Express Travelworld (Vol.11, No.2) March, 2016 by Indian Express

EDITOR’S NOTE

Hits & misses

t is the Big B, which we all wait for on the last day of February. Placed carefully in a briefcase, the Budget unfolds itself through the voice of the country's finance minister. This year was no exception. Every year, the tourism stakeholders live on the hope that on one such day their proposals will be accepted, with an aim to gain some impetus for their trade and business. If viewed from the inbound tourism lens, the Union Budget 2016 did prove to be a disappointment. As the spokesperson of FAITH puts it, there was nothing for tourism in it. For the past six months, FAITH was in touch with various government officials with a hope that the service tax on foreign tourists would be pulled back, to boost inbound tourism, but the appeal probably fell on deaf ears. Budget 2016, has received mixed reactions from the travel trade fraternity. Though major announcements relating to the travel and tourism sector were expected by the industry, the Budget focused on development of roads, highways and ports. A total amount of `97,000 crore will be spent on roads and highways, improving domestic road connectivity. The government will also implement a series of measures to modernise ports. These de-

HEAD OFFICE MUMBAI EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD® Ashwin Kamble The Indian Express (P) Ltd. Business Publication Division 2nd Floor, Express Tower, Nariman Point Mumbai- 400 021 Board line: 022- 67440000 Ext. 527 Mobile: +91 9833666558 Email id: ashwin.kamble@expressindia.com Branch Offices NEW DELHI Baljinder Singh The Indian Express (P) Ltd. Business Publication Division Express Building, B-1/B Sector 10 Noida 201 301 Dist.Gautam Budh nagar (U.P.) India. Board line: 0120-6651500. Mobile: +91 9999070900 Fax: 0120-4367933 Email id: baljinder.singh@expressindia.com CHENNAI Mathen Mathew The Indian Express (P) Ltd.

Business Publication Division New No. 37/C (Old No. 16/C) 2nd Floor,Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai- 600 014 BANGALORE Ravindra Pawar The Indian Express (P) Ltd. Business Publication Division 502, 5th Floor, Devatha Plaza, Residency road, Bangalore- 560025 Mobile: +91 9632428272 ravindra.p@expressindia.com HYDERABAD The Indian Express (P) Ltd. Business Publication Division 6-3-885/7/B, Ground Floor, VV Mansion, Somaji Guda, Hyderabad – 500 082 KOLKATA Ajanta Sengupta The Indian Express (P) Ltd. Business Publication Division JL No. 29&30, NH-6, Mouza- Prasastha & Ankurhati,

“FAITH was in touch with various government officials with a hope that the service tax on foreign tourists would be pulled back,to boost inbound tourism,but the appeal probably fell on deaf ears” Vill & PO- Ankurhati P.S.- Domjur (Nr.Ankurhati Check Bus Stop), Dist. Howrah- 711 409 Mobile: +91 9831182580 Email id: ajanta.sengupta@expressindia.com KOCHI The Indian Express (P) Ltd. Ground Floor, Sankoorikal Building, Kaloor – Kadavanthra Road Kaloor, Kochi – 682 017 COIMBATORE The Indian Express (P) Ltd. No. 205-B, 2nd Floor, Vivekanand Road, Opp. Rajarathinam Hospital Ram Nagar, Coimbatore- 641 009 AHMEDABAD Nirav Mistry The Indian Express (P) Ltd. 3rd Floor, Sambhav House, Near Judges Bunglows, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad - 380 015 Mobile: +91 9586424033

velopments will indirectly benefit tourism in the long run. However, the rise in ATF prices, will cause a ripple in the aviation sector. The Association of Domestic Tour Operators (ADTOI), who have stayed rather passive for a long time have announced their annual convention, scheduled to be held in Khajuraho, MP, from April 8 -10, 2016, with a clear objective to rejuvenate the potential of domestic tourism of the country. The convention aims to focus on the opportunities that this sector brings to the business of tourism and the country in general. Meanwhile, the Outbound Tours Operators Association (OTOAI), are also all set to hold their second convention in Bali after a gap of two years. The team is clear in its agenda, giving out a strong message that the business scenario has changed and the way of doing business also needs to change with time. As for our cover story this issue, Express TravelWorld salutes ten empowered women, not just in tourism but also in allied tourism services for making a mark in this industry with their indomitable spirit. REEMA LOKESH Editor editorial.etw@expressindia.com

BHOPAL Ashwin Kamble The Indian Express (P) Ltd. Business Publication Division 2nd Floor, Express Tower, Nariman Point Mumbai- 400 021 Board line: 022- 67440000 Ext. 527 Mobile: +91 9833666558 Email id: ashwin.kamble@expressindia.com JAIPUR Baljinder Singh The Indian Express (P) Ltd. S2,J-40, Shyam GHP Enclave, Krishna Marg, C-Scheme, Jaipur - 302 001 Mobile: +91 9868848013 Email id: baljinder.singh@expressindia.com

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March 2016

CONTENTS MANAGEMENT Vol 11 No 2 MARCH 2016 Pages 40

Chairman of the Board

Viveck Goenka Sr Vice President - BPD

Neil Viegas Editor

Reema Lokesh* Chief of Product

Prabhas Jha Assistant Editor

HIDDEN JEWELS OF CENTRAL INDIA CARRYING FORWARD MAHARASHTRA'S IMAGE AS A NATURE AND WILDLIFE DESTINATION, BHANDARA IS OFFERING AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES TO WEEKEND TRAVELLERS

Steena Joy Sr. Associate Editor

Sudipta Dev CONTENT TEAM Mumbai

Rituparna Chatterjee Kolkata

Joy Roy Choudhury New Delhi

Saloni Bhatia

EDGE

DESIGN National Art Director

Bivash Barua

Assistant Art Director

Pravin Temble Senior Graphic Designerr

Rushikesh Konka Senior Artist

Ratilal Ladani, Kiran Parker SCHEDULING & COORDINATION

HARNESSING A DESTINATION'S POTENTIAL ATOAI'S 12TH ANNUAL CONVENTION WAS AN ENTHRALLING SPECTACLE THAT LEFT MANY WITH FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Ashish Anchan Photo Editor

(16-21)

Sandeep Patil MARKETING Regional Heads

Harit Mohanty - East & West Prabhas Jha - North Dr. Raghu Pillai - South Manager

Ashwin Kamble Marketing Team

Debnarayan Dutta Ajanta Sengupta Baljinder Singh Mathen Mathew Ravindra Pawar

LIFE

MARKETS

UNION BUDGET 2016 TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

CYPRUS FOCUSED ON ATTRACTING BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

ODISHA LOOKS TO INCREASE FTAS WITH EASE OF RESTRICTIONS ON TRIBAL TOURISM

CIRCULATION

Mohan Varadakar PRODUCTION General Manager

B R Tipnis

INDONESIA TARGETS 350,000 INDIAN VISITORS IN 2016

Manager

Bhadresh Valia Express TravelWorld® POSTAL REGD. NO. MCS/163/2016 – 18 RNI Reg. No.MAHENG/2005/15993 Printed by The Indian Express (P) Ltd. and published by Ms Vaidehi Thakar on behalf of The Indian Express Press, Plot No. EL-208, TTC Industrial Area, Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400710 and Published from Express Towers, 2nd Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021. (Editorial & Administra-tive Offices: Express Towers, 1st Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021)

P05: EDITOR’S NOTE P35 : APPOINTMENTS P36 : WEEKEND

AN INSPIRING WINTER'S TALE CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM IN FLORIDA THAT HOUSES TWO OF THE WORLD'S BEST KNOWN DOLPHINS – WINTER AND HOPE, HAS HAD A USD 2 BILLION DOLLAR ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PINELLAS COUNTY IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS, CREATED THOUSANDS OF JOBS AND REVOLUTIONISED THE WORLD OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL PROSTHETICS

Copyright © 2016 The Indian Express (P) Ltd. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited. *Responsible for selection of news under PRB Act

IN THE NEWS

Union Budget 2016 to improve transportation network ETW Staff Mumbai THE UNION BUDGET 2016, presented by finance minister Arun Jaitley, has received mixed reactions from the travel tade fraternity. Major announcements relating to the travel and tourism sector were expected by the industry. However, the Budget focused on development of roads, highways and ports. A total amount of `97,000 crore will be spent on roads and highways, improving domestic road connectivity; along with an investment of `218,000 in roads and railways. The national highways network will see an addition of 10,000 km. Additional 50,000 km of state highways will be taken up for upgradation as national highways. The government will also implement a series of measures to modernise ports. An amount of `800 crore has been allocated for inland waterways, whereas under-served airports will be revived, through partnerhips with state governments in order to enhance regional connectivity. Sarabjeet Singh, vice

chairman, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) commented, "There is nothing for tourism in this year's Union Budget. For the past six months, we have been in talks with various government officials, representing the travel and tourism sector. We were hoping that service tax on foreign tourists would be pulled back, which would have boosted inbound tourism, but our expectations have not been met. The government has completely overlooked tourism in this Budget. It has been announced that the under-served airports will be developed, but that will only cater to domestic travel; there are no announcements for inbound tourism." Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com opined, “The much awaited Budget has turned out to be very friendly for the common man, but there could have been a bit more for the corporate sector. The proposal to increase the tax on ATF will result in increase in airfares and dampen air passenger growth which could have been a catalyst for economic growth. However, the

focus on revamping roads and airports across the country is a positive move that should provide a fillip to infrastructure and the tourism sector as it will enhance connectivity to the smaller cities and encourage people to travel to unexplored destinations. ” J B Singh, president and CEO, InterGlobe Hotels expressed, “The budget has provided a sharp focus on building a stronger ecosystem for the travel and tourism industry. The `2,21,246 crore outlay for infrastructure development, `97,000 crore investment in road sector and the intent to build as well as upgrade highways is a measure that will aid connectivity across the country. " Manmeet Ahluwalia, marketing head, Expedia India said, “Strengthening the infrastructure across levels will definitely strengthen India as an attractive tourist destination in the global ranks.” Ankur Bhatia, executive director, Bird Group; and member, CII National Committee on Civil Aviation opined, “The finance minister this year has laid emphasis on rail and road infrastructure developments

as well as on startups and Make in India campaign, which are good measures. We welcome the decision of reviving underserved airports by allocating a budget of `50-100 crore each, developing 10 out of 25 non-functional airstrips in partnerships with state governments, which will definitely accelerate the development of regional aviation sector and will also give a well deserving boost to the overall aviation sector. " Riyaaz Amlani, president, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) opined, “The Union Budget 2016 was largely agrarian in nature and the restaurant and F&B sector was looking forward to some impetus. While we had also hoped for some announcement on implementation of GST, the industry will be impacted to a limited degree by the increase of service tax, through the introduction of 0.5 per cent agri cess. However, the decision to circulate the Model Shops & Establishments bill to state governments for voluntary adoption is a welcome move and we hope to see some traction on it.”

Express TravelWorld ranked No.3 online travel magazine in India ETW Staff Mumbai THE ONLINE EDITION of Express TravelWorld, India's leading travel business publication from The Indian Express Group, has been ranked third amongst the Top 10 Online Travel Magazines of India by why.travel, an online community of travellers and travel bloggers. In terms of ranking, our online edition is far ahead of publications like Conde Nast Traveller and Lonely Planet India magazine, and of course the other travel trade publications. The scoring system, according to why.travel, is based on domain age, domain authority, page rank, Alexa Ranking and engagement (comment and social responses).

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March 2016

IN THE NEWS

Odisha looks to increase FTAs with ease of restrictions on tribal tourism Sudipta Dev Mumbai ODISHA has recently relaxed the restrictions on tribal tourism in the state, which will go a long way in attracting inbound tourists. Currently, the state witnesses more than 70,000 foreign tourist arrivals and the numbers are expected to grow in the near future. “After the abduction of two Ital-

ian tourists, there were restrictions but with the improvement in law and order situation, the norms have now been relaxed. The local youth are the best facilitators for this,” said Ashok Chandra Panda, minister for tourism and culture, Odisha. He informed that the local youth who are acquainted with the culture, etiquette, mannerisms of the tribals are trained to accompany foreign

tourists who visit the areas and weekly haats of tribals. This is to ensure that the sensitivities of the tribals are maintained. Currently the tourists who are visiting the areas inhabited by primitive tribal groups are mostly interested in seeing the local markets. “We have not reached a stage where they can stay among the primitive tribal groups in their villages as these are sen-

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sitive issues. Currently they just visit the haats and cultural centres where they can get an insight into tribal cultures,” stated Panda, informing that on Republic Day (January 26th), in the state capital of Bhubaneswar, an Adivasi exhibition takes place. It showcases their culture, their habitat, and art, etc, are displayed. Both foreign as well as domestic tourists who visit Bhubaneswar around that

time can also get to experience the many facets of tribal culture. Odisha conducted a 10 city roadshow across the country in a concerted effort to showcase its cultural, architectural and natural attractions to the domestic travellers. The state is keen to attract tourists from western India who are still not aware of the many facets of the state's tourism offerings.

The future of Skal is in the Asia Pacific: Pilkington Reema Lokesh Mumbai SKAL recently hosted its presidential dinner at the Renaissance in Mumbai in honour of its international president, Nigel A Pilkington, and Bernard Whewell, president of the international council. The event, under the leadership of the Bombay Skal Club president Carl Vaz, took place after several years. Apart from the traditional raising of the toast and the oath, the gathering built the momentum for 2017, wherein India will host the international Skal Congress in Hyderabad. Speaking exclusively to Express TravelWorld, Pilkington stated that the future of Skal is in Asia Pacific. Emphasised Pilkington, "I am glad to meet our Skal team in

India and have an interesting meeting in Mumbai. The travel business has undergone changes over the years, with airlines moving towards revenue management and other new changes in the business. However, I clearly see the future of Skal is in the Asia Pacific region. Our membership is growing from this region. We are positive and excited about the India Congress in 2017. It is an excellent platform for India to showcase to the world's leading travel trade professionals its unique specialities." Whewell added, "We intend to have break-out sessions and present post tours. It is a perfect platform for India to offer the international SKAL delegates on what it has to offer as a superior tourism product. Our delegates would be glad to experience India, first hand."

IN THE NEWS

Cyprus focused on attracting Bollywood community Sudipta Dev Mumbai CYPRUS, AN ISLAND that has a history going back to almost 10,000 years is not completely unknown in India but is yet to find a place in the popular tourism map for India outbound. The Cyprus High Commission in India is working on marketing Cyprus in India in a better way to attract Bollywood producers and also high-end tourists. “There is a strong focus on promoting the destination in the Bollywood community and a recce by directors and actors will happen soon. This will be a basis for future cooperation and Cyprus can be one of the best destinations for film-making. We are trying to persuade the film industry,” said Demetrios A Theophylactou, high commissioner, Cyprus High Commission. He mentioned that one of the factors why Cyprus is ideal for film shootings is that it takes very little time to go from one lo-

cation to another - from the beach to the mountains. He also believes that the many offerings of the destination will attract the film community repeatedly. According to Theophylactou, Cyprus as a destination would appeal to all segments. It is multicultural - there are many Muslim mosques, Catholic architecture, Byzantine fortresses, etc. The climate is appeasing. It is also an adventure tourism destination, with options ranging from mountain biking to hiking. Sports tourism is one of the important segments being promoted. “People train in sports in Cyprus before the Olympics. Conference tourism facilities are also there, not just in hotels but also in interesting surroundings like beaches and other locations, throughout the year,” added Theophylactou. The Cyprus government is engaging with Thomas Cook India to promote the destination in the India market. “We are interested in promoting new destinations in India and are looking at a

multi-pronged approach. We have a long geo-political relationship between the two countries, from early history to NonAligned Movement. The country offers everything - some of the most amazing beaches you can ever find, mountains and snow, archeology, history, art, culture. It

is one of those very well kept secrets, those who have discovered it - both business and leisure, keep going back,” said Abraham Alapatt, chief innovation officer and head - marketing and service quality, Thomas Cook India. He pointed out that the target is high-end travellers - it is a small

island which looks at attracting the right kind of traveller who will come back. They do not want to overburden the infrastructure and compromise on the quality of experience. The destination, asserted Alapatt, has everything the high-end traveller would want.

Fiji sees influx of hospitality projects Rituparna Chatterjee Mumbai A COUNTRY in the South Pacific, Fiji is witnessing an influx of several hospitality infrastructure projects. For instance, a Chinese company is setting up a resort complex in three stages with an investment of around US$ 500 million in Fiji. This project, expected to complete within two years, will be managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, and an MoU has been signed to that effect. The Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa,

scheduled to open within six to 12 months, is opening in Nadi. Moreover, there are several boutique resorts coming up as well. This information was shared by Faiyaz Koya, minister of industry, trade and tourism, Government of Fiji during his recent visit to Mumbai. Speaking about the ease of investment in Fiji, Koya added, “In terms of investment in any sector in Fiji, we have a corporate tax rate of 20 per cent. IT, tourism companies are investing here. We are also a hub for the entire South Pacific region

wherein you have access to about 10 million odd people if you are looking at Fiji and the rest of the Pacific Islands. If you add Australia and New Zealand to this, then you have a bigger number say 30-40 odd million people.” Meanwhile, Tourism Fiji is targeting all traveller segments from India be it honeymoon, MICE, adventure, wedding, among others. “Our development in terms of marketing Fiji in India is across segments. The roadshows are a start and as we move forward, Tourism Fiji will

have more and more ad campaigns. Indian arrivals into Fiji stand at roughly 3500. But for us it is not about the numbers but the yield that comes into Fiji. Indians are the highest spending tourists in the world. We had a small rise in the number but a really huge rise in the yield. We have witnessed a growth of 11 per cent in Indian arrivals during 2015.” Recently, Fiji Airways, Fiji’s national airline, announced plans to commence twice weekly direct services to Singapore from April 5, 2016. The flights

will operate from Nadi International Airport on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flight times to suit onward connections to India and South East Asia. “The start-off is twice a week for now and if it is successful then we will look at three times a week,” added Koya. Speaking about India's position as a source market, Truman Bradley, chairman, Tourism Fiji opined, “India is an emerging market. The government this year has increased our budget and we are putting more money into India because of the flights from Singapore. ”

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March 2016

IN THE NEWS

Indonesia targets 350,000 Indian visitors in 2016

Indian arrivals in Japan cross 100,000 in 2015 Mumbai-Narita direct flight announced Mohit Rathod Mumbai

Mohit Rathod Mumbai THE MINISTRY of Tourism (MoT), Indonesia is focused on increasing the footfall from the India market to Indonesia. MoT at its recently held annual sales mission in Mumbai, revealed that 262,000 Indians visited Indonesia in 2015. MoT has has set a target of attracting 350,000 Indian visitors in 2016. The event witnessed interactions between the Indonesian and Indian travel fraternity, which is expected to boost outbound travel from India to Indonesia, helping to meet the target of 350,000 Indian visitors. The event was attended by Saut Siringoringo, consul general, Indonesian Consulate General, Mumbai; and Ngurah Putra, special advisor for general affairs to MoT, Indonesia. Addressing the participants, Putra informed that the India market

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March 2016

is highly potential for tourism in Indonesia, and that Indian outbound travel to Indonesia is increasing every year by about 15 per cent. Indian arrivals into Indonesia is expected to get a boost due to the recent introduction of free 30-day short stay visa policy for Indian tourists. The policy is currently available only at nine entry ports in Indonesia. Siringoringo stated that direct air connectivity between the two countries is expected to start in December 2016, wherein direct flights on Delhi-Jakarta and Mumbai-Bali routes will be operated. Speaking on tourism growth, Siringoringo expressed, "We are lucky to come to India, which carries huge potential for the growth of tourism in Indonesia. India is currently the seventh biggest contributor to tourism in Indonesia. For tourism acvities to grow, intro-

duction of new packages is very important. We have discussed with the travel trade fraternity to create new packages for golf enthusiasts, senior citizens, etc." Adding to the same, Putra commented, "We are going to improve infrastructure and hospitality service. Our president himself conducts one dedicated meeting on tourism every month. Film tourism is one of the important markets for us and we are putting our efforts to attract the film industry, through FAM trips for the film industry. We are also plannning to include all entry ports in the 30-day free short stay visa policy." The sales mission event also recognised and awarded top Indian tour operators for their contributions to outbound travel from India to Indonesia in 2015, which included Cox & Kings, SOTC, Thomas Cook, and Kesari.

JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM Organization (JNTO) recorded 103,200 Indian arrivals in 2015, marking a growth of 17.3 per cent over 2014. JNTO recently conducted its Visit Japan Trade Seminar in Mumbai. Another important development is the launch of All Nippon Airways's (ANA) direct flight on Mumbai-Narita route, which is expected to increase travel activities between India and Japan. ANA's Mumbai-Narita direct flight operations will commence from March 27, 2016, on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The seminar was attended by Hideki Manabe, executive director, JNTO Singapore Office; Daisuke Kobayashi, director, JNTO Singapore Office; Takeshi Komura, senior assistant manager, JNTO Tokyo Office; and Yoshiaki Ito, consul general, Consulate General of Japan, Mumbai. The travel trade partners at the event included ANA, DMC Japan by KNT, Oicee Japan, Ayabex, Wakayama Prefecture and Princess Cruises. Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Manabe commented, "2015 was

India is one of the important target markets for us. India currently ranks 16th, but I can see India among the top markets for Japan in future good for us, as Japan received more than 100,000 Indian visitors. Business travel is doing good, but we have observed that leisure travellers form a bigger share. Japan's popularity as a travel destination among Indians is increasing, resulting in increased tourism flow from India to Japan. India market is one of the important target markets for us, among 20 other countries. India currently ranks 16th, but I can see India among the top markets for Japan in the future."

IN THE NEWS

Etihad's A380 redefines hospitality in the sky Sudipta Dev Mumbai FROM MAY 1, 2016, Etihad Airways will be introducing its award-winning Airbus A380 flight on Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route. It will be one of the daily three flights that the airline currently operates in this segment. The A380 aircraft is already flying London, Sydney and New York, and the fact that it will be introduced in India, reiterates the significance of the India market for the airline. “India is a very important market for Etihad, we now fly to 11 cities in the country. Mumbai is served by five flights a day – three from Etihad and two from Jet Airways,” said Neerja Bhatia, VP, India and Indian Sub-Continent (ISC), Etihad Airways. With this launch the airline will also introduce its unique hospitality aspects that A380 so well typifies. “We create a hos-

pitality environment and benchmark against hospitality companies and not airlines,” said Calum Laming, VP - guest experience, Etihad Airways. Pointing out that the airline serves more cities in India than any other country in the world, Laming mentioned, “We brought global research here and listened to the needs and demands of the market. We aim to exceed the expectation of travellers.” Reminding that the brand promise is to transform expectations of air travel, Laming asserted, “We are not just an airline, we work to offer the best guest experience, and deliver the world's best brand experience. We want guests to enjoy the experience and keep coming back.” The Airbus A380 has 496 seats with four class configurations – The Residence, First Apartments, Business Studios and Economy Smart Seats. The inflight product, ac-

cording to Laming, has been reimagined. “We wanted to design an experience that did not feel like an aircraft. Our service differentiation includes an onboard chef in First Class, dedi-

cated F&B manager for Business Class, onboard nannies in economy on long haul flights.” While the nannies are trained by Norland College, UK; the butler for The Residence is spe-

cially trained in Savoy Hotel, London. The economy has Smart Seats. “To get innovation in economy is something we are very proud of,” he mentioned.

Jet Airways signs codeshare agreement with Korean Air ETW Staff Mumbai JET AIRWAYS has entered into a codeshare agreement and a reciprocal frequent flyer programme partnership with Korean Air. Guests travelling on both the airlines will be able to connect from multiple points in India to Seoul over various gateway points in Asia. Under the codeshare arrangement, Jet Airways will place its marketing code on Korean Air operated non-stop flight between Incheon, Seoul and Mumbai, as well as flights between Incheon, Seoul, Bangkok and Singapore. Simi-

larly, Korean Air will place its marketing code on Jet Airways’ operations between Singapore and Mumbai, and between Bangkok, Mumbai and Delhi. The codeshare is expected to strengthen the global network of both airlines and provide more choice for customers travelling between India and South Korea, with seamless and convenient connections over the international gateways, Singapore and Bangkok. The codeshare flights are now open for sale for travel effective March 1, 2016. Additionally, JetPrivilege programme of Jet Airways has entered into a reciprocal fre-

quent flyer partnership with Korean Air’s SKYPASS Frequent Flyer programme. Members of both programmes will now benefit from frequent flyer mileage accrual and redemption opportunities across the entire network of Korean Air and on Jet Airways’ panIndia domestic and international networks. With the codeshare and frequently flyer partnerships going live, Korean Air becomes Jet Airways’ 23rd codeshare partner and 30th frequent flyer programme partner airline. Gaurang Shetty, senior vice president – commercial, Jet Air-

ways, said, “We are pleased to commence our codeshare partnership with Korean Air, offering our guests convenient flight connections between India and Seoul. The codeshare co-operation with Korean Air is an important milestone in growing our relationships with carriers around the globe to provide guests access to the destinations they value most. This is the next step in strengthening our position in Asia, allowing us to win new customers in the region. South Korea is a strategic trade and investment partner and also an emerging tourist destination for Indian travellers. Our joint

guests will benefit from smooth flight connections and a seamless product offering on the ground and in the air.” Yong Soon Park, senior vice president – international affairs and alliance, Korean Air, said, “We look forward to a successful relationship with Jet Airways. We are delighted with this partnership which will provide our customers with better access between Korea and India. Through this partnership and Korean Air’s additional destinations to be launched in India, we are hoping to contribute to strengthening the two countries’ economic relations as well.”

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March 2016

IN THE NEWS

Taj Dubai leverages on brand's heritage of hospitality

Sheraton accelerates growth in Asia Pacific with ‘Sheraton 2020’plan ETW Staff Mumbai

Sudipta Dev Mumbai TAJ DUBAI opened in April 2015 in the crowded ultra luxury hospitality market in Dubai, which has a constant stream of new entrants. Acknowledging that it is a competitive space and will become more so in the future, Jason Harding, area director and GM, Taj Dubai said, “Hotel operators in the region are doing an incredible job, but the differentiator for us is that we have over 130 years of experience running luxury properties and the heritage that comes with the Taj is far beyond anything glass and concrete. We bring a totally different emphasis to the Dubai market and Taj Dubai has opened to great acclaim.” The property, he pointed out, is being promoted as a Taj hotel an international property with elements of Indian design. “It is not an Indian hotel for Indians but an international hotel for international affluent travellers.

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March 2016

Jason Harding

The fact that it is by Taj gives the property deep roots in the heritage of hospitality. We should have more hotels in the market that is so vibrant and dynamic,” mentioned Harding. The Taj Group is also looking at other projects in the city and the region. “Taj Dubai is our absolute focus but there is always more that we can do. Taj Dubai will be a pillar for all these projects,”

added Harding. About 20 per cent of the business comes from the India market and Harding is keen to see this segment grow. “For most Indians there is always a connect with the Taj. You start to understand the power of the brand when you speak to the customer directly,” he said adding that other markets are important as well, like the US and European leisure. The GCC countries, like most hotels in Dubai, is the biggest market. “It comprises more than 50 per cent for us,” said Harding. Located in Downtown Dubai, the property is just a 10 minutes walk from the Dubai Mall. “Almost 60 per cent of our rooms have views of Burj Khalifa. On New Year’s eve we are extremely popular with fireworks going on and all the activities in Downtown,” stated Harding with evident pride. F&B options include a gastro pub called The Eloquent Elephant, the Bombay Brasserie, Tesoro and Tree House.

SHERATON HOTELS & Resorts has announced accelerated growth plans for Asia Pacific, continuing its sharp focus on Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive 10point plan designed to put Sheraton back into the global spotlight. Following the most recent designation of Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central in January, the brand is continuing its expansion of Sheraton Grand by welcoming three properties to the premier tier: Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences, Sheraton Grand Guangzhou Huadu Resort and Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria City Hotel. Sheraton also revealed plans to open more than 20 properties in the region by mid-2017, supporting the brand’s Sheraton 2020 goal of adding 150 new hotels by 2020. “As we complete the first year of our bold new vision for Starwood’s most global brand, Sheraton 2020 initiatives are already underway to establish Sheraton as the hotel brand of choice everywhere. We are making tremendous progress in Asia Pacific, continuing to provide guests with effortless travel experiences so they can experience more, from offering the new lobby bar menu paired to leading

the expansion of the brand’s new premier tier, Sheraton Grand,”said Vincent Ong, senior director, brand management, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. In addition to welcoming three new Sheraton Grand properties, the brand continues to march toward its Sheraton 2020 goal of adding 150 hotels by 2020, with the aim to open more than 20 properties alone in Asia Pacific by mid-2017. Sheraton will debut in countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Myanmar over the next several years, as the brand continues to expand its global reach across every corner of the world. “As Starwood’s most global brand, Sheraton enjoys the long established recognition that many owners have already come to know and expect of the brand. We are confident that Sheraton will continue to enjoy significant footprint growth as we power through Sheraton 2020,” said Rajit Sukumaran, senior vice president, acquisitions and development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. Sheraton 2020 also aims at implementation of revenue and profit-driving initiatives to benefit owners and developers; and a goal of adding more than 150 new Sheraton hotels worldwide by 2020.

IN THE NEWS

Jammu & Kashmir focuses on golf, MICE and adventure tourism Rituparna Chatterjee Mumbai JAMMU & KASHMIR Tourism is focusing on golf, MICE and adventure tourism to attract more international and domestic tourists into the destination. For the same, several infrastructure development projects have been initiated. Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Farooq A Shah, IAS, secretary tourism, Government of Jammu & Kashmir and managing director, J&K Tourism Development Corporation stated, “We want to position ourselves as a high-end tourism destination and hence we are going to focus on golf promotion. We have world-class golf courses like Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, Gulmarg Golf Course, among others. A 18 hole golf course in Jammu

is being upgraded to international level.” He added, “For MICE, we are one of the best destinations globally. We have the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conferences Center (SKICC) and other convention centres in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, etc. We are going to have a convention centre in Jammu as well.” Moreover, 2016 has been declared as the year of adventure tourism for Jammu & Kashmir. Shah informed, “Gulmarg has been ranked as one of the most affordable skiing destinations in the world and has the world's highest skiing point. We are creating facilities for mountaineering, trekking, paragliding. For instance, we are coming up with world-class paragliding centres at Sanasar in Jammu, etc. We have recently started heli services from Srinagar-Gula-

marg and from Srinagar-Pahalgam. We have also started heli skiing at Gulmarg this year.” River cruising will also begin from April 2016 on-

wards at Dal Lake, Srinagar, etc, he informed. Sharing arrival figures, Shah said, “We received three million pilgrims for Mata

Vaishno Devi this year. From January to December 2015, we got around 9.20 lakh tourists to Kashmir and about two lakh to Ladakh.”

Kerala to enhance tourism offerings through seaplane and Muziris projects Rituparna Chatterjee Mumbai THE GOVERNMENT of Kerala, which had rolled out the seaplane and Muziris projects to enhance the travel experience and add to the state's array of attractions, has seen progression on this front. The seaplane project, aimed at improving last mile connectivity by air to destinations across the state, will provide service initially in the priority circuit,

consisting of the three airports of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Calicut and destinations like Astamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Bolgatty and Bekal. While Project Muziris aimed at reinstating the historical and cultural significance of the port of Muziris, which is a part of Central Kerala, has already witnessed the setting up of around 10-15 museums to give a glimpse into the history of this legendary port and Kerala.

Elaborating on the same, Nandakumar K P, deputy director, Kerala Tourism, stated, “Under project Muziris, around 35-40 museums will be setup phase wise among which 10-15 museums have already been setup. In the last budget more than `300 crore was earmarked for project Muziris. Meanwhile we are also trying to link the Spice Route project with project Muziris.” Under the Spice Route project, Kerala Tourism aims to share the her-

itage among 31 countries along the ancient route. This project has recently received support from UNESCO. “We will market the Spice Route Project packages in the 31 countries. We have presented this to UNWTO as well and they have shown interest,” he added. As for the seaplane project, he stated, “We launched this a year back but because of protests from the local fishing community we could not come in full strength. But we are re-

solving the issue with them and before October-November this year it will come in full force.” Kerala Tourism had declared the period from April 2015 to April 2016 as 'Visit Kerala Year'. Under this initiative, Kerala Tourism will explore new markets like China, Sri Lanka, among others. In 2015, Kerala received 7,75,390 foreign tourists for the period January-October and 76,71,277 domestic tourists from January–August.

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IN THE NEWS

OTOAI to hold its 2nd convention in Bali Saloni Bhatia New Delhi THE SECOND annual convention of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) will be held in Bali, Indonesia from March 17-21, 2016. Speaking to Express Travel World, Riaz Munshi, chairperson of the convention said, “One of the top reasons to pick Bali was to highlight it as a destination to our tour operators. Many people still do not know that there are direct flights from major Indian cities to Bali. I was also able to manage some great partners for the convention on such short notice.” This year the theme for the convention is ‘India OutboundThe Game Changer’ and

around 300 delegates are expected to attend the five-day event. Talking about the theme Munshi shared, “There has been a 360 degree change in the industry and especially for the outbound sector, the members need to focus on the future. Both online and offline marketers can be benefitted if they understand the market and plan aggressive marketing strategies.” Bali is one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations and the convention is seen as a motivator for outbound operators to promote it. The initial three days include meetings, discussions and planning while the latter two days would include familiarisation trips. Throwing light on what

would be the major takeaway from the convention, Munshi stated, “ All the discussions would focus on sales and marketing strategies that help operators understand the real scenario and plan accordingly. All these would only help them strengthen their brand and eventually grow with the changing time.” As the chairperson of the convention, he wants to simply share one message with the delegates, “Everyone should know that the dynamics have changed in the industry and one needs to move accordingly. We need a new outlook in marketing and growth of the product. All the operators need to have faith in their product and focus on it.”

Patriarch of the Nijhawan Group passes away Reema Lokesh Mumbai B L NIJHAWAN lived a full life. He moved ahead facing struggles to taste success. When he started out on his own without any support in 1974, he probably did not envision that his company would have plans to reach the US$ 750 million turnover mark by 2016. His son, Sham Nijhawan, a chartered accountant and chairman, Nijhawan Group, always admired his father’s conviction and commitment to start a business against all odds. People describe

late B L Nijhawan as an unstoppable workaholic. He continued to work till the very end. Shares Sham Nijhawan, “My father was a complete workaholic. He was unstoppable even at 91 years of age. A few years ago (when he was 88 years old) he shocked us by discussing work even when on ventilator support in a hospital.” With 69 years of experience in the business, B L Nijhawan has given the industry a company that is today a leading business house diversifying intensively each day.

Visit Scotland reaffirms faith in India market with road show Reema Lokesh Mumbai VISIT SCOTLAND recently visited India on a three-city road show stopping at Mumbai, New Delhi and Chandigarh. The tourism department along with a delegation of eight DMCs and product suppliers, met industry buyers across cities to reassure their faith in the India market. The region is positive about expecting increase in tourism traffic from India due to the improved airlines connections between India and Edinburgh. Vineet Lal, senior market manager, long haul & emerging markets, Visit Scotland, was positive about the tourism ties between India and Scotland. Speaking exclusively to Express Travel-

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World, Lal stated that Scotland has its own charm and it has a unique appeal to the discerning traveller. From whiskey tasting to the castles, it has a special connect that is aspirational. "We have a lot of faith in the India market and such visits prove that we are in touch with our partners in India. We work very closely with the trade and are keen to increase our network further. The new visa policy and the improved air connectivity will only help us bring in the numbers. We are also looking forward to interact with the tourism associations and other travel professionals to work in harmony and to understand each other's needs better," said Lal. The Indian suppliers feel that Scotland can be sold well

as a leisure and an incentives destination. It can work well as a honeymoon destination and also as a hotspot for film tourism. Bollywood Scotland was an interesting initiative,

which was activated in the recent times as series of films were shot at various spots across the country. Samuel Pasquier, sales manager Europe, Cashel Travels, Freda

Newton, MD, Jacobite Cruises and Pramod Kumar Kandala, of Kandala Travels, were very positive of their India visit and were glad to meet the right partners in the trade.

IN THE NEWS

SATC to invest in India market for first time Steena Joy Mumbai SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Tourism Commission (SATC) aims at promoting the destination as a year round destination in the India market. “We plan to be more proactive in the market. We will engage with travel agents specialising in Australia and will also complement our big brother Tourism Australia's marketing and promotional activities. Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru are our top markets,” said Dana Urmonas, regional director, southeast Asia and India, SATC. SATC will spend close to AUD two

million during 2015-2017. Around 15,000 Indian tourists visited the destination between January and September last year, registering a 16 per cent year-on-year growth. Indians spent AUD13 million for the year up to September 2015, with an average spend of AUD 909 per visitor. “From July we plan to focus on the India market. This shows how important this market is for us. We plan to spread a lot of consumer awareness about our destination including through social media. It is the first time that we are investing in the India market to create visibility,” added Urmonas.

Poland to ease out laws for Indian film makers:Glinski Reema Lokesh Mumbai THE DEPUTY Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Professor Piotr Glinski, on his recent visit to Mumbai for the Make in India event, spoke exclusively to Express TravelWorld on the importance of India's film fraternity to Poland. He reiterated the fact that Indian film makers are always welcome to shoot in Poland and he announced that the country will further work toward easing out the laws and rules related to film making, giv-

ing the team from India an easy business environment. Glinski said, "Poland is a favourable destination and though it is a part of Europe, it is different from western Europe. It is reasonable and affordable to shoot in the country. India and Poland also have strong traditional and historical linkages. We promise to offer Indian producers good conditions for shooting. We are in the process of redefining our rules and laws related to film making, offer more incentives and also reduce the taxes further."

Professor Piotr Glinski

He added that he was highly impressed with India and the development taking place here.

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VALSA NAIR SINGH Secretary Tourism & Cultural Affairs Government of Maharashtra My management mantra I have always believed that whichever job I am in, when I leave that position I should have the satisfaction that I have made a difference to that role. And its all about teamwork. If you have good ideas everyone will support you. It is 'shared success'. Prior to this role in tourism, I was with the Department of Environment and when I left, the department was buzzing with a lot of schemes for innovative and good sustainable development. All environment related schemes were uploaded online. I put everything in the public domain. Made it totally transparent. RTI queries came down by 80 per cent! So I believe in being fair and transparent and in leading by example.

Challenges as a woman leader I have felt no different. I have never experienced any gender bias in my service so far. As for work life balance, I think women are better at multi-tasking. We are more balanced and can handle situations better. As for having a

career, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a choice a woman has to make.

My vision for Maharashtra Tourism I want to make Maharashtra the most important tourist destination in India. Mumbai has a natural advantage, being a prominent gateway into the country. The state receives the maximum number of foreign arrivals but most of them are business travellers who may make a short trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal which is a must see icon for any visitor to India. But we want them to visit our Elephanta Caves or Ajanta Ellora as must visit tourism hotspots as well. So our aim is to make these travellers extend their stay to experience our tourism offerings. For that, we have to develop our tourism products as totally must-see destinations and we have to work on improving our infrastructure and connectivity.

As told to Steena Joy

ANUPAMA T V Additional Director (General) Kerala Tourism My management mantra 1. Being in Government, the beneficiary group is huge and diverse. So, always think about society at large.Any procedural intervention, policy change should be decided keeping 'mass' in mind. 2.The volume of work to be handled at Govt level is huge as well. So, follow up constantly whether it's for reports/action from the subordinate offices or orders from the higher authorities.

Challenges as a woman leader There have been instances when people don't accept you enough. But I would say, such instances were very few in number. I have been lucky enough to have a very supportive family. However, I have had dilemmas of personal time and public life. I think women tend to have more

issues on that front.

My vision for Kerala Tourism The field is very competitive these days.There is a change in nature of the tourists, source markets, mode of information dissemination. Only if the infrastructure issues are addressed and marketing strategy planned out properly, one can survive. I wish to focus on development of basic amenities at the destinations taking into account the norms of sustainable development and making use of technology and innovation in marketing. Of course, increasing the numbers and lengthening the season, increasing the reach of Responsible Tourism would be of priority.

As told to Steena Joy

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HANNELI SLABBER Country Manager, India South African Tourism My management mantra I don’t have a mantra per se, but I keep different reminders depending on where I am in my life and what projects I am busy working on. Currently we are in the planning phase and I have a big reminder in my head: Big Insight will Kick Big Data Anyday. In the work that we do, it is so important to understand not only what people do, but also why they do it and what it means. I am an anthropologist by trade, and I am fascinated by the whole science of being human. I love the juxtaposing of data and intelligence and one of the big reminders that I have repeated constantly to our agencies, suppliers and others that we work with is that the plural of anecdote is not data. Feelings are not facts. It is a search to stay honest to rigours of the data, the incredible need to truly understand what it tells us.

Challenges as a woman leader Management is what you do and leadership is who you are.A lot of the leadership challenges that women face come exactly from that: who we are. Sometimes that works for us, but very often, it creates additional obstacles. I am always surprised to find so few women in executive and board positions. My experience is that women in these positions act as shock absorbers, not amplifiers. I think

the traditional exposure to gender specific roles enable women to work towards a mutual solution quicker without the required sense of acknowledgement that very often accompany these situations. I look at young women entering the workplace, as well as some of my peers, and very often it is not who they think they are that is holding them back, but who they think they are not.The same skill in guiding everybody in a room to a solution, sometimes allow us to settle for a comfort zone - and nothing great has ever happened in a comfort zone. Sometimes you have to court conflict.You have to ask the tough questions.You have to trust yourself and your reputation enough to ask the questions that you think could be considered ‘stupid’. If you think not asking will make it go away, that is another thing you are wrong about. We need to toughen up a bit sometimes! For years media has always started women and workplace stories with questions about balance.How do you balance work and home, kids and responsibilities, etc. I found the question very odd - and not because it is never asked of men but because who wants to live a life where everything is so perfectly balanced that you never have real highs, real lows? Life works in cycles - different things will ride the crests, will form the peaks and

valleys on different hours, days and weeks.There is a freedom in choosing to live - and to accept and relish life’s highs and lows.

My vision for South African Tourism I wa nt South African Tourism to be the best destination management company in the world, from both a trade and consumer point of view.We want to be the thought leaders in destination marketing and for our relationship with the trade to be such that they are using us in order to spot choices they didn’t know they had.We want every single Indian to visit South Africa - and come back stating that it was the best trip and they cannot wait to go back. We work as a strong team and would like to be the employer of choice – THE destination marketing organisation to work for that allows the freedom to explore, to create and to be different - all within the confines of accountability and responsibility.

As told to Steena Joy

SUNILA PATIL Founder and Director Veena World

My management mantra I firmly believe that if you look after your team well, they will look after the business. I have been a leader by example and have lead from the front, with examples and not just by direction. I try to keep a fine balance between giving freedom to

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the team and holding the reigns at the right time to make sure we are reaching the goal in the most effective fashion. Our team is our asset as we are a people driven organisation. We are in the people's industry selling dreams and moments of happiness. We have to have a happy team to offer our clients the very best.

my daughter and strike the perfect work-life balance. That is every working mother's desire, I guess. However, there has never been a day when I said I want to give up. Nothing comes easy.You have to have the determination, discipline and devotion to give your best to your organisation.

Challenges as a woman leader

My vision for Veena World

Not really. I believe if you have made a choice to be a career woman, then the challenges are a part of the deal. From conducting tours as a tour manager with my 11 month old daughter in tow to overnights at the office – everything is possible. Yes, I would surely like to spend more time with

My dream is to make Veena World India's best travel company and to be known for exemplary service across all segments. We have started once again and are confident to get there.

As told to Reema Lokesh

NEELU SINGH Director & CEO, Ezeego1.com

My management mantra I believe that empowering people to help achieve what they want to is the most satisfying part of my job. I firmly believe that employees form the base of any successful business model and as a leader I ensure that I give them the space to grow and at the same time I take out time to mentor them and help develop their strengths further. I also share a very transparent relationship with my senior management and encourage them to mentor their subordinates. As a leader it is important to create an environment of trust, positivity, recognition and communication. And most importantly, treating each individual with respect and showing them that you care. Another important view is to understand the perspective of the employees within your own organisation. if they fail, I believe in supporting them rather than blaming the failure on them. I am never afraid of making mistakes and learning from them. I am extremely passionate about my work and like to instill and cultivate the same passion in my employees. I envision and work towards building a organisational culture that encourages collaboration, sharing, interdependence, and team spirit. The work environment needs to be fair â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

benefits, resources, and workloads are fair and balanced.

Challenges as a woman leader I have been fortunate enough to not have faced many challenges as a woman boss.The industry and Ezeego1 employees have welcomed me warmly and with a lot of respect. I think today woman are at par with men.We have quite a lot of women leaders not just in the travel industry but also across industries. I feel universally, women experience great pressure to work hard to prove themselves in the workplace.They often receive differential treatment, reinforcing the stereotypical view of being inferior and less important than men, resulting in not being offered challenging opportunities and not being part of important organisational issues.Yet, despite social and attitudinal barriers, today Indian women leaders have come a long way and set a benchmark.They are becoming role models for other aspiring women leaders and I am fortunate to be one of them.

My vision for Ezeego1

tional travel. Engage with our customers and provide them a travel experience like never before. Empower our customers to make their dream travel come true with Ezeego1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-valued travel products and packages. I am working towards making Ezeego1 a highly profitable travel company with a good business mix, innovation, ethics and the right people. I look to develop a creative, innovative and profitable travel experiences and related products to our customers. I share this vision with my employees and I am always open to new perspectives and better ways for achieving this.

I want to see Ezeego1 as a one stop shop for all travel related services in domestic and interna-

As told to Sudipta Dev

KUMUD SHARMA CEO Super Seva Services

My management mantra I believe, it is extremely important to create a second layer in an organisation to move fast and progress strongly.We have successfully done the same at Super Seva. I firmly feel competence can be acquired but not attitude and honesty. Honesty is of a paramount importance. I also encourage my staff to be upfront with their issues and

grievances. I give them the freedom to make mistakes and also enough room to rectify the wrong. I give them the space to fail as well and in return all I ask for is transparency and an open dialogue. I also believe there are no shortcuts to detailing. Finally, it is the organisation's value system and culture that truly defines one's workplace.A healthy and a sound senior management is very crucial and their value system is of paramount importance as it all percolates down.

Challenges as a woman leader I belong to a middle class family from Bihar, my father was a banker, my mother a teacher and my grandfather a farmer. I was expected to be at home and finally get married off. But it was my

mother who gave me the strength for she was ahead of her time. I was fortunate to get married to a man who gave me wings further. He is my support and strength as no woman in my husband's family had ever worked. He stood by me all through and gave me the confidence to launch Super Seva.

My vision for Super Seva I want to make Super Seva a `100 crore company without funding in three years and to be remembered as the company for non core activities for any organisation - a leading concierge and enterprise support solutions organisation that is a leader in its space. As told to Reema Lokesh

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SUSIIEBEN SHAH Founder, Priyadarshini Taxi Services

My management mantra Clarity of vision and goal, while focusing on a predetermined immediate milestone and sparing no efforts to achieve it.As it is said, you are as good as your team, motivate your team by working with them to achieve targets, share successes and laurels with the team members on achieving them.

Challenges as a woman leader Priyadarshini Taxi is an all women enterprise where all including the founder director, share holders, drivers, employees are women.We are an all women enterprise, a robust and a successful impact initiative, therefor it is a pleasure to head such a team, giving a tremendous sense of satisfaction for creating a team Stree Shakti.

My vision for Priyadarshini Taxi Currently we are plying 50 Priyadarshini Taxi s on

the roads of Mumbai and our strength will increase to 100 by the end of the current year.All Priyadarshini drivers are from economically backward strata of society. Looking at the acceptability and in view of the huge demand for Priyadarshini Taxi Service, we wish to train maximum number of women as efficient and skilful drivers, so that they could take up driving as a preferred profession and pursue a dignified lifestyle. Our target is to train and employ 10,000 lady drivers in the next five years across India. Our immediate target is to train a minimum of 300 women in skilful and efficient driving in three months.We are very grateful that Tata Trusts have given a grant to train 300 women in Mumbai as a pilot project.The training is ongoing and we have approximately trained close to 100 women in the last three months.We are very confident that in the next three years, we would be a pan India phenomenon,

plying to begin with in Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.At the moment our biggest challenge is to get an investor who believes in Impact Initiative, as a result of which we can emerge as a more visible and available initiative.

As told to Sudipta Dev

SHEETAL MUNSHAW Director Atout France - France Tourism Development Agency approach focused on the larger picture as I believe the key is to come out a winner from a given situation. Over the years some of the values I imbibed are anticipating situations and having a Plan B and sometimes Plan C and at the same time staying open minded to opportunities that may present themselves along the line. Lastly, I think it takes poise to progress and that in my eyes is one of the most invaluable characteristics to uphold.

My management mantra Simultaneously orchestrating and juggling varied roles is second nature to women. Having said that my persona is to give whatever it is I have at hand a 100 per cent. Stay committed to any task I have undertaken and see it through without compromise. It is also to recognise that while you need to oversee and manage a slew of obligations, you have to value and entrust your value chain in the form of colleagues and subordinates at work and family and caregivers on the home front. Prioritising is critical without which it is easy to deviate from the goal. It is not always easy but is paramount in being able to efficiently manage operations.While I am a stickler, I have a problem solving

20 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD March 2016

Challenges as a woman leader My challenge as a woman juggling her multifaceted roles is not unique to me. I am sure most of my contemporaries and colleagues battle and brave the same reality. Striking a work-life balance and more significantly playing the part of a committed professional and a committed mother is the real quest. In an Indian context wherein a woman largely plays a multidimensional role, a critical aspect is incessant prioritising this time vis-à-vis the social milieu.The upside is that a lot of the traditional career challenges that we as women faced a decade ago seem to be irrelevant in current times.We have seen a sea change in a

short span of time at least in the travel industry where women are playing senior management roles in leading organisations across verticals.

My vision for Atout France-France Tourism Development Agency My vision for our India office is to position France as a leading business and leisure tourism destination and an absolute must visit on the Indian globetrotter's map across segments and strata of society. My endeavour is to showcase France’s myriad tourism offerings through versatile, innovative and creative platforms engaging influencers and exposing them to France’s world renowned art de vivre, wine and gastronomy, cultural offerings, etc. Our newly acquired portal in.france.fr is a veritable point of reference making it a virtual showcase of France’s endless travel experiences. With a strengthened positioning, we hope to deliver a conducive proposition to facilitate our travel partners to better promote France and enhance the market share in the years to come.

As told to Reema Lokesh

SHEFALI GUPTA Director, Amigo

My management mantra I take everything that comes my way as a new learning experience. This attitude helps me manage various roles of my life better. I always treat my team as an extension of myself. I like to work with them, along with them rather than lead them. I am a hands-on team player and when time comes I also step in to do the work when I am needed the most, across all roles in the office. I started working with my first employee named Jeffrey Ferreira, learning the nuances of the trade from him. He continues to be a part of Amigo and I still continue to learn alongside him.

Challenges as a woman leader I haven't faced any career challenges. My husband's belief in me gave me the much needed

confidence to enter a profession that was completely new to me. I was a textile designer by profession. I feel a conservative environment at home if viewed with a positive approach can groom a successful individual as there is a very thin line between discipline and conservativeness. I have done what I felt was right in my personal and professional life and to live life as a self respecting woman.

My vision for Amigo My vision is to grow and continue in the travel trade by maintaining business ethics and offering exemplary service standards to our clients. We will not bow down to unethical trade practices.

As told to Reema Lokesh

DR SRIMATHY KESAN Director, Space Kidz India

My management mantra I have always said to myself, come what may, never ever give up. It is important to stand true to your convictions, fight all odds with a smile and walk to your victory. As a woman itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also extremely important to hold your emotions, as let me be upfront, at times however confident you are as a woman, sometimes men cannot digest a woman's victory. There are a lot of new ideas in my space, which I have been successful in putting forth. I have faced a lot of oppositions, negative remarks and more. However itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only my belief in my product that has kept me going.

Challenges as a woman leader The fact that one had to stand up and stand strong in a rather male dominated society is an achievement in itself. It is important for people to judge you for your work and not

based on your gender. As mentioned earlier, I have faced roadblocks at every stage but I just kept on moving. If you stop, very rarely people will encourage you to move forward. So I always say keep moving. My training in the NCC gave me the confidence to face the world.

My vision for Space Kidz India My aim is to top the Fortune 500 companies and to be on the front page of Forbes magazine, for a totally new concept, "Empowering the youth of India through Science and Technology". We hope to be the first to launch a space vehicle for Indian citizens to enjoy and explore Space. This may sound a far dream and probably unreal today, but always believe anything and everything is possible and keep dreaming about it.

As told to Reema Lokesh

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DESTINATION WATCH

Hidden jewels of Central India Carrying forward Maharashtra's image as a nature and wildlife destination, Bhandara is offering authentic experiences to weekend travellers By Mohit Rathod

he Bhandara district in Maharashtra offers a balanced blend of adventure, wildlife, scenic nature and villages untouched by the hustle and bustle of city life. Famous for its lakes and natural beauty, Bhandara is widely visited by weekend holiday makers. Situated about 120 km away from the Orange City of India, Nagpur, the destination is ideal for trekking and wildlife exploration. The major attraction in the region is the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located between Bhandara and Gondia district. Spread across 55 sq km, the wildlife sanctuary features a diversity of species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians. Tiger, bison, sambar, nilgai, chital, wild boar, sloth bear and barking deer are some of the animals that can be spotted here, while on a jungle safari provided to tourists by the forest department. The sanctuary is also an important biodiversity conservation unit in Central India. Another nearby attraction is the Sakoli taluka, situated about 33 km from the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary. Sakoli is blessed with a number of picturesque hills; what makes these hills even more attractive is the beautiful formations of yellow limestone. A visit to Gadkumbhali village in Sakoli will enable one to expreience the typical village environment of Maharahstra. Although a small village, Gadkumbhali enjoys accessibility to most of the essential and modern amenities. Mud brick houses thatched with palm leaves and numerous paddy fields offer a perfect opportunity to leave behind hassles of the

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city life. There is an ancient Shiva temple situated at the top of a hill, which is believed to be about a thousand year old. The path to the temple itself offers a

trekking experience. On reaching the hilltop, the temple welcomes visitors with its longstanding history. Visitors can enjoy mesmerising views of

nearby villages from the top of the hill. Tuli Suites in Sakoli offers a convenient and comfortable accommodation, due to its proximity with all the tourist attractions. Gadkumbhali is accessible at about a 10-

minute walk from the resort. Whereas, the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 33 km away. The resort offers 10 spacious cottages, a dormitory, a banquet, a party lawn, a recreation room and a multicuisine restaurant.

EVENT ROUNDUP

ANEWVIBRANCYTO GUJARATTOURISM With around 20 investment MoUs signed at the inaugural ceremony of the Vibrant Gujarat International Travel Mart, Gujarat is all set to push the envelope to increase tourist numbers with a little help from the Central government and the PPP model By Steena Joy

he fourth edition of ‘Vibrant Gujarat International Travel Mart’ (VGITM) was inaugurated by Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel. In her inaugural speech, the CM stated, “This year around 50 countries including USA, England, Canada, Australia, Italy, Japan, etc and 20 states of the country participated in this edition of VGITM. The number of national and international buyers has also increased to 285 in this edition compared to 114 in 2011. Local sellers have also increased from 80 to 225. The state tourism sector has got the status of industry in the tourism policy and as a result around 50 investors have shown interest for investment of about `3,000 crore. We have trained as many as 600 guides with a view to provide proper guidance to visitors arriving at various tourism places in Gujarat. The state government has also provided various training programmes to 4,500 people willing to join the hospitality sector.” Patel released a coffee table book named 'Gujarat Tourism through the Land of Art and Craft' and a Tourism Roadmap prepared by Yes Bank. Organised by the Government of Gujarat and Tourism Corporation of Gujarat (TCGL) in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, VGITM witnessed the signing of 20 MoUs at the opening ceremony itself

with many more signed during the course of the 4500 B2B meetings which took place over the two days of the travel mart. The ministry of tourism, Government of India, also announced the launch of the Swatchh Smarak Swatchh Bharat mobile app as part of its Clean India Clean Monuments initiative. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vinod Zutshi, secretary tourism, Government of India, announced that the Smarak Pariyatan mobile app has been launched in association with The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “The app will allow tourists and visitors to click pictures of unclean tourist areas, garbage, etc near 25 monuments covered under Adarsh Smarak and then post them on the app. The nodal officers of ASI will then attend to the complaint and inform the complainant of the action taken,” Zutshi added. He also informed that the ministry has set up the Incredible India information cum helpline on a toll free number to provide information and assist tourists. The service will be available in English as well as many foreign languages. He also added that the MoT has earmarked `100 crore for Gujarat under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and `30 crore for Dwarka under the PRASAD scheme. At the VGITM, Gujarat government also launched the Hello Innovators website (http://www.gujarattourism.co m/innovators) to incentivise innovation in tourism projects, to establish an innovation

culture and foster innovation in tourism in the state through special financial assistance including promotion and marketing support to innovative tourism projects. Innovative tourism projects must meet any one of the following criterias: * Technologically introduced first time in the state

* Significant leveraging of Information Technology * Having negligible carbon footprint. For projects with investment between `one crore and 10 crore and employing 30 persons, the incentive amount would be `five lakh and for projects with investment between `10 crore and `50 crore

and employing 50 people, the quantum of assistance is `10 lakh. Finance, power and tourism minister, Saurabhbhai Patel said that Gujarat is becoming a popular tourism place not only for Indian tourists but also for worldwide tourists. “Under the very attractive Tourism Policy

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EVENT ROUNDUP

‘WE WANTTO ENCOUARGE PPP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE’ In an exclusive interview, S J Haider, principal secretary – tourism, devsthanam, pilgrimage & civil aviation, industries & mines department, Government of Gujarat spoke to Steena Joy on the various initiatives lined up by the state government What are your business expectations from this Travel Mart?

announced by our CM, we are offering lots of incentives for building new hotels and we will also help to promote the destinations which the investors are developing,” he said. He pointed out the potential in domestic tourism saying, “We have a lot of spending power within the state. Gujaratis love to travel, so we must tap this potential.” Ashok Panda, tourism minister of Odisha who was also present said Gujarat and Odisha shared many cultural, religious and geographical similarities. Another guest, the high commissioner of Malawi to India, Dr Mbuya Isaac G Munlo invited Gujaratis for developing business-employment in his country. Pankaj Patel, senior vice

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We have a lot of spending power within the state. Gujaratis love to travel, so we must tap this potential president, FICCI said that the partnership between FICCI and Gujarat Tourism will be long lasting.

We signed 20 MoUs at the opening ceremony and another 30 qualitative MoUs at VGITM.This was over and above the 4500 B2B meetings which formed the core of this travel mart. Besides, our state has only recently come out with a very attractive and aggressive tourism policy on World Tourism Day in September. It has been just four-five months and yet we have received overwhelming response for this.And more than 100 investors have come forward and expressed interest in investing in the tourism sector ranging from desert tourism to eco tourism, etc.We expect to attract investment of `1000 crore over the policy period and that will be a win-win for us. As of now we have so many months and years to go.We have already accorded industry status to tourism. So it is a good scenario for tourism and we would like to make the most of it.We would also like to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.The government of India's initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, Swachch Bharat Abhiyan - all this would be supported by our tourism initiatives.We are also augmenting infrastructure everywhere.

The PPP model? With growth in visitor arrivals from 26 lakh to 3.5

crore, we have to step up our infrastructure capacity to meet this influx. And the government cannot do this alone. We are keen on the PPP model – we did the Rann Utsav, Nalsarovar - all on PPP basis. So we would like to use the PPP route as much as possible.

What support is expected from the Government of India? We are grateful to the MoT for earmarking `30 crore for the development of Dwarka. There are many things we plan to do with this funding. And the state government is also going to supplement this in a big way because Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka will require no less than `200-300 crore or even more for development. We will also try to improve connectivity by building a jetty, bridges, sanitation, civic amenities, etc, and also encourage handicrafts and local artisans in these pilgrim places by giving them marketing support and facilities like shopping arcades. We have to 17 airports in the state including one international airport. We will soon be promoting regional connectivity. We have floated tenders and will soon finalise this. In a month or so,we will be able to see our regional connectivity initiatives.

DESTINATION OUTBOUND

CULTURE CAPITALOFTHE UAE Very few people know that the UAE’s first airport was the Sharjah International Airport opened in 1977. Sharjah is also home to the country’s oldest mosque. These are just few of the discoveries that awaits a first time visitor to this emirate which is a treasure trove of culture and heritage By Steena Joy

he word Sharjah is sometimes linked to Sharqah, which means to the Sharq, or east as the emirate is located east of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. UAE’s third largest member emirate, Sharjah has an ancient history dating back to more than 5,000 years. It was historically one of the wealthiest towns in the Arabian Gulf region, because of its geographic position as one of the most important ports. Along with fishing and trading, pearling was an important occupation. The discovery of oil or black gold in 1972 changed not just the fortunes of this emirate but also its skyline. Today this contemporary emirate is a vibrant blend of the old and the new, rich in history and an Arabian heritage preserved for future generations of Emiratis. Named the ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ by UNESCO in 1998, Sharjah has kept the spirit of its history alive in its museums (the emirate has no less than 17 museums!) and heritage districts like The Heart of Sharjah where you can find the UAE’s oldest souq or market place – Souq Al Arsah. It was the meeting place for the Bedouins and their camels in the old days. Even today, the souq is home to numerous quaint stores selling local, new and antique handicrafts, wooden articles, Arabic bridal and pearl chests, copper coffee pots, ethnic and handmade jewellery, perfume bottles and incense, hand-made woven garments, palm-leaf baskets, medicinal herbs, carpets,

shawls and novelties.

Blue icon An iconic landmark is the Blue Souq or the Central Souq, the image of which can be seen on the UAE’s five dirham currency note. This beautiful blue mosaic two-building market is designed in an appealing Arabic style. Located next to the picturesque Khalid Lagoon (with the Sharjah Fountain right in the middle of it) on the Al Buhaira Corniche, the spectacular buildings, embellished in blue tiling, house more than 600 shops selling jewellery, carpets, watches and artifacts. The Al Buhaira Corniche has numerous upscale hotels. The Sharjah Commerce Tourism Development Authority is also located along the corniche. A must see on any Sharjah itinerary is the cream coloured Al Noor Mosque, standing majestically beside the Khalid Lagoon, built by order of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed al Qassimi, the wife of the ruler of Sharjah, and completed in 2005. It is the first mosque in Sharjah which can be visited by nonMuslim visitors who are given a guided tour that informs about Islam and cultural aspects of the life in the UAE. During the Sharjah Light Festival, the mosque is one of the landmarks that is lit in neon colours giving it a surreal look. A popular evening destination is the Al Majaz Waterfront, lined with many restaurants and cafés. Every day after sunset until 11 pm or 12 pm, visitors can enjoy laser shows of cybernetic fountains

throwing up jets of water. Another major cultural hub and leisure destination providing all kinds of recreation and entertainment attractions is Al Qasba with shopping areas and restaurants. A part of the Light Festival is held here with light shows projected on the surrounding buildings. The water canal is used for boating and in the background is the gigantic ‘Eye of the Emirates’. The observatory wheel stands 60-metres high with 42 air-conditioned gondolas offering panoramic views of Sharjah and Dubai.

The sea connection Located in Al Layyeh, the Sharjah Aquarium has over 250 species of marine life native to the region. Nearby the Sharjah Maritime Museum is a great place to explore the Emirate's rich marine heritage - the sea played a key role in the development of Sharjah. The museum has on display the traditional wooden seafaring dhows used for fishing, trading and pearling, each designed according to their use. The Arabian Wildlife Center is the only zoo in Arabia and has different species of animals found in the Arabian Peninsula. Opened in 1999, it is home to more than 100 species of animals. Sharjah is also home to Air Arabia, the first low cost airline in the Middle East. The headquarters is in the Sharjah Freight Center on the property of Sharjah International Airport. The Sharjah Airport Free Zone, popularly

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DESTINATION OUTBOUND known as SAIF Zone, is one of the prominent free zones in the UAE and more than 6,000 companies operate from here. The cost of setting up business in Sharjah is less than in any other emirate of the UAE. On route to the East Coast, visitors will see Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE. The Fujairah Archeology and Heritage Department states that the mosque is believed to be built in 1446 AD, along with the two watch towers overlooking the mosque and the village. Today this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular tourist attraction. Located on the east coast of the UAE, Khor Fakkan is a beach town set on the splendid bay of Khor Fakkan, which means â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Creek of Two Jawsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Overlooking the long stretch of sandy beach is the Oceanic Khor Fakkan Resort & Spa with rooms offering beach views as well as villas. The all day dining restaurant Al Murjan not surprisingly, also serves Indian cuisine. On the way back a stop at the Souq Al Jubail is a must for the variety of dates available there. The UAE has some 140 varieties of dates. The souq also has a meat and fish section.

Authentic desert experience For those with a yearning for experiential tourism, make a trip to the Al Rabia Oasis. The oasis offers an authentic desert experience - a combination of date plantation, horse stables, camel rides, fish ponds and fauna like peacocks, deer, goats and sheep. The oasis is a true haven for migratory birds as well and many an orinthologist have been here. This land was once home to the traditional nomadic Bedouin tribes. The farm has pathways set alongside age-old desert irrigation systems called, 'falaj' and manmade water bodies add allure to the landscape. Tours are arranged by SNTTA Emir Tours, a leading destination management company (DMC) based in Dubai.

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EVENT ROUNDUP

FLORIDAHUDDLE 2016: A KALEIDOSCOPE OFATTRACTIONS Florida Huddle 2016 held at the Tampa Convention Center recently focused on reaffirming Florida’s position as USA’s leading tourism destination that is increasingly attracting travellers from emerging markets like India By Sudipta Dev

he third edition of Florida Huddle organised by Visit Florida in Tampa, Florida attracted 678 delegates from 396 companies. There were 217 buyers from 17 countries. As many as 14,658 appointments were set up over two days. Along with buyers from the US, the international buyers came from the UK, Germany, Canada, India, China, Spain, the Bahamas, Brazil, Honduras, Ireland, Mexico, The Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa and the UAE. As many as 21 per cent of inbound to the US comes to Florida. “We welcome 15 million international visitors. International markets are extremely important. While Canada, UK, Brazil and Germany comprise most international travel to Florida, there is a growing significance of South East Asia, with India and China, along with Japan and Australia as emerging markets. Better flight connectivity will boost inbound arrivals from these markets. We need to get ourselves ready for that. We strive to be the number one destination in the world and we will get there,” said Paul Phipps, chief marketing officer, Visit Florida. The emerging markets are critical for the state's tourism industry that takes great pride in its diverse product offerings. Travellers from 80 countries visit Florida and the number continues to grow. “One of the things we try to do is to train our hospitality industry to un-

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EVENT ROUNDUP derstand the nuances of the different cultures who come here to Florida. I think we do a good job of that,” stated Phipps.

Economic driver Tourism drives the economy of Florida. Pointing out that in the state of Florida tourism is the leading industry, Phipps mentioned, “We have wonderful partners in the state and many of them are with us at the conference. But the real roots on the ground, specially internationally are the tour operators, OTAs, and others. Interestingly the biggest growth in tour operator business are the millennials. More and more millennials like to travel in groups. They like craft beer, organic food, and want locally sourced food. They want someone to make all arrangements for them so that they don't have to worry about it and just enjoy. With OTAs, people say that tour operators are going to become irrelevant, which will not happen.” Talking about the significance of social media, he averred that travellers trust the opinions of strangers, sometimes before friends and certainly before brands. “Our quality of life in Florida depends on tourism and that tourism depends on bookings. In this state we embrace anybody and everybody and our commitment to you is that when travellers come we will take care of them. We appreciate anyway you can book people and they can come to Florida. The tour operators and the OTA industry across the world know and understand Florida and most importantly represent Florida well with our clients,” he added. Last year Miami International saw for the first time more international flights than domestic.

Discovering Tampa For a state that aims to become the number one destination in the world, the leading destination for Floridians is Tampa/St Pete. The Tampa Bay area which has been considered as an ‘undiscovered treasure’ in Florida, is fast changing the perception with renewed focus on marketing the destination worldwide.

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From being the best beer brewing city in the US to a sophisticated culinary scene with many award winning restaurants, Tampa is fast becoming an epicurean capital “What is great about Tampa and Tampa Bay is that the destination is continuously evolving, it has now become a sophisticated destination,” said Santiago C Corrada, president and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay. He pointed out that there has been sustained efforts to bring international airlines to Tampa and they have been successful. “Point to point connection is important. We are only one connection away from the entire world,” he said, adding that after direct connectivity with Zurich (Edelweiss Air), direct flights to Frankfurt started with Lufthansa last September. On account of the prolific art, culture and history there are also many festivals. The highlight is of course the Gasparilla festival. From being the best beer brewing city in the US to a sophisticated culinary scene with many award winning restaurants, Tampa is fast becoming an epicurean capital. Eco tourism, waterways that are easy to navigate, new hotels are some of the other tourism highlights, along with a hospitable and diverse populace that understands the needs and demands of international visitors from across the world. The destination is also the only one in Florida offering a City Pass with amazing savings. New hotels have been opening up with significant investments from the hospitality industry. The biggest investment is over a one billion dollar redevelopment project, covering more than 40 acres in and around the convention centre. “Tampa Convention Center will remain but will be supplemented by additional meeting

space, more hotels and entertainment options. The work has already begun. It will take three-five years to finish. We already have a number of great assets,” said Corrada. The airport is going through billion plus dollar investment and the port as well. Tampa Airport is regarded as one of the best in the US. It is a port of call for a German ship. There are cruise liners departing for the Caribbean. Among the suppliers at Florida Huddle 2016, some clearly had a strong India focus. For instance, Pirate's Town Dinner Show Theaters that comprises of four shows – Treasure Tavern, Pirate's Dinner Adventure, The Three Musketeers and Cirque Magique. Anny Mororo, international sales and marketing manager, Pirates Town Dinner Show Theatres believes that the shows would be of particular interest to guests from India who like to enjoy such extravaganzas with good F&B options. Leslie Andree, director, sales and marketing, Orlando Balloon Rides already has a significant Indian clientele and would like to see the numbers increase. The much popular Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another attraction that has been attracting Indian travellers who are well aware of the Dolphin Tale movies, mentioned Jen Carlisle, director of tourism marketing, Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Albeit, Wild Florida (for airboat tours and encounter with alligators and other exotic animals) is yet to witness significant interest from the India market.

EVENT REPORT

SHOWCASE FOR GLOBALTRAVELTRADE OTM 2016 ended on an upbeat note from global sellers of destinations in the India market

TM 2016, one of India’s biggest outbound travel mart, was recently held from February 18-20, 2016 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. Several global destinations participated at this year's OTM with the keenness to carve a piece of India’s projected 50 million outbound pie. This list included Indonesia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Thailand, New Zealand, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Macao, Bangladesh, Philippines, Maldives, Oman, Bhutan, Seychelles, Israel, Rwanda, Romania, Fiji and Greece. Complementing their international counterparts were several Indian destinations such as Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha among others. OTM 2016 offered a great opportunity for international exhibitors to showcase their travel and tourism potential. For instance, Hong Kong, Macao and Shenzhen exhibited their tourism offerings to the audience. Peter Hoslin, regional director, Europe and New Markets, Hong Kong Tourism Board said, “Hong Kong, Macao and Shenzhen are becoming popular among Indian travellers. Participating for the first time in OTM, the three-NTO pavilion provided us a business platform to introduce the collective strengths and the variety of experiences to our valued travel trade partners and Indian travellers.” The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also eyeing big on India’s outbound tourism potential. Highly placed representatives of the UAE’s travel and tourism industry under the umbrella of National Council of Tourism and Antiquities (NCTA) discussed its India-specific tourism promotion plans during OTM 2016. H E Sultan Mohamed Bin Khadin, acting consul, UAE Embassy in India,

who was present on the occasion said, “The UAE has trade and cultural ties with India since ages. We want to strengthen these ties further and foresee a substantial growth in the number of tourist footfalls in the near future.” The ministry of tourism, Republic of Indonesia is confident about an increase in tourist arrivals from India to Indonesia this year, said Rita Sophia, deputy director from the ministry who led a delegation of 20 private sector companies to OTM 2016. While Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hopes to achieve 1.10 million Indian visitor arrivals to the Kingdom by the end of 2016 and an increase of tourism spending from this source market by eight per cent. The special attendance of H E Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, minister for tourism and sports as OTM’s chief guest at the inaugural ceremony underscored a firm commitment for the Kingdom’s continuous pursual of the many untapped opportunities arising from Thailand’s Tier II cities and new market segments. While the global tourism industry is bullish on India’s growth story, off-beat and small countries like Rwanda, Romania, Fiji, Bhutan, Egypt, Maldives, etc are also attempting to ride on the bandwagon believing in India’s outbound tourism potential. For instance, Rwanda, which received 14,000 tourists from India in 2015, is now expecting about 35 per cent increase in its Indian tourist arrivals in the coming year. Joseph Kabakeza, first counsellor and deputy head of mission, High Commission of The Republic of Rwanda said, “India is the second target tourist destination after China and recognising the potential, the Rwanda Tourism Department has been promoting its offerings in India in a big way.” Another example is Bhutan,

which received 80,000 tourists in 2015; the country is now expecting the footfalls to rise anywhere between 1,30,000 to 1,50,000. Romania is also expecting about 10 per cent rise in tourist footfalls from India in 2016. Israel is also coming in a big way on international tourism circuits and for it, India is a promising destination. In this three-day B2B trade show, more than a 1000 sellers from 50 participating destinations met over 6,000 buyers on the exhibition floor. Side by side the trade exhibition, there was a host of events which discussed emerging trends in the travel business such as TechForum@OTM, #StartupKnockDown, Shoot at Site@OTM, Buyer-Seller Speed Networking, India’s Top 100 Travel Producers Award, and Responsible Tourism@OTM. Speaking about the significance of OTM 2016, Sanjiv Agarwal, chairman and CEO, Fairfest Media, organisers of OTM opined, “Technology, digital marketing, and social media are increasingly enabling travel or-

ganisations from tourist boards to hotels, tour operators and tourist attractions to market to targeted consumers domestically and globally. In partnership with travel-tech media platform, TravHQ, we have successfully created India’s first and only specialised tourism-based businesstechnology platform, TechForum@OTM, aimed at connecting technology solution providers with our colleagues in the travel industry.” The event also saw panel discussions on topics such as ‘How to leverage content and online influencer relationships for the travel industry’. In the presence of the head of travel business at Google India, venture capitalists and a corporate strategist from Cox & Kings, a workshop on #StartupKnockDown was conducted to provide promising travel start-ups a pitch deck to increase awareness and raise funds. 'Unleashing the power of Film Tourism' was the theme of Shoot at Site@OTM session where it was reported that the film industry is a major moneyspinner for destinations on loca-

tions. Global destinations such as Singapore, Switzerland and Spain have reaped these benefits from recent Indian film productions shot overseas. The film industry urged their travel colleagues to convert red tapes to red carpets for win-win policies in simplifying the process, incentivising productions and co-promotions. Following the launch of India’s Top 100 Travel Producers Award last year, OTM 2016 presented similar laurels this year. The award is based on a three-month process of desk researches, industry nominations, voting and polling for the final cut of India’s Top 100 Travel Producers with the highest buying power for outbound and domestic travel products. Highlighting the role of tourism in ensuring sustainability, 'ResponsibleTourism@OTM' theme was introduced with an awareness stand at the exhibition floor and audience-interactive presentation by partnering with organisation, Open Eyes Project & Responsible Tourism in India, led by CEO and founder, Anna Alma Torres.

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MICE & BT

Business traveller trends see confident outlook for 2016 Travel buyers are forecasting a confident outlook for business travel in 2016, despite broader economic challenges, according to new research from the ATPI Group and ITM

or the next 12 months, 55 per cent of Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM) buyers surveyed predict that people will travel more, and a significant 72 per cent feel confident about their business outlook and growth opportunities for 2016. When asked to think about the next five years, 58 per cent of respondents stated that the amount of travel required by their business will increase. Only seven per cent see a reduction in business travel when looking towards 2020. Confidence is also seen in travel patterns that the sector expects to see in the next five years – 47 per cent are anticipating that people will be travelling to more new destinations. Adam Knights, managing director – United Kingdom, ATPI Group, commented, “The economic recovery of 2015 has increased confidence amongst businesses, despite a background of uncertainty in some sectors and regions of the world. We are seeing business travel professionals feeling more optimistic about the longer term future than in recent years, and are planning to travel more, to a wider choice of destinations.” However, it’s evident that the terror events of 2015 have changed attitudes towards business travel. When asked about biggest concerns for 2016, 65 per cent of respondents marked safety and security of travellers as the most important factor when managing business travel plans,

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followed by 31 per cent backing reduction of business travel costs. The factor that is dismissed as unimportant by most respondents is offering flexibility in travel policies – 58 per cent regarded it as the least of their concerns in 2016. In a similar research conducted by the ATPI Group amongst business decision makers in February 2014, flexibility was in the top two priorities for the year, which marks a major shift in just two years. Just over half – 52 per cent – state that managing travellers’ behaviour is essential for delivering greater financial efficiency, suggesting that a closer reign on travel programmes is a trend for the

coming year. When asked what could improve their business’ approach towards travel management in 2016, if money was no object, the top response was visibility of the total cost of trips (29 per cent), with a strategic approach to duty of care and risk management coming in second (27 per cent) and enhanced preferred supplier deals with air/rail/car/hotel providers in third place (21 per cent). “Strong, robust travel policies are a clear theme as businesses look to plan for growing travel requirements. This makes complete sense as controlling spend will always be an important factor for any

When asked about biggest concerns for 2016, 65 per cent of respondents marked safety and security of travellers as the most important factor when managing business travel plans business. Despite a more positive outlook for business travel in the longer term, the message for TMCs is clear – be transparent and supportive of client priorities in order to help them deliver the growth that will bring yet greater need to travel further

afield, and more often,” Knights added. Working with ITM, the ATPI Group conducted the research during November-December 2015 amongst travel buyer members to assess their predictions and confidence levels for the future.

LUXURY TRAVEL

Luxury living in California Express TravelWorld lists the ultra luxury havens in California

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County Beverly Hills offers some of the finest hotels in the world, providing luxurious accommodations and unparalleled service set within a glamorous enclave in the centre of Los Angeles. Hotels in this city cater to movie stars, monarchs, studio moguls and visitors alike, offering first-class amenities and service. When it comes to finding a home away from home, Beverly Hills hotels offer luxury for every taste.

Santa Barbara’s luxury resorts Lodgings in Santa Barbara specialise in laid-back luxury, with settings ranging from hilltop areas, to secret bungalows, to edge-of-the-sea dazzlers. The Belmond El Encanto offers terraced gardens and sweeping views of the Pacific perched in the hills above town. Natural beauty meets luxury at San Ysidro Ranch, nestled in the Montecito foothills. The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore has onsite tennis courts and provides access to nearby golf courses. Guests can also use the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, across the street at the secluded Butterfly Beach.

Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park This national historic landmark in Yosemite Valley has several ‘public rooms’ where visitors can soak up its 1927 architecture, designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood. Adorning this hefty structure are colourful stained-glass windows, Native American tapestries and baskets, Turkish kilim rugs, and Yosemite-inspired 19th-century paintings depicting the park’s waterfalls and giant sequoia trees. Many famous people have

slept in the Ahwahnee, including John F Kennedy, Greta Garbo, Queen Elizabeth II, and Winston Churchill. It’s considered a worthy splurge to stay in one of its 123 rooms, suites, or cottages. One can also book a table for the sumptuous Sunday brunch at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, or simply sit by the fireplace in the Great Lounge, look up at the wrought-iron chandeliers dropping from the dining room’s 34-foot, painted ceilings, or enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Free one-hour guided tours of the Ahwahnee are offered throughout the year.

Napa and Sonoma In the 1980s, St Helena’s Auberge du Soleil started pampering visitors, offering rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and French doors leading to pri-

vate verandas, and a pool with valley views. At country-clublike Meadowood, on Napa’s Silverado Trail, guests can swing a golf club, thwack a tennis ball, play croquet, or relax in an exclusive spa, then primp for dinner at three-Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood. Sonoma Mission Inn – now a Fairmont property – is focused on healing waters and lush surroundings. In Yountville, one can relax on the rooftop pool at Bardessono, built from salvaged stone and reclaimed wood. At Calistoga Ranch, 50 freestanding guest lodges are nestled among oak trees and babbling brooks, and fire pits warm outdoor living rooms.

Orange County’s luxury resorts With spas, elegant dining,

posh lodgings, and impeccable service, plus ocean views, these lodgings set the bar for coastal luxury. Guests can relax on their private oceanfront balcony at the Mediterranean-inspired Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel or play golf on the Robert Trent Jones, Jrdesigned course. The oceanfront Montage Laguna Beach is set on an oceanfront bluff with craftsman-style design, and celebrates the town’s rich artistic history by displaying plein air works by notable California artists in the lobby and reception area. Just north in posh Newport Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill wraps guests in Tuscan luxury, with amenities such as villas with butler service and a private clubhouse.

Luxury in the deserts California is a one stop destination not only for its landscapes, but also for its desert resorts. The Parker Palm Springs, the former ranch of singing cowboy Gene Autry, has the sleek, low-slung coolness of mid-century modern design. The flower-filled courtyards and red-tiled adobe casitas at the La Quinta Resort & Club, opened in 1926, hint at romance under a desert moon. At The Willows historic Palm Springs Inn, once a millionaire’s private retreat, terraced gardens beckon. At Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, guests can settle into a suite with contemporary furnishings and mountain views, and then play a round of golf before enjoying a body treatment featuring desert herbs and minerals.

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March 2016

EVENT ROUNDUP

Harnessing a destination's potential From showcasing a virgin destination, Hanuwantiya, to displaying the tourism potential of Madhya Pradesh to addressing key issues pertaining to the growth of the adventure tourism segment in India, ATOAI's 12th annual convention was an enthralling spectacle that left many with food for thought By Rituparna Chatterjee

EEPING the tradition of organising the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) conventions at activity based locations, this time its 12th annual convention was held at a lesser known beautiful destination called Hanuwantiya, located in the reservoir of Indira Sagar Dam on Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. The convention, which was held from February 12 to 14, 2016, sought to showcase the tourism offerings of Hanuwantiya to the travel trade stakeholders and potential investors, while allowing the delegates to experience the region's potential by organising a plethora of water and land based adventure activities including beach volleyball, cycling, cruise boating, banana rides, parasailing, island overnight camping, stargazing, tree plantation activity, hot air ballooning, paramotoring, jet skiing, among others. To launch and promote Hanuwantiya as a water and adventure tourism destination, Madhya Pradesh Tourism recently opened a resort, which was announced during the inaugural ceremony of the convention. Speaking about the potential of Hanuwantiya at the inauguration, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chief minister, Government of Madhya Pradesh stated,

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“Hanuwantiya has all the facilities needed to be positioned as an adventure destination. We want to develop this destination through the PPP model. In future, this will become an international destination.” While the union urban development minister, Venkaiah Naidu added, “I am pleased to see the natural beauty and massive water body at Hanuwantiya. It feels like an international tourist spot. In times to come, I wish that this destination attracts tourists from all over the world.” Giving his perspective, Hari Ranjan Rao, managing director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation opined, “A destination like Hanuwantiya can come up very fast if we facilitate investment.

The Government of Madhya Pradesh has already notified a master plan covering 15-20 villages. The idea is to make it into a long term sustainable destination and a few days henceforth we are going to make the Hanuwantiya resort plasticfree.” Madhya Pradesh Tourism has also initiated an annual event, Jal Mahotsav, to showcase the customs and traditions of the tribes that live on the banks of the river. This year, Jal Mahotsav was held from February 12-21. During the inauguration, ATOAI and Madhya Pradesh Tourism also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which ATOAI would be conducting a one-year skill development and capacity building certifica-

tion course, especially for the rural population of Madhya Pradesh. Under this, basic training would be provided to conduct adventure sports in concerned areas. “Final details of the commencement of the course are in the pipeline,” informed Tejbir Singh Anand, chairman of the convention. The MoU signing ceremony was followed by the ATOAI 2016 Awards. The convention also witnessed a significant announcement being made wherein in the next three months, the ministry of tourism (MoT) recognised adventure tour operators can procure, register and use satellite phones on non-restricted adventure tourism circuits in India. This information was shared by Akshay

Kumar, president, ATOAI.

Business sessions This year the convention offered three brainstorming sessions, held on the second day, to discuss several topics pertaining to the Indian travel and tourism industry. The first session titled 'Marketing of Adventure Travel - The Way Forward' witnessed an interesting discussion wherein the panelists highlighted several emerging trends. For instance, Himmat Anand, founder, Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels, spoke on the need for inbound operators to adopt technology. “Every two-three years, the business model will change and there will be disrupters. The three major dirupters today are the tablet and the mobile (the

EVENT ROUNDUP

THE ATOAI 2016 AWARD WINNERS Best Adventure Travel Website Adventure Nation Best Popular Adventure Camp/Resort Atali Ganga Innovation in Adventure Activity Air Adventure - Flyboy Aviation Land Adventure - Jumpin Heights Water Adventure - MV Mahabaahu by Far Horizon Tours New Innovative Product (Eco Lodge in Remote Location) Binsar Forest Retreat Excellence in Community & Adventure based Tourism Pugmarks Eco Tours Innovation in 'Adventure Travel' based on Innovation, Strategy, Use of Technology, Safety Standards, SOPs and Sustainability LifeStraw/A&S Creations Awards of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award - Vasant Limaye, CEO, High Places Management smart watch is going to be the trend five years from now), OTAs and exhibitions.” The second business session on 'Managing Growth' had panelists Anirudh Chaoji, director, Pugmarks Eco Tours; Megh Bahadur Ale, founder and president, Nepal River Conservation Trust and course director/head instructor, Borderlands Professional Development Programmes; Dr Pranab J Patar, consultant, Earthwatch Institute; Anand Sankar, founder, Kalap Trust; and Gopinath Pariyal, founder, The Blue Yonder. The third business session titled 'Importance of Innovations and Investments' witnessed Varun Suhag, CEO, Flyboy Aviation highlighting that innovation and investment needs to go hand-in-hand. Other panelists for this session included Sanjay Basu, managing director, Far Horizon Tours; Alistair Gunn Scott of Flying Fox; and Brig S P Singh (retd), director marketing and publicity, Jumpin Heights. Apart from business sessions, the success stories of Chinmay Divekar, director, Nature Trails Resorts; Gurpreet Dhindsa, para guru and Gulshan Chadha of Himalayan Mountaineering Insti-

tute (HMI) of Darjeeling were shared.

Hall of Fame - Mohan Tickoo, MD, KVT Holidays, New Delhi Friend of Adventure - Indian Mountaineering Foundation

Closing note

President’s Award

The concluding day witnessed the valedictory session where Sarabjit Singh, vice chairman, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) applauded ATOAI for its efforts to promote adventure tourism in India. “There is commitment which shows that international standards can be achieved in adventure tourism in India.” While Rinchen Namgyal, president, All Ladakh Tour Operators Association said, “We are undertaking several initiatives to maintain Ladakh as a sustainable and eco friendly destination. We want associations like ATOAI to work with us in a better way. Tourism is the backbone of Ladakh and our association's objective is to promote tourism in Ladakh in a better way, give opportunity to the local people and support the local community.” Sharing his adventure experiences, Dhindsa said that there is restricted air space in India. Another issue is regionalism in India. “Both these issues need to be looked at,” he mentioned.

Game Changer in the Adventure Travel Industry - Decathlon Sports India Best Indian States in Adventure Tourism Innovation in Creating Adventure Destination - Madhya Pradesh Tourism Promotion for Adventure Travel - Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Sustainability in Adventure Travel - Sikkim Tourism Upcoming State Promoting Adventure Travel - Maharashtra Tourism

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March 2016

CONSERVATION

An inspiring Winter's tale Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida that houses two of the world's best known dolphins – Winter and Hope, has had a USD 2 billion dollar economic impact on Pinellas County in the last four years, created thousands of jobs and revolutionised the world of human and animal prosthetics By Sudipta Dev

ome to probably the world's most loved dolphin – Winter, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a rescue centre and hospital for marine animals in Florida. CMA houses rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, and sting rays. The most famous inhabitant is of course Winter, a dolphin without a tail, who has been the subject of the movie Dolphin Tale. The sequel Dolphin Tale 2 is the story of another famous (and permanent) inhabitant of CMA - Hope. CMA recently released its latest economic impact study from 2012-2015, done by Tourism Economics, a leading international global tourism forecasting company. According to the study, CMA's activities have led to more than USD 2 billion economic impact on Pinellas County in these four years. Along with this a total number of 44,444 jobs were supported in this period, averaging 11,000 per year. The study also revealed that 2.2 million room nights were booked by visitors who came to the aquarium. Winter had arrived in CMA in December 2005, following which CMA launched a global media campaign about her inspirational story. The movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2 were box office hits. Recently CMA released the episode of a web series called Rescue-Clearwater focusing on the real work being

34 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD March 2016

done at the facility. “More dolphin tail spinoffs on TV are also being planned, along with an animated TV series. Our three dolphins here - Winter, Hope and Nicholas cannot survive in the wild. In Dolphin Tail 2, two dolphins were released, as they could survive. The ideal situation is we have no animals to care for but in real life that never happens, there are always boats hitting turtles, litter wrapped around dolphins,” says David Yates, CEO, Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A lot of time, money and effort has gone into developing Winter's tail, which has had another positive impact that has benefitted thousands of people using prosthetic limbs across the world. “The gel we used for Winter's tail is being used by thousands of people with artificial limbs. The benefits have been way beyond Winter. It has also fuelled a wave for animal prosthetics around the world,” states Yates. This is done free of charge by Hanger Clinic, a human prosthetics company. Talking about almost a decade long efforts, he said, “We have been developing this tail for nine years. When we first did this, nobody had made a tail for dolphins before - we started from scratch and made dozens and dozens of tails over the years, in partnership with Hanger Clinic. While it looks like a very simple tail, a lot of hi-

tech research has gone into it, to make it fit properly. It is being modified all the time. Dolphins have very sensitive skin, if Winter does not enjoy the tail, she would not wear it. It also gives her physical therapy for her back. Nobody believed we could do it - how do you put a tail on a dolphin, but we refused to give up.” As far as promotions are concerned everything that CMA does is tourism based. “The economic impact study is jaw dropping dollars. The TV show will also show off the area and the beaches. A lot of tourism is built into the show. Everything we do has a tourism push to it,” mentions Yates.

David Yates

MOVEMENTS Jet Airways Jet Airways has appointed RAHUL TANEJA as chief people officer. In this role, Taneja will be responsible for shaping the operations and performance of the group. He will join the executive management committee that has been tasked by the board of directors of Jet Airways to drive the company’s growth and future strategy. Taneja will be based at Jet Airways’ corporate headquarters in Mumbai and will report to the CEO. He previously headed corporate human resources at Essar Group. His earlier roles include HR director at Dell International and group HR head at HFCL.

ation of India (WGAI) in 2014, making her number one in the WGAI ranking. She has won 17 titles till now which is the most by any female golf player on Indian tour.

Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines has appointed DAVID LIM as general manager for India. He will be taking over from his predecessor David Lau effective from April 3, 2016. In his new

PATA India Chapter The executive committee for the term 2015-17 for PATA India Chapter was unanimously elected at its 45th annual general meeting. The following executive committee members were elected as office bearers for a two-year term: VINOD ZUTSHI, secretary, ministry of tourism, Government of India, was elected as chairman; SANJEET, director, Durga Das Publications, was elected as vice chairman; JATINDER TANEJA, managing director, Travel Spirit International, was elected as secretary; and VIKRAM MADHOK, managing director, Abercrombie and Kent India, was elected as treasurer.

Tourism Authority of Thailand The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has appointed Indian female golfer VANI KAPOOR as Thailand golf ambassador in India. Kapoor has represented India in many domestic and international golf tournaments. She turned professional golfer in 2012 and her current world ranking is 767. She got the Order of Merit Winner & Player of the Year by Women's Golf Associ-

new leadership position within Honeywell. In his new role, Lien will oversee operations in six countries and extensive field operations across a network of 14 countries within the region. Lien will be based in Shanghai and report to Tim Mahoney, president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace. Lien’s previous role was vice president, Asia Pacific. Prior to that, Lien was vice president, Defense and Space International. Lien joined Honeywell in 2003 and has served in numerous roles in business and marketing throughout his tenure with the company. Lien also held positions at Pratt & Whitney, McKinsey and Company, and Kaiser Associates, serving clients in a range of industries with a focus on aerospace, defense and transportation.

AAE Travel

David Lim

role, Lim will be overseeing all India operations of Singapore Airlines. Whereas, David Lau, the outgoing general manager for India, will move to Tokyo as general manager for Japan. Lim began his career at Singapore Airlines in 1988 after graduating from the National University of Singapore. With over 27 years of experience with the company, he has worked in various capacities within passenger and cargo service operations. His overseas assignments are spanned across Berlin, London, Copenhagen, Zurich, Hong Kong and most recently Tokyo.

Honeywell Aerospace STEVEN LIEN has been appointed as president of Honeywell Aerospace Asia Pacific. Lien succeeds Briand Greer, who will be staying in the Asia Pacific region, assuming a

JONATHON SINCLAIR NEAL has been appointed as chief executive officer of AAE Travel, a joint venture between AirAsia and Expedia Inc. In this role, Neal will be based out of Singapore and provide strategic directions to the Singapore-based online travel company that drives two key brands, Expedia and AirAsiaGo across 12 countries including India, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. Prior to assuming this role, Neal was the chief financial officer of AAE Travel. He will be responsible for managing profit and loss and business strategy in the Asia Pacific, aiming to capture the top slot for the brand. Neal joined Expedia in 2003 in London where he supported Expedia’s early European businesses.

Engadin St Moritz Tourism Organisation Engadin St Moritz Tourism Organisation has appointed MASSIMO BONI as head of sales, replacing Miriam

Travel Corporation India Thomas Cook India has appointed DIPAK DEVA as managing director of Travel Corporation India (TCI). In his new role, Deva will be responsible for overall business strategy and delivery at TCI. Deva possesses an experience of over 26 years in the inbound travel business.

Bruder. In his new role, Boni will be responsible for managing 17 markets. Originally based in the Italian part of Switzerland, Boni has covered several positions in the tourism and travel industry, most recently in Etihad Airways in Lugano.

Boeing Boeing's board of directors has elected DENNIS A MUILENBURG as chairman, effective from March 1, 2016. Muilenburg succeeds W James McNerney Jr. Prior to this, Muilenburg was Boeing's president and chief operating officer. He also served as president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security. His experience includes numerous assignments in engineering and programme management across the company. Muilenburg joined the company in 1985 as an engineering intern in Seattle.

Mobile Travel Technologies DAVID MORAN has been appointed as chief executive officer of Mobile Travel Technologies (MTT). Based in MTT’s Dublin headquarters, Moran will join the company on March 1, 2016. In his new role, Moran will report to

Bryan Conway. Moran has held executive positions in North America with companies including Morgan Stanley, Software AG, Prism Solutions, Ardent Software and Insight Venture Partners. He was also the CEO of MediaBin, and executive-in-residence at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he assisted over 30 start-up companies with strategic planning, market analysis, and raising of initial funding.

Bombardier Business Aircraft Bombardier Business Aircraft has appointed CHRIS MILLIGAN as vice president, services sales and authorised service facilities (ASFs). In his new position, Milligan will be responsible for sales for service centres, parts services, component repair and overhaul (CR&O) and smart services, as well as sales support and service planning. Milligan will be based in Dallas, Texas. Most recently within the service centre network, Milligan was director, ASFs, mobile response and services growth. He began his career with Bombardier in 1996 within its then fractional jet ownership division, and has since held diverse positions.

EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD

March 2016

weekend

E V E N T S

GLAMOUR IN PHILIPPINES Dr Tanushree Pandey, winner of Gladrags 'Mrs ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai celebrated the country's 68th anniversary of Independence in Mumbai recently

ANNUAL CRICKET Cathay Pacific hosted its annual Cricket Sixes for the travel community at The Poona Club in Pune

AGREEMENT TO COLLABORATE Turkish Airlines and Boeing have signed a collaboration agreement in Istanbul that will strengthen Turkish Airlines’ longterm industry leadership and Turkey’s aerospace and technology capabilities

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March 2016

India 2015' was invited for a vacation in the Philippines sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Philippines

HIGH-PROFILE RENDEZVOUS VFS Global organised its annual diplomatic gathering in Delhi, which saw participation of around 350 members from the diplomatic fraternity comprising of embassy officials and guests from the travel and hospitality industry

SHOWCASING INDIA To mark the 67th Republic Day of India, ‘Bharat Parv’, a four day festival showcasing the rich cultural and ethnic heritage of India, was held at the Red Fort grounds

weekend

E V E N T S

ENDURANCE RUNNING L-R: Vikas Rustagi, regional director - west and central region, ministry of tourism, Government of India; Satish Soni, joint MD, MTDC; Joanne Lovejoy, deputy council general, Australian Consulate, Mumbai; and N S Rathore, chairman, IATO Chapter (West) addressing the press at Hotel Marine Plaza, Mumbai on the 'Spirit of India Run' where Pat Farmer, an ultramarathon runner from Australia, will run over 4600 km in 60 days starting from Kanyakumari and finishing in Kashmir

SKAL GATHERING The Skal Club of Bombay recently organised an event at the Pub, Willingdon Sports Club

DISTINGUISHED FELLOWSHIP The Institute of Directors (IOD), a not-for-

TRINIDAD CARNIVAL Trinidad and Tobago erupted into a parade of merriment as thousands of people from around the world participated in the Trinidad carnival

profit apex national association of Corporate Directors in India, honoured Rajeev Jain, CEO of Mumbai International Airport as the ‘Distinguished Fellow of IOD’ for 2016 at the Golden Peacock Awards Nite during IOD’s 10th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, which was held at Taj Lands End, Mumbai

HERITAGE WALK

The Indian Merchants' Chamber’s annual flagship event Heritage Walk was held in Mumbai to introduce to participants some of the historical and religious temple landmarks of the city

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weekend

E V E N T S

SPECIAL RECOGNITION Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central acknowlA TREAT TO GUESTS Sofitel Mumbai BKC celebrated its fourth anniversary by hosting the Vintage and Classic Car Rally through a celebratory brunch

SERVING COMMUNITY On the 67th Republic Day, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan in support of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, unveiled new sanitation facilities it sponsored at the Zilla Parishad School in Khalumbre

edged the contribution and support of more than 100 travel trade partners from Macau, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia at its Travel Trade Appreciation Awards 2015

REPUBLIC DAY Prime minister Narendra Modi (left) and French president Francois Hollande (second from left) visited Taj Chandigarh ahead of Republic Day

BEER BRUNCH Rahul Singh, founder and CEO, The Beer Cafe along with Kedhar Gawde played host to an intimate gathering at The Beer Cafe at Churchgate, Mumbai

INDIAN WINES London-based author and wine consultant Peter Csizmadia Honigh (centre) shared his experience documenting the wines of India for his book â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wines of India: A Concise Guideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Evviva Sky Lounge in Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre

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REGD.WITH RNI NO. MAHENG/2005/15993,POSTAL REGD. NO. MCS/163/2016 – 18,PUBLISHED ON 11TH EVERY MONTH, POSTED ON 12TH,13TH,14TH OF EVERY MONTH, POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE,MUMBAI – 400001.