Asian Traveller April 2009

CONTENTS Vol. 2 | No. 7 | APRIL 2009 A

Dubai Ready for ATM

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The 16th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2009), the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibition, will be held from 5 to 8 May at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Three Finalists Announced for New Frontiers Awards Face to Face

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Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organizers of ATM 2009, has announced China, Mumbai and Palestine as the top three finalists for the 2009 New Frontiers Awards.

Assam Unveils Its First Ever Tourism Policy

8 Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director and CEO, Berggruen Hotels

Assam Government has unveiled its first ever tourism policy. The policy was officially released by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in the presence of Minister for Tourism Rockybul Hussain and senior tourism officials recently.

17 18 Woman of the Month

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KINGFISHER AIRLINES WINS THREE SKYTRAX WORLD AIRLINE AWARDS ACTIVITIES THAT YOU JUST CANNOT MISS IN PHILIPPINES

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BHARAT HOTELS TO UNVEIL RESORT AT BEKAL

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TAMIL NADU: SOUVENIR SHOPPERS' DREAM STOP

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CNTO & MGTO HERALDS HOLIDAY SEASON

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AS I TRAVEL V Duraikkannan

10 Questions

TRAVELLER’S NOTE BOOK Florian Mayer

EXPERIENCE Sara Stefanini Page

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APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

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Cover Photo Courtesy : Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

Publication

Managing Editor Group Editor Vice President & CEO Executive Editor Consultant Editor Photo Editor Art Editor Editorial Team

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Director (Finance) Legal Advisor Financial Advisor G.M-North Sr.Mgr. Tamilnadu AUSTRALIA

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BULGARIA

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KSA

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LONDON

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UAE

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KUWAIT

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NEW DELHI

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MUMBAI

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BANGALORE

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CHENNAI

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HYDERABAD

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DEHRADUN

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MADURAI

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ERNAKULAM

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KOLKATA

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

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Administration

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G. Biju Krishnan G. Gopakumar* M. P. Sreekumar Lerbin T. K. Dr. Madhav Manoj Retheesh Kariyam Amal Prasad R. Parameswaran Smitha R. K. Harikrishnan V. N.Gopalakrishnan Nair B. Prasad Wg. Cdr. V. K. Gangal P. Deenadayalu Bandana K. Prasad 0061-892757447 Vladimir Harizanov 00359-36186565 Sam Mathew 00966-505150513 Abdul Najeeb 0044-7769940391 Sanjeev S. L. 00971 501640549 Mariam Titus 00965 6638670 V. K. Gangal 09871180498 Mahesh Nair 022 32499989 Rohil Kumar A. B. 09844001625 Nisha J. 09841008588 K.S. Johnson 09441236010 P. Mohandas 09719055472 P. Deenadayalu 09843129535 M. P. Sreekumar 09447118694 Anurag Sinha 09830015667 M. Sreekumar 09745001001 Jaya Rajeshwari Soniya S. Vidhu Krishna Nujum

All communications to: Media Steps India, TC-27/1741, PERA-66, Vanchiyoor PO, Thiruvananthapuram–695 035, Kerala State, South India.

Tel: +91-471-6540888, 2574411, 09447 555 222 info@mediastepsindia.com, www.mediastepsindia.com Regd. Office: Media Steps India, TC-27/1915, MBRRA 70, Mathrubhoomi Rd., Thiruvananthapuram–695 001, Kerala State, South India.

Mumbai Office: 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 Office: Media Steps India, # B-305 & 309, Vasudha Apartments, Quthbullapur Road, New Jeedimetla, Hyderabad-500 055, Andhra Pradesh, India Tel.: +91 40 23080750, +91 40 23176966, +91 40 23176996, Fax: +91 40 27535260 Chennai Office: Media Steps India, 6/4, Sangeetha Gardens, 19th Street Ext, Jai Nagar, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106. Tel: +91 44 42640531 EDITED, PRINTED & PUBLISHED BY G. Biju Krishnan and Printed at M/s. Safire Offset Printers, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu for Cristal Printers, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, South India.

Reg No.: KERENG 01910/11/1/2006-TC EDITOR: G. Biju Krishnan The news items and Advertisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable.

Readers are however requested to verify the facts before making business decisions using the same. No part 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

EDITOR’S NOTE

he soon-to-be-published PATA Tourism Forecasts 2009-2011 has "some cause for cautious optimism in the tourism and travel industry across the Asia Pacific region". The report suggests growth in international arrivals for many destinations across the region - despite the global economic downturn. The report indicates very mixed results which vary across Asia Pacific. The report which covers visitor arrivals, trends and market share analysis for over 40 destinations and departure forecasts for 12 Asia Pacific source markets and 19 Asia Pacific destinations underlines that the numbers of international arrivals, from both within the region and from long-haul source markets, are expected to remain largely positive. But it also warns that the strong growth rates of recent years will prove now to be the exception rather than the rule.

The 5th UNWTO International Conference on Tourism Statistics which was held in Bali, Indonesia has also made an observation that despite the current economic meltdown, tourism industry continues to be amongst the most dynamic economic sectors, generating a wide range of benefits including a growing contribution to GDP, in some cases over 10 per cent, and substantial foreign exchange earnings. Tourism plays a crucial role in the creation of employment, which is especially important during the current economic crisis. But in many countries, tourism has suffered from a lack of political and popular support because its true economic significance has often been underestimated. It is heartening to note that now this attitude is changing. An increasing awareness of tourism's role as a productive activity and its potential to generate employment has been realised and widely accepted now.

The optimism expressed in the forecasts of different tourism associations including PATA paint a not-so-bad-picture about the future of the industry. But the path leading to that future will not be that easy. And an industry observer has correctly observed that "those who think and act strategically and have the ability to adapt their business model quickly to the new realities will overcome this challenge". So let us also think sensibly, act strategically and adapt accordingly.

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G. Biju Krishnan Editor & Publisher

Below Edit

European Tourism Active Against the Crisis ourism is proving to be one of the most resilient sectors and can be a strategic vector in the way forward, as global economic conditions continue to deteriorate. This is among the main conclusions of UNWTO’s European member states meeting held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the 49th UNWTO Commission for Europe.

European destinations are already taking measures to mitigate the negative impact of the economic situation on tourism, which is expected to last until 2010. Demand driving measures already implemented range from reinforced promotion, to fiscal incentives and credit facilitation.

While international tourism worldwide is projected to stagnate or even decline by 2 per cent, the participants in the Regional Commission expect that arrivals to European destinations might experience a 3 per cent negative growth.

Against this background, nearby markets are expected to respond better to stimulus packages which have to adapt to changing demand patterns, while not loosing sight of long-term challenges posed by competitiveness and sustainability objectives. International cooperation is to be reinforced and protectionist temptations should be avoided.

UNWTO’s European members underscore that tourism is one of the most resilient economic activities and can therefore play a key role in economic recovery, particularly in Europe.

Governments should hence put tourism in the core of their stimulus packages and actively include tourism in their transversal policies.

UNWTO will continue to (a) monitor market behaviour and foster best practices; (b) maintain its leadership in tourism policy and governance; and (3) reinforce tourism as a key engine for employment, sustainable growth and infrastructure creation.

Europe is the world’s leading international tourist destination: 500 million arrivals (53 per cent of the world’s total) generating US$ 434 billion and generating an even more significant volume of domestic tourist arrivals.

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Verbatim

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This is not a tourism crisis but one that tourism can help to overcome. Tourism is still one of the most resilient economic activities,

and as such, the sector can play a special role in the recovery of world and national economies.

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Aboulfaz Garayev Minister of Tourism and Culture Azerbaijan

ASIAN TRAVELLER APRIL 2009

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ATM

Dubai Ready for ATM he 16th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2009), the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibi tion, will be held from 5 to 8 May at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event's signature awards scheme, the New Frontiers Awards, will be staged for the fourth time in 2009. Presented to a destination that has made a remarkable recovery and positive contribution to tourism development in the face of the overwhelming adversity, the award, which is chosen by a panel of judges consisting of regional and international industry professionals, is one of the show's highlights.

The 2008 event - which marked the show's 15th anniversary - opened with its largest ever exhibitor base of 2,229 participants from 70 countries. In addition, floorspace bookings from international representatives in Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa had grown by 10 percent, with Middle East companies increasing their allocation by five percent. The 2008 show also boasted close to 90 new-to-market exhibitors, as well as increased space uptake from over 62 national tourist bodies with products and services representing 70 countries, including show debutants Bangladesh, The Philippines, Djibouti, Georgia, Senegal and Nepal.

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Three Finalists Announced for New Frontiers Awards

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eed Travel Exhibitions, the organizers of ATM 2009, has announced China, Mumbai and Palestine as the top three finalists for the 2009 New Frontiers Awards.

Voted for by industry experts and professionals including global travel and tourism associations, the prestigious award is designed

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- undoubtedly warranted a place in the top three.

Mumbai also made the shortlist due to its exceptional resilience and positive contribution to tourism development in the aftermath of November 2008's terrorist attacks. Despite the horrors endured across the city, the defiant response to terror ensured that Mumbai emerged

and generating sustainable tourism initiatives despite the continuing political unrest that has affected the state for so long. Palestinian tourism authorities are on a mission to improve the destination's image abroad by rebranding the State and restructuring the industry with the aim of making sure local communities benefit from

to recognise destinations that make an outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of staggering adversity.

