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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates ( 14thOctober, 2020) – Atlantis, The Palm announced today that it will be offering all its global guests who stay five nights or more the opportunity to claim back the cost of their respective countries’ departure PCR test from now until 30th April, 2021. With many travellers still required to conduct a PCR test before arriving into the UAE, Atlantis, The Palm is giving back the full cost of the tests for two guests per room staying five nights or more to spend as in-resort credit. This means that for a PCR test that costs up to US$190 (AED 700) each, two guests will receive the full amount of the test back to spend on anything in-resort including food and beverage, spa or marine and waterpark experiences. Speaking about this latest development, Timothy Kelly Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis Dubai, said: “We are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our customers during this challenging time. We would like to continue to make the travels of our international guests easier by giving back the cost of their home country’s departure PCR test to spend on a range of amazing in-resort activities and experiences. We hope this will continue to reduce any travel inconveniences and encourage more guests from across the globe to visit Dubai’s premier entertainment destination.” Kelly added: “We look forward to our guests relishing every moment of their time spent at Atlantis, The Palm as we strive to implement innovative ways to welcome them in a socially responsible way. To further ensure this, Atlantis, The Palm has been granted the internationally certified safeguard label by Bureau Veritas as well as issued the safety seal of approval by the Dubai government – the Dubai Assured stamp. This demonstrates to guests that the entire resort, including all of our rooms, restaurants, attractions and retail outlets, follows the strictest safety measures and protocols to ensure their health and wellbeing.” While Atlantis, The Palm will continue to closely monitor the situation as it evolves and keep their guests and prospective guests regularly updated, all international guests are advised to please check the requirements of the country they are travelling to and from before they travel. Atlantis, The Palm is now fully operational with guests able to enjoy daily complimentary access per each night’s stay to the region’s number one waterpark, Atlantis Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Guests can take their pick of where to dine from a collection of 31 world-renowned restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Hakkasan, Nobu and the award-winning underwater restaurant, Ossiano. https://www.atlantis.com/dubai

8 October 2020, Kolkata: Shree Cement, India’s leading cement manufacturer and the investor in East Bengal Football Club, has announced in a press communique the formation of Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation (SCEBF) to steer the affairs of the 100-year-old football Club while gearing up for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 session. Shree Cement, in its first official communication, expressed thanks and gratitude to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt Mamata Banerjee, and Mrs Nita Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), for recognising the legacy of the century-old institution. "We are delighted to be part of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-2021 season. A formal agreement with East Bengal was signed today and I thank the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt Mamata Banerjee, for her inspiration, guidance and continuous support. She is dedicated to the development of sports in West Bengal and we share the same vision,” said Mr Hari Mohan Bangur, Managing Director, Shree Cement Limited, through an official press release here today. “We also extended our thanks and gratitude to the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) for recognising the legacy of our Club and to Mrs Nita Ambani for her constant encouragement. The objective is to revive the glorious past of the Club. For our fans, we promise to leave no stone unturned in our bid to strive for excellence,” Mr Bangur said. “We are delighted to take part in the Hero Indian Super League. At our Club, our aim will always be to develop the game in every way possible. We promise to put our best foot forward and make the fans proud in our first season,” Mr. Prashant Bangur, Shree Cement Joint Managing Director, said. “Football is not just a passion but very much a part of Bengal's rich and varied culture and the East Bengal Football Club is the face of Bengal's football. We would focus on nurturing the players and their development by creating an ecosystem within the Club to carry forward its legacy. We will ensure the flag of East Bengal flies high and thank our millions of supporters all over the globe,” Mr Prashant Bangur said.

Set to open its doors in the first quarter of 2021, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh will mark the first Hyatt hotel in the Cambodian capital and the debut of the Hyatt Regency brand in one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations. With 247 guestrooms including 43 suites, the new contemporary-meets-colonial property is ideally situated in the heart of Phnom Penh’s cultural and business district of Doun Penh and within walking distance to the Royal Palace, National Museum and the riverside. Conceived by award-winning Singapore-based SCDA Architects, the interiors of the hotel will reflect Cambodia’s diverse heritage, seamlessly blending Khmer architectural accents, French colonial influences, and specially-commissioned artworks by contemporary Cambodian artist, FONKi. Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh will feature five dining venues including The Attic, an old world speakeasy-style bar, and a stylish indoor/outdoor open-plan dining concept called FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong River, the Royal Palace and the city skyline alongside refreshing cocktails and lively DJ performances. In addition, the hotel will feature 1,400 square meters of meeting space as well as a slew of recreational facilities including a 24-hour fitness center, tropical infinity pool, spa and the Regency Club Lounge. Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh – Guestroom Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh – The Attic Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh – FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Early bird tickets for £25 (US$32) will give visitors access to an extensive conference programme, virtual exhibition, and the chance to book one-to-one meetings with exhibitors. Ticket price includes access to London Travel Week Virtual Buyers’ Club Members, Ministers and Media will have full access to virtual events including meetings for free Travel trade professionals from around the world can now register for WTM Virtual (9-11 November 2020) to access the unrivalled range of online conference sessions, briefings and meetings. Included in the ticket price will be access to London Travel Week Virtual – a set of events designed to celebrate the travel and tourism industry, taking place between 30th October – 5th November. WTM Virtual will replace the live events of WTM London, Travel Forward and London Travel Week. The platform will follow the WTM Portfolio’s purpose and pledges to offer the best opportunities for travel industry professionals to connect, learn and do business. Members of the Buyers’ Club, Ministers and Media will get free access to the entire platform, with trade delegates paying an early bird registration fee of £25 (US$32). The original price is £34 (US$44). Visitors can engage in the event starting from the 30th October, when London Travel Week kicks off and be connected until the last day of WTM Virtual (9-11 Nov). WTM Virtual will be accessible from 7am-10pm GMT, which means professionals from different time zones around the world can participate. Combined, WTM Virtual and London Travel Week, will offer an extensive conference programme of nearly 50 sessions streamed live online and on demand with the majority of the sessions open to all. Some of the virtual event visitors will also be able to access and watch: ● UNWTO, WTTC and WTM Ministers’ Summit ● Responsible Tourism Sessions ● International Tourism and Investment Conference – ITIC ● Destination Briefings and Press Conferences from all over the world ● Aviation sessions with Ryanair and JetBlue CEOs ● Travel Forward Virtual – Technology Conference ● London Travel Week Virtual Content Creators Summit ● PR Summit Furthermore, trade delegates can upgrade their access package for £20 in order to have five pre-scheduled meetings with exhibitors. These one-to-one video meetings will last for half-an-hour and take place during WTM Virtual. WTM London’s Senior Director Simon Press said: “Thousands of travel trade professionals from around the globe will take part in WTM Virtual, as we all come together online to help our industry recover, rebuild and innovate. “This is an excellent opportunity for industry leaders to connect and collaborate across the industry to confirm, predict and tackle pressing business issues and trends; conduct business transactions, form trusted partnerships, and provide opportunities for business growth. “Building on our 40 years of experience, we are crafting an unmissable event designed to help delegates seal deals and create a roadmap to recovery. “As well as learning about ways the industry is dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, delegates can conduct business during one-to-one virtual meetings. “There will be four virtual theatres to host webinars and debates, including our popular annual Responsible Tourism session. Meanwhile, the Travel Forward Virtual will have the theme of ‘Resilience, Innovation, Response’, offering delegates a free technology exhibition, conference sessions and speed networking for start-ups to meet investors. Simon Press said there will be even more opportunities to learn and network during London Travel Week (30 October-5 November 2020). “It features six Speed Networking sessions so exhibitors, brands and destinations can meet before the virtual show and build business connections,” he added. “London Travel Week will also host virtual awards ceremonies such as the World Travel Leaders’ Awards and the Responsible Tourism Awards. “Furthermore, the week will see summits about wellness, as well as destination briefings, press conferences and PR Summit.” He concluded: “Our team is working tirelessly to make sure WTM Virtual brings together all the key industry players from countries around the world, to share their vision of how travel and tourism will bounce back in 2021. “We will provide an outstanding platform for industry professionals to meet and do business. “Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we work together to support the recovery of our industry.” Access the registration form: https://london.wtm.com/visit/Visitor-registration/

Mumbai, October 1, 2020: Reiterating its customer commitment towards building a safe travel environment with the highest standards of hygiene, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel services company, along with its Group Company SOTC Travel Ltd., have collaborated with leading hospitality company, Marriott International, to launch the Holiday with Confidence portfolio – holidays inbuilt with comprehensive protocols that ensure safe travel in the COVID-19 era. The launch is a continuum of a series of meaningful customer-first health & safety initiatives from Thomas Cook & SOTC: The Assured Safe Travel Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics, tie-up with ICMR accredited labs to deliver end-to-end contactless COVID-negative certification services pan India and the Safe Holiday Helpline - a free service to support customers in safe holiday planning. According to the Thomas Cook India & SOTC Holiday Readiness Travel Report, a significant 75% respondents indicated health & safety as their overriding concern; 72% displayed a preference for reputed travel brands. Therefore, in an endeavour to build consumer confidence and offer them a safe and stress-free holiday experience, the companies have collaborated with Marriott International to launch the Holiday with Confidence portfolio that incorporates the collective expertise of the Thomas Cook & SOTC Assured Safe Travel Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics, and Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean. Combining Marriott’s extensive footprint across India and its industry standards of hygiene and sanitization protocols, Thomas Cook & SOTC seek to redefine travel with distinctive holiday experiences across its range of staycations, workations, drivecations and quick getaways across 16 participating Marriott International brands, comprising - The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien, Renaissance, Marriott Executive Apartments, Tribute, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Aloft and Four Points by Sheraton. Special experiences across the Marriott properties include, an exclusive 4-course dining experience by a specialty chef, a private session with a golf pro at the historic Poona Club Golf Club, pizza making classes, fun activities at the Kids & Family Club and a romantic movie-under-the-stars, among many others. The Holiday with Confidence international selection includes- attractive discounts on spa treatments to shark feeding attractions, fun and exciting water sport activities in key resort destinations, and more. Mr. Madhavan Menon, Chairman and Managing Director, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “Health & Safety form a critical element of our customer-first strategy at Thomas Cook India & SOTC and this is reflected in the series of meaningful initiatives aimed at building customer confidence: our Assured Safe Travel Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics, our COVID-negative certification services and Safe Holiday Helpline. I am hence delighted to announce our association with Marriott International that reiterates our customer promise of health & safety with the launch of our Holiday with Confidence portfolio. This partnership brings together the power of our collective brands in delivering comprehensive hygiene and safety protocols via the Thomas Cook & SOTC Assured Safe Travel Program and Marriott’s Commitment to Clean designed by the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council.” He added, “As part of our Holiday with Confidence program, our customers also benefit from the exceptional hospitality of Marriott International, combined with the holiday expertise of Thomas Cook India and SOTC.” Commenting on the partnership Mr. Rajeev Menon - President - Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International said, “The travel-related implications (of Covid-19) have been unprecedented and fastchanging. As restrictions and lockdowns are becoming more relaxed, there is a cautious return-to-travel, with consumers putting their faith in brands they trust. In keeping with our endeavour to restore confidence in travel & stays across our hotels, Marriott International is very pleased to partner with Thomas Cook & SOTC in bringing the Holiday with Confidence portfolio of experiences to our guests. With Marriott’s Commitment to Clean initiative and Thomas Cook & SOTC’s dedication to responsible travel, we have developed a harmonized set of health and cleanliness protocols, that will enable guests to re-experience the joy of travel through elevated and unique hotel experiences.”

