Asian Traveller October 2010 by Asian Traveller

in this issue VOL.4

NO. 01

OCTOBER 2010

WTM 2010 to generate more business than before

World Travel Market 2010, the premier global event for the travel industry, will open on November 8 at Platinum Suite 4, ExCeL in London. Jeff Cacy, Boeing’s Managing Director, Airline Marketing Services will be the guest of honour on the occasion.

10 India, Cyprus look at joint tourism

P 40-41

promotion A four-member delegation led by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Government of Cyprus Antonis Paschalldes recently called on the Minister of Tourism Kumari Selja and exchanged ideas in the tourism sector with a view to promote tourism between the two countries.

22 KTM concludes on a high note The 2010 edition of Kerala Travel Mart, the biggest travel mart in India, which concluded in Kochi on September 26 has registered a 25 per cent growth over the previous year. The three-day event saw 282 sellers and over a 2172 buyers, a quarter of them International.

23 UNWTO report highlights impact of

P 34

P 50

demographic change Demographic change will have major implications for the tourism sector over the coming decades, but also presents important opportunities. This is among the central findings of the recently published UNWTO/European Travel Commission (ETC) report on ‘Demographic Change and Tourism’.

Woman of the Month

10 Questions

The second half of 2010 kicks off strongly

14 Arabian Travel Market to focus on cruise sector

JOHN PRIMMER

POOJA KAPOOR

P 18

P 16

25 WTA: India reaffirms credentials 26 ITB Asia closes with diverse events strengthening its B2B role

Face to Face

28 Techo trends impacting Asian travel

TARUNA PATEL

P 20

31 MICE and CT organizations announce new initiatives at IT&CMA

42 Kerala Ad film premiered in London 4

As I Travel

Home stays Cover Photo: © Visit London

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

EDITOR’S NOTE

n a few weeks’ time the world travel and tourism industry will convene in London for World Travel Mart. After a long time the mood in the industry is an upbeat one. The recent market reports and trends show that the world travel and tourism sector is fast recovering to the pre-recession status. It may not have reached there yet, but it is on its way. In a report to the UNWTO Executive Council, Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General has confirmed that recovery in international tourism is underway. Preliminary figures released by The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) also point to a rise in the number of international visitor arrivals into Asia and the Pacific for the month of July 1, 2010. It indicates an international inbound growth of 15 per cent which means there is a strong demand for travel, taking into account the relatively depressed results of a year earlier. But UNWTO Secretary-General’s report has also cautions about many challenges that still remain to be sorted out regarding issues such as unemployment, austerity measures aimed at budget balancing and increased taxation on the tourism sector. The report also outlined the ongoing steps to achieve the common objective of mainstreaming tourism in the global agenda. UNWTO aims to position tourism higher in national and global agendas, because it says the sector is a key driver of economic growth and development. According to UNWTO the global economic crisis has opened up important opportunities for the tourism sector, but capitalizing on these requires a better understanding of the various governance roles within national tourism policy and decision making. This will be the main topic of debate at the upcoming Seventh Forum for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities which will be held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during the second week of November. UNWTO’s has observed that “strengthened public-private partnerships are key to boosting tourism’s contribution to preserving and creating jobs, stimulating sustained and green economic growth and addressing the poverty challenge”. Let us work towards achieving this goal. G. BIJU KRISHNAN Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com +91 9447555222

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

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

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G. Biju Krishnan G. Gopakumar* M. P. Sreekumar Lerbin T. K. Retheesh Kariyam Anil Kumar R. Krishnadas P. Shree K. R. Parameswaran Lekshmi P., Smitha R. Vinu V. Nair Jayachandran S. Adv. G.S. Prakash V. Narayanan P. Deenadayalu Shaini B. J.

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

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ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

OVERVIEW

The second half of 2010 kicks off strongly

n international inbound

visitor arrivals to the region grew

destinations of Myanmar and

International arrivals to India grew

growth of 15 per cent in

by 12 per cent year-on-year.

Cambodia also recorded

only slowly at four per cent,

significant growth during the

however, arrivals to Sri Lanka , the

the Asia Pacific region

Arrivals to the Japan, Hong

during the second half of 2010 is

Kong SAR, Korea ROK, Chinese

period. Arrivals to the destinations

Maldives and Nepal continued to

the highlight of the preliminary

Taipei, Macau and China has

that make up South Asia grew by

record impressive growth rates.

figures released by The Pacific

recorded impressive growth.

11 per, comparatively slower than

During the January-to-July 2010

Asia Travel Association (PATA)

Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and

the average 15 per cent growth

period, international visitor

recently. For the first seven

Indonesia have also recorded

seen in the first six months of the

arrivals to the sub-region rose by

months of 2010, international

double-digit growth. The smaller

year but strong nevertheless.

14 per cent.

WTM 2010 to generate more business than before

orld Travel Market 2010,

ministers and international press,

Director Simon Press said: “World

ever World Travel Market due to

the premier global

embark on ExCeL - London to

Travel Market is all about

the £165 million expansion of host

event for the travel

network, negotiate and discover

facilitating business between

venue ExCeL, London. The event

industry, will open on November 8

the latest industry opinion and

exhibitors and the industry’s

has a number of new features to

at Platinum Suite 4, ExCeL in

trends at WTM. According to a

senior buyers in the WTM

attract new exhibitors including

London. Jeff Cacy, Boeing’s

poll conducted among Meridian

Meridian Club. I am delighted

the WTM Sports Pavilion and the

Managing Director, Airline

Club Members - WTM’s senior

Meridian Club members are telling

first exhibition floor WTM

Marketing Services will be the

buyers network, this year’s event

us they expect to conduct a

Technology Presentation Theatre.

guest of honour on the occasion.

is poised to be the catalyst for

greater number of business deals

Every year in November close to

even more travel industry

leading to larger monetary value

anniversary in 2009, is the event

46,000 senior travel industry

business deals than ever before.

than ever before.”

where the travel industry conducts

professionals, government

World Travel Market Exhibition

WTM 2010 will be the biggest-

WTM, which celebrated its 30th

and concludes its deals.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

WTM

Favourable public policies, new business models top agenda at ministers’ summit

ourism representatives from the public and private sector will convene at the 4th annual UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at the World Travel Market to debate the best course of action for the tourism sector in the face of global economic and environmental challenges on November 9. Tourism Ministers and private sector experts will devise business models and public policies best suited for fostering tourism growth. The 2010 UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market is expected to be the largest ever, providing a vital platform for public and private tourism stakeholders to collectively determine the course of the sector for the next 12 months. “Public-private partnerships are crucial for maximizing tourism’s contribution to sustained economic growth and job

creation, major concerns of today. It is greatly encouraging to see the public and private spheres coming together to strengthen tourism’s role and address global challenges,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. The Summit - Shaping a Stronger Travel and Tourism Industry – Governance and business models for the future – will focus on three key issues challenging the sector: 1. Mainstreaming Tourism in the Political and Economic Agendas – how to increase

recognition of tourism’s role in job creation, economic growth and development. 2. Creating a Competitive Framework for Tourism Development – how to bring the public and private sector together to create a more competitive business environment for tourism. 3. Climate Change and the Green Economy – how to develop a Green Tourism Economy. Speakers from the public sector include the Ministers of Tourism of the United Kingdom, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt, China the Bahamas and Portugal. The private sector will be represented by, among others,

the Vice Chairman of Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts (Spain), Sebastián Escarrer, the Managing Director of the Tourism and Transport Forum (Australia), Christopher Brown, the Managing Director of the Co-operaitve Travel Group (UK), Mike Greenacre, and the Managing Director for Northern Europe of TUI Travel, Johan Lundgren. In addition, the Summit will count on the participation of a wider representation of Tourism Ministers from countries worldwide including Croatia, Cyprus, Gambia, Ghana, India, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia and Paraguay.

WTM signals new era for airlines

oeing will discuss its

Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of

revolutionary 787

World Travel Market, described the

Dreamliner with members

Dreamliner as a “glimpse into the

from the global travel and tourism

future, a big step forward.” “The

industry at World Travel Market’s

Dreamliner, with its ability to offer

Opening Ceremony in London on

a vastly more comfortable flight

Monday 8 November. Ushering in

and its superior economic

a new era of air travel, Jeff Cacy,

performance, is set to change air

Boeing’s Managing Director,

travel forever,” said Jeffery.

operators greater efficiency to

with innovations that include a

Jeff Cacy at Boeing has

better serve the point-to-point

new interior environment with

speak about what has been

supreme confidence in the way

routes and additional frequencies

cleaner air, larger windows, more

described as the most

the Dreamliner will transform the

passengers prefer. The

stowage space, improved lighting

environmentally friendly airplane

travel industry. “Business travelers

technologically-advanced 787 will

and other passenger-preferred

ever produced. The 787 is the

are willing to travel, but not in

use 20 percent less fuel than

conveniences. A “vertical gust

fastest-selling commercial

uncomfortable surroundings,” he

today’s airplanes of comparable

suppression” system has also

airplane in history. Japan’’s All

said. The 787 Dreamliner offers

size, provide airlines with up to 45

been installed to soften the up

Nippon Airways is the first

passengers a better flying

per cent more cargo revenue

and down motions caused by

recipient of the aircraft next year.

experience and provides airline

capacity and present passengers

turbulence.

Airline Marketing Services, will

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

INCREDIBLE INDIA

India, Cyprus look at joint tourism promotion

four-member delegation led by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Government of Cyprus Antonis Paschalldes recently called on the Minister of Tourism Kumari Selja and exchanged ideas in the tourism sector with a view to promote tourism between the two countries. Both the nations will also hold tourism road shows to tap the tourism potential. Speaking on the occasion Kumari Selja said, though

Cyprus is a small country there is a lot of potential in the tourism sector and both the countries can actively cooperate in the field of Hospitality, Tourism Education Kumari Selja and Human Resource Development. India can learn from Cyprus in the area of beach tourism. If the direct air links could be established between India

and Cyprus it will give a fillip to the promotion of tourism in both the countries and better understanding among the people of the two countries, she added. Both the countries can Antonis Paschalldes exchange information on the tourism statistics, tourism planning, hotel licensing and classification. The visiting dignitary was

of the view that both countries can increase business contacts to have better people to people contact. Antonis Paschalldes said, Cyprus has many products like sports tourism, wellness tourism, religious tourism and beach tourism to attract visitors. He said, Cyprus though a small country in terms of population attracts about 2.5 - 3 million tourists per year. He agreed to work out modalities for road shows in each other’s country to promote tourism.

Center asks states to ensure safet y of tourists

Indian Ambassador to France, Ranjan Mathai with Karnataka Tourism Director Viswanatha Reddy at the Karnataka Tourism Pavilion at Top Resa, Paris

oncerned with safety of visitors and growing incidents of child abuse and illegal human trafficking, India government has asked the states to crack on possible forms of exploitation and ensure that tourist destinations are safe. Union tourism minister Kumari Selja, in a letter, has asked states to prioritise awareness generation and

adhere to a code of conduct recently circulated by the Centre. “There is need to sensitise travellers, travel industry and citizens of the country about the tenets of safe and honourable tourism, close all possibilities of exploitation, especially of women and children, and to ensure that India remains a safe tourism destination,” the letter said.

CWG infrastructure will lure more visitors: Selja

he infrastructure that has been developed in Delhi for Commonwealth Games would work as the launching pad for future events in the country and should attract a large number of tourists to India, said India Tourism Minister Kumari Selja. Delhi has been for some time one of the major convention destination of the world now with the addition of world class facilities that have emerged, the range of events that can be organized in Delhi have moved beyond traditional meetings and conventions to sporting and entertainment extravaganzas, she said.

Devinder Singh Bindra, Marketing Manager - South Asia, Malaysia Airlines; Azahar Hamid, Regional Senior Vice-President- South Asia, Malaysia Airlines; Amit Mehta, Sales Manager - North India and Mohd. Sharif, Accounting Manager- South Asia, Malaysia Airlines at World Travel Award function with the award for Asia’s leading Airlines

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

COLUMN

V DURAIKKANNAN

There are two ways of climbing an oak tree – one is to start climbing it from the foot and the other is to sow an acorn, level the ground, and sit on it expecting it to sprout one day and take you aloft as it grows! Most of the people adopt the second strategy when it comes to their career progression or promotion. Alas! It could possibly happen but no one knows how or when or how much! This is not only with regard to one’s career but one’s very life itself. We have to make our destiny! It is apt to think of Al Gore’s opening words in his book ‘An Inconvenient Truth’: ‘We have everything we need to begin solving this crisis (of global warming), with the possible exception of the will to act. But in America, our will to take action is itself a renewable resource.’ The will to act is the fundamental key to everything. The question in the first place is why at all a career

progression is a must? ‘I am suffocated and lost when I have not the bright feeling of progression’ said Margaret Fuller very rightly. In life either you are living or you are dying. There is nothing like you are standing still. The same law of motion applies to your career too: Either you are moving ahead or sliding back.

