in this issue VOL.4
6
NO. 4
JANUARY 2011
Indian tourism grows substantially in 2011
The Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in India during the period of January- November 2010 were 4.93 million as compared to the FTAs of 4.46 million during the same period of 2009, showing a growth of 10.4 per cent.
6
P6
P 18
P 20
P 23
UN acknowledges role of tourism for sustainable development
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted by consensus at its 65th session three separate resolutions emphasizing the role on tourism in sustainable development. The three resolutions stress the significance of the sector to the development agenda in terms of sustainability, employment and poverty elimination.
7
India, Trinidad & Tobago discuss tourism cooperation
India and Tinidad and Tobago have expressed the need to increase the tourist traffic bilaterally. Dr. Rupert Griffith, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago who has called on the Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India has discussed ways to strengthen co-operation in the tourism sector between the two countries.
Woman of the Month
Ten Questions
23 UNWTO support for high-value, low-impact tourism development in Bhutan UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, has expressed his support for the long-term tourism policy of Bhutan, with its focus on sustainability and quality, on an official visit to the country where he met with acting Prime Minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba.
JENNIFER BUHR
ROHAN SABLE
P8
P 10 Face to Face
13 India, Indonesia to enhance ties in tourism field
16 Hong Kong Disneyland announces a year-long “Celebration in the Air�
24 ASEAN e-Travel Mart announced ABHIRAM CHOWDHRY
29 Mangalam tourism project to be inaugurated 4
12
As I Travel
P 14 Cover Photo Cour tesy: Ecuador Tourism
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
EDITOR’S NOTE
T
he New Year has brought in happy news for the tourism sector. According to the Advance Release of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism recovered strongly in 2010. And the indications and expectations are that the sector will grow strongly and reach the levels predicted during the pre-recession period, in the coming days. It is heartening to note that a lot of destinations worldwide have registered growth, which according to the report is "sufficient to offset recent losses". However the report also observes, recovery came at different speeds. The revival was primarily driven by emerging economies as a result of improved economic conditions worldwide. The re-emergence of international tourism from the impacts of the global financial crisis and economic recession has once again proved the resilient nature of the sector. As Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, UNWTO has observed, the recovery in international tourism is good news, especially for those developing countries that rely on the sector for much-needed revenue and jobs. But the challenge is to consolidate this growth over the coming years, especially amid the current global economic environment, which is still in an uncertain zone. In that regard all the players in the sector should "work closer and better towards increased integration and cooperation between all players involved in the tourism value chain to increase competitiveness and respond more effectively to challenges". One of the challenges the sector faces at the moment and need to be addressed and sorted out immediately is the increasing taxation introduced by many governments world over. What the industry could and should do is to alert the concerned governments about the impact these types of taxation would have on the economies and thus seriously affect tourism's proven capacity to stimulate job creation and economic growth.
G. BIJU KRISHNAN Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com +91 9447555222 ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
Editor & Publisher Group Editor Chief Executive Of ficer Executive Editor Photo Editor Art Editor Senior Sub Editor Bureau Chief (Coimbatore) Editorial Team
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5
OVERVIEW
Indian tourism grows substantially in 2011 during the same period of 2009, showing a growth of 10.4 per cent. The number of domestic tourist visits increased from 650.00 million in 2009 as compared to 562.98 million in 2008 showing a growth of 15.5 percent. Thus, the domestic tourism withe Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in India nessed impressive growth inspite of various adverse during the period of January- November 2010 were factors during this period. The Foreign Exchange 4.93 million as compared to Earnings (FEE) during the the FTAs of 4.46 million
T
period of January-November 2010 were Rs. 57850.00 crore as compared to Rs. 47918.00 crore during the same period of 2009, registering a growth rate of 20.7 per cent. Infrastructure development holds the key to India’s sustained growth in the tourism sector. Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism has been making efforts to develop quality tourism infrastructure at tourist destinations. The
Ministry has launched a scheme for development of nationally and internationally important destinations and circuits through Mega Projects. So far, 38 mega projects have already been identified out of which 23 projects have been sanctioned. The mega projects are a judicious mix of culture, heritage, spiritual and ecotourism to give tourists a holistic perspective.
UN acknowledges role of tourism for sustainable development
T
he United Nations General
eradication. The resolution on the
development of sustainable
Assembly has adopted by
Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
tourism and address the
consensus at its 65th
welcomed the work of UNWTO, of
challenges of climate change and
session three separate resolutions
its World Committee on Tourism
halt the loss of biodiversity.
emphasizing the role on tourism
Ethics and the increasing level of
in sustainable development. The
institutional and legal commitment
‘promotion of ecotourism for
three resolutions, on the
by member States towards the
poverty eradication and
implementation of the Global
implementation of the Code. The
environmental protection’, led by
Code of Ethics for Tourism, on the
resolution recognized the need to
Morocco and supported by 90
promotion of ecotourism and on
promote the development of
countries, recognized that
the importance of sustainable
sustainable tourism and increase
ecotourism can have positive
tourism stress the significance of
the benefits from tourism for host
impacts on income generation,
opportunities for conservation,
the sector to the development
communities, while maintaining
job creation, education and thus
protection and sustainable use of
agenda in terms of sustainability,
their cultural and environmental
on the fight against poverty and
natural areas by encouraging
employment and poverty
integrity and enhancing the
hunger and can contribute directly
local and indigenous communities
elimination. The resolutions
protection of ecologically
to achieving the Millennium
in host countries and tourists alike
further welcomed the efforts and
sensitive areas and natural
Development Goals (MDGs).
to preserve and respect natural
work of UNWTO in promoting
heritages. Likewise, it recognized
sustainable tourism for poverty
the need to promote the
The resolution on the
Further, it recognized that ecotourism creates significant
and cultural heritage. In adopting the resolution, the UN General Assembly encouraged its member States to promote investment in ecotourism and called upon the United Nations system to promote ecotourism in the context of MDGs as an instrument that can contribute to achieving those goals, in particular to eradicate extreme poverty and ensure environmental sustainability.
6
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
INCREDIBLE INDIA
India, Trinidad & Tobago discuss tourism cooperation
I
ndia and Trinidad and Tobago have expressed the need to increase the tourist traffic bilaterally. Dr. Rupert Griffith, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago who has called on the Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India has discussed ways to strengthen co-operation in the tourism sector between the two countries. Referring to the low tourist traffic between the two countries, Sultan Ahmed stressed the need for a regular interaction between the two sides to increase the tourist traffic. He said that exchange of frequent visits of travel trade, media and opinion makers will help in strengthening people to people contact between India and Trinidad & Tobago. He
suggested that both the countries may organize road shows, food and cultural festivals in each other’s countries to further strengthen the rich historical and cultural ties that exist between the two countries due to the significant presence of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago. To attract more visitors from each other’s country both the sides should work to have better connectivity and cost effective travel between the two countries. The Minister added. India and Trinidad & Tobago can work together in the field of sustainable and rural tourism. He said both the countries can consider a cooperation agreement in future in the tourism sector to get the desired result. Dr Griffith said that easing of visa regime will benefit
DoT, J&K to launch special incentive policy for tour operators
T
he Department of Tourism
businesses and thereby
(DoT), Government of
promoting tourism in the
& Tobago. He said Cricket is both the countries in strengthening tourism ties. He another great link between the
The Minister of Tourism, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Rupert Griffith with Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India in New Delhi
said through films, road shows and cultural festivals both the countries can strengthen bilateral relations in the tourism sector as Indian artists are popular in Trinidad
two countries to attract more visitors. He agreed that a cooperation agreement on tourism will further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
Peru lauds Incredible India campaign D r. Eduardo Ferreyros, Minister
He was talking to the Minister
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is in the
state.The scheme initiated by
process of formulating a special
Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India,
lauded the Incredible India
in New Delhi recently. Referring to
policy for tour operators in the
DoT, Govt of J&K will provide
campaign and informed that Peru
the low tourist traffic between the
state. As part of the policy, DoT
financial incentives for tour
will also soon launch a country
two countries, both the leaders
plans to provide various
operators in the state to attend
branding campaign to attract
stressed the need for a better
incentives for tour operators in
international travel marts, induct
tourists and investment. He said
connectivity between the two
terms of developing their
modern technology, etc.
better trade relations between
countries.
of Trade and Tourism, Peru
of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed
India and Peru
WB to launch tourist police force
would lead to
W
increase in tourist
est Bengal government is
Alipore Zoo. Special booths will
traffic. He said
coming up with a 100-
be set up at places of tourist
Peru was trying to
strong special tourist police
attraction like Kalighat temple,
promote itself as a
force to deal exclusively with
Victoria Memorial, Park Street,
destination for
tourists and tourism related
New Market and Sudder Street. If
shooting of films
issues.
visitors are harassed or require
and expressed the
any help, they can approach the
hope that Indian
be deployed at Howrah station,
tourist police with their
film industry will
Sealdah station, airport and
grievances.
take note of its
To begin with, the force will
scenic beauty.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
The Minister of Trade and Tourism, Peru, Dr. Eduardo Ferreyros calls on, Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India in New Delhi
7
Q&A The opportunities the hospitality industry provides to interact with different cultures attracted Jennifer Buhr to the sector. Now a veteran of three decades she has so many ‘firsts’ to her credit. How did you become interested in
out fires; Scotland aided me with
Royal Meridien is part of the
Travel & Tourism business?
learning the art of delegating and
Starwood family. Starwood Hotels
diplomacy; Portugal taught me to
& Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one
to experience all of what I love
take one step at a time. Gambia
of the leading hotel and leisure
most – the possibility of learning
gave me the insight of never
companies in the world with 1000
about different cultures and
allowing mediocre performance;
properties in nearly 100 countries
nationalities, food and travelling.
Cairo brought out my
and territories with 145,000
Also I had the good fortune of
determination to succeed with
employees at its owned and
growing up in hotels and
very tight deadlines and India is
managed properties. Starwood
experiencing firsthand what hotels
The hotel industry allows one
now my new learning ground
plans to grow its existing portfolio
and the industry is
where not only the food which is a
of 26 hotels in India by 60 percent
all about. I started
maze of 1000 condiments and
by 2013. This includes new Le
my career in
flavors but also the secret of
Meridien properties.
Frankfurt, Germany
wearing a sari does not cease to
As a hospitality industry
in 1972 as junior
amaze me .
professional what is your
apprentice, fell in
What is your current role in your
ambition? Where would you like to
love with the
organization?
see yourself ten years from now?
profession and
8
One of my goals was to
leadership expertise to effectively
become one of the first female
since.
and efficiently run the day to day
GM’s by 1991 which I managed. I
operations of our Hotel - to
was the third female GM to be
passion and
achieve the hotel’s operational
promoted within our Europe,
revolves around
goals, excellence in service and
Africa and Middle East Division,
the hotel industry
customer satisfaction and
the first European female GM to
where I have been
profitability objectives. Look after,
operate a hotel in South Africa
employed for the
protect and improve stakeholders
and the first female GM to operate
past 30+ years.
and owners assets and values.
a 5-Star hotel in Scotland. My
Extensive “hands-
Align associates to their business
second goal would be to become
on” hospitality
goals, motivate and inspire
Complex General Manager within
experience
associates to excel and develop a
the next five years.
combined with the
sense of belonging and pride. Two
Who or what has been the
travelling and
quotes can summarize my
greatest influence in your
living in various
philosophy on work “We are what
professional life?
destinations
we repeatedly do: excellence then
furnished me with
is not an art but a habit (Aristotle)
people who have influenced me
an abundance of
and Shakespeare: “Our doubts are
throughout my career would have
skills allowing me
My career is my
Jennifer Buhr General Manager Le Royal Meridien Chennai
As General Manager I provide
have not stopped
The most important events and
traitors and make us lose the
to be my Marriage to my husband
to fulfill my final goal which was to
good we often might win by
(1972), the birth of my son (1982)
become a General Manager. All
fearing to attempt”.
and my first appointment as
hotels and destinations have been
What plans - immediate and long
General Manager in Gaborone
a wealth of knowledge; Frankfurt,
term - do you have?
(1991). And, may I add that
fast pace and very bottom line
Le Royal Meridien, owned by
travelling to the myriad of
orientated taught me forecasting,
Dr. Periasamy is the best 5 Star
destinations and hotels
accountability, counseling,
Hotel in Chennai and indeed I am
throughout my career bear a
training and decision making; Abu
proud to be part of the team. In
heavy influence on who I am
Dhabi allowed me to improve my
order to ensure that we continue
today.
sales and marketing experience
to deliver excellence in keeping
and gave me my first intensive
with our core values Chic,
and taught me the tools of the
insight to food and beverages. In
Cultured and Discovery the Le
trade by which I work today but
Bulgaria, I learned to counsel and
Royal Meridien, Chennai will be
three are key to my success , my
motivate without additional
looking at refurbishing the hotel
husband; my very first female
incentives. Munich bought with it
during 2011. The refurbishment
Controller who taught me about
the tough union negotiations;
will incorporate Le Meridien’s
honesty, being direct and finance
Botswana allowed me to improve
timeless chick design of modern
and a very knowledgeable
my worst skill “patience” and put
classic with heritage detail. Le
Many people have influenced
ASIAN TRAVELLER
Page 26
JANUARY 2011
Q&A You have more than a decade
prompted you to take up an
hospitality industry. Could you tell
assignment in India? How do you
life was when I won the ‘Young
us about your early days? How
like the place? What are your first
hotel general manager of the year
did you come to join the
impressions?
2009-2010’ award from FHRAI last
‘Once a hotelier, always a says (who is also a hotelier) and I
The proudest moment in my
year in Agra. It is more memorable
Incredible India!
hotelier’ - That’s what my father
What plans do you have for the
as my near and dear ones where
Royal Orchid Suites?
there.
In the 2 years of this hotels
Other unforgettable moments
took him
opening, we have become one
include the leadership award from
rather
amongst the top 3 of the
Ratan Tata on the day of my IIHM,
seriously. My
Whitefield, Bangalore market. We
Aurangabad convocation and
entire family
are the finest and the busiest
when I was offered the position of
has been
Extended stay hotel in the area
General Manager for the first time
into hotels,
and preferred by most expats and
by my ex-boss Abhi Thakur and
my parents
well traveled Indian guests.
when Promonade Hotel in
were with the
Several innovations have kept
Pondicherry where I was the GM
TAJ for 2
us top of the stack. Our goal this
was featured as a top hotel in
decades and
year is to be known as the
Conde Nast France.
that was the
‘Friendliest Hotel of Whitefield and
Where would you like to see
raison de
maybe Bangalore’ and to be in the
yourself, say, 10 years from now?
etre for me
top 15 hotels of Bangalore. A lot
firstly falling
of our training time is focused
Casino’s or in France enjoying the
for hotels /
towards this.
Rivera maybe! On a more serious
hospitality
We also plan to start “ROS -
In Macau playing at the
note, I am gunning to be a VP of a
and then
Royal Orchid Service” which is a
great hotel chain by that time or
being totally
single number / single point
maybe fulfill my entrepreneurial
enamored
system for guest needs while in
desire.
with hotels.
the hotel. A new F & B dining
What are your views on the future
To handle so
options being added and a Guest
of the hospitality industry, in
many myriad
Delight Managers ‘ role has been
general?
facets of
enhanced to create individually
daily hotel
relevant and tailor made
Technology is going to rule the
operations,
experiences for our guests.
roost, bottom line focus,
the show, the
How important is a Hotel in
positioning and re-positioning of
guests, the
developing a destination? What
hotels, cut throat competition,
drama
should a Hotel be doing in this
dearth of good manpower, focus
regard?
on intense personalization of
around creating near perfect experiences, updating yourself
In today’s scenario infact
Growth, Possibilities,
guest experiences these are my
and the hotel with the latest in
hotel’s are either becoming
views of the hospitality industry’s
trends and technology gives a
destinations themselves or they
future.
great high.
are being know synonymous with
Tell us about your family?
