TravTalk December 2nd Issue

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A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 40 (Excluding cover)

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Vol. XXV No. 24; December 2 nd fortnight issue 2013

` 50/-

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TAAI Executive office members were elected on Dec 16. A tie for the posts of President and one MC member have led to a repoll in Mumbai on Jan 27.

Sunil Kumar

Harmandeep Singh Anand

Marzban Antia

Vice President, TAAI

Secretary General, TAAI

Treasurer, TAAI

with a tie between Iqbal Mulla and Rajji Rai, both get-

ting equal number of votes for the post of President.

Sanjay Narula was the third candidate in the fray Contd. on page 28

2014 Aspirations & Optimism As 2013 ends, the travel industry is all set to welcome the New Year with much optimism. It is buoyant that the upcoming year will do the trick to grow.

T

Chairperson, WTTCII

Easier medical visa The amendments propose that it will not be a must to report to the FRRO for those travelling on medical visa and staying for less than 180 days.

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Dipak Deva

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TT B U R E AU

M E G H A P AU L he Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) elections in Bengaluru have been historic, as for the first time there has been a tie for the top post of the Association.

TAAI will go for a re-poll on January 27 in the headquarter city of TAAI, Mumbai for the post of the President. The election took a dramatic turn

TRAVTALK

travtalkindia.com

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

here is a growing belief among stakeholders in our industry that 2014 will be a much better year. In fact, there are many positive factors that make one believe that indeed the growth momentum will be much higher. We, at WTTCII, will make all possible efforts to help private and public sector stakeholders to better the tourism landscape in India.

I

Subhash Goyal President, IATO

ndia deserves a substantial share in global market of international tourists that is over 1 billion. We, at present, get just over 6 mn FTAs. In 2014, there will be more tourism-friendly initiatives that will be introduced to build on the growth mechanism. These measures can help us double our inbound market, as envisaged in the 12th Plan period.

See more on page 6

he long-pending demands of stakeholders in the medical tourism are likely to be addressed soon. The Ministry of Home has assured the setting up of a high-level committee, after the meetings of their officials with the Tourism Ministry.

As per the decisions taken in the meeting, the government is likely to liberalise rules for medical visas, increase in frequency of visits and exemption from police reporting for patients.

According to highlyplaced sources in the ministry of tourism, “During the recent meeting between K Chiranjeevi, Minister of Tourism (I/C) and Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Minister of Home, many issues pertaining to liberalization of medical visa regime had been addressed.”

“The MHA has agreed to issue a circular, which will ensure that it is not a must to report to Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO), if the medical visa is for less

K Chiranjeevi Minister of Tourism (I/C)

than 180 days. Visitors on a medical visa will also be granted four entries in a year, Contd. on page 28

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ASSOCIATIONS

Deva is new Chairperson, WTTCII WTTCII had been an instrumental force to push for policy reforms and the recently constituted Southern Zonal Tourism Advisory Council had been its brain child.

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he Annual General Meeting of the World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) was held on 5 December 2013 in New Delhi, where new office bearers of WTTCII for the year 2014 were announced.

“Dipak Deva, CEO Destination Management, India & South Asia, Kuoni Destination Management has been appointed as Chairman, WTTCII for the year 2014.

Deva, who was the Vice Chairperson of WTTCII for the year 2013, takes over from Priya Paul, Chairperson, The Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels who completed her term at the recently held AGM in Delhi,” said the press communiqué.

Speaking exclusively to TravTalk on resuming the office, he said, “WTTCII has been at the forefront to further growth in the tourism industry. WTTCII is also an instrumental force to push for policy reforms and many other initiatives. In fact, the Southern Zonal Tourism

Advisory Council had been a brain child of WTTCII.” “We now look forward to making it functional.

The southern states had agreed to set up the secretariat for SZTAC, which in my opinion will be functional in the early part of 2014,” he added.

An ardent supporter of the visa liquidity, Deva promptly points out his intention to push for easy access to Indian visa.

Dipak Deva Chairman, WTTCII and CEO Destination Management, India & South Asia, Kuoni Destination Management

tourist’s expectations for a hassle free visa experience, without any undue delays.

The recently announced extension of Visa on Arrival facility to five new ports including Goa and Kerala are steps in the right direction. Earlier, we used to face a peculiar position with our clients from Finland. Over 50 per cent travellers from Finland come on a charter flight to Goa. But, they so far couldn’t avail the visa on arrival in Goa, although Finland was included in the VoA scheme in 2011,” he added.

“We have addressed several issues related to Visa. However, we need to take more facilitative steps, else we will never reach our true potential in terms of inbound tourism.”

before a holiday. As of today, our visa processes need to further gear up to meet the

“Today, people do not want any hassle on a holiday. More importantly, they are not prepared for any hassle, or inconvenience

N Now, Deva aims at pushing for easy access to Indian visa and to make SZTAC operational

New Vision & Mission N Dipak Deva, CEO Destination Management, India & South Asia, Kuoni Destination Management has been appointed as Chairman, WTTCII for the year 2014 N Deva, who earlier was Vice Chairperson of WTTCII for the year 2013, takes over from Priya Paul, Chairperson, The Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels N Paul completed her term at the recently held AGM in Delhi

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TIME MACHINE

23 years ago

VIEWPOINT

Associations & Conventions

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onventions in this day and age are becoming important knowledge centres for the industry. There was a time when trade confidence was so high that attendance in business sessions used to be very low, but today the rooms are overflowing with delegates hanging on to every word and throwing question after question to the experts. These sessions are valuable tools to find ways and means to stay profitable in today’s very competitive environment. With innumerable conventions taking place, there are some lessons we need to learn from them.

It is essential to ensure the timing of a convention suits the target audience, not the organisers. If a thorough study is done to avoid other conventions, festivals, holidays, financial year-end taking place at the same time, a good turnout can be guaranteed. With the availability of a variety of destinations, it is important to make the right choice at the right time. Where are the maximum participants coming from and is the city well-connected by air? The convention venue should be within the vicinity so that there is a free flow of delegates.

Association elections along with conventions are a big ‘No No’. This way the focus of business is diverted towards discussions on who should be their elected leaders. At a recently held convention, hatemails and disrespectful messages were sent to the entire membership. This practice is unnecessary and a protocol should be followed to afford respect to the elected office bearers.

The old guard is missing! Some years ago, the central and regional committees of associations used to have timely meetings and discussions on issues plaguing the industry and then would call for a press conference to inform them about decisions taken. This way the whole fraternity was kept informed about work in progress. We cannot allow this healthy continuity to disappear.

Many associations have large cash reserves for a rainy day. Have they ever thought about what it is for? Let the elected members use this for the benefit of the membership and not just build interest on it year after year.

Vikramajit Chairman SanJeet Editor & Publisher Deepa Sethi Editor-in-Chief

Editorial Ratan Kr Paul Vivek Sethi Megha Paul Devika Jeet Anita Jain News-Editor Peden Doma Bhutia Desk-Editor Archana Sharma Sr. Sub-Editor Hritvick Sen

Advertising Gunjan Sabikhi Asst. Vice President Aarti Nagrath General Manager Karishma Khanna Sr. Manager Marketing Udit Pandey Sr. Manager Marketing Geetika Pathak Manager Advertising Amit Sarkar Asst. Manager Marketing Photographers Simran Kaur-Delhi Bharat Dangiya-Mumbai

Vol. I No.4

The Travel Trade Newspaper

December 1991

Rs. 15.00

All roads seemed to converge in Bengaluru as TAAI held its recent convention here.

The state has witnessed a boom in tourism in these recent years. takes us 23 years back when Karnataka was gearing up to launch new initiatives to boost tourism infrastructure and tourist traffic.

Karnataka tourism is spending a lot of its time and money towards the promotion of water sports facilities. Government of India has spend Rs. 8.6 lakh towards development of such projects. We hope to make water sports operational by the end of March 1992. Infact, this is being promoted as a medium of self employment. We select young talent and send them to Goa for training. The equipment is given to them by the government of India through KSTDC. The water sports facilities available range from canoeing, kayaking, speed boat racing, paddle boating to wind surfing. We have also identified 25 water bodies throughout the state and hope to start our first centre by January.

Letter to OTOAI from British High Commissioner Guldeep Singh Sahni, President Outbound Tour Operators Association of India B-8 Aman Chambers, Main Pusa Road 47/21-22, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110060 I wrote to you back in August about the status of the UK visa bond proposal and to remind your Association’s members of the quality of the UK visa service in India.

I am now able to provide you with final reassurance on the UK visa bond scheme. British Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed in an interview with The Times of India on 14 November that the UK government has decided not to proceed with the visa bond. There will be no visa bond scheme. You can find the full interviewat http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-14/uk/44073025_1_the-uk-security-relationship-innovation.

This decision comes on the back of a number of new measures to make the UK visa service even better for Indian travellers to the UK. As well a range of new services for business, we have introduced new measures to benefit other visitors.

The same day visa has proved so successful and popular in Delhi and Mumbai, we have extended it to our third visa processing office in Chennai. Also in Chennai, we have decided to pilot a passport passback system. This service will allow applicants to keep their passport while their visa is being processed. This means they can travel or apply for another visa if they need to, reducing the time it takes to get two visas I am sure these steps will be seen as good news by you, your members and all Indian visitors. You all remain most welcome in the UK.

Sir James Bevan KCMG British High Commissioner

Advertising (Mumbai) Suchita Saran Branch Manager Harshal Ashar Deputy Genral Manager Priyanshu Wankhade Asst. Manager Advertising Rishika Karra Sales Coordinator Advertisement Designers Vikas Mandotia / Nitin Kumar Aarushi Agrawal Design: Nityanand Misra Sudhir Mudgal Production: Anil Kharbanda Circulation: Ashok Rana

TRAVTALK is a publication of DDP Publications Private Limited. All information in TRAVTALK is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The publisher regret that he cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views expressed by third parties in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared by TRAVTALK. However, we wish to advice our readers that one or more recognised authorities may hold different views than those reported. Material used in this publication is intended for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific

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ASSOCIATIONS

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

TRAVTALK

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ADTOI crisis leads to mid-term elections As per the Disciplinary Committee, 2013-15 elections were void and they held charges of abuse of power as true.

Verma, Khanna and Sawhney have already tendered their resignations. reports…

VIVEK SETHI

T

he team representing Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) for the term 201315 has been dissolved on 27 November 2013. This was announced at the extraordinary general house meeting held in New Delhi on the basis of unanimous sense of the house. The members thought so after hearing the findings of the three member Disciplinary Committee

Who said What Rajesh Mudgill, Chairperson,Disciplinary Committee, ADTOI Our 3-member committee had probed charges against the election process for 2013-15 term and abuse of power charge against Rajat Sawhney”

PP Khanna, Immediate Past President, ADTOI I had resigned because all the members of our association are like my team. If even one of them lacks trust in me, or doubts my integrity, I will like to quit than retain my position.”

Ravi Luthra, Immediate Past General Secretary, ADTOI ADTOI is a prestigious association and nothing that hurts its image, should be tolerated by the members.”

Rajat Sawhney, Immediate Past Treasurer, ADTOI I didn’t had any malicious intent.

Everything was done in a good faith to ensure that our first convention outside Delhi was successful.”

headed by Rajesh Mudgill, which observed that the conduct of election apparently looked null and void.