Mumbai, 30th September 2020: Travel may not be the same during these unprecedented times, but data from Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel players reveals that the happiness travel can bring isn’t measured in kilometres. Travel plans may have changed drastically in 2020, and travellers may not be able to take that distant trip they had previously hoped for, but this has given travellers the opportunity to discover - and in many instances rediscover - heaps of wonderful experiences closer to home. Delving into the travel patterns of Indians in the last few months, Booking.com calculated that the average distance Indians travelled between June and August 2020 is down 56% compared with the same time last year, which is slightly lower than the global average of 63% (1). When looking back at the same time last year, Indian travellers journeyed on average 1,786 km per booking. In 2020, that distance has dropped to just 780 km per booking (1). Happiness isn't measured in kilometres More than half (67%) of the total distance travelled by Indians between 1 June and 31 August 2020 was within the country, compared to only 34% during the same period of 2019(2). New Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Hyderabad featured as the top most booked destinations between June - August 2020 by Indian travellers (3). Top booked domestic destinations by Indian travellers (1 June - 31 August 2020) 1. New Delhi 2. Bangalore 3. Gurgaon 4. Mumbai 5. Hyderabad 6) Jaipur 7) Chandigarh 8) Pune 9) Chennai 10) Kolkata Accommodations rediscovered - From Motels to Homestays When it comes to accommodation choice, Indian travellers were more likely to have opted for a motel than they were last year, followed by villa, hotel, lodge and homestay (4) which all topped the rankings of trending accommodation types for Indian travellers. This rise in pitching tents shows the shift in travel types we’ve seen. When looking back at the end of 2019, before we knew that our 2020 travel plans would be clouded by a global pandemic, only 28% of Indians were intending to stay at a villa, 16% in motels and 63% were anticipating staying in traditional hotels (5). The unexpected route to our travel plans While the events of the year have led to seismic shifts in travel behaviors and destination choices, travel has still found a way to satisfy many travellers’ wanderlust. At the end of 2019, 51% of Indians were dreaming of beautiful beaches and 42% of bustling city trips (5). 40% even dreamt of traveling to visit family and friends before they knew their contact with them would have been limited this year (5). Many of those travel desires would typically have been met with far flung destinations, but this year many have discovered these simple pleasures next door. So, whether it is exploring the pink city of Jaipur or soaking in the Nawabi culture of Hyderabad, the travel desires of many Indians have still been explored in 2020, just a little closer to home. Ritu Mehrotra, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives at Booking.com, said: “During these unprecedented times it's reassuring to see that while our plans and priorities may have changed, our passion for travel has not. Whether it’s the memories captured, relationships strengthened or smiles made, the summer of 2020 proved that the happiness travel can bring is not simply measured in kilometres and that there are plenty of adventures to be explored and comfort to be found right next door. With our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we offer the widest choice, great value and the easiest experience so travellers can get out and enjoy all kinds of travel experiences, whenever it’s safe to do so and whether that’s near or far.”

New Delhi, September 18, 2020- Sarovar Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the promotion of Shatabdi Dutta as the New General Manager – Marketing. The elevation is in line with the company’s efforts to strengthen its marketing department and bring urgently needed edge for the brand. In her new role, Ms. Dutta will be responsible for Databases –Quality, Quantity and Targeting; Digital thrust- Search Engine Optimisation, Campaigns, Lead generation, Viral content reach, Social Media traction, Website hits ;Alliances, Partner programmes and Guest recognition. Her focus area would now also be on Sales vertical. Shatabdi’s  ongoing journey since 2013 within the organisation is illustrative of a team member who has continued to display positivity, ability to learn, and passion as exemplified in her work for communicating  the values of brand Sarovar. She has active contribute in Sarovar's major Marketing Campaign- “Happiness @ Sarovar”. She was awarded the coveted “Marketing Person of the Year” Award for her marketing genius in increasing Sarovar's brand visibility. Her prior experience includes stints with Make My Trip and has implemented unique and fresh creative ideas of marketing and advertising, delivering profitable solutions to drive sales, attract and maintain customers and build a corporate brand.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – September 18, 2020 – VNU Asia Pacific, the organizer of Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL, together with the Science and Technology Trade Association (STTA) and the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS), are thrilled to celebrate its 10th Anniversary from October 28-30, 2020 at BITEC. Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL strives to be one of Southeast Asia’s leading exhibitions and conferences on analytical laboratory technologies, life sciences, and biotechnology innovations. This also comes in response to the rising need for knowledge exchange on the latest innovations for COVID-19 detection and ramping up of lab infrastructures to accommodate increases in clinical testing, biotech developments, and vaccine discoveries. For the first time, Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL will launch a “Hybrid Edition” to improve the accessibility of the trade fair for participants across the globe. The show will expand its capabilities by creating more business matching opportunities and access to conferences through a user-friendly online platform. Furthermore, the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences, or TCELS, will be the main co-host for “Bio Asia Pacific 2020: Virtual & Live”, a virtual conference on “Preparedness & Readiness for the Next Pandemic” for this year. It will broadcast through an online platform and live at Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL. There will be an open center stage at the exhibition hall called "Bio Square," where the Opening Ceremony, leadership sessions, networking functions, start-up pitching, fireside chats, and lucky drawings will be conducted to deliver a holistic experience for all trade participants. Mr. Anucha Parnpichate, Project Manager of Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL says, “The COVID-19 outbreak spread since December 2019 has affected all businesses around the world. We believe that organizing Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL this year will be the right time to share solutions on innovative technologies to achieve accurate lab results and to maintain laboratory safety. The show will provide an avenue to gather lab professionals, researchers, manufacturers, the academic community and various government representatives to share their knowledge on the production of a human vaccine and better management of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in the future.” “For the ten years that we have organized Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL, we have successfully stimulated the growth of the analytical laboratory market in Asia. Facilitating the showcase of the latest lab technologies, we believe that we can contribute to the well-being of society. Through the conferences and knowledge seminars organized by associations, government institutions and universities at the show, we can equip trade participants with the latest knowledge on life sciences and healthcare, with a focus on the global efforts towards detecting and combating COVID-19. Among the confirmed government and association partners are The Association of Medical Technologists of Thailand (AMTT), National Food Institute (NFI), Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), Biotech Industry Club under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) among others. A plethora of knowledge exchange, business matching opportunities and exciting activities await visitors at Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL 2020. It is a show you do not want to miss this year!” said Mr. Anucha Parnpichate. Exhibition Highlights - Celebrates the 10th anniversary of Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL as a ‘New Normal in LAB Exhibition’ - First “Hybrid” show that will combine a live portion and online platform - Presents the latest technology and equipment used in laboratories by top brands around the world - Offers a variety of conferences within the exhibition as well as a virtual platform, with COVID-19 vaccine updates as the highlight - An open center stage located at the exhibition hall called ‘Bio Square’, which will feature various activities throughout the show - Bio Asia Pacific 2020: Virtual & Live under the theme ‘Preparedness & Readiness for the Next Pandemic’ by TCELS - Facilitates all key buyers through the ‘Business Matching Services’ and fosters a forum of new business ideas for future investment through the ‘Business Pitching Session’ - Easier access to information on the show through the Thailand LAB Event App, downloadable for IPhone and Android users. Stay tuned! Conference Highlights COVID-19 Guidelines at LAB Exhibition The safety of all of our trade participants is our top priority. In close cooperation with BITEC, strict hygiene and security procedures will be implemented throughout the entire show. Measures will include mandatory mask usage at all time, scanning of the Thai Chana QR code, the government mobile application, to Check In/Out, and regular cleaning and sanitation of common areas. For security reason, the capacity of participants per square meter of the exhibition hall will be set at 1:4 and will be monitored by heat maps installed throughout different areas. We are happy to welcome you physically and virtually! Pre-registration is now open at https://thailandlab2020.com/Registration/RegisForm.aspx?codeInv=LAB14 For more information, please email to thailandlab@vnuasiapacific.com | Tel.+6621116611