The solidarity and unyielding spirit of the Chinese who hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics just three months after the Sichuan earthquake - which claimed nearly 70,000 lives, left 18,000 missing and destroyed the homes of 10 million people

triumphant with businesses remarkably operating as usual within a matter of days. The series of strategic steps taken

by India's Tourism Ministry to boost the city's tourism industry also ensured that the impact of the attacks was not as great as was originally feared.

Palestine completed the trio of nominees for its unwavering determination in protecting cultural heritage

tourism. The winner will be announced during a special awards ceremony at the Arabian Travel Market's annual exhibitors' party, which will be held on 5 May 2008 at The Address, Burj Dubai.

Representatives of the winning destination will be invited to attend the special ceremony and rewarded with $10,000 worth of free exhibition space at Arabian Travel Market 2010.

APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

PATA has a Role in Solving the Recession ewly-elected PATA Chairman Phornsiri Manoharn believes the Association has an increasingly important role to play in the current global economic crisis.

She told the Association's AGM in Macau on April19 that PATA will continue to work closely with its very broad membership base. She also made a firm commitment to support PATA President and CEO Greg Duffell in his drive to deliver addedvalue to all Association Phornsiri members.

Manoharn "For more than five decades PATA has played a significant role in shaping and enhancing the growth, value and quality of the Asia Pacific tourism industry. I believe that the real strength of the Association lies in its membership across 74 countries - including the national tourism offices of 39 countries as well as airlines, tour operators, hotels and cruise lines," she said.

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POLICY

Assam Unveils Its First Ever Tourism Policy MD. SABIR NISHAT

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ssam Government has unveiled its first ever tourism policy. The policy was officially released by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in the presence of Minister for Tourism Rockybul Hussain and senior tourism officials recently.

Prepared with the objective of harnessing the State’s tourism potential in a manner that is ‘environmentally sustainable, socio-culturally enriching and economically beneficial to the people,’ the policy accords thrust on infrastructure development and creating a brand image of Assam for placing the State on the global tourism map.

Talking to Asian Traveller, Chief Minister Gogoi said, “The idea behind having the policy is to ensure a sustainable flow of tourists, which in turn, could result in tangible economic benefits to a large number of stakeholders engaged in the industry.

“Assam, with its diverse tourism interests, can emerge as a major tourist hub and contribute significantly to employment generation.

Although tourist arrivals have shown an increasing trend in recent years, a lot remains to be done, and the policy will focus on tourism promotion in an integrated manner,” he said.

Minister for Tourism Hussain asserted that the Government was committed to realizing the State’s tourism potential. “The policy prepared with recommendations of an expert committee is a step in that direction and it is the roadmap for the next five years. We have registered a growth of tourist at around 38 per cent since 2001 till date and we hope with the recent developments it will grow to the highest ever,” he said, adding that this year the Government earmarked Rs 21 crore for tourism as against Rs 4 crore when it came to power.

Hussain said that for attracting more investment in tourism sector, the Government would act as the facilitator. “We are also encouraging public-private partnership for creating quality tourism infrastructure,” he said, adding that the policy also envisaged a number of incentives for promoting investment in the sector.

The policy aims at using tourism as an important tool for socio-economic development of the State; to fully harness the tourism potential; to create awareness among the people about the importance of tourism and evolve suitable institutional arrangements for effective participation of the people in promoting tourism; to improve the quality of the existing tourism products to meet the new

and emerging demands of tourists and to enable them to have ‘unique experiences’ that they look for; to promote adequate and comprehensive development of infrastructure of international standards; to devise pragmatic and long term human resource development programmes to create capacity for the local people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by tourism development and last but not the least to introduce public private partnership in the tourism sector.

A Master Plan for integrated tourism development will be prepared. Domestic tourism will be accorded high priority along with international tourism. A benchmark survey of all the tourism potential and attractions will be undertaken in all the 27 districts of the State.

The survey will help identify the products and attractions according to their importance broadly under three categories vis-à-vis of purely local interest, of regional importance and of national and international importance.

The State tourism circuits will be linked and integrated to national circuits to give the tourists unique and enjoyable experiences.

“Sustainability will be the key consideration. We will ensure that in the process of development the intrinsic quality of the product or the natural ambience are not

affected in any way,” said Joint Secretary of Tourism, Dilip Baruah.

In all the circuits, road linkages will be carefully planned. A modern wayside facility at appropriate location of a journey will have toilet facilities, food and accommodation, besides having an outlet for local craft and culture. “As a matter of fact, the wayside facilities will become a part of the tourism attraction itself,” said Baruah.

That is not. Each major tourism destination will have a properly designed souvenir shop displaying local art and craft products that the tourists can carry them as mementos. The major site will also have an onsite orientation facility for educating and informing the tourists.

The policy aims to focus on those sectors that the State has tremendous potential. The first that naturally comes is wildlife tourism.

Assam has the world heritage site Kaziranga National Park, one of the last frontiers for the pre-historic, one-horned rhino, followed by the Project Tiger Reserve Manas National Park. The other national parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as Pobitora, Orang, Nameri, Barail, Panidihing and Dibru-Saikhowa have their own beauty and charm.

Then comes river/lake tourism and adventure tourism. With abundant water resources – the continued on page 27

The policy aims at using tourism as an important tool for socio-economic development of the State; to fully harness the tourism potential; to create awareness among the people about the importance of tourism and evolve suitable institutional arrangements for effective participation of the people in promoting tourism; to improve the quality of the existing tourism products to meet the new and emerging demands of tourists and to enable them to have ‘unique experiences’ that they look for; to promote adequate and comprehensive development of infrastructure of international standards; to devise pragmatic and long term human resource development programmes to create capacity for the local people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by tourism Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi formaly release the State Tourism Policy Document by handing over a copy to development and last but not the least to introduce public Minister for Tourism Rockybul Hussain private partnership in the tourism sector.

ASIAN TRAVELLER APRIL 2009

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FACE TO FACE

Keys Hotels to Have 38 Hotels in India by 2014 Please tell us about your upcoming projects. What are the long-term and short-term plans the Group is having in India?

We are a young group which is only three years old in India. We are backed by an American fund to build out a global business of budget and mid segment hotels in India and the other emerging markets. In India we have seventeen projects underway in which three are in Kerala. The first of our built-out hotel is in Thiruvananthapuram with 104 rooms and it will be ready in two or three months time. Construction work is going on in Kochi and in Kovalam. We will also open a hotel in Ludhiana this year which is a 96 room hotel and a 160 room hotel in Hosur Road, Bangalore. We are also opening two hotels under management contract - one in Mahabaleshwar which is a 92 room resort. The other one is the The Dukes Retreat at Lonavala which is now called The Dukes Retereat- A Keys Resort. We plan to open seven more hotels in the year 2010. The target is to have about 38 hotels operating by 2014 in the budget and mid segment. In addition to these direct investments, we are getting a lot of management contracts as there are many hotels being built. In the current scenario it is not easy to manage them by non specialists and the owners need a professional company to come in. We are getting about more than one management request every week now. When we start taking management contracts seriously we would scale up quickly to hundred hotel chain.

How do you position the Hotel in the market?

Our hotels are positioned as value for money hotels which primarily is in the lower and mid segment. The price positioning will be in a range of Rs 2000 to Rs 3500 which is the rate we have announced about two or there years back. For the upscale brand

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APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

Keys Hotels, the brand from the Berggruen Hotels Private Limited stable, a hotel venture backed by Berggruen Holdings Inc, has big plans for the Indian market. Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director and CEO, Berggruen Hotels spoke to Asian Traveller exclusively. Excerpts:

the price positioning will be in the Rs 4000 - 5000 range. The market is extremely strong in this segment.

I believe that the lower half of the travelling pyramid is less sensitive to economic and geopolitical downturn. So it is a good market to invest in. As for the economical downturn - we are prepared for it.

Our marketing strategy is to give the customer a product at a value which is very good and that is what we take to the market. Our product is as good as any other four-star hotel or ever better. In Thiruvananthapuram we have gone with the four-star classification because of the bar requirement.

We endeavour to offer a four-star product at the pricing of the threestar What will be the USP of the Keys Hotel chain?

Among the USP's the first one is that we offer a branded chain of hotels across the country.

Especially for new travellers, they will know what to expect from a branded chain like us. We are offering a brand guarantee of reliability of product, services and security unlike the standalone hotels.

Will you be showcasing any particular theme for your properties?

All our hotels are based on four brand characteristics. They are stylish, cheerful, cutting edge in technology and international in look and feel. The resorts are an exception, as they adopt the local decor so that the guests can enjoy the local culture.

How important is a Hotel in

developing a destination?

I think some of the destinations are built by the great hotels there.

The Hippies and the back packers were the only visitors to Goa in the sixties, but when the Taj and the Oberoi came to the scene and built hotels, that made it a destination for the middle and the upper classes too.

Has the recent global economic meltdown affected your plans?

The global meltdown has affected everyone and we have realigned our strategies. In July last year we saw it coming and we stopped acquiring properties at that time. We were confident that in six to eight months time we would get these properties at a much cheaper price. A lot of people said that India will not get affected by the recession and but we expected that and got almost thirty to forty per cent less in prices. And now the market is good to acquire and we are looking in that direction.

Are you happy with the way things have worked out since the launch of Keys Hotels in India?

Yes, I am very happy with what we have achieved. When we made the announcement two and a half years back about the new properties along with some 25 to 30 other companies and now we are one among a few who have kept the promises. We are already one of the fastest growing new Hotel companies of the country.

How does the Berggruen Hotel Group help the cause of Keys Hotels?

Keys hotels is one of the brands of the Berggruen Hotels, we are also planning to bring out an upscale brand also which is a four to five star brand. A unique point of the company is that here is completely a western investment company, investing in a through bred Indian team to run a global hospitality venture. We are being funded for a global hospitality venture and after the initial years of settling down in India we will take the brands global.

Could you tell us about your background and how did you come to join the industry?

I am a hotelier by profession and experience. I did my hotel management course in the Delhi Institute of Hotel Management and I have about twenty one years of experience in the hospitality industry. I have spent 14 years with Taj Group. Started off as an assistant Restaurant Manager in 1991 and became General Manager in 1995 for Taj Madurai. There I built 16 rooms along with the 34 to make it 50 rooms. I left Taj in the year 1998 and moved to Bogmalo in Goa and later came back to Taj in 1999 as the GM of The Jaimahal Palace Hotel in Jaipur and then moved to Goa as Area General Manager for the Taj North Goa hotels from 2002 to 2003. In 2003 I moved to Taj Bengal and later as Area Director of Taj in Hyderabad.

Then I quit in 2006 to set up Berggruen Hotels.

For a complete version of the interview, visit: www.mediastepsindia.com

PERSONALITY

SHEEMA VOHRA DIRECTOR, SARTHA MARKETING CONSULTANTS NEW DELHI, INDIA

I believe that competence and professionalism are important and do not go unrecognized in the long run

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APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

How did you become interested in hospitality business?

When I finished high school - most of the traditional career choices were available. I was not interested in any of them, I wanted to be part of a global environment, be creative and enjoy work. A family friend introduced me to the idea of hotels and I applied to Pusa Institute for Hotel Management. After completing my course I worked for a while and then

products which would be of interest to the Indian market.

We were the first company to represent major US tourism organizations in India - US Travel Association, San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau and Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation, Niagara USA. I also lead the team for Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). My role is to provide the strategic vision for the company, work with our existing customers and manage growth. We handle all marketing activities for our clients including trade activities, consumer marketing and promotions, media relationships, roadshows etc.

What plans - immediate and long term - do you have?

Our vision is to be one of the leading marketing company for tourism and provide our customers with innovate and creative solutions. We would like to continue to work with untapped markets and products.

As a travel industry professional what is your ambition? Where would you like to see yourself ten years from now?

As a travel industry professional I will continue to contribute to the growth of this industry. I would like our company to be recognized for the positive results created for our customers and partners. Personally I support an NGO involved with girl child education and would also like to work on women decided to continue my empowerment in the future. education at UNLV (University Who or what has been the Of Nevada Las Vegas) in the greatest influence in your US. Since then I have never professional life? looked back - it continues to I have been very fortunate be a great journey. to work with wonderful What is your current role people and many of them at your company? Please have had a positive influence elaborate. on me and my professional I am the founder and career. My parents have been director for Sartha Marketing my strength - they are self Consultants. Our main made and have always objective is to bring in new encouraged me to follow my

dream. Besides this I am very blessed to have wonderful friends who have also been a source of strength. Lastly my education I received at UNLV and my subsequent stay in the USA greatly enhanced my personality and professional capabilities.

As woman, what were the challenges you had to face in your professional life?

What is your advice to young girls who enter the sector?

I have never let gender issues influence me. I believe that competence and professionalism are important and do not go unrecognized in the long run. My advise to young girls wanting to join this industry - this is a growing industry which offers a choice of interesting activities to be involved with. So if you like people, travel and are prepared to work hard this is a great career for you.

What is the secret of your success?

I have a 'never say NO' attitude, love what I do and am committed once I take on any task. I think there is no short cut to success - hard work, dedication, professionalism and perfection are all ingredients that lead to success.

What is your proudest moment in your job?

There have been many proud moments - I think any job well done where you are able to measure results is a proud moment. I believe in now and enjoying what today has to offer.

Tell us about your family.

My parents live in Delhi and my sister is in Chandigarh with her family. I have great friends that are also part of family.

What are your hobbies?

I like listening to Ghazals and Indian music, watching Theatre and movies, travelling and spending time with family and friends. I also love Urdu poetry and have just started to learn vocal Indian music.

Q & A

THOMAS MUELLER GENERAL MANAGER SHERATON SHANGHAI HONGQIAO HOTEL SHANGHAI CHINA

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APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

Tell us about your hotel and its USPs. The Sheraton Shanghai Honqiao has been one of the first International hotels in Shanghai and is renowned for its impeccable service delivery and warm interior for 23 years now. We are close to the Hongqiao Airport and about 45 minutes away from the Pudong Airport terminals.

Surrounded by numerous consulates and upmarket residential areas as well as excellent shopping and close to the subway line 2, we are ideally located next to the International Exhibition Centre and Shanghai Mart. Cantonese, Japanese and Italian Restaurants are complemented by a Bistro, Lounges and a Pub-style bar.

The Ballroom is one of the largest in Shanghai and numerous function rooms offer the best meeting facilities in this part of town. A state-of-the-art Gym and Spa is an additional feature.

How do you position the hotel in the market?

We are mainly a corporate hotel with a well-established repeat clientele. In addition, we cater for the MICE market and visitors and exhibitors to the nextdoor facilities.

Our 600 warm, home-style rooms and suites, public areas and restaurants are very different from the institutional "sameness" of most modern hotels.

Our Lobby Lounge overlooks an impeccably authentic Japanese Garden with a waterfall and a live stream running the length of it.

How important is a hotel in developing a destination?

When this hotel was built 23 years ago, it complemented the next-door exhibition- and meeting facilities, but by now Hongqiao is a destination on its own and our hotel is providing a "warm and welcoming home away from home" for all of our guests.

Could you tell us about your background and how did you come to the industry?

I was always interested in other countries - other than my native Germany and have been working in Switzerland, Belgium, USA, Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and China.

I am a graduate of a well-known Hotel Management School in Germany and have also been a Principal of a Hotel Management School in Sydney, Australia

myself. People ask me what I would choose as profession in my next life and I tell them I would go into Hospitality again without hesitation.

Tell us about your experience so far?

My career has had many exciting highlights and I have enjoyed neverending experiences day-after-day, that's why this business is so challenging and enjoyable. No day is like the next or the last one - there are always new situations, new challenges, new people to meet, different nationalities to work with. We are in the "people-industry" and need to please everyone, from guests to owners to associates on all levels.

Some of my career-highlights were the smooth openings of five hotels I helped to develop and open as General Manager.

I enjoy sitting at my desk in the middle of our lobby every morning and seeing and greeting guests and at the same time observing how our associates interact with our customers.

What plans - immediate and longterm - do you have?

I am planning to lead this property well into the next decade with 2010 bringing the World EXPO to Shanghai and then using the newly-built Shanghai Convention Centre with capacities for up to 6,000 delegates after that to see all the hotels in Shanghai catering to International MICE Events.

I hope to be able to see more young Mainland Chinese professionals becoming International Hoteliers and work all over the world as we have done.

Where do you see yourself, say 10 years from now?

I'll be living in Australia and sail around the world in my sail-boat when I feel like lifting anchor.

Tell us about your family?

I am married to a wonderful Hong Kong-Chinese wife, educated in Canada with Australian citizenship practicing Psychology. We have two grown-up daughters who live in Germany.

What are your hobbies and other interests?

I ride a 1937 BMW motorcycle with side-car in Shanghai, I wind-surf and scuba-dive together with my wife in Australia and during vacation, we love travelling and exploring parts of the world we have not visited.

What is your favorite destination?

We love Europe - Italy, Switzerland, the Greek Islands - the Caribbean, Canada and of course Australia, where we live when not working in other parts of this wonderful world.

COLUMN

he year was 1995.The airline was just two years old. My team and I as its leader were very much part and cause of the airline's evolution and growth in our own way at that time. We had doubled the revenue for the year and had readied ourselves to take on a second flight into the city. It was the annual appraisal time and I was rating every individual in the team anything from 8 to 9 on a scale of 10 and marked all of them as excellent. Prompt came the query from the HR at Head Office as to how it could be possible. I was at a loss to understand that question. It was as if there could not be excellence across the team at all as a rule. My explanation was dismissed that all of them were hardly two years in the organisation and that they could not be given the rating of excellence.

Then I had to explain the situation by a grading analogy that would occur in a school.

We give a test of ten questions to an LKG student and the child answers all the ten right.

What kind of grading do we give here? Do we dismiss the child as an average or mediocre student just because she is in her LKG? Or do we give ten out of ten and rate her as excellent for she has answered all the ten questions right? The fact remains that irrespective of her age or class, she has done extremely well for the givens and she deserves the grade of excellence.

Today when I happen to go that old office of mine, it makes a very sad reading.

There is a total disintegration.

Hardly any old face, hardly any happy face! The only

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V DURAIKKANNAN

In a chain, the snap occurs at the weakest point and not at the strongest point or elsewhere. The leader may be a titan but then the team is not the leader alone.

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APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

Linda Thaler

remnant there is the group photograph that we all took with the banner line 'Together We All Make It Happen'!

It is the height of irony that every organisation stresses its people out and then send them out for a stress management program; does not exhibit any team spirit but all the time harps on the excellence of teamwork. It all starts from the leader. It is rightly said that a CEO is not running a company but leading a cultural change.

People keep watching out their leaders at every level for the inherent message. It is a very subtle and subconscious mirroring phenomenon. As you are, so is your team! Every leader should ensure what Robin Sharma would say that his video should match his audio.

Disrespect for the individual becomes the disrespect for the organisation.