Going steady is a false motion and it is nothing but the beginning of the slowdown and eventual stop. So how do we start and where do we start from? The ground reality is we have to start from where we are and let us: 1. Be Larger Than Your Salary: When you work more than what you are paid for, the day will come too soon when you will be paid more than what you work for. Ensure that you outperform your salary’s worth at every stage. 2. Remain a Continual Learner & Teacher: A leader is a reader: Check with anyone who has made it big in life – they will have a big mansion and a library as well. Ask them which came first. Mostly it will be always the library! 3. Become an Expert: There is enough business for an expert - be the master and be the wizard in what you do! Every successful businessman or a professional is essentially a much wanted solution provider. For instance, an expert dentist is the solution provider for your toothache and he is always in demand. 4. Become Irreplaceable: No one is indispensable. But some are irreplaceable Like Mahakavi Kalidas in King Al Gore Vikramaditya’s court. One day the king posed the question to his court to name the top three poets of the world. They started counting out them on their fingers: No 1 is Mahakavi Kalidas and No.2…No2…They were stuck. They could not think of any other poet belonging to the league of the great Kalidas. After Kalidas, the remaining

were nameless. That is why the finger next to that counted out Kalidas remains to be known as Anamika, the nameless! Angoota, Tarjani, Madhyama, Anamika, and Karanguli are the names of

James Cameron

our five fingers in Hindustani – thumb, index, middle, ring, and little fingers! Become a Kalidas who cannot be compared with anybody else! 5. Attain your respect: People want to be with the people of quality and respect especially when they happen to be their superiors. Growth for those quality people is a natural progression. John Maxwell has explained about the five levels of leadership as follows: Position – Rights (People follow you because you are the boss and they have to) Permission – Relationship (People follow you because you are good and they want to) Production – Results (People follow you because you produce results for the company) People Development – Reproduction (People follow you because you help them produce) Personhood – Respect (People follow you for what you are even if you are not there) 6. Goal is 100/100 and not First Rank: Everyone vies for the first rank instead of attaining 100 for 100. They are in a race rather than on a

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

COLUMN mission. What they are in is the typical rat-race. Remember what Lily Tomlin said: ‘The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.’ For instance, in a class of forty students where you are also one of them, if everybody else scores only 45 and below and you happen to secure 46, by default you are No 1. You become the first rank holder. The real achievement is scoring 100 for 100. When you achieve 100 marks, two things happen: 1. You score automatically first rank 2. Others too can get 100 marks for themselves and still share the first rank 7. Wait your turn: Everybody is asking why it is not happening to them be it a job promotion or a good break in business. If only we start asking ‘Why am I not happening’, the results would be far more tangible and far quicker. Take responsibility for yourself and wait your turn. The work you put in is your credit

and your credit will remain yours. Nobody can take it away or deny you that. All of us are, going back to the acorn and the oak story, believing in luck and hope. We are averse to risk. We are more comfortable with a sulking today than a daring tomorrow. The following words from James Cameron, director of the mega movies like the Titanic and the

Michael Pritchard

Avatar should serve as a lighthouse for every career aspirant: ‘So my message is in whichever realm, be it going into space or going into the deep sea, you have to balance the yin and yang of caution and boldness, risk aversion

and risk taking, fear and fearlessness. No great accomplishment takes place, whether it is a movie or a deep ocean expedition, or a space mission, without a kind of dynamic equipoise between the two. Luck is not a factor. Hope is not a strategy. Fear is not an option.’ - Hope is not a strategy, only action is! With all the seven traits in place, you are bound to go from place to place. As you are a happy person in office, you would be a happy person at home front too. Being happy at office as well as home is mutually causal and contributory. That is why the saying one cannot be a bad husband at home and a good manager at office or vice versa. Happiness by evolution leads to health. A healthy person lives in full bloom every day – day in and day out. For them retirement does not exist .They know the real meaning of the word ‘retirement’. As everybody thinks,

retirement does not mean stopping working or withdrawal. For some, work is already tiring and they are re-tiring now by the age of sixty! But actually, to retire means to‘re + attire’ – ‘to attire again’ or ‘to get dressed again’! Get dressed into a new gear from your erstwhile work-clothes. Keep working and keep yourself busy throughout! When you are fully booked, there is no room for any catastrophe in your life, as the former US diplomat Henry Kissinger would say. Age is a number and you are just as young or old as you think and Henry Kissinger feel. Laugh and enjoy your work. Michael Pritchard rightly said: ‘You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing!’

Arabian Travel Market to focus on cruise sector

ith a boom in outbound cruise sales and 350,000 inbound passengers through Dubai annually, Arabian Travel Market dedicates pavilion to accommodate surge in demand Arabian Travel Market, the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East, has revealed plans to introduce a dedicated cruise pavilion at the 2011 show, which will be held from May 2 to 5, an initiative that has been spurred by the growth in both inbound and outbound cruise sales. According to Group Exhibition Director, Mark Walsh, the Arabian Gulf is

rapidly becoming a hotspot for winter sun cruising. New cruise terminals have launched this year in Dubai, Bahrain and Muscat with additional cruise lines unveiling Gulf itineraries. “The Mark Walsh Group Exhibition recent Director, ATM announcement by MSC that it will base its MSC Lirica in Dubai and Abu Dhabi next winter is just the latest addition to the fleet of cruise ships sailing the Gulf between November and May,” he said. “In addition to the Gulf

cruises offered by Costa Cruises, AIDA, Royal Caribbean and now MSC, smaller lines such as Le Ponant and Silversea are promoting exclusive itineraries in the region, and other visitors will include Cunard’s new Queen Elizabeth, launched this month by HM Queen Elizabeth herself.” The regular cruise traffic around the region is thought to be one reason why more Gulf residents are turning to the sea for their vacation, with Royal Caribbean, for example, reporting an increase of more than 60 per cent in bookings up to July this year. ”With lines such as Costa

and Holland America appointing representatives in the GCC to tap in to this market, we can expect a great deal of interest in the cruise pavilion at Arabian Travel Market,” added Walsh. For host city Dubai, too, the cruise sector is becoming an important vein of visitor numbers, with more than 350,000 cruise passengers passing through the new terminal annually, a figure set to rise again in 2011.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

Q&A

Pooja Kapoor runs a hospitality company with a difference. She talks about her dreams and vision.

How did you become interested in Travel & Tourism business? Please tell us about the beginning of your career. Travel has been my passion. Travel revealed to me the fact that each journey makes me arrive at a new destination within my inner Universe. This in-journey led to the foundation of our company called Injourni. It is a sacred calling within me to be able to serve people by helping them with their respective inner journeys,

while offering regular travel related services. I wish to eventually specialize in the field of sacred journeys or journeys with a deeper purpose- whether self-exploration, intense bonding with the mate, healing at all levels, or as an opportunity to experience oneness with family and friends. Currently, we offer bespoke luxury travel destinations and services. I began my career as a fashion merchandiser before joining machine-manufacturing

Pooja Kapoor Managing Director Injourni Hospitality Private Limited, New Delhi 16

business founded by my father. Within a span of a decade, our business achieved the position of world number three, competing with multinational companies over one hundred years old. Recently, our company merged with world number two ranked competitor of ours. What is your current role in your organization? Please elaborate. As the Managing Director, I spearhead the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nascent foray into the field of travel and tourism. I am assisted by a team who helps in creating travel programmes as well as handling marketing and operations related activities. What plans - immediate and long term - do you (the company) have? In the short and medium term, we plan to offer our services to a broad-based section of discerning travellers. We wish to promote Kerala and the Himalayas within India and Swiss AlpsBlack Forest region as destinations of choice in Europe. We wish to test the waters in terms of perception and acceptance of our value-added â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inner Journeyâ&#x20AC;? offerings primarily in the sections of romantic getaway experience and sacred experiential travels. In the long term, we plan to promote sacred destinations worldwide, social travel, silent retreat destinations, and value-learning travels especially for young adults. As a hospitality industry professional what is your ambition? Where would you like to see yourself ten years from now? I wish to offer true-hospi-

tality to people. This emerges from a real inculcation of vasudhaiva kutumbakam- the world as a family. I have the Utopian ambition of making people feel more-at-home, more-with-oneself while on travel. I plan this through valueinculcation in my team members and eventually through similar training of my travel-partner-organizations. I am selecting my travel partners and properties with this end in mind. Ten years from now, I see Injourni becoming a synonym of more-at-home, more-with-oneself travel. Who or what has been the greatest influence in your professional life? Kindly elaborate. I look up to my father as the greatest source of inspiration to me. He embodies single-pointed pursuit of a goal with a well planned road-map with unwavering diligence and ambi-dexterous execution. Since he is a man of few words, I have learned just watching him work and discharge his duties towards his fellow-workers and their families. He has been my greatest pillar of strength who has not even once allowed me to stumble over my many failures or be burdened on my next step. Rather, even today, I hold his fingers, literally, as I walk each step on the long journey called Life. As woman, what were the challenges you had to face in your professional life? As a woman, one is saddled with many challenges. But before that, let me acknowledge that I also experienced extremely kind people who went out of their

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

Q&A way to help me, just because I was a woman. The primary challenge is of being a woman itself! Travelling to remote locations, interacting with men of varying degrees of understanding and ethics, and ensuring to be taken seriously are some of the challenges that I continue to deal with. To my young sisters who wish to step into the travel industry in particular and the work-space in general, my advice is that they should build their capacities at professional as well as emotional-personal-cultural level. They must not only instill in themselves, the confidence that they-can-do-it, but also in their loving families that they can. A supporting family is the greatest reservoir of strength. Secondly, they must acquire skills in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;man-handlingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, in true sense! This does not

ASIAN TRAVELLER

mean that they rush to learn martial arts, but they must learn the ability to protect their dignity without sounding defensive or being blatantly offensive (as far as possible!). Above all, they must focus on acquiring the requisite skill-set and ability to execute as per plan. What is the secret of your success? The secret of my success is also the mother of all successes; hence it is a no-secret! This is, pursue that line of work which resonates with the melody of your heart. Work then becomes worship and, excellence, the highest offering to God. What is your proudest moment (till date) in your job? I set out to build a houseboat in the backwaters of Alappuzha, the true capital of God Own Country. I designed

OCTOBER 2010

this boat and built it from the first log of wood. I stayed for extended periods of time in Alappuzha, sometimes months on end. I learned about Kerala and its people, about the nuances of Malyalam in the difference between chedda and chetta, and above all about my own deep inspiration to pursue travel as my vocation. The house-boat came out to be the most luxurious boat to sail in the back-waters till date and was named Indulge. This houseboat was meant to be a gift to my mother who had desired to own such a boat during our previous mom-daughter vacation in Kerala. When my parents exclaimed with joy at the beauty and finesse of Indulge, blessing me again and again for that gift, I experienced the proudest moment of my life. Now tell us about your

family. I live with my loving parents and my ultra-pious grand-mother. My sister, who is a lawyer, lives with her husband and their adorable twin- daughters in Washington. We are a very close-knit small family. What are your hobbies? Travel, for one, is my hobby and vocation, both. I love music in every note as the petals of lyrics unfold into bloom. Self-search (paradoxically, there is no-search possible of the Self!) is my ultimate engagement with Life. This makes me meditate, read, do charity and urges me to meet holy people at sacred places (all people are holy, all places sacred!). In short, travel- to inner spaces deep within or to beautiful spots on earth, the canvas of God- is my singular hobby! www.injourni.com

Q&A John Primmer started his career as a trainee manager at the age of 20 and rose through the ranks. He shares his experiences. You have more than three decades experience in the hospitality industry. Could you tell us about your early days? How did you come to join the hospitality sector? I was lucky enough to join Hyatt as a Trainee Manager in

John Primmer General Manager Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Malaysia

Auckland, NewZealand at the age of 20. I was a university dropout so I was lucky to have found a job I loved from the first day. As always with starting at the bottom it was challenging but found that a sense of humour goes a long way in a job with such long working hours. The job has always been more of a hobby for me and I’m still learning every day. After working for so long in different parts of the world

what prompted you to take up an assignment in Malaysia? How do you like the place? What are your first impressions? This is my third hotel opening in Malaysia so I am familiar with the local customs and how to get things done here. I love the country. It has a great mix of cultures, unbelievable food, is stable politically and the people are fantastic. How important is a Hotel in developing a destination? What should a Hotel be doing in this regard? We need to work together with local tourism bodies/ hotels/attractions and sell the destination first. Even with a brand as strong as Hard Rock people are not going to travel just for a great hotel experience. There has to be other unique experiences that make up a memorable holiday. With this Penang is in an excellent position with a really enjoyable all round holiday product. We create lots of music based events here at Hard Rock which not only help the hotel but the local economy. What is the proudest moment in your professional life? Opening my first hotel as General Manager at the age of 29 in Borneo. Could you share some of the unforgettable moments in your professional life? Just sharing great working relationships with my staff around the world. I have been lucky to stay an average of about 4/5 years in each hotel so get to know the people well and make lots of good friends along the way. Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now? Happy to be running a

world class hotel somewhere in Asia, being happy and thinking about retiring. What are your views on the future of the hospitality industry, in general? Very positive and going forward. Certainly I think the perception is changing that working in hospitality is not just a job you do while waiting for a real job. As one of the fastest growing industries worldwide we need to invest in our people and ensure the basics are in place for the software side of the business to be successful. The old churn and burn attitude with hospitality staff is a thing of the past. Now tell us about your family. My wife Dianne is a New Zealander and we have three kids; Jackson 17 and twins Sam and Courtney 15 who attend Uplands International school here in Penang. We all love living in Malaysia and see it as our home these days. The kids attended primary school here in Penang so it’s a bit of a home-coming for them. Tell us about your hobbies and other interests? As I mentioned I see the hotel as somewhat of a hobby. In fact I’m like a kid with a really big toy to have fun with. I also enjoy my rugby (being a kiwi), travelling with my family and Asian food. Which is your favourite destination? I enjoy Nepal. Probably because I work in deluxe hotels each day and can really enjoy the experience of being in an environment that is really rustic, basic and without many luxuries that become second nature to hoteliers.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

FACE TO FACE

Madhubhan Resort & Spa

Luxury soaked in tradition Madhubhan Resort & Spa is a complete holiday destination besides being a perfect MICE location that promises a unique experience to families, NRIs, tourists and corporate clients alike. It offers a choice of accommodation and experiences that can cater to a variety of needs and preferences all tastefully furnished and offering unparalleled luxury, privacy and an array of amenities. Here is an excerpt from an interview Asian Traveller had with Taruna Patel, Director Madhubhan Resort & Spa and CEO Emtici Engineering Limited. What is USP of your property?

mentioned above, you could

How does it stand apart from

reach Madhubhan in no time and

other resorts?

you would feel you have arrived at

another forte of Madhubhan

Do you have any expansion

a Resort with an international

Resort & Spa. These events have

plan? Are you planning to set up

USP would be ‘Luxury Soaked in

edge that too at a fraction of a

earned us a large amount of

any new property in the near

Tradition’, however I would like to

cost of travel time and money that

laurels and recognition to cater to

future?

elaborate on this saying that

one would spend while travelling

this elite niche.

Madhubhan Resort & Spa is an

abroad.

Ethno-Modern Resort which is a

What is your marketing strategy?

which is keeping us occupied

existing inventory at Madhubhan

perfect blend of the Gujarati and

How are you marketing the

most of the time. We have a very

Resort & Spa. Addition of new

contemporary Culture. At the

property in both domestic and

targeted and focused approach

food & beverage outlets are

Mandavdi Gom, we have

international market?

towards this ever growing

already in progress to

segment.

accommodate the constantly

To sum it up in one line our

recreated the yesteryears,

We have a 360 degree

positive mindset to make it

twosome, we have it all. Wedding Destination is yet

happen.

We are definitely working

MICE is yet another segment

Kindly throw light on your

towards adding more rooms to the

growing clientele.

depicting lanes and by-lanes of

marketing strategy in place with

Karamsad Village, the birth place

advertising and public relations, a

distribution channel and sales

of the India’s Ironman, Sardar

connect programme with travel

network. Have you appointed any

to more guests but also it will give

Vallabhbhai Patel.

agents, MNCs, PSUs, Corporate

sales agent for the property?

more dining options to our

Also the USP of Madhubhan Resort & Spa lie in its location. Madhubhan is centrally located in

Sector, Business Houses, B to Bs etc. We optimize every possible

We have a very dynamic sales & marketing team that covers the market, be it local, regional or

This will not only help us cater

discerning guests that will result in higher Guest Satisfaction Index. Madhubhan is definitely one

the state of Gujarat between two

media vehicle to market and

national. We have travel agents

off project for us and our efforts

big happening cities, Ahmedabad

promote Madhubhan Resort &

across the state and all potential

would be to transform it into a

and Vadodara.