Presently, Mukesh Jagga, Past President, ADTOI had been appointed as the chairperson of the interim committee, which will facilitate fresh election that will be conducted shortly.

The ballot papers were numbered and there was alleged abuse of proxy voting during the said elections. The committee also held the charge against Sawhney, who had been pronounced guilty of abusing his position and wrongfully carrying ADTOI

cheques during their Srinagar convention.

Announcing its findings, Rajesh Mudgill, Chairperson, Disciplinary Committee, ADTOI, said, “It is a sad moment for us, but also an important opportunity to set such a precedent that corrects the direction of future course

of events for the association.

Our three-member committee had probed charges against the election process for 201315 term and abuse of power charge against Rajat Sawhney, who had taken three cheques from the ADTOI secretariat to the Srinagar Convention.

Before the verdict, it’s important to point out that all

records were not placed before our committee by the officebearers. The conduct of president had been objectionable.

He should have made himself present that day at the EGM, which he failed. He, in general, has been seen to be available for the rest of the world and even attended FAITH meetings.”

“On basis of our finding as per available records and dispositions, our committee holds both charges as true.

Looking at anomalies during the election process, we hold the election as null and void.

Fresh elections must be conducted at the earliest. It was Contd. on page 25

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HOTELS

TRAVTALK DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

2014 will be the charm for hospitality got in touch with different hotels and hospitality groups to find out their agendas for 2014, and how the current year 2013 has been for them and the hotel industry as a whole.

T T B U R E AU

Shervani Hospitality

Sarovar Hotels

V Resorts

SM Shervani

Sajid Mahmood

Vaibhav Dayal

MD, Shervani Hospitality and President, FHRAI

Vice President, Marketing, Sarovar Hotels

Co-Founder & Managing Director, V Resorts

In the last 20 years, we feel that we have gained expertise for both business and resort hotels of 40-60 rooms. Our focus will be on the mid-segment and budget hotels in this category to take them on management contracts and provide them with professional sales and services. We are also looking to purchase land for mid-segment hotels with the hope of getting them ready by 2017. The year 2013 has not been a great year for the hospitality industry as a whole.

The corporate and leisure markets have been hit by a slowdown, whenever there is an economic decline. The hospitality industry is the first to be hit. Cutting of costs by corporate and leisure travellers has resulted in lower occupancies.

Sarovar Hotels continues to grow.

We plan to add more hotels to our portfolio in 2014 with an additional capacity of around 700 rooms.

Overall, the industry has grown, but profitability has been under stress due to increase in capacity. We have adopted technology in order to build greener and more energy efficient hotels. So every new hotel that we build is more energy efficient than the previous one. With the help of technology we are making all efforts to reduce our carbon footprints.

In 2014, we want to move more traffic online and increase the occupancies further. Our segment is ‘offbeat leisure resorts/cottages’ and we are pretty upbeat about the prospects. Though there is an element of caution, given the general uncertainty in the market.

It has been a pretty good year for us. Our occupancy is significantly higher than last year. It would have been close to double of last year, except for the Uttarakhand tragedy, which affected us badly in the months after June. However, things have picked up since October, and overall this year is better than last year. We have seen the ARR rising by about 10 per cent over last year.

2014:

2014:

2014:

Taking management contracts / acquiring land for new mid-segment hotels

Target of adding 700 rooms

Move more traffic online

Challenges:

Challenges:

Challenges:

Natural calamities, low occupancies and economic slowdown

Gap between demand and supply

Natural calamities, general uncertainty in the market

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HOTELS

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

TRAVTALK

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A strong focus on improving business Jaypee Hotels

Zuri Hotels & Resorts

SM Azmat

Stephen Beale

Sr. Jt. President, Sales & Marketing, Jaypee Hotels

SVP Operations, Zuri Hotels & Resorts

For the year 2014, consolidation of business and occupancy for our hotels would be the agenda for us. Keeping in view the competition, we shall compete with our strong products and service delivery. We are expecting to have an increase of 10 per cent business this year from domestic business, leisure travel, with increase in MICE as well.

We will focus on customer loyalty by improving our customer relationship management and upgrading our guest information system.

With uncertain demand conditions and further supply additions it has been a very difficult year for the Indian hotel industry, where margins have halved over the last five years.

2014:

Challenges:

2014:

Challenges:

Target 10% growth in business

Competition is making all hospitality players raise the bar

Sustained GDS media campaigns, focus on customer loyalty, direct marketing initiatives

Rising prices of commodities, lack of skilled manpower, lack of infrastructure

Clarks Inn Group of Hotels SN Srivastava President, Clarks Inn Group of Hotels

Developing and expanding our footprint will continue to be our core focus along with growing new avenues of business for our hotels in the New Year.

We are expecting a robust growth in 2014. Besides, we are also planning to make an international foray in 2014 with an office in Singapore, which will not only help us in attracting new businesses from the international market, but also help us expand our footprints globally. We are targeting a portfolio of 100 properties by the year 2015-16, and we are well on the course. Our estimate suggests that the industry has witnessed 4-5 per cent slowdown in business because of a weak economic sentiment, rupee devaluation and over supply of hotel inventory. The good news is that India continues to be one of the fastest growing economies and this augurs well for us.

2014: Opening office in Singapore/100 properties by the year 2015-16.

Challenges: Rupee devaluation and over supply of hotel inventory in some of the markets.

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NTO

2013: Year of challenges While bidding farewell to this year and getting ready for 2014, Travtalk features industry sentiments — the experiences, lessons learnt, challenges faced this year.

Sethaphan Buddhani Director – Mumbai Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand Thailand stays strong amidst economic uncertainty, because the rupeebaht exchange rate is still favourable as compared to other destinations. After our initiatives to build on the luxury segment, we are seeing tremendous interest out of India. It is also heartening to see repeat visitors visiting new destinations within Thailand.

2014:

Challenges:

New flights, the growing wedding segment with its ever-increasing preference for destination weddings in Thailand and awareness of luxury in Thailand are some positives from the year gone by

The falling rupee has had its share in affecting leisure traffic across the world.

However, in the case of Thailand, this worked as a positive factor in a lot of cases as people continued to see the value proposition of the destination.

Catherine Oden Director – India, Atout France In terms of product evolution, we expect a rise in the demand for customised FIT packages to outbound destinations. We foresee a rise in the demand for outbound MICE travel, as well as experiential and luxury travel. With reference to France, we hope to see a rise in the number of Indian tourist arrivals in the coming year. This will of course depend on the economic situations prevailing then. One positive factor that could pave the way for an increase in arrivals is the temporary suspension of biometrics for all visa applications. In our attempt to increase footfalls, we are encouraging tour operators to include more overnights in France.

Through regular interactions with travel agents/tour operators, we have also encouraged the inclusion of new themes and regions that would eventually amount to Indian tourists spending a longer time in France.

2014:

Challenges:

Continue presenting offbeat destinations in France, online training programme in collaboration with Chamonix Tourist Office.

Global economic conditions and the valuation of rupee vis-a-vis its global counterparts might determine travel trends to some extent. In addition, the elections next year and key policy decisions could also influence outbound tourism.

Mischa Mannix-Opie Regional Manager – SSEA, Tourism New Zealand India is a priority emerging market for Tourism New Zealand in its new 3-Year Marketing Strategy which took effect on 1 July 2013. This will see Tourism New Zealand, nearly quadrupling its investment in the India market over the next three years and increasing its marketing programmes across advertising campaigns, travel trade development and public relations activities. Tourism New Zealand aims for significant double digit growth over the next 3 years. We plan to develop more strategic partnerships with the trade sector in 2014. We will also promote 100% Pure New Zealand to the young adventurer, the romance/luxury, families and the MICE markets. Kiwi Link, our annual trade training event, will also occur again in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai from July/August 2014.

2014:

Challenges:

More focus on MICE and promote New Zealand much more strongly to the India MICE market in 2014.

Tests for 2014 would be continuing to expand New Zealand’s aviation capacity over key hubs, and growing the understanding of breadth and depth of experiences and Indian traveller can have on a holiday in New Zealand.

Contd. on page 10

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NTO

... and of opportunities P Manoharan Country Manager – India, Tourism Malaysia In the year ahead, Tourism Malaysia aims to promote high-end tourism like spas, eco-tourism, golf, new and exotic destinations, among other experiences. We aim to tap new markets too, and reach a wider audience by going beyond Tier 1 markets, to Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. To achieve this, we will ensure that travel agents in the top 30 towns in India are equipped with all the relevant information they need to market Malaysia to their customers.

2014: Organise and participate in many travel trade platforms. Promote Malaysia has a premium family & luxury destination with international recall value at domestic rates.

Nishant Kashikar Country Manager — India&Gulf, Tourism Australia For 2014, we will continue to build on the ‘There’s Nothing Like Australia’ campaign with a focus on showcasing ‘Best of Australia’ destinations and experiences. Our trade activities will continue with upcoming trade events like the Australian Tourism Exchange expected to take place in Cairns in May 2014, etc. There will also be a strong focus on developing our online training programme the Aussie Specialist Program for travel agents. The Tourism Forecasting Committee (Forecast 2013 Issue 1), estimates arrivals from India to Australia to be 176,000 for the year 2013-14.

2014: Brand campaign in India, join marketing activities with airline and distribution partners, developing online training program for agents.

Hanneli Slabber Country Manager – India, South African Tourism The Indian market is on a growth trajectory and we expect doubledigit growth in Indian arrival figures. In 2014, we are hopeful of terrific growth from mini-metros and Tier-II markets in India. Taking that into consideration, we have aligned our key marketing initiatives for the next year in these markets as well apart from metros.

For agents, I’ll say that the time of knowing the destination without knowing the customer is over. The time of offering one size fits all travel solutions are over. You want new business; stop doing the same old things over and over again. Select your partners carefully - they need to adhere to your business standards, but they also need to adhere to your internal ethics model.

2014:

Challenges:

Develop relation with trade, engage Indian travellers, undertake multiple initiatives in tier II cities

Direct flights to South Africa

SanJeet India Representative, Department of Tourism, Philippines The Philippines has been witnessing continued growth in the number of visitor arrivals from India. India is an emerging market with a vast source of potential travellers. The tourism board is expecting to bolster Indian travel to the Philippines through integrated marketing efforts in 2014. There will be an increase in the number of travellers from India in the coming years. Philippines is fast becoming a destination of choice amongst Indians, coupled by increasing level of disposable income for leisure and travel-related pursuits amongst the affluent.

2014:

Challenges:

Launch specialist programme for travel agents.

Going by the trends, we only hope that there is no further slowdown in the economic scenario.

Contd. on page 34

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ASSOCIATIONS

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

TRAVTALK

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Sustainable Tourism Summit in Feb 2013 ASSOCHAM will put forth a co-operative model of growth in tourism and create scope for more growth opportunities in even the remote corners of the country.

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ipak Haksar, Chairperson of ASSOCHAM’s National Council for Tourism and Hospitality (NCTH) announced working on a Sustainable Tourism Summit by early February 2014.

According to him, the idea is to work on building an innovative interactive platform that helps in building new circuits. The sustainable tourism summit will focus on building the co-operative

Dipak Haksar Chairperson of ASSOCHAM’s National Council for Tourism and Hospitality (NCTH)

model of tourism that will include empowering guest house owners, local guides and many other such service providers.