Great Indian Journeys Bring alive India’s vibrant heritage Mumbai, September 17, 2020: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel Ltd., have partnered with India's favourite storyteller, Amar Chitra Katha, to take travellers on an enchanting journey through time, re-living India’s vibrant history and culture with the launch of its Great Indian Journeys. Much loved historical characters have been hand-picked to act as a personal guide through each epic journey, including - Birbal (the witty/wise advisor of Mughal emperor, Akbar), Tenali Raman (poet and social thinker of the mighty Vijayanagar empire), Sudama (childhood friend of Lord Krishna) and Chetak (Rana Pratap’s true war horse and faithful companion). The itineraries carefully curated by Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s holiday experts and creatively illustrated via graphic comic strips in the distinctive Amar Chitra Katha style, present India’s young explorers and parents with an engaging format to discover India’s rich heritage and iconic attractions – in a very special route to their roots. The Great Indian Journeys welcomes travellers on a voyage of discovery via an easy paced 4-5 day itinerary through locales steeped in history - Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, Mathura, Hampi, Delhi, Agra and more - that chronicle India’s golden ages. Each itinerary incorporates exclusive elements such as: personalised storytelling sessions around favourite historical characters, spectacular sound & light shows, local culinary experiences, and more.* In addition, customer benefits include: 1. Quality accommodation options with daily breakfast 2. Private transfers in AC vehicles 3. Affordable pricing starting at Rs.19 999.00* 4. Flexible cancellation options & a minimal booking deposit 5. Easy payment and EMI options 6. Meticulous health & safety under the Company’s Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics 7. Additionally, COVID-negative certificate facilitation services are also available 8. A 3-month gift subscription to both – the Amar Chitra Katha and the Tinkle Comics Reading Apps worth Rs. 1 150.00 Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “Children have emerged as clear decision makers when it comes to holidays! So, in a strategic initiative to engage with this powerful segment and bring alive India’s rich heritage, we are delighted to announce our partnership with Amar Chitra Katha to present Great Indian Journeys. Vibrant itineraries have been designed by our holiday experts to showcase epic journeys with a child-friendly format of Amar Chitra Katha’s graphic comic strips.” He added, “Travel is a great storyteller and our Great Indian Journeys endeavour to bring India’s history to life with much loved characters as personal guides/narrators. Starting at an attractive price of Rs. 19 999.00*, the selection of enchanting experiences across historical destinations like Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, Mathura, etc. offer a delightful combination of fun and learning/discovery, while also ensuring a memorable family holiday.” He added, “Our Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics ensures meticulous health & safety protocols across every touch-point and to further assist our customers, we have tied up with ICMR accredited labs to offer seamless end-to-end COVID-negative certification services with contactless facilitation – across India. Our Safe Holiday Helpline is yet another meaningful consumer initiative - a free service to support customers in safe holiday planning.” Click here to book Mr. Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “At SOTC Travel, we continue to believe in bringing families closer and creating their best memories with us. India’s favourite comics- Amar Chitra Katha plays an important role while growing up and has become an integral part in shaping a million childhoods. The Great Indian Journeys gives our travellers an opportunity, to reconnect and relive their fondest childhood memories with their children and families, by visiting India’s most iconic historical places. These specially designed itineraries, in the form of creative graphic comic strips, bring to life a unique combination of edutainment devoted to Indian culture and history. Through the Great Indian Journeys, we continue to help create delightful holiday experiences for our customers.” He added, “To ensure health and safety for travellers, we have associated with ICMR accredited labs across India to provide a first of its kind COVID-negative certification services. This, along with our Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics, have been incorporated in every holiday proposition for a hassle-free journey for all our customers. To further assist our customers, we have launched India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline, a free service to the public - offering expert guidance & assistance for safe holiday planning, visa assistance, country specific updates, on-ground health and safety measures, travel documentation, health certification, etc.” Click here to book *Terms and conditions apply Ms. Preeti Vyas, CEO and President, Amar Chitra Katha said, “As India’s favourite storytellers, our vision at Amar Chitra Katha has always been to inspire children and families through our vibrant stories about India’s glorious past and culture. The Great Indian Journeys by Thomas Cook India & SOTC, is an exciting collaboration which offers families a unique opportunity to directly experience and engage with India’s heritage through these specially-curated & memorable family holidays. Amar Chitra Katha has been telling stories for over 53 years and has always been a ‘route to your roots’. She added, “As we firmly establish ourselves in the digital age, we are passionate about taking our founder Mr. Anant Pai’s legacy forward, by reaching out to our audiences via multiple platforms and experiences, including, films, apps, games and videos to tell India’s stories. Our association with SOTC-Thomas Cook is another powerful step in enabling Indian families to experience our stories real-time, not just in 2D or 3D but indeed in 5D, with emotions, feelings and a sense of awe. Through this new property - The Great Indian Journeys, travellers can be assured of the finest travel experience combined with authentic and vibrant depiction of itineraries through storytelling; which is the hallmark of Amar Chitra Katha.”

On the upcoming occasion of 100th issue of Touriosity, an international travel magazine as well as on the event of it stepping into the 10th year, Touriosity Travelmag is happy to announce the following: 1) 1,000 free subscription (digital copies) for 2 years (just send a WhatsApp to +91 9477865317 saying FREE SUBSCRIPTION) 2) 10 incredible stories of 'People, cultures and humanity' during travels around the world will be selected for publication in the 100th Mega issue themed on PEOPLE around the world... For more send us an email at touriosity2012@gmail.com with the subject '100th issue publication' It's a great opportunity to share/publish your unique travel stories

8 September, 2020, Kolkata: “Dance is my pran, atman and soul. I loved both part of my life - being a dancer and a bureaucrat. I entered the world of dancing when I was barely three-year-old and before my formal education. There is a framed lehenga of mine at home which shows how small I was when I was initiated into dancing,” said kathak guru Padma Shri, Shovana Narayan, while connecting with a cross-section of audience across India through a session of Ek Mulakat presented by Shree Cement and organized by Prabha Khaitan Foundation. Shovana was responding to a question from kathak exponent and conversationalist Shinjini Kulkarni of Ehsaas Women - “How did you manage to become a dancer and a bureaucrat?” Shovana, a woman of stupendous achievements, is a kathak guru, choreographer, former bureaucrat, author and a researcher. Belonging to the guru-shishya parampara (tradition), Shovana believes in expanding the boundaries of kathak through cross-cultural experimentation and innovation in dance styles while rooted to kathak’s ancient Indian tradition. Prabha Khaitan Foundation showcases India's rich cultural legacy through various initiatives in India and abroad. Ek Mulakat is an exclusive initiative that allows patrons to rendezvous with legends and stalwarts from various walks of life like Shovana Narayan. It was an honour to host her and we look forward to more such enriching sessions,” said Manisha Jain, Branding & Communication Chief, Prabha Khaitan Foundation. Shovana Narayan has popularised kathak in international fora by weaving dance and philosophy in her craft. She has successfully choreographed many international collaborative works with kathak and Western classical dance, Flamenco, tap dance, Buddhist chants and so on. In 2003, she choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies of Abilympics. Shovana has won over 37 national and international awards including Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi award, Japan’s OISCA Award, Bihar Gaurav Award and so on. Shovana started learning kathak as a child in Calcutta under the tutelage of Sadhana Bose, then she moved on to Bombay and continued under guru Kundanlal ji Sisodia of the Jaipur Gharana and later she moved to Delhi under Pandit Birju Maharaj. “I will never forget my indebtedness to Guru ji Birju Maharaj who announced my performance prior to his own performance at the Sapru House in Delhi. That was the kind of launching pad I got for my first stage performance,” she said. Reflecting on her research on kathak, its antiquity, and “kathak villages”, Shovana recounted that about 17 years ago she was in Bodh Gaya for a performance and came to know about villages known as “kathak villages” for the first time from a journalist. “I found two or three such villages and later, along with an IAS colleague of mine, we started on our journey to discover these “kathak villages” and went from village to village, met people and gathered records and official documents and started delving deeper,” she said. Sharing her findings on how ancient kathak was, Shovana said, “An epigraph from Kameshwar archive in Mithila has been confirmed by epigraphists to date back to the Mauryan period which is BC. The inscription in prakrit and brahmi lipi clearly mentions kathak as devotional dancing and mentions the region around Varanasi.” “The kathak dance we see today is very different from the kathak community. The sculptures depicting dance forms in today’s standing temples, at best, go back to about a 1000 to 1100 years. So where are the temples and sculptures of the Gupta and Mauryan period which were so rich in architecture and sculptures! We don’t look into the small museums and archives of India which is the haven of information. That is where we have to see and find continuity in the form and stance of the kathak dance,” Shovana said. “I believed in myself and have never deviated from kathak, I was true to my kathak tradition just like the Western classical dancers were to their’s. So what did we do? We just found commonality in terms of poems, moods and even movements but the emphasis, the field and flow, as in the approach, tenor and flavour is different. I am careful about using the term fusion which means I lose my identity to merge myself into something. No, I keep my identity, so do they, and it is a beautiful collage of patterns and rhythmic dimensions,” she said Ek Mulakat series of webinars have connected artistes, achievers, cultural aficionados, thinkers and authors with people across India and other continents.