Spa not only in Gujarat but across

destinations in the country and

place where every Gujarati would

This town is connected to

the nation and overseas as well.

overseas, those who in a way are

want to visit once if visiting

Anand - home to the largest milk

However, what has worked best

our channel partners. CRM is yet

Gujarat and wanting to come back

cooperative of Asia and Amul Milk

for us is ‘word-of-mouth-publicity’.

another effective tool that is used

again and again.

products.

Once a Guest visits Madhubhan

to its optimum.

This is also happens to be

Resort & Spa, we ensure that he

I would like to sum it up all by

Madhubhan will be a year old

saying, Madhubhan is definitely a

home to have the largest

becomes our ambassador and

this October and the business has

passion for me and my husband

percentage of Gujaratis NRIs.

shares his unforgettable

been better than expected. It is

Prayasvin Patel.

When all those NRIs visit their

experiences of Madhubhan with

the best thing for a property to

families in Gujarat they have a

his near and dear ones which in

have a golden beginning and

business this is where we get a

place where the comfort zone is

turn translate into business for us.

referrals from every corner of the

chance to explore our creativity

As away from our family

world. We make sure that our

within, from which the pleasure

abroad and their children are

weekdays and weekends

guests are offered the best

derived is passed onto thousands

more than happy to visit their

packages for every occasion and

service and amenities so they can

of people and the feedback of

roots at a place like Madhubhan

ensure they are designed to give

spread the word about our resort

some of those visitors rewards us

which exists so close to their

total value for money to all our

where luxury and tradition go

for the efforts continuously

homes and is a home away from

guests.

hand in hand. Yes, there are few

poured into our once in a lifetime

comparable to their lifestyle

We have very competitive

agencies opting to work in a way

dream project, that has placed

So our USP is that within an

booking, family reunion and get-

as, GSA for us. We are keeping

this little town, Vallabh Vidyanagar

hour of landing in any of the cities

together or a package for a cozy

our options open with a very

on the world map.

home.

Be it a corporate event, group

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

KTM

KTM concludes on a high note

he 2010 edition of Kerala

held at the six acre convention

K Jayakumar IAS, Abraham

K C Chandrahasan of Kerala

Travel Mart, the biggest

center which was coming up in

George (Vice President KTM),

Travels Interserve. Speed

travel mart in India, which

Kovalam. Dr V Venu IAS,

Sajeev Kurup V. (Hon. Secreatry

Networking, a structured

perseverance of all concerned we

Secretary Kerala Tourism made a

KTM), Anish Kumar P. K. (Hon. Jt.

networking opportunity to bring

overcame several odds including

presentation on Kerala Tourism.

Secretary, KTM) and Jose Mathew

maximum number of introductions

adverse weather and steer it to

“Your moment is waiting”, Kerala

(Treasurer, KTM) were also

for both buyers and sellers, was

success”, said Riaz Ahmed,

Tourism’s new promotional film

present. The inaugural function

an attraction at this year’s KTM.

President, KTM Society.

was screened on the occasion.

was followed by a grand

Participants in a Speed

entertainment programme, on the

Networking forum met more

concluded in Kochi on September 26 has registered a 25 per cent growth over the previous year. The three-day event saw 282 sellers and over 2172 buyers, a quarter of them International. “This year, taking into account the increase in demand we decided to widen the canvas and to hold the mart at the picturesque Bolgatty Island. Owing to the determination and

The sixth edition of KTM was

Riaz Ahmed (KTM President),

inaugurated by the Chief Justice

Sanjay Sreenivas (Regional

theme, “Athithi Devo Bhava” which

people, made more contacts and

of Kerala High Court, Justice Jasti

Director, India Tourism),

is this year’s theme for the Mart.

generated more business ideas in

Chelameswar on 23 at the

one short session. In just a few

Bolgatty Palace Hotel, Bolgatty

minutes, participants were able to

Island, Kochi. Speaking on the

share business cards, details

occasion Chief Justice said that

about the product and valuable

tourism was a matter of pursuit of

information about their business

happiness. “India’s tourism

to advance business further. This year the house boats

potential is immense but it is not being promoted and we could not

were moored in the bigger

provide sufficient infrastructure

backwater setting in Kochi, next to

facilities to promote tourism”, said

the international Marina. A couple of seminars were

Chelameswar.

also held during the Mart. One on

Presiding over the function

“Buyers perspective of Kerala”

KTDC Chairman, Cheriyan Philip

another on “Sustainable Tourism”

had suggested that KTM should be held every year in different

M Sivasankar IAS (Director, Kerala

The script for which was done by

were well attended. An exposition

venues in the State. He opined

Tourism) and K G Mohanlal IFS,

K Jayakumar IAS and the

on Muziris heritage was also held

that the next travel mart should be

Managing Director, KTDC,

show was directed by

on the sidelines.

KTM organisers felicitated

The organisers of the KTM were felicitated at KTDC Mascot hotel Thiruvananthapuram recently. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Kerala minister for tourism was the chief guest at the function hosted by KTDC, which was attended by the leading players of the industry and the KTM 2010 officials. The showstoppers were awarded mementoes and all the organisers were lauded for their efforts.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

UNWTO

New UNWTO report highlights impact of demographic change on tourism

emographic change will have major implications for the tourism sector over the coming decades, but also presents important opportunities. This is among the central findings of the recently published UNWTO/European Travel Commission (ETC) report on ‘Demographic Change and Tourism’. The report sets out the main demographic trends worldwide and in major current and emerging source markets and describes how destinations and the private sector can make the most of these in terms of product development and marketing. Major demographic trends

ASIAN TRAVELLER

at the global level – rising populations, increased life expectancy, urbanization, migration, changing family structures – present fresh challenges for the tourism sector. Demographic change will impact upon the types of tourists that will travel, where they originate from, where they travel to, the types of accommodation they require and the activities they engage in while away. Demographic Change and Tourism provides a comprehensive analysis of the major demographic trends through 2030 – by which time the world’s population is forecast to reach 8.3 billion. It outlines

OCTOBER 2010

the impact these trends will have on tourism demand and travel behaviour overall and analyzes how destinations and companies can best adapt in order to become increasingly competitive in the market place. According to the report, visitor’s profiles and preferences will become increasingly fragmented and destination’s competitiveness will depend on their ability to develop and market tourism products to an aging, multiethnic population, structured into multi-generational families Population growth and increased life expectancy, for example, will radically challenge current assumptions

of ageing for tourism. Younger tourists who are still working fulltime may look to relax on holiday, while older tourists with more time on their hands and a ‘younger’ outlook may go on holiday to try new activities. The report was officially presented by UNWTO and ETC at the recent Seminar on Demographic Change and Tourism (17 September, Vienna, Austria). The content of the study was used as a basis for the Seminar which sought to achieve a better understanding of current and future demographic changes and debate how to maximize potential opportunities for the tourism sector.

WTTC

David Scowsill appointed WTTC President and CEO

TTC has announced the appointment of David Scowsill as its new President and

WTTC calls for entries for the 2011 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards

he World Travel & Tourism Council

represent a variety of tourism organisations

(WTTC) has invitined tourism

that show success in maintaining a

businesses and destinations

programme of sustainable tourism

worldwide to apply for the 2011 Tourism for

management at the destination level,

lead the organisation’s work to raise

Tomorrow Awards in one of four categories:

incorporating social, cultural, environmental

awareness of the importance of Travel and

Global Tourism Business, Conservation,

and economic benefits as well as multi-

Tourism and its USD 5.8 trillion value to the

Community Benefit and Destination

stakeholder engagement.

global economy.

Stewardship, showcasing best practice in

Winners and Finalists will be publicly

sustainable tourism. Applications may be

recognised during a special ceremony at the

CEO, David Scowsill

submitted online on

11th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, held

will represent the

www.tourismfortomorrow.com/Apply/. The

from 17-19 May 2011 in Las Vegas, USA, in

interests of Travel

deadline for applications is 10 December

the presence of government and industry

and Tourism’s

2010.

CEO and he will formally start his duties to

As President and

foremost private

David Scowsill

leaders. They will also be invited to submit case studies

The Global Tourism

sector enterprises

Business category is open to

to be featured on WTTC’s

to governments

any large company from any

Best Practice Gateway, the

worldwide. He will

sector of Travel & Tourism

world’s first online library for

lead the

with at least 500 full-time

organisation in

employees and operating in more than one

addressing the

country. In the Conservation category tourism

best practice in sustainability in Travel & Tourism. The launch of the Tourism for Tomorrow

political, environmental, social and

businesses must demonstrate that their

Call for Entries on World Tourism Day is

technological factors facing the industry, and

development has made a tangible

significant since a panel of leading tourism

encouraging the public and private sector

contribution to the conservation of nature,

and biodiversity experts are meeting in China

partnerships necessary to build strategies and

including the protection of wildlife, expanding

to explore synergies between tourism,

policies for future growth and prosperity.

and restoring natural habitat, and supporting

biodiversity and sustainable development

biodiversity. For the Community Benefit

along the theme ‘Tourism and Biodiversity’, in

meeting in New York recently he said, “My

category tourism initiatives must demonstrate

support of the United Nations International

career has been spent in travel and tourism,

direct benefits to local people, support for

Year of Biodiversity. This event highlights the

working in airline, hotel, airport, and online

community development and enhancement

importance of sustainable tourism which is

travel and distribution businesses. I have long

for cultural heritage in the area. Candidates

reflected in all four WTTC Tourism for

supported WTTC and I have enormous

in the Destination Stewardship category may

Tomorrow Awards’ categories.

Speaking at WTTC’s Executive Committee

respect for its heritage and vision.”

Green Globe International opens in Asia Pacific

reen Globe Interna tional, Inc. the worldwide owner of the Green Globe brand, recently announced that it has opened the Asia Pacific region to partner Green Globe Certification and will allow this licensee to use and promote the Green Globe brand in the region. The brand had previously granted exclusive license for the region to Green Globe Asia Pacific. As a result of this action, Green Globe Certification now has a non-exclusive license to use and promote the Green Globe brand in certification

applications worldwide. Exclusivity is now removed for the Asia Pacific Region to Allow for Additional Advancement of the Brand in Growing Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Markets “We are pleased to announce the expansion of Green Globe Certification’s brand license and look forward to its growth in the Asia Pacific,” said Steven R. Peacock, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Green Globe International. “It had become apparent that the brand had not been advancing as we had hoped in the Asia Pacific, especially considering

the region’s significant growth potential. Due to Green Globe Certification’s effective work in other parts of the world, as well as the history of the brand in the Asia Pacific, we believe that Green Globe Certification will have great success in expanding its programs in the region.” Green Globe Certification is based in Los Angeles, California, and is currently represented in over 83 countries with a network of preferred partnerships in Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and India as well as Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong, among others. All

businesses certified by Green Globe for sustainable operation and management adhere to the Green Globe Standard, which is among the most respected sustainability standard in use today. The Green Globe Standard v1.3 has recently been updated to comply withGlobal Sustainable Tourism Criteria(GSTC), and is published at http:// www.greenglobe.com/ standard. The GSTC is an initiative coordinated by the United Nations Foundation to aggregate sustainable tourism criteria from different regions around the world.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

ACCOLADES

WTA: India reaffirms credentials

ndia stole the show at this

title at the World Travel Awards

voted Asia’s Leading Airline and

too for travel companies,

year’s World Travel Awards

Ceremony. Other big wins for the

Asia’s Leading Airline Business

organisations and destinations in

Asia and Australasia Ceremony

region include Asia’s Leading

Class. Shanghai won the award

over 20 countries across Asia.

held in Delhi recently. The function

Hotel and Asia’s Leading Luxury

for Asia’s Leading Meetings &

was attended by the major players

Hotel for the Trident Gurgaon;

Conference Destination, Avis

Cambodia’s Leading Hotel and

in the industry including CEOs

Asia’s Leading Resort for The

received the trophy for Asia’s

Cambodia’s Leading Spa Resort.

and directors of leading travel

Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach

Leading Car Hire, Cox & Kings

Swissôtel Grand Shanghai took

companies, government ministers

Kerala, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

were awarded India’s Leading

away the trophy for China’s

and tourist board chiefs attended.

won the award for Asia’s Leading

Destination Management

Leading Business Hotel, The

Company. The Pan Pacific

Claridges Surajkund won India’s

Singapore won the trophy for

Leading Business Hotel and

Asia’s Leading Business Hotel,

Mandarin Oriental was awarded

while Swissôtel was crowned

Malaysia’s Leading Hotel.