“We are determined to undertake strategic initiatives under our ASSOCHAM banner that help in creating new circuits and in opening new business opportunities to various service providers in travel and hospitality industry,” said Haksar.

India 2nd fastest growing market The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, KC Venugopal informed that India is the second fastest growing country in air traffic after China. There has been a consistent increase in air traffic during the last three years except in 2012.

Passenger number (millions) carried by domestic carriers in 2013 has been 50.7 million, registering a growth of 4.77 per cent as compared to the previous year.

The 2013 data is for period between January and October. The rise in air traffic growth is significant when compared to the top ten countries of the world in civil aviation. To further this growth, the Government has been pursuing with the state governments to reduce VAT on ATF.

“The Sustainable Tourism Summit will put forth a co-operative model of growth in tourism. Most importantly, it will create scope for more growth opportunities in rural areas and for the workforce engaged in agricultural sector.

Eventually, through co-operative model of growth in

tourism, the economic fruits will start reaching the remotest corner of the country. It will achieve another crucial goal of enabling women empowerment,” he added.

At the NCTH meeting, Haksar also pointed out that ASSOCHAM has been in touch with many state

tourism boards and it will like to bring many of them to interactive platforms. “We are keen to look at creation of various sub-groups and interactive platforms. One such channel will look at bringing together stakeholders in the state tourism boards,” he said.

“At the recent meetings with

the state of Gujarat and Odisha, we had received positive response. Going forward, we will engage with various progressive states and also the states that had lagged behind to be able to harness the true potential of domestic and inbound tourism in India,” he added.

Working Model N The idea is to work on new interactive platform that helps in building new circuits N The summit will focus on building the co-operative model of tourism

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TRAVTALK DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

A Signature Experience for Canada tourists The Canadian Tourism Commission welcomed Indian agents at Canada House, New Delhi, recently as they introduced the Canadian Signature Experiences Collection in India.

The event was attended by H.E. Stewart G. Beck, High Commissioner, Canada; Siobhan Chretien, Regional Managing Director, Emerging Markets, Americas/Asia for CTC and SanJeet, India Representative, CTC.

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NTO

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

‘The Indian middle class is our target’ The India office of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) officially launched the Canadian Signature Experiences (CSE) collection in the South Asian market. Siobhan Chretien, Regional Managing Director, Emerging Markets, Americas/Asia for CTC, explains what it entails.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA

What is the Canadian Signature Experiences Collection?

The Canadian Signature Experiences Collection is made up of over 100 products and experiences throughout Canada, of which we have selected approximately over 20 products that are available for sale and ready for travellers travelling from India to Canada. There are products across Canada, hotel chains, experiencing our railway, to very unique experiences in the wilderness like polar bear watching. It offers a great medley of adventure, as well as unique, exotic and compelling experiences that will surprise the Indian public and they'll love them and share them with their friends and family.

What makes a particular experience a Canadian Signature Experience?

Owners and operators of the companies must apply

Indian travel trade are already selling to the travellers. There is an application process, we have a group of individuals who review that process. There are many criteria - How long have you been in the field?

What makes you compelling and unique? What brings you into the culture and history of being Canadian?

There are lots of attributes to fit into the criteria and these are then reviewed and scored accordingly.

What was the decision behind launching it in India?

Siobhan Chretien Regional Managing Director, Emerging Markets, Americas/Asia for CTC

to become a CSE member.

There are very rigorous criteria involved and the ones that are being promoted for India are experiences the

We had the programme initiated just over a year ago, and we launched it first in Japan. India is our final destination. India is an emerging country to Canada and is one of the newest destinations that we market in. We wanted to take the time and opportunity to introduce the

product to the market first, before initiating a launch.

More and more of our key accounts are hearing from clients who want to visit Canada.

The CSE collection will help us promote Canada by showcasing to Indian travellers what they can enjoy in our beautiful country.

Is the CSE intended for a select crowd in India?

The Canadian Signature Experiences Collection is named to create a cache for sure. We don't market CSE to a select crowd, we market Canada to a select group. There's a certain customer segment that will travel to Canda and that's who we market to and

that's our target crowd. The biggest thing that we have in mind is the growing middle class in India that is burgeoning. That's a big target for us, so we want to ensure that the Indian public understands what a beautiful and wonderful place Canada is. We want to be considered as one of the beautiful destinations that Indians come to visit.

What else is CTC doing in India?

The travel trade programme is the biggest element of the work that we do within India, this will be an important component of the Canada specialist programme. We have a sales team who travel throughout India, training agents.

This CSE Collection is within the programme and it's a bit of a cache that allows us to tell a story that's interesting about Canada.

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Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels to roll out ‘The Zone’ Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels will unveil their new upscale four-star brand ‘The Zone’ by The Park Hotels - from the first quarter of 2014.

The first hotel under the new branding is scheduled for opening in the first quarter of 2014 at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. As per Vijay Dewan, Managing Director; the 80-room hotel will become operational in March next year.

The second hotel under the same branding with similar inventory size is expected to become operational in June-July, 2014 at Raipur in Chhatisgarh, he said. The group has also signed another property in Chennai, which again will be branded as The Zone. The new brand would be positioned as upscale four-star brand to act as a ‘catalyst for social change’ in Tier-II and Tier-III cities in the country

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ASSOCIATIONS

TAAI-2013: Making business better The 61st Convention & Exhibition of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), was recently held in Bengaluru. spoke to the TAAI Convention Chairperson and former office bearers of TAAI on how they managed to give a successful show at the TAAI Convention.

Connect, cooperate & collaborate A N I TA J A I N

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elcoming the delegates at the India Travel Congress, Iqbal Mulla, President, TAAI said, “Delegates will not only learn about various innovative strategies to induct in their business models, but will also meet the who’s who of the industry.”

Talking about the theme for this year – ‘Connect, Cooperate and Collaborate’; Mulla said, “With the boom in tourism industry (domestic, inbound and outbound), travel agents need to evolve their revenue models and meet the increasing needs of demanding travellers. Thus, the theme ‘Connect,

Iqbal Mulla Convention Chairperson, TAAI

Cooperate and Collaborate’ is apt for the current market conditions.”

TAAI will ensure that delegates receive knowledge from the experts of the industry. Delegates will also get an opportunity to meet exhibitors in ITTE (India Travel & Tourism Expo)

2013, wherein more than 30 exhibitors are showcasing their product lines.

According to Mulla, the exhibitors are offering products which offer alternate revenue streams for travel agent’s business. He said, “Be it agency commission or passport/visa making; travel agents can no more rely on these services to sustain in business. Agents need to evolve in the business models by diversifying their revenue streams. To help them to grow; TAAI as an association is undertaking various initiatives that will be highlighted during the next two days. All a travel agent has to do is identify the potential, analyse their specialisation and target the right audience.”

Knowledge growth need of the hour agents who may not otherwise be able to network with such a broad spectrum of people from the travel industry,” he stated.

M E G H A PAU L

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ccording to NM Sharafudeen, Former Vice President, TAAI, the challenge today is to create new manpower in the industry and then make it more trained and skilled.

While most conventions are conducted as stand-alone events, TAAI is going that extra mile by clubbing the Congress with ITTE. The theme of this year’s convention Congress 2013 is ‘Connect, Cooperate & Collaborate’ which is too apt. Giving the travel agents that extra push for making new connections is the need of the hour, Sharafudeen pointed out.

ITTE, this year, spans approximately 1,000 square

NM Sharafudeen Former Vice President, TAAI

metres, comprising approximately 35 to 40 stalls. “The Expo will witness participation of major tour operators, travel agents, state tourism boards and NTOs, along with travel technology providers. The move to merge the Indian Travel Congress with ITTE will provide a great networking opportunity for TAAI travel

According to the Vice President, the challenge today is to create new talent. “We need to increase manpower in the industry and then make this manpower more trained and skilled,” he suggested. In a bid to fill the gap in this employment ratio, TAAI has also tied up with TRS Skills Academy. The Academy is committed to provide skills, knowledge and behavior training services in the travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industry through development of professional certification programs, he added.

‘Every agent needs remuneration’ into consideration. Also, a point that we have been stressing on for long is that tourism has to be recognised as an industry.

This is our key concern that will help streamline things for representatives of the travel and tourism industry.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA

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G Shankar, Former Treasurer, TAAI, talks about his expectations from the Convention in Bengaluru and why more clarity is needed in the service tax area.

How will the TAAI Convention help travel agents?

Every convention helps one to nurture and share one’s knowledge. The TAAI Convention helps bring every category of membership together. This year, we have taken a conscious decision to hold the ITTE exhibition during Day 2 and Day 3 of the convention, so that this allows for better networking facilities.

What are your expectations from the convention?

We want maximum mileage to market the product. We want better networking and connect with

NG Shankar Former Treasurer, TAAI

people from all sectors of the tourism industry. We want to make sure that the business sessions are relevant to the representatives of the industry.

Any policy initiatives that you would suggest?

We want more clarity in the multiple service tax areas for various sectors.

For example; for airline tickets, tax is being levied by the airlines, the airport authorities and the agents, we just need to streamline this, so that the interest of the client is also taken

Will we get commission back in 2014?

Commission is the component payable to the agent – every single agent needs to be remunerated.

The fares should include the remuneration payable to the authorised agent. If this remuneration is not fixed, the customer may be misguided as different agents may charge customers differently for their services. Commission should be collected as part of the fare. It should be a component of the fare collected from the passenger.

These are testing times, and as an industry we need to collaborate, connect and cooperate.

Kerala government sanctions ` 47 lakh for Arippara tourism Kerala has recently inaugurated the construction of a facilitation centre near Arippara waterfall in Thiruvambadi district of Kerala. The state government had already sanctioned ` 47 lakh for beautifying the premises for tourists.

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AVIATION

Setting & breaking records Virgin Atlantic India has had a record year, with large growth in capacity. As the share of market to London remains robust, the airline also sees many passengers choosing to fly onwards to US destinations.

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e have witnessed a strong demand in premium economy from India, with impressive growth last year from both Delhi and Mumbai, making us the market leader in this sector,” said Stephen King, General Manager, Virgin Atlantic India, “Our Mumbai route is doing extremely well since its launch and has stimulated the Premium Economy market. For example, the Mumbai-to-London market has grown by 67 per cent since we launched our flights,” he said.

With robust growth of routes from Mumbai to the US, the airline remains focussed in growing their market share. “We are currently focussed on Delhi and Mumbai, with connectivity from Tier-II cities through partnerships. However, we will begin to take more fuel-efficient Boeing 787 aircraft next year, and

Stephen King General Manager Virgin Atlantic India

We have two non-stop flights daily into India, making it the second biggest country we serve it would present an opportunity for us to add additional services to India in the future,” he added.

India is an extremely important market for Virgin Atlantic. "We have two nonstop flights daily into India, making it the second biggest country we serve. Our strategic alliance with Delta Airlines has created an expanded trans-Atlantic network offering connections to more places in the US, via London Heathrow for customers originating in India.”

On their India routes, they have tailored the service to meet Indian passenger needs, and the biggest factor is offering an extra bag for free (two bags of 23 kg in Economy and three in Premium Economy).

The airline works closely with the travel trade and a large proportion of their business comes via travel agents in India. With the airline’s domestic flying service, Little Red, they added 26 domestic flights a day within the UK. The new schedule has been tailor-made to ensure great connectivity from Delhi and Mumbai.

Visitors to China up by 11% China Southern Airlines witnesses unprecedented growth in terms of passenger numbers with India fast becoming an emerging source market for China; a fact sealed with the increase of flights between Delhi and Guangzhou.

RAMYA J S D’ROZARIO

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urrently operating more than 500 passenger and cargo aircraft, the airline load factor also experienced proportionate increase to the passenger growth. The tourism exchange and cooperation between India and China has increased in the recent years.

“The first 7 months of 2013 witnessed an increase of 13.7 per cent over the corresponding period last year. The inbound travel from Mainland China increased by 11%,” said Chen yong Guang, General Manager, China Southern Airlines.

China has become an important business hub for

Chen yong Guang General Manager China Southern Airlines

the trader and SME segment in India. Also, a lot of MNCs have diversified with their offices in China prompting more corporate travel from India. “It is imperative for China Southern to remain focussed on market segments such as leisure, MICE, corporate and individual travellers in order to retain long-term presence in the India market,” he added.

Introduction of double daily between Delhi and Guangzhou from November 13, 2013 has opened up connectivity to a host of new destinations. The airline intends to strengthen the corporate travel segment to destinations beyond China, and hopes to look at entering more cities in India. “China Southern wants to fly to more destinations in India, like Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, however, we don’t have any JV rights right now.”

The airline constantly updates the agents of its sales policies through e-mailers. One-on-one meetings with travel agents are a conventional yet a very strong tool for creating brand awareness. Product presentations and familiarisation trips are also conducted to provide first-hand information.

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Karnataka bets on wildlife tourism The state is eyeing to tap the wildlife tourism segment by launching new innovative products, which were seen at the World Travel Market-2013. reports more on its new strategy. that Anderson is the perfect brand name to lure wildlife tourist to the state, “Almost every destination in a particular stretch, ranging from BR Hills to Malnad to Dandeli, has been explored

by Kenneth Anderson and we had discussions with the Ecotourism Board to create these trails. Three

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arnataka has always promoted its tourism industry on its heritage, culture and architecture. However, the World Travel Market 2013 witnessed the state pitching wildlife and adventure tourism for the first time. Some of the leading tour operators have hinted

The Karnataka Tourism delegation at WTM 2013

We are trying to host one of the immediate PATA Travel Marts and even offer many of our properties and destinations for smaller PATA meets Arvind Jadhav Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), Govt. of Karnataka that wildlife could become the backbone of Karnataka’s future, and will be an ideal platform to expand its product portfolio, especially amongst foreign travellers.

Talking about new initiatives this year, Arvind Jadhav, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka said, “One of our key focus areas of this year

was to push tie-ups with some of the leading organisations in world tourism. With the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), we are trying to host one of the immediate PATA Travel Marts and even offer many of our properties and destinations for smaller PATA meets. With the ITB, we are trying to look for training and development that can be imparted to the tourism trade in the State.”

The state tourism department also launched the ‘Kenneth Anderson Trails’ brand, which will lure travellers who are interested in wildlife and nature trails.

Arvind Jadhav with Martin Craigs, CEO-PATA

Kenneth Anderson is an Indian-born British game-hunter and writer who chronicled all his thrilling escapades in the jungles of South India. Jadhav said

have been identified and we are in the process of getting the required number of things to be set up in order to finalise the tour program.”

Meanwhile, the state tourism board also claimed that South India’s only luxury tourist train The Golden Chariot has received 50 per cent bookings at WTM for 2014 and 2015.

After the first two years, the train has clocked a steady occupancy rate of 40 per cent.

The department claimed that tour operators from the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and even South America approached The Golden Chariot and bookings for up to 50% of the train’s capacity for the years 2014 and 2015 have been made.

An increasing number of agents have shown interest to market the luxury train exclusively in their respective markets.

Enquiries to charter the train trips and also for special events (incentives, marriages, conferences) aboard The Golden Chariot were also received.

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FAMILY ALBUM

OTOAI Convention makes waves overseas At the OTOAI Convention-2013 in The Philippines, around 280 delegates flew down from across the world to make most of this platform. Mixing fun and business at its first overseas convention, there was plenty of networking and knowledge-sharing between the agents as they soaked in the business sessions.

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FAMILY ALBUM

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

TRAVTALK

Felicitating the best of travel agents

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More than just ‘business sessions’

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And when that’s over... It’s time for fun!

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FAMILY ALBUM

Preserving memories forever...

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ASSOCIATIONS

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

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The changing face of India’s outbound Creating a milestone moment, OTOAI (Outbound Tour Operators Association of India) organised its first convention in the Philippines. Strengthening the pillars of trust that the industry has on this association, OTOAI did not leave any stone unturned to make this convention a great success.

D E V I KA J E E T

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PHILIPPINES

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he first of many successes to come their way, OTOAI’s landmark moment has been one to foster opportunities and stipulate knowledge exchange to see the industry grow further.

OTOAI went all out to raise

B2B sessions and a global outlook to the industry. We wanted to update our members with the latest happenings and help solve issues faced by the industry,” says Guldeep Singh Sahni, President, OTOAI.

against OTAs, but did not get any concrete answers. OTAs have bigger buying power and thus get better rates. We have raised this issue and have started negotiations and talks with hotels to protect us by giving us the same rates.”

Emphasising the relationships between NTOs and

ence and everyone is very happy with the way the convention has been organised.

It’s been a perfect mix of work and fun and all the delegates appreciated this. So far we have not received a single complaint from any of the delegates, which is very remarkable,” says Himanshu Patil, Convention Coordinator, OTOAI. Philippines Tourism made most of this platform and appreciated the efforts by OTOAI to support the country. “We would like to express our grateful thanks to the members and officers of OTOAI. Your commitment to us shows the way to build-

Daniel G. Corpuz

Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III

Guldeep Singh Sahni

Undersecretary, Tourism Planning and Promotions Dept of Tourism,Philippines

COO, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

President OTOAI

We plan to be more aggressive in the Indian market next year

the bar for conventions hosted by the Indian trade and made sure all its members went back with beautiful memories and ways to grow their business.

Mixing fun and business at this convention, around 280 delegates flew down from across the world to make most of this platform.

“We saw this convention as a way to introduce the product (Philippines) to our members. Once they are here, they get to see a lot regarding MICE and FIT opportunities. Our convention has been business focussed as well with talk shows; panel discussions,

We are very bullish about the Indian market and are expecting it to grow by leaps and bounds The business sessions stayed focused on the changing face of the outbound industry and discussed pertinent issues such as international hotels, NTOs, DMCs and new opportunities.

“In our business sessions, we have eminent speakers and moderators who will highlight relevant issues and show us the way forward,” says Riaz Munshi, Convention Chairman, OTOAI. Further stressing on this with examples, he says, “In this dynamic world, competition is getting harder. In our business sessions, we asked the hoteliers to protect us

We saw this convention as a way to introduce the product (Philippines) to our members travel agents was another discussion that got delegates interested. The current structure on NTOs being optimal was discussed in detail. The pertaining issue of service tax on outbound travel from India was also reviewed and being taxed on services offered in another country is one of the most concerning issues for the association.

While there was serious business being discussed, fun was not left out from this convention in the Philippines.

“This convention is also about the destination that we are promoting. Our members have got a first hand experi-

the Indian fraternity feels that the numbers of Indian arrivals are sure to increase in the coming future.

“The feedback has been fantastic and all the delegates present here have promised us that they will be promoting the destination in a big way,” says Vineet Gopal, Convention coChairman, OTOAI. He adds, “The only hiccups are visa issues for first-time travellers and direct flights, but I am sure that with the growing popularity of the destination, these will also be addressed.”

There is a lot of friendship, respect and harmony

“We are very bullish about the Indian market and can expect it to grow by leaps and bounds. A lot of support has been given to us by OTOAI and its leadership by actually continuing with their programme despite the recent calamity and we are very grateful for this,” says Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III, COO, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines.

OTOAI used its convention as an ideal platform to sign MoUs with the private sector as well as the government for joint promotions of the destination. PHILTOA and the department of Tourism were the respective bodies.

Riaz Munshi

Vineet Gopal

Himanshu Patil

Convention Chairman OTOAI

Convention co-Chairman OTOAI

Convention Coordinator OTOAI

We have started negotiations and talks with hotels to protect us by giving the same rates ing a lasting relationship with the Philippines, and we now plan to be more aggressive in the Indian market next year,” says Daniel G. Corpuz, Undersecretary, Tourism Planning and Promotions, Department of Tourism, Philippines.

Extending friendship between the two countries,

All the delegates present here have promised us that they will be promoting the destination in a big way between the Indian and Filipino people, and the country provides hospitality and warmth for the Indian tourists just the kind they would like to experience overseas. Coupled with historical, cultural, adventure opportunities, beaches and islands, Philippines makes for an ideal destination.

It was a perfect mix of work and fun and all the delegates appreciated this Having concluded a successful maiden convention, Sahni feels, “We will better these standards each time.

Being a member-driven association, the support received is the cause of this success.”

It’s the beginning of the success story written

by OTOAI.

IndiGo launches 10 new flights IndiGo is further enhancing its domestic network with the launch of 10 new flights.

Starting December 15, the carrier will operate its 5th daily non-stop flight between Chennai and Hyderabad, 4th daily non-stop flight between

Chennai and Kolkata, and daily nonstop flight from Hyderabad to Chennai, and Goa. 6E will also connect Chennai to Goa (via Hyderabad). The airline will also operate its 9th daily nonstop flight between Delhi and

Bengaluru and 3rd daily nonstop flight between Delhi and Goa, starting December 22, 2013. The new flights will provide increased frequencies on the routes and offer greater travel options for its customers.

Speaking on the addition of new routes to its services; Aditya Ghosh, President & Executive Director, IndiGo said, “It gives me immense pleasure in announcing these new frequencies from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi,

Goa, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

IndiGo is determined to provide the best travel experience to all those who wish to fly these destination. We are looking at providing affordable fares on these new routes for 6E travellers.”

Aditya Ghosh President & Executive Director, IndiGo

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AVIATION

Air Costa spreads wings in India The airline is expanding fleet size and will soon launch a mobile booking app. It already connects Vijayawada, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, etc and will soon add other cities.

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ir Costa, the first regional airline from Andhra Pradesh, is aiming to have a total fleet size of 25 aircraft by 2018 with an investment of close to USD 100 million. A flagship venture of the LEPL Group, Vijaywada, the company has decided to strategically lease-in its fleet in the initial phase due to lower acquisition cost and the flexibility in approaching the market.

Launched in midOctober 2013, the airline already connects Vijayawada, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Ahmedabad and will soon add

other destinations in the country. It intends to redefine the experience of flying by offering convenient schedules with comfortable seating space. Air Costa mission is to occupy a prominent niche in the growing air-travel market linking the metros to the Tier II & III cities in India.

Air Costa provides early morning connection and day return flights to Tier II and III cities and is not competing on the major trunk routes served by most other airlines. Comfortable and modern, the airline’s fleet has been highly praised by the travel fraternity and passengers alike. Passengers can travel without the cum-

bersome "Middle seat" and enjoy the luxury of a wider aisle with a larger view of the sky at 41,000 feet.