(Washington, DC) – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, today announced that pre-COVID-19, the nation’s capital welcomed 24.6 million total visitors, with 22.8 million domestic visitors (up 4.1 percent), and 1.8 million overseas visitors (down 7.9 percent). (Sources: MMGY Travel Intelligence, Travel Market Insights, National Travel & Tourism Office, U.S. Department of Commerce). According to 2019 data from IHS Markit, visitation supported 78,266 jobs across all sectors in Washington, DC, up 2.3 percent from 2018. Tourism also generated $8.2 billion in visitor spending and $896 million in local tax revenue to the District. Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC, addressed approximately 1,000 attendees virtually at the organization’s annual Marketing Outlook Meeting. He also shared data from Tourism Economics that projects approximately 11 million domestic visitors, down 53 percent,will travel to the city in 2020. However, if a vaccine is available early next year, and if the recession does not deepen in a significant way, that estimate could rise to 20 million by 2022.By comparison, it took the travel industry 10 years to recover following 9/11. “We set the bar high with 10 consecutive years of growth before the pandemic changed things for us, and as we can expect, this year won’t look good,” said Ferguson. “The key for us will be securing funds to market our destination when the time is right, adapting our sales efforts virtually and focusing on the safety measures the city and industry have adopted to keep visitor safety in mind.” Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke about the importance of tourism to the local economy. “We know that Washingtonians are resilient, and so is our culture and our community. Together, we will bring our tourism and hospitality industries back and better than before,” said Mayor Bowser. “As we continue through our pandemic response and recovery, we remain focused on supporting the local businesses that represent the livelihoods and dreams of Washingtonians. And with Destination DC’s help, and when the time is right, we are ready to remind everyone that DC is still a city with something for everyone – whether you’re here to live, work or play.” Data from MMGY Global shows that consumers view their personal cars as a safer mode of transportation than travel by air or train. Once advertising resumes, DCC will prioritize the drive market, comprised of more than 50 million people within a four-hour radius, through its Discover the Real DC marketing campaign. The Stay Local DC campaign will target locals in the region, a key market in destination recovery. Shifts in messaging prioritize safety, proximity and masks. Editorial outreach and content are key, especially until advertising is in place, and DDC’s website, washington.org, is undergoing a redesign that will launch at the end of the year. The new site will feature captivating video and photography contenttobetter engage consumersand ultimately inspirevisitation. Currently, users can find the latest travel status updates and safety measures, what’s open and closed, virtual events and ways to support local businesses on  washington.org. COVID-19 has greatly impacted tourism spending. According to Tourism Economics, visitor spending was down 83 percent, or $5.6 billion, for March 8-Aug. 22, 2020 compared to 2019. When it comes to large-scale events and groups booked by DDC, there have been 42 cancellations to date, resulting in a $422 million total loss, not including in-hotel meetings and leisure groups. Thirty-fivemajor events would have taken place in 2020, resulting in a loss of $369 million, and seven events in2021, valued at $53 million.However, during the pandemic,DDC has booked five citywide meetings, including Delta Sigma Theta sorority’s57th national convention in 2025 with an estimated economic impact of $14.5 million. The team is positioning DC to attract combination virtual and in-person events in addition to being a connected city that provides access to local innovators and global leaders. In 2019, DC’s top 10 overseas markets, in order of visitation, are China, UK, India, Germany, South Korea, France, Australia, Italy, Brazil and Spain. Though overseas visitors only represent 7 percent of the total number of visitors to DC, international visitors [overseas visitors plus visitors from Canada and Mexico] represented 27 percent of visitor spending for 2019. According to Tourism Economics, overseas visitation is not expected to fully rebound until 2024. During the down period for international travel, the tourism team has launched a virtual travel agent training program that provides education for group operators to sell DC. The program has trained more than 570 people from 40 countries. There are new tourism opportunities ahead, in addition to DC’s reopened restaurants, hotels, attractions and museums. On June 5, Mayor Bowser created Black Lives Matter Plaza. DC welcomes a newborn baby panda at the Smithsonian National Zoo on Aug. 21. MLK Libraryreopens Sept. 14 after a three-and-a-half-year renovation. DC Jazz Fest is virtual from Sept. 24-28. Planet Word, dedicated to language arts, opens Oct. 22. Three new memorials are expected, the National Native American Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial on Sept. 17 and the National World War I Memorial park in December. The city will also welcome new brands in the coming months including Viceroy, YOTEL, CitizenM and the city’s first Tribute Portfolio hotel from Marriott International, The Ven at Embassy Row, as well as new hotels AC Hotel Convention Center and Cambria Hotel Capital Riverfront. In 2021,arts and culture milestones include the 175th anniversary of the Smithsonian; the 125th anniversary of the DC Public Library system; the 100th anniversary of The Phillips Collection; the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Center, 50th anniversary of Amtrakand the 40th anniversary of the National Building Museum. Preparations are also underway for Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021.

A B to B Network operating a digital portal that connects luxury travel buyers to verified sellers in Japan New Delhi, 25th August 2020: India’s leading luxury hotel sales representation company – One Rep Global is delighted to announce its appointment as the India partner for Bear Luxe Japan to represent them in the outbound tourism sector of the Indian market. Bear Luxe Japan, a Japan specific B2B networking operating a concierge service and an industry-first digital portal that connects a global network of luxury travel designers specializing in travel to Japan with leading luxury travel suppliers. A member’s only platform, Bear Luxe Japan provides access to services and amenities of leading Japanese agents who have been verified to provide bespoke travel programs and offer the most spectacular travel experiences by way of showcasing authentic insights and contributing to the experience of Japanese culture and traditions. Designed and created in response to international buyers’ difficulty in communicating with independent Japanese suppliers, add to which was the ambiguity and absence of a standard payment and commission system, the portal bridges the gap by offering a one-stop window for accommodation, transportation, custom experiences, negotiations, reservations and payments. Along with providing a comprehensive access to a host of services, the goal is to contribute to the creation of meaningful luxury travel experiences that in turn support the further development of Japanese culture and tradition and sustain local industries. According to reports, the government of Japan expects Indian tourist footfall in Japan to reach 40 million by 2020. Ryoji Noda, consul general of Japan in Mumbai, said the Land of The Rising Sun has a lot to offer on its tourist landscape. Bear Luxe Japan co-founder and COO Hiroyuki Miyatake said, “India is a land of opportunity! Partnering with One Rep Global increases our visibility in the Indian market and to the Indian consumers and we look forward to welcoming them in the near future.” Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hemant Mediratta, the founder of One Rep Global said, “Post Covid 19, people will be more encouraged to take fewer, more immersive trips as opposed to travelling multiple times a year. Their emphasis will be on experiential travel and their choice of hotels will follow suit. To that end, our partnership with Bear Luxe Japan is tremendous as it will open up the doors to many experiential hotels and destinations in Japan for the Indian consumer. ” One Rep Global is responsible for sales and marketing initiatives for Bear Luxe Japan and will be showcasing its unique services and offerings to the luxury travel trade, corporate and MICE sectors and to the Indian media. One Rep Global is a sales and marketing organisation that offers a 360 degree approach and bespoke solutions to luxury hotels, travel, luxury lifestyle and wellness brands. It is known to be a one stop solution across multiple disciplines offering sales and marketing representation, creative studio and digital, public relations and consulting. The company is driven by a team of luxury hoteliers and seasoned professionals to offer partners their expertise in innovation, creativity and technology and offers solutions across India and the Middle East for some of the most prestigious hospitality, travel and lifestyle brands.

Mumbai, September 1, 2020: The pent-up travel demand due to the lockdown has resulted in a new-found interest in Destination India. Consumers are moving away from crowds/traditional tourist spots while seeking to discover India’s untold stories and traveller secrets. And to tap into this demand for non-standard/unique journeys, Thomas Cook India, India’s leading integrated travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have introduced India’s Hidden Gems. Starting at an attractive price of Rs. 11 500.00*, the holidays include accommodation for 2 nights/3 days at 4-5 star hotels or delightful boutique properties, breakfast and an additional dining experience, unique sightseeing, private transport and travel insurance. Bringing to life nuggets of India’s fascinating history-heritage, spectacular scenic beauty and unparalleled travel experiences, Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s Hidden Gems incorporates a handpicked selection of Exquisite Locales: from Khajuraho, Rishikesh, Udaipur, Munnar, Jawai Sagar, Manali, Coorg, Kollam, Thekkady, Pachmarhi, Kabini, Bandhavgarh, Lalsot and Goa, amongst others. Exceptional Experiences: An array of exciting traveller secrets have been woven into each journey, including a jeep safari amidst the lush plantations of Kolukkumalai, Munnar - the highest tea estate in the Western Ghats, a royal 4-course dining experience set against an evening bonfire at the luxurious Amritara Pali Jawai Sagar, picturesque coffee & spice plantation tours in Coorg aboard a specially designed jeep, an exclusive, private, night drive and star gazing experience in a gypsy at Pachmarhi, a unique bush-dining experience in Bandhavgarh, a vintage car drive around Udaipur’s picturesque lake, mangrove walks in the Sundarbans biosphere or the heady adrenalin rush of bungee jumping in Rishikesh, etc. Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “Together with significant pent up travel demand, the lockdown has seen growing interest from Indians wanting to re-discover their own country, yet seeking non-standard experiences. And so, our teams have conceptualised Hidden Gems - holidays that offer unparalleled experiences at exquisite locations across India - at attractive prices starting at just Rs. 11 500.00*. Catering to a range of segments from families, couples, solo travellers to adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts, our Hidden Gems offers a well-deserved break, coupled with exceptional experiences that rejuvenate: be it bush-dining in Bandhavgarh, mangrove walks amidst the stark beauty of the Sundarbans or the thrill of bungee jumping in Rishikesh, etc.” He added, “Our Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics ensures meticulous health & safety protocols across every touch-point and to further assist our customers, we have tied up with ICMR accredited labs to offer seamless end-to-end COVID-negative certification services with contactless facilitation – across India. Our Safe Holiday Helpline is yet another meaningful consumer initiative - a free service to support customers in safe holiday planning. With our zero cancellation, flexible rescheduling and our guaranteed refund promise, we want to ensure that all our customers travel smooth.” Mr. Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “The choice of destination and the experiences offered inspires travel decisions across all age groups, especially among millennials. From exploring the local cuisine, to finding offbeat experiences at every destination, Indian travellers wish to explore the unknown. Given the current situation and in order to satisfy their desire for immersive experiences, SOTC has designed unique domestic experiences that highlight this trend of experiential travel. These include incorporating workshops, wellness experiences, culturally immersive activities, food and drink experiences, outdoor activities and more.” He added, “As health and safety is a key concern, all our holidays come with ‘Assured’ - a comprehensive program to safe travel in the COVID-19 era in partnership with Apollo Clinics. To further assist our customers, we have launched India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline, a free service to the public - offering expert guidance & assistance for safe holiday planning, visa assistance, country specific updates, on-ground health and safety measures, travel documentation, health certification, etc. and have also tied up with ICMR accredited labs to offer seamless end-to-end COVID-negative certification services with contactless facilitation – across India.” For details on Thomas Cook India’s Hidden Gems Holidays click here

