The Rajasthan government has brought the tourism industry under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme-2019 extending the benefits offered under the scheme. Tourism projects having an investment of Rs  5 crore or above will be granted benefits like capital subsidy equivalent to 20% of the investment made, subject to maximum Rs 25 lakh or 5% interest subsidy on term loan taken by enterprise from financial institutions for a period of 5 years subject to Rs 25 lakh annually.        

Expanding its portfolio in Rajasthan, Leela Hotels has announced its first hotel in Jaipur after signing a management agreement with Tulsi Palace Resorts Group for operating the property which used to be a JW Marriot. The existing hotel will undergo product and service enhancements and will be rebranded upon completion of the renovation by early 2021.  

Vrushali Desai, Key Account Manager – Hotelbeds, says, “We have been associated with Tripjack since many years now and they have always proved themselves to be a class apart. Other than being one of our valued partners in India, they have shown amazing professionalism be it in operational, finance or sales methodology. This IPL Fantasy League is yet another example of their innovativeness.” Top winners every week also get Jalesh Cruise Holiday, AirAsia Tickets, & Hotels Stays. Visit tripjack.com now!

Pune-based Trips Academy has launched a certification feature in their mobile learning app for travel professionals, starting with Destination Antarctica as the first programme. These programmes are free for learners and offer interactive, engaging content that allows professional to learn at their convenience. Kiran Bhandari, Founder, Trips Academy, shares, “Each interactive learning module takes around five to seven minutes allowing users to integrate it into their busy work schedule. This is perfect for destinations, cruise lines, hotels, and suppliers looking to upskill and educate the travel trade on their offerings, using bite-sized subscription plans. This app is available for download in both Android and iOS versions. More programmes are in the pipeline.”

United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA), in its recently concluded mid-year forum, concluded that there was a need to persuade IATA to come up with a policy that safeguards financial interests of travel agents as well as the passengers during disasters or market situations in future that are similar to COVID-19. Delegates at the forum also presented plans on restructuring business approaches post-COVID.

During the Unlock 3.0, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has helped in the facilitation of over 570 charter flights during August 2020. The airport handled over 67,500 passengers by connecting to 34 international destinations operated by 26 airlines during that period.  

Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore in association with the Karnataka Tourism Forum and Indian Motorcycle Riders Group organised a Biker’s Rally from Bengaluru to Mysuru recently. The rally was flagged off from the Oakwood property in UB city. It is aimed at reviving tourism, instil confidence and showcase Indian roads as safe provided all safety measures are followed.

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani has announced Heritage Tourism Policy 2020-2025 for the state to boost international as well as domestic tourism. According to the policy, historical monuments, palaces, and forts constructed before 1950 could be converted into hotels, heritage museums, heritage banquet halls and restaurants provided that ‘basic heritage’ structure is not altered.

TAFI has requested the GST Council and the Finance Ministry to review the refund of GST on air ticket refunds, and extend the date applicable for refund GST till March 31, 2021 due to the delay in total refunds by airlines. It said that as per rule, if tickets are not refunded till September 30, 2020, then GST will not be refunded and customers will end up losing 5% in the economy class ticket and 12% in business class of the ticket value. TAFI has also filed a case in Supreme Court for airline refunds and the next hearing is on September 23.

The tourism ministry has sanctioned two projects in Bihar and Kerala at a cost of Rs 125 crore under the Rural Circuit as part of its endeavour to take tourism to villages of the country. The ministry has identified Rural Circuit as one of the 15 thematic circuits for development under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ Scheme.