in this issue VOL.4
6
NO. 2
NOVEMBER 2010
India emerges as an inboundoutbound destination
The travel and tourism industry sees the emerging global economies as the biggest opportunity over the next five years, reveals exclusive research from leading travel and tourism exhibition World Travel Market.
8
WTM 2010 witnesses increase in visitors
P 20
World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel, has experienced a phenomenal WTM 2010 with visitor numbers significantly higher than at WTM 2009. The first day of WTM 2010 saw a record number of visitors attend the event under the My Invitations system.
10 Global governments should put tourism higher on the agenda Governments around the world should follow the Chinese approach to tourism, according to the UNWTO Ministers Summit which took place at World Travel Market. More than 150 tourism ministers and aides attended the Summit. Qiwei Shao.
P 26
10 India Impresses at WTM India proved one of the major gainers of the WTM 2010 with increased participation and showcasing of its rich products with the theme ‘Colours of India.’ 72 participants including different state governments occupied 756 sq. meters recording a by 28 per cent increase in presence.
6
The first Global Tourism Forum in Andorra
8
Cruise bosses urge destinations to come onboard
Face to Face
Face to Face
ARJUN BALJEE
RICHARD STEVENS
P 16
P 22
14 Aitken Spence adds fifth hotel in India
26 Fortune Select Excalibur opened in
12
As I Travel
24
Rann utsav
Gurgaon
29 GKSF all set for impressive showdown
MANOJ SINGHAL
P 18
29 Kerala State Tourism Awards announced 4
Photo courtesy: Dominican Republic Tourism
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
EDITOR’S NOTE
T
he International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s Global Dialogue Forum on New Developments and Challenges in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector, which met in Geneva, Switzerland recently, has observed that international tourism which was affected by the global economic and social crisis is all set to grow significantly over the coming decade. One advantage the tourism sector has over other sectors is its ability to take advantage of a crisis as an opportunity to implement proactive measures to overcome the lack of social dialogue and skills development within the sector. Despite the crisis, global employment in the tourism industry has increased by about 1 per cent between 2008 and 2009, a report presented at the forum pointed out. According to Elizabeth Tinoco, Director of the ILO’s Sectoral Activities Department, “Sustainable tourism industry can provide key answers to the problems including private sector-led growth and job creation, social protection, decent work and growth in the least developed countries, poverty, lack of training and skills, ecologically sound development and social protection”. At the same time, though tourism has the potential to become a major generator of jobs after the crisis, social dialogue between governments, employers and workers should ensure that the jobs generated would be decent, observed the Forum. In the mean time world tourism has returned to levels last seen before the global financial meltdown in late 2008, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the way. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is expecting the sector’s global economy to provide 296 million jobs by 2019. Tourist arrivals from January to August totalled 642 million, some 40 million more than during the same period in 2009 and one million more than in the last “pre-crisis” year of 2008, which saw record numbers. As the Italian Minister of Tourism, and newly elected Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council, Michela Vittoria Brambilla said “the stage is set for tourism to take its rightful place in the global economy”. G. BIJU KRISHNAN Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com +91 9447555222
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
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5
OVERVIEW
India emerges as an important inbound-outbound destination
T
he travel and tourism industry sees the
five years – again the highest response to the
emerging global economies as the
question.
biggest opportunity over the next five
Furthermore, emerging markets are already
years, reveals exclusive research from leading
having an impact on the travel and tourism
travel and tourism exhibition World Travel
industry. The findings confirm a sea-change in
Market. According to the conclusions based
the way the travel and tourism industry
on a survey, the BRIC economies- Brazil,
operates on a global scale. As the traditional
Russia, India and China - are among the top
markets of North American and Europe
destinations which have a chance to register
mature, the real growth opportunities can be
real growth in the coming days. India is
found in the BRIC economies – Brazil, Russia,
emerging as an important inbound and
India and China - as well as the GCC nations
outbound destination, with the space devoted
such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
to India at WTM2010 28 per cent greater than
Russia is already an important source
last year, thanks to a greater involvement from
market for Europe’s biggest tour operators TUI
the private sector.
and Thomas Cook. Brazil’s largest travel
The inaugural World Travel Market Industry
business, CVC, was bought by US venture
Report, released at World Travel Market,
capitalist Carlyle Group this January. China
revealed close to one in three senior
continues to exploit its post-Olympics tourism
executives in the industry highlight the
legacy with new inbound organisations such
emerging markets – for both inbound and
as the China Luxury Travel Network making
outbound travel – as the greatest single
their debut at WTM.
opportunity for their businesses until 2016.
World Travel Market Chairman Fiona
This was the highest response to the
Jeffery said, “New and emerging markets
question followed by technical advances and
represent the future for the travel and tourism
social media with 24.8 per cent and 20.4 per
industry. Outbound travel is on the increase,
cent respectively. This was supported by
and more and more countries are seeing the
almost half of the 1,200 travel and tourism
potential of tourism. World Travel Market is
executives polled citing emerging markets as
proud to be leading the way in bringing the
one of the leading opportunities over the next
world’s travel industry together.
The first Global Tourism Forum in Andorra
D
espite representing 6-7
scope and objectives of the
meet other sectors of the
sure that the relationship between
per cent of the world’s
Global Tourism Forum, Andorra
economy and political leaders and
Andorra and UNWTO, which has
employment, an
2011: “Building New Models for
work together to make the true
been based on strong
estimated five per cent of its GDP
Tourism Growth: Competitiveness
value of tourism understood by
collaboration since it began 10
and USD One trillion a year in
& Responsibility.”
top level decisions makers and
years ago, will be further
business leaders,” said Rifai,
strengthened in the future through
announcing the event.
the holding of the first Global
export revenues, there remains a
“We want this to be the first
general lack of awareness of
truly global forum where the
tourism’s role in addressing
tourism public and private sector
“Andorra has a strong tourism
Tourism Forum in Andorra,” he
today’s global challenges.
history. We are
Meeting at the World Travel Market
a small country
(WTM) in London, UNWTO and the
in which the
meeting of all the major players
government of Andorra
tourism sector
from the tourism sector, public
announced the holding of the first
plays a vital
and private, as well as
Global Tourism Forum to promote
role and
economists, academia,
the value of tourism to global
Andorra is very
and civil society, allowing the
decision makers (March 6-7, 2011,
pleased to host
tourism community to reach out
Andorra).
the first Global
beyond the sector and
Tourism
demonstrate its role in the post-
Taleb Rifai, and the Andorran
Forum,” said
crisis sustainable recovery,
Ministry of Economy and Finance,
Pere López
climate change, and fair and
Agràs. “I am
inclusive development.
UNWTO secretary-general,
Pere López Agràs, outlined the
6
UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai, and the Andorran Ministry of Economy and Finance, Pere López Agràs
added. The forum will be the first
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
WTM
WTM 2010 witnesses increase in visitors
W
orld Travel Market, the
amazing participation in the
premier global event for
expanded Meet The Meridian Club
the travel, has
Buyers (Speed Networking)
experienced a phenomenal WTM
session. Almost 300 buyers took
2010 with visitor numbers
part in the six sessions compared
significantly higher than at WTM
to around 100 when the
2009.
programme was launched in 2009.
The first day of WTM 2010 saw
Impressive visitor figures
a record number of visitors attend
continue on Day-2 with a 41 per
the event under the My Invitations
cent increase in ministers and
system, which allows exhibitors to
aides attending the fourth UNWTO
invite their key contacts and
Ministers’ Summit at WTM, making
people they want to conduct
it a record attendance for the
business with over whole event on
event.
November 8.
Overall onsite unaudited
Onsite unaudited figures show
visitors figures for Day-2 were up
a 21 per cent increases in visitors
18 per cent on the equivalent day
with 6,665 senior industry buyers
in 2009 with almost 17,000 visitors
attending WTM 2010 on the first
attending WTM 2010 to meet and
day. This increase in My
negotiate contracts with
Invitations visitors led to an
exhibitors.
Cruise bosses urge destinations to come onboard
C
ruise bosses have called on
Barbados as a good example of a destination
destinations to see cruise lines as
which works well with cruise lines and other
Travel industr y is the “Gatekeeper of the world”
T
he global travel and tourism industry should be viewed and Hong Kong was highlighted as one port closely with them on joint marketing and said treated as the “Gatekeeper of the which needs to “wake up and invest” as it has World” as it strives to safeguard this vast better dockside facilities were vital to keep passengers disembarking at container berths. resource for our children and grandchilpassengers happy. Bo Larsen, Cruise Baltic Director, admitted dren, was the key message from World Speaking at a cruise debate at World Travel Market – the premier global event for the travel it was a challenge to get people from many Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery as different countries, ports and cities to agree industry – cruise line bosses agreed that she opened the World Responsible on joint marketing. But he highlighted how destinations were still the key factor in why Tourism Day (November 10) at WTM. certain cities are introducing innovative passengers choose a particular itinerary, Jeffery joined forces with environmental excursions to boost cruise line revenues, such heavy weight Tony Juniper to officially even though many ships are akin to floating as the Stieg Larsson ‘Millennium Trilogy’ tour resorts. kick off the day, which seek to highlight Cunard President Peter Shanks highlighted of Stockholm. the industry’s role in encouraging and promoting health and happiness to all it touches while remaining mindful of cost and enormous responsibility that comes with that role. The importance of happiness of both holidaymakers and communities should not be estimated, Jeffery told those gathered at the WRTD opening ceremony with ‘Gross National Happiness’ increasingly nudging its way up the political agenda with officials from 100 countries meeting last year to consider policies Cruise Panel Debate: Lee Hayhurst of Travel Weekly, Bo Larson of Cruise Baltic, Jo Rzymowska of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Petra Roach of Barbados Tourist Board and Geoff Lawrence of Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic focused on happiness. partners, not “the enemy”.
They also urged destinations to work more
8
stakeholders such as ports and airports to smooth the way for cruise passengers.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
WTM
Global governments should put tourism higher on the agenda
G
Argentina have both upgraded the importance of tourism within the structure of their government. Mexico’s tourism minister, Gloria Guevara, said that tourism was a priority for the country, which wanted to become one of the world’s top five destinations. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation for the Bahamas, said that the key metric should be economic value not only arrivals. The role of the private sector in this is pivotal, ministers insisted, although competitive concerns and the fragmented nature of the sector often prevent companies from working together. Sustainability also came up high in the Summit’s agenda, with ministers told that they also needed to be
overnments around the world should follow the Chinese approach to tourism, according to the UNWTO Ministers Summit which took place at World Travel Market. More than 150 tourism ministers and aides attended the Summit. Qiwei Shao. Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration, said that the Chinese government started to listen when he was able to show that 109 other sectors were involved in tourism. Some 15 million people are employed directly in tourism, with another 85 million indirectly employed. John Penrose, Minister of Tourism of the UK pointed out that he is the first dedicated tourism minister the UK has had; Italy and
more vocal in defending tourism’s environmental record. Many ministers agreed that sustainability was not only about climate change but
Tax (APD) was blamed for prompting other countries – Germany and Austria to introduce a similar measure shortly. Christopher Brown
also culture heritage, resources and socioeconomics. Taxation was another recurring theme. The UK’s controversial Air Departure
from Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) in Australia warned that governments “could drown small island nations in a sea of taxes before the tidal waves arrive.”
India Impresses at WTM
I
ndia proved one of the major gainers of the
in the sector. Intra regional tourism in Asian
WTM 2010 with increased participation and
region will also be promoted. Developing the
showcasing of its rich products with the
Buddhist circuit with the cooperation of
theme ‘Colours of India.’ 72 participants
International Finance Corporation and
including different state governments
agencies like JICA is also in the pipeline.
occupied 756 sq. meters recording a by 28 per
Infrastructure and connectivity has been steadily increasing. World class airports and
cent increase in presence.
Iraq the nex t tourism hotspot
A
ccording to WTM Global Trends Report presented at London
Iraq is poised to be
a future tourism hotspot. The report, in association with Euromonitor International, shows Iraqi tourism is growing fast with
terminals are being raised.
increased airline and hotel capacity following
at the WTM to convey the
The new open sky policy of
the country’s successful attendance at World
achievements and
the government will
Travel Market 2009 – its first visit to a travel
positives of India, R.H.
improve the situation. India
and tourism
Khwaja. IAS, secretary,
is also working on relaxing
trade event
Ministry of Tourism spoke
the visa regime and has
for 10 years.
already introduced tourist
Last year a
visa on arrival to some
delegation
countries this year which
of senior
At the press event held
on India’s opportunities in tourist arrivals and as an important source market.
R.H. Khwaja. IAS, Secretary, MoT
Anand Kumar. IAS Jt. Secretary, MoT
He also stressed the importance of India being
will be expanded soon. Adventure and sports
Iraqi
a year round destination. He announced that
tourism are the strong areas for growth, along
officials
there has been an increase of 10 per cent in
with MICE and medical tourism, which has
travelled to
international visitor numbers to India this year.
increased by 30 per cent for each of the past
World Travel
three years and is expected to surpass
Market, the premier global event for the travel
future, while being conscious on the
350,000 in the next couple of years. India
industry, to begin the tourism regeneration
responsibility towards sustainability and
would also host its first formula one race in
process and the positioning of Iraq on the
environmental integrity along with the growth
October 2011 in the new track near Delhi.
world tourism map again.
Rural tourism will be the focus for the
10
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
COLUMN
L
V DURAIKKANNAN
12
ast month I was in Vietnam for four days. Just as we landed Tan Son Nhat International Airport at Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in Vietnam and proceeded to the city for the Caravelle Hotel for our stay, for all the five to six kilometres stretch of the road I noticed something or rather I noticed not something. That was the city police or the police van and not evens the traffic cops. The three hundred years old city with its 70 million people wears a quaint and calm look. Maybe all the noise and chaos had already happened there leaving the city to rise from its ashes like the proverbial phoenix bird. The crime rate in Vietnam is low compared to industrialized countries. An analysis was done using INTERPOL data for Vietnam. For purpose of comparison, data were drawn for the seven offenses used to compute the United States FBI’s index of crime. Index offenses include murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. The combined total of these offenses constitutes the Index used for trend calculation purposes. Vietnam will be compared with Japan (country with a low crime rate) and USA (country with a high crime rate). According to the
INTERPOL data, for murder, the rate in 2000 was 1.08 per 100,000 population for Vietnam, 1.10 for Japan, and 5.51 for USA. For rape, the rate in 2000 was 1.64 for Vietnam, compared with 1.78 for Japan and 32.05 for USA.
anywhere. No traffic snarls or any street brawls! The citizens of Vietnam are very proud of their vehicular traffic that it flows like water – neither stopping nor damming up. The city has an abundance of two wheelers averaging one motor bike for two persons! In Vietnam, one
Kim Phuc (the girl in the middile) then ...
... and now
from outside can instantly become a millionaire thanks to its currency denominations. For instance, the cost of the daily newspaper there is 6000 dongs. Dong is the basic monetary unit of Vietnam. The word ‘dong’ in Vietnamese means ‘coin’. Our Indian money one rupee equals four hundred dongs. You can imagine the number of zeroes that would follow a conversion of ten thousand rupees into Vietnamese dongs. As per the latest IMF conversion, it is equivalent to 4386000 dongs. You are luggage, missed connections, already a millionaire in Vietnam! discourteous staff, poor meal What intrigued me further or unclean toilets etc, the erstwhile Air Deccan ( present was when I learned that the Kingfisher Red) manager was dong had a further smaller denomination. One dong is proudly proclaiming: ‘ Our equal to 100 xu. Our heads complaints on catering is an absolute zero!’ Wow! But how would go spinning if we have to deal in dongs and worse was that possible? Only after musing on that for a while, we still xus. Incidentally, xu is nothing but the Vietnamese realized that Air Deccan had variant of the French word for no catering service at all on their old coin ‘sou’! There is a board! Perhaps that analogy very strong and indelible continues in Vietnam! influence of the French in There is nothing much for everything that is Vietnamese a thief and therefore there is no thief and as a result there is – be it architecture, cuisine, no police. Possible! But it was drinks, or literature! The French had ruled Vietnam for good and nice to see a nearly a century (French peaceful Vietnam. We do not get to hear any noise Page 14 For robbery, the rate in 2000 was 1.48 for Vietnam, 4.08 for Japan, and 144.92 for USA. It makes an interesting read. A few years ago, we airlines managers at a meeting were having a chat about the various complaints we got from the travelling public. While all the airlines were coming out with various natures of complaints like lost
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
COLUMN Page 12
colonization was at its peak during 1874-1954). Someone from Tamilnadu would be in for a pleasant surprise to see a Hindu
Temple in Vietnam. Ho Chi Min City has a century old Mariamman Temple in the heart of the city. One Ayyasamy Thevar had built this beautiful temple in its essential Indian flavour. The third generation is maintaining the temple now. It is a beautiful sight to see the native Vietnamese women and men (predictably more women) offering prayers to the Goddess there with the incense sticks etc. It is not much of a touristic place otherwise but for the Reunification Palace which is housing all the gory evidences of what happened during the wars. Understandably when you look for souvenirs, it is more often the books on the Vietnamese War and its
devastations with the iconic girl Kim Phuc on all the covers running naked, skins peeling off in the napalm bombing! The 1963born little girl is now a Canadian citizen residing in Ajax, Ontario and a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. ‘The Girl in the Picture’ is a must read for anyone who would like to understand the psyche of a war-torn Vietnamese! ‘Most of the poor people look ugly because of the poverty’ wrote Ayn Rand
which you will agree with when you visit the Ben Thanh market where the local Vietnamese women are engaged in selling all kinds of merchandise ranging from the philately stamps to the pretty dolls of Vietnamese village belles. They have a beauty in them but mostly wan and sad!
Aitken Spence adds fifth hotel in India
A
itken Spence Hotels has
a hill resort offering an enchanting
are glad to
announced the addition of
view of the Yercaud Lake on one
increase our
the fifth hotel to its
side and the picturesque valley of
Indian portfolio.
Killiyur on the other.
It is evident that
portfolio in India. The company has taken over the management of
The guest rooms at Grand
we were
the hill resort, Grand Palace Hotel
Palace Hotel provide a
offered the
and Spa in Yercaud, owned by
breathtaking view of the lake or
management of
MSV Hotels Pvt Ltd.
the valley and is an ideal getaway
Grand Palace
for both honeymooners as well as
and Spa as we
emerging player in the Indian
holiday seekers, looking for a
have
hospitality industry already
tranquil place to stay.
established our
Aitken Spence Hotels is an
managing four other resorts in India. “We are happy to expand our portfolio in India with the addition
“The Orange”, multi cuisine
presence in
restaurant, offers a delectable
India.”, stated
array of Tamil Nadu cuisine in
Malin
addition to North Indian and
Hapugoda,
of Grand
Chinese
Managing
Palace Hotel
dishes. The
Director, Aitken
and Spa,
“Cloud 9” bar
Spence Hotels.
situated in one
with its old
of the most
world charm,
Spence Hotels is a part of the
scenic
offers the
leisure sector of Aitken Spence
perfect
Plc, a diversified conglomerate in
ambience to
Sri Lanka and is a pioneer and
relax and
market leader in the hospitality
Spence Hotels to champion
locations in Tamil Nadu. This
Malin Hapugoda, Managing Director
Lakshman Ekanayake, Chief Executive Officer
Aitken
partnership will enable us to
unwind. At the “Bliss Spa”
industry. The flagship property of
sustainable tourism by
further consolidate our presence
therapists and aestheticians are at
Aitken Spence Hotels, Heritance
developing hotels committed to
in South India,” Lakshman
hand to bestow their expert touch
Kandalama was recently awarded
sustainable practices while
Ekanayake, Chief Executive
to rejuvenate one’s senses. The
Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award
focusing on its commitment to
Officer of Aitken Spence Hotel
hotel is also equipped with
for the large scale hotel category
corporate social responsibility
Managements in India said.
banquet and conference facilities.
at the ITB Asia Tourism Trade
initiatives and respecting and
Show held in Singapore.
nurturing the culture in which it
Surrounded by misty mountains, Grand Palace Hotel is
14
“The tourism industry in India has tremendous potential and we
It is the vision of Aitken
operates in.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
Q&A
Peppermint Hospitality to launch seven hotels this year How are you planning to position
What will be the mode of
Services) to provide us with a
Peppermint Hotels in the market?
operation of the group? What are
quasi – marketing department. We
What are the quality standards
the segments of the market you
are focusing on direct sales, travel
you offer?
target?
agents and other relationship
Peppermint is a lifestyle brand,
We are into leasing and
based marketing efforts to start
more than just a hotel brand. We
managing of hotels. We prefer for
with.
appeal to the value-conscious
investors and owners to build
What is your opinion on the
design-driven customer. Quality to
hotels to our specifications, which
prospects of the hospitality
us is not luxury. It is simply giving
we then operate.
industry in India? How much more
people more than what they need,
Our model is simple – we
space is there for development of
exceeding their expectations
target anyone with USD100 to
the industry with the foreign
every time, and going that little
spend, be it a leisure traveller or a
arrival rates to boom in the
extra mile, while maintaining costs
business guest. Both of them
coming years?
and profitability. Be it from the way
need to feel equally comfortable
The market has limitless
we design our rooms, our custom
in our hotels, and hence they are
potential. There are hundreds of
mattresses, extensive 24-hour
designed in such a way to suit
unexplored locations around India
services or everything that the
both types.
that have either not been
hotel offers is done at a high
What are your expansion plans for
developed, or aren’t even linked to
standard than any of our price
the group? Where are your
multiple modes of transportation –
competitors.
upcoming properties located?
take Hampi or Bandhavgarh for
We are opening seven
example. So the moment multiple
hotels this year in Baroda,
channels of travel open up, this
Bengaluru, Kumarakom,
country will see an exponential
Jaipur and Jodhpur, with
rise in tourism.
Gurgaon having opened
How important is a Hotel in
already. We will see more
developing a destination? What
openings in state capitals
has your company’s views in this
over the next two years
regard?
What is your marketing
Peppermint Hospitality has plans to launch seven hotels this year and more hotels in state capitals over the next two years. Arjun Baljee, Managing Director, Peppermint Hospitality, spoke to Asian Traveller about the mode of operation and marketing strategy. Excerpts:
Hotels and resorts have the
strategy? Will you be
ability to create destinations. Take
tourists, the local economy has
participating in the
Kumarakom as an example –
improved, roads are built, small
international marketing
however beautiful it might be, until
businesses have developed and
events straightaway?
it had quality hotels and resorts
employment has been created for
and tourism amenities were in
the local community around the
ourselves with HVS
place, the destination didn’t thrive
hospitality community. This is
(Global Hospitality
and develop. With the incoming
beneficial to all.
We have aligned
Festive time at The Leela Kempinski Kovalam
I
n continuing with their tradition, The Leela Kempinski Kovalam has celebrated the traditional cake mixing on November 8, 2010 in their infinity pool deck. This is been done every year in the first week of November, where in, the resort invites a select number of distinguished guests. Everyone participated in stirring this splendid mix to ensure that this ceremony
16
heralds the festive season of Christmas and capture the spirit of New Year. This year, hotel has mixed almost 200 kg of different varieties of dry fruits with brandy and dark rum. This mixture is going to be kept in cool place, without being disturbed. The Leela Kempinski Kovalam will have the first batch of x mas cakes ready by the December 21.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
Q&A
Cambay Hotels & Resorts
Eyeing leadership in hospitality business Neesa Group is one of the fastest growing business conglomerates which has created world-class businesses in hospitality, education, agritech, information technology, infrastructure and food processing. For over six years Cambay Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality wing of Neesa Group, has thrived to create a collection of some of the finest and most competitive hotels and resorts in India. Manoj Singhal, Managing Director, Neesa Leisure, spoke to Asian Traveller about the vision, plans and new projects. Excerpts:
Tell us about your foray into
for their respective product
and Raipur with an investment of
tourism and hospitality sector.
offerings. In line with the same,
Rs. 100 crore. Going forward the
CFHC has launched a novel
company intends to spread its
into the hospitality domain in
concept, called ‘Point Program’ for
footprints in tier I and tier II as
2005; while its tourism arm
the Timeshare owners. The catch:
well.
Cambay Family Holiday Club
Opt for one week of holiday and
What is the vision of the Group?
(CFHC) was floated in April, 2008.
enjoy up to four weeks. Members
The rising opportunities in both
can now look forward to enjoying
hospitality business in selected
these sectors encouraged NLL to
one week of holiday, which can be
commercial/tourist destination
venture into these two inextricably
extended up to four weeks, at
cities in western/northern India
linked domains, in different points
selected RCI resorts across India.
and presence in well-known
of time. With Indian growth on
What’s more, the points can be
tourist destinations across India to
fast-track and MNCs making a
accumulated and redeemed for
offer various holiday options to its
beeline into the country in a big
flexible vacations and surely the
Timesare members. NLL has
way, we believe we made a debut
unused points can be carried
stayed away from metros to avoid
into hospitality and tourism, at the
forward. If you wish you can even
high cost of real estate. It is
most opportune time. Incidentally,
borrow additional points from next
moving rapidly to become an
with increased purchasing parity,
year’s allocation.
1150- room plus hotel with two
Neesa Leisure Ltd. forayed
Indian consumers have started
Every resort and all categories
NLL is aiming at leadership in
golf courses and a destination spa
shelling out on holidaying in a big
of holiday accommodation are
by 2011. NLL has chosen to
way and growth in high spending
given point value as per the
become an integrated player in
Spa. Tell us about the beginning
tourists only egged us on to set
season, location, apartment size,
the hospitality business. This
and growth.
our footprint into the tourism
and demand. CFHC is also
means it will conceive, build, own,
sector.
attracting membership via its
market and manage own
making its presence felt across
What is your tourism and
‘experience and engage’ mode.
properties and also operate other
India, via its landmark and budget
hospitality related activities?
The potential members are given
properties under management
class hotels. The hospitality chain
an opportunity to explore different
contract Provide international
today has set its foot in Jaipur,
Leisure Ltd. CFHC works in
properties and thereafter they can
standard education in the
Gurgoan, Udaipur, Goa, Kerala,
collaboration with RCI to offer its
decide on the memberships.
hospitality, spa and related areas
Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and
club members a truly unique
Which are the current projects
by opening institutes of
Bengaluru.
holiday experience not just in
that are in operation?
management (affiliated to Indian
What is your USP?
The tourism arm of Neesa
Cambay Resorts & Spa is
At present, NLL is the official
and International Universities and
Apart from our high-end Golf
members can enjoy holidays not
hospitality partner and is setting
Institutions) meeting the need for
and Spa facilities we also offer a
just in 10 Cambay properties but
up a full-fledged three- star hotel
quality, trained human resources.
bouquet of affordable amenities
in over 5000 RCI affiliated resorts
with other recreational facilities at
Build timeshare business to
across all properties. In fact the
across the world.
Dajej SEZ. At Neemrana, yet
strengthen brand-equity,
facilities are so designed that it
India but across the world. Our
another three star hotel is coming
customer loyalty and to upfront
caters to the taste of different
concept introduced by time-share
up on National highway-8. Other
revenue.
age-groups, be it the multi-cuisine
companies to attract membership
plans include hotels in Lucknow
Brief us about Cambay Resorts &
Point programmes are a new
18
ASIAN TRAVELLER
Page 28
NOVEMBER 2010
HERITAGE
Assam tea tourism festival
Jorhat beckons Md. Sabir Nishat
C
ome November 26, the curtain will go up on the Assam Tea Tourism Festival at Jorhat. Organised by the Assam Tourism in association with the district administration of Jorhat and tea related organisations like Assam Branch of Indian Tea Association (ABITA), Assam Tea Planters’ Association (ATPA), Tea Association of India (TAI), Tea Research Association (TRA) and Tea Board of India, the tea festival will be celebrated at the Court Field with much pomp and gaiety from November 26 to 28. It is in Jorhat and adjoining districts that one comes across enchanting green leaves keeping travellers spellbound. Sprawling tea plantations cover nearly 2,30,000 hectares of the State’s land surface. The genesis of tea in Assam could be traced back to 1823 when Major Robert Bruce first discovered this indigenous plant of Assam. During the travels, Major Bruce struck friendship with Bessagaum Ningrual Singpho tribal chief, who gave him some indigenous tea plants and seeds. This incident is the turning point in the discovery of tea in India. Dewan Maniram Dutta Borbhandar Barua, popularly known as Maniram Dewan, was the first Indian entrepreneur to venture into tea planting in 1841. Maniram on seeing the specimen plant in Robert Bruce’s hands, remarked, “We have the plant growing in our jungles.” Maniram later served the Assam Tea Company as its dewan (land
20
officer) for quite sometime. Subsequently he left the company to run his own gardens - Cinnamara and Senglung (now Singlo). The world’s first tea company - the Assam Company - was formed on 12th February, 1839 with Dwarakanath Tagore, grandfather of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, as one of its directors. The first tea export can be traced back to 1838 when a dozen precious chests of India’s very own tea sailed for Britain on board a ship named ‘Calcutta’. This very first consignment arrived in London on 23rd January, 1839. The East India Company’s Court of Directors wrote to the Government of India thus: “We have received favourable reports regarding it from the most respectable brokers and tea dealers. An offer is made to contract for five hundred or a thousand chests” This was the first recorded export contract in the annals of Indian tea. The first consignment of Indian tea from Assam comprising 8 chests (about 350 Ibs) was put up for auction at the Commercial rooms in Mincing Lane, London on 10th January, 1839. The lots were: 3 of Assam ‘Souchong’ and 5 of Assam ‘Pekoe’, for which there were altogether 60 bids. It came under the hammer at the extraordinary price of 34 shillings per pound. And it was bought by one Captain Pidding. The tea industry has come a long way since 1823. Assam and tea have both become synonymous with each other. Today Assam produces nearly 450 million
The three-day Assam Tea Tourism Festival 2010 which will be held from November 26 will offer a peak into the history of tea industry in Assam
kg per annum, which is more than 50 per cent of India’s total tea production. It contributes a sizeable chunk of foreign exchange to our national economy. A mainstay of Assam’s economy, the tea industry is the single largest employer which directly employs seven lakh people. Nearly six lakh employees and nine lakhs of their dependants live in the plantations. The tea industry workforce is a unique community, characterised by distinctive cultural practices and rituals. Their forefathers came from various tribal regions of Orissa, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Over the years, they have assimilated themselves into mainstream Assamese society without losing their strong traditional roots. This has resulted in bringing back to limelight some of the most colourful and joyous aspects of the gentle tea tribe culture, which many vacationers have found most appealing… Known for its rich full-
bodied, bright liquor, Assam tea has carved a niche among connoisseurs at home and abroad. To savour the lush green gardens and a rich aroma of Assam tea what better time of the year it would be then to be in the midst of the Tea Festival. It is going to be an experience of a different kind. No one can bargain either its comfort or its pleasure. Talking to this writer, Minister for Tourism, Government of Assam, Rockybul Hussain said the festival will strive to hardsell the tea tourism potential of Jorhat, Sivasagar and Golaghat districts, unravel the lore and legends, folklore of the tea tribes as well as other communities. “Jorhat and adjoining districts reveal a melting pot of ethnicity, making it the State’s most diverse land from the anthropological point of view,” said Hussain. The attendant activities along with the tea tourism will focus mainly on the
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
HERITAGE idyllic beauty, flora and fauna and wildlife of the State. The organisers of the festival have lined up a host of programmes - sure to carry home the aroma of Assam tea as well as its rich and varied flora and fauna, which are bound to be a rare feast - a kaleidoscopic fiesta that lures you with its magical richness and stunning variety. On each day of the threeday festivity, tourists will be taken around the sprawling verdant tea gardens against the backdrop of sylvan settings. One can even sip a strong cup of tea that cheers at Tocklai, the oldest tea research centre in the world. That is not all. An exhibition on tea will be organised at the Court Field. Arrangements have been made by the organisers to take the tourists to the abode of the great Indian one-horned
ASIAN TRAVELLER
rhinoceros, the world-famous Kaziranga National Park, the world’s largest inhabited riverine island and the seat of Vaishnavite culture, Majuli, and Sivasagar dotted with architectural marvels of the formidable Ahoms dating back to the 13th century. For the brave hearts, the stunning variety of terrain, splendid landscapes and sparkling rivers offer them a vast choice of activities by way of adventure sports. Golf will be an added attraction. A one-day football match together with an open prize money quiz, art and essay competitions will also be held. Several dance troupes will unravel their cultural treasures during the festival. Eminent Assamese singers will also perform at the cultural jamboree. “This will be a unique event striving to showcase the
NOVEMBER 2010
tea tourism potential, the history of tea tribes, their song and dances, indigenous crafts, costumes and jewellery and
historical, cultural and economical strengths have been irreversibly linked with its superlative verdant rolling
myths and legends and above all the essence of unity among the diverse ethnic, religious and linguistic communities inhabiting Jorhat and the adjoining districts,” said Hussain. For decades now, Assam’s
tracts of tea gardens and the people who form an intrinsic part of the warp and weft of its traditions. For the discerning holiday-maker, nothing could be more enticing than a visit to the tea country - Assam.
21
Q&A
Unit y Resources Group
Support in stable and challenging situations Unity Resources Group (URG) is a professional services organisation that specialises in providing risk management, emergency and safety management and support services. Richard Stevens, General Manager, Unity Risk spoke to Asian Traveller about the importance of having a professional agency to look after the safety and security concerns in the hospitality industry. Excerpts from the interview: What are the services rendered by
How spread is your services in
time services to Microsoft and
service footprint throughout the
Unity Risk?
the Asia Pacific region?
assist other commercial entities
Asia Pacific.
including Veolia, BP, Goldman
What are your challenges you
Unity Risk supplies a wide
Unity Risk, as part of a global
range of operational risk based
resources group, has access to 14
Sachs, Morgan Stanley and many
face in lending your services to
crisis and continuity, security,
country offices, operating in 24
more.
the hospitality and aviation
emergency, safety and support
regional locations and over 1500
What are the main achievements
business?
services. These are designed to
staff. Regionally we have Sydney
of Unity Risk?
provide solutions anywhere in the
and the APAC current HQ in
world and protect and service
Jakarta due to the range and
and testing, we now provide a
make your services commercially
both business and government
nature of risks across the
range of 24/7 support services to
appropriate. The hospitality and
sectors.
archipelago. We have key staff
clients, and also individuals, that
aviation industry are diverse geo
throughout SE Asia that support
truly supports their requirements
markets, and Unity Risk have to
approach is designed specifically
risk services and training for
globally. It is no small order to
ensure constant support with
to support an organisation’s total
clients, and also respond to
offer the right service to the
subject matter experts to ensure
infrastructure nationally or
clients in crisis situations.
client, and deliver in a fashion
that availability in consistent. Both
globally when in stable or
Can you cite some of your
that is appropriate and supportive
industries are 24/7, so Unity Risk
challenging situations. This
prestigious clients?
of their requirements. We now are
provides that constant service and
Unity Risk’s comprehensive
includes its management, staff,
Firstly, you must truly know
After constant development
the market you are assisting, and
the risk services provider to a
support in that fashion, being
critical systems and the facilities
Fortune 500 companies globally,
major global insurance company
available at all times, with a
and environments it operates
comprising a range of different
and deliver training and
selection of specialists in each
from. Unity Risk links a broad
education to universities, which
industry on hand to assist and
range of innovative services and
reflects the level of our
support.
materials internationally in
professionalism.
How do you rate the quality in risk
multiple risk divisions including:
What are your expansion plans?
management and protection
Risk Services (Corporate Crisis
We are in the process of
Unity Risk service a number of
services in this part of the world?
Planning and Response, Business
continuing our planned expansion
What are your contributions in
Continuity Planning , Emergency
throughout the APAC region. We
bettering it?
Management and Security Risk,
are looking at Singapore and
Analysis and Mitigation and
Hong Kong, then China and India
level is high, and others show
Emergency Planning Training),
and assisting in the development
room for improvement. A major
In some places each service
Protection Services (Physical
industries and locations. This
of a cohesive medical support
issue we confront is personal
Protective Security, Technological
includes hotels and resorts, travel
capability that can link all of our
interpretation. The first thing to
Security, Assessments, Audits
companies, insurance, retail,
crisis services to all regions.
note is that different regions face
and Reviews and Commercial
banking, mining, marine, air, road
Through Unity Resources Group,
different threats. It is also
Investigations), Training Services
and rail transport and a range of
an advantage is having our own
important to note the changing
(Professional Industry Training
others.
aircraft (2x Kingair) and having an
face of global, regional and
Courses), Support Services
aviation director where we can
country specific issues that will
(Travel Services and Support,
Starwood Hotel and resort group,
provide and coordinate aviation
affect various industries and
Medical Services) and Response
comprising of a number quality
services, and linking this to the
people in different ways. As a
Services (Regional Disaster
names including Westin,
medical services provides exciting
company, we appreciate that the
Response, Emergency Contact
Sheraton, St. Regis, Le Meridien
prospects.
quality of risk and security
and Response)
and others. We also provide full
22
Brand names include the
Our future will include a large
services can vary dramatically.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
ENVIORNMENT What may be sufficient for a local
and look at how other entities
population may not be so for an
provide the same range of
international traveller, so we
services, to assist in providing a
work with our clients towards
true ‘world’s best practice’
bridging that gap with workable
approach.
solutions that are easy to
How do you foresee the growth in
implement, manage and continue
opportunities in your sector?
The Billion Tree Campaign at The Leela Kempinski, Kovalam
Risk is a continual evolution. It
to assist. What is the quality of manpower
is not always a threat, but can
you get employ in your firm?
provide opportunities if managed
Unity Risk source the best of
right. Risk taking for reward! Unity
consultants from an international
Risk has introduced new products
pool, whom have varying
to assist in this regard, entering
backgrounds, qualifications and
further foreign markets with a
skill sets. As a result we trust in
range of risk services and aviation
our product as a global solution to
and medical support solutions,
assist locally. On a local level, we
and forging partnerships with our
suggest companies do the same
clients that are assisting them
also. Especially if you provide a
develop commercially. I would recommend any new
localized service to an
Sting and Sir Bob Geldof with N.C.Somaiah, General Manager and Ashvin Kumar, Executive Assistant Manager (Rooms) at the tree planting ceremony
A
s part of ‘The Billion Tree Campaign’, a worldwide tree planting
international clientele, it is
individual reviewing the industry
important not to have a blinkered
for a career to determine its
Programme, which strongly encourages the planting of indigenous
and localized approach to your
insights, and develop practical
trees appropriate to the local environment, celebrity rock stars Sting
service lines. Many clients provide
steps for incorporating the
and Sir Bob Geldof planted a nutmeg tree on the premises of the
a service role in a certain fashion
concepts within your career plan.
The Leela Kempinski Kovalam. Leela hotels have planted and
because they presume ‘that’s the
Education and quality experience
nurtured nearly four million trees and plants to date, in various
way it has o be done.’ We suggest
will always be the key factors on
locations across the country.
expanding your service horizons,
getting noticed.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
programme facilitated by the United Nations Environment
23
GUJARAT TRAVELLER
Rann utsav
Rann Utsav is a celebration of rural Gujarat. This year the festival will take place during the December 19, 2010 to January 18, 2011 period.
Ethos of Kutch xperience the unique colourful and exotic culture festival ‘Rann Utsav’ in December with profusion of design, culture, music and dance in the arid lands of Kutch. Kutch, the most
E
full moon night of the winters is known as the Kutch or Rann Mahotsav. Kutch or Rann Mahotsav, a unique manifestation of varied cultural ethos of the region is known for the ethnic flavor and celebrative zest.
opportunity for visitors to attend folk dance, camel safari, live-in -tents, musical moments, and many more activities.
Rann Utsav, the desert festival to promote Kutch as a destination by TCGL (Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd.) held near the
ecologically and ethnically diverse district of the Gujarat is a celebratory land of art, crafts, music, dance, people and nature. The awe-inspiring three-day festive extravaganza brimming with hospitality, vigor and traditional flavor of the area is hosted during the
The festival provides an exclusive opportunity for the tourist to witness the creative ingenuity of the artisans and craftspeople, assorted array of folk music and performances, mixed representation of culture and communities, along with a vast diversity in ecology and also provides an
The semi parched grasslands of the Banni, hosts the most magnificent display of regional architecture as the exhibition platform for the varied range of arts and crafts of the region organized in the shimmering moonlit landscape provides the most enchanting experience.
beach or banks of lake swings with the spirit of festivity and fervor. The organized tour around Kutch at the festive season is an ideal occasion to be part of the region and experience the true flavor of the region and uniqueness of the people through a celebration of life.
1
2
3
Asian Traveller at WTM 2010: 1. R H Khwaja IAS, Secretary, India Tourism and Anand Kumar IAS, Jt. Secretary, India Tourism at the release of WTM Special of Asian Traveller. 2. Dr V Venu IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism with Vinu V Nair, Director (Marketing), Asian Traveller. 3. Vinay Luthra, MD, KSTDC having a look at the WTM special of Asian Traveller. Also present is Vinu V Nair, Director (Marketing), Asian Traveller. 4. Sunil Sikka, Head - Marketing and Business Development, ITC-WelcomHeritage, with Roger Mahal who is Chairman, Sita World Tours, Califronia, USA with Asian Traveller WTM special. 5. Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Leela Group with the WTM special of Asian Traveller. 6. The Kerala contingent at WTM
4
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
KARNATAKA TRAVELLER
Pristine Island
S
t. Mary's Island is the most beautiful island in Karnataka that offers the visitors an endless coastal line. It is special for its unique formation of basalt rocks crystallized into vertical hexagonal blocks. It is about 58 km north of Mangalore and little to the north of the port of
ASIAN TRAVELLER
Malpe town. It is 6km from Udupi is Malpe, an ideal picnic spot with its virgin beach and endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees; the clear blue sky and the gurgle of the sea all set the perfect mood for an unforgettable holiday. The island 300m long and 100m wide is famous for its unique salt rock formations and one gets to see the palm-fringed Island which bears the cross that Vasco Da Gama placed when he landed here in 1498. St Mary's
NOVEMBER 2010
Island owing to geological importance is declared as a National Geological Monument. Malpe is one of the major fishing harbor in the West coast located 5km West of Udupi town. In the month of December the weather is cool and the visitors can see and enjoy the sun drenched beach Island. There are no accommodations in the island except some concrete tiles to sit, a children's park and a part of
the beach has sea shells scattered around. The guards around restrict visitors from going to the danger zones in the sea. Since St. Mary's island is a big fishing harbor you can catch a glimpse of the life of the fishermen. It is indeed great to watch the fishermen hauling fishes to baskets, covering them with crushed ice and repacking them for export. Fishermen are seen mending their finishing nets.
25
TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER
Rameshwaram
A land of mystiques Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam
R
ameshwaram, one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India is a small island situated in the Gulf of Mannar. Situated in the Ramanathpuram district of Tamil Nadu, it has been attracting loads of travellers for the pilgrimage as well as other attractions of the place. The main attraction of the
place is the Ramanathaswamy temple famous for its corridors and sculptures. The third corridor here is the longest one in the world. It has 22 theerthas or wells in and around the main temple. The presiding deity is the Linga of Sri Ranganatha, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas situated in different parts of India. The Ramanathaswamy Temple situated right in the center of Rameshwaram. Considered sacred for Vaishnavites and Shaivites, as the Hindu Mythology says that it was the place where Lord Rama offered rituals to Lord Shiva after defeating demon king Ravana. It is believed that no pilgrimage is complete unless one visits Rameshwaram. People who visit Varanasi also comes to Rameshwaram for making his pilgrimage complete.
The other places of tourist’s interests in Rameswaram Island are beautiful beaches at Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi and Pamban. The Olaikuda beach is 1 km from the main temple rich in coral reefs mak`ing it safe for swimming and snorkeling. Rameswaram is a main fishing centre of Tamil Nadu.
Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Erwadi etc are some of the other major places in the island. There are many solitary scenic spots in the place for the travellers. The island is connected to the mainland by road and rail on the Indira Gandhi Bridge or the Pamban Bridge. This was considered as an engineering marvel, a feat unparalleled at that time. Nearest airport to Rameshwaram is Madurai which is around 167 km from here. Chennai, the metropolitan capital is 572 km away.
Fortune Select Excalibur opened in Gurgaon
F
ortune Park Hotels Ltd, a wholly owned subsid iary of ITC Ltd, brings its special blend of hospitality in a new contemporary package, to one more location in Gurgaon. Located on the main Sohna Road, Fortune Suresh Kumar President, Select Fortune Hotels Excalibur, owned by M/s Nimitaya Hotel & Resorts Ltd, is an elegant, upscale, full service business hotel featuring contemporary, comfortable rooms, a selection of quality
26
meeting and dining options, a comprehensive range of leisure facilities, and professional service. The hotel provides quality accommodation and services with a fresh, contemporary approach. The opening of this hotel is yet another addition to the ever expanding portfolio of Fortune Hotels which now has 34 operational hotels, 61 signed alliances across 46 cities. According to Suresh Kumar, President, Fortune Hotels, “The city of Gurgaon, has now virtually become a show-window for the rest of India. The 135 rooms Fortune Select Excalibur may be
considered a contribution towards the vision for the evolving new-age Indian
Our style of functioning ensures that we discuss at length with investors and take
cities. In creating hotels, it is essential to take note of the demands and requirements of each city, a requirement that changes with each location as cultural & aspirational values often dictate the demands.
note of their sentiments as well. All Fortune hotels are thus created to suit the special needs of our investors and simultaneously fulfill the demands of the cities where the hotels are being located”.
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
Q&A
Cambay Hotels & Resorts Page 18
enough to sustain and develop the tourism prospects of the
restaurant, sip bar, beauty salon, health club, discotheque,
place? All our properties are located
swimming pool, air hockey,
in prime locations, i.e in mega and
billiards, AV Theater, computer
metro cities of India. So the flow
games or the card rooms.
of business and luxurious
How important do you think is the
travelers has to be significant. For
role of hotels in developing a
instance, Cambay Sapphire is
tourist destination? What has your
located in close proximity to
hotel done in this regard?
junctions and airports that makes
From the tourism point of view,
it one of the most-sought after
creating landmark as well as
hotels in different cities. Crystal
budget hotels is incredibly
Beach resort, like the one in Goa,
important, given that tourists look
is designed exclusively for smart
luxurious, 5-star resorts are
appreciable. The campaign
forward to stay in place with all-
business class travelers and is
located far from the hustle and
helped create a colorful image of
encompassing facilities. This
located in some popular tourist
bustle of the city, in the exteriors.
India in the minds of consumers
establishes the inextricable link
destinations of India.
The idea behind setting up such a
all over the world, and has directly
5-star hotel in the outskirts is to
led to an increase in the interest
between hotels and tourism. Also,
Then there are beach-centric,
it won’t be an exaggeration if we
boutique hotels set up in popular
offer a perfect recluse for
among foreign tourists. So overall
say that a particular destination is
destinations like Cambay Palm
travelers seeking tranquility.
support from the government is
gaining traction, because its
Lagoon in Kerala, to serve the
popularity of high-end hotels.
requirements of business
as the ‘Incredible India’ campaign,
to be done when it comes to
How will you value the potential of
travelers and leisure travelers
which promoted India’s culture
maintenance and up keeping of
your destination? Are the
alike. Last but not the least,
and tourist attractions in a fresh
tourists spots.
initiatives taken by the authorities
Cambay Golf Resorts, the ultra
and memorable way, is indeed
www.neesagroup.com
28
Advertising campaigns such
appreciable, however, a lot needs
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
KERALA TRAVELLER
GKSF all set for impressive showdown
T
he fourth edition of the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival, GKSF will unveil for the world audience from Dec 1, 2010 to Jan 15, 2011. The current edition of the event is made more attractive to the public with the introduction of attractive rewards including gold. The event has been conceived and organized to give a big leap for the trade and commerce in Kerala and to turn the state to a shopping destination.
