Asian Traveller January 2012

in. this issue .

Vol.5 No. 04 january 2012

6

The way ahead

With the signing of MoU with ASEAN at the recently concluded ASEAN Tourism Forum, India has sent a strong signal that it is fully aware of the need to cooperate with other countries to promote tourism.

12 Travel industry to gather

in Gujarat

Come February and it is time for the travel industry to gather in Gujarat, to explore business opportunities. The platform is none other than the second edition of Gujarat Travel Mart (GTM), India’s biggest B2B travel event.

P 8-10

14 UAE bets big on cruise tourism Realising the potential of cruise tourism to bring in great economic benefits to the region, all three Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, have initiated a number of measures to take the cruise tourism to the next level of growth.

15 Sri Lanka emerges as a

tourist hot spot

For the first time in its history, the pearl of the Indian Ocean has attracted more than 8000 arrivals in 2011, up around 33 per cent, from 654,476 arrivals in 2010.

P 20-22

16 Korea eyes Indian outbound

MICE pie

As I Travel

24 Qatar Airways wins the

best airline for international travel award

26 A unique safari river cruise

with the Queen

27 Berlin welcomes travel

fraternity

28 Bangalore to host FKCCI

Travel and Tourism Exhibition

V. DURAIKKANNAN

P 18-19

Photo Courtesy (Cover): Tourism Authority of Thailand

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Group Editor :

Brand Consultant :

Vice President :

Art Editor :

Senior Sub Editor :

Sub Editor :

Editorial Team :

Director - PR (Mumbai) : Director, Tour Division :

GM (Marketing) :

GM (Finance) : Manager (Marketing) : Marketing Coordinator :

Financial Advisor :

Legal Advisor :

GM -Tamil Nadu :

A

sian countries have always been a preferred destination for medical tourism, since the emergence of this novel concept. Their popularity for wellness tourism products has been one of the main factors that has, at the first place, catapulted Asian countries into limelight as a destination of choice for medical tourism. Realising the potential of this nascent segment for future growth and development, Asian countries were quick to seize the opportunity and it has, today, emerged as one of the fastest growing tourism segments, in the region. Countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand have heavily invested in the healthcare infrastructure, to cater to the growing demand for high quality medical care products and services. The efforts taken to provide superior services through world-class facilities and well trained medical professionals have, to an extent, yielded results in the form of double-digit growth. As per various reliable reports, Asian medical tourism industry is expected to see a revenue growth at a compound annual growth rate of 20 per cent, till 2013.

The high cost of medical treatments in developed countries, including in US and UK, is yet another reason why people from these countries travel to Asian countries for treatments. Asia, besides being a cost effective destination, is known for the quality of medical products and services it offers to the patient population. As a result, the region has, over the years, seen an increased flow of patients, pushing up the revenue from medical tourism segment. As of now, Thailand, India and Singapore dominate the region’s medical tourism industry, with a combined market share of around 89 per cent. However, the future seems to be India. India is likely to emerge as one of the hot spots for medical tourism, with a market share of around 38 per cent, by 2013. Philippines and South Korea are other major Asian countries that hold a lot of potential to emerge as favourite medical tourism destinations, in the days to come. No doubt, growth in wellness tourism will continue to support the medical tourism segment, in the region. The governments should come forward to propel this segment, by extending financial and policy support.

T ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

rr acrin a G. Biju Krishnan Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com +91 9447555222

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OVERVIEW

The way ahead

policy. It will help the countries to sit together and identify tourist interest nited we stand, divided we areas, to make the much required fall! As far as the tourism investments and build the tourism industry is concerned, it seems, infrastructure, with mutual help. almost every country has realised the With the signing of memorandum need to cooperate with one another, to of understanding (MoU) with the bring in a sustained growth. Of late, Association of South-East Asian Nations several countries have moved in this (ASEAN) at the recently concluded direction and opened up their doors, ASEAN Tourism Forum, India has sent a for more action oriented cooperation. strong signal that it is fully aware of the And, it highlights the powerful role need to cooperate with other countries of tourism in strengthening bilateral to promote tourism. And, it follows the relations, which can be considered as country’s plans to join hands with other the foundation stone to further extend countries such as China and Japan, to the cooperation to other key areas. jointly develop tourism infra, to attract It also brings to light the importance more arrivals. As per the agreement of tourism, as a potent tool to link with ASEAN, both parties are expected cultures, as at the end, the efforts to cooperate in facilitating travel and culminate in bringing millions of people tourism visit. Indian Tourism Minister closer. The cooperation will, above all, Subodh Kant Sahay has lauded the result in a win-win situation for both progress made in the implementation the parties, as the relationship will of the work plan for the development basically be based on a ‘give and take’ of Buddhist pilgrimage tourism in cooperation with them, including the production and promotion of materials and documentary films related to it. If everything goes well, India may propose more joint tourism promotion and product activities with ASEAN, in future.

The MoU signed with ASEAN should be seen against the backdrop of similar such efforts India has initiated in the previous year. Towards the end of Anil Mathew

U

2011, the country had come to terms with China to develop Sufi circuits, fully understanding the interest for it among the Chinese visitors. Prior to this, Indian tourism minister had announced his plans to join hands with Japan to develop Buddhist and medical tourism in the country, realising their market values among the Japanese travellers.

Various reports indicate that Japan has the highest elderly population in the world and since India is an attractive destination for medical tourism, the country can offer Japanese travellers a tourism package that combines medical and pilgrim tourism. And, these are some of the perfect examples of how cooperation between two countries can facilitate shaping up of tourism products and services that can be easily sold to the travellers.

The cooperation, however, would be incomplete, if no efforts are taken to enhance mutual assistance and human resource development. It also calls for exchange of information pertaining to development strategies and investment opportunities, etc. Besides, necessary steps should be taken to explore new opportunities and avenues, for the development and promotion of tourism.

The new wind of cooperation that has hit the industry is likely to strengthen the bilateral relations between the countries, while developing and promoting tourism, with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding and respect for one another.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

INDIAN PANORAMA

Picture Perfect Seeing is believing! No amount of words or pictures can convey the splendid beauty of Rann of Kutch.

Asian Traveller, hence, gets you the details of attractions not to be missed

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room‌vroom‌ and the wheels are on the desert sand, the windscreen seemed to be filled with starlit sky one moment and awash with a wall of sand, the next! This visual treat is unlikely to fade away from our minds, anytime soon. Yes, we are talking about the Tata Safari, Hero Honda, MRF advertisements that have appeared on television, for more than a million times. We bet, it is not only the love for the vehicles that keeps us locked in those visuals. The compelling beauty of the location is what makes those visuals more memorable and touching.

It is the magic of Rann of Kutch, a seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert, Gujarat, that is on display.

Besides an exotic location for advertisement films and fashion photography, Rann of Kutch is also a great holiday

destination, where you can unwind in a relaxed setting.

Spanning an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometres, this seasonal salt marsh separates Gujarat, from the Sindh region in Pakistan.

The dry season is extreme, as it dries out the marshland, leaving isolated salt islands on a vast plain. The monsoon is no different in extremity, as it floods the marshland

transforming the whole area into a vast inland sea. During a good monsoon, the Gulf of Kutch on the west and the Gulf of Cambay on the east immerse into one. Rann gets flooded by seawater and it says a lot about the salt plains. Rann is punctuated by highlands called bets, which have scrub flora and grassland vegetation, offering refuge to wildlife. Extensive grasslands

of Kutch enlivened with avifaunal and mammalian life is an ideal place for any vacationer, to get spellbound by the rustic exquisiteness of nature.

The Rann of Kutch is divided into Greater Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch. As the name suggests, the Greater Rann of Kutch is comparatively larger than the Little Rann

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

INDIAN PANORAMA

of Kutch. The Greater Rann of Kutch is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including migratory birds.

The Little Rann of Kutch, spread across the districts of Surendranagar, Banaskantha, Patan, Kutch and Rajkot, is well known for the Wild Ass Sanctuary, named after endangered Ghudkhur (Equshemionuskhur), which is seen here in large numbers. The sanctuary has three main access points at Dhrangadhra, Range

Bajana and Range Adesar.

Dhrangadhra is the easiest place to find transportation and accommodation.

A safari through the Little Rann of Kutch is a unique experience and it will offer one a rare chance to come face-to-face with endangered Ghudkhur, a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.

As you drive into the Little Rann of Kutch, you can easily spot the wild ass and as you approach the water bodies, what awaits you there is a large number of

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

bird species, both local and migrant. You can while away time, watching birds and a magnificent sunset. The sight of flamingos returning to its habitat in the evening, against the background of an orange coloured sky, is a beauty to behold. Besides the wild ass, the sanctuary is home to a host of other animals and nearly 350 different species of birds, including the common crane, pelican and the lesser flamingo.

Interestingly, the Little Rann gets a fair number of

winged visitors, including the blue-tailed bee-eater that comes all the way from Europe, the common and the demoiselle cranes from Siberia and the houbara bustard from Iran and Iraq, in the winter months. Enter the region through Range Bajana, as the wetlands that house migratory birds are closest to it.

Occupying about 45 per cent of the total area of Kutch, the Rann of Kutch is a splendid seasonal wetland found in India. The areas turn into huge wetlands during a good monsoon season, providing an excellent habitat for resident and migratory water birds and mammalian life. Another major attraction is Flamingo City, an exclusive breeding ground for Greater and Lesser Flamingos. The area encompassing Banni grasslands and other smaller wetlands like Chharidhand is one of the best areas to spot rare bird species like Grey Hypocolius, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Common Crane, Dalmatian Pelican, Houbara Bustard, Curlew Sandpiper, Sociable Plover, Creamcoloured Courser and Indian Skimmer. If you are an avid bird-watcher, it is gonna be your day out, in Rann.

The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary that stretches over an area of two square kilometres near Nalia is a must visit for both the nature and bird lovers.

INDIAN PANORAMA The woodlands covering Jhakau and Budia villages extend to this magnificent sanctuary, which is the sole home of Great Indian Bustard bird and various other life forms. The area was declared an indigenous home to Great Indian Bustard and a sanctuary in 1992.

Great Indian Bustard is a large ground dwelling bird, with long neck and ostrich like elongated legs. This endangered species with its neutral coloured coat blends with the semi-arid grassland and provides a visual surprise to the visitors. Lesser Florican Bustards breed here, while the flamboyant Macqueen’s Bustard is a winter visitor. The sanctuary is considered a unique dwelling for these birds which are almost becoming extinct in other regions of the country. Chinkaras, jungle cats, Nilgai, Indian wolf and several other mammals inhabit this area, making this sanctuary a treat for nature

10

connoisseurs.

Besides the desert area, Rann of Kutch is also known for lakes, rivulets and beautiful traditional villages. Luni River, which originates in Rajasthan, drains into the desert in the northeast corner of the Rann.

Other rivers feeding into the marsh include Rupen and West Banas River. One can also

utilise the time, to get insight into the lifestyle of Kolis, Rabaris, Bajanias, Kutchis, Gujjars and Bharvads, who inhabit the area.

Kutch attracts not only nature lovers but also connoisseurs of handicrafts, textiles, religious and pilgrimage sites. The Kutchi people from Banni, Anjar,

Khavda, Rapar and Bhuj area are famous for their bandhani work on colourful fabric. Its archaeological past can be traced to Dholavira, with its remains of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation and the Fossil Museum in Than. The heritage village of Tera is another important attraction that is worth visiting in Kutch.

Tera is famous for its fort, water tanks and the heritage precincts.

The best time to visit the salt desert is during December – January. It is during this time of the year that the famous Rann Utsav is being held here, which gives you a chance to explore Kutch through special tours and cultural programmes. The highlight of the festival is the camel cart safari that takes you into the sun-burnt plains from the tented villages built for the Utsav.

The sight of the moonlit night in the vast saline wilderness, will stay with you for quite a long time.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

Wild beauty Visit Anamalai to experience the nature at its pristine best. It will really be a treat to your eyes and soul, writes Dr S Bakthavatchalam

A

walk in the wild is refreshingly different.

If you have not tried it so far, head to Anamalai Hills, one of the most aweinspiring and scenically overwhelming places in south India. Here, you can ski, hike and climb the mountains, raft, trek and trail, camp out in the jungles, take elephant or vehicle rides…, the list is seemingly endless. Quiet and beautiful, Anamalai is home to the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Situated in the scenic Western Ghats, near Pollachi, at an altitude of about 1400 metres, it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Moderate warm climate makes Anamalai and its surrounding areas a destination 365 days. But, the best time to visit Anamalai is December-April.

It is an ecological haven with rich and varied vegetation, including extensive forests of teak.

Added attractions include over 100 species of orchids, a wide variety of ferns, grasses, palms and canes. As you pass through, you are under the ever-watchful eye of the

animals who call it a home. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of Nilgiri Langur and the Bonnet and the Lion-tailed macaques, while elephants, gaurs, wild boars, leopards, chital, sambar, muntjac and giant squirrel are quite commonly sighted. It also boasts of rich avian life and is a bird-watcher’s paradise. You can find Malabar whistling thrush, Grey jungle fowl, Malabar and Great pied hornbills, Ceylon frogmouth and Malabar trogon, here.

Another specialty of the place is its tiger reserve.

Besides being one of the finest repositories of rich flora and fauna, these forests are also home to several indigenous tribes such as Malasar, Kadar, Eravalar, Malai Malasar, Pulayar and Muduvar. Some of the places to be visited near Anamalai include Topslip, Monkey Falls, Aliyar, Crocodile Breeding Centre at Amaravathi, Attakatti, Mirar, Kallipatti, Manompally, Chinnar, Varagaliar, Manjampatti, etc.

Topslip is the first choice to most tourists. At Topslip, you can move around the sanctuary on elephant top,

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

or by van. Besides rides, it offers ample accommodation facilities and avenues for nature trail. Dotted with forests, grass hills, rivulets and streams, Topslip is sure to win the hearts of a true nature lover. In the west, it connects to Kerala’s Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, while the elephant camp at Chinnar is just 25 kilometres away from Topslip. From here, you can also set out to the Grass Hills via Varagaliar and Manompally.

The Amaravathi Crocodile Farm is considered as the largest crocodile breeding centre, in south India. The mugger crocodiles, popular as the Persian crocodiles and marsh crocodiles are commonly found here. The crocodile farm is located very near to the Indira Gandhi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Another not to be missed attraction is the gentle Monkey Falls, a natural waterfall.

Attakatti, another not to be missed attraction, is on the Pollachi-Valparai state highway. A well maintained trekking shed is available near Attakatti. From here, it is easy

to head to Monompally, a place known for its thick shola forests, fast flowing rivers and scenic beauty.

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NEWSLINE

Travel industry to gather in Gujarat

C

ome February and it is time for the travel industry to gather in Gujarat, to explore business opportunities. The platform is none other than the second edition of Gujarat Travel Mart (GTM), India’s biggest B2B travel event. To be held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhi Nagar, Ahmedabad, from February 22-24, 2012, the event is expected to draw a large number of exhibitors, visitors and buyers, from over 30 countries, including Netherlands, Bahrain, Australia, Canada, France, Greece, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, UAE, UK and USA. The main attraction of this year’s event will be the exclusive Gujarat pavilion.

“Gujarat has been one of the major tourist hot spots in India, with its wide arena of attractions. The exclusive

pavilion will showcase different facets of the state and it will be an opportunity to get to know more about its festivals, beaches, Mahatma Gandhi centric tours, pilgrim centres, Buddhist trails, heritage hotels, wildlife, resorts and national parks, medical tourism, destination management companies, travel agents and tour operators, handicrafts, cultural vistas, etc.,” say, officials with Gujarat Tourism.

The event will also feature incredible India pavilion, offering a glimpse of the country’s rich culture and heritage, to the visitors. At the pavilion one can meet leading travel agents, tour operators and representatives of state tourism departments, travel technology firms and hotels and resorts from across the country.

Though only into its second year, the event enjoys the support of Association of

Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators, Travel Agents Association of India, Travel Agents Federation of India, Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India, etc. ‘‘GTM 2012 is all about face-to-face encounter with travel-trade, hoteliers and other stakeholders from India and abroad, and the event will offer unparalleled networking opportunities, with all the stakeholders of travel and tourism industry,” assure Gujarat Tourism officials.

India makes rapid progress as a driving destination

I

ndia is silently making a slow and steady progress as a driving destination, by attracting increased number

12

of foreign tourist arrivals, with self-drive packages. The country has seen a 60 per cent rise in foreign tourist arrivals

with self-drive packages, in 2011 and it speaks volumes for the popularity of India as a driving destination.

The car rental firm Avis India, the only agency with a self-drive car fleet in India, says the segment has doubled to 10000 bookings in 2011.

The company is present in 17 cities and has 1,400 vehicles, most of which are available for self-drive.

“The road infrastructure has improved in the country and many routes are now mapped on GPS-based navigation devices. AS a result, overseas tourist arrivals with plans to drive have increased,” says, Sunil

Gupta, CEO, Avis India.

Since Avis enjoys global network and presence in the European and North American markets, it is easier for tourists from these regions to book vehicles in India through their local branch.

The company, which has a presence in 170 countries, is also in a position to offer complete holiday packages, thanks to its tie ups with hotel chains and travel agents across the globe.

“The variety of holiday options in India makes it an exotic destination for foreigners with tight budgets, especially when the rupee is weak,” he adds.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

13

NEWSLINE

R

ealising the potential of cruise tourism to bring in great economic benefits to the region, all three Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, have initiated a number of measures, including significant investments in infrastructure to support cruise tourism facilities and services, and steps to attract big players in the industry to UAE, to take the cruise tourism to the next level of growth.

As part of the ongoing initiatives, Abu Dhabi is planning to replace the tented cruise terminal with a purpose-built cruise terminal at Mina Zayed, while Dubai is reshaping Port Rashid, to retain its position as the largest cruise centre in the Middle East. Sharjah, on the other hand, is focusing on Khorfakkan, to attract around 700,000 cruise visitors, during the current tourism season.

The expansion works at Port Rashid is taken up by the DP World and the company has already embarked on expanding the cruise terminal facilities to take its capacity to accommodate five cruise ships at a time, from the

UAE bets big on cruise tourism current capacity of two ships, at a time.

“Development of the cruise terminal facilities at Port Rashid supports Dubai’s long-term strategy to stimulate growth and development in the traditionally strong tourism sector. The new facility will help Dubai to tap into the rapidly growing cruise sector and retain its status as the major destination, for the finest cruise ships in the world,” says, Sultan Ahmed

bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World.

Dubai is all set to take the lead in total cruise visitors, as it is expected to welcome 475,000 passengers at Port Rashid, before the tourism season ends in April 2012.

According to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, cruise tourism saw an annual income of Dh338 million in 2010 and is estimated to generate revenues of Dh837 million in 2015.

On its part, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has prioritised cruise tourism as one of its five strong pillars of economic growth and has taken steps to make increased investments in cruise terminal facilities, in collaboration with industry stakeholders Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Abu Dhabi Terminals.

“Cruise shipping has enjoyed strong recession-proof growth for several years,” smiles, Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA.

Arrivals to Tibet shoot up

I

f the steady increase in tourist arrivals in the first 11 months of 2011 is any indication, Tibet tourism seems to be well on track to achieve the target of 15 million arrivals and tourism revenues of 18 billion Yuan, in 2015. As per the latest information, Tibet saw an inflow

14

of 8.43 million tourists, including 8.18 million domestic and 250,000 foreign arrivals, till November 2011, registering a growth of around 28 per cent yearon-year. The increase in arrivals has boosted the tourism revenues, which went up by about 39 per cent to around 9.3 billion Yuan ($1.5 billion), during the period under review.

Tourists were first permitted to visit the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1980s.

The Shoton Festival in summer, one of the most important festivals of Tibetans, alone drew more than nine lakh tourists to Tibet. Also known as Tibetan Opera Festival and

Buddha Exhibition Festival, Shoton Festival sets the stage for Tibetan operas and gala parties, as well as wonderful yak racing and horsemanship display.

The festival heralds the beginning of the peak travel season in Tibet.

Located north-east of Himalayas, the main tourists attractions in Tibet include Potala Palace in Lhasa, Jokhang Temple, Namtso Lake and Tashilhunpo Monastery.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

NEWSLINE

Sri Lanka emerges as a tourist hot spot

F

or Sri Lanka Tourism, 2011 has been an eventful year. For the first time in its history, the pearl of the Indian Ocean has attracted more than 8000 arrivals in 2011, up around 33 per cent, from 654,476 arrivals in 2010. The increase in arrivals speaks a lot about the emergence of Sri Lanka as one of the hottest tourist destinations, after the 28 years of internal conflict came to an end in 2009.

The growth also highly reflects the success of its campaign ‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka – Visit 2011’, wherein it marketed and offered its locations and natural resources in eight segments and experiences in eight days,

to the travellers. While its important market was the neighboring India, Sri Lanka also saw increased arrivals from countries such as Middle East, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Netherlands and Italy.

“This is the first time ever we have received arrivals exceeding 800,000 in any given year,” confirms an official with Sri Lanka Tourism.

To cash in on the current growth momentum, Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, has unveiled a five-year strategic development plan for the tourism sector. “During the plan period, we target to attract $3,000 million worth foreign direct investment in the tourism sector and it

will be used for developing tourism related infrastructure.

Also, we are targeting arrivals to the tune of 2.5 million and foreign exchange earnings

of $2.7 billion, by 2016,” discloses the tourism official.

In 2010, Sri Lanka attracted foreign exchange earnings of $500 million.

TAT to train and certify Indian travel agents

I

n a bid to train and certify about 1,500 tour operators and agents on a panIndia basis, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mumbai, has launched Amazing Thailand Champion Agents, an online travel trade training and certification programme. The duration of the training programme is one year.

The e-learning programme is divided into four modules, for the Indian

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

market. The modules include general information, seven wonders of amazing Thailand, destinations and special information. Travel agents and tour operators are required to study these four modules and appear for an online test. Upon successfully completing all four modules, the travel agent will be certified as an ‘Amazing Thailand Champion Agent’.

“The programme would enable travel agents and tour operators to familiarise themselves with various wonders of Thailand, such as Sethaphan Buddhani heritage, culture and Director, TAT cuisine, in addition to other aspects including wellness, adventure and leisure opportunities. We will also highlight various destinations within Thailand and it will enable the travel agents and tour operators to sell the destination to their clients better and lure them to increase the length of stay in Thailand,” says, Sethaphan Buddhani, Director, TAT. To avail of this opportunity, trade members in India would need to log on to www.thaitravelmart.com and register their company. During the course of the training, enrolled members need to appear for an online test on the various offerings and destinations in Thailand. Agents securing the highest scores will get an opportunity to visit Thailand and experience the destination first hand.

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NEWSLINE

Korea eyes Indian outbound MICE pie

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ndia is likely to see a slew of initiatives at promoting Korea as a favourite meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination, in the current year, as after declaring 2012 as Korea Convention Year, in a bid to position Korea as one of the top five convention destinations, Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) has turned its focus on India, to attract a large chunk of Indian MICE outbound traffic. Korea is expected to take part in trade fairs such as IITM, TTF-OTM, SATTE, etc., and organise road shows in conjunction with such fairs, to lure more MICE arrivals to the country.

