XML/RSS feed to latest flights and holidays package News from Indianmood http://www.indianmood.co.uk According to a PTI report, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines yesterday announced reduction in fares following the steep fall in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. While Jet Airways said that it was reducing its fares ranging from 15-40 per cent across most of the domestic sectors effective from today, Kingfisher Airlines said that it will reduce its fares across its network effective January 1, 2009. The decision was taken due to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel repeatedly asking airlines to pass on the benefit of the reduced ATF prices to passengers. Air India is also likely to announce reduction in fares on its domestic routes effective mid-January, 2009. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Jet-Airways-slashes.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Jet-Airways-slashes.asp Singapore Airlines yesterday announced special New Year promotional offer to popular destinations this season. The new scheme offers customers to travel to select destinations as Singapore for Rs 16,830, South East Asia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bangkok, Denpasar, Langkawi and Kuching) for Rs 23,980 and Australia (Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne) for Rs 41,350, said a release issued in New Delhi. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Singapore-Airlines-introduces.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Singapore-Airlines-introduces.asp According to a PTI report, after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kingfisher Airlines held in Bangalore yesterday, Vijay Mallya, Chairman, Kingfisher Airlines informed the media at a press conference that the airline’s plans to raise USD 400 million is back on track as private investors have shown keen interest in investing in the airline. “Our plan for raising USD 400 million is on track. Private equity investors are showing increased amount of interest as the future of civil aviation industry in India is looking bright,” said Mallya. However the time-frame for the initiative and extent of equity stake that the airline will dilute was not mentioned. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kingfisher-Airlines-plan.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kingfisher-Airlines-plan.asp The government is working out a plan to simplify inter-state movement of tourists by dividing the country into nine zones. A tourist’s taxi or luxury coach can travel freely in a zone by paying tax in the state where it is registered. According to a report in Economic Times (ET), the proposed move already approved by certain states will reduce road taxes and other levies by 50 per cent and also save travel time by avoiding payment of taxes at multiple check points. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourist-tagged.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourist-tagged.asp With hydel reservoirs of Kerala proving to be a big draw for tourists, the state has decided to upscale its Hydel Tourism Project by introducing accommodation facilities at more sites, said a UNI report. Started about eight years ago in Munnar and Wayanad, Hydel Tourism has been attracting almost one million visitors every year, said Anil Kumar S, Centre Director, Kerala Hydel Tourism at Kochi recently. The investment for the Wayanad project is likely to be about Rs 135 crore while the cost for the Munnar project may be about Rs 50 crore. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kerala-to-upscale.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kerala-to-upscale.asp Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of Sikkim is organising 'Sikkim Festival 2009' at 'The Garden of Five Senses' in New Delhi on January 10 and 11, 2009 to promote Sikkim as a tourist destination. This is the first time that such festival has been organised in Delhi by Government of Sikkim. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Delhi-to-host.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Delhi-to-host.asp Christmas and New Year holidays has resulted in positive prospects for the travel and tourism industry sector as there is an increase in leisure travel in spite of the economic slowdown. Though there is a general slump in the business, inbound and outbound leisure tourist movement is increasing. The number of bookings for leisure travel to destinations abroad, as well as within the country has increased this month as compared to last month. According to a report in today’s Times of India (TOI), the domestic tourist traffic has also improved for this month end because of tourists who usually travel abroad have switched to destinations in Kerala. “Christmas and New Year have brought a little hope for us. We have received several bookings from people who want to travel to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong in the coming weeks. Thailand was popular but some people hesitate to go there because of the current political unrest in the country,” said Basheer Ahemed, Chairman, Tamil Nadu Chapter, TravelAgents Federation of India (TAFI). http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Christmas-and-New-Year.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Christmas-and-New-Year.asp The government yesterday instructed the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to take all possible steps, including legal action, against defaulting airlines to recover total dues of Rs 1, 101.97 crore. According to an Agencies report, in a written reply to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha, the Civil Aviation Minister, Praful Patel said that certain airlines have been settling their dues on time. “Government has instructed AAI to take all possible steps, including legal actions if warranted against the defaulting airlines,” added Patel. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Government-instructs.