Air passenger numbers in Europe are expected to drop by 60% in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis, the global aviation industry has said. Although air traffic in Europe has increased in recent months since its low point in April, flights remain “more than 50% below the same period in 2019″—a drop of around 705 […]
Category Archives: Round Up
16
Aug
Aug
Startups in Europe’s travel sector have levelled allegations of anti-competitive behaviour against Google. The search engine giant has a near complete grip on the search market in Europe, with a regional market share in excess of 90%, according to Statcounter. Industry sources say a majority of travel bookings start as a Google search — giving the tech […]
15
Aug
Aug
The eco-tourism centres that were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic will start to function from August 19, the chief wildlife warden has said. The centres will be reopened in stages, following strict safety protocol. With the closure of the ecotourism centres, people who were dependent on forest resources had lost their livelihoods. This had […]
14
Aug
Aug
Vinay Dube has been replaced by Kaushik Khona as GoAir’s new CEO. Six months after he joined GoAir from the now-defunct Jet Airways, Dube has quit the Wadia group owned carrier, which seems to be struggling the most among all airlines in the fray. “Vinay Dube has ceased to be in employment with immediate effect […]
14
Aug
Aug
The US administration has suspended all private charter flights between the United States and Cuba, to increase economic pressure on Havana, the BBC has reported. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that “the Castro regime uses tourism and travel funds to finance its abuses and interference in Venezuela”. Last October the US banned regular […]
14
Aug
Aug
The Indian government on Friday reduced port tariff by 60% to 70%, to promote domestic cruise tourism. “The decision will support the cruise industry and protect it from the adverse economic impacts due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. “It will provide an opportunity for the country to earn huge amounts […]
India, News, Round Up
Hotel bills above Rs 20,000 and Business Class air travel to come under tax scanner
14
Aug
Aug
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while launching the ‘Transparent Taxation’ platform has announced multiple reforms to improve tax compliance, faceless assessment and ease of filing returns. As part of the overhaul, the government has also proposed to reduce the threshold of various transactions for tax disclosure. This is aimed at widening the income tax base and […]
14
Aug
Aug
SpiceJet has unveiled an automated customer service and check-in facility via WhatsApp. The carrier’s customer service agent called “Ms Pepper” can be accessed by passengers at the mobile number 6000000006, SpiceJet said in a press statement. Earlier, these facilities were available in SpiceJet’s website or mobile application. “WhatsApp “Hi” to Ms Pepper on your way […]
13
Aug
Aug
India’s largest crocodile park may have as little as four months before it runs out of funds to feed animals, pay staff and do research, as ticket revenue shrinks after coronavirus lockdowns choked the flow of visitors. Annual sales of about 5 million tickets usually make up roughly half the revenue of the park, located […]
13
Aug
Aug
The pandemic has dealt a huge blow to tourism-dependent countries like Spain and cities such as Barcelona, one of Europe’s most popular. But now they are seeking to lure visitors back and are also debating the need to change their economic models to tackle a longstanding overcrowding problem, says Reuters. “There’s a total change of […]
13
Aug
Aug
Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality is extending its efforts to provide creative solutions for residents impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. With the coronavirus outbreak proving particularly challenging for the cultural sector worldwide, outdoor initiatives are representing almost the sole solution for cultural events. Last week, Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality’s Arts and Culture Division, in partnership with municipal companies: Tel […]
13
Aug
Aug
Air India has closed down five of its stations in Europe in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, namely Vienna, Milan, Madrid, Copenhagen and Stockholm. “In view of #COVID19, Air India (AI) has decided to close down its stations in Vienna, Milan, Madrid, Copenhagen, & Stockholm. AI would immediately initiate action for closure in consultation […]
13
Aug
Aug
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged global leaders around the world to save the struggling travel and tourism sector. A joint letter from industry leaders has been sent to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and nine other heads of state of the G7 group of countries – Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and […]
12
Aug
Aug
The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) has requested the Indian government to conduct India Tourism Mart (ITM) at the end of November this year. Subhash Goyal, Honorary General Secretary, FAITH interacted virtually with the Minister of Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel, where he proposed multi-step strategies for revival of tourism. These issues […]
12
Aug
Aug
Travel to Italy for non-essential purposes must be avoided due to the current coronavirus situation, the United States Embassy in Italy has announced. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 3 Notice for Italy regarding the COVID-19 situation, which also recommends that travellers must avoid trips to Italy unless it’s necessary, […]