GO NOW Magazine October 2011

• SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL ON BRAND PUNJAB • LUXURY UPGRADE IN BRITISH AIRWAYS’ FIRST • AHMEDABAD HOTELS ON AN OVERDRIVE • ISLAND WONDERS OF THE DUTCH CARIBBEAN • BLUE WATER LUXURY AT ONE&ONLY REETI RAH

POSTCARDS

November 18-27

PUSHKAR FAIR Season of Colour, Frolic, Culture

AMIT PASRICHA

and Bustling Tourists

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POSTCARDS Restoring the city of Pushkar A temple town near Ajmer, Pushkar is one of the oldest towns in India and is on the crossroads of managing burgeoning tourism vis-à-vis degradation of natural environment. Only last year, the lake, showpiece of town was replenished after remaining dry for two years.

This was due to scanty rainfall and rapid development of tourist facilities generating toxic waste discharge into the lake. Administration is hopeful of restoring the lake.

New properties for accommodation New properties have come around the town. Four kilometers from the town lies Ananda Spa & Resorts offering accommodation starting at Rs 6,000 per night. Pushkar Bagh is a good option with rooms available around Rs 4,500. With the upcoming annual camel fair in November, it is advisable to book early to get best deals.

Kaleidoscope of colours: Pushkar Fair The temple town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, home to India’s only Brahmam temple gets unusually crowded with visitors each November. Cattle traders, shopkeepers, merchants, dancers, musicians and artisans congregate in large numbers for a four-day event which holds the distinction of being India’s largest cattle fair. The fair is a cocktail of sights, smells and sounds which bring together everything Rajasthani.

During the annual event (held this year from 18th to 27th November) Pushkar’s narrow lanes feature trade, merrymaking and rejoicing that has attracted scores of tourists from across the globe.

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WORLDTRAVELLER

BRITISH AIRWAYS’ FIRST CLASS

• BA’S £100 MILLION FIRST • STOPOVER AT ISTANBUL’S LUXURY LOUNGE • THE ABC ISLANDS OF DUTCH CARIBBEAN • SCENIC INDULGENCE IN ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH • THE ORIGIN OF BUBBLY: CHAMPAGNE • BEACH GAZING IN UNPRECEDENTED PRIVACY, KANI LANKA

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS BUZZ

NOW CONNECT DAILY ON EMIRATES TO DUBLIN Emirates announced recently that it will begin daily flights to Dublin from January 2012, marking its first route to the Republic of Ireland. The daily service, from 9th January next year, will leave Dubai at 0700hrs and arrive in the Irish capital at 1130hrs. The return flight leaves Dublin at 1255hrs and gets into Dubai at 0025hrs the next day. An Airbus A330-200 will be deployed between Dubai and Dublin, offering First, Business and Economy class. Dublin will be the airline’s 29th route in Europe and Emirates’ customers in Ireland who currently travel through some UK gateways, will be able to fly non-stop for their convenience.

FIRST BOEING IN LUFTHANSA’S LIVERY The first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental emerged from the paint hangar at Boeing’s Everett factory near Seattle, resplendent in the Lufthansa livery. After completing extensive ground tests, the aircraft will undergo initial test flights in November, and is scheduled to go into service next spring. Lufthansa is the launch customer for the passenger version of the Boeing 747-8 and has therefore been involved from the outset in the design of the aircraft. The Boeing 7478 has been stretched by six metres, making it the world’s longest passenger airliner. The Boeing 747-8 consumes 13 per cent less fuel than the Boeing 747-400. Lufthansa has ordered 20 Boeing 747-8s, which are due for delivery from the beginning of 2012 through to mid-2015, and also has options on further 20 aircrafts.

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SWISS VOTED EUROPE’S BEST BUSINESS CLASS AIRLINE Voted Europe’s Best Business-Class Airline in World Travel Awards 2011, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) serves 72 destinations in 39 countries all over the world in the current summer schedule. The distinction is based on the votes of more than 183 000 specialists from the travel and tourism sector all over the world. A part of the Lufthansa Group and a member of the Star Alliance, Switzerland’s national airline operates as an independent carrier with its own brand. In India, Swiss International Air Lines offers non-stop daily flights between Mumbai and Zurich and between Delhi and Zurich.

HEALTHY FOOD ON-BOARD AMERICAN AIRLINES American Airlines has enlisted the expertise of prominent, well-respected chefs to help define the direction of its inflight food service. American Airlines plans meals according to the U.S. nutrition guide and offers a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes. For Delhi-bound flights, American Airlines enlisted Vermilion Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan, along with American Airlines employees including flight attendants and Gate Gourmet chefs including Marc Lopez, to develop a menu reflective of the culinary characteristics and exotic flavours commonly appreciated by Indian customers.

American Airline also offers the following special dietary meals: diabetic, gluten intolerant, vegetarian vegan; and, Vegetarian Hindu on Delhi flights. Special meals are available on Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack and Breakfast Snack flights when ordered at least 24 hours in advance of the customer’s flight.

AIR FRANCE KLM, RESPONSIBLE LEADER IN TRAVEL & LEISURE AIR FRANCE KLM has been recognized as the air transport leader for 2011 in the field of corporate social responsibility for the seventh time in a row and confirmed in the two Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes – DJSI World and DJSI Europe.

Thanks to its performance, the Group is also leader of the entire “Transport and leisure” sector for the third time. This recognition is awarded to the 19 most sustainable companies worldwide, each in their own sector. In 2010-11, the Group has made progress in areas such as the development of sustainable biofuels, the implementation of recycling uniforms and meals trays served on board, as well as supporting several humanitarian projects.

Compiled by MANAVI SIDDHANTI

Malaysia Airlines introduces Boeing 777-200 to increase the comfort levels for its customers. The airlines aircraft operations for its Delhi - Kuala Lumpur evening flight is effective from September 26 2011.

MINI BEDS, FLAT SCREENS ON MALAYSIA AIRLINES’ BUSINESS CLASS

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he Boeing 777-200 which has a total capacity of 280 seats, comprising 35 seats in Golden Club Class (Business class) and 245 in Economy class, will operate from New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur. Set to make travelling to Malaysia and beyond more stylish, comfortable and enjoyable, clubbed with unmatched in-flight service of MH – Malaysian Hospitality ensuring customers reach Malaysia relaxed and fresh for their leisure, business trips.

Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President, South Asia, Mr. Azahar Hamid said, “The Boeing 777-200 with its customized enhancements is an upgrading of our product on the Delhi-Kuala Lumpur – one of our most promising routes between India and Malaysia”.

New features in business class The Business Class seat design embodies the spirit of exclusivity and is uncompromising in meeting the needs and comfort of passengers. Each seat has its own privacy shell which transforms into a more personal space for work, play or relaxation. The angle lie-flat seat can be reclined and converted into a mini bed. The seat is longer, wider and ergonomically designed to accommodate passengers of varying sizes. The seating

positions are electrically adjustable with preset buttons for convenience.

Other features and facilities include a light preset 10 minutes massage, an in-seat power outlet for PC and other personal electronic devices, a 10.4-inch touch screen TV, satellite telephone and LED reading light.

More comfort for economy class The highlight of the Boeing 777-200 is the seat design in Economy class, which spells quality

all the way featuring adjustable reclining positions, footrest, lumbar support, headrest and retractable armrest. Other features of the aircraft includes within easy reach a 6.5-inch in-seat personal TV, individual overhead reading light and a coat hook for each seat.

Malaysia Airlines currently operates a total of 40 flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. www.malaysiaairlines.com

by MANAVI SIDDHANTI

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AIRLINES & AIRPORTS FEATURE

LUXURY IN THE SKIES

BA FIRST

The new cabin, with a £100 million price tag, is the ultimate in luxury and is being rolled out across the British Airways fleet. With a 90 year long heritage, the airline claims to have reached a new milestone for its passengers. Go Now finds out about the comfort & privacy on-board British Airways’ First Class.

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o produce the first new experience, the airline’s in-house team collaborated with design firm Tangerine to reassert luxury in travel and accommodate 14 premium passengers in premium simplicity.

Cabin, comfort and seating The cabin drawing on the airline’s heritage avoids ostentatious gadgets and gimmicks and focuses instead on simplicity and quality. After carefully working on the layout, the suite at 31 inches across and is 12 inches wider than offered, maintaining the herring bone structure.

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The seats recline a full 180 degrees into a full lie flat bed position. Every cabin has a 15" screen with AVOD, USB charging point and an RCA jack. Each seat has a unique frosted privacy screen that can be activated with a one touch button for instant privacy.

“Our experience and skills” says Judy Jarvis, Regional Commercial Manager, South Asia, British Airways PLC “have produced a bed that is up to 60 per cent wider at the shoulders than the previous version”. The bed also uses the latest technology with a sprung diaphragm, rather than the traditional layer of foam on a metal base,

significantly increasing levels of comfort.

The suite control unit makes moving the bed extremely smooth and simple, with three pre-defined positions: fully upright, taxi, take-off and landing, and fully flat.

Different hues, varying moods Comfort extends beyond the physical seat with new lighting that will change throughout the flight to create a different mood depending on the time of day. The new cabin draws on the colors and fabrics of senior ranking British naval officers’ uniforms, known as Naval Barathea.

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS FEATURE

The cabin drawing on the airline’s heritage avoids ostentatious gadgets and gimmicks and focuses instead on simplicity and quality. After carefully working on the layout, the suite at 31 inches across and is 12 inches wider than offered, maintaining the herring bone structure. The seats recline a full 180 degrees into a full lie flat bed position. Every cabin has a 15" screen with AVOD, USB charging point and an RCA jack. Each seat has a unique frosted privacy screen that can be activated with a one touch button for instant privacy.

Business en-route BA Along with the main table, a side table has been introduced to the arm of the suite for customers who want to continue working whilst they snack. The main table can also be folded in half to become a writing desk complete with leather trim. The Concorde room houses a dedicated concierge desk that enables all sorts of bookings, a discreet boardroom that enables customers to conduct meetings, and a Work & Entertainment Zone that provides free internet access and expansive download content.

A la carte dining follows and customers can enjoy a formal meal service. White linen tablecloths and fine bone china set the scene for a menu of British classics and regional dishes on specific routings. “Customers who would just like a snack”, continues Jarvis “can choose a more informal a la carte service. There is even a bistro selection, should they fancy something a little lighter.” Most of the cuisines offered on board are extremely well accepted and pleasing to cosmopolitan Indian travellers.

Customised kits for passengers A la carte dining, flexi hours “British Airways new menu is heavily inspired by the Heston Blumenthal partnership”, says Jarvis, “following British Airways” challenge to celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal to create the ultimate in-flight dish.” Breakfast is a traditional English cooked breakfast, bacon rolls or for those looking for a lighter option, a bakery selection, fruit juices, smoothies, yoghurts and cereals. The Afternoon Tea service is inspired by the iconic London hotel, The Dorchester.

The dining experience will begin with an amuse bouche, in the style of top restaurants.

The iconic Anya Hindmarch wash bags are filled with D.R. Harris & Co. products including a facial cleanser, skin tonic, moisturiser and eye gel amongst others. A popular sleeper suit remains a staple offering and a soft wool-rich day wrap is provided for added comfort and warmth. A turndown service is offered by cabin crew who will lay out a 200-thread count Egyptian cotton mattress accompanied by a 400-thread count duvet and pillow. www.britishairways.com

by MANAVI SIDDHANTI

October 2011 GO NOW

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AIRLINES & AIRPORTS FEATURE transports the bag to the airport’s baggage handling facility.

Lufthansa app for Ipad An interactive world map for users to fingertap intuitively, one can explore the entire Lufthansa route network: The departure and destination airport are simply zoomed-in for the user to select a flight. The map shows the requested route, making flight booking or flight planning intuitive, easy and fast. Familiar functions – “Check-in”, “Miles & More Mileage Account” and “My Flight Bookings” – are all within easy access on the navigation bar. The destinations are graphically illustrated and accompanied by exclusive and unusual travel information.

User friendly check ins

AUTOMATIC CHECK-INS: A GIANT LEAP FORWARD For hassle free commutes, Europe’s biggest airports have opted for automated check ins. With minimal interference from airport officials, Go Now finds out how it in works on Munich International Airport.

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rriving 4 hours before international departure has now be come a bad dream from the past. For those whose jobs makes it quintessential to fly frequently, would find their lives more comfortable with the introduction of this feature at some of the busiest airport terminals in Europe. Automated check-ins’ seem to have become the need of the hour with travellers demanding more flexibility, choice and control in their lives. In an age when business travel is emerging as a separate sector, a few of the busiest departure terminals ask for minimal time check-in process.

Lufthansa’s self service at Munich airport Lufthansa’s self-service automation program seems to be a pioneer in this field. The one14

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stop check-in for travellers is tailor-made for those who want to get to the plane as quickly as possible, security checks notwithstanding.

Taking innovation a step further, Lufthansa has also started to automatically check passports, using systems that can read the bar codes or magnetic stripes on passports, at some major airports like the Munich Airport, Franz Josef Strauss International Airport.

Self bag drop terminals To use the new service, passengers must be in possession of a boarding pass with a bar code – either in the form of a paper ticket or an electronic ticket. The bar code allocates the baggage to the flight booked by the passenger, who then receives a baggage tag that can be fastened easily to the bag that is being checked in. Finally, all the passenger has to do is activate the conveyor belt, which then

The first time someone uses an automatic check-in at an airport like Heathrow it seems like no one is in charge, and everyone knows what to do except you but that is only until you have experimented with the system. If you walk through it once it would seem more convenient and time saving. The check-in kiosks might look daunting but they can make life simple by just following these simple steps: STEP 1. To begin an airport check-in, press the Start button on the kiosk screen.

STEP 2. Find your itinerary by scanning the barcode of your printed itinerary or boarding pass. You can also insert your credit card or SkyMiles card or enter your SkyMiles number, confirmation number, or ticket number. (And a small tip: Any credit card will do as long as it has your name). However, if you have a booking reference number instead of the printed itinerary then the machine will be programmed to ask for that.

STEP 3. Select the passenger name, enter the number of bags that are being checkedin, and make any changes to your itinerary (if required). Most airlines have strict and clear guidelines of the weight of the baggage that one is allowed on that air bus.

STEP 4. Take the printed boarding passes and any receipts needed for records.

STEP 5. The checked bags will now need to be dropped at the nearest counter marked “Baggage Drop-off” (marked by a red Baggage Drop sign) and then one can proceed towards security. You have successfully checked-in, assured of being called on by the airline staff at closing the gates. www.munich-airport.com

by ROLI MAHAJAN and MANAVI SIDDHANTI

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS FEATURE

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fter a seven hour journey from Mumbai, a super smooth descent into Istanbul unveiled a panorama of towering minarets and an aerial view of the Bosporus strait, as I stepped into the Atatürk International Airport. Devouring the fragrance of fresh Baklawa around cafes serving traditional Turkish delights and listening to music pieces by Ashik Mahzuni Sherif and Tamburi Cemil Bey re-assert the ideal Turkish mood. Istanbul’s is probably one of the few airports in the world that bares the mark of the country’s authentic culture within its parameters. Be it the ice-cream vendors in bright red Fez caps or the ‘Old Bazaar’ with endless varieties of traditional souvenirs, is a sheer kaleidoscope of colors.

Luxury business lounge: Turk Hava Yollari Rated as Europe’s No.1 airline, Turk Hava Yollari extends its legendary hospitality to guests in the air and on ground through what is known as one of the world’s finest luxury lounges. The contemporary Turkish style interiors radiate warmth and comfort 16

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LUXURY AT TURK HAVA YOLLARI

AIRPORT LOUNGE, ISTANBUL The climax of a super-smooth Business Class experience extends to Atatürk International Airport’s luxury lounge – Turk Hava Yollari Go Now relives privileged Turkish hospitality at Istanbul.

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS FEATURE

Equipped with fully furnished luxury suites and four shower rooms, Business Class, Elite, Elite Plus or Star Alliance Gold member guests with 4 to 7 hours in transit can freshen up and catch up on the much needed rest. For the latest news updates, the Business Lounge offers a television area where international guests can watch the latest news in several languages through headphones connected to the television sets and also surf a wide range of varied channels or even avail of free internet access at the cyber section. collection and a pool table is ready for those waiting in transit.

Elaborate eatery delights

and a touch of subtle class as you relax over a glass of local wine. Equipped with fully furnished luxury suites and four shower rooms, Business Class, Elite, Elite Plus or Star Alliance Gold member guests with 4 to 7 hours in transit can freshen up and catch up on the much needed rest.

For the latest news updates, the Business Lounge offers a television area where international guests can watch the latest news in several languages through headphones connected to the television sets and also surf a wide range of varied channels or even avail of free internet access at the cyber section. A library housing a fine book

A buffet breakfast from 5 to 11 am, lunch from 11 to 2pm, a soiree of mouth-watering desserts from 2-6pm followed by dinner are nothing short of gourmet treats. The Meze platter, Turkish flat bread pizza and Pita bread by Chef Fatih at the Business Lounge are pure culinary treats.

To do justice to your sweet tooth, a Viennese style Demel counter reminiscent of a typical Austrian café offers sinful desserts ranging from sought-after Turkish Baklavas to Austrian varieties.

To uplift the senses, an exquisitely designed Piano Bar offers more than lilting background music while you wine and dine. Listening to some meditative renditions on the legendary ‘Feurich’, the bar in a 150 year-old tree takes you into a world of its own. The all-time Serafin Merlot 2009, Turkish Kavakl, Bogazkere and Okuzgozu are some of the labels present in the prized selection truly honors the palate.

factfile • Turkish Airlines Turk Hava Yollari has direct non-stop flights to Istanbul and connecting flights to several destinations across the globe.

• Turkish Airlines has been rated Europe’s No.1 Airline, renowned for its efficiency, in-flight hospitality and dining and its Business Class services. www.ataturkairport.com www.turkishairlines.com

Massage center and kids play paradise Apart from the charming waitresses unmatched in their courtesies, one can also spot a spirited massage therapist waiting to attend to your muscles with some relaxing treatment.

“A long flight can take a toll on your hamstrings, deltoids and neck muscles” he smiles, working his sturdy fingers on my tired shoulders!

A colorful kids section with bright caricatures and interesting toys is a kiddies paradise. One can find children frolicking at the Curio City as their parents unwind, preparing for the onward journey.

by KRISHNARAJ IYENGAR

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TRAVEL BUZZ

PARADISE ON EARTH AT AMARI PHUKET

STAY ONE MORE NIGHT AT THE NAM HAI, VIETNAM

Amari Coral Beach Phuket, a paradise on earth promises beauty, serenity and turquoise waters with true Asian hospitality. Nestled on the secluded headland of Phuket’s most popular beach, and surrounded by 68 acres of forest, the resort offers spectacular views of the picturesque bay and world renowned diving sites.

On offer are three packages: Phuket Escape Package at Rs 30,029 includes 4 nights in Superior Room including breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, Phuket Sun Kiss Package – 90 Minutes, 20% spa discount, fruit and flowers in room, 20% laundry service discount.

Amari Spa Package Rs 35,419 includes 3 nights in Superior Room including breakfast 2.5 hours Sea Breeze Package, one set menu dinner at Rim Talay Restaurant, fruit and flowers in room, roundtrip airport transfers, 20% spa discount.

Amari Romance Package at Rs 40,919 includes 3 nights in Superior Room including breakfast 2.5 hours Sea Breeze Package, fruit and flowers in room, roundtrip airport transfers, 18

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free honeymoon cake in room, a romantic breakfast in room, sparkling wine in room and romantic dinner.

All packages are valid until December 23, 2011.

For more: www.amari.com

Resting on the pristine Hoi An beach, near the ancient trading port of Hoi An in Vietnam, The Nam Hai is a luxury resort that offers unobstructed ocean views. The resort that features 60 one bedroom villas and 40 pool villas announces a Stay one more night at The Nam Hai package by which you pay for two nights and stay an extra night. Guests can choose from the one bedroom to five bedroom pool villas, each with its own landscaped gardens and views of the East Sea and Cham Islands. A 2 Night/3 Day stay for a couple is from Rs. 53,286 to Rs. 2,65,540. Offer valid till December 31, 2011. For details: namrata@mileage.in

AN ICONIC DESERT HIDEAWAY Once known as the Desert Hot Springs Motel, Hotel Lautner is a stunning modern day oasis in the desert. Built in 1947 by famed modernist architect John Lautner, the property was bought by Tracy Beckmann of Tracy Beckman Design and furniture designer Ryan Trowbridge of Brown + Trowbridge who spent 3 years on its meticulous renovation. Open to the public this September, Hotel Lautner features four distinctly designed interlocking suites with top-shelf features, vintage modern furniture, luxurious baths, contemporary kitchens, private gardens, relaxing spa pool and outdoor lounge areas.

Introductory rate: starting Rs.10,000 on weekdays, Rs.15,000 on weekends. Tax not included.

For more info@hotellautner.com

GO NOW October 2011

A DISCOVERY TOUR OF MACAO The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel offers a special Diwali Package exclusively for residents of India arriving between October 9 and November 30, 2011.

The promotional package includes accommodation, meals, transportation, shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing. Two nights of accommodation for two will be provided at the lavish Royale Suite of The Venetian Macao which features the world’s largest casino, with a massive gaming space of over 50,000 square meters.

The package also includes complimentary one-way ferry tickets for two from Macao to Hong Kong, a halfday Discovery Tour of Macao. The package starts from Rs 22,000 per couple for two nights whereas children’s rates start from Rs 1,200 per child.

Email: room.reservations@ venetian.com.mo

TRAVEL BUZZ

A DELIGHTFUL AUTUMN IN PRAGUE

UNWIND IN THE MAGICAL ISLAND OF BALI The Legian is an exclusive all suite luxury resort set in tropical gardens offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.

Beautifully integrated with landscaped gardens and lotus ponds, The Legian boasts a range of luxurious options for accommodation - from studio suites to one and two bedroom suites and a beach house. While dining options offer European cuisines with an Asian influence and gourmet dinners, the Spa at The Legian provides a sanctuary for healing traditions and relaxation and guests can choose from a variety of activities such as private yacht charter, deep sea diving, and more. A 2 nights/3 days deal for a couple is between Rs 52,800 to Rs.2,78,000 without taxes. Offer valid until December 31, 2011.

For more: neha@mileage.in

Considered a Golden City, Prague has ample charms that include stunning architecture, wonderful music and art, cosy cafés and stylish restaurants, not to mention the Mandarin Oriental’s fabulous, award-winning Spa, restaurant and bar.

This autumn Mandarin Oriental, Prague announces a unique double delight offer. If you book a Deluxe terrace or Premier room now through 25th December 2011, they will upgrade your accommodations by two categories to a Junior or Deluxe Suite.

Phone: +420 233 088 888 Email: moprg-reservations@mohg.com

A LAVAUX WINE PACKAGE Sitting on a ten-acre private garden with breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond, Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne is a world of refinement and luxury. The spectacular hotel located five minutes from the city center and shopping district and a 30 minute drive from the Geneva airport is ideal for business or leisure. Currently on offer is a special Lavaux Wine Package that includes 2 nights accommodation, a glass of wine, buffet breakfast or continental breakfast, restaurant voucher, visit to the oldest vineyard and free acess to the Spa and fitness centre.