“Korean government has been nurturing and fostering MICE sector, as one of the strategic and new-growth industries. We shall be showcasing Korea as a perfect destination for MICE through road shows, advertisements, joint promotions, trade shows and familiarisation trips, on a pan-India basis. This will offer the travel trade from Korea an opportunity to interact with their Indian counterparts,” says, Jae-Sang Lee, Director, KTO, New Delhi. Korea currently ranks amongst the top ten MICE destinations in the world.

As part of the promotional activities, in the current year, Korean convention centres and hotels will

offer discounts and arrange complimentary site inspection trips for qualifying organisations and special discounts for the organisers and participants on Korea’s flag carriers Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. “Of the total Indian visitors to Korea, 35 per cent are leisure travellers and the remaining are MICE and business travellers. That is why we are keen to attract more MICE travellers from India,” adds, Lee. Besides promoting Korea as a MICE destination, KTO has also designed a number of measures to attract Indian film industry, for film shoots in Korea. “Film tourism is a growing phenomenon worldwide. We realise the

importance and the reach of the Indian film industry and will be encouraging Indian producers and studios, to film in Korea.

KTO can support producers, by organising inspection tours and introduce them to government bodies such as the Korean Film Commission and the Korean Film Council, in order to avail subsidies,” informs, Dr Charles Lim, Deputy Director, KTO, New Delhi.

In 2010, Korea received 87,000 Indian tourist arrivals, up 25 per cent from 2009.

“We are expecting 15 per cent year-on-year growth in tourist arrivals from India,” concludes a confident Lee.

India focuses on Saudi tourists

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n a bid to draw more tourist arrivals from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India has recently held important tourism events in different parts of the region, including road shows in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah. A delegation from India, comprising several high-level officials representing Indian Ministry of Tourism, Air India, Jet Airways, Taj Group of Hotels, hospitals offering medical tourism products,

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tour operators and state tourism departments of Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Karnataka, visited the Kingdom to stage the road shows, in collaboration with the Embassy of India.

“The events included detailed presentations on Indian tourism, buyer-seller meetings between Indian and Saudi tour operators and a raffle draw,” explains, Surinder Bhagat, a spokesman for the Indian embassy.

The medical tourism

component of the events highlighted the growing and advanced medical treatment facilities available in India. The presentations also brought out the rich and diverse attractions in India, ranging from the majestic Himalayas to the golden beaches of Goa, the exquisite architecture of the south, the splendour of the Taj Mahal and showcased India as a shoppers’ paradise.

As per the reliable statistics, 4.5 million Saudis

travelled abroad and spent about $33 billion, in 2011.

India is fast emerging as a preferred destination, for the Saudi tourists.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

NEWSLINE

Captain Nair receives Lifetime Achievement Award

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otelier India, a magazine from the house of ITP Publishing, has conferred Lifetime Achievement Award on Captain C P Krishnan Nair, Chairman and Founder of the Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, for creating landmarks of world-class luxury in different parts of India, in a short period of time. Captain Nair received the award from Greg Wilson, Director of ITP Publishing, at a glittering ceremony organised in New Delhi, very recently.

“The Leela family is the pillar of my success and I am proud of my family.

With great humility, I accept this award on their behalf.

This award has been earned by the entire Leela family, which consists of thousands of employees who work with total dedication and share our

commitment to provide only the best to our guests,” says, Captain Nair.

The Hotelier India Awards honour individuals, who make the country’s hotels some of the very best in the

world. Into its third year, Hotelier India Awards are given to hotel personnel across a broad range of offices.

Headquartered in Mumbai, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is owned and operated by Hotel Leelaventure Ltd. The group manages seven award-winning hotels in India, spread across prime urban locations in Bangalore, Gurgaon, Mumbai and New Delhi, and magical holiday escapes in Goa, Kovalam and Udaipur. Also, the Leela is expected to open new properties in Chennai, Agra, Jaipur and Ashtamudi, Kerala, very soon.

Wonderla MD honoured with Tourism Man of the Year Award

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ssociation of Tourism Trade Organisations India (ATTOI) has honoured the Managing Director of Wonderla, Kochouseph Chittilappilly, with Tourism Man of the Year 2011 award, for his services to promote tourism in the country through his innovative water theme park.

“More than being a visionary in business, his commitment on ensuring quality had set a trend in business models.

His venture Wonderla, which was formerly known as Veega Land is still the best theme park in the country,” says Sreekumara Menon, President, ATTOI, throwing light on the factors that went into selecting Chittilappilly for the award.

“What inspired us more is the humane heart in him.

He proved to this world that life is more than what money can buy. His great gesture in donating his kidney to a fellow human must be remembered by the mankind for generations to come. We sincerely feel that our humble efforts in understanding and recognising great personalities like Chittilappilly will be truly beneficial for our society,” he adds.

Minister for Forests and Environment K B Ganesh Kumar presented the award to Chittilappilly in the presence of Rani George IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism, Sreekumara Menon, President, ATTOI, Anish Kumar P K, Secretary, ATTOI, E M Najeeb, Chairman, IATO Kerala Chapter and Riyaz Ahamed, President, KTM, at a grand function held at Vivanta by

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

Taj, Kovalam, recently.

Tourism Man of the Year award recognises achievements in the field of tourism and ATTOI ensures that people with inspiring personalities are only chosen for this award. In the past, ATTOI has conferred the Tourism Man of the Year award on Baby Mathew of

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resorts, for his efforts in promoting ayurveda as a tourism product and for creating interest and researches in the field of traditional medicine, and Jose Domenic, Chairman of CGH Earth Group, for his efforts in promoting eco friendly activities in tourism.

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COLUMN

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V Duraikkannan

he Statue of Liberty is an American icon.

The people of France gave the statue to the people of the United States over one hundred years ago, in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution.

Though it was proposed to be delivered in 1776, to coincide with the 100th year of American Independence (1776), sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was eventually able to complete it only in 1886, partly due to funding issues.

While the Statue of Liberty is a known monument worldwide, how many of us have heard of ‘the Statue of Responsibility’? The Statue of Responsibility was suggested first by philosopher and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl (1905-1997), in his book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’.

Frankl was the founder of the school of existential analysis called ‘logotherapy’.

Logotherapy is considered as the ‘Third Viennese

School of Psychotherapy’, after Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis and Alfred Adler’s individual psychology. It is a type of existentialist analysis that focuses on ‘will to meaning’, as opposed to Adler’s Nietzschean doctrine of ‘will to power’ or Freud’s ‘will to

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pleasure’. Rather than power or pleasure, logotherapy is founded upon the belief that it is the striving to find a meaning in one’s life that is the primary, most powerful, motivating and driving force in humans.

Frankl recommended that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast should be supplemented by a ‘Statue of Responsibility’ on the West Coast, as a counter balance. He wrote: “Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness. In fact, freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness, unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness.”

Utah has been declared the birthplace of the monument, which will be made out of stainless steel, with a height of around 300 feet and about the same weight as the Statue of Liberty. American sculptor Gary Lee Price has made the prototype, drawing inspiration from Victor Frankel, a holocaust survivor. It consists of a pair of clasped hands oriented vertically and it symbolises that responsibility comes with liberty.

It is often observed that everybody wants to take but nobody wants to give.

Taking is liberty but giving is responsibility. In linguistics, there is something called Siamese twins. Siamese twins are conjoined twins named after the famous Thai brothers Chang and Eng Bunker (1811– 1874), who travelled with P T Barnum’s circus for several years. In linguistics, examples for Siamese twins include expressions like ‘bag and baggage’, ‘bed and breakfast’ and ‘heads or tails’. They are always quoted together and the point to be noted is

that they have to be said in the same order and never reversed like ‘baggage and bag’ or ‘breakfast and bed’, etc. Likewise, ‘give and take’ is Siamese twins, where ‘give’ comes first and ‘take’ later!

Responsibility precedes liberty. There is no getting away from one’s responsibility. John Maxwell has very succinctly put this point across in a single line - Life is either ‘play now and pay later’ or ‘pay now and play later’!

There is an Indian parrot variety called ‘Annakkili’ and a verbatim translation of the word would mean ‘meal parrot’ (‘annam’ means meal and ‘kili’ means parrot). The story behind the name is very heart-rending and touching as well. Like all other mother birds, the ones belong to this particular variety also go foraging and bring home food for their fledglings. But what distinguishes this parrot from the rest of its ilk is its extreme

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

COLUMN

act of care and responsibility.

Seeing and sensing that its young ones cannot mash the food properly and get the nutrient essence of the food, Annakkili takes the food

by itself, mashes and gets it digested and tears its own heart and body, with its beak to bleed and feeds the blood to its young ones. It not only gets the food for the young ones but sees to its absorption by them. That is precisely the literal meaning of the word ‘responsibility’. The root word ‘respond’ means ‘to re-pledge’ (re + spond or ‘spondere’ which in Latin means ‘to pledge’. The word ‘sponsor’ also has the same origin)!

And the responsibility sets itself in motion a chain of developments. A senior college mate of mine was narrating an incident from his student days at St Joseph’s, Trichirappalli, which happened in late 1960s. It was his English poetry class and the professor was waxing eloquent about Wordsworth, on his poem ‘Daffodils’. Since my friend had neither seen

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

nor heard of the daffodil before, he interrupted the teacher and asked what a daffodil was and how it would look like. A stumped professor just told him ‘A daffodil is A DAFFODIL!’ If only the professor had assumed the responsibility of explaining a daffodil to the class that it was any of numerous varieties of Narcissus plants having

showy, often yellow flowers, with a trumpet-shaped central crown and that it was related to the other beautiful flower called asphodel (legend has it that the ever-lasting flower grows in abundance, in the Elysian fields), my friend was telling that perhaps he could have taken a better liking for the English poetry, rather than looking for reasons to bunk those classes!

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Simply Magical!

It is difficult to say, as to what you will like more in Tanah Lot. But, it is sure that you won’t dislike the magical sunset view, it offers. Travel with Asian Traveller, to explore the compelling beauty of Tanah Lot and attractions in and around it

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elieve it or not, it is worth visiting Tanah Lot just to enjoy the sunset. The sight of golden red sky, sun sinking into the depths of the sea at the other end and waves crashing onto the rocks is something that will remain in your memory lane, for quite a long period.

Though you are one among thousands of other visitors

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gathered here, it is unlikely that you feel or, in that matter, notice the presence of others.

You will be transported to a world of yours and in solitude

what engulfs you is a peace of mind that you have not experienced prior in your life.

The view is so spectacular and wow-inspiring that your eyes

Though simple in its construction, Tanah Lot temple is known for its dramatic setting, thanks to its ocean front location. There is a footpath to the raised cliff area and from here you can have a dazzling view of the temple and the sunset

won’t even blink for a second, until and unless the sun has entirely disappeared into the depths of the sea. Once it all ends, you are sure to feel had it lasted for some more time…

And that is the magnetic power of the sunset at Tanah Lot, a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali.

Once you land in Bali, you are sure to hear a lot about

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

INDONESIA

Tanah Lot sunset tours and it is something that you cannot give a miss.

Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres from Denpasar, provincial capital of Bali, Tanah Lot is famous for the Pura Tanah Lot or Tanah Lot temple. The term ‘Tanah Lot’ means ‘land in the sea’ and the temple sits on a large offshore rock.

Seawater encircles the temple during high tide and you would mistake it for a temple, in the middle of the sea. There is a footpath to the raised cliff area and from here you can have a dazzling view of the temple and the sunset. Though simple in its construction, the temple is known for its dramatic setting, thanks to its ocean front location. The rock formation has a peculiar shape and at the base, sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits. Dedicated to

the guardian spirits of the sea, Tanah Lot temple is one of Bali’s most sacred sea temples and it is believed to be erected by fishermen, on the advice of the 15th century priest Nirartha, who rested here, taken up by the beauty of the rocky island. It is one of the seven sea temples around the

shops on both the sides of the way that leads to the temple.

The earlier you arrive here, the more time you will have at your disposal, to visit the shops that cover each side of the path, selling, among other things, just about every Balinese tinket imaginable.

Options are plenty and you will be spoilt for choice and may go on a buying spree, Even a short visit to Tabanan and its nearby attractions until it is time to watch the will give you a clear picture of Bali’s vibrant culture, sunset. You can also find a number of restaurants breathtaking landscapes and inspiring art, paintings, that offer, besides great music and dance food, great views. Select a restaurant of your choice, Balinese coast and from here ensures a perfect, unhindered make yourself comfortable you can have the magnificent view of the sun going down at and order for ‘Es Kelapa view of the other six temples. Tanah Lot. Muda’ (chilled young coconut Just a stone’s throw away No matter from where you drink), to refresh yourself. If you can locate the Pura Batu set out to Tanah Lot, make you liked the taste of it (sure, Bolong temple, which is often sure that you reach the spot you’ll), do not hesitate to mistook for the Pura Tanah. by afternoon, as it will allow order a few more drinks.

It is perched at the end of a you enough time to personally When it comes to tourist rocky promontory that leaps know the destination, before attractions, your options seaward into the Indian finding out a best spot to are not limited to temples, Ocean. The rock underneath enjoy a stunning sunset. You sunset and souvenir shops, the temple has a natural hole can find a number of souvenir alone. Head just to the south

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

and the entire appearance of the temple on the rock formation, is captivating enough. The term ‘batu bolong’ literally means ‘rock with a hole’. It is also one of the best spots in Tanah Lot, for enjoying a splendid sunset.

As Pura Batu Bolong temple stands on an elevated area, it

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INDONESIA

of Tanah Lot and you will surely be taken up by the sheer beauty of the Nirwana Bali Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman. It offers the best of ocean views and lush landscapes, in entire Bali. If you are a photographer, no amount of clicks will be felt enough to capture its beauty into your frames. Rolling hills covered with rice paddies just add to the beauty of its panoramic landscape. No wonder, this 18-hole golf course is voted as one of the best in the whole of Asia, consistently.

If you move just about seven kilometres north from Tanah Lot temple, you can reach Pejaten village, where the coastline gives way to idyllic rice fields. Small buildings surrounded by mountains will surely catch your eyes and will take you to a real rural setting.

This village is the centre of ceramics manufacturing business (terracotta industry), in Bali. What await you here are various forms of ceramics works in vivid, attractive colours. Unlike the ceramics made in other places, the ones produced here are not a mass product. They are fine pieces of artistic works and you can take home elegant pots, stylish kitchen cutleries and beautiful decorating stuffs, as gifts to your beloved ones.

The calmness of the village atmosphere and its natural

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beauty will surely force you to spend quality time here, exploring its scenic beauty.

If time permits, one should also surely explore Tabanan in and out and you won’t regret, even if you dedicate an entire day to wander around this town, in central Bali. Even a short visit to Tabanan and its nearby attractions will give you a clear picture of Bali’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes and inspiring art, paintings, music and dance.

With attractions such as Taman Ayun temple, Monkey forest and Mount Batukaru nearby, you are sure to have a pleasant time, along with your family and friends that you can cherish for a long period.

The rolling green landscapes and hills may even tempt you to spend a night here and in that case you have plenty of high profile accommodation options. There are numerous small roads that will take you to the beaches, in the area.

Most known of them is Yeh Gangga.

To visit Taman Ayun temple, set out to the town of Mengwi, which has a long and rich history associated with Mengwi dynasty. Built in around 16th century by I Gusti Agung Putu, it is also known as Mengwi royal temple, as it served as the family temple of the Mengwi dynasty. The temple, which is situated in a beautiful garden with trees and ponds, is famous for its

exquisite wooden ‘merus’ or pagoda like shrines.

The Monkey forest is a nature reserve where you can find a large number of monkeys, who, according to the legends, are descendents of the army assembled by the monkey king Hanuman. It is home to at least 155 different species of trees and Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple. The journey would be worth the time you spend, as it offers an opportunity to be with the nature.

To quench your thirst for a different sort of experience, climb the Mount Batukaru, the second highest mountain in Bali. Its spectacular scenery and rich cultural heritage make it a place to be visited, to unwind, retreat, soak oneself in the green and to be inspired. It is a long extinct volcano and makes for an interesting climb. There are

three main routes to the top and they converge at same point at Munduk Nyanggang.

If you prefer, you can camp here but should stock enough food and water. On the slopes of the Mount Batukaru, you can spot majestically situated Pura Luhur Batukaru temple.

It is a sacred site and one is required to abide by the instructions provided at its entrance.

Before you pack your bags, see to it that you also visit Bali Butterfly Park, one of the biggest such parks in SouthEast Asia, and Subak Museum that is dedicated to the famed subak system of unmechanised irrigation which has been in use in Bali, since long time. The park houses butterflies of different kinds, colours, shapes and sizes and it is one of the best spots for relaxing and releasing tension.

Photo Courtesy: Suraj Khan, Director, Business Development,

Unimondo Travel and Leisure Pvt. Ltd.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

AVIATION

Qatar Airways wins the best airline for international travel award

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atar Airways has to in-flight duty free and won the best airline onboard cuisine, is fivefor international star and based on superior travel and the best business attention to detail and class airline to the Middle customer satisfaction,” says East awards, at the Business a jubilant Akbar Al Baker, Traveller Magazine’s 23rd Chief Executive Officer, Qatar annual Best in Business Airways.

Awards, held recently in The carrier has also Los Angeles. The awards received two other accolades recognised 35 different travel from Business Traveller service providers, in 54 sister publications around categories. the world. They include the “Qatar Airways’ winning best business class airline streak can be

by Business Traveller attributed to its high Middle East and the standards of quality best airline in the and customer Middle East and Africa, service. Everything

by Business Traveller we do and provide, Asia Pacific. In 2011, from personalised Qatar Airways was treatment and honoured with several Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer other awards from customer service,

around the world, including the airline of the year 2011 award, by the prestigious Skytrax organisation, at their annual awards.

“I am very proud that our business class product has again been recognised, as well as our long-haul international services, by US-based travellers. These accolades demonstrate the years of hard work that have gone into

flydubai to fly to Baghdad and Najaf

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lydubai, a low cost airline with its headquarters in Dubai, has added two additional Iraqi destinations to its network, with flights to Baghdad and Najaf. The new routes bring flydubai’s service to 48 destinations spread across the GCC, Middle East, Africa, Indian

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sub-continent, Asia and the fringes of Europe. The carrier will operate four times a week to Baghdad from January 17, 2012, while it will fly to Najaf three times a week, from January 29, 2012. flydubai launched services to Iraq in 2010, with flights to Erbil and Sulaimaniyah,

providing a huge impetus to travel between UAE and Iraq.

The proposed new routes will allow the travellers from UAE to take advantage of low cost fares.

“The UAE is currently one of Iraq’s top trading partners. Our flights to Erbil and Sulaimaniyah have

making us what we are today – the best in the skies,” he smiles.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 103 aircraft to 110 diverse business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. The airline plans to serve 120 destinations worldwide, with a fleet of 120 aircraft by 2013. encouraged business travel and we aim to mirror that success by connecting two of Iraq’s main commercial and business centres, to the UAE. In addition to cultural authenticity, Iraq has a wealth of investment opportunities across sectors such as oil and gas, and agriculture and we hope the new routes will stimulate UAE-based and international business to explore these opportunities,” says, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai.

Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, is the second largest city in the Arab World (after Cairo in Egypt) and the second largest in Western Asia (after Tehran, Iran). Its major attractions include the National Museum of Iraq that houses an impressive collection of ancient manuscripts and historical relics and the Abbasid Palace, one of the oldest historical heritage sites.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

AVIATION

Dnata expands online travel market presence 1Time to take travellers to Mombasa

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n an effort to strengthen its position in the lucrative online travel market, Dnata, the holidays and baggage handling arm of Emirates Airline, has acquired Travel Republic, one of the biggest online travel agents in Britain. With the new addition, the company is in a position to channelise more UK traffic through the Dubai company.

Travel Republic, which has built its business around increasing demand from people to book their travel online, independent of traditional tour operators, has an impressive track record and it is estimated that more than two million people book their holidays through Travel Republic’s website.

“Travel Republic will complement our existing leisure and corporate travel services in Dubai and internationally.

The company has an impressive, dynamic management team and I

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

1 am confident of further developing the business with them, in line with the outstanding service and quality for which Dnata is renowned,” says, Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President of Dnata’s travel business.

Danta, part of the Emirates Group, is wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai. It has more than 20,000 employees involved in ground handling, flight catering and IT services, spread across 76 airports around the world.

Time, one of South Africa’s low cost carriers, is all set to fly to Mombasa from South Africa, from March this year, following successful flights between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Zanzibar.

As per the available information, the carrier will operate non-stop flights to Mombasa twice a week, opening up the South African Market for holidays, to Mombasa, second largest city in Kenya.

Thousands of visitors flock to Mombasa every year, to enjoy its beautiful beaches that stretch for miles along the north and south coasts. Lying next to the Indian Ocean, this Kenyan city offers a quiet, relaxing vacation and has in it remnants of historical and cultural attractions, nature parks and rich flora and fauna.

Since its inception in 2004, 1Time has widened its reach with flights to Livingstone, Zambia and Zanzibar.

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MARKETING

A unique safari river cruise with the Queen

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ne often connects the term ‘safari’ with Africa. And, one will also surely admit that no visit to Africa is complete without taking a safari, to enjoy its beautiful mountain peaks, sweeping plains and abundant wildlife.

Well aware of this fact, AMA Waterways, a premier provider of luxurious and affordable cruise vacations, has introduced MS Zambezi Queen, a specially designed safari river cruise ship.

It offers three splendid programmes, including a four-night safari cruise and two nights in Victoria Falls. The cruise will cover locations such as South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania.

With a design specific for safari river cruising, the 28passenger MS Zambezi Queen will offer you a sophisticated on-board experience. The ship is designed in a way to facilitate animal sightings. MS Zambezi Queen comes with 14 suites, each with private balconies. There are four

master suites, eight Category A suites and two Category B suites. Located in the first and second levels, these suites are appointed in contemporary style and feature two single beds which can be combined into a king size bed.

The air-conditioned top deck houses a dining room, lounge with fireplace, bar and sunbathing area, complete with a private pool.

The interior furnishings are elegant and timeless, offering a comfortable experience.

The dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides, while the bar serves both local and imported spirits, wine and beers.

While on board, guests can dine in absolute opulence, whilst enjoying the unique African surroundings. Dishes on offer include butternut and

macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with perfect wine.

Here, you can savour English breakfast in the morning, lavish gourmet lunch buffet in the noon and end the day with a formal dining experience. If you prefer on-board dining, you can have the luxury of complementary wine and beer, with lunch and dinner.

It is more fun in the Philippines

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hilippines has unveiled its new tourism campaign slogan ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’, with an aim to attract 10 million foreign tourists by the end of 2016. The slogan has already become popular on social media, worldwide and Manila has every reason to be thrilled with the rapid and dynamic response that the campaign triggered on the web. “It is more fun in the Philippines because we have

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the best beaches, best food, best smiles, etc., in the world,” say the supporters, who have welcomed the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) campaign with open hands. The DoT leadership stressed that the slogan is people-focused, as it emphasises its people’s innate ability to connect.

The slogan has made a positive impact as netizens continue to create their own versions of the country’s newest slogan. Several photos

featuring things that are ‘more fun in the Philippines’ have been making rounds on the internet, prompting others to come up with ideas of their own. With more and more

people crafting their own posters illustrating what is ‘more fun in the Philippines’, the DoT may have an easier time spreading the word about the country.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

EVENTS

Berlin welcomes travel fraternity

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t is once again gonna be travel and tourism industry’s day out in Berlin. The country is about to witness a gathering of tens of thousands of travel and tourism industry professionals and experts, where innovative ideas will be diffused for the better future of the industry. The platform is ITB Berlin 2012, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows, to be held at Messe Berlin, from March 7-9, 2012.

The main attraction of the event will be the three-day ITB Berlin Convention, where you can listen to the tourism industry’s main think tank and get insights into the latest trends in the industry and the challenges it may face, in the future. Each day of the convention will handle a particular segment and dig deep into the subject, to provide the participants an overall picture of the topic, under discussion.

The first day of the convention will deal with

major trends in the tourism industry and feature sessions on the future of the international cruise industry, including growth in demand as well as challenges in the context of environmental protection and social responsibility. The day will also see a keynote on innovations such as the Google Hotel Finder and Google Offers, and how in future revolutionary technologies can help to sell tours, by Dr Bernd Fauser, Head of Global Top Accounts Travel for Google; discussions on the current financial debt crises and a talk on the future tourism prospects in the Mediterranean, with a look towards 2030.

If you are part of the hospitality sector, you cannot afford to miss the second day of the convention, as the sessions will focus on the challenges facing the hotel market. Titled as ITB Hospitality Day, the sessions will seriously look at the

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

growing number of brands in the hospitality segment, how hotels can protect their guests in the future, how booking portals are undergoing consolidation process, the war for talent and how to interest young academics in hospitality careers.

The second day will also feature the ITB CSR Day, offering participants an opportunity to examine the issue of barrier-free travel.

The focus of the session will be on human rights in the tourism industry and it will take a look at what can be done to safeguard human rights at travel destinations.

The third day of the convention will offer participants practical examples of past marketing campaigns, which were not ideally worth copying and the ones that were highly praiseworthy. Sessions will be held under the banner of ITB Marketing and Distribution Day and will cover topics such as impact of user ratings

on travel review portals and thought provoking ideas for innovative marketing strategies and measures.

The final day will also feature ITB Mobility Day and the panel will focus on sustainable fuels such as gas from wind and solar energy production, proposed EU Emissions Trading Scheme, long distance coach travel market and new combination of air travel and local coach tours.

Besides the convention, another major attraction of the event is ITB Destination Days.

On offer for the entire three days, this platform will deal with the challenges related to destination management. In addition to the burgeoning Asian markets, it will also focus on types of travel with high growth potential, such as health and cultural tourism.

Other sessions will dwell on the Arab spring and its impact on the travel industry, as well as the expanding gay and lesbian travel market.

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EVENTS

Bangalore to host FKCCI Travel and Tourism Exhibition

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o promote India as a destination for recreational, leisure and business travel, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) jointly with Triune Exhibitors Pvt Ltd, will organise FKCCI Travel and Tourism Exhibition at the Palace Grounds, Bangalore, from February 17-20, 2012.

The event is expected to provide a golden opportunity to showcase the country’s rich tourism products and services, to the international and domestic community.

While Karnataka hosts the event, other Indian states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Chhatisgarh, will be partner states for this prestigious exhibition.

“Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. There has been an up market trend in the tourism industry, over the last few decades, especially in India, where travels for short breaks are common.

The booming economy and the growing middle-class with high disposable income have triggered a demand for inbound and outbound travel. Hence there is an increased demand for travel, the event is being held with an objective to familiarise the various attractions in India to the travellers,” say the event organisers.

The exhibition is expected to attract over 25000 visitors during the four days. “The month of February has been chosen as it is the time

of the year travellers plan their summer holidays. The exhibition would give them a varied choice of destinations, to choose from. Also, the trade/service industry related to travel and tourism could

have a good deliberation, with the right targeted audiences,” conclude the organisers.

FKCCI is the premier apex organisation for industry, trade and service sector in Karnataka.

ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Indonesia

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he 31st edition of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) was successfully held at the Golden Kawanua Exhibition Hall, Manado, Indonesia, from January 8-15, 2012, in a bid to promote Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as a single tourist destination. The event, which was officially organised

by TTG Asia Media, saw a participation of more than 1,600 delegates, including over 400 international buyers.

The main attraction of the event, as usual, was TRAVEX, its travel exchange component. Official TRAVEX days were marked by the ASEAN tourism conference on ‘ASEAN goes green’, onsite business appointment 28

scheduling sessions between sellers and buyers, exhibition and TRAVEX appointment sessions.

Pre TRAVEX networking activities, including one day complimentary pre-show city tour around Manado, were also organised in connection with the event. The preshow city tour to selected destinations within the host country was held to showcase its up-coming destinations, tourism infrastructure, hospitality sector and other tourist highlights, to the industry.

“ATF 2012 was a huge success, as it provided a great opportunity for all participating countries to share new ideas, knowledge, experiences and products and services. It also saw signing of memorandum of understanding on ASEANIndia Tourism Cooperation,” smile the organisers. ATF, held annually in any of its 10 member countries, offers the participants an opportunity to meet the tourism industry sectors of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar,

Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Social and networking activities, including the ATF Friendly Golf Game, ATF 2012 opening ceremony and ASEANTA Award Presentation, were also part of this years’ event. “Indonesia has much to offer through its culture, music, dance and costumes. Arts like puppetry and mask dances are some of the unique ways that Indonesia tells its stories. We were thrilled to offer ATF delegates a glimpse of this beautiful country,” says, Anastasia Chris Miastuti, Deputy Director, International Promotion for ASEAN - Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

HOSPITALITY

Dusit enters Maldives

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usit International, one of Asia’s leading hotel groups, is all set to enter Maldives, with the launch of Dusit Thani Maldives, in the first quarter of this year. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and a vibrant 360 degree coral reef and turquoise lagoon, this property located at Mudhdhoo Island, Baa Atoll, will be a landmark addition to Dusit International’s global brand. It will only take 35 minutes from Malé, by seaplane and just 10 minutes from the new domestic airport at Baa Atoll, by speedboat, to Dusit Thani Maldives. Lush

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coconut palm trees and blue lagoon lend it an ambience of a heaven on earth.

“Our first foray into the Maldives is a very exciting addition to our growing portfolio and represents a milestone for the Dusit brand. The resort will combine the rich flavour of Thai hospitality, with the stunning tropical beauty of the Maldives,” says, Chanin Donavanik, CEO, Dusit International.

The resort comes with modern, luxurious accommodation facilities and one can select among Beach Villas, Beach Villas with Pool,

Lagoon Villas with Pool, Ocean Villas with Pool and exclusive Ocean Pavilions and Beach Residences for an enjoyable stay, depending on one’s budget. Each accommodation facility offers uncompromised service and spectacular views.

Lagoon Villas feature a private deck area and plunge pool, offering a combination of beach and lagoon experience, while the Ocean Villas come with decks featuring private pools and salas, large day beds and deck chairs. For premium accommodation, opt for twobedroom Ocean Pavilions and Beach Residences, which have large swimming pools, indoor

and outdoor dining areas and pantries.

The resort also houses a number of quality restaurants, where you can savour authentic Thai and local flavours. It has an all-day dining restaurant in Market, where you can relish classic favourites, an international buffet breakfast and light lunch. Then, there is Benjarong, its signature restaurant that serves Thai cuisine, with a modern twist. Perched over the azure lagoon, Benjarong will offer you a dream dining experience. You have another dining option in Sea Grill restaurant, which serves fresh ocean offerings and highest quality steaks and grilled items, in an exquisite beachside setting.

One can also unwind by the Sala Bar, enjoying a mesmerising sunset. Located on the second level of Benjarong, Sala Bar provides a serene chill-out zone for guests and here you can enjoy hand-mixed cocktails, such as a lemongrass or Thai basil mojito. One can also indulge in star gazing through the lounge telescope. If you are not keen on drinking, you

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

HOSPITALITY can head to Sand Bar to savour snacks and mocktails, listening to the dance beats.

The resort is also home to Maldives’ largest infinity pool. Measuring about 750 square metres, the pool that flows around a stately banyan tree, is a sight to behold and you will be tempted to enjoy its pristine, sparkling water, at the very first sight. The pool uses an environment friendly saline sanitising system and zero chlorine.

Guests can enjoy diving and various water sports, such as snorkelling, kite surfing, water skiing, canoeing, fishing and wake boarding.

Another major attraction is Devarana Spa. With six tree-top treatment pods, the spa is sure to lure your attention and it is a perfect place for a complete rejuvenation of one’s body

and mind. Its six tree-top treatment pods are accessed by a sky bridge leading up through the palm trees.

This wellness escape centre offers signature treatments, including massages, facial, body treatments, manicures and pedicures.

“With the goal of living in harmony with Maldivian biodiversity, Dusit Thani Maldives comes with green energy solutions. To ensure minimal impact on the environment, the resort has invested in state-of-the-art

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

engineering for efficiency.

Our entire operation is geared toward achieving a carbon-neutral programme.

We are excited to be one of the leaders in sustainable resort development in the Maldives,” says, Andres Rubio, General Manager, Dusit Thani Maldives.

Some of the green initiatives taken up at Dusit Thani Maldives include use of biodegradables for composting, fertilising and landscaping, and cultivation of herbs and vegetables to

lower the carbon footprint and reduce the reliance on imported produce.

Mudhdhoo Island is known for frequent sightings of dolphins and sea turtles, while Baa Atoll is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Mudhdhoo Island is a perfect example of a ring-shaped reef form called ‘faroe’, a peculiar reef structure unique to the Maldives. With these attractions around, your stay at Dusit Thani Maldives will surely be worth a holiday experience.

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KERALA TRAVELLER

Cochin to offer a unique aqua experience

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n February this year, tourists to Cochin will have a rare opportunity to see, buy and learn about a rich variety of ornamental fish, aquariums and aquarium accessories, under a single roof, as the curtains for India International Aqua Show 2012, a biennial ornamental fish and accessories exhibition and trade fair, is set to go

up on February 10, at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Cochin. One of the major attractions of the fair, which will conclude on February 14, is cultural performances that will reflect the diverse cultural richness of the country. To be held every evening, performances of traditional and popular art forms and concerts are expected to make the entire event an entertaining experience to the visitors.

Organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala through the State Fisheries Resource Management Society, in association with the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, the fair, besides providing a platform for exchange of views and sales initiatives, aims to encourage hobbyists, breeders and entrepreneurs in the field. The five-day long event,

which also enjoys the support of Kerala Aqua Ventures International Limited, is expected to attract exhibitors, breeders, traders and visitors from across the globe.

As usual, aqua show 2012 will feature seminars, a buyerseller meet and competitions.

Sessions on ‘Ornamental fish breeding, farming and trade’ and ‘Recent trends in production and marketing of ornamental fish’ are, according to the organisers, designed in a way to grab the attention of the participants and visitors, as well.

Competitions on the subtle, but challenging aspects of Ornamental Fisheries, such as breeding, innovative practices, technology and display will be added attraction of the event.

Manufacturers and distributors of aquarium, its accessories and related products, international and

local breeders, and exporters and importers of ornamental fish will exhibit at the show.

“Branded internationally as ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. Located on the southern tip of the Indian peninsula, Kerala has immense natural resources that give the state the potential to develop into a major centre for ornamental fisheries, in the region. Home to thousands of kilometers of freshwater bodies, the state boasts of several species of ornamental fish that are rare, valuable and in demand, worldwide. The India International Aqua Show 2012 is just one among the several initiatives that the state government has undertaken to promote and encourage present and potential entrepreneurs,” conclude the organisers.

SKHF calls for a waste disposal system

T

he South Kerala Hotelier’s Forum (SKHF) has requested the state’s Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Mayor of Trivandrum Prof K Chandrika to intervene and take immediate action to resolve the issue of garbage collection and disposal system

in the city that has come to a standstill, as the Vilappilsala solid waste treatment plant was closed down by the Vilappilsala Grama Panchayath, recently.

“A large number of hotels and restaurants in the city depend on Corporation of

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012

Trivandrum for the collection of garbage, as they neither have a system for the disposal of garbage nor other means to treat the waste. The corporation had promised to find alternate means to handle the waste, but this has not been addressed so

far. If the present situation continues, tourists will hesitate to visit our city and this will adversely affect the tourism industry and hospitality sector, which is already feeling the heat of economic meltdown,” says, M R Narayanan, General Secretary, SKHF.

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VARIETY

Alan Leibman has joined Kerzner International Holdings Limited as Chief Executive Officer

Andrew Gower has joined RAK International Airport as Airport Director

The Pacific Asia Travel Association has appointed Ivy Chee as PATA Regional Director-Asia

Kerala Tourism, Govt. of Kerala, has appointed Zacharia D Ayyaneth as Deputy Director – Marketing Department

Mohammed Qazi has joined RAK International Airport as Commercial Director

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1.

Which is the tallest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro?

2.

The logo of the Lacoste brand is a crocodile. Why?

3.

Which city is known as ‘the Bougainvillea City’ in Asia?

4.

Volkswagen has a model called ‘Vento’. What does it mean?

5.

‘Khaleej Times’ is a popular daily in Dubai.

What does ‘Khaleej’ mean?

6.

How many World Heritage Sites are there in India?

7.

Where can one find the largest collection of living plants?

8.

After oil, which is the most traded item in the world?

9.

What does Amway stand for and where is its headquarters?

10. Which city is known as the Cultural Capital of Australia?

Compiled by Deekay

February 2012 PATA Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism, Paro, Bhutan 03 - 07 Desert Festival, Jaisalmer, India 05 - 07 REISEN, Hamburg, Germany 08 - 12 EMITT, Istanbul, Turkey 09 - 12 SATTE, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 10 - 12 Gujarat Travel Mart, Mahatma Mandir, Ahmedabad 22 - 24 BIT, Milano, Italy 16 - 19 FKCCI, Palace Ground, Bangalore 17 - 20 Goa Carnival, Goa 18 - 21 AIME, Melbourne, Australia 21 - 22 Nishagandhi Dance Festival, Thiruvananthapuram, India 21 - 28 TTF, New Delhi, India 24 - 26 ITM, Sharjah, UAE 29 - March 02

Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC 52 in the subject line.

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

Answers to TYKC 51 1. It is the headquarters for worldwide Judo community. 2. Malibu.

3. Bangalore ( Bengaluru ). 4. Pumice. 5. The Chinese practice of giving the new born baby a small pet name. 6. Strained Pineapple. 7. Babylon is Greek for Babel which in Semitic language meant ‘Gateway of God’.

8. Max Muller’s. 9. Robert Noyce & Jack Kilby ( 1958). 10. ‘Where America’s Day Begins’ (sunrise is seen here first for any American territory).

WINNER OF TYKC 51

We have not received any all-correct entries for TYKC 51

MARCH 2012 ITB Berlin Elephant Festival, Jaipur, Rajasthan IITE, Vijayawada MITT, Russia Moscow TUR, Gothenburg, Sweden Asia Pacific Business Outlook 2012, Los Angles GIBTM, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

07 - 11 07 15 - 17 21 - 24 22 - 25 26 - 27 26 - 28

APRIL 2012 IT & CM, China KITF, Almaty, Kazakhstan Arabian Travel Market

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17 - 19 25 - 27 30 - May 03

One all-correct entry will get

Free Stay at UDS, Kovalam [ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]*

With its sleek and stylish design, Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel is nothing less than a golden feather in the cap of Kovalam beach. Located just 15 metres from the sea, this four star hotel can well be categorised into a destination in itself. Its philosophy of combining the best elements of incomparable lifestyle, with the convenience of today’s modern world through exceptional standards of luxury, elegance and services, is well reflected in its products and services and has put the Uday Samudra Beach Hotel, popularly known as UDS, at the top position, in Kovalam. What is more noteworthy about UDS Kovalam is the international flair it sports.

* Conditions apply

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2012