There is an interesting story from the Kaplan Thaler Group. Kaplan Thaler is one of the fastest growing ad agencies in USA - the creator of the Aflac Duck. When they pitched for the account of the real estate conglomerate Coldwell Banker, they were just of modest size. And they were pitting themselves against much bigger ad agencies with greater

resources and credentials. All the same, they won the account hands down. But then they themselves were surprised with their success and could not believe it. What they all knew about them was that they had given a good presentation and Robin Koval that was that.

Unable to contain their curiosity, Linda Thaler and Robin Koval (CEO and President) checked with their client Coldwell Banker as to how they got it. Coldwell Banker told that apart from their creative presentation, they exuded such warmth and camaraderie among themselves which impressed them most. The feeling that the team members of Kaplan Thaler liked each other tipped the scale in their favour. Team work literally pays!

In a chain, the snap occurs at the weakest point and not at the strongest point or elsewhere. The leader may be a titan but then the team is not the leader alone. I have heard about an incident from the life of the legendary chairman of

Keith Ferrazzi

TISCO (Tata Steel), Russi Mody. Mody was supposed to be inaugurating the new block on the campus of TISCO at Jamshedpur. Mody presented himself on time for the occasion but to everybody's surprise he invited the mason of the building who was in the crowd around to come forward and cut open the ribbon!

Keith Ferrazzi has written a beautiful book called 'Never Eat Alone'. It is about connecting with individuals and developing successful relationships. People look for people in all their genuineness. We have to be just one!

The following quartet will be a great counsel for becoming and being a paragon of leadership:Criticize me - I may not like you!

Flatter me - I may not believe you!

Neglect me - I will not forgive you!

Encourage me - I will not forget you!

EXPERIENCE

A Train Journey

Across Africa When Sara Stefanini decided to travel from Dar es Salaam to Lusaka in a TAZARA Railway's (also called the Uhuru Railway, from the Swahili word for Freedom, and the Tanzam Railway) train what she had hoped for was a closer look at Africa. But she got more than she had bargained for. ver my two-day train trip from Tanzania to Zambia, I glimpsed bits of Africa's immense landscape, waved at children who greeted us from the tracks, mingled with other adventurous travellers, and spent hours with the local police in the unlikely hope of recovering the bulk of the belongings I had carried on board. Before my cousin and I began the journey between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Kapiri Mposhi, a small town near the Zambian capital of Lusaka, many in Tanzania warned us that the trip could take up to a week and that we might not be able to buy food or water. Heeding the warnings, we settled into our first-class, four-bed cabin on the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) train loaded with provisions - six litres of water, cans of peaches, tuna and

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corn and bags of chips, crackers and biscuits.

Soon enough, however, we discovered that food and beverages were readily available, with three dining cars in amongst the 21 carriages. At each mealtime, a petite man clad in black

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APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

pants, white shirt and black bowtie stopped by to take orders. Breakfast, for instance, included eggs, toast and coffee or tea.

The train was scheduled to arrive in Kapiri Mposhi on the Thursday morning - approximately 40 hours after departure.

From start to finish, the 1,800kilometer train line cuts southwest from the Tanzanian capital, through the Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve, the Mikumi National Park, the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and the Selous Game Reserve and across the Great Ruaha River.

Travellers who have passed through the parks during the daytime have often spotted elephants and giraffes from their cabin windows. Each time the train stopped, locals would crowd around the train, selling fruit, fried snacks, watches and other goods.

Children would also come running up to the tracks, waving hello and asking for plastic bottles, soap, pens or food. Between stops, however, the train rocked and rattled incessantly, with wind blowing through the aisles and exit doors swinging open.

Our first day and a half went by calmly. We passed the time by exchanging travel stories

with other passengers and snapping photographs. By the second night, there were fewer people on the train and we had the cabin to ourselves.

That night, my cousin and I went to bed just before midnight, after crossing into Zambia and shelling out a $50 visa fee. We woke up early the next morning, however, to unexpected shock - my large backpack and my cousin's smaller carry-on pack were both missing from the bottom bunk.

It took a while for reality to set in. I somehow just did not think that all my belongings - clothing, toiletries, malaria medicine and other provisions for six months of travelling - could have disappeared.

We kept wondering how someone could have broken into the room; we had locked the sliding door before going to bed and I had unlocked it in the morning.

A passenger next door helped us figure it out. With a strong shove, the door could easily be pushed open, even when locked.

We had neglected to pull down a little lever designed to keep the door from sliding open all the way, and with the train's loud banging and roaring, we could easily have mistaken the noise of someone breaking in with the sounds we had grown accustomed to. So, we summoned the conductor,

who then called over the two Zambian police officers on the train. I spent the last two hours of the trip Sara Stefanini walking from cabin to cabin, train car to train car, checking for my aqua blue, 59-litre backpack and my cousin's small forest-green bag.

Eventually, I left the train carrying a beach bag full of random items from the room, including a skirt, a light sweater, a Swiss Army knife, camera chargers and a flashlight, and my handbag, which thankfully contained valuables such as cameras, credit cards and passport. We then passed another couple of hours in the cramped, dingy Kapiri Mposhi police station, dictating the list of stolen items to an officer who wrote it all down on a piece of scrap paper. After we insisted on getting a copy of the report, for insurance purposes, the officer slowly punched the story into an old-fashioned typewriter.

The loss of my backpack was devastating, especially given that I was only two weeks into my sixmonths of traveling. But such a theft could easily have taken place on a Eurostar or Amtrak train, it is not particular to Africa.

So in the end, the tiny villages of clay huts and thatched roofs, the children who came running towards the tracks and my conversations with strangers who also decided to embark on the less well-known, more exotic track, is what sticks out in my mind when I think of my TAZARA journey.

AVIATION

Etihad to Launch Destination Management Company tihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to launch its own destination management company (DMC). The new DMC aims to provide a diverse range of leisure and business activities for visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Etihad is currently in discussion with local tourism partners, with the new DMC set to support the development and enhancement of the capital's tourism infrastructure.

Although the final specifications of the DMC are yet to be finalised, many goals have already been put in place which include tours and desert safaris, event management, bespoke experience packages and VIP services all promoted under one brand and delivered with consistent quality across all participating local tourism and

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service partners.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer, said "The establishment of the DMC is another example of Etihad responding to the requirements of the UAE's capital city and we look forward to launching this one-stop inbound tourism shop in close cooperation with our destination partners and tourism services providers across all seven emirates which will work closely with both Etihad Airways and Etihad Holidays." The new DMC will work closely with Etihad Holidays which will publish its first dedicated Abu Dhabi and UAE brochure in April.

It will also have strong Emirati representation with more than 50 per cent of the tourism professionals in the company set to be UAE nationals.

Kingfisher Airlines Wins Three SKYTRAX World Airline Awards ingfisher Airlines has received three global awards at the tenth edition of the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards ceremony held recently in Hamburg, Germany. Kingfisher Airlines was named the "Best Airline in India and Central Asia" and won an award as one of the world's best airlines in the regional breakdown for 2009 also won an award for having the "Best Cabin Crew-Central Asia.

Kingfisher Red was adjudged the "Best LowCost Airlines in India and Central Asia" for the year 2009. Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines Ltd Dr. Vijay Mallya, said, "I am delighted that yet again, Kingfisher Airlines has received prestigious global awards that recognize excellence in different areas of air travel. Kingfisher Airlines has always focused on delivering a superlative service experience that essentially brings back the element of style in flying and our endeavour has been to make flying a delightful experience for all. The presentations of three different awards to Kingfisher Airlines in one year of the Skytrax awards will only encourage us to go a step further and wow our guests".

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China to Focus on MICE Travel T&CM (Incentive Travel & Conference Meetings) China 2009 was held at Shanghai recently with good participation and vigour. The third edition of the trade fair aiming at making China a MICE destination featured a series of fresh and exciting business, networking and learning opportunities for its participants throughout the three days. The Pre-Show city tour that was held for the buyers, seller and the media visited Shanghai Museum and the venue for 2010 World Expo. The exhibition venue was huge spanning some 6,200 square metres and over 200 companies and organisations from 20 countries exhibited their products and services. The sellers include companies providing adventure and incentive travel suppliers, airlines and cruise lines, convention and exhibition venues, destination management companies, hotels and resorts, national and state tourism organisations, information technology vendors, event companies, theme parks and leisure attractions and entertainment venues, travel management companies, global distribution systems, car rentals etc.

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ASIA PACIFIC

Activities that You Just Cannot Miss Tourist Visas to Chinese Individuals The Japanese Government will start granting individual Chinese citizens tourist visas as of July this year to attract more Chinese sightseers to Japan. The measure will first be applied to those from three Chinese metropolises of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and then extended to individuals from around China a year later. Eligible applicants for the individual travel visas, however, are limited to those with an annual income of more than 250,000 RMB (36,500 U.S. dollars).

Wasp Protection Jackets for Tourists Special wasp protection jackets will be issued to tourists climbing a famous cultural heritage site in central Sri Lanka after wasp attack injuring over 80 visitors. A newspaper report has reported in an attempt to reopen the Sigiriya rock fortress for visitors, some special wasp protection jackets will be issued by the Cultural Affairs Ministry. The Sigiriya rock fortress was ordered a temporary closure recently following wasps attack on the visitors continued in two days.

Tibet Reopened to Foreign Tourists Foreign tourists have started entering Tibet as the region lifted a month-long ban on visitors.

More than 500 foreign tourists travelling with more than 200 groups are expected to visit Tibet by the end of April, according to the Tibet Autonomous Regional Tourism Bureau. The tourists are from the US, Canada, France, Japan, Italy, Denmark and Australia- to name a few.

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In Philippines he Philippines offers countless destinations to see, adventures to experience and activities to do. The country is blessed with a rich environment- lush forests, tropical islands, white sand beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains- and english speaking friendly, artistic and hardworking people who are always happy to welcome visitors and friends. Here is a list of things to do in the Philippines to help you plan and maximize your trip. Do all for a unique and complete travel experience- a guaranteed unforgettable vacation.

Go on a beach holiday: The Philippines is a tropical country with one of the longest coastlines in Asia at 36,289 kilometers has numerous beaches with fine powdery white sand and clean, clear and cool blue waters. Bask in the warm tropical sun and get the perfect tan that will be the envy of your friends back home. Top Philippine beach locations: Boracay Island, Aklan; El Nido, Palawan; Camiguin Island; Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Puerto Galera, Mindoro; Nasugbu and Lian in Batangas; Ternate in Cavite.

Dive: The Philippines is Asia's Dive Capital. If you are a diving enthusiast- amateur or professional, or someone who is looking for an underwater experience of a lifetime, then you must go to the Philippines if only for the reason that the country has the highest density of coral species in the world. Philippine seas are some of the most bio-diverse and marine-rich waters in the world and home to a diverse species of aquatic resources. Amateur divers can train and get their licenses at any of the diving training centers located in diving spots Anilao, Puerto Galera and Boracay. After which dive in some of the best wreck diving sites in the world or experience the fantastic marine life in both Palawan and Verde Island in Mindoro Oriental.

Engage in your favourite outdoor sport : Enjoy a wide variety of sports adventures in the Philippines.

Different locations cater to a specific activities: play a few rounds of golf in the different golf courses around the country designed by some of the most famous golf celebrities in the world; Snorkel and interact with the "gentle giants"- the whale sharks ; Surf in Siargao Island, Camarines Sur ; climb the country's highest peak at 9,689 feet- Mt. Apo- in Davao City, trek Mt. Pinatubo or explore the Callao caves in Cagayan province; go white river rafting in Chico River or in Cagayan de Oro River; go kayaking and canoeing in Palawan; windsurf in Lake Caliraya or in Taal Lake, kite surf in Boracay, wakeboard in Pili, Camarines Sur. Relax in a spa: There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying the traditional Filipino "healing" massage or touch therapy called Hilot. The soothing touch of this massage relaxes and heals tired muscles and aching joints. Try this and other spa

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treatments at the Nurture Spa in Tagaytay, Mandala Spa in Boracay, Sanctuario Spa in Manila, Chi Spa Village in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, and at The Farm at San Benito in Batangas.

Shop: Shopping in the Philippines is an experience both in bargain and variety. Most shopping places or Malls in Manila, Makati, Cebu and Davao virtually have everything that you will need- from designer western brands to items specifically designed for the tourist market. Around the country, specifically in city centers, Tiangges or the Filipino version of flea markets abound offering quality items at bargain prices. In Manila shop at the third largest mall in the world Mall of Asia, Robinson Place, Balikbayan Handicrafts, Tutuban Center Mall and at the San Andres Market (for fresh fruits and other produce). In Makati and its surrounding areas, shop at Greenbelt, Glorietta, Landmark Department Store, Megamall, Shangri-La Mall. In Cebu, check out the Ayala Center, the Gaisano Malls, Robinson's Place, SM City, and for native delicacies, fresh produce and fresh and dried seafood, go to the Carbon and Taboan Markets. In Davao, shop at Aldevinco Shopping Center (for fabrics, batik, carvings) Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall and at the New City Commercial Center department store. An experience not to be missed in flea market-shopping is at Greenhills and and Tiendecitas., where shoppers can buy clothes, shoes, bags, pearls and handicraft items with big discounts, depending on charm and good bargaining skills.

Party: There is an abundance of places to go to and enjoy a night out in the Philippines. Every major city of the country has a number of nightlife activity hubs with restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and karaoke bars all promising a good time of fun and entertainment. In the country's financial district Makati, there is the Greenbelt, Glorietta, The Fort, Jupiter St. and J. P. Rizal Street. In the city's capital, Manila, nightlife is diverse. There is something for everybody in Malate, and in the newly revitalized Roxas Boulevard and its Baywalk. Quezon City is a popular destination of locals as the club prices are a little lower than those in Makati. Most clubs are close to each other so common to bar hop. The nightlife of Subic in the province of Zambales, is known all over the world because of its history as a former rest and recreation center of the US Navy. The city is still teeming with nightlife activities as the Subic Free Trade Port is home to a lot of expatriates from other foreign countries as well and it is now a major Tourist hub. The ultimate island-nightlife location in the Philippines is Boracay Island in the province of Aklan.

The island is known for its carefree attitude, and the island is home to a lot of clubs and bars on the beach: Bazzura, Hey Jude, D' Mall, and the Station 2 establishments.

GREEN VISION

India Has to Take Action in

Fighting Pollution FLORIAN MAYER ore tourists have been coming to India every year. In 2008 about five million visited India; which means a growth rate of more than 10 per cent compared to 2007. The expectations for 2009 and 2010 however are not that bright. Most analysts estimate that the tourism sector has to face a weaker year with a decreasing number of travellers worldwide because of that ongoing recession.

So what to do about it ?

The answer is as simple as it is difficult. India has to become more attractive for tourists if they want to fight against this trend.

One reason why people

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especially from Europe, Russia and North America visit India is this incomparable sprit they find there. Another is their strong currency value. Last but not least there is nature and wildlife.

Foreign tourists love to relax at beaches, visit national parks to go trekking or boating and see animals in the wild. But when it

comes to nature, most foreign visitors complain about India`s

handling of waste and rubbish.

Tourists who come to India for the very first time are kind of shocked by the way India deals with all kinds of waste. Anything that falls into disuse just gets dropped. You find smog and air pollution which can mean a serious threat even to short-term visitors in nearly every city. Beaches which are described as untouched in traveller hand books and publicity materials are already covered with rubbish.

Sewage, oil and other chemicals get discharged into rivers, streams and into the sea. Rivers have already turned grey. Seawater at some shores stinks dauntingly.

Even though India is still a developing country, a lot of this environmental pollution could be avoided . But not much is being done in this regard. And this is what makes the traveller, who is environmentally concerned, angry.

Many of them leave India with disrespect because of its irresponsible handling of nature.

Only few will come again. So if India wants to fight against the current weakness in the tourism sector and wants to establish tourism as one of their footholds in the long term they have to tidy up their country and fight environmental pollution appropriately.

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NEWSLINE

Bharat Hotels to Unveil Resort at Bekal Headquartered in New Delhi, the he Lalit Resort & Spa at Bekal, a Bharat Hotels company started its first hotel in 1988 under the dynamic undertaking, is nearing completion at Bekal in Kerala. It is leadership of Founder Chairman coming up in one of the resort sites Lalit Suri, who had spearheaded the Group's of the Bekal Resorts unprecedented Development Corporation. This expansion plans, till he passed away in super luxury Spa 2006. Rapid destination in God's own country is spread expansion and consolidation of its out on 26 acres. The leadership position resort will offer 40 cottages including continues under the equally dynamic five floating cottages stewardship of and the property will be ready to welcome Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & guests in 2009.

Managing Director. All According to Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and hotels were operated Lalit Suri under the brand of Managing Director, Founder Chairman The Grand Hotels, Bharat hotels "As North Kerala is not a much Palaces & Resorts till November 19, 2008, when the company redeveloped tourist destination and branded as so the government has isolated some of the places for resort 'The Lalit' for its development. Bharat hotels have top line hotels, under The Lalit won the bid for one of these properties located at the estuary Suri Hospitality with the natural cover of palm Group.

The group trees. It is a beautiful place and we have the backwaters as well as the owns sea here. That is why we chose to Seventeen Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & luxurious develop a resort here."

Managing Director.

Bharat Hotels Limited is known hotels, 3600 as India's largest privately owned rooms in the five-star deluxe hotel company and also the fastest segment - Seven Operating hotels growing hospitality group. and Ten under development.

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Adelaide Named as Host of the 8th Routes Asia he Route Development Group (RDG) has just announced that the 8th Routes Asia is to be held in Adelaide, South Australia in 2010. The forum is a strategically important event for all air service development professionals in the Asia Pacific region. Taking place in April 2010, this planning event will be hosted by Adelaide Airport Ltd (AAL).

Managing Director, Phil Baker, says the airport had instigated efforts to attract the Routes Asia event to Adelaide, because it provides an excellent chance to show airlines first -hand the airport's state-of-the-art terminal facilities as well as South Australia's tourism potential.

"Routes Asia provides us with a rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with the decision makers from many of the region's major airlines, and at the same time have the opportunity to show off what we consider to be one of the world's most innovative and modern terminals." The State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) and Department for Trade and Economic Development (DTED), along with AAL and the Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority (ACTA) worked together to secure the Forum, highlighting the important interdependence between the various authorities. This will be the first time the event is being held in Australia. As the prime gateway to South Australia, Adelaide Airport is currently providing close to seven million passengers annually with efficient, comfortable and world-class services. For a growing number of passengers, especially international, it is the first taste of Australia and Adelaide Airport seeks to combine South Australia's Mediterranean lifestyle and cosmopolitan image with its well-earned reputation for smart, efficient and high-tech business facilities.

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Skills Training to Boost Asia's Business Event Sector FI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Indus try, is promoting its 2009 exhibition management degree course to boost Asia's skill base in the highly competitive business event industry. The 2009 UFI Exhibition Management Degree (UFI-EMD) course will be commencing in Bangkok in June and conclude in November. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Thai Exhibition Association are hosting the course.

This is the third year UFI has held

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the degree course in Thailand.

Much of the course will be done by e-learning, making it suitable for employee already working in Asia's meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition sector. UFI and TCEB expect at least 30 middle and senior level project managers responsible for the operation of exhibitions, conventions and events to attend. Managers of congress centres, associations and government institutions are also eligible to join.

By attending the 2009 UFI

Exhibition Management Degree course, participants will be able to learn about the latest business event trends and technical skills from industry experts. Skills learned will help participants and their organizations to cope with the current economic downturn.

The exhibition industry being one of the most important industries is a centre to a country's economic development. The timing is right for the business event industry to invest in its skill base, says Supawan Teerarat, Exhibition

Director, TCEB. "There is currently softer global demand for business events. TCEB is responding by adding more incentives to meet in Thailand and encouraging the industry to upgrade its skills by joining the 2009 Exhibition Management Degree."

"Following on from the previous two successful UFI Exhibition Management Degree courses in Thailand, TCEB is delighted to be hosting the UFI Exhibition Management Degree course for the third successive year," she added.

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

Tamil Nadu Tourism Plans Mango Festival in City he Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is plan ning to organise a mango festival in Chennai. Usually, the mango festival is an annual feature in Krishnagiri, a town located near the Mango city of Salem. This will be the first time the State capital will be hosting such an event. Different varieties of the fruit would be on display, and people will get a chance to taste different varieties of the fruit brought from different parts of the country.

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Auto Drivers in Chennai to be Taught Spoken English amil Nadu tourism department is planning to train select auto driv ers in speaking good English. The course will especially benefit drivers who find it difficult to interact with foreign tourists. The move comes after the tourist-friendly autorickshaw programme became a success. Under the programme, select drivers were trained in etiquette. They will now be taught spoken English to enable them to serve domestic and foreign tourists better.

About 60 drivers are expected to attend the Speaking English’ course that will be conducted at the Stella Maris College.

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Rural TN Becomes a Favourite Destination for Foreign Tourists ural Tamil Nadu turns out to be a favourite destination for visitors to the state, especially from abroad. The number of foreign tourists who visit lesser known tourist destinations like Panchalankurichi, Palani, Poompuhar, Pitchavaram, Courtralam, Nagore, Hogenekkal and Tiruchendur have increased. foreigners began to show interest in rural TN after the department promoted experience tourism, eco-tourism and lesser known tourist destinations as well as promotional activities abroad. "We took part in three international tourism events hosted by the Pacific Asia Travel Association, World Travel Market and ITB Berlin," said tourism commissioner M Rajaram.

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CII Madurai Heritage Walk he Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Madurai Zone has organised a ‘Madurai Heritage Walk’ on April 19, to showcase the importance of preserving heritage spots in Madurai.

The walk has been held from the East Tower of Meenakshi Amman Temple to Thirumalai Nayaker Palace.

The objective was to motivate the citizens of Madurai and enable them to experience the culture and heritage of the city.

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TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

Tamil Nadu

Souvenir Shoppers' Dream Stop Dr. S. BAKTHAVATCHALAM amil Nadu is acclaimed as a souvenir-shoppers-stop.

Stone and bronze carvings were heavily patronized by the Cholas, Pallavas and the Chettiars. The modern carvings today owe their attributes to this royal lineage. The temple corridors and spires showcase a rich exhibition of this fine art to the tourists and students of art from all over the world.

In the carving industry, stone carving has carved a great niche for itself, largely because of the availability of the raw material and as an industry that grew under Temple Architecture. There are big sculptures of deities that have been carted away to other states in the south because of the workmanship that only Tamil Nadu can boast of.

Madurai is the prime centre of stone sculpting and the most popular themes are deities and animals.

Today, granite and soapstone sculptures are available in plenty. The best centre of bronze casting is Swamimalai, in Kumbakonam district, with smaller centres strewn around Thanjavur and Cudallore.

Brass also has a place in artistic handiwork, though it is mostly used to make household and puja utensils. Casting in mould is the usual method but for exquisite works it may be forged or beaten. Among the household items the most popular is the lamp and urli (circular vessel).

It is customary in Hindu families to worship fire and sun at sunrise and sunset. So a vast collection of lamps are available in various forms and stature. Tall standing lamps are usually found in the royal houses even as the new fashion conscious household has the lamp holding figurines to add a little aesthetic value.

Jewellery is another major industry, popularized largely by the ornaments used by the affluent Chettiar families. The Chettiars as traders have taken the fame of the skilled jewel smiths all over the trade route. There is a potential market slowly growing for the distinctive diyaanam (girdle), Chettiar thali and the navarathna ring which holds the nine gems related to the zodiac.

A lot of artists came into Tamil Nadu long ago which has resulted in a renaissance that

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led to the introduction of three distinct schools: Deccan, Mysore and Tanjore. The Tanjore Paintings are still pursued by artists in a big way. The art forms are characterized by low relief works with studded ornaments in paintings. Mostly primary colours are used which are prepared from naturally available materials. This art form is widely used now to improve the aesthetic value of hotels and guest lounges.

Toys from Tamil Nadu are well known for their nostalgic value. Pondichery, Kumbhakonam, Tanjore and Madurai are the leaders in this industry. The most famous are the pot bellied Bhattar nodding his head with an understanding smile and the oscillating dancer. Chennai and Kancheepuram are the famous toy markets. The lacquered pith toys, sporting a rich array of buses, cars and trains and miniature kitchen utensils which are sometimes made of soap stone, are favored by children and antique collectors.

Hand bags and utility articles made out of leather from Tamil Nadu are widely appreciated for their superior quality and craftsmanship. There are also palm products which are usually made for industries and home use.

Ramanathapuram is a famous centre for palm products.

This area is also famous for gigantic monoliths that are literally scattered all over the land. The skill of the artisan is evident in the form of gigantic temple cars and intricately carved temple doors. This art has ventured into the furniture market and the elephant head table is an item enjoying high demand. The grass mats of Tirunelveli is a must have item in a modern home that boasts of having traditional knickknacks.

ASIAN TRAVELLER APRIL 2009

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MARKETING

NYC & Disney Participate in the US Commercial Service Travel Seminar ith the onset of summer US commercial service along with representatives of various key American travel and tourism products organized an interactive travel seminar ‘Summer Vacation 2009: Destination USA’ at the American Centre Auditorium in Mumbai. The focus of the seminar was to showcase the US as the top tourist destination for summer 2009. The seminar witnessed informative presentations by New York City, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Land Resort, LVCVA, Continental airlines, and Marriott International. The presentations provided information on the latest offers, attractions, exciting events and happenings that Indians can enjoy on their summer vacations to United States in 2009. Besides this the US Visa services also presented the procedures, the do and don’ts of applying for an US visa. The event was attended by some of the top tour operators like Cox and Kings, Thomas Cook, KouniSOTC , Mercury and Kesari Travels to name a few.

“The Mumbai seminar was very well received by the travel

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trade who are not just the eyes and ear but also the hands and legs of tourism organization like NYC & Company, helping us understand and reach out to the consumer. We hope to make this a regular event and also extend this to other cities with the

Joseph Fernandes

support of the US Commercial Services.” said Joseph Fernandes General Manager, AVIAREPS-India representing office of NYC & Company.

CNTO & MGTO Heralds Holiday Season hina National Tourist Office (CNTO), New Delhi and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), India jointly organised a business lunch at Le Meridien hotel, New Delhi recently, marking the beginning of the upcoming holiday season. Zhang Yan, Ambassador of China and Sujit Banerjee, Secretary, Tourism, Government of India, were the

Travels, Carnation Travel Services, Trail Blazer, HRG Sita, Swagatam Tours, Destination Direkt, Travelite (India), Dream Horizons, TUI and Mercury Travels, among others attended the event. Airlines representatives from Cathay Pacific and China Eastern were also present.

Addressing the gathering, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan

main guests at the function.

SanJeet, General Manager, MGTO, Alice Wang, Director - CNTO, New Delhi, Shahram Saber, Regional Director - Asia, PATA; Kabir Vasudeva, Executive Director, PATA; Rajendera Kumar, Honourary Secretary, FHRAI; Subhash Goel, Chairman - Tourism Committee, ASSOCHAM; PP Khanna, General Secretary, ADTOI; Sanjay Kothari, ADG (T), Government Of India; and Dammu Ravi, Private Secretary to The Minister Of Tourism were among the dignitaries present.

Travel companies such as Dewan

said, “Tourism provides fillip to a country’s economy and is especially important in the backdrop of current recession.”

The ambassador emphasised that Chinese tourism industry should create more avenues for improved traffic from China to India because of its unique culture, exotic land and great food.

Expressing his views Sujit Banerjee said, “Both the countries carry a heritage which no country in the world can match. With over 1.3 billion Chinese and 1.1 billion Indian population and our

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economies growing at nine and eight per cent respectively, the countries can be great source markets for each other.” The tourism secretary also said that India can learn a great deal from China and Macau in not only developing tourist traffic but also in creating sound tourism infrastructures like hotels.

“India figures in the 15th -17th category as a source market for China and we plan to work on special packages and drive India to the top 10 league. We are working closely to promote meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions segment and business travel from India,” said Alice Wang.

Speaking on the occasion, SanJeet said, “Macau is a melting pot where East meets West.

Indians do not need visa to go to Macau. Besides, the one-city destination offers virtually everything an Indian visitor can aspire for; be it vegetarian food, shopping experience, water or adventure sports, entertainment, there is always an option to cater to every taste.” Despite the economic meltdown, the destination registered a growth of 33 per cent in January over the same period last year. In 2008, Macau received 84,000 visitors from India, registering a growth of 85 per cent over 2007.

TCEB to Launch New Campaign in June hailand Convention & Exhi bition Bureau (TCEB) will launch a new advertisement campaign from June 2009. According to Puripan Bunnag, Senior Manager – Meetings & Exhibitions, TCEB, the campaign titled, ‘Thailand Maximise’ will be launched in all key markets of TCEB with an aim to promote Thailand as a MICE destination in the region. According to Puripan irrespective of the popular destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, TCEB wants to “spread the word” about its MICE offerings. “We work closely with Thai Hotel Association and Thailand Incentives and Exhibitions Association to make the whole initiative a success,” he added. TCEB will provide free participation for private stakeholders in all the road shows in different markets taking into consideration the business scenario in the country.

TCEB has also proposed Baht one billion budget allocation for MICE promotion to the government this year.

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KERALA TRAVELLER

Dr. V. Venu IAS Secretary, Kerala Tourism

t is going to be a tough year ahead for Kerala Tourism. However, I am happy that we are braced to meet the challenges - not just by enhancing our relationships with customers and developing new ones, but also by exploring new growth grounds. We are focusing more on identifying new markets and reaching out more to existing ones. And participation in travel and tourism fairs plays a major role in this.

This year too, Kerala Tourism enhanced its

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presence in Germany by participating in the ITB 2009 with a 100 sq. m pavilion designed as an exotic spice garden and a bouquet of innovative attractions. At the Paris Road Show held at Radisson SAS Ambassador Opera, an enthusiastic response and 130 buyers awaited Kerala. At the MITT in Russia, a market that has strong potential for growth, God's Own Country succeeded in reaching out to new clients.

TUR held in Gothenburg opened new doors to the Scandinavian market and was

a real eye opener in terms of discovering Kerala's potential in the Swedish outbound tourist market. Last year registered 20,666 Swedish arrivals to Kerala, double that of 2007, making Sweden the fifth largest source market for the State.

Meanwhile, Kerala is strengthening its foothold back home too. In order to fly high over the turbulent times, Kerala Tourism has joined hands with Jet Airways to bring the State well within the reach of the traveller. Starting this month, Jet Airways will

offer us 20 seats in every flight that touches down at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Along with this, the Dream Season initiative, that yielded rich dividends last year with domestic tourist arrivals touching an all-time high of over 75 lakhs, has also been launched for the second time.

A part of the Visit Kerala Programme, this initiative, I am sure will make Kerala one of the most cost-effective destinations in the country.

Impressive Trend in Kerala Tourism, You Tube Jointly Organize Domestic Tourism Continues Travel Video Festival s a result of the global financial crunch, the domestic tourism scenario in Kerala, instead of feeling the heat has gained appreciably well. Travelers from Kerala these days prefer to visit destinations within their home state rather than those outside or abroad.

And the reason obviously seems to be the financial crunch looming large over them, forcing them to work out economically feasible travel options. With the schools in the state closing for summer vacation, the travel and

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tour operators are anticipating further increase in domestic travelers. According to the officials of District Tourism Promotion Councils, destinations in Kozhikode and Wayanad are witnessing a steady increase in the arrival of domestic tourists, when compared to the previous year.

As things brighten up in the domestic tourism front for Kerala, the Department of Tourism will soon launch road shows in major cities of India, starting in the month of May as part of its "Visit Kerala 2009" campaign.

KT Begins Database Build-up erala Tourism recently launched a massive data collection exercise that would soon provide it with a comprehensive database on service providers in the hospitality sector of Kerala. The database would serve as a resourceful one for Kerala Tourism, taking into account its use while giving shape to various developmental programs in the tourism sector. The information as part of the database would help Kerala Tourism to plan, analyze and implement programs in future. The database would cover details of service providers in the category of hotels, home stays, houseboats, Ayurveda centres etc. The ongoing data collection has so far been able to collect details pertaining to nearly 4000 service providers. The database currently being developed would also be useful for tourists, who could have updated information with regard to service providers and would also be the case with stakeholders in the industry.

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o mark the 10th Anniversary of its official website www.keralatourism.org, Kerala Tourism has organized, an online Travel Video Festival in association with YouTube. Entries for the festival can be submitted till May 15, 2009. "Besides being a novel venture and a rewarding one for the participants, the Travel Video Festival would highlight the potential of Kerala to audiences around the word as a choicest travel destination in India," said Dr. Venu V., Secretary, Kerala Tourism. For those who have experienced Kerala, the Travel Video Festival invites video clips taken by them on Kerala topics to be uploaded at www.youtube.com/keralatourismdotorg - Kerala Tourism's branded channel in YouTube. All video clips submitted will be displayed in YouTube and in the website of Kerala Tourism. The video festival organized by Kerala Tourism is a chance for travellers, professionals or amateurs just initiated into videography to have viewers glued on to their uploaded video clips on Kerala, said M. Sivasankar, Director, Kerala Tourism. As part of the travel video festival, participants stand to win fabulous prizes for the best three video clips.

For details visit www.keralatourism.org or www.youtube.com/ keralatourismdotorg.

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KERALA TRAVELLER

Innovative Holidaying ith the evolving hospitality and increasingly competitive travel industry, the service providers have brought in value added products to lure the modern day travelers. Being a niche service provider in the industry Thomas Holidays and Resorts have become the most sought after ones for the nature lovers who reach the God's Own Country.

Well situated in places like Kovalam and Poovar, where the sky merges with the sea, the resorts offer all the pleasure of being one with the nature. The group runs the reputed properties like Estuary Island Resort, Tom's Inn, Turtle and Magic Days.

The Estuary Island Resort located at Poovar, a unique place where a lake, a river, a sea and a beach meet forms the right ambience to unwind. It's the only resort in Kerala that has threefourth of its land forming a garden in the front, pool in the lap of a coconut groove, massive and

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Assam Tourism Policy

sophisticated conference hall, lakeside restaurant and crafts shops on the fringes of this area.

The Turtle, the sea front resort with all the splendour of an alluring and clean sea, Kovalam forms the perfect place to watch the languid evening with the tinge of sunset and listen to the rhythm of the sea.

ered at all the resorts of Thomas Holidays and Resorts. The Thomas Holidays and Resorts is a cut above the rest in the

Campaign Against Child Abuse To prevent abusing of children at tourist destinations, Kerala Tourism would soon launch an awareness campaign with the help of Child Line. For this purpose, efforts are currently on to prepare pamphlets, small door hanging boards, bookmarks, stickers and big sized posters. Necessary steps would be taken to have these campaign materials displayed in hotels, restaurants and resorts throughout Kerala.

Yatri Niwas Change Over Complete Tom's Inn, the 5 bedroom hotel provides rooms with good standard, which is easy on traveller's wallet. It's in the bed and bread category. The Magic days, the complete hospitality service centered division; now rendering service for the Aroma International is yet another venture to prove the quality service deliv-

that date back to Vedic and Puranic times. The Kamakhya temple is continued from page 7 one of the most revered shrines of the Hindu faith. Poa Mecca (being Brahmaputra being the lifeline of fourth in the line of sanctity to the the State and its many tributaries, shrine at Mecca) of a preacher besides a number of wetlands called Pir Giasuddin Aulia of Iraq is (where winged creatures from another centre where adherents of different parts of the globe flock three religious faiths – Hinduism, during winter), Assam has imIslam and Buddhism - meet. “The mense potential for river cruises policy aims at bringing to the fore and water sports like rafting and kayaking. The alluvial plains of the the myths and legends of this land and its people as well as its Assam valley enjoy an abundance cultural and religious wealth and of natural riches. The State is the antiquity,” said Baruah. largest producer of tea in the Apart from Religious Tourism, country. It has over 800 estates the policy focuses on Culture and having some of the finest 18 hole Heritage Tourism, which encomgolf courses Then there are two passes the architectural marvels of World War II cemeteries of Allied forces in the State one at Guwahati Ahoms in Sivasagar district, the and the other at oil producing town secular traditions of Hajo, the of Digboi. “All these aspects will be unique Vaishnavite culture in Majuli, which also happens to be combined to develop a unique the world’s largest inhabited brand of tea, golf and nostalgia riverine island, the mythological tourism to woo modern-day Agnigarh in Tezpur, the ancient tourists,” said Baruah.

Madan Kamdev with temples Assam is an ancient land dating back to the 10th¬-12th known for astrological and tantric studies. It is home to many temples century near Baihata Chariali et al.

hospitality industry of Kerala, to offer a memorable experience and comforts for the ones who are in dire need of a break from the hustles and bustles of a busy life.

Then comes Rural Tourism centering round the State’s dazzling cultural mosaic and traditions of lifestyles of different communities. The idea behind it is to give the tourists an altogether different experience and to ensure the benefits of socio-economic tourism percolate to the rural areas. As part of the policy, rural tourism will be incorporated into the integrated tourism circuits.

The policy aims at giving further boost to promotion of Medical Tourism in the State. Assam has three medical colleges at Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar, the premier cancer institute of the northeast, Dr. B. Baruah Cancer Institute, the Sankar Netralaya and a number of private hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities. Three new medical colleges are also coming up in the State which will bring about a sea change in the health care scenario in the region as a whole. “As Assam, Guwahati in particular is fast becoming a preferred destination for health

With the conversion of the Yatri Niwas in Kannur into a Tamarind Hotel, the conversion of Yatri Niwas facilities, which comes under Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), into Tamarind Hotels has been completed. The fully renovated property has already been opened for tourists.

With the conversion of all Yatri Niwases KTDC currently has 14 Tamarind Hotels under operation in different districts of Kerala. care for people of the region as well as neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, we have given added thrust on Medical Tourism,” says the senior tourism official.

In the policy, the Government has also decided to come up with a theme park – Mini Assam – in the lines of Disney World in the State.

To translate the objectives of the new Tourism Policy into reality, the Government has decided to come up with a tourism promotion agency with members drawn from tourism related departments of the State Government, Government of India and the private stake holders.

“The sole aim is to position Assam nay NE as a whole vis-à-vis linking the region to the South Asian and South East Asian markets and to reap the benefits of the ‘Look East’ policy initiatives of Government of India,” said Baruah. Be that as it may, Assam seems to be poised for a big leap forward in the tourism sector with the coming into force of the New Tourism Policy.

ASIAN TRAVELLER APRIL 2009

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KERALA TRAVELLER

The Leela Kovalam

Wins Pevonia Asia Spa Award he Divya Spa at The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach was recently awarded the prestigious Pevonia Asia Spa Award for the Best Ayurvedic Spa (Hotel), 2008. Divya Spa features Ayurveda, an age old Indian science of life in contemporary settings which offers ancient remedies to today's needs.

Instituted in 2005, the Pevonia Asia Spa Awards recognises exceptional and sensa-

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Leela Kovalam Introduces

More Asian Cuisines he Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach resort becomes the first resort in Kerala having a restaurant the four Asian cuisines under a single roof. The Tides is also the first restaurant to have the combination of Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Malay Cuisine in south India. All ingredients are imported mainly from Singapore and Bangkok for keeping the culinary experience authentic.

"With the domestic season drawing to its peak the demand for Asian Cuisines is soaring and these new additions really add to effervescence of Leela Kovalam" says Vijayan Parakkal, Executive Chef.

Thai cuisine, the combination of the four basic flavors - sweet, sour, salty and spicy is renowned all over the world. The recommended Thai dishes include Kai phad med mamuang, Satay kai, Som torn, Goong phad kapprao, Tao hoo rad prik, Tom yum goong, Classic phad thai kai, Geang kiew warn along with the Thai sweets generally made from some combination of rice and coconut. The main attractions of the Malay food include Manga kerabu, Satay udong, Soto ayam, Tumis terung sos

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tional spas in Asia. The signature treatments of the spa include Udvarthanam, Shiodhara, Elakkizhi and Navarakkizhi. A team of sixteen highly trained therapists and dedicated Ayurvedic doctors work towards offering a retreat to every guest who seeks solace from the rigorous complexities of their daily lives.

"This recognition is a very special honour which I will always cherish. I believe that a modern setting that meets world class standards of comfort and convenience is the need of the hour for Indian Ayurveda" said Capt. C. P. Krishnan Nair, Chairman, Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. "The award is a testimony to the vision of Mrs. Madhu Nair, Director - Interior Design & Operations and her team for their constant endeavor to create a complete and unique spa experience for the guest," said Mr. Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager, The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach.

tirarn, Cili ketma and Malay desserts made of coconut milk, fresh grated coconut, palm sugar and a unique plant leave called pandan or pandanus. The restaurant serves traditional Chinese Food, one of the most renowned Asian cuisines the world over. The some special dishes Tides restaurant offers in this genre include Dim Sum, Bai chai jiao, Xiao mai, Dasuan dan hua tang, Qin cai chao dou ya, Yao QUO chao ji ding, Shu mi yane rou si, Hunan mian lei shu cai. The traditional dessert in Chinese cuisine, Guo bin bin ji lin and Tides chef's creative, Chocolate spring roll are the other attractions.

The main Vietnamese delicacies which rely on fresh vegetables, subtle seasonings and rice include Chien xai, Mang tay Nau Cua, Xao rau. The Vietnamese curry comprises Vit nau cary, Com chien dan tay nau cua, and Coconut caramel custard in the Vietnamese dessert department.

Kerala Voyages Offers

IPL Holiday Package erala Voyages, promoters of South India in the global travel and tourism market, has partnered with Africa Experience, a Division of Travel Connections Ltd, to launch IPL special holiday experience, targeting Indian cricket fans expected to travel to the continent during the tournament season. The tie-up presents specially planned holiday programs that provide a rare 'Africa Experience' while covering as many IPL matches as possible. An itinerary of just cricket as well as customised programmes to suit individuals, groups and corporate clients is also available. The Kerala Voyages have signed an agreement with Africa Experience in this regard. The IPL special package comes in two variants, one with three-star category facilities targeting the budget travellers and the other with 5-star luxury amenities targeting the high-end travellers. Both packages offer complimentary tickets for three IPL matches. Three-star packages start with Rs 36,000 and five-star packages with Rs 81,000, both on twin sharing basis. Packages cover all transfers and tours, but do not include airfares to South Africa.

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APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

ALBUM

Dream Cochin Opens in Kerala

T.K.A. Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister formally inaugurated Dream Cochin (A Vikram Chatwal Hotel) in Kochi

Tourism Malaysia Named the ‘Excellent Brand of Tourism Paradise’ ourism Malaysia has been awarded the “Excellent Brand of Tourism Paradise” award for its highly-acclaimed “Truly My Moment” campaign at the Metro Finance anniversary gala dinner cum Hong Kong Leaders’ Choice brand awards presentation in Hong Kong. The year-long “Truly My Moment” campaign had been carried out successfully in Hong Kong through print and electronic media advertising such as Headline Daily, Ming Pao Weekly and cable TV and radio stations. Zaliha Zainuddin, Tourism Malaysia Director for Hong Kong, accepted the award on behalf of Tourism Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia, the only winning national tourism organisation, was recognised as the best branding in tourism industry by the Hong Kong leaders. “The year 2008 proved to be a remarkable year for Tourism Malaysia and this award reaffirms our commitment to promote Malaysia as one of the top tourism destinations in the world, through our country’s unique splendour and beauty,” said Zaliha.

Malaysia played host to more than 22 million tourists in 2008. Tourist arrivals from the Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China markets were particularly encouraging. With the successful extension of the “Visit Malaysia Year” campaign in 2008, the country welcomed nearly one million travellers from these three markets. This represented a yearon-year increase of twenty percent. “Hong Kong Leaders’ Choice” Brand Awards was first organised in March 2007 by Metro Finance FM104, with the purpose to give recognition to the high quality brands chosen by leaders of corporations in Hong Kong. Winners were first nominated by the public and voted by a group of industry professional judges formed by corporate leaders, business tycoons and renowned representatives of different industry sectors.

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VARIETY

Singapore Tourism Board has appointed Jessica Sim as Area Director, Northern and Eastern India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.

The Grand, New Delhi, India has announced the appointment of Harinder Singh as the new General Manager for the hotel.

Jayakrishnan G. is the New General Manager at Estuary Island (a part of Thomas Holidays and Resorts, India Private Limited), Poovar, Kerala, India.

1. Where is Houari Boumedienne Airport?

2. Probus Clubs are sponsored by Rotary International for retired people. What does 'Probus' stand for?

3. What is the only alphabet not to be found on the periodic table of elements?

4. Whose official phone number is 202-456-1414?

5. Is cucumber a vegetable or a fruit?

6. What is a travellator?

7. What was the name given to the Mickey Mouse first by Disney?

8. What is the name of the first internet search engine?

Prabith Premraj has joined Kerala Palace, Kottayam, Kerala, India as Resort Manager

King Tut Returns to the de Young Museum

9. Who created the network site Facebook?

10. What is the largest satellite in the solar system?

new generation of Northern Califor nians will have a chance to view the artifacts of Egypt's best-known pharaoh when "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" opens at the de Young, Golden Gate Park, in June this year. This marks the first time in three decades that the treasures of King Tutankhamun will be seen in Northern California since the first record-breaking exhibition at the de Young in 1979. The current exhibition includes an extensive array of more than 130 important artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian sites such as the gold diadem found on King Tut's mummy's head when the tomb was discovered.

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Compiled by DEEKAY

Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC19 in the the subject line.

Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month.

Answers of TYKC - 18 1. Skiing across countryside rather than downhill, 2. Rating system for the skills of the chess players, 3. A combination of two sporting events like skiing and shooting in one, 4. China's currency RMB, 5. A little shield ( 'targe' means a shield), 6. A legendary bookstore in Paris, 7. It is a natural rock pool at the top of Victoria Falls, S.Africa, 8. Microwave Oven, 9. Another name for a USB or a flash drive, 10. Archbishop of Canterbury

TYKC 18 - Winner

Mohammed Iqbal Khan Tilak Nagar, Kurla, Mumbai, India

APRIL 2009 April 15 - 17

Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi

COTTM, Beijing

April 22 - 24

[ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]*

SATTE, New Delhi

April 23 - 24

MAY 2009 ATM, Dubai BITE, Bahrain Thrissur Pooram, Kerala, India

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One all-correct entry will get

IT & CM, Shanghai, China

APRIL 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

May 5-8 May 14-16 May 4

Nestled amongst 25 acres of coconut groves and backwater rivers, Le MĂŠridien 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