in this issue VOL. 4
6
NO. 7
APRIL 2011
UN to promote tourism for development
Tourism has been identified by more than half of the world’s poorest countries as an effective means to take part in the global economy and reduce poverty
10 The Leela Group unveils India’s most awaited hotel A majestic palace designed in the architectural style of Lutyens’ Delhi, The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, is now open to welcome guests.
10 Increase in skilled manpower in hospitality sector sought
P 8-9
Union Tourism Minister,Subodh Kant Sahay has said that as part of its initiative to bridge the skilled manpower gap in the hospitality sector, the Ministry of Tourism is being geared up to increase the annual output of skilled manpower.
20 TAT conducts road shows in Mumbai, Chennai Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has conducted the “Amazing Thailand Roadshow 2011” in the cities of Mumbai and Chennai as part of its overall tourism promotional marketing strategy.
23 ATF 2012 TRAVEX receives more
24 Call for enhanced focus on rural
P 30
P 18
early registrations
Woman of the Month
Ten Questions
tourism
27 Venetian-Kingfisher partnership enhances Indian visitor experience
33 Shamlaji, a picturesque pilgrimage site
35 Marvellous citadel symbolic of valor 37 Kerala, UNESCO join hands to rediscover ‘Spice Route’ 4
16
LUBAINA SHEERAZI
MAHESH T S
P 12
P 14
As I Travel Photo: Children with lanterns outside the cathedral in Erfurt, Thuringia in Germany. Photo: Barbara Neumann Courtesy: Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
EDITOR’S NOTE
W
hen the winner of The New Frontiers Award 2011 will be announced on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market 2011, it will reiterate the role tourism can play in helping a nation or community or region in the hour of need. The New Frontiers Award has been designed to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity and helping the chosen destination. The nominees for 2011 awards have suffered either floods or earthquakes in the past year: Australia is still reeling from the aftermath of a tropical cyclone, swollen riverbanks and consequent flooding. In Haiti, efforts to rebuild the Caribbean country after the earthquake early in 2010 are still ongoing, with many of the 1.6 million residents made homeless still awaiting re- housing. In Chile, the February 2010 earthquake that struck off the coast affected 80 per cent of the population. But it was the tsunami that followed was more destructive. Annual floods in Pakistan turned into raging torrents in 2010 with heavy summer monsoon rains contributing to the deaths of 2,000 people, destruction of property, livelihoods and infrastructure affecting 20 million and with one-fifth of Pakistan's total land area submerged at one point. It is also heartening to note that, another country, Iraq, which is going through difficult times will make its ATM debut this time. The country is seeing significant renewed investment worth billions of dollars in tourism infrastructure, while increasing air links have helped fuel business travel to the country. Tourism has been identified by more than half of the world’s poorest countries as an effective means to take part in the global economy and reduce poverty. That is why UNWTO has come together with seven UN agencies to boost tourism as an instrument for development. Tourism, designed and executed in a responsible and sustainable manner, is the future.
G. BIJU KRISHNAN Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com +91 9447555222 ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
Editor & Publisher Group Editor Chief Executive Of ficer Executive Editor Photo Editor Art Editor Senior Sub Editor Editorial Team
: : : : : : : :
Director (Marketing) Financial Advisor Legal Advisor Regional Head-North GM -Tamil Nadu Senior Manager -Marketing
: : : : : :
G. Biju Krishnan G. Gopakumar* M. P. Sreekumar Lerbin T. K. Retheesh Kariyam Anil Kumar R. Krishnadas P. R. Parameswaran Lekshmi P., Smitha R. Vinu V. Nair Jayachandran S. Adv. G.S. Prakash V. Narayanan P. Deenadayalu Shaini B. J.
UK: Abdul Najeeb UAE: Sanjeev S. L. Kuwait: Mariam Titus New Delhi: V. Narayanan Mumbai: Mahesh Nair Bengaluru: Sandeep Viswanath Kolkata: Sobha Joshi Chennai: Nisha J. Coimbatore: Shree K. Hyderabad: K.S. Johnson Indore: Manohar Bhati Madurai: P. Deenadayalu Ernakulam: M. P. Sreekumar Thiruvananthapuram: Shaini B. J.
Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel:
0044-7769940391 00971 508914709 00965 6638670 +91 9810116780 +91 9702493708 +91 9845179243 +91 9477406768 +91 9841008588 +91 9677769919 +91 9441236010 +91 9893559563 +91 9843129535 +91 9447118694 +91 9745444144
Administration Jaya Rajeshwari, Soniya S., Sunil Kumar R. All Communications to: Media Steps India, TC-27/1741, PERA-66, Vanchiyoor PO, Thiruvananthapuram–695 035, Kerala State, South India. Tel: +91-471-2574411, 09447 555 222 info@mediastepsindia.com, w ww.mediastepsindia.com New Delhi Media Steps India, C-4/9 Sahyadri Apartments, Plot No. 5, Sector-12, Dwaraka, New Delhi-110 075. Tel.: +91 9810116780 Mumbai Media Steps India Unit 9 & 10, Sardar Pratap Singh Industrial Estate No. 2, LBS Marg, Bhandup West, Mumbai-400078, India, Tel.: +91 22 32499989 Hyderabad Media Steps India, # B-305 & 309, Vasudha Apartments, Quthbullapur Road, New Jeedimetla, Hyderabad-500 055, AP, India Tel.: +91 40 23080750, +91 40 23176966, +91 40 23176996, Fax: +91 40 27535260 Chennai Media Steps India, 6/4, Sangeetha Gardens, 19th Street Ex t, Jai Nagar, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106. Tel: +91 44 42640531 Coimbatore Media Steps India, 164/122, Justice Sathyadev Enclave, Race Course, Coimbatore-641018 Tel: +91 422 2234120 Regd. Of fice: Media Steps India, TC-27/1915, MBRRA 70, Mathrubhoomi Rd., Thiruvananthapuram–695 001, Kerala State, South India. Edited, Printed & Published by G. Biju Krishnan and Printed at M/s. Safire Of fset Printers, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu for Cristal Printers, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, South India. Reg No.: KERENG 01910/11/1/2006-TC New Reg No.: KERENG / 2007 / 28719 RNI Reg. No.: 101276 The news items and Advertisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable. Readers are however requested to verif y the facts before making business decisions using the same. No par t of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2009 *Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act
5
OVERVIEW
UN to promote tourism for development Tourism has been identified by more than half of the world’s poorest countries as an effective means to take part in the global economy and reduce poverty.
T
o maximize tourism’s role in
tourism in the development
assistance and support to
helping countries reach
agenda and maximize this
developing countries.
their development goals,
potential, UNWTO has come
One of the first activities of the
UNWTO has come together with
together with seven UN agencies
Committee will be the holding of a
seven UN agencies and
and programmes – the
Special Tourism Event at the
programmes to boost tourism as
International Labour Organization
Fourth UN Conference on Least
an instrument for development.
(ILO), International Trade Centre
Developed Countries (LDC-IV) to
(ITC), UN Conference on Trade
be celebrated in Istanbul, Turkey,
major, if not the main, source of
and Development (UNCTAD), UN
10 May 2011.
growth, employment, income and
Development Programme (UNDP),
revenue for many of the world’s
UN Industrial Development
for Sustainable Development and
developing countries. The sector
Organization (UNIDO), UN
Poverty Reduction’, will set the
is currently the first or second
Educational, Scientific and
scene for a new international
source of export earnings in 20 of
Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
framework for development
the 48 Least Developed Countries
and the World Trade Organization
through tourism, providing the
(LDCs) and is demonstrating
(WTO) – to create the UN Steering
opportunity for LDCs, UN
steady growth in at least 10
Committee on Tourism for
agencies and key players of donor
others. As such, tourism has
Development (SCTD).
countries and other institutions to
Tourism is increasingly a
become one of the main engines
By harnessing the strengths
The event, ‘Promoting Tourism
find ways to foster tourism for
of socioeconomic progress for
and expertise of each agency and
development and create
many countries and a
creating synergies between UN
mechanisms for LDCs as they
development priority for a majority
organizations, the Committee will
seek to combat poverty, diversify
of the LDCs.
deliver more coordinated,
their economies and pursue
effective and efficient technical
inclusive growth strategies.
In order to better position
Haiti, Australia, Pakistan and Chile nominated for The New Frontiers Award
A
rabian Travel Market, the
by donating exhibition space at
still maintaining a dedicated
session later the same day
leading travel exhibition in
the show to the value of
session for consumers. The 2011
between 3 and 9 in the evening.
the Middle East, has
USD10,000.
show which takes place at the
ATM 2010 has more than 2,236
Dubai International Convention
exhibitors from 65 countries and
released the names of
Making the shortlist for 2011
destinations
are Haiti, Australia,
and Exhibition Centre will have an
attracted more than 22,000
nominated for this
Pakistan and Chile,
extra day of business on Thursday
visitors and is expecting a better
year’s New
all of which
followed by a dedicated consumer
show this time.
