TravTalk November 1st Issue

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A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 100 (Excluding cover)

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Vol. XXV No. 21; November 1 st fortnight issue 2013

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MOT’s initiative for inbound Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, talks to about the ministry’s initiative for attracting inbound tourists that will remove language barriers and make them feel more at home. A few excerpts…

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA

T Parvez Dewan Secretary, MOT

alking about the Ministry of Tourism’s joint initiative with WoNoBo, which presents a unique way to navigate through Indian cities based on a number of interesting themes, Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism says, “This will help remove all language barriers; you’ll have no trouble finding your

way and you can travel anywhere in the country without a guide.”

The service is presently available for 12 major Indian cities and will soon be expanded to 54 cities.

Talking about the expansion plans, Dewan says, “We want to expand this to one walking tour in every state of the country even if the state doesn't figure in the top 35

destinations of the country.

Once we cover every state chronologically in the order of their rank in terms of tourist footfall - domestic and international - then we'll start more than one walking tour in those states, like UP and Rajasthan.”

Dewan was talking on the sidelines of the launch of Walking Tours, a joint effort of the Ministry of Tourism

and WoNoBo.com.When asked to comment on the proposal of Visa-on-Arrival being extended to 40 countries, Dewan did not comment but said that it is a Ministry of Home Affairs issue, though not before adding, “I don't like the figure 40, why not the whole world?” He also shed light on the significance of domestic market growing in India.

India becomes more attractive As inbound gets promising, experts say it’s an opportunity to earn the foreign exchange to help further stimulate growth sentiment in our country.

VIVEK SETHI

I

ndia is climbing back with steady improvement in Index of Industrial Production, capital market and consumer confidence. In fact, many captains of the industry believe that the little dent in the form of fear of the Indian growth story losing steam has paid off very well.

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NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

“India will remain as the most dynamic growth story among the emerging economies. The recent apprehension that Indian growth story will fizzle out, has yielded many positive announcements and agility in the policy making process,” said Arjun Sharma, Co– Chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism & MD, Le Passage to India.

46% of close to 500 respondents from the industry feel confident of foreign tourist arrivals going up in the coming six months Jyotsna Suri

“Today, when you look at India, everything is back and looks as promising as before; be it the IIP, capital markets, or our tourism

sector,” he added. Echoing similar views, Subhash Goyal, President, Indian Association of Inbound Tour Operators and Chairman,

Vice President, FICCI and CMD, Bharat Hotels

STIC Travel Group said, “We have to spread the message that India has become over Contd. on page 10

News Bulletin Powerful line-up for WTM 2013

See full story on page 5

Commissions to unite associations?

See full story on page 12

Uttarakhand hospitality gets a breather See full story on page 14

WTTC India bats for regional council See full story on page 24

‘Support B&B and earn carbon credit’ See full story on page 82

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BULLETIN

ITM paves way for the North East At the inaugural of the 2nd edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Tawang on Oct 18, Arunachal Pradesh (AP) CM Nabam Tuki said that they are in talks for a proposed highway connecting AP with SE Asian countries.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA

Added Attractions

T

he North East is a ‘Paradise Unexplored’.

With these words, Tuki opened the 2nd International Tourism Mart (ITM) at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh on October 18. Tuki said that the North East has a huge tourism potential that is yet to be tapped. He said that top priority is to be given to promoting tourism sector as it also has great potential to generate self employment, while enriching the state exchequer. Tuki said that the region is a treasure trove of natural beauty inhabited by over 150 major and minor tribes with their rich culture, art and crafts and tribal cuisines which offer huge scope for the growth of tourism.

Tuki also informed that they are in talks with the Centre for a proposed highway through the Stillwell road connecting Arunachal Pradesh with South East Asian countries. Speaking at the inaugural function of the second edition of three-day International Tourism Mart, the Chief Minister said the

Parvez Dewan Secretary, MOT

Holding of the ITM reflected the government’s commitment to promote tourism in North East India, in AP and Tawang in particular highway will herald growth of international trade and tourism and be a harbinger of bilateral relations among the

O The three-day event included presentations, cultural evenings and visits to local attractions in and around Tawang O Post-Mart familiarisation tours to the states in the region were arranged by the state governments for overseas delegates from October 21-27

nations of South East Asia and North East India.

Parvez Dewan, Secretary, MOT said that holding of the ITM in Tawang reflected the commitment of the government to promote tourism in Northeast India, and in Arunachal Pradesh and Tawang in particular.

Dewan said that India records 105 crore domestic tourists and 65 lakh foreign

tourists annually, yielding a revenue of US$ 18 billion from foreigners, which amounted to 6.5 per cent of the national GDP, besides generating about 10% direct or indirect employment.

Later, the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition in which the nine participating states - Arunachal Pradesh, Contd. on page 7

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INTERVIEW VIEWPOINT

India dovetails its inbound & domestic

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ravel has been a part of the Indian culture for centuries… for pilgrimage yatras or sightseeing, the average Indian traveller will go thousands of miles to see different environments, weather notwithstanding! The summer holiday months see the largest movements within India, which is the lean period for inbound traffic.

Until a few years ago, domestic tourism was confined to the lower income group and so did not figure in hotel and restaurant receipts. With the growing income and expanding middle class, the domestic tourist demands are shifting to good hotels and resorts. They travel to beaches along the coast, nature parks and sanctuaries, take desert safaris and visit archeological monuments. It is now upto the central and state governments, while doing their development planning, to provide clean and affordable accommodation, good roads and convenient flight and train connections at and to these places. And, it is for the travel industry to work out exciting packages that fit within their budgets.

Once we can gratify the needs of the evolving domestic traveller, it will become much easier to satisfy the inbound foreign tourist, who have the finances to look after themselves. The affluent travel to hill resorts in the summer, these towns are well equipped with accommodation and ground transportation. But, even the capacity of these is being tested to the maximum, as we saw recently in Uttarakhand.

International tourism depends upon many external factors such as international economic projections, international political conditions, air accessibility, and seasonal changes. Domestic tourism is more stable.

Local infrastructure and standards are far more acceptable to domestic than to international tourists. Despite its significance in national integration and development, domestic tourism has not received adequate attention in the process of development planning. Regardless, this niche continues to grow, giving sustainability and livelihood to many that come within its gambit.

The number of domestic tourist visits registered an increase of almost 20 per cent in 2012 as compared to an increase of about 16 per cent in 2011, and it is only growing…

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

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

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

The ‘IFC’ touch in 3 tourism projects In a freewheeling discussion with , Shaun Mann, Senior Tourism Sector Specialist, International Finance Corporation (IFC)-South Asia talks about the organisation’s work with India’s MOT, state governments, and private stakeholders to create an integrated tourism development strategy and identify potentially transformative investments. development where we are currently working in India on In which avenues of three projects: (1) Buddhist tourism in India do we Circuit Upgrading - we are see IFC? working with the State Governments of Bihar and The International Uttar Pradesh and the Ministry Finance Corporation (IFC) is of Tourism to develop a very the private sector developfocussed strategy for upgradment and investment arm of ing the Buddhist Circuit expethe World Bank Group. We rience, improve connectivity provide a variety of investand site-level infrastructure, improve marketing and promotion strategies to reach new markets, and improve overall coordination and collaboration of different stakeholders around the circuit, including bringing into the discussion the monasteries and their constituents; (2) Rajasthan tourism development - IFC is partnering with the Government of Rajasthan in the municipalities of Shaun Mann, Senior Tourism Sector Specialist, International Finance Corporation (IFC)-South Asia Udaipur and Jodhpur to enhance the ment instruments for private tourism experience through sector companies (including improvements in the urban hotel investors) and we offerings for tourists. These advice and partner with govinvolve planning and design ernments - through jointly for upgrading municipal financed technical assistance spaces to include options for projects - to implement posiprivate investment in tourism tive changes to the business services and attractions; (3) and investment environment.

Odisha tourism development IFC is partnering with the Please throw light on -Govt of Odisha to plan and the new initiatives by develop its tourism assets.

MEGHA PAUL

IFC in the country?

We have a specific practice area focussed on tourism

How are these projects funded?

These projects are not loans provided to the state governments. They are jointly funded and jointly implemented technical assistance agreements that are focussed on delivering specific results that leverage other investment. For instance, on the work with the Buddhist Circuit, the project identified approximately US$ 200 million of infrastructure and tourism development improvements that were submitted to the Planning Commission for consideration and inclusion in the 12th National Development Plan.

A part of that is now being operationalised through a proposed World Bank loan to Uttar Pradesh to upgrade infrastructure and urban environments in Sarnath and Kushinagar.

Which region in India has the maximum growth potential in terms of tourism infrastructure?

India’s cultural and historic heritage are world-class assets that are hugely underutilised and under-valued.

These assets could fuel local economic growth and employment with more investment in the sites and improved visitor management. The same applies for national parks in India. These

have immense potential for the ‘African Safari’ type of experience. Authorities are currently unclear on how to use these areas optimally for both tourism and conservation objectives. Many parts of Africa have very successful tourism and community development initiatives in and around its national parks.

In some cases, this has led to financial and ecological sustainability for some of them.

The challenge in India is the high volume of domestic tourism visiting or wanting to visit these cultural and natural areas. This can be mitigated with well zoning and effective visitor management.

Could you elaborate on the kind of progress that has been made in each individual project?

IFC’s tourism work in India is too recent. We only started working here in 2012.

IFC does not give loans to governments, this is not its mandate. We are a private sector development institution and any loans that are made, are made to the private sector on commercial terms for financially-viable projects.

With respect to our tourism projects, we do not have results yet. All our work are in initial stages.

9 Sarovar property in Maharashtra th

The fastest growing hotel management company in India, Sarovar Hotels, has announced the opening of Balaji Sarovar Premiere in Solapur, Maharashtra.

This will be the group’s first hotel in Solapur and the ninth hotel in Maharashtra.

Others being Hotel Marine Plaza, Grand Sarovar Premiere, Grand Hometel, Majestic Court Sarovar Portico and Residency Sarovar Portico -- in Mumbai, the Sahil Sarovar Portico in Lonavala, the Lily Sarovar Portico in

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

Nashik and Noorya Hometel in Pune.

The first upscale branded hotel in Solapur is spread over three acres of land. It is 15kms from the upcoming Solapur Airport and 5 kms from the Railway Station.

Commenting on the opening of the Balaji Sarovar Premiere, Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels said, “We are happy to announce the opening of Balaji Sarovar Premiere in

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

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Anil Madhok Managing Director Sarovar Hotels

Solapur which will help us serve travellers to Solapur, known for its cotton mills and power looms. This popular city of Maharashtra will now offer international

standard accommodation and conferencing facilities hitherto unavailable.”

Each of the 129 welldesigned guest rooms and suites at the hotel are modern in appeal and offer all contemporary amenities for a comfortable stay.

With nearly 8,000 sq. ft. of banqueting space, the hotel is ideal for large social functions, including weddings as well as corporate events for up to 800 guests.

Other hotel features include swimming pool, spa and fitness centre.

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EXHIBITIONS

NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

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Powerful line-up for WTM 2013 World Travel Market 2013, the leading global event for the travel industry, has a high profile line up of senior business leaders and politicians for its final day – November 7.

T T B U R E AU

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he WTM Knowledge Theatre, situated on the exhibition floor at GV750, will host three back-to-back sessions starting with London Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise Kit Malthouse at 11am.

Simon Press Reed Travel Exhibitions, Senior Director, World Travel Market

I am delighted with our wide ranging conference programme in the new WTM Knowledge Theatre on the final day of the event In July, Malthouse was appointed as Chairman of London & Partners, the London Mayor’s promotional body for the capital.

Malthouse’s speech will address the opportunities and threats for London tourism

Kashmir Minister to speak@WTM

Ghulam Ahmed Mir Minister for Tourism, J&K

Ghulam Ahmed Mir, Minister of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir, India, will be a featured speaker at the IIPT South Asia Leaders Panel being held at World Travel Market, on November 6, from 1400 to 1500 in South Gallery 17. The theme of the session is ‘Building Bridges of Collaboration for Sustainable Tourism’.

following on from the Olympics and his vision for the capital as a tourism hotspot.

Malthouse is followed at 11.45am by former no-frills airline Go Fly founder and CEO Barbara Cassani. Cassani remained in the travel industry with board roles at Jurys

Inns, Air Berlin and Vueling Airlines. Cassani will tell delegates about her experiences in the travel industry and her expectations for the future.

The final session in the WTM Knowledge Theatre is an aviation panel debate titled - Airlines Adapting Their Business Models. BMI

Regional CEO Cathal O'Connell and Air Baltic Vice President of Communication Janis Vanags will discuss the importance of innovation in a consolidating sector. They will look at best practices within the aviation sector in a number of areas, including social media. The session,

chaired by WTM Aviation expert John Strickland, takes place at 12.30pm.

Simon Press, Senior Director, World Travel Market, Reed Travel Exhibitions, said, “I am delighted with our comprehensive and wide-ranging

conference programme in the new WTM Knowledge Theatre on the final day of the event. It is very rare to be able to hear form such senior business leaders as Barbara Cassani and Cathal O’Connell and politicians such as Deputy London Mayor Kit Malthouse.”

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ASSOCIATIONS

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

India Travel Bazaar 2014 on April 8-9, 2014 in New Delhi The Ministry of Tourism (MOT), India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), are co-organising the first India Travel Bazaar 2014 on April 08-09, 2014 at The Ashok, New Delhi.

The USP of the India Travel Bazaar ’14 would be the intensive and sharp focus on Inbound Tourism and Buyer–Seller Meet, spread over two days. Over 2,000 delegates from India and abroad are expected to attend the India Travel Bazaar 2014.

The travel bazaar would have around 216 booths. There will be opportunities for prescheduled B2B meetings with over 240 foreign buyers from around 55 countries for Registered Indian Sellers and to Sponsors in the event.

OTOAI Convention gets big response It seems OTOAI will end up going beyond its preliminary target of attracting about 300 delegates. In less than three weeks, as many as 200 delegate registrations are being processed for the Convention. held at Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila, Philippines from December 1 to 4, 2013. Under the above-mentioned theme, the convention aims to create new opportunities for promoting the country’s outbound tourism within the industry.

TT BUREAU

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he Changing Face of Indian Outbound’, as the theme for the first-ever OTOAI Convention from December 1-4, 2013, in Philippines has certainly clicked with the country’s outbound travel agents. The registrations for the convention are in full swing.

In less than three weeks, as many as 200 delegate registrations are being processed for the convention.

It seems OTOAI will end up going beyond its preliminary target of attracting about 300 delegates. Its inaugural early bird package for delegates was priced at `35,000, which included airfare, accommodation, transfer charges, sightseeing, all meals and participation in all business sessions and individual badges.

As disclosed earlier, the Annual Convention will be

The OTOAI team had kept in mind that Indian agents are looking for new destinations, which are viable and at the same time can offer choices for leisure, MICE and adventure travel; while choosing the venue destination. The

Convention Facts Guldeep Singh Sahni President OTOAI

The convention aims to create new opportunities for promoting the country’s outbound tourism within the industry

O The Annual Convention will be held at Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila, Philippines from December 1 to 4, 2013.

O The OTOAI team had kept in mind that Indian agents are looking for new destinations, which are viable and at the same time can offer choices for leisure, MICE and adventure travel; while choosing the venue destination

Riaz Munshi

Vineet Gopal

Convention Chairman OTOAI

Co-Convention Chairman OTOAI

Philippines emerged OTAOI’s first choice.

as

“The Philippines is a beautiful destination. It offers various experiences for all kinds of segments, be it the honeymooners, families, individual travellers, women travellers, adventure seekers and MICE travellers,” Guldeep Singh Sahni, President, OTOAI said.

Further, the Association will approach the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, requesting the presence of their representative at the Convention, and is considering inviting international tourism boards for the event, added Sahni.

As earlier reported in , Riaz Munshi, Vice President, OTOAI, has been appointed as Chairman of the Convention, while Vineet Gopal, Joint Secretary, OTOAI, will be the Vice Chairman of the OTOAI Convention.

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NEWS

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The road to better tourism potential Contd. from page 3

Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim and West Bengal - showcased their tourist potential, traditional, cultural, art and craft uniqueness. The Sikkim Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel, Nagaland Tourism Minister EE Pangteang, Arunachal's Tourism Parliamentary Secretary PD Sona, Art and Culture Parliamentary Secretary Tsewang Dhondup and Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs department chairman TG Rinpoche and top ranking officers were present on the occasion. The inaugural function was followed by a PowerPoint presentation of nine participating states to highlight their respective tourism scope.

The state is in talks with the Centre for a proposed highway through the Stillwell road connecting AP with South East Asian countries Nabam Tuki CM, Arunachal Pradesh This is the second International Tourism Mart to be organised in the North Eastern region with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets.

It brings together the tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight Northeastern States of India and West Bengal. The event has been planned and scheduled to facilitate interaction between buyers, sellers, media, Government agencies and others.

Besides the foreign delegates, domestic buyers from other parts of the country and sellers from the North Eastern States and West Bengal also participated in the Mart. In addition to the business meetings, the threeday event included presentations, cultural evenings and visits to local attractions in and around Tawang.

Participation O Besides the foreign delegates, domestic buyers from other parts of the country and sellers from the North Eastern States and West Bengal also participated in the Mart

Post-Mart familiarisation tours to the states in the region were arranged by the State Governments for the overseas delegates from October 21-27. Foreign delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Myanmar, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, UK, USA and Vietnam participated at the ITM.

Inbound and domestic tourists walk hand-in-hand Reiterating the importance of domestic tourists, Dewan says, “Foreign tourists are our guests and are important for us, but they form 65-66 lakh of the people travelling to India, Our true responsibility is towards the Indian tourists, 1.05 billion domestic tourists travel around the

country.” Dewan says that while the ITM is an event that focusses on the Northeast, including West Bengal, which has the Darjeeling area, this edition they have introduced a new angle. “While the sellers are all from the Northeast, the new element we have brought in this year is that

we are trying to attract people from the major source markets in India – Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi and Bengaluru. We are trying to request people, though not at our expense, to go there, because we believe that though it's very good to look for international tourists, one should not

forget that the bread and butter of Indian tourism is domestic tourism. So, we are trying to get people from the travel-prone parts of India, Gujarat of course is Number 1 while Bengal is now Number 4, but given Bengal's proximity to the North east maybe for the North east, Bengal is Number 1.”

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STATES World Tourism Day

Financial boost from States As World Tourism Day was celebrated recently on September 27 throughout the world, the Ministry of Tourism in India launched a new campaign ‘777 days of Incredible Indian Himalayas’ to promote the virgin peaks of Himalayas and attract both domestic and international tourists during the lean summer season.

M E G H A PAU L

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he campaign aims to attract more foreign tourists during the lean summer season, making the Indian Himalayas a 365-day destination for the travellers. It would spread awareness about the fact that 73 per cent of the

Himalayan range lies in India. Two new promotional films — ‘Greatest Show On Earth’ and ‘Life Altering Journey on Himalayas’ — along with a map of the Himalayas were also launched on September 27. As the MOT came forward with this brilliant initiative, the states also geared up to do their bit on World Tourism Day.

Bihar gets `100 crore for Gandhi circuit

Sunil Kumar Pintu Tourism Minister Bihar

The state government received `100 crore from the Centre to develop Champaran districts, where Mahatma Gandhi launched his Satyagraha movement against the British rule in 1917, as a ‘Gandhi circuit’ to attract tourists, particularly foreigners.

The government has decided to utilise the funds to develop places associated with Gandhi during his Satyagraha movement in Champaran.

Two years ago, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced the development of a Gandhi circuit in West and East Champaran districts with the help of the central government.

“There is also a plan for revival of Gandhi’s basic schools in Champaran. The schools set up by him are in shambles now. Bihar also plans to celebrate the centenary year of Mahatma’s Satyagraha against British rule in 2017 on a large scale.”

HOHO offerings from Delhi Tourism Stressing on the significance of World Tourism Day, Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister, Delhi said, “This year’s theme—Tourism & Water: Protecting our Common Future—will focus on tourism and water. As the most widely-celebrated global day for tourism, it has a unique opportunity to raise awareness of tourism’s role in water saving.” To mark the occasion, Delhi Tourism provided three buses free of cost for sightseeing to the differentlyabled children. Coinciding Sheila Dikshit Chief Minister, Delhi with its inception day in Delhi three years ago, HOHO (Hop on, Hop Off) celebrated its anniversary in a grand way. HOHO hosted a weeklong celebration from 27 September-2 October. During this run, the tourists were offered a flat 50 per cent discount on tickets and they also got a 15 per cent discount in food vouchers.

UP govt nod ` 1,700-cr plan for Agra According to Om Prakash Singh, Tourism Minister, Uttar Pradesh, the UP government approved `1,700-crore plan for the overall development of Agra as a tourist destination.

Speaking at the inauguration of an air-conditioned toilet facility at Taj Mahal on the occasion of World Tourism Day, Singh said the state government is looking at improving Agra to make it a more attractive destination for tourists. “The UP government had received a US$ 410-million package from the World Bank for the development of tourism in the state. The state Cabinet has also cleared the `1,600-crore Agra-Lucknow Greenfield Expressway project,” he confirmed. The project for an international airport at Agra, too, has been okayed.

Contd. on page 90

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COVER STORY

Adding to the numbers Contd. from page 1

20 per cent more attractive on account of depreciation in Indian Rupee, if we have to stimulate growth in the inbound section. It’s like a silver lining that can be used to earn the coveted foreign exchange to help further stimulate growth sentiment in our country.”

The FICCI’s recent survey also points out that the present times are challenging, but growing number of stakeholders in the tourism industry now feel that there is a surge in inbound tourist arrivals in 2013. “It is indeed heartening to note that 46 per cent of close to 500 respondents from our industry felt confident of the foreign tourist arrivals to go up in the coming 6 months. An equal number of respondents also feel there would be no impact of the slowdown over the next 6 months on tourism, which is a marked improvement and shows growing improvement,” said Jyotsna Suri, Vice President FICCI and Chairperson & Managing Director, Bharat Hotels.

Vikram Madhok, Vice Chairman, PATA-India Chapter and MD, Abercrombie & Kent India has set up aggressive targets

Arjun Sharma Co – Chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism & MD, Le Passage to India

Today, when you look at India, everything is back and looks as promising as before

Arup Sen, Director, Special Projects, Cox & Kings also believe that the forthcoming season will offer good returns. “The winter of 2013 is expected to be much better than 2012. We expect growth

Vikram Madhok

Subhash Goyal

Vice Chairman, PATA-India Chapter and MD, Abercrombie & Kent India

President, IATO & Chairman STIC Travel Group

The year will be very fruitful and we will end the year with over 20 per cent growth

India has become over 20 per cent more attractive on account of depreciation in the Indian Rupee

in the luxury inbound space that they operate with considerable ease. “In the first three months of the present year, we are about 10 per cent below target. But, the booking trend for September onwards is very positive. In fact, we strongly believe that the year will be very fruitful and we will end the year with over 20 per cent growth,” Madhok said.

in our inbound segment,” said Sen. Thomas Cook India is also committed to its bullish plans on the season ahead in 2013.

