The post Up Norway launches Norwegian corporate retreats and workations   appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Bespoke Norwegian corporate retreats unite remote teams through adventure across fjords, fishing villages, and creative hubs. As remote work continues to grow in popularity, Up Norway, the leading curator of sustainable luxury travel experiences in Scandinavia, has introduced a selection of work retreats for remote teams to connect in person and explore the natural and cultural beauty of Norway. Ranging from a takeover of a mini fishing village and creative Lofoten Islands getaway to a secluded music and writing retreat, these remote workations cater to corporate, entrepreneurial, and nomad interest groups ranging from 1-100 people. Up Norway’s bespoke work retreats aim to showcase the beauty of Norway’s locales while introducing the country’s unique cultural flair and ethos to companies worldwide. Employers seeking to bring employees together, both through work and an unforgettable experience exploring Norway’s fjords, villages, culinary scene, and sustainability-forward lifestyle, are encouraged to do so with these combined work and leisure getaways.

Group Retreats/Workcations for Remote Teams: Mini Fishing Village Takeover – 50 to 100 guests 
For larger teams with 50-100 employees, remote companies can take over a Norwegian fishing village. Remote workers will immerse themselves in raw Norwegian nature and pristine air while living and working in one of Norway’s historic fishing villages, increasing creativity, wellness, and productivity. The year-round coastal destination of Knutholmen in Kalvåg offers a variety of activities to break up the work day, including boat trips with archipelago sightseeing, sea rafting with a beachside lunch, crab and sea fishing, sailing, kayaking, a floating sauna, boat trip to the historic Vingen rock carvings, and more. Each activity is designed to last two to four hours and takes place near the accommodations, providing employees with refreshing breaks that enhance their workday in the authentic village setting. In partnership with local artists and chefs, guests can enjoy art and painting workshops, Norwegian cooking classes, and freshly-prepared seafood throughout the stay. The village property boasts 124 single hotel rooms, apartments, and “rorb” units, renovated versions of traditional fisherman’s accommodations, to accommodate up to 100 employees. The facility also offers several spaces for small and large meetings, including a conference room with space for over 200 guests. Teams also have the option to book a private boat charter to Fedje Island to visit the Feddie Ocean Distillery, a female-founded whiskey distillery that showcases female ownership and leadership. Companies can opt to personalize their work retreat with personalized signage, special offers in local shops, custom menus, name badges and welcome bags, and more.

Bespoke Social in the City: Oslo and Eastern Norway – 15 to 30 guests
Groups of up to 30 guests can flock to Oslo, the capital of Nordic cool, for a modern and creative social retreat. With a takeover of the new Revier Hotel, remote teams will stay in a modern social space with fresh rooms and apartments with flexible working and meeting spaces. Depending on the group’s trip goals, Up Norway will adjust the itinerary to incorporate various themes of Norwegian sustainability, happiness, women’s equality, and wellness. Proposed daily activities include customized workshops and remote working days, sightseeing in Oslo, an excursion to The Plus,  a trip to an organic dairy farm to learn about Norway’s “Happy Cow” philosophy, an outing to a women’s museum showcasing Norway’s efforts in leading the world on equality measures, a sauna and fjord bath experience tapping into the wellness cold plunge trend, organic local farm meals, and more. A half day guided walking tour of Oslo will also showcase the city’s architecture and design icons, including The Deichman Library, the Opera House, circular buildings, the Munch & National Museum, and more.

Creativity within Nature on Steroids: The Lofoten Islands – 5 to 12 guests
For groups looking to escape to nature, Up Norway’s Lofoten Islands itinerary encourages C-Suite groups to embrace unbound creativity within nature. Best enjoyed from autumn to spring, guests will enjoy accommodations at Hattvika Lodge, a historic lodge boasting authentic fisherman’s cottages with a view of the harbor for unparalleled immersion into the local fishing culture. With excellent meeting facilities, a gourmet restaurant on property, and knowledgeable local hosts, groups will experience an unforgettable workation in the center of one of Norway’s most adventurous and foodie-centric destinations. Outside of the lodge, guests can opt for guided hiking, fishing, kayaking, yoga, e-foiling on the water, meetings and guided tours with local entrepreneurs, foraging around the islands, and a harbor sauna and jacuzzi experience. Lunches and dinners are a centerpoint of this retreat, with multi-course meals on tap at local favorites and a fishing trip led by local fishermen ending with a freshly prepared dinner. Up Norway’s travel curators will adjust trip excursions and activities based on the group’s desired theme and mission.

