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.
|
Africa’s Travel & Tourism Summit Programme goes live
40 Topics, Two Days, One Continent - The Journey to Re-Awakening
The official programme for the upcoming Africa’s Travel & Tourism Summit is now live. The programme is a deliberate mix of information sharing, tactical “how to” guides and international best practices in this post-pandemic environment, say the organisers. It targets people in the tourism sector, business and leisure product owners, buyers, associations and people who have a general interest in the tourism sector as a whole.
On September 19, the summit will dedicate a day to empower future pioneers and game changers (Small Medium and Micro Enterprises) in the tourism sector as a precursor to the two-day conference that takes place on September 20 and 21, 2021.
The programme is designed to allow hyper-personalisation in the sense that no two guests will have the same programme for the conference, with relevant topics covered throughout the two days. Delegates will have the opportunity to create their own conference and choose topics and activities that most appeal to them on a personal and business level, say the organisers in a press statement.
The “Create your own conference” functionality can only be accessed by registered delegates. To do so, delegates will need to register a profile and submit detailed information about their company on the summit website. Once their profile has been activated, the users will then be able to customise their conference experience based on their personal and business interests.
Registered delegates can also take advantage of the Business Matchmaking tool. It will match them with the right delegates for one-on-one sessions based on the information they will have provided when creating a profile, creating an opportunity to connect and share knowledge with fellow stakeholders.
The organisers add that the topics have been selected to have a strong focus on repositioning Africa, changing the narrative around continental perceptions & reintroducing the continent to the rest of the world. “Taken together, all these topics have one message - that Africa is ready for business,” they say, adding that there was a specific focus on women, youth, people living with disabilities and transformation.
Delegates can attend the summit virtually or physically at two identified venues in Johannesburg and Durban, in South Africa, and at another venue in Lagos, Nigeria. All the venues will adhere to strict Covid-19 health and safety protocols. Open to delegates from all countries, this summit is an invitation to the world to join in as Africa not only gears itself for recovery, but also to share the story of the reawakening of African Tourism.
Those seeking to register for the summit, please click here.
|
UAE allows return of fully vaccinated arrivals including India
In a latest development the UAE has said that it will allow the return of those vaccinated fully with WHO-approved Covid-19 jabs and holding valid residence visas from 15 countries previously on the suspended list, including India.
The decision covers passengers coming from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria and Afghanistan.
Giving details about the arrival requirements, a statement said that passengers can apply via the website of the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and complete the vaccination application in order to get the necessary approval in addition to presenting the approved vaccination certification upon departure for the UAE.
|
TAAI Appeals to MoCA & IATA to check on Alitalia’s bankruptcy
TAAI, the Travel Agents Association of India has urged Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India to direct IATA to ensure all refunds are processed by the Alitalia airline and not place it under suspension as per the IATA-BSP rules following an announcement made by the Alitalia that states flights departing October 15, 2021 shall not be sold and has been placed under Extraordinary Administration from August 25, 2021 by the Ministry of Economic Development in Italy. The airline is undergoing formal bankruptcy, reorganisation and liquidation.
Jyoti Mayal, the president of TAAI has stated that no credit shells shall be acceptable and all refunds should be refunded back in cash into the bank accounts of accredited member agents immediately. Taking prompt cognizance of the issue, TAAI is in touch with the highest echelons in the government of India, especially the ones dealing on the subject, sensitising them about the need of taking immediate measures and stern steps to protect the interest of the Indian travel agent’s fraternity, stakeholders dealing directly and indirectly with the airlines, and above all the people of India, stated Mayal.
IATA has been requested, to ensure sufficient financial corpus is held in escrow, from the airline until all outstanding with accredited member agencies and travellers, is settled by Alitalia. Further, it must be strictly ensured and no payouts to Alitalia through BSP should be effected since only refunds shall be transacted.
|
Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise webinar on Thai Golf Pass
Thai Golf Pass, the first ever loyalty programme by any country on golf tourism, organised Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise webinar for the esteemed golfers, travel agents of India. The webinar brought together keen golfers from all over India, golf tourism industry leaders, and golfing ambassadors as well as golf course representatives from Phuket. Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi office and Thai Golf Pass launched an e-booklet for the travellers for a one stop point for their next golf trip to Thailand.
With more than 200 golf courses located throughout the country, by the sea, by the mountains, by the lakes, inside the city and even besides the airports, Thailand is considered as one of the top golfing destinations in the world. Top quality courses, reasonable green fees, friendly caddies attract golfers to visit Thailand. From the beach resorts in the south such as Phuket to the mountainous surroundings in the north, or the bustling cities of Bangkok and Pattaya, there are golf courses to suit every preference.
“We were excited to see the number of golfers travelling to Thailand steadily increasing till the pandemic shook up the world tourism industry bringing all travel to a sudden halt. 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 break, especially as all courses have not only been working on health and safety, but also at the same time ensuring a memorable experience for the golfer of teeing in Thailand,” says Vachirachai Sirisumpan, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi.
“When it comes to hospitality no country comes closer to perfection than Thailand offering something for everyone of diverse interest, every age and every budget. From pristine sandy beaches to lush jungles, bustling busy cities to traditional villages, Michelin Star menus to roadside noodle stalls, historic Buddhist temples to 21st-century skyscrapers, Thailand is truly amazing!” added Anil Dev, promoter, Thai Golf Pass.
Rajan Sehgal, president, India Golf Tourism Association (IGTA) also shared his insights during the webinar on golf tourism in Thailand. Presenters from Laguna Golf Phuket and Red Mountain Golf Club highlighted the products and services to the participants along with various safety precautions being taken at the golf courses. The webinar concluded with a poll for all the participants and 80 pc of them voted that they would like to visit Phuket as their next travel destination.
|
|