A recent social media and online campaign www.exploremyregion.com, initiated by Bavaria-based Outdooractive, Europe's largest outdoor portal for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and skiing, has received a timely boost, just weeks after launching. Some of the latest tourism surveys and figures, in Europe and the US have suggested a healthy increase in the number of travelers keen to holiday at home this year. According to a recent Euronews poll conducted in Germany, France, Italy and Spain, approximately 60% of German and Spanish respondents said they were not planning to holiday abroad this year, while more than half of those surveyed in Italy and France, had not made any travel plans at all and 33% of all those surveyed were planning to holiday within their own country. Supporting those results, the latest quarterly report from the European Travel Commission, confirmed that the likelihood of a quick and sustainable recovery would be more prevalent in destinations that attracted mostly domestic and short haul travelers. The report went on to highlight the issues that longer-haul tourists are now faced with including relatively higher costs of travel and insurance, in-flight and border restrictions, as well as a heightened risk aversion, especially to the prospect of a second wave outbreak and the ensuing quarantine measures. As part of the www.exploremyregion.com campaign, over 100 tourism companies and destinations from across Europe, the USA and beyond, joined hands to raise awareness of the tourism offerings within their respective towns and regions in a bid to attract local visitors and offset the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Hartmut Wimmer, the Founder, and CEO of Outdooractive, which connects tourism stakeholders with a global outdoor community of over 9.1 million enthusiasts, said: “Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and cycling have become increasingly popular during the current-COVID era and the recent online campaign showcased outdoor activity providers, hotels, restaurants, and retailers. “Outdoor spaces have more room to accommodate social distancing without too much constraint, which has led to more than 70% of nature camps, hiking trails, adventure sports, national parks and beaches reopening around the world.” Millions throughout Europe were in lockdown earlier this year and many parents are still working from home, as well as children engaged in distanced learning. For many a lack of exercise, has resulted in weight gain, ironically making them more susceptible to catching the coronavirus. “This is where local or regional outdoor holidays tick all of the right boxes. In the countryside it is also easier to socially distance, breathe cleaner air, exercise through cycling or hiking, eat fresh, and often healthier, local food and at the same time, support the local economy,” added Wimmer. Destinations such as Destin Royan Atlantique in France www.royanatlantique.fr Puumala in Finland www.visitpuumala.fi and Salt Lake City in Utah, USA www.visitsaltlake.com supported the campaign, which highlighted not only the variety but the global reach of the campaign, which also contributed to a spike in social media engagement. “As a travel and outdoor sports enthusiast, I immediately got hooked on the idea of joining the #ExploreMyRegion movement. Our sports traveler members love to discover new spots close to home. When you see the local sporting potential just a few hours away from home, it is worth exploring it. With #ExploreMyRegion, I discovered new playgrounds that I have shared and enjoyed with my family and the outdoor community,” said Sylvain Morel, co-founder & COO of Sportihome.com. Several global brands also got behind the campaign with Intersport, Wanderfit, and Scarpa, amongst others, helping locals understand exactly what they have available right on their doorstep while showcasing new destinations to potential visitors nearby. “It's great that the #ExploreMyRegion movement is committed to the regional tourism industry. We are happy to support the campaign with our initiative Wanderfit. Especially the silent protagonists, whether shopkeepers, restaurateurs or artisans, make the day trip or short trip a very special experience with their cordiality and local knowledge. This is why now is exactly the right time to explore the region on your own doorstep - for example on a hike through the Palatinate (a region in southwestern Germany),” said Andreas Lenz, chairman of the board of BKK Pfalz. For more information, visit outdooractive.com or search for #exploremyregion on all social media channels.

An Adept Course For Hoteliers and Restauranteurs Bengaluru, 31st AUGUST, 2020: Skill India today announced the launch of its specialized program “Food Safety And Sanitization” program that equips hoteliers and restauranteurs adapt to the new norms of food handling in the current times. Skill India or the National Skills Development Mission of India is a campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. It is managed by the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) of India. Since its inception, Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) are one of NSDC’s significant pillars of strength, which play a vital role in bridging the gap between industry demand and the skill ecosystem. Playing an instrumental role, SSCs bring together all the stakeholders - industry, labour and academia together to ensure that the industry is furnished with skilled and efficient workforce. Through six extensive modules and assessments, food handlers gain an adept knowledge on heightened measures of food and safety hygiene required at hotels and restaurants. A one-of-its-kind certification, one gains an education on the art and science of food, the cause, prevention and spread of Corona Virus and the importance of personal hygiene in food production. A module wise assessment results in a certification, issued by Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council. Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council said, “Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), as an Industry Body under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is well-aligned to hand-hold & guide our workforce to embrace the new normal in these unprecedented times. The launch of this app is one of many significant steps in the direction of combating the situation & restrictions owing to the pandemic & creating a better awareness and preparedness to overcome health & safety concerns across our sector. The need of the hour is to inculcate and restore the trust, comfort and confidence of our guest to continue to use our facilities, and the best possible way to do this is through skilling our people right. We at THSC would like to thank our Knowledge Partners Conrad Bangalore and BCIC who have put in their heart and soul to create such a wonderful & empowering program keeping in line with our vision and mission.” Setting a new benchmark for the industry, Conrad Bengaluru, Exclusive Knowledge Partner to Skill India for this program, has paved the path with an Online Certificate Program in Food Safety & Sanitization on the guidelines of FSSAI for businesses during Covid-19 pandemic. Conrad Bengaluru, a leading luxury hotel and partner to Bangalore Chambers of Industry & Commerce is the knowledge partner in creation of multimedia content which is certified by THSC. Vidyashree C.V., Hygiene Manager at Conrad Bengaluru has been instrumental in designing the course material for this program. Possessing six years of experience, Vidya holds a degree in MSc Microbiology, she is Certified ISO 22000:2015 Lead Auditor(2017, Certified ISO 22000:2018 Internal Auditor and Food safety team leader for the hotel’s ISO system. Srijan Vadhera, General Manager, Conrad Bengaluru and Chairman – Tourism, Hospitality & Facility Expert Committee (Karnataka), Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce (BCIC), said, “I am humbled to be a part of this initiative and to be able to contribute to the growth and wellbeing of the industry. With two decades of experience as a hospitality professional, I have had firsthand exposure to the criticality of appropriate food handling and the nuances that it brings along with it.” Also, a member of the Management Committee at BCIC for 2020-21 he added, “More than ever before, we need to understand the responsibility we carry when we serve millions of guests at our restaurants and hotels. At Conrad Bengaluru, we have a dedicated Hygiene Manager who ensures compliance, as the impact of mishandling procured items can be immense. It is my submission to industry colleagues to ensure that their teams are aware and comply with heightened safety and sanitization standards.” Speaking on the occasion, Mr. TR Parasuraman, Whole Time Director of Toyota Industries Engines Pvt Ltd. And President Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce said, “I am very excited to be associated with Skill India through BCIC, a 43 year old chamber of leading industry honchos. This is the first big time Skill India and BCIC have brought synergies of working together after signing the MOU. I am confident that restaurant and hotel operators will see great value in the e-learning platform. Intended for upskilling the knowledge of food handlers, this is a unique program that offers a certified course, absolutely free of cost amidst a pandemic.” Offering a range of employment linked learning of vocational skills, the 6 hour online course will be offered over Android App powered by Learnet Skills Limited. Participants can complete the course and obtain certificates post successful completion of assessments absolutely free. This widely used platform enables employers and recruiters to identify potential hired by evaluating working skills and job readiness. For this reason, emphasis is laid upon evaluating the knowledge of applied skills gained through real work experience rather than theoretical knowledge. Steps to take the course: ● Type "Linq Skills" in Google Play Store ● Download the App ● Register with your email id and 10 digit mobile number ● Take the course under Hospitality ● Complete the course and Online Certificate will be generated

Fun Evening with ace comedian Atul Khatri Exciting Holiday Auctions, Crazy Spot Offers, Free Travel Voucher of Rs. 5 000.00 Mumbai, August 28, 2020: With India’s lockdown resulting in strong pent-up travel demand, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., and its Group Company, SOTC Travel Ltd., have announced an exclusive, virtual mega event – an engaging consumer connect that includes live bidding of holiday packages and acts by the ace comedian Atul Khatri, on Saturday, August 29. Thomas Cook India’s Relive the Dreams Mega Event at 6 pm, offers an exclusive interaction with Bollywood star Boman Irani; SOTC’s Blockbuster Evening follows from 8 pm onwards. This interactive virtual platform is aimed at catalysing bookings for future travel when borders reopen – inviting customers to a preview of a range of holiday specials, a fun-filled holiday bidding process, amazing spot offers and a free holiday voucher of Rs. 5 000.00 on registration - a unique experience from the comfort of their homes. Displaying agility in adapting to the challenges of the lockdown, the teams at Thomas Cook India & SOTC have been at the forefront of pioneering initiatives, including innovations in their product-services portfolio and unique concepts aimed at customer engagement. From exciting social media contests and travel quizzes, a live Lockdown Travel Awards event with Bollywood celebrity Boman Irani, storytelling sessions with popular Marathi actor Subodh Bhave, culinary experiences with the renowned chef Santosh Jori, to its Virtual Outlets & Virtual Agent Network and the first-of-its-kind Virtual Holiday Roadshows, the two brands have created meaningful opportunities to stay in touch with consumers. The upcoming mega event reiterates the companies’ Customer-First strategy with a vibrant and interactive fun-filled evening, strategically aimed at converting pent-up travel demand into bookings – across domestic and international holidays for when borders reopen. This unique digital initiative empowers customers with a convenient and contactless platform – to get an overview of newly launched holiday products, engage with holiday experts from the safety/comfort of their homes and avail of exciting spot offers, prizes and participate in an exclusive series of holiday auctions. Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “In line with our focussed Customer-First approach, we continue to explore distinctive opportunities to engage with our customers and so, I am delighted to present our exclusive virtual Relive the Dreams Mega Event, with the much loved Bollywood star, Boman Irani and ace comedian, Atul Khatri. Through this strategic initiative, we intend to showcase our exciting new product range and catalyze bookings via crazy deals/offers and a truly unique holiday auction – for both domestic and international tours. And to sweeten the deal, a free Rs. 5 000.00 holiday voucher awaits our customers!” Click here to register for Thomas Cook India’s Relive the Dreams Mega Event (6 pm onwards) Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “In our continued endeavour to connect and strengthen our association with our past and prospective customers, we are extremely happy to host our first ever virtual Blockbuster Evening, with ace comedian Atul Khatri. Despite the current environment with rapidly changing consumer needs/trends, our teams at SOTC have gone all out in ensuring relevance - and this initiative allows us to understand and engage with our valued customers, while showcasing a range of innovative and exciting products and services.” Click here to register for SOTC’s Blockbuster Evening (8 pm onwards)

● All PAYBACK India members can now earn and redeem points on Thomas Cook India’s range of India & International Holidays ● PAYBACK points earned on leading brands across shopping, entertainment, fuel, etc. can be redeemed for additional savings on a Thomas Cook holiday ● Extends Thomas Cook India’s reach to PAYBACK India’s extensive 100 million+ member database Mumbai, August 25, 2020: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel services company has partnered with PAYBACK India, the country’s largest multi-brand rewards & loyalty program, to offer attractive loyalty benefits to its customers - enabling them earn and redeem points on every Thomas Cook holiday purchase; additionally, earn points via spends on PAYBACK India’s partners (across leading brands including American Express, ICICI Bank, Big Bazaar, Central, Hindustan Petroleum, BookMyShow, Amazon, Flipkart etc.) to redeem and save on their next holiday booking with Thomas Cook India. This alliance serves to extend Thomas Cook India’s reach to PAYBACK’s 100 million+ member base, giving this new set of customers the benefit of redeeming points on Thomas Cook India’s extensive range of domestic and international holidays. According to a recent KPMG International report, 84 per cent of Indian respondents believe in loyalty programmes and are more likely to buy new products offered by a company. Thomas Cook India’s partnership with PAYBACK India, therefore, aims to create a symbiotic universe of consumer loyalty and rewards across multiple touch points in the customer’s journey. Consumer Benefits of the Thomas Cook - PAYBACK India Partnership: ● Earn 8 PAYBACK points on every Rs. 100 spent on a Thomas Cook Holiday booking ● Redeem PAYBACK points against your next holiday purchase with Thomas Cook ● Earn/Redeem points across PAYBACK India’s wide range of in-store/online partners and on a Thomas Cook Holiday – across India and International tours Simple 3 Step Process: 1. Enter your linked PAYBACK mobile number when you book on Thomas Cook India’s holidays 2. Earn PAYBACK points on every booking 3. Quote your 4-digit PIN to redeem PAYBACK points for additional savings. For more details, click here Mr. Abraham Alapatt, President & Group Head - Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services & Innovation - Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “In line with our Customer First strategy at Thomas Cook India, we aim to create exceptional value and deliver consistent customer delight. And so, in a market cluttered with standalone loyalty offers, we are delighted to announce our partnership with PAYBACK India, the country’s largest multi-brand loyalty program to benefit our customers by earning on every holiday booking and saving on the next; also empowering PAYBACK’s members with the advantage of redeeming their points across our range of attractive Thomas Cook India and International holidays!” He added, “At Thomas Cook India, we will also leverage PAYBACK India’s 100 million+ member base to further our strategy of customer acquisition and engagement for our Holidays business, as also towards cross-selling of our extensive portfolio- including foreign exchange, visas and travel related services.” Mr. Rijish Raghavan, Chief Operating Officer, PAYBACK India said, “We are delighted to have a trusted travel brand like Thomas Cook India as our partner and with this, PAYBACK India further deepens its footprint in the travel industry. PAYBACK loyalty has always been about customer engagement, experience & rewards and in the post-Covid world, the essence of customer loyalty has only strengthened. Travel has been an important category for PAYBACK members and hence a relevant business vertical for us. This partnership will help further our objective of providing members another major avenue to accelerate accumulation of PAYBACK Points and give a seamless rewarding travel experience.”

The 2nd edition of the International Conference, ICST 2020 was organised by TOURIOSITY on 21st and 22nd August 2020 (10am -7pm IST)after the tremendous success of the 1st edition of the conference held in kolkata in August 2019. There were 31 speakers from 20+ countries and hundreds of participants from more countries. The best part of the conference this year was the interdisciplinary and global approach of the Speakers. The theme this year was "Post COVID Global Economic Revival". There were a total of 12 Sessions with 6 Moderators chosen from amongst professionals by TOURIOSITY. Here some pictures:

Airbnb recognizes that Friendship Day this year may feel different. To give you and your bestie some fun time together, Airbnb has a collection of perfect online experiences and some amazing properties that you can drive down to. Whether your buddy lives in your city, another country, or even just down the street, Airbnb has got you covered. From planning the perfect weekend getaway with the entourage, or just sharing a laugh over a zoom call, we have something for everybody. Guests can choose from a collection of Online Experiences that allow you to connect with friends virtually or just hop into your car and drive down to the nearest Airbnb and celebrate the special bond of friendship. Here is a list of properties that are perfect for your road trip with the gang (Don’t forget to refer to government travel advisories before booking your trip and packing your bags!) Cocktails And Boardgames By The Poolside EL Lodge, Lonavala Driving distance from Mumbai : 83 km (Approx. 2 hours) A trip with you and your best buddies could mean the craziest, fun filled getaway from the monotony of daily life. You can book an entire villa located in the enchanting hills of Lonavala with the scenic views of the valley. Whether it is a pool party with al fresco dining, or chilling in the cabana while sipping on cocktails, this Airbnb property has it all. So, kick back and relax at this luxurious home, perfect for spending the weekend with your friends. Don’t forget to pack your board games! Tranquility Amidst Apple Orchards Meena Bagh Ratnari, Shimla Driving distance from Delhi : 270 km (Approx. 5.5 hours) If you and your friends are looking to spend some quality time together, snuggled with a cup of coffee, with nothing to do, this beautiful farm stay should be your abode. This eco-friendly property in the hills of Himachal is perfect for those who prefer the quiet and calm of nature and want to enjoy luxury in serenity. With no disturbances from the outside world, you and your friends can spend some great time together while basking in the sun during the day and tracing constellations in the beautiful night sky. Nature’s Retreat In A Treehouse Forestvalley Tree House, Coorg Driving distance from Bangalore : 270 km (Approx. 5.5 hours) If you and your friends need a break from the traffic and noise of the city, we have the perfect getaway for you. Spend some quality time together in this treehouse hidden amidst the coffee plantations in Coorg. This unique cottage is 32ft above the ground level and has been completely built with Red Cedar Wood. With a stream flowing close by, you can dip in your feet and to relax or can go on long walks with your confidant to enjoy the clean fresh air. Turn off your phones and alarms, sit by the bonfire and sing along to some old songs at this treehouse in Coorg. Soak In Some Vitamin Sea Villa Al'Mar, Puducherry Driving distance from Chennai – 150 km (Approx. 3 hours) If you want your first trip away from home after the lockdown to be exciting and filled with adventure, what better than the Serenity beach in Pondicherry. This beautiful Airbnb is located on right on the beach and is perfect for your first getaway with your friends. Sit back with a bottle of beer and watch the sun set in this former French Colony. With good music and a group of friends, you are sure to make spend some unforgettable evenings at this villa. Barbeque Nights Away From City Lights Pinewood Sunrise - with treehouse and barbeque, Kasauli Driving distance from Chandigarh – 60 km (Approx. 1.5 hours) With the panoramic views of the valley and surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna, this villa is perfect for a memorable getaway with your buddies. Turn up the fireplace on the deck for some delicious barbeque and tune out the world for a fun and relaxing getaway. Some Online Experiences to share the spirit of friendship virtually Secrets of Magic – Berkhamstead, UK Prepare to be inspired and spellbound as you go on an epic 90 minute journey through the magical world. The Secrets of Magic Zoom Classroom is where you will take part in a mind-blowing magic show with everyday objects such as cards, coins & the gold-dust of our times - a roll of toilet paper! Duration – 1 hour and 30 mins Living Room Legends Scavenger Hunt Game - Austin, USA Alley Kat Adventures’ lively, unique, interactive game encourages you to get outside of your comfort zone at home to complete creative, challenging, & quirky missions for points! And fun little virtual prizes too! Duration – 1 hour Sangria and Secrets with Drag Queens – Lisboa, Portugal Fabulous Drag Queens will teach you how to make the most authentic, fresh, and delicious Portuguese sangria, ALL from scratch, step by step! We will not only share this traditional secret recipe, but we will also be serving up our unique live performances on stage! It’ll be a cabaret-style digital cocktail class you’ll never forget. Get ready for fireworks, smoke effects, lights, and AMAZING costumes that we created, especially for you! Duration – 1 hour and 30 mins Revealing Incredible India by Street Art – New Delhi, India Celebrate India’s art, colorful festivals and infinite stories with this one its kind Online Experience. The murals here will help you discover and dive into the world of India's vivid culture and help you learn about what these artworks reflect, the stories behind their making & the culture. Some of these are extremely profound, witty, sarcastic & scenic! Duration – 1 hour and 30 mins Crepes & Hazelnut spread by Notre-Dame – Paris, France You will be making a delicious Hazelnut and Chocolate spread, but unlike the famous one, it will contain no Palm Oil! You will also make Crepes from Bretagne (French pancakes) which, as luck would have it, goes so well with the spread. Duration – 1 hour and 30 mins Airbnb Online Experiences, launched in April 2020, migrate the platform’s beloved Experiences from in-person to online. Through Online Experiences, people can unlock unprecedented access to inspiring hosts across the world, have the chance to connect with new people, and be given the opportunity to travel virtually, all from the comfort of their own living room. For more, visit airbnb.com/online-experiences.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, as Chief Guest inaugurated the Webinar on “Cross Border Tourism” organised by the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators on 15th July 2020 Inaugurating the Webinar, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel listed the important sites in India related to the life of Lord Buddha.  He mentioned that Buddhism has a large following across the world and India being the ‘Land of Buddha’ and endowed with rich Buddhist heritage attracts very small percentage of Buddhist Pilgrims. Shri Patel stressed the point that it was important for all to ascertain the reasons for India receiving a fraction of global Buddhists as tourist/Pilgrims and take corrective measures accordingly. The Minister also shared the initiative of having signage in international languages  at important Buddhist sites in the country including signages in Chinese language that  have been put up at 5 Buddhist sites / monuments in Uttar Pradesh including Sarnath, Kushinagar and Sravasti. Similarly, since Sanchi receives a large number of tourists from Sri Lanka, signages in Sinhalese language have been put up at the Sanchimonuments. The MoS (I/C) Tourism & Culture also highlighted the decision of Government of India to declare the Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh as an International Airport which will offer better connectivity to the air-travellers resulting in boosting of domestic/international tourism and economic development of the region. He further informed that the Ministry of Tourism, under its various schemes has taken several initiatives for the development and promotion of Buddhist sites in the country. The Association of Buddhist Tour Operators is the association of dedicated inbound tour-operators engaged in promoting Buddhist tourism, with over 1500 members in India & Overseas. Participants in the Webinar included representatives from the UN Peace Keeping Forces Council, Travel & Hospitality Associations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam amongst others. [Source: 17 JUL 2020 12:36PM by PIB Delhi]