Valid till 30th November.

Price: starting from Rs. 69,000 Phone: 0091 22 6638 7261 Email: ridheema.singh@indivamarketing.com; shahfreen.elavia@indivamarketing.com

LUXURY SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI If you are keen to spot the Big Five, there’s nowhere better to do so than in South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Park, and the private reserves that hug its borders. Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino can all be found, and highly skilled and experienced rangers know just where to look. Bird life is prolific and for sheer variety of flora only the impenetrable Amazon rivals the species density to be found here. African Blue Sky specializes in tailor making Safaris to Southern Africa where you can be assured of the ultimate vacation. Using extensive local knowledge and expertise on African Safaris, African Blue Sky will ensure that a Safari to Africa will leave you with lasting memories of the wild and amazing land. For custom deals contact: www.africa-safari-holidays.com/Luxury_safari.html Compiled by ESTHER WILLIAMS

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TRAVEL BUZZ

LEADING HOTELS

SPA ESCAPES More than a discount on accommodation, come state of the art treatments in spa escapes all over the world. With a 30% discount on stay, luxury hotels now offer spa service getaways and experiences.

Hôtel Majestic Barrière, Cannes Located on the Croisette Boulevard, facing the sea, the Hôtel Majestic Barrière in Cannes features the U Spa Barrière; a haven of wellbeing devoted to relaxation, serenity and recharging your mind and body.

The spa is a modern and sophisticated source of harmony and tranquility. It offers a range of personalized body and beauty treatments with four treatment rooms and also includes a shower experience, sauna, steam room, relaxation room and fitness hall. Rates are starting from Rs. 17,000 per night, based on double occupancy. www.LHW.com/majesticca

The Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica The resort is in the world’s most beautiful locations – the thermal mineral springs set amidst the Costa Rican rainforest at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Treatments are given in 11 open-air bungalows, all with Jacuzzis, a fully equipped gym, outdoor manicure/ pedicure areas, and an open-air Yoga Center and Ayurvedic focused spa menu. The wide range of treatments and therapies features the Temazcal ritual, a native purifying and detoxifying ritual performed in a sweat lodge by a Shaman (native

doctor). Rates are starting from Rs. 19,000 per night, based on double occupancy. www.LHW.com/tabacon

Fuchun Resort, Hangzhou, China Situated in China's inland lake region on a rolling hillside tea plantation, the Fuchun Resort has a natural air of calm that’s reflected in its stellar spa.

Inspired by the pristine surrounding environment, treatments focus on spiritual as well as physical wellness, with aromatherapy, shiatsu, tai chi and morning sessions of traditional Himalayan yoga on offer.

Conceptualized and

The Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort

developed exclusively for Fuchun Spa, the menu features a series of pampering treatments that utilize traditional Chinese herbal elements including the resort's famed Longjing tea. Rates are starting from Rs. 24,000 per night, based on double occupancy. www.LHW.com/fuchun

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives Nestled in the one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, it is a resort for romance and rejuvenation.

Its Jiva Grande Spa offers contemporary techniques blended with traditional Indian in the sanctuary pavilion, and has a yoga deck for sunrise practice.

Healthy and organic dishes are served in the dedicated spa restaurant. Rates are starting from Rs. 39,500 per night, based on double occupancy. www.LHW.com/tajmaldives 20

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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives October 2011 GO NOW

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WORLD TRAVELLER DESTINATION

DUTCH CARIBBEAN T

The ABC of the

he Netherlands Antilles – comprising Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – lie in the far south of the warm Caribbean Sea, just 30 kilometres off the coast of Venezuela. Although the ABC moniker suggests a neat little package, the three islands are in fact remarkably different, each offering the sun-seeking island hopper a unique experience.

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WORLD TRAVELLER DESTINATION

White water wonders: A for Aruba With gorgeous, year-round weather, Aruba is a beach lovers paradise that offers water sports, vegas-style shows and relaxation.

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ith Aruba’s fan club including the likes of Richard Gere, Tom Cruise and John Travolta, the island has long been popular among vacationers especially Americans who fly in from Miami and beyond. Aruba is the smallest of the three ABCs, measuring just 33km long, and it’s easy to explore its various attractions by private car or by booking yourself onto one of the many tours that shuttle visitors to and fro.

Rounding the tip of the island, Aruba’s famous beaches appear one after the other: Arashi, Boca Catalina, Malmok, Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. They are undeniably beautiful, with their divi-divi trees blown into twisted, contorted shapes by the coastal winds.

Wish rock garden & more Along the harsh north coast, where gentle waves lapping at sandy beaches are replaced with rocks and pounding surf, you’ll find the so-called ‘Wish Rock Garden’. As far as the eye can see locals have carefully placed small pyramids of stones piled on top of each other, creating a wonderfully cu-

rious display. The custom states that the more stones you can balance the more wishes you’re granted – but should the delicate tower fall, you’ll be left with nothing-so make sure you’ve got a steady hand.

With less than 20 per cent of the island protected from development, the EU-funded Arikok National Park is a great way to get acquainted with the island’s nature and wildlife- a half-day hike along the trails offers some great photo opportunities.

The city of bustle: Orangestad The capital Oranjestad is a colourful affair, with bright orange, blue, pink and yellow painted buildings in its centre, and modern malls where designer boutiques share retail space with simpler shops selling souvenirs.

The large marina is littered with impressive yachts and sailboats, and also welcomes larger cruise ships that dock on a regular basis, constantly refreshing the island’s many visitors. Oranjestad is also where you’ll find the many glitzy casinos and nightclubs that keep patrons entertained well into the early hours.

Luxurious stay, American feel Quality, luxurious accommodation is easy to come by on the white sands of Aruba’s famous Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.

Choose from vast all-inclusive beach resorts that cater to your every need, or get cosy and romantic in one of the many smaller boutique-style hotels popular with honeymooners and those seeking a more refined holiday experience. Austrianowned Bucuti Beach Resort falls into the latter category and offers stylish and comfortable rooms just a stone’s throw from one of the island’s best beaches. One can watch the waves break on the soft, powdery sand from your private balcony or enjoy a local Balashi beer in the excellent Pirate’s Nest restaurant as the sun sinks below the horizon.

While all this stateside attention has given Aruba an unshakeable American feel, with the US dollar the preferred currency and well-known American chain stores and eateries, the mix of American and Dutch influences is intriguing.

Mention the Caribbean and most imagine the islands, beaches in West Indies or the ethnic sounds of rumba or salsa in Havana. But Holland is certainly not what springs to mind. Yet, hard as it is to believe, the Netherlands, too, laid claim to their own slice of paradise in the times of colonial conquest.

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mice buzz

Saltpans of Bonaire

Blue Water Paradise: B for Bonaire

Paradise for Snorkelling and Diving

Bonaire is known for its world class scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkelling, Kayaking with flamingos and indulge in tranquility.

A

short hour-long flight east takes you to Bonaire. There is a huge amount to justify a visit to this stunningly beautiful rock in the ocean, but the stamp inked into your passport on arrival is worth it alone, with its unique, eye-catching flamingo icon. Boomerang- shaped Bonaire is the second largest of the three ABCs, yet it’s the least populated and least developed, so makes for an entirely different experience compared to Aruba. For one, you won’t find any traffic lights anywhere on the island and all buildings are intentionally kept small and low-rise.

Snorkelling & diving haven Bonaire is an absolute paradise for divers, snorkelers and nature and wildlife lovers – and that’s no exaggeration. The Bonaire National Marine Park, which all divers on the island help fund through the compulsory US$10 fee, is often cited as one of the best in the world, and its effectiveness is evident from the first time you dunk your head under the beautifully clean, clear water.

You’re spoilt for choice: simply stroll into the sea from almost any point on the island, and after just a few short steps you’ll en24

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counter the most amazing coral reef scenes of riotous colour and abundant life. Plus it’s easy to rent gear and organise your dives, as most hotels boast their own dive centre. Just ensure you follow the strict dos and don’ts rules that apply in all waters off the island up to 60 metres deep, and which guarantee the reefs and marine life stay undamaged and abundant for years to come.

Kayaking with flamingos Even if you’d rather stay above water, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Kayaking among the mangroves, which play such a vital role in preserving the natural environment, is a real highlight. Imagine paddling through maze-like channels, dense mangroves on either side, or then suddenly emerging at a widening lagoon filled with pink flamingos, turquoise waves breaking on a reef in the distance. If this doesn’t live up to your vision of Caribbean paradise, nothing will.

As on Aruba, it’s best to hire your own four wheels if you’re keen to explore the island. Driving down to the southern tip of Bonaire, the important role that salt has played and continues to play on the island became clear. Saltpans stretch far and wide,

transforming the landscape into a shimmering sea of white. It’s a curious thing to see the giant pyramids of salt glistening in the heat of day, appearing almost as pure snow.

Quaint hotels & resorts Neither will you find any tall buildings nor will you come across the usual list of big global hotel chains. Instead, the island’s multinational visitors can choose from quaint hotels, lodges and some of the Caribbean’s best resorts, like the highly recommended Harbour Village Beach Club.

The capital of Willemstad

Deep Blue Sea: C for Curacao With ruggedly beautiful landscape, Curacao provides an endless beauty of fun divers lane.

T

he final stop on your island-hopping tour of the ABCs is Curacao, the largest of the three. It’s less than an hour’s flight from Bonaire, or you could always make the short journey by boat. Curacao feels far more like a living, breathing country in its own right than its two sister islands. There’s industry here, a population of almost 150,000 and the capital, Willemstad, is a bustling, lively place, split into two parts – Punda and Otrobanda – by the large natural harbour that so attracted the Dutch when they came here in the early 17th century. Its historic centre is colourful and could easily have been plucked from the canals of Amsterdam, while its picturesque suburbs stretch far beyond in all directions.

Capital life and recreational sports The capital itself is definitely worth a day’s exploration, the bustling Venezuelan floating market making an interesting stop as you take in the surrounding architecture and soak up the carefree vibes. If it’s a beach holiday you’re after, rest assured Curacao boasts its fair share of stunning sandy stretches, but really there’s far more to this bustling island, which makes it ideal

for those who like to stay active and mix it up a little.

Active pursuits include an off-road tour of the island on an ATV quad bike with Eric’s ATV Adventures. You can also try the Curacao Phoenix and let its crew sail you out to a beautiful dive or snorkelling spot close to Caracas Bay on the southern shore.

The clear waters and excellent visibility ensure you’ll have plenty of sights to keep you busy for hours.

Angelica’s kitchen & more Angelica’s Kitchen, on Hoogstraat in Willemstad, offers fun-filled Caribbean-inspired cooking lessons in light, airy surroundings with a private garden. A halfday spent cooking and, more importantly, sampling regional delicacies accompanied by lively local music is certainly a memorable experience and a good way to meet locals and fellow holidaymakers alike.

Another worthwhile stop is the Dinah Veeris Botanic and Historic Garden, a quiet, peaceful place where more than 300 herb species and trees – all of them traditionally believed to have healing properties.

factfile HOW TO GET THERE There are flights available from Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bangalore to Amsterdam

by Air India, Swiss International Airlines, Kingfisher, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

From there, Dutch airlines Martin Air (www.martinair.com) and KLM (www.klm.com) fly direct from Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport to Aruba and Curacao.

Inter-island flights are operated by Insel Air (www.fly-inselair.com) and Dutch Antilles Express (www.flydae.com).

WHERE TO STAY • Bucuti Beach Resort, Aruba. www.bucuti.com • Harbour Village Beach Club, Bonaire. www.harbourvillage.com • Renaissance Hotel, Curacao. www.marriott.co.uk/renaissance-hotel/ travel.mi FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES • Catamaran snorkelling, Aruba. www.depalm.com • Mangrove kayaking, Bonaire. www.mangrovecenter.com • Diving at Captain Don’s Habitat, Bonaire. www.habitatbonaire.com • Eric’s ATV Adventures, Curacao. www.curacao-atv.com Curacao Dolphin Academy: www.dolphin-academy.com FOR MORE INFORMATION www.aruba.com; www.curacao.com; www.tourismbonaire.com

Text & photographs by HFU REISENHOFER

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WORLD TRAVELLER LUXURY

TROPICAL LUXURY, BROODING PRIVACY AT ONE&ONLY

REETHI RAH Surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean, set on one of the largest islands in North Male, One&Only Reethi Rah lives up to its namesake, ‘Beautiful Island’ in Dhivehi. With spectacular scenery, it provides luxurious amenities and unprecedented privacy.

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ontemporary design, re-shaped islet

Along a six kilometres coastline, lies this 109 acre island which was re-shaped and enlarged by Denniston International Architects to ensure maximum privacy and exclusivity for guests. The aesthetics of the island were maximised to offer 134 villas and 12 perfect powder-soft white sandy beaches- each one lying in a secluded cove. Guests of One&Only Reethi Rah arrive on the resort’s own yacht, and make their way through a spectacular Reception, to be taken to their villas.

134 villas nestled in privacy The villas at One&Only Reethi Rah are some of the most luxurious and spacious in the

Indian Ocean and take the concept of island chic to new heights. There are 79 beach villas with large verandas and private pools and 30 water villas with split level verandas and ocean hammocks on the deck for sun lazing. The island also has 6 duplex villas and 6 grand villas with spacious bedrooms, infinity pools overlooking the ocean. Each villa, whether on a private beach or suspended above the waters, is a totally self-contained sanctuary. Made from Balan wood from the Malaysian part of Borneo, each villa is separated by vegetation to afford complete privacy.

Simple exteriors, flamboyant interiors Jean Michel Gathy, Design Director, Denniston

International Architects says, “I wanted the rooms to be architecturally simple and blending into the island feel but create dramatic interiors with an almost flamboyant feeling of space, height and flair.” The décor is heavily influenced by Asian style, with the use of strong vivid colours, mixed with tropical materials and natural textures – teak, rattan, mahogany, coconut shell, and silk.

The large bathrooms each have two vanities and an over-sized, custom-made terrazzo bath tub is at the window, with views over the Indian Ocean. The bathrooms also have walk-in showers, which offer the option of rainforest or power showers.

Varied choice, flexible dining Fine dining, fusion cooking and the sheer enjoyment of food take on dining experiences at One&Only Reethi Rah. “The whole concept is about total flexibility in being able to eat what you want, when you want it,” commented Mark Hehir, General Manager. “That defines luxury to me.” The key is the quality

of the ingredients, which is why the Reethi Rah Team of Chefs focuses on the finest organic produce and freshest fish from the Indian Ocean – such as crayfish, tuna and snapper – for a consummate gourmet experience.

Main dining at reethi restaurant Reethi Restaurant is the main dining lodge of One&Only Reethi Rah and offers a theatrical experience with spectacular settings, rich colours, and the ever-changing scenery of the sky and ocean all around. The stylish poolside bar, Rah Bar has been designed on three levels, so that everyone can enjoy views of the sea. Approached from the Rah Bar, guests pass a glass-fronted wine room and a huge wall opening onto an Asian kitchen with two large woks, an impressive Beijing duck roaster, a dim sum steamer and a specially built Tandoori oven. The more conventional kitchen lies to the rear serving breakfast, lunch and dinner serving contemporary cuisines from the Mediterranean and the Far East.

Tapasake and Fanditha An over-water restaurant on the western tip of the island, Tapasake is the ideal place to savour delicious Japanese tapas and enjoy the freshest fish at the Sushi Bar. On the northernmost point of the island is Fanditha, an exotic beach restaurant and bar with carpets in the sand, chill-out swing sofas, inviting day beds and giant cushions.

Special evening events include catch-of-theday feasts, lobster BBQs and full-moon beach parties.

Tailored therapy at One&Only spa by Espa An oasis of serenity surrounded by water and lush vegetation, One&Only Spa by ESPA offers pure relaxation and signature wellness journeys. 8 luxurious treatment villas are each nestled beneath its own thatched roof, uniquely designed to form a luxurious natural environment. Customized treatments are based on Ayurvedic traditions infused with western luxuries. An October 2011 GO NOW

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all-encompassing experience with swirling vitality pools, crystal steam rooms, saunas and stimulating ice fountains. Two overwater double treatment suites are an enticing retreat offering the ultimate personal spa experience for a couple. A hair salon and the celebrated Bastien Gonzalez pedicure and manicure studios provide additional facilities.

Multitude of recreational activities

One&Only spa by Espa

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Guests have complimentary use of such facilities as canoes, kayaks and windsurfing. The island’s lagoon and house reef are home to a huge variety of fish; snorkelers will see turtles, Napoleon wrasses, white-tip sharks, butterfly fish, the ubiquitous tuna and many more. The island is also blessed with some of the best diving sites with visibility of around 40 meters as the PADI-certified dive

factfile How to get there Male, the capital of Maldives has the International airport. There are regular flights from Maldives to Colombo, Thiruvananthapuram, and Dubai. Male airport is only 1 Km away from the main city and can be reached by boats or seaplanes. No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives. A 30-day visitor permit will be granted upon arrival with Possession of a valid passport for at least six months and a valid return air ticket.

Average cost for two Accommodation for 2 at the One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives for period of Sept end is Rs. 46,100 per room per night.

Ongoing package Stay 4, Pay 3 package includes 1 night complimentary stay, breakfast for two and boat transfers. The rate is 10% commissionable to IATA affiliated travel agencies.

For reservations reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com.mv

Exterior, Exterior, Beach Villa Villa

Custom made Terrazzo bath tub

centre offer excursions for all levels.

Day-trips off the island include traditional handline fishing aboard a Maldivian Dhoni, luxury cruising in a Catamaran or to go for private island picnics. Other water-based sports that are available for a fee include banana and tube rides, knee boarding, water-skiing, paragliding and deep-sea fishing.

Haute chic meets beach chic Merchandise on offer is from some of the

best known labels in fashion and includes bikinis from Brazil, special resort wear from European designers Missoni, and Antik Batik. Shoe Halston and Maloles, Christian Louboutin, Anya Hindmarch have created exclusive lines for One&Only. The boutique personnel provide a personal shopping service for guests wanting to choose merchandise in the privacy of their own villa.

by MANAVI SIDDHANTI

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WORLD TRAVELLER CHECK OUT

NATURE’S HIDEAWAY TO UNWIND AND RELAX

KANI LANKA

If you’re looking for a destination that can take your mind away from the woes of life in the city, head to Kani Lanka Resort near Kalutara in Sri Lanka. Plush with necessities, the resort is nestled away in nature’s ideal location for sun bathing, beach gazing and kayaking.

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WORLD TRAVELLER CHECK OUT

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ocated on the south west coast of Sri Lanka, Kani Lanka Resort and Spa is about two hours away from the International Airport. The resort that is famous for its stunning location nestles in a unique habitat of lush greenery and the serene river, Kalu Ganga, barely 10 minutes away from the historical town of Kalutara.

Varied accommodation The hotel offers 6 superior suites, 83 superior rooms and 16 standard rooms with Wi-Fi facility, and central air?conditioning. Facilities include bathrooms with bath tub and separate shower cubical with rain showers along with safe lockers, a stocked mini bar and a LCD TV with satellite channels.

Theme nights at the Palm Restaurant As far as food and beverage options go, the resort has two bars – Miridiya and Karadiya Bar to enjoy the beginnings of evening overlooking scenic delights, not to mention the spectacular sunsets. Kani Lanka’s main restaurant- the Palm serves elaborate buffets

factfile How to get there From Colombo, Kani Lanka Resort is an hours’ drive whereas a two and a half hour drive from the Colombo International Airport.

For reservations: Telephone +94 (112) 233215 Email - inquiries@serendibleisure.lk www.kanilanka.com

with sea food specials. Also available is Café Saffron – ideal for outdoor dining with A la carte menus.

Recreational activities For those who love the pristine waters, Kani Lanka resort offers wind surfing, canoeing, kayaking and boat cruises. Excursions to the city of Kalutara, Hikkaduwa, Galle and Unawatuna, Kandy, Sinharaja Rain Forest and Ratnapura are available. Apart from weekly cultural Shows and music performances, Table Tennis, Billiard, Darts, Carom, Chess, Card Games, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball and Floodlit Tennis can also be indulged in.

Kanilanka Spa by Amaan At Amaan, the purpose is to help you relax and become aware of yourself and merge with nature, just as the river and the ocean blend together in harmony without a beginning or an end as in a perfect circle. A mini haven in nature’s best surroundings, the facility has certified spa therapists and offers treatments such as body wraps, ayurvedic therapies, slimming treatment, immune system boosters along with facial and hair treatments.

by MANAVI SIDDHANTI

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travel and discover a sub-continent

JIVA SPA, VIVANTA BY TAJ, BENGALURU

• SAVOUR INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT BIA LOUNGES • HOTELS CHECK-IN AT AHMEDABAD • JIVA BECOMES A ONESTOP SHOP FOR BENGALURU • ROYAL TREATMENT AT THE IMPERIAL SALON

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS BUZZ

FLY LUFTHANSA A380 WITH YOUR CELL PHONE The Number 1 European airline in India, has taken interactive mobile technology to a new level with its exciting new game – ‘the Lufthansa Park & Fly.’ Developed in collaboration with MRM Worldwide, the game challenges players to park a Lufthansa A380 in its hangar using their mobile phones.

Displayed on back to back screens in malls across the three cities, the game provides a visual spectacle to not only the thousands who will play it, but even to those who just witness it. With video footage and superb graphics, players experience the thrill of maneuvering the aircraft with keys on their mobile phones and get 2 minutes to accomplish the task.

The game is expected to catch the imagination of the youth, the driving force behind the rapidly expanding Indian gaming industry. All players need to dial in

from their mobile phones at the Lufthansa Park & Fly Zones set up at malls to play the game. With the impressive visuals displayed on huge screens controlled by just their mobile, the game will provide a unique gaming experience.

Perks such as two Business Class tickets to the US on the Lufthansa A380 are being given away to a winner in each city.

“Lufthansa Park & Fly allows players to experience the thrill of manoeuvring a commercial aircraft," said Mandeep Sharma, VP and GM of MRM Worldwide India, “and is guaranteed to generate tremendous excitement with its blend of fun with technology”.

Launched on September 17 the Lufthansa A380 Park & Fly game travels to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. www.lufthansa.com/in

DA MILANO FLAGSHIP STORES AT MUMBAI AIRPORTS Leather fashion brand Da Milano recently launched two of its flagship stores at Mumbai airports, Domestic and Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport. According to Mr. Sahil Malik, Managing Director, Da Milano “We are now visible at Mumbai and Delhi airports and in this financial year we promise to come up with 10 new outlets across India.” Spanning 800 - 1000 sq. ft. area of each store, the retail area features the latest Autumn Winter’11 Collection. The store provides consumers with a highly personalized way to shop by the latest trend and style. Da Milano has a plethora of leather products and accessories which goes with urban lifestyle and travel. www.damilano.com

BMI LAUNCHES DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM AMRITSAR TO LONDON starting October 14, travellers from Amritsar can reach London in 12 hours with British Midland International. This flight will operate 3 times a week is the only direct service to the UK via Amritsar. Economy Class return fares start from Rs.38, 091 including taxes. A member of Star Alliance, BMI is the second largest airline operating from London Heathrow Airport. Service to and from Amritsar will be operated on Airbus A330-200 aircraft with a total of 232 seats. This is further divided into 196 Economy class seats and 36 Business Class seats. In the journey, the flight is scheduled for a short stopover in Kazakhastan without changing aircraft. www.flybmi.com 34

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SE ASIA GETS CHEAPER FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS Largest online company, Expedia, Inc. joined hands with low cost carrier, AirAsia, offering a complete range of great value flights, hotels, and holiday options for Indian travellers. As India’s online travel market has grown exponentially between 30%-40%, this joint venture focuses on travelling unique travel offers in least time.

