As India has entered into the ‘Unlock 3.0’ and many states are opening their destinations, the Inbound Tour Operator’s fraternity of India has come forward to expedite the touristic activities in the country. In an effort to bring back tourism to India which has been stopped due to the spread out of COVID-19, country’s 13 leading inbound tour operators (DMC’s) travelled together to Rajasthan between 6th to 9th August, 2020.
The self organised trip was actually a presentation to the future travellers; how India’s tour operator’s fraternity is adopting ‘New Normal’ for post COVID-19 era and ready to organise tour in a safe and hygiene atmosphere.
Branded as ‘Unlocking Tourism – India is Ready’ the Familiarisation trip was conceived, initiated and organised by Sanjay Razdan, Managing Director, Razdan Holidays and Sunil Mishra, Managing Director, Cosmos Travel.
While elaborating on the objective of the trip, Sanjay Razdan, said: “The objective was to showcase the world that India is ready to welcome back tourists, in spite of being hit hard by the current pandemic.” “The participating travel companies work in various markets of Asia, America, Europe and Australia, and it is important for all of them to ensure that their future clients feel safe about coming here. Taking this very important aspect into consideration, we wanted to showcase the strict safety protocols that are being employed by the industry as the ‘New Normal’,” he added.
Speaking on the same line Sunil Mishra said: “We have shared this information with our foreign partners based out in France, Itlay and other countries. I believe it will create a lot of buzz around tourism and send a message across the globe that the country is ready to receive the tourist. And, India remains in top of mind whenever they (travellers) are planning a trip.”
“As the trip has been a great success and attracted a huge attention from the industry, many tour companies have shown their interest to become a part of our next trip. We are in touch with other states and planning to have another set of trip somewhere in September and October,”
informed Mishra.
While taking the trip, the organisers adopted Standard Operating Process (SOPs) issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. This trip was based on self-drive model tour and no more than two passengers along with the driver were 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,” concludes Mishra.
The 21 people contingent travelled to three unique and offbeat destinations of Rajasthan. The route was Delhi – Tijara – Kesroli – Talabgaon – Geejgarh – Delhi. The participating hotels were Tijara Fort Palace, Hill Fort Kesroli, Talabgaon Castle and Geejgarh Village Retreat.
The companies participated in the familiarisation programme are Razdan Holidays, Cosmos Global, Journeys, TBO Holidays, Inpac Tours, Mystical Journeys, Katha Tours, Mystique Mantras Holidays, Vacation Dreamz, Beckon Tours, Cee Bee Cee Travels & Tours, Namaste Tours, IDMS Holidays and Wander Globe Inc.
