New Delhi: In order to boost the confidence in India as a tourist destination in a post-COVID environment, India’s 13 leading inbound tour operators and DMC’s travelled together to 3 unique and offbeat destinations of Rajasthan between 6th to 9th August 2020.
The Initiative named ‘Unlocking Tourism – India is ready’, was intended to get a first-hand experience, travelling in a new normal, with the safety measures that have been put in place by the industry to ensure the health and safety of all the guests. It also aimed to showcase the world that India is ready to welcome the tourists back, in spite of being hit hard by the current pandemic.
The participating travel companies work in various markets of Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Australia and it is important for all of them to ensure that their future clients feel safe about coming to India. This trip was an opportunity to showcase the strict safety protocols that are being employed by the industry.
“All the hotels we visited had strict hygiene protocols in place for its guests and staff alike, there were temperature checks carried upon arrival, all their staff were wearing masks and face shields, hand sanitisers were readily available throughout the hotel, housekeepers did a deep cleaning of the rooms regularly, the tables in the restaurants were placed at a safe distance from each other, even in their kitchens, I saw chefs using face masks and gloves. It was a very good experience and it felt very safe traveling and staying at these different hotels.
“I would encourage fellow colleagues from the tourism industry to take some trips to nearby destinations and get the first-hand experience of hospitality and safety procedures that are in place at these places and share your experiences with your guests and industry colleagues.” Says Mr. Sunil Misra, Managing Director – Cosmos Travel.
This familiarisation trip was conceived, initiated, and organized by Mr. Sanjay Razdan, Managing Director – Razdan Holidays, and Mr. Sunil Misra, Managing Director – Cosmos Travel.
The route taken in this trip was Delhi – Tijara – Kesroli – Talabgaon – Geejgarh – Delhi and the participating hotels were:
- Tijara Fort Palace (Lunch Stop)
- Hill Fort Kesroli (Overnight stay)
- Talabgaon Castle (Overnight stay)
- Geejgarh Village Retreat (Overnight stay)
This trip was based on a self-drive model tour and no more than 2 passengers and the driver was permitted inside one car.
Masks were compulsory throughout the tour and the hotels followed their own unique set of guidelines and safety protocols. The contingent did explore and checked this very important aspect to be aware of the certain safety standards that are being practiced by the hotels.
Currently, international flights remain suspended to India, but all of us are hoping that this drive will help put our guests at ease and tell them that whenever our airports open again, India is ready.
The following companies participated in the familiarization programme: Razdan Holidays, Cosmos Global Journeys, TBO Holidays, Inpac Tours Pvt. Ltd., Mystical Journeys, Katha Tours Pvt. Ltd., Mystique Mantras Holidays, Vacation Dreamz Pvt. Ltd., Beckon Tours Pvt. Ltd., Cee Bee Cee Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd., Namaste Tours Pvt. Ltd, IDMS Holidays, Wonder Globe Inc.