Cashing in on this, Expedia is focused to bring amazing value holidays with Air Asia’s compelling offers for air travel. Combining together Expedia’s large hotel

inventory, Air Asia’s network across the region offers affordable rates in this region. On the launch, Scott Durchslag, President, Expedia Worldwide said, “With this JV we have yet again, redefined the Indian travel landscape to deliver to a ‘never before experience’ to South East Asia, at the click of a button.” With the convenience of an online portal, a 3N/4D stay with return fare will cost Rs. 17,340 to Phuket.

For more: www.expedia.co.in and www.airasia.com compiled by MANAVI SIDDHANTI

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS LOUNGE

A LONG LOUNGE AFFAIR AT

BIA Comfortable setting, luxurious environs are a few prerequisites that help Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) stand out from other hubs in India.

Apart from offering high-end services to a group of travellers, BIA’s lounges are ideal for a busy traveller in transit.

W

ith the technology advance ment sprucing up at a fast pace, the aviation and travel industry is fortunately not far behind in terms of upgrading and bringing new innovations. Thankfully, most of the airports across the globe boast of lounges that ooze sophistication and royalty to the core.

Nestled in Devanahalli, BIA houses some of the breathtaking lounges in India. Apart from offering high-end services to a myriad group of travelers, these lounges are much talked about due to its dĂŠcor that are tastefully done up. They boast of world-class amenities like spas, gyms, showers, internet access, bar, private meeting rooms and more.

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The Reserved Lounge, Check-in Hall As the name says it all, Reserved lounge is exclusively designed for the high-profile and important travelers. Situated past the elevators at the check-in hall of the Bengaluru International Airport, this 24/7 lounge is accessible to both departing as well as arriving guests. The lounge is fully equipped with luxurious loungers, single sofas, Wi-Fi facility, and an in-house pantry, restroom with shower facility, television, and reading material. To hold confidential meetings or relax, there is also a separate private room. This space is often teeming with MPs, chief secretaries, visiting dignitaries and other high-profile

executives. Maintained and serviced by ten well trained guest relations staff from BIAL, this lounge is a perfect blend of comfort and peace. All the rooms of reserved lounge are well-lit and teams faultlessly with the dark brown sofas adorned with bright orange floral patterns. Capable of accommodating 16 individuals at a time, reserved lounge is truly an epitome of luxury combined with cutting edge interiors.

The Oberoi Lounge, International Departures The warm interiors teamed with excellent guest services of Oberoi lounge is bound to create a lasting impression on the minds of travellers. This plush and inviting executive lounge seeps exquisiteness in every inch. To match up the ambience and sparkling floors, local history is captured in picture frames of located in and around Bangalore. The entrance to the lounge lined with single sofas, colorful flowers and beige colored walls is impressive. Catering to first and business class passengers of international airlines, the Oberoi lounge is remarkable in terms of services, ambience and comfort. Some of its features are an lazyboy chairs, exclusive shower room, a dedicated bar and Wi-Fi access.

The Kingfisher Lounge, Domestic Departures Business tycoon and the ‘King of Good Times,’ Dr. Vijay Mallya is the man behind the snazzy Kingfisher lounge. The seating, floors, lightings and paneling are vibrant, intriguing and highlighted in its corporate red color. Premium class travelers – both busi-

Kingfisher Lounge

ness and first class can access into this lounge and avail a range of services like high-speed broadband Internet access, food and beverage, library, communication and shower facilities. Designed to cater to 70 business class and 20 first class travelers at any time, the lounge also houses a business centre complete with Apple desktops, scanners and printers. Those who like lazing away discreetly can head towards the individual bucket sofas. For informal discussions and striking a conversation, are high bar stools with chic seats. The food and beverage services is have an array of choices available.

Kingfisher Lounge

Air India Lounge, Domestic Departures Air India lounge is not just visually appealing but also soothing to eyes. Launched in the year 2009, this plush lounge is spacious and has the capacity to accommodate 72

Arrival Lounge

guests. The sparkling mosaic floor is a delight to walk on and compliments well with the whole ambience of the lounge. he ceilings are beautiful and fixed with low-voltage light bulbs.

One can while away time peacefully either by lazing on the white sofas, listen to the sounds of a rippling water fall nearby or catch on the latest news while sipping a chilled beverage. Televisions, reading materials, access to Wi-Fi, and an in-house pantry are some of the available facilities. Air India lounge is simple yet sophisticated and suited perfectly for not just the elite business group but also for the frequent flyers.

by NIVEDITHA JAIN & MANAVI SIDDHANTI

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TRAVEL BUZZ

LUXURIOUS GETAWAYS AT THE LEELA PALACE, UDAIPUR

A 16th century city in the heart of Rajasthan, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Aravalli Mountains, Udaipur is immensely rich in heritage, culture and leisure.

The stunning setting of The Leela Palace, Udaipur, guarantees a breathtaking view to its discerning guests from its 72 rooms and 8 Suites. The Leela Palace Udaipur has lakeview and heritage rooms, luxury suites, duplex suites, royal suite and a maharaja suite, each of which offer luxurious comfort. Apart from 4 meeting rooms, the hotel offers 3 banquet halls- The Mewar Room 120 guests), the Marwar Room (100 guests) and the Royal Ballroom (200 guests).

Diwali Specials includes stay, breakfast and dinner at lake view room with for Rs. 22,000 per night and Heritage View Room for Rs.24,000. Package includes welcome drink on arrival, two way airport transfers by luxury car, dinner for two at the Dining Room, sunrise and sunset yoga. Rates are inclusive of all taxes and the offer stands till October 31, 2011.

Email: central.reservations@theleela.com

TAJ SAFARI’S SPECIAL WINTER OFFER

EXPLORE THE ANDAMANS WITH SAROVAR PORTICO Experience nature’s bounty to the fullest, at the Peerless Sarovar Portico, Port Blair’s only beach resort.

Located in the scenic Corbyn Cove, the hotel has 50 guest rooms and premium cottages with private balconies offering picturesque views of the expansive greenery around.

Located within 8 kms from the airport and city centre, Peerless Sarovar Portico has all modern amenities. Their special package valid until 30th November includes airport transfers, local sightseeing, sound and light show at the cellular jail and entry to monuments. A 3 Night/ 4 Day Package for two is available in Rs 23,999.

Email ppo@sarovarhotels.com

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Imagine waking up on a crisp winter morning with sun rays cutting through the morning mist when you catch the sight of a majestic tiger walking through the tall grass. You can experience all that and more at the Taj Safari Wildlife lodges.

Taj Safaris offers the legendary Taj hospitality and the expertise of &Beyond, Africa’s leading Ecotourism Company, while exploring the wilderness at Kanha, Panna, Pench and Bandhavgarh National Parks in Madhya Pradesh. Taj Safaris is a union of like-minded hospitality companies pooling vast resources and experience to build a circuit of extraordinary lodges in India’s renowned Tiger Reserves. For Madhu Kothi, Tola, Banjaar and Baghvan peak season asks for Rs.27,000 for two while Pashan costs Rs. 19,000 for two till November 30, 2011. E-mail: tajsafaris@tajhotels.com

CATCH THE FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX AT GLOW STUDIOS If you are planning to watch live the Formula One Grand Prix, Glow Studios is the ideal location to camp in. Located at Knowledge Park III, Glow Studios in Greater Noida has a special package valid from 24th October to 31st October which includes buffet breakfast for two, WI-FI in room, use of gym, newspapers, mineral water and coffee/tea. Glow Studios will also provide shuttle service to and from F1 venue for your convenience.A Studio room costs Rs 9,000 per night for single/double occupancy whereas a Grand Studios Room is for Rs. 11,250 per night for single/double occupancy. For more: www.glowstudios.com

TRAVEL BUZZ

WEEKEND GETAWAYS AT THE DESERT RESORT, MANDAWA Set against the land of Rajputs, their havelis and forts lies The Desert Resort, Mandava in Rajasthan. The best place to discover the legacy of Shekhawati is from the comfort of Castle Mandawa, a fortress, now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. The cost of package for a couple for 2 nights/ 3days ranges from Rs 20, 000 to Rs 25,000 including all meals, camel ride once during the stay, unlimited use of pool, and indoor games. For more: www.mandawahotels.com

INDULGENT SPA TREATMENTS AT SPA ARUNA RELAXING STAY AT THE RADISSON, SHIMLA Ideal for those who want to head to the hills this season, The Radisson in Shimla offers 2 nights/3 days package including accommodation, welcome drinks, daily breakfast and dinner, usage of recreational facilities with discount on other F&B services.

Additional charges for children apply- the offer is valid till the end of October, 2011.

Email: Info@parthholidays.com

Set amidst serene surroundings, combining modern touches and traditional charm, is the Heritage Village Resort & Spa Manesar. The Rajasthani Haveli style palatial resort promises to restore your spirit and the only pressure you feel is from the masseuse at the Spa. Spread across 12 acres of greenery, the resort has luxury rooms & suites built in four doublestoreyed clusters or ‘Mohallas’ each interconnected through open archways. Their all-inclusive one day spa indulgence package comprises signature treatments for a couple which include massages, steam, sauna, scrub, reflexology and an aromatherapy couple bath and unlimited food, snacks in-between meals, in house beverages and entertainment activities for the whole family in Rs. 11500 + taxes.

Email: sales@selechotels.in

BEACH GETAWAYS AT ZURI RETREATS If you’ve been dreaming of getting away from the regular Diwali celebrations, whisk away to one of these beach destinations. Starting October 21st–31st 2011, the Diwali package assures royal extravagance for 3 nights and 4 days for a couple at Zuri White Sands Resorts & Casino and Zuri Retreat Goa and The Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala, Resort and Spa. For Zuri White Sands and Resorts, Goa the offer includes accommodation, hotel transfers, buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, half day sightseeing, a 15% off on recreational use of spa and free access to internet. Live entertainment, cultural shows are also included. Package rates are according to choice of Garden view room (Rs.36,000), Premium Room (Rs. 42,300) and Deluxe room (Rs. 45,400). Zuri Retreat, Goa offers the same deal and also includes rangoli competition,

tambola amongst other attractions for Rs.18,000 per couple.

Extra costs for children are application for both properties.

The Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala, Resort and Spa include a 2 nights/ 3 day stay, buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake and a complimentary recreational ritual. Package rates start from 26,000 for a

lagoon view room, Rs.34,200 for a cottage and Rs. 65,000 for a pool villa. www.thezurihotels.com compiled by ESTHER WILLIAMS

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DINING OUT BUZZ

NU DELHI QBA & BIG BAND THEORY Inspired by the vintage look of stately bars in Delhi, nU. Delhi QBA at Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri fuses a unique look in one of it’s six outlets in New Delhi, with elements of a totally unique look, feel & experience. On the food platter, QBA provides a vast selection available from its grills with specials Lamb chops, chelo Kebabs, & grilled prawns along with Chicken tikka.

But the biggest attraction at nU Delhi QBA is their live band from Philippines, Big Band Theory. The all new 'nU.Delhi Big Band Theory' is an upscale, collaboration of Philippines skilled musical persons working together with the sole intention to entertain. The band hails from Davao, Philippines and comprises of 7 members performing an array of musical selections ranging from the latest pop favorites to the classic treasured tunes from a wide range of genres. The nU.Delhi Big Band Theory is a representation of the highest quality in live entertainment the Philippines has to offer coupled with talent, skill and musical precision, the band is versatile in Rock, Blues & Jazz.

So catch them while you sip on the finest spirit selections available in town at 14/48, Malcha Marg Market, Chanakyapuri. For reservations, call 47378800.

HALLOWEEN NIGHT AT URBAN PIND – THE URBAN BAR The Goblins will be haunting, and the monsters will mash, it’s time to get ready for Halloween Bash only at the Urban Pind - Urban Bar. Get Evil and wicked as your favourite hangout transforms into a Wild and Haunted Halloween haven with Costume Party, Costume Stall, Halloween Body Art, Halloween Drinks, decorations, mummies at Urban Pind, Greater Kailash starting 9 pm on October 31, 2011.

FAT FREE FOOD AT URBAN PIND, GREATER KAILASH

ALL NIGHT MENU AT MOBIUS, HOTEL SAMRAT For late nights and hectic schedules, Mobius offers a lavish menu from 1 am till 6.30 am including The Mixed Meat Paella; “Zattar” Spiced Grilled Chicken; the Insanity Sandwich; Grilled Tiger Prawns, Roast Chicken Salad with Burnt Garlic & Balsamic. Vegetarian patrons can choose from The Risotto Pan; The Greek-Salad; Wild Mushroom & Smoked Spinach Lasagne; Grilled Zucchini & Asparagus –Fettucine cream of many peppers among others. Meal for two costs Rs.1200 plus taxes. For more: 011-24121841/42/43 40

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NEW INDIAN MENU AT JOLLY ROGERS, GURGAON Enjoy a whole new Indian menu at Jolly Rogers, Gurgaon with over 16 food items being added to the list.

Chef Dhiraj has creatively penned some of the best Indian dishes such with Paneer lababdar, Mushroom Hara Pyaz, dal makhani, Aaloo makai seekh kebab and meat options including Murg Makhani, Gosht Rogan Josh Ajwaini Fish Tikka, or Chicken curry.

For more, call 9810870773.

This festive season, indulge your senses into yummy food without thinking of pile-on calories at Urban Pind and Urban Café (Khan market and Saket). Café’s got something special for all those health conscious people with an innovative twist. Rush and grab the chef’s special fat-free and healthy Exotic Vegetable Penne Pasta with Olive oil and Cheese as no festivity celebration is complete without the yummy food on the plate. Made from fresh parsley, Mushroom, asparagus, baby corn, green beans and broccoli and garnished with grated Parmesan Cheese will cost you between Rs.1500-2000 for two.

Valid all October, for more: 011-32514646

by MANAVI SIDDHANTI

CHECK OUT FOOD

REVAMPED ‘SAMPAN’ NOW SERVES PAN-ASIAN DELIGHTS After an exhaustive renovation, the rooftop restaurant at The Suryaa hotel re-launched this month. From a chinese cuisine, the restauran now boasts of pan-asian meals, sophisticated interiors and a friendly service.

A

swift elevator ride transforms your surroundings as the Sampan sits proudly on the rooftop the Suryaa in a posh area of South Delhi. While the dimmed city switches to bright lights, you find your place at the reopened restaurant, Sampan.

Majestic view, sophisticated decor Designed by Minnie Kashyap, the ambience of the restaurant instantly gauges its guest, enveloping you in the personal of a contemporary setting. Comfortable couches, purple chandeliers and brocade lining are some of the highlights of the tasteful atmosphere.

Apart from dining tables, the restaurant has a lounge which faces the view of Lotus temple along with the cityscape. An open terrace for functions, a private dining room to accommodate 17 and a tea room for 40

Chef Rakesh Prasad

recommends ☛ Gou Tie – pan fried dumplings ☛ Tea smoked tender lamb ☛ The Suryaa Roll ☛ Tori Karage ☛ Thot Man Khao Phot ☛ Chicken Mongol Kublai

are also available in this wide expanse.

Authentic flavours, varied variety Sampan’s food offerings extend cuisine wise and not by courses – consisting of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Malay and Vietnamese delicacies to taste the authentic flavours of Asia.

The South-East Asian section offers lesser known jewels from Myanmar like the delicious Monhinga, Mandalay curries and the Panthé. The Thai selection is extensive with robust Massamans, the hung lay from north and the Penang style seafood and commercial styles from Bangkok. The Japanese selection is an aesthetic collection of Ceviche style Sashimi, Chirashi sushi, Hina Matsuri Bentou, Tendon to a Macha-Misu. Apart from a teppan counter, the show kitchen has a dumpling steamer, a duck rotisserie and a live sushi counter. The restaurant has a well stocked bar with the finest selection of single malt whiskies in the capital. A separate column for local dishes like Gobi Manchurian and Sarojini Nagar Dumplings catch the eye.

Signature dishes and new experimentations After an introduction by Chef Rakesh Prasad and Shiladitya Dey, Assistant Manager what followed was a cold selection challenging your palate. Yum Ma Muang – a thai mango salad and Some Tam Salad which was made of spicy papaya and fox seeds were really exceptional.

Despite my lack of appreciation of Japanese food, Chef Rakesh insisted to include Tori Karage – delicious chunks of chicken served with tonkatsu sauce along with wok tossed pepper chicken – a dish for those

factfile Where: Sampan, Rooftop, The Suryaa, New Friends Colony, New Delhi-110025 Cuisine: Pan Asian Meal for two: Rs 4000 plus taxes For information/ reservation: 011-26835070, 99996-21855 Email: sampan@thesuryaanewdelhi.com

who indulge in extreme herbs. A Shandong style tea smoked lamb was delicious while signature corn patties also called Thot Man Khao Phot were done to perfection.

The entrees included steam basa in black bean sauce and my personal favouritechicken mongol Kublai with mushrooms, scallions and peppers done in an iron wok.

Signature dishes included Kaenu khiew mitvegetables in Thai green curry along with exotic veggies and tofu in clay pot. Dessert included a platter a dark chocolate pastry, and an assortment of fruits.

The staff is well groomed, and friendlytending to its guests with a knowledge of their elaborate menu.

by MANAVI SIDDHANTI October 2011 GO NOW

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CITY ANALYSIS

AHMEDABAD A city on high growth trajectory

Call it the megacity effect. Brisk growth and robust economic dynamics are leading hoteliers to queue up to check into the city with star-category projects.

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CITY ANALYSIS ‘Manchester of India’, the seventh largest city in India, the commercial capital of Gujarat – there are many ways to describe Ahmedabad. But one thing is certain: it is on a high-paced growth trajectory. While textiles and the garment industry continue to grow, the city is also a thriving center for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and automobile industries.

The economics of the city are impressive. The remarkable infrastructure and industrial development in and around Ahmedabad is making it a major commercial hub in the Western region after Mumbai. It has more than 11 special economic zones (SEZs), 10 industrial parks, and about 12 industrial estates at various stages of implementation.

That’s good news for hoteliers already present in the city as well as those eyeing a piece of this fast-growing pie. Last five years have seen over 10 four- and five-star hotels come up in Ahmedabad. Another eight to ten projects are in the offing. The new hotels that have come up recently include St Laurn, Courtyard by Marriott, Cambay Grand, Metropole, Ramada Inn, Sarovar Portico, Country Inn, Park Plaza, Cambay Sapphire and Royal Orchid. Aloft, Crowne Plaza, Ista, The Fern, and Radisson are the ones in the pipeline.

Darius Merchant GM, THE GATEWAY HOTEL UMMED

In the last five years, what has happened in this market is that if the supply has grown by 100%, demand has grown by only 50%. As a result, either the occupancy levels are stagnant or ARRs have dipped. Established players are not worried in the short term but it is a difficult scenario for new hotels coming in.

What’s driving visitors to the city?

The government is aggressively wooing investors. Events like Vibrant Gujarat, seminars, and workshops have increased tremendously and that is driving business.

Further hotels have been getting around 12% business from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

It is this industrial growth in and around the city that is luring leading hospitality players to extend their footprint in Gujarat’s commercial capital. “The opportunities in the city are excellent. The business is

Ahmedabad is the largest inland industrial center and the second largest industrial center in western India after Mumbai. The gross domestic product of Ahmedabad metro was estimated at $16 billion in 2010. It is the largest supplier of denim and one of the largest exporters of gems and jewellery in the country.

Nepal Singh GM, ROYAL ORCHID

Government policies are extremely hassle-free; it is very easy to get clearances. Also, there are regularly several events that attract business.

For instance, IATO is coming up and there has been a lot of planning in advance. This gives you a lot of confidence.

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CITY ANALYSIS

Rajiv Prashar GM, HOTELS, DB HOSPITALITY (LE MERIDIEN)

As the supply increases in the city, there is a rate war already happening and the competition is set to get intense. The room rates have dropped by up to 30% since last year. There must be some benchmark to check a further fall in rates.

Vishal Jamuar GM, PRIDE HOTEL

As of now the market is a 50:50 between being a buyers and sellers market. There is no immediate fear of an over-supply simply because there is some kind of cautiousness. A lot of projects have been delayed as there is scarcity of funds so there will be a balance.

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increasing. The automobile sector is expanding at a fast pace. Also, the finance sector is getting very big here with GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) city coming up,” says Anirban Bhattacharya, Director (Sales & Marketing), St. Laurn Hotels, one of the latest entrants in the market.

The city has potential for attracting leisure tourists as well with its rich history and culture. The government has been actively promoting tourism with Amitabh Bachchan’s campaign creating a buzz but the city hasn’t benefitted too much.

“Ahmedabad remains a business destination even though it is capable of drawing leisure tourists as well. We have initiated activities to introduce our guests to the local culture,” says Rajiv Prashar, GM, Hotels, DB Hospitality that owns Le Meridien in Ahmedabad .

Demand-Supply Situation At present, there are some 30 known hotels in the city having around 2,500 rooms (350 of them being in premium category hotels). By the end of 2012, 15 additional hotels are expected to come up in the city, taking the number of rooms in the region of 5,000.

While growth is steady, competition is intense, having triggered a price war in the market. Experts see the price war getting fiercer as new projects begin. “Ahmedabad will see a situation similar to the one expected in the US and Bangkok in the coming years. ARRs (average room rates) will go down further and the market will see an average of $60-100 room rates. Till about four years ago, the average room rate was Rs 8,000. Today it is down by at least 20-30%.

Some properties offer as much as 40 per cent discount on group bookings as compared to the 20 % offered earlier,” says Somani.

Government policies here are hassle-free.

That explains growing investor interest in the market. Some hoteliers in the city feel that the government might be going overboard with granting licenses as demand has kept pace though not at the same level.

Says Darius Merchant, GM, The Gateway Hotel Ummed, Ahmedabad: “In the last five years, what has happened in this market is that if the supply has grown by 100%, demand has grown by only 50%. As a result, either the occupancy levels are stagnant or ARRs have dipped. Established players are not worried in the short term but it is a difficult scenario for new hotels coming in.”

CITY ANALYSIS Economic Viability Till about five-seven years ago, the average occupancy rate in city hotels was 60-70%.

Today, the city average is 55%. However, seen relatively with the significant growth in new supply in 2009-10, there hasn’t been a significant impact on occupancy levels.

According to a research study by HVS, the city witnessed only a 7% decline in overall occupancies. This means the strong demand growth in the market was able to support the new supply entering the market. However, the new entrants in the market have adopted aggressive pricing strategies, leading to a decline in average room rates of 16.6%. This has put a strain on margins.

Rajiv Prashar suggests a check on falling rates by the industry to prevent a downfall.

