Asian Traveller September 2010

Page 1






PATA Travel Mart 2010

in this issue VOL. 3

9

NO. 12

SPECIAL PARTNER COUNTRY

SEPTEMBER 2010

India’s tourism sector to grow, employ 40 million

In a decade’s time India’s travel and tourism sector is expected to register significant growth and shall become the second largest employer in the country.

10

International tourist arrivals up 7pc in the first half of 2010

The first six months of 2010 saw international tourist arrivals grow by seven per cent according to the August Interim Update of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

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P 24

P 128

P 103

P 159

Indian tourism enters era of sustainable tourism

With all the stakeholders in the tourism sector in the country agreeing to adopt the ‘Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India’, the tourism sector in India has entered a new era in the sustainable tourism practices.

18

Standardize products to boost wellness tourism: Selja

India needs to identify and network the existing wellness experiences, develop wellness tourism standards and work towards collaborative marketing by making India’s wellness system facilities internationally competitive and standardize the products, said Kumari Selja, Minister for Tourism, India.

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India, Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tourism

98

Bihar grants industry status to tourism sector

106 UNWTO strengthening ties with Australia P 108-109

112 New heritage sites unveiled 132 TAAI honours industry achievers

20

As I Travel

134 Thailand launches ‘Believe in

86

Road Trip

Thailand’ campaign

156 Karnataka growing aggresive

162 Butterflying Cover: White Water Rafting in Australia Courtesy: Tourism Australia

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SEPTEMBER 2010


Kerala Travel Mart 2010

SPECIAL TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

DON ELLIOT

D.K.JAISWAL

P 26

P 30

NISHANT KASHIKAR

MICHAEL MAEDER

P 34

P 36

MATHEW ALEX VELLAPALLY

K. A. MOHAMED SALEEM

P 44

P 46

SABARI RATHEN

RAJIV VERMA

P 48

P 56

KAILASH GOENKA

SHRAVAN GUPTA

P 58

P 62

KTM Section P 166 to 177

167 Maximising tourism opportunities 168 Role of KTDC: Cherian Philip 169 The synergy: K.G. Mohanlal 174 KTM 2010 Sellers List

Propert y in focus P 42 Woman of the Month

VEENA PATIL

ASIAN TRAVELLER

P 39

10 Questions

ANTONY G. PATON

SEPTEMBER 2010

P 40

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EDITOR’S NOTE

T

he last few weeks have brought in a lot of encouraging news for the travel and tourism industry. Market reports from different parts of the world have suggested that the tourism sector is witnessing a clear recovery. The Interim Update of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer has indicated a seven per cent growth in tourism arrivals all over the world. According to it many destinations are setting new records, leaving behind the losses of 2009 and exceeding the 2008 levels. One interesting factor the Interim Update has pointed is the role regional and domestic tourism play in the recovery process. A large majority of international travel takes place within the traveller’s own region. It is the strength of the regional market that enabled the remarkable rebound of Asia’s travel sector. Domestic tourism is also of equal importance. The number of domestic arrivals is estimated to exceed some four times the number of international arrivals, according to the report. The current growth rates, coupled with an improving global economic environment could take the end of the year results beyond expectations. So it is a phase of hope that awaits the tourism sector.

W

e, at Asian Traveller, are also in an upbeat mood. With the current issue, Asian Traveller is completing three years in print. It has been three great years for us, especially the last one. Just like the tourism industry we also had to fight the odds. But we have come out jubilant – thanks to the sincere support of our clients and well-wishers. We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all and everyone. We have a few surprises in store for our readers which will be revealed in due course. Till then, enjoy this annual feast. Happy reading! 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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SEPTEMBER 2010


OVERVIEW

India’s tourism sector to grow, employ 40 million by 2019

I

n a decade’s time India’s travel and tourism sector is expected to register significant growth and shall become the second largest employer in the country. According to a study jointly conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and YES Bank, the sector is likely to employ over 40,037,000 people by 2019. The report has projected that India would get capital investment worth USD 94.5 billion by 2019 in travel and tourism sector and it would place India at the third position in the world in a decade’s time. The country is

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set for an 8.8 per cent growth in the sector between 2011 and 2019. The study envisages that travel and tourism will play a major role in transforming the rural areas with agriculture related tourism gaining importance. “Agri tourism will be a special beneficiary of the development of tourism and travel industry. Agri tourism comprises agri museums, agriculture related festivals and fairs,” says the study. Besides, the advent of agri tourism would provide opportunities to farmers to generate additional revenue. The study also foresees that tourism would become

SEPTEMBER 2010

the largest service industry in the country and it would

raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environ-

be instrumental in the economic development and employment generation particularly in the remote and backward areas. The increasing tourism activities will help India build environmental and cultural awareness, provide positive experience for both visitors and hosts, and give direct financial benefits for conservation. It will also provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people and

mental and social climate besides supporting human rights and labour agreements. Growth in tourism and travel industry will stimulate investment and create opportunities in ancillary and support line of business. It will showcase the environmental, cultural and heritage aspects of the region as also further showcase local cuisine and culinary practices, handicrafts and vernacular skills.

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TRENDS

Asia leads growth

International tourist arrivals up by 7pc in the first half of 2010

T

he first six months of 2010

world regions, led by a robust

encouraging results in spite of the

saw international tourist

performance of emerging

political unrest early this year.

arrivals grow by seven per

economies expanding at eight per

Overall, international tourist

cent according to the August

cent

arrivals totalled 421 million during

Interim Update of the UNWTO

compared to

the first six months of 2010, up

World Tourism Barometer. This

six per cent in

seven per cent on 2009, but still

result confirms the recovery trend

advanced

two per cent below that of the

beginning in the last quarter of

economies.

record year of 2008 (428 million

2009 and is expected to continue

Asia and the

arrivals in the same period).

in the second half of the year at a

Pacific (+14

These results follow one of the

somewhat more moderate rate.

per cent) and

toughest years for the tourism

the Middle

sector with international tourist

East (+20 per

arrivals declining by 4.2 per cent

The Interim Update was officially

Márcio Favilla, Executive Director, UNWTO

presented at the 4th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and

cent), where results were already

in 2009 to 880 million and

Outlook held in Guilin, China from

positive in the second half of

international tourism receipts

2-4 September, to tourism

2009, continue to lead growth in

reaching USD 852 billion, a

stakeholders from the public and

the first half of 2010 with the

decrease in real terms of 5.7 per

private sector, as well as

majority of destinations in both

cent.

academia.

regions posting double digit

International tourist arrivals are estimated to have grown by

growth rates. Asia in particular is

“Domestic tourism can thus serve as an important driver of development and growth, in

seven per cent in the first half of

experiencing a very dynamic

particular during times of

2010. While growth was modest in

rebound, with strong results from

economic uncertainty. China is an

April as a consequence of the

Sri Lanka (+49 per cent), Japan

excellent example of how to foster

closure of European airspace

(+36 per cent), Vietnam (+35 per

domestic tourism,” said UNWTO

following the eruption of a volcano

cent), Myanmar (+35 per cent),

Executive Director, Márcio Favilla.

in Iceland, results were strong in

Hong Kong (China) (+23 per

May (+10 per cent) and June (+8

cent), Macao (China) (+23 per

actively to tap into the domestic

per cent). Data available for July

cent), Singapore (+23 per cent),

markets with festivals, events and

indicates that growth is set to

Fiji (+22 per cent) and the

special years, such as the Visit

continue at a steady rate.

Maldives (+21 per cent). Thailand

Japan Year 2010 and the Nepal

(+14 per cent) posted

Tourism Year 2011.

Growth was positive in all

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Many countries promote

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INCREDIBLE INDIA

India’s tourism sector enters new era of sustainable tourism

W

ith all the stake holders in the tourism sector in the country agreeing to adopt the ‘Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India’, the tourism sector in India has entered a new era in the sustainable tourism practices. An agreement to this effect has been evolved at a workshop on Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism held in New Delhi recently. The criteria were developed on the basis of existing “Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria” (GSTC). Since the GSTC had codes for only hotel and tour operator sectors the stakeholders at the conference have decided to extend it to other sectors of tourism industry and a steering committee has been constituted to evolve the Sustainable Tourism criteria for India, which will then be formally adopted. For evolving sustainable tourism criteria and for development of various indicators subsequently it was suggested at the conference that India

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growth in recent years. India accounts for around 1/6th of world’s population with only around 2.2 per cent of earth’s landmass available. Besides continued growth of International Tourists arrivals the Domestic Tourism segment has seen an exponential growth with 651 Million Tourists travelling within the country each year. The efforts to promote tourism have increased steering committee has been manifolds during past decade in India. constituted by Ministry of This rekindled increase in Tourism, which has representation of major stakehold- number of visitors leads to unorganised and unconers. trolled growth of tourism, Selja informed the twoday conference that environ- impacting the environment and ecology of the destinamental integrity, social tion. It is against this backjustice and economic development are the three pillars drop that the National of sustainable development. Workshop of Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India India has invented thousands of years of culture and was organised. Once adopted the criteria heritage, which we all need will help the Ministry of to consciously strive to Tourism in formulating such preserve and cherish. She policies that encourage said this workshop orgasustainable tourism while nized by Ministry of Tourunderlining creation of ism is the first such step in environmental, social, the right direction. Tourism Industry in India economic and climate responsiveness. has registered considerable could consider global sustainable tourism criteria developed by Tourism Sustainability Council and other best practices around the world. For evolving appropriate criteria, which will suit Indian context, a

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INCREDIBLE INDIA

B&B scheme MoT plans confederation of tourism industry, international trade exhibition for CWG

T

he Ministry of Tour ism, Government of India in consultation with all the stakeholders of the industry has decided to form a registered body under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, which will be named Confederation of the Indian Travel and Tourism Industry (CITTI). All leading travel trade association will be part of the governing council. Individuals and companies could also become the member of the confederation in their personal capacity, as well. The CITTI initiative has been a result of long deliberations of the Steering Committee set up under the Chairmanship of Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, MoT with all leading industry association partners. The

said committee will now formulate the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), rules and regulations Kumari Selja, that will Minister for Tourism, govern Govt. of India CITTI. As per the present deliberations, CITTI will have all the leading trade associations as part of its governing council. All these associations will become members after paying a sum of Rs10 lakh to CITTI’s corpus, which will also receive Rs1 crore from the Ministry of Tourism. Individuals and corporates will also be allowed to become members at a predetermined fee. A full time CEO to attain the mandate of CITTI will be

on board and will report to the Governing Council. Among the various charters and objectives set for CITTI, the foremost priority will be to conduct the Global Travel Mart - India, which will be an international travel trade exhibition in India. Sources reveal that the first such global event is likely to be organised in September 2012. It is expected that once CITTI brings all the associations and strategic stakeholders under a Anand Kumar IAS, single Joint Secretary, umbrella, Ministry of Tourism the target of touching 10 million travellers by 2013 and 15 million travellers by 2015 will be a realistic target.

T

he Minister of State for Tourism, Sultan Ahmed has

said that the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) is making efforts for augmentation of accommodation for the Commonwealth Games 2010 from various segments of accommodation including the “Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/ Homestay Scheme” (IIB&B). Accordingly, MOT has requested the State Governments of National Capital Territory of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to promote the IIB&B Scheme to provide additional accommodation for the Games. In a written reply in Lok Sabha he said, in order to promote and have a uniform scheme for Bed and Breakfast establishments all over the country, the Ministry of Tourism had simplified the IIB&B Scheme and has requested all the State/Union Territory Administration for implementation of the same.

Impact of Incredible India campaign

T

he “Incredible India” campaign conducted by the India Tourism Ministry has helped in luring more visitors to India. Sultan Ahmed, The Minister of State for Tourism has said that the Ministry of Tourism conducts various activities for promotion of tourism like printing and distribution of literature, participation in the travel fairs and roadshows, advertising, promotions with the stakeholders in the markets abroad through its 14 offices overseas. The Ministry has taken several other steps to proPARTNER COUNTRY

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mote India which include the Marketing Development Assistance Scheme for service providers promoting India, organizing Road Shows in important tourist generating markets overseas to assure the tour operators and local media Sultan Ahmed, of the Minister of State for ground Tourism realities, arranging familiarization tours to India for international travel trade and media representatives to keep them

updated regarding the new developments in the country. The budget allocated for the restructured scheme of overseas promotion & publicity including marketing development assistance for the 2010 – 11 period is Rs 275 crore. the impact of the “Incredible India” campaign is seen in the increase in the

number of international tourist arrivals from 2.38

million in the year 2002 to an estimated 5.11 million in the year 2009, said Ahmed.

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INCREDIBLE INDIA

R.H. Khwaja takes over as Union Tourism Secretary

Warning against unauthorized use of Incredible India logo

I

t has come to the notice of

any other agency of Govt.

Tourism (ROC No. A-69795/2005

Ministry of Tourism that some

of India, are displaying “Govt. of

under Register of Copyrights and

information centers, travel

India approved” in an

registered under Trademark Act)

unauthorized way.

and any display of this logo

agents, tour operators and Individuals with an intention to

“Incredible India” is a

Ministry of Tourism can invite

the public/tourists, are using the

suitable legal and penal action.

logo of “Incredible India” in an

Similarly, any service provider not

unauthorized way without taking

approved by the Ministry of

any prior permission from the

Tourism or any other agency of

Ministry of Tourism.

Govt. of India, displaying “Govt. of India approved” phrase is also

Furthermore, some service

R.H. Khwaja, IAS, an IAS officer from 1976 Andhra Pradesh cadre, has taken over as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. He

providers, who are not approved

copyrighted and a registered

liable to similar legal or penal

by the Ministry of Tourism or

trademark of the Ministry of

action.

India, Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tourism sector

I

ndia and Sri Lanka have who retired recently. Khwaja agreed in principal to was earlier Special Secretary in strengthen bilateral the Ministry of Environment and relations in the tourism Forests, Government of India. sector in the light of the MoU signed in 2004 between the two countries. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Basil Rajpaksa, Minister for Economic Development, Sri Lanka and Kumari Selja, Tourism Minister, India in isitBritain, the national New Delhi recently. tourism agency of Kumari Selja expressed Britain, plans to introduce a happiness over the fact that B2B portal aimed at Indian India receives sizable market by mid September number of tourists from Sri this year. Lanka and Buddhist Sites in The portal will be a one India are the most favored stop shop for all travel queries, marketing products destinations with the and assistance for the travel travellers from Sri Lanka. trade with regards to Britain. “India is interacting with The B2B portal will also have Srilanka on tourism cooperation under SAARC an online training programme -‘BritAgent’ for forum and both the countries may consider cooperation in the travel trade aimed at the field of Human Resource updating the Indian travel Development, Destination trade about the destination Management and promotion and its offerings, in turn in the tourism sector”. She increasing tourist arrivals expressed the hope that both from India. succeeds Sujit Banerjee, IAS,

VisitBritain Plans India Specific B2B Portal

V

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without due permission of the

misrepresent, misguide and cheat

the countries might develop strong relationship and linkages between various stakeholders like travel and tour operators, hoteliers etc. and undertake joint promotion and marketing to increase the tourist arrivals in the region. She stressed upon the need to promote intra-regional tourism. She also proposed joint meetings between the two countries at official and stakeholders level. Underlining the

importance of diverse nature of tourist destinations of South Asia, Kumari Selja suggested better packaging of these destinations to the outside world. She also suggested promotion of Cruise Tourism jointly. Basil Rajpaksa has invited Kumari Selja to visit Srilanka to discuss the scope of further cooperation between the two countries on tourism, housing and urban poverty alleviation.

Basil Rajapaksa, Minister for Economic Development, Sri Lanka with Kumari Selja, Minister for Tourism, India.

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STRATEGY

Standardize products to boost wellness tourism: Selja

I

ndia needs to identify and network the existing wellness experiences, develop wellness tourism standards and work towards collaborative marketing by making India’s wellness system facilities internationally competitive and standardize the products, said Kumari Selja, Minister for Tourism, India. She was addressing the Annual Convention of Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India in Agra recently. “Health and Wellness” was the theme of the conference. Tourism potential of India’s wellness systems, developed indigenously through centuries of wisdom, is yet to

be fully tapped. “We have to be position the Indian way of life as integral and inclusive of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy and spiritual philosophy. We have to position this product as a comprehensive approach for body, mind and soul”, she added. Tourists world over revere the Indian system of wellness as among the most pristine and authentic forms, she added. “They yearn for opportunities to experience these systems. We need to work towards tapping this huge market.” She said, while India has positioned itself as a chosen destination for the ultra top end luxury travelers, there

still exists a gap between supply and demand and to bridge this gap more hotel rooms are needed. She stressed on the need to address the mid-segment and budget travellers also.

“The main issue which needs to be tackled is the shortage of safe, secure and clean accommodation all over the country, especially in the budget category. The exorbitant cost of land forces hotels to operate under higher Star categories in order to make them commercially viable”, she added. The Minister said that her Ministry was working on an incentive or subsidy scheme to encourage setting up of budget accommodation through adoption of PPP mode. “This will address the core issue of non availability of land and high establishment construction.”

WTTC welcomes new British tourism Strategy

W

orld Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the organization representing the world’s foremost privatesector travel and tourism businesses has welcomed David Cameron, British Prime Minister, UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s promise to establish a new tourism strategy by the end of the year. Cameron has said in London recently that the income generated from the £115 billion-a-year tourism sector was “fundamental” to rebuilding the PARTNER COUNTRY

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UK’s economy. The UK is now joining Brazil and China in recognizing the economical and political significance of the industry. The Prime Minister would like to develop all travel and tourism industry facets such as domestic but also foreign markets and is particularly keen to attract Chinese visitors to the UK and wants to see the UK in the top five destinations in the world. “We are delighted that in challenging economic time[s] the UK government has recognized the importance of travel and tourism, an industry that currently

generates 3,145,000 jobs or 1 in every 10 jobs in here and can be one of the best and fastest ways of returning back growth, prosperity, and increasing jobs. This announcement comes at the right moment for the UK to take full advantage of its Olympic opportunity in 2012,” said the British Jean-Claude Baumgarten, Prime President & CEO, WTTC Minister. “WTTC would be happy to represent the private sector in contributing to the

development of the strategy, and we hope that more countries around the world will give the industry the value of recognition it deserves,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president and CEO of WTTC. The private sector believes a number of challenges and barriers to growth need to be addressed in the new strategy. They include expansion at London’s biggest aviation hub – despite the threat of increasing competition to the title from other European airports – the need for a single European sky, visa processes and procedures, and unfair taxation.

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COLUMN

A

V DURAIKKANNAN

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rabbit and the word ‘Titicaca’ means in the local language ‘Rock Puma’ – a puma carved in stone. Aerial photography is a later day invention but somebody knew even before the shape of it even earlier! Machu Picchu is the ancient fortress city in the Andes belonging to the Incas of Peru. The marvel of its construction nearly 8000 feet above sea level on a mounThomas Hardy tain ridge is a sight to enjoy. Though the etymology The name Machu Picchu means ‘Old Mountain’ in the says the name of the city Paris derives from its ancient Quechua language. A close Gaulish tribe called Pasrisii, there is a beautiful legend behind its name. When the city of Paris was developed and built as the look at the two words would capital of France, the city fathers wanted to give it a bring up their resemblance very exotic name. Among to Tamil language: ‘machu’ various suggestions, they is Tamil for ‘upstairs’ and ‘pacchu’ is baby talk for ‘old’ decided to name it after an ancient and glorious city of in Tamil. Incas and Indians France that was known as Y have much in common, (perhaps the shortest poshistorians say. The fact that sible name for a city!) And Peru is on the other side of the globe aligned to India on accordingly it was named the same meridian is another Paris – that is a city on ‘PAR’ with ‘Y’ meaning a city equal interesting point. The present day Iraq was in beauty and glory to the ancient Y! earlier known as There is an arcane and Mesopotamia. ‘Meso’ is uncanny beauty in the name ‘middle’ and ‘potamas’ is ‘MADAM CURIE’. Rearriver in Greek. The present ranged or anagrammatized, day Iraq is sprawling between two rivers Euphrates it reads ‘RADIUM CAME’! It and Tigris! There is always a is definitely more than a Aerial view of the Lake Titicaca happy coincidence. Otherreason for everything. The wise how ‘WILLIAM modern name Iraq again is morning. SHAKESPEARE’ can read What you see above is the from the ancient Sumerian town called Ur. Incidentally, ‘WE ALL MAKE HIS aerial view of the Lake PRAISE’?! There are best‘ur’ as a noun in Tamil Titicaca in Peru in South language means a village or laid plans at work and a America. In fact, it is the beautiful mind can always a town. There is always a largest lake in South discover them or as the seamless connectivity and America. The lake is in the minds discover them, they the world is boundaryless. shape of a puma chasing a reader of Thomas Hardy will be easily able to discern in his novels a very structured and organized way of the story development and this was essentially so because Hardy was an architect by training. And all his titles are like oneline poetry by themselves as a miniature haiku – Far From the Madding Crowd, Under the Greenwood Tree, Two on a Tower, A Pair of Blue Eyes etc. The same kind of beauty and structure are highly visible in the creation of this world when you stand and stare. Let alone the debate whether God exists or not. Let us just talk about in terms of a creation and a creator. The creator of this universe must have been a great architect and designer for sure. The day follows the night and the night follows the day without any hiccup like a beautiful rhythm. Its happening is so very guaranteed that all of us retire for the night without an iota of doubt about the occurrence of the oncoming day next

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COLUMN would become so very beautiful! What about the Bard’s connection to Psalm No 46 for that matter? Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564. The Authorized Version was being revised in 1610, by which time Shakespeare would have been 46. In the King James Version of Psalm 46 (see below), counting 46 words down from the top, we find ‘shake’, and counting 46 words up from the bottom, we find ‘spear’ ( ‘Selah’ doesn’t count — it is sprinkled throughout the Bible as a sort of punctuation mark) Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the LORD, PARTNER COUNTRY

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born? She was born in Albania which has the dubious distinction of being the Marie Curie first atheistic nation in the world. Its constitution officially denies the existence of God! Interestingly, Albania could be the only country which has a capital named after another capital city in the world elsewhere. Sulejman Pasha, the Albanian army chief was involved in the operation of Ottoman Army in Persia. The rumors say he saw Tehran, liked that city so much that he named the new city he founded back home in his country in 1614 after Tehran. Tirana is nothing but Albanian way of writing Teheran. The name Teheran travelled from Iran to Albania creating a record of a sort! Look at the word ‘pedigree’. It denotes the ancestry or genealogy of an animal. The word ‘pedigree’ comes Even the controversies from French ‘pe du grue’ and the conflicts and the which means ‘crane’s foot’ – ironies of life are so beautiful resembling the typical line by themselves in their own drawing of a family tree! right. Mother Teresa who There is a lot of beauty and was beatified by the Pope as creativity gone into the ‘Blessed Teresa of Calcutta’ evolution of everything. It is and she was one of the all for us to discover the supremely spiritual persons beauty of this world and in this world has ever witthe process become beautinessed. But where was she ful! what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Paris an aerial view

Machu Picchu

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ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

Captain C P Krishnan Nair

A legend in the hospitality sector

L

egendary is the one word

Palace Kempinski Udaipur, The

India in 2010. He was also

prestigious Baharat Ratna Rajiv

that would aptly describe

Leela Kempinski Mumbai, The

awarded ‘Hotelier of the Century’

Gandhi Environment Award

Captain C P Krishnan Nair,

Leela Palace Kempinski

Award by International Hotels and

instituted by The Maharastra

Chairman of The Leela Group. He

Bangalore, The Leela Kempinski

Restaurant Association Geneva ,

Pradesh Congress Committee.

ventured into a new business field

Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR)and The

The Hall of Fame Award by The

Awards and accolades have

at an age when most people

Leela Residences Kempinski

Hotel Investment Forum, Giants

been more than impressive, but

would enjoy a retired life and

Gurgaon. Another five properties,

International Award (Business &

the greatest satisfaction for

became a leader in that field in no

namely; The Leela Palace

Industry) for Excellence in

Captain Nair comes from being

time.

Kempinski New Delhi, The Leela

‘Business and Industry’, American

recognised and acknowledged as

Palace Kempinski Chennai, The

Academy Of Hospitality Sciences

the industry’s exemplary upholder

India in 1923, he rose from

Leela Palace Kempinski

(AAHS) award and the Employer

of ethical standards.

humble beginnings to become a

Hyderabad, The Leela Kempinski

of the year 2008-09 by Indira

significant player in the tourism,

Agra and The Leela Lake

Group of Institutions. Business

him, he replied, “The obsessive

handloom, apparel and IT

Asthamudi are coming up.

Week featured Captain Nair as

compulsion to excel, and offer my

one of the Top 50 Septuagenarian

country the best of what I was

Business Heads in the world.

fortunate to experience around

Born in Cannanore, Kerala,

Industry. Hoteliering was his destiny

Every hotel of the group has been an achiever and done the

The Group has won the

When asked what motivates

the world, is what drives me

call. During a visit to US he stayed

Captain proud. The Leela

at Waldorf Astoria in New York and

Kempinski, Mumbai has won the

prestigious International Five Star

impressed by it and wanted to

national and regional tourism

Diamond Award in 2005 and

build a hotel like that in India. He

awards for six consecutive years.

Captain Nair was the first Indian

perfection - these are precisely

went ahead and launched the first

The Leela Palace Kempinski

ever to receive the Lifetime

the three pillars on which The

hotel in Mumbai, Hotel Leela, in

Bangalore figured in the Conde

Achievement Award. The PATA

Leela Group has built its

1988. 22 years later The Leela

Nast Gold List 2008 for the ‘Best

Award of Merit was conferred on

reputation. They also represent

Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is the

Rooms’ in the world.

Captain Nair in recognition of his

the three faces of modern India.

outstanding service and

World class technology, great

leading hotel group in India. The

For his outstanding

endlessly.” Innovation, excellence and

group has seven hotels across

contribution to the industry and

leadership to the industry.

tradition enriched over the

India now. The Leela Kempinski

nation Captain Nair was conferred

Numerous are the awards that

centuries and the obsessive

Goa, The Leela Kempinski

the ‘Padma Bhushan’ Award, one

Captain Nair has won over the

desire to be hospitable to global

Kovalam Beach, Kerala, The Leela

of the highest civilian awards in

years. He also the recieved the

travellers.

24

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE

Asia Pacific is going to be the focus area for Starwood Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the leading hotel and leisure company in the world with over 1,000 hotels reaching across 100 countries, owns the following internationally celebrated brands St. Regis, the Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton and the recently launched Aloft and Element by Westin. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality interval ownership resorts. Starwood maintains a focused interest in enriching the quality of life for our associates and the communities we serve around the world. Don Elliot, Starwood's Regional Vice President, India, Bangladesh & Maldives region spoke to Asian Traveller at length about the Starwood's plans for India and the region. Excerpts: We have currently 28 hotels operating in India. I look after Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka and Maldives and looking at expanding our hotel base there. We are looking at trying to sign up more than 100 hotels in the next five years and are really busy working together with a lot of different partners to bring in all of our different brands. We already have the Luxury Collection, the Sheraton and Le Meridien brands here. We have just introduced Westin, Four Points and aloft brands in India. Now we have six of the nine brands that are operating and under development here. We are also looking for bringing in right partners in the right cities for our W brands and St. Regis brands. So, I think there is room for all our different brands and we are very excited to bring all of them into India because it is a great place with huge PARTNER COUNTRY

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potential for growing and international visitors are coming in for business and leisure. There is also a huge untapped domestic market. On the brand Element Element by Westin is a

new brand from Starwood and we have only half a dozen or so in the US. It is a long-stay brand. It is very much like our Westin Hotels - but a long-stay version. We are releasing this brand in North America before introducing it globally. We are looking and expanding more in North America first. On aloft properties in India We are working with the partners in a matrix on five alofts. One is setup in Chennai and another one in Bangalore. aloft brand outside India is more of

vacation he may have a different persona and may feel comfortable in a W hotel or a Westin. That is the exciting part of our different brands. They are very distinctive and they appeal to everybody. Our loyalty programme Starwood Preferred Group programme or ‘SPG’ allows people to stay in any one of these hotels and points collected at any of these alofts in India. We look forward to this brand getting hotels can be redeemed at others. SPG is the glue that accepted. holds all our brands On positioning of brands together. All our nine brands are On the consumer base very distinctive and Most of our hotels in big different. That is the cities and tier-II cities in advantage we have here India are predominantly because our brands can appeal to different travellers business hotels. A good number of customers in based on his different India and the SPG members persona. When he is are business travellers and travelling on business, he we do have a lot of may prefer to stay in Four programmes that cater Points by Sheraton or especially to them. The Sheraton brand or even a number one programme is Westin brand. When the SPG which allows them to same traveller goes on select service but we have decided to change a little for China and India since people in these regions expect more services in hotels. So we have restaurants and some additional facilities in our

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SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE travel on business, accumulate points and use those points while travelling on leisure. We also have other programmes like Starwood Preferred Planner (SPP) which gives the same points to the professional people. SPP is an incentive frequent traveller type programme that gives points to the bookers and really encourage the travel agents to book with us. We also have starwoodmeetings.com, which is a newly developed and enhanced website specifically for the bookers. It is a great search engine and they can see the special offers happening in our hotels. On marketing initiatives We really believe in delivering service to our guest and they will come back again and would tell their friends about the good time they have had here. We do not spend and offer lots of money on marketing. But because of the introduction of new brands to Indian

market, now we see that there is a need to create awareness of those brands in the market. So we are putting together a very intense marketing campaign for our Westin brands, Four Points Sheraton brand and aloft brands. We will be doing more marketing for our existing Sheratons, Meridien and Westin brands. We also do a lot of marketing through SPG that is where we really focus a lot of our attention. On Starwood in India In 1979 we signed an exquisite Sheraton arrangement with ITC which is still going. When we acquired the Radiant hotels that was really helped the growth of Starwood Hotels here, because we had eight Le Méridien hotels as part of our portfolio. At the same time we negotiated with ITC and hotels were upgraded into luxury hotels to introduce Sheraton, Westin and all other brands. Since that time there has been lot

of interest from developers and others to work with us because we pretty much manage hotels rather than own hotels in India. So we want to continue with our huge growth in managing hotels. Last year we had opened five hotels and we are going to open eight to nine hotels this year. So every year we will see a huge growth and we want to continue that momentum in opening many hotels in future. On Starwood in the world China is certainly a leading force in terms of 80 to 100 hotels that will be opening this year or next year. China is a huge growth area for our company and India is another area we are looking at for growth. Africa has suddenly become an interesting place and is opening up. Australia is also showing positive signs but not as much as India and China. Asia Pacific is certainly going to be the focus area for Starwood in

the coming years. On the future of Indian hospitality industry I think it is going to be very bright and excited about that and I think we got roughly about hundred thousand rooms in India in the upscale or top scale market which is same as New York. I think there is huge potential to expand and lots of other hotel companies are coming in. Common Wealth Games will be exciting for Delhi and will gain a lot of interest in the city and lots of people are looking at India and Delhi to see what infrastructure development has happened to improve India. The World Cup Football has done great things for South Africa in inbound tourism and companies in South Africa as well. I think CWG will be an opportunity India to show the world what they have here in terms of infrastructure and other world class facilities.

Sheraton debuts in Udaipur

S

heraton Hotels and

hotel giant remains on track with

approximately 600 square meters

showers, roomy desks, ergonomic

Resorts is continuing its

its plans to grow its portfolio in

of meeting space and three lush

chairs and wireless high-speed

expansion in Asia Pacific,

India by 60 per cent by 2013. The

gardens, four restaurants and

Internet access. The hotel will also

announcing an agreement with

240-room Sheraton Udaipur

bars, a spa and an upcoming club

be adding nine private pool rooms

Rockwood Hotels & Resorts Ltd.

Palace Resort & Spa is located on

floor. The scenic location has

as well as three family suites with

to debut the Sheraton brand in the

the banks of

made the resort an

direct access to lush green

city of lakes, Udaipur in India. The

picturesque Fateh

extremely popular

gardens. “The debut of Sheraton

Rockwood Palace Resort and Spa

Sagar Lake in one of

destination for

brand in Udaipur is indeed great

has been re-branded as Sheraton

India’s ancient cities.

weddings.

news for international travelers

Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa

Located only three

recently. It is the first Sheraton

kilometers west of the

hotel in India to be managed by

city centre, Sheraton Udaipur is

signature services and amenities,

captures the romance and

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, with

close to many of this historic

including the Sheraton Sweet

splendor of the royal era with its

five more to follow in next three

city’s cultural, historic and natural

Sleeper Bed®, a cozy array of

magnificent architecture and

years in Bengaluru,

attractions. There are also many

sensuous linens, plush down

grandeur,” commented Don Elliot,

Visakhapatnam, Chandigarh,

fascinating museums and art

pillows, and signature duvet.

Regional Vice President for

Mysore and Amritsar. India is a

galleries to explore, as well as

Each luxuriously-appointed room

Starwood Hotels & Resorts in

key focus of Starwood Hotels &

diverse restaurants and shopping.

is also outfitted with LCD flat-

India, Bangladesh and the

screen televisions, walk-in

Maldives.

Resorts’ expansion efforts. The

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Other resort facilities include

Guests will delight in Sheraton’s

and fans of India. Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa

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FACE TO FACE

HHI Group

Structured to excel in service The Hotel Hindusthan International (HHI) Group of hotels has grown itself to a synonym to crowning comfort, incomparable business pleasure, unparalleled service and premium luxury in prime locations. The HHI Group of hotels is suited to meet every need of the guests by presenting cutting edge facilities. The hotels of HHI, in Kolkata, Varanasi and Bhubaneswar reveal a new world unfolding from the old with large banquets, open air lawn and poolside, well furnished rooms, specialty restaurants, exquisite lounges or the hi-volt nightclubs made to excel with personalized services combined the pleasures of business with every moment of leisure. D.K. Jaiswal, CMD, HHI Group of Hotels spoke to Asian Traveller about his business interests and future prospects. Excerpts: Tell us about your upcoming projects? What are the long term and short term plans of the Group is having? We are a group which enterprises five star hotels, based in Kolkata. Our hotel is offering its services for the last 40 years and it is the second five star hotel in the country. Then we came up with properties in Varanasi

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and Bhubaneswar. We are concentrating in western part of India and are coming up with a hotel in Mumbai and Pune. On the northern side we are coming to Agra, where the hotel has been constructed and furnishing is going on. We will be able to open it by next year. We are also planning one in Jaipur. These are the places we have identified and these

hotels. We offer good quality services and cuisine to our guests and we have built up a very good brand image. The occupancy rates in all our hotels has been 85 plus. The book turnover is 90 crore and we hope to cross 100 crore this year. All our hotels are self sufficient. Whom do you mainly target and what do you offer from owned by the family. the target to attract the How do you position the hotel in the market? What is client to come to your firm? We have our sale regional your marketing strategy? offices in Bangalore, According to our marketing strategy we want Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar and to go for corporate hotels rather than resorts. We have Kolkata along with overseas offices in Nepal, Bangladesh some land in Goa but we and Thailand. We have don’t want to venture into resorts sector because of the Buddhists coming to variation in occupancy rates Varanasi and have good rapport with them. Overall that dips in the summer we are very happy with our season. Varanasi is the only sales team as we have over place we entertain foreign 85 per cent occupancy. Our tourists who comes to visit Buddhist places and rest are pricing is very competitive and economical. The services all marketed as corporate all will be five star deluxe hotels. HHI is a private limited company and is

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SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE we offer are of very high standards making, our guests return to our hotels. How do you acquire manpower for your hotels? We have a management school in Varanasi from where we churn out the boys to fine professionals. The toppers, about 30 to 40 are recruited for our own hotels. Thus we are self sufficient in manning. We are making it a custom and according to the requirement with the growth of our hotels and we plan to open one property in every two years. What are your alternate attractions and USP? As we target corporate clientele and specialise in corporate hotels we have branded nightclubs in all our hotels called ‘Underground’. We have won the Times of India award for the best nightclub in Kolkata four times. Our night clubs in Bhubaneswar are doing well in spite of being located in a small B grade city. We have all international brands and we make it a happening place. We have three or four bars in all our hotels. So entertainment is our USP. How important is a hotel in

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developing a destination? With more airlines coming to India the hotel industry is booming. Now people are looking for five star luxuries in budget hotels. The groups like Lemon Tree, Ginger are expanding. We are giving five star category hotels but the pricing we give are less in towns. Keeping the rates at about Rs.5000 is very good for a hotel which has four to five outlets, two to three bars and big ball rooms. Tell us about your background and how did you come to this industry? We were real estate owners and in the steel industry. Because of recession we sold out our assets and concentrated in the hotel industry. Eventually hotel industry did well and the real estate prices went up. So once you know to run it, it’s a profitable industry. Please tell us about your family? I am the chairman of the company. My two nephews and I run the show. One nephew is the Executive Director and another nephew Vinay Jaiswal is

year now with a turn over of 15 crore and next year we are targeting 20 crore. The profit in the first year was six and half crore. What are your other interests? I like to have good food and good health, quality life as I have left drinking and non-vegetarian food. My guru is a Jain. I am 66 years old and still I am fit. I like to expand and work and create good name in the market for good quality hotels as much I can do. Which is your favorite destination? Initially I used to go to Las Vegas and San Francisco because my relatives are there and later I took my Director Operations and holidays there. I also like to looks after the finance. I look visit my niece in after the projects and the Switzerland, which is also a expansion programmes. My good destination. Australia wife is a home-maker and is also one of my favorite she has been a pillar of places. strength for the things What is the message to the around. She is a very lucky youngsters who is coming woman because wherever to the industry? she had done the opening In any hospitality and we never had to look industry, the basic thing is back. We took a running the desire to serve. In this hotel in Bhubaneswar with industry everyone knows the an annual turnover of three technology, has the fork and crore and it is in the third knife and everyone gives the air-conditioning, beds and all other facilities. But when you have dedicated staff to look after the people it makes the difference. Then there should be a zero defect hotel and good maintenance which is the goal of the day. The satisfaction of the customer is the primary goal. There may be two or three complaints raised up anytime but the rectification of the complaint and to looking after the guest is important even if you need to spend double the amount you get from the guest. TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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FACE TO FACE

Tourism Australia to fortif y brand in India Nishant Kashikar has joined Tourism Australia; the statutory authority of the Australian Government, which promotes Australia as a tourism destination internationally and domestically and delivers research and forecasts for the sector; as its Country Manager for India recently. Nishant Kashikar’s responsibilities in this new position include strengthening the distribution network of the Aussie Specialist Agents, consumer and trade marketing activities. He spoke to Asian Traveller about the upcoming campaigns and other activities Tourism Australia is planning for the Indian market. As the Country Manager of

cent compared to the same period

Tourism Australia in India, what

in 2009.

are your main concerns? What tops the list of priorities? Our top priority will be to maintain the momentum and

The four months to April 2010 saw 44,700 visitors, an increase of

potential and it is a sector that we

eight per cent relative to the same

would like to actively focus on in

period of the previous year.

the future.

Nishant Kashikar

achieve growth in visitor arrivals

How do you plan to position

What are the current promotional

to Australia. Increasing

Australia in the Indian Market?

activities? What new plans you

destination awareness, educating

Australia has some unique

Country Manager – India Tourism Australia

have in mind? Our major consumer

Have the recent violent incidents

consumers about the variety of

experiences which the Indian

Australian products and

visitor finds appealing. These

promotional campaign this year

involving Indians in Australia

experiences and introducing new

include nature, journeys, cities,

will be our new global campaign

affected the image of the country

products in the Indian market to

coastal lifestyle, food and wine.

with the tagline, “There is Nothing

among outsiders? What steps

offer innovative holiday

As a source market of Australia

like Australia”. The campaign is a

have you taken as a damage

experiences will be some of the

Tourism, which are the segments

first-of-its-kind initiative which has

control exercise?

other focus areas.

you focus on in India?

an element of active participation

How important is India for

Geographically, we will be

There is no denying the

from Australians to share their

publicity about the student issues

Australia’s tourism market? Of the

concentrating on strengthening

personal stories of where they live

has been negative and it has been

international arrivals to Australia,

destination awareness in the top

and holiday in Australia to show

extensive. Australia has always

the Indian visitors account for

tier-1 and tier-2 cities in India.

the world why they should visit

extended a warm welcome to

what percentage?

With regards to the target

Australia. This campaign has

visitors from India who have come

segments, while the primary focus

generated participation from close

for either leisure or business, and

source for Australia and has been

will continue to remain on leisure

to 30,000 Australians who have

will continue to do so. We have

one of our fastest growing

travel including families, DINKS

shared their personal stories,

been continually monitoring the

markets. There were 124, 800

(double income no kids) and

welcoming the world to visit

situation and have always

visitors from India in year-end

honeymooners and among these

Australia. Apart from this, we will

maintained an open line of

2009, making India the 11th

groups an increasing FIT (free and collaborate with our airline and

largest inbound market.

independent traveller) segment,

travel agent partners for other

agents to address any queries or

India is an extremely important

communication with the travel

we are keen on developing other

trade and consumer campaigns

concerns that leisure travellers

the year ending April 30, 2010 is

target segments. The MICE

over the course of the year to

may have about their visit to

128, 300, an increase of seven per

segment has tremendous

fortify brand Australia in India.

Australia.

Photo Courtesy: Tourism Australia

The total number of visitors for

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FACE TO FACE

We owe a lot to Yash Chopra for making Switzerland popular in India Popularised by Yash Chopra Movies and other Bollywood productions, Switzerland is becoming a popular destination among Indian outbound travellers. No wonder Switzerland Tourism looks upon India as one of the biggest future markets. Michael Maeder, Managing Director-India, Switzerland Tourism spoke to Asian Traveller about the various marketing strategies and other plans adopted for Indian market. Excerpts:

Tell us about your marketing plan for the Indian market. Do you have any specific target segments or target regions? How do you plan to go about tapping these segments/ regions? We are setting our aim quite high and try to persuade every Indian long haul traveller to visit Switzerland at least once. Switzerland has a very good reputation as a holiday destination in India and having a too narrow segmentation would only limit our success unnecessarily. Switzerland has always been very popular with families and couples - we will concentrate to grow this segment by also going to tier-two and tierthree cities which have a lot of untapped potential. Newer segments that we are also focusing on are luxury and wellness for the repeat travellers, but also adventure for the young travellers. Last not least, we see more and more demand also from MICE groups and will PARTNER COUNTRY

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certainly intensify our activities to make the most out of it. How important is the Indian market for Switzerland Tourism? What is the number of annual visitors you get from India and what is their contribution in the tourism revenue you generate? India as a market for Switzerland Tourism has a very high importance, now but also for the future. We see an enormous potential due to the combination of India’s economic growth and Switzerland’s degree of popularity amongst the Indian holiday makers. We measure our success in overnights of passengers and in 2009 we had 324,000 overnights from India. The contribution of the Indian guests is very valuable for us as a country as the Indian main holiday season from April to June falls into a shoulder season in Switzerland. So hotels have enough capacity to accommodate the increasing demand and Indian guests

can benefit of low or shoulder season rates. How did the economic slowdown impact the tourism flow from India? We had the same amount of overnights in 2009 as in 2008, so the slow-down of the economy had an impact on the amount of the guests visiting Switzerland. In previous years we had a steady increase of overnights of 15 per cent to 26 per cent. For 2010 we expect to have an increase of more than 20 per cent, which should give us around 400’000 overnights. Switzerland is viewed as a ‘high-end’ destination by many. Is that the image you would like to project about your country? If not – what steps have you taken to attract the other type of travellers? No, promoting Switzerland as a “high-end” country is not our intention at all. I think we are excellent value for families and couples who want to explore the mountains, the scenery and the historic cities for a

reasonable price. Sure, if you want to have a ‘high-end’ holiday you can have it by choosing one of many 5-star hotels and by shopping in luxury shops. But in the same way you can also chose one of hundreds small- to mid sized family hotels and buy a Swiss Rail pass, which allows you to travel on trains, buses and boats on a normal family holiday budget. Are you planning any new ad campaigns for Indian market? Please elaborate. You can divide our activities into travel trade and media. For the tour operators we have a workshop in Switzerland over the coming months. In January next year will be in 5 different cities with at least 15 Swiss suppliers. Over the year we visit hundreds of operators and agents for product updates and trainings about classic destinations like Lucerne and Interlaken, but also about less known ones like Page 38

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INCREDIBLE INDIA

India, Mexico to promote bilateral tourism

I

ndia and Mexico have decided

shows and food festivals in each

to promote cooperation in

others country.

tourism sector between the two

Two countries should

Indian Council of Cultural

where Ministry of Tourism will

Relations proposes to open an

focus among other things to

Indian Cultural Centre in Mexico

promote Yoga and Wellness Tourism added Selja.

countries. This decision follows a

exchange best practices in the

City and it will be an excellent

meeting between the tourism

tourism and hospitality education

platform for promoting Indian

ministers’s of the respective

for Human Resource

culture, cuisine and arts in

success of Incredible India

nations in New Delhi recently.

Development. Two countries may

Mexico.

Campaign and overseas

A five-member delegation led by Gloria Guevara, Minister for

encourage student exchange programmes, she added.

A festival of India in Mexico is also being proposed for next year

Gloria Guevara lauded the

marketing. She praised the manner in which the government

Tourism, Mexico, called on Kumari

and the private sector efforts are

Selja, Minister for Tourism, India

being synergised in India to

recently. Welcoming the visiting

promote tourism sector. She also

dignitary, Kumari Selja said that

appreciated the quick recovery of

India deeply admire the

tourism sector in India after the

uniqueness of Mexican culture

recent global economic

and heritage which has been

slowdown. She suggested renewing the

preserved and conserved over the years. She said, the diplomatic

Agreement on Tourism

relations between the two

Cooperation between India and

countries should be strengthened

Mexico signed in 1996. The

by exchange of ideas for tourism

Mexican Minister has extended an

development and promotion,

invition to her counterpart to

exchange of visits by travel and

attend International Fair on Cultural Tourism in Mexico in

tour operators, travel media, opinion makers, holding road

Mexican Tourism Minister Gloria Guevara with Indian Tourism Minister Kumari Selja in New Delhi

locations for Bollywood directors. The scenery is so Glacier3000 and the Ticino diverse, that they can find region. And have also joint any location they want. And marketing plans with some the famous Swiss reliability of the bigger operators. On is of course helpful when the media side we make sure you have to shoot a scene in we invite a good amount of a foreign country. We journalists to Switzerland always support the directors and by doing so we get a in choosing locations, decent coverage in different supporting them with channels like magazines, permissions and also in papers, TV and radio, mostly putting them in touch with in the area of lifestyle and the right people in travel. There we work very Switzerland. closely with Rail Europe, as As a country we owe a lot the Swiss Rail pass is the to Yash Chopra who made backbone of any trip to Switzerland very well Switzerland. known with his beautiful Switzerland is a favourite movies. He’s a very destination for film makers passionate promoter of from India. Do you have Switzerland himself and we any special plans or have the pleasure of working packages to attract such with him and Kuoni / SOTC type of visitors? on a tour called ‘Enchanted You’re right, Switzerland Journey’. Indian guests visit is one of the favourite the locations where Mr. Page 36

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Chopra shot some of the iconic scenes and can pose in the way of the original cast at exact the same locations. I had the pleasure to join a tour in June and it was definitely an unforgettable day. The Swiss Tourism Board has announced this year to be ‘The Year of Hiking’. How do you plan to market it here? The Swiss mountains are a paradise for any hiker in summer and with the global ‘Year of hiking’ campaign we want to build up on that. In India though it is not our main campaign, as most of our Indian guests prefer to take a train or cable car to enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Having said that, we see a trend in India amongst the younger crowd for domestic activity holidays

November 2010.

and we will definitely make sure Switzerland is on top of their list for their long haul activity break. What are the visa formalities for visitors (from India?) We are, as most European countries, a part of the Schengen Visa and follow the same rules and procedure, which includes an application form, a fee and the photo. Best would obviously be not to need a Visa at all, but that’s for the future. My advice to Indian guests is be to make sure to start with the application process as soon as possible. Most issues we hear about are purely about not having planned in enough time. And that shouldn’t be a reason not to go to Switzerland.

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Q&A Veena Patil is the eldest child of Kesari Patil, the founder of Kesari Travel & Tours and a leading light of the Indian travel industry. As the Managing Director, of the company she has taken the family name and business to greater heights. How did you become interested in

bigger and more important role.

Travel & Tourism business?

Who or has been the greatest

My daddy Kesari Patil started Kesari Tours in 1984 on insistence

influence in your professional life? My father and mother. Then all

from all of us siblings and my

my family members. My husband

mother. He started this company

Sudhir Patil is a great means of

in a 100 sq feet chawl which was

motivation and offers his support

shared with my cousin who had

at every step. As a role model I

contributed half the cost of that

look at various personalities or

place. So it was office during day

companies. For ethical practices

time and her house at night. We

the Tatas; for aggressiveness

did not have a house of our own

Reliance and Times of India. The

in Mumbai and were staying in a

personalities I admire - Richard

rented place. Despite all the

Branson, Narayana Murthy, Indira

adversities we worked hard with

Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and there

daddy (who started this small

are many more.

travel company at the age of 50)

As a woman, have you ever had to

and fought for survival. Luckily we

face any difficulties in

got interested in what we were

professional life?

doing and that was the best thing

I never faced any difficult

happened to us and me. This was

situation because of my gender.

in 1984 and then onwards there

Rather I always got respect in this

was no looking back.

so called male-dominated

What is your current role in your

industry. Girls are by birth good

organization?

organizers. Service is their innate

Right now I am Managing

culture. If a professional touch is

Director of Kesari Tours Pvt Ltd.

given to these already existing

Besides looking after the overall

capabilities, then this will be the

growth of the company, I handle

best industry for women. Of

the marketing and branding; and

course, we have to be always alert

finance and accounts - at the

and see to it that nobody is taking

same time. A very good and

us for granted or taking advantage

committed team of Kesarians are

of us - that distance has to be

supporting me in my job. I am

maintained always.

involved in building strategies,

What is the secret of your

working on innovative ideas,

success?

Veena Patil Managing Director Kesari Tours Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, India

guiding on advertising campaigns,

People. I am blessed with

upgrading systems at solving any

excellent people, in family and in

organizational issues and

the organization.

world over. I have two sons. The

sister-in-law, looks after Marigold

motivating Kesarians.

What is your proudest moment

elder one, Neil, is studying BBA in

Tours - spiritual Yatra tours and

What are your goals at the

(till date) in your job?

Australia and the younger son

foreign exchange division.

Creating a tour for ladies and

Raaj is in 8th standard. My sister

What are your hobbies?

making it a big success on large

Zelam Chaubal looks after Apple

Kesari should become a brand

scale for the first time ever in the

Pi educational tours, KMice

books and books on personal

known for quality everywhere in

tourism industry around the world,

corporate tour division and Agro

development, to improve myself. I

tourism industry - spread across

and consistently maintaining it for

tours for farmers. Sunila

also like watching movies and

by physical and virtual expansion.

last four years.

Himanshu Patil, my sister-in-law,

hanging around with kids in the

Please tell us about your family.

looks after Strawberi Holidays and

family. Solving problems by

overseas operations of the

finding out simplest possible

company. Sangita, my second

solutions also of interest to me.

moment? Vertical growth by all means.

Where would you like to see yourself ten years from now? In the same industry – but in a

My husband Sudhir Patil looks after many areas including PR

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

Reading. I love management

PARTNER COUNTRY

39


Q&A Antony G. Paton is a veteran in the hospitality sector with more than three decades of experience behind him.

Antony G. Paton General Manager The Grand New Delhi

PARTNER COUNTRY

40

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? Came from a very privileged background and attended private preparatory school and private boarding school in Warwickshire, England. My parents were very upset that I did not want to go to university but instead wanted to work and earn a wage. I left school at 18 years and my father, a doctor who had a patient in his hospital who was a hotel owner, asked him if I could be given a job. I worked for him for two years as a steward and then a barman. Then I went to university and after joined a hotel company called Concord Hotels as a Management Trainee and spent three years working in a different department each in a different hotel throughout the UK. I actually wanted to be a journalist as I love writing but hotels sort of grabbed me!

