Asian Traveller February 2009

CONTENTS Vol. 2 | No. 5 | FEBRUARY 2009 A

ITB Berlin Expected to Set New Attendance Record

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ITB Berlin will provide impressive confirmation of its significance as the global travel industry's leading trade show. .

MoT Announces Incentives for Visit India Year 2009

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The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken a series of confidence building measures to minimize the negative impact of the recent global economic meltdown followed by the terrorist attack in Mumbai and to promote tourism to India.

Destination

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23 Madan Kumar Pradhan Deputy Director, Administration Protocol, Sikkim Tourism

10 Questions

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Woman of the Month

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PREMIERE AT THE ITB: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DAY

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WTTC ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2009 AWARDS

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KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK IN SEVEN WONDERS OF NATURE LIST

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GALILEO, HKTB JOIN HANDS TO REWARD OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES

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10 UNIQUE VENUES FOR MICE TRAVELLERS IN SINGAPORE

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IBS LAUNCHES IFLY SOLUTION SUITE GLOBAL AIRPORT TRAFFIC REMAINS FLAT: ACI

FLYING HIGH Pran S. Dasan

AS I TRAVEL V Duraikkannan Page

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Cover Photo Courtesy : Philippines Tourism

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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 09745444166 Jaya Rajeshwari 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 © 2008 *Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

EDITOR’S NOTE

he travel industry is gearing up for an important event - International Tourism Bourse, popularly known as ITB Berlin - which will take place in the capital city of Germany in March. Every one in the industry is waiting anxiously with bated breath, since the travel fair will be an opportunity to gauge the damage the recent (and ongoing) economic meltdown has done to the travel and tourism industry. If the initial indications are anything to go by, then the industry has responded well to the challenge. All the exhibition space that has been taken weeks in advance and this year the fair is expected to receive more visitors than last year which would be a new record in the history of ITB Berlin. At the same time the economic downturn - combined with increasing uncertainties, extreme market volatility and declining consumer and business confidence - has already took its toll on international tourism demand as proven by plummeting results during the last months of 2008. As an UNWTO(United Nations World Tourism Organisation) paper on the subject has said, unlike previous crisis, the current downturn is for the first time of a global nature, affecting both emerging and mature destinations, and its impact will probably last longer. But, history shows that the return of economic growth will also lead to the recovery of tourism. And the sector can play a key role in any global response plan. UNWTO's Tourism Resilience Committee which has had its first meeting recently said, history proves that crises can also provide opportunity because they call for substantial efforts and industry solidarity. Moreover, if short term crisis actions can be aligned with the continuing longer term global poverty and climate needs, the overall industry structure may actually be strengthened." UNWTO Deputy Secretary-General Taleb Rifai has rightly observed that "In these times of such significant uncertainty and volatility, both public and private tourism stakeholders have a responsibility to continue and even reinforce the efforts towards a more sustainable tourism development." But the current troubled economic scenario is expected to continue well into 2009 and probably beyond, and UNWTO's initial forecast for 2009 is for an even more modest performance. But tourism is a highly resilient sector and will return to strong growth when the overall economic crisis abates, as it has done on many previous occasions.

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G. Biju Krishnan Editor & Publisher

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One Third of Leisure Travellers Say Plans Not Affected by Economy espite economic turbulence worldwide, the Asia Pacific tourism industry has received a welcome boost from data contained in the Visa and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Asia Pacific Travel Intentions Survey 'Determining Travel Preferences in 2009 and Beyond'. The survey found that, of the 5,554 people surveyed, 36 percent said they did not expect to make any changes to their travel plans in the near future while 64 percent of respondents were reviewing their plans in the light of economic uncertainty.

Among those respondents reviewing their plans, 57 per cent said they would still travel but would look for cheaper alternatives while 38 per cent said they would travel within their own country instead. Only 36 per cent said they would postpone their travel as a result of economic uncertainty. Meranda Chan, Visa Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, and PATA Board Director, said: "While the global economic situation will impact tourism, it is unlikely to bring travel to a standstill. What our

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survey has shown is that travellers will be more creative in their selection of destinations."

Greg Duffell, President and CEO - PATA said: "The travel and tourism industry is a major employer in nearly every destination in Asia Pacific. Indeed, the top two global markets for travel and tourism employment are China (74.5 million jobs) and India (30.5 million jobs) with Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand also in the top 10. We must never understate the importance of working with the travel industry to shape promotions and offerings that suit travelers' desires for new and economically sensitive travel options - and it's vitally important that the industry delivers innovative and creative solutions to keep these people traveling." Australians, British, Singaporeans, Indians, French and Americans were less likely than the average respondent to let economic concerns keep them from travelling. Those in Chinese Taipei, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China were more likely than the average to have their plans affected.

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I pledge two main things in my bid for the UNWTO secretary-general. One is that I will lead programmes that give substantial and practical support to the 154 member states through actions and strategies, instead

of words and strenuous meetings. My second pledge is that for this, I will put utmost effort into making the UNWTO a competitive, transparent and efficient organization.

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Oh Jee-chul President and CEO Korea Tourism Organization

ASIAN TRAVELLER FEBRUARY 2009

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ITB BERLIN

ITB Berlin Expected to Set New Attendance Record TB Berlin will provide impressive confirmation of its significance as the global travel industry's leading trade show. The fair which will take place from March11 to 15 this year, the fair management is expecting some 11,000 exhibiting companies and organisations from more than 180 countries in the 26 halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

Despite the difficult economic situation around the world. Messe Berlin is expecting even larger numbers of international trade visitors at the ITB Berlin Convention, the world's largest meeting of this kind, which is taking place at the same time.

Dr. Martin Buck, Director ITB Berlin,"Major international trade shows are a reliable indicator of the state of the industries that they represent.

Against the background of

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a significant slowdown of the world economy and mainly sceptical expectations this year's ITB Berlin is more important than ever for its exhibitors and its trade visitors. During this phase ITB Berlin will be able to fulfil its role as a networking platform and a marketing instrument."

With a few days left for the start of ITB Berlin, registrations are at an impressively high level, despite the global economic and financial crisis. Among the exhibitors who will be meeting trade visitors and the public will be some from the world's newest nation: Kosovo. The African nation of Gabon has returned as an exhibitor after an absence of several years, along with Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. In 2009 the Middle East reports a continuing boom in tourism.

The Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Qatar now have an even wider range of attractions and facilities. For the second time the airline Emirates is bring its spectacular stand, in the form of a globe, to Berlin. The

Berlin is the European Capital of Culture 2010. RUHR.2010 is the partner region of the world's largest travel trade show. As the partner region the Ruhr will be planning the opening ceremonies on 10

increasing number of travellers visiting the USA is also reflected in the plans by American exhibitors: New York and Florida will be occupying larger display areas.

Germany's federal states are coming to Berlin with great expectations this year. All available space has been booked in the halls occupied by the federal states.

One of the dominant features of this year's ITB

March 2009 at the International Congress Center (ICC) Berlin and will also be represented during the fair by various cultural events and culinary delights.

In addition, the European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010 and its many attractions will be in the spotlight during the official tour of the fair to show just what makes this metropolis such an outstanding location.

n a time of global economic and financial crisis the world's hotel industry is once again facing huge challenges. On 12 March 2009, international experts at the ITB Hospitality Day will discuss current tendencies and future trends.

As a result of the current crisis, global changes in travel and investment behaviour are once again challenging the hotel sector in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to take a clear stand, in order for them to survive on the markets at home and abroad. On 12 March 2009, the ITB Hospitality Day with six discussion rounds will provide important impulses for the future.

Representatives of the ecoplatforms of recently founded

design hotels, as well as socially friendly and eco-compatible resorts such as FrĂŠgate Island Private and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, will be discussing the 'eco-guest of the future' at the first session of the Hospitality Day. This is the first time at an ITB Hospitality Day that an interactive discussion round will be taking place, with human resource specialists answering questions from the audience. This year's Hospitality Day HOTSPOT will involve high-level participants taking a 90- minute look at the hotel industry. Under the slogan "Hotel industry - quo vadis?", a global CEO panel will be taking place for the first time at this year's ITB Hospitality Day. The event will be moderated by Maria PĂźtz-

Willems, chief editor of hospitalityInside.com, the media partner of the Hospitality Day, and a number of CEOs will be presenting their views.

Participants of equally high caliber will be taking part in a discussion round entitled "Residences". Particularly in times of crisis, financing hotels through residences is becoming more and more important, as this kind of financing can also increase the value of the properties of international hotel chains.

One topic that particularly polarises opinion is integrated resorts. Through their involvement with a region and local population they play an especially important role in economically weaker areas, in Asia and Europe alike.

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Hotel Industry

Quo Vadis?

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FEBRUARY 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

WORLD VIEW

Premiere at the ITB Berlin Convention

Corporate Social Responsibility Day his year, in addition to the ITB Aviation Day and the ITB Hospitality Day, the ITB Berlin Convention is for the first time organising a Corporate Social Responsibility Day (CSR) for the tourism industry.

The global travel industry's leading trade show will present the first empirical survey on CSR and travel at the CSR Day on 12 March 2009, in collaboration with GfK. Leading speakers will also be presenting and talking about their practical experiences.

The Erika Harms, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at the United Nations Foundation will speak about "Corporate Social Responsibility: From Nice-tohave to Need-to-have".

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Afterwards, Fritz Pleitgen, General Manger of Ruhr.2010 GmbH, will deliver a lecture on "Social Inclusion, a competitive advantage for tourism destinations", giving insights into the plans and goals of the Ruhrgebiet.

Roland Gaßner of GfK will then present the survey "Consumer price awareness concerning Corporate Social Responsibility" exclusively at ITB Berlin. The GfK survey illustrates CSR from the customer's point of view, how much customers are willing to pay, and what CSR measures can be taken to improve corporate efficiency in the long term.

Three panel discussions are scheduled for the afternoon.

Dr. Gerhard Prätorius, Head of CSR and Sustainability at Volkswagen AG, Peter-Mario Kubsch, Managing Partner of Studiosus and Dr. HansHerwig Geyer, Director of Corporate Responsibility &

IT&CM China 2009 Draws Biggest Chinese Participation T&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings) China returns to Shanghai in April for the third year with a bigger Chinese contin gent. Show organisers - TTG Asia Media and MP International, have confirmed the participation of four of China’s tourism hotspots in the all-encompassing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) tradeshow.

Themed as “Promoting China to the World and the World to China”, IT&CM China 2009 will be held from 15 to 17 April 2009 at the ShanghaiMart Expo. More than 2,000 leading industry professionals from China and the rest of the world will attend the event and experience the winning elements of China as “The Next MICE Powerhouse”.

This year, the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration of the host city has commissioned Shanghai Tourism Trade Association to organise a sizeable pavilion which includes over twelve Shanghai based hotels and travel agents. Chinese cities namely Guilin, Hangzhou, Sanya and Dalian will also participate at IT&CM China for the first time. These state tourism organisations will rope in established hotels and resorts, travel management companies and other service providers to their state pavilions.

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Communications at Beluga Shipping GmbH will discuss the topic of "Benchmarking CSR". These experts will point out successful examples of corporate social responsibility in other sectors, and the impact they could have on the tourism industry. Following an introductory paper by David Ruetz, Senior Manager ITB Berlin, a discussion round

featuring leading figures will debate what objectives corporate concepts are pursuing and the impact of CSR concepts on the industry overall. Experts taking part in the next round focusing on "CSR Reporting and Transparency" will debate issues under the heading of "Do good, talk about it - and then?".

Aviation Day to Focus on

Capacity, Capital and Climate ITB's Aviation Day, to be held on March 13, 2009, will focus on the collapse in capacity, crisis on capital and climate protection. The day's proceedings will be kicked off with a presentation by Stefan Lauer, Board Member, Lufthansa Group who will outline the issues and plans the German carrier will face. This will be followed by a panel discussion on fuel and emission with key representatives from the aviation sector, to be started by a keynote presentation from Ed Sims, General Manager, Air New Zealand Group and moderated by Matthias Eberle, US correspondent for German business paper Handelsblatt. Three more panel discussions will be held with lowcost and long-haul, capital markets crisis, and doom and gloom in the industry, set to be the other topics.

Thailand Waives Visa Fee ontinuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three month period, effective 5 March, 2009 to 4 June, 2009.

Thailand presently gives Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days.

Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visafree stay in Thailand not over 30 days.

Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai

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embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is personally spearheading efforts to revive the tourism industry and boost the country's competitive position to offset the impact of the global financial crisis.

Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT Governor said "The support we are getting from the highest levels of the Royal Thai government is a clear indication that Thai travel and tourism is back to business with excellent deals and marketing support for our friends in the travel trade."

Q & A

VINCENT HOOGEWIJS GENERAL MANAGER FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MUMBAI, INDIA

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Tell us about your hotel and its USPs. Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai opened its doors officially in May 2008, and despite it being a new player, we feel confident in the success of our hotel. Our product has been build to the highest standards and the genuine and personalised service we provide is truly a unique asset, which will differentiate us from our competitors.

How do you position the Hotel in the market? What is your marketing strategy?

With the worldwide economic slow down we realise that diversification into different segments is the way forward.

Where banking used to be one of our stronger segments, we are clearly moving on and tapping into other segments of the business world telecommunication, consulting, retail, etc.

Four Seasons is a very strong brand, and although Mumbai is our first hotel on this Continent, the majority of travellers into Mumbai have had experiences with our hotels world wide - and value the premium we offer.

How important is a Hotel in developing a destination?

As for a city like Mumbai, the hotel is part of the offering of that destination: and the wider the variety of offerings, the better the destination.

Resort destinations are very different - and there One hotel could make the destination (e.g. Maldives).

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

Belgium, my home country, is a country with great food and fantastic restaurants, and as a teenager I dreamed of owning my own restaurant. While attending Hotel Management School in Brussels, I started to enjoy the dynamics of the hotel world. This was almost 23 years ago. Today I am indeed very fortunate to be working in this business.

Being a hotelier has given me and my family amazing opportunities to live and work in many countries. India will be my 13th country destination - and travel is indeed a very enriching opportunity!

Tell us about your experience so far? Is there an unforgettable moment in your career which you can share with us?

I only arrived in Mumbai three weeks ago, and I am positively surprised by this amazing city: I had expected chaos, but it is actually a much organised chaos.

Things may do take some time, but things can get done!

Having travelled extensively, I have noted that people actually have more similarities than differences. They might speak differently; their eating habits might not be the same. But at the end we all want to be respected for who we are and we all want to be treated with respect.

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

My personal plan is to continue to enjoy what I do and the minute that the joy is disappearing, it will be time to make a change.

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts have a tremendous pipeline of new hotels and resorts around the world - the intention is definitely to continue to grow and see the world.

Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now?

In 10 years time,... with my children 'out of the house', it would be nice to maybe own my own small lodge in New Zealand or Australia , and work at my lodge !

Please tell us about your family?

I have been married to my wife Hilde, for 20 years - and together we have become experts in packing and traveling.

Our daughter Elle, was born in Bangkok, Thailand (14), and our son Tom (12), was born in Johannesburg (South Africa).

And if Belgium qualifies for the world cup football in 2010 in South Africa, I promised him a trip back to his birthplace.

Tell us about your hobbies and other interests?

I love the outdoors and maybe Mumbai is not the perfect place for it, but we do look forward to explore India. I do enjoy camping, fishing etc and also enjoy playing some football and squash. And of course the enjoyment of a glass of wine at the end of a busy day is bliss.

Which is your favorite destination and why?

Europe is fascinating. But New Zealand is definitely something special.

The blue (cloudy) skies, the fresh air , the mountains, the ocean, the many rivers and fly fishing.

WORLD VIEW

WTTC Announces Finalists for 2009 Awards he World Travel and Tourism Council recently announced the 12 finalists for the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The Awards recognize best practices in sustainable tourism in four different categories - Destination Stewardship, Conservation, Community Benefit and Global Tourism Business. A record number of entries were received this year from over 40 countries and six continents.

The 12 finalists were selected by an international team of independent judges in each of the four award categories for having successfully demonstrated sustainable tourism practices, including the protection of natural and cultural heritage, social and

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economic benefits to local people, and environmentally-friendly operations.

"The outstanding quality of this year's entries reflects the growing interest in the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards," said WTTC President and CEO Jean-Claude Baumgarten.

"They demonstrate the Travel & Tourism industry's longterm commitment to responsible tourism management, protecting the natural, social and cultural environment."

Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges said: "We have reached a global tipping point in the travel industry, as more businesses and countries realise that sustainable tourism is not only about protecting the environment and safeguarding

cultural diversity, but that it is also an important economic opportunity. The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards judging process goes beyond just what a company says it is doing in sustainable tourism. Our

next phase of judging involves an on-site expert evaluation of each finalist to assess what they are doing in practice, leading up to the selection of one winner in each category. "

The 2009 Finalists include: Destination Stewardship Award Grupo PUNTACANA, Dominica Republic - www.puntacana.com Heritage Watch, Cambodia - www.heritagewatch.org South West Tourism, UK - www.swtourism.org.uk Conservation Award Ionian Eco Villagers, Greece - www.relaxingholidays.com Lane Cove River Tourist Park, Australia - www.lcrtp.com.au NatureAir, Costa Rica - www.natureair.com Community Benefit Award Community Action Treks, Nepal - www.catreks.com Ol Donyo Wuas, Kenya - www.oldonyowuas.com Zakoura Foundation for Micro Credits, Morocco www.zakourafondation.org Global Tourism Business Award GAP Adventures, Canada & Global - www.gapadventures.com Marriott International Inc, USA & Global - www.marriott.com Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador - www.metropolitan-touring.com

ASIAN TRAVELLER FEBRUARY 2009

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PERSONALITY

NINA REDDY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAVERA HOTELS

Human capital is our best investment and I personally oversee to ensure all our staff stays motivated to accept challenges to benchmark their own standards.

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How did you become interested in hospitality business?

I have been a globetrotter all my life. During my travel, restaurants and hotels have always fascinated me. While my passion for hospitality grew with years, my marriage paved the way for my formal entry into this business. I used to visit Savera Hotels with family and friends to attend parties. When the business stretched to the second generation, we got the opportunity to be part of the management and operations.

What is your role at your company?

I am the Executive Director. I am in-charge of the day-to-day operations of the hotel which includes - Front Office, Food & Beverage, House-keeping, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources and CSR. We have 450 plus staff strength with varied skill sets managed by four General Managers.

Strategically, my roles allows me to focus on R & D in all product lines to stay competitive.

We have evolved trendy and new business lines in fine dining that cater to the changing lifestyle of people.

I support my management team in Advertising & PR and help them to develop an ideal platform to position our products.

We foster creativity and nurture great ideas through various corporate initiatives.

Human Resources are my pet subject and we empower our personnel with respect and dignity. Human capital is our best investment and I personally oversee to ensure all our staff stays motivated to accept challenges to benchmark their own standards.

We pledge ourselves to Corporate Social Responsibility and I lead my team to deliver our social responsibility. We have adopted villages and provide monetary support for education needs of the less fortunate people - TANKER (Higher Education) for the less privileged.

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

My immediate plans are to restore the past glory and bring back the guest loyalty that we enjoyed for decades. Certain instances in the past had impacted our guest perception and my immediate plans are to address these.

In long term I am planning to position Savera Hotel as premium 4 star hotel across our geographical spread and also establish some more units of the hotel in other locations. This plan may take a little while because the tourism industry is hit badly and economy has driven many corporate into austerity

mode.

As a travel industry professional what is your ambition?

As travel industry professional, I would prefer to be part of the industry bodies like. CII and contribute to the industry prospects. Further, I would like to represent the industry interest to government in bringing industry friendly policies and taxation structure to benefit the new comers. If government does not support new hotel ventures, the industry growth may remain stunted.

Ten years from now, I will probably have 3 to 4 Units of Savera across the country and another 3 or 4 new brands of fine dining restaurant. More so, have millions of dedicated and satisfied guests who believe Savera brand stands for quality and standard.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your professional life?

My husband, parents and children are the greatest influencer in my life - both in professional and personal fronts. Without their support, this Nina Reddy will be non-entity.

Aspirations if not supported by their spouse may become an unrealized dream. When I took a dip in corporate affairs, my husband stood by me and encouraged me with his acumen and attention to details. Today, if I am able to see things in a business perspective, it is all because of him.

My father and mother taught me compassion which guides me in HR endeavours. Bringing up my daughters, taught me how to nurture creativity and growth. Today I submit my success to my husband, parents, children and in-laws.

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

I do not discriminate between men and women. An entrepreneur, I faced challenges. What matters more for woman is the balance that she needs to bring between the personal and professional life. Otherwise, the challenges remain the same.

Young brigade are out to capture the world. Let it be a boy or a girl. They need to dedicate themselves to work and be determined to excel. Be determined to succeed and you will win.

What is the secret of your success?

Good health, positive attitude, confidence, being practical and a good listener, open minded and honest approach to tackle issues are my strong points. I always have strong positive influences around me. I have honest friends who give honest feed back and suggestions. A smile and faith in god have also helped mr.

What is your proudest moment (till date) in your job?

When I was inducted as the Executive Director to manage the company affairs.

Please tell about your family?

Loving, supportive husband, beautiful daughters who are totally understanding, inspiring parents and in-laws and of course a large group of friends who are family to me!

What are your hobbies?

Fitness, reading self-improvement books, movies, music and people!

COLUMN

Ozone Layer Depletion The Aviation Perspective hey used to be thrilling to watch‌ early Boeing 707s, DC-8s and Convair's taking off with an earth-shaking roar and thick black smoke spewing from their four turbo-jet engines were sufficient inspiration for any youngster who beheld that spectacle, to dream of flying those jets someday. A lot of them realized their dreams and today fly modern commercial airliners which despite their relatively larger sizes, behave far more politely in society, in terms of noise levels and emissions than their predecessors of the 60s.

Though a lot of hard-core aviation enthusiasts (myself included) miss those heart pounding take-offs by the "ole smokies" as these jets used to be called, what hastened their passing were technological advances stimulated in part by the increasing clamour by environmentalists for noise abatement and in equal measure by rising fuel costs on the other.

While aircraft design improvements contributed significantly, a major role was also played by engine technology development over the years which saw aircraft noise reduction by 75 percent over the past 30 years and fuel efficiency increased by 70 percent in the last four decades.

Mind you, it would not be out of place to say that Aviation's record in this regard has been stellar.

Some procedures for noise abatement agreed to by airports and airlines due to pressure from airport neighbourhood groups were at times dangerous. These included cutting back power immediately after take-off during the critical climb phase so that the public below the flight path was not disturbed. Such actions apart, airframe and engine manufacturers spent billions especially in the past two decades on research to reduce the noise and carbon footprints of newer airplane designs to make them politically acceptable.

Despite measurable and

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Pran S. Dasan

While commercial aviation still accounts for less than three percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, other industries such as power generation and other surface transport systems have much higher emission levels, which airlines argue need to be addressed first.

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significant advances in both aircraft and engine design, environmentalists - and the political lobbies backed by them are defiant in their belief that any growth in the aviation industry will undermine efforts to tackle climate change.

Their arguments are based on the increase in passenger numbers and flights since the low-budget revolution of the 1990s. Aircraft manufacturers' assessments of a doubling of the global commercial aircraft fleet by the mid 2020s has also not pleased environmentalists and their backers who argue that not only is this growth unsustainable but will also have a huge impact on carbon emissions, noise and air pollution and the destruction of green-field sites where new airports are likely to be built. They further point to studies which state that emissions from aircraft have between two to four times the global warming potential as ground-level carbon dioxide and thus have a greater impact than emissions originating from sources on the ground.

The truth is actually somewhere in between. While commercial aviation still accounts for less than three percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, other industries such as power generation and other surface transport systems have much higher emission levels, which airlines argue need to be addressed first.

So what can be done to reduce the environmental impact of the airline industry?

While campaigners criss-cross the globe on commercial flights to attend numerous environment summits calling for people to take fewer flights, the industry itself with admirable leadership from IATA are taking their responsibility to the environment seriously. Airplanes will continue to be heavily dependent upon fossil fuels in the foreseeable future. However numerous initiatives and heavy investments have been made into

developing sustainable bio-fuels for the aviation industry. Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand and Japan Airlines have all successfully test-flown aircraft powered in part by bio-fuels. Furthermore, airlines like United, Lufthansa and a host of others have experimented successfully in the way air traffic is managed. For example, reducing taxi-times, slower flying speeds, and more direct routes are all being evaluated and implemented to help reduce fuel consumption.

Manufacturers too are improving aircrafts' aerodynamics and same time reducing their weight in order to reduce fuel burn.

Future models are expected to be 40-50 percent more efficient than current designs. Airplanes like the Boeing 787 which extensively uses light weight composite materials is expected to have significant weight savings and thereby better fuel efficiency over the aircraft they would replace. Similarly the modern engines of the A380 while carrying more passengers than any other jet, will have far lower emissions thereby making its carbon foot print on a per passenger basis, amongst the lowest in the industry.

It's the time for dialogue and action from both sides. The airplane remains by far the biggest invention of the 20th century whose global utility cannot be undermined. At the same time, the environment and its protection remains the biggest challenge of the 21st century.

While globally several Government strictures especially in the EU and US through higher taxation have been mooted, Aviation has proven itself to be a highly responsible global industry through the introduction and implementation of its own initiatives to control emissions.

Indeed, IATA has even finalized a target year - 2057 by when to become a zero emissions airplane.

For Aviation it seems, the lights changed from green to greener.

COLUMN

e are all seeking happiness. But do we know what happiness is all about. I have seen people cudgeling their brains for hours to make a list of ten things that would make them happy. No wonder they are not finding happiness in life. That is asked after the manner of making a cake. How do we make a cake? What are the ingredients which make a cake? They are the flour, the eggs, the sugar, and the shortening. Once they are baked together in the right proportion, the cake is ready.

The same way, once we know the ingredients of our happiness and we just blend them the way they should be, we become happy, and we are happy. But the problem lies in knowing the ingredients of happiness.

Many a people think that money is the key to happiness.

If money is the key to happiness, how come so many rich people are unhappy? As the old Chinese proverb goes, money can buy one bed but not sleep, book not knowledge, house not home, medicine not health, and sex not love!

Ricardo Semler, the CEO of the famous Brazilian company Semco and renowned author of the legendary book

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V DURAIKKANNAN

Paulo Coelho

A busy man always finds time for everything. You need to just list out all the things that you need to do, you have to do, and you want to do.

Then apply the 4D Rule.

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FEBRUARY 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

Bob Hope

Maverick was mentioning about the uselessness of money citing his own father's case as an example. When his father Antonio became old and got afflicted with cancer after a non-stop run for money all his life, he realized that money was not everything. And Semler told: 'Do not be waiting for seventy years and a terminal illness to realize that

life is just not about money!'

Make your list of happiness and just be working on it.

Your list may contain as simple and elementary things as trekking, Ricardo Semler playing with a young kid, reading a novel, II says in Shakespeare's play: sharing a joke, and an 'I wasted time, and now doth occasional drink with your time waste me!' bosom friend at a placid and Life is what happens to us serene place. All these things when we are planning to live. do not cost much money but There is a very deeply just certain time. Now comes meaningful proverb in Tamil in the question of how we which says 'Never trade your make time for them. I have to eyes off for the beautiful just quote Paulo Coelho here painting you always wanted to and that is the pat answer: 'If enjoy!' Stand once in a while you want something bad and stare whether what you enough, the universe will are chasing is worth chasing. conspire to make it happen' When US comedian Bob A busy man always finds Hope was asked about how his time for everything. You need Concorde experience was, he to just list out all the things said about the supersonic that you need to do, you have airplane: 'It is just fantastic! It to do, and you want to do. reaches your destination so Then apply the 4D Rule early that you have plenty of Delay, Delegate, Do, and time to locate your baggage!'

Delete according to the The sum of the battle is zero. importance and the urgency of It looks like we are just the task. People do talk about completing the circle. Carlo 'Say NO to bad things in order Petrini from Italy has started a to say YES to good things!' I movement called 'Slow Food'. would like to modify and Slow Food is a global tweak it as: 'Say NO to good movement now spread to 122 things in order to say YES to countries. Interestingly, a better things!' snail with its spiral shell is the A note of caution while you movement's logo. It is are on your happiness pursuit: combating the fast food Just like we hear about culture and promoting cultural 'Plug and Play' in the world of and eco-regional farming. It is computers, life is all about giving the much missed 'Pay and Play'! There is a price together time in the family so to be paid in order that you much so that family members play and enjoy your life. It is have started taking to it. They up to you how you choose to spend longer time together have it - Either you PAY NOW eating the slow food. That will and PLAY LATER or you PLAY be one of things giving NOW and PAY LATER! Just happiness to anybody for remember what King Richard certain!

Carlo Petrini

Advt

INCREDIBLE INDIA

MoT Announces Incentives for

Visit India Year 2009 he Ministry of Tourism has undertaken a series of confidence building measures to minimize the negative impact of the recent global economic meltdown followed by the terrorist attack in Mumbai and to promote tourism to India. Incentives are also being offered to give a boost to the travel industry in the country. These initiatives have been launched after series of discussions with stakeholders in the tourism industry.

The benefits being offered to the travel industry include: Enhanced financial support for undertaking promotional activities overseas, under the Marketing Development (MDA) Scheme.

Participation in three Trade Fairs / Exhibitions per year will now be permitted under the scheme, instead of two as per the earlier guidelines. The eligibility limit under the Scheme in terms of Foreign Exchange Earnings has also been increased from Rs. 10 Crore to Rs.20 Crore.

Enhanced subsidy of 25 per cent in participation fee will be offered by the Ministry of Tourism and the Indiatourism offices overseas in the India Pavilions set up at the major International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions till the end of the financial year 2009-10.

With a view to promoting MICE

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Tourism, the scope of the MDA Scheme has been enhanced, so as to include active members of the India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB). Financial support under the scheme would be provided to 'Active Members' of ICPB who in turn would release the same to Indian Association / Societies after bidding for International Conventions / Conferences, provided they win the bid or stand at second or third positions among the bidders.

To encourage investments in the hotel sector, the benefits being offered include: External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) entitlement to fund import of equipments and Rupee requirements, five years tax holiday for budget hotels coming up in Delhi and adjoining areas for the Commonwealth Games 2010, extension of tax holiday for new hotels coming up at World Heritage Sites, enhanced FAR / FSI and rationalization of development charges for hotels in Delhi and a "Visit India 2009" Scheme is being launched, whereby attractive incentives, by way of value additions would be offered to foreign tourists visiting the country during the period April to December 2009.

The value additions that would be offered include: Complimentary international air passage for traveling companion, one night complimentary stay in the hotel booked by the tourist, one complimentary local sightseeing tour in any one city of visit and one complimentary Rural Eco Holiday in the country.

The scheme would work on the concept of providing one additional or complimentary service to the tourist, for every service paid for.

The incentives would be offered in collaboration with Airlines, Hotels and Tour Operators.

The three major Indian carriers Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines are partners in the Scheme and will offer the complimentary air passages for traveling companions.

All member hotels of the Hotel Association of India will offer one complimentary night stay in the hotel booked by the tourist.

Members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, who are recognized by the Ministry of Tourism will offer one complimentary local sightseeing tour in any one of the cities included in the itinerary of the tourist.

The Ministry of Tourism would

give widespread publicity to the Scheme, through the website of the Ministry, by advertising in leading mainstream and trade publications, at road shows organized overseas and at the international travel fairs and exhibitions where Indiatourism offices would be participating. Promotional initiatives have been launched in the important tourist generating markets overseas to promote tourism to the country.

Familiarsation tours for trade and media representatives to Mumbai and other regions of the country have been specially organized to project the ground realities relating to safety / security conditions in the country. Trade / Media representatives from USA, UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore have visited India during the months of December 2008 and January 2009 as a result of this initiative. A series of Road Shows in important tourist generating markets overseas would be organized during the first half of 2009, with participation of the travel industry. In the first instance, Road Shows have been finalised in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, U.K., Japan, S. Korea, USA and Canada during the period February - May 2009.

News in Pictures

The Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambika Soni addressing the gathering at the launch of illumination of Purana Quila, in New Delhi

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Indian President, Pratibha Patil and Union Minister for Tourism Ambika Soni with the folk dancers, at the inauguration the National Folk Dance Festival 2009 'Lok Tarang'

ASSAM TRAVELLER

Junbeel Mela MD. SABIR NISHAT unbeel Mela in Assam is unique in the sense that barters trade system, though passĂŠ in other parts of the globe is still in vogue here. It is being practiced as part of Bhogali Bihu festival in an area of the State that

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has evolved as tourism hot spot.

Assam Government is planning to showcase this local festival with its unique trading system in the international market.

The festival which concluded recently drew tourists from far flung places of the country.

With its rising popularity, tour operators are enthusiastic about marketing this unique concept to international tourists.

The two-day annual mela concluded on January 17 last at Morigaon district about 65 km away from Guwahati. About 3000 people participated in the historic barter system. People from Karbi Anglong district of Assam and nearby Meghalaya participated in the festival.

Assam Tourism Minister, Rockybul Hussain told Asian Traveller, "We have drawn ambitious plans to market this festival in international and domestic tourism circuits. The plan will be executed shortly," he said.

According to popular belief the genesis of the mela could be traced back to the 15th century.

During the mela, the people from the hills come down to meet their relatives in the plains. Transaction of goods takes place among the hill tribes of Assam and the neighbouring State of Meghalaya and the

Photos: UB Photos

Where Bar Bartter Still Exists

people residing in plains.

The tribals barter edible products such as ginger, indigo, mats etc. to procure various traditional cakes, fried rice powder, dried fish etc. With the stuff collected from the festival, the tribals celebrate Bihu. Another important highlight of the festival is the community fishing, where thousands participate.

Prominent tour operator, Ashish Phukan, who is also the Managing Director of Jungle Travels felt, this festival has great tourism potential especially among international tourists. "Traditional tourism spots coupled with rural tourism are

drawing lot of tourist in recent times," he said.

Citing Nagaland, which celebrates the Hornbill festival in December every year, he said that in case of Junbeel to become a tourism destination, date for the festival must be announced at least one year in advance so that tourists can fix their itinerary accordingly. "There is good potential for this festival with its unique practices to be marketed in the international arena," he said.

Several kings of the Tiwa community celebrated the festival with gay abandon. Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi provided Rs 9,000 each to 19 Tiwa kings. The festival has turned out to be a meeting of minds between different hill tribes of Assam and Meghalaya.

Museum in Assam to Showcase Rich Tribal Culture of North East ssam tourism will be setting up a museum featuring the vibrant tribal culture of the North Eastern states. Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister Assam has laid the foundation for the museum at Sonapur recently. The project will cost about Rs 200 crore. Gogoi said that the museum would go a long way in showcasing the rich tribal culture of the North East region and will further promote them. Culture tourism has huge potential and we want to exploit it by giving the tourists a taste of the rich cultural mosaic of the state and the region, he added.

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ASSAM TRAVELLER

flung open to visitors in 1938. It places with the was declared a wildlife sanctuary in highest 1950. It attained the status of concentration National Park in 1974. And in of Royal Bengal 1985, Kaziranga was declared a tigers World Heritage Site by UNESCO. (Panthera In its document declaring tigris) numberMd. Sabir Nishat Kaziranga a World Heritage Site, ing 90, a UNESCO states, "In the heart of significant populace of Asiatic wild Assam, this park is one of the last elephants (Elephas maximus) areas in eastern India, undisturbed around 1,100, the Asiatic wild by human presence. It is inhabited buffaloes (Babalus bubalis) around by the world's largest population of 1,500 and the eastern swamp deer one-horned rhinoceros as well as (Cervus duvauceli ranjitsinghi) many mammals, including tigers, numbering 500. This is the only elephants, panthers, bears and place on earth where one can see thousands of birds." the 'Big Five' at one go!

Kaziranga abounds in exotic Around 500 species of birds flora and fauna. Grasslands which include the huge flocks of predominate interspersed with pelicans, rose-ringed parakeets, tropical and semi-evergreen and red jungle fowl, crested serpent deciduous forests in this flood-plain eagles, bar-headed geese, whiseco-system with flat undulating tling teals and swamp partridges terrain spread over an area of 430 are found in the park and its sq.km. The grasslands along with scattered trees of Silk any time. And that speaks volumes Cotton (Bombax MD. SABIR NISHAT ceiba), Elephant about Kaziranga's conservation Apple (Dillenia indica) success story of more than 100 aziranga, the abode of and Queen's flower years." the world famous oneThe genesis of the conservation (Lagerstroemia horned rhino, in Assam history harks back to 1902 with the speciosa) among is on its way to become one Calcutta (now Kolkata) Zoo authori- others resemble a among the new Seven Wonders of ties requesting Mr. J.C. Arbuthnoth, typical savannah to Nature. Besides Kaziranga, the the Officiating Commissioner of the the sprawling other three entries from India Photos: UB Photos wildernesses of Africa Assam Valley districts, for a rhino include the Sundarbans forest, and North America. The park area for its conservation campaign. In the Ganges and Pangong Lake. vicinity - one among the highest in is dotted with numerous water the letter to the Chief CommisThey will vie with 257 other the country. Thousands of migrabodies that are fed each year by sioner of Assam, the officer cited spectacular places. 261 nomitory birds visit the park especially 'yearly incursions of large shooting the floodwaters of the river nees from 222 countries include in eastern range during the winters, Brahmaputra. The fringes of the parties' as one of the reasons for some famous mountain peaks, with some of them setting up park abruptly break into the vast the dwindling number of rhinoclakes such as the Great Barrier breeding colonies. For those with a eros. Acceding to the request of the verdant expanse of the Mikir hills Reef and Niagara Falls, Great discerning eye, you may witness a dominated by tropical evergreen officer, the Chief Commissioner Canyon and the Mount Everest. rare moment of the courtship 'gladly considered the possibility of and semi-evergreen trees.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi dance of the colourful Bengal Kaziranga has the enviable establishing an asylum for the talking to Asian Traveller said, florican (Honbaropsis bengalensis), distinction of providing habitat to rhinoceros in Assam'. Following a "Kaziranga is our place of pride. or spy a well-camouflaged water the world's largest population of series of communications and We are optimistic that the World monitor lizard (Salvator monitor) the great Indian one-horned surveys, Kaziranga was fully Heritage site will make it to the basking in the sun, or glimpse a rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis). giant Chitalfish (Notopterus chitala) declared as proposed Reserve new Seven Wonders of Nature."

The species has gone up from a Forest in 1905 with a sprawling Echoing Gogoi's sentiments, diving from the watch tower. These few dozen in 1905, to more than area of 57,273.60 acres. Here State Forest and Environment and numerous such momentous 1600 today - the single largest in Lady Curzon also deserves a Minister Rockybul Hussain told organisms are part of the big family special mention for persuading the the world. It is also one of the Asian Traveller, "It's indeed that is Kaziranga!

Government for its conservation in wonderful news that Kaziranga 1905. She visited Kaziranga in the National Park has been nomiGetting there Kaziranga is 239 km from Guwahati winter of 1904 but could only see nated for the new Seven Wonders and 96 km from Jorhat by road. The the hoof marks of a rhino. of Nature. At this hour of reckonnearest airport is Rowriah in Jorhat Declared a Reserved Forest in ing, I want to thank the State district. The nearest rail head is 1908, Kaziranga went on to Forest Department and the Furkating. Tourist can fly to Jorhat or become a Game Reserve in 1916. ground staff for making this can go by car and bus from Guwahati.

For the first time, Kaziranga was possible." The young and enerFor Information: Director of Tourism, Station Road, Guwahati-781 001 FEBRUARY 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

Kaziranga National Park

getic Minister is leading from the front drumming support for the park by appealing to all the nature lovers to cast their vote at www.new7wonders.com.

Kaziranga National Park falls under the Category Group E forests, national parks and nature reserves. It has entered into the second phase of the nature campaign. The first phase of voting ended on 31st December last year.

The Forest Department is elated over the selection of the park. And why not. The selection means more recognition to the Park and its dwellers, the people deeply involved with the park and overall recognition to the State.

Says noted animal activist, Dr. Anwaruddin Chowdhury, "Kaziranga is undoubtedly a wonder of nature, whether it is voted or not. Here we can see the endangered species at

in Seven Wonders of Nature List

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INDIAN PANORAMA

Sikkim to Give Prominence to

Adventure, Eco Sectors ikkim, the tiny state nestling at the foot of the Himalayas, is a small paradise which has a variety of attractions and activities to offer the visitors. Mountains, rivers, valleys and forests make it a perfect destination for eco tourists as well as adventure tourism enthusiasts.

Realising this, the State Tourism Department is giving importance to these two segments, said Madan Kumar Pradhan, Deputy Director, Administration Protocol, Sikkim Tourism. Adventure sports have been identified as the major revenue earner in the state tourism sector.