“As the supply increases in the city, there is a price war already happening and the competition is set to get intense. The room rates have dropped by up to 30% since last year.

There must be some benchmark to check a further fall in rates,” he says.

However, the situation in the short term is under control at least for the established players in the market. Vishal Jamuar, GM, Pride Hotel, sums it aptly: “As of now the market is a 50:50 between being a buyers and sellers market. There is no immediate fear of an over-supply simply because there is some kind of cautiousness. A lot of projects have been delayed as there is scarcity of funds so there will be a balance. The margins are certainly getting thinner. New hotels are finding it increasingly difficult to survive as ROI is bound to take a lot of time.”

Narendra Somani CMD, THE GRAND BHAGWATI GROUP

Ahmedabad will see a situation similar to the US and Bangkok in the coming years. ARRs will go down further and the market will see an average of 60-100$ room rates. Till about four years ago the average room rate was Rs 8000. Today it is down by at least 20-30%.

The Upside The state government’s outlook is one of the biggest advantages hoteliers in the city have.

“Government policies are extremely hasslefree; it is very easy to get clearances. Also, there are regularly several events that attract business. For instance, IATO is coming up and there has been a lot of planning in advance. This gives you a lot of confidence,” says Nepal Singh, GM, Royal Orchid.

Agrees Hrishikesh Joshi, GM, Keys Cama Hotel, “The biggest advantage of operating in Gujarat is the lack of political interference. The government is really doing a commendable job. We have regular meetings with the government discussing issues and concerns. That gives you a lot of confidence.” Cama is one of the oldest hotels in the city. The 50 year old hotel recently

Hrishikesh Joshi GM, KEYS CAMA HOTEL

The biggest advantage of operating in Gujarat is the lack of political interference. The government is really doing a commendable job. We have regular meetings with the government, discussing issues and concerns.

That gives you a lot of confidence.

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CITY ANALYSIS entered into a management contract with Berggruen Hotels and has been rechristened as Keys Hotel Cama.

The ‘Dry Status’

Parul Thakur, GM, COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

It is best to adopt a wait and watch policy as of now. My optimism comes from the newer business segments growing fast in the city.

Pharma, textiles and automobile sectors are already bringing in business and the Government is now trying to push for IT/ITes as well.

In spite of possessing a variety of tourist attractions such as wildlife, scenic beauty, pilgrimage centres, exotic traditional crafts and a varied cuisine, Gujarat ranks 7th in terms of tourist arrivals in India. One of the major reasons for that, according to hoteliers, is the state’s ‘dry status.’

Restricted liquor laws haven’t let MICE segment bring in business as much as hoteliers would have liked to. Says Narendra Somani, President, Hotel & Restaurant Association of Gujarat & CMD, The Grand Bhagwati Group, “Ahmedabad could be a top MICE destination in the city if liquor laws are relaxed. MICE, which is only 10-15% of the total business, at present will be a huge growth driver for a boom in business.”

However,Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, says that it is not a serious hindrance and that tourists can consume liquor; only that they aren’t well informed about the laws. “People are not well educated about the issue. A tourist can get liquor with a permit. There are liquor shops in hotels like Taj and Fortune. It is also available at the airport. ”

Challenges

Anirban Bhattacharya DIRECTOR (SALES & MARKETING), ST. LAURN HOTELS

The opportunities in the city are excellent. The business is increasing. The automobile sector is expanding at a fast pace. Also, the finance sector is also getting very big here with GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) city coming up.

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Shortage of skilled manpower is one of the serious challenges in the market. Surveys show an immediate shortfall of 30-40% in the supply of quality manpower. Consequently, the attrition rates are high in the city. “It becomes difficult to retain people whenever a new hotel comes up in the city. And there is a dearth of new talent as there are only limited hotel management institutes,” says Merchant of Gateway Ummed Hotel.

With a limited pool of skilled workforce in the state, hotels have to bear higher costs.

“Our labour costs have increased from 11% to about 17% in the last 2-3 years as there is more demand and less supply of trained manpower,” says Jamuar of Pride Hotels.

The government says it is already looking at improving the supply of trained manpower for this industry. It is working towards opening more hotel management institutes in the state and has proposed to start an institute of hospitality management (IHM) at Patan in North Gujarat soon. “We have received the proposal by the tourism

Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary, Tourism talks about hospitality scene in Ahmedabad

Q

We see an active promotion of Gujarat Tourism with Amitabh Bachchan’s campaign making waves.

How has the campaign helped attracting tourists?

The Bachchan campaign has worked very well in attracting tourists. Gujarat has seen 18-20% growth in inflow of tourists since last year. Intriguingly, Gujaratis themselves were not aware of several tourist places in Gujarat. The campaign has increased the awareness. Rann of Kutch, for instance, saw a whooping increase in the number of visitors at the Rann Utsav. The work will soon begin on phase-II of the campaign where Saputara will be one of the places to be showcased. Also, we have taken a number of other initiatives like promoting adventure, religious and beach tourism. The state Government has plans of developing its tourism hubs in a phased manner.

What is your take on the hospitality business in Ahmedabad? Do you think the market is heading towards an over-supply situation which will lead to severe competition?

Ahmedabad is a great business destination.

Q

It saw an increase of 14% in tourist inflow last year. So I’d say the hospitality biz is buoyant. The demand is growing with several businesses coming into the state. I feel there are several hotels in the city that are not being run well. For survival in the long run, it is important for hotels to focus on service improvement, getting quality manpower and overall better management.

As you mentioned shortage of skilled manpower is one of the key challenges in the market. What is the Government doing to address that?

The Government is looking at opening more hotel management institutes in the state and has proposed to start an institute of hospitality management (IHM) at Patan in North Gujarat soon. We have received the proposal by the tourism department to develop an IHM at Patan. It is in the process of being examined at the moment. It will be run by the Patan University. At present, the state has one IHM in Ahmedabad that is affiliated to the National Council for Hotel Management.

We have asked them to increase the number of seats.

Q

Q

Another issue that bothers hoteliers in the city is the ban on liquor. The industry is of the view that there will be tremendous increase in the business if the liquor laws are relaxed. Your comments?

The problem is that people are not well educated about the issue. A tourist can get liquor with a permit. There are liquor shops in hotels like Taj and Fortune. It is also available at the airport. So there is no ban in the strict sense of the word. However, the discussions are on for removal of ban on liquor for tourists.

Manoj Singhal MD, NEESA LEISURE LTD (THE CAMBAY GRAND)

New hotels coming in and increasing competition isn’t a cause for worry because investments made under the Vibrant Gujarat is said to drive growth in the tourism industry in Gujarat, and it will attract more business tourists. department to develop an IHM at Patan. It is in the process of being examined at the moment,” says Vipul Mittra.

A Wait-and-Watch Situation Ahead At present demand is matching supply to a great extent. Parul Thakur talks optimistically when asked about the future outlook on the city, “There is enough scope for everyone to grow right now. It is best to adopt a wait-andwatch policy as of now. My optimism comes from the newer business segments growing fast in the city. Pharma, textiles, and automobile sectors are already bringing in business

and the government is now trying to push for IT and ITes businesses as well. Nasscom has regular events here and then there is GIFT coming up. So there is no reason why one must panic, at least in the short term.”

Manoj Singhal, MD, Neesa Leisure that owns The Cambay Grand, echoes the same sentiment. “New hotels coming in and increasing competition isn’t a cause for worry because investments made under the Vibrant Gujarat is said to drive growth in the tourism industry in Gujarat, and it will attract more business tourists.”

by PURVA BHATIA

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SPA CHECK OUT

JIVA

A ‘Spa’tacular Experience in Bengaluru

Located in the heart of Bengaluru, Jiva Spa is not just a great space to indulge in luxurious treatments but also a visual delight that calms the senses with its serene ambience and warm hospitality.

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nuggled cosily in the lower lobby of the Vivanta by Taj hotel, Bangalore, the location of the hotel in the heart of the city makes it a one-stop destination for those looking forward to rejuvenate themselves and experience a haven of wellbeing. The lounge space is made of an earth-toned floor casting a spell of tranquility. As one enters and gets seated, it doesn’t take too long to realise the spa’s philosophy of personal attention to each of their guests.

A special concoction Vishuddhi Chai made out of jaggery tea with lime and a hint of basil leaves is served to guests – this is vital to remove the toxins from the body, embarking the spa treatment.

There are a total of 4 spa treatment rooms bounty with amenities like relaxation areas, changing rooms for men and women, lockers 48

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WELLNESS CHECK OUT

T

he Imperial Salon is a part of the Imperial Hotel, Delhi, but seems to be an independent haven. A short walk from the hotel reception, an underground glasshouse shines brightly, ushering one in a zone of tranquility with the push of a door. While the spa was launched last year, the upscale salon for a

complete solution in hair therapy, skincare and make-up made its debut this year.

Mughal ambience, furnished in Maletti Designed by Delhi’s own Chandu Chadda, the Imperial Salon and Spa is distinguished by high ceilings and expanse that follow the Sufi philosophy. “Earlier, the salon was in-

side the hotel,” says Jacqualine Tara Herron, Director of the Imperial Spa and Salon. “My job was to conceptualize the spa and salon as a bigger project for hotel guests and luxury indulgers in the city.” The salon’s intention is keep the décor subtle and soothing with finishing touches in marble.

The rock is also used in water features along

Exclusive grooming at the

IMPERIAL SALON

A state of the art salon for men and women, The Imperial Salon has recently opened its doors to hotel guests and luxury seekers in the capital city. After its success with the luxury spa, the Imperial Salon is ready to provide its colonial interiors complemented with sophisticated technology and a team of well trained professionals.

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with mini chandeliers that glitter over galleries and rooms – in consonence with the Mughal theme. Paintings on silk have been handpicked from the hotel’s archive and framed in contemporary designs. This royal elegance continues in every aspect of the soothing space - even its furniture. The chairs are either handmade or have been brought from Udaipur. The equipment is from Maletti, an Italian brand known for salon equipment including Jacuzzi pedicure chairs. Art and technology surely go together under one roof.

Customised services, high end products A salon which aims at customized service for both men and women, it employs 8 to 10 trained professionals during business hours.

The canopy-covered sub section for women adds glamour with its well placed lighting.

For all aspects of hair styling, hair therapy, bonding and colouring, the salon uses Kerastase products only. For customized hair rituals, the hair spa only begins after a visual examination of a guest’s hair through a camera. My personal experience of a signature

ritual - nurturing and conditioning – lasted for more than 90 minutes. Apart from a memorable hair ritual, the salon promises a result-oriented skin experience with Natura Bisse. “We use the best products in the salon and Natura Bisse gives us promising results in our signature facials-Oil Balancer, The Cure and Timeless Age,” says Herron.

I also opted to experience the Imperial pedicure, a Jacuzzi pedicure and a pampering massage. It was, undoubtedly a relaxing

“The Imperial Salon’s luxe interiors powered by exemplary services of handpicked highly skilled stylists and hairdressers, makes it an opulent hair and cosmetic salon for men and women. It is divided into 4 lavish rooms which are for male grooming, splendid backwash area, female grooming and two ultra luxurious and stunning cosmetic rooms. Contemporary cuts, styles nail care and satiating beauty and hair treatments makes it a world class state-of-the art salon in the city.”

Vijay Wanchoo Senior Vice President & General Manager, The Imperial New Delhi

imperial salon’s offers THE BRIDE’S JOURNEY With careful customisation, the package lasts four weeks tending to careful and rigorous skin care, hair therapy, enriching body treatments, and make-up till the wedding way.

Rs 30,640.

PRE PARTY FIX This includes a back treatment, a hair ritual and a makeover starting from Rs 6,000 with 20 per cent off.

IMPERIAL GLAMOUR A package including one hair service, facial, and hand/foot care will be given a discount of 20 per cent.

experience. The backwash area uses a moon light and provides a quieter place for specialized body and back treatments including Citrus Drench and Collagen Quench amongst other options. They also serve as bride rooms for a four-week bridal package in the wedding season which now round the corner. Carefully chosen products for use also include Essie nail polishes, Yves Saint Laurent and Krylon for durable make-up. The Imperial Salon has also launched its range of beauty products under the name Sufi. Some of these have been put up for retail as well. The salon also sells Natura Bisse products which have been a big hit with the consumers.

“For the men’s section,” said Herron, “I wanted the décor to resemble a retro barber shop in London with colours and masculine furniture.” The salon provides basic hair care to hair rituals and treatments with Kerastase, skin care by Natura Bisse and L’occitane shaves along with hand and foot care.

by MANAVI SIDDHANTI

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HOTELS CHECK OUT

THE MUGHAL MAKEOVER ITC Mughal is Top-end Luxury

With new rooms and suites, extensive upgradation of the lobby, other public areas and amenities, it is a resort worth rushing to.

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n the 80s this hotel made waves with both the foreign tourists as well as Indian holiday makers. Mughal Welcombreaks were a trendsetter for Delhites in the offseason summer months.

ITC Mughal ruled over the tourist market for more than a decade.

Business then began to go slow even as new hotels sprung up. Two hotels made noticeable entries – Jaypee with its large convention centre and Oberoi’s Amarvilas, bringing with it a new level of upmarket luxury. All this while, the Mughal watched on silently, even if somewhat helplessly.

But change was inevitable and a makeover imminent. Two years ago, first came the spa, over 1,00,000 sq ft of covered area, boasting of an unseen and unheard of aura and magic.

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The Mughal spa has already won many accolades – it’s a good enough reason for you to plan a visit to Agra. In between also came a new conference centre with breakaway rooms that can accommodate 800-1,000 delegates.

Now its new rooms and suites, new lobby and superbly crafted restaurants and bar have been unveiled. For old timers, the change is heralded with a new contemporary chic chandelier, bespokingly imposing – gone is the old chandelier, that had outlived its charm. The lobby gates and doors are driven by glass and natural light; the shopping arcade has moved out and given way to an exclusive lounge for group checkin. The ‘Maikhana’ Bar at the lobby level is modern and inviting.

The new suites are amazing in their

warmth, thought to detail, enclosed veranadahs and exclusive lap pools. The interiors are subtle with all the modern luxuries.

ITC Mughal has extensive lawns, huge outdoors for family activities and refreshing walks. And before you ask about the swimming pool, the centrepiece of the hotel, encircled by rooms and suites, we couldn’t see it as it was closed for renovation. We gather it will open very soon, and sure enough, this too will be a stunner.

ITC Mughal is no longer a Sheraton; its now Luxury Collection, one notch higher in the pecking order of the Starwood family. Today, it is a comprehensive resort for meetings, spa holidays and just chill out experiences, all in the luxury space.

by NAVIN S BERRY

DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB, SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL. PHOTO: ATUL CHOWDHURY

all that connects with travel & tourism, encompassing the larger visitor experience

• INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT TO DRIVE TOURISM IN PUNJAB • MADHYA PRADESH HIGHLIGHTS LITTLE-KNOWN DESTINATIONS • CHHATTISGARH FOCUSSES ON ECO-TOURISM POTENTIAL • WITNESS THE CHANGE IN COIMBATORE • INDIA CAN HAVE MORE HERITAGE HOTELS ONLY IF ...

TOURISM IN THE STATES

BRAND PUNJAB

Tourism is a seamless experience that involves an entire gamut of services. The state is working towards this end, developing a tourism friendly infrastructure that will make Punjab a world class destination He has youth, dynamism, education and exposure. He comes through as suave, simple, and forceful and believes in what he is saying. He understands the needs, the scope and potential of tourism and is carefully drawing up the seeds of a grand tourism plan. Go Now speaks to Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. Excerpts...

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W

e understand that while you are developing Punjab comprehesively, your efforts are particularly aimed at Amritsar, your gateway city and perhaps the core of Destination Punjab. What efforts are you making to develop Amritsar?

Amritsar is a major destination for Punjab.

The Darbar Sahib is not just for Sikhs but for people of all faiths. It is a place of pilgrimage for all, just like one of the holy cities in the world, cities like Jerusalem.

Our problem has been that the city has had little infrastructure. We have neither had the desired connectivity, nor decent accommodations in any of the star categories.

If you see the magnitude of the problem - an attraction like the Wagah Border gets over 10,000 to 15,000 visitors every day. It is a unique parade where the armies of two countries come face to face in a daily ritual.

Visitors come and witness a rare spectacle every day, and we have not been able to capitalise upon their visit. We want to convert this experience into a business

TOURISM IN THE STATES opportunity for tourism, by giving them more reasons to stay longer, to shop around, witness and experience more of the authentic Punjab. Amritsar is a world famous city. Our efforts are now on to make it a world class destination.

To achieve this grand ambition, what has been your strategy?

We need planned investments in the state and in each of the major cities. What we have managed to do so far, is to create a more tourism infrastructure friendly reputation. To create a more favourable environment where hoteliers will come, and they have started coming. Some of the biggest names in the business of hoteliering are either already with us or under construction. In Amritsar, for instance, we already have some big names – Taj, Radisson, Marriott, and many more. Nearly every brand is rushing into Amritsar. Land has become so expensive that building hotels may have lost its profitability. We therefore embarked upon a pro-active policy for hotels by auctioning sites based not upon price but as a percentage of revenue.

Can hotels be trusted to pay on the basis of revenue?

Yes, times have changed and people have become more professional. And you have to trust people.

Apart from hotels, what else?

A number of infrastructure projects have been initiated. To improve transport within the city, we have tied up with BAA, for their pod transport system. Tourism is not just about airports and hotels, a number of elements complement each other into providing a seamless experience.

The impressive Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort has been taken back from the Army restoration is afoot, and we have involved the UNWTO for the project.

What steps have you taken to ensure better connectivity?

We are a landlocked state and have been exploring how we can attract investments.

For this we also need access into the state.

First of all, we need airports to get people into the state. We now have five of them at Bhatinda, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Mohali and Amritsar with the last two being international airports.

By road, plans are fast being

“Land has become so expensive that building hotels may have lost its profitability. We therefore embarked upon a pro-active policy for hotels by auctioning sites based not upon price but as a percentage of revenue...

I don’t see why Amritsar and Delhi should not be covered within two hours. Let them put the tracks and let private sector run the trains we should be able to auction these services like they have abroad.” implemented to have 4-lane expressways that connect major cities across the state. In two years we hope to finish this agenda. In every major city, again, we are introducing radio cabs, Mercedes and Volvo buses for public transport.

With regard to the state as a destination for visitors from overseas, how best do you think we can get the required connectivity?

I think states should be allowed to negotiate their own bilaterals with other countries.Very often, power play at various national levels can inhibit capacity induction in terms of foreign airlines.

Within the country, we need to create multiple options to facilitate travel. We need bullet trains, I don’t see why Amritsar and Delhi should not be covered within two hours. Let them put the tracks and let private sector run the trains - we should be able to auction these services like they have abroad.

I feel the government should not be in any business at all.

We have some unique brands in states.

Rajasthan is unique for its colour, forts

and palaces, Kerala for its backwaters and its beaches; what do you think Brand Punjab stands for?

Ours is an agricultural state. Even though we constitute some 2 to 3% of the total land area of the country, we grow some 55% of the food produce of India. We are known as the granary of India.

We are also home to a proud Sikh heritage, the community and its associated lifestyle. Brand Punjab is Sikh history, its rugged and yet friendly and most hospitable people. We have traditional festivals that celebrate a most glorious history that represents also the joy of living. Our cuisine is world famous.

Talking of economic levels, if you see the twin cities of Ludhiana and Jullundur, apart from Delhi and Gurgaon, these are the most prosperous cities in Northern India.

What do you plan to do to promote Brand Punjab?

These are being harnessed together into a more contemporary experience. These have existed for generations and drawn people from far and wide. To develop them October 2011 GO NOW

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“Tourism wants a safe and secure environment. It comes as a package that goes beyond just a hotel, it envelopes an entire city or state, as an experience.

We have to first create that experience, that surety. I have to first create the requisite experience in its totality and only then push the brand. I could not do that before.”

further we have been constrained by insufficient infrastructure – our problem has been just that.

We have plans to link the various takhts, including Darbar Sahib and Anandpur Sahib.

We have started a tourist train that can give the visitor glimpses of various shrines.

We are also looking at other brand attributes unique to us. Like a big emphasis on rural sports. We have initiated Rural Olympics, with kabbadi as the main sport.

Some 16 countries are playing later this month. Then we have the rural animal championships, where right from a dog to a horse, various animals will participate – this is another unique event. With all such events we have augmented and enhanced our own annual calendar.

In all these diversified efforts, where do you see the Punjab Tourism story going?

How does it all fit into one piece?

Tourism wants a safe and secure environment. It comes as a package that goes beyond just a hotel, it envelopes an entire city or state, as an experience.

We have to first create that experience, that surety. I have to first create the requisite

Ingredients to Building Brand Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Punjab resolutely wants to put Punjab as one of the top ranking tourist destinations in the country. Besides ongoing infrastructure development projects such as construction of roads, airports and convention facilities, there are a series of steps that the State Government has undertaken to promote tourism. ● Tourism infrastructure development Asian Development Bank has approved the Infrastructure Development Programme for Tourism in Punjab for Rs 398 crore over 10 years in 2 phases. The project includes improvement of tourism infrastructure in Amritsar and Mohali. The main objective is to provide economic growth and livelihood opportunity for the local community through tourism infrastructure development. ● Golden Temple plaza The government envisions revitalizing the area around Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple). The Corridor project around the complex started in 1994 and was divided into five phases. The first three were completed by 31st Dec 2000. It was in the fifth phase that the concept of Golden Temple Plaza was conceived and Rs 12.72 crore was spent on land acquisition and shifting of shops.

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● Heritage walk in Amritsar Visitors to Amritsar can now explore 450 years of history of the holy city through Heritage Walk organized by Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB). The walk has been designed with the help of a local historian. It touches a total of 17 stop points of religious and historical importance including sites like Darshan Deori, Qila Ahluwalia, Town Hall, Sangalwala Akhara and Jallianwala Bagh, Crawling Street and Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Taksal.

Similar walks in Patiala, Sultanpur Lodhi and Jullundur will commence in 2011. ● State cultural heritage policy The Government of Punjab has taken a unique initiative to develop a State Cultural Heritage Policy to help preserve, manage and use its cultural heritage. A memorandum of understanding was signed on 26th Feb 2011 under which UNESCO would give technical assistance to the state to develop the policy and strategic frameworks, as well as the implementation strategy for protection and conservation of its cultural resource. The monuments and museums to be covered in the first phase have been identified and the proposal forwarded to GOI and Punjab Govt. The project is stated to be for a period of 18 months commencing from March 2011.

TOURISM IN THE STATES experience in its totality and only then push the brand. I could not do that before.

It we are not ready with our infrastructure, pushing the brand before hand will result in adverse publicity and negate the very purpose that we have set out to achieve.

When will Brand Punjab take off?

In another year and a half. We have completed planning for the major infrastructural projects, plans are under implementation.

If all this takes that much time, it will be election time again.

That does not matter. Development is an ongoing process. An election is never meant to come in the way of progress!

Where do you see India’s tourism effort going?