Growth Strategy Air Costa has a clear cut operational strategy that was designed after rigorous analysis and understanding of various economic, regulatory and business factors.

Under-served and lessercompetitive routes such as those between bigger and smaller cities, have the biggest demand in terms of potential RPKM (Reads Per Kilo per Million) and Air Costa’s foray into these untapped market will help reap higher yields. With favourable government policies and passenger projections, air travel in India is poised to grow steadily making it the third largest aviation market in the world. Air Costa’s timely entry into the market will allow it to capitalise on this surge in demand. Government’s ini-

tiative to modernise many of the Tier II and III city airports is indeed a huge boost to the airline’s strategic expansion plans. Pricing will be a key differentiator and Air Costa will follow a flexi- fare system which is dynamic and market driven.

User-friendly website Air Costa has a proven and user-friendly website wherein tickets can be booked online - www.aircosta.in. Facility is provided to book tickets through the company’s call centre by IVRS. Tickets can also be booked through authorised travel agents and web portal.

Ticketing offices are open at every operating airport. To cater to the growing smart phone user base, Air Costa will shortly launch its mobile booking application. The airlines also plans to have a dedicated Engineering complex at Gannavaram Domestic Airport for MRO purposes.

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

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Crises time for ADTOI Contd. from page 5

clearly an abuse of power on the part of Sawhney to carry the ADTOI cheques without the knowledge of the office bearers,” he added.

Earlier in April 2013, Subhash Verma was re-elected as President of the Association, PP Khanna as Vice President, Ravi Luthra as General Secretary and Rajat Sawhney as Treasurer. Verma, Khanna and Sawhney have already tendered their resignations.

On his resignation, Khanna, said, “I had resigned because all the members of our association are like my team. If even one of them lacks trust in me, or doubts my integrity, I will like to quit than retain my position as an office-bearer.

Lately, a few members had raised allegations against me.

However, it was important to bring the findings of the disciplinary committee and push for electoral reforms.”

Here Sawhney also clarified saying, “I didn’t had any malicious intent. Everything was done in a good faith to ensure that our first convention outside Delhi was successful.” On the positive side, before dissolving the house, a slew of electoral

reforms were announced.

Moreover, the general house enhanced the annual fee for members from ` 2,500 to ` 3,000. Further, to be eligible to become an active member, a turnover of ` 15,00,000 lakh will be required, which earlier was ` 5,00,000.

“It was important to set the house in order. I wish the disciplinary committee had gained access to the entire records. I am sure the findings would have been more detailed and a stronger precedent would have been set.

ADTOI is a prestigious association and nothing that hurts its image, should be tolerated by the members. I hope the new team and the election reforms will ensure ADTOI continues to play role of a catalyst in growth of domestic tourism,” said Luthra.

On the positive side N Before dissolving the house, a slew of electoral reforms were announced N Moreover, the general house enhanced the annual fee for members from ` 2,500 to ` 3,000.

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FAMILY ALBUM

WTTC-India conducts AGM in Delhi The Annual General Meeting of the World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) was held on December 5, 2013 in New Delhi. Here; Dipak Deva, C.E.O., Destination Management, India & South Asia, Kuoni Destination Management was appointed as Chairman, WTTCII for the year 2014.

China woos Indian travellers The Zhejiang Tourism Delegation, headed by Chen Jiayuan, Executive Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang Province Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, hosted a tourism promotion event in Delhi recently. Supported by the China National Tourist Office, the event witnessed the participation of the Indian travel trade community. The Chinese officials mentioned that in the recent years, Indian tourist arrivals to Zhejiang have been increasing greatly, and that they would work with agents to sustain the trend.

KSM HCI turns 10 KSM Hotel Connections India (HCI) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at Uppal Hotel, New Delhi with the travel trade business partners and nears & dears.

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HOTELS

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‘Demand up for economy hotels’

...and hung results Contd. from page 1

for the President’s post.

TAAI has appointed other office bearers of the Executive Committee which include Sunil Kumar as Vice President, Harmandeep Singh Anand as Secretary General and Marzban Antia as Treasurer for a two-year term. The six elected Managing Committee mem-

another tie between Mukesh Patel and Gurmeet Singh Vij and a re-poll will take place on January 27 for the same as well.

The elections were conducted at the Annual General Meeting of the Association immediately after the conclusion of a highly successful Indian Travel Congress, the 61st

Waiting for the finale Committee The six elected Managing sh Bettaiah, members include Loke al, Kirti Vyas, Jay Bhatia, Jyoti May Mohanraj Imtiaz Qureshi and Vijay , there was For the seventh position Mukesh Patel yet another tie between and Gurmeet Singh Vij

1

2

on January A re poll will take place for the same as well

3

bers include Lokesh Bettaiah, Jay Bhatia, Jyoti Mayal, Kirti Vyas, Imtiaz Qureshi and Vijay Mohanraj. For the seventh position, there was yet

27

Convention and Exhibition of TAAI, which also included the TAAI Travel Awards, at the Vivanta By Taj – Yeshwantpur, Bangalore.

Jean-Michel Cassé, Senior Vice President, Operations, India, Accor tells us more about the brand and its prospects in the India market.

Accor has introduced programmes like Accor Ambassador Program and STAR Program for their Travel agents. The Accor Ambassador Program is the e-learning tool for Travel Agents and the STAR Program allows the Travel Agents to get discounts on their personal stay.

K A N C H A N N AT H

Q

Kindly elaborate on your marketing and distribution strategy for the Indian market?

Strong distribution in India is a key to make stronger presence and to be able to get a meaningful market share. With a significant network of hotels in the country, today, the sales network team is located in all key feeder markets, driving business to all hotels across the country. The network is built on a strategy that gives each of the key markets its own hub that further enhances and strengthens the sales force giving the network the muscle it requires.

This extensive sales network has already shown positive results with increase in bookings from domestic travellers.

LeClub Accorhotels – Our award winning loyalty program sees a significantly higher overall spend and length of stay for members

Jean-Michel Cassé Senior Vice President OperationsIndia, Accor

versus non-members in the last one year.

Q

What initiatives do you have for travel agents?

We have signed up with India’s leading general sales agent, Connect-Worldwide to strengthen our distribution in India. Connect-Worldwide is responsible for increasing sales among Retail Travel Agents. Accor had also introduced a call centre number for travel agents to optimise the websites www.travelagencies.accorhotels.com and www.businesstravel.accorhotels.com for ease of use.

Biz travel redefined in Gurgaon With the fundamental demand getting strong, Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon targets MICE and is expecting to end the year with around 78% occupancy.

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laborating on the MICE facilities at the property, Arindam Kunar, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon says, “Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon has been at the forefront of business and social events with an array of facilities. At Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon, we partner with you to plan and create a uniquely tailored event. Our services and expertise are designed so we can concentrate on what matters the most – your event’s success.

Our 11 meeting rooms will effortlessly host intimate business meeting, convention or social event for 500.” It all starts with the two-hour response guarantee. “Within two hours, we’ll respond with space and date availability and ask any follow-up questions. You will then receive your full proposal by the next business day,” he adds.

Talking about the occupancy in the last one year, he points out, “Our occupancy has been higher than last

Arindam Kunar General Manager Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon

The influx of new hotels has certainly had an impact on the ARR trends in the city, including our hotel year based on a strategic market mix change we implemented. We should end the year with around 78 per cent.

Next year, we are targetting a similar occupancy, although our assessment says that the rates will be under pressure in the entire Gurgaon market for our category of hotels.”

The GM feels there will be recovery in the hotel industry post the 2014 elections. Speaking on whether the influx of hotel in Gurgaon has affected the ARRs, he affirms, “The influx of new hotels has certainly had an impact on the ARR trends in the city, including our hotel.

However, I feel the market has panicked and overreacted with lowering rates. The fundamental demand remains strong in Gurgaon and medium to long-term growth prospects are good.

We see a recovery post the 2014 elections and policy making speeding up. At the end, the guest is willing to continue to stay with us based on our level of service, which we are proud of having achieved in spite of new supply.” There are many trends that are changing, and that too very rapidly, in hotel industry in India– right from operations, to cost management to guest preference and behaviour trends.

“Social media will play a stellar role in any hotels stay-

ing ahead of the competition.

This would mean higher pressure on us as managers to deliver. More and more people will trust the voices on social media as they are personal experiences and unbiased. Organisations will need to harness this feedback and put to good use to enhance or create experiences. Right from delivering business results to operational process efficiency, technology will need to be deployed aggressively in the current context of guests wanting seamless experiences, as well as increasing manpower costs.

In addition, in India, the burgeoning energy cost will need serious technology investment,” he opines.

Fast Facts N For the business traveller, Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon is the preferred hotel to meet and do business N The fundamental demand remains strong in Gurgaon

We are offering special Christmas & New year packages for Pullman Gurgaon Central Park, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach and Novotel Vishakhapatnam Varun Beach.

Q

Out of all your brands in India, which brand do you think will sustain the best? Which of your brands are growth drivers in India?

Accor in India has tasted success with the rapid growth of the mid-scale brand Novotel & economy brand Ibis. These hotel brands are the real growth drivers today. The prospects for mid-scale & economy

hotels remain very strong in India. The demand for these moderately priced hotels is being driven by certain factors. These are significant and consistent growth in domestic travel for both business and leisure, a greater degree of price sensitivity among travel managers and planners due to more controlled travel budgets and changes in people’s travel habits for leisure purposes, coupled with less supply of rooms in these particular segments. Having identified these factors, Accor is in the process of developing a significant network of hotels in this category.

Accor believes, ibis hotels have a broad appeal to a wide range of people with exactly what both domestic and international travellers in the country need and want the most. Accor has opened ibis hotels within the important precincts of Gurgaon, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai Airport, Bengaluru Techpark, Nashik and recently added Jaipur.

ITQ & Via together again InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ) through Calleo Distribution Technologies recently announced the renewal of its multi-year contract with Via.com. Travelport’s global

proud to be part of Via.com’s success story where they have been instrumental in revolutionising the Indian travel industry.”

Swaminathan, Chief

Sandeep Dwivedi

Swaminathan

Chief Commercial Officer at InterGlobe Technology Quotient

Chief Executive Officer, Via.com

distribution system (GDS) powers Via.com’s portal.

Sandeep Dwivedi, Chief Commercial Officer at InterGlobe Technology Quotient, added, “ITQ is

Executive Officer, Via.com said, “Our partnership with ITQ has provided customers of Via.com with consistent 24X7 access to inventories and air fares.”

Emergency entry for patients’ kin Contd. from page 1

instead of the present three, unless the visa-holder comes under adverse notice of the police. The MHA will also consider the proposal that the patient's attendants should be given emergency entry and medical re-entry visas,” the source added.

The said committee, to be set up under a senior official of the MHA to look into all issues relating to medical visas, will include representatives from tourism and health ministries as well as health industry associations as members.

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NEWS

TRAVTALK DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Air India starts the process of joining Star Alliance At a board meeting held in Vienna on December 13, the chief executives of the Star Alliance member airlines unanimously decided to recommence the integration process with Air India.

“Star Alliance has long held the opinion that India is an important aviation market and that it should be fully represented in the Alliance,” said Mark Schwab, CEO, Star Alliance. “However, the level of change in the domestic market in recent years did not make it easy for an airline to become an alliance member.”

He added, “The market in India is now showing signs of stabilisation.

Today, we see an Air India which has successfully completed its merger with Indian Airlines and is building up a new fleet that forms the basis for a much improved level of service. This is why we believe the time is now right to recommence the integration process.”

Venetian Macau focusses on Indian MICE The Venetian Macau is strongly coming up as a year-round destination for Indian travellers. Owned

by Las Vegas Sands Corp, the resort property is targetting every segment of traveller by developing tourist attractions for every age-group.

A N I TA J A I N

FROM

M ACAU

T

he Venetian Macau is putting efforts to make the property a year-round destination for Indians by introducing multiple events, shows, celebrating festivals and even creating Disney experience. However, the property is focussing more on MICE segment from India which is booming. Apart from having the world’s largest casino, the property houses

3000 rooms besides 108 meeting rooms, 15000 seat multipurpose arena, 70,000 sq ft three-story high ballroom and Asia’s largest ballroom (6,500 sq meters of pillar-free space).

Talking about the Indian market focus, Brett Ingram, Director – Destination Event Marketing, Venetian Macau said, “India

Gambling the backbone?

Gambling revenue in Macau increased by 21.3 per cent in November this year over last year after events including an international boxing match and annual Grand Pix Motor race led to an increase in high spending visitors. Macau houses 35 casinos with eight more under construction. It is under pressure from the central government in Beijing to rely less on gambling and diversify to other types of leisure and tourism business.

Brett Ingram Director – Destination Event Marketing, Venetian Macau

We intend to further enhance our brand awareness among Indian travellers and attract more travellers

is increasingly becoming an important source market for us. Numbers are still growing with strong potential estimation but even the spend per visitor from India is amazing. We intend to further enhance our brand awareness among Indian travellers and attract more travellers. For the same, we are constantly developing events, shows and attractions to entertain visitors of all age, round-the-year.”

To have focussed strategy for India and develop the market strongly and steadily, the property will soon open its own offices in major Indian cities in 2014. The property is also developing strong hold on Indian social media channels to target the well-travelled and tech-savvy visitors. It is also developing

New Year, New Plans N To have focussed strategy for India and develop the market strongly and steadily, the property will soon open its own offices in major Indian cities in 2014 N The property is also developing strong hold on Indian social media channels to target the well-travelled and tech-savvy visitors travel packages for the coming season in association with Macau Government Tourist Office. Ingram also informed that the luxury resort would market itself as a perfect venue for Indian marriages to tap the country's tourist potential.

Suryaa’s asset-heavy model Now Rotana eyes India Unlike other hotel chains, The Suryaa New Delhi India is now among the top 10 inbound markets has adopted an asset-heavy model, and has for the Abu Dhabi-based company. The focus is to proven that this strategy works. improve the outbound business from the market.

T T B U R E AU

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he Suryaa New Delhi has evolved in its 31 years of operations. According to Luv Malhotra, Joint Managing Director, The Suryaa New Delhi; what keeps the hotel

The boom in medical tourism in India has also helped the hotel garner business. “Medical tourism in the country got a boost early 2000 onwards. We tied up with Escorts to provide them hospitality services. The idea is to

Luv Malhotra

Pankaj Mathur

Joint Managing Director The Suryaa New Delhi

General Manager The Suryaa New Delhi

going is the brilliant network of its repeat clientele.

He opines, “Most hotel companies are following the asset-light strategy. This means they are hotel management companies and the primary service is client servicing. We are an asset heavy company. We build the hotel, we own and operate it and run the show ourselves. Our single greatest success has been our repeat clientele for over 30 years.”

have rooms tailor-made for these patients. The hotel has

about five rooms especially for post-op recovery,” he informs.

Regarding the new initiatives taken in the last six months at the hotel; Pankaj Mathur, GM, The Suryaa New Delhi, says, “In the last six months, we have rolled out a one-point contact programme. This is an international programme. All guest calls in the room land at one place. It is like the helpdesk and is called the Suryaa Service. All calls here get a call-back. This has been a big advantage. It was launched three months back, and since then we have seen a drop in complaints by 50 per cent. We are also working on rebranding the property. We have redone the tagline -‘Service so memorable’. Now we are trying to internalise the caption and look at all service touch-points to make all services ‘so memorable’. ”

The HR advantage Though the industry has been growing at a fast pace, hotel management graduates opt to join other sectors like aviation and catering services where they are paid higher.

In this current scenario where retaining the workforce in the hotel industry is a problem and attrition levels are high, The Suryaa is an exception. Almost 50 per cent of the hotel staff has been here for over 20 years, claims the GM. “Recently, the hotel has also rolled out a training and leadership programme based on soft skills,” he says.

into the brand and improve our outbound business from the market. Every year, the market goes one place higher. India is the only market where we have outbound sales resource, and a dedicated person purely concentrates on projects, investments and new hotels,” he said.

M E G H A PAU L

A

bu Dhabi-based hotel management company Rotana Hotels & Resorts is looking at introducing its hotel offerings to India with a target of setting up 20 operating hotels within the next ten years. The chain which manages 50 hotels across Middle East and Africa would be coming out of the ME region in a big way in future.

The group is closer to confirming its first deal in India in the next four to five months time. This was revealed by Andy Nightingale, Director of International Sales, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation during the recent Rotana Hotels and Resorts’ first-ever India Sales Mission in Delhi.

India is a logical step for a number of reasons, he said.

It is a market on the doorstep of the UAE that is in need of more hotels as travel within and to the country booms, and because of the close ties and large Indian expatriate community here. The group will invest USD 3.5 million in Indian market to enhance infrastructure in terms of corporate office set up, HR, sales force, etc.

Andy Nightingale Director of International Sales Rotana Hotel Management Corporation

We are also looking at opening the second sales and marketing office in India for Rotana in the next one year “We are also looking at opening the second sales and marketing office in India for Rotana in the next one year,” he pointed out. Highlighting the importance of the India market, Nightingale said, “India is now among the top 10 inbound markets for the group. Our focus in this market is to attract investors

Elaborating on the company’s plans of at least 20 hotels in India both under flagship Rotana and also other sub-brands over the next ten years, Nightingale added that Rotana is looking for hotels in key cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. While no city has been finalised yet for the debut, the flagship Rotana brand will be the first to be launched in the country, he added.

Commenting on the growth trends from India to Rotana properties in Middle East, Nightingale affirmed, “There has been almost 25 per cent growth in room nights from India in 2013 alone, and it is expected to touch one lakh room nights this year. The growth has been encouraging ever since we set up sales office here.”

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NTO

Fiji grows 30% from India After recording 30 per cent growth from India in 2012, the tourism board aims at touching a bigger figure by launching a series of marketing initiatives.

A NITA J AIN

F

iji, which is one of the most exotic destinations for Indian honeymooners and FITs, is recording immense growth from India. According to Pranav Kapadia, India Representative, Tourism Fiji, Global Destinations; the year 2013 was excellent for Fiji in terms of both numbers and awareness. He said, “On the whole, the value of packages that Indian travellers opt for did fall around the period when the INR depreciated vis-a-vis the USD. However, Fiji is a long-haul, exotic des-

Pranav Kapadia India Representative, Tourism Fiji Global Destinations

tination and the segment of travellers who opt for Fiji are not affected much by the current economic factors. We

Highlights of 2013 • Positive factor which boosted the tourism sector– Our marketing efforts over the last 3 years have been very successful & Fiji is become popular among the leisure & honeymoon segment of the Indian outbound. Also since this year there is increased

connectivity into Hong Kong from Mumbai, Kolkata & Hyderabad.

• Negative factor which deterred the growth – Increase in airline taxes & surcharges have affected numbers to Australasia

Currently, due to limited airline capacity to SE Asia, Africa & Australasia, the full potential of our outbound tourism cannot be exploited have seen an approximately 30 per cent growth in our visitor arrivals from India.”

According to him, the Indian outbound market is growing at a rapid pace.

“Additionally, the mindset of Indian tourists is changing and they are now seeking newer, more exotic destinations. Currently, due to limited airline capacity to SE Asia, Africa & Australasia, the full potential of our outbound tourism cannot be exploited,” adds Kapadia. It is now intending to achieve a growth rate of 15 per cent in visitor arrivals from India and also increase the number of nights as well as spend in Fiji by Indians. The biggest challenge is to convince the Indian travellers and set Fiji apart, says Kapadia.

Talking about the marketing and business strategy for 2014, Kapadia said, “In 2014, we plan to invest more tactical campaign with tour operators & travel agents across various media – print, online, radio & TV. We will continue hosting agents & media fams.”

DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

TRAVTALK

33

24x7booking.com Gateway IT & Travel Solutions, a Bangalorebased IT services company, has launched its online travel portal www.24x7booking.com. In an industry first, it offers never-before applications such as a Social Seating Platform, a Destination Guide Mobile App and more. It offers end-to-end, round-the-clock travel services to business and leisure travellers. The product offering includes booking of domestic and international air tickets, bus and car tickets, hotels and holidays, and even movie tickets.

The Social Seating Platform service is ideal for frequent travellers for business purposes and networking. It allows airline passengers to choose seatmates based on their interests and social network profiles. The Destination Guide Mobile App is possibly the only travel app a traveller would ever need.

It allows them not only to carry their e-tickets and hotel vouchers on their smartphone, but also guides them on destination weather, restaurants, local

events, maps, cab numbers, exclusive offers and lot more. “We know that in a price sensitive market like India, the differentiator has to be unique and provide

Raja Natesan President and CEO 24x7booking.com

something significantly new. Our core offering is innovation through technology - which empowers travellers with more control and leads to a noticeable difference in traveller experience,” elaborates Raja Natesan, President and CEO, 24x7booking.com.

24x7booking.com Chairman and Founder Sidharthan says, “24x7booking.com is a natural extension of our capabilities – our experience of the travel ecommerce industry.”

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NTO

TRAVTALK DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

The desire to explore something new Contd. from page 10

Tina Singh

Pranav Kapadia

Account Director, CTC India

India Representative, Tourism Fiji

Focussing over 75 per cent of our budget on the trade, we expect to see agents sell the destination in a big way. Our marketing activities with the trade include joint co-op ads, B2B Market Place events, workshops, increasing fam trips, etc. The CTC also launched the Canadian Signature Experiences (CSE) in India in November, 2013.

Continuing with our strategy of expanding our network to Tier-II cities, we hope to see more Indian tourists in Canada.

We intend to achieve a growth rate of 15% in our visitor arrivals and also increase the number of nights as well as spend in Fiji. In 2014, we will undertake a tactical campaign with tour operators & travel agents across various medium. We will continue hosting agents & media fams. In May 2014, we will host the first edition of FTE – Fijian Tourism Exchange in Fiji to showcase its variety.

2014:

2014:

Trade activities, participating at B2B trade shows, social media marketing, and consumer promotions

Invest more in marketing funds, FAMs and participation at trade exhibitions

Challenge:

Challenges:

The only major constraint that CTC foresee for 2014 is ‘direct’ air access from India to Canada, apart from the rising dollar (up by 30 per cent). With Brand USA coming to India, it also foresee a strong competition and are gearing up to induce intensive marketing strategies to retain their market share.

Every year, more & more NTOs are realising the potential that the Indian market holds and are investing huge marketing funds in India to lure the Indian traveller. The main challenge is to convince the Indian traveller and set Fiji apart from its competitors.

AVIATION Desmond Chacko Country Sales Manager, Finnair Finnair’s vision is to be number one in the Nordic countries and to be the most desired option in traffic between Asia and Europe. The core of our strategy is traffic between Asia and Europe, and India is very much a part of that Asia strategy. The customer potential in Asia is growing fast, so our growth opportunities are good, too. At this point in time, we have no expansion plans for the near to mid-term. However, market development and demand is constantly monitored and capacity deployed when appropriate. Finnair has gradually built on its Asian strategy during the past two decades, taking advantage of the unique geographical position of its Helsinki hub. Our focus has been and continues to be on the corporate traffic segment.

However ad hoc groups, MICE, seasonal student and VFR traffic also make a significant contribution to the business mix.

AGENTS

Of the optimistic Indian traveller Vikram Madhok

Rajeev Kale

Rajeev Wagle

Vice-Chairman, PATA India Chapter

COO – MICE, Domestic, Sports Holidays & Cruises, Thomas Cook (India)

MD, Kuoni India

2014 is going to be a year that will register strong growth. We have already started hearing positive news coming from markets like USA, Latin America, Australia, UK, and even many parts of Europe.

Business in all domains like MICE, leisure, luxury and culture will witness a major upside. To support this positive momentum, the Ministry of Tourism has already launched fresh campaigns called ‘Find What You Seek’ and ‘Go Beyond’. However, the MOT should ensure that most of the promotions are focussed and driven in a major way in economies that are showing upward trends.

Albert Dias Co-Founder, Musafir.com 2014 promises to be an exciting year for marketing, because we’ve gained several insights into the behaviour of Indian travellers over the last few months and aim to use them to sharpen our strategy. We’re looking at a minimum 75 per cent growth in turnover, and a doubled revenue contribution from hotels and holidays compared to 2013.

The depreciating Rupee had given an unrivalled impetus to domestic travel in 2013, and India has emerged as a viable holiday option, certainly a trend that we at Thomas Cook have leveraged through our attractively-priced domestic portfolio. Our product team has been expeditious to capitalise on this opportunity and has expanded the domestic product range to 953 within a year!

Tourism booster:

Shibani Phadkar Sr VP & Head - Leisure Travel (Outbound), Thomas Cook (India) The Indian traveller’s ‘Bucket List’ now comprises an amalgamation of off-beat and engaging experience that translates into a real life, mesmerizing tale. 2014 is thus going to be beyond traditional travelling, it’s going to be about delving into the unexplored. Top international destinations for 2014 will be USA, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, Australia, UK, Malaysia, Israel, Singapore, Hong Kong, Spain, Philippines, Scandinavia and South Africa

2014: Sustaining 2013 growth, tap mobile travel booking, tailored holiday planning

Tourism deterrent: Our biggest challenges in 2014 will be sustaining the growth. We see opportunities to grow in international holidays and tailored holiday planning.

In 2013, we observed trends like increased stress levels and the requirement for a break lead professional executives and DINKS (Double-Income, No Kids) to make short trips throughout the year.

Increase in number of young travellers seeking adventure and offbeat experiences are also popular. Increasing demand for travel products from Tier-II and Tier -III cities is also propelling the growth of tourism industry.

Tourism booster: Sheer optimism that the Indian traveller demonstrated during the year by not abandoning their travel plans completely.

Tourism deterrent: Macro conditions including high aviation fuel prices, and slow implementation of general infrastructure projects.

Destinations like Australia, South Africa and South-East Asia saw an increase in demand as travellers planned for short vacations.

Tourism deterrent: Consumers became more anxious due to the high volatility in the rupee.

Nikhil Ganju Country Manager, TripAdvisor While economic uncertainty and the weakening rupee drove travellers to alter their holidays, they did not abandon their vacation plans. Nine out of 10 Indian travellers admit to being attached to mobile technology when they are away, ranking above the global average (87 per cent)*. *Findings from the TripAdvisor® TripBarometer Mobile and Social survey conducted in October 2013

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TRAVTALK DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

Counting the fun and frolic in Delhi

DELHI

Abacus organised an evening full of fun and frolic in Delhi. Meeting, networking and discussing the latest technology trends, members of the travel fraternity enjoyed this evening.

Abacus cheers women power in Mumbai

MUMBAI

To recognise the contribution of women in Indian travel industry; Abacus India organised a dinner event - 'Evening of Sparkle and Shine' to present awards to 10 outstanding female entrepreneurs in the field. Jeet Sawhney, MD, Abacus India, informed that, in contrast to the other flourishing industries in the country, 70 per cent of the workforce in the travel industry consists of women.

Etihad Airways increases flights to six Indian cities With immediate effect, Etihad Airways will increase flights from 7 to 14 across the board for Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Bengaluru,

Hyderabad and Chennai to Abu Dhabi. It has increased Mumbai and Delhi flights with immediate effect, from Kochi starting June 2014,

Bengaluru and Chennai from July 2014 and Hyderabad from October 2014. On the Abu Dhabi-Mumbai and Abu Dhabi-New Delhi route, the

airline will upgrade evening flights with wide-bodied A330 and A340 aircraft from the existing narrow-bodied Airbus A320s. On the

Mumbai services, this includes introduction of Diamond First Class private suites on the evening A340 flights. New Airbus A321

aircraft, seating 174 passengers, will be used on all Abu Dhabi-Chennai services, and between Abu Dhabi and Kochi from June 2014.

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TECHNOLOGY

Clicking to a faster growth rate Clickurtrip.com is offering an enhanced travel inventory for hotels, transportation, sightseeing and much more in Saudi Arabia for worldwide agents.

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aunched in November 2013, Clickurtrip.com has already built a strong network of travel agents in India and has grown strongly. The company is a pure online reservation system especially designed for travel agencies, offering instant confirmation from its allotments and building inventory of thousands of hotels in hundreds of destinations, giving 24 hours online access to the lowest rates for hotel, transfers and sightseeing. It also enables the travel agents and tour operators to book significantly discounted services covering over 11,000 destinations across the globe, informed Muhammad Imran, CEO & Founder, Clickurtrip.com.

The company is specially focussing on Saudi Arabia and is offering an extensive option of hotels and will soon introduce transportation and sightseeing option for booking online. According to Imran, travel agents in India have certain issues while booking travel products in Saudi Arabia. He said, “Saudi Arabia has much more potential than just pilgrimage

tourism. Travel agents in India have either little knowledge about the travel products or hesitate about the quality of ground handlers.

Well, through our portal, we are now offering an extensive network of travel products which Indian agents can book online for every segment of traveller. We will soon introduce our own catering facilities in Saudi Arabia.”

To ensure a steady supply of inventory to its distributor partners, the company’s professional contractors maintain constant communication with a wide range of hoteliers, transporters & suppliers in their markets, from five-star to budget accommodation, vehicles and from city tour to helicopter & private Jet providers.

The company claims that all their contracted rates

(which include countries like Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China) are the lowest in the industry because hoteliers, transporters & suppliers have trusted the team of Clickurtrip.com to distribute their inventory. As a result, it is able to offer the most competitive rates and high availability even during the peak season, informed Amjad Nursumar, Director, Clickurtrip.com.

Elaborating on the focus of the company, Nursumar said, “Our core objective is focussed on connecting travel professionals around the globe to a single platform; our most advanced, reliable and pioneer technology is specifically designed for the travel trade. Our emphasis stays on seamless communication and direct connectivity to customer and supplier systems. At the same time, we are building a portfolio of thousands of accommodation options, holiday packages, Hajj & Umrah services, tour guide, transfer services, sightseeing, excursions,

attractions, restaurants and hotel reviews from all over the world.”

Adding further, he said, “Driven by market leading technology, we deliver revenue generating solutions that will help travel agents stay ahead in today's ultracompetitive marketplace.

We offer our suppliers and hoteliers with dedicated extranets, giving them full and flexible control of inventory, rates, yield and reservations.”

It’s win-win Deal for Travel Agents N

Option to book transfers in Saudi Arabia online

N

Direct contracted rates of hotels, transfers and tour service providers

N

Online invoicing, receipts and statements

N

Net discounted rates

N

Instant confirmations

N

Hold the booking option

N

Online and offline payment options

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STATES DECEMBER

NATIONAL 23

Chennai

28-30

Goa

Canadian Tourism Commission’s Workshop India Travel Mart

29

Delhi

Visit Britain’s Trade Show

JANUARY-2014 NATIONAL 3-5 10-12 13 14 15 16-18

Bengaluru Chennai Chandigarh Delhi Chennai Mumbai

16 17 17-19 20

Kolkata Mumbai Cochin Kolkata

21

Delhi

22

Chennai

23

Mumbai

24-26 24-26 27 28 28 29 30-31

Kolkata Nagpur Delhi Ahmedabad Mumbai Bengaluru Mumbai

Travel & Tourism Fair Travel & Tourism Fair Queensland Tourism’s B2B workshop Queensland Tourism’s B2B workshop Queensland Tourism’s B2B workshop India International Travel & Tourism Exhibition Queensland Tourism’s B2B workshop Queensland Tourism’s B2B workshop India International Travel Mart Cochin South African Tourism’s B2B Roadshow South African Tourism’s B2B Roadshow South African Tourism’s B2B Roadshow South African Tourism’s B2B Roadshow India International Travel Mart India International Travel Exhibition Grayline Latin America Roadshow Grayline Latin America Roadshow Visit Britain’s Trade Mission Grayline Latin America Roadshow Grayline Latin America Roadshow

11 new tourism sites in West Bengal Instead of viability gap funding (VGF) which is practised in many states, the West Bengal government will be investing on creation of “critical infrastructure” to lure private investors.

M E G H A P AU L

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he West Bengal government has identified 11 sites for developing major tourism infrastructure with the active help of private sector across the state. The state government is creating the basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, drinking water, etc. in all these identified sites to attract private investors to invest in tourism facilities like hotels, restaurants, and other facilities on a PPP model. This was revealed by Uma Pada Chatterjee, Director, West Bengal Tourism. Instead of viability gap funding (VGF) which is practised in many states, the West Bengal government will be investing on creation of ‘critical infrastructure’ to lure private investors, he confirmed.

The West Bengal government will invest ` 120 crore to develop infrastructure to attract more tourists in these circuits. “The state

is emerging as one of the fastest developing states in the country. We also want to make it a hub of working opportunity for youths of the

showcase the state in its entirety rather than confining the contour to few places like Sunderbans, Darjeeling, and Shantiniketan.

“The government has identified 207 acres of land in Gajoldoba in Jaipalguri, which is the gateway to the Doars, to be promoted as a major tourism destination.

Uma Pada Chatterjee Director, West Bengal Tourism

state, with the tourism sector as one source for employing them,” he added.

Giving more details about the key destinations identified for tourism development, Chatterjee said that Gajoldoba, Jharkhali, Western banks of Hoogly, etc. are being taken up on a priority basis by the government. The objective is to

Private investors will be invited to invest in hi-end resorts and budget hotels and a hotel management institute in Gajoldoba soon. Similarly in Jharkhali in South 24 Parganas district, land consisting of about 97 acres has been earmarked for tourism infrastructure development by the state government,” he stated.

