Asian Traveller May 2013

Vol. 6

No. 9

Pages 32

` 100

US$ 10 (Overseas)

May 2013

India | Thailand | Singapore | Malaysia | UAE | Srilanka | Maldives | Germany | UK | Australia | Switzerland | Canada | USA | African & Latin American Countries

Incredible India

through the pages .

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Vol. 6 No. 9 MAY 2013

07 Aquaventure Dubai 16 Dubai Aims to Triple Tourism Income By 2020 16 Turkey Aims High in Medical Tourism 20 Now, Gujarat Tourists May Get To See Asiatic Lions in Amreli Too 22 Mysore Hopeful of Tourism Revival

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23 Smartly Dressed Single Guys Most Likely to Get a Free Upgrade 24 TTM+2013: Amazing Gateway To The Greater Mekong Subregion 28 Portugal Tourism Industry Debuts at ATM 2013 30 Space International Travel Becomes LuLu International Travel & Tourism

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Ten Questions

Interview

Woman of the month

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P 8-9

P 14-15

Sanjay Kaushik

Le Luong Minh

Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar

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ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

EDITOR’S NOTE

Editor & Publisher : G. Biju Krishnan

Group Vice President : Siji Sen

Chief Executive Officer : M. P. Sreekumar

Group Editor : Reeny Joseph Art Editor : Pradeep C. N.

Sub Editor : Sreejith N. K.

Director Marketing : Grierson V. P.

Sr. Manager (Sales) : Lineesh V.

Sr. Manager (Operations) : Krishna Nair

Director - PR (Mumbai) : Ashok Bania

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veryone takes vacations, but few see the industry behind them and sometimes it evokes a feeling that tourism is everywhere and nowhere. The new reports suggest that more importance should be attributed to the industry as receipts from international tourism worldwide grew by 4% in 2012 reaching US$1,075 billion.

The revenue growth is equal to a 4% increase in international tourist arrivals which reached 1,035 million trips in 2012. An additional US$219 billion was recorded in receipts from international passenger transport, bringing the export value generated by international tourism in 2012 to US$1.3 trillion.

By regions, the Americas (+7%) recorded the largest increase in receipts, followed

by Asia and the Pacific (+6%), Africa (+5%) and Europe (+2%). Receipts in the Middle East were still down (-2%); yet report a steady improvement compared to the decline recorded in 2011.

In absolute values, Europe saw US$457 billion in tourism earnings (euro 356 billion) equivalent to 43% of the world’s total tourism receipts, the largest share by region.

Destinations in Asia and the Pacific (US$323 billion or euro 251 billion) account for 30% of international tourism receipts and the Americas (US$215 billion or euro 167 billion) for 20%. Growth in the Asia Pacific region will pick up speed and close the gap with Europe in terms of revenue, but will not surpass Europe over the next decade. In the Middle East (4% share) total tourism receipts reached US$47 billion (euro 36 billion) and in Africa (3% share) US$34 billion (euro 26 billion).

These figures once again emphasize the importance of tourism to economies worldwide and its high employment capability, factors that should encourage governments to raise the profile of their ministries of tourism in national development plans.

Thailand has already designated tourism to its national agenda, a move that officially recognizes tourism’s importance to national development. It also requires all ministries and government departments to make tourism a priority and to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to achieve national tourism goals.

T ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Financial Advisor : Jayachandran S Legal Advisor : Adv. G.S. Prakash GM -Tamil Nadu : P. Deenadayalu

USA : Jiju K. Thomas UK : Abdul Najeeb UAE : Sanjeev S L Kuwait : Mariam Titus Mumbai : Ashok Bania Bengaluru : Sophy K. Magal Goa : Casey Fernandes Kolkata : Sobha Joshi Chennai : Nisha J Hyderabad : K.S. Johnson Indore : Manohar Bhati Madurai : P. Deenadayalu

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TEN QUESTIONS

Ace Strategist Sanjay Kaushik, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Kochi, is an enterprising professional who is enthusiastic about developing the Hotel as a flagship hotel for IHG South Asia. In an exclusive interview with Asian Traveller he shares his thoughts on hospitality industry- the present and future.

You have been in the hospitality industry for the past several years.

Could you tell us about your early days? What made you enter the hospitality sector?

I started my career as professional Judo player for paramilitary force, CISF. That was the time hotels were expanding very fast. I took a call and joined ITC Maurya at a junior level in accounts section, as cashier in 1996.

What plans do you have for the company?

Crowne Plaza is globally a strong brand. My key responsibility is to strengthen IHG presence in the region through Crowne Plaza Kochi.

It is a landmark property strategically located on back waters. Our endeavor is to make it a preferred destination for all market segments and develop it as a flagship hotel for IHG South Asia.

How do you see the role of a hotel in developing a destination? What all things can hospitality sector do in this regard?

There are various locations which are very scenic or have

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historic and mythological importance. These locations only become destinations when there is infrastructural support. Hotels are one such support which attract visitors from various economic segments, to make the location as a destination. Hospitality segment have all the required resources like network, marketing channels and funds to talk about it and pull guests to stay and experience the destinations.

How do you see the growth prospects of Indian hospitality sector?

In your career, have you ever worked abroad? What according to you are the advantages of working overseas?

Please tell us about your hobbies and other interests?

I only worked in India (Delhi,NCR, Uttarakhand and now in Kochi, Kerala) Where would you like to see yourself, say, ten years from now?

Want to see myself as CEO for any company.

Hospitality is a rapidly growing sector in India. We can witness most of leading international hotels in India, both luxury and mid-scale.

About your family?

I live with my parents, wife is a home maker. Son is doing hotel management and daughter is in fourth standard.

In my leisure time I like reading books mostly autobiographies and historic events related. I am fond of landscaping and horticulture, which I mostly practice in my hotel only.

Which is your favourite destination? Why? Munnar in Kerala is the most clean and green hill station I have ever visited.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

DUBAI

Aquaventure Dubai Aquaventure.

The pools at Aquaventure Dubai have several slides, including water and river slides of every size. One of the main attractions of Aquaventure is the Ziggurat Pool, which is simply picturesque. It symbolizes and resembles the South American Ziggurat, and on sliding down from the Ziggurat, you get to slide into a pool, which leads you into a tuber underwater, wherein you get the feel of having touched the beautiful huge sharks.

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quaventure is one of the most important attractions in Dubai, and is the right place for adventurous souls. It is easily accessible, and is located in the Atlantis, The Palm Hotel and Resort, on the outer rim of the well-known Palm Jumeirah Island.

The Island is the one and only artificial palm-shaped island, located adjacent to Downtown Dubai. Eversince its opening in 2009, Aquaventure, being a water park, has offered numerous attractions for families.

Aquaventure Dubai is spread across 42 acres of space, surrounded by the Palm Trees, and the sparkling Arabian Gulf.

Water is the dominating element at Aquaventure

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Dubai, which overflows with fun, including Speedslides, Master Blasters, rapids, rivers, Splashers Children’s play area, amidst lush landscapes and a private beach. Ranging from water-coasters, slides, to shark filled lagoons, rapids etc., this place offers quality entertainment to adults and children alike, though some of the rides do not allow children below the height of 1.2meters.

There is also a restaurant and Aquaventure beach for guests to relax.

There are special pools meant for little children, too. After having spent sufficient time in the pools, you can consider visiting the beachside of Aquaventure, the private beach of the resort.

The Atlantis Resort also offers a dive centre, which offers you the option of enrolling for the course, if you like to.

Apart from these, there are are the water-coaster rides such as The Plunge, Falls, Stinger and the Surge.

The Surge is the second-most thrilling ride at Aquaventure Dubai. All the rides are an inspiration for dare-devilry at the Ziggurat, while few even permit children.

River Rides offer subdued entertainment, while the Aquaventure Dubai is Rapids are fast-paced thrilling located in a pleasant setting, rides, taken on water journey with palm trees decorating the through caverns with several river-sides, and other water twists and turns, meant for bodies. At the heart of the adventure sport enthusiasts. water park is the ‘Ziggurat’, The ride follows a 600 meter the stunning architectural course of the river, with 1 structure, which is the source meter waves splashing on the of several water slides at guests.

The Lost Chamber segment is one of the main attractions in Aquaventure. The Lost Chamber is actually built under water, and resembles a labyrinth. When you walk inside, you get the feeling of being in a different world, surrounded by beautiful fishes under the water. You can also actually see the ruins of ancient street lines, and some parts of houses. Overall, it is like viewing an exhibition under water. It actually depicts the culture of Atlantis, while the remains seen during excavations show each part of the Lost Chamber. In fact, there are special teaching courses for children about the Lost Chambers and the culture of the Lost Continent, the Atlantis. You also get to see the miniature model of 'Hydropolis', the incredible architectural dreams ever planned.

The Dolphin Bay is the other part of Aquaventure, wherein you get to see all the beautiful species of fishes. The huge Dolphin Bay is the place to see amazing species of fishes, of all types from small to big.

Aquaventure beach also forms a part of the water park, wherein, you can unwind yourself under the palm trees, gazing out at the Arabian Gulf.

On the whole, Aquaventure is no-doubt, a popular attraction, which one should not miss while in Dubai. Guests staying at the Atlantis, have unlimited access to the water park.

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Interview

ASEAN SecretaryGeneral Speaks Out on Tourism Le Luong Minh, the new ASEAN SecretaryGeneral took office in January. His five-year tenure will include the birth of the ASEAN Economic Community. In this interview he gives a progress report on tourism integration in Southeast Asia How important is the role of tourism in ASEAN's development plans?

ASEAN?

The ASEAN Leaders adopted the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity in 2010 From 2004 to 2010, aimed at bringing about a ASEAN has been working comprehensive enhancement to achieve the goal of of physical infrastructure, comprehensive regional institutional connectivity and integration where tourism people-to-people connectivity. has been identified as one of Cross-border road transport the twelve priority sectors. is one of the key components ASEAN Tourism, guided of land transport. ASEAN by the ASEAN Tourism is developing an ASEAN Strategic Plan (ATSP) 20112015, has significant potential Framework Agreement on Cross Border Transport of to become a major socioPassengers (CBTP). The economic driver for growth and a tool for development in intention of this agreement is to facilitate cross border the ASEAN region. In 2012, road transport of people ASEAN received over 87 million international visitors, between and among ASEAN member states with intra-ASEAN travel through the simplification as the major source market and harmonisation of such for ASEAN tourism with transport procedures and a share of 46%. With this requirements. With the promising outlook, tourism plays an important role as an conclusion of the agreement, instrument for the alleviation we would expect much more seamless land travel, which, at of poverty, improvement the end, will further develop of people's quality of life tourism in the region. To and contributing greatly further complete the ASEAN to economic and social experience through land development in ASEAN. travel, the quality of roads ASEAN is making progress within the region is important. on cross-border road ASEAN is currently transport cooperation. What would you like to see happen completing the missing sections and improving to further improve crossborder road transport within road quality of the ASEAN 8

an ASEAN common visa for non-ASEAN nationals How important it is for each is being carried out and ASEAN country to promote a Joint Working Group simplified visa procedures on the ASEAN Common to facilitate travel by nonVisa is being established ASEAN visitors? to identify challenges and Recognising that a single opportunities and provide tourist visa could substantially recommendations. benefit travel facilitation How confident are you that and tourism industry in the the Mutual Recognition region, ASEAN member Arrangement for Tourism states continue to promote Professionals will start to an ASEAN common visa. deliver results?

Significant progress was Highway Network (AHN).

made by Thailand and Cambodia when they agreed to implement a single visa agreement. Since December 2012 non-ASEAN visitors just need to obtain one visa to visit both countries. Within the context of ACMECS, which is a sub-regional arrangement comprising Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam, the idea of a common tourist visa is also enjoying broad support. ASEAN is working on easing visa requirements for ASEAN nationals and foreign tourists through the full implementation of the 2006 ASEAN Framework Agreement for Visa Exemption. A study on

The signing of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Tourism Professionals by Thailand on 9 November 2012 in Bangkok is an excellent indication on how we would progress the implementation of MRA on Tourism Professionals. It is one of the key ASEAN tourism initiatives to support the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 that will facilitate the mobility of tourism professionals, and at the same time, improve the quality of services. The progress that has been achieved is encouraging. This is shown by the completion of the development of ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Interview would allow airlines of a member state to provide air services from any city with international airports in its territory to any city with international airports in the territories of the other ASEAN countries are making member states and vice-versa with full third (3rd), fourth regulations on green hotels, spa services, homestays, even (4th), and fifth (5th) freedom traffic rights. These initiatives public toilets. Is it ASEAN's will definitely enhance air initiatives or national connectivity within the governments'?

In addition to those region. We look forward to achievements in infrastructure Sustainability is an the ratification by all ASEAN preparation, the ASEAN essential element of the member states of these Tourism Ministers supported ASEAN tourism planning agreements and protocols. the recommendation and development processes.

Engagements with other to establish a Regional As stated in the ATSP 2011countries, particularly with Secretariat for ASEAN 2015, ASEAN is developing ASEAN dialogue partners, Tourism Professionals, and Standards for Green Hotels, such as China, India and agreed to select Indonesia as Spa Services, Public Toilets Korea, have started. This has the host of the Secretariat. All and Homestays to enhance been ASEAN's commitment of these developments show the quality of these tourism stipulated under the that ASEAN is committed to establishments. These implementation framework of completing these initiatives. standards are ASEAN the ASEAN Single Aviation initiatives.

To ensure the quality of Framework. With China, tourism in ASEAN, what What measures are being the main agreement and its policies and initiatives are taken to ensure visitors' 'Protocol 1' have been signed ASEAN implementing? safety and security within and are now in force. I would ASEAN? ASEAN has achieved hope that these engagements significant progress in An initiative on ASEAN with dialogue partners could developing initiatives on Tourism Safety and be concluded within the enhancing the quality of Security to empower the stipulated timeline, 2015. tourism services, facilities ASEAN tourism sector in When you look at realising and human resources in the its endeavour to create and tourism potential in ASEAN, region. Guided by ATSP, a set maintain a secure and safe how much has been done, of ASEAN Tourism Standards environment is currently in and how much can the region for ASEAN Green Hotels, Spa place. An online resource achieve?

Services, Homestays, Clean centre, which provides The implementation of Tourist Cities and ASEAN guidelines, best practice ATSP 2011-2015, the ASEAN Public Toilets, all with a examples and background Tourism Marketing Strategy certification process, have papers is being completed.

2012-2015 and the MRA on been developed since 2011.

It is expected to be launched Tourism Professionals has We're seeking completion and next year. recorded significant progress. implementation by 2015.

