Tag Archives: India

Emirates to resume flights from India on June 23

As Dubai eases travel curbs for passengers from India, Emirates said it will resume flights connecting India, South Africa and Nigeria to the city from June 23.

“Emirates welcomes the latest protocols and measures announced by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management to allow the safe resumption of passenger travel from South Africa, Nigeria and India to Dubai and onwards,” said the airline’s spokesperson in a statement.
On Saturday, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai said that the passengers from India with a valid residence visa who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine will be allowed to travel to Dubai, Gulf News reported.

They should also present a negative test certificate from a PCR test taken 48 hours before departure.

We will resume carrying passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India in accordance with these protocols from 23rd June,” said Emirates.

“We thank the Supreme Committee for their continuous efforts in monitoring the development of the situation and announcing the appropriate guidelines and protocols to protect the community and safeguard the travel sector,” it added.

Emirates had suspended passenger flights from India effective until July 6, 2021.

However, UAE nationals, holders of UAE Golden Visas, and members of diplomatic missions who comply with the revised published COVID-19 protocols were exempted from these travel restrictions. (Source: ANI)

 

Qatar Tourism appoints Deveekaa Nijhawan to lead its International PR & Communications

The Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has appointed Deveekaa Nijhawan to lead the International PR and Communications team, to assist in marketing the destination in key markets as part of the country’s strategy to become a world-leading tourism destination. Nijhawan’s remit covers key markets including India, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and United Arab Emirates with a focus on engaging and penetrating travel trade and consumer media.

She is a senior professional with over 10 years’ experience in PR & Communications in the hospitality sector. Commenting on this appointment, she said, “I am very excited to join QNTC and embrace this new challenge. I am looking forward to developing and implementing a holistic integrated PR and Communications strategy to position Qatar as a popular tourist destination, while promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse offerings.”

As part of the national strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, QNTC is on a journey to welcome six million visitors a year by 2030, by improving and expanding the country’s tourism proposition with visitor experience at its core. She will support the international marketing strategy, while Qatar continues to grow and improve tourism assets, enhance the end-to-end customer experience and invest in service excellence across every touch point. Nijhawan will execute QNTC’s tailored global communications campaigns, with a focus in key markets.

Berthold Trenkel, COO, QNTC, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Deveekaa to the team. She will play a pivotal role in delivering our ambitious tourism development strategy. Her extensive PR and Communications experience and knowledge of global markets will help us engage with travellers as we prepare to welcome tourists back to Qatar.” QNTC’s commitment to developing bespoke relationships in key markets is reinforced by the new appointments of representation agencies, such as BRANDit, Black Diamond and Lobster.

They are integrated strategic tourism sales and marketing agencies in India, United Kingdom and Germany, which will define and execute Qatar’s in-market trade engagement, product development and joint marketing campaign strategy.

ITC Hotels launch Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail in Himachal Pradesh

‘Welcomhotel’, one of India’s fastest growing hospitality brands from the ITC Hotels group has launched its second property in Himachal Pradesh —Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail — with 65 well-appointed guest rooms, including 18 fairytale cottages and a luxury suite. Nestled amidst lush green forests, each of the property’s lodgings come with a private sit-out with breathtaking, panoramic views of the pristine mountains. This launch follows the inauguration of Welcomhotel Shimla about six months ago. With the addition of the premier mountain resort at Chail, the Welcomhotel brand currently boasts a portfolio of around 19 properties across India.

Rooted in the lap of nature, Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail is the ideal getaway for the discerning traveler seeking peace, fresh mountain air and nature in its purest form. Soak the abundant calm and the charm of the wilderness amidst picture-perfect backdrops. The experience is heightened by aesthetically-designed, well-appointed rooms/suites with a view combined with a wholesome yet contemporary local and authentic culinary experience. Set amidst a magical oak forest, the cottages are ideal for those seeking their “very own cabin in the woods”. Every room has a private balcony that offers enchanting views of the mighty mountains.
Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail offers a wholesome yet contemporary culinary experience. The WelcomCafe Monal, (named after the Himalayan `Monal’ bird) serves best of both global fare and regional Himachali cuisine. The traditional Welcomsthalika serves an assortment of authentic regional dishes on a platter. The ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced, supporting the farming community of the neighbourhood. The Swizzle bar overlooking the pine trees serves signature cocktails and an international wine menu for those idle evenings by the bar.
With a strong and steady rise in domestic tourism, this new addition of an unexplored destination will have a lot to offer the discerning traveler. A secluded gem within Himachal Pradesh that is the perfect antidote to the hurried pace of city life, Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail is a serene haven with majestic views of the Himalayan range. Crisp mountain breeze and a view dotted by lush green forests of pine and cedar await travelers seeking a rejuvenating experience.
The former summer capital of the princely state of Patiala, Chail is a quaint hill station cocooned in a beautiful nook, 37 kilometers from Shimla in the snow-capped Shivalik region of Himachal Pradesh.
Spread across three hills – Rajgarh, Sadh Tiba and Pandewa – the Chail region overlooks the stunning valley of Sutlej, offering panoramic views of the countryside

Located in close proximity to the hotel is the Chail Cricket Ground which is the highest cricket ground in the world. Other nearby attractions include the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Chail Bazaar, Sadhupul Lake, Kali Ka Tibba and Himalayan Nature Park.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Nakul Anand, Executive Director – ITC Ltd. said, “With the Indian tropical summer approaching, we believe it is the perfect time to launch another Welcomhotel outpost in Himachal Pradesh. For those who love to take the road less travelled, Chail makes for the perfect destination. With the new “work from anywhere” and the “workation” concept gaining popularity, Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail is the perfect bleisure destination for work and pleasure. The heightened WeAssure hygiene and safety measures ensure travelers peace of mind as they enjoy the destination. Collaborating with like-minded partners who bring unique hospitality experiences has further strengthened ITC Hotels footprint across the length and breadth of the country.”

Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail resort’s outdoor and indoor space is ideal for events, weddings and celebrations. Guests who prefer to lounge around the property can head to the cozy in-house library, laze at the temperature-controlled pool or join guided Yoga sessions and even on-site trails like the Oak Trail and Pine Trail. Kids have their own little haven in Ollie’s Corner that has a host of outdoor/indoor play areas specifically designed to keep them creatively engaged and entertained. Guests who love the outdoors can go paragliding, off-roading and snow driving (in-season). Families can picnic at woods and meadows around the hotel or by the stream a short drive away.

Wellness and holistic rejuvenation has always been ingrained in Welcomhotel’s signature hospitality. Guests looking at a de-stressing and rejuvenating experience, can unwind at the K by Kaya Kalp — a spa based on time-honored Indian wellness principles that offers the perfect, relaxing break from the city’s mundane hustles.
Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail is an idyllic destination that offers an evocative experience to both thrill seekers and peace crusaders.

Meliá Hotels International to open a urban hotel in Chiang Mai

Meliá Hotels International to open a urban hotel in Chiang Mai

Meliá Chiang Mai, a 260-key urban hotel that towers over the River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand’s mountainous north, is slated to open its doors for business in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC) and launched by Meliá Hotels International, the five-star hotel is part of the Meliá brand’s roll-out plan in key destinations across Thailand. Meliá Koh Samui debuted in January 2020 with a nautical theme underscored by boat suites made from refurbished merchant vessels. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the first property of its brand in Thailand, housing 176 guestrooms and located close to the Suvarnabhumi Airport, is due to open in 2022.

Meliá Chiang Mai will be situated six kilometres from the Chiang Mai International Airport on the vibrant Charoen Prathet Road, located near a broad spectrum of tourist attractions, markets, and Buddhist temples.
With a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture with a contemporary flair, the hotel will comprise a striking 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building.

Two restaurants, two bars, two lounges including an executive lounge on the 21st floor with a panoramic view of Chiang Mai, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully equipped fitness center, swimming pool, ballroom and four other meeting spaces will be among the hotel’s host of facilities for business and leisure travelers alike.

Of the property’s room portfolio, 38 rooms and six suites will belong to ‘The Level’, an upgraded level of service and benefits that affords exclusive access to The Level executive lounge, an intimate area for indulging an upgraded breakfast and afternoon delicacies that is also suited for casual business meetings. The epitome of elegance, ‘The Level Presidential Suite’ will command 113 sqm of the tower’s top floor with unrivalled city vistas.

Meliá Chiang Mai’s jewel in the crown will be a 360-degree rooftop bar – the highest in the city – on the 22nd floor. Featuring two bars connected by a glass bridge, the bar will offer spectacular views of the River Ping to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west.

Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins, the hotel will pay homage to Spain’s famed gastronomy and quickly place itself on the city’s culinary map with two exquisite dining options. Perched on the 21st floor, the hotel’s signature restaurant will specialize in contemporary Northern Thai dishes with Mediterranean influences, with chefs preparing each dish à la minute from an open kitchen. The all-day-dining restaurant Mosaic will offer authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a vibrant marketplace setting.

An idyllic venue for events and weddings, the property’s extensive conference facilities include a 358-sqm ballroom and three function rooms on the tower’s second floor above the lobby and a 175-sqm multi-purpose function room on the podium building’s top floor.

The ballroom’s 173-sqm pre-function area is connected to an outdoor swimming pool and poolside bar, aptly named Poolside. The Power Lounge, one of the three function rooms that also afford access to the pool deck, will feature a pool table and coffee area suited to down time between meetings. Adjacent to a secret garden, the seventh-floor multi-function room opens to a 223-sqm outdoor terrace that also lends itself to events.

“With its exceptional location in the heart of Chiang Mai and an unparalleled array of facilities, Meliá Chiang Mai is a landmark project of our strategic roll-out of the Meliá brand in Thailand, in line with AWC’s growth-led strategy,” said Khun Wallapa Traisorat, Meliá Chiang Mai’s owner and AWC’s CEO and President. “Partnering with Meliá has allowed us to set a new benchmark for Thai hospitality and together, we aim to build a better future for Thailand’s tourism landscape and economy.”

“Following the hugely successful opening of Meliá Koh Samui, ranked TripAdvisor’s number one hotel in Koh Samui, Meliá Chiang Mai will be another flagship property for Meliá Hotels International in Thailand,” said Ignacio Martin, Area Managing Director South East Asia of Meliá Hotels International. “As we continue to strengthen our growth strategy with our key partners, AWC understands and shares our strong service and hospitality philosophy — a fundamental factor in ensuring the quality, reputation, and sustainability we strive for.”

“The global pandemic could not dampen our determination to unveil an extraordinary hotel that promises to exude the mystic splendor of Northern Thailand with Meliá’s warm Spanish hospitality, distinctive passion for service and focus on the customer’s wellbeing ever-present,” added Meliá Chiang Mai’s General Manager, Edward Snoeks.

AlUla is making waves worldwide with its newly launched domestic brand campaign, and for being a new and upcoming tourism destination. We are glad to bring you 15 top reasons to visit AlUla once the borders are open.

1. Marvel at the 94 elaborately-carved tombs built by the Nabataean Kingdom at Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Stroll through the labyrinth of 900 mud-brick houses that make up AlUla Old Town. Take a tour with a Rawi up to the castle to get a bird’s-eye-view.

3. Catch the magical 30-minute window when the sun rays illuminate the path of The Siq at Jabal Ithlib, the Holy Mountain at Hegra.

4. Explore the open-air living museum of AlUla through aerial views from a vintage aircraft, a helicopter or a hot air balloon.

5. Spot the carved lions of Dadan and the rock inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah to uncover stories of ancient civilisations.

6. Train-spotters and history buffs must visit Hijaz Railway and Hegra fort, and learn about the famous train route.

7. Be one with nature on a half-day Adventure Trail through the dramatic Madakheel landscapes or try the shorter Hidden Valley or Oasis View trails.

8. Feel the wind in your hair while whizzing through the canyon on a zipline, or hire a three-wheeled desert buggy at the new Adventure Canyon.

9. Follow the pack on bike or horse-back with these newly launched leisurely trails through the sand dunes of AlUla’s unique landscapes.

10. Bike/hike to Harrat Uwayrid for brilliant views of Hijaz Mountain range, the ideal backdrop for sunset photos.

11. Visit Maraya – the Guinness Book of Record’s biggest mirrored building. This multi-purpose concert and entertainment venue is reopening early 2021. Its cladding of 10,000 square metres of mirrors reflecting the desert landscapes makes it a magical experience that is never the same.

12. Coming in 2021, Habitas AlUla, an eco-resort with a focus on immersive music and cultural events, and Ashar Resort, 5-star luxury desert suites which will transform into a Banyan Tree Resort later in the year. Both will be opening for bookings during the course of the year.

13. Book an evening Stargazing Tour at Al Gharameel, get comfortable on a traditional carpet and as you stare into the bright stary night and hear stories of the human ingenuity of ancient civilisations – it’s like 2020 didn’t happen.

14. Go hunting for rock formations at sunrise or sunset, the best time to view iconic AlUla rocks such as Elephant Rock, Face Rock, Rainbow Rock, Hand Rock, Dancing Rocks Or Pyramid Mountain.

15. Take a stroll through the oasis of lush palm groves or visit AlUla Fresh Farm and sample the varieties of zingy citrus fruits, such as the Jaffa orange and helo lemons or enjoy the desert while sipping on an Arabic coffee.

 

Netherlands lifts ban on passenger flights from India starting June 1

The Netherlands on Tuesday lifted the ban on passenger flights from India. The ban was imposed on April 26 in view of rising Covid-19 cases in India.

“As per the Dutch Government ban on passenger flights from India that had come into force on April 26, 2021, has been lifted w.e.f 01 June 2021,” the Indian Embassy in Amsterdam tweeted.

However, there is still a European Union ban on non-EU travelers from countries where the coronavirus situation is considered very high risk.

The Netherlands had on April 26 decided to suspend India flights as “the epidemiological situation on the ground (in India) is very serious…”

The Netherlands Embassy in India tweeted in April 2021 that the “ban on passenger flights from India has been extended until June 1, 2021.” (Source: ANI)