After working for so long in different parts of the world what prompted you to take up an assignment in India? How do you like the place? What are your first impressions? Long story mainly to do with the family but I have a very indirect connection with India as my father was born here and my Great Grandfather lived here, mostly in Allahabad. When this job came up, I jumped at the chance to experience a culture so close to my upbringing, yet so far, untouched. I have been here two weeks and have not been out of the hotel. However, the Indian people are so friendly and very very courteous. I feel so at home here. What plans do you have for The Grand New Delhi? Lot of plans - too many to mention. But behind all my aspirations for The Grand, New Delhi is a desire to instill a sense of leadership, support and a fatherly figure to all 500 staff members and to also instill a sense of belonging to our guests. How important is a Hotel in developing a destination? What should a Hotel be doing in this regard? This is a simple and tough question to answer. Yes, of course, The Grand must produce fine service, attention to detail and impeccable service to all our guests and to International guests so that Delhi is known for quality. But there is a lot more to this question - infrastructure, politics, beaurocracy, attitude and a

willingness to keep up with the modern world. What is the proudest moment in your professional life? Could you share some of the unforgettable moments in your professional life? Proudest moments are four (and not just professional). Managing the Summer Palace of His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan, marrying my wife who has gone through hell being married to a workaholic Hotel Manager, having a young son who went through and survived cancer and opening a real six star resort in Thailand for the incredibly famous Six Senses Resorts and Spas. I must also state that I am very proud to be accepted to work here in New Delhi. Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now? Retired! What are your views on the future of the hospitality industry, in general? We are all too hung up on wealth and hotels are trying their level best to squeeze this wealth. I feel that the future of hospitality will only survive if we give really great attention to detail service and offer unusual life style experience, interesting and unusual food and small but significant touches in the way we do things. Giving great value for money will make any business flourish. Now tell us about your family. I have been married to Pauline for 27 incredible Page 226

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PICK OF THE MONTH

42

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


PICK OF THE MONTH

Hotel Hindusthan International, Kolkata

H

HI Kolkata, the flagship

has personal fax and computer,

partying. Delicacies of the world

property of HHI Group of

personalized stationery, mini bar

converge here for the esteemed

hotels has stood its

and complimentary one way

guests of the HHI. HHI

ground as the foremost in luxury

airport transfer along with

Underground, the hi-volt night-

accommodation providers in the

standard facilities. Guests here

club is one of the most happening

city. As Kolkata’s first five-star

are also served complimentary

place in Kolkata.

hotel, it has been subjected to

platter of chocolates and evening

constant upgradation to keep up

tea/coffee and happy hours at

Cuisine Restaurant serving

dinner and lunch buffets, formal

with the latest in trends. Being

imperial lounge. ‘Imperial

authentic delicacies from the

meets of companies etc. The lush

overhauled to a new property,

Premium’ is the top end product

Moghlai, Lucknowi and North East

green lawn beside pool also

with a premium facia and a new-

here with additional benefits.

Frontier cuisines. With a royal

provides a venue to host meets,

décor as the backdrop, age - old

social gatherings, weddings and private parties.

look lobby, it remains one of the

A citadel to be defined, the

‘Kalash’ is an exclusive Indian

here. All these suited for all types of conferences, marriage party,

most contemporary places in

‘Colony’ is a dedicated floor 24

culinary fare from different parts

Kolkata. Adhering to business and

rooms of a master creation. A

of the country, it takes you to a

leisure requirements the hotel is

rendezvous of those who have

different world of tastes. The

arrangements, power

Kalash menu is a tribute to the

connections, food and liquor

Indian diversity. Simplistic in

services and stage setup are

presentation authentic in its

available here. Most modern

recipes, it blends conventional

communication and business

ingredients with contemporary

facilities are made available for

ones besides ranking high on

the business events.

taste.

FACILITIES

‘Mythh,’ the 24hr coffee shop

Modern and decorative lighting

Swimming pool, The Verve,

of the city brings to life the art of

Lawn, Pastry Shop, Beauty

dining and leisure. A live

Parlour, Kyra Boutique, Barber

interactive kitchen serving the

Shop and Jewel Co are some of

best of European, pan Asian and

the attractions of the hotel. The

Indian cuisine over buffet lunch,

Verve is the most modern health

buffet dinner and a-la-carte, over

club at HHI with most advanced

said to be Kolkata’s best Located

arrived in the corporate world, it

the choicest of spirits. The zestful

imported state-of-the-art

Business Hotel. The eight storied

gives free entry to night club,

lounge, private dining rooms,

equipments. In-house

hotel housing 184 luxuriously

personalised butler service,

Onyx bar and over hundred

physiotherapists and doctors give

appointed rooms and suites is

exclusive bar and dining area,

seating makes it an abode to

guidance and personalised care

distinct in decor and identity.

express check-in and check-out

celebrate, refresh or unwind.

here. Kyra Boutique is a ladies

ACCOMMODATION

facilities and complimentary

Virgose, the exclusive lounge-

exclusive boutique exhibiting and

Proffering a variety of options

laptop connectivity, DVD and 2-

bar combines gracious service,

selling western and traditional

for accommodation, each of them

way airport transfers along with

global gourmet delights and most

wear. The pastry shop offers

are thoughtfully designed and

imperial facilities.

premium spirits. Mexican, Italian,

breads to biscotti, Jub-jubs to

Lebanese, Japanese and

pastry, Yule logs to stolen plum

appointed suiting the expectations

‘Club Suites’ of the HHI is

and requirements of the guests.

based on the finest traditions of

continental cuisines are offered

cakes and more. Jewel Co is a

HHI Kolkata provides Standard,

ancient, keeping in mind for the

here. The Fiber-LED rainbow

jewellery boutique with a good

Imperial, The Colony, Club Suites,

modern business travellers. The

lights that change to set the

collection of ethnic jewellery

Imperial Premium rooms for the

particular floor has wooden

perfect mood along with live

consisting of various precious

discerning travellers.

architecture, wooden furniture and

performances by the international

stones. LOCATION

There are 46 twin and four

wooden flooring. The amenities

trio-band from Philippines make it

single ‘Standard’ rooms providing

this floor has a class of its own.

an ideal place to relax and

guest room amenities including

Each suite has two TV-sets, DVD

unwind. The island bar with a wide

metropolitan city of India,

entry to Virgose, health club and

player, minibar and exclusive

bar platform, a choice of spirits is

connectivity is available to

swimming pool. Buffet breakfast,

amenities. The guests are given

just another place to be.

national and international

a bottle of house wine on the day

complimentary usage of the

BANQUETS

destinations. The HHI Kolkata is

of arrival, fresh fruit basket,

imperial board room for four

cookies, mineral water, tea and

hours, happy hour for two hours

for conducting various events,

and commercial centre of the city

coffee maker are given

at Imperial Lounge, Tea, Coffee

meets and banquets at the HHI.

and close to places of tourist

complimentary for guests

and Snacks in the evening and

choosing Standard.

luxury car service.

Tulip (3000 Sq. Ft.), Regency

multiplexes. Nearby points of

DINING and ENTERTAINMENT

(1800 Sq. Ft.), Senate (600 Sq.

interest include Victoria Memorial,

The hotel is one of the

Ft), Boardroom (600 Sq. Ft) are

St. Paul’s cathedral and Birla

the banqueting spaces available

Planetarium.

The ‘Imperial’ club offers true elegance of hospitality with 89 double and 13 twin rooms which

ASIAN TRAVELLER

favourite for the foodie and the

SEPTEMBER 2010

Different options are available

Topaz (3400 Sq. Ft), Silver

Being located in a

centrally located in the business

interest, shopping complexes and

43


FACE TO FACE

Vellapally Brothers plan more investments in tourism sector Backwater Ripples, a backwater resort on the Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, Kottayam is a project of the hospitality division of Vellapally Brothers, a trusted name which has diverse business interest and various portfolios that include infrastructure, engineering and hospitality. Backwater Ripples which was established in 2003 is going to be expanded with an investment of Rs 20 crore. The group is also looking at establishing similar properties in nearby destinations. Mathew Alex Vellapally, Managing Director, Backwater Ripples, speaks to Asian Traveller about the plans.

Tell us about your entry into the hospitality business. What was your inspiration? As a Keralite and a member of the Vellapally family - who are the pioneers in the construction field and someone who lived in the beautiful land of God’s Own Country and had the opportunity to travel to unique destinations, I only regret that I was not among the first to step into this industry. We moved into hospitality space in the second phase of development in the tourism industry in Kerala. We had selected Kumarakom as our destination because this blessed land is included in the “must see twenty destination of a life time” by the National Geographic Traveler. We have moved with a clear vision of providing affordable, valuefor-money experience without compromising on the integrity of the product. For that we had procured the PARTNER COUNTRY

44

best possible location of 10 acres of land available, with lake-frontage on both sides of the property, accessible by both road and boat and constructed cottages with traditional Keralan architecture considering every possible aspect of comfort and guest service with superb accommodation, immaculate gardens, impeccable service and superlative dining. What is your marketing and promotion strategy? Destination tourism is the main concept in selling tourism in Kerala. Competition in this field is very high. We entered this market with the aim of providing true value-formoney product. As a first generation entrepreneur in hospitality I have learnt through trial and error. This has been painful experience due to an unstable market, caused by unforeseen international crises like 9/11 terror attack in US and bomb blasts in Bali and Bombay.

Adding to all these were the natural calamities like tsunami on Boxing Day. I am sure a lot of my contemporaries too would have gone through the same turmoil and emerged stronger. The most important lesson we learnt from our experiences is that, a true value-for-money product which doesn’t compromise the integrity of the experience backed by committed trade partners will never fail. By having made arrangements with Indian and international tour operators, strong marketing tie-ups with leading tour operators in international arena, retaining a good marketing team and ensuring our presence at all Indian and international travel fairs, we have attained a good name as well as publicity in this field. I am sure, if we still exist, it is due to the resolute support extended to us by our trade partners. We will continue to work hand in hand with our

partners towards the future. In the hospitality sector how would you like to position yourself? As I said earlier, we positioned ourselves as a value-for-money and affordable luxury resort without compromising on service expectations. We are also watching the new trends in the industry and continuously upgrading our product. We have a very young professional team who are handling various aspects of the resort’s operations and marketing. Though we are not trying to occupy any niche, Backwater Ripples is a typical Keralan experience. At the same time we have not avoided any of the modern conveniences which a traveller has come to expect today. We also strongly feel that resort can be environmental friendly and luxurious at the same time. We have a well established Green Leaf Certified Ayurvedic Page 226

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE

Asset Homes

Making its presence felt in hospitalit y sector Asset Homes, after establishing themselves as a towering presence in the field of construction, has entered the hospitality business with Asset Summit Suites, a first-of-its-kind full-fledged apartment hotel. K. A. Mohamed Saleem, Managing Director, Asset Homes spoke to Asian Traveller about the plans the company is having for the hospitality sector. Excerpts: What are your business interests

allows families or self sufficient

rooms near Kakkanad Info Park,

in the hospitality industry after

Suites is its strategic location on

individuals to have their tea,

which would be completed by

having ventured into the trade

the highway connecting the

snacks or meal as per their

January 2011.

with the Asset Homes Summit?

Cochin International Airport and

convenience.

What attracted you this business

the Cochin city. It is also close to

What will be your marketing

investment and industrial growth.

sector?

the upcoming commercial hub

strategy? Which all markets and

Both the Central and State

and the soon-to-be-completed

travel segments are you

Government have recognized that

hospitality industry is a sector of

Vallarpadam Highway.

targeting?

tourism is an industry of the future

tremendous potential. According

The advantage of this location is

to industry statistics, India had

that visitors can access the

market or travel segments. Leisure

highest growth rate in the world

five million annual foreign tourist

Airport as well as Marine

and tour for the family or

with regard to tourist arrivals and

arrivals and 562 million domestic

Drive and M G Road but avoid

individual traveller visiting Kerala

development of ground facilities.

tourists last year.

the city traffic.

for leisure; airport hotel for transit

With many of the Keralites based

For Asset Homes, the

The USP of Asset Summit

Kerala has a huge potential for

We plan to target the following

just like IT. Kerala shows the

What are the services and quality

visitors from the International

in the Gulf, UK and USA, foreign

Council says, India will be a

standards offered by the hotel?

Airport and corporate marketing,

investment to the state continues

tourism hotspot from 2009–2018.

Why did you choose Luxury

focusing on business areas in

and is expected to rise.

Kerala and hence Kochi will have

service apartment as your debut

Kalamassery, Aluva, SEPZ as well

What are the advantages you

the major impact due to this and

venture in the sector?

as Infopark, Cochin.

have in entering hospitality

World Travel and Tourism

Asset Summit Suites intends to

The apartment hotel provides

For all these segments, we

industry with extensive expertise

tap this potential market.

a unique ambience for tourists,

have a particular marketing plan

in infrastructure development?

Hospitality is a service industry

business travellers, executives

and strategy. Our marketing and

What were the challenges?

that can create goodwill for our

and overseas-visitors. Health

sales team conducts corporate

brand on a national as well as

Club, multi-cuisine restaurant,

visits and leaflet distribution in

armed with the necessary

international platform if the

banquet hall, ample car parking

select segments for this. We

technical know-how required in

service is well looked after. We

facilities, wi-fi connectivity, travel

release advertisements focusing

building and furnishing a hotel or

intend to offer one of the best

desk and modern security

on the location. We have also

service apartment.

services in this sector.

arrangements are some of the

released ads on special occasions

What are the main highlights of

specialties of the hotel.

like Onam.

getting the right people to manage

What are your future projects in

the services since hospitality is a

the property? What is its USP?

Luxury stay at moderate rates

As a builder, Asset Homes is

The challenges involved were

is in shortage with the demand

tourism and hospitality? How do

service based industry. We have

apartment complex is the first-of-

exceeding supply. Luxury service

you rate the environment for

addressed this challenge to an

its-kind full-fledged apartment

apartments offers an additional

investment and growth of the

extent by appointing an

hotel in the State. There are 90

advantage of luxury stay along

industry here?

experienced person to be at the

fully furnished suite rooms of 500

with a homely ambience since the

sq ft each, with modern amenities,

rooms are fully furnished and

its next luxury service apartment

restaurant and banquet hall.

have a small kitchenette which

project “Asset iPulse� with 56 suite

The Asset Summit Suites

PARTNER COUNTRY

46

Asset Homes plans to launch

helm of the activities inside the Asset Summit Suites. Page 226

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE

PRS Group

Aiming for new heights The PRS Group, one of the leading business groups from Thiruvananthapuram has placed itself alongside the growth and development of the city with innumerable contributions in various sectors. The PRS Family has been exploring various development possibilities in sectors including construction, hospitality, health care, education etc. for four generations. Sabari Rathen, Executive Director of PRS Group is a young professional resolute in creating long term relationships with the clients by delivering top class services. He talks to Asian Traveller about his vision and his plans to tap the Travel and Tourism industry. What are your business interests

frequent travellers. They offer all

health and wellness tourism have

weaknesses reckoned are

in the hospitality industry after

the conveniences of a hotel with

excellent scope in Kerala,

complicated and cumbersome

having ventured into the trade

privacy and warmth of a home and

because of the trend set by health

procedure for investments and

with the Swagath Holiday

more space at affordable rate.

conscious clients who are seeking

interrupted supply of power and

Resorts?

The proposed project is ideally

to enhance their well being.

water.

located in the midst of serenity

Health tourism refers to those

How far has your legacy helped

world has clearly emerged as a

facing the Akkulam Lake and in

clients with medical ailments

you in your career? What are the

major driver of the economy after

close proximity to Technopark,

travelling exclusively for healing

advantages of being an

infrastructure, energy and

international airport, CESS etc.

therapies. PRS Hospital is well

entrepreneur after acquiring

petroleum sectors. And we at PRS

What are your future projects in

equipped to cater to such needs.

professional experience as an

are clearly poised to tap on this

tourism and hospitality? How do

Swagath Holiday Resorts has a

employee?

great opportunity to its optimum

you rate the environment for

full fledged Ayurveda centre for

potential. We are dedicated to

investment and growth of the

rejuvenating mind, body and soul

legacy established by my

take the resort to a 4-star level by

industry here?

thereby promoting wellness

forefathers, my unique

Hospitality industry all over the

Though I am a part of the

tourism.

contributions have always been

the standards of Swagath and in

construct resorts in known

What do you think is the future of

vital in policy decisions for all our

turn offer new levels of quality

destinations like Periyar,

the industry in Kerala? Can you

ventures. While working for an

and service to every deserving

Kumarakom and Munnar. Wayanad

point out the strengths,

MNC, workforce knowledge has

traveller.

is another area which we are

weaknesses of the sector and the

helped me to treat every

It is also heard that you are

exploring for a premium eco-

opportunities and threats an

employee at par as my own family

installing service apartments

friendly resort. A very friendly

entrepreneur has to face?

and that has resulted in increased

along with your other

environment is prevailing for

infrastructure development

investment in the hospitality

sectors of the industry, especially

knowledge gained has been a

programmes. How feasible do you

sector and we are charting out

tourism, since the government has

contributory factor for

think are they ?

ambitious plans and intend to be

been very liberal in attracting

implementing innovative

adding amenities and improving

Plans are on the anvil to

The future is bright for all

productivity. The working

a major tourism player in Kerala.

investments from different

technology in all sectors of the

apartments in Akkulam, adjacent

Being a quality medical service

quarters. Strengths include; well

organisation.

to our premium housing project –

provider what are your views on

connected road and rail network,

What are the principles that lead

PRS Lakeville. Service apartments

the growing opportunities in

airports, excellent communication

you through your professional

are a preferred choice for

medical and wellness tourism

network, India’s most advanced

life?

executives who stay over for

sectors?

society (100 percent literate

We are planning for service

longer periods, NRI’s and other

PARTNER COUNTRY

48

We strongly feel that both

workforce) while the main

I believe in hard work, honesty and sincerity for success.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


PROFILE

PRS: Making their presence felt in different business facets

F

ounded in 1950, the PRS Group has grown and prospered over the years after delivering quality products and services to the customers. With able hands at the helm, today PRS is a onestop-shop for hospitality, healthcare and construction needs. The construction industry has been their mainstay since the late S Perumal Pillai took up the contract of the Legislative Assembly Hall of the Travancore state in 1933. Many multi-storied buildings in Thiruvanathapuram including South Block of

ASIAN TRAVELLER

Secretariat, Reserve Bank of India, Regional Cancer Centre and Co-bank Towers were built by the group besides PRS Sangeeth Apartments, PRS Court, PRS Enclave and PRS Grace in the housing sector. Four avid generations of the family exploring the various prospects of civil engineering is now being led by R Murugan, Chairman and CEO and his son Sabari Rathen, the Executive Director of the group. With the establishment of the PRS Hospital in 1986, the group entered the healthcare sector. The hospital is now one of the foremost in

SEPTEMBER 2010

providing multi-specialty medical services with 23 departments, 250-beds and all modern treatment facilities. The hospital got ISO 9001-2000 certification for the standards it keeps up. PRS Nursing College and Cancer Treatment Centre is also on the pipeline which will trigger the group’s diversification in this sector. Swagath Holiday Resorts at Kovalam was opened by the PRS in the mid nineties making their entry to hospitality. The 28-room resort which has all standard amenities has undergone constant development and renovation to keep up with

the trade. The Ayurvedic centre, conference hall with a capacity of 200 pax, swimming pool and the restaurants are making it more attractive. Professional education is the latest venture after it has taken over Mary Matha College of Engineering and Technology which is affiliated to Kerala University which provide degree programmes in Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics and Civil Engineering. PG, MBA and MCA courses will also be added.

49


WORLD TOURISM DAY

World Tourism Day Message

Tourism and biodiversity This year’s annual UNWTO World Tourism Day celebrations will be held in China’s Guangdong Province, with smaller regional events and awareness projects scheduled world-wide.

A

s the international

in the world’s less developed

community comes

regions, are a significant source

together throughout 2010

of income and employment for

to celebrate life on Earth as part

local communities. It is this

of the United Nations International

relationship between tourism and

Year of Biodiversity, the tourism

biodiversity and the resulting

industry is pleased to join in this

positive impacts on local

global campaign by celebrating

livelihoods, development and

World Tourism Day (WTD) 2010 in

poverty alleviation that must set

China under the theme Tourism

the tone for sustainable tourism

and Biodiversity.

development.

The value of biodiversity for

Against this background, WTD

tourism is immeasurable. One of

2010 will highlight the strong ties

tourism’s greatest assets, the

between tourism development,

diversity of life on Earth causes

biodiversity conservation and

millions of people to travel the

poverty reduction. Sustainable

world each year. Yet biodiversity,

tourism presents an important

the intricate web of unique

opportunity for safeguarding

species and ecosystems that

irreplaceable natural wealth and

make up our planet, is at risk on a

raising awareness of the

global scale. Demographic

importance of life’s natural

pressures and unsustainable

diversity.

human activities are causing

Safeguarding biodiversity is an

irreversible biodiversity loss at an

urgent challenge that concerns us

alarming rate. Recognizing the

all – the international community,

value of Earth’s natural capital to

governments, companies and

its long-term sustainability, the

travellers – but it is not too late to

tourism industry is called upon to

act. I am confident that throughout

protect and sustainably manage

2010 and beyond the tourism

biodiversity. A healthy tourism

community will come together to

industry depends on a healthy

demonstrate its vital role in

resource base, and sustainable

protecting biodiversity and

growth in tourism means

maximizing its contribution to

increased funds for conservation.

poverty reduction and

Tourism revenues resulting

development. We look forward to

from the enjoyment of this

celebrating the natural richness of

biological diversity, often located

our planet with you.

Taleb Rifai Secretary-General UNWTO

PARTNER COUNTRY

50

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Tourism’s natural capital As the specialized agency for tourism, UNWTO has long been working to maximize tourism’s contribution to biodiversity conservation. World Tourism Day 2010 takes place under the theme ‘Tourism and Biodiversity’, an issue especially timely with 2010 being celebrated around the world as the UN International Year of Biodiversity.

T

here is a direct link between biodiversity and tourism with areas of

unique natural beauty attracting

Locally

environmentally-aware tourism,

Firstly, sustainable tourism is a

one that seeks to make a positive

key source of economic income

impact on both the environment

Biodiversity is thus one of

and employment for local

and the well-being of local

tourism’s greatest assets and

communities which in turn

peoples, has been consistently

fundamental to its long-term

provides a strong incentive to

increasing the competitiveness

sustained growth.

protect biodiversity. Maintaining

and marketing opportunities of

the environment upon which the

national tourism destinations. This

Nations Environment Programme

economic health of the local

is turn has seen fiscal incentives

(UNEP), uncontrolled land

population is based becomes the

to promote biodiversity-friendly

conversion, climate change,

priority, resulting in more tourists

tourism, as well as increased

pollution and other unsustainable

who, in turn, generate more funds

investment in infrastructure, clean

human activities are causing

for conservation. It is often the

technologies, renewable energy,

biodiversity loss at a rate many

case that areas of natural beauty

water management and so on.

times higher than that of natural

and diversity are preserved and

extinction. Biodiversity matters for

protected thanks to the funds

biodiversity as tourism’s natural

its own sake; but our ecosystems

flowing from the tourism industry

capital has a positive impact on

also sustain us, providing food,

for infrastructure, maintenance

the fight against poverty. The

energy, health and 40 percent of

and jobs.

Convention of Biological Diversity

This concern for protecting

highlights how the world’s poor,

the global economy. Rising

Along similar lines, tourism

tourism numbers also bring

offers a viable alternative for local

particularly in rural areas, depend

complex challenges which the

and indigenous populations to

on biological resources for as

tourism sector must address.

receive income from natural

much as 90 per cent of their

resources in a way that protects

needs, including food, fuel,

benefits it provides needs to be

those resources from exploitation;

medicine, shelter and

protected; action that damage it,

revenues that may otherwise have

transportation. Given this

avoided and biodiversity loss,

been obtained through more

dependence on biodiversity for

halted.

damaging forms of development.

livelihoods, strategies that

Biodiversity and all the

52

areas. The rise of a more

and global level.

large numbers of visitors.

According to the United

PARTNER COUNTRY

biodiversity at the local, national

The question is therefore how

As such, economic development

prioritize biodiversity are crucial

tourism can contribute positively

does not come at the expense of

for development and poverty

to biodiversity conservation and

environmental concerns.

alleviation.

the quality of life of local

Nationally

Globally

populations, while minimizing

Secondly, at the national level,

Finally, sustainable tourism

potentially negative environmental

tourism often justifies the creation

has a critical role in raising public

and social impacts.

of protected areas. National and

awareness of biodiversity issues.

Sustainable Tourism

regional tourism development

With millions of people travelling

Sustainable tourism, one that

strategies that recognize the value

the globe each year, tourism is an

establishes a suitable balance

of biodiversity to the tourism

ideal vehicle to further spread

between the environmental,

industry, and therefore the

environmental awareness.

economic and socio-cultural

potential contribution of tourism to

aspects of tourism development,

poverty alleviation and

experiences provided by natural

is key to maximizing tourism’s

development, are instrumental in

ecosystems are countless and all

positive contribution to

protecting and maintaining these

contribute to tourism satisfaction

The products, services and

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



SUSTAINABLE TOURISM economy.

and a concomitant change in

development should safeguard

consumer behaviour. The

the natural environment with a

emergence of new consumption

view to achieving sound,

century, UNWTO has been

patterns is already evident in the

continuous and sustainable

positioning tourism at the leading

world of tourism, with the

economic growth. It also

edge of the global response to

emergence of ‘responsible

recognizes nature tourism and

environmental challenges. In

tourism’, ‘ecotourism’ and other

ecotourism as being particularly

2007, UNWTO initiated the Davos

markets.

conducive to enriching and

Process which includes firm

enhancing the standing of

recommendations and a clear

tourism.

commitment for action to respond

It is clear that sustainable tourism is well-positioned to encourage a widespread change

As part of the UN family,

Indeed, since the turn of the

to the climate change challenge,

in consumption and production

UNWTO is committed to the One-

including the urgent adoption of a

patterns, so desperately needed

UN approach to provide a

range of sustainable tourism

to conserve the wealth of life

coherent response to the current

policies. In particular, the Declaration calls on the tourism industry to conserve biodiversity, natural ecosystems and landscapes in ways which ensure a long-term sustainable use of the environmental resource base of tourism. Over the years UNWTO has continued to take-up various actions within the framework of targets for biodiversity, such as

challenges, including

the implementation of

UNWTO Actions

environmental sustainability, one

biodiversity-based tourism

A sustainable tourism industry

of the UN’s Millennium

projects to showcase how to

Development Goals.

mainstream biodiversity issues

present on our Earth.

that makes optimal use of environmental resources,

54

into tourism master and management plans.

agencies in a call for leading

processes and helps to conserve

economies to embrace a Green

In 2009, UNWTO signed a

natural heritage and biodiversity is

New Deal and to strengthen the

Memorandum of Understanding

at the heart of UNWTO’s strategic

coordination of their respective

with the Secretariat of the

objectives.

stimulus programmes to both

Convention on Biological

revive economic growth and begin

Diversity, the international treaty

Tourism, a comprehensive set of

the transformation towards the

designed to sustain the rich

principles laid out by UNWTO to

Green Economy. Within the Green

diversity of life on earth. UNWTO

guide tourism development, calls

Economy Initiative, UNWTO,

will also participate in the tenth

for the safeguarding of the natural

together with UNEP will produce a

meeting of the Conference of the

environment through the proper

chapter and a series of

Parties (COP 10) to the CBD in

management and design of

background papers devoted to

Japan this October, to raise

tourism strategies. The code,

show how investment in

awareness of the importance of

approved by the UN General

sustainable tourism solutions can

biodiversity for the sustainable

Assembly in 2001, stresses that

contribute to sustainable

development of tourism.

all stakeholders in tourism

development and to a green

The Global Code of Ethics for

PARTNER COUNTRY

UNWTO recently joined 21 UN

maintains essential ecological

(Courtesy: UNWTO)

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE

We are focusing on visitors who stay for longer periods in Dubai National Desert Travels is a leading destination management company from United Arab Emirates based in Dubai. They provide all travel related services to visitors to the UAE. Rajiv Verma, Head-India & Nepal, National Desert Travels LLC spoke to Asian Traveller about the services they offer and strategies they adopt to attract clients. highlight other excursions which

and so as purchasing power of

are best value for their money for

every Indian visitor going abroad

our valued guest. We cater to

has been increased enormously.

every travel needs of our clientele

We have catered to more than

and ensure the best is given to

20,000 visitors in the recent time

them in terms of our traditional

and we may able to double the

What are the products/packages/

hospitality, friendliness and

figures in the coming year or so.

activities you are offering?

courteous way to attend the

are also in the process to increase

What plans do you envisage to

different requirements from their

the local market network to tier-2

attract more visitors from India

arrival till departure.

and tier-3 regions so that every

region?

As a matter of fact, we believe in customer’s choice and preference however other than a

Our positioning is different

travel operator in India should be

In the standard packages sold

basic standard package which

from others but we do not see any

aware of our product and should

for Indian nationals as mentioned

includes three nights

competition around when it comes

have potential to sell our products

earlier, we are in getting ready to

accommodation with breakfast,

to area of hospitality, professional

in much stronger way for Dubai

offer value add-ons and

return airport transfers, Dubai city

product knowledge and level of

market.

emphasizing other favorite

tour, Desert Safari excursion with

services. The opportunities are

Which are your target segments in

excursions which should attract

belly dance and evening Dhow

infinite and we believe that in

the Indian Market?

visitors and divert their minds

Cruise, we prefer to sell and offer

today’s world of cut throat

lot many other attractive

competition, you can only survive

India are MICE market which has

excursions of Dubai like Dubai

if you win your customer’s

huge and infinite potential for any

Snow Park called SKI-DUBAI, Wild

satisfaction and ensure close and

leisure destination including

who stay longer in Dubai and

Wadi Water Park, Dubai

long lasting relationship with the

Dubai. We are emphasizing and

would like to offer hotel

Dolphinarium, Sharjah and Abu

partners.

targeting every corporate and

apartments which would have

Dhabi City tour and lot more

What is the marketing strategy of

leisure incentive tours and

complete kitchen and net services

which are part of a ‘must-see’

your company?

offering Dubai as premium leisure

and also they are much

destination for their incentives

economical than buying complete hotel packages.

excursion. National Desert Travels

We need to be more viable and

The main target segments in

(NDT)’s efforts are to offer at least

strong in terms of price issues,

and customize requirements. We

four or five night package to

value add-ons which can enhance

are also in the process to offer

visitor so that they can enjoy and

the business in a long term. We

short term but lucrative Dubai

from other leisure destinations to Dubai. We are also focusing visitors

We are also closely working with institutions where lot of

cherish every excursion of Dubai

packages for all

opportunities are there to grab

and take back a lot of happy

those visitors to

student visitors to Dubai for their

memories back home.

Europe and U.K. for

educational and industrial visit

What is the USP of the company?

their main holidays

which can enhance their

How do you position yourself in

and transit Dubai for

knowledge and they get familiar

the market?

short period.

with Dubai.

The USP of our company is

How many visitors do

We are also thankful to DTCM

our sound product knowledge

you get annually

for providing us with every

which we spread to every local

from this part of the

possible assistance and support

travel partner across the country

world?

which is highly appreciated and

to do more than just standard package and ability to offer and

PARTNER COUNTRY

56

The potential from India market is huge

we look forward to this continuous support forever.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE

After tasting success Sankalp plans diversification Sankalp is a chain of specialty based retail restaurant outlets run by Sankalp Recreation Pvt. Ltd and is now also into banqueting, hoteliering, processed foods and real estate development. The founder of this multi-faceted group, Ramavtar Goenka ventured into this business in 1981 with the opening of its flagship restaurant at Ashram Road in Ahmedabad, India. Over the years SRPL has grown from strength to strength and has more than 60 restaurants across India as well as abroad. The Group has also made its mark in USA with the opening of its restaurant Sankalp in Edison and South Plainfield, NJ. With the idea of extending its brand name and services abroad, the Group is all set to extend operations in other states of USA also. Kailash Goenka, Managing Director, Sankalp Group spoke to Asian Traveller about the past, present and future of the group. Excerpts: Tell us about the beginning of this

into doing something novel,

compare. The authentic style of

chatni pods and Sambhar Ssauce

successful journey. How did the

launched the First 100-seate

culinary preparation, the ethnic

boats adds to great ambience the

Sankalp chain started?

restaurant with a video screen

table layout and the excellent

restaurant has.

showing movies. This was a great

service compels customers to

business immigrant from Jaffna,

hit and the restaurant was also

patronize this Sankalp

Gujarat and Rajasthan Uncle

settled in Gujarat, dreamed of

known as Video Restaurant. After

Restaurants, again and again.

Sam’s Pizza was very popular

doing something different. Hailing

that came the four feet long Dosa

from Sri Lanka, he was familiar

which again was a big curiosity. It

highlight of this restaurant is its

the Pizzeria has become equally

with South Indian Food better than

was followed by an eight feet

traditional Dakshin Thali.

popular for all age groups. The

most. Appraising the market taste

dosa at the second Sankalp

Introduced specially for the ‘South

mission of Uncle Sam’s Pizza is to

accurately & acutely, he decided

Restaurant on the C.G. Road, one

Indian food loving Class’ in

make Pizzas available to all at a

to capitalize on his strength: viz.

of the most happening areas of

Mumbai, this thali serves

very affordable price with services

his knowledge of culinary

Ahmedabad. Sankalp by then in

sumptuous helpings of Kutoo,

par excellence to delight the

preparation and made bold forays

the Limca Book of Records made

Avial, Kozhambu and Puliyodharai.

customer. The ‘unlimited offer’ at

into opening a restaurant serving

the 25 feet long Dosa and entered

The Malabari Parotta and

a very surprisingly attractive price

South Indian dishes in

The Guinness Book of World

Iddiappam served with Kurma and

serves unlimited pizzas, soups,

Ahmedabad. He also, besides

Records in 1996. Then broke its

Poppodum are special combos

salads, cheese breads and a

many, felt a vacuum in

own record by making a 30-feet

designed for the very busy

brownie with ice cream. This offer

Ahmedabad of providing the best

long dosa. Recently Sankalp

connoisseurs who come to this

is so popular that it responsible

South-Indian food to the

made a 32 feet long dosa for the

restaurant for a quick grub. Five

queues outside the restaurants.

connoisseurs of great food. The

Bollywood Movie ‘Quick Gun

different varieties of Chatneys and

Uncle Sam’s came up with some

Man was Ramavatar Goenka and

Murugun’ produced in association

Sambhar served in silverware

of the most exotic salads served

the Restaurant was Sankalp. The

with Fox Star Studios, Hollywood.

in a very bright lit,

rest, as they say, is History.

Tell us about your three different

young and vibrant

What were the main difficulties

brands – Sankalp, Saffron and

ambience.

the group had to face in the initial

Uncle Sam’s Pizza and ready mix.

Nearly three decades ago, a

days? How did you over come those?

Frequented by celebrities, the

Having 14 Outlets across

among the youth initially but now

Saffron is an

Sankalp is exclusively South

exclusive North

Indian speciality Restaurant,

Indian restaurant

serving the most authentic taste

and the USP of the

difficulties faced. The authentic

accepted universally. Perched

restaurant is again a

South Indian Food was a big hit

high above the normal South

unique and novel

from day one and above that, as

Indian Food serving restaurants,

idea of having the

Ramavtaar Goenka was always

this restaurant has a style beyond

barbeque on your

Very honestly there were no

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58

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE table to roast your barbeques

the first time in India, a complete

Cuisine. Our

according to requirement which

range of frozen chutneys. These

authentic

gives a sheer joy of cooking to the

succulent chutneys are versatile

traditional cuisine

customer. The amazing barbeque

and redolent of the flavours of the

is our USP.

starters have created waves as

South. So get ready to reduce the

Sankalp has a

again these starters can be

load of tireless cooking with this

pan Indian

enjoyed abundantly in the

new concept food.

presence and its

Unlimited Offer. The success with

Sankalp Recreation Pvt. Ltd.

restaurant offers

Uncle Sam’s was replicated with

has ventured into processed

a dining

Saffron and the results were the

foods in a big way with a strong

experience that

same. Apart from authentic North

infrastructure set up. Our

does not only

Cuisines the barbeque starters

manufacturing unit is at Mehsana

build a broad

has become very popular. Having

covering an area of 25000 sq. ft.

consumer base

seven successful restaurants in

Equipped with the state-of-the-art

but also

Gujarat, Saffron will shortly enter

technology; our factory meets

inculcates loyalty

the metros of India and the US.

parameters of nutrition, hygiene

among the

and quality. Our processed foods

dinners who keep

allows for long hours in the

factory has the latest machinery

coming back for

kitchen. So Sankalp Health Foods

and technology to produce a

more. Good

now comes to the rescue with

variety of dry mixes and frozen

service, authentic

Processed Foods. In easy to make

food products. It has as its goal

food, excellent

mixes, Sankalp brings authentic

expansion both in India as well as

presentation and

South Indian Cuisine to your

in other countries. Our USP is that

exacting hygiene

kitchen. Now you can save on

the smallest details are taken care

standards are ways in which we

major cities of the country and the

time without compromising on

of. Thus, right from procurement

build a long term relationship with

world, but to spread out in each

taste and quality. We bring to you

of raw material to finished goods

our consumers.

and every home of India Sankalp

instant mixes of Dosa, Idli,

to bringing the product to our

How do you position your

now plans to enter the retail

Uttapam, Upma, Molgapodi and

clients, at every step strict quality

restaurant chain in the market?

market with its instant mixes.

Rava Dosa. These have been

control measures are adhered to.

packaged under strict quality

Our processed food division also

you the ultimate dining

interests outside the current area

control and care has been taken

aims at making the product

experience. Sankalp Group’s

– i.e. restaurants?

to retain their nutritive value.

economically viable, so that it will

panorama of cuisine includes

reach a large consumer base.

South Indian and North Indian

diversified into banqueting, real

Since consumer

restaurants, Pizzeria, Salad Bars,

estate, hoteliering and new

satisfaction is

Barbecue. It also has full–service

concept processed foods. The

our ultimate

outdoor catering. Thus the

Group has ventured into real

goal, feedback

Group’s expertise encompasses

estate in full swing. Knowledge of

from consumers

the best of Indian as well as

infrastructure and good business

is not only

global cuisine.

acumen has resulted in various

welcomed but

What is your strategy as far as

commercial and residential

also paid

business expansion is

projects in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

attention to.

concerned? What plans do you

Now the group is also into

At Sankalp, what

have at the moment?

building hotels, condominiums as

New–age lifestyle no longer

Sankalp also introduces for

is your USP?

Today, Sankalp Group has also

well as purchase and sale of land.

model through which we have

The Hotel Ramada is the latest

obtain customer

been able to expand the most. In

feather in its cap.

loyalty?

franchising model the investor is

The Sankalp Group is about to

also the channel partner with his

complete three decades in

brand that has

100 per cent involvement in the

business. Could you share the

established itself

operations which is very helpful

secret of success with us?

in both domestic

for retaining the consistency in

and international

service, quality and hygiene. Also

and service and attention to the

market because

planning 200 Express Outlets in

minutest details; creating the right

of standards of

the major cities of India by the

ambience for our consumers –

excellence in

end of 2010.

this is what makes Sankalp a

South Indian

60

Franchising Model is the best

Do you have any business

How do you

Sankalp is a

PARTNER COUNTRY

A family restaurant that offers

Franchising help us to reach

Consistency in taste, quality

success story.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



FACE TO FACE

Dreaming of a borderless world Shravan Gupta took over as the Managing Director of Travel Tours Pvt. Ltd., a travel services company with clients around the world, in 2003. An MBA from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, he took the company to newer heights in a short time. The Travel Tours Group has grown from strength to strength and today it has a network of over 14 offices across six cities with a team of over 250 professionals, six distinct brands, business turnover of USD 75 million and a finalist in the CNBC Emerging India Awards. In an interview with Asian Traveller he reveals his vision and plans. Excerpts:

When you took over the leadership of Travel Tours, it was already a company which has established its position in the market. What changes did you bring into it? By the time I took over the company was well established in Bangalore. We faced two major challenges - to expand into other markets and the changing industry scenario. The advent of OTA’s, LCC’s and the strengthening of MNC’s in the corporate travel space all posed serious challenges to our future. These challenges also brought with it significant opportunities for growth as the market was expanding at an unprecedented pace. In order to leverage this we made two major changes - one was to empower our PARTNER COUNTRY

62

key people to help grow the business and the second was to consistently invest in building a strong brand across the markets. What’s the vision and mission of the group? Our vision is to become India’s most favored travel services group. According to you what are the main problems the travel (and tourism) industry in India face? Do you have any solutions to suggest? In my opinion there are a few problems the travel (and tourism) industry in India face now. One, the industry has a very low entry-barrier. Another issue is that there is very little investment in training and technology. The industry is plagued by the concept of credit and

business, GetOff adventures and expansion of our Forex business, as we recently received the AD 2 license. Travel Tours has been in business for more than three decades. Looking back, what do you feel? Do you think the company has reached where it should? From here where would you like to go? I always tell my team that we must enjoy what we are doing. And this is paramount in the way we do business. As far as the company is concerned, we What are your expansion are constantly evolving and and diversification plans? growing. Like I mentioned Our expansion plans in earlier, we would like to be the near term include: India’s most favoured travel expanding our network in South India (especially in tier brand. But more importantly the whole team must enjoy 2 and 3 cities), increase the journey of trying to get business for our newly there. acquired adventure travel

discounting and it does not attract very good talent at the entry level. The solutions I can suggest are: one, consolidation and two improved process to certify and enlist new entrants

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



WTM

Industry gets behind WTM World Responsible Tourism Day

M

ore companies than ever before have applied to participate in WTM World Responsible Tourism Day – the only global campaign, in association with the UNWTO, to inspire and educate the industry to actively help save the planet. More than one hundred large and small travel and tourism companies have already applied to use the official 2010 WTM WRTD logo ahead of the actual day on Wednesday 10 November. The applications are

currently being studied to ensure that they meet WTM World Responsible Tourism

Day’s strict criteria. Regardless of whether they are able to attend the occasion at World Travel Market in London, many plan to mark the day in their own special way with press conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs, presentations,

fun runs, family competitions and picnics. “The industry faces extremely difficult and challenging times, not only economically, but also on core issues such as sustainability, climate change, conservation and poverty reduction”, said Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market and a responsible tourism pioneer of over the past 16 years. “This is one of the reasons why responsible tourism is becoming fundamental to operators and destinations and why

New sports pavilion at WTM

W

TM will unveil a new

The launch of the Sports Pavilion follows

Sports Pavilion at the

hot on the heels of the first Sports Tourism

2010 mart with some of the most

conference program at World Travel Market

iconic venues in the world exhibiting. The

last year, which included an array of high-

spiritual home of four of the world’s major

profile speakers from the 2010 football World

sports - Lords (cricket), Wimbledon (tennis),

Cup, London 2012 Olympic Committee, and

Twickenham (rugby), and Wembley (football) -

the Canadian 2010 Winter Olympics.

are all exhibiting in the new Sports Pavilion,

“Sports Tourism is worth a staggering USD

WTM World Responsible Tourism Day has captured so much industry attention worldwide. “Consumers are demonstrating their concern and I am delighted Fiona Jeffery, that the Chairman WTM industry is beginning to respond positively.” The applications are currently being studied to ensure that they meet WTM World Responsible Tourism Day’s strict criteria.

WTM 2010 to unveil largest ever gay marketing survey

W

TM this year will unveil results from the largest ever international survey into the

travel and leisure patterns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Analysis of the findings, by gay marketing specialists

which is situated in the UK and Ireland region

51 billion a year and World

Out Now, will form the

of WTM 2010.

Travel Market is the first

backbone of the WTM lesbian,

An array of top premiership football

exhibition to recognize its

gay, bisexual and transgender

grounds are also exhibiting, including Old

growing importance to the

(LGBT) seminar, organised and

Trafford (Manchester United), Stamford Bridge

industry, with the launch of the

moderated by Out Now Chief

(Chelsea), and Emirates Stadium (Arsenal).

Sports Tourism seminar

Executive Ian Johnson. European and Latin

program and Sports Pavilion” said World Travel

American countries will feature in the ‘2010

Market sales executive Christian

Out Now Global LGBT Market Study’. France,

Vicente.

Germany, Israel, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the

“The Sports Pavilion is an

World Travel Market Sales Executive Christian Vicente at the launch of the new WTM 2010 Sports Pavilion at Lords Cricket Ground with Antony Amos

PARTNER COUNTRY

64

UK make up the European sample, with the

exciting initiative, which allows

Latin American component featuring

some of the world’s leading sports

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico,

stadiums to promote their historic

Peru, and Uruguay. The survey will reveal

and prestigious venues, stadium

information on LGBT travel habits including

tours, and museums to the global

preferred destinations, annual tourism

travel trade for both leisure

spending, lifestyle leisure preferences,

travellers and conferences and

frequency of air travel, overall tourism

events,” he added.

expenditures, income and gay honeymoons.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PATA

Industry to convene at PTM 2010

T

he city of Macau is more ready than ever to welcome PATA travel Mart, PTM2010 delegates scheduled to September 14 – 17 at the Venetian Macao-ResortHotel, Macau SAR. Around 1,500 participants are expected to take part in the event. Pre and Post FAM tours will be offered by the host. Seminars, breakfast case studies and luncheon workshops to provide valueadded education content to delegates at the mart. Prior to the PTM a full day seminar will be held on September 14, at IFT

Institute for Tourism Studies, Macau. The seminar “HR challenges in the tourism and hospitality industry: Promoting industry and academia collaboration,” which is jointly organized by PATA Education and Training Committee, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University PARTNER COUNTRY

66

(PolyU) School of Hotel & Tourism Management and the Institute For Tourism Studies (Macao SAR). Two breakfast case studies include the Environment and Heritage and Culture. PTM2010 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, VIP Tour and Media Briefing Session will be held at 10:30 hrs September 15 marking the start of the business sessions with fixed appointments. Luncheon workshops include “Designing dream experiences” and “CSR for travel and tourism” will be

held on 15th and 16th September. PTM2010 Welcome Dinner Reception hosted by Macau SAR Government will be held at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf at 19:30 hrs on 14th September and PTM 2011, New Delhi invitation dinner reception, hosted by Ministry of Tourism,

Government of India at Grand Hyatt Macau 19:30 hrs on 17th September. The Venetian Macau resort hotel serves as the official venue. Air Macau is the Official Carrier and Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air being the support carriers. As the host city for the event all attention is on Macau and the visitors will experience Macau through the five senses “See Macau, Taste Macau, Touch Macau, Feel Macau and Hear Macau’. Macau’s rich history

tiny SAR is growing in size, with more buildings on reclaimed land and in the number and diversity of its attractions. In 2008, the city hosted a record-breaking number of over 22.9 million visitors and the Macau Government is continuing its investment in the development of business tourism and the MICE industry. Located on the southeast coast of China and bordering on Guangdong Province, Macau SAR is located 60km from Hong Kong and 145km from the city of Guangzhou. Macau can be accessed easily by air as the Macau

has created a unique society, with influence from the East and West complementing each other. Since December 1999, Macau has been a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and, like Hong Kong, benefits from the principle of “one country, two systems”. The

International Airport is located on Taipa Island tenminute far from the peninsula. There are several points providing ferry services from Hong Kong to Macau, including a direct trip from Hong Kong International Airport. PATA Travel Mart is one of the widely recognized travel trade shows for Asia Pacific with a long history. It serves as a travel contracting and networking platform that attracts many highprofile buyers and exhibitors every year. The PATA Travel Mart 2008 attracted over 1,000 trade delegates, comprising 374 global buyers, 715 Asia Pacific sellers and numbers of international media.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



EVENTS

IT&CMA, 2010 to welcome stellar cohort of international delegates

E

fforts to attract an international bevy of choice IT&CMA MICE buyers and CTW corporate travel managers, association executives and media have paid off handsomely. More than 900 registrations from interested participants around the world have been received so far. This year’s Doublebill MICE and Corporate Travel event - which will be held from 5 to 7 October 2010 at Bangkok Convention Center, CentralWorld, Bangkok - is slated to boast one of the most diverse and soughtafter target audience profiles which exhibitors and sponsors are looking to meet and network with. “Our exhibitors tell us that in addition to wooing the MICE sector, corporate travel and association networks are pivotal for business going forward. Thus, our focus this year is to ensure that we deliver more of these delegates to the event.” observed Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, organizer of IT&CMA and CTW 2010. IT&CMA and CTW 2010 have always been reputed for its track record to source for and accept only bonafide delegates to the event. Part of the show’s investment includes hosting of buyers and corporate travel managers that possess reputable buying potential. “This year, with the overwhelming number of registrations received, the continued enforcement of our PARTNER COUNTRY

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stringent validation measures will serve to heighten the quality of buyers and corporate travel managers attending IT&CMA and

CTW”, Ng explained In addition to the investment of delivering a diverse profile of quality international buyers and corporate travel managers, the organisers have also enhanced the IT&CMA and CTW 2010 programme. This successfully contributed to attracting procurement managers, planners, influencers and decision makers from some of the world’s biggest corporate names across multiple industries including Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Symantec, Societe Generale Bank, The Body Shop, Robert Bosch and Mazda. “Delegates are also looking forward to the return of the popular ‘You Say, I Say’ interactive panel

discussion that invites audiences to voice their opinions and engage with six dynamic industry experts on some of the community’s most pressing issues. This year’s keynote presentation on ‘The Future of Delivering and Creating Value In Service’ by Ms Irene Ng will offer fresh perspectives and insights on achieving optimal results in this area.” describes Mr Ooi Peng Ee, General Manager of TTG Asia Media’s events and exhibitions division. This year’s programme will also welcome a variety of Darren Ng, MD, top associaTTG Asia Media tion executives from International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB) who are co-locating their meetings in conjunction with IT&CMA and CTW 2010. The specially

designed starter accreditation Association Professional Competencies Certification Course (PAE102) offered during CTW 2010 by the Australian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), is expected to bring more association executives to the show. CTW’s second accreditation programme, the Corporate Travel Expert (CTE) Designation Course by National Business Travel Association (NBTA), is tailored exclusively for Corporate Travel Managers. The event’s strategic partner Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is also intensifying its efforts to promote Thailand as a MICE and Corporate Travel destination through IT&CMA and CTW 2010. Akapol Sorasuchart, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau commented, “To encourage an increased Thai presence at this exhibition, TCEB has funded a total of 57 local travel agents and destination management companies to be at the event. These companies will occupy over 300 sqm of the IT&CMA exhibition hall. This supportive and optimistic response demonstrates Thailand’s determination and dedication as the host country of IT&CMA and CTW, in moving towards fulfilling our intention of being the centre of MICE development for the Asia Pacific.”

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SEPTEMBER 2010



ITB ASIA

The trade show for the Asian travel market lures 30pc more exhibitors

I

TB Asia has returned quickly to

World have joined for the first

because we present such a

21,000 buyer-seller meetings,”

strong growth with floor space

time, along with travel companies

diversity of global travel products

added Gruettke.

sales up markedly compared to

from Kenya,

to Asian buyers,” says

same time last year. Over 30 per

Uzbekistan and

Nino Gruettke,

technology, marketing and

cent of exhibitors are new

Armenia.

Executive Director of

distribution conference that takes

participants at the show which is in its third year. Guangdong Tourism Authority,

ITB Asia and the Web In Travel

ITB Asia. “There’s no

place simultaneously in

Authority of Thailand

other show in Asia

partnership with ITB Asia, has

has more than

where travel buyers

attracted over 90 speakers who

The Tourism

Bhutan Department of Tourism,

doubled its floor space and the

convene so easily to find out

will deliver over 2,280 minutes of

the Moscow Exhibition and

Czech Tourist Authority, Sentosa

about the new products and travel

analysis and insights on new

Convention Agency and Israel will

Leisure Group, Frasers

experiences available in

travel industry

exhibit their destinations for the

Hospitality, Fairmont Raffles

wonderfully diverse destinations

trends.

first time at ITB Asia, which takes

Swissotel, Furama Hotels

such as Chile, Armenia, Kenya

place 20-22 October at the Suntec

International Management, the

and Uzbekistan. These are just the

at Web In

Singapore International

Nepal Tourism Board, and the

tip of the iceberg.”

Travel include

Convention & Exhibition Centre.

German Tourism Board (DZT)

investor

Buyers at ITB Asia 2010 will be

have all booked larger floor space

able to meet exhibitors who

Chilean carrier LAN Airlines and

this year. “ITB Asia is unique

attended in 2008 but missed last

the Small Luxury Hotels of the

compared to other travel shows

year’s show: Bali Village, Eastin

From the private sector, the

Speakers

Morten Lund Nino Gruettke, Executive Director, ITB Asia

who has cofounded and

Hotel Petaling Jaya, Outrigger

invested in more than 50 high-

Hotels and Resorts - Asia, Sol

tech start-ups including Skype

Melia Hotels and Resorts, First

and online stockbroker Zecco;

House Samui Hotel and Resort,

Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of

the Turkish Embassy Tourism and

Mandala Airlines in Indonesia; Cui

Information Office, Vietnam

Guang Fu, CEO, Elong, China;

Pathfinder Travel, Grande Centre

Gerry Samuels, CEO, Mobile

Point Hotel and Residence

Travel Technologies, UK; Hrush

(Thailand), Putrajaya Marriott

Bhatt, founder and director of

Hotel & Spa (Malaysia) and

Cleartrip/Small World in India;

Samode Hotels (India) are all

Marc Charron, managing director

returning this year.

of TripAdvisor APAC; Singapore;

“ITB Asia is on track to attract

and William Bao Bean, partner,

about 650 exhibiting organisations

Softbank China & India Holdings,

this year. We expect around

China.

ITB Asia puts association meetings business in spotlight

I

TB Asia has attracted over 25

regardless of global economic

which is hosted by Messe Berlin

Associations in a Changing

speakers to address

conditions. Before, during and

(Singapore). ASAE, The Center for

Business Environment,” “Using

Association Day, a specialist

after these events, association

Association Leadership and

Your Meetings to Promote the

forum 20-21 October that is

members spend large amounts of

Suntec Singapore are key

Growth of Your Association,”

dedicated to understanding and

money on shopping, travel, dining

collaborators. Association Day is

“What Global Meeting Planners

growing the association meeting

and entertainment.

supported by ICCA and the

Look for When Bringing their

Singapore Exhibition and

Meetings to Asia,” “How to

Convention Bureau.

Improve the Financial Outcomes

sector in Asia. Annual and bi-annual

“Such discretionary spend is keenly sought-after by convention

of Your Meetings,” “How the

association meetings for doctors,

and visitor bureaus and national

insurance experts, dentists,

tourism offices,” said Nancy Tan,

event of its kind in Asia, is free to

Pharmaceutical Code Affects You

scientists and other professions

Managing Director of Ace:

all invited association executives.

and Your Meetings,” and “Future

are increasingly important

Daytons Direct, one of the

They can attend sessions such as,

Trends: Asia & The Global

because such events take place

initiators of the Association Day,

“Challenges and Opportunities for

Meetings Industry.”

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70

Association Day, a first-ever

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SEPTEMBER 2010



PATA

Hong Kong Tourism Board, India Tourism, Thailand top PATA Awards

H

ong Kong Tourism Board, Ministry of Tourism, Govern ment of India, and Tourism Authority of Thailand has figured prominently in this year’s PATA Awards – all of them bagging multiple awards. PATA Grand Awards are presented to outstanding entries in the four principal categories: Marketing, Education and Training, Environment, and

Heritage. Banyan Tree Spa Academy (Banyan Tree Spa), Jantung Hijau (Green Heart) Indonesia, Case Study of Hodka Village (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) and Tourism New Zealand are the PATA Grand awardees of the year. The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has been the sponsors of the PATA

Gold Awards for the past v15 years. India and Hong Kong Tourism Board have won five Gold Awards each, while Tourism Authority of Thailand got three. The awards will be presented on September 17 at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, Macau SAR during PATA Travel Mart 2010.

PATA GRAND A WARD WINNERS AW Education and Training

different herbs and spices,

film that would become part of the

community to adopt local sites of

Banyan Tree Spa Academy

preparation of spa ingredients,

internationally acclaimed ‘100%

cultural interest.

Banyan Tree Spa

setting up of treatment rooms and

Pure New Zealand’ marketing

spa pavilions, and standard

campaign. With support from

Academy in Phuket was opened in

greeting procedures. To date, the

Academy Award winning producer

2001, it was a world-first for a

Spa Academy has trained over

Barrie Osborne and legendary

resort. It developed a fully trained,

1,000 therapists for all the Banyan

New Zealand director Peter

talented therapist base that

Tree Spas and Angsana Spas

Jackson, tapped into American

helped to enter new markets and

globally. The special emphasis on

consumers’ love of movies and

Banyan Tree Spa’s service

celebrity culture. The campaign

concept to empower trainees to

used social media, online

deliver the Banyan Tree Spa

marketing and PR, to raise

experience with consistency,

awareness of New Zealand as a

uses precious ground water

finesse and sensitivity has

holiday destination in the USA.

reserves. The greatest

When the Banyan Tree Spa

achievement is continued effort to

enabled it to garner over 100-

grow the chain from one Banyan

The entire property no longer

awards and accolades globally,

Environment

re-green the island of Bali through

making the Banyan Tree Spa one

Jantung Hijau, Green Heart

mass plantings. The Resort has

of the most renowned spa brands

AlamKulKul Boutique Resort Bali,

planted more than 25,000-trees

around the world.

Indonesia

around Bali over the past 10-

Jantung Hijau or Green Heart

Tree Spa in 1994 to more than 61

years.

Banyan Tree and Angsana Spas

Marketing

is an environmental awareness

today. The Therapist Training

Your Big Break

programme first introduced to

preceded Indonesia’s commitment

Programme at Banyan Tree Spa

Tourism New Zealand, New

AlamKulKul Boutique Resort

during the Copenhagen

Academy was developed and

Zealand

employees in early 2000. Every

Environmental Summit, to plant a

staff member was asked to bring a

billion trees in an effort to

This endeavour in fact

implemented to train new recruits,

An innovative short film

and encompasses all areas of spa

competition gave amateur film-

tree along to the Family Day.

counteract the effects of global

therapy.

makers the opportunity to create a

Prizes were awarded for the most

warming.

This includes knowledge of the

exotic species of native greenery.

human anatomy and important

Every tree was later planted in the

Heritage

pressure points, modern and

hotel grounds with each staff

Rural Tourism Project - Case

traditional massage techniques,

members’ name attached to it.

Study of Hodka Village

variation of body weight for

The resort has repeatedly been

Ministry of Tourism, Government

different techniques, knowledge

involved in ‘green’ projects

of India

of skin epidermis and facial

including beach clean-ups and

applications, properties of

working with the Balinese

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The Rural Tourism Project was conceptualised in 2003 by the

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SEPTEMBER 2010



PATA Ministry of Tourism, Government

care, can hence target larger

for the paying visitor, who is the

of India, in partnership with the

tourism yields, which could

direct income route for the local

United Nations Development

contribute significantly to

communities.

sites in 20 states. This has now

include the formation of rural self

Canada upholds sex tourism law

been extended to another 133

help groups, tourism marketing

Canada has sentenced one of

villages.

The project’s key action routes

Programme (UNDP) at 36-rural

and governance structures,

its citizens to an 11-year jail

This winning entry for the PATA

backed by convergent support to

term for child pornography and

Gold Award 2010 is specifically for

sustainable village infrastructure,

child sex tourism. In the highest

the Shaam-e-Sarhad resort of the

waste management and

punishment yet under the sex

rural tourism project at Hodka

environment car. The focus is

tourism law, the BC Superior

village in the Kachchh district of

thereby on sustainable capacity

Court of Vancouver, British

conservation, and the rural sector

building with local stakeholder

Columbia, sentenced a man,

in particular.

participation, wherein women and

who tried in vain to contest the

the rural poor are target

judgement by stating that the

beneficiaries.

crimes happened in places that

Gujarat. Sustainable visitor strategies based on art, craft, cultural, natural heritage and environment

The Project facilitates interactive experiences of rural life

did not come under Canadian

PATA GOLD A WARD WINNERS AW

jurisdiction, to 10-years.

China bells the cat

Marketing

Heritage

Quick Screen Series, Hong Kong

Primary Government Destination

The Launch of Sofitel Legend

Tourism Board.

Eco Tourism Marketing

Metropole Hanoi, Sofitel Luxury

Marketing Media

Campaign,Ministry of Tourism,

Hotels Asia Pacific, Thailand.

Promotional Travel Video

According to report in the China

Government of India.

Culture

A Trip to the Heart-Warming,

Daily, China plans to strip hotels

Marketing

Baan Mae Kampong, Tourism

Country of Korea, Korea Tourism

not quite up to the mark of their

Secondary Government

Authority of Thailand.

Organization.

star grading. Dai Ben, deputy

Destination

Education and Training

Marketing Media

head, China Tourism Academy,

Hong Kong Food and Wine Year,

Child Protection Workshop, Kuoni

Public Relations Campaign

said that a means of expelling

Destination Campaign, Hong

Destination Management, India.

How to Launch a Large Hotel in a

poorly-run hotels from the

Kong Tourism Board.

Challenged Market and New

internationally recognised star

Marketing

Brand ibis, Accor Asia Pacific

classification system had

Hospitality

and ibis Singapore on

become critical at a time when

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort

Bencoolen.

the number of star-rated hotels

and Villas Opening Campaign,

Marketing Media

in the country was growing

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts,

Web site

faster than ever before.

www.keralatourism.org: The Best

Asia. Marketing/ Industry

Marketing Media

Tourism Website in India, Kerala

Let your Mind Travel, Kuoni Travel

Consumer Travel Brochure

Tourism, India.

India, India.

Revamping Consumer Travel,

Travel Journalism

Aussie Park offers tours in Klingon

Ecotourism Project

Brochures of Sri Lanka Tourism,

Destination Article

A popular sightseeing

ABS-CBN Foundation-Bantay,

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion

Feasts of Hong Kong, Christian

destination in Australia is boldly

Kalikasan, Iwahig River

Bureau, Sri Lanka.

Kerber, Travel +Leisure

going where no tourist attraction

Community- Based Ecotourism

Marketing Media

Magazine, September 2009, USA.

has gone before - by offering

Project, Philippines.

Travel Advertisement Broadcast

Travel Journalism

audio tours in the Klingon-the

Corporate Environmental

Media

Travel Photograph

constructed language spoken

Programme

Thailand Talks to the World,

Whale Shark, Ningaloo Reef,

by the

Promote Ecology and

Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Rolex Awards/JĂźrgen Freund,

fictional

Conser-vation on Lantau, Ngong

Marketing Media

Qatar Airways In-Flight

Klingons

Ping 360 Limited, Hong Kong

Travel Advertisement Print Media

magazine, Oryx, December 2009,

in the

SAR.

Mahatma Gandhi Creative,

Agency Fish, United Kingdom.

Star

Environmental Education

Ministry of Tourism, Government

Travel Journalism

Trek

Programme

of India.

Travel Guidebook

universe.

Qantas Award for Excellence in

Marketing Media

Kayak Philippines, Primer Group

Now visitors can have a self-

Sustainable Tourism, Qantas

Travel Poster

of Companies and Philippines

guided audio tour in Klingon

Airways Ltd, Australia.

LIVE LOVE Campaign Poster and

Department of Tourism.

through the Nettle Cave.

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SEPTEMBER 2010



NORTH EAST TRAVELLER

North East finally waking up to tap tourism potential Known as the seven sisters, the seven North Eastern states, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura have tremendous tourism potential which is hitherto untapped. Md. Sabir Nishat says they are finally waking up.

D

Photo: UB Photos

ogged by insurgency and apathy to an extent, the tourism potential of the North East is still untapped. But the States are finally waking up to unleashing growth on this front. For many intrepid travellers, the North East is the ultimate Shangri-La. Nestled in the eastern Himalayan foothills; it houses one of Asia’s greatest biological reserves. It’s a place where naturalist Beryl Stapleton of Hound of Baskervilles would have truly been at home. Welcome to verdant North East, which to this day remains one of the most unexplored regions on the planet, regardless of its incredible tourism potential. But despite insurgency and economic backwardness,

76

there are new stirrings in the region’s tourism horizon. According to the latest numbers collated by the tourism ministry, as many as 44.5 lakh domestic tourists visited the North East — a cluster of seven states comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura — in 2006, while the number of overseas travellers stood at 38,600. In 2007, those numbers grew to over 47 lakh and 43,100 respectively. The saga of growth continues. It’s a different matter that they remain a blip compared to India’s consolidated tourist movement and global tourist inflows. Even today, merely 1.2 per cent of Indiabound foreign tourists hit

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



governments and locals in the tourism business, we will see growth,” says Punjabi. His quiet optimism isn’t entirely misplaced. The seven sisters, as the North East is popularly known, are expediting measures to promote tourism. For instance, Guwahati will for the first time have two five star hotels, one of which is being developed by the Tatas. That’s not all — three hotel management institutes are coming up in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. A food craft institute in Nagaon in Assam is also on the cards. And to encourage budget travellers, the northeastern states are identifying suitable circuit houses and government bungalows. While the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India president SK Khullar concedes nothing much has been done in the North East by way of infrastructure, he is pinning his

fisher is starting a Bangkok flight. While some flights have been cancelled and a few are going half-empty, the tourism ministry is positive about promoting the Northeast. Hopefully, with more efforts from state

hopes on the PPP model. “There are merely 739 rooms in 17 classified hotels in the region, a poor comparison to Darjeeling which alone has over 20,000! The PPP mode needs to come into play in a big way,” says

Photo: UB Photos

the North East. Anil Punjabi, who is the chairperson of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) eastern chapter says, “Tourism in the North East is yet to take off. Over the past few years, growth has been minimal for a variety of reasons, including poor infrastructure, connectivity and safety issues, thanks to continuing insurgency in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.” Spanning over 250,000 sq km, the region’s sole link with mainland India is the 22-km chicken corridor through Siliguri. Not to mention the 2,000-km border it shares with Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. But despite its strategic location, both inter and intra-regional rail links remain dismal, which has doubtless hit at the region’s tourism potential. The only positive from a logistics perspective, is improved air connectivity, both domestic and international. “King-

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Photo: UB Photos

NORTH EAST TRAVELLER

Khullar. Ashish Phukan, Managing Director of Jungle Travels, a Guwahati-based tour operator, is more cautiously optimistic. “Tourism in Kerala or Rajasthan was not built in a day. Global tourists look for newer areas and this is where we have an advantage since the North East is largely unexplored despite endowed with so much variety.” For once, the tourism ministry seems dead serious. In the past three fiscals, it has sanctioned 235 projects worth Rs 520 crore for the region. And Assam wants another Rs 250 crore from the 13th Finance Commission for developing tourism infrastructure. Says minister of state for tourism Sultan Ahmed: “We will do a tourism seminar in Gangtok in October with the seven states and Sikkim to address issues concerning tourism bottlenecks.” To showcase the region’s amazing diversity, the Central tourism ministry has asked all northeastern states to submit a calendar of events that can be marketed both within the country and overseas. These would typically include the ‘Autumn’ and

‘Wine’ festivals of Meghalaya and the Hornbill festival of Nagaland. Besides, ever since Cherrapunjee (Sohra) — the wettest place on Earth — hosted the first “Rain Rock Festival,” the Meghalaya government is trying to enlist Cherrapunjee as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also on cards are a rain museum and a cultural zone that will be a repository of data on every cloud variant and changing weather patterns. That’s not all. Efforts are on to develop thrilling tourism circuits encompassing the eastern states, the North East and Thailand. A proposed IndoBhutan tourism circuit in Assam’s Manas National Park is also being explored, wherein tourists from Bhutan will be allowed to ramble through the famed wilds of Manas. The Assam government is even looking to issue licences to bullock cart drivers to promote rural tourism. Small wonder, corporate interest in the region’s tourism potential is also looking up. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has just invited Mahindra & Mahindra top gun Anand

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SEPTEMBER 2010



NORTH EAST TRAVELLER Hindu temples is also proving a perfect spawning ground for religious tourism. But since the North East is home to over 200odd tribes, tourists are denied access in a wealth of locations across Arunachal, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland. Only Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura can be visited without protected area permits, restricted area permits or Inner Line Permits. Small wonder says former tourism secretary Sujit Banerjee, “The government plans special permission to tourists in some restricted zones. Talks are on with the home ministry. PAPs have already been relaxed in at least five locations in Arunachal.” Be that as it may, one thing is certain, the government appears hell bent to ensure that it’s somewhat ironical “Paradise Unexplored” campaign to unlock the tourism potential of the North East doesn’t remain a mere pipedream.

Assam State Zoo

A perfect place for a break within the city There are two restaurants – an

Md. Sabir Nishat

T

open air and an air-conditioned he Assam State Zoo, one of

one. The cafeteria will be located

the premier and oldest zoo

next to the ticket counter. The

of the country, located at

parking lot inaugurated by Chief

Guwahati, has undergone major

Minister Tarun Gogoi has been

development and upgradation in

built in a sprawling area of 50,000

recent times, making it a perfect

square feet, housing the

destination for a break for your

restaurants and the ticket counter,

family.

at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore.

In the last couple of months the Zoo has witnessed major

Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Tourism Minister Rockybul Hussain at the launch of Night Safari at Assam Zoo

upgradation in its infrastructure

Government was trying to develop

thanks to the slew of initiatives

and upgrade the State Zoo by

undertaken by the young and

providing more amenities to its

energetic Minister for Forests,

visitors. “It’s good to see that

Rockybul Hussain. With a food

funds sanctioned by the

court and an open-air theatre set

Government for the zoo have been

in the backdrop of sylvan

properly utilized,” he added.

surroundings, the Zoo has

Officials in the CMO said

become the much-sought after

Gogoi visited Royal Kew Gardens

destination for old and young

in London which is a famous

alike. That is not all. The Zoo has

botanical garden in the world, with

a new parking facility, a modern

a view to spruce up the State Zoo,

ticket counter and a restaurant

in July last year. In London Gogoi

complex.

met NRI industrialist, Lord Swraj

“My friends and I used to visit

Photo: UB Photos

The Chief Minister talking to Asian Traveller said the

Photo: UB Photos

Mahindra to explore the Pabitora wildlife sanctuary as a potential Club Mahindra resort. “We’ve urged Mahindra & Mahindra to explore the possibility of projecting the Pabitora sanctuary as a possible tourist hub under its ‘Club Mahindra’ brand as it has the highest density of the one-horned Rhino. The group has promised to send a team to do a reccee,” says Gogoi. This apart, Assam, with its more than 800-odd lavish tea estates, is planning to develop tea tourism in a big way. Tea Tourism festival has become an annual affair. The government is also planning a theme park along the lines of a Disney World. On cards is a tourism promotion agency too. In fact, Gogoi was recently in Mumbai to woo investors to develop golf courses to lure international tourists, especially the Japanese who are particularly fond of the sport. The rich spread of Buddhist monasteries and

Paul who expressed his

the dhabas at Sonapur for a

willingness to help transform the

weekend break far from the hustle

State Zoo into something special,

and bustle of city life and in the

as he had done in the case of

lap of nature…but the zoo has

London Zoo making it one of the

now turned out to be the most

best places to visit in the world.

ideal place within the city,” said Madhusmita Das, a second year

Plans are on the anvil to introduce night safaris at the

student of a local college.

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Page 82

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SEPTEMBER 2010



NORTH EAST TRAVELLER

It’s back to Jurassic Period at Regional Science Centre Md. Sabir Nishat

National Council of Science

first signs of life on earth dating

simple one-celled organism as it

Museums, India, the Prehistoric

back to more than 3500 million

appeared on earth more than

t’s back to the Jurassic Age at

Life Park has been a big hit with

years ago to that of life gradually

the Prehistoric Life Park at

visitors especially little ones, who

developing into many different

Regional Science Centre in

scream and yell with adrenaline

forms, the Prehistoric Park is the

Guwahati, where giant dinosaurs

pumping in their hearts as the

best place to visit.”

come alive. This Prehistoric Life

dinosaurs move and swing their

Park has become a big hit with

tail making strange noises.

I

tourists. Here you will find several species of dinosaurs dating back

Says Debo Mishra, a tourist

Echoing her views, her class mate, Jonali Das says, “By going round the park, what I feel is that

from Orissa, “Here you get to

the very tiny changes that

know about those creatures who

occurred in animals gradually Photo: UB Photos

produced, after millions of years, quiet different animals. These gradual changes in living beings, as time goes on, are called evolution. All living things change as one generation gives way to

Indeed, the Prehistoric Life Park has given food for thought

another.” Making notes after minute

Photo: UB Photos

3500 million years ago?”

for many inquisitive minds who

observation, Utpal Deka, a first

want to unravel the truth behind

year higher secondary student of

the origin and nature of life and

a city college, poses a pertinent

the continuing process of

lived on this earth millions of

question, “What I have observed

evolution. The park is open any

years ago. Now, none of the

is that forms of life evolved out of

day between 10 am to 5.30 pm

covering an area of 2720

prehistoric animals are alive. The

a simple one-celled organism in

except on Holi and Diwali.

sq.metres, is the first of its kind in

animals living in today’s world are

the sea to that of heaviest and

the Northeastern region of India.

totally different. This process of

biggest animals on earth vis-à-vis

the coming up of the Prehistoric

This park gives you a wonderful

evolution is still continuing.”

the dinosaurs to be replaced by

Life Park, the Regional Science

smaller near relatives that we

Centre has come out of the funds

to 205 million years ago. The Prehistoric Life Park

experience that takes you to the

Nazia Ahmed, a tenth standard

What is good news is that with

prehistoric world where different

student of a city school exclaims,

know today such as the

crunch as cash registers have

species of animals lived on the

“To understand the journey of

rhinoceros, mammal, birds and

again started tinkling. Of course,

sea as well as on the land about

evolution from the simple one-

amphibians. As life has to go full

other attractive galleries have

500 million years to 10,000 years

celled organism that

circle, will all forms of life

been added with special shows to

ago. Conceived and developed by

Paleontologists believe to be the

gradually transform to that of the

woo young and old alike.

Page 80

persons at a time.

biodiversity through a pre-

safaris in the near future, the State

recorded cassette fixed to the

Zoo is turning out to be a perfect place for a break within the city.

Assam Zoo. “We are throwing

Certain areas would be

open the zoo to visitors at night so

developed where the visitors can

battery-operated vehicle. “Utmost

that they can take a peek at the

sit down and relax with an al

care will be taken

nocturnal habits of animals in

fresco dinner thrown in.

so as not to

According to the plans

disturb the animals

special feel of being out in the

envisaged on the lines of

by playing the

wild,” said Hussain.

Singapore Zoo (the first in the

cassette at a low

A zoo official, however, said

world to introduce the concept of

volume,” said the

the visitors would not be allowed

night safaris), subtle lighting

official. With the

to walk around on their own. A

techniques will be used during the

Government doing

battery-operated vehicle will take

safari to ensure that the animals

all it could to

the visitors all around the zoo

do not feel disturb in any manner.

spruce it up and

along a specified route. The vehicle can accommodate 10

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The visitors will be kept tuned about the zoo and its rich

Photo: UB Photos

their natural habitat to give that

efforts on to introduce night TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



MIDDLE EAST

Oman to host international conference on responsible tourism

T

he 4th International

These important issues have not

Anderson Regional Manager UK/

development and human

Conference on Responsible

been considered at previous

Europe for Tourism New Zealand,

resources; responsible tourism in

Tourism is taking place in

International Conferences on

Stephen Farrant,

a world of finite

the Intercontinental Hotel, Muscat,

Responsible Tourism in

Director of the

resources; the

Sultanate of Oman from 10-12

Destinations. This will also be an

International Tourism

responsible tourist,

October 2010. The Conference is

opportunity to hear about Oman’s

Partnership (ITP);

tangible and

organized by the Ministry of

new Responsible Tourism Policy

Eng Sultan Hamdoon

intangible heritage

Tourism in collaboration with

being developed to inform the

Al Harthi Muscat

and responsible

UNWTO and the International

Ministry of Tourism’s strategy for

Municipality and

destinations and

Center for Responsible Tourism,

the next five year plan 2011- 2015.

Fiona Jeffery – chair

marketing.

Leeds Metropolitan University.

Adama Bah, (UK Travel

The conference

of World Travel

H.E., Minister of Tourism Dr. Rajiha

Foundation, Adama), a leading

Market and World Responsible

will provide a forum for

Abdul Amir Ali will host the

international practitioner in

Tourism Day are among the

government, private sector,

Conference together with Dr.

Responsible Tourism based in The

eminent persons who will speak at

academia and international

Harold Godwin as co-chair.

Gambia; Wael Al Lawati As Chief

the conference.

organizations to share experience

This will be the fist time that

Executive Officer of Omran;

The conference themes have

in the principles, implementation

there has been a conference in

Nombulelo Mfeka, Director of the

been selected to reflect the

and future trends in responsible

Arabia about Responsible

Department of Tourism, Cape

priorities of Oman and the

and sustainable tourism

Tourism. There are new issues on

Town City; Dr Venu V IAS,

developing agenda of the

development.

the agenda, tourism in a finite

Secretary of Tourism in the Indian

Responsible Tourism Movement

world, Human Resources, tangible

state of Kerala; Dr Dawid de

internationally. The Conference

various responsible tourism

and intangible heritage and

Villiers, chair of the Global Ethics

has four themes: Tourism,

products will also be held on the

Responsible Tourism marketing.

Committee of UNWTO, Greg

livelihoods, local economic

sidelines of the conference.

DTCM examines ways to boost tourist inflow

A

recent meeting of Dubai Department of Tourism

influencing these markets. The meeting chaired by H.E.

crucial when formulating new promotional plans and strategies,

Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem,

especially to prepare tailored

(DTCM) discussed the challenges

Director General of DTCM covered

plans for countries depending on

faced by the tourism sector

the importance of drafting new

its specific geographical location.

around the world this year,

plans that go line in line with

including the issue of currency

current market conditions and

workshops on the sidelines for the

fluctuation, which has had an

correspond to the findings of

representatives of Dubai’s tourism

impact both on policies and plans

studies conducted by international

sector and DTCM’s staff and

being formulated in markets such

tourism-related organisations. The

overseas office representatives to

as Dubai as well as on trends

findings of such studies are

discuss the matters in greater

and Commerce Marketing

The meetings also featured

An exhibition showcasing

Saudi plans tourism project for Yanbu Seafront

A

USD294 million tourism project has been planned for

the Yanbu seafront in Saudi Arabia.

detail and arrive at workable recommendations that could contribute to strategy formulation. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, DTCM Executive Director Media Relation

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84

Five projects have been

Division and Business

presented to the government for

Development and Saleh Al Geziry,

development of the seafront to

Director of Overseas Promotions

draw tourists and local visitors

and Inward Missions, DTCM, in

along the 11- kilometer seafront.

addition to several DTCM

The Kingdom has recently

Directors and executive Directors

decided to expand its tourism

attended the meetings.

market to diversify its economy.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010



ROAD TRIP

Journey to Gibraltar Anke Stirner recounts the experience of driving a car from Berlin to Gibraltar, across four countries, with just the voice of Celine Dion for company!

I

t was the December 26. Equipped with 1,000 songs on my MP3-player, a car fully-checked, two suitcases in the boot, one blanket and 15 sandwiches with sausage, cheese and Ketchup – I was all set for my road trip from Germany to Gibraltar, 2,500 km on the highway through Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and finally Gibraltar. The idea of taking my car to Gibraltar – a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, which is my home at the moment occurred to me on one of the weekends when I almost went crazy. Andalusia, Spain, was one step away from my front door and I couldn’t go there because all I had were my feet or slow buses which would take an hour to reach another place – a ‘No Go’ for an independent woman like me. The start was just ‘brilliant’! My navigation system borrowed from a colleague was not working – it worked perfect two days before, but now it was dead. No comforting blinking signs or a nice voice talking to me. And it was Saturday evening. Christmas. No shops were open. So I had to make a tough decision and tried my PARTNER COUNTRY

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hand at repairing the navigation system - with my MP3Player! I had to sacrifice a play list of 1000 songs to reach my target Gibraltar, and all I had for the 2,500 km was the ‘Best of’ Album by Celine Dion I bought some days ago for 5 Euros just for fun. Awesome start! But I was to I found out only later (i.e. half way down the road to Gibraltar) that my navigation system was not programmed properly and instead of taking the fastest road I was taking the shortest one. That is simply not the best solution if you have a tight schedule. I was supposed to be at Malaga airport by Monday to pick up my team leader and I had already lost time by repairing my navigation system. So I started on a cold Saturday evening into the dusk which was setting in. It took just an hour to reach the German border to the Netherlands and my heart was beating a bit faster when I left the familiar highway of Germany. Then the real ‘fun’ began. My

navigation system sent me on the weirdest routes you can imagine, Anke Stirner leaving the highway every five minutes, getting lost, having to find my connection again. It was tough, but I had no other choice than to go on. At office they had already made bets that I wouldn’t make it to Gibraltar. Someone was waiting for me at the airport, I had to work on Tuesday and so I had to move on. Belgium was nice. All I had to do was to keep on going straight. There was not much traffic and I enjoyed it, even Celine Dion was making me relax. It felt good, being on the road with a target, the stars above me in a very clear night. Then I crossed the border to France and the nightmare started. Everywhere I had to pay fees in order to drive on the highways. I had to spend in France about 50 Euros just to drive on the streets, which is really expensive for such a small country. I had to refuel my car and was confronted with unexpected challenges. A ‘genius’ in French (I failed four times at college) I had no clue what to say and even more which fuel to use. It was almost midnight, freezing cold and I had no idea

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


ROAD TRIP heartbreakingly beautiful, the city of blinding lights, and even I got lost, I was back in the city of love. After two hours I managed to find my way out and I drove on. It was almost 3 am (Ms. Dion was on with “I drove all night”) and I was getting tired, but I couldn’t find any hotel or place to stay, so I parked at one roadhouse, very lonely, somewhere in France, and tried to find some sleep. Still I remember lying on the back seat of my small car, in the middle of nowhere, looking at the stars. It was minus one degree outside and the cold was coming closer to me. At 6 am in the morning I decided to go on because I was afraid I might catch a really bad cold. I hardly remember anything about that Sunday because I drove for almost 16 hours, non-stop, just stopping over for refueling, toilet and buying more tins of Red Bull to stay awake. I was happy when I left France because it was unkind, expensive, and

what to do. But I had a guardian angel and I met two French guys who spoke English – a miracle in France because usually French people refuse to speak English with you. They just don’t do it. So, refueled, back on the road, Ms. Dion still playing. I had in my mind the idea to stop in Paris because my best friend was on a trip on that weekend to the capital of France, but it didn’t work out. Why? Everyone who has ever been to Paris knows what a mess the traffic in Paris is. It’s simply hell on earth and it took me two hours to find my way out. The navigation system was confused, so was I. Around me were laughing people, enjoying Saturday evening in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I was losing my mind and sanity by trying to find a way out. Suddenly I hated it all, the stupid idea of going by car to Gibraltar (there were planes!), the French, everything, while Celine Dion gave her two cents to my situation with her really miserable song “All by myself”. I was about to stop somewhere and start crying, but also that wouldn’t have helped me to get out of Paris, so I drove on. And then I saw it – the Eiffel Tower, beautiful, bright and majes- stressful and I didn’t like it. In Spain, there was a lot tic as usual and I was happy of rain and I was getting for a few seconds. Paris is TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

very tired as I had never been in my life before. Driving is tiring, especially on roads you don’t know, and without any sleep it’s quite dangerous. I remember the moment I entered Spain. Just one country was between me and Gibraltar, but now the toughest and most dangerous part of my journey started. Once you come to Spain from the north you have to go through the mountains which are quite beautiful with the snowy Sierra Nevada towering over. It is a paradise for skiing, but a grave for people who don’t drive carefully. Deep canyons, tight curves and roads were slippery since it was raining. It took me more than three hours to cover 100 km and I was very anxious and tensed throughout my journey. By then my cell phone had run out of battery. Had anything happened to me nobody would have known because I was not ‘reachable’ any more, lost somewhere in the mountains of Spain. That was the moment when I realized what I was doing there and I seriously had doubts about my sanity. A blonde woman alone on a trip with a tight schedule, crossing five countries, tired, alone. And Spain is not a safe place at all, there are bad stories about getting robbed and things like that, but I refused to think about it. Spain is still not a very developed country. Of course you have the big cities like Barcelona, PARTNER COUNTRY

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ROAD TRIP couldn’t have gone on for another half an hour, tired and drained. So I decided to stay at a hotel. I was lucky. There was actually a cute, small hotel besides the highway which was quite busy, but I didn’t care at all. I just wanted to sleep. Sad but true, my mind was still on the road so I didn’t find appropriate sleep, but I was rested when I got up at seven the next country, but – and that I have to admit – it’s beautiful. morning and went back on The small streets, the way of the road again, the last 500 km waiting for me. The living of the people, the problem in the European small and bigger hills, the special way houses are built, countries is that they all have a speed limit. Germany is an the big highways - and exception, we can drive as everything is so much fast as we want, but in the cheaper than in France or Germany, so I enjoyed a lot. rest of Europe it’s not possible, and so it took me more Around 11 pm I had a time because I had to drive decision to make: drive the slowly. rest of the way to Gibraltar I had to find my way to which would have meant another five hours and then, Malaga airport without the navigation system, but I go to the airport, or stay made it. When I entered the somewhere? building and saw my team But I had crossed my leader waiting for me, physical borders and I Malaga and Madrid, but in between there is hardly anything besides small villages and I felt quite lonely driving through the

everything became so real – until that moment everything seemed like a dream to me, the road trip, driving and driving for two days, hardly any sleep, no shower, messy hair - I didn’t look very good but I didn’t care at all. I was almost in Gibraltar and I so needed to reach my last stop! Actually the last 100 km were the best part. Talking to my team leader, the sun on my hair and finally seeing the Mediterranean Sea once I crossed a curve – was awesome. But the biggest moment, and, that I have to admit, probably one of the biggest moment in my life so far, was, when I crossed the border to Gibraltar, parked the car at my parking space and got out, 24 degrees after freezing Germany and realized, I made it. I have

come a long way all alone and I did it in my schedule despite all the problems on the road. I literally jumped around, so proud of me, so happy everything went right, so thankful I was healthy and alive. I had some angels looking after me during my trip, that’s for sure. It’s been some weeks now and I have my car here and every morning I wake up and see it through of the window I’m happy again. It takes me wherever I want to go in Spain. I make long road trips with my Swedish friends. I drive to the beaches and enjoy the view, and I know every single minute of my trip was worth the joy and pleasure I have here now. I’ve become quite popular because, only a few people have a car here which is even more fun, and I’m glad I made it. It is an unforgettable experience and I’m sure that for the rest of my life, sandwiches with cheese and sausage plus Celine Dion will remind me of this crazy trip.

ROAD TRIP TIPS

A

n adventure is thrilling only in retrospect. And that too only IF

Make sure that you have got your car serviced. Check and change

you survive it. A road trip is a ‘planned – adventure’. But things

oil and filter, Top up liquids. Check breaks, all lights and flashers.

can go wrong if you do not plan it properly, as Anke Stirner

Check the tyre spare tyre(s) and make sure they are ready for the

found out. She was lucky to have come out of it unscathed. It may not

long trip you are planning. Get a lesson in changing a flat tyre,

be the case every time. Here are a few things to remember

fan belt and oil.

if you are going for a road trip.

Be sure all documentations for the car, are

Do not depend on your navigation skills while going on

with you. Do not forget insurance and

a road trip. It is always advisable to invest in a GPS

emergency tool kit for your car. Obtain

machine. Keep the latest road map also with you.

travel and medical insurance before

Try to learn as much as you can

you start.

about the route you plan to travel. You

Keep your family or friends

should do your research about each

updated about the trip. Take a

city or town that you will stop over each

camera with you and keep a

night. Find out about the historical

journal.

significance and places of interest in

And most importantly – relax

that area.

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and have a lot of fun.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



HOSPITALITY

Aloft Hotels debuts in India

U

rbanEdge Hotels, promoted by Auromatrix brings Aloft Hotels, style at a steal brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide to India. The first Aloft property in India has started operations at Old Mahabalipuram Road,(OMR) in Chennai with 129 rooms and the 166 room Bangalore property at Whitefield which is scheduled to be launched early September 1 this year.

Coimbatore, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh properties are also in the pipeline. Aloft, the one of a kind 4 star deluxe hotels caters to a target audience of young professionals who are looking for an experience that

would suit their youthful disposition. Aloft comes with a distinct philosophy that would re-energize the hospitality sector as a whole bridging the gap, between work and play. The Aloft property in Chennai is spread across a total area of 6100 sq mts and has elements that are truly unique. Aloft Hotels are modern, fresh, fun destinations featuring urbaninspired design and accessible technology. Aloft Hotels would offer the gen X traveller, an unforgettable experience from specialty cocktails to a cutting edge playlist or the happening vibe of w xyz bar to a 24/7 grab and go gourmet. If one has a little more time to spare then “Estia” inspired by the Greek goddess” Hestia” would serve authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, warm and rustic atmosphere. Aloft brings an

urban and sophisticated approach to smaller and big cities with a new philosophy to attract the generation next who want unique experience in new destinations around the globe. All the Aloft properties have the following facilities with their own spunky names such as Aloha (Reception desk), Refuel (Grab n Go counter), Remix (Pool table/community table/lounger), Relax (Lounger), In Touch (Business/Internet center), Touch & Go (Auto check-in), WXYZ (Bar), Splash (Swimming pool), Backyard (Swimming pool deck area), Recharge (Gym), Spa (The spa),Tactic (Meeting room), dot.yum (Multi cuisine restaurant), The Hub (Banquet hall) and Retail (Retail shop). Apart from these each room will have a LCD TV, net connection, coffee/ tea

maker etc. Suresh Badlaney, VP operations, Aloft said, “Aloft

is a very young and most happening brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The USP of the brand is that it would be Sassy, Savvy and Spacious. Aloft is expecting to target the Corporates, mostly IT and BPO sector and financial conglomerates who want to unwind or recharge themselves through Aloft’s unique offerings. We at Aloft promise freedom to our guests so that they have their own space and a stay that would be refreshing inspired by the bold Aloft design, hip social spaces and a spirit of adventure.”

Berggruen commissions fifth ‘Keys Hotel’ in India

K

eys Hotels, the mid

the hotel is its proximity to various

banqueting, conferencing

venture. Over the next 6 months

market hotel chain has

industrial areas in Mumbai

facilities, 24/7 gym and a 24/7-

the owners will extensively

entered into a

namely, the SEEPZ belt, MIDC,

business center.

upgrade the hotel.

management contract with Nestor

Sakinaka and Marol. The Western

Through these

This move will give us

Hotels Pvt Ltd to upgrade and

and Eastern Express Highways

offerings Keys Hotel

a great opportunity to

construct a full service 140 room

and the Bandra Kurla complex are

Nestor will be a

establish the “KEYS”

hotel at Marol, Andheri East,

also close by, making it easily

perfect blend catering

Mumbai and have rechristened

accessible to both business and

to all profiles of clients.

the erstwhile Riviera Hotel as

leisure travellers. In its new avatar

‘Keys Hotel Nestor’. ‘Keys Hotel

the full service hotel will have all

Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director &

added, “We have entrusted “Keys

Nestor’ is situated at a prime

the facilities of the Keys Brand,

CEO, Berggruen Hotels said, “We

Hotel” management, a national

location at Marol, Andheri close to

the KEYS CAFÉ - a contemporary

are delighted in having signed this

chain with hotels operational

the international airport and eight

café serving world cuisine and

management contract with Nestor

across the country to take Nestor

km from the domestic airport. One

local favorites, UNLOCK - a

Hotels and look forward to

Hotel to the next level of

of the other prime advantages of

restobar, swimming pool,

partnering them through this

hospitality.”

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90

brand in Mumbai.

Commenting on this occasion,

Harish Amin and Vishal Agarwal Directors from Nestor Hotels

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


PROFILE

Engrossing WelcomHeritage Lallgarh Palace in Bikaner

M

esmerizing travellers

Emphasising on providing

royal architecture, 6 suites at the

Large LCD screens have been

with its imposing red

state-of-the-art amenities for the

Sajjan Niwas Wing of the palace

installed in each of the 6 suites for

sand stone, Rajput

comfort of our guests, the trustees

have been renovated

the entertainment of the guests.

exterior, WelcomHeritage Lallgarh

of Maharaja Ganga Singhji Trust

amalgamating contemporary

Bathrooms have been equipped

Palace, Bikaner now promises to

initiated an overall upgradation of

interiors with the traditional decor.

with glass shower cubicles and

entice travellers through its swish

the palace’s suites, kitchen and

Plush interiors with vibrant hues

modern fittings along with

renovated interiors.

verandahs.

reflecting the resplendence of

additional dressing rooms. Living

regal era have been put in place.

by the motto of energy

The Lallgarh Palace was built

Keeping in mind the legacy of

by Maharaja Ganga Singh in

conservation, solar heating

memory of his father, Maharaj Lall

systems have been installed to

Singhji in 1902.

supply hot water to the suites.

Designed by Sir Samuel

Further enhancing the look of the

Swinton Jacob, this regal

suites, the dressing rooms have

structure brings together the best

been adorned with Dedo railings,

of Rajput, Muslim and European

giving them an oriental look.

styles of architecture, often

The entire work of renovation

categorized as Indo-Saracenic.

has been completed in July 2010

Often referred to as an

and the palace now welcomes

‘Unmatched Jewel in the Thar

discerning travellers to enjoy this

Desert’ the palace has 50 well

haven of comfort in the lap of

appointed rooms, a fine dining

luxury.

restaurant and a well stocked bar.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

www.welcomheritagehotels.com

91


HOSPITALITY

‘Pride Amber Vilas’ unveiled in Jaipur

P

ride Group of Hotels,

of contemporary amenities rooted

swimming pool and games area.

perfect place for wedding venues,

promoted by the Rs. 2,500

in customary Rajasthani elegance

All the guest rooms are fully air

reception and events with a

crore S.P. groups of

will make every guest’s stay a

conditioned and replete with

spacious Central lawn that can

pleasurable experience”.

contemporary elements. The

serve 3000 guests and adjoining

companies, has added another landmark in the pink city with

Spread on a sprawling area of

launch of its first hospitality

17 acres, ‘Pride Amber Vilas’ has

project in Jaipur named ‘Pride

45 guest rooms and suites which

Amber Vilas’. Located away from

are stylishly designed with 5-star

bustle of modern day cities this

hotel comforts. There are 17

upscale ethnic resort is an

Deluxe Rooms, 20 Superior

expression of the spirit of

Rooms and eight Haveli Suites

Rajasthan and its royal elegance.

that provide all the luxury for an

Designed with enriching activities

unforgettable holiday. It offers a

it will let guests immerse

stunning array of facilities that

themselves in the colorful

include specialty restaurant with

resort has provision for a R.O.

Haveli Lawn, set amidst the lush

nuances of rustic charm

culinary choices ranging from

plant for drinking water and rain

garden to accommodate 500

complemented with modern day

Rajasthani and international

harvesting system. The rooms

persons. It also encompasses a

comforts.

cuisine. It is harmonized by a

with semi rural dwellings are small

beautiful banquet hall

landscaped courtyard to

yet cozy, that echoes the rich

‘Rangmahal’ designed with

Jain, Managing Director, Pride

accentuate the peace and

cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The

colorful glasses to house 150

Hotels Limited said, “We are

tranquility of the natural

Haveli luxury suit at Pride Amber

persons. ‘Rajwada’ the conference

delighted to launch our first resort

environment.

Vilas is a major inspiration that

hall for get together/ parties can

Announcing the launch, S.P.

narrates stories of romance and

accommodate 200 persons while

enable us tap the growing

variety of lifestyle activities

splendor of this magical land set

‘Hawamahal’ the board room with

potential of tourist inflow. Pride

including Spa, health club with

amidst the desolate desert beauty.

private terrace is ideal for 50

Amber Vilas with a perfect blend

sauna, steam and Jacuzzi,

in this colorful city that would

The resort also features a wide

Pride Amber Vilas will be a

persons.

WelcomHeritage adds five more properties

W

the Eastern region and with elcomHeritage, a Heritage President Rakesh Mathur, “We have been keen the three properties in joint venture to enhance our presence in Bengal we have made a between ITC unique nature circuit. We Hotels Ltd. and The had been hoping to foray Maharaja of Jodhpur has into Varanasi, which is a city added five new properties to of great religious the chain. The new significance for many years. properties are important additions to the chain and will add to the infinite variety that guests expect from WelcomHeritage. The properties are located in Almora – Uttarakhand, on the ghat of the holy Ganga in Varanasi, in the nature reserve of Chilapata near Coochbehar in North Bengal, near the Garumara National Park, again in North Bengal, and on the Mandarmani Sunil Sikka (Head – Marketing and Business Development, WelcomHeritage), Beach in Bengal. Gaj Singh ji of Jodhpur (Chairman – WelcomHeritage), Rakesh Mathur (President – WelcomHeritage) and Anupam Joshi (Owner – WelcomHeritage Kumaon Heritage) at the function. According to WelcomPARTNER COUNTRY

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Jukaso Ganges shall attract tourists, both domestic and international, with its religious character and unique location. Lastly, the Kumaon Heritage Home in Almora shall further strengthen our presence on the Uttarakhand and facilitate new circuit itineraries.” With the addition of these properties, WelcomHeritage, India’s largest chain of heritage hotels and resorts, today offers 66 exclusive properties spread across 18 states in India. The most important ingredient that sets the chain apart is the authenticity of heritage that can be experienced at each and every location.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



SERENDIB

Sri Lanka Tourism

Revamped, rejuvenated and buoyant

T

ourism in Sri Lanka, which

year totaled 397,889 sharply

took a big dip during the

contrasting as against 229,952 till

island’s 30 year civil war, is

the end August 2009. Of these

now back on track - revamped,

73,478 are Indian tourists. Sri

rejuvenated and incurably

Lanka has much to offer the

buoyant! This was once a nation

Indian visitor. The 65,525 sq km

on which several countries around

island nation with its 1,340 kilo

the world had slapped adverse

metre coastline is microcosm of

travel advisories at various times

divergent geographies, climates,

in the past. All that is now a thing

cuisine and people. Enjoy

of the past with peace finally

legendary and warm Sri Lankan

Colombo is rewarding - to say the

regained under the stewardship of

hospitality as you laze on the

least - with the city’s shopping

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in

golden beaches, relaxing under

malls and boutiques ranging from

May last year.

the swaying coconut palms with

middle to top end. ‘Odel’, Sri

the sound of the gentle waves

Lanka’s internationally popular

eastern regions - the recurrent

singing in your ears. Savour local

mall is a destination in itself and

theatre of a nearly thirty year

cuisine, hot and spicy and much

brings you a truly international

ethnic conflict was inaccessible

akin to Indian cuisine so that one

shopping experience with a

until now. It has all changed. Now

will feel at home. Discover quaint

clientele ranging from diplomats

a buoyant Sri Lanka has already

and charming local traditions and

and airline crews and everyone in

welcomed several thousands of

customs, endemic to Sri Lanka at

between. The middle-end ‘House

foreign visitors to all parts of the

all time of the year.

of Fashion’ also attracts hordes of

The country’s north and

country, Among them hordes of

Colombo is a cosmopolitan

shoppers and is a popular venue

Sri Lankans eager to discover

city with a unique historical

in its own right while the smaller

unexplored territory of their

charm. One can take a drive

shops and boutiques in the Fort,

motherland and foreign visitors

through the city, through its

Pettah and Maradana areas offer a

keen to experience Sri Lanka in

bustling commercial areas as well

wealth of shopping at bargain

her multi-dimensional glory.

as its salubrious tree-lined

prices.

Arrivals as at end August this

residential avenues. Shopping in

Hand in hand with shopping is

Travellers are coming back to the island nation with the return of peace after years of conflict PARTNER COUNTRY

94

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


SERENDIB Among Dambulla’s attractions

cuisine. Did you know that Colombo is famous for its Indian

is the largest and best preserved

cuisine and that the city has

cave temple complex. The rock

nearly 20 listed Indian

towers 160 m over the

restaurants? Among them are the

surrounding plains and has more

‘Nawaratne’ at the Taj Samudra

than 80 documented caves.

Hotel, the ‘Mango Tree’ restaurant,

There’s also the Rangiri Dambulla

‘Greenlands Hotel’ and

International Stadium, a top venue

‘Saraswathie Lodge’. Believe it or

for international cricket. The city

not, but Colombo brims with idly,

also boasts of the largest rose

naan, paneer, dosaa, vadai, lassi

quartz mountain range in South

and biryani.

Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or

Kandy is a World Heritage Site and the country’s ancient hill

‘Namal Uyana’. The 5th century Sigiriya rock

capital. It conjures visions of

fortress is yet another World

splendour and magnificence, not

Heritage Site and was built by

to mention its universally

King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The

renowned Perahera (procession)

‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual

featuring large numbers of

beauty rising 200 metres from

caparisoned elephants. The

thick scrub jungle and was the

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

innermost stronghold of a 70

brought to you by Sri Lankan

visit the Seetha Amman Kovil, the

of the Lord Buddha was earlier the

hectare fortified town. A moat,

Airlines gives the unique

Ramboda Temple,

Royal Palace of the Kings of

rampart, and extensive gardens

opportunity to follow part of the

Manikkattutheru, the famed

Kandy. Kandy has a charm its own

including the renowned Water

trail of events that unfold in

Ravana Falls, the Ravana Cave in

- from strolling around its quaint

Gardens ring the base of the rock.

Valmiki’s 2000 year-old epic poem

Ella and the Panchamuga

lake and taking in its rich entire

Atop the rock and approached by

‘Ramayana’. The story of Rama,

Anjaneya Temple in Pusselawa.

historical heritage to ambling in

a spiral stairway are the world-

Sita and Ravana is common both

renowned frescoes of the

to Sri Lanka and India. The

experience it actively promotes

‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya in a

ageless epic of the great poet

with the vast geographical

sheltered pocket. They have often

Valmiki chronicles the

been likened to the murals of the

titanic battle on the island

Ajantha Caves in India.

of Lanka between heaven

Sri Lanka’s beaches on the

Sports Tourism is yet another

and hell. Ravana, the

southern and northern coasts

demon king who defeated

beckon you to unwind and relax

the gods in battle, abducts Queen

diversity Sri Lanka is famed for.

amid swaying coconut palms with

Sita, consort of Lord Rama, who

The newly opened North and East

the Udawattakele Forest Reserve

the sound of the sea serenading

is an

of this country also have vast

and more.

your senses. Feel one with nature

incarnation of

untapped tourist potential. The recent SriLankan Airlines Surfing

as you lie luxuriating on the

God Vishnu.

altitude, boasts of an invigorating

golden sands, with the waves

The war

Pro 2010 is just one such example

and balmy mountain climate and

lapping at your feet and watch the

between the

of the country’s and the national

salubrious scenery, and is Sri

sun set in a brilliant haze over the

demons of

carrier’s own efforts to open up

Lanka’s most popular hill resort.

horizon at dusk. Spoil yourself,

Ravana, and

these unexplored areas and share

Situated in the heart of Sri Lanka’s

stretch out on the beach and feel

Rama’s army

this multi-faceted variety both with

tea country, it produces a

bliss as you become one with

of bears and

fellow Sri Lankans and the rest of

significant share of the world’s

nature.

monkeys is a

the world.

Nuwara Eliya, higher up in

best tea. Here you can learn all

Lal Perera, Regional Manager Indian Subcontinent, SriLankan Airlines

tale unrivalled

SriLankan Airlines, as one of

SriLankan Holidays also

about the tea manufacturing

the country’s key tourism

in literature,

invites you to enjoy the country’s

process, see how tea is graded

ambassadors, has always

ending with

rich and multi-faceted diversity

and taste a cup of pure Ceylon

facilitated travel into the country

the defeat of

through its specially drafted and

tea, right on site, at a tea factory.

from all parts of the world. Not

Ravana and

conceived packages, while tours

Sri Lanka’s highest mountain

only does it sell airline seats, but it

the return of

can also be customised to suit

Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is

also sells dreams. It sells dreams

Sita.

your individual tastes.

located in Nuwara-Eliya which

which become magical reality in

also has one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia.

Paradise Isle. The “Ramayana Package” TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

Go on a Chinthaka Weerasinghe, Area Manager Kerala, SriLankan Airlines

For more details please

journey back

contact SriLankan Airlines or your

in time and

nearest travel agent.

PARTNER COUNTRY

95


SERENDIB

Sri Lanka tourism registers 50pc growth

S

ri Lanka has registered a dramatic rise in the arrivals of tourists in the recent months, continuing the post war trend. The number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka went up 50 percent to 63,339 in July 2010, compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, according to figures released by Sri Lanka Tourism Devel-

opment Authority. The tourism office figures showed an increase in the number of arrivals from Western Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Middle East and North America. Tourists from North America rose 75.6 percent to 4,688 last month. Arrivals from Western Europe, the traditional tourist generating market,

rose 72.2 percent to 28,738. Arrivals from Eastern Europe went up 40.2 percent to 1,694. Arrivals from the Middle East went up 68.1 percent to 6,975. Visitors from South Asia rose 14.9 percent to 12,736, travellers

from East Asia rose 23.2 percent to 5,219 and the number of visitors from North America rose 75.6 to 4,688. Arrivals from Australasia went up 50.2 percent to 3,034 and from East Asia up by 23.2 percent to 5,219.

Hotel groups in expansion mode UK withdraws

A

s a result of the increase in demand for hotel rooms several hotel giants are undertaking expansion, refurbishment and growth plans in Sri Lanka. John Keells Holdings (JKH) invested 400 million Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) to upgrade and re-brand Club Oceanic to Chaaya Blu in Trincomalee and currently undertaken a 2 billion LKR investment on a new 4 star 190-room hotel in the

PARTNER COUNTRY

96

Beruwela area. Coral Gardens in Hikkaduwa, Bentota Beach and Habarana Lodge are all being given a facelift with the total renovation costing upto 1.6 billion LKR. The chain also has lands in in Ahungalla, Wirawila and Nilaweli, upon which new properties are planned. Amaya Resorts and Spas development process is to be carried out in 4 stages. This includes to firstly develop the existing properties which is estimated at USD 10

million. Next step would be to develop the available land bank. The identifies areas are - Wadduwa at a cost of USD 15 million, Kalpitiya at a cost of USD 15 million, Mirissa at a cost of USD 30 million, Negombo at USD 30 million. The total investment that is projected for this 2nd stage of development is approximately USD 90 million Jetwing is all set to spend 700 million on rebranding and refurbishing Blue Oceanic as Jetwing Blue. Besides this the chain will spend approximately Rs. 500 million at Sea Shell which will be converted to Jetwing Sea and Rs. 400 million will be spent at Blue Lagoon. Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Sea are slated to open their doors for business in December this year. The projected figures of tourist arrivals to the country is expected to be 2.5 million by 2016.

travel advisor y

T

he British High Commis sion in Colombo has announced the UK Government’s decision to remove the travel advisory which restricted travel to Sri Lanka’s four northern districts of Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Vavuniya. The announcement was consequent to a security assessment, led by Deputy High Commissioner Mark Gooding, who visited the Northern provinces in June, and in the wake of the USA’s decision which also lifted restrictions, and was announced in May this year. The British Ambassador in Colombo Peter Hayes said in a statement: “This latest change means we no longer advise against travel to any part of Sri Lanka.” Ambassador Hayes encouraged, all British nationals wishing to travel to Sri Lanka, to read the full travel advice at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at http://www.fco.gov.uk/.

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SERENDIB

Helitours gets off the ground

T

he commercial arm of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) , Helitours, is back at work in civilian operations, with a new outfit to smart up commercial flights from new premises with its first office in the city of Colombo. The fully commercial operation will be managed as a private company registered under the companies act but with all profits going to the government. Helitours, in addition to other commercial flights, also has regular scheduled flights to Palaly, Trincomalee, Batticaloa or

Ampara on its 45-seat and 15-seat planes. Speaking of the SLAF decision, to fly charters to any destination within Sri Lanka “We’ll fly anywhere at your request,” said Group Captain Janaka Nanayakkara, media spokesman for the Air Force “The Trincomalee schedule of a return flight on Friday and Monday provides a good opportunity for foreign and domestic tourists or expatriates seeking to enjoy a weekend stay in Trincomalee at a good price, reducing travel time to less than an hour,” he added.

Wellness expert to host retreat in Galle

O

ne of Australia’s leading

nutrition workshops being an

nutritionists and

important feature of the

wellbeing specialists,

programme. The sessions are to

Samantha Gowing, of Gowings

be held at

Food Health Wealth will lead a

Khanda

week’s luxurious wellness retreat

Kanda, an

in the southern capital of Galle in

award winning

October.

boutique hotel set on a

The week long retreat includes

working tea

yoga and Pilates classes and massage therapy, with

Samantha Gowing

plantation. The

Samantha’s unique cooking

Pursuit of optimal health is

demonstrations, health and

Samantha’s objective and is achieved by utilizing motivational mindset techniques, meditation, food as medicine, postural alignment and breathing awareness from Pilates and Yoga. Her unique technique is a blend of Zen Macrobiotics, Ayurvedic philosophies and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

97


INDIAN PANORAMA

Bihar grants industry status to tourism sector

B

ihar government has given industry status to tourism sector, as well as initiated a number of measures to woo visitors, particularly from Buddhist countries. Ram Pravesh Rai, Minister for Tourism, Bihar said that the plan outlay for tourism development was increased from Rs 7.43 crore during the erstwhile RJD regime to Rs 29.78 crore in 2009-10 and the

NDA government had earmarked Rs 30.44 for the purpose during the current fiscal. Rai added that a special force for protection of foreign and domestic tourists had also been formed and a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with Archaeological Society of India to develop sites of tourist interests such as Kesaria, Maner Sharif,

Rohtas Fort and the mausoleum of Sher Shah. Religious sites including Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur district and the famous Baikunthnath Temple at Baikutpur in rural Patna will also be developed to attract tourists. Rashmi Verma, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Bihar said that a number of circuits - like Buddhist, Jain, Ramayana,

Gandhi and Sufi circuits had been developed to attract foreign and domestic tourists. Quality accommodation and transport were being provided to tourists visiting various spots in the circuits. The number of tourists to the state had grown in recent years following proper propagation of the importance of the historical and religious sites.

Goa, Sikkim sign tourism pact

New projects in Assam Inaugurated

G

preading fresh enthusi asm in the travel and tourism field, the Assam Tourism got some of new projects inaugurated. The newly constructed Tourists Recreation Centre, the new building of Rajib Bhawan and Tarun Gogoi, Nurul Amin CM, Assam Memorial Auditorium were inaugurated by the Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi on his visit to Nagaon in the presence of Rockybul Hussain, minister for tourism and Forests, Assam, Assam Education Minister Gautam Bora, Nazeen Farooq MP along with other dignitaries. Tourists Recreation Centre runs under Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) is situated on the bank of river Kolong near Nagaon Circuit House.

of respective States, thereby enhancing employment generation for tourism stakeholders, develop tourism packages service and product and make them accessible to the public through tourism publicity. “Goa is the premier destination for foreign tourists. We want the foreign tourists visiting Goa to be informed about tourism attractions of Sikkim through promotion activities planned in this agreement. This will help in bringing more foreign tourists to Sikkim promoting tourism of each from the Goa end,” said other. The agreement is effective Anbalagan. from June 23 for a period of two years and the corporations will mutually market their hotel accommodations, facilities and tourism packages with a commission of 15 per cent, said S. Anbalagan, STDC Chief Executive Officer. Both the corporations will seek to tap tourism potential oa Tourism Devel opment Corporation (GTDC) and Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), signed an agreement recently for

PARTNER COUNTRY

98

S

“The government led by Tarun Gogoi has already launched different projects for the development of tourism industry. The Tourist Recreation Centre which has been setup will definitely draw attention of the tourists in Nagaon,” said Rockybul Hussain at the inaugural function. The government is working for the development of Assam and with the efforts the tourists flow will definitely increase he added. Assam CM Tarun Gogoi appreciated Tourism Minister Rockybul Rockybul Hussain Hussain’s Tourism Minister, Assam efforts to develop the tourism field in the state. Ha also paid a visit to the bamboo museum which was inaugurated recently by Union Minister Jairam Ramesh.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010



INDIAN PANORAMA

Gurgaon Shopping Festival

Millenium city ready for shopping fest

G

urgaon is bracing up for a 36-day long shopping, cultural, entertainment and adventure extravaganza, Gurgaon Shopping Festival which will begin on World Tourism Day - 27th September 2010. Organised by the Gurgaon administration along with the Haryana Tourist Mart and Real Estate Development Council (REDCO), the 36-day festival will commence on September 27, the World Tourism Day and culminate on November 1, the Haryana Day. GSF 2010 will provide a fillip to business; transform trade, commerce and realty through a heady cocktail of culture, heritage, food, music, fashion, shopping and complete family entertainment and a

peep into Indian culture. Already famed as a magical city, GSF 2010 will add more glitter and glamour to Gurgaon which is a soul city destined to win hearts and minds through this experience and showcase the rich heritage and culture of Haryana to visitors. Replete with entertainment and consumer engagement activities, GSF will bring Gurgaon alive. GSF 2010 is being organized with the objective to promote Gurgaon as India’s millennium city on the threshold of becoming a global, business and leisure hub. GSF 2010 will also unveil the best shopping deals of ‘Brand Gurgaon’ from a wide range of national and international

brands and will showcase the rich cultural heritage of India through “The Indian Rendezvous” – Entertainment & Cultural Extravaganza. First of its kind “Street Carnival”, handicrafts and cuisines from different parts of the country, never seen before “Adventure Sports” and “Auto Mall – India’s Largest Multicity Automobile Exhibition “ are the other attractions at the festival. It will also provide the opportunity to explore the evolution of Gurgaon and promote tourism and the culture heritage for the State of Haryana establishing it as a tourist destination, engage and entertain the NCR population, international tourists during their stay in Delhi/NCR, enrich and enable shoppers with best shopping deals and mega gifts and prizes, increase footfalls and maximize spends; energize the retail economy and fulfill the social responsibility.

MPSTDC to promote camping, caravan and MICE tourism

M

adhya Pradesh State Tourism Development

Corporation (MPSTDC) in association with the District Administrations plans to start ‘Go Camping 2010’, an exclusive event to explore adventure activities in Madhya Pradesh (MP) by October 2010. The Corporation has identified 12 prospective sites for the camp - Bhopal, Pachmarhi, Mandu, Orchha, Jabalpur, Tamia, Amarkantak, Shahdol, Dewas, Panna, Bhind and Pench. MPSTDC will also develop three circuits — ShivpuriOrchha-Khajuraho, Bhopal-Tawa -Pachmarhi and Indore- ManduMaheshwar to promote Caravan Tourism and this project will take off in three months. In addition, MPSTDC will set up convention centres in Bhopal, Jabalpur and Gwalior.

Bihar to launch river cruise in Ganges

T

he Bihar State Tourism

hall and emergency medical

cruise on Kolkata-Varanasi route

Government of Bihar said, “The

Development of

facilities, will have a capacity to

last year mainly for foreigners was

cruise has already made eight

Corporation (BSTDC) has

accommodate 24 tourists. The

a big success. Rashmi Verma,

trips in which over 450 foreign

signed a Memorandum of

cruise will have six -day

Principal Tourism Secretary,

tourists have travelled. In view of

Understanding (MoU) with Assam-

stoppages in Bihar including

Department of Tourism,

the overwhelming response, we

based company Assam Bengal

Rajmahal,

have decided to launch another

Navigation (ABN) for launching a

Bateshwar

river cruise in River Ganges for

river cruise in

Sthan,

domestic, as well as foreign

Sultanganj,

visitors at a low cost.”

River Ganges from Kolkata to Patna, starting from October this

Munger, Simaria

year.

Ghat and Patna.

venture pioneered in long-

The rates are yet

distance river cruising in India

to be finalised.

was the first to run cruises in River

The cruise, with 12 cabins having double bed (A/C) rooms, open deck, dining hall, bar, restaurant, massage centre, big

PARTNER COUNTRY

100

ABN, an Indo-British joint

BSTDC ‘s

Hugli in 2007 has offices in

first ever ten-day

Guwahati and the UK.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


MARKETING

Spain opens tourist office in Mumbai

S

pain has opened an office

joint promotions and tactical

promote the exotic locales of

Tourism Board will retain the

of the National Tourist

campaigns, media and trade

Spain in the Indian Subcontinent,

exclusivity of the destination and

Office of Spain in Mumbai,

shows to engage both the

Tourism Office of Spain will work

will focus on the high end leisure

Maharashtra, India

consumer and the

closely with the Film Industry. As a

and MICE segment of the growing

and appointed

travel trade to

part of their strategy the tourism

Indian outbound Traveller.

Miguel Nieto

generate a high

board will assist

Sandoval as the

recall value for the

and facilitate

head of office.

destination.

shooting of

Speaking on the

Director of the

movies in Spain.

Tourism Office of

occasion, Miguel

Currently, the

Spain will also

Nieto Sandoval,

Tourism Board is

embark on Strategic

Tourism Counsellor,

supporting Excel

Tourism and

Director of the

Entertainment in

Marketing Initiatives

Tourism

their forthcoming

Department, Embassy of Spain in

film Zindagi

India said “India is an emerging

Milegei Na

India, the Tourism Office of Spain

market for Spain and is a growing

Dobara which is

will work in close cooperation with

market for travellers seeking

currently being

the travel trade and media to

experiential vacations

shot extensively

increase awareness of the

internationally. As we have just

in various

destination and to position Spain

opened our office in India, we will

locations in Spain.

as a top of the mind recall tourist

initially focus on educating the

destination amongst the Indian

trade about the destination and

relatively unexplored in the Indian

77000 and this year we anticipate

holiday-makers. The Tourism

build the brand awareness.”

market, and in its endeavour to

a growth of 5 -7 per cent over last

promote the destination The

year.

in the Indian Market. By establishing its presence in

Board will undertake a series of

ASIAN TRAVELLER

Further in their effort to

SEPTEMBER 2010

Ramon Moreno, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Spain in India and Miguel Nieto Sandoval, Tourism Counsellor - Director of the Tourism Department and Embassy of Spain lighting the lamp at the inauguration of Tourim Office of Spain – Mumbai

Spain as a destination is

Today, Indian arrival to Spain for year 2009 was approximately

101


ASEAN

Southeast Asia grand award winners announced

T

For the grand prize in travel writing the People’’s Choice went to Chan Myae Khine for her story, Virtual Tour to Bagan, the Grand Capital, which describes the history of the ancient capital feeding its young at Kuala and what visitors Kurau in Perak state. The can do there today. image received 3,216 votes She concludes, “It on www.southeastasia.org. The Editor’s Choice grand becomes dusk and the dark covers the prize for photography was area of Bagan. But it won by The White People’s Choice Category Winner cannot cover the Sand Dunes by glory of Bagan in Chookia. The long your inner soul.” lens image shows a Vietnamese peasant The story received vendor in a bamboo 1,433 votes. The Editor’s Choice for conical hat walking the grand prize in travel along the ridge of a writing goes to Janet sand dune at Bao Cochrane for her story, A Trang at Mui Ne, north of Phan Thiet. Million Smiles in Laos. The

he inaugural South east Asia Travel Photography and Writing Awards run by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) have been announced. In the People’s Choice category for photography, Tan Poh Wan from Butterworth, Malaysia, won the grand prize for her image Feeding Time, which

shows a humming bird hovering in front of its nest

Cambodia to host Asean Tourism Forum 2011

C

ambodia will play host to the 30th Asean Tourism Forum, which will be held, from 15 to 21 January, 2011 under the theme of “ASEAN- A World of Wonder and Diversity.”The event will take place at the

PARTNER COUNTRY

102

newly built Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, Phnom Penh. This is the second time that Cambodia has been chosen to host the event. “We are proud and honoured for Phnom Penh capital to be chosen once again to host ATF. There has been a lot of development in infrastructure and facilities since Phnom Penh first hosted

ATF in 2003”, said Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia and Chairman of ATF 2011 Host Committee. Dr. Thong Khon has also announced that Siem Reap province, home of world heritage and the archeological sites, and Preah Sihanouk province, the most beautiful and pristine beach, have been selected for pre- and post-tours.

feature recounts a journey of charm and discovery through rural Laos. The Editor’s Choice grand prize winners receive USD1,750 each. The People’s Choice winners each receive The Editor’s Choice Grand Prize Winner

USD1,250. ASEANTA Chairman, Felix Cruz, said, “We thank all the writers and photographers who captured the magic of Southeast Asia in our inaugural awards. I believe their craftsmanship will motivate travellers to visit Southeast Asia and create their own unique memories of the world’s most exotic region.” ASEANTA is a non-profit tourism association comprising both public and private tourism sector organizaFelix Cruz, tions from Chairman, ASEANTA ASEAN. ASEANTA has grown to become a tourism association of influence within the ASEAN tourism landscape, playing an integral role in shaping tourism development growth and policies in the ASEAN region. Further information and ASEANTA mission statement.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010


DOWN UNDER

Photos: courtesy, Tourism Australia

With thousands of beaches, hundreds of national parks, and so much space Australia will free your spirit

There are plenty of parks and public gardens around the world that have signs telling you not to walk on the

activities free of

grass. Not in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney though. There you will find signs that read: ‘Please walk on the grass! We also invite you to smell the roses, hug the trees, talk to the birds and picnic on the lawns.’

BOUNDARIES ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

Locals often say that if you have no money in your pocket then the best place in the world to be in is Australia.

103


DOWN UNDER If you live on the coast you can

House more

perfect spot

and the Royal Botanic Gardens –

always swim or body-surf in the

closely, before

to watch the

an oasis of peace and tranquillity,

clean ocean waters, or spend

heading

sun go

with massive trees, a great herb

some time relaxing in the sun on

through the

down. Sit on

garden, and acres of lakes and

the golden sand. There is no such

Royal Botanic

the grassy

lawns. In Adelaide take a trip to

thing as a privately-owned beach

Gardens.

steps with

the Adelaide Central Market - the

in Australia.

Stop to watch

fish and chips

hub of South Australia’s food and

the large

perhaps, or at

wine obsession, and the largest

see exotic animals either. Flocks

colony of

an outside

covered market in the Southern

of sulphur-crested cockatoos

fruit bats

pub table with

Hemisphere.

hang around many of the cities,

that have made their home in the

pelicans patrol the harbours,

Garden’s rainforest, and the birds

kookaburras laugh from garden

that wander around the grassy

to go mountain biking along the

Bank Lifestyle Market. Every

gum trees, possums move around

areas.

Munda Biddi bike track. This

Friday night, and Saturday and

You don’t have to visit a zoo to

a cold beer in your hand. A more adventurous option is

A must-do experience in Brisbane is visiting the South

stretches for 332 kilometres (206

Sunday, crowds rummage through

take to the skies, whales and

admiring the free exhibitions in

miles) from Mundaring to Collie,

stalls featuring arts, craft, home-

dolphins cruise the oceans, and

the nearby Art Gallery of New

in Western Australia’s south west.

wares, collectibles, designer

kangaroos patrol the countryside.

South Wales, you can head to

It takes in unspoilt bushland,

fashion and more.

Darling Harbour, Sydney’s

Aboriginal culture, and rich

welcoming country, and people

entertainment and people-

heritage. The trail will eventually

through the South Bank

will often go out of their way to

watching precinct.

stretch the whole 990 kilometres

Parklands, with its riverside

(615 miles) to Albany. Camping

promenade and lush gardens and

shelters are provided for free.

lawns.

in the evenings, giant fruit bats

Australia is a very friendly and

help you find your way around. It’s also casual and relaxed, and

After spending some time

Of course, you will have to spend some free time at one or

Afterwards, take a stroll

Or drop into Brisbane’s

more of Sydney’s many beaches.

Victoria has a lot of free

Everyone has heard of the world

activities on offer too, not least

Queensland Art Gallery, and the

famous Bondi Beach, but there

Melbourne’s free City Circle tram.

new Gallery of Modern Art

are more than 150 beaches within

This distinctive burgundy and

(GoMA). Located at South Bank,

the Sydney metropolitan area in

gold vehicle travels around the

and overlooking the Brisbane

all. A great walk that costs nothing

edge of the compact inner city,

River and city, GoMA is Australia’s

starts off at Bondi Beach and

passing a number of sights and

largest gallery of modern and

meanders across the cliff tops to

attractions.

contemporary art. There are also

Bronte Beach. The panoramic

Melbourne’s many laneways

two galleries devoted to

ocean views are remarkable.

are worth exploring. Running off

contemporary Indigenous Australian art. In Hobart, the

Another must-do stroll starts off at

many of the

formal clothes are the exception

Manly’s main beach and heads

these narrow

rather than the rule, even at the

along the foreshore to tiny Shelley

thoroughfares

opera.

Beach. The views from the

are home to

most exciting

walkway take in the vivid green

boutiques,

free event of

free adventure by exploring the

sea and the jutting headlands of

unique

the year is to

compact city centre, before

the northern beaches.

galleries,

be at the

tiny cafés

waterfront

In Sydney, you can start your

heading down to the Circular

Across the other side of the

main streets,

capital of Tasmania, the

Quay to watch the ferries and the

continent is Perth, a city with a

and hidden

finish line for

street performers. Then you can

glorious climate, wonderful

bars.

the Sydney to

wander around the historic

natural attractions and a relaxed

Some of

Hobart Yacht

laneways and buildings that make

and care-free vibe. You could

them also host intriguing

up The Rocks.

easily spend a lazy afternoon in

sculptures and subculture street

nautical mile race is one of the

Race. The 628

Kings Park, the world’s largest

art. The Laneway Commissions

world’s great blue water classics

iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

inner city park. There are plenty of

program was created in 2001 by

race. The excitement builds for

The views from the public

grassy spots with breathtaking

the city council, with the aim of

days in Hobart each December,

walkway, across the glittering

views of the city. In spring, the

enriching Melbourne’s city centre

until finally the crowd heads to

harbour to the Sydney Opera

associated Botanic Gardens come

and making art attainable for all.

Constitution Dock to welcome the

House and beyond, are simply

alive with colourful wildflowers.

amazing.

Visitors shouldn’t miss the

Melbourne include the National

time, with the Taste of Tasmania

mesmerising beauty of a sunset

Gallery of Victoria, which features

food fair and the Hobart Summer

admire the vibrant, curving

over the ocean either. Perth’s

a world-renowned collection of

Festival.

architecture of the Sydney Opera

gorgeous Cottesloe beach is a

Australian and European art works

Next it’s a stroll across the

Back at Circular Quay you can

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Other free attractions in

weary crews. Then it’s celebration

(courtesy: Tourism Australia)

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DOWN UNDER

UNWTO strengthening ties with Australia

T

he combination of a

to foster economic growth and

Ferguson, Minister for Resources,

recent trends in many countries to

dynamic private sector and

social development,” he added.

Energy, and Tourism, who

increase taxation aimed at

expressed his firm belief that

reducing public deficits, in

tourism is increasingly a central

particular the UK departure tax for

strong political support of

The combined efforts of the

tourism has been instrumental in

Australian public and the private

the way Australia has driven

sectors meant

long-haul outbound travelers,

tourism as a motor of socio-

that while global

which will impact destinations

economic development. This was

tourism declined

such as Australia and New

the message taken by Taleb Rifai

by 4 percent in

Zealand. They agreed to work

on his first visit as UNWTO

2009,

together in order to prevent new

secretary-general to Australia.

international

trade barriers of this nature to

tourist arrivals to

expand.

Speaking at the opening

In addition, Rifai attended

session of the 8th National

Australia were

Conference on Tourism Futures

much in line with

various other meetings including a

(Brisbane, Australia, July 5-7,

volumes of

briefing in Brisbane with industry

2010), Rifai commended the

previous years.

leaders and senior tourism

recent launch of Australia’s

Looking to the

officials and a Leaders’

National Long-Term Tourism

future, he encouraged Australia to

focus of the Australian

Boardroom Luncheon in Sydney

Strategy, which promotes

take further advantage of its

government’s agenda. “Tourism is

attended by senior board

investment in the industry,

geographical proximity to Asia,

very much part of Australia’s

members of the Tourism and

facilitates growth, and maximizes

without loosing its traditional

future and will be the life blood of

Transport Forum (TTF). Meeting

employment opportunities. “By

European and North American

many local communities,” said the

with private and public

bringing tourism into the cabinet,

markets. “As shown in the latest

Minister.

representatives he praised

Australia has acknowledged the

edition of the UNWTO World

importance of the sector to the

Tourism Barometer, Asia and the

Australia has contributed AUS$41

sustainable and responsible

national economy,” said Rifai.

Pacific is currently leading the

billion to the national economy

tourism development and

“Australia’s National Long Term

recovery process,” Rifai told

and employs nearly half a million

discussed issues such as the

Tourism Strategy is a clear

delegates.

Australians.”

positioning of tourism in the

recognition of tourism’s capacity

Rifai also met with Martin

“The tourism industry of

The two parties also discussed

Australia’s track record of

Green Economy.

Australia’s Facebook fanbase reaches half a million

Chinese travellers prefer Australia the most

A

A

ustralia now has over half a million fans on the social networking platform Facebook. Launched by

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Tourism Australia in 2008, the Facebook page encourages conversations between fans of Australia who want to share their local knowledge and holiday tips. Tourism Australia Managing Director, Andrew McEvoy said the Facebook page has become an important part of the marketing mix and builds word of mouth advocacy for Australian holidays around the world. “The Facebook page has given us the opportunity to create genuine conversations between travellers who have a shared love of Australia,” McEvoy said.

new report shows that

Australia Managing Director,

Australia is the number

Andrew McEvoy said the results

one destination that

reflect that Australia is a top of

Chinese travellers intend to visit in

mind destination for Chinese

the next few years.

travellers. “Since gaining

According to the latest Visa

Approved Destination Status

PATA Travel Intention Survey more

(ADS) in 1999 the China travel

than half of the travellers surveyed

market has grown exponentially

from mainland China were

for Australia to become one of our

intending to travel to Australia

top five sources of international

over the next two years. Tourism

travellers.

Indonesian language in AT website

A

ustralian official tourism website has been equipped with an Indonesian language option. “Indonesia has been showing a

stable figure in terms of tourists and business trips to Australia,” said Maggie White, General Manager for Southeast Asia and Middle Eastern countries, Australia Tourism.

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HOSPITALITY

Vivanta by Taj Honoured At Singapore

V

ivanta by Taj Whitefield,

exceptional creativity. The unique

from Taj briefed the designers to

driver. The ground plane was

Bangalore won multiple

design of Vivanta by Taj –

question and push the boundaries

manipulated into a mobius strip

awards - the “Interior

Whitefield, Bangalore has set a

of hotel design, not just to

that is the podium of the hotel.

Design Award’, ‘Architecture

mark for innovation for architects

address the

Award’ in the ‘Commercial’

around the globe. It will stand as a

needs of the

category and the ‘2010 Building of

beacon of innovation in this

discerning

The Year’ award at the Singapore

technology city” said Ajit

business

Institute of Architects (SIA)

Pavithran, General Manager

traveller coming

Architectural Design Awards 2010.

Vivanta by Taj – Whitefield,

to Whitefield but

Bangalore.

also to redefine

“We are very proud to be the recipients of this much coveted

Designed by Warner Wong

and intensify the

award that recognises the

Design, Singapore, the hotel

hotel as a social

distinction that is found in

located at the entrance of the

and

international

contemporary

Tech Park,

cultural hub for

Whitefield,

both the IT Park and the IT-based

The twisting and folding action of

Bangalore

population in Whitefield. Due to

the strip extended the perception

(ITPB) is a

the low height restrictions and

of space making the hotel to be a

gateway

keeping in mind the mild and

“landscaper” instead of a

statement

pleasant climate of Bangalore, a

skyscraper.

between the IT

strong- site specific landscape

Park and the

strategy with plays on

dematerialize, blurring the

developing city

transparency and layering on

distinction between building and

around it.

outdoor and indoor relationships

ground, architecture and

was developed as the concept

landscape.

The team

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SEPTEMBER 2010

The podium seems to

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PILGRIM TRAVEL

Amarnath Yatra

A Great Integrating Factor The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the J &K Government during the month of Sharavan ( July and August). The dates however , vary every year looking at the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sharavan (Vikrama Samwat). Yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave for which one has to trek a height of about 14,500 ft is full of thrill and joy. M.L. DHAR

cave lays an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga, he holy Amarnath which waxes during May to cave, located in the August and gradually wanes Indian state of Jammu thereafter. The holy cave, in and Kashmir and at 3888 mts which the “Ice Lingam� is (13,500 ft.) above sea level, is formed, is 120x100x60 ft. in one of the most famous diameter and can accommoshrines in Hinduism, dedidate thousands of worshipcated to the god Shiva. ers. According to a legend Inside the main Amarnath Lord Shiva had chosen this

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cave to reveal to Goddess Parvati the secrets of life and death. Although the holy Amarnath cave is located in the Sindh Valley besides Amarnath (Amravati) a small tributary of the Sindh River, it has been traditionally approached through Lidar Valley intersected by the Lidar nallah (rivulet). On this route the pilgrims approach the holy cave from Pahalgam in South Kashmir

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PILGRIM TRAVEL and cover around 46 km while passing through Chandanwari, Pissu Ghati, Seshnag and Panchantarni. Another shorter route is from Baltal located on Srinagar Leh highway. It is just around 15 km with some stretches which rise and fall steeply. This route was used in early summers but sometimes it became impossible traverse due to melting of

snow. However, with passage of time, things have improved and movement on

both the routes has become comparatively easy. Puranmashi is not normally related with Lord Shiva, but the association of Shrawan Purnamashi (JulyAugust) with Amarnath pilgrimage is because of the glimpse of a fully developed “Ice Lingam” and relatively favourable weather during this period to trek through the mountains to reach the cave. Historians differ on the origin of Amarnath yatra, while some say it was there from historic times with brief disruption, while others say it began with the discovery of the holy cave by Muslim shepherds (Maliks) in 18th or 19th century. The historians are of the view that the Amarnath pilgrimage existed for thousands of years. Bringesha Samhita, Nilmat Puran, Kalhan’s Rajtarengeni etc., have

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references about the Yatra. Bringesha Samhita narrates some of the important places where the pilgrims had to perform religious rituals while going to Shri Amarnath Cave. They included Anantnaya (Anantnag), Mach Bhawan (Mattan), Ganeshbal (Ganeshpora), Mamleshwar (Mamal), Chandanwari (2,811m), Shushram Nagar (Sheshnag, 3454m), Panjtarangeni (Panjturni, 3845m) and Amravati. Kalhana’s Rajtarungini Tarang II has the legend of Kashmir ruler Samdimat (34 BC- 17 AD), who as a great devotee of Shiva “worshiped linga of snow”. Kalhana has also mentioned that Sushram Naga (Sheshnag) was seen by pilgrims to Areshvara (Amarnath). Nilmat Puran has reference to Amreshvara suggesting that the Shrine was known in 6th/7th century AD.

Amarnath Yatra creates a great bond between the Hindu pilgrims and local Muslims who facilitate the Yatra and maintains a deep relationship in thought and aspiration between Kashmir and other parts of India

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PILGRIM TRAVEL

Historians differ on the origin of Amarnath yatra, while some say it was there from historic times with a brief disruption, while others say it began with the discovery of the holy cave by Muslim shepherds in 18th or 19th century

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One of the greatest Muslim rulers of Kashmir, Zainul-abdin (1420-70 A.D.), fondly remembered by Kashmiris as “Badshah”, visited the Amarnath cave which had been documented by his chronicler Jonaraja. Akbar’s historian Abul-Fazal (16th century) in Ain-iAkbari recorded, “Amarnath is considered a shrine of great sanctity. When the new moon rises from her throne of rays, a bubble as it were of ice is formed in the cave which daily increases little by little for 15 days till it is formed higher than two yards… With waning of moon, likewise begins to decrease till no trace of it remains when the moon disappears”. Vincent A Smith, author of the Oxford History of India, while editing 2nd edition of Bernier’s book commented that the cave “full of wonderful coagulations is the Amarnath cave where blocks of ice stalagmites formed by dripping water from the roof are worshipped by the Hindus who resort here as images of Shiva”. Vigne Bernier Montgomery in his book ‘Travels in Kashmir, Ladakh and Iskardu” (1842) says that the ceremony at the cave of Amarnath takes place on 15th Sawan and not only Kashmir Hindus but every rank and cast from all over Hindustan “can be seen travelling up the valley of Lidar towards the celebrated cave”. Swami Vivekananda

undertook pilgrimage to Amarnath cave in 1898 and later recounted, “I thought the Ice Lingam was Shiva himself and there were no thievish Brahmins, no trade, nothing wrong. It was all worship. I have never seen anything so beautiful, so inspiring and enjoyed any religious place so much”. In his book “Valley of Kashmir”, Sir Walter Roper Lawrence says that Brahmins from Mattan would join the Amarnath pilgrims and later at Batkut, Maliks would take charge as they were responsible for maintaining the track, act as guide, carry the sick and old and ensure safety of life and belongings of pilgrims. For this they received one-third of the offerings at the Shrine. Brahmins of Mattan, Darmarth Trust (a religious body looking after various Hindu shrines in Jammu Kashmir) and Giri Mahants of Amritsar, who carry the “Chhari Mubarik” at the head of the main pilgrimage to this day since the advent of Sikh rule in Kashmir, receive the remaining share of offerings. The historians supporting

the historicity of Amarnath pilgrims say that the Yatra may have been discontinued for a period for about three hundred years from the middle of 14th century owing to turbulence following foreign invasions to Kashmir valley and migrations of Hindus from there. Some historians say the cave was rediscovered in the summer of 1869 and the first formal pilgrimage to the holy cave was organized three years later in 1872 accompanied by the Maliks. Despite militancy during the past two decades in Kashmir valley, Amarnath Yatra has been going on uninterrupted. This year itself more than 1.7 lakh pilgrims have already visited the cave. This has been possible mainly due to the cooperation and support of local Muslim community to the Yatra. Whatever the historians may have to say about the Amarnath Yatra, the fact is that it not only creates a great bondage between the Hindu pilgrims and local Muslims who facilitate the Yatra, but has maintained a deep relationship in thought and aspiration between Kashmir and other parts of India that has existed for thousands of years. Nationally revered Tamil poet Subramanya Bharathi was so much inspired by this bond that he proclaimed Kashmir as the Crown of Mother India and Kanyakumari as lotus at her feet. (Courtesy: PIB Features)

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HERITAGE

UNESCO unveils new heritage sites

U

NESCO has added 21 new World Heritage Sites to the roster. They include 15 cultural, five natural and one mixed properties, making a total of 911 sites inscribed on the List of World Heritage sites in 151 countries. The designation is highly sought after and seen as a draw for tourism. After 10 days of meetings in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has also expanded seven existing World Heritage Sites and dubbed the nature heritage site Ngorongoro in Tanzania also a cultural The new sites on the World

and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil

Heritage List of Sites in Danger:

(Islamic Republic of Iran)

Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery (Georgia)] Rainforests of Atsinanana

Amsterdam’s 17th-century Canal Ring area, where boats once transported the goods that made the Dutch city a trade hub, and the episcopal city of Albi in France, known for its cathedral and buildings dating to the Middle Ages. Sites were expanded in Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Norway, the Moldavia region, Portugal and Italy. Four sites were declared “in danger”: Georgia’s Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, Madagascar’s Atsinanana rainforest, Uganda’s tombs of Buganda kings and the Everglades National Park in the United States.

site. New sites range from convict sites in Australia to the site where the atomic bomb was tested on Bikini Atoll to prehistoric caves in Mexico. The 2010 listings include single sites in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, India, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, the United States and Vietnam, plus two sites each in China, France, Iran and Mexico. In Europe, sites now include

Bahrain culture minister nominated new chairperson

Tabriz Historical Bazaar Complex (Islamic Republic of Iran)

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Bikini Atoll, Nuclear Test Site (Marshall Islands) Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Mexico)

IRAN: Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah Shrine

Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca (Mexico) Seventeenth-century Canal SOUTH KOREA : a view of Hahoe Village

Ring Area inside the Singelgracht, Amsterdam

(Madagascar) Tombs of Buganda Kings (Uganda) Everglades National Park (United States of America) The new mixed site is: Papahânaumokuâkea (United States of America) The new cultural sites are: Australian Convict Sites

(Netherlands) Hahoe and Yangdong (Republic of Korea) (Saudi Arabia)

Phoenix Islands Protected Putorana Plateau (Russian Federation) (Sri Lanka) World Heritage sites that have

Proto-Urban site of Sarazm (Tajikistan)

been extended are: City of Graz – Historic Centre

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long-Hanoi (Viet Nam)

and Schloss Eggenberg (Austria) Pirin National Park (Bulgaria) Mines of Rammelsberg,

São Francisco Square in the

Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water management System

Historic Monuments of

Røros Mining Town and the

Dengfeng, in the “Centre of

Circumference (Norway)

Heaven and Earth” (China)

Churches of Moldavia

Episcopal City of Albi

Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in

(France)

the Côa Valley and in Siega Verde

Jantar Mantar (India)

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Pitons, Cirques and Remparts of Reunion Island (France)

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

At Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah

Town of São Cristovão (Brazil)

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China Danxia (China)

Area (Kiribati)

Historic Villages of Korea:

(Australia)

Sheikh Safi al-Din Khânegâh

The new natural sites are:

(Portugal) INDIA: Jantar Mantar

Monte San Giorgio (Italy)

he Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, has been named new Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee. She replaces the Minister of Culture of Brazil, João Luiz da Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa Silva Ferreira, who has chaired the Committee for the past 12 months. The Committee nominated Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa by acclamation on the last day of their meeting in the Brasilian capital. She will chair the Committee up to and including its next session which will be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain in June 2011.

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TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu is a vast region which has a lot to offer to everyone. It is so colourful and diverse – culturally and geographically – in a pleasantly surprising way.

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Enchanting

As Ever

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TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam

holds many hill resorts. Udhagamandalam (Ooty), amil Nadu, the south Kodaikanal, Yercaud, ernmost state of India Coonoor, Topslip, Valparai, is home to the Yelagiri and Manjolai are the colourful civilization of the most popularhill stations. Tamils. With a history of Courtallam, Hogenakal, several thousand years, it Papanasam, Manimuthar, inherited a vibrant collection Thirparappu, Pykara and of monuments, arts, culture, Silver Cascade constitute the traditions cuisine and litera- main waterfalls of the state. ture. Tamil, a classical Thick vegetation and language has been in use in wildlife are found in Nilgiri inscriptions and literature hills, Palani hills, Shevaroy for 2500 years. Today it is hills, Kolli Hills and Cardaone of the mainstays among mom hills. Many National the tourism products of Parks, Biosphere Reserves, incredible India in spite of Wildlife Sanctuaries support being the most urbanised wildlife while Mukurthi state in India. Being an all National Park and Kalakkad round destination, it caters Mundanthurai Reserve are to spiritual, nature and the two tiger reserves. adventure travellers alongMudumalai National Park, side leisure and business The Gulf of Mannar Biotravellers. Medical tourism sphere Reserve, Indira has also prospered in the Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary state with quality medical and National Park, care centers in many parts of Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuthe state. With a multitude of ary and Arignar Anna attractions and products Zoological Park are the main travellers both domestic and attractions along with the international have included mangrove forests at the state to their travel Pichavaram. itinerary. Tamil Nadu is a state The state holds a gala of blessed with a long coastline temples, multi-religious of about 910 km which houses some of the best beaches in India spanning from Pulicat in the north to Rameswaram and Kanyakumari beaches in the south. The Marina Beach in Chennai is the second pilgrimage sites, hill stations, longest beach in the world. beach resorts, and eight The major attractions among UNESCO World Heritage the beaches of Tamil Nadu Sites. It has a wide range of are Marina Beach, Chennai, terrains as the western, Rameshwaram Beach, southern and the northKanyakumari Beach (where western parts are hilly and the three big seas Bay of rich in vegetation. Tamil Bengal, Indian Ocean and Nadu is the only state in Arabian Sea meets), India which has both the Covelong Beach, Kurusadai Western Ghats and the Islands, Elliot’s beach, Eastern Ghats which meets Chunnambar Beach, at the Nilgiri hills which Pichavaram Beach,

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TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER Poompuhar Beach Muttukkadu Beach etc. The long sandy washed by the Bay of Bengal is lately home to various activities like wind surfing, fishing and different boat rides. The seas here have an exotic variety of marine life and it is an ideal place to find numerous souvenirs here. Mahabalipuram beach is 58 km south of Chennai is famous for its unique 7th century Shore Temple. The place was once a port city of the Pallavas and the monuments built between the 7th and the 9th centuries has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is home to Arjuna’s Penance, one of the world’s largest bas-reliefs, which is a universe itself in stone. There are numerous archeological sites in and around Adichanallur. Caves of Tamil Nadu, located in Anaimalai, Alagarmalai, Tiruparankundram, and other places around Madurai are Monuments related to Jainism in the region. About 26 caves built in 2nd to 1st BC contain epigraphic records written in the Brahmi script. The stone beds here certifies that these abodes of the monks. The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is a conglomeration of three temples, Valluvar Kottam, the memorial to the poetsaint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot,

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in Kazimar Street, Madurai and Karpudaiyar masjid in Kayalpatnam are the oldest in the state. Pongal, the four-day harvest festival is largest festivals in Tamil Nadu. The Hindu festivals include Deepavali, Ayudha Poojai, Dasara, Krishna Jayanthi and Vinayaka Chathurthi. Christmas and Easter are celChidambaram, Kumari Tanjavur Palace, Tanjavur ebrated by Christians and Amman Temple, Maratha Marvels including Eid ul-Fitr and Bakrid by the KanyaKumari, 275 Siva temples and 108 Muslims in the state. Vaishnavaite temples in the Kapaleshwarar temple, The place has a large Mylapore, Nellaiappar ninth century A.D., number of folk dances music Temple, Tirunelveli, Padmanabhapuram Palace forms. Bharatanatyam is the Kailashnath Temple, in Kanyakumari district, classical dance of Tamil Kanchipuram, Varadaraja Sivaganga Palace 40 kms Nadu. Karakattam, from Madurai, S t. George’s temple, Kanchipuram, Mayilattam, Oyilattam, Brihadeswara Temple, Fort, the oldest English fort Poikkal Kuthiraiyaattam, etc. on the East Coast, the tallest Thanjavur, Thanumalayam are some of the folk forms. Temple, Suchindram are flag post in the region, the Tamil Nadu enjoys a some of the numerous oldest Anglican Church in tropical climate. The lowest renowned temples in the the east of Suez located in temperatures are recorded state. Chennai are some of the during December and St. Thomas Mount in major monuments of the January, and the highest in Chennai where St. Thomas, state. April to June. Ideal time to Tamil Nadu is also one of one of the disciples of Jesus visit Tamil Nadu is between Christ, is believed to be the leading destinations in October and February. spiritual and pilgrim travel. martyred, The Santhome Welcome to the enchantBasilica, the tomb of St. Being an ancient Dravidian ing state. Go enriched and Thomas and Vailankanni land, Tamil Nadu houses grand Hindu temples depict- Basilica of Our Lady of Good unlighted. Health are the church archiing Dravidian architecture. tectures in Tamil Nadu. The The state itself is known as major pilgrimage site for the land of temples with nearly 33000 ancient temples Muslims include Erwadi in Ramanathapuram district built in different eras. and Nagore in Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Ramanathaswamy Nagapattinam district. The Thousand Lights Mosque in temple, Rameshwaram, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Chennai is one of the largest Srirangam, Palani Murugan mosques in the country while Kazimar Big Mosque Temple, Palani, Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Ramalinga Temple,

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Tourism ministr y sanctions Rs13 Cr. for Madurai‘s facelift

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he Union Ministry of Tourism sanctions Rs. 12.55 crore for various works to give a facelift to the city, including renovation of Pudumandapam and permanently store water in Mariamman Temple tank. Corporation Commissioner S. Sebastine said that a parking lot would come up at the existing central vegetable market site and a reception centre and cloak room, would be carried out at a cost of Rs. 5.62 crore.

TN sets up new securit y force for tourists

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he Tamil Nadu Tourism Department has announced the setting up of a new

security force, Tourism Security Organisation (TSO), which will work in tandem with the state police to provide security to tourists across the state. The main objective of setting up TSO is to provide security to all tourists – especially foreigners – visiting the state. Initially TSO will cover five popular spots – Mamallapuram, Uthagamandalam, Kodaikanal, Rameswaram and Kanya Kumari. Depending on the feedback and its success, the facility will be extended to other tourist spots in the state as well. Dr. V.Irai Anbu, IAS, Secretary for Tourism & Chairman for TTDC has said that the organisation would provide adequate security to tourists and act as a bridge between tourists and district administration.”

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A new shopping complex for the shopkeepers of Pudumandapam will come up at Kunnathur Chathiram at a cost of Rs. 2.32 crore and colourful lighting work around Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at a cost of Rs. 42 lakh. The Meenakshi Park would be renovated at a cost of Rs. 35.24 lakh and the Vilakkuthoon at Rs. 28.85 lakh. Works for permanently storing water in the Mariamman Teppakulam, creating a lawn and lighting arrangement would be done at a cost of Rs. 2.60 crore. Traffic signage boards to guide people to places of tourist importance would be put up at a cost of Rs. 19 lakh and the fort, now housing the Corporation South Zone office, would be renovated at a cost of Rs. 75 lakh.

Brihadeeswarar temple to have sound and light show

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he Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu will soon have a sound-

and-light show. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on July 8, 2010 between the Director General, Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, signalling the formal completion of procedures ahead of putting up a show. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and built by Rajaraja Chola (985-1012), is a UNESCO recognised world heritage site.

Adventure tourism complex launched in Mamallapuram

T

amil Nadu Tourism Develop said adventure sports were expected to ment Corporation (TTDC) has pick up in a big way in the state with launched an adventure these added attractions. tourism complex at the TTDC The first-of-its-kind comBeach Resort Complex in plex down south offers several Mamallapuram. The complex sports like archery, balloon was inaugurated by N. Suresh shooting, target shooting and Rajan, Tamil Nadu state netball cricket. Minister of Tourism by flagThe state tourism developging off a bullock cart, which N. Suresh Rajan ment authority chose Tourism Minister, Mahabalipuram as the site for was one of the traditional Tamil Nadu modes of transport in ancient the adventure complex as the India. town has always been a major tourist Speaking to the media on the occahub because of its exotic beaches and sion the minister said, “There has been famed temple architecture. This coma 22 per cent increase in tourism arriv- plex is an endeavour to give the town als to the state this year and the state an image makeover and convert it into has won four national awards for a choice destination for sports enthusipromoting tourism development. He asts as well. TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

Madurai

Prevailing through eras

S

ituated on the banks of river Vaigai,

is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes

Madurai is one of the cities that

and arches. Thirumalai Nayak Palace was

boast a rich history antiquity and

built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with

cultural heritage of more than 2500 years

the help of an Italian Architect. The present

old. Being one of the great temple towns of

building was the main Palace and King’s

South India, it is situated in the south of

residence. The original palace complex

Tamil Nadu. Madurai is synonymous with the

which was four times bigger consisted two

celebrated Meenakshi Temple. It is believed

parts, namely Swargavilasa and

that Kulasekarar, the Pandyan King built a

Rangavilasa which included royal

great temple and created a lotus shaped city

residence, theatre, shrine, apartments,

around the temple. The enormous temple

armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand,

complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here

quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai

as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or

Nayak celebrated festivals like Sceptre

Meenakshi.

festival, Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi

It was the capital for many great kingdoms including the Pandiyas which has

festival and the Float festival. Alagar koil, situated in scenic location

made it an important cultural and

about 21 km North East of Madurai is a

commercial centre as early as 550 AD.

Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Alagar.

Jasmine flowers are the main identity of the

Palamudirsolai another temple close by is

city. Its special fragrance has become one of

one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya.

the identities of the place. Tons of these

Gandhi Museum is set up in the old Palace

flowers are exported from here to other

of Rani Mangammal. The Museum depicts

countries for producing perfumes.

the highlights of the freedom struggle and

Madurai is famous for its textile market

also a picture gallery of the Gandhian

especially the ‘Sungudi’ sarees. Madurai

movement, relics, Khadi, village industries

holds a strong spot in Tamil literature,

and handicrafts. Kazimar Periya Pallivasal,

culture and tradition. So are the inhabitants

famous mosque built in the 12th century is

of the place. Ballads, folk dances and

the earliest Muslim place of worship in

dramas are very popular here. Karekudi

Madurai.

Temple another famous temple is at a short

Pongal, the harvest festival celebrated in

distance. A great place of worship, it is

January the biggest festival in Tamil Nadu. It

famous for the temples dedicated to

is a tribute to the Sun, Nature and cattle for

Ganesha or Pillaiyar, the elephant god.

the rich harvest. The three day festival

Thirupparankundram Temple is located 8 km

consist Bogi, Pongal and Mattu Pongal

away from Madurai is considered to be one

celebrated respectively. Jallikattu, (bull

of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its

taming) is the most popular sport in Tamil

innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.

Nadu is part of the pongal celebrations.

Thirumalai Nayak palace is about 1.5 km

Navarathri festival is one of the main

from the Meenakshi temple. Built in 1636 it

festivals held at the Meenakshi temple honouring of deity in all her forms. During the nine day festival nine varieties of rice meals and flowers are offered here. The city is easily accessible by air, rail and road transport. There are daily flights to Madurai airport situated 10 km away from the city centre, from Chennai, Bangalore, Trichi and Coimbatore. Madurai is an important railway junction connecting the place to other main centres. Excellent road networks also connect Madurai to all parts of South India.

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HOSPITALITY

Alila gearing up for new additions

A

The Diwa Club offers all-suite

lila Hotels & Resorts is

and bath experiences, a desk,

gearing up to expand its

balcony with daybed, the latest in

accommodation that comprises 26

presence in India and

hour every evening. Over in Laos, Alila Luang

entertainment technologies, and

Diwa Rooms, 5 one-bedroom Diwa

Prabang is being built on a

Laos with the opening of another

WiFi connection. Longer staying

Suites and 2 two-bedroom Diwa

heritage site in the country’s

two very distinctive hotels in

guests will find the hotel’s 23

Suites ranging from 68 sqm to 128

former royal capital, set against a

October 2010. Alila Diwa Goa is

Soho Suites and Leisure Suites

sqm in size. The Club will have its

backdrop of verdant hills and

also set to open the Diwa Club

ideal options, offering

Laotian countryside, just five

this October.

larger living space and a

minutes from the town centre.

dedicated work area that

Fusing French colonial charm with

as a unique business resort hotel

can be used as a

contemporary elegance, it is

that will cater comprehensively to

temporary office and

destined to become one of the

the needs of the discerning

meeting room. The hotel

finest luxury all-suite resorts in the

business traveler within an

will also have a Business Library

own separate lobby, and will offer

environment of luxurious resort

comprising a series of meeting

guests the convenience of in-

living. Set in a tranquil location

and boardrooms and full business

room check-in and check-out,

colonial buildings with new

not far from Bangalore’s business

facilities.

limousine transfers,

structures that have been

complimentary all-day breakfast,

designed in keeping with

Alila Bangalore is envisioned

Diwa Club at Alila Diwa Goa is

district, the hotel will be

region. The resort blends existing

distinguished by design

a new exclusive residence club

as well as the services of a

traditional Lao architecture,

innovations and the latest lifestyle

within the hotel designed to

dedicated Diwa host to tend to

graced with contemporary Asian

trends combined with tailored

appeal to discerning guests

their every need. Guests staying

touches. Large courtyards,

workspaces and experiences.

looking for greater space, privacy

at the Diwa Club will also have a

landscaped gardens, reflecting

and convenience. The group is

range of amenities including a

pools and fireplaces in the

elegant rooms that blend

also planning to open more hotels

private pool, restaurant, and club

outdoor areas, the library and in

contemporary design with Indian

in India. Future destinations

lounge with Internet stations

the suites provide a welcome

accents, and offer exquisite sleep

include Calicut and Cochin.

and complimentary cocktail

retreat in all seasons.

Accommodation will include 93

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119


PROFILE

Radisson Resort Temple Bay

Where leisure and business go together

M

amallapuram, located

neatly manicured lawns are lined

outings, indoor and outdoor

along the shores of the

with different types of palms and

conferences, wedding and private

Bay of Bengal, is a

trees and flowering shrubs. The

parties. The Resort also organises

seaside town and an acclaimed

varying rhythm of the sea waves

catamaran rides, zorbing, beach

World Heritage site with centuries

are interspersed with the chirps of

volleyball and putting golf.. To

old historic monuments and

birds. The ambience the resort

unwind and relax there is

temples. Radisson Resort Temple

radiates is one of

Ayurvedic

Bay situated in this temple town is

calm and soothing.

massages at the

the most popular 5 star luxury

The Resort has

Spa or workouts at

beach resort in this UNESCO

played host to a lot

Pranayam, the

heritage location.

of celebrities

health studio.

One of the first things one

Radisson

including Prince

these water bodies. Pool view Chalets are large

notices on entering the Radisson

Charles, who had planted a tree in

Resort Temple Bay boasts of

rooms with private balconies

Resort Temple Bay premises is the

the premises to commemorate his

having the longest Meandering

which are situated along the

greenery. The resort which sits on

visit. There are a couple of other

Pool of 27000 sq.feet in India

Meandering Pool. Garden view

a sprawling green carpet of 44

‘celebrity-trees’ too.

which runs through the heart of

Chalet is a unit of four rooms that

the resort.

offer the comfort and relaxation

acres on the shores of Bay of

Radisson Resort Temple Bay is

There is also an infinity pool

Bengal is the largest resort on the

an ideal getaway for all categories

Coromandel Coast and a

of vacation seekers. It provides

that overlooks the Bay of Bengal

the well manicured lawns. Bay

statement in eco-friendly

the visitor with everything he or

and private plunge pools. Various

View Rooms offer an exquisite

infrastructure development. The

she is looking for. It also plays an

levels of accommodation and

view of the Bay and the Shore

walk ways that meander through

ideal host for corporate team

activities are positioned around

Temple beyond. Sea View Chalet

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120

with private sit-outs opening onto

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PROFILE is a unit of four rooms facing the

car launches. The resort has been

Bay, while the Sea View Villas are

the most sought after venue for

large independent cottages which

domestic and international events

are closer to the sea and ideal for

for its ambience, space, and the

family vacations.

sheer magnificence of its banqueting facility. In addition, the

Studios are where personalized and sophisticated

resort has large open lawns for

luxuries come at their best, while

banquets, theme parties,

the Pool Villas are private oases

weddings, etc.

with their own plunge pools for

Mamallapuram was a seventh

added privacy. With elegant and

century port of the South Indian

tastefully designed theme

dynasty of the Pallavas and got its

interiors, bedroom, a separate living room, an open bathroom and a Jacuzzi, they command a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal. The signature restaurant, The Wharf, located on the banks of Bay of Bengal offers an unforgettable ambience. Besides enjoying a quiet meal listening to the musical notes of the sea one can try out ones culinary skills with a little help from the chefs at the open kitchen. Specializes in

name from Pallava king

monolithic chariots,

grills and pastas. A great

Narasimhavarman I, who took on

sculpted reliefs and structural

from Chennai, along the

celebration place, open for lunch

the epithet Maha-malla (great

temples which are excellent

picturesque East Coast Road,

and dinner.

wrestler), as the favourite sport of

examples of Pallava style of rock

Radisson Resort Temple

the Pallavas was wrestling. The

carving.

Bay, is a must visit for those

The Waters Edge Cafe located

Situated just an hour’s drive

on the fringes of the meandering

town has various historic

pool offers an absolute culinary

monuments built largely between

built along the beach. One of the

to stay in an elegant environment

experience. A wide variety of both

the seventh and the ninth

oldest structural stone temples of

friendly up-market resort to

Indian and international cuisines

centuries. The monuments are

South India this is built in the

leisurely take in the myriad

are available in addition to an

mostly rock-cut and monolithic.

shape of a pyramid and contains

experiences that this ancient

elaborate buffet during weekends.

There are cave temples,

shrines of both Siva and Vishnu.

seaside town has to offer.