Frontiers Award,
suffered
the results of
devastating natural
which will be
catastrophes
revealed at a special ceremony on
during the past year, according to
the opening day of this year’s
Mark Walsh, Group Exhibitions
event in Dubai which will be held
Director, Arabian Travel Market –
from May 2 to 5.
Reed Travel Exhibitions. “This is
Launched in 2005 by Arabian
our way of helping them to help
Travel Market, The New Frontiers
themselves in their time of need,
Award has been designed to
assisting in the creation of
recognise outstanding
necessary positive publicity and a
contributions to tourism
welcoming image in the
development in the face of
international spotlight,” he said.
overwhelming adversity, helping
The 18th edition of Arabian
the chosen destination with an
Travel Market will have an
exceptional marketing opportunity
additional day of business, while
6
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
DESTINATION
Chiang Mai
Cultural capital of Thailand
I
f you are one of those people who think Thailand is all about Bangkok, Pattaya, beaches and shopping with a lot of Thai food, Chiang Mai will pleasantly surprise you. This Northern Province, which is considered the cultural capital of Thailand, has a lot to offer to the discerning traveller. Located 700 km north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains of Thailand, Chiang Mai is on river Ping, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. Tourist attractions in this charming and laidback 700-year-old town include sightseeing, trekking, soft adventure, shopping, spas and mountain resorts. Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai, the city of Chiang Mai (meaning ‘new city’) succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. The city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall, since nearby Burma was a constant threat. The remains of this moat and wall are still there to be seen. With the decline of the Lanna kingdom, the city lost importance and was often occupied either by the Burmese or Thais. Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774 and then slowly grew in cultural, trading and economic importance to its current status as the unofficial capital of northern Thailand, second in importance only to Bangkok. Chiang Mai has over 300 Budhist temples (called ‘wat’ in Thai). Wat Prathat Doi Suithep is the most important and revered Budhist temple and is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai on a mountain top. The temple grounds that perch on the mountain ledge provide an impressive view of the city of Chiang Mai. The journey to the temple through the winding road, which passes a couple of water falls, through teak plantations, is an experience in itself. One has to climb 300 steps to reach the temple. But most people prefer the electric tram. The temple complex which has golden chedi and marble-floored courtyard, is full of symbolism and is usually busy. The
8
temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first chedi was built. According to legend the location of the temple was selected by a raoming elephant which was carrying a relic of Lord Budha. The elephant was said to have stopped here, trumpeted, walked in circles, laid down and died. A large statue of that elephant is there at the courtyard. Over time the temple has expanded, and been made to look more extravagant with many more holy shrines added. Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, houses two important and venerated Budha figures, the marble Phra Sila and the crystal Phra Satang Man. Wat Phra Singh which is located within the city walls offers an example of classic northern Thai style architecture. Wat Chedi Luang was founded in 1401. An earthquake damaged the chedi in the 16th century and only two-thirds of it remains now. Wat Chet Yot, located on the outskirts of the city and built in 1455 hosted the Eighth World Budhist Council in 1977. Wat U-Mong is a forest and cave wat in the foothills in the west of the city, near Chiang Mai University. Wat UMong is known for its fasting Buddha, representing the Budha at the end of his long and fruitless fasting period before he gained enlightenment. Wat RamPoeng near Wat U-Mong, is known for its meditation center where they teach the traditional vipassana technique. Wat RamPoeng houses the largest collection of Tipitaka, the complete Theravada canon, in several Northern dialects. Wat Suan Dok is a 14th century temple located just west of the old city-wall. There are many chedis which contain the ashes of the old rulers of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai hosts many Thai festivals. One of the most popular festivals is Songkran which is held in mid-April to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year. Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular locations to visit for this festival.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
DESTINATION
A variety of religious and fun-related activities (notably the good-natured citywide water-fight) take place each year, along with parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition. Chiang Mai is famous for its large night bazaar for arts, handicrafts, and imported products of all descriptions. There are a number of large, wellappointed modern shopping centres too. The night bazaar sprawls several city blocks along footpaths, inside buildings and temple grounds, and in open squares. A handicraft and food market opens every Sunday afternoon till late on Rachadamnoen Road and every Saturday evening a handicraft market is held along Wua Lai road, Chiang Mai’s silver street on the south-side of the city. Both these events attract many local residents and tourists. Visitors seeking bargains should visit the second hand market with lots of interesting stalls under trees across the river to the east of the city beginning at the intersection of Kaeo Nawarat and Ratanakosin Roads. The back streets and main thoroughfares of Chiang Mai have a variety of massage parlours which offer anything from quick, simple, face and foot massages, to month-long courses in the art of Thai massage. Chiang Mai has an international airport, a rail link from Bangkok, and frequent long-distance buses which connect the city to Northern Thailand destinations, as well as Bangkok. The one-hour flight from Bangkok is the most comfortable means of arriving, with budget flights serving almost every hour. Chiang Mai is easy to get around on foot. Or one can use a bicycle or moped. The public transport in Chiang Mai comprises mostly of modified pickup trucks (known in Thailand as songthaews), which are cheap and ubiquitous, although it’s more convenient to hail a tuk-tuk (a threewheeler).
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
9
INCREDIBLE INDIA
Increase in skilled manpower in hospitality sector sought
U
sector.
nion Tourism Minister,
The Tourism Minister said that
Subodh Kant Sahay has
hospitality industry needs about
said that as part of its
initiative to bridge the skilled
two lakh trained persons every
manpower gap in the hospitality
year but the supply was just about
sector, the Ministry of Tourism is
27,000 persons, which gets
being geared up to increase the
further reduced by one-third due
annual output of skilled manpower
to attrition. He said the
through its “Hunar Se Rozgar”
Government, on its part, had been
programme from 6000 to 10,000 in
actively trying to bridge the skilled
the coming year. He was speaking
manpower shortage by setting up
at a function organised in New
more govt. sponsored Institutes. However, the Minister was of
Delhi for presenting the National
the opinion that much of the
Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Education. The
The Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay gives away the National Awards for Excellence
efforts and resources for creating world class hospitality service
minister said that the endeavor would be to take this initiative to
backward regions of the country
regions get employment
would have to come from within
remote and economically
so that educated youth of these
opportunities in this expanding
the industry.
The Leela Group unveils India’s most awaited hotel
A
majestic palace designed
square-foot spa by ESPA, a
in the architectural style of
heated infinity pool on the
Lutyens’ Delhi, The Leela
rooftop, a whiskey and wine bar
Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi,
and a tea lounge making it the
is now open to welcome guests.
perfect destination for discerning
Located at the heart of the
business and leisure travellers.
prestigious Diplomatic Enclave
With its array of five
Subodh Kant Sahay, Union Minister for Tourism lights the lamp at the inauguration of The Leela Palace New Delhi. Also present are Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister, New Delhi; Veerappa Moily, Minister for Minority Affairs; Praful Patel, Minister for Heavy Industries; Captain C P Krishnan Nair, Chairman, The Leela Group; Salman Khursheed; Madhu Nair, Director – Interior Design and Operations, The Leela; Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, The Leela; Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC and Rajiv Kaul, President, The Leela
area, The Leela Palace New Delhi
superlative restaurants and
offers unparalleled luxury
lounges, guests at The Leela
combined with state-of-the-art
Palace New Delhi can choose
Chairman of The Leela Palaces,
the walls and ceilings and a gold-
technological guestroom facilities
from The Qube, housed in a
Hotels and Resorts, said, “This
leafed dome the hotel is truly a
providing guests with superlative
glasshouse which features ‘live
property will be our flagship hotel,
modern marvel. Contributing to its
services and the very best in
kitchens’ with chef preparing
setting new benchmarks for luxury
unique design, has been leading
traditional, Indian hospitality.
international cuisines, pizzas in a
in the hospitality industry in India.
architectural and interior design
The hotel exemplifies the
wood – fired oven and wok – fried
As we enter the 25th year of our
firms such as Smallwood,
splendid tradition, grace and
specialities. Indian specialities at
operations, The Leela Palace New
Reynolds, Stewart and Stewart
elegance of Lutyens’ Delhi with
the Jamavar and the iconic
Delhi is a befitting landmark in our
(SRSS) Group from Atlanta,
the serene ambience of a personal
restaurants from New York, Le
journey towards excellence.”
Georgia, USA, the key architects
palace. The 260 oversized
Cirque with French and Italian
With dazzling Murano
along with KNA, US, Design Spin
guestrooms and suites, equipped
cuisine and Megu with Japanese
chandeliers from Italy; hand-
Studio, Japan and Lim Geoffery,
with the most advanced in-room
cuisine complete the culinary
woven carpets from Turkey; an art
Singapore.
comforts, are the largest in the
choices. The Library provides a
collection valued at US$5 million;
city, with the smallest room
unique and a relaxing sitting for
majestic royal-elephants hand-
the first hotel to be designed for
measuring over 500 square feet.
discerning travellers.
carved using sandstone from
Gold LEED certification. Every
The Leela Palace New Delhi is
Qatar; miniature paintings by the
aspects of design addresses the
offerings and opulent environs,
seventh luxury hotel in India,
craftsmen of Rajasthan and bidri
need for sustainable development
the hotel also features a 6,500-
Capt. C. P. Krishnan Nair,
work from Uttar Pradesh adorning
and environment conservation.
Apart from its extravagant
10
Speaking on the launch of his
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
Q&A It was at the insistence of a friend, Lubaina Sheerazi who was pursuing a career in fashion designing joined travel and tourism industry. Now she represents Oman Tourism in India. How did you become interested in
return. Few know that Oman has a
opportunities present themselves
Travel & Tourism business? Please
rich well preserved heritage, a
in the future. Technology has
tellus about the beginning of your
beautiful coastline rich in marine
revolutionized the travel industry
career.
life, state of the art infrastructure
and it is the future. I’d like to be a
and stunning landscapes. It is a
part of it at some point.
specialisation in textiles and a
short flight from India and an ideal
Who or what has been the
diploma in fashion designing and
destination for the well travelled
greatest influence in your
even pursued it for a while. I came
Indians looking for a ‘beyond the
professional life?
upon this industry only when a
city’ experience. My job is to
friend insisted that I join her for an
educate the trade and the
helped shape the person I am
IATA programme. I took it only
consumer on the product and
today but it is largely my inner
because it was a short course, the
create high quality leisure and
strength and never say die
curriculum interested me and I
MICE traffic from India to Oman.
attitude that has seen me through
had some
What plans - immediate and long
some of my toughest moments in
free time
term - do you have in that regard?
life. Every experience, good or
I started off with a
on hand. A
Lubaina Sheerazi Representative India Oman Tourism
bad, has developed a latent force
Awareness through
job with
advertisements in mainstream and
within me and has impacted both
Galileo
trade publications, familiarisation
my professional as well as
came next
trips and online and offline
personal life.
and I took
trainings have already been put
As a woman, what were the
it up
into action. I see a major refocus
challenges you had to face in
readily
of marketing efforts from Oman’s
your professional life?
continuing
tourism industry, giving greater
to
priority to India. Speaking of long
were when I took a break in my
freelance
term, Oman is increasing their
career and returned after a few
for some
portfolio of hotels as demand
years. I realised I had to start from
designers.
during peak times exceeds supply
scratch but that didn’t deter me
From
and will broaden their base of mid
from moving on. My advice to
thereon I
range and budget hotels where
young girls is at some stage we
moved to
demand is stronger. Oman’s Royal
have to deal with the guilt of not
an airline
Opera House, a stunning marble
spending as much time at home
and two of
structure is also due for
or with family hence it is important
the largest
completion late this year. I see it
to prioritize right from the start
tour
becoming an iconic building for
and strike a balance between
operators
Oman and a world class venue for
home and career. The industry has
before
performing arts. Also construction
diversified immensely and there
taking up
on Oman’s Convention and
are so many new jobs and
the current
Exhibition centre is on track for
opportunities unlike maybe a
role.
opening in late 2013. It includes a
decade or two back. For many
What is
3000 seat plenary, exhibition
years women in this industry
your
The only challenges I faced
space of 25,000 sq m and a total
occupied frontline positions but
current role in your organization?
of 1000 rooms over four hotels. It
that has now changed to decision
This is the first time I have
will give Oman the horsepower to
making roles. The potential is
been involved in a project from
bid for international events as
immense.
the start up and this experience
never before.
What is the secret of your
beats everything I have done in
As a hospitality industry
success?
the past. Coining the name to
professional what is your
building a team and rolling out the
ambition?
accounts took up most of my time
12
I have had mentors who have
I am thrilled with what I have managed to achieve but I don’t
Most importantly Oman is a
rate it as success.
last year. Currently I am very
beautiful story, poorly told. I
What is your proudest moment
passionately building brand
would like to work towards
(till date) in your job?
‘Oman’ in the Indian market. While
changing that. Going forward,
we, Indians, claim of having seen
honestly, I haven’t set any goals
a fair bit of the world, ask them
for myself but surely this is the
anything they know about Oman,
industry I want to be in. I am open
destinations and listening to
and you may get very little in
and flexible to whatever
music.
Launching this venture. What are your hobbies? Exploring new offbeat
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
Q&A What Mahesh T S was looking for after his graduation was a career in teaching, but he ended up doing a course in Hotel Management. One thing led to the other, and he joined the hospitality sector and climbed the ladder of success. He shares his experiences. How did you come to join the hospitality sector? Coming to hospitality sector was in fact an accident as I always wanted a career in teaching. I got selected with
Mahesh T S General Manager Turtle on the Beach / Tom's Inn/Leisure Villas Kovalam, Kerala, India
14
TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) in Mumbai for the Master course in Social Work but was unable to join due to the delay in submitting my graduation results, as the academic session of Gorakhpur University was running late. One of my uncles advised me to try the hospitality sector and I did a Diploma in Hotel Management. Tell us about your career so far.
After completing the Diploma in Hotel Management I joined Oberoi (The Trident, Ahmedabad) as a steward. Later I moved to The Oberoi Bhubaneswar and then got a chance to work with The Leela Kempinski Goa. I believe the four years I spent in Leela shaped my career. I still look back on my days at Leela with gratitude. I left Leela in 2000 when I got married and had to move to Thiruvananthapuram. Here I worked with The Residency Tower and The Travancore Heritage Chowara as Food & Beverage Manager. In the mean time I got an offer to work with Villa Group of Hotels in Maldives. I moved to Maldives with Paradise Island, which is really a paradise, and worked almost three-and-half years. But the Tsunami that wreaked havoc there in 2004 forced me to return. Coming back to India I joined Estuary Island Resort as Resort Manager in 2005 and was the opening-team member. I left the organisation when an overseas assignment came my way but I had to abandon that since my parents were totally against the idea as the bad memories of Tsunami at Maldives were still fresh in their memory. Then came the assignment with Hindustan Beach Retreat Varkala as General Manager. The hotel was a lovely one with entire property facing the sea. But my real challenge came when I took up the present assignment with Thomas Hotels and Resorts’ new project Turtle on the Beach Kovalam. I enjoyed every bit of it as I was totally involved in
the various stages of the hotel’s development and the day to day activities. What one does while launching a hotel is entirely different from running a hotel. What plans do you have for the Turtle? Our prime focus is on the customer satisfaction, offer the guests a unique leisure experience, something that set us apart. Considering the fact that services are offered and not asked, it is important to provide proper training to our staff to ensure that and to understand customer anticipation and fulfill the needs, instill a sense of belonging in our guests, and create a personalized experience and passion to serve with a touch of friendliness. Increasing the market share and maximizing the revenue and by that making Turtle on the Beach as the flagship property of THR group is the aim. How important is a Hotel in developing a destination? A hotel can play an important role in developing a destination. The branding process of a destination involves complex marketing strategies, which must capture the alignment between what potential traveller desire and what the location can offer. The make-over will drive economic progress and for that needs an efficient means to create a sense of place on travellers’ map. The hotels can focus more on the local attractions, cultural influences and events, regional specialties and market it with both the brand and destination to such a level, which can boost the revenue and resulting in achieving recognition as a
ASIAN TRAVELLER
Page 15
APRIL 2011
Q&A hotelier as you never know where time will take us. travellers’ destination. What are your views on the What is the proudest moment future of the hospitality in your professional life? industry, in general? One of the great pleasures The Indian hospitality of life is doing what others say industry definitely has a you cannot do. There are a lot bright future as international to say when I look back to my investments are pouring in tenure with this industry, but like never before. The steady the one which I feel to point growth of domestic market out is that, as a General and developing new destinaManager, I was able to bring tions across the country also Turtle on the Beach to a plataugurs well for the sector. form from where it can takeDomestic travellers are off very smoothly. I always looking forward to leisure believe that the greatest travel not only in India but achievements come from the abroad too, due to the rise in biggest challenges. dispensable income levels Where would you like to see among the middle class. yourself, say, 10 years from Tell us about your family. now? I got married in 2000 to Looking back, this industry Sandhya. She is employed has presented me with a lot of with a state government happy moments, great department and we are achievements and rewards. I blessed with a son, Thanay, would like to continue with and a daughter Thanmaya. the industry as a successful What are your hobbies and Page 14
other interests? Travel is my passion. I love going for long drives and listening to music, especially old evergreen songs. I also like good food and remaining in fit. Which is your favourite destination? I have travelled to almost
all the parts of India. But besides Maldives and Sri Lanka, have not visited any other foreign countries. I like the rich culture and traditional values of our country. In my earlier days I was fond of the Northern states but now I feel Kerala is the best in all aspects.
