Travel & Hospitality - December 2013 by Prem Sagar

Postal Reg. No.: DL(ND)-11/6151/2011-12-13

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issuE 10 | VoLuME iV | RNi No.: DELENg/2010/33723 | `50

DECEMBER 2013 | PRiNTED iN iNDia

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Traval Trade Monthly

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Festive Colours of Japan

08 Page No.

TAAI Convention: Ready-SteadyGo!

46 Page No.

Accor treads on a high growth trajectory in India

62 Page No.

In conversation: Vijay Wanchoo, Sr. Executive VP & GM, The Imperial New Delhi

The Edit Page Editor’s Note

Quote of the Month

Unite and lead the industry in larger interest

“Tourism is the industry of future considering the lesser amount of investment needed and high returns expected and the potential that this sector has to generate foreign exchange. Linkage between Ministry of Tourism and Private sector players, mutual co-operation between industry stakeholders, innovation and creative development of new concepts of tourism like-ecotourism, lifestyle tourism, weekend tourism, farm tourism and medical tourism will take the Tourism industry to new heights as the industry of future.”

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is the oldest and largest association of travel agents in India. The association has played key role in promoting and protecting the interests of a large section of travel trade community in India. But with the changing dynamics of travel and tourism industry, where, except few, many airlines long ago stopped paying commission to agents, travel agents find themselves at crossroad and stare at uncertain future. Event those few airlines who pay commission to agents, amount paid as commission is very little. In spite of favorable order by the civil Aviation Secretary on commission issue, airlines are reluctant to pay commission to agents. So the issue may continue to get protracted for a long time. Technology is the other factor that is changing rules of game in the industry. “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change,” Charles Darwin had said. So for agents to survive and flourish they need to manage changes in the industry. They have to adopt new technology and new set of skills to cope up with new changes or challenges and get advantage of emerging opportunities. But for an average agent it would be very difficult to upgrade their capacity and expertise. Hence, the role of TAAI becomes crucial, which should spearhead and facilitate innovation and technology adoption in the Indian travel trade community. TAAI should encourage agents to adopt new set of skills and modern technology in order to improve their efficiency and productivity. These initiatives are necessary not only for the survival of agents, but also for lakhs of people whose livelihood are dependent on the business of agents. TAAI should work not only for safeguarding the interest of agents but also guide and empower them to face the current and emerging challenges. In order to achieve all these objectives, TAAI should first bring complete unity and harmony among its own members, then, it should take initiative to bring unity among all the associations of agents. Only a united agent community can make its voice heard and secure its rights. TAAI, along with other associations should come together to negotiate with airlines to secure a fair commission for agents. TAAI should also encourage and help its members to diversify their business going beyond their traditional business of air-ticket selling.

shivraj Patil, governor, Punjab & administrator, Chandigarh at the inaugural session of the first ever Cii Tourism Festival held in Chandigarh.

Chart of the Month UNWTO Tourism Towards 2030: Actual trend and forecast 1950-2030

Publisher & Editor: Srishti Rai Managing Editor: Prem Kumar Art Director: Sunny Singh Special Correspondent (Mumbai): Anand Shah Correspondent (Kolkata): Swaati Chaudhury Contributing Writer: Chhavi Doonga

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inside the issue

DECEMBER 2013 | VoLuME iV | issuE 10

34 62 08 51 56

Cover Story

Visit Japan and be part of the country’s colourful festivals Ranging from the spiritual to the light-hearted, Festivals in Japan are some of the most joyful and celebratory events in the country. Visitors travel from across the globe to visit Japan to witness and participate in these national pastimes.

In conversation

Aiming new benchmarks of luxury experience Vijay Wanchoo, sr. Executive Vice President & general Manager, The imperial New Delhi has achieved many milestones in his career. in conversation with , Wanchoo talks about his life and career.

TAAI Convention: Ready-Steady-Go! Business sessions and event focused on the theme - ‘Connect, Co-operate and Collaborate’; more than 600 delegates expected to attend.

Thai Festival; Light up in New Delhi Tourism authority of Thailand, New Delhi recently organized the famous Thai festival of Loi Krathong in New Delhi at the Dusit Deverana Hotel.

“Turkey - A Million Reasons…What’s yours?” Turkish Culture and Tourism office has launched its india website with key information and the e-visa application. Turkish Culture and Tourism office along with Turkish airlines is also organizing online contests.

TAAI Convention

TAAI Convention: Ready-Steady-Go!

ing the convention; they will be

solved through unity. He said,

able to do so.”

“If all the travel trade associa-

Business sessions and event focused on the theme - ‘Connect, Co-operate and Collaborate’; more than 600 delegates expected to attend.

Expectations

chal-

single cause, travel agents fraternity will gain trust and

Sampat

value in the market. Moreover,

from all operators in different

Damani, Western Region Cha-

associating with associations

Travel

segments to resolve common

riman, TAAI, the Indian travel

like TAAI is important for our

Agents Association of

issues and challenges. After

industry is on the threshold of

industry to not only network-

his

year,

India (TAAI) has ze-

connecting and co-operating,

changes and transformation.

ing and healthy competition

roed in on a theme and desti-

industry leaders can collabo-

He said, “The biggest chal-

but also to understand chal-

nation apt for the current

rate and move towards the

lenge faced by the Indian

lenges and tackle them with

Indian travel market sce-

betterment of the Indian

travel agent is ‘Challenge and

common solutions. Right now,

nario, informs Iqbal Mulla,

travel industry.” The associa-

Competition’. Travel agents

the biggest challenge for the

President, TAAI. After 60 suc-

tion has priced convention

cessful conventions, the 61st

packages at attractive rates

annual Convention – The

to ensure maximum atten-

India Travel Congress 2013 is

dance at the event.

scheduled to take place at Vi-

After a gap of four to five

vanta by Taj, Yeshwantpur,

years, the association is hold-

Bengaluru from December 13-

ing its annual convention

16, 2013. The association has

back in India. Mulla explains,

received close to 300 registra-

“Bengaluru is the IT hub of

tions and is expecting over

India and with technology be-

600 delegates from various

coming an important business

segments of Indian travel in-

tool for travel industry, it be-

Specials at TAAI Convention 2013 The convention will feature few key business sessions on latest trends in the Indian travel and tourism industry; challenges and solutions for various industry problems and not to forget the ITTE (India Travel & Tourism Exhibition), TAAI Travel Awards 2013 and the Association Elections. Over 30 exhibitors will be showcasing their products during ITTE while Travel Awards will be presented to the top achievers of the Indian travel industry.

dustry to participate at the

came an apt city to hold the

convention.

convention. The delegates

need to adapt, accept and look

Indian travel agent is weekly

would not only get the oppor-

the way forward for sustain

payment which starts from

their business in the current

January 1, 2014.”

Talking about the theme

This year’s theme is different from last year which was ‘Involve to Evolve’. Now, its one step further with ‘Connect, Co-operate and collaborate’. Travel agents need to connect with not just the principals (airlines) but with multiple suppliers (hotels, cruise liners, insurance companies, etc).

“

for this year, Mulla said, “This

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

and

lenges According

Anand Shah

Iqbal Mulla President, TAAI

tions join hands and fight for a

tunity to network with IT lead-

scenario. They need to work

According to Karim, the

out on various business mod-

bureaucracy has definitely re-

els and survive and maintain

sulted in creating bottlenecks

profitability. More and more

in the improvement of tourism

tourism

in the country. He adds, “There

boards are understanding the

number

state

are still a number of restric-

need of a travel agent to pro-

tions in the area of tourism.

mote a destination and are

Free movement should be en-

coming forward to support our

couraged and private capital

year’s theme is different from

ers but also get to know the

fraternity and working closely

should come in more freely.

last year which was ‘Involve

strategies and ways to adopt

with us. However, with the

Private investment in the area

to Evolve’. Now, its one step

technology and deploy it in

elections set for next year, we

of heritage monuments and

further with ‘Connect, Co-op-

their business model. More-

don’t expect or can predict

sites protection would help the

erate and collaborate’. Travel

over, South India is an excel-

anything from the central or

tourism industry further. The

agents need to connect with

lent tourism market but not

union government for tourism

entrance fee charges need to

not just the principals (air-

yet a market which generates

sector.”

be reduced further. The Min-

lines) but with multiple sup-

tourists. Most travel agents in

pliers (hotels, cruise liners,

this part of India are still into

Karim,

Creative

dertaken various initiatives

insurance companies, etc).

ticketing and nothing else. It’s

Travels observes that there

since few years, biggest being

On the other hand, Adl Director,

istry of Tourism (MoT) has un-

Alongside, there is a need for

time for them to expand their

are multiple challenges in the

Visa-On-Arrival. But there’s

co-operation in the industry

business model and by attend-

industry which can only be re-

still lot to be done.”

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

TAAI Convention

Clubbing other events with TAAI’s convention is not a good idea This year TAAI is holding ITTE, Travel Awards, AGM and elections of its national office bearers along with its convention ‘The Indian Travel Congress – 2013’, which, according to some industry veterans, is not a good idea.

Rajan

Chairman-

clubbing other events with the

Elect, TAAI- Northern Region.

Sehgal,

convention. As we know, poli-

He added, “I believe that the

tics and elections have ten-

travel conventions are very im-

dency and potential to divide

portant platform not only to

and polarize people. But need

discuss various important is-

of hour is unity, harmony and

sues, but also to solve the prob-

cooperation. Underlying mes-

causality of this all-inclusive

lems our trade is facing. Today

sage of the theme of this year’s

TAAI is a largest and oldest

agenda of the convention

the travel trade is going

convention (Connect, Co-oper-

travel trade association in

would be ordinary agents, who

through

ate, Collaborate) is also the

several

changes,

India with having more that 25,

would gather at the event with

which we are not ready to ac-

00 members. The association

much expectation. At the con-

cept due to business conditions

represents almost all aspects

vention agents look for a con-

in India.”

“

unity and cooperation. Talking about the significance of the convention, Rai

Rajji Rai, Immediate Past

said, “For the reasons that

President of TAAI, is also not

TAAI is the largest and oldest

very much convinced of the

travel trade association in

idea of holding convention,

India, its convention is sup-

AGM, elections, exhibition and

posed to be largest gathering

awards all together. He said,

of travel and tourism industry

“As the convention is a very im-

in the country. For travel and

of travel, tourism and hospital-

structive and focused debate

ity industry, such as travel

on the issues that they are con-

portant event of not only for

tourism entrepreneurs and

agents, tour operators, hotels

fronting today.

TAAI, but also for the whole in-

professionals, the convention is a grand occasion to network,

etc. But most of its members

As the event is happening

dustry, the convention and

are travel agents. TAAI con-

within India, it is a great op-

other events should have been

learn and enjoy. Any conven-

vention is a mega annual event

portunity for every kind of

held separately. He added that

tion of TAAI is expected to be

for its members, and every

agents to participate in the

holding all these events to-

hub of networking, learning

member of TAAI looks forward

convention, and for the conven-

gether may adversely affect

and entertaining, where every

to it throughout year. It is an

tion it is also important to de-

the contents and quality of the

part of the industry is present

occasion where serious issues

bate and discuss the issues

convention.

On account of

one way or the other way.” He

are debated upon by its office

and problems that affect small

holding all these events to-

added, “The convention of

When you mix the annual TAAI convention, which is a much awaited travel industry event with TAAI elections, one has to forget any expectations.

“

Rajan Sehgal, Chairman – Elect, TAAI-Northern Region

gether, neither organizers nor

TAAI is also very important be-

delegates would be able to

cause TAAI has had been focal

focus on the convention. The

point of trade activities in the

idea of holding elections with

country.”

the convention is more per-

The TAAI convention

plexing because key members

serves as an interface between

bearers, travel trade experts

to medium size agents. But

of TAAI who are in the fray

various segments of travel and

and members. Considering the

with elections of TAAI office

would naturally be more inter-

tourism industry and stake-

current challenging time for

bearers, exhibition and award

ested in canvassing for their

holders. As it is an all India

the travel and tourism indus-

function being clubbed with it,

victory than the focusing on

gathering of the TAAI, mem-

try, relevance of the convention

it is doubtful whether the con-

the convention. Other problem

bers of TAAI also have oppor-

becomes more important.

vention will live up to expecta-

with holding the elections

tunity to informally discuss

tion to its members.

along with the convention is

and share good trade practices

But this time the way the

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

thought to these points before

Prem Kumar

For the reasons that TAAI is the largest and oldest travel trade association in India, its convention is supposed to be largest gathering of travel and tourism industry in the country.

Rajji Rai Immediate Past President of TAAI

get any expectations,” said

Some

convention is being organized,

members have already down-

that the elections may create

and know-how with each other.

its sanctity and significance

graded their expectation from

factionalism among the TAAI

Some of the past conventions

might be compromised, and

the convention.

“When you

members during the conven-

of TAAI held inside the country

the event might lose its pri-

mix the annual TAAI conven-

tion, thus harming the ultimate

have been grand success in

mary objective, with other

tion, which is a much awaited

purpose of the convention. So

term of participation of dele-

events taking sheen off from

travel industry event with

the Managing Committee of

gates and overall outcome of

the convention. The ultimate

TAAI elections, one has to for-

TAAI

the event.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

should

have

given

TAAI Convention

‘TAAI should discuss commission issue with Airlines at the convention’ Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) should discuss commission issue with heads of Airlines at its convention to ensure commission for agents in the wake of recent favorable statement of the union Civil Aviation Secretary regarding commission, says Rajan Sehgal, Chairman – Elect, TAAI-Northern Region. Prem Kumar train their staff in such a way peaking about the is-

that they should not only sell

sues the Bengaluru

air tickets but also sell prod-

convention of TAAI

ucts and services such as

S Rajan Sehgal Chairman – Elect TAAI-Northern Region

should debate, Sehgal said, “I

travel insurance, foreign ex-

think the most important sub-

change, hotels, transportation,

ject to discuss at the conven-

and lots of other avenues such

tion is the much-needed unity

as wedding tourism, medical

among our members as well as

tourism, golf tourism etc.”

among all travel associations

Expectation from the Conven-

of India so that they can repre-

tion.

tions in India.” According to

this year and they will take

sent trade community and

Holding elections of national

Sehgal, TAAI convention com-

charge after the elections of

their interests in more united

office bearers of TAAI along

mittee should make a very ef-

national office bears of TAAI.

and effective way.” According

with its convention has not

fective agenda and invite right

Explaining future plans of his

to Sehgal, TAAI should invite

gone down well with some

persons.

team, Sehgal said, “Our trade

the head of airlines in the con-

members of the TAAI. When

As regards holding conven-

members have shown lot of

vention to discuss the ongoing

TnH asked Sehgal, about his

tion within India Sehgal said

confidence in our young team.

commission

with

expectation from the conven-

that TAAI’s convention can be

Untill now we are lacking unity

them in front of its members

tion, he said, “When you mix

held inside India and also out-

among our members and vari-

and to carry forward the his-

the annual TAAI convention,

side as travel and tourism is

ous travel associations and we

toric statement made by Union

which is a much awaited travel

two-way traffic. He added, “As

will try to overcome this by

Civil Aviation Secretary on

industry event with TAAI elec-

problems faced by Indian

taking everyone in confidence.

commission issue. At the con-

tions, one has to forget any ex-

travel industry are endless, it

We will call members of the

problem

vention, TAAI should also discuss with the representatives of Airlines, important issues such as weekly payment, IATA Bank guarantee, and the amount of business they are getting from the travel agents” Suggesting the way as to how

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

TnH View TAAI should reposition itself as a broad-based travel trade body As the dynamics of trade is changing, TAAI should also evolve and reposition itself as a broad -based trade body of travel and tourism industry rather than just being an association of agents. It should widen its base and membership by inviting and welcoming people from all segments of travel trade and it should also take up the issues of all segments of the trade. TAAI should also restructure and reinvent itself in term of its vision, plans and resources to meet new kinds of challenges and to attract new kinds of members. As TAAI is holding its convention in Bengalore inside the country, this would be right time and occasion to debate and redefine its future role and direction. With differences between agents and tour operators getting blurred in the emerging trade scenario, TAAI should reposition itself as a large representative body of all segments of travel and tourism industry. Such a repositioning will not only enhance TAAI’s membership base, but also give it much needed leverage visà-vis airlines and government authorities. TAAI should also create an institutional framework to support its members in capacity building, manpower training and diversification.

TAAI should invite the head of airlines in the convention to discuss the ongoing commission problem with them in front of its members and to carry forward the historic statement made by Union Civil Aviation Secretary on commission issue.

“

Parliament from various political parties and will raise our problems with them so that they can raise our issues in the Parliament.” He added, “We will also engage with mainstream print and TV media to highlight the issues of travel

TAAI can help its members to

pectations.” He added, “I

would have better to hold the

trade in public domain. At

meet the challenges they are

believe that the travel conven-

convention in or around Delhi

present we see negligible cov-

facing, “First we have to bring

tions are very important plat-

where all the decision-makers

erage of problems of travel

the travel agents back on the

form not only to discuss the

and ministries of tourism and

trade in mainstream media. So

track with sudden drastic

problem, but also to solve the

civil aviation are located.”

we will create public aware-

changes for which the Indian

problems our trade is facing.

Travel industry is not ready. Of

Today the travel trade is going

Future agenda

country about our issues and

course there are other means

through several changes which

Sehgal along with other office

problems so that policy makers

of generating revenues besides

we are not able to cope up with

bearers of TAAI-NR got elected

and our customers can also

commission.

due to current business condi-

with huge margins in August

hear our problems.”

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Agents should

ness through media in the

Trade News

1st ever CII Tourism Fest held in Chandigarh The first ever Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Tourism Fest was held recently in a colorful style at Sector 17, Parade Ground, Chandigarh. The fest is being organized by CII, Chandigarh Administration and Punjab as the Principal Partner state.

should improvise and innovate

session of the first ever CII

The fest which will run

Tourism Festival which started

from 5-7 December 2013 has

and work with governments

off in a colorful style at Sector

Chandigarh as the Host City

and build up necessary infra-

17, Parade Ground here today,

and Punjab is the Principal

structure related to the hospi-

Chandigarh. The fest is being

Partner State while Haryana is

tality sector, set up more

organized by CII, Chandigarh

participating as the focus

budget hotels, upgrade infra-

Administration and Punjab as

state.

structure in religious and sce-

International Chef Meet

nic destinations to leverage the

“Linkage between Min-

with 35 chefs from 15 cate-

domestic tourists. Government

istry of Tourism and Private

gories from Iceland, Saudi Ara-

can play a role of the catalysts

sector players, mutual co-oper-

bia, Sri Lanka & Malaysia and

or facilitator for the private sector.”

the Principal Partner state.

ourism is the indus-

ation between industry stake-

various Indian states and

try of future consid-

holders,

and

Dance festival with dancers

He also urged the industry

ering

creative development of new

from Thailand & Indonesia and

to also focus on the domestic

the

lesser

innovation

amount of investment needed

concepts of tourism like-eco-

Indian states also attracted

tourism, which can be prof-

and high returns expected and

tourism,

and fascinated huge crowds.

itable in long run for the pri-

the potential that this sector

weekend

farm

Calling Tourism a Private

vate sector and recommended

has, to generate foreign ex-

tourism and medical tourism

sector industry, Shivraj V Patil,

leveraging the mighty Hi-

change”, emphasized Shivraj

will take the Tourism industry

said, “Tourism industry of

malayas,

lifestyle tourism,

tourism,

scenic

coastline,

V Patil, Governor, Punjab & Ad-

to new heights as the industry

India is totally under the con-

Eastern and Western Ghats

ministrator, UT, Chandigarh

of future, Patil further high-

trol of the private sector.

and unexplored destinations.

while addressing the Inaugural

lighted.

Therefore, the private sector

by TNH DESK

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

TAAI Convention

‘Need of the hour is to focus on the domestic tourism’ With its next convention taking place within the country, TAAI wants to create awareness about the business potential present in the domestic tourism sector, and boost the domestic tourism in the country. where as foreign tourist ar-

Prem Kumar

rivals to the country still below

xplaining the rationale

E N M Sharafudeen Vice President TAAI

and utility of holding

number of domestic tourists

convention inside the

can significantly increase if the

country, N M Sharafudeen,

government can develop and

Vice President, TAAI said, “I

improve infrastructure in the

think need of hours is to focus

country, such as roads, rail-

We need to consolidate our position as leading association and leverage our great legacy and strength to promote travel and tourism activities in the country.

“

The Indian Travel Congress - 2013, 61st Convention & Exhibition of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) will have 'Connect, Co-operate, Collaborate' as the theme. The event will be held from December 13-16, 2013 at Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru. The event will be held in conjunction with India Travel Trade Expo (ITTE) and TAAI Travel Awards. The Chief Guests of the Convention will be K Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka, and R V Deshpande, Minister for Tourism, Government of Karnataka. Secretary of Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, has also consented to be part of the event. The inauguration of the Convention will be followed by a gala dinner. The inauguration of ITTE will be held on the second day, followed by business sessions. The TAAI Travel Awards will be held in the evening of the second day. On December 15, networking and business sessions will continue, followed by a farewell dinner. TAAI will have its AGM on the last day. Explaining the significance of the theme, Iqbal Mulla, President, TAAI, said, "Keeping in mind the present scenario and challenges faced by the travel and tourism industry, we have designed our theme, which we believe is appropriate for the current scenario. The need of the hour is to 'Connect – Co-operate – Collaborate' for the benefit of our businesses.”

on the domestic tourism, which

ways, airports and hotels and

our position as leading associ-

of skills is also very important

offers huge opportunity and po-

make domestic tourism more

ation and leverage our great

and TAAI is working towards

tential of business for travel

affordable, accessible and en-

legacy and strength to promote

this end. “We will work for cre-

agents. Domestic tourism has

joyable. There is also need to

travel and tourism activities in

ating new sets of skills. We will

grown exponentially in recent

change mindset about domes-

the country,” said Sharafudeen.

help agents meet new chal-

years. The growth in the do-

tic tourism. With all its short-

Speaking about other key

lenges and take advantage of

mestic tourism is quite higher

coming and challenges, the

important issue the TAAI is fo-

new and emerging opportunity

than that of inbound tourism,

domestic tourism still remains

cusing on, “We are also trying

inside the country. In recent

so it is natural for an associa-

the backbone of the Indian

to bring unity in travel agents

times there have some very im-

tion like TAAI to create aware-

travel and tourism industry,

community. We played a key

portant changes in business

ness about growing business

and it will make a great busi-

role in the formation of FAITH.”

scenario, such as change in

opportunity in this segment

ness sense if traditional travel

As trends in the industry are

payment settlement period

and encourage agents to pro-

agents whose core business ac-

changing, agents need to de-

from monthly to fortnightly,

mote domestic destination.”

tivity is to sell air-ticket, start

velop new capacity and know-

then to weekly, changes in technology,” added Sharafudeen.

