Asian Traveller December 2010 by Asian Traveller

in this issue VOL.4

NO. 3

DECEMBER 2010

Dynamic Asia heads for new record in 2010

The 2011 outlook for Asian outbound travel is very positive, in particular, India appears set for strong growth since 43 per cent of Indians are planning more outbound travel next year, according to the newly-published ITB World Travel Trends Report from Messe Berlin.

P 16

P 21

P 22

Tourism should be made an integral part of national agenda

In view of the huge socio-economic growth potential of the tourism industry, tourism should be made an integral part of the national agenda, said Kumari Selja, Minister for Tourism, Government of India.

21 Aviation industry to record net profit The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revised its industry outlook for 2010 to a net profit of USD 15.1 billion (up from the USD 8.9 billion forecast in September 2010).

Kerala Tourism Awards presented

The Annual Kerala Tourism awards for their exceptional endeavor and achievement in the field of tourism was given by Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister of Tourism to individuals and groups who are actively involved in the hospitality service sectors of Kerala to sustain a futuristic and vibrant tourism culture in the state and to promote the growth of tourism in Kerala.

10 Via introduces low cost hotel and holiday services

P 26

16 Tourist inflow to Northeast rises

Woman of the Month

Ten Questions

16 Gujarat signs MoU with three states to promote tourism

24 Karnataka promotes tourism in European markets

33 Grand Kerala Shopping Festival begins

18 4

As I Travel

Album

MANJULA

MATHEW THOMAS

P 12

P 14

Cover: Viktualien market, Munich in winter. Photo: C. Reiter/Munich Tourist Of fice

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

EDITOR’S NOTE

he last month of a calendar year provides one with the opportunity to introspect about and take stock of the past eleven months and make plans for the coming days. As far as the tourism industry is concerned 2010 was a year in which ‘hope’ slowly got translated into ‘reality’. World tourism has returned to the ‘pre-recession days’ levels. According to many a survey, report and research paper got published in recent times the darker days are over for the tourism sector – especially for the Asia-Pacific sector. Outbound travel in the region is increasing at double-digit rates and the prospects for further growth in 2011 are looking good, according to ITB World Travel Trends Report from Messe Berlin. According to the report Asia Pacific is demonstrating this year that it is one of the engines driving world tourism forwards. Tourism sector has also reiterated its role as a tool for sustainable development and poverty eradication. As a result the recent days have seen some large increase in the ‘tourism budgets’ of emerging economies and tourism is becoming part of the national agenda in many of these countries. The recently concluded United Nations General Assembly in Madrid, Spain has adopted by consensus three separate resolutions emphasizing the role on tourism in sustainable development. The three resolutions: on the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, on the promotion of ecotourism and on the importance of sustainable tourism for Small Island Developing States stress the significance of the sector to the development agenda in terms of sustainability, employment and poverty elimination and welcomed the efforts and work of UNWTO in promoting sustainable tourism for poverty eradication. In short, despite the set backs it has suffered tourism industry has bounced back and can look forward to a bright and prosperous 2011. We, at Asian Traveller wish the tourism sector in general and our readers, clients, patrons and well-wishers in particular, merry Christmas and a very happy new year! G. BIJU KRISHNAN Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com +91 9447555222 ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

Editor & Publisher Group Editor Chief Executive Of ficer Executive Editor Photo Editor Art Editor Senior Sub Editor Bureau Chief (Coimbatore) Editorial Team

: : : : : : : : :

Director (Marketing) Financial Advisor Legal Advisor Regional Head-North GM -Tamil Nadu Senior Manager -Marketing

: : : : : :

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. Vinu V. Nair Jayachandran S. Adv. G.S. Prakash V. Narayanan P. Deenadayalu Shaini B. J.

UK: Abdul Najeeb UAE: Sanjeev S. L. Kuwait: Mariam Titus New Delhi: V. Narayanan Mumbai: Mahesh Nair Bengaluru: Sandeep Viswanath Kolkata: Sobha Joshi Chennai: Nisha J. Coimbatore: Shree K. Hyderabad: K.S. Johnson Ahmedabad: Mini Panikar Indore: Manohar Bhati Madurai: P. Deenadayalu Ernakulam: M. P. Sreekumar Thiruvananthapuram: Shaini B. J.

Tel: 0044-7769940391 Tel: 00971 508914709 Tel: 00965 6638670 Tel: +91 9810116780 Tel: +91 22 32499989 Tel: +91 9845179243 Tel: +91 9477406768 Tel: +91 9841008588 Tel: +91 9677769919 Tel: +91 9441236010 Tel: +91 9998547599 Tel: +91 9893559563 Tel: +91 9843129535 Tel: +91 9447118694 Tel: +91 9745444144

Administration Jaya Rajeshwari, Soniya S., Sunil Kumar R. All Communications to: Media Steps India, TC-27/1741, PERA-66, Vanchiyoor PO, Thiruvananthapuram–695 035, Kerala State, South India. Tel: +91-471-6540888, 2574411, 09447 555 222 info@mediastepsindia.com, w ww.mediastepsindia.com New Delhi Media Steps India, C-4/9 Sahyadri Apartments, Plot No. 5, Sector-12, Dwaraka, New Delhi-110 075. Tel.: +91 9810116780 Mumbai 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 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, Fax: +91 40 27535260 Chennai Media Steps India, 6/4, Sangeetha Gardens, 19th Street Ex t, Jai Nagar, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106. Tel: +91 44 42640531 Coimbatore Media Steps India, 164/122, Justice Sathyadev Enclave, Race Course, Coimbatore-641018 Tel: +91 422 2234120 Ahmedabad Media Steps India, no. 15/177, Netaji Nagar, Meghani Nagar Last Opp. Bus Stand, Ahmedabad-380 016. Tel.: +91 9998547599 Regd. Of fice: Media Steps India, TC-27/1915, MBRRA 70, Mathrubhoomi Rd., Thiruvananthapuram–695 001, Kerala State, South India. 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 reserved. Copyright © 2009 *Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

OVERVIEW

Dynamic Asia heads for new record in 2010 India, China to become huge outbound markets

he 2011 outlook for Asian outbound travel is very positive, in particular, India appears set for strong growth since 43 per cent of Indians are planning more outbound travel next year, according to the newlypublished ITB World Travel Trends Report from Messe Berlin. The booming out-

Singapore and India are also growing at double-digit rates. Asia Pacific is powering ahead as one of the most dynamic regions for world tourism in 2010. Outbound travel is increasing at doubledigit rates and will end this year well ahead of 2008 levels, thus setting a new record, according to the Report. The prospects for further growth in 2011 are looking good. “These figures confirm the optimism that people were already demonstrating at this year’s ITB Asia in October,” commented Nino Gruettke, Executive Director ITB Asia. “Prospects are looking good for 2011.” Messe Berlin, which has successfully organised the ITB Berlin for 45 years, launched ITB Asia in 2008 in Singapore through its subsidiary Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd to create a leading bound Asian markets this trade show for all sectors of year are China, South Korea the Asia Pacific travel indusand Malaysia, which are all try. increasing at more than 20 per Asia Pacific is demonstratcent, while Taiwan, Japan, ing this year that it is one of

the engines driving world tourism forwards. In 2009 there was a nine per cent drop in outbound trips by Asians due to the impact from the worldwide economic downturn. But the region is more than bouncing back in 2010, the ITB World Travel Trends Report found. Asian outbound travel showed strong growth of 15 per cent over the first eight months and is expected to end the year showing a 14 per cent rise on 2009. This result will set a new all-time high since volumes are expected to be four per cent ahead of the previous record year of 2008. In comparison to the strong Asian growth, total world outbound travel is recovering well but more moderately this year and is expected to grow seven per cent after a four per cent decline in 2009. This means that Asia Pacific will increase

its share of the overall world outbound travel market this year. At present Asia accounts for 18 per cent of world outbound tourism, compared to 59 per cent for Europe. Looking further ahead, both China and India have the potential to develop into attractive outbound markets in the years to come. By 2020, however, the number of Chinese outbound travellers could double and the number of Indians travelling abroad could grow five-fold. This would raise both countries within a decade to the top six outbound markets worldwide.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

WTTC

Tourism should be made an integral part of national agenda

n view of the huge socioeconomic growth potential of the tourism industry, tourism should be made an integral part of the national agenda, said Kumari Selja, Minister for Tourism, Government of India. She was speaking at a seminar on ‘Economic Imperative of Tourism’ organised recently by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) – India Initiative in New Delhi. She said, tourism, if remains an urban activity in India, will not benefit the common man. Speaking at a

conference organized by World Travel & Tourism Council, India here today she said, Considering the fact that the majority in India lives in villages, her ministry is focusing on rural tourism. She said, she has Kumari Selja Minister for Tourism asked her India ministry to carry out an audit of rural tourism projects in the country so that this important initiative is not lost. Rural

Promote domestic tourism for sustainable growth

o make tourism sustainable, more atten tion needs to be paid to the domestic tourism sector, opined Marcio Favilla L de Paula, Executive Director, UNWTO. He was delivering the keynote address at World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) India Initiative conference on ‘Economic Imperative of Tourism’ held recently in Delhi. He said that experience and statistics suggest that domestic tourism generated more revenue than inbound tourism revenues across all markets and destinations. In India, while 82 per cent of the total tourism revenue is generated by domestic tourists, hardly 18 per cent comes from inbound tourism. “Potential of domestic tourism requires to be recognised by both the government and private stakeholders of the indus-

try,” said Favilla. Talking on the growth of the tourism sector in Asia Pacific region, he said that the region had seen unprecedented growth in the last 20 years and the growth had been remarkable compared to other regions including the US, Europe and Africa. Per capita spending by a foreign tourist in India is the highest compared to other destinations in the region. While average per capita spending by a foreign tourist is USD 970 in the Asia Pacific region, it is USD 2,160 in India. The emerging economies like India would be the beneficiaries of global travel in the coming years. Looking at the tourism rebound across various regions, Favilla said that UNWTO has revised the growth forecast from the earlier three-four per cent to five-six per cent for 2010.

tourism, the minister said, while providing a varied and vivid experience can also expose the visitors to different ways to live life. Selja elaborated on the steps taken by the Union Tourism Ministry to streamline the process of realizing the vast untapped potential in the tourism sector in the country. The Ministry would also try to set up a meeting of the tourism industry captains with the Prime Minister soon to help push various demands of the industry at the highest level, she informed the gathering. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme introduced in January 1, 2010 for five countriesFinland, Japan, Luxembourg,

Vivek Nair appointed Chairperson of WTTCII

he World Travel and Tourism Council, India Initiative

(WTTCII) has appointed Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Hotel Leela venture Ltd as the Chairperson of the Council for the year 2011. Nair takes over from Arjun Sharma, Managing Director, Le Passage to India. Vivek Nair has said that WTTC, India Initiative’s mandate to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and

and the industry partners and I

industry stakeholders to achieve

commit to work closely with you

the objective of increasing India’s

for the benefit and development of

foreign tourist arrivals.

this sector in India and for the

“We look forward to the support of the Ministry of Tourism

New Zealand and Singapore has been successful and the facility will be extended to five more countries - Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines and Vietnam from next year. ‘The Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism’ mooted by MoT had received support from all the private stakeholders. David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC; Jean-Claude Baumgarten, Vice-Chairman, WTTC; Marcio Favilla L de Paula, Executive Director, UNWTO; Sheila YP Leong, Deputy Chief Executive & Head – Office of Marketing Services, PATA; Arjun Sharma, Chairperson, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) – India Initiative; Dr Kaushik Basu, Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance and RH Khwaja, Secretary – Tourism, Government of India were also present on the occasion.

future endeavours of WTTC, India Initiative,” he said.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

MARKETING

Via introduces low cost hotel and holiday services

ndia’s largest travel network company ‘Via’, is offering Indian consumer a never-before travelling experience through the lowest fares on hotels and holidays enabling consumers to save 40 to 50 per cent on the price of their hotel and holidays by booking through via.com, a Via travel agent or by calling 39 41 41 41. It’s made possible by giving them prices directly from the hotel and holiday providers, with no mark-ups. Customers can now avail attractive hotel prices in one of 3 ways. Mystery Hotel Program: Top quality hotels that are available at rockbottom prices. Bid Based: The customer, for the first time in India, has the freedom to bid for the price of their favorite hotel stay. Hotel based: The

lowest prices, the consumer also gets membership points on each transaction and these points can be utilized like cash, either on travel transactions or on eating out, entertainment, healthcare and a host of other services. Launched on July 28th, 2006 as flightraja.com and incorporated in May 2007, Via has silently revolutionized the Indian travel industry with 50,000+ registered Travel Agents across 1700 cities, making it India’s largest travel network. In just 4 years the in, walk-in or call companies’ grossed revenue is us for ANY travel related services and close to 500 million USD with employee strength of more we give them the than 450 bright, dedicated and travel of their honest people working in the Vinay Gupta (Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Via) and choice at best Sujit Naha (Chief Financial Officer, Via) at the launch prices, directly from Bangalore headquarters, as well as local sales executives suppliers.” need of the consumers who in all major cities. In addition of giving the have not had the assurance of customer selects the hotel of his choice and pays the best rate that the hotel has offered directly, avoiding any hidden cost. Via’s another key innovation is announcing the launch of Via Rooms, a hotel card that will be sold over the counter at retail outlets. This product addresses a long felt

Korea Tourism to set up office in Mumbai

orea Tourism Organisation

for at least 12 travel agents in

(KTO), a statutory body of

Mumbai. High on our agenda is to

good quality hotels at reasonable rates. This is for the first time room nights will be sold like an FMCG product. Vinay Gupta, Co Founder and CEO while commenting on the launch of the service said, “Our vision is to be the Walmart of travel, where the customers can log

Philippines organises first India sales mission

Tourism Promotions, DoT, Philippines said, “We will organise familiarisation trips for the Indian travel trade; attend travel and tourism fairs and increase awareness about Philippines as a tourist

brought in a delegation of travel trade operators from Philippines for a sales mission in New Delhi and Mumbai. This was the first sales mission organised by the tourism board in India. Benito C Bengzon, Assistant Secretary, International

destination through public relation and advertisement.” Philippines has witnessed 10 per cent rise in arrivals from India every year. Direct flights from New Delhi to Manila by Philippines Airlines is expected to begin in 2011.

KTO said “We are looking forward

hilippines Department of Tourism has Mumbai in June 2011.” Currently, announced a number of KTO has two consulate offices promotional activities lined operating in Delhi and Mumbai, up for the Indian market. As and the Organisation also plans to part of it Philippines tourism set up offices in Chennai and department has

to organise a training programme

Kolkata.

South Korea commissioned to promote the country’s tourism industry, has announced plans to set up a representative office in Mumbai. Tae Shik Kim, Director,

setup a representative office in

Russian National Tourist Office to enter India

ussian National Tourist Office

official mandate to increase

(RNTO) has tied-up with New

tourism to Russia was signed

Delhi based Salvia Travels Pvt Ltd

recently in New Delhi by

(STPL) to market and promote

Alexander Kadakin, Ambassador

Russia in India. STPL has been

of Russia to India. As part of its

promoting Russia in its individual

initiative to boost traffic from

capacity for the past 13 years,

India, STPL has launched a visa

and an agreement giving them the

facilitation centre in Mumbai.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

Q&A It was quite by chance Manjula joined the hospitality business. But two decades down the line she is a veteran in the field and enjoys every moment of her professional life. How did you become interested in Hospitality business? Please tell us about the beginning of your career. I had always aspired to become an airhostess after my graduation in Journalism – Literature and Psychology. I started my career with Hinduja Group, Sindhi Hospital and worked with them for three years as PRO. During that period, I also completed my Masters in Psychology and PG in Public Relations. In 1987, I joined Travel Air as a Sales Promotion Officer. Ever since then, the journey has been very interesting and each day is a learning experience. What are your responsibilities and duties as the VP of the company? As a Vice President, I oversee all the sales and M.S. Manjula business Vice President development (Sales & Business Development) activities of all the Travel Tours Group Bangalore Branches. I lead the Sales Team which is very aggressive and the challenge of driving the business development keeps me on my toes. I travel extensively and I like meeting and interacting with people from different walks of life and Travel Air has definitely given me a wonderful platform to do so. Over the years, I have grown along with the Company and it makes me feel very proud to be a part of Travel Air Family. What plans – immediate and long term – do you (the company) have?

For over 33 years, Travel Air has been consistently offering its customers, reliable and economical travel solutions with a large network. Travel Air, which is part of Travel Tours Group is one of the largest travel and tourism organisation in India. We strongly believe in building client relationship that lasts long. Service is our motto. It is our objective to gradually increase the footprint of our company image across the world. As a hospitality industry professional what is your ambition? Where would you like to see yourself ten years from now? It was our founder’s vision and goal to make the Travel Air name synonymous with consistent service and best value. Today, our activities span the entire gamut of travel related services. Hardwork, commitment, dedication has made me a very strong person and why only 10 years from now, but, I would like to see my company grow bigger and larger in decades to come. Our ultimate goal is to always be in the premier position. Who or what has been the greatest influence in your professional life? Our dear founder R.A. Nagaraja Gupta – an icon of travel industry and the travel air family has been the greatest influence in my professional life. He is our guiding light. As woman, what were the challenges you had to face in your professional life? What is your advice to young girls who enter the sector? Throughout my career, I have overcome challenges and

solved many problems with a smile and I have come a long way with the positive attitude. It is very important for young girls today to choose the right kind of job and to grow with the organisation. Young girls should not only work for monitory benefits but to be respected by the society, family and self. I also believe that, we, women have to work hard to establish both at home front and professional front. The society responds positively to and identifies the women who do well and become a role model to others. What is the secret of your success? Sincerity, commitment, dedication, tolerance, positive attitude and the support of the family and strong will to always succeed. What is your proudest moment (till date) in your job? Customers’ happiness and compliments for our personalized services makes me feel proud every day, every moment, which I will cherish for a life time. Please tell us about your family. I was born and brought up in Bangalore and happily married to Dr. M.V. Shashidhar and we are blessed with a daughter, Gowri. What are your hobbies? Reading, gardening, travelling, collecting dolls and listening to music are my hobbies. I have a passion for arranging and displaying Dussehra Dolls during Navaratri. I have a collection of over 6000 dolls with mythological connect. I have won a number of prizes and awards over the years.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

Q&A Mathew Thomas is a veteran in the hospitality industry and has recently taken over as General Manager of Vivanta by Taj at Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram. He shares his thoughts and experiences. You have more than three decades experience in the hospitality industry. Could you tell us about your early days? How did you come to join the hospitality sector? It was at the insistence of my Late father, whose friend’s son had joined the hospitality Industry and was doing well, that I came to join the industry. At that time (1976) it was very difficult to get admission for professional courses like Engineering and Medicine, even with an aggregate of 85 per cent marks in your core subjects. After working for so long in different parts of the world what prompted you to take up an assignment in India?

Mathew Thomas General Manager Vivanta by Taj Kovalam

How do you like the place? What are your first impressions? As an Indian you always feel proud to work in India and with an organisation like Taj Group and Tata’s. I love Kovalam and the hotel has an excellent ambience. With the Balinese style

During my professional life I had many proud moments but the best was when I became a General Manager. My unforgettable moments have been whenever I was given a farewell –when everyone starts showering you with praises for your good work; which makes you feel so happy. Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now? I want to see myself in next few years as a successful hotelier managing a large luxury hotel or a number of hotels. What are your views on the future of the hospitality industry, in general? The future looks exciting and this is one industry I feel will do very well in the years to come. We have a long way to go when compared to smaller countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Now tell us about your family. My wife Jaya teaches Communicative English in a collage and she is also an artist. My son Rajiv also works with the Taj Group at Taj Mount Road, Chennai as Duty Manager. Please tell us about your hobbies and other interests. In my profession and current job it is really hard to find free time. But when I do get some, I love to watch best what they are known for - cricket, tennis and soccer in TV. I love to read spiritual excellent accommodation, books. I am also interested in delicious food and give the meditation. guest a memorable Which is your favourite experience. What is the proudest moment destination? I love Bhutan and Sri in your professional life? Could you share some of the Lanka. Both are very scenic and have lots to offer a tourist unforgettable moments in in their own unique way. your professional life? landscape, the resort makes an atmosphere that rejuvenates your spirit, awakens your senses- sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. What plans do you have for the hotel? The hotel has some exciting expansion programmes which will definitely make this hotel one of the best in Kerala as it has one of the best locations. How important is a Hotel in developing a destination? What should a Hotel be doing in this regard? I strongly believe a destination needs excellent infrastructure if it wants to be developed into a world class one and hotels are the heart of any destination. Hotels should be doing

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

INDIAN PANORAMA

Tourist inflow to Northeast rises

he number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, visiting India’s northeast rose between 2005 and 2009, said Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed. In a written reply to a

question in the Rajya Sabha, Ahmed said that in the year 2005, a total of 35,18,670 domestic tourists visited the northeast - a growth of 3.64 per cent from the previous year. In 2006, the region saw 44,57,280 tourists, in 2007 it saw 47, 26,220 tourists, and in 2008 - 52,11,740 tourists. In 2009, the number of domestic tourists was 5,704,250 - registering a growth of 9.45 per cent. As for the foreign tourists, the region received 3,687 tourists in 2005, registering a negative growth of 6.63 per cent. However, the numbers Sultan Ahmed Minister of State for Tourism

rose in the corresponding years. In 2006, the number of foreign tourists visiting the region was 3,857, in 2007 it was 4,306, in 2008 it was 4,756.

In 2009, the number further rose to 4,766. The northeastern region of the country constitutes the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.

Cherrapunjee to be brand of northeast

herrapunjee, a hamlet in Meghalaya which is popular

among tourists as the place with the maximum rainfall in the country, will be promoted as a brand to boost tourism in the northeast. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma announced this in Shillong recently.

Gujarat signs MoU with three states to promote tourism

ujarat has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka, Punjab and Rajasthan to promote inter-state tourism. The state also plans a similar tie-up with Goa. Gujarat has already started selling north Gujarat with

Rajasthan and is promoting Shamlaji, Kesariyaji, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Haldighati, Nathdwara, Charbhuja, Ranakpur, Mount Abu in Rajasthan along with Ambaji, Kumbharia, Modhera and Bahucharaji. “The MoUs will help towards mutual promotion of

tourism, showcasing each others’ cultural heritage to tourists and felicitating inbound travel into respective states. The states will mutually market their accommodation facilities and tourism packages,” said Vipul Mitra, Tourism Secretary, Gujarat.

Preity Zinta brand ambassador of Himachal Tourism “Selling Cherrapunjee (as a tourist destination) alone will not be enough. We need to integrate the northeast as a composite destination and work with other states,”he said. The state tourism ministry already has a policy of giving financial assistance to people who wished to develop tourism infrastructure, and more such benefits would be announced through the new policy, he added.

ilm actress Preity Zinta would be the brand ambassador of Himachal Pradesh tourism. This was announced by the state Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in Shimla recently. He expressed the hope that Preity Zinta would motivate world-renowned personalities and entrepreneurs to visit and invest in high-end tourism in the state. Preity would also work for creating environment awareness in the state. Preity, who belonged to the hill state, did her graduation from Shimla’s St.Bede’s, India’s oldest all-women college.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

COLUMN

V DURAIKKANNAN

sequence of numbers in which each number equals

cross-connecting testimony out. The British overseas colony in

But can one believe that it is this tiny dot of a village that gave birth

the Iberian Peninsula at the

to the ever so common a word like

preceding numbers is called a

southern tip of Spain is Gibraltar.

‘coach’? The wheelwrights of Kocs

Fibonacci sequence and such

Tariq ibn-Ziyad was the Muslim

way back in 15th century were

numbers are called Fibonacci

army general who was invading

making carriages for the horse-

numbers – for example, 1, 1, 2, 3,

that part of the country in the year

drawn vehicles and they were

5, 8, 13, 21….etc. It was named

711 and the

after the Italian mathematician

rock over there

Leonardo Fibonacci (1170-1250)

was called after

who discovered it. But how on

his name as

earth the terrestrial gastropod, a

Tariq’s

snail could know this Fibonacci

Mountain. The

sequence? Because the snail

Arabic word for

starts off with a 1 x 1 square

mountain is

house and keeps on adding room

‘jabal’. Thus it

after room just the sum of the

was called Jabal

dimensions of the two previous

Tariq which

rooms and the result is a spiral.

eventually

Marcus du Sautoy, the Oxford

morphed into

mathematician (rightly called ‘Dr

Gibraltar.

the sum of the two

Mathemagician’) has keenly

called ‘kocsi szeker’ or ‘cart of

There is beauty, symmetry,

Kocs’ and over time coach

observed this phenomenon and

and purpose in everything. The

became the word. And from

discussed in his book ‘The

best-laid plans are at work. Just

coach, the figurative sense gave

Num8er My5steries’.

peering through them and a

birth to the other meaning ‘train’ –

conscious attempt to go a little

because a train runs on straight

sixty thousands sons of King

beyond them to make things even

rails or lines and training will help

Sagara in the Ramayana, the

better is in the hands of human.

you align yourself with what you

Hindu epic. The princes went

Here is a simple instance how life

do.