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Government-instructs.asp Government of India (GoI) has decided to introduce a new navigation system at the Delhi and Mumbai airports. It is planning to install Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) at both the airports. GBAS, which is a new technology based on Global Positioning Satellite System, is capable of providing precision approaches to all the runways at an airport where it is installed. This facility is also capable of providing curved approaches in addition to straight-in approaches. According to Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel, they will be launching the system in Delhi by June next year and in Mumbai in February 2010. However, the certified system for use by aircraft will only be available by April 2010. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/GoI-to-introduce.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/GoI-to-introduce.asp Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways, which operates 35 flights a week from India is charting out its plan of action for next year. Currently, the airline is planning to focus on the online sector by enhancing the B2B interface of its portal for both travel agents and corporates. Talking about the future plans of the airline for the Indian market, Tom Wright, General Manager – Middle East, India and Africa, Cathay Pacific Airways said, “Due to various hurdles faced by the global aviation sector this year, the coming year is obscure. The only thing we can focus upon is technology. We are looking at strengthening our online gateway to receive higher sales margins through direct sales. We are also going to enhance the online space for our corporate clients and travel agents.” http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Cathay-Pacific-Airways.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Cathay-Pacific-Airways.asp Tourism will be a key factor in the global drive to come out of recession according to United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The industry will also be a strong contributor to a long term green economic ‘new deal.’ Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day conference on tourism in the Asia-Pacific region in Guilin, Geoffrey Lipman, Assistant Secretary General, UNWTO said, “Tourism can deliver more than most sectors for the economy as a whole. Mobility is hardwired into the human gene. Tourism – for business and leisure underpins trade, communication and modern lifestyles. It is one of the biggest export sectors and a vital increasingly important part of the development agenda.” http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourism-key-driver.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourism-key-driver.asp According to a report in The Economic Times, undeterred by the Mumbai terror attacks http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Indian-Hotels-to-launch.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Indian-Hotels-to-launch.asp Government of India (GoI) has revised the policy to modernise both non-metro and metro airports in the country. Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel reasoned that the decision was taken after concern was expressed by few parliamentarians over the delay in the modernisation process of the 35 non-metro airports and Kolkata Airport. The decision was taken recently at a parliamentary session in New Delhi. The modernisation work of the 35 airports is expected to be complete by March-end 2010. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/GoI-revises-policy.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/GoI-revises-policy.asp Post Jet Airways’ and Kingfisher Airlines’ decision to pay agents three per cent commission on the ticket’s gross fare, Air India also agreed on the same today, for its domestic as well as international flights. “According to the letter that we received from Air India today, travel agents will now get three per cent commission on gross fare from the airlines, effective from December 26, 2008”, said Rajii Rai, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). Explaining the structure of this commission in detail, Pradip Lulla, Acting President, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) said, “Air India has agreed on three per cent basic fare plus three per cent fuel charge, which excludes Government taxes and congestion fee.” http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Air-India-agrees.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Air-India-agrees.asp Low-Cost-Carrier GoAir is expanding its fleet and operations. The airline has decided to scale up its fleet size to 35 by March 2011 from the existing strength of six aircraft. According to a report in today’s Economic Times (ET), the airline will add 20 aircraft by end of this year and later bring in another nine in the next two years. “The proposed expansion coupled with the declining crude and ATF prices will help the business break-even,” said a GoAir official. He however, did not disclose the investment required for the expansion. According to the ET report, industry experts stated that the company incurred ‘substantial losses’ last year. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/GoAir-to-expand.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/GoAir-to-expand.asp ‘New Mahabaleshwar’ project is yet again on the radar of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) for developing the Mahabaleshwar site. MTDC has started working on the project to replicate the existing hill station of Mahabaleshwar in Satara district. In early 2000, MTDC informed that it was planning to invest around Rs 1,000 crore for the development of the new project, which is spread across 6000 hectares of land. The new project will extend its current base (Mahabaleshwar) to Koyna Dam. After completing the feasibility study on the upcoming site, MTDC is currently going ahead with the development of ‘New Mahabaleshwar’ project, which will be near the existing hill station of Mahabaleshwar. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MTDC-gears.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MTDC-gears.asp Kerala-based IT company, Le Logiciel recently launched Le Tourister, tour management software that has been specially designed for tour operators. The product mainly offers web-based solutions, which will enhance the quality of tour operators’ businesses. Le Tourister, targeted at tour operators, aims to reduce their day to day tasks, thus save on time and cut costs. According to company sources, the software provides Internet marketing assistance and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for tour operators. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Le-Logiciel-launches.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Le-Logiciel-launches.asp The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) recently gave a positive nod to Maharashtra Tourism for developing tourism related project proposals, sent by Maharashtra government. MoT has received seven tourism project proposals from Maharashtra government for this year and next. The project proposals received include: Pune Festival 2008; Mega Shopping Festival at Aurangabad; Destination Development of Toranmal, Nandurbar (district); Major Circuit Development for the Vidarbha Region; Major Circuit Development for the Marathwada Region; Major Circuit Development for Heritage Corridor for Aurangabad and Major Circuit Development for Elephanta. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MoT-gives-positive.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MoT-gives-positive.asp Alila Hotels and Resorts, Asia’s luxury boutique hotel operator, has signed management agreements for its first three hotel projects in India—specifically in Bangalore, Goa and Kerala. Alila Goa is expected to open in mid 2009. It is also set to expand its global footprint with its newly established representative office in Dubai. Headed by Tim Hallet, Director of Development, Alila Hotels and Resorts, the Dubai office will drive Alila’s developments in the Middle East, India and Africa. The Group’s foray into the Gulf region will start off with four projects in Dubai and Oman in collaboration with key players in the industry. The four hotels and resorts are slated to open in the next two years. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Alila-Hotels-and-Resorts.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Alila-Hotels-and-Resorts.asp Tourism Australia is geared up for early campaigning of its destination for the next year. “From mid-December 2008 onwards, Tourism Australia will bring out two advertisement campaigns, one promoting the destination Australia and other promoting the release of movie ‘Australia’, which is due on January 1, 2009 in India, both directed by Baz Luhrmann,” said Abhilasha Jain, Country Manager (India), Tourism Australia. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourism-Australia.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourism-Australia.asp Jet Airways was voted as the ‘Airline with Best First-Class Service in the World’ on the 15th of this month by readers of Business Traveller magazine, at the 20th Annual ‘Best in Business Travel’ Awards ceremony at the Sofitel in Los Angeles on December 11, 2008. Jet Airways’ First Class product is available on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, currently deployed on the airline’s long-haul services to North America and the UK. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Jet-Airways-wins.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Jet-Airways-wins.asp Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is planning to change the circuit of the state’s luxury train — Deccan Odyssey. Although there have been a few speculations about the same in the industry for a while, recently the authorities of MTDC have confirmed it. Currently, the train covers Mumbai - Ganapatiphule (Ratnagiri) - Sindhudurg (Sawantwadi) - Goa - Kolhapur - Pune - Ellora Caves (Aurangabad) - Ajanta Caves (Nashik). MTDC is planning to add Chandrapur and Wardha as well in the circuit, to be operational by October 2009. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MTDC-plans-to-change.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MTDC-plans-to-change.asp According to an IANS report, travellers from abroad who visit India in 2009 will have a chance to get an extra sample of the country's Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism, Rural and Wellness Tourism in 2010 and 2011 too. The move, announced by Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni, is among many incentives offered to encourage repeat visitors to India. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MoT-to-observe-2009.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MoT-to-observe-2009.asp Tourism Australia (TA) participated at ‘Celebrating Vivaha’, one of India’s leading wedding exhibition organised by Vintage Group, held at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi from the 12th to the 14th of this month to tap the city’s honeymoon segment. “This was Tourism Australia’s sixth consecutive year of participation at the ‘Celebrating Vivaha’ exhibition. The exhibition gave TA the platform to directly interact with potential honeymooners and showcase Australia as an ideal honeymoon destination,” said Abhilasha Jain, Country Manager (India), Tourism Australia. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourism-Australia-participates.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourism-Australia-participates.asp According to an IANS report, the state government of Himachal Pradesh (HP) has introduced a bill to exempt homestay units from Luxury Tax for five years. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal introduced the bill, Himachal Pradesh Tax on Luxuries (in hotels and lodging houses) Amendment Bill - 2008, on the second day of the assembly session. Under the 'Homestay Scheme', any villager can rent out a portion of his house in rural areas to tourists. Residents are now being encouraged to throw open their doors to both domestic and foreign tourists for home-stay in rural settings, formalising a practice that has anyway been prevalent in the state's scenic Kullu Valley for years. The aim of the Scheme is not only to generate self-employment for people living in villages but also de-congest urban areas. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Himachal-Pradesh.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Himachal-Pradesh.asp At an event organised by Finnair to recognise the support and sales of the top performing agents in Mumbai day before yesterday, Kari Stolbow, Director-Indian Subcontinent, Finnair informed that despite the economic crisis, plans for the Indian market for next year have not changed. Finnair will increase its flights to Delhi to seven days a week from the current six and Mumbai, six days a week from current. They will also replace their existing Boeing MD-11 aircraft on the India and other Asian routes with A340 and A330. Stolbow further told TravelBiz Monitor that Finnair at a later stage will be looking at South Indian cities likes Bangalore and Chennai for expansion, keeping in mind the market progress. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Finnair-to-introduce.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Finnair-to-introduce.asp The Maharashtra government is in the process of assessing a proposal made by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), with respect to increasing Floor Space Index (FSI) in Mumbai. HRAWI’s proposal requests an FSI of five to accelerate hospitality development in the city. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Maharashtra-government.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Maharashtra-government.asp Flights to and fro from the NSC Bose International Airport in Kolkata continued to be affected for the second day on Tuesday due to thick fog. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Fog-hits-flights.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Fog-hits-flights.asp According to the latest India Outbound Travel Monitor conducted by The Nielsen Company India in partnership with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) effective online presence is an important factor in the outbound segment. With over half of Indian travellers using the internet to search for information about destinations aboard, travel operators and tourist bodies need an effective online presence if they are to capture India's early adopters and increasingly affluent travelers. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Internet-presence.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Internet-presence.asp Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK) in its bid to promote Kashmir as a safe destination in various Indian states is organising a series of road shows and travel fairs starting early next month. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/TASK-to-organize.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/TASK-to-organize.asp According to a PTI report, the country’s growing Medical Tourism industry will be impacted for a short-term. According to Vishal Bali, CEO, Wockhardt Hospitals, post the terror attacks in Mumbai, they have received queries from several US patients asking whether it was safe to travel to Bangalore. Only after assurance about safety many decided to visit the city. “Foreigners still fear to visit the country therefore there will be a short-term impact on Medical Tourism.” He further stated that Wockhardt Hospitals, a leading player in the Medical Tourism sector was considering to raise funds through the private equity route. It had scrapped plans to raise funds through the capital market for expansion due to poor response to its IPO. The company has been looking at the private equity route but the global credit crunch has made investors including private equity finds to think twice before investing. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Medical-Tourism-in-India.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Medical-Tourism-in-India.asp UK-based hotel representation and travel solution provider, HotelRez, will complete the process of shifting their server from UK to India by next month. The company has also developed an in-house IT solution team in India to handle web-based queries. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/HotelRez-to-shift.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/HotelRez-to-shift.asp First Low Cost Carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, Air Arabia, has won the AVEX award for ‘Best Regional Airline’. The award ceremony was the culmination of the AVEX event schedule and took place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The AVEX award ceremony, took place among an air show air show and aviation exhibitions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The awards are designed to recognise safe, secure and sustainable development of aviation industry; reward those companies that have attained the highest standards of quality; and highlight the importance of, and the opportunities offered by, continuous growth of aviation in the Middle East. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Air-Arabia-wins.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Air-Arabia-wins.asp According to a Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) report, SriLankan Airlines started a re-fleeting programme on December 4, 2008 http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/SriLankan-Airline-gets.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/SriLankan-Airline-gets.asp The Star Alliance board has accepted the application of Brussels Airlines to become a future member of the alliance. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Brussels-Airlines.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Brussels-Airlines.asp With the Mumbai terrorist attacks sending a strong signal to the hospitality industry to strengthen the security system in the hotels http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Hotels-take-measures.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Hotels-take-measures.asp According to an IANS report, Agra's tourism industry has been severely hit by the terror strikes in Mumbai that targeted two luxury hotels and other parts of the city. A large number of foreign tourists have cancelled their trip and people visiting the Taj Mahal have nearly halved, stated the report. While members of various travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and guides' associations marched and lit candles in memory of those who died in the attacks in Mumbai, tourism industry leaders have expressed deep concern over reports of large scale postponement and cancellations of trips by foreigners to India. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourism-in-Agra.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Tourism-in-Agra.asp BlueSky Travel Systems founded in 2002 and headquartered in Manchester, providing distribution software to travel sector is planning to enter the Indian market. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/BlueSky-Travel.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/BlueSky-Travel.asp Airlines in the Middle East will see their losses double to USD 200 million (Dh 735 million) in 2009 as the global aviation industry faces falling revenues due to the economic slowdown. As per a recent report in gulfnews.com, this forecast was put forward by International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently while releasing its annual financial forecast and reports on industry trends. “We will face a loss in revenue to the tune of USD 35 billion in 2009. We have never had this before in the history of modern aviation,” said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General, IATA. Geneva-based IATA said the challenge for the region will be to match capacity to demand as fleet expands and traffic slows, particularly for long-haul connections. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Middle-East-carriers.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Middle-East-carriers.asp According to a notification issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), travellers can now buy foreign exchange from authorised dealers using their debit http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/RBI-relaxes-foreign-exchange.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/RBI-relaxes-foreign-exchange.asp SriLankan Airlines recently introduced SMS Check-In service for Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Passengers can now check-in through an SMS from their mobile phones and this facility has significantly enhanced the level of passenger convenience. According to a release from the airline, passengers can SMS on the special Check-In Hotline number +91 99 108 88260 and give their booking reference number to check whether their check-in was successful. The boarding passes will be issued by the airline staff on arrival at the airport. Through this SMS Check-In passengers can also request for seat preference (window or aisle). http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/SriLankan-Airlines.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/SriLankan-Airlines.asp According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), demand for air travel in India will fall following the recent terror attacks in Mumbai. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Air-travel-demand.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Air-travel-demand.asp Best Western Royal Park at Baddi in Himachal Pradesh will be operational by February 2009. Chandigarh-based real estate developer, Allied Properties, recently diversified into hospitality by forming the company, Royal Park, which owns Best Western Royal Park. Royal Park has entered into a management and franchise agreement with Best Western India. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Best-Western-Royal-Park.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Best-Western-Royal-Park.asp According to a new plan of the state government, Sikkim will soon become a year round tourism hotspot. As per a PTI report, the Tourism Department of Sikkim, in cooperation with other government agencies, has been working on a plan to build infrastructure like roads, hospitality, etc. and development of a large pool of manpower to promote Village Tourism, Hydro Tourism, Adventure Sports Tourism and Ecotourism. S B S Bhadauria, Tourism Secretary, Sikkim told PTI that everything in Sikkim - be its natural resources like mountains, lakes, waterfalls and other scenic places and the cultural life of the people and their lifestyle including cuisine-will be exploited to make tourism a round-the-year phenomenon. Bhadauria said the state government has enough funds at its disposal to develop tourism-related infrastructure. The Centre will also provide financial help to materialise the state’s tourism plans. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Sikkim-government-plans.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Sikkim-government-plans.asp Reducing costs by automating business process has emerged as a leading strategy for surviving tougher times among North Asia travel agents. Abacus International surveyed more than 40 leading travel agents from China, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan markets at the recent Abacus Regional Conference, North Asia, and found that 30 per cent of the companies surveyed saw automation as a key to survive the financial crisis. Of the 42 North Asian travel agents surveyed, 40 per cent indicated the current financial crisis would have low impact on their businesses, 38 per cent indicated a moderate impact and 21 per cent were expecting a high impact of greater than a 30 per cent reduction in revenue. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/North-Asia-travel.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/North-Asia-travel.asp SOTC BhramanMandal, which exclusively caters to the travel needs of Maharashtrians, recently launched SOTC Europe BhramanMandal tour packages http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/SOTC-BhramanMandal-launches.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/SOTC-BhramanMandal-launches.asp Kingfisher Airlines, which was supposed to announce its decision on paying three per cent commission to travel agents yesterday http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kingfisher-Airlines-yet.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kingfisher-Airlines-yet.asp According to the Midday, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) will now extend security services to foreign tourist groups, who wish to avail of an armed police guard while visiting Mumbai. This facility, which will be provided for the next six months, is to assure foreign visitors of safety within the city. Mumbai police will be deployed for the same. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MTDC-provides.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MTDC-provides.asp Jet Airways has agreed to pay three per cent commission to agents on the gross fare of international and domestic tickets. The move to pay three per cent commission does not include its low cost subsidiary, JetLite. The decision was taken after a closed door meeting held yesterday in Mumbai among officials of Air India, Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways and the representatives of the six major travel trade associations: TAAI, TAFI, IATO, ADTOI, IAAI and ETAA. The agenda of the meeting was to discuss the revival of the commission system in place of the Transaction Fee model. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Jet-Airways-agrees.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Jet-Airways-agrees.asp Post Mumbai terror attacks, TravelBiz Monitor tracked down the impact on the top three inbound tourist destinations of the country- Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan and the preventive measures taken by them to revive inbound tourism. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Inbound-tourism.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Inbound-tourism.asp By around this time, usually, most of the hotels across India are extremely busy formulating their Christmas and New Year celebration plans. The Chefs are finalising a special menu for the occasion, while the hotels are approaching celebrities for the various events in their respective properties. However, the recent terror attacks in Mumbai have changed all that and the hotels are in a state of confusion. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Hotels-in-a-quandary.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Hotels-in-a-quandary.asp JetLite, Kingfisher and IndiGo Airlines have announced a reduction of Rs 400 in passenger fuel surcharges on all domestic routes effective today. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/JetLite-Kingfisher.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/JetLite-Kingfisher.asp In the wake of the recent Mumbai terror attacks, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has decided to formulate an advisory document on crisis management for hotels in India. The document, which will be prepared in consultation with experts in security-related areas, will be recommendatory in nature. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/FHRAI-to-come.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/FHRAI-to-come.asp Travel trade in Kerala, one of the three key inbound destinations in India, especially companies offering innovative products and specialising in niche segments have been badly hit on account of the terror attacks in Mumbai and subsequent travel advisories issued by various countries against travel to India. According to a PTI report, most companies are witnessing cancellation of bookings from overseas clients and very few fresh enquiries. Specialist companies are facing rough weather. Travel Planners, a tour operator specialising in South India and Kerala specific holidays has been badly hit by the travel advisories issued against India after the recent Mumbai terror attacks. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Inbound-business.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Inbound-business.asp British Airways (BA) has revealed that it is exploring a potential merger with Qantas Airways ‘via a dual-listed company structure,’ according to a news report in TravelDaily News. The combined revenue would be Pounds 15.7 billion. BA has 250 aircraft, while Qantas has 224, raising speculation about potential cost savings and job losses. BA and Qantas already co-operate on the 'Kangaroo Route' between the UK and Australia. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/BA-confirms.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/BA-confirms.asp Flights between Kolkata and the Suvarnabhumi International Airport (SIA) at Bangkok will resume from today after remaining suspended for a week due to internal disturbances there. According to sources at NSC Bose International Airport, Kolkata, normal flight schedule from SIA to the airport will resume from today afternoon. The flights were scheduled to resume yesterday but could not due to technical reasons and the accumulated litter at SIA. However, as a temporary measure, planes from here have been flying to U-Tapao Airport belonging to the Thai Navy, located 180 kms away from SIA, since the first of this month. There are four daily flights from Kolkata to Bangkok. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Bangkok’s-Suvarnabhumi-Airport.