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By Author
Published on March 20, 2024
Korean Air is gearing up for an exciting summer in 2024 with a significant expansion of its international services. Starting March 31st, the airline will reintroduce flights to several key destinations across China, Europe, and Southeast Asia, while also ramping up frequencies on major routes.
With this expansion, Korean Air aims to bring its international capacity close to pre-pandemic levels, reaching approximately 96% of its available seat kilometres (ASK).
Starting April 2nd, Korean Air will resume operations with three weekly flights between Seoul Incheon and Zurich, a much-loved summer spot. Travel enthusiasts can also rejoice as the airline plans to revive three weekly flights on the Seoul Incheon-Zhangjiajie route, famous for its UNESCO World Natural Heritage status and its ties to the mythical world of "Avatar".
Moreover, on April 24th, Korean Air will resume services between Seoul Incheon and Zhengzhou, offering four flights per week. Zhengzhou, a hotspot in China, boasts attractions like Taihang Mountains and the historic Shaolin Temple, offering visitors a rich cultural experience.
For those craving beach getaways, daily flights between Busan and Bangkok will make a comeback on April 25th, marking a return after a pandemic-induced hiatus of nearly four years.
Responding to rising demand, Korean Air will also increase frequencies on popular routes in Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. Travellers can expect more options with an additional weekly flight between Seoul Incheon and Budapest, known for its tourism and manufacturing prowess.
Routes like Seoul Incheon-Bangkok and Seoul Incheon-Manila will see an increase in daily flights, offering travellers more flexibility. Additionally, since January, Korean Air has boosted service on the Seoul Incheon-Bali route to eleven weekly flights, providing even more options for tropical adventures.
North American travellers will also benefit from increased services, with daily flights scheduled between Seoul Incheon and Dallas, enhancing connectivity to the vibrant city.
Korean Air reassures its commitment to monitoring seasonal trends to ensure optimal schedules and an exceptional customer experience across its expansive global network. Get ready to explore the world with Korean Air this summer!
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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 14, 2024
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) introduced a new initiative called "Together in Travel" at its 2024 Global Summit in Perth, Australia. The initiative aims to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the global Travel & Tourism sector by providing essential tools and resources to help these businesses grow and have a stronger voice on the world stage.
The platform is free to subscribe to and offers access to various educational programs, networking opportunities, and valuable content. Starting next year, WTTC will offer a paid subscription with additional features to further assist SMEs in their development.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, highlighted the importance of SMEs in the industry, stating, "SMEs are a cornerstone of Travel & Tourism, with millions of small enterprises providing services to customers, creating innovative start-ups, and providing local knowledge to larger partners." She added that for the first time, SMEs can join a community to exchange ideas and resources to improve their businesses.
WTTC is predicting a record-breaking year for the travel and tourism industry in 2024, with the sector's global economic contribution expected to reach $11.1 trillion. Simpson also pointed out that up to 80% of the travel and tourism industry consists of SMEs, emphasizing the need for a system that can enhance their productivity and impact.
Matthew Upchurch, Vice Chair of Membership at WTTC and CEO of Virtuoso, said that the "Together in Travel" initiative marks a significant step forward in supporting SMEs. He emphasized the importance of building a more resilient and sustainable future for the travel industry, especially as it continues to recover from the effects of the global pandemic.
Ryan Mossny, Co-Founder of Matagarup Zip+Climb, shared his excitement about the initiative, saying, "As a small business, accessing the vital resources and industry connections needed to thrive in the travel sector can be challenging. WTTC’s new initiative has come at a perfect time; through tailored support, we will be able to directly tackle our problem areas head-on, allowing us not only to survive but to thrive in an increasingly competitive market."
For more information about the "Together in Travel" platform, visit their official website at www.togetherintravel.com or WTTC at www.wttc.org.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on October 13, 2024
Foreign airlines operating in India will no longer be liable to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) on services provided by their head offices to branch offices in the country, as per a government notification issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC). This decision, part of the recommendations made at the 54th GST Council meeting, will take effect starting October 10.
The exemption is subject to the condition that foreign airlines secure a certificate from the civil aviation ministry, confirming that their operations in India fall under the scope of a bilateral air services agreement. This move is expected to ease the tax burden on foreign airlines and streamline operations.
In addition to this, academic institutions that have received grants for research purposes will also be exempt from GST, further promoting research and development activities across the country.
The CBIC has rolled out several new GST-related updates, including measures aimed at reducing penalties for taxpayers. Individuals or businesses that comply by March 31, 2025, will be eligible for waivers on penalties and interest. This is particularly applicable to taxpayers facing demand orders under section 74(1) of the GST Act, as long as they have not filed an appeal.
The GST Council has also introduced a special rectification window for taxpayers to amend past input tax credit (ITC) discrepancies. This opportunity is designed to help taxpayers correct genuine mistakes made in the past, potentially resolving many pending litigations and reducing the burden on both taxpayers and the government.
Additionally, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has raised concerns over the excessive GST charges on air ticket cancellations and modifications. The association revealed that GST was incorrectly charged at 18% instead of the appropriate rates of 5% for economy class and 12% for business class, leading to an over-collection of taxes. They have urged airlines and relevant ministries to refund the excess GST that was wrongly collected.
Experts believe that the latest measures are a step towards encouraging voluntary compliance while resolving disputes outside the court system. By offering taxpayers a chance to correct their errors and reduce penalties, the government aims to streamline tax compliance and promote a more efficient system.
This series of notifications, especially the rectification of ITC mistakes, is expected to significantly reduce taxpayer grievances and litigation, creating a more taxpayer-friendly environment moving forward.
India’s tourism sector is witnessing a significant surge, with foreign tourist arrivals expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2025, according to the latest "How India Travels 2024 – The Inbound Edit" report by Booking.com. The report, conducted in collaboration with Accenture, highlights India's growing appeal, underscored by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and competitive pricing, making it one of the top destinations in South Asia.
In 2023 alone, over 9 million foreign tourists visited India, driving foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism to USD 15.3 billion in the first half of 2024. This marked a 17.6% increase from the previous year and a 5.5% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The surge in inbound tourism is not just boosting the economy but also creating substantial employment opportunities, with the potential to generate 58 million jobs by 2033.
The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and United Arab Emirates have emerged as top inbound markets, replacing traditional frontrunners like China and Canada. In 2024, new markets like Hong Kong, Australia, Italy, and the Netherlands also made their way into the top 10. While major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur continue to attract the lion's share of visitors, lesser-known destinations like Hampi, Leh, Patnitop, and Khajuraho have seen year-on-year growth double, as tourists increasingly seek out off-the-beaten-path experiences.
The influx of tourists has been fueled by the ease of online bookings and greater flexibility, with 52% of visitors opting for full travel packages and 40% booking individual components separately. Online platforms are playing a key role in offering personalized travel experiences, a growing trend among foreign tourists.
Despite the positive trajectory, challenges remain. Limited customization options (49%), a lack of seamless travel packages (51%), and an overwhelming amount of information (43%) were some of the barriers identified in the report. Addressing these issues will be crucial to maintaining momentum in the inbound travel market.
As part of World Tourism Day celebrations, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster the industry, including the "Chalo India" campaign, which offers 1 lakh gratis visas to foreign tourists. The Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs have also been introduced to promote responsible tourism across 50 prominent destinations, fostering sustainability and empowering local communities.
Looking ahead, India’s inbound tourism is poised for further growth. The report emphasizes the need for simplified visa processes, expanded international flight routes, and continued promotion of India’s diverse travel offerings. With targeted investments in infrastructure and digital resources, India is set to cement its position as a premier global travel destination.
Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, stated, “Vision 2047 for Tourism is designed to position India as a leading global destination. Through technology and data analytics, we are committed to offering travelers unparalleled experiences, from wellness to adventure tourism.”
Santosh Kumar, Country Head at Booking.com, noted, “The surge in foreign tourist arrivals demonstrates India’s rising stature as a must-visit destination, offering authentic and immersive experiences that cater to a wide variety of traveler preferences.”
Anshul Gupta, Managing Director at Accenture, added, “India’s tourism industry is undergoing a technology-driven transformation. Leveraging AI and big data, the country is well-positioned to streamline travel operations and enhance visitor experiences, reinforcing its place on the global tourism map.”
With such strong indicators, the future of India’s inbound tourism looks brighter than ever, promising further economic growth and global recognition for the nation’s unparalleled travel experiences
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