There is a five-storey temple

visiting Mamallapuram and wish

Maritime Tales is the bar serving the best cocktails in town while Sindbad, the stylish bar attached to the Waters Edge cafĂŠ, offers a wide variety of domestic and international spirits and a fusion of bar snacks as accompaniments. The resort has a new state-ofthe-art Convention Centre which comprises of a 10,500 sq. ft. pillar-less ballroom divisible into three separate halls, a large prefunction area, business centre, smaller meeting rooms, lawns and an independent large parking area and an exclusive entrance. The ball room is so designed that launches of hi-profile lifestyle products can be done including TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010

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121


ENVIORNMENT

Vamsa Vruksha

A bid to preserve environment

V

amsa Vruksha, a welfare organisation for protection of environment in India, founded by social activist and environmentalist Shree. Earlier this year the organisation had

planted 5000 saplings at Vellalur dumping yard. “It is not just planting of the trees. It is for the endangered species and medicinal species. Through planting trees we are helping the creatures”, said the Founder and Managing Trustee of VamsaVrukhsa. The plants and trees are selected according to the area and they would be planted based on the ‘planetary arrangements. “At the Educational Park at Vellallor tank in Coimbatore each tree will carry a story for tourist and this is going to be an attraction for the tourist in the coming years”, she added. “It is an attempt to fight global climatic change in the best possible way. Today the global warming is posing threat to our environment and all nations are fighting to tackle it their own way. It is our small effort to support them “. Vamsa Vrukhsa, stands for the noble cause of protecting the environment in all possible ways by ensuring a better planet for all living beings. “Human beings are responsible for the global climate change, so we must stop before it get any worse, to make the world a better place for all living beings”, said Shree. The agenda of services of Vamsa Vrukhsa are: Prakruthika Krushi, an organic farming promotion initiative; Vruksha Pramukhya, an

awareness campaign aimed at urban and rural people, Aranya Samrakshana, an initiative to protect endangered species of trees and fauna and Harita Smriti, a tree plantation project involving general public. It has gained international attention in the present context of global warming.

Shree K. Founder & Managing Trustee, Vamsa Vruksha

Vamsa Vruksha is planning a special programme commencing on New Year Day in 2011. According to Shree, from January 1, 2011 Vamsavriskha would take efforts to plant 1000 saplings every day in Tamil Nadu and several parts of the country. Shree invites voluntary organisations, NGOs and individuals to join hands for this noble cause.

“It’s never too late to start doing things. We can definitely do a lot of things to stop the degradation happening to the environment. Each of us should contribute towards reducing the carbon footprints on Earth”

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SEPTEMBER 2010


CANADA During the one year break she took after finishing school, Laura Naumann decided to spend some time in Canada. And she has no regrets.

A year in Canada

I

t was in 2008 when I decided to take a year off. Getting finally my graduation from school, I had to decide what I want to do with my life. Start working in a job or going to University? I did not know at that time and also didn’t want to follow a wrong path. I always dreamt of Canada. The wild country of mountains, bears, and maple trees. Especially Vancouver, the capital of British Columbia. A colorful multicultural city on the west coast of Canada and very close to the American border. So I booked a flight to Canada. I spent my first night in the new country in a hostel for backpackers, recommended by a friend, in the city of Vancouver. I did not have a lot of savings. So I definitely had to work hard. A little scared about what experiences await me in this country I did apply for a working visa with duration of one year.

As I arrived in Canada, I got a job very quickly. Now I could call me a “Lift Operator”. My workplace was on top of “Grouse Mountain -The Peak of Vancouver”, a small but exclusive Ski-Resort with a breathtaking view over the city, the harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Working outside while the temperature goes down to minus ten degrees (which was usual up there), I had to take care of skiing or snowboarding guests getting in and out of the MountainLifts.

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SEPTEMBER 2010

My next job was a way different from the first. I became a WWOOFer: A “Willing Worker On Organic Farms”. As this kind of volunteer I worked at a horse-farm 500 km north of Vancouver. I enjoyed taking care of animals and helping on the farm together with a lot of other young people from all over the world. That was more fun than work. We also got the chance to go on horse-rides when finishing work. After this amazing year, all travelling and working experience is been topped by

one simple thing: The heartwarming and honest laughing of a Canadian. This was the first thing I noticed and got to love of these people. They are very outgoing and always willing to help if you need one. That I chose Vancouver for my year off was a great fortune. The city of differences, cultures and thousand possibilities let you do snow-sports in the morning, go for shopping in the afternoon and having a good time on the beach in the evening. What else do you need?!

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CANADA

Indian tourist arrivals in Canada register impressive growth

W

ith 17,277 tourists visiting Canada in May 2010, India ranked second in the total number of Asian arrivals, only marginally below Japan which notched up 17,896 arrivals over the same period. The only other country with larger numbers was Australia which in effect means that India ranked as

the sixth largest source market in the world (outside USA) for Canada during this particular month. These figures are according to the latest tourist arrival statistics released by the International Travel Survey.

C

anada is nature’s domain where visitors can

The numbers for May 2010 also reflect the fact that arrivals from India registered an impressive growth of 21.1 per cent over the same period of the previous year. In fact the total number for the months of January to May 2010 was

44,943, up from 39,438 of the corresponding months in 2009 – a double digit growth of 13.96 per cent. The data also shows that the adverse effect of the volcanic ash that had an overall negative impact on the arrivals into Canada, especially from its prime markets out of Europe, is a thing of the past.

Olympics.

the natural phenomenon. Take a

One of the most popular

cruise on the classic Maid of the

attractions and not just with

Mist boat which has been

beauty of the four seasons, a

Indians but with anyone visiting

ferrying tourists to the base

fabled often trackless land where

Canada is the iconic and gushing

since the 1950s. Then ride the

man and nature live in perfect

Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the east

Whirlpool Jet Boat, an

accord.

coast of the continent. The falls

adrenaline-rush adventure on a

which are located just a 20-minute

1,500-horsepower boat that

destination is an experience

drive from Buffalo International

crests Class 5 white waters and

spiked with adventure, visions of

Airport and an hour from Toronto

whirlpools. Or go on a Journey

nature at its spectacular and

are a theme park that nature has

Behind the Falls: a 45-minute

dramatic best, great cities, a

designed and man embellished.

tour in an elevator that drops 150

celebrate the glory and

A vacation in this timeless

diversity of cultures… Gorgeous

Niagara Falls have also earned

ft down the bedrock, behind the

unspoilt National Parks and

the title of the Honeymoon Capital

falls, to an Observation Deck at

natural wonders like the Niagara

of the World (Jerome Bonaparte,

the bottom.

Falls, vibrant melting-pot cities like

Napoleon’s brother, came here

Toronto and Vancouver beckon the

with his wife in 1804) and

traveller. And in 2010 there will be

justifiably so. Over 50,000 newly

one more incentive to visit the

wed couples visit Niagara, each

country as it is hosting the Winter

year. And the cascade is spectacular. Aside from spending hours gazing at the falls, there are a whole lot of ways to experience

Canada

A Timeless Destination 124

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


CANADA Then get a bird’s eye view of

easy in Ontario as it has around

Alternatively, one can cruise

Niagara from the Skylon Tower

250,000 lakes, 100,000 km of

down the Rideau Canal which was

which rises 775 feet above the

rivers and 3,000 km of coastline

constructed in 1812 or pilot one’s

gushing water or better still buzz

along the shores of the four Great

the grand spectacle in a

Lakes. Here one can sail down

helicopter. Skywheel, a ferris

canals and navigate 44 locks on

wheel rising up 53 metres with

the Trent-Severn Waterway that

enclosed gondolas seating six, is

takes one from Trenton to Port

another fun way of viewing the

Severn across scenery that is as

speckled with 14,000

surging foaming cascade.

own boat on the Sault Canal that connects Lake Superior to Lake Hiron. Sail the Lake of the Woods which is

diverse as it is spectacular. There

islands and plays host

And the fun does not stop at

are a number of

to the largest inland

night; in fact it is heightened when

tour companies

regatta in the world.

the falls are floodlit and on

that offer

weekends (Fridays through

overnight

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Sundays) in summer, the sky over

cruises on the

and Canada rank high

this is reflected in the fact that

St Lawrence

on the wish list of

they are heading there in ever

and Ottawa

Indian travellers and

increasing numbers.

nature’s handiwork lights up with a spectacular fireworks display.

Little wonder the

Rivers.

Staying on the aqua adventure trail is

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MARKETING

Montparnasse tower arrives in India

M

ontparnasse Tower - the

Marketing at Montparnasse Tower

“The working habits and local

local tour operators and be

most beautiful view of

Paris.

customs are also important for

present in the local media – print,

Paris by day or night –

Montparnasse Tower’s strategy

promotion of a product like ours

electronic or

has become the first French

for the long haul markets like India

and this understanding can come

internet and

tourism monument to set up an

or China is to first test the market

only by bringing on board a local

also to

Indian operation,

for its real potential

person and that is what we have

promote the

highlighting the

for the product

done by recruiting our sales and

brand

growing importance

through a series of

marketing manager in India,’’

throughout

that India has for the

preliminary

Montparnasse Tower’s first

India.

French tourism

operations and to

mission in India took place in

industry.

identify the most

2007 and pretty soon Cox & Kings

influential tourism

believed in the potential of the

professionals.

product for the Indian market and

appointed as Montparnasse

began a fruitful and close

Tower’s Regional Sales and

Eager to capture a chunk of this promising market and setting a

Jean-Marc Champrobert says

Jean Marc Champroberts, S & M Director, Tour Montparnasse 56

Sara Sodhi has been

trend for others to follow,

that he realises that Montparnasse

collaboration with Montparnasse

Marketing Manager, for India and

Montparnasse Tower, a leading

Tower cannot succeed in distant

Tower. By having its own sales and

is responsible for increasing

tourism monument of Paris has

markets through missions carried

marketing office in India,

awareness about Tour

set up base in India for having a

out from Paris, but that these

Montparnasse Tower hopes to

Montparnasse 56 in India through

direct contact with the Indian

markets require a permanent

achieve much higher sales by

strengthening relationships with

tourism professionals and

presence and a continuous action.

developing contracts with the

tourism bodies.

eventually with the Indian tourists as well. Montparnasse Tower recently opened a dedicated Sales and Marketing office for

Tower with a view

own sales and marketing office in

A

India. Montparnasse Tower is

history, its development & its wonders from a

number of audiovisual and interactive facilities to

currently armed with Sales &

single viewpoint. Montparnasse Tower operates on

help you discover and understand Paris. The

Marketing platform in Paris, Berlin,

the 56th & the ultimate floor of the tallest building

constantly-updated facilities include binoculars,

London, Hong Kong, Mainland

in Paris. This is a first line tourist attraction & every

exhibition and photo galleries, film, viewpoint

China and now in India.

year 670 000 visitors (Individuals, Groups, FIT)

tables, panoramic projection on the legend of

discover the most beautiful view of Paris.

towers in the world, and more. In 2009, the tower

India at Connaught Place in New Delhi, thus becoming the only French tourism monument with its

India is among the top three most promising markets for Montparnasse Tower and as 70 per cent of Montparnasse Tower’s

mongst the 10 most visited monuments in

and very comfortable setting. From here you can

Paris, Montparnasse Tower offers tourists a

spot every Paris’s landmarks and major attractions,

moment of pleasure, a moment of escape,

including the Eiffel Tower.

the unique experience of discovering a town, its

Its 59th floor offers the highest rooftop of Paris, with its vertiginous 210 meters of height. It is also home to “Le 360 Café”, the highest

The observatory is equipped with a large

has launched a giant playful and interactive course about Paris! Discover the secrets of the French capital by playing on our brand new multimedia

current visitors are also

cafeteria in Paris. In just 38 seconds, Europe’s

equipment. A unique addition is Virtual Vertigo. For

foreigners, the company is heavily

fastest elevator will take you to a height of 196

the ultimate thrill, walk across the virtual glass floor

outward looking in its promotion

meters where the most beautiful view of Paris

panels and experience the highest vertigo

and marketing strategies. “We

stretches out before you from a modern, relaxed

attraction in Paris.

have put in place a commercial and marketing action plan for the mid and long term to develop Montparnasse Tower’s awareness and branding on these markets and on having more visibility amongst the professionals of tourism. We would like the Tour Operator’s to include our product in their programmes for the groups or FIT’s,’’ said Jean-Marc Champrobert, Director Sales &

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FESTIVALS

Munich is Ready

Bicentennial of Oktoberfest Munich is getting decked up to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest, one of the most famous events in Germany.

M

unich’s Oktoberfest, the

festival where six million litres of

world’s largest fair, had

the finest Bavarian beer are

royal and romantic

downed; revellers tuck into local

beginnings, way back in 1810.

delicacies and party like tomorrow

The handsome Crown Prince

may never happen! The story is

Ludwig was getting married to the

told chronologically through

beautiful Princess Therese von

historical images, photographs,

Sachsen-Hildburghausen and to

films and accessories and reveals

commemorate the royal nuptials,

details that were previously not

the citizens’ militia organized a

known. It also records an

horse race to celebrate the royal

irrefutable fact that the Germans

wedding day.

know how to loosen up and have fun!

The exhibition, The Oktoberfest 1810-2010, at the Münchener Stadtmuseum (Munich

memorabilia, historic beer mugs

City Museum), marks the fete’s

(even broken ones), beer barrels,

200th year anniversary with 800

harnesses of brewery horses,

artefacts spread over 1,500-sq

carousel cars and damaged

meter area.

benches. There’s the tapping-the-

The exhibition, on till October

128

There’s Oktoberfest

barrel ritual too, elaborate to

31, 2010, takes visitors on a

garish traditional Oktoberfest

journey through the history of the

garb, admission wristbands,

Bavarian national festival which

music, original beer tent sounds

has often been billed as just a

and even a sign from one of the

beer bonanza. It traces the fair’s

tents: “Temporarily closed due to

evolution from its blue-blood

overcrowding.” The highlight is

origins to what it is today - the

the gorgeous wedding dress of

world’s biggest folk and beer

Princess Therese.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


FESTIVALS Munich is the Capital of Beer

The beer flows, served in giant

the younger hipper set

and you will hear about and view

beer mugs by pretty buxom bar

while the Hofbrau has

the history of the brew, the

maids, and so do hearty

more tourists and the

monasteries where it was

traditional delights…300,000 pork

Augustiner brims with

perfected, the German purity law

sausages, 600,000 roasted

colourful locals.

of 1816 and the unique

chickens and 80 oxen (you can

Lowenbrau is good when

characteristics of Bavarian beer.

watch ox being roasted, if you are

everything else is full.

Even today, the Oktoberfest

so inclined) are consumed. Or try

And just for the record,

zealously clings to tradition and

the giant pretzsels, pork knuckles

the largest tent can hold

only six of the original breweries

and grilled chicken. Backpackers

up to 10,000 beer-swilling

are allowed to sell their beer in

and tourists mingle with local

party goers. For fun and

the 14 large wooden tents, each

merry makers in folk costumes at

in order to break ice with

the various tents that

the locals, dress like one.

range from the raucous

Guys can don a pair of

to the refined,

lederhosen, or leather

reverberating with

shorts, and ladies may

oom-pah music and

sport pretty dirndls; the

the sounds of people

young alluring ones

dancing and stomping

dangle huge gingerbread

on the benches.

hearts around their necks.

Children run from

And if communication is

roller coasters to

still a problem, pick up a

carousel rides; families

copy of the Oktoberfest dictionary

stimulation, head for the dance

dig into plates heaped

and use it to the hilt.

clubs ringing with hard techno,

with its unique feel, crowds and

with local fare and everywhere

fan following. (Try and book a

people seem to be on a feverish

booze bonanza – there are typical

studios and museums that Munich

table well in advance.) The

high.

German amusements such as a

is famous for. Beauty, tradition

Oktoberfest this year is slated

The festival is more than just a

convivial beer gardens, artists’

quaint flea circus, crossbow

and German efficiency...Munich

according to purity laws so that

to be the biggest and the longest.

competitions, and on Tuesdays,

epitomizes it all. And don’t forget

the six million visitors can safely

The festivities start in the

fairground ride discounts are

the city’s legendary ability to have

guzzle the brew without chemical

Schottenhamel tent when the Lord

available. The Thalkirchen

fun... Yes! Munich is the current

additives. The beer is slowly

Mayor of Munich taps the first keg

Camping Ground is an

hot spot in Germany.

brewed through the summer and

of beer at noon and high jinks

economical place to stay and is

be warned that it packs a six per

follow as tourists and locals reach

close to the fairground; ideal for

prosperity is quintessential

cent alcoholic punch. These beers

out for foaming mugs to quench

revellers who have to stagger

Germany. The old and the new co-

are reminiscent of those that long

their thirst. Spirits rise to a

home in high spirits after a

exist here with cherished

ago toasted the Bavarian harvest

crescendo in the Hacker or

bellyful of beer.

traditions like Oktoberfest, the

and the return of the brewing

Heaven of Bavaria tent. The bright

And if you are still in the mood

season. Although the original

red Hippodrom tent overflows with

for some more fun and intellectual

chosen ones brew their beer

Munich with its air of polished

world’s largest beer festival, rubbing shoulders with designer

festivities were carried on from

shopping, sleek cars and high-

October 12-17, 1810, in later

powered industry.

years, the Bavarians decided to

Indeed Munich today is the

hold the festival in warmer

flavour of the month. The Bavarian

weather. Hence Oktoberfest

capital on the Isar river has strong

always begins in September. This

roots in the past. Its Baroque and

year’s celebration will hop along

Rococo architecture, lush parks,

from September 18 through

museums and historic venues

October 4, 2010 in Munich. The

such as Schloss Nymphenburg,

locals fondly refer to Oktoberfest

the summer palace of the rulers of

as “die Wiesn” because of its

Bavaria, are the favoured haunts

location: Theresienwiese, a huge

of tourists and locals alike. This

meadow named for the bride,

gracious German city is just an

Princess Therese. The venue is

hour’s drive from the snow-

located south-west of the city’s

crusted Alps that frame it so

main train station and regular

beautifully and lend it an air of

buses run to and from the venue.

enchantment. TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010

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INDIAN PANORAMA

Maharashtra declares 2011-12 as year of tourism for Maharashtra

M

aharashtra has declared 2011-12 as the year of Tourism for Maharashtra starting from January 2011.This was announced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan while addressing the delegates at the recently held Hotel and

Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI) Finale (Diamond Jubilee Celebration of HRAWI) at Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai. The Chief Minister highlighted the key areas which are required to be focused in a bid to promote tourism in

the state. “Areas like Medical Tourism, Eco Tourism, Forest Tourism, Coastal Tourism, Pilgrimage Tourism, Fort Tourism are still to be exploited completely in the state. Maharashtra has rich culture, ample scope and huge potential in these segments and hence the Ministry and the association need to work amicably and mutually to attract more tourists to the state. It is paramount to bring the tourism sector of Maharashtra in the map of India.”

Regarding long pending industry status for the hospitality industry, Ashok Chavan, Chavan CM, Maharashtra stated, “The government will support the hospitality sector to get the industry status but before that I request the association to elaborate on the implications of industry status to hospitality sector and how it will be beneficial for the growth of the industry.”

Haryana for PPP model Gujarat to invest Rs 48,000 Cr in tourism sector by 2020 in tourism sector

T

he Haryana govern ment has plans to implement some of the tourism projects through Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, as part of its efforts to project the state as a key tourist Bhupinder Singh Hooda, destinaCM, Haryana tion. The projects to be implemented under this model include integrated tourism resort at Kalesar, integrated tourism resort and spa at Mallah, Madhogarh, amusement, theme parks at Karna Lake and Kurukshetra (Pipli), amusement park at Tilyar Lake, Rohtak and adven-

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ture camping sites at Surajkund, Damdama, Hodal and Dharuhera. State Tourism Council under the chairmanship of Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister, Haryana has been constituted under the tourism policy for comprehensive planned development of the state as a key tourist destination. Thrust was on human resource development, systematic marketing and adoption of new technologies in the sector. Under the policy, the tourism and hotel projects had been declared as an industry so that these could get similar concessions or incentives as availed by industries in the state.

G

crore. To achieve the state’s ujarat government potential in tourism develophas chalked out an ment, the Modi ambitious government has set plan to attract up the Gujarat investments to the Tourism Project tune of Rs 48,000 Development crore in the tourism Company Ltd sector by 2020. The (GTPDCL) in colplan has been prepared by the Narendra Modi, laboration with CM, Gujarat Infrastructure Gujarat InfrastrucLeasing & Financial Services ture Development Board Limited (IL&FS). GTPDCL (GIDB), a body founded in 1995 to facilitate higher fund will undertake project development for about 50 flows into the state. projects that require investAccording to Anoop ments between Rs 10 crore Shukla, Managing Director, and Rs 200 crore. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), of the total budget, about Rs 18,000 crore is expected over the next two-three years. While the bulk of funding is expected from the private sector, the state government will chip in with Rs 3,000 TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010


NYC

King Khan comes to New York

T

he King of Bollywood is

wax addition, Indian film star Shah

coming to Times Square,

Rukh Khan. Dressed in a sleek

New York City! After

black suit and crisp white shirt,

immortalizing The Shehenshah of

Khan’s wax likeness is the second

Bollywood - Amitabh Bachchan

figure added to Madame Tussauds

and unveiling a new Bollywood

New York’s ‘Bollywood Zone.’

Zone last year, Madame Tussauds,

Created last May after numerous

introduces visitors to its newest

visitor requests, the ‘Bollywood

Dora meets kids

Zone’ is also home to the wax figure of Indian film legend Amitabh Bachchan. The brightly-colored, fullyinteractive area includes a replica of the Taj Mahal, videos of authentic Indian dancers and a photo area where visitors can pose as Bollywood stars – all designed to re-create the experience of being on a

NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta is joined by several children to

Bollywood film set.

welcome Dora the Explorer, New York City’s new family-friendly

Prominently located in the

ambassador, to the Official NYC Visitor Information Center. Fertitta

heart of Times Square, Madame

showed Dora how to navigate the City and to find her favorite places

Tussauds New York is open 365

to visit throughout the five boroughs. Some of Dora’s favorite places

days a year. For more

to visit include Governors Island, Coney Island, South Street

information, visit

Seaport, the Bronx Zoo and Children’s Museum of Manhattan.

www.nycwax.com.

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ACCOLADES

TAAI A ward Award Winners

TAAI honours for industry achievers

T

he second edition of the TAAI Travel Awards was held recently at Taj Lands End, in Mumbai. The award ceremony was held on the sidelines of India Travel Trade Expo (ITTE) held in Mumbai on August 6 and 7. Chhagan Bhujbal, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra

was present at the function. “As the winners of the awards were chosen by about 300 TAAI affiliated travel agents their decisions reflect customer opinions,” said Sunil Kumar, Secretary General and Chairman, Awards Committee, TAAI.

Carl Vaz, Director – India, DTCM receives the award for International Tourism Organisation of the Year from Chhagan Bhujbal, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Also seen are Iqbal Mulla, Hon. Treasurer TAAI & Chairman ITTE 2010; Jagdeep Rikhy, Vice President TAAI; Rajji Rai, President TAAI; Sunil Kumar, Hon. Secretary General TAAI and Ranjit Vig, Co opted TAAI MC Member

Leisure Resort & Spa of the Year Ananda in the Himalayas Budget/ Value Hotel Chain of the

Rajji Rai, President, TAAI said that the TAAI Travel Awards 2010 are momentous and symbolic of the voice of the customers as travel agents represent what customers say. Chhagan Bhujbal, who spoke on the occasion, said “Indians are spending more money in international tourist destinations as compared to domestic market.” TAAI presented two special awards this year. The TAAI President’s Award of the Year which was given to Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive and Managing Director of the DelhiMumbai Industrial Corridor Corporation. The second special award, the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways.

Charson advisor y bags “India’s greatest brand builder” citation

C

harson Advisory

CMO Asia at a ceremony held at

Convention and Exhibition

Services, a leading

the Suntec International

Centre in Singapore.

Year Ginger Hotels Luxury/ Deluxe Hotel Chain of the Year Indian Hotels Company Limited State Tourism Board of the Year Maharashtra Tourism International Tourism Organisation of the Year Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Global Distribution System of the Year Amadeus Inbound Tour Operator of the Year Thomas Cook India Limited Outbound Tour Operator of the Year Kuoni- SOTC India Limited US based International Airline of the Year Continental Airlines Europe based International Airline of the Year Luf thansa Middle East based International Airline of the Year Emirates Asia based International Airline of the Year Singapore Airlines Domestic Low Cost Service Airline of the Year Indigo Domestic Full Service Airline of the Year

destination

Kingfisher Airlines

representation and marketing communication management

International Airline of the Year

consultancy firm has been

(Economy Class) Emirates

recently acknowledged for its destination marketing efforts by

International Airline of the Year

being honored with the “India’s

(Premium Class) Emirates

Greatest Brand Builder” citation

TAAI President’s Award of the Year

for the innovative, value driven

Amitabh Kant

marketing and brand strategies

Lifetime Achievement Award of

devised for its clients. Carl Vaz,

the Year

Chairman & CEO, Charson Advisory Services Pvt Ltd. was presented with the citation by

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Carl Vaz, Chairman & CEO, Charson Advisory Services receives the award from Donwan Neale May, Executive Director, CMO World Council (USA) and Bhaskar Chaterjee IAS, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India

Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010


THAILAND TRAVELLER

Central World to reopen in September

C

entara Grand & Bangkok

Central World, Gaysorn Plaza,

Convention Centre is

Siam

organizing a series of

Paragon, the Erawan and Amarin

promotions in the fourth quarter of

Plaza amongst

this year to coincide with the first-

the mega-malls offering endless

phase reopening of Central World,

shopping at bargain prices.

the biggest lifestyle and leisure

Easily accessed by the BTS

complex in Southeast Asia, which

Sky train, either from the Chidlom

is scheduled for September 28th.

or the Siam stations, and with a

Central World is at the heart of

host of restaurants and

the Ratchaprasong district, the

entertainment outlets,

shopping centre of Bangkok.

Ratchaprasong is a major

Ratchaprasong is adjacent to the

attraction for Thai and

Siam Square shopping and

international visitors alike, offering

entertainment district and is home

as it does every kind of produce,

to some of the city’s biggest and

from brand name goods through

special food and beverage

reopening, and these will be

most upscale shopping

to arts and crafts and necessary

promotions, spa packages and

continuing for the remainder of

complexes with, in addition to

consumer items.

attractive discounts on rooms to

the year.

Centara Grand is now planning

F

loating Market was opened

traditional Thai dishes.

to the public in November

Pattaya Floating Market

2008. The area of Pattaya’s

provides daily several cultural

latest attraction which is situated

performances, native to the four

on an approximately area of

regions of the country, like Thai

100,000 square meters.

classical dance, martial art

It is divided into 4 separate

demonstrations, as well as water

parts, each with its own unique

boxing where the fighters perform

location, represents the four

on a horizontal slippery pole

regions of Thailand - Northern,

above the canal.

Central, North- Eastern and

Painters do show their works,

Southern region - and offer a

like umbrella and portrait painting.

special blend of differing

Pattaya Floating Market has

traditions.

recently provided amphibian-boat

More than 80 paddle boats are

rides, an agricultural rice field

on standby to ferry visitors around

demonstration, authentic

the compound along many Thai

houseboats for home stay, and 10

style teak wood buildings, linked

mud-houses just right beside the

by a network of canals, bridges

rice field zone.

and a number of different sized

More than 110 boutique-shops

islands with exotic plants and

presenting wooden hand carvings,

trees.

silks and cloth weaving and

The boat trip will slowly

Pattaya Floating Market, the biggest man made floating market in the world, is located on the outskirts of Pattaya on Sukhumvit Road, on the way to Bang Saray and Sattahip.

coincide with the Central World

special Thai herbs and herbal

expose the richness of the

products. The Nueng Siam

surrounding architectural and

Woodcarving Museum has on

cultural riverside living. Water

display rare pieces of 200 years

vendors move with their

old teak with carvings and is

paddleboats from dock to dock

home for the impressive and

and offer their unique range of

beautiful carved image of the

freshly cooked delicious

elephant god Ganesha.

The floating market of Pattaya TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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THAILAND TRAVELLER

Thailand launches ‘believe in Thailand’ campaign to rebuild confidence

T

hailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has unveiled a new campaign to strengthen the image of Thailand to MICE travellers and organisations in Singapore and around the region. The ‘Believe in Thailand’ campaign, which was launched during a road show to Singapore, will reiterate that Thailand is still a dynamic and motivational business destination by highlighting the unique strengths and attractions that have made Thailand a globally preferred MICE destination: the worldrenowned hospitality and the service capability of the Thai people, Thailand’s world-class MICE infrastructure, and the significant financial

commitments of the Thai government in support of the industry. “With the launch of this new campaign in Singapore, we want to inform potential business travellers to Thailand and reassure all

MICE players, organisations and businesses. Bangkok and Thailand are back to normal. There has never been a better time to hold a business event in Thailand,” explained Akapol Sorasuchart, the President of

Puripan Bunnag (Acting Director of Meetings & Incentives, TCEB), Akapol Sorasuchart (President of TCEB), Suprabha Moleeratanond (Director of Conventions), Supawan Teerarat (Director of Exhibitions) during the Media Q&As at the event

TAT intensifies marketing initiatives in Sri lanka

T

he Tourism Authority of

embarked on the first of its

delegation led by Suladda

Thailand – Mumbai office

planned marketing initiatives by

Sarutilavan, Deputy Director,

has intensified its

the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. “The objective of this road show and this global campaign is to reignite the interest and confidence in Thailand amongst Singapore’s business and professional communities. Thailand is a country that has developed a thriving business travel industry through the superior service, the professionalism and the friendliness of the Thai people. This has not changed and we are positive that Thailand will continue to be an attractive destination for MICE events.” TCEB will embark on a series of events around the region, beginning here in Singapore. In addition, TCEB is planning a series of familiarisation trips.

Thai Airways launches carbon offset programme

T

collaborating with Cathay Pacific

Tourism Authority of Thailand

marketing initiatives in Sri Lanka

airlines for a study tour

Mumbai and Sonalee Vaz, TAT

in order to garner a larger share of

comprising seven key Sri Lankan

Mumbai representative along with

launched Carbon Offset

the growing outbound segment

travel trade members who

a Cathay Pacific representative

Programme with the International

from the country.

traveled to Thailand from the 4th

created an itinerary that provided

Air Transport Association (IATA) to

to the 8th of August 2010. The

the participating members with an

provide customers with the

opportunity to discover new

opportunity to offset carbon

places of interest that cater to

emissions generated from flying.

MICE, FIT leisure, wedding and

Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI

luxury segments.

President, said that THAI is the

The TAT Mumbai office recently

The study tour delegation

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134

first airline in the Asia-Pacific

visited the regions of Ko Chang,

region to join the programme with

Chanthaburi, Rayong, Pattaya and

IATA and is now able to offer

culminated in Bangkok. The

customers a way to compensate

delegation also participated in a

carbon emissions through the

buyer-seller workshop with

Thai website.

participating Pattaya based

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai office with Sri Lankan Agents & Cathay Pacific Representative in Koh Chang

hai Airways International Public Company Limited has

The IATA programme

hoteliers, which further enhances

calculates the carbon emissions

the marketing activities aimed at

based on a methodology

the MICE and leisure segments.

developed by the ICAO.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010


THAILAND TRAVELLER

Thailand hosts MICE roadshows

T

hailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) recently organized road shows in Chennai and Mumbai to promote Thailand as a preferred MICE destination for Indian Buyers and provide an update on the latest MICE products in Thailand. The Thailand

ASIAN TRAVELLER

MICE road show created business opportunities via “buyers meet sellers” table top session and networking sessions with the travel trade partners and corporate decision-makers. About with 25 Thai Industry Partners including agents and tour operators MICE agents, hotels, resorts, attended the event to find holiday suppliers, travel new business opportunities in the Indian market. TCEB highlighted its

SEPTEMBER 2010

role as Thailand’s MICE One Stop Service and introduced the “Max Value” promotional campaign at the event.

135


THAILAND TRAVELLER

TAT makes “Balanced Strategy” its primary blueprint for 2011

T

he Tourism Authority of

TAT will strive to encourage

Recovery and Long-Term Market Expansion

Thailand (TAT) has

domestic tourism as a part of life

embraced a five-point

for Thais. This will help reduce the

Short-term market recovery

“balanced strategy” to ensure

Thai tourism sector’s dependence

initiatives are response plans that

long-term, sustainable tourism

on international markets that can

TAT has to quickly put into place

marketing for the future of Thai

be easily affected by either

to alleviate the impact of events

tourism in 2011 and beyond.

internal or external factors; such

that disrupt the flow of visitor

as, a global economic downturn

arrivals to Thailand.

According to TAT Governor Suraphon Svetsreni, “These principles of balance take into

The TAT has ensured effective

or natural disaster. At the same time, TAT will

crisis response by setting up the

consideration the fact that tourism

place equal emphasis on

Tourism Intelligence Unit and

does not operate in a vacuum but

maintaining the country’s share of

Crisis Communication Centre

is interlinked with three key

the global

(TIC) to pool the cooperation of

external factors – the economy,

leisure market

the public and private sectors in

environment and society – which

by targeting

responding to the situation and

have to be taken into account.”

repeat visitors

executing rapid recovery plans.

which now

Tourists can get real-time updated

account for 62

information both through the

per cent of

normal media channels as well as

the total and

online via ww.tourismthailand.org

pursuing first-

and www.tatnews.org.

The “balanced strategy” covers five elements: Balance 1 – Monetary Value and Emotional Value The recent TAT campaign

Suraphon Svetsreni TAT Governor

Depending on the

“Amazing Thailand, Amazing

time visitors in new markets; such

Value” emphasises Thailand’s

as, East Europe, CIS and North

circumstances, TAT may opt to use

high value for money factor. TAT

Africa. More repeat visitors will be

a ‘Quick Win’ strategy with

potential for green tourism in the

will balance this value element by

sought from long-standing

targeted special offers for short-

Kingdom.

strengthening Thailand’s brand

traditional markets such as

term market recovery; such as,

image associated with the

Europe, Customer Relations

Super Deals to quickly bring back

Revenue and Preserving

emotional value under the

Management (CRM) schemes will

the less sensitive tourists first.

Ecological Assets

concept of “Win Their Hearts, Win

be implemented through the

However, this strategy cannot be

Balance 5 – Gaining Economic

If the first 50 years of tourism

Their Mind” by changing the

Amazing Thailand Card and

prolonged as it will destroy the

development focused largely on

tagline to “Amazing Thailand

Thailand Fan Club Projects. TAT

price structure. For long-term

maximising the economic returns,

Always Amazes You”. This will

will also increase focus on

market expansion, adding the

the next 50 years will require an

reinforce the positive emotions on

Experiential Markets where

emotional value to our quality

equivalent focus on minimising

the charm of “Thai-ness” with the

visitors can enjoy activities like

tourism products will help sustain

the ecological impact of tourism by promoting sustainable tourism

growth. Balance 4 – Peak

marketing, such as, Community-

Season and Low

Based Tourism (CBT) and,

Season

Sustainable Tourism Routes. TAT

TAT aims to balance

has signed an MOU with the

the low or rainy season

concerned stakeholders in major

by promoting “Green

tourist destinations in Thailand to

Tourism Products” to

create sustainable tourism

position Thailand as a

awareness. Moreover, to appeal to

year-round destination.

the growing market of

Thailand offers

environmentally-conscious

hospitality and friendliness of the

golfing, diving, rock climbing; and

tremendous ecological diversity

travellers, TAT will implement

Thai people, including Thailand’s

Lifestyle Markets including health

and a wide variety of landscapes.

introduce a Corporate Social

unique art and culture.

and wellness, weddings, and

Combined with the simple and

Responsibility Project by

luxury and high-end markets.

natural lifestyle of Thais living in

launching the “Go Green, Go

these areas, there is tremendous

Thailand” campaign.

Balance 2 – Domestic Tourism and International Tourism

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Balance 3 – Short-Term Market

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010


THAILAND TRAVELLER

Thailand ready to regain glory

Integrative Medicine

Thailand tourism has registered an impressive growth in tourism arrivals in recent times. India has contributed significantly towards this. Sethaphan Buddhani, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai spoke to Asian Traveller about the strategies and plans. Excerpts:

I

The new frontier for Thailand’s health tourism ntegrative Medicine

nominated for a Nobel Prize in

emphasizes the doctor-patient

medicine was a devout believer

relationship using the least

in Integrative Medicine and was

invasive, least toxic and least

quoted saying, “whatever works

costly methods. Responding to

best wins.” Integrative Medicine

feedback from patients, partners

is open to the use of any

and clients, Thailand is leading

treatment to find a solution that

the way.

has evidence for effectiveness,

Healthcare is a basic human

without causing harm. The

right. However, in many

process involves activating the

developing and, believe it or not,

body’s innate healing response,

advanced nations it is a privilege

encouraging self-healing or

to have world-class medical care.

regeneration. It emphasizes that

Many of us feel that good

each person has a unique

health care is a gamble and a

healing process and that the

cure, “a miracle.” We feel “lucky”

caregiver’s attention to the

when we find a treatment that

physical, emotional, and spiritual

Krabi, etc. We offer culture and

works or a doctor with an open

dimensions of the individual is

history lovers Kanchanaburi,

mind for alternatives.More often

fundamental. Integrative

tourism are United Kingdom,

Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai,

than not, many healing

Medicine encourages disease

Sweden, Scandinavian countries,

Chiang Rai and last but not the

modalities are brought together

prevention through self-care

Japan, China and India. Every

least with its Seven Amazing

by the patient. When people are

education, because prevention is

year Thailand witnesses a higher

Wonders, MICE / Corporate /

suffering they will try anything. It

the cure.

number of Indian tourist arrivals.

Incentive groups get an amazing

is the patient that usually

In 2009 we experienced a surge in

value for their money.

integrates treatments or

approach of integration into the

arrivals. In March 2010, Thailand

Marketing strategy

combines disciplines to find

hearts of the world citizen is the

Main markets for Thailand tourism The main markets for Thailand

has experienced a total of 985,

In order to target different

The key that has stamped the

relief.

518 travellers. Like India, Thailand

tourism markets, we invite the

is culturally and historically rich.

media and travel trade industry to

60 per cent of the

Our latest marketing strategy is to

experience the diverse facets of

industrialized world

promote Thailand as an ‘amazing

Amazing Thailand. With the

and more than 90 per

value for money destination’.

tourism industry showing keen

cent of people in

Attractions that are being

interest in the wedding season

developing nations

highlighted

market, we had organized a

are already using

wedding organizer familiarization

alternative treatments

Thailand as a ‘self-drive’ as well

trip to experience the hi-end

as opposed to

as ‘scuba diving destination’. We

luxury 5-star properties of

conventional or traditional

simple fact that the treatments

are also looking at exploring to

Thailand.

approaches, according the World

are customized to meet the

promote our destination to women

How important is the Indian

Health Organization.

significant challenges of the

travellers. Thailand has a diverse

market for Thailand Tourism?

We are looking at promoting

range of products and offerings.

The Indian tourist market is the

In fact, more than

Integrative Medicine, a

individual. Everyone wants to

seemingly new medical term, is a

heal, but each one has a unique

For families there are a wide

most important major tourism

philosophy of healing that has

path or experience through which

variety of tourist attractions such

market in the South Asia region.

existed since the dawn of

awareness shift from disease to a

as Siam Niramit, Dreamworld,

India is a huge market with the

civilization. Integrative Medicine

state of ease.

Siam Ocean World, Phuket

highest purchasing potential

involves using the best of both

FantaSea, Safari World,

population. In addition, airlines

worlds, from the conventional to

searching for a place in the world

Nong Nooch Village, Coral Island

are looking at beginning direct

the alternative. It is not just a

that is affordable and has a

and much more. For

flights to Bangkok and increasing

philosophy of East meets West,

philosophy of healing that is

honeymooners and romantic

the frequency of flights which will

but the union of nature and

open to many points of view.

getaways we have the islands of

help in the growth of Indian

technology to accentuate

People have resorted to

Koh Kood, Ko Chang, Hua Hin,

travellers.

healing. Dr William Hitt,

outsourcing healthcare.

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The people in the West are

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MARKETING

India emerges as the primary tourism market for Mauritius

M

auritius Tourism

average spend of the Indian

Additionally factors like visa on

experiential holiday option in

Promotion Authority

visitors to Mauritius has now

arrival, direct connectivity and

serene settings of Mauritius focus

(MTPA) has announced

doubled to USD 360 per person

tourism product variety makes

being on self drive, eco aspect,

India as their primary source

per day indicating positive

Mauritius as a preferred retreat for

spa and wellness, golf and do it

market in the Asia region and its

consumption pattern.

Indian travellers even favouring

yourself holidays, as Indians are

strategic aim to target 100,000

now looking beyond

Indian arrivals. Vijaye Haulder,

conventional

Deputy Director, Mauritius Tourism

itineraries. Mauritius is keen

Promotion Authority who is leading a business delegation for

to position itself as a

a sales mission to the top

wedding getaway. To

outbound producing cities of India

target the big fat

- Mumbai, Bengaluru and New

Indian weddings

Delhi said, “The tourism board will

MTPA recently

now be expanding its trade and

hosted a group of

marketing activities to reach wider

high-profile wedding

consumer segments in India both

planner’s familiarisation trip

in metros and tier-II cities thus Mauritius Sales Mission 2010 in Mumbai

offering customised range of holiday options both in value- for-

Indians visitors are now

the last minute holiday planners. The tourism board has

from India. These

Indian wedding planners interacted on ministerial meetings

money as well as the luxury

increasingly opting premium

category and segments”.

hospitality brands for

allocated an additional increase of

with tourism, airline, hospitality

accommodations, exploring high-

50 per cent budget for its India

and custom officials providing

Indian arrivals during the first

spending activities like sky diving,

market trade and consumer

first hand information about

seven months of the year 2010

quad biking, segway, sub-

activities and promotion. Under its

hosting these events and

registering an increase of 30 per

scooters, submarine rides, soft

ongoing advertising campaign

anticipated needs of such high

cent as compared to last year

adventure safaris, walk with the

‘Picturesque Mauritius’, thrust is

clientele organizing international

arrivals. Steadily the overall

lions and self drive options.

to highlight on the niche and

weddings.

Mauritius received over 29,239

Korea tourism launches specialist Korean food website

K

For those who want to try their

The growth of interest in

orea Tourism Organization

dishes and Korean cuisine. For

(KTO) has launched a new

foreign visitors to Korea searching

hand at making some Korean

Korean food has risen

website which focuses on

the restaurant guide area will help

dishes there are many recipes for

dramatically over the past few

Korean cuisine with local

to find the best restaurants in

all the popular dishes like Japche

years. In Australia’s capital cities

restaurant reviews and food

town.

(glass noodles), Bulgogi (BBQ

you can find excellent Korean

In the blogging area there will

Beef) Doenjang-jigae (Soy Bean

restaurants offering a great variety

forum areas where visitors can

be prizes on offer for bloggers for

Stew) and even Korea’s national

of Korean dishes to enjoy. Korean

leave messages and discuss

posting the best reviews. The

dish of Kimchi (fermented pickled

cuisine is becoming as popular as

Korean cuisine.

news and events area has

cabbage) which is served at every

Japanese and Thai.

updates on all things food-related,

Korean meal.

columns as well as blogging and

Information on the site is

The visitors to the site can also

organized into six categories -

including new

win a trip to Korea with the KTO

columns, food, restaurants,

restaurants, events and

Sydney office competition

blogging, forums and news. The

food related festivals.

presently running on the

columns section features articles

Visitors to the site will

www.ilovekoreanfood.com.au

on Korean cuisine including food

also be able to share

website. The prize is a trip to

and restaurant reviews by food

the site’s content on

Korea for two with three nights’

experts.

their own social

hotel accommodation in Seoul as

networking areas

well as a meal for two at one of

chefs from famous restaurants

including Twitter and

Seoul’s famous royal cuisine

and their interpretation of Korean

Facebook.

restaurants.

This area features celebrity

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MACAU

Fireworks display contest to mark September extravaganza in Macau

S

MS Games, drawing and painting competi tions, lucky draws and music will mark the 22nd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, organized by Macau Government Tourist Office, which will be held on September 11, 18, 22, 25 and October 1 at the sea area in front of the Macau Tower. MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau will again jointly present the Fireworks Carnival to offer an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights on the fireworks display nights. This year MGTO and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) jointly launch ‘SMS Game’ to promote citizen participation

in the event. During the period of fireworks display contest, CTM will send out short message to their mobile service subscribers to introduce the game, in addition to promotion of the game on the websites of MGTO and CTM. Macau residents can send one text message to CTM through their mobile to vote for their favorite team after each night of display. The citizen who voted for the most popular team on that night is eligible for lucky draw to win two sets of reservoir stand tickets for the 57th Macau Grand Prix (Saturday and Sunday) and souvenir. The five teams who get the most SMS votes will be awarded with ‘The People’s Choice’ certificates and souvenirs. This year a number of

teams who scored high in the past years revisit Macau to vie for the contest again. They include teams from the United Kingdom, Chinese

fireworks display contest, photo and drawing competitions will be held again this year. 22nd Macau International Fireworks Display

MGTO hosts press conference for Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, Portugal, Korea, Japan, France, Italy and China. Of these, Korea, Italy and China will be making their debut at the competition. In order to capture the spectacular moments of the

Contest Photo Competition and 22nd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest Drawing Competition will invite entries soon. The winners of the two competitions will be entitled to premiums and trophies.

Macau international fireworks display contest

T

he annual “Macau International

and over the years it has grown into an

Fireworks Display Contest” is one of

internationally acclaimed event, one of the

the prominent fireworks contests in

best of its kind.

international level. Local residents long for

The Macau International Fireworks

the marvelous fireworks displays that add a

Display Contest first started in 1989; with

joyous atmosphere to holidays and

only five participating teams. By 1995, the

festivals. The Contest has also become an

event has developed from the original five-

annual characteristic of Macau. Many

team contest to a ten-team event, with two

visitors specially choose this time of the

different teams showing their expertise each

year to come to Macau to enjoy an exotic

night.

and romantic holiday. The firecracker industry in Macau used

For the past years, over 100 international teams from China, the Philippines, Thailand,

to be one of the three traditional

Taiwan China, Japan, Korea, Australia, United

occupations in Macau. To celebrate this

Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Germany,

‘colorful’ history and cultural inheritance,

Portugal and Spain have taken part in the

Macau started to stage the annual “Macau

“Macau International Fireworks Display

International Fireworks Display Contest”

Contest”.

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JORDAN

King of Jordan meets UNWTO secretary general

H

is Majesty, King Abdullah II of Jordan, received UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, at the Royal Palace in Amman to discuss the strategic importance of the King Abdullah II country’s tourism sector, as well as scope for further cooperation between Jordan and UNWTO. During the meeting, King

Abdullah and Rifai discussed the profile of the tourism sector in the Middle East, one of the fastest growing regions of the past few years, and Jordan’s position as a major Taleb Rifai tourism destination within the region. In particular, King Abdullah spoke of Jordan’s plans to continue developing its tourism sector in order to

maintain its ranking as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Talks also focused on the state of the tourism sector following the economic crisis and Rifai presented the King with the UNWTO Roadmap for Recovery, outlining tourism’s role as a key driver of job creation, economic growth and development. “Despite the extremely challenging economic conditions of recent times, Jordan received 3.8 million international tourist arrivals and nearly US$ 3 billion in

tourism receipts in 2009,” said Rifai. “These impressive figures can be attributed, in no small part, to the political recognition afforded to the sector in Jordan,” he added. Jordan was one of the founding members of UNWTO in 1975 and King Abdullah expressed his desire for the country to play an increasingly active role in the work of the Organization, in particular, his interest in hosting a session of the UNWTO General Assembly.

Jordan to offer free visa for Indian groups

W

ith an aim to increase its tourist arrivals from the Indian market, Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has decided to offer free Visa to Indians travelling in groups consisting of more than five persons. Indian travel trade contracting with Jordanian suppliers will be able to avail this facility. During the end of 2009, the tourism board had relaxed its Visa practices for the Indian market, offering Visa on Arrival for

the Indian FIT leisure travellers. The new initiative is also in line with the country’s initiative to attract Indians into Jordan. JTB is primarily focussing to cater to the high end leisure, MICE and Religious Tourism segment from Indian outbound. “We will promote Jordan through niche marketing initiatives essentially targeting the experienced traveller. The destination aims to attract well learned and extensively

travelled clientele,” informed Ashish Sharma, Marketing Consultant- India, JTB. From January to May 2010, the country received about 20,000 Indian tourists, registering 92 per cent growth from the corresponding period the previous year Last Ashish Sharma, Marketing Consultant- year, the India, JTB country received a total of 29,000 Indian travellers.

In 2010, the tourism board will focus its promotions on the trade and will launch customer focussed promotion campaigns in 2011. While the current average length of stay from the Indian market is about three to four nights, JTB will aggressively work to increase the average stay of Indian travellers to Jordan.

Jordan’s tourism revenue up 28pc

J

ordan’s tourism revenue increased 28 per cent in the first half of 2010, compared with the same period of 2009 according to the

figures released by Jordan Tourism. Tourism revenue rose to USD1.5 billion in the six months.The kingdom was visited by 3.63 million tourists, up from 2.93 million in the first half of 2009, a 24 percent increase.

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THEME PARK

Universal Studios Singapore

Full of life Universal Studios Singapore, the theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore is an amazing world.

I

n a life time one must visit the amazing Universal Studios Singapore, the world’s most extensive and expensive tourism project. Universal studios Singapore brings together the best of Universal studios theme parks in Holly Wood, California, Oriando, Florida and Osaka. The theme park boasts a collection of many worldfirsts, the world’s biggest single collection of DreamWorks animation attractions, the world’s first ‘far far away castle’ from the world of Shrek, the world’s first Madagascar theme park ride, the world’s first sci-fi zone and more. Hollywood zone is based on the real life Hollywood Boulevard. It is the main zone of the park as it is the first zone that you enter upon arrival the park. Visitors are also able to experience the dynamic architecture, palm trees and the famous Walk of fame which are all iconic of Hollywood. Hollywood also has lot of flagship shops and offering a wide range of themed collectibles from all seven zones. Madagascar, based on the DreamWorks Animation Film, which featured four zoo animals escaping from PARTNER COUNTRY

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the New York Zoo and onto the island of Madagascar features lush tropical jungles as well as two rides. You can also meet Marty, Alex, Gloria and Melman on a wild journey in to the hearts of Madagascar and Africa. You can join these heroes on a river boat adventure complete with state-of-theart animated figures, digital projection, evocative sound and moving show action effects that create a one-of-akind, immersive ride experience. The Lost world contains many traditional attractions from Universal Studios and is divided into two main areas Jurassic Park and

dense tropical forest where Dinosaurs lurk. Water World is another leading attraction is based on Kevin Costner’s film Water World. At Water World, one can watch death defying stunts that only USS dares to execute live. Explosions of fire and water will excite you with thrills and spills. Revenge of the Mummy ,the real Egyptian experience is where ancient pyramids and obelisks stand fast against the sands of time as you are transported to 1930’s Egypt, the Golden Age of

archaeologist as you unravel the cryptic riddles of the Sphinx in this sand-swept land. This is an expedition for the brave at heart. Sci-Fi City, the city of the future is set atop and powered endlessly by an enormous energy producing substructure that appears to draw its necessities from the wind, sun and water sources above. Far Far Away is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s hit Shrek franchise which depicted how the fairy-tale characters lived in daily life. The highlight of the zone is the Far Far Away Castle which is a world’s first. The castle hosts attractions such as Shrek 4-D and Donkey Live. Asia’s most exciting family destination, will have flavours to satisfy all palates across a spectrum of different dining experiences like King Julien’s Beach Party- go- Round, Gloria’s Snack Shack, Casa Del Wild a café hosted by Marty the Zebra, Fairy Godmother’s Egyptian Exploration. Travel Juice Bar, Loui’s NY Pizza Water World. Jurassic Park to an era when entire Parlour and more. The USS based on the world famous Pharaoh’s tombs were journey ends with the real film by Stephen Spielberg has the Jurassic Park Rapids discovered and their terrible experience and one should curses unleashed. Take the always keep it in their mind Adventure, a river ride that for a long. follows an escapade amidst a path of a daring TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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NOSTALGIA

Lt. Col Devendra K. Joshi

H

azy recollections, blurred ideas, indiscernible pictures; all floating back through the sands of time, gliding faintly, silently down the memory lane. Those were the days of absolute peace, no studies, no troubles, and no worries, everything passed as if in a dream. Morning started with the sweet warbling of the birds, the gentle rustling of the winds caressing my cheeks, the dawn breaking with the wondrous hues of gold, yellow and red, the kaleidoscope of rays tearing the darkness Lt. Col Devendra K. Joshi as if entranced.

