourism is happening steadily. At the beginning of the pandemic, the hospitality industry was greatly influenced and affected by international travel limitations. But now we are witnessing a surge in the national tourism sector. “We have had an influx of national tourists who are keen to experience and rediscover the city and the regality of Rajasthan in the absence of international travel opportunities, with weekend escapades from the city bustle in the lap of heritage and timeless hospitality at Diggi Palace,” he said.

Source

Business | Curefoods raises $13M from Iron Pillar, Nordstar, and Binny Bansal

Ankit Nagori

Curefoods has been acquiring and incubating multiple cloud kitchen brands in the last few months. The fresh influx of funds will be used to acquire many more digital food brands across geographies.

Curefoods, the spin off food tech brand founded by Ankit Nagori in 2020, which operates brands like Eatfit, Yumlane, Aligarh House Biryani, and Masalabox, has raised $13 million funding led by Iron Pillar, Nordstar, and Binny Bansal. Leading angels Adil Allana, Rashmi Kwatra, Lydia Jett, and Kunal Shah also participated in the round, according to a statement.

The company has been acquiring and incubating multiple cloud kitchen brands in the last few months. The fresh influx of funds will be used to acquire many more digital food brands across geographies. Moreover, Curefoods will look to expand its cloud kitchen footprint across multiple cities and build backend technology to manage its multi-brand, multi-city kitchens footprint.

With this fundraise, the total funding raised by the company is at $20 million between Seed and Series A. Curefoods is also looking to close a $10 million debt raise in the coming weeks. According to Ankit, the team now wants to expand from four cities to eight cities in South India in 12 months, and they want to acquire five more brands in the next 12 months.

In a conversation with YourStory, Ankit said, "The pandemic has transformed the way people eat and order food online. Some people did it for convenience and some people for entertainment. This made us believe that there is no one-size-fits-all. While we have been successful with Eatfit with a certain kind of audience at a certain time, we couldn't cater for entertainment of group order. We wanted to have a multi-brand approach that catered to different needs of the audiences."

He added that there are few Indian cloud-kitchen brands that are in the top 10 ordering choices of the consumer across the country, and the regional brands are part of the top 10 brands regionally. "This means the local regional brands haven't had velocity to reach a national level. So we thought to onboard local well-known cloud kitchen brands, which are digital brands, with Curefoods.

News | Weekend curfew in Karnataka districts cripples tourism industry

These districts have some of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, but local administrations have stifled businesses with micro-level restrictions.

It has been a rough 18 months for the multicrore tourism industry in Karnataka, with the pandemic wreaking havoc on the sector. And, just when economic revival appeared on the anvil, the state government has imposed weekend curfew in districts that adjoin Kerala and Maharashtra. These districts have some of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, but local administrations have stifled businesses with micro-level restrictions.

Officials suggest curbs in eight districts — Kodagu, Mysuru, Dakshina Kannada, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bidar, Chikkamagaluru, and Kalaburagi — has resulted in a loss of about 35% revenue for government tourism agencies while leaving 85% of private operators and tourism-dependent resorts and travel agents out of business.

The industry directly or indirectly employs over 30 lakh people, and stakeholders have cried foul over the government’s ‘unscientific’ restrictions. They say while the inflow of foreign tourists and even those from other states has virtually dried up, those within the state – people from Bengaluru especially – are reluctant to travel because of weekend and night curfew.

Take the case of Girish Mattennvar. An entrepreneur, who set up two homestays in Chikkamagaluru and Belagavi before the pandemic struck, Mattennvar is today struggling to stay afloat.

Source

News | Tech-savvy tourism system can be a strong base for revival: Jyoti Mayal

Jyoti Mayal

Sharing her views on the relevance of tour operators and travel agents, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said digital transition and move to a tech-savvy tourism system can be a strong base to revive the sector and eventually the travel agents’ business.

The TAAI President addressing a webinar organized jointly by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management (MKITM) said that travel agents will have much more relevance in the post-Covid-era.

“Travel agents apart from their regular service will be monitoring the health and hygiene of its clients. Safety will take over everything and commitment towards the wellbeing of travelers will be the priority of the agents. We at TAAI have been putting our best efforts to educate, train and equip agents to handle post-pandemic traffic,” she said.

Mayal also said that the tourism industry is a very resilient sector. “There is a need to reinvent, restructure and reboot ourselves. Travel agents are looking at creating niche markets and I believe the focus on sustainable; rural and adventure tourism will be important. Promoting domestic products is the biggest sustainable model in the current times. We would need to move forward, travel agents will always be needed to navigate this strange new world of airlines, hotels, rental cars, and logistics but in a different format,” she said.

According to the TAAI President, the Indian travel trade needs a digital transition and should move to a tech-savvy tourism system which can be a strong base to revive the tourism sector and eventually the travel agents’ business. She said, “We need to tell travel agents to adopt relevant aspects beyond digitization, most importantly is positioning themselves as a specialist consultant. New advancements such as marketing on social media, skilling yourself and your employees, data analysis to know what your business is going to be in the future, form strategic alliances and most importantly, cash protection because, without liquidity, travel agents cannot sustain.”

Mayal further stated, “Coordinated actions across governments at all levels, private sector and the associations is very necessary to reignite the potential of the tourism sector. Industry status is very important to be able to become more effective, standardized, and Atma nirbhar. It is exactly what we at TAAI are doing – advocating for relevant policies and educating the travel business fraternity. We are continuously working to handhold our members, motivate them and see that they survive.”

Source

NEWS | UAE suspends visa-on-arrival for flyers from India

Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways mentions that the visa-on-arrival has been temporarily suspended for passengers who are arriving from or have been in any of the high-risk countries, including India, in the past 14 days.

Almost a week after allowing visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian nationals with a visa or residence permit issued by the USA, United Kingdom or an EU Member State, the UAE has temporarily suspended the facility for flyers who have been in India in the past 14 days.

Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways has updated its website with the latest regulation in which the categories exempted to fly to Abu Dhabi as their final destination include, a fully vaccinated resident of the UAE with proof of having received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine within the UAE no less than 14 days before travel. The others who are exempted include medical personnel, education sector workers or students studying in the UAE, those traveling for medical reasons, and federal government agency workers.

Source

Hilton News | These Three Hilton Destinations that Bring Theater Lovers Center Stage

In March 2020, more than 40 New York City Broadway theaters were forced to halt production due to COVID-19 restrictions. But starting this September, the Great White Way will once again light up with the talents of thousands of singers, dancers, and actors, as dozens of highly anticipated Broadway shows resume performances. 

The lineup of shows runs the gamut for theater lovers, with classics like West Side Story and Chicago, to award-winners like Hamilton and The Lion King, poised to take the stage.

Grab your tickets now—and make a night of it by stopping in for pre-show drinks or a night’s stay at one of these Hilton properties.

Visit Museums by Day, Shows by Night

Located in the heart of Manhattan, the all-suite, luxury Conrad New York Midtown offers discerning travelers a uniquely spacious and innately residential retreat. Conrad New York Midtown’s 54 floors encompass 562 luxury suites, striking views, a curated art program a 1,500 square foot fitness center and 6,000 square feet of flexible function space. Set on a quiet side street just steps away from Central Park, the hotel is surrounded by the best of New York City including Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Theater District.

Stay for a Show and a Handcrafted Cocktail in the Heart of Midtown

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Hilton Garden Inn Times Square is minutes from Broadway, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and the Museum of Modern Art. It’s the perfect home base before the opening act or after the curtain closes in the theater district.

Enjoy Lunch & a Sunday Matinee

In Times Square, Hampton Inn by Hilton Manhattan/Times Square Central is just a short walk from Broadway musicals. While guests staying at the hotel can enjoy free breakfast and views of Midtown from the rooftop deck, it’s the hotel’s hospitality and service that’s worthy of a standing ovation.

NEWS | Manu Chandra announces departure from Olive Group

The partner of the group company and founder of iconic Monkey Bar, Toast & Tonic and Fatty Bao brands broke the news on social media, and was followed by a statement issued by AD Singh, MD of the Olive Group of restaurants.

Chef Manu Chandra announced his departure from the Olive Group on social media on Monday, August 23, 2021.

Chandra, who was co-founder of Olive Cafes South Pvt. Ltd, along with Chetan Rampal and then partner of the group company in a long post on Instagram as well as Facebook entitled ‘So Long and Thanks for all the Baos’ announced his departure.

“To run a restaurant is a great honour and greater responsibility…And that has been mine for seventeen years as a chef at Olive Beach, and subsequently as a partner with the company. For this I shall always be deeply grateful. It is wrenching to walk away from the many spaces which I have built, and which have been home to these precious milestones in your life. And this departure is no less of a milestone in my journey as a chef,” Chandra wrote.

He went on to speak about the brands which he had built and created.

“Monkey Bar was India’s first gastropub which updated and reimagined traditional Indian flavours…Fatty Bao turned a setback—the shuttering of Likethatonly—into a learning that paved the way to a runaway success…Toast & Tonic led to the revival of gin, striking that rare balance between comfort and cool. Cancan upgraded the ubiquitous Chinese restaurant with great elan. We persisted, we survived, we excelled,” he said.

On what his plans were for the future, he simply said, “I step forward towards a bigger canvas and greater ambition—to finally bring to fruition cherished dreams and ideas that were set aside to focus on the daily grind.”

AD Singh, Managing Director, Olive Group of restaurants, also issued a statement on the departure.

“All good things must come to an end goes the adage. Though what it does is pave the way for fresh beginnings and new legacies. It is with sadness that we announce the moving on from the Olive Family, its two partners Chetan Rampal and Manu Chandra,” he said, adding that, “As we part ways amicably, we know that some relationships transcend mere employment, and remain grounded in the goodwill and camaraderie built over these past many years. We wish them the very best in whatever they pursue on their new journeys and am sure they will continue to delight and entertain you as they always have.”

Source

NEWS | Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) met the the Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant to appeal for charter flights

The importance of restarting charter tourism in Goa cannot be understated. According to available information with the Goa Tourism department, in 2018-19, there were 813 charter flights bringing in more than 2 lakh tourists into the state. In 2020, that figure was somewhere in the region of 600 flights before the lockdown was announced.

Soon after a joint delegation of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) met the Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant to appeal for him to begin working towards restarting international charter tourism to Goa—Sawant came out with a statement that the state would the state government will write to the Centre to take steps to revive tourism.

The chief minister said, “It (allowing charter flights) is in the purview of the Government of India (GoI) and until the GoI does not give the permission, we cannot start. Even earlier this request had been conveyed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism. This time also we will be writing for them (TTAG). Until now we have not taken any decision but there is a willingness now and there is no harm in thinking positively about this. They (TTAG) want it to be started by October, which is still two months away. They wanted time to prepare for this and in case the number of Covid-19 cases increases, we can cancel it (permission for charter flights),”

As the leading international leisure tourism destination of India, the delegation asked the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to restart charter services on a reciprocal basis from countries that have opened their borders for Indian citizens. They said that charter flights from destinations like Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, should be allowed to operate to Goa.

“With the full closure of international flights and visas since March 2020, many operators and stakeholders have closed offices and are facing severe financial constraints,” the delegation said.

The delegation demanded the opening of International tourist charters from October onwards so that foreign operators have time to market and prepare for the operations. This will also help to save this season from going to waste. In case there is a third wave of COVID-19, the cancellation can be made by September or October.

Since the Visas are suspended for international tourists, special charter tourist visas should be worked out which can be issued manually by the local embassies or temporary landing permits can be issued on arrival to tourists, as done in the past, the delegation said.

Source