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India’s DekhoApna Desh Webinar Series titled, “The Mystical Triangle- Maheshwar, Mandu & Omkareshwar” was organised on 18th July 2020. Presented by Ms. Ashima Gupta, Commissioner of Income Tax, Indore and Sarita Alurkar, Singapore based marketing professional, the webinar showcased the richness of the destinations covered under the mystical triangle and acquainted the viewers with the serene, captivating getaways in State of Madhya Pradesh namely Maheshwar, Mandu & Omkareshwar.Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and it is continuously spreading spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through virtual platform. The first stop of the mystical triangle was Maheshwar or Mahishmati is one of serene and captivating destinations of Madhya Pradesh with historical significance which is 90 kms away from Indore city. The city got its name after Lord Shiva/ Maheshwara, it also finds a mention in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The presenters described in detail the life & times of Queen Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar. The Town lies on the north bank of the Narmada River. It was the capital of the Malwa during the Maratha Holkar reign till 6 January 1818, when the capital was shifted to Indore by Malhar Rao Holkar III. In the late eighteenth century, Maheshwar served as the capital of the great Maratha queen Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar. She embellished the city with many buildings and public works, and it is home to her palace, as well as numerous temples, a fort, and riverfront ghats. The queen is also known for her simplicity, this is evident to present day through Rajwada or the Royal Residence where the queen used to meet her people, a two-storied building. Tourists can see and experience the then royal setup as the things related to queen. Ahilyeshwar temple, where Ahilya devi used to offer prayers, Vitthal temple near Ahileshwar temple are must stop places for aarti and to admire architecture. There are around 91 temples that are built by the Rajmata. Ghats in Maheshwar are the best places to see the beauty of sunrise and sunset and the fort complex can also be seen at its best from Ahilya ghat. One can also go on a boat ride, evenings after sunset boat men light small diyas as an offering to Narmada River. Baneshwar temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the must-see temples of Maheshwar especially during sunsets. Narmada aarti is performed after sunset at Narmada ghat. Textiles are another important aspect that is developed by Ahilya Devi, she invited master weavers from Surat and South India to weave sarees that are unique from the existing ones. The designs used on these are inspirations from fort architecture and Narmada river. These were gifted to royal guests. Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar was a generous patron of the arts. She loved sarees and in 1760 sent for the famed weavers of Surat to enrich her kingdom with fine cloth - something worthy of the royal family. Under the princely state the weavers arts flourished and specialized into the present day Maheshwari cloth. Once an all cotton weave - in the 1950's silk started being used in the wrap and slowly became the norm.Rehwa Society was founded in 1979, is a non profit organisation working for the welfare of weavers of maheshwar. Omkareshwar has 33 deities and 108 impressive shivling in divine form and this is the only Jyotirlingawhich is situated on the north bank of Narmada. Omkareshwar is a spiritual town in Madhya Pradesh, 78kms away from Indore. A visit to Omkareshwar temple is incomplete without visiting Mamleshwar temple. It is also believed that Lord Shiva comes here to rest everyday considering this a special aarti called Shayan aarti is performed everyday at 8:30pm in the evening and arrange game of dice for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Siddhanth temple is the most beautiful temple one should definitely save their time to explore this divine temple. Mandu located in Dhar district of State of Madhya Pradesh is also known by the name of Mandavgarh, Shadiabad (City of Joy). It is about 98km. away from Indore and at an elevation of 633 meters. Nearest Railway station for Mandu is Ratlam (124km.) TheFort in Mandu is spread over an area of 47 sq km and the fort wall is 64 kms. Mandu is mainly known for the love story of Sultan Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Once out hunting,Baz Bahadur chanced upon a shepherdess frolicking and singing with her friends. Smitten by both her enchanting beauty and her melodious voice, he begged Roopmati to accompany him to his capital. Roopmatiagreed to go to Mandu on the condition that she would live in a palace within sight of her beloved and venerated river, Narmada. Thus was built the RewaKund at Mandu. On knowing about Roopmati’s beauty and sweet voice, Mughals decided to invade Manduand capture both Baz Bahadur and Roopmati. Manduwas easily defeated and when Mughal forces marched towards fort, Roopmati poisoned herself to avoid capture. Baz Bahadur's Palace built in 16th-century is famous for its large courtyards encompassed by large halls and high terraces. It is situated below Roopmati's Pavilion and can be seen from the pavilion. Rewa Kund A reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for the purpose of supplying water to Rani Roopmati'sPavilion. The reservoir is situated below the pavilion and hence is considered an architectural marvel. Jahaz Mahal/Ship Palace Situated between two artificial lakes, this two-storied architectural marvel is so named as it appears as a ship floating in water. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khalji, it served as a harem for the sultan. One cannot afford to miss the local food like poha, kachori, bafla etc while travelling in this circuit. Summing up the webinar Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General stressed the importance of travelling and experience the priceless joy. The sessions of webinars are now available on the given links https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzIbBmMvtvH7d6Zo_ZEHDA/featured http://tourism.gov.in/dekho-apna-desh-webinar-ministry-tourism https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/events/dekho-apna-desh.html The sessions of webinars are also available on all social media handles of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The next webinar titled Exploring Vizag is scheduled on 25th July 2020 at 11.00 am. [Source:20 JUL 2020 12:56PM by PIB Delhi]

New Delhi, India, 22nd July 2020 - To support the recovery of the country’s tourism industry, Airbnb has today announced the launch of its Enhanced Cleaning Protocol for its local hosts in the country. The initiative is one of the first overarching standardized protocols for cleaning and sanitization for homestays in the country, and is aimed at providing guidance to hosts offering small-scale accommodations. These practices have also been reviewed by the Indian Medical Association. In the coming months, and as people begin to travel again, cleanliness and safety will continue to be a key consideration for travellers. Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol will play an important role in helping to revive confidence in the safety of travel and stay within India, among hosts and guests. “We have reviewed Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocol for the homestay sector. Airbnb protocols are comprehensive and are in compliance with the standard procedures related to sanitation and hand hygiene. This initiative will ensure safety and hygiene of guests," said Dr R V Asokan, Hony Secretary General, Indian Medical Association. An Industry-Leading Approach towards Cleanliness The new Protocol, which will be progressively rolled out in India in the coming weeks, will provide hosts in India with step-by-step guidance on how to clean and sanitise their homes to the highest standard, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These industry-first guidelines include a step-by-step cleaning handbook designed for everyday hosts. Hosts who attest to follow the program will receive a special badge on their listing, making it easy for guests to identify and book listings that follow the homestay industry’s most robust set of cleaning standards. These efforts build upon Airbnb's already strong track record of cleanliness: To date, more than 94% of all Airbnb users were satisfied with cleanliness, scoring it at 4 or 5 stars after their stays[1] Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol has also been endorsed by prominent medical practitioners globally. Enhanced Cleaning Standards Will Aid the Future of Travel Dr. Marcus Ranney, a healthcare professional and formerly a frontline medic has said, “Airbnb has gone to great efforts to develop processes around cleanliness, in order to protect the health and safety of their hosts and guests. A key message, for the global efforts to manage this pandemic and build a COVID-ready world, is the importance of self-care and personal hygiene. These simple yet effective steps will help each of us play our part in stopping the spread”. “With the health and safety of our guests and hosts in India top of mind, these Enhanced Cleaning Protocols are the need of the hour in the sector. These measures are aimed at restoring traveller confidence and towards driving the systematic recovery of communities through the economic impact of tourism and travel. We are working to bring our hosts global best practices backed by expert counsel and medical guidance from professionals who are at the forefront of the industry. We strongly believe that this can inform an industry-wide standard,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager - Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. You can access the comprehensive protocol on Airbnb.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 July 2020: UAE-headquartered upscale residential, hospitality, and commercial property developer Seven Tides has confirmed Minor Hotels will be the new operator of its iconic five-star, 396-key Ibn Battuta Gate property in Dubai. Minor Hotels is now managing the property, which will be rebranded to Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai Hotel, the newest addition to the Oaks Hotels, Resorts, and Suites portfolio, its second branded property in Dubai and its third in the United Arab Emirates. Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides, said: “The hotel first opened in 2010 and we’ve enjoyed an excellent relationship with the previous management company over the past ten years. However, we decided that the Minor Hotels' Oaks brand was better aligned to our strategic business objectives as we move forward, through and post-COVID-19. “The Minor Hotels group is no stranger to Seven Tides, we have worked with them on a range of successful projects, including the Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Having witnessed first-hand the success the group contributes to a property, I am confident this strategic decision will allow us to adapt seamlessly to the parameters of the 'new normal'," he added. The five-star hotel is situated opposite Ibn Battuta Mall, which has more than 270 shops, 50 restaurants and a 21-screen cinema. With the Dubai Metro close by, guests can travel conveniently across the city, to many of Dubai’s tourist highlights and business districts. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is only 30 minutes’ drive away, with Dubai Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) also easily accessible and Abu Dhabi International Airport under an hour away. The hotel is also close to the Jebel Ali Freezone and the Expo 2020 site in new Dubai South district, which is expecting 25 million visitors, when the event takes place between 1st October 2021 and 31st March 2022 “We are delighted to add Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai to our portfolio of hotels and resorts,” commented Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels and Minor International. “With its close proximity to the Dubai Expo 2020 site, the property is perfectly situated to capitalise on this significant global event. We look forward to working with our partners Seven Tides, to build on the success of this impressive hotel.” Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai Hotel offers modern accommodation options for both business and leisure travellers. These include 352 guest rooms across three different categories, plus 44 suites. The three guest room types – Premier, Deluxe and Executive – are stylishly furnished with Moroccan influences, whilst the Suites have décor inspired by the explorer Ibn Battuta’s adventures across the world. Restaurants and bars at the property include Mistral, the all-day dining restaurant offering international cuisine and live cooking stations, Revo Café for freshly brewed coffee, pastries and healthy options, Moroc Lounge & Bar, a Moroccan-inspired terrace and lounge to enjoy sundowners and shisha, and a pool bar. Additional hotel facilities include a swimming pool and gym, a spa and a kids’ club.