In India, we have not created a favourable environment for tourism. We have not been projecting our country right. We have not adequately shown its positive side. Dubai and Singapore have done this so well. Ours is a vast country and the branding of ‘Incredible India’ has not happened the right way. ‘Incredible India’ has not showcased the diversity of the country. I liked the branding

of ‘Go Goa’, also of Kerala as ‘God’s Own Country’. India has to be more aggressive and should be sold on the basis of packages.

Is this a failure of marketing?

On the ground, I feel that traveller conveniences have not been seen through.

Somebody has to sit down and chalk out the process of a tourist arriving and going through the entire experience. We have to ensure it is seamless.

At the industry level, at the level of PPP in tourism, what would be your line of approach?

Everything is marketing. I feel we have not

“On the ground, I feel that traveller conveniences have not been seen through. Somebody has to sit down and chalk out the process of a tourist arriving and going through the entire experience. We have to ensure it is seamless.”

● Skill development in hospitality Punjab leads in its effort to develop human resource in the hospitality sector vis-à-vis the other states. The Ministry of Tourism runs a 6 to 8 weeks programme – ‘Hunar Se Rozgar'- in several colleges. The partners include Chitkara School of Hospitality, Desh Bhagat Institute of Hotel Management, City Institute of Hotel Management Jallandar, KC Institute of Hotel Management. The ministry has also sanctioned introduction of hospitality courses in 5 colleges at Mohali, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana & Sangrur. ● Farm tourism Visitors to Punjab can experience rural/farm life as a part of Farm Tourism wherein the visitors get to be a part of farming activities and gain knowledge on organic farming, floriculture, horticulture, natural health management, animal breeding, horse breeding and much more. PHTPB had signed an MoU with Mahindra Home Stays recently to market and sell the farm houses under its brand.The MoU will help reach the product to a wider market. This will eventually help the farmhouse owners and bring money to the villages. At present there are a total of 32 farm houses across Punjab. ● Tourist train Punjab Tourism had initiated the 'Panj Takhat Tourist Train' in Dec 2010. The first luxury train in Punjab, supported logistically by PHTPB was a huge success. Based on the successful running of the train, Punjab Tourism is planning a suitable model to run such train on continuous basis in PPP mode.

marketed the country right. We should be able to get the top ten stakeholders, and get them to do a genuine and meaningful SWOT analysis and then get on with the job. We should be able to identify countries with growth potential for us, give incentives to the travel agents community.

What reason would you give for this delay or oversight?

The fact is that at the national level, tourism and sports have never been given the priority they deserve. The fact is that the person with the maximum clout in government should be assigned both these portfolios.

Should this then be the Prime Minister himself?

Not really, as the Prime Minister is meant to be busy with other things. The fact is that tourism also builds the country’s brand.

That brand will help pull investments, improve levels of lifestyle, and the entire country benefits. Tourism is the best investment we could have made, and for some reason we have remained shy of investing into it.

by NAVIN S BERRY

● Heritage development Punjab Government has been allotted Rs 100 crore for heritage in the 13th Finance Commission. Department of culture has selected monuments, museums, artifacts, archives etc where these funds will be spent. The proposal has been sent to Finance Deptt. Punjab for forwarding it to GOI to get the funds for the first phase. ● Tour guides training PHTPB has entered into an agreement with IITTM, to provide a one month tour guide training. The course will provide students with training on basic tour guiding skills and related information; knowledge of local/regional tourism products; sensitization for responsible tourism; and hands on tour guiding experience.

Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate in state level tour guiding for Punjab by IITTM and PHTPB that will entitle them to be considered by the State/UT governments for license. ●

Launch of a statistics cell

Recognising the need for tourism statistics and market research, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 2008 prepared a Tourism Development Master Plan. As a follow-up, PHTPB established the Statistics and Research Unit to facilitate tourism planning. The unit has prepared comprehensive lists of accommodation units, restaurants, travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators. The procedure has enabled them to prepare: a Hotel Directory which currently lists 772 hotels; 320 tourist sites; and recorded over one crore visitors to the state over the years.

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TOURISM IN THE STATES

MADHYA PRADESH

Gears up to Claim its Share of Projected Doubling of India’s Tourist Arrivals The state is on an overdrive to attract more tourists through print and television ads and is focusing on harnessing its little-known destinations.

M

adhya Pradesh has been consistently innovating, whether it be creating new products or inventing some of the more creative advertising campaigns for tourism in the country. Its television campaign, for instance, has been artistically adopted even for mobile ringtones! It is also among the first states to have started celebrating the Annual World Tourism Day every year. This year was no exception.

With architecture, religion, history, wildlife and nature on its side, Madhya Pradesh is on an overdrive to showcase its prowess in tourism. This was amply demonstrated on the World Tourism Day on September 27 when state Tourism Minister Tukojirao Puar said that Madhya Pradesh will soon 58

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“Madhya Pradesh is growing fabulously in tourism and wants to be the finest, largest and the biggest tourist state. We want to be the tiger state. We have everything here, hill stations like Panchmarhi, historical monuments like Orchha, wildlife at the Satpura tiger reserve as well as religious tourism. We also have some of the best tourist spots like Khajuraho, Bhimbetka and Sanchi.”

Tukojirao Puar Tourism Minister, Madhya Pradesh

TOURISM IN THE STATES emerge as the best tourism state in the country.

The minister released three guide books devoted to different tourist destinations and two print advertisements. Puar said: “Madhya Pradesh is growing fabulously in tourism and wants to be the finest, largest and the biggest tourist state. We want to be the tiger state. We have everything here, hill stations like Panchmarhi, historical monuments like Orchha, wildlife at the Satpura tiger reserve as well as religious tourism.

Some of the best tourist spots like Khajuraho, Bhimbetka and Sanchi are in Madhya Pradesh.”

The minister said with all kinds of tourist resources in the state, it only has to be promoted within India and then internationally.

He said that in the coming days, tourism will be the most efficient department that will earn the maximum revenue for the state.

Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism department, Pankaj Rag said that India wants to double its share of international tourist arrivals and the state is working towards that end through aggressive marketing and infrastructure development.

Currently the state gets about 3.9 crore domestic tourists and 2.5 lakh international tourists.

Rag said that attention has been paid to the development of lesser known tourist destinations located close to well-known tourist places so that a tourist stays back for extra days. He added that connectivity is a big problem in bringing tourists to the state.

Therefore, an air taxi link between Agra and Khajuraho is being established. Besides, the three cities of Bhopal, Jabalpur and Indore too will be connected with flights.

Stressing on current efforts in marketing the state, Rag said a tourism park is being developed near Khajuraho. The state has already introduced caravan tourism, started a boat-ride and is now looking at private sector investment through the PPP model. He said: “As Madhya Pradesh has been a favourite destination for film makers, the state is participating in a road show in Mumbai in October.” The department is also developing new tourism circuits including Bundelkhand and Chambal.

The occasion also witnessed the giving away awards for excellence in tourism to stakeholders both from the private sector and those working for the government.

SNAPSHOTS

Himachal Pradesh to Open New Tourism Centres The state cabinet has given its approval to a number of travel and tourism related matters including opening up of new tourist information centres at Shimla, Solan, Nahan and Suket Fossil Park. The cabinet has also approved a proposal in which the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will provide catering services at the newly opened information centres.

The cabinet has also given approval for amending the river rafting rules 2005 to adopt new river rafting rules 2011. The state, which is famous for many adventure sports like rock climbing, white water rafting, rappelling, skiing, zorbing, paragliding and others has witnessed accidents in the past. The new river rafting rules will ensure safety of tourists and will allow authorities to book the organizer in case of mishaps.

In other tourism related decisions, the cabinet also approved opening the Lahaul and Spiti Valley for river rafting activities. In a bid to attract more tourists, the government is also strengthening infrastructure in small towns like Parwanoo, Hamirpur and Una by constructing bus stands and improving road connectivity.

Goa to Get New Tourism Complex The Goa government plans to build a new mega tourism complex to bring all stakeholders in the tourism sector under one roof. The Rs 30 crore project will be built at Patto which currently houses the state’s tourism department. The new complex will bring together the Tourism Department, State Tourism Corporation, offices of travel agencies, tour operators, airline offices as well as the tourism boards of other states.

Even the office of the Union ministry of tourism will be located in the same complex which will provide all tourism related services, facilities, information to facilitate domestic and foreign tourists visiting the state. The project is estimated to cost Rs 30 crore and will be undertaken by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).

Karnataka Tourism Launches Jungle Camps Karnataka Tourism has launched a new programme for budget tourists, Jungle Camps and Trails (JCT) in the southern part of the state. With the launch of this programme, the department hopes to target the low-budget tourist interested in soaking in the natural splendours of the state. The government already has another initiative, the Jungle Lodges and Resorts programme, which is aimed at the high-profile nature tourist. The natural tourist spots include forests, beaches, hill stations, rivers and wildlife sanctuaries as well as the elephant camp.

The JCT provides authentic eco-tourism experiences through jungle camps that offer visitors an opportunity to explore, experience and appreciate various wilderness areas spread across Karnataka. Each camp is uniquely situated in a different forest ecosystem and provides a different ambience. The camps provide comfortable accommodation and a number of eco activities among which are cave explorations, hornbill safari, butterfly trail, herbal trail, herpeto-trail, nature walks, machan night-outs, river rafting, forest treks, bird watching and boating.

Some of the JCT properties are the Sakrebyle Elephant Camp, Kulagi Timber Trails Camp, Anshi Evergreen Camp, Gopinatham Country Camp, Bhagawati Herbal Camp, Seetanadi Herpeto Camp, Aanejhari Butterfly Camp, Muthodi Trogon Camp, Castle Rock Adventure Club and also Jogimatti Nature Camp.

by RAHUL KUMAR

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TOURISM IN THE STATES

CHHATTISGARH

Experience the Joy of Discovering the New and the Unknown, is what the State will Promote Soon Chhattisgarh promotes eco-tourism through rich bio-diversity hotspots, India’s oldest tribal communities and wildlife comparative to Africa’s.

I

n its promotional programmes, the Chhattisgarh tourism tagline says ‘full of surprises.’ It could not have been more apt, say state officials, for there are things about the newly carved state that would pleasantly surprise anybody.

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TOURISM IN THE STATES “Our natural wonders and cultural treasures are renowned throughout India and the state is so large-the size of Englandthat it’s always peaceful and relaxing, no matter how many visitors we have,” said Subrat Sahoo, Secretary (Tourism, Culture, and Sports), and Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. In a recent interaction with a group of select journalists in New Delhi, he announced that a publicity campaign would soon be launched.

A young state, it was referred as ‘Dakshin Kosala’ in ancient texts. Rich in mineral resources, it can boast of the country’s densest forests which cover 44 per cent of the state.

Biodiversity is stupendous. One-third of the population is tribal, leaving a unique imprimatur on the socio-cultural milieu.

“We get phone calls from foreign tourists who enquire about remote places. They want to know if a particular spot has mobile connectivity. We nervously reply in the negative, and they book for seven days and spend 15 days!”

Subrat Sahoo Secretary, Chhattisgarh Tourism

Escape to the wilds The state has attracted the tourists who just want to escape the din of urban life. Sahoo elaborated the type: “We get phone calls from foreign tourists who enquire about remote places. They want to know if a particular spot has mobile connectivity. We nervously reply in the negative, and they book for seven days and spend 15 days!”

Chhattisgarh has reasons to promote ecotourism. It has the country’s largest waterfall, the world’s second most dense forest cover after Amazon, wildlife like Africa, a large number of bio-diverse hot spots, and India’s oldest tribal community, said Chhattisgarh Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Tapesh Jha. It will soon launch an integrated advertising and marketing campaign, ‘I discovered…’ which draws from the joy of experiencing the new and the unknown. The six-month campaign worth Rs 7 crore will highlight the splendors the state offers, said Jha. Apart from picturesque landscapes, the state offers a peek into the life of tribals.

They are famous for their dances and music.

But they are not a monolithic lot; there are dozens of ethnic minorities, some of them being the oldest indigenous people. In the Bastar region, each has a distinctive culture of its own-an entire set of spirits, deities, dance, music, costumes, and crafts.

Unique Dusshera Dusshera, the most important festival of the region, is unique as it is more about the area’s female deities than Lord Ram. Grand Hindu traditions blend with local beliefs to

synthesize into a festival that lasts for 75 days, the longest Dusshera in the world.

Chhattisgarh is also known for its architecture, with monuments including temples and palaces. Bhoramdeo, Dantewada, Deepadih, Dongargarh, Jogibhatta, Rajim, Sirpur, Malhar, Sita Bhengra, and Sheorinarayan are major attractions.

Then there is Sirpur, which was excavated in the 1950s and sites dating back to the seventh century A.D. were brought out.

“Recently, another level, thought to be 2,000 years old, has been found beneath the original,” said Sahoo.

With such a variegated mix of offerings, Chhattisgarh is zealously promoting tourism.

It is taking its first steps in building the hospitality sector. It offers 200-300 rooms in star hotels and 3,000 rooms in all categories. The growth rate, however, is impressive, the rooms getting double in the last three to four years, said Jha. The state government gives fiscal incentives to hoteliers, but these come with conditions.

Chhattisgarh is the fastest growing state in the country, which is power surplus and therefore there is no load-shedding, claimed

Sahoo, adding that this has attracted considerable investment, leading to spurt in business travel.

Training programme The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board recently partnered with the Kuoni Academy to impart training to about 400 travel agents and tour operators. Aimed at increasing awareness about tourism opportunities in the state, the training programme is being undertaken across nine cities in India–Delhi, Bangalore, Raipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Vishakhapatnam, Nagpur, and Hyderabad.

The first and foremost is that Naxal or Maoist militancy is not as damning for tourism as it might appear. Maoist activity after all is limited to just 15 per cent of the state, said Sahoo. “Besides, extremists don’t target tourists. Anyway, we advise the visitors to take certain precautions.”

The new state is bullish on its tourism potential and is leaving no stone unturned to tap it. State officials are confident that their efforts will bear fruit.

by TEAM DI

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DESTINATION BUSINESS

BUSINESS BRINGS CHANGE TO

COIMBATORE

The textile city till now, Coimbatore is adding muscle with rapidly growing information technology, education, health and hospitality.

CODISSIA is one of the largest exhibition venues in South India

Air traffic to and from the city is increasing at a fast pace

T

he Manchester of south India, Coimbatore, is slowly shedding off its old image. The second-largest city in Tamil Nadu is a hub of varied businesses that include specialized healthcare, IT and education apart from industrial units and the manufacturing of automobile parts. There are a large number of units which are 100 per cent export oriented. All of these have turned the city into one of the top ten fastest growing cities in India.

The General Manager of Aloft Coimbatore Singanallur, Saurabh Mathur, says the city is becoming cosmopolitan by the day because of the industry. “It is so not just because of the various communities like the Marwaris and Punjabis who are here because of business but also because the city has attracted many professional people.” Professionals who flock to the city include those working in the software industry, the large hospitals and numerous educational institutions.

That the city is on an overdrive can be gauged from the fact that hotels are checking in at a scorching pace. From just one upmarket hotel about a year back, the city now has four – The Residency Coimbatore, Le Meridien Coimbatore, Park Plaza and Aloft Coimbatore Singanallur. Three of these have been commissioned in 2011 itself. From just

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over a 100 rooms till last year, the city has all of a sudden got close to 600 rooms.

But Mathur disagrees that there is an overcrowding. “On the face of it, it might seem like a possibility now but once the IT Park opens up, there will be a shortage of hotels once again. The second IT park of Tamil Nadu is coming up at Coimbatore. By the way, there will be another top class hotel

With such dynamism in the city, there is big movement of expatriates. Foreign designers who visit the city for its textiles stay back for weeks at a stretch. Interestingly, HVS points out that Japan is a major feeder market for Coimbatore owing to visitations for the textile manufacturing units.

The hotels find the city gifted for becoming a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences

(

HOTELS FIND THE CITY A PERFECT MICE DESTINATION BECAUSE OF A LARGE CONCENTRATION OF SPECIALITY HOSPITALS AS WELL AS BIG EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS THAT HOLD REGULAR INTERNATIONAL-LEVEL INTERACTIONS.

in the city very soon.” An HVS report for 2009-2010 on Coimbatore’s hotel industry says, “Although historically Coimbatore has been a stable market, the market dynamics is expected to change with the addition of branded supply. The market occupancies and average rates are expected to see a marginal correction in the next two to three years but overall we anticipate steady growth for the city.”

The mainstay of Coimbatore has been the textile industry, which includes the yarn, knitting and dyeing units. But with the advent of industrial units, the two came together to form the textile machine manufacturing.

and exhibitions) destination. Le Meridien Coimbatore, which recently had a soft launch, hosted a big medical conference by the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. The general manager of the hotel, Sanjay Gupta, says: “People were impressed with our facilities. Thanks to this conference, we got two more bookings for medical conferences this year. Coimbatore has numerous large hospitals with up to 500 beds. It is the same with educational institutes. There are five universities here and many educational institutes have tie-ups with foreign universities. International faculty keeps visiting the city frequently.”

Having recognized the industrial poten-

DESTINATION BUSINESS tial of the region, the Central government too is now aiding the development of a common physical Infrastructure for the Micro and Small Enterprises. Units related to the manufacture of foundry engineering, pump and motor parts will benefit from such development. The city also has one of the largest trade fair centres called CODISSIA which can host fairly large exhibitions. Many of the new hotels have come up close to the CODISSIA complex.

The Coimbatore airport sees nearly 40 landings and take-offs every day, bringing in visitors from as far as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad and even Singapore and Sharjah. Though growth is visible, there are hurdles as well. Flight connectivity is still thought to be poor. Even though airlines have load, Coimbatore needs to be opened up to more international sectors.

Passengers from the US have a number of stopovers, of which at least one can be minimized if only a link to Dubai is opened up.

Gupta says: “Coimbatore will be benefitted enormously with easy access to Europe and the US if we are directly connected to Dubai.”

Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, the city boasts of a breezy pleasant climate throughout the year. Tourists flock to the city not for its scenic charms but because it remains a gateway destination. The city attracts tourists not for itself but those who are headed to Hotels

Category

Rooms F&B and suites outlets

Le Meridien

5-star plus

254

7

Aloft

4-star deluxe

167

4

The Residency

4-star deluxe

135

8

Park Plaza

4-star deluxe

110

4

the picturesque hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal. From Coimbatore, tourists move on to the various wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls and wellness and yoga retreats.

With broadening industrial activity, several big medical centres and educational institutes and travelers of all hues visiting into the city, it is with satisfaction that Coimbatore’s hotels are looking forward to the future. At the same time they are helping develop the city, introducing new cuisines and also fulfilling the needs of the locals.

SNAPSHOTS

India to Hold First International Tourism Exhibition in 2012 India will hold its first ever International Tourism Exhibition – Global Travel Mart India – next year to showcase the country’s tourism potential to the world. The Ministry of Tourism also plans to hold a conference of Tourism Minister of those countries which have a MoU on tourism related matters with India. Both the events are expected to promote India as one of the major tourist destinations internationally.

India currently receives just 0.5 per cent of international tourists and the Union Ministry has set an ambitious target of doubling the tourist arrivals to one per cent by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan. This would take tourist arrivals from 5.5 million to almost 12 million tourists. The Union Ministry also plans to hold a conclave of countries having large Buddhist populations in India early next year to give a boost to Buddhist tourism as India has a large number of sites, temples and destinations spread across the country that attract religions tourists from South-East Asian countries.

Ministry Launches ‘Hunar Se Rozgaar’ Initiative The Union Ministry of Tourism has launched a scheme to impart training in the tourism and hospitality sectors to youth belonging to the economically weaker sections.

The scheme is part of the Ministry’s larger initiative namely Hunar Se Rozgaar that draws upon the fact that drivers with skill and in adequate numbers are essential for sustaining tourism as the Ministry has laid major thrust on developing tourism as a key economic driver that has a large employment potential.

The scheme is open to young men and women in the age group of 18 to 28 years who are at least 10th pass. It will initially give preference to persons belonging to the below poverty line category. The scheme, by subjecting eligibility to an economic criterion, explicitly bars those who have the wherewithal to afford this training. The training will have two distinct aspects - training to impart driving skills and also etiquette training. The scheme will be delivered by the State Governments and the UT Administrations.

Himachal Pradesh to Identify Historic Destinations The Himachal government is providing infrastructural facilities at historically important destinations in the state. Speaking at a function, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said that places of historic interest were being identified, developed and equipped with basic infrastructural facilities to facilitate visits of tourists. He said historical information and facts were being gathered about all such places to develop them as prominent tourist destinations.

The chief minister said that the state had received a record 4.53 lakh foreign tourists which speaks volumes about the state as a safe tourist destination. He said that such an achievement had been possible due to the rich hospitality, tradition and culture of the state and the immense natural grandeur present in the state. He added that what also contributed to additional numbers of tourists was the commendable law and order.

The chief minster said that Himachal Pradesh has a vast tourism potential which could help in generating employment for local youth. He added that tourism tourism had been in vogue in India since centuries, as saints and sages have been travelling places on pilgrimage, as a part of religions tourism. He said that Sikhs had been undertaking pilgrimage to pay their obeisance at Nankana Sahib in Pakistan and similarly the Muslim brethren had been travelling to Mecca and Medina.

by RAHUL KUMAR

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DESTINATION PILGRIMAGE

Little Town of Many Miracles

SHIRDI T

he core miracle remains: clear and luminous.

He came from nowhere, vanished for a short while, returned and resumed his seat in a ruined mosque. He asked for nothing, spoke little and his family and his past are still a mystery. Yet, in spite of the enigma of his origins, he radiated so much empathy, gave so much solace by his presence, that people were drawn to him for the comfort they received. So, since they didn’t know his name, and he never revealed it, they gave him the respectful title of Sai Baba. One interpretation of that is Revered Mendicant, but there are also many others.

And as his devotees grew, so did the little village which he had chosen as his home.

When we first visited Shirdi at the start of our travel writing career, years ago, it was still a village: quiet, not very developed but

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Seventy thousand pilgrims visit the shrine ever day, rising to 1,25,000 on Thursdays and weekends and soaring to 2 lakhs on festivals.

DESTINATION PILGRIMAGE centered around Sai Baba’s grave which had, naturally, become a shrine.

On our return recently, we found that Shirdi had retained very little of its old village character. We spotted a herd of cows meandering down its main street, but they had to manoeuvre between cars, autos and crowded buses. Upscale hotels rose where dhaba shacks had once stood and an iron fence sequestered the shrine complex: it reminded us of the one around Buckingham Palace without the gold assertions of royalty.

Gold, however, did glitter in some profusion.

Above the sanctum, a golden tower rose. The sanctum, within, was framed in a golden arch beyond which red-robed priests sat on both sides of the Muslim savant’s grave and ministered to his garlanded statue, which they now accepted as an idol. His idol had a golden crown and it sat on a golden throne. This was in contrast to the grainy, blown-up, black-and-white photographs of the Baba framed in the Museum. He had, always, dressed like a simple fakir and one of the displays holds his very humble personal possessions. The fire he had lit to cook a Sufi seer’s meal for his followers, still burned and its ash was treated as holi vibhuti. His growing mass of devotees now worshipped this unassuming ascetic as a god.

That is the second miracle: an Islamic seer, whose mosque is still venerated, who is now worshipped

by Hindus and who draws devotees of all faiths, all ages, all walks of life.

The term ‘national integration’, is a living, burgeoning, reality here. We saw it in the queues waiting to reach the sanctum, in the girls clustered at the tinsel-glittering shops, the tree-shaded plaza where visitors rested.

Standing in the shelter of a neem tree rising above a small monument, we skimmed though a little booklet produced by the organization that manages this great charitable undertaking. It listed miracles reported by devotees who said that these were answers to their prayers to the Baba. At least one research scholar claims that the small monument at which we were standing marks the spot where the Baba had buried his mentor following the Sufi practice. This had been a forest then. A devotee told us that the leaves of this unusual margosa tree were sweet but pilgrims could not pluck them now because they had been protected by a fence to pre-

vent eager visitors from denuding and killing the revered tree. We didn’t doubt that: the number of pilgrims have grown exponentially over the years.

Happily, so have the facilities offered to them by the trust.

We spoke to the Deputy Executive Officer of the Shri SaiBaba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi), Dr. Yashwantrao Mane. He is one of the two government officials appointed to keep a watchful eye on the trust. Seventy thousand pilgrims visit the shrine ever day, rising to 1,25,000 on Thursdays and weekends and soaring to 2 lakhs on festivals. To cater to this great influx of visitors, the state government set up the trust in 2004, taking over from the earlier private trust that had been in exist-

ence for 81 years. Two years after the new trust took control, the Shri SaiBaba Hospital was inaugurated and three years later, in 2009, the ultra-modern Sri Prasadalaya dining complex opened its doors to pilgrims.

In the sunlit atrium of the hospital, relatives of patients stood in front of a statue of Sai Baba, singing bhajans in praise of the Baba.

Heart Surgeon Dr. Vidyut Kumar Sinha told us that he had joined the hospital when it opened.

Then they did only 3 open heart surgeries a month, today they do between 55 to 60 and up to 4 a day. We learnt, later, that though the world recovery rate for such operations is 90%, it is 95% to 98% in this hospital. The bhajan singers had completed their hymns and were walking past when they overheard the doctor’s conversation. Two of them stopped and said “It is all the grace of the Baba. He is

still here, still watches over everyone in Shirdi!” A strong faith definitely aids recovery and in the IC ward, Jowar Srirang Nandlal, wired into an oxygen mask and monitoring instruments, nodded when we asked him if we could take his photograph. He had had his operation 24 hours before we saw him.

Some distance down the road, the great Prasadalaya dining complex spread. Standing in its manicured grounds was a covered pedestal holding a larger-than-life statue of Baba stirring an enormous cauldron of food. Mushrooming the roof of the Prasadalaya, rising behind the image of Sai Baba, was an array of huge dish antenna: or rather, they looked like dish antenna. In fact, they were solar collectors pumping the sun’s heat into the largest solar kitchen in the world, directly below.

The corridor leading to the kitchen and dining hall held offices with CCTV screens focused on the crowds of pilgrims flocking into the Sai Baba shrine. Monitors, looking at the screens, assess the number of diners likely to eat in the Prasadalaya. This is transmitted to the kitchen and the stainless steel kneaders, fryers and boilers are programmed accordingly.

Senior cook Kardele Pralhad told us that, on an average day, they boil 2,500 kgs of rice, 600 quintals of dal and a large quantity of cooked vegetables. In the huge dining hall, one batch of 1,000 diners had just left.

Stainless steel thalis were collected, tables scrubbed, a mechanized sweeper swirled its brushes across the floor, squeegees and swabs dried them. An army of apron-wearing attendants distributed clean thalis on the tables. The next batch of diners entered, sat down on sturdy metal chairs, were served their meals from trolleys. The turn-around takes half an hour, and 30,000 are fed on a normal day out of the many who queue up for the darshan in the sanctum. It is an efficient, hi-tech, operation.

It struck us then that though people who come to Shirdi donate generously to the trust, they have visible proof that their contributions are not being squandered or siphoned away. They believe that no one dares to betray their faith in the Baba because he still keeps a careful watch over his people. That belief, and its purifying consequences, is the most pervasive miracle of Shirdi.

Text and photographs by HUGH & COLLEEN GANTZER

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AVIATION TRENDS

CAPA REPORT

Indian Carriers Grow Market Share on International Routes Go Now brings you a report prepared last month exclusively for the DGCA

by CAPA India, the globally recognised provider of industry research and analysis. Indian carriers have improved their market share from 30 to 36%.

A

ccording to CAPA India, South Asia’s largest aviation consulting, research and knowledge practice, international passenger traffic to/ from India has accelerated since 2004/05.

During the same period, Indian carriers have increased their share of total international capacity from the long term average of approximately 30% (where it had stabilised for several years), to close to 35%. (See Graph 1)

Foreign Visitor Arrivals to India Foreign visitor arrivals into India have seen a strong increase since 2004 (growing more than 3x faster), except for a decline in 2009 which was due to a combination of the weak economic situation in the key source markets of the US and Europe, as well as the impact of the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attacks. (See Graph 2)

Indian Carrier Performance

Indian National Outbound Departures

In the 5 years to 2009/10, Indian carriers grew their international passenger traffic faster than foreign carriers. During the previous five year period, foreign carriers had outperformed Indian airlines in four of those years.

Indian national departures also increased strongly over the 5 years to 2008, growing at twice the rate of the previous five year period. The acceleration of outbound departures has been smoother than inbound, reflecting

Growth of International Passengers on Indian Carriers 2000-01 3.9% 2001-02 -3.8% 2002-03 14.5% 2003-04 7.6% 2004-05 17.6% 2005-06 22.8% 2006-07 16.4% 2007-08 21.3% 2008-09 10.0% 2009-10 15.8% Source: CAPA, DGCA

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Growth of International Passengers on Foreign Carriers 8.6% -2.7% 8.9% 12.7% 18.2% 14.3% 15.7% 14.1% 4.8% 8.4%

GO NOW October 2011

the steadily growing economic prosperity of the Indian traveller. (See Graph 3)

India Economic Fundamentals Growth: Planning Commission is targeting GDP growth of 9% per annum for the next 20 years – historically GDP is the primary driver of air traffic.

■ Demographics: 50% of the population is aged under 25. Over the coming years this will reduce the dependency ratio and increase consumption.

■ Consumption: McKinsey estimates middle and high income consumption will increase 14x between 2005 and 2025.

■ Urbanisation: By 2025, the urban population is expected to account for 37 % of the total population, up from 20% in 1991.

■ Trade: Imports and exports continue to grow at double digit rates, government has set target of 25% growth in exports in 2011/ 12. India has forex reserves of US$313bn ■ BUT inflation is a concern, recent industrial growth is sluggish.

■

Domestic Passenger Traffic Forecasts to 2021 Over the 10 years to 2021, total domestic traffic at all Indian airports is forecast to grow from 105 million to 356 million, or 3.5x. Due to constraints at Mumbai Airport, Delhi is expected to emerge clearly as the largest domestic airport in the country with projected traffic of almost 78 million, by which stage it will be one of the largest airports in the world. The other 4 metros of Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata will form the next tier of large airports, slightly larger than Delhi and Mumbai are today.

Graph 1

International Passenger Traffic Forecasts to 2021 International traffic will grow more slowly than domestic, but still represents strong and sustained double digit expansion. Traffic is forecast to grow from 37 million to 96 million over the next decade. Delhi is again expected to be the largest airport, although Mumbai will not lose as much ground as in domestic as the airport is likely to prioritise international services in order to increase the average number of passengers per aircraft to maximise the efficiency of scare slots. In the next tier of airports, the four other metros will also be joined by Cochin.

Graph 2

Growth Ahead will Dwarf Recent Experience

2000/01

14 m

14 m

42 m

2010/11

52 m

37 m

142 m 3.4X

100 m

90 m

452 m 3.2X

310 m

2020 / 21 178 m

■ CAPA’s forecast is based on a GDP growth assumption of just over 8% per annum, however the Planning Commission has a more optimistic target of 9% until 2027. In addition, some of the key states which drive a large share of traffic, are expected to achieve State Domestic Product growth rates above the national average.

■ Several forecasts – Airbus, Boeing, Airports Council International – project that India will have the fastest growth rate in the world in air traffic over the next 20 years (close to 10% p.a.)

■ CAPA believes that the growth in traffic and aircraft movements over the next decade may be even stronger and more sustained than anticipated.

SOURCE: CAPA, DGCA

Domestic International Airport Growth Absolute Airlines Airlines Pax Multiple Growth Pax Pax

Graph 3 India is expected to emerge as the 3rd largest aviation market in the world within 10-12 years.

■

A Precedent for this Rate of Growth The growth projections for India are staggering, but there is precedent, suggesting that they are feasible.

■ China went from 134 million pax to 564

million pax in 10 years.

■ Projection for India is growth from 142m pax to 452 million pax in 10 years.

In fact the projected growth is slower than achieved in China over the last decade.

China’s airport sector handled an additional 80 million passenger movements last year alone.

– Courtesy CAPA India October 2011 GO NOW

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HERITAGE HOTELS

Evolving to Provide a Total Experience and no Longer Just a Piece of Heritage India has plenty of existing heritage structures that can be converted into upmarket hotels but due to a plethora of reasons these remain untapped.

I

ndia’s heritage hotels are going through a massive process of transformation as these change from being family run homes into professionally managed hotels. What has played an important part here is the demand from guests who are no longer awed by their mere stay in a fort or a palace. With people demanding facilities and wanting value for money, the heritage hotels too have adapted. Despite the potential, converting heritage buildings into hotels is a slow and difficult process.

Rakesh Mathur, former CEO of WelcomHeritage says: “Gone are the days when people were satisfied with merely staying in a Maharaja’s palace. And, here I talk about ordinary guests who want facilities like spas, activity rooms and facilities for children as well as bars and lounges.” As guests became exacting, heritage hotels too started improving upon their conveniences like bathrooms, beds, better service and trained staff. Guests are now particular about garbage and environment and also hygiene and cleanliness. Thus heritage hotels started becoming eco-friendly also.

It is not just that. Another change that has become visible at these hotels is repositioning the product and changing the focus from just heritage to a ‘total experience’.

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Hotel managements started highlighting the uniqueness of their properties - emphasising their exclusive locations like forests and lakeside and packaging experiences like nights in a tent or a desert safari.

Mathur says India has plenty of existing heritage structures that can be converted into upmarket hotels but due to various reasons these remain untapped. “Most of these properties are either in rural areas or in crowded city areas. The ones that are in rural areas lack power, suffer from poor connectivity, face hygiene and sanitation issues; while those in urban areas have no walking space, are crowded and dirty. If these issues can be addressed, so many new properties can be restored and added to our heritage hotel list.”

Similarly, several heritage buildings currently run government offices across the country. These suffer from improper maintenance either due to lack of funds or simply because the government does not have the wherewithal to maintain them. Mathur, who is one of the founders and honorary vice

president of the Ecotourism Society of India, says: “As these buildings were essentially made for residential purposes, they are inefficient for office use. On the contrary, as these are at excellent locations for hotels, I would rather that the government converts these into heritage hotels and builds new efficient buildings for offices. It is possible to have such an arrangement under the public private partnership.”

What are the other factors that hamper conversion of buildings into heritage hotels?

“Availability of trained manpower locally, or in rural areas, is a big issue for heritage hotels. Most heritage properties are located in the countryside and these areas lack skilled hospitality people. I am not talking about training at management levels. We need just the basic training for local people that can

HERITAGE HOTELS inculcate simple skills in hygiene, cleanliness, environment consciousness, apart from basic skills in housekeeping, front office, cooking etc” says Mathur.

India is fortunate to have been blessed with splendid diversity in heritage buildings but only a few state governments have managed to encourage the growth of heritage hotels. Rajasthan has had a comprehensive tourism policy which also deals with heritage hotels therefore such hotels have prospered in the state. On the other hand, the heritage tourism policy in Madhya Pradesh, which is a rich repository of heritage buildings, has not been implemented properly. The tourism policies of states do not address the issues of heritage hotels adequately.

Then there are other constraints that bog down heritage hotels. The two bugbears are the liquor license fee and the conversion charges for a heritage building into a heritage hotel. Mathur says: “Most heritage hotels are in rural areas where there are no walk-in customers for a bar. The scenario is different in a city hotel where a lot of customers are locals. Similarly, another issue that goes against heritage hotels is the high conversion rates. As the properties are residential they have to pay conversion charges.

But due to the fact that these properties have large land banks, conversion charges are levied on the entire land.”

The country has approximately 170 registered heritage hotels. And these include heritage homes; right from the Goan homes built by the Portuguese to tea homes by the

“Most of these properties are either in rural areas or in crowded city areas. The ones that are in rural areas lack power, suffer from poor connectivity, face hygiene and sanitation issues; while those in urban areas have no walking space, are crowded and dirty. If these issues can be addressed, so many new properties can be restored and added to our heritage hotel list.”

Rakesh Mathur Till recently, President, ITC WelcomHeritage British and also Pondicherry homes with a French legacy to Indian havelis. Built during different periods, these units have different styles and varied architectures. Indian homes, rather the havelis, which were built around the concept of a joint family system have a courtyard as well as separate sections Khimsar Fort

for the men and women of the house.

The diversity of historical buildings is simply amazing. The other kinds of heritage buildings which have been converted into hotels include forts, palaces as well as those buildings which were built by the British for a myriad of uses. “Another set of architecture that exists consists of summer lodges and hunting lodges, many of which have step-wells, built specifially for relaxation and recreation. These were constructed by the rulers to escape the heat or go hunting. Such buildings are spread all over India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and South India. The Bundelkhand region is particularly rich in such buildings,” says Mathur.

The lack of a Central policy on heritage tourism is acutely felt. Even though the states have their own policies, a comprehensive heritage tourism policy at the Central level will help. Till then the owners of heritage properties will have to wait and so will those people who want to enjoy a day out living like an Indian royal with a blend of the modern.

by RAHUL KUMAR

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TOURISM ART

TOURISM CAN PROVIDE A NEW

ART CONNECT Art galleries can satiate the desire of foreign tourists about India, therefore tour itineraries should include galleries also.

W

ith tourism undergoing a metamorphosis all over the world, it is time industry people realized that they have to rethink and keep pace with the change in tourist profile. They have to reinvent their business models and add new elements to acquire the competitive edge.

Contemporary art offers an opportunity to

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add a dimension to tourism.

“How many forts and palaces you can watch,” asks Delhi Art Gallery Head (Exhibitions) Kishore Singh. “After a standard itinerary, the tourist is sick and tired of architectural marvels. The last of the forts they watch like zombies.”

What tour operators don’t realize is that visitors to India are interested not only in

what was built hundreds of years ago but also what is happening now, what form Indian creativity is assuming, what is being done in this day and age. While it is true that there is fascination for Old India among a section of people in the West, there is also curiosity about the contemporaneous.

“We have organized a dinner against the backdrop of works by progressive artists,” says Singh, adding that such demands come from very high-end visitors. But it is indubitable that there is demand for out of the ordinary. And this calls for thinking outside the box.

Tour operators and other stakeholders have to expand their horizon and envision their sector beyond the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit, Khajuraho, and Goa. “At present, there is not even a mention of art galleries in big cities. I am sure that contemporary art can attract a lot of foreign tourists,” he says.

They do come in large numbers to South Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village where the Delhi Art Gallery is situated. Singh, who is also a senior journalist, insists that DAG is more than a gallery: “It is an institution.”

DAG mostly sells modern and contemporary Indian Art, with a strong focus on Indian modernists. It has a large collection of over 20,000 artworks which include works on canvas and paper. It also has a large collection of photographs and rare books. There is also a library which can be used with permission.

“Our purpose is to reach out,” he says.

Foreign visitors just walk in and savor the works of modern and contemporary Indian art. “They have a desire to know modern India and its arts. Our paintings are expensive, as they are by masters, so not many buy artworks.

But they have a desire to know and learn about Indian art. And they are eager learners.”

Singh says that this interest can be translated into innovative tour packages, for so much is happening in the world of Indian art.

“There are so many art galleries which are active and offer a huge tourism connect.”

And it is not just art; other finer aspects of life also can become means to promote tourism. “Why should we showcase only classical dance? Why not contemporary dance,” he asks.

Then there are literary festivals.

The need of the hour is lateral thinking.

Indian tourism has to look beyond the obvious and the time-honored for a big boost to the sector. Like politics, tourism can also be the art of the possible.

by RAVI SHANKER KAPOOR

TOURISM CULTURE

WORLD ART AT NEW DELHI’S DOORSTEP

The fifth edition of the Delhi International Arts Festival is all set to bring global culture to Delhi – a fit tribute to the city that commemorates its 100 years as India’s capital.

T

he centenary year celebrations of Delhi as India’s capital are set to get bigger. Delhi’s signature arts festival, the Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF), is getting more countries to participate in the fortnightlong cultural extravaganza that begins in

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November this year. Prathibha Prahlad, the festival director says, “the festival is not just the capital’s but the nation’s first initiative in bringing together a variety of arts. DIAF 2011 will have more than 2,000 international artistes from around 30 countries perform a wide range of music, theatre, dance, art and

TOURISM CULTURE many more cultural forms for a fortnight. For us it is a wonderful opportunity to expose our culture and country to a large number of foreign artistes.”

Cross pollination of cultures

“The festival is not just the capital’s but the nation’s first initiative in bringing together a variety of arts. DIAF 2011 will have more than 2,000 international artistes from around 30 countries perform a wide range of music, theatre, dance, art and many more cultural forms for a fortnight. For us it is a wonderful opportunity to expose our artistes, the culture and country to a large number of foreign tourists.”

Pratibha Prahland Festival Director

DIAF goes beyond merely staging performances. It has out-of-the-box ideas that help cross-cultural ideation. For example, a highlight of the 2010 festival was an event from Russia with an inimitable name, the World Tea Party, which had the participants discuss the arts over unlimited cups of tea.

Though not happening this time, it has been replaced by the Colloquium that will allow the performers to network. Prahlad says: “Due to multiple avenues, the artistes do not get the time to interact with each other. The Colloquium, which will be held at the India International Centre every day, will have questions, debates, film clips and deliberations to set the mood. It is both formal and informal but the idea is to have cross-pollination between cultures.”

The genesis A well-known dancer, Prahlad says: “Festivals that promote cultural tourism take place across the world. I had participated in the Edinburgh festival in 2001 and later in the Tokyo festival which set me wondering why India does not have a similar fest. After much pondering over, I met the then Minister of Tourism who agreed to support a small cultural festival.” Well, that was enough to set Prahlad going.

Soon enough, the India Tourism Development Corporation, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the Sangeet Natak Academy and other organisations came together and with Prahlad acting as a binding force, a small festival was organised in February 2007. The three-day event was a South Asian cultural affair with participation from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

“This gave us the confidence to hold another one in December, the same year, and that became the first DIAF. Can you imagine, we brought together six countries, 12 days and 800 Indian artistes and we were not even sure how this would happen. But at the last minute we got a corporate sponsor,” says the famous dancer.

Marketing Indian culture The DIAF not only brings India’s performing arts to Delhiites but also showcases it to the

larger arts and cultural fraternity that descends on the city. The fifth DIAF, with its 2,000 foreign artistes from 30 countries, will undoubtedly have a major impact. “Participants come here and then they want to see India. Once the event is over, they spread out across the country. The artistes are not here merely to perform and be appreciated; they are here also to experience the country and its people,” says Prahlad. The touring artistes not only get to soak in India and its cultural diversity; they also gain from witnessing the culture of other countries.

Former Doordarshan news reader Gitanjali Aiyer, now associated with DIAF, says, “the city gains as hotels are filled up and travel and tourism gets a leg up. With the festival happening during the tourist season, the festival spices up the evenings for visiting tourists as they love to check out something in the evenings.”

Tagore gets a tribute This year the opening itself will be grand.

DIAF plans an international tribute to Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary by

featuring groups from India, Hungary, Brazil, South Africa, Bangladesh and China.

Prahlad say that Tagore was among the first Indians to have connected to the world. “He was a world traveler therefore the opening ceremony will have performances from countries which had Tagore’s influence on them. The countries that he travelled to and established contacts with are diversified and amazing. He was an extraordinary personality who cut across art boundaries, therefore the tribute to him,” Prahlad adds.

The highlights at the two-week long extravaganza include Colombian musician Cesar Lopez who will play a unique musical instrument called the escopetarra which is a shotgun guitar; a Indo-French contemporary dance festival DanSe Dialogues; a performance by Italian Flamenco dancer Farruquito; Korean traditional dances as well as presentations from Peru, Uruguay, Argentina and others. With so many countries, diverse cultures such a wide range of performing arts, the DIAF promises to hold true to its motto, ‘the new arts capital of the world.’

Text & photographs by RAHUL KUMAR

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TOURISM OUTREACH

OVER TO SIKKIM INSANIYAT REACHES OUT IN THE CRISIS

Insaniyat exemplifies the phrase ‘where there is a will, there is a way.’

Undeterred by hurdles, the trust reaches out to people in times of crisis. Go Now speaks to Rita Khattar, one of the trustees…

Rita Khattar

I

n 1999, during the Kargil war many came forward to help the families of the war heroes. While that was important, Rita Khattar's attention turned to the poor civilian population affected by the war in the area. Rita wanted to reach out to them personally to ensure that the money she donates actually reaches those in need. Ready with Rs 1 lakh, she happened to mention it to her sister-in-law, Pam Kapoor and friend Dr. Naresh Trehan that she was off to Kashmir.

Both of them showed willingness to contribute and just then something struck Trehan.

He suggested starting an NGO that would help people during such crisis or natural calamities. That is how ‘Insaniyat’ was born.

Working during crisis It’s a social welfare organization working during crisis to help those bereft of home, family and food. During Kargil the trust collected huge amount of money donated by people and sent several trucks of supplies for about 5,000 families on the Dras-Leh road. All the three trustees stayed there and ensured the supplies reached the right 74

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Pam Kapoor

people. The trust did similar work after various natural calamities like earthquakes in Kashmir and Bhuj, tsunami in Andamans and floods in Leh and recently the quake in Sikkim.

Insaniyat is a fine example of giving back to the society. Khattar’s family owns the Delhi-based Avalon Resorts that owns three properties – Avalon Courtyard, an Ayurveda resort in Mussoorie and The Farm in Philippines. Khattar feels they have reached a stage where giving gives more pleasure. She is rather modest about her efforts and says 'it is no big deal’. “There is nothing extra-ordinary in what we are doing. There are scores of people willing to do some charity work and anybody can do it. But the important thing is that it has to be done fast,” says Khattar.

Nothing deters Insaniyat Many a times when other social welfare organizations have wondered how to proceed, Insaniyat has simply gone ahead without worrying about the dangers or hurdles in store. “Sometimes arranging logistics and permissions take a long time. But then you

have to look for solutions and go ahead.

During Kargil for instance, we had some problem in getting the trucks to send the supplies. Then Ajay Bijli (of PVR) came forward and arranged all the transportation. I especially thank for all his generous contributions always,” she quips.

Neither the hurdles deter the trust with its mission nor do the perils scare them. So is she never scared of going to an area which might be dangerous? “I am not scared of anything. The only thing I am scared of is reptiles,” says a valiant Khattar.

Asked on what makes the organization different from the others she says it’s the assurance that the donations made actually reaches the right people. “There are many people who want to donate but do not know how to go about it. Often, the money never reaches people. We have seen instances where trucks disappear and the supplies are sold off it the local market. That does not happen with us as there is always at least one of the three trustees who goes to the site,” she says.

by PURVA BHATIA

HOTELSCAPES

CGH EARTH’S MARARI BEACH RESORT, KERALA

A L L A B O U T H O T E L S & H O S P I TA L I T Y

• MOVENPICK DEBUTS IN BENGALURU • GREENWASH OR NOT? HOTELIERS SPEAK OUT • INTERIORS GO CONTEMPORARY • LE MERIDIEN DELHI CHANGES COLOURS • STARWOOD LAUNCHES ALOFT AND FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON October 2011 GO NOW

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NEWSMAKER THIS MONTH

After marking its presence in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and parts of Asia, Swiss Hotel Company Movenpick Hotels and Resorts enters India with plans to stay and multiply. Movenpick Hotel and Spa Bangalore, is a modern and classy hotel in the city’s industrial hub.’

MOVENPICK Debuts in Bengaluru

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NEWSMAKER THIS MONTH

T

he next time you visit Bengaluru, you have an option of experiencing Swiss hospitality in the city. Thanks to the Swiss hotel chain Movenpick that has now entered India while operating 72 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia after a long wait. Conveniently located near the business districts of the city, the hotel is also carefully branded as the first upscale property enroute Bangalore International Airport.

Keeping the property’s décor modern and comfortable, their prime customers are projected to be business travellers. “We are expecting a lot of MICE business,” said Gary Moran, General Manager, Movenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore “with estimates of 70 per cent individual travellers versus 30 per cent of group travellers.”

ANDREAS MATTMULLER COO MIDDLE EAST AND ASIA

We are delighted to sign a second property in Dharamshala. Adding this landmark property to a portfolio follows our objective to expand our presence in India as we launch the Movenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore this season.

Distinctive offers & facilities The hotel design aims to be progressive, with contemporary crystal chandeliers and illuminated staircases as some of the details that catch your eye. The hotel has 182 rooms, varying between 35 square meters to 175 square meters, which include six categories of well-appointed rooms, eight Executive Suites and one Presidential Suite. Rooms are equipped with LCD screens, state of the art furnishings and Wi-Fi in offered throughout the hotel premises.

The hotel boasts of four F&B outlets-the first is ‘Obsidian’, a retro bar furnished with high chairs and a vintage finis and the second is an ethnic Italian restaurant ‘Mezzaluna’’which offers gourmet delights.

Eateries also include ‘My Place’, a 24 hour eatery already attracting the local crowd with their house full Sunday brunch. A rooftop restaurant and lounge, ‘Perfect Sky’ promising the scenic sights of Bengaluru, is yet to be opened.

Promotional offer As a part of the introductory offer, you can enjoy a stay at Rs 7,500 per night.

This offer includes: ❐ Buffet breakfast at My Place ❐ 24 hours check-in and check-out ❐ 24 hours internet access ❐ One way airport transfer ❐ One way office drop ❐ One set of laundry per day ❐ 20% discount on your bill at My Place ❐ Drink voucher

Andreas Mattmüller, COO - Middle East and Asia, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts lighting the lamp at the conference.

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NEWSMAKER THIS MONTH

Gourmet Italian at the Mezzaluna

The 24 hour eatery My Place

Wooing business travellers The contemporary hotel offers a rooftop gym, ‘Aasman’, equipped with the latest kits and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

For locals, they offer gym and pool memberships at a lower price than some of their adversaries, also throwing in off-peak and couple offers. In a bid to attract more customers looking to experience solitude and luxury, Movenpick is set to woo global travellers with Sohum Spa. With the interior inspired by Hindu temples, the Spa boasts the use of copper and silverware for therapies along with professional healers, specializing in Indian, Oriental and European rituals.

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boardrooms and social events. Apart from a grand ballroom, it has a total of 9 meeting rooms with the capacity of accommodating 600 individuals.

nights,” said Lokesh Kumar,Vice President Development and Marketing, India. Movenpick Bangalore helps the brand gain visibility in India, thereby increasing the company’s outbound business in other parts of the world.

In the last decade, there has been an upsurge in the number of hotels in Bengaluru but Prem Joseph Moevenpick, Bengaluru’s Director Sales and Marketing sees a lot of maturity in the market too. On the launch, he said “There has been a bifurcation for hotels and Movenpick is clearly positioned in the upscale category. With no more state sub categories in local and international rates domestic travel trends have only increased and multiplied”, an aspect that will only help them in time to come.

The group will soon open its second property in Dharamshala. The upcoming property will have 100 plus suites and a 35,000 square foot spa to relax and unwind.

Also, Movenpick is planning to acquire managing operations in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Udaipur, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin and Chennai; they plan to open 12 new hotels in the next five years.

Unique introductory offers In a market where Movenpick has competitors spurting in the vicinity like Sheraton and Taj, the strategy is to offer high end facilities coupled with launch offers. “For frequent fliers,” elaborated Moran, “Movenpick offers a 24-hour rate where the guests are billed only from the moment they arrive, unlike other hotels.”

To increase visibility in India “Soon after its soft launch in June 2011, the hotel has already seen a couple of sold-out

– MANAVI SIDDHANTI

factfile ❐ Only high scale hotel located near BIA ❐ 182 rooms, 8 suites, 1 presidential suite ❐ Wi Fi access, LCD TV screens, state of the art furnishings ❐ 24 hour restaurant, meeting, social event venues for 600 people ❐ Indoor/outdoor swimming pool, state of the art rooftop gym, Aasman ❐ Sohum Spa with Ayurvedic, Oriental and European therapies available

November 2011 GO NOW

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GUEST COLUMN BINU MATHEWS

GOOGLE HOTEL FINDER: ARE INDIAN HOTELS READY? Binu Mathews explains how the hospitality industry can adopt an automated solution to make their presence felt, both off-line and on-line in preparation for the Google Hotel Finder.

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oogle’s recent venture into the hospitality segment with its Hotel Finder tool shows growing receptiveness to technology as travellers plan their itinerary and book hotels long before they arrive at their destination.With its Hotel Finder tool, Google has added competition to existing tools like that of Bing and given a whole new spin to services offered by current holiday booking sites, Makemytrip,Yatra, Cleartrip, and others.

For a quick introduction to Google Hotel Finder, it is a new experimental tool that makes it easier to find, compare and book hotel rooms based on price, location and user ratings. Using Hotel Finder one can specify ideal location, filter by preferences, sort results and if one finds a great hotel, all they need to do is click the ‘Book’ button to make a reservation.

With the launch of Google Hotel Finder it is now almost certain that no hotel, restaurant, resort, spa or other hospitality and leisure industry property, in India or elsewhere, can afford to ignore the internet or shy away from it.

Are our hotels ready for Google hotel finder?

The tourism industry in India is poised to grow at an annual growth rate of 9.4% and promises to develop into a US$275.5 billion business by 2018.

With India an obvious star attraction for travellers, what do tools like Google Hotel Finder mean to the hospitality industry?

International statistics reveal that a third of the world’s travel sales will be conducted online by the end of 2012. According to PhoCusWright’s Global Online Travel Overview Second Edition report, online leisure and unmanaged business travel bookings will grow twice as fast as the total market, to surpass US$ 313 billion by 2012.

In response to impressive statistics like these, a growing number of hotels in the country are realizing that they can no longer wait for guests to 80

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come to them, but need to get closer to guests.

These hotels are turning to Global Distribution Systems and Internet Distribution System solutions that give them visibility online. However, a vast majority of hotel rooms are still sitting within the registers of tiny hotels.

Partnering with the right technology partner

“

The right ERP solution allows hotels to leverage social media, increase their online presence and interact with potential guests in an informal manner.

”

Can hotels across segments afford to ignore the signs any longer? Launched as a pilot in the US, it is only a matter of time before Google’s Hotel Finder goes global. Then, a guest will be planning the location of his stay, looking at pictures of his room, sifting through the menu, scouting for guest reviews and booking his stay with the aid of a credit card.

In such a scenario what a hotel needs, irrespective of its size and market segment, is high quality Hotel ERP solution and an experienced technology partner. A Hotel ERP not only automates its internal processes, it also introduces efficiency, helps better manage costs and integrates with a GDS, IDS and the hotels own web booking engine. A good property management system also enables the hotel to capitalize on Smartphone technology so that it can interact with guests at multiple touch points.

The right ERP solution allows hotels to leverage social media, increase their online presence and interact with potential guests in an informal manner. It also helps smaller properties to advertise and increase their online presence in a cost effective manner.

The answer seems clear, the leisure industry, irrespective of the size of the property, needs to adopt an automated solution that helps them integrate both their off-line and on-line presence to capitalize on tools like the Google Hotel Finder and the shift towards the initial touch point being the internet.

The author is President & COO, IDS NEXT

FORUM

GREEN HOTELS How much is Real, How much is Greenwash?

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FORUM Jose Dominic CEO, CGH EARTH With environmental concerns uppermost in people’s minds, ‘Green’ is the buzzword not just in hotels but also in automobiles, house construction and in the eco-responsible practices of cities, states and countries. The constant debates on climate change, rising sea levels, melting of glaciers and ice caps of the Himalayas and the Arctic region, have made people aware that there’s cause for concern. While car manufacturers have launched green versions, hotels have adopted green initiatives, enlisting guests’ cooperation with regard to re-using linen and so on.

Customers today want the satisfaction of knowing that their enjoyment acknowledges responsibility to the environment and the community. Hence the industry is aware that their green achievements need to be shown to their customer as well as declared to the world.

To practice responsible tourism, energy conservation, water conservation and waste treatment are vital. While some hotels sincerely practice green principles, with certifications (like LEED) ensuring that they adhere to the principles, others merely greenwash. But the time for greenwashing is over as people can see through it. Being green now means taking a holistic and integrated approach – ensuring quality of customer experience; conservation of environment; inclusion and benefit to the local community. Further, procedures for water and energy audits are essential as also a budget set aside to fulfill their ecological and social responsibilities.

At CGH Earth, environment consciousness, social inclusion and

CSR are vital to our business strategy. In The Spice Village, we are now going completely solar, the first in the country to do so. The 60 room hotel depends solely on the sun’s energy that comes from a 65 KW solar panel, achieved at a cost of 4 crores.

Sushil Tyagi CHIEF ENGINEER, THE OBEROI, GURGAON Hotels that are conscious of their impact on the environment take initiatives – big and small to save energy, water and reduce waste. At The Oberoi, Gurgaon, our Green philosophy is to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

We encourage our employees and guests to participate in our ongoing green initiatives.

The Oberoi, Gurgaon is a zero discharge hotel and sustainability is at the core of its design and architecture as well as its services and amenities. One-third of the 9-acre premises of the hotel is covered by forest, landscaped greens or water bodies, that are sustained by recycled waste and water from the hotel, making the property a complete, self-sufficient ecosystem.

Each guest room is equipped with the INNCOM Integrated Room Automation System that detects and regulates room temperature by reducing the use of HVAC and lighting when the room is vacant, thus conserving energy. So if the room is vacant, lights and AC are automatically switched off. The double glazed vacuum sealed windows conserve energy and reduce noise.

Water treated at the sewage treatment plant (STP) is used to water The Oberoi Gurgaon

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FORUM the forest and gardens of the hotel. Significantly the STP results in zero waste discharge into the municipal drainage system. Further, area wise metering of water consumption is undertaken to determine areas of high usage and initiate further conservation methods. Up-to-date machines have been installed in the laundry and kitchen to reduce the consumption of water. The 6 rain water harvesting pits preserve and replenish ground water level.

We also enlist guests’ cooperation in reusing linen. Every area of the hotel lets in plenty of natural light, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting while the use of CFL and LED lighting reduces energy consumption by 15-20 %.

Pradipta Biswas GENERAL MANAGER, THE ORCHID HOTEL, MUMBAI There are ways to tell whether a hotel is truly concerned about its environmental impact or whether it is simply greenwashing to join the bandwagon of environmentally conscious hotels.

One way is through certifications such as Green Globe, LEED etc. that inform the public that a hotel is adhering to international norms through regular audits and checks, giving stakeholders some assurance that the company is genuinely environment friendly and not just Greenwashing. Further, a hotel should allow its guests to see its environment friendly practices. Transparency and certification together, give authenticity to the hotel’s claims of being environment friendly.

Orchid hotel, Mumbai

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For a hotel to be truly green, it must demonstrate eco-sensitivity in waste management, energy efficiency and water conservation. Merely switching over to energy efficient lighting is inadequate, although it can cut down on energy costs. The rationale for going green should be to reduce carbon footprint rather than monetary benefits. Having said that, going green can be expensive - such as when investing in a sewage treatment plant to treat waste water; or a bio gas plant to biodegrade organic waste.

Nevertheless, such investments are made by certain hotels to save the environment.

At the Orchid, we use solar panels to generate electricity for rooftop lighting and train our staff to adopt eco-friendly practices. As for our guests, they help conserve energy by re-using linen and by setting the thermostat to the energy conservation mode in their rooms or pressing the eco button on their bed side control panel.

Niranjan Khatri GM, WELCOMENVIRON INITIATIVES, ITC HOTELS Prior to environmental issues taking centre stage in the hospitality industry, ITC Hotels in 1988 made a humble foray into an uncharted territory, attempting to address all the cross cutting eco challenges holistically. In the bargain it has become the 1st chain in the world to introduce special audits concerning use of energy and water as well as mapping material intensity. This effort

FORUM

was also extended with different stakeholders, now referred to as the 'triple bottom-line philosophy.’

Currently, the chain sources 25 % of its energy requirements from renewable energy. Roping in every one to ensure energy efficiency in hotels is a challenging task, hence we have unleashed an array of technology to manage energy efficiency through design, which we also call ‘design frugality’. The service provides you what you need by intelligent design, but cuts down on power through motion sensors, smart cards and a variety of intelligent devices, leading to conspicuous conservation.

Green washing is a terminology used by organizations for over stating green initiatives, since today’s customers look out for signs of good practices in different organizations. Since the subject is new and evolving, organizations begin with small initiatives in their green wash efforts, but gradually migrate to higher levels of performance, by learning from others and on many occasions are goaded by market forces and legislation to better their efforts.

With customer awareness increasing, rather than look for short term benefits through green laundering, organizations should develop a clear cut road map for execution.

To help customers differentiate between ‘the real green’ as against ‘a green wash’, every ecologically aware country in the world, has its own labeling (or rating) standards (BEE, USGBC, LEED). ITC Hotels as a global ecological pioneer and its ‘beyond compliance philosophy’, has strived for a LEED platinum rating for all its luxury hotels. The chain’s efforts have raised the bar to achieve a new standard known as ‘Responsible Luxury’ at all the ITC Luxury Hotels.

Mukesh Dharmani DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING, THE IMPERIAL When a hotel ensures conservation of water, fuel and energy and has systems in place to reduce, reuse and recycle waste, it is considered green.

There is also a strong emphasis on using locally sourced materials, natural light, heat, fresh air and solar energy to generate heat, water and electricity; minimum use of wood in construction; and use of herbal soaps and eco-friendly cleaning agents.

At The Imperial, we have asked our suppliers to reduce packaging material. We recycle paper and send waste to recyclers. The use of chlorofluorocarbons is being phased out from refrigeration equipment; and use of natural light, air and heat is under implementation in our restaurants. The hotel uses CFL lamps, occupancy sensor light controls (in locker rooms), energy saver cards for guest rooms, variable frequency drive motors and timers for building lights and fresh air units. Besides, we have dual flushing system in toilets, bio blocks for urinals and self closing taps in staff toilets. Staff are trained to save electrical energy, water and fuel.

We also harvest rainwater, use natural gas for boilers and cooking; use eco-friendly cleaning agents and waste water for gardening; send waste food to a piggery, and waste oil for recycling. We hope to install a solar water heating plant, a biogas plant and a larger water treatment plant.

– COMPILED BY ESTHER WILLIAM October 2011 GO NOW

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BRAND ANALYSIS

DoubleTree by Hilton: A Full-service, Ritzy & Cordial Brand DoubleTree by Hilton is the latest addition to Hilton Worldwide’s fast growing portfolio in India. The brand made its debut in the country earlier this month…

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ilton Worldwide, which already has a wide presence in India, has recently introduced a new brand, DoubleTree by Hilton in the country. The upscale, full-service hotels and resorts brand trademarked by Hilton Worldwide is known for a high-level of comfort globally. The sentiment is well reflected in its tagline ‘Where the little things mean everything.’

People who have stayed at a DoubleTree by Hilton would be familiar with the ‘cookie’ welcome! As a signature style, every guest is greeted at check-in with a chocolate chip cookie as an expression of welcome, unique to the brand.

Brand characteristics DoubleTree by Hilton targets modern day business travellers. It defines itself as an upscale, full service, business class hotel for travellers ‘looking for a professional, yet relaxed, lively and refreshingly welcoming hotel experience.’ It is purportedly warmer in its appeal than other Hilton brands present in the country. Catering to the needs of business travellers, the hotels have meeting and event facilities ranging from 2,500 to 150,000 square feet. A warm welcome and attention to small details for the comfort of guests is what makes the brand amicable and popular among its loyalists.

History of the brand First Doubletree Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona opened in 1969. Doubletree Corporation was formed in 1994, following a merger between Guest Quarters Suites Hotels and Doubletree Hotels, creating the first new nationwide hotel brand to appear in the upscale market in several years. In 1997, there was a merger between Promus Hotel Corporation and Doubletree Corporation.

Two years later, Doubletree Hotels, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites officially become a part of the Hilton Family of Hotels, creating one of the world’s largest, strongest hospitality organisations.

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BRAND ANALYSIS Debut in India It was in 2009 that Hilton Hotels had announced the signing of a long-term management agreement with JMD Ltd., for a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Gurgaon, which was supposed to be its first hotel in the country. The project has, however, taken a longer time to complete than expected.

The brand has now finally made its debut with a property (in Mayur Vihar, New Delhi) owned and operated by Eros Resorts & Hotels Ltd, an Eros Group company, and managed by Hilton Worldwide. The hotel is a part of a twin-tower complex, sharing space with Hilton Hotel & Resorts developed under the same agreement between the Eros Group and Hilton Worldwide.

Sharing his vision for India, Rob Palleschi, Global Head, DoubleTree by Hilton said, "The debut of DoubleTree by Hilton in India with the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton New Delhi-Mayur Vihar is a significant milestone in our brand's continued growth strategy to provide outstanding hotel offerings in the world's gateway cities.”

DoubleTree by Hilton brands The DoubleTree by Hilton has its product line which includes DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels; DoubleTree by Hilton Guest Suites, DoubleTree by Hilton Club; and DoubleTree

by Hilton Resorts. There are more than 200 hotel properties of this brand in gateway cities, airport locations and suburban markets throughout the US. Outside the United States, hotels are branded as DoubleTree by Hilton. The brand has seven locations in the UK, five hotels in China, three in Italy, two in Canada, two in Peru, two in Costa Rica, two in Tanzania, two in Slovakia, one in Malaysia, one in Russia, one in Norway and one in Ras Al Khaimah UAE.

ROB PALLESCHI GLOBAL HEAD, DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

The debut of DoubleTree by Hilton in India with the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton New DelhiMayur Vihar is a significant milestone in our brand’s continued growth strategy to provide outstanding hotel offerings in the world’s gateway cities.

Hilton's Expansion Plans

Signature DoubleTree cookies ❐ DoubleTree by Hilton gives out approximately 60,000 chocolate chip cookies each day. ❐ Globally, the brand claims to have shared more than 230 million DoubleTree cookies with guests and customers during the past 25 years. ❐ Every DoubleTree by Hilton hotel follows the same recipe and exact baking instructions. So you get the same taste no matter which DoubleTree you visit. ❐ Each cookie is filled with an average of 20 melty chocolate chips - that's more than 580,000 pounds of chocolate chips each and every year!

Source: doubletree.hilton.com

Of the total 10 brands under its umbrella, the company has plans for six brands in India including Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton and Waldorf Astoria. Currently, Hilton Worldwide manages six hotels under three brands in India in New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. It aims to open a total of 10 new hotels by 2012; it already has a total of over 20 properties under various stages of development across its portfolio of brands in India.

– PURVA BHATIA

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DESIGN ANALYSIS

Interiors Move Towards the Contemporary Every project presents a unique opportunity to allow differentiation through the creation of a distinctive and memorable environment and experience.

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ith business travel in ascendance, functional ity is the current flavor in hotel designing. Not that hoteliers and their clients have nothing to do with the local and the traditional, but what dominates the scene is the straight line rather than the curvilinear plans, says Anil Badan of the Delhi-based Studio B Architects (SBA) which specializes in interior design.

This is not surprising because business hotels are the fastest-growing segment of the hospitality sector. Big luxury hotels prefer heavy interiors and often want to depict the local content, he says.“We are doing properties in Kerala and Kashmir. Both have interiors

in tune with the surrounding environment.”

The company has just finished work at Radisson Blu, Agra, and Sarovar Portico, Surajkund. Recently, SBA also did a hotel in Nairobi. The client wanted a strong local flavor, so Badan’s firm interacted with local artists and guided them to create ethnic artifacts by adopting modern themes.

This, however, is not always the case, he says.“There is a line of thinking that if a guest is in, say, Jaipur, he goes out and sees the city.

When he comes back to the hotel, he may not like the Rajasthani ambience that he saw the whole day.”

Besides, a business traveller prefers to be at a place where feels at home. He prefers the paintings in his rooms to be contemporary ab-

ANIL BADAN PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, STUDIO B ARCHITECTS

Most hotels are following green norms. They are using energy saving devices. Being ecologically responsible is also financial rewarding, as you end up saving 30-40 per cent on electricity expenses. While all new hotels are using eco-friendly technologies, the established ones are also going green.

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Sarovar Portico Surajkund – the perfect ambience to unwind.

DESIGN ANALYSIS stracts rather than traditional miniatures.

Unsurprisingly, contemporary interior design has a proclivity towards efficiency, he says.

Loyal to the brief Badan points out that SBA follows a simple philosophy: to stay loyal to the client’s brief and meet the operator’s requirements of functionality, while creating an interior that meets the highest international standards and provides a unique and memorable experience for the guest. “Understanding our clients positioning and precisely interpreting their unique needs is of paramount importance at the outset.”

For every project, careful consideration is given to all design elements, both great and small.“By the end of any project, a seamless integration of imaginative planning, daily interactions with our clients, technical expertise, and artistic vision completely transform the environment,” he says.

His firm offers services to, among others, hotels, restaurants, bars and lounges in not only India but also the Middle East, China, and Africa.“We provide the highest caliber of planning and color schemes for interior space to articulate the personage style and

Bar, Radisson Blu, Agra for an inspiring break.

Contemporary hotel luxury in Sankara , Nairobi.

true nature of each client, while meeting their cost constraints. We use the latest CAD and administration system and an extensive in-house library of the most up-to-date finishes. Our best acquired characteristic is the synchronization of our style with the ideational and cultural aspects of a place and the client’s requests.”