Asia’s Leading Business Hotel

Le Meridien Angkor won both

Graham E. Cooke, Founder

Brand. The luxury market also

and President of World Travel

revealed some strong contenders,

Awards said: “The level of

with China’s Fuchun Resort

competition here in Asia is

winning Asia’s Leading Luxury

exceptional, and it is no wonder

The winners were selected by

Hotel Brand; whilst India Tourism

Golf Resort, while Raffles Group

that the region is leading the

thousands of industry

picked up Asia’s Leading Tourist

picked up Asia’s Leading Luxury

world out of recession.”

professionals and consumers

Board. With Asia leading the world

Hotel Brand. Indonesia’s Ayana

worldwide who have been voting

out of recession, several key

Resort and Spa Bali was voted

ceremony will go on to compete in

online. India proved its credentials

brands were rewarded for their

Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort” and

World Travel Awards 2010 Grand

as a top travel destination, taking

extraordinary efforts, including

Ayana Villa won Asia’s Leading

Final in London, before WTM on

away Asia’s Leading Destination

Malaysia Airlines, which was

Luxury Villa. There were awards

7th November.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

Winners of the regional

ITB ASIA

ITB Asia closes with diverse events strengthening its B2B role

he third ITB Asia closed in Singapore with 6,605 attendees, a 7.4 per cent increase on last year. Organizers, Messe Berlin (Singapore), attributed growth to three forces: the diversity of specialist travel forums within ITB Asia, resurgent Asian outbound demand, and enhanced buyer quality. “The feedback on Association Day, Web in Travel, the Luxury Meetings Forum and the Responsible Tourism Forum at ITB Asia shows that ITB Asia has created unstoppable momentum through diversity,” said Dr Martin Buck, Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore). Some 580 buyers attended the three-day event, many of them joining the inaugural Association Day interactive forum which aimed to expand the quality and quantity of large association events in Asia. “ITB Asia and Association Day provided excellent networking to make new contacts and to clarify issues all in a very friendly atmosphere,” said Manojit Das Gupta, Secretary General, the Indian Tea Association. Sharyati, Datuk Shuaib, Director Destination Management, World Gas

Conference 2012, said: “Association Day was an eye opener on how associations manage their membership

and run events – a fascinating exhibition with many networking opportunities.” Association Day, a first of its kind in Asia, attracted over 100 attendees. “We created a new platform based on the exchange of high quality information that never existed before,” said Buck. Innovative formatting characterised Web in Travel (WIT) which attracted nearly 400 attendees. Two WIT Clinics were created to let travel industry ‘doctors’ consult with IT Asia attendees on how to make money from their website and how they should better use social media. Successful formats geared to the exchange of rich content characterised specialist sectors such as luxury meetings. The ITB Asia Luxury Meetings Forum attracted leaders from brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, the Event Company,

and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Egypt was the official partner country of ITB Asia

German National Tourist Office Japan, said: “Our schedule has been very busy from day one and there’s

Hisham Zaazou, Assistant Minister, Partner Country Egypt; S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State Singapore and Raimund Hosch, CEO Messe Berlin at the inauguration

2010. It held a travel agent workshop just prior to ITB Asia and organized an exotic Egypt Night extravaganza on the opening day of the show. “Our activities in and around ITB Asia were excellent,” said Mr Hisham Zaazou, First Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Tourism in Egypt. “We want to build on the success of this year with increased space next year. I will report to the industry in Egypt to ensure even greater participation in 2011.” Other exhibitors had similar sentiments: Peter Blumengstel, Director of the

hardly time in between meetings with buyers from all over Asia.” Momentum and specialist forums have induced a high number of early bookings for ITB Asia 2011. “We have received a higher than usual number of super-early bird bookings for ITB Asia next year,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director, ITB Asia. “With exciting new branding for ITB Asia 2011 about to be announced, we are looking forward to building on the momentum, quality and specialist success of this year in 2011,” he added.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

ITB ASIA

Techo trends impacting Asian travel

eb in Travel (WIT) the leading gathering of Asian travel industry professionals in the marketing, technology, social media and distribution sector attracted close to 400 delegates at ITB Asia. The focus at WIT 2010 was customer behaviour. The annual WIT, held 1920 October concluded that technological innovation was colliding with social and economic dynamics in Asia. The result is likely to put the travel industry on the cusp of profound change. Travel suppliers have to change mindsets to adapt to the new landscape. Web in Travel founder and organizer, Yeoh Siew Hoon, said there were nine key messages arising from Web in Travel 2010: Content has become even more important with the fragmentation of channels. And it’s a new form of content: rawer, edgier, usergenerated and more audiovisual based than text.

Creativity has to be applied to all sectors of the industry, from marketing to customer service. Expectations have been raised through social media – customers know before they arrive. Smart phones have changed everything. They allow delivery of contextual, personal and timely information. They enable augmented reality to change user experience of destinations. They allow customers to book at the last minute (within 24 hours and even after arrival). Some suppliers are banking on

mobile commerce (mcommerce). AirAsia expects 20 per cent of its bookings to come from mobile in the next 18 months. Low cost carriers have created a new kind of traveller – younger, older, independent, web-savvy, looking for new experience. AirAsia will be the biggest airline in the region in terms of seats by 2015. In the age of the web and Internet, it’s about fast versus slow, not big versus small. In Japan 20 per cent of domestic flights are booked on mobile devices and 20 per cent of search on the biggest

travel meta-search site, travel.jp, is through mobile.

Conversely, the new challenge is getting young Japanese to travel. Some 30 per cent said they have not travelled in last 12 months. They prefer video gaming. China is the market that will change everything in Asia, not just in scale but in niche segments. For example, 90 per cent of Chinese honeymoons take place within China. It is a major opportunity for destinations. Social media has arrived and is proving it can drive more than brand awareness. It can generate direct revenues if correctly used.Online has gone mainstream. Don’t think online versus offline, think travel.

Travel leaders want more investment in service staff

“Austerity measures have been

that the centre saw nearly 70 per

uring ITB Asia in

IFH, Institute for Hospitality

Singapore leaders of the

Management, echoed the panel’s

reversed and internal travel has

cent cent growth in Asia Pacific

travel trade called on

sentiments. He emphasized the

come back somewhat. In

compared to 12 per cent in

industry partners to upgrade their

need for training to be specific to

corporate travel, first class hasn’t

Europe, even though Asia’s

service staff to cope with rapidly

the needs of different markets.

rebounded as quickly, but we do

growth from a very low statistical

see a return to form for business

base. Lim cited three factors that

Ideas Lab panel discussion

invest in bricks and stones, there

travel,” said Mike Bezer, Vice

would result in growth for the

entitled “An Audience With Travel

is a need to invest in the

President, Global Sales, Asia

Asian cruise industry. “There is

Leaders” on 21 October

development of staff and staff

Pacific, Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

strong commitment from Asian

hospitality industry service staff

qualifications. In Germany, for

Although stringent measures

came under scrutiny.

example, only 1.5 per cent of total

and tighter controls are now in

spots. New port of calls will come

investment in the hotel industry

place, Bezer said that there were

on board in 2014. In addition,

particular concern and I would

goes towards service staff

signs of a rebound overspend

there is a regional push in

encourage governments of

development,” said Weidemann.

which could result in a spending

Southeast Asia to promote cruise

freeze in the next six months.

holidays” he said.

changing markets. At the WIT

“Training of frontline staff is a

emerging countries in particular to

“Just as hotels organisations

The panel was upbeat about a

Turning the attention to the

governments to build new cruise

“The potential for cruising in

support the hospitality industry in

rebound in the global travel

terms of providing training

market after the financial woes of

cruise market, Lim Neo Chian,

Asia is great. We are currently at

programmes and scholarships,”

2008-2009. However, they were

Board Member, Singapore Cruise

0.1 per cent in terms of

said Ray Stone, Senior Advisor

cautious to point out that the

Centre, said the sector remained

penetration in Asia. Even 3 to 4

Sales & Marketing, Asia Pacific,

industry was still a long way from

resilient recording growth of 4 per

per cent growth could see mind-

Accor Steffen Weidemann, CEO,

a return to pre-crisis levels.

cent over last year. Lim reported

boggling figures,” Lim surmised.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

IT&CMA

IT&CMA and CTW 2010

Double Bill Event delivers quality buyers and wider selection of MICE sellers

ore than 13,000 IT&CMA

increase of 20 per cent booth take

business appointments

up. Country and city pavilions

for exhibitors, buyers

such as Singapore, Korea, Seoul,

and corporate travel managers

Brunei and Indonesia boasted

took place at Asia's only

increased exhibitor participation.

doublebill MICE and corporate

Thailand clusters occupied a total

travel event,

of 399sqm - the

which took place

largest in this

in Bangok during

year's show.

October 3 to 7.

Thai MICE cities that also have a

IT&CMA remains Asia's leading show for incentive

larger presence at this year's

and business travel. The show

event include Chiang Mai and

welcomed some 2,300 delegates -

Pattaya.

buyers, sellers, corporate

Media delegate Joachim

managers, and media from 54

Fischer, Editor-in-Chief of Tourism

countries - and the mood was

Insider, Germany, commented,

Repeat buyer Vineet Gopal,

The last day of the event also

Director of Engee Holidays, India,

featured two awards

remarked "Like always, the choice

presentations. The 9th Sticky

of exhibitors is very good and

Awards recognises participants

offers excellent opportunity for

who have made the strongest

networking and to do serious

impression during the event.

business."

Among the 13 Awards presented,

Corporate travel managers like Michael Beck, Global Travel Management of Bosch Germany enjoys the duo-nature of the rather bullish as MICE and

"Sentiment on the exhibition floor

programme that

business travels grow again with

is more positive than last year,

balances objectives of

regional economies being driven

with greater opportunities for

education as well as

by China's growth and a return in

sealing business deals. The

procurement at the

confidence. 50 per cent of buyers

quantity and profile of potential

exhibition. "Conference topics this

categories include the Stickiest

and corporate travel managers

buyers is one of the show's

year are relevant and beneficial.

Function, the Stickiest Promotion,

were new to the show this year.

strengths."

On the sourcing end, there are a

the Stickiest Buyer, the Stickiest

lot of hotel varieties to choose

National Pavilion (Bronze, Silver

New buyer and corporate travel

Ma. Nedalin L. Miranda, Senior

manager markets include Egypt,

Convention Services Officer of the

from. It would be nice to see more

and Gold) and the Stickiest Green

Finland, Japan, Luxembourg,

Philippines Department of

Airline companies next year." Beck

Booth. Partner event, The 21st

Mexico, Portugal, Slovenia, Sri

Tourism, mirrors this observation,

and his team of 9 from across

TTG Travel Awards honoured the

Lanka and Ukraine.

"The majority of buyers that we

Asia-Pacific are returning to the

best travel and tourism

met look like potential clients."

show for a second time this year.

organisations in the Asia-Pacific.

The event witnessed an

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

IT&CMA

MICE and corporate travel organizations announce new initiatives at IT&CMA

ICE and Corporate

that the opening of a new office in

northeastern region. TCEB will

tour operator, Asia World

Travel organizations

the region next year would help

work with local authorities to

Enterprise (AWE), has launched a

who participated at

NBTA to achieve its global

support their marketing of such

dedicated MICE division, Asia

objectives.

venues to local MNCs. Another

World Destination Management

IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific

key recommendation in the white

(AWDM), at the event. Max

platform to announce new

Thailand Exhibition and

paper is the creation of a bidding

Juntasuwan, director of AWDM

initiatives.

Convention Bureau (TCEB),

fund that organizations can tap

said, “85 percent of the sales

2010 have used this international

Akapol Sorasuchart, president,

volume from the UK, Germany,

At the opening session of ITCMA & CTW Hank Roeder, vice

Russia, and Asia-Pacific were for

president, chapter relations for

Thailand, demand for other

US-based National Business

Southeast Asian destinations,

Travel Association (NBTA) has

particularly Indonesia (Bali) and

announced that it was changing

Vietnam, was coming up strong.

its name to Global Business Travel

Thailand would nevertheless

Association (GBTA). It is stepping

continue to be the focus of AWDM

up its globalization efforts with the

at 70 percent to 80 percent of

recent appointment of Mark

business.” AWDM’s demand for

Rizzuto as managing director for

announced at the press

into in order for Thailand to bid for

Thailand leverages on the influx of

Asia-Pacific. Rizzuto, participating

conference that TCEB has

bigger events. TCEB will be

IT&CMA and CTW delegates into

at the event, indicated that the

recently completed a white paper

presenting these

the country. The new division

development of a strong business

highlighting plans to promote

recommendations to the

expects to handle some 15 groups

plan for NBTA’s presence in Asia

lesser-known destinations around

government.

comprising of 24 to 250 delegates

is in the works, and he expects

the country such as those in the

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

Meanwhile, Bangkok-based

this month and next.

TRAVELLER’S PICK

Built in the 10th century, Prambanan Temple located in Central Java, Indonesia is the biggest Hindu temple in the country. The Prambanan Temple gets its name from the village on which it is located. Locals call it the Loro Jongrang Temple or “Temple of the Slender Virgin.” Prambanan was originally named Shivagrha which served as the royal temple of the Hindu Kingdom of Mataram, where most of the state’s religious ceremonies and sacrifices being held. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is characterised by tall and pointed architecture and mandala temple plan arrangements, a typical of Hindu temple architecture. The central building inside the large complex of individual temples has a height of 47m. The Prambanan Temple has a network of eight shrines of which the three main ones are dedicated to the three great Hindu deities called Trimurtis; Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. These three shrines rise above the centre of the last of the concentric squares of which Shiva’s main temple is the larger which has a height of over a hundred feet. It contains five chambers, four small chambers in every cardinal direction and one bigger main chamber in the centre. The main chamber in the east has the three meter high statue of Shiva while the north chamber contains the statue of Durga the consort of Shiva. Statue of Agastya occupy the south chamber, the west chamber houses the statue of Ganesha. The three main shrines are adorned with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana. To follow the story visitors must enter from the east side and walk clockwise.

Prambanan Temple Compounds 32

The temple is said to have ordered in the middle of the 9th century by King Balitung Maha Sambu, the Sanjaya king of the Mataram Kingdom to honor lord Shiva. The temple compound was later expanded by successive Mataram kings such as Daksa and Tulodong with the addition hundreds of Perwara temples around the chief temple.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

PROFILE

A symbol of entrenched loyalty

he Accord Metropoli tan, is a truly Five Star Hotel in Chennai that welcomes the guest with a range of luxuries for a memorable, smooth and comfortable stay. The premier business hotel is just 12 km from the airport, with entertainment and shopping avenues in proximity. It has 162 well-appointed rooms that include a Presidential Suite, 3 Studio Apartments, 6 Deluxe Suites and 9 Accord Club Rooms with a blend of innovative and contemporary hospitality that provides the guest a unique experience. The dining at the Accord Metropolitan offers several options for the guest with the finest culinary delights in the restaurants. The bars provide a relaxing mood for the guest by its elegant ambience. Seasons,’ The All Day Dining Restaurant’ of Timber, trellis and vintage ambience welcome one to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets featuring cuisines from all over the world. From Oriental to Italian, Continental to Indian the spread is vast. An interactive kitchen, grill-on-

ASIAN TRAVELLER

call and pizza-pasta to order add interesting dimensions to your dining experience. It has a seating capacity for 65 guests and offers 24 hours service. Pergola, the high altitude restaurant at the 15th level offers a magical view of the night and is used for social and business diner alike and gives a cloud nine experience. It has a seating capacity of 120 and is the highest open sky restaurant in the city.

OCTOBER 2010

Zodiac, the soft conservation Lounge Bar offers popular labels, ingenious cocktails, rare blends of liquor and a wide selection of hot and cold S. Jagathrakshakan canapes. It Managing Director has a seating capacity for 76 guests. It has well equipped three rooms for functions and meeting– Crystal, Emerald and Sapphire with a capacity to accommodate up to 1000

guests. It also provides other facilities like arranges day trips, accepts foreign currencies and major international credit cards, physically challenged rooms, doctors on call etc. It also provides trainer-led workouts, a strain-drain Jacuzzi, toning-up massage, sauna and steam bath at the Spa Accord. S. Jagathrakshakan, the Indian Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, is the Managing Director of the hotel. www.theaccordmetropolitan.com

WILD LIFE

Caracal The mysterious cat Kalpana Palkhiwala

name in Rajasthani ‘Mor mar

Sudan; Caracal caracal poecilotis,

Bhageri’. The kutchi dialect of

West Africa and Caracal caracal

ertain species are very

Gujarat has a name for it

schmitzi, Israel, West Asia, Iran,

hard to find like the snow

‘Harnotro’ meaning haran

Arabia, Pakistan, India.

leopard and the red

(Chinkara) like colour. The Caracal

The feline can be easily

panda that live in the high reaches

is also called Persian lynx or

recognized by its appearance and

of the Himalayan Mountains and

African lynx. The Caracal

gait, irrespective of size. Huge

in the rain forests. But, this is not

resembles a lynx and for a long

eyes, a short flat face, supple

so with the Caracal because it

time it was considered a close

spine and retractile claws (with an

resides in the easily approachable

relative of the lynxes. Recent DNA

exception – the cheetah)

main lands of India, some are also

research, however, has shown

describes a cat. In behaviour too,

the main tourism hubs of India

that the Caracal is not a close

cats are typical - secretive, largely

such as Ranthambhore and

relative of lynxes at all, but is

nocturnal (with a few exceptions),

Sariska. Yet, to sight this

instead related to the Serval-the

solitary (again with an exception –

mysterious cat is not easy.

African cat with long legs.

the lion) and mostly uncommon.

once had a distribution similar to

All these physical, morphological

that of the cheetah (Accinonyx

Caracals are small cats, but

Scientific name of caracal is

are amongst the heaviest of all

Caracal caracal (Schreber, 1776).

and behavioural traits make the

jubatus) through most of the arid

small cats, as well as the fastest.

Like the Tiger, Caracal also have

cat a ‘supreme predator’.

and semi-arid regions of India. A

Males typically weigh about 13-18

nine subspecies but this figure is

kg (28-40 1bs), while females are

disputed and not agreed upon

in Appendix II of CITES, although

through most Caracal habitats

smaller. The Caracal is 65 cm in

universally. These nine sub-spices

the Asian subspecies,

over the last few decades has

length (about 2 ft), plus 30 cm tail

are the Caracal caracal caracal,

C.c.schmitzi and C.c.michaelis,

drastically reduced its range and

(about 1foot). It has longer legs

East, Central and South Africa;

considered to be rare or

numbers. Its current distribution in

and a slimmer appearance than a

Caracal caracal algira, North

threatened, are listed in Appendix

India is restricted to the drier

lynx. Caracal is a Turkish word

Africa; Caracal caracal

I of CITES C.c. schmitzi is

parts (Corbett and Hill, 1992;

“karakulak” which means “black

damarensis, Namibia; Caracal

classified as Schedule I species in

Kitchener, 1991 ; Nowell and

ear”. Caracals are known and

caracal limpopoensis, Botswana;

Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act,

Jackson, 1996). Wild populations

called by many names; The Indian

Caracal caracal lucani, Gabon;

1972.

of Caracal have nearly reached

Lynx has no hindi or urdu name

Caracal caracal michaelis,

but it is known as ‘Siagos’ which

Turkmenistan (endangered);

The Caracal inhabits a wide range

jungles of Kutch and western

is in Persian. It has a popular

Caracal caracal nubica, Ethiopia,

of habitats and is found globally. It

India.

Legal Status Caracal is listed

rapid change in Land-use patterns

extinction in the thorn scrub

Habitat

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

WILD LIFE Since 1996, YV Jhala, Dinesh

15 months, and

Sharma, and Bharat Jetwa of the

females are

Wildlife Institute of India have had

sexually mature at

eight sightings of the Caracal in

14 to 16 months.

the Kutch district of Gujarat.

Body Shape and

Besides, its sightings has also

Size

been reported from other known

The caracal is a

areas - Narayan Sarovar, Gujarat;

medium sized cat.

Sariska Tiger Reserve,

Its hind legs are

Ranthambore National Park and

longer than its front,

Bikaner district, Rajasthan;

which helps it in

Melghat tiger reserve,

leaping in the air.

Maharashtra and Chambal Area

The front legs and

of Rajasthan and Madhya

shoulders are

Pradesh. Caracals are native to

heavily muscled, to

Africa, Asia, and even certain

help it clamp on to

areas of the Middle East.

its prey. The female

Behaviour and Ecology

attains an adult

The Caracal is a powerful and

body mass of ten to

adept hunter, with close range

11 kilograms, with

stalking culminating in a final swift

the male usually

leap. This very athletic feline is

twenty to thirty

capable of leaping to almost four

percent larger. Adult body length

(black) caracals also occur. Young

threatened in many parts of its

metres to grab a bird in flight.

is characteristically 61 to 90

caracals bear reddish spots on

distribution, particularly in Asia

Though it is a solo hunter, the

centimetres, the tail adding an

the underbelly that disappear

and parts of the Middle East.

adult female is often seen

additional thirty percent. Jaws are

when they grow up. Adults do not

Chiefly a solitary hunter, it is most

accompanied by one or more of

extremely powerful. Its hind paws

have markings except for black

often found in semi-arid grassland

her kittens while stalking.

are smaller than its front paws,

spots above the eyes. Caracal

and scrubland, and is capable of

Caracals are sometimes preyed

but are still large enough. All the

possesses a very unique

subsisting with access to little

upon by lion, hyena and leopard.

paws are wide, and well padded,

distinguishing physical feature. Its

surface water. Caracals have

In some areas Caracal competes

to help its movement remain quiet

ears are elongated, narrow and

been revered by some ancient

for prey with lion, leopard and the

in grass, or to walk in a deep

tipped with long black tufts of

cultures, the prime example being

painted hunting dog.

silence. Each paw also ends in

black hair on top of each ear.

extant Egyptian wall paintings and

four retractable claws, which are

These “ear tufts” can be as long

caracal sculpture found guarding

Like most other small cats,

four to five nails breadth in length.

as three inches and help insure

dynastic tombs. Caracals feed

caracals are solitary predators,

They are capable of tremendous

the Caracals survival. The ears

primarily on small antelopes and

coming together only to breed.

aerial acrobatics jumps and can

are controlled by 20 different

gazelles, hares, and small

During other parts of the year,

land safely. This is “fastest of all

muscles to help them find their

rodents. Depending on availability

caracals maintain exclusive

the small cats”. The caracal has

prey. The tufts pinpoint their prey.

and habitat, livestock, reptiles,

territories that preclude entry by

also been known to leap up into

In most cases, everything in

and carrion also play an important

members of the same sex.

the air to successfully catch flying

nature has a purpose. In this

role in their diet. In South Africa

Caracals appear to breed year

birds as prey.

case, not only do the ear tufts

and Namibia, caracals are

help direct sound waves into the

considered a significant predator

jungle cat. The caracal is normally

animal’s ears, but they also help

of sheep. Because of their

dark red, wine red, grey, or

reduce noise created when the

exceptional leaping ability, birds

golden sand in colour. Melanistic

animals head disturbs low lying

play an important role in their diet.

Social Structure

around, giving birth to anywhere from one to four cubs. Gestation lasts 78 to 81 days. Males are sexually mature at 12 to

It has a short tail compared to

branches. This maximizes the probability of catching prey. Caracal species is known for

Human and Caracal Other than cheetah, the caracal was the only other animal which

black markings above the eyes

was used by the Moghul’s for

and white fur under the chin and

hunting in those days. Caracals

on the chest and belly. A thin

have been revered by some

black strip connects the inner eye

ancient cultures, the prime

edge to the nasal zone. When the

example being extant Egyptian

pupil contracts, the resulting

wall paintings and caracal

geometric shape are not slit-like,

sculpture found guarding dynastic

but achieve a circular form.

tombs.

Eating Habits

(Courtesy: PIB Features)

This cat ranges over a broad geography, but its populations are

The author is Deputy Director(M & C), Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

CRUISING

BlueOcean Cruises

A dream Indian journey comes true

V OceanLife, India’s only cruise liner deployed by Blue Ocean Cruises a Mumbai based Cruise Company headed by Oneil R Khosa is setting up luxury on the waves of the Arabian Sea. Khosa, a veteran in the cruise and shipping industry with over 15 years of experience offers a cruise that provides an international experience with an Indian touch. OceanLife, one of the most stylish, modern and comfortable cruise ships Oneil R Khosa is a ninedeck vessel that can accommodate up to 574 passengers in 231 cabins. The ship boats of a large swimming pool, three hot tubs, a kid’s zone, a gaming zone and shopping. Most of the cabins can accommodate up to four passengers, kids up to five sail free, food by Taj including Jain meals are some of the features of the cruise. The onboard facilities include a spa and wellness zone, chill out zone and pool bar and lounge restaurant, serving

both Indian and International cuisines. Providing great value for money modes of accommodation include 35 suites, 121 outside staterooms and 75 inside staterooms. MV OceanLife will conduct 1-

restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner and midnight snacks along with fine wines is a great place to hang out, both day and night. The live band, DJ, the sail away bash and themed nights ranging from 70’s beats to

place to be. Spa and wellness zone services include a spa, gym, health and beauty salon as well as a sauna and three hot tubs. It is the place to get pampered with a range of massages and facial, body and

Night Mumbai-High SeasMumbai cruises, two- night Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai cruises with occasional cruises to Lakshadweep, Diu and Porbandar. The pool bar and

Bollywood tunes, the predinner cocktail at the chill-out zone with TV include the entertainment quarters onboard. For chatting over a drink and reading the Lounge near the chill-out zone is the

beauty treatments. OceanLife also hosts business meetings onboard with a meeting room capacity of 200 passengers and other locations up to 300 people. www.blueoceancruises.com

Spice Routes launches second houseboat

Spice Routes has launched their second Houseboat, ‘Spice Routes Pepper’, at the recently concluded Kerala Travel mart 2010 in Kochi. Dr. Venu, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, inaugurated the houseboat at Bolgatty Palace, the venue for Kerala Travel Mart. Directors of the company Scaria Jose, Jobin Joseph and Behoy Nhavallil were also present on the occasion. The two-bedroom houseboat will be the first centrally air-conditioned houseboat in Kerala. It has a living room, dining room, bathroom with bathtub facility, a library and Internet connectivity.

Cherian Philip, Chairman, KTDC and Sudheesh Kumar, President, KHRA at the cake mixing ceremony held at IHMCT Kovalam

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

EXPERIENCE

Temples by the bay

he colour of the sea was dark blue. It shimmered in the afternoon sun and the road ran parallel to the sea. We were approaching Mamallapuram, the sleepy temple town on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Mamallapuram, famous for the sculptors and rock caves lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. Named after a Pallava King who ruled in the seventh century, Mamallapuram was a bustling port town during its hay days. The temples of Mamallapuram, which depict events described in the Mahabharata were constructed during the period of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman. They are from a period during which the architecture style moved from rock-cut architecture to structural building. The pavilions and the shrines shaped as temple chariots were hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, was constructed from dressed stone. The Shore Temple

ASIAN TRAVELLER

includes many bas reliefs, including one 100 ft. long and 45 ft. high, carved out of granite. Radisson Temple Bay situated on the heart of the town is a convenient place to explore this town which still exudes the charm of the past. The resort is within easy reach of the ancient Shore Temple, as well as Kanchipuram and Pondicherry. After a warm welcome (which actually was a cool one with a welcome drink and a garland made of sea shells) I was escorted to a poolside cottage. Situated close to the meandering pool, which is the longest of its kind, it was ‘warm and inviting’. The resort hotel is a green oasis in the middle of the Mamallapuram which is more or less carved out and build of granite. Spread over 44 acres, the resort has a lot of flowering trees and sprawling lawn which is soothing to the eyes and mind. Just across the road from the resort is one of the largest areas which is home to a number of famous stone structures that include, Arjuna’s Penanace and

OCTOBER 2010

Krishna’s Butter Ball. The driver who took me for sightseeing around the hotel was a knowledgeable guy who took pains to explain the details of every sculptor. The shore temple is a structural temple along the Bay with the entrance facing away from the sea. Sitting at

The Wharf, a specialty restaurant at the Radisson Resort Temple Bay has an excellent view of this temple. On a full moon night the view from here is magnificent, I was told. One of these days I would like to go back to the resort just to have that experience.

WILDLIFE

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuar y

Where winged wonders come home to roost

birds. It is located in a unique ecosystem where both freshwater and marine habitats lie adjacent to each other. A hitherto unexplored pristine destination for nature and bird lovers, this sanctuary is getting ready to play host to a Global Bird Watchers’ Conference in November 2010. Khijadiya, a village 15 km from Jamnagar city in Saurashtra region, is a wetland and has been chosen as the venue for three-day International Bird Watchers’ Conference organised by the Government of Gujarat. About 100 bird experts from abroad and another 300 participants from home will participate in the three-day conference that will begin on November 25. The core objective behind this event is to put Gujarat on bird watchers’ global map and to project Gujarat as bird watchers global paradise. It is also aimed at popularising Gujarat’s wetlands like Nalsarovar, Thol Bird Sanctuary, Pariej, Wadhwana, and Nanikakrad which too attract birds in large droves. There are about 45 wetlands in Gujarat where the arrival of a little more than half a million

Among the many, the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in north western Gujarat, is a veritable paradise for waterfowls, waders and terrestrial birds. It is located in a unique ecosystem where both freshwater and marine habitats lie adjacent to each other. A hitherto unexplored pristine destination for nature and bird lovers, this sanctuary is getting ready to play host to a Global Bird Watchers’ Conference in November 2010.