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NOSTALGIA Like the slowly fluttering eye lashes, the veil of nature unfolded its mesmerising beauty, the clouds covering the deep valleys and the golden cascade rolled down uncovering the white curtains and revealing the glorious stretch of greenery that steals the heart, the beauty that keeps one spellbound and enchanted, the endless expanse of greenery that the mind and soul cherishes, and you hope that the moment freezes into eternity. Running along the small path on the foothills of the

mountains, I used to feel like a lark, soaring, singing; I was free, so free. My world was a small one, the little circle of my family. As the day progressed and the sun beat down in all its majesty, I would sit and smile under the cool breeze of the evergreen trees. Then it used to be time for the sun to rest, as birds flew back to their nests and the shadows lengthened, covering the sky with a dusky red veil like a maiden covering her face before melting away in the darkness. Sleeping in the pleasant summer out in the fields with mother, under

the wide canopy of the twinkling stars and the bright moon, listening to grasshoppers and crickets hidden in the grass, I used to ask mother all sorts of questions, and her answers, so vague, used to take me to a world of my own, my imagination. No one else ventured there. I used to fly to the moon, the stars, into those unknown utopias of innocent childhood – ignorant innocence. It was an ecstatic world; everything was so fine, so tranquil. I miss the stirring melody long to be back in the valleys, in the expanse of of the farmer, humming a greenery, free under the azure orb. How I wish to see the snow clad mountains, the gushing waters falling from the hills, the meandering rivers, and the vast stillness of nature in all its peace and serenity. My wanderlust, the love of nature, the spirit of adventure, the curiosity of human mind and the restlessness, take me away from the monotony and drudgery of life to the road less travelled, where I can still see all those utopias and be one with nature. I travel tune as he worked in the fields, the beautiful, delicate, to far off places, to remote fragrant flowers, the bees humming from one flower to another, the endless pastures, snow clad mountains, the pines and the poplars, the huge fir trees, slightly obscured by the slowly embracing fog. I miss that quietness, that solitude. The world hath changed today, technology and development have overtaken our lives, the glittering dazzling lights, huge malls, skyscrapers, the traffic, the pollution, and it is a mad rush in the daily chores of my existence. Oh! How I TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

corners, and filled with renewed intensity, I get back to the trials and tribulations of the reality of life, on my return. Believe me there are places where one can still see the old world charm, the tranquillity and serenity of nature, the simplicity of people not affected by the changing times, where you can still hear the sweet melody of the villagers as they trudge up the hill, or down the slope. Such peace and solitude exists in the eastern parts of the north east of India. These are the roads less travelled to which I shall take you next.

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AVIATION

Aviation sector in India creates new benchmarks

I

n view of the increased pressure on the airport infrastructure and also to create a world-class airport infrastructure upgradation and modernization of a number of Metro and Non-metro airports have been undertaken by Airports Authority of India (AAI), as well as through Joint Venture Companies. The restructuring of IGI Airport, New Delhi and CSI Airport, Mumbai are progressing satisfactorily as per schedule. With the completion of Phase-I work of IGI Airport, a new integrated Terminal-3 has become operational which has 34 million passengers handling capacity per annum covering both international domestic passengers, 168 check-in counters, 24 remote check-in counters, most modern 5 level in-line baggage system, 98 immigration counters, 78 aero bridges, multi-level car parking (4300 cars capacity), 3000 CCTV, 352 Screening

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machines etc. This recognition is a new beginning in creating world-class infrastructure with PPP in the aviation sector in India. This achievement will create a new benchmark for the airport infrastructure being developed in the country and would further raise the level of service quality at Indian airports. It is worth mentioning that Airports Council International has adjudged Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad near Hyderabad as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ for the Airport Service Quality amongst the airports handling 5-15 million passengers category for the year 2009.

operationalized with manpower consisting of Chairperson, Secretary and other skeleton supporting staff. The AERA is in the process of formulating approach, philosophy in economic regulation of airports and air navigation services for regulation of tariff in consultation with stake holders.

India – US Summit The 2nd India – US Aviation Partnership Summit was held in USA from December 7-9, 2009, in which a high level delegation led by Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation participated. The event attracted excellent response. Over 200 representatives from 80 companies particiEstablishment of AERA pated in addition to GovAirports Economic ernment delegation. The Regulatory Authority (AERA) was established on Joint Aviation Steering May 12, 2009 with the prime Committee Working Group Meetings were also held objective to create a level during the Summit. On the playing field and foster healthy competition among sidelines of the Summit, the all major airports (Govern- delegation also held meetings with the Federal Aviament owned, Public Parttion Administration, transnership based, Private) portation security adminisencourage investment in tration and the US trade and airport facilities, regulate Development Agency. tariffs of aeronautical The Summit was deservices, protection of signed to foster Governreasonable interest of ment to Government and users, operate efficient, industry to industry economically viable airdialogues on key issues ports. The commencement related to India’s on-going of chapter III and Chapter aviation modernization, VI of AERA is notified, with effect from September aviation safety, air traffic control management, avia1, 2009 to enable AERA to tion security, airspace discharge regulatory funcutilization etc. tions. AERA has got TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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AVIATION The Summit served as a very useful forum for exchanges on technical, policy and commercial issues. It assisted Indian Civil Aviation agencies and aviation industry representatives in identifying advanced technology and practices that would best suit our expansion and modernization needs. Signing of MoUs under India – France Civil Aviation Co-operation Three MoUs were signed on 11th February, 2010 between DGCA of India and BEA of France relating to Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations, between Airports Authority of India and French Civil Aviation Authority and between DGCA of India and DGAC of France in order to pave

way for the India – France civil aviation technical cooperation. Amendments of ASAs with foreign countries Keeping in view the recent developments in the civil aviation sector, and with a view to modernize and update the existing ASAs with foreign countries as per the ICAO templates, bilateral air services consultations were held in 2010 with foreign countries viz. PARTNER COUNTRY

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Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Ireland, Brazil, UK and Iran and the respective ASAs have been amended and finalized. Also, Bilateral Air Services Agreements were formally signed with Bhutan, Iceland, Nepal, Bosnia & Herzegovina, South Africa and Iran. Apart from these, new Air Services Agreement has been initialed with Senegal, Barbados and Rwanda.

has started under India – EU civil aviation co-operation.

India – US Aviation Joint Working Group on Security The India – US Aviation Joint Group Meeting on Security was held in New Delhi on 20-21 January, 2010. During this meeting two MoUs on deployment of Air Marshals and Co-operation in Airport Technical Visits were signed between the Government of India and the Government of United States of America. The two MoUs Technical Co-operation Agreements with Nepal and mark the beginning of an ongoing co-operation beAfghanistan tween the two countries in Technical co-operation matters of security. agreements were signed by the Director General of Civil India Aviation Aviation and Airports India Aviation 2010 was Authority of India with the inaugurated on March 3, Nepalese and Afghan civil aviation authorities in order 2010 by Shri Praful Patel, Minister for Civil Aviation. to provide active technical Government of Andhra Pardesh was the host State of the show. It was the biggest international exhibition of its kind in India on the Civil Aviation Sector surpassing the landmarks created by India Aviation 2008. France came as the Partner country and USA as the Focus country under the aegis of US Commercial Services & AMCHAM. More than 200 support including training of exhibitors participate and personnel to these countries the exhibition covered a gross area of 12,000 Sqms. 40 by India to promote and develop civil aviation sector. Aircraft participated. The Antanov An-148 was on display for the first time in India – EU Civil Aviation India. 18 Hospitability Co-operation Programme Chalets were set up. More Under the Joint Action than 500 conference delPlan, a Civil Aviation Coegates and more than 5000 operation Project - II has been agreed to. Its Terms of Business visitors attended the event. Parallel events of Reference (TOR) have been International Conference on finalized. The project called Civil Aviation and CEOs “Institutional Capacity Forum were also organized. Building in the Civil Aviation sector in India (ICAA)” (PIB Features)

Compensation for flight delays

I

ndia’s Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued ae

new directive on compensation to flyers in case of flight delays, cancellation or being denied boarding. It has come into effect from August 15, 2010. The final directive states that protection will be provided to passengers travelling not only on scheduled flights but also on non-scheduled flights and foreign carriers operating to or

from India. The compensation will be paid in cash, by bank transfer, or with the signed agreement of the passenger in the form of a travel vouchers, apart from offering the passenger the choice of refund of the air ticket at the price it was purchased or a flight to the first point of departure, among other options. The directive makes it clear that the operating airlines would not have to pay compensation in cases where the cancellation and delays have been caused by circumstances beyond their control. Similarly, airlines will not be liable to pay compensation in respect of cancellation delays clearly attributable to air traffic control, security risks among others. The airlines have been asked to display their policies on compensation, refund and the facilities on their websites and as part of the passenger Charter of Rights.

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AVIATION

Record increase in Indian air traffic

I

ndian airline traffic growth

turbulent period of decline was

million passengers in the month,

represented the largest gain

remained above 20per cent in

characterised by weak demand

while Vijay Mallya-promoted

among all domestic airlines in

Jun-2010, the fourth

and excess capacity. Traffic

Kingfisher Airlines was the largest

Jun-2010.

consecutive month that domestic

bottomed out in Nov-2008 when

stand-alone carrier with 994,000

airlines have reported growth in

passenger numbers slumped 21.7

passengers and a 21.8 per cent

growth as IndiGo and SpiceJet

this range. Indian aviation, which

per cent year-on-year, adding to

domestic market share. Air India,

turned out to be the two largest

entered negative territory earlier

financial turbulence of the past

which handled 760,000 domestic

carriers by passenger numbers.

than other Asian nations and the

the two fiscal years. Escalating

passengers, reported growth of

Domestically, LCC capacity had

rest of the world, has also

fuel prices in mid 2008

17.8 per cent year-on-year. All

increased from 2.3 per cent of the

recovered more quickly. Volumes

exacerbated the weak demand.

other domestic carriers, both full

market in Jan-2004 to 66.9 per

are now some 30 per cent over

During Jun-2010, domestic Indian

service and low cost, increased

cent in Jan-2010 and is set to rise

mid-2008 and 26 per cent above

airlines handled 4.5 million

their passenger traffic in excess of

even further this year. The

mid-2007.

passengers, a 21.9 per cent year-

26 per cent, including SpiceJet

combined market share of pure

LCCs continue to drive traffic

on-year increase, according to the

(+26.2 per cent), JetLite (+29.5

LCCs is now close to 40per cent,

contractions in domestic traffic,

Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation

per cent), GoAir (+29.9 per cent),

while the nation’s full service

Jun-2009 saw a return to positive

(MoCA). India’s largest private

Jet Airways (+37.3 per cent) and

carriers are deploying almost 70-

territory, with growth in every

airline group, the combined Jet

IndiGo (+46.2 per cent). IndiGo’s

80 per cent of their domestic fleet

subsequent month since then. The

Airways-JetLite, handled 1.2

growth to 737,000 passengers

on budget brands.

After 12 consecutive monthly

Virgin Blue join hands with Etihad

V

irgin Blue Holdings Limited and Etihad Airways signed an

agreement establishing a commercial partnership that will enable Virgin Blue’s international arm, V Australia, to launch direct services to Abu Dhabi in 2011 and

I

the two airlines offer a joint network of more than 100 destinations from October 1, 2010. Etihad and V Australia together will move towards a total of 27 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia including Abu Dhabi - Sydney, Melbourne-Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi and Brisbane.

John Borghetti, CEO, Virgin Blue Group of Airlines with James Hogan, CEO, Etihad at the function

Qatar Air ways increases ser vices to India

Q

atar Airways has increased

Executive Officer, Qatar Airways

announce additional frequencies

flight frequency to Delhi,

said, "We are pleased to

to Delhi, Kochi and Amritsar from

Amritsar and Kochi by 20

September, which further cements

per cent recently. Flights

our commitment to the Indian

to Delhi and Amritsar has

market.

been made weekly from

Taking into account the new

four-flights-a-week, while

upcoming frequencies, we have

Kochi will get an

stepped up capacity to India from

additional four-flights-a-

56 to 88 services a week, which

week in additional to the

represents a remarkable 57 per

daily service.

cent increase in frequency to

Akbar Al Baker, Chief

and from India."

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India, Iran sign MoU to allow more flights

SEPTEMBER 2010

ndia and Iran decided to enhance the number of flights between the two nations from 23 to 31 per week and agreed to allow each other’s airlines to operate to two additional destinations. An MoU was signed by the civil aviation delegations of the two nations on the sidelines of the 16th India Iran Joint Commission Meeting. The agreement also made provisions for facilitation of code share and cooperative marketing arrangement between the airlines of the two countries. The agreement has the potential to spur greater trade investment and tourism while strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries. PARTNER COUNTRY

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UTTARAKHAND TRAVELLER

Valley of Flowers

Heaven’s paradigm

T

he Valley of Flowers is

common langur, bharal, serow,

account of its diverse alpine flora,

nestled in the upper

Himalayan brown bear, Pika

representative of the Western

expansions of Bhyundar

(Mouse hare) and a large

Himalayan alpine shrub and

Ganga near Joshimath in Gharwal

collection of butterflies. Among

meadows ecoregion. The rich

region in Chamoli District of

the important birds and Pheasant

diversity of species reflects the

Uttrakhand. Nestled high in West

are, Himalayan Golden Eagle,

valley’s location within a transition

Himalaya, India’s Valley of Flowers

Griffon Vulture, Snow Partridge,

zone between the Zaskar and

National Park is renowned for its

Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan

Great Himalayas ranges to the

meadows of endemic alpine

Monal, Snow Pigeon, Sparrow

north and south, respectively, and

flowers and outstanding natural

Hawk etc.

between the Eastern Himalaya

beauty. The Valley of Flowers was

Valley of Flowers National Park

number of plant species are

Later Nanda Devi and Valley of

complements the rugged

internationally threatened, several

Flowers National Parks was

mountain wilderness of Nanda

have not been recorded from

named a World Heritage Site in

Devi National Park. Together they

elsewhere in Uttarakhand and two

1988.

encompass a unique transition

have not been recorded in Nanda

zone between the mountain

Devi National Park. The diversity

range of the Himalayas with over

ranges of the Zanskar and Great

of threatened species of medicinal

an expanse of 87.50 km². The

Himalaya, praised by

plants is higher than has been

highest point in the national park

mountaineers and botanists for

recorded in other Indian

is at Gauri Parbat at 6,719m above

over a century and in Hindu

Himalayan protected areas. The

sea level. It is inaccessible only in

mythology for much longer.

entire Nanda Devi Biosphere

summer between June and

The valley splashes with

Reserve lies within the Western

October. The panoramic frames

different colours as hundreds of

Himalayas Endemic Bird Area

showcase scenic figures depicting

different flowers blooms and it

(EBA). Seven restricted-range bird

different colours with peaks

changes with time. The valley is

species are endemic to this part

covered with snow, different

home to many celebrated flowers

of the EBA. The Valley of Flowers

shades of greenery, the flower

like the Brahmakamal, the Blue

can only be accessed by foot. For

beds and running streams with

Poppy and the Cobra Lily. It is a

visiting the valley one can get to

crystal clear water.

much sought after haunt for

Govind Ghat by road followed by

flower-lovers, botanists and of

a 13-kilometer trek to Ghangaria.

home to rare and endangered

course trekkers. Orchids, poppies,

The valley is another three hour

animals, including the Asiatic

primulas, calendulas, daisies and

trek from there. The nearest

black bear, snow leopard, brown

anemones are the majority that

airport is in Jolly Grant, Dehradun,

bear and blue sheep. Other

constitutes the flower beds.

295 kilometers and the nearest

This richly diverse area is also

members of fauna include tahr, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox,

152

and Western Himalaya flora. A

declared a national park in 1982.

The area lies on the Zanskar

PARTNER COUNTRY

The gentle landscape of the

The Valley of Flowers is internationally important on

railway station is in Rishikesh, 276 kilometers.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010



GUJARAT TRAVELLER

Sasan Gir Wildlife National Park

Where big cats roam

S

asan Gir, popularly known as Gir, is the most famous lion sanctuary in India, and the only place in the subcontinent where Asiatic Lions can be found in the wild. Sasan Gir lies on the southwestern border of Saurashtra Peninsula in Gujarat and is home to nearly 400 Asiatic Lions. The sanctuary was created in 1913 to provide protection to the largest surviving groups of the Asiatic lions and was given the status of the sanctuary in 1965. The number of lions has been steadily on the rise since 1980. The Asiatic Lion attracts a lot of visitors to the park every year. This is the only place in the world outside the African continent where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The lion safaris are

popular among tourists. Jeeps and minibuses are freely available for touring the forest. The best time to observe lions in their natural surroundings is at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Though the most famous inhabitants of the park are Asiatic Lions, it also provides natural habitat to a lot of other species like Chital, Chinkara (Gazelle), Four-Horned Antelope, Leopard, Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and Wild Ass. Monkeys, Parrots and Peacocks can also be found here. The Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary are also within the Gir Forest Area which is a bird watcher’s paradise where one can spot Back-Headed Cuckoo, Paradise Flycatcher, Pied Woodpecker and various species of Bush Quail,

Eagles, Flamingo, Painted Sand Grouse, Partridge, Parrot and Peacock. Talala, which lies close to the park is famous for the Bhimdeval Sun Temple and

its huge orchards of kesar mangoes. In the heart of the jungle there is a shrine to Kankai Mata, the benefactor of the shepherds of Gir forest.

How to get there The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is a subspecies of the

By Road: Gir National Park is 60 km from Junagadh, and 360 km from

lion(Panthera leo). In 2010, the Gujarat government

Ahmedabad. The main centre is at Sasan Gir, and has a forest guest

reported that 411 Asiatic lions were sighted in the Gir forest;

house maintained by the park, just opposite the railway station.

a rise of 52 over the last census of 2005. The Asiatic lion is one of the

By Rail: One can travel by rail to Junagadh from Ahmedabad or Rajkot

five major big cats found in India, the others being the Bengal tiger,

and then take a 65 km road trip on bus or taxi to Sasan Gir.

the Indian leopard, the snow leopard and clouded leopard. Asiatic

A permit for entering the park is obtained at the Sinh Sadan

lion are smaller and lighter than their African counterparts, but are

Orientation Centre, A 35-40 km driving route through the park is

equally aggressive.

maintained for visitors.

PARTNER COUNTRY

154

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SEPTEMBER 2010



KARNATAKA TRAVELLER

Karnataka tourism growing aggresive

I

n the last 18 months,

Karnataka being able to take such

rides were offered as a first of its

internet based advertising

Karnataka Tourism has

a high position within a short

kind service during the Hampi

campaign will be launched to

launched several initiatives on

time,” said Vinay Luthra, IFS,

Utsav.

select the best Tweets, Facebook,

the development front as well as

Managing Director, Karnataka

on the marketing front. Key to this

State Tourism Development

was the increase in tourism

Corporation.

budgets from single digit figures

Sanganakallu, a pre historic

Comments, Photographs, Videos,

village near Hampi belonging to

new destinations discovered, new experiences that are introduced by web users. The contest that

“We are not just aiming to be

to Rs. 240 Cr. There has been an

the top destination in India or

concludes in December will offer

increase of over 1 Cr. tourists to

South Asia. Tourism, we believe

top prizes on The Golden Chariot,

Karnataka in the last 8 years.

as the power to transform the

International tourists have seen a

state. That transformation is what

the neolithic age has been

50% increase

we are aiming for,” he added.

excavated and is being developed

The tourism department is

to destinations

and the Jungle Lodges & Resorts. Golden Chariot The success of Golden Chariot

as a tourist destination. The site

and the extensive support of the

in the state.

developing destinations with

currently under development will

international agents have

The first five

facilities that few in India have,

bring in tourists and will be

encouraged them to look out

months of 2010

which provide travellers with far

promoted as a New World in

further than just Karnataka and

is already

better mechanisms to view a

Karnataka.

operate into key destinations in

destination that has a combination

Marketing

South India. The Golden Chariot

showing more than 20%

Y. Yeddyurappa, Chief Minister

of great climate and people,

Karnataka Tourism became the

announced its Southern

increase in arrivals compared to

overpowering destinations and

first and only state destination

Splendour package that covers

2009, both domestic and

new and innovative tourism

from India to participate and

Bangalore, Chennai,

international.

facilities.

showcase its luxury products at

Mammalapuram, Puducherry,

leading international luxury trade

Madurai, Tanjavur, Kanyakumari

initiatives is the decision to

and an agreement signed with

fairs including South American

and Kerala destinations of

accord priority status to tourism.

OSS Air

markets. ‘Our strategy is to tap

Trivandrum, Kovalam, Alleppey

The aim of Karnataka Tourism’s

Management.

such markets that are not yet

and Kochi.

new policy for 2009-14 is to make

Operations

ventured into, by other states in

According to Luthra, There

Tourism the largest economic

would start

India. We are also partnered by

was enough reason to believe that

activity of the state. Such a bold

soon. The

various stakeholders from the

Season III, with an expanded

statement is proof of the direction

country’s first

private and govt. sector thus

offering of prime South Indian

benefiting the outbound tour

destinations will prove to be a

operators from other countries

robust one. We understand that

Bannerghatta National Park was

better. We are currently present in

the international trade is generally

of international and national tour

given a go ahead. A new brand of

about 11 international markets

looking out for new destinations

operators, the awakening of

eco tourism experiences named

and are expanding our presence

and experiences. When it comes

Karnataka as a destination has

Jungle Camps & Trails was

to 13 international markets’.

to India, heritage is a main draw

put life into the fortunes of South

launched. Yet another brand, The

eCampaign

and most of the North is now very

India as a promising destination

Great Western Ghat Trails will be

for the up market and middle

launched shortly. Air Charter

launched a major campaign on

happened. When people look for

class tourists. The Golden Chariot

services to Mysore and to Hampi

leading social

new destinations, what better can

also has certainly helped in

(during Mysore Dasara and Hampi

networking

you get than with a virgin South

Utsav in

websites like

India that is just waiting to be

partnership

Fácebook,

explored?

with leading

YouTube, Fliki,

airlines in India

Twitter and

and hotels and

travel content

resorts

websites. More

some of India’s and Asia’s best

resulted in

than 5000 people now have direct

thematic resorts, hotels, wellness

exceeding

access to Karnataka Tourism’s

centers etc. Reputed national and

response from

pages on these websites which

International hotel chains coupled

the up market

regularly update information,

with good connectivity is making

scp,menl. hot

images, videos and important

the state grow in stature in

Air balloon

announcements. Shortly, an

tourism and hospitality.

Prominent among the

Heli Tourism was encouraged

in which things are headed as far

Night time

as tourism is concerned.

wildlife safari at

“From the feedback from a lot

PARTNER COUNTRY

156

Janardhana Reddy, Tourism Minister

Karnataka Tourism has

familiar and repeat visits have

With pro-active investment policy has attracted valuable Vinay Luthra IFS MD, KSTDC

assets to the state. Currently its is

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



KARNATAKA TRAVELLER

Karnataka initiates new steps to boost tourism

T

he State Government to tap

importance.

Desilting of Sanna Kere would be

The Tourism Department has

taken up to increase the water

also taken up development works

Tourism Department, led by

holding capacity and divert the

in seven tourist centres in

of measures to develop historic

Principal Secretary

sewage that is being let into the

Gulbarga district at a cost of Rs.

and nature spots. Chief Minister

Jothiramalingam and

tank, Jothiramalingam said.

9.34 crore which includes the

BS Yeddyurappa said, as first

Commissioner Vishwanath Reddy

installment 50 crore will be

toured the two districts of

Yadgir K.G. Jagadeesh said Bonal

the Chandrampalli reservoir,

released for the overall

Gulbarga and Yadgir and have

Tank and Chaya Bhagwathi temple

construction of Yatri Niwas at

development of Kemmanagundi, a

come out with a master plan to

near Narayanpur Dam are other

Chandralamba temple at Sannati

picturesque hill station near

upgrade facilities available there

places that would be developed to

in Chitapur taluk, improvement of

Chikmagalur. The Jog will also be

and develop them into tourist

attract tourists.

facilities at the Dattatreya temple

developed on the lines of Niagara

centres.

the tourism potential in the region had initiated a series

Falls and a ropeway with a trolley

A team of officials from the

Jothiramalingam while

Deputy Commissioner of

Jungle trails and camps would

development of water sports at

at Deval Gangapur in Afsalpur

be set up at the Bonal tank,

taluk, development of the

will be constructed to enable the

addressing the presspersons said

similar to the one established at

Vijnaneshwar park at Martur in

tourists to have close view of the

that in Yadgir, a major

Shakare Bele in Shimoga, he

Gulbarga taluk and improvement

falls and PPP model will be

development project would be

added.

of facilities at Gulbarga Fort.

adopted to provide facilities of

taken up, with an additional grant

international standards for the

of Rs. 103 crore given by Chief

tourists he added.

Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, for the

“Roads and stay houses for tourists need to be paid attention urgently. Apart from the forest

overall development of Kemmanagundi and Nandi Hills. The Sanna Kere, a tank in the

guest house and PWD guest

heart of Yadgir town, would be

houses, other stay houses are not

developed into a major tourist

fit for use. Hence, fifty additional

attraction at a cost of Rs. 8.68

rooms will have to be built,” the

crore.

CM said. He also pointed out that

A sum of Rs. 2 crore had been

Chikmagalur district has ample

released to the Yadgir district

scope for development in the

administration last year and

tourism sector and Kallattagiri

another Rs. 1.7 crore would be

falls is another place of tourist

released during the current year.

Karnataka reaches out to tourism trade in nine cities

T

he Department of Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka has completed a series of nine marketing meets in the domestic market, targeting the tourism trade fraternity and the media. The Marketing Meet campaign titled ‘Karnataka Now Within Your Reach’ was a literal transplantation of destination Karnataka at these cities. By setting up thematic stage sets that replicated major tourist PARTNER COUNTRY

158

destinations like the temples at Pattadakal and Bijapur’s Ibrahim Roza, presentations, cultural performances and the like were done at the backdrop of almost virtual destinations. The nine-city campaign started off at New Delhi on August 4, 2010 by introducing key changes to The Golden Chariot and its features, itineraries and also announcing two new resorts set up by Jungle Lodges & Resorts at Hampi and Mangalore. Subsequently

new destinations, products, packages and experiences in addition to the Golden Chariot and Jungle Lodges & Resorts’ new developments were presented at Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, K Viswanatha Reddy, IAS Chennai and Director Tourism Kochi across the month and early September. At all places a

combination of senior officials ranging from Principal Secretary Tourism K Jothiramalingam, IAS, Director Tourism K Viswanatha Reddy, IAS and MD KSTDC Vinay Luthra made presentations. New destinations like Sanganakallu, near Hampi an 8000 year old neolithic village that was recently excavated was the toast of the new products that were presented to the travel world.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010


KARNATAKA TRAVELLER

Live Your Wildest Dreams

T

he state of Karnataka is blessed with vast areas of natural vegetation supporting a large number of species in plant and animal life including endangered ones. Being the primary attraction for the travellers and tourists the place has 38720 square kilometers under forest cover which is about 20.19 per cent of the total geographical area of the state. Karnataka has five national parks, 18 wildlife sanctuaries and seven bird sanctuaries. 25 per cent of the elephant population and 15 per cent of the tiger population of India lives in the jungles of Karnataka.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

159


KARNATAKA TRAVELLER The Western Ghats which

whistling thrush, Babbler, Barbet,

these sub clusters are in the

Bangalore. This hilly place is the

starts from the border of Gujarat

Bluejay, Kingfisher, Robin, Weaver

tentative list of sites of the World

home for one of the richest

and Maharashtra and runs south

Bird, Drongo, Peafowl, Partridge,

Heritage Site by UNESCO. The

natural, zoological reserves. The

of the River Tapti, through the

Quail, Hornbill, Ibis yellow-

Mudumalai WL Sanctuary and

park covering an area of 104.27

states of Maharashtra, Goa,

throated bulbul, ruby throated

National Park, Wayanad Wildlife

square kilometers has a reserve of

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

bulbul, shame, paradise flycatcher

Sanctuary, Bandipur National

Indian tigers, white tigers, lions,

for approximately 1600 km

peregrine falcon, refocus bellied

Park, Nagarhole National Park,

panthers and other mammals.

housing different biospheres.

Nugu WLS,

India’s first Butterfly Park was

About sixty percent of the Western

Mukurthi

established at the Bannerghatta

Ghats are located in the state of

National Park

Biological Park. It also has a

Karnataka making it home to

and Silent Valley

reptile park and a small theatre.

some exotic collection of wildlife.

National Park

Well arranged Tiger and Lion

The place has been a habitat to

are protected

Safaris and Grand Safaris are

thousands of mammals, birds,

areas within the

availed here.

reptiles and insects including

Nilgiri reserve.

those that belong to several

Visitors can hire

Ranges situated 95 Kms

endangered species.

elephants or a

southwest of Chickmagalur town

vehicle to go

is the largest declared Wildlife

round the parks.

Protected Area (600 sq. km) of a

Indian Elephant, Gaur, Wild boar, Sambar, chevrotain,

The Bandipur National Park, in

The Kudremukh or Horse Face

tropical wet evergreen type of

muntjac, chital, Gray langur,

hawk eagle, grin billed malkoha,

Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri marten,

Malabar trogon, great pied

the foothills of the Nilgiris was

forest in the Western Ghats. It

Slender Loris, Bengal Tiger,

hornbill, imperial pigeon, white

declared a Project Tiger reserve in

gets its name after the unique

Jungle Cat, Indian Leopard,

browed bulbul and pygmy

1973 for the substantial

shape of the Kudremukh peak that

Leopard Cat, Small Indian Civet,

woodpecker.

population of the big cats. The

resembles the horse face. The

Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary is

park is named after the peak and

Common Mongoose, Golden

Many regions of Karnataka

Jackal, Barking Deer, Flying Fox,

remain unexplored and new

another Project Tiger reserve of

has an elevation of 1892 m. The

Dhole(wild dog), Sloth Bear,

species of flora and fauna are

Karnataka. The park stretches

park extends over three districts;

Malabar Giant Squirrel, Grizzled

found periodically in the process.

over 874 square kilometers it is

Dakshin Kannada, Chikmagalur

Giant Squirrel, Indian Giant Flying

The mountains of Western Ghats

home to around seventy Bengal

and Udupi. It is divided into four

Squirrel, Giant Squirrel, Sloth

in the west region of Karnataka

tigers and over three thousand

ranges Kudremukh, Kerekatte,

Bear, Blacknaped, jackal, lion-

are a biodiversity hotspot. Anshi

Indian elephants. The Moyar

Kalsa, and Shimoga. Placed on a

tailed macaque, common langur,

National Park, Bandipur National

River, the Kabini River and the

hilly terrain it has lush green

spotted deer, Indian Crested

Park, Bannerughatta National

Nagur River flow through the

grasslands interspersed with

Porcupine etc are some of the

Park, Kudremukh National Park,

Bandipur sanctuary, which is one

narrow strips of forests, rivers,

common animal species found in

Nagarhole National Park

of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries

cascades, variety of flora and

the jungles of Karnataka.

constitute the five national parks

in India. Many Threatened species

fauna, caves, ruins and traces of

of the state.

lives in the park along with a large

old civilizations. The famous

collection of Birds, Reptiles

Tunga, Bhadra and Netravati rivers

Insects, Ants and Butterflies.

originates in from these ranges.

The avian gathering include Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar

Sub-clusters of these Western Ghats Talacauvery and

160

Bannerghatta National Park is

Cool and salubrious round the

Kudremukh and

situated 22 km south of

year prevails in the park which is

Nilgiri biosphere

Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The

also famous for Trekking. There

reserve, which

journey to the park takes nearly

are 13 trekking routes inside the

fall outside

one and a half hours from

park.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


KARNATAKA TRAVELLER Nagarahole National Park also

district, Cauvery Wildlife

known as “Rajiv Gandhi National

Sanctuary spread across the

Park” is located 94 kilometers (58

districts of Bangalore, Mysore and

mi) from Mysore in Karnataka. It

Mandya, Dandeli Wildlife

derives its name from the

Sanctuary in Uttara Kannada

combination of two words-’nagar’

district, Daroji Sloth Bear

meaning snake and ‘hole’

Sanctuary in Bellary district,

meaning streams true to its name

Ghataprabha Wildlife Sanctuary in

a number of streams snake

Belgaum district, Melukote Wildlife

through its rich tropical forests.

Sanctuary in Mandya district,

The park has rich forest cover,

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in

small streams, valleys, and

Udupi district, Nugu Wildlife

waterfalls. Once an exclusive

Sanctuary in Mysore district,

hunting preserve of the erstwhile

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in

rulers of Mysore, it has a great

Kodagu district, Ranibennur

collection of flora and fauna

Blackbuck Sanctuary in Dharwad

including the tiger and about 250

district, Sharavathi Valley Wildlife

species of birds.

Sanctuary in Shimoga district,

Wildlife Sanctuary supports

district apart from the wildlife is a

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary in

endangered species of flora,

Fishing Camp in the banks of the

Shimoga district, Someshwara

Cycas circinalis and Mammal

River Cauvery that has Mahseer-

Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi district

species including blackbuck and

the finest game fish which weighs

and Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary

pangolin. Slender loris, lion-tailed

as big as 100 lbs.

in Kodagu district.

macaque are found in

18 wildlife sanctuaries of

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

the Chikmagalur and Shimoga

has large eucalyptus and

along with the endangered cane

Districts and Biligiri Rangana

sandalwood plantations. Biligiri

turtle. Pushpagiri Wildlife

Range of hills (B.R.Hills) shelters

Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife

Sanctuary in Kodagu has a variety

some exquisite flora and fauna.

Sanctuary which houses flora

of flora including Hopea

Situated between the Cauvery &

including Anogeissus latifolia,

parviflora, Schefflera capitata,

the Kapila rivers, the picturesque

Grewia Tilaefolia and Syzygium

Xanthalis tomentosa and

B.R.Hills is at a height of 5,091

cumini also has Icthyophis

Ochlandra rheedii. Mammals

feet above sea level.

ghytinosus’ an endangered

include elephant, tiger, slender

amphibian.

loris, Nilgiri marten and bonnet

Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is

Dandeli another natural habitat for wildlife is home to big cats

macaque and Bird species include such as tigers, leopards and black

the last refuge of the highly

Great pied hornbill, Malabar

panthers along with other animals,

endangered grizzled giant squirrel

trogon and Nilgiri blackbird.

reptiles and a rich variety of birds.

Karnataka include:

in Karnataka. Kabini located

Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary

It is also a perfect place for white

Adichunchanagiri Peacock

amidst the Karapur Forest was

is also a habitat for the

water rafting.

Sanctuary in Mandya district,

once the hunting lodge of the

endangered Great Indian Bustard.

Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary in

erstwhile Mysore Maharajahs. The

Clawless otter, striped necked

abode to many migratory birds

Mysore district, Biligiri

picturesque place with steep

mongoose are some of the animal

from Siberia, Australia and even

Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife

valleys, rich forests, pools is also

species and Fairy bluebird,

North America including the

Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar

an adventure destination.

Malabar trogon and broadbiller

Open-Bill Stork, The White Ibis,

roller are some of the avian

Egret, Heron, Partridge or Cormorant etc.

district, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Ghataprabha Wildlife

between the Chikmagalur and

Sanctuary known for migratory

species found in Talakaveri

Shimoga districts, Brahmagiri

birds like demoiselle crane and

Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu

European white stork. Melukote

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

Bheemeshwari in Mandya

Ranganathittu Sanctuary is

Photos: Praveen Muraleedharan, TeamEco Ventures (www.ecoventures.in)

161


BUTTERFLYING

Butterfly effect The little bits of nectar-browsing colour that flit about in your garden are more than what you take them to be – if you turn to give them a second glance. Butterflies have captured the hearts of many, from children to grown-up lepidopterists, who study about butterflies, their lifecycles and their place in the web of life. Butterflies have often caught attention for their colors and vibrance: and so indeed, butterfly watching, photographing and butterfly gardening have become rewarding hobbies for many. Text & Photographs by Aathira Perinchery

H

ave you ever trailed a butterfly on its daily cruise and observed what it does? If you’ve done so and watched a flutter-by frisk about, feed or even fall prey to its predators (spiders, mantises – predators are many), you are an amateur butterfly watcher already! Now all you need to do is keep your eyes wide open, and catch their movements in your garden everyday. They make very interesting objects of photography – be it in flight, feeding, mating, or laying eggs. Photographing butterflies though, takes an immense amount of cultivated patience – your subject will frequently change places and postures. Butterfly gardening has also caught on hugely as a hobby. This involves growing plants PARTNER COUNTRY

162

whose nectar butterflies feed on (called “nectar plants”) and Aathira Perinchery on whose leaves they lay eggs on (termed “host plants”). Nectar plants and host plants need not necessarily be the same. Nectar plants would draw butterflies to your garden – but host

plants can be even more interesting. One can watch the entire lifecycle of a butterfly unfold on the twigs of a host plant, right in the middle of your garden. Be it at any stage - larva, pupa or adult butterflies are easily one of the most easy-to-observe creatures in nature. What it takes A discerning eye, perceptive mind and the

willingness to learn: that’s all it takes to make both butterfly watching and gardening a hobby! When it comes to identifying butterflies, colors may often be misleading. Butterflies come not just in vibrant hues but in unassuming earthy colors as well: the plain little Rice Swift, for example (inset). And in varying sizes too: from the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing (found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea) with a wingspan of upto 30 cm, to the petite Western Pygmy Blue, distributed across the southern United States of America, with a wingspan of a mere 15mm. The life cycle of a butterfly is something everyone should witness: the metamorphosis of the ordinary little caterpillar

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


BUTTERFLYING to the elegant grace of the adult butterfly. But again, not all caterpillars are plain-looking either - look at the larva of the Plain Tiger for example. Bright larval colors are often nature’s cues for inedibility – they suggest to potential predators the presence of various toxins that could affect them, and predators, in turn, avoid eating such caterpillars. Some adult butterflies can also look like moths! It takes a little looking up butterfly guides and references to get started, but once you do, there’s no further looking back. And all butterfly gardening takes is a little piece of earth – combined with growing appropriate nectar and host plants. Butterfly books often mention the nectar and host plants of butterfly species, and the trick is to select a butterfly species that is quite common in the area you live in. Identify your butterfly species, its corresponding nectar and host plants, and there you are – all set to butterfly garden. And you can do your bit for nature by taking care to not use pesticides or insecticides anywhere in your garden for they can easily kill your lepidopteran friends. Interesting modifications for your butterfly garden Did you know that some male adult butterflies absorb salts and minerals from rotting fruits, substances like animal droppings and even marshy areas? This phenomenon is called “mud-

puddling”, and many species of butterflies exhibit this behaviour. A pit for cowdung in a secluded part of your garden, or a bait of a plateful of rotting guava, bananas or any other degenerating fruit can easily serve as an effective mud-puddle. Photography can be relatively easy on such occasions; and who says butterflies are not immune to fermented food? You’ll even see a few intoxicated individuals taking away on staggered flights. Entertainment indeed! Why butterflying? Cultivating an interest in nature and living things is one of the basic steps to educating children. Butterfly watching and gardening can serve as an ideal stage to introduce children to the intricacies of nature and cycles of life – be it their birth as eggs, metamorphosis from egg to larva to pupa and adult, or their death at hands of predators. Moreover, it is relatively simple – what does it take to observe a butterfly on its daily routine, or grow plants that they prefer to feed and lay eggs on? Most places have a fair array of butterfly species; and if you live in the tropics, butterfly species are many in number, size and color. So what are you waiting for? Arm yourself with a camera, a butterfly guide or just your eyes – and get ready to butterfly! The author is a Research Fellow at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore

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Q&A

Clouds Valley targets domestic segment Clouds Valley, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Munnar, is the biggest three-star hotel in Munnar, catering to the needs of the business travellers as well as tourists who come to explore Munnar. The elegant hotel with 52 rooms is conveniently located at the heart of Munnar hill station and offers a perfect base for the stay in Munnar. A R Mohan, Managing Director, M S Hotels Pvt Ltd talks about the property and the plans. How are you planning to position Clouds Valley in the market? What are the quality standards you offer? Clouds Valley is our dream project in Munnar. This is going to be the biggest three - star hotel in Munnar with 54 tastefully appointed rooms backed by a host of complimentary facilities. Winter Yard, our multicuisine restaurant serves a variety of continental, Chinese, Indian and South Indian cuisine. Hills Studio is the spacious and well furnished conference hall. The rooms are cozy and sophisticated spaces with all modern amenities. We would like to maintain high professional standards in our mode of operations. What will be the mode of operation of the group? What are the segments of the market you target? We have our corporate office and sales division in Kochi. Clouds Valley is the first hotel of M.S. Hotels Pvt. Limited. We have a set of PARTNER COUNTRY

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been named the secondgreatest travel destination in the world by Trip Advisor this year. Munnar has a prominent position in domestic market for a very long time. We have worked out a strategy, which will cover domestic and international markets as well as corporate travel and MICE sectors. Yes, we will be participating in all domestic and selected international travel events. What is your opinion on the prospects of the hospitality industry in Kerala? How much more space is there for development of the industry with the foreign at Clouds Valley. This is and domestic arrival rates to going to be one of the best boom in the coming years? Ayurvedic centres in After tourism sector was Munnar. We are also bestowed with industry planning hotels and resorts in major tourist destinations status, it is showing tremendous growth in in South India Kerala. Kerala Tourism is What is your marketing noted for its innovative and strategy? Will you be market-focused ad participating in the campaigns. Catchy slogans international marketing and innovative designs are events straightaway? As you know Munnar has considered a trademark of highly professional and efficient teams to take care of the group as well as the units. We mostly target domestic segment of the travel sector. What are your expansion plans for the MS Group? Where are your upcoming properties located? In the second phase we are planning to set up the Ayurvedic Centre and Gym

brand Kerala Tourism. Celebrity promotions are also used to attract more tourists to the state. The Kerala tourism website is widely visited, and has been the recipient of many awards. Now, the tourism department has also engaged in advertising via mobiles, by setting up a WAP portal, and distributing wallpapers and ringtones related to Kerala through it. This is of great help to the hospitality industry. Since we have started exploring, China and Australia, I am sure that the hospitality industry will make a remarkable growth. How important is a hotel in developing a destination? What is your company’s views in this regard? Since Munnar is already a developed destination, I don’t think any hotel can make much of a difference. If it is an undeveloped or underdeveloped destination, the hotels have a role to play in developing it.

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KTM

KTM 2010, the sixth edition of Kerala Travel Mart, the largest travel and tourism fair of its kind in India, will be held from September 23 to 26 at the Bolgatty Palace premises in Kochi. This year the biennial event will be the biggest in terms of participation and that is expected to reflect in the business also. The only such buyer-seller meet of a state’s tourism industry, for the industry and by the industry, KTM is unique in many ways. This time there will be 1669 domestic buyers and 574 international buyers from 54 countries besides 300 registered sellers.

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KTM

Kerala Travel Mart 2010

Maximising tourism opportunities

T

KTM 2010 will be bigger and better. Along with more exhibitors and delegates, we also have tourism ministers and officials from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Minister for Tourism, Kerala

he biggest International Travel Mart in the country, the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2010, will have more than 2,000 delegates attending from abroad and within the country. With more than 500 international tourism professionals from 54 countries participating in the Mart, the sixth edition of KTM will be the biggest ever travel mart held in India so far, showcasing the tourism products of a single State. There are 382 sellers from Kerala under different tourism product categories, including twelve houseboats. KTM President Riaz Ahmed said the record registration by the buyers

from different countries, including Poland, Finland, Mexico and South Africa, shows the interest of buyers’ world over in the tourism sector of Kerala. A total number of 551 International and 1,621 Domestic Buyers have registered for KTM 2010. The United Kingdom has the highest number of buyer’s registration in this Mart. “Athithi devo bhava” is the theme of the Mart this year. Explaining the theme, Riaz Ahmed said, the objective behind selecting this theme is that tourism is considered as an eternal rainbow which connects countries, continents, people and above all the “athithi and athitheya” (guest and

host). There is a cultural programme on the theme on the inaugural day. The script for which is done by Dr Jayakumar IAS and the show directed by K C Chandrahasan of Kerala Travels Interserve. The record registration by the buyers from different countries, including Poland, Finland, Mexico and South Africa, shows the interest of buyers’ world over in the tourism sector of Kerala. Riaz Ahmed President, KTM

Speed networking to give maximum opportunity

T

he Kerala Travel Mart is a

ordination Committee of KTM

paced session, the participants

more about what the new contact

market place of tourism

2010 is introducing Speed

(sellers) will be able to network

does.

products where the buyers

Networking whereby the

face-to-face. After the end of each session

While two or three minutes is not long enough to work out a

come to meet and interact with

participants get to meet each

the sellers. And towards this end,

other for a maximum of two-and-a-

(indicated by a sound of a bell/

business relationship, it certainly

KTM is introducing a new concept

half minutes.

gong), the sellers will quickly

breaks the ice at the beginning of

alternate their seating

the Mart.

called Speed Networking to give

Speed Networking is

maximum opportunity to both

introduced for the first time to

arrangements to pair up with their

The Buyers will be more

buyers and sellers.

enhance business opportunities

next networking opportunity. This

focused and will have a better

for the participants. This is a

process will continue until all

understanding of all the Sellers

buyers fall in the categories of

structured networking opportunity

participants have interacted with

and can pursue with the new

tour operators, travel agents,

to bring maximum number of

each other. In just a few minutes,

contacts and products of their

airline, event managers, travel

introductions for both buyers and

participants will share business

choice.

writers, media personnel or

sellers.

cards, details about the product

In the Kerala Travel Mart, the

The Speed Networking is

and valuable information about

scheduled to be held on Day One

buy services that the tourism

Networking forum will meet more

their business to advance

of KTM 2010 i.e. 24th September,

industry of Kerala has to offer.

people, make more contacts and

business further.

2010 (Business Session). The

All sellers are members of the

generate more business ideas in

KTM society coming under the

one short session.

anyone who has the potential to

Participants in a Speed

Within a few minutes of talking

Mart will be inaugurated on

to someone new, it is possible to

September 23, 2010. On

work out whether they would want

September 24 and 25 there will be

industry service providers in

individual desks, the SPEED

to meet again, whether there is

exclusive interactive sessions for

Kerala.

NETWORKING sessions

the possibility of a future business

the buyers and sellers. September

commence. During each fast-

relationship or simply understand

26 is open for the public.

service categories of tourism

The Buyers & Sellers Co-

With all the Buyers seated at

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KTM The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), which was formed in 1966, is the ‘official host to God’s own country’. Even when state’s tourism sector was doing extremely well KTDC made headlines for making loss and was deemed as another white elephant. But things have drastically changed in the last four years. KTDC is now a profit making company and the highest taxpayer to the state government. Two people who led the corporation to the path of success and glory – Chairman Cherian Philip and Managing Director K G Mohanlal – share their experience.

“Role of KTDC is not just to run government hotels but to promote tourism”

O

hand in hand to take the company out of doldrums. “The government, especially the Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has been very supportive. He never refused any of the requests I have made as the Chairman of KTDC”. KTDC has worked a great For the first time in the deal in keeping Kerala annual affair. history, KTDC the official “When I took over, KTDC among the non expensive host to God’s Own Country, was a broken company. will play host to Kerala Many people told me it Travel Mart, Kerala’s biggest would be a futile attempt if I travel and tourism fair. try to salvage it. But after “The current edition of four years I am really happy the Kerala Travel Mart is to and proud that I have reset its own record with changed the perception increased participation in the about KTDC among general attractive new venue. All the public and transformed it arrangements for the event into a profit making one. are being completed. The When I took charge KTDC new venue will benefit by was marketing only eight hosting the KTM which will premium properties in the bring along international international market. Now attention to the state of we are showcasing 31 Kerala as a tourism properties. On the course we destination,” he says. have achieved record Cherian Philip is of the development, revenue opinion that KTM should generation, total turn over, move to different venues in tax payment to government different destinations in and employment Kerala each time. According generation.” According to destinations. All the Yatri to him this will benefit the Nivas’ are renovated and Cherian Philip it is a team destinations. He also thinks ‘Tamarind,’ a new budget effort that helped in it is high time to make KTM, achieving this. The brand of KTDC has been which is one of the biggest management and employees launched with 14 hotels, in such events in Asia, an various destinations through of the corporation worked n the eve of the Kerala Travel Mart 2010, Cherian Philip, Chairman, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation is sitting pretty with well earned success of the public sector travel and hospitality company. He has done almost every thing he has thought of implementing, while taking over the chairmanship of KTDC four years ago. He talked to Asian Traveller about the development programmes he has implemented and milestones the company has achieved during his tenure.

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the length and breadth of the state, making Kerala accessible to the common people. New packages under Discover Kerala being offered by the KTDC include the ‘Sundara Keralam’ which would enable a tourist to cover the major destinations in Kerala in nine days has also become popular, especially among Non-

Resident Keralites. There are two other packages; Dakshinayanam and Uttarayanam, covering southern and northern Page 170

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KTM

“The synergy bet ween political will and official commitment made it possible”

K

convert the Bolgatty Palace premises into a convention centre. At present the convention facilities are very limited in Kochi. KTDC has already gone ahead with the work for the creation of convention facilities at the two acres of land which has Branding has done for the been taken on lease from the “In the marketing, financial, infrastructure and personnel first time in KTDC and every fronts we were able to work property has been renovated. Addition of 24 together and bring in reforms in all four segments. rooms in Tea County The management has created Munnar was a major an enabling environment for achievement for KTDC. “The the organization to perform number of rooms has been better and the support from increased to 1000 with the conversion of Yatri Nivases the government has been to economy hotel chain immense. All those things really helped KTDC to come Tamarind. A convention centre at Hotel Samudra, up”, he added. Kovalam in KTDC has made net Thiruvananthapuram will be profit continuously for the completed by the end of the last four years and is up to date in its accounts again for year. Renovation of Water Scapes in Kumarakom is also the first time in its history being planned. which shows the financial Another important health of the company. development activity KTDC’s stream of activities planned is at the bird have been very clearly demarcated as the premium sanctuary in Kumarakom. Cochin Port Trust. There KTDC has made a segment, the economy At the personnel front, for segment, way side amenities, system to ensure the employee motivation KTDC beer parlours and travel and scientific management of the has established a training bird sanctuary in association centre which has the transport division. The with Kottayam Nature premium segment has got capacity to train all the Society. “It is for the first the resorts and heritage employees of the time a bird sanctuary outside corporation. “Last year hotels. The economy the forest area managed by a around 1000 employees have segment has been divided plan developed by an agency been trained and conducted into two categories; one is outside the forest the tamarind brand and the a trained trainers’ department and with the economy hotels which programme to continue the support of local NGO”, said in-house training in each include properties like the MD. The scientific Chaithram property by identifying management by a corporate trainers within that (Thiruvananthapuram), entity is happening for the Periyar House (Thekkady), particular unit,” said first time in Kerala and the Hotel Nandanam Mohanlal. To motivate the work is on the progress. (Guruvayoor), Garden people, each unit has to enter Another endeavor the House (Malampuzha) and into an MoU with the KTDC envisaging is to Pepper Grove (Wayanad). corporate office at the

erala Tourism Development Corporation has achieved the greatest growth in the history of the company. It has made profit for four years continuously. “It was made possible as a result of the synergy between political-will and official commitment with the wholehearted cooperation of the employees made it possible”, said K G Mohanlal IFS, Managing Director, KTDC.

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beginning of the financial year. Their performance will be reviewed quarterly. KTDC has also implemented the promotion policy which has been pending for the last 20 years. “Then employeeemployer relationship is cordial and the employee’s contribution to the growth of

KTDC is really valued”, added Mohanlal. Another major achievement KTDC has made is revamping the website with incorporating virtual walk-through for all the major properties. When asked about Kerala Travel Mart 2010 being hosted at KTDC premises for the first time, Mohanlal said “The delegates coming for KTM will enjoy the uniqueness of the ambience created by Bolgatty, which will definitely bring in more business and success for the participants and we work for that.” PARTNER COUNTRY

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KTM

Heritage venue all set for Kerala Travel Mart

T

behind the tourism products and services of Kerala. Launched in 2000 as KTM 2000, the Marts held in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008 were very successful with the participation of buyers from around 50 countries and other parts of India. This is a 27 per cent growth in participation compared to the previous mart. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, this year’s event will be indicative of the State’s preparedness to attract tourists from countries just recovering from global recession. Timed just ahead of the peak tourist season, the meet is aimed at preparing the stakeholders for a head start as Kerala is facing unprecedented competition from traditional

rivals such as Goa and Rajasthan and also neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Primarily a buyer-seller meet where buyers fall in the categories of tour operators, travel agents, airline, event managers, travel writers, media personnel or anyone who has the potential to buy services that the tourism industry of Kerala has to offer. All sellers are members of the KTM society coming under the service categories of tourism industry service providers. International buyers from countries such as Poland, Mexico, South Africa, Japan, China, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, U.K., U.S., Germany, France, Thailand, UAE, Swiss, Sri Lanka, Iran, Italy, Canada, Sweden,

Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Hong Kong, Kenya, Norway and some other countries in South Asia have registered as delegates. More than a thousand buyers from other states of India will also participate in India’s most popular travel mart. The tourism sector of Kerala faces tough competition from many stakeholders in the region. In an effort to build up its warravaged economy, Sri Lanka has started a campaign to lure premium traveler to the island nation. For Indians, Sri Lanka is a bargain tourist destination. Even Malaysia, Maldives and Thailand are not far behind in their efforts to attract the discerning tourist.