Sticking to their work philosophy of being loyal to the clients, SBA listens carefully to not only what they say but also what they don’t say or whisper. “We try to understand you and your thinking, feeling, and requirements. Only then, we begin work. We can turn those hidden fantasies into a reality, creating a world where color and style blend into each other leaving a feeling of immense pleasure and tranquility,” Badan says.

Going green Another trend that is catching up is that of being eco-friendly. “Most hotels are following green norms. They are using energy saving devices. Being ecologically responsible is also financially rewarding, as you end up saving 3040 per cent on electricity expenses. While all new hotels are using eco-friendly technologies, the established ones are also going green.”

Costing varies from project to project, location to location.“Inflation has to be taken into account. If a hotelier wants to go green in interiors, the cost surely goes up, because the manufacturers of the materials used have to pay for green certification,” Badan says.

Do interior designers face problems with such technologies? “Not much. The challenge is finding optimum green-certified material.

While it is available, the choice is limited. To that extent, it is a challenge. But the situation should improve in five to six years, he says.”

In general, however, the supply of materials required is not a problem, he says, adding that everything that is needed is made in India.“Mostly, the 70-75 per cent items we use are domestically manufactured. A few things are imported for quality and specifications.

Imports having been eased by government policy, it is a smooth process accessing the overseas merchandise.”

The real challenge is not related to sourcing of materials but meeting the requirements of clients.“We use the art of design to optimize space and profits. We combine design talent with business acumen,” says Badan, adding that this is the secret of their success.

– RAVI SHANKER KAPOOR

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NEW HOTELS ON THE SCENE

The lobby radiates with vibrant colours.

Mediterranean restaurant Estia has a Greek look.

ALOFT COIMBATORE Caters to High-tech Travellers Starwood Hotels and Resorts that has over 50 Aloft properties globally is expanding the brand’s presence in different countries.

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e have heard of hospital ity chains designing hotels for business guests, the tourist and the bud get traveller. Now we have a hotel chain designing a hotel for the “Facebook people”. At the launch of the multihued Aloft Hotel in Coimbatore, the third in India after Chennai and Bengaluru, international hotel group Starwood emphasized that this brand addresses the needs of the young individual who travels globally and is tech-savvy.

The Coimbatore launch was special as the chain celebrated the opening of its 52nd Aloft globally since 2008, making it one of the fastest growing brands.

Customer profile As Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands (Aloft, Element, Four Points by Sheraton), said: “We started in all the regions at the same time so that we could address the need of the global traveller. By the end of this year, we will open up in London as well. In India, the next two Alofts will be at Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.”

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Profiling his target customer, McGuinness said:“We want to connect to the guest who is young, professional, goes to the café, the beach, and uses the latest gadgets. Someone who is social and is as comfortable in the city as he is in the suburbs, therefore, we are looking at people who were leaders at school, are design and fashion forward, buy things for their cool factor not the status factor and hold creative non-traditional jobs.”

Ambition levels Much like the other international chains stepping into India nimbly, Starwood too has plans. It aims at having 100 hotels, cutting across brands, price points and target customers by 2015. This ambitious number includes hotels that are operational and those for which deals have been signed. As Rajan Bahadur, Regional Director Sales and Marketing, South Asia, said:“We already have six of the nine Starwood brands here. We plan to introduce two more – W Hotels in Mumbai and St. Regis in Delhi NCR. Currently there are 33 operating properties while 18 more are in the pipeline.”

He added that the group plans to set up

Re:fuel is a grab-an-go cafe for yogurts and fruits.

NEW HOTELS ON THE SCENE Hotel Features

BRIAN McGUINNESS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SPECIALTY SELECT BRANDS (ALOFT, ELEMENT, FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON)

We want to connect to the guest who is young, professional, goes to the café, the beach, and uses the latest gadgets. Someone who is social and is as comfortable in the city as he is in the suburbs, therefore, we are looking at people who were leaders at school, are design and fashion forward, buy things for their cool factor not the status factor and hold creative non-traditional jobs.

The hotel has 167 rooms, a lounge, a bar, an eating space for small eats, yogurts and fruits, free wifi across the property, a swimming pool, a gym and a play area near the lobby with board games and a snooker table. It has an all-day dining restaurant and another one that introduces Mediterranean cuisine to the city. The colours are trendy and no two walls are the same shade. The interiors are all done in vibrant colours surpassing those of a rainbow – a design element that starts from the porch and follows through the hotel.

five sales offices across the country.“We are investing in a unified sales team for our brands. We have a new strategy for a marketplace like India as we see growth in all of our different brands here.”

Local partnerships Aloft’s expansion strategy rides piggyback on a local partner. Chennai-based Auromatrix Holdings, that independently runs two hotels, is the local partner in all the three cities. Managing Director of Auromatrix, Udday Kumar Krishnan said: “We have invested about Rs 100 crore in Aloft Coimbatore and plan to stay with this brand. The launch of Chandigarh and Ahmedabad hotels is next.”

Why Coimbatore?

Aloft decided to check in at Coimbatore as it is an old textile hub and was under-served with just one upmarket hotel. The city attracts a large number of tourists who head to various temples, wildlife sanctuaries and the attractive hill town of Ooty – all of which are close by. The hotel is just 3.5 kms from the airport and is close to the CODISSIA trade fair centre, one of the largest in south India.

Future growth will also be driven by the fact that Tamil Nadu’s second info-tech park is coming up at Coimbatore.

Coimbatore is now blessed with four up market hotels, two each in the four and the five-star category. Starwood itself has one each in these categories with a luxurious Le Meridien about to open soon. For the modern-day traveller headed to Coimbatore and its nearby areas, there is not only enough choice of stay, but the hotels are themselves becoming destinations for those looking for a change and to unwind.

– TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS BY RAHUL KUMAR October 2011 GO NOW

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NEW HOTELS ON THE SCENE

Four Points by Sheraton Opens in Pune Four Points by Sheraton, Starwood’s third-largest brand and one of the fastest growing in the group, has opened its 4th property in India.

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isitors to Pune are spoilt for choice when it comes to options to stay. Starwood Hotels loyalists more so. After Westin and Le Meridien, the global hospitality major has added yet another brand, Four Points by Sheraton, to the city.

The 217- room hotel serves short stay visitors with 168 hotel guestrooms as well as those looking for long stays with 48 serviced apartments within the hotel. The hotel has nearly 10,500 square feet of meeting and function space with seven separate areas for meetings and conferences.

Brand Positioning Starwood likes to define the brand as ‘classic and timeless, casual and relaxed, honest and authentic’. “It is for someone who’s modern but not trendy and practical yet stylish,” says Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands (Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton).

“Four Points is casual and relaxed in style unlike its sister brand, Sheraton,” he adds.

Dilip Puri, MD, India and Regional VP, South Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, says, “Starwood brands are not distinguished by star categories or on the basis of rates. These

DILIP PURI MD, INDIA AND REGIONAL VP, SOUTH ASIA, STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS

Starwood brands are not distinguished by star categories or on the basis of rates. These are lifetsyle brands where each brand is marketed uniquely. A customer would choose a particlaur brand not because of the price but for the lifestyle it offers.

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NEW HOTELS ON THE SCENE

Hotel Features Rooms and Facilities The residences in the hotels aim to provide a home away from home for the guests. There are 48 residences from a studio to 750 sq. feet, 1 bedroom spacious apartments that feature spacious living room, dining room, and fully equipped gourmet kitchen with basic appliances, two 32" LCD TV’s, home theatre system and DVD player. Guestrooms are equipped with facilities including high speed internet access, the signature Four Points by Sheraton Comfort Bed, and free bottled water.

About the Brand Four Points is Starwood’s third largest brand after Sheraton and Westin. The brand name ‘Four Points by Sheraton’ represents four corners of the world. It defines the vision of the group to be present in all the corners of the world. The brand caters to business travellers but has an identity sharply distinct from the others in Starwood’s portfolio.’

are lifetsyle brands where each brand is marketed uniquely. A customer would choose a particlaur brand not because of the price but for the lifestyle it offers.”

Wooing business travellers A typical guest at the hotel is someone who “appreciates quiet time, is practical and enjoys good value and is down-toearth,” adds McGuinness. The hotel expects to get 80% occupancy from the corporate travellers. “We are targeting mainly IT, manufacturing and auto companies,” he adds.

USP of the hotel According to Pankaj Mathur, GM, the affiliation of the brand with Starwood is one of the biggest advantages Four Points has over its competitors. The

factfile Address: 5th Mile Stone, Nagar Road, Pune, Maharashtra - 411014 India Tel: 91-20-39406699 Tariff: Rs 5,000 onwards (depending on best available rate)

brand is the third largest, as per the ratings, for the group. “Starwood has its loyalists who settle for nothing less. This brand from the family offers honest, uncomplicated comfort and that is the brand’s biggest USP,” says Mathur. Also, the other advantage the hotel has is that it is located within a 15 minutes drive from the airport.

Food & Beverage There are two food and beverage outlets – Panash, serving Pan Asian cuisine and an all day dining restaurant, The Eatery. Also, there is a lounge bar, The Best Brew where guests can enjoy freshly brewed beer.

Expansion plans The brand made its debut in India in 2009.With this launch there are now four Four Points in India including the one in Jaipur, Navi Mumbai and Vashi. Globally, the brand is expected to grow to nearly 180 properties by 2012. In India, the next Four Points will open in Delhi NCR by 2013. With the opening of this 170-room property, the brand will have 5 hotels and will cross the 1000 mark.

– PURVA BHATIA October 2011 GO NOW

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MAKEOVER IN ACTION

SPUNK & LIGHT

Le Meridien, New Delhi Takes on New Colours 94

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MAKEOVER IN ACTION

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ith the Indian landscape witnessing the launch of a hotel a day, well almost, strong winds of change are blowing across the industry. As new groups bring the latest ideas, innovative concepts and thrilling designs, the old ones too ramp up with better service, improved cuisines and funky interiors. This is precisely what the Meridien, Delhi, has done over the last half a decade – a completely new hotel inside the old façade.

Spurred by guest feedback, the Meridien gave a straight-line brief to the designer – make the hotel contemporary and slick.“We

worked on a five-year plan to renovate the property to turn it into a hotel that could be anywhere in the world,” says Tarun Thakral, the Chief Operating Officer, Le Meridien.

“We began the process by doing two mock up rooms in 2003 and started taking feedback from the guests. The rooms were slick and clean in design. One had more glass while the other one had more wood. We put in mood-lighting in the rooms which enabled the guests to change the colour of light in their room according to their moods,” says Thakral.

Why the change?

Since its opening in 1988, the hotel had not

seen significant changes. Moreover, repeat guests had begun to take notice of the dated designs and had started commenting. As Thakral says, “The change was purely a requirement and also a constant reminder by our guests.” People wanted more of light, modern designs, better acoustics, comfortable working spaces, no carpets, airy ambience and modern-day furnishings.

Meena Bhatia,Vice-President – operations and marketing says, “Guests want facilities that they are accustomed to – a good phone system, new television sets, the internet and uncluttered working space for their laptop.

International hotel designs are headed in this direction.”

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RAHUL KUMAR

MAKEOVER IN ACTION

Eau De Monsoon has ushered in new concepts and cuisines.

The process of redesigning The challenge was to run the hotel with as little inconvenience to the guests as possible and simultaneously carry out the renovation.

The lean tourist period from April to September was identified for the changes. Different wings were taken up at different times. Just 1/3 of the rooms were put under renovation, therefore the first year saw 95 rooms being done up. The second year had 104 and the third year too had the same number. In the fourth year, the lobby was taken up and in the fifth, it was the atrium lobby and the banquet halls.

The hotel is proud that the process was cleverly done. Dust-proofing and soundproofing were done so that guests were not disturbed. The hotel was strict with the contractors to ensure that deadlines were adhered to.

Behind-the-scene changes It is not just gloss and glamour in the redesign. An important part of the makeover was the improvement and overhaul in the backend. Bhatia says: “Everything has a lifespan. Even a building has one. Therefore, we paid attention to the kitchens, the air-conditioning system and also the fire-fighting 96

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TARUN THAKRAL CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

We began the process by doing two mock up rooms in 2003 and started taking feedback from the guests. The rooms were slick and clean in design. One had more glass while the other one had more wood. We put in mood-lighting in the rooms which enabled the guests to change the colour of light in their room according to their moods.

RAHUL KUMAR

MAKEOVER IN ACTION

equipment. Now practically everything is new.” She adds that the concept of the restaurants also changed. “The style, the presentation, the food, cuisines – everything is different now.

The hotel changed the concept behind the Indian cuisine completely. Indian meals are served in a European-styled manner. Moreover, Indian food is now a seven course wonder and the guests are shown photographs of the food on a tablet.

Under its signature breakfast, the hotel has introduced a mind-boggling concept an eye-opening shot, made of unconventional combinations of fruits, herbs and spices to awaken the guests and prepare them for the day ahead.

RAHUL KUMAR

Le Meridien is one of the few to have an atrium lobby.

showing the room key – which in itself is a work of art.”

The remnants

The tablet complements the menu card.

Starwood steps in Right in the midst of the changes, Starwood took over Le Meridien in 2006. But by this time, much of the work had been conceptualized. Still, Starwood brought in fresh airy ideas – the LM100, Unlock Art and signature breakfast.

LM100 is an advisory group of renowned cultural innovators and artists who advise the hotel on creative innovations and also help it enrich the guest experience. This is a

global group comprising visionaries ranging from painters to photographers; musicians to designers and chefs to architects.

Explaining Unlock Art, Bhatia says: “Your key not only unlocks your room but also unlocks your mind. Under the Unlock Art concept, we are creating a voyage of art and discovery for our guests. We have tied up with art galleries around the world so that our guests can access galleries merely by

It is no surprise that few know about the mammoth changes taking place at the Meridien more so because the façade, the driveway and the lawns remain unchanged.

But why were these left out? Thakral says:“We did not change the façade for two reasons.

One, it is architecturally difficult and also because it is a part of the city skyline. The glass curtain wall was the first in the country at that time and remains a sort of a landmark.”

The elevator car has not been changed for sentimental reasons even though its machinery has been replaced. Bhatia says: “This elevator capsule was the first of its kind in Delhi. People used to line up just to take a ride in it, so for these emotional reasons we have retained it.” Is any other change coming or is the makeover complete? The 20th floor still remains but will be taken up next summer.

With the tourist season round the corner, the time is right to head to the Meridien to awaken the senses, soak in the new design and revel in contemporary art.

– RAHUL KUMAR

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THE F&B STORY

Eat, Drink & be Merry at

TGI FRIDAY

“Good quality food and drink, authenticity, superior service and a fun atmosphere – that’s Friday’s recipe for success.”

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hen T.G.I Friday’s entered the Indian market back in 1996, casual dining as a concept that we know today did not exist. Dining out on a Friday night with friends, either meant going to a ritzy restaurant in a posh hotel or to a local eating out joint. T.G.I Friday’s saw the opportunity then and pioneered the concept of casual dining in India.

It brought in a dining out space which was very unlike the ‘restaurants’ in this market. It provided a fun ‘American’ atmosphere for young affluent consumers, creating a niche for itself. However, in the 15 years of its presence in the country, the brand has only nine outlets in – Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Slow and steady seems to be the mantra and the brand is now expected to see rapid expansion.

ROHAN JAITLEY VP, DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING, BISTRO HOSPITALITY PVT. LTD.

Friday’s offers its customers a premium experience in a casual environment. It targets a young upwardly mobile executive who is driving India’s growth story. He lives a comfortable lifestyle, aspires for more and doesn’t mind paying a premium for a quality experience.

Targeting the upwardly mobile T.G.I. Friday’s promises great food and beverages in a fun atmosphere. It describes itself as a ‘refreshing concept that embodies all the fun and camaraderie and “let your hair down” feeling that comes before a weekend and distils that spirit into a wonderful, casual dining experience...’ It is essentially a casual dining establishment offering a varied menu of excellent appetizers, meals and desserts.

The extensive international menu offers Mexican, Cajun, Pastas, Pizzas and TGI Friday’s speciality foods.

The experience, however, comes at a price. The average bill at the restaurant is more than that of its close competitors.

“Friday’s offers its customers a premium ex98

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perience in a casual environment,” says Rohan Jaitley, VP, Development and Marketing, Bistro Hospitality Pvt Ltd. Ask him who a typical customer at the restaurant is and he says, “A young upwardly mobile executive who is driving India’s growth story. He lives a comfortable lifestyle, aspires for more and doesn’t mind paying a premium for a quality experience.”

Success mantra: flavour of innovation & authenticity The brand competes with Ruby Tuesday, Chili’s, Hard Rock Café and others offering similar menus. “The USP lies in offering authentic experience in a fun environment,” says Jaitley . “Everything from décor to the music and ambience and from menu to the quality of food is the hallmark of authentic

THE F&B STORY American dining experience that the brand promises. It is for this reason that the customers don’t mind paying a premium,” he adds.

Friday’s believes the key to success lies in constant innovation. “At Friday’s, we have a year-round research and development program in place, monitoring food and beverage trends and ensuring that we maintain our innovative tradition,” quips Jaitley .

The paper on the table lists several new menu options which qualify as promotional menu. The popular items from these are added to the main menu, replacing a not-sopopular item on the menu.

The brand assures quality and authentic food with its efficient supply chain.“We do

Money matters & marketing activities The average guest count per month is about 430 at popular outlets like in Vasant Vihar and Palladium in Mumbai. The new projects will be funded by internal accruals and the company expects to close this fiscal at Rs 50 crore. The restaurants are said to cost anywhere between Rs 3 crore to Rs 7 crore depending on the size and location.

Positioned as a high-end restaurant, it was surprising to see it offering lunch buffet at Rs 199. The objective was to target volumes during the leanest hours of weekdays.

“T.G.I.F as a concept attracts people during evenings when they want to unwind. The lunch hours went mostly vacant and the of-

important for retaining staff in a segment where attrition is high.

Expansion plans: large formats in bigger numbers

not compromise on quality at any cost. To give you an example, the supply of French Fries we get here do not match our international standards of required amount of proteins. So we import them from US and France to give our customers the same international quality of food.

Genesis of the Brand The Friday’s restaurant chain was founded

by Alan Stillman in 1965. With $5,000 of his own money and $5,000 borrowed from his mother, Stillman purchased a bar he often visited, The Good Tavern at the corner of 63rd Street and First Avenue, and renamed it T.G.I. Friday’s after the expression “Thank God! It’s Friday!” from his years at Bucknell University. T.G.I. Friday’s on Manhattan’s Upper East Side quickly became a popular hotspot for single adults, totaling $1 million in revenues in its first year.

fer worked well to attract customers,” asserts Jaitley .

What the offer also did was to open doors to new customers who did not visit because of the premium tag.

Synergy with Carlson Friday’s is currently operated by Bistro Hospitality Pvt Ltd, in which 25 per cent stake is held by the US-based hospitality firm Carlson. One wonders why there are no Friday’s at Carlson Hotels. But Jaitley explains why it does not make sense.“Having Friday’s at the hotels would spell competition for the in-house restaurants. Also, the positioning of the brand is different and therefore, the target audience too is different,” he adds.

However, there are internal synergies where in the employees get benefits. That is

Bistro Hospitality has plans for aggressive expansion in India. At present, the firm has nine TGIFs in India, out of which four are small formats. It aims to open a minimum of two to three outlets every year. This financial year, the company will open three new TGIFs in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Besides, the company is also looking to enter new cities such as Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Chennai.

“With cultural dynamics changing in India at a fast pace and spending power increasing the time is right for us to expand aggressively,” says Jaitley .

In its expansion spree, the focus will now be on large formats. So far, the outlets have a capacity of 150-200 covers. From now on the new outlets will have a seating of 250 plus guests, with a carpet area of 5,000 to 7,000 square feet. Recently, the firm has opened a large format outlet in Bengaluru having an area of 6,500 square feet with a seating capacity of 280 guests.

“Friday’s is all about experience. And it’s in a large format store that you can enjoy Friday’s original experience to the fullest,” explains Jaitley talking about how the original design of the brand comes alive in a bigger space with the signature propeller, a scull, etc.

The Indian expansion is a part of an international strategy, under which the company aims to open a total of 500 TGIFs outside the US in the next five years, up from over 330 at present. The company operates over 1,000 outlets worldwide, including the US market.

– PURVA BHATIA

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GUEST COLUMN MATHEW COOPER

WHY HOTELS SHOULD IMPROVE SERVICE STANDARDS Mathew Cooper discusses the shift in customer expectation over the years and suggests ways by which hotels can meet their requirements.

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he hotel world has long regarded Indian service and hospitality to be the finest on the planet. I too agree. For years, international hoteliers have been enviously watching the subcontinent hotel companies master the art of exceptional service – the art of being always at hand without being obtrusive, the ability to be service- focused without being subservient. I was, and still am in awe of some of my colleagues and competitor hotels in this country. But over the last few years there has been a shift in customer expectation; our guests are changing and the execution of service that these new guests want is not necessarily moving with this shift.

We need to understand why our guests are coming and truly ask what they need to be successful whether that be business, pleasure, discovery, adoption, expatriation or repatriation.

Shockingly, not all of guests are here to see the Taj Mahal. We need to accept that.

The first thing you may notice about Indian hotels when you arrive here is that there is comfort in numbers. It seemed that if you had enough good-looking staff in the lobby, not doing anything in particular, eventually you would run into a guest and this would force an interaction! This blanket coverage is not necessarily what our guests want. I mean it is nice to get the VIP treatment at the door on arrival but after I have been on a flight for 16 hours I really just want to get to my room and have a shower. I wonder if instead of having 10 people to say hello on arrival if we could not use this money to upgrade our bandwidth and ensure it works.

Our service gaps in India are no more evident than in food and beverage operations. If our guests don’t like chili they 100

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“

Sometimes we try to be everything to everybody and this just doesn’t work.We cannot treat leisure customers with the efficiency of a business traveller and vice versa.

”

should not have to accept masala in every dish.

I literally benchmark the cooking in our hotel to that of our mums. My guests would not accept food quality lesser than that which they would receive at home. If your mum makes a better dosa than a trained chef, then why on earth would you pay for one in a hotel? Our guests, Indian or International use the same benchmark. My mum makes the most amazing braised corn beef and if the chef at my hotel can not make it as well then I say you have two choices-learn or don’t bother! One technique we have employed at Marriott is that we ask our guests at every meal period to tell us if they were writing the menu what they would put on it. We even ask them to help us road test the taste. With the success of TV shows like Masterchef, Food Food and Health Mange More (by the way my Executive Chef Sahil Arora is the star of this show) our customers are very much in touch with their inner chef and they actually enjoy this interaction. Again it doesn’t work on all guests but our long stay guests love it.

Sometimes we try to be everything to everybody and this just doesn’t work. We cannot treat leisure customers with the efficiency of a business traveller and vice versa. India is no longer a once in a lifetime adventure destination. The “this is India” excuse no longer works with our guests. Our guests have been here before, they have given us feedback and they are waiting for us to act upon it. We have asked the world to come to us and now we need to ensure we are ready for them because guess what...they are coming.

(The author in GM at Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon)