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Bengaluru, 11th November 2020: Digit Insurance, on a mission to make insurance simple in India, offers its common carrier insurance covering flight delay service for domestic passengers under ‘Common Carrier Delay Cover.’ To avail this service, passengers need to pay a nominal fee of INR 49 through Digit’s official website. Any passenger, except an infant, can avail of this insurance cover. Digit Insurance’s ‘Common Carrier Delay Cover’ compensates passengers facing flight delays for more than 90/120 minutes during Summers / Winters respectively with fixed benefits. In case of delayed flights, passengers with this cover will automatically get their claim registered from Digit. They would need to just upload the details of their boarding pass and share their bank details. The money will automatically then get credited to customers’ account. Vivek Chaturvedi, Chief Marketing Officer, Digit Insurance, said, “We have unfolded this unique offering to enable customers to have a stress-free trip. This is in line with our mission of offering simple and relevant products to our customers enabled through latest technologies. Offering this product now is essential in its intent as we see revival in domestic travel. This product aims to address the problems that customers have to go through due to flight delays through a frictionless process.” This cover is applicable only for a single flight. In case customers would like to protect their complete round trip, they should get a cover for flight delay for each onward and return flight. In case the airline has been responsible and has informed the customer about the flight delay at least six hours in advance, then he/she will not be eligible for the flight delay compensation. For more details of the policy, customers can visit the website of Digit Insurance: https://www.godigit.com/domestic-travel-insurance/flight-delay

New Delhi, 5th November, 2020: The latest entrant in the Indian luxury hotel space, The Postcard Hotel walks away with multiple honours at The World Travel Awards, 2020. The Postcard Dewa, Thimphu has been voted as ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel’ and ‘Bhutan’s Leading Boutique Hotel’, The Postcard Cuelim, South Goa has been voted as ‘India’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ and ‘Goa’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ and The Postcard Velha, Old Goa has been voted as ‘India’s Best Wellness Retreat’. In just a year of being operational, the brand has managed to make a mark for itself amongst the top luxury hotels in Asia. Kapil Chopra and a team of experienced hospitality professionals founded The Postcard Hotel with a vision to open experiential luxury hotels in unique destinations. The immersive hospitality and its unconventional and fluid nature is what truly sets the brand apart. No set breakfast hours, personalised exclusive dining, cocktails on arrival and the flexibility of anytime check-in and check-out are some of the unique offerings that have contributed to the vast recognition and appreciation of the brand. “Evolving rapidly and staying positive in this new environment was the need of the hour. While our hotels continued to provide the highest levels of service and genuine care for our guests, enhancing the procedures and protocols for safety of our guests and team became our priority. Additionally, to ensure that they feel safe and reassured, The One Key Hotel was introduced.” says Chopra. The ‘One Key’ access is a unique service that allows guests to book the entire hotel for themselves, during which the property is completely closed off to non-residential guests with a complete sanitisation of the premises including the pool prior to arrival. The boutique nature of The Postcard properties and their polished safety and service standards is what contributed to their success post opening after the nationwide lockdown this year. With limited inventory and plenty of outdoor spaces, social distancing is naturally inbuilt in the way the hotels are designed, with enough space for each guest to feel secluded and enjoy their own private experiences. This has led to possibly the biggest success story globally for any brand with revenue for the current year already exceeding last year’s - buoyed by an increased occupancy and high average room rates. Each hotel by The Postcard offers unique experiences that are true to its surroundings, giving guests a sense of the neighbourhood and the destination in a way never seen before. The Postcard Cuelim, is a 350 year old restored estate located in South Goa. This six room hotel overlooking 3500 acres of lush green paddy fields seamlessly blends in with Goa’s rich culture and tropical radiance, providing the experience of seclusion and disconnect. The Postcard Dewa, Thimphu is nestled in a forest on the outskirts of Bhutan’s capital city. The newly built hotel with 15 suites and a minimum room size of 995 square feet is located with a spectacular hilltop view of the Thimphu valley and surrounding forests. Just a 20-minute drive from Thimphu city’s sights and sounds, the hotel aims to provide a sense of splendid seclusion. As the only carbon negative country in the world, 72% of Bhutan is forest covered, and The Postcard is a perfect base from which one can explore the magnificent landscape and culture of Bhutan. The Postcard Hotel is committed to opening a multitude of new hotels in hidden holiday destinations across India and the globe. The Postcard, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, Karnataka and The Postcard in the Himalayas, Mashobra are expected to open first amongst their planned openings in 2021. “Travellers today are receptive and eager. They’re not simply satisfied with stunning sceneries, but also want to expand their cultural knowledge and grow as individuals- Gir provides the option of a great wildlife experience and an opportunity to sight the majestic Lion” says Kapil Chopra, founder and CEO, The Postcard Hotel. He added, “Untouched locations that allow people to get away from their urban lifestyles and reconnect with nature is what the affluent traveller is looking for. For those wanting a coastal experience that is slightly off the beaten track, the Maravanthe coast in Karnataka is one of the most picturesque coastal stretches in India. As Indian travellers start looking for new domestic destinations, the more pristine areas in the Himalayas will also come into vogue. I see Mashobra having the benefit of easy accessibility and close proximity to Shimla, along with the sense of being cut off from the crowds.”

New Delhi, 5 Nov 2020: COLOCAL, an artisanal chocolate brand, launches its flagship in Delhi at Dhan Mill, Chhattarpur. COLOCAL is a bean-to-bar concept and features a chocolate factory along with casual café dining. Conceptualized by power-couple Sheetal Saxena and Nishant Kumar Sinha, COLOCAL is a result of their love and passion for chocolate and coffee. COLOCAL aims to redefine the chocolate indulgence experience in the capital. The location, Dhan Mill at Chhatarpur, serves as the perfect backdrop with its charming, luxurious and niche vibe, dotted with couture fashion houses, cafes, high-end brands, creative studios and a lot more intriguing outlets to explore. Commenting on the launch, Sheetal Saxena, Co-Founder, COLOCAL, says, “The launch of COLOCAL is a dream come true for us. When we started working on this project, everyone said it requires a skill set and formal knowledge to be able to understand it. However, we broke this barrier and learned that all we need is sheer passion and dedication to succeed at anything. All our team members are from a village, adopted and trained by us, they were unschooled before about the nitty-gritty and details. They make the most amazing chocolate with all the love, care and precision. Brand COLOCAL is artisanal, sustainable, zero waste, passion-driven and approachable. Our objective is to educate people about chocolate and create a “bean to bar” market for them to explore the whole process and technique of making chocolates. Our ideal audience is inquisitive, experimental, chocolate lover, coffee lover and a foodie.” The concept is based on strategically sourcing locally grown cacao and transforming it into the finest, skillfully blended chocolate available for all the chocoholics out there in every possible form. The idea behind the brand is to introduce people to the craft chocolate world, where they get to taste the real chocolate with their varied notes, made out of premium quality Indian beans. The process of making craft chocolates is often seen as the most complex and layered product to work with. The whole process from bean-to-bar is an extensive and far-flung activity, involving a lot of steps before the final bar is produced. The brand sources the Cacao from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the two regions where the best quality cacao is grown in India. Once the beans are plucked from the Cacao tree, they are then taken for fermentation at a high temperature to get the right profile. After fermentation, the beans are left for 3-4 days to dry completely before the process of roasting starts. Roasting is the most important yet momentous part of the entire process. It brings out the desired notes, taste, colour and texture of the cacao beans. Once the beans cool down, they are cracked open and separated. Then the Cacao nibs are crushed and sugar is added to make the final chocolate bars. After the Cacao nibs are crushed and made into chocolate liquor, they are further conched to remove the acidic acids from the bar for a better after-taste. Tempering is the final step and this is what decides the final finish look and taste of the