Philip. The recent initiatives from destinations of Kerala KTDC are The Pepper Grove respectively in five to six in Wayanad and Golden days. Along with conducting Peak in Ponmudi. All the city tours for the tourists, hotels are renovated and all KTDC also provides hire-car standard amenities are services. Cherian Philip provided in the budget believes that the role of rooms as well. The 90-room KTDC is not just to run Kerala House Hotel government hotels but to Complex in Chennai is promote tourism in the state. expected to be ready by the KTDC believes in healthy end of the year. That will be competition and amiable another feather in Cherian coexistence with the private Philip’s as well as in KTDC’s sector. “The all important cap. The first and the only fact is that KTDC now marina in the country which stands as an intermediary was commissioned at that can take the problems Bolgatty Palace, the heritage of the hotels industry to the luxury hotel of KTDC, along attention of the with a marina house that government,” says Cherian offers accommodation and

recreation facilities for the travellers arriving through sea recently also tops the list of achievements. Another couple of projects that are in the pipeline include Bekal (Bekal Beach Camp), a fivestar resort in Kozhikode and a beach resort in Muzhuppilangad- the only drive in beach in Kerala But making profits for four years on the trot is what makes Cherian Philip’s term a memorable one – for him as well as KTDC. The Corporation is the highest tax payer to the state government now, with a contribution of around nine crore rupees to the coffers. “Our accounting has been

made up-to-date and a debt of Rs. 20 crore has been paid back. The main highlight is that, all of these were achieved after enduring and surviving various challenges”, beams Cherian Philip. Being a ‘full-time’ Chairman, he has been able to dedicate all his time and efforts to the betterment of KTDC. He is happy that he has already fulfilled all that he had planned to do at the time of taking charge as the Chairman of KTDC. For someone who has no previous experience in managing a company like KTDC, Cherian Philip has done an excellent job.

he Bolgatty Palace Heritage Hotel, owned and operated by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is will be the venue of the sixth edition of Kerala Travel Mart 2010 (KTM). KTDC, the official host to God’s Own Country, is playing host to KTM for the first time. The Mart will be inaugurated on September 23, 2010. On September 24 and 25 there will be exclusive interactive sessions for the buyers and sellers. September 26 is open for the public. Organised during the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of September every two years, KTM is the only tourism event in the subcontinent that brings together the business fraternity and entrepreneurs Page 168

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KTM

Bolgatty Palace

T

he Bolgatty Palace Heritage Hotel, well-known world over as a heritage palace and built on the picturesque Bolgatty Island in Kochi in God’s Own country, is one of the few remnants of Dutch rule in the State. Built in 1744 by Dutch traders, this is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland. The building was then the Governor’s palace for the Dutch and in 1909 was leased to the British. It served as the home of the British Governors, being the seat of the British Resident of Cochin during the British Raj. In 1947, when India became independent, the palace became the property of the state and was later converted into a heritage hotel by the Department of Tourism. The palace hotel is all set to welcome more than 1,500 delegates who will be attending the KTM. There will be 370 stalls, including mooring facility for houseboats in this year’s KTM. The change of the venue of Kerala Travel Mart to a heritage building is an ideal shift to emphasis the importance of heritage structures in branding tourism sector of Kerala in an international travel forum such as KTM, where delegates from all parts of the world are attending. TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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KTM

Venue and floor plan

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KTM

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KTM

KTM 2010 Sellers List A/C Modules No. Seller Name

17. Carmelia Haven Stall No.

1.

Abad Plaza

207 - 209

2.

Abia Tours

3.

Alleppey Tourism Development Co-operative Society

4.

Anantara Hospitality Pvt Ltd

5.

Aria Holidays & Resorts

6.

Aries Travel & Holidays

7.

Asian Traveller

169

8.

Aspinwall & Co. Ltd

179

9.

Athira Holidays

89 - 90 216 233 - 234 25 46

14

10. Ayur County Resorts Ltd

225

11. Ayurtheeram Ayurveda Resort - Golden Water Resort

210

12. Backwater Ripples Kumarakom

109

13. Banasura Hill Resort

33

14. Beach And Lake Ayurvedic Resort

167

15. Blackberry Hills Resorts And Spa

3

16. Camelot Resort

174

44

104

18. Casino Hotel

158 – 159, 184 - 185

19. Cherai Beach Resorts

113

20. Citrus Hotel & Resorts

53

21. Club Mahindra Lake View

157

22. Coastline Holidays (P) Ltd

241

23. Cochin Retreat

45

24. Cocobay Resort

49

25. Coconut Bay Beach Resort

202

26. Contour Jungle Resort

79

27. Cox & Kings (India) Ltd

115

28. Creative Tours & Travels (I) Pvt.ltd

61 - 62

29. Deshadan Group Of Resorts

75 - 76

30. Discover Kerala Holidays

88

31. Dr. Franklins Panchakarma Institute & Research Centre

12

32. Dr. Jacob’s Omega Dental Clinic (Cosmetic Dentistry & Implant Centre) 33. Dravidian Trails Holidays Pvt Ltd 34. Dream Hotel, Cochin 35. Eastend Hospitality

105 10 112

129 - 130

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KTM 36. Ebenezer Holiday Pvt. Ltd.

133

105. Muthoot Cardamom County

162

37. Eletaria Resort

43

106. Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre

175 - 176

38. Estuary Island

205 - 206

39. Far Horizon Tours Pvt Ltd

236

40. Flora Airport Hotels And Resorts India Private Ltd 41. Fort Munnar

248 - 249 126

42. Fortune Hotel The South Park

26

107. Nas Tourism Group 108. Neeleshwar Hermitage 109. New Indian Voyages Pvt. Ltd. 110. Nyle Plaza Hotels & Properties Pvt Ltd., 111. Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel

92 153 42 11 143

43. Fortune Park Hotels Ltd

237 - 238

112. Oyster Opera

85

44. Fragrant Nature Resort

121 - 122

113. P J Princess Regency

56

45. Genser Holidays

163

114. Pagoda Resorts

46. Great Escapes

213

115. Panoramic Sea Resort

47. Green Apple Experience

146

48. Green Gates Hotel 49. Greeshmam Resorts Pvt. Ltd. 50. Harbour View Residency

116. Pentagreen Hotels And Tours Pvt Ltd

229

32

117. Pioneer Personalized Holidays Pvt Ltd

212

31

118. Poomully Aramthampuran’s Ayurveda Mana

110

51. Haritagiri Hotel & Ayurvedic Village 52. Harivihar Ayurvedic Heritage Home

119. Poovar Island Resort

37

120. Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital Pvt. Ltd.

15

121. Punnamada Backwater Resort

53. Hill N Sea View Ayurvedic Beach Resort

142

122. Rain Country Resort (Lakkidi) Pvt Ltd

54. Hindustan Beach Retreat

171

123. Rainbow Cruises

170

124. Ramada Lake Resort & Spa

55. Hi-tours 56. Holiday Inn Cochin

245 - 246

57. Hotel Grand Seasons

164

58. Hotel Presidency

188 - 189

59. Hotel Treetop

218

60. Hotel Yuvarani Residency 61. Indebo (India) Pvt. Ltd.

66 2

62. India Destination Tours

54

63. India Travel Line

211

64. Intersight Tours & Travels (P) Ltd

72 242

125. Regant Lake Palace Hotel 126. Riya Holidays Private Limited 127. Rover Holidays Pvt. Ltd 128. S P Granddays 129. Sagara Beach Resort 130. Saj Earth Resort & Ayurvedic Spa 131. Silvertips Evm Hotels (P) Ltd 132. Sita

134 - 136 67 178 17 - 18 39 177 96 40 - 41 55 199 91 28 193 - 194 58 94 - 95

64 - 65

133. Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort Pvt Ltd

65. Isola Di Cocco Ayurvedic Beach Resort

19

134. Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort Pvt Ltd

191 - 192

66. Jai Maruti Holidays Tours & Travels

97

135. Somatheeram Ayurvedic Hospital And Yoga Centre

181 - 183

67. Jayasree Travels & Tours Company

230 - 231

68. Journeys World Holidays

50

136. Sopanam Welcare Centre Pvt. Ltd. 137. South Tourism

69. Kadappuram Beach Resort

214

138. Spiceland Holidays & Entertainments Pvt. Ltd.

70. Kadavu Resort

174

139. Sree Chithra Ayur Home

71. Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort (P) Limited 72. Kalathil Lake Resort

160 - 161 103

73. Kalypso Adventures (P) Ltd 74. Kandamkulathy Ayursoukhyam Ayurveda Resort

86 - 87 118

140. State Express

203

143. Swagath Holiday Resort (P) Ltd.

219

76. Kerala Institute Of Tourism And Travel Studies (Kitts)

27

145. Taj Malabar 146. Tbi (Trail Blazer Tours (I) Pvt Ltd)

78. Kerala.com Travel Division

57

79. Keralam Tours And Travels

244

148. The Avenue Regent

80. Keraleeyam Heritage Home & Ayurvedic Resort

124

149. The Beach Orchid Hotel

8

82. Koder House

180

83. Kondody Hotels & Resorts (Greenwoods)

140 - 141

84. Kovalam Beach Hotel

168

85. Lake Palace Alleppey

98 - 99

86. Le Meridien Cochin Resort & Convention Centre 87. Le Passage To India Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd 88. Leisureville Hotels Pvt Ltd

114 6 – 7, 48, 228 100 - 101

16 139 165

144. T & U Leisure Hotel, Munnar

81. Keys Hotels

68 - 69

142. Surya Samudra Beach Garden

77 149 - 150

47 186 - 187

141. Summersand Hill Resort & Ayurvedic Centre

75. Kash’ Venture Travels Pvt. Ltd. 77. Kerala Travels Interserve Limited

151 - 152

147. Thapovan Heritage Home Pvt Ltd

132 147 – 148, 195 - 196 173 102 137 - 138 215

150. The Elephant Court

23 - 24

151. The Great India Tour Company

80 - 82

152. The Killian Boutique Hotel 153. The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal

220 119 - 120

154. The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach

200 - 201

155. The Malabar House Fort Cochin

226 - 227

156. The Mercy - Luxury Business Hotel 157. The Paul Resorts & Hotels - Kumarakom Lake Resort

190 127 - 128

89. Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort

111

158. The Poovath Heritage Hotel

90. Link Air Travels & Tours (India) Pvt Ltd

204

159. The Renaissance Cochin

247

160. The River Retreat

9

222 - 223

161. The Siena Village

63

91. Little Flower Ayurvedic Hospital & Spa 92. Lulu International Convention Center And Garden Hotels 93. Marari Villas

83

162. The Travancore Heritage

13 172

73 - 74

94. Marg Hotels & Resorts

106 - 107

163. The Travel Planners

221

95. Marg Hotels & Resorts

108

164. The Windsor Castle

131

96. Marvel Cruise

198

165. The Woods Manor

84

166. The Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala Resort & Spa

29

97. Marvel Tours Pvt Ltd

197, 145

98. Maurya Rajadhani 99. Mermaid Hotels 100. Minar De Lake 101. Mir Holistics Pvt Ltd

125

167. Thekkady Wild Corridor

21

78

168. Tourism India Magazine

243

22

169. Travancore Court

123

93, 232

102. Mountain Club Resort

20

103. Mountain Trail Resort

166

104. Muddyboots Vacations India Llp

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

38

170. Travel Corporation (India) Ltd 116 - 117 171. Travel India Boutique 172. Travel Spirit International Pvt. Ltd. 173. Travel Tours Pvt.ltd

144 59 - 60 156

175


KTM 174. Trident Hotels 175. Uae Exchange Travel Services 176. Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel 177. United Tours & Travels (I) Pvt Ltd 178. Vacation India 179. Vedic Village Resorts

154 - 155

55. Lake Symphony

T 67

239

56. Lakes N’ Woods

T 41

57. Liz Travel Solutions

T 42

58. Madhavan Nayar Foundation

T 13

70 - 71 240 1 235

59. Mannaas Veedu

T 50

60. Maria Heritage Homestay

T 104

180. Vembanad Cruises Pvt. Ltd.

51 - 52

61. Medicus Ayurbay Beach Resort

T 79

181. Vythiri Resort

34 - 36

62. Michaels Inn (P) Ltd

T 53

182. Wayanad Nature Resort 183. Wayanad Tourism Organisation

4-5 30

63. Misha Holiday Home

T 65

64. Mundackal Plantation Home Stay

T 43

184. Windermere Estate

217

65. Mystikal India

185. Wonderla Holidays Pvt.ltd

224

66. Nazarani Experiences

A/C Table Space

T 69

67. New Allied Tours & Travels

T 26

68. Nirvana @ Bekal

T 96

69. Olappamanna Mana 1.

T 92

Akkarakalam Memoirs

T 100

2.

Alleppey Prince Hotel

T 48

71. Old Courtyard Hotel

3.

Alleppey Tourism Development Co-operative Society Ltd

T 68

72. Olivebrook

4.

Ambady Estate

T 88

73. Osaka Air Travels Pvt. Ltd

5.

Aqua Holidays

6.

Aranyakam Homestay

7. 8. 9.

70. Olavipe Homestay

T 109

Banasura Island Retreat

T 35 T5 T 73

74. Oval Retreat

T 75

T 22

75. Paradisa Plantation Retreat

T 51

Ayanat House Homestay

T 54

76. Periyar Meadows

T 60

Ayuryogashram

T 45

77. Plantation Bungalow

T 78

T 17

10. Bth Sarovaram 11. Casadelfauno 12. Chalukya Grace Tours Pvt Ltd

T8

T 106

78. Planters Homestay

T 31

T 105

79. Planters Retreat

T 10

T 59

80. Poonilavu House

T 14

81. Saaram Centre For Ayurveda And Arts

T 55 T 33

T 102

13. Coconut Creek Farm And Homestay

T 47

82. Sarovaram Ayurvedic Backwater Resort

14. Colonel’s Retreat

T 98

83. Shinshiva Ayurvedic Resort (P) Ltd.

15. Concord Exotic Voyages (India) Pvt Ltd

T 16

84. Shoreline Lifestyles Pvt Ltd

16. Cosmos Tours And Travels

T 81

T1 T 90

85. Sky Bird Tours&Travels

T 39

T7

86. Speedwings Aviation Academy

T 72

18. Dewalokam Resort

T 37

87. Taamara - A Premium Homestay

19. Dhanwanthari Vaidyasala

T 36

88. Tabernacle Home Stay

T 95

20. Edakkal Hermitage

T 20

89. Tea Castle

T 80

21. Elathottam

T 32

90. Tharavad

T 27

22. Elatrip.com

T 58

91. The Back Woods

T 64

T9

92. The Blue Yonder

T 46

17. Deva Travel House (Unit Of Deva Hospitality Pvt. Ltd)

23. Elysium Gardens

T3

24. Emerald Isle

T 85

93. The Meenmutty Heights

T 24

25. Emperor Tours & Travels

T 63

94. The Ruby Arena

T 70

26. F M Media Technologies Pvt Ltd

T 34

95. The Surya

T 87

27. Flamingo Cruise

T 30

96. The Wildernest

T 15

28. Fortgate Hotels & Resorts (P) Ltd

T 25

97. Tourism Discovery

T 11

29. Glenora Homestay

T 18

98. Tourist Desk

T 62

99. Tourist Land Tours And Travels

T 97 T 99

30. Global Holidays

T6

31. Green Lagoon Resort

T 49

100. Tours India International

32. Greenatom Holidays Pvt Ltd

T 94

101. Tours N More

T 29

33. Greenix Ventures Private Limited

T 12

102. Trackfinder Adventures

T 77

34. Hibiscus Court

T 56

103. Travel India Partner

T 28

35. Hillview Homestay

T 21

104. Travelutions

T 40

36. Hospitality Mark

T 86

105. Vembanad House

37. Hotel Ambadi

T 84

106. Voyages Kerala

T 38

107. Wellness Solutions

T 82

38. Hotel Fort Queen

T 108

T 101

39. Hotel Grand Thekkady

T 52

108. Wild Kerala Tour Company

40. Hotel Issacs Regency

T 19

109. Wynberg Resorts

41. Illikkalam Lake Resort

T 74

42. India De’ Tours

T 83

Houseboat Parking

43. Indo World Tours & Travels

T 61

1.

Casino Hotel

44. Jct Houseboats

T 44

2.

Lake Palace Alleppey

45. Josey Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd

T 91

3.

Lakes & Lagoons Tour Company

46. Kaits Home

T4 T 23

H7 H6 H 10

T2

4.

Muthoot Cardamom County

47. Kalaketty Estate

T 93

5.

Pulickattil Houseboat Builders & Operators

H8

48. KCTC (P) Ltd

T 76

6.

Rainbow Cruises

H2

49. Kerala4you Holidays 50. Kodianthara Heritage Home 51. Kondai Lip Backwater Heritage Resort 52. Koshys Homestay

H4

T 71

7.

River & Country Tours

H1

T 103

8.

Saams Celebrations Leisure India Pvt. Ltd.

H5

T 57

9.

Soma Houseboats

T 107

H9

10. Spice Routes - Luxury Cruises

H3

53. Krishna Inn

T 89

11. Trident Cochin

H 12

54. Kurinji Homestay

T 66

12. Vembanad Cruises Pvt Ltd

H 11

176

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


KTM

Highlights of KTM 2010

A

Scandinavian countries apart from

the present calendar year shows

September every two years, KTM

2010 will be held at

the regular markets like UK,

that there has been an increase in

is the only tourism event in the

Bolgatty Palace Hotel,

Germany and other European

tourist arrival - both domestic and

subcontinent that brings together

Kochi. This is a Heritage venue.

countries, Middle East and far

foreign - as compared to the same

the business fraternity and

This shift is relevant in the light of

East and the USA.

period last year. During this

entrepreneurs behind the tourism

period, foreign tourist arrival grew

products and services of Kerala.

totally new venue – KTM

The growth in terms of Buyers

many Kerala heritage structures getting into World Heritage list. Introducing a novel business Networking system called Speed Networking to help the buyers and

(regd) from 2000 to 2010 is 500

by 13.90 per cent to touch 3.35

per cent and Sellers is 230 per

lakh tourists and domestic tourist

2000, the Marts held in 2002,

cent.

arrival grew by 5.59 percent to

2004, 2006 and 2008 were very

reach 41 lakh.

successful with the participation

According to the tourism

sellers to interact on a common

department, in the 2009 5.57 lakh

platform.

foreign tourists and 79.13 lakh

Tour operators, Travel Agents,

Launched in 2000 as KTM

from around 50 countries and

Organised during the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of

other parts of India.

domestic tourists visited the state.

Airlines, Media, Travel Writers,

Kerala earned a total income of

The main objective of the Kerala Travel Mart is to promote tourism in

MICE promoters from Poland,

Rs.13,231 crore from tourism.

Kerala. The Kerala Travel Mart Society conducts the Mart once in two

Australia, New Zealand, Peru,

The figures for the first half of

years for selected buyers from outside Kerala and other parts of the world in order to meet, interact and promote the Sellers, who are members of the KTM Society. The number of participants for each past mart is as follows: Sellers

Mathew Philip, CEO, KTM Society

ASIAN TRAVELLER

Int’l Buyers

DomBuyers

KTM 2000

160

250

320

KTM 2002

185

470

318

KTM 2004

181

471

745

KTM 2006

230

519

742

KTM 2008

288

570

980

KTM 2010

382

551

1621

The Kerala Travel Mart Society is a registered Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1995. A permanent institution, the Society conducts the Kerala Travel Mart and strives for the continuous public - private partnership to facilitate the promotion of Kerala as a tourism industry brand. The Society is governed by a President, Vice-President, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Jt. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and 17 Committee members. There is a permanent Secretariat in Cochin headed by a CEO.

SEPTEMBER 2010

177


PROFILE

Greenwoods

Be with nature

T

ucked away in a silent nook in the heart of the evercharming Thekkady,

Greenwoods gives a first-hand experience of the enigmatic beauty and sublime solitude of the wilderness. Situated in the gateway of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Greenwoods is not just

‘Ambara’ is a treetop that gives

traditional Kerala cuisine. Live

another resort that offers you only

you an amazingly breathtaking

cooking demos and recipes are

a fine stay. Along with all amenities 26 cozy and

Shinto K. Jose, Manager Business Development & Brand Building

maximum harmony with nature. There are a lot specialities

view of nature at its

also given by from

best. Greenwoods is

specialist chefs

also equipped with

every day. Activities

all the facilities to

well-appointed

waiting here for the guests to

conduct official

cottages and

uncover. ‘Arthreya’, the Ayurvedic

conferences with a

two romantic

centre here offer you a magical

fully equipped conference hall,

are availed here. Traditional art

honeymoon

rejuvenating experience that

the ‘Bodhi’.

forms are also hosted. An open

cottages lie in

assures peace to mind, body and

including sight seeing and trekking

‘Amrutham’ and ‘Naadan’, the

rabbit park, a separate butterfly

the mist of 5.5 acre spice

soul. ‘Poyka’, a swimming pool

restaurants here serve the

garden and a rose garden are also

plantation. The rooms are

that makes you feel like floating

authentic tastes of North Indian,

valued attractions here.

designed in order to let you enjoy

through a tranquil jungle lake.

Continental, Chinese and the

www.greenwoods.in

Cherai Beach Resorts

Experience the bliss

C

herai Beach Resorts is a

overlooking the clean long beach

unique health resort of

at the front and serene

excellence perceived and

backwaters behind. Here one can

promoted by a group of

experience the harmonious co-

enthusiastic doctors in the

existence of man and nature.

upcoming tourist destination

Within two years of inception this

Cherai beach, the “Princess of the Arabian Sea”. It is the ideally located in the Vypin island and is built for the delightful comfort and holistic well being of the health

property is rated as one of the

project with 21 additional Luxury

Appealing to health-conscious

conscious nature lover.

best among the best get away

Villas that makes 66 well furnished

visitors, these time-tested

destinations of Kerala.

independent Eco-friendly Garden

remedies will re-energies the

Villas for the season.

body, soothe the mind, and feed

The resort is exquisitely landscaped with lagoons and

To meet the growing demand

“Green Leaf”

canals

of long stayers

meandering in

from far and

Accredited

and around the

wide, Cherai

Ayurvedic SPA

Restaurants serving hot and spot

heritage and

Beach Resort

performs

barbecque, grilled and Thandoor

modern

has

Traditional

etc and activities Fishing feeding,

cottages built

commissioned

Ayurvedic

Beach Amenities, Indoor Games,

around

its second

treatments by

Fitness Centre etc are availed

picturesque greenery

PARTNER COUNTRY

178

Dr. N. Madhu MD

phase of the ongoing

Dr. Ramachandra Menon Director

specialised practitioners.

the soul. Conference Halls, Open Air

Dr. N.S. Renjith Director

here for the guests. www.cheraibeachresorts.com

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


PROFILE

The Beach Orchid

The preferred destination of corporate world

T

he Beach Orchid is the first

There is also a ten-room centre

five-star luxury hotel in

Ayurvedic which is run by

Kollam (Quilon), 65

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Group.

kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’. Situated on the shores of Arabian sea Beach Orchid is a twelve storied centrally air conditioned state-of-the-art hotel with 95 sea

The Beach Orchid is all

facing rooms providing facilities of

geared-up to provide professional

a five star hotel. The facilities

MICE tourism infrastructure and

include multi-

services,

cuisine

making it an

restaurant, bar,

ideal venue for

executives can enjoy a

care. Orchid Somatheeram has a

coffee shop,

corporate both

comfortable stay with all five-star

team of eminent doctors providing

roof top

big and small.

facilitates and sightseeing trips

Ayurvedic solutions using herbal

barbeque

Expert event

can also be arranged.

ingredients to ameliorate modern

management

restaurant, an infinity pool, a

K. Sreekumar CMD

Rahul Bhattacharjee GM

roof top pool

Somatheeram Ayurvedic

day ailments caused by lifestyle

services are

centre at the Beach Orchid Hotel,

iniquities. The Hotel is easily

provided by

Kollam will have ten sea facing

accessible by road, rail, sea and

and an International Convention

the hotel on a package or

treatment rooms at the Beach

backwaters from other important

Centre with a capacity to

customized basis. The

Orchid and will provide different

towns in Kerala.

accommodate 1500 persons.

participating delegates and

treatments for body and beauty

www.thebeachordidhotel.com

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

179


PROFILE

Ramada Resort

Feel the silence

R

amada Resort an island of

western and Indian classical

silence on the banks of

music is played on Saturdays and Sundays.

tranquil lake is just 17 km

Club 11

from Kochi, Kerala’s metropolis and 45 Minutes Drive from Cochin

Hundred, the

International Airport.

main bar offers the irresistible

The Kumbalam backwater is

combination of

part of the famed Vembanad Lake

great music,

and the resort is spread across 7 acres of land, having 42 living spaces, perhaps the largest per

Suresh Kumar GM

excellent food and a fine

capita space resort in Kerala. It

selection of liquor of

has 24 pool-facing villas and

international wines,

super luxury rooms with open

liquor and a

on their favourite drink while

glass door that steps into the

fascinating display of

enjoying a relaxing dip in the pool

balcony. The pool stretches to 110

their flaring skills as

gives a totally new experience.

metres in front of you and almost

they serve up the most

touches the lake.

exotic of cocktails.

The multi-cuisine restaurant

The spa, offers more than 25 varieties of herbal and western

Stroke is a sunken

massages to treat yourself to foot

‘Funnel’ serves subtle flavours of

pool bar attached to

reflexology and leave the seat to

continental cuisine to spicy

the meandering pool,

relax your body.

delights of coastal Indian. Live

where guests can sip

www.ramadacochin.com

Carmelia Haven

Awe inspiring haven

C

armelia Haven Thekkady,

‘Erumadom’ and the specially

set amid captivating

created underground cellar give

greenery is nestled right

absolute silence and fresh air. The comfort and happiness.

under the never

fully equipped

restaurant and the open

ending blue sky

ayurveda

restaurant serves a wide array of

of nature fills the

centres regain

delicacies to the tourists.

vast expanse of

all the vitality

‘Nattukoottam’ the

grand party or family

Carmelia’s

of your true

conference hall can

get-together.

plantations with

self and

accommodate up to

all its splendour

completely

300 people in theatre

a service apartment in

refresh the

style. Spice Routes

the heart of the city in

tourist.

luxury houseboat

Kochi that offers a

‘Cardamom’ is par with

comfortable stay for

and natural charm. The

Scaria Jose Director

rooms at Carmelia Haven Resort

Vineeth K. Nambiar GM

Kolumban, the multi-cuisine

The spacious deck has a seating capacity of fifty for a

The Town House is

are categorized into cave room,

the five star facilities

the guest to enjoy every moment

suite room, deluxe cottage,

is has two spacious

during their stay. Kailasam, an

honeymoon cottage and deluxe

rooms- Alleppey

exceptionally beautiful property of

room all over look the lush green

Green Bold and

Carmelia Haven offers long strolls

plantation. The exotic rooms and

Njallany- which are

of plantations and tea processing

circular cottages provide privacy

fully air conditioned

factor for the tourists to enjoy

combined with luxury suit well

and splendidly

every moment of their stay with

with the needs and moods of the

decorated with all

mountain safaris, bird watching

tourist.

modern amenities for

and trekking.

your complete

www.carmeliahaven.com

The tree-top wood cabins

PARTNER COUNTRY

180

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

T & U Leisure Hotel

A tantalizing holiday destination

T

& U Leisure a 3-Star category hotel in Munnar is

between Tea & you. The T & U is a destination for luxury vacation

just 500 meters away from

Munnar town is surrounded by

with modern

lush green valleys and various

amenities for

plantations that offer picturesque

the guest

sights and scenes. It has

combined with

luxurious 30 rooms, lobby and

the old world

outdoor that add to the details the

charm of the

evolution of the tea industry. In a way, if you look closely the leisure hotel has just become the ‘and’

Sumesh Joseph Director

hotel to preserve the

look and feel of the past.

The rooms are categorized into

luxuriously deserved holiday. The

spacious rooms and Honeymoon

100 seater conference hall is well

cottages.

designed with modern standards. It is built with the state-

All the rooms provide the most

of-the-art facilities like

sophisticated luxury of

video-audio for a

the west with a

successful event. It also

splendor view of the

offers attractive tour

hills. The multi-cuisine

packages for the tourists and provides other

restaurant, ‘Top Station’, offers the best food in

facilities like Internet, Travel Desk,

town and takes care of everything

Lawn Dining etc.

for the guest to enjoy every

www.tanduleisurehotel.com

Cosmos Tours and Travels

Hospitality of quality and service

C

osmos Tours and Travels

motor boat cruise, Professional

a leader in the field of

guide services, Contract services,

Travel and Tourism is

Railway ticket booking,

in UAE and UK.

staff and drivers are

Cosmos Tours & Travels is

professionally trained and service

recognized by Ministry of Tourism,

oriented. Above all hassle free

endowed with quality services to

Govt. of India and Accredited tour

bookings, reasonable rates and

esteemed clients at the most

operator kerala tourism, member

prompt services make Cosmos

affordable and reasonable prices.

of IATO, KTM and ATTOI.

Tours and Travels the favorite

It offer a wide range of services

It offers round the clock

travel partner for tourists

like Airline booking, worldwide

service with both A/c and non A/c

worldwide.

hotel

vehicles. The reservations, service

www.cosmoskerala.com

reservations,

Sightseeing tours and anytime

Tailor made tour

Airport/ railway station transfers

packages,

etc. Cosmos Tours and Travels

Honeymoon

Thiruvananthapuram established

trips, Ayurveda

in 2000 is equipped with modern fleet of luxury cars and coaches

packages, spiritual packages,

P.S. Chandrasenan CEO

ranging from Indica cars to large luxury coaches to suit your needs.

Conference and convention

It has branch offices in Kochi and

arrangements, Houseboat and

Bengaluru and associate offices

PARTNER COUNTRY

182

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


PROFILE

Sur ya Samudra

Redefining luxury vacations

S

urya Samudra Kovalam in Kerala, a perfect blend of style, convenience and

experience a traditional home.

luxury resort and is set up in a lush private

‘The Tharavadu’ is a

enclave of open

commitment to tradition is located

unique heritage

views of the sea.

30 miles from the tip of the

property with 22

subcontinent, a few minutes from

Tharavadu homes,

the historic Vizhinjam harbour and

spread over 22

the first property in kovalam that

acres of lush green tropical

open round the clock and offers a

signature baths and scrubs and

gives the discerning traveller an

gardens. It has all modern

combination of

continuous innovation with our

opportunity to stay in and

conveniences of a contemporary

global cuisine,

extensive spa menu makes Spa

Oottupura, the sea facing all day

mind and soul. The newly

dining restaurant

introduced Jetlag therapy,

and Kerala.

Niramaya, a truly unique

Kanal, the grill,

experience. Surya Samudra Private

offers an

Retreats, the hospitality arm of

eclectic array

Jupiter Capital Group, plans to

of evening specials, hot off the coals.

Anju Chandrasekhar MD

SEPTEMBER 2010

properties, in spectacular

Madira, the poolside bar,

locations like Wynad, Goa,

presents views of an endlessly

Chikamangalur, Kumarakom and

stretching arabian sea.

Puducherry. The Kumarakom

Spa Niraamaya offers a

ASIAN TRAVELLER

develop 5 similar boutique

property is all set to launch as

range of natural and holistic

early as 2011.

therapies to rejuvenate body,

www.suryasamudra.com

183


PROFILE

Vythiri Resort

A never ending delight

V

ythiri Resort Wayanad is a

experience of the surrounding

beautiful view of the lush

One exclusive

delightful and perfect

sights and sounds.

surroundings, flowing stream and

child friendly

above all inspired by

tree house is

hideaway for the tourist

The resort has six

from the hustle and busy life.

Planters retreat

of ancient Keralite

also available

Spread over150 acre, the resort is

rooms, 18 serenity

traditions are ideal for

here.

well furnished and equipped with

cottages, four Vythiri

family and couples.

all amenities to provide the

habitat and vythiri

Vythiri Haven’s

residents an immediate

haven offers

Jacuzzi Villas are

It also Jose Kainady MD

provides other facilities like Vythiri Spa,

exclusive living rooms with spacious sit outs, located

Conference hall, Ayurveda centre,

downstream. The four enchanting

safe deposite lockers, health club,

tree houses high above the rain

coffee shop, multi cuisine

forest is built by indigenous tribals

restaurant, play indoor games or

with locally available materials.

take part in the many outdoor activities etc for the guest. Guests can also relax in their cottages or go for walks in the forest in the company of the resident naturalist. It is just 85 km from Calicut International Airport and 18 km from Kalpetta. www.vythiriresort.com

Abia Tours

For a hassle free journey

A

bia Tours is a complete

are Exotic Experience (8 nights/9

drop facilities (Airport/Railway

also provides tourist for exploring

destination management

days), Dream Destinations (7

station - Cochin & Trivandrum / as

destinations such as Kochi, its

company of experienced

nights/8 days), Fascinating

per the itinerary).

natural harbour, historical site,

team of travel planners and tour

Fantasy (6 nights/7 days), Luring

Abia Tours preferred hotels

escorts who chalk-out a perfect

Landscapes (5 nights/6 days) and

and resorts are in the category of

plan for individual travellers – for

Enthralling Encounters (4 nights/5

Luxury, deluxe and budget type. It

both budget and luxury travel. It

days). The package

makes every moment an exciting

offers include

one for the tourist and captivate

accommodation

the breathtaking views and

(rooms on twin

exciting experiences that will

sharing basis, bed

come their way.

tea/coffee), meals on

synagogue, cathedral and

tours (daily buffet

museums giving an insight of

Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bengaluru and

breakfast in all hotels

history, legacy, centuries old art

headquartered in Mumbai Abia

and resorts),

etc. Abia Tours is a complete

Tours will soon offer services from

overnight cruise (A/c

hospitality industry that helps the

Chennai, Kuala Lumpur, Middle

house boat includes

tourist enjoy all aspects of God’s

East, Europe and Far East. They

all meals as per

own country. Abia Tours under the

offer packages that cover Kerala

package), road travel

umbrella of Ullattil Hospitality is

and South India besides

(A/c transfers and

coming up with three brand new

international packages to

sightseeing as per

properties - in backwater, beach

Switzerland, Egypt and Dubai.

itinerary on disposal

and hill station - in Kerala.

basis) and pickup &

www.abiatours.com

Now with offices in Kochi,

The Kerala packages on offer

PARTNER COUNTRY

184

European heritage, palaces,

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

Lakes and Lagoons

A blissful journey on the backwaters

L

akes and Lagoons a certified houseboat tour operating company in

Alleppey, Kerala is a natural

Houseboats is

guests. The extensive fleet company

a premium

operates includes a variety of

range of

Houseboats both air-conditioned

houseboats

treasure house with visually

has special

splendid lake, green palms and

features

vegetation, active with the aquatic

including

life and local villages engaged in

round the

V.C. Zachariah MD

everyday

clock A/c,

routine and a

luxurious interiors along with the

at the houseboats including

professionally

and non air conditioned and is

most modern amenities and

wedding, meetings, cultural

managed

equipped with all modern

special menu.

shows etc. The pure ethnic

company with

amenities including fully furnished

a fleet of luxury

bedrooms, toilets, sundecks and a

pioneered with innovative

and lagoons. The menu includes

Houseboats.

kitchen. The Lake Royale

concepts of a wide range of event

steaming fresh cooked rice,

Lakes and Lagoon is

Lakes and

cuisine is a specialty of the Lakes

curries with locally grown organic

Lagoons the

vegetables, Pearl Spot (Karimeen)

best backwater cruises that

fish fry which is one of the most

operate from Ex-Alleppey,

sought dish by the guest, the

Kumarakom, Markotta and

starchy Cassava (Tapioca) and

Alumkadavu Houseboats and are

fish curry - a veritable tropical

known for its excellent cater to

feast for your palate.

Indians as well as overseas

www.lakeslagoons.com

Mist y Mountain Resort

For a ‘top of the world’ holiday

P

oised at the gateway to

upcoming resort in the hill station.

rooms which are stylishly

resort portraying victorian

Munnar, beside the

The main feature of the resort is

furnished. The main attractions

architecture is quietly

national highway NH 49

simply its location. The resort over

here are the themed multi-cuisine

contemporary

enroute Munnar from Kochi is the

looks panoramic vistas of the

restaurant, 3000 sq ft banquet

and in

Misty mountain resort one of the

Sahyadri ranges, verdant tea

space, Karoake and Rooftop

harmony with

gardens and a

Bonfire facilities, an entertainment

its

distant Sengulam

centre, toddler play area and a

surroundings.

lake.

quaint gym.

The luxury of

The 50 well-

Designed to balance form with

the setting will Suresh P. MD

appointed rooms

function and provide the ultimate

include 39 double,

setting for work, rest and play, it

6 deluxe rooms, 3

offers a fine array of the finest

impeccable service and attention

suites and 2 family

amenities and dining spaces. The

to detail that leave the guests with

be matched only by the

a memorable experience. The amazing scenic views from the comfort of the valley view rooms are simply awe-inspiring .True to its name, by sundown the resort is enveloped in veils of mist, offering the guests a near perfect Mountain holiday experience. www.mistymountainresort.in

PARTNER COUNTRY

186

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

Assured Hospitalit y

Unmatched esteem hospitality of service

A

ssured Hospitality

where one can browse through

for a perfect destination ends right

Services Private Limited

the features, facilities and fares of

here.

(AHSPL), a leading

various options right at their

Sapan Ashok Chauhan the co

hospitality marketing organization

fingertips. It’s a Hotel Marketing

founder of AHSPL initiated the

in the travel and hospitality

company generating contacts and

tourism and hospitality industry

services

contracts

during his graduation at the

industry, in

between

reputed Institute of Hotel

Gujarat (India)

potential

Management (IHM), Ahmedabad,

connects guests

guests and

and Gujarat, worked with reputed

with a wide

hotels/resorts.

hotels and travel companies in

All over the

range of hotels

country and

and resorts all over the country. At the moment

Sappan Chauhan Director

Alok Soni Director

Ahmedabad and Mumbai. AHSPL has grown

share. AHSPL now provides offshore travel and hospitality services, to popular tourism destinations of

India, we have

exponentially from a small Gujarat

India like Himachal, Uttrakhand,

many hotels

based company, to a

Kerala, Goa and many business

AHSPL have 12 hotels compiled

and resorts providing a

multidimensional travel and

cities like Mumbai, Delhi,

together carefully and verified for

comfortable and pleasant

hospitality services provider

Bangalore, Hyderabad and

selection of hotels and resorts,

business or holiday. Your search

capturing significant market

Chennai.

Rainbow Cruises

A cruising delight

R

ainbow Cruises, a unit of

The houseboat is about 18 to

Green Shore Holidays and

21 meters long and about 5 m

Resorts (P) Ltd. in

wide at the middle. The hull is

Alappuzha is the finest Houseboat in Kerala with Gold Star rating. It is perhaps the most enchanting holiday experience for the tourists that give a floating holiday on the backwaters in Alappuzha, known

made of wooden planks held

as the Venice of the East.

together by ropes of coconut fiber

The house boats native oars

classy kitchen.

and the roof is made of bamboo

men takes the guest to an

poles and palm leaves. The

amazing world of delights and

exterior of the boat is painted with

used onboard

tranquility with a blend of nature

protective coats of cashew nut oil.

are eco-friendly,

in its entire traditional splendor

The Rainbow cruises

pampering all your senses and

traditional Kettuvallam is

rejuvenating your body

equipped with the state-of-the-art

All materials

from solar power energy system to the decor. Jose Mathew Director

188

Rainbow Cruises has worked hard

luxuries and safety measures.

to ensure the highest standards

Each houseboat is of excellent

and are skillfully equipped with

construction and luxurious

every safety and luxury amenities

furnishing, with exquisite flooring,

onboard.

hull and canopy, a sun deck,

PARTNER COUNTRY

Cijo Alex Director

Jojy Mathew Director

The nearest airport Kochi is 85

spacious living and dining area,

kilometers and

one, two and three bedrooms, and

Thiruvananthapuram International

separate toilets for the crew,

Airport is 150 from Alappuzha.

spacious passage and a neat,

www.rainbowcruises.in

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


PROFILE

Somatheeram Ayur vedic Health Resort

A resort of high esteem

S

omatheeram Ayurvedic

tourism association. This makes

into sidhartha Deluxe Kerala

traditional

Health Resort Kovalam is

the resort a leading centre

House and cottages. The kerala

delicacies. The

one of the first Ayurvedic

specialising in Ayurvedic

houses are 300 years old and

restaurant also

treatment in Kerala since 1997.

were rebuilt after elaborate

provides a

resort in India that offers authentic

restoration. Distinctive features

choice of about

and yoga. The Somatheeram

and built with eco-friendly

are the timber construction

250 different

Ayurvedic Health Resort was

materials, designed elegantly in a

method and the

and effective Ayurvedic treatments

The resort retains its greenery

Polly Mathew CMD

use of antique doors and furniture. The cottages

James Polly JMD

are built of natural stone or brick

Ayurvedic

of southern Indian style mainly

vegetarian

designed as double rooms. The

dishes, salads and juices. It

Special/Sea-view bungalows are

contains all the ingredients

more spacious, detached and

necessary for health: proteins,

offer a view of the sea from the

carbohydrates, fats, vitamins,

interior or from the terrace.

minerals and trace elements. It

The restaurant at

also provides 150 non-ayurvedic

Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort

dishes typically of southern

awarded the Best Ayurvedic

breathtaking manner. The rooms

offers the best meal consisting of

Indian, European or Chinese

Centre for the ninth time and

are ventilated to allow fresh air

rice and several curries served in

foods fresh, healthy and tasty.

Green Leaf Certificate from state

flow; the rooms are categorized

a plantain leaf without missing the

www.somatheeram.org

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

189


PROFILE

Nandhana Hometel

Where corporates feel at home

N

andhana Hometel is the

over two decades in service.

group gives a whole new

traditional andhra cuisine

second venture from Dr.

Catering to business and leisure

experience of fine business

restaurant, Sitara, the multi

Ravichandar Group an

requirements the hotel has 41

combined with leisure with state

cuisine restaurant and Paradise,

tastefully decorated rooms with

of art service.

the bar and restaurant with Light

icon in hospitality industry with

Options for accommodation here include standard single,

Music serves delights to the gourmet. A 24 hr coffee shop is

standard double

also available.

and deluxe

The

rooms featuring

Banquet Halls

200, 240 and

Homtel and

280 sq ft area.

Kalyaani has

All of them have

capacities of 20

states of art accommodation

Wooden

and conferencing facilities,

Flooring, 21"

business center etc. All

Plasma TV,

rooms and suites promise

Colorful Lightings, Separate Sit

fresh and distinctive

Out, Study Table with LAN & Wifi

experiences.

Internet Connection, Well Stocked

Indiranagar, Bangalore situated

Minibar, Individual A/C Controller,

39 kilometers from the

taste and being in the

Luggage Rack, Safe Electronic

international Airport is in the

business for over two

Lockers, Ward Robe etc.

vicinity to the tech parks and

Well versed with the local

Pax and 150 Dr. Ravichandar CMD

There are three different

decades, Sree Nandhini Palace

Restaurants; Banana Leaf, the

Prakash Royan Corporate GM

Pax in Theatre Style. Fitness

Centre is also availed for guests. Nandhana Hometel at

major shopping malls. www.nandhanahometel.in

Edasser y Kayal Resort

A paradise of luxury and Lifestyle

E

dassery Kayal Resort

sensitivity that goes beyond mere

offers impeccable service, luxury,

are available. And also conduct

Kumarakom, a paradise

lip service from the ethnic

fine cuisine and most modern

open air session or training

untouched and unexplored

furniture and luxury fittings,

is spread across 3 acres of

through the traditional patterned

beautiful backwater completely

furnishings. The Courtyard rooms

unspoiled for the tourist to enjoy

are with private open-sky shower

the glory of gods own country’s

and luxurious lawns, each deluxe

paradise. The enchanting

room overlooking the lake is the beauty of the resort. Rani the multi cuisine restaurant enthralls the taste buds with

backwater resort is 15km from Kottayam and 50kms from Cochin.

E.J. Davis MD

flavours of facilities for discerning business

exercises, outdoors, the tree

conditioned and the specially

continental dishes. The 24x7

travelers. It can accommodate 100

shade, and amphitheatre is the

designed cottages present an

coffee shop Chithira welcomes

persons in theatre style and 40

ideal venue. The property is

exquisite array of amenities for

the guest with specialized coffee,

persons in U shaped arrangement

marketed by Green Shore

every need and provide all that

tea, snacks etc. and suit all tastes

with facilities like LCD projector,

Holidays and Resorts Pvt. Ltd.

the guest desire. The sumptuous

and lifestyles. The air-conditioned

Sound system, Laptop, Internet

(Rainbow Cruises).

interiors reflect a vernacular

conference hall ‘Marthandam’

connection, Projection screen etc.

www.edasseryresorts.com

The rooms are fully air-

PARTNER COUNTRY

190

Kerala and

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

Kadavu

Hospitality in malabar style

D

esigned to cater business

away from Calicut in a

Malabar delicacies. Olappura is

packages are given after

and leisure travellers

picturesque location on the banks

round-the-clock coffee shop

diagonosis.

alike Kadavu Resort is

of river Chaliyar. Aesthetically

which serves break fast and fast

one of the major brand in

designed and build with a unique

foods. Ootupura is a non-smoking

hospitality in the region. A Five

blend of traditional and modern

restaurant cum-bar.

star resort ideally located 15 km

architecture from the Hindu and Mappila cultures, the resort. Located in a sprawling nine-

Maikhana, the cocktail lounge and the Oyster the poolside bar offers various wines, juices,

acre plot with groves of swaying

cocktails, mocktails and snacks.

coconut palms, Kadavu offers

Kadavu Kabab Kourt is the

best quality services. Kadavu

barbeque and tandoor corner at

offers 7 independent cottages and

Kadavu.

103 elegantly styled rooms and

N.K. Muhammad MD

Unnikrishnan Nair GM

Kadavu also houses Shalimar,

Kadavu has a reputed

The Conference Hall with all

Ayurveda Centre with qualified

modern communication facilities,

personnel

Thekkini, the Board Room and

conditioned, all rooms

serving

Panther, The

are provided with

authentic and

Banquet Space and Pool Side

standard amenities.

traditional

Lawns which can hold up to

Uru, the multi-cuisine

Ayurveda

1,200 people.

restaurant of Kadavu

treatments to its

serves continental,

guests.

from the Kozhikode airport and 12

Indian and Chinese

Treatment and

km from the Railway Station.

cuisine along with

rejuvenation

www.kadavuresorts.com

suites. Centrally air-

The resort hotel is 4 km far

Kairali Back waters

Experience the exotic backwaters

P

oovar is home to a natural

Kerala who will help you to

the sea provides a perfect hidden

phenomenon where the

discover the region in the best

holiday for the guest to sail along

Lake, River, Sea and

manner possible – in a boat. They

the backwaters of Poovar with

Beach meet the land. Poovar is

arrange boat trips in the lake and

Kairali Fibre Boats. Since it is a

unspoilt and unexplored,

river and help you explore the

recreational activity, the boating is

enveloped by the most serene

local fishing,

done in

backwaters, and opening out to

water birds,

protected

the sea and a dream golden sand

exotic flowers

waters and

beach. Kairali Backwaters is a

and vegetation.

during good

backwater cruise provider based

During the ride

weather and

in Poovar, Thiruvanathapuram,

Kairali

the company

Backwaters Guides will explain the

adhere to all Sreekumar A. Partner

historical significance of places

PARTNER COUNTRY

192

Ramkumar R. Partner

the safety measures.

Poovar is just 22 km from

passing by. The historical

Central Railway Station,

importance of Poovar has its

Thiruvananthapuram and 28 km

strong ties with the legendary

from International Airport,

King of the erstwhile Princely

Thiruvananthapuram. Kairali

State of Travancore, the great

Backwaters Cruise Company is

Marthanda Varma Maharaja. The

located at Poovar.

serene backwaters opening out to

www.kairaliback waters.com

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

Hilton hospitality in Chennai

H

Known for

ilton one of the top

to-ceiling double-glazed windows

brands in the

Meetings and

that allow plenty of natural light.

international hospitality

events along with

Sink into comfortable beds with

sector is all geared up to provide

Dining and

four jumbo hypoallergenic pillows

accommodation of its standards

entertainment,

and a

to those visiting the city of

Hilton Chennai

convenient

Chennai. The hotel will soon be

offers a

bedside panel

joining the Hilton Worldwide

contemporary feel

for easy light

Portfolio of Brands and is

with a touch of old

control. The

presently accepting reservations

Madras, which is

modern, stylish

for arrival

reflected in its

bathrooms

December 31,

restaurants and room decor. While

feature a walk-in

2010.

modern design plays a vital role

rain shower and

Strategically

in the hotel, warm hospitality and

deep luxurious baths. Tourist

located in the

a high standard of customer

attractions like Guindy National

well-planned

service combine to

Park, Marina Beach,

neighborhood

deliver an unequalled

the old town of

of Guindy,

hotel experience for the

Mylapore, St. Thomas

Hilton Chennai

guests. The hotel’s

Basilica and the

is away from

contemporary rooms

Government Museum

the city’s

are designed for

hustle and

comfort and relaxation while

Stephen R. Magor GM

are all nereby. The domestic and the

bustle yet easily accessible to

and the finest entertainment and

featuring state-of-the-art

international airports are 15

Olympia and Tamarai Tech Parks

shopping complexes in Chennai .

technology. Each room has floor-

minute drive away.

Lake Palace

Live on the lake

T

he Lake Palace is one of

Situated adjacent to the finishing

the renowned among

point of the Nehru Trophy Boat

backwater

Race track, it can be

resorts of

accessed by boat

Alappuzha as it

from main town

provides something

Alappuzha.

different and special

Lake view Suite,

to their guests and visitors. It is

Lake view Cottages, Kerala

doctor and masseurs offers

etc. Kerala, South Indian and

one resort that gives the true

Cottages, Water Villa are the

authentic treatments and

North Indian dishes are served at

ambience of the vast lake with its

modes of accommodation in the

rejuvenation packages fewer than

the restaurant here. Sea food and

wide exposure to the waters.

resort, all featuring king size and

100% hygienic and dust free

desserts made in local,

twin bedrooms.

Mexican and Central European

individually

business

styles is also another attraction of

decorated with

facilities are

this resort which gives a complete

a blend of old-

availed at Lake

backwater holiday experience.

world charm

Palace along

swimming pool, backwater rides,

and modern

with a

houseboat stays and other

Conference

recreational facilities are available

hall and other

for the guests here. Fishing and

The Ayurveda

194

continental, Chinese, Italian,

All

accessories.

PARTNER COUNTRY

conditions.

Rooms are

Thomas Chandy, Chairman

center at Lake

standard amenities including 24-

bird watching are the main

Palace with

hour coffee shop, internet access,

activities here.

experienced

money changer, Doctor on call,

www.lakepalaceresort.com

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

Eastend Hospitalit y

Taking hospitality to new heights

E

Eastend Ayurkshethra, ‘the

astend Lakesong, located

have air conditioning and are well

along the shores of serene

appointed with cable TV, direct-

backwaters of Kumarakom

dial telephone and Wi-

Ayurveda and Yoga

luxurious hotel situated in the

is a retreat with a difference in

Fi technology. The

retreat centre within the

heart of Munnar city which offers

that it offers excellent facilities

rooming arrangements

Lakesong resort

4 star facilities.

with uncompromising quality and

have been categorized

complex providing

superb service. Situated on 8

into three Type,

traditional treatment

spread out across beautiful

acres of facility packed leisure

Vembanad, Ashtamudi

rooms and Greenleaf

gardens and Galaxy rooms

and Punnamada.

quality facilities.

created with a blend of English

land, there are

E.V. Mathews, Director Eastend Hospitality

temple of life’ is an authentic

Eastend Munnar, the maiden venture of Eastend Hospitality is a

The Super Deluxe Cottages

28 quaint

and ethnic styles of architecture

cottages and

provides utmost privacy and

rooms with 4

comfort, a host of up-to-date

Star Cottage

facilities, artfully landscaped

amenities, all

gardens, and a spectacular

constructed on

view of cool mist covered Munnar

the banks of

hills. The gourmet cuisine is

the inland

another attraction. Eastend

canals. It has tiled roofs and un-

Farmyard is a resort at Adimali, 30

plastered exteriors reminiscing

km downhill of Munnar built in the

traditional houses which blends to

ethnic Kerala theme is a

the green landscaped grounds. .

comfortable zone and a delight to

The interiors are roomy and

rest and dine.

comfortable. All accommodations

www.eastend.in

Lulu

Making events memorable

T

he largest convention

1,50,000 sq. ft., Lulu features 7

most modern audio-

center in Kerala and one of

upscale venues which can

visual facilities. The

the largest in India, Lulu

accommodate up to 5000 people

Mini-conference

International Convention Center is

at a time. Located in the cultural

Safina I, II, III is an

a mainstay for

capital of Kerala, Thrissur, this is

air-conditioned and

large scale

one perfect venue for MICE

carpeted hall which

events in the

events, Seminars, product

can be segregated

state. Flexibility

launches, mega shows, domestic

into 3 different halls

and versatility

celebrations, get-togethers,

can seat 20 to 450

are key factors

marriages etc.

people. The Central

The centrally air-conditioned

in the design of this state-of-the-

Yusuffali M. A. MD, EMKE Group

Lulu Grand, the Main Hall and

Courtyard Lulu Greens is a lush, green, open air

arrangements. The place also

venue apt for

holds Lulu Garden hotels with 30

driven center. It is equipped with

evening

fully air-conditioned luxurious

the most advanced conference

functions and

executive rooms and 5 suites with

facilities and can to enhance the

get-togethers

double occupancy. The Clay Oven

ambience of the place to suit the

which can

restaurant offers international

art technology-

Ruby Banquet Hall have

events. The professional and

capacities of 2200 and 1100

easily seat up

cuisines for the gourmet’s delight.

dedicated team here offer

people respectively.

to 2000

It also has a well-equipped health

superior service and inspired

The Non A/c Banquet Hall, Lotus

people. It can

club and a kids play park for

event solutions.

can accommodate 1000 people.

also be

recreation.

With a total built up area of

Grand Hall is equipped with the

PARTNER COUNTRY

196

Jose Sebastian GM

facilitated with audio-visual

www.luluicc.in

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

Alila Diwa Goa

Reminiscing the true Goan essence

A

lila Diwa Goa, a

equipped with a grand ballroom, 2

Goan and Portuguese aesthetics

personalized lifestyle hotel

meeting rooms with sophisticated

and architecture with

located along scenic

and technologically advanced

contemporary functionality. Alila Diwa Goa Hotel offers

Majorda Beach in South Goa is

conference facilities and a large

the very first property of Asia’s

outdoor lawn that

different types of

leading luxury boutique hotel and

can accommodate

rooms- Terrace, Loft,

resort operator, Alila Hotels and

up to 300 persons.

Family Terrace, Diwa Suite and Alila Suite,

The 114-room

Resorts in India. Located just 20

Ankur Rastogi Director S & M

Saji Joseph GM

minutes from Dabolim

property boasts of intelligent

designed for quiet indulgence.

Diwa Goa is an infinity pool that

International Airport, the hotel is

design, reminiscent of traditional

The rooms and suites are

extends out into the paddy

designed with an amazing bath

terraces. The guests at the hotel

experience, luxury bedding and a

can enjoy 2 innovative and diverse

private terrace to take in the

restaurants featuring a fusion of

picturesque setting. Spread

modern and rustic ambience,

across 300 square meters, the

contemporary interior design with

hotel lobby is reminiscent of a

live kitchens serving eclectic

traditional chapel that opens into

cuisines. Six live kitchens offering

the courtyard. Three-bedroom

a variety of cuisines spanning

Presidential Villa, comes with a

both international and local. The

private plunge pool and a villa

Edge Bar is an Edgy all day

host, offering an unprecedented

lounge bar offering premium

level of private space at 3,800

wines and Cocktails.

square feet. At the heart of Alila

www.alilahotels.com/diwagoa

shop, Currency Exchange, Travel

Back water Ripples

Leisure by the lake

L

ocated in 10 acres of

The resort has 34 cottages and

beautifully landscaped

executive rooms in a range of

ground beside the vast

layouts including cottages with a

wasters of Vembanadu lake, Backwater Ripples offers

spectacular view of the lake. The cottages built in traditional

spellbinding encounters with

Kerala architecture suits the

nature.

travellers to ease out their stress of their daily

Hot Coals, the lake side

lives. Spacious

gadgets, the resort harmoniously

barbeque and

open air

blends ancient

Desk, Water Sports

grill restaurant

bathrooms are

heritage and latest

Center, Lake Front

offering

seamlessly

technology.

Barbeque, Sunset

authentic

connected to

coastal Indian

large bed

is another multi-

Chayakkada (local

rooms. Natural

cusine restaurant

tea shop), Internet

materials such

that serves you

CafĂŠ etc. are vailed

authentic local

for the guest at the

delicacies from the

resort. Arayannam,

seafood grilled either with

Mathew Alex Vellappaly MD

exquisite Mediterranean marinade

John Malikal GM

as wood, granite and marble

or firey Indian masalas and unique create a feeling of warmth and

Cruise,

The Cordon Bleu

Mediterranean cuisines is one of

luxury. From the traditionally

Vembanadu Lake. Swimming Pool,

the unique eco friendly houseboat

the main highlights of the place.

crafted wooden furniture, local

Air-conditioned Conference Halls,

of Backwater Ripples has one bed

The guest can also reach the

nature paintings and ethnic

Health Club, Doctor on Call, Safe

room with attached bathroom.

restaurant by boat.

handicrafts to the modern

Deposit Facilities, Curio/Book

www.back waterripples.com

PARTNER COUNTRY

198

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

The Dune

The balancing act

D

esigned to cater to the

hotel with unique 30 aesthetic

growing demand for long

villas and 20 rooms fusing modern

stay destinations, it is

and traditional architecture. The

located on the Coramandel coast

new bungalows added recently

of Tamil Nadu, South India, 150

include the two Wood Houses, the

km south of Chennai and just 15

Pool House and the Courtyard

private gardens. Having a

swimming pool, tennis court and

km from Pondicherry.

House. The Paradise Spa provides

refreshing sea breeze most of the

700m of sea front. The 2

highly effective therapies from

time some of the accommodation

restaurants; FUN Restaurant and

accommodation providers in

around the world, an international

are not air-

The Lounge serve

Pondicherry consistently with

range of ancient to the latest

conditioned.

healthy gourmet

timely innovations and due up-

healing methods. Each one of the

gradations, the Dune is a thematic

bungalows sparsely spread and

Being one of the quality

using organically

reclaimed building

discreetly hidden

material from South

over 30 acres

Indian Colonial houses, Chettinad

The seafood bar serves fresh

beside the beach

palaces and Kerala planter’s

seafood cooked to choice in the

front is of a unique

mansions, they are fully equipped

grill, the barbecue or the tandoor

inspiration,

with Solar hot water system, low

with fresh salads, sandwiches,

furniture, size,

comsuption bulbs and Waste

snacks and drinks. The Dune is

facility, ranging

Water Treatment Plant.

also the base for ‘Artists in

from ones for

200

fusion food, prepared

Built using

farmed vegetables.

The commitment to reduce the

Residence’, a programme

couples to ones for

impact on the environment is

providing work studios for Artists

families or friends

always upheld by the Dune. It

from all around the world.

with lounge and

houses an organic farm,

www.thedunehotel.com

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


PROFILE

Grand Plaza

Hospitality meets serenity

G

The round the clock restaurant

makes the guests enjoy their

rand Plaza, Munnar is a

plantations. Elegance, Ambience

place that convenes

and Suite-rooms

offers quality

holidays with more options for

ambience of the scenic

are the different

service and a

activities and leisure. The sight of

vistas of green nature without

accommodations

discrete

waters cascading down a hill from

compromising in luxury, food and

provided here.

atmosphere.

a height of around 1600 meters is

mist filled valley.

Each room is

It is a great place to relax and

exquisitely

off, the fully

captivating surroundings make an

unwind. Fresh greenery adorns

furnished, with

equipped

outstanding picnic spot and

the entire landscape with plenty of

all modern

board room,

trekking point.

lighting.

facilities like

overlooking

www.grandplazamunnar.com

Grand tee

Dr. Xavier Mathew M.D. MD

Srijeet Teqedat GM

cable connection, cold/ hot water,

the golf course can

spacious rooms that offer a

24 hours room service, direct

accommodate 150

breathtaking view of the tea

dialing telephones etc. It provides

people for corporate

It has 38 elegantly furnished

a soothing ambiance and perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Grand Spices, the

ASIAN TRAVELLER

events. Tourists attractions including Eravikulam National Park (15 km

multi-cuisine

from Munnar),

restaurant at Grand

Nyayamakad Waterfalls

Plaza with majestic

(10 kms from Munnar),

setting serve Indian,

the kurinji habitats in

Chinese and

Munnar, Kodaikanal

Continental cuisines.

and the Nilgris are

SEPTEMBER 2010

an awe-inspiring one. The

200


PROFILE

Poovar Ayur veda Village

Healing the natural way

P

oovar is an explorer’s haven. Placed on an island of indescribable beauty, Poovar Ayurveda Village is one of the places where the 6000 year old ancient healthcare system is still practiced at its purest form. The newly expanded Ayurveda facility boasts of one of the most spacious therapy centers in Kerala. To establish optimal health in every person be it be physical, mental or spiritual is the motto which is achieved by establishing an energetic equilibrium in the functions of the body humors and alteration in life style. The Ayurveda village has been expanded on 22 acres of landscaped gardens and has added 10 spacious Ayurveda land cottages including 2 suites. The specialized Ayurveda restaurant has been renovated and caters to the

PARTNER COUNTRY

202

discerning guest with a superior selection of authentic Ayurveda Cuisine to choose from. This comprehensive A la carte menu gives variety and choice to the guest. A free flowing swimming pool has also been added to enhance the guest facilities at the Ayurveda Village. All treatments are decided after a careful examination by the physician. A team of experienced doctors and therapist’s practice this traditional art form in the

ideal environment in order to maximize the healing potential. The treatments offered here include rejuvenation therapy, body purification program, body

immunization therapy, stress management therapy, weight loss program, degenerative joint problems

the resort with a short boat trip across the breathtaking backwaters of Kerala. The ‘Ayurveda Village’ at Poovar Island Resort lies away from the hustle and bustle of the city, hidden amidst swaying coconut palms, endless golden sands, the deep blue along with yoga and sea, breathtaking sunsets meditation programmes. and lush flora. Poovar Ayurveda Village Poovar Ayurveda Village is 45 minutes drive from is managed by Aitken Thiruvananthapuram airport Spence Hotels & Resorts. and the final journey ends at www.aitkenspencehotels.com

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010



PROFILE

Fortune Hotels

Leveraging on the power of spread

H

onoured with prestigious

thought out growth strategy. In

awards, and with its

accordance with the above

balanced approach

strategy, the Fortune brand has

towards growth, expansion and

been further categorized into

brand extensions, Fortune Hotels

several brand extensions, each

is a leading “First

catering to specific

Class Full Service

needs.

Business Hotel

The chain

Chain” with 61

offers full service

Alliances and 33 Operating Hotels

without compromising on quality,

across 45 cities. Operating mid

at a very people-friendly price.

market to upscale hotels across

While business travel accounts for

the length and breadth of the

much of its revenue, convenient

country for the last fifteen years of

locations, excellence of cuisine,

its existence, it is one of the

attentive service and competitive

business locations in metros, mini

fastest growing hotel chains in

pricing, has made it popular with

metros and key leisure locations.

travellers, the chain attracts a

India in the segment.

travellers in all categories, both

The ‘Fortune Park’ hotels are

large number of leisure travellers

domestic and international.

business hotels in the mid-scale,

with its convenient locations,

between 3-4 star categoriesThe

service quality and excellent

The chain has extensive expansion plans of augmenting

The ‘Fortune Select’ are

Patronized mainly by business

the number of rooms from the

upscale hotels in the 4+ to 5 star

‘Fortune Inn’ hotels are full service

cuisine. ‘Fortune Holidays’ has

present 4883 to 5400 over the

category offering contemporary

business hotels with 30 to 50

been created to specially cater to

next two years, as part of a well

product and services, located at

rooms.

the domestic leisure segment.

Hindustan Beach Retreat

By the cliffs, beside the beach

V

arkala is a destination that

and snacks, the poolside

sprang up the charts in

barbecue, seafood restaurant on

terms of foreign tourist

the roof top, multi cuisine

arrivals seeking leisure and sun. A

restaurant serving Indian, Chinese

perfect place to

and continental

unwind and do

dishes, roof top

nothing, it gives

conference hall

you a real holiday

turtle bay spa are

experience.

some of the

Hindustan Beach

highlights here.

availed.

renowned for its 2000

The place is renowned

Temple, the Sivagiri Mutt.

Retreat is one of the popular

Ayurvedic treatments, backwater

departed souls on the

hotels at the beach Varkala

cruises, heritage tours are also

legendary Papanasam

The resort is

located in south Kerala. 27 well

Beach as it is believed

appointed rooms here offers

that the waters of the sea

spectacular views of the Arabian

absolves the sins and

Sea as well as the luxury of

gives peace.

complete solitude apart from the sounds of nature. The swimming pool overlooking the blue sea, juices

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204

year old Janardhna

for doing the rituals for

accessible by road, 55 Anil Kumar Partner

Km North of Thiruvananthapuram. The place is also

The mineral water springs on

connected by train to other major

the beach are considered to be a

towns.

natural healer for different

www.hindustanbeachretreat.

deseases. Varkala is also

com.

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


PROFILE

Keralagreener y

Your gateway to God’s Own Country

K

erala greenery, one of the

including Kerala and

upcoming names in the

Lakshadweep are

inbound tour operation

available on their

sector in Kerala is bringing in a

website catering to

good number of tourists to visit

the various tastes

the vibrancies of gods own

and requirements of

country. A professionally managed

the travellers. The clients are

ISO 9001:2000 registered companies are different from

always provided

others as its marketing, cash and

personal attention

other transactions online.

from the moment

Always client focused the company was founded by Subhash Ghosh in 1999 which

they set foot in

professional staff and English-

followed a saga of success in

Kerala, until

speaking chauffeurs will take care

terms of satisfied customers,

they depart. It

of them for a relaxing and a

innovative products etc. Various

is always

comfortable stay. Kerala

web tools and websites are

ensured that

greenery’s major clientele are

implemented for regional

the money

from the UK, other EU Countries,

marketing in different counties

they spent

Australia, USA. Domestic

supplementing their parent

here is always

operations also constitute a

website.

worth it.

major part of it.

A large number of packages

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

The

www.keralagreenery.org

205


PROFILE

Ambica Empire

The hotel with a heart

S

Conventional Energy Generation.

tanding fabulously in

a coffee shop and a fantastically

the General Manager R.

downtown Chennai with a

live pub and a latest spa are the

Kalathinathan, a veteran in the

unique and royal

offerings of the place for the

Hospitality Industry has been

classiness and craft wrapped in

ambience Hotel Ambica Empire is

business and luxury travelers. All

meeting the standards of

true passion for innovation and

in the forefront of creating new

standard facilities are made

contemporary

hospitality experiences for the

Internet Wi-Fi is available in the

hospitality.

discerning travellers. Blending a

hotel.

The group is The hotel looks

sense of the past

also on a

with what is

sprightly new with

major

contemporary has

lots of activities

expansion

been the focus in

happening all

spree with 10

creating the

around and newer

new

ambience in the

facilities being

properties

hotel.

added on. The

coming up in

promoters have

different

The hotel is

Being an epitome of

states.

located at the city centre with

studied and incorporated the best

close proximity to the nodes of

of the facilities and services

transport and major business and

observed from their globetrotting.

Ambica Empire, the hospitality

service delivered with an attentive

shopping centers.

This hotel is truly at par with any

division of the Ambica Group also

personal service by an

luxury hotel in any part of the

has interests in Agarbathies &

experienced team exceeds the

world.

Aroma Industries, Real Estate,

expectations of the guests.

90 well appointed rooms, five banquet halls seating 20 to 500 people, a multi-cuisine restaurant,

The hotel and the team led by

Hotel

Multiplexes, Complexes & Non-

www.ambicaempire.com

Sagara Beach Resort

With a personal touch

O

ne of the quality

return to the hotel whenever they

rooms, with twin beds, and a

accommodation and

visit Kerala.

balcony each room from where

recreation providers at

the Light House Beach of the

Sagara Beach Resort has 28 well appointed air conditioned

one can have the view of the Arabian Sea and the beautiful beach.

renowned resort of Kovalam, the

The Winter

uniqueness of Sagara is the

Qualified and experienced practitioners and masseurs render

warmth of hospitality and quality

House almost

authentic treatments here. The

of services extended to the

adjacent to the

resort has a swimming pool. The

guests. The professional service

Sagara Beach

roof top restaurant itself allures

extended here makes the guests

Resort and set

the guests by offering a wide

amongst the

variety of delicacies.

Sisupalan MD

palm groves in tropical

surroundings is superior and

telephone, CTV, mail and

spacious. These twin bedded

message handling, safe deposit

rooms have window seating, cable

locker, cloak room, doctor

TV, a small Kitchen area with

on call, money exchange,

refrigerator, en-suite rooms and

laundry, tour and travel

private balcony to the rear which

assistance, airport transfer, multi

is suitable for long stay.

cuisine restaurant, room service,

The Ayurvedic Centre of the

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206

The property has all modern facilities including internet cafe,

laundry, hot water, boating

resort offers therapies and

cultural performance etc.

massages in the professional way.

www.sagarabeachresort.com

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


ebsite and visit our w e win attractiv prizes!!!

www.customizedtshirts.in


PROFILE

The Somatheeram Ayur veda Group

Heal while you holiday

S

omatheeram Ayurveda

The lush landscape of

in a classy style with most of them

beach village close to the

resort is the World’s First

Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort

having beautiful gardens in the

Somatheeram and the Soma

Ayurveda Resort and the

has not been altered or modified

front and providing excellent

Palmshore Light House Beach,

flagship property of the

Kovalam are the

Somatheeram Ayurveda Group

other beach

resorts found by Baby Mathew.

resorts of the

Located by the Chowara Beach South of Kovalam, 21 km from

group serving in any way to build the various

Ayurveda and

Trivandrum Airport, it opened the

facilities and

Yoga packages

doors of Ayurveda to the

amenities as

while Soma

international tourism map in 1985.

they are

Kerala Palace at

developed in

Chempu, Kochi –

sustainable tourism through

an eco-friendly

Kumarakom road,

traditional Indian healing system

concept. Built

Soma Kuttanad at

The group is a byword for

with eco-

that originated over 5000 years ago. The Ayurveda treatment centres of Somatheeram Ayurveda

Baby Mathew, CMD

friendly materials, the

views of the sea.

Purakkad, Alappuzha and Soma

The restaurant provides a

Birds Lagoon Thattekad, Kochi are

choice of about 250 different

the resorts at the backwaters.

Group resorts have been

lodging facilities are designed

Ayurvedic vegetarian dishes,

Soma Houseboats Alappuzha

conferred the prestigious Green

with proper ventilation to allow

salads and juices. Non vegetarian

gives you an onboard experience

leaf status by Govt. of Kerala

natural air flow. The cottages,

and multi cuisine food is also

of life in the Back waters.

ensuring adherence to authentic

Kerala Houses, the deluxe suites

available.

www.soma.in,

Ayurveda.

and the ordinary rooms are built

Manaltheeram, an Ayurveda

www.somatheeram.in.

Travancore Court

A hotel par excellence

T

ravancore Court one if the

Ernakulam Junction Railway

Banquets. It has a boardroom for

connectivity, Travel Desk, Roof top

quality accommodation

Station. This hotel is a wonderful

exclusive meetings and a

swimming pool, Fitness Centre,

provider in the heart of

springboard to tourist attractions

business centre with cutting edge

Sauna, Jacuzzi are available in the

communication facilities. All

hotel.

Cochin is designed for

of Cochin.

people seeking both

Travancore Court

standard facilities including Wi-Fi

The East India Company, the

business and leisure.

has 50 tastefully

multi-cuisine restaurant in

The hotel finely blends

appointed rooms for its

Travancore Court is lavishly

traditional interior

guests including The

spaced and offers a wide relishing

styling with

Presidential Suites,

spread of Kerala, Moghlai,

contemporary comforts

Executive Suites, Suite

Chinese and Continental cuisines.

and celebrates

Rooms and the Deluxe Rooms, all

The Coffee Shop, made distinctive

the culture of

exuding character with their

by its exquisite décor serves up

the land with

polished wooden floors,

lip-smacking Italian and

its antiques,

Chesterfield Sofas and metal

Mediterranean fare and a rich

furniture,

crafted cots. The suites, some of

array of desserts. At The News

murals and

which overlook the Arabian Sea,

Room, the theme-based coffee

paintings.

have luxurious living rooms and

shop, one can sip on delicious

Close to all

sumptuous bedrooms. The

coffee and bite into scrumptious

major

Suresh Sukumar, GM

Presidential Suite stands apart

snacks while flipping through

shopping and business centers in

with its Jacuzzi, bar counter and

newspapers and magazines or

Cochin, it is 45 minutes drive from

exotic décor.

chat with friends and try out a

the Cochin International Airport and 5 minutes away from

PARTNER COUNTRY

208

The hotel is also an ideal place

game of cards.

to conduct conferences and

www.Travancorecourt.com TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


HOSPITALITY

Tourism DNA launches operations from Bangalore

T

ourism DNA (Le Tourism

specialised areas of tourism,

Destination Management

marketing associate for Tour USA

DNA Pvt. Ltd.), a

travel and hospitality. TDNA draws

Company for USA and Canada.

for India, South Asia and the

specialized player in the

strength from the in-depth

With offices in New York and

Middle East.

niche areas of Marketing,

understanding and hands-on

Toronto, Tour USA’s professional

Consulting and Human Resources

experience of the founder and his

team provides specialized

Tourism DNA works with a

for the Tourism, Travel and

team of associates and

incoming services in American

Wellness tourism start-up “Trawell

Hospitality industry, has launched

consultants.

and Canadian destinations.

India” to provide them marketing

Tourism DNA is the preferred

and operational support.

“Our consultants and

operation from Bangalore.

marketers are in constant touch

Speaking on the ocassion Gopinath Nair, Founder & CEO,

with the travel

Tourism DNA said, “I felt the time

and tourism

was ripe for the launch of a

industry in

specialized player in this niche

India and other

space of Tourism marketing and

target markets

consulting.

of South Asia. We have also

With the winds of recession behind us and sure signs of growth in the Tourism and

Gopinath Nair Founder & CEO Tourim DNA

opened sales and marketing operation in

Hospitality sectors, there would be an ever increasing need for

the United States to cater to the

high quality specialists in this

growing need for marketing and

area.”

representation in the American continents,” added Nair.

TDNA aims to create significant value to its clients and partners in these highly

ASIAN TRAVELLER

On the consulting side,

Tourism DNA has signed up with Tour USA, a leading

SEPTEMBER 2010

Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair, Chairman, Leela Hotels plants a coconut sapling at The Leela Kovalam. Also present is G. Biju Krishnan, Editor, Asian Traveller Magazine.

209


PROFILE

The Silver Tips

Where you are a star

T

he Silver Tips, Munnar,

derives inspiration from a movie

stands on the site where

classic, from around the world, or

Pankajam, a well-known

from India.

cinema house (1920-1990s),

Starting from the door, this

was located. In a nod to the

includes arresting art, brief textual

place which was the only venue

descriptions, and fixtures and

where the people of Munnar

furnishing embellished with

gathered for an evening’s

cinematic symbols and motifs. You

entertainment, the Silver Tips

could sleep with the stars in an

added the grand theme of visual

American Beauty room, a

entertainment to the warm

Padayappa room, a

hospitality to provide a

Chemmeen room, or a

unique an experience.

Jodha Akbar room. If it is another cast you fancy,

The premium resort mirrors the world of

try the Nagarahavu

movies. Its décor and

room, Prema Loka room,

ambience reflect the grit

Cinema Paradiso room

and glamour of the silver screen right from the

James Mathew MD

or the stately Sholay suite. The chambers also

lounge and lift lobbies to the

have generous tributes to

rooms and restaurants. Most of

legendary directors, composers

the sights seems familiar from the

and playback singers.

world of cinema and its magic

This delightful dip into

beckons at every turn. It begins

celluloid dreams and dramas

with the grandeur and rich

continues the way up to the

ornamentation of the Mughal-e-

spacious Megaplex conference

fitness fanatic, there is the Off

not forget that this hill station of

Azam lounge, extends to the

hall with state-of-the-art facilities

Screen multi-gym to see to it that

breathtaking beauty is surrounded

mythical appeal of the multi-

that can be used for corporate

you do not waste away.

by places worth a visit at any time

cuisine Mayabazar restaurant, and

conclaves or friendly get-

runs to the Sound of Music coffee

togethers. The Interlude

pampered, there is the Ayurvedic

plantation commodities are

shop, where you can imbibe the

recreational area with indoor

spa that relieves stress,

available at bargain prices. The

best of Munnar’s teas while

games and the well-stocked

rejuvenates your body and

good folk at the centrally situated

tucking into delicious vegetarian

Behind the Scenes video library,

imparts the basics of practising

Silver Tips, led by Managing

fare. The design of each of the

which lends DVDs, books and

yoga. While the fun of films can

Director James Mathews, should

Silver Tip’s 48 luxurious executive

magazines, help you get rid of the

make your family’s holiday in

be able to advice you on how to

rooms and two opulent suites

blues on a rainy day. If you are a

Munnar an unforgettable one, do

best go about it.

And if you prefer being

of the year and markets where

The Silver Tips, the EVM group’s foray into the hospitality segment, lacks no modern amenity. There is satellite television and direct-dial telephones with voice mail in all the rooms, broadband internet access, and a wi-fi network. Not to mention top-class service from a team of courteous and efficient staff, including room service waiters who bring you a bottle of water with a smile at two in the morning. www.silvertipsmunnar.com

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SEPTEMBER 2010


HOSPITALITY

The Residency Group opens sixth property in Puducherry

T

he Residency group of

restaurant which offers Breakfast,

scene, the endless stretches of

patronage of the visitors to other

Hotels has opened its sixth

Lunch, Dinner, and amply stocked

un-spoilt virgin beaches and

properties, carefully thought out

property at Puducherry –

bar.

backwater make The Richmond

feedback and several words and

Puducherry an unique experience.

smiles of encouragement”, says

The Richmond Puducherry. With

The unmistakable French

this the Group has presence in

connection, the tree lined

key destinations of Chennai,

boulevards, the quaint colonial

that this expansion has been

Coimbatore, Bengaluru,

heritage buildings, the spiritual

possible because of the continued

“One can take pride in the fact

Benny George, Resident Manager at The Richmond Puducherry. The Richmond is

Puducherry and Karur. The hotels

approximately one km from the

are very attractively priced and

railway station located on the

cater to the needs of the

French Town and close to Sri

discerning business traveler,

Aurobindo Ashram making it a

offering warm, efficient and

convenient destination for a

personalized services.

discerning traveller as well as a

The Richmond, Puducherry is

leisure traveller to the beach.

a property of The Residency

Each hotel is centrally located,

Group of Hotels and is currently

making them an ideal choice for

operated to the Residency

the traveller, both business and

standards to make your stay with

pleasure. The distinguishing

us truly memorable.

factor of the chain is its food and

The currently operational Hotel

beverage operations and its

offers 14 well-appointed centrally

restaurants are amongst the most

air conditioned rooms. It has a

popular in the respective cities.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

211


KERALA TRAVELLER

Kerala Tourism’s website wins PATA gold award

K

erala Tourism’s global consumer travel site – www.keralatourism.org has been awarded the prestigious ‘PATA Gold Award 2010" for the best website. “The keralatourism.org website is integral to Kerala Tourism’s worldwide marketing effort to promote Kerala’s Kodiyeri Balakrishnan amazing Tourism Minister holiday experiences to the world,” said Dr V Venu IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism. “Keralatourism.org attracts one million visits each month and is the digital centerpiece of Kerala Dr. V. Venu, IAS Tourism’s Tourism Secretary marketing activities around the world, so to receive a PATA Gold for best website is a great

honour”, he added. Director of Kerala Tourism, M Sivasankar said the new version of keralatourism.org features inspirational content about travelling to Kerala and the variety of exciting experiences the destination offers, drawing upon new technology, a fresh design and a more user-friendly experience for visitors to the website. Since its inception in 1998, keralatourism. org continues to be the favourite online gateway for travellers visiting Kerala. The site has evolved by incorporating the latest technology and trends in the virtual world. The site offers text, photographs, audio and M. Sivasankar, IAS Tourism Director video content through more than 12,000 web pages indexed in major search engines. The website

Condor offers direct connectivit y bet ween Kerala, Europe

T

he tourism prospects of

in the initial stages. Boeing 757-

Kerala are bound to increase

300 aircraft will be used to fly in

manifold with the introduction of direct air connectivity

this sector. The direct flights are

from Kochi to Frankfurt.

expected to infuse a fresh

Condor Airlines, a popular

dose of vitality to the tourism

German airline, will start direct

is currently available in English, Hindi, French, German, Chinese, Italian and Spanish as well as select content in Malayalam. www.keralatourism.org is designed and maintained by Invis Multimedia. It currently receives around four million hits, with over 1,00,000 visitors and 5,00,000 page views a month. The website has won several other acclaims including the Award of Excellence from the

Government of India for the ‘Most Innovative Use of Information Technology and Best Tourism Website / Portal and the PC World Web Award for the best tourism website in India. The PATA Gold Awards are considered to be the leading international award honouring industry stakeholders that have made outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of travel and tourism across the Asia Pacific region.

Eco-township planned in Munnar

A

n eco-township would be set

Balakrishnan, State Tourism

up in Munnar, the picturesque Minister. Munnar with its rich

hill station in Kerala. The state

wealth of flora and fauna deserves

government would prepare a

added measures for safeguarding

master plan for Munnar Eco-

its natural wealth, he added. The

township, said Kodiyeri

master plan would clearly define the different zones meant for commercial, residential,

industry that is reeling under

connectivity between Kerala and

economic recession. It would also

leisure and recreational use.

Europe from November 5, 2010.

offer respite to expatriate

“Munnar would be

The direct flights from Frankfurt to

Keralites to fly home from the UK

developed as an

Kochi via Bahrain from November

and Scandinavian countries as

international eco-tourism

5, 2010 will be offering only

there are no chartered flights in

destination,” said the

‘seasonal flights’ every Thursday

this sector at present.

minister.

PARTNER COUNTRY

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SEPTEMBER 2010



KERALA TRAVELLER

Hospitality education is a life changing seed K. V. Simon

O

n 14th August 2010, IHM Kovalam organized the first ever grand reunion of their Alumni and formally launched the Institute’s Alumni Association. What began as a small unit in 1990 with an intake of 60 students in a thatched roof structure, today has grown to a fine campus with a strength of nearly 500 students. Many of the students who entered the program in the nineties at the age of 18-20 today are matured fathers and mothers holding positions of Presidents and Vice Presidents of global corporations and Chairman/ Managing Director of their own enterprises. It was a delight to see the metamorphosis of life in many an alumni. Most have realized that

life consists not in the abundance of things they possess, but has a higher purpose beyond learning and earning. Their desire to mentor, help, counsel and guide the younger generation and their commitment to serve the community and contribute to nation building, etc., are very inspirational. I believe this will lead to the launch of a movement resulting in a revolution of love that can transform India. This body of Alumni has come together to be a service and development organism in an organized manner. If hospitality industry is a tree, the hospitality fraternity makes the branches and the fruits are the services we provide to our fellow men in our community contributing to the development of the nation. It was a delight to

hear of the past and present experiences and the professional journey most have undertaken, changing their very life and lives of their parents whose sacrifices and labor of K.V. Simon love sent them to study hospitality. Institution building is an act of faith, and this in turn brings forth much fruit unto the glory of God and good of humanity. IHM Kovalam within a short span of 20 years is a living testimony to this truth. Kerala, with all its inherant intricacies of politics and ideologies did not come in the way of growth and development of a fine institution contributing to the welfare of the community and to the

cause of nation building. In fact the growth and development of IHM Kovalam is inseparably bonded with Kerala’s tourism growth and development. It was the right thing that happened at the right time and at the right place. Divine providence in this project is very evident. Undertaken as a project on a war footing has developed into a robust institution whose Alumni have been shining stars in the horizon of global hospitality. If the past is any indicator, God willing the future has in store manifold multiplied blessings. The synergy of the Institute and the Alumni together can greatly influence the future generation of hospitality professionals and shape the hospitality industry in the right direction. It has been an ongoing passionate mission in an integrated manner with the institutional mission to serve the community and the industry. Service with a sacrifice will not be in vain. That is what life is all about. And hospitality fraternity can excel in it. Let IHM Kovalam Alumni be a pathbreaker and role model in this aspect. IHM Kovalam is a living testimony of how God converts an abandoned property into a prosperous institution bearing abundance of fruits. The author is Regional Vice-President, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute

PARTNER COUNTRY

214

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010



ALBUM Grand reunion at IHMCT Kovalam



ALBUM IITM Bangalore Photo Album



ALBUM

Qatar Airways enthralled the Thiruvananthapuram travel trade fraternity with a sumptuous Onam spread. Minister for Devaswom, Kadanapally Ramachandran, Minister for youth welfare V Surendran Pillai, KTDC Chairman Cherian Philip, Municipal Councillors Chala Mohan and Adv. Satheesh Kumar, BK Shekhar, Swami Sushmanandaji were also present on the occasion. The event organised at ‘Alakapuri Auditorium’ was conceptualized and convened by Jaya Prakash Nair, Sales Manager, Qatar Airways, Thiruvananthapuram.

Organic spices for a healthy and zestful life

I

dukki Spices is famous for

Spices. They include forest honey,

it in Thiruvananthapuram”, says

organic spices. K. J. Chacko,

white pepper, black pepper, clove

Chacko. The organic tea is

the proprietor of Idukki Spices

and other innumerable

considered a best rejuvenating

says the idea of starting such a

condiments from the hilly terrains

concoction for cancer patients. All

business sprouted because in

of Idukki. Almost all the products

the products come from Idukki

Thiruvananthapuram it was very

available here are have an

and there is only a slight

difficult to get quality spice

‘organic’ tag attached to it. “The

difference in the price. For

products. Today, it offers a new

organic tea available here is an

example, ordinary tea costs Rs. 50

meaning and value to the taste of

export quality product and I am

in the market, while organic tea,

the only person who is supplying

available only at Idukki Spices at

the Kerala capital. It was

Trivandrum, costs Rs.55.

not through

K.J. Chacko

The uniqueness of Idukki

advertisements

Spices is that only original spices

that Idukki

obtained from purely organic

spices earned

farming practices and sorted from

popularity, but

the natural environs of Idukki are

by capturing

sold here. Overseas or foreign

the hearts of

customers who do not find time to

consumers through their

visit Idukki can visit Idukki Spices

satisfaction.

located at Anna’s Arcade at

The ‘rare products’ which can

Spencer Junction,

be given as gifts to friends and

Thiruvananthapuram and carry

guests are a specialty at Idukki

home a gift pack.

PARTNER COUNTRY

220

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010


KERALA TRAVELLER

Houseboats

High time to go green LEKSHMI P.

is ensured. Not very long ago, the

the clean and clear water bodies

the image of Kerala. So efforts

houseboats in Kerala were rowed

can prove to be hazardous in the

should be made to make optimum

he mention of Kerala

manually. That practice was

long run. The need for taking

use of the opportunity at hand and

invariably brings with the

something which perfectly

some immediate steps can no

portray the State as an entity that

images of lush green fields,

blended well with the placidity of

longer be ignored and maybe the

is sensitive to the growing

backwaters and houseboats. Over

the backwaters. The tourists could

key to this problem is in the

environmental concerns. A step

the years, the houseboats have

enjoy fresh air and take in the

introduction of green technology

like would surely pave way for a

become such an integral part of

whole atmosphere with a

in the houseboats. Over the years,

lot more benefits.

the state’s tourism industry that at

rejuvenating freshness. But sadly

the eco friendly methods involved

times the problems associated

the situation has changed

in this have gained wide spread

for development offered by the

with it are conveniently

drastically since then. The

popularity all over the world and

plying of houseboats in the rural

overlooked. But the recent uproar

mechanization of the houseboats

it’s time that India takes the same

regions are implausible for a

over the enactment of the Inland

has been causing a lot of air and

path too. In an era where the

seeker of ideas. Having an

Vessels Rule has brought many of

noise pollution off late. The

prime concerns are global

attractive park at the area where

these long neglected issues to the

commercialization of the tourism

warming and climate change, it is

boats are anchored and building a

forefront and in a way has forced

industry has made it almost

the moral responsibility of every

platform for the local population

the concerned authorities to mull

impossible to take stock of the

country to contribute in whatever

to interact with the outsiders are

over them. The houseboats have

changes and do the needful to

way possible to ensure positive

some of the steps that can be

long been held responsible for

curb the situation. The tentacles

growth.

taken to make this industry more

polluting the serene backwaters of

of modernization has spread very

Many of these issues can be

the Allepey region. The woes of

far and wide to be able to do any

addressed by the coming together

the local population an idea of the

the environmentalists regarding

sudden amendments. But all is

of the old and the new, which is

differences in cultures that are out

the air, water and noise pollution

not lost. With a whole new

by the synchronization of nature

there but would also help in the

caused by these boats are never

generation slowly awakening to

and technology to produce a

overall development of the rural

ending.

the long term perils of

hybrid. Methods like tapping the

area. So it has got both economic

environmental degradation, there

use of solar energy its fullest

and social viability.

is still hope for the future.

potential or the introduction of

The realities confronting the

T

And as often is the case a trip down the memory lane might be

In addition to this, the chances

profitable. It would not only give

battery operated boats would

industry are very harsh and before

these raging issues. It can’t be

the ultimate solution lies in

prove to be very beneficial. It can

it is too late some constructive

denied that the root of the present

completely doing away with

bring down the use of crude oil

measures should be adopted to

day problems lie in the craze for

technology. Issues like that of

and help in bringing down the ill

save it from utter annihilation. No

modernization. People repeatedly

waste disposal can only be

effects caused to the ecology by

solution would be complete

fail to understand that technology

tackled with the efficient use of

such lethal substances.

without keeping in mind the past,

is something which has to be put

technology. The present day

to use in a judicious way. It is

practice of discarding the human

always wise to stick to the good

excreta and all the other waste in

able to give solutions to a lot of

Again, this is not to say that

Tourism industry has always

present and the future.

played a major role in redefining

old ways when a positive outcome

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

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SEPTEMBER 2010

PARTNER COUNTRY

220


ESSAY Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Setting back waters on fire...

P

unnamada Lake (backwaters) in Alappuzha, Kerala has a special place in the itinerary of those visitors who flock God’s Own Country during the month of August. August is the time for Nehru Trophy Boat Race which takes place on the waters of Punnamada Lake. Held on the second Saturday of August every year this is the most competitive and popular of the boat races and a popular tourist attraction. During a visit to Alappuzha in 1952, the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was so thrilled at the performance of the oarsmen of a snakeboat that he jumped into one, disregarding all security arrangements. On his return to Delhi in December he donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus that bore his signature and inscription “To the winners

222

of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin.” This trophy later came to be known as Nehru Trophy, and in fond memory of the great man, a boat race also got organised every year. In 1954, the boat race was conducted as Prime Minister’s Trophy at Meenappally Vattakkayal in Kainakary, Alappuzha. Since 1955, the Boat Race is conducted at Punnamada Kayal. On August 14 the 58th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race saw 16 snake boats and around 40 small boats vying for top honours. The Kumarakom Town Boat Club, rowing the Jawahar Thayankary snake-boat, won the prestigious Nehru Trophy this year. Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil was among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


LENS VIEW

For the people of Kuttanadu - a part of Alappuzha district which is known as the Venice of East as result of a large number of canals that crisscross the landscape and the presence of many other water bodies - boats are a part of daily life and it is no wonder that their main means of enjoyment comes in the form of boat races.

It takes a great amount of stamina, training and team effort to row a race boat. It is not easy to row according to the rhythm. Songs composed especially to sing while rowing the boats are called ‘Vanchipapattu’ (literally Boat Song) are very popular and have gained recognition is Malayalam literature.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

223


KERALA TRAVELLER

Kerala to launch global campaign

K

erala is all set to launch

destination for travellers around

its latest global

the world.

advertising campaign in

The Kerala Tourism campaign will also roll out in other major

Filmed with great sensitivity

markets in Europe, including

London through the world

and dexterity, it is a key departure

Germany,

premiere of a new ad film at the

from the usual product-specific

France, Italy,

end of September. The global

campaigns associated with

Spain, the

publicity blitz aims for stamping

tourism boards and targets the

Netherlands,

its stature as one of the top tourist

experiential traveller.

Belgium and

destinations of the world. The high-profile event wilt be attended

Switzerland. A

Following the premiere in

focus area of

London, the campaign wilt hit

by high-fliers and

cinemas screening

celebrities of UK.

‘Eat Pray Love’ in

Conceived by

OBITUARY

Prakash Varma

the campaign

will also be domestic tourists. “Kerala is a Superbrand and a

the UK. Also a

Stark

runaway bestseller,

globally acclaimed destination; I

Communications,

the film starring

wanted to be part of the project

the Brand Agency

Julia Roberts is

straightway,” said Varma.

of Kerala Tourism

based on the real

and directed by

life story of how an

Sunil P. James

“This film is really going to

MD Thapovan

have everyone talking. It is surreal

acclaimed film-maker, Prakash

American divorcee and writer Liz

and communicates the languid

Varma, of Vodafone Zoo Zoo ad

Gilbert spent a year travelling in

beauty, rawness, and the sensual

fame, this new campaign aims to

Italy, India and Bali in search of

and spiritual flow of the land in a

make Kerala a ‘must visit’

spiritual fulfillment.

stirring way,” he added.

We at Asian Traveller mourn the untimely demise of Sunil P. James. May his soul rest in peace.

KTDC to launch medical tourism packages

Cherian Philip’s Blog launched

T

he Kerala Tourism Development Corporation will

be launching a new package aiming at travellers who plan to have their medical treatments along with their holidays. According an official release from KTDC, the package will be planned and executed with cooperation from the major super The website cum blog of KTDC Chairman Cherian Philip has been launched. It was formally inaugurated by CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan. ONV Kurup, Professor George Onakkoor, V M Sudheeran and Cherian Philip spoke on the occasion.

specialty hospitals and international inbound tour operators in Kerala, said Cheriyan

Commonwealth express in Kerala

Philip, Chairman, KTDC. Various treatments for heart, eyes, nerves and bones including surgeries are done here at one fourth of the price compared to various other nations in the US, Europe and Middle East. The dental treatments are also very cheap. KTDC will be facilitating its premium hotels for these travellers in various destinations before and after the treatments.

PARTNER COUNTRY

224

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


HOSPITALITY

Leisure Villas

Private luxury holidaying

T

he new venture of Thomas

homesteads. But one problem

and resorts

Holidays, the Leisure Villas,

with all these models is that

along with the

has been formally launched

when you have luxury, you can’t

exclusive

at Kovalam. This has been

have privacy; and when you have

facilities like

heralded as a revolutionary

privacy, you can’t have luxury. In

butler service,

concept called private leisure

the Private Luxury Holidaying

private living,

holidaying. This innovative

one can enjoy the best of both

private pool and

concept is all about blending

worlds.

Ayurveda

privacy and luxury in holidaying and having exclusive villas

With this concept, guests can

provided in

utilizes the facilities of the hotels

these villas.

providing ultimate in

These leisure

for tourists who seek luxury along

leisure close to

villas

with privacy, claims the company.

group hotels

celebrate

and resorts.

privacy and

the industry, Thomas Hotels and

luxury to

Resorts is unique in itself as it

travellers

provides unique experiences to

and tourists

almost all sections of travellers.

to God’s own

The group hotels range from

almost all concepts in hospitality

country and

leisure resorts to business city

practiced across the globe.

will create a

hotels with bed and breakfast

never before

facilities.

Kerala as a travel destination has experimented

Mahesh T.S. GM

There are hotels, resorts,

experience

villas, home stays and

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

Unlike other business hotels in

www.leisurevillaskerala.com

225


Q&A Making its presence felt... Page 46

What do you think is the future of the industry in Kerala? Can you

Page 40

in this luxury apartment situated

container Terminal and Kannur

midway between the International

National Airport are finally

Airport and the city.

becoming a reality. The Vizhinjam

The major weakness facing the

port which can be considered as

point out the strengths,

hospitality industry is the

the best natural port in the whole

weaknesses of the sector and the

availability of qualified,

world will be developed as a full

opportunities and threats an

experienced manpower. This

fledged port. Intense effort is on

entrepreneur who venture to the

being a service industry a lot

to implement the Kochi Metro

industry has to face?

depends on the services of all

Railway. All these developments

individuals dealing with customers

offer immense opportunities to

13.3 per cent in its tourism sector,

of varied interests and

Asset Summit Suites due to its

Kerala is one of the fastest

background.

unique features and strategic

With a growth rate of around

growing tourism destinations in

As mentioned before the

location.

the world. The Kerala tourism

demand for luxury rooms exceed

industry and the related

the supply, we aim to increase the

due to seasonal variations are a

hospitality industry hence have a

luxury room stock in Kerala and

threat to hospitality since that

vibrant future.

hence help with the hospitality

would mean variations in room

and tourism industry here. Also

tariffs which affect the economics

hospitality industry is the already

with Cochin being the commercial

of the industry. This can be

developed market for luxury stay

capital of Kerala commercial

countered by promoting domestic

with the demand for rooms

activities have increased and

as well as foreign tourism equally.

increasing steadily. Most of the

hence more business travellers

Several major international groups

Asset homes clients who have

are visiting us daily.

are also posing some threat by

The major strength of the

invested with us in this project are NRIs who would appreciate a stay

Infrastructure developments like the Vizhinjam International

Fluctuations in tourist arrivals

entering the Kerala market and hence increasing competition.

Vellapally brothers plan more investments... 40 additional cottages (12 Pool Villas and 28 suites) Rejuvenation Centre with most modern facilities, approved by Kerala new Ayurvedic block etc. In Government with qualified addition to this, we are now doctors and experienced looking at establishing masseurs. Lake side similar properties in nearby swimming pool, out door destinations in Kerala. We barbecue, mandapam for are looking at Greenfield classical art and dance projects as well as taking performances, airover existing properties. By conditioned gymnasium, 2011 September, we should lake front duplex villas etc. be having two more are unique and I am proud properties and our inventory to say that our resort is one should be 120 – 150 rooms of the best in this country in altogether. It is a natural its category and our service brand expansion for us. and hospitality have been Backwater Ripples has recognized as superb by established a trustworthy both the trade fraternity name in the hospitality field and the travelers! and we hope that spreading What is your policy our experience to various regarding expansion and destinations will be development? symbiotic with the future of We are investing more tourism industry in Kerala. than Rs. 20 crore for the How important do you expansion of our resort with think is the role of hotel in Page 44

PARTNER COUNTRY

226

developing a tourist destination? A tourist destination is not just a place, but also its people. Its character is the result of these two interacting factors. As a member of tourism fraternity in Kumarakom, we have been instrumental in laying of roads, improving the social infra structure and living standards of the local populace, creation of jobs for the local population and also nurtured traditional art forms. The trickle down effects have been immense. As a native of the area, I have seen the changes in Kumarakom. I strongly feel, it is incumbent upon the hospitality and tourism fraternity to ensure the positive changes in any tourist destination in which they exist.

years. Our son, Ben is 25 and works as a Groundsman and Landscape Designer and Nicola, our daughter, is studying Shipping, Logistics and Shipping Law at Plymouth University, UK. We have our family home between Reading and Newbury and we also own a home in Murcia, Spain. Please tell us about your hobbies and other interests? My Grandfather was the Chief Justice of Allahabad. His wife was a famous English Illustrator of children’s books (Some 160 in total) during the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s. I have taken over from my father as Executor of my Great Grandmother’s estate and

along with our Publisher’s, we are still producing her books. They are called Little Grey Rabbit. I also love reading and when work is not too stressful, I get out and jog. I used to be a very keen Marathon runner but my bones are getting rather stiff so I only manage the occasional jog now. Which is your favourite destination? I love Spain, where we have our house, because it is clean, healthy and incredibly cheap! For me, it is a place to escape to with no phones, no television, no email, only peace and quiet!

TRAVEL & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010


JAZZ

Jazz evening at The Leela Jazz Connect 2010, a concert tour with Francois Jeanneau (Paris), Uli Lenz (Berlin) and Muthu Kumar Varadarajan (Bangalore), an Elysee Fund project organized by the Alliance Francaise and the GoetheInstitute in collaboration with Leela Kempinski Kovalam was held at Leela Convention Centre, Kovalam.

ASIAN TRAVELLER

SEPTEMBER 2010

227


VARIETY

1. Amari, Thailand’s leading domestic hotel brand, has appointed Wim Fagel as General Manager of Amari Residences Bangkok, the newly built property scheduled to open in October 2010.

H. A. Munaff, Former Air India Station Manager, has joined Great India Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd (part of the Air Travel Enterprises Group) as their Regional Director Operations & Training at Kochi.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Georges Van Gool as Director of Sales – Corporate based in the Global Sales Office in Dubai.

What is stromhur? (the word that appeared in the recent spelling bee competition)

2. 3.

What is Strine? Caribou is the other name of which animal?

4.

Who was born as Melinda Ann French?

5.

Which is the world’s largest cosmetic company?

6.

Where is the volcano El Misti? 7.

Where are the ABC Islands?

8.

Which airline’s frequent programme is Matmid?

9. Laxmi Mahalingam has been appointed Director Sales at St Laurn Towers, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Haridas B has joined The Silvertips (promoted by EVM Hotels PVT Ltd) Munnar, Kerala as General Manager Sales.

Who was Sam Patch?

10. In a cobweb, what does

Anand Nair has joined The Muthoot Plaza in Thiruvananthapuram as General Manager

‘cob’ mean?

Compiled by JEEKAY

Send in your answers to info@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC36 in the the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month. Answers to TYKC 35 1. Conformite Europeenne (French for ‘European Conformity’) 2. Germany 3. The value of ‘pi’ is 3.14 (interpreted as March 14) 4. Decorative arrangement of paper flowers (origami + ikebana) 5.

SEPTEMBER 2010

You Tube 6. Petroleum 7. Cotton candy (Fr. ‘Barbe a papa’) 8. It is

IITM, Mumbai

03 - 05

PATA Travel Mart, Macau

14 - 17

KTM, Kochi, India

23 - 26

World Tourism Day

Japanese for a spy and ninjutsu is espionage (nin – stealth + jutsu – art) 9. Sunrise (Japanese ‘hi’ – sun & ‘tachi’ – rise) 10. Leghorn (Livorno is Italian for Leghorn)

TYKC 35 - WINNER

27

OCTOBER 2010 IT&CMA and CTW, Bangkok Dussehra, Mysore, India

05 - 07

NORMAN JAHNYCZ Lonsdale St, Melbourne Victoria, Australia

17

ITB ASIA, Singapore

20 - 22

Aviation Outlook Asia, Singapore

26 - 28

One all-correct entry will get Free Stay at Le-Meridien, Kochi

[ 2 nights and 3 days for two ]* Nestled amongst 25 acres of coconut groves and backwater rivers, Le Méridien Cochin Resort & Convention Centre sits at the heart of one of India's most naturally beautiful cities, Kochi. This prestigious landmark houses 5 floors of luxurious accommodation for international business and leisure travelers. The 151 spacious rooms and suites, most with breathtaking views over the manicured gardens and the backwaters. * Conditions apply

NOVEMBER 2010 World Travel Market, ExCeL,London

08 - 11

Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan, India

18 - 21

IITM, Pune

27 - 29

PARTNER COUNTRY

228

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SEPTEMBER 2010



LIST

LIST OF ADVERTISEMENTS No. Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46.

PARTNER COUNTRY

230

Abia Tours Air India Aitken Spence Hotels & Resorts Alila Diwa Aloft Hotels Ananda Inn Pondicherri Anavilasam, Luxury Plantation House Asset Summit Assured Hospitality Ayurbay Beach Resort Backwater Ripples Beach Orchid Hotel Broocklieen Cane & Bamboo Carmelia Haven Plantation Resort Cherai Beach Resort Clouds Valley Leisure Hotel Cochin Fire Tech Cosmos Tours & Travels Deshadan Resorts & Hotels Dr Abhilash's Omega Dental Clinic Dr.Franklin Panchakarma Centre Dubai Tourism & Commece Marketing Dune Eco Beach Hotel East End Hospitality Edassery Kayal Resort Executive Events Fortune Hotels Fragrant Nature Retreat & Resorts Freedom Holidays Genser Holidays Global Dental Solutions Golden Sands Beach resort Grand Plaza Munnar Green Woods Hindustan Beach Retreat Hindusthan Hotels International Hotel Ambica Empire Hotel Sea Face IITM Intersight Tours & Travels IT & CM JC Travels Kadavu Resort & Ayurveda Resort Karnataka Tourism KCTC Pvt. Ltd. Kerala Tourism

Page 141 49 21 23 31 51 225 63 35 201 232 139 211 91 127 69 217 155 111 131 157 4 45 67 75 227 11 187 189 93 183 181 185 165 59 19 97 135 200 73 219 215 79 231 209 17

47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93.

Keralagreenery KTDC Hotels & Resorts Kuwait Airways Lake Palace Resort Lakes & Lagoons Le-Meridian Resort & Convention Centre Lubua State Tower Lulu Convention Centre & Hotel Marvel Tours Mir Tours Misty Mountain Muthoot Backwater Cruises Muthoot Cardamom county Muthoot Plaza Nandhana Grand Old Harbor Hotel Radisson Resort Temple Bay Rainbow Cruise Ramada Resort Regent Lake Palace Hotel Riya Tours & Travels Rover Holidays RUBY Arena Hotel Sagara Palace & Resorts Somatheeram Ayurveda Group Somatheeram Health Resort SP Grand Days Srilankan Airlines SRM Hotel ST Laurn Hotels & Resorts Surya Samudra Private Retreats Swagath Holiday Resort T & U Leisure Hotel Tamilnadu Tourism Thailand Tourism The Golden Chariot The Leela Palace, New Delhi The Silver Tips The South Park Thomas Hotels& Resorts Travancore Court Travel Planners Travel Tours Vista Park Hotel Vistas Exim Vythiri Resort You & Nature Tour Experts

81 213 1 55 105 191 15 83 117 203 199 195 53 99 107 57 13 145 41 229 77 125 209 197 85 205 65 29 119 33 47 149 89 5 3 27 2 153 143 71 61 179 25 37 207 101 193

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SEPTEMBER 2010




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