Vol. 3 • No. 11 • August 2010
Inside 6
this issue
Tourism Recovers, Though Unsteadily
19 Unraveling Nature's Mysticism
International tourist arrivals grew by seven per cent in the first four months of 2010 according to the latest issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This grow th confirms the recovery trend beginning in the last quarter of 2009 and comes despite the challenging conditions of recent months.
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Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism Unveiled
A code of conduct for safe and honourable tourism, which will “meet India’s futuristic needs and challenges”, has been unveiled in New Delhi recently by the Union Minister for Tourism, Kumari Selja.
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Hotel and Hospitalit y Sector to Get More Attention
Hotel and Hospitality sector in India plays an important role in the grow th and sustainability of tourism sector in the country. No wonder the Ministry of Tourism, Gov t. of India is paying special attention to this sector.
12 UNWTO Expands Affiliate Membership
23 A Gastronomes’ Paradise Woman of the Month
10 Questions
Fourteen major tourism players from the private sector and academia have been admit ted as UNWTO Af filiate Members, bringing the total number to a record 418.
12 AVIAREPS Becomes UNWTO Affiliated Member 13 Sri Lanka on Prancing Mode
SANJAY SOOD
VASUDHA SONDHI
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p 14
16 Tourism Contributes to the Millennium Development Goals 18 WTTC Launches New Website 28 Kerala Gears up for Kerala Travel Mart 30 Wayanad Monsoon Carnival Enthrals Visitors
Column 20 As I Travel ASHWIN NARAYANAN
p 22 Cover Photo Courtesy: Holland Tourism
AUGUST 2010
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
editor ’s note
A Editor & Publisher Group Editor Vice President & CEO Executive Editor Photo Editor Art Editor Senior Sub Editor Bureau Chief (Coimbatore) Editorial Team
T
he data released earlier in July by the Market Research Division of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, show that the country’s domestic tourism scene has registered an impressive growth in 2009. The domestic travellers, who are often looked down upon as the ‘poor cousins’ of the international visitors, have played a major role in propping up the tourism sector of the country, which was severely affected as a result of many adverse factors. “The data show that domestic tourism registered a growth of 15.5 per cent in 2009 in spite of economic recession and other adverse factors for tourism. On the contrary, Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Foreign Tourist Visits have registered a decline of 3.3 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively during the same period.” This clearly establishes the importance of domestic tourism in the overall tourism development in the country. According to a study conducted in 2004 (which was the first of its kind) by National Council of Applied Economic Research, sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, “Tourism in India, and domestic tourism in particular, veils many a mystery, in part due to inadequate collection of data related to the sector and partly due to the absence of a systematic framework for analysing the sector”. But nothing has changed since then. No serious attempts have been made to ‘de-mystify’ the ‘mystery’ shrouding the domestic travel scene. One good thing about the domestic tourism sector is that, come what may, it remains mostly unaffected. Domestic travellers have been instrumental in keeping the spirits of the travel business up whenever the international arrivals failed to materialize, on many occasions in the past – not just in India, but all over the world. No wonder even major destinations like Thailand, China and Kenya who gets a major chunk of their tourism revenue from overseas visitors, take special care to keep the domestic market happy and look at options to promote tourism in a big way among them. It is high time that India should also take creative steps to tap the ‘desi paryatan bazaar’. G. BIJU KRISHNAN Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com +91 9447555222 ASIAN TRAVELLER
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Publication : : : : : : : : :
G. Biju Krishnan G. Gopakumar* M. P. Sreekumar Lerbin T. K. Retheesh Kariyam Anil Kumar R. Krishnadas P. Shree K. R. Parameswaran Lekshmi P., Smitha R. Director (Marketing) : Vinu V. Nair Financial Advisor : Jayachandran S. Legal Advisor : Adv. G.S. Prakash Regional Head-North : V. Narayanan General Manager-Tamilnadu : P. Deenadayalu Senior Manager -Marketing : Shaini B. J. London Abdul Najeeb, Tel: 0044-7769940391 UAE Sanjeev S. L., Tel: 00971 508914709 Kuwait Mariam Titus, Tel: 00965 6638670 New Delhi V. Narayanan, Tel: 0091 9810116780 Mumbai Mahesh Nair, Tel: 022 32499989 Bangalore Sandeep Viswanath, 09845179243 Kolkata Sobha Joshi, Tel: 09477406768 Chennai Nisha J., Tel: 09841008588 Coimbatore Shree K., Tel: 09003629919 Hyderabad K.S. Johnson, Tel: 09441236010 Ahmedabad Mini Panikar, Tel: 09998547599 Indore Manohar Bhati, Tel: 09893559563 Madurai P. Deenadayalu, Tel: 09843129535 Ernakulam M. P. Sreekumar, Tel: 09447118694 Thiruvananthapuram Shaini B. J., Tel: 09745444144 Administration Sunila S., Jaya Rajeshwari, Soniya S., Sunil Regd. Of fice: 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, w ww.mediastepsindia.com New Delhi Of fice: Media Steps India, C-4/9 Sahyadri Apartments, Plot No. 5, Sector-12, Dwaraka, New Delhi-110 075. Tel.: +91 9810116780 Mumbai Of fice: 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 Of fice: Media Steps India, # B-305 & 309, Vasudha Apartments, Quthbullapur Road, New Jeedimetla, Hyderabad-500 055, AP, India Tel.: +91 40 23080750, +91 40 23176966, +91 40 23176996, Fa x: +91 40 27535260 Chennai Of fice: Media Steps India, 6/4, Sangeetha Gardens, 19th Street Ex t, Jai Nagar, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106. Tel: +91 44 42640531 Ahmedabad Of fice: Media Steps India, no. 15/177, Netaji Nagar, Meghani Nagar Last Opp. Bus Stand, Ahmedabad-380 016. Tel.: +91 9998547599 Edited, Printed & Published by G. Biju Krishnan and Printed at M/s. Safire Of fset Printers, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu for Cristal Printers, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, South India. Reg No.: KERENG 01910/11/1/2006-TC New Reg No.: KERENG / 2007 / 28719 RNI Reg. No.: 101276 The news items and Advertisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable. Readers are however requested to verif y the facts before making business decisions using the same. No par t of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission from the Publisher. All rights reser ved. Copyright © 2009 *Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act
AUGUST 2010
over view
UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
Tourism Recovers, Though Unsteadily
I
nternational tourist arrivals grew by seven per cent in the first four months of 2010 according to the latest issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This grow th confirms the recovery trend beginning in the last quarter of 2009 and comes despite the challenging conditions of recent months. While April's results were af fected by the week-long closure of European airspace, globally the pace of recovery is faster than initially expected, driven largely by emerging markets. For the full year 2010, UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow by three per cent to four percent. The three percent increase in international tourist arrivals registered in April marks the seventh month of grow th in international tourist arrivals af ter 14 consecutive months of negative results. Still, grow th slowed down slightly in April as a consequence of the closure of European air-
space for a week due to the ashcloud following the eruption of a volcano in Iceland. Although only around 30 countries have reported May data, the vast majority is positive, clearly pointing to a continuation of the current pace of grow th. The overall positive trend during the first four months of 2010 is reflected in the rise of the UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index. Fif ty percent of the experts participating in the UNWTO Panel of Tourism evaluate the period JanuaryApril as "bet ter" or "much better." 2010 results will continue to benefit from the gradually-improving economic situation, as well as from a number of high-profile events including the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the FIFA Football World Cup in South Africa, the World Exposition in Shanghai, and the Commonwealth Games in India. As the peak tourism season for
the world's leading regions in the northern hemisphere starts, shortterm prospects are promising. The UNWTO Confidence Index for MayAugust 2010 is even higher than the one for January-April 2010. Nevertheless, challenges remain, and the sector still has a long way to go to make up lost ground. Increasing unemployment continues to be a major cause Taleb Rifai of concern and, as anticipated by UNWTO, it is now clear that public deficits represent a clear challenge. This is particularly relevant for advanced economies and could af fect leading outbound markets. The phasing-out of stimulus measures, combined with austerity measures and the rise in ta xation introduced by many governments, have become main factors to be considered. UNWTO cautions against the potential adverse
ef fects of one-sided decisions on ta xation, which might harm the tourism sector. "This is the time to support the tourism sector. At a time when many countries are witnessing public deficit constraints and low domestic consumption levels, tourism can provide much--needed jobs, as well as export and ta x revenues. UNWTO welcomes examples of countries like China, which has identified tourism as a strategic pillar of its economy going forward," said UNWTO SecretaryGeneral Taleb Rifai. On the consumer side, trends such as late booking, increasing use of the Internet to look and book, travelling closer and for shorter periods of time, and demanding value for money, seem to have been accentuated during and post crisis. This evolving marketplace will inevitably require changes in the business models of the industry and the tourism supply.
Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism Unveiled
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code of conduct for safe and honourable tourism, which will “meet India’s futuristic needs and challenges”, has been unveiled in New Delhi recently by the Union Minister for Tourism, Kumari Selja. Speaking on the occasion, Kumari Selja said, even though such code of ethics for tourism has earlier been developed by world bodies like UNWTO, she would call it “our own innovation inspired by the existing code of ethics of UNWTO”. According to her the Ministry has been running the social awareness campaign under the theme “Athithi Devo Bhavah” which also addresses issues relating to treating visitors, especially women, with dignity. A
AUGUST 2010
similar campaign needs to be initiated to sensitize the incoming tourists to refrain from indulging in any such activity which might disturb the social fabric of the country. Kumari Selja urged all the Stake holders to adopt the code at the earliest. The code has been evolved keeping in mind the following objectives: Encourage tourism activities to be undertaken with respect for basic rights like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourist and local residents; aid the prevention of prostitution, sex tourism and forms of sexual exploitations in tourism and to enhance prevention of activities like forced or involuntary drug use, manipulated and incorrect information, cultural and social intolerance which could
The Union Minister for Tourism Kumari Selja unveils the Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism, in New Delhi
increase vulnerability to crime. A series of workshops will soon be organised to develop a plan of action for implementing this code. This code of Conduct was developed by Ministry of Tourism in
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association with PATA India Chapter, Save the Children – India, United Nations Of fice on Drugs & Crimes (UNODC) and Equitable Tourism Option (EQUATIONS).
ASIAN TRAVELLER
incredible india
Anand Kumar Takes Charge as Jt.Secretar y
Hotel and Hospitalit y Sector to Get More Attention
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otel and Hospitality sector in India plays an important role in the growth and sustainability of tourism sector in the country. No wonder the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India is paying special attention to this sector. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved broad basing hospitality education. Vocational schools, polytechnics, universities and colleges would be involved to meet the growing demand of trained manpower in hospitality sector. Revised guidelines for the Scheme of Assistance to Institute of Hotel Management and Food Craft Institutes have also been issued. The Ministry intends to set up 19 State IHMs and 25 State FCIs in the 11th Plan Period, said the Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed, while speaking at a function organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi. The combined training
nand Kumar IAS has taken charge as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India. A 1984-batch Kerala cadre IAS, Kumar was Resident Commissioner in Kerala House, New Delhi prior to joining Central Ministry.
He held numerous positions both in home cadre, Kerala and Central ministries, including Additional Director-Tourism, Secretary Finance, Government of Kerala; and Under Secretary in Ministry of Sur face Transport, as well as Director, and Deputy Election Commissioner in Election Commission of India.
H
The Minister of State for Tourism, Sultan Ahmed at the function organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce
capabilities currently available in the country are able to provide only 12000 trained personnel for absorption in the Hospitality industry. The existing demand is far higher at 2 lakh personnel annually. To bridge this demand-supply gap, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the "Hunar Se Rozgar" programme. The programme envisages creation of employable skills in hospitality sector under the Capacity Building
Scheme. It targets the youth of weaker sections of Society who are interested in joining the hospitality industry. The programme is being operated simultaneously in the Institutes of Hotel Management and Food Craft Institutes across the country. Linkages forged with the Industry have ensured that successful candidates are now finding appropriate placements in the Hotels and Restaurants.
Immigration Officials Should Maintain Tourist Friendly Approach
S
ujit Banerjee, The secre tary to Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has called upon the Immigration of ficials to maintain highest standards of courtesy and warmth while receiving visitors at the airports. He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the second 10 - day training programme held as part of the Ministry of Tourism, Gov t. of India's constant endeavour to provide a quality everlasting experience to the tourists in India
AUGUST 2010
was completed recently in New Delhi. 150 of ficials at tended the training programme. "Being the first point of interaction for the tourists, immigration of ficials create first impression about the country and its people , therefore, they should maintain a tourist friendly approach and smiling face all the time", said Banerjee. "The Common Wealth Games 2010 scheduled to be held in October in New Delhi will have a long term impact on tourism and hospitality sector. We should make
a collective ef fort to showcase the spirit of "Atithi Devo Bhavah", he added. The prime objective of the training is to focus on enhancement in the behavioural aspects of the immigration of ficials. The of ficials work in a very tough environment having duty shif ts of 12 hours without of f duty time, but they are the public face of "Incredible India". So much depends on their appearance, deportment, alertness, sensitivity, and general behaviour. The training programme
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conducted by Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM) covered all the important aspects of tourism and the behavioural aspects like cross cultural communications, manners, etiquet tes, positive attitude, group behaviour, handling stress, time management etc. Overall this training programme is expected to improve in the personality and the thought process of the of ficials and make them more sensitive towards the tourists.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
personality Sanjay Sood, General Manager, Taj Mount Road, Chennai talks about his experiences and ambitions.
SANJAY SOOD General Manager Taj Mount Road Chennai Tamil Nadu
AUGUST 2010
Tell us about your hotel and its USPs. Taj Mount Road brings to you a hotel that exudes style from the moment you step in. Situated on Clubhouse Road (in Chennai), a road that has its name etched into the history books, the hotel has its own style statement. The refined fusion of elegance, flamboyance and subtlety makes up for an experience that is sure to overwhelm you. Taj has forever set benchmarks when it comes to hospitality and it takes the same to another level with this new venture. Geared to meet the delicate tastes and demands of the quintessential business traveller, the hotel offers the finest of services with an element of style added to it. It is one of the most premium hotels offered by the Taj Group in and around South India. How do you position the Hotel in the market? What is your marketing strategy? Taj Mount Road is positioned as young for new age, mainly targeting IT / Auto/Telecom and Project based business, and off late all the new investors since we are the closest hotel to the new Secretariat. The strategy is to capitalize on our existing strength of our brand TAJ which is very
powerful one to commend the market with 100 per cent commitment on delivery. We would like to leverage our total inventory of around 700+ rooms with 16 F&B Dining experiences. How important is a Hotel in developing a destination? Hotels play a very important role in creating destinations, especially when it is not a tourist location. In olden days, the tourism mantra was to make hotels where tourist come, but nowadays hoteliering and tourism is not only limited to sightseeing but is all about conferences, conventions, trade promotions and cultural festivals and it has become very important to have the right kind of infrastructure. Could you tell us about your background and how did you come to the industry? Soon after graduating from the Catering School in Kolkata, it was my dream to work for the Taj Group of Hotels and I can very proudly say that it has been a fabulous journey with the Taj so far with loads of learning and excitement every day. Tell us about your experience so far? Is there an unforgettable moment in your career which you can share with us? The Experience so far has been great - right from starting my career at Taj Place Hotel, New Delhi to Taj Bengal, Kolkata to Taj Krishna, Hyderabad and finally at Taj Mount Road. I have been instrumental in setting this beautiful Hotel which has been a tremendous learning and I would say that it is one of my unforgettable moments of learning as well as a
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challenge in my career. Taj Mount Road is a 220-rooms, contemporary hotel in Chennai and has made its mark in the city of Chennai. What plans – immediate and long term – do you have? In two years time, we should be market leaders in the upper upscale segment in the city and the preferred hotel for Medical, IT, Auto, Diplomatic Segment. Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now? I would like to see myself as a Head of strategic Business group of my organization. Now tell us about your family? My wife Sapna is a freelancer, likes Salsa and yoga. She looks after my two beautiful daughters Snigdha and Medha who are currently studying in class 8th and 6th in Sishya School. We have enjoyed the city of Chennai for the last threeand-a-half years and I am sure we will have many fond memories of this beautiful city whenever we move out of here. Tell us about your hobbies and other interests? I love to play Golf and Tennis. Golf is only during weekends or during holidays in any part of the country. I love eating out, trying out new cuisines, especially while travelling overseas on vacations. Which is your favourite destination and why? My favourite destinations are the Hills (because this is where I come from - a place called Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh) be it Shimla or Kodai or Ooty or Coonoor or Switzerland. Jungfrau, Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlus are the favourite destinations. ASIAN TRAVELLER
unwto
UNWTO Expands Affiliate Membership
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ourteen major tourism players from the private sector and academia have been admitted as UNWTO Affiliate Members, bringing the total number to a record 418. The addition of these new Members to UNWTO represents another step towards the reinforcement of the relationship between the public and private sectors for the development of tourism; a strengthening assumed during the first meeting of Latin American UNWTO Affiliate Members and the International Seminar on Private and Public Cooperation held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, in early June. Following the decision of the 88th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, fourteen new tourism entities joined the Organization as Affiliate Members. These new Members are based in
fourteen countries, across five countries, representing a wide array of tourism enterprises. Among the new Members are the Association of British Travel Agencies (ABTA), the United Kingdom’s largest travel trade association; the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa (RETOSA), a leading tourism organization in Africa; Aviareps, the world’s leading tourism and airline management company and LAN Airlines, one of Latin America’s leading airlines. Prestigious universities and research companies working at the forefront of tourism education have also joined, as well as two additional tourism agencies from the African continent, increasing the representation of the private sector from this emerging region in world tourism.
The new Members will be able to actively participate in the activities of the Organization, including its General Assembly Meetings
region as well as from Spain, concluded that joint strategies between the public and private sectors must be created in order to face the economic crisis and develop local tourism destinations. The meeting was followed by an International Seminar on Public and Private Cooperation as a Driver of Integration and Development in Tourism and other events to promote Destinations. public-private partnerships Discussions revolved (PPP) in tourism. around how to develop joint The 1st Meeting of Latin strategies and projects to American UNWTO Affiliate improve tourism Members in Brazil, the first competitiveness, as well as time Affiliate Members have how to best organize publicgathered to discuss topics private dialogue. related to their region, was a The Seminar brought key platform for fostering together the Latin American public-private partnerships. Affiliate Members as well as Participants, including the delegates from UNWTO Minister of Tourism of Member States, local Uruguay, Hector Lescano, authorities and other and several UNWTO representative from the Affiliate Members from the private sector.
AVIAREPS Becomes UNWTO Affiliated Member
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VIAREPS, the worldwide leading specialist for tourism and aviation management with more than 85 tourism clients from all over the world, has become an official Affiliate Member of the UNWTO (United Nation World Tourism Organization). As part of the UNWTO the worldwide leading tourism and aviation management expert gains access to a global network of institutional and professional contacts as well as information about challenges, market trends and the development of the tourism industry. Numerous possibilities for collaboration AUGUST 2010
including conferences, sharpen our market profile workshops and other and bring us industry-wide meeting platforms provide a recognition,” said Michael global forum where business Gaebler, Founder and decision makers and governments can discuss tourism policy issues. “It was a logical step for us to become an Affiliate Member of UNWTO and show commitment to the organization’s global principles. The possibilities for Michael Gaebler, Founder and Thomas Drechsler, COOTourism at AVIAREPS Chairman, AVIAREPS collaboration, the comprehensive network of connections and Chairman of AVIAREPS. associations as well as the “As an Affiliate Member access to specific tourism of UNWTO, AVIAREPS information will help us will be able to interact with • 12 •
prominent decision makers in the field of tourism and explore partnerships for specific projects and new business opportunities. Exchanging information on “best practices” with other government, private and public players will enable use to create added value for our clients as well,” adds Thomas Drechsler, Chief Operating Officer Tourism at AVIAREPS. Founded in Germany in 1994 with an extensive office network in over 40 countries, the AVIAREPS Group is the world’s leading airline and tourism management company with over 75 airlines and 85 tourism clients in its portfolio. ASIAN TRAVELLER
south asia
Sri Lanka on Prancing Mode
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ri Lanka is gearing up to bounce back to the interna tional tourism map af ter shaking of f all factors that prevented tourists from coming to the small island nation. The new policy on tourism for Sri Lanka was announced recently by Dr Nalaka Godahewa, Chairman, SLTDA and SLTPB which is to 'Focus on the product and brand touch points' which translates in to 'Making the experience of the visitor, from the time of deciding on a location to departure from Sri Lanka, a satisf ying one, taking back abiding memories of the destination'. The arrivals continued its upward trend in May with 35,213 foreign visitors the nation is expecting a productive tourist season 2010-11. The first five months of 2010 the country recorded 233, 922 tourist arrivals,
ASIAN TRAVELLER
which is 48.5 percent higher from the same period of the previous year. The Sri Lankan government expects to double its tourism income to 1 billion U.S. dollars by 2015 from the current level of around 400 million U.S. dollars. The Indian International Film Academy awards in Sri Lanka and most European countries as well as the USA rela xing their travel advisories are said to be major factors for the increase of tourist arrivals. The first peacetime budget for the country has allocated major funds for infrastructure development including roads and tourism
promotion. The budget expects a USD 3 billion investment in the tourism development with Foreign Direct Investment and private and government sector investments. The government has identified seven tourism zones for the development. Sri Lanka signed four agreements with Ukraine enhancing cooperation in tourism, maritime, shipping and defence sectors. The agreement to promote tourism bet ween the two countries was signed by Sri Lankan Ambassador in Russia Udayanga Weeratunga and Ukrainian Cultural and Tourism Minister Mikhail Kulinyak. The best possible facilities and security are of fered by Sri Lanka for shooting movies in their country. Colombo being notched up by flydubai as its fourth new destination will also do a world of good to the arrivals from the Middle East.
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Maldives Tourist Arrivals up 20pc
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ourism Ministry of Republic of Maldives has said that tourist arrivals within the first five months of 2010 have increased by 20 per cent compared to the same period last year. Referring to Department of Immigration figures, the ministry said that 338,582 tourists visited Maldives from last January to May this year, compared to the 282,518 tourists last year showing an increase of 56,064 tourists. According to the ministry, the arrivals last May observed a 35 per cent increase to 58,324. The figures read that tourist arrivals within the first five months of this year rose by seven per cent. While tourists used 20, 226 beds in 91 resorts this year, the occupancy rate stayed at 82.3 percent on average.
AUGUST 2010
personality Vasudha Sondhi is the Managing Director of Outbound Marketing Pvt. Ltd, a New Delhi based company that specializes in out bound marketing
VASUDHA SONDHI Managing Director Outbound Marketing Pvt. Ltd New Delhi, India
AUGUST 2010
How did you become interested in travel & tourism business? I have always been interested in hotel management and am a proud alumna of the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHMCTAN), Mumbai. My training and first job was with the Taj Hotel in Mumbai and I was part of the kitchen team. Then I moved to New Delhi to live with my sisters as my parents had moved abroad. I worked with Taj Palace in F&B service. Delhi was a bit of a culture shock for me and I could not really adjust very well there. I later moved to Hyat t where I can say that my training and “real” job began. Hyat t training is among the best and I was privileged to be part of a strong team. I started as Banquet Executive and soon rose to become a manager. Hyatt was undoubtedly a very good learning experience. I had excellent managers who taught me well. I learnt all about team work, delegation, decision making, planning and execution. Sometimes we worked 12-16 hours non stop, most weekends were spent at work, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. What is your current role in your organization? I am the Managing Director of Outbound Marketing Pv t. Ld. This was set up by a group of likeminded hotel and travel professionals in 2002. The company handles outsourced sales and marketing for hotel companies,
tourism boards and tourism products. My husband and I are currently running and managing the company along with a highly skilled professional team. I am responsible for the grow th of the business and for ensuring that the sales, marketing and PR objectives are met. We are currently representing international companies in India. We have a very elaborate website, www.outboundmarketingindia.com, which provides all the details regarding our services. What are the immediate and long-term plans your company envisages? The immediate plan is to consolidate the business that we have in hand and increase the market share for our represented clients. We have always tried to make our organization system ef fective and not personalitydriven. This is the reason we have always had an of fice in Mumbai and Bangalore, run by professionals. So far we have a couple of hotel clients who are looking at growing their corporate market share from India. We have a couple of hotels and destinations which would attract the discerning traveller and the uber High-NetWorth travellers. In the medium to long-term we would like to work with more hotels and tourism boards and introduce travel companies to the Indian market where the leisure traveller and MICE groups will have interesting and dif ferent experiences. Especially for the leisure traveller, we wish to focus on the experience aspect. As a hospitality industry professional where would you like to see yourself ten years from now? I would like to build up our company to be the most preferred representation, sales and marketing company by international hotel chains, and National Tourism Of fices to grow their source market share in India and the subcontinent. Who or what has been the
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greatest influence in your professional life? Firstly it has been my parents who have always wanted us to excel in whatever we did. The strong values, disciplined approach to work and life in general has helped me a lot. My husband and my in-laws have been totally supportive. My job involves erratic timings and constant travelling and the stability at home, required to bring up my two children aged 18 and 10 has been provided by them. My husband saw the potential in this business and in fact it was his idea to set up Outbound Marketing. At college and at work my first influence was the late Thankam Philip who was a visionary and living example of dedication and discipline. She was the principal of IHMCTAN. I owe a lot to her. My mentors at work were my bosses at Hyat t, Richard Stedman, Ronald Birch (I am still in touch with them), Inder Sharma exChairman of SITA World Travels and Russel Sharpe (ex-VP S&M of Forte and Le Merdien Hotels). I think they contributed to the paradigm shif t in my thinking. Have you ever had to face any dif ficulties or challenges as a result of being a woman, in your professional life? I have had a lot of positive challenges in my professional life, but none due to the fact that I am woman professional. Work has been hectic but fun. My advice to youngsters entering this sector will be , “be prepared to work very hard, to drill into details (as the saying goes “God is in the detail”), to listen more than speak (Richard Stedman always used to tell us that since we had t wo ears and one mouth, we should listen more than we should speak), to always have a ‘can do’ attitude and a positive approach to issues and last, but not the least, to wake up each morning feeling on top of the world and excited about another day at work. Contd. on page 30
ASIAN TRAVELLER
worldview
Tourism Contributes to the Millennium Development Goals
W
ith only five years lef t until the target date for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations has launched the MDG Report 2010 calling for accelerated progress to reach the 2015 deadline. As the UN Specialized Agency for Tourism, UNWTO is firmly committed to fostering the tourism sector's contribution to development. Tourism accounts for 45 per cent of the exports of services of least developed countries and is a major job generator for many of the world's most vulnerable populations. Indeed, in 2009, emerging economies received 410 million international tourism arrivals, a 47 per cent share of the global total, and USD 306 billion in international tourism receipts, 36 per cent of the global total. As such, the industry can play a
significant role in the achievement of the MDGs, in particular MDG 1 Eradication of Poverty; MDG 3 Gender Equality; MDG 7 - Environmental Sustainability and MDG 8 Global Partnerships for Development. Ma ximizing tourism's contribution as a main driver of economic grow th and development, UNWTO
Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) is UNWTO's long-term programme aimed at reducing poverty through developing and promoting sustainable forms of tourism. To date, UNWTO has implemented over 90 ST-EP projects in 31 countries. UNWTO is also actively involved in several projects funded by the MDG Achievement Fund, an
is currently implementing numerous programmes to reduce poverty, fight gender inequality and foster sustainable development. The Sustainable Tourism-
international cooperation mechanism financed by the Government of Spain. The projects focus on areas such as the promotion of rural tourism to alleviate rural
Keen Named First PATA Preferred Partner for Destination Branding
K
een, the independent global brand strategy and integrated communications agency, has been named a Preferred Partner for destination branding by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Keen is the first in what will be a new alliance of Greg Duffell, CEO, PATA PATA Preferred
AUGUST 2010
Partners, a select group of businesses drawn from a variety of travel and tourism-related enterprises within the Asia-Pacific region. Preferred Partners will serve to heighten the Association's commercial sensibility, keeping PATA in tune with the latest industry trends and best practices being pioneered by businesses across the industry. "Our partnership with Keen represents a strategic push by PATA to add commercial value to the Association while forging stronger connections to businesses in new sectors within the travel and tourism industry," said PATA CEO Greg Duf fell.