chocolate. All chocolates are tempered at different temperatures and are packaged and distributed around the world. The entire process of making a bar out of roasted cacao beans takes up to 72 hours. The menu at COLOCAL is handpicked and assorted with a mix of Italian and Continental fare such as Sourdough Pizzas, handmade Pastas, scrumptious burgers and sandwiches, not to forget the most popular and celebrated Roastery Coffee House coffee beverage menu. It also incorporates delectable drinks and food menu made using the in-house chocolates like hot chocolate, cold chocolate, cacao cold brew, to name a few. COLOCAL also offers baked goods and bakery items overwhelmingly revolving around chocolates. The appetizing desserts include Chocolate Soufflé, Chocolate Tart, Cakes, Chocolate Babka, Sourdough, Croissant, Pain au chocolat, amongst many more intriguing treats. The avant-garde COLOCAL is an extension of Sheetal and Nishant’s individual gifted personaly. The vibe of the place is unadorned, casual, chic and homely, where guests can feel completely at ease. The exquisite interiors are primarily in white and yellow, which create a warm and welcoming ambience for the visitors. The brand identity of COCOCAL is very compelling, as it reflects a whole and a cross-section of a Cacao pod, showcasing chocolate in its rawest form. COLOCAL is all about a riveting experience which is smart, casual, warm, welcoming, approachable and truly artisanal. Come and brace yourself for an enticing chocolate indulgence only at COLOCAL!

November 5, 2020 (Washington, D.C.) — Planet Word, a revolutionary museum dedicated to the power, beauty, and fun of language and to showing how words shape the human experience, opened its doors to the public. Housed in Washington, D.C.’s historic Franklin School, Planet Word is the world’s first voice-activated museum, featuring immersive galleries and exhibits that will engage visitors of all ages in experiencing words and language from a wide range of perspectives. General admission is free. Founded on the belief that literacy is fundamental to the health of democracy, Planet Word aims to inspire and renew a love of words, language, and reading. Appreciation for the power of language fosters empathy and encourages civil discourse. By engaging people of all ages with language, Planet Word encourages visitors to both fall in love with the joy and whimsy of words and understand how vital they are to American society and to our world. “I am so thrilled to open Planet Word’s doors to the public and cannot imagine a more fitting time for a museum of language to open in our nation’s capital,” said Planet Word founder and CEO Ann Friedman. “Democracy depends on literate citizens. I hope that Planet Word can provide a forum for civil discourse and a place where our community, in all its vibrant diversity, can gather to share the words that bridge differences and forge solutions.” The museum held a mostly virtual ceremony to commemorate its public opening. This event featured remarks by District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Planet Word founder Ann Friedman. It also included remarks by writer and actress Anna Deavere Smith and a performance by spoken word artist Charity Blackwell, as well as a musical performance from Renee Fleming, a freestyle hip hop performance from rapper Christylez Bacon, and a poetic dedication written for the occasion by Naomi Shihab Nye. Planet Word supporters including former President Barack Obama, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Grammy-winning musician Paul Simon also made surprise virtual appearances. Planet Word is the world’s first major museum taking a high-tech approach to bringing language to life. It features ten immersive learning galleries designed by exhibit design firm Local Projects which use technology in imaginative, ingenious ways to reimagine the modern museum experience. Among the museum’s voice-activated exhibits is “Where Do Words Come From?”,a 22-foot-tall talking word wall that shares the story of the English language through a conversation with visitors and extraordinary light effects. Other highlights include an acoustically-sealed room where visitors use a teleprompter to deliver one of eight historically significant speeches; a karaoke lounge where music lovers will learn secrets of great songwriting; and a secret poetry nook hidden in the stacks of a magical library. In other galleries, visitors can create an advertising campaign, literally paint with words using “smart” paint brushes, and converse with native speakers of widely spoken and endangered languages. The gift shop was designed by Nate Berkus, the well-known interior designer, author, and television personality. In the spring, Planet Word looks forward to welcoming the buzzworthy, cause-casual eatery, Immigrant Food, as its restaurant partner – to be housed at the