About India Outbound Magazine
India Outbound, a brand of Media India Group, is India’s only B2B travel media platform, that encompasses a print magazine, a website, an online TV channel and dynamic social media platforms, entirely dedicated to the promotion of foreign destinations and products in India. India Outbound is a niche platform not just for tourism destinations and products to promote themselves to the Indian travel industry, but also for decision makers to build/change their strategy in a context where the Indian outbound market is not only growing but changing with new dynamics. India Outbound brings to you the latest trends of the market with in depth analysis.
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Thailand remains a favourite golf destination for the Indians
Thailand's 250+ top quality golf courses located throughout the country, having world-class golfing facilities, reasonable green fees, friendly caddies and many other attractions continue to attract Indian golfers to visit this country.
In its endeavour to keep track of the latest trends and mindsets of the golfers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) & Sports & Leisure Worldwide (SLW) conducted its second survey on ‘Golfing in Thailand’ with golfers in India from June 21 – July 5, 2021. The surveyed sample group was made up of golfers from all over India and consisted of 1,001 responses from all over India.
As many as 97 pc of those surveyed rated Thailand as one of the best golfing destinations. Thai hospitality followed by value for money and affordable luxury were the top three key factors similar to the previous survey which prompted these golfers to travel to Thailand to play golf. Thailand’s close proximity to India was another key factor in influencing the Indian golfers' minds in deciding Thailand as the premier destination for golf holidays.
Sixty-eight pc of the respondents are vaccinated and are willing to travel to Thailand. Most golfers are waiting for the reopening of all services and tourist attractions in Thailand.
“Thailand wins hands down when it comes to catering to the demanding golfers who are spoilt for choices when it comes to golfing destinations. Keeping in mind the quality of the golf product and hospitality on offer in Thailand, it is expected that Thailand would be the first destination where the majority of the golfers would travel for their first golf holiday post two years of Covid-19, especially as all courses have not only been working on health and safety but also at the same time trying to ensure a memorable experience for the golfer of playing golf in Thailand,” says Vachirachai Sirisumpan, director TAT (New Delhi).
“We conducted the second Thai Golf Pass Survey to gauge the mood of the Indian golfing community as we come out of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are not surprised that Thailand stands out as the destination of choice once the travel restrictions are lifted,” says Anil Dev, managing director, SLW Group, promoter of Thai Golf Pass, the only sovereign golf travel loyalty programme in the world.
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“Heat and Dust - between India and Zion” - the online exhibition by Embassy of Israel in India
The Embassy of Israel in India has organised an online exhibition that shows the influence of India and its culture on Israeli art. Titled ‘Heat and Dust- between India and Zion’, the exhibition has been designed in collaboration with India International Centre (IIC) and can be viewed from July 12 – 25, 2021.
The exhibition attempts to examine how artists in a wide range of media use their work to represent hidden and revealed aspects of India and its culture. Most of the artists are Israeli, while some are descendants of the Jewish communities in India who live in Israel or the United States. Some of the artists are Israeli, who have travelled in India. Another group of artists are Indians that live or have lived for long periods in Israel.
Indian cultural expressions such as yoga, meditation, music, and dance have a growing influence on Israeli culture and society. This exhibition is an attempt to examine through artistic perspective how Indian “motifs” and “influences” are expressed in Israeli art.
For the first time, the works of Tim Nachum Gidal (1909-1996) will be presented in India through this exhibition. One of Israel's most important photographers, he was a member of a group of prominent photographers worldwide who developed the art of photojournalism and became famous in the field.
“India is a font of ideas and inspirations for artists and photographers everywhere. This very interesting online exhibition reflects the unique connection between India and Israel in the form of various artworks and photographs. I invite everyone to watch it. This show has been made possible due to the natural connection of Indian and Israeli cultures, hearts, and minds,” says Rony Yedidia Clein, chargé d'affaires at the Embassy of Israel in India.
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Yoel Razvozov takes over as the new tourism minister of Israel
Yoel Razvozov takes over as the new tourism minister of Israel. He takes over from the outgoing minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen. “My first task as minister of tourism is to build a correct and effective outline for the easing of conditions for tourists to enter Israel - of course, without endangering the citizens of Israel and in cooperation with the professional bodies in the ministry of health.” says Razyozov, who is a former Olympian judoka. At the age of 16, he was Israeli champion and held this title for 10 consecutive years. He served as captain of Israel's national Judo team, winning many awards for his country.
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Tourism Fiji appoints Brent Hill as the new CEO
Tourism Fiji has appointed Brent Hill as its new chief executive officer. Hill, who most recently was the executive director of marketing for the South Australian Tourism Commission, replaces former CEO Matt Stoeckel, whose tenure ended in December 2020.
“Restoring tourism activities will not only restore jobs for hundreds of thousands of Fijians, it will also significantly contribute to the revival of the economy through the industry’s multiplier effect. We are turning the corner now with the rollout of our national vaccination programme in anticipation of market re-entry beyond our traditional markets. This sets the scene for Brent Hill and Tourism Fiji to position Fiji as the ideal destination to those who are ready to travel,” says Faiyaz Koya, Fiji's minister for tourism.
