TravTalk India Magazine

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Vol. XXIV No. 6; March 2 nd fortnight issue 2012

TRAVTALK

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MARCH 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2012

India rocks at ITB 2012 ‘Trade gives us ideas’ Underlining how the trade plays a critical role in generating ideas, Anand Kumar emphasises on the need to engage them while informing that the ministry is pushing for increasing Visa on Arrival facilities.

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“T

he best suggestions come from the trade. Unless you involve trade and the relevant stakeholders, it cannot be done,” says Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism answering a query on the roles of Tourism Promotion Forums being organised by the Indian missions abroad. The ministry is in regular touch

Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Tourism inaugurated the India pavilion at ITB Berlin, held from March 7–11, 2012. The 46th ITB Berlin saw the participation of 1,13,006 trade visitors and 10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries. The show had over 150 Indian participants which included 6 Indian states. The Karnataka Tourism stall has been rated among the top 16 stalls while Kerala Tourism’s ‘Your Moment is Waiting’ won the Silver Prize in the Print Campaign Category, on March 8, at the Das Golden Stadttor (Golden Gate) Awards that honour the best creatives of the global tourism industry every year.

with the Indian embassies for forming the Tourism Promotion Forums. In one of these forums in Russia, members from the Indian travel trade industry have met their counterparts of that country.

These forums are working under the aegis of embassies. Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhastan, Spain, Brazil, Japan and UK are the countries where these forums have been set up. The agen-

IRCTC: Reinventing constantly Moving aggressively into hospitality and tourism, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation aims at bringing large revenues from Non-Railway Catering.

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T Rakesh Tandon Managing Director, IRCTC

he Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has identified a few growth areas which include hospitality and tourism sector. “We are moving into areas which are directly not under rail-

ways. “IRCTC has already established 30 units in and around Delhi. It has signed MoU for hospitality and management with National Institute of Food Technology & Entrepreneur Management which comes under the Food Processing Ministry. Further, it is also providing complete

package on services related to housekeeping and catering,” says Rakesh Tandon, Managing Director, IRCTC. The enterprise is already working with other organisations and will soon come out with more MoUs. Targetting the foreign tourist

arrivals is another area where the Company is looking upon.

“Recently, we had provided complete package to about 500 Chinese students visiting India. This includes airlines, rail, taxi, hotel, tourism and catering. This is a huge Contd. on page 6

Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, MOT

da is two-fold; collecting inputs from the industry on Contd. on page 6

BULLETIN

250 buyers and 211 sellers at GITB The Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) scheduled to be held at B.M. Birla Convention Centre, Jaipur, from April 15-17, 2012 is all geared up for serious business with 5,590 B2B meetings fixed till date.

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ITB in its fifth year of running has received confirmations from over 55 countries and promises a show bigger and better than last year. This show will completely focus on inbound tourism and has structured and pre-scheduled B2B meetings organised between buyers and sellers. Over 7,000 meetings are expected to materialise and 5,590 meetings have been fixed till date.

“Due to the huge success of the previous four GITBs, we have expanded the exhibition area by an extra hall. 52 extra stalls have been added this year. There will also be the presence of lead-

ing foreign tour operators from across the globe.

Around 80 per cent are

Rahul Chakravarty Additional Director FICCI

attending GITB for the first time and hence there will be new buyers for the sellers,”

says Rahul Chakravarty, Additional Director, FICCI. A foreign buyer committee for GITB headed by Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson, FICCI Tourism Committee, has been formed where the hosted foreign buyers have been carefully selected to ensure more quality buyers for this year.

Gujarat is the theme state for GITB’12 and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Karnataka, Uttarakhand are the partner states. Delhi Tourism has also taken a stall at the show.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Ministry of

Tourism, Government of India, and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), are co-organising the Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2012 at B.M. Birla Convention Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Gearing up Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Karnataka, Uttarakhand are the partner states Has structured and prescheduled B2B meetings organised between buyers and sellers

STATISTICS

Airfares up by 18% in India

VIEWPOINT

Modern India

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ortray India as a nation that knows how to work hard and party harder! As a country we have gone through a visible transformation... India today is ‘happening’, it’s the IT hotspot of the world, it’s forward thinking, Indians are hep and happy, they have the money and love to spend! It’s a young nation, who knows how to live in harmony while being aggressively ambitious and demanding.

We need to understand today’s travellers. They look for comfort, quiet and fun with familiarity; if they can see some history alongside, it’s a bonus! If they are looking for new experiences we have them around every corner.

So why can’t we present our country at world expos and travel marts with a difference? It will require our travel companies step out, discover and package new destinations. They need to go beyond the Golden Triangle, Kerala and Ayurveda.

We now have beautiful resorts in little towns and excellent highways for that different experience. Our adventure camps and wildlife parks dotted around the country are among the best in the world... And, they offer accommodation to suit all pockets. Our travel agents need to discover India themselves before displaying it to the world.

Majority of expo participants sell the same packages and have been doing so for years. They portray India as a colourful nation, still living with the Maharajas in all their splendour while ‘slumdog’ poverty flourishes in the streets.

The India Pavillion at every travel mart looks beautiful in oranges and pinks with every kind of drum being played by dancers with painted faces and exaggerated histrionics. We as a nation are not only a place to spend a comfortable relaxed holiday but also to be looked and marvelled at. We do also have beautiful beaches and crisp mountain air, along with some of the best hotels & resorts.

So, let’s start by displaying the modern face of India at travel marts, which also has rustic beauty, history and culture, where our guests can relax and unwind in comfort and luxury, with people who epitomise service and treat their guests like gods. Let the world know ‘India is Hot and Happening’!

Vikramajit Chairman SanJeet Publisher Rupali Narasimhan Editorial Director Deepa Sethi Editor

Editorial Ratan Kr Paul Megha Paul Anita Jain Justin Thomas Desk-Editor Archana Sharma Sub-Editor Raina Mandal Divya Goyal Photographer Simran Kaur

Advertising Gunjan Sabikhi General Manager Karishma Khanna Sr. Manager Marketing Megha Puri Manager Marketing Amit Sarkar Sr. Marketing Co-ordinator Advertising (Mumbai) Suchita Saran Branch Manager Harshal Ashar Deputy General Manager

High inflation rates and network disruption narrowing supply in the market have increased fare types across the board. Economic pressures and supply variance meant that LCCs have also increased airfares, which has pushed the price of domestic travel up significantly, says the recent American Express Business Travel Monitor.

TT B U R E AU hile fares across the board increased four per cent last quarter, domestic fares within India increased more than any other fare type, with fares up 18 per cent. Conversely, fares to the EMEA region and Americas were flat last quarter, according to the most recent American Express Business Travel Monitor. In comparison, in the Asia Pacific region fares overall were up by two per cent and domestic fares were up by four per cent.

Fares from India to EMEA sector remained flat last quarter, though has seen a significant increase in fares (nine per cent Y-oY in fares compared to the region’s three per cent), which can be attributed to high inflation rates, as well as lack of supply and rising fuel costs.

The Eurozone economic uncertainties at the end of last year were responsible for fares to this region remaining flat.

Talking about the development, Sandeep Shastri, Vice President and General Manager, Global Business Travel, India, revealed, “High inflation rates and network disruption narrowing supply in the market have increased fare types across the board. Economic pressures and supply variance have meant that LCCs have also increased their airfares, which, has pushed the price of domestic travel up significantly, particularly during the last quarter.”

Likewise, the weakness of the US economy has contributed to fares from India to the Americas being flat in the last quarter. Variances in fare prices to the Americas also had a plateau effect on fares to the region in the last quarter. In India, the airfares to Americas grew marginally by two per cent compared to the same period in 2010.

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Advertising (South India) Vinu V Nair Regional Head-South India Advertisement Designers Vikas Mandotia Nitin Kumar Renuka Mahich Design: Nityanand Misra Sudhir Mudgal Production: Anil Kharbanda Circulation: Ashok Rana

Airfare from India to Intra Asia Pacific grew two per cent Q-o-Q but grew strongly at 10 per cent Y-o-Y. Intra Asia Pacific fares for the region grew by only one per cent Y-o-Y, in comparison. Shastri added, “Overall, the results of last quarter have demonstrated a shift in the way companies in India are doing business – their focus is on exploring domestic and regional opportunities and moving away from the uncertainty associated with doing business in Europe and the US. In India, with the current situation on supply and network the fares are likely to stay up for domestic travel at least for the quarter.”

“There is a possibility of International west bound fares also

TRAVTALK is a publication of Durga Das 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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firming up marginally due to consolidation in the US carriers. We are witnessing a large number of corporates in India starting to review their corporate policy vis-a-vis domestic airlines and review their current partners and domestic policy,” he added.

Business Travel Monitor Key Trends for Oct – Dec 2011 Domestic fares in India go up 18% compared to 4% in Asia Pacific High inflation rates, economic pressure, network disruption push domestic fares up EMEA fares go up 9% Y-oY owing to rising fuel cost and lack of supply Economic uncertainty in the last quarter responsible for fares remaining flat Weak US economy kept fares to US flat last quarter

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AVIATION

MARCH 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2012

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‘Hike in Airport Tariff to impact Aviation’ A study by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) supports the increase in airport tariff at Delhi Airport and could potentially influence future similar infrastructure projects in the country.

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he Indian airport regulator’s decision on a tariff hike proposal by the operator of Delhi’s international airport may impact infrastructure projects as well as the civil aviation sector, S&P Services said in a report released recently.

“In our view, higher tariffs could negatively affect the credit quality and resilience of some low-cost airlines operating out of Delhi. Large international full service airlines may reduce the number of flights to the city, but we don’t expect them to cease operations to Delhi or move their hubs to the lower-cost airports,” the report said.

“The potential large increase in tariffs at Delhi airport emphasises on the need for a detailed public-private participation policy and planning at all levels of the government,” the report highlights.

Top picks for spring 2012 Helsinki’s World Design Capital year is well on its way. Under the running theme ‘embedding design in life’, hundreds of projects are centred upon improving the quality of life through design. Here’s a few top picks for spring 2012: Restaurant Day on May 19 The Chapel of Silence opens May 10 in the city centre INDEX: Award Exhibition outdoor event May 10 - June 10 Two Fashion Events elsinki Fashion Summit on May 24 Näytös 2012 on May 25 It is a fashion show by the Aalto University of Art and Design.

Visit Arabia Helsinki, a new type of travel destination Fiskars Design Village A series of events in Helsinki and in the charming Fiskars village an hour away.

Culture Sauna from June 1

According to the report, titled - ‘The Delhi Airport Project: A case study of what hinders private participation in India’s infrastructure development’, the decision is likely to affect private sector participation in

regulated capital intensive projects in India.

Standardisation of procurement processes, transparency in bidding, proper risk allocation among the parties, adequate project preparation and feasibility studies,

are the factors that make infrastructure projects more viable, it said.

The report explains the need for higher tariffs at Delhi airport and the impact of such an increase on airlines and passengers. It also

explores the effect of tariffadjustment delays on the project sponsor. Private sector participants will be keenly watching the outcome, transparency and time frame of the regulatory process at Delhi airport.

The operator of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi had last year demanded an almost nine fold increase in airport charges whereas the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) of India had proposed a hike of 334% or more than four-fold.

COVER STORY

Record 2,500 bookings/min Contd. from page 1

growth area for us,” informs Tandon.

“Corporate travel business is a growing business for IRCTC. For this, we are providing an entire gamut of corporate travel including air fares, rooms, visa assistance, road travel, etc., on our portal,” he says.

Intensive measures are being taken on pan-India basis to penetrate the corporate sector including PSUs and ministries.

Source: IRCTC

gone up to 2,500 bookings per minute. In the first hour of the day, IRCTC is giving out around 50,000 seats.

Demand will continue to top at the first hour, whereas the demand tapers off later. The situation is like jumping out of the queue,” describes Tandon.

On the issue of Bandwidth getting clogged

Currently, there are 1.5 lakh seats available everyday on Tatkal, out of the total 11 lakh seats. On some trains, there is a high demand on some particular dates and

on IRCTC, “Demand is always more than availability.

The basic constraint which remains is the availability of the number of seats, even though we have already increased the bandwidth to 10 times,” he states.

SMS tickets are a hit and Tandon describes himself as a ‘green manager’.

“This has been our dream for the past two years as to why use paper for ticket since the only requirement is PNR Source: IRCTC number and an identity card,” he concludes. since everybody logs in Construction work on the simultaneously, most of the Executive Lounge at the customers miss out.

New Delhi Railway Station is expected to commence “Late last year, the syssoon and the proposed tems were at its peak and completion date is were doing 1,500 bookings around June-July. per minute. This figure has

Developing synergy Contd. from page 1

how to improve tourism cooperation between the two countries and to enhance inbound tourism to India.

He further informed that the ministry is pushing for more Visa on Arrival facility. It includes providing this service at more airports and to increase the list of nationalities so that more countries could avail this facility.

In this regard, the ministry has already submitted a list of countries to which this

facility could be provided.

Currently, only 11 countries are applicable. Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs are in regular talks with MOT to expedite the list. The ministry is also in the process of developing synergy with various ministries as Tourism involves stakeholders from various fields and this engagement will help in pooling in of resources of various departments. “We did this with I&B, now we are doing this with civil aviation and further with commerce, culture and MEA,” informs Kumar.

When asked to comment on the sub-committee formed by Pulok Chatterjee, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary & Chairman of the inter-ministerial coordination committee for Tourism sector for visa related issues, he said, “Whenever there is a visa issue and is brought under our notice, this threemember committee gets on the phone and resolves it.”

In this three-member committee, Kumar is joined by Joint Secretaries from MHA and MEA at this sub-committee.

Tourist Visas on Arrival grow 22.7% During the period JanuaryFebruary 2012, a total number of 2,618 VoAs were issued as compared to 1,816 VoAs during the corresponding period of 2011 registering a positive growth of 44.2%. The number of VoAs issued under this scheme during February 2012 for nationals of the eleven countries was Japan

(293), New Zealand (281), Indonesia (231), Philippines (170), Singapore (144), Finland (109), Vietnam (15), Cambodia (5), Luxemburg (5), Myanmar (5) and Laos (1). The number of VoAs issued, during JanuaryFebruary 2012 were New Zealand (641), Japan (556), Indonesia (451), Philippines

(376), Singapore (317), Finland (204), Vietnam (28), Myanmar (17), Luxemburg (16), Cambodia (10) and Laos (2). During the period January-February 2012, the maximum number of VoAs were issued at Delhi airport (1,504), followed by Mumbai (635), Chennai (317) and Kolkata (162).

AVIATION

MARCH 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2012

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Seasonal flights to Mauritius from Delhi Along with introducing third flight from Mumbai effective April 21, Air Mauritius is also going to operate fourth flight as seasonal flight from New Delhi starting May this year.

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he fourth largest carrier in Sub-Sahara Africa, Air Mauritius is now expanding its horizons in India with the increasing popularity of Mauritius as a tourist and business destination in the country. Currently operating 6 flights a week from India (3 from Mumbai, 2 from New Delhi and 1 combined from Chennai and Bengaluru), the

Vinith Gupte Manager - India Air Mauritius

carrier is introducing fourth flight out of Mumbai effective April 21 this year. It will also re-launch its seasonal flights out of New Delhi between May – July. The carrier is focussing more on consolidating the operations from current served markets instead of expanding to new cities. It has a codeshare

Bahrain to Thiruvananthapuram Bahrain Air to operate daily direct flights from Bahrain to Thiru-vananthapuram, commencing from March 15, 2012. Flights will depart from Bahrain at 9.25 p.m. and arrive early morning in Thiruvananthapuram International airport at 4.15 a.m. The return flight will depart Thiruvananthapuram at 5.00 a.m. and arrive at Bahrain International Airport at 7.30 a.m.

Richard Nuttall, CEO, Bahrain Air was upbeat and stated, “We look forward in boosting our route network to the Indian Subcontinent. We have several other destinations in mind and these will be announced as and when market conditions and approvals allow.” As per Naeem Mahamoor, Marketing Manager, Bahrain Air, “Bahrain Air now provides most of the services of a full service carrier with affordable fares.” Bahrain Air’s goal is to be a favourite for passengers flying within the region.

with Kingfisher Airlines wherein passengers can book tickets from over 20 cities across India in one standard fare (Kingfisher + Air Mauritius fare).

Revealing plans and potential of Indian market, Vinith Gupte, Manager -

India, Air Mauritius, said, “To enhance the destination brand, one needs good connectivity to that destination.

At Air Mauritius, we are working towards spreading the awareness of Mauritius as a tourist and business destination in European, African

and Indian Ocean region markets. After introducing fourth flight out of Mumbai from mid-April, we are looking at adding one more flight out of New Delhi soon. Thus, with the new addition, we will offer one daily flight option from India

and about 2,900 seats a week. India is a price sensitive market and we are offering the best and right pricing level to suit middle and up market travellers as we understand that airfares’ does matter for selling a destination.”

The airline works closely with travel companies like Kuoni India, Thomas Cook, Cox & Kings India, Travel Services International, Sachin Travels; consolidators like Riya Tours & Travels, Akbar Travels India and online travel companies like Cleartrip.com,Makemytrip.com and Yatra.com along with many mid and small size travel agencies.

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AVIATION

MARCH 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2012

Travelport signs agreement with SWISS and Lufthansa Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, has recently announced a new, multi-year global content agreement with Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. (SWISS) and Lufthansa.

Through this agreement, Travelport ensured that it’s Galileo and Worldspan travel agency customers worldwide have access to the full published content of SWISS and Lufthansa.

As part of the agreement, all GDS surcharges will continue to be waived for Travelport-connected travel agencies who choose to participate in the SWISS Preferred Fares programmes that operate in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Outside of these countries, Galileo and Worldspan-connected agencies will also continue to have access to all of SWISS’s published fares and inventory.

Oliver Barthelmeh, Head Revenue Management, Pricing & Distribution at SWISS said, “We very much value our continuing partnership with

Travelport who offer a major distribution channel for the sale of SWISS fares through their Galileo, Apollo and Worldspan GDS. Travelport offers a highly efficient means of booking all SWISS flights and fares for travel agencies worldwide.”

According to Marco Gorin, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ), “For India which contributes a large market for Switzerland as SWISS Airlines home country, it will surely benefit from this strong partnership between Travelport and SWISS. This partnership reiterates the reliability of GDS given the ever increasing travel industry whether Indian or international.”

Andreas Haug, Director - Distribution Strategy & Sales Costs for Lufthansa commented, “Our on-going partnership with Travelport offer an important distribution channel for the sale of Lufthansa fares through their Galileo and Worldspan platforms.”

Jet Airways all set to go with Jetstar A new agreement between Jet Airways and the low cost unit of Qantas Airways, Jetstar, now offers enhanced connectivity and combined ticketing options.

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ith India being an important inbound market for Singapore and Australia, a new deal will help improve connectivity for Indian travellers. Flying to Japan, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand will now become more convenient. Jet Airways passengers can book a single combined ticket on Jetstar, Jetstar Asia or Jetstar Pacific flights as part of a single integrated transaction and travel itinerary sold on a Jet Airways E-ticket.

Flying high Jetstar will accommodate the Jet Airways baggage allowance Both airlines to cater for the growing appetite for air travel from the emerging Indian middle class

offerings such as meals and comfort packs will be provided on connecting Jetstar long haul services.

“India is one of the region’s strongest travel markets with huge travel needs.

The partnership with Jet Airways will enable Jetstar to be able to tap into this market opportunity - our low fares delivering a great value for money proposition to potential customers. With this interline agreement, Jetstar will be able to cater to the growing appetite for air travel from India throughout its network across Asia Pacific,” says David Koczkar, Chief Commercial Officer, Jetstar Group.

David Koczkar

Travellers may purchase combined Jetstar and Jet Airways travel via travel agents, online or through Jet Airways’ reservations centres. For passengers travelling under the new agreement, Jetstar will accommodate the Jet Airways baggage allowance. For passengers connecting international to international flights, bags will be through-tagged.

Complimentary on-board

“With the growing passenger loads between India and the Asia Pacific region, this strategic partnership with Jetstar is a win-win situation for both the airlines.

Especially since it provides our passengers with good options to reach more East Asian cities and Australia seamlessly beyond our present online points, and vice

Chief Commercial Officer Jetstar Group

versa,” says Sudheer Raghavan, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways.

The Jetstar Group consists of Jetstar Airways in Australia and New Zealand, Jetstar Asia in Singapore, Jetstar Pacific in Vietnam and Jetstar Japan. Collectively, Jetstar offers up to 3,000 flights a week to almost 60 destinations in 17 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific region.

“India is one of the region’s strongest travel markets and a top inbound market for both Singapore and Australia. This innovative agreement will allow both airlines to cater for the growing appetite for air travel from the emerging Indian middle class. By flying through Jetstar’s hub in Singapore, passengers can easily connect to destinations in Japan, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand,” says Koczkar.

10 TRAVTALK

HOTELS

MARCH 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2012

The Oberoi, Gurgaon hosts travel trade The Oberoi, Gurgaon hosted a Travel Trade CEO Dinner on February 25 at Amaranta restaurant to celebrate the recent announcement that, The Oberoi, Gurgaon has been voted as the World’s Leading Luxury Hotel at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2011.

Starwood banks on SPG in India The Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) membership base in India has surged by nearly 270% since 2007. With India being a key driver for its growth, it has ramped up the global loyalty programmes to get more Indian guests enrolled.

M E G H A PAU L

from the rest of the world, he added, “The largest growth is coming from Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

SPG’s membership in Asia Pacific is 330 per cent times larger than five years ago and membership in Africa and the Middle East is 250 per cent larger.”

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tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is raising the stakes in the hotel loyalty landscape to win greater share from the world’s most prolific travellers. The Company announced new benefits that make its loyalty programme SPG - the richest elite programme in the industry. And, with India forming a key driver for the growth of this international hotel operator, it has ramped up the global loyalty programmes to get more Indian guests enrolled.

According to Javier Cedillo Espin, Senior Director

‘CCC’ The Customer Contact Center initiative is a ‘super number’ concept wherein customers can reach the CCC for reservations at any Starwood property

Javier Cedillo Espin Senior Director - Marketing, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts

- Marketing, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts, while the US is still the largest market for SPG, its membership base is increasingly globally. SPG’s non-US elite membership has grown 150 per cent since 2007.