Are there any regulatory, Numerous joint activities, To promote the investment or policy changes which focus on tourism sustainability of the tourism you would like to see to marketing promotions, industry, ASEAN Green enhance air connectivity Hotel Awards are granted within ASEAN and between enhancing the quality of tourism, capacity building bi-annually to hotels and ASEAN and other regions? and identifying tourism resorts. For consideration are To facilitate and enhance products and experiences various energy conservation air services as well as have been implemented in measures based upon a set complement transport a timely fashion. In terms of of criteria agreed by ASEAN facilitation, ASEAN 'open member states. These include realising tourism potential skies' agreements and environmental policies and in ASEAN, one of the key protocols are in place. These actions for hotel operations, ASEAN tourism initiatives agreements and protocols Toolboxes, the successful convening of the Training of ASEAN Master Trainers and Master Assessors for Housekeeping Division.

With the readiness of MRA supporting components and the completion of the necessary infrastructure, the pilot implementation for the hotel housekeeping division would begin by next year.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

use of green products, and collaboration with the local community including human resource development, air quality management, solid waste management, and energy and water efficiency.

to support the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 is the full implementation of the MRA on Tourism Professionals.

This will facilitate the free movement and employment of qualified and certified tourism personnel between and among ASEAN member states.

What kind of tourism product does ASEAN need to develop more?

ASEAN is endowed with ample tourism resources.

They would need to be tapped for the benefit of the ASEAN people. Therefore, there is a need to further develop tourism products that would involve and benefit the local community. Homestay is one of the good examples on how tourism could provide trickling down effects to the community using experience and daily life as a main attraction. I believe that this could spread out to many areas in ASEAN Member States.

Apart from Viet Nam, what memorable travelling and dining experiences have you had in ASEAN? Having served my home country as a diplomat for decades and now being the Secretary General of ASEAN, I have had the luxury of visiting all member states of the Association often.

The experiences give me even more comfort when I remember that ASEAN is endowed with ample tourism resources -- human, natural, historical and cultural. On dining, I have observed just how much foreign tourists enjoy local food in ASEAN countries. I admit, however, that wherever I go, Vietnamese food always follows me.

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Kerala Traveller trains are always crowded with passengers. A journey through this evergreen route at a negligible fare of fifteen rupees in a local train for about one hour and forty minutes duration will definitely tempt one to travel again and again because of its unparalleled scenic beauty and this makes it totally unique from the other rail routes in the state.

This summer holidays are an ideal time for one to travel and experience the natural diversity of this route covered by teak trees.

What to see on Nilambur – Shornur Railway Route?

This route is“ An abode of breath taking scenery” and the major attractions are nature based and multifarious.

• Teak Forest Teak trees are the hall mark attraction of this rail route. The rail line passes through the eastern region of Malappuram district and one can see and experience the natural beauty and greenery of the teak forests situated on both sides which offers lines in the state, it is having traditional ship building Abin. K. I. writes an eco-friendly mood while a total span of sixty five known as Uru’s in Beypore about Evergreen travelling in the train. Except kilometers commencing from and furniture making and for some shorter distances rail of God’s own Shoranur Junction in Palakkad this was the prime reason for teak trees can be seen Country. district to Nilambur Road connecting the railway line throughout the line on both Station (NRS) in Malappuram to Nilambur from Shoranur sides. district. Having a single track junction. The line was opened Rivers, Streams& Bridges several passenger trains during the year 1927 in The rail line crosses ail based tourism and one express train are different stages and the train many rivers and streams. is one of the fastest currently running through started its maiden journey It crosses Kunthippuzha developing forms this picturesque route at from Shoranur junction to between Kulukkalloor and of tourism in India and frequent intervals. Known as Nilambur on February 3rd Cherukara stations which it is preferably the best the “Eco-friendly rail route of 1927.

Besides timber, spices borders Palakkad and mode for developing rural God’s own Country” it offers and cotton materials were Malappuram districts. The tourism which is all about greater potentials for tourism also transported through next one is Velliyar river, a travelling to villages, stay development preferably rail this route.

During Malabar major tributary of Kadalundi and sightseeing. The proverb rebellion this route was used situated in between Pattikkad “Small is Beautiful” is precise based tourism.

History for transporting armed forces and Melattur stations and when one experience a train Nilambur is globally famed to Tirur.

Olippuzha river another journey through the north tributary of Kadalundi for its rich teak plantations Shoranur Nilambur rail eastern rustic landscapes since 1840’s. During the route links the biggest railway situated in between Melattur from Shoranur to Nilambur. and Tuvvur stations and Nilambur - Shoranur Railway British rule the teak trees from junction of the state with the finally Kuthirappuzha, a teak town Nilambur. Trains line comes under the Palakkad Nilambur forest were used tributary of Chaliyar river lies division of southern railway to meet the needs of strong are part and parcel of the life in between Vaniyambalam zone. Being one among the woods required for all types of people travelling through shortest broad gauge railway of constructions including this route and majority of the and Nilambur road station

Evergreen rail of God’s own Country R

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ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Kerala Traveller sides.

Tuvvur Tuvvur is a farmer’s village famed for its vegetable cultivation and on both sides of rail route we can see vast stretches of cultivated lands. In between Tuvvur and Melattur stations Olipuzha River is flowing and the view of it from the train is a delightful sight.

Melattur The village of Melattur is situated on the banks of Olipuzha River.

While traveling through Melattur are the major rivers through Pond Heron, Egrets, Parrots, also one can see soccer mania Hill Myna and King Fisher. which the line crosses. and here the game becomes One can see peacocks running Several streams are also swift and only seven players through the pathways of flowing parallel to the rail will be there on each team. paddy fields which are a great line especially during the Pattikkad treat for the eyes. monsoon season. Bridges Pattikkad means dogs on this route are very old Major destinations on the forest a unique name and I having a distinct shape and route don’t know how it derives. attractiveness.

Vaniyambalam Years ago this place was an Vaniyambalam Rock& Semi Vaniyambalam means a absolutely rural area and Tunnels place of merchants. During now it has become pretty Vaniyambalam Rock is the beginning of 1930’s lot of developed. This village is a huge rock spanning over timber merchants came here famed for its Arabic college thirty two acres and a temple and purchased lot of teak and it brings many scholars to dedicated to Banapuram woods and a teak depot was the village. started in Vaniyambalam.

Devi is situated on the hill Angadippuram The teak woods from top which is clearly visible Angadippuram is a divine Nilambur are stored here from the train. The rock is land having an array of big situated hardly one kilometer and they are transported and small temples and is away north of Vaniyambalam to the southern parts of known as the temple village of Kerala. The prime tourist railway station. Smaller Valluvanad. Angadippuram attraction of Vaniyambalam is was the capital of the semi tunnels are the added “Vaniyambalam Para”. attraction one can witness powerful medieval kingdom during a journey through this Thodiyapulam of Valluvanad. This village One among the small route. has around 12 Hindu temples stations on the route and it Birding Paradise and the two famed ones is a typical village having Shoranur – Nilambur are Thirumandhamkunnu vivid landscapes, paddy rail stretch is an abode for Bhagavati temple and ‘Tali’ migratory birds. Rare varieties fields and cultivated lands. temple. These temples of avian fauna can be sighted Thodiyapulam is famed for were built by the rulers of during a train journey through its football fans and players Valluvanad and the rulers and during train journey one this ever green route. Major are known as Valluva can see small grounds on both Konathiris. A festival named Birds sighted are Peacocks,

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Thirumandham Kunnu Pooram is held every year at Angadippuram and it is known as the festival of Valluvanad. Angadippuram station itself is an awesome attraction and the other small stations on the route comprises of Vadanamkurissi, Kulakkullur, Vallappuzha & Cherukara.

A rail line with mammoth tourism potentials Despite greater potentials for rail based tourism developments, still this rail route has not been utilized effectively for tourism and it has not received the treatment and attention it deserves.

Even though there is lack of marketing and promotion of this rail route by the state tourism department still a lot of domestic tourists from within the state are experiencing the thrill of an evergreen journey through this route at an unimaginable fare. Special Interest Tourists (SIT’s) in particular prefers this route as an excellent& easier mode to access Nilambur.

The Nilambur - Mysore Railway Action Council aims to link this line to Nanjangaud near Mysore and it is hoped that this line will be extended up to Mysore via Nilambur - Sulthan Bathery - Nanjangaud. If this line is extended it will become the shortest route from the state to Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad and to other North Indian cities. A tourist train connecting Shoranur & Nilambur must be introduced at the earliest by offering attractive tour packages & services. In the near future we can expect a tourist train on this route which will offer more mileage to the tourism prospects of Malabar region in particular and it will become a novel chapter in the tourism history of God’s own Country.

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Hospitality

STAYCATION at ease, with KEYS

W

hen you are running through life where the week passes by without anybody's notice and the weekend goes in running errands, you wish you had the liberty to just take a break and go on a vacation. But tied-up, as we all are, who has the time for it. As my colleague and 35 years old marketing professional says, "I'd love to go on a break but I can't take a long break; and for just 2-3 days, I don't want to end up spending for expensive air fare, traveling and hotel stays."

True indeed. Yet, a regular break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is not only well deserved, but

also very crucial for a healthy and happy mind. The Americans and Europeans realized this earlier due to their hectic urban lifestyles, and the Indians too are getting there. As our lives are getting busier, the trend of short vacations in the nearby or same city is picking up in India.

One of the selling points of staycation is that it is cheaper than traveling to another city or a country. You do not have to worry about airfares or transportation costs to and from your hotel and hotels and resorts nowadays offer special packages to attract locals to their establishments.

The concept of staycation is in trend today and KEYS hotels is promoting this phenomenon to let the locals get a taste and feel of a short vacation that lets you enjoy the best of the services, comfort, and serves all the requirements of your holiday at a pocket friendly cost in your own city.

The trend of staycation has engrossed hoteliers to offer facilities which will help families to rejuvenate during weekend, and at keys, you can enjoy from a plethora of offerings like world cuisine menus, sporty restobar, swimming pool, gymnasium, Kerala ayurvedic spa, children’s play area, banquets for parties and entertainment zones and more.

Staycation is a way for locals to taste varieties of dishes, breathe fresh air

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and enjoy an unhurried life during weekend. We offer guests special packages for staycations comprising world class hospitality experience at affordable rates starting Rs. 2500 onwards.

What's also interesting to note is that staycations are not only for families, but are also opted by women who are either working professionals wanting leisurely break from work, or housewives wanting to rejuvenate themselves away from the daily churn of family and kids. At Keys, a special focus is given to this by offering superior standards of security for women. Keys hotels offer a separate set of 'women secure' rooms available only to women. These are either in a separate wing or are assigned near an elevator, and have a video phone to identify person at the door.

They also have extra CCTV surveillance for the corridors.

Keys Hotels is currently located in Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Trivandrum, Ludhiana, Aurangabad, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar & Goa, and is planning to expand operation in 52 hotels by 2015 in India and abroad. Visit http:// www.keyshotels.com for special offers and discounts.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Q&A In the challenging and dynamic atmosphere of the Hospitality Industry you need to bring out new and different things every day to survive and make a name for yourself, says Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, Director of Sales & Marketing, Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel & Lakeside Chalet Mumbai - Marriott Executive Apartments.

Renaissance worldwide, I was presented with the opportunity to bring alive the newer, chic and savvy Renaissance to India. On the sales front, with an additional tower building of 300 rooms being added to the inventory, The fact that the hospitality a host of opportunity were presented in every segment. is extremely dynamic, everThe two major focuses with changing and challenging is what drew me to the industry. the added inventory were MICE and catering segment.

In the hospitality sector it is A great deal of work went important to be well aware, informed of needs, situations behind the reposition the hotel as a ‘MICE’ and wedding and crisis. And to be able to provide solutions to the same destination. A lot of the success that we see today is what excites me the most. in both these segments is No two days are the same at work and it’s about what new owing to the initial changes and different you can bring to in the strategy and selling techniques. the table in your discipline and role. I have always felt Brief us about your first the need to do something assignment in the hospitality different, adventurous sector? and the same has given I started my career me the confidence to with the Marriott Group enter this sector with as a Management Trainee. great confidence.

Starting from the very The hospitality sector is a very inspiring and change savvy sector. Being a woman what was the motivation behind your idea of venturing into this sector and that too with great confidence?

As the Director- Sales & Marketing of the hotel what were the initial changes you adopted to give the hotel a new look in the business area?

With the new brand rollout for

beginning gave me the opportunity to learn the complete nuances of the sales discipline. As Marriott group grew in the country, a host of cross training opportunities presented itself which enabled me for a higher learning and greater exposure.

You will be having great moments of glory which you have achieved in the long run of your career. Can you share with us your proudest moments of achievements with us?

The journey from a Management Trainee to my recent promotion to the role of Market Director- Sales & Marketing, Mumbai, Marriott India (starting with effect to June 2013), itself has been a huge accomplishment. Apart from this, recognition in the form of 2 Global and 2 regional level awards from the Marriott Group recognising 14

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Q&A my efforts are the other proud moments of achievement for me till date.

Being a woman what were the hurdles you faced from the industry?

Being a challenging industry and a service sector the requirement of long working hours and fighting against the gender bias were the hindrances faced in the formative years. However, having said that working for a company like Marriott which believes in work-life balance, and equality of opportunity made my work enjoyable and easy.

From the career point of view, hospitality industry job is not a story of bouquets and batons all the time. Brief us from your own experience how you handle these situations with calm and dignity?

Yes, life in hospitality sector is very dynamic and challenging. The trick is to always face the lows, crisis, needs and demands of the customer with a smile on your face. It is important to understand the problem and deal with it patiently by presenting alternate solution to the problem. It never helps to worsen the situation by How do you rate your success sermonising difference of story so far? opinion and it is important It has been a fulfilling that you put the customer and enriching journey so first, valuing their sentiments far and I look forward to and opinions. continued growth within the Who is the most influential organisation.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

person in your life?

The two men in my life – my dad and my husband.

My dad is the foundation for the person I am today, owing to his discipline, practical thinking and confidence.

Most importantly he has given me the strength to deal with the different situations in life by providing me with the required exposure and courage early in life. He has imparted in me strong family and cultural values that have helped me be a better persona and helped me remain grounded to my roots.

My husband has been my support, strength and mentor through critical phases of my personal and professional life. His calm and passionate approach to life and work is truly something to learn from and inspirational.

Share with us the lighter moments of your life which you spend with your family?

My recent trip to Canada with my family has been a truly memorable vacation and a treasured moment of my life. I absolutely love shopping, and am an adventure enthusiast, therefore the highlight of the trip for me was the shopping, the amazing food options and a visit to the ‘Wonderland’ theme park, where I could take the liberty of being a kid all over again, spending time with family.

What are your future aspirations and plans about your career?

My passion lies within Sales & Marketing discipline and I wish grow with the company to the highest level possible.

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NEWSLINE

Dubai Aims to Triple Tourism Income By 2020 MSI Newswire | Dubai

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ubai will welcome 20 million visitors per year by 2020 and the annual contribution made by tourism to the city’s economy will triple, according to Dubai’s new Vision for Tourism. Officially approving the new vision, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE affirmed that the UAE has succeeded in placing itself amongst popular tourist destinations on the global

map of tourism, walking confidently into the future through launching ambitious developmental initiatives and high quality projects.

He also highlighted the economic importance of the tourism sector, the hopes the country is pinning on it and the potentials mobilized so as to put the UAE at the forefront of regional and global tourism; essential elements to tourism that have earned Dubai a reputation as a global tourism destination.

In fact, the increased number of visitors is strong evidence

to this, as Dubai was able to double the number of tourists from only five million yearly to ten million tourists a year during the past eight years.

Rashid Al Maktoum also said that he firmly believes in Dubai’s ability to reach even a substantial tourist influx in light of the fact that Dubai will shortly witness the

implementation of wide new range of projects that will represent new elements of attraction and will open the door to welcoming larger numbers of visitors into the country.

and the UAE is increasing exponentially and with the connectivity Emirates provides, there is significant potential to grow this market. By opening this office, we hope to double the number of visitors from Brazil from 40,000 in 2012 to

80,000 in 2014.” He added.

Dubai welcomed approximately 40,000 visitors from Brazil last year.

Dubai opens tourism office in South America

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ubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is planning to open an office in Brazil in a bid to attract visitors from the growing South American tourism market.

The announcement was made at the World Travel Market Latin America in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Hilal Saeed Al Merri, director general of the DTCM and CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “Brazil is Dubai’s primary business partner in Latin America. So, in delivering our strategy to increase visitor numbers from the region, it was the natural location of choice for our first South American representative office.

“Trade between Brazil

Turkey Aims High in Medical Tourism MSI Newswire | Turkey

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ith significant government backing, Turkey is rapidly expanding in medical tourism and has set itself some ambitious goals.

The Ministry of Health

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aims to make $7 billion in revenue from 500,000 foreign patients in 2015, while it has set its sights on reaching $20 billion in 2023 from 2 million foreign patients.

Within the health ministry is the Department of Health Tourism, which aims to promote medical tourism and coordinate other government and private sector activity.

It is also responsible for providing emergency health services to Turkey’s 34

million tourists.

By health tourism, Turkey means medical tourism, thermal/spa tourism, elderly tourism and disabled tourism. The department operates a free 24/7 helpline plus free interpretation service in English, Arabic, Russian and German; getting 700 calls a month. In 2013 it will handle 2,000 calls a month and will expand the service to include Persian and French. It has a website in four languages.

Foreign patients treated in public or private or university hospitals have to be registered with the health ministry. In 2012 Turkey had 210,000 medical tourists compared to 156,176 in

2011, 109,678 in 2010, 91,961 in 2009 and 74,093 in 2008.

The Department of Health Tourism analyzes these figures by province, hospital, and county of origin. It expects 2013 to produce at least 250,000 medical tourists.

Germany, Russia, Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, Iraq and France top the list of the countries whose citizens visit Turkey for health tourism. In addition, a significant number of visitors come from Ukraine, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Romania, Libya, Georgia and the UK. Turkey attracts the largest health tourists from Germany, the Netherlands and France, as the population of people with Turkish roots is high.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Tamil Nadu Traveller

Yercaud-The Jewel of South Dr. S Bakthavatchalam explores the enchanting Yercaud also known as the jewel of South...

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ercaud, the quiet little hill station, is the only one of its kind in northern Tamil Nadu.

While the rest of this region is generally dry, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern ghats, Yercaud presents a welcome contrast with its cool climate where temperature never rises above 30ยบC and dip below 13ยบC . It is also a less expensive place than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikkanal. As a popular

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tourist destination, Yercaud is also called Jewel of the South.

Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time. Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance apart from bananas, pears and jack. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western ghats and trekking

here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time.

Places for sight-seeing include the Lake, Lady's Seat, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point, Servarayan temple among many other important places.

Lake in Yercaud It is a pool surrounded by well preserved gardens and dark woods. The lake has boating facility in which both paddle boats and oar-drawn boats are available. People boating in the cold water of the lake can feel enchanting as well as refreshing. The lake is also known as emerald lake and it is the only natural

lake amongst all hill stations in the southern part of India.

There is a floating fountain at the center of lake, which was constructed by MALCO. The garden surrounding the lake is well groomed and can be seen beautiful during the month of May when the Summer Festival is organised.

There are several beautiful parks surrounding the lake such as Anna Park, Lake Park, Gandhi Park and Children's Park. There is an over bridge that connects an island at the center with the mainland. The lake is surrounded by a Deer Park, a leisure park and a

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Tamil Nadu Traveller narrow winding. Towards the extreme right in a distance one can see the Mettur Dam that generates power out of the river Kaveri.

Killiyur Waterfalls It is a beautiful waterfall in the Servarayan hill range in the Eastern Ghats. It is a 300 feet high waterfall and is about 3kms from the Yercaud Lake. The final 500 meters consists only of a rough unpaved steep pathway.

But it is a breathtaking sight in the monsoon time when the water levels are at the maximum. The best time to visit this place is immediately after the monsoon season.

Servarayan Temple – Six kilometres from Yercaud town, Servarayan is the highest point in Yercaud. The temple itself is a narrow, dark cave, with the idols of Lord Servarayan and Goddess Kaveri inside. The two deities are believed to represent the Servarayan Hills and the Cauvery River respectively.

People come here in large numbers in May to celebrate the annual festival. The view of the countryside from Servarayan is spectacular.

Pagoda Point Pagoda Point is a vantage number of hotels nearby. view point worth visiting.

Lady's Seat Pagoda point or pyramid Lady's seat is located 2 point is located on the eastern Km south west of Yercaud part of Yercaud hills. This has town and is a point that offers four piles of stones arranged spectacular sights of Yercaud. so as to form a pyramid shape.

It has cluster of rocks located It is said to be built by the on the south west of the local tribes and now there is a Yercaud hills. It overlooks the Rama temple located between winding ghat road. It has a the piles of stones. telescope through which one The Grange can view the lower plains of The Grange is one of the Yercaud hill. The manganese oldest buildings in Yercaud, deposits of the chalk Hills can built in 1820's by the then be viewed clearly through the District Collector of Salem, telescope.

M.D. Cockburn who first Lady's seat offers introduced coffee from Arabia breathtaking views of the and apples and other fruits Ghats, especially at night. One from South Africa between can see the traffic that looks 1820 and 1829. It is believed gracefully on the horizon to have been the summer and the tourists making their resort of Robert Clive, general way to Yercaud through the of the East India Company in

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

the late 19th century.

Orchidarium The National Orchidarium and Associated Garden run by the Botanical Survey of India is one of the largest orchid nurseries in India. It nurtures and showcases 249 different types of orchids and other rare and endangered plants, including the highly-sought lady’s slipper, the intriguing insect-eating pitcher plant, and the kurunji plant that blooms only once in 12 years.

The orchidarium is closed on weekends.

Silk Farm and Rose Garden Situated very close to Lady's Seat, Silkworms are reared here. Located 2 km

from Yercaud town, tourists can see the cultivation of mulberries, growing of silk worms, and methods of silkspinning. The rose garden has a collection of varieties of roses. There is a nursery in this garden which sells plants.

Bear’s Cave The Bear’s cave is located in a private coffee estate near the Norton Bungalow, on the way to Servarayan Temple. There is a huge cave formation beside this coffee estate bungalow that was considered to be home for the bears. It is an important tourist place as it is believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

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NEWSLINE

Now, Gujarat Tourists May Get To See Asiatic Lions in Amreli Too MSI Newswire | Gujarat

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ourists visiting Gujarat to get a glimpse of the Asiatic Lions might get to see them at a new address at Ambardi in Amreli district, the eastern end of Gir Sanctuary, by this year-end.

With a view to ease burgeoning tourist rush during the peak seasons at Sasan Gir, the state government is developing Gir Interpretation Zone Ambardi in Amreli, on the lines of Devaliya park, in Junagadh district.

“A replicate of Devaliya park is being developed at Ambardi near Dhaari in Amreli district, which would

be housing 6-8 zoo-bred lions.

The sanctuary is contiguous internally,” Gujarat Chief Wildlife Warden CN Pandey said.

“It’s a beautiful picturesque place near a river. The fencing work has been completed… animal houses have been constructed…just the infrastructure required for tourist handling is to be developed there,” Pandey said.

Gir National Park (Sasan Gir), is the last abode of Asiatic Lions, a protected area from south east of Junagadh to south west of Amreli.

Devaliya Park, is situated near Sasan Gir. It is around 75-100 kilometres away from the proposed new zone in Amreli.

Gujarat Tourism Goes to Cannes

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he tourism department, for the second consecutive year, has landed at Cannes to popularise Gujarat as a film tourist destination among foreign filmmakers. With that aim in sight, it has also set up a stall at the French Riviera to help producers and directors overseas to look at Gujarat as the next big film-making destination. That’s not all, it is also mulling to offer sops to

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such filmmakers!

“We are planning to offer some sops to foreign crew, and a comprehensive guide is being worked out.

As of now, we would offer them discounts at Tourism Corporation hotels and also coordinate with other hotels/resorts for financial discounts,” said principal secretary, tourism, Vipul Mittra. He also said that the department is trying to

co-ordinate with Gujarat tourism’s brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan to see if the superstar can promote Gujarat’s cause there as well.

It should be noted that the Big B is slated to make an appearance in Cannes for his movie, The Great Gatsby.

On Gujarat tourism’s presence in Cannes, he said, “This time the thrust is on promoting Gujarat as a filmshooting destination,” adding that this is the second year they have gone to the international film festival.

When asked what advantages Gujarat enjoy viz-a-viz other states Mittra said that the state offers beautiful

landscapes of various natures, interspersed with culture, tradition and festivities. “Gujarat has a diverse portfolio of landscapes — from hills of Saputara to the White desert in Kutch, and from Gir’s jungles to the virgin beaches. Such landscapes, coupled with some beautiful heritage structures make Gujarat a unique destination for filmmakers. These locales cater to every mood for every canvas. Also, Gujarat is comparatively less expensive a place than the leading filmmaking states in the country.

This would also give a financial advantage to filmmakers,” he added. The department also plans for some aggressive networking this time around to get noticed. The stall has been set up through CII Delhi.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Karnataka Traveller

Mysore Hopeful of Tourism Revival

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he tourism industry of Karnataka is hoping the city of Mysore to benefit with the recent election of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister. The industry is banking on the city getting better connectivity and improved facilities to cater to tourists as the new CM hails from Mysore. The election fever gripping Mysore saw the number of tourists visiting it drop by 20-30 per cent this season, but now they are coming back in droves, much to the relief of this heritage city.

The occupancy of hotels in Mysore, which was around 90 per cent from April 15, 2013 onwards, fell to about 60 per cent during the recent elections. But the occupancy

is back to around 70 per cent, said Rajendra, Head, Mysore Hotel Owner’s Association and Mysore Tourism Forum.

“As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is from Mysore, we are expecting a lot. For starters we would like a tourism development authority to be set up with its head office in Mysore. We also plan to seek around Rs 300 crore for development of tourism destinations. If the government supports us, several private entrepreneurs will come forward to invest another Rs 200 crore,” Rajendra said. He added that the city, which draws around 25-30 lakh tourists a year, can double this number in a few years if it has more to offer.

According to B. S.

Prashanth, Head, Mysore Travel Agents Association, Mysore should be declared a Corridor City and its connectivity improved with railway double tracking and

better roads. “The entry tax for vehicles coming from other states, which is four times higher than anywhere elsewhere, should be reduced,” he said.

Bengaluru: New Gateway to South

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n a bid to give a boost to tourism and facilitate easier movement between India’s IT, defence and science and research centres and other

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Silicon Valley and bus­iness hubs worldwide, tourist visas will be available on arrival at the Bengaluru International Air­port.

The visa facility – limited until now to the four metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai – and to be available to citiz­ens from 11 countries inc­luding Japan, Singa­pore, Finland, Luxemb­ourg, New Zealand, Cam­b­odia, Laos, Vietnam, Phi­l­i­pp­ines, Myanmar and Ind­on­esia, could see Bengaluru transform into the new gateway to the South with higher footfalls expected from a projected tourist boom as well as health tourism, officials said.

C.B. Ramkumar, Presi­dent of Karnataka Touri­sm Forum, said, “After Mum­bai and New Delhi, international tourists

prefer Bengaluru as the arrival destination to tour South India. Once the tourist visa on arrival facility becomes operational, we can expect a flood of international tourists to land in Bengaluru and travel to hot spots in South India.”

Mohandas Pai, former Member of the Board of Directors of Infosys, said it would provide a fillip for trade, while Dr H. Sudarshan Ballal, Medical Director, Manipal Health Enterprises said the facility would cut down on waiting time for patients needing emergency treatment who would ordinarily have to wait for visas to come through.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

NEWSLINE

Smartly Dressed Single Guys Most Likely to Get a Free Upgrade MSI Newswire | Mumbai

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smartly dressed, single guy in his 30s is the passenger most likely to get a free upgrade, a survey conducted by leading global travel search site Skyscanner revealed.

The survey of 700 cabin crew found that nearly twothirds (61%) of cabin crew have given someone a free upgrade and it's single guys that are bagging the premium seats. However, at the other end of the scale, forget it if you’re flying as a hen party.

The flyers voted least likely to get an upgrade are women in their late teens, wearing revealing clothing and travelling as part of a group.

Kavitha Gnanamurthy, Skyscanner’s Market

Development Manager for India, commented: “Our survey has highlighted interesting information which could prove useful to travellers who have always hoped for an upgrade but have never been successful at getting one. Thus whilst single guys in their thirties are more likely to get the much sought after upgrade, the rest of us can rely on dressing smartly and joining the airline’s frequent flyer scheme."

For those who don't fit the bill, crew have outlined how passengers can up their chances of getting that elusive free upgrade. While a few manners will go far, frequent flyers and solo travellers are odds-on favourite to get bumped up to premium,

when seats become available.

Almost three quarters (72%) of cabin crew said they were more inclined to offer a free upgrade to a passenger who was flying alone.

Other factors that increase the likelihood of escaping economy are being a frequent flyer and having an injury. Nearly two thirds revealed that a passenger with a broken limb was more likely to get the premium experience for free.

In a separate poll of passengers, Skyscanner found that travellers are so keen to get that elusive premium seat

that three quarters would willingly lie their way to a free upgrade. More than one in ten would pretend to be newlyweds (14%), 6% would feign illness or injury and 7% would ditch their partner and pretend to be travelling solo if it increased their chances of getting moved to premium class.

MoT Boosts Tourism Development at Kovalam

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he Union Tourism Ministry has waved through a major development package for the Kovalam tourism hub.

The Rs. 13.60-crore package is intended to make this internationally-renowned locality more tourist-friendly and envisages comprehensive development of tourist

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

amenities, including construction of walkways, landscaping and lighting, Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor has said.

Union Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi will formally inaugurate the development project next month, Tharoor said. The Rs. 13.60-crore package is for the 2013-14 financial year and has been okayed by the union ministry considering the importance of

Kovalam as a national and international tourist centre.

The development of the Kovalam bus stand and nearby areas is a part of this project. In addition to this, an ‘amenity block’ will be constructed on Corporation land here and a park near the harbour.

As part of infrastructure development, sidewalls will be constructed for the road leading to the fisheries harbour. Walkways linking various beaches will be constructed as part of the programme. For instance, one of the footpaths will link the ITDC beach and the Udaya Samudra beach. Another footpath will connect with the Harbour Road. The project also envisages preparation of

detailed road signs and local mapping.

It will also address one of the major concerns raised by visitors and local people alike here - the lack of sufficient lighting at night.

The project plans to introduce synchronised lighting system in the Kovalam area.

Kovalam continues to top the list of tourist hubs in the state and draws a major share of tourist arrivals in the district.

In 2011, Thiruvananthapuram district recorded 2,24,387 foreign tourist arrivals and 12,88,555 domestic tourist arrivals. These figures were 9.97 per cent and 11.02 per cent higher than those for the previous year, according to statistics released by the State Tourism Department.

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THAILAND

TTM+2013: Amazing Gateway To The Greater Mekong Subregion

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he upcoming Thailand Travel Mart 2013 Plus (TTM+2013) to be held between June 5-7, 2013, will draw attention by hosting two events for the first time in its history: the participation of Yunnan Provincial Tourism Administration and the introduction of debates to the Travel Forum. Both the events will help expand the quality of participation in Thailand’s largest business to business event, and also raise the level of intellectual discussion to a new high.

The Yunnan Provincial Tourism Administration has registered a team of 26 delegates to participate in TTM+. This is a very important step forward as the TTM+ is designed to showcase the exciting tourism products of the entire Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) which includes Yunnan province of China, Myanmar, Laos PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia. On 28 April 2012, TAT and China (Yunnan) signed a memorandum of understanding on promoting the flow of tourists between the two countries.

Yunnan is located in the lower Southwestern part of China and shares a long border with Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. It is also close to Thailand, Bangladesh and Bhutan, making it an important gateway to Southeast and South Asia.

Yunnan’s 16 prefectures and municipalities have a total population of 44 million, including 25 minority groups.

Its capital is Kunming.

As for the concept of debate, it has been incorpora-

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ted into the forum for Buyers and Sellers on the topics Creative Travel and DIY Tourism.

The first Keynote session on the topic, ‘Changing destination perceptions through creative travel’ by Professor Greg Richards, will be followed by a debate on the topic, ‘Bangkok needs repositioning through

creative tourism techniques and implementation.’ The second Keynote session on the topic, ‘DIY in tourism: Dynamic Packaging, the pros and the cons’ will be hosted

by Mr. Frank Oostdam, and followed by a debate on the topic, ‘Dynamic packaging will become the tourist preferred option of buying holidays.’

TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni believes that, “The strong presence of Yunnan province will certainly give a major boost for buyers seeking new

destinations in this part of the world. At the same time, the inclusion of debates is now important in order to broaden industry discourse and provide an opportunity for such important issues to be discussed in a comprehensive manner.”

TTM+, first organized in 2001, has the uttermost objective to promote the tourism and service business in Thailand and its Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) counterparts. Small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) have also been supported on the international stage with their products on offer. The major markets include Europe, South East Asia, Eastern Asia, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as emerging ones; such as, the CIS countries, Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America, and South Africa.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

COLUMN

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V Duraikkannan

hakravarti Rajagopalachari ( 1878 – 1972), more famously known as Rajaji or C.R., was the last GovernorGeneral of India. He was known for his deep erudition and astute, if not shrewd statesmanship. He was on a tour to the United States of America as a member of the Gandhi Peace Foundation delegation, in September 1962. When Rajaji was visiting the American President John F. Kennedy at the White House, someone tauntingly told him that they had a film studio named for him in USA and asked him in a jocular vein whether he had heard of it or known it. Prompt replied the political doyen with a beamimg smile :'Yes, I know! It is the 20th Century Fox!' . Such was his sharp intelligence and brilliance!

Rajaji was born in a very tiny village called ' Thorappalli' some six kilometres from Hosur, the border town on TamilnaduKarnataka demarcation. His father Chakravarti Venkatarya Iyengar was the munsiff of the village. The house where he lived as a child is now converted into a museum.

The fact that the non-descript village Thorappalli was the place of his initial schooling is amazing to know when we think of the grand personality who went on to receive the highest civilian award of the country, the Bharat Ratna!

are on display there. And even the very wooden cradle which the poet was put to sleep as an infant baby is still preserved there. I was able to meet a boyhood friend of the poet who was well into his 80s now and he was reminiscing about his friend Muthaiah Kannadasan (1927-1981) ( for that was his original was the uncrowned king of name) and his attachment to lyrics and songs during his lifetime in the world of Tamil the village deity called ' Malai Arasi' ( Queen of the Hill). cinema and literature. He Poet Kannadasan always had written more than 5,000 songs for the movies touching maintained that the Goddess was the one who brought the upon every spectrum of life shine into his life. Thanks to and authored so many books Her Grace only, he used to which won him the Sahitya say , that a school dropout Academy and other awards. that was he could scale so In a way , he became the Pillaiyarpatti is a small many heights in life - from crowned king too when he town in Sivagangai district was made the Poet Laureate of Sirukoodalpatti to Chicago in in Tamilnadu and is famous USA where he breathed his Tamilnadu by the then Chief for its temple dedicated to Minister M.G.Ramachandran ( last in 1981! the God Vinayagar called The importance of such MGR) in 1977. ' Karpaga Vinayagar'. The places need to be highlighted temple here is very ancient Sirukoodalpatti is the place as well as preserved. We dating back to 500BC and this where the poet and lyricist is the only temple in the entire Kannadasan was born in 1927. cannot be knowingly letting go of those golden memories, Tamilnadu to have a statute The house he was born in is of Pillaiyar ( another name now turned into a memorial . our worthy history! for Vinayagar or Ganesha) Walt Disney (1901-66) is The books he read and wrote 26

hewn out of a 6-feet rock! But surprisingly, a small village by name Sirukoodalpatti which is just about 4 kms away from the temple town is neither much known nor much visited by the people who visit the temple.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

COLUMN Though he was born in USA ( Chicago, Illinois), lived in USA, and died in USA ( Burbank, California), when we traverse through his family record backwards we land up with a strange finding that Disneys all originated from a tiny village called D' Isigny in France!

Isigny-sur-Mer is a commune in the Calvados department in the BasseNormandie region in northwestern France. People from that place wherever they migrated to for reasons of business and resettlement were carrying the tag of their village with them : D' Isigny ( from Isigny). Over time, D 'Isigny became Disney!