Union Minister of State(IC) for TourismSh. Prahlad Singh Patelvirtually joined Chief Minister of GujaratSh. Vijaybhai Rupanion the inauguration of project“Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath, Gujarat”  today.  The project “Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath, Gujarat” sanctioned under the PRASHADscheme in March 2017 has been successfully completed with the cost of Rs. 45.36 crores.  High quality world class facilities for Parking, Tourism Amenities Centre and Solid Waste Management have been developed under the project. Shri Patel praised the State Government for the optimum use of the funds released by the Government of India for creating the facilities of international standards. Minister further, assured the State Government for every cooperation and support required from the Ministry of Tourism under tourism sector. The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.  The scheme aimed at infrastructure development such as entry points (Road, Rail and Water Transport), last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like Information/ Interpretation Centers, ATM/ Money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area Lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloak room, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazars /haats/ souvenir shops/ cafeteria, rain shelters, Telecom facilities, internet connectivity etc. [Source: 16 JUL 2020 7:40PM by PIB Delhi]

New Delhi, 16th July:Airbnb, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are announcing a five-day summer festival featuring more than 100 Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences hosted virtually by some of the world’s best athletes. The festival of Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences will kick off with an opening act on July 24, when the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 were originally scheduled to begin, and is an opportunity for athletes to generate income while they share their passion for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and their sport with guests. “At a time when it is difficult for people to gather and celebrate the exceptional performance of athletes, Airbnb is proud to host the summer festival which is a new way to experience the Olympic and Paralympic spirit online. Guests will be able to connect and interact with some of the most elite competitors within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, giving them even more reasons to cheer them on next year,” said Airbnb Co-Founder Joe Gebbia. On Partnering with Airbnb ace tennis star, Sania Mirza said “As a professional tennis player, a mother, wife and homemaker, I juggle and balance multiple roles. This has made me realize the importance of not just physical health but also mental wellbeing. For me, a good workout is not just essential to keep for my physical performance but also helps me rejuvenate my mind. I am excited to partner with Airbnb to share my journey of motherhood and fitness and how I got back to the game. During the experience, I will take guests through a quick functional training, share my training regime and inspire them to strike the perfect balance between wellness of the mind and body, all from the comfort of my home in Hyderabad.” Throughout the five days of programming across multiple time zones, the lineup will showcase a variety of interactive Online Experiences that guests can book* on Airbnb from July 22. Spectators can also watch select Online Experiences live or on replay on Airbnb and Olympic and Paralympic YouTube channels. While many hosts will continue to offer their activities after the event ends, like the art of reinvention with Olympian Simidele Adeagbo (skelton, Nigeria) and positive thinking with Paralympic hero Stephen Miller (athletics, Great Britain), several will be once-in-a-lifetime Online Experiences available exclusively during the festival**, like: ● July 25: Build resilience to overcome obstacles with Yusra Mardini (swimming, IOC Refugee Olympic Team Rio 2016), learn about returning to sport after motherhood with Allyson Felix (athletics, USA), and work up a sweat in an inclusive session with Tatyana McFadden (athletics, USA), ● July 26: Cook up a storm with legend Colin Jackson (athletics, Great Britain), join a scenic training ride with Jonny Brownlee (triathlon, Great Britain), and discover velodrome secrets with Elia Viviani (cycling track, Italy) ● July 27: Chat mind, body and spirit with Jackie Joyner-Kersee (athletics, USA), push through boundaries and level up in life with Meb Keflezighi (marathon, USA), get vulnerable to unlock greatness with Kerri Walsh Jennings (beach volleyball, USA), and Zumba beachside in paradise with Tom Hintnaus (athletics, Brazil) ● July 28: Get a glimpse into quarantine training with two time grand slam winning Naomi Osaka (tennis, Japan), run, breathe and connect with world record sprinter Zhenye XIE (athletics, China), learn a grand slam inspired training regime with Sania Mirza (tennis, India), and master perseverance with Pita Taufatofua (Taekwondo and cross country skiing, Tonga) ● July 29: Fall in love with sneaker culture with Rui Hachimura (basketball, Japan), get up close and personal at home with Jordy Smith (surfing, South Africa), and see beyond the boundaries of vision with blind champion Lex Gillette (athletics, USA) “The Olympic Games bring the whole world together and whilst we will all have to wait one more year to celebrate in Tokyo, the Olympic flame continues to be the light at the end of the dark tunnel humankind is currently going through. It demonstrates that we are stronger together. This festival is a great platform to unite and inspire the world in the spirit of friendship and solidarity this summer. The IOC puts the athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement and supports them at every stage of their journey. We are delighted to collaborate with Airbnb to provide innovative economic empowerment opportunities for Olympic and Paralympic athletes around the world,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. "Paralympians and Para athletes are masters of innovation and finding creative solutions to daily challenges they face,” said IPC President Andrew Parsons. "The summer festival of Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences celebrates this tenacity and gives Para athletes a platform to share their stories to empower others, while also offering a new earning opportunity especially needed during these difficult times." While the festival will give fans unprecedented global access to connect with athletes from over 20 countries and regions all from the comfort of their homes, numerous Online Experiences in the lineup will also meaningfully promote: ● Economic opportunities for athletes: As Online Experiences launched as a way for hosts to earn money during the global pandemic, Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences is a new platform to provide direct earning opportunities for athletes, underlining the efforts of Airbnb, the IOC, and the IPC to support athletes, and to put them at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. ● Resilience through adversity: Numerous athlete hosts will inspire perseverance through their Online Experiences, like Yusra Mardini, the Syrian swimmer who became a member of the first ever IOC Refugee Olympic Team in 2016 and whose story became known for saving 20 lives with her sister, including their own lives, during a treacherous journey from Syria to find safety in Europe, who will host a one-off workshop on resilience. Another inspiring option is co-hosted by Tegla Loroupe, Chef de Mission for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, and Rio 2016 Olympian, IOC Refugee Olympic Team hopeful for Tokyo 2020 James Chiengjiek Nyang, as they will welcome guests will transport guests virtually to the Tegla Loroupe Training Centre in Kenya.Tegla has been the guide and mentor to the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. ● The world-class hospitality of Japan: In addition to the Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences and as a way to celebrate Tokyo 2020, local hosts in Japan will offer guests a way to travel and explore the cultures and traditions of the country from their living rooms. Through support from Shibuya City Tourism Association, local hosts will lead a package of unique online activities like Become a Ramen Expert and A Tour of Historic Shibuya. Other ways to virtually transport to Japan will include Sake Secrets from Japan's Oldest Brewery and Explore Kyoto Where Unique Old Gods Live.

Bavaria-based Outdooractive, Europe's largest outdoor portal for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and skiing, has launched a new social media campaign to help tourism providers around the world address the challenges of COVID-19. As part of the www.exploremyregion.com campaign, over 100 tourism companies and destinations from across Europe, the USA and beyond, will raise awareness of the tourism offering in their respective towns and regions in a bid to attract visitors. Several global brands have also committed their support to the campaign with Intersport, Wanderfit, and Scarpa, amongst others, helping locals understand exactly what they have available on their doorstep while showcasing a new destination to potential visitors. Hartmut Wimmer, the Founder, and CEO of Outdooractive, which connects tourism stakeholders with a global outdoor community of over 7.3 million enthusiasts, said: “We wanted to develop a campaign that created a platform empowering local tourism as well as our partners around the world. We have adopted a collaborative approach, because it is only by working together that we can coordinate and then amplify the noise surrounding this campaign to offset the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. "The campaign also provides a helping hand to shop owners, craftsmen, and restaurant owners, who guided, wowed, and inspired visitors with their local knowledge, handicrafts, and unique culinary skills. The platform is designed to give back to the people who have helped to make travel experiences so rewarding and to help them get up and running once again.” It is expected there will be a rise in the number of domestic tourists participating in adventure tourism, which includes desert safaris, climbing, surfing, hunting, caving, diving, cycling, rafting, and hiking, as the appeal of local destinations and healthy outdoor pursuits gather momentum in the wake of COVID-19. “Now is the time to step up, support the tourism industry and enjoy the many fantastic opportunities we have available to us, now that restrictions have been lifted and we are more able to experience the great outdoors,” concluded Wimmer. Hugo van Donselaar, Managing Director for Campspace, an online platform that provides unique camping spots throughout the Netherlands, that has been supporting the campaign through their website and social media channels, said: “ExploreMyRegion aligns seamlessly with our mission to support local industry. We believe in true sustainable travel and adventures, that can be found just around the corner, which this campaign really helps to deliver.” James Simpson, Project Manager for Finnish-based St Olav Waterway, added: “This initiative is exactly what we need to help raise awareness of the local tourism industry. We’re delighted to be playing our part in a campaign that is not only supporting tourism in Finland, but also local tourism in other countries around the world.” For more information, visit outdooractive.com or search for #exploremyregion on all social media channels