My early days were spent in
the destination - so the role of
My family means a lot to me
getting the basics corrected and
hotels cannot be denied or
and is a source of my energy. It’s
re-iterated with legendary hotels
overlooked.
a classic Indian happy family:
like the Taj Mahal-Mumbai and
Hotels have to have a more
parents, brother, sister and tons
Tulip Star hotels (in Kerala, Goa,
inclusive marketing approach to
of supportive relatives and
Baroda and Mumbai). My days at
developing the local place as a
friends.
TAJ were very food and beverage
destination. This is a win-win
Please tell us about your hobbies
centric however that changed
situation for both. People come to
and other interests?
when I joined the Tulip Star hotels
a destination and stay at a hotel
Cooking is what I find most
where I posted in overall resort
or people stay for the hotel and
relaxing, that apart it’s reading,
operations.
visit the destination as an off
trekking and long drives on quiet
shoot. They have to work with the
roads.
hotels (Kenya), with Sarovar Park
local citizens and local
Which is your favourite
Plaza Hotels and Resorts under
goverments on this.
destination? Why?
Anil Madhok and Abhi Thakur and
What is the proudest moment in
currently with Royal Orchid
your professional life?
diversity, attractions and overall
Hotels.
Could you share some of the
action and Vegas for everything
unforgettable moments in your
over the top.
I have worked with Hyaat
After working for so long in
10
professional life?
plus of experience in the
hospitality sector?
ROHAN SABLE General Manager Royal Orchid Suites Bangalore
different parts of the world what
Singapore for its hotels,
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
COLUMN
J
anuary is the time for
the victims. We were visiting Bhuj
That was a typical case of how
retrospection, introspection,
in the first week of February. The
one’s alternative or additional
and new beginnings. That is
disaster hit the unwary citizens of
skill- set could come to one’s
why so very aptly the month
Bhuj on Jan 26, 2001 (India’s 51st
rescue.
January is named after the Roman
Republic Day) in the morning
god of doors and beginnings.
hours when they were just about
much can be done in a day or
Most often he is depicted as
starting the day and the school
overnight. They have to learn a
having two heads, facing opposite
kids were doing the Republic Day
directions; one head looks back at
Parade. When we landed at the
the last year while the other looks
desolate Bhuj airport which had
forward to the new,
just resumed operations more out
simultaneously into the future and
of necessity than normalcy
the past. We have the other
(because that was the only means
phrase ‘Janus-faced’ meaning
of reaching the ruined city as
having polarities or contrasts.
roads were shattered and gaping
Most of the New Year
V DURAIKKANNAN
access points to the city), we
hardly ever carried out through to
could see the quake-torn city
their logical conclusions. The
reduced to rubbles and near
reason is that all of us are good at
nothing.
Janus
lesson from the founder of IKEA,
The taxi driver we picked up
one of the largest furniture
year or even years ahead but
outside the terminal was too quick
retailers in the world, Ingvar
none for the day. There is hardly
to become friends with us. As we
Kamprad. He said: ‘You can do so
any plan for the day. The days are
were driven to the Relief Centre,
much in 10 minutes’’ time. Ten
lived as they come without any
he stopped at one place
minutes, once gone, are gone for
relationship to one’s annual plans
supposed to be the nerve-centre
good. Divide your life into 10-
or goals. Just remember the
of the business district and
minute units and sacrifice as few
pithiest yet the most powerful
showed us one submerged
of them as possible in
dictum: ‘Future Is Now!’
building partly protruding its ugly
meaningless activity’. Your one
remnant just above the earth. We
day does not just have only 24
How many of us do update ours
could not believe that when he
hours but 144 units of 10 minutes.
and how often? And how much is
was telling that what we were
You can do 144 things in a day
the real change in its contents? At
seeing was the seventh floor of
costing ten minutes each. You can
the most there are only two
the building. It meant the
do a brisk walk for three such
possible updations we do – one is
remaining six floors were already
units to keep you fit, you can read
the very date of our updating the
caved in and buried deep down.
ten pages of a book for two such
resume and the other is our age
Take for instance our resumes.
Ingvar Kamprad
Fortunately there were not too
units to keep your mind active
which just adds one
many people at the time of quake
(only five out of 144 units spent so
up every year!
in that particular shopping
far!) and so many other things
Otherwise one’s
complex as the time was 8.46 am,
which you always wanted to do
academic
just about the opening time. What
but never found time!
qualification
was more excruciating to hear
remains the same
was that our taxi driver was not a
daily basis, the year will be
(it is imperative that
taxi driver at all till Jan 26, 2001
automatically taken care of. Only
our degrees and
and that he was the proud owner
by yard, it is hard; it is a cinch by
diplomas be
of a big TV shop in the fourth floor
the inch, as the saying goes. We
renewed every
of the building which was totally
can accomplish so many things
three or five years
gone.
when we chunk them down.
like our driving
12
with wild chasms at most of the
Resolutions are short-lived and
drumming up plans for the whole
People do wail about nothing
He said he had lost everything
When we work the year on
Always plan and resolve in
license in order to be valid!) and
except his Maruti car which for a
absolutely positive and only
hardly any other change in one’s
change and to his luck was
positive manner. Resolve to adopt
other skill-set too. Woefully
parked out in the open near his
non-smoking rather than to quit
enough, not many do have an
house instead of the covered
smoking. You will find to your
alternative skill-set either!
garage which was reduced to
surprise that this way it works for
Way back in 2001, my son,
smithereens when the disaster
sure. Because our brain and the
another friend and I were visiting
struck. And because he himself
basic psyche is programmed or
the earthquake-hit Bhuj in Gujarat
was driving the car without a
hard-wired only to pick ‘positive’
with relief materials and a modest
driver all those days, he said he
signals. Just be positive and live
monetary collection (Rs 40000) for
could stay afloat as a taxi driver!
your future NOW!
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
INCREDIBLE INDIA
India, Indonesia to enhance ties in tourism field
I
t is time for both India and Indonesia to identify areas of cooperation and explore new opportunities to expand tourism opportunities, said R.H. Khwaja, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. He was addressing the second Joint Working Group meeting on tourism cooperation between India and Indonesia in New Delhi. “These areas are especially in the field of research and development, education and training, promotion, investment, private sector cooperation and cooperation in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism”, he said. He gave detailed information on tourism products of India such as Rural Tourism, MICE tourism, and luxury trains like Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Maharaja Express and Fairy
Queen. The facilities available in India for Human Resource Development in travel and hospitality sector were also given to the visiting group. Wardiyatmo, Secretary General, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Government of Indonesia and the head of the Indonesian delegation exchanged views on the economic, social and political importance of tourism for their respective countries and expressed the need for strengthening the cooperation in the field of tourism. Both the sides agreed to establish mechanism to encourage exchange of information related to tourism resources, tourist arrivals to understand the dynamics of tourism sector in each other’s country and provide an opportunity to share experiences. Besides this, they gave an overview of the
‘Tourism Sector’ in their respective countries and underlined its potential for
have also signed an MoU at this meeting. Under this MoU, assistance will be given to the
R.H. Khwaja, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Wardiyatmo, Secretary General, Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Indonesia at the meeting of 2nd Joint Working Group on Tourism Cooperation between India and Indonesia, in New Delhi
employment and growth. Both the sides expressed a view that increase in the flow of tourists would further enhance bilateral relations between India and Indonesia and also provide impetus to the growth of the tourism sector in their respective countries. The two countries
NTOs’/Tourism Boards of each other’s country in carrying out promotion and marketing activities to increase the tourist traffic and partnership programmes will be developed between leading academic institutions in tourism sector of both countries.
Creation of HDPB approved
T
he Union Cabinet has approved creation of Hospitality Development and Promotion Board (HDPB) for approving and facilitating of hotel projects. The decision will facilitate the setting up of a Hospitality Development and Promotion Board at the Central level. The State Governments and Union Territories will be advised to set up a State level Hospitality Development and Promotion Board on similar basis. The main function of the Board would be to monitor and facilitate the clearances/ approvals of Hotel Projects both at the Central and the State Government level. The
ASIAN TRAVELLER
Board would be a single point for receiving applications for various clearances; for fast track approval and clearances of hotel project proposals in a time bound manner, review hotel project policies to encourage the growth of hotel/hospitality infrastructure in the country. The Board would review and monitor the clearances of hotel projects with the concerned authorities by meeting on fixed schedule basis. The HDPB will not in any way supercede the statutory clearances of other agencies and will only act as a facilitator for the fast track hotel project approvals in a time bound manner.
JANUARY 2011
The Secretary (Tourism), Government of India would be the Chairman of the Board
There has been a demand from the hotel industry to streamline the system for speedy clearances of hotel projects. In order to facilitate the processing of proposals of hotel project approvals and the expeditious disposal of the same in a time bound manner by the Centre and the State governments, a at the Central level whereas facilitation and clearance the Chief Secretary of the State system at the Central and Government would be State and UT level is required. Chairman of the Board at the In the meeting of the State level. Committee of Secretaries held The board at the Central in March 2009, it was decided level would be set up after to formulate a proposal for approval of the proposal and Single Window Clearance all the State ‘UT Governments system to be set up by Central would be requested to set up and State Governments for similar boards. setting up of hotels.
13
FACE TO FACE
“We are focussed on understanding customer needs” Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites and telephone call centres, which gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over 130, 000 properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities and availability and also specialises in providing travellers with accommodation during sold-out periods. Abhiram Chowdhry, Marketing Director, Asia Pacific - Hotels.com speaks about the business strategies and services the company provides. What is unique about the services provided by Hotels.com? As part of the Expedia group which operates in all major markets, Hotels.com, the global hotel specialist, offers more than 130,000 quality hotels, B&Bs and serviced apartments worldwide. If the customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will match it every time. We call it the ‘Price Match Guarantee’ by which we ensure the ultimate hotel booking experience to our customers-that means best price, best choice and no cancellation fees (levied by Hotels.com). We offer a one-stop shopping destination for hotel pricing, amenities and availability and also specialize in providing travellers with accommodation during soldout periods. In summary, I would say our expertise and experience, as well as bestpriced offering coupled with the simple and straightforward booking method creates a clear
14
differentiation for us. How do you reach out to the customer? What is your marketing strategy? India is a very fast-growing travel market and one that is quickly moving. So we at Hotels.com certainly want to be reaching the customer whether they are online or just at the stage of making travel plans while they are offline. We realize that travel is a product which typically has a longer purchase cycle than most others and we want to reach our customers in every phase of their purchase decision cycle. Therefore we employ both online and traditional offline marketing channels to reach out to the largest possible audience. At this stage our marketing strategy is one of raising awareness around the Hotels.com brand in the Indian market while at the same time offering the Indian consumers great value through frequent offers on popular destinations both in India and abroad. We do this through our popular 72 hour sales promotions that offer
great value for our customers to the most popular destinations. Another part of the Hotels.com strategy is how we allow our customers to interact with us. While many customers are booking with us online some of our customers still prefer to purchase hotels by calling us. We fully encourage that. Hotels.com has dedicated contact centres for the Indian customers where we can be reached 24x7. So in fact our contact centres are very much a part of our marketing strategy I would say. What does a customer stand to gain when he uses Hotel.com, instead of the conventional methods to find a hotel? Hotels.com benefits from one of the world’s largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, in turn negotiating the best rates for its customers worldwide. With the 1.8 million reviews from users who have actually stayed in the hotels, our customers can make a truly informed choice when booking. With our ‘Price Match
Guarantee’, we go one step further in ensuring that our customers trust us to get them the best deal while planning their trips. Hotels.com finds the right hotel for its customers since we are focused on understanding customer needs and are creative in the hotel deals we offer to both customers travelling abroad or within the country. For example, we come up with best deals for customers both short-term and long-term to ensure they get the best value on variety of destinations Do you have any plans for expansion and diversification? Please elaborate. In terms of diversifying our product portfolio, I would say that Hotels.com, as a brand, stands for providing the best and widest choice of hotels online. We are one of the largest brands in the world that focus solely on selling hotels. We believe there are a growing number of customers that like to book
ASIAN TRAVELLER
Page16
JANUARY 2011
MARKETING
5th Anniversar y
Hong Kong Disneyland announces a year-long “Celebration in the Air”
H
ong Kong Disneyland
dust that magnifies the magic.
of Hong Kong since September
Resort has announced
From everyone’s beloved Disney
2005 and welcomed over 20
‘Celebration in the Air’ –
friends’ in their all-new themed
million Guests from around the
costumes, resort-wide celebration
globe to experience the magic of
a year-long celebration beginning on January 21, 2011 to mark this
Disney. I’m thrilled to see how our
memorable 5th year milestone
Resort has grown in the past five
with a new era of magic. Featuring
years, but that doesn’t stop us
the debut of Flights of Fantasy
from always finding new and
Parade with the iconic centerpiece
creative ways to delight our
of Tinker Bell’s Pixie Dusted
guests,” said Andrew Kam,
Castle, the guests will enjoy an
Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
all-new entertainment experience
Disney on Parade and other
beyond their imagination. Tinker
offerings including food and
Bell will have her first appearance
beverage, merchandise
seasonal parades have always
in Hong Kong Disneyland. Along
assortments and hotel activities,
been among the guests’ top
with Sorcerer Mickey, the duo will
to the finest details of
favorite entertainment shows in
shower the entire resort with pixie
atmospheric deco. A newly
Hong Kong Disneyland. The
created campaign
dazzling excitement will reach
Stitch’s surfing dudes, Jungle
theme song and cast
new heights as Flights of Fantasy
Book monkeys, Toy Story
member name tags
Parade brings the performance
parachuting soldiers and more.
will complete the
stage up to 40 feet high. Featuring
Many of the characters will appear
vision. The 5,000
24 beloved Disney characters and
to be floating on air with big
cast members are
more than 100 performers, this all- inflatable balloons and puppets.
ready to bring to
new, highly interactive parade will
Flights of Fantasy Parade also
guests a celebration
take flight every day on the Main
takes interactivity to new heights -
year like no other.
Street U.S.A.
guests will be invited to dance
“We have been here in our home city
Leading the way is Mickey’s Magical Airship followed by
along with Disney’s most innovative parade ever!
“We are focussed on understanding customer needs” geographies that we will reach out to customers in. stand alone hotels when What are the responsibilities making their travel plans. We that you have to handle as are very happy with this part of your job profile? current focus and there are no My overarching current plans to expand into responsibility is to grow the other products. Having said size of the Hotels.com that, we are certainly an ever business in the Asia and expanding business. Pacific region. We have over 70 sites Therefore it is my job to worldwide and are still come up with a marketing growing that portfolio. From a plan and execute on it with Hotels choice perspective we the help of the team that I offer our customers over lead. This includes managing 130,000 hotels to chose from both offline and online and this is an ever expanding marketing activities that will number. So I would say we grow the awareness of the certainly have plans to Hotels.com brand but continue to expand the ultimately the goal is to drive number of hotel partners that more customers to book on all we work with and also the of our sites across the region. Page 14
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What are the pressures that this job entails? How do you overcome the challenging situations that you are faced with? My typical day may involve working across many different markets and with many different marketing channels and many different teams. Certainly there is never a dull moment as a result! Honestly though this is what makes my job interesting. I would say aside from the normal pressures of working with many time zones and being part of a 24 x7 business being that we are online, the most interesting bits are around how to prioritize one market versus another or how
to decide which marketing activities will give us the maximum return on investment. Some of these challenges are easier for me than it may be for others in similar roles in various companies. At Hotels.com we are supported with a very good team of people that I depend on to help me get my job done whether these are marketers, analysts or technology professionals. We take a rigorous approach to our marketing activities and so instead of “shooting in the dark”, at Hotels.com I am much more confident and sure of the marketing decisions that I make.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
OVERVIEW
The Americas
A tale of two continents
T
he travel market in the Americas is a tale of two continents. Whereas North America is recovering only slowly from the aftermath of global recession, South America’s travel industry is taking advantage of a growth in arrivals.These are the findings of the ITB World Travel Trends Report, compiled by IPK International and commissioned by ITB Berlin, which is based on an extract of the Americas Travel Monitor and evaluates more than 100,000 interviews in 13 markets in North and South America. In 2010 the weak US economy was one of the main factors significantly hampering the desire of US citizens in particular to travel abroad. This trend is unlikely
to change much in 2011. The Americas Travel Monitor expects only marginal growth in 2010 and offers only tentative predictions for 2011. By contrast, the US has risen up the rankings and become a sought-after travel destination. During the first seven months of 2010 tourist
18
numbers to the US increased by 12 per cent compared with 2009, as opposed to a 5 per cent drop the previous year. Besides Canada and Mexico, which represent the main source markets, huge growth in tourism from Brazil in particular contributed to these positive figures. In 2009 the US reported a 16 per cent Dr. Martin Buck, Director Competence increase in Center Travel & Logistics, Messe Berlin arrivals from this booming South American country, a figure that in turn was dwarfed by further 40 per cent growth in 2010. Dr. Martin Buck, Director Competence Center Travel & Logistics, Messe Berlin: “The latest findings have once again shown how flexibly people in the United States are able to react to the economic situation and how heavily the travel industry relies on the state of the overall economy, particularly in the US. With unemployment still rising and a debt crisis looming, the US travel sector faces significant challenges in 2011.” By contrast, in 2010 Brazil’s strong currency encouraged its citizens to travel. Outbound tourism went up by 26 per cent, a trend driven by large numbers of Brazilians
Strong currency encourages Brazilians to travel and shop. Weak US economy slows recovery of North American market.
studying abroad and firsttime travellers to foreign countries. One positive sideeffect experienced in the countries they visit is that Brazilians are very keen to spend. This year travel spending rose to 11.5 billion dollars, an increase of 54 per cent. Backed by their country’s strong currency, Brazilian tourists spent their money mainly on trips to Miami and other destinations in the US. In South America, Argentina was among the countries which experienced similarly dynamic growth. Outbound tourism here rose by 34 per cent. Colombia was ranked next, with 12 per cent growth. According to the experts Brazil is becoming more and more popular with travellers. Large-scale events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the
year international arrivals rose by 13 per cent, a figure contributed to by strong domestic travel which increased by 26 per cent. Overall, arrivals in South America rose by seven per cent in 2010. As a result, South Americans are looking brightly towards the future. 37 per cent intend to go on more trips next year, compared with only 22 per
Olympic Games in 2016 will ensure this trend continues. According to data released by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), this
cent of North Americans. In South America 17 per cent intend to travel less, while in North America 23 per cent will be going on fewer trips.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER
Nat yanjali
A tribute to Nataraja Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam
O
ne of the most elegant backdrop and elite performances in the
foreground make Natyanjali
occasion of Maha Shivaratri
numbers from around the world.
dance festival one of the reputed
which usually falls on 13th night
Leading dance performers from
ones in Tamil Nadu. The festival
of the new moon during the
different parts of India takes part
held at the Nataraja temple in
month of Maagha(February/
in the festival as an offering to
Chidambaram at the auspicious
March). According to the Hindu
Nataraja. Dancers consider
mythology Nataraja, an avatar
themselves blessed if they are
Lord Shiva is a cosmic dancer.
able to do their ‘arangettam’ (first
The carved pillars of the temple
public performance on stage)
depict Lord Nataraja in 108 poses
here. The festival is jointly
of Bharathanatyam classical
organised by The Department of
dance.
Tourism, Government of Tamil
The performances is done at
Nadu, Ministry of Tourism,
the ‘Prakara’ of the Chidambaram
Government of India and The
Temple. Natyanjali dance festival
Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram.
which lasts for five days attracts art lovers and travellers in huge
The place is easily accessible as it is well connected to other parts of the state by road and rail. The nearest airport is at Trichy, at a distance of 160-km.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
19
HOSPITALITY
Hotels of the future
‘Smart rooms’ and ‘Hotel families’ According to the ITB World Travel Trends Report technological advances are expected to produce some far-reaching changes in the hotel trade over the next ten years: ‘Smart rooms’ will adjust their ambience to meet the individual profiles of their guests – Social networks will create “hotel families”.
T
he hotel room is decorated
industry, leading to some major
to meet guests’ particular
changes over the next ten years.
tastes, the bath water is
Guests will be checked in by
just how they like it, the minibar is
robots, which will also provide a
stocked with their preferred range
first class range of services for the
different communication channels
to the hotel industry, but also
of drinks, and their favourite
duration of their stay. Automated
and providing a workspace for
provides an opportunity to attract
music is playing in the
‘smart’ rooms will be fully
business travellers. However,
new types of guests”, reports Dr.
background. This, or something
equipped to meet the needs of
technological innovation is not
Martin Buck, Director of the
similar, could soon become reality
guests. Guests will have their own
the only topic under consideration
Competence Centre Travel and
for hotel guests. This was the
profiles, which they can either
in planning the hotels of the
Logistics at Messe Berlin.
conclusion drawn by the ITB
enter via a PIN on a smart phone
future, and ecological aspects will
World Travel Trends Report, based
or which are transmitted by means
play an increasingly important
innovative hotel operators are
on extracts from the European
of biometric ‘authentification’. This
role in meeting the needs of
already engaging in a dialogue
Travel Monitor and estimates by
data can then be used to
guests.
with their customers. The experts
more than 50 tourism experts and
individually adapt the lighting, air
researchers from around the
conditioning and even the colour
awareness, global trends such as
communities will form “hotel
world, including investigations
of the room.
demographic changes, increased
families”. Like-minded people will
mobility and multi-cultural
initially make contact interactively,
carried out by the Fraunhofer
In the hotel rooms of the future
“Growing environmental
In the age of Web 2.0
are fore-casting that future
Institute for Work Management
the entire infrastructure will be
developments will all help to alter
compare interests and exchange
and Organization (IAO).
designed to aid relaxation: gentle
the profile of guests. In the future
recommendations, eventually
curves instead of sharp edges,
the different requirements of
meeting in a hotel that is specially
believes that technological
smart ‘energy beds’, wall displays
specific types of guests will
tailored to enable them to
advances will be among the most
with giant screens, serving as an
determine what is on offer. This
undertake joint activities. This is
important forces driving the hotel
interactive interface to all the
presents some serious challenges
one example of how social
The Fraunhofer Institute
networks could lead people to form social communities. At the same time hotel operators could use the profiles of these “hotel families” and the feedback that they generate to adapt their products and services to meet the needs of their clients even more effectively, and to be able to offer them services that accurately meet these requirements.
‘Wonderful Indonesia’ campaign to be launched
T
he government of
the slogan will be
January 2011. We’ve had positive
Indonesia is all set to
used for the next
feedback from friends abroad,
officially launch tourism
two years, and
who said ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ is
campaign slogan, ‘Wonderful
has received
good because Indonesia does
Indonesia’ at the ASEAN Tourism
positive
have wonderful, beautiful nature,
Ministers forum in Cambodia
responses so far.
wonderful cultures, wonderful
during January 17-18. Jero Wacik, Culture and Tourism Minister, Indonesia said,
20
“We’ll begin
people and wonderful food, so we
using ‘Wonderful
deserve to be called wonderful,”
Indonesia’ in
Jero added.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
HOSPITALITY
Fortune Select Loudon at Kolkata open
Second Radisson propert y in Maldives
F
C
ortune Hotels, the wholly
property at this fast expanding
investors and also take note of
owned subsidiary of ITC
business location.
their sentiments. All Fortune
Ltd. has announced the
At the time of its launch, the
hotels are thus created to suit the
opening of its second hotel in
chain’s President Suresh Kumar
special needs of our investors and
Kolkata. Fortune Select Loudon
had said, “In creating hotels, it is
simultaneously fulfill the demands
located in the very heart of the
essential to take note of the
of the cities where the hotels are
metropolis and owned by Rutt
demands and requirements of
located”.
Deen Pvt Ltd, enhances the
each city, a requirement that
arlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, has announced the signing of a
Fortune Hotels business model
chain’s presence in the east. With the opening of this property, Fortune Hotels now has 35 operational hotels, 62 signed alliances spread across 46 cities
in India. Earlier in the year,
changes with each location as
comprises of sub-categorization
Fortune Hotels had opened the
cultural & aspirational values
of the brand into extension
135-roomed Fortune Select
often dictate these demands. Our
brands - Select, Park, Inn and
Excalibur in Gurgaon, the chain’s
style of functioning ensures that
Resort-each catering to specific
34th hotel and the chain’s second
we discuss at length with
needs.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
second Radisson property in the Maldives. The USD 91 million, 281-villa resort, owned by Three K International Private Limited, is expected to open in the third quarter of 2012 on the island of Naagoshi. The Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi will feature 182 land and 99 over-water, contemporary villas. “
21
KARNATAKA TRAVELLER
The exquisite 1000-pillar Jain temple
P
Situated at a beautiful spot in
opularly known as `Jain
Leppada basadi, Deramma Shetti
seat of the Chowta's, a local Jain
Kashi' of the south,
the midst of hills is about 37 km
basadi, Chola Shetti basadi,
ruling family, who were originally
Moodabidri a quaint
northeast of Mangalore,
Maday Shetti basadi, Baikanatikari
ruling from Puthige, a village
temple town in Mangalore,
Moodabidri an ancient center of
basadi, Kere basadi, Padu basadi,
about 5 km from here. This area
Karnataka is one of the major
Jain learning in Karnataka, Jains
Shri Mathada basadi, Jaina
was ruled by the Jain Chautar
centers of Jainism in South India.
from all parts of India come here
It has a concentration of Jain
to worship in the famous 18 Jaina
Basadi or temples, which are 18
basadis that are dedicated to the
Jain temples built between the
memory of the Tirthankaras.
Pathashaleya basadi, etc.
dynasty for about 700 years. Their
The 2.5 metres tall bronze
14th and 16th century and adorned with exquisite images of
image of Lord Chandranatha
Yakshas, Yakshinis and Jain
Swami housed in the sanctum of
Tirthankaras. The grand Jain
Basadi is considered to be an
festival takes place once a year
image of utmost importance in
that hosts thousands of Jainism
Jainism. This huge, three storied
followers and now apart from
monument was constructed by the
being a pilgrimage centre,
collective efforts of the rulers, the
Moodabidri is also growing as a
Jain saints, merchants and also
tourism destination.
the common people of this
Amongst the 18 Basadis, the
ancient city. The most beautiful
most famous are Ammanavara
part of this temple is the open
Basadi, Guru Basadi and
pillared hall in front, consisting of
Tribhuvan Tilak Chudamani
a rich variety of ornate pillars. The
Basadi.
pillars and the roof of this open
Nagagala Devi, the queen of
descendants still live in an old
hall are decorated with beautiful
Bhairava Raja, erected the
palace. They shifted their capital
images in Leppada Basadi and
and minute carvings typical of
Manastambha, a huge monolith of
to Moodabidri in the 17th century,
the Parshawanatha stone idol in
Vijayanagara style. The 15 meter
a height of 50 feet, in front of the
where they constructed a palace,
the Guru Basadi and the rare Jain
tall freestanding single stone pillar
Basadi.
the remains of which can still be
palm leaf manuscripts famous as
called Manasthambha in front of
Moodabidri was also a centre
'Dhavala texts' are preserved in
the Basadi, is indeed a beautiful
of Jain literature. Ratnakara Varni,
its old charm as an important Jain
this Basadi. Tribhuvan Tilak
art.
the doyen of medieval Kannada
centre in coastal Karnataka. The
literature and the author of
city has a large population of
The magnificent stucco
Chudamani Basadi or the
There are beautiful images of
seen. Moodabidri still maintains
Thousand Pillar Temple is ornately
Jain Trirthankar, Yakshas and
Bharatesha Vaibhava belonged to
Jains who keep the spirit of
carved in the Vijayanagar style
Yakshis in every Jain Basadi of
this place. During Mughal
Jainism still alive. Many Jain
and is the largest amongst all.
Moodabidri. The stucco images in
assaults, the old Jain texts were
festivals are also being celebrated
the Leppada Basadi and
shifted from Shravanabelagola to
here throughout the year.
Basadi has 1000 unique pillars
the safer Moodbidri.
Moodabidri continues to be the
Rediscovered in the
most sought after pilgrimage
1800s, these
centre of the Jains from all over
Moodbidri
country.
Manuscripts - Prakrit
The Jain Math at Moodabidri
texts copied in old
is headed by a Bhattaraka
Hale-Kannada script,
belonging to the Mula Sangh
with pinpricks on
order. At Mudabidri, there are
palm leaves - are
some remarkable monuments in
revered as the oldest
memory of the late Bhattarakas.
(scribed circa 1,060
These monuments, Nishadhikas in
A.D.) written materials
Sanskrit, are shaped like
of the tradition going
pyramidal stupas. The name
back to Arihant. The
"Charukirti" and the title "Pandit
and no two pillars are identical.
Ammanavara Basadi are
collection of three ancient
acharya" is still borne by the
The roof of the main hall of the
magnificent. The other Basadis at
manuscripts: Dhavala,
Bhattarakas of Shravanbelgola
temple is beautifully carved and
Moodabidri are the following:
Jayadhavala and Mahadhavala,
and Mudabidri. The 31st occupant
Badaga basadi, Shettara
are collectively called the
of the Shravanbelgola throne
different designs, which give the
basadi, Hire basadi, Betkeri
"Siddhanta" in Digambara
composed "Jainacharya
place an artistic and beautiful
basadi, Koti basadi , Vikrama
tradition.
Parampara Mahima" preserving
look.
Shetti basadi, Kallu basadi,
the walls are also carved out with
22
Moodabidri was also the
the oral tradition of the order.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
ASIA PACIFIC
UNWTO support for high-value, low-impact tourism development in Bhutan
U
NWTO Secretary-General,
Like many other destinations,
growth in Bhutan, is highly
Taleb Rifai, has
Bhutan is facing “significant
commendable and has
expressed his support for
challenges and strong pressure
undoubtedly contributed to the
the long-term tourism policy of
for change” said Rifai addressing
unique tourism brand of this
Bhutan, with its focus on
government officials, private
country”.
sustainability and quality, on an
sector representatives and
official visit to the country where
members of development
international tourism stage,
he met with acting Prime Minister,
agencies during the seminar
Bhutan has made great
Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba. The Royal
‘Mainstreaming Tourism’, co-
achievements in its tourism
Government of Bhutan considers
organised by UNWTO and the
development over the last
tourism “a window of opportunity
Bhutan Tourism Council.
decades, securing an international
for the future of Bhutan” said
“At UNWTO we acknowledge
A relative newcomer to the
reputation as a top destination.
Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, during his
the tremendous pressure Bhutan
The country has been a UNWTO
meeting with Rifai. Lyonpo Yeshey
is under to stimulate rapid growth
Member State since 2003, in
Zimba pointed to tourism’s
in tourism and praise the
which time the two have partnered
contribution to the economic
government for its continued
in the organization of various
security and Gross National
focus on sustainability and
technical missions, projects and
Happiness - Bhutan’s measure of
quality,” said Rifai. “The principle
capacity building programmes for
wellbeing - of the Bhutanese
of high-value, low-impact tourism
the development and promotion of
people.
development, guiding tourism’s
Bhutan’s tourism sector.
Adelaide getting ready Refreshingly Sri Lanka Visit for Fringe Festival 2011 campaign launched
T
he Adelaide Fringe began
and nights in February and March
as an alternative to the
each year. With hundreds of
Adelaide Festival and has
cabaret, comedy, dance, theatre,
R
efreshingly Sri Lanka Visit
Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Sri
2011 campaign has been
Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr
launched with 12
Nalaka Godaheva, Sri Lanka
refreshing themes for 12 months
Tourism Promotion Bureau Acting
on offer, the city is completely
of the year. January is for Pristine
Managing Director Malraj Kiriella
overtaken by a festive vibe.
Beaches of Sri Lanka
and Tourist Hoteliers
artists as well as experimental,
Adelaide’s every nook and cranny
and the first
Association of Sri
risk taking performers. Anyone
is appropriated by artists, turning
programme of the
Lanka President Anura
with ideas and enthusiasm can
the city into one eclectic
month was a beach
Lokuhetty. Foreign and
register to be a part of the
performance space, complete with
conservation day
local tourists, tourism
program that is widely embraced
balmy summer nights.
conducted covering
become an inspirational, dynamic,
music, film and visual arts events
enormously popular event that embraces local and small scale
The festival runs over 24 days
stakeholders along the
popular beach destinations in the
sea side hotels and enterprises,
fresh ideas, risk, imagination,
island. The main event was held at
environmentalists, schoolchildren
spontaneity and fun. Artists from
Wadduwa beach under the
and interested public actively
across the globe participate
participation of Economic
participated for these programs
alongside home-grown talent, in
Development Deputy Minister
conducted island-wide.
The event is renowned for
by the public.
all art forms. It provides audiences with a chance to see unpredictable, unusual and completely new performances. More than a million people attend the free and ticketed events at the festival, which features 3000 artists and more than 500 events at 260 venues. The opening night party alone attracts more than 80,000 people.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
23
HOSPITALITY
Assured Hospitalit y
World Travel Awards call for nominations
Unmatched in Service
A
AHSPL provides offshore travel and ssured Hospitality Services Pvt. hospitality services to popular Ltd. (AHSPL) is a hotel market destinations of India with a carefully ing company which generates verified contacts and contracts between selection of potential guests and hotels/ hotels and resorts. Its personal approach resorts in has been to develop business destinations with a strong focus on the including Delhi, needs of customers as end user Corbett, Shimla, of the services and at the same Manali, Jaipur, time cater to the varied Sappan Chauhan Alok Soni Jaisalmer, requirements of their strategic Director Director Mumbai, Goa, business partners which has Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and ensured Poovar. customer Established in 2006, AHSPL has satisfaction and grown exponentially from a small loyalty in the Gujarat based company to a long run. multidimensional travel and hospitality Assured Hospitality Services Pvt. services provided capturing significant Ltd is a hotel marketing company market share with well experienced hands at work. Alok Soni, Director and generating contacts and contracts Joint head of marketing, sales and between potential guests and business development and Sapan connects guests with a wide range Chauhan, Director are the main of hotels and resorts. promoters for the AHSPL.
ASEAN e-Travel Mart announced
T
he first ASEAN e-Travel Mart will take place in Bangkok
W
orld Travel Awards has issued a call to those organizations that aspire to be the best of the best in the business to participate in the 2011 World Travel Awards. Entry is now open for categories in Africa, Asia, Australasia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Indian Ocean, Middle East, North America, South America, and World. The entry form can be completed online or downloaded from www.worldtravelawards.com Last year’s self nominations rose an outstanding 50 percent compared to the previous year, and in 2011 the competition is set to be the fiercest yet as companies and destinations realize the commercial benefits and kudos that comes from winning a World Travel Award. The highest accolade in travel and tourism, the awards is hailed as “the Oscars of the travel industry” by the media worldwide for identifying and rewarding excellence.
‘Amazing Thailand Free Holiday Offer’ concludes
A
s part of an overall marketing strategy to amplify “Amazing
promotional marketing activity,
conference to Thailand. Travelmartindia.com in
Sethaphan Buddhani, Director,
cooperation with Tourism
Tourism Authority of Thailand,
on March 23 to 25, 2011. The
Thailand, Amazing Value” through
Authority of Thailand had offered
Mumbai said, “Through this
event is organized by Bangkok-
the online medium across key
to provide two lucky winners with
initiative we had targeted to
based Tourism Technology
markets in India, the Tourism
an all expenses paid holiday to
increase the level of online
Association (TTA) and the
Authority of Thailand entered into
Thailand for their next visit upon
booking conversions within a
ASEAN Tourism
an joint marketing promotion with
booking of their current holiday
specific period. India is a vital
Association,
Travelmartindia.com, one of
within a specified period of time.
source market for inbound
which has its
India’s leading portals in the travel
headquarters in
and tourism domain.
Kuala Lumpur. The ASEAN
The promotional effort aimed the online medium as a top
created for
shopping and leisure destination
ASEAN travel industry operators
targeting the upper segment of
such as hotels, tour operators,
travellers. The three month promotional
give additional channels for
effort generated an overwhelming
their business in the tourism
response from the ‘free individual
industry, whether as buyers or
traveller’ (FIT) and corporate
sellers.
segments who were contemplating a holiday /
24
travellers to Thailand.”
at positioning Thailand through
e-Travel Mart is
and hospitality companies to
Commenting on the joint
Sonalee Vaz, India Representative, Tourism Authority of Thailand; ;Suladda Sarutilavan, Assistant Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai office; Sethaphan Buddhani , Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai office; Wilber D’Souza (Winner); Jeetu Gursahani, Director, Travelmartindia.com and Maureen D’Souza, Vice President, MICE, Travelmartindia.com
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
MARKETING
TAT, SOTC announce Amazing Shopping Box Holidays
T
worth $25,000 and bag and caps
ourism Authority of Thailand
that offers a buying experience of
has entered into a joint
a holiday in a modern retail
promotional activity with
environment. SOTC has launched
promotional initiative, Sethaphan
SOTC, India’s No. 1 holiday brand
Bangkok as a shopping paradise
Buddhani, Director, Tourism
as part of an overall marketing
that’s now available in an
Authority of Thailand, Mumbai
strategy to promote Thailand as a
innovative format of Box Holidays
office said, “In keeping with our
shopper’s paradise for this festive
– the most convenient, affordable
broad line marketing strategy we
season. The joint promotional
and hassle-free way to buy and
are actively focusing our on-
campaign announced the launch
set-off on a holiday. The holiday
ground initiatives to highlight
of the SOTC “Amazing Thailand
offers an amazing shopping
Thailand’s inherent strengths that
Amazing Shopping Box Holiday”
experience. SOTC Box Holidays to
include shopping, wellness and
Thailand - the land of beautiful
concept which will be retailed at
Thailand also offers
leisure offerings.”
beaches, heavenly islands, lofty
the Globus store in Mumbai, India
complimentary services that
for at a price of Rs 48000 for a 4
include: Siam Niramit Show ticket
Outbound Division Kuoni India
The country has gorgeous
nights / 5 day trip.
with dinner and return transfers
expressed her pleasure at the
beaches and magical countryside.
on seat in coach basis, overseas
launch, stating, “Indian consumer
Limestone cliffs, silver-white
travel insurance, with coverage
has evolved post liberalization
beaches, quiet broad bays and
and is far more demanding than
tropical inland forests combine
ever. Quality of service, value for
with world class hotels and
money and convenience are the
sophisticated restaurants.
key factors influencing the buying
Thailand offers a wonderful
decision. Box Holidays exactly
experience for the ardent
fulfills the same. Clients look for
shopper, with a tremendous
quick weekend breaks at
variety of goods on offer. One can
reasonable price, wherein they
shop for designer goods in the
can spend quality time with their
Malls, or browse for handicrafts
loved ones. SOTC’s Box Holidays
and knick-knacks in the many
is an all inclusive product with
markets. Bangkok is a shopping
various complimentary that the
treasure trove of designer wear,
traveler could only dream of.”
jewellery and electronics.
SOTC Box Holidays is a worlds’ first off-the shelf holiday
Sonalee Vaz-Mumbai Representative Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai Office; Kashmira Commissariat-COO, Outbound Division, Kuoni India; Sethaphan Buddhani-Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai Office; Suladda Sarutilavan-Assistant Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai Office at the launch.
Page 8
Commenting on the joint
Kashmira Commissariat COO
With the onset of the festive season this is the best time to visit
mountains and ancient temples.
Shopping at malls and quaint flea markets is incredible.
every young girl to ensure her
followed me around the world in
academic background before
all my assignments and have
General Manager who was not
taking the leap into the tourism
been the backbone to my
easily pleased but a noteworthy
industry ocean, to love her role,
success.
figure in my life who taught me
show true conviction, love people
What are your hobbies?
how to think out of the box and
and never shy away from risk,
play with creativity. He also taught
listen to people and the
me. I love colours and enjoy
husband and son, both very
me how to develop an eye for
environment and most of all to
creating my own trend. My style is
intellectual and find that I play
detail and gave me my first break
have no fear.
modern yet elegant and my
“referee” to them most of the time.
in F & B.
What is the secret of your
Achilles’ heel is shoes. Observers
As a woman, what were the
success?
call me flamboyant and I am
become a “professional ballroom
remembered for all my “fancy
dancer” albeit I have two left feet
gowns” in all my assignments.
when it comes to Salsa or similar,
challenges you had to face in your professional life? On personal front, balancing
My family, my passion and independence is by far the trait that would single handedly allow
Fashion has always intrigued
Fashion and figure are always
gym. I love debating with my
One of my dreams was to
however this does not stop me having a ball when dancing.
my personal life with my
me to be most effective and
linked and as a result I am an avid
professional life and in
productive.
“gymer”. I work out at least twice a
Reading and music are my
professional I have noted that
Please tell us about your family.
week in addition to swimming and
reflective interests and finally I
water gymnastics. Unlike most
believe in my dreams as Eleanor
once the initial barrier was broken
My husband Martin Sen is
acceptance was quick to follow.
German. We have been married
“aerobic fit” I am not necessarily
Roosevelt once said “The future
Running a hotel is challenging
since 1972 and we had our son
the most graceful but love and
belongs to those who believe in
and fun and I would recommend
Martin Jr. in 1982. Both have
thoroughly enjoy my time at the
the beauty of their dreams”.
26
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
28
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
KERALA TRAVELLER
Nishagandhi Festival Mangalam tourism project to be inaugurated begins on January 20
T
ourism Minister, Kodiyeri
filling, greening of the island,
Balakrishnan will
construction of retaining wall,
inaugurate Mangalam dam
fencing etc. It is estimated to cost
tourism project near
Rs 87 lakh.
Vadakkanchery on January 31. The first phase of the tourism complex had been constructed at
The work on the Rs 5.3 crore
T
he annual Nishagandhi Festival that feature classical Indian dance and
music will begin on January 20, 2011 at the magnificent
Vadakkanchery-Mudyppallur-
Kanakakkunnu Palace, in
Mangalam dam road and
Thiruvanathapuram the capital of
a cost of Rs 5 crore
Kerala.
that includes a time
The seven-day festival will
office, watchman’s
begin by honouring Prof. O N V
cabin, compound
Kurup and Dr. K J Yesudas. A
wall, felicitation
carnatic vocal concert by
centre, library and
Yesudas will be the highlight of
inspection bungalow.
day one. This will be followed by
The second phase
Qawwali, Sarangi and Ghazal,
will include
Hindustani - Carnatic Vocal
waterfront
Jugalbandi and Carnatic Double
development,
Violin concerts during the
construction of boat
festival.
jetty, view point, landscaping etc.
Rs 2 crore Vadakkanchery-
The island in the reservoir will
Nariyamangalam-Mangalam dam
Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam,
also be developed and the third
road is also taken up under the
Sufiana Kathak, Odissi and
phase would incorporate earth
tourism project.
Kuchipudi performances.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
The festival will also feature
29
VARIETY
1.
The name Godzilla was formed out of two Japanese words. What are they and
Carlson, the privately held, global hospitality and travel company, has announced that Rosie Hollis will join Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific as Executive Vice President, Human Resources.
Fiona Godfrey has been promoted to Vice President, Sales for Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.
Vikram Berry has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing for Park Plaza New Delhi Dwarka under the Carlson Hotels Worldwide.
what do they mean? 2.
What is the National Animal of Bhutan?
3.
Which country’s flag has the image of a nutmeg in it (its main export item)? 4.
Who is Bibendum?
5.
Which island is known as the Pineapple Island?
6.
Zebras are white with black stripes or black with white stripes?
Shubhangi N has been promoted as Director Sales of GRT Hotels & Resorts, India.
Sharad Datta has been appointed General Manager of Park Plaza New Delhi Dwarka.
Suchana Bera Sharma has joined Park Plaza New Delhi Dwarka as Marketing & PR Manager.
7.
What is conizza?
8.
Which athlete was known as ‘the Sparrow from Minsk’?
9.
Rolex was a Swiss company founded by a German in England first. Who was he?
10. What is Stalag?
Compiled by DEEKAY
Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC 40 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month.
JANUARY 2011 Grand Kerala Shopping Festival
Dec 01- Jan 15
Hotel Investment Forum, Mumbai, India
12 - 14
ASEAN Tourism Forum, Cambodia
15-21
FITUR, Madrid, Spain
19-23
Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai, UAE
Jan 20- Feb 20
Modhera Dance Festival, Gujarat, India
21-23
Answers to TYKC 39 1. Fear of balloons 2. Redirecting a website traffic to another bogus website 3. The Round Table 4. Arnis (a martial sport) 5. Lhasa (Tibet) 6. Three oceans (Japanese) 7. FEEDBACK 8. Nook 9. The Atlantic 10. From the cuttlefish – the brown pigment was originally made from its ink
TYKC 39
FEBRUARY 2011 Nagaur Fair, Rajasthan, India
10-13
IITM, Kochi, India
11-13
AIME, Melbourne, Australia
15-16
Taj Mahotsav, Agra, India
18-27
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer, India
16-18
BIT, Milan, Italy
17-20
Nishagandhi Dance Festival, Thiruvananthapuram, India
21-27
MARCH 2011 Goa Carnival, Goa ITB Berlin Asia Pacific Business Outlook 2011, Melbourne, Australia Elephant Festival, Jaipur, Rajasthan GIBTM, ADNEC, UAE
30
5-8 9-13 17-18 19 28-30
MOHAMMED YUSUF KHAN Bilal Maszid Road Hiriyur, Karnataka
One all-correct entry will get
Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi [ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]* Nestled amongst 25 acres of coconut groves and backwater rivers, Le Méridien Cochin Resort & Convention Centre sits at the heart of one of India's most naturally beautiful cities, Kochi. This prestigious landmark houses 5 floors of luxurious accommodation for international business and leisure travelers. The 151 spacious rooms and suites, most with breathtaking views over the manicured gardens and the backwaters. * Conditions apply
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
ASIAN TRAVELLER
JANUARY 2011
31