Manju Sharma, Director – Jaypee Hotels receives the “Best Tourism Friendly Golf Course” at the National Tourism Award 2009-10 on the behalf of Jaypee Greens Golf Course, Greater Noida. Meira Kumar, Speaker, Lok Sabha, Subodh Kant Sahay, Minister for Tourism, Government of India and Priyanka Chopra, the Guest of Honour were present to do the felicitation
SYNERGIE
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
15
COLUMN
T
V DURAIKKANNAN
hink of Waterloo, think of
supposed to be ‘tall, dark-haired,
is just an invented story but a very
Napoleon! Think of
and handsome!’
nice one at that.
Napoleon, think of France!
The story or the information
The fact is that the present day Puducherry was those days a new
But where is Waterloo? Not in
unsaid, untold or unread has
France but in Belgium. How
much more to say than
history happens to record things
what is said. Just look at
not so correctly! Reason is again
the name of the stretchy
the Battle of Waterloo was not
polyurethane fabric,
Puducherry. Puducherry
fought in Waterloo but at a place
SPANDEX. It is nothing
in Tamil would mean
called Mont-Saint-Jean near
but a remake of the word
‘Pudu’ (new) and ‘Cheri’
Waterloo. In fact, Napoleon had
‘EXPANDS’, because the
(settlement). Sooner than
recorded this instance as ‘La
fabric is capable of
Bataille de Mont-Saint-Jean’ in his
expanding!Venezuela is
records. But it was the habit of
8,644 kilometers from Italy but its
enough, French is still an official
Duke of Wellington (Napoleon’s
name means the little one of the
language in this part of
adversary) to name any battle
great tourist city in Italy, Venice!
India).While transcribing the Tamil
after the place where he spent the
Venezuela means ‘Little Venice’.
name into French, the French
settlement on the shores of that part of Indian Ocean and it was called
Amerigo Vespucci
later French became the official language (quaintly
night before the day of the
The navigator Amerigo
linguistic would take on. The word
battle. Waterloo was
Vespucci was sailing
‘pudu’ in Puducherry would be
the place in question
around the country in
written as ‘poudu’ as per the
and the name came to
1499 and the stilt
stay in the annals of
houses (‘palafitos’ as
history.
they are called in Spanish) in the area of
It would do good to
Lake Maracaibo
write the history of history and even
Abel Janszoon Tasman
geography for that
reminded him of his
native town Venice which is a
matter! We have Great Britain but
floating city. He called the new
why is it called ‘Great’? Is it
found country after his place and
because the country is great, or
it was known as Venezuela.
Prahlad Kakkar
French way of writing just as
Nearer home, we have the
‘governor’ in French is spelt as
language is great? None! It is
story of Pondicherry. Pondicherry
‘gouverneur’. While writing the
called Great Britain purely for its
is now renamed Puducherry which
name as such in the running
comparative size. Because there
is in fact the original and the first
handwriting (‘cursive writing’), the
is or rather there was one more
name. It can be very well said that
small letter ‘u’ looked like the
Britain in France (called Brittany
the old name Puducherry is
small letter ‘n’ and the post office
now) and it was much smaller in
restored now. The former French
officials started reading them as
size. To differentiate one from the
colony which was transferred
‘Ponducherry’ by mistake and the
other, the London’s Britain was
back to India in 1954 even now is
name morphed into ‘Pondicherry’
called the Great Britain!
known as ‘the French Riviera of
over time
the East’ (La Côte d’Azur de l’Est).
stay. Any information, though fully
its people are great, or its
Even language and its phrases Napoleon
which again came to
furnished but not well-understood
Battle of Waterloo
or at times ill-understood could also lead to a wrong learning. The country’s name New Zealand has nothing to do with the ‘zeal’ or enthusiasm ‘newly’ found in there. It was Abel Janszoon Tasman (1603-59), the Dutch sailor (after Duke of Wellington
whom Tasmania was named) who sighted the land for the first time.
are also to be rewritten and
16
The story goes that when the
Tasman saw the land in the
freshly understood. We have this
French navy landed the shores of
middle of sea and hence called it
phrase called ‘tall, dark, and
the land, the French captain saw a
Zee-Land in Dutch which is
handsome’ describing men. But
beautiful local fisherwoman and
nothing but sea-land, an island.
dark-coloured is not always seen
asked for her name. She said her
Since there was (and still is) a
as handsome. It was the ad man
name was Pondy and so the love-
province called Zealand in the
Prahlad Kakkar who
smitten Frenchman called her
south-west of Holland, to
disambiguated the expression in
‘Pondy, Mon Cheri’ (Pondy, My
differentiate, the new find was
one of his interviews. It is
Love!) and so the name stayed. It
called New Zealand!
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
NEWSLINE
Keep destinations Korea opens visa application centre in India clean: Sahay T he hygiene and sanitary
implement the code of conduct
conditions at key tourism
for Safe and Honourable Tourism
destinations are one of the major
through the stakeholders of
areas of concern, said Union
tourism and
Tourism Minister Subodh Kant
hospitality
Sahay. State Governments have
sector in their
been requested to take the issue
respective
of hygiene with the concerned
states.
departments and local bodies to improve the sanitary conditions, said the minister. He was talking
Dr. Ramesh Subodh Kant Sahay Minister for Tourism India
Pokhriyal, Chief Minister
at the inauguration of Second
of Uttarakhand inaugurated the
Regional Conference of Tourism
conference. The States of Delhi,
Ministers of North Central States
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,
at Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand.
VISA Korea H. E. Mr. Joong-Keun Kim, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India inaugurates the Visa application centre
Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand,
T
State Governments have also
Punjab, UP, Uttarkhand and UT
of Korea to India, in New Delhi recently. VFS Global, the world’s largest
been requested to be sensitive in
of Chandigarh participated. The
and most experienced outsourcing and technology specialists for
safety issues and take all
delegates from Haryana,
diplomatic missions and governments worldwide will manage the
preventive actions wherever
Jharkhand, UP and Uttarakhand
Korea Visa Application Centre. Earlier, the Embassy of the Republic of
required. The Union Minister also
were led by the respective
Korea, New Delhi used to issue visas directly, but by adopting the
told the State Governments to
tourism ministers.
outsourcing model travelers and visa seekers will now be able to easily
he first ever Visa Application Centre of the Republic of Korea was inaugurated by Joong-Keun Kim, the Ambassador of the Republic
avail visas to the Republic of Korea, from New Delhi.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
17
MIDDLE EAST
Dubai hotels serve 8.6 million tourists in 2010
T
he Department of Tourism
capacity has also witnessed
Director-General of the DTCM,
and Commerce Marketing
growth last year. The number of
said, “This positive result despite
(DTCM), Government of
hotels and hotel apartments
the global economic situation in
Dubai, has announced that that
increased to 573 last year,
the last few years. There are
the emirate’s hotel establishments
compared to 540 in 2009. About
continuous cooperation between
hosted 8,684,387 guests in 2010,
30 new hotels opened in Dubai
the DTCM and its partners in the
an increase over 7,845,819 in
last year, raising the number of
public and private sectors in
2009. This
hotels to 382 by the end of 2010,
marketing the emirate at new
includes
up from 352 by the end of 2009. In
international markets.
including
contrast, Dubai added only three
390,255 cruise
hotel apartments to its inventory
hundreds of inward missions in
tourists in 2010,
of 188 in 2009 to 191 in 2010.
the tourism sector and the media
The total room capacity
compared to 262,740 cruise passengers. Among these,
Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DirectorGeneral of the DTCM
6,561,999 guests stayed in the emirate’s hotels last year,
“The DTCM invites every year
to promote and showcase new
witnessed growth to 70,955 rooms
projects and update their
and hotel apartments at the end of
information on tourism attractions
last year, compared to 61,487 in
of Dubai and DTCM initiatives.”
2009.
In 2010, the United Kingdom, India, Iran,
The emirates added 7,696
compared to 6,105,813 in 2009,
rooms to its hotel inventory last
Saudi Arabia
while the number of guests in
year to reach 51,115, up from
and the United
640,000 representing a growth
hotel apartments grew 17.25 per
43,419 in 2009. However, 1,772
States became
rate of 21 per cent. Further, the
cent to 1,732,133 last year,
hotel apartments were added to
the top five
profile of Indian travelers have
compared to 1,477,266 in 2009.
the capacity to 19,840 last year,
source market
also undergone a dramatic shift
for Dubai’s
with over 45 per cent of the
tourism
travelers straying in 4 and 5 star
Guestnights, that reflects the average length of stay, across all
up from 18,068 in 2009.
Carl Vaz, Director DTCM India
Tourism revenues reached industry.
types of properties increased by
Dh13,272,330,000 last year
17 per cent to 26,626,679 last
compared to Dh12,462,170,000 in
year, up from 22,846,778 million
2009, DTCM statistics show. Due
for tourism between the Dubai &
the vacation needs of the urban
in 2009. This reflects an average
to the market conditions, hotel
India, Carl Vaz, Director - DTCM
Indians by offering a world class
of about three nights stay per
rates came under pressure.
India said, “India today exhibits
quality, multi-faceted destination
exponential growth for inward
experience with desert safaris,
The bulk of this, or Dh11.28
guest.
hotels in the city”
Commenting on the potential
“Dubai, in turn has catered to
This includes 19 million
billion came from the hotels,
visitor traffic into Dubai. A large
golfing, theme parks, water
guestnights recorded by hotels
compared to Dh10.566 billion
segment of Indian visitors utilize
sports, beach resorts, snow skiing
last year, up from 16.69 million in
recorded in 2009. Revenues from
hotels and hotel apartments in the
and sea cruises on offer. Further,
2009, while hotel apartments
hotel apartments also grew
Emirate making India a top source
the safety of the Emirate of Dubai
marginally last year to Dh1.98
market. From over 529,000 Indian
and the dining options of Jain,
billion last year, up from Dh1.89
travelers in 2009 that stayed in
vegetarian, Indian and global
billion in 2009.
Dubai’s hotel and hotel
cuisine cater to every discerning
apartments, we have crossed over
Indian palate.”
recorded 7.59 million guestnights in 2010, compared to 6.14 million in 2009. The emirate’s hotel
18
Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem,
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
MARKETING
TAT conducts road shows in Mumbai, Chennai
T
ourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has successfully conducted the “Amazing Thailand Roadshow 2011” in the cities of Mumbai and Chennai as part of its overall tourism promotional marketing strategy to further boost support from the Indian travel community. Thailand retains its hold globally as a paradise for shoppers from across the four corners of the globe through a myriad of products and services matched by good quality and value for money proposition. The 25 member delegation comprising hoteliers, resorts, spa’s and tour attractions interacted with over 600 Indian travel agents and tour operators during the two city
roadshow held in Mumbai on March 23 and thereafter in Chennai on the March 25. The national air carriers - Thai International Airways and recent entrant to India, Bangkok Airways were also
20
Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand
part of the delegation meeting with the retail industry. In line with India being a key market source for holiday makers and Indian corporate incentives, the Thai delegation was led by Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Vichai Srikwan, Chairman of the Board for the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Pongsathorn Kessasamli, Executive Director for ASEAN Region, Tourism Authority of Thailand. Tomwit Jarnson, Consul General for the Royal Thai Consulate General addressed the gathering of travel professionals in Mumbai. Chanchai Charanvatnakit, Consul General for Royal Thai Consulate General in Chennai addressed the gathering in
Tomwit Jarnson, Consul General, Royal Thai Consulate General
niche segments such as golf, Bollywood, wedding and honeymooner segments through a range of activities that include joint promotions with travel trade, events sponsorship, exhibitions, study tours for wedding organizer or golf trainers, familiarization visits for travel agents and tour operators. Going forward in 2011, we will further enhance and consolidate our position in these niche segments whilst always focusing on prompting Thailand as an amazing value
Chennai. Commenting on the importance of the Indian market, Sethaphan Buddhani, Director – Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai, said “India is a very resilient and lucrative market for Thailand. Over the past few years we have seen a steady growth in the overall number of visitors to Thailand. In Pongsathorn Kessasamli, Executive Director for ASEAN Region, Tourism 2010 the total Authority of Thailand with Sethaphan Buddhani, Director – Tourism number of Authority of Thailand, Mumbai Indian visitors proposition for shopping to Thailand stood at 791,185 amongst our wide base of with a growth rate of over 28 leisure travelers.” per cent representing a share The Indian travel trade of 5 per cent of the overall members attending the event visitors to Thailand.” were also acquainted with the Buddhani further added, unique art of kite making “Our operations in India through a live demonstration centre around prompting by local Thai craftsmen who Thailand as an up market value for money proposition. displayed their unique abiliWe have successfully targeted ties in this ancient craft.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
EVENTS
ATF 2012 TRAVEX receives more early registrations
A
TF 2012 TRAVEX boasts 20 per cent more registrations from exhibitors, buyers and media as compared to the same time last year. The 2012 leisure travel trade event, showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services, have reported sales of more than 100 booths till date. Some 200 buyers and close to 85 media have also submitted their registrations early in order to
ASIAN TRAVELLER
maximise their chances of getting one of the limited hosted places available. ATF TRAVEX Secretariat believes that much of the early interest can be attributed to a successful ATF 2011 that scored high among the over 2000 attending delegates. Delegates included more than 1,000 exhibitors representing more than 400 companies from the 10 ASEAN nations, more than 440 international buyers representing 55 coun-
APRIL 2011
tries, close to 150 media from across 32 countries and more than 400 NTOs. Over 90 per cent of Buyers rated the quality of exhibitors and their business appointments as Excellent or Good, reflecting the effectiveness of ATF TRAVEX as a choice business platform. More than 90 per cent of exhibitors expect to receive orders over the next 6 to 12 months. Some 30 per cent of exhibitors estimated their
sales value to range from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000. The social and networking events at ATF will continue to offer delegates the opportunity to create new contacts within the industry in relaxed and unique settings such as the popular golf game, late night functions or the hosted luncheons and dinners. Preshow city tours and postshow tours to popular destinations in and around Manado will also be a highlight for hosted buyer and media delegates.
23
ACCOLADES
Call for enhanced focus on rural tourism
T
he Union Tourism Minister
the Ministry’s
The key for the
Subodh Kant Sahay has
development of
endeavor remains to
called for enhanced focus
tourism in future
work hand-in-hand
on rural tourism. Ministry of
would be research,
with the industry and
Tourism will carry out an audit of
collaboration,
sincere towards its
its rural
innovation, public
genuine demands
tourism
private partnership
and it would not
projects to
and sustainability,
hesitate to champion
ensure that
said the minister.
the cause of the
this important
“While culture and
industry with various
initiative is not
heritage is going to
authorities.
lost. Rural
Subodh Kant Sahay Union Tourism Minister
The Ministry of
remain as mainstay
Tourism, Government of India
added.
Tourism, while
of tourism in India, the world is
providing a varied and vivid
going to find our new products
experience, also exposes the
like wellness and medical tourism,
excellent destination for making
to various segments of the travel
visitors to different ways to live
MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
films, Sahay has called upon the
and tourism industry every year in
life. The minister was speaking at
Conventions and Exhibitions)
international film industry to take
recognition of their performances
the function organised in New
tourism, adventure and sports
advantage of beautiful locales of
in their respective fields and also
Delhi to present the National
tourism including Golf and Polo
the country. The Minister also
to encourage healthy competition
Tourism Awards for 2009-10.
very attractive”, the Minister
assured the tourism industry that
with an aim to promote tourism.
presents National Tourism Awards
Stating that India is an
4-in-a-row for Karnataka Tourism
F
or the fourth time in a row,
the state’s destinations with the
Karnataka is now part of almost
destinations now taking up
Karnataka Tourism has won
help of an anchor and is shot on
every leading tour operator/
tourism promotion in a grand
the Government of India’s
Beta Camera and involved a crew
holiday planner’s
manner. Continuous excellence is
Best Tourism Marketing award.
of 19 members. The film themed
recommendations. We are
of paramount importance and I am
The state has been able to make it
on “One State, Many Worlds” is
emerging as a force in India as far
confident that in the coming year
four in a row in the same category. Since 2002, this is the sixth such award that Karnataka Tourism has been able to notch up for its excellent quality of marketing and
the story of a young girl who sets
publicity collaterals.
out into the state exploring the
Tourism Minister G Janardhana
different facets of the state of
Reddy received the awards from
Karnataka - from heritage, to
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.
wildlife, culture and nature.
The certificate was received by K
Orange County Resorts won
Viswanatha Reddy, Director-
the award for the best
Karnataka Tourism from Union
Responsible Tourism initiatives.
Tourism Minister Subodh Kant
The resort has also recently won
Sahay. Joint Commissioner KC
the award for the best thematic
Sreeramaiah was also present.
resorts of the World Travel
Among the materials that won the award for best tourism
Awards.
Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy and Tourism Director K Viswanatha Reddy after receiving the Award from Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay. Tourism Joint Commissioner KC Sreeramaiah is also seen
“This year we held quite a lot
marketing was the new edition of
of promotional programs. We have
as inbound tourism is concerned.
too, this award will be
the Karnataka Traveller, the
met hundreds of agents, have
Karnataka is the new India
Karnataka’s. In 2010, we have
Calendar 2010 that featured
hosted 45 international writers
experience for the foreign
crossed many benchmarks and
photographs of Hampi taken in the
and producers, have launched a
traveller”, said Karnataka Tourism
have used a lot of innovative ideas
1800s and a host of foreign
world class advertising campaign,
Minister Janardhana Reddy.
and have brought out a large
language material.
a nouvelle tv commercial, a hard
“It’s a tremendous
number of world class
hitting internet campaign
achievement to keep winning
productions that have stunned
the award for the Best Destination
surrounding the cricket world cup
these awards consecutively.
people across the seas”, said
Documentary Film. The 90 minute
and a host of excellent quality
Especially, against the
Tourism Director Viswanatha
film produced in 2009 captures
collaterals like the 2011 Calendar.
background of so many
Reddy.
Karnataka Tourism also won
24
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
ACCOLADES
National Tourism Award - winners 2010 Travel Agents / Inbound Tour Operators
Adventure World (India) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
General of Tourism, Government of Uttar
Category I
Best Eco-friendly Practices by a Tour Operator
Pradesh
Kuoni Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism development
Best Overseas Tour Operator for India
Le Passage to India Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd.,
Corporation
(Europe)
New Delhi.
Tour Operator promoting Niche Segments
Kuoni Europe, Zurich, Switzerland
Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., Mumbai.
other than MICE and Adventure
Latin America : Princess Travel Operadora
Category III
Medi Connect – A unit of Indian Holidays, New
Touristica Ltd., Brazil
Tushita Travels Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Delhi
West Asia & South Africa: Bin Moosa Travel
Abercrombie & Kent India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Best Hotels
LCC, Abu Dhabi
Orient Express Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
5 Star Deluxe Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
East Asia : HIS Co. Ltd., Tokyo
Category IV
5 Star The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, Madurai
UK Region : TUI Travel P.L.C.
Holidays to Treasure India Tours Pvt. Ltd.,
4 Star Vivanta by Taj, Kumarakom
Australia Region : Adventure World, Sydney
Gurgaon
3 Star Brunton Boatyard, Kochi
Best Foreign Charter Operator for India
Travel Inn (India) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
2 Star Resorte Marinha Dourada, Goa
Pegas Touristik, Russia
Indian Legends Holidays Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
Best Heritage Hotels
Best Foreign Journalist for India
Category V
Heritage Samode Haveli, Jaipur
Mireille Josephine, France
South Tourism, Trichy
Heritage Classic Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
Best Foreign Photographer for India
India Safari & Tours Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Heritage Grand The Lalit Grand Palace,
Fredric Roberts, USA
Vasco Travel Pvt. Limited, NOIDA
Srinagar
Best Rural Tourism Project
Category VI
Best Eco Friendly Hotel ITC Grand Hotel,
Bhootgarh Rural Tourism Project, Punjab
Ancient India Travels Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Mumbai
Best Responsible Tourism Project
Worldview Tours Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Hotel providing best facilities for the
Orange County, Coorg, Karnataka
The Travel Planners, Trivandrum
differently-abled guests
Most Innovative /Unique Tourism Project
Tourist Transport Operators
Award Winner The Lalit, New Delhi
Caravan Bus by Madhya Pradesh Tourism
Category I
Special Prize Vivanta by Taj, Mumbai
Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly
Ajay Travels Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Incredible India Bed & Breakfast
Monument: Red Fort Complex, Delhi
Bakshi Transport Service Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Establishments
Best Airport : Rajiv Gandhi International
Parveen Travels (P) Ltd., Chennai
Gold Category Marv Home, Nagpur
Airport, Hyderabad
Category II
Best State / Union Territory: Tourism
Best Tourism Friendly Golf Course : Jaypee
Rajindra Bus Service (P) Ltd., New Delhi
Infrastructure and Tourism Related
Greens, NOIDA
Alwar Tourist Transport Service, New Delhi
Programmes
Best Wellness Centre : Somatheeram
Heat Travels & Tours (India) Pvt. Ltd., Siliguri
Jammu & Kashmir and North East including
Ayurvedic Hospital and Yoga Centre, Kovalam,
Domestic Tour Operators
Sikkim: Sikkim
Kerala
Promoting the Rest of India
Rest of India: Madhya Pradesh, Andhra
Best Medical Tourism facility : Apollo Health
Panicker’s Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan
City, Hyderabad
Choudhary Yatra Co. Pvt. Ltd., Nashik
Excellence in Publishing (English)
Best Tourist Friendly Railway Station: New
Rao Travels (Regd), New Delhi
Joint Winners ‘Sacred India’ by Amit Pasricha
Delhi Railway Station
Special Mention : Ministry of Tourism salutes
‘Collectors Guide to Spas of India’ by
Best Civic Management of a Tourist
Southern Travels Pvt. Ltd., New
Parineeta Sethi
Destination in India: Municipal Corporation of
Delhi for being a pioneer in promoting
Excellence in Publishing (Hindi)
Khajuraho
Domestic Tourism within the country. It also
‘Paryatan Niti : Andaman & Nicobar’ by
Best Chef of India (4 star, 5 star, 5 star
congratulates them for having won the first
Directorate of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar
Deluxe, Heritage Classic & Heritage Grand
prize during the last three financial years
Administration
category)
under the category of Best Domestic Tour
Best Tourism Film
Lifetime Achievement Award: Chef Hemant
Operators for Rest of India.
‘Karnataka’ by Karnataka Tourism
Oberoi, Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Promoting the North East Region including
Best Tourism Promotion Publicity Material by
Award Winner for 2009- 10: Chef Sujan
Sikkim
States / Union Territories
Mukherjee, Taj Bengal, Kolkata
Heat Travels & Tours (India) Pvt. Ltd., Siliguri
Joint Winners Karnataka Tourism and
Best Chef of India (1 star, 2 star, 3 star &
Promoting Jammu & Kashmir
Rajasthan Tourism
Heritage Basic category) : Chef Meril Antony
Southern Travels Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Best Tourism Promotion Publicity Material by
Aricatt, Gateway Hotel, Vijaywada
Best Adventure Tour Operator
Private Stakeholders
Best Convention Centre: Joint Winners: Lulu
Rimo Expeditions, Gurgaon
The Lalit, New Delhi for “Delhi : A Gateway to
International Convention Centre, Thrissur and
Best MICE Operator
India”
The Ashok, New Delhi
Alpcord Network (Travel & Conferences
Most innovative use of Information Technology
Atithi Devo Bhava Award : Jatender Singh
Management Company) New Delhi
/ Best Website / Portal
Jaiswal (Head Concierge), Vikrant K. Sharma,
Most Innovative Tour Operator
www.tajmahal.gov.in by the Directorate
(Tour Guide)Rangrao (Coach Driver)
26
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
ASIA PACIFIC
Venetian-Kingfisher partnership enhances Indian visitor experience to Macao
W
ith an increasing
the launch of this exciting
tailored to the practical needs of
visiting and staying with us every
number of Indian
programme, and valid until April
its various customer segments.
month, and we look forward to
guests visiting Macao
30, 2011.
We’re therefore happy to
expanding this relationship as
announce that our direct tie-in
more travellers from that country
for business, conventions and
Gunther Hatt, Executive Vice
entertainment purposes, The
discover the diversity of The
Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel has
Venetian and the city of Macao.”
announced that it will be effective
Commenting on this unique
from February 2011 – in addition
initiative, Anshu Sarin, Vice
to its existing Indian oriented
President – Guest Loyalty for
activities such as traditional
Kingfisher Holidays, Kingfisher
weddings, fashion shows and
Airlines Limited, said, “At King
Bollywood extravaganzas - it will
Club, we endeavour to launch
partner Kingfisher Airlines in its
innovative offers with unique
frequent flyer King Club program,
services that benefit our guests
whereby members can
globally. Our tie-up with The
accumulate 500 miles by staying
Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel will
in qualified rooms in The Venetian
provide King Club members with
Macao-Resort-Hotel.
the convenience of staying at a
To celebrate the debut of this
President of Operations of
with Kingfisher Airline’s King Club
luxurious property in Macao that
partnership, The Venetian Macao
Venetian Macau Limited said, “The
program means more and
offers world-class hospitality,
is offering triple mileage points
Venetian Macao prides itself on its
immediate benefits for the
while earning valuable King
during the first three months of
many innovative programs
hundreds of Indian citizens
Miles.”
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
27
EXPERIENCE
A sojourn with rain clouds Hitendranath Bhattacharya
O
Shillong Golf Course
ur flight from Kolkata touched down at Umroi airstrip of Shillong on a rainy afternoon. It was still raining
when we reached the hotel in Police Bazaar area, which is the centre of Shillong. After checking into a hotel and getting refreshed we went out to do some shopping. We used the
Shillong city centre
opportunity to gather information about the sight-seeing opportunities in and around Shillong City. We started our sight seeing trip early next morning. The Golf Course and Wards Lake impressed us with their cleanliness. Shillong Peak gave us a birds-eye-view of the city. Don Bosco Museum has a spectacular collection of the regional specialities. It took around three hours to complete our
Living Root Bridge
tour of the Museum, which has seven floors. It is a must see place to understand the region
water falls are on the other. Shella River on
Khasi and Jainti hills. Situated at Laitkynsew
easily
which the water fall is situated causes a lot of
village, the Umnnoi Living Root Bridge is a 53
difficulties to Bangladesh during rainy season
ft long. Locally known as ‘Jingkieng Deingjri’
in the form of devastating floods.
which means ‘bridge of the rubber tree,’ this
We planned to go to Cherrapunjee the next day. We hired a cab and started early in the morning. On our way we stopped at different
This region is also a butterfly-paradise.
points to enjoy the scenic beauty of the land.
Though I had travelled a lot to northern side of
Cherrapunjee was only 56 km from Shillong,
the country, I never saw such huge rabble of
bridge is remarkable in that it is more than a 100 years old. We spent some time there before returning to the Resort. Later we enjoyed a spectacular
Elephant Falls
sunset and a musical evening at the Resort. Next morning we checked out of Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort. The next destination was Barapani Orchid Lake Holiday Resort which was located near Barapani Lake. After checking in and having breakfast we went to the boating club in Barapani. Though the cost of boating was expensive it was a very interesting experience. And in the
Wards Lake
afternoon came the rain. It rained for hours but it took around three hours for us to reach our destination - Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort,
butterflies in any other place. In the afternoon we went for a short trek to
and Barapani Lake became hidden in the thick curtain of falling rain.
in Laitkynsew village near Shella border of
see the ‘Living Root Bridge’. We engaged a
Bangladesh. Cherrapunjee Holiday Resorts
local guide Ram to show us around. After
balcony and on the banks of Barapani Lake
has the distinction of being the only hotel
walking through Sohsahrat village for a
and idled away time till check-out time. The
within trekking distance of the region’s Living
kilometer we reached the bank of the river.
cab arrived at 11:30 am to drop us at Umroi
Root Bridges. The Resort overlooks the Shylet district of Bangladesh and a hilly terrain and a huge
There stood the spectacular ‘Living Root
The next morning we just sat on our
Airport. We departed from Shillong around 2
Bridge’. These bridges are made of the roots
pm (half an hour behind scheduled time) and
of trees that flourish in the lower regions of the
arrived at Kolkata Airport in the evening.
Barapani Lake
28
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
DOWN UNDER
Kangaro o Island: Me eting the real locals By Kris Madden
T
here’s nothing like driving
more than a third is protected as
resident pods of dolphins.
community, national parks
a National or Conservation Park.
‘Twitchers’ will be in heaven with
agencies and tourism industry
some 270 species of birds nesting
decided they needed to take care
for a day and hardly seeing
settlement, the Island somehow
here, including the last refuge of
of their precious treasure for the
anyone else on the road.
long-term.
Even after European managed to escape the invasion
the endangered Glossy Black
But that’s one of the first things
of pesky foxes and rabbits, and
Cockatoo, found only on KI.
you notice about Kangaroo Island
the local wildlife flourished, today
(or KI as it’s known by the locals)
far outnumbering the Island’s
Park is one of the only places in
a short hop off the South
4,400 permanent human
the world where you can wander
Australian coastline.
residents.
within metres of hundreds of rare
There are plenty of spots to
And while the Island’s
They developed TOMM
The Seal Park Conservation
Australian Sea-lions as they laze
find your own private retreat along
macropods are certainly in your
the island’s 480 kilometres of
face, the wildlife here is far more
coastline. KI is seven times larger
varied than its name suggests.
which comes from the only
than Singapore, and is a
Many of the plants and animals
remaining strain of pure Ligurian
microcosm of many Australian
are either threatened or exist
bees in the world – you can taste
landscapes – pristine bushland;
nowhere else in Australia. In the
the yummy honey flavoured ice-
white sand dunes; and
space of one day, you may well
cream at Cliffords Honey Farm or
spectacular rock formations that
come across koalas, goannas,
buy honey-related souvenirs at
plunge into the wild Southern
echidnas and maybe even a shy
the quirky Island Beehive in
(Tourism Optimisation
Ocean.
platypus.
Kingscote.
Management Model) to keep an
Half the native bushland is just
You can see Little Penguins as
on the beach. In this land of milk and honey -
eye on the impact of tourism on
There are plenty of
as it was when explorer Matthew
they waddle home after a day at
accommodation choices on the
the environment. If some aspect is
Flinders named it in 1802, and
sea, or swim with the island’s
island including eco-accredited
not healthy, TOMM suggests what
lighthouse cottages, solar
can be done to solve the problem.
powered houses and log cabins,
This Aussie home-grown model
through to the upmarket Southern
was so successful that it was
Ocean Lodge.
presented at an international
Need another reason for why it
Organisation conference, with a
icons? Well, KI has long been a
view to being copied by other
shining example of how tourism
countries. Kangaroo Island is also part of
and conservation can work
Tourism Australia’s National
together. More than a decade ago when a lot more visitors began to discover the secrets of KI, the
30
United Nations and World Tourism
is rated as one of Australia’s
Landscapes program. Article Courtesy: Tourism Australia. Photo © Tourism Australia/SATC
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
EVENTS
IT&CM China 2011 delivers additional corporate travel professionals
I
T&CM China 2011 held from April 13 to 15 at
employee incentive travel services and
Shanghai Mart Expo delivered an additional group of
to corporate training venues.
sought-after buyers – Chinese Corporate Travel
“Corporate Travel buyers are an
Professionals representing local offices of large
important group for our MICE
corporations and government institutions.
exhibitors. Their participation is also a
The 45 visiting corporate travel professionals
strong indicator of the growing
comprise of Human Resource
prevalence of business and incentive
managers, Administrative
travel among Chinese companies.”, said Cherry Ye,
managers, and key persons of
Assistant Director of MP International (Shanghai) Pte Ltd,
labour unions. Their key objectives of attending include sourcing for
co-organisers of IT&CM China. The 2011 theme of the event was “Leading China’s Next MICE Wave”. This is the 5th instalment of the international MICE event that seeks to “Promote China to the World and the World to China”. In 2010, the event attracted more than 2,000 delegates from 42 countries. It is the only event that features a good mix of International and Chinese exhibitors as well as a dedicated team to deliver some 400 buyers with a 50:50 mix of International and Chinese buyers. The event is organised by TTG Asia Media and MP International.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
31
GUJARAT TRAVELLER
Shamlaji, a picturesque pilgrimage site
O
ne of the most popular
depicting his childhood as a
holy places of pilgrimage cowherd. For the Vaishnavites, Shamlaji is one of the 154 most for the Vaishnav
sized elephant statues welcome
bricks, the two-storey temple
the pilgrims at the temple
believed to be around 500 years
entrance. The idols of Lord
old is supported on rows of pillars
community, the Shamlaji Temple
important places of pilgrimage in
Krishna, Vasudev, and Gadadhar
and has beautiful domed ceilings
in veneration of Lord Vishnu,
India.
Shyamlal are installed in the main
with a traditional north Indian
temple.
spire over the main shrine adding
stands on the banks of the river
In its impressive construction
Meshwo at Shamlaji town of
to the charm of the open
Sabarkantha district in Gujarat.
courtyard. Episodes from sacred epics of the Ramayana and
Interestingly, Shamlaji has a huge waterfall emerging from
Mahabharata are engraved on the
beneath the ground and it is
outer walls of the shrine with
believed that waters of this fall
intricate carvings. Known in ancient times as
never get dried off, even during the scorching summer. While, the
Harishchandrapuri and
waters of the marvelous river
Gadadharpuri, Shamlaji town is
Meshwo sparkle amid the well-
now famous for its most popular
wooded hills as it meanders over
fairs on full moon nights during
its rocky bed in the valley
the first month Kartak in Gujarati
immediately below.
calendar and it generally coincides with November. Pilgrims
Gadadhar or Sakshi Gopal is a
and villagers from far and near
black representation of Vishnu, Opposite the main temple, is a
worshipped at the Shamlaji
and design, the imposing 320-feet
Temple. This is one of the rare
tall, main temple of Shamlaji, with
large open area called Ratna
days with lots of entertaining folk
temples of Lord Krishna in which
its majestic open square
Choc.
dances, dramas and music
cow idols are also worshipped
accompanied by two large life-
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
Built of white sandstone and
arrive at and celebrate for three
competitions.
33
TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER
Marvellous citadel symbolic of valor Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam
O
saving herb, the Sanjeevini Booti
eight-storeyed Kalyana Mahal or
Vijaynagar Maharajas, Shivaji
for Lakshmana when he lay
marriage hall, granaries, prison
Maharaj, Nawabs of Arcot, Tipu
ne of the quintessential
unconscious in the war between
cells, a military gymnasium and a
Sultan, the French and British but
and unassailable
Rama and Ravana.
temple dedicated to its presiding
the legend of the fort is popularly
deity Chenjiamman with a sacred
connected with the story of Raja
citadels of India, the
One of the few unique
Gingee Fort in Villupuram district
surviving forts in Tamil
Tej Singh who was popularly
of Tamil Nadu, is known for its
Nadu, Gingee Fort was
known as Desingh and Desinghu
unique architectural feat and its
named the ‘Troy of the East’
Rasan in Tamil, perhaps the only
temples around.
by the British. It is
Rajput ruler to rule Tamil Nadu.
Originally known as ‘Sengiri’
The fort was modified by the
approximately 160 km from
or Red Hill in Tamil, it became
the Chennai city and also
Vijayanagar Empire in the 13th
popular as Chenji, Jenji and
lies close to the union
century, and gained formidable
Gingee. Legend has it that Sengiri
territory of Pondicherry.
reputation. The Gingee Nayaks made it their headquarters during
The presence of this Gingee Fort in itself is a
pond beside known as
the Nayak domination in
landmark architectural
Aanaikulam. The original fort was
Tamilnadu. The fort finally came
experience for the state, as
built by the Cholas in the 9th
under British control in 1761 after
it adds to its charm.
century and since then it has
a brief period of French
withstood the test of time through
possession. Declared a National
granite, the 800-feet tall
the transition of power. The origin
Monument in 1921 and under the
walls of the fort covering the
and existence of the fort of Gingee
Arcaheological Department, today
three hills have two main
can be traced back to several
it serves as a museum preserving
Built of strong blocks of
originated from ‘Sanjeevi’ the hill
entrances piercing it, namely, the
hundred years; numerous ruling
the many historic buildings
mentioned in Ramayana from
Arcot or Vellore gate and the
dynasties are connected with the
including its granaries, prison
where Hanuman got the life
Pondicherry gate. The fort has an
history of the fort, including
cells, marriage hall and temple.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
35
NEWSLINE
La Classic launches ECO club “The Green”
TAAI announces new office bearers
T
he Travel Agents Association
Austin Varghese
of India (TAAI) has
announced the new office
(Chairperson), Mary Mohan
bearers for the Western region-
James (Secretary) and Joseph
Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala
Anthony, (Treasurer) are the office
and Gujarat Chapters. Jay
bearers Kerala Chapter.
Bhatia, Director, Tulsidas Khimji
H
otel La Classic, Bengaluru has launched an Eco Club, ‘The Green’. Former Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy formally launched the club by presenting a sapling to Ramesh Reddy, Managing Director, Hotel La Classic. Raja Gopaal Iyer, Executive Director, Hotel La Classic has informed that the club will have website soon which will be interactive. La Classic will also make a Green Anthem, a Green documentation and will plant 10,000 trees by this financial year end, he added.
36
been elected as the new Treasurer.
TAAI Gujarat’s Saurashtra
Holidays has been elected as the
Kutch Chapter has elected Jigar
new Chairman of TAAI-Western
Dave as Chairperson; Chirag
Region Chapter. Colonel
Kakkad as Secretary and Deepak
(Retired) Sashidharan, VSM,
Karia as Treasurer. Shreeram Patel
Chief Relationship Officer, Orbitz
and Mukesh Patel will stay on as
Corporate & Leisure Travels (I)
Chairman of the Gujarat Chapter
Pvt Ltd (Secretary) and Anaita
and Gujarat South Chapter
Punjabi from Vijay Travels
respectively. In the Gujarat
(Treasurer) have been elected for
Chapter, Paras Lakhia has been
Western Region Chapter.
elected as Secretary and Virendra Shah has been elected as
Imtiaz Qureshi and Ajay Kumar Ramidi of Andhra
Treasurer. In South Gujarat
Pradesh- TAAI Chapter were re-
Chapter elections Arvind Mistry
elected as Chairperson and
won the post of Secretary and
Secretary; Veera Mohan has
Nital Patel as Treasurer.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011
KERALA TRAVELLER
Kerala, UNESCO join hands to rediscover ‘Spice Route’
I
n an attempt to add a new
These include Afghanistan,
attraction to the existing
Burma, China, Denmark, Egypt,
portfolio Kerala government has
Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia,
launched an initiative to
Mozambique, Netherlands, Oman,
rediscover the popular ‘Spice
Portugal and Spain.
Route’ concept with the help of
By involving UNESCO, Kerala government wants to explore
UNESCO. The project aims at opening
bilateral and multilateral
new vistas in the field of
exchanges in terms of research
tourism and historical research in
data and possibilities of joint
Kerala.
researches.
In this connection a meeting
“Impressed with the Muziris
has been organised in New Delhi
Heritage Project, the UNESCO
jointly by UNESCO along with
team suggested the Tourism
Kerala government, of the
Department make a plan for
Ambassadors and Cultural
developing the Spice Route,
Attache’s of countries associated
which would revive the glory of
with the ancient Spice Route to
spice trade in Kerala,” said M.
explore the potential of
Sivasankar IAS, Director of
redeveloping this route as part of
Tourism. Kerala has already
a heritage trail.
allotted Rs.250 million for the
Kerala has identified almost 30
preliminary activities of the Spice
countries which had maritime
Route Heritage Project, said
relations with Kerala in the past.
Sivasankar.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
Jose Sebastian, General Manager and Sadik Kassim, Lulu ICC and Grand Hotels, Thrissur receive the “Best Convention Centre” at the National Tourism Award 2009-10 from Meira Kumar, Speaker, Lok Sabha and Subodh Kant Sahay, Minister for Tourism, Government of India.
APRIL 2011
Anish Kumar, CEO, Travel Planners receives the award for the “Best Inbound Tour Operator” at the National Tourism Award 2009-10. Meira Kumar, Speaker, Lok Sabha, Subodh Kant Sahay, Minister for Tourism, Government of India and Priyanka Chopra, the Guest of Honour were present to do the felicitation
37
VARIETY
1.
How many steps are there in Mt Sinai leading to it summit?
Jaypee Hotels has announced the appointment of Grant Raymond Jeffries as Vice President, Jaypee Golf and Spa Resort at Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, India.
Amit Kumar has joined Chariot Beach Resorts, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India as Asst Vice President - Sales & Marketing.
Sajeev K. Pillai has joined Thomas Hotels and Resorts, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala as Sales Manager.
2.
Umiak and kayak are boats used by Eskimos. What is the difference between the two?
3.
Which bird’s name means ‘brightly coloured tail-feather’ in Spanish? 4.
Where is the whiskey brand name ‘100 Pipers’ from?
5.
Which credit card was called Interbank in the beginning?
6.
What is the shortest and complete sentence in English?
7. 8.
APRIL 2011 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2011, Sydeny PATA 60th Anniversary & Conference, Beijing, China National Seminar on “Emerging Trends in Hospitality & Tourism” Rohtak, India
4-8 9-12
13-15
The Great Indian Travel Bazaar’11, Jaipur, Rajasthan
17-19
20-22
2-5
Thrissur Pooram, Thrissur, Kerala
12-13
Summer Festival, Mount Abu, India
15-17
World Travel Fair (WTF), Shanghai
12- 15
IMEX, Frankfurt Germany
24-26
JUNE 2011
Champakkulam Boat Race
9-12
17-19
JULY 2011 Aviation Outlook, China India International Travel Mart (IITM), Bangalore
38
Compiled by DEEKAY
Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC 43 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month. 1. Czechoslovakia (OSLO) 2. Text on 9 Keys (T9) 3. ‘ Origin of’ 4. Tynwald, Isle of Man (979) 5. It is Spanish for ‘the meadows’ 6. November 19 7. Japanese for ‘ harbour wave’ (tsu – harbour & nami -wave) 8. They called it in plural after uniting all the three Lao provinces (the locals still call their country Lao only) 9. Exurb 10. 192
TYKC 42
SEANN J. BROSNAN Middlesex London
One all-correct entry will get
Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi 13-16 16
Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE), Beijing China
Assange?
Answers to TYKC 42
MAY 2011
International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTM Asia), Shanghai China
What is the nationality of WikiLeaks founder, Julian
9-10
China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM), Beijing
Internal Travel Expo (ITE), Hong Kong
9.
10. Who is a rebbetzin?
13-15
Arabian Travel Market, Dubai, UAE
Astana replaced Almaty (Alma-Ata) as the capital of which country?
IT&CM China
Kazakhstan International Tourism Fair (KITF) 2011,Almaty, Kazakhstan
What is the meaning of the country name Yemen?
6-7 29-31
[ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]* Nestled amongst 25 acres of coconut groves and backwater rivers, Le Méridien Cochin Resort & Convention Centre sits at the heart of one of India's most naturally beautiful cities, Kochi. This prestigious landmark houses 5 floors of luxurious accommodation for international business and leisure travelers. The 151 spacious rooms and suites, most with breathtaking views over the manicured gardens and the backwaters. * Conditions apply
ASIAN TRAVELLER
APRIL 2011