Thailand Safety and Health Administration | May 26, 2020
Thailand has taken a key step in welcoming back travelers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a new safety certification program that will identify businesses, including restaurants, hotels and travel agents, that meet all appropriate COVID-19 hygiene and quality controls upon inspection.
The Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Certification Program was announced by a handful of the country's top officials on Tuesday, including Phiphat Ratchakitprakan, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Chote Trachu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports; Dr. Panpimol Wipulakorn, Director-General, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health and Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand during a recent press conference in Bangkok.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages | September 21, 2020
Due to the popularity of its innovative and unique new all-inclusive MAX SHORE experiences, Atlas Ocean Voyages today unveiled two new luxe-adventure itineraries, which feature included, immersive and complimentary "vacations-within-vacations." Discerning and experienced travelers can choose World Navigator's two new 24-night MAX SHORE itineraries, departing August 4, 2021, from Odessa, Ukraine, to the Black, Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean Seas' smallest, authentic and enchanting destinations. Guests will call at 19 ports in seven countries, and choose one of two complimentary three-night, inland expeditions, mid-voyage, into the heart of the Anatolian peninsula, the historic crossroads of Europe and Asia. In keeping with Atlas' All Inclusive All the Way style, all guests enjoy included air and land transportation, hotels, meals and beverages are also included on MAX SHORE voyages aboard World Navigator, the line's newly constructed and small, expedition ship, launching in July 2021.
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BUSINESS TRAVEL
Cleartrip, Flipkart | April 16, 2021
Flipkart announced on Thursday that it has agreed to acquire Cleartrip, an online travel and hotel ticketing firm, as the Walmart-owned e-commerce firm seeks to expand its offerings in the world's second-largest internet market.
According to a person familiar with the matter, the deal values 14-year-old Cleartrip, which raised approximately $74 million before the acquisition, at approximately $40 million. Cleartrip, like most other travel companies, is under immense stress as a result of the worldwide pandemic, which has greatly reduced people's desire to travel.
Last month, Indian news outlet MoneyControl announced that the two firms were considering a merger.
Cleartrip is also an Amazon partner in India, powering the American e-commerce giant's ticketing engine. In 2019, the two companies signed an agreement. The American e-commerce company did not react, even though it is currently battling a legal battle to prevent its estranged Indian partner Future Group from selling business to Reliance Retail.
Cleartrip will continue to exist as a standalone brand, with all staff staying, while collaborating with Flipkart to “further create digital innovations to make travel easier for customers,” the two firms announced today.
Flipkart has been reported to be working on adding a flight ticket buying feature on its website for more than a year.
“Through digital commerce, the Flipkart Group is dedicated to improving customer experiences. For many customers, Cleartrip is synonymous with travel, and as we diversify and search for new areas of growth, this investment will further strengthen our diverse portfolio of customer offers. We welcome the Cleartrip team to the Flipkart Group, with their vast industry expertise and technological skills, and look forward to working together to provide greater value and travel experiences for customers,” said Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO of Flipkart Group, in a tweet.
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