“We are strongly committed to the plans and targets we’ve set ourselves for India Inbound season 2013-14. Our current initiatives include aggressive promotion and engagements across stakeholders to not just neutralise, but give a strong reassurance,” said Surinder

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

The growth opportunities emerging in the CIS countries and Latin America are commendable

Singh Sodhi – Senior Vice President & Head, Leisure Travel (Inbound), Thomas Cook India.

Further suggesting a fresh ray of hope, Sen said, “Most hotels and service providers are quoting in INR, and thus mitigating any exchange fluctuation risk.

Nevertheless, with the rupee devaluating to the US Dollar, the American market will get a natural impetus owing to increased purchasing power of the dollar.”

Here, Sodhi is quick to add that the FTOs should pass on reasonable benefit to their Indian counterparts keeping in mind that the inputs costs are going to rise.

“Unarguably, the fall in rupee has made tour packages a lot more affordable.

However, in some cases, foreign agents may increase their profit margins and hence only pass on the limited benefits to the customer. The depreciation in rupee hikes fuel prices which will result in commodity prices shooting up. The currency movement creates uncertainty in the market with trade margins taking a hit, in case of an appreciation,” said Sodhi.

But, the rupee depreciation can also create a ‘mirage effect’ and distract the inbound industry, which is fighting global and domestic odds to grow its FTAs. Because, the fall in value of rupee will in one way enhance revenue earnings, when computed in rupee terms.

“The inbound space is still a long way off the highs it had scaled in 2007-08 before the crisis. The core source markets that used to give us Contd. on page 22

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Kerala airports make VoA history The introduction of Tourist Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi airports marks a new chapter for Kerala Tourism…

T T B U R E AU

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he state of Kerala had been beneficiary of the roll out of the Visa-on-Arrival scheme to new airports. In fact, it has now become the only state that offers VoA at its two airports.

Thiruvananthapuram and

Anil Kumar Minister of Tourism Kerala

The introduction of VoA facility at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi airports will help attract more foreign visitors to the state Kochi airports are among only eight in the country to offer VoA. It was rolled out in the first phase in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Two

Suman Billa Secretary Kerala Tourism

Kerala gets over 1 crore tourists that consist of 9 lakh foreign tourists and over 94 lakh domestic tourists other airports that got VoA facility in the second phase are Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Kerala is also the only state to have two airports offering the service.

“The introduction of VoA facility at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi airports marks a new chapter for Kerala Tourism and will help attract more foreign visitors to the state,” said Anil Kumar, Minister of Tourism, Kerala. VoA is currently available for citizens of 11 coun-

tries–Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia.

These countries are markets where Kerala Tourism sees vast potential and is beginning to make significant inroads. As per the statistics released by

Kerala tourism, tourist arrivals from Japan rose by around 56 per cent in five years to 11,440 in 2012; and the arrivals from Finland more than doubled over the period to 5,160 last year. Tourist arrivals from countries such as New Zealand, Singapore and The Philippines have similarly risen

between 75 per cent and 90 per cent since 2008.

This year, Kerala is looking at the jump in remittances led by devaluation in rupee as an opportunity to return to the double digit. As per Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, “Kerala has not looked back ever since it

started promoting tourism in 1996. In fact, presently, Kerala gets over 1 crore tourists that consist of 9 lakh foreign tourists and over 94 lakh domestic tourists.”

“We have been growing at an average of about 13-14 Contd. on page 20

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ASSOCIATIONS

Commissions to unite trade associations?

The recent orders by the MoCA mandating commissions had provided some respite to the travel agents. However, the biggest challenge for the travel agent fraternity is to settle the quantum of commissions as directed in the orders with the respective airlines.

VIVEK SETHI

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he three travel agents’ associations, namely, TAAI, TAFI and IAAI, are expected to play an important role in getting the commissions back.

Naturally, three different associations would think differently. However, the commissions could only be assured if these associations either collectively, or in their own ways, are able to determine a respectable quantum of commission with the air-

IAAI As per Biji Eapen, President, IAAI; a major battle has been won, which establishes commissions as a legal right. “Now, the battle that is left is to determine commissions. These are apt conditions for the travel agents’ community to come together and collectively pitch for commissions above five per cent. We can gradually get even more than five per cent.”

In a recent press communiqué, IAAI again said,

action fee, and have requested them to change over immediately to the earlier system of agency commission at 5 per cent (on gross fare), as was prevalent in India before November 2008.”

“Our delegation had met the Director General (DGCA) and Secretary, MoCA twice in October respectively and briefed the situation and shall be apprising the Civil Aviation Minister within a couple of days’ time, Further, we are re-processing the imminent case in the High

Excerpts from MoCA orders It is clearly stated here that that the term ‘Commission’, ‘Transaction Fees’, ‘Convenience Fees’, or any other terms used for the purpose means the same, i.e. payment of remuneration to the intermediaries for the services rendered by them and therefore, all these terms are treated as ‘Commission’, mentioned in the existing Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules, 1937 as a part of tariff to be determined by airlines. All these forms of levy of fees as remuneration to be the intermediaries for the services rendered by them for issuing tickets to passengers on behalf of the airlines are services permissible under the existing rules provided these are shown as part of Tariff within the definition of Tariff and no amount will be collected from the consumers over and above this.

Further, Rule 135 (1) requires airlines to determine the tariff which by definition includes commissions. Rule 135 (2) requires airlines to display a single consolidated fare and give its break up also for the consumer’s benefit. It is clear that the statutory position under Rule 135 (n) clearly requires airlines to determine tariff in accordance with law, including commissions payable to agents. The existing law requires airlines to display total fare and its components.

However, it is made very clear that as per the rules, DGCA cannot lay down quantum of commissions payable by airlines to agents. It is entirely up to the airlines to take a decision in this regard in consultation with intermediaries taking in to account various commercial factors such as the market conditions, the cost of the intermediary’s establishment, etc & statutory definition of tariff. lines. Fortunately, all associations are open to work jointly with any body that supports the cause of commissions to travel agents. But, the road is not simple and only time will tell, if they can jointly rewrite the history of agents’ commissions. presents a status on strategic updates on TAAI, TAFI and IAAI, and how would they like to bring about the quantum:-

“The quantum of commission has to be decided with consultation between airlines and intermediaries taking into account various commercial factors such as the market conditions, cost of the infrastructure, establishments and the statutory definition of "tariff'. Legally, we have made claims to all airlines who have adopted zero commission/transaction fee system, or a very low commission coupled with trans-

Court of Kerala for a permanent solution and looking forward for a directive to the Regulator to execute and enforce the law, wherein on basis of MoCA orders, the Solicitor General of India (representing the Civil Aviation) had been asked to submit the Affidavit regarding compliance within three weeks. We will certainly appreciate if our esteemed associations, including TAAI and TAFI, could also join

Iqbal Mulla

Praveen Chugh

Biji Eapen

President TAAI

Vice President TAFI

President IAAI

We are open to work with any association that supports agents’ crusade for restoration of suitable commissions hands to support our national move on this common cause.

If we are all together, no power on earth can delay or refuse our right to commissions,” it added.

TAAI “We have always stood and worked for travel agents.

Commissions are a right, which has also been reflected in the recent orders of the MoCA. We will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that agents get adequate remuneration from airlines.

The voluntary shutdown in May had sent across a clear message that the time has come and agents will not be appeased without adequate remuneration. After all, it’s not only the big agents, but scores of small and medium-sized agents, whose existence has been threat-

We are open to work with any travel association, who possess the same dedication to safeguards agents’ interests ened by the zero-commission regime,” said Iqbal Mulla, President, TAAI. “We are open to work with any association that supports the agents’ crusade for restoration of suitable commissions. However, we don’t stop, or write letters to claim credit, while our crusade is still on to get commissions back,” he added.

TAFI As per Praveen Chugh, Vice President, TAFI, “We are glad that MoCA had directed that ‘Commission’, ‘Transaction Fees’, ‘Convenience Fees’, or any other terms used for the payment of remuneration to travel agents their services rendered by them are to be treated as ‘Commission’. The commissions should reflect in the tariff, and airlines should compensate the

If we are all together, no power on earth can delay or refuse our right to commissions agents for costs the latter had incurred for selling the airlines tickets. I would like to submit here that the commissions so based must depend on the percentage, instead of being based on a flat-fee mode. The cost of air tickets varies and hence the agents should be compensated on basis of the percentage of the value of air-ticket.”

“Our association has been in overdrive, meeting various government agencies and airlines. The details of the meetings can’t be revealed at this point.

However, we are shortly going to make some important developments known at an appropriate time. We are also open to work with any travel agents’ association, or travel agents who possess the same dedication to safeguards agents’ interests,” he added.

‘APAC market to near US$ 352 bn in 2013’ The Asia-Pacific travel market ousted Europe to become the world’s biggest regional travel market in 2012, earning gross bookings of US$ 326.2 billion, and this figure is expected to grow another eight per cent this year. Asia Pacific is expected to reach US$ 351.9 billion this year, according to industry research authority,

PhoCusWright. These figures were released recently at the sixth edition of ITB Asia, ‘The Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market’.

Backed by the emergence of economic powerhouses, especially China, India and South East Asia, the region has confirmed itself as one of the driving forces in world travel and has set another all-time high

We expect the Asia-Pacific travel market to maintain its growth through 2015 to reach US$ 407.3 billion and China will account for a third of that Chetan Kapoor, Research Analyst – Asia Pacific, PhoCusWright record, as per a release. The Asia-Pacific travel market

ousted Europe to become the world’s biggest regional

travel market in 2012, earning gross bookings of US$ 326.2 billion, and this figure is expected to grow another eight per cent this year. The PhocusWright study also states projected growth figures for the countries within Asia Pacific over the next three years led by China, Japan and the Pacific region.

“We expect the Asia-Pacific travel market to maintain its

growth through 2015 to reach US$ 407.3 billion and China will account for a third of that.

The Indonesian market is also poised for rapid development in the next three years and double-digit growth is forecast for several AsiaPacific markets through 2015,” said Chetan Kapoor, Research Analyst – Asia Pacific, PhoCusWright.

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ANALYSIS

Uttarakhand hospitality gets a breather The Centre recently exempted the hospitality industry in the flood-ravaged Uttarakhand from Service Tax till March 31, 2014. speaks to industry stalwarts of the region to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the sops.

M E G H A PAU L

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he floods and landslides on June 16 had caused extensive damage in Uttarakhand and adversely affected the life of the people in the state. The Centre recently exempted the hospitality industry in the floodravaged Uttarakhand from Service Tax till March 31, 2014. “There is a need to provide support for the local population by reviving the hospitality industry,” the Central

Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) said in its ‘ad-hoc exemption order’. In the wake of circumstances of exceptional nature, the CBEC said it has been decided to exempt taxable ‘services by way of renting of a room in a hotel, inn, guest house, club, campsite or other commercial place meant for residential or lodging purposes.’ The levy on ‘services provided in relation to serving of food or beverages by a restaurant, eating joint or mess’ has also been exempted.

from 90 per cent to below 20 per cent overnight after TV channels aired footages of the devastation in Uttarakhand. Thus, the recent step to exempt the hotels from service tax is surely a welcome step.

“While it would take another three to four years for the affected areas to rebuild infrastructure, I wish the government had provided relief to the industry for a longer period to enable them to sail through bad times,” he pointed out.

According SM Shervani, President, FHRAI; the occupancy in hotels of the state came crashing

The state government should reduce Luxury Tax and VAT for at least five years. The Central government should also offer tax exemptions on Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) for employees who choose to vacation in Uttarakhand, he added.

to

SM Shervani

Praveen Sharma

SP Kochhar

President FHRAI

Joint Honorary Secretary HRANI

President, Hotels and Restaurants Association of Uttarakhand

The Government should have provided relief to the industry for a longer period

Praveen Sharma, Joint Honorary Secretary, HRANI feels unlike the Central Government; the State Government has not been that encouraging. “The State

The State Government should bring us at par with other hillstates like J&K and Sikkim

The Govt. has to be aggressive to promote growth and create the support system to maintain it further

Government cannot wait till the Budget, which will be out only in March next year.

There has been no exemption on entertainment tax, luxury tax and VAT and this is still

hampering the industry. At least, the State Government should bring us at par with other hill-states like Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim. In Contd. on page 90

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Maharashtra ties with Canada & Japan The state has recently signed MoUs with Wakayama in Japan and Quebec in Canada to develop responsible and sustainable tourism. reports more on the state’s novel initiative...

ANITA JAIN

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ith an aim to enhance domestic tourism and bring in government policy reforms, many state governments in India have signed MoUs with other states.

These understandings include tax benefits, rebates, low cost of travelling, etc.

And such agreements have paid well for the states.

Taking this one level up, Maharashtra Tourism is now partnering with international regions based in Western and Eastern side of the world for attracting tourists from both the sides.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recently signed an MoU with Quebec region in Canada and Wakayama region in Japan for promoting tourism activities and other initiatives.

MoU with Canada

MoU with Wakayama Prefecture, Japan After signing MoU with Quebec for the Western world, MTDC turned focus on the Eastern side and signed an MoU with Wakayama Prefecture based in Japan.

Quebec,

MTDC has signed an MoU with the government of Quebec, Canada covering the cooperation between both the governments in field of sharing best practices for the development of responsible and sustainable tourism, especially in national parks. The MoU

JNTO says...

India is currently the top 14th tourism market for Japan and the tourism department is targetting to make India move in top 10 source markets by 2015. To meet the target, JNTO is planning to launch an online destination training programme for travel agents in India, organise more fams for travel trade and continue participating in travel exhibitions in India. It will also restart joint marketing activities with the trade from next fiscal in India.

Chhagan Bhujbal Minister of Public Works & Special Assistance Department and Tourism, Government of Maharashtra

also covers sharing of resources and facilities in order to provide mutual assistance in tourism education and training for quality tourism development, hospitality, exchange of experts, tourist promotion management, development of eco-tourism, including collaboration with ministries responsible for natural parks, wildlife and conservation and promotion of MICE tourism. Apart from this, the MoU will establish cooperation in facilitating promotion of

Hideki Manabe Executive Director JNTO, Singapore

The MoU is aimed at creating mutual cooperation between both states for expansion of tourism ties. Both des-

JNTO records 30% growth from India Japan National Tourist Office recorded a 30 per cent growth from the Indian market from January – August 2013 over the same period in 2012. As compared to 67,000 arrivals in 2012, JNTO is expecting to receive 75,000 arrivals in 2013, informed Hideki Manabe, Executive Director – JNTO, Singapore. travel and tourist visits between Maharashtra and Quebec province. Other objectives of the MoU include obtaining mutual assistance in human resource development for the tourism sector.

tinations have also agreed to promote agro and food processing between local enterprises within the existing framework. Both parties are working towards increasing tourism inflow in Maharashtra and Wakayama through the

agreement. Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister of Public Works & Special Assistance Department and Tourism, Government of Maharashtra said, “Both states have a strong foundation in natural beauty and culture. These are the aspects that we will be promoting.

To increase inbound tourism from Wakayama, we will also concentrate on the Buddhist Tourism segment as the Ajanta and Ellora caves are prime attractions for tourists from Japan.”

On the other hand, Wakayama Prefecture showed keen interest in supporting to sanction the third phase of funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency to further develop Ajanta and Ellora.

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RAILWAYS Luxury on Wheels - Deccan Odyssey

Most wanted on Time Square Introduces ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ scheme on the luxury train available for next one year.

ANITA JAIN

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fter receiving excellent response for Deccan Odyssey during Diwali celebrations held at New York City’s Time Square by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the state has initiated a few strategies to further enhance the awareness and sales of the luxury train. Currently recording an average of 5560 per cent occupancy in

The corporation this year is participating at WTM 2013 with a sizable stall. It has also invited a few private players to showcase their products at the stall

Kishori Gadre General Manager MTDC

per cent occupancy in this fiscal. For achieving the target, MTDC has introduced an attractive offer of ‘Buy One Get One free’ on a six night, seven days package.

2012, the luxury train is aiming to receive more than 80

Buy first and second comes free Starting October 23, 2013; Deccan Odyssey is offering special offer of one+one ticket on tours departing on October 23, November 20 and December 25, 2013. The tickets are priced at US$ 633 per couple per night (excluding 3.09 per cent service tax). Travel companies and agents are offered a flat 10 per cent commission on basic tariff of US$ 575.

However, the booking payment should be done full in advance while the cancellation charges would be 50 per cent if cancelled 15 days prior to departure and 100 per cent if cancelled 14 days prior to departure. Moreover, the scheme is available only on seven night booking. The train has 21 coaches, out of which 12 are

passenger cars accommodating 8 people per coach and two presidential suite cars, one conference car, two dining cars, two generator cars with luggage store, two staff cars, a spare car, a spa coach, and a bar car. The capacity of the train is 80 passengers. The train offers a seven-day round trip, starting on Wednesdays from Mumbai with seasonal tours mostly operating every year between October and April.

Deccan Odyssey on top While Deccan Odyssey remained the top-most inquired product during the celebrations at Times Square, Mumbai as a destination was last on the list.The second spot was taken by AjantaEllora caves while third was acquired by wildlife parks like

Tadoba, Pench and Melghat, informed Kishori Gadre, General Manager, MTDC. Though nearly 80 tour operators were invited for the show, over 150 turned up. Of the total 3.5 lakh people who attended the show, only 15 per cent were Indians. Apart

from unique initiatives, the corporation this year is participating at WTM 2013 with a sizable stall. Along with Maharashtra tourism officials, the corporation has also invited a few private players to showcase their products at the stall.

Rail Europe’s mobile app acts as a travel guide for Indians Rail Europe has launched a new mobile app which is available on Android and iOS platforms. One of its striking features is the ‘Station Guide’ which contains details of over 70 stations on the Rail Europe network.

It also comes with a map that’s linked to Google Maps or Apple Plan, which makes navigation easier. Its best feature is a section for FAQs and help. If a passenger (Indian) posts a question in Europe, it immediately connects to the Indian Support Centre for further assistance.

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Kerala in demand Contd. from page 11

per cent in the past decade.

Last few years had seen growth of 8-9 per cent, which is still robust from global standards, due to slowdown in the global economy. Kerala gets about ` 65,000 crore remittances every year. Due

to the temporary depreciation in the value of Indian rupee, the value of these remittances has already increased by 20 per cent.

Moreover, it will positively effect the ` 20,000 crore turnover generated by tourism,” added Billa.

Kerala has just ended hosting two of the big travel trade associations’ annual convention including IATO and FHRAI. Billa looks at such trade events as a good platform for the destination

to update the key stakeholders in the travel and hospitality sector. “Travel trade events with over 1,000 delegates from travel and hospitality industry help us to apprise the industry on the various developments, changes and new initiatives

being worked out in the state,” said Billa.

“Many of the delegates go for post-event excursions and experiences the various travel products. One of our key initiatives that will cut the travel time to many strategic attractions is the Seaplane service. A traveller could use the seaplane service and reach Munnar from Kochi in 20 mins instead of a four-hour road journey,” he added.

Haryana sets its sights on MICE A convention hall of 1,000-person capacity is now being constructed at Red Bishop Tourist Complex, Panchkula.

TT BUREAU

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n a bid to make Haryana a tourist hotspot, the state’s Tourism Department has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to improve its services. According to Sumita Misra, Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation, the department is expanding ‘banqueting and conferencing’ facilities, rooms in tourist complexes are being renovated, several hotel management, catering institutes and amusement parks are also being set up in the state.

Haryana Tourism Corporation is developing world-class tourism infrastructure, both in public and private sectors

New Look N The renovation and upgrading of facilities are going on in full swing at tourist centres in several cities of Haryana

across the state. The Haryana Tourism Corporation had previously commissioned prestigious Convention Centres at Surajkund, Faridabad and at Tilyar Lake, Rohtak. A convention hall of 1,000-person

Faridabad, Dharuhera, Bhiwani and Mansa Devi.

New rooms are being constructed at Koel Tourist Complex, Kaithal. Also, the online booking of rooms recently introduced has been

Conventre Centre Surajkund

capacity is now being constructed at Red Bishop Tourist Complex, Panchkula, Misra stated. “The renovation and upgrading of the facilities are in full swing at the tourist complexes in Ambala, Bahadurgarh, Pipli, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Karnal, Rai, Pehowa, Sohna,

showing encouraging results.

The facility is currently available for 80 per cent of the complexes and would be soon applicable for the remaining complexes as well,” she pointed out. New buildings are coming up at the State Institutes of Hotel Management in Faridabad

and Yamunanagar as well.

Throwing light on the recent achievements of Haryana Tourism, she added, “Under the Hunar Se Rozgar Tak programme, about 14 Tourist Complexes of Haryana Tourism and four State Institutes of Hotel Management across the state are conducting two courses that include Food Production and Food and Beverage Service, which are of eight and six weeks duration respectively.”

Elaborating on the benefits of rural tourism for the state, she remarked, “The farm and rural tourism scheme has been profitable for the states which have adopted it. We had launched the scheme in 2003 and it is running successfully in places like Jhajjar, Karnal, Rohtak etc. However, there is an urgent need to upgrade facilities and teach skills to villagers as part of upgradation.”

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FAMILY ALBUM

State Ministers’ Meet A National Tourism Ministers’ Conference was held in New Delhi recently to discuss the future strategies for realising the full tourism potential of the country. The Conference was chaired by K Chiranjeevi, Minister of Tourism, and attended by over 23 State Tourism Ministers and tourism officials were present from all states and union territories.

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COVER STORY

Growing inbound aggressively in 2013 Contd. from page 10

business are still suffering.

Leading economies in Europe, except the likes of Germany, France and UK are still recovering. Here, many countries including Spain and Italy are yet to show strong signs of recovery. Although the conventional source markets are taking time to recover.

However, the growth opportunities emerging in the CIS countries and Latin America are commendable. The same bullish sentiment is the case with Asia,” said Dipak Deva, Vice Chairman, WTTC-India and CEO, Destination Management, India & South Asia, Kuoni Destination Management.

“In my opinion, it will be a commendable task if the industry could end up with double-digit growth. Here, one also needs to clearly define growth in terms of visitor arrivals and revenues.

If, the dollar stays beyond 60 levels, there will be automatically incremental growth in terms of revenues, while same pace is not likely to be seen in terms of visitor arrivals. We can talk about

Arup Sen Director, Special Projects Cox & Kings

The winter of 2013 is expected to be much better than 2012. We expect growth in our inbound segment

any number of world heritage sites, the UNESCO heritage sites, world-class hotels, state-of-the-art air-

According to Deva, Visa Liquidity in addition to airliquidity is one of the most important aspects that ensures increase in visitors arrivals to a country. India had grown air-inventory in the recent past, which is now growing at desirable pace. To leverage, India now needs to enhance visa liquidity.

the countries that want to generate tourist arrivals from the rest. In the Indian context, we have, to some extent, address several issues related to visa. However, if we are not going to take facilitative steps like illustrated, we will never reach our true potential in terms of inbound tourism,” said Deva.

processes need to further gear up to meet the tourist’s expectations for a hassle-free visa experience, without any undue delays,” he said.

“Presume, if next week I need to go to Turkey. My office will get me an online visa in literally speaking no time. These are the initiatives that differentiate between

“Today, people do not want any hassle on a holiday.

More importantly, they are not prepared for any hassle, or inconvenience before a holiday. As of today, our visa

Over 50 per cent of them come on charter flights to Goa. But, they so far couldn’t avail VoA in Goa, although Finland was included in the VoA scheme in 2011,” he added.

“The recent extension of VoA facility to five new ports including Goa and Kerala are the right steps. Earlier, we used to face a peculiar situation with our Finnish clients.

Surinder Singh Sodhi Senior Vice President & Head Leisure Travel Inbound Thomas Cook India

We are strongly committed to the plans and targets that we’ve set ourselves for India Inbound season 2013-14

ports. But mere infrastructure is not enough to bring tourists to a country,” added Deva.

Pitching for coastal tourism To leverage over 300 kilometres of virgin coastline, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) plans to focus on developing coastal tourism.

T T B U R E AU

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he state is currently in the process of formulating a plan to develop tourist facilities, infrastructure and

CD Dyavaiah Managing Director KSTDC

seaplane services along the Karnataka coast. This information was revealed by CD Dyavaiah, Managing Director, KSTDC. Dyavaiah said, “KSTDC plans to develop these facilities on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. Once the policy is finalised over the next couple of months, we will be in a position to reveal more details.”

Dyavaiah also said that KSTDC was keen to launch intra-state air services. He said that KSTDC had invited expressions of interest from private players to launch these services but that it was yet in the planning phase.

“This will boost tourism in the state and we are working on a strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service.”

Positioning Karnataka as a culture and heritage destination for the domestic segment, the state plans to promote Hampi, Mysore and Gokarna to attract tourists from all over the country.

Further, state tourism development corporation also plans to conduct roadshows

later this year in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, according to Dyavaiah.

Karnataka has also signed an MoU with Andhra Pradesh for cross promotion of tourism in both states earlier this month.

The possibility of extending Karnataka’s Golden Chariot train to Andhra Pradesh was also mooted. "We are extremely happy to associate with Andhra Pradesh government for this MoU. We are optimistic that this will be a step forward in terms of increasing tourism initiatives in both states," Dyavaiah said.

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RAILWAYS

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TRAVTALK

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A Royal treat on wheels with RTDC The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, which is a joint venture of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways, has earned a total revenue of `48.27 crore since it was launched in January 2009.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA

T

he super luxury train Royal Rajasthan on Wheels rolled on its first commercial tour for this year to Rajasthan, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, on October 6.

With 26 passengers onboard, most of whom were foreign tourists, the train set off for its journey.

Following the success of the Palace on Wheels, the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels , which is a joint venture of the

Pramod Sharma General Manager of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation

With 87 trips since 2009, a total of 3286 tourists have travelled on this train taking the revenue earned to ` 48.27 crore Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways, has established its image in the global travel industry in record time. Pramod Sharma, General Manager of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, informed that in 87 trips since 2009, a total of 3286 tourists have travelled on this train taking the revenue earned to `48.27 crore.

The train, which will now have more facilities onboard, will run on every Sunday between October and April. Starting its journey from Delhi, the train will travel to Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra.

Surendra Singh Chaudhri, General Manager

of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, said that the luxury train has 22 state-of-the-art coaches comprising 1 super deluxe coach (2 cabins), 13 deluxe coaches (3 cabins each), 2 restro bars (40 covers each), 1 kitchen, 2 staff-

cum-store cars and 2 power cars. There are 2 dining cars – Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. The train can accommodate 82 persons. For the super deluxe suite, passengers have to shell out US$ 1,600 per night while the

deluxe room is priced at US$ 590 per person per night on twin sharing and US$ 825 per person per night on single occupancy.

The train offers facilities like spa, gymnasium, internet and satellite TV.

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WTTCII bats for regional council The Association has recently formalised Southern Zone Tourism Advisory Council (SZTAC), which has got all southern states together to collectively remove impediments hindering growth of the southern region.

V IVEK S ETHI

I

ndia has the richest diversity in terms of tourist attractions spread across its

structure, seamless travel and uniform tax structures are necessary to make India’s travel and tourism industry globally and regionally com-

Easy access, state-of-the-art infrastructure, seamless travel and uniform tax structures are necessary to make India’s travel & tourism industry globally and regionally competitive Priya Paul, Chairperson, WTTCII length and breadth. But, the variations in tax structures across different states spoil the fun and act as the chief impediment to the growth of inter-state tourism. The World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) has formalised one such platform, named Southern Zone Tourism Advisory Council (SZTAC) with the help of support received from Centre, Southern state governments and Union Territories.

“India has diverse tax regimes within the 28 states and 7 union territories

petitive,” said Priya Paul, Chairperson, WTTCII. “We see a unique potential for states and union territories in the Southern Region to develop and further benefit from the opportunities of Tourism. Hence, we, at WTTCII, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the various states and UT participation, formalised SZTAC. We now urge the Southern states to join hands to strengthen this unique platform with an Industry interface and implement key policy initiatives as

SZTAC’s Agenda O Taxation-Airline & Hospitality O Interstate Transport Taxation and Permits O CRZ Regulations O Excise issues O Focus on the MICE potential O Identifying regional circuits

despite being a single country. Luxury tax, sales tax, entry tax, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and VAT varies from state to state. This is not an impressionable draw to the traveller. In fact, easy access, state-of-the-art infra-

O Joint promotion of the South Zone O Clearance on Hotel Projects O VoA (any other airports from Metros) O Vision for Tourism for Southern Region - 2020 and 2030

per the mandate of the Southern Zonal Tourism Advisory Council (SZTAC).

Going forward, we will partner with the Ministry of Tourism to form and constitute an Eastern, Northern and Western Zonal Tourism

Dignitaries sharing the dias at the WTTCII meet in Hyderabad

Advisory added.

Council,”

she

jointly chart a roadmap for Indian Tourism.”

recent WTTCII Retreat 2013 at Hyderabad.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dipak Deva, Vice Chairperson, WTTCII said,

The WTTCII Retreats are a unique format that brings together government

Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Member Secretary to the SZTAC mentioned that the council would be chaired by the chief sec-

With SZTAC now constituted and formed, we will look forward to its missives and directives for a better tourism environment in the Southern Zone Dipak Deva, Vice Chairperson, WTTCII

“With the SZTAC now constituted and formed, we will look forward to its missives and directives for a better tourism environment in the Southern Zone. WTTCII extends its full support to the Southern Zonal Tourism Advisory Council. WTTCII pledges to partner with the Ministry of Tourism and State governments to form more such core groups and regional councils like the SZTAC to

and industry among other stakeholders together and brainstorm on the future of the most important industry in the Indian context.

At a WTTC India Retreat in September 2012, the SZTAC was envisaged, which then shortly got the blessings of K Chiranjeevi, Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India. Lately, SZTAC was formalised at the

co-opted and invited as and when necessary. Each state shall chair the SZTAC for the duration of a year, Kumar added.

The SZTAC will have the states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala,

The SZTAC, now formally constituted, would be chaired by the Chief Secretaries of the states in alphabetical order and by rotation Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, and Member Secretary, SZTAC retaries of the states in alphabetical order and by rotation,he said.

The secretaries of Tourism and other relevant departmental secretaries, representatives from Ministries at GoI level will be

Tamil Nadu and Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar, Puducherry and Lakshadweep as Members.

The state of Andhra Pradesh will be the first chair of the SZTAC, Kumar said.

See also pages 25 and 26

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STATES

NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

TRAVTALK

25

AP first to chair southern states’ council The Southern Zone Tourism Advistory Council will be chaired by the chief secretaries of the states in alphabetical order and by rotation. finds out the details.

T T B U R E AU

A

ndhra Pradesh aims at realising travellers’ dream to see Southern India as one product. Following this direction, it believes that all Southern states’ tourism should be built on their synergies.

“We had recently conducted the second Southern Retreat of the Southern states at Hyderabad, initiated by WTTC India Initiative. Indian Tourism demands all stakeholders to come together, cooperate and coordinate. The states play a very important role. It is for us to understand the value, the potential that these assets can create for the

Chandana Khan Special Chief Secretary Tourism, AP

We need to realise that tourists, especially foreigners, wish to see Southern India at one go state’s economy, employment and overall socio-cultural development. Most importantly, we need to realise that tourists, especially foreigners, wish to see Southern India at one go,” Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, AP, says.

“The States would need to nurture these assets in a sustainable manner and create platforms and avenues for the State Government, private sector, entrepreneurs and most importantly, the local community to reap sustainable benefits from the tourism assets,” she added.

In fact, in the first year, as per the present set-up of SZTAC; Andhra Pradesh will chair the said TAC council during 2013-14. “SZTAC, now formally constituted, would be chaired by the Chief Secretary of the states in alphabetical order and by rotation. The Secretaries of

Tourism and other relevant departmental secretaries and representatives from Ministries at GOI level will be co-opted and invited as and when necessary. Each state shall chair the SZTAC for the duration of a year. The SZTAC will have the states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka,

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar, Puducherry and Lakshwadeep as members.

The state of Andhra Pradesh will be the first Chair of the SZTAC,” said Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Member Secretary to the SZTAC.

Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and UTs of Andaman & Nicobar, Puducherry and Lakshwadeep will be the members

Anand Kumar Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Member Secretary, SZTAC

See also Page 26

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26

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

ANALYSIS

WTTCII evaluates States & UTs Puducherry

Contd. from page 25

What’s working

1. This UT comes in at first place in the Southern State Ranking Survey

1. Creation of destinations in order to attract tourists beyond weekend and religious trips

2. Day visit in tourist circuit, as well as weekend destination for domestic tourists from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh

2. Attract more ‘high-value’ tourists, increasing the spend and the duration of their stay

3. ‘Vision 2025’ for Puducherry envisages promoting the state as an international destination for wellness, spiritual, and eco-tourism

Goa

1. Steady upswing in the arrivals of domestic and foreign tourists 2. Room rates up by 20% in 2012 - highest in country 3. State is replete with hotels across different positioning, catering to various segments 4. MICE is emerging as one of the largest revenue-generators

Karnataka

What to improve

1. Domestic tourists increased by around 120% and international tourists by ~77% - much higher than other Indian states 2. The current tourism policy, which envisages making tourism the largest economic activity in the state 3. Planned development of World Heritage Centres at Hampi and Pattadakal

3. Poor connectivity and infrastructure facilities to tourist destinations 4. Expansion of Puducherry airport and giving way to more private airline operators 1. Difficulty in obtaining approvals and licenses - high barriers to entry 2 . Clarity from the Government on VoA status 3. Availability of the airport - one of the biggest infrastructure bottlenecks.

The prospect of new Mopa airport is promising 4. Ease Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms 5. Support from Tourism Dept. for charter operators - as is the practice in Israel, Egypt, Turkey etc - in order to promote charter tourism

1. Luxury tax on accommodation is costlier compared to the other Southern states 2. Outlay for tourism has dropped from 0.22% in 2010 to 0.14% in 2012 3. Poor infrastructure in Bengaluru and distance from the airport 4. Harassment by local law enforcement authorities

Tamil Nadu

Andaman & Nicobar

Kerala

Andhra Pradesh

4. IT/ITES - evolution as a global technology hub

1. The state ranked first with highest domestic tourist inflow 2. New airport and road infrastructure in the city and other areas, is by far the best in the country

1. Resolution of the Telengana, Rayalaseema and Uttarandhra for once and for all

3. Lower rate of Luxury Tax (but taxes are on published tariffs)

2. Government to take firm steps in controlling extremist and terrorist activities

4. First state in the country to have a single window clearances act with provisions of set time periods and deemed approvals

1. Some of the highest growth rates in GSDP and per capita income

1. One of the highest Luxury tax rates in India. Need to restructure taxes

2. Total revenue from tourism, both direct and indirect, has touched `21,125 crore in 2012 as compared to `19,037 crore in 2011

3. Significantly lesser aircraft movement, in comparison with other Indian states

2. Tourism spend (0.15%) is much less compared to other states

3. The VoA facility at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi is expected to give a big fillip to Kerala tourism.

4. Government’s steps to curb alcohol consumption can cause damage to the state’s tourism appeal

1. Unparalleled scenic beauty with a unique combination of pristine waters, mangrove creeks and dense equatorial forests

1. Tremendous scope for leisure and entertainment in the beach resorts most of which remains untapped

2. One of the most striking beaches in Asia and the world

3. Difficult to obtain clearance for tourism related projects from different departments in the absence of Single window system

3. Strategic location helps compete with similar destinations in the Far East

1. The state has emerged as the preferred destination for medical tourism in the country 2. In the past one year, nearly 2,000 rooms have been added to Chennai’s inventory in the 5-star and Luxury category 3. Vision Tamil Nadu – 2023 targets investment of `10,000 crore in Tourism

2. Relaxation in CRZ norms

4. Lack of adequate marketing and promotion

1. One of the difficult states in the country to open a hotel 2. At 0.02%, the state has low budgetary provisions for tourism 3. The highest luxury tax rates amongst the seven states, and one of the highest in the country 4

Better marketing and promotion strategies for long-term Brand Building

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST-2013:TT Layout 11/1/2013 11:15 AM Page 27

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INTERVIEW

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Get ready for a specialised bank for tourism The Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI) is set to have a specialised bank for tourism-related projects by 2016. TFCI has so far funded over 750 tourism projects in the country. finds out more.

KANCHAN N ATH

M

ore than 40 per cent of the total room capacities in the authorised hotels have been created with the help of TFCI. BM Gupta, Chief Financial Officer, Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd, (TFCI), said, “If you look at our portfolio so far, in the last 25 years we have helped to build 52,000 hotel rooms.

This will account for not less than 40 per cent of the room capacity in India which has been created with help from TFCI in the last 25 years.

Nobody understands this industry as well as we do.

This is the advantage that our experience and exposure over a period of 25 years has given us. This, in fact, goes into the project appraisal stage. At this stage, what we contribute is enormous. If you look at most of the innovative projects that have come into the tourism industry, we have a helping hand. We comple-

We are attempting to set up a tourism infrastructure company—a 100% subsidiary under TFCI to help smaller projects raise External Commercial Borrowings (ECB). We are very keen to help out in the infrastructure development for tourism-related sectors BM Gupta, Chief Financial Officer, TFCI

Plans & Projections O The tourism industry needs a specialised bank wherein funds can be raised at a cheaper rate O The focus would be on financing medium and small projects at the initial stage and bigger projects at a later stage O The Corporation is hopeful of a favourable decision by the RBI on its application, and would be able to set up the bank by 2016

ment the efforts of the state financial institutions.”

He added, “We are attempting to set up a tourism infrastructure company—a 100 per cent subsidiary under TFCI to help smaller projects raise External Commercial Borrowings (ECB). We also plan to set up a dedicated bank under the license provisions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The tourism industry needs a specialised bank, wherein the funds can be raised at a cheaper rate.

The focus would be on

ment for tourism-related sectors. We give smaller loans, but participate in numerous projects. So our risk is also diverted and not limited to just one or two projects. We would also be willing to give loans for helicopter related projects which will help facilitate Ministry of Tourism, Government of India’s ‘777

financing medium and small projects at the initial stage and bigger projects at a later stage.”He said that the Corporation is hopeful of a favourable decision by the RBI on its application, and would be able to set up the bank by 2016.

paign.”

He further stated, “We are very keen to help out in the infrastructure develop-

For the same, Gupta added, “It is essential to make project a commercial-

Days of Incredible India Himalayas’ cam-

ly-viable model and to figure out how the revenue stream will be generated. Also it would depend on what kind of assurance is there. It may not happen that today you start an adventure activity at one place, and tomorrow that activity is no more there, and you abandon the area.”

“Such a situation should not arise that there is no taker for that asset. The asset should be built in such a manner that if one operator is not ready, another operator should be able to take it up.

Those linkages need to be provided. The asset needs to be created in such a way and financed that it’s a win-win situation for both the lender as well as the entrepreneur. For that, you need to have a firm backup system and backward and forward linkages. Any such asset can be funded by TFCI, provided it is creating for the development tourism infrastructure in the country.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST-2013:TT Layout 11/1/2013 11:15 AM Page 29

HOTELS

A new era in hospitality Clarion Collection, spreading over 4 plus acres of land, is the first to offer serviced apartments in South Delhi. got in touch with Ankush Sharma, General Manager, Clarion Collection to find out more.

K A N C H A N N AT H Please shed light on the USPs of your property.

What differentiates the property from competition?

Q

Located in Qutab Institutional area, it is just a five minutes drive from Qutab Minar.

The Hotel has 96 keys, comprising 66 rooms and 30 luxurious serviced apartments. Well-situated in South Delhi, Hotel Clarion Collection is 23 km from the high-tech city of Gurgaon,14 km from Connaught Place and within a 5 km radius from shopping centres like Select City walk, DLF Emporio, Ambience Mall, etc.

Q

Tell us about your serviced apartments.

Clarion CollectionQutab New Delhi has pioneered the serviced residence concept since its inception, offering corporate executives seeking daily or long-term stay in a spacious and sophisticated alternative to a hotel room. If you plan to relocate to the city or are on the lookout for a contented

guest rooms and corridors have been renovated along with refurbishment of carpets and furniture. This year, we opened a new restaurant called Zerzura which serves mid-eastern, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine.

By November 2013, a world cuisine restaurant named Hiatus would be opened and would showcase molecular gastronomy and e-sommelier.

Moving forward, the classification of the hotel would be changed to be a five-star category.

Q

What are the ARRs and average occupancy that you are experiencing at present? How does it compare to last year?

We are currently experiencing an average rate of ` 6,000 with an occupancy of 60 per cent which is at par with that of last year. The market sentiments are not very bright for the coming season. Hotels are struggling for occupancies and average rates have gone down.

Inbound business as per trends is expected to be around 25-30 per cent lower than last year.

Cost cutting initiatives in the corporate segment is

Our future strategies would include creating a healthy mix of all market segments with a thrust on leisure segments by contracting with travel agents Ankush Sharma General Manager, Clarion Collection

accommodation, Qutab Residencies will provide you with a convenient base for the interim—an ideal homeaway-from-home.

Each apartment has two bedrooms, study room, kitchen, private lobby and a balcony. Our serviced apartments are well-designed and elegantly furnished with everything from central airconditioning to wellequipped kitchenettes, WiFi Internet access with a host of personalised services.

Are you looking to renovate or add some new products in your property? What are you expansion plans?

Q

At Clarion Collection, up gradation in facilities is a continuous process. Recently, all

focussing on video conferencing rather than travel due to high expenses, resulting in decline in corporate travel in hotels. Till last year, the hotel had majorly been catering to the business traveller be it FIT, GIT, or conferences. Our future strategies would include creating a healthy mix of all market segments with a thrust on leisure segments by contracting with travel agents.

What are your rack rates during season and offseason? Are you offering any discount packages currently?

Q

A. Our rack rates for the current season are in a range of ` 8,000 to ` 12,000 for different room types. We have various promotional offers available like Early

Bird Offer, minimum stay through, last minute deals, weekend offers etc. All these offers have helped us achieve a good occupancy.

We, being a hotel with serviced apartments, long stayers and expatriates contribute to our occupancy. We have a repeat guest ratio of 25 per cent, the average length of stay being 4 days.

What are the sustainable practices that your hotel is following?

Q

At Clarion Collection Qutab New Delhi, we strive to make optimum use of the energy. The hotel has rain water harvesting systems which ensures recharging of ground water. The water collected from sewage treatment plant is used for horticulture and in toilets. Solar energy is used for running hot water boilers. Guests are encouraged to reuse room linen with tent cards on water conservation kept in rooms. The hotel has LED lights which help in saving electricity by 50-80 per cent.

How do you see the present status of the Indian hospitality sector? What are the challenges being faced by the industry?

Q

There has been a constant transformation owing to the volatile environment impacting the Indian hotel industry contributing to tourism. The standards of facilities and services offered have evolved over the last decade towards the extensive use of technology, environment-friendly services, pricing, market segmentation, regional preferences, etc. The Indian hotel industry has seen a significant growth in room inventory across categories from upscale luxury to limited services and boutique and budget hotels.

The key challenges that the industry faces today are infrastructure, regulatory bodies, taxation, rising inflation, and the shortage of skilled manpower.

Electricity costs have increased by over 25 per cent over last year. Today, most of the customers complain about various taxes that are applicable on hotel facilities wherein the overall tax pressure including service tax, luxury tax, income tax and VAT comes to nearly 70 per cent. With rising inflation, the hotel profit margins have reduced.

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HOTELS

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Hoteliers see ringing registers during F1 With sports becoming one of the major drivers of tourism in India, the hospitality sector also stands to gain a lot from it. This is reflected in the performance of hotels during the third F1 in India. Most hotels in Greater Noida were sold-out during the F1 week and room rates shot up as F1 teams, staff and spectators started flooding in. added to ensure safety, security and privacy.” Talking about the potential of sports tourism for getting business to the hotels, she opines, “Such high-scale international events not only add credibility to Indian hospitality but also showcase our capabilities on the global map.”

MEGHA PAUL

A

s the Formula One drivers were seen in action at India’s F1 Grand Prix at Greater Noida in October, it seems all roads are now leading to India. Backed by the CWG in Delhi in 2010, a new beginning for international sports tourism was witnessed in the country. And as the fortunes of the hospitality industry have always been linked to the prospects of the tourism industry, sports tourism holds a lot of potential for getting business to the hotels.

Informs Manju Sharma, Director, Jaypee Hotels, “Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort hosted the Formula1 management and key Formula 1 teams for the third consecutive year in October this year. Most VIPs and key F1 drivers have been staying at the property every year.

Even the service teams at the

Manju Sharma

Greesh Bindra

Director Jaypee Hotels

General Manager Crowne Plaza, Greater Noida

Such events add credibility and also showcase our capabilities on the global map resort have become familiar with these dignitaries, their likes and dislikes, food habits,

The region will gain big time as it positions itself as the new sports hub near Delhi daily schedules and workout needs.” Regarding preparations at the hotel in terms of

Scott Thomson, GM, DoubleTree by Hilton New Delhi-Noida-Mayur Vihar and Hilton New Delhi-Noida-Mayur Vihar

The hotels are fairly booked to capacity through the month of October security, Sharma affirms, “During the F1 period, several layers of security were

During the most recent F1 in Delhi NCR, what is interesting is that a few hotels have not just raked in money during the event, but they have already started negotiating deals for getting business during the F1 games of March 2015.

Says Greesh Bindra, GM, Crowne Plaza, Greater Noida, “We recently unveiled the property to cash in on the F1 games. We are a 400room hotel and opened with around 170 rooms in the first phase. We were completely sold out for the F1 race. The entire Ferrari team stayed

here during the event.”

Bindra opines, “With the brilliant roads where you can literally escape the traffic jams of Delhi, this region is not considered far from South or Central Delhi. Going forward, the hotel is already in talks for garnering business for the fourth F1 that will take place in March 2015.”

According to Scott Thomson, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton New Delhi-Noida-Mayur Vihar and Hilton New Delhi-NoidaMayur Vihar, both the upscale hotels in Mayur Vihar are one of the closest hotels to the race tracks. “The hotels are fairly booked to capacity throughout October. The hotels have been growing in business year-on-year.

Nonetheless, the business has been at the same levels as last year (same period) due to added room inventory in the local market,” he adds.

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NTO

The legendary Thai service The luxury roadshow organised by TAT in Delhi and Mumbai will help Indian travel agents sell better vacations.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA

T

he luxury roadshow hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), New Delhi, witnessed a participation of 17 sellers, including hotels, resorts, spas, airlines and catamaran cruise and sailing services, and was attended by over 90 travel trade partners. The event highlighted the unique experiences, hotels and services that Thailand has to offer to high-end travellers.

The chief guest for the evening was Pisan Manawapat, the Ambassador of Thailand to India.

Manawapat said, “With this event, we are bringing to the Indian community the best of our luxury products. “ The ambassador had a message for Indian travellers, “If you feel that you have had enough of luxury elsewhere, look at Thailand again. We offer top-class facilities as well. When Thailand is the top of the world, it means that it's not just value-formoney, but it means that our services are second to

Pisan Manawapat

Runjuan Tongrut

Ambassador of Thailand to India

Director Tourism Authority of Thailand

With this event, we are bringing to the Indian community the best of our luxury products none. We are legendary for our service.”

Having met the sellers who had come all the way from Thailand to India,

We want travel agents and Thai reps to discuss what they can do to attract Indian luxury travellers Manawapat said, “I met representatives of the hotels and services at the roadshow here and in spite of coming from Contd. on page 89

Focussing on ‘indulgence’ The country aims at crossing one million arrivals from India again in 2013 and plans new strategies to attract repeat travellers…

A N I TA J A I N

T

hailand is no more a ‘stranger’ for Indian tourists as the country received over one million arrivals from India last year.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Mumbai is undertaking vital steps to retain and further grow these numbers through unique strategies. After organising multiple roadshows in India over the years, TAT has now opted for ‘specialised’ roadshows focussing on particular segments like wedding, golf and now luxury. Sethaphan Buddhani, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai said, “Our focus for 2014 would be more on indulging and connecting Indian travellers with our local culture. We want Indians to experience more than just Thailand.

Experience our culture, festivals, food and even make friends with locals. If travellers ‘connect’ well with a destination, they will indeed come back.”

Luxury selling TAT recently organised a luxury roadshow themed ‘A World of Luxury, a Luxury

Sethaphan Buddhani Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai

There’s definitely room for more luxury as the spending power exists. Moreover, at any price point, Thailand meets and surpasses expectations Hotels Showcase’ in Mumbai and New Delhi showcasing the high-end products for leisure and MICE segment among Indian travel trade.

Buddhani said, “Indian trav-

ellers are certainly upgrading preferences and increasing spends. Take, for example, the weddings segment: Last year alone, over 100 HNIs (HighNet-Worth Individuals) from India celebrated their weddings in Thailand. An Indian couple spends an average of THB 10 million over a minimum 4-day long stay for themselves and their invitees.

A single Indian wedding has a guest list of about 200-400 or even more, calling for entire hotels to be booked at times.

And this is just one segment within the larger market.

There’s definitely room for more luxury as the spending power exists. Moreover, at any price point, Thailand meets and surpasses expectations.”

He said that the premium segment - that contributed to 20 per cent of the one million arrivals in 2012 is also viewing Thailand as a golf getaway. He said, “Our estimates suggest that golf tourism to Thailand was worth US$ 2.88 billion in land arrangements alone in 2012.

Industry sources expect 15 percent growth by the end of 2013 to more than 850,000 golf visitors, worth US$ 3.68 billion.”

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AGENTS

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Gleaning trends from Indian tourism The programme Disha-2013 focusses on new tourism trends in India. The award-winning research papers highlight current issues that impact the Indian tourism sector and give recommendations. travel service providers need to be better trained and specialised in this sector.

Maharashtra tourism is working very closely with Thomas Cook’s Centre of Learning to encourage young minds to consider building a career in the field of tourism industry.”

ANITA JAIN

T

homas Cook, Centre of Learning, recently launched the second edition of Disha – an initiative to bring in quality research in the field of travel and tourism inviting faculties of educational institutions across India. Post receiving an overwhelming response from the industry with research papers coming from across the country, the event was held to announce the winners of top research papers.

Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra felicitated the winning research entries

A panel discussion on ‘Travel and Tourism – Emerging Trends’ was also

Winners of Disha 2013

Chhagan Bhujbal lighting the inaugural lamp

and also released a published book featuring the top research papers.

On the sidelines of Disha 2013, Bhujbal said, “Talent

staged at the event which highlighted views from the experts of the industry.

Speaking at the panel were Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, Tirun Travel Marketing – India; Dr Manjula Chaudhary, Director, Indian Institution of Tourism & Travel Management; Gour Kanjilal, Executive Director, IATO and Stephan Heuberger, Director – India, Switzerland

management is one of the most important concerns in the field of travel and tourism.

With travellers becoming more informed and evolved,

“The travel and tourism industry of India had been recognised as a driving force in boosting the Indian economy but faces its share of challenges. Our attempt through Disha is to encourage and support high standards of research and learning in tourism Madhavan Menon MD, Thomas Cook (India)

The first prize was awarded to Dr Mahalaxmi Krishnan, of KJ Somaiya College, Mumbai who presented a paper on Infrastructure – the need for it in having a robust tourism industry in India. She was also awarded with an international holiday voucher. The second prize winners were Dr Prem Ram & Arvind Saraswati, of Banarasidas Chandiwala Institution of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, New Delhi who researched the ‘Impact of Civil Aviation Policies on Tourism Industry in India’. They were also awarded with a domestic holiday voucher. The consolation prize winners were Dr G Anjaneya Swamy and Dr Nitin Mittal, Pondicherry University for research on ‘Relevance of Movies in Marketing a Destination’. They won a free domestic resort stay. All the prizes were sponsored by Jet Airways, Marriott Hotels and MTDC.

Topics invited for research papers N N

N N N

N

N

Global recession and impact on tourism Creating talent for the industry through tourism education Impact of tourism on local culture Cruise Tourism potential and strategy in India Position of Indian tourism industry with respect to the world Impact of civil aviation policies on tourism industry in India Policy and planning – Heritage conservation

Tourism. The panelists discussed about sustainable tourism, growing importance of social media, innovation in product offering and need to develop infrastructure, flexible tourism policies and encouraging environment for private players.

See pictures on page 68

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HOTELS

NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

TRAVTALK

33

‘Sofitel So’ brand coming to India The Group aims at operating 10 hotels in India by 2023. It is in process of launching its next property in India—Sofitel Mumbai Mulund and Sofitel So Mumbai Mulund by 2016-17.

T T B U R E AU

F

rance-based Sofitel Luxury Hotels, which currently operates a five-star luxury property in India (Sofitel Mumbai) aims to operate around 10 properties in the country in next 10 years, informed Markland Blaiklock, Senior Vice President - Asia Pacific, Sofitel Luxury Hotels. The destinations on the radar are Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Goa. The group is in process of launching its next property in India – Sofitel Mumbai Mulund and Sofitel So Mumbai Mulund by 2016-17. Both the properties will be located in the same premises and connected through a sky-bridge. The second property in India – Sofitel Mumbai Mulund will have close to 400 rooms while the other property under a different brand – first in India – Sofitel So Mulund will have about 200 rooms.

...& the brands are Sofitel Luxury Hotels have three brands – Sofitel Luxury Sofitel So Sofitel Legend Sofitel Luxury Hotels have three brands – Sofitel Luxury, Sofitel So and Sofitel Legend. Talking about the Indian market and the strategy to place the right brand at the right location, Blaiklock said, “India has more potential for Sofitel Legend as the brand is associated with legendary buildings and palaces.”

“However,” he said, “There are good numbers of palace hotels in India, so our focus remains on other two brands. There is good space for brands like Sofitel Luxury (luxury brand) and Sofitel So (stylist and boutique brand) and thus we are focussing on metro cities to place these brands at the right locations.”

The development of both the hotels has started and a special environmental approach has been undertaken for making the project environment-friendly and sustainable in the long run.

He also outlined two highpriority brand objectives moving towards 2015, to increase brand value by pursuing targeted develop-

ments in key capital cities and major tourist destinations in the region, and to expand to a total of 150 hotels (currently 120) globally. Blaiklock informed that the group is now in talks with few more developers for expanding their management portfolio

in India. The group is keen to enter into an agreement with developers for managing hotels in the country and have a strong presence by 2023. Currently, 14 projects are new construction (including two in India) and 12 properties will be renovated.

There is good space for brands like Sofitel Luxury (luxury brand) and Sofitel So (stylist and boutique brand), and thus we are focussing on metro cities to place these brands at the right locations

Markland Blaiklock Senior Vice President - Asia Pacific Sofitel Luxury Hotels

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HOTELS

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Waxpol launches resort in Pench Waxpol Hotels and Resorts recently launched The Riverwood Forest Retreats at Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The resort is located on the edge of the Kanha National Park.

The Riverwood Forest Retreat at Pench offers

more personalised activities.

The wildlife resort features 16 cottagestyle airconditioned suites, intricate art work on the walls by local artisans, shaded private gardens with sit-outs, indoor bath and outdoor showers, and windows over-

Marriott’s first Fairfield in Asia The 148-room Fairfield Bengaluru is the first Fairfield by Marriott in Asia. With 12 hotels signed in India and additional properties signed in Nepal and Indonesia, the mid-priced brand represents an opportunity to move into new markets.

Bengaluru is a 148-room property with a three-meal-aday restaurant, Kava. We have currently opened with 125 rooms. The rest of the rooms would be ready in the next two weeks. In addition, the hotel has a functional lobby with a bar lounge and 24/7 Market for drinks and snacks.”

MEGHA PAUL

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ith the opening of its first Fairfield in Asia in Bengaluru, international hotel chain Marriott has expanded its brand offering here.

Marriott offers nearly 20 brands globally with eight in Asia Pacific. The addition of the Fairfield brand to this area has enhanced the company’s ability to meet the increasing demands for international moderate tier brands.

Inside view of Pench property room

tremendous opportunities to catch the glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger along with a host of other wonders of local fauna and flora. The resort is managed and marketed by Waxpol Hotels and Resorts (WHR) as an allinclusive retreat at Pench, featuring twice-daily jungle safaris in 4x4 Gypsy, nature walks, cycling in the wild, pottery making excursions with the locals, and many

looking the garden, forest or the river bed. Meals are served in the all-day restaurant where the shaded deck overlooks the beautiful forest and river Amba-bai.

The resort offers a wide range of books on flora and fauna at the library, internet services, and specially customised mattresses. A jungle facing swimming pool and spa will soon be a part of this ultimate escape.

Talking about the new development, Don Cleary, COO-Asia, Marriott International pointed out, “As we see millions of people entering the middle classes across India and Asia, the Fairfield product represents excellent value for transient travellers as the entry price point into the Marriott portfolio. The timing is right and the market is primed for a brand like Fairfield. The brand has a long history in service and offers innovative design at an affordable price, which com-

Don Cleary

Pranay Verdia

COO-Asia, Marriott International

GM, Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar

Fairfield product represents value for transient travellers as the entry price point into the Marriott portfolio

bined gives us a huge strategic advantage in many markets across the region.”Throwing more light on the Bengaluru

We have opened with 125 rooms.

The rest of the rooms would be ready in the next two weeks

property, Pranay Verdia, GM, Fairfield by Marriott, Bengaluru Rajajinagar elaborated, “The Fairfield

The hotel which is five minutes away from the Bengaluru city station will be targetting 85 per cent business travellers and 15 per cent leisure travellers.

According to the GM, the property is already attracting room nights from the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). He added, “The ARR commanded by the budget category segment hotel players is 5000. We will start with an ADR of 4700.” Marriott is also banking on partnering model in India. For its India foray, Marriott has partnered with SAMHI, a hotel investment and development firm, to develop few properties.

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EXHIBITIONS

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37

grabbing India’s attention Russia’s largest travel exhibition will see its 21st edition in 2014. The event will comprise four specialised sectors, including Luxury Tourism, Medical Tourism, Travel Technology and the new Business Meetings sector.

TT BUREAU

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s one of the top five travel exhibitions in the world, MITT, Moscow’s International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, is a significant event. Held annually, MITT is due to return on 1922 March 2014 at the Expocentre in Moscow, Russia. Many Indian companies have already confirmed their participation at the next year’s event. In particular, Karnataka Tourism, Kerala Tourism and the Bangladesh Tourism Board will all exhibit for the first time.

Furthermore, Somatheeram Ayurveda Group, Travelite, Caper Travel, Goa Tourism, India Tourism Frankfurt, Isola Di Cocco Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Minar Travels and Joy's Hotels & Resorts, have all confirmed their repeat participation.

Highlighting their participation, Bharat Bhushan Atree, Managing Director, Caper Travel, commented that Russia remains an important market for them. “This market has been growing with us at a very fast pace and we have been happy with previous responses at MIIT. It is a great platform to make your presence felt and establish your brand. We plan to organise at our stand a product orientation programme about India as a destination as well.”

Likewise, Joy’s Hotels and Resorts will also participate again. Explaining why they are exhibiting this year, Pradeep Narayanan, General Manager-Sales and Marketing stated, “India and especially Kerala is a popular destination for Russian travellers.

The market has been growing steadily over the past few years. MITT is a good platform for those seeking to improve their reach in the Russian and CIS markets.

This year, we hope to associate with new operators whom we haven’t met before.”

Organiser ITE Group indicates repeat bookings are at a record high.

To network O Over 4 days, national tourism boards, tour operators, travel agencies, etc will convene in Moscow to network and make deals with the regions senior-level travel industry players

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Russia is a growing source market. As the 9th most populous country in the world with 143 million people, in 2012 over 47 million Russians travelled aboard – this represents a nine per cent

increase from the previous year. Moreover, Russians are the 5th in the world for international tourism expenditure, making them an attractive target market to promote international destinations and travel services.

MITT 2014 marks the event’s 21st edition, a testament to the events longevity and importance.

The inaugural Business Meeting sector will be a meeting platform for corporate customers and experts.

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STATES

West Bengal beckons tourism Projecting West Bengal as a unique travel destination, the travel industry gathered in full support at the recently organised Tourism Promotion Roadshow in Delhi hosted by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Excerpts: TT B U R E AU

Officials of West Bengal Tourism along with the WB Tourism Minister and leaders of the travel trade industry at the recently conducted road show in Delhi.

Reduction of sales tax on ATF

Wildlife in focus

The recent policy announcement of the state for reduction of the Sales Tax on ATF will boost connectivity to three airports in West Bengal. To encourage more flights, enhance business opportunities and promote tourism, the state will not levy sales tax on fuel sold from Durgapur, Cooch Behar and Bagdogra airports for the next three years. Also, there will be a 50 per cent rebate on tax on additional ATF sold to any airline from the Kolkata airport. The state government has increased its tourism budget to ` 120 crore from ` 36 crore. Last year, West Bengal received 24 million tourists.

The state is planning to develop numerous tourism projects on PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) mode like Gajoldoba Tourism Hub, Sylee Tea Tourism, Kolkata Giant Wheel, Jharkhali in the Sunderbans, River Cruise in West Bengal, etc.

The Gajoldoba Tourism Hub is being structured as an integrated multiproduct tourism park in the Dooars in North Bengal. This project is a part of the Tera-Dooars Forest Circuit giving the tourists an opportunity to experience wildlife tourism here. The projected investment of this project is about ` 1,500 crore.

– Krishnendu Narayan Choudhary Minister-in-charge of Tourism West Bengal

– Vikram Sen Principal Secretary Tourism West Bengal

IATO welcomes sales tax cut on ATF On 29 May this year, I attended the meeting that was chaired by the CM and her team. We discussed how to boost tourism in the state post the opening of the new international wing at the Kolkata Airport. Despite this new wing, the Kolkata airport was not receiving many international airlines. Post the meeting, the West Bengal government reduced the Sales Tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel after receiving a request from IATO. This is indeed a brilliant step and will go a long way in making Bengal a much-sought after destination in the country.

– Subhash Goyal, President, IATO

TripAdvisor launches its innovative TripConnectTM service. The self-service platform, a first for the hospitality sector, allows TripAdvisor Business Listings subscribers to participate in Hotel Price Comparison and to drive direct bookings from TripAdvisor to their own property’s website.Each month, over 260 million unique users visit TripAdvisor to plan travel. TripConnect will enable independent accommodation owners to bid for this traffic, an option previously only available to online travel agents and large hotel chains.

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STATES

Showcasing states via CII Tourism Fest The CII Tourism Fest-2013 will be held in Chandigarh from December 5-7 to showcase tourism products of multiple states and countries.

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onfederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is organising a B2B Trade Fair – CII Tourism Fest 2013 in Chandigarh from December 5-7, 2013. Led by Arjun Sharma, MD, Le Passage to India, 35 members of organising committee are aiming to make this a big hit for the Indian domestic, inbound and outbound tourism sector. Talking about the first-of-its-kind mega travel and tourism fest by CII, Arun Srivastava, Regional Director – Central & Western India, India Tourism, Government of India said, “To revamp their image, Maharashtra and other states are participating actively in the CII Tourism Fest to reach out to the world. The tourism industry has still to come at par with the growth figures of world tourism average. The fest provides a great scope to national and international

Arjun Sharma Co – Chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism & MD, Le Passage to India

CII Tourism Fest would bring together state governments, agencies and tourism representatives on one platform tourism stakeholders to expand businesses, bring more investments and play a pivotal role in the growth story .”

He informed that the key highlight of the fest would be quality buyers & exhibitors, Chief Ministers’ Forum and ideation platforms in addition to showcasing of various projects under PPP mode by different states. He adds, “In the present scenario, with rupee weakening against dollar, inbound tourism in India has a huge scope. This must be capitalised by our tour operators as an opportunity to promote India as a globally competitive and diverse tourist destination.”

Highlighting the importance of this fest for the Indian tourism sector, Sharma said, “To showcase India as a Global Tourist Destination by creating synergies between stakeholders, creating policies and desired infrastructure, CII Tourism Fest would bring together various state governments, central tourism agencies and senior representatives from travel, tourism and hospitality industry on one platform. These segments include hotels & resorts, hospitals,

tour operators, airlines, airport authorities, air charter companies, tourism boards of various

countries, city transport providers, academia, policy makers and industry experts.

Iqbal Mulla, Member, CII Tourism

Abhijeet Patil

Fest Core Group - Travel Agents & Tour Operators & President, TAAI

President Maharashtra Chapter, ADTOI

I call upon all stakeholders to actively participate in this mega fest and harness India’s full tourism potential

We would present a White Paper on the Roadmap to promote tourism in this region

Adding on similar notes, Abhijeet Patil, President – Maharashtra Chapter, ADTOI said, “CII Tourism Fest would bring about a healthy dialogue and interstate co-operation that is of utmost importance to attract tourists to the Western India. We would take a structured delegation from Maharashtra & Gujarat to the fest and would also present a White Paper on the Roadmap to promote tourism in this region.”

Iqbal Mulla, Member, CII Tourism Fest Core Group - Travel Agents & Tour Operators & President, TAAI called for portraying India as a continent to the tourism world, considering the diversities offered by the country.

He said, “CII Tourism Fest would be an ideal platform to showcase India’s beautiful heritage. I call upon all stakeholders to actively participate in this mega fest and harness India’s full tourism potential.”

Nashik to get a makeover The state government has approved ` 317.5 crore plan to boost tourism in the Nashik region… state-of-the-art international standard facilities for MICE events. We are also going to develop the wine tourism circuit in Nashik district.

With these new developments, we are looking at developing Nashik as a complete tourist destination for adventure, leisure and MICE visitors.”

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ith an aim to offer more tourist circuits to inbound and domestic tourists during the Kumbh Mela in 2015 in the state, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has chalked out a ` 317.50-crore plan to boost tourism in the Nashik revenue division. The state government has approved the plan, which will promote tourism in North Maharashtra. Of the total fund of ` 317.50 crore, ` 126 crore has been sanctioned for various tourism projects in Nashik district, ` 46 crore for Dhule, ` 36 crore for Jalgaon, ` 57 crore for Ahmednagar and ` 52 crore for Nandurbar districts.

Talking about the same, Jagdish Patil, MD, MTDC said, “Apart from developing the Konkan region for beach tourism, we are also developing other regions to bring in variety of tourism products in the offing. One of the recent plans approved by the state government is Nashik circuit.

We will develop an adventure sports complex and are in

Jagdish Patil Managing Director MTDC

We are going to develop the wine tourism circuit in Nashik, along with adventure, leisure & MICE process of building a Convention Centre for MICE facilities. The convention centre will be built through central government financial assistance and would offer

Additionally, the plan will include development of projects like the Gangapur dam, the Someshwar temple, the Godavari river and Godavari Kund.

The Jyotirling temple, Teertha Kund, Prayag Teerth, Srikeshtra Kapildhara, Anjaneri, the Dugarwadi waterfall, Bhatsa and Darna dams and Vani have been included in the plan for Trimbakeshwar.

"People who visit Nashik also visit these places. During the Kumbh Mela, which will take place in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, many pilgrims will also visit Igatpuri, Vani, Shirdi, Bhandardara and other places. Developing these places as tourist destinations will boost tourism in the region," adds Patil.

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MOT

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Clean India Campaign ‘sweeps’ Taj Mahal VIVEK SETHI

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ith ONGC coming forward to adopt as many as six monuments, K Chiranjeevi, Minister for Tourism, is hopeful that Clean India Campaign will gather more pace.

The Ministry of Tourism is keen to put its ambitious Clean India Campaign in top gear as part of its overall objective of undertaking all possible measures to ensure that a tourist in India gets the most incredible experience.

In fact, with the initiative of Ministry of Tourism, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has agreed to the proposal of ONGC for adopting six monuments under the Clean India Campaign which include Taj Mahal, Ellora & Elephanta Caves – Maharashtra, Red Fort – Delhi, Golkonda Fort – Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram – Tamil Nadu.

K Chiranjeevi, Minister for Tourism, India

“I remember that my predecessor and friend Subodh Kant Sahai had initiated the Clean India Campaign, where I was also

present. On taking up the charge of Ministry of Tourism, I spoke to my team at the ministry and realised that there were communication snags holding back this initiative. It had not taken off at the pace as it should have otherwise. It is an important proj-

CSR Adoptions GRAND GESTURE: ONGC had adopted six monuments under the Clean India Campaign.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) vetted the proposal with the blessings of the Ministry of Tourism. These are:

Taj Mahal Ellora Caves Elephanta Caves Red Fort Golkonda Fort Mahabalipuram O MOT launched Clean India Campaign as part of the Government’s strategy for the 12th Five Year Plan

ect to grow tourism. Hence, I spoke to ONGC, and its Managing Director Sudhir Vasudeva expressed his desire to adopt as many as six monuments. Moreover, I am hopeful that this campaign will gather more pace,” said Chiranjeevi in Agra.

“All stakeholders need to acknowledge that cleanliness and a hygienic environment will ensure that tourists extend their stay and also revisit often. This will help maximise revenues from tourism. In first phase of Clean India Campaign, we have identified 36 monuments that can be adopted by corporates as part of their CSR initiative. It’s my appeal to the corporate sector to come forward and make their CSR contribution to the Clean India Campaign. I have been told that some of them had stepped back due to the levy of tax on the CSR activity. I will take the initiative of talking to the government that there should be no tax levied on CSR initiatives which are directly or indirect-

ly helping to create employment in India,” he added.

The Ministry of Tourism launched Clean India Campaign as part of the Government’s strategy for the 12th Five Year Plan to improve quality of services and the environs in and around tourist destinations across India. It entails a comprehensive strategy to ensure acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene practices at tourist destinations through involvement of private and public sector stakeholders.

Here, Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said, “Tourists in India should have an incredible experience from the airport or railway station to their chosen destination, and in and around the surroundings of the destination. The Campaign Clean India is one such initiative that is aimed at improving the overall appeal and addresses concerns pertaining to cleanliness and hygiene for good.”

Contd. on page 44

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MOT Contd. from page 42

All for a cause K Chiranjeevi, Minister of Tourism, along with other dignitaries took Clean India Campaign to Taj Mahal, Agra recently. Taj Mahal is the second heritage site to be covered under this project. In fact, at the initiative of Ministry of Tourism, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has agreed to the proposal of ONGC adopting six monuments under the Clean India Campaign. The first was Qutub Minar in New Delhi which has been adopted by India Tourism Development Corporation in June 2012.

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Bejewelling South

Andhra Pradesh

The largest state in the South of India, Andhra Pradesh offers everything. From the mesmerizing beaches that dot its 1,000 km long coastline to serene lakes, dense forests to dynastic forts, delectable seafood to rich Biryani, historic places to sanctuaries, shopping zones to parks.... you will find it all.

A

ndhra Pradesh is definitely the geographical wonder with a 1,000 km stretch of serene coastline, perennial chains of rivers, backwaters, beaches apart from its history, heritage, monuments, art & craft and its exotic cuisines. The destination presents something new for every taste of domestic and international travellers. Attractions like Horsely Hills (hill station), Araku Valley (hill station), Surya Lanka (beaches), Belum (caves), Konaseema (backwaters) and Kurnool (river and lakes) are waiting to be discovered.

Growing tourism Infrastructure Andhra has developed high quality infrastructure to meet the needs of domestic and international tourists. Hyderabad has emerged as the undisputed convention city of India. Besides, APTDC (Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) has 42 hotels with capacity of 1,220 rooms to meet the needs of budget and high-end tourists.

Most of these hotels have swimming pool, Restaurant and bar, banquets and health clubs, etc. The state boasts about their eight wayside facilities, located on the highways to cater to the needs of the travellers.

The excellent infrastructure of roads, rail facilities, airports and ports, makes Andhra Pradesh easily accessible from every part of India. The availability of transport, accommodation and the variety of cuisines make the state a preferred tourist destination.

Increasing arrivals Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the number one domestic tourist destination in India. It attracted more than 155 million domestic tourists last year placing the state right at the top in the ranking of states with the maximum number of domestic tourists.

The state attracted 3.23 Lakhs international tourists in 2010.

About Andhra Pradesh Centuries ago, Andhra Pradesh was a major Buddhist centre and part of Emperor Ashoka's sprawling kingdom. Not surprisingly, traces of early Buddhist influence are still visible in several places in and around the state. After the death of Emperor Ashoka, several dynasties from the Pallavas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagaram kings to later Qutb Shahis, Mughals and Nizams ruled this princely city.

The British and French took over from the Nizams. Andhra became a part of Indian Union in 1947. The present state was formed in 1953, merging a part of the then Madras State (present Tamil Naidu) and the princely state of Hyderabad.

Key destinations Hyderabad The Bustling city presents a unique mix of old and new, flourishing together in perfect harmony making it one of the most enchanting places in the world.

Known as the city of pearls, the city today is also a globally known

IT hub. The historic city’s warm hospitality, impressive monuments, mosques, minarets, art and architectural richness, and technological progress takes one through an amazing journey of its glorious past and a spirited voyage into its promising future. The exotic foods, variety of accommodation, innumerable attractions, shopping offering pearls, gems, handicrafts, garments and more and the different colours of culture & festivals make Hyderabad one of the most memorable tourist destinations.

Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, is the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh. The city boasts of pristine golden beaches in proximity of green hills, ancient Buddhist heritage, geological wonders, famous temples, inviting culture and mesmerizing arts & crafts.

Nagarjuna Sagar About 150 km from Hyderabad, Nagarjuna Sagar is a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna. It is the world's tallest masonry dam that irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land. It was during the building of the dam that the ruins of an ancient Buddhist civilisation were excavated here. Some of the relics unearthed have been carefully preserved on a picturesque island called Nagarjuna Konda, located in the centre of a man-made lake.

Tiger sanctuary The largest wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh lies between Nagarjuna Sagar and upstream Srisailam. Spread

over 3,500 square km, it encompasses thickly wooded hills in five districtsNalgonda, Kurnool, Mahboobnagar, Guntur and Prakasam.

Tirupati Amidst the thickly-wooded hills in Chittoor district is the temple town of Tirumala with Tirupati at the foothills, the abode of Lord Venkateswara. Tirupati and Tirumala today are modern destinations of pilgrim tourists. Not only the bliss of a divine 'darshan' but added attractions provided by nature presents it as the ideal pilgrimage-cum-holiday destination.

Warangal Warangal, once the capital of the Kakatiya Kingdom lying south of the River Godavari, is the fifth largest city in Andhra Pradesh located about 157 kms from Hyderabad. It is an important cultural centre of the Telangana region. The ancient history, beautiful lakes, fine architectural temples, rich fauna and flora have contributed to the importance of Warangal as a Tourist Centre.

ANDHRA ATTRACTION Weekend Getaways Pilgrimage Centres Heritage Sites Buddhist Circuit Medical & Wellness Centres Beaches Rural & Tribal Culture Nature & Wildlife Getaways

ACCOMMODATION AND EATERIES Hotels Wayside Amenities Restaurants Snack Bars Food Court

42 08 02 02 01

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STATES

Out-of-the-world experience Rann Utsav

The annual Rann Utsav renders a colourful and exotic experience to traveller. This December festival offers an opportunity for visitors to attend folk dances, camel safari, live-in -tents, and several other activities. For those interested in natural history, Kutch is the habitat of the endangered and interesting wildlife species. This district is also known as a paradise for birdwatchers. But, the ones interested in the Rann Utsav must make prior booking well in advance, as the tented accommodations gets booked in no time. This year, Rann Utsav will be organised from December 14-March 18, 2013.

Navratri

Blaze of colour & rhythm One of the world’s longest and most participatory festivals, Navratri, is worshipped in the form of dancing, singing, praying and fasting to evoke the blessings of the Goddesses. Celebrated with flamboyance and splendour in Gujarat, the State is a must visit during this festive season.

N

avratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. The nine days have great religious significance and this year, the festival will be celebrated from October 16 to 24, 2012. The most flamboyant and renowned Navaratri celebrations can be seen in western India, throughout the state of Gujarat.

Navaratri is celebrated with nine nights of dancing. The traditional dances of Gujarat, known as garba and dandiya raas, are performed in circles with dancers dressed up in colourful clothes. Small, decorated sticks called dandiyas are used in the dandiya raas.

Gujarat is the only state that erupts into a nine-night dance festival, perhaps the longest in the world. Each night, all over the state, villages and cities alike, people gather

in open spaces to celebrate divinity.

Regardless of their religion, age or dancing skills, anyone can be part of the Garba and dandiya. Worship not in the form of hushed chants or reverent humility, but in a burst of dance which differentiates Navratri.

Each night, people drenched in infectious fervour gather in open spaces to be a part of hypnotic, circular folk dances.

Together, dressed in their colourful attires, the dancers present a kaleidoscopic spectacle. For the nine nights, the village or urban neighbourhood gathers to perform a prayer to one of the nine forms of Goddess. It is a time to celebrate fertility and the monsoon harvest, represented by a mound of fresh soil in which grains are sown. After the puja begins the music; it is unmistakable to those who are familiar

with the style and irresistible to many.

People begin to dance in a circle, whirling away till late into the night. It is not uncommon to find dancers with swords or lit flames and other spectacles.

During Navratri, Gujarat is a blaze of colour. Women wear chaniya cholis – odhni sets comprising a skirt, blouse and veil respectively. The streets and markets of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and other cities of Gujarat are lined with costumes and ornaments. Preparations for Navratri begin long before the first day of the festival.

Vadodara is considered the cultural capital of Gujarat, and the most sought after location for celebrating Navratri.The city is a good place to find the full range

of these styles, traditional to modern, acoustic to amplified, simple to complicated, each one representing in its extreme somewhere in the city.

Religious pilgrimage in Gujarat during this festival focusses mainly in the Shakti Peethas; Ambaji, Pavagadh and Bahuchraji near Mehsana. There are also major celebrations in temples such as Ashapura Mata-no-Madh in Kutch, Khodiyar Mandir near Bhavnagar, and Chamunda Mata Mandir at Chotila on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot National Highway.

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RESEARCH TALK

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The Ministry of Tourism has set the target of doubling the inbound arrivals and domestic tourist visits during the 12th plan period. The statistics in the first pie-diagram show the vast opportunities India has to grow its top 15 markets along with new markets. The second pie-diagram reflects the immense growth potential in various Indian states and Union territories possess, especially the ones like Kerala Percentage share of Top 10 Countries for FTAs in India in 2012 Others

Share of Top States/UTs of India in Number of Foreign Tourists Visit in 2012

USA

39.47%

Himachal Pradesh

15.81%

UK Kerala

11.98%

3.8%

Bangladesh

7.40% Sri Lanka

4.52%

Malaysia

2.98%

Australia

3.07%

Japan

France

3.34% 3.66% Germany 3.88%

2.4% Karnataka

2.9%

Others

Maharashtra*

9.9%

24.7%

Bihar

5.3%

Canada

3.89%

West Bengal Rajasthan

5.9%

7.0%

Uttar Pradesh

9.6%

Delhi

11.3%

Tamil Nadu

17.2%

Source: MOT

Tourism in the World: Key Figures 9% Source: UNWTO

of GDP-direct, indirect and induced impact

1in11 US$1.3 jobs trillion in exports

25

1,035 billion 5 to 6domestic 1.8 billion int’l tourists

from to million international million in tourist in 1950 2012

tourist

predicted in 2030

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TRAVTALK

emerges as a round-the-year destination and Karnataka to name a few. Going forward, the month-wise tourist arrivals show that India is growing into a round the year destination as the gap between peak and lean periods are narrowing down. Towards the end, there we draw comparison of the India’s potential and its present status in the global tourism market.

Share of Top 10 Countries of the World and India in International Tourism Receipts in 2012

Percentage share of Top 10 Countries of the World and India in International Tourist Arrivals in 2012 France

USA

8.02%

China

5.57%

China

Spain

5.57%

Italy Others

61.60%

54.94%

Turkey

India

Malaysia Russia

UK

France

5.00% 4.65%

4.48% 0.64%

5.20%

11.96%

Italy

Others

Spain

USA

3.45%

3.83% India

1.61 Australia

Germany

2.42% 2.48% 2.83% 2.94%

2.93%

Germany

Hong Kong

3.54%

2.95%

Macao (China)

UK

3.39% Source: MOT

Share of Top 10 Countries of the World and India in International Tourist Arrivals in 2012 Rank

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Country

France USA China Spain Italy Turkey Germany UK Russia Malaysia Total of Top Countries India# Others Total

Int’l Tourist Arrivals in mn.

Percentage (%) share

83.0 N.A. 57.7 57.7 46.4 35.7 30.4 29.3 25.7 25.0 390.9

8.02 – 5.57 5.57 4.48 3.45 2.94 2.83 2.48 2.42 37.76

6.6 637.5 1035.0

(P) : Provisional, NA: Not Available # Excludes nationals of the country residing abroad Source: UNWTO Barometer April 2013

0.64 61.60 100.00

Share of Top 10 Countries of the World and India in International Tourism Receipts 2012 Rank

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Country

USA Spain France China Italy Macao (China) Germany UK Hong Kong China Australia India Others Total

(P) : Provisional, NA: Not Available Source: UNWTO Barometer April 2013

Int’l Tourist Receipts (P) (in US$ billion)

128.6 55.9 53.7 50.0 41.2 N.A. 38.1 36.4 31.7 31.5 17.7 590.2 1075.0

Percentage (%) share

11.96 5.20 5.00 4.65 3.83 – 3.54 3.39 2.95 2.93 1.61 54.94 100.00

Quick Fact Tourism contributes 6% Global around 6 per cent of the world’s exports

Source: UNWTO

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

RESEARCH TALK

India: A big fish in a South Asian pond Average Daily Rate ADR, or Average Daily Rate of a hotel, represents the average rental income per paid occupied room in a given time period. From 2009 to 2012, the ADR of Indian hotel rooms have remained fairly steady, fluctuating between $138-$139, except touching a high of $145 in 2010.

Purpose of Visit Through 2009 to 2011, there has been significant change in the motivations of people coming to visit India. From an all-time high of 58%, the leisure traffic has dropped to 24% in 2010, and 26% of the total international visitors in 2011. On the other hand, VFP has risen from 18% in 2009 to 28% in 2010, and a respectable 25% in 2011.

But the biggest gain has been in business travel. From a lowly 15% in 2009, it went up to 19% in 2010, and jumped to 23% in 2011.

Tourism Receipt Comparison Even with 0.06% of the total international visitor arrivals, India has earned a respectable US$11.13 billion in tourism receipts in 2009, going up to $17.74 billion in 2012. When compared to its South Asian compatriots, India leads. But when it comes to its tourism peers in Southeast Asia, India has a lot of catching up to do. Thailand has seen its tourism receipts spike from US$14.88 billion in 2009, to a staggering US$ 31.65 billion in 2012. Even Malaysia stays ahead of the game, nudging ahead with US$ 18.36 billion in 2012. The good news is, India is catching up.

Revenue per available room

Visitor Forecast Comparison In its region, India is the king. When compared to its South Asian neighbours (Sri Lanka and Maldives), India stands head and shoulders above the rest. For 2013, India’s visitor arrivals, according to PATA forecasts, stand at 7.45 million, going up gradually to 10.09 million by 2017. To this figure, Sri Lanka and Maldives get a fraction of India’s tourist arrivals.

Occupancy Rate Since 2009, India’s occupancy rate in hotels has risen steadily, albeit for a slight slump in 2011.

From 59% in 2009, the occupancy rate of hotels rose steadily to 61% in 2010. Unable to maintain the rise, the occupancy rate slid by a percent the next year. But in 2012, hotels rose to the challenge to have an overall occupancy rate of 63%.

RevPAR, or revenue per available room, is a performance metric in the hotel industry, which is calculated by multiplying a hotel's average daily room rate (ADR) by its occupancy rate. It may also be calculated by dividing a hotel's total guestroom revenue by the room count and the number of days in the period being measured.

RevPAR Comparison between India, Sri Lanka & Maldives

Source: IHG

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

RESEARCH TALK

New kinds of travellers, so new rules...

Meaning of Hospitality The etymology of hospitality in many languages around the world is derived from the concept of welcoming guests: hospes in Latin or literally “being friendly to strangers”; haoke ( ) in Chinese or “to treat guests well”; and ukarimu in Swahili, “generosity”. Although the word hospitality in its sense of welcoming guests came into common use in the early Middle Ages, the hospitality industry goes back much further. For example, in Ancient Greece the hotel equivalent was a ‘pandocheion’ – these were facilities open to any person willing to pay the fees for lodging and food. The word meant “accepting all comers”.

Asian travellers: New force in tourism In terms of both volume and value, travellers from Asia are a new force in global travel. Asian travellers will account for one third of travel spending by 2020, an increase of 21% from today, and the growth in Chinese tourism has been particularly striking. Over the coming decade, new explorers will become more regionally diverse as more people from the CIVET countries (Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt and Turkey) and Africa start to be able to afford travel.

Building Relationships More travellers are starting to travel independently without industry support, while large numbers are demanding a more personalised experience. The questions to be asked are: • How can the industry build relationships with independent travellers – offering an invisible pillar of support?

• How can the hospitality industry balance the growing expectation for personalisation with the desire of some to remain independent?

The True Picture by Tourist/Reviewer

It is a fact that almost all travellers conduct extensive research before finalising a trip. And peer review forms a big part of the decision-making process. Now, most travel sites have user reviews on places, hotels, sites, restaurants and everything, down to the ambience outside the airport. This carries a lot of weight for the future visitors of a place.

For the hospitality provider, trust is critical.

Connected to everything via smartphones The Social Pulse The industry needs to recognise that when customers are not physically present, they still have a relationship to nurture. Maintaining a point of connection with departed guests – for example, by making time to respond to reviews they have posted on company websites – will become more important in retaining customers

Samsung and Holiday Inn worked together on a high profile trial of new in-room technology during the 2012 Olympics. Guests at the Holiday Inn London - Stratford City were able to employ an app on a Samsung smartphone to control their rooms’ TV, air conditioning and lights. In the future, this might extend to directly handling communications with the front desk, housekeeping and concierge staff, and even facilitate checkout.

One in four travellers have used social networking sites to plan their travel while 45% have made travel plans based on reviews and experiences of others. This is true of both leisure and business travel. One in three business travellers posts reviews online of properties they stay at.

Multi-generational family tourist groups rule It’s becoming more common for extended families from countries such as India, where disposable incomes are growing, to go away on holidays together, creating more demand for bigger spaces.

A photo of the family having a superb meal at a top restaurant is a source of pride as much as a memento or souvenir.

By 2023, there will be 1 billion people over 60 years old, raising the bar for hotels to cater to the senior travellers.

Already, 1.4 billion adults worldwide – or 30% of the global adult population – have sufficient disposable income to be able to travel abroad.

Source: IHG

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STATES

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Every year, thousands of tourists from around the world, armed with fancy cameras make a beeline to Madhya Pradesh to see one of the most popular Indian attractions – the tiger. Madhya Pradesh is home to a large number of tiger reserves offering an opportunity of admiring the royal tiger in its natural habitat.

A wild roar in

M

adhya Pradesh, the ‘Heart of India’, where the majestic tiger once roamed unchallenged, is the largest state in India, dazzling with forests and is a haven for wildlife.

The region accounts for one-third of the total forest cover in India and is home to the magnificent Indian Tiger.

Tiger reserves are open again to tourists! The Supreme Court has finally lifted the ban on tiger tourism in core areas of reserves and sanctuaries.

According to the new guidelines, tourism is allowed in at least 20 per cent of the core areas of tiger sanctuaries and NTCA has proposed a new conservation fee for the tourism industry, which will be used in improving the ecology and the quality of life of the local community living nearby. In July, the Supreme Court had banned tourism in core areas of all tiger reserves in the country based on an existing policy of the Centre.

Madhya Pradesh is a multi-faceted state, offering incredible wildlife reserves, intricate temples and palaces, and a dazzling tradition of arts, crafts and cuisine. The forests of Madhya Pradesh are a haven for wildlife.

Madhya Pradesh is a pioneer state in the national movement for conservation of the Tiger. Madhya Pradesh is also known as the 'Tiger State' as it harbors 19 per cent of India's Tiger Population and 10 per cent of the world's tiger population. At present, there are five Tiger areas in the state namely – Kanha, Panna, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Satpura.

Bandhavgarh was the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa: their old fort still dominates a hill rising out of the forest. Tiger-Spotting is virtually guaranteed at Bandhavgarh as it has the highest tiger density in India.

Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. This was the park that the Central Indian Barasingha, also known as the hard ground barasingha, was brought back from the virtual edge of extinction. By

a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being.

Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal population.

Panna is home dominated by the splendid Ken river, altering valleys and plateaus, grasslands, gorges and escarpments, Panna National Park is an ideal tiger country. Relics of Gondwana period (rule of the tribal people of Central India) are scattered all over the Reserve. Besides the wildlife watchers (around 12000 annually), Panna gets visitors (around 20000 annually) who exclusively visit the famous Pandav Fall.

Pench Tiger Reserve comprises the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Mowgli Pench Sanctuary and a buffer. The Park nestles in the Southern slopes of the Satpura ranges of Central India. The river Pench, which splits the National Park into two, forms the lifeline of the Park. The area of the present tiger reserve has a glorious history.

Satpura Tiger Reserve is a welcome change to the regular wildlife circuit in India. The reserve is spread over 1,500 km of pristine wildlife habitat and is truly one of the few modern day wilderness spots left in the country.

What makes Satpura unique is the variety of options it offers, to experience the flora and fauna is this magnificent forest. It is the only park in central India which allows people to explore tiger country on foot. Further the forest department is working towards offering non-motorized ways of discovering the tiger reserve. In addition to walking, guests can also opt for jeep, canoeing, elephant and motorboat safaris. At the park, one will get to see close glimpse of animals like sambar, cheetal, nilgiri, wild boar, barking dear, black buck sloth bear, wild dogs, leopards and the elusive Tiger.

Where to stay The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) operates hotels in the tiger reserves providing an opportunity for visitors to live near the wilderness and enhance their experience. They include Kipling's Court in Pench, Jungle Camp at Panna, White Tiger Forest Lodge at Bandhavgarh and properties at Kanha which include Baghira Log Huts, Tourist Hostel and Kanha Safari Lodge. Madhya Pradesh Tourism also operates special packages to the Jungles.

For more information and bookings, contact the Delhi Marketing office at Room No. 12, Hotel Janpath, Ground Floor, Janpath, New Delhi 110 001.

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Kerala

STATES

God’s own country A visit to India is incomplete without a visit to Kerala.

Come experience the healing touch of this coastal state!

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the western Ghats in the east and networked by forty-four rivers, Kerala enjoys diverse geographical features. From tall mountains and deep valleys to endless backwaters and an extensive coastline, Kerala has it all.

Popularly referred to as God’s own country¸ Kerala offers an exotic experience like no other state, truly in the lap of Mother Nature. The state also has the pride of pioneering the concept of Responsible Tourism in the country, and to have successfully implemented it (at Kumarakom). This holistic form of tourism is helping travellers, the host population and the trade derive the greatest possible benefits from tourism, without

Major attractions O Ayurveda O Festivals and Performing Arts O Houseboats O Backwaters O Beaches O Wildlife

causing any ecological or social damage.

Accommodation A visit to Kerala is incomplete without the fascinating experience of the Home Stays, home away from home. It allows tourists to get close with the host family and the community that lives in an area.

Tucked away in misty plantation hills, amidst cool coconut groves, circled by backwaters, Home Stays in Kerala offer one of the most favoured means to enjoy and experience the culture, lifestyle and flavours of the land and its people.

Besides, other luxury and economy hotels accommodations also available.

Connectivity The state is well connected by road, rail and air.

Kerala is home to 3 international airports at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode which provide international and domestic connections.There are 8 national highways running through Kerala. Also, many projects are underway to

upgrade the road infrastructure in the state. Kerala is well connected by rail to all the major cities of India.

Destinations and Packages Kerala is home to Ayurveda in India. Tourists from across the globe visit the state to experience the healing touch. The equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June to July and October to November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages.

In addition, 13 different forms of performing arts; Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, make it a must-visit destination in India.Some of the popular destinations include Alappuzha, Bekal, Fort Kochi, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Munnar among others. Details on major tourist destinations in the state can be obtained through the website, http://www.keralatourism.org.

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FAMILY ALBUM

Cyprus hosts 1 roadshow in Delhi st

Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) hosted its first roadshow in India in Delhi. The event showcased the country's tourism products for leisure, corporate meetings and incentive travel to woo the Indian travellers. The roadshow was attended by delegates from Cyprus and their Indian counterparts from the Indian travel industry.

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HOTELS

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Focussing on the inbound segment The Hotel Indana Palace, Jodhpur in Rajasthan is keen on tapping the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) and wedding segments. reports more on the plans and strategies of the group.

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ndana Palace, Jodhpur; Indana Hotels and Resorts’ first venture in India, is keen on attracting inbound travellers to the

hotel. Meera Pahwa, Vice President – Marketing & Sales, Indana Hotels and Resorts, said, “The Indana Palace, Jodhpur perfectly amalgamates modern luxury and old-palatial charm.

The Indana Palace, Jodhpur is also an ideal venue for MICE with an array of facilities including a business centre, a boardroom and a conference hall The façade and interiors are inspired by traditional architecture of Rajasthan. The hotel is replete with carved furniture, hand-painted walls, and marble flooring.

At the same time, it is equipped with all modern comforts and facilities that one expects from a fivestar hotel, making it a fine combination of luxury and tradition.”

The hotel offers 80 rooms, 7 suites and a Grand Presidential Suite. Its food and beverage offerings com-

prise a multi-cuisine restaurant – Anghiti, ibar and Lotus Café – the coffee lounge. Other facilities offered by the hotel include concierge services, travel desk, Wi-Fi, 24 hours room– service, gym, billiards room, children’s play room, swimming pool and spa.

With Rajasthan becoming a global favorite for weddings, the Indana Palace, Jodhpur has grown into a sought-after venue for the wedding segment. The hotel has 10,000 square feet of

Meera Pahwa Vice President – Marketing & Sales, Indana Hotels and Resorts

banquet space, and attached 40,000 square feet of landscaped lawns, along with wedding concierge services.

Pahwa added, “The Indana Palace, Jodhpur is also an ideal venue for MICE with an array of facilities including a business centre, a boardroom and a conference hall.”

Elaborating on their plans to engage with the travel trade, Pahwa said “We work with travel agents and tour operators through joint marketing activities. We also regularly update them on the latest offerings at the hotel as well as help them build itineraries. In order to provide them with a firsthand experience of the hotel, we also host FAM trips. The hotel has also tied up with the major online travel agents present in India in order to boost visitor numbers.”

Coming Up O Similar hotels under the Indana Hotels & Resorts brand are planned at Jaipur, Udaipur, Nagpur and Mumbai

The Allure’s location is its USP Sandeep Khurana, Chairman & Managing Director, The Allure, says that budget hotels have a great future in the Indian hospitality sector.

T T B U R E AU

What do you think is the future of budget hotels?

Budget hotels have a great future. The fact is that budget hotels have always been in demand. While there are plenty of 4- and 5-star hotels, the supply of budget hotels is not commensurating the demand. While there might

be many budget hotels, but you’ll find very few good boutique budget hotels in Delhi.

There is still a great market for such hotels.

Do airport hotels pose a threat to budget hotels?

No, not really. Location is still a very important determining factor when it comes to hotels. Most of the people staying in budget

An evening for the travel trade in Delhi

Location is a very important determining factor when it comes to hotels. Many people staying in budget hotels are business travellers and they will stay where their business takes them hotels are business travellers and they will stay only in those places where their business takes them. So, just because a hotel is close to the airport, doesn’t mean that it

will attract enough people to it. For people who have their businesses in other parts of the town, they would still prefer to stay closer to the city centre. If

someone has work in South Delhi, why would they stay near the airport?

What is it about The Allure that makes a person come back to it?

The hotel is designed keeping in mind the taste and standard of a 5-star hotel. We offer the best in service to our guests who are mostly leisure tourists and the corporate

Sandeep Khurana Chairman & Managing Director The Allure

crowd. We offer complimentary Wi-Fi and airport transfers. The location of our hotel is also its USP. We are located at Greater Kailash, which is a centrally located area and one of the most important hubs of the city.

‘Iris Park attracts biz travellers’ A full-service boutique hotel close to the airport, it has emerged as a preferred choice with business travellers, says Aashish Kumar Roy, GM, Iris Park Hotel.

T T B U R E AU

Cathay Pacific Airways hosted an evening of cocktails and dinner for the travel trade at The Blue Frog - Delhi on 20 September, 2013. The event was held to thank travel partners for the support received during the rollout of the new Premium Economy cabin.

More than 300 travel agents attended and were treated to fun evening that included a lucky draw from an online quiz that they had to participate in prior to the event. The prizes included tickets to Bangkok, Hong Kong, an iPad and a Tablet.

Tell us about your property and the segments that it caters to?

Iris Park Hotel is a fullservice boutique hotel located at Safdarjung Enclave, (South) Delhi, 10 kms from Terminal 1D (15 km from Terminal 3), 10 kms from Connaught Place and 7 kms from Nehru Place.

The hotel primarily caters to the business trav-

eller. Apart from having an enviable location, it is a fullservice hotel. The hotel maintains its own fleet of cars that serve our guests in terms of airport transfers, local city running as well as inter-city trips.

travellers booking themselves from abroad through booking websites. We also enjoy the support of travel agents in India and are focussing on addressing more of the trade so that we may gain their patronage.

What markets generate most of revenues for you in India and overseas?

What are your expansion plans?

Iris Park Hotel is patronised by mainly the corporate clientele based mainly in India. We do see occasional

Aashish Kumar Roy General Manager Iris Park Hotel

As of now, the promoters of the business plan to grow organically. Plans are in place for a second hotel and construction should begin soon.

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Rajasthan Pomp and pageantry Rajasthan Tourism continues its efforts to develop world-class infrastructure, facilities and services to attract tourists. The impact is substantial growth in tourist traffic and industry as a whole.

R

ajasthan offers a whole range of attractions to cater to the international tourists.

The state with unique tourism offerings that include its world renowned luxury tourist trains Palace on Wheels & Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, new rural tourism sites, Desert Safaris, Forts & Palaces, Sound & Light shows, heritage hotels, resorts and spas, abundant natural beauty, forests and wildlife and fairs & festivals and traditions highlighting its historical, cultural, religious and social heritage, has arguably emerged as the leading Indian state in tourism. “A whole range

Rajasthan not only has a cultural appeal, but its chain of heritage hotels and palaces also cater to the needs of the corporate world. New products like sports tourism, rural tourism, eco tourism, adventure tourism, wellness tourism, etc have been introduced to expand the markets attracting additional tourists.

Bina Kak Tourism Minister, Rajasthan

Major attractions

of new tourism products have been introduced and still more are in the offing. Rural Tourism, Adventure Tourism and Nature Tourism are opening new avenues for promotion of tourism in the state,” says Bina Kak, Rajasthan Tourism Minister.

O O O O O O O

The hike in the percentage of inbound tourists and the interest shown by the Indian and international travel trade fraternity is evidence to the success of Rajasthan’s image as a top-notch travel destination.

Luxury Tourist Trains Rural Tourism Palaces & Forts Fair & Festivals Adventure sports Wildlife Shopping

Hotels & Packages RTDC that runs hotels across key tourist locations in the state has a well-defined policy to make available its inventory to the international travel agents.

Connectivity The state is well connected by rail, road and air. Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle (DelhiJaipur-Agra) circuit and is connected by high speed roads from Delhi (230 kms) and Agra (250 kms). Major cities like Jaipur and Udaipur are also well connected by air from Delhi and Mumbai.

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STATES

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Karnataka One state, many worlds Nestled on the west coast, Karnataka is blessed with a perfect blend of nature, heritage, wildlife and pristine beaches.

K

arnataka has ageless monuments, world heritage sites, lush green forests, amazing wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, romantic hill stations, timeless temples, pristine beaches, exhilarating adventure sports and vibrant art & culture.

The state is home to ‘The Golden Chariot’. It is South India’s first and only luxury train. Offering two memorable itineraries: ‘Pride of the South’ and ‘Southern Splendour’, it takes you through South India’s destinations in absolute luxury.

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has also introduced ‘The Silver Chariot’. On the lines of the Golden Chariot, these Volvo coaches offer package tours around coastal Karnataka.

Accommodation KSTDC owns 16 hotels across different tourist destinations in the state. These are being upgraded and 50 more rooms are being added. In

addition, KSTDC also operates Jungle Lodges & Resorts, a chain of resorts offering wildlife, eco and adventure tourism. Presently, there are 13 such resorts across Karnataka, and going ahead 11 more will be added at the identified eco-tourism sites.

Besides, there are other luxury and economy hotel accommodations also available.

Connectivity The state is well connected by road, rail and air.

Karnataka’s capital city, Bengaluru boasts of a worldclass international airport. It is 40-km from the city and is also well connected to all major airports in India.

The city railway station, the Cantonment Railway Station and the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station are within 10km from MG Road. Bengaluru is well-connected by rail to all the major cities of India. The hi-tech city is also connected to India’s major cities through the National Highways-NH 4, NH 7 and NH 209.

Destinations and Packages Karnataka is known for its heritage trail. There are very few places where one can find such a profusion of monuments. These peerless wonders are eloquent reminders of a rich heritage.

These include World Heritage Sites of Hampi and Pattadakal, Aihole, Badami, Belgaum, Lakkundi, and many more. Then, there is a plethora of romantic hill stations, along coastline and some of the largest jungle tracts in South India. Details on other major tourist destinations in the state and packages and itineraries can also be obtained through Karnataka Tourism’s website, http://www.karnatakatourism.org.

Major attractions O O O O O

Luxury Trains Heritage Wildlife Coastal life Culture & festivals

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FAMILY ALBUM

Thomas Cook India launches Disha In order to promote quality research in the field of travel and tourism, Thomas Cook India's training vertical, Centre of Learning recently unveiled the second edition of Disha, a platform which invites research papers in the field of travel and tourism from faculties of educational institutions across India, in Mumbai. The initiative was felicitated in a ceremony where Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister for Tourism, Govt of Maharashtra , Sumit Mullickji, Principal Secretary- Additional Charge Tourism and Chief Protocol Officer, Govt of Maharashtra and Madhavan Menon, Managing Director, Thomas Cook (India) felicitated the winning research entries and released a published book with a compilation of the top research papers.

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ASSOCIATIONS

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Branding India as a Golf destination The Indian Golf Tourism Association (IGTA) is keen to rope in both government and private-sector stakeholders to promote golf tourism in India.

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olf is one of the niche products identified by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) in its quest to develop India has a round-the-year destination. In line with MOT’s objective, the Indian Golf Tourism Association (IGTA) formed in 2012 has carved out a roadmap to

Indian Golf can cater to the needs and requirements of any golf-lover planning to visit India Uday Marwah Secretary, IGTA aggressively promote India as a fine golf destination.

“IGTA and its members have a responsibility of branding India as a golf destination.

We are in discussion with the

The purpose of forming this association is to focus on promoting the sport along with leisure activities for Golf-lovers around the world Vipan Sharma Joint Secretary, IGTA

MOT to organise national events, while the states had been requested to join hands to spread word about the potential of golf in their respective regions,” said Rajan Sehgal, President, IGTA.

Sydney the safest Sydney has been ranked as the world’s safest and the friendliest city, beating London, Paris, New York and Rome, according to Anholt-GfK City Brands Index (CBISM) survey.

Sydney was also voted one of the world’s top five cities overall with Melbourne rated number ten.

On the private sector front, IGTA is in talks with various trade bodies to pitch together for promoting golf tourism. “We are in advance discussions with FICCI for Golf Travel Mart. In fact, we will also be a part of the three-day Golf Expo being conducted by CII,” he added.

Echoing similar views, Uday Marwah, Secretary, IGTA, said, “There are many golf enthusiasts who would like to play golf in India and also visit nearby tourist attractions. Golf Courses in India are excellent and have hosted many big events.

Indian Golf can cater to the

needs and requirements of any golf-lover planning to visit India.”

Here, Vipan Sharma, Joint Secretary, IGTA, said, “The purpose of forming this association is to focus on promoting the sport along with leisure activities for Golflovers around the world.”

We are in discussion with MOT to organise national events, while the states are requested to join hands to spread awareness on golf

Rajan Sehgal President, IGTA

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AGENTS

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Promoting unexplored Maharashtra Veena World has identified 7-8 packages that they will market to inbound travellers from January 2014, which includes destinations such as Pandharpur, Kolhapur and the recently-launched Sayajiraje Park in Akhluj.

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umbai-based Veena World plans to focus on the inbound segment and promote Maharashtra as a premier destination for inbound travellers. Veena

Veena Patil Founder &Managing Director Veena World

Our goal is to promote relatively unexplored destinations in Maharashtra to foreign visitors to the country Patil, Founder & Managing Director, Veena World said, "Maharashtra, as a destination, has plenty of undiscovered potential. Our goal is to promote relatively unexplored destinations in Maharashtra to foreign visitors to the country. The share of leisure inbound to our overall business has been significant, and we are therefore turning our attention to the segment."

Patil added, "We have identified 7-8 packages that we will market to inbound travellers from January 2014. Our goal is to showcase and increase awareness of destinations such as Pandharpur, Kolhapur and

Working Model O Veena World will work jointly with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to showcase Maharashtra's tourism potential and to educate the travel trade about Maharashtra's destinations and product offerings O It is also partnering with MTDC for WTM 2013

the recently-launched Sayajiraje Park in Akhluj."

She informed, "Mumbai is also crucial for us. The city is one of the major gateways into India. However, it is regarded more as the commercial capital and we want

to change that perception to Mumbai as a tourism hub."

Speaking of their marketing and promotional strategy, Patil stated, “We will work jointly with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation

(MTDC) to showcase Maharashtra's tourism potential and to educate the travel trade about Maharashtra's destinations and product offerings. We are also partnering with MTDC for WTM 2013.”

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NEWS

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Wellness & Spa: Avenue of Revenue The first report on the wellness and spa industry was released at the recently-concluded Global Spa & Wellness Summit 2013 held in New Delhi. much eating, drinking and too little sleep—to those focussed on health and wellness. Clients who take wellness trips are also likely to take part in other niche activities like culinary, adventure, or eco-tourism pursuits, the study said. That broadens the options agents can sell.

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ellness travel, which now represents a sizable chunk of global tourism revenues, is growing at nearly twice the rate of total worldwide tourism, according to a study released at The Global Spa & Wellness Summit (GSWS) 2013 recently held in New Delhi. The three-day event was packed with discussions, deliberations, and sessions for better understanding the spa and wellness segment in the global travel industry.

Welcoming the delegates, Susie Ellis, CEO and Chairman, GSWS, said, "The Wellness Tourism can spark a revolution like no other, so let us come together and chart a course to make history for the people we serve and the industry we love.” According to Ellis, this segment has the potential to becoming an excellent alternative revenue source for travel agents. She said, “The Global Wellness

Susie Ellis

Amitabh Kant

Jean-Claude Baumgarten

CEO and Chairman GSWS

Former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

Former President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

The Global Wellness Tourism Economy Report reveals new directions in tourism Tourism Economy Report reveals new directions in tourism, including the kind of

The alert, educated and well-heeled traveller is looking for unique travel experiences experiences tourists will seek and the countries where they will travel to find them.”

Wellness tourism is poised to reshape tourism as we know it The research reflects a major shift from vacations associated with excess—too

development of BRIC countries, the rapidly aging population of Europe and America, and the rise of the urban middle class. This has led to the growth of the alert, independent, educated, well-heeled, traveller who is looking for experiences that enhance and develop well-being. This is

Report Highlights N

Wellness tourism now accounts for about 14 per cent, or nearly US$ 439 billion of all tourism expenditures N It’s projected to grow by more than 9 per cent a year through 2017. That is nearly 50% faster than overal global market.

N Compared to the average international and domestic tourist, the wellness tourist spends about 65 per cent more per trip, while the domestic wellness tourist spends about 150 per cent more per trip.

Amitabh Kant, Former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said, “Travel and tourism, in general; and wellness tourism, in particular, are largely dominated by certain trends that have come to fore. These include the steady growth and

where wellness tourism plays a key role.”

“Wellness tourism is poised to reshape tourism as we know it,” said JeanClaude Baumgarten, Former President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

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‘India is a big market for us’ Bulgaria is wooing India as its potential market. Anelia Genova, Director, Marketing, Promotion & Information in Tourism Directorate talks to to know more about the same...

We will organise trips for representatives of tour operator companies and media, TV crews and workshops. In 2012, Bulgaria was visited by 4,722 Indians. In 2011, they were 3,849. Thus, there has been a growth of 22.7 % in 2012 as compared to 2011.

KA R I S H M A K H A N N A

Q

What growth do you see from India?

India is a new and enormous market for Bulgaria. We started to develop it in current year and we had the first two organised Indian groups in May and June. Our target is the MICE segment in India.

We are also promoting Bulgaria in India as an excellent destination for individual and family trips.

Q

How do you plan to increase Indian visitors?

We plan activities like participation in tourism exhibitions, workshops and tours

Q

Anelia Genova Director, Marketing, Promotion & Information in Tourism Directorate

offered by the Bulgarian DMCs ensure that Indian food will not be missing to the Indian tourist groups. Also, we have purely vegetarian dishes and this also answers to the Indian requirements.

What are your visa policies?

On 25 January 2012, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted a decision, according to which by the date of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, our country will unilaterally apply a visa-free system for holders of valid Schengen visas. They will have the right to enter

St Alexander Nevski Bulgaria

for representatives of Indian tour operators and media in cooperation with the Head of Commercial & Economic Office of Bulgaria to India, Stefan Ionkov. We have organised two fam trips in September for tour operators and one media tour in the same month.

What itinerary do you recommend for an Indian tourist?

Q

The Bulgarian seaside is very popular as one of the best summer destinations in Europe. We are happy to promote all our resorts as they have a perfect combination of nature, excellent hotels and entertainment for the whole family. Albena resort, for example, is a superb vacation place for family travellers and city of Plovdiv is an amazing vivid city with a variety of spa resort all around.

Q

Is Indian food easily available?

Yes it is.

Nowadays, we have many Indian restaurants all over Bulgaria and the packages

Since there is no direct air connectivity, do you see that as a challenge?

Q

Yes, this is a challenge, but also an opportunity to combine a visit of 2 countries with a single airline ticket. For instance – fly to Istanbul and visit Bulgaria and Turkey – the Bulgarian DMCs will take you from Istanbul airport and it will take you about 3 hours by car to get to Bulgaria. You can also combine visits of European countries such as Austria, Germany etc.

Q

What are your expectations from agents?

Bulgaria offers special packages for the Indian market, tailored for the Indian requirements. Same include daytime activities, nightlife, visits of top golf and spa resorts and seaside resorts.

What are your promotional plans for the Indian market and how many Indians visit Bulgaria each year?

Q

and reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of no more than three months in any six-month period from the date of the first entry, without needing to have a Bulgarian short-stay visa.

The decision entered into force on 31.01.2012. In case the Indian traveller has a valid Schengen visa – he can use it to enter Bulgaria. If not, he is welcome to the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi to apply for a Bulgarian entry visa.

Q

How are you promoting the MICE segment?

In Bulgaria, there are numerous expo and congress centres, conference halls, exhibition initiatives and festivals in all regions of the country. And this, combined with variety of options for activities such as shopping and active nightlife make Bulgaria a perfect MICE destination for Indian MICE groups. The average spend of a MICE visitor is approximately US$ 1,000 per week.

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Agents make our brand more trustworthy TIRUN Travel Marketing has recently launched attractive value offers exclusively for the Indian market and targets MICE segment for Asian sailing. gives details…

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ith just 80,000 Indians a year opting for cruise holidays, cruise tourism is one of the most potential and yet untapped and mature tourism segments in the country. More and more international cruise companies are encouraging Indian travellers and bringing

Ratna Chadha Chief Executive, TIRUN Travel Marketing

It is impossible to think of removing the trade from our distribution chain as they are the most important part of our value chain awareness in the market by educating the travel trade.

On similar notes, Royal Caribbean International - one of the top performing cruise brands in India, has introduced a range of attractive value offers for Indian travellers. It has announced complimentary upgrades and 50 per cent off on second guest, exclusively for Indian travellers onboard the largest cruise ship – Mariner of the Seas sailing from Singapore.

Both these offers were valid on three to five night sailing packages from Singapore from November 2013 till February 2014 for bookings made till October 31, 2013.

Talking about the initiative, Ratna Chadha, Chief

Special Offer O Royal Caribbean International has announced complimentary upgrades and 50 per cent off on second guest, exclusively for Indian travellers onboard the Mariner of the Seas sailing from Singapore

Executive, TIRUN Travel Marketing – India Representative for Royal Caribbean International said, “India is one of the most potential markets for cruise tourism in Asian market, especially for the cruise liners operating from Singapore.

Through such unique initia-

tives, we are not just attracting the travellers opting for cruise holidays but are also encouraging other travellers who are still considering sailing or not yet considered one.

This way, we intend to build new markets and stimulate growth of cruise holidays in the Indian market.”

The company is also targetting the MICE market, especially the events and incentive segment. With the Christmas and New Year’s Eve next door, the company is encouraging travel agents to book groups for small events and celebrations onboard. It is also working

closely with trade and expanding its focus to mini metro cities. With airlines intending to remove travel agents from their supply chain and reaching out directly to end consumers, Royal Caribbean is strengthening its relations with the trade. Chadha said, “It is

impossible to think of removing the trade from our distribution chain. They are the most important part of our value chain. Agents not only provide a complete cruise package to the passengers, but also make our brand more trust-worthy and strong.”

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NTO

Cyprus lures Indian outbound for MICE The tourism organisation shared its India market plans and showcased its tourism products for leisure, corporate meetings and incentive travels as part of its plan to woo the Indian travellers during the event.

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he Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) announced its entry into the Indian tourism market at its Delhi leg of the India roadshow.

According to Vassilis Theocharides, Director, CTO;

the association has been monitoring the Indian travel industry for quite some time.

“In recognition of the country’s potential as a big outbound tourist market, we intend to initiate activities that help us reach out to a majority of the travel trade community in India. We are

targetting Delhi and Mumbai during the first phase of our promotional campaign as these cities generate maximum number of outbound business travel from India.”

CTO also took its roadshow to Mumbai. The roadshow featured interactions between the delegates from

Cyprus and their Indian counterparts from the Indian travel industry.

The country is wellequipped with world-class infrastructure to host big scale events. It is currently offering a number of incentives for business travel in order to attract corporate and

small groups of travellers from India. Starting with business-class hotels that give visitors the convenience of staying in the same place as their events to sophisticated communication facilities and support services, as well as a safe and crime-free environment, the island has

Vassilis Theocharides Director, CTO

We intend to initiate activities that help us reach out to a majority of the travel trade community in India everything to make corporate meetings, conventions, incentives or other corporate events a success. Indian travellers visiting Cyprus can indulge in a number of holidaying activities as the island is a new destination and largely unexplored. Charming villages of the Byzantine era, peninsulas with unique diversities, an endless offering of a broad range of local cuisines and numerous reconstructed dwellings and archaeological sites that are in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List are just some of the tourism products that Cyprus offers to its visitors.

Marwah re-elected to DTTDC Board

Tony Marwah CEO, Indian Travel Promotion Company

Tony Marwah has been re-nominated for another two years’ term on the Board of Directors of Delhi Tourism.

He has been associated with DTTDC in the same capacity earlier, too. Currently, Marwah is CEO, Indian Travel Promotion Company and MD, OR Global, a member company of the Sita World Travels Group located in Los Angeles and incorporated in the US.

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Kesari Tours focussing on inbound In order to leverage India's multiple and diverse tourism products and offerings, Mumbai-based Kesari Tours is planning to focus on the inbound segment of travellers.

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hailesh Patil, Managing Director, Kesari Tours said, "India's varied wildlife, architectural marvels, vibrant culture, traditions and cui-

Shailesh Patil Managing Director Kesari Tours

sine make the country a treasure chest that is waiting to be explored. We are highly passionate about showcasing India to the world at large."

He added,

"We have a team of highly specialised travel professionals and we aim to create customised itineraries that fit the need of every traveller."

Speaking of their strategy to increase the number of foreign visitors, Patil informed, "This year, we have successfully launched fixed departures to Kerala which

BA launches 6th direct flight on LondonChennai route To offer more options to travellers from both cities, British Airways will start its sixth direct service on London-Chennai route on October 27. The flight will operate six-days-aweek, except Thursday.

This will take the total number of weekly flights to the five cities of India to 48. The airline will deploy Boeing 777-200 aircraft on the route, with three-class configuration, offering flat beds in Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller seats. The airline will also complete 25 years of operations to Chennai.

have proven to be very popular with international visitors. Additionally, we also conducted fam trips for foreign operators to Kerala and Rajasthan this year, so that they could avail opportunity to have first-hand experience of the destination. In a bid to further attract foreign trav-

ellers to India, we have also launched an exclusive website for the inbound division.“

packages to Kerala and Rajasthan which have been receiving good response.”

Patil further said, "Kesari offers luxurious holiday options for travellers from luxury trains and cruises to heritage stays.

Earlier this year, we also launched premium holiday

Kesari Tours has served travellers from across the world including the United States of America, France, Italy, Canada, UK, Israel, Malaysia, Mauritius, Switzerland, UAE, Hong

Kong, Belgium, New Zealand, Poland, Germany, Australia, Sweden and Japan among others. Patil concluded by saying ,”2013 has been a fruitful year for the inbound division of Kesari Tours and we hope to sustain this momentum over the coming year.”

Something new O In a bid to fur ther attract foreign travellers to India, Kesari Tours has also launched an exclusive website for the inbound division

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GUEST COLUMN

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

‘Support B&B and earn carbon credit’ With the depreciating value of the rupee combined with high air fares, the tourism industry is unsure of what the coming year has in store. But here, as we are discussing the highs and lows of this industry; the megatrend of growing tourism industry is the overconsumption of resources.

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he luxury industry is worth approx £77 billion and is now truly global.

Despite this boom, the current trends have cast a shadow on it and there are warning signals of a coming impasse. Questions are being increasingly raised about ethics & adverse impact of tourism on ecology & environment.

Overconsumption is becoming a mark of exhibitionism and is being replaced from conspicuous to conscientious consumption.

Commercial establishments and hotels will need to re-look at products. Hence Bed and Breakfast (B&B) accommodation is a viable alternative to the conscious consumer who appreciates the concerns of depleting resources. B&B units have been exposed to competition from star hotels and have to compete in the open market for sourcing as well as tapping markets.

It is our utmost priority to ensure that women feel at home while staying in India. B&B type of accommodation is the right answer, especially for the increasing number of women who travel alone.

Why B&Bs are successful N

What B&B owners have to do The B&B owners may choose tourists from particular country as per their choice and may change their unit and decoration, etc according to the preferences of such guests from that country. At present, economics of B&B scheme of Delhi is unviable.

Now, the question arises whether incoming tourists prefer B&B stay over the conventional accommodation available in regular hotels. A survey was conducted between June to December 2012 by DTTDC on this aspect. Response from 210 foreign & domestic tourists was received.

N N N

N

B&B units have been exposed to competition from star hotels and have to compete in the open market for sourcing as well as tapping markets Now, the question arises whether incoming tourists prefer B&B stay over the conventional accommodation available in regular hotels.

A survey was conducted between June to December 2012 by DTTDC on this aspect.

Response from 210 foreign & domestic tourists was received The important findings were that 27 per cent of the surveyed tourists were not satisfied with service offered at the place of stay in Delhi, but none of the 13 tourists staying in B&B units felt aggrieved on any issue related to stay.

As many as 23 per cent tourists desired homely care.

The important findings were that 27 per cent of the surveyed tourists were not satisfied with service offered at the place of stay in Delhi but none of the 13 tourists staying in B&B units felt

aggrieved on any issue related to stay. As many as 23 per cent tourists desired homely care. The survey also revealed that, on an average, the tourists coming to Delhi prefer to spend up

to ` 4,045 per night for an average stay of three-four days. All these desirable elements will certainly be available in a B&B accommodation.

An added advantage of B&B stay, nevertheless, is that tourists get similar facilities as are available in regular hotels in tariff range which is approximately 25-30 per cent cheaper as there is exemption from levy of Luxury tax and applicability of commercial rates on electricity & water bills in B&B accommodations.

Inspite of such advantages, B&B scheme of Delhi is not picking up.

There is hardly any individual or concerted efforts for its publicity, promotion and marketing. In fact, the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and Delhi Government should give extra incentives on promotion of the B&B scheme.

This will help in solving the

G G Saxena MD & CEO Delhi Tourism (DTTDC)

problem of shortage of budget accommodation without any further acquisition of land and development of infrastructure and draining out non-renewable resources of energy, thereby earning ‘carbon credit’ by Delhi Government.

The writer is GG Saxena, MD & CEO, Delhi Tourism (DTTDC). Excerpts

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

WTTC India’s second Southern Retreat The WTTC India Initiative Retreats are a unique format that brings the government and the industry together, and brainstorm on the future of the most important industry in the Indian context. At a WTTCII Retreat in September 2012, Southern Zonal Tourism Advisory Council (SZTAC) was envisaged, which was formalised in the second such retreat in Hyderabad.

STIC celebrates 40 anniversary th

STIC Travel Group recently hosted a family carnival inviting all their employees with their family members to jointly celebrate their 40th anniversary. The event was a celebration of the team effort and outstanding passion of the entire STIC family. STIC also hosted Annual Reward and Recognition ceremony where outstanding achievements of members were acknowledged.

Club Med Resort hosts agents in Maldives and Thailand Club Med - Premium All Inclusive Resort recently conducted an exclusive three-day visit to two of their most popular resorts Club Med, Kani Maldives & Club Med Phuket, Thailand to gain firsthand experience for their travel agents at the resort.

This initiative was a part of creating Club Med Specialist and also to gain awareness of the all Inclusive concept. It hosted 25 travel agents from across North and South India

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INTERNATIONAL

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013

Visa facilitation to create 2.6mn jobs Facilitating visas will also create an additional US$ 89 billion in international tourism receipts generated by 57mn more tourists visiting APEC destinations.

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new report by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) during APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Travel Facilitation in Indonesia shows that visa facilitation could create up to 2.6 million new jobs in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies by 2016.

The report, ‘The Impact of Visa Facilitation’ in APEC Economies indicates that although there has been a successful collaboration and advances across the APEC

region to facilitate visas, including progressive approaches to implement new visa policies, 21 per cent of expected international tourists arriving into APEC over the period 2014-2016 would still be required to obtain a traditional visa prior to travel under current visa policies.

Facilitating visas for these tourists could create as much as 2.6 million additional jobs in the APEC economies by 2016 and an additional US$ 89 billion in international tourism receipts generated by 57 million more tourists visiting APEC destinations.

Taleb Rifai, SecretaryGeneral, UNWTO said, “This report clearly shows that placing visa facilitation as a national priority can translate into significant socioeconomic benefits in terms of income and jobs generated by the growth of tourism demand. APEC has been a leading organisation in terms of regional integration and we believe that visa facilitation can contribute significantly to advance APEC’s objectives and

the balanced growth of its economies.”

Here David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC, said, “Encouraging freedom to travel is a key strategic priority for WTTC. It is a simple step for Governments which create jobs, economic growth and incalculable social benefits. This report lays bare for the first time the precise opportunity in APEC economies and demands to be taken seriously by the region’s Governments.”

International Tourism 2012

Taleb Rifai

David Scowsill

Secretary-General, UNWTO

President & CEO, WTTC

Visa facilitation can contribute to advance APEC’s objectives and the balanced growth of its economies

Encouraging freedom to travel is a strategic priority for WTTC. It is a step for Govts which create jobs & economic growth

International tourist arrivals (ITA) : 1.035 million International tourism receipts (ITR): US$ 1,075 bn

Source: UNWTO

Over-taxation kills tourism: WTTC Scowsill singled out the UK as an example of destroying UK GDP by around $6.3 billion per annum and costing some 90 thousand jobs.

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avid Scowsill, WTTC President and Tony Blair former British Prime Minister encouraged the western governments to make most of the future powerhouse of global wealth creationTravel and Tourism, at the two day World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)

Summit in September.

Korea

in

Revealing how Asia’s travel and tourism sector is forecast to grow six per cent per annum over the coming decade, Scowsill said, “Of the 70 million new jobs, Travel & Tourism will stimulate globally by 2023, two thirds – some 47 million - will be in Asia. This phenomenal

growth will be driven by increasing wealth among Asia’s middle classes, particularly in China. The United Nations describe it as a historic shift, the likes of which has not been seen for 150 years. Asia’s middle class is forecast to triple to 1.7 billion by 2020.”

Globally, the future continues to look positive with

the World Travel and Tourism Council predicting 3 per cent growth this year and generating $6.8 trillion– 9 per cent of global GDP - as well as employing more than 266 million people and accounting for 1 in every 11 jobs on the planet.

Although the future of the industry looks secure, Scowsill warned national

David Scowsill, WTTC President and Tony Blair former British Prime Minister

governments of negative overall effect to their economies by the introduction or expansion of tax schemes to exploit this growth. “The UK’s Airline Passenger Duty is the worst culprit, destroying UK GDP by around $6.3 billion

per annum and costing some 90 thousand jobs. Taxing the tourist does not lead to positive economic growth – in fact it leads to the opposite. We intend to promote this message heavily whilst we are here in Asia,” he added.

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Ready for Homecoming The Government of Scotland, in association with VisitScotland and other partners will focus on educating the travel trade about new products and itineraries.

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ndia is an important market and for the last three years, Scotland has received

Humza Yousaf Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Scotland

We are looking at promoting Scottish highlights in the Indian market 19,000 Indian visitors annually. These are mainly leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFRs). However, a small portion is contributed

by MICE as well, Humza Yousaf, Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Scotland said.

“We are looking at promoting St Andrews, Inverness (Gateway to Highland),

Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loach in the Indian market.

Since the theme of the year 2013 was Year of Natural Scotland, the travel trade was designing packages showcasing the natural aspects of Scotland.”The next year 2014 is dedicated to Homecoming.

Giving details about the programme, the Minister explained, “We will be hosting world-class events such as the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. We have selected this time when Queen’s Baton Relay is commencing in India to generate awareness about these events.”

According to Yousaf, the travel trade medium in India is indispensable. “In India, all our activities are focussed on B2B promotions. We are represented by VisitScotland and VisitBritain in India.

Although nature, greenery, culture, landscape, self-drive tours and education tourism will be our focus, we are also looking at promoting whiskey and golf tours in India as well. Scotland has over 100 whiskey distilleries and is the home of golf,” he added.

In order to connect with the Indian travel trade, VisitScotland had started SCOTS (Specialist Counsellors on Travel to Scotland) programme in

2007.

Vineet Lal, International Marketing Manager—Long-Haul and Emerging Markets, Visit Scotland revealed India has the highest number of SCOTS agents (1,800) after the US. The mission for promoting Homecoming 2014 visited Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. In Mumbai, the

Vineet Lal International Mktg Manager-Long-Haul and Emerging Markets, Visit Scotland

India has the highest number of SCOTS agents (1,800) after the US Yousaf also participated in the second ‘graduation ceremony’ of 50 travel agents.

NY bets big on Indian agents NYC & Company will launch a more comprehensive version of its online programme in 2014. With this, the organisation is looking to increase its agents enrolled in the programme to 4,000. gramme are still being worked out. It will focus on neighbourhoods of NYC, things to do, shopping zones, attractions, lesser-known places of NYC, etc.

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ew York City’s tourism and marketing organisation, NYC & Company is betting big on educating the Indian travel trade. The organisation will launch the new version of its online training academy in 2014 to facilitate the training of Indian travel agents as well.

This was revealed by Fred Dixon, Executive Vice PresidentMarket Development, NYC & Company. “This year, the primary goal is to educate the travel trade in India. Hence, we have an online training academy and its new interactive version will become operational in 2014.

Currently, we have 2,000 travel agents across India enrolled in the programme.

Fred Dixon Executive Vice President- Market Development, NYC & Company

Around 1,000 have graduated to become New York specialists. We are expecting the number to double from 2,000 to 4,000 by the end of 2014.

This might be a little ambitious, but with the new training programme that we launch, this might get easier to achieve,” Dixon pointed out. The details of the pro-

Being active in the Indian market for seven years now, NYC & Company has seen a transformation in the mix of travellers it receives.

“In the past, the number of business travellers was always higher than the leisure travellers in NYC. This changed for the first time last year when the leisure traveller segment surpassed the business travel segment. Going forward, leisure and MICE are the big avenues. As the rupee stabilises and the economy recovers, incentive groups will become a huge opportunity for NYC,” he observed.

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NEWS

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Ghana man cheats travel agency of ` 10L Travel agents should be more cautious of payments made through credit and debit cards as technology advancements have made it easier to dupe travel companies while making payments.

Beware

NEW DELHI: A south Delhibased travel agency was duped of around Rs 10 lakh when one of its customer allegedly booked international air ticketsallegedly for his friends and family members but had using cloned and stolen debit cards.

The agency, operating at a mall in Saket, got to know about the fraud only after their bank 'charged back' the money swiped through the cards. By then, the accused had gone underground. But with the help of electronic surveillance, Koffi, a resident of Ghana, was soon nabbed.

On September 10, Koffi booked twelve tickets from

TAT woos Indians Contd. from page 31

Thailand, even I felt excited about these services. I want the Indian holiday maker to enjoy all benefits that Thailand can offer to them.”

Talking about the objective of the event, Runjuan Tongrut, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “The roadshow has been held to update Indian travel trade partners about the luxurious products and activities that Thailand has to offer. A total of 18 service providers from Thailand - 5 star hotels, cruises and airlines – have participated at the event.

From private villas to luxury cruises, we can provide all to the discerning Indian traveller. We want the travel agents to discuss business with the Thai representatives about what both parties can do to attract Indian luxury travellers to Thailand.”

About her expectations from the event, she said, “After the roadshow, I expect luxury travellers from India to frequently visit Thailand.

In the last 4-5 years, the number of luxury travellers to Thailand has increased significantly. During 20082012, the number of luxury travellers coming to Thailand increased by 42%.

Luxury travellers generate more revenue for Thailand because they tend to spend more, they shop a lot, stay in luxury hotels and want the best of everything – be it travelling by private jet or private helicopter facilities.”

the travel agency - mostly to and from countries like Kilimanjaro, Lagos, Dares Salaam, Sri Lanka, London and Chicago - after submitting his ID and residence proof. He booked the tickets after claiming that the travellers were his friends and relatives. While the accused

had used stolen and cloned debit cards for making the payment at the agency, he had reportedly collected his payment from the travellers in cash or via account transfers, police said.

On October 1, the agency's accounting section raised an alarm when Koffi's

card payments were 'charged back'. Following this, police was informed and a case was registered under sections of forgery and Foreigners Act. After using the CCTV footage from the agency, Koffi was nabbed. Police suspect that Koffi may have targeted other agencies also and further

investigations are on. While the travel agency claimed of following all norms while making the online transactions and issuing tickets to Koffi, the police have not denied the role of an insider in colluding with the accused.

They also made sure to see the original passport at the

time of ticket Issuance, they have claimed.

A team, under the supervision of DCP south B S Jaiswal, is probing how the stolen cards reached Koffi and if there is an organized gang supplying cloned cards to cheats like him.

Source: Times of India

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Sops evoke mixed response in Uttarakhand Contd. from page 14

J&K, there is zero luxury tax while Sikkim has luxury tax as low as four per cent. The VAT in both the states is just four per cent,” he said, continuing, “Tourism is a very delicate business and tourists always have many options – if they don’t come to Uttarakhand, they will go to Kashmir. Thus, we still lose business to these states.”

SP Kochhar, President, Hotels and Restaurants Association of Uttarakhand asserted the tourism and infrastructure facilities in the state are deteriorating and “no major steps have been taken to rectify or rebuild the infrastructure”. Good connectivity in terms of roads, rail capacity and airfares are the biggest obstacles in the growth of this state as a tourist destination. Problems

Vibhas Prasad

Sahil Gulati

Director Leisure Hotels

Director-Operations EllBee Hotels

The step to extend the period of repaying the loan to one year is another welcome step

The service tax exemption was from Sept 17 to Mar 31. Real business starts coming in only from April 1

Tourism boosters Contd. from page 8

Maharashtra bats for women tourists’ safety Maharashtra is now gearing up to become the safest state in the country for tourists – both domestic and international. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) celebrated the World Tourism Day by dedicating it to ‘Women’s Safety’. The corporation announced few initiatives it has planned to ensure women tourists’ safety in the state. It is in the process of designing a model Code of Conduct for safety of women tourists in the state. A Kishore Gadre dress code for photographers, General Manager, MTDC guides and other tourist facilitators may also be devised. MTDC is also developing a mobile application that tourists can download and access a number of tourist groups visiting a spot, as well as those of authorities. The mobile app will also have a GPS system to track tourists as well as facilities like sending alarm messages when in danger. All stakeholders in tourist places including guides, photographers, taxi drivers, shopkeepers among others will be trained and given the dos and don’ts of treating tourists. Kishore Gadre, General Manager, MTDC affirmed, “The Code of Conduct will be finalised in the coming months. It will include instructions on how tourists should be guided.

It will also include instructions to ensure good conduct while interacting with foreign and domestic tourists. Also, there are plans to have various stakeholders to monitor tourist activity in a particular spot to ensure that if he/she gets in trouble, immediate action can be taken.”

such as water supply and food preservation are also big concern for hoteliers, Kochhar added. “A guest needs to enjoy and spend time in a leisurely mood.

There is no entertainment facility, but entertainment tax is as high as 30 per cent, VAT on food is 13.5 per cent and luxury tax varies from five to 10 per cent (depending on tariff), plus service tax of 5.16 per cent on room rent. There is no parking facility, no support of state government in tourism destination advertisements. Moreover, trained staff and friendly atmosphere is the need of the hour. The government has to be aggressive to promote growth and create the support system to maintain it further,” Kochhar, who also owns Madhuban chain of hotels in the state, lamented.

Opined Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels, “Post the calamity, we saw business vanishing not only from Haridwar and Rishikesh, but also from the unaffected areas like Mussorie and Nainital.

The Central Government has taken two steps to mitigate the damage.

Firstly, they have given the hoteliers an exemption of luxury tax for the next six months. Secondly, a one-year moratorium on bank loans of hoteliers in Uttarakhand has also been provided. A lot of people had taken bank loans before the tourism season for construction and renovation with the hope that they would be able to repay the same. This step to extend the period of repaying the loan to one year has been another welcome step. These two steps are ‘baby steps’ by the

Central Government, but in the right direction.”

As pointed out by Sahil Gulati, Director-Operations, EllBee Hotels, the exemption of service tax for six months is just a short-term gain.

“The service tax exemption was from September 17 to March 31. This anyways is the lean season. Real business starts coming in only from April 1. And the scheme will not be applicable then, which is unfortunate. The government should have extended this sop for at least a year for us to reap benefits.

Rather than giving discounts, it is important that the government boosts the region.”

The State Government could also direct PSUs to conduct its meetings and seminars in Uttarakhand. This can help in long-term growth of the state, he suggested.

Sikkim to open new trekking routes The state is looking at generating tourism business worth ` 1,500 crore per annum by 2020.

As per Bhim Dhungel, Tourism Minister, Sikkim, the state’s annual business from tourism jumped from ` 75 crore in 2000 to ` 400 crore in 2010. The figure was only ` 1 crore in 1980. By 2020, the state aims to attract one lakh foreign tourists and 20 lakh domestic tourists annually, the Minister said. According to him, 12,862 domestic and 2,572 international tourists visited the state in 1980. The number of domestic tourist arrivals shot up to 7,00,011, while the visitors from abroad rose to 20,757 in 2010. To promote tourism, the state government has decided to create more tourist destinations, open new trekking routes and undertake aggressive marketing. The Buddhist circuits are also being developed to promote religious tourism in the state, Dhungel added. “We will develop Sikkim as a principal tourism destination in South and South East Asia by 2015,” he added.

2 cr each for six forts in Rajasthan The Rajasthan state government has approved a budget of ` 2 crore each for six forts - Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Amber, Gagaron and Ranthambore, which have recently been declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. This amount has been allotted for the promotion and conservation of these forts.

Along with this, the state has also given directions to the authorities concerned to appoint a manager for each of the World Heritage sites. The site managers will be responsible for coordinating with all the agencies concerned to undertake conservation of these forts.

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‘Showcasing’ Canada in China Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) hosted Showcase Canada Asia in Hangzhou, China on October 14-18, 2013 at Sheraton Hotel Wetland Park Resort. Present at Showcase were more than 161 buyers and over 94 sellers, making it one of the biggest shows ever. The annual marketplace showcased Canada from coast-to-coast to key buyers from India, Japan, Korea and China in a business exchange environment with pre-scheduled appointments and networking events. The show was a grand success helping partners build their sales and business relationships. Its success proves that nothing beats a face-to-face meeting to learn about new travel experiences, and build one’s sales network or contract business, even in this digital age.

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AGENTS NOVEMBER NATIONAL 8-10 11 13 15 15-17 22-24 26

Vishakapatnam Mumbai Bengaluru Delhi Hyderabad Pune Delhi

26

Delhi

27

Bengaluru

29

Mumbai

29-Dec2 Hyderabad

Holiday Expo Monaco Tourism’s B2B Roadshow Monaco Tourism’s B2B Roadshow Monaco Tourism’s B2B Roadshow Hospitality Business Fair IITM Pune German National Tourist Board’s B2B Event Canadian Signature Experiences Launch German National Tourist Board’s B2B Event German National Tourist Board’s B2B Event IITM Hyderabad

INTERNATIONAL 4-7 11-14 19-21

London Spain Spain

World Travel Market Golf Travel Market EIBTM

DECEMBER

NATIONAL 5-7

Chandigarh

7-9 9

Lucknow Delhi

10

Mumbai

11

Ahmedabad

12

Bengaluru

13

Chennai

13-16 23

Bengaluru Chennai

28-30

Goa

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s Tourism Fest India Travel Mart Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s B2B Roadshow Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s B2B Roadshow Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s B2B Roadshow Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s B2B Roadshow Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s B2B Roadshow TAAI Annual Convention Canadian Tourism Commission’s Workshop India Travel Mart

INTERNATIONAL 1-4 2-5 4

Manila France Australia

5-8 6-8

Turkey China

OTOAI Convention International Luxury Travel Market Tourism Australia’s Dreamtime 2013 Travel and Tourism Fair Chengdu International Travel Fair

JANUARY-2014 NATIONAL 3-5 8-14 10-12 13

Bengaluru Thrissur Chennai Kolkata

14

Delhi

15

Chennai

16-18

Mumbai

17

Mumbai

17-19 20

Cochin Kolkata

21

Delhi

24-26 24-26

Kolkata Nagpur

23

Mumbai

28

Mumbai

Travel & Tourism Fair Thrissurperuma 2014 Travel & Tourism Fair Queensland Tourism’s B2B Workshop Queensland Tourism’s B2B Workshop Queensland Tourism’s B2B Workshop India International Travel & Tourism Exhibition Queensland Tourism’s B2B Workshop India International Travel Mart Cochin South African Tourism’s B2B Roadshow South African Tourism’s B2B Roadshow India International Travel Mart India International Travel Exhibition Nagpur South African Tourism’s B2B Roadshow Visit Britain’s Trade Mission

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

All bright hopes for next year Ashley Monteiro, Managing Director, Pathfinders Destinations, is optimistic of business growing in volumes in 2014. He talks to about the emerging travel trends in the industry...

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The market is sluggish in major travel markets like Mumbai and Delhi and whatever business is being confirmed is even more price sensitive than before.

The B and C category cities and towns are not as adversely affected and yields are better from these areas.

N

The market especially in B and C category cities and towns is becoming more efficient and is using Technology platforms and is preferring these to the traditional email channels.

How has 2013 been compared to 2012 for the Indian travel industry?

The Indian market is in recession and generally the mood is sombre. However, Pathfinders through strategic expansion of markets have clocked an impressive growth of 100% in 2013 over 2012 on a large sales base. The market in Thailand and South East Asia seems to have made a shift from packaged Group Tours to FIT and that shift was evident from the summer of 2013. We have been planning towards this shift from 2008 onwards and it is good to catch a wave before others even know of its existence.

Additionally, Pathfinders is a pure B2B play that has evolved to become a 3-in-1 seamlessly integrated business model. It has destination management companies (DMC), a wholesaling arm and a proprietary technology platform. This is a unique combination that is focussed on purely the business-tobusiness segment of the travel market. Also having organically grown from the DMC end of the business, the focus and perspectives on the business are geared to unlock value for a massive client base of small to medium-sized travel agents and tour operators sub-continent wide.

What are the significant travel trends you are currently seeing in the industry?

N

as consumers have tasted the online experience and realise that while it is all right to buy just vanilla hotels or airtickets, for bigger ticket items and larger value packages, it is more trustworthy to go to your travel agent. So it is the travel agent who has to use B2B online channels to give his customer an efficient and appropriate response.

N

Indian travel agents will use their smart phones (as prices fall) to book travel. This means that developing an app if you do not have one should be given top priority. Social media will acquire more importance in the B2B scheme of things as your customers tweet from their seats and hotel beds.

We have invested heavily in technology and our Dynamic Packaging

N

As the Indian economy stumbles and bumbles on without direction for the first half of the year, business will be hard to come by. Whatever comes will be price sensitive. The rich will therefore take plenty of expensive holidays so luxury travel will flourish in the first half of the year. The second half of the year will be a better one for the middle class and package tour market after the national elections.

N

Relaxed visa programmes by several Governments will open up more destinations to Indians.

N

Budget airlines in India will see a surge of domestic travel. This will result in hotel prices going up in popular cities and resorts. This will fuel a surge in travel to Thailand.

N

I see travel agents pan India doing more business at better margins and more professionalism all around.

The end consumer appears to be shifting back from using online travel companies to booking with brick and mortar travel agents for larger value tickets.

Online package penetration has peaked for now.

What will be the impact of technology on the Indian travel industry going forward?

As margins get squeezed and human resource becomes dearer, travel agents have no option but to work smarter and more efficiently if they are to prosper and grow.

Technology will be a corner stone in the new travel landscape. Many travel agents are supplementing their GDS with online systems from GTA, Hotelbeds, Pathfinders, DOTW and are shopping around for the cheapest hotel rates. Travel agents are here to stay and this is becoming more clear

Ashley Monteiro Managing Director Pathfinders Destinations

System (DPS) is an online answer to packages. The Pathfinders DPS is a new revolutionary technology that is going to change the lives of travel agents forever. DMCs the world over will have to jump onto the technology bandwagon or disappear into oblivion as suppliers and end consumer cut the links in the supply chain.

What will be the top 5 travel trends in India in 2014?

India a priority market for Asiana Asiana Airlines presently operates three flights a week that connects Delhi to Seoul and is keen to enhance its footprint in India…

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he Seoul-based Asiana Airlines is bullish on the Indian market and is thrilled about the prospects of increasing flights into India and connect more cities. As per Kwang Ho Kim, Regional Manager, Asiana Airlines, “We hope that there are bilateral relations between the two countries. Fortunately, the heads of both the countries do meet regularly and are keen to enhance bilateral co-operation in strategic areas.”

“We presently operate three flights in a week that connects Delhi-Seoul.

India is a priority market and we are inclined to enhance our frequency that shall cover more Indian cities.

If, there is an option, I would recommend connections to Chennai and Bengaluru,” he added.

Going forward, Kim will also like to see more MICE and holiday movement from India. “We have dedicated holiday and MICE division at our headquarters. I think, in times to come, there will be

“Presently, we are doing reasonably well and are happy to work with all travel agents in India. In fact, we offer 5 per cent commissions to our travel agents, along with PLBs on basis of volumes generated. Being a member of Star Alliance also helps,” he added.

Kwang Ho Kim Regional Manager Asiana Airlines

more Indian holidaymakers using our services. Also, there will be opportunities to cater to the MICE movements,” said Kim.

Special Care O Asiana Airlines has a dedicated holiday and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) division at its headquarters.

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Customer service: The road to success Sucheta Nagpal, Director & CEO, TravStarz Holiday & Destinations, says that her company is all set to launch its online B2B travel portal towards the end of this ďŹ nancial year.

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What is unique about the services offered by TravStarz Holiday & Destinations?

Travstarz is now five years old and our core business has been consolidation and wholesale. Whether it is query turnaround time, which we have maintained at less than 1 hour for 95% of the queries, or whether it is providing after-sale service not only to our sub-agents but also to the travellers, even at odd hours in time of need, we have always delivered to the best of our abilities.

Q

What is your key focus segment in the travel domain?

Travstarz had been conceptualised as a Consolidator and a DMC and our target segment has always been travel agents, tour operators, MICE operators and certain direct corporate clients. We provide all solutions like FIT packages, leisure group pack-

The portal will be a one-stop solution for all travel needs, including flights, hotels, sightseeing tours and will have over 200,000 hotels worldwide to choose from ages, customised holiday packages and MICE group packages to our clients. Since I come with an experience of over 10 years in the Hotels & MICE Industry, we now handle over 10,000 passengers per year in the MICE segment alone, besides our leisure group movements. We are now looking at promoting offbeat destinations and luxury properties along with unique experiences for the niche travel segment. We are now the whole-sellers for Marriott Hotels Worldwide and promote many of their high-end JW Marriot brand properties.

Q

Has rupee depreciation affected business?

With the depreciating rupee, there has been a rise in costs of foreign travels and that has surely affected the business sentiment for outbound travel. However, it has not deterred regular trav-

ellers from travelling abroad.

At most, it has affected the way these travellers used to travel, so maybe some people will settle for a decent 4-star property to stay at rather than a 5-star. But they have not cancelled their travel plans altogether. However, the segments that been hard

hit by the rupee are the corporate companies for their regular Incentive Movement and Conferences and the student segment. However, despite the slump, we have registered a steady growth of over 30% on Y-o-Y basis.

Q

What are your future plans?

Travstarz is soon launching its own Online B2B Travel Portal. We are expected to launch the same towards the end of this financial year.

The portal will be a one-stop solution for all travel needs, including flights, hotels, sight-seeing tours and will have over 200,000 hotels

worldwide to choose from. We are incorporating innovative features for our registered users. Besides this we shall be concentrating on developing the luxury segment and promote unique experiences to travellers, like the FIFA World Cup at Brazil that we have been promoting.

Sucheta Nagpal Director & CEO TravStarz Holiday & Destinations

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New tinge to entertainment@KOD With world-class offerings that could be compared with the best in the world in the field of entertainment, the Kingdom of Dreams (KOD) is increasingly being included as a must-see and must-visit destination in the travel itineraries.

Middle East and the US. Generally, these events always give an opportunity to extend the product exposure to key custodians of trade, especially to the FTOs and travel agents based out of Delhi and enhance the brand recall,” he reveals.

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he Kingdom of Dreams (KOD) in Gurgaon is a destination in itself which is capturing the imagination of the world. According to Viraf Sarkari, Director, Kingdom of Dreams, KOD receives on average over 50,000 visitors a month. “We are expecting it to cross one million visitors by the year-end of 2013,” he says optimistically. On whether the advent of such parks has helped to package tourism products better, especially for a city such as Delhi, Sarkari feels,

“KOD offers world-class entertainment in a format which entertains, educates and promotes the culture of India.

As KOD product offerings compare with the best in the world in the field of entertainment, the location

is increasingly being included as a must-see and must-visit destination in the travel itineraries.”

Talking about the importance of travel trade, he says, “Since KOD appeals to a variety of segments, it is extremely important the travel trade community should extend all possible support to it. As an organisation and a destination, we are very committed to this segment. We are also

appointing international representatives in key international markets for a better market penetration to increase international travel traffic towards KOD.” To boost its portfolio, KOD has been tying up with several trade associations as well.

“For example- during the PATA Mart in New Delhi in 2011, we extended a special rate of INR 1100/- to LPTI and they invited FTOs from UK, Europe, South Africa,

There are many new and exciting projects on the anvil at KOD. “We are working to bringing in new shows from across the world that has not been accessible to Indian audiences previously, for instance the just concluded Legend of Kung Fu which has performed more than 5,000 shows across the world. The possibilities for expanding the entertainment facilities at the existing KOD are many.

We will be launching Showshaa theatre which will offer a bouquet of theatrical experiences. We are also launching another KOD in Mumbai. This will be spread over nearly 250 acres of land,” he reveals.

‘India should raise UK visa bond issue with Prince Charles’ Associated The Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has said it wants the controversial GBP 3,000 visa bond scheme for Indians visiting the UK to be abandoned, and that the government should raise the issue with Prince Charles during his visit to India next month. “We want the controversial visa bond policy, by which visitors to the UK from six Commonwealth countries including India will be required to furnish a bond for GBP 3,000 for a sixmonth visa, to be abandoned,” ASSOCHAM said.

Last week, George

Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, UK unveiled a liberal visa policy for citizens of China visiting Britain in a bid to woo Chinese investment.

Pointing out that there was no merit in the argument that visa bond policy would be implemented on pilot basis for so-called ‘high-risk visitors’, ASSOCHAM said, “It is bound to be misused and create confusion.

In fact, India should make it clear to British authorities that the move would even be challenged in the World Trade Organisation as it impairs fair international trade.”

“As its economic clout

increases, India must seek a treatment from the UK which is no less different and inferior to the one meted out to China,” the Chamber said.

“Several Indian companies, notably the Tatas, have invested billions of dollars in Britain creating and saving jobs in that country,” ASSOCHAM pointed out.

day visit to India next month on their way to Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This will be the royal couple’s third official visit to India together.

The trip, from November 6 to 14, will take them to Dehradun, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kochi.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla ParkerBowles will make a nine-

Air Arabia increases flights to Nagpur Air Arabia announced that from October 29; the airline will increase the frequency of flights from Nagpur to the UAE to four times a week.

Flights will depart from Nagpur on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 4:50 (local time) to arrive in Sharjah at 6:50 (local time). Flights will depart from Sharjah on

Adel Ali Group Chief Executive Officer Air Arabia

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 23:10 (local

time) to arrive in Nagpur at 4:10 (local time). “This move highlights the growing importance of Nagpur as an integral market for Air Arabia’s operations”, said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “Being the first international airline to fly to Nagpur, we aim to maintain a steady expansion and offer better connectivity to our

passengers to the UAE.” The other destinations Air Arabia serves in India are Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Delhi and Goa. Air Arabia now offers over 112 flights a week from 13 destinations in India to UAE.

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CLIPBOARD

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MOVEMENTS

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TUI India

Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad

The Suryaa, New Delhi

New Delhi

Ahmedabad

New Delhi

Vishal Sinha has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of TUI India. He has over 19 years of experience in the airline and travel sector. Sinha, in his role as COO of TUI India, is responsible for setting the strategic direction as well as developing and delivering business growth for TUI in India. Sinha started his career with British Airways in India as a management trainee and in his tenure with the company, rose to his last rank of General Manager for the Japan & Korea region.

Gaurav Singh has been appointed as the General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad. A hotelier with an experience of over 14 years, Singh started his career in 1999 as a management trainee at ITC Hotels, Delhi. Prior to joining Marriott International, Singh served as the Resident Manager of the Leela Kempinski, Mumbai since 2011. He was also the officiating General Manager of the hotel for almost a year.

Pankaj Mathur has recently been appointed as the General Manager of the The Suryaa, New Delhi. Mathur comes with an experience of over two decades and has worked with international hotel chains like Starwood, Hyatt, Marriott, Oberois, Taj and ITC Welcomgroup. He will be responsible for enhancing the image of the organisation through directing the operations of the business with focus on repositioning The Suryaa as singularly the main choice among the leading hotels of New Delhi.

Sarovar Hotels

Park Inn by Radisson Gurgaon Bilaspur

Mumbai Anil Verma has been appointed as the Vice President – Sales of Sarovar Hotels. With over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings with him knowledge and skills in diverse areas of both corporate and leisure business. Verma has previously worked with Jaypee Hotels, The Grand, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and his last assignment was as Director – Sales & Marketing with JHM Interstate Hotels India. He will conceptualise and implement sales strategies; both at the corporate and regional level.

Akash Roy Saigal has been appointed as the General Manager for Park Inn

by Radisson Gurgaon Bilaspur. A management graduate, Saigal bring 13 years of hospitality experience to the table, three of them as the General Manager at The Palms Town and Country Club, Gurgaon.

He has also worked for reputed hotel chains such as IHG, Fortune Park Hotels, and Uppal’s Orchid Hotel.

Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

Hive Panipat Panipat

Bengaluru Debanjan Kundu has recently been appointed as the Director Sales & Marketing at the Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway.

He has over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Sheraton Bangalore as Director Sales, he was the Director of Sales at Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, and has been associated with Starwood since March 2011.

Debanjan has worked in the Ista, Bangalore and The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata in the sales department.

Tarun Gupta has been appointed as the Director-Sales and Marketing at the The Suryaa, New Delhi. He has Business Management specialisation in Marketing & Sales from IILM. In the past, he has been responsible for establishing and directing the marketing and sales activities for various organisations along with handling their advertising and public relations. Prior to this, Gupta has been the Director of Sales and Marketing at Crowne Plaza Okhla, Shangri-La’s Eros, New Delhi, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson and Associate Director Of Sales at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.

Gurgaon

Vijayan Gangadharan has recently been appointed as the Executive Assistant Manager at the Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway. With over 22 years of experience, Gangadharan has proved his proficiency in corporate communications, budgeting, marketing collateral and public relations, among others. Prior to joining Sheraton Bangalore, he worked in the Grand Hyatt Mumbai for more than 10 years, before which he served as F&B Manager for three years at The Regent Mumbai (now Taj Lands End).

Vikas Sharma has been appointed as the General Manager of Hive Panipat, managed and marketed by Tux Hospitality, the Hotel Management, Operations and Marketing Company of Shipra Group. Sharma is a professional with over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry. A graduate in Hotel Management from Presidency College, Bangalore; Sharma has worked as the Corporate General Manager of Amalgam Management Solution; General Manager of ‘The Grand Pearl’ Hotel and Hotel JBL.

Medha Sampat, Founder, Knack Marketing is a complete fitness freak. Staying healthy is Sampat’s

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: Peden Doma Bhutia, Megha Paul & Vivek Sethi

SM Shervani, FHRAI, President loves watching movies. “I am not much of a reader now but I love movies and politics. Cricket used to be my favourite sport during school and college days but I do not play it now.” A complete foodie, Shervani loves eating out. “I am experimental when I dine out. I indulge in Italian, Mediterranean, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese food when I try out new restaurants. I never order Indian food, especially North Indian food, outside my home. I have always felt the best Indian food is cooked in my home only,” he chuckles. A doting father, Shervani likes spending time with his son and daughter. “I can only speak to my son on phone these days as he is off to Switzerland to do his hospitality course at Les Roches. My daughter is here and assists me frequently.” He is also extremely passionate about politics and is contesting the Lok Sabha elections next year.

mantra for good living. "I do my bit to stay healthy and fit everyday. In the morning, I hit the gym and when I have time in the evening, I walk a long distance." Sampat also likes to spend time with her family as that is what gets her rejuvenated. “I am an avid movie watcher, too.

In the recent times, Argo has been my best bet. The one movie which I can watch over and over again is Invictus. My preference for actors, however, changes time and again. Currently I like watching Robert Downey Jr,” she says. Sampat’s loves going to Sydney for holidaying.

“In India, I love heading to Rajasthan. It just gives me a royal feeling,” she chuckles.

Sucheta Nagpal, Director & CEO, Travstarz Holiday & Destinations, spends a lot of time with her children. “My son is 12 years old and my daughter just turned eight. Thus, it is a madhouse in the family all the time and obviously good fun.” Nagpal likes reading books and playing basketball. “In my free time, I also do yoga and meditation.” Being a shopaholic, Nagpal can often be spotted at Delhi’s Emporio Mall and Mumbai’s Lokhandwala. Music is an all-time therapy for relaxation and Jagjit Singh is her favourite singer. “I swear by the idiot box as well. I never forget to watch Comedy Nights with Kapil,” she adds.

Kwang Ho Kim, Regional Manager, Asiana Airlines, has been in India for over a year. He lives here with his wife and a daughter, who studies in 11th grade. He likes Golf, which he says gets him to meet more friends from his country and also network with senior officials of other companies.

He finds Indian movies very interesting that combine drama, songs and everything into one package. Kim is a little disappointed with the limited number of Korean restaurants, however, he has gradually started liking Chicken Tikka and many other Indian specialties.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST-2013:TT Layout 11/1/2013 11:17 AM Page 101

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST-2013:TT Layout 11/1/2013 11:17 AM Page 102

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:30-10-2013

HIGHLIGHT

‘Multiple taxes curb growth’ In a tete-a-tete with , newly-elected FHRAI President SM Shervani talks about laying greater emphasis on forging innovative Public-Private Partnerships to address a wide range of complex challenges confronting the sector, in particular alleviating infrastructure bottlenecks.

M E G H A PAU L

T

he Indian hospitality and tourism sector today faces unprecedented opportunities as well as some

equally serious challenges.

Thus, it becomes detrimental for the Association to pinpoint some issues and work towards them, says Shervani.

Regulatory issues such as

taxes beyond 7-10 per cent.

They obviously get three to four

times the foreign tourists India receives. There is some lesson in it. You can either have 20 per cent taxes and get six million FTAs or you can have ten per cent taxes and get 12 million inbound. This also discourages discretionary spending by domestic tourists as well. Thus, regulatory issues such as multiple taxation that are adversely impacting India’s hospitality and tourism sector will be taken up this year.

Budget hotels on FHRAI radar FHRAI’s second key strategic priority will be to articulate and reflect the concerns and aspirations of small and medium entrepreneurs, whose vision is the future growth engine of the industry. The midsegment or the budget hotels will get volumes and make India competitive.

This is where the future lies. Also, hotels need to be built in the heart of the cities. For example—I feel the MCD should move out of the beautiful Town Hall in Delhi. The monument should be given to a small hotel owner who can

et and mid-market hotels.

The association will also look at increasing membership across all the four regions of the country. Below are the excerpts.

Going regional for membership

New agenda The primary concern that we would take up is the hurdle of multiple taxation. We have 22-24 per cent taxation on hotels and 18-20 per cent taxes on F&B. We get around six million FTAs in India. Even our neighbouring countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand don’t have

multiple taxation that are adversely impacting India’s hospitality and tourism sector will be taken up this year.

FHRAI will concentrate on improving standards of budg-

revive the structure. This way, so many monuments can be restored as well.

Our membership comes from our four regions. At the moment, FHRAI has over 3,800 members. This is not good enough, considering the fact that the hotel industry has grown a lot in the last 10 years. We

need to focus on regional activities and make the regional bodies more proactive. The West and North have been more active in terms of member numbers. However, even East and South are now picking up.

Speed-breakers in the industry There has been an economic slowdown globally. The first casualty is always the hospitality industry. We need to gear ourselves to cut costs and let the times tide over.

Also, it is wrong to say the rupee slowdown makes India cheaper and attractive.

To an extent, yes the country does become cheaper. But if there is a

slowdown, we would not get too many foreign tourists. Also, our imports become costlier. Our F&B costs have already increased along with electricity, water bills and soaring fuel costs. In addition, we have an anomalous situation existing in many states wherein luxury tax is charged on published room rates and not actual tariff. Conceptually, the proposed GST regime has the potential to alleviate a majority of the industry’s concerns with regard to taxation. FHRAI will constructively engage with the Central and State Governments at the highest level, so that this ambitious and progressive initiative results in a transparent and streamlined tax system.

SM Shervani President, FHRAI