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Qatar re-opens for fully vaccinated international travellers
Qatar has re-opened its borders to international travellers who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with vaccines that are approved for use by the ministry of public health in Qatar. The new measures will allow people who are fully vaccinated to visit Qatar without the need for quarantine.
Almost a year ago Qatar Tourism in partnership with the ministry of public health had launched the “Qatar Clean” programme for the hospitality & tourism sector to ensure safe visitor experiences in Qatar. Qatar Tourism is looking forward to welcoming international visitors at the earliest as Qatar prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
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Belgium recognises Covishield, allows Indian students
Belgium has recognised the Covishield vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) and developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Arnaud Lion, Belgium’s Ambassador to India, has said that since India falls under category III in Belgium, which means it will only allow essential travel – students from India will be considered to travel to Belgium. 400 long-stay visas have been issued so far to students in India. Indians vaccinated with Covishield will still have to undergo an RT-PCR test in Belgium. Only after they test negative, they will be exempted from quarantine.
The Netherlands had approved Covishield earlier this week for travellers. These two nations join Switzerland, Iceland, and seven more European Union countries that have recognised Covishield. Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Estonia, and Spain have recognised the SII-manufactured vaccine. The Estonian government said that they recognise all the vaccines approved by the Government of India.
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Airbnb launches over 200 Olympian and Paralympian online experiences
In the run-up to Tokyo Olympic, Airbnb, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have taken a special program during the Games with more than 200 Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences, only on Airbnb. Hosted by both competing and retired sporting heroes, these one-of-a-kind experiences will allow athletes to share their passion with guests who can connect with them directly during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The athletes are from various sporting fields so that guests can connect with a variety of athletes before or after they compete in Tokyo Olympic. Guests will also be able to relive a personal Olympic or Paralympic story directly with the living legends.
“With spectatorship looking different this year, audiences are searching for new ways to support Olympians and Paralympians during Tokyo Olympic. Airbnb is all about creating unique experiences that connect people, and Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences allow fans to feel closer to their heroes than ever before. These interactive activities will provide an intimate window into the Games, all made possible by the 200+ athletes joining our hosting community this summer,” said Catherine Powell, the global head of hosting, Airbnb.
In addition to the Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences and as a way to celebrate Tokyo 2020, local hosts in Japan will offer guests a way to travel and explore the cultures and traditions of the country from their living rooms. Local hosts will lead a package of unique online activities like Secrets of Japanese Whiskey and Cute Cartoon Bento Making class. Other ways to virtually transport to Japan will include Forest Bathing in Kyoto, Samurai Training, and a complete guide to Geisha culture.
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J Hotel Shanghai Tower debuts as highest hotel in China
J Hotel has debuted its inaugural property atop the Shanghai Tower, the tallest skyscraper in China and second-tallest in the world by occupying the highest point in Shanghai. The property boasts 165 rooms, including 34 suites, and comes from the stable of Jin Jiang International Hotels, China's largest and the world's second-largest hotel group.
J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located at the top of the 632-meter Shanghai Tower in the heart of Lujiazui, giving a bird's-eye view across the whole expanse of Shanghai. The horizon stretches clear from Hongqiao Airport in the west to the Yangtze River’s powerful entrance into the East China Sea. It also provides a rare perspective on the nearby Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund, offering a chance to contemplate the city's rich historical evolution.
As a unique service, every guest at J Hotel Shanghai Tower can enjoy the exclusive services of a J Hotel Personal Butler, who are “know-it-all” Shanghai experts who curate services based on guest preferences and respond to requests around the clock, from ground transportation arrangements, luggage organising, itinerary booking, pillow menu, a series of offerings dedicated to female guests to restaurant reservations, and sightseeing recommendations as well as business secretarial work.
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Macao international art biennale, Art Macao to open from July 15
A four-month mega international cultural and artistic event ‘Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021’ will be inaugurated on July 15, 2021 at Macao Museum Art, presenting a movable feast to the city. On the occasion, the main exhibition themed “Advance and Retreat of Globalisation” will also be inaugurated, with three exhibitions, distributed through various areas of the Macao Museum of Art, reflecting on the advances and retreats of globalisation through art.
“Art Macao” will present 30 art exhibitions in 25 locations from July to October, bringing an immersive cultural atmosphere to the entire city as a gallery and an art garden, allowing the public to enjoy the beauty and vividness of art. “Art Macao” is divided into several sections: main exhibition, special exhibition of resorts and hotels, creative city pavilion, public art exhibition, selected works by local artists, and collateral exhibition, aiming to reshape the humanistic spirit in the post-epidemic era. The exhibitions feature over 40 artists from nearly 20 countries and regions, presenting more than 100 pieces/sets of artworks.
“Art Macao" is organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Government Tourism Office, and co-organised by the Education and Youth Development Bureau, and hospitality and entertainment giants like Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, MGM, Sands China Ltd., SJM RESORTS, LIMITED, Wynn Macau, Limited, and Nam Kwong (Group) Company Limited, with the participation of various creative cities and local higher education institutions, as well as Air Macau.
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