digging deep into the earth to the

can be made much easier and

nether world known as Patala in

happier. Generally the ATMs spew

anagram is. For instance, LIFE is

search of the sacrificial horse for

out the money you swipe for and

an anagram of FILE. This led

Aswamedha. In the process, they

you collect them but at times you

further to the creation of antigram.

disturbed the deep penance of the

fail to collect back your ATM card

An antigram is a word that is

saint or rishi Kapila. An irate

leaving it for the machine to

capable of creating a word or

Kapila cursed them with his power

swallow it back or to be flicked by

words of something opposed to

burning them down to ashes.

somebody else. But the HSBC

its very own meaning. For

There is a theory that the forest

machine will not dispense your

example, VIOLENCE is NICE LOVE

(‘Aranya’ is Sanskrit for forest) of

money unless you collect back

and FUNERAL is REAL FUN. A

There is a reference to the

All of us know what an

creative spin-off word of this is a blanagram. A blanagram (from blank anagram) is a word which is an anagram of another but for the substitution of a single letter e.g., KURDISH = TURKISH (T for D) and LINOTYPE = POLITELY (N for L). Now the latest is an ‘alphagram’. An alphagram is the rendition of a word with its entire letters alphabetically sequenced – that Kapila was Kapila Aranya

your card first. It is just a question

LIFE will be EFIL, MOTHER will be

which subsequently got

of adding that little bit ‘extra’ to

EHMORT. The derivative logic in

transposed into California.

the ‘ordinary’ to make it ‘extra-

here is if two words are having the

California and India are antipodes

ordinary’!

same alphagrams then they are

(any two places or regions on

Kocs is a tiny village in

anagrams by themselves which is

diametrically opposite sides of the

Hungary, some forty miles away

Earth) and the fact that there are

from Budapest. Its population

One cannot think without

places called Ashland in

even today is in the region of

words. More words mean more

California and Horse Island in the

under 3000 which can better

thoughts. Richer words mean

neighbouring Alaska bear the

explain its size and importance.

again beautiful.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

Page 25

DECEMBER 2010

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

Pongal

Festive Tamil Nadu

ongal or the Thai Pongal,

areas. The festival attributes to the

one of the major festivals

material abundance and

of the people of Tamil

prosperity which is symbolized by

Nadu falls in the mid-January

the boiling over of milk or rice at

usually between 13 and 15. The

the houses. The common

harvest festival celebrated to

activities of this time include

thank the Sun God is one of the

drawing of special Kolams,

rare Hindu festivals that follow a

cooking of the delicious Pongal

solar calendar. Pongal which

dish etc. The dish is made by

coincides with the Makara

boiling rice with fresh milk and

Sankranthi festival celebrated

jaggery in new pots. The rice is

throughout India as the winter

later topped with sugar, cashew

harvest which also marks the

nuts and raisins. People make

commencement of Uttarayana, the

savories and sweets to distribute

journey of Sun to the northern

among friends and relatives and

hemisphere. It also marks the sun

exchange greetings. prosperity of the land. People

is shown by decorating them with

clean their houses on this day and

garlands applying kumkum

collect all unwanted articles from their houses and burn it at dawn. Thai Pongal which falls on the

entry to the Indian zodiac of Makara or Capricorn.

Pongal festivities last for four

Mattu Pongal is intended to demonstrate our recognition and affection to cattle and on their

first day of the Tamil month of Thai

foreheads and feed them good

and is celebrated by preparing the

food. It is on this day the famous

Pongal dish at sun rise. When it

Alanganallur Jallikattu (bull

boils over, the elderly shouts

taming) is held at Alanganallur

‘Pongal o Pongal.’ Then the rice is

near Madurai.

days which are Bhogi, Thai

offered to the Sun God and later it

Kaanum Pongal or the fourth

Pongal, Maattu Pongal and

is served to the other members of

day is a time for family reunions

celebrated by the farmers from

Kaanum Pongal respectively. The

the house. The third day is

and visiting friends and other

the early ages it is now celebrated

day of Bhogi, the day preceding

dedicated to the cattle and is

merriments. Brothers pay special

by all the communities of Tamil

Pongal is celebrated in honor of

termed the Mattu Pongal. The

tribute to their married sisters by

Nadu both in the urban and rural

Lord Indra for the harvest and the

recognition and affection to cattle

giving gifts.

Although Pongal was

Capt. Nair meets Obamas

Captain C P Krishnan Nair, Chairman, Leela Group with US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Rakesh Mathur awarded Karamveer Chakra

Rakesh Mathur, President, WelcomHeritage Hotels has been awarded the prestigious Karmaveer Chakra by the Indian Confederation of NGOs for his pioneering contribution towards initiating and building the code of conduct for ‘Safe and Honourable Tourism’.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

AVIATION

Aviation industr y to record net profit

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revised its industry outlook for 2010 to a net profit of USD 15.1 billion (up from the USD 8.9 billion forecast in September 2010). Similarly the Association revised upwards its projections for 2011 to a net industry profit of USD 9.1 billion (up from the USD 5.3 billion forecast in September 2010). Net margins remain weak at 2.7 per cent for 2010 and falling to 1.5 per cent in 2011.

“Our profit projections increased for both 2010 and 2011 based on an Giovanni Bisignani exceptionally Director General and CEO, IATA strong Quarter Three performance. But despite higher profit projections, we still see the recovery pausing next year after a strong post-recession rebound. The two-speed nature of recovery is unchanged with European airlines continuing to under perform other regions,” said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO, IATA. Brian Pearce, IATA’s Chief Economist, said “There is

strong underlying growth in the Asia Pacific region. This has been boosted by growing middle class and rapid urbanisation. This will accelerate the shift to Asia Pacific which is likely to be the growth driver for the industry in the next five years.” Commenting on the region’s performance this year, Pearce said it reflects the rebound in the cargo market while airlines from the Middle East have also benefited from an increasing market share on long haul flights. IATA predicts that a further 360 million people will travel within Asia in the next five years. Asia is already the largest aviation market in the world with 662 million passengers.

Oman Air scoops top Drukair starts flights connecting Paro-Guwahati-Bangkok industry award O I Md. Sabir Nishat

“We have done intensive study

before starting this flight service.

man Air, the national carrier

of the Sultanate of Oman,

n what is expected to scale up

There are several tourists who

the movement of tourists in both

want to see Bhutan and Northeast

has won the best ‘Technology

India and Bhutan, state

India. There are tourists who

Implementation of the Year’ award

government owned Drukair

include Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim

Corporation Ltd has started flights

and Bhutan in their tour itinerary.”

at the prestigious 4th Annual Aviation Business Awards 2010. The award recognized Oman

Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Oman Air’s award win follows a year in which the airline has

between Paro-Guwahati and Bangkok.

Jamso informed that the airlines will explore the possibility

Air’s pioneering introduction of in-

been at the forefront of

flight mobile phone and Wi- Fi

technological innovation. In

now planning to connect Mumbai

cities. “For the time being we do

connectivity, which utilizes the

addition to in-flight connectivity,

and Chennai. Internationally it is

not have plans but we will study

Airbus ALNA V2 system and

the airline has introduced audio

looking to start air services with

and see the viability of operating

Honeywell’s SwiftBroadband

and video on demand and live

Hongkong and Singapore. The

flights in other parts of the

(SBB) solution, via OnAir and

satellite TV, as well as launching a

corporation has a turnover of

Northeast. We have talked to

Inmarsat.

new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft

around Rs 1.6 billion.

some tour operators in Guwahati

The award was accepted by

and expanding its network to

The Royal Bhutan airways are

Chairman Board of Directors of

of operating in other Northeastern

and will come up with attractive

Oman Air’s Chief Officer,

include destinations across the

Corporation, Kesang Wangdi said

Management Affairs, Abdulaziz Al

Middle East, Asia, Africa and

that Northeast India and Eastern

Raisi, at a ceremony held at the

Europe.

Bhutan will be immensely

Wangda said, “This flight is result

benefited by this air services.

of friendly bilateral relations

“This will be a bi-weekly flight.

between the two countries. This

Eastern Bhutan which has six

flight is the result of deliberations

districts will be accessible within a

of two years. Indian nationals

day with this flight starting

travelling to Bhutan will require

services.” Chief Executive Officer

passport or voter ID card for

of Drukair, Tandin Jamso said,

identification.”

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

packages for wooing tourists. ” Consul General, Dasho Tsering

GUJARAT TRAVELLER

Gujarat International Kite Festival

Kite Running

lying a Kite has been a

the North. Accordingly, the kite

passionate pastime for

festival has also come to be

nearly three millennia.

known as Uttarayan festival.

Flying kites was also useful in

The International Kite Festival

scaring birds from farms and

is one of Gujaratâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most

learning about weather changes in

participatory festivals when

a predominantly agrarian society.

countless people throng in

In modern times, though kite

terraces and spaces atop

flying is essentially associated

buildings to fly kites. To begin

with seasons and religious

with, the kite festival was regional

festivities, it is also gaining

but since 1989 its status has been

popularity as a sporting event

elevated as an International event.

paving the way for kite festivals in

The festival draws expert kite-

grand scale and size in different

makers and flyers not only from

parts of the world.

within India but from abroad too.

Gujarat, a vibrant state in the

Around the world kite enthusiasts

western part of India hosts one

look forward to the annual Gujarat

such mega International Kite

show, bringing along with them

Festival each year which has

their creatively designed large

proved to be a major public

range of designer kites, decorated

attraction, evoking universal

kites, stunt kites and numerous

fascination.

other kites. The festival draws kite

The Gujarat state tourism

lovers and fliers from Japan,

department hosts the kite festival

Australia, Malaysia, USA, Brazil,

on January 14 every year

and Canada and from Europe.

coinciding with Makar Sankaranti

Every year around Makar Sankaranti Day, Gujarat sky becomes dotted with kites of different shapes and shades. The International Kite Festival organised by Gujarat Tourism Department coincides with this attracts a lot of participants and visitors.

The home made kites which

Day. This is the day when the sun

battle it out with foreign labels

enters the tropics heralding the

take around three months to make

beginning of warmer months after

and entails an investment of

the winter season. As this phase

anywhere between Rs 5,000 and

of the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movement is in the

Rs 5,00,000 depending on the

direction of the Northern

material used. Made with lot of

Hemisphere, it is termed as

dedication and ingenuity each kite

uttarayan meaning a sojourn to

has the needed aerodynamic skill. And over the years the deceptively

Kite-flying day in Gujarat is an

simple kite flying has been honed

extraordinary day full of fun, frolic

to the level of an art form virtually

and gaiety. From dawn to dusk,

becoming a religion in itself.

people of all ages fly kites rejoicing in the spirit of the day. On this day no one in Gujarat is a stranger to the other. As the Sun rises, waves of kites of different colours and hues overwhelm the deep blue January sky. They soar; they swerve, they fall precipitously but regain height in an instant with each kite wanting to outshine the others. The colour change in the sky with all the fluttering kites appears like

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

GUJARAT TRAVELLER a rainbow in the aftermath of rain on a sunny day. The kites flown during uttarayan are internationally called the “Indian Fighter”. Usually made out of bamboo and tissue paper, the fighter is perfectly proportioned to balance on a single string which is attached to a thread called the manja. Special mixtures of glue and ground glass make the thread sharply abrasive giving it a cutting edge during kite

a part of the great aerial

jaggery. Ephemeral shops and

exciting. The festival reaches its

fights. These threads are prepared

spectacle.

bazaars and kite stalls in

climax in the night when

thousands spring up for marketing

illuminated box kites are launched

and rolled on to reels known as

attractions’ like good food, music

kites, the manja and other

into the star studded sky. Called

phirkees.

and entertainment the kite flying

accessories. With milling crowds

tukkals these Kites are often

days in advance. They are dried

With a host of other

day in Gujarat turns into a

thronging them, they are a big bit

strung in series. They gently float

is that it engages and enables

fantastic and memorable event.

with people.

in the sky adding a touch of

people of all ages to take part as

The wholesome and tasty food

no one can resist the exhilaration

comprises undhiyu (a delicacy of

kite-fight duels in the sky. The

the kite festival that draws to a

of using the wind to defy gravity

mixed vegetables), unlimited

fight is an attempt of each flyer to

scintillating close.

and make a man-made object fly.

supply of sugar cane juice and

cut the other kites out of the sky.

This time the festivities will

Kite-flying in Gujarat does not

specially prepared sweets such as

The kite fighter who succeeds in

take place from 2011, January 10

discriminate by sex or age. Its

jalebi, til ladoo - a sweet made of

cutting down the other kite

to 14 and the main venue will be

enormous pulling power gets

sesame seeds and the most

emerges the victor. The challenge,

Sabarmati riverfront.

people outdoors. And it does not

popular chikki, a chewy cookie

the acceptance and the outcome

For more details visit

cost a fortune to buy kites and be

made out of groundnut mixed in

makes the kite festival extremely

www.gujarattourism.com

The uniqueness of the festival

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

A major attraction of the day is

splendour to the sky as well as

SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR

Karnataka promotes tourism in European markets

s part of its focused

Frankfurt being the other two. As a

approach for promotion of

direct impact of Karnataka

Karnataka’s attractions in

Tourism’s participation at the Top

the European market, Karnataka

Resa exhibition in Paris in

Tourism is conducting a series of

September, more than125

workshops for the tourism trade in

members from the French Capital

Zurich, Brussels and Paris.

city are confirmed to attend the

Tourism Minister G Janardhana

programme. In Brussels, a first

Reddy lead a delegation that

time show for almost any Indian

comprises of hotels, resorts and

destination, more than 75

tour operators from the state. A

members of the trade community

10-member delegation presented

have confirmed their participation. At the end of the current

destination Karnataka to 50 of the well known and influential trade

financial year, Karnataka Tourism

members from Zurich. Senior level

would have promoted its products

product managers of reputed

directly to over 350 agents in

international travel brands like

Europe through its work shops. At

Kouni were part of the presentation.

Chitra Narayanan, the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland and G Janardhana Reddy, Minister for Tourism, Karnataka at the inauguration of the work shop in Zurich

the trade fairs it participated including in luxury travel fairs,

up market tourists, individual

Indian states say without doubt

more than 500 agents would have

Ambassador to Switzerland

tourists as well as the MICE

that Karnataka’s presentation, its

been met.

inaugurated the function in the

segment. He pointed out that

products and destinations on

presence of G Janardhana Reddy.

MICE, Wellness and The Golden

offer have more value and

travel journalists, free lance

Chariot presented a huge

experience to the pan European

writers and photographers have

emphasized the importance of a

opportunity for Karnataka. That is

traveller who is in search of rich

already been met and

wider European base for

precisely the reason to target up

cultural learning. With the present

familiarisation tours are

Karnataka Tourism that was

market places like Zurich and

series of events, Karnataka

happening. This will augur well for

important. Apart from the

Brussels which are home to some

Tourism would have completed

the state, whose visitor numbers

traditional markets of UK,

of the widest range of world

focused group promotions in five

are growing at over 20 per cent in

Germany and France, other

associations and organisations.

international cities. London and

the current year.

Chitra Narayanan, the Indian

Janardhana Reddy

markets too need to be part of the marketing plan so as to attract the

More than 70 excellent quality

Several local agents who have attended events hosted by other

Andhra sets up film tourism cell

he Andhra Pradesh

in Hyderabad Jayesh Ranjan,

time on this. It will have a time-

Government has set up a

Principal Secretary (Tourism,

frame of two weeks to get

Film Tourism Cell under the

Government of Andhra Pradesh

permissions,” Ranjan said. The

Film Commission to extend

made this announcement. The cell

cell would also offer logistic

hassle-free experience to

would act as a single window to

support such as travel, lodging

filmmakers in the State.

promote film tourism in the State.

and catering services for film

Addressing valedictory of the two-

“It will obtain permissions from

crew at any location in the State

day Media and Entertainment

various Government departments

on actual cost basis, a FICCI

Business Conclave (MEBC) 2010

without having producers to waste

press release said.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

NEWSLINE

As I Travel

It’s cake mixing time! pieces of copper wire and he

Page 18

proclaimed that his ancestors deeper thoughts. An idea is a

were using telephones and the

generator of multiple ideas by

copper wire pieces were the

itself.

evidence. An undaunted Irish guy that he was, his neighbour dragged the Scotsman to his part of the country, took him to his backyard and started

G Biju Krishnan (Editor and Publisher, Asian Traveller magazine) with Raj Joseph Aranha (General Manager, Classic Avenue) and K P Sahadevan (Managing Director, Classic Avenue) at the cake mixing ceremony at Classic Avenue.

digging. He dug for a good two hours and there The traditional rivalry between

was nothing found. But he proudly

the Scottish and the Irish had

announced: ‘Great were my

birthed a lot of jokes. The

forefathers far they were much

Scotsman wanted to prove it to

more advanced than yours! Can

his Irish neighbor that the Scots

you see that they had used the

were of much supreme

wireless?!’ The Irish guy had an

knowledge and technology. He

idea about the wireless that it was

took him to his backyard and

less wire. An idea could not only

started digging up the earth. In a

make you think but save face in

while he came up with bits and

the nick of time!

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

General Manager T S Mahesh with guests at the cake mixing ceremony at ‘Turtle on the Beach’

KARNATAKA TRAVELLER

Elephant camp for an elating experience

he Dubare Elephant Camp is a historically significant camp where elephants are trained for the famous Mysore Dasara Festival. The Forest Department maintains them and their mahouts. Aware of the majestic charm of the elephants that has always attracted human beings, Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) utilize the Elephants at Dubare Camp to provide the tourists an intimate experience with Elephants and seek to build upon the un-ending fascination that man has for Elephants. Tourists and visitors can spend hours at the Dubare Elephant Camp to observe,

learn and participate in various activities involving Elephants. The trained Naturalist explains the various aspects of Elephant history and ecology. Located in the popular district of Coorg (Kodagu), Dubare Elephant Camp is easily accessible from Bengaluru. The route from Bengaluru is via Mysore, Kushalnagar, Gudde Hosur then a left turn towards Siddapur. About 15 kilometers on the Siddapur Main Road, visitors would find a JLR Dubare Camp board. A left turn at the board and about a kilometer drive would reach you to the bank of River Cauvery. Cross the

the humming of various insects and one can also find peacocks proudly displaying their plumages. At sunset, flocks of birds flying across the twilight sky add to the river by a boat and you would scenic beauty of the place. be at the Dubare Elephant This moist deciduous forest is Camp. also the habitat of a range of The interaction and the wildlife and one can see kind gesture of feeding the Sambar and spotted deer elephants at the camp help the grazing on the banks of the visitors rediscover the child riverside, which is mindwithin. As Dubare elephant boggling. camp is situated on the banks The visitors can take an of River Cauveri, the tourists Elephant ride into the Dubare can enjoy the water sports and Reserve Forest to watch how become adventurous or else the Howdahs or mounts are can set out for joy fishing or actually tied or can take a slowly drift down to see the coracle boat ride (native boats, deer quenching their thirst by circular in shape made of the stream. bamboo and hide) on the Dubare is home to a River Cauvery and this facility variety of birds like is provided only between the partridges, woodpeckers, months of November and kingfishers and many more. May. The visitors can hear the Monsoon River Rafting pleasant chirping of birds and starts during the months of July, Aug and September on the River Cauvery along the stretch adjacent to the Elephant Camp. Run by John Pollard and his team, rafting on the river Cauvery is a gorgeous and an exhilarating experience. Delicious spread of South and North Indian dishes, buffet style both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian is served at the Ghol Ghar. ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

PROFILE

Colonial architecture in the heart of Rajasthan gets a rejuvenating facelift

elcomHeritage Koolwal

guests which serves lip smacking

inside this exquisitely designed

Kothi will now entice

Rajasthani and Continental

haveli and kothi. The kothi, made

been completed by the end of

and charm its visitors

cuisine. An exciting new addition

of lime work reflects the regal

December and it now welcomes

through an added array of swish

to the kothi would be the all new

times and grandeur of a bygone

its discerning travellers to spend

and modern facilities making it an

swimming pool for the guests to

era with its 18 elegantly furnished

their year end vacations at this

exemplar of luxury soaked in

take a refreshing dip to rejuvenate

rooms with antique furniture.

pure winter retreat.

tradition in the land of frescoed

their senses while viewing the

havelis, Nawalgarh. It is here that

lavish gardens. A health club has

gracious living and charming

been added for all the fitness

tradition of Nawalgarh still

freaks and a holistic spa

survives and a lot of importance

experience for the relaxation and

has been given to details to

transformation of souls.

recreate life as it was 80- 100

Entertainment area and a

years ago. And more so, now, with

Shopping Arcade have also been

the utmost emphasis laid on

added for a near perfect sojourn

solace for the guests many state-

for the guests.

of-the-art facilities have been

WelcomHeritage Koolwal kothi

added at Koolwal Kothi

was built by late Anandilal Hemraj

amalgamating traditional

Koolwal in the year 1934 at

ambience with contemporary

Nawalgarh, one of the heritage

touches. Koolwal Kothi now would

cities in India known for its havelis

have a brand new restaurant with

and fresco paintings. The legacy

a seating capacity of more than 70

of Anandilal Hemrajji lives on

ASIAN TRAVELLER

The entire renovation work has

DECEMBER 2010

PROFILE

La Classic

Luxury has a new address in Bengaluru

section caters to the wellness

entrepreneurial skills.

a Classic, a four-star luxury

the hotel and is managed by Raj

hotel at Attibelle, Bengaluru

Hospitality and Management

will start operations on

Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Ramesh

industry takes over as the

Ayurveda treatment packages and

January 17, 2011. Located in the

Reddy, Managing Director and

Executive Director of La Classic.

rejuvenation treatments to sooth

Electronic City of Bengaluru, quiet

Keshav Reddy, Director are

The hotel is designed by young

your body and mind. Special care

Rajagopaal Iyer, veteran in the

side. The hotel has a variety of

amidst the hustle of the city life,

managing the

and dynamic

is provided to

La Classic is going to be the

affairs of R K

architect

attain the best

landmark for its elegance in the

Group.

Sunder.

of treatment

Silicon Valley of India.

Whereas Ramesh is a

facilities in the

which is rated as a four-star with

veteran with 22

property

five-star amenities, is attributed to

years of

include cozy

The uniqueness of this hotel,

its well-designed structure of hospitality prioritizing what is

Ramesh Reddy, Managing Director

experience in hospitality

styles in

The

Keshav Reddy, Director

rooms with individually

Ayurveda. The special services here Rajagopaal Iyer Executive Director

include limousine

much needed for leisure and

sector starting with budget hotel

designed toiletries and modern

services, boutique, antique and

comfort. The premises of the hotel

to motel administration to wide

amenities plus guest room

curio shop, MICE facilities for

are equipped with spacious

arena of social working and

facilities like private butler on

corporate and domestic clients,

elegance welcoming one to the

enterprises of public interest.

demand, beauty parlour for men

city sight seeing tours etc. A multi

thought of grandeur. To the well

Kesav brings with him over 18

and ladies, concierge service etc.

cuisine restaurant and a 24-hour

laid out pathways to the cozy

years of experience in Hospitality

For the fitness oriented there is

Coffee Drop add flavour to the

rooms it tries to attain the perfect

sector and is a balanced

health club facilities and

hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandeur exhibiting a

pitch for freedom and leisure.

combination of expertise and

swimming pool for a relaxed

combination of taste with the

experience with consistent

moment of comfort. Another

comfort of a La Classic stay.

R.K. Group of Hotels promotes

ASIAN TRAVELLER

NOVEMBER 2010

HOSPITALITY

Jewel in Jaisalmer’s Crown

elebrating the spirit of the

juxtaposed with modern

mighty Thar, MRS

convenience to usher guests into

Hospitality group

a journey of romance and

announced the debut of the city’s first true luxury boutique hotel –

grandeur of another century. Speaking of Suryagarh,

Sat ya Ratan Group to set up five star hotel in Guwahati Md. Sabir Nishat

up near Sonapur in Guwahati by 2011,” Sharma disclosed.

fter Taj Group, it’s the

The group is starting a 50

turn of another group,

room hotel in Upper Assam’s

Satya Ratan Group to set

Tinsukia. Similarly the group will

Suryagarh, Jaisalmer. The Hotel

Manvendra S. Shekhawat,

up a five-star hotel in Guwahati.

set up a hotel in Shillong with 77

opens as a member of Preferred

Managing Director comments, “It

The group has planned to set up

rooms and in Gangtok with

Boutique, under the Preferred

was my Family’s prime endeavour

at least 10 hotels, seven of

Casino and 100 rooms. Both this

Hotel Group, which epitomizes a

to place Jaisalmer on the map of

which will be in the Northeast

projects are likely to be

collection of top league Luxury

luxury travel in Rajasthan, and

and one each in New Delhi,

operational by 2011 and 2013

Boutique Hotel experiences

India as a whole. Hence the

Gujarat and Rajasthan.

respectively. “We are setting up a

worldwide.

creation of Suryagarh was

The group will make an

150 room capacity hotel in

investment of around Rs 600

Jaipur. A four star hotel with 66

the ultimate

crore. The group which has 27

rooms has already started

heavenly

different companies under the

functioning in Kishangard in

hideaway for

banner of Satyam group of

Rajasthan. In New Delhi we are

both business

industries has an annual

doing a hotel of 26 rooms and

and leisure

turnover of Rs 300 crore. The

this will start by 2011,” Sharma

seekers,

group is engaged in production

added. Sharma further said,

Suryagarh is a

of Steel and Ferro alloy. The

“The hospitality industry in

rendition to the

group also runs power trading

Northeast India is growing, there

glorious times

company. CMD of Satya Ratan

is good inflow of tourists.

of the Royal

Group, Ratan Sharma said, “We

However, there is lack of

past. Designed

are in talks with Starwood Hotels

adequate hotels resorts at tourist destinations.”

Poised to be

as a Sun fortress, it exquisitely

conceptualized, accentuating an

& Resorts which runs the Le

combines contemporary with

authentic Jaisalmer Fort

Méridien hotels for management

medieval, featuring rambling

experience.” Saurabh Rai

and technical support for the five

announced setting up hotels in

courtyards and traditional

Bhatnagar, Regional Director –

star hotel in Guwahati.

the region. The foundation stone

Rajasthani artifacts. Everywhere

India, Preferred Hotel Group adds,

you turn, there are modern and

“We are delighted to welcome

expected to start functioning by

Guwahati early this year.

authentic versions of

Suryagarh, Jaisalmer aboard our

2013.” The group plans to set up

Guwahati Metropolitan

painstakingly restored period

Preferred Boutique brand

a chain of hotels covering all

Development Authority has inked

furniture and a luxury of space

portfolio. The Hotel is truly a

important tourist destinations of

a MoU with Dharampal Satyapal

emphasized by the interesting use

tribute to the iconic and world

Northeast India. “A resort with

Group to set up five star hotels

of yellow marble and Jaisalmer

renowned splendor of Rajasthan.”

100 rooms is expected to come

in Guwahati.

stone lending an ambience of

The five-star hotel is

Big hotel chains have also

of Vivanta by Taj was unveiled in

The Hotel offers the largest

Keys Hotels resort in Mahabaleshwar

Regal splendour. Grand

banqueting facilities in the city,

architecture inspired by the

including spacious ballrooms,

palaces of Rajasthan showcases

Conference Rooms and multiple

the rich heritage of the

alfresco venues for Corporate and

Suryavanshis with pavilions and

social meeting and events. Dining

domes intricately designed.

options include Nosh, an all day

Keys Resort, has announced the

59 modern stylish rooms with all

dining serving a menu of

launch of Evershine, A Keys

modern facilities. Addressing the

Sam dunes from the city centre,

exceptional quality featuring the

Resort. This is the 6th Keys hotel

media at the launch in Mumabi,

Suryagarh boasts of 62

best of both International and

in India and the third brown-field

Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director

luxuriously appointed Rooms and

Indian cuisine; The Legend of

project after the successful

and CEO, Berggruen Hotels, said,

Royal Suites where contemporary

Marwar, a fine dining Rajasthani

launch of brown-field projects at

“The resort is a “palace in the

design meets Royal Rajasthan.

speciality restaurant which

Mumbai and Khandala. This

sky” built with dholpur stone

Guestrooms are elegantly

recreates a royal dining

state-of- the art resort, located in

cladding and an architectural style

designed with plush kilims, dark

experience. The bar offers a

Mahabaleshwar, a prime holiday

of a typical Rajasthani palace with

polished wooden flooring and use

variety of fine wines, spirits in the

destination, set amidst the

all its opulence.

of local craftsmanship serving as

surrounding of the days of a

scenic, strawberry covered

an epitome of luxury. Heritage

bygone era. Additionally, are the

valleys and lush flora is

Evershine Keys Resort for the

pieces of art were rescued and

options of experiential dining at

designed to make available an

leisure, conference and wedding

restored from forgotten attics

exotic private venues.

unrivaled and world class

segments in the market.”

Conveniently located enroute

vershine Builders Pvt.

hospitality experience for today’s

Ltd. together with

savvy travellers in these parts.

Berggruen Hotels brand,

The Mahabaleshwar resort has

We are proud to present the

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

HOSPITALITY

The Leela Palace, Bangalore

Preferred destination for heads of state

n abode fit for a king, the Presidential Suite at The Leela Palace, Bangalore has played host to some of the most discerning travellers from across the world, including Heads of State like Russian President â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vladimir Putin, British PM David Cameron, Polish PM Donald Tusk and more recently, the French PM Nicolas Sarkozy and his stunning wife, Carla Bruni Sarkozy. Built in an art-deco form drawing inspiration from the architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore and the palaces of the Vijayanagar

Empire, its copper domes, arches and ornate ceilings will transport you to a world of royal grandeur from a bygone era. From the hand-woven carpets to the priceless brass

antiques; from the hand picked crystal to the finest bone china: everything around you is the best the world has to offer. With all the comforts of modern

French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy and wife with Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Hotel Leelaventure Ltd

convenience and technology, combined with the regal ambience of a palace, it is probably little surprise that Leela is the destination of choice for Heads of State.

British Prime Minister David Cameron with Andrew Hendrian, General Manager, The Leela Palace Bangalore during Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay in Bangalore

Silent Shores Resorts and Spa

Tranquility beyond belief

ilent Shores spread over a vast stretch of 10 acres undulating greenery is situated just a short drive to the outskirts of Mysore. Located on the lakeshores it offers peace for the guest as you enter the portals of a tranquil sanctuary. It has 57 rooms categorized into S PA Suite, Suite, Cottage, Duplex Room, Premier, Deluxe Room and Executive The rooms are spacious and airy and provide serene

ambience with tastefully done up interiors and the guest can listen to the gentle rustle of leaves, chirping of birds and the lapping of ripples on the lake. Ambrosia, the multi cuisine restaurant offers a very appetizing menu with a warmhearted service. The two bars Amphora and Sprint serve favourite beverages, fresh juice, cocktails etc. at noon with the right spirits.

The Sandal Spa offers peace, inspiration for the guest. It also gives profound relaxation and tunes the mind and body Jaganath Shenoy stimulating Chairman the senses with a feeling of contentment, the moment you step into the Spa. The therapist driven by a deeply personal vision of well-being offers a wide array of nourishing and balancing personalized treatments from around the world and seeks to capture a connection with each guest. The resort has facilities to hold Banquets, various types of parties, Events, Residential Conferences Indoor and Outdoor. It also provides other facilities like Indoor Games Room, Mini Golf,

Gym, Swimming Pool, Health club, Beauty, Squash Court, Cycling, Wi-Fi etc. www.silentshoresresort.com

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

KERALA TRAVELLER

Grand Kerala Shopping Festival begins

eason 4 of the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) began in Kerala on December 1. It is the largest shopping festival in the world in terms of geographical spread. GKSF has become one of the main attractions for destination Kerala, as the shopping festival period is also an attractive reason for the presence of more travellers in the state. The district-level inaugural functions of GKSF were held in the all districts. Inaugurating the state-level opening of GKSF in Palakkad, the Minster for Tourism, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said

that, the weekly draw of GKSF 2010-2011 would be celebrated and programmes by wellknown artistes would make the draws more colourful. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan The weekly Minister for Tourism draws of GKSF would be held at Kannur on December 12, Thrissur on December 19, Kottayam on December 26, Ernakulam on January 2, Iringal in Kozhikode on January 9 and Thiruvananthapuram on

The tourism fraternity in Thiruvananthapuram gave a hearty farewell to Surinder Singh, who moved to Vivanta by Taj, Lucknow, as General Manager. Surinder Singh, with the new GM of Vivanta by Taj, Kovalam, Mathew Thomas at the farewell party.

Fourth airport for Kerala

erala will shortly have its

January 16, a day after the festival ends. In season 4 the shopping festival has come up with added attractions in terms of prizes to be won. The K N Sathish IAS, quantity of Director, GKSF gold prize has been increased from 40 kg to 101 kg. The mega first prize of one kilogram of gold each would go to three persons and half a kilogram of gold each to six persons as second prize. The weekly prizes have 25 sover-

eigns each as the first prize for three persons and 10 sovereigns each as the second prize for twelve persons and 5 sovereigns each as the third prize for forty-eight persons. There are also gold prizes in the scratch-and-win category, which has been included following the request of the merchant community, besides prizes comprising handloom products with a made-in Kerala tag.

Deedi Group, a multi domain conglomerate having business interests in automobiles and hospitality has opened Le Pondy, a premium resort in Puducherry. N Rangasamy, Ex Chief Minister, Puducherry formally inaugurated the reosrt. M O H F Shajahan , PWD Minister, Puducherry; Anatharaman, MLA; Chackko Paul, Managing Director, Deedi Group and Cherian Philip, Chairman, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation were also present.

The River Retreat celebrates 10th anniversary

fourth international airport

after the construction works have been commenced recently. Kerala Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan laid the foundation stone for the project recently. Kerala will get another doorway opened with the opening of the airport.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

The River Retreat Ayurvedic Heritage Resort, has celebrated the tenth anniversary recently. K Radhakrishnan, Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly inaugurated the annual day celebration. Also present were M T Vasudevan Nair; V K Sreeraman; U Achu, Chairman, The River Retreat; U Thilakan, Managing Director, The River Retreat; U Bharathan, Director, The River Retreat; Ashtamoorthy, SNA and P M Warrier, Kottakal Arya Vaidya Sala.

DECEMBER 2010

KERALA TRAVELLER

Kerala Tourism Awards presented

he Annual Kerala Tourism

the need to provide basic

awards for their exceptional

infrastructure facilities to attract

endeavor and achievement

the tourist. The minister said 600

in the field of tourism was given

crore development projects have

by Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister

being initiated for the purpose.

of Tourism to individuals and

As a first step 25 crore tsunami

groups who are actively involved

fund will be used to provide 235 toilets facilities in beach sides, it’s just a beginning and it will be expanded to other places also. Amrithnantha Maadam has already submitted a plan in this regard and the government is planning to utilize the cooperation

Kerala Minister for tourism Kodiyeri Balakrishnan inaugurates the award ceremony. Also present are K.G. Mohanlal IFS, Managing Director KTDC, Cherian Philip, KTDC Chairman, E.M. Najeeb, Chairman IATO Kerala Chapter, K.Chandrika, Mayor of Thiruvanathapuram Corporation, Riaz Ahmed President, Kerala Travel Mart Society, E. Devadasan, Director of Tourism Incharge, V. Sivankutty MLA, Pradhaban MLA, G.Sudeeshkumar president Kerala Hotels and Restaurant Association

in the hospitality service sectors

of NGO’s and private

of Kerala to sustain a futuristic

organizations in the regard.

through competition and

K.Chandrika, Mayor of

and vibrant tourism culture in the

Tourism department has achieved

cooperation in technical terms it’s

Thiruvanathapuram Corporation,

state and to promote the growth

notable achievements primarily by

due to Co-Opetition. To see the

Riaz Ahmed President, Kerala

of tourism in Kerala.

the public private participation

real face of Co-Opetition one must

Travel Mart Society, E. Devadasan,

and has emerged as a tourist

visit Kerala, it indicates the

Director of Tourism Incharge,

connectivity, improved road

destination. Kerala has received

business maturity.

V. Sivankutty MLA, Pradhaban

connectivity using latest

many national and international

technology, wastage free tourist

awards to its credit

The minister said increase air

destinations need to be implemented and also stressed

Venu V. IAS said Kerala emerged as a tourist destination

K.G. Mohanlal IFS, Managing

MLA, G.Sudeeshkumar president

Director KTDC, Cherian Philip,

Kerala Hotels and Restaurant

KTDC Chairman, E.M. Najeeb,

Association etc. were present at

Chairman IATO Kerala Chapter,

the award function.

You and Nature

Uncompromising nature tours

ou and Nature (Y&N) a tour

and unique beauty. The packages

packages. You and Nature

business trips to Kerala. The

operating concern is set up

are categorized based on

believes in responsible and

houseboat cruises provides

for delivering quality

customer preference such as,

sustainable tourism and provides

stunning and spacious interior

hospitality services and

a variety of heart touching

with built –in furniture and state-

operations providing value added

activities to the customers like

of-the art kitchen equipped with

service to the customers with an

houseboat cruises, Wildlife

food and beverage facility. The

Kerala based

experience, beaches, hill stations

skilled cooks delight customer’s

tour packages

etc. and other services includes

taste buds with a flavor of the

that cover every

air ticketing facility, Tourist buses

Kuttanadan culture with traditional

aspect of

and cabs and facilitate outbound

Kerala lunch with rice, fish and

Kerala’s

holidays to venture out of Kerala

curry made on board of the boat

geography,

to explore foreign lands, business

itself.

history, culture

trips, Kerala pilgrim trips and

www.youandnature.com

uncompromising attitude towards total customer satisfaction in every aspect of business. Y&N, the fastest growing tourist destination situated at

Traveling and trekking, House

Alleppey in Kerala, is a sister

boating, Rejuvenation Therapy,

concern of Kerala Group of

Visits to Historical places,

Restaurants, London, UK and has

pilgrimage, Eco- Tourism, Tropical

a fine history of promoting ‘Kerala’

Beach holidays, Honeymoon

as a major brand in the global

packages and corporate

tourism market. You and Nature operates a variety of

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

ALBUM Kerala Tourism Awards 2010

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

KERALA TRAVELLER

Ayur Hermitage

An ideal Ayurveda retreat

yurveda, an ancient

Kovalam, away from the tumult of

medical treatise

the city and embraced by the

summarizing the Indian art

gentle waft of Arabian Sea Ayur Hermitage ushers one to the world

of healing and prolonging life, is sometimes regarded as a fifth Veda. Ayurveda is

undertakes a variety of treatments

nurtured Ayurvedic garden and an

truly a holistic and integral

in Ayur Hermitage which include

all-inspiring yoga hall which will

medical system that treats

panchakarma, rejuvenation,

help one to immerse mind and

human beings as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wholeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

relaxation, stress relieving, beauty

body in tranquility. Delightful

which is a combination of

care packages, psoriasis

experiences in accommodation,

body, mind and soul.

treatments, arthritis treatments,

traditional cuisine with delicious

Combining the profound

spinal care programme, back pain

vegetarian dishes and spacious

thoughts of medicine and

treatments and various types of

location to loosen up the mind,

philosophy Ayurveda aims

skin disease treatments. It also

Ayur Hermitage gives innumerable

to maintain the harmony of

provides several special packages

occasions to free oneself from the

body, mind and soul.

for padabhyangam, lepanam,

stresses and strains of daily life.

dhoomapanam, anjanam, netra

An open-air auditorium has been

tharpanam and gandoosham/

put up in the premises of Ayur

kabalam.

Hermitage for classical art

Dr V Venu IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism inaugurates Ayur Hermitage

Ayur Hermitage, a fullfledged centre for Ayurveda, promises all the boons

of authentic Ayurveda. Under the

and benefits of Ayurveda. Situated

guidance of the chief consultant

near the serene beach of

Dr. Sreelaja Sasikumar it

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010

The main attractions of this health centre include a carefully

performances. www.ayurhermitage.com

VARIETY

Rishi Ravindra has joined Silent Shores Resort & Spa, Mysore as General Manager.

Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, has announced the appointment of Simon Barlow as President of Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.

California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) President and CEO, Caroline Beteta has been elected as vice chair of the Board of directors of the new Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP).

What is globophobia?

What is pharming?

Which social networking organization was founded by Louis Marchesi in 1927?

What is Philippine’s National Sport?

Which capital city’s name means ‘place of the Gods’?

What does the brand name Sanyo mean?

What is the shortest English word that contains all the first six alphabets – A, B, C, D, E, and F in it? Louis Marchesi

Name the e-book reader launched by Barnes & Noble

Romeo Justin has joined Surya Samudra Private Retreats, Kovalam, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala as Head – Sales & Marketing.

Vipin Raveendran has joined Clouds Valley Leisure Hotel, Munnar, Kerala as F&B Manager.

Rejeesh Kumar has been appointed General Manager (Finance) of Surya Samudra Private Retreats, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram.

Which ocean is informally referred to as ‘The Pond’?

10. What is the origin of the colour ‘sepia’?

Compiled by DEEKAY

Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC39 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month. Answers to TYKC 38

DECEMBER 2010 Grand Kerala Shopping Festival

Dec 01- Jan 15

IITM, Hyderabad

03 - 05

International Luxury Travel Market, Cannes, France

06-09

Christmas

1. Denver (because its elevation from sea level is one mile) 2. St. Andrew’s Links, Scotland 3. Earth & Life 4. Khiva in Uzbekistan ( Khiva was earlier known as Kwarism whence the name) 5. Vitamin D 6. Switzerland 7. Khajuraho (‘kajur’ = date fruit) 8. Rev. Robert Lechmere Guppy from Trinidad (he was the one first to send a specimen to the British Museum) 9. World’s smallest flower also known as Wolffia 10. BOOKKEEPER

TYKC 38

JANUARY 2011 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

FEBRUARY 2011

One all-correct entry will get

Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi

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

LYRA RODRIGUES Mansfeld Strasse Hamburg, Germany

[ 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

DECEMBER 2010

ASIAN TRAVELLER

DECEMBER 2010