Travel & Hospitality - October 2013 by Prem Sagar

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

For any editorial query please e-mail: info@tnhindia.com

issuE 8 | VOLuME iV | RNi NO.: DELENg/2010/33723 | `50

OCTOBER 2013 | PRiNTED iN iNDia

www.tnhindia.in

Traval Trade Monthly

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Madhya Pradesh

a destination of varied interests

08 Page No.

Union Civil Aviation Secretary orders airlines to pay commission to travel agents

23 Page No.

MoT launches ‘777 Days of the Incredible Indian Himalayas’ campaign to promote Indian Himalayas

32 Page No.

The CAG has slammed the ASI for its inefficiency to protect and preserve historical monuments

The Edit Page Quote of the Month

Editor’s Note The last month was eventful for the Indian Travel and Hospitality Industry. In this month IATO and FHRAI held their conventions. Both trade organizations organized their convention in Kochi, Kerala, where travel and tourism industry has a strong base. The theme of IATO convention was ‘Indian Tourism: Innovations and Partnerships’ which was very appropriate and timely. Considering the challenging time the travel and tourism industry is going through, only through innovations and partnership, it can overcome these challenges, but how to promote innovations and partnerships in the this industry itself is a big challenge considering the misplaced priorities of the governments and lack of concerted efforts and synergy in this industry. One or two panel- discussions on partnership and innovation will not be enough to promote these great concepts. The last month Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of World Tourism Day launched ‘777 days of Incredible Indian Himalayas Campaign’ to showcase diversity and splendor of Indian Himalayas and promote them as tourist attractions. The Himalayas hold huge potential for different kind of tourism, such as adventure, ecotourism, religious and spiritual tourism, etc. But because of lack of awareness about Indian Himalayas, the country has not been able to tap their tourism potential. The new campaign will address the issue of lack of awareness both in the country and in the overseas markets. It will promote tourism not only in Himalayan states but also in the neighboring states. Ultimately it help India becomes a year- around destination. At the same time it will create new challenges in terms of infrastructure, safety of tourists, environmental degradation etc. The concerned governments will have to develop more and more facilities such helipads, airstrips, safety measures and communication facilities in these regions. The concerned governments also need to set up a strong regulatory mechanism to enforce relevant rules and regulations in these regions; otherwise we all have seen what happened in Uttarakhand. The large scale devastation, which was triggered by heavy rain and flashfluids, was mainly the result of unregulated expansion of tourism activities in the Himalayan region of the state and excessive flow of tourists. While promoting tourism is good for the country, the natural beauty, bio-diversity and sanctity of Himalayas must be preserved at all cost. Culture and tradition of local community should also be preserved while promoting tourism in the Indian Himalayas region.

"Often in our country airports are generally regarded as facilities for the rich, but air connectivity has now become a necessity for the developmet of the country. The lack of air connectivity may prove to be a hindrance in the economic development of a region. Developing airport infrastructure in the country has been among the priorities of our government.” Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh at the foundation-stone laying ceremony of Kishangarh Airport in Rajasthan

Facts & Figures of the Month

Inadequate Sanitation Costs India ` 2.4 Trillion The study estimates that the total economic impacts of inadequate sanitation in India amounts to ` 2.44 trillion (US$53.8 billion) a year1—this was the equivalent of 6.4 percent of India’s GDP in 2006. This means a per person annual impact of ` 2,180 (US$48). 1 US$1 = ` 45.33 in 2006. India’s lost tourism earnings: US$110 million (` 5 Billion) International Tourist Illness in India: US$154 million (` 7 Billion) Source: Water and Sanitation Program, World Bank. The findings are based on 2006 figures (owing to limitations of data availability) but a similar magnitude of losses is likely in later years.

Publisher & Editor: Srishti Rai Associate Editor: Prem Kumar Manager Marketing: Prem Sagar Special Correspondent (Mumbai): Anand Shah Correspondent (Kolkata): Swaati Chaudhury

info@tnhindia.com

Director: Bharat S. Rai Art Director: Sunny Singh Accounts: Chander Shakher Balodi Administration Executive: Sarwat Jahan

Disclaimer: All rights reserved through out the world. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of the unsolicited material or for material lost or damaged in transit. While all efforts are made to ensure that the information published is correct, holds no responsibility for any unlikely errors that might have ocurred. The information on products and projects on offer is being provided for the reference of readers. However, readers are cautioned to make inquiries and take their decisions on purchase after consulting experts on the subject. holds no responsibility for any decision taken by readers on the basis of information provided herein. All disputes are subject to exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi and New Delhi. info@tnhindia.com

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inside the issue Page No. 08

Spotlight: Union Civil Aviation Secretary rules that airlines should pay commission to travel agents Page No. 18, 20, 21

IATO Convention concludes in Kochi, this year the theme of convention was Partnership and Innovations in Indian Tourism Industry Page No. 23

MoT in association with ATOAI and Himalayan states of India launches â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;777 days of The Incredible Indian Himalayas Page No. 28

Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism grow by 12% in Rupees Terms Page No. 31

MTDC launches Tourist Information Centre in Hotel The Janpath, New Delhi Page No. 45-48

Report by HVS on the hotel industry: Hotels in India, Trends & Opportunities 2013

Page No. 36, 37

Madhya Pradesh: An amazing destination of varied interests Page No. 42, 43

Tata Sons with Singapore Airlines to set up a new full-service airline in India Page No. 54-55

The Leela unveils unique Spa and Spiritual Journeys at The Leela Palace Udaipur, Page No. 32-35

Report: The CAG slams ASI for its failure to preserve and maintain protected Historical monuments Page No. 64-65

â&#x20AC;&#x153;No challenge is big enough to stop our daily progress or long-term goals!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;:Barun Jolly, GM, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, In Conversation with TnH

Spotlight

MoCA for commission to agents, but final settlement nowhere in sight The Union Civil Aviation Secretary recently ordered airlines to pay commission to travel agents. The secretary’s order followed a recent ruling of the Supreme Court, in which the apex court has directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India to decide upon the issue of compensation to agents. The Apex Court had also disallowed transaction fee being charged by agents on sales of air tickets. Prem Kumar

Rajji Rai VP- Finance, UFTAA & Immediate Past President, TAAI

Biji Eapen President, IAAI

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

quantum of commission, the

the airlines which are not pay-

matter will again go to the

ing

court.

starts paying a fair and rea-

commission

currently,

The commission issue has

sonable amount of commis-

been agitating the travel

sion to agents, we can’t say

agents community since 2008

what will be the final outcome

when most of airlines stop

of the order,” said Rai, but “I

paying commission to agents

strongly feel that because of

on sales of air ticket. Inter-

this order, commission has to

preting the order, Rai said

be paid otherwise there would

that critical point in the order

be a case of contempt of court

quantum of commission has to

is that that when any person

against airlines. The implicit

K.N Shrivastava, Civil

be decided mutually by the

provides any service to any-

suggestion of the order is that

Aviation Secretary, Govern-

Principal and the Agent. “The

one, he has to be compensated

quantum

ment of India has ruled that

Airlines already pay 5 per

in any form, whether it is com-

should be decided through ne-

Airlines are required to pay

cent commission to the Cargo

mission or something else. In

gotiation between airlines and

commission

commission to travel agents

Agents. Many Airlines give 5

the case of travel agents, they

the parties such as IAAI,

as per Rule 135 of Indian Air-

to 9 per cent commission in

have to be paid compensation

which has filed the case in the

craft Rules 1937. The ruling

various other countries. We

in any form. Rai added, “Now

court file, TAFI which was im-

came out recently as an Offi-

must get our commission 5

on the basis of MoCA’s order,

pleaded by MoCA and if air-

cial

AV.13030

per cent on gross from all air-

airlines must agree to pay

lines don’t agree to pay a

/34/2103-DT highlighting the

lines operating in India and

commission to agents because

certain amount of commission

continuity of the order dated

IAAI will leave no stone un-

this order has come on the di-

to agents the matter will go to

5th March 2010 and disposed

turned to achieve the target.

rection on the Supreme Court,

the SC again.

Order

the appeal filed by FIA on

If the agents had opened their

which had said that till the

Biji Eapen, President,

Transaction fee.

eyes to the realities, they

time MoCA gives its order on

IAAI said that their stand has

After hearing the con-

would not have run after free-

the issue of compensation,

been vindicated again that

cerned parties, the Civil Avia-

bies, fam trips, foreign con-

any form of compensation

getting commission from air-

tion Secretary concluded that

ventions or five star parties. If

the moot question is “whether

one could have felt the pulse

the airlines have to take into

of the real sponsors behind

account the compensation to

such generous move, a split-

be paid for the intermediaries

second thought could have

in the process of the sale of air

saved the industry,” said a

tickets,” and ruled that “the

statement issued by IATA

answer of this question is in

Agents Association of India

affirmative.” However, accord-

(IAAI), which had taken this

ing to the order of the secre-

matter to the court.

Order of K N Srivastava, Civil Aviation Secretary, GoI says: “This brings the question of whether the airlines have to take into account the compensation to be paid for the intermediaries in the process of the sale of air tickets. The answer of this question is in affirmative. such as transaction fee, serv-

lines is the legal right of travel agents. He said that now his

tary determining or laying

Rajji Rai, Vice President,

ice fee or any other charge

down of any basis for deciding

Finance, UFTAA and Immedi-

will not be allowed to be levied

association priority would be

compensation to be paid for

ate Past President of Travel

on air passengers. Because

to educate agents on this

intermediaries by the airlines

Agents Association of India

this order is a follow-up of a

issue so that they can come to-

is not requires. “Since the

(TAAI), also welcomed the

recent order of the Supreme

gether to get their rights of

market is found to adequately

order of the Union Civil Avia-

Court, which had said that

commission. “If airlines do not

competitive, there is no need

tion Secretary but he added

MoCA’s order will be final, the

agree to pay a fair commis-

to intervene in the commer-

that the issue is not going to

new order has the authoriza-

sion to agents, we have two

cials between the airline and

be resolved very soon as the

tion of the SC.”

the distribution industry,”

quantum of commission has to

As the order does not men-

Supreme Court again and file

says the order.

be decided by airlines to the

tion the quantum of compen-

a case of court of contempt

The Union Civil Aviation

satisfaction of agents. In case

sation to be paid to agents by

against airlines or do strikes,”

Secretary has stated that the

airlines fail to determine the

airlines, “My point is that till

said Eapen.

options: first, go to the

Trade News

UNIGLOBE Travel (South Asia)

‘Leads the Way’ in Jaipur

ence

lights the vital importance of

UNIGLOBE professionals can

taking a leadership attitude in

explore their personal creativ-

the

highlighted

how

many

ity and bring it into their busi-

changes that are occurring in

ness life to help save their

our industry and the market-

clients and agency staff, time,

place- to focus on solutions

money and trouble - whether

that help businesses thrive.

online, face-to-face or over the

Throughout the conference,

phone.

event celebrating leadership,

travel professionals learned

“Our agencies found the

U N I G L O B E

best practices, new technol-

tips and techniques for gain-

conference sessions to be ex-

Travel

Regional

ogy solutions and the spirit of

ing more sales and enhancing

tremely beneficial and appre-

Conference and Excellence

Jaipur! UNIGLOBE Travel

revenues. They also learned

ciated the opportunity to

Awards were conducted re-

(South Asia) organized the

how the latest, super fast and

network with Suppliers. And

cently at the Fairmont Hotel.

conference every year to sup-

efficient UNIGLOBE agent

as always, this event could not

Jaipur played host to this

port inter-agency networking,

desktop tools will enable them

have happened without the

year’s edition of the confer-

professional development and

help them deliver world-class

support and participation of

ence, themed ‘Leading the

to build relationships with

client services in record time.”

our

Way’.

With

over

suppliers

including

250

each other and with key sup-

Corporate clients expect

UNIGLOBE Travel profession-

pliers from the South Asian

the ‘best’ fares and rates, in-

Canada, Roam1, SpiceJet,

als attending, insightful edu-

region, as well as other parts

creasingly rich reporting, evi-

Fairmont Hotel, North Tours

cation

of the globe.

dence of savings and delivery

and many more,” said Ritika

of expert customer service.

Modi, Regional President,

sessions

entertainment

O CTOBER 20 1 3|

year, ‘Leading the Way!’ high-

Annual

8th

renowned experts, the confer-

responding

Over 250 UNIGLOBE Travel Professionals from across South Asia gathered to celebrate individual and collective achievements, interact, sharpen skills, network and gain insights. he

Asia) said “Our theme for this

and packed

Michelle Desreux, COO &

evenings, the two-day confer-

Executive

ence turned out to be a great

UNIGLOBE

Travel

Amadeus,

Director,

Through experiential sessions

UNIGLOBE

(South

conducted by internationally

Asia).

Tata

AIG,

Travel

Air

(South

by TNH DESK

Trade News

their holidays, but they don’t

Grim Outlook for economy doesn’t echo in travellers’ plans: Survey

Nikhil Ganju Country Manager, TripAdvisor India

mestic one, on account of the

seem ready to abandon their

staggering

vacation plans as yet. Though

value.

fall

Rupee

the balance may have tipped

TripAdvisor’s Traveller Sentiment Survey indicates that depreciating Rupee, soaring airfares and budgetary concerns loom large.

marginally in favour of do-

Foreign holidays: Down but

mestic holidays, overall holi-

not out

day estimates remain healthy

Foreign holidays see a

ripAdvisor recently

or weaken further. Still, the

with 60 per cent respondents

marginal dip but traveller sen-

shared the results of

intention to travel remains

still looking at taking between

timent stays optimistic on

2-4 holidays this year.”

heading overseas for vacation.

its Traveller Senti-

strong, with 41 per cent re-

ment Survey. The survey is a

spondents wanting to take

quick check on the pulse of

more holidays in 2013 as com-

Domestic

Indian travellers and aims to

pared to 2012. This figure re-

steady

capture peoples’ travel senti-

mains

36 per cent respondents beholidays

hold

lieved they would take more international holidays in 2013

when

Plans for domestic holi-

ments against the backdrop

compared to estimates con-

daysshow no detraction from-

tions last year but mid-year, the

of the current challenging

veyed in the holiday forecast

travellers’ estimates for 2013

sentiment sees a 7 per cent dip

economic conditions.

at the beginning of 2013.

constant

compared to their foreign vaca-

taken at the beginning of the

with 29 per cent respondents

Half the surveyed respon-

Nikhil Ganju, Country

year, indicating that domestic

now thinking they will end up

dents perceive the current

Manager, TripAdvisor India,

vacations stay stable. Provid-

taking more international holi-

performance of the Indian

says: “The survey indicates

ing that little extra impetus to

days this year compared to

economy as ’poor’. 66 per

that while budgetary con-

domestic travel, 19 per cent

2012. However, a healthy 62 per

cent believe that the economy

cerns, economic uncertainty

respondents in the survey

cent still claim they will under-

is going to stay in the current

and the weakening Rupee are

said they replaced their inter-

take international travel this

state over the next 6 months

driving travellers to alter

national holiday with a do-

year.

by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

Trade News

WTTC to open doors in Kolkata Bengal looks all set to form the gateway to South-East Asia.

he travel trade indus-

velopment of tourism.

try in Bengal is all set

Explains Sujit Banerjee,

to hit a new high with the

Secretary General, WTTC,

opening of East Zone Tourism

“The Indian travel industry is

Council in Kolkata, an initia-

huge and is expected to pro-

of domestic arrival as re-

Banerjee, “The backbone of

vealed by the reports of Union

tourism is connectivity, acces-

Ministry of Tourism. Bengal

sibility and sprucing up infra-

Unbound”

has tremendous opportunity

structure. The Union Ministry

for the arrival of both domes-

of Aviation has offered sup-

tic and global tourists. A sur-

port to strengthen connectiv-

vey taken up by BBC puts

ity and make Kolkata Airport

forth that around 20 per cent

into a world-class airport.

global tourists visiting India

There are 454 airstrips in

have

and

India, of which only 120 are in

around 19 per cent of foreign

operation. Most airlines pre-

tourists are aware about Ben-

fer to purchase larger air-

gal,” Banerjee was address-

crafts. Smaller aircrafts need

ing Travel Bengal 2013 hosted

to be purchased to make the

S N A P S H O T

Indian airports operational.

toured

Bengal

Focus of Travel Bengal 2013: Connectivity of West Bengal with ASEAN countries. Opportunities for world tourism in Bengal.

We have opened the doors of South Zone Tourism Council and later, we may set up North-East

Zone

Tourism

Council. Bengal has taken a

vide 1 in 10 jobs by 2021. The

(WTTC),

Indian hospitality sector re-

by ICC along with the Depart-

make a new beginning on the

India. Set up in 2000, WTTC

quires around 1,80,000 rooms

ment of Tourism, West Bengal

tourism frontier with efforts to

on September 23.

Council

believes that participation of

in every category by the end of

public and private companies

12th Five Year Plan. Bengal is

is significant for long-term de-

the gateway to South-East

lead in Indian football and can

open Hall of Fame to highlight

The conclave delved on “Exploring

West

Bengal:

the achievements of the state in football.”

by TNH DESK

The Pre-Diwali offer is for following journeys: KUALA LUMPUR - BANGKOK Departing: 12 & 19 October 2013 Duration: 2 days/1 night Route: Kuala Lumpur -Bangkok

look at the link below or the

neys in India and have been

BANGKOK-SINGAPORE

tional offer is also

attached files,” said Ashish

sending out regular informa-

Departing: 7, 14 & 21ST October 2013

available to travel agents, who

Saran, Group General Man-

tion through its mailing and

Duration: 4 days/3 nights

can sell them and get attrac-

ager, The Luxury Trains.

media campaigns. Saran is

Route: Bangkok - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore

tive commission. “We have

Commenting on the timing of

hopeful that the outbound

just launched our ‘Pre-Diwali’

the launch, Saran said, “We

business will see the revival in

SINGAPORE - BANGKOK

Offer which gives 20 per cent

have launched the offer con-

coming months and Indian

Departing: 11 & 18TH October 2013

incentive on early bookings on

sidering that the last few days

outbound travel will see the

Duration: 3 days/2 nights

The Eastern & Oriental Ex-

have seen a revival of our

northward trend in the last

Route: Singapore - Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok

quarter of 2013.

press for their departures in

economy and we feel the fes-

October 2013. This is an

tive season ahead is looking

amazing one time offer and is

promising

also commissionable to travel

travel.”

agents who make it a win-win

Says

tive of World Travel and

The Luxury Trains has launched special promotional offer on early bookings on The Eastern & Oriental Express for their departures in October 2013.

Tourism

The Luxury Trains launches Pre-Diwali offer for Oriental Express he pre-Diwali promo-

Asia and ranks 10th in terms

for

outbound

The Luxury Trains mar-

The Eastern & Oriental

some of the world’s most ex-

Gallet, the man behind the

Express travel through Singa-

otic landscapes. Sister train

British

pore, Thailand, Malaysia &

to Europe’s legendary Venice

Venice

Pullman

and

the

crossing into Laos. The East-

Simplon-Orient-Express, the

Express, it offers a South East

Simplon-Orient-

offer for our guests as well as

kets and promotes the world

ern & Oriental Express train

train was built in Japan in

Asian experience like no

the travel fraternity. Have a

famous Orient Express Jour-

offers luxury travel through

1972. Remodelled by Gérard

other.

O CTOBER 20 1 3|

by TNH DESK

Trade News

KTM to explore new markets: Abraham George

Abraham George elected new president of Kerala Travel Mart

The new president of KTM says that KTM 2014 will explore new markets and would seek quality buyers from East Asia, South America and Europe.

Abraham George, Chairman & Managing Director of lntersight Group of Companies, has been unanimously elected as the new president of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) for 2013-15. The office bearers and the members of the manag-

“KTM 2014 would explore

more beneficial to its mem-

new markets and identify

bers, George said that the in-

more quality buyers from

troduction of facilities like the

countries in East Asia, South

Tourist Visa on Arrival, which

America, and Europe,” said

is currently available at Kochi

Abraham George the newly

and Trivandrum airports for

elected president of KTM. He

citizens of 11 countries, will

Kerala

ues as the CEO of KTM. The KTM is a biennial

ing committee, which is

trade

said that KTM will target to

strengthen KTM’s campaign

tasked with organising the

Tourism

with

attain benefit from the rupee

to bring in more buyers from

event

Industry

eighth edition of the bien-

focus on the destination

devaluation and will pene-

overseas. KTM will cooperate

nial event Kerala Travel

Kerala. KTM showcases the

trate the global market to

with the concerned ministries

Mart in 2014, were elected

diverse product range of

make use of this opportunity.

to have more countries added Abraham George, President, KTM 2014 & CMD, lntersight Group of Companies

at the 13th Annual General

Kerala Tourism and at-

Stating that the aim is to

Meeting

Kerala

tracts buyers and visitors

re-position KTM to make it

Travel Mart Society last

from across the world.

week.

Since its inception in 2000,

New aims & strategies : • KTM 2014 will explore new markets • Will target more quality buyers from East Asia, South America and Europe • Hopes to reap benefits from rupee downslide • KTM will re-positioned to bring more benefits to its members

the

Gopalakrishnan M.R.

KTM has grown into a lead-

has been elected Vice pres-

ing trade fair of its kind in

ident of KTM. Anish Kumar

the subcontinent, bringing

and Roy Chacko

together all stakeholders in

have been elected Secre-

P.K.

the tourism industry, in-

tary and Joint Secretary re-

cluding businesses and pol-

spectively,

icymakers,

and

Jose

Pradeep has been elected

one

example of public and pri-

Outbound Tour Opera-

committee

vate partnership in the

tors Association of India

KTM include Baby Mathew,

tourism sector of the coun-

(OTOAI) will hold its first an-

Dilip pottamkulam,

Hari

try. The last edition of the

nual convention in Decem-

Kumar C, Janeesh J, Jose

prestigious event held in

ber 2013. It would be held from December 1 to 4, 2013

Mathew,

Kochi in 2012had attracted

Mathews E V,

over 1,160 buyers from

Ravindran K, Riaz Ahmed,

around 50 countries be-

Riyaz U C, Ross Masood,

sides various states in

would be Solaire, Resort & Casino, which is a five-

Sajeev Kurup V, and Scaria

India.

star Deluxe property. “We have selected Manila as

Thomas,

Mathew

Jose. Mathew Philip contin-

by TNH DESK

Guldeep Singh Sahni President, OTOAI

at Manila, the capital city of Philippines. The exact venue

the venue for our first convention because we want to introduce a new outbound destination to our

The new office-bearers of KTM: President: Abraham George Vice president: Gopalakrishnan M.R., Secretary: Anish Kumar P.K., Joint Secretary: Roy Chacko, Treasurer: Jose pradeep.

members, who will benefit by getting familiar with new destination. At the same time the destination will also benefit from our convention as they would get opportunity to understand the Indian market,” said, Guldeep Singh Sahni, President, OTOAI. He added that the convention will discuss key issues like changing future of the outbound travel and latest technologies.

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

He said that KTM 2014 will also chalk out novel initiatives to showcase Kerala as a major tourist destination, besides offering new and varied products and services.

by TNH DESK

OTOAI’s 1st convention to be in Manila

platform. It is also the best

Treasurer. The Managing members

to the list.

by TNH DESK

Trade News

48th Annual convention of FHRAI concludes in Kochi The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) recently held its 48th annual convention in Kochi, Kerala.

his year the theme of

Guest of honour on the occa-

K.P Anil Kumar, Minister of

on the industries strategic

the FHRAI conven-

sion. Talking about the Ut-

Tourism, Kerala said, “Kerala

and competitive response to

tion was based on ‘Sustain-

tarakhand disaster, he said

is a model for Sustainable and

today’s challenging environ-

able

ment.

Responsible

that irresponsible religious

Responsible tourism.” Ex-

Tourism’. In his inaugural ad-

and

tourism in the state has led a

plaining this he said that de-

Commenting on hosting

dress Dr. K Chiranjeevi said

natural disaster to such an

spite economic crisis, Kerala

the convention for the first

that Government is emphasis-

unexpected level. This was for

has gained 500 crores from

time in Kerala, Mr. Jose Do-

ing on finding remote tourist

the first time the convention

tourism in last 2 years.

minic, Joint Honorary Secre-

destinations and popularising

was held in Kerala. FHRAI

it.

applauded Sitaram

Chairman, Committee

Yechury,

MP,

Parliamentary on

Transport,

Tourism and Culture was the

Speaking on the occasion,

tary, FHRAI applauded the

initiatives

Vivek Nair, President, FHRAI,

success story of Kerala in

taken by Kerala tourism to de-

said that The FHRAI Conven-

terms of tourism and hospital-

velop and promote tourism in

tion was an opportune forum

ity focused on three key prin-

the State.

for wide-ranging discussions

ciples - sustainable, inclusive

and sharing of best practices

and local.

the

In his keynote address,

by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

Trade News

ITTA seeks free movements of tourist Vehicles across NCR ITTA, India’s leading association of Tourist Transporters raised various issues at the National Conference of Tourism Ministers held recently in New Delhi.

after 20 years this has not

service availability should be

been implemented. One of the

increased.

major concerns of tourist

should be available at a dis-

transporters has been the

tance of every 40-50 km at na-

high rate of inter-state taxes.

tional and state highways.

The facilities

“One of the most debated is-

Permits’ and it is difficult for

sues for almost 20 years is

porters Association

the authorities to ascertain

high rate of interstate taxes

“There is a dire shortage

(ITTA) has sought

the actual destination of

i.e. passenger tax and road

of drivers and the training

tourist vehicles heading.”

tax imposed by states on vis-

should be imparted for the ex-

Skill Development

cles across NCR. “For all

A strong votary of seam-

iting tourist vehicles.

It is

isting drivers who know driv-

practical purposes, the state

less travel in India, Singh has

unanimously

that

ing, but not trained enough to

of Delhi has grown and en-

constantly raised issues that

tourist vehicles be allowed

handle foreign tourists,” said

compassed the entire Na-

impede the seamless travel in

free movement across India,

Singh. “We should also impart

tional Capital Region, with

India and also discourage in-

but very little has been

training to youth who can be-

agreed

various hotels, shopping cen-

flow of tourists. “To promote

achieved so far. The state like

come an asset to the tourism

tres and tourist attractions

tourism in India, special pro-

Maharashtra has increased

industry and thus reduce un-

coming up in the adjoining

visions are brought in the

the tax applicable to tourist

employment in the country.

states of UP and Haryana.

Central Motor Vehicles Rules

vehicles by 400 per cent to 500

funds are available with Cen-

Tourist today is traversing

by introducing ‘The Motor Ve-

per cent in July 2011,” said

tral Government under vari-

throughout NCR even for

hicles (All India Permit for

Singh. He demanded the ra-

ous schemes such “Capacity

transfers to and from airport

Tourist Transport Operators)

tionalization of inter-state

Building scheme” for en-

or for city sightseeing. It be-

Rules, 1993’ with the aim to

taxes if they can’t be with-

hancement of skill and Hunar

comes very difficult for tourist

allow

drawn altogether.

Se Rozgar Tak as well as

vehicles to operate as every

tourist vehicles across India,”

free

movement

Swarna Jayanti Shahari Roj-

time you have to pay tax at

said Singh. He added that to

Midway Facilities

gar Yojana for freshers which

the state borders, which con-

ensure this facility is not mis-

Another area of concern is

should be utilized by the

that “midway facilities avail-

states.

One of the most debated issues for almost 20 years is high rate of interstate taxes on visiting tourist vehicles, but very little has been achieved so far. The inter-state taxes should be rationalized if they can’t be withdrawn altogether.

“

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

Wayside amenities as well as

ndian Tourist Trans-

free movement of tourist vehi-

Sarab Jit Singh President, ITTA

Rule by all States as even

able are not of good standard and their tendency is to overcharge the tourist, which is not

appreciated

Hikes in registration fees Some of the State Govern-

any

ments like Tamil Nadu and

tourist,” said Singh, seeking

Karnataka, etc., have in-

further improvement in hy-

creased registration fee for

gienic conditions and general

tourist vehicles exorbitantly,

sumes a lot of time of the

used, a restriction was also

cleanliness at these midway

said Singh, which is definitely

tourist and pushes the cost

placed that such authoriza-

restaurants.

going to be a deterrent to the

high,” said Sarab Jit Singh,

tion can only be issued to the

President, ITTA. He added

tourist

that the NCR Body confirmed that they have already approved the free movement for tourist vehicles across the

Singh observed that ide-

growth of tourism industry.

transport

ally a vehicle should make a

“Ironically, the hike is also ap-

operators/tour operators who

stop within one and half hours

plicable on retrospective ef-

are recognized by the Min-

to two hours of journey to

fect i.e. to the vehicles already

istry of Tourism, Government

make it comfortable for the

registered and this move will

of India as per the provisions

tourist, but the restaurants

not only hamper the growth of

NCR, but the implementing

of ‘The Motor Vehicles (All

are either not available at

tourism in these states but also

authority has allowed the

India

Tourist

these points or these are not

put financial burden on opera-

Radio Taxis and Meter Taxis

Transport Operators) Rules,

up to the standards. He said

tors,” he added. Singh re-

only. The reason given for not

1993’ under Central Motor Ve-

that apart from restaurants,

quested that states should

allowing tourist vehicles is

hicles Rules 1989.

services should also be made

revert to earlier rates; other-

Permit

for

that tourist vehicles are oper-

ITTA has sought the com-

available for vehicles such as

wise it will be denting the

ating under ‘All India Tourist

plete implementation of this

petrol pumps, workshops etc.

tourism prospects. by TNH DESK

Trade News

IATO calls for partnership and

Tourism needs special efforts

innovation in the tourism industry Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) at its 29th convention held in Kochi has called for partnership and innovations in the tourism industry.

to have visa relaxation and

competitive destination for

improved infrastructure. Air

foreign travelers. IATO be-

connectivity and budget hotels

lieves that such initiatives will

are the need of the hour to

make India a competitive des-

make India competitive. “The

tination in terms of prices and

country today is facing many

thus

economic challenges such

tourists in large numbers.

economic slowdown, unem-

wenty-nineth annual

tourism and ensure sustain-

convention of IATO

able growth in the sector.”

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

make India an affordable and

attracting

foreign

Goyal asked the Union

ployment, falling value of Ru-

Government

pees, balance of payment

tourism industry rebate on In-

crisis, widening Current Ac-

come Tax for five years as it

count Deficit, etc.” said Goyal.

gave to IT sector and as a re-

He added that inflow of FDI to

sult of this incentive the in-

the country cannot solve these

dustry will bring a lot of

problems and only way to

foreign exchange to the coun-

overcome these challenges is

try. He said that tourist sector

the development and promo-

should be provided funds,

tion of tourism in the country.

loans and other concession

give

the

In the 21st century innovations are need of hours of all sectors including tourism. This is essential to keep the interest of travellers alive in tourist destinations in India.

“

Kerala Chief Minister Ommen Chandy

with its theme ‘Partnership

Among the persons pres-

and Innovations’ was held

ent on the occasion were

Asking for export status for

from 8th to 11th September

Union Minister of State (IC)

tourism industry, Goyal said,

“The time is now to act on

2013 at Le Meridien Kochi,

for Consumer Affairs K.V.

“Inbound tourism is export of

these issues. It is question of

Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister

Thomas, Union Minister of

service and this sector ears

now and never,” said Goyal

Ommen Chandy inaugurated

State for Civil Aviation K.C.

millions of dollars for the

adding that if the government

on par with export sector.

the Convention among the

Venugopal,

country and unlike foreign in-

accedes to our requests we

presence of other dignitaries

Tourism,

P. Anil

vestment, these dollars re-

will create a new economic

and delegates.

Kumar, Additional Director

main in the country.” He said

revolution and there will be

Underling the need of in-

General (Tourism) Govt. of

that the tourism industry has

freefall of dollars to the coun-

novation in the tourism sector,

India Usha Sharma, Vijayan

potential to create millions of

try and there would never a

Minister Kerala

Chandy said that in the 21st

Thomas, Chairman KTDC,

jobs in rural areas of the coun-

crisis of balance of payment

century innovations are need

Suman

Secretary

try and it can give upward fil-

and CAD. Goyal also asked

of hours of all sectors includ-

Tourism, Govt. of Kerala and

lip to the growth of the rural

the government to introduce

ing tourism. He added that

S. Harikishore, Director of

India. Goyal said that develop-

E-visa facilities for the ease of

this is essential to keep the in-

Tourism, Kerala.

ment and promotion can also

foreign tourists. Goyal re-

Billa,

terest of travellers alive in

Speaking on the occasion,

revive, promote and preserve

quested governments to im-

tourist destinations in India.

Subhash Goyal, President,

the art and culture of the

prove infrastructure for the

Urging stakeholders of the

IATO explained the reasons to

country.

promotion of tourism in the

He said that the

tourism industry to enhance

have this year’s convention

country can take advantage of

country. He said the India has

the quality of visitor experi-

theme ‘Indian Tourism: Inno-

depreciation of Rupees if the

huge potential for promotion

ence, Chandy said that for this

vations and Partnerships’ and

Union Government and the

of cruise tourism both river

the quality of human re-

the bottleneck areas which

state governments reduce

and sea cruise but the country

sources will have to be im-

are negatively impacting the

service taxes on the tourism

has not been able to tap this

proved. He also requested the

tourism industry. He also

industry and give income tax

potential. He urged stakehold-

industry to promote eco-

mentioned

exemption to it in order to

ers to promote cruise tourism

that

Indian

Trade News

FAR (Middle East and MAFR Group, India) for his extend-

Treat Inbound Tourism on par with export: Subhash Goyal

ing valuable service to the tourism and hospitality

as new product. He also em-

industry which was handed over by the Kerala Chief Min-

phasized the need for land

tapped tourism potential of

involved in decision making

ister.

bank for infrastructure and

the country.

process at every level. Suman

Highlights of IATO’s 29th convention •

At the convention IATO’s Hall of Fame award

was bestowed upon Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, Chairman GAL-

•

E.M. Najeeb, Chapter Chairman, IATO and Pres-

lenges and tap the largely un-

hotel projects.