museum. Immigrant Food, whose values and mission align closely with Planet Word, opened its flagship location right next to the White House in 2019 to rave reviews. In the newly created courtyard entrance of the museum, Speaking Willow – the first permanent installation in D.C. by renowned contemporary artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer – provides an immersive language experience for visitors upon arrival at Planet Word. The metal sculpture, resembling a weeping willow, plays voice recordings from hundreds of different languages as visitors pass underneath its branches. The interactive sound-and-light sculpture features 364 individual speakers and 3.6 miles of ethernet cable and was commissioned by Ann and Tom Friedman in partnership with New York’s Public Art Fund. Planet Word builds on the long history of innovation at the Franklin School, a National Historic Landmark building and the site of both one of the city's first public schools and the world’s first wireless voice transmission, a feat achieved by Alexander Graham Bell in 1880. In the past two years, the building has undergone a major restoration and rehabilitation, funded by Ms. Friedman, and led by the architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle in partnership with general contractor Whiting-Turner. The project included the restoration of the soaring Great Hall – the building’s architectural centerpiece – and replication of its original frescos; the two grand staircases with ornate railings and original ceramic tile treads have been restored to their former grandeur. To learn more about the significance of Planet Word’s home in the Franklin School, visit PlanetWordMuseum.org/Franklin-School. “Planet Word, much like Washington, D.C., is all about celebrating art, creativity, and innovation,” said Mayor Bowser. “This beautiful museum has found the perfect home in Downtown DC at the former Franklin School, where children and families alike will enjoy a one- of-a-kind cultural and educational experience. Thank you to Ann Friedman and my team at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development for bringing this national historic landmark back to life.” Planet Word previously announced a multifaceted partnership with Shared Studios, a global collective that creates meaningful human connections between people separated by distance and difference through transformative conversations in both immersive and virtual environments. The museum is home to one of Shared_Studios’ Portals, which is outfitted with immersive AV technology that enables visitors to converse and interact with people from around the world as if in the same room. Visitors to the Planet Word Portal will make live connections with others across the globe – and in doing so discover the richness of languages and how words shape our lives, our decisions, and our relationships. Planet Word and Shared Studios’ DIVERCITIES initiative – a program that explores the commonalities and the uniqueness of languages in cities and cultures across the world – launched online in September. Each month, through moderated conversations with comedians, poets, artists, journalists, educators, and activists, DIVERCITIES will connect D.C. locals with peers in cities in the Portal network, including Lagos, Erbil, Milwaukee, Mexico City, Berlin, and Dallas. For more information about this initiative and other Planet Word programming, visit PlanetWordMuseum.org/Events. Since breaking ground in June 2018, Planet Word has met its initial $20 million fundraising goal to cover the creation of the museum’s exhibits, experiences, and start-up operating costs. Planet Word’s generous donors include AT&T, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Carolyn Bucksbaum, the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, Ann and John Doerr, Microsoft Corporation, and Christine and Stephen A. Schwarzman. The rehabilitation and restoration of the Franklin School as a home for the museum was funded and overseen by Ms. Friedman. Planet Word will be open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is free, with a suggested donation to support the museum’s mission-driven programs, exhibits, and educational outreach. Due to Covid-19, the museum has instated a number of safety procedures, including limiting capacity in the building to support social distancing. Planet Word recommends visitors reserve timed passes online in advance of their visit; a limited number of passes may be available for walk-ups on a first-come, first-served basis. Masks are mandatory for all visitors over the age of two. Stylus pens compatible with the museum’s interactive exhibits will be available to avoid the need for visitors to touch surfaces, and hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the museum. To register for tickets and review visitor guidelines, visit PlanetWordMuseum.org/Plan-Your-Visit.