The government has also been working on a Master Plan for the conservation of colonial heritage on

the western banks of river Hooghly. Around 116 heritage buildings have been identified for restoration by the government. National Museum of Denmark has expressed interest in conservation of a few of the heritage structures already. Since the work would involve lot of investment, the government will take up the conservation project in a phased manner.

The government has plans to convert few of these heritage structures into heritage hotels with the help of private investors.

More in the Offing N The West Bengal government will invest ` 120 crore to develop infrastructure to attract more tourists in these circuits N It is also working on a Master Plan for the conservation of colonial heritage on the western banks of river Hooghly

INTERNATIONAL 22-26

Madrid

FITUR

FEBRUARY-2014 NATIONAL 3 4

Delhi Mumbai

5

Chennai

5 6

Mumbai Delhi

7 10

Bengaluru Bengaluru

11

Chennai

12

Chennai

13

Kolkata

14

Mumbai

14

Ahmedabad

17 18 19 19 20 21

Delhi Chennai Bengaluru Mumbai Mumbai Ahmedabad

21 24

Bengaluru Chennai

24 Kochi 26 - Mar 1Kochi

Fiji Tourism’s Roadshow Austrian National Tourist Office’s Roadshow Austrian National Tourist Office’s Roadshow Fiji Tourism’s Roadshow Austrian National Tourist Office’s Roadshow Fiji Tourism’s Roadshow Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Roadshow German National Tourist Office’s B2B Event Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Roadshow German National Tourist Office’s B2B Event German National Tourist Office’s B2B Event Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Roadshow Tourism Malaysia’s Sales Mission Tourism Portugal’s Roadshow Tourism Portugal’s Roadshow Tourism Malaysia’s Sales Mission Tourism Portugal’s Roadshow Canadian Tourism Commission’s Workshop Tourism Malaysia’s Sales Mission Canadian Tourism Commission’s Workshop Tourism Malaysia’s Sales Mission Focus Canada – India

INTERNATIONAL 25-26

Johannesburg

South Africa Tourism’s Meetings Africa

For more information, contact us at: talk@ddppl.com

CII’s bid to strengthen bond of NR The 1st ‘CII Tourism Fest 2013’, which was held from December 5 to 7 in Chandigarh, witnessed a significant number of exhibitors and buyers from across the country and abroad. Inaugurated by Shivraj V Patil, Governor, Punjab & Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, the event was addressed by S. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism Minister, Punjab; Usha Sharma, ADG, MOT and several other government officials and industry experts.

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MOVEMENTS

TRAVTALK DECEMBER 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

InterGlobe Enterprises

Holiday Inn

Delhi NCR

Amritsar

Anil Parashar has been appointed as the President and CEO

JB Singh will take over his new role as President and CEO

of InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ).

Before joining ITQ, Parashar was the Group CFO for InterGlobe Enterprises and is a member of the Executive Committee. He succeeds JB Singh, who held the position of President and CEO for ITQ. Parashar is credited with over 30 years of work experience, with leadership positions at Swiss Air, Associated Cement Company and Delhi Express Travels.

of InterGlobe Hotels. Singh holds a Management Degree from Oxford Brookes University, UK. With an experience of over 26 years in the aviation industry, he brings with him a rich knowledge pool, strong relationships in the industry and experience from various aviation organisations. His priority will be to grow the business for the ibis brand in India.

ibis and Novotel Bengaluru Techpark

Kunal Shanker has joined as General Manager, Holiday Inn Amritsar, Ranjit Avenue; and would be responsible for the entire hotel operations and commercial activities for post-opening of the hotel. He has been associated with the InterContinental Hotels Group for the last 14 years in variety of sales and marketing, task force and operational assignments. Before joining the Holiday Inn Amritsar, Ranjit Avenue, Shankar was working at Holiday Inn Mumbai, International Airport, Holiday Inn Cochin and Crowne Plaza Hotel Kathmandu as Executive Assistant Manager responsible for hotel operations and sales/marketing.

Travel Tours Group

Bengaluru

Bengaluru

Ajay Sampige has been appointed as the General Manager of the ibis and Novotel Bengaluru Techpark. He is an accomplished hotelier and brings with him a wealth of experience from over 15 years in the hospitality sector. Most of Sampige’s career comes from Australia and New Zealand where he has worked in numerous international hotel chains such as InterContinental Hotel Group, Mirvac Group, Toga Hospitality, Marriott Hotels, Stella Hospitality and Accor hospitality among the major ones.

Ashwin Narayanan has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Travel Tours Group. Narayanan has over 22 years of experience in the industry and has managed sales, marketing and customer servicing roles at leading international travel brands. He holds a postgraduate diploma in Marketing Management. Over the last 8 years, he has the groups Sales, Marketing and Operations teams as COO of the group. In his new role, Narayanan will be responsible for the overall functioning and management of the Travel Tours Group.

Kempinski Ambience Hotel Delhi New Delhi

Joseph K Jose has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of Travel Tours Group. Jose holds a Masters in Tourism Management and has over 16 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. He was instrumental in starting Travel Air Representation (TTG’s wholesale division) and scaling this division over the last 5 yrs to become the fastest-growing B2B players in the country. He also assisted in Inbound Marketing for select key overseas markets. In his new role, Jose will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive growth and optimize operational efficiency of the company across verticals and branches.

Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon Delhi NCR Kumar Shubham has been appointed as the Assistant Director

Vikas Bhola has been appointed as the Director of

Raag Verma has been appointed as the

Sales and Marketing at the Kempinski Ambience Hotel Delhi. He has over 7 years of hotel sales, operations and management experience having handled diverse portfolios in corporate, travel, trade and event sales. He has previously been associated with some of the leading hotel brands like Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency and The Imperial, amongst others. Bhola holds a Hotel Management degree from the Institute of Hotel Management, Chandigarh.

Director of Sales at the Kempinski Ambience Hotel Delhi. Apart from guiding the sales team and administering daily operations, he will also support the team to achieve annual budgets, maintain market penetration index and revenue management.

An IHM Lucknow graduate, he has pursued his MBA from London along with international work exposure.

of Sales at the Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon. Kumar Shubham comes with over 8 years of experience in Sales & Marketing including a previous stint at Marriott International in the Global Sales division. He joins Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon from E18 the Experiential Marketing division of Network18 where he was in charge of MICE and Special projects.

Talking People is a special dedicated corner, created as a sounding board for who’s who of the Indian and International travel industry. With Talking People, it is our endeavour to bring you face-to-face with people.Contributed by: Deepa Sethi, Vivek Sethi & Devika Jeet

Romit Theophilus, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office India, GNTO says, “After a hard day at work, I enjoy spending my free time with my wife and unwinding with a glass of wine and good food.” Movies, music, sports shows and travelling are his pet pastimes. His favourite international holiday destinations are the Zugspitze in the German Alps and Berlin as a cultural and night-life city. In India, he and his wife love to spend their time in Goa whenever they can get away for a short time.

Vikas Abbott, Managing Director, Vasco Travel is a complete foodie and loves dining out. He enjoys Italian food and his favorite restaurants in Delhi include Diva and Magique. Wining and dining help him unwind and Abbott’s wife Geetika shares his interest. She is also a famous cake designer. In his free time, Abbott also enjoys watching cricket and exploring new places. His favorite countries are Italy and Australia.

Nicholas Lim, President, Trafalgar Asia believes in strong family ties. His most cherished travel destination is Greece.

He tries to spend as much time on a weekend with his family.

In fact, he believes that close family ties and support help in overall development of a person. He has been blessed with three kids, who are 5 years, 3 years and 5 months old.

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Postal Reg. No.: DL(ND)-11/6044/2012-13-14; WPP No.: U(C)-178/2012-14 for posting on 1st-2nd and 15th-16th of the same month at New Delhi P.S.O., RNI No.: 53492/91 Date of Publication:14-12-2013

HIGHLIGHT CII sets the ball rolling

Chandigarh and NR in focus Chandigarh recently drew immense attention of industry stakeholders, govt. bodies and policy makers as a gateway to the northern and Himalayan states, thanks to a pioneering initiative taken by the Confederation of Indian Industry. Arjun Sharma, Chairman, ‘CII Tourism Fest 2013’ elaborates on future plans for this region.

R ATA N K R P AU L

T

he recently held national tourism event called ‘CII Tourism Fest 2013’ in Chandigarh witnessed great responses from the tourism industry and the UT Government (Chandigarh) and other focus states viz Punjab, Haryana, J&K,

Chandigarh on the tourism map,” said Sharma.

Asked about infrastructure facilities in Chandigarh, Sharma maintained that Chandigarh has increased capacity of hotel accommodation. However, they needed to highlight the opportunities available here. Also, they needed government to understand the fact that tourism is socio-economic wealth creator, and accordingly to create

Arjun Sharma Chairman, ‘CII Tourism Fest 2013 Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In addition, states like Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattishgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu also participated in the event to strengthen the bond with these northern states for mutual benefits. With about 800 sqm exhibition area and 100 exhibitors and 300 industry participants at the conference from across the country, the event created huge expectations among the local travel & tourism trade practitioners.

“We are highly satisfied with the overwhelming responses from local industry as well as common people. They really appreciated CII’s effort to put

this event and I am confident that we will double the size of exhibition area in the next year,” he added. Commenting on the specific recommendations for this region, he maintained that CII will take down the observations from this event and would filter it out to various government bodies for necessary actions.

“At this event, we have highlighted that tourism is a socio-economic wealth creator. For its growth, we need to implement favourable poli-

Tourism is a socio-economic wealth creator. For its growth, we need to implement favourable policies for seamless tourist movement in the northern region

the infrastructure for the same. “Some of us have to play the role of catalyst to bring Chandigarh under limelight as a Gateway point. By organising this successful event, CII has set the ball rolling and the same has to be continued with proper followup works,” Sharma said. CII is planning to organise the ‘Tourism Fest’ every year.

Sharma emphasised on spreading tourism industry beyond the city limit. “We need to understand that tourism is not about cities; it is about the connectivity with the hinterlands. We are encouraged by strong participation from northern states in

cies for seamless tourist movement in the northern region. We need to bring the states together to market the region as a whole.

We also need to bring the road transport together in this region. For the entire region, road transport and other infrastructure facilities have to be developed simultaneously,” he felt. He, however, added that there is no immediate solution to these challenges and both the industry and government will have to work towards longterm goal. “The government has to act as a catalyst, while private sector should be an enabler. The two have to play

the different and crucial roles. Challenges are the combination of lot of factors.

Both private and government sectors have to do a lot,” he underlined.

Commenting on the emerging market trends and the strategies to be adopted by the trade practitioners, Sharma observed that the US and European markets are gradually improving.

However, domestic tourism is emerging as the strong base. Tourism related to

Greater Objective According to Sharma, the need is for global brand building and international engagement through theme-based tourism events. There should be innovation in making campaigns for target countries. “Our aim is to make ‘Tourism Fest’ the biggest and most anticipated festival and travel mart of the regions, that promotes tourism worldwide and contributes to the overall GDP and development of the region and the country,” he said.

MICE, Wellness and Wedding is also emerging very fast and these can be great products for the northern/Himalayan region as well. In addition, the industry will have to focus on religious tourism and strengthen the infrastructure for the same. On projection 2014, he is expecting at least 6-8 per cent growth for the tourism industry in India.