“Today SPG gets 2.5 new international members for every one international member it welcomed in 2007,” he said. Elaborating on the share being generated

Commenting on the importance of India for its growth, Espin remarked, “Around 30 per cent of the revenue in India for Starwood comes from the SPG. Nearly 45 per cent of its guests who stay at its hotels in India are members of its loyalty programme, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG).” The Group has seen a tremendous growth in its SPG membership in India. Its membership base has surged nearly 270 per cent since 2007.

Nearly 30 per cent of the hotel chain’s revenue comes from SPG members.

To meet the demand generated by the increasing numbers of the Indian customers, Starwood opened its first Customer Contact Center (CCC) in India in Gurgaon earlier this year.

This is Starwood’s 9th global Customer Contact Center globally and the 4th in AsiaPacific. Talking about the new centre, the Senior Director commented, “This ‘India for India’ contact centre enables Starwood to better connect with customers in the region, appreciate unique customer preferences and behaviours and provide a level of service that will drive long-term customer loyalty to Starwood brands.”

The Customer Contact Center initiative is a ‘super number’ concept wherein customers can reach the CCC for reservations at any Starwood property around the globe through just one telephone number.

HOTELS

MARCH 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2012

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Call 1860-500-1010 for Accor hotels French hospitality major Accor is looking at strengthening its relationship with one of its most important supporters – the travel trade industry.

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rench hospitality major Accor, which handles diverse brands such as Novotel, Mercure, Ibis and Formula One, is extremely upbeat about its future in the country. In the process of rolling out more brands from its portfolio such as Ibis and Formule One in markets where they are not present now, the group is also looking at strengthening its relationship with one of its most

Nikhil Dhodapkar Regional Director Sales and Marketing India

important supporters – the travel trade industry.

Chalking out plans for consolidating its position in the distribution segment, Nikhil Dhodapkar, Regional Director, Sales & Marketing, India, said, “Accor has signed an agreement with one of India’s leading general sales agent, Connect-Worldwide to strengthen its distribution in India. Connect-Worldwide will be responsible for increasing sales among Retail Travel Agents and Small and Medium Enterprises.”

The hospitality chain is also working in tandem with the travel agents. “Accor has introduced a call centre number for travel agents, 1860500-1010 and has optimised www.travelagencies.accorho-

Buddha Air starts Varanasi flights Buddha Air commenced operations on Kathmandu-Varanasi route, starting March 1, 2012. The Airline will operate the route four times a week, on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Varanasi becomes the second Indian destination connected by Buddha Air after Lucknow

tels.com and www.businesstravel.accorhotels.com for ease of use. These initiatives will lend support to the existing booking channel of accorhotels.com,” he added.

Besides this, the Group has also introduced the ‘Accor Ambassador Programme’ with

Connect-Worldwide. It will reach out to the travel agency dedicated website accorhotelsforyou.com and the Accor call center. “The exclusive and interactive online Accor training programme is dedicated to travel professionals. This will help to

develop their expertise on Accor brands and better advise the customers,” he informed. At the forefront of Accor’s expansion strategy in India with diversified operating model, the chain is shifting from a collection of hotels to a true network with 6 brands –

Novotel, Sofitel, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and Formule 1.

Commenting on the slew of launches this year, Dhodapkar revealed, “The Group would facilitate the emergence of ibis brand and foster a preference for it with a series of openings in the country.

With 12 to 15 multi brand hotels scheduled to open in the coming 12 months, these new hotels will add over 2,500 new rooms to

our current network of almost 2,016 rooms (11 hotels) in India,” he confirmed.

The hotels that will be opening in India before the close of 2012 include three new brands - Sofitel Mumbai, Bandra Kurla Complex (Q4 2011), Pullman Gurgaon Central Park (Q1 2012) and Formule 1 Greater Noida, the first low-cost hotel for India (Q1 2012).

12 TRAVTALK

TECHNOLOGY

MARCH 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2012

American Express and TPN Launching ‘Travel Cloud Suite’ A division of American Express offers a platform for travel With a launch planned during the Arabian Travel Mart this operators in providing consistent quality and services. year, TI Infotech is all set to cross geographical boundaries.

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ravel Partner Network (TPN) combines the global strength of American Express Business Travel with the local knowledge of a partner to deliver premium value

a host of benefits to the partnership, including association with an established brand, industry expertise and global experience & scale. Our goal is to be the premium network of choice in each of our partner’s markets.

on both Business & Leisure Travellers and extensive MICE activity.

Their participation at South Asian Travel & Tourism Expo 2012 held in Delhi this February was an initiative aimed at gathering interest from the travel community for looking at the American Express Partner Network as a complete solutions provider for premium leisure products and events.

Select partners came together to exhibit under the American Express umbrella to showcase India and the width and depth of the network’s services to prospective buyers. At the event, the network promoted high quality luxury travel and MICE programmes to discerning overseas and domestic tour operators.

The American Express travel network partners participated in one of the B2B events organised in Delhi this February

and provide a globally consistent high quality of service and advice to clients.

Through their relationship with American Express, the partners are able to leverage a unique brand of service and expertise to enhance their profitability and presence. The Company brings in

The American Express TPN consists of 1,600+ locations spread across 140 countries across the world. All partners are independently owned and operated travel agencies, and are authorised American Express Travel Service Representatives with a focus

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he Indian market is upbeat with technology and Indian technology firms are also catering to international companies. Making sure that our tourism industry does not lag behind, TI Infotech is rolling out the ‘Travel Cloud Suite’.

“Travel Cloud Suite is a tightly integrated but loosely coupled solution to the industry. This will help the big brothers and equally to the SME range of the Indian market who wants to adopt technology to increase their efficiency to scale up the business, even if they plan to go with selected services and business model. It is ready to deploy solutions with an option of customisation as per requirement. The solution facilitates travel agents, tour operators, OTAs, consolidators to sell, manage and collaborate with their clients, partners and suppliers. It is a 100 per cent web-based

system, on the latest technology,” says Meenu Sachdeva, Managing Director, TI Infotech.

internet marketing options, extranet and negotiated fare booking engines and supplier direct connection.

Some advantages offered by the cloud suite include an integrated config-

Hoping to meet the expectations of the industry and be known as a solution fulfilling the needs of its intended users, “TI Infotech already has their domestic and international B2B partners in place. Our focus in this year is to increase the presence and enable better understanding of the Industry requirements and our solution offering, approach and methodologies.

We will be marketing our solutions through direct marketing, participating in various trade shows, partner network globally and online marketing,” says Sachdeva.

Meenu Sachdeva Managing Director TI Infotech

urable dynamic virtual online travel platform, blended display of results for multiple inventories, booking engines for selected services, optional selling features for allied services, integrated CRM and accounting, CMS business logics and admin control,

Key Facts Travel Cloud Suite is a tightly integrated but loosely coupled solution to the industry

‘Dial’ booking info on mobiles Quadlabs is making a mark in mobile technology by launching a unified mobile distribution platform.

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he travel industry is becoming more technologically savvy and their demands for making content easily available are also increasing. To meet these expectations, Quadlabs has launched BOOKQ to distribute travel products seamlessly through the mobile channel. This platform connects to the central booking engine to fetch travel content and passes it on to the mobile interface. Users can search, book and pay for their travel itinerary with ease. They can also look at existing flight bookings, view e-tickets and destination information through this platform.

“Quadlabs tradition to remain ahead of the current travel technology industry

Features Fast and easy booking process Rich and interactive user interface Live content search Centralised connectivity with booking engines

Gaurav Chiripal CEO Quadlabs

BOOKQ has taken the booking interface onto the mobile platform that allows users to make bookings from their mobile phone trend has prompted this launch. Quadlabs has always been the front-runner in coming up with solutions for travel industry, be it inclusion of advance features into

the system or be it launching the travel technology on cloud and making it affordable to small and medium sized travel agents. To this list, BOOKQ is the latest addition. It has taken the booking interface onto the mobile platform that allows users to make bookings from their mobile phone itself,” says Gaurav Chiripal, CEO, Quadlabs.

The features of platform include, fast and easy booking process, availability on multiple mobile platforms, live content search, centralised connectivity with booking engines, low bandwidth usage, rich and interactive user interface, encrypted data communication and its integration with a payment mechanism.

This mobile distribution platform can be connected to QuadLabs’ Mid-Office or with any other booking processing system in the backend.

BOOKQ will fetch content from the underlying backend system and show it to the end user’s mobile screen for their further usage. Payments will be accepted through the payment gateway integrated with the backend booking processing system.

CRUISES

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TRAVTALK

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‘Cancellation fee waiver’ at Princess Cruises Princess Cruises ensures an insured cruising experience with a unique product called ‘Cancellation Fee Waiver’ programme, popularly known as CFW. Passengers can avail this feature at an additional cost of approx 10-12% of the cruise/cruise-tour package cost.

CFW programme is unique in the industry and almost 85 per cent of the cruise bookings done by Indian passengers are booked with CFW,” he adds.

other cruise lines which offer Future Cruise Certificate to passengers in similar cases, Princess Cruises refunds the entire money to the booking source (passengers or their travel agency). The

By ensuring that the passengers are offered the correct combination of insurance/s & CFW, the travel agencies actually protect passengers’ money and provide a value service.

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ith more Indians travelling on the Cruises, it has become extremely important to educate the consumer on the issue of insurance.

Talking about the importance of insurance on a cruise, Nishith Saxena, Director, Cruise Professionals says, “It is highly recommended that passengers travelling overseas must buy travel/medical insurances before they leave the country. Normally, the travel insurance packages offered in India cover the medical expenses, trip interruption & cancellation, baggage damage or loss etc. from the date of commencement of the journey from India.”

This kind of an insurance package is pretty comprehensive once the travel starts, but most such packages do not cover the cancellation charges which are levied in case the bookings are cancelled by passengers due to any reason prior to

Nishith Saxena Director Cruise Professionals

their commencement of travel from India, he adds.

With most of the hospitality sector (hotels, cruises, airlines, etc.) trying to maximise their revenue and prevent their losses in case of late/last minute cancellations, the penalties levied are very high and in most premium products no refund is provided. In such situations, passengers end up suffering financial loss, as rarely any insurance company covers such penalties for non-utilisation of the product or services.

Regarding the insurance facilities in Princess Cruises, the veteran cruise professional suggests, “At Princess Cruises, we have a unique product called ‘Cancellation Fee Waiver’ programme, popularly known as CFW. Passengers could buy this at an additional cost of approx 10-12 per cent of the cruise/cruise-tour package cost, at the time of paying

booking deposit amount, when they are outside the penalty period.”

Once CFW is purchased and attached to the cruise booking, passengers have

the privilege of cancelling the booking up to five working days prior to the sail date with a 100 per cent waiver of the cancellation penalties.

There is no need for any paper work or any medical

certificates etc. to claim the refund as the CFW is offered

by Princess Cruises as a facility to their clients and not through a third party/insurance company. “It is important to note that unlike some

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AGENTS

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Indian travellers now spoilt for choice From the growing fame of the Rockies to the all time favourite Europe and the surprise entry of Estonia, here is a prediction of the holiday hotspots for this summer.

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he Indian traveller is evolving. He wants to explore the world and is ready to spend money on his travel.

Indian tourists are amongst the big spenders internation-

Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, Dubai, Thailand and Mauritius, I feel, are the destinations which are the tourist hot spots for this summer. Each country has its own USP from the Olympic Games in the UK to Macau,

time favorite but now travellers want something different.

Spain is gaining popularity and so are Central European countries.

Travellers are now looking for a change and want to discover the unknown. They want

Guldeep Singh Sahni

Ajay Jaipuria

Himanshu Patil

President OTOAI

President, (SFTOI) and Founder, Travel Oyster

Director, Kesari Tours

Each country has its own USP from the Olympic Games in the UK to being popular because of their proximity to India, lowbudget, etc. ally. Foreign countries are pinning for tourists and are offering exciting packages to woo the travellers. From shopping to culture and heritage and even food; all these factors play an important role.

Here is a look at what our travel fraternity feel, would be the crowd pulling destinations for this summer.

“Europe, especially, UK, Spain, Switzerland; Canada, USA, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Turkey, Philippines,

Visitors are also often amazed by the newness of the place: the gleaming shops, the stylish interiors, the plush hotels, etc.

Hong Kong and Thailand being popular because of Visa-on-Arrival, their proximity to India, low-budget and full of fun destinations,” says Guldeep Singh Sahni, President, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India & Managing Director Weldon Tours and Travels.

While the popularity of South East Asia is increasing, “Europe is still the most popular destination amongst Indians. Switzerland is an all

Travellers are now looking for a change and want to discover the unknown.

They want something different from the usual Paris and Rome something different from the usual Paris and Rome,” says Himanshu Patil, Director, Kesari Tours.

Taking on from discovering the unknown in Europe, Ajay Jaipuria, President, Society of Foreign Tour Operators India and Founder, Travel Oyster, recommended Estonia especially Tallinn as the hotspot for this summer.

“Charmingly medieval or amazingly modern, Tallinn is a fairy tale city. On one hand,

Shravan Bhalla

Riaz Munshi

Vineet Gopal

CEO Highflyer

Managing Director N. Chirag Travels

Managing Director Engee Holidays

Spain has been highlighted because of a Bollywood movie which showcased the destination in new light the city’s pride and joy is its historic Old Town, an enchanting neighbourhood of centuries-old streets, houses, towers and squares that looks like it was torn right from the pages of a storybook. Visitors are also often amazed by the newness of the place: the gleaming shops, the stylish interiors, the plush hotels.

There are also the high-tech solutions that go hand-inhand with Tallinn life, like free, wireless Internet is available practically everywhere and the common practice of paying for parking by mobile phone.”

Bollywood has also played an important role in popularising destinations.

“Spain has been highlighted because of a Bollywood movie which showcased the destination in new light and popularised it amongst young couples and single travellers wanting to party. Czech Republic again came into the limelight because of a super hit bollywood movie especial-

South African visas take four to five working days but are usually hassle free. Dubai has also simplified the visa process over the years ly for the repeat European traveller. They are always looking for a new destination and Czech Republic provided them just that,” says Shravan Bhalla, CEO, Highflyer.

Bringing on the radar is another important factor – Visa – that plays an important role in attracting tourists.

Riaz Munshi, Managing Director, N. Chirag Travels emphasises on popular destinations according to their visa policies. “The tourist hotspots for this summer will be Spain, Turkey, Kenya, Philippines, Canada, Dubai, South Africa and Australia.

Spain Tourism organised a meeting between few selective tour operators and the visa counselor for smooth process for visas. For Turkey, visas can be issued in 24 hours without any hassle.

Kenya gives Visa-on-Arrival, whereas The Philippines visas are granted in a day. For Canada, the visa is not a problem for genuine visitors

NTO helps in increasing demand for the destination by ways of promotional activity undertaken by them and long-term visas can be granted to frequent travellers. South African visas take four to five working days but are usually hassle free.

Dubai has also simplified the visa process over the years and Australia has the most professional and efficient visa team,” says Munshi.

Help and assistance from the India offices of the various tourism boards has simplified the promotion of the countries by the travel fraternity. “Yes, if a tourism board has a representation in India, it gives us great benefit. We have instant information which helps in identifying the correct operators or venue for MICE. They also help in destination knowledge and acts as intermediary between tour operators and embassy.

NTO helps in increasing demand for the destination by ways of promotional activity undertaken by them,” says Vineet Gopal, Managing director, Engee Holidays.

ASSOCIATIONS

TAAI: Involving & Evolving On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, TAAI established the fact that learning and adopting to new products is the key to evolve and grow in travel business. speaks to Iqbal Mulla, President, TAAI. T T B U R E AU

annual convention at destinations which are popular among Indian travellers but this year, it opted for an emerging destination.

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hey can because they think they can.’

The quote by Virgil best describes the motive of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) zeroing in on ‘Evolve to Involve’ theme for the 60th Indian Travel Congress & Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey. This will led its members forward to innovative business modules, involving in new strategies and evolving them in today’s world and age of tourism industry.

According to Iqbal Mulla, President, TAAI, the theme for this year was extremely apt and very topical at this point. He said,

Objectives Making travel agents believe in positive change Educate them about evolving from ticketing agents to travel consultants.

To involve with global trends and evol ve as per the needs of advancing travellers’ demands Adapting to technology to grow business and moving ahead with new changes Work on a review report for business sessions to bring out the feedback and action plan for the future

Iqbal Mulla President TAAI

We are looking at mutual tourist traffic in both Turkey and India to further enhance our trade relations “Over the years, TAAI has worked towards making travel agents believe in positive change, educate them about evolving from ticketing agents to travel consultants.

But now it’s time for agents to involve with global trends and evolve as per the needs of advancing travellers’ demands.”

According to Mulla, from last few years; the association is holding its

Mulla said, “Our main idea was to make our members aware of the potential destinations and educate them about its products. We were looking at mutual tourist traffic in both Turkey and India to further enhance our trade relations.” The association had fruitful business sessions with world renowned speakers giving insights on the topic to the delegates. The focus this year was on international travel and tourism trends, adapting to technology to grow business and moving ahead with new changes.

The managing committee will work on a review report for business sessions (last year, conclusion documents were prepared) to bring out the feedback and action plan for the future.

TAAI, as an association, is built on transparent and democratic values and thus, it’s trusted by global associations like IATA and other international travel companies operating out of India.

With support from tourism ministry and suppliers from national and overseas market, Mulla is positive that TAAI will celebrate its 100 th anniversary in much bigger way with double the number of members.

Harvard ManageMentor programme In the growing and dynamic airline industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recognised the importance of developing a competent industry workforce through management training that fosters global collaboration.

To date, more than 820 IATA employees, staff from member airlines and employees of other aviation sectors have taken advantage of Harvard ManageMentor v11 to sharpen their leadership skills and engage with colleagues worldwide.

During the summer of 2010, IATA launched a programme unique for its industry. 67 individuals, primarily drawn from IATA staff

participating in an ongoing management development programme, registered with Harvard ManageMentor and completed 390 modules.

Based on the consistently positive feedback on Harvard ManageMentor’s ease of use, content quality and delivery flexibility, IATA decided to fully roll out the programme.

As part of its external rollout campaign, IATA emailed all target groups and to further raise awareness, IATA worked through its more than 350 worldwide training partners to feature Harvard ManageMentor at several global training conferences. Internally, IATA’s human capital team

introduced the new programme through regional workshops and articles in its in-house magazine.

With these awarenessbuilding efforts, the profile for IATA’s management development initiatives has been raised significantly.

This is especially true for those working in remote locations, who give high marks to the programme’s global reach and local feel.

To date, 600 internal staff and 220 employees from the airline industry have used Harvard ManageMentor and overall, 70 per cent of those completing courses reported knowledge gain. IATA’s learners have been enthusiastic collaborators.

EXHIBITIONS

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GIBTM 2012 packed with many ‘firsts’ GIBTM has partnered with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) for the first time to launch a series of daily seminars providing discussions focussed on the travel trade and everything related to the industry.

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he series of daily seminars will provide discussions focussed on the convergence of meetings and travel management, how to deliver savings in an upbeat Middle Eastern market, optimising travel payment systems in the region and the do’s and dont’s in building and executing travel policies.

Ali Al Saloom Ask Ali.com

Speakers from the primary industry associations from worldwide and the industry’s most senior executives and global authorities of MICE sector together will lead different sessions at the 6th Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) running from March 26-28, 2012. The discussions will include the best practices, current and future trends, emerging tech-

Great Hotels of the World The Metropolitan Hotel is delighted to announce that it has recently been selected as a member of Great Hotels of the World – Premium Collection. The Metropolitan has been carefully selected for its dedication to the highest standards of luxury, unique sophistication, attention to details and innovative corporate comforts.

Headquartered in the UK, Great Hotels of the World is an alliance of luxury hotels and resorts that provides global hotel reservation, sales and marketing services for an exclusive portfolio of primarily independent hotels and resorts worldwide in specific niche market sectors.

Membership of Great Hotels of the World is by invitation only and is limited to exceptional hotels within recognised niche lifestyle markets.

nology, social media and professional development.

GIBTM also announced yet another ‘first’ - a pioneering development for its educational programme. The event will also bring the very first Arabic session presented by

Ali Al Saloom of Ask Ali.com.

It is a regional website for business travellers and tourists

to ask questions regarding Emirati and Arabic culture travel tips, history, religion, architecture and even archaeological news. As a well-recognised industry expert and cultural tourism consultant at Embrace Arabia Consultancy, Al Saloom will deliver a highly

anticipated seminar to the local community.

The experts will deliver a strong educational programme designed to encourage interactive, focussed delegate discussions and examine the industry’s key

trends and topics for global MICE industry professionals. “Education is one of the show’s core elements that will drive the development of the meetings industry forward,” adds Lois Hall, REED Travel Exhibitions Manager, GIBTM.

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ASSOCIATIONS

MARCH 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2012

PATA Responsible Tourism Meet at Bhutan

Bhutan’s 1 Travel Mart is a success st

Over 232 delegates from 30 countries participated in PATA’s 3-day Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism Conference held in Paro, Bhutan. These included 51 sellers from 8 countries, including a large contingent from India.

LEKHA SHANKAR IN PARO

Indian agents speak

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hutan has held an international travel conference for the first time.

With tourism being a new industry in this developing country, it was obvious that the infrastructure needed to be developed, but the country has many plus points - clean, scenic environment, excellent English-speaking skills, innate sense of hospitality, and interest, in limited, rather than mass tourists.

And, then, of course, there’s Bhutan’s famed ‘Gross National Happiness’ work-ethic, which is a perfect philosophy for tourism. In simple words, it means, to quote the Minister of Economic Affairs, who presided over the Conference- “If you want to

(L-R): DG of Bhutan Tourism, Kesang Wangdi, PATA Chairman Hiran Cooray, PATA CEO, Martin Craigs, Bhutan Minister of Economic Affairs,HE Lyonpo Khandu

be happy, you make others happy.”

The wide range of speakers at the PATA Conference, held in the ornate Zhiwa Ling Hotel, included keynote speaker Anna Pollock, CEO, Desticorp UK, who said importantly, that the tourism model had changed today, and dealt more with the well-being

than price or profit, which was why Bhutan’s GNH theory was relevant.

This was reiterated by Rick Antonson of Vancouver Tourism, a country that aims to be the greenest city of the world by 2020.

David Wilks of New Zealand’s Conservation Dept informed of his country’s highly successful

Most of the Indian sellers felt it was ‘high-quality’ Mart with very interested ‘buyers’, and each of them did at least 20 appointments, inspite of the cold, open-air conditions.

Ajeet Bajaj of Snow Leopard Travels, New Delhi, who specialises in adventure sports in Northern India declared that there was a big change among tourists in the last decade.

“They are now very interested in sustainibilty,”

he said, which was why this Mart was important.

Swadesh Kumar of the 32-year-old Shikhar Travels in New Delhi, agreed upon this fact. “I was surprised that they had all heard of Kerala, and were interested to know more,” said Sam T Samuel of Calyspso Tours, who specialises in adventure-tours in Kerala.

“There was a huge interest in Ladakh, which is similar to Bhutan in many ways, but has a higher altitude,” said Lotus of

‘100% pure N.Zealand’ tourism campaign that raised the level of tourists in the country.

Shannon Stowell of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, USA, stated that tourism trends had

‘Wilderness Experience.’

“With the close proximity to Bhutan, and two air connections by Druk Air ( Guwahati, Bagdora), the North-East states of India could do combined packages, and we had many interested buyers,” said Arjit Purkayastha of Koyeli Tours & Travels.

The last word came from Martin Craigs, CEO of PATA-“We want to help the macro and micro tourism industries of the region.

This is truly a historical, landmark Mart, both for us, and for Bhutan.”

changed, which was why there was a big demand Contd. on page 30

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AGENTS

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OM representing ‘Grand Ragaz’ New products for travel agents The ‘Grand Resort Bad Ragaz’, Switzerland, recognises In an attempt to provide new travel products, India as a key growth region to generate business.

Lama Tours plans to conduct two roadshows in India.

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n order to promote the discerning Indian travellers traffic the ‘Grand Resort Bad Ragaz’, Switzerland, has appointed OM Tourism as its Sales and Marketing office.

OM Tourism will be engaged in the marketing and promotion of the brand in the country and will work towards increasing sales for the resort from the Indian market.

An exclusively dedicated sales manager is in charge to represent and give face for the resort within the market.

The resort recognises India as a key growth region to generate business for its unique combination of Luxury hotels, Thermal Spa Water, Medical Health, Fine Food, Golf, Business and Fine Food in Bad Ragaz.

On being appointed as India representative for Grand Resort Bad Ragaz located in the Eastern part of Switzerland, “We are delighted to be associated with a pre-

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ama Tours, the Dubaibased Destination Management Company ensures that they continue to provide new products for their agents. They won the Best Overseas Tour Operator to India from West Asia & Africa in the National Tourism Awards 2010-2011.

Sanjay Sondhi

Carmen Heinrich

President, OM Tourism

Director Business Development - India Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

mium product like Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Switzerland has been one of my favourite destinations and I am now pleased to bring Europe’s leading & medical health resort to the Indian travellers for their enjoyment,” says Sanjay Sondhi, President, OM Tourism. “OM Tourism has its expertise in the Indian market and hence our association with the organisation will significantly help the resorts which are nestled in scenic natural surroundings. This area is also unique due to the

thermal water springs with healing properties which can be enjoyed in the comfort of the resorts” says Carmen Heinrich, Director Business Development- India, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz.

OM Tourism was set up to handle outsourced sales, marketing and PR for luxury hotels chains and National Tourism Boards. Amongst its clients are Jumeirah Hotels Group and Ministry of tourism & creative economy, Republic of Indonesia.

In 2011, the traffic from India was over 1,40,000 passengers and this year the Company is expecting an over 25 per cent growth.

“The global industry is going through a tough time and I must say that it has been hard times for many sectors. 2011 was not a year of great revival, we have seen a tremendous struggle to put up those numbers and it will not be less challenging this year. Our strategy would be to keep expenditures low at this stage, knock on every door and grab as much business as much we can,” says

Kulwant Singh, Managing Director, Lama Desert Tourism L.L.C.

Kulwant Singh Managing Director Lama Desert Tourism L.L.C.

With hopes pinned on the MICE market, Singh adds, “Our focus will be to gain more MICE business and increase our leisure traffic by providing value for money to the customers and increasing the extra value add-ons.”

This year they plan to conduct two roadshows in India, “Our popular roadshow

in April is almost in shape and we are targetting one in September as well to gain and retain our market share.”

Along with conducting roadshows, they plan to exhibit in many trade exhibitions and organise one-on-one product orientations and presentations.

Lama tours also ensures that every time there is something new for their agents to sell. “We have many new products, such as the hummer safari, new Nissan petrol safari, sky diving, yacht chattering and exclusive trips beside the regular safari and dhow cruise,” highlights Singh. “The Company is in its second year of operation and by next year we hope to achieve at least 50 per cent of our investment.

Once we have finished our monthly installments of our vehicles we shall be in straight profit lines, by then we shall also gain enough experience to face unforeseen challenges,” explains Singh.

STATES

Goa making big on MICE Goa aims at closing this fiscal with over three million tourists from domestic and international markets while escalating its position as one of the best tourist destinations in India. It recorded 2.6 million tourists in 2010-11.

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fter becoming a 365-day holiday destination among Indians, Goa is escalating its position as one of the best tourist destinations in India among international tourists. It is participating at eight to ten international trade shows, organising roadshows and brand campaigns in association with Ministry of Tourism in countries like Switzerland, Germany, Poland, UK, Canada, USA, France, Scandinavia, Spain,

Key Facts The State is developing many tourist sites for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, water sports, cultural and heritage tourism, hinterland tourism, cruise tourism, etc.

Goa as a destination has built its reputation among Indians and countries like Russia, USA and UK

Russia, Turkey and Stockholm. It is also trying to attract tourists from South East Asian countries by showcasing different aspects of Goa other than beaches. It has also signed an MoU with eight states in India (Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha) for joint tourism promotional activities to facilitate mutual flow of tourists.

After recording 2.6 million (domestic and international) tourists in 2010-11, the State is optimistic to register three million tourists in this fiscal ending March 31, 2012.

According to Sanjay Chodnekar, General Manager - Marketing & Hotels, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Limited, to keep the repeat travellers and first time travellers glued to the destination, the State is developing many tourist sites for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, water sports, cultural and heritage tourism, hinterland tourism, cruise

creating a helicopter circuit in Northern belt of the state.

A Mini Marina along with a five star property is also planned near Mandovi river.

Sanjay Chodnekar, General Manager Marketing & Hotels, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Limited

tourism, etc. Moreover, it is also developing sites like Baga (here, GTDC is also looking to build an international standard Ocean Park) and Benaulim for MICE segment for private beach parties and gala dinners.

It has also invited EoI for golf courses in South and North Goa to attract golf lovers. The department is also looking at building a Convention centre in Verna in South Goa. It is looking at deploying ten jetties for cruising and casino activities in Panji along with

“Goa as a destination has built its reputation among Indians and countries like Russia, USA and UK. We are now expanding our horizons by spreading destination awareness in countries with potential and emerging economies. We have spend close to ` 4.5 crore in marketing last year and are looking at close to ` 6 crore for this fiscal. Apart from organising concerts, wine festivals and band festivals, we are also looking forward to introduce innovative festivals for niche segments. We receive excellent support from our travel suppliers and are expecting similar response from overseas suppliers to increase the inbound tourism. We are positive to cross three million tourist figures this year and are expecting a 15-20 per cent growth in next fiscal,” concludes Chodnekar.

1.5 crore tourists visit HP in 2011 HPTDC is now organising fams for operators from multiple states in India to showcase different facets of Himachal Pradesh. gives details.

A N I TA J A I N

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imachal Pradesh which recently won National Tourism Award for excellent tourism publicity material for 2011 is focussing to increase domestic tourist numbers. Unlike other states, it is focussing more on domestic tourism as it consists of over 70 per cent of its total tourist share.

Over 1.5 crore tourists’ visited Himachal Pradesh in 2011, of which 4.85 lakh were international arrivals.

It is now getting active on B2B level by inviting domestic tour operators from states like Delhi, Gujarat,

Growing Expectations Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a consistent increase in foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) over the last five years as from 2.07 lakh in 2007, it has touched 4.85 lakh in 2011. The State expects to attract more than 5 lakh foreign visitors in 2012.

Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and many more to showcase and promote tourism and its products. The fams not only include visiting properties and regions but also hold educated seminars about schemes like ‘Har Goan Ki Kahani’ which was launched in August 2011 for promoting Rural Tourism.

Talking about the latest developments in the State, Anil Kapoor, Assistant Manager, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) said, “There is a lot of potential for Himachal in India with potential from major metro cities. With good road and rail connectivity, we have three airports in the state with immense helicopter facilities. We already have travellers for segments like adventure activities, nature tourism, religious tourism and even heritage tourism.

However, now we are also attracting travellers with Buddhist circuit, fairs & fes-

state on domestic and international level.”

Anil Kapoor Assistant Manager, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation

There is a lot of potential for Himachal in India with potential from major metro cities tivals and rural tourism.

We have striking schemes for film production houses to promote our

HPTDC has recently brought out a coffee table ‘Har ghar kuchh kehta’, a book narrating the historical anecdotes associated with the summer capital of the British empire. Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to launch an electronic brochure, an innovative promotional material. According to Kapoor, the tourism infrastructure in the state is also being developed through social employment scheme MNREGA to create various basic facilities to the tourists. Presently, there are 17 mega projects in tune of ` 50 crore under development in the state.

Special Feature HPTDC has recently brought out a coffee table ‘Har ghar kuchh kehta’, a book narrating the historical anecdotes associated with the summer capital of the British empire

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FAMILY ALBUM

Britain & Ireland India Mission 2012 The sparkling night of February 21 witnessed a gala dinner event hosted by the Britain & Ireland India Mission 2012 at the Le Meridien, New Delhi. The event witnessed the who's who of the Indian travel trade along with 23 top suppliers from Britain and 8 suppliers from Ireland.

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FAMILY ALBUM

Bhutan gets global credence Contd. from page 20

for adventure and ‘experiential’ tourism.

That was why community-based tourism projects had become popular on the 6-nation Mekong trail, according to Mason Florence of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. Moderator Andrew Jones of the Sanctuary Resorts, spoke of many charitable projects in his resorts “So that I can use my vocation to give back to the community.”

The final word came from Costas Christ, the famed travel writer of National Geographic, who after travelling to nearly 130 countries stated simply that tourism “was no longer about industry, but about sustainability.”

The important Bhutanese speakers at the Mart were Karma Tshiteem, Secretary of the Gross National Happiness Commission, who gave interesting details of the GNH indicators, indexes, projects, Thuji Dorji Nadik,

Director Plans & Programs of the Bhutan Tourism Council, who explained the steady growth of the tourism industry in the country from 1974, when it first opened out to the world.

Dr Karma Tshering from the Ministry of Agriculture, confessed that Tourism was at a critical stage in Bhutan-“Let’s think global, but be local,” he stated.

Bhutan’s Minister for Economic Affairs , who’s also the Vice Chairman of the Bhutan Tourism Council, HE Lyonpo Khandu, actively participated in the Mart. He was proud that the Prime Minister of the country headed the tourism department. He was also proud that the latter gave a stirring speech on GNH, to the Indian Parliament, last December .

“India is a very important market for us,” said the Minister.

Agreeing with him, was Karma Lotey of Yangphel, one of the top five travel companies in the

country, with an annual turn-over of $ 2 million.

The company owned the host Zhiwa Ling hotel, and Lotey said that they had hired an Indian Chef because of the importance of the Indian market.

However, Langa Dorji of Atlas Tours’ stated frankly that ‘Indians bargain too much.’

Director General of the Tourism Council of Bhutan, Kesang Wangdi informed that they were keen to target ‘the high-end Indian market’.

Vishal Pradhan of the Taj Tashi Hotel, and Julie Beattie of the Aman Resorts, which are the top luxury properties in the country, stated that they were waiting to welcome the high-end Indian tourists to Bhutan. The former has 3-day package from ` 46800-90000 (including food, transport, sightseeing). The latter has 5 properties in Bhutan, and the rates average at $ 180/ day (including food etc).

Ethnic India showcased at AIME Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) took place in Melbourne from February 21 – 22, 2012 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Australia’s most versatile convention and exhibition facility.

The India pavilion reflected ethnic India and was decked in vibrant colours. Key MICE agents were invited from Mumbai to attend faceto-face appointments with Melbourne suppliers.

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‘Free Sale Codeshare’ Airlines, Turkish Europe’s fastest growing airline company and Air India, the flag carrier airline of India, have now signed a ‘Free Sale Codeshare’ agreement after their previous blocked space codeshare agreement. The new agreement will allow both the airlines to market each other’s flights by their own code and flight numbers on a free sale basis. With effect from March 1, 2012, the revised agreement allows Turkish Airlines passengers a seamless connection to Air India operated flights on Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Amritsar routes.

Post TAAI, Turkey is a new destination In a tete-a-tete with , Özgür Ayturk, Culture and Tourism Counsellor, Turkish Embassy in India talks about expectations from the TAAI Convention.

T T B U R E AU

Adnan Aykac General Manager, Northern and Eastern India, Turkish Airlines

class gateway to 6 Indian cities. This partnership with Air India is aligned with our plans to further expand and strengthen our presence in this region. We look forward to working with Air India and providing even more travel options for our customers.” Codeshare flights within the scope of the renewed agreement are as follows:

Speaking on the occasion Adnan Aykac, General Manager, Northern and Eastern India, Turkish Airlines said, TK Operated Flights “We are International Sectors delighted to Istanbul - Mumbai v.v. enter the ‘Free Istanbul - Delhi v.v.

Sale Codeshare’ Domestic Sectors agreement and Istanbul - Ankara v.v. join forces with Istanvul - Izmir v.v.

Air India to Istanbul - Adnan v.v. offer our cusIstanbul - Dalaman v.v. tomers worldIstanbul - Antalya v.v.

AI Operated Flights Domestic Sectors Mumbai - Hyderabad v.v.

Mumbai - Ahmedabad v.v.

Mumbai - Chennai v.v.

Mumbai - Kolkata v.v.

Mumbai - Bangalore v.v.

Mumbai - Ahmedabad v.v.

Mumbai - Chennai v.v.

Mumbai - Kolkata v.v.

Mumbai - Amritsar v.v.

Mumbai - Bangalore v.v.

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urkey expects to grow by leaps and bounds, especially after the TAAI Convention this year.

Ayturk says, “After this TAAI Convention in Istanbul, we will see much higher numbers both from India to Turkey and vice versa.” In 2011, the growth rate was 16.2 per cent over 2010. But this is a minimal growth as the number of people visiting Turkey is low even now. “Hence, we need a higher growth rate.

Turkey is an emerging destination and we need to promote this not just to the endcustomer but to the travel industry so that they can sell Turkey,” he adds.

According to Ayturk, there are 600 registrations for the pre and post convention tours. This shows that there will be Indians travelling beyond Istanbul and reflects great interest in the destination. “This convention was being considered as a big fam trip for the travel trade

will focus on golf and wedding segments. We are running joint projects with the private sector – DMCs and hoteliers for sponsoring some golf tournaments and organising events at the golf courses. For the wedding segment, we are planning a FAM trip for wedding planners.”

since most of the delegates had that first hand experience on the destination before, during and after the convention,” he informs.

To cash in on the exposure that Turkey received during the TAAI convention, there will be training programmes for the Indian travel trade industry. Talking about the new development, the culture and tourism counselor remarks, “We are closely in touch with the travel trade associations both in Turkey and India and will be giving our full-fledged support in every possible way to bring them closer. Therefore, right after the TAAI convention, we are planning a training programme for the Indian travel trade. We are working on this with the Kuoni Academy.”

Except for the annual media campaign, it is planning some joint promotions with the key players of the market. “Last year we did promotions with TUI, Cox &

Özgür Ayturk Culture & Tourism Counsellor to India, Turkish Embassy

Kings, MakeMyTrip and Thomas Cook. Also, since it is a ‘Culture and Tourism’ office, we also do cultural events to showcase our culture to the Indian population,” he states. The Embassy recently organised a Turkish Film Festival at India Habitat Centre. The next event will be a 10-day Turkish Food Festival, which will be held at Le Meridien New Delhi Hotel.

Highlighting the main targets this year, Ayturk points out, “This year, we

“The wedding segment has a lot of potential. Last year, one wedding group from India comprising 600 people went to The Mardan Palace Hotel in Antalya. This year a group of 400 people will fly down to the Kempinski Hotel in Turkey,” he informs.

New Plans Planning some joint promotions with the key players of the market To focus on golf and wedding segments in association with the private sector

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FAMILY ALBUM

OneWorld Travel Mart grows by 18%

OneWorld Travel Mart (OTM) recently concluded in Mumbai and Delhi with the promise of ‘Around the World in Three Days’. The event helped in positioning India as a coveted outbound market, which currently has 12 million Indians travelling overseas annually. The country had a growth rate of 12-13 per cent per year projected till 2015. This was reflected in the participation from 27 countries. The domestic sector, the backbone of the Indian tourism industry, also had a big presence, with participation from 22 states.

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Britain & Ireland on India Mission VoA to The Philippines soon To increase its penetration in the Country and lure the The destination launched its new slogan ‘It’s more fun in India outbound market, VisitBritain has also kicked off The Philippines’ in the global market and is positive to a £25-million advertising campaign in the Country. deploy the ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility for Indians this year.

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mission aimed at bridging together the best of the British and Irish suppliers with the best of our trade,” she added. According to Yates, Britain accounted for only 3 per cent of all outbound trips from India in 2010 yet it generated nearly £363 million for the UK economy.

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ompetitors such as France are currently receiving 20 per cent more visitors from India than the UK. Hence, to recognise the growing importance of India as a source market among suppliers from Britain and Ireland suppliers, VisitBritain in partnership with Tourism Ireland, hosted the ‘Britain & Ireland India Mission 2012’ in Delhi and Mumbai recently.

Led by Patricia Yates, Director Strategy & Communications, VisitBritain, the delegation comprised 23 key suppliers from Britain and 8 key suppliers from Ireland. Around 250 key Indian buyers met with the UK trade delegation at various briefing sessions.

Elaborating on the importance of the mission, Yates said, “This B2B workshop was a great platform for the India travel trade to meet and do business with the British and

Patricia Yates Director - Strategy & Communications VisitBritain

Irish suppliers, to learn about new regions and its products and weave new itineraries to suit the ever emerging needs of our market. The mission is a reflection of our on-going support to the trade here as we recognise its importance as the prime channel to reach potential travellers in India.” Britain and Ireland enjoy a prominent share of the Indian outbound market and the challenge is to retain and increase that share as the market grows and matures. “The

VisitBritain has also kicked off £25-million advertising campaign in the country. As part of VisitBritain’s GREAT image campaign, Mumbai and Delhi will be submerged in GREAT branding, with huge billboard posters being seen by over 16 million people. VisitBritain’s 60 second TV advert will be exclusively shown just before Indian movie goers sit down to watch their latest Bollywood blockbusters across 120 cinemas. There will also be 200 taxis with GREAT branding driving around the two major cities in India picking up thousands of commuters each day.

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espite having tough competition from South East Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, The Philippines has successfully made its presence felt in India. To make it easier for the Indians to enter the country, Philippines Tourism is in talks with its Bureau of Immigration to enable Indians with ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility soon.

Verna CovarBuensuceso, Director & Group Head – Europe, India & Middle East, Tourism Planning & Promotions Sector, Department of Tourism, Philippines said, “We recorded a growth of 23 per cent from India in 2011 and are expecting close to 50 per cent growth this year as we are soon going to introduce visa-on-arrival facility for Indians which will boost the tourist numbers.

Verna Covar-Buensuceso Director & Group Head – Europe, India & Middle East, Tourism Planning & Promotions Sector, Department of Tourism, The Philippines

India stands at 13/14th top tourist markets and considering the growth rate and potential, we are sure that it will be in the top 10 by 2013.” Currently, the average length of stay of Indian travellers is 7.62 nights and we are targetting to make it 10 nights through intensive marketing and promotional activities.”

Direct connectivity by Jet Airways from India to

Manila will also be available in next few months which will further boost the connectivity apart from Philippines Airlines. For improving destination awareness among the Indian travellers and travel trade, the Tourism Board has recently introduced its brand new slogan, global campaign – ‘It’s More fun in the Philippines’ in India and will be participating at national level trade shows, organise multiple city roadshows and workshops along with sales meetings with trade, informed Buensuceso. The country is further focussing on weddings, MICE, families, honeymooners and FITs. Talking about the potential of Indian market, Buensuceso said, “We offer everything for every segment of travellers and have the best of nature, nightlife, shopping, adventure, business and everything else. ”

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350 exhibitors make OTM bigger Delhi

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South India gets ‘Czeched out’

‘Ayurveda: Wellness or Medicine’ in Munich

Czech Tourism opened its India office in 2010. Ever since, there has been a tremendous growth and Bollywood has also helped promote the destination.

Here is a look at their marketing plans for India especially the Southern part.

Organised by Kerala Tourism, leading figures from the health sector of Germany took part in a workshop, titled ‘Ayurveda: Wellness or Medicine’, in Munich.

operators and travel agencies focussing on health and wellness. The participants also included representatives from health and fitness clubs and associations.

The workshop was aimed at helping the people of Germany understand more about treatment and therapy under the Ayurveda. Experts in Ayurveda spoke to delegates from media as well as tour

As part of the Ayurveda promotion, Kerala Tourism will also participate in two international wellness fairs in Germany next month and tie-up with online shops in a marketing campaign to reach customers.

“Mumbai and Delhi are usual source markets for us but this year, we would also like to focus on South India especially Bengaluru and Chennai.

D E V I KA J E E T

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he Country with the highest density of castles in the world offers a cultural extravaganza and enthralling heritage to explore. Last year, Czech Republic saw a growth of 30 per cent on arrivals from India. This year they hope for a similar increase, “I feel we did fabulously well last year. We have a rough figure of about 30,000 to 35,000 visitors. When we entered this market, Czech Republic was not a well known destination in India.

But, now we have noticed a huge change, not just amongst the travel trade but also amongst the direct clients,” says Radka Neumannová, Director, Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism, India.

A reason for their growing popularity can be credited to their work with the travel trade. “We organised a four-

Radka Neumannová Director, Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism, India

city roadshow and launched a training programme for B2B agents and operators last year. We are also looking at doing some joint promotions with selected tour operators,” explains Neumannová.

The roadshow was organised in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi. Czech Tourism has also expanded their agent training programme and is now capturing Chennai and Bengaluru.

I see huge potential there as we saw many MICE groups from South India travelling to the country last year,” adds Neumannová.

MICE Tourism is an important segment and is gaining popularity in Prague. The division between MICE travel and leisure travel is nearly the same with a ratio of 45:55.

Further highlighting the popularity of destination, she says, “Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it will always be there on a travellers map.

Apart from Prague, the

Country offers 12 UNESCO sites to enjoy, making culture and heritage a big USP. Spa and wellness is definitely another appealing feature. We are also promoting beer tours and wine tours. Czech Republic is one of the highest producers of beer and we have some famous brands such as original Budweiser and Pilsner Urquell.” Air connectivity to the region is trouble-free as many airlines, such as, Emirates, Lufthansa, Austrian, fly from the main metros in India to the Central Europe.

Another factor credited for the increase in popularity of the destination is Bollywood. “We were lucky as we were selected by the production house to shoot the movie ‘Rockstar’. People now easily connect with the destination as the movie, facilitated major awareness about the destination not only among the travel trade but also amongst the travellers.”

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27 countries 22 states make OTM better Mumbai

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e-Learning for travel agents Munich has launched an e-learning programme for travel agents to increase arrivals.

There are many elements that make Munich popular. There are outstanding museums, worldfamous theatres and orchestras, magnificent churches and palaces, great opportunities for designer’s shopping and lovely parks and gardens and all of them, together, account for its charm. The clear green mountain stream, the river Isar, runs through the city another delight for visitors.

Additionally, there are high-calibre sports events, superb gastronomy from elegant food palaces to down to earth beer gardens, excellent conference and convention facilities and a first rate tourism infrastructure. Not to mention Munich beer, BMW and FC Bayern Munchen. Have you visited all the museums?

Shopped till you dropped?

Walked the parks? Signed your business deals? Then don’t miss out on Munich’s surroundings.

FAMILY ALBUM

Outbound gets new equations at OTM Mumbai

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Travel easy with airline in-flight services Shower spas located in First Class cabins for your exclusive use, Champagne and choicest of spirits in constant flow, Anchovy bell peppers and fresh Parmesan, cream of carrot and coriander soup, a choice of sorbets and fresh fruit, aromatic Masala Chai; It’s the good life, every day and every night on-board all around the world.

INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA

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ith airline competition fierce, savvy air travellers want full value and the

movies as well as Indian music. And there are at least two flight attendants fluent in local languages on all Indian routes.

Pieter De Man, General Manager, Indian SubContinent, Air France – KLM, feels in-flight services are of paramount importance for

Axel Hilgers

Jean-Philippe Benoit

Pieter De Man

South Asia Director Lufthansa

General Manager – India Swiss International Airlines

General Manager, Indian SubContinent, Air France – KLM

Operating here for over five decades, Lufthansa understands the specific needs and preferences of the Indian customers very best for their money.

This makes in-flight service a vital ingredient and the key to airlines branding and image building.

Axel Hilgers, South Asia Director, Lufthansa, feels travellers want to reach their destination safely and comfortably and so they’ve designed their in-flight services keeping passengers enjoyment in mind.

Regionalised on-board services are particularly important as they allow airlines to form personal relationships with passengers. India is a good case in point.

Having operated here for over five decades, Lufthansa understands the specific needs and preferences of Indian customers.

Quality Indian cuisine created by Indian celebrity chefs under their ‘Star Chef’ programme is an example.

This is served to Indian flights First and Business Class passengers. Passengers requiring special food for health, nutritional or religious reasons have a choice of 19 different meals, including pure Indian vegetarian meals. Lufthansa’s in-flight entertainment channels offer a choice of the latest Indian

We have also introduced Indian dishes on both direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Zurich

The common ties with India have led Air France – KLM to adapt their products in line with Indian passengers’ expectations

ties with India have led Air France – KLM to become profoundly attached to this country, and made them determined to adapt their products in line with Indian passengers’ expectations.

Air France’s modern international outlook which involves paying special attention to different cultures including passengers’ tastes and preferences, is a great plus for them. A warm and friendly attitude, a smile and courteous behavior together with attentive service to elderly passengers helps.

While offering a truly French gastronomic experience, Air France focuses on its Indian passengers cultural habits and tastes.

Air France and KLM also serve vegetarian dishes on all flights to Indian destinations.

With a food tie up with The Oberoi and fine wines chosen

by Olivier Poussier, they believe they serve top quality.

A latest addition in in-flight entertainment system provides a choice of over 80 films including Hindi movies.

KLM passengers can enjoy a special dinner served on tableware created by designer Marcel Wanders. One

This year, they’ll introduce the high-speed on-board internet service, Flynet, on key Indian routes.

Jean-Philippe Benoit, General Manager – India, Swiss International Airlines, feels in-flight service is a vital part of any airline. Their services offer Swiss hospitality and represent Switzerland’s classic values.

They’re one of the few airlines in the world where the captain personally welcomes all passengers.

Their award-winning culinary programme ‘Swiss Taste of Switzerland’, enables them to regularly treat their passengers to cuisine from different parts of Switzerland. Every three months, a renowned chef from a particular region develops local specialties.

Special wines are carefully selected to accompany each cuisine. They’ve also introduced Indian dishes on both their direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Zurich. Their state-of-art in-flight entertainment system includes a vast range of recent cinema releases, over 40 TV programmes, and over 300 music CDs, including in Indian languages.

Orhan Abbas

MS Chawla

Vice President – India & Nepal Emirates Airline

Managing Director Siddharth Travels

With growing competition, Indian travelers evaluate airlines on aspects such as pricing, punctuality, etc.

Indian passengers as they reflect the passengers satisfaction levels, continued flying intentions,and help to build an image of the airline in their minds. The common

The motto for airlines should be to deliver what they promise, and what passengers have come to expect from them can create his own dinner from the options available. Indian route flights feature exquisite Indian meals. They’ve also introduced special A’ la’ Carte meals service.

Orhan Abbas, Vice President – India & Nepal, Emirates Airline, feels that today air travel isn’t just about travelling, but about travelling in comfort. With growing competition, Indian travellers evaluate airlines on aspects such as pricing, punctuality, and the quality of the travelling experience which is primarily dependant on in-flight services. Airlines

would have been better to start selling such services and products as optionals at a price. After all some of the low-cost, no frill carriers sell excellent food at a price. The motto for airlines should be to deliver what they promise, and what passengers have come to expect from them. Once a brand equity is damaged, it isn’t easy to get it back.

Lajpat Rai

Cdr CP Sharma

President Lotus Trans Travels

Managing Director Neptune Travco

For Indians, the most important thing is ‘service with a smile’.

This is the key factor continuously work at improving their in-flight offerings.

Emirates has been the best in in-flight entertainment, and awarded for seven consecutive years by SkyTrax. First and Business Class passengers can now look forward to a new range of white Royal Doulton fine bone china and elegant Robert Welsh cutlery.

MS Chawla, Managing Director, Siddharth Travels, feels airlines must deliver what they promise. For premium class travellers, inflight service is a very big factor in their choice of an airline. A few rupees difference in pricing will not deter them from choosing an airline with reliable and better in-flight service. However, it isn’t easy for the full service carriers to maintain high service quality with rising costs. Reducing standards results in complaints and moans. It is upsetting when you expect a pyjama suit on a 10 – hour flight, and don’t get it. It

For Indian travellers, food is the most important element in flying, followed by service by smiling flight attendants Lajpat Rai, President, Lotus Trans Travels, feels that since in-flight service makes passengers comfortable during flying hours, it is an important aspect of airline working.

Some airlines are offering service as a mere formality, but the fact is that service has to be up to the mark.

For Indians, the most important thing is ‘service with a smile’. This is the key factor. So airlines that are friendly and flexible, and have the right attitude are going to do well.

Cdr CP Sharma, Managing Director, Neptune Travco, feels in-flight service is a very crucial part of airlines’ functioning, and the aspect with which passengers are most involved. This makes it a significant factor in airline choice. For Indian travellers, food is the most important element in flying, followed by service by friendly and smiling flight attendants.

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Philippines exhibit their fun spirit at OTM Displaying the 7,107 exotic islands in full galore, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office participated in the Oneworld Travel Mart (OTM) held from February 1719, 2012 in Mumbai and from February 24-26, 2012 in Delhi. Highlighting the brand under its new slogan, ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’, the pavilion had special performances from a Filipino band and bartender. Winning the admiration from those present at the mart, Philippines was awarded the Best Design & Decoration award in International Pavilion category in both Mumbai and Delhi. They were also awarded for the Best Print & Promotional material in Delhi.

DELHI

MUMBAI

The Filipino fun continues with a feast A dinner was hosted by the Philippines Tourism Marketing Office for the travel fraternity in New Delhi. Wooing the hearts of the Indian agents were local performers from the Philippines who made every one dance to their rhythm with foot-tapping numbers. The guests also enjoyed special cocktails mixed by an award winning Filipino bartender. Ronald B. Allarey, Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines along with members of the department of tourism mingled with Indian travel trade partners.

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Presenting National Tourism Awards The President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away the National Tourism Awards on February 29, 2012 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Event was well-organised while witnessing a full house. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, annually presents National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The Ministry of Tourism has introduced three new categories of Awards from this year as part of the National Tourism Awards.

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Ministry of Tourism recognises excellence

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Rewarding performers of the travel trade

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EXHIBITIONS

Gujarat showcased on global map The second edition of Gujarat Travel Mart (GTM) 2012 was recently concluded in Gandhi Nagar on a successful note.

A N I TA J A I N

and products which they are going to sell. Next year, we plan to make it much bigger, better and grander.”

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ith over 100 exhibitors, the exhibition was attended by over 200 buyers from over 30 countries and over 800 domestic and local buyers.

The three day exhibition not only showcased variety of travel products to domestic and international buyers but also was a learning experience for Gujarat Tourism to make it bigger and better next year. Inaugurated by Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat and Sanjay Kaul – IAS, Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), all the delegates were entertained by different local cultural performances on the inaugural evening.

During the 3-day event, delegates also got an opportunity to indulge in authentic Gujarati cuisine and relish the variety of deserts.

Vipul Mittra

Sanjay Kaul

Principal Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat

IAS, MD Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited

The second edition of Gujarat Travel Mart 2012 was recently concluded at Mahatma Gandhi Convention & Exhibition Centre in Gandhi Nagar on a successful note.

said, “This year at GTM, we have roped in exhibitors from every segment of travel and tourism including Medical Tourism which is one of the booming sectors. I assure you that GTM will prove to be a fruitful exhibition for the business of both buyers and sellers and also prove to be an excellent networking ground. Through pre and post tours in and around Gujarat, delegates will also get a first hand opportunity to experience the destination

Supported by associations like IATO, ATOAI, ADTOI and GITOA (Gujarat Inbound Tour Operators Association), the exhibition witnessed participation from every segment of travel and tourism industry. Talking about Gujarat tourism, Mittra

Adding further on the focus on TCGL, Kaul said, “Over last few years, Gujarat has successfully attained the limelight as an emerging tourism destination in India.

By roping in Amitabh Bachchan for our global campaigns, we have further increased the visibility in domestic and international markets featuring the unique offerings of our state from every segment of traveller.

GTM is one initiative wherein we provide a platform for our suppliers to network with domestic and overseas buyers. Moving forward, we are focussing on potential markets in Europe, USA, Canada, Far East and Asia who would also be participating at domestic and international travel trade fairs and organise educational tours for travel agents.”

Speak Out Sudhir Sobti

Vineet Gopal

Gaurish Dharwadker

Manager – PR & Publications, Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation Limited

Joint Secretary, OTOAI (Outbound Tour Operators Association of India)

Proprietor, Travel Shop

Good number of exhibitors with quality of products and services to offer.

Medical Tourism is given a lot of focus with four leading hospital chains participating. Also, the evening cultural function provided a wider idea of fairs, festivals and culture in Gujarat. We are going to support GTM in coming years and are expecting more number of buyers from domestic and international markets.

I would like to congratulate Gujarat Tourism for organising an event of international standards in just the second year. The Event is well organised but needs to have more sellers and hoteliers from every star category. Sellers for unique experiences and innovative products are also missing which I’m sure will be present next year. Overall, I would like to give a ‘thumbs up’ to the Tourism Board and the exhibition.

The Exhibition was well organised and have exhibitors from well established and potential international markets. Delhi being popular in international markets, we are receiving buyers with keen interest to know more about our state and tourism facilities. However, exhibitors could have had bigger stalls.

Travel industry converges at OTM With over 350 exhibitors and participants from 27 countries and 22 states, OTM this year registered an 18 per cent growth over last year.

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s a clear indicator that the Indian tourism industry is on a path of consolidation and steady growth, OneWorld Travel Mart (OTM) just concluded in Mumbai and later on in Delhi with the promise of ‘Around the World in Three Days’. India is a coveted outbound market, currently with 12 million Indians travelling overseas annually and a growth rate of 12-13

per cent per year projected till 2015. This was reflected in the participation from 27 countries. The domestic sector, the backbone of the Indian tourism industry, also had a big presence, with participation from 22 states.

With over 350 exhibitors and participants from 27 countries and 22 states, OTM this year registered an 18 per cent growth over last year, necessitating

the move from Ashok Hotel to Pragati Maidan. The threeday travel show with a clear focus on outbound travel provided an annual opportunity for organisations from around the world to showcase their products to a large cross-section of travel trade industry and consumers, in all major outbound markets in India. With a large participation from China, Sri Lanka, and Turkey, the partner countries, the OTM was

a much-larger event this year. Philippines, Zimbabwe and Syria also made sizeable presence as feature countries. From India, partner states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Kerala participated with large private delegations.

Jharkhand and Punjab were the feature states this time while Delhi was the host state.

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Minar Travels New Delhi

The Leela Group New Delhi

Thai Airways International Mumbai

Madan Kak has been promoted as the Chief Operating Officer - Tours Division of Minar Travels (India). Widely travelled in India and abroad, Kak brings with him over 4 decades of wide ranging experience in Tourism. In his present profile, he will be responsible towards the achievement of objectives & operational goals for Minar.

Prior to joining Minar, he was associated for 38 years with TCI. He holds a M.sc. (Hons) degree from Kashmir University.

Davinder Singh has been appointed as the Vice President -

Pichest Laeietpiboon has taken over as the new General Manager of Thai Airways International PCL for the Mumbai branch.

In his new role, he is responsible for the overall administering & market/sales matters of the Maharashtra Area.

Laeietpiboon brings over 28 years of experience in the Airline Industry.

Prior to this, he was the General Manager in Laos, China and now his latest stint is in Mumbai.

Development of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. Prior to joining The Leela, he was the Vice President, Development with The Oberoi Group of Hotels. Singh has nearly 35 years of extensive business experience and specialised knowledge in the hospitality industry. In his new role, Singh will be involved in all aspects of development. He holds an honours degree in Economics from Punjab University, Chandigarh.

Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre Pune

Lemon Tree Premier Gurgaon

The Travel Corporation Mumbai

Murlidhar Rao Viswavasu is appointed as the Chief

Darshan Maheshwari is the new Country Manager – India

Vineet Mishra is appointed as the General

Operating Officer of Lemon Tree Premier. He has over 25 years of hotel experience and in his previous stint he was the Vice President - Operations of Alila Hotels and Resorts, based in Singapore. He is an IHM Mumbai Graduate and began his career as a management trainee with the Leela Kempinski, Mumbai, where he rose to be senior sous chef and later F&B Manager.

of The Travel Corporation. He will be in charge of the Indian outbound sales and will be responsible for servicing the general and preferred sales agents of Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours, Contiki Holidays and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

Maheshwari has 15 years of cross functional experience in the travel industry. Prior to joining this, he has worked in Kuoni Travel India – SOTC as the Senior General Manager.

Travel Tours Group Bengaluru

Le Meridien Kochi Kochi

Jaipur Marriott Jaipur

Srikant Kalayansundaram has been newly appointed as the Head - Outbound Leisure division, Travel Tours Group (TTG). He has joined TTG after spending 3 years with Cox & Kings as the General Manager for Karnataka region. In this new and expanded role, Kalayansundaram assumes full responsibility for all aspects of the Company. He has spent 16 years in the tourism industry. Armed with a Diploma in Sales & Marketing from Xavier Institute of Management, he has worked with the top brands of travels & tourism industry.

Sreekumar Sekhar has been appointed as the Director of

Pranay Verdia joined Jaipur Marriott as the new Director of Operations. In his new role, he will be responsible for daily operations including rooms, housekeeping, front office, banqueting and F&B operation. Verdia brings over 13 years of solid experience in the industry, most of which were spent with the Marriott Group of hotels. He possesses a Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Pusa, New Delhi.

Manager for Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre. In his new role, he will be spearheading various specialised functions of the hotel and will be responsible for steering the management team of the hotel. Mishra carries with him a rich experience of more than two decades in the hospitality domain.

Prior to this, he was the Director of Operations at the JW Marriott Mumbai and was also associated with The Oberoi, New Delhi.

Sales and Marketing at Le Meridien Kochi. He comes with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. In his new role, he will be responsible for directing all sales efforts towards achieving the operational goals for the hotel property.

Prior to joining Le Meridien Kochi, Sekhar worked at the Regant Lake Palace Hotel and Resorts, Kollam.

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: Megha Paul and Sanjeev Bhar

Kiran Mansharamani is a tour operator based out of Barcelona. Mansharamani’s father is an Indian and hence, she visits India often, especially during Diwali every year. Her father who has been residing in Spain for the last 30 years has been promoting Destination India to the Spaniards. Joining the bandwagon last year, Mansharamani, a budding tour operator, is looking at taking Indians to Spain. Buoyed by the success of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, she says Indians want to take more road trips and experience the La Tomatina Festival. “Apart from doing business, I love to cook various Spanish delicacies.” The only Indian thing that she can make is ‘chai’, she says with a smile. She further plans to learn cooking the Indian food.

Business Development Manager, Warq Events

Runjuan Tongrut has visited India several

Runjuan Tongrut Office Director - New Delhi TAT

times to attend the TAT meetings and has been recently posted in Delhi. “I love shopping and am busy discovering the various shopping delights at the Basant Lok market,” she says. Tongrut also likes to go for spa treatments occasionally. She loves exploring various options for spa treatments in the vicinity of her residence. She loves travelling to Jaipur. “I am also planning to visit Varanasi and Bodh Gaya to experience the Buddhist heritage in the region.” Her motive in India is to promote outbound travel. Interestingly, she is also endorsing India and thus, promoting ‘two-way traffic’ as she rightly puts it. The lady just recommended her ex-boss from Thailand to take a trip to the fascinating Jaipur.

Kiran Mansharamani

Vijai Pande has spent more than three decades in the hospitality industry and has always raised issues pertaining to hospitality, smaller hotels in particular. Having no godfather in this industry, he traversed many paths and now is representing HRANI as its executive committee member. He takes keen interest in highlighting core issues that impedes the sector growth and highlights strongly. Based in Kanpur, Pande now wants to expand his business to other cities. In his pastime, he enjoys playing golf and keenly follows new emerging trends.

Vijai Pande Managing Director Hotel Pandit, Kanpur

Pande has a knack for Hindi language. “I love speaking our national language and feel pride in promoting it across the globe.” He also loves travelling.

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:14-03-2012

HIGHLIGHT

Strengthening presence Virgin Atlantic brings their brand new A330s to Delhi for an amazing on-board entertainment and enhanced seats. Stephen King, General Manager, India, Virgin Atlantic Airways, talks about their expansion plans in India, in an exclusive interaction with .

D E E PA S E T H I & D E V I K A J E E T

Since your recent arrival, what is your impression of India?

India is a fascinating country and is growing very fast. It’s full of opportunity especially for people who work very hard. The business environment here is very positive and dynamic and I am looking forward to an exciting 2012. Everyone I meet, inside or outside the industry, is hugely welcoming and full of genuine warmth.

Does Virgin Atlantic have any expansion plans to India or other parts of this region?

We fly from India’s National Capital and operate from other major economic centre’s in China, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia. In each of these territories we have strong relationships and good market share. Being a point to point to airline, has worked well for us, however we continue to look for opportunities to further strengthen our presence.

Is MICE and business travel seen as a potential market from India today or does the Airline still depend on leisure and ethnic travel?

We have witnessed a strong growth in the MICE sector and it’s great to see that companies continue to invest in incentive travel.

Our on-board product is perfect for group travel and we are keen to grow in this area.

Though the slowdown in Europe is impacting on confidence, we are seeing busi-

Stephen King General Manager, India Virgin Atlantic Airways

ness travel grow from strength to strength.

Whether it’s SMEs expanding in the UK or US or large MNCs. Corporate travellers love our Premium Economy and Upper Class cabins and we’ve seen more of them choose Virgin Atlantic this year.

What is your impression on the proposed changes on the FDI ruling? Do you think Virgin Atlantic would want to buy stake in a domestic carrier?

We are focussed on growing our business out of Delhi to London Heathrow and New York but we are not currently looking at investing in India’s domestic carriers.

Are low-cost carriers eating into Virgin Atlantic’s business globally? Do you see it as a threat in this part of the world also?

Being a full service carrier, only operating long haul flights, our USP has always been our unique product and service and we remain focussed on customer

service and innovation.

This is across cabins from Upper Class to Premium Economy to Economy Class passenger.

For example, knowing how important baggage is for Indian travellers, we are the only Airline on Delhi-London route that offers two bags of 23 kgs each in Economy. For passengers flying our unique cabin Premium Economy, we again have a very generous baggage allowance of three bags of 23 kgs each.

We recently announced a £100million investment to further enhance our Upper Class offering. From July, we’ll be bringing our brand new A330s to Delhi with amazing on-board entertainment and enhanced seats.

Our business class passengers will be some of the first in the world to experience and enjoy our fantastic new Upper Class suite.

Low cost carriers are not having an impact on our business because we already deliver best value through good fares and a great product and in fact, there aren’t any true low-cost carriers competing against us on our routes.

Is the Airline take any green steps towards environment safety? Tell us about them.

Virgin Atlantic was the first Airline to test a bio-fuel flight back in 2008. The intention was to provoke the industry to change, prove that there is a greener alternative to jet fuel and not just ignore the problem.

Following our ground break-

ing initiative many other airlines have tested bio-fuels.

Continuing our leadership in this field, we announced last October a breakthrough in aviation fuel technology through our partnership with LanzaTech.

This will see waste gases from industrial steel production being captured, fermented and chemically converted for use as a jet fuel.

The revolutionary fuel production process recycles waste gases that would otherwise be burnt into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. We are hopeful of having a facility ready by early 2014 and within 3 years our flights to London from Delhi should be running on the new fuel.

Offering Best Deals Growing the business out of Delhi to London Heathrow and New York A £100million investment to further enhance the Upper Class offering To provide our business class passengers some of the first in the world to experience and enjoy the fantastic new Upper Class suite Hardcore focus on customer service and innovation Virgin Atlantic is the only Airline on Delhi-London route that offers two bags of 23 kgs each to London in Economy, for passengers flying Premium Economy gains a baggage allowance of three bags of 23 kgs each

Canada

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Explore Canada The perfect destination for a perfect holiday

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the British Canada Commonwealth. On July 1st, 1867, this new land joined the Commonwealth of Britain. Thus, a new country ‘Canada’ was created.

Greg Klassen Senior Vice President Marketing Strategy and Communications Canadian Tourism Commission Canada is an amazing country and we are very happy to show it to our guests when they arrive. The world has understood that we make up for the cold climate with the warmth in our hearts; that is why our friends in India call it ‘Jannat’ or Paradise. There is a shift in perception now of the Canadian winter, which can be seen from the fact that FTAs from India grew by 25 per cent in the month of November, compared to November in the previious year. And now with spring and summer round the corner, Canada will be at her beautiful best and we are sure these numbers will only rise. There is so much to experience in Canada... come and share it with us!

Unity in Diversity Canada has something for everyone – from mutli cultural yet cosmopolitan cities stretching out to lofty craggy mountain ranges with lush wilderness between. Its area of 9,093,507 square kilometres and a water area of 891,163 square kilometres, makes it the second largest country in the world. Water surrounds Canada, making up 152,100 miles of coastline.

From the lush coast of British Columbia, the Rockies in Alberta, the extensive grasslands, the Five Great Lakes Region and the hometown of maple syrup along Saint Lawrence River and picturesque coastal areas near Atlantic, Canada is full of natural landscapes. In the heart of all this are 15 world heritage sites, 43 national parks, 850 national historical sites, over 1,000 provincial parks, around 50 regional parks and more than 31,000 lakes all over the country. In short Canada is huge – really huge. Canada welcomes the world and we welcome you to keep exploring our beautiful country.

Becoming Canada

Political Canada Capital: The Parliament and seat of power is in Ottawa 10 Provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador 3 Regions: Yukon, NorthWest Territories and Nunavut Language: Canada has two official languages -English and French National Flag: Canada National Flag has a white background in the centre, decorated by a piece of red maple with two stripes in red on both sides.

National Song: O Canada, was officially announced to be the national song of Canada in July 1st, 1980.

Population: Canada’s population is around 33,000,000, with a growth rate of 1%, mostly made up of immigrants. The earliest dwellers here are known as the peoples of the First nations.

Getting to Canada There are currently no direct non-stop flights between India and Canada.

India’s National Carrier Air India operates flights to Toronto from Amritsar via London thrice a week. Jet Airways flies daily from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai via Brussels into Toronto. It connects over London daily with Air Canada flights into Vancouver and other major cities. All European airlines have convenient connections over the Atlantic into the Gateway cities of Toronto and Vancouver through their European hub cities. Middle East airlines, like Emirates and Etihad Airways have connections at least thrice a week into Toronto. Qatar Airways flies into Montreal from Doha thrice a week. Over the Pacific route, Cathay Pacific connects conveniently daily into Toronto and Vancouver, while Korean Air connects thrice a week over Seoul.

Japan Airlines and China Airlines have thrice weekly flights.

Visa Procedures Citizens of India require a visa to enter Canada.All applications are assessed at The Canadian High Commission, New Delhi or the Consulate General in Chandigarh. Documents can be submitted through the VFS in any of its 9 offices.

L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

In 1497, John Cabot, an Italian explorer, arrived on a British ship in the ‘Newfoundland’. He was followed through the Saint Lawrence Bay by Jacques Cartier from France. French immigrants arrived in Québec in 1608, closely followed by the British immigrants. In 1840, Upper Canada (Ontario) and the Lower Canada (Québec) united to form a federal government. Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick came together to set up

Today, Canada is a land of prosperous cities, enchanting landscapes and rich cultures. With six time zones Canada has diverse climates, including white winters and lush summers and the gorgeous Fall, making Canada a preferred destination of international visitors.

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Documents for Visitor Visa • Passport with at least six-month validity. There must be at least one blank page in the passport. The Canadian High Commission does not accept additional pages inserted in passports.

• Relevant fee in the form of a bank draft • Fully completed application – in three parts- including family information with passport size recent photographs. Digital photographs are not acceptable.

• The form has to be completed and submitted online, the copy then signed and submitted with supporting documents through the nearest VFS collection centre. For further information please visit : www.vfs-canada. co.in/visaapplication.html • The portion of the application form for spouse or common-law partner and children regardless of whether they are accompanying or not, has to be completed • Children under 18, traveling without one or both parents or without a legal guardian must provide a notarized authorization for travel as well as proof of their identity/signature for verification.

• Children of 18 years of age and older must submit their own application form • Proof of employment confirming salary and length of employment.

• Salary statements for the last three months • Income Tax Returns for the past two years • Bank Statements / bank books for last three months Visiting a relative/friend • Letter of invitation and/or statutory declaration (affidavit) of support.

• Proof of residence / immigration status of inviter.

• Financial documentation of inviter such as Notice of Assessment (Income tax documents - T4) and proof of his or her employment • Proof of inviter’s existing funds (bank statements, bank books) www.canadainternational.gc.ca/india-inde/

Exploring by road Exploring and discovering Canada at your own pace by road is highly recommended. But there’s an awful lot to see, so allow plenty of time. A valid international driving license and travel insurance are all you need to take on a self –drive tour.

Here are some other things you should know: VIA Rail VIA Rail is Canada’s national passenger railroad; it operates an extensive network of passenger rail services throughout Canada. The smart thing to do is to purchase a Canrail Pass which allows travel on VIA Rail services system-wide or a Corridor Pass for travel in Ontario and Québec. www.viarail.ca Rocky Mountaineer vacations Rocky Mountaineer is the way to go if you don’t want to miss any of the spectacular Canadian scenery. Their rail tours, all take place in daylight with trains travelling between Vancouver and Banff or Calgary, and between Vancouver and Jasper. Or take the Sea to Sky trip from Vancouver to Whistler. www.rockymountaineer.com Travelling by bus Greyhound Canada covers the main highway routes from the west coast of Canada to as far east as Ottawa.

There are two main types of Greyhound Canada Pass: 1. Canada coach pass 2. Canada coach pass plus www.greyhound.ca

Now that you are in Canada Canada is a wonderful country and we want you to get the most out of your time here. Getting here and around is all part of the fun and adventure.

Flying around Canada Many parts of Canada are remote but almost all are linked to Canada’s nine international airports by a comprehensive network of regional services.

Air Canada operates large domestic aircraft to over 100 cities. Its low cost subsidiary, Jazz and West Jet also provide domestic air services.

Many US and Canadian airlines also have trans-border services Air Canada: www.aircanada.com West Jet: www.westjet.com

Leading Partners in Canada A2Z Travel

www.a2z.travel

Across Travel & Tours Ltd. BC: Vancouver

www.acrosstravel.com

Alta-Can Aurora Tours AB: Edmonton

www.altacan.ab.ca

Brewster Inc. AB: Banff

www.brewster.ca

CAL Travel International Ltd. BC: Richmond Discover Holidays

www.calworld.com

www.discoverholidays.ca

Discover Banff Tours DMCi - Destination Management Canada Inc

www.banfftours.com www.dmci.ca

Harvest Tours BC: Richmond

www.harvestours.ca

Jac Travel Canada BC: Vancouver

www.jactravel.bc.ca

Jonview Canada ON: Toronto

www.jonview.com

Mazda Travels BC: Vancouver

www.mazdatravel.com

MISA Tours International

www.misatours.ca

Prince Edward Inc. PE: Charlottetown www.princeedwardtours.com TPI Travel (Canada) Ltd. BC: Richmond XCANADA Tours & Travel Inc. BC: Vancouver

www.tpitravel.ca www.xcanada.biz

Derek Galpin Managing Director, CTC-India & China

Canada launches a multimedia consumer campaign in India Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has recently launched a consumer campaign with www.jannat.canada.travel as its web address for the Indian consumers. The latest addition to CTC’s destination marketing initiatives in India will help build awareness of Canada.

Derek Galpin, Managing Director, CTC-India & China, says, “This is the first time that we are going to consumers directly. It’s a two-fold campaign. The first phase is aimed at creating awareness about Canada and its unique experiences like heli tours, heli-hiking, winter products etc. that Indian consumers are still not aware of. The second phase will witness the campaign being relaunched with new additions during the prime buying periods in India. The campaign website will be promoted through various media including print, radio, online etc,” he added.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who is also the brand ambassador of CTC in India is leading the campaign and welcomes visitors talking about Canada as, “This is my Jannat. This is our Canada.”

Galpin says that in the last two years, CTC has closely engaged with the Indian travel trade through various marketing activities to build awareness of the destination. “Over the last two years, we have conducted training programmes for agencies, organised trade and media familiarisation tours, done co-opt advertising with tour operators, conducted B2B events and launched Canada Agents Specialist Programme etc to generate awareness of Canadian travel products. We will continue to undertake these activities in future and engage closely with the travel trade.”

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BC Ferries BC Ferries operates the largest fleet of car ferries on Canada’s Pacific coast as well as waterways of the British Columbia coast. BC Ferries also conduct tours along the inside passage and waterways to Prince Rupert and the Northern points of Western Canada. www.bcferries.com

The Dynamic Countryside The magnificent Rockies, the authentic national parks, the comfortable Spa resorts and the snow-capped ski resorts are only part of Canada’s inviting countryside. Stay in one of the countless top resorts and boutique hotels or backpack your way through. Take a helicopter tour across the mountains, stop for picnic lunches enroute or enjoy a candlelit dinner in a romantic Michelin starred restaurant. With seafood harvested in the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, fresh beef purchased from Alberta and juicy fruits picked in Ontario, Canada will meet your gourmet needs.

The grapes grown in the warm climate of the Okanagan and Niagara regions turn into world famous wines, which are the best choice of banquets or the preferred gifts for your family and friends. When frozen on the vines, it creates the renowned Icewine.

A land of Heritage Canada’s 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a diverse collection, both cultural and natural. Stroll through national parks, stay at chateau-styled hotels or rest by the largest non-polar icefield in the world. See thick moss blanket abandoned longhouses, visit rainforest islands, or hike the parched desert-like Badlands in search of dinosaur bones. Finish off a day of exploring with a soak in hot springs beneath Northern Lights. Or, relax at a très chic sidewalk café or in a cozy, British-style pub.

Akshay Kumar – Olympic Torchbearer, ‘Khiladi’ and Tourism Ambassador The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), in collaboration with the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), had selected 15 international torchbearers to participate in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay International Media Program. Chosen as one of them was – Bollywood hero and the ‘original khiladi” Akshay Kumar got a chance to don the official torchbearer uniform and was presented with a prototype of the torch by the Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper during his visit to India in November 2009.

After successfully carrying the Olympic Flame in Toronto, Kumar returned home to a rousing welcome, and declared that being the first Indian to carry the Olympic torch was the best experience of his life and a huge honour.

Immediately after this and in open acknowledgement of his close ties with Canada, Akshay Kumar happily agreed to become Canada’s Tourism Ambassador in India. Fully aware of the huge responsibility, Akshay Kumar continued to strengthen his ties and even produced a movie – Speedy 4

UNESCO Heritage Sites Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites Cultural • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (1981) • Historic District of Old Québec (1985) • L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (1978) • Old Town Lunenburg (1995) • Rideau Canal (2007) • SGang Gwaay (1981) Natural • Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (1984)

• Dinosaur Provincial Park (1979) • Gros Morne National Park (1987) • Joggins Fossil Cliffs (2008) • Kluane / Wrangell-St Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek (1979) • Miguasha National Park (1999) • Nahanni National Park (1978) • Waterton Glacier International Peace Park (1995) • Wood Buffalo National Park (1983)

Singh, a story revolving around the life of many a Indian immigrant family and the national sport of Ice Hockey. The India release of this movie was at the High Commission in New Delhi.

As an extension of his commitment Akshay Kumar played a significant role in Canadian Tourism’s first Consumer Campaign in India in Dec 2011. The catch phrase is one coined by him. Visitors to the Consumer site : jannat. canada.travel are greeted by a beaming Akshay Kumar welcoming them to visit ‘My Jannat: Our Canada’. He appears in all ads as well, inviting people to join in the interactive game – a virtual flight to Canada.

Become a Canada Specialist With a host of plans and initiatives for the discerning tourist, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has come up with an innovative concept in the form of Canada Specialist Program (CSP). We have created this online educational tool to help you become an expert in Canadian experiences.

By completing this program, you’ll learn about travel in Canada interactively, earn an exclusive sales accreditation, have access to bespoke sales tools and reduced travel rates etc.

Easy learning We’ve organized this program by traditional touring regions. You can sell just one province for in-depth visits, plan a longer trip through two or three provinces or suggest cross-Canada travel itineraries for your clients who have more time. We are, after all, the second biggest nation in the world.

By concentrating on touring regions, you’ll learn the locations of gateway airports that connect your clients with Canadian experiences. We’ve organized the program into 8 learning modules covering the length and breadth of this vast country, enlightening you about the places to visit and the experiences awaiting.

Benefits for Canada Specialists When you complete all eight modules successfully, you will have earned your Canada Specialist Level accreditation and certificate from the Canadian Tourism Commission. You’ll also have online access to print signage for your agency as well as logos for your business cards. You will be the first to hear of our roadshows and training sessions. You can avail of special discounts on travel on your personal visit to Canada, discounted air, rail travel and hotel stays.

Canadian Tourism Commission in India has several additional promotions for agents. Last year two lucky winners of a draw were taken on a week -long fam tour of Ontario and attended the glittering IIFA Awards event in Toronto. Enrol for the programme on and avail of the benefit of knowledge of Canada. Maybe you get lucky as well and visit this fabulous country.

Enrol on : csp-in.canada.travel

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British Columbia

Skagway (Alaska) Atlin

Fort Nelson

Stewart Prince Rupert

QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS

Hazelton

Williston Lake

Smithers

Fort St. John

Prince George

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Mt. Robson Williams Lake 100 Mile House

Port Hardy

Cariboo Campbell River

Kamloops Revelstoke

Tofino Nanaimo

Vernon Kelowna Radium Hot Springs

Pacific Rim National Park

Victoria

Cranbrook

Vancouver Whistler

Thompson Okanagan

Nelson Trail Penticton Nelson

Lillooet

85, 24, 0, 0 - land

60, 10, 0, 0 - roads

35, 0, 0, 0 - lakes

55, 5, 0, 0 - mountains/parks

65, 15, 0, 0 - alternate land (where nec)

With the Pacific to the West and Rockies to the East, British Columbia has a winding coastline of 27,000 km. Being on the warmer Pacific Coast its mild climate and beautiful landscape has 75% of the land covered by forest. The towering mountains, shimmering lakes, tree-covered islands, dense forests and kilometres of vast coastline make it Canada’s most scenic province.

Cosmopolitan Vancouver is a fascinating blend of European and Asian cultures and cuisines. The province’s seven mountain ranges are home to a plethora of world-renowned ski resorts, quaint towns, luxury lodges and wineries.

Natural landscapes and diversified geographies make it one of the most desirable destinations. Alfred Creek Falls in British Columbia is recorded as one of the tallest in Canada at a height of 700 metres (2,297 ft). Osoyoos is the only desert in Canada and its in BC too. It has the lowest rainfall, the highest temperatures, the warmest lakes in all of Canada and is located in the middle of the Southern Okanagan wine country.

British Columbia is also known for its rich cultures, world-class exhibitions, numerous shops and delicate cuisines, representing the perfect balance between splendid city and peaceful nature. It is known as a world-class destination for leisure and business travellers.

Vancouver Cruise Terminal, Vancouver, BC

Visit HelloBC.com for more information

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Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, BC

Cricket in Vancouver, BC

runs around Stanley Park, along English Bay beach, around False Creek, and finally ends at Kitsilano Beach. Along the way it passes by Prospect Point and the totem poles displayed at Brockton Point. These totems are the most-visited tourist attraction in all of BC and are pieces of BC First Nations artistry and an eyeopener into the ethnic history of Vancouver.

Vancouver A delight for travellers seeking outdoor pursuits with a little urban exploration. Don’t miss a walk along the seawall at Stanley Park or explore the endless rows of stalls featuring fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, seafood and numerous local artisan vendors at Granville Island Public Market.

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Vancouver City Named “Top City of the Americas” in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards,Vancouver was also named as one of ten Best Family Vacations in Canada in the 2011 Travelers’ Choice awards. Vancouver has been chosen as the world’s “Most Liveable City” in 2011 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a title it has been awarded eight times since 2002. www.tourismvancouver.com Stanley Park Step aboard one of our old-fashioned horsedrawn vehicles and meander in comfort through the natural beauty of Stanley Park, Vancouver’s thousand acre wonderland. Or take a bike ride on the 9km long Sea Wall path. This 22 km paved way is used daily by million pedestrians, cyclists, and inline skaters, making it the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront walkway. It starts at Canada Place in the downtown core,

Most of the park remains overgrown with an estimated half million trees, some of which stand as tall as 76 metres (249 ft) and are up to hundreds of years old.

Vancouver Aquarium The Vancouver Aquarium, houses over 50,000 animals and some of the world’s most elusive creatures. It is located in the heart of beautiful Stanley Park, in downtown Vancouver. www.vanaqua.org Capilano Suspension Bridge A reception deck 300 feet above the rushing Capilano River amid lush forest greenery gives your guests a dramatic taste of the city’s pristine natural setting. Just minutes from Downtown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is suspended 450 feet (135m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. Cross over to Treetops Adventure and walk from one magnificent Douglas fir to another via a series of seven elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor.

The newly opened Cliffwalk takes you through rainforest vegetation on a series of unobtrusive

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Vancouver Cruise Terminal and Canada Place, Vancouver, BC

Be in close distance to Coola and Grinder, the two orphan bears who have been rescued and have made the Mountain top their home – sharing it with you and camera buffs with a nonchalant air. You could take a dual-line, five-line circuit zip line tour that gets you an adrenaline-pumping tour across the peaks and canyons of Grouse and Dam Mountains. The tour lasts about two hours. www.grousemountain.com

cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face. Not for the faint of heart, it is high and narrow and, in some sections, glass is all that separates guests from the canyon far below. www.capbridge.com

Granville Island Imagine an island in the middle of a city.

Surrounded by marinas and with fascinating views, Granville Island is located on the south shore of False Creek, in Downtown Vancouver.

Connected to the city by a causeway, Granville Island is a thriving warren of shops, artists’ studios, restaurants, theatres, nightclubs and galleries by day or night.

Take the rainbow coloured Aqua-Bus to Granville Island. The daily public market has a fascinating assortment of colourful stalls, selling homemade products and the very finest in gastronomic delights, all fresh from the ocean, the oven or the field. www.granvilleisland.com Yaletown One of the most chic places to be is in Yaletown.

Also known as Little SoHo, Yaletown is made up of reconverted warehouses, it has become Vancouver’s trendiest residential neighbourhood for urban professionals, terribly hip, and with a choice of quality restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

The Opus Bar of Yaletown’s Opus Hotel was voted Vancouver’s most popular nightspot recently.

Grouse Mountain Literally one of the loftiest experiences Vancouver has to offer, getting to Grouse Mountain top is half the fun. You are whisked to a mountaintop hideaway via a mile-long aerial tramway, gives a view of the city and waterways below. High above towering Douglas firs, breath taking views of the city of Vancouver, sparkling Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and snowy peaks in North America’s

Vancouver Island and Victoria

Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC

Thanks to the warming currents of the Pacific Ocean and the protection of the Coast Mountains, the Vancouver Island region has the

mildest climate in Canada. Many of the British traditions are still the influence. Provincial Capital, Victoria is a picture-postcard city and is famous for its British traditions like leisurely tradition of afternoon Tea with scones and jam. Rising regally on Victoria’s spectacular Inner Harbour, The Fairmont Empress captures the turn-ofthe-century grandeur and elegance of a bygone era. Victoria is large enough to be genuinely cosmopolitan, yet small enough to be explored easily on foot with most attractions within easy walking distance of each other.

With perfectly-groomed grounds and over 1,000 signature flower baskets that grace downtown lamp posts in the summer months, Victoria is a perfect place to be in, round the year.

The Butchart Gardens Benvenuto, Italian for ‘welcome’, is the name the Butcharts used for their original estate, now a National Historic Site of Canada. This is one of the many private gardens continuing the Victorians passion for gardening. The 22 hectares of reclaimed limestone quarry land ensures every summer is magnificent with bursts of colour everywhere, Rose Gardens, Japanese layout and over 300,000 bulbs. All through the year our 50 gardeners are hard at work, tending the gardens and the hot houses, ensuring the outside floral display changes seasonally.

Summer evenings have night illuminations flowing into fireworks over Christmas making the Butchart Gardens a must visit spot for all tourists to Vancouver Island. Take a cup of English tea at the Blue Poppy restaurant or shop in the Seed and gift store. www.butchartgardens.com Whale watching The highlight of the visit to Vancouver and Vancouver Island will most probably be a Whale watching tour. The warm waters of the Pacific just out of the harbour are a haven for families of orca – killer whales. They are the largest animals in the dolphin family and roam around in family ‘pods’. A major whale migration occurs in mid winter, but is at its peak in March and

Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, BC

largest aerial tramway system to The Peak of Vancouver.

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April at which time up to 20,000 whales swim through the waters. The most popular departure point is Victoria, where you can set off on a 3 hour tour aboard a zodiac or boat right from the Inner Harbour, just steps from The Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Enjoy the thrill of the ride, the abundance of wildlife, close up views of the whales, all set against the picture perfect backdrop of the Coast Mountains.

Whistler Consistently ranked the number one mountain resort in North America, The pedestrian-friendly village of Whistler is nestled at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and just two hours north of Vancouver, it is Canada’s premier, year-round destination.

Getting here is easy, take the smooth, yet ruggedly scenic Sea to Sky Highway or take a seat on the Rocky Mountaineer Sea to Sky train.

You could even take a floatplane and land in the Green Lake in Whistler.

Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

In summer Whistler’s spectacular landscape blossoms into a vibrant display of colour and a new season of adventure. There are numerous ways to enjoy golden summer days as well.

Mountain biking, hiking and ziplining are just a few more examples of Whistler’s many summer activity options. Explore the mountain by ATV - ride a twisty trail up Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain, or rip along old logging roads - these tours are the perfect way to see a different side of Whistler. Whistler is home to one of the largest black bear habitats, its very possible you catch sigh of some on the way.

Let Whistler wrap you in its inclusive welcome.

You’ll cherish the beauty of this incredible place.

Come experience Whistler. www.tourismwhistler.com

Peak 2 Peak Gondola Take to the skies and experience Whistler’s alpine via the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. This gondola, opened in fall of 2009, spans the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb mountain. It is record breaking and breathtaking at the same time. The Longest ride on unsupported span of 3.024 kilometres is at a height of 435 metre above he base takes just 11 minutes with a cabin departing every 49 seconds. Interspersed between these are silver coloured gondolas. Whats different about them?

They are glass bottomed, a thrilling experience like no other.

The gondola operates in the Winter for avid skiers and snowboarders to take advantage of 2 mountains. In the Summer the ride up is for those looking for a alpine hiking experience or a rush of mountain biking. www.whistlerblackcomb.com/p2pg

Whistler Village, BC

With numerous skiing and snowboarding options, four championship golf courses, 3000 hectares and 200 ski trails, more than 200 shops, 90 restaurants and bars, visitors to Whistler are spoilt for choice. Whistler was the

Whalewatching, BC

Taking a zodiac trip is the most exciting way to get close to the orca- Don a bright body suit, pull on your life vest and protective shoes and get whisked away into the bay Captains of your zodiac or ship will give you interesting titbits about the whales and seals in the area, keeping an eye out to point them out to you.

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Thompson Okanagan

Wine Tasting, BC

Pyramid Winery, BC

Thompson Okanagan, BC

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The Thompson Okanagan region, known as Canada’s Napa Valley, is home to 150+ wineries, whose vines soak up some of Canada’s sunniest weather and are surrounded by lakes, mountains and world-class golf courses. Explore the region the local way, cycling through the idyllic valley or picnicking at a vineyard overlooking Osoyoos Lake. Feast on wild salmon and bannock while sipping a glass of gold medal winning Pinot Blanc., Riesling or Chardonnay.

meat, body products, flowers, ethnic foods, soaps, plants and much more. Follow your nose, take a walk into the Okanagan Lavender Farm and walk through 60 different kinds of blooms or have a cup of Lavender Tea. Literally next door are acres and acres of fruit farms, trees laden with luscious cherries, nectarines, peaches and apples; it will be correct to say that you are in Canada’s ‘Fruit bowl’.

It’s easy to take a bucket and pick your own fruits, fresh off the trees. You can even dare to bite into a few while ‘toiling’ over it.

organic winery.The word Py-ra-mid means “fire in the middle”. “We all have this fire in the middle. It is our hearts, our souls”. This is the core of the Summerhill Pyramid Vintners, making it one of the most unique wineries in the Okanagan region. They follow organic growing practices and their pyramid is part of their wine making process. The wine is placed strategically under the pyramid structure for clarification, an integral step in its aging process.

Head to the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market.

Apart from fruits, this market offers a huge variety of farm products and organic produce like jams,

Summerhill Pyramid Winery BC’s Most Visited Winery. Since 1986, Summerhill is now Canada’s largest certified

They also have an organic bistro right on site to give any visitor a complete winery experience. www.summerhill.bc.ca 9

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Experiences of a different kind Inside Passage Cruising Take a BC Ferries cruise into the northern reaches of Vancouver Island, through the famed Inside Passage. Explore the remote mountain towns that dot the Skeena and Bulkley river systems and the expansive high plains of the Caribou region. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the shoreline, orca whales and porpoises in the channel, and great bald eagles circling overhead. Watch for remote First Nations villages that are tucked into several of the bays along the route. Travel to the famed Khutzeymateen, Valley of the Grizzly, and view grizzly and black bear in their natural environment. Your destination is Prince Rupert. the cultural centre of the Tsimshian-speaking First Nations people. www.bcferriesvacations.com/packages/ package-details03041101.php

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Mail- Run Seaplane Ride Embark on a 90-minute scenic Seaplane flight giving you spectacular aerial views of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. Depart Vancouver Coal Harbour and explore the rugged fjordland and picturesque villages of the beautiful Gulf Islands from the air. You will see all the major downtown sights and experience spectacular views of Grouse Mountain before the tour concludes with a thrilling landing back on the water. Its such an exhilarating ride, few can boast of having done it. www.dosomethingdifferent.com/ experiences/the_mail_run_seaplane_tour_ Whistler Ziptreck Tours Glide over Fitzsimons Creek the untouched ancient coastal rainforest that divides Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains. The two hour trail consists of five zip lines and four treetop suspension bridges and promises wonderful views of the surrounding rainforest. Feel the adrenaline pump through your veins as you soar

along ziplines up to 2,000’ long and 200’ above the forest floor. You could reach speeds of up to 80 km/hr on your trip. In between each of these ziplines you will be doing some walking on tree platforms, suspension bridges, stairs, as well as some trails and boardwalks throughout the old growth rainforest. It is an experience to relive again and again.

Eye of the Wind For the thrill of a lifetime, take the trip up to the Grouse Mountain Summit. Ride an elevator 20 storeys and step into the Eye of the Wind, the world’s only glass ViewPOD at the top of the wind turbine. You get as close as three meters (10 ft) from the turbine’s giant rotating blades, each 38 m (125 ft) long. Inside the 36-person ViewPOD, you will be higher than the Grouse Mountain summit, feeling on top of the world surrounded by sky as living life to the fullest standing in the Eye of the Wind. in.canada.travel/experience/GrouseMountain

Sonora Resort Imagine acres and acres of verdant forests, meandering rivers, limpid lakes and a spectacular resort nestled amidst it. A resort that offers both relaxation and adventure, where you can spoil yourself with a massage in front of a fireplace, soak in a heated pool with a view or go beaver and bear watching. On the seashore of a road-free private island, is Sonora Resort -an all-inclusive retreat in the wilderness. Though remote, it can be easily reached by helicopter from Vancouver airport or by water taxi from Campbell River. Live a life of luxury, soak in a hot tub with a rainforest and ocean view in the privacy of your own private oceanfront luxury lodge. How about you hop on a helicopter for a glacier tour complete with a picnic lunch and epic view. After dinner, drift off to sleep to the sound of gentle waves and the wind through cedars. www.sonoraresort.com

King Pacific Lodge - A Rosewood Resort King Pacific Lodge is located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest on the West Coast of British Columbia and offers floating Luxury Wildlife Adventure. Your welcome starts with a scenic round-trip flights from Vancouver to the wilderness lodge for a special champagne welcome. Only the best produce, meats and wines from British Columbia are served. Daily guided activities include whale watching and wildlife watching tours, ocean fishing, hiking, kayaking,helitours and the opportunity to see the elusive Kermode or Spirit Bear.

King Pacific Lodge was selected as the Best Resort in Canada by Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards in 2008, 2009 and 2010 www.kingpacificlodge.com The Wickaninnish Inn While most of Canada lives winter under a blanket of white, the West Coast of Vancouver Island grows green, green, green as it witnesses the fury of howling gales, 20-foot breakers, and enough rainfall to keep our pristine temperate rainforest alive and well. All this drama is courtesy of the Gulf of Alaska’s Aleutian Low, formed from the growing contrast between the warm air over the North Pacific and the cooler landmasses of Asia and America. The Wickaninnish Inn was designed so that every single room, suite and public space would allow for a view of the ocean – and that all guests would live the excitement of viewing BCs legendary West Coast winter storms in luxurious comfort. But Tofino winters also bring days of brilliant sunshine - sunshine peeking in between winter storms! www.wickinn.com/stormwatching.html

Peak 2 Peak Gondola, BC

Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge Tsa-Kwa-Luten is an Oceanfront Resort at Cape Mudge. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge offers privacy and seclusion within a 1100 acre forest located on Quadra Island, only a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown Campbell River.

Being surrounded by stunning scenery the island provides numerous soft adventure experiences ies including: sea kayak tours, marine tours, hiking, sport fishing, diving, and even grizzly tours in the fall. All rooms feature ocean views of the historic Discovery Passage and have private sauna and hot tub. www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca/index.html Fairmont Empress, Victoria The Fairmont Empress sits majestically at the cornerstone of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbour.

Turn of the century architecture and classic beauty complement the quintessential Victoria experience in this hotel. Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress has been served since the hotel opened in 1908. Afternoon Tea has been enjoyed by kings, queens and celebrities who have stayed at the Fairmont Empress. The City of Victoria is celebrating its 150th birthday in 2012, and the Fairmont Empress will be in the centre of all eyes. www.fairmont.com/empress Sutton Place – Vancouver Few hotels can rival the elegance, European charm and hospitality of Vancouver’s Sutton Place. Set against a majestic backdrop of mountains it brings a taste of Europe to one of North America’s most beautiful cities. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, innovative French continental cuisine and the Vida Wellness Spa, the Sutton Place Hotel is a perennial Conde Nast Traveler Gold List favourite and one of Travel and Leisure’s Top 500 list. It is located in the heart of the city, just steps from the arts and entertainment districts, and within walking distance of the chic boutiques. www.vancouver.suttonplace.com

Sonora Resort, BC

Hotels

King Pacific Lodge, BC

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Quebec Not only is Québec the pristine green of pasture and forest, sprinkled with bronze church spires and picture-perfect sidewalk cafés, it is also très chic, filled with fabulous places to dine and beautiful people. The sun shines on cobblestone streets and everywhere you turn activities abound, from cross-country skiing through forest trails in the winter to witnessing the magical transformation of maple trees turning to red, yellow and orange in the autumn, not to mention indulging in delectable wines and authentic French cuisine all year long.

Montréal and Québec City are bustling metropolises with a perfect mix of sophistication and playfulness, and the added bonus of history-soaked and preserved neighbourhoods. From the picturesque Eastern Townships to breathtaking Charlevoix to the soaring Laurentians Mountains, Québec is simply extraordinary. Both English and French are spoken here, and you’ll be delighted to discover the Québécois are a vibrant and inviting people.

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Inukjuak

Kuujjuaq

Labrador City

Reservoir RobertBourassa

BaieComeau Sept-iles

Gaspé Perce

Amos Charlevoix

Mont Ste-Anne

Mont Tremblant

Trois-Riviéres Sherbrooke

Laurentians

Quebec City Québec City is North America’s only walled city north of Mexico City. Over the centuries, the old town’s lanes and squares have seen the continent’s first parish church, first museum, first girls’ school, first business district, first newspaper, first hospital and first French-speaking university. UNESCO proclaimed the entire old town a World Heritage Site, and the city celebrated its 400th birthday in 2008. This provincial capital has as much ambience, romance, melancholy, eccentricity and intrigue as any European city. Soak up the historical atmosphere of the Citadel ramparts and follow the walkway to Dufferin Terrace below Château Frontenac for great views of the St. Lawrence River.

The cable car to the top of the 83m (272ft.)

Montmorency Falls—higher than Niagara Falls— promises superb views of the river. Visit at twilight and witness the fireworks display in summer. Go to neighbouring Sainte Anne and take a quick zipline across the gorge, trying not to look at the river below. Keep an eye out for the wildlife at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier as you canoe down its magnificent river or simply relax in the shade of its trees. Watch the watercolour artists at work and buy their pieces on Rue Sainte-Anne, or browse Amerindian crafts, local designer fashions and decorative objects on Rue Petit-Champlain. You’ll love the antique shops of Rue Saint-Paul and the Old Port Farmers Market, too. For foodies, Québec City is heaven, serving up everything from fine French cuisine to hearty

Place Royale, Quebec City , QC

Quebec City skyline and St. Lawrence River, QC

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stews and traditional steak frites. Be sure to spend a lazy afternoon or magical evening on a charming patio!

For a winter experience beyond compare, spend a night or two at the Hôtel de Glace, built from ice each year near Lac Saint-Joseph! www.quebecregion.com Attractions Fortifications: Discover the impressive ramparts encircling Old Québec. These fortifications, erected under the French and British regimes, bear witness to the evolution of Québec’s defence system from the 17th to the 19th century, stretching over 4.6 km (2.8 mi.). At the heart of the fortifications stands the Citadel, which was the ultimate recourse for the British garrison. A World Heritage Site, Québec is the only city in North America to have conserved a major part of its defence system. www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/qc/fortifications/ index.aspx

Montréal A city set in the middle of the St. Lawrence River with one of the largest inland harbours in the world, Montréal is synonymous with romance and hospitality. With an energetic night scene, cool European vibes and a seemingly neverending string of stellar summer festivals, Montréal is irresistible. The largest French-speaking city outside of Paris, Montréal is one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

Montréal is also a shopper’s paradise. The hardcore will inevitably check out Rue SainteCatherine Ouest, which is filled with department, chain and one of a-kind stores. For those with an epicurean bent, the city boasts over 6,000 restaurants to choose from.

Montréal’s downtown bustles with life at the foot of its “mountain,” while history is rooted in the old quarters near the river. With its year-round party atmosphere, Montréal beats to the rhythm

of its festivals: jazz, comedy, cinema, fireworks and more! The city beckons you to discover its fashionable boutiques and famed cuisine, over 30 km (18 mi.) of indoor pedestrian walkways, and its lively casino. Stroll through its colourful streets or take a ride along one of its many bicycle paths (over 660 km / 400 mi. in the region). Oh, and party in Montréal? Oui, s’il vous plaît! www.tourisme-montreal.org Notre Dame Basilica The vast Basilica, reflecting the Gothic revival style, astounds with its extraordinary craftsmanship, the artistic polish of its fittings, its many fine works of religious art and the interior of its chapel, which was inspired by the Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Indeed, it is one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in Montréal.

Dedicated to Our Lady the Blessed Virgin— “Notre Dame”—the small original chapel was initially operated by the Jesuits. With its dazzling combination of blue and gold, the Basilica is a place like no other in Montréal—once seen, never forgotten. www.notredamebasilica.ca/en/ Pointe à Callière Museum Designated a National Historic Site, Pointeà-Callière is a spectacular museum built atop an authentic archaeological site located at Montréal’s birthplace. The multimedia show projected above the actual ruins of the city take you on a captivating historical tour of Montréal.

It showcases major archaeological discoveries made on this site, bearing witness to over 1,000 years of human activity at the very spot where Montréal was founded. pacmusee.qc.ca/en/about-pointe-a-calliere

Whitwater rafting in Lachine River, QC

Place-Royale: The point of land now occupied by the historic site of Place-Royale was once the original fur trading post, used even before the Europeans arrived. In the early days of New France, Samuel de Champlain had begun construction on a fortified post, which was destroyed in a fire in 1682. The new buildings were constructed of stone, and the marketplace became what is now known as Place Royale. The Musée de la civilisation is located in the heart of an historic district, mere steps from where Samuel de Champlain founded Québec. The interpretation centre takes visitors on a trip back through 400 years of Place-Royale’s history.

Quartier Petit Champlain – Set at the foot of the cliff below Château Frontenac, this neighbourhood is a must-see when visiting Québec. It is magical in the winter, with thousands of lights illuminating its narrow streets.

Lined with quaint shops and warm bistros, Petit Champlain claims to be the oldest commercial district in North America. Make your way to the 100-square-metre mural, a full wall that depicts the area through the ages, from 1759 to the present day. You don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the beauty of this outdoor work of art. www.quartierpetitchamplain.com/en/ about#Mural

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Underground City The “Underground City” refers to the vast network of pedestrian walkways located beneath the downtown core. With a total of 33 km (20 mi.) of connecting passageways, the Underground City also leads to the metro (subway), commuter trains and buses.

What’s more, the passageways serve a more leisurely purpose as they provide access to 40 entertainment venues and attractions, particularly handy during the bitterly cold winter months. The concept began in 1962 with construction of the lower level shopping mall in Place Ville Marie.

Look for the metro signs (they have a blue arrow) and follow them underground. At certain points the Underground City is many storeys beneath the surface—it’s a whole new world! www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/ Shopping/underground-pedestrian-network

Street Cafes, Montreal, QC

Chef at a café, QC

Notre Dame Bascilica, Montreal, QC

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Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Quebec, QC

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Charlevoix In Charlevoix, mountain and sea combine to form a setting that can only be described as spellbinding. A succession of capes and outcroppings flank the coast like sentinels guarding the river. Villages nestle cosily at the foot of the mountains or in peaceful coves.

Beyond the road, fertile fields are interspersed with stunning glimpses of backcountry peaks.

Charlevoix owes its geography to a meteorite that fell to Earth some 350 million years ago on what is today the site of the village of Les Éboulements. The region is home to the famous Le Massif ski hill, which boasts the highest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies.

Baie-Saint Paul, a heritage town nestled in a valley with over 85 century-old homes, was a favourite of Canada’s Group of Seven painters and the birthplace of the celebrated Cirque du Soleil.

From Saint-Siméon or Baie-Sainte-Catherine, head out for a little whale watching in the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. Enjoy the open sea air, have some fun at the casino, or visit 16

the magnificent golf course elegantly overlooking the river. www.tourisme-charlevoix.com Mont Tremblant Mont Tremblant is the crown jewel of the Laurentian Mountains, as majestic in summer as it is in winter, with amazing views of the lake and surrounding area. Each day in Mont Tremblant village is filled with excitement, from skiing to golfing, from dogsledding to rafting. From the beginning of January to the end of December, Mont Tremblant is a charming destination of choice whose unique geography makes it ideal for virtually any event.

Walk to the main areas of the pedestrian village, shop at a number of specialty stores, or savour a variety of wines and foods in nearby restaurants and clubs. Depending on the day, you may be entertained by musicians in the open-air theatre. Take the gondola up the mountain and “luge” it back down. For a relaxed evening, try your luck at the casino just up the hill. www.tremblant.ca

Attraction Jet boating on the Lachine Rapids: Summer in the city is also about rafting, jet boating, canoeing or kayaking on the Lachine Rapids, pedal boating on city ponds and parasailing off the beaches.

Nothing can match the thrill of jet boating in a zodiac on the Lachine Rapids. The St. Lawrence Seaway was built to allow ships heading west from the Atlantic Ocean and Maritime provinces to circumvent the strong whitewater rapids around the city of Montréal. Known as the Lachine Rapids, they are fed by water from all five Great Lakes, cascading over large rock ledges and giant mid-river boulders to create 15-foot waves, ferocious boils and swirling whirlpools. www.whirlpooljet.com

Signature Experiences Hôtel de Glace Located just 10 minutes from downtown Québec City, this “ice hotel” is a must-see attraction to discover each winter. Unique in America, the Hôtel de Glace has seduced over half a million people from around the world since its opening in

Ice Hotel, Qubec City, QC

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Winter Festival, QC

you initially past Parc de la Chute Montmorency, followed by Île d’Orléans—considered by some to be Québec City’s “garden”—then on to the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area on the St. Lawrence sandbanks, and through to La Malbaie. This romantic rail excursion is one of a kind, in summer as well as winter, when skiing vacations are the order of the day. www.lemassif.com/en/train

2001. The hotel impresses with its dazzling décor that includes huge snow vaults and crystalline ice sculptures. Open each year from the first week of January to the end March, the hotel promises visitors an incredible experience. The thick snow walls serve as a windshield, keeping the Hôtel de Glace well insulated. The temperature varies by only a few degrees, from -3°C to -5°C, regardless of the outside temperature. Spend the night, or better yet, tie the knot in the Ice Chapel… There’s nothing quite like raising a toast in glasses fashioned from ice! www.hoteldeglace-canada.com Île Notre-Dame and Île Sainte-Hélène Visit Parc Jean-Drapeau, spend the day at Québec’s largest amusement park or take an afternoon off to visit the Biosphère, located in the former U.S. pavilion at Expo ‘67. Ride the funicular up the inclined tower at Olympic Park— site of the 1976 Olympic Games—or visit the Biodôme, a magical place that is home to four ecosystems. Montréal’s Grand Prix du Canada takes place on Île Notre-Dame, which boasts the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a 4.5 km (2.8 mi.) track that is Canada’s Formula One holy ground.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims have flocked to the island to watch the gods of motor racing. All this and more takes place on Montréal’s twin islands. www.parcjeandrapeau.com Festival International de Jazz Ranked as the world’s largest jazz festival by Guinness World Records, Montréal’s jazzfest has been a hub for jazz lovers for the past 30 years.

For 11 days in summer, the festival hosts some 3,000 musicians and public entertainers from 30 countries who put on 800 concerts, two-thirds of which are free. Each year, 15 concert halls and 8 outdoor stages welcome 2.5 million visitors, from noon to midnight! For those 11 days, Montréal is without a doubt the true heartbeat of “Planet Jazz”! www.montrealjazzfest.com Le Massif’s rail cruise Travelling between mountains and sea, along 140 km (87 mi.) of breathtaking riverside scenery between Québec City and La Malbaie, the Train du Massif de Charlevoix carries passengers on a singular rail cruise experience featuring Charlevoix’s gastronomy and the region’s countless hidden treasures. The journey takes

Cirque du Soleil In the early 1980s in Baie-Saint-Paul, a charming village nestled on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, a theatre troupe founded by Gilles Ste Croix walked on stilts, juggled, danced, breathed fire and played music. These young entertainers, which included Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté, constantly impressed and intrigued Baie-Saint-Paul’s residents. In 1984, during the celebrations surrounding Québec’s 450th anniversary and Jacques Cartier’s discovery of Canada, Guy Laliberté introduced Cirque du Soleil to the world. Since then, Cirque du Soleil has mesmerized spectators around the globe. While Cirque du Soleil’s international headquarters remain in Québec, the company’s shows enthral audiences the world over. www.cirquedusoleil.com Cruise the St. Lawrence Nature and culture are at the heart of the St. Lawrence cruising experience, which includes nine different ports of call. You will discover typical coastal villages, towns bustling with activities, historic sites, a vibrant Innuit culture and so much more. Over the past few years, several major international cruise lines have made the St. Lawrence a preferred destination. Sailing the St. Lawrence means reliving the odyssey of the hardy souls who explored New France, while also falling for the alluring charms of Montréal and Québec City. These two cities are departure points for cruises to Boston, New York and Fort Lauderdale and for round trip itineraries. www.cruisesaintlawrence.com 17

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Hotels

Ritz Carlton Montréal Perfectly located in the heart of Montréal’s Golden Square Mile, the Ritz-Carlton Montréal has been the most elegant address in town since its opening in 1912. As the only Canadian hotel of its era still in existence, “La Grande Dame” has become a legend in her own time.

This luxury hotel is within walking distance of numerous high end boutiques, galleries and museums. Undergoing refurbishment and adding residences, the Ritz Carlton is slated to reopen in spring 2012 with 130 rooms and suites and 46 luxury apartments, just in time for its 100th anniversary. In addition, celebrated French chef Daniel Boulud is opening a signature restaurant at the hotel to the delight of Montréal’s taste buds. www.ritzmontreal.com Sacacomie Only 90 minutes from Montréal and two hours from Québec City, Hôtel Sacacomie is like a jewel in the wilderness. Located in the heart of the forest and bordering the Mastigouche wildlife reserve, it overlooks a majestic lake whose shore extends for more than 40 km (25 mi). In this enchanting site where nature reigns supreme, the log-constructed Maison du Lac blends in harmoniously with the scenery. The hotel’s private beach is reserved exclusively for in-house guests. Take a kayak or paddle boat and head out on the lake, or try a hiking excursion on the 65 km (40 mi) of magnificent mapped trails surrounding the Maison du Lac. The hotel is also home to Geos Spa, a new type of environment-friendly and energy efficient spa. It offers rejuvenating body treatments and therapeutic baths in a natural setting. The concept is based on the responsible use of natural resources, promising guests an authentic experience. www.sacacomie.com

Mastigouche Reserve, QC

Sacacomie Lodge, QC

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Standing high on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is not merely a hotel located in the heart of Old Québec—it is the heart of Old Québec. With its castle-like architecture and turrets, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is truly a dream experience! This stately hotel towers over historic Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stay at the chateau means easy access on foot to all of the wonderful sites and experiences that Old Québec has to offer. Take the funicular to Quartier Petit Champlain or walk across the street through the ‘artists lane,’ near Place Royale. The hotel puts you at the heart of the action!

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac owes its name to a flamboyant French governor, Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac. The Frontenac coat of arms can be seen on the outside wall of the entry arch and in many other parts of the hotel. The Château Frontenac has a canine ambassador, Santol, who regularly lounges in the lobby, ready to greet guests and eager to receive a pat on the head! www.fairmont.com/frontenac

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Alberta

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Natural, pure and picturesque, this will be your first impression of Alberta. The province is home to the Canadian Rockies and the iconic Banff and Jasper national parks. Step onto any peak of the Canadian Rockies and overlook the flowing rivers, incredible green lakes and wild blossoms in the grassland.

Navigate the glacier rivers, look for dinosaur fossils in Badlands and visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Play at one of hundreds of golf courses, go fishing by small aircraft or ski on powder snow...From peaks to plains, Alberta has some of the most beautiful scenery of any province in Canada.

All across Alberta, you can experience breathtaking scenery and exciting adventure: shimmering wheat fields, the Northern Lights, the Calgary Stampede, West Edmonton Mall, guest ranches, sunny skies, Canadian Badlands and powder-perfect ski resorts.

Wood Buffalo National Park

Lake Athabasca

Fort McMurray

Grand Prairie

Jasper Jasper National Park Banff National Park

Lake Louise Banff Canmore

Lethbridge

Edmonton Red Deer

Drumheller

Calgary Waterton Lakes

85, 24, 0, 0 - land

60, 10, 0, 0 - roads

35, 0, 0, 0 - lakes

55, 5, 0, 0 - mountains/parks

Hiking in the Rockies, AL

65, 15, 0, 0 - alternate land (where nec)

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Home of National Parks Alberta is a treasure trove of parks and protected spaces; five national Parks including Canada’s oldest, Banff National Park. It was established in 1885 and is home to towering mountains, glittering glaciers and icefields, lush alpine meadows and natural mineral hot springs.

Jasper National Park offers visitors a laidback experience, with equal options for adventure, discovery and relaxation. Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest national park and one of the largest in the world, was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of bison in northern Canada.

Jasper Tramway, AL

Waterton National Park offers a spectacular setting with dry rolling prairie hills soaring to icy peaks. Spotting wildlife is common and you will find more than 800 species of wildflowers.

Something different

Regions and attractions

Live the ‘wild west’ staying on a working cattle ranch, looking after your own exclusively allocated horse and enjoying tours of the superb local countryside plus plenty of other outdoor activities.

Calgary is the fastest-growing city in Canada.

Its a place where prairie meets mountains and heritage meets innovation. It is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies where the world comes, to be swept off its feet, by the sheer majesty of the landscape. There’s the Calgary Stampede in the summer, sites from the 1988 Olympic Games to check out, a dynamic arts scene, great nightlife and a youthful energy pulsing throughout the city.

Self-drive is a great way to get around Alberta too, staying in delightful B&Bs and exploring extraordinary archaeological areas like Dinosaur Provincial Park. www.travelalberta.com

Get a really close encounter with grizzly bears at the Calgary Zoo Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park. Take a ride up to the glass floor observation deck or the revolving restaurant in the iconic Calgary Tower. The views from the top are fantastic.

Glacier Walk

Canadian Rockies Banff Town : Once ‘Siding 29’ on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The

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park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s First Street in such a way that it would offer the best possible views of Cascade Mountain in the background.The history of this mountain town is well-preserved at a number of museums and heritage sites. The allure of the Town is its close proximity to the park’s incredible attractions and best-kept wilderness secrets.

Banff National Park : The first national park established in Canada 125 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff National Park is a vast, unspoiled wild terrain and home to the Town of Banff. With 1,600 km of trails, two gondolas, three ski areas, exciting heritage and more dining options and activities than you have time for, Banff National Park is a premier destination on every visit to the Canadian Rockies. Whether by car, bicycle, hiking boots, skis, snowshoes or canoe, you can explore the 6,641 sq km of magnificent Banff National Park all year-round.

Canadian Rockies, AL

Elk Island National Park is located 48 km east of Edmonton and is home to herds of free roaming plain bison, wood bison, moose, deer and elk.

Banff Gondola and Hot Springs: Catch the quick eight-minute gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, the Town of Banff and the Bow Valley. At the summit there are a number of viewing decks as well as a kilometre-long elevated board-walk that leads you along the ridge of the mountain. Experience a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges. Relax at the legendary and recently refurbished, Banff Upper Hot Springs where we’ve been enjoying the soothing waters for generations. The Banff Upper Hot Springs, located at the end of Mountain Avenue remain the only hot springs in Banff that can be enjoyed by the public. The hot springs elsewhere are the habitat of an endangered snail and are no longer open for public use. This is the heart of Banff. www.banfflakelouise.com

Hiking in Rockies, AL

Lake Louise: Lake Louise has become symbolic of the quintessentially Canadian mountain scene.

Kayaking on Mailgne Lake, AL

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This alpine lake, known for its sparkling blue waters, is situated at the base of the impressive Victoria glacier-clad peaks. At about 2.5 kilometres long and 90 metres deep, the lake offers a surreal paddling experience in the warm summer months and one of the most scenic skating rinks in the world in winter.

Parkway stretches 230 km between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper past massive glaciers, mountains that straddle the Continental Divide and waterfalls. Home to bears, coyotes, mountain goats, big horn sheep and cougars; the region is one of the most protected natural habitats on Earth.

The hamlet of Lake Louise is astonishingly accessible and one of the most scenic and picturesque areas of Banff National Park. Located nearby are Moraine Lake and Peyto Lakes surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Stop at any of the scenic lookouts and marvel at the unusual blue and green colours of the lakes water.

Jasper: Nestled in the heart of Canada’s largest Rocky Mountain Park, the town of Jasper offers visitors unparalleled access to one of the most breathtaking and pristine wilderness areas of the Canadian Rockies. Covering 6,976 miles, Jasper National Park, is listed as one of only 15 UNESCO sites. It’s shimmering glaciers, abundant wildlife, crystal clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, deep canyons and evergreen forest, all surrounded by towering, rugged mountain peaks are some of the most fascinating sights on earth.

Edmonton: The capital of Alberta and the gateway at the north end of Canadian Rockies, Edmonton is host to dozens of festivals and events every year. Infact it is called Canada’s Festival City and even voted as one of Canada’s ‘coolest neighbourhoods’. Old Strathcona is the heart of the entertainment and festival scene in Edmonton and home to a vibrant theatre community with intriguing shops, happening bars and cafés. For 10 days in August, the world-renowned International Fringe Theatre Festival transforms the area into a cultural nirvana. The Edmonton International Fringe Festival attracts 500,000 visitors each year to more than 1,000 theatrical performances. www.edmonton.com West Edmonton Mall: At 5.3 million square feet, the Mall is the size of a small city and is accredited as a zoo. It is home to more than 800 stores and services, including nine world-class attractions, two hotels, over 100 dining venues.

This includes the world’s largest indoor water park, the world’s biggest indoor amusement park, an ice arena, frolicking sea lions, numerous cinemas, casinos and so much more. www.wem.ca

Calgary Stampede, Calgary, AL

West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, AL

Icefields Parkway: Journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, widely considered one of the most scenic highways in the world. The Icefields

Located in Jasper national Park, the Maligne Lake is the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world, stretching 14 miles. Take the Maligne Lake cruise past glacier-studded mountain peaks to the world-famous Spirit Island in summer. One of the most spectacular gorges in the Canadian Rockies, is the Maligne Gorge. Sheer limestone walls plunge to depths of over 165 ft in a spectacular Canyon Walk experience. www.jasper.travel

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Signature Experiences

Helihiking in the Kananaskis, AL

Calgary Stampede The Calgary Stampede in every July is a grand event and known now as the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’. Join the Stampede Parade and dance to country music while the floats pass in front of you, enter the tent of aboriginal drummers and be part of their party. Witness the world’s top rodeo compete in events like bareback, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and tiedown roping. There’s also the thrill of the chuckwagon races – with 4 wagons, 32 horses and 128 thundering hooves racing to the finish line. And, to add to the fun, there’s pancakes and bacon breakfast served by the locals absolutely free.

2012 is the centenary year and the plans all veer towards making it the most memorable event.

It’s time to be in Alberta and Calgary in particular.

The Calgary Stampede is the most authentic and unforgettable western experience you could ever pack into a single holiday. www.calgarystampede.com

Icefield Parkways, AL

The Columbia Icefields The Columbia Icefields is one of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle, it covers an area of nearly 325 sq km, sometimes reaching a depth of 300360 metres- the height of the Eiffel Tower.

The continuous accumulation of snow feeds eight major glaciers, including the Athabasca, Dome, and Stutfield, all visible from the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield is a true ‘hydrological apex,’ for its meltwater feed streams and rivers that pour into the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. www.explorerockies.com/columbia-icefield

Minnewanka Lake Cruise Explore the largest lake in Banff National Park on a magnificent one hour interpretive cruise. Travel on a modern Lake Cruiser, as an experienced captain and entertaining guide, introduce the rugged paradise richly steeped in history, native folklore and geology. Learn about the tremendous forces that created the surrounding mountains and stay on the lookout for wildlife on the waters’ edge and explore the ‘water of the spirits’.The Stoney First Nations people traditional legends talk of creatures living in the rivers and lakes and preying upon unsuspecting boaters. Lake Minnewanka or ‘Lake of the Evil Water Spirits’ came to receive its name from one such myth of a half-human, half creature.

Minnewanka Lake Cruise, AL

Glacier Walk Take a guided tour on the Athabasca Glacier, North America’s most accessible glacier. Take a ride onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier on the massive Brewster Ice Explorers, specially designed for glacial travel. It will take you right onto the glacier ice. Feel the thrill of walking on 400 year old snow, stoop down and gather some ice-melt water. It’s a never to live down experience.

Every year in August, teams from Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Banff meet for the annual Dragon Boat Festival on the waters of Lake Minnewanka. Ever thought you’d be scuba diving in the Rockies? For a unique adventure, dive beneath Lake Minnewanka to explore the drowned mountain mining town.

Heli Sightseeing Adventure See the Canadian Rockies from a different

perspective! Only from above can you truly appreciate the sheer size and beauty of the mountains. Experience glaciers, high alpine lakes, waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas on an exhilarating helicopter sightseeing flight. Flying 7,000 ft above sea level, this tour will give you a taste of the glorious Rocky Mountains.

The deeper you go into Kananaskis and the Bow Valley the more fascinating the scenery becomes! www.icefieldheli.com 23

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No trip to the Banff Springs would be complete without a visit to Willow Stream Spa to sooth sore muscles in the mineral bath or a lazy swim beneath the mountains. The Willow Stream spa is reminiscent of the hot springs that beckoned travellers over 100 years ago, the pulsating waterfalls and the mineral pool in the heart of the spa. Willow Stream brings to life the unique healing powers of the alpine air, the sacred waters and mountain magic. www.fairmont.com/banff Fairmont Lake Louise From a rustic one-storey log cabin constructed on the shore of Lake Louise in 1890, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is today known as ‘The Diamond in the Wilderness.’ The original Chalet Lake Louise hosted visitors from along the railway line as well as day visitors from its elegant sister, the Banff Springs Hotel.

Fronted by large windows facing the lake and a verandah, curved architectural lines, carved wood and whimsical details and so much more, the Chateau is the only place to stay on a visit to Lake Louise. Nowhere can you get a better glimpse of the hanging glacier and expanse of placid water than from the lakeside guest rooms.

Moraine Lake Lodge Moraine Lake Lodge is a spectacular log and glass mountain hideaway tucked up amidst evergreen forests in a rustic spot perched on the shores of Moraine Lake. It is ideal for a secluded romantic weekend, or a vacation filled with adventurous outdoor pursuits and crisp mountain air. Inside, it has all the comforts and trappings of a wilderness cabin; stone fireplaces, hand-crafted furniture hewn from logs, and a soaker tub in every room. Take a romantic paddle around the glassy lake, a hike in search of the park’s abundant elk, deer and black bears or enjoy a gourmet dinner on a deck overlooking the water. Maybe the best choice is doing them all. www.morainelake.com Rimrock Hotel Deep in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, surrounded by some of North America’s best ski resorts and some of the most breathtaking mountain vistas is The Rimrock

Resort Hotel. It is carved from the side of Mt. Sulphur, so that almost all of the rooms face town of Banff and the stunning backdrop of the mountains beyond. From the massive cherrypaneled lobby to the spacious rooms with their heartily oversized furniture, most rooms have balconies for a sweeping view of the majestic Rockies. www.rimrockresort.com Emerald Lake Lodge B.C.’s exquisite Emerald Lake is located in the heart of Yoho National Park. Legendary guide Tom Wilson first stumbled across this small gem of a lake – famed for its jade-coloured waters – in 1882 during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, the area remains one of North America’s most outstanding and yearround accessible wilderness settings.

Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the lodge includes an elegant dining room and a lounge made up of an oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s-era Yukon saloon. From the upper and lower verandas and rooms, vistas of surrounding mountainscapes are breathtaking.

Few destinations in Canada offer this unique mix of luxury. www.crmr.com/emerald

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, AL

Fairmont Banff Springs and Spa Resting at the foot of Alberta’s majestic Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, The Fairmont Banff Springs may be in the middle of the wilderness but it’s far from rustic. The Fairmont Banff Springs is styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle in picture perfect surroundings- snow covered pine trees, imposing mountain ranges and pristine lakes. Awaken to crisp mountain air and sweeping views. Enjoy a leisurely brunch before a day of hiking, ice skating, or skiing and return in time for a fireside cocktail.

by The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 24 internationally recognized professional ice carvers sculpt works of art from imposing blocks of solid ice. www.fairmont.com/lakelouise

Fishing in River, AL

Iconic Hotels

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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, AL

Banff Springs Spa, Banff,AL

Come winter the lake freezes over and becomes a beautiful skating area. This is the venue of the annual Ice Magic Festival and the Ice carving Competition. Hosted

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Ontario

Moosonee

Lake Nipigon

Timmins North Bay Lake Superior

Thunder Bay

Sudbury Sault Ste. Marie

Algonquin Park

Ottawa Georgian Bay

Kingston

Lake Huron Lake Ontario

Hamilton Stratford Windsor

Toronto

Niagara on the Lake Niagara Falls Lake Erie

85, 24, 0, 0 - land

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Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON

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Known as the ‘Heart of Canada’, Ontario includes a number of major cities, such as Toronto, the largest city in Canada and Ottawa, the capital of the country. It also dominates the economy and politics in Canada. There are over 1 million square kilometres of land, 400,000 lakes, rivers and streams, 270 provincial parks, 6 national parks, 80 cultures, thousands of years of history and countless natural wonders in this province. The magnificent Niagara Falls, the winding Rideau Canal, the wilderness in Northern Ontario, vibrant hues of maple leaves and world-class cities- are all signatures of Ontario. representing its diversity.

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Toronto Skyline, ON

Toronto Toronto brims with energy and excitement. It is home to distinct cultures, delectable dining, world-class shopping and scores of attractions.

Toronto’s many immigrants have transformed the city into a patchwork of distinct neighbourhoods.

From iconic architecture, fascinating museums and galleries, exciting nightlife and luxury hotels – this city is always an exciting place to be. Tommy Thompson Park, a wildlife oasis, juts abstractly into Lake Ontario, while the car-free Toronto Islands are visible from the city. Shops dot every part of the city,and the Distillery District, with design shops, art galleries and craft studios.

Nowhere is Toronto’s multiculturalism more potent and thrilling than on the plates of its restaurants. Eating here is a delight, with everything global and local, served everywhere from the classy restaurants to funky eateries. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets. Take in a big Broadway-style show or a small independent theatre production. See the ballet, treat yourself to a sports evening with professional hockey, baseball, football, basketball and lacrosse teams!

For the kids, Ontario Place, a 100-acre fun park including a water park and Cinesphere is built on three artificial islands. www.seetorontonow.com CN Tower The CN Tower is an Icon of not just Toronto but Canada as well. Riding the great glass elevators is one of those things in life you just have to do.

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wine from the highest ‘cellar’ in the world. Take a walk on the observation deck Glass floor or hold your breath…take a walk outside the pod, 1150 feet above the ground in Canada’s newest adventure – the Edgewalk. www.cntower.ca Royal Ontario Museum Museum and history aficionado’s must visit Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Explore an exceptional array of themed galleries spanning both, world cultures and natural history. With six million objects in the ROM’s collections, the range is from original Ming Dynasty temple art to original paintings depicting France’s loss to Britain’s army in 1759 on the Plains of Abraham. There’s something new to discover around every corner. www.rom.on.ca Bata Shoe Museum Curious about kamiks? Perplexed by paduka?

Take a stroll down history at the Bata Shoe Museum, home to a collection of more than 12,500 items in a building built in the shape of a shoebox. See footwear as it has evolved through the ages. 1000 pieces of footwear on display ranges from Chinese bound foot shoes and ancient Egyptian sandals, chestnut-crushing clogs, Siberian reindeer boots to Elton John’s platform boots. www.batashoemuseum.ca Casa Loma Step back in time and into Toronto’s most romantic historic mansion. A turn-of-the-century castle in the heart of the city. Explore elegantly

Canoeing at Toronto, ON

1000 Islands, ON

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decorated suites, secret passageways, stately towers, an 800 foot underground tunnel linking to luxurious stables and beautiful 5 acre estate gardens. Casa Loma, the former estate of Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Toronto financier, industrialist and military man, is today known for its immaculate gardens. The gardens were modeled after an English Gentlemen’s Garden containing a series of parterres with gravel paths, vegetable gardens, flowers and fruit trees. Today the castle and gardens are used extensively for movie shootings depicting the historic Romantic era. www.casaloma.org Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo has over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species. Visit the incredible 10-acre Tundra Trek featuring an amazing 5-acre Polar bear habitat, complete with underwater viewing area and newest addition “Kumar’ the zooborn Bactrian Camel. Trek through the award winning 30-acre “African Savannah” or the “Gorilla Rainforest” with the largest indoor gorilla exhibit in North America. There are over 10 km of walking trails spread over 287 hectares, one of the largest zoos in the world. www.torontozoo.com The Distillery District The Distillery District is the transformation of a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings that had been pronounced a national historic site into a vibrant pedestrian family place; completely dedicated to arts, culture and entertainment. The Stone Distillery is the oldest remaining building on site. It was constructed between 1859-1860 and by 1877, The Gooderham and Worts Distillery had become the largest distillery in the world.

World War I had a ruinous effect on the distillery and close to its heels came the Prohibition era.

What you will find now is a dramatic fusion of old and new. An inspired blend of Victorian Industrial architecture transformed into an internationally acclaimed village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres and more. www.thedistillerydistrict.com

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Niagara Region Niagara Falls Wonder of the World, ‘Niagara Falls’ is only two hours’ drive from Toronto. There are dozens of taller waterfalls in the world, but in terms of sheer volume these falls are unbeatable.More than a million bathtubs of water plummet over the edge every second. Even in winter when the flow is partially hidden and the edges freeze solid, the watery extravaganza is undiminished. Niagara Falls has been a saucy honeymoon destination ever since Napoleon’sbrother brought his bride here.

Enjoying the Niagara Falls themselves is a bombardment of the senses. Stand by the edge at Table Rock and hear the thundering, feel the sheer power close at arm’s length. Don the recognizable blue ponchos and brave the exhilarating spray under the 13-storey drop in a Maid of the Mist Cruise. This ride has been the highlight of every Niagara’s visitor from 1846. Or take an elevator behind the water on a Journey Behind the Falls tour. Observation decks lurk on the backside of the water curtain to offer unparalleled views. The feeling is rivalled only by a White Water Walk on the very edge of the Niagara whitewaters. At night-time, the magnificent Niagara Falls are lit spectacularly, and seasonal fireworks ignite the dark sky.

Niagara Helicopter ride, ON

luck in the Fallsview Casino Resort, one of the largest entertainment centres in Canada. www.niagarafallstourism.com Niagara Wines And then there are wines. Explore the Vineyards and taste the magical flavour of Internationally acclaimed wines and the famous Canadian Icewine. A prime grape-growing location thanks to mineral soils and a moderate ‘Mediterranean’ climate perfect for winemaking, the Niagara Peninsula is home to more than 60 wineries, some with their own restaurants.

Now in its 60th Year the Niagara Wine Festival is an annual mecca for vintners from across the Globe. This annual September Festival is only rivalled by the Niagara Icewine festival for three weeks in January when the Niagara Region turns into a wintry wonderland and celebrates. A must for wine tasters and lovers alike.

