Vol. 3 • No. 6 • March 2010
Inside 6
this issue
World Tourism Players Vow to Strengthen Ties
17 Budget Proposal Will Give Boost to Industr y: Vivek Nair
Representatives from more than 50 countries and regions, who attended the 2010 Boao International Tourism Forum in Sanya, southern China's Hainan Province have vowed to promote cooperation to deal with incidents with negative impacts on tourism.
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ITB Berlin Expands Role as Global Market Leader
18 Keoladeo National Park Engulfed by Water Crisis
ITB Berlin has emphatically confirmed its status as the leading travel trade show in the world. A slight rise in exhibitor attendance and stable trade visitor numbers from both Germany and abroad ensured the trade fair was a success. The recently concluded 44th edition of ITB Berlin had 180, 000 visitors and six billion euros in orders.
21 WTTC Forecasts Subdued Growth for 2010 Travel and tourism is one of the world's most important sectors and has been one of the leading grow th sectors since the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) first started measuring travel and tourism's economic impact 20 years ago.
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22 Kingdom of Dreams: India's First 'Live' Entertainment and Leisure Destination
GITB to Showcase Market Strength
24 The Golden Chariot Introduces 'Southern Splendour'
10 Questions
Woman of the Month
27 Bhutan Keen on Air Links with Guwahati 28 95cr. Vivanta by Taj in Guwahati 31 Kerala Tourism Conducts Road Shows in UK
SAJI JOSEPH
AUDREY BRINDLEY
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p 12
Cover: A Scene from Singapore, Photo: Suraj Khan/lifeCliks ©2010
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
editor ’s note
A Editor & Publisher Group Editor Vice President & CEO Executive Editor Photo Editor Art Editor Editorial Team
uring the recent Boao International Tourism Forum held in Sanya, in the Hainan Province in Southern China, Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), expressed the need to maintain the cultural uniqueness of destinations. He said a destination need not become "a Disneyland in its efforts to become an international tourism destination". It is important to preserve the unique features of a region to make it a sustainable one in the long run. As the UNWTO Secretary General said, "a city or a destination should be a place full of real people and real activities". With most of the 'mass tourism' segments severely affected as a result of the economic meltdown, the tourism industry needs to look at tourism products which have local flavour in order to keep the interest going. But it is important that tourism is developed in a balanced way as tourism is particularly vulnerable to economic uncertainty and volatility. At the same time the major concerns over the recovery of world tourism industry are the government debt and unemployment. The huge public debt, widely seen across the world, may lead the governments to withdraw support for the tourism industry. The current growth of tourism is backed by the recovering general economic situation stimulated by government intervention. As Taleb Rifai has pointed out "Many governments in the world are having huge debts. Some of them might be tempted to start weakening the determination to stimulate their economy, if that happens, we would have to adjust our forecasts". To accelerate the development of tourism is of special significance in the post-financial crisis era. It is also important to strengthen exchanges in the industry, promote tourism and culture, and contribute to multi-layer and multi-channel exchanges and dialogues between tourist destinations, between different governments and among enterprises. In view of the vulnerability of the tourism industry, the global tourism industry should establish cooperation and development mechanism to jointly cope with the adverse impact of emergencies likes natural disasters, diseases and economic crisis on the tourism industry.
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G. BIJU KRISHNAN Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com ASIAN TRAVELLER
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Publication : : : : : : :
G. Biju Krishnan G. Gopakumar* M. P. Sreekumar Lerbin T. K. Retheesh Kariyam Amal Prasad R. Parameswaran Smitha R. Director (Marketing) : Vinu V. Nair Director (Finance) : K. Harikrishnan Legal Advisor : Adv. G.S. Prakash Financial Advisor : B. Prasad G.M-Nor th : Wg. Cdr. V. K. Gangal Sr.Mgr. Tamilnadu : P. Deenadayalu KSA Sam Mathew, Tel: 00966-505150513 London Abdul Najeeb, Tel: 0044-7769940391 UAE Sanjeev S. L., Tel: 00971 508914709 Kuwait Mariam Titus, Tel: 00965 6638670 New Delhi V. K. Gangal, Tel: 09871180498 Mumbai Mahesh Nair, Tel: 022 32499989 Bangalore Sandeep Viswanath, 09845179243 Chennai Nisha J., Tel: 09841008588 Hyderabad K.S. Johnson, Tel: 09441236010 Indore Manohar Bhati, Tel: 09893559563 Madurai P. Deenadayalu, Tel: 09843129535 Ernakulam M. P. Sreekumar, Tel: 09447118694 Thiruvananthapuram Vinu V. Nair, Tel: 09745444177 Administration Jaya Rajeshwari, Soniya S., Vidhu Krishna, Sunil 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 w w.mediastepsindia.com Regd. Of fice: Media Steps India, TC-27/1915, MBRRA 70, Mathrubhoomi Rd., Thiruvananthapuram–695 001, Kerala State, South India. Mumbai Of fice: Media Steps India, Unit 9 & 10, Sardar Pratap Singh Industrial Estate No. 2, LBS Marg, Bhandup West, Mumbai-400078, India Tel.: +91 22 32499989 Hyderabad Office: 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 Of fice: Media Steps India, 6/4, Sangeetha Gardens, 19th Street Ex t, Jai Nagar, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106. Tel: +91 44 42640531 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 Adver tisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable. Readers are however requested to verif y the facts before making business decisions using the same. No par t of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission from the Publisher. All rights reser ved. Copyright © 2008 *Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act
MARCH 2010
worldview
World Tourism Players Vow to Strengthen Ties epresentatives from more than 50 countries and regions, who attended the 2010 Boao International Tourism Forum in Sanya, southern China's Hainan Province have vowed to promote cooperation to deal with incidents with negative impacts on tourism. Given the industry's sensitive characteristics, the world's tourism industry should establish cooperation and development mechanisms to jointly respond to natural disasters, disease outbreaks, as well as economic crises and other
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sudden occurrences, according to the Hainan Tourism Declaration. Focusing on the theme "Reform on the tourism industry in the post-crisis era," participants exchanged ideas on measures and experiences of different countries in coping with the impact of the global financial crisis on the tourism industry, the new trends and prospects of the tourism industry, as well as government actions and strategies in promoting the development of tourism industry. Participating countries
and regions are willing to conduct joint research on policies and measures to promote the development of the tourism industry, take practical measures to speed up the development of tourism as a pillar industry, create good environment and conditions for the development of the industry and work together to contribute the lasting prosperity and stability of the world, said the declaration. Hainan would continue to run the Boao International Tourism Forum in a long term with the help of the
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), according to the Declaration. The forum is expected to strengthen exchanges in the industry, promote tourism and culture, and contribute to multi-layer and multi-channel exchanges and dialogues between tourist destinations, between different governments and among enterprises.
GITB to Showcase Market Strength he third edition of The Great Indian Travel Bazaar will be held at B.M. Birla Convention Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on April 1113, 2010. The event organised the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan in association with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The event will be attended by International and domestic tour operators and travel agents, national tourism organizations from key originating countries, hotels, resorts and spa owners, health care institutions, investors and financial institutions, key personnel from respected tourism bodies like IATO, HRAR, IHHA, RATO, TAAI, FHRAI, HAI, TAFI, ADTOI, ATOAI, other tourism organizations and state level tourism associations, different states of India, national and international airlines, Indian
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MARCH 2010
railways, cruise Liners and road transport organizations, members from chambers of commerce and industry along with National and International Media. The event target targeting potential consumers of tourism products from across the globe and India with the support of associations including World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and leading national and regional associations like Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Hotel & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO). The objective of this event is to reinforce India as
a worldclass tourism destination, opportunity to interact with foreign buyers, registered Indian sellers, policy makers, investors, members of the media and make a business sense out of The Great Indian Travel Bazaar '10. The focus will be exclusively on Inbound Tourism. Then event will be a congregation of around 180 foreign tour operators and travel writers from across 45 countries including main travel markets including Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, USA, Russia, China, Australia, under one roof. The exhibition will have over 200 booths to showcase and market the varied tourism products of Indiaand there will be over 500 key tourism product
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sellers from India. Structured, organized, prefixed B2B meetings between Registered Indian Sellers and foreign buyers will be spread over 2 days along with social networking events, hosted dinner and vibrant cultural programmes. With an all-time high 5 million foreign tourist arrivals in the year 2007, a growth of 12.4% over 2006, and over 462 million domestic tourists, US$ 11.9 billion foreign exchange earnings with a growth of 33.8% over 2006 and a 5.83% contribution to the GDP, the tourism sector with its diverse product profile, is poised for a phenomenal growth. The 'Incredible India' campaign of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the relentless efforts by the state governments to promote tourism and the strategically crafted endeavors by the tourism fraternity of India in the corporate sector have given the desired thrust to the tourism industry in India. ASIAN TRAVELLER
itb 2010
ITB Berlin Expands Role as
Global Market Leader I
TB Berlin has emphatically confirmed its status as the leading travel trade show in the world. A slight rise in exhibitor attendance and stable trade visitor numbers from both Germany and
abroad ensured the trade fair was a success. The recently concluded 44th edition of ITB Berlin had 180, 000 visitors and six billion euros in orders. Though the number of foreign
Statement about the ownership and other particulars about ASIAN TRAVELLER Forum IV (See Rule 6) 1. Place of Publication : Thiruvananthapuram 2. Periodicity of Publication : Monthly 3. Printers Name : G Biju Krishnan Whether Citizen of India : Yes (If foreigner, state the country of origin) Address : TC- 27/1915, MBRRA-70, Mathrubhoomi Road, Thiruvananthapuram-695001, Kerala State, South India. 4. Publisher’s Name : G. Biju Krishnan Whether Citizen of India : Yes Address : TC- 27/1915, MBRRA-70, Mathrubhoomi Road, Thiruvananthapuram-695001, Kerala State, South India. 5. Editor’s name : G. Biju Krishnan Whether Citizen of India : Yes Address : TC- 27/1915, MBRRA-70, Mathrubhoomi Road, Thiruvananthapuram-695001, Kerala State, South India. 6. Owner’s Name and Address : G. Biju Krishnan TC- 27/1915, MBRRA-70, Mathrubhoomi Road, Thiruvananthapuram-695001, Kerala State, South India. 7. Name and address of individuals who own the newspaper and shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital as given below : G. Biju Krishnan TC- 27/1915, MBRRA-70, Mathrubhoomi Road, Thiruvananthapuram-695001, Kerala State, South India.
trade visitors was stable the numbers Asia showed grow th. The latest edition also had the highest number of senior executives and leading politicians to date at ITB Berlin. Approximately 7,200 journalists from around the world landed in Berlin to cover the trade show. 11,127 companies from 187 countries (In 2009 it was 11,098) exhibited the international travel industry's entire range of products and services. 110,953 trade visitors from 180 countries attended the show, equalling last year's figures. As in 2009, 45 per cent of the trade visitors came from abroad. This year there was a considerably higher number from Asia. Due to a well-chosen range of topics the ITB Berlin Convention once again emphasised its role as the travel industry's foremost discussion forum and think tank. At tendance rose yet again, with 12,500 delegates taking part in the convention. At the ITB Future Day topical issues such as Web 2.0 best practices and the latest market analyses at tracted
decision-makers attending this year's fair was greatly in excess of fif ty per cent", he said. The next ITB Berlin will take place from 9 to 13 March 2011. The partner country will be Poland.
I, G Biju Krishnan, hereby declare that the particular given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief Sd/Thiruvananthapuram G. Biju Krishnan
Date: 01.03.2010
MARCH 2010
such high at tendance that for the first time available room capacit y reached its limits. Dr Christian Goeke, Chief Operating Of ficer Messe Berlin, gave a very positive assessment. "ITB Berlin 2010 broke records despite the dif ficult overall economic situation. More than 11,000 exhibitors placed a total of more than six billion euros wor th of orders. The industry demonstrated resilience and placed its trust in the strong brand that is ITB Berlin, which once again was able to gather all the leading players in the market. ITB Berlin is the trade show where senior executives do business. The proportion of
Printer and Publisher
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
personality Saji Joseph has over 14 years of expertise in the hospitality industry and is currently the General Manager, Alila Diwa Goa. Goa, India Tell us about your hotel and its USPs. Alila Diwa Goa is a lifestyle and destination hotel. It is a personalized lifestyle hotel and part of Asia's leading luxury boutique hotel and resort operator, Alila Hotels and Resorts. Located in scenic Majorda in South Goa, Alila Diwa Goa is Alila Group's very first property in India. Created by India's leading architect Toni Joseph, the interiors has been craf ted by Lisa Garris from Plum, with landscaping by Bloom. Spread across 300 square meters, the hotel lobby is reminiscent of a traditional chapel that opens into the courtyard. How do you position the Hotel in the market? What is your marketing strategy? A surprisingly dif ferent destination experience in the 5-star deluxe category. The resort is further complemented with a family entertainment zone that includes a theatre and children's activity centre, and a comprehensive event centre, which is equipped with a grand ballroom turned into a dramatic space with large doors and old Goan architecture, two meeting rooms with sophisticated and technologically advanced conference facilities and a large outdoor lawn that can accommodate up to 300 persons. How important is a Hotel in developing a destination? What has your company done in this regard? It's a t wo way traf fic that goes hand in glove with each other. Both the destination and the Hotel in the destination make it important for the entire development of the place. Being an international brand we have a stronger presence in the Global market hence can directly reach out to our loyal client base that is eager to try out Alila In Goa, India. Could you tell us about your background and how did you come to the industry? I have always wanted to be in the hotel business, was fortunate to follow the right path and get the right learning opportunity to focus
MARCH 2010
on that dream and achieve it. I star ted as a Cook in Bakeries and Restaurants in Goa working par t time during my studies in 1992-96. An alumni from IHM Goa, I began my career with The Leela, Mumbai as and then went onto to work with Rambagh Palace, Jaipur and Taj Lake Palace. In 2003 I joined Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom, Kerala as General Manager. Af ter a successful three-year tenure at Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa, Kumarakom, I moved to Alila Diwa Goa as General Manager. Here my core responsibilities include strategy implementation, revenue management, achieving operational excellence, business development, creating unique experiences for the guest, creating an empowered and performance oriented culture and a congenial environment of cooperation with the local community. Please tell us about your experience so far? Is there an unforgettable moment in your career which you can share with us? There are so many. I have had my fair share of learning and humbling moments to write a book on. This is one industry that keeps your experiences growing day by day. Never boring here, What plans - immediate and long term - do you have? Immediate is to look forward to the first complete financial year for Alila Diwa Goa and the opening of our 10 Room , Spa Alila from Bali. And the opening of the Premium wing of the Resort taking the inventory from the current 114, to 149 Rooms. Long term of course is to have one of the most successful opening of a Hotel and a international Brand in the country. Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now? Strangely I remember this question been asked when I joined the industry as a Management Trainee at The Leela Kempinski Mumbai by the VCMD of the group Vivek Nair and I had told him very confidently that I would be a GM of a Hotel. That was in 1996. But I did take on my first assignment as a
GM in 2005. Going forward the goal is to be a content Hotelier and a human being, where I can add value to the lives of people that I can reach out to. No I don't have any 10 year plan to reach a title etc. I think I have crossed that stage a wee bit earlier with the blessings of God, parents and people that I have come across in life. Now tell us about your family. I am blessed with a princess, her name is Ayeisha Marie Joseph (five years) from my wife of 10 years - Pinky Roset ta Joseph, and both these ladies in my life have been pillars of strength and blessing to balance my work and career. Tell us about your hobbies and other interests? My hobbies are cooking, swimming under water and driving. In my spare time I like to go biking and on long drives which is limited now thanks to the control from home. Which is your favourite destination, and why? Goa undoubtedly has the right mix and balance of topography, weather, people and cuisine to be rated as my top destination. However destinations in India like Rajasthan and kerala along with coastal regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are equally breathtaking and awesome. India on the whole is a never ending place to explore and I have to sum it up that India will be on my top list. Followed closely by Bali , Vietnam and Thailand.
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SAJI JOSEPH General Manager, Alila Diwa Goa Goa, India
ASIAN TRAVELLER
personality Audrey Brindley is a Global MICE Tourism Market consultant from UK
AUDREY BRINDLEY Specialises in Global MICE Tourism Market
How did you become interested in Travel, Tourism & Hospitalit y business? I star ted in hotel sales in London in the early 70's. Please elaborate on how your business evolved over the period of time. Following a take over I had to leave my first job lef t and then I joined a travel publication selling adver tising to International clients. This involved a great deal of travel on a global scale. You have been watching global tourism scene for a long time now. What are the basic things to learn for emerging tourism destinations of the world? I started my own publication on International Conferences and Incentives. But in early 80's we found advertising which supported the publication was hard to come by because of recession. Another reason was the first Gulf War, as a result of which people were reluctant to travel. And we had to sell the magazine. During this time my travels would take me around the world spending eight or so months of the year away from home. I then set up a new company Premier Par tnership - to organise meetings and events. My clients
came from the financial, medical and computer industries. I was asked to organize not only meetings but product launches and had to do event management. The business involved quite a deal of just finding the suitable location and venue for the client. As a result of recession many companies did not have the manpower to undertake the required research. So they found us very useful during this period. Due to the ex tensive travel I had done I knew most countries and the logistics of getting around. With this and my knowledge of who's who in the hotel world it gave me a good standing with the clients. Of ten you find that companies like to tell the clients this is what you will have when really they should listen more to what the clients is really asking for. As a travel industry professional what has been your ambition? I think being able to survive on your own is important. Try to be independent. When I first joined the publishing world I was told by my male colleagues, "We do not wait for you. If you are not on time we will leave you behind. We do not carry your bags. Any problems you sor t out yourself". I very soon learned to pack only what was needed to and always be waiting there for the others, to be independent and know how to get around on my own. This was indeed good sound advice which over the years I appreciated. Also, to always look as though you know where you are going - even if you do not. Who or what has been the greatest influence in your
professional life? My colleagues in the industry, who almost always showed me respect and many of whom became good friends. 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? Being treated as a woman who likes pink tissues and cur tains rather than as a professional who just wants things to work like early morning calls and messages delivered on time. My advice to anyone is always deliver what you promise and don't make rash promises What is the secret of your success? Hard work and a love of the job. What is your proudest moment (till date)? The birth of my first grandchild and get ting invited to No 10 Downing Street. Now tell us about your family. My family is my five sons and nine grandchildren. All of whom I love dearly. What are your hobbies? I still consider my work to be a hobby I enjoy new challenges. The newest is organising international dar ts events which started as local event in January when 400 turned up to play over three days and 200 to watch. This has now been booked in East Bourne for the next 10 years and hopefully we will have an event like this in Kerala during the month of August 2010 followed by Jaipur in 2011. China is also showing interest and we may go there in 2011.
Kerala Delegation at ITB Kerala Tourism Industry was well represented at ITB 2010 in Berlin and the Kerala pavillion attracted volume business. MARCH 2010
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
column
A
V DURAIKKANNAN
Lying to oneself is the beginning of one's ruin. As a rule, one should not lie to anyone. If must you lie, under unavoidable circumstances or out of dire necessity, you may do it so to others but at no time to your own self. The moment you start lying to yourself, your disconnect starts. MARCH 2010
'Thank you!' When we habitually keep get ting into this habit, the habit of what Robin Sharma would call the audio not matching the video, we become a bundle of conflicts and confusions. Endeavour to be yourself always. There is an interesting Zen question. Why a lotus is so beautiful? Why a Abraham Lincoln Thomas Szasz rose is so beautiful? The answer is: A lotus is beautiful the world at large. because it is always a lotus and There is a beautiful anecdote never tries to become a rose. And from the life of Abraham Lincoln. the same way a rose remains When Lincoln was elected to the always a rose and never works up of fice of the President of USA, he to be any thing else. Unfor tunately himself sat on selecting his it is mankind that is always trying to personal aide. On the day of the be imitating the other and be inter view, his assistant was obsessed with the others. The Irish handing out one resume af ter wit Oscar Wilde was writing in De another as the candidates were Profundis (1905): 'Most people are being interviewed and sent out. Lincoln just at the mere look of the other people. Their thoughts are photograph at tached, rejected one someone else's opinions, their lives application out of hand without any a mimicry, their passions a quotation'. actual seeing of the candidate. When his assistant opined that it could be unfair to assess somebody by one's looks, Lincoln very succinctly told that af ter the age of forty one was responsible for one's looks. What he meant is that one becomes one's thoughts even in his physical dimensions too over time which is true. Robin Sharma Abraham Maslow Some of the couples when No t wo people are alike just as lived long enough and with similar no t wo zebras have the same kind thought processes do start of stripes or no t wo snow flakes are resembling each other due to this identical. The human genome is fact only. made up of about 3,000,000,000 Lying to oneself is the beginning of one's ruin. As a nucleotides each of which can be any of the following: adenine, rule, one should not lie to cy tosine, guanine, and thymine. anyone. If must you lie, That means that there are 4 ^ under unavoidable circum3,000,000,000 (that's 4 to the 3 stances or out of dire billionth power) combinations necessity, you may do it so available. At a rough estimate, it will to others but at no time to take a minimum of 50 billion years your own self. The moment from now for exhausting all the you start lying to yourself, Joseph Grimaldi possible DNA combinations for a your disconnect starts. You pattern to repeat. There had never The Hungarian psychiatrist, say something but you do somebeen you before nor would there Thomas Szasz (b.1920) told in his thing else - most of the times the book 'The Second Sin' (1973): very opposite of what you profess. be you again in future; you are there only now! Know that you are 'People of ten say that this or that When you say something, you unique, identif y your purpose, person has not yet found himself. really do not mean it. That is why realize yourself and be always But the self is not something one we have expressions like 'Thank happy, serene, and beautiful! That finds, it is something one creates'. you!' and 'Thank you indeed!' The is the best service you can do it to One has to create one's self oneself qualifier word 'indeed' just betrays rather than blaming it on others or that there is no real thanking in the this world! young man goes to see his doctor. He is hale and hearty. He is having enough money as well. But still there is something amiss in his life. He is overcome by a terrible sadness which he cannot describe and he does not think any thing will make him feel bet ter. The doctor says, 'Why not you do something happy, like going to see Grimaldi the clown? He is playing in the town's circus this evening. That should do the change!' The young man answers, with a knowing look, 'Ah, but Doctor', he says, 'I am Grimaldi!' This instance is from the life of the famous English clown Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837). Grimaldi was the one who introduced the modern clown to the world making him the central character in a harlequinade. How come a clown who was making the whole world laugh their guts out could not be happy unto himself? Abraham Maslow described the hierarchy of human needs in his work 'A Theory of Human Motivation' (1943) citing the ultimate need is self-actualization (the first four needs are - Physiological, Safety, Love or Belonging, and Esteem). What is more important than selfactualization is in fact self-realization. The clown Grimaldi must have had missed that one. He would not have realized what he wanted in his life and that would have kept him confused and lost.
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
face to face
Budget Proposal Will Give Boost to the Industr y: Vivek Nair The proposal in the India Union Budget 2010 to extend the benefit of investment linked deduction to new hotels of two-star category and above across India would give the hotel industry in the country a much required boost, opined Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Hotel Leela Venture Limited. He was speaking to Asian Traveller on the sidelines of a function organized in Thiruvananthapuram as a part of Leela Kempinski Kovalam winning the India Tourism Award in the 5-satr deluxe category (the first time a hotel from South India winning the award). Excerpts: On Budget The budgetary proposal to extend the benefit of investment linked deduction to new hotels of two-star category and above is a good one. This will lead to more investments in the sector and which will generate more employment. On the Effect of Economic Meltdown Like every one we have also been affected. But
ASIAN TRAVELLER
things are looking up now. We expect an increase of 2025 per cent increase in business in the coming months compared to last year. On Fund Raising Plan We are planning to have Foreign Currency Convertible Bond (FCCB) and Qualified Institutional Placement issue and both these issues would be to fund the expansion of our
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property and to reduce debt. We are trying to raise about USD 100 million of FCCB and about 60 million of QIPs. On Common Wealth Games It is just a 14-day window and we have allocated rooms in our upcoming properties in Chanakyapuri in Delhi (120 out of 260) and in Gurgaon (200 out of 322).
MARCH 2010
environment
Keoladeo National Park
Engulfed by Water Crisis KALPANA PALKHIWALA
MARCH 2010
T
he Keoladeo National park, a World Heritage Site which was previously the private duck shooting preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur, designated as bird sanctuary on 13 March 1956 and a National Park on March 10, 1982 was included in the World Heritage List in 1985. It was also notified as Ramsar Site in October 1981. Keoladeo National Park consists of an area of 2873 hectare (28.73 sq.kms). It has flat patchwork marshes in the Gangetic plain, artificially created in 1850. Normally, water is fed into the marshes twice a year from inundations of the Gambhir and Banganga rivers, which are impounded on arable land by means of a artificial dam called Ajan Bund, to the south of the park. For most of the year, the area of wetland is only 1,000ha. In a semi-arid biot ype, the park is the only area with much vegetation, hence the term 'Ghana' meaning 'thicket' is also used for it. The park was the last known wintering ground in India of the western population of Siberian crane Grus Leucogeranus. During the winter of 1984-85, a decade-high total of 41 birds had visited the Park. However, the numbers have been steadily decreasing and in the winter of 1993 and 1994, none were obser ved. In 1996, four birds wintered in the Park, and in 1997 two adults and young birds were seen. Thereaf ter, a pair was obser ved in the year 2001- 02, af ter which there have been no sightings so far. The park's location in the Gangetic Plain makes it an unrivalled breeding site for herons, storks and cormorants and an important wintering ground for large number of migrant ducks. The most common waterfowl are
gadwall, shoveler, teals, tuf ted duck, painted stork, white spoonbill, darter warblers, babblers, bee -eater. Several other threatened avifauna species are also found, including Dalmatian pelican, spot-billed pelican, lesser and greater adjutants, Baer's pochard, cinereous vulture. In addition to birds, both migratory and resident, the Park has a population of primates, small carnivores like Bengal Fox, Jackal, etc and ungulates like blackbuck, Chital etc. Migratory Birds A total of 375 species of birds including Siberian cranes visited the Park in the early days, out of which 111 were migratory species and 264 were resident species. One of the most important reasons for the decrease in the number of migratory birds visiting Keoladeo National Park is the shortage of water in the park. The main sources of water to the park are a temporary reservoir, viz, the Ajan dam that gets water from the River Gambhir. The construction of Panchana dam across the river Gambhir has added to the misery. Other major management related problems also mar the situation. Keoladeo National Park has a dynamic and fragile ecosystem. The source of water, its quantit y and quality are major factors affecting the wetland of the Park. Water scenario is the most crucial factor for the survival of wetland. Water from the Ajan Dam is supplied by the irrigation department to the park and to nearby agricultural fields. The time of releases of water to the park is vital for grow th of aquatic plants, breeding of heronry species and the overall seasonalit y of factor in survival
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of wetlands. The years 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004 were drought years. With harnessing of river Gambhir at Panchana dam in district Karauli, the water supply to Ajan dam has been fur ther curtailed. Availability of water to the park is an issue of concern. The Annual Requirement of water to maintain the wetland character of the Keoladeo National Park is about 14 million cubic feet water. As per the report of Water Resource Depar tment of Government of Rajasthan, the Park has a maximum storage capacity of about 550 million cubic feet of water. A study conducted by Late Dr. Salim Ali and Dr.V.S. Vijayan, estimated the requirement of annual water supply in the range of 14 million cubic meter, i.e, about 493 million cubic feet of water, balance requirement is met by rainfall over the National Park. The water problem in the Park began af ter the drought in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004 caused water scarcity in the Park. The construction of the Panchana dam across the river Gambhir during the years 2003-04 had compounded the water problem
in the park. As the capacit y of the Panchana dam, initially designed in the year 1979, for storing 610 million cubic feet of water was raised to store 2100 million cubic feet of water. This has led to a situation, where very little water flows down stream of
ASIAN TRAVELLER
environment the dam. The Park has suffered in the last couple of years due to disrupted coupling of 'AjanKeoladeo' connections. The past years have been years of drought and therefore the required quantity of water from the Ajan dam could not be made available to Park. During the year 2006, the monsoons also failed causing lot of damage. Water Scarcity The major reasons attributed for the water scarcity in the Park are increase in the storage capacity of Panchana dam from 610 cubic feet to 2100 million
cubic feet thereby allowing very little flow of water downstream. Added to this are failure of monsoon, breach in the canal and river system, leakage of water through the damaged sluice gates, transmission losses like seepage, evaporation and percolation and illegal lif ting of water from the channels by farmers. The major effects of water scarcity can be seen in various forms. Over the years, the habitat quality has degraded significantly. Invasion of weed species has outpaced the reclamation efforts resulting in invasion of Prosopis in all the ecosystems of the Park. Increase in anthropogenic pressures resulting in people-park conflicts. The other major management problem being faced in the Park is the invasive species grow th. Prosopis juliflora, an obnoxious weed has invaded the entire park and this has adversely affected the habitat of woodland, grassland and lakes. Further, the presence of feral, i.e. undomesticated cattle also poses a management problem to
ASIAN TRAVELLER
the park. Feral cattle generate biotic pressure over the feeding ground of herbivores and these also become a cause of spreading/transmission of certain cat tle diseases to the animals. To mitigate the water problem in the Park, the state government has taken some long term and short term measures. Deep bore wells have been dug up at important points. To meet the annual water requirement of the park of about 550 million cubic feet, two strategies have been worked out. Firstly, the State Government has completed the Chiksana canal project which would provide about 200 million cubic feet of water to the Park. This project has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 41 lakhs. The second step is regarding Govardhan drain Project. The total project cost proposed by the State Government is Rs. 65 crore. The Project envisages channelisation of water from Govardhan drain and is expected to meet water deficit in the park during July-September months. The park will get water through diversion and lif ting of floodwater of Yamuna River. The project also envisages diversion of water during monsoon through underground pipes with lif ting arrangements over a length of 16 km from the off-take point of Govardhan drain near Santruk village. This project proposal has been submit ted to Planning Commission by the State Government. An expert team from Planning Commission along with representative from the Ministry visited Bharatpur. The team had recommended release from Anja Bund and Bees Mora to meet 50 per cent of the water requirement of Keoladeo National Park, channelise surplus floodwater from Govardhan drain to meet the water deficit, cost of the project may be met through Additional Central Assistance to be released by the Planning Commission and Cost for operation and maintenance for the remaining 4 years be shared equally 50 per cent each by the
Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Government of Rajasthan. Chambal- Dholpur- Bharatpur Water Supply Project This is basically a Public Health Engineering (PHE) drinking water project for people of Bharatpur. As per the conditions laid down by the Indian Board of Wildlife certain quantity of water is to be made available to the Park. Under this project the Chambal water will be brought to this park through an 8- km, long pipeline af ter pumping at two stations. This water will be capable of providing enough fishes to the piscivorous birds resulting in the formation of breeding colonies during lean monsoon periods as well. This project would provide about 310 million cubic feet water to the Park every year for the first four years and 62.5 million cubic feet of water every year four years. The Government has released Rs 212.30 lakhs from 2002 to 2009 to mitigate water problems under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme "Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats". In addition to this, all technical support is being provided by the Government. Additional ef forts have been
guidance of Project Steering Commit tee. The total period of the project is 10 years with t wo phases, viz, Phase-I four years and Phase -II of six years. The project is to be under taken in four world Heri-
taken to restore the world heritage status. An externally aided project has been undertaken titled "World Heritage Biodiversity Programme for India: Building Partnerships to Support UNESCO's World Heritage programme'. The project is an outcome of a planning grant received from the UNESCO and United Nation Foundation (UNF) and was developed under the
Assam in February 2008, and another had visited the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur and Rajasthan to look into the conservation programmes of the Heritage Sites.