Sikkim government has recognized the role of tourism in socio-economic development of the state and done an excellent job in making Sikkim a preferred tourist destination. As part of the plan to attract more visitors from

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Madan Kumar Pradhan Deputy Director, Administration Protocol, Sikkim Tourism

other parts of the country as well as outside the country Sikkim Tourism is organizing road shows and taking part in exhibitions and fairs.

According to Pradhan one of the main hindrances the tourism development in Sikkim is facing is lack of proper connectivity. "But we hope this issue of connectivity will be resolved soon with the commissioning of the new airport at Pakyong in East Sikkim", added Pradhan.

The Tourism Department in association with other government agencies is also working on a plan to build infrastructure and develop human resources.

There is also a plan to develop Sikkim as a winter tourism spot. Other areas which are being focused are cave tourism, village tourism and agri tourism. Tourism Department is also encouraging homestay accommodation in villages.

One-Stop Solution for Tourists Visiting Northeast Tourism hub ready for inauguration in Guwahati information desks, souvenir shops and emporiums of all the seven Northeastern States. tourism hub in the capital city of Assam, It will also have the office of Guwahati, is ready for the regional director of India Tourism and the head office of inauguration shortly. the Assam Tourism With the coming up of the Development Corporation. tourism hub, tourists willing Guwahati, the gateway to to visit the Northeast India need no longer run from pillar the Northeast region - is the perfect place for the tourism to post to get all the centre. Moreover, the capital information required for visiting the country's 'paradise city is well-connected with the capitals of the other six States. unexplored'.

"The hub is located at A senior official of the Paltan Bazar in the heart of Assam Tourism Department said the tourism hub ready for the city. It is close to the Guwahati railway station and inauguration will provide the Assam State Transport information about tourism Corporation bus station. products and packages of all the Northeastern States under Moreover, Paltan Bazar has the highest concentration of a single roof. hotels and lodges in the entire The 'tourist arrival-cumcity. There could not have reception centre' a joint been a better place than Paltan project undertaken by Delhi Bazar," the official pointed and Dispur will house

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out.

"The centre was mooted for the convenience of tourists visiting the Northeast. After it starts functioning, a tourist can gather information on all tourist destinations spread across the seven States at the one-stop centre and plan his/ her itinerary accordingly," he said.

With a sprawling area of 28,000 square feet, the hub will have several facilities like cafeteria, foreign exchange counters, ATM, conference hall and on-

line booking centres.

The centre has been built at a cost of Rs.4 crore. Of this, the Assam Government provided Rs.28.23 lakh and the rest was funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

The State Government has also allotted the land for the integrated tourism hub.

Photo: UB Photos

MD. SABIR NISHAT

ASIAN TRAVELLER FEBRUARY 2009

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HOSPITALITY

Geneva Firm Mulls Indian Foray Geneva-based hospitality firm, Sovereign Hospitality Holdings (SHH) is eyeing the Indian market. The investment company, with over 21 operational properties globally, is currently preparing its feasibility report for the market as a whole, according to a report. Currently, SHH is focusing on its hospitality portfolio in India and China. On an international level, the development company operates with brands like Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, Rotana Hotels, InterContinental Hotels Group, Accor Hospitality, Six Senses Spas and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

Hotels.com's India Web site Hotels.com has launched an India Web site, catering to the needs of Indian travellers. The site can be found at www.hotels.com or www.hotels.co.in. The site enables travellers to search and book across 80,000 hotels throughout the globe, said a press release.

Hyatt Plans 20 Hotels in India The global hospitality major Hyatt plans to open 20 new hotels in India over the next four years.

Steve Haggerty, Global Head, Real Estate and Development, Global Hyatt Corporation, said the 20 hotels include six Hyatt Place hotels, which will be launched in a joint venture with Emaar MGF group. The Hyatt Place hotels, which are being called mid-segment properties, will come up in Hyderabad, Mysore, Mangalore and Gurgaon among other cities.

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FEBRUARY 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

Galileo, HKTB Join Hands to Reward Opportunities for Travel Agencies alileo, a leading Global Distribution System (GDS) and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), has announced a joint initiative to reward the Indian travel trade. This first of a kind programme utilizes the strength of the GDS distribution to augment the Indian arrivals into Hong Kong. The 60-day activity targetes at over 6,000 agencies in 11,000 touch points, which are spread at 333 cities in India.

As part of the programme, any Indian travel agency creating a booking to Hong Kong or beyond would be eligible for the promotion and hence an opportunity to win rewards, like HK trips, laptops, iPhone and LCD's.

The promotion would be valid from January 27 till March 27, 2009. These rewards would be directly proportionate to the productivity of the travel

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with its Chinese New Year celebrations.

Hong Kong is fast emerging as Bruce Hanna a destination President & CEO of choice for Galileo the leisure and MICE segments in the Indian outbound market. We received a record 350,674 Indian visitors in 2008 and with this initiative, we aim to have earmarked 6-7 such initiatives for the current year. provide a unique platform for Our long standing relationship our travel trade partners to book and sell the destination with Hong Kong Tourism Board makes them a partner of Hong Kong while enjoying choice for the inaugural some very attractive rewards.

HKTB is among the first activity of this programme", tourism board to acknowledge commented Bruce Hanna, President & CEO, Galileo in the tremendous reach and potential of the GDS India. distribution in the Indian "The launch of our trade market", said David Leung, rewards programme, in Regional Director - South & association with Galileo, is perfectly timed as Hong Kong South East Asia, Hong Kong welcomes the Year of the Ox Tourism Board. agency.

"This programme is a step into a series of such promotions, Galileo and its partners will present all new value-add propositions that enhance productivity and profitability exclusively among its connected agencies. We

Dholakia Group Launches Hotel, Spa umbai-based Dholakia group has launched the Orritel Hotel and Service Apartments for business and leisure travellers and the Rudra Spa, its own brand, at Hinjewadi in Pune. The new property has 60 executive rooms, 12 executive suites, plus three, 3-bedroomed row houses. Amongst the features here are a conference room with a capacity of 100 persons, an open-air banquet facility with an in-house event management and logistics solutions division, a health club (Fitness Alchemy), Ammbir, the multi-cuisine restaurant and the Bidi Bar.This is the group's third venture in the hospitality space and its first in Pune.

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Demand For Hotel Rooms In India May Rise ccording to a report released by global property consultants, Cushman & Wakefield demand for hotel rooms in India in the organised sector is expected to post a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8-10 per cent a year by 2011. This includes 5- star deluxe, 5-star, 4-star and 3star categories. The average supply CAGR is estimated to be nearly 22 per cent a year over the same period (2008-2011).

In their latest report, `The Voyage', 11 key hospitality markets in India have been assessed to reveal that NCR (20 per cent), Mumbai (15 per cent) and Bangalore (14 per cent) will witness highest growth in demand from 2008-2011. "While the current occupancy rate in Chennai stands at 75 per cent, a significant addition of supply in the

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coming years is likely to result in a deceleration in demand by 3 per cent year-on-year for the next three years, thereby directly impacting the occupancy rates," the report pointed out.

Overall, the expected rise in demand over the next 2-3 years would be largely due to factors such as India's popularity as a tourist destination, strong economic fundamentals, a continued interest from multinationals and a steady growth in domestic travellers (both business and leisure).

The report further said the occupancy rates witnessed a drop in most markets across India in 2008 over the previous year but Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata bucked that trend - the occupancy rates in Bangalore and Mumbai remained stable while Kolkata witnessed one per cent increase.

BUSINESS TRAVELLER

10 Unique Venues for

MICE Travellers in Singapore Whether it's for Business or for pleasure, corporates can be assured of a uniquely Singapore experience ith an array of interesting venues, teambuilding activities and inspiring experiences for rewarding and motivating MICE (Corporate Meetings, Incentive Trips, Conventions and Exhibitions) groups, Singapore is fast becoming the natural choice for business combined with pleasure and entertainment. Currently, business and MICE visitors constitute approximately 28 per cent of Singapore's visitor arrivals and account for about 35 per cent (SGD 4 billion) of total tourism receipts. Singapore owns many out-ofthe-box venues for MICE, which ensures an extraordinary experience for its travelers looking for a change from the stereotypical travel experiences. Here are some of those unique venues that offer an excellent range of meeting facilities and function services to suit a variety of needs and budgets, along with the convenience of nearby accommodation and dining.

Sentosa Beach Front Located within the lively and enchanting setting of Siloso Beach at Sentosa, Sentosa Beach Front overlooks the South China Sea from tropical surroundings.

This pavilion is perfect for any special celebration or event. Coaches can be arranged to bring guests directly to the pavilions. This open air concept creates the perfect setting for a stylish corporate event of up to 500 guests and an extension of marquees from the pavilion can comfortably accommodate up to 1000.

Underwater World Underwater World Singapore, situated on Sentosa Island happens to be Asia's largest and most well known tropical fish oceanarium. Imagine being surrounded by some 2500 marine creatures from around the region while dinner/cocktails are being served. This is exactly what an Underwater World Singapore experience is like. Surrounded by sharks, giant eagle rays and other sea creatures, this 83 meter-long tunnel can accommodate up to 500 guests .

Cavenagh Bridge Named after the last Governor of Singapore, Cavenagh Bridge is the 'grand old lady of river bridges' and the only suspension bridge in Singapore. It avails a wonderful link between

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the rich cultural district north of the Singapore River and the lively commercial district of the south. Accommodating up to 150 guests, the Cavenagh Bridge is an ideal spot for a standing cocktail reception.

Esplanade Esplanade, a Singaporean Architectural icon, is just the right venue for any stellar event.

Affectionately known as the "Durian", one 'husk' contains a 2000-seater concert hall, and the other houses a theatre that can stage worldclass performing arts events. A stone's throw away from the Singapore Flyer, Esplanade is a venue that can host any professional event for a crowd of up to 2000 people. The Roof Terrace on the Esplanade has all the rudiments that avail enchanting views of the city's skyline and mesmerizing sunsets. This serene roof-top place is wonderful for private dining and cocktail receptions welcoming approximately 150 guests.

Merlion Park Overlooking the Marina Bay and the Esplanade, the Merlion Park houses the half-lion and half-fish icon of Singapore. At the promontory is an open-air venue with the commericial and civic district at its back and a spectacular view of the waterfront and Esplanade. This location can take up to 600 guests for cocktail receptions and approximately 100 people for sit-down dinners.

Night Safari The Night Safari is the world's first wildlife park where visitors can have a sneak peak into the nocturnal face of wild life. Nestled in 40 hectares of lush secondary forest, the Night Safari offers guests a unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night.

The Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant and Forest Lodge are other exciting options for organizing events and enabling guests to enjoy unique dining experiences in the jungle. ULU ULU can take upto 100 guests for a private function while the Forest Lodge can take upto 400 guests for a standing cocktail function and 200 guests banquet style.

Singapore Flyer The world's largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, offers a panoramic view of the city skyline and beyond. Inside the 28 beautifully engineered capsules of the Singapore Flyer is space for corporate meetings, celebrations, intimate cocktail-sipping sessions and product launches.

Raffles Hotel Raffles Hotel, one of Singapore's premier hotels, stands as a jewel in the crown of Singapore's hospitality industry. The hotel is renowned and loved for its inimitable style and unsurpassed excellence in services and facilities. Over the years the hotel has evolved into one of the world's most luxurious hotels, often welcoming international celebrities, writers and royalty.

Jewel Box Located on Mount Faber, the Jewel Box resembles a musical jewel box, offering you a variety of exclusive and exquisite fine-dining options. The restaurants and bars overlook the vast Singapore harbor and promise visitors with some of the best sunsets on the horizon.

St James Power Station Standing at 70,000 square feet, St James Power Station is an all-in-one entertainment destination. It is set along the seaside in the premises of Singapore's first coal-fired power station that was built in 1927. St James Power Station offers nine distinctive outlets featuring a wide array of music from techno dance, big band & jazz, world music to live bands.

Cheng Ho Cheng Ho is a harbor-boat cruise that brings visitors through a fascinating insight of the Chinese tradition that can be seen from the sea. The vessel is named after the Admiral Cheng Ho, who holds an honorable place in Chinese naval history and had visited parts of the world as the emissary of the Emperor of China in the 15th century. This boat-cruise makes possible the wonderful style of having business meetings over dinner or an appetizing international buffet rolling on the sea and enjoying the enchanting views of a lovely Singapore River evening.

LUXURY

The Lallgarh Palace Home of the Maharajas of Bikaner generations of the Royal House of Bikaner have lived at the Lallgarh Palace. Princess Rajyashree Kumari has been able to unravel her vivid memories, producing very clear pictures of various facets of life, connected with the Palace.

The wonderful Palace of Lallgarh had been the hub of Princes and dignitaries, especially during the first half of the 20th century.

Apart from the Prince of Wales (Kind George V) and M. Clemenceau of France; almost RAJYASHREE KUMARI BIKANER each and every Viceroy, from Lord Curzon to Lord Mountbatten, were guests of the Maharajah's and had he present book on The stayed at the Lallgarh Palace. As Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner such, Princess Rajyashree written by Princess Kumari's, effort to provide an Rajyashree Kumari, the great granddaughter of Maharaja Ganga account of this historic Palace is both appreciated and highly Singhji, is a unique piece of work, commendable. perhaps the only one of its kind.

There are, in addition, further Beginning from 1902 A.D., five

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reasons, which enhance the utility of the work. Princess Rajyashree Kumari has, very frankly, stated her reminiscences of childhood and adolescence, both at Junagarh Fort, and the Lallgarh Palace. She has properly scrutinized and evaluated the customs and traditions that prevailed in the Royal House of Bikaner.

Some events connected with the lives of Maharaja Ganga Singhji, Maharaja Sadul Singhji, Maharaja Karni Singhji, and Maharaja Narendra Singh has been disclosed by her at appropriate places in the book. Though there are good books on the history of the former State of Bikaner, but there is practically no separate account of the grand Palace of Lallgarh - that lacuna, I think, has now been filled by Princess

Rajyashree Kumari through this work. Moreover, for years the people had little knowledge of what life was like inside the Lallgarh Palace; but now with Princess Rajyashree Kumari's authentic account of how was the life of members of the Royal House inside Junagarh Fort and the Lallgarh Palace, the riddle, I think, would be considerably solved.

She is the first Princess in the history of the Royal House of Bikaner, who has put pen to paper, with enthusiasm, and has, if I may say so, given an impressive performance. Written in a lucid style, Princess Rajyashree Kumari has clearly expressed her ideas and feelings in this book on "The Lallgarh Palace" - indeed, a praiseworthy achievement for which she deserves high praise.

web: www.maharajagangasinghjitrust.org

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TECHNOLOGY

IBS Launches iFly Solution Suite The suite provides an end-to-end solution for the entire airline passenger service business BS Software, one of the leading providers of new-generation software solutions to the travel, transportation and logistics (TTL) industries, has launched the iFly, the next generation airline passenger services solution suite, which address the entire gamut of Passenger Service functionalities for airlines, including passenger reservations, airport departure control, loyalty & CRM, holidays & tours, and distribution management.

V K Mathews iFly has the functional Chairman and CEO breadth and depth to IBS Group support all process areas of airline passenger services function, and with the launch, IBS has become a one-stop-solution that addresses the business needs of all types of airlines.

The iFly Suite consists of several next generation product lines that handle functions ranging from passenger reservations and customer loyalty program to airline staff travel.

The suite even has an e-commerce platform for distribution of travel products directly to customers. The strength of the solution suite is derived from its flexibility and ease of integration. The suite includes a host of new features with rich applications to enhance the travel

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reach and cost efficiencies. The functional flexibility of iFly is matched with carefully scaled pricing such that airlines only pay for the systems functionality they use. In addition iFly is fully delivered as a complete outsourced service

by IBS, minimizing an airline’s need for IT resources.

“Apart from offering a `oneiFly Res : A system for airline passenger service reservations, point solution’, we believe that check-in, inventory management, fares & ticketing iFly suite, conceived top down iFly DCS: Airport flight departure control system and engineered bottom up iFly Loyalty : a system for airline passenger loyalty and CRM), using next generation technoloiFly Tour : Airline holiday & tours management system gies, will be one of the most iFly Serve : flight special services management system powerful and cost-effective iFly Staff : Airline staff travel management system solution for the air iFly Distribution : e-commerce platform for transportation industry, packaging & distributing travel products directly promoting and supporting changing business models’” said V K types of airlines; from Low Cost Carriers, Mathews, Chairman and through the various emerging Hybrid business CEO, IBS Group “iFly will models to the most complex Full Service help airlines offer a new level of convenience for carriers.

Almost all the individual product lines above its customers, gain control over operations and maintain competitive edge in the industry. We are running successfully with several airlines at IBS have always strived to develop solutions today. iFly is proactive and responds quickly to for the emerging airline business. The suite’s changing market conditions by adapting and ability to offer diverse services can bring in supporting innovation. The suite has highly ancillary revenue to the airlines business. The flexible channel management capabilities to industry today recognizes this opportunity and help manage sales of various products - Air, Hotel, Car, Tours, Packages; greater market we develop solutions to realize this”. experience of passengers and revenue generation opportunities of the airline while reducing its cost of operation. iFly Suite will link customers directly with the airline/s products and services. iFly suite is designed to cater to all

Specifically, the suite comprises

Bird Group Partners with VistaJet to Offer World Class Business Aviation Experience ird Group, India's fastest growing travel conglomerate has announced an exclusive marketing agreement with VistaJet Holding S.A. headquartered in Switzerland and the fastest growing business jet company outside

Group will be in charge of the marketing of VistaJet in the Indian subcontinent which includes India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In order to meet the full range of customer needs, VistaJet operates a diversified fleet.

Commenting on the partnership, Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, North America. The agreement Bird Group said, "There continues to be growth was signed by Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird potential for the private jet Group and Ira Trivedi from market in India as it brings flexibility in timing and VistaJet at Aero India 2009, Bangalore. location for high-end As per the agreement, Bird corporate travel in India. We

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FEBRUARY 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

have seen that India's private aviation sector continues to grow and we believe that it still has good mid- to longterm prospects. Our alliance with VistaJet aims to revolutionize the business aviation landscape and facilitate customers to experience luxury at an affordable cost."

Commenting on the alliance, Ira Trivedi, VistaJet representative for India said, "India continues to be among the fastest

growing economies in the world despite the global slowdown. So, we have been looking to enter the Indian market for a quite some time.

We believe that this alliance is a key step in our strategy to expand into the Indian market in association with a reliable Indian partner. Our hubs in Malaysia and the Middle East are well-equipped to service India's needs."

NEWSLINE

NBTC Hosts Tourism Seminars Global Travel Consortium, TSI, inister for Foreign Trade of The Netherlands, Frank UK Launches India Partnership Heemskerk, who also handles the tourism portfolio, has

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lead an economic mission to India accompanied by over forty companies and tourism institutions. During his five day visit, the minister inaugurated a tourism seminar in New Delhi. Speakers at the seminar included Arjan van Well, Director, Destination Marketing and Markets, NBTC and Annemiek Holkeboer, Manager – Marketing Communications, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. A similar tourism seminar has also been organised in Mumbai.

The seminars were being jointly hosted by the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

The main purpose behind hosting this tourism seminar was to update the Indian travel fraternity about the Netherlands as a premier destination and to brief them about the attractions and experiences Holland has to offer. The industry was also briefed about the numerous facilities available at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and convenience it offers to a client travelling or passing through Schiphol.

The Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC) is the official marketing and promotion arm of Holland that aims at strengthening the tourism flow into and within the country.

NBTC is looking at an average annual growth of 10.5 per cent from India during 2008-2012 and 11.5 per cent growth during 2013-2020 from India with Indian arrivals to touch 170,000 visitors by 2020.

ravel Solutions International (TSI), a new international travel management network based in UK has announced the launch of TSI India in Bangalore. TSI is a partnership of privately owned travel management companies from Australia, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, China, Singapore, U.K. and USA. Joint Managing Director Mervyn Williamson inaugurated the TSI India partnership in Bangalore recently.

“We all have existing clients that want to work with us on a multi-national basis and many of the partners have previous experience in this sector. We therefore have good commercial reasons to create TSI but we also recognize there is a limited amount of choice out there for clients that seek a network that can provide consistency, clarity and standards to the management of expenditure across international markets,” said Williamson. Gopinath Nair, the CEO of Travel Tours added, “We believe that there is space for a quality business travel player to serve the needs of the small and medium sized accounts. Our personalized approach to customer service will help us carve a niche in the highly competitive business travel segment”.

Across the globe, TSI partners service a large and growing number of customers from across diverse businesses Telecom, IT and ITES, Pharma, Insurance, Banking, Manufacturing and Engineering.

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ASIAN TRAVELLER FEBRUARY 2009

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ALBUM

Philindex 2009, Philippines

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FEBRUARY 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

FOCUS

dishes, always served with rice, include meat and vegetables cooked with vinegar and garlic, grilled grouper, meat stews and a huge variety of soups including rice, noodle, beef, chicken, liver, offal and sour vegetable. Side dishes include strips of unripened papaya, fermented fish or shrimp paste and bite-sized pieces of

chickens, and even to bangus, the silvery milkfish. Christmas, a new feast for Filipinos that coincided with the rice harvest, came to feature not only the myriad native rice cakes, but also ensaymadas (brioche-like cakes buttered, sugared and cheese-sprinkled) to dip in hot thick chocolate, and the apples, oranges, chestnuts and

crispy pig skin. Halo-halo is a dessert made from crushed ice mixed with fruit preserves, sweet corn, young coconut and various tropical delights, topped with a wad of crème caramel and a scoop of ice-cream.

The buffet table will feature kinilaw na tanguingue, mackerel dressed with vinegar, ginger,

walnuts of European Christmases.

Even the Mexican corn tamal turned Filipino, becoming ricebased tamales wrapped in banana leaves. The Americans introduced to the Philippine cuisine the ways of convenience: pressure-cooking, freezing, pre-cooking, sandwiches and salads; hamburgers, fried chicken and steaks.

onions, hot peppers, perhaps coconut milk; also grilled tiger shrimp, and maybe sinigang na baboy, pork and vegetables in a broth soured with tamarind.

Alongside there would almost certainly be pansit.

The Chinese delicacies were later indigenized to Philippines after using local condiments for its preparation. The main dishes include pansit (noodles), Hokkien, Lumpia, Siopao, Siomai.

Spanish festive fare like morcon (beef rolls), embutido (pork rolls), fish escabeche and stuffed chicken or turkey might be there too. It was the Spanish who brought in olive oil, paprika, saffron, ham, cheese, cured sausages. Paella, the dish cooked in the fields by Spanish workers, came to be a festive dish combining pork, chicken, seafood, ham, sausages and vegetables, a luxurious mix of the local and the foreign. Relleno, the process of stuffing festive capons and turkeys for Christmas, was applied to

The centerpiece would probably be lechon, spit-roasted pig, which may be Chinese or Polynesian in influence, but bears a Spanish name, and may therefore derive from cochinillo asado. Vegetable dishes could include an American salad and a pinakbet (vegetables and shrimp paste).

The dessert table, richly stars leche flan (caramel custard),

Philippines The land of FFood ood and FFeasts easts A n archipelago 7107 islands, Philippines is one of the far eastern attractions in the international tourism map. With the tropical sun, sea and the beaches being the main attractions it has a lot in store for the visitors. The climate is pleasant and local residents here are tourist friendly. The main beach destinations include Boracay, Pagudpud, Mactan Island, Panglao, Camiguin, Honda Bay, El Nido, Pearl Farm, Siargao. A lot of other activities are available in this part of the world; from meeting the mountain tribes to swimming close to the whale sharks. But above all stands the cultural vibrancy of Philippines and the Filipinos.

The fiesta is part and parcel of

Year's Day is also celebrated with great vigour and plenty of fireworks.

Other popular events in the countryside include Ati-Atihan, Sinulog, Dinagyang, Panagbenga, Kaamulan, Moriones, Cutud Lenten Rites, Pahiyas/Mayon/Agawan, Flores de Mayo / Santacruzan, Mudpack Festival, Pinyahan Sa Daet, Parada NG Lechon, Tacloban Pintados Festival, Sandugo Festival, Kinabayo Festival, Kadayawan SA Dabaw, BonokBonok Festival and Silop Cave Adventure, PeĂąafrancia Viva La Virgen, Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, Masskara Festival.

The exotic Filipino cuisine has Chinese, Malay and Spanish influences. Popular morning and

afternoon snacks are merienda, and pulutan which are served with alcoholic drinks.

Barbecued sticks of meat or seafood are popular evening snacks. Standard Filipino culture which goes on through good and the bad times.

There will always be a fiesta going on somewhere in the country as there are many local festivals.

Fiestas or any community celebration features music, dancing, and food feasts. The biggest festival is Christmas. New

natilla, yemas, dulces de naranja, membrillo, torta del rey, etc., but also include local fruits in syrup (coconut, santol, guavas) and American cakes and pies. The global village may be reflected in shawarma and pasta.

E-mail: info@philtourism.gov.ph ASIAN TRAVELLER FEBRUARY 2009

31

AVIATION

IATA Reiterates Environmental Commitment The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted aviation's commitment to its environmental responsibility at the inauguration of its aviation and environment display at Rome's Fiumicino Airport. "Our commitment to environmental responsibility is firm and strong.

Aviation accounts for two percent of global CO2 emissions. Even as we face the worst revenue situation in 50 years, we are determined to continue to deliver effective solutions that reduce aviation's emissions," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO.

Air Arabia Flies to Goa Three Times a Week Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier from the Gulf region, has announced that it would add Goa as its 13th destination in India beginning March this year. Globally, the airline connects 44 destinations.

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Paramount Introduces Smart Flyer APEX Fares aramount Airways recently introduced another scheme, "Smart Flyer APEX Fares" which offers passengers to travel on all sectors in the South and West by booking tickets fifteen days ahead of travel. The lowest fare on the APEX Fare Scheme starts from INR 1825/inclusive of all taxes, varying from sector to sector.

M Thiagarajan The MD, Paramount Chennai-based Airways all-Business class airline has outlined some ambitious expansion plans for 2009, after last year recording just a 1.1% increase in passenger numbers to 630,000, according to Ministry of Civil Aviation data.

The carrier, which has a strong network in Southern India, reiterated plans to continue its expansion in Western India until mid-2009 and then "foray into the northern market". Paramount currently operates 1,600

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services per month, which will rise to 2,200 in the next six months.

The airline, which held a 1.5% market share in 2008, has been buoyed by its increasing share late in 2008, as rival airlines trimmed their capacity due to mounting losses.

Paramount has 20 Embraer regional jets scheduled for delivery over the next two years. The carrier plans to hire 500 pilots and 600 cabin crew in the next two years as it targets a nationwide presence and a five-fold increase in fleet size by 2011. The carrier also holds international ambitions,

confirming in mid-Jan-09 that it is in "advanced talks" with Airbus and Boeing to order 7-10 A350s or B787s to launch international services in 2012/13.

JetLite Achieves IOSA Recognition etLite has recently announced that it has been added to IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) register.

JetLite will now join a pool of IOSA registered airlines like Jet Airways, which was registered by the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Programme in May 2006. According to Mr. Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, CEO, Jet Airways, "This is a very important step for JetLite. We have confirmed that we have operational safety processes that are in alignment with all IOSA Standards, and we welcome the confirmation of our high standard of safety through IOSA Registration."

IOSA Registration is a condition of IATA (International Air Transport Association) Membership and is recognised in the industry as a benchmark for airline safety and quality. At present, 274 airlines worldwide have entered into the IOSA Registry.

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Emirates to Increase Services to Dhaka

Global Airport Traffic Remains Flat: ACI

Emirates Airline will increase its presence in Bangladesh with the introduction of three additional flights per week to Dhaka, starting February this year. The additional services will bring Emirates' weekly operation to 17 flights and add over 800 seats per week on the Dubai-Dhaka route.

Operated by an A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 27 Business and 251 Economy class seats, EK586 will depart Dubai at 10:15 hrs every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday and touch down at Zia International Airport at 16:30 hrs.

Return flight EK587 will take off from Dhaka at 18:30 hrs on the same day and arrive at the airline's new home - Emirates Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport - at 21:50 hrs.

reliminary traffic results for 2008 show that for the full year, worldwide passenger traffic remained flat, thanks to strong growth in the first quarter which balanced the year-end Decemberline, whereas yearend results in the freight sector, which did not benefit from any significant surge in traffic during the year, retracted in 2008 (international freight -3%, domestic -7% and the worldwide average -4.5%).

For the month of December 2008, global passenger traffic growth fell by 6 percent as compared to December 2007, as did international and

FEBRUARY 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

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domestic traffic.

The top 10 international airports all reported Decemberlines led by Bangkok (-42%), London Gatwick (14%), Incheon (-13%) and Tokyo Narita (-10%). Dubai was the only exception registering a 5 percent increase, and the only region on the rise was the Middle East with a 7 percent increase in international traffic.

Domestic passenger traffic results were buoyed by China where the large airports showed double-digit increases once again led by Beijing (+22%), but the strong increase in China was offset by continued weak performance

in India and the US where the large airports (Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas and the New York City airports) suffered double-digit reductions.

European domestic traffic (-12%) was strongly impacted by the Spanish market, with Madrid and Barcelona reporting reductions of 19 percent and 24 percent respectively.

Freight traffic was heavily impacted by the devastating global economic climate in Decemberember 2008, with worldwide freight down by 20 percent, international freight by 25 percent and domestic by 9 percent.

SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR

Chidambaram Temple to be Promoted as Heritage Site he historic Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu will be promoted as a heritage site to attract more visitors. The state government has taken over the temple after the Madras High Court day before yesterday allowed the government to take over the administrative control of the temple. The state tourism department is also focusing on promoting Pichavaram, located close to Chidambaram as an ecotourism spot. Chidambaram, which falls in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, is an important pilgrimage site with shrines such as the Lord Nataraja Temple, Kali Temple and Ayyapan Temple.

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FHRAI Award for Leela Kovalam Sprachen Sie Deutsch? ederation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India's (FHRAI) annual awards have been presented recently at a ceremony held in Chennai recently. Ambika Soni, Minister for Tourism & Culture, Government of India was the chief guest at the function. Addressing the meeting Soni said, "These young awardees are the industry's future and hence, it is necessary to acknowledge their contribution and encourage them". Elaborating on the award categories, T. Nataraajan, Honorary Joint Secretary, FHRAI said, "There were only 18 award categories for which there were over 130 contestants from across the country.� The awardees were selected by an apex body of hoteliers, FHRAI, and final consent given by a panel headed by M P Purushothaman, President, FHRAI." Vishal Pathak, Rooms Division Manager, The Leela Kempinski Kovalam was awarded the "Young Rooms Division Manager of the Vishal Pathak receives the award from Ambika Soni, Minister for Tourism, India Year"

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Kerala Tourism is Looking For German Speaking Guides erman speaking local guides has become the need of the hour for tourism development activities in Kerala", said Dr. V Venu, IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism. He was speaking at the formal launch of German Language Cer tificate course jointly initiated by the Goethe Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). "We face this problem while attending international tourism fairs like ITB, Berlin. In this circumstance, the Tourism Department itself is on the look out to promote German language and literature in Kerala", Venu added. Germany stands third in the number of tourists visiting Kerala. Prof. Renu Bhardwaj, Director, IGNOU, B K Vijayan, Additional Director, Higher Secondary Education, Government of Kerala and Eberhard Weller, Regional Language Director, South Asia Region, Goethe Institut were also present at the function.

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Chennai Travel Agents Petitions SA

ITL Tours and Travels Opens Office in Dammam

Travel Agents based in Chennai have submitted a memorandum to the Singapore Airlines regarding the right of commission for the service rendered by them to the Airlines. The memorandum has been signed by TAAI, TAFI and IAAI representatives.

Siddiq Ahmed, Afzal Baig-General Manager Jet Airways, Fareed Al AlawiVice President-Jet Airways, Salah Al Anazi, Rajeev Nambiar-Vice PresidentITL at the inauguration

ASIAN TRAVELLER FEBRUARY 2009

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SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR

Karnataka Plans Road Shows Abroad arnataka is planning to conduct road shows in South America, Europe and Scandinavian countries. It has also plans to undertake a district level promotion within Karnataka state with the intention of creating awareness among local populace about hospitality towards tourists.

DoT, Government of Karnataka will also educate local investors, including regional government bodies such as Public Work Department (PWD) about the moneyminting possibilities of running tourism businesses in their respective regions.

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Kerala to Organise Eco-Tourism Fair Kerala Tourism will conduct a three-day national level ‘Ecotourism Mela’ (Fair) in Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad district. The fair will be held in April this year.

It is organized to make the

TTDC Launches Bed and Breakfast Scheme he Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has recently launched the 'bed and breakfast scheme' which will give the tourists an opportunity to experience the traditional hospitality of Tamils.

The scheme brought to light by the Indian tourism ministry has been a grand success in many states of India where it was implemented in the recent past as it proved a good a revenue earner for the house owners who could spare rooms in their houses. The tourism department has selected 165 service providers in 10 districts including Chennai, Maduari, The Nilgiris, Kannyakumari across the State.

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Baby Mathew, CMD, Somatheeram Ayurveda Group has been selected as the "Best Business Man of the Year" by the business magazine Kerala Market. Baby Mathew has been selected for promoting Ayurveda globally.

SKHF Elects New Office Bearers South Kerala Hoteliers Forum (SKHF) has elected a new governing body PATRONS

K.R.Rajashekharan Nair

E.M. Najeeb (ATE Group)

G. Mohandas (South Park)

VICE PRESIDENTS

Baby Mathew (Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort)

PRESIDENT

GEN. CONVENOR

GEN. SECRETARY

Chacko Paul (Travancore Heritage)

Chandrasenan Nair (Hotel Pankaj)

R. Murugan (Swagath Resorts)

FINANCE SECRETARY

Grace Gideon (Principal IHMCT)

Suresh M.Pillai (Hotel Horizon)

SECRETARIES

Hari Krishnan (Link Air)

Manoj Babu (Medicus Ayurbay)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

M.R.Narayanan (Poovar Island Resort)

G. Sudhiesh Kumar (Hotel Sea Face)

Peter Paul (Thomas Holidays)

Matthew Roby Uthup (The South Park)

Manoj Mathew.V.M (Taj Residency)

M. M. Salim (Hotel Geeth International)

maximum of the eco-tourist potentials of Wayanad, the greenest of districts, said Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.

Tourism Workshop Organised in Orissa A state level workshop on Tourism Development of Orissa was organized by the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Orissa (HRAO) in January. Attended by the hoteliers, tour operators, airlines, planners, travel writers, and officials of Department of Tourism, Forest, Pollution Control Board, IITTM, Airport Authority of India, and PKDA, the workshop was inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism & Excise Debi Prasad Mishra. The workshop suggested several measures for the development of Orissa Tourism.

Karnataka to Develop Roads As part of the aggressive expansion in tourism and other industries the Government of Karnataka is bringing in development in solid infrastructure.

Karnataka will be developing 66,000 km as part of the core road network (CRN) programme at an estimated cost of Rs 177,000 crore under the PPP model in the next six years (2009-15).

ASIAN TRAVELLER FEBRUARY 2009

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KERALA TRAVELLER

KTDC Launches City Tour in Thiruvananthapuram

The inaugural flight of Air India Express to Kuwait took off from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on January 24. M. Vijayakumar, Minister for Law handed over the boarding card to the first passenger. H.A. Munaff, Station Manager, Trivandrum; Thennala Balakrishna Pillai, MP; Jayan Babu, City Mayor; Madhavan Nambiar, IAS, Secretary, Civil Aviation; Varkala Radhakrishnan,MP; V. Surendran Pillai, MLA;V. Thulasidas, IAS(Retd), former CMD, Air India and Executive Director and Rajeev Gandhi Aviation Academy are also seen.

KTDC Chairman Cherian Philip flags off the City Tour (Nagara Darshan), organised by KTDC. Also present is K.G. Mohanlal, Director, KTDC

erala Tourism Development Corporation has launched 'City Tour' (Nagara Darshan), which will give the visitors to the city a comprehensive view of Thiruvananthapuram city. The visitor will be taken in an airconditioned vehicle to a number of tourist attractions in the city including temples, beaches, backwaters and

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palaces. The service of a guide will also be available at the bus. For details contact 04712330031.

The City Tour has been formally flagged off by Cherian Philip, Chairperson, KTDC at a simple function held at Chaithram Hotel in the city.

K.G. Mohan Lal, Director, KTDC presided over the function.

H.A. Munaff, Station Manager, Thiruvanthapuram handing over the trophy to Meenu James, the Best Outgoing Student of the Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration course conducted by Kerala. Institute of Tourism & Travel Studies. Also present is E.M. Najeeb, CMD, ATE India Ltd

KERALA TRAVELLER

Dr. V. Venu IAS Secretary, Kerala Tourism

nce again, it’s good news for Kerala Tourism with foreign tourist arrivals registering a 16.11 per cent increase and domestic tourist arrivals marking a 14.28 per cent increase vis-a-vis the 2007 figures. A key contributor to this remarkable increase is undoubtedly Kerala’s pioneering marketing efforts – which includes participation in tourism trade fairs and road shows – both domestic and international.

Incidentally, Kerala Tourism, along with 5 coexhibitors, recently participated in the FITUR trade fair in Madrid, Spain.

Road shows are also being

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held in London and Milan.

Meanwhile, the working group set up by the Government to suggest ways to overcome the effects of the global meltdown is meeting on a regular basis. This apart, there is an increased focus on domestic tourism. A discussion was held with tourism stakeholders and based on their inputs, roadshows are being planned in 13 Indian cities including new ones like Nagpur, Surat and Jaipur.

January also saw Kerala Tourism taking the first step towards declaring Kovalam as the first Child Abuse Zero Tolerance Zone in the country.

Hotels, resorts, shops etc., in

Kovalam will be converted into social platforms for this campaign that aims at enlisting tourists in the fight

hotels, resorts etc., market their properties globally. As a prelude, workshops were held in all 14 districts to sensitize

against child abuse.

Kerala Tourism is also all set to launch its Online Reservation Facility through its website in order to help

the trade about the new initiative, and the response from the participants including small hotels is truly encouraging.

ASIAN TRAVELLER FEBRUARY 2009

37

VARIETY

Harminder Singh Saluja has joined Ramada Caravela Beach Resort, Goa, India as Director Sales & Marketing

Harjeet Wasan has been appointed General Manager, Park Inn, Jaisingh Highway, Jaipur, Rajasthan India

Romeo Justin has joined Great India Tour Company, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India as Senior ManagerBusiness Development

Sabyasachi Chatterjee has been appointed General Manager at Hometel, Chandigarh, India

Bernard Goonetilleke has been appointed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). During his career as a Foreign Service officer, he held several positions in the ministry of foreign affairs ending as director general (multilateral), in the year 2000. He has also served a number of Sri Lankan diplomatic missions abroad. His last assignment as Ambassador was to Washington DC from April 2005 to June 2008.

1. Washington is the capital of USA. What is the capital of Washington, which is a separate state in USA? 2. Who is called the Edison of Internet?

3. Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt were not father and son as one tends to think. How were they related?

4.

5.

6.

7.

Barack Obama

Franklin Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt

What does Kremlin mean?

What is Barack Obama's middle name?

Who stays at the Mansion House in London?

Who founded the Alcoholics Anonymous?

8. What is the expansion of IKEA? 9. Who is Pierre Omidyar?

10. Which international airport is named after the famed inventor Nikola Tesla?

Kremlin

Compiled by DEEKAY

Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC17 in the the subject line.

Answers should reach us before the 28th of this month.

FEBRUARY 2009 Destination London, England

February 5-8

TTF OTM, Mumbai

February 7-9

TTF OTM, New Delhi

February 12-14

AIME, Australia

February 17-18

Taj Mahotsav, Agra, India

February 18-27

BIT Milan

February 19-22

IITM, Cochin

February 20-22

India Travel Mart, Chandigarh, Hariyana

February 20-22

MARCH 2009 Holiday Expo, Vadodara

TYKC 16 - Winner

Sulakshana Rai Srishti, Mira Road Mumbai, India

March 1 - 3

One all-correct entry will get

ITB BERLIN, Berlin, Germany

March 11-15

Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi

Asia Spa and Wellness Festival, Bangkok

March 20-22

[ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]*

BTTF Birmingham

March 26-27

GIBTM, Abudabi

March 31 - Apr 2

APRIL 2009

38

Answers of TYKC - 16 1. hemidemisemiquaver (musical note), 2. A technically skilled person working on the Internet, 3. A paddling, 4. POW/MIA Flag (Prisoners Of War / Missing In Action), 5. Gherman Titov (he was the second human in space after Gagarin), 6. A stone-cutter, 7. Chinese name of Confucius, 8. It was dispensed by pharmacies as a syrup to which one had to add carbonated water, 9. It is a Norse word meaning ' whale' + 'horse' = 'walrus', 10. Hg is mercury - short for its Latin name ' Hydrargyrum' meaning ' water silver' or 'liquid silver'

COTTM, Beijing

April 22 - 24

SATTE, New Delhi

April 23 - 24

FEBRUARY 2009 ASIAN TRAVELLER

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