Photos: Vatsal Trivedi, Ashvin Trivedi/ Courtesy: Gujarat Tourism

irds have always symbolised freedom and free spirit. It is fascinating to see birds roam the world with no restrictions or limitations. This trend of birds migration is amazing and awe-inspiring as to how they fly thousands of kilometers and unfailingly reach their destination with no error. To understand the complete life cycle of birds, ornithologists have to crisscross the globe along with them. Thus understanding the migratory patterns and the impact on the habitat where they choose to spend their winters. The migratory birds’ routes have been delineated and named. One such route is the Eurasian Migratory route in whose path falls Gujarat. With many wetlands in the coast and inland areas, the state is an ideal destination for migratory birds to nest and breed. As a result there are four major National Parks and 23 Wildlife Sanctuaries which also includes Bird Sanctuaries. Among the many, the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in north western Gujarat, is a veritable paradise for waterfowls, waders and terrestrial

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

WILDLIFE

birds is reported every year. Khijadiya is a typical Indian village with deep rooted customs and traditions. But the bird sanctuary makes it extra-ordinary. Rich

saline waters, tidal mudflats, mangroves, grass, scrub and agricultural lands which is frequented by 305 species of birds. The sanctuary has two sections – Dhunavav and

in bird heritage, Khijadiya Sanctuary is an avian abode where birders and ornithologists converge to sight an amazing variety of birds including the migratory ones from the Eurasian continent that arrive in quest of freshwater and marine habitats. Located at the watershed of Ruparel and Kallindi rivers, Khijadiya sanctuary’s unique ecosystem in part is Nature’s bounty and partly man-made. Waters drained by the two rivers are held back to form two freshwater lakes owing to a man-made bund built during the British era to prevent saline ingression. These lakes provide the freshwater ecosystem. Spread over 605 hectares, the sanctuary encompasses rivers, fresh, brackish and

Jambuda – named after the villages near which they are located. The marshes and creeks on the marine side supports mangroves and other marine vegetations, while the land side the sanctuary is dotted with the native variety of babul, prosopis and other shrubs that support a large fauna other than the avian variety. Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, the prime mover behind the event says “Environmental preservation and the maintenance of ecological balance are nonnegotiable elements of a sustainable growth agenda. Ensuring the sustenance of appropriate eco-systems for birds from around the world is one of our key objectives. By focusing on birds and the

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

sites and habitats on which they depend, Gujarat’s new initiative is aimed at improving the quality of life for birds. Of late, Gujarat is emerging as an eco-tourism destination of value. It is a land of warmth and hospitality and it is pleasing that birds, the angels of nature, too feel this spirit and flock down from distant. “We hope our initiative will also bring thousands of avid bird watchers and nature lovers to visit Gujarat to have a glimpse of the rich bird species that migrate into the region” opines the Chief Minister. At Khijadiya one can have glimpse of black-necked stork, the sanctuary’s star attraction, the black-headed ibis, the bird with white plumage, Dalmatian pelican, the gliding and soaring large spotted eagles, the deep-pink with deep crimson lesser flamingo, the painted storks that reside and breed in the sanctuary, the oriental darter having a long snake like neck with stiff fan shaped tail, the Eurasian curley, the huge wader, the European roller, the beautiful bird with pale blue head. The other birds include the Oriental white-eye with its olive yellow top feathers and bright yellow throat, the Northern shoveler that migrates from Europe to the sanctuary in September and stays here till May, the spotbilled duck which is a resident and stays till May, the colourful kingfishers, crested lark, the Indian courser, the

beautiful bird with white and lack stripes, demoiselle cranes that visits Khijadia in thousands during October. To enable bird watchers from within the country and abroad to visit Khijadiya, the Gujarat government has envisaged special measures, which include laying an allweather road up to village Khijadiya to enable smooth transportation to and from the Sanctuary, construction of a Tourist hostel with all amenities. Three observation towers have been erected within the sanctuary. Vehicle facility for visitors to commute to and from the Sanctuary will be made available. Steps have also been taken to make Khijadiya a nature education centre to educate and enlighten visitors about the importance of birds found in the sanctury. Gujarat has earned the reputation of being one of the most prolific bird-watching areas in all of Asia. It is well known for its rich wildlife and traditionally its people have a penchant for conservation. Come participate in the Global Bird watchers’ conference and let the avian paradise of Khijadiya thrill you.

KERALA TRAVELLER

International stars turn up for ‘Your moment is waiting’ premiere

n one of its biggest marketing coups ever, Kerala Tourism unveiled its latest destination campaign film, Your Moment is Waiting, to a star studded audience at the Saatchi Gallery in London. The red carpet event during London Fashion Week drew the who’s who of London including: Soccer stars Didier Drogba, Gary Linekar, actors Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Priya Kalidas, Sadie Frost and Dougray Scott, glamour couple Yasmin and Simon Le Bon, British MPs Lord Swaraj Paul and Keith Vaz. Gold medalist Christine Ohuruogu, models Anna Friel, Jade Jagger, Daisy Lowe, Meg Mathews and TV presenters Lisa Snowdon and Mariella Frostrup, Sam

Branson were some of 150 guests who attended the high profile event. The film drew tremendous

reaction from the crowd after it was premiered with many celebrities saying they will be visiting Kerala this year. Dr Venu, Secretary, Kerala Tourism who played host to over 150 guests said it was

evening, the stars were mesmerized by stunning live Mohiniyattom, Ottamthullal performances by Corinne Mathou from France and Hartmut Schmidt from Germany. The campaign will run in Miriam Ilorah, cinemas the model in the film Photo by Ashish Chawla across the UK where the movie ‘Eat, Pray and “Kerala has always Love’ is being shown. Also on corresponded with western CNN Europe, targeting notions of Eden with its seductive beauty and weather. viewers in the key source markets of Germany, France, This very beautiful film will Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, ensure that it introduces a Switzerland and Belgium. whole new audience to the Your Moment is Waiting enticing charms of the was conceived and scripted by destination. We are Stark Communications which immensely proud of our has been handling the Kerala destination and know that Tourism brand for almost two once you visit Kerala, it will change your attitude towards decades, and directed by Indian director Prakash traveling forever. When you Varma. visit Kerala, it is about It depicts Kerala as a traveling inwardly as well as physically and this moment is mystical and transforming land that delivers an communicated beautifully emotional experience for the within the film.” traveller. During the course of the fantastic to see so many celebrities taking the time to attend a Kerala event and endorsing the film.

Dr. Venu IAS, Rt Hon Keith Vaz, business man Stephen Perdew and Michelin chef Sriram Aylur

Mohanlal with director Parkash Varma and Sanil Kumar

Soccer superstar Didier Drogba and his wife

Richard Branson's son Sam and M Sivasankar IAS of Kerala Tourism

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

ACCOLADES

A bouquet of awards for The Leela Group

he Leela Palaces, Hotels and

was accorded the honour of the

Resorts is making waves

Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in the

globally with a harvest of awards

world.

conferred upon the chain in the last few weeks. The World Travel Awards (WTA), Asia and Australia, Carl Vaz, Director, DTCM receiving the India Award for Excellent Mktg. Team in India from Salman Khurshid, Union Minister for Corporate Affairs , Govt. of India and Nasir A Wani, Tourism Minister Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir at the 6th Hospitality India & Explore the World Annual International Awards-2010 in association with Austrian Tourism at The Ashok Hotel, Convention Hall, New Delhi

awarded the iconic Leela Palace Bangalore as India’s Leading Conference Hotel, and the Group’s beachfront property in Kerala, The Leela Kovalam Beach, was recognised as Asia’s Leading Resort. The Group was also felicitated at the Luxury Hotel Awards, with The Leela Palace Bangalore voted as the Best

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai office was recently acknowledged for its destination marketing efforts by the organizers of Locations 2010, a film industry locale promotion event with ‘PRIVE Maximum Indian Films Shot in a Destination’. Sonalee Vaz, Tourism Authority of Thailand Mumbai representative received the award from Dharmesh Tiwari, President - Federation of Western India Cine Employs. (R) Sethaphan Buddhani – Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai office with the award.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

Luxury City Hotel in India, while The Leela Palace Udaipur

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

Deepavali

Festival of lights Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam

day on which cow and calf are

first so festival is celebrated a day

Krishna defeating Indra, the deity

worshipped, Naraka Chaturdashi,

earlier in South India.

of thunder and rain. Accoding to

Lakshmi Puja is one of the

the legend Indra was then

amil Nadu is home to some

the day Narakasura was killed by

of the most vibrant

god Krishna, Diwali, on which

most important day of Diwali

angered, and flooded the village

celebrations at the time of

Lakshmi Puja is held according to

celebrations. The second day is

after Krishna debated and

Deepavali or Diwali although it is

the Hindu traditions, which is also

Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is

convinces the villagers to

celebrated throughout India.

the last day of the year.

performed. It is believed that on

concentrate on their agriculture

Deepavali is the festival of lights

Govardhan Puja is celebrated

this day Goddess Lakshmi would

and cattle farming than make

which the young and old, rich and

after Diwali commemorating the

be in her benevolent mood and

huge offering to the gods. Krishna

poor celebrates with the same vim

Indra defeat by Krishna.

fulfill the wishes of her devotees.

then lifted Mt Govardhan and held

One version says that it was on

it up as protection to his people

and vigour. Deepavali is

Three Legends are associated

celebrated by the lighting of diyas

with the festival. In Tamil Nadu

this day that Goddess Lakshmi

and cattle from the rain. Indra

and bursting of crackers

and most of South India,

emerged from Kshira Sagara

finally accepts defeat.

overnight, distributing sweets and

Deepavali is celebrated

(Ocean of Milk) when the Gods

Tamil Nadu is one of the

gifts. It is to signify victory of

remembering the killing of the

and demons were churning the

places that have to be visited at

good over the evil in the world as

demon Narakasura by Lord

sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit).

the time of Deepavali as the state

well as within an individual.

Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

The legend of Govardhan Puja

is full of festivities in full fervor.

In North India, Diwali

which is celebrated after

The traditional oil bath is the main

and bringings light into their life.

commemorates the return of Lord

Deepavali says the story of

ritual of the Tamilians which they

The festival falls on October-

Ram along with Sita and

do well before sunrise around 3 o’

November and as per the Hindu

Lakshman from his 14 years of

clock. The entire household is

calendar, the five day festival of

exile after killing Ravana which

cleaned and they get into their

Deepavali is centered on the new

also symbolizes the win of good

new festival attires. They use to

moon day that ends the month of

over evil. It is believed that the

invite their dear ones for the

Ashwin and begins the month of

people lit ghee lamps along the

feastings.

Kartika.

way to light their path in the

The festival symbolizes unity

In south India the second day

darkness to Ayodhya in North

is the actual day of festivities. The

celebrations are spread over four

India, the homeland of Ram. They

Tamils draw elaborate ‘kolams’ in

days, which are; Vasu Baras the

had to pass through South India

front of their homes and lights

The traditional Deepavali

small lamps around the house. Special pujas are held for lord Krishna and after that children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

KARNATAKA TRAVELLER

Dasara

A festival of fervor

asara is celebrated during the month of October in many parts of India. Also known as ‘Navratri and Vijayadashami,’ the festival lasts nine nights and the festivities reach its peak on Navrathri, the last day. Dasara is considered to be a Royal festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology the festival celebrates and commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over demon Mahishasura. According to the myth the demon Mahishasura got a boon that his death could happen only at the hands of a woman, which he believed was impossible. He used the boon to his advantage and unleashed terror and cruelty. When it became unbearable and the male gods failed to destroy the demon, Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) was called to slay the demon. The fight between Chamundeshwari and Mahishasura lasted for nine days and nights. These nine

days came to be called Navaratri or Dasara. Chamundeshwari is the personification of courage, strength and power. Praying to her, especially during Dasara, is believed to help one to be blessed with all these qualities. It is believed that the Goddess Shakti is the most powerful during this time and hence rituals are also performed to appease her. Dasara, which have become an integral part of the culture and life in Mysore is now the state festival of Karnataka. The celebration has its roots to the royal family of Mysore. They still perform the special pujas during this 10-day festival. In Karnataka, Dasara is also celebrated as Nadahabba. Dasara coincides with the period of rest and leisure for the farmers after their strenuous hard work in their farms and fields. They invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga to have a rich harvest next season as the period of the year which the harvest season

begins. Religious performances and rituals are also performed to call on the

opportunity to showcase their talents in singing, dancing and merry making along with

cosmic forces for the rejuvenation of the soil to start the next season afresh. On the day of Dasara, statues of the Goddess Durga made by clay are taken and immersed in the river waters. A pooja is performed with turmeric and other items, which also act powerful disinfectants, get mixed to the river waters. This water helps farmers yield better crops. The custom of worshipping dolls ‘Gombe Tottilu’ is actually a symbolic representation of a durbar or a court. For many women it was an

preparing the Gombe Bagina. The history of Dasara festival in Karnataka dates back to 15th century. It was the Wodeyars of Mysore who followed the tradition of celebrating Dasara. The pooja was held in the Chamundi Temple located on a hilltop. This year, the Dasara celebrations achieve more significance because this is the four hundredth year celebration of Dasara in Mysore they also mark the 125th birth anniversary of Mysore king Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and the 100th year for the Mysore Palace. A procession with the decorated idol of the goddess on an elephant back is taken out on the city streets after worshipped by the royal couple. Dance groups, decorated horses, elephants, camels, music bands and other colorful pictures also take part in the procession. The other interesting event organized during Dasara is the exhibition which includes apparels, eatables, kitchenware, plastic items and cosmetics. The Dasara fair offers fun for people of all ages enduring the customs and traditions.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

HOSPITALITY

Inovoa Hotels & Resorts launches Clarion – Bengaluru

novoa Hotels & Resorts Limited has launched Clarion- Bengaluru, . which is positioned as a business hotel catering to the frequent business travellers, who seek quality and comfort. This contemporary style hotel, conveniently located in the commercial hub of IT market, and is within close to major business areas and places of tourist interest is tideally placed for the business travellers. “With our strategic location, impeccable service, warm hospitality and above all a quality product, we are certain that Clarion, Bengaluru will very soon be the preferred Choice of the

ASIAN TRAVELLER

business traveller,” said Praveen Chawla, Chief Operating Officer, Inovoa Hotels & Resorts Limited. Renu Varghese, the GM, Clarion Bengaluru added, “This contemporary style hotel with a fresh and chic appeal, conveniently located in the commercial hub of IT market, and within the close proximity to major business areas, is ideal for business travellers.” Clarion Hotel, Bengaluru offers 130 elegantly furnished Executive and Executive Premier Guestrooms, an all day dinning restaurant and modern conference facilities, backed with friendly and professional services.

OCTOBER 2010

“Va Bene” the all-day dinning restaurant of the hotel, is a perfect place for an elegant business dinner, or a quick business lunch. It offers

an interesting range of culinary delights, a fine selection of beverages, “Va Bene” will be the preferred choice of the social circle.

Radisson Hotel Delhi bags ‘The Best Airport Hotel’

adisson Hotel Delhi (NH-8) has been named Asia’s best Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia. “The award reinforces our position as Asia and India’s finest business hotel with the unique location advantage of being right next to the

international and domestic airport and 5 minutes from the commercial hub of Gurgaon. It is also a reflection of our success in delighting our customers with best in class service in the world,” said Javed Ali, vice president and general manager, Radisson Hotel Delhi.