People and the places are intricately involved. Tehran cartoons and movies. He had in Iran and Tirana in Albania a household name and the won the record number of young and the old alike are two different capital Academy Awards , 22 in total. watch his fabulous animated cities, divided between by a ASIAN TRAVELLER_15 cm H X 21 cm W.pdf 1 4/5/2013 1:43:48 PM

distance of more than 2,800 kms between the two of them.

But one will be amazed to know that the name 'Tirana' was made out of 'Teheran'. It could be perhaps the only capital in the world where one country's capital has lent its name to another country's capital too! Sulejman Pasha who was a general of the Ottoman Empire named the new city which he founded in 1614 in remembrance of the victory during the campaign in Persia ( Iran) which he led!

Tehran by itself has a beautiful meaning behind it. ' Tah' means ' Bottom' and 'Ran' is 'Mountain' in the Persian language and it means 'the Base of the Mountain' . It refers to the city's geographical proximity to the snow-capped Alborz mountain range!

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ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

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NEWSLINE

Dakshin Routes Completes 3rd Year of Operations MSI Newswire | Kochi

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akshin Routes, a boutique SBU under the Le passage to India family with a strong focus on South India, successfully completed their third year of operation. In a grand annual party to celebrate the mile stone, Amit Prasad (COO), addressed the gathering and shared his valuable inputs on the current Inbound tourism scenario in India and briefly touched upon the opportunities and

challenges lying ahead. The gathering was welcomed

by Hari Kumar (General Manager) who thanked the attendees for the participation.

Hoteliers and partner agents from all over Kerala got together at the Durbar Hall of the Casino Hotel, Kochi on the 24th May and became part of a highly interactive session.

Dakshin routes has been offering B2B support to agents based in Kerala, by being a one touch point for

services for

anywhere in India at the most competitive prices. More agents are coming under the Dakshin Routes umbrella each year, underlines the demand for a professional

Kerala based B2B service provider for the rest of India.

Dakshin Routes also offers unique itineraries for South India for operators from other parts of India.

sing by 100%. Further, with Emirates flying to 10 cities across India and offering ease in connectivity, Turismo

de Portugal has identified India as a key source market amongst emerging destinations.

Portugal Tourism Industry Debuts at ATM 2013 MSI Newswire | Portugese

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n a bid to promote itself as a top destination in Europe, Portugal participated at the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market 2013 held in Dubai from 6th to 9th May 2013, the largest trade exhibition for travel and tourism in the Gulf region and one of the most important in the Middle East and Indian sub-continent.

Given the importance and potential of the Indian market owing to its vibrant economic status and growing number of travelers, several companies participated with Turismo de Portugal in the Arabian Travel Market to foster relations with GCC and Indian sub-continent buyers.

Commenting on the potential for tourism from the GCC and India subcontinent, Miguel Moraes, Director of the Trade Marketing Department said, “As a leading international tourism destination, Portugal is seeking to diversify its source markets and attract new visitors. Countries like

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UAE and India are emerging more and more in the world outbound tourism sector, and Portugal believes it could offer a special proposition to visitors from those markets, due to its historical links, open culture and welcoming of foreign tourists. With that objective in mind, Portugal is looking for opportunities to work closely with tour operators and travel agents interested in promoting specific offers to Portugal, in order to develop their business to our destination.�

The showroom of Turismo de Portugal supported the action of 20 hotels and travel agencies in Portugal, which utilized the opportunity to approach the market and establish contacts with travel operators from the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and India.

Daily flights from Dubai to Lisbon, operated by UAE carrier - Emirates Airlines, has helped increase the number of guests (from this region of the World) with over night stays increa-

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013

Test your knowledge contest 66 1. Which airline's Frequent Flyer Program is called ' 7th Heaven'?

2. What is madware?

3. What is New Zealand's national flower called?

4. What does the sailor Sindbad's name mean?

5. Which is the longest National Higway in India ?

6. Which city in the world is known as 'the Rubber City'?

7. Where is Mafia Island?

8. The Tibetans call the Mount Everest ' Chomolungma' What does it mean?

9. Who invented the ATM machine?

10. Which city has the Latin name ' Hafnia' for it?

Compiled by : DEEKAY

Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC 66 in the subject line.

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

Answers to TYKC 65 1. The Great Westminster Clock 2. Tasmania 3. Gorky ( after Maxim Gorky) 4. Baijiu ( White Liquor) 5. Yellow Horse (Greek) 6. Name of the orchid that is the national flower of Singapore 7. Dennis Tito of USA 8. The hobby of collecting ties 9. The waterbus that travels between Venice and nearby islands in Italy 10. The four streams of the Jog

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Name : Mr. / Ms. / M/s.................................................................................| Company : ....................................................................................................| Address:........................................................................................................| |...........................................................................................................| With its sleek and stylish design, Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel is nothing less than a golden feather in the cap of Kovalam beach.

Located just 15 metres from the sea, this four star hotel can well be categorised into a destination in itself. Its philosophy of combining the best elements of incomparable lifestyle, with the convenience of today’s modern world through exceptional standards of luxury, elegance and services, is well reflected in its products and services and has put the Uday Samudra Beach Hotel, popularly known as UDS, at the top position, in Kovalam. What is more noteworthy about UDS Kovalam is the international flair it sports. * Conditions apply

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NEWSLINE

Space International Travel Becomes LuLu International Travel & Tourism MSI Newswire | Dubai

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pace International Travel with Head Quarters in AbuDhabi will now be known as Lulu International Travel &Tourism, the management announced.

“Being a member of the growing Lulu Group International, we thought it appropriate to re-brand our Travel Division to “Lulu International Travel & Tourism” to project our corporate image during the Group’s current exciting expansion period,” an official release said.

“Since inception, clientsatisfaction has always been our core focus. As an

accredited IATA agent, our Travel Agency has today grown into a major player in the travel sector covering Retail & Leisure Travel, Corporate Travel, Airline& Hotel representation, Destination Management, Charter Flights, Outbound & Inbound Tour Operations, Medical Tourism, Cruise

Bookings, M.I.C.E., Cargo, Visa Services, Travel Insurance, Forex,” added the release.

Lulu International Travel & Tourism will be branching out to various other locations within the UAE and beyond.

In Abu Dhabi Emirate, apart from the present Madinat Zayed and Hamdan Offices,

&

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new branches will soon open at Mushriff Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Musaffah-Capital Mall, BaniYas-Lulu Hypermarket & Al Ain-Lulu Hyper Market (Sanaiya). Dubai & Northern Emirates will also have new branches linked to our network in addition to the existing outlet at Al BarshaLulu Hypermarket.

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Vijay Sethi appointed as new Chief Operating Officer of Berggruen Hotels, the parent company of Keys Hotels.

Madhav Sehgal, appointed as new General Manager of Hyatt Bangalore MG Road.

Rohit Chadda appointed as Product Head in Asia of Foodpanda.

Indiver Rastogi, appointed as the Senior Vice President and Head-Global Enterprise Business at Thomas Cook (India).

Krishna Unni, appointed as the General Manager of the Alila Bangalore Hotel and Residence.

Supriya Malhotra, appointed as the General Manager of 187-unit Somerset Greenways, Chennai.

Manas Krishnamoorthy, appointed as the General Manager for Radisson Blu New Delhi Dwaraka.

Shagun Sethi, appointed as Director of Salaes & Marketing, Fairmont Jaipur.

Sunil Taneja, appointed as the General Manager of Vivanta by Taj, Whitefield, Bangalore.

Chandrashekhar Joshi, appointed as Direcor of Operations of Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | MAY 2013