Learn about the history and myth in an interactive IMAX experience and the Niagara Fury. If that is not enough, take a thrilling 9 minute ride and see the sheer majesty of the Falls from the Niagara Helicopter Ride. Still want more Niagara adventure ? Take a Jetboating ride into the Niagara gorge, into the Devil’s Hole rapidsand back.

Niagara Falls, ON

Having experienced it from all directions and with all the senses, leave the Falls and take a ride into the Victorian Niagara on the Lake. Or try your

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Ottawa As Canada’s capital, Ottawa offers visitors a diverse selection of experiences, yearround and is recognized as one of the most attractive capitals in the world. For first-time visitors exploring the many landmark historic sites is a must. Parliament Hill, The neoGothic seat of the Federal Government and site of the summer changing of the Guards daily ritual is ideal to start with. Many take a 360 degree look at the surroundings from the Peace Tower. The Parliament Hill also hosts the biggest Canada Day celebrations in the country.

Others visit for the city’s unparalleled lineup of national museums, galleries and festivals.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization, The War Museum and the National Gallery and the local ByWard Market are integral on all tours of the city. Ottawa city is nestled at the junction of three rivers and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main focus in Summer. In Winter it freezes over to become the largest natural skating rink in the world. Ottawa is also ideal for sports, recreation, and outdoor pursuits, thanks to its beautiful natural setting of waterways, parks and pathways. www.ottawatourism.com

Kingston Nestled where the Rideau Canal and St. Lawrence River meet Lake Ontario, Kingston is a city built on a grand heritage. Nicknamed the ‘Limestone City’ because of the many buildings built from this sturdy local stone, Kingston lures visitors to stroll about the enchanting small city and admire the architecture, meander along the spectacular waterfront and browse charming shops. Witness history brought to life at Fort Henry, with colourfully uniformed guards trained in military drills, artillery exercises and the fife-anddrum music of the 1800s. Take the Confederation Tour Trolley and learn of the contribution Kingston has made in Canada’s history. www.tourism.kingstoncanada.com

Explore the exquisite beauty of the mighty St Lawrence River on a cruise that winds past tree-clad isles, palatial waterfront homes and quaint island cottages. Stop at the 120-room Rhineland-style Boldt Castle and yacht house built at the turn of the 20th century. www.rockportcruises.com and www. ganboatline.com

Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON

Winter Carnival,ON

1000 Islands Here Ontario and the United States meet… their cultures blending in the waters of the mighty St. Lawrence and Great Lake Ontario. The native peoples called this region the “Garden of the Great Spirit.” Today, many people still remark that this gorgeous garden of woods and waters that is the 1000 Islands is truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

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Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

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Blue Mountain A world of recreation and rejuvenation awaits you just 2 hours north of Toronto at the beautiful Blue Mountain Resort. Situated on the Niagara Escarpment, the resort overlooks shimmering Georgian Bay. Nestled at the foot of the slopes, the Village is the lively centre of the Resort where there is always something happening! Lounge beside the fire pit and enjoy buskers, concerts and a host of winter events. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, stroll down the cobblestone streets visiting unique shops, or stop into one of the many restaurants for a gourmet meal or quick treat.

Indulge in golf, tennis, mountain biking, gondola rides, eco adventures and more. Pamper yourself at Le Scandinave Spa and savour fresh local cuisine. Take a scenic ride to the top of the Escarpment in the open air Gondola accessible from the Village Events Plaza. For some retail therapy, the pedestrian village is home to unique boutiques, featuring fine sportswear, edgy fashion and Canadian gifts. www.bluemountain.ca Attractions Parliament Hill: The seat of Government is one of the most Iconic building on the River bank in Ottawa. The massive stone buildings are set on the cliffs of Parliament Hill overlooking the Ottawa River and are described as one of the most beautiful government buildings in the world.

The original structure, except for the wooden library, burned to the ground in a tragic fire in 1918. Guided tours take visitors through public galleries, to the Senate and House of Commons and to the top of the Peace Tower, where an observation deck provides the most dramatic 360º view of the Capital.

National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, ON

Each morning during summer months, the front lawn of Parliament Hill is the setting of the daily, ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony; while each evening the public gather again to witness the awe-inspiring Sound and Light show projected on the Parliament Buildings. Parliament Hill is the focal point for Canada Day celebrations each July 1, with hundreds of thousands gathering for great entertainment and the massive fireworks finale.

Tulip Festival: Canada’s capital is a riot of colours every May with the Canadian Tulip Festival.

It is the world’s largest, with more than three million tulips blooming attracting some 600,000 visitors. Ottawa’s tulip heritage is the result of a 1945 gift to Ottawa from Princess Juliana of

the Netherlands in thanks for the safe haven the city provided the Dutch Royal Family during the Second World War. The Tulip Route, including Major’s Hill Park, Festival Plaza at Ottawa City Hall, Lansdowne Park and Commissioners’ Park is ablaze with millions of colourful flowers bloom in parks and gardens. www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/topattractions/parliament-hill Rideau Canal: The Rideau Canal stretches from Ottawa and the Ottawa River 202 kilometres south to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River at Kingston, connecting beautiful lakes and rivers through a series of 45 locks. These locks are still in the original form, being manually opened to allow traffic up or downstream.It is 29

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Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

Festivals Winterlude: Come celebrate winter in the Capital during three fun-filled weekends in February. Grab your skates and glide along the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink. Visit the ice sculptures, and the Snowflake Kingdom,the largest children’s snow playground at Jacques Cartier Park in downtown Gatineau. Meet the Winterlude mascots, the Ice Hogs family -who are reputed to live under the ice of the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway. www.winterlude.ca

flanked on each side by scenic parkways, cycling paths and gardens.

Toronto International Film Festival: Every September, see the stars of international, Hollywood, Canadian and now even Bollywood movie congregate. TIFF began in 1976 as the “Festival of Festivals”, collecting the best films from other film festivals around the world and showing them to eager audiences in Toronto.

Today it is recognized as the most important film festival after Cannes. www.tiff.net

Tulip Festival, Ottawa, ON

Built in 1832 the Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America and is both a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.In summer, the Canal is open to sightseeing cruises, pleasure craft, canoeist, and kayakers while in the cold winter months the Ottawa portion of the Canal is turned into the Rideau Canal Skateway, the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world. www.rideauheritageroute.ca

Canadian Museum of Civilization: Located on the shores of the Ottawa River directly across from Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of Civilization is a stunning landmark building and is Canada’s most visited museum. Home to the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, the First Peoples Hall highlights the cultural, historic and artistic achievements of Canada’s First People.

Visitors walk through 1000 years of Canadian history, including townscapes and environments from across the country, from pre-European settlement to the present day in an interactive way. www.civilization.ca

Caribana Festival: North America’s Largest Street Festival takes place every July in Toronto.

The streets are ablaze with the excitement of calypso, steel pan and elaborate masquerade costumes during the annual Caribbean carnival. Thousands of brilliantly costumed masqueraders and dozens of trucks carrying live soca, calypso, steel pan, reggae and salsa artists jam the 1.5 km parade route all day, to the delight of hundreds of thousands of onlookers. The Festival celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2012.

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Toronto Skyline, ON

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Signature Experiences EdgeWalk at the CN Tower EdgeWalk is CN Tower’s most thrilling attraction in its 35 year history, and the first of its kind in North America. It is the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 1.5 meter wide ledge encircling the top of the Tower’s main pod, 116 storeys above the ground. Visitors walk in groups of six, while attached to an overhead safety rail via a trolley and harness system.Lean back over Toronto with nothing but air and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario beneath you. EdgeWalk will operate May through October. www.cntower.ca/en-CA/Plan-Your-Visit/ Attractions/EdgeWalk.html

— the harvest can’t begin until temperatures drop below minus eight degrees Celsius for a sustained period of time. www.inniskillin.com/en/ice/default.asp Flightseeing the Niagara Take a Helicopter Tour on the Niagara Falls, combine adventure and spectacular views for memories to last a lifetime. As the helicopter

gently lifts off from our Victoria Avenue location, enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Region below. The helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower and suddenly begins to change direction following the curve of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Rainbows appear and disappear from all directions. This 9 minute ride is a thrill of a lifetime www.niagarahelicopters.com

Niagara Falls view, ON

Maid of the Mist ride, Niagara Falls, ON

Icewine making Icewine is a rare gift from a magical Canadian winter. Picked at the coldest moment of a winter’s night, each frozen grape creates just one drop of Icewine. One smooth rich, luxurious drop at a time is collected to create Canada’s most treasured export. Ideally suited to the Canadian winter season in both the Niagara Peninsula and the Okanagan Valley, the magical process of crafting Icewine is guided by nature

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The Lord Elgin Hotel

Iconic Hotels The Lord Elgin Hotel One of the Ottawa’s finest hotels and ideally located in the heart of downtown Ottawa directly across from Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre. The Lord Elgin Hotel is steps away from the Rideau Canal, Ottawa Convention Centre, Parliament Buildings and the Ottawa Rideau Centre. Lord Elgin’s Guestrooms reflect Ottawa’s elegance. From the tall picture windows, bold tulip inspired artwork, to Biedermeier style luxury furnishings. Guests of the Lord Elgin Hotel enjoy skating on the Rideau Canal during the winter and jogging alongside the canal in the other seasons.

Ritz Carlton - Toronto The Ritz-Carlton opened their first Canadian property, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto in Feb 2011.

Featuring 267 guestrooms, the new hotel is a 53 32

story addition to the city skyline. With a stunning wrap-around panorama of Toronto’s magnificent downtown skyline on one side and sparkling lake views on the other. The Residences, an elitist portion soars thirty floors atop. A legendary location at the very heart of Canada’s largest city, The Ritz Carlton is perfectly situated among world class shopping, entertainment and dining in Toronto. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Toronto Windsor Arms The building dates back to 1927 when the University of Toronto, with its neo-Gothic buildings and distinctive piers, porches, and crests were architectural marvels of the burgeoning metropolis. The Windsor Arms embodies the elegance of a bygone era: a grand hotel, recently re-opened as a dazzling, contemporary boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville district, the Windsor Arms is very much part of this scene but tucked away in a haven of calm. The lively and dynamic neighbourhood is brimming with designer boutiques, sophisticated and trendy restaurants, art galleries and museums. But the Windsor Arms is privately secluded thirty yards from the Golden Strip, shrouded in genteel quiet.

Enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the Tea Room, which is transformed to become Toronto’s only champagne and caviar bar in the evenings. www.windsorarmshotel.com Trump Towers Toronto Crowned by an articulated spire 900-feet above

Trump Tower Toronto

Ritz Carlton Hotel, Toronto, ON

Fairmont Royal York Hotel

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the Downtown Toronto’s financial district, The Trump Tower has been designed to showcase the city and Lake Ontario views. Further distinguishing this icon of opulence from other hotels in Toronto, are two levels devoted to Toronto’s most luxurious spa and wellness facility.

The Spa at Trump. The 261 hotel rooms and suites are exquisitely furnished in an elegant, cosmopolitan style. From the spectacularly designed lobby and high-speed elevators, to the vibrant signature restaurant located on the 31st floor–this is luxury unsurpassed by other hotels in Toronto. www.trumptorontohotel.com/ Prince of Wales Niagara on the Lake - Located in the heart of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Prince of Wales is an oasis of Victorian elegance filled with 21st century comforts. The hotel was named in honour of a royal visit in 1901, when the future George V stayed here. Today, every guest experiences the sophistication and refinement of that bygone age. All the rooms are individually decorated in the authentic style of the Victorian age, each room a unique and intimate hideaway furnished with elegant antiques and lush traditional brocades and tapestries. The Secret Garden Spa is an oasis of serenity in a setting unlike any other. Sommelier Fred Gamula guides you through a collection of wine, thoughtfully selected from the most prestigious vineyards in the Niagara Region and around the world. www.vintage-hotels.com/princeofwales/ default.htm

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Calgary Stampede

Bareback Bronco Ride

In 1884, Calgary was a burgeoning town of some 500 people nestled between the Bow and Elbow Rivers and surrounded by vast ranches, farmland and traditional Treaty 7 First Nations territories. Calgary today has a very different look. It’s one of the fastest growing metros in Canada. And come July, the picture changes totally.

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The event can be traced to 1886 when the Calgary and District Agricultural Society held its first fair. Guy Weadick launched his first rodeo and festival in 1912 and returned in 1919 to organise the Victory Stampede in honour of soldiers returning from World War I. The first Stampede parade held in 1912 was attended by 75,000 people. It became an annual event in 1923 and is known as the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.

At each Stampede, the five nations of the Treaty 7 – the Tsuu T’ina, Piikani, Stoney, Kainai and Siksika – create an ‘Indian Village’ on the bank of the Elbow River in the southern section of Stampede Park. They erect tipis, organize pow wows, offer arts and crafts and re-enact elements of their traditional lifestyle. Each year, an Indian Princess is selected from one of the five nations to represent the Treaty 7 as part of the Stampede’s royalty.

Celebrity attendance At least seven movies were filmed at the Stampede by 1950. The most profitable is the 1925 silent film The Calgary Stampede. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip made their first visit to the event in their 1959 tour of Canada. The Queen also opened the 1973 Stampede. Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the 2011 parade as part of their Tour of Canada. The attendance brought on a record estimate of 425,000 people. What a honeymoon!

Parade The Stampede officially starts with the Parade.

Shortly before 9 am on the first Friday of the event, dozens of marching bands, over 150 floats, hundreds of horses, First Nations dancers and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in their red serges join in.

Western Bullrider

All geared up for the rodeo

Calgary or ‘Stampede City’ carries the informal nickname of ‘Cowtown’ and the local Canadian Football League team is called the ‘Stampeders’.

For these 10 days, the city takes on a party atmosphere; office buildings and storefronts are painted in cowboy themes, everybody gets into western wear and the residents and visitors treated to hundreds of pancake breakfasts and barbecues. Four hundred volunteers are required to feed over 60,000 people who attend the oneday Calgary Stampede Breakfast Caravan event.

Bareback contestants

The Calgary Stampede is an annual ten-day rodeo event and festival held every July in Calgary, Alberta. It is known as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, and attracts over one million visitors every year .

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The Parade

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Royal visitors: Prince William and Princess Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Each year features a different parade marshal; politicians, athletes, actors and other dignitaries have led the event over the years. Bob Hope and Bill Crosby each served as parade marshals during the 1950s.

Every year, a queen and two princesses are selected as Stampede royalty. The first Stampede Queen, Patsy Rodgers, was selected in 1946 while the princesses were first chosen the following year. Any woman between the ages of 19 and 24 who resides in Alberta can participate. An emphasis is placed on horsemanship skills and ability to serve as ambassadors for both the Stampede and the city for a full year, attending fundraisers and events and organizations that work with special needs children.

The Stampede Park requires over 2,000 yearround volunteers and over 1,200 year-round employees. A staggering additional 3,500 seasonal workers are hired for the Stampede itself with hundreds of volunteers, half having served for more than 10 years, and some as long as 60.

The festival spirit during Stampede extends throughout the city. Parade day serves as an unofficial holiday as many companies give employees half or full days off to attend. People of all walks of life, from executives to students, discard formal attire for casual western dress, typically represented by Wrangler jeans and cowboy hats.

Midway The Calgary Stampede Midway has been operated since 1976 and is an essential component of the Stampede. The Midway opens on ‘sneak-a-peek’ night , the Thursday before other events begin. In addition to the traditional rides and carnival games, the Calgary Stampede is one of Canada’s largest music events, featuring music’s hottest stars performing rock/ pop and country music nightly on the Coca Cola Stage and at Nashville North. And the best part, it’s all free with admission!

Chuckwagon racing Called the Rangeland Derby, and nicknamed the ‘half-mile of hell’ chuckwagon racing

proved immediately popular and quickly became the event’s largest attraction.

While only six teams raced in 1923, today’s Rangeland Derby consists of 36 teams competing for $1.15 million in prize money. Joe Carbury was the voice of the Rangeland Derby for 45 years, until 2008. His distinctive voice and signature phrase of “and they’re offfffffff!” to announce the start of a race made him a local legend and earned him induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. At the starting blast of the klaxon horn, four wagons, 24 horses and 96 thundering hooves take off with a rumble so intense it shakes 20,000 fans right out of their seats. You don’t just see the race, you actually feel it.

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Chuckwagon racing is the heart and soul of the Calgary Stampede. It is a team event where three or four teams vie against each other. Each team is led by a driver who commands a team of horses pulling the chuckwagon and is supported by two or four outriders.

The race begins with the outriders ‘breaking camp’, tossing two tent poles and a barrel 36

(representing a camp stove) into the back of their wagon before mounting their horses and following the wagons as they complete a figure eight around circling the race track. The first wagon to cross the finish line wins. Adding to that are various time penalties for a barrel being knocked over, a tent pole or stove is not loaded, wagon interference and even an outrider crossing the finish line too far behind his wagon driver. You have to keep up.

The first time chuckwagon races were held as a spectator sport was at the 1923 Calgary Stampede with eleven ranchers participating.

The prize money was a princely sum of $275.

In 2009, the total purse available to racers was $1.15 million and 2011 it was $1 million for just the Chuckwagon race.

Chuckwagon race

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The Calgary Stampede

The Spirit of Calgary

The First Stampede

Agricultural Roots

Historical Highlights

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1884

Calgary was incorporated as a town, and the Calgary & District Agricultural Society was formed by a group of local citizens to promote the region’s agricultural potential.

1886

The first fall fair was held in October, attended by about 500 people.

1889

The Society purchased 94 acres of Crown land for use as an exhibition ground.

1891

Horse racing began, continuing until 2008.

1899

After defaulting on their mortgage, the Agricultural Society was reorganised as the Inter-Western Pacific Exhibition Company.

The exhibition land passed to R.B. Bennett and in 1901 to the City, which began leasing ‘Victoria Park’ back to the Exhibition Company.

1901

The first Bull Sale was held, as well as a spring Horse Show.

1903

The Calgary Board of Trade and the Exhibition Co. hired a joint manager (C.W. Peterson), and an assistant manager (E.L. Richardson). Richardson became General Manager in 1906, retiring in 1940.

1908

Calgary hosted the Dominion Exhibition. Attendance was just over 100,000 (Calgary’s population was then about 25,000), and attractions included parades, vaudeville shows, Strobel’s airship and performances by the Miller Brothers Ranch 101 Wild West Show (of which Guy Weadick was a part). New infrastructure was built for the exhibition including a roofed grandstand, an industrial exhibits building, and an art pavilion.

1910

The name of the organisation changed to the Calgary Industrial Exhibition Co.

March 1912

Sept.

2-7, 1912

Guy Weadick returned to Calgary to promote his idea of a huge frontier day’s celebration and cowboy championship contest. H.C. McMullen, livestock agent for the CPR, arranged a meeting with Pat Burns, George Lane, and A.E. Cross to discuss financing the event. The “Big Four” (also including Archie McLean) guaranteed a total of $100,000. They pledged that any profits would go to charity (modest donations were made to local hospitals) and also arranged for the use of Victoria Park.

The first Stampede was held, following the summer exhibition. It opened with a parade attended by about 80,000 people.

The best cowboys and cowgirls from across North America competed in the 17 daily Rodeo events. Tom Three Persons became the only Canadian champion riding the outlaw Cyclone to a standstill in the Bucking Horse Riding Championship.

About 1,800 First Nations took part in the parade and the first Indian Village.

1919

Guy Weadick, put on a second Victory Stampede, which was again sponsored by the Big Four.

1923

Ernie Richardson invited Guy Weadick to join the annual exhibition and in 1923, the Exhibition and the Stampede merged.

Chuckwagon racing was added as a new event.

1925

A box-office hit, ‘The Calgary Stampede’, was shot in Calgary starring Hoot Gibson.

1932

Guy Weadick’s contract was not renewed; he did not return until 1952, when he was invited back as a special guest.

Weadick passed away in 1953 and was laid to rest in High River.

1933

The name of the organization was again changed to the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Co.

1944

The Calgary Stampede took over the Calgary Artificial Ice Company and formed a rink committee. The Calgary Stampeders Hockey Club won the Allan Cup in 1946.

1946

The first Stampede Queen, Patsy Rodgers, was crowned.

1950

The Stampede Corral was opened as home ice for the Stampeders, an exhibits building and a venue for large entertainment events in Calgary.

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The Calgary Stampede

1959

The Big Four Building opened as an exhibits building and curling rink.

1961

The Stampede Ranch was established to ensure a supply of quality bucking stock for the Rodeo through its ‘Born to Buck’ breeding program.

1964

The Board invited Randy Avery to put together a locally produced grandstand show that included the Calgary Kidettes. By 1968, the group evolved into The Young Canadians.

1966

A group of Calgary oilmen staged the first International Oil Exposition at the Stampede. ‘Flare Square’ was kept as an installation for future Stampedes.

1974

Indian Village was moved south of the Elbow River and a new Grandstand was opened.

1970s

The focus on year-round activities increased with new events like rock concerts, an annual indoor rodeo (Rodeo Royal), night harness racing, a Dinner Theatre, and Oktoberfest.

1976

Attendance broke the 1,000,000 mark for the first time.

1981

The Roundup Centre was opened.

1983

The Saddle dome was completed as home ice for the Calgary Flames and as the first Olympics venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics.

1994

The Stampede Foundation was formed, with a focus on youth education and leadership.

2001

Calgary Stampede invested $7 million in a state-of-the-art Grandstand Stage and more than $1 million in Park and Elbow River bank beautification.

2006

The Stampede unveiled its plans for the redevelopment of Stampede Park north to 12th Avenue SE.

2007

The Calgary Stampede launched its new brand, representing the commitment to preserve and promote the unique values of the Stampede and our community: western hospitality, integrity, commitment to the community and pride of place.

2008

The Stampede’s Public Art program was launched with a mandate to create heroic sized bronze sculptures on Stampede Park and other locations in the city.

2009

A new expansion of the Roundup Centre was opened and the entire facility was renamed the BMO Centre.

2012

The Calgary Stampede celebrates its 100th anniversary with a community-wide celebration of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Thinking Big

The 1950s was a decade of growth, Hollywood cowboys, royal visits, and celebrities. Highlights included two visits by Queen Elizabeth II (1951, 1959), the first Stampede Lotteries car raffle and the inaugural honorary Parade Marshal selection (1956).

Mapping Our Future

1950s

Stampede’s Golden Age

Historical Highlights

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Fireworks at Midway

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