Themed Remote Adventures for Individuals and Couples: Music & Writing retreat on the Western Coast – 12 to 20 guests
For individuals, couples, or small teams looking to collaborate in a music and writing centered retreat, Up Norway has introduced a getaway to the Raw Ocean Lodge, a community-oriented eco lodge on the west of the country, nestled on an island between Stavanger and Bergen. This rugged yet modern space offers a variety of spaces suited for meetings, remote work, writing workshops, social gatherings, and collaboration. A small breakout room, gameroom, yogadome, and fireplace round out the lodge’s offerings, providing spaces for jam sessions, writing workshops and wellness experiences with views of the incredible coastal nature of Karmøy. Included in the retreat are knowledgeable hosts who will lead creatives in a variety of workshops, depending on the goal of the getaway. Guests can opt to explore the island between work sessions through surfing, stand up paddleboarding, fishing, bonfires, coastal nature walks, bouldering, and seaweed foraging. The open sign-up nature of this collaborative getaway enables travelers to meet new people in a laid back yet professional environment, with the bulk of planning taken care of by Up Norway.

Blending nature and Norwegian culture, these bespoke workations and company retreats are open year round for groups of all sizes. Up Norway’s expert travel curators will work with a variety of companies and budgets to plan customized and impactful journeys for teams.

 

 

 

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The post Thailand surpasses Maldives as the top international honeymoon destination: MMT appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

But where exactly are Indian couples headed for their honeymoons, and what are the experiences they are seeking? MakeMyTrip’s latest report, ‘How India Travels for Honeymoon’, analyses booking data from October 2023 to September 2024, compared to the same period in the preceding year, offering interesting insights into the evolving travel preferences, trends, and behaviours of couples embarking on this special journey. 

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip,said: “As the wedding season in India approaches, the spotlight turns to honeymoon travel—where couples look to craft a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the first time, we are sharing unique insights into the distinct booking patterns that set honeymoon travel apart from leisure trips. Our aim is to provide a deeper understanding that will allow us—and the broader travel and wedding ecosystem—to create experiences that are not only romantic and memorable but also aligned with the evolving preferences of today’s honeymooners. As couples increasingly seek personalized experiences, luxury, and unexplored destinations, we remain dedicated to delivering a variety of choices and travel planning experience for honeymooners.” 

Beach Destinations Reign Supreme for Honeymooners

On the international front, Thailand tops the list of favourite honeymoon destinations for Indian couples, recording the highest share of honeymoon package bookings in 2023-24 on MakeMyTrip. Thailand increased its booking share by an impressive 5.2% year-on-year (YoY), surpassing Maldives, which led the rankings last year. Maldives saw a 16.2% YoY decline in honeymoon package bookings while all other top five international destinations – Indonesia, Mauritius, and Vietnam – gained share this year. 

On the domestic front, the Andamans replaced Kerala as the most booked honeymoon destination, increasing its share of honeymoon package bookings by 6.9% YoY. Kashmir, which gained 3.6% in bookings, moved to third place. The number of bookings for Goa remained the same as last year while Himachal Pradesh saw a decline of 4% in honeymoon package bookings. The North-East, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra also drew attention from Indian couples seeking domestic honeymoon destinations. 

Indian Couples Travelling Far and Wide to Make Their First Trip Together Special

There is an increasing appeal for new and diverse destinations among Indian honeymooners. While international destinations such as Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles have seen a significant YoY growth in honeymoon package bookings, this trend was not just limited to short haul

destinations. Long-haul destinations also featured prominently in the honeymoon travel plans of Indian couples. Easy visa destination Japan witnessed the highest YoY growth of 388% in honeymoon package bookings. Other long-haul destinations that have seen maximum growth for honeymoon package bookings include Scandinavia, the United States, South Africa, and Australia and New Zealand. 

Honeymooners increasingly opt for Longer, Luxurious and Multi-City Adventures

Couples are willing to spend extra for luxury and indulgence during their honeymoon. The average spending per couple has increased by 13% YoY. Notably, 68% of newlyweds chose 4-star or 5-star properties for their stay. 1 in every 5 honeymoon package bookings were for a 5-star property between 2023-24, reflecting a 10% YoY growth.

There is also a growing trend of couples exploring multiple destinations within the same trip. On the domestic front, the share of couples visiting four or more cities increased from 35% in 2022-23 to 39% in 2023-24. Internationally, while more than half of honeymooners still prefer single-city itineraries, the share of couples opting for two or more cities rose from 32% to 47%.

In terms of travel duration, 78% of domestic honeymooners booked packages for up to 5 days in 2023-24, in line with the booking trends for the previous year. However, for international travellers, the percentage of couples booking a honeymoon package of more than 5 days increased from 34% in 2022-23 to 42% in 2023-24, reflecting a trend toward longer honeymoons. This shift also aligns with the increase in preference among couples to travel to multiple cities.

Premium Honeymoon Packages Soar

Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are driving the demand for premium honeymoon packages, contributing to more than two-thirds of all honeymoon package bookings. However, cities such as Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune are also seeing a notable shift from budget to premium travel.

Curated Romantic Honeymoon Experiences Drive Demand

The demand for personalized, romantic experiences is stronger than ever. Honeymoon package bookings have grown by 25% YoY, pointing towards a trend of couples wanting an end-to-end curated experience. More than 95% of honeymoon package bookings this year included curated experiences/activities. As a result, MakeMyTrip saw a 56% growth in bookings of premium romantic activities such as couples’ photoshoots, romantic dining, cruises (sunset/dinner/catamaran), couples’ spa sessions, and floating breakfasts.

Last-Minute Bookings Still Common Among Honeymooners

Indian couples booked their honeymoons closer to their departure dates, with 56% of domestic packages and 38% of international packages being booked within 30 days of travel. This pattern is in line with the overall travel behaviour of Indian travellers, who tend to book closer to the departure date. Interestingly, 31% of international honeymooners booked more than two months in advance, compared to 18% for domestic trips.

 In addition to analysing booking data, MakeMyTrip conducted a survey of over 200 individuals who booked their honeymoon package through the platform in the last 3 months to gain deeper insights. The survey revealed that 70% of couples embarked on their honeymoon within 10 days of their wedding, 10% took their trip between 10 days to a month later, while 20% opted to delay their honeymoon beyond 1 month.

 MakeMyTrip’s latest report offers a comprehensive view of honeymoon travel trends in India. As couples continue to prioritize luxury, personalized experiences, and explore new destinations, MakeMyTrip remains committed to curating packages that cater to every couple’s dream getaway.

 

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The post Bakuun appoints Marco Torrente as Group Chief Financial Officer appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Bakuun Holdings, a leading technology provider in the travel and hospitality industry, proudly announces the appointment of Marco Torrente as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Bringing over 20 years of expertise in financial leadership and organizational transformation, Marco’s appointment comes as Bakuun enters a pivotal phase of growth and innovation in the global travel technology space.

In his new role, Marco will spearhead Bakuun’s financial strategy, driving excellence in planning, financial governance, and accounting across all brands, including PayDocker, RateDock, and ChannelsGate. His strategic vision and financial acumen are expected to play a central role in enhancing Bakuun’s mission to redefine travel industry standards through transformative booking and management solutions. Reporting directly to CEO Nigel Horne, Marco’s leadership will be essential to the company’s long-term financial resilience and innovation roadmap.

“We are thrilled to have Marco join us at a time of significant momentum,” said Nigel Horne, CEO of Bakuun. “Marco’s deep expertise in financial strategy will be invaluable as we accelerate our growth and broaden our impact on the travel sector worldwide.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Marco Torrente shared, “Joining Bakuun at such a transformative juncture is both exciting and motivating. I look forward to working with the team to drive financial performance and support Bakuun’s vision of becoming a leader in global travel technology.”

Marco’s appointment aligns with Bakuun’s strategy to strengthen its core financial infrastructure as it scales operations and forges new partnerships worldwide. By leveraging innovative solutions that simplify booking and foster seamless collaboration between hotels, airlines, and travel agents, Bakuun remains at the forefront of travel technology.

 

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The post Experience the magic of the Northern Lights appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As the northern lights begin its peak activity, Visit Norway invites everyone to experience this magical natural light show. A local product designer from Bodø has built special viewing seats for what we believe is The Greatest Light Show on Earth. “These seats are designed so that more people can experience the northern lights just as I have all my life. Now is the time to see this wonder for yourself”, says Sander Kommedahl, local product designer.

The chairs are placed at Ausvika beach, 10 minutes outside of Bodø, and are free to be used by anyone who wants to experience the dance of the northern lights.

“I wanted to create something that not only showcases the beauty of the northern lights but also reflects the warmth and hospitality of our region. These seats are designed to be inviting, and offer the comfort of sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the best view of the Aurora”, says Kommedahl.

Approaching solar maximum

Now is a fantastic time to visit Norway to see the northern lights. The aurora borealis is at its peak activity, which happens about every 11 years, making the displays more frequent and vibrant. This peak period will last until 2026, giving you plenty of opportunities to catch this amazing light show. Northern Norway, with its clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution, is one of the best places to see the northern lights in the world.

“The activity of the sun controls the activity of the northern lights. Right now, the sun is approaching a new solar maximum – when there is more activity than usual”, says Pål Brekke, solar physicist and Head of Space Research at the Norwegian Space Agency.

The Northern Lights Experience

To get the best experience of the northern lights, it’s important to plan your viewing carefully. The northern lights season spans from late September until late March, offering many opportunities to catch this spectacular display. Clear weather is preferable, so check the forecast and choose a night with minimal cloud cover. Move away from streetlights and other sources of light pollution; the darker your surroundings, the better. Ideally, find a spot at least 150 meters away from buildings and look towards the north. Dress warmly, as you’ll be outside for a while, and bring a camera with a good lowlight setting to capture the stunning display. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the beauty of the northern lights.

 

 

 

 

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The post China approves visa-free entry for nine more countries appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

China officially confirmed the expansion of visa-free travel for 9 new countries, including regional neighbour South Korea. 

Beginning Friday, 8tjh November, citizens of South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Slovakia, Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein may now enter China without a visa for up to 15 days for tourism, business travel, family visits, or transit.

China’s Foreign Ministry declared that the ruling will remain in place until 31st December 2025, as with countries previously approved for visa-free entry. 

This recent addition to the roster of nations allowed visa-free into China is part of the country’s active policy to promote tourism and personnel exchanges with European and other countries. This dictum has been in place since the beginning of 2024. 

As part of this program, China previously introduced visa-free travel for 6 European countries in March of this year.

Since July, an additional 15 countries, including Germany, were included among those allowed visa-free entry. 

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The post The Luxe Developers sell the two most expensive residences in Al Marjan Island appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Luxe Developers, a UAE-based real estate development firm, has announced the sale of The Celest and The Stellar, two ultra-luxury residences that form the pinnacle of the company’s Oceano development, located on Al Marjan Island. The two sky villas sold off-plan, priced at AED 90 million each, underscoring the demand for ultra-luxurious properties in line with the increase in overseas and local UHNWI relocating to Ras Al Khaimah.