One of the major attractions of GKSF 2010 is the nine-day ‘Grand Kerala book festival’ to be organised at the Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram from December 18 to 26. Over 200 national and international book publishers are expected to take part in the festival. GKSF coupons will be given for all those who purchase books
Kerala Tourism campaign using new-age devices
T
o augment its efforts in getting popular as a major tourist destination in India, Kerala Tourism has introduced a high-level campaign using newage devices like iPhone and iPad. The first phase of this campaign was used for the publicity of the new Kerala Tourism movie; Your Moment is Waiting, in the UK, France, Germany and US markets. iPhone and iPad users in these countries while typing ‘travel’ during the search will be taken to the new Kerala Tourism movie.
worth 1000. Malabar Crafts mela, an international crafts mela will also be held Kottakunnu Malappuram from December 16 to 30 which will be a new market for the traditional handicrafts. The government has also announced a permanent body to promote tourism along with business called ‘Kerala Tourism Trade
Promotion Organisation.’ “The new company will conduct tourism fairs, similar to the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival,” said V S Achuthanandan, Kerala Chief Minister. The event a government of Kerala initiative in association with the Industries & Commerce Department, Finance Department and Local Self Government Departments is the biggest shopping festival in terms of the area covered.
E-governance award for KTDC
T
he official website of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) Hotels and
Resorts -www.ktdc.com has won the Kerala State Egovernance Awards - 2009 for the best website. KTDC, a synonym for a range of hospitality services to tourists visiting Kerala, has in recent years made an online impact that helped its range of products and services to reach travellers worldwide. Some of the highlights of online features in the current KTDC website include facility for online room reservation; an interactive map to locate KTDC properties in Kerala and virtual reality movies. The site has been developed and maintained by Invis Multimedia, Thiruvananthapuram.
State tourism awards announced
K
erala state tourism awards
Subramoniam, general manager
Centre, Rainbow Cruises,
adjudged the best tourism/hotel
for 2009-2010 has been
of the hotel was selected as the
Alappuzha, the award for the best
management institute,
announced. Intersight
Best Hotel Manager.
approved houseboat and Coconut
Chattanchal Higher Secondary
Creek Farm and Home stay,
School, Kasaragod got the award
Tours and Travels (P) Ltd., Kochi,
Spice Village, Thekkady, won
and The Great India Tour
the award for the
Kumarakom, for the
for the club for best tourism,
Company (P) Ltd,
best four-star hotel,
best approved
Shahriyar of Darul Ul um VHSS,
Thiruvananthapuram bagged the
The Great Way Hotel,
homestay.
Pulepadi, Ernakulam got the
award for the best inbound tour
Marine Drive, Kochi,
T. J. Sreejith of
operator and outbound operator
for the best five-star
Mathrubhumi Yatra
respectively. Periyar House,
hotel and the Le
Magazine got the
Shijimol Jacob, Vocational
Thekkady, of the KTDC Hotels and
Meridian Resort and
award for the best
Teacher, Travel and Tourism, Darul
Resorts has won the award for the
Convention Centre, Marad, Kochi
tourism a0rticle and the official
Ul um VHSS, Pulepadi,
best one star/two star hotel.
for the best five-star deluxe hotel.
website of the KTDC Hotels and
Ernakulam, was selected for the
award for the best student coordinator.
Resorts (www.ktdc.com) bagged
award for the best teacher
Thrissur, was adjudged the best
category, Coconut Lagoon,
the award for the best website and
coordinator and Satyan C.,
tourism destination.
Kumarkom, gets the
Leen Thobias of P4 Panorama,
Tourism Police, Kannur City Police
award. Somatheeram Ayurvedic
Kottayam, got the award for the
Station, Kannur, the award for the
Mararikulam got the award for the
Hospital and Yoga Centre (P) Ltd,
best tourism related photo.
best tourist police. K. Mohan of
best three-star hotel and for the
Chowara, bagged the award for
best innovative tourism project.
the best approved Ayurvedic
Sneehatheeram, Thalikulam,
Marari Beach resort,
ASIAN TRAVELLER
In the best heritage hotel
NOVEMBER 2010
The Oriental School of Hotel Management, Wayanad, was
Ernaikal, Kozhikode, for the best tourism guide.
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VARIETY
Ashwin Narayanan has been promoted to the post of Chief Operating Officer at Travel Tours Group (TTG), Bengaluru, which has six distinct brands – Travel Tours, Travel Air, Travel Air Representations, Visa Services, MigraDocs and GetOff Adventure Tours .
1.
Which city is nick-named Mile-High City?
2.
Which is supposed to be the birthplace of golf?
3.
What do the names Adam and Eve mean in Hebrew?
4.
The mathematical phrase algorithm comes from which place? 5.
Which vitamin is called the Sunshine Vitamin?
Manjula M. S. has been appointed Vice President - Sales & Business Development of Travel Tours Group (TTG).
Kalyana Sundaram, has been appointed General Manager Tamil Nadu of Travel Tours Group (TTG).
Mohan has been appointed Asst. General Manager – Visa Services, a brand owned by Travel Tours Group (TTG).
6.
Which country’s stock exchange is called SIX?
7.
Which temple town in India is named after the palm trees it abounds with?
8.
The aquarium fish guppy is named after somebody. Who?
9.
Which is watermeal?
10. Name the only English word with three consecutive doubles in it?
Compiled by DEEKAY Hard Rock Hotel Penang has announced the appointment of Shane Coates as the new Executive Assistant Manager.
Dr. Devika Menon has been appointed as Branch Manager (Kerala) of Travel Tours Group (TTG).
ONYX Hospitality Group has announced the appointment of Kirsty MacCormick as Spa Director
Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC38 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month. Answers to TYKC 37 1. Jan 6 (the twelfth and the last day of Christmas festivities),
L V Kumar has assumed charge as the Principal of the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram
2. Red in Japanese (hence the red color in AKAI logo) 3. 1936 – Berlin 4. From the Yemeni port ‘Mocha’ where it was first shipped from 5. Windshield wiper by Mary Anderson (patented in 1903) 6. The designer of Google logo
7. 40 (FORTY) 8. Brussels
9. Venice Film Festival ( started in 1932) 10. 35
TYKC 37
We haven’t received any all-correct entries for TYKC 37
DECEMBER 2010 Grand Kerala Shopping Festival IITM, Hyderabad
Dec 01- Jan 15 03 - 05
International Luxury Travel Market, Cannes, France Christmas
06-09 25
JANUARY 2011 Hotel Investment Forum, Mumbai, India
12 - 14
ASEAN Tourism Forum, Cambodia
15-21
FITUR, Madrid, Spain
19-23
Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai, UAE Modhera Dance Festival, Gujarat, India
30
Jan 20- Feb 20 21-23
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
NOVEMBER 2010
ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010
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ASIAN TRAVELLER
NOVEMBER 2010