For a leading association

promoting domestic tourist

how to cope up with new

like TAAI, it is good move to ex-

destinations among the domes-

challenges, says… adding that

The forthcoming conven-

plore business opportunities in

tic tourists. TAAI can definitely

agents need to adopt modern

tion of TAAI offers a timely op-

the domestic tourism sector. No

help its members to explore op-

technology which is becoming

portunity to discuss key issues

one can deny the fact that with

portunities in the domestic

game changer.

He advised

the agents are facing today.

the

foreign

tourism market but sharing in-

agents to diversify its business

This convention should come

tourists, contribution of in-

clamour

for

sights about the domestic mar-

and sell other products like

up with new vision and

bound tourism in the Indian

ket with its members. And what

travel insurance. “TAAI will

agenda to address the prob-

tourism sector is marginal as

could right occasion than its

create awareness about all

lems faced by travel agents.

compared to the domestic

convention to create aware-

these things and inform and

But the success of TAAI in fu-

tourism, which is growing ex-

ness about domestic tourism,

update agents about new and

ture will also depend on its

ponentially. As per some con-

especially when the convention

emerging

next leadership and its ability

servative estimates, number of

is taking place within the coun-

travel and tourism industry,”

to take forward the agenda of

the Indian domestic tourists is

try.

said Sharafudeen. Developing

TAAI.

between 600 to 700 million,

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

than seven million. Growth in

TAAI Convention 2013 theme: Connect, Co-operate, Collaborate

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

“We need to consolidate

opportunities

new manpower with new sets

Cruise News

Thomas Cook India sees impressive outbound growth in Mumbai The company recently conducts its 10 city annual Partner Roadshow in the city.

Excellence Award.

to honeymooners and ad hoc

To en-

groups, provides the Com-

courage a diversity of initia-

pany with an optimal focus

tives,

market for 2014.

besides

the

Top

Performers award, Thomas

Commenting on the Mum-

Cook’s awards also included:

bai Roadshow, Jatinder Paul

the Best Debutant Partner,

Singh, Senior Vice President

Thomas

Best Partner (Store Brand-

& Head, Leisure Travel (Out-

Cook India’s Roadshow in-

ing), Best Partner (Sales Pro-

bound) – Sales & Distribution,

homas Cook (India)

Ltd, India’s leading

sented with a Thomas Cook

Highlights

integrated travel and

cluded the unveiling of both

motion) and Best Partner

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said,

travel related financial serv-

the top favourite and emerg-

(Processes).

“Our Mumbai Gold Circle Part-

ices company, conducted its

ing consumer destinations

Mumbai has played a pow-

ner franchisees & Preferred

Roadshow for its partners in

and new product launches for

erful role in Thomas Cook

Sales Agent partners, form a

Mumbai today. This roadshow

2014, together with interac-

India’s growth story, with its

vital element of our sales strat-

aimed at educating and en-

tive product-cum- sales train-

Channel Network contribut-

egy. Valuing & rewarding our

gaging Thomas Cook India’s

ing

best

ing to over 30% of its sales.

partner’s contribution and de-

significant Channel Network

practices

With YoY growth of 40%,

veloping their expertise is mis-

of 23 Mumbai based Gold Cir-

Thomas Cook’s experienced

Mumbai’s diversity of holiday

sion critical to us at Thomas

cle Partners (franchisees)

Tour Managers.

consumers ranging from fam-

Cook India. Our Annual Na-

sessions

and

conducted

and Preferred Sales Agents,

The Thomas Cook Road-

ilies, students, youth, senior

tional Partners Meet and

saw a strong participation of

show concluded with a felici-

citizens, HNI-UHNI luxury

Roadshow has proved to be an

approximately 90 Thomas

tation ceremony where top

customers, women travelers

impactful initiative in engaging

Cook agent partners.

performing agents were pre-

and business entrepreneurs

with them.”

DE C EMB ER 2013|

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Trade News

Coming of age: ITTA celebrates its silver jubilee Time of celebration: Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA), India’s leading tourist transporters association recently celebrated its silver jubilee in New Delhi. mong the eminent

persons who were

present on the occa-

sion were Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Sarvey

Sathyanarayana,

Union minister of State for Transport & Highways, T K A

seamless movement of tourists

earnings (FEE) may be small

ment of India, Sarab Jit Singh,

vehicles in the country across

but the importance of this sec-

Chairman

Secretary,

state borders. He said that for

tor is critical as it provides the

ITTA, Krishnan Dutt Yadav,

this rationalization of inter-

last mile connectivity to the

Presidnet, ITTA and Babu

state taxes on tourist vehicle is

tourist visiting India. “Approx-

Panicker, VP, ITTA.

must. Singh said that current

imately 8 lakh people are di-

cum

Addressing the members

irrational and exorbitant taxes

rectly employed in the sector

of the Association, Oscar Fer-

on vehicles hinder free move-

and we have a potential to gen-

nandes, informed the mem-

ment of tourists. Saying that

erate approximately 3 lakh

bers

the

tourist transport sector plays

more jobs within next five

Government has increased the

a significant role in the growth

years.” Sing further said that

ITTA

that

Tourist vehicles are harassed across India by police and other enforcement agencies primarily for gratification. We have brought this to the notice of all concerned with no improvement in the scenario.

“

Sarab Jit Singh, Chairman cum Secretary, ITTA operational

lifespan

it is important to analyze scenario in which the tourist transport sector is operating in the country. “Tourist vehicles are harassed across India by police and other enforcement agencies primarily for gratifica-

of Tourism, Singh noted that

tion. We have brought this to the

Nair, Advisor to Prime Minster,

coaches from the current 8 to

the Foreign Exchange Earning

notice of all concerned with no

Parvez Dewan, Tourism Secre-

15 years, which had been long-

from Tourism is `100,000

improvement in the scenario,”

tary, Government of India,

standing demand of tourist

Crore annually the share of

said Singh, adding this, “Not

Usha Sharma, ADG Tourism,

transporters.

tourist transport sector is esti-

only this adds to the cost, but

mated to be approximately `

also tarnishes India’s image among Foreign Tourists.”

Government of India and

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

port and Highways, Govern-

Speaking on the occasion,

Alkesh Sharma, Joint secre-

Sarab Jit Singh, Chairman

5,000 Crore. Contribution in

tary, Ministry of Road Trans-

cum Secretary, ITTA called for

terms of foreign exchange

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

by TNH DESK

Trade News

Disha 2013 goes bigger and better The event highlighted the latest trends in the Indian tourism industry; felicitated the top research paper writers Anand Shah

Bhujbal,

Minister

for

ith an aim to bring

Tourism, Maharashtra was

re-

the Chief guest at the event

search in the field

who also awarded the top

of Indian travel and tourism

three research paper writers.

quality

sector, Thomas Cook, Centre

After

felicitating

the

of Learning launched ‘Disha’.

award winners of the re-

After the successfull launch of

search papers at Disha 2013,

Indian

tourism Cook

sector.

Topics invited for research papers Global recession and impact on tourism Creating talent for the industry through tourism education Impact of tourism on local culture Cruise Tourism potential and strategy in India Position of Indian tourism industry with respect to the world Impact of civil aviation policies on tourism industry in India Policy and planning – Heritage conservation Publicity roadmap for Maharashtra tourism Infrastructure - the need for it in having a robust tourism industry The relevance of movies in marketing a destination How technology is changing the face of travel and tourism industry

first edition in 2012; Centre of

Bhujbal said, “In our Indian

Thomas

Learning recently organised

tourism industry, talent man-

Learning is one of those insti-

the second edition of this ini-

agement is one of the most im-

tutes which acts as catalyst

tiative in Mumbai. Under this

portant

Firstly,

providing benefits to both the

initiative, Centre of Learning

travel agents need a pool of

sides of the industry - both

invited faculties of various ed-

talented minds to score higher

travel

ucational institutions to pro-

than the customers who are

travel service providers.”

vide

well informed due to internet

multiple topics related the In-

and social media. On the other

‘Travel and Tourism – Emerg-

dian travel and tourism sec-

hand, young minds needs to

ing Trends’ was also staged at

cussed

sustainable

develop infrastructure, flexi-

research

papers

concerns.

Centre

professionals

and

A panel discussion on

about

tor. Top dignitaries from the

be guided to assure them with

the event which highlighted

tourism, growing importance

ble tourism policies and en-

Indian tourism industry were

safe

exciting

views from the experts of the

of social media, innovation in

couraging environment for

present at the event. Chaggan

growth opportunities in the

industry. The panelists dis-

product offering and need to

private players.

Ghatkopar, a key commercial

mium). Our specially created

& residential zone, is ideally

Marathi and Gujarati regional

located to tap the diversity of

tours ‘Vishwa Parikrama’ and

holiday consumers – not just

‘Aavo Amari Saathe’ have

from Mumbai’s business com-

seen strong demand from

munity, but equally its family

Mumbai. These specialized

future

and

Thomas Cook India opened New Gold Circle Franchisee Outlet in Mumbai Thomas Cook (India) Ltd recently inaugurated its new franchisee (Gold Circle Partner) outlet at Ghatkopar, Mumbai. With the opening of this new outlet, Thomas Cook India’s network in Mumbai now extends to 19 branches- in Fort, Andheri, Chembur, Bandra, Sion, Lower Parel, Borivali; 14 franchise outlets in Tardeo, Kandivali, Vasai, Parel, Mulund and 11 agents in Dadar, Vashi, Borivali, Powai. With an impressive reach of a total of 80 locations in the state, Thomas Cook India has reiterated the value that it places in Maharashtra and its consumers. homas Cook India’s

packages,

new Gold Circle Partner outlet, located at

individual

and

and ad hoc groups, as also the

tours, managed by profes-

emerging Gen Y Youth and

sional, friendly and experi-

Gen S. With our new outlet,

enced

regional

language

we hope to bring the best of

speaking tour managers, who

holiday options right to our

escort the groups from depar-

customer’s doorstep!” He added, “To offer its consumers

ture in Mumbai to arrival back in Mumbai, offer the

Leisure Travel (Outbound),

travel-hungry

added

comfort

home

group tours), air tickets,

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

great value, Thomas Cook

cruises, visa & insurance.

said, “Mumbai’s rapid expan-

India launched its unique

As a special gesture to its

cooked food on tour.”

Ghatkopar, a prime business

Commenting on the open-

sion coupled with its unique

“Holiday pe Holiday FREE!”

customers, the Ghatkopar

and residential hub of Mum-

ing of the Ghatkopar Gold Cir-

commercial cum cosmopoli-

campaign for summer 2014,

outlet offers inaugural dis-

bai, provides a diverse range

cle

tan outlook is a powerful mar-

with innovative consumer-

counts on all tours and pack-

of services such as Holidays

Singh, Senior Vice President

ket for us. Our Thomas Cook

centric products across price

ages, available till November

(domestic and international

& Head, Sales & Distribution –

franchisee

points (super budget to pre-

11, 2013.

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

outlet,

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Jatinder

Paul

outlet

by TNH DESK

Market Study

India 10th most vacation deprived nation: says Expediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study

the world) Indians are highest on

cation time will be perceived

being too strapped with work

negatively by their employer

to go for a vacation. 31% of

India comes down 6 positions to feature as 10th most vacation deprived nation, according to Expedia.co.in 2013 Vacation Deprivation Study.

Indians don't take vacation

Less vacation, more work,

because of workload

but we are satisfied. This is

We want to feel impor-

India is second highest

ent in all key decisions of the

in having maximum number

during regular days, Indians

that Indians lag in

work for more hours than

company and with a maxi-

of over worked people with

maintaining a work-

other countries with38% peo-

mum % of 25, Indians are the

people working for an aver-

life balance and that 94% of

ple working for 41-50 hours a

highest in cancelling vacation

age of42 hours a week. Hong

Indian holidaymakers stay

week. This shows the need for

due to this reason

Kong is highest with people

connected to work during va-

a better work-life balance," he

cations.

added.

working an average of44 We Holiday like we work.

Expedia.co.in recently released the results of the 2013

hours a week

94% Indians at least Findings of the survey:

Despite being the coun-

sometimes check work email

try with one of the most over-

v/s

even on vacation which is the

worked people, 85% are

an annual analysis of vaca-

taken: We are still vacation

highest in the world, followed

satisfied with their job

tion and holiday habits across

deprived!

by France (93%), Thailand

Vacation Deprivation study,

Vacation

multiple countries and continents. Per the vacation depridown five positions to feature

granted

Average number of leaves taken - 19.8

vation survey, India comes

(92%), Malaysia (91%) and Mexico (91%)

Average number of leaves granted - 25.6

Methodology Harris

InteractiveÂŽ

13% of Indians (tied with

fielded the online survey on

South Koreans) say they are

behalf of Expedia between

as the 10th most vacation de-

63% Indians still feel

never able to fully leave their

August 20th to September

prived nation from 4thposi-

they are vacation deprived

work even on vacation, which

12th 2013 among 8,535 re-

tion last year. But while on an

(10thmost vacation deprived)

spondents

average, Indians utilize 20 out of 26 leaves granted, they still

Why are we vacation de-

lag behind in relishing the

prived? We prefer money

leisure time- whether booking

over vacations!

third

highest

after

Japan(18%) and Thailand

countries.Each country was

(15%)

weighted using propensity

59% are not able to plan

scores and/or demographic

their vacation in advance be-

data to reflect the country's

hotels for a relaxing getaway

37% of Indians prefer

cause it depends on their

employed adult population as

or just staying at home - with

getting money in exchange of

work - again highest com-

a whole. Exceptions to this

94% at least sometimes check

unused holidays, which is the

pared to all the other coun-

are Brazil, Thailand, Mexico,

on mails even during on vaca-

highest number in the world,

tries

tion.

followed closely by Brazil

"Holidays play an impor-

(30%)

tant role in relaxing and re-

Indians are ranked third

energizing employees while

highest in saving vacations

and

employed populations of each country. In India three re-

work!

gions were surveyed: Delhi

for future use- 46% of Indians ther

their vacation due to work

ture usage with Malaysia and Singapore leading with 56%

work

and 53% respectively

life

balance,"

said

74% of Indians have eicancelled/postponed

/Chennai/Ben-

galuru (n=106). These three together to reflect their popu-

good books

lation size. For the global 24-

32% of Indians (tied with Mexico) are not able to plan

Indians are second, be-

country total, an additional

because of time co-ordination

hind Thailand (22%), in not

post-weight was applied to

problems in book flights, ho-

taking leaves to be in boss'

adjust for the relative size of

tels,

good books

each country's adult popula-

and

other

travel

pletely letting go during their

arrangements

with

18% of Indians don't use

vacation. Not just this, even

spouse/friends (4th highest in

all the leaves because they

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Hyderabad

We want to be in the boss'

ager, South and Southeast

behind when it comes to com-

(n=95), Mumbai (n=100) and

regions were then weighted

Vikram Malhi, General Man-

"In India, people still lag

were

minute project? Of course

save their vacations for fu-

believes that vacations are an

which

Planned vacation v/s Last

enhancing their motivation &

essential part of a healthy

India

weighted to reflect the online

productivity. Expedia strongly

Asia Expedia India.

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

India!

tant - Indians want to be preshe story has found

Vikram Malhi General Manager, South and Southeast Asia Expedia India.

fear that taking all of the va-

tion. by TNH DESK

Tech News

TripAdvisor partners with STAAH to boost online bookings for hotels in real time The association will increase the hotel’s business by linking them to more than 260 million unique monthly visitors of TripAdvisor

TAAH.COM has been

Certified booking en-

announced as Trip-

gines will provide the accom-

Connect

modation’s

Premium

partner for TripAdvisor’s new platform TripConnect. TripConnect is a powerful new way for hotels, mo-

real

time

availability and online booking capability to make this possible.

seamless to use. Independent

Jeddo said, “This is a signifi-

hotels, motels and B&Bs that

cant milestone and an oppor-

TripAdvisor

tunity we wanted to ensure

Business Listings can simply

our clients could take advan-

place a bid that reflects their

tage of.”

budget. They can bid for a

“Umaid Bahwan Heritage

favourable position in the

House Hotel, a four and a half

Hotel

Comparison

star property in India was

rankings by choosing how

quick to take up TripConnect,

much they wish to pay per

recognising TripAdvisor as a

click.

key referral for business and

Price

TripConnect is a costper-click

With the launch of Trip-

means

solution, that

Jo Bransgrove, Gables Lake-

which

front Motel, a four and a half

participating

star property in Taupo, New

tels and B&Bs to generate

Connect,

accommodation

hoteliers only pay when a

Zealand has taken advantage

incremental bookings by par-

clients will be able to bid for

traveller clicks through to

of the new TripConnect serv-

ticipating in Hotel Price Com-

TripAdvisor

their website, or more specif-

ice,” Jeddo said.

parison and self-managing

traffic, participate in auto-

ically, to their website’s

“STAAH acts as the book-

their online advertising cam-

mated review collection and

reservation page. This is

ing engine for a number of ho-

more on APD in the Aviation

tives believe no-frills business

billion.

Chapter). Visa regulations are

class cabins could be success-

highlighted by 16%.

ful in other regions. Europe

Furthermore, nine out of

2013 Industry Report,

ten senior travel industry ex-

Only 4% highlight eco-

and Asia are the two regions it

The global economy

ecutives that the World Travel

nomic stability and consumer

is felt are best suited to the

is slowly starting to recover

Market 2013 Industry Report

confidence as barriers to

new and emerging business model, with 42% and 40% respectively. North America and the UK & Ireland followed on 35% and 29% respectively. UK holidaymakers appear to support the emerging business model. Six out of ten UK holidaymakers say they would pay extra to sit in a no-frills business class cabin. More than a quarter gave a ‘yes’ to the question of paying extra for the service, while a 39% said it would depend on the additional cost. In the WTM Global Trends Report 2013, Euromonitor In-

following the recent financial

polled are optimistic about the

growth, which further demon-

ternational suggests no-frills

downturn. US unemployment

prospects for both their com-

strates the industry’s opti-

business class cabins or full

figures are at their lowest

pany and the wider industry

mism and highlights how the

business class flights are a

since December 2009, while

as a whole in 2014. Interest-

global economy has improved.

the UK’s are at their lowest

ingly, the percentage is slightly

since February 2009. Greece,

higher for the senior execu-

AVIATION: No-frills Busi-

Jet and Ryanair, could em-

the highest profile bailout by

tives own companies (91%)

ness Class

brace.

the European Union, predicts

than it is for the industry

A new trend has taken off in

it will be out of a six-year long

(89%).

The no-frills airlines may

the Middle Eastern aviation in-

take on board the business

These figures include 39%

dustry of no-frills carriers of-

model quicker as UK holiday-

industry is following suit. 2012

and 27% who are ’very opti-

fering a business class service.

makers say they would be will-

was the first year more than

mistic’ for their company’s and

No-frills business class can in-

ing to pay up to £350 more to

one billion (1,035 billion)

the industry’s prospects re-

clude bigger seats, more leg

fly low cost business class. Al-

recession in 2014. The travel

D ECEM B ER 2 01 3 |

business model that the UK’s low-cost carriers, led by easy-

global trips were taken. 2013 is

spectively. Seven out of ten say

room, a meal and on-board

though, some holidaymakers

poised to be even better with

their businesses had seen an

duty-free, while keeping low

say they would only be pre-

the United Nations World

increase in demand over the

prices and the airlines still

pared to pay an extra £5 for

Tourism Organization predict-

past 12 months. However, the

achieving good profitability.

no-frills business class service.

ing a further 4% increase, as

industry still faces some hur-

Jazeera Airways was the first

almost 500 million trips were

dles; with half of those polled

to introduce this service and

Emerging

taken in the first half of the

highlighting the negative im-

this year Flydubai has fol-

Tourism Economies: BRICS

year (an increase of 5%).

pact international and domes-

lowed suit. It is a trend which

The emerging markets of

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Travel

and

Industry Report

Brazil, Russia, India, China

reasons for China being the

contribution to GDP in the

sites to improve this, they re-

and South Africa have long

most

outbound

coming years - with a growth

main the most trusted and key

been highlighted as the future

tourism market. With Brazil,

rate of 6.7%. Its ten year out-

resource for UK holidaymak-

powerhouses of the travel and

forthcoming tourism events

look is that South Asia will

ers when it comes to planning

important

tourism industry. The BRICS

and growing economy is cited.

outperform all other world

their holidays. Peer review

have featured heavily in all

However, 28% of those polled

subregions with a 7.2% growth

sites – such as TripAdvisor –

four of the World Travel Mar-

say the BRICS nations are not

rate driven by increasing

are the clear leaders on more

ket Industry Reports.

important to their businesses.

wealth in the middle classes.

than one quarter (27%), fol-

In the 2010 report, almost

This may indicate the industry

half (47%) of the industry saw

is shifting its focus away from

ganization projects the Asia

dations on only 18%, so UK

the BRIC nations (minus

the BRICS to other emerging

Pacific Region will have the

holidaymakers trust strangers

South Africa at that stage) as

economies.

one of the biggest growth opportunities until 2014, with al-

SLIMMA

The UN World Tourism Or-

lowed by personal recommen-

largest increase in inbound

on peer review sites more than

tourism through to 2030 with

they do their friends and fam-

an increase of 330 million in-

ily. Tourist board websites and

most one in three (28%) seeing

The World Travel Market 2011

ternational arrivals reaching a

guidebooks each polled 14%.

them as the single biggest op-

Industry Report highlighted

total of 535 million interna-

Worryingly for the publishing

Key findings of WTM 2013 report

the SLIMMA countries – Sri

tional arrivals by 2030 and a

industry specialist travel mag-

Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia,

30% global market share – the

azines and the travel sections

Mexico and Argentina as

only region with an increasing

of the newspapers poll only 5%

emerging travel and tourism

market share through to 2030.

each.

The travel industry recovering following the recovering in key economies. 2012 was the first year more than one billion (1,035 billion) global trips were taken. 2013 is poised to be even better with the UNWTO predicting a further 4% increase, as almost 500 million trips were taken in the first half of the year (an increase of 5%). WTM 2013 Industry Report finds a greater trend with Asia appearing to be the focus for industry growth.

portunity over the same pe-

powerhouses. The SLIMMA

Furthermore,

research

However, they fared better

nations were highlighted again

company Trimetric has four

than blogs, travel apps and so-

in last year’s report and have

Asian countries in its Tourism

cial media – which all only se-

been cited in the 2013 report

Potential Index Top Ten. Sin-

cure 3% of the vote each.

for their potential for travel

gapore is first due to the buoy-

and Tourism.

ant economies in key source

The Renaissance of the

markets of Indonesia, China

Guidebook

Asia

and Malaysia. Malaysia is

As the internet and mobile

However, the World Travel

fourth with Thailand fifth, with

apps have grown in promi-

Market 2013 Industry Report

Japan at number ten.

nence and had more and more

has unearthed a greater trend

investment from travel and

with Asia appearing to be the

MINTs

tourism companies, the role of

focus for industry growth.

Last month the investment

the traditional guidebook has

When senior industry execu-

company MSCI highlighted the

been called into question. It

riod. China remains the most

tives were asked to identify

MINT countries - Mexico,

has been felt – and certainly

important of all the BRICS

three developing countries

Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria

claimed – that the traditional

markets for outbound tourism.

with the greatest travel and

and Taiwan - in its Beyond

hard copy guidebook, which

In 2012 China was viewed as

tourism potential, nine of the

BRIC Index. Interestingly, all

has been the best friend of hol-

the most important market fol-

top 30 destinations are in Asia.

of the countries except for Tai-

idaymakers since mass mar-

lowed by Russia, Brazil, India

As well as China and

wan were in the senior execu-

ket travel started, has been on

and then South Africa. This

SLIMMA’s Sri Lanka, Indone-

tives’ top 30 destinations with

the wane.

travel and tourism potential.

year China is still top for out-

sia and Malaysia, senior in-

bound tourism, highlighted by

dustry

more than a fifth (21%) of sen-

highlight: Vietnam, Myanmar,

Resources for Travel (be-

ior industry executives. Russia

Cambodia, Philippines, Thai-

fore and during the holiday)

at a significant loss - at the be-

was second on 16%, followed

land

Peer Review Sites the Key Hol-

ginning of the year. Staff at its

iday Planning Resources

Melbourne

by India and Brazil on 13%, with South Africa on 9%.

executives

also

These findings are sup-

Arguably the most famous guidebook publisher, Lonely

ported by those of The World

Despite the on-going con-

The size of the potential

Travel and Tourism Council,

troversy surrounding peer re-

Planet was sold by the BBC -

headquarters

found out later in the year they could face redundancy.

market and the potential

which projects that South Asia

view

the

However, the World Travel

spend alongside existing busi-

will have the strongest growth

legitimacy and authenticity of

Market 2013 Industry Report

ness links were cited as the

in Travel & Tourism’s direct

reviews and the effort of the

contradicts claims of the death

sites,

including

DE C EMBER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Industry Report

of the guidebook and reveals they are in good health. Almost six out of ten holidaymakers (59%) use a hard

for people to relax and switch off from the stresses and

UK Trends: the rise of the

the price differentials – and

strains of their lives and

Staycation

why parents are prepared to

recharge their batteries.

Since the global financial

break the rules, as fines are

copy traditional guidebook,

However, it would appear

downturn hit the UK in 2008

cheaper than the school holi-

compared to 25% who print

this is changing with more and

much has been made in the

day rates.

from the web and three times

more people wanting to keep

UK about the rise of the Stay-

A UK break to Centre

the 20% who use an app.

in touch with friends and rela-

cation – people holidaying in

Parcs in Wiltshire, for exam-

tives back home.

the UK because it is cheaper

ple, was £1,038 in early July,

Furthermore, the statistic that will most please the traditional guidebook industry is

Approaching half (43%) of holidaymakers

use

social

than going overseas. This

but the price rose to £1,928

year’s report seems to indicate

when the school holidays

the massive 41% purchased

media – to varying degrees –

this trend is set to continue in

began. For a EuroDisney

the guidebook for the trip,

while they are on holiday. One

to 2014. When UK holidaymak-

break, prices ranged from

compared to the 18% who bor-

in ten holidaymakers will use

ers were asked where they

£2,262 in the first week of July

social media regardless of

holidayed this year the UK

to £2,631, while a package deal

whether they are in the UK or

was by far the most popular

to Spain ranged from £1,501 to

rowed

guidebook

from

friends. The guidebook’s superior-

abroad, while a further 7% will

destination – more than twice

£2,558 over the same periods –

ity over the internet and apps

only use social media when on

as many entries than Spain

an increase of more than

is further demonstrated as UK

holiday in the UK. More than

and three times as France.

£1,000 for those who wait for school holidays.

holidaymakers value the infor-

one quarter (27%) are active

This remains the trend for

mation in them as far more

on social media – wherever

2014, with the UK predicted to

useful for planning a holiday.

they are – but not as active as

be the most popular holiday

Cruise Holidays

Guidebooks poll 14%, almost

they normally are at home.

destination next year – with

The cruise industry is the

more than twice as many high-

fastest growing sector of the

lighting the UK than Spain and

global tourism industry with

France and three times as

new ships being introduced

many as the USA. Three out of

every year. Interestingly, more

ten UK holidaymakers say last

than seven out of ten (71%) of

summer’s good weather will

UK holidaymakers have never

make them more likely to holi-

been on a cruise holiday, with

day at home next year, includ-

32% not interested in a cruise

China remains the most important of all the BRICS markets for outbound tourism. In 2012 China was viewed as the most important market followed by Russia, Brazil, India and then South Africa. This year also China is top for outbound tourism. Russia was second on 16%, followed by India and Brazil on 13%, with South Africa on 9%. five times more than the 3%

The use of social media

achieved by travel blogs, travel

while on holiday looks set to

ing 15% who say they are

holiday. This is despite the

apps and social media.

become commonplace, due to

‘much more likely’ to holiday

vast sums the cruise industry

DK Travel has celebrated

the potential ditching of mobile

in the UK in 2014

spends on marketing. Neilsen

its 20th anniversary by re-

roaming charges while in Eu-

launching its main travel guide

ropean Union countries The

School Holidays

shipping sector spent around

statistics reveal the cruise

series. Publishing Director

EU is looking to scrap roaming

For the current academic year,

£285 million on marketing be-

Clare Currie notes that this re-

charges in its 28 member

the UK Government has intro-

tween 2010 and 2013. This

launch comes at a pivotal time:

countries, which include major

duced a £60 fine per child if

covers print advertising, TV

“Our current reality is that

holiday hotspots countries of

parents take them out of

advertising, direct mail and

more people buy guides in

France, Spain, Croatia, Greece

school to go on holiday during

cinema promotions. However,

print than they do in digital

and Portugal. This follows on

term time, making next sum-

the marketing assault has

equivalents. We’ve listened to

from a cap the EU introduced

mer the first peak time the

worked on 39% of holiday-

our users and also looked at

in July this year. Almost half

new law will be tested.

makers who said they would

how we travel ourselves, and

(48%) of UK holidaymakers

Almost four out of ten

like to go on a cruise. Almost

what we want before, during,

polled say they will be more in-

(37%) of parents (514 in total)

a quarter (23%) had been on a

and after we hit the road.” Use of Social Media on Holi-

D ECEM B ER 2 01 3 |

mer 2013 showed the extent of

clined to use their mobiles

would pay the fine to take their

cruise and liked it. While 6%

abroad – either calling, text

children out of school during

had been on a cruise holiday

messaging or using data – fol-

term time.

but did not like the experi-

day

lowing the decrease of roam-

Holidays were once essential

ing charges.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Figures from the Nationwide Building Society in sum-

ence. by TNH DESK

Government News

Odisha promoting Buddhist tourism The States is spending close to `30 crore this year on publicity and promotions in domestic and international markets Anand Shah

P K Behera Joint Director & Deputy Secretary Odisha Tourism

partment,

Government

FAMs for travel agents from

January 22, 2013. The special

Thailand, Singapore, Cambo-

inter-state train covers famous

dia,

Indonesia,

Buddhist destinations in Bihar,

Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Sri

Uttar Pradesh and Delhi and

Vietnam,

Lanka and Hong Kong to pro-

now will have Odisha. Officially,

vide them first hand experience

the inflow of foreign tourists to

disha is the latest en-

Odisha, the state is spending

of Buddhist circuit in the state.

Odisha stood at 64,719 in 2012.

trant in the list of

close to Rs 30 crore in this fis-

We have also renovated our

While only 482 tourists from

states promoting Bud-

cal for promoting Buddhist cir-

state-run properties at few

Thailand visited the state last

dhist tourism in India along

cuits in the state. The state is

Buddhist sites and improved on

year, about 70 came from Hong

with Bihar, Gujarat, Maharash-

also in talks with few air oper-

accommodation facilities at

Kong, 470 from Singapore, 233

tra, Uttar Pradesh and many

ators to operate regional air-

other sites with the help of pri-

from Indonesia, 3,930 from

more. The state has developed

line connecting smaller regions

vate operators.” Behera in-

Japan and 1,601 from Korea.

an excellent Buddhist circuit

and towns for better tourist in-

formed that the state has more

“We will continue our ef-

covering Bhubaneswar, Dhuli,

frastructure.

than 324 Buddhist sites exist-

forts to endorse Buddhist

ing in different parts of Odisha,

tourism and work closely with

Konark, Puri, Lalitgiri, Ratna-

Talking about the Buddhist

giri, Udaigiri and Langudi. It

circuit in the state, Behera

out of which 108 sites have re-

domestic and international

has recently won ‘Best Pilgrim-

said, “Odisha is increasingly

mains of Buddhist establish-

travel agents who are selling

age

becoming popular among do-

ments in forms of Stupas,

Buddhist circuit. Apart from

Chaityas or monastery com-

this, we also want to position

plexes.

Odisha as a preferable destina-

Tourism

Destination

Award 2013’ by Today’s Trav-

mestic

eller for top religious destina-

tourists for history, archeology,

tions

Puri,

and

international

Konark,

culture, festivals, adventure

India’s special Buddhist

tion for golf tourism, medical

Bhubaneshwar, Keonjhar, Gan-

and many more attractions.

train – Mahaparinirvan Ex-

tourism, wildlife tourism, beach

jam and Koraput. According to

However, Buddhism is one of

press will touch down in Odisha

tourism, eco tourism and off

P K Behera, Joint Director &

the key focus for our state this

again on December 25, 2013

course religious tourism,” adds

Deputy Secretary, Tourism De-

year. We are investing highly on

after its last halt in the state on

Behera.

and motor launches. Around

like Mayfair Lagoon and

20 electric towers have col-

Swosti Oberoi have shut down

Phalin ravages tourist destinations in coastal Odisha The tourism department of Odisha is going the extra mile to cope up with the natural calamity that has hit the land recently in order to make the cyclone-hit tourist destinations bounce back to normalcyin November. Swaati Chaudhury

bungalows

and

motor

lapsed in Ganjam and the cy-

their operations in Gopalpur-

clone-hit areas of Chandipur,

on-sea owing to complete

Chandbali, Gopalpur-on-sea,

power failure. On the con-

Rambha, Barkul and Balu-

trary, the 50-year-old light-

gaon are facing blackout.

house

Gopalpur

has

Rambha being the focal point

remained intact. Pujari adds,

of disaster and Gopalpur-on-

“Power supply will be re-

ith cyclone Phalin

launches in tourist spots like

Havoc caused by Phalin in coastal Odisha:

playing havoc in

Barkul, Rambha and Balugaon

coastal Odisha in

on the banks of Chilika Lake

•Gopalpur-on-sea, Rambha, Balugaon and Barkul are worst hit. •20 electric towers in Ganjam have collapsed. •Mayfair Lagoon and Swosti Oberoi in Gopalpur have withdrawn their services for the time being.

October, an enormous natural

have been damaged. The state

calamity has hit the state and

tourism department is work-

a number of popular tourist

ing against the clock to pro-

destinations have been worst

vide financial assistance in the

sea have incurred the most

stored in tourist destinations

hit.

face of adversity. According to

damage. We are hoping that

in November. There has been

strophic cyclone has damaged

S Pujari, Assistant Director,

things will bounce back to

around 85 per cent decline in

tourism infrastructure worth

Odisha

normalcy by mid-November.”

the flow of tourists in the

The

three-day

cata-

Tourism,

“Odisha

Rs 2 crore and has been the

Tourism Development Corpo-

Pujari

that

state owing to the disaster

worst in present decade.

ration (OTDC) is utilizing its

Chandipur and the pilgrim

caused by Phalin. Tourists

The cyclone has taken it

own fund and seeking fund

town of Puri have geared up

have cancelled their bookings

toll in districts like Balasore,

from the state government to

to receive tourists.

Bhadrak and Ganjam. Tourist

repair the tourist bungalows

points

out

in OTDC-run tourist lodges

Luxury hospitality groups

during the festive season.”

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Government News

Lighthouse tourism ready to kick-start in India

Ministry of Shipping has selected 15 lighthouses to pro-

Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse, off Mumbai coast to be the first destination under ‘Lighthouse tourism’ project undertaken by Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Shipping in India Anand Shah

create an opportunity for the

for leisure tourism, providing

Chennai are being developed

general public to understand

he Union Ministry of

tourists a calm and tranquil

as pilot projects. Once devel-

India’s great maritime history

environment, especially from

oped, India will add yet an-

and will also help in protect-

sociation with the

the busy city life.

other

ing the Heritage Lighthouses.

Ministry of Shipping has docked upon an initiative to kick-start

attractive

tourism

product in it’s offering.” Work In Progress

According

He said, “Ministry of Shipping

Milind

operates close to 180 light-

‘Lighthouse

Under the joint venture

Deora, Minister of State for

houses along the coastline of

tourism’ in India. The main

between both the ministries,

Shipping; this as a tremen-

India. They are important

idea is to bring in one more

MoT will be providing a Via-

dous opportunity in harness-

navigational tools for ships,

product of offering to attract

bility Gap Funding (VGF) of

ing the hidden attributes of

but we observed that they can

domestic and overseas travellers. Both the ministries have tied up to develop 15 lighthouses across the Indian coastline as tourist destinations starting with Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse (operating

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

tourist destinations. This will

Tourism (MoT) in as-

Milind Deora Union Minister of State for Shipping

mote them as interesting

Ministry of Shipping operates close to 180 lighthouses along the coastline of India. They are important navigational tools for ships, but we observed that they can also serve as an important tourist destinations.

“

also serve as an important tourist destinations. We feel that the partnership with the ministry of tourism should have happened a long time ago. But, better late than never.”

for more than 150 years now),

Rs 14.71 crore for the Kanhoji

lighthouses and developing

MoT has agreed in princi-

based off the Mumbai coast.

Angre project, which will ulti-

heritage lighthouses as places

ple to provide a grant under

The first pilot project light-

mately cost Rs 48 crore. The

of tourist attraction, thereby

Central Financial Assistance

house - Kanhoji Angre Light-

project will be undertaken

creating an easy access to the

Scheme for Kanhoji Angre Is-

general public.

house will be ready for

through PPP mode wherein

tourists by next season which

the private bidder will have to

On the basis of its loca-

is September 2014. The suc-

invest the remaining Rs 35

tions and footfalls of tourists,

cess of Kanhoji Angre Light-

crore. The private bidder will

house as pilot project will

be declared by end of 2013

decide the fate of the other 12

and

lighthouses in the country.

awarded on a 30-year conces-

Lighthouses at Vishakapat-

sion.

the

project

will

nam and Mahabalipuram in

On the sidelines of the

Tamil Nadu too are undergo-

new initiative announced in

ing facelift and are expected

Mumbai, K Chiranjeevi, Union

to be tourist-ready by end of

Tourism Minister (has faxed

2014.

his resignation to PM over Te-

The Lighthouse being an

lengana issue but the Cabinet

important means of naviga-

has not yet approved the res-

tion near the seacoast and

ignation) said, “MoT shall ex-

due to its strategic and re-

tend financial assistant for

mote location makes it an un-

developing

light

house

matched, adventurous and

tourism destinations to Min-

attractive tourist destination.

istry of Shipping. In the first

The fact that these light-

phase, the Kanhoji Angre

houses are difficult to access

Lighthouse near Mumbai,

makes it that much more in-

Dolphin Nose Point Light-

teresting and adventurous,

house in Visakhapatnam and

which can be an ideal location

one near Mamallapuram near

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

land and Lighthouse, Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse and Mahabalipuram Lighthouse.

Lighthouse tourism’s first three products: Kanhoji Angre lighthouse, nine nautical miles away from the Gateway of India is set to get a facelift as part of a tourism project. Work on the lighthouse will include building of a viewing gallery, upgrade eight rooms in the lighthouse for accommodation, reconstruction of the fort wall, camp-style accommodation facility, construction of a jetty and a passenger terminal. The lighthouse is a 90minute ferry ride from Mumbai. The first phase of the project will cost Rs 47 crore. The Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse located at Yarrada Hills, is about 20 km. south of Visakhapatnam. The 173m elevation of the lighthouse alongside the blue waters makes it worth exploring for visitors. For development of this lighthouse, various proposals will be executed such as; a National Maritime Museum, Amphitheatre, Convention Centre, Urban Resort, Viewing Gallery, Transparent Glass Viewing Deck, Indoor Recreation and Gaming Zone, Landscape Development, etc. Mahabalipuram now known as Mamallapuram is a historical site located 40km. South of Chennai. The footfall of visitors at Mahabalipuram Lighthouse is one among the best. For development of this lighthouse, various proposals will be executed such as; Maritime Heritage Museum, Amphitheatre with Laser Show, Information Centre, State-of-the-art Washroom, Landscaping, and Improvement of Internal Pathways.

Government News

Kerala gets UNESCO backing for Spice Route Project The Kerala Tourism’s ambitious plan to bring the ancient Spice Route back to life for helping modern day travelers tread the path used by traders and explorers two thousand years ago has received the strong support of UNESCO.

Route Project at the UNESCO

by the Kerala government in

itime relations with the coun-

headquarters on November

Muziris, near Kochi, have al-

tries on the Spice Route, but

14, also met its Assistant Sec-

ready given a huge boost to

also promote tourism and re-

retary-General (Culture), Mr

the Spice Route Project. The

vive cultural, historical and ar-

Francesco Bandarin, and am-

excavations have pointed to

chaeological

bassadors of several coun-

spice trade from Muziris, a

between these nations.

exchange

tries that are part of the Spice

flourishing port two millennia

“The Spice Route Project

Route.

ago, to the West, before it

will go a long way in promoting

mysteriously

disappeared.

heritage and peace,” said Shri

During his meeting with Bandarin

The Spice Route Project is

Billa, adding UNESCO wanted

he UNESCO’s back-

Shri

strongly supported the idea of

aimed at sharing the signifi-

theKerala Tourism to start

ing for the Spice

the Spice Route Project and

cant heritage among the 31

working on the project at the

Route Project by the

lauded the KeralaTourism’s

countries along the ancient

earliest.

initiative in reviving a lost

route.

Kerala

government

came

after two days of meetings headquarters

heritage.

and presentations at the UN agency’s

Billa,

“We are delighted to re-

“Bandarin told us that the

The initiative is expected

approach of Kerala Tourism to

to bring in a substantial num-

take up the project through the

ceive the support of UNESCO

ber of foreign tourists to Ker-

UNESCO and UNWTO was the

Paris last week. The meetings

for the Spice Route Project,"

ala to trace the historic

right one,” he recalled.

were led by India’s Ambassa-

said Kerala Tourism Minister

journey.

As a first step, the UN-

dor and Permanent Represen-

A P Anilkumar. "I am sure it

Earlier, the Spice Route

ESCO has asked the Kerala

tative to UNESCO, Vinay

will

initiative of Kerala Tourism

Tourism to prepare an inscrip-

Sheel Oberoi, and Kerala

Muziris, which was the begin-

had received the support of the

tion by a small team of experts

Tourism Secretary, Suman

ning point for the spice route,"

United Nations World Tourism

for eliciting cooperation from

Billa.

he added.

Organisation (UNWTO). The

each of the 31 countries involved in the project.

help

the

revival

Shri Billa, who made a

Archaeological evidences

initiative is expected to not

presentation on the Spice

from excavations carried out

only re-establish Kerala’s mar-

by TNH DESK

Kerala among World's Best Family Destinations in 2014

Prague, Iceland, Italy and

cricketer Jonty Rhodes was

with a significant opportunity

Hawaii in being described by

among those who visited the

to target higher growth figures

the travel expert as a child-

Kerala pavilion at the WTM,

for Kerala Tourism, as far as

friendly destination ideal for

themed on the Ayurveda.

foreign tourist arrivals are

Jonty Rhodes Visits Kerala Pavilion at WTM, London

the family. “The intensity of

Rhodes, who retired from in-

concerned, in the coming years

travel in India could put you

ternational cricket in 2003

as there are signs of recovery

off taking a trip here en

after a spectacular career dur-

also in the rest of Europe after

has

famille, but Kerala is a family-

ing which he became best

a severe debt crisis,” Harik-

named Kerala as one

friendly version: more laid-

fielder in world cricket, is a

ishore added. “We are also

onely

Planet

among the world’s 10

back than other regions,

brand ambassador for South

very honoured to have received

best destinations for taking

greener, slower paced… There

African Tourism.

such a prestigious award from

the family along for a holiday

are also lots of national parks

in 2014.

“With the British economy

Lonely

Planet

and

being

for elephant spotting, palm-

registering the fastest growth

named among the best destina-

The Lonely Planet award

fringed beaches and boat trips

in the last three years in the

tions for family travel.”

for the Best Family Destina-

along the lush canals of the

previous quarter, the mood at

The Kerala delegation in-

tion was bestowed on ‘God’s

backwaters,” it said.

the World Travel Mart hosted

cluded 12 co-exhibitors repre-

by London was upbeat,” said

senting the hospitality industry

Harikishore.

from the state.

Own Country’ at the World

Kerala Tourism Director S

Travel Mart (WTM) in Lon-

Harikishore, who led the state

don, the world’s leading travel

delegation to the WTM, re-

The United Kingdom is the

An annual event, the

trade event attended by in-

ceived the award from Lonely

most important market for

WTM, London, along with the

dustry representatives from

Planet. The WTM, which began

Kerala, recording nearly 1.5

ITB, Berlin held in March, is

around the world.

on November 4, concluded on

lakh tourist arrivals in the

considered the top travel and

Thursday.

state last year.

tourism event in the world.