Sky Villa

Commenting on the mega sale,Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan, the master developer of freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah, said, “The sale of these two luxurious high-end properties underscores Al Marjan Island’s growing appeal as a sophisticated destination offering an exclusive lifestyle on par with global benchmarks. We have been the cynosure of international high-net-worth-individuals seeking to set up home in one of the most dynamic and picturesque neighbourhoods in the region, with top class amenities and incredible facilities. This is a major marker in our growth as a preferred investment hub while reflecting the significant growth opportunities for the real estate sector in the area.”

The Celest and The Stellar are the most expensive residences in Ras Al Khaimah. They offer a unique and exquisite living experience, epitomised by their spacious and sophisticated design, which eclipses anything currently available on the real estate market in the emirate.

Shubam Aggarwal, Chairman and Co-owner of The Luxe Developers, said: “Our strategic decision to launch these properties was in response to our research, which indicated there was solid demand for ultra-luxurious properties in RAK.”

“The fact that these specific properties have only been on the market for less than four months underscores the accuracy of our initial assessment. Unique quality in a sought-after location will always sell, and we are steadfast in our belief.”

The Celest, which spans over 22,000 square feet on the top two floors of the development, features seven bedrooms, multiple living areas with sunken seating for hosting, and an extensive kitchen.

The six-bedroom Stellar, split across two levels, spans more than 21,000 square feet and features similar living arrangements. Both properties offer a serene and luxurious living experience, uninterrupted beach and sea views across Al Marjan Island, and are conveniently located just two minutes from the multi-billion-dollar Wynn integrated resort, further enhancing the development’s attractiveness for investors.

The sky villas are equipped with a host of top-notch finishes and amenities designed to cater to the most discerning tastes. They feature interior design by the globally acclaimed Hirsch Bedner Associates.

Private amenities in The Celest and The Stellar include a spa, sauna, hammam, private pool, snow room, state-of-the-art gym, home theatre, and dedicated office space. The residences also feature a sprawling 4504-square-foot terrace with a uniquely designed infinity pool incorporating breathtaking vistas and unrivalled tranquillity, perfect for outdoor living.

Catering to the privacy often demanded by UHNWI, besides a dedicated elevator, the new owner will appreciate Oceano’s design aesthetic and unique location, complete with a secluded shoreline and secure private beach.

Embracing the future of residential living, both properties are fitted with cutting-edge smart technology, which effortlessly controls lighting, curtains, and air conditioning, ensuring optimal comfort with the touch of a button.

Onkar Singh, Sales Director at The Luxe Developers, and Property Consultant Hajar Renoncourt oversaw the successful sale of the properties. The team utilised a network of exclusive brokers targeting clientele in the niche ultra-luxury real estate segment, welcoming some of the most renowned figures in the business world as investors to Oceano.

Siddharta Banerji, Managing Director and Co-owner of The Luxe Developers, said: “Our sales team’s commitment has been exemplary, and we’re delighted they have become an integral part of our success story. Their expertise in showcasing the finest materials and bespoke finishes throughout the development was instrumental in closing the deal.”

“Compromising on quality was not an option, as we wanted to provide an unparalleled living experience and to ensure the highest standard of craftsmanship. We were confident that discerning ultra-high-net-worth individuals would appreciate our USP and its overall market value, which has proven to be the case.”

 

 

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The post Royal Jet spreads wings into Asian market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Abu Dhabi-based premium private jet operator positions its Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft A6 RJD for private charter out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. RoyalJet, the Abu Dhabi-based premium private jet operator, has taken a significant step forward in expanding its presence and reach across the Asian market by operating its Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft A6 RJD from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

This move is in response to the increasing demand for private charters in Asia-Pacific countries following the strong rebound of its economies after the pandemic and increased foreign investments in the region. Industry reports have indicated that an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) in the area have spurred the appetite for comfort, privacy, and time efficiency that business jets offer.

This trend makes Royal Jet’s Bombardier Global 5000 A6 RJD the perfect aircraft to not only meet such demands but to go above and beyond expectations, offering unparalleled service and comfort.