Tourism Ministers from Israel, United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Bahrain will come together at WTM Virtual for the first time since signing historic agreements to normalise relations in September. The Abraham Accords, signed on 15 September, set in motion a host of business opportunities and intergovernmental agreements between Israel and the UAE, as well as creating exciting tourism prospects in the region for the first time. Concurrently, Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain also signed an agreement to launch full diplomatic relations. The agreements gave the go ahead for official dialogue between the countries and set in place new opportunities for tourism. Those involved hope tourism between the destinations will provide the chance to establish peace on a deeper level within the Middle East region. Since the Accords were signed, Israel’s first-ever commercial flight – carrying a high-level delegation from Israel and the US – landed in the UAE, while the first commercial passenger flight to Israel by a carrier from the UAE landed at Israel’s Ben-Gurion international airport in October. As a result of the Abraham Accords, the Israel Transportation Ministry announced there will be 28 direct weekly passenger flights connecting Tel Aviv with Abu Dhabi and Dubai. On day one of WTM Virtual, seven weeks after the historic agreements were signed, WTM will host a momentous discussion among tourism ministers from the three destinations. Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Minister of Tourism for Israel; Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises for the UAE and H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, will discuss the tourism opportunities now available and determine the role that tourism will play in helping to secure long-standing peace in the region. It will be the first time the tourism ministers have met since signing the agreements. They will take part in a WTM Virtual session entitled Tourism: The Path to Peace in the Middle East, which will take place immediately after the Ministers’ Summit, on Monday 9 November. WTM Senior Director Simon Press said: “The session will provide a fascinating insight into how co-operating on tourism and trade – encouraging people to engage with different cultures and experience new places, sample different food and take part in different activities – can advance peace. “WTM has always understood the unique way that travel promotes tolerance, empathy and cross-cultural understanding. When people travel, they form friendships, engage in dialogue and are able to see things from a different perspective. When flight paths open up, the prospect for new business becomes a reality, which creates wealth and opportunity for destinations and their citizens. “The post-COVID possibilities are endless for this region and we’re excited that WTM Virtual has been able to facilitate such an important meeting and play a part in history.” Tourism: The Path to Peace in the Middle East, featuring the tourism ministers of Israel, UAE and Bahrain, will take place on Monday 9 November, at 15.00 – 16.00 GMT (19.00 – 20.00 GST).

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 02 November 2020: Chile is hosting a series of events to secure its’ position in the UAE as the leading exporter of walnuts and dried fruits with a trio of virtual and live business networking opportunities. Prominent UAE importers have been selected for the exclusive sessions which will include a series of presentations outlining the superior quality and health benefits of Chilean produce, group discussions, as well as the opportunity to participate in virtual and live business meetings. Carlos Salas, Trade Commissioner of Chile in Dubai, said: "The UAE and the wider GCC region continue to be incredibly important markets for Chilean dried fruit exporters, despite the challenges of COVID-19. “As such, we have developed a series of online events which will provide importers from the UAE, and the rest of the world, to learn more about our fantastic produce, do business, and ultimately secure deals with renowned Chilean exporters.” The first event, the 24th e-business meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of Valparaiso, took place from the 27th – 30th of October. The event saw over 176 Chilean exporters of fresh fruit, nuts, vegetables, and healthy foods undertake a series of 30-minute meetings with importers from the UAE and the rest of the world. ExpoNut 2020, which takes place on November 25th, is the second virtual event to take place. It is the largest meeting point for the Chilean nut industry, annually bringing together more than 500 producers, exporters, suppliers, investors. As a result of COVID-19, the event will be virtual this year and host a series of talks and panel discussions addressing exports, agriculture, and sustainable development. The event will also host the ExpoNut Business Roundtable, giving importers from the UAE the opportunities to partake in a series of discussion with Chilean Walnut exporters. Rounding out the series of events is the ProChile Food Exporter Meeting, taking place from 7th -12th December, live in Chile. Five UAE importers will have the opportunity to meet with a range of Chilean companies during workshops and roundtable discussions. A series of masterclasses, product sampling and insights into the latest market innovations will also take place. “This will be a vital opportunity for exporters to reconnect with valuable importers from the UAE, as we look to build on the successes witnessed in 2019. Our number one priority is to facilitate meetings and networking, however, showcasing the superior quality, health benefits, and