Los Angeles is starting its comeback, safely reopening museums, indoor dining, theme parks and outdoor live events including spectator sports, with appropriate capacity controls and safety protocols. Now, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is inspiring lovers of LA to start their comeback, whenever they are ready, with the launch of an advertising campaign. Los Angeles Tourism has developed new advertising that presents the concept of LA being a movie; specifically, a comeback story. A double entendre, the comeback story is a nod to the challenges the destination has faced over the past year, while acknowledging the overflowing optimism for the future – with the campaign’s creative aiming to inspire visitors to come back to LA. Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism, says, “Our focus groups around the world have taught us that visitors view a trip to Los Angeles as a transformative experience. LA’s more than 300 days of healing sunshine, spirit-lifting champion sports teams, inspiring cultural attractions, electric new hotels and restaurants, and endless outdoor experiences are the balm travelers seek.”          

The tourism fraternity in Kerala will observe May 1 as Black Day to pressure the state government to resolve problems faced by the sector. Tourism Samrakshana Samithi, an umbrella body of 20 organisations, will observe the Labour Day state wide by wearing black masks. A social media campaign #SaveTourism too will be launched. An immediate financial package of ₹250 crore to support tourism workers, financial aid as loan worth ₹2,500 crore through the Kerala Bank and restructuring of all loans in the sector are some of the demands.

Surge in ‘Second-City’ Destinations: 69% of respondents are interested in visiting lesser-known destinations and American Express Travel booking data reinforces this trend, showing a rise in reservations for second-city destinations. Amex consultants are seeing requests for smaller cities like Porto instead of Lisbon in Portugal, and Wellington instead of Auckland in New Zealand.

Speaking on the sidelines of Virtual Gulf Travel Show 2021, Manoharan Periasamy, senior director of International Promotion Asia & Africa Division, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board said, “Tourism Malaysia has pan-India presence, however, Gujarat remains one of our main markets for tourism. For this, our Mumbai-based office is touching base with international tourism operators in Ahmedabad.” Of the 5 lakh tourists visiting Malaysia every year, before the pandemic, a major chunk was from Gujarat.

Speaking on during a webinar conducted by the MoT recently, Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism discussed the important of training programmes for students in the hospitality and service industry and how more and more students should be encouraged to participate in these programme in near future by the tourism industry.

The Centre has extended the validity period of current airfare cap as well as the capacity utilisation of airlines till May 31. In one of the two separate orders, the Ministry of Civil Aviation extended the time period of airfare cap till May 31 from April 30. Till recently, the Centre had expanded the airfare cap by increasing the lower and upper limit. These fare bands came into force with effect from May 21, 2020.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced Liz Ortiguera as its next Chief Executive Officer effective May 17, 2021. She succeeds Dr Mario Hardy who will finish his term at the end of May. Ortiguera is a senior executive with over 25 years of global experience and expertise in general management, marketing, business development, and partner network management.

SP Dutt, a retired official of Air India, passed away after battling with the coronavirus disease. Known as Speedy to friends, Dutt served as the Communication and PR head for Air India. He was on ventilator since April 24. Dutt had completed an MS in applied science from New York University and was also a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a significant hotel management agreement with Kasetsinn Co to open Cross Pattaya Phratamnak. This will be the first property after their luxury brand renaming from X2 (Cross To) to Cross. The 78-key hotel is set to open in August 2021.

The UAE has affirmed that it stands in full solidarity with India amidst the challenging health situation in the country. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s leisure and entertainment hub, lit up in solidarity with the people of India as the country faces a record surge in Covid-19 cases. In light of the current situation, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island displayed the flag of India on its grid shell light canopy last night, as Yas Island extended a message of hope and unity.