Senior bureaucrat Vikram Dev Dutt has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India Ltd as part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre on Tuesday. Dutt is a 1993-batch IAS officer of AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre. He has been appointed as the Air India chief in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary, an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said.
Author: Disha Ghosh
For the second day in a row, Air India cancelled most of its flights on the India-US routes over safety concerns pertaining to the 5G communications rollout in the US and its possible hazardous effect on aircraft navigation systems. Six return flights—three of which were scheduled to depart India for the US Thursday—were cancelled, said an airline source. A day earlier, the airline had cancelled eight return flights. A total of 734 passengers who had checked in for three flights scheduled for early Wednesday have been accommodated in hotels, the source said, adding Air India hopes to get a clearance…
From adventure lovers to backpackers to family and honeymooners, the five-million-year-old Reunion Island is a destination for all. It offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities on land, at sea and in the air through an exceptional diversity of landscapes. Hence emerging as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers. Distinctly French, Reunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean. Reunion Island boasts of a unique Creole culture and offers the discerning Indian traveler a gamut of enthralling experiences. There are exciting adventure activities for tourists and there is also a peaceful space for honeymooners. Endowed with beaches, lagoons, waterfalls,…
At present, the number of people getting vaccinated in a country is the primary enabler for a tourist to choose a destination to travel. Besides this, a scattered population, innovative attractions on offer, flexibility to cancel or modify flight and hotel bookings, destinations located around nature etc. are some of the reasons influencing a traveller’s decision, says Yamini Singh,Vice President – PR & Media, Think Strawberries in an interaction with Disha Shah Ghosh. Q.The travel & tourism representation business has undergone a complete transition with global restrictions in force due to the pandemic. Enumerate on some of the communication strategy…
After a delay of a year, Dubai is set to host the much-hyped Expo 2020 from October. Disha Shah Ghosh spoke to Sumathi Ramanathan, Vice President, Market Strategy & Sales, Expo 2020 Dubai to get a sense of the preparations for the Expo in the changed global scenario and global diversity on display at the platform. Q. At a time when there is a flight ban in force between UAE and India, how will you promote Expo 2020 in the Indian market in the run up to the event? While the situation remains complex for visitors from India with COVID-19,…
Riya Travel has strengthened its relationship with Amadeus and has implemented NDC (New Distribution Capability), enhancing its retailing capabilities. As one of India’s largest retail agencies, this partnership ensures Riya Travels can provide richer, tailored content to its customers in Asia Pacific. NDC opens a world of opportunities, making it easier for Riya Travel to offer its customers products and services that are tailored for them, the company said in a media release. This strengthened partnership will mean Riya Travel can access content via NDC, within the Amadeus Travel Platform. With air, as well as hotel, car and rail content…
International trade marketplace IPW is set to return to an in-person event from September 18 to 22 in Las Vegas. Malcolm Smith, Senior Vice President, Business Development General Manager, IPW speaks to Disha Shah Ghosh about IPW returning to the physical format, restarting conventions in the USA, and importance of the Indian market. Q. At a time when the world is gradually opening up with over a year of travel and border restrictions induced by the pandemic, how significant is hosting IPW as an in-person event for the U.S Travel Association? We have heard from US exhibitors and international delegates…
Cleartrip has signed a multi-year deal with Sabre Corporation. The expanded, long-term agreement sees Sabre become Cleartrip’s global distribution system (GDS) partner and is part of the OTA’s strategy to streamline its GDS relationships. Focusing on advanced technology to spur growth, Cleartrip will be able to create compelling booking experiences for customers and provide an enhanced level of expertise to help people travel again. One key feature of Sabre’s technology will be its Bargain Finder Max API, which will help Cleartrip create customised booking experiences for travelers by tailoring search results for the most relevant fares based on a range…
Things have started gaining momentum at the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) with the current Joint Secretary Rajat Bagaria (Shrishti Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd) joining the race for the post of President at the upcoming elections on July 24. Bagaria, an old hand at TAFI, has been serving as the Convention Co-Chairman since the past three editions and is also the TAFI Representative at World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA). Bagaria has worked his way through the association (he joined TAFI in 2006) from Committee Member to Secretary and Chairman of Western India, and elevating himself to the…
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 Aambassador to India, said that since India falls under category 3 in Belgium – which means it will only allow essential travel – students from India will be considered to travel to Belgium, according to news agency ANI. Lion said that 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…