sustainable practices relating to our produce is also vitally important,” added Salas. The popularity of Chilean walnuts has surged in the last two years, with the country the leading exporter in the southern hemisphere, and now the second-largest exporter in the world, exporting over 135,000 tonnes in 2019. In the UAE, the value of exported dry fruits from Chile increased by 75% year-on-year in 2019 to US$43.8. This was primarily attributed to walnuts, which made up 76% of the total dried fruit exports to the UAE. According to yield estimates based on the planted area and average performance, production in Chile is expected to increase to 163,000 tonnes in 2021 and 200,000 tonnes in 2024. Over 95% of all production is exported to 75 countries, with the Middle East accounting for 54% in 2019. For more information please visit www.prochile.gob.cl/ or www.chilenut.cl/home/

New Delhi, October 26, 2020: Travel is seeing a comeback, but in a new normal, new trend continue to define consumer preferences. From taking life to the road, to consciously and safely reconnecting with the places and people that matter most, Airbnb and travelers predict what travel will look like in 2021. The year of the staycation Guests are seeking unique travel experiences by staying in one-of-a-kind accommodations on Airbnb, but are preferring to be close to home or in their home cities. The staycation trend resonates with travellers, pointing to the perennial human need for new experiences, either for short stays or for stays that are a month or more. With access to quiet nooks in busy cities, close to parks and gardens, immersive natural surroundings and wide-open spaces, travellers are looking for respite from the everyday in accommodations such as condominiums, farm stays, villas, and cottages in places such as: · Bengaluru, Karnataka · Mangalore, Karnataka · Pune, Maharashtra · Guwahati, Assam · Hyderabad, Telangana Nearby stays, close to metro to see a rise According to Airbnb search data, guests continue to search for nearby stays that are a drive away from metro cities, to explore a slower pace of life for holidays or for inspiration. Travellers are searching for destinations such as Gokarna, Shimla, Mussoorie, Kasauli and Alibag where they can spend time with family and friends. Guests are increasingly looking at rediscovering the magic in their own backyards. Established destinations as well as hidden gems near metros are seeing interest from travellers fleeing urban life, enlivening local communities on city outskirts.Top spots for nearby stays include: · Gokarna, Karnataka · Shimla, Himachal Pradesh · Mussoorie, Uttarakhand · Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh · Alibag, Maharashtra Regenerative travel bringing travellers closer to communities A key trend Airbnb is noting is that as travel picks up again, consumers may prefer immersive and regenerative travel at the heart of communities. Sustainable travel choices that are closer to remote communities and nature not only provide a boost to these communities and their members - redistributing the economic impact of travel – but are accessible and affordable and are a transformative choice contributing to unique and individual travel experiences. In 2021, living remotely will continue to define travel preferences with the rise with travellers aching for more access to open spaces, fresh air, and wildlife. Destinations that are highly searched for on Airbnb, by both inbound and domestic travellers are: · Karjat, Maharashtra · Panchgani, Maharashtra · Manali, Himachal Pradesh · Mangalore, Karnataka · Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand Many travellers may intend to work remotely in a room with a view in 2021. Entrepreneurs may explore new hubs closer to their businesses or customers. Airbnb has documented stays by entrepreneurs looking for a hub to inspire creativity, digital nomads who aspire to work from anywhere for longer periods of time, and creatives discovering their newest masterpiece. Authors, musicians, artists, and athletes alike are increasingly looking for stays with private spaces and retreating to suburban or rural areas from big cities. With India’s much-loved festival season around the corner, guests are either looking at travelling to their hometowns or spending time together as family. India continues to be travel hotspot, globally With discretionary outbound travel on a slow uptick currently, there are reasons to predict that travel in 2021 will bounce back in India, on both domestic and inbound sectors. Airbnb search data suggests India remains a hotly searched-for destination globally, with the following cities and towns featuring on the most searched-for list. · Gokarna, Karnataka · Kasol, Himachal Pradesh · Mangalore, Karnataka · Karjat, Maharashtra · Panchgani, Maharashtra · Igatpuri, Maharashtra · Alibag, Maharashtra · Haridwar, Uttarakhand Outbound, Indians are continuing to prize locations such as Toronto and London. Commenting on these trends, Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager - Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said, “As we come closer to 2021, transparency, trust and safety will be more critical than ever before, and will continue to set the benchmark for traveller expectations. Trends such as travelling closer to cities and working from anywhere will continue to see interest. Importantly, this means that travel benefits more and more local communities economically, rather than being concentrated in tourist hotspots. We truly look forward to a future of travel that is inclusive, sustainable and regenerative.” In 2021, travel will continue to be more about living, working and connecting safely away from home.

Singapore, 21 October 2020 – ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, today opened its virtual doors for the first-ever virtual event. As one of the industry’s firsts, the three-day event is being hosted online. Over the course of the next three-days, almost 900 buyers and 400 exhibitors from all over the world will come together to establish high-quality networks, conduct business, and share their knowledge. Held on the newly established platform – ITB Community in Asia (ITB Community) - this year’s ITB Asia event also plays host to MICE Show Asia and marks the debut of Travel Tech Asia. Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore)- organiser of ITB Asia – comments; “We are proud to have quickly pivoted to a fully virtual format that has enabled us to maintain our position as the leading travel trade show in the region. It is now more important than ever before that we provide this opportunity for industry leaders around the globe to come together virtually to share insights, knowledge, and experience, to pave the way for the future of the travel trade. Over the next three days, we look forward to closely collaborating with international exhibitors, travel companies and international buyers to unveil a strong, engaging, and contextually relevant programme.” Virtual Exhibition to facilitate business and networking Despite ITB Asia’s brand-new format, the virtual exhibition line-up continues to facilitate business appointments, digital exhibition booths, a business matching platform and 24/7 chat and call functions for almost 400 exhibitors around the world to engage with key clients and partners. Being a global stage, the virtual exhibition will feature new destinations including Switzerland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Monaco and Sapporo. Exhibitors from hospitality and travel groups include Meliá Hotels International, Radisson Hotel Group and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to name just a few. As part of ITB Asia’s usual business matching typically held on the exhibition floor, this year’s Business Matching takes place on a dedicated Business Matching portal. Available throughout the three days of ITB Asia, sellers will be able to upload company brochures and collateral, and buyers may upload proposal request briefs for the same successful discussions and business negotiations as like the previous ITB Asia shows. Conference line-up to reinvent travel Now in its thirteenth year, the theme of this year’s event, set against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, is “Reinventing Travel in the New Normal”. The over 100-session themed agenda, led by more than 160 international speakers, has been specifically curated to support the travel industry in navigating the current challenges and prepare for eventual recovery. Today’s conference will see a strong line-up of speakers from across the industry discussing topics such as the future of travel, and building recovery for travel and tourism. These speakers included industry heavyweights from leading global organisations such Maribel Rodriguez, Senior Vice President, Membership & Commercial at World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to Secretary General at The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Tomorrow (22 October), attendees can look forward to hearing from top speakers such as Alexandre de Juniac Director General & CEO, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and keynote speakers Deep Kalra, Founder & Group Executive Chairman, MakeMyTrip and Ben Drew, President, Viator. They will be sharing their insights on topics from improving leadership to restoring confidence and attracting travellers. Partners set to discuss the path to recovery This year, ITB Asia’s partners also have a strong speaker track. In its fifth year of partnership with CrescentRating for the “Halal in Travel Asia Summit”, this year’s summit focuses on enabling destinations and travel stakeholders to develop their own strategic solutions towards recovery and growth through insights from their Mastercard-CrescentRating Travel Readiness Report and using their Travel Readiness Framework. The Travel Foundation will run a themed session focussed on “Building Back Better” which will look at what better means to the Future of Tourism Coalition, which has developed thirteen guiding principles to help over 200 companies, destinations, and organisations forge a new path for tourism. Cruise Lines International Association will focus on preparing for resumption in its session and will answer questions on what the travel trade can do to combat misperceptions and raise awareness of the strict regulations that govern cruises worldwide. Building a resilient MICE industry with MICE Show Asia MICE Show Asia invites professionals in the meetings and events industries to look ahead to building a resilient post COVID-19 MICE industry. Highlights of the event will include a series of MICE destination talks with global participation including Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), German Convention Bureau (GCB), Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), Russian Convention Bureau (RCB), Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and more with MICE associations including IAPCO, MPI Academy and SITE Africa also in attendance. The launch of Travel Tech Asia Co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia, is Messe Berlin’s brand-new show – Travel Tech Asia. Here, participants can share latest technologies, trends, tech travel brands and innovative start-ups, to create new possibilities for the future of travel. Thousands of influential executives and attendees across travel industry sectors will come together for three days of unparalleled networking as part of the largest travel trade show in APAC. Amadeus, TrustYou and Oracle Hospitality are also leading a brand-new track on Hotel Revenue and Distribution. Meanwhile, a new Air Travel track will see executives from leading associations and agencies present the latest global flight data trends and insights, led by the Skyscanner, Dohop and many more. For more information on this year’s event, or to join the next two days, please click here.

October 2020: Roastery Coffee, one of the best speciality coffee roasters with cafes in Hyderabad and Kolkata, has introduced Balur Estate Limited Edition Thick Bed Honey Coffee that comes from one of the most well-known coffee plantations, Balur Estate, in Karnataka. It is a Limited Edition coffee, perfect for Pour Over and AeroPress brew lovers, as well as for all discerning coffee aficionados with notes of bubblegum and stone fruit in it, giving it a dash of exotic, fruity and refreshing flavor. “Thick bed” is a technique where coffee is handpicked and then dried on a thick bed to retain more moisture which results in slow drying and develops sweeter characters in coffee. The beans are roasted light to lend the notes of bubblegum and stone fruits, which makes for an interesting combination. The rare taste of Bubblegum in your coffee lends it a unique character. Roastery Coffee brings to you fresh, seasonal coffee sourced from the best coffee farms across India. It is one of the finest brands of artisanal Coffee and offers a wide range of coffees, each brewed differently. The Balur Estate Limited Edition Thick Bed Honey coffee is a new addition to brand’s already existing range of special edition variants which include Harley Estate Grapa, Monsoon Malabar, Thogarihunkal Estate Honey Sun Dried Coffee, Carbonic Maceration (Harley Estate), to name a few. Balur Estate has been a 400-acre coffee plantation since the 1840s. Today, it is under the responsible stewardship of fourth-generation coffee planters. What makes Balur Estate coffee so unique is its location and elevation. Balur Estate coffee is processed with the utmost attention at each processing stage from picking to milling. Every bean by hand, manually harvested only when the fruits are cherry red, and no mechanical harvesting is used that would mix bitter green beans in with matured red fruit. State of the art machinery and skilled workers are employed to ensure coffee that is consistently defect-free. Different methods of coffee processing are explored at the estate and the phrase “quality from crop to cup” best describes the planning and operation of Balur Estate coffee. So visit Roastery Coffee House in Hyderabad and Kolkata for a perfectly brewed cup of limited edition Balur Estate Thick Bed Honey Coffee or order online for brewing pleasure at home. Price range: INR 400 -750 Available at : https://www.roasterycoffee.co.in Hyderabad: Roastery Coffee House, 8/2/287/12, House 418, Road 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad Kolkata: Roastery Coffee House, 70 B, Calcutta South India Club, Gariahat, Kolkata

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

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

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.

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.”

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: