Vol. 3 • No. 8 • May 2010
Inside 6
this issue
International Tourism: First Results of 2010 Confirm Upward Trend
22 GeoTourism Adds New Dimension to Tourism in Northeast India
International tourism is steadily gaining momentum following an ex tremely challenging 2009. International tourist arrivals grew by seven per cent in the first two months of 2010 worldwide, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
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ATM 2010 Echoes Renewed Strength of Travel and Tourism
Dubai is all set for the Arabian Travel Market 2010. The 17th edition of Middle East's premier travel and tourism show will begin on May 4 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and conclude four days later on May 7.
11 Hiran Cooray Takes Over as PATA Chairman
25 Somanathapura: The Cradle of Hoysala Architecture
Hiran Cooray, Chairman of the Jet wing Group of Companies, Sri Lanka has been elected as Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) at the association's AGM in Sarawak in East Malaysia for the period 2010 to 2011.
26 India's First Marina Opened in Kochi The First International Marina in India was commissioned recently at Kochi, Kerala opening a new horizon of opportunities for the tourism and cruising sectors In India especially Kerala. The marina and the marina house is built as part of Bolgat ty Palace Hotel, run by the KTDC.
11 ITB Asia 2010 Enhances Its Buyers' Programme
Woman of the Month
10 Questions
16 Initiatives Announced to Sustain Domestic Passengers 18 Sri Lanka Records World's Highest Growth in Tourism 19 Uttarakhand Restricts Tourists in Eco-sensitive Zones 20 Delhi Gears up For CWG 2010
SHIJO N. VARGHESE
BEHNAZ IRANI
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Column 12 As I Travel Cover Photo Courtesy: Slovenia Tourism
MAY 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
A
s the main news story in this month's Asian Traveller states, international tourism is steadily gaining momentum according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. It is a good sign after a sudden decline 18 months ago and a period of stagnation in the recent times. But one should be careful as Taleb Rifai, United Nations World Tourism Organisation Secretary-General has rightly pointed out the other day. "Economic results have improved significantly in recent months with a positive impact on tourism demand but we must remain cautious as many factors can still jeopardize the pace of recovery". "The economic recovery is being driven mainly by emerging economies while growth is still sluggish in most advanced ones. At the same time, increasing unemployment levels in major tourism source markets is a cause of concern", he added while addressing the UNWTO Seminar on 'Tourism Governance in Times of Crisis: Conjunctural and Structural Policies', in Sofia, Bulgaria. Since tourism is sensitive to almost all social and economic developments and becomes the first casualty in case of a crisis it is important to be prepared for any eventuality. UNWTO has classified three types of crises: natural (earthquakes, tsunami), health (health pandemic) and human (terrorism), which are likely to affect the industry. But UNWTO has admitted that it would not be possible to forecast all crisis situations to all relevant audiences. Every crisis is different and it is not easy to formulate a general strategy to counter them and each situation requires a different approach depending on the factors involved. UNWTO's recently unveiled TERN (Travel Emergency Response Network) alerting system can be used as a platform of "network of networks" to reach leading tourism associations around the world to make travel and destinations safer for the travel and tourism industry. Responsible use of this technology can have a dramatic and positive impact on mitigating the effects of a crisis, minimizing injury and loss of lives. Safer travel and recovery will counter negative events as a result of both real and perceived crises.
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-North : 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 Of fice: Media Steps India, # B-305 & 309, Vasudha Apartments, Quthbullapur Road, New Jeedimetla, Hyderabad-500 055, AP, India Tel.: +91 40 23080750, +91 40 23176966, +91 40 23176996, 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 Advertisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable. Readers are however requested to verif y the facts before making business decisions using the same. No par t of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission from the Publisher. All rights reser ved. Copyright © 2008 *Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act
MAY 2010
over view
International Tourism
First Results of 2010 Confirm Upward Trend
I
nternational tourism is steadily gaining momentum following an ex tremely challenging 2009. International tourist arrivals grew by seven per cent in the first two months of 2010 worldwide, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Grow th was particularly strong in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow by three per cent to four per cent in 2010. This follows the upturn already registered in the last quarter of 2009 when arrivals grew by two per cent af ter 14 consecutive months of negative results. Though data for March is still limited, countries with data already reported confirm that this positive trend is set to continue. Grow th was positive in all world regions during the first two months of 2010 led by Asia and the Pacific (+10 per cent) and Africa (+7 per cent). Information for the three countries of the Middle East that have reported results so far also point to a strong rebound in the region, though, compared to very subdued first months of 2009. The pace of grow th was slower in Europe (+3 per cent) and in the Americas (+3 per cent), the two regions hardest hit by the global crisis and where economic recovery is proving to be comparatively weaker. A large number of countries around the world reported positive results in the first months of 2010. Of the 77 destinations reporting data for this period, 60 showed positive figures, of which 24 posted double-digit grow th including Estonia, Israel, Hong Kong (China), Macao (China), Japan, Taiwan (PR. of China), Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Guam, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, US Virgin Islands, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Kenya, Seychelles, Morocco, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Though there is a clear improvement on the negative results of 2009, this grow th must be considered with caution as it compares with a particularly weak period of 2009 ? the worst months of the global economic crisis. On the whole, international tourist arrivals totalled 119 million during the first two months of 2010, up seven per cent on 2009 but still t wo per cent below the value of the record year of 2008. UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow by three per cent to four per cent in 2010. This outlook has not been altered by the recent air traf fic disruption in European airspace. Although impacting very seriously on travellers, specific destinations and companies, in particular airlines, airports and tour operators, UNWTO estimates that the closure of a major part of European airspace between 15 and 20 April might have caused a loss of less than half a per cent of the yearly volume of international tourist arrivals in Europe and 0.3 per cent of the total count for the world. Nevertheless, while the positive trend registered in the first months of 2010 reflects improved economic conditions, UNWTO warns that many challenges remain.
MAY 2010
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
atm 2010
ATM 2010 Echoes Renewed Strength of Travel and Tourism Industr y
A
rabian Travel Market 2010, Middle East's premier fourday travel and tourism event closed on May 7 on a high note. It clearly reflected the industry's builtup momentum for grow th. With significantly increased number of participants and visitors ma ximising every opportunity at further developing renewed business opportunities, brought about by steadily recovering economies previously af fected by unfavourable global economic conditions, the show lived up to its billing as the most important to date, according a press release. Onsite statistics recorded an overall visitor increase of three percent; Arabian Travel Market also witnessed an increase in GCC visitors. Turkey registered the largest visitor increase amongst participating countries. Most importantly there was an increase in quality visitors with participants returning day af ter day to conduct business. Arabian Travel Market already witnessed positive consolidation of exhibitors and stand-sharers, and a record 72 participating countries which included more than 60 newto-market representatives. "More
importantly, such grow th figures were strongly reinforced by the increased number of visitors which translated into an equally significant increase in business activity, to the benefit of exhibitors", said Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition
Exhibition Centre (DICEC) throughout Arabian Travel Market's four days. The 2010 show had nearly 60 national tourist bodies representing six continents, including new-tomarket showings from Fiji as well
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Visits Arabian Travel Market
Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions organisers of ATM 2010. With exhibitors comprising the industry's top tour and hotel operators, international carriers, private jet operators, car rental companies, destination and country tourism boards, positive feedback from participants reverberated across the halls of the Dubai International Conference and
representation from the private sector in Nigeria, Monaco, Swaziland, the Ukraine, Nepal, Malta, Libya, Republic of
Korea and Iraq. The development of key source markets in Europe by Middle East tourism bodies and vice versa also witnessed above-average exhibitor number rises from France, Germany, Russia, Spain and Turkey. Asia also saw an increase in first time exhibitors including representatives from Ut tarakhand Province in India, Nepal and China Southern Airlines. Thailand, Malaysia and India continued to be the largest space contributors. Africa, The Americas and Australasia all made strong returns this year with the Maldives, United States, Canada, Kenya and Tunisia all seeing positive grow th in exhibitor numbers. The show also saw delegations, led by senior government Ministers, from a host of international and Middle East nations and states, including Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Cyprus, Bahrain, Kenya, Kuwait, Spain, Indonesia, Jordan, South Africa, Argentina, Romania, India, Morocco, Greece, Thailand, the Philippines and Nepal. Earlier Dubai's Deputy Ruler, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, of ficially inaugurated the show on May 4.
Tiger Reser ves in India to Remain Open for Tourism
G
overnment of India has made it clear that there is no move to stop tourism activities in the country's Tiger Reserves in the country. "There are reports in both national and international Media that the Government was planning to stop tourism activities in the country's Tiger Reserves. There is no such plan or proposal", said a Press Information Bureau release. The Government of India's Policy is to develop a set of guidelines for eco tourism where tourism takes place in a sustainable way, linked to the carrying
MAY 2010
capacity of the reserves. There is no intention in the Government to stop Tourism at Tiger Reserves. Tourism at some Reserves needs to be bet ter regulated as revenues generated from visitors can flow back directly into the management of each of the tiger reserve, the statement said. In the recent years it has been assessed that there is a growing trend towards travel to eco tourism destinations like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Considering this trend a series of interactions have been organised under the initiative "Tigers - Our National
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Beauties". Environment minister Jairam Ramesh said, "The revenue from tourism must flow back directly into the Jairam Ramesh management of each of the tiger reserves so that local communities can benefit and the advantages of tourism should be felt by these local communities who should be encouraged to develop a stake in the protection of these tiger reserves".
ASIAN TRAVELLER
personality Shijo N. Varghese who started his career ten years ago has reached the top rungs through dedication and hard work. He speaks about his experience, passion and dreams. Tell us about your hotel and its USPs. Regant Lake Palace is four-star category hotel and has got 41 luxury rooms and 11 cottages situated on the Ashtamudi Lake. It's the best of its kind in Kollam town. We have planned it in such a way to attract both the busy business traveller as well as the leisure go-getter. There is also an island in the lake as part of the hotel with lovely cottages, Ayurvedic center, gym, health club and recreation centers. It's created in perfect harmony with nature. Another attraction is the famous Ashtamudi Lake which surrounds the island where we have arranged the modern water sports like luxury house boat with conference facility, speed boats and water scooters. Guests can also have a firsthand experience of 'fishing' at the Chinese fishing nets set up in the Ashtamudi Lake. How do you position the Hotel in the market? What is your marketing strategy? We have a long term marketing strategy. We as a new entrant in the hospitality business would like to create a brand image and further foray into the business with a brand conscious marketing. We intend to cater to all sectors of the market, as we all know that the volume of business is also major factor for maintaining higher standards of service and facilities. How important is a hotel in developing a destination? Hotels and resorts for that matter act as the backbone in developing a destination. As we all are aware, many leading brands in the industry have helped MAY 2010
in promoting the destinations in which they are located. Could you tell us about your background and how did you come to join the industry? I did Hotel Management and a couple of other hospitality related courses. I have started my career in the industry in ITC hotel, Goa at the age of 18. I worked in several hotels in Goa and Chennai before coming back to Kerala. I was able to climb the ladder of success in a short period of time as a result support and guidance provided by my superiors along with dedication and hard work. Tell us about your experience so far? The experience I have gained from working in Goa and Chennai in Food & Beverages and Service & Production departments (and my passion for marketing, where also I had a short stint) have helped me a lot when I took over the General Manager's role later. I am more interested to take up the challenge of launching new properties. What are your plans for the future? I would like to create a niche for our brand in the domestic as well as in the international market. I know
it is a tough challenge and it could take time. But I am very confident of my plans, strategies and innovations. Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now? That's a good question! In 10 years I became the General Manager and helped in opening and launching 2 3 properties. 10 years from
now I hope to be someone planning and managing a chain of hotels. Tell us about your family My family consists of father, mother, brother and sister. I am the youngest in the family and I got married recently to Simi. Tell us about your hobbies and other interests? I love travelling. Seeing new places, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures is what I like to do while travelling. I also love cooking, listening to old melodies in all languages and watching TV. Which is your favorite destination? My favorite destination is my "God's own Country".
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SHIJO N. VARGHESE Group General Manager Regant Lake Palace Hotel Kollam, Kerala
ASIAN TRAVELLER
south asia
ITB Asia 2010 Enhances Its Buyers' Programme
M
esse Berlin has announced details of its enhanced hosted buyers' programme for ITB Asia 2010. New filtering techniques are being introduced. The aim is to
ITB Asia takes place in Singapore during October 20-22. "We want to focus on quality over quantity," said ITB Asia Executive Director, Nino Gruettke, who leads
Nino Grüttke
ensure that only high quality buyers will enter the prescheduled appointment system to meet exhibitors.
the ITB Asia team in Singapore. "We will limit the number of hosted buyers to 700 and make sure these are
eijing will host the 60th anniversary conference and annual meeting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in April 2011, while next year's PATA Travel Mart will take place in Delhi. Initiatives for 2010 include a joint UNWTO/PATA World Tourism Day on 27 September. PATA will co-host the Guilin International Forum on Travel Trends in November. PATA is also planning a year-long series of celebrations in conjunction with local Chapters, including an event in Hawaii - where the Association was formed in 1951. The announcement was made at the Association's 59th AGM at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching, Sarawak where PATA CEO Greg Duffell has presented an upbeat report. Duffell said that the cost saving measures in 2009 had helped to improve the Association's financial position. All PATA staff are now engaged in membership retention and recruitment and there were encouraging numbers of new members in the general Industry category now joining the Association.
MAY 2010
Asia. "It works like a job recommendation," said Gruettke. "The recommender's own reputation sticks to the recommended person. Buyers therefore become partners in increasing the show's quality," he said. Third, exhibitors will be encouraged to nominate buyers. Once approved, these buyers will be invited by Messe Berlin (Singapore) on behalf of the exhibitor. Buyers with an excellent track record at the previous two ITB Asia shows will be invited again this year.
Hiran Cooray Takes Over as PATA Chairman
Beijing to Host PATA 60th Anniversary Event
B
the best we can get," he said. Three additional changes are being made. First, buyers will only be allowed to register during three periods: 12 to 30 April, 3 to 21 May, and 5 to 23 July. "Only allowing three periods of registration will allow us to better control the geographical and sector mix of buyers," said Gruettke. Second, ITB Asia will use a social media-like networking and referral approach. Buyers with a strong track record will be able to recommend other buyers to be invited by ITB
H
iran Cooray, Chairman of the Jetwing Group of Companies, Sri Lanka has been elected as Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) at the association's AGM in Sarawak in East Malaysia for the period 2010 to 2011. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Director Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has also been elected as Vice Chairman of PATA for the year 2010-2012. Hiran Cooray is the first Sri Lankan and the youngest person to be inducted as Chairman of PATA. He will take forward the activities of PATA from his predecessor Phornsiri Manoharn of Thailand. Cooray says the leadership role in PATA Hiran Cooray reflected the fact that Sri Lanka could be a force to reckon with in the global tourism arena. "On behalf of Sri Lanka, I am proud, privileged and honoured by the responsibility cast on me. I would like to see greater peace within the region so that tourism can boost socioeconomic growth in our economies. Whilst peace is the key driver to boost tourism, I believe that tourism can be a great catalyst to achieve peace and prosperity as well," he added.
Visa Targets Tourists in Korea
V
isa is helping to boost tourism revenues in Korea (RoK). The Visa Preferred Merchants programme, which runs until March 2011, is designed to extend a cardholder's budget during visits to Korea with discounts of between five and 50 percent off goods and services most commonly sought by travellers.
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
column
Y
V DURAIKKANNAN
Rene Descartes
Sri Ramakrishna
MAY 2010
ou just greet people and enquire af ter them as to how they are or their life or business is. The invariable answer you would be get ting would be one of the followings:'Not bad' (80%) 'Can't complain' (10%) 'Can be better' (5%) 'Good!' (3%) 'Great!'(1%) 'Excellent!'(1%) The percentages represent the responses out of a hundred people who were subjected to this survey and analysis. Now the question is this. When it is not bad, why we do not call it good, when there is nothing to complain, why we are not jubilant about it, and when we say it can be bet ter, what are we waiting for to make it better? Life is not what we have but what we do with it or make about it. It is rightly said that what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the but ter fly calls it the beginning. Everybody expects a great life to happen without doing any thing about it. Rene Descartes (1596-1650), the French philosopher and mathematician who developed dualistic theory of mind and mat ter was once asked what the world was. Pat he replied that the world was him and he was the world. The questioner had every reason to believe that Descartes was way too egocentric. But then the philosopher explained: 'The moment I cease to exist and my eyes close, the world ceases to exist. Hence I am the world!' Let us realize that we are the life and the world. It is not a question of being egocentric or egoism. It is
the basic premise of responsibility. We are not yet ready to take responsibility for ourselves. We always cite others as the reasons for our plight. We blame our parents, our teachers, our friends, our cultures, our religions, our countries, our leaders, and our companies for whatever that we are now. For those who blame their parents for their woes and ills,
P.D.Ouspensky
P.D.Ouspensky (1878-1947), the Russian philosopher rightly told: 'Forgiving one's parents is the first step of wisdom' Start assuming responsibility by accepting your present you in totality, warts and all. That is the right beginning. And then follow the moral of Sri Ramakrishna that you infer from the following parable: Once there was a miser who was hoarding money for all his years but was not finding any happiness in life. He came to Sri Ramakrishna and sought solution to his lack of peace of mind. The sage told him that money was the root cause and he asked him to bring up all the money that he had hoarded all his life. When he was back with all those moneybags, he just directed him to throw all that into the river Hooghly (the banks of which river the Ramakrishna Mutt stands) and come back. The man went of f and was gone for hours. Wondering as to what happened to him as he was not coming back even af ter so many hours, Sri Ramakrishna went over to the river bank himself in search of him. Lo and behold! The man was there throwing one coin af ter another into the waters of river Hooghly! No wonder it could take still longer hours for him to get back. He had to get rid of all that money. Why then was he not throwing them away just like that? Quit cold
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turkey?! One might have taken years and years to accrue some bad habit (whether it is drug addiction or alcoholic abuse, lack of reading or not honing one's professional skill) but why it should take those many number of years again or more to drop the same or quit the same or start something afresh?! Bob Hope, the English comedian who lived for one full century (1903-2003) was telling about his life: 'Everyday as I get up in the morning, the first thing I look up in the day's newspaper is the obituary column. If I don't find my name there, I jump of f from my bed and start my day!' Start enjoying your life on daily basis. Realize the subtleties of life and choose the path of serenity and least stress. There is a beautiful story from Zen. A man is walking on the road along with his
Bob Hope
bull holding its tether in his hand. The Buddhist monk, who encounters him on the road, stops by and asks him: 'Who is the owner of this bull?' The man derisively laughs and says: 'I am! Can't you see the animal humbly following me?!' As he says so, the monk will draw out a knife and cut of f the tether upon which the bull will jump of f and run away. The man now starts chasing the bull behind. The koan (a koan is a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution and used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning) is: 'The owner is the one who is followed. Is the bull now the owner?!' Think and laugh your way to composure and serenity! 'Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.' - Maria Robinson Start Today!
ASIAN TRAVELLER
tamilnadu traveller
The 'Saral' Festival in Courtallam Dr. S. BAKTHAVATCHALAM
T
he Saral festival is a unique festival followed by the Tamils. Celebrated at Courtallam a place renowned for its water falls, it is situated in the South west of Tamil Nadu. Celebrated in June in the time of the southwest monsoon, the scorching heat of the plains is soothed by the continuous light drizzles. Thick clouds gather and streaks of lighting flash across the sky. The southwest monsoon approaching from the Arabian Sea is blocked by the mighty Western Ghats. But a lighter part of it moves to the state through the mountain passes. Those escaping through the Aryankavu Pass reach Courtallam which pours down in a drizzle called "Saral" in Tamil. The overcast clouds sprinkle
water over the region throughout the day and the temperature drops making it ideal for holidaying. The Saral keeps the atmosphere and the people active becoming neither wet nor dry. The healing waters of Courtallam is said to have healing properties so there is a strong population coming in for the celebration from dif ferent parts of Tamil Nadu and outside. Some of the main waterfalls of Courtallam Waterfall are Peraruvi, Chitraruvi, Shenbaga Devi Falls, Thenaruvi, Aintharuvi, Puli Aruvi, Pazhaya Courtallam, Puthu Aruvi and the Pazhathotta Aruvi. The festival ex tends to the month of July. Similar to other Tamil festivals daily ritual bathing is one of the
activities. Cultural programs, competitions accompanied make the festival remarkable. The nearest airport from Courtallam is at Madurai at a distance of 150-km. Tenkasi and Sengot tai are the nearby railway stations. Tenkasi and Sengot tai are
the nearby railway stations which connects the place to other majors in the state. Courtallam can also be accessed from Quilon Madurai rail route via Sengot tai. The Courtallam falls is 1.5 hours away by road. It is also from 185-km away from Trivandrum.
asia pacific
Singapore Registers 17 pc Growth in Tourism Arrivals
Myanmar Introduces Visa on Arrival
I
n an attempt to to boost the country's nascent tourism sector Myanmar's military government has decidede to offer visas on arrival. Tourist visas, which are normally arranged days in advance at an embassy abroad, will be now be available at international Singapore's top five visitor-generating airports in Mandalay and the markets in March 2010. These markets biggest city, Yangon. accounted for 49 per cent of total visitor Although Myanmar is rich arrivals for the month. Also 14 out of the in jungles, beaches and top 15 markets registered positive year-onmountains and is dotted with year growth in March this year. This can hundreds of golden be attributed to a gradually improving Buddhist temples, its tourism release, Indonesia (166,000), P.R. China economic climate, leading to an industry remains largely (88,000), Malaysia (82,000), Australia improvement in travel sentiment to undeveloped. Total tourist (64,000), and UK (54,000) were Singapore. arrivals in Myanmar during for the fiscal year 2009-2010 STB to Appoint Marketing Reps in Chennai, Bengaluru stood at 300,000, compared with 255,288 for the same ingapore Tourism Board (STB has decided to appoint Marketing Representatives in Chennai and Bengaluru who will assist STB in promoting Singapore as a destination for period a year earlier. 315,536 leisure, business travel, MICE and education. These representatives will be responsible for people traveled to Myanmar in the 2005-2006 period, business development, market intelligence, marketing plans, marketing communications, official data showed. promotions and partnerships.
S
ingapore has received a record number of 9, 28,000 visitors by March 2010, which is a 17.3 per cent growth over the same period in previous year. According to a release as per the
S
ASIAN TRAVELLER
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MAY 2010
personality
An architect by training, Behnaz Irani became attracted to the travel and tourism business during the visits to the travel agency run by her husband. Now she is a successful travel business professional in her own right.
BEHNAZ IRANI Director Napolitan Travel Agency Co Pvt Ltd Pune, Maharashtra, India
MAY 2010
How did you become interested in Travel & Tourism business? By qualification I am architect, and was practicing as one. My desire for seeing new places and destinations to gather new ideas for my work, and my husband's travel business, took me to new and dif ferent destinations. During my sabbatical from architectural practice, I would of ten visit the travel agency. I started out with just lending a helping hand, to work out some itineraries, being translator, etc. Somewhere down the lane, I was attracted to this profession and I decided its time for a change; and I am very happy about my decision. What is your current role in your company? At Napolitan Travel, we have our tours and packages division, which is branded as NTA Holidays for outbound and Humsafar Holidays for inbound travel. I am heading this division as the Director of the company.
facilities, technology is world class; and all this comes at much more lower and af fordable cost to the patient world wide. As a hospitality industry professional what is your ambition? Where would you like to see yourself ten years from now? My ambition is to try to promote India as a world No 1 tourist destination, using all the means at my disposal, to the ma ximum. Our country is rich in culture, heritage, and history. With proper planned marketing, I do not see any reason to not achieve the same. And I look forward to the day, my team can stand out and say yes we did it. Who or what has been the greatest influence in your professional life? Life's learning has influenced me both professionally and personally. Every up has a down and every sunrise is followed by a sunset. Nothing is to be taken for granted. My husband and family
reinforce this and we are each others strength through trying times. As woman, what were the challenges you had to face in your professional life? What plans - immediate and long I have luckily never have had to term - do you (the company) have? prove myself in my profession just My immediate plan is to focus because I was a woman. In fact, on our new venture of medical being a woman, having a natural tourism. Today India of fers the best ability to be more empathetic, has doctors in dif ferent specialized enabled me to achieve long term fields. Our hospitals and medical relationships with my associates.
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Young girls entering the travel/ hospitality industry should not be taken in by the glamour of this profession. There is a lot of hard work involved initially and success is only achieved by those who have a "do or die "at titude! What is the secret of your success? Change is the only constant and a belief that if you are on a smooth road, then you are on the wrong road. I believe in myself, my values and my goal and work hard with a full focus to achieve them. No mat ter what obstacles I have to face, I change the course; like water, work around the bump, but stay focused on my goal What is your proudest moment (till date) in your profession? Every small achievement is a small step in reaching our goal. Right from obtaining our IATA, Ministry of Tourism approval, becoming part of the Uniglobe Franchisee, has made me proud and energetic to work harder. It gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction when our passengers come back from their holiday and elaborate how wonder ful their trip was, and how touched they were that their birthday/anniversary etc was remembered and how special they felt when it was celebrated among the travel group. Tell us about your family. My husband Bahram Pashutanizadeh is a qualified Aeronautical Engineer who started Napolitan Travel Agency way back in 1992 and is now heading it as Managing Director. My t wo daughters are both very successful academically-one pursuing engineering with a vision to work at The Boeing Company in Seat tle some day; my younger daughter is presently studying Commerce and is aiming towards an MBA in Marketing / Finance. She is presently also involved in the day to day working at the agency. What are your hobbies? Travel is my passion. I love to go places, mingle with the local population, learn about the local food, culture, and travel by the local means of transport. In all, see the place through the eyes of the local people. I enjoy music and Yoga.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
aviation
Tiger Air ways Increases Flights to India
Kids Fly for Free with Etihad Holidays
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E
iger Airways Singapore has announced that it will be flying to two major South Indian cities Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirappalli from
over south India, operating a total of 26 flights per week. Rosalynn Tay, MD, Tiger Airways Singapore, said, "We are pleased to bring Tiger Airways' low-fare offering to yet another major city in south India. As the capital of Kerala state, Trivandrum is a major hub for tourism and various industries, as well as a gateway to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. With our pawprints all over south India, more travelers can take advantage of our famous low, low fares." November 2010. The There are three flights frequency to Chennai has weekly, on every Tuesday, also been increased. With the Thursday and Saturday and addition of these two tickets to Trivandrum are on destinations and increased sale now, for travel between frequencies, Tiger Airways 2 November 2010 and 26 will have its presence in all March 2011.
India UK to Increase Air Connectivit y
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onnectivity bet ween the Indian and British cities will be increased with new to amendments coming into the bilateral pact bet ween the countries. According to the amendments Air India and Kingfisher Airlines Ltd will enter to domestic code-sharing agreements with British Midland Airways (BMI) and British Airways Plc. (BA) will expand their reach to smaller cities. This move will allow passengers to have access to interior points on the same ticket.
tihad Holidays, a division of Etihad Airways, has launched its 'Kids Fly for Free' promotion which offers free holiday packages for children, including flights, accommodation and meals, to 10 Etihad Holiday destinations across the globe. The special promotion is offered as a part of Etihad Holiday packages to Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Munich, Muscat, Larnaca, Istanbul, Athens, Amman, Beirut and Tokyo. When two adults book a holiday package with Etihad Holidays to these destinations, a child under the age of 12 will receive a free airline ticket, free accommodation and free meals for the duration of their trip. The packages are on sale until May 31, for travel until June 10.
Mini Ratna Status to Pawan Hans Soon The Government of India (GoI) will soon grant mini Ratna status to Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL), which is the biggest chopper company in India. This was disclosed by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel. The Airports Authority of India (A AI) is the only aviation Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) which has been accorded the mini Ratna status so far. Patel added that has plans to acquire 100 helicopters in the nex t few years. Other than providing helicopter services to ONGC to its of f-shore locations, PHHL is of ten engaged for providing services to various State Governments in India, particularly in North-east India.
Initiatives Announced to Sustain Domestic Passengers
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ndia’s Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has recently in formed the Lok Sabha that as per CAPA-SITA White Paper on Information Technology in Indian aviation, it has been estimated that by 2020, domestic traf fic will reach 160-180 million passengers per annum and international traf fic will exceed 80 million. To sustain such grow th, the Government of India (GoI) is taking following initiatives: The infrastructure at the airports and Air Traf fic Control and Navigation is being constantly upgraded to meet the future demand of the airlines. To create a world class airport infrastructure up gradation/
MAY 2010
modernisation of a number of metro and non-metro airports have been undertaken by Airports Authority of India (A AI, as well as through Joint Venture companies. AAI has undertaken up gradation and modernisation of 35 non-metro airports in the country in a time bound manner. In addition, 13 more airports have also been taken up for up gradation. AAI has also undertaken the modernisation and expansion of the international airports at Chennai at a cost of Rs 1808 crore and at Kolkata at a cost of Rs 1942.51 crore. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) from time to time
reviews and amends its regulations as per international standards and aviation requirements of the country. DGCA itself has been strengthened to meet international safety obligations. City side development of specific airports has been undertaken under Public Private Participation model. A new policy for Greenfield airports which envisages the Greenfield airports to be set up by AAI will be preferably constructed through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and such airports will be financed substantially through PPP concessions. An Independent regulatory
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Authority, namely, Airpor ts Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has been estabPraful Patel lished on May 12, 2009 with the prime objective to create a level playing field and healthy competition amongst all major airports (Governmentowned, PPP- based, private), regulation of tarif fs of aeronautical services, protection of reasonable interest of users, operation of ef ficient, economic and viable airpor ts.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
macau
Annual Tourism Meeting of Hong Kong and Macau Held
MGTO Director Elected as PATA Vice Chairman
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hird annual meeting between the tourism authorities of Hong Kong and Macau SARs has been held in Macau. Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Philip Yung led the Hong Kong delegation Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture
Cheong U hosted a luncheon for the delegation. The nine member delegation comprising the Tourism Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong Tourism Board and Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong held the third annual meeting with the Macau
Government Tourist Office. Members of the delegation included Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Anthony Lau and Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong Joseph Tung, among others.
Secretary Cheong with officials of Hong Kong and Macau tourism authorities
ASIAN TRAVELLER
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Secretary Cheong U
he Director of the Macau Government Tourist Of fice (MGTO), João Manuel Costa Antunes has been elected as Vice Chairman of PATA for the year 2010-2012. He is also ChairmanElect for the nex t term. In 2005, the 54th PATA Annual Conference was held in Macau. Antunes was awarded PATA Life Membership the same year. Previous to the appointment as the Chairman-Elect, he played a role as the member of Executive Commit tee, Board of Directors, Audi & Finance Commit tee, Honours Commit tee. According to the bylaws of PATA, the ChairmanElect will serve for a t wo-year term with immediate ef fect, and shall succeed to the Of fice of Chairman upon expiration of the preceding Chairman's term, for another t wo years.
MAY 2010
newsline
Thai Tourist Visa Fee Exemption Scheme
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he Royal Thai Embassy has announced that the Tourist Visa fee exemption scheme which was terminated on March 4, 2010 will be renewed and started from May 11, 2010 to March 31, 2011. The scheme also covers exemption of the fee for Visa on Arrival (VOA) provided by the Immigration Bureau of Thailand at designated checkpoints. However, the exemption scheme is not ex tended to other types of Visas, i.e. Non-Immigrant Visa and Transit Visa. Ef fectively, the Visa applicants who apply for Tourist Visa (single entry) do not need to at tach demand draf t for Visa fee during that period. However, the ordinary passport holder who wants to obtain Tourist Visa is still required to apply through WS Thai. Visa Application Centre and VFS service charge is still applicable.
Sri Lanka Records World's Highest Growth in Tourism
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ri Lanka has topped another list by recording the highest growth in tourist arrivals during the first two months of 2010. An interim report of the United Nations World
Tourism Organization (UNWTO) lists Sri Lanka with a 50 percent growth in tourist arrivals among 77 countries that have reported international arrivals data so far. The report states that
Sri Lanka outperformed 23 other countries with doubledigit growth rates. Saudi Arabia was ranked second (+45 per cent) with Israel ranking 3rd (+37 per cent), while Vietnam (+36 per cent) at the 4th place and Nepal (+30 per cent) fifth, Sri Lanka News Network reported. In 2009, South Asia, with nearly ten million arrivals, accounted for only 1.1 percent of international tourist arrivals. In the same year, South Asia earned USD15 billion in receipts from tourism with Sri Lanka earning USD350 million. Maldives earned USD590 million while India had the highest earning of USD10.6 billion for the same period.
SA Tourism Plans 'Learn South Africa' Programme for Indian Agents
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outh African Tourism Board will organise a programme- Learn South Africa - for the Indian travel agents in July this year. The one-day programme will take place in 12 cities across the country starting
with Mumbai (July 10); Kolkata (July 17); Delhi (July 24); Chennai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad (July 31); Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Surat, Kochi, Nagpur and Pune (August 7).
Fortune Holidays
Exciting "Family Friendly" Summer Packages
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t takes great destinations to bring home per fect memories. From beach getaways and idyllic retreats, to cultural sightseeing and historical forays, 'Fortune Holidays' of fer a variety of all-inclusive, family friendly exciting holiday packages at popular holiday destinations. With the opening of hotels in key leisure destinations like Lavasa, Jaipur, Mussoorie and Goa in the past one year, Fortune Hotels has strengthened its presence in the leisure segment. Apart from the new hotels added recently, the Fortune Hotels chain already has presence in popular holiday and leisure destinations like Ooty, Darjeeling, Kolkata, Port Blair, Tirupati, Jammu, Madurai & Jaipur. At Fortune Hotels, distinctive flair is complemented by warm and personalized service, superior technology, insight ful comforts, fine dining and a genuine feel for the authenticity of the destination. 'Fortune Holidays' has been specially designed to make every holiday an enjoyable and unforget table experience.
MAY 2010
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
indian panorama
U
Uttarakhand Restricts Tourists in Eco-sensitive Zones
ttarakhand Government has decided to put up more restrictions on travellers to Gangotri, Valley of Flowers and other highly eco-sensitive zones of the Garhwal Himalayas in order to protect the precious biodiversity of the Himalayas, including the glaciers. According to a rough estimate, thousands of pilgrims, who visit the hill state travel to these areas leaving heaps of nondegradable waste, including plastic, which are hazardous to environment. Earlier the Centre has decided to ban two key hydropower projects in the Bhagirathi valley to protect the biodiversity of the region. The state government has now decided
not to allow tourists to Gaumukh glacier, the origin of River Ganga in Uttarkashi district. The Gangotri National Park authorities would now put up sign boards and erect fencing to prevent tourists from trekking beyond. The government is also trying to put restrictions on pilgrims to Hemkund Sahib and other shrines which are close to the Valley of Flowers. The government had restricted the entry of tourists to the 14-km long area of the Nandadevi Biosephere Reserve few years ago. The government is also planning to carry a renewed campaign through tourist brochures and media telling travelers to remain sensitive to these areas.
Three Helipads Orissa Travel Mart in September Goa to Attract Coming Up Tourists with rissa is planning to organize an exclusive travel mart, O to showcase Orissa to the tourism world. The in Sikkim Net working Sites proposed travel mart will be organised some time in
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ikkim Tourism is planning to set up a number of helipads in the state. Detailed project reports for constructing three helipads, submitted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim, have been recently sanctioned, while two more proposals are under consideration. The proposed sites for construction of helipads are: Chemchey, Hilley, Ut taray, Rangpo and Mangan. The state tourism department is also planning to come up with more helipads in the state at Ranipool and Kaluk-Ringchenpong area for which the planning is underway.
August/September, this year. Orissa Travel Mart will be an exclusive Orissa Tourism product. The state government will also organise FAM tours for domestic tour operators to create awareness in the domestic market about Orissa's tourism products and destinations.
TN Targets Rs 100cr Tourism Revenue
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amil Nadu has set a target of generating Rs 100 crore revenue from the tourism sector this year. N Suresh Rajan, Minister for Tourism, Tamil Nadu said this while speaking to media after flagging off the five new coaches of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) at Island Grounds in Chennai. This year the target is to improve earnings by 12 per cent.
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n an attempt to rescue its drooping international tourist inflow Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has decided to use social net working sites like Twitter and Facebook for its image building initiative. Goa Tourism Development Corporation will be the first staterun corporation to have its presence on Twitter, the popular social net working website. To promote the state as a safe destination. GTDC has decided to disseminate all the possible positive information about the state through these websites.
Bihar to Have 'Approved Guides' at Important Sites
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he Department of Tourism (DoT), Government of Bihar is planning to deploy government-approved guides at all important historical sites, including Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya and Kesaria to provide better information to foreign tourists. The state tourism department has already initiated the process for selection of guides. The aspirants should be a graduate and the state tourism department will hold written examination for their selection. After the selection, these aspirants will be sent to the Indian Institute of Travel Management, Gwalior, where they will get training for nine weeks. The institute is run by the Central government.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
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MAY 2010
spor ts tourism
Delhi Gears up For CWG 2010
has got a survey done of the licenced Guest Houses along with Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police (Licensing) through the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, New Delhi in order to compile a data base of these units and to ascertain their standards of services and facilities. In order to be ready for the Games, the Tourism Ministry has initiated the training of ALOK DESHWAL of Ministers (GoM), the Lt. Governor, Delhi, the the owners/management and staf f of these Chief Minister of Delhi and the Minister of State identified guest houses to upgrade their he 19th Commonwealth Games (CWGstandards and sof t skills under the Scheme of (Spor ts). 2010) are scheduled to be held in New Capacity Building of Service Providers (CBSP) To encourage the grow th of new hotels, on Delhi, between October 3 and October 14 the request of the Ministry of Tourism, the through the IHM, Pusa, and New Delhi. this year. This would be the largest multi-sport The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Ministry of Finance has given a five year ta x event conducted in Delhi, which has previously "Incredible India Bed and Breakfast and Home holiday under Section 80-ID to 2, 3 and 4-star hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. The category hotels and convention centers which Stay Scheme" all over the country. Around opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at will be functional bet ween April 1, 2007 to July 3,000 "Incredible India Bed and Breakfast and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The Homestay" units are estimated to be ready and 31, 2010 in National Capital Territory Region of Commonwealth Games during 2006 in available for the Games. This scheme would Delhi and the Districts of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Melbourne had at tracted 90,000 visitors and it is provide the guest a expected that more than one lakh visitors would unique and authentic come to Commonwealth Games 2010. At Indian home stay present, there are only about 11,000 rooms in experience. With a the star category hotels in the NCR. The view to encourage the Ministry of Tourism estimates that 30,000 grow th of such additional hotel rooms would be required in the establishments and National Capital Region for Commonwealth also to smoothen the Games 2010. procedure of approvAccommodation for the visitors during the als, the Ministry of Commonwealth Games is on top priority Tourism has recently agenda of the Ministry of Tourism. In order to reviewed the scheme and has simplified the Gautam Budh Nagar (NOIDA) and Ghaziabad. meet the short fall of accommodation the The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and guidelines by amending certain norms. Ministry has been in regular touch with the Hotel Ashok, Samrat and Janpath under the Ministry of Urban Development had announced 'Land Owning Agencies' in the National Capital the increase in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 150 ITDC have been declared as the of ficial hotels Region of Delhi for creation of the additional for the games. While the Hotel Ashok and Hotel to 225 for hotels in Delhi excluding the hotels hotel rooms. A Task Force has been constituted falling in the Lutyens Bungalow Zone etc. to Samrat would be the Games Family Hotel, Hotel under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Tourism, Janpath would be for the press and media. provide additional rooms in existing and new for monitoring the progress of the various These hotels have undertaken a major renovahotels. Further, the Ministry of Tourism has agencies for creation of additional hotel advised all existing hotels to upgrade the hotels tion work to prepare them for the event. accommodation in NCT of Delhi. These 'Earn While You Learn' a short training and be ready for the Games. agencies include the State Due to the ef forts of the Ministry of Tourism, scheme with the objective to sensitize youth, Governments of Ut tar Pradesh RBI has already de-linked credit for hotel specific to tourism service has been introduced and Haryana, the Ministries projects from Commercial Real Estate (CRE) by the Ministry of Tourism. Youth trained under of Railways and Civil thereby enabling hotel projects to avail credit at this scheme will also be utilized for the CWG Aviation, the Delhi 2010. The programme is a short term training rela xed norms and reduced interest rates. The Development programme of 21 days to encourage youth to Ex ternal Commercial Borrowings (ECB) norms Authority (DDA), have been rela xed by the Finance Ministry to work as student volunteers in tourism industry. Delhi Metro Rail solve the problem of liquidity being faced by the The CWG-2010 would require an estimated Corporation 15,000 - 20,000 pool of trained and experienced hotel industry due to economic slowdown. (DMRC), Delhi volunteers. Volunteer Programme is being For the purpose of augmentation of budget Airport Internamanaged by the Organizing Commit tee, CWGaccommodation during the Games, a proposal tional Limited 2010 along with dif ferent agencies and the is under consideration to use housing flats of (DIAL) etc. Regular Tourism Ministry has proposed to the Organizthe Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The meetings are held to DDA would construct these flats with richer ing Committee that training of some volunteers review the may be conducted under the ongoing scheme specifications under various categories which progress. In are located at Vasant Kunj and Jasola. The India of the Ministry - Capacity Building For Service addition, meetings to Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) would Providers. The Ministry also proposes to utilize review and monitor the the students of Institute of Hotel Management, upgrade and furnish these flats and operate arrangements for the CWG- such units during the Games. Pusa to augment the man power requirements 2010 are also being A substantial number of rooms of the Guest during the Games. conducted regularly by (PIB Features) houses under the budget category would also the Committee of The author is Dy. Director (M&C), be available in the National Capital Territory of Secretaries(CoS), Group Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Delhi for the Games. The Ministry of Tourism
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MAY 2010
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
assam traveller
Geo Tourism Adds New Dimension to Tourism in NE India
relates to focusing the attention of sites of unique geographical feature, which hat promises to add new dimension have come into existence to tourism industry purely by geological process which operated during of Northeast India, the Ministry of Mines has asked earth's history.
MD. SABIR NISHAT
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the eight Northeastern States to explore the possibility of geo tourism given the region's geological exclusivity. The Ministry is planning to write to the regional planning body of North Eastern Council (NEC) to explore the possibilities of geo tourism. Geo tourism MAY 2010
conference on development of mineral resources and mineral based industries in the North- east said, "The concept of geo tourism is gaining fast momentum in many parts of the world. It has been a major revenue fetching industry and is fostered both by governmental and private agencies. Northeastern
According to the Ministry, these sites are of great educative and scientific value to students and tourists alike and arouse their curiosity to geological phenomena. Santha Sheela Nair, Secretary, Union Ministry of Mines who was in Guwahati recently to attend the investors meet and • 22 •
region in general and Meghalaya in particular is blessed with fascinating countryside with innumerable geo tourist sites formed by tectonic and erosive forces which were operative in geological past which can be developed as potential tourist destinations." Nair further explained, "In the lines of Fossil Park in Tamil Nadu, the falls and caves of Cherrapunjee (Sohra) in Meghalaya can be a big geo tourist attraction sites. The history of falls and caves can be narrated to the tourists. The fossils of the Himalayas are other areas that can be explored in this segment." "Similarly, coal, limestone, diamond reserves on a particular area can be explained," she added. Mines can be another area, which tourists will like to visit. Northeast India has geological exclusivity and this needs to be showcased. ASIAN TRAVELLER
middle east
DTCM to Showcase Dubai in 46 Exhibitions, Road Shows
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s part of the efforts of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) continues its aggressive
marketing and promotional drive in 2010 and will be highlighting the strengths and attraction of the emirate's vibrant tourism
ASIAN TRAVELLER
industry in 36 overseas travel exhibitions and hosting exclusive road shows and workshops in 10 countries. Four new countries added to the promotional tours
calendar while the major travel fairs WTM, ITB, MITT and IMEX will have a stronger Dubai presence from this year.
Khalid A bin Sulayem, DTCM Director General, said the promotional tours have been finalized taking to account the developments in the established and emerging source markets for Dubai tourism industry. All aspects of Dubai's tourism facilities, expanded hotel room capacities and MICE capabilities have also been given due consideration in
• 23 •
the multipronged marketing strategies to achieve the goals, he added. "Dubai tourism product offering has considerably expanded last year and more changes are expected this year. During the last year, the global tourism industry too undergone rapid changes due to the economic downturn, requiring fastrising destinations like Dubai to adopt strategies to remain on the cutting-edge of the highly-competitive business," said bin Sulayem.
MAY 2010
destination
obituar y
Adieu, John The Cradle of 'Papa' Wakefield Hoysala Architecture Somanathapura:
the last and the grandest. Built at the place during the period of the Hoysala empire in the year 1268 A.D. Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri was found by Somnath the army commander of Narasimha III (1254-91 A.D.) He named the city af ter himself. All its yester year facts regarding its history are mentioned on a slab in old Kannada script. The town is located 30 km from Mysore city and 140 km south-west of Bangalore in Mysore district, Karnataka, India. Chennakesava Temple or Keshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and is in good condition and well preserved as it did not suf fer destruction from the invaders as much as Belur and Halebid. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with a series
ASIAN TRAVELLER
of star-shaped folds and the entire sur face is covered with carved stone plaques. The temple is designed as a mini cosmos with scenes carved on the walls including Gods, Goddesses, dancing girls, musicians, gurus and all kinds of animals including elephants, lions, cows and monkeys depicting scenes from the Hindu puranas arranged in vertical panels The temple is in the care of the Archeological Survey of India as a protected
heritage site. The temple is stellar in shape and has three pinnacles with a common Navranga and stands on a raised plat form. The idol of Lord Kesava is missing from the three sanctum sanctorums which once housed the Kesava, Janardhana and Venugopala idols. Somanathpur is easily accessible with the nearest airport in Bangalore. Mysore is the nearest train station. The place is can be well accessed by road from Mysore (60 km), Bangalore (130 km) and Srirangapatna.
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In 1967, he took up a career in wildlife tourism when he joined the Kumaon Hunters Safari Company and later moved to Lindblad Wildlife Travels Company as a Naturalist escorting wildlife tours to dif ferent national parks in India. He also served as the Indian representative to Anglia Television's (UK) Survival series. He became associated with Tiger Tops in 1978. Wakefield came to Karnataka as the representative of Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (TTJL) - a wildlife resort with its headquarters in Nepal - to set up a jungle lodge at Nagarahole on the invitation of the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, late R. Gundu Rao. But Nagarahole was declared a national park and the idea of setting up a lodge inside the forests had to be dropped. Instead, the erstwhile hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore at Karapur, known as the Kabini River Lodge, was developed as a joint venture of the Government of Karnataka and Tiger Tops. Af ter Tiger Tops pulled out of the project, the State government established Jungle Lodges and Resorts to run the Kabini resort which has now became rated among the world's top five wild life resorts. In 2002, the Government of Karnataka honored John Wakefield with the Rajyotsava Award, for his outstanding contribution to wildlife tourism in the state. He is survived by six daughters and a son.
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MAY 2010
Photo: Stark, Blr
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omanathapura or Somnathpur is popular today for its temples. The Somnathpur Kesava Temple has a great place among the major Hoysala monuments as it is one of
olonel John Felix Wakefield, who passed away recently in Mysore, Karnataka, India at the age of 95 and popularly known as 'Papa', was the man who introduced the concept of ecotourism in Karnataka. He was the brand ambassador of Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), a unit of Government of Karnataka's Tourism Department which manages a number of resorts and camps which are located in some ecologically sensitive yet amazing natural destinations. Born on March 21, 1916 in Gaya, in Bihar as a fif th generation Englishman in India, John Wakefield took to hunting by instinct. He shot his first 'big cat', a leopard, at the age of nine while accompanying his father. He shot his first tiger a year later but became an arch conservationist by the time he reached adulthood. Af ter studying in England for six years, John Wakefield returned to India and worked as Manager of the Tajpur Estate at Bijinor, in Bihar. In 1941, he began his career in the Army; serving in various capacities until 1955 and retired as a Colonel.
cruising
India's First Marina Opened in Kochi he First International Marina in India was commissioned recently at Kochi, Kerala opening a new horizon of opportunities for the tourism and cruising sectors In India especially Kerala. The marina and the marina
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Union Minister for State, Agriculture, Cheriyan Philip, Chairman, KTDC, P Rajiv MP, Dominic Presentation, MLA, Ibrahim Kunju MLA, MK Purushothaman MLA, EK Bharat Bhushan IAS, Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor, union ministry of
house is built as part of Bolgatty Palace Hotel, run by the KTDC. The cruisers will be able to access fuel, water, power, maintenance sewage pump-out for boats on their halt at the marina. The marina, marina house and the new two lane approach road was inaugurated by Indian Union Minister for Defence, A. K. Antony, in the function presiding over by Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Kerala Minster for Tourism, Home and Vigilance. A high level delegation including KV Thomas,
tourism, Dr. V. Venu IAS, Mohanlal IFS, MD, KTDC, N Ramachandran IPS, Chairman, Cochin Port trust, Riaz Ahmed, KTM President, EM Najeeb, Confederation of Kerala tourism industry etc attended the inaugural function. The marina is ideally positioned between South East Asia and Egypt is close to the international maritime route at the south west coast of the Indian Peninsula, with favourable conditions and minimum tidal variations throughout the year. The place has also
MAY 2010
grown popular after it has been named as a stop over for the Volvo Ocean Race India Stopover in 2008-2009. The marina is currently have 34 births which will be expanded to 50 in the next phase of development. The marina project prepared by the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) was
• 26 •
carried out by Ocean Blue Marinas, a part of the Ocean Blue Group, a leading marina development company. The marina will be managed by the company on a three-year contract. The total cost for the project was eight crore 28 lakhs of which 4 crores was granted from central government funds.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
variety
Indo-Turkey Tourism Council Set-Up
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he Travel agents association of India (TAAI) has signed a Memo randum of Understanding with the Turkish Tourism Board to promote tourism in both the countries. The MoU is aimed at contributing to industrial and technological collaboration bet ween the enterprises and economic institutions, according to Rajji Rai, President Travel agents association of India (TAAI). He said that the tourism council would cooperate in the form of t wo national divisions and set up secretariat in each other countries. The divisions would meet once a year to examine the achievements and investments in the field of tourism and technical cooperation in various forms of bilateral and international collaboration. The MOU also stressed the need to discuss and explore the possibilities for a joint research in various avenues of promoting tourism. The agreement would look and Identif y and remove obstacles in trade and economic cooperation and submit proposals to their respective governments. Emin Cakmak, Chairman, Turkish - Indian tourism council and Rajji Rai, President TAAI, signed the MoU on the behalf of the respective parties.
1. 2.
3. 4.
Who invented contact lenses? Nokia of fers Ovi e-mail service on its mobiles. What does Ovi mean? What is Hang Seng? Who was the first Republican Party President of USA? Contact Lenses
5. 6. 7.
Who coined the phrase 'Bermuda Triangle'? 9. Which is the most expensive sport in the world? 10. What is Cadabra.com now known as?
What does 'karaoke' literally mean in Japanese? 'Eroica' is a famous symphony by Beethoven. What does it mean? The literal meaning of a popular spice / condiment is 'meritorious earth'. Which one is that?
8.
Lama Group of Companies Receives Honors at ATM
Beethoven
Compiled by DEEKAY
Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC32 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month.
L
ama Tours a part of the Lama Group of Companies has been felicitated by Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the Dubai Police at the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market in Dubai UAE. The organization is a leading Inbound Destination Management Company (DMC) based in Dubai - UAE, and founded by Kulwant Singh and Ali Ibrahim Al Suwaidi, in 1997. The citations at the Arabian Travel Market were individually presented by His Excellency Khalid A bin Sulayem, Director General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai and by Lieutenant Colonel Jamal Al Jalaf, Vice President Criminal Investigation Department, Government of Dubai respectively at the four day event held from the 4th to the 7th of May 2010.
Answers to TYKC 31 1. Italy 2. Who Do You Know? 3. Houston 4. Put ting period or comma af ter every three digits separating numbers into groups of three for easy calculation 5. Pluto 6. Year 2061 7. Australia 8. Turkish (Turkish word means dense or thick) 9. Morbid fear of being touched 10. La Paz (Peru's capital)
TYKC 31 - WINNER A NAGESHWAR RAO Sharada Nagar Vanasthali Puram Secuderabad, AP, India
One all-correct entry will get Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi
[ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]*
The award by Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is in acknowledgement for Lama Tours' contribution to the incoming travelers to Dubai. The award by Dubai Police was presented to recognize the support of Lama Tours towards making Dubai a safe place for tourists by providing them with informative material.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
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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
MAY 2010
kerala traveller
Online C-form Goes Live in Kerala
K
erala Tourism and Home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has inaugurated the on-line registration facility for submitting the C-forms at a function in Thiruvananthapuram. The C-forms submission is mandatory according to the law of the land for giving accom-
ASIAN TRAVELLER
modation to foreigners. The facility has been included in the of ficial website of Kerala tourism (http:// w w w.keralatourism.org/e-submission-of-c-form.php) will make the legal formalities much easier for the accommodation provider and will get acknowledgements for the entries from the police instantly. According to the new system enrolled members including hotels, resorts, home stay operators and all others provide accommodation to foreigners could send the information and copies of the passports of the visitors to the authorities. Only authorized personnel of the properties are
to do the entries. The police could access the details with the help of the sof tware developed for the purpose.
the minister. Those who do not have facilities to submit the C-form online could submit it directly as per the existing
The online system would dissolve the dif ficulties involved in the manual submission of C-forms. About six lakh foreigners visit the state and of the C-forms submitted through postal service and many reach the police only af ter the foreigner leaves the country said
procedure. V.Shivankut ty MLA; Cheriyan Philip, Chairman, KTDC; M.Shivashanker IAS, Tourism, Director; Jacob Punnoose IPS, DGP; Hemachandran IPS IG and Ajithkumar, City Police Commissioner were present at the function.
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MAY 2010
variety
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
TTF, Calcutta
Sanjay Verma, Consul General of India, E M Najeeb, CMD, ATE and other dignitaries at the inauguration of India Pavilion at ATM 2010, Dubai
31 - Aug 2
AUGUST 2010 Teej Festival, Jaipur, India Punnamada Boat Race, Kerala, India
12 - 13 14
TTF, Ahmedabad
20 - 22
TTF, Surat
27 - 29
CIBTM, Beijing, China
31 - Sept 02
SEPTEMBER 2010 IITM, Mumbai
03 - 05
PATA Travel Mart, Macau
14 - 17
KTM, Kochi, India
23 - 26
MAY 2010
Sanjay Verma, Consul General of India, Dubai releases the ATM Special of Asian Traveller at ATM 2010, Dubai. Also seen are E M Najeeb, CMD, ATE and G Biju Krishnan, Editor, Asian Traveller
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ASIAN TRAVELLER