• 19 •
tage Sites of India, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nanda Devi National Park and Keoladeo National Park. The main focus of the Project is on strengthening capacity for ef fective management; site level Management policies and Governance; enhancing the role of local communities in conservation of biodiversity; enhancing habitat connectivity; restoration of lost at tributes; enhancing habitat connectivity; restoration of lost at tributes and research & monitoring and identification of potential World Heritage Biodiversit y sites. Missions of the UNESCOWorld Heritage Centre, Pairs and IUCN, had visited the Manas National Park & Heritage Site,
(PIB Features) The author is Deputy Director (M & C), Press Information Bureau, New Delhi
MARCH 2010
world view
WTTC Forecasts Subdued Growth for 2010
T
ravel and tourism is one of the world's most important sectors and has been one of the leading grow th sectors since the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) first started measuring travel and tourism's economic impact 20 years ago. "But, as was the case with other sectors, it was hit hard by the credit and housing market collapses last year that triggered the deepest recession since the Great Depression," said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC's president and CEO, launching the council's annual research results at ITB Berlin. World GDP fell by 2.1 percent in real terms with developed economies - a major source of demand for travel and tourism - the most severely af fected. Households curtailed leisure travel plans, substituting lower-cost short-haul and domestic travel for more expensive long-haul trips, and corporations reduced business
ASIAN TRAVELLER
travel budgets. "Within the travel and tourism sector itself, investment plans were shelved or delayed," Baumgarten said, "even in some previously dynamic, expanding destinations. Finally, the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic instilled a fear of travel in many markets, at least until the less virulent nature of the disease was recognized and government immunization programs got underway." As a result - and despite the resilience of some, notably Asian, emerging economies - activity and employment contracted across the sector. Global travel and tourism economy GDP declined by 4.8 percent in 2009, and this caused the loss of almost 5 million jobs. All regions experienced significant contractions in visitor arrivals, spending, and travel and tourism economy GDP, and travel and tourism investment declined by over 12 percent. Despite the
downturn 235 million were employed in travel & tourism worldwide. Nevertheless, even in such a depressed year for activity as 2009, travel and tourism still employed over 235 million people across the world - 8.2 percent of all employment - and generated 9.4 percent of world GDP. The global economy has now moved into a recovery phase, although the pickup in developed economies is expected to be gradual, as households, corporations, and governments all battle to rebuild their balance sheets. "Despite recent encouraging short-term indicators of tourism activity, the recovery in world travel and tourism is expected to be muted," Baumgarten warned, " with both firms and households examining travel plans carefully and continuing to limit expenditure. Spending in real terms is expected to increase by a mere 1 percent, while business travel spending will
• 21 •
again decline, by nearly 2 percent. The Recovery should be gaining momentum through 2010 and 2011. Given current credit conditions and delays in restar ting large projects, travel and tourism investment is also expected to decrease for the second consecutive year, by 1.7 percent. Thus, travel and tourism economy GDP is forecast to grow by just 0.5 percent in 2010 overall. But stronger second-half momentum will continue into 2011 to boost grow th nex t year to 3.2 percent. In the longer run, travel and tourism will sustain its leading role in driving global grow th, creating jobs, and alleviating pover ty. Emerging economies, in particular, are expected to be engines of grow th, boosting international travel - with China alone set to provide almost 95 million visitors for other destinations by 2020 - and also generating an increasingly vibrant domestic travel sector.
MARCH 2010
dreamland
Kingdom of Dreams India's First 'Live' Entertainment and Leisure Destination
S
pread across almost six acres of land, the King dom of Dreams is a unique concept by the Great Indian Nautanld Company Pv t. Ltd, a Joint venture between Wizcraf t International Entertainment and Apra Group. The company is launching a unique and first -ofits-kind initiative that seeks to promote Indian culture and tourism - Kingdom of Dreams, India's first, unique and live entertainment and leisure destination in Gurgaon, Haryana. The project aims to highlight and represent the rich tapestry of India's glorious art, culture and the performing arts through the diversity of its cuisines as well as through live entertainment programmes, stage shows and theatrical ex travaganzas and present this to discerning Indian patrons and international tourists and travellers. The Kingdom of Dreams promises its patrons a multidimensional experience of India's art, cuisine, culture, heritage, craf ts, and performing arts, integrated at one location and on a scale never quite envisaged
before, while incorporating stateof-the-ar t technological wizardry comparable to the best in the world. The gates to this magical kingdom will open to global tourists, Indian visitors and residents of Gurgaon and the National Capital Region in June this year, with the launch of the world's grandest long running Bolly wood musical; where the splendor of India comes alive in a mesmerizing, on-stage production. The cinematic theatrical production is a stunning love story, starring actors Vivek
Oberoi, Isha Sharvani and Gauhar Khan along with a crew of 100 members. The music of this magnum opus is being composed by India's leading music composers, ShankarEhsaan-Loy, while the story, screenplay and dialogues
MARCH 2010
are by the one-and-only Javed Akhtar. Dance direction and choreography by Shiamak Davar, the costumes for the actors and
international patrons a magical Indian experience like none other. Linking the best of modern and traditional Indian performing
performers are by one of India's leading fashion designers, Neeta Lulla and on-stage stunts will be directed by the highly acclaimed Bolly wood action and stunts director, Alan Amin. According to Viraf Sarkari, Director Wizcraf t and copromotor of Kingdom of Dreams, "Kingdom of Dreams is a unique entertainment and leisure destination. Incredible in scale and scope, it has been conceptualized to offer domestic and
arts, integrated with Bollywood elements and fused with technology, it all comes together right here at the Kingdom of Dreams, offering a multi-sensory, live entertainment experience that has never been experienced in this par t of the world." Added Anumod Sharma, co-promoter, Kingdom of Dreams and Chairman, Apra Group Of Companies, " this is a concept whose time has finally come. Residents of Gurgaon, Delhi and Noida will no longer be content watching TV or going to the multiplex when they can actually watch their favorite stars perform live in front of them and in an world-class ambience that allows you to 'live the experience'. Kingdom of Dreams is bringing Bolly wood to Gurgaon and Delhi and its here to stay. It's like India's very own Broadway. Speaking on the occasion Jaideep Khanna, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Kingdom of Dreams said "Kingdom of Dreams will really change India's
• 22 •
ASIAN TRAVELLER
dreamland famous golden triangle into a square, and cement GurgaonDelhi's place on the international tourism map" Within the Kingdom of Dreams, three distinct domains will welcome domestic and international patrons alike Culture Gully, Nautanki Mahal, and Showshaa Theatre - each offering a unique entertainment proposition. While 'Culture Gully' proposes to be the new culture district address of the National
Capital Region (NCR), the biggest attraction will be "Nautanki Mahal', where the world's biggest Bollywood longplaying musicals will be staged daily. An air-conditioned boulevard spread across 90,000 sq. feet, Culture Gully is a kaleidoscope of India's cultural and artistic diversity and culinary delights. Step into themed restaurants to enjoy over 250 exotic food preparations by cer tified chefs Anumod Sharma, Sabbas Joseph, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Viraf Sarkari
first state-of-the-art, futuristic 853 seat auditorium. Patrons are guaranteed an immersive, panoramic and cinematic theatrical experience while enjoying musical ex travaganzas unlike any other in the world. Nautanki Mahal opens with the world's biggest Bolly wood themed musical ex travaganza - a take on the great Indian love story, with Vivek Oberoi, Isha Sharvani & Gauhar Khan as the main stars and supported by
wish to use its world-class and state-of-the-art auditorium for special corporate events and functions. ShowShaa Theatre promises to host a grand display of Indian pageantry, tradition and talent. This majestic gazebo, an airconditioned, dome shaped amphitheatre will showcase lavish productions of the ancient epics -'Ram Leela' and 'Krishna Leela'. ShowShaa Theatre will also be home to 'The Big Fat Indian Wedding Show', a choreographed 'mock marriage' musical where spectators can become the bridal couple and carry away filmed memories. Finally, The Great Indian Talent Circus will stage per formances by India's most renowned and celebrated entertainers. w w w.kingdomofdreams.co.in
from across 15 states as you're serenaded by local entertainers. Quench your thirst at any one of the street bars or choose to hang out at the coffee shop or tea bar. Soak in an incredible pan-Indian cultural ambience from the architecture to street performances or simply by shopping at the Live Arts and Craf ts village; there's something at this iconic street for everyone. The centre of at traction and jewel in the crown at Kingdom of Dreams is Nautanki Mahal. Literally built like a palace, Nautanki Mahal will be India's
ASIAN TRAVELLER
over a 1 00 other performers. Nautanki Mahal will feature world class entertainment throughout the year, showcasing the best Indian and international talent and productions. A Wizcraf t International Production, the venue is themed and art directed by Omung Kumar of Blue Lotus and Dilip Chugera of Sandersons India. The architecture is by Kunal Kowadekar and Associates and Technology partners are PRG from Hamburg, Germany. Nautanki Mahal will also be available for use to Indian and foreign corporate entities who
• 23 •
MARCH 2010
luxur y
The Golden Chariot Introduces
'Southern Splendour' olden Chariot, South India's first luxury train, started its maiden trip on its newly extended circuit. The trip was flagged off by Siraj Sheik, the Chairman of KSTDC. Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, K Jothiramalingam, KSRTC Managing Director, Vinay Luthra, Bangalore Divisional Railway Manager, Akhil Agrawal, Chief Commercial Manager, South Western
G
Railway, N R Sagar were present. Vinay Luthra, MD, KSTDC said that this package was thought of from the perspective of opening the entire South of India to the luxury and up market segment of travelers. 'Presently, when one thinks of luxury train journeys in India, the North of India is
MARCH 2010
adequately served while travellers the same set of people who wanted to do the South did not get a similar opportunity. We are making use of the great demand for South India that includes Karnataka as well.' He informed that the package can be booked in the same manner as the existing package, Pride of the South. 'Packages can be booked on www.goldenchariot.org and also through GSAs of The Golden Chariot, said Luthra. The Golden Chariot presently runs at an occupancy which is marginally better than the previous year. That this is against the backdrop of the recession of the last year is commendable and is a sign of growing awareness and acceptability of the product. Luthra added 'across the past year, we have received a number of applications from agents who wanted to represent and become GSAs for the train in many
countries. Ranging from Japan , China and UAE to other places. Already we have an increase of two agents and partners who sell packages for the train. This definitely signals the arrival and establishment of this product. We are encouraged by the response from passengers and the trade alike'. Luthra also informed that keeping in mind the many inputs received from passengers and the trade, many changes have been made to the itinerary of the train to make it more comfortable and spaced out. A number of other changes including split itineraries also have been allowed where passengers need to spend a minimum of only four days to avail of the exotic train journey as against the full duration. These changes were made after seeing the practical realities that governed traveler decision. In its extended itinerary of seven nights and eight days the Golden Chariot will take the tourists to some of the ancient temple towns and heritage sites that are situated in and around Chennai, Puducherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Trivandrum, Alapuzha and
• 24 •
Kochi. The new circuit of the Golden Chariot is called 'Southern Splendour' and the original circuit is renamed as 'The Pride of the South'. The new itinerary starts with a tour of Bangalore will go through Chennai, Pondicherry, Kumbakonam (Tanjavur), Madurai, Trivandrum, Alleppey (Backwater ride to Kumarakom) and Kochi (Jewish city, shopping). The package which runs every fortnight will start on Monday evenings and return to Bangalore the following Monday morning to get prepared for its subsequent trip covering destinations in Karnataka. The next run will be only on October 4. Bookings can be made on www.goldenchariot.org.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
tamilnadu traveller
Madurai Ready to Welcome Chithirai adurai is a city of festivals throughout the year. One of the biggest festival is Chithirai Festival that takes place in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) every year. It is a two week festival when thousands of people pour into the streets every day from in and around Madurai to witness the festival. It is an experience that no foreign or Indian tourist should miss. In the early days, this festival was celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi but in the Nayakar's period (mid 1600 AD), it was shifted and from then on it is performed in the month of Chithirai. The main events of the festival are carried on the last four days of the
M
ASIAN TRAVELLER
fourteen day celebration. The ninth day marks the main event, the wedding of the Lord Siva and the Goddess Meenakshi' The most important rituals associated with the festival are: The coronation of Meenakshi Amman on the seventh day, Procession of Goddess Meenakshi on the eighth day, Thirukalyanam or celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar on the ninth day and the car festival on the 10th day Thousands of people pour into the city to witness the wedding ceremony and Lord Vishnu being taken into the Vaigai River. The 'Kallazhagar' entering the river Vaigai early in the morning is a beautiful sight
to witness. We are looking forward to your visit to Madurai. In order to promote tourism and give opportunities for foreign nationals to experience Tamil Culture, Travel Club Madurai (a registered society with members from local star hotels, travel agents and tour operators), in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, District and police Officials, and Meenakshi Amman Temple authorities, have been organizing special enclosure and passes to
• 25 •
witness the programmes. This year, similar arrangements are being made as follows: On April 25, 2010, Sunday;Meenaksh Thirukalyanam (Celestial wedding ). On April 26, the
Car Festival and the following day Lord Azhagar entering River Vaigai in Golden Horse. Some of the Hotels offer special discounts for the tourist during these holidays.
MARCH 2010
assam traveller
Bhutan Keen on Air Links with Guwahati MD. SABIR NISHAT
B
hutan is keen to start flight operations with Assam on the Guwahati-BhutanBangkok route and subsequently to Patna. "Flights between Bhutan and Guwahati will boost connectivity with India and give the muchneeded fillip to trade, commerce and tourism," said Bhutan Consul General in Kolkata Dasho Tsering Wangda to Asian Traveller af ter meeting Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his of ficial residence in Guwahati on March 8. "My agenda is to revive the flow of tourists, students and patients to Assam," Wangda said. "The tour operators in Guwahati have given me a positive feedback of the feasibility of starting Druk Air flights from Paro airport in Bhutan to Guwahati city," he said on the sidelines of the meeting.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
'Bhutan wants to strengthen the relationship with its nex t door neighbour Assam. There is a great degree of stability in Assam. As a result thousands of Bhutanese come everyday for business in Assam, especially in Chirang district. We want to foster the centuries-old relationship between the people of Bhutan and Assam." He said the Himalayan kingdom was willing to lif t the travel restrictions imposed on its citizens, especially students and patients af ter Operation All Clear was launched against militant out fits Ulfa and NDFB in 2003 to restore good relations with Assam. "We have to take risks now and withdraw the advisory," said Wangda, adding, "the reason behind staying for a longer period of time is to assess the situation on the ground so that relations can be improved substantially." Wangda said Assam would
benefit from any project taken up in Bhutan, especially along the borders and the Manas river. He requested the Chief Minister to take up the mat ter with the Government of India on repairing the 40-km stretch of road from Samthebari near Dhalgaon in Assam to Bhutan. "The repair will enable Bhutan to move men and materials at a faster pace." Gogoi has assured him that he would take up the matter with the Government of India soon. Wangda said they were planning to form the Guwahati chapter of the IndoBhutan Friendship Association, a forum to solve the problems
• 27 •
bet ween Assam and Bhutan. "This can later become the Assam Bhutan Chamber of Commerce," he added. Plans are also afoot to have a Bhutan Consulate in Guwahati. The Chief Minister said Assam wanted to strengthen further relationships with Bhutan. He said
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi with Dasho Tsering Wangda, Consul General,Bhutan
Bhutan could send its tourists, students and patients to Assam following remarkable improvement in the law and order situation.
MARCH 2010
hospitality
95cr. Vivanta by Taj in Guwahati MD. SABIR NISHAT
the State. "Tourism sector is booming and we need good quality or th East's first five-star hotels.Through the hotel, we will be hotel, 'Vivanta by Taj' brand able to bring in more visitors to is coming up at Guwahati Assam, not only businessmen but with the laying of the foundation also tourists," said Ratan Tata. stone by Assam Chief Minister, "We hope we will be able to Tarun Gogoi in the presence of Tata contribute to enhancing the quality group Chairman, Ratan Tata on of life of the people in our own, March 9 last. small way and I believe we are all commit ted to the vision of the Chief Minister to advance the rural environment in Assam, to raise the quality of life in rural areas and to provide jobs and skills," he said, adding, "it is time for us to recognize this part of the region having great potential." Speaking on the sidelines of the stone-laying ceremony, Indian Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi with Tata group Chairman, Ratan Tata, and Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. Hotels Co. Ltd. (IHCL) Vice Vice Chairman R.K Krishna Kumar at the launch function. Chairman R.K Krishna Kumar, said The luxury hotel - only the third Narayana Mur thy, the Infosys chief the group was planning to do away with its Residency luxury brand by mentor to Guwahati a few years in the Vivanta range by the group making a stronger push for its ago when he had said that for his (it already has Vivanta hotels in Vivanta brand launched in 2008. Bangalore, Goa and Maldives) - will company to work out of the city, Currently, there are three Taj be ready to welcome its first visitor they needed a five-star hotel," Residency properties in within two years and is expected to recalls Chief Minister Gogoi. Trivandrum, Bangalore and The Chief Minister said the city cost around Rs.95 crore. It will Lucknow. could now look up to groups like have 150 rooms, including suites, Elaborating on Vivanta's future Infosys coming to set up base in and will be built with a design
N
theme inspired by local architecture. The hotel to be built on 4.5 acres will have an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant and a bar. An expansive spa and fitness centre will also add to its charm. "We have been looking for a five-star hotel for a long time now. I vividly remember the visit of N.R.
plans, Krishna Kumar said, "The Company wants to push the Vivanta brand, which has been positioned as 'upper upscale' and placed in bet ween Taj, which is a five-star super deluxe brand and Gateway, with a five-star deluxe positioning." Kumar also laid out the big picture for the five-star hotel as well as the company's vision in the region, saying that the company may launch the popular Taj safaris (jungle drives in an open 4x4 vehicle from the group's safari lodges). "Assam is a strong candidate for star ting the safari. The safari will provide the ultimate experience of the rich wildlife in the region to all visitors," he added. The Taj Safari already has its presence in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. "We are going to have another six such Taj Safari operations in the nex t 18 months. The East and the Nor th East are likely to figure in this project," said Kumar. Tatas already have their budget hotel chain 70-room Ginger at Guwahati with provisions for another 30 keys.
MGTO Hosted Spring Luncheon in Hong Kong
T
o celebrate the Year of Tiger, Macau Government Tourist Of fice (MGTO) has hosted a spring luncheon to thank the Hong Kong's travel trade, business partners and media for their support in the development of Macau tourism over the years. The luncheon was held at Conrad Hong Kong Hotel. Over 200 representatives from the local travel trade, tourism partners and media participated in this luncheon, including Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism of Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Lin Shan, Director of Asia Tourism Exchange Centre, Anthony Lau, Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Ngai Wing Chit and
MARCH 2010
Mr. Michael Wu, Chairman of Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. Entering the new era of administration, MGTO will continue to promote Macau as a "world of dif ference" destination where tourists could experience diversified tourism elements, in par ticular, the lately developed world-class
fur ther to build up the local MICE industry. The MGTO Hong Kong Representative Of fice (MGTO-HK) would initiate an array of marketing activities, including the product presentations, luncheons, thematic familiarization tours, seminars, roadshows, trade visits, etc. in
be introduced to position Macau as an exciting and stylish destination with world-class standard of ferings. As for the business tourism and MICE industry, MGTO-HK will continue to enhance cooperative net working among the Macau trade vendors, event organizers and potential clients in Hong Kong.
tourism and entertainment facilities and the Historic Centre of Macau. The government will strive to promote regional tourism of the Pearl River Delta, to develop potential source markets, and
accordance to MGTO's promotional theme of "Experience Macau" with the five senses "See", "Hear", "Touch", "Taste" and "Feel". The brand new consumer campaign "Experience Macau In Style" would
MGTO-HK will also publish MICE guides, participating in major trade shows, provide supports to MICE companies, in order to strengthen Macau as a unique MICE destination.
• 28 •
ASIAN TRAVELLER
kerala traveller
Bolgatt y to Host KTM 2010
Capt. Krishnan Nair Honoured at ITB Berlin
he sixth edition of the Kerala Travel Mart is scheduled to be held from 23rd-26th September 2010 at The Bolgatty Palace, Kochi. The Bolgatty Palace, a premium property owned and run by the KTDC is hosting the event for the first time. The event that has been a continuous success story over the years is gearing up for another showdown in the advent of the recovery period from the global economic downturn. The buyers Pre-Registration Form is now available online. Around 700 Buyers from 50 countries and from various parts of India are expected to participate in the event whereas 300 Sellers who will occupy 400 Stalls which include Modules, Tables and Houseboat Parking Bays. The KTM office bearers headed by Riaz Ahmed, President and Mathew Philip, Secretary is putting in all efforts to get the message across to the different travel markets across the world to tie in more buyers.
T
C
apt. C P Krishnan Nair, Chairman, Leela Group of Hotels was honoured by ITB with the golden ITB Pin for his ongoing support to the spirit of ITB Berlin for nearly 25 years.
Capt C.P. Krishnan Nair with Rika Jean-Francois, Project Organisation, ITB Berlin, Deepika Unni of Messe Berlin India and Greg Duffell CEO, PATA at ITB Berlin
Kerala Tourism Conducts Road Shows in UK
K
erala Tourism has con ducted Roadshows in London and for the first time other major cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. Feedback from British wholesalers indicated that despite the current economic climate a healthy level of consumer interest and enquiries for long-haul destinations, including Kerala was still there. The roadshows which were conducted from March 15 to18, provided 22 trade partners from Kerala with a platform to motivate and educate 270 wholesale industry partners, retail travel trade and independent travel counselors from the four cities. Director of Kerala Tourism, M Sivasankar, who headed the delegation, said the roadshows were organised so as to sustain and boost the growing interest among British tourists. He added that appointments and functions during the roadshows will facilitate networking with industry
ASIAN TRAVELLER
decision makers and allow participants to solidif y their relationships with key distribution partners. "Faced with price wars on mass-market package-tour many tour operators in the UK outbound market have been refocusing their strategies on niche sectors. There is a growing trend where tour operators are moving steadily away from the congested short-haul market towards long-haul destinations and specialist holidays, such wellness, which is an excellent window for Kerala" added Sivasankar. Riyaz Ahmed, MD Abad Group Hotels who is also the President of the Kerala Travel Mart
Society said that the UK trade were also invited to be part of the nex t Kerala Tourism Mart which will take place later this year, to get a first hand feel for the destination and its products. To further highlight Kerala in the cities where the roadshows took
place, Kerala Tourism also used UK cabs in a high impact campaign where the cabs were wrapped in colourful visuals of Kerala, including the famous backwaters, houseboats, wildlife and art forms. With 120 Kerala branded cabs hitting the streets of Birming-
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ham, Manchester and Glasgow, the campaign of fers a new way to convey the State's at tractions while directly connecting with potential visitors from key source cities in the UK. Also for the first time in the UK, a consumer event was held in London targeting commuters at Victoria Station, the second busiest railway terminus in London. Live Kathakali and Mohiniyattam per formances and the screening of a film on Kerala at the station drew large crowds who were mesmerized by the stunning dances. Commuters who were happily clicking their cameras away were treated to traditional Kerala snacks. Information kits, spices, brochures, t-shirts were distributed and a "Go Kerala" contest was also held with the winner get ting free Kerala holiday packages. Jet Airways who par tnered with Kerala Tourism in this event sponsored the free air tickets.
MARCH 2010
tamilnadu traveller
Summer Calling Dr. S BHAKTHAVATCHALAM
he summer season in India drives a lot of tourists, travellers and vacationers to the various high altitude hill stations in Tamil Nadu which provides them a shelter from the scorching heat in the plains and plateaus of the country. The picturesque hill stations
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also provide a number of attractions and activities to its visitors making them
grow popular over the years. Trekking, fishing, boating, angling, hang gliding and golfing are some of the major leisure activities here. The state showcases some of the major hill and summer resorts as it has both the Eastern and Western Ghats within its boundaries. The Nilgiri hills houses the most beautiful hill stations of Tamilnadu as it is the point where the Eastern and Western Ghats merge. They include Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Coonoor and Kotagiri. Other majors are Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Elagiri Hills. The hill stations showcase nature with all its vividness and beauty to the visitors. The rich collection of the flora and fauna in
these places has always made itself a haven for the nature enthusiasts. The summer festival is held in the 'Queen of Hill Stations' the evergreen Ooty, the exquisite Kodaikanal or the salubrious heights of Yercaud - where flower and fruit shows are organized. Apart from that adventure sports, cultural programmes, fashion pageants, festival boat races, boat pageantry,
dog shows etc. adds more colour to the celebrations. All these are jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. There is also a Tea and Tourism Festival Ooty in January. The Chithirai Festival is one of the main festivals held at the famous Madurai temple in Madurai in the summer.
Taleb Rifai Calls Upon the Tourism Sector to Speak with One Voice ourism sector should work together to ensure that global policies are supportive of the sustainable growth of tourism and position travel and tourism as one industry speaking with one voice, said Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General. He was speaking on the occasion of the opening of ITB 2010 in Berlin, Germany.
new economic cycle", he added. At the same time, Rifai highlighted the lessons learned from the UNWTO Roadmap for Recovery process: countries which were quick in reacting to and implementing measures to mitigate the crisis have seen that their initiatives have made a difference. He also recalled that "tourism can rapidly create jobs" inviting the sector to consider a "collective initiative that stimulates the preservation and creation of decent jobs and qualifies "Though there are human resources to be part positive signs emerging from of the transformation to the the global economy, we all green economy". recognize that recovery is In considering the roots still weak, uneven, easily of the still persisting reversible and that many challenges, Rifai said "it downside risks remain", said seems that our global Rifai. "It is therefore key to economic order and our devise ways for tourism to global ecological balance are be well positioned in any both challenged at the same
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MARCH 2010
time". He added, "the entire development model of the last 60 years seems to be unsustainable and in question". Against this backdrop, UNWTO Secretary-General underscored that "recent developments have revealed some of the structural weaknesses of our sector, both within the private and the public realms." "There is clearly a need to revisit our business models in order to master innovation and technology as much as there is a need to develop comprehensive, clear and strong public policies. We cannot build a meaningful public-private partnership without strong, healthy and identifiable national public policies on travel and tourism", he concluded.
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
variety
Rajiv Kaul appointed President of The Leela Group 1.
2. 3. 4. 5.
What is common bet ween Cornell University and Western Union? What is Kantei? Who founded CASIO, the electronic company? What is a Spork? Protea is the national flower of which country? 6. 7. 8.
Protea
The Leela Hotel Group has announced the elevation of Rajiv Kaul as President of the Group. In his new role, Rajiv Kaul will be responsible for the new launches that the Group has earmarked in its expansion plans with new hotels opening in New Delhi (2010 and Chennai (2011).
Hari Ranjan Rao IAS has been appointed Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, is named af ter whom? Which city is known as Mother of all Cities in Russia? Which famous violinist was called 'the Red Priest'?
What is the longest English word where the let ters are in alphabetical sequence? 10. What does the name Barack mean?
Jagdish Nair has been promoted to the position of Corporate General Manager of Joy’s Hotels and Resor ts, Promoters of Travancore Heritage, (Trivandrum) and Le Ponde (Puducherry).
9.
Vinod V has joined Clouds Valley, Munnar, Kerala as General Manager
Compiled by DEEKAY
Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC30 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month. Answers to TYKC 29 1. A British engineer called Edwin Beard Budding (1830) 2. Howard Garns (1905-89), an architect 3. The reflective layer in the eyes of many animals that make their eyes shine in the dark 4. Bridgetown 5. Twit ter 6. Film industry of Pakistan (Lahore+Holly wood), 7. 'thankful' in Arabic 8. Study of various flags 9. The flags of St George (England), St Andrew (Scotland), and St Patrick (Ireland) 10. From the Honolulu airport shuttle called Wiki Wiki (to suggest 'quick')
TYKC 29 - WINNER
Sameer M Khan NPS, Tilak Nagar Thane, Mumbai
One all-correct entry will get Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi
[ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]* Nestled amongst 25 acres of coconut groves and backwater rivers, Le Méridien Cochin Resort & Convention Centre sits at the heart of one of India's most naturally beautiful cities, Kochi. This prestigious landmark houses 5 floors of luxurious accommodation for international business and leisure travelers. The 151 spacious rooms and suites, most with breathtaking views over the manicured gardens and the backwaters. * Conditions apply
ASIAN TRAVELLER
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MARCH 2010
events
APRIL 2010 IT&CM, Shanghai, China
07 - 09
Great Indian Travel Bazaar, Jaipur, India
11 - 13
Travel & Tourism Summit, Mumbai, India COTTM, Beijing, China
21 28 - 30
Thrissur Pooram, Kerala, India Business Travel & MICE Expo, Bangalore, India
24 29 - 30
MAY 2010 Arabian Travel Market, Dubai, UAE
04 - 07
BITE, Bahrain
13 - 15
KTDC Gearing up for Next Season
JUNE 2010 Asia Luxury Travel Market, Shanghai, China
14 - 17
JULY 2010 Aviation Outlook China 2010
06 - 08
IITM, Bangalore
10 - 12
Puri Rath Yatra, Orissa
13
IITM, Chennai
16 - 18
TTF, Hyderabad
23 - 25
MARCH 2010
The ITB Special issue of Asian Traveller Magazine being released by H.E. Sudhir Vyas IFS, Indian Ambassdor in Germany. Also present are V Venu IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, G Biju Krishnan, Editor Asian Traveller Magazine.
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he Kerala Tourism Development Corporation will be welcoming the 2010-11 season with revamped properties. Renovation works are going on dif ferent properties including the Hotel Samudra, Kovalam. The construction work of the GV Raja Convention Centre will also be commencing at the Sumudra Kovalam. The state run hotel chain led by the chairman, Cheriyan Philip and KG Mohanlal IFS, MD had recently brought out customer friendly tourism packages connecting its dif ferent properties including the Tamarind hotels located in dif ferent tourists spots in dif ferent parts of Kerala.
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ASIAN TRAVELLER