Union

Minister

stake holders & how IATO is

K.V.

Billa , Secretary, Tourism,

ident Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry was also

In is welcome address,

Thomas recalled how Kerala

Kerala in his brief address

honoured for his efficient service to have constant coordi-

Arun Anand, 29th Convention

tourism prospered in a sys-

talked about the new initia-

nation with state government and trade to make this event

Chairman, IATO said that

tematic manner and how it

tives taken by Kerala Tourism

a big success.

Convention provides a large

has proved beneficial to the

and which were further quan-

In the morning of the first day of the convention,

opportunity to the members of

state economy and has cre-

tified by Director of tourism

IATO organized run for responsible tourism in which J&K

IATO to see Kerala at large.

ated employment opportuni-

, Kerala, Hari kishore.

bagged first position as a travel agent from Ladkah Kon-

Touching upon the theme of

ties for local people. Union

E.M. Najeeb, Chairman,

chok Sharab finished first.

the convention, Anand said

Minister of State K.C. Venu-

Kerala Chapter, IATO in-

that this is high time that the

gopal in his address talked

formed about the activities of

industry needs to work to-

about the civil aviation policy

IATO in Kerala and how

•

India can take advantage of depreciation of Rupees if the Union and the stats reduce service taxes on the tourism industry and give income tax exemption to it in order to make India an affordable destination.

“

Subhash Goyal, President, IATO

gether to succeed and grow as

decisions to modernize vari-

strong partnership has been

the industry is facing many

ous airports in India, improv-

formed in Kerala in boosting

challenges today. IATO strong

ing connectivity from various

Kerala destinations

believes that only through

traffic generating markets,

In his vote-of-thanks ad-

partnership and innovations

liberal aviation policy and

dress Lally Mathews, Hony.

the Indian tourism industry

open air sky to boost Interna-

Secretary, IATO thanked the

can overcome these chal-

tional Tourist arrivals. A.P.

Chief Minister for his guid-

Anil kumar, Minister of State

ance and for his presence to

for Tourism , Kerala in his ad-

inaugurate the IATO Conven-

dress talked about state Gov-

tion. He also thanked, Union

ernment’s positive marketing

Minister of Tourism and the

strategies which have been

Team for the support they

drawn up to boost interna-

have extended for the conven-

tional tourist arrivals in Ker-

tion. He also thanked Dr. K.V.

ala and strong partnerships

Thomas, Mr. K.C. Venugopal,

developed with all stake hold-

A.P. Anil kumar, Minister of

ers. Vijayan Thomas, Chair-

State Tourism , Kerala and all

man, KTDC also addressed

other special guests present

the

delegates and talked

for the occasion. He raised a

about the diversification of

special thanks for Shri Suman

tourism products in Kerala

Billa, Secretary (Tourism) and

and marketing strategies of

Director of Tourism Kerala,

the state. Usha Sharma, Addi-

Hari Kishore and his team for

tional Director General, Min-

their full cooperation and giv-

istry

ing us the directions how to

Tourism

address talked

her

about

the

move in all matters related to

new thrust areas in Indian

holding of this convention. He

Tourism focusing on safety

also thanked all other VIP del-

,cleanliness,

infrastructure

egates including media mem-

development & global public-

bers and other invited guests.

ity

formed

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

how

has

Madhya Pradesh, Andhra

partnerships with

ministry

Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharash-

Trade News

with state government and

nized the support from the

trade to make this event a big

State Governments by pre-

success. The award was given

senting IATO mementos and

by the Chief Minister.

to the winners of Marketing

The inaugural event fol-

Innovation Competition.

lowed by a very colorful cul-

The gala dinners with cul-

tural program showcasing

tural events organized on this

Kerala’s rich cultural her-

occasion were highly appreci-

itage. There was a great feel-

ated by the members.

ing of ‘Camaraderie among all

The evening & cocktails of

present at the inaugural day

the Crown Plaza on 9th Sep-

festivities. “Long live Tourism

tember during dinner was

Friendship

Tourism

sponsored by STIC Travels to

Saluté to all” echoed IATO,

celebrate their 40th Anniver-

and

President Subhash Goyal.

sary. During this occasion,

Interesting business ses-

STIC Travels also sponsored

sions were organized during

the following Air Tickets as

three-day convention, which

lucky draw, this made the

for his extending valuable

were very educative for the

evening most exciting and

Delhi,

service to the tourism and

members.

memorable.

Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab

hospitality industry which

During the Valedictory ad-

and y Odisha were sponsoring

was handed over by Chief

dress, Tourism Minister of

teresting

states for this year’s IATO

Minister of Kerala.

Jammu and Kashmir was the

tours

Chief Guest. While appreciat-

Munnar, Kumarakom, Way-

ing the activities of IATO for

nad, Kovalam and Thekkady

promotion of tourism he also

which facilitated members to

extended invitation for hold-

gain firsthand knowledge on

ing IATO’s next convention in

the tourism products of Ker-

Srinagar and assured all sup-

ala and introduced such pack-

port from the state govern-

ages for their clients.

tra, Rajasthan, Andaman & Nicobar

Islands,

This is high time that the industry needs to work together to succeed and grow as the industry is facing many challenges today. Only through partnership and innovations we can overcome these challenges.

“

Arun Anand, 29th Convention Chairman, IATO

After the convention, in-

ment.

post-convention

were

organized

This convention in Kerala

convention in a big way. On

E.M. Najeeb, Kerala Chap-

this occasion IATO’s Hall of

ter Chairman, IATO and Pres-

for

Tourism

of delegates from all over the

Fame award was bestowed

ident, Confederation of Kerala

wherein over 300 delegates

country which included Senior

upon Dr. P. Mohamed Ali,

Tourism Industry was hon-

participated. Also on this oc-

Government Officials, Tour

Chairman GALFAR (Middle

oured for his efficient service

casion, IATO organized Silent

operators,

East and MAFR Group, India)

to have constant coordination

Auction for arranging funds

Hoteliers, and members of

for charity which was a big

Press and Travel Media.

IATO also organized Run Responsible

was a success with presence

success.

Travel

Agents,

According to the Conven-

Coinciding with the IATO

tion Chairman Arun Anand

Convention, a travel mart was

more that 1,100 delegates at-

also organized wherein most

tended the convention. Lead-

of the states and tour opera-

ing

tors, hotels and resorts exhib-

different parts of the country

ited their products which

and abroad participated in the

provided a good platform to

3-day convention.

travel

agents

from

showcase the product and in-

In the valedictory session

teraction between buyers and

tourism minister of J& K, Mir

suppliers.

assured that Kashmir was

Award ceremony during the valedictory session recog-

safe for tourists. by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

Trade News

29th Convention of IATO strengthens the cause innovation in the industry IATO’s 29th annual convention held in Kochi discussed various aspects of innovations and educated its members on how to use the new technology.

helped the cause of innova-

different parts of the country.

tions and partnership (as was

There were very meaningful

the theme of the convention) in

deliberations based on the

the tourism industry.

theme of the convention.

were able to discuss the vari-

“We

There was an ‘IATO Run’ for

ous aspects of innovations – where we had International

he 29th Annual Con-

man, 29th Convention, and

Tourism. Participants who did

speakers who educated our

vention

Indian

Chairman, Kerala Chapter,

not want to run took a pleas-

members how to use the new

Tour Operators Association of

IATO is also of the opinion

ant walk through the green

technology and partnerships –

India (IATO) was well organ-

that the 29th convention of

stretches of Kerala interiors.

PPP models were discussed

ized and gave its members an

IATO held was a successful by

There was also an ‘IATO

between the stakeholders,”

opportunity to interact with

all measures and there was

Silent Auction’ to raise funds

said Anand. According to Na-

lot of exhibitors on a one-on-

excellent

for charitable causes. The

jeeb the theme of the 29th An-

one basis, according to Arun

more than 1200 delegates

post conference tours organ-

nual Convention ‘Innovations

participation

We were able to discuss the various aspects of innovations – where we had International speakers who educated our members how to use the new technology and partnerships – PPP models were discussed between the stakeholders.

“

ized were really enjoyable,”

and partnerships in Tourism

added Najeeb

Industry’ was very appropriate

According to Anand the

for discussion among experts

Convention had record num-

and tourism stakeholders. “In-

ber of participation with Reg-

novations in different areas of

istrations crossing 1200 mark

business are changing the tex-

and it does not include the

ture of the industry. The pat-

Service Personnel taken lo-

tern of the industry changes as

Anand, Chairman, 29th An-

from different parts of the

cally to run the Secretariat,

innovation takes place in a dy-

nual Convention, and Hony.

country. According to Najeeb,

the local officials and many

namic manner in tourism glob-

Treasurer, IATO. Anand said,

the theme of the convention

media members who came on

ally. Technological innovations

“As tour operators we always

‘Innovations and partnership

our invitation. The inaugural

itself has brought in a lot of

like to meet our own profes-

in Tourism Industry’ was

day saw a gathering of over

changes like Internet, means of

sionals personally so that we

highly appreciated and was

1500 people in the state-of-art

communications, etc. that have

can understand and discuss

rated as very relevant to the

Le Meridian Convention Cen-

brought buyers and sellers

and share each other’s expe-

time. The State Government

tre Kochi on 8th September,

closer,” said Najeeb. He added

rience under one roof. It pro-

extended great support and

2013.

that the intermediary opera-

vides

firsthand

the Chief Minister himself was

knowledge about various destinations products and expo-

good

Najeeb is of the view that

tors and agents started evolv-

present at the inaugural func-

IATO conventions are always

ing as new relevant entities

tion. Central and State Minis-

well organized and attractive

leaving behind the conven-

The 28th Annual IATO Convention held in Mumbai was a good convention. But the 29th IATO Convention was all the more noticeable for its venue and its effective coordination and conduct of the convention, so the 29th National Convention was more successful .

“

sure

new

ideas

with

try innovative. Discussing this

at options of solutions. “The

crucial subject at Kochi to find

28th Annual IATO Convention

out most suitable solutions for

held in Mumbai was a good

the industry in the scenario of

convention. But the 29th IATO

innovations triggered off the

Convention was all the more

thinking process in the minds

noticeable for its venue that is

of the tour operators and au-

Kochi, Kerala and its effective

thorities. Partnerships and

pliers from Kerala presented

that tourism was a priority in

coordination and conduct of

networking have become the

its varied tourism options to

their agenda. Kerala is seri-

the convention. I would say the

practice of the day and that

all the delegates and all en-

ous in their commitment to

29th National Convention was

bring in high dividends due to

joyed

tourism development. “The

more successful than the ear-

the synergy created in the

convention has brought in lot

lier one,” said Najeeb.

partnerships.

also

and deliberations, and arrives

present,

Convention

were

tional age old practices. Flow of information made the indus-

conveying the message to all

the

ters

for the participants. It raises relevant issues for discussions

suppliers’ interaction as sup-

heart’s content”.

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

leading tourism players from

the cause of Responsible

E M Najeeb Co-Chairman, 29th Convention & Chairman, Kerala Chapter of IATO

The 29th convention has

E M Najeeb, Co-chair-

Prem Kumar

Arun Anand Chairman, 29th Annual Convention and Hony. Treasurer, IATO

of attention on Kerala from

Government News

MoT launches ‘777 Days of ‘The Incredible Indian Himalayas’ Campaign The campaign will promote Indian part of Himalayas as tourist destination. MoT will meet 50 per cent of Peak Fee from the Climbing Expeditions. Indian Himalayas as a great-

ister for Tourism, Jammu &

tary, Ministry of Tourism,

he Ministry of Tourism

est show on the earth, Dr. Chi-

Kashmir, Amrita Rawat, Min-

Government of India said that

recently launched ‘777

ranjeevi said that the purpose

ister for Culture & Tourism,

the promotion of the Indian

Days of the Incredible Indian

of the campaign was to tell the

Uttarakhand, Bhim Prasad

Himalayas as a tourism desti-

Himalayas’ campaign to cen-

entire world that Himalayas

Dhungel,

for

nation will also enable India

tre stage the Incredible Indian

provide opportunity for a

Tourism & Civil Aviation,

to be marketed as a round-

Himalayas

round-the-year tourism right

Sikkim, Pasawj Sona Dorajee,

the-year travel destination

the

World

Tourism Map. On this occasion, Dr. K Chiranjeevi, Union Minister for Tourism (I/C) announced that the Ministry of Tourism has decided to meet 50 per cent of Peak fee chargeable by Indian Mountaineering Foundation from the climbing expeditions during the period of 777 days of the campaign. The Minister added that the campaign has been de-

Minister

The purpose of the campaign was to tell the entire world that Himalayas provide opportunity for a round-the-year tourism right from hard adventure to soft adventure, rich flora and fauna to bio-diversity hotspots, high altitude peaks to beautiful lakes, from varied culture to the realm of spirituality and wellness.

“

since Himalayas provide opportunities

for

travellers

round the year.

‘The 777

Days of the Incredible Indian Himalayas’ campaign will enable India to become a yearlong

tourist

destination.

Today Himalayan Tourism is considered

off-season

tourism destination during

from hard adventure to soft

Parliamentary Secretary for

the tourism off-season in the

adventure, rich flora and

To Arunachal Pradesh were

country. So not only the Hi-

fauna

present.

malayan States are going to

bio-diversity

signed to spread awareness

hotspots, high altitude peaks

also

benefit from this campaign

around the globe that 73 per

to beautiful lakes, from varied

launched a Himalayan Map

but other states which have

cent of Himalayan range lies

culture to the realm of spiritu-

and a Directory of Events that

airports connecting to the Hi-

in India. Launching the cam-

ality and wellness. Dr. Chiran-

contains the activities to be

malayan states will also ben-

paign, the Minister said the

jeevi also highlighted the need

undertaken during this period

efit.

Indian Himalayas themselves

for

Himalayan

of ‘777 days of the Incredible

Chandigarh, Guwahati, Bag-

are a complete destination

tourism in a sustainable man-

Indian Himalayas’ campaign.

dogra, Kolkata and Banaras

which can be explored around

ner keeping in view the carry-

A book on safety regulations

are going to benefit from this

the year for variety of experi-

ing

the

brought out by Adventure

campaign. ‘777 Incredible Hi-

ences. The travellers can look

destinations. He also in-

Tour Operators Association

malaya Campaign’ is clearly

towards Indian Himalayas for

formed that the issue of open-

of India (ATAOI) was also re-

aimed to emphasize the world

adventure and skiing in win-

ing up of new air strips to

leased on the occasion. The

that India is 365 days destina-

ters; exploring bio-diversity

facilitate travel to Himalayan

Ministry also released two

tion,” said Dewan. The cam-

hotspots during the spring;

regions has been taken up

short films titled “Greatest

paign will help other states

mountaineering expeditions

with the Ministry of Defence,

Show on the Earth” and “Life

having

during the summer; and un-

Ministry of Home Affairs, Min-

Altering Journey” to highlight

connectivity to the Himalayan

dertaking variety of leisure

istry of Civil Aviation and the

splendor, beauty and vibrancy

states because tourist after

and cultural activities during

State Governments.

of the Himalayas.

visiting the Himalayan states

autumn. Describing the Incredible

promoting

capacity

The

Ministry

On the occasion of launch

Earlier in his welcome ad-

of the campaign G A Mir, Min-

dress, Parvez Dewan, Secre-

The airports such as

airports

providing

may also like visit rest of the India.

by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

Government News

Central Assistance approved for boosting tourism in 3 states of N. E.

Tourism Development Project launched in Chhindwara in MP

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has announced Central Finance Assistance for boosting tourism in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Nagaland.

The project for development of Chhindwara as a Tourist Circuit in Madhya Pradesh, with Central Financial Assistance from Government of India was launched recently.

n a major boast to the North-

District.

East tourism sector, Union

Hunli region is part of the

Tourism Minister Dr. K. Chi-

lower Dibang valley district

ranjeevi has approved Central

and is popular for its scenic

r K. Chiranjeevi,

agreed to be enhanced as

Finance Assistance (CFA) to

beauty and cold temperature

Union Minister of

the development of Chhind-

various tourism development

which attracts domestic and

(Independent

wara as a tourist circuit,

projects in the states of

foreign tourists. With a view to

charge) and Dr. Kamal Nath,

with the inclusion of the fa-

Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim

project the region as a major

and Nagaland.

D Tourism

Union Urban Development

mous Khedapati Mandir,

& Parliamentary Affairs

Chakravyuha water falls in

Minister launched the proj-

the Ananjangaon Harrai,

destination, government has conceived this project as a

CFA for Sikkim:

flagship project to preserve

ect. The Ministry of Tourism

development of surround-

MoT has sanctioned `89.10

is continuously striving for

ings of Pataleshwar Mandir,

lakh for development of Tourist

creating better infrastruc-

Chhote Mahadev Temple

infrastructure at Bura-Nilkan-

ture,

Tamia, Sharda Ghat Bur-

tha at Legship in West Sikkim.

hotels. An amount of `160.00

This project will increase the

tourism destinations and

man,

Buranilkantha is a beautiful

lakh has been sanctioned for

inflow of visitors since it shall

bringing them on the na-

Mundhara, Distt. Seoni etc,

river side location en-route to

development of Tourist Circuit

facilitate the platform to dis-

tional and international

thereby considering addi-

Geyzing and Renchenpong.

along Marchak including De-

seminate knowledge about the

tional funds of approxi-

Strengthening tourist facilities

velopment

Barchangey

multi-fascinating local tribal

mately ` 300.00 lakh.

at this spot is found essential to

water site in East Sikkim. This

people inhabiting the areas

render a way side tourist point

project involves the develop-

from centuries.

developing

new

tourism map. While speaking on the occasion

Khedapati,

Narsinghpur

and

He further stated that

and to promote eco tourism Dr. K. Chiranjeevi Union Minister for Tourism

and provide accessibility to tourist in terms of adventure.

Parasia, Dr Chiranjeevi ac-

the financial assistance to

along this circuit. The project

ment of Tourist infrastructure

knowledged the active role

the State Government of

involves the development of

like tourist accommodation,

played by the Union Urban

Madhya Pradesh by his Min-

amenity block, construction of

cafeteria, viewing deck and

`100.00 Lakh has been

Development & Parliamen-

istry, which was ` 180 crore

Eco-friendly walkways and

water bodies at Barchangey

sanctioned for Eco-Adventure

tary Affairs Minister Dr

during the entire 11th Plan

Landscaping & Beautification.

waterfall site.

and culture destination at

CFA for Arunachal Pradesh

Kuhuboto is a virgin tourist

Kamal Nath and informed

went upto ` 207.00 crore in

MoT has approved `160.00

that the Ministry of Tourism

the year 2012-13 alone dur-

lakh for strengthening of way-

CFA for Nagaland

Kuhuboto

Nagaland.

had included development

ing the 12th Five Year Plan.

side tourism facilities along

`463.34

destination which is rich in nat-

of Chhindwara in the State

Among various tourism de-

with the national highway in

lakh has been sanctioned for

ural beauty. This place is en-

initially as a tourist destina-

velopment projects sanc-

Sikkim Circuit. This project in-

Mega Tourist Destination at

dowed

Tawang.

An amount of

tion, in consultation with

tioned by his Ministry in

volves the construction of Car

the State Government and

2012-13 are included three

parking area, way side ameni-

This project involves the

with

lush

green

mountains and valleys, flowers, mountain

streams

etc.

sanctioned Central Finan-

Mega projects namely; the

ties along with the NH-31A in

construction of Guest house

Kuhuboto has a close proximity

cial Assistance of ` 494.00

Development of Bundelk-

Rangpo town.

complex, Tawang monestry

to Dimapur, which is promising

lakh in 2012-13.

hand region, Ujjain circuit

`160.00 lakh has been

restaurant, Dormitory com-

destination both from Tourism

Dr Chiranjeevi further

and Jabalpur region. In the

sanctioned towards provision

plex and development of wa-

and Business stand point. This

informed that in view of the

year 2013-14, the State Gov-

and display of superlative sig-

terfall

gallery,

project involves the construc-

immense tourism potential

ernment has prioritized

nages

Children Park and Amphithe-

tion of Budget Accommodation

in Chhindwara the scope of

eight projects at an approx-

Sikkim. The proposed signages

atre at Tawang. `98.05 lakh

hotel, tourist reception center,

the tourist destination de-

imate estimated cost of

and Hoardings will be dis-

has been sanctioned construc-

open air theater, public toilet,

velopment

`110.00 crore.

played at various places like

tion of Tourist Complex at

food court, parking area and

railway stations, bus stops and

Hunli Lower Dibang Valley

cafeteria.

O CTOBER 20 1 3|

project

was

by TNH DESK

and

hoardings

viewing

by TNH DESK

Government News

J &K Tourism minister for 30th IATO convention in Srinagar G A Mir, Minister for Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir has requested IATO to hold its next convention in Srinager, offering all possible support to IATO for the convention.

become most memorable. We

tourism minister appealed

are economically week but

the tour operators to pro-

we have big heart to wel-

mote J&K as one of the pre-

come you.”

ferred tourist destinations in

Asserting that Kashmir

The

India. Mir informed that

is a safe destination for

tourist inflow to Kashmir

tourists, Mir said that he

has grown from 30 thousand in 2002 to around 20 lakh

was trying to evolve a con-

tory session of 29th

Srinagar,

but since new

cession among political par-

tourists in 2012. Mir was the

team will before the next

ties in the state so that

chief guest on the concluding

ation of Tour Operators (IATO) to organize its 30th convention in Srinagar. Earlier in the day the minister has made the same request to Subhash Goyal, President, IATO during a press confer-

Chhattisgarh Tourism Board is wooing travellers by exploring an array of exciting curios in the land.

from the association.

ing its next convention in

Mir requested Indian Associ-

Little-known travel treasures

the convention in Kashmir

peaking at the valedic-

IATO convention in Kochi,

G A Mir Minister for Tourism Jammu and Kashmir

Although we don’t have five-star hotels, but we will make assure that your stay during the convention in Kashmir become most memorable. We are economically week but we have big heart to welcome you.

“

function. Goyal said that Jammu and Kashmir has always been a favorite destination for tourists and we have been regularly promoting the destination

and

sending

tourists there and will further

convention, so only that

tourism activities could be

increase our efforts to pro-

ence on the sidelines of the

team can take decision on

kept

mote tourism in the state. He

convention.

the venue of the next conven-

tourism sector is the back-

added that tourism in the

tion.

The minister

had addressed Media per-

out

politics

bone of the economy of the

state had suffered a lot during

sons along with Subhash

Requesting IATO pas-

state and a lot of people de-

the last two decades because

Goyal and Arun Anand as

sionately to hold next con-

pend on tourism for their

of violence and disturbance.

well some delegates from

vention in Srinagar, Mir said,

livelihood. The minister ap-

Members of Jammu and Kash-

J&K travel trade. Respond-

“Although we don’t have five-

preciated the role of IATO in

mir IATO Chapter also partic-

ing to the request, Goyal said

star hotels, but we will make

promotion of tourism in J&K

ipated in the 29th IATO

he is in favour of IATO hold-

assure that your stay during

and sought more support

Convention.

Swaati Chaudhury

by TNH DESK

state and lure tourists to

Kumbh Mela at Rajim. The

groups from all Indian metros

lesser-known fascinating des-

well-known Danteswari Devi

to lure leisure tourists into the

shrine honours the goddess of

state. The tribals constitute

Chhattisgarh, the ninth

tinations. The state has the

largest state in India with 44

country’s widest waterfall

per cent land area covered

best known as Chitrakote wa-

with forests has a plethora of

terfalls with luxury tented ac-

touristy pleasures to tempt

commodation

lying

near

There are around 120 tourist destinations in the state. We are trying to explore tourism to its potential in the state and lure tourists to lesser-known fascinating destinations.

“

the wanderlust. The electricity

Jagdalpur. Kutumsar caves

surplus state has the forest

form the deepest cave with ex-

density at par with Brazil and

otic stalactite and stalagmite

teeth and Sirpur has pre-

nearly three-fourth population

S N A P S H O T

served Lakshman temple, the

of the state and the best desti-

finest example of an exclusive

nation to have a glimpse of

enjoys the reputation of harbouring the most primitive tribe in India. The best time to visit the fascinating land is during the rains and autumn. Informs P Sen Bhowmick, General Man-

CTB’s new explorations are: Chitrakote Waterfalls, the broadest in india. Kutumsar caves with finest rock formations.

brick shrine in the country.

rare tribal culture is Bastar,

The Buddhist heritage sites of

the veritable living museum.

Sirpur make it four times big-

Says P Sen Bhowmick, “The

Bho-

only state in India to have an

ramdeo is noted for its

exclusive university on music

ger than Nalanda.

ager, Chhattisgarh Tourism

india’s only terracotta shrine in sripur.

magnificent Shiva temple and

has been Indira Performing

Board, “There are around 120

annual Rajim Kumbh Mela.

is known as Khajuraho of

Arts and Music University at

Chhattisgarh.”

Khairagarh. The state forms

tourist destinations in the state. We are trying to explore

formations. It is the only state

The state tourism board is

tourism to its potential in the

in India that observes annual

working closely with travel

the only habitat for the endangered Asiatic wild buffalo.

O CTO BER 2013|

Government News

various innovative print and

Andhra Tourism budget for FY 201314 is `160 Crore Andhra Pradesh has increased the budget of Tourism Department to `160 Crore for Financial Year 2013-2014, said Vatti Vasant Kumar, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Andhra Pradesh.

implemented expeditiously.

occasion Kumar also in-

He added that council will ad-

formed that the state tourism

dress several issues that are

has introduced new age Boat-

affecting the free flow of

ing facilities, Jet Skies and

tourists within the Southern

other

water/adventure

region. “The Southern region has great potential to attract

tiatives in recent times to pro-

locations in the state. Kumar

more number of tourists.

he minister informed this

mote tourism. Spelling out

further informed that the

However, it has been felt for

while speaking at Na-

new initiatives taken by the

state tourism has purchased

long time that MoT should

tional Tourism Ministers’ Con-

state government to promote

ference

held

tourism, Kumar informed that

recently in New Delhi. Kumar

Andhra Pradesh Tourism De-

said that this increase in the

velopment

budget allotment for the

(APTDC) has launched its

tourism department of the

presence on the social media

state will give much needed

network in the month of May

several

tourists

give more coverage in the in-

boost to the tourism sector in

2013 as result of which the

coaches and cars to help

ternational tourism fairs to

the state. “With this increase

number of enquiries on vari-

tourists in reaching out to

the southern region. Kumar

in the budget, the tourism de-

ous services have increased

more destinations of the

requested Union Minster for

partment of the state is poised

manifold. The minister in-

state. The state tourism is

Tourism to consider increas-

formed that tourism depart-

also

budget

ing the marketing efforts and

grammes aimed at attracting

ment

hotel and international con-

organize more road show in

more number of tourists to the

appointed professional adver-

ventional centre at Tirupati.

the South Asia, USA, South-

state,” said Kumar.

tisement agencies for market-

which

launch

was

various

pro-

Corporation

the

state

has

With this increase in the budget, the tourism department of the state is poised to launch various programs aimed at attracting more number of tourists to the state.

“

luxury

constructing

The Minister said that the

The state department of

ing and prompting Andhra

proposed

tourism has taken many ini-

Pradesh Tourism through

Tourism Advisory Council is a

Bengal to upgrade infrastructure in new tourist destinations The department of tourism, West Bengal is set to transform tourism into a major source of revenue generation in the state.

South

Zone

ern Africa and Australia to promote tourism in the Southern Region.”

cent of tourist destinations

lakh global tourists. Adven-

in Bengal remain unex-

ture tourism activities like

plored. Most tourists are

rock climbing, paragliding

aware about the celebrated

and bungee jumping have

tourist spots of Darjeeling,

been identified in the East-

Dooars and the Sundarbans.

ern Himalayas and we are

We are trying to highlight a

setting up home stay facili-

jeeling Himalayas, Dooars,

relatively unknown Bud-

ties

Megacity

Kolkata,

dhist destination- Jagjivan-

Dooars.”

he department of

beaches and mangroves of

pur in Malda that forms the

speaking at Travel Bengal

tourism, West Ben-

Sundarbans. Explains Uma-

second Nalanda in the coun-

2013 conclave in Kolkata.

S N A P S H O T

try. We are popularizing the

Swaati Chaudhury

gal has some good news to bring cheer to tourists. Bent on transforming the state into a topmost tourist destination of India, the West Bengal government is into exploring a number of new

state. Bengal is categorized into five tourism zones-Dar-

delights

Darjeeling

and

Chatterjee was

The state tourism de-

partment has set up plans to focus upon three lesser-

Focusing on unknown destinations like Jagjivanpur in Malda.

passenger handling capac-

known tourist getaways in-

ity of Kolkata Airport has

cluding

Gajoldoba-the

Setting up infrastructural facilities in Gaoldoba, Jharkhali and Sabujdweep.

been increased with up-

gateway

graded facilities for interna-

Jharkhali-the gateway to the

tional landing. Kolkata has

Sundarbans and the eco-

pada Chatterjee, Director,

tremendous potential for

tourist resort of Sabujdweep

Department

Tourism,

medical tourism and has the

in the midst of Hooghly and

West Bengal, “Nearly 70 per

capacity to draw around 32

Nadia districts.

architectural

Adina mosque in Malda. The

Initiatives of Department of Tourism, West Bengal:

tourist destinations in the

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

electronic mediums. On the

tourism activities at various

Prem Kumar

Vatti Vasant Kumar Minister for Tourism and Culture Andhra Pradesh

great thought and should be

Dooars,

Government News

Tamil Nadu to invest ` 10,000 crores in Tourism & Hospitality by 2023

Key Points Tamil Nadu to invest ` 10,000 crores in Tourism & Hospitality by 2023. This investment will be made through public and private investments. In 2012 tourist arrivals to Tamil Nadu grew by 34 per cent. The state received total 1877 lakh tourists in 2012 which include 36 lakhs foreign tourists. In 20111 the state has received 1400 lakhs tourists which included 33 lakhs foreign tourist.

‘Vision Tamil Nadu-2023’ document envisages an investment of ` 10,000 crores in Tourism and Hospitality sectors through Government and private investments by 2013.

the state. “In order to

Prem Kumar

S P Shanmuganathan Minister for Tourism, Tamil Nadu

ast year the Chief Minis-

san-

long time which not only cre-

itize all sections of the soci-

ates hardship for the tourist

ety on the importance of

but also result in traffic con-

ter of Tamil Nadu J Jay-

level. It also aims to preserv-

cleanness and hygiene in

gestion. To overcome this on-

alalitha released the ‘Vision

ing the rich cultural heritage

public places the campaign

line payment of tourist tax

Tamil Nadu-2023’ document.

and monuments of architec-

was conducted at 12 tourist

and downloading of tax re-

The visionary document tar-

tural splendor and exploit

destinations namely Mamal-

ceipt should be made possi-

gets fast growth in all the

the tourist potential of these

lapuram, Udhagamandalam,

ble,” said Shanmuganathan.

sectors including Tourism.

monuments. It calls for posi-

Kodaikanal, Kanniyakumari,

“It envisages an investment

tioning Tamil Nadu as a visi-

Rameswaram,

Madurai,

should be bilingual/multi-lin-

Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur,

gual including English so

Chidambaram,

Tiruneveli,

that the foreign tourists will

Dharmapuri and Chennai in

not face any difficulty at the

the year 2012-2013,” in-

verifying point. The Tour Op-

formed the minister. He

erators will also be comfort-

As per our visionary document, our objective is to strengthen the existing tourism infrastructure in the state, identify the gaps in tourism infrastructure and formulate development schemes.

“

of ` 10,000 crores in Tourism and

Hospitality

added,

“The

receipt

added that for the current fi-

able with hassle-free online

nancial year 2013-14, 10

system for paying tourist ve-

ble global brand in Tourism.

tourist

hicle tax.

destination

have

sectors

The visionary documents

been selected, namely Sri-

through Government and pri-

also underlines need to En-

rangam,

Courtrallam,

the proposal of constitution

vate investments by 2013,”

hance Tamil Nadu tourism

Tiruchendur, Palani, Dara-

of Regional Promotion Coun-

informed

market within India.

suram,

cils, saying, “Regional level

ganathan, Tourism,

Shanmu-

Minister

for

Tamil Nadu. He

added that as per the vision document

“As per the visionary doc-

Thiruvannamalai.

Rameswaram,

Melmalaya-

The minister supported

synergy is essential to mar-

ument, our objective is to

nur,

Periyapalayam,

ket Regional Tourist Cir-

strengthen

existing

Kancheepuram to conduct

cuits.” He added that this

the

the targeted the

tourism infrastructure in the

the cleanliness awareness

could be done with Union

foreign tourist arrival for

state, identify the gaps in

campaign.

Ministry of Tourism taking

2023 is 15 million from the

tourism infrastructure and

present 3.60 million. “The in-

formulate

development

less movement of tourists in

The minister informed

frastructure

development

schemes. We also aim to ex-

the state, the state govern-

that in 2012 number of

In order to ensure seam-

the initiative.

scheme and marketing plans

ploit the tremendous unex-

ment is planning online pay-

tourist arrivals to Tamil

of tourism department of the

ploited potential for the

ment facility for the payment

Nadu grew by 34 per cent.

state are aimed at achieving

promotion of tourism in the

of taxes by tourist trans-

The state received total 1877

the long term goals set by the

state and provide world

porters. “To ensure seam-

lakh tourists in 2012 which

Vision Tamil Nadu -2013,”

class

the

less Travel we have to make

included 1841 lakhs domes-

tourists visiting the state,”

the movement of tourist vehi-

tic tourists and 36 lakhs for-

said Shanmuganathan.

cles easy and quicker at the

eign tourists. In 20111 the state has received 1400 lakh

said Shanmuganathan. ‘Vision Tamil Nadu-2023’

services

for

aims to promote Tamil Nadu

“The state tourism is ag-

interstate borders. To pay

as an attractive tourist desti-

gressively taking forward

the tourist tax the tourists

tourists which included 33

nation at an international

‘Clean India’ campaign in

vehicles have to stop for a

lakhs foreign tourists.

O CTO BER 2013|

Government News

MTDC Tourist Information Centre launched in Delhi With an eye on the North Indian Market, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recently launched its Tourist Information Centre at Hotel The Janpath in New Delhi.

n a aggressive market-

tourist destinations. It is an

hosting a road-show for the

ing plan, Maharashtra

unlimited resource for beach

tour operators to promote Ma-

Tourism Development Corpo-

lovers, adventure sport lovers,

harashtra as a preferred

ration (MTDC) has recently

honeymoon travellers, pil-

tourist destination. It will be

kick-started its mission to at-

grimages and sites of histori-

an interactive session with

tract tourists from North In-

cal importance and for nature

the tour operators about how

dian states by opening its

lovers. Maharashtra is one of

best we can improve the num-

“Over the last few years

also overseas aggressively to

tourist information centre in

the most developed States of

ber of tourists visiting from

tourism has emerged as im-

attract tourists to the state.

Chhagan Bhujbal inaugurating Tourist Information Centre in Delhi

this part of the country. Maha-

India with a large class of ed-

North India to Maharashtra.”

portant sector in Maharashtra

We are planning and organiz-

rashtra Tourism aims to cover

ucated and affluent society.”

Apart from Delhi, MTDC is

which was not the case earlier.

ing more and more events to

10 prominent cities of India to

He added, “In terms of prod-

planning to unveil their tourist

Now we are marketing the

promote tourism.”

state all over the country and

promote tourist destinations

ucts we have everything ex-

offices in Lucknow and Tiru-

of Maharashtra having al-

cept Himalayas and Sahara

pati in the near future. “In the

ready opened a tourist infor-

desert. But we realized that

last couple of years, MTDC has

mation centre in Hyderabad

we were very much lagging

been aggressively marketing

recently.

behind in promotion but now

and promoting its heritage,

Besides

opening

culture,

We already attract maximum foreign tourists and now we are also focusing on attracting domestic tourists in large numbers. Maharashtra has everything in terms of tourist destinations.

“

destination

and

cuisines. The opening of our Tourist Information Center will now help us promote Maharashtra more effectively in Delhi so that maximum number of tourists from Delhi can

Chhagan Bhujbal, Tourism Minister, Maharashtra

visit the state.

by TNH DESK

Short News

Bihar CM inaugurates Heritage Museum Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently inaugurated a newly-built heritage museum in International Convention Centre in Rajgir, Bihar.

The centre

tourist information centre,

we have decided to aggres-

would provide information

MTDC also conducted a road-

sively promote the state. We

about Maharashtra to tourists

Speaking at the inaugural

function,

Chanchal

this museum more beautiful and attractive.

show in Delhi for tour opera-

are trying our best to promote

as well as tour operators,” said

Kumar, Secretary, Art &

Among others principal

tors.

Maharashtra. We have signed

Patil.

In terms of foreign

Culture, Government of

secretary of the CM Anjani

MoU with Japan to promote

tourist arrivals Maharashtra is

Bihar, said that 48 artifices

Kumar Singh and Principal

the state in Japan.

one of the top five states. The

of renowned national and

Secretary of the tourism

Maharashtra is always

state has also improved its po-

international artists have

department of the state B

attract the tourists from Delhi

known for its rich culture, art

sition in the domestic market.

been kept at the newly

Pradhan were present on

and surrounding states by

and festivals. The State is

The information pertaining

opened

the occasion.

Starting with its marketing campaign from Delhi, Maharashtra Tourism is all set to

museum.

Mr.

setting up Tourist Information

blessed with the world famous

to all destinations and tourist

Kumar appreciated the ar-

Earlier on the same day

Centre at Hotel The Janpath.

World Heritage Sites like the

information will be available at

tifices present at the mu-

the CM along with other

Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister

caves of Ajanta-Ellora.

the new office of MTDC which

seum and said that that

senior officers of the state

for Tourism, Maharashtra,

Dr. Jagdish Patil, Manag-

will become one-point source

new museum will become

government inspected the

said, “We already attract

ing Director, MTDC, said,

of information for the tourists

an additional attraction for

ongoing

maximum foreign tourists and

“MTDC has been taking sev-

and tour operators from North

tourists visiting Rajgir. On

works of Ghoda katora

now we are also focusing on

eral progressive steps to en-

India.

the occasion the CM di-

Lake at Rajgir. The Gho-

attracting domestic tourists in

courage

Sumit Mullick, Principal

rected department of Art

rakatora Lake is an attrac-

tourism

beautification

large numbers. Maharashtra

Maharashtra. Along with this

Secretary, Tourism, Govern-

and Culture of the state to

tive place endowed with

has everything in terms of

facility in Delhi, we are also

ment of Maharashtra

take effective steps to make

natural beauty.

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

said,

by TNH DESK

Destination News

Lavasa to have India’s first city tourism board soon Aims to work closely with travel trade, attract over 10 lakh tourists annually by 2015, build more hotel rooms and focus on domestic tourism.

Anand Shah

nearby region. The city now

still don’t know what to do in

avasa – India’s

intends to attract tourists

the city so we have recently

first planned hill

from various states as well.

opened a Tourist Information

city will soon be-

For the same, it is in process

Centre which assists trav-

come India’s first city to have

of forming a tourism advisory

ellers in planning their day

its own tourism board which

board for an active tourism

according to their conven-

will promote itself as a

board. Lavasa Corporation is

ience and likes. We have ad-

tourism destination among

also in talks with Association

venture, wellness, relaxation,

domestic and later among in-

of Domestic Tour Operators of

fun activities for all age

ternational tourists. It re-

India (ADTOI) for the associ-

groups.” Adding further on

ceived 99,381 tourists in the

ation’s annual convention

the future developments, Dug-

month of June 2013 recording

during November/December

gal said, “We are expanding

a 73 per cent increase over

2013.

our focus and target markets.

June 2012. Overall, from Jan-

Giving up details about

Our key focus is domestic

uary – June 2013, the city has

the latest developments, Ra-

tourists from nearby states

received

jeev Duggal, Senior Vice Pres-

338,258

tourists

which is again a 29 per cent

ident

THL,

Lavasa

Low inventory of rooms is hurting our international convention centre which is the second largest convention centre in India with 1500 pax capacity in pillar-less hall. By end of 2014, we will have 1000 rooms and by March 2015, Lavasa will feature an ex-

“

Gujarat,

Madhya

Pradesh, Goa, Karantaka and later expand to pan-India. We are working closely with travel trade from various cities for MICE, weddings, weekend holidays, extended trips from Mumbai, etc.” He informed that currently the city has 225 rooms offered by

increase over the same period

Corporation

said,

five properties and the num-

Ltd

in 2012. However, major

“Tourists come to Lavasa

bers would double by Febru-

tourist traffic comes on week-

mostly for weekends or for a

ary 2014 with the opening of

end from Mumbai, Pune and

one day trip. However, they

Formule 1 property.

O CTO BER 2013|

Government News

and the figure may appear low

Mizoram demands financial aid from the Centre for tourism promotion Mizoram’s Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism demanded financial assistance from the Government of India for advertisement and publicity campaigns.

marketing

abroad.”

as compared to other states,

Zothangliana requested Government of India to sponsor

cant growth that is increasing

particularly

and

the entry point for tourist trav-

Mizoram

“Guwahati has emerged as

year-on-year which can be

other North Eastern states for

elling to the North East. As

doubled with a short span of

participation in International

such, connectivity to all the

time with aggressive market-

Tourism Borse (ITB) Berlin

state capitals is very impor-

ing,” said Zothangliana. Lay-

and World Tourism Mart

tant. Such being the case the

ing out the minimum priority

(WTM) in London and other

North East may be marketed

requisites for his state for the

international

held

as one destination. This brings

consideration of MoT, he said,

every year for marketing

in the concept of the interstate

“The image of Mizoram as a

tourist products of the North

tourism,” said Zothangliana,

hostile region and unsafe for

East.

adding that it is very important

market

that neighboring states get to-

and deterrent that influences

Development of Adventure,

gether

a prospective tourist to select

Aerosports

tourism products as one, so

and

market

their

lot has been done for

other options. An effective

“The undulating hills and

that tourists can enjoy the ben-

marketing strategy need to be

the weather of Mizoram is

efit of visiting all states and all

tourism in Mizoram but a lot

floated. Therefore, our state

ideal for Aero sports develop-

the states of the region can

promotion

remains to be done to foster

acutely needs financial assis-

growth and forge ahead,” said

tance for advertisement in the

H Zothangliana, Parliamen-

print media as well as in elec-

tary Secretary for Tourism,

tronic media and for publicity

Government of Mizoram re-

campaigns.” He further said,

cently while addressing Na-

“Promotion and marketing of

It is very important that neighboring states get together and market their tourism products as one, so that tourists can enjoy the benefit of visiting all states and all the states of the region can enjoy the economic benefits.

“

tional

Tourism

Ministers’

tourism is very important.

Conference in New Delhi

With the development of vari-

Key requisites to promote tourism in Mizoram: Marketing of Tourism Products of Mizoram Development of Adventure, Aerosports in the state Promotion of inter-state Tourism in the NE states

It is my fervent plea that special Co-ordination Cell for the North Eastern states should be set up in the Ministry of Tourism to promote tours and travels in the North East.

“

ment . This was proved when

enjoy the economic benefits.

test flights of Hang Para glid-

“This requires good connectiv-

ers and Hot Air Balloons were

ity with regards to surface as

successfully done on Decem-

well as air connectivity. This

ber 15, 2008 and paragliding

matter should be taken up with

festival was also held success-

Civil Aviation, Railways and

said

Ministry of Road and High-

Zothangliana. “The scope to

fully

2011,”

ways ways to connect all the

develop aerosports in Mizoram

state capitals of the North

is promising and this adven-

East,” said Zothangliana. He

ture sport is expected to at-

added “Coordination and co-

tract

and

operation in this part of the

international tourist. The en-

both

domestic

country is urgently required

ergy and talent of the local

for effective promotion of

youth can be developed and

tourism. In spite of DONER

channelized into this sport. It

and NEC’s efforts to assist the

called by Union Minister of

ous tourist infrastructure and

is desired that they are pro-

growth of Tourism , not much

State for Tourism, Dr. K Chi-

facilities in the state, we have

vided training in the operation

has been achieved. It is my fer-

ranjeevi.

to take effective steps to pro-

and maintenance of equip-

vent plea that special Co-ordi-

mote and market these facili-

ments and systems of func-

nation Cell for the North

ties to other states and

tions

both

Eastern states should be set

Marketing

Mizoram

Tourism Products

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

Tourism

the

“A

H Zothangliana Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Government of Mizoram

inter-state

but I assert that it is a signifi-

visitor’s remains a barrier

Prem Kumar

Promoting

inculcates

abroad. But due to acute fi-

technical and management ca-

up in the Ministry of Tourism

“Tourist inflow to Mizo-

nancial constraints faced by

pacity. It is thus highlighted

to promote tours and travels in

ram in recent years has

the state government, no ef-

that investment in this sector

the North East. This will go a

grown. It cannot be compared

fective measures on the line

is welcomed by the state,” he

long way for the region in de-

with the rest of the country

could be taken up especially

added.

velopment of tourism.”

Government News

FEEs from tourism grows Number of tourists availing of VoA by 12 % in Rupees terms Scheme ups by 29.4% Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism in Rupees terms in August, 2013 increased by 12 per cent to `8,139 crore in comparison to `7260 crore in August, 2012.

ccording to Ministry of

of August 2013 were 8,139

According to data released by MoT number of tourists availing tourist Visa on Arrival (VoA) has grown significantly during the period from January to August, 2013. ccording to data recently

(ii) During the month of

released by Ministry of

August, 2013, a total number of

(v) During the period Jan-

Tourism, Government of India,

1,694 VoAs were issued under

uary to August 2013, the high-

Laos (13).

Tourism, Government

crore as compared to 7,260

a growth of 29.4 per cent has

this Scheme as compared to

est number of VoAs were

of India, Foreign Tourist Ar-

crore in August 2012 and

been recorded in the number

1,750 VoAs during the month of

issued at New Delhi (6,906) fol-

rivals (FTAs) in August,

5734 crore in August 2011.

of tourists availing of the

August, 2012.

lowed by Mumbai (2,549),

2013 was 4.74 lakh which

The growth rate in

tourist Visa on Arrival (VoA)

(iii) The number of VoAs is-

Chennai (1,832), Kolkata (846),

was 4.46 lakh in August

FEEs in rupee terms in Au-

Scheme during the period from

sued under this scheme during

Bangalore (17), Hyderabad

2012 with a growth of 6.4

gust 2013 over August 2012

January to August, 2013. A

August 2013 for nationals of

(12), Kochi (10) and Trivan-

per cent. The following are

was 12.1 per cent as com-

total number of 12,176 VoAs

the eleven countries was

drum (4).

some important highlights

pared to 26.6 per cent in

have been issued in this period

Japan (678), New Zealand

As a facilitative measure to

regarding FTAs and FEEs

August 2012 over August

as compared to 9,412 VoAs

(257), the Philippines (249), In-

attract more foreign tourists to

from tourism during the

2011.

during the corresponding pe-

donesia (234), Singapore (175),

India, Government launched

riod of 2012 registering a

Finland (43), Luxembourg (23)

the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Visa on Arrivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (VoA)

growth of 29.4 per cent.

Vietnam (16), Myanmar (13),

Scheme in January 2010 for

Cambodia (3), and Laos (3).

citizens of five countries, viz.

month of August, 2013:

FEEs from tourism in rupee terms during January

Foreign Tourist rivals (FTAs):

Ar-

FTAs during the Month

to August 2013 were 67,712

The other key highlights of

crore with a growth of 14.0

VoAs issued during January-

per cent, as compared to the

August, 2013:

(iv) The number of VoAs is-

Finland, Japan, Luxembourg,

sued under the Scheme during

New Zealand and Singapore,

of August 2013 were 4.74

FEEs of 59,409 crore with a

(i) During the period Janu-

January to August 2013 was

visiting India for tourism pur-

lakh as compared to FTAs of

growth of 23.7 per cent dur-

ary to August 2013, a total

Japan (4,290), New Zealand

poses. The Scheme was ex-

4.46 lakh during the month

ing January to August 2012

number of 12,176 VoAs were is-

(2,165), Indonesia (1,688), the

tended to the citizens of six

of August 2012 and 4.28 lakh

over the corresponding pe-

sued as compared to 9412

Philippines (1,652), Singapore

more countries, namely Cam-

in August 2011.

riod of 2011.

VoAs during corresponding pe-

(1,338), Finland (646), Vietnam

bodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the

riod of 2012 registering a

(126), Luxembourg (102) Cam-

Philippines, Laos and Myan-

growth of 29.4 per cent.

bodia (78), Myanmar (78) and

mar in January 2011.

FEEs in US$ terms

growth of 6.4 per cent in Au-

There

has

been

during the month of August

gust 2013 over August 2012

2013 were US$1.294 billion

as compared to a growth of

as compared to FEEs of

4.0 per cent registered in

US$1.306 billion during the

August 2012 over August

month of August 2012 and

2011.

US$ 1.264 billion in August

FTAs during the period

2011.

FTAs in India growing steadily T he number of foreign

recorded in Maharashtra at

to 2012. The Foreign Ex-

tourists visiting India

51.20 lakh followed by Tamil-

change Earnings (FEEs) is

January to August 2013

FEE from tourism in

has shown a steady increase

nadu at 35.62 lakh and Delhi

estimated as `50,448 crores

were 43.06 lakh with a

terms of US$ during Janu-

in the past three years. The

at 23.46 lakh in the year 2012.

in the period January to

growth of 3.6 per cent, as

ary to August 2013 were

number of foreign tourist vis-

compared to the FTAs of

US$12.025 billion with a

its has increased to 207.31

Earnings

41.56 lakh during January

growth of 6.7 per cent, as

lakh in 2012 as compared to

tourism has also shown a sig-

to August 2012.

FEEs from Tourism in rupee terms and US$ terms FEEs during the month

The Foreign Exchange (FEEs)

from

June, 2013. The number of Domestic

Tourist

Visits(DTVs) to States/UTs

compared to US$ 11.273 bil-

194.97 lakh in 2011 and

nificant growth rising to

has also shown an impressive

lion with a growth of 5.6 per

179.10 lakh during 2010. This

`94,487 crores in 2012 as

growth of around 39 per cent

during January-Au-

shows an increase of almost

compared to `77,591 crores

in the past three years. The

gust 2012 over the corre-

16 per cent in the past two

in 2011 and `64,889 crores in

number of DTVs in 2012 is es-

sponding period of 2011.

years.

2010. This marks an increase

timated at 103.64 crores as

The highest number of

of around 46 per cent in the

compared to 74.77 crores in

foreign tourists inflow was

three year period from 2010

the year 2010.

cent

O CTO BER 2013|

Government Report

CAG slams ASI for its failure to protect the monuments of national importance The ASI’s role in preserving the historical monuments of the country has again come under the criticism. A few months earlier, a parliamentary standing committee has criticized the function of ASI. Now a recent audit report of the CAG tiled Performance Audit of Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and Antiquities has severely criticized functioning of ASI. he CAG report pre-

There were no standing in-

monuments provided by the

ASI officials were often un-

sented in Parlia-

structions for the ASI Circles

ASI to the Ministry of Finance

aware about the exact location

the

to look for and recommend

in 2006 and to the Parliament

and actual condition/nature of

monsoon session noted that

ment

such unprotected monuments

in June 2012.

the monuments they were as-

for appropriate protection and

for notification on a regular

The CAG noted that the

signed to protect. The some

conservation of monuments

basis. The CAG has found that

ASI in July 2012 stated that the

instances indicate that the

and sites, the first step was

a detailed review was also re-

discrepancies in the number of

mechanism of inspection by

their identification. The

quired to de-notify monuments

monuments were mainly due

the ASI was grossly inade-

AMASR Act, 1958 author-

which were brought to protec-

to non-updating of list of mon-

quate. Norms of regular in-

ized the Central Govern-

tion prior to independence and

uments immediately after bi-

spection at Circle/Sub Circle

ment

had lost importance over time.

designate

the

“Monuments of National importance”.

Protected Monuments

furcation of a Circle and

level were absent, resulting in

changes in the jurisdiction of

inadequate information about

Circles due to creation of new

the location and status of pro-

The CAG in its report

The AMASR Act autho-

Circles. The reply underscores

tected sites. The Ministry (May

has noted that the Cultural

rised the ASI to declare a mon-

the need to exercise better co-

2013) replied that probably the

Ministry through ASI had

ument to be of national

ordination with the Circles as

information was collected from

not conducted any

importance and thereafter, ac-

timely updation of this basic

ill informed field staff of the

comprehensive sur-

tivities relating to preservation

information is important for

sub Circle. Such complicated

vey or review for

and conservation of monu-

various stakeholders.

matters should have been dis-

identifying

ments were to be undertaken.

monu-

The CAG’s report said that

cussed with SA of the con-

ments which were of

The national auditor has noted

absence of details of the exact

cerned Circle. The reply is not

national importance

that the ASI did not maintain a

number of monuments under

tenable as it is the field staff of

for inclusion in the

reliable database regarding

the control of the ASI would

sub Circles that looks after the

list of Centrally

the number of protected mon-

impinge on proper protection,

monuments on day to day

Protected monu-

uments. The report says the

preservation and conservation

basis. Further, SAs were in-

ments.

information in respect of num-

of these sites of national im-

formed before and after the

ber of monuments provided by

portance. The CAG has recom-

visits by us.

the ASI HQ was at variance

mended that the lists of

with the information provided

protected monuments should

by Circle/Sub-Circle of-

be updated and reconciled pe-

The ASI informed (2006)

fices. The CAG has ob-

riodically so that there was no

the Ministry that 35 of the total

ambiguity with regard to the

centrally

discrepancies in the

number of protected monu-

ments were not traceable. This

figures of protected

ments under each Sub Circle,

figure was also communicated

Circle and the ASI as a whole.

to Parliament in the same year.

served

further

‘Missing’ Monuments

protected

monu-

The same information was Information on Location and

also communicated again in

Actual Condition of Pro-

June 2012.

tected Monuments

OCTOB ER 2 0 13 |

However, the joint physical

During a joint physical in-

inspection of the monuments

spection of selected monu-

along with the officials of the

ments, The CAG found that the

ASI revealed that in the sam-

Government Report

Key critical findings: The CAG had not conducted any comprehensive survey or review for identifying monuments which were of national importance for inclusion in the list of Centrally Protected monuments. The absence of details of the exact number of monuments under the control of the ASI would impinge on proper protection, preservation and conservation of these sites of national importance. The CAG found that the ASI officials were often unaware about the exact location and actual condition/nature of the monuments they were assigned to protect. The joint physical inspection of the monuments along with the officials of the ASI revealed that in the sample of 1655 (45 per cent) monuments selected, 92 monuments (6 per cent) were not traceable. In many monuments unauthorised activities were being carried out. ASI has given up completely the practice of inspection at monuments in recent years It was found that the ASI did not maintain the records regarding the notification, number and date of notification of centrally protected monuments at its headquarters. There were thousands of monuments and sites which were unprotected, and were in a state of neglect. The setting up, functioning and performance of the National Mission for Monuments and Antiquities were marked by lack of planning and delays. The ASI was unable to accomplish basic documentation of even its protected monuments and could not provide any impetus to this Mission.

ple of 1655 (45 per cent) mon-

Discrepancies in Issue of

uments selected by the CAG,

Notification

reasons for the categorisation adopted in such cases. The

92 monuments (6 per cent)

A monument is declared to

Ministry (May 2013) intimated

(Detailed in Annex 2.1) were

be of national importance only

that part of the city wall of

not traceable. The CAG has

after publishing a notification

Shahajahanabad, Darya Ganj

recommended that the ASI

in the Gazette of Government

was not declared protected as

should make a provision for in-

of India. However, the CAG has

it was encroached. The minia-

spection of each protected

noted that there were no spe-

ture temples were not pro-

monument by an officer of suit-

cific criteria for notifying num-

tected in Dehradun Circle as

able level periodically. The ASI

ber of monuments in one

they were votive in nature and

should publish the state of

complex either as a single

only the important Kos Minars

each monument being pro-

monument or as an independ-

were protected in Chandigarh

tected by it on the basis of de-

ent monument. There were in-

Circle. The Ministry did not

tailed inspection note and

stances of more than one

provide any documentary evi-

photographic evidence col-

monument being notified by

dence in support of its con-

lected during such inspection

the ASI. There were also cases

tention.

on a regular basis. The Min-

wherein independent struc-

The CAG noted that the

istry (May 2013) accepted the

tures within a complex were

ASI did not maintain any cen-

recommendation and stated

notified as a single monument.

tralised inventory of protected

that the number of missing

A few examples of such cate-

monuments with full details of

monuments i.e. 35 reported to

gorisation were the Red Fort

the sites and structures. Simi-

Parliament was based upon a

and Qutb complex in Delhi Cir-

larly, the ASI also did not have

survey done in 1998-99. The

cle, Bidar Fort, group of Bah-

information on monuments

CAG noted that the Ministry

mani tombs in Dharwad Circle

protected by various states.

did not possess the correct and

and group of temples on

Hence any new proposal for

updated status on the number

Hemakunti hills in Bengaluru

notification could not be thor-

of missing monuments. The

Circle. Here the CAG recom-

oughly verified by them. Resul-

CAG is unable to verify the de-

mends that there is a need to

tantly, the CAG found that

tails of Ministryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reply in the

have clearly laid down guide-

some monuments were noti-

absence of any documentary

lines for notifying number of

fied by the ASI twice. Such in-

evidence on record.

monuments in one complex as

stances call for comprehensive

a single monument or as inde-

review of notifications. The

pendent monument. The Min-

Ministry (May 2013) replied

istry (May 2013) intimated that

that the cases of double notifi-

now the ASI was following the

cations was a result of an error

criteria of issuing only one no-

committed between 1908 and

tification for the entire com-

1925. It further stated that ef-

plex

having

forts would be made to rectify

separate notifications for each

all such cases by the ASI on

of the monument located

merit.

rather

than

therein.

Instances of Hasty Notifi-

The CAG also found some

cation: During the CAG audit it

cases where instead of notify-

also noticed cases where sites

ing the whole structure of a

with encroachment or unau-

monument, only certain por-

thorized occupants were noti-

tion of the monument was de-

fied. In such cases, litigation

clared as centrally protected

followed the notification. As a

monument and the remaining

result, the ASI was unable to

part was left as unprotected.

carry out any preservation

The Circles concerned could

work on the sites. In 2004 the

not provide any documented

ASI notified a building as Tam-

O CTO BER 2013|

Government Report

luk Rajbati in Kolkata Circle

2013) stated that such actions

Access to the Protected

despite objection from the

had been taken on the assur-

Repeated Notification and

owner of the place. The owner

ance given by the occupants

De-notification

claimed that the dilapidated

and also the State Govern-

Some cases were noticed

many monuments unautho-

Monuments The CAG found that in

building was Jhulan Dalan

ments. However, the ASI had

where sites were notified, de-

rised activities were being car-

(Imarat) and not Tamluk Raj-

now taken a stand that a mon-

notified and re-notified without

ried out. The ASI replied (May

bati. As the monument was in

ument or site shall be notified

any recorded reasons.

a dilapidated condition, the

as protected preferably when

The CAG has found cases

uments were being used for

Circle had a plan to shift the

it is free from all encum-

of some monuments declared

worship and prayers. During

Tamluk Site Museum in the

brances including the owner-

protected by the ASI which did

Joint Physical inspection, the

building

ship rights.

not fulfill the criteria of com-

CAG found that in many mon-

after

restoration.

Some of the owners in 2004

Monuments protected by

went to the court challenging

both Centre and State: The

the notification. Consequently

CAG also found cases where

2012) that presently 955 mon-

pleting 100 years at the time of

uments electrical points, loud-

notification.

speakers, fans, etc. were also

Antiquities protected as

installed by unauthorised per-

Monuments: The CAG has ob-

sons to facilitate these activi-

served that the ASI was pro-

ties. The ASI, thus, failed to

protect the monuments of na-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;monumentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which did not

tecting

number

tional importance by not re-

constitute a monument as per

stricting

the Act. The CAG has also

activities being held there.

the

unauthorised

noted that the categorisation was being followed only by the

Restricted access to the

Guwahati Circle. No other Cir-

monuments

cle had carried out this categorisation so far. No detailed

a right of access to any pro-

guidelines or any timelines

tected monument to all visi-

were prescribed for the com-

tors. However, it was noticed

pletion of this activity. Further,

that there were many monu-

the National Auditor also

ments access to which was not

noted that no record was

open for all visitors. Some of

maintained on the number of

the

protected

monuments

visitors as required for Cate-

were situated in the premises

gory VI. There was no guid-

of other organisations and

ance how this information was

were not in the control of the

to be collected for the purpose

ASI. The ASI did not enter into

of categorisation. The Ministry

any agreement/MoU with the

stated (May 2013) that the cat-

management of these organi-

the matter became subjudice.

one monument was notified

egorisation of the protected

sations for allowing visitors to

Till December 2012, the ASI

and protected by both the ASI

Monuments/Sites was the re-

these centrally protected mon-

could not even place the pro-

and the State government. The

sponsibility of the NMA and

uments.

tection notice board, despite

ASI stated (September 2012)

not that of the ASI. The fact re-

these monuments were not

Thus,

practically

passage of more than eight

that the State Department of

mains

the

open to general public, which

years after notification.

Archaeology and Museums

Monuments/Sites were not cat-

was a violation to the Act. It

would be requested to delete

egorised and no timelines were

was also noticed that at some

The CAG recommends that

OCTOB ER 201 3|

AMASR Act 1958 provided

that

ASI should have a laid down

these monuments from the

fixed for the same. Moreover

centrally

policy for notification of sites

state list. These cases indicate

the ASI being the custodians of

ments, there were restrictions

the

protected

monu-

with contested ownership or

gaps

monuments

for people of some category/re-

occupants. These sites can be

process, coordination with

should only propose categories

ligion to enter into the monu-

placed in the tentative list for

State Archaeology Department

for each protected monument

ment. The CAG recommends

nomination till all disputes are

and incomplete documentation

/Sites for NMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval.

that there is an urgent need to

resolved. The Ministry (May

at the time of notification.

the

notification

protected

come up with a written agree-

Government Report

Key recommendations: The lists of protected monuments should be updated and reconciled periodically so that there was no ambiguity with regard to the number of protected monuments under each Sub Circle, Circle and the ASI as a whole. The ASI should make a provision for inspection of each protected monument by an officer of suitable level periodically. The ASI should publish the state of each monument being protected by it on the basis of detailed inspection note and photographic evidence collected during such inspection on a regular basis. There is a need to have clearly laid down guidelines for notifying number of monuments in one complex as a single monument or as independent monument. ASI should have a laid down policy for notification of sites with contested ownership or occupants. These sites can be placed in the tentative list for nomination till all disputes are resolved. Recommendation: It is inevitable that changes would be carried out in the protected monuments if they are to be also used as offices and residences. For these exceptions, the ASI should prepare detailed guidelines and get the Act revised appropriately. The notification is an important document which not only provides a legal status for centrally protected monument but also defines the area of the site. This document is crucial for establishing encroachment or unauthorised construction at the site. The ASI should maintain a centralised database of all notifications and records related to the sites which should be readily available with the ASI HQ. There should be no room for ambiguity and difference in factual information related to the monuments. The ASI should collect the MIS data from its Circles on each of the protected monument and place it in public domain after reconciling the discrepancies. The Ministry (May 2013) accepted the recommendation and intimated that efforts would be made to eliminate ambiguities. There is an urgent need to come up with a written agreement with the management of the sites with restrictive entry, to enable access to these sites by common visitors. The ASI also needs to develop policy for maintaining such sites. Publishing the inventory of monuments should be completed in a time bound manner. The Ministry should come up with a strategy to ensure time bound completion of heritage bylaws for all protected monuments and their speedy approval.

ment with the management of

context of monuments be-

cle offices, DG, ASI provided

the sites with restrictive

coming

and

the list of 10 Circles in July

entry, to enable access to

being encroached upon, this

2012 and further five Circles

these sites by common visi-

documentation was of utmost

in August 2012. The informa-

untraceable

tors. The ASI also needs to

importance. The CAG recom-

tion in respect of the remain-

develop policy for maintain-

mends that the ASI should

ing nine Circles could not be

ing such sites. The Ministry

prescribe detailed guidelines

collected till completion of

(May 2013) stated that these

for inspection of monuments

Audit (December 2012). This

restrictions had to be im-

in a regular manner. There

demonstrated the lack of

posed because of the age-long

should be a written policy for

Management

tradition and the ASI does

submission

Systems (MIS) at the DG,

inspection

Information

not interfere with religious

notes after each inspection

ASI’s level and also the dis-

functions.

was carried out by any offi-

mal state of documentation in

cer. The Ministry (May 2013)

the organisation.

Inspection of the Monu-

stated that guidelines on in-

ments

spection of monuments al-

Discrepancies in Info

The ASI has had a long

ready existed so as to ensure

It was noticed that the In-

tradition of inspection by sen-

that these were inspected on

dira Gandhi National Centre

ior officials of the ASI. The

regular basis. The sub circle

for Arts (IGNCA), an au-

CAG found that the practice

in-charge should visit once in

tonomous organisation of the

of inspection had been com-

a month whereas SA should

Ministry of Culture, was run-

pletely given up in recent

visit once in a year. The reply

ning a project named ‘Kala

years. There were no inspec-

is not tenable as no such spe-

Sampada’. Under this project,

tion

cific records of inspections

digitised documentation of the

records detailing the inspec-

were found during audit in

monuments and archaeologi-

tions done by the DG, ADG

any Circle of the ASI.

cal sites was being collected

notes

available

and Director (Conservation)

and maintained on their web-

and other officers during the

Maintenance of the Infor-

site. Scrutiny of records re-

period covered under Audit.

mation

vealed that the information

Similarly at the Circle level

Each monument of national

provided by IGNCA on their

there were no inspection

importance was to be notified

website did not match with the

notes available on the visits

by the ASI in the official

information provided by the Cir-

of Superintending Archaeolo-

gazette. Thus each centrally

cle office in respect of their

gist (SA), Deputy Superinten-

protected monument was as-

monuments. Thus, two organi-

ding Archaeologist (Dy. SA).

signed a unique notification

sations under the same Min-

The inspection notes by Sub

number. The notification pro-

istry maintained different set of

Circle in-charge and some-

vided legal authority for the

coordinates for the monuments.

times by the SA were avail-

ASI’s intervention at the site.

There was no coordination and

able

It was found that the ASI did

reconciliation of information be-

relation to proposals of de-

not maintain the records re-

tween the two organisations be-

tailed estimates of conserva-

garding the notification, num-

fore placing it in public domain.

record

only

tion works. The ASI replied (August 2012) that there was no set

ber and date of notification of

The CAG suggests that that

centrally protected monu-

here should be no room for am-

ments at its headquarters.

biguity and difference in factual

mechanism/system for in-

The ASI stated (July

information related to the mon-

spection of monuments by

2012) that the list of monu-

uments. The ASI should collect

ASI HQ. In the absence of in-

ments with date/ number of

the MIS data from its Circles on

spection records, it was not

notification was not being

each of the protected monu-

possible for us to ascertain

maintained and hence was

ment and place it in public do-

the date on which a particu-

not available. After gathering

main after reconciling the

lar site was last visited. In the

the information from the Cir-

discrepancies.

by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

Inbound Destination

Amazing Madhya Pradesh A destination of varied interests Madhya Pradesh, also known as the heart of India, is truly a fascinating destination because of its natural attractions, wildlife and historical monuments.

Madhya Pradesh is truly a fascinating state of India for its rich heritage, varied natural attraction, wildlife, flora and

One

the

oldest

temples,

Matengeswara temple is also dedicated to

fauna and many other attractions. The

Lord Shiva. It has an eight feet high

state is called the heart of India for being

lingam. Dedicated to the Jain saint Adi-

located in the centre of the country.

nath, Adinath Temple is lavishly embel-

Bhopal, the capital city of the state is an

lished with sculpted figures, including

important centre of art, culture and her-

Yakshis. The three Hindu temples of the

itage. One of the greatest and historical

group are the Brahma containing a four-

cities in India, Bhopal is known as the City

faced linga; the Vamana, which is

of Lakes for its various natural as well as

adorned on its outer walls with carvings

artificial lakes. Indore is the largest city

of Apsaras in a variety of sensuous atti-

and the largest urban agglomeration in

tudes; and the Javari, with a richly carved

the state. MP borders the states such as

gateway and exterior sculptors.

Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Omkareshwar is a holy island shaped like the holy symbol ‘OM’. Nar-

The world famous world heritage sites

mada and the Kaveri rivers meet here

Khajuraho Temples are located in MP.

and a larger number of pilgrims gather at

They represent the liveliness of the glori-

the confluence of two rivers. Temple of

ous art, culture and heritage of India in

Shri Omkar Mandhata is abode of the

her golden past. The temples truly reflect

Joytirlanga OM Kareshwar (one of the

the glory of the ancient culture of India.

twelve Joytirlangas).

The Khajuraho temples are internation-

here in large number to pay obeisance be-

Pilgrims comes

ally famous for the erotic sculptures. The

fore the Joytirlanga OM Kareshwar. It is

temples depict life in different forms and

great experience to see the spectacle of

moods in stone. Dedicated to Lord Shiva,

hundreds of brightly dressed Hindu devo-

the Kandariya Mahadeo temple is the

tees and saints worshipping and bathing

most prominent structure at Khajuraho.

on the ghats of these rivers. The temple

A three headed image of Brahma is en-

on these ghats are excellently carved and

shrined in Vishwanath Temple. The ap-

sculpted; every pillar and panel would oc-

proach is equally impressive, with lions at

cupy a pride of place in any museum in

the northern side and elephants at the

the world.

southern side. The lintel over the entrance

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

Narasimha and Varaha.

Mandu is historical city known as the

of beautiful Lakshman Temple shows the

‘City of Joy’. Here the Rani Roopmati’s

trinity of Lords Brahma, Vishnu and

lyrical sweet voice still reverberates

Shiva, with Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort.

across the Narmada. Mandu fortress

The finely carved sanctum has a three-

rises 634 meters high. This hill range is

headed idol of Vishnu’s incarnations,

endowed with very attractive natural

Inbound Destination

scenery, which is at its best during

was a very wise, powerful and vir-

the rainy season, when on all

tuous woman. She introduced and

sides, it is clothed in green with a

encouraged the weaving of Ma-

number of brooks and torrents,

heshwari saris, still a popular

rushing down into the ravine

craft in Maheshwar.

winding about its sides below. The

Jabalpur was the capital and

beauty of which is further en-

pleasure resort of the Gond Kings

hanced by about a dozen lakes

during the 12th century. It is fa-

and ponds interspersed on its top.

mous for its natural wonders

Orchha was founded in the

Bhedaghat. Bheraghat (Marble

16th century by the Bundela Ra-

Mountains)

jput chief captain Rudra Pratap

Soaring in glitter splendor, the

who chooses this stretch land

marble rocks at Bheraghat rise to

along the Betwa River as an ideal

a hundred feet on either side of

site for his caption of the succeed-

the Narmada. The serene loveli-

ing rulers. Majesty of this place

ness of the scene is one of cool

has been captured in stone, frozen

quite, the sunlight sparkling on

in time a rich legacy to the ages.

the marble-white pinnacles and

From here one can take glimpse of

casting dappled shadows on the

the spectacular view of soaring

pellucid waters. These white

temples spires. Orchhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fort com-

rocks with views of black/dark

plex is connected by a multi-

green volcanic seams rise to 30m

arched bridge.

on either side of the Narmada

Maheshwar, known in its glo-

River and in moonlight produce a

rious past as Mahismati, was the

magical effect. Boating on a moon-

capital of King Kartvirarjun. Lo-

lit night, when the whole stretch of

cated on the banks of the river

water is transformed into a sheet

Narmada, this temple town has

of liquid silver is absolutely magi-

been mentioned in the epics Ra-

cal and enchanting.

mayana and Mahabharata. Rani

Amarkantak spreads over a

Ahilyabai of Indore revived to this

flattish green valley in the Vind-

town to its ancient glory. Its tem-

hya ranges, at a pleasantly cool el-

ple and fortress stands in serene

evation of 1065 meters. It is still

dignity. Maheshwar is also famous

more like a hamlet than a town.

for the manor, the walled mansion

The two sacred rivers are born

of the 18th century queen and the

here: the Sone and the Narmada.

state of Holkar, Ahalyabai, who

Curiously, Amarkantak has

none of the teeming grottiness often

turf covered and tree-dotted hill and

associated with popular pilgrim

marks an important stage in the

towns. It really is more like a green

evolution of Indian architecture.

sub- mountain resort with wide-

The great Stupa is 36.5 meters in di-

open, well watered, meadows and

ameter and rises almost 16.5 meters

sunlit sal forests alive with springs

high.A balustrade encircles the en-

and brooks.

tire structure and provides incarna-

Sanchi is famous for its the

tions as Bodhisattva have provided

Grand Stupa built by Ashoka, which

the principal inspiration for the

is focal point of a 91 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;meter-high

artistes.

by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

MICE News

MICE to get a boost in India The first edition of IBTM India organised by Reed Exhibitions was a big success. Anand Shah

(L-R) Craig Moyes, Group Exhibition Director, Meetings and Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibition and Shinu Pillai, Project Manager - India, IBTM

Rajeev Kohli, Director, Creative Travels speaking at the panel discussion at IBTM India

IBTM India is now their latest

Devdutt Pattanaik who spoke

addition and first in India. Ex-

about the strategies inspired

plaining the concept and need

by Indian mythology which

for IBTM, Shinu Pillai, Project

can be easily adopted and im-

Manager – India, IBTM said,

plemented in today’s business

“Be it geography, population

much-awaited

model. It provided a perspec-

or size, India is a market with

Business travel event

tive on how the world of busi-

incredible potential. With the

– IBTM (Incentives, Business

ness in India is evolving whilst

growing business travel mar-

keynote session addressed by

Travel & Meeting) India edi-

it still maintains elements of

ket in India, IBTM India in-

tion was recently concluded at

tradition and beliefs, which

tends to enhance the business

Grand Hyatt, Mumbai and

remain ingrained in society

portfolio and overall growth of

was attended by over 200 se-

and culture. This session was

MICE in and from India in

lect delegates. The three day

followed by a power-packed

coming years. The event is all

event organised by Reed

debate session focusing on in-

about quality and not quan-

Travel Exhibitions worked on

bound and outbound business

tity, its about choosing the

a different format by organis-

travel outlook of India. One of

right business model – in-

ing power-packed business

the speakers, Rajeev Kohli,

bound or outbound for your

sessions on Day 1 followed by

Director, Creative Travels

business and its about net-

interactive business meetings

said, “The Indian business

working with the people who

between buyers and sellers on

travel is driven by private sec-

matter to your business.”

Day 2 and Day 3. The table-

tor. However, the private sec-

Providing an outlook of

top event brought together

tor is compensating where the

business travel India, Craig

over 80 hosted buyers and 72

public sector is failing, for in-

Moyes, Group Exhibition Di-

exhibitors and successfully

stance, infrastructure, bad

rector – Meetings and Events

concluded

scheduled

roads, not enough air connec-

Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibi-

2,496 appointments (an aver-

tivity, etc. However, it’s good

tion; the way forward for busi-

age of 34 meetings per ex-

to see that the Indian tourism

ness travel growth in and from

hibitor). As per the data

department is now taking

India looks positive and excit-

provided by IBTM organisers,

multiple initiatives to boost

ing. He said, “India has clear

hosted buyers represented 16

tourism and one of them being

positive indicators to demon-

pre

countries and eight Indian

group landing which was re-

strate the growth of business

cities while suppliers repre-

cently approved. Thus, visa-

and meetings segment in the

sented 22 countries and 29

on-arrivals, group landings,

next few years. The Indian

cities in India.

etc are making thing easier

economy is performing better

kick-

for us as business travel

than the western countries

started with an interesting

providers in India and on the

while the outbound and do-

other hand, private players

mestic travel segment are

are improvingly becoming

recording healthy perform-

more professional in their

ance. In Asia Pacific region,

way of working which is mak-

China and India are the

The

event

was

ing easier for international

biggest travel focus markets

companies to prefer India as

for western world and lan-

their business travel destina-

guage being the biggest bar-

tion.”

rier for Chinese travellers, Indians gets an extra prefer-

Way forward

Buyer-seller pre-scheduled appointments in progess

ence. This was the right time

Reed Travel Exhibitions

for us to introduce the India

organises good number of

edition of IBTM and it will

travel

compliment our other interna-

trade

exhibitions

across five continents and

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

tional exhibitions.”

Aviation News

tomers to relax and enjoy their flight whether for work or family. This state-of-the-art jet’s cabin, designed in partnership with Bombardier Aerospace, will provide our discerning customers the best flight experience, along with the safety and reliability they expect from the worldwide leader in private aviation,” added Mr. Hansell. Performance and Efficiency The Challenger 350 jet will offer increased performance from the new twin Honeywell HTF7350 engines, each producing 7,323 lbf (32.57 kN) of thrust and reduced emissions*, in-

Bombardier launches challenger 350 Jet Deliveries of the newly launched aircraft, Challenger 350 Jet are expected to begin in 2014. Bombardier Aerospace has recently delivered the 400th Challenger 300 super midsize jet at Bombardier’s facilities in Montréal.

base worldwide,” added Mr. Ri-

creased aerodynamic efficiency

Bombardier Business Aircraft.

dolfi.

with its new canted winglets

“This aircraft further en-

Jordan B. Hansell, NetJets

and will fly eight passengers

hances our leading business

Chairman and Chief-Execu-

3,200 nm (5,926 km)*.The Chal-

aircraft portfolio and will pro-

tive-Officer, said: “We are ex-

lenger 350 jet boasts an impres-

vide our customers with rede-

cited about the addition of our

sive direct climb to 43,000 ft (13,106 m)*.

standards.

exclusive NetJets Signature

Passengers will experience

fined

design

Series Challenger 350 aircraft

new comfort levels as they

to our fleet and the tremen-

Comfort

relax in the completely new

dous value this aircraft will

With a flat floor and the

cabin, enjoy a purpose-built

bring to our unmatched global

widest cabin in its class, the

ombardier Aero-

and intuitive cabin manage-

capabilities and most impor-

Challenger 350 jet features an

space, the world’s

ment system and increase

tantly, to our customers. This

entirely new interior,that lets

leading manufac-

their efficiency with superior

super midsize aircraft will de-

even more natural light into the

turer of planes and trains, has

performance, and all at best-

liver an experience that meets

cabin with larger windows, re-

expanded its leading Chal-

in-class operating costs. There

both our customers’travel and

sulting in a jet that offerspas-

lenger family of business jets

is simply no substitute for a

comfort requirements. The in-

sengers state-of-the-art cabin

with the addition of the new

Challenger jet.”

flight experience is exceptional

comfort, technology and pro-

“Designed to meet the ever

and unlike any other. The air-

ductivity. Featuring Lufthansa

was

growing needs of our cus-

craft has an exceptionally

Technik’s next generation nice

worldwide

tomers, this new aircraft re-

quiet cabin, allowing both

HD cabin management system,

Challenger 350 aircraft. The Challenger launched,

350 with

jet

leader in private aviation Net

flects the feedback received

serenity and conversation,

the cabin includes a complete

Jetsas the worldwide launch

from our existing Challenger

soft, hand-crafted leathers,

redesign of the way passengers

partner, at a special event at

customers. Based on our own-

meticulously designed wood

control the cabin environment,

the European Business Avia-

ers and operators’ needs, we

finishes, an in-flight entertain-

complemented by contempo-

tion Conference and Exhibition

have taken the world’s best-

ment system offering choices

rary seat design, a new modular

(EBACE) in Geneva, Switzer-

selling super midsize jet and

for every taste, and a single-

galley and the industry’s most

land.

further increased its capability

service beverage maker, all de-

advanced sideledge featuring

to better meet the growing re-

signed specifically by NetJets.”

an authentic metal trim, a first

“The Challenger 350 jet

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

said Steve Ridolfi, President,

will take our existing Chal-

quirements of our ever ex-

“The cabin’s design was all

lenger family to new heights,”

panding Challenger customer

in an effort to allow our cus-

in business aviation cabin interior design.

by TNH DESK

Aviation News

Tata Sons, Singapore Airlines join hands to establish a new full-service airline in India Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU )and applied for Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to establish a new airline in India that will help further stimulate demand for air travel in the country.

Ajit Singh, Civil Aviation Minister with Prasad Menon, Chairman nominee (right) of the proposed JV of Tata Sons & Singapore Airlines, and Dr. Mukund Rajan, Tata Sons’ Director (left) nominee of the proposed JV

Prem Kumar n a landmark deal that

reasons. Inspite of policy par-

“It is Tata Sons’ evaluation

alyis and economic gloom in

that civil aviation in India of-

the country, a few foreign ca-

fers sustainable growth poten-

reers have shown deep inter-

the

est in the Indian civil Aviation

opportunity to launch a world-

tial.

now

have

Sector after the Government

class full-service airline in

allowed 49 per sent FDI in the

India. We are delighted that we

Domestic Airlines in India.

are partnering in this endeav-

After the Union Governemtn

our with the world renowned

cleared the FDI by foreign ca-

Singapore Airlines,” said the

reers in Indian Airlines, AirA-

nominated Chairman of the

sia was first to announce its

proposed joint venture.” CEO

plan to set up airine in India

of Singapore Airlines, Goh

with Tata. Then came Jet-Eti-

Choon Phong added: “We

had deal. It is believed some

have always been a strong be-

more domestic airlines are in

liever in the growth potential of

talk with foreign careers to

India’s aviation sector and are

sign investment deals. These

excited about the opportunity

developmets reflecte confi-

to partner Tata Sons in con-

dence of foreign ailines in the

tributing to the future expan-

future of Indian civil Aviation.

sion of the market.” Goh

Experts of the industry

added: “Tata Sons is one of the

have welcomed Tata and Sin-

most established and re-

gapore Airlines plan to set up

spected names in India. With

new airline. They say that cus-

the recent liberalisation, the

tomers and industry both will

time is right to jointly bring

benefit from this development.

consumers a fresh new option

Indian civil aviation is lagging

for full-service air travel. We

far behind as compared to for-

press statement, subject to

are confident the joint venture

eign counterparts. Potential of

FIPB and other regulatory ap-

airline will help to stimulate

market is huge but untapped.

would have a far-reach-

provals, the airline will be

market demand and provide

Latest inflow of FDI in the sec-

ing significance for Indian Civil

based in New Delhi and will op-

economic benefits to India.”

tor after the Government al-

Aviation Industry,Tata Sons

erate under the full-service

Acording to the press state-

lowed 49 per cent investment

and Singapore Airlines have

model. Tata Sons will own 51

ment, details of the airline’s

by foreign careers in Domestic

signed a Memorandum of Un-

per cent and Singapore Air-

branding, management team

Airlines show confidence of

derstanding (MoU )and ap-

lines will own 49 per cent. The

and products and services will

foreign career in the future of

be announced in due course.

the India Civil Aviation market,

It is Tata Sons’ evaluation that civil aviation in India offers sustainable growth potential. We now have the opportunity to launch a world-class full-service airline in India with world renowned Singapore Airlines.

“

Prasad Menon, nominated Chairman of the proposed JV

plied for Foreign Investment

O CTOBER 20 1 3|

Sons.

initial Board will have three

It should be noted before

but they remained concerned

this tie-up, Tata Sons has

about the regulatory issue and

formed a join venture with

policy framework prevailing in

AirAsia to to set up a low-cost

this sector in India. It is long-

Indian Airline AirAsia India. In

term potential and good future

a very short period of time,

prospect that are prompting

Tata has gone aggressive in to

foreign careers to put their

avaition. Nearly a deaced ago

money in Indian civil aviation

Promotion Board (FIPB) ap-

members, two nominated by

Tata in assocaition with Singa-

in spite of complicated regula-

proval to establish a new air-

Tata Sons and one nominated

pore Airlines had planned to

tory framework and not so

line in India that will help

by Singapore Airlines. The

set a airline in India but that

clear aviation policy.

further stimulate demand for

Chairman will be Prasad

plan had to be aborted beacue

While welcoming the new

air travel.

Menon, nominated by Tata

of administrative and policy

development Pran S Dasan,

According to a

Aviation News

Country Head, India, Nepal,

Sharat Dhall President, Yatra.com

players will enter the Indian

ment for the Indian Civil Avi-

India.

Sri Lanka & Afghanistan, Fly

aviation Industry in near fu-

ation Industry. Tata is re-

This is probably third at-

Dubai ruled out possibility of

ture,” said Dasan. Speaking of

spected highly in India and in

tempt by Tata sand Singapore

conflict of interest between

benefits of FDI in the civil Avi-

the world and similarly SIA

Airline to set up an airline in

Rajji Rai VP- Finance, UFTAA

commands great respects in

India. The earlier attempt of

Singapore, so for the Indian

Tata and SIA to set up airline

civil aviation Industry there

failed because bureaucratic

cannot be any better news

hassle, red-tapeism and in-

than coming together of two

dustry rivalry. So this time

giants to set up a full-service

they keep it top secret until

career in India at this junc-

they applied for the approval

ture. Rai too does not see any

of FIPB so that no one cans

substance in the contention

scuttle their plan this time.

that there would be a conflict

Both had got frustrated of ad-

of interest between Tata’s tie

ministrative hurdles and pol-

up with AirAsia to set up

icy issue.

Welcoming the

AirAsia India and its new

agreement between Tata Son

deal with Singapore Airlines.

and Singapore Airlines to set

ation Sector, Dasan said, “This

“There will be no conflict of

new airlines, Sharat Dhall,

Madhavan Menon MD, Thomas Cook India

Tata’s alliance with AirAsia

not only brings investment for

interest as both airlines work

President, Yatra.com said,

and now with Singapore Air-

the industry and expand the

on different models. AirAsia

“This is a very welcome devel-

lines. He said, “I am sure Tata

industry, but it will bring much-

India will be mainly for the

opment considering that the

would have thought out this

needed high quality manage-

domestic

for

air market in India is under-

issue very clearly. Both parties

ment practices in the civil

short-haul destination for 10-

penetrated and has tremen-

must have done their home-

industry, which are lacking at

15 years while the new air-

dous potential for growth.

work very well before coming

present in India.

line being set by Tata and SIA

Additional capacity will help

would be for long-haul and

linking more cities as well as

extended routes. In fact they

adding more seats on existing

Tata Sons with Singapore Airlines to start a new air-

will complement each other

routes, thus growing the mar-

line in India

rather than obstruct each

ket by making air travel more

They have applied for FIPB approval

other.” Rai said that Tony Fer-

affordable for the common

The new airline will be based in New Delhi

nandes understands Civil Avi-

man.” Echoing similar views,

It will operate under the full-service model

ation very well and he knows

Madhavan

Tata Sons will own 51 per cent & Singapore Airlines

perfectly what he does. His

Thomas Cook India said, “We

will own 49 per cent

model and method is different

wholeheartedly welcome the

The initial Board will have three members, two nomi-

from that Singapore Airlines.

Tata Sons-Singapore Airlines

So FDI

Key points

sector

and

Menon,

MD,

nated by Tata Sons and one nominated by Singapore

AirAsia has different cliental

partnership. This offers the

Airlines

base, different system and op-

Indian flyer an opportunity

The Chairman will be nominated by Tata Sons

erate on different model so

for superior access, product

Prasad Menon has been nominated as Chairman of the

this tei up will have no impact

and quality as both brands

prosed ailines

on AirAsia India. The success

today being the epitome of

with such project,” said Dasan.

should be encouraged more

of AirAsia would depend on

service excellence. Healthy

He added that new develop-

with such regulatory and pol-

its ability to get favorable

competition in the Indian

ments

icy frameworks, which are

routes in India for its low cost

skies would only serve to ben-

shows

tremendous

amount of foreign investor’s

conducive for the growth of the

model. Rai said there is huge

efit the Indian travellers and

confidence in Indian Civil Avi-

industry.”

market for every player in

industry as a whole. At

ation Industry. “It is very posi-

Rajji Rai, VP-Finance,

India. According to an esti-

Thomas Cook India, we cer-

tive development for the Indian

UFTAA also welcomed the

mate Indian Civil Aviation In-

tainly look forward to a fast

civil aviation industry and for

deal between Tata Sons and

dustry would 500 additional

track clearance from the gov-

that we all should be very

Singapore Airlines. He said,

aircraft so there is potential

ernment. Clearly we live in

happy. I am sure that other

“This is very good develop-

of growth for every player in

exciting times!”

O CTO BER 2013|

Aviation News

Reducing VAT on ATF can be a game changer for states: Ajit Singh India needs to develop smaller low-cost no-frill airports in potentially economically growing cities identified in various parts of the country, said Singh.

AirAsia India granted no objection certificate Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted ‘No Objection Certificate’ to AirAsia India.

ith the recognition that

ments. Some states have re-

civil aviation is a growth

sponded positively. Jharkhand

regional and remote area con-

engine for economic develop-

has reduced VAT on ATF to 4

nectivity, therefore, attains

AirAsia India has been

said, “The issue of providing

ment, it is high time that the

per cent; Madhya Pradesh has

great significance. Considering

granted the no objection

Union Government and State

agreed to reduce it to 23 per

the vastness of the country and

certificate by the Ministry

Governments join hands to-

cent at Indore and Bhopal and

varied terrains- ranging, the

of Civil Aviation and will

gether to let this sector soar

13 per cent at other airports.

number of airports in the coun-

begin the process of obtain-

into greater heights, said Ajit

West Bengal has agreed to re-

try is very small. We need to

ing an Air Operating Permit

Singh Union Civil Aviation

duce it with certain conditions.

develop smaller low-cost no-

and prepare to kick-start its

Minister at a conference of

The Union Minister said, “The

frill airports in potentially eco-

operations.

State Aviation Ministers and

reduced VAT on ATF can be a

nomically

growing

cities

AirAsia submitted a re-

Secretaries recently. He said

game changer for the states

identified in various parts of

quest to start a joint ven-

the conference was a “begin-

also as seen in the case of

the country, with the help of the

ture to begin AirAsia India

ning of a fruitful and mutually

Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh

state governments.” There are

earlier this year, partnering

beneficial partnership bringing

had reduced VAT on ATF to 4

454 airports and airstrips in

synergy in efforts.”

per cent in 2010 and it has

the country out of which only

since seen six-fold increase of

93 are operational. Many of the

“We are very thankful to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for granting the no objection certificate to us so quickly. This is the fastest an NOC has been granted and with this, we will focus on obtaining the Air Operating Permit.

Highlighting the causes of

smaller airstrips are owned by MoCA recently called the meeting of Aviation Ministers

state governments. The re-

and Secretaries of states at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi to

spective state government can

discuss the issues regarding civil aviation sector, where

provide land required for ex-

Tata Sons Limited and

once the Air Operating Per-

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said that the con-

pansion free of cost and de-

Arun Bathia of Telestra

mit is acquired and we look

ference was a “beginning of a fruitful and mutually benefi-

velop road and electricity

Tradeplace Pvt. Ltd., and

forward towards being one

cial partnership.”

connectivity to the airports.

Mittu Chandilya, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia India

was granted a formal ap-

of the dynamic contributors

There is a need to encour-

proval by the Foreign In-

to the development of the

ATF uplift from Raipur and an

age the airlines to operate

vestment Promotion Board

Indian aviation industry.”

Aviation Minister said, “One of

increase in number of flights

flights to provide regional air

(“FIPB”)

the major reasons for the eco-

from Raipur from 8 to 18 per

connectivity to Tier-II & Tier-

months later in April.

nomic losses of the airlines is

day. With more people travel-

III cities and connectivity to

Mittu Chandilya, Chief

replicate the success of its

the high cost of ATF, which

ling to the state, there have

remote and difficult areas.

Executive Officer of AirAsia

counterparts in Malaysia,

constitutes 40-50 per cent of

been considerable spin-off ef-

“This is possible only if oper-

India said, “We are very

Thailand, and Indonesia;

the operational cost of all do-

fects to the economy.” He made

ational costs of the airlines

thankful to the Ministry of

and enabling people to fly

mestic carriers. Compared

a request to the representa-

are reduced to minimum and

Civil Aviation for granting

affordably through superior

losses to the airlines, the Civil

India

two

AirAsia India is confident that it will be able to

with our neighboring hubs,

tives of the state governments

the State Governments can

the no objection certificate

operational performance by

ATF prices in India are 50-60

to reduce VAT on ATF to 4 per

contribute by bearing some

to us so quickly. This is the

emphasizing a focused and

per cent higher. This is mainly

cent. This would significantly

operational expenses like cost

fastest an NOC has been

disciplined cost structure

due to the high base price of

reduce operational expenses

of security, power, fire and res-

granted and with this, we

will tremendously benefit

ATF topped up by the very high

of the airlines leading to re-

cue machinery and providing

will focus on obtaining the

the Indian consumer. The

ad valorem VAT imposed by

duced fares and more passen-

incentives

Air Operating Permit. We

airline currently has a fleet

state governments.” The Civil

ger traffic.

property tax of the airports

will

our

of three Airbus A320 air-

Emphasizing that growth

and also under-writing of

preparations and get our-

craft and over 200 staff at

taken this up with the Ministry

in the civil aviation sector is

seats in the flights,” said

selves ready for take-off

the moment.

of Petroleum and state govern-

equitable and inclusive, Singh

Singh

Aviation Ministry (MoCA) has

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

minimizing

by TNH DESK

continue

with

Hospitality Report

HVS Report: Hotels in India, Trends & Opportunities 2013

RevPAR drops 5.2% in FY 2012-2013 highest fall in 5-star segment As per the Trends & Opportunities report 2013 of HVS, the nationwide RevPAR in India across the star categories recorded a 5.2 per cent drop in 2012/13 over the previous year with the five-star segment registering the maximum decline (8.7 per cent), followed by the three-star segment (4.0 per cent).

hotels reporting their data for

rooms in 2007-08, the highest in

2012-13, the highest since we

the last seven years, the total

HVS has been tracking this

proposed supply was down to

market separately, and not sim-

84,650 rooms in 2012-13. Con-

ply because of the new supply

sidering this in conjunction

entering the market. In reality,

with the 138 per cent growth in

Jaipur witnessed the largest

existing supply over the same

growth in supply of branded

period, one can attribute the

rooms in 2012-13, followed by

decline in proposed supply par-

Ahmedabad

and

Chennai,

tially to a substantial number

while

saw

new

of previously planned rooms

Agra

he report, which pres-

stiff competition these products

branded hotel open that year.

becoming operational. Addi-

ents the results of the

face from the parallel unorgan-

Mumbai (including Navi Mum-

tionally, delay and suspension

HVS Survey on the perform-

ised sector prevalent in most

bai) maintained its top position

of hotel projects on account of

the economic downturn, high borrowing costs and tight liquidity are the other major contributors towards this decline. Development trend of the hotel markets across India With mid market and budget hotels comprising 57.0 per cent of the proposed supply, there will clearly be a rearrangement within the Indian hotels pyramid, or simply in the space currently shared by the different market positioning. Luxury and upscale hotels have a 40.1 per cent share in the proposed supply, continuing the downward trend observed during 2010-11 and 2011-12. This trend is especially evident in ance of mostly branded hotels,

major Indian cities.

with the highest existing supply of branded rooms in the coun-

and is most certainly a re-

Existing Supply â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2012-13

try, followed closely by Delhi

sponse to the growing number

(excluding Gurgaon, NOIDA

of mid-level domestic business

attributes the downswing in five-star and three-star segments to these two categories

Fiscal year 2012-13 saw the

Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai,

witnessing close to 60 per cent

addition

9,000

and Greater NOIDA) and Ben-

travellers to these cities. Atten-

of the new supply in 2012-13.

branded rooms resulting in a

galuru, whereas NOIDA (in-

tion to new mid market and

around

Conversely, the newly intro-

nationwide existing supply of

cluding

NOIDA)

budget rooms is a clearly

duced two-star category regis-

93,479 rooms, an increase of

continued to rank last amongst

favourable development, keep-

tered the highest RevPAR

around 11 per cent over the

the major markets with an ex-

ing in mind the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long

Greater

growth (10.4 per cent) on the

previous year and 138 per cent

isting base of only 836 branded

term room requirement and

back of a 14.7 per cent increase

since 2006-07. The report

rooms. The existing supply for

that mid market and budget ho-

in average rate. This highlights

states that NOIDA witnessed

the 13 major cities from 2006-

tels come up quicker and at a

the acceptance of branded

the highest increase in supply

07 to 2012-13.

lower cost than lodging prod-

economy and budget hotels by

in 2012-13 over the previous

travellers, especially domestic

year (58.6%).â&#x20AC;? This is prima-

business travellers, despite the

rily owing to a larger number of

ucts with a higher positioning. Future Supply From

1,14,466

Bengaluru displaced Mumbranded

bai (including Navi Mumbai)

O CTO BER 2013|

Hospitality Report

O CTOBER 20 1 3|

with the highest future supply

Industry

in the country in 2012-13 total-

Major Cities

Performance

ing 10,731 proposed rooms.

Overall, Kolkata emerged

Also, like last year, a high prob-

as the best performing hotel

ability (75%) of these rooms ac-

market in terms of occupancy

tually

(69.5%) in 2012-13, while Mum-

opening

helped

Bengaluru retain its top posi-

bai (including Navi Mumbai)

tion in terms of active supply as

registered the highest average

well.

rate (`7,646) and RevPAR

Mumbai (including Navi

(`4,881) amongst the 13 major

Mumbai) ranked a close second

markets being tracked in this

in terms of future supply; how-

report. Agra, Pune, Goa and

mum

RevPAR

cent increase in supply in 2011-

ever, the gap is seen widening

Jaipur were the only major

(27.5%) in 2012-13 over the pre-

12, the city did not see the ad-

when rooms under active de-

hotel markets in the country to

vious year owing to an increase

dition of any new branded

decline

velopment (42%) are consid-

record

RevPAR

in supply and muted growth in

hotels in 2012-13. It may be

ered. Notably, in Goa, on a

growths in 2012-13. There has

demand. Though Gurgaon (in-

noted that the existing supply

notable

future supply base that was

been a surge in domestic de-

cluding Manesar) also saw a

tracked for Agra in 2012-13 is

higher than the previous year,

mand, which appears to have a

RevPAR decline of 14.9 per cent

lower than 2011-12 due to the

the active development of sup-

positive correlation with the

(second-highest in the country)

removal of unbranded hotels

ply rose from 53 per cent in

falling rupee as taking holidays

on account of an 18.3 per cent

from the sample set in light of

2011-12 to 62 per cent in 2012-

abroad have become increas-

increase in supply, this trend,

adequate branded supply re-

13. This is the highest achieved

ingly expensive. Of the 13

unlike NOIDA, is anticipated to

porting. The commissioning of

by this market in the last seven

major markets, Pune had the

be temporary, with the year-on-

the Yamuna Expressway that

years. The countrywide active

highest increase in occupancy

year demand growth expected

connects Greater NOIDA to

development of supply was

(13.0%), owing to a rise in

to remain robust in this mar-

Agra reducing the travel time

lower in 2012-13 when com-

MICE and Extended Stay de-

ket.

by half has fuelled growth in

pared with the previous fiscal

mand and no notable change in

in absolute terms. The report

supply compared to a 21 per

anticipates that a little over

cent growth in 2011-12, dis-

demand for the city's hotels. City Trends

Going forward, HVS be-

Agra exhibited the highest

lieves that Agra will witness

50,000 branded rooms will be

proving the pessimism that had

increase in RevPAR (10.3%)

continued growth from these

developed over the next five

prevailed in the past two years

amongst the cities tracked in

segments making up for the

years, taking the total supply to

with regard to Puneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perform-

the

slow pace of growth currently

about 144,000 rooms by 2017-

ance. On the other hand,

growth in both average rate

being seen in the Foreign

18.

NOIDA

Greater

(7.1%) and occupancy (3.0%).

Leisure segment.

NOIDA) witnessed the maxi-

After having witnessed a 21 per

(including

survey

supported

Similar to last year, Ahmed-

Hospitality Report

abad continues to feature

commission in 2013-14. While

ume strategy for selling their

among the cities that witnessed

demand growth for Ahmed-

inventory.

one of the most aggressive in-

abad remains strong, the im-

Reaffirming our observa-

in new office space absorption

creases in supply in 2012-13.

pending supply in the next

tion from last year, luxury and

due to low rentals and avail-

infrastructure projects underway and an estimated increase

On the heels of an 11 per cent

two-to-three years is expected

upscale hotels in the city con-

ability of large land parcels.

increase in supply in 2011-12,

to result in occupancy and rate

tinued to perform better than

Over the next five years, the

the city added an additional 25

pressures.

the mid market and budget ho-

city is expected to witness the

per cent inventory in 2012-13.

growth in supply eases, HVS

tels across all micromarkets

highest number of new hotel

expects market wide perform-

(especially evident in White-

rooms in the country, of which

Consequently, there was a 5.4 per cent drop in occupancy

Thereafter,

ance to gradually improve.