Kerala joined the likes of New York City, Denmark,

Former South African

“The WTM presented us

DE C EMB ER 2013|

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Government News

Goa on way to become a world class destination

Key initiatives

With the new terminal at Goa International Airport, Dabolim being inaugurated recently by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, the state is all set to march ahead towards becoming a world-class tourist destination. he new terminal, which

T Dilip Parulekar Tourism Minister, Government of Goa

tain the top position. In addition

will be operational in

to this, Goa Tourism also re-

January 2014, has a

cently revealed statistics that

total peak hour capacity of

pointed to a healthy 10 per cent

2,750 passengers. This comes

increase in tourist inflow to the

at a time when Goa is gearing

state. Among these figures the

up to expect increased tourist

rise in number of tourists visit-

the officials are putting meas-

Panjim, Margao, Mapusa and

traffic into the state. One of

ing the state during monsoon is

ures in place to ensure that vis-

Vasco, for exclusive use of

India’s smallest states, Goa has

significant.

itors have an unforgettable

women passengers and fami-

always been a top choice for

As 2013 draws to a close,

experience in the state. The

lies. The service is being intro-

travelers when it comes to holi-

Goa Tourism is preparing to en-

state is going all out to ensure

duced

days. This is something that

sure that tourists and residents

safety and security of tourists

Development

was endorsed recently as Goa

alike have a memorable experi-

and residents during the peak

(GTDC).

Goa

Tourism

Corporation

was declared as ‘The Best

ence during Christmas and

season. The Government has

In addition, the state is also

Leisure Destination’ by Conde-

New Year in the state. There are

ensured the presence of Life-

looking to upgrade infrastruc-

Nast Traveller at the Readers’

also three major EDM fests

guards on all beaches so that a

ture and other related facilities

Travel Awards. This is the sec-

here that are all set to attract

traveler enjoys his stay here in

which will put Goa on par with

ond time in a row that the state

crowds.

Goa.

any other top international hol-

has won this honour and this

While tourists are busy

Soon, women taxi drivers

time it has beaten Kerala to re-

planning their vacations to Goa,

will be operating in the cities of

Delhi Tourism’s booth at 33rd India International Trade Fair

rules & regulation and other essential details is also

Delhi Tourism had set up a booth in the Delhi Pavilion in the 33rd India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan which concluded today.

iday destination. by TNH DESK

to their movie. Various movies like Rock-

available in the stall. This

star, Vicky Donor, Mickey

Manual is also available on

Virus, Raanjhanaa, Madras

Delhi Tourism’s official site.

Café, Fukrey, Besharam etc.

Crowds in huge numbers

have been shot in Delhi. Re-

were seen thronging in, to

cently, Delhi Tourism has fa-

he theme of the stall

tors also volunteered for

witness this unique idea of

cilitated the shooting of

was “Delhi as a

solo performances.

Delhi Tourism.

Rajkumar Hirani’s P.K and is

Film Shooting Des-

These stall, primarily

tination” where a real Film

highlighted

Set was created with actors

available

the

for

At least 26 – 27 movies

currently

facilitating

the

facilities

have been shot in Delhi in

shooting of Akshay Kumar

filmmakers

the last one year and first

Production’s Fugly in Delhi.

performing live for audi-

who are intending to shoot

half of this year. Bollywood’s

The cost for shootings in

ences. The live perform-

in Delhi, as Delhi Tourism is

focus has now shifted to

Delhi is less and Delhi’s Infra-

ances were repeated after

the nodal agency for Film

Delhi from Mumbai. Film-

structure, Posh Areas, Green-

every 30 minutes and the di-

Shootings in Delhi. A Film

makers have realized that

ery,

rector explained the mecha-

Shooting Manual prepared

Delhi has the climate and

Culture etc. lures producers

nism of a real Film Shoot, to

by Delhi Tourism, that is an

culture like no other place in

to explore the richness of

the audience.

all-in-one guide with all in-

the country, and that weav-

Delhi. This mechanism will

formation

ing their stories and projects

surely boost tourism in Delhi

from all over, cheering the

shooting of films in Delhi,

around this maximum city

and will also help earn rev-

actors and some of the visi-

the stakeholders concerned,

will lend a very unique flavor

enue.

Enthusiasts were seen

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

•New airport terminal, with increased passenger capacity, inaugurated recently, likely to be operational in January 2014 •Beats Kerala to be voted as ‘Best Leisure Destination’ by CondeNast Traveller India’s Readers’ Travel Awards. The state had also won the award in 2012 •Goa Tourism has approved of 28 projects that will be completed in the next 3 years. These will help to improve tourism infrastructure, ensure a clean and safe Goa for all

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

pertaining

Monuments,

Diverse

by TNH DESK

Government News

Andaman & Nicobar tapping premium travellers

most doubled during the last

enjoyed by all age groups.”

five years. During 2012, the

The island celebrates Island

tourist arrivals crossed 2. 5

Tourism festival in January,

lakhs, which was 1.36 lakhs in

Beach festival in April, Music

The Union Territory intends to tap the domestic market, urges airlines to operate direct flights from major metro cities from India

2008. To be precise, a total of

and

2,38, 699 domestic tourists

June/July, Food festival in

and 17,538 foreign tourists

September, World Tourism

(Tourism), Directorate of In-

visited the islands during the

Day in September and Film

formation

year 2012, as compared to the

festival in November.

Anand Shah

and

Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar

visits of 2,02, 221 and 15,814

According to Vijay, the de-

Administration; the depart-

respectively during the year

preciating rupee is one of the

2011.”

tourists and 18,000

ment is now looking at further

international tourists; the

emphasizing on trade shows

When asked about the

tourism this year. “Its not

tourism department of An-

to bring in destination aware-

strategy apart from trade ex-

news that Indian travellers

daman & Nicobar Administra-

ness among travel agents. It

hibitions to attract tourists,

are changing their travel

tion is proposing number of

is also in talks with few air-

Vijay informed that the state

plans due to falling rupee. We

initiatives to attract more

lines to start direct flight con-

is focusing on fairs & festivals

are tapping this opportunity

numbers, especially from the

nectivity from New Delhi,

to improve tourist experience

high-end traveller segment.

Mumbai and Bengaluru to en-

and indulge them in local cul-

travel agents across India.

The department is already

hance air-connectivity to the

ture. He said, “We have festi-

We are also encouraging pri-

participating at multiple trade

islands and improve tourist

vals in every two months

vate players to build proper-

shows and exhibitions in do-

convenience.

working

closely

with

which highlight the local cul-

ties, start tourist facilities,

Divulging the tourist fig-

ture. Through fairs & festi-

sports activities, etc to fur-

part at ITB Berlin and WTM

ures, Vijay said, “The number

vals, we showcase the culture,

ther enhance the tourist in-

London in the recent past. Ac-

of domestic as well as foreign

history, local cuisine, attrac-

frastructure in the state,”

cording to C G Vijay, Manager

tourist visits to the islands al-

tions and sights which can be

adds Vijay.

dustry.” The state is en-

vangla,

dowed with one national

Dham, Samudruptse and Sai

Swaati Chaudhury

•Sprucing up 13 tourist bungalows. •Provides regular helicopter services from Bagdogra to Gangtok. •Facilitates online booking of hotels.

key booster for domestic

mestic market and also took

In a bid to augment the tourism revenue in the state, Sikkim Tourism is bettering the infrastructural facilities.

fo-

urrently catering to

STDC accentuates on infrastructure makeover Sikkim Tourism cuses on :

festival

close 3 lakh domestic

C G Vijay Manager (Tourism)

Publicity

Monsoon

replica

Char

park and six wildlife sanctu-

Mandir in Namche in South

aries

Phom-

Sikkim. There were around

bonglang wildlife sanctuary,

7 lakh domestic visitors and

Varshey,

Kyongshala,

20,000 global tourists in

Mainam, Singda Rhododen-

Sikkim last year. We are ex-

including

for helicopter services from

dron Sanctuary and Kitan

pecting 10 lakh visitors this

ikkim Tourism Devel-

Bagdogra to Gangtok for

Bird Sanctuary.

year and our global tourists

opment Corporation

tourists. Bineeta Rai, Chief

(STDC), the commer-

Executive

West Bengal forms the

travel

form

Thailand,

STDC

gateway to Sikkim and has

Malaysia, Singapore, Lon-

cial unit of the department of

said, “We have five daily hel-

the highest number of do-

don, France, Germany and

Officer,

tourism, Sikkim is on a reno-

icopter flights from Bagdo-

mestic leisure tourists visit-

the United States. Our state

vation drive to better the in-

gra to Gangtok. The Union

ing

clocks an annual growth of

the

landlocked

frastructure facilities in the

Ministry of Railways has

Himalayan state. “We have

20 per cent in tourism sec-

Himalayan state. It has taken

conducted a survey for lay-

tor,” added Rai.

over 13 tourist bungalows

ing on railway tracks in

tourists travelling to Sikkim

Bengal tourists mostly

from the state government to

Sikkim. We have begun on-

and there are travellers com-

prefer to travel to the Old

provide accommodation and

line booking of hotels and

ing from Mumbai, Gujarat

Silk route, Nathu La Pass

food facilities to tourists. The

tourists can receive info at

and South India. Pilgrim

and Tsongmo Lake that are

bungalows are at Pemyang-

our

www.sikkim-

tourism is all set to grow in

in high-altitude zones of the

ste,

stdc.com. We are committed

Sikkim with some revered

Himalayas. Nathu La Pass

to preserve the eco-system

pilgrim points like Tathagata

provides sound views of

and sustain our tourism in-

Tsal or Buddha Park in Ra-

Indo-China border.

Rinchenpong,

Temi,

Yangyang and Aritar. STDC also has facilities

website

number

leisure

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Destination Outbound

Visit Japan and be part of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colourful festivals Ranging from the spiritual to the light-hearted, Festivals in Japan are some of the most joyful and celebratory events in the country. Visitors travel from across the globe visit Japan to witness and participate in these national pastimes.

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Destination Outbound

hichibu Yomatsuri is a festival of

times. Despite its almost surreal grandeur, climb-

Chichibu Shrine which has a his-

ing Mt. Fuji is considered a rite of passage for

Shinjuku

tory of more than 2,000 years. It is

many Japanese, and people from all ages make the

It is one of the busiest towns in Japan, with its

one of Japan's three greatest

trek. In order to witness the most breathtaking

train station reportedly handling the largest num-

hikiyama (float) festivals, together

views, visitors begin the climb during the early af-

ber of passengers in the world. Department stores,

with the Gion Matsuri of Kyoto (July 1st-31st) and

ternoon to catch the sunset, or sometimes climb

electrical appliance megastores and huge book

the Takayama Matsuri of Takayama City, Gifu Pre-

throughout the night in order to catch the sunrise

stores fan out around the station and are con-

fecture.

at the summit.

stantly filled with customers. In the underground

At the Chichibu-yomatsuri Night Festival held

mall, there are dozens of shops where you might

every winter light from numerous lanterns hung

A Shoppers Paradise – Tokyo’s Best Shopping

from the floats and thousands of firework displays

Anyone who loves shopping knows that Tokyo is

casts beautiful colors against the night sky.

one of the most renowned shopping cities in the

find an unexpected bargain. Shibuya

The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan's

world. It should come as no surprise that Japanese

One of Japan's busiest towns, Shibuya is extremely

largest winter events, attracts a growing number

people love style and fashion as designers from

popular with young people. There are department

of visitors from Japan and abroad every year.

around the globe know that Tokyo is a hot spot for

stores, restaurants and specialty shops; casual

their label to be featured. It is here that well-estab-

fashion shops in particular have a high profile as

lished Japanese shops and famous brand names

typified by the "SHIBUYA 109" fashion building.

Adventure – Climbing Mt. Fuji One of the most iconic images of Japan, Mt. Fuji

like Gucci, Chanel, Armani, Louis Vuitton, and oth-

Each street has its own characteristic look; for ex-

towers above major metropolitan cities and lush

ers stand side by side on the various blocks that

ample, Koen Dori (Ave.) has the "Seibu Depart-

green landscapes at over 3,700 meters (12,000

make up the center of the Ginza shopping area.

ment Store" and "Parco", Bunkamura Dori (Ave.)

feet.) A perfectly symmetrical cone shape, Mt. Fuji

Ginza - While the history of this region dates

has the "Tokyu Department Store", and Spain

has been revered by Japanese people since ancient

back to the Edo period, recent modernization ef-

Zaka (Hill Road) has small clothing boutiques and

forts have made Ginza an even more desirable

miscellaneous goods shops. On "Center Gai or Cen-

shopping destination with its high end stores, bou-

ter Street", the street extending from the station,

tiques, and cafes. Exclusive, sophisticated brands

there is a constant stream of young people

and restaurants featuring delicacies from all over

strolling past the fast food shops, shoe stores, and

the world can be seen throughout the area.

accessory and cosmetics shops. Fashion shops recently started opening up on Meiji Dori (Ave.), so

Harajuku and Omotesando

you can enjoy window shopping while walking to

Harajuku's high fashion boutiques and branded

Harajuku or Omotesando.

shops make this area a hot spot for pop culture and new, cutting edge styles. On "Omotesando

Tokyo Bay

Hills", you'll find about 100 famous-brand shops in-

This large shopping mall in the heart of Tokyo

cluding "Anniversaire Omotesando" popular for its

houses hundreds of stores and entertainment fa-

limited-edition champagne and chocolate, as well

cilities perfect for all types of shoppers. Visitors

as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Dior boutiques com-

can spend the day roaming the grounds and dis-

peting to express their individuality even through

covering new shops, movies, and several gourmet

their architecture.

restaurants and cafés. Tokyo Bay is not to be missed for anyone looking for a day of fun for the

Roppongi

whole family.

Roppongi has both aspects as an office town and an entertainment center that never sleeps. Since

Indulging in the Local Cuisine

there are numerous embassies in the vicinity,

One of the major attractions of traveling through-

many of the shops, bars and restaurants have in-

out Japan is trying different local cuisines in every

ternational flavors and cater to people from other

town you visit. While sushi is in fact a large part of

countries. Roppongi Hills, one of Japan's newest

Japanese heritage, myriad flavors from all around

commercial developments, has over 200 shops and

the world have contributed to Japan's robust

restaurants making it a great place to spend the

foodie culture, attracting more and more culinary

day exploring local Japanese culture.

figures worldwide to try the new eastern hot spot.

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Aviation News

Bombardier wraps up a successful week at the 2013 Dubai Airshow The company got firm orders and commitments valued at $2.01Billion

ombardier Aerospace con-

orders and commitments for up to 22

cluded a successful week at

Q400 NextGen turboprops, and Bom-

the 2013 Dubai Airshow, hav-

bardier also confirmed that Nok Air

ing announced firm orders and com-

was the launch customer for an extra

mitments for up to 38 aircraft valued

capacity seating option that will allow

at up to $2.01 billion US. With three of

the Q400 NextGen aircraft to accom-

its industry-leading business and com-

modate up to 86 passengers. Alongside

mercial aircraft on static display, as

representatives from the governments

well as the CSeries aircraft’s full-scale

of Canada and Northern Ireland,

passenger cabin and cockpit demon-

Bombardier also announced that

strator, the airshow was a excellent

Iraqi Airways signed a letter of intent

opportunity for the Company to show-

for up to 16 CS300 aircraft, bringing

case a selection of its innovative air-

the total number of orders and com-

craft and broad range of services to

mitments for CSeries aircraft to 419.

clients and prospects in the Middle East and Africa. Throughout the event, executives

Additionally, on November 18, Boeing announced that it had selected

Africa by welcoming Ethiopian Air-

facilities authorized to work on Bom-

Bombardier’s Challenger 605 business

lines as an Authorized Service Facility

bardier commercial and business air-

from Bombardier Commercial Aircraft

jet as the platform for its Maritime

(ASF) for commercial aircraft on the

craft. Separately, Bombardier also

were joined by customers for a series

Surveillance Aircraft program on the

continent. The airline can now per-

announced that it had signed an eight-

of announcements related to its Q400

basis of, amongothers, the aircraft’s

form line and heavy maintenance on

year repair agreement with Oman Air

NextGen and CSeries aircraft pro-

payload capacity, range and speed.

Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprop air-

to undertake all repair work on Rolls-

craft under the Bombardier ASF ban-

Royce Trent 700 inlet cowls for the

grams. Air Côte d’Ivoire,

As part of its ongoing commitment

Palma Holding Limited, Nok Air

to customer service, Bombardier fur-

ner, and its maintenance facility joins

carrier’s fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft.

and Abu Dhabi Aviation signed firm

ther expanded its support services in

a worldwide network of more than 60

by TNH DESK

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Aviation News

travel more convenient to

fers more U.S. destinations

China Southern Airlines introduces Double-Daily between Delhi & Guangzhou

more than 80 large and

than ever before. When arriv-

medium-sized cities across

ing in Los Angeles, travelers

mainland China and more

can transfer to hundreds of

China Southern Airlines introduced 14 flights a week between Delhi & Guangzhou from November 13, 2013.

than 30 cities in Europe,

China Southern Airlines’ co-

America, Oceania, the Middle

operative flights with its part-

East, Southwest Asia, South

ners to more than 100 major

Asia, Japan & South Korea,

U.S. cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hon-

ll 14 flights are oper-

Guangzhou

ated by B757 air-

1hour to 2 ½ hours for Aus-

Hong

crafts

(China).

with

ranges

from

tralia, 4 ½ hours for Auckland

capacity of 195 seats with

& 1 ½ hours for Los Angeles

business, premium economy

(USA).

& economy class configuration.

Kong

and

Taiwan

olulu, New York, Miami and

China Southern Airlines is

San Francisco.

pleased to offer its new Air-

China Southern Sky Pearl

Currently China Southern

bus 380 super jumbo for daily

Club - Frequent Flyer pro-

Airlines operates more than

round-trip service between

gram of China Southern, offer

Daily evening departures

500 passenger and cargo air-

Guangzhou and Los Angeles.

Sky Pearl Club members com-

from Delhi at 2325hrs. provide

crafts. The airline fleet is

Effective 26 October 2013,

prehensive and convenient

seamless

for

ranked the first in Asia and

China

Airlines

service throughout China.

travel to China, Japan, Korea,

connectivity

fifth among the 240 Airlines in

started operating A380 air-

The Sky Pearl Club allows its

Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

IATA (in terms of fleet size).

craft on the evening depar-

club members earn FFP miles

tures

Southern

Daily afternoon depar-

Baiyun International Air-

from

not only flying CZ domestic

tures from Delhi at 1245hrs.

port Guangzhou serves as the

Guangzhou to Sydney and

segments but on flights of

provide convenient access to

International hub of China

morning

other Sky Team member air-

Australia, New Zealand &

Southern Airlines.

Sydney at 1115hrs.

USA. The

transit

time

Year End Specials: Malaysia Airlines offering irresistible offers to travel the world Malaysia Airlines, the five-star national carrier of Malaysia, is offering exciting air fares through its Year End Specials (YES) starting for the travel period between 1January till 31 March 2014.

2105hrs departures

from

lines within the Sky Team

The route network of

As a member of Sky Team,

China’s largest airline makes

China Southern Airlines of-

America and Europe.

global network. by TNH DESK

Asian regions has greatly ex-

Attractive offers for travel

According to Azahar

panded over the last few

down under is also available.

Hamid, Regional Senior Vice

decades and these regions

All-inclusive economy class

President, South Asia & Mid-

have always been the holiday

fares to Sydney and Auckland

dle East, Malaysia Airlines

favourites for Indians. Start-

start from only INR 38,005

said, “With Visit Malaysia

ing from only INR 18,948, cus-

and INR 47,893 respectively.

Year 2014, it is the best time

tomers can book an all-in

These offers are available

to visit Malaysia! We hope our

return economy class seat to

to customers at all Malaysia

Year End Specials’ (YES) of-

Bangkok from New Delhi. All-

Airlines distribution channels

fers will encourage passen-

in return economy class air-

mainly

www.malaysiaair-

gers to explore new places

fares

other

lines.com, 24- hour toll free

ith Economy class

and make their journeys

destinations from India such

number 1 300 88 3000, MHmo-

fares discounted

memorable

as Singapore and Hong Kong

bile, Malaysia Airlines ticket

up to 25% off cur-

award-winning airline serv-

are priced starting from INR

offices and appointed agents

ice”

16,846 and INR 21,166.

throughout Malaysia.

rent market fares Malaysia

through

our

various

Airlines’ YES is a great oppor-

Customers who grab this

Malaysia Airlines is also

Malaysia Airlines encour-

tunity for travellers to start

offer now will only have to pay

offering good deals to many

ages those travelling during

planning for their 2014 holi-

a fare starting from INR

other exciting destinations

the school holiday season to

days and business travels.

15,572 for a return economy

such as China and Japan. The

perform self-check in to avoid

class ticket to Kuala Lumpur

all-in return fare from India to

long queues at the airport.

These offers cover fares various

from India on Malaysia Air-

Beijing starts from only INR

Malaysia Airlines’ destina-

from

India

lines' flagship A380 aircraft

27,678 while the same to

(malaysiaairlines.com), mo-

tions in South East Asia,

which is designed for comfort

Tokyo is priced from INR

bile (flymas.mobi) or fast-

North Asia, South Asia, Mid-

in mind.

29,798 on economy class

check

dle East, Australia, North

Tourism in South East

Check

travel.

kiosks

via

(at

web

KLIA).

by TNH DESK

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Aviation News

A 42.6 billion dollar avenue!

on on-board merchandise sale and travel insurance, exploring advertisement opportunities on foot trays, overhead

Ancillary Revenue source possesses tremendous potential for Airlines; however airlines in India are yet to tap this. But slowly, they are realising the importance of ancillary revenue, which is helping the airlines worldwide to grow profitable. But is India ready for the change?

luggage bins inside aircraft, etc.

Global Average In order to maintain revenue at a time of high fuel prices, labor and maintenance, air-

Anand Shah

baggage, standby, and cancel-

losses,

have

Manish Dureja Vice President Marketing, Jet Airways

lines are also looking toward

ising costs, mounting low

sales

lation and change fees, as

forced

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

AirAsia X introduces ‘Quiet Zone’ – a child-free Silent Zone on board. Apart from business and first class, this new passenger class made extra earnings for the airline. Scoot Airlines took the cue from AirAsia X and introduced ‘ScootinSilence’. Malaysia Airlines also introduced something called ‘Child free Zone’ in its A380 aircraft for longhaul flights India’s very own – IndiGo airlines introduced something called ‘IndiGo Food Fight’ in 2012 to boost on-board F&B sales. Under this, more than 1000 passengers were given free food samples and vote for the best sandwich. airBaltic offered passengers to customise their buy-onboard meal which further boosted their F&B sales as passengers paid for food they preferred.

cash

well as from on-board conces-

Finding ancillary revenue bliss

strapped Indian carriers to

sion and other amenities.

fish out for alternate revenue

While Indian carriers may

models to boost their earn-

face a struggle to gain control

ings without harming their

of the booking process, there

A la carte pricing should support the brand, not change it Link fees to your business model, not to increase cost Seek wisdom from customers and front line employees Create a new product, not a new fee Anticipate change – don’t be surprised when it arrives through alliances and partnerships Ancillary revenue is not an ad-hoc project, it’s a meaningful cash flow

reputation or alienating cus-

is a bright side of the poten-

tomers. Few airlines ignore

tial for ancillary revenue –

this phenomenon entirely, and

once airlines turn their atten-

each year more rely on it.

tion to it. Indian carriers

Now traditional airlines are

started levying a fee for

What you should consider for future

taking a cue from their no-

choice of seat, use of lounge,

frills rivals and looking to

onboard meals and even

Linking your frequent flyer program to ancillary revenue activities Creating annual products for a la carte services Selling upgraded meal options Providing early boarding benefits

charge for services that do

extra luggage early this year

not need hefty infrastructure

after the Ministry of Civil Avi-

investment or that are con-

ation eased the norms and

tracted out. It was not long

regulations. However, as per

from various ancillary rev-

enues of USD 500 million a

back

the global standards, Indian

enue in 2012 and its earning

year after unbundling of services.

when

Jet

Airways

started wrapping brands on

carriers still have a long way

per passenger increased from

their aircraft to earn extra

to go as global airlines in Eu-

USD 4.5 to USD 6.13 in 2012.

According to IATA, USD

revenue. Indian carriers are

ropa and US earn upto 20-30

Similarly SpiceJet earned

32.5 billion contributed by an-

slowly introducing ancillary

per cent through non-ticket-

USD 4.9 million (about Rs 30

cillary revenue has lifted the

revenue element which has

ing sources while in India the

crore) through onboard sale

airline industry from a loss-

become a crucial factor in fis-

average is not more than 4

of meals and and earned USD

making position in 2012 and

cal viability for airlines all

per cent.

0.45 per passenger in ancil-

continues to provide a very ef-

lary income during the same

fective hedge against run-

period.

away

over the world. Kick-started

Tony Fernandes CEO, AirAsia

Best examples of global airlines to earn ancillary revenue:

As per the reports by

this year, all the Indian carri-

IdeaWorks, which tracks an-

ers have reduced the free lug-

cillary revenue trends, glob-

fuel

phenomenon

bills. has

The spread

gage allowance from 20 Kg to

ally, airlines earned upto USD 27.1 billion from ancillary rev-

Building revenue through innovation

across the globe, into every

15 kg to earn extra from extra luggage charges. Carriers –

enue in 2012. However, Jet

Once largely limited to low

aspect of air travel. Airline

both LCC and legacy are max-

Airways earned upto 0.7 per

fare airlines, ancillary rev-

CEOs want to know, “How can

imizing their revenue from

cent and SpiceJet earned 3.3

enue is now a priority for

we use an a la carte strategy

advertisements on boarding

per cent of the revenue from

many airlines worldwide, in-

to capture more revenue?”

passes and are competing

non-ticketing sources in 2012.

cluding India. According to

According to Manish Dureja,

with travel agents to sell holi-

The report mentioned that Jet

the Centre for Asia Pacific

Vice President - Marketing,

airline sector, and into every

day packages. Apart from

Airways earned over USD 104

Aviation, the Indian airlines

Jet Airways; airlines should

this, airlines are also tapping

million (about Rs 645 crore)

are set to earn ancillary rev-

develop ancillary revenues

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Aviation News

with products that support

value has been added. In serv-

their brand positioning and

ice industries, offering better

deliver value to the traveller

value has always been the key

by meeting their individual

to increasing revenue. This

needs and preferences. Mov-

genie is not going back into

ing early and carefully allows

the bottle. How sure am I? 42.6

an airline to establish its own

billion dollars sure. Please

direction, methods and mes-

note ancillary revenue in-

sage. Rather than view this

cludes a la carte pricing and I

world as fee-based, it should

believe this is the secret to

be service-based.

preserving a low fare environment. Allowing consumers to

Peter Harbison Executive Chairman CAPA

Unbundling products

pick and choose what they

Ancillary revenue is a hot

want honors the intelligence

topic for the airline industry,

of the customer. Thrift con-

as it seeks to cope with pres-

scious consumers can choose

sures on top line revenues

the bare minimum - an unas-

from ticket sales amid intense

signed seat on the aircraft,

competition. The ancillary

with no-checked baggage and

revenue (merchandising) rev-

no meal. Those seeking more

olution centres on airlines un-

comfort and convenience can

Revolution with global traction given the pressures and difficulty of raising fares in tough times, it’s unlikely that the airline will forgo their ancillary revenues anytime soon. The rate at which those revenues increase may slow-as noted, many airlines have already snagged the low-hanging fruit of bag fees, change fees, F&B, etc – but that will simply push some to get more, shall we say, creative!

Udyoga Mela held at Bengaluru International Airport Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) organized a day-long Udyoga Mela at the airport today. The event was inaugurated by P. B. Ramamurthy, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, BMRDA and MD, KSIIDC and Dr. Shripad S.B, Deputy Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka along with Mr. Bhaskar Bodapati, Sr. Director, Finance and Support Services, BIAL and Mr. Niranjan Reddy, VP, HR, BIAL. The job fair focused on opportunities within the airport and with 12 Companies that operate at the airport. Jobs offered in the areas of cargo operations, ground handling, Air Catering, Taxi Services, Retail, Airline operation, other support services for the candidates from Anneswara, Doddajala, Bettakote and Bandikodigehalli Grama Panchayat area. The mela was open to all candidates aged between 18 and 40 years, with educational qualification from 6th standard to graduation. Close to 1000 candidates participated in the Udyoga Mela. Companies that participated in the mela include Bangalore International Airport Limited, Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd., Menzies Aviation Bobba (B’lore) Pvt. Ltd, Globe Ground India Pvt. Ltd, LSG Sky Chefs India Pvt. Ltd, Taj SATS Air Catering Ltd, Jet airways, Nuance Group India Pvt. Ltd and Meru Cabs, Central Parking Services, SIS Security and Updater Services (P) Ltd.

sumers demanding food and

ing the charges. Also, as the

drinks to be included in air-

charges are nominal, passen-

fare. I reason that given the

gers do not mind paying addi-

choice between a lower fare

tional for the additional value.”

and a higher fare with a poor

For example, AirAsia re-

bundling their service offering

opt for more - such as early

quality (but free of charge)

ports its ‘load active – yield

and charging passengers for

boarding, assigned seats, food

airline meal, the Indian con-

passive’ strategy delivers posi-

items they wish to purchase.

and drink, and checked bags.”

sumer would choose the lower

tive revenue results. Lower

fare. It’s the service quality

fares attract higher number of

India in focus

which matters and not the all-

passengers

portfolios that also includes

When it comes to Indian mar-

inclusive fares.”

seat allocation, in-flight serv-

ket, airlines are a bit skeptical

Indian airlines have got the

Fernandes, CEO, AirAsia said,

Baggage fees are one of the fast growing items in ancillary

who

purchase

more a la carte services. Tony

ices and products, related

about implementing ancillary

puzzle solved and the relax-

“We always maintained that in-

travel products (including in-

revenue services. Considering

ation of norms by MoCa has

stead of raising the fares for

surance, car hire and accom-

the current scenario, where

helped Indian carriers to pitch

higher yields – running the risk

in-flight

there is a very thin line be-

for that extra buck from ancil-

of damaging air travel, we

advertising, airport lounges

tween LCC and legacy carri-

lary revenue. Be it a legacy or

would rather keep fares at rea-

access and increasingly di-

ers,

UDF

LCC, airlines have started

sonable levels so as to attract

verse opportunities, including

(User-Development Fee), price

slowly to unbundled the prod-

higher passenger loads and

concert tickets, mobile phone

sensitive passenger, etc; it’s

ucts as per the passenger

boost revenue through ancil-

difficult for airlines to intro-

needs in India.

modation),

Jay Sorensen President, IdeaWorks Company

credits and more. According

Jay

duce

increasing

additional

services.

lary services.” The AirAsia

Giving an India perspective,

India, expected to start opera-

Sorensen, President, Idea-

Sorensen said, “By the way,

Peter

Executive

tions in Indian skies soon will

Works Company; unbundling

every market is price sensi-

Chairman, CAPA said, “The In-

be following this strategy and

fares increases choice for

tive. I know there has been

dian market is slowly getting

is positive to receive good re-

fliers. He said, “Consumers

commentary

the

used to ancillary products as

sponse from the Indian pas-

readily pay fees if they feel

uniqueness of Indian con-

airlines are gradually introduc-

senger market.

about

Harbison,

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Aviation News

Air India, Adria Airways sign Code-Share Agreement

Qatar Airways announces increase in capacity to Colombo The airline also upgraded aircraft to state-of-the-art Boeing 777

Adria Airways - the Airline of Slovenia and Air India have signed a Code-Share Agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation between India and Slovenia.

Qatar Airways today announced a significant in-

position in the Sri Lankan

years. The airline has also

market.

won the Skytrax Airline of

crease in capacity to Sri

“Colombo remains a pop-

Lanka – with one of its triple-

ular destination in the car-

The Year award two years in a row, 2011 and 2012.

he code share will

dam,

Brussels,

daily-flights to capital city -

rier’s

Asia-Pacific

Qatar Airways has seen

result in better col-

Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Is-

Colombo, expanded from a

network as we currently oper-

rapid growth in just 16 years

laboration and shar-

tanbul,

narrow-bodied Airbus 320 to

ate triple-daily-services to this

of operations, currently flying

Belgrade, Moscow,

Munich,

rising

ing of air services between

Paris, Podgorica, Pristina,

the airline’s flagship wide-

city. The added capacity

a modern fleet of 128 aircraft

India and Slovenia. The

Sarajevo, Skopje, Tirana, Vi-

bodied Boeing 777.

means travellers to and from

to 133 key business and

Code-Share Agreement was

enna and Zurich.

signed by Rohit Nandan,

Beginning

A member of Star Al-

Mark Anzur President, Management Board & CEO, Adria Airways

“

Colombo will have greater ac-

leisure destinations across

cess and also an increasingly

Europe, Middle East, Africa,

will offer flat-bed seats in

competitive product like the

Asia Pacific and The Ameri-

Business class and passen-

Boeing 777.

cas.

gers in every seat across the

I am really delighted that this long awaited cooperation between our airline and Air India has finally happened. We are confident that this will greatly facilitate travel between India and Slovenia.

“

Chairman & Managing Direc-

January

2014, the larger Boeing 777

In 2013, Qatar Airways

Business and Economy Class

destinations for passengers to

has launched 11 destinations

cabins will experience a fully

and from Colombo over the

to date – Gassim (Saudi Ara-

interactive personal audio

airline’s Doha hub include

bia), Najaf (Iraq), Phnom Penh

and video entertainment sys-

Chicago, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi,

(Cambodia), Chicago (USA),

tem.

Moscow,

Salalah (Oman), Basra (Iraq),

Qatar Airways’ Boeing

liance, Adria Airways in con-

An array of connecting

Paris,

Frankfurt,

Rome,

London, Milan,

Sulaymaniyah

(Iraq),

777 service to Colombo – QR

Venice, New York, Washington

Chengdu

Addis

658 will be operated in a two-

and Montreal.

Ababa (Ethiopia), Ta’if (Saudi

(China),

tor Air India and Mark Anzur,

nection with other airline

class configuration of 356

Added Jacob: “There are

Arabia) and most recently

President

partners in Star Alliance, of-

seats in Economy and 24

a significant number of Sri

Clark Manila International Airport (Philippines).

Management

Board & CEO, Adria Airways

fers access to a global net-

seats in Business Class. The

Lankan expatriates who are

at the Ministry of Civil Avia-

work of 27 airlines with more

other two daily flights to the

working in Qatar, the Middle

Over the next few weeks

tion, New Delhi today in the

than 21,900 daily flights to

city will be served with the air-

East, Europe and the Ameri-

and months, the network will

presence of Ajit Singh, Min-

1,328 airports in 195 coun-

line’s narrow-body A320 air-

cas. Additional seats will en-

grow further with Hangzhou,

ster of Civil Aviation and Karl

tries. The Frequent Flyer

craft which can accommodate

able more passengers to

China (December 20), Sharjah

Viktor Erjavec, Deputy Prime

Programme of Adria Airways

132 passengers in Economy

travel with us, for leisure or

and Dubai World Central, both

Minister and Minister of For-

– is Miles & More, which is

and 12 in Business Class.

on business.”

in the UAE (March 1, 2014),

eign Affairs, the Republic of

also the Programme for

Slovenia. On this occasion,

Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Aus-

Mark Anzur said: “I am really

trian Airlines etc, helps fre-

Qatar Airways Country

Qatar Airways was re-

Philadelphia, USA (April 2,

Manager Sri Lanka, Ajay

cently named Best Middle

2014), Edinburgh, Scotland

Jacob said that the increase in

East Airline by readers of

(May 28, 2014) and Miami, USA (June 10, 2014).

capacity to Colombo will help

Business Traveller Asia-Pa-

awaited cooperation between

accumulate and redeem ben-

in strengthening the airline’s

cific, for four consecutive

our airline and Air India has

efits on Star Carriers.

delighted

that

this

long

finally happened.

quent

travellers

Headquartered

We are confident that this

near

Ljubljana - the Capital of

will greatly facilitate travel

Slovenia, Adria Airways con-

between India and Slovenia”.

nects 16 cities throughout

Adria

Airways

offers

Europe and offers excellent

more than 140 scheduled

connections to South East

flights every week to Amster-

Europe.

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

by TNH DESK

Doha – Colombo schedules: Effective 1 January 2014 Triple-Daily-Flights Depart Doha QR 658 at 00:45 hrs, arrive Colombo at 07:40 hrs Depart Colombo QR 659 at 09:10 hrs, arrive Doha at 11:30 hrs Depart Doha QR 660 at 12:25 hrs, arrive Colombo at 19:40 hrs Depart Colombo QR 661 at 20:40 hrs, arrive Doha at 23:20 hrs Depart Doha QR 662 at 20:00 hrs, arrive Colombo at 03:15 hrs next day Depart Colombo QR 663 at 04:15 hrs, arrive Doha 06:55 hrs

Hospitality News

Marriott opens JW Marriott Hotels New Delhi Delhi Aerocity JW Marriott Hotels New Delhi Aerocity becomes the first hotel to open its doors in New Delhi Delhi Aerocity. With this opening the international hotel chain now has five hotels under JW Marriott brand in India.

newly

opened

hotel has 523 rooms. For being located in

close proximity of IGIA, in the

Delhi Aerocity and at a close distance to Gurgaon , this world-class hotel has promi-

ting first brick to this date has

fort, security, excellent serv-

property reflects the true

nent position in Aerocity, the

been dotted with some chal-

ice and best culinary experi-

brand values of a JW Mar-

emerging upscale business

lenges and struggle, which

ence. And most important

riott, timeless elegance and

and leisure district of the cap-

threatened to delay this proj-

thing is that it is our people

world-class amenities with a

who make difference,” said

distinctive style of approach-

Gupta.

“The JW Marriott

able luxury. With another

Hotel New Delhi Aerocity is a

property added to our portfo-

The JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity is a landmark in the hospitality map of New Delhi, the capital to one of the world's fastest growing travel destinations. We are elated to put this vibrant hotel on the map for discerning luxury travelers. This hotel

“

landmark in the hospitality

lio, we will continue to deliver

map of New Delhi, the capital

an authentic travel experi-

to one of the world's fastest

ence offering outstanding

growing travel destinations.

service and high levels of

We are elated to put this vi-

guest satisfaction”.

ital. The hotel aims to offer

ect, but finally we have been

brant hotel on the map for dis-

“JW Marriott is a truly lux-

guests a luxury experience

able to overcome all contro-

cerning luxury travelers. This

urious and distinctive brand

paired with elegance and ap-

versies and apprehensions on

hotel is a milestone indeed as

globally recognized for its

proachability, designed to re-

our way to open this hotel.

it strengthens our ambition to

quiet elegance and excep-

flect their own sophistication.

With the addition of this hotel

become the top provider of a

tional service. We are very ex-

On the occasion Sushil

in our portfolio, we have forti-

high end luxury lodging expe-

cited about the opening of the

Gupta, Chairman & Managing

fied our position as leading

rience in the country,” he fur-

new JW Marriott Hotel New

ther said.

Director – Asian Hotels West

hotel chain in the luxury seg-

Ltd said, “With the opening of

ment of Indian hospitality in-

Speaking at the hotel’s of-

emerge as the capital’s most

this hotel, ours is the first

dustry.” Gupta informed that

ficial launch, Rajeev Menon,

stylish hotel, offering discern-

hotel to start operation in Ae-

total investment on this proj-

Area Vice-President South-

ing international and domes-

rocity. For us today is culmi-

ect was Rs 900 crore.

Asia, Marriott International,

tic

nation of a long process which

added such achievement has

said: “The opening of the first

award-winning JW sophisti-

started with a dream and am-

been possible through inno-

JW Marriott in the capital city

cation and luxury. We firmly

bition to offer high-end and

vation, continuous improve-

of India marks a great mile-

believe that the hotel will be-

Delhi Aerocity and aim to

travellers

the

luxury lodging experience to

ment, and great knowledge of

stone for us at Marriott Inter-

come the most sought-after

guests in the country. It all

market, differentiation from

national. New Delhi, one of

venue for the business and

started with signing manage-

our competitors and long-

the world’s leading global

MICE segment in New Delhi”,

ment contract and for that,

term vision. “Our all hotel

cities

represents

said Balan Paravantavida,

which can be better than

projects always try to provide

India’s economic, political

General Manager, JW Mar-

world renowned brand Mar-

five most important things to

and social prowess in all its

riott Hotel New Delhi Aeroc-

riott. Our journey from put-

guests: right location, com-

grandeur and strength. The

ity.

by TNH DESK

DE C EMBER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

today,

Hospitality News

Marriott eyes a portfolio of 100 hotels in India by 2017-18 in India

ent, it has no hotel in India

and his group in 2013 in India,

2014 would be slow because

under franchisee model. “We

Menon said,

“RevPAR in

of general elections and all

saw here opportunity to es-

India is going down over the

other activities that elections

Marriot International now operates 23 hotels in India under its different brands. The chain has 50 projects under different stages of construction.

tracts.

Prem Kumar

said, “First six months

tablish our brands and the

last few years. However, on

generally bring, but we see

way to establish our brands in

the other hand Marriott this

immense

new markets is operating ho-

year as well as previous year

growth after July next year.

tels under management con-

has been bucking the trend.

We also believe that after

have

While industry RevPar in

2015 Indian economy will

formidable brand reputation

India is down by about 4%,

start bouncing back and we

for our existing brands, par-

Marriot’s RevPAR will grow in

will also see more robust

Once

opportunity

ticularly for Fairfield brand

India by 5% calendar year

growth in hospitality sector

and possibly for Courtyard,

2013, and this growth will

from 2015 onwards. RevPar

plans of Marriott in

we could see franchise oppor-

come from our stabilized port-

has been declining in Industry

India, Rajeev Menon,

tunity in India,” said Menon.

folio, and not from our new

for number of years, but it will

Area Vice President South

He added, “We also believe

hotels

see turnaround from 2015 on-

which

have

Asia, Marriott International,

that in the last 14 year with

launched in recent times. We

wards.

said that now Marriott has 23

having brought seven brands

also see some very good

there has been some sluggish-

operating hotels in the coun-

in India and establish them

growth in our food and bever-

ness in the execution of hotel

try and 50 projects are under

has allowed us create very

age business. So while the

projects, but “We have not

various stages of construc-

clear brand distinction, and

economy remains sluggish

seen

He admitted that

any

projects

being

tion. “Our development team

individual brand reputation

and there is considerable

shelved. We have seen delay

continues to sign a number of

for each of these brands

amount of new supply coming

in projects because of expen-

deals every year. We see great

across the country.”

in almost every market across

sive financing and high cost of

growth opportunity here. We

In other markets, Mar-

the country, we see opportu-

land. Existing conditions in

see India as decade-long

riott also operates hotels

nity in specific micro markets,

the economy such as high in-

growth story, so we are not

under franchise model. “We

but overall we are bucking the

terest rate are proving to be a

deterred by current economic

do a lot of franchising in US.”

industry trends and witness-

big challenge for the hotel de-

situation. Our aim is to have a

But, Menon added, “In Asia

ing RevPAR par growth in

veloper community, but we

portfolio of 100 hotels by

we generally had little fran-

India. This RevPAR growth

also believe in that now with

2017-18 in India.” At present

chisees. Over 95 per cent our

for us is predominately domi-

industry getting infrastruc-

Marriott operates hotels in

portfolios in Asia is managed

nated by growth in our occu-

ture status, the industry’s

India under seven of its

in Asia, but in India from

pancy at our stabilized hotels.

ability to undertake and exe-

brands. “We probably have

long-term perspective we see

So in our portfolio of stabi-

cute long-term projects will

the most diversified portfolio

franchise

for

lized properties we expect

improve, and we will see po-

in the Indian hotel industry.”

Fairfield and courtyard, (Mid-

close to 70 % occupancy in

tentially some new activities

scale) predominately for Fair-

2013.

from development point of

Menon

explained

that

Marriott operated its all hotels in India under manage-

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas to expand its portfolio across destinations Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced the expansion of its portfolio across destinations in four Conti-

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

formance of hotel industry

peaking of expansion

Rajeev Menon Area Vice President, South Asia Marriott International

ment contracts, and at pres-

nents and two extraordinary islands. True to its heritage of creating exceptional resorts and spas featuring unique, crafted guest experiences in places of incredible natural beauty, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas announces eight new development concepts set to open over the next 36 months. Growth also includes the addition of four incredible Six Senses Spas and the

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

opportunity

field.”

Speaking about outlook of

Speaking about the per-

the industry in 2014, Menon

brand’s broadening expansion into the lifestyle of wellness. “The rapid brand expansion of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas ignited in Asia, Europe, Northern Africa and the Caribbean allows us to redefine ourselves on a global scale with the addition of our first ski resort, first urban hotel and two amazing resort projects located at UNESCO World Heritage

Sites,” said Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs. “At the core of our DNA is creating unique hotel experiences that are located in untouched, pristine locations supported by sustainable development and culturallysensitive design aesthetics. Our vision for growth is anchored in a dynamic and thoughtful approach to the science of wellness.”

view in the industry.”

Upcoming developments in India by Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas: Known as the tallest residential building in the world, built on one of the most expensive pieces of land, Six Senses World One is located in Mumbai’s Worli district. Six Senses will manage the entire club house designed for residents and select external guests.

Hospitality News

Accor debuts Novotel brand in Ahmedabad Accor has opened Novotel Ahmedabad, the group’s 23rd hotel and 7th Novotel in India.

ocated close to the

commercial, industrial

and

retail

precincts of the city, Novotel Ahmedabad will offer 184

guest rooms and suites, meeting spaces augmented by the latest technology and

cept of “Uttarayan” – the col-

The

interesting dining and recre-

orful Kite festival, exuding a

Ahmedabadreinforces

opening

Novotel our

Novotel

Ahmedabad,

hope to set new standards in

ation options. Playing with

space perfect for a world

focus on India as a key mar-

the hospitality industry in

vibrant colors that reflect the

traveler.

ket for development. Our ex-

fast growing cities such as

the

pansion plans for Novotel in

Ahmedabad. The property

city, the hotel will offer a con-

Speaking

about

temporary ‘home away from

hotel’s

Jean-

this region are ambitious and

will

home’ experience for busi-

Michel Cassé, Senior Vice

opening,

we are confident about devel-

renowned contemporary ac-

deliver

globally-

ness travellers and families

President, Operations, Accor

oping new markets and new

commodation

alike. The key feature of the

India, said, “We are delighted

segments in India with our

allied services and facilities,

property is the innovative in-

with the rapid growth of our

network of hotels.”

raising the bar for business

teriors inspired by the con-

Novotel network in India.

He further adds, “At

Nagar, the Novotel Pune

that can accommodate up to

which is offering our clients

property features 164 stan-

500 people and six additional

facilities and services at

According to Mehta, the

dard rooms with 12 superior

meeting rooms. The property

competitive deals, focusing

property houses some of the

rooms having direct accessi-

is focusing on both corporate

on groups and MICE busi-

finest food & beverage outlets

bility to the swimming pool,

and leisure guests with

ness, targeting social events

in the city including its flag-

33 premier rooms and 14

unique concepts and pack-

with rooms and also make op-

ship all day dining restaurant

suites. It is also housing mul-

age offerings.

timum use of the online

The Square, Crust - its patis-

along

with

hotels in the city.” by TNH DESK

Accor launches Novotel Pune The 223-key property is focusing on corporate and leisure segment Anand Shah

rench

hospitality

major, Accor, has re-

cently launched its

first Novotel property in Pune. Located in Viman

Bandish Mehta GM Novotel Pune

tiple F&B outlets along with

Talking about the busi-

rant outlets.”

medium for room sales. For

serie and deli, Soak - the pool

banquet facilities. Under the

ness

Bandish

F&B sales, we promise to

bar, Bar-Code, its lobby bar

‘Meeting @Novotel’ concept,

Mehta, General Manager,

meet the city’s palate needs

and a specialty restaurant

strategy,

the property has a divisible

Novotel Pune said, “We like

with innovative offerings and

Fuzion serving international

ballroom of 4453 square feet

to follow a simple strategy

exciting events at the restau-

delicacies.

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Hospitality News

Sonnet ties up with PHG With The Sonnet entering into a tie-up with PHG, the hotel group would assume a new dimension in the hospitality sector of the east. Swaati Chaudhury

n an attempt to bring the hospitality group at par with global stan-

dards, The Sonnet- the fourstar business hotel property in Kolkata has formed a tieup with Preferred Hotel Group

(PHG)

based

Chicago. This is incidentally for the first time that a luxRavi B Parikh Director, The Sonnet

ury hospitality group has entered into a tie-up with PHG in the east. The 64-room hotel group is at a proximal distance from the Information Technology hub in Salt Lake and the airport. With the proposed tie-up, the hospitality group is eyeing an upward growth in the number of global travellers in the coming period and it is targeting to receive around 30 per cent domestic and 70 per

cluding access to popular

cent global travellers next

business and leisure desti-

year. The tie-up marks a milestone in the journey of the hospitality group. PHG prides in having around 650 luxury hotels and resorts in the world spread over 85 destinations.

D ECEM B ER 2 01 3 |

Benefits of The Sonnet-PHG tie-up: global marketing To woo more number of global corporate groups. guests to enjoy more facilities.

nations

across

cent.” Parikh

ings. also

informed

A number of global hos-

Preferred hotel group is a renowned brand in the world of global hospitality and the purpose of our tie-up is to facilitate global marketing.

“

foreign

that the hospitality group

pitality brands are foraying

Ravi B Parikh, Director,

shores. We are expecting

has plans for expansion by

in Kolkata that has enor-

The Sonnet explained, “Pre-

online booking from global

setting up a four-star prop-

mous potential. “The city

ferred hotel group is a

corporate groups through

erty in the east within a

has a constant growth in oc-

renowned

the

PHG and we would certainly

couple of years. Some of the

cupancy every year. There

world of global hospitality

attract the MICE segment

other advantages enjoyed

would be 1400 rooms in the

and the purpose of our tie-

from South-East Asian des-

by customers of PHG in-

next three years. The city

up is to facilitate global

tinations into our hotel. We

clude complimentary Inter-

has a dearth of luxury hos-

marketing. Our customers

intend to position ourselves

net

pitality groups but the level

would enjoy advantages at

as a premier business hotel

check-in and check-out and

of occupancy is higher,”

PHG across the globe in-

with an inventory of 100 per

rewards for online book-

added Parikh.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

brand

access,

priority

Hospitality News tural heritage and tradi-

Hilton signs contract with Amrit Bottlers for Hilton Garden Inn in Lucknow

tions,” said Martin Rinck, president,

Asia

Pacific,

Hilton Worldwide. “India is a key strategic market for Hilton

Hilton Worldwide as signs an agreement with Amrit Bottlers Pvt. Ltd. to operate Hilton Garden Inn Brand Hotel in Lucknow. Hilton Garden Inn Lucknow Gomti Nagar will be one of the city’s first internationally-branded hotels.

Worldwide.

Presently, we operate hotels and resorts in Delhi, Gurgaon,

Mumbai,

Chennai,

Vadodara, Pune, Goa and Shillim. Over the next eight

ilton Worldwide re-

to 10 months, we anticipate

cently

extending our network to in-

management

clude Bangalore, Trivan-

signed

agreement with Amrit Bot-

drum, Agra and Jaipur.”

tlers Private Limited for a

Owned by Amrit Bottlers

Hilton Garden Inn hotel in

Private Limited and man-

Gomti

Nagar,

Lucknow.

aged by Hilton Worldwide,

Hilton Garden Inn, part of

Hilton Garden Inn Lucknow

the Hilton Worldwide portfo-

Gomti Nagar will feature

lio of ten brands, is an

125 guest rooms and suites,

award-winning brand of up-

an all-day restaurant, fit-

scale yet affordable hotels.

ness centre, an outdoor pool

Strategically

and 4,900 square feet of con-

Gomti Nagar, the business,

ference and events space.

located

financial and entertainment

Guests at the hotel will be

district of Lucknow, Hilton

able to enjoy the Hilton Gar-

We are delighted with the opportunity to partner with Amrit Bottlers Private Limited for our foray into Lucknow, among the largest cities in North India that is also renowned for its cultural heritage and traditions. India is a key strategic market for Hilton Worldwide.

“

Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide

Garden Inn hotels in India,

New Delhi/Saket and Hilton

at Saket and Gurgaon, Delhi

New Delhi/Janakpuri; Gur-

Garden Inn Lucknow Gomti

den Inn brand’s signature

NCR, have been received

gaon: Hilton Garden Inn Gur-

Nagar will offer easy access

offerings including compli-

very well, and we will open

gaon

to the technology parks,

mentary internet access and

Hilton Garden Inn Trivan-

DoubleTree by Hilton Gur-

government

institutions,

24-hour

Square

and

centre

drum later this month. Hilton

gaon-New Delhi NCR; Mum-

commercial and business

services, and the 24-hour

Garden Inn has set the stan-

bai:

hubs, and entertainment

Pavilion Pantry™ conven-

dard in the mid-market sector

International Airport; Chen-

and shopping centres in the

ience mart.

offering an award-winning

nai: Hilton Chennai; Vado-

combination of best-in-class

dara: Hampton by Hilton

area.

business

Baani

Adrian

Kurre,

global

Hilton

Mumbai

“We are delighted with

head, Hilton Garden Inn

customer service and afford-

Vadodara-Alkapuri; Goa: Dou-

the opportunity to partner

said, “We are pleased with

able comfort and conven-

bleTree by Hilton Goa-Ar-

with Amrit Bottlers Private

this opportunity to extend

ience."

pora-Baga; Shillim:

Limited for our foray into

the brand’s presence in

Lucknow, among the largest

Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa

India, one of the key strate-

rently operates the following

and Pune: DoubleTree by

cities in North India that is

gic

Hilton

hotels and resorts in India -

Hilton Pune-Chinchwad.

also renowned for its cul-

Worldwide. Our two Hilton

New Delhi: Hilton Garden Inn

for

Worldwide

Hilton

cur-

markets

Hilton

DE C EMBER 2013|

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Hospitality News

Accor treads on a high growth trajectory in India Accor is aggressively expanding its presence in India, with opening new hotels on a regular basis. Now the hospitality chain aims to expand its presence at leisure locations of the country.

hotel in south Goa for leisure segment,” said Sabharwal. He

The French hospitality chain will continue to focus on

quirements

the hotel chain wants to open

MICE segment in India. “Our

markets and the hotels under

ences, depending on the reof

particular

hotels in various hill stations.

existing and forthcoming ho-

development,” said Sabhar-

“We want to open hotels in

tels will continue to have large

wal.

leisure locations like Shimla and Srinagar and are looking looking for opportunity at

e are reach-

leisure locations across all

ing

“W

spaces for meeting and confer-

added that in the north India,

for right opportunity. We are

Prem Kumar

traffic to these locations.”

every

segments for our different

part of the

brands. Such properties may

country. We will have 50 oper-

not necessarily be big hotels

Accor’s budget brand ‘Hotel Formule1’ opens in Pune After three successful openings in India, the fourth hotel opens its doors in Hinjewadi, Pune

ational hotels and 40 hotels

with a large inventory,” said

under different stage of devel-

Sabharwal. Accor sees huge

opment in India by 2015. By

opportunities in the leisure

erator in Asia Pacific an-

nology-driven

the end of this year we will

segment, and considers this

nounces the launch of its

along with easy accessibility

have around 25 hotels operat-

segment as key segment for

budget brand, Hotel For-

to city centers and business

ing in India and by the end of

its future growth in India. “We

mule1 in Pune Hinjewadi.

districts,” he adds. Vineesh

the next year we will have at

will see a lot of growth in the

Strategically located amidst

Kurup has been appointed

least 35 operational hotels in the country. These are our

Lokesh Sabharwal VP - Development, India, Bangladesh, Nepal & Sri Lanka, Accor

confirmed opening. In terms

Accor, the largest hotel op-

check-out, and reliable techfacilities

leisure segment. From budget

the business and IT hub of

as the General Manager of

to upscale segments, there is a

Pune in Hinjewadi Phase 1,

the hotel to spearhead the

lot to do at leisure locations.

the hotel featuring 104

hotel operations. According

of rooms, we would have an

porate segments.

Pullman

At present there are not many

rooms offers a great sleep

to Kurup, “Hotel Formule1

inventory of about

9,000

Delhi and Novotel Delhi, both

good hotels at leisure loca-

and shower experience at

Pune Hinjewadi aims to

rooms by 2015,” said Lokesh

are expected to open by the

tions. There is huge opportu-

best price. This is the fourth

cater to corporates, student

Sabharwal, VP - Develop-

mid of next year. Early next

nity in the North East for

Hotel Formule1 in India,

and sports groups in Hinje-

ment,

year the company will open

leisure hotels,” said Sabhar-

after

Ben-

wadi. The hotel is at a very

wal. He added, “We see oppor-

galuru and Greater Noida.

close proximity to Balewadi

tunity for our Novotel brand in

Speaking about the brand’s

sports complex and Sahara

India,

Bangladesh,

Nepal & Sri Lanka, while speaking about the future

hotel in Kolkota. The hospitality chain is ac-

Ahmedabad,

tively seeking opportunities in

every tier-II and some tier-III

debut in Pune, Philip Logan,

Cricket Stadium and also

In the month of October this

destinations that typically

cities and we have adapted our

Vice President Hotel For-

near Mumbai Pune Ex-

year, the hotel chain opened

cater to the leisure segment,

products as per the require-

mule1, India says, “Pune is

pressway.”

back to back two hotels in

such as Rajasthan, Goa, Ker-

ments of the markets and the

a key focus market and we

India. First, Novotel Goa

ala and the North East, some

customers. We strongly believe

are excited with the opening

Hotel Features

Shrem Resort was launched

of which are under advanced

that strength of the industry is

of our fourth Formule1

Hotel Formule1 Pune Hinje-

in North Goa, and second, Ibis

stages of negotiation.

the domestic market, and we

hotel. With great potential

wadi features breakfast,

in the city, Hotel Formule1

Vending

plans of the chain.

machine,

Flat

was launched in Jaipur. Ibis

With already having made

would make sure that we can

Jaipur was launched by Inter-

a significance presence at

cater to needs of the domestic

Pune Hinjewadi will appeal

screen TV with multi- chan-

Globe Hotels, a joint venture

business locations in the

market.”

to the customers with its

nels and is centrally air-con-

between Accor and InterGlobe

country, Accor will now in-

He added, “But the problem

added benefits, making it

ditioned. With 24 X 7

Enterprises. Accor will open

creasingly focus on leisure lo-

is that of connectivity at these

the perfect choice for them

security and access control

another hotel in Goa next year

cations. “Our purpose is to

locations. Many leisure loca-

with a promise of ‘Rest As-

lifts, keycard-operated door

under the Grand Mercure

have our hotels in key leisure

tions in India are not well-con-

sured’ with best value”.

brand. One Ibis is under con-

locations of the country, and

nected at present and at some

Hotel Formule1 offers trav-

locks, visual alarm for common areas, break glass

struction in Goa, which will

with this objective in mind, we

locations availability of land at

ellers a great sleep and

emergency phone and CCTV

open by 2015. Ibis Delhi at the

are looking for right opportu-

right locations is also a prob-

shower experience, compli-

Cameras; the hotel provides

Aerocity is expected to open

nities to open hotels at leisure

lem. We see improvement in in-

mentary Wi-fi, 24/7 security

undoubted safety to its

later this year, which will

locations. We are looking at

frastructure and this will

with express check-in and

guests.

cater to both leisure and cor-

other opportunity to open a

enable better connectivity and

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Hospitality News

So Sofitel’ to enter India by 2017 Sofitel Luxury Hotels aims to operate 10 hotels in India by 2023.

both the hotels has started and

and have a strong presence by

tel Luxury (luxury brand) and

special environmental approach

2023.

Sofitel So (stylist and boutique

has been undertaken for making

Worldwide, Sofitel operates

brand) and thus we are focus-

the project environment friendly

under three brands – Sofitel

ing on metro cities to place

and sustainable in the long run. According to Markland Blaiklock, Senior Vice President -

Anand Shah

Asia Pacific, Sofitel Luxury Ho-

estinations like Delhi,

tels, the group is now in talks

Goa,

and

with few hotel developers for

Chennai are on the

expanding their management

Bengaluru

radar of Sofitel’s expansion plans. Currently, the brand operates Sofitel Mumbai - a five-star deluxe property. Moreover, the brand is rolling out ‘So Sofitel’ in Mumbai (Mulund) with over 200 keys by

Currently, there are 38 properties managed by the group in Asia-Pacific region, and 26 projects are under development including two in India - Mulund in Mumbai.

2017. Besides, in the same premises, the brand will have another Markland Blaiklock Senior Vice President - Asia Pacific Sofitel Luxury Hotels

portfolio in the country. It is

India has more potential for Sofitel Legend as the brand is associated with legendary buildings and palaces. However, there are a good number of palace hotels in India, so our focus remains on other two brands.

“

Luxury, Sofitel So and Sofitel

these brands at the right loca-

Legend. During the recent visit

tions.” He also informed about

to India, Blaiklock said, “India

the two high priority brand ob-

has more potential for Sofitel

jectives moving towards 2015:

Legend as the brand is associ-

to increase brand value by pur-

ated with legendary buildings

suing targeted developments in

and palaces. However, there are

key capital cities and major

a good number of palace hotels

tourist destinations in the re-

property - Sofitel Mumbai Mulund

also is keen to enter into an

in India, so our focus remains

gion, and to expand to a total of

with over 400 keys connected via

agreement with developers for

on other two brands. There is a

150 hotels (currently 120) glob-

sky-bridge. The development of

managing hotels in the country

good space for brands like Sofi-

ally.

IHG opens Holiday Inn Amritsar The newly launched hotel is the first Holiday Inn in Punjab. oliday Inn Amritsar

contemporary

32”

said, “Both religious and

Ranjit Avenue is the

plasma screens, high-speed

leisure tourism in Amritsar is

newest addition to

internet, wi-fi and a multime-

booming and demand for ho-

IHG’s growing portfolio in

dia hub for easy connectivity.

tels has never been higher.

India and is the seventh Holi-

Guests at the hotel can

We are delighted to bring our

day Inn hotel in the country.

choose from a variety of din-

Holiday Inn brand to the city.

The 145-room hotel is located

ing options, including: Ziva,

With the central location of

in the centre of Amritsar’s

the hotel’s all-day dining

the hotel, range of interna-

premier commercial district,

restaurant; Bella Italian Trat-

tional facilities and best in

Ranjit Avenue, giving trav-

toria, Amritsar’s first and

class service, I am certain it

ellers the opportunity to ex-

only authentic Italian restau-

will become a new landmark

Both international and do-

Inn hotels and 16 Holiday Inn

perience everything Amritsar

rant; and The Lounge, a styl-

of hospitality in this city.”

mestic travellers can expect

Express hotels due to open

rooms,

has to offer. The famous

ish lounge bar serving a

Kunal Shankar, General

Golden Temple (Harmandir

selection of gourmet tea, cof-

Manager, Holiday Inn Amrit-

In India, IHG now has

Sahib) is located a short dis-

fee and relaxing cocktails.

a world-class experience.”

over the next three to five years.

sar Ranjit Avenue said, “Am-

15 hotels open across 10

Having started out as

tance away and Sri Guru

The hotel’s Grand Ball-

ritsar is already one of

cities in the country: seven

an inn in Memphis Tennessee

Ram Das Jee International

room can hold 450 people and

India’s most popular reli-

Holiday Inn hotels and Re-

in the US, Holiday Inn has be-

Airport and railway station

will cater to a range of

gious tourist destinations

sorts, six Crowne Plaza ho-

come

are within a 15 minute drive

events, from weddings to cor-

and we look forward to cater-

tels, one Holiday Inn Express

across the globe and a pio-

from the hotel.

porate events and confer-

ing to the demand for an in-

hotel and one InterContinen-

neer in the hotel industry.

ences.

ternational hotel brand. Our

tal hotel. Holiday Inn and

There are currently 1,200 Hol-

The hotel offers a full

household

name

range of facilities and ameni-

Commenting on the open-

hotel has a winning formula:

Holiday Inn Express hotels

iday Inn Hotels and Resorts

ties to guests, including an

ing of the hotel Douglas

a contemporary, comfortable

make up IHG’s biggest pro-

around the world and 250due

outdoor pool and fitness cen-

Martell, Vice President Oper-

hotel, in the centre of the city,

portion of upcoming hotels in

to open over the next three to

tre and, in its spacious and

ations South West Asia, IHG

combined with great service.

the country with 25 Holiday

five years.

DE C EMBER 2013|

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Hospitality News

Laxmi Vilas Palace: A blend of royalty and bird watching The only heritage hotel in Rajasthan’s gateway city is high on avian conservation that forms a spectacle for tourists. Swaati Chaudhury here are only a few

luxury heritage hotels in Rajasthan that are

recognized by the Central gov-

ernment

and

Bharatpur’s

Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of them, well-known as Heritage Grand in the world of heritage hospitality.

Laxmi

Vilas

Palace, which was declared a heritage property in 1994, Rao Raja Raghuraj Singh Managing Director Luxmi Vilas Palace

serves as the finest example of Rajasthani royalty for heritage travellers. Sprawling over 100 acres of land area, Laxmi Vilas Palace was once a Zenana Mahal that traces its origin in 1870. The

heritage properties are recog-

There are fresco paintings on

hotel with 46 luxury rooms is

nized by the government. He

the interior walls; traditional

doing its best to draw high-

said, “We try to bring alive the

paintings inlaid with gold and

end tourists to Bharatpur.

hospitality

destination

We try to bring alive the bygone royal grandeur in our heritage hotel and we are keeping with the tradition of our cultural heritage

“

grand fireplace depicting the

“We are trying to bring

customs of regal times. Our

tourists travelling to the

hotel is the only hospitality

Golden Triangle into our hotel.

set-up that offers heritage cui-

Bharatpur falls in National

sine and Rajasthani Bharat-

Capital Region and the Cen-

straight out of your dreams.

bygone royal grandeur in our

puri cuisine,” Raghuraj Singh

tral government is all set to

There are two restaurants,

heritage hotel and we are

said.

declare Braj Tourism Circuit

The only heritage property

Laxmi Vilas Palace’s areas of focus: •Avian conservation. •Rajasthani Bharatpuri cuisine. •Fresco paintings on walls. •Traditional paintings inlaid with gold. heritage bar, swimming pool

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

MD. The heritage hotel is

keeping with the tradition of

that would include New Delhi,

that is into avian conservation

Mathura, Vrindavan, Kama

in the district of Bharatpur,

and Bharatpur. We are making

Laxmi Vilas Palace is engaged

strides to upgrade wildlife

in eco-tourism and organic

tourism in Bharatpur that has

farming. “We are conserving

the

around 40 species of local mi-

Ghana Bird Sanctuary listed

gratory and resident avifauna

in UNESCO World Heritage

renowned

Keoladeo

and gym. According to Rao

our cultural heritage. Our her-

in our hotel. There are domes-

Site and a Ramsar Site. At the

Raja Raghuraj Singh, Man-

itage property flaunts age-old

tic and global travellers visit-

same time, we are working to

aging Director of the hotel,

artifacts of Italian marble and

ing our hotel with keen

spruce up heritage tourism in

there are 90 heritage hotels in

portraits of the royal dynasty

interests in bird watching and

Bharatpur that includes forts

Rajasthan of which only 20

in every nook and corner.

cultural heritage,” said the

and temples,” added Singh.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Hospitality News

Berggruen Hotels aims a portfolio of 75 hotels by 2015-16 Berggruen Hotels, a leading hospitality chain of business hotels, recently launched a new upscale hotel brand ‘Keys Klub’. Prem Kumar

peaking

about

group’s

the

expansion

India presence, the hotel

under development, which in-

said, “Opening a new hotel is

chain currently has 14 hotels

cludes 7 owned and 14 man-

a big challenge in the country

and about 1250 room under

aged properties with a total

because of the prevailing red-

its different brands. This in-

inventory of 2010.

tapism, high cost of land and

cludes

six

Berggruen Hotels was set

high cost of finance. You need

owned hotels of the group.

properties

up in 2006 and the chain

so many licenses and ap-

The chain operates hotels

launched its first hotel brand

provals to launch a hotel.

under ownership, manage-

‘Keys Hotels’ in January 2007

Berggruen Hotels follows dif-

ment and franchise contract.

as mid-market brand. Cur-

ferent modes of growth such

In addition, the chain has

rently the hotel chain has four

as buying land, building and

many more properties under

brands - Keys Hotels, Keys

operating, Management con-

development.

Resorts, Keys Apartment and

tracts, Lease arrangements

newly launched Keys Klub.

and franchise. Over the years,

“We aim to

have a portfolio of 75 hotels and an inventory of 6500

“It is tough time,” said

launched brand key Clubs,

rooms by 2015-16. This would

Sethi, talking about the cur-

aggressive growth trajectory

Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO,

include 41 operating hotels

rent state of hotel industry in

with

Berggruen Hotels said, “We

and 34 properties under de-

India. He added, “A lot of new

owned, managed and fran-

will open two Keys Klub Ho-

velopment.” In addition to 14

supply has been added in the

chised business hotels. Keys

total inventory of rooms in the

Hotels currently has presence

plan

for

newly

Key facts Berggruen Hotels aims a portfolio of 75 hotels by 2015-16 The chain launched its first hotel brand ‘Keys Hotels’ in 2007. Currently the hotel chain has four brands - Keys Hotels, Keys Resorts, Keys Apartment and newly launched Keys Klub. Sanjay Sethi MD & CEO, Berggruen Hotels

Keys Hotels has been on an addition

several

country, increasing the overall

in Aurangabad, Bengaluru,

supply of rooms in different

Chennai, Ludhiana, Mumbai,

categories, but due to eco-

Pune and Thiruvananthapu-

nomic slowdown the demand

ram with Keys Business ho-

has not grown in proportion to

tels while Mahabaleshwar and

the growth in supply, putting

Goa with Keys Resorts. The

pressure on occupancy, rate

Keys serviced apartments are

and RevPAR.

operational

tels every year in important

operating properties,

Keys

Sharing the common con-

cities of India.” With its pan-

Hotels has 21 properties

cerns of the industry, Sethi

Whitefield,

Bengaluru.

A new eco retreat conserving avian biodiversity

Services (IGS) to extend a

forest department. Once out of

A poacher’s den in bygone times in the vicinity of Chilika Lake is now transforming into a new avian world on the eco-tourism map of India.

helping hand in setting up

the prison, the fisher folks

Mangalajodi Eco-tourism trust

pledged to free Mangalajodi

sometime in 2009. Aimed to

from the clutches of poachers.

Swaati Chaudhury t’s not often that one gets

In today’s times, the bird

down. The fisher folks re-

sanctuary has drawn the at-

ported as many as 189 cases of

tention of Indian Grameen

rampant poaching to the state

tion on the northern banks of

district that has been a

conserve the avian species,

Chilika Lake. Mangalajodi is a

favourable resting and breed-

wetland and biodiversity, Man-

Informs

Shashank

Sekhar Dash, COO, Mangala-

to hear about Mangalajodi,

tiny hamlet comprising 800

ing site for winged migratory

galajodi Eco-tourism is an at-

jodi Eco-Tourism Trust, “This

a rare eco-tourist destina-

acres of wetland in Khurda

birds

tempt to sustain the rural

is a premier project in eastern

flying

from

foreign

shores. Lying at a distance of

economy

community

India that has received the fi-

Attractions of Mangalajodi wetland:

75 km from Bhubaneswar and

tourism. It all began when a

and

nancial support of Royal Bank

Around 5,000 resident birds and 272 migratory avian species. Rare birds like glossy ibis, spot-billed duck, Brahminy teal duck, Northern pintail, Northern shoveller, peregrine falcon, comb duck and collared pratincole. Ugratara shrine is 11 km away. Gopalpur-on-sea lies 115 km from the hamlet. Vetnoi Blackbuck Sanctuary is 115 km away. Rusikulya delta, the breeding ground for Olive Ridley turtles is 75 km away.

135 km from Puri, Managlajodi

group of 12 like-minded fisher

of Scotland. Wild Orissa was

was once a poacher’s haven in

folks from the hamlet took up

the first voluntary outfit to step

the decade of ‘80s and ‘90s but

cudgels to create environmen-

in to the hamlet with IGS fund-

the concerted efforts of vil-

tal awareness in the locality

ing. IGS has initiated building

lagers to conserve the wetland

but were convicted for 90 days.

two bamboo cottages, two dor-

habitat over the years have

During this period, one of the

mitories, tented accommoda-

made the hamlet a birding de-

fisher folks’ wife succumbed to

tion and a restaurant for

light for bird-watchers.

death owing to nervous break-

tourists.

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Hospitality News

The Ritz-Carlton opens first hotel in India Legendary Hotel Company The Ritz-Carlton opened its first hotel in India, in Bangalore.

Ritz-Carlton

Hotel

Company,

side a hotel.

Riwaz, designed by Peter

dining

restaurant

“We are redefining the

Silling, literally translates

opened the doors of its first

international standard for

tradition by serving authen-

hotel in India. Located on

luxury hospitality in India

tic dishes from India’s North

Residency Road in the heart

with a truly unique property

West Frontier in a contempo-

of downtown Bangalore, the

in Bangalore,” said Herve

rary space.

hotel is part of a destination

Humler, President and Chief

The city’s highest rooftop

renowned for its world-class

Operating Officer of The

bar and sky lounge, Bang,

shopping, dining and enter-

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

“The hotel will bring our

the platform from which to

Bangalore

India’s

Ritz-Carlton service philoso-

view the best sunsets and

third largest city and best

phy to life in this magical

panoramic views of Banga-

known as the Silicon Valley

country, and blend it with

lore over cocktails and Jaali

of India, though vast ex-

traditional Indian hospitality

inspired dishes. The Lobby

panses of lush greenery

to create memorable experi-

Lounge

have also earned it the name

ences for our guests. Our

Ritz-Carlton Afternoon Tea

of The Garden City. Banga-

first hotel in India under-

service and cocktails to Ban-

lore is home to 400 of the

lines our commitment to the

galore and The Ritz-Carlton

Top Fortune 500 companies

Indian people who have long

Bar completes the distinctive

and is the fastest growing

been supporters of our ho-

variety of bars and restau-

major metropolis in India.

tels

The city also enjoys a rich

added.

overseas”

Humler

brings

legendary

rants with the widest selection of cocktails and fine

cultural heritage with a

The Ritz-Carlton, Banga-

thriving theatre and arts

lore introduces seven dining

Business facilities of-

scene.

venues to the city, which are

fered at the hotel include a

wines in the city.

The 277 room contempo-

to be run by Michelin Star

range of meeting rooms fea-

rary Ritz-Carlton hotel em-

chef Anupam Banerjee. A

turing the stunning 600

braces tradition with the

Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge,

square meter Ritz-Carlton

Jaali (lattice screen) design

the first managed Ritz-Carl-

Ballroom, one permanent

from the Mughal era and

ton Spa by ESPA in Banga-

boardroom and three func-

many architectural and inte-

lore, a Rossano Ferretti

tion rooms with natural

rior design features, includ-

salon, and the city’s largest

light.

ing pointed archways and

no-pillar ballroom also take

ample white marble reminis-

center stage.

cent of the Taj Mahal.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

fine

L.L.C., has officially

tainment.

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

to the largest collection in-

An urban resort oasis can be found on Level 5. The

The Lantern, designed by

sanctuary includes The Ritz-

Jaali screens offer a

Japanese interior designers,

Carlton Spa by ESPA, an ex-

sense of privacy while allow-

SuperPotato, is Bangalore’s

perience

ing light to flow through

stunning three-level restau-

Ayurvedic and internation-

them. An impressive marble

rant, shaped like a glass

ally-acclaimed

staircase is the center piece

Lantern. Authentic Chinese

The holistic wellness enclave

with

native

treatments.

of the hotel interior and dec-

dim sum and cuisine from

features an expansive state-of-

orative paintings and sculp-

different provinces of China

the-art fitness facility with a

tures, coupled with intricate

will be served. The Market

fully-equipped

Jaali patterns, are all care-

all-day dining room, also cre-

and an outdoor swimming pool

fully blended to form an es-

ated by SuperPotato, is Ban-

with poolside lounge and bar

sential part of the hotel’s

galore’s

culinary

surrounded by lush foliage.

character. With 1,280 pieces

theatre which also includes a

Guests can relax in private ca-

of contemporary art from

unique wine room and pri-

banas with inviting daybeds

prominent artists, The Ritz-

vate

Carlton, Bangalore is home

guests. And the signature

only

dining

spaces

for

Technogym,

and cocoons that offer privacy and comfort.

by TNH DESK

International News

Thai Festival; Light up in New Delhi

Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi recently organized the famous Thai festival of Loi Krathong in New Delhi at the Dusit Deverana Hotel. t was a splendid evening at Dusit Deverana Hotel recently as several floating candles lit up their water bodies and the lawns. Loi Krathong is a festival of lights celebrated throughout the country. It is the time of year when the waters all across come alive with candlelight. Loi means 'to float', while krathong refers to a lotus-shaped container that floats on water. Thais celebrate this festival to pay homage to the Goddess of Water. Couples come together to float their krathongs and ask for forgiveness for polluting waters and pray for good luck and good health. The evening was inaugurated

by a beautiful cultural performance put together by a team of dancers and musicians flown in from Thailand. Chalit Manityakul, Thailand’s Ambassador congratulated Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi for organizing such an event. He said,” It gives us great joy to celebrate the Loi Krathong festival in this city and give the people a glimpse of Thai culture with all its simplicity and panache. We would also like to thank our partners, Finlandia and Dusit Deverana Hotel for their support in making this a successful event.” The guest list included several dignitaries and socialites including

Ankur and Smriti Bhatia of the Bird Group, Vikram Madhok of Abercrombie & Kent, Mrs. Ranjeeta Kant , Diplomats and other noted faces from the travel and hospitality Industry. The guests were taken over to choose colorful ‘krathongs’ by a beautiful procession, which usually

is a part of the festival in Thailand, and float them in the water bodies around the hotel lawns, making their wishes. The guests were seen having a good time over cocktails throughout the evening which was followed by Thai Cuisine dinner. The evening truly exuded Thai radiance and splendor. by TNH DESK

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

International News

Tourism Seminar organized on The Great War Centenary Visit Flanders and VISITBRUSSELS organized a tourism seminar on The Great War Centenary. The Seminar was focused on enhancing the awareness of the Indian travel trade on activities being planned from 20142018 on World War I remembrance in the region.

Government of Flanders. During World War I, Around

role that Indian soldiers

72,000 Indian soldiers fought

played during World War I.

in Flanders as members of

The centenary provides us

the British army (Indian

with an appropriate occasion

Army Corps). 7000 of them

to pay homage to these

lost their lives. At the Menin

valiant individuals, and we

Gate in Ieper, similar to the

have been making every ef-

India Gate in Delhi, a dedi-

fort possible over the past few

cated monument has been

years to make sure that we

erected in their honour.

provide the victims of the war

Alain Hutchinson, President

VISITBRUSSELS

and their descendants with a fitting tribute.”

added: “This was the world’s

Patrick Bontinck, CEO of

first-ever conflict on a global

VISITBRUSSELS said, “We

scale, marking the start of a

want Indian visitors to have a

series of profound societal

memorable visit to our city.

changes. These changes came

We are making every possible

to a head at the end of the

effort to ensure that their

Second World War, when the

stay is safe, comfortable and

founding of the European

enjoyable.”

Community led to the united

Over the last few years

and collective Europe that we

preparations have been on in

know today. Brussels, as the

Flanders & Brussels for the

true capital of 500 million Eu-

commemoration ceremonies

ropeans, is home to the main

that begin in 2014 and will

European institutions and

continue over the next four

today serves as the interna-

years. Visit Flanders is ex-

tional crossroads for culture,

pecting at least two million

diplomacy and economic af-

extra visitors to the sites and

fairs.”

cultural events in remem-

The First World War com-

brance of the Great War in

memorations in Brussels-

the coming years. The In

Capital Region reflect the

Flanders Fields Museum in

city’s current national and in-

Ypres has been refurbished

ternational status. They are

and enlarged, and is now

an opportunity to underline

home to a WW I knowledge

isit Flanders and VIS-

ders, Deputy Prime Minister

the timeless and universal na-

center. More than 500 original

ITBRUSSELS organ-

and Federal Minister of For-

ture of values such as mem-

objects and documents are on

ized

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

We are all aware of the major

tourism

eign Affairs, Foreign Trade

ory, freedom, solidarity and

display and visitors can dis-

seminar on “World War I Re-

and European Affairs, and

social cohesion. As a result,

cover four personal stories

membrance 2014-2018” at

Kris Peeters, Minister-Presi-

they will take a broad view

through interactive kiosks in

The Taj Palace, New Delhi.

dent of the Government of

and not focus solely on the

this state of the art museum.

The tourism seminar is held

Flanders, Flemish Minister

conflict experienced in Brus-

Other important sites are the

as a part of the official pro-

for Economy, Foreign Policy,

sels.

Lijssenthoek Military Ceme-

gram of the visiting Belgian

Agriculture and Rural Policy.

Peter De Wilde, CEO of

tery visitor center, the Talbot

Economic Mission lead by

The seminar included

Visit Flanders added, “We

House, the Memorial Museum

Princess Astrid, representa-

presentations on plans for the

hope to receive a large num-

Passchendaele 1917 and the

tive of His Majesty the King of

Great War Centenary 2014-

ber of visitors from India for

Goose

Nieuwpoort.

Belgium. The Princess is ac-

2018 – a four-year remem-

the commemoration of World

companied by Didier Reyn-

brance project set up by the

War I in Flanders & Brussels.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Foot

Complex

by TNH DESK

International News

Ensnaring high end travellers with the right ‘E’ Be it the long-haul or the short haul destination, NTOs are luring the high-end Indian travellers through innovative offerings, product lines and are working with top tour operators to provide ‘best-of-both-worlds’ deals and packages. gets long-haul, short-haul, established and new NTOs on board along with luxury tour sellers to talk about their strategy to attract ‘seen it all, done it all’ travellers.

This clientele is an experi-

Philippines, etc are now

will account for 50 million

enced traveller, knowledge-

competing with each other

outbound tourists by 2020.

able and finicky about the

to get the biggest pie of

With this, India is actually

choices he makes. While he

high-end

travellers

from

According

tagged as one of the fastest

does not mind splurging on

India.

growing

a luxury holiday, he wants

Sethaphan Buddhani, Di-

markets in the world. Ac-

value for money spent, as

rector, Tourism Authority of

cording to industry experts,

well as a few add-ons that

Thailand, Mumbai; increas-

India has emerged as a sort

delight him. Besides, the

ingly, the high end Indian

of ‘Dark Horse’ in the past

growing economy has also

traveller is looking beyond

few years.

offered lucrative packages

the tried and tested holidays

outbound

travel

From the very start, long

to several young profession-

and seeking out unique ex-

haul destinations from Eu-

als often termed as ‘yuppies’

periences. He said, “Thai-

rope and US has targeted

who have the aspirations to

land has established itself

the high end travellers from

travel

as a destination of choice

India as components like air

branded five-star deluxe

for many Indians, especially

was tagged as ‘price

travel and accommodation

properties or boutique ho-

middle class. I won’t be

conscious’ market

makes the entire package a

tels, indulge in wellness

wrong in saying that we

but with increase in dispos-

bit over the budget for mid-

therapies at high-end spa

have

Anand Shah

Lubaina Sheerazi India representative Sultanate of Oman

UNWTO predicts that India

raditionally,

India

style,

live

made

international

dle class travellers. But with

resorts as their first bite

travel affordable for Indi-

increasing competition in

into the luxury pie. While

ans. However, our destina-

air-travel, Indian and inter-

the former looks at high-

tion still has the charm of

national carriers are offer-

end, niche and innovative

being exclusive, exotic and

ing attractive return fares

experiences;

latter’s

exciting for high end trav-

which bring down the total

idea of luxury is more aspi-

ellers who are looking for

travel budget to certain ex-

rational and follows the cur-

unique experiences in Thai-

tend. And with aggressive

rent market trends.

land. There are virgin desti-

the

promotional activities by

In seeking out experien-

nations which appeals the

NTOs in India; more and

tial holidays, the high-end

high end travellers to re-

more travel agents in India

travellers look for diver-

peatedly visit Thailand and

are offering attractive pack-

sity—it could be anything

have unique experiences on every visit.”

Mischa Mannix-Opie Regional Manager - South and South East Asia, Tourism New Zealand

ages to Europe in much eco-

from camper vans in New

nomical

However,

Zealand to river cruises in

able income and booming

when talking about high-end

South America, an exclusive

middle class segment, we

travellers,

single malt distillery in Scot-

To establish itself as a high-

are more referred as ‘value

about ‘E’ - Experience, Ex-

land, rail journeys across

end

rates.

everything

for money’ travellers. Ac-

clusivity,

cording to experts, India is

ment,

a market currently with 1.2

Extraordinary,

crore

and with Ease.

Indians

travelling

Exotic,

Unique initiatives destination,

Oman

Excite-

the Canadian Rocky Moun-

tourism launched ‘Opulence

Excellent,

tains, drives across the

of Oman’ campaign in India

Engaging

African continent, cultural

for the first time in India in

tours of Laos, Cambodia and

2012. Lubaina Sheerazi,

Vietnam, a Harley Davidson

India representative, Sul-

overseas annually, and a growth rate of 12-13 per

Luxury seekers

bike ride in Thailand or

tanate of Oman said, “The

cent per year projected till

Luxury travellers in India

even a super-truck expedi-

entire definition of luxury

2015. According to World

consist primarily of FITs,

tion across Iceland, explains

holidays is changing world-

Travel & Tourism Council

families and honeymooners.

Rajeev Wagle, MD, Kuoni

wide and India is no excep-

(WTTC) Country Report for

There

India

tion. The high end traveller

India, this industry con-

amount of cash rich high net

tributes 8.6 per cent to the

worth individuals in the

nations

Thailand,

and seen that—so now it's

GDP, which is expected to

country who form the pri-

Malaysia, Singapore and

time to move away from the

increase to nine per cent by

mary clientele for Luxury

short haul destinations like

herd and seek out unique

2020. On the other hand,

Tourism segment in India.

Indonesia, Dubai, Sri Lanka,

experiences. India is in-

significant

Established travel destilike

is the one who has done that

DE C EMB ER 2013|

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

International News

creasingly becoming a core

Rajeev Wagle MD, Kuoni India

luxury

something special. The well

advance, designing special

market for us with its boom-

tourism destination. “The

travelled travellers are very

menus and gourmet dinners

ing economy and rising out-

branding of Malaysia as a

involved right from the start

among others. Some opera-

bound travel. However, our

luxury destination and our

with the planning of their

tors

focus is on high net-worth

efforts to attract high yield

holiday starting with putting

clients with cellphone to use

travellers as most of our

tourists to Malaysia have

together the itinerary, the

during their stay and take

also

provide

their

services, offerings and ac-

been well received and this

hotels they stay in and the

away gifts like iPods and

tivities are apt for that seg-

had made a difference to our

activities we plan for them.

Play station 3.

ment.” Adding further, she

targets, earnings and ar-

Being an exotic destination;

Adding further, Wagle

said, “The affluent Indian

rival figures since past two

we are here to decoy the

said,

outbound travellers prefers

years,” informs Manoharan

premium category travellers

providers

custom built tours and thus

Periasamy,

we are working closely with

India, Tourism Malaysia.

Director

–

selective travel companies

New Zealand – not really

which assist them with cus-

a new entrant in India has

Reel to real life In the 2007 Hollywood comedy The Bucket List, corporate billionaire, Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson) gifts his new found friend Carter Chambers (played by Morgan Freeman) a taste of luxury before they kick the bucket. So they head out for an around the world vacation, indulging in experiences like skydiving, climbing the Pyramids, driving a Shelby Mustang, dining at Chateau de la Chevre d’Or at Cote d’Azur in France, riding motorcycles at the Great Wall of China, taking a lion safari in Africa and having a historical experience of the Taj Mahal.

“Industry like

service tourism

who prefer the best of best

boards, destination manage-

products on their tours.”

ment

companies,

travel

agents and operators need Luxury sellers

to collaborate to work to-

NTOs are not only adopting

wards building a series of

innovative strategies to lure

luxury products for Indian

high end travellers but are

travellers who are becoming

also engaging travel trade

more and more experimen-

through

pro-

tal with their travel choices.

grammes. Luxury products

specialist

Infact, the whole luxury

are now an important part

travel market is moving to

of any destination training

FIT, thus service providers

programme and travel com-

should know the strategy to

panies now have special di-

cater to smaller groups as

tomised departures and give

recently

their

visions and team to look

well.”

them a freedom to explore

focus and activities in India.

after this segment. Accord-

Current trends and pre-

the destination at their own

The tourism board has ap-

ing to Wagle, prestige and

dictions of the future based

pace. Oman is a perfect des-

pointed a whole new team to

exclusivity is everything for

on analysis of various fac-

increased

tination for travellers seek-

look after the Indian market

luxury travellers while plan-

tors all point to a boom in

ing privacy, style, quality of

and adopt strategies to grow

ning a holiday. He said, “It’s

the Indian outbound luxury

service with exclusive and

the numbers from India. Ac-

important to have a strong

segment.

unique experiences.”

cording to Mischa Mannix-

team which is well equipped

luxury travel to history-

Opie,

Manager

to meet the standards and

laden locations, along with

of Tourism, Malaysia had

South and South East Asia,

demands of big spenders.

meaningful

implemented various initia-

Tourism

Zealand;

First the agent should listen

with artists, trendsetters

tives to draw high net-worth

Tourism New Zealand views

to their needs, understand

and experts in their field of

tourists to Malaysia with

Indian market as a priority

their requirements and de-

interest is developing rap-

events like the Malaysia In-

emerging market. She said,

mands, package the best

idly among individuals, cou-

ternational Shoe Festival,

“We have secured additional

suitable products and cus-

ples, families and small

Malaysia Contemporary Art

funding to increase our mar-

tomise the tour as per their

sized

Tourism Festival and the

keting efforts in India mar-

preferences.”

groups. Still in its infancy,

packaging

helicopter

ket in the next three years.

An edge in terms of serv-

Indian outbound luxury seg-

tours. Other events included

Apart from the MICE seg-

ices that ensures the guest

ment is expected to evolve

private sector collaboration

ment, our focus is on high

is given preferential treat-

rapidly

on the "A Journey through

end FIT travellers. We are

ment is an important factor

trends. However, unique ex-

Time" luxury watch exhibi-

focusing on tourist who are

of this segment. This in-

periences and high degree

tion and the CIMB Asia Pa-

looking for quality and not

cludes personalisation by

of personalised services will

cific Classic Malaysia golf

quantity. As per my knowl-

placing family pictures in

remain key elements along

tournament sanctioned by

edge about Indian trav-

their suite rooms, offering

with the Indian attitude of

PGA Tour which positioned

ellers,

their preferred beverages in

getting value for money.

Since 2010, the Ministry

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

Malaysia

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Regional New

vacations

are

Internationally,

interactions

similar

interest

international

International News

Thailand to promote ‘indulgence’ tourism in 2014 Plans to attract repeat Indian travellers through strategies aimed at B2B and B2C network

tivals and much more. TAT

culture. We have observed that

liner operator. He further in-

Mumbai had earlier organised

the more Indians get con-

formed that the premium seg-

specialised road-shows fo-

nected to a destination, the

ment - that contributed to 20

cused on golf, weddings and

more they tend to come back

per cent of the total one million

recently concluded a road-

and recommend that destina-

arrivals in 2012 - is also view-

show targeting luxury travel

tion to their friends and family.

ing Thailand as a golf getaway.

market from India.

We have attained one million

Apart from indulgence

visitors from India and intend

tourism, TAT Mumbai will be

roadshow

to sustain similar figures in

further emphasizing on edu-

themed ‘A World of Luxury, a

2014.” During the roadshow,

cating the travel trade across

Talking on the sidelines of Luxury

Anand Shah

travel

fter celebrating the

India. According to Buddhani,

arrival of one million

Entry charges into Thailand might increase

once AirAsia India starts oper-

Indian travellers in

The proposal for Thailand to charge international visitors an entry fee (500 Baht) apart from a visa fee (1000 Baht) is still pending a Cabinet approval. Thailand continues to welcome tourists arriving at all international checkpoints - airports, border crossings and seaports (cruise and yacht tourists) - without any entry fee. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is monitoring the entry-fee proposal, and will inform all travellers as the situation becomes clearer.

ations, there will be more mar-

2012, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mumbai is in process of launching few more plans and activities to sustain the tourist arrival figures. The authority is now focusing on

Sethaphan Buddhani Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand Mumbai

kets to be develop. He said, “We have already started training and educating agents in cities like Indore, Bhopal, Nagpur, Surat, etc. With AirAsia India starting operations,

segments which will not just

Luxury Hotels Showcase’ in

more than 100 travel agents

Indians will not only get better

showcase Thailand but will

Mumbai about the next year

and tour operators selling lux-

fares to travel within India but

also help travellers to indulge

focus, Sethaphan Buddhani,

ury tours were educated about

its partner airline – AirAsia

in the destination and connect

Director, Tourism Authority of

the top luxury products of-

might offer exciting offers to

better with Thailand. It will be

Thailand, Mumbai said, “Next

fered by Thailand. The road-

Thailand from these cities.

focusing

‘indulgence

year, we intend to focus more

show featured ten luxury

This will help us develop

tourism’ by targeting seg-

on indulging and connecting

properties, two airlines, two

smaller markets which has

ments like cuisine, culture, fes-

Indian travellers with our local

attractions and one cruise

lots of potential.”

Plan for Trans-Asian Buddhist Circuit The India Japan Global Partnership Summit (IJGPS) 2013, scheduled to take place in Greater Noida from December 15-18, 2013 will propose plan to develop Trans-Asian Buddhist Circuit.

for tourists.

Tourism Infrastructure. IJGPS

Jagdeep Rikhy, Managing

The four-day Summit will

2013 aims to delve into financial

Director, Blaze Luxel Resorts

discuss possible areas of coop-

mechanisms and investment op-

and Co-Chairman for IJGPS

eration and partnership be-

portunities to reconcile infra-

said, “Trans-Asian Buddhist

tween

structure growth in the tourism

Circuit will help promote Bud-

sector.

dhist Tourism in India in a big

India

and

Japan,

including Tourism, Infrastructure, Education Skill Development, Agriculture, etc.

Vibhav Kant Upadhyay,

way. India has huge potential in

Chairman, ICF said, “There is

Buddhist Tourism, and such po-

IJGPS 2013, besides other

huge scope of cooperation and

tential is mostly untapped.” He

issues, will invest an immense

partnership between India and

added, “There are many Bud-

rans-Asian Buddhist

amount of concentration in

Japan in the area of tourism,

dhist heritages in India, which if

Circuit will be devel-

tourism sector. On the second

which will be discussed at the

promoted properly with devel-

oped under Public Pri-

day of the summit, there will be

Summit along with unveiling of

opment of proper infrastructure

vate Partnership (PPP) on the

a session on the proposed

roadmap for Trans-Asian Bud-

and amenities, will bring lakhs

pattern of Delhi Mumbai Indus-

Trans-Asian Buddhist Circuit.

dhist Circuit. The summit will

of foreign tourists to the country

trial Corridor (DMIC) with in-

There would be many other ses-

work out methods to enhance

and transform living standards

volvement of Government of

sions on other key issues such

partnership between India and

of people living around Buddhist

Japan, Government of India

as Infrastructure and Invest-

Japan in tourism sector.” The

heritage sties.”

and private players. Under the

ment,

Million

objective of the summit is to for-

An initiative of India Center

proposed circuit transport in-

Tourist Exchange and Golf - A

mulate a new socio-economic

Foundation (ICF), IJGPS is a bi-

frastructure will be developed

Global Brand, etc. There would

framework based on Energy ef-

ennial event. The first IJGPS was held in Tokyo in 2011.

Japan-India:

to make Buddhist destinations

be a round table session on Pro-

ficiency, Environmental respon-

located across Asia accessible

motion

sibility and Sustainability.

Socio-Economic

DE C EMB ER 2013|

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

International News

“Turkey - A Million Reasons…What’s yours?”

its product line and expand

as the perfect tourist destina-

the destination knowledge

tion for Indian travellers due

website is visually appealing

base. The dynamic and inter-

to its proximity and its vast

and will work as a guide to

active

and ever improving air con-

consumer as well as the travel trade community. One impor-

Ozgur Ayturk, Culture

imity, appeal to families,

and Tourism Counsellor, Turk-

facilitate Indians to apply for

adventure tourists, backpack-

ish Embassy said, “These ef-

an e-visa, which is very benefi-

ers, solo travelers, luxury,

forts are part of a combined

cial to avid travelers. The e-

tant aspect of the website is to

MICE and business travelers.

marketing campaign across

visa system allows Indian

Key feature of the website is

the media advertising, PR pro-

citizens to obtain their visa

e-visa

application

grammes, trade shows, con-

electronically after entering

urkish Culture and

www.evisa.gov.tr, since its in-

sumer

online

required information and mak-

Tourism Office and

ception in April 2013, over

communication and consumer

ing payment by credit card

promotions,

Turkish Airlines re-

15,140 Indians and 4, 30,014

research to showcase the en-

without going to the Embassy

cently announced a pan India

travelers around the world

chanting and rich experiential

or the Consulate.” by TNH DESK

campaign to reach out to the

have used the online visa sys-

Indian online audience. Keep-

tem (e-visa).

Tourism Ministers call for higher policy coordination between tourism and aviation

ing in mind the huge number

Two contests will be held

of people online, each with a

in succession - first for Blog-

unique story to tell and limit-

ger’s, where existing Indian

less opinions, the campaign –

travel bloggers will be invited

‘A

was

to write about one Reason out

opened to the public with ex-

of the Millions, that excites

Improving air connectivity

must be exerted by both

Million

Reasons’

isting Blogs, Facebook and

them

and

through a closer coordina-

sectors to achieve an inte-

Twitter pages. Designed to

makes them want to visit the

tion of tourism and aviation

grated policy position to en-

encourage

about

Turkey

from

country. Followed by a public

policies to ensure the sus-

sure a more sustainable

across India to discover the

voting and a highly distin-

tained

the

and competitive growth,”

destination that is unique,

guished jury will select one

tourism sector and of air

said UNWTO Secretary-

iconic and guarantees to pro-

lucky blogger and voter who

transport was the commit-

General Taleb Rifai.

vide a million experiences, the

will win an all expense paid

ment stemming from the

campaign aims to highlight

trip to Turkey. Consecutively,

annual UNWTO & World

technology,

the depth of Turkey tourism

the contest will be open to

Travel Market (WTM) Min-

partnerships across gov-

offerings and stimulate cu-

Facebook and Twitter users.

isters´ Summit.

ernment, regional coopera-

visitors

growth

Speakers

highlighted public-public

riosity of yearning Indian

The appointed jury will pick

Critical issues related to

tion and investment in soft

travelers.

one winner from each plat-

bridging air transport and

infrastructure – technology

form who will also avail a hol-

tourism policies, including

and human resources - as

iday in Turkey.

the

regulatory

keys to bridge the gap be-

Turkey is the 6th most popular tourist destination in

current

Adnan Aykaç, GM of

framework, taxation and

tween tourism and air

Tourism

Turkish Airlines, Northern

the way forward in facilitat-

transport policies and pro-

barometer provides world

and Eastern India said, “At

ing the all travel process

mote travel facilitation.

the

world

UNWTO

DE CEM BE R 20 13 |

nectivity.”

dian audience, its close prox-

its

Ozgur Ayturk Culture and Tourism Counsellor Turkish Embassy

highlights

Turkey’s attractions to the In-

Turkish Culture and Tourism Office has launched its India website with key information and the evisa application. Turkish Culture and Tourism Office along with Turkish Airlines is also organizing online contests.

Adnan Aykaç GM, Turkish Airlines Northern and Eastern India

website,

offerings of Turkey. Our new

according

World

class cuisine, vibrant cities,

Turkish Airlines, we have

were discussed in a panel

warm hospitality, recreational

growth plans and our efforts

debate

gathered

tory framework still lim-

facilities, historical attrac-

complement that of Turkey

Tourism Ministers and pri-

ited in most cases by

tions, cultural heritage and

Tourism in bringing more and

vate sector representatives

reciprocity in air trans-

unparallel natural beauty. On

more visitors from India to

from around the world.

port

that

Taxation and a regula-

agreements

were

the occasion, Turkey Tourism

Turkey to experience Turkish

“It is clear that in spite

pointed as two of the main

also launched its website

hospitality in all its glory.

of the interdependent rela-

barriers to the sustained

http://www.turkeytourism.in,

These contests help us reach

tionship between aviation

growth of tourism and air

specifically for the Indian au-

out to the public and to travel

and tourism, greater efforts

transport.

dience with a view to enhance

writers and showcase Turkey

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

International News

Sheraton Macao launches DreamWorks Experience Package Sheraton Macao Hotel, for the first time, came to India to introduce the DreamWorks Experience Package. ith the first-of-its-

perience

kind DreamWorks

DreamWorks

Experience being

package is the perfect way for

introduced by the Cotai Strip

guests to immerse themselves

Package.

The

Experience

Resorts Macao, visitors have

in the DreamWorks Experi-

a new and exciting interactive

ence at Cotai Strip Resorts

experience through events

Macao with activities like

like the DreamWorks All Star

“Shrekfast with the Dream-

perience in their guest room,

Parade, Character Dining and

Works

character

Sheraton Macao Hotel is in-

Meet and Greet.

Gang!”

breakfast and themed Family

troducing the DreamWorks

Located right in the center

Suites featuring the beloved

Themed Family Suite Exclu-

of the glittering Cotai Strip,

characters from DreamWorks

sive Package. Starting from

Sheraton Macao Hotel is the

Animation franchises includ-

HKD2,888 (INR23,000), guests

largest hotel in Macau and

ing Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and

can stay at our DreamWorks

Starwood Hotels & Resorts’

Madagascar. The fun does not

character-themed

largest hotel globally. Offering

stop there; guests can fill their

Suites decorated with iconic

Family

the ultimate in comfort, so-

days with action packed

DreamWorks stars like Shrek,

phistication and convenience,

DreamWorks activities in the

Madagascar and Kung Fu

Sheraton Macao Hotel en-

hotel as well as in Sands Cotai

Panda. From now till January

ables guests to make the most

Central. “We have been very

30, 2014, guests can enjoy

of Macau’s diverse entertain-

successful with the Dream-

one-

ment options, world class

Works Experience at Cotai

Works

Sheraton

can book the hotel directly

night accommodation at

shopping and rich cultural at-

Strip Resorts Macao during

Macao Hotel is definitely the

and enjoy one-night accom-

any one of our DreamWorks

tractions.

the past summer. This innova-

perfect way to begin your ex-

modation for two in a Deluxe

character-themed

tive

citing DreamWorks adven-

King or Twin Room starting

Suites; the package also in-

ture.”

HKD1,498*

cludes the DreamWorks Expe-

With the first-of-its-kind DreamWorks

offering

bringing

buddies.

Family

Experience

Macau’s family entertainment

being introduced by the Cotai

to a new level. As the vaca-

Sheraton Macao Hotel’s Gen-

(INR12,000*), from now till

rience Welcome Kit, free

Strip Resorts Macao, visitors

tioning families market is

eral Manager, Sales & Market-

January 30, 2014. The pack-

admission to Qube2 for 2

have a new and exciting inter-

growing in India, we believe

ing.

age includes a DreamWorks

hours as well as unlimited

Experience Welcome Kit, fea-

movies.

active experience with their

that the DreamWorks Experi-

favorite DreamWorks Anima-

ence is a great opportunity for

tion friends through events like the DreamWorks All Star

said

Ruth

just

Experience

turing Sheraton Kids Pass-

families in India to share an

Package

port, welcome kit bag, neck

ton Macao Hotel on a break-

unforgettable journey this

To experience a DreamWorks

pouch, photo frame and a

fast inclusive package and

Parade, Character Dining and

winter. Guests can stay at our

adventure you will never for-

tumbler with DreamWorks

looking for a memorable get-

Meet and Greet. In order to

DreamWorks

get, come and stay at Shera-

Experience themed coloring

away can now bring their va-

further extend this amazing

themed Family Suites in Sher-

ton Macao Hotel this winter.

sheet.

cation to life by upgrading

experience to guests from

aton Macao Hotel and enjoy a

The DreamWorks Experi-

other parts of the world, Sher-

selection of interactive and

ence Package is the ideal way

DreamWorks Themed Fam-

fast with the DreamWorks

aton Macao Hotel, for the first

entertaining kids programs,

ily Suite Exclusive Package

Gang! Character breakfast for

time, is coming to India to in-

along with endless surprises

DreamWorks Experience at

For DreamWorks fans to have

only HKD100* (INR800*) per

troduce the DreamWorks Ex-

from their favorite Dream-

Cotai Strip Resorts. Guests

an up-close and personal ex-

person.

character-

DreamWorks

Boston,

begin

your

wonderful

Guests staying at Shera-

their breakfast to the Shrek-

DE C EMB ER 2013|

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

International News

Visit Jordan in Krrish 3! Jordan, a country with stunning and beautiful vistas, has been used as a picturesque backdrop of the romantic song ‘Dil Tu bata’ in Krrish 3, where super-star Hrithik Roshan is seen romancing pretty actress Kangana Ranaut in the stunning locations of Wadi Rum, Dead Sea and Petra!

ou, too, can have

experience in itself to walk through the

deep sea diving on the shores of the

your own Bollywood

narrow ‘siq’ or canyon that leads to the

Red Sea. The pinkish corals of the Red

style romance with a

Khazaneh (Treasury).

honeymoon or a des-

Sea make for a beautiful sight and couples can enjoy a beautiful day on the

tination wedding in

Sea is the lowest place on earth. Jor-

sunny beach where they can relax, go

the

sur-

dan’s Dead Sea coast is one of the most

on a boat cruise on the deep blue wa-

roundings of Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi

spectacular natural and spiritual land-

ters and enjoy views of the active ma-

beautiful

Rum and Aqaba in Jordan.

scapes in the world, and is the favoured

rine life through a glass-bottomed boat.

Petra is known as the ‘Rose Red

spots for couples who are drawn to its

Aqaba is also a duty-free zone and is

City’ and is situated less than a 2 hour

warm, salty water, mineral-rich mud

great for shopping as well!

drive to the north of Aqaba along the

and luxurious and relaxing spa facili-

desert highway. It is one of the most

ties.

A quick trip from Aqaba, Wadi Rum offers a truly unique and adventurous

stark and compelling sites in the Middle

The salt content of the Dead Sea is

experience. The visitors will be amazed

East. The site is filled with mountain

31.5% making the water so buoyant

by their surroundings amid the stupen-

ranges that change colour according to

that it is impossible for the visitor to

dous cliffs, canyons, and seemingly

the sun’s position in the sky. Petra is

sink. The water also contains 21 miner-

endless orange sands as they enter the

also one of the new Seven Wonders of

als including high levels of magnesium,

desert on a camel, horse, or 4x4 jeeps

the World! The city is surrounded by

sodium, potassium, and bromine and 12

driven by a local Bedouin. It is then up

the sandstone cliffs and is filled with

of these minerals are found in no other

to them to explore and discover the se-

awe-inspiring, ancient stone monu-

body of water in the world.

crets of Wadi Rum hiking through the

ments and buildings created over 2000

The resort town of Aqaba provides

sand and mountains. Rock climbing is

the perfect location for rest and relax-

a popular activity and visitors come

The Petra site can only be accessed

ation and wonderful opportunities for

from around the world to tackle Wadi

by foot, horse-back or cart and it’s an

snorkeling, water sports, activities and

Rum’s challenging climbs.

years ago.

D ECEM B ER 2 01 3 |

At 410m below sea level, the Dead

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

by TNH DESK

International News

Taiwan to emerge as Asia’s leading MICE destination Taiwan Tourism Bureau has drawn up an array of strategies to woo Indian tourists from major metros. Swaati Chaudhury

ent upon attracting a

across the globe.

tier-I and tier-II cities of India.

has National Palace Museum

Apart from India, our poten-

that ranks among the best

Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Sin-

tial global markets are Singa-

four museums in the world.

gapore explained, “India is a

pore, Australia and New

The Sun Moon Lake in Central

highly potential market for us

Zealand. There is a lack of

Taiwan draws a crowd of 6

Arthur Hsieh, Director,

and we are actively engaged

awareness on Taiwan emerg-

million travellers in a year. We

in outdoor advertisements

ing as a potential tourist des-

are vying to emerge as the

and joint promotions with

tination among travel agents

topmost MICE destination in

travel groups across all major

in Kolkata. We intend to rope

Asia and we are offering

metros of India in the current

in 10 per cent of travel agents

sound incentives to MICE

major chunk of out-

period. We are emphasizing

in Kolkata and educate them

groups. We are conducting fa-

bound leisure trav-

through our workshop. The

miliarization trips for corpo-

number of global tourists trav-

rate sectors,” added Hsieh.

ellers from across India in the

New

Delhi,

Mumbai,

Kolkata, Chennai and Ben-

forthcoming holiday season, Taiwan Tourism Bureau for

Strategies of TTB :

the first time hosted Travel

•To host outdoor advertisements, joint promotions in major metros. •Offering fair incentives to MICE groups. •To organize corporate familiarization trips.

Mart in Kolkata sometime on October 24. A leisure destination for all groups of travellers, Taiwan has towering Arthur Hsieh Director, Taiwan Tourism Bureau

mountains, parks,

eight

theme

national

parks

and

beaches and figures among the top 15 hot spring sites

Mauritius sees significant growth in tourist arrivals from India Mauritius is currently witnessing a remarkable growth in the number of tourists from India. India is the 5th largest market for Mauritius. Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) aims to expand the diverse product offering of the destination.

auritius,

best

galuru and later on move to

elling to Taiwan is on the rise

China Airlines flies twice a

and Indian tourist arrivals

week from New Delhi to

have hiked around 7 per cent

Taipei. “Cathay Pacific and

this

director

Dragon Air operate from all

year.”

The

pointed out that China con-

major Indian metros to Hong

tributes the highest number of

Kong with transit flights from

global visitors to Taiwan.

Hong Kong to Taipei. Talks

Taiwan is a shopper’s

are on to increase the fre-

sanctuary famed for its fasci-

quency of China Airlines in

nating open air night markets

the coming period,” informed

and night bazaars. “Taipei

Hsieh.

different cultures and reli-

ally recognized golf destina-

Benz Golf Tournament - the

gions. It is a melting pot with

tion over the past decade.