INDIAN PANORAMA

MTDC and offbeat destinations launches special tours

Bihar cabinet approves tourism policy

aharashtra Tour ism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Pune-based Offbeat Destinations launches special tours titled ‘Asa Ha Maharashtra’ to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Maharashtra. Special tour will take place in 2 parts and will commence in November, this year starting from Pune. The

first part of the special tour starts from November 11-23 covering major destinations like Raigad, Chikhalgaon, Ganpatiphule, Aravali, Kolhapur, Satara, Ahmednagar and Aurangabad for 12 nights, 13 days itinerary. The second phase of the tour starts from November 23December 4 for 11 nights, 12

days covering places like Jalgoan, Chikaldhara, Nagpur, Anandvan, Sevagram, Nanded, Latur, and Solapur. Vijay Chavan, General Manager, MTDC said, “Asa Ha Maharashtra will allow travellers to explore different facets of Maharashtra. The itinerary covers off beat destinations offering heritage, industrial, agricultural, religious experiences in Maharashtra destination.” The First 50 passengers will be offered, the package at Rs 20,000 per person, Rs 23,000 for 51-150 passengers and Rs 26,000 for 151 and more passengers. Special tours to offbeat destinations will be conducting starting from Pune for exploring other destinations.

ihar government ratifies the much awaited tourism

policy in a bid to attract investments. The state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ratifies the tourism policy in a bid to attract investments. The investors would be entitled to get the same benefits which the entrepreneurs get for setting up industries in the state under the Bihar Industrial Policy, 2006. The cabinet has also given the approval to constitute a separate tourist police force at important tourist spots like Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda. The approval of the policy will help the prospective investors in the tourism sectors to get rebates in land registration, electricity consumption, luxury tax for seven years and other benefits.

SriLankan Airlines on rapid expansion

SriLankan Airlines is all set to

riLankan Airlines is

has witnessed steady growth

offering more convenience

since its 30-year war ended in

increase flights this winter season

major cities there to allow

to travelers between

provide several flights a day to all

May, with tourists flocking to the

to a dozen cities throughout

travellers to choose which time of

Colombo and India’s major cities,

island despite the global

Europe, the Middle East, the

day they would prefer to fly.”

by adding several flights to

economic downturn which has

Subcontinent, and Far East, based

December 15. New flights will be

discouraged air travel. Statistics

on its projection that passenger

season is very encouraging and

launched to Guangzhou of China

from the Sri Lanka Tourism

numbers will definitely increase

we are providing more flights to

from January 28, SriLankan

Development Authority show that

following the Dawn of Peace in Sri

destination where we experience

announced.

tourism from all countries grew

Lanka.

high market growth. These

“Forward booking for winter

Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. Following additional demand, the airline is hoping to improve connectivity as flights to Mumbai will increase to ten per week, while flights to Chennai will rise to 15 flights every seven days. The number of flights to Male has been increased from three now to six per week from December 01. Number of flights to London which is 13 per week now is also to be increased from

SriLankan Airlines will purchase seven more aircraft next year, including five Airbus A320s. The country’s tourism industry

by 34 per cent in August 2009 in comparison to the same month in the previous year, and 28 per cent in July.

Mohamed Fazeel, Head of

increase in flights will be effective

Worldwide Sales at SriLankan,

from 25th October, and our new

said We are expanding our

Milan service will be launched on

operations to India. Our aim is to

16th December,” he added.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

DOWN UNDER

Kakadu National Park

Aboriginal Australia Kris Madden

national park. The name Kakadu comes here’s nothing like the from the Gagudju Aboriginal people who once lived here. 20,000 square They left a rich heritage which kilometres that make UNESCO has described as ‘a up Kakadu National Park. unique archaeological and Australia’s largest national ethnological reserve’. At more park is the size of Israel, a third the size of Tasmania and than 50,000 years, this land has one of the longest nearly half the size of historical records of any Switzerland, so you’ll need people in the world. There are plenty of time to explore it more than 5,000 recorded rock fully. Start at the Window on the art sites along and ancestral trails known as Dreaming Wetlands Visitor Centre on Tracks across the landscape. Beatrice Hill, approximately Along with its cultural 60 kilometres from Darwin. You’ll easily see the upswept significance, this WorldHeritage-listed treasure has a line of the Visitors Centre pedigree of impeccable roof, which reflects the environmental credentials. contours of the hills in the

area. The Arnhem Highway takes you across five of the eight rivers as you travel between Darwin and Jabiru, the main township in Kakadu and the gateway to the

Kakadu National Park was first inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1981. Native wildlife abounds and ‘twitchers’ will be able to tick about one-third

of all Australia’s bird species off their list. Jim Jim and Twin Falls are among the most spectacular natural sights in the top end but you’ll need 4WD to get there and it’s only accessible in the dry season. If seeing a crocodile in the wild is on your ‘to-do’ list – this is probably your best chance, as both ‘salties’ and ‘freshies’ live in here, so take notice of the signs! And you can’t miss the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre it’s built in the shape of the local pig-nosed turtle. There are so many must-do activities within Kakadu National Park the hard part will be deciding which to do. From Jabiru you could take a scenic flight for a bird’s-eye view; or take a boat trip on the

East Alligator River and experience the ever changing palette of nature’s best scenery. See the land through the eyes of the local Bininj people by spending the night at the Kakadu Culture Camp. The Mary River region is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Top End and a day should be set aside to explore it fully. Other areas to visit are Yurmikmik in the wet season or Gunlom in the dry. Ubirr, the most famous of Kakadu’s art sites is not to be missed; while Nourlangie Rock, Kakadu’s second greatest art site, has the image of Namarrgon, the lightning man. Each of Kakadu’s chameleon-like six seasons reveals its own wonder – from torrential rain to mudcracking drought. That’s just one of the reasons Kakadu is an Australian icon. Text and Photos. Courtesy: Tourism Australia

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

TRENDS

Home stays have come to stay! Asha Chandran Perinchery

revered pilgrim centres that will enlighten you for spiritual

ndia abounds in her kaleidoscopic ecosystems and is a treasure house of cultural

sustenance and transformation. Responsible tourism is the catch phrase now. What is

heritages of great antiquity. The

responsible tourism? Live and let

exotic flora and fauna, the verdant

live, acknowledge the fact that

forests, gushing cascades, the

fresh air, clear and potable water

tranquil beaches, idyllic hill

and the right to live peacefully is

stations, the captivating art forms

as much for animals, and

and a bevy of colourful pageants

indigenous folk as well as nature.

and festivals as well as the

The key aspect of responsible

cultural and historical monuments

tourism is to observe basic eco-

add to the charm of the land. The

ethical tenets. Tread softly while

diversity of India is almost

you move along a jungle or

enigmatic and has beckoned

mountain trail.

visitors in their quest for riches

Just like the butterfly effect, a

like spices and the like from times

slight movement of a log of wood

immemorial. Yet in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stress

or the rolling down of a stone or

ridden times what attract many to

even a pebble can have a

India are not the material riches,

catastrophic effect. Shoot only

in voluntary activities that can

around every corner; so there is

but the rejuvenating peace and

pictures. Wear only sober,

actually act as a balm on your

always more to discover. Praveen

serenity it can offer.

camouflage clothing. Noise is the

frayed nerves. Simple tenets;

Muraleedharan, with his penchant

bane of our day to day life. In

those that you have learned in the

for all things wild, spends any free

by the pine scented forests,

forests and jungles, silence must

kindergarten!

time he gets exploring reserve

experience the healing touch of

be the order of the day. Clean up

the palm fringed golden beaches,

your mess and never ever litter.

and sustainable tenets in mind,

gave up a career in management

soak in the mesmerizing vista of

Instead of opting for your style of

TeamEco Ventures India Private

to pursue his passion for

the rich and diverse flora as well

life even at the place of visit, live

Limited became a reality when two

photography and travel, while

as fauna and most importantly

by the style of the place you are

like-minded youngsters with a

Praveen, a veteran in the field,

surrender to the magical fingers of

in. Merge and be one with it.

passion for nature and wildlife

now hosts a travel documentary

specially trained Ayurvedic

Instead of being indoors, go into

came together and decided to

for a Malayalam television

masseurs, to medicated baths that

the outdoors and sense the

share their expertise and

channel.

will refresh you, herbal diets that

simple pleasures of rustic / ethnic

experiences with the world.

will replenish you, yoga that will

life. Take part in the past times of

revitalize you, and meditation that

the place - go for fishing or coir

Kerala with its diverse geography

and the only way to experience it

will recharge you and visiting

making or rubber tapping. Engage

and rich culture has a surprise

is by incorporating a holistic,

Engage in meditative walking

Operating with these pertinent

Suraj Khan believes that

forests and sanctuaries. Suraj

The duo believe that Kerala is a land with unlimited opportunities

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

TRENDS

Homestays are a fascinating experience to guests as they are like a home away from home. They offer myriad opportunities to enrich one’s holidays by tasting the cuisine, flavours, lifestyle and culture of the location they are in, even as they experience the hospitality of the host family. himself is a keen lover of nature,

make this homestay one with a

available to explore the villages

butterflies and is passionate about

difference.

nearby.

photography. This homestay,

Yet another homestay TeamEco

TeamEco Ventures India

which is located in a rubber

Ventures promote with enthusiasm

Private Limited has tied up with a

plantation, is in close proximity to

is Palathra Heritage homestay at

few upcoming properties not only

Gavi, Periyar Tiger Reserve and

Marari. Owned by Abey Palathra

in Kerala but also neighbouring

Kumili, all places worth seeing.

Cherian, this homestay is set in

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These

Though there is a kitchen and

about an acre of land. The

include ones at Pollachi (heritage,

staff to tend to the guests, they

remains of ancient Illams or

culture and birding); Tenkasi

can take part in the cooking

Namboothiri houses that reflect

(village life, birding and wild life);

process and learn about the local

the primeval Kerala architectural

Parambikulam (birding, trekking,

cuisine.

beauty have been painstakingly

safari, nature walk); Pachakkanam

re-constructed to build three

(close to Periyar Tiger Reserve –

is a feast for the eyes as it is

individual cottages. Close to the

and hence birding and wildlife);

replete with birds and butterflies.

Marari beach, the itinerary offers

Kuttikaanam (cycling, trekking,

Thomas has stain glass painting

prospects of experiencing the

nature walk, butterfly watching,

for a hobby and takes his

simplicity of coastal life, taking

birding); Kodaikanal (camping,

homestay clients through a

part in a coir making session, and

trekking, nature walk, birding);

session! Besides, he is a keen

indulging in cooking local

Coorg (plantation visits, cuisine,

dog lover with a difference: he

delicacies. The property has water

birding, nature walk); Wyanad

responsible and an interactive

breeds native dogs like Kombai,

bodies and so one can even

(plantation visits, birding, nature

approach to tourism. So their tour

Rajapalayam and Kanni. There are

patiently angle for fish.

walk); Hampi and Anegundi

company, TeamEco Ventures,

streams nearby and a stream visit

brings together multitude custom-

is also part of the itinerary.

cruises along the meandering

coracle ferrying); Kotagiri (culture,

made options adventure and

Thomas has converted his

backwaters and waterways

landscape and birding) and Kallar

leisure holidays, camps, treks and

bungalow into a plantation for the

listening to the whisper of the

in Munnar (birding, butterfly

tours. They also provide an in-

sheer love of showcasing the

palm fronds and the cuckoo’s call

watching, trekking, camping).

house naturalist who not only

uniqueness of the place - all these

is also on cards. Bicycles are

Bookings for all these Homestays

A walk through the plantation

Ayurvedic massages and

(culture, heritage, riverside ruins,

helps identify flora and fauna but also teaches their clients jungle etiquette. Homestays are a fascinating experience to guests as they are like a home away from home. They offer myriad opportunities to enrich one’s holidays by tasting the cuisine, flavours, lifestyle and culture of the location they are in, even as they experience the hospitality of the host family. Staying in such homely abodes also helps to know about the local community, and assists communities to improve their lives and environment. TeamEco Ventures is proud to promote Homestays in a big way by having their clients stay in them. One homestay they have a tie with is Me & Nature, a Plantation Bungalow at Perunaad, Ranni, owned by Viju Thomas. Thomas

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

TRENDS are exclusively marketed by

experiences of high speeds,

wildlife destinations, hill stations,

TeamEco Ventures. Other than

awesome jumps, sliding moves

beaches, places of historical

these tours and packages,

and drives along muddy tracks –

importance, popular tourist spots

TeamEco Ventures also offer

all full up with a fair amount of

and pilgrim centers in South India

matchless packages for corporate

dare devilry.

with the spotlight on Kerala. For

Experience the flavour of

team outs, events and

international tourists who wish to

conferences, exotic photography

South India like never before in

discover India on a budget,

tours and need based, tailor-made

premium, luxury and budget

TeamEco Ventures will create an

educational and special interest

package options with TeamEco

itinerary inclusive of stay and

tours. Munnar also has amazing

Ventures.

travel arrangements. Their tour

opportunities for off-roading.

If your idea of a holiay is to

packages have been developed

Off-roading is cross country

rough it out in the wilderness then

after valuable interactions with

driving which entails driving on

pitch a tent and go on a jungle

clients over the years and are

unpaved roads, gravel, sand,

trek or you can laze about in the

being constantly updated for the

rocks, mud and other natural

serene backwaters for days at

clients’ benefit.

terrain. A high adrenalin sport that

end. Whatever you want, just

is slowly but steadily capturing

remember that most of their packages can be customized to fit

the imagination of thrill-seekers, Off-roading gives one the

Praveen Muraleedharan

Suraj Khan

your needs. Their packages cover

Executive Events to manage Asia Pacific Aquaculture 2011 in Cochin

For details visit www. ecoventures.in Photos: Praveen Muraleedharan, Suraj Khan

ATE forays into hospitalit y business

ochin-based event

shortlisted agencies and bagged

conference will also help open up

management company

the duties to manage the

an international market for Indian

Executive Events will

conference and expo. The event

seafood. The conference is

manage the Asia Pacific

will cater to scientists,

expected to have 120 speakers

Aquaculture Conference 2011.

researchers, students, professors

from around the world and is likely

company with more than 38

This annual

in fishing and aquaculture

to be attended by around 3,000

years of standing in the industry,

conference

industries, industrialists, seafood

delegates. The event will be

has ventured into the hospitality

and expo of

exporters and fishing equipment

promoted through the Internet,

division by setting up mid

the World

manufacturers. The exhibition will

mailers, brochures, mainstream

segment and upper mid segment

Aquaculture

have 120 stalls on equipments,

media and also through

hotels in different locations in

Society based

services, information and latest

institutions and industry houses.”

Kerala. The hospitality division is

in Los

updates in the

Angeles, will be held in

Raju Kannampuzha, MD, Executive Events

India for the first time. The

While the event is

irtravel Enterprises (ATE) group, a travel and tour

branded ‘The Capital’. The chain now has hotels in

aquaculture and

being organized by

fishing industry.

the World

Trivandrum (The Capital-

Aquaculture Society,

Trivandrum), Fort Kochi (The

Commenting on

conference will be held at Le

the conference, Raju

it is co-organized by

Capital Anchor House, Fort

Meridien Hotel in Cochin from

Kannampuzha,

Kerala Agriculture

Kochi), Ernakulam (The Capital –

January 17-20, 2011.