With classically designed interiors developed and crafted utilizing premium materials such as high-end leathers and beautiful wood veneers, perfectly complemented with state-of-the-art technology that includes Swift Broadband WiFi, an iPad-controlled In Flight Entertainment (IFE) System, mood lighting, and a high-quality sound system with overhead speakers and subwoofers. In addition, the aircraft features some of the lowest cabin altitudes in the industry, along with HEPA filters, which optimize health and comfort, leaving passengers more relaxed and fresh upon reaching their destination. This truly represents an unparalleled way to travel, whether you need to do business or simply catch your breath or that movie you missed!

The aircraft offers a versatile layout for passenger comfort, featuring 13 seats, a galley, a club grouping, a mid-cabin conference area, and an aft VVIP lounge with a VIP lavatory. For relaxation or overnight, it includes a sleeper divan, four VIP seats, and six additional seats.

 

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The post HRAWI denounces controversial AI-driven CCTV requirement appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has raised objections to the Maharashtra Government’s recent directive mandating AI-based CCTV systems at licensed hospitality establishments. The directive requires establishments to install advanced CCTV surveillance capable of real-time AI and machine-learning monitoring at entry points, a move the Association views as excessive, costly and intrusive without a proven efficacy for enhancing public safety.

The Association has submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra – Smt. Sujata Saunik pointing out that the order has been issued without any consultation with the affected industry and the same is unreasonable, arbitrary and seeks to impose onerous burden, financial and otherwise on hotels and restaurants. HRAWI has stated its willingness to participate and suggest alternative ways of dealing with the security apprehensions of the State, if any in order to avoid the implementation of the draconian intrusive CCTV order.

“This is a significant privacy concern, especially for celebrity and VIP guests. Patrons come to our establishments for leisure and private business. These are unguarded moments that they spend with their family and friends. Videotapes of such moments, data storage and transmission involved present cybersecurity risks, including exposure to ransomware or hacking and exposing hotels and restaurants to data privacy and data security. The order is silent on liability issues for any breaches. The CCTV order also infringes on the privacy rights of patrons and could negatively impact hospitality businesses, as customers visit hotels and restaurants to relax in private settings. The mandated surveillance, including live feeds, real-time alerts and stored footage, could drive customers away, undermining the core of the hospitality experience,” says Pradeep Shetty, Honorary Secretary, HRAWI.

“We respect the intent to boost security, but the mandate is an unprecedented financial imposition. With installation costs estimated to be in excess of Rs.5 lakhs per establishment with an additional Rs.75,000/- as yearly maintenance cost that excludes twenty-four hours high speed internet and two TB storage, this requirement is simply unaffordable for many small and medium businesses. Security being a state subject, the cost of such an expensive and complicated system should be borne by the State,” says Chetan Mehta, Vice President, HRAWI.

HRAWI further highlighted the unworkability and overreach of the order. The Association has argued that most of its members already maintain CCTV for security, which can be accessed by authorities as needed.

“Real-time AI monitoring is unmanageable and impractical, especially given the high volume of data that would be generated across establishments. The imposition of the order suffers from unworkability in terms of utility of the live feed data from more than 5000 establishments in Mumbai alone. It would be humanly impossible to watch and analyse the data except for under circumstances that are post facto, for which a static CCTV footage stored data is sufficient. The face recognition requirement too is unrealistic for verifying underage patrons or criminals. The regulation is an excessive and impractical measure that neither enhances security nor ensures timely closure of establishments,” says Nirav Gandhi, Senior Vice President, HRAWI.

HRAWI has also pointed out that the application of the order itself comes with potential legal and ethical issues surrounding data security and customer privacy.

The Association favours non-intrusive security measures as more appropriate, as the current order risks creating a “Big Brother or Police State” atmosphere that is detrimental to customer trust and business viability.

“Privacy is a fundamental right. The mandated storage of customer data raises significant concerns, potentially breaching the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which requires customer consent for data use and the right to be forgotten. Even assuming that the said order seeks to enhance security such extensive monitoring and data handling should only be sanctioned by legislation, not through an executive order. Under the circumstances, we request the State to consider our objections and concerns and defer the implementation of the order pending addressing all concerns of the hospitality industry,” concludes Shetty.

 

 

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