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Bangkok’s-Suvarnabhumi-Airport.asp Having assessed the huge potential in the state, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is keen to promote Rural Tourism in Tamil Nadu in a big way. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/TTDC-to-explore.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/TTDC-to-explore.asp In order to increase tourist flow to the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) plans to open nine Public Relations (PR) offices in India. This information was divulged by Sachin Kurve, Managing Director, KMVN. KMVN will start the offices in metros, Tier-I and Tier-II cities namely, New Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. However, the timeline for setting up the PR offices is not yet confirmed. KMVN also plans to promote Ranikhet and Nainital in a big way in Delhi. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kingfisher-Airlines.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kingfisher-Airlines.asp The Roots Corporation Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Indian Hotels Company Limited, has launched its GenNext Smart Basics Hotel Ginger in Ludhiana. Ginger's first hotel in a shopping mall was inaugurated by Komal Kumar Jain, Chairman, DUKE Group, Ludhiana, in the presence of Prabhat Pani, CEO and Director, Roots Corporation Limited. The 99 room Ginger Hotel is located on the top two floors of the The Gold Souk Mall, G T Road, Jalandhar Highway in Punjab. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Asia-Pacific.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Asia-Pacific.asp The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is planning to renovate all its hotels and resorts and bring them on par with star category hotels. This information, according to a PTI report today, was disclosed by an official source of TTDC. All 25 TTDC-owned hotels in the state will be renovated at a cost of Rs six crore. Renovation for Mamallapuram Resort alone will cost about Rs two crore. The renovation is slated to be completed by the end of this month. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MoT-issues.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MoT-issues.asp The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) yesterday granted Kingfisher Airlines the permission to operate to eight international destinations and gave the go ahead to commence international flights from Mumbai and Kolkata. According to a report in the Times of India today, the airline has also got a nod to link more foreign cities from Bangalore. The airline currently operates a daily Bangalore-London service and has received permission for Bangalore- Dubai flight, which is yet to be launched. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kingfisher-Airlines.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Kingfisher-Airlines.asp The impact of the current global economic crisis has reached Asia-Pacific and the tourism industry is starting to feel the pressure as growth starts to slow. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Asia-Pacific.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Asia-Pacific.asp In the wake of the recent terror attacks on Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has issued a statement to reduce the impact of the attacks on the tourism industry and pacify foreigners travelling to India in the next few months. Most of the international and national media has reported extensively on the negative impact of the terror attacks on the tourism industry and have estimated a downturn of about 40 per cent in the coming weeks. MoT has taken feedback from tourists who are already in India and stated that most tourists currently travelling within the country feel safe and secure. MoT is closely monitoring the after effects of terror acts in the city and has coordinated with its overseas offices in order to induce foreign tourists to visit the country. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MoT-issues.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/MoT-issues.asp Air India has decided to reduce fuel surcharge for all domestic sector flights by Rs 400 effective today. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Air-India-slashes.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Air-India-slashes.asp According to sources close to Capt Gopinath, of Air Deccan fame, Deccan Hospitality’s plan to set up budget hotels might be delayed due to the global financial scenario. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Deccan-Hospitality-Capt-Gopinath’s-venture-faces-rough-weather.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Deccan-Hospitality-Capt-Gopinath’s-venture-faces-rough-weather.asp Phoenix Group Global has launched Zuri Hotels and Resorts, its own luxury business hotel brand in India. The first property under this new brand will be launched at Whitefield in Bangalore next month at an investment of Rs 200 crore. The Group’s future properties will all come up under the Zuri Hotels and Resorts banner. Properties are planned for Mysore, Chennai, Kochi, Vizag, Nagpur and Ahmedabad. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Phoenix-Group-Global.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Phoenix-Group-Global.asp According to a PTI report, the 19th Konark Festival which was supposed to commence today http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Konark-Festival-postponed-to-4th-of-this-month.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/Konark-Festival-postponed-to-4th-of-this-month.asp JetLite recently introduced a direct flight connecting Gorakhpur to Delhi five times a week with immediate effect. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/JetLite-launches-Delhi-Gorakhpur-services.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/indianmood/news/travel-news/Dec/JetLite-launches-Delhi-Gorakhpur-services.asp