Managing Director,

University and

Ernakulam and Munnar (The

Executive Events,

Department Of

Capital Munnar).

between Asia Pacific countries.

said, “The conference

Fisheries of the

India had bid for this conference

is set to provide India with several

Government of Kerala. Executive

commissioning hotels at

in the international forum and won

opportunities to showcase her

Events has been in the business

Kumarakom and Kovalam also.

the mandate to host the

capacity, growth and facilities in

of management of MICE events,

The group will spread out to the

conference. Executive Events

the field of fisheries, aquaculture

corporate events, weddings and

metros in India as well in foreign

competed against seven

and seafood export. This

entertainment since six years.

locations.

The meet is an annual event

The Capital will be shortly

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

MARKETING

California launches new visitor website for the Indian market

www.visitcalifornia.in.”

has launched its India website,

from India to the United States are

www.visitcalifornia.in,

projected to grow 72 per cent

alifornia, a fast emerging

as a favored destination among Indian travellers,

in continuation of its efforts to

India is one of the fastestgrowing travel markets. Arrivals

search by region, lifestyle, and

you are looking for a fun-filled

things to do to create the perfect

holiday with your family, exploring

custom trip to the Golden State.

California as a wine and food

“The website provides

destination, or planning your

between 2010 and 2014 (from

capture the market. The diversity

615,000 to 1,058,000), according

and variety of attractions and

to the U.S. Department of

activities make California very

Commerce Office of Travel and

appealing to the new group of Indian travelers who are sophisticated, well-informed and demanding enriching experiences from their holidays. “India is one of California’s premier emerging markets, and the website is a key part of our strategy and commitment to the Indian market,” said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president and CEO. “We hope to extend a California

Tourism Industries. In 2009, 29

valuable information for travellers

honeymoon, the website will give

welcome to all Indian travelers

per cent of Indians visiting the

to help them customize their own

you innovative ideas about

with this new website.

U.S. visited California, 33 per cent

unique itinerary,” said Sheema

California.”

of whom came for leisure trips.

Vohra, President of Sartha

There are so many things to

Directly following the U.S.

Marketing Consultants and

Travel Association India Trade

Indian travelers to have all of the

tourism website is just another

CTTC’s representative in India.

Mission, CTTC will conduct a

information that they need to

step in providing Indians the best

“California has so much to see

South India Mission in Chennai

expertly plan their trip – from

travel-planning tools California

and do, and sometimes it is hard

and Bengaluru.

shopping and dining, visiting our

has to offer.

for visitors to choose what to

do in California, and we want

iconic attractions, hiking

The launch of the California

On our website travellers will

This is the first such

include in their trip. Itineraries

educational forum organized by a

thousands of miles of nature

find maps, itinerary suggestions,

featured in the website were

U.S. tourism organization. The

trails, skiing our mountains, or

phone numbers, visa

created for the Indian traveler who

delegation will be interacting with

just enjoying a leisurely tour of

requirements and much more. In

wants to explore as much of

travel agents and other trade

California’s vineyards – at

addition, users will be able to

California as possible. Whether

partners.

CTTC organises road-show in Bengaluru and Chennai

Bangalore CTTC Team: Jason Pacheco, Sheema Vohra,Annie Allen, Helen Tsui, Joseph Fernandes, Sona Das and Stefan Merkl

he California Travel And products and meet with Tourism Commission has suppliers. organised road-shows in Bengaluru and Chennai during the second week of September. The objective of the Trade Mission was to promote the state of California (U.S.A) as a preferred destination for Indian leisure travellers. The business sessions in both cities provided a good platform for the travel agents Jason Pacheco, Acting Director, CTTC, India to get updates on the U.S. speaks at the roadshow

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

PROFILE

Lotus Tours & Travells

Experience the passion of travel Rumble your passion well with Lotus Tours and Travel's trustworthy trips. Make your holidays meaningful and memorable by availing the comprehensive tourism and travel services at the highest standards provided by Lotus Tours and Travell's at competitive prices. Be it in homeland Asia, China or Cambodia, the visitor can count on Lotus Tours and Travells for it's an accented professional giant with a standing of over 15 years in the travel industry. Their strong knowledge experience, cutting-edge technology gives tourists and

travel enthusiasts friendly and everlasting memories to cherish. With its team of dedicated professionals and partner hotels and resorts, you are sure to get the best experience in terms of arranging tours, ensuring comfort by booking your choice of the hotel. They are not just any other travel company but a bunch of passionate individuals committed to enhance experiences through interesting or customized tour packages delivered at the highest quality standards. Business enhancement is given a new dimension by the

industrial visits and conferences arranged by them. Vimal, the dynamic power behind Lotus Tours and Travels is an ardent traveler himself. Gathering the best information Vimal of every Lotus Tours & Travells country he visits, it helps him conceive the best tour packages for you. He knows every detail which a traveler is curious about and excited about and that is a result of his rich and wide travel experience to various tourist spots. Vimal promises you a lifetime

memory with his exciting travels. The visitors can be at ease choosing the tour package they prefer, as Lotus tours and Travels organizes Group Tours which include School Educational Tours, College Industrial Tours, Corporate Tours, Family and friends' get-together Tours. Known for their responsible travel holidays, Lotus believes in three simple guiding principles regarding the way one needs to travel. That is one has to realize that every destination is someone else's home, leave places as we would like to find them and ensure that communities benefit from the visits. www.lotustours.in

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

PROFILE

Kumaran Silks

Upholding traditional values

umaran Silks is a widely sought-after textile industry in the Indian community and other Asian communities from Srilanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Kumaran Silks have their outlets in more than 25 countries across the world. The textile has always been specific with a blend of tradition and modernity to meet the demands and needs of the Indian and Asian community. Established in 1955 by P. Chengalvaraya Chettiar and his son P.C. Ramamurthy, Kumaran Silks later set up manufacturing units at Kanchipuram, Kumbakkonam and Arni. Spread around 60,000 sq. ft., Kumaran Silks

ASIAN TRAVELLER

Chennai is the world's largest textile showroom that houses all varieties of saris woven through the length and breadth of India. Now man-

aged by his four sons P.R. Babu, P.R. Subramanian, P.R. Kesavan and P.R. Kumar, Kumaran silk remains an inspiration to the textile industry in India, developed with exceptional skill in selecting the right goods based on the trend and taste of the customers worldwide. It has many new products designed and woven using jute, banana fiber, soya, tassar

OCTOBER 2010

etc. Shimmering zaris, sizzling salwars, crisp Tassar silk, you name it and you have it. The brides find it an enchanting haven and with that the shopping is made easy under one roof providing a traditional and trendy ambience. It provides a wide range of traditional P.C. Ramamurthy Kumaran Silks, Chennai collections, apart from readymade garments for kids and classic fabrics for men. The latest stocks are displayed on the web and the customer from any part of the world can see and product would be delivered at your doorstep. The

design team also interacts with the customers at the showroom frequently to get a feel of the customer needs and then create the designs. A one-stop shop for the family and a dream come true, Kumaran Silks' upholds the traditional values as they weave tradition into every garment and make it noteworthy rendering quality services. As the customers are constantly provided with new choices in trendy designs, Kumaran Silks' has become a household name when it comes to innovative fabrics and concepts and by virtue of that it has earned a unique name among the masses and classes. www.kumaransilks.net

HOSPITALITY

Hospitalit y Redefined

Hospitality Health and Happiness K V Simon

he recently concluded FHRAI (Federation of Hoteliers and Restaurants Association of India) Convention had as its theme “Wellness”. Perhaps the take home learning was that there is a relationship between wellness and hospitality and wellnesshospitality would mean hospitality which takes into account the whole person; the body, soul and spirit. This holistic approach requires some fundamental introspection, in the age of lifestyle marketing and products. Commercial hospitality thrives on leisure,

pleasure, and a host of other things which often contributes to lifestyle diseases rather than health and happiness. If we are to accept the scriptural verdict “Man shall eat his bread by the sweat of his brow”; it is only a few of us who deserve our daily bread. The only time we want to sweat it seems, is in the gym and we are willing to pay for it. Our non-sweating sedentary work culture and our leisurely pleasure loving life style detests sweating and as a result we begin to harbor body toxins in our system which intern leads to all kinds of illness. Hospitality Industry loves to pamper its clients and

massage their egos and lets its customers walk down the slippery path of illness. We have forgotten that food is only one of the necessities and we need to eat to live. An obsession with leisurely, pleasurable dining will lead to imbalances in body, soul, and spirit. The “Happy Hour” that is promoted to increase beverage sales is driving people to hours of hell life. Responsible hospitality calls for healthy practices which contribute to the overall wellbeing of humanity. Our priorities are upside down and mixed up. Hospitality that makes us healthy, wealthy happy is wise

hospitality. Hospitality with wisdom is required both by the provider and the consumer. Feasty buffets are full of potent perils. There has to be a K V Simon movement of education, discipline and 180 degree turn in the way commercial hospitality is being provided. Let the future menu of hospitality in India be hospitality with wisdomwise hospitality. Where there is wisdom, there is true wealth of wellness. The author is Regional Vice-President, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute

Fragrant Nature

For an ideal Kerala vacation

deally located beside the emerald backwaters of Mala Lake near Paravur in South Kerala, fragrant nature is an exclusive 4 star Resort offering the ultimate in relaxation and seclusion from the hustle and bustle of city life. It offers 29 Premium luxury lakeside accommodations in four categories including 15 exclusive premium lake view villas, eight exclusive premium lake view rooms, five elegant luxury lakeside

rooms and a majestic lake facing honeymoon cottage. The resort is nestled on over five acres of beautifully

landscaped, waterside land amongst graceful palms and greenery. The luxury lake resort caters to all your needs with world class facilities, delicious dining, entertainment and a host of enjoyable leisure activities. The natural rural village setting of this hideaway, gives the chance to see and experience the Kerala way of life. fragrant

nature also provides a range of activities like boat trips, from the resort, fishing, bird watching village cookery demos, cultural programs, elephant riding, feeding and bathing etc. All standard amenities are made available for the guests

and is developed as a sustainable responsible tourism venture respecting the ecology of its site. The reduce-reuse-recycle principle is done where ever possible. To improve the social conditions of the local community, locals are

at the resorts. Additional facilities include gymnasium, recreation facility, Kala Kendra - the amphitheatre, library, Nidhi - the souvenir shop and the traditional cruise boat. Fragrant nature resort is designed to stay in harmony with its natural surroundings

employed wherever possible, make use of local produce, local manufacturers and enlist local help for various services. The resort is five km from the national highway, it is 60 km north of Trivandrum, the state capital and 65 km from Trivandrum international airport.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

PROFILE

Mahaveers

Crafted with quality and trends

ascading silks and gossamer spells the magical name of Mahaveers. The silks people of kovai are pioneers in fashion and creation of designs in vibrant shades. The amazing range of traditional trendy designs and variety of fabrics ranging from Kancheevaram, Bararasis, Upadaa, and Soft Silks are skillfully handcrafted. Mahaveers wedding collections provides an array of the trendy, modern tastes and marks to keep their promise never compromise on anything quality, fabrics and designs. Mahaveers, situated in the heart of the textile city

ASIAN TRAVELLER

Coimbatore has an exclusive and wide variety of collections of sarees that includes designer sarees, embroidered sarees, printed sarees,

exclusive traditional Indian sarees, wedding sarees and casual wear sarees has grown rapidly to secure the name and fame from customers all over India for excellent Silk Sarees. The contemporary ideas and collaborative efforts of B. Balchand and his group of members in 1971 have given a new dimension in terms of

OCTOBER 2010

quality, exclusiveness and customer service. The group has also handcrafted Silk Sarees under the banner â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ajeeths Creationâ&#x20AC;? and the name Ajeeths creation reckons with high creativity, exquisite designs and extensive range of Sarees. Ajeeths creation Sarees carries at all prominent stores, showrooms and all the major metros, towns and cities of the country. Mahaveers multi-stores throughout the country will add further strength and convenient for the customers to shop and fulfill the needs from anywhere, anytime and check out with some of the hottest selling saree

collections that range from pure silk sarees, fancy sarees, anarkali suits, salwar suits, bridal wears and kurtis. www.mahaveers.com

VARIETY

Tourism New Zealand, the international marketing organization promoting destination ‘New Zealand’ overseas, has appointed Naviin Ibhrampurkar as the Market Development Manager (India) for Tourism New Zealand.

Hari Kumar will head Dakshin Routes, a specialized business unit of Le Passage to India, focused on promoting South India. He will be based at the Dakshin Routes head quarters in Cochin.

Alok Chakravarty has been appointed Director of Sales at Crowne Plaza Today, Gurgaon.

When is the proverbial Twelfth Night?

What does the electronic brand name AKAI mean?

Which was the first Olympic to be televised?

What is the coffee variety 'mocha' named after? 5.

Which part of the car was invented by a woman?

Who is Ruth Kedar?

What is the only number in English language that has its entire letters in alphabetical order?

Which is the capital of the European Union?

Which is the oldest film festival in the world?

10. How many countries are there in the so Radhika Singh, has been appointed Marketing Manager at Crowne Plaza Today, Gurgaon.

K Pramodh has joined Accord Metropolitan, Chennai as Director Sales & Marketing.

Sameer Talwar has been promoted as Director Quality and Talent Development at the Crowne Plaza Today, Gurgaon.

called Latin America?

Compiled by DEEKAY

Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC37 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month. Answers to TYKC 36 1. A medical instrument for measuring the blood flow 2. The Australian accent of English 3. Reindeer 4. Bill Gates’ wife Melinda Gates 5. L’Oreal 6. Peru 7. In the Caribbean ( Aruba, Bonaire, &

NOVEMBER 2010

Curacao) 8. Israel’s El Al’s 9. The first American daredevil to jump

World Travel Market, ExCeL,London

08 - 11

Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan, India

18 - 21

IITM, Pune

27 - 29

EIBTM, Barcelona, Spain

TYKC 36 - WINNER

Nov 30 - Dec 2

DECEMBER 2010 Grand Kerala Shopping Festival IITM, Hyderabad International Luxury Travel Market, Cannes, France Christmas

Dec 01- Jan 15

One all-correct entry will get

06-09

Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi

Hotel Investment Forum, Mumbai, India FITUR, Madrid, Spain Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai, UAE

PRACHI KAMBLE Santhi Nagar, Mira Road, Thane, Mumbai, India

03 - 05

JANUARY 2011

off Niagara Falls (1829) 10. Cob is nothing but ‘coppe’ , Middle English for a spider

12 - 14 19-23 Jan 20- Feb 20

[ 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

OCTOBER 2010

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010

ASIAN TRAVELLER

OCTOBER 2010