poverty and supporting the development of small tourism businesses. UNWTO is also actively promoting sustainable tourism, one that makes optimal use of environmental resources, maintains essential ecological processes and conserves natural heritage and biodiversity, in the pursuit of MDG 7 - Environmental Sustainability. This year in particular, within the framework of the UN International Year for Biodiversity, World Tourism Day 2010 (WTD) will take place under the theme 'Tourism and Biodiversity' (China, 27 September). Highlighting tourism's role in conserving biodiversity, WTD also raises awareness of how continued biodiversity loss hampers ef forts to meet other MDGs, especially those related to poverty, hunger and health.
Ministers’ Summit at WTM to Issue Statement of Intent
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he fourth and largestever UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market will for the first time conclude with a Statement of Intent outlining the future direction of the travel and tourism industry. The tourism ministers attending this year’s summit which will take place at ExCeL, London on November 9, 2010, “Shaping a Stronger Travel and Tourism Industry: Governance and business models for the future”, will agree their plan and direction for the industry for the next 12 months. It will be the first time global travel ministers agree a set of actions and
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principles for the future of the industry. The UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at WTM is poised to be the largest ever surpassing last year’s record of 147 ministers and aides. The ministers and aides will be joined by senior business leaders from the industry to help agree the future direction for travel and tourism. World Travel Market will host the WTM Ministerial Evening at the prestigious St.Paul’s Cathedral, London. The exclusive evening will host Tourism Ministers and Senior Aides from around the world and will offer entertainment from a leading London West End musical production. ASIAN TRAVELLER
wttc
WTTC Launches New Website
T
he World Travel and Tourism Council has recently launched a new website to advance sustainability within travel and tourism in a global manner. Destinations, accommodation, tour operators, and online travel intermediaries from around the world are represented on the website, while WTTC has also partnered with the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) to facilitate access to a comprehensive collection of best practices from the aviation sector, which is hosted on w ww.enviro.aero The home of the only British canal boat in North America; a
more than 1,900-property strong Green Hotel Directory; an Earth Guest program by one of the biggest hospitality chains in the world; and an initiative to reduce building on China's famous Mount Huangshan are showcased on a new website launched by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The Best Practice Gateway, which can be accessed from w ww.w ttc.org, currently features more than 20 case studies from around the world, which together help to illustrate the travel and tourism industry's leading role in sustainability. "Travel and tourism can be an Lane Cove River Tourist Park, Australia
Mt Huangshan Scenic Site, China
opportunity for protecting our planet and delivering tangible social and economic benefits at the local, national, and international level," said Jean-Claude Baumgar ten, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council. "The travel and tourism industry has long led the way in helping to protect the environments and communities on which it depends. Now our Best Practice Gateway will, alongside the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, become an essential resource for businesses interested in implementing sustainable tourism practices." Accor, England's Jurassic Coast, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Inkaterra, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, Marriott International, Sabre Holdings Corporation/ Travelocity Global, Sol Meliá, TUI
Global Recognition for Oberoi Group
F
our Oberoi hotels are ranked first, second, third and fourth in Asia and ranked amongst the first fifteen in the world by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2010 readers’ poll. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is recognised internationally for all-round excellence and unparalleled level of service has received innumerable awards and accolades. At present, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts operates sixteen luxury hotels and resorts in India, Mauritius, Indonesia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It also manages two cruisers on the Nile in Egypt and one cruiser on the backwaters in Kerala, AUGUST 2010
India. The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore; The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur and The
the world. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman, The Oberoi Group said, “I am extremely proud that four Oberoi hotels have been ranked among the top four in Asia. I am also delighted that The Oberoi Vanyavilas has been Oberoi ranked the best in the world Udaivilas, and four Oberoi hotels have Udaipur been ranked amongst the have been fifteen.“Our guests have ranked first, given us high ranking second, third because we have built and P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman, and fourth maintained our hotels with The Oberoi Group respectively care and our employees in Asia. The Oberoi have exceeded their Vanyavilas, The Oberoi expectations. The Amarvilas, The Oberoi exceptional ranking is Rajvilas and The Oberoi recognition that we have Udaivilas have also been excellent hotels and the best ranked first, fifth, thirteenth employees in the hospitality and fifteenth respectively in industry.” • 18 •
AG, Whitbread PLC, and Wilderness Safaris, to name a few, have contributed their experiences in sustainability to the Best Practice Gateway. Users can search for information by company, sector, or particular area of interest from biodiversity to waste management. The Best Practice Gateway exemplifies WTTC's and its members' ongoing commitment to the advancement of sustainability within travel and tourism. Over time, the Gateway will grow to become the pre-eminent resource for organizations from all sectors and industries to learn a wide range of measures that can be implemented - regardless of their size or budget available. Travel and tourism organizations can submit case studies to be considered for inclusion on the site to bestpractice@w ttc.org.
WTTC Invites Bids to Host the Global Travel and Tourism Summit in 2012
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he World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has opened the tendering process to find the host city of the 12th Global Travel & Tourism Summit. The organization has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for cities around the world to submit applications to host the 12th summit in a little less than two years' time. The RFP and the supporting documents must be returned by September 1, 2010 to World Travel & Tourism Council's Events Director Tony Thompson at tony.thompson@w t tc.org. 12th Global Travel & Tourism Summit is the world's highest-level gathering of travel and tourism industry chairs, chief executives, and senior government of ficials, working together to unlock the industry's significant potential for sustainable development and economic grow th across the globe.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
karnataka traveller
Chikmagalur
Unraveling Nature's Mysticism
T
he smell of coffee and an image of a breath taking scenic beauty are the things that the mention of Chikmagalur evokes in one's mind. With gigantic mountains, lush green plantations, beautiful waterfalls, sandy beaches and the tropical forests, Chikmagalur is nature's gif t to mankind. Situated just 251 km away from Bengaluru - the capital city of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is the perfect escapade for all those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The splendor of the Western Ghats looms large in the region. The place is also resplendent with a wide range of flora and fauna. The rivers, Tunga and Bhadra add to the tranquility of the atmosphere. The temples stand as a testament to the old world
ASIAN TRAVELLER
charm that the place exudes. The name, Chikmagalur, literally translates into "the town of the younger daughter" in Kannada. The town is said to have been given as dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. It was here that coffee was first cultivated in India by the saint Baba Budan. But apart from this distinction, the place also has a rich political history. The Hoysala rulers started their rule in this region and spent the early days of their reign. But when it comes to contemporary Indian politics, Chikmagalur holds a far more important place as it is from here that destiny took a dif ferent course. Indira Gandhi was reelected to the Parliament in 1978 in a by-election from this con-
stituency af ter her defeat at the hands of Raj Narain of Janata Party, the previous year. But despite the historic significance, Chikmagalur will always be seen as a tourist paradise. The district contains Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak. Kemmanagudi is another hill station that has beautifully laid out ornamental gardens and an enchanting mountain which serves as a retreat for hikers. Kudremukh national park is known for its steep cliffs and rich mineral deposits. The magnificent water falls make the place all the more picturesque. The Manikyadhara falls and the Kallathagiri falls are a treat to the eyes. A visit to the Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary is a learning
• 19 •
experience for the all the wildlife enthusiasts. The temple towns Srinegri, Horanadu and Kalasa provide the perfect spiritual experience to the seekers of the soul.
Chikmagalur is well connected by road and a drive down those spiraling path lined with trees calm both the mind and the body. It is the perfect vacation spot to spend a peaceful vacation and contemplate on nature's mysteries.
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column
A
V DURAIKKANNAN
AUGUST 2010
rthur Ashe was United States tennis player who was the first Black to win United States and English singles championships (1943-1993). He died of complications of AIDS which he contracted through a blood transfusion during his bypass for heart ailment. When a journalist was concernedly asking him whether he was not aggrieved to be inflicted with such a dreadful disease and dying when he was such a great tennis star. He said: 'Among the billions of people on this earth, only a million take to tennis. Out of that million only half of them acquire some kind of mastery. Out of that half, only 128 qualif y to enter the Wimbledon. Out of them, the 128, only four make it up to the finals. Out of the four, only t wo go to the final one to one. And out of the two, only one wins. And I was one such ONE champion. At that time, I never asked God why I was the only one to be given such rare glory. The same way, I do no Arthur Schopenhauer not want to ask Him now about this disease also as to why I should be af flicted with it!'('If I were to say, God, why me? about the bad things, then I should have said, God, why me? about the good things that happened in my life.) This is the hallmark of equanimity! In the name of nationalism and patriotism so many wars are ludicrously fought John Wooden and so many people are get ting killed. Bernard Shaw very beautifully pointed out what patriotism is: 'Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.' I am sure none of us would say India is the
stride and not get ting carried away. John Wooden (1910-2010) the renowned centenarian basket ball player who passed away only this June, the first ever person to get into the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and a coach gave the cutest possible advice on equanimity : 'You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.' Arthur Schopenhauer (17881860) , the German philosopher said that a man who has not cried by his age of t wenty as well as a Arthur Ashe man who has not laughed by his greatest country if only we were age of six ty are a waste and they not born here. At the best, we have not really lived their life. No might say that India is a great wonder Schopenhauer is branded country but not the greatest a pessimist because our present because the epithet 'the greatest' is world is finding it impossible or always reserved for the country unlikely to cry by t wenty and laugh where one is born. So much for the by six ty! On a deeper analysis, one objective value for a country! can realize that in essence our joy It will be worth one's while to and misery owe their origins to the read the renowned cricketer Sunil same single source. For instance, Gavaskar's life story ('Sunny Days' - take money. The absence of money 'Sunny' is a pun on his first name!). is misery and the presence of the He says in that book that how he same is joy. And a saint refrains could have come to hold a fishing from sex whereas a sinner indulges rod instead of a cricket bat thanks in sex - but their obsession is just to a quirk of fate. He the same: One is trying to avoid might have become a fisherman and the other is ready to pay his life had it not for it! Once we get the objectivity of been for his all that happens around us, it will eagle-eyed put us in perspective and one will uncle who not get swayed by either. No need spot ted a to get carried away or get bogged small hole down otherwise! near his lef t 'Cholera is good news for the ear lobe (or doctor', says an old saying pinna) when meaning that one man's poison is another man's meat. Both are halfG B Shaw he came to see the truths. The whole truth is not just infant Gavaskar on the day of his the add-up of t wo but something birth. When he visited him again, more than that signif ying they are he was shocked not to see the hole the same. in his lef t ear which he spot ted If only you can handle your earlier and panic but ton was pleasure with equanimity, you will pressed and everyhave absolutely no one started to search problem in handling the correct baby. your pain too. Later they realized Pleasure and pain the babies mix up are a continuum. had happened when Arnold Bennet t has the babies were very succinctly given bath and the summed it up: 'It is tiny Gavaskar was within the experience found sleeping of everyone that peacefully near a when pleasure and fisher woman. pain reach a certain One should learn intensity they are to take things in indistinguishable.'
• 20 •
ASIAN TRAVELLER
face to face
Travel Tours Eyes Adventure Tourism Segment Bengaluru-based Travel Tours Pvt Ltd has acquired the adventure company titled getoffurass.com with a view to tap the booming adventure segment in India. The company has also acquired photographyonthemove.com, a part of getoffurass.com, which promotes photography tours in India. Travel Tours Pvt. Ltd. will now look at introducing outbound packages in the Adventure Tourism segment, as well as look at adopting marketing strategies to promote the segment. Ashwin Narayanan, Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Travel Tours Group spoke to Asian Traveller about the acquisition and further plans. Excerpts: You have recently acquired GetOf f Ur Ass and Photography on the Move. Before any thing else tell us about the name of the company. GetOf f Ur Ass. Why such a name? Well, the name sends across a crystal clear message. Asks you to GetOf f, shirk of f your laziness and get out, explore! And that’s exactly what GetOf f Ur Ass is all about. It’s about bringing back the adventure in our lives, doing a trip dif ferent from the mundane, exploring and learning something new from your travel So you have no plans to change the name? Of course not! Tell us about the activities and packages you of fer through GetOf f Ur Ass and Photography on the Move.
GetOf f Ur Ass is all about adventure and experiential tours. Currently we have exciting options in Ladakh – two overland tours for nine days and 15 days each and one expedition “the Zanskar River Expedition”. GetOf f also has interesting options in Sri Lanka, the Andamans and trekking expeditions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. We also of fer a range of shorter trips in the Western Ghats. Photography on the Move (POTM) is a sub-brand under GetOf f and is clearly for those interested to learn photography and sharpen their photography skills. POTM makes the whole experience more interesting by conducting these workshops in a
backdrop of festivals and unusual destination. The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race in Alappuzha is the venue for our nex t POTM workshop. What prompted you to get into the space of adventure tourism? Travel Tours Group (TTG) has always endeavoured to give its customers a variety of products, services and experiences. We believe that adventure and experiential tours are an important and growing segments and GetOf f Ur Ass will help us reach out to these new segments and increase our customer base. Which segments in the market do you plan to target with this acquisition? While TTG has a product for
most customer segments in the market, we believe that GetOf f Ur Ass will cater to a much younger, carefree customer in the age group 22 – 40 years. GetOf f will be marketed through communities and on the internet. There will be a few print ads also, but we believe the GetOf f brand will have bet ter recall and visibility when it is promoted through community linked events and activities - where the typical GetOf f customer is actively involved. We will also be present on television. In fact we just completed our first campaign on Travel & Living channel. What other plans you have? Our plans clearly are to focus on the niche brands that we own and strengthen our product of ferings and customer reach and relationships for each.
Phuket to Host TAAI Travel Congress
T
he 59th edition of Annual Travel Congress, the annual meeting of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) will be held in Phuket, Thailand from September 17-19this year. Rajinder Rai, President, TAAI, feels “It’s perhaps the best time to hold the convention in Thailand as it will help in the revival of the tourism industry post the political turmoil. “Many agents in India have
AUGUST 2010
heard about Phuket as a destination but not visited the place and the convention will Rajinder Rai provide the President, TAAI right opportunity to the trade to explore the destination and promote it,” he said. “Phuket is an up market destination which is not tapped to
its fullest potential at the moment. With the convention to be held in Phuket this year, it will definitely help the trade members to explore the destination and benefit Thailand to revive the tourism industry af ter the political turmoil,” said Pinki Arora, Marketing Manager, Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi. The convention will be held in Laguna Phuket, which is a consortium of six hotel properties like
• 22 •
Banyan Tree Phuket, Sheraton Grande Laguna, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Beach Resort, Best Western Allamanda Laguna Phuket and Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort. This year, Thailand received 2, 77, 393 Indian visitor arrivals from January to May 2010 and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is looking at regaining travellers’ confidence through dif ferent B2B and B2C strategies.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
tamil nadu traveller
A Gastronomes’ Paradise Dr. S. BAKTHAVATCHALAM
T
amil Nadu is a land of varieties is a land of tastes too. Every region has its own special delicacies and sweets for its guests to savour. It provides a variety of food both for the vegetarians as well as the nonvegetarians. The word curry itself is said to have derived from the Tamil word ‘kari’ which means spice. The main ingredients of the dif ferent dishes are grains, lentils, rice and vegetables. Although dif ferent spices are added to give a distinctive taste, Garam masala is avoided by the Tamils. The favourite drink of Tamil Nadu is the filter cof fee which they prepare from the roasted and grinded cof fee bean. The main breakfast dishes commonly called tif fin are Idly, Dosai, Poori and Vadai, the oil fried Indian doughnut along with coconut chutney, sambar or Pongal. Idly and dosa are made from rice and lentils dough. Pongal is a dish made of unpolished steam rice and lentils spiced with cashew nuts, ghee, pepper and cummins. Their lunch consist of an array of
ASIAN TRAVELLER
vegetable dishes, sambar, chutneys, mooru and rasam. Rasam, a hot broth made with tamarind juice and pepper and yoghurt helps digestion.Dif ferent dishes of mut ton, chicken or fish is available for non vegetarians. Pappads
locally called Appalam is one of the unavoidable ingredients for their lunches. Vatha Kuzhambu and Payasam are some of the other favourites of the place. Apart from the traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine the most renowned speciality cuisine from the area is the Chet tinad cuisine which savoured by those in search of hot and spicy non-vegetarian food. Although there are some vegetarian
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dishes, the cuisine from the Chet tinad region comprising of Karaikudi and adjoining areas has several variations of fish, mut ton, and chicken dishes of which the Chet tinad Pepper Chicken is a traditional favourite. Vegetarian dishes like appam, uthappam, paal paniyaram evolved from this area. The Tamil style in Mughal food can be savoured in the biriyanis and paya. Paya is a dish of lamb or goat cooked in thick spicy gravy which is consumed with paratha or appam. Nanjilnadu in Kanyakumari district is famous for fish curries as it is available in plenty. Kongunadu region has specialities like Santhakai, Oput tu, kola urundai, Thengai Paal, Ulundu Kali, Ragi put tumavu, Arisi Puttumavu, Vazhaipoo Poriyal, Kambu Paniyaram, Ragi Pakoda, Thengai Parpi, Kadalai Urundai, Ellu Urundai, Pori Urundai.
AUGUST 2010
aviation
Air Passenger Demand Increases, Says IATA
TAAI Opposes Dual Taxation
A
he decision of the Central Government to levy additional 10 per cent service ta x by the Airlines from 1st July, 2010 has brought wide opposition from the travel agents. According to the new situation the passenger will have to pay 10 per cent more with a Capping of Rs. 100 on Domestic and Rs. 500 on International tickets in addition to the 10.33 per cent levied by the agent for the same journey making the tickets purchased from the agents to cost more. According to Rajinder Rai, President, TAAI a single levy of service ta x was promised by the Finance Minister at 10 per cent of fare with a ma ximum of Rs 500 for International and Rs 100 for Domestic, per travel. Travel agents are likely to meet the finance minister on the issue. India which is hosting the biggest ever Commonwealth Games will see a surge of 10 million passengers inbound and outbound during October – December, 2010. The Central Government notification will have an adverse ef fect on both Domestic and International travel, he said.
s per the latest statistics released by The International Air Transport Association (IATA), May 2010 has showed an 11.7 per cent increase in passenger traffic and a 34.3 per cent jump in freight demand compared to the same period in 2009. Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO, IATA said, “Demand rebounded strongly in May this year following the impact of the European volcanic ash fiasco in April this year. Passenger traffic is now one per cent above pre-recession levels, while the freight Giovanni Bisignani, market is six per cent DG and CEO bigger.” Asia-Pacific carriers recorded a 13.2 per cent increase in demand in May 2010 over the same month in 2009. Asia-Pacific carriers continue to drive
the recovery based on robust economic growth, primarily in China. European, North American, Latin American, Middle Eastern and African carriers have also reported a demand increase during the period. Strong traffic growth is contributing to a strengthening industry bottom line. Airlines are expected to post a USD 2.5 billion profit in 2010 in a dramatic turnaround from the USD 9.9 billion lost in 2009. At its recent Annual General Meeting, IATA announced Vision 2050. This is an initiative to build a common vision among industry stakeholders for a sustainable future for air transport. Announcing the vision, Bisignani pointed to four cornerstones of change: a new and sustainable energy source, a regulatory regime that allows airlines to operate as normal businesses, cost-efficient.
flydubai lands in India
D
ubai’s first low cost airline, flydubai marked another major milestone last night, landing at its first Indian destination. The airline’s touchdown in the booming city of Lucknow, in north east India, means the hundreds of thousands of tourists and Indian expatriates in the UAE have another option for safe, quality, af fordable travel to the Indian subcontinent. The new service, FZ433, operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Dubai at 2030hrs and arriving in Lucknow at 0150hrs local time the following day. The return flight, FZ434, operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Lucknow at 0235hrs and arriving in Dubai at 0520hrs local time. HE Mohamed Sultan Al Owais, Ambassador of the UAE, said: “It is important for both the UAE and
AUGUST 2010
India that we increase the number of safe, af fordable, quality air travel options that connect our countries. flydubai is an excellent airline, committed to the highest standards of safety, training and maintenance, with a brand new fleet of one of the industry’s safest and most reliable aircraf t. “I am confident flydubai will provide an excellent service to the people travelling between Dubai and Lucknow and we look forward to the airline being able to expand services to other Indian cities in the future.” flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, who was on board the inaugural flight, said: “Af ter much anticipation, we are thrilled to make our first entry into India with the start of flights to Lucknow. flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.
T
TAAI presents Travel Trade Expo & Travel Awards
I
Central Government highlighting the operational problems like Service ta x and airline commissions. B2B exhibition, MICE, Medical tourism and other infrastructure related activities will form the basis of the meet. TAAI will be presenting the Second Annual TAAI TRAVEL Awards to honour the oscars of the Travel & Tourism Industry on August 6 at Hotel Taj Lands End, Mumbai. According to Sunil Kumar, the chairman of Awards Commit tee, the TAAI Travel Awards will confer recognition to Airlines, Hotels, Tourism Boards, Technology Partners - our Annual Life Time Achiever Award etc. TAAI has the largest membership base of IATA Travel Agencies in the country. These twin events of TAAI not ony encourage a pan India participation but will be of immense benefit to the Travel & Tourism Industry.
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
TTE - an important B to B Exhibition in Travel & Tourism will be held in Mumbai on August 6 and 7 at World Trade Centre. Organized by the country’s largest travel association, the Travel Agents’ Association of India (TAAI), India Travel & Trade Expo will showcase all segments of this sector including outbound and inbound tourism. According to Iqbal Mulla, Chairman- ITTE 2010, the expo would be a golden opportunity to establish new customer contacts, create vital space for strategic partnerships and build a long term business relationships. The expo will hold a CEO’s conclave on the opening day, followed by sessions on inbound and outbound tourism. The sessions will discuss challenges faced by the industry and the inputs from these would be submitted as a white paper to the
marketing
Akshay Kumar to Promote Canada in India
B
ollywood star, Akshay Kumar is set to promote Canada as a tourist destination in India. The actor who has been named as Canada's tourism ambassador would leverage his celebrity status to promote the country as a premier four-
ASIAN TRAVELLER
season destination. Kumar has enjoyed a strong relationship with Canada since his first visit in 1995. He has had the prestige of carrying the Olympic Torch in Toronto as part of the torch relay and has also been the ambassador for the 2010 winter Olympics held in Vancouver. In addition to this, several of his films were also shot in the country. Kumar will act as the Canadian Tourism Commission's (CTC) Ambassa-
dor for India until summer 2012. The partnership will involve familiarization trips Akshay Kumar across Canada, which will be captured for local and Indian media in video and blog posts. "We're thrilled that Akshay Kumar has agreed to be the CTC's Ambassador for India," says Michele McKenzie, President and CEO of the CTC. "Having a superstar like Akshay on board to boost Canada's profile within his country will help turn the spotlight on the ex tra-ordinary experiences that visitors can enjoy here." The CTC entered the Indian market in 2009 as part of its
• 25 •
emerging markets strategy to inspire high-yield travellers to visit Canada. India is characterized by an aspirational lifestyle, fuelled by a growing middle class and sustained economic grow th. In 2009, Indian leisure travellers injected USD82 million into the Canadian economy.
Via, the India’s largest travel net work company has moved to new premises. The new address is: Via Mangolia, Block B, Level 4, Manyata Embassy Business Park, Outer Ring Road, Nagawara, Bangalore -560045
AUGUST 2010
hospitality
Pink City's Brand New Attraction
A
new hue is added to Rajasthan's hotel industry in the form of Aurum, a boutique hotel. Located in Jaipur, Aurum's design is its most noteworthy feature. The sleek interiors reflect a contemporary and sophisticated blend of style and ease as they combine international and ethnic touches with emphasis on sof t furnishings in warm colours, set against earthy wood tones. Done in shades of red and gold, the place has a majestic feel to it and its aim of ensuring customer satisfaction stands all the more pronounced. Aurum is equipped with all the modern amenities and special care is taken to give the guests complete privacy. The deluxe rooms of fer private balconies for complete rela xation and the inter-connecting rooms help people to have their own space even when they are in a family. Some of the other key features include multi channel television, comfortable beds with eight inch mattress, in-room digital safe, beauty salon for women and elegantly furnished rooms. The safety and security measures adopted are in strict adherence to the international standards. The personalized service coupled with gracious hospitality gives Aurum an edge over the others. The guests can choose from a wide range of dining options which include a cof fee shop, a roof top restaurant, in-room dining and a banquet hall. Another striking feature of the
hotel is its eco-friendliness. The power saving devices and energy saving devices that can be found in all the rooms convey the impor-
tance of energy conservation to the guests. The hotel also uses solar heaters and is actively involved in rain water harvesting. Aurum
promises to give the guests a feel of the Pink City through the excellent Rajasthani menu that is on of fer.
Boutique Hotel Aurum Opened in Jaipur
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urum, a new hotel has been inaugurated in Jaipur by Bina Kak, the Minister of Tourism for Rajasthan on June 7, 2010. The others present on the occasion were Piyush Pandey, Executive Chairman & Creative Director, South Asia - Ogilv y & Mather India Board, Tripti Pandey, Joint Director - Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, Rama Pandey, who has been associated with the media in India and abroad and many other distinguished guests. The managing
partners, Prerna Godara and Aparna Faujdar were also in
at tendance. "Aurum is a typical; home
Bina Kak, Minister of Tourism, Rajasthan cutting the ribbon for inauguration. Also seen are Managing Partners of Aurum Prerna Godara and Aparna Faujdar
away from home and here is a chance to experiment with the Rajasthani cuisine. The hotel has paid great at tention to the intricate details and the ambience reflects a warm and personal touch which would help it to do very well", said Bina Kak in her inaugural address. The hotel is equipped with all the modern amenities and various dining options are available to the customers. The website of Aurum was also launched on Bina Kak with Tripti Pandey, Joint Director - Department of Tourism, Rajasthan; Rama Pandey; Prerna Godara and Aparna Faujdar at the inauguration the same day.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
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AUGUST 2010
kerala traveller
Kerala Gears up for Kerala Travel Mart
T
he six th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM 2010) will be held from 23 to 26 September 2010 at Kochi. This time it will be held at Bolgat ty Palace, the heritage hotel of KTDC situated on Bolgat ty Island in Kochi. The inaugural ceremony is scheduled for the evening of September 23 along with a grand gala as ever. The venue will be
AUGUST 2010
inaugurated the nex t morning following business hours for the nex t three days. The valedictory function will be held on third-day evening. The new venue at the Bolgat ty Island will make the event more attractive with more participants coming in to showcase their products to the quality buyers coming in from dif ferent parts of the India as well as from abroad with potential
outbound travellers. The floor plan for the stall positions of the sellers has already been released. The stalls were allotted af ter drawing lots. There will be 240 air conditioned modules besides 110 airconditioned table spaces and 16 Houseboat Parking Bays. The organizers and the industry are gearing up to make the event more colourful compared to the previous edition as KTM is the only tourism event in the sub-continent that brings together the business
• 28 •
fraternity and entrepreneurs behind the tourism products and services of Kerala. It has grown rapidly over the years in popularity to see itself as the largest gathering designed, planned and scheduled to facilitate meetings involving buyers, sellers, media, government agencies and others. The KTM has become a mechanism for an ef fective and continuous public-private partnership to facilitate the promotion of tourism in the State of Kerala.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
indian panorama
Gujarat All Set to Explore Tourism Potential Gujarat is all set to focus exclusively on tourism opportunities in the state by setting up tourism institutes for identif ying Special Tourism Investment Regions (STIR) and has allocated Rs 45-50 crore to promote tourism and to popularise
Gujarat as a tourist destination. The key focus of Gujarat Tourism Conclave 2010 held on June 24, organised by the Gujarat Tourism in partnership with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), was for capitalizing on tourism oppor tunities, air connectivity, and health, to lay down a tourism roadmap for the state wellness tourism also. A study report on ‘Furthering the
grow th of Gujarat Tourism’ released at the Conclave gave special emphasis on health and wellness tourism. The study revealed that Gujarat witnessed 3,00,000 international arrivals last year, of which 1,70,000 were Non-Resident Indians. Only 1,25,000 international travellers visited the state for leisure as compared to 10,70,000 leisure travellers in neighboring Rajasthan. While addressing the gathering Jaynarayan Vyas, Minister for Tourism, pointed out that the three main focus points of the state would be business tourism, leisure tourism and medical tourism.
Gujarat Tourism Secretary Vipul Mit tra said, “Gujarat is working towards declaring tourism as an industry. We have identified Special Tourism Investment Regions, which are the areas where people like to go but do not have proper places to stay. A policy is expected to be out in this regard soon. Besides, the state government plans to organise road shows across the country, meet members of trade in various cities. We will also set up large number of institutes in the nex t two years that help cater to the required manpower in the tourism industry.”
Devas Chundan Set for the Race Ahead
TN, Maharashtra Favourites Among Foreign Visitors amil Nadu has emerged on top pushing behind New Delhi, and Maharashtra continues to retain the second slot as a favourite destination for foreigners mainly because of Mumbai. Though there was a decline of 2.8 per cent of foreign tourists visits (FTVs) due to the natural fallout of swine flu and recession, the domestic tourism registered a 15.5 per cent grow th during 2009. The top 10 states in terms of number of FTVs during 2009 were: Tamil Nadu (20.3 lakh), Maharashtra (20 lakh), Delhi (19.6 lakh), Ut tar Pradesh (15.3 lakh), West Bengal (11.8 lakh), Rajasthan (10.7 lakh), Andhra Pradesh (80,000), Kerala (55,000), Bihar (42,000) and Himachal Pradesh (40,000) and the contribution in terms of percentage of these states was about 90 per cent to the total number of FTVs in the country last year. The percentage shares of the top five states was Tamil Nadu (17.3 per cent), Maharashtra (14.6 per cent), Delhi (14.3 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (11.25) and West Bengal (8.6 per cent). “While the FTVs dipped, the
eminiscing the culture and festival of the region and symbolising the pride and legacy of the people of Kerala, another sleek and immaculately poised ‘Devas Chundan’ was released in the waters of Thrikunapuzha recently. The t wenty fourth Chundan or snake boat was inaugurated by K.C. Venugopal MP, which will be
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chundan was built in a record time of 295 days and the work is also dif ferent as it is done by joining three woods. It is 40.45 meters long and will have strength of 95 rowers, five Amarakar at its back to control the boat and 9 Nelakar at the forefront to maintain its speed,” said V.C.Zacharia. The ‘Thekkanorean’ snake boat called the Devas Orient which won
participating in the upcoming boat races in August and September coinciding with the Onam Festivities. Babu Prasad MLA, K.K. Shaju MLA, V.C.Zacharia, MD, Lakes & Lagoons, Harisree Ashokan, renowned movie artist were also present on the occasion along with other dignitaries. The boat owned by T. S. Kaladharan was made by Consolidated Shipping Service Group (CSS) a leading Dubai based company. “Devas Chundan, the 24th
the first prize last year in the Nehru Trophy boat race was made af ter 90 years and was flagged of f the previous year in the name of Flavours by the same company, he added. The traditional construction of the boat was carried out by Umamaheswaran and his son Rajesh who trails the legacy of Koimuthynarayan Ashari. Now with the second Chundan, the creators of the boats, the parti-cipants and the people of the region are all looking forward for the unique experience of the race.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
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domestic tourism industry grew bringing out the importance of domestic tourism in the overall tourism development in the country,” a tourism ministry of ficial said. About 65 crore domestic travellers visited the states and union territories last year compared to 56.3crore in 2008 and 52.7crore in 2007. For the year 2009, Tamil Nadu is ranked as the number one destination for foreign tourists, while Andhra Pradesh retains the top position in Domestic Category. Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, a town in Kancheepuram district was a port city of the Pallava dynasty in the seventh century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main at traction in Andhra Pradesh is the Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati which at tracts the ma ximum number of pilgrims from India. Even Charminar and Golconda Fort in Hyderabad are very popular. The top 10 states at tracting foreign tourists in 2009 were Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi, Ut tar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh.
AUGUST 2010
kerala traveller
Wayanad Monsoon Carnival Enthrals Visitors
57 Projects to be Developed in Kerala
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he second edition of ‘Splash’, the Monsoon Festival held recently in Wayanad. The three day event organised at Chandragiri Auditorium in Kalpet ta from July 9 to 11 brought forth the true spirit of
monsoon to enhance tourist arrivals in this district. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism, Kerala inaugurated the monsoon fest in the presence of of ficials from the District Tourism Promotion Council and Panchayats. The valedictory function was inaugurated by M.I. Shanawas, MP. About 150 tour operators from dif ferent parts of India attended the fest. Splash was a blend of outdoor-indoor ex travaganza with its traits of leisure, heritage and an experience of the rain forest, undulating hills, rivers and streams and wildlife for the discerning travelers. The participants indulged in many outdoor activities such as mud football, biking, raf ting in Kuruva, paddy transplantation, crab catching, river crossing, hiking, trekking etc. and enjoyed Kathakali, Nadan pattu, Theyyam, local art forms. According to Jose Kainadi, President WTO and MD, Vythiri Resorts, there was a good response from the locals. These travel agents, tour operators and travel writers have visited this year would spread the message and more arrivals can be expected. Contd. from page 14
What is the secret of your success? The policy of honesty, integrity, respect and trust has been my personal mot to and as well now ex tended as our company philosophy. Coupled with accountability, ownership and keeping an eye on driving customer satisfaction - all contribute towards our success. What is your proudest moment
AUGUST 2010
Ashraf C.C, Vice President, WTO and MD, Seagot Banasura calls the event a ‘Monsoon carnival’ with an aim to promote the monsoon in Wayanad. “The outdoor and indoor activities in this natural set tings with a spell of rain would be a great experience for many who have hardly seen the rain, particularly the Arabians and those from the Gulf countries,” he added. “This year, the focus is on marketing and business and with that aim, tour operators and travel agents were brought in for the monsoon fest. By nex t year, international travel operators are expected and with that people in Wayanad will benefit more from the trade, said Vancheeswaran, Secretary WTO. K Ravindran, Pranavam Home Stays and coordinator of the event said, “Once adventure tourism gets established, we hope a multi-fold increase in the business”. Roby Paul Kurien, Director Muddy Boots said, Wayanad has a potent combination of exceptional rain forests, sanctuaries with rare birds like the ones in Arabia, orchids, wildlife, rivers and hills and it is a unique place for family visits.
(till date) of your career? The fact that we could set up Outbound Marketing and work with wonderful hotel groups, national tourism of fices, destination management companies etc are all my "proud moments". Whenever we get our clients telling us that they have heard about our good work from market sources, we feel proud. I don't think I have just one proudest moment - my work, my
he Tourism Department of Kerala is coming up with 57 new tourism projects in the state, all of which are expected to start in a month. The total project inlay is around 46 crore Rupees and is specifically envisaged to not just give a boost to the tourism prospects in Kerala but also to cater to the budget travelers from within and outside the country. The projects in this plan include the development of a tourism centre at Kallar and Nallathanni in Idukki district, each at a cost of Rs.1 crore. The proposed tourism park at Ramackalmedu will focus on non-conventional energy while a transit yard near Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district will ease the travel woes of pilgrims to the hill shrine. The tourism projects on the anvil which lay special emphasis on culture and heritage include the Muziris Heritage Project which involves setting up of museums, resource mapping and excavations at Kottappuram, Pallippuram forts and in Cheramanparambu, which are of archeological importance. The bio-park developed at Pathiramanal in Alappuzha district is another project and a bridge will be constructed on the Kayippuram-Pathiramanal Jet ty road to make it easily accessible. A music hall will be constructed in Chembai village in Palakkad district. Other projects include a hanging bridge across Beyam Kayal in Malappuram district and city squares in Thrissur and at Sultan Bathery in Wayanad. Putharikandam Maidan in Thiruvananthapuram and the Durbar Hall grounds in Ernakulam will be modernized. A cultural centre, walkways and a lake view plat form will also be built at Kumarakom. The small, unexplored and reclusive beaches in Northern Kerala like Kasaragod, Kot tumburam in Malappuram district and Payyambalam, Keezhunna and Gosaikunnu in Vadakara district will be developed.
team and my clients are all my proud moments. Tell us about your family. I live in New Delhi with my husband, mother in law and two children. My husband earlier worked in the medicine manufac-
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turing sector but now he is a travel professional. My parents live in Chennai. I also have my brother and a sister living in Chennai. My eldest sister lives in Philippines with her family. What are your hobbies? I like to spend time at home with my family. Other interests are working out, listening to music, attending dance and music concerts and reading books (which I do when I travel).
ASIAN TRAVELLER
kerala traveller
variety
Somatheeram Spa at The Beach Orchid Hotel
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rchid Somatheeram Ayurvedic Centre, India's first Ayurvedic spa has opened its branch at The Beach Orchid Hotel, Kollam, Kerala. The spa has eight sea facing treatment rooms and they provide different treatments for body and beauty care. A team of eminent doctors provide ayurvedic solutions using herbal ingredients to cure the ailments caused due to the present day lifestyle
of the people. The calm ambience of the place is aimed at giving the guests a complete holistic experience. The treatment plan is customized to individual regime and is directed towards fortifying the immunity system thus increasing the chances of leading a healthy life. The treatments are done for a period ranging from 14-28 days and the costs vary between Rs.42000-86000.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What is the CE mark on a product label for? Where was the game of Chinese checkers invented? Why March 14 is called Pi Day? What is oribana? Which company’s byline is ‘Broadcast Yourself’? 6. What does Texas tea mean as slang? 7. What is called ‘Father’s Beard’ in France?
8.
What does ninja mean? 9. What does the brand name Hitachi mean? 10. The Italian port city Livorno has given birth to a chicken breed. What is that? KTDC Chairman Cherian Philip formally inaugurates the Spa. Also seen are Polly Mathew, CMD Somatheeram Health Group; Sreekumar, MD Beach Orchid; Param Kannampalli, Chairman, Concept Hospitality and Dr. Thomas Varghese, Senior Manager, Somatheeram Health Group
New Advertising Panel to Boost Kerala
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reative campaigns for the tourism Super Brand Kerala will be carried forward by a new panel of advertising agencies including Mudra, Stark Communications, Crayons Advertising and M-Consultant along with a couple of local agencies - Hues, Ad India, Modern Graphics, Valappila Communications and Canvas Communications. The Kerala Tourism account is won at Rs. 20 crore af ter three rounds of multiagency national pitching involving 25 companies. The agencies will handle all the 360 degree marketing and advertising needs through dif ferent media like TV, radio, print and out of home (OOH) and 'below the line' (BTL) activities. Stark Communications will be in charge of branding and advertising
ASIAN TRAVELLER
for national and international market, B2B activities, Trade Fairs, website design compatible with overall branding and PR in India; while Mudra Advertising will handle campaigns with in Kerala. MConsultant, Mumbai will take care of new media and international PR. Other agencies in the panel are Crayons Advertising (domestic B2B); Hues Advertising and Marketing (domestic trade fairs); Modern Graphics and Canvas Communications (for printing works including reproduction of publicity material, printing of invites, badges, passes); Valappila Communications and Ad India Advertisers (for providing logistics support to marketing campaigns within Kerala including stage set up, backdrops, ambience creation, hoardings, banners etc).
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Livorno
Compiled by JEEKAY
Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC35 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month. Answers to TYKC 34 1. Orrey 2. This is the most expensive journal in the world at USD 6500 per issue 3. All three are countries within countries. i.e. surrounded by one other country. 4. Virgin Atlantic Airways 5. The Great Fire of London (1666) is said to have originated here. 6. Dystopia 7. New Zealand 8. That was Nelson Mandela’s prison number in Robben Island 9. +Teamgeist was the of ficial football for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany 10. Against Wales in quarter finals of the 1958 World Cup
TYKC 34 - WINNER
RAGHU C. KULK ARNI Malleshwaram, Bangalore
One all-correct entry will get Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi
[ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]*
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AUGUST 2010
album IITM Bangalore Photo Album
kerala traveller
Onam and the Week Long Ex travaganza
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nam, is a festival that brightens up the whole atmosphere of Kerala. The past comes alive and the exuberance of the place is infectious. All the cultures blend so well during this harvest season that there is per fect harmony in the state. So it comes as no surprise that the Kerala government celebrates that week as the tourism week. A lot of activities are organized during this period to introduce the tourists to the culture of the state. Performances by Kathakali artists, the snake boat race and the staging of kalaripayuttu, a traditional martial art form are the major attractants of the festival. The hotel industry gears up for the carnival by having elaborate onasadhya, the traditional meal on their plat ter.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Thrissur and Alappuzha are the main focus points of the week long celebration. All the shops starting from the tex tiles to the ones selling electronic gadgets of fer huge discounts on their products, thus giving an opportunity to their customers to make the most of this season. Onam, the festival of flowers and joy is important not just culturally but also economically. The tourism industry contributes 7. 70 per ecnt to the state's GDP and this is one season where the tourism traf fic is at its highest. Over the years, Onam has become a major part of the state's identity. It has also come to symbolize hope in ways more than one.
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‘Discover Kerala’ Packages for NRK’s
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hree special holiday packages, ‘Dis cover Kerala’, ‘Dakshinayanam’ and ‘Utharayanam’ targeting Non-Resident Keralites (NRK) have been launched by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The prime package ‘‘Discover Kerala’, covers all important tourism at tractions of Kerala whereas ‘Dakshinayanam’ covers the southern region and ‘Utharayanam’ covers northern Kerala. These packages are designed to suit the needs of the NRKs who are on a brief holiday to their home state and ensure that they get to see all the important tourist destinations in Kerala. The visitors could stay in KTDC-run hotels and visit wildlife sanctuaries, places of worship and other spots of interest.The package would also be linked with ayurvedic spa and house-boat cruises.
AUGUST 2010
variety
AUGUST 2010 Teej Festival, Jaipur, India
12 - 13
Punnamada Boat Race, Kerala, India
14
TTF, Ahmedabad
20 - 22
TTF, Surat
27 - 29
CIBTM, Beijing, China
31 - Sept 02
Pran Dasan is the new Head of Global Sales for GMG Airlines Limited, the Dhaka based international airline company.
Dr. Nalaka Godahewa has been appointed Chairman of SLTDA, SLTPB and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotels Management.
Ashvin Kumar has joined The Leela Kempinski Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram as Executive Assistant Manager (Rooms).
Rohit Nair has been appointed Associate Director, Sales Outbound (Bangalore) of Zuri Group Global at Bangalore.
R. Gowri Shankar has joined Deccan Plaza Hotels as General Manager in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Bino George has been appointed District Sales Manager (Thiruvananthapuram) of Oman Air.
WelcomHeritage has appointed Neha Vij as Manager – PR & Communications for properties pan India.
Prabith Premraj has joined MIR Hotels & Resorts as General Manager for Park Central, Kochi, Kerala.
Anuj Kumar Singhal has joined Korea Tourism Organisation as Marketing Officer in New Delhi.
Sarah Ann Mathew has been appointed Manager, Kerala Travel Mart Society, Kochi.
Sobha Joshi has joined Media Steps India, the publishers of Asian Traveller as Director North East.
Shree K. has joined Media Steps India, the publishers of Asian Traveller as Coimbatore Bureau Chief.
V Narayanan has joined Media Steps India, the publishers of Asian Traveller as Regional Head-New Delhi.
Mini Panikar has joined Media Steps India, the publishers of Asian Traveller as Branch Manager, Ahmedabad.
Sunila Susan Mathews has joined Media Steps India, the publishers of Asian Traveller as Executive Assistant to CMD.
SEPTEMBER 2010 IITM, Mumbai
03 - 05
PATA Travel Mart, Macau
14 - 17
KTM, Kochi, India
23 - 26
World Tourism Day
27
OCTOBER 2010 IT&CMA and CTW, Bangkok
05 - 07
World Travel Market,ExCeL,London
08 - 11
Dussehra, Mysore, India
17
ITB ASIA, Singapore
20 - 22
Aviation Outlook Asia, Singapore
26 - 28
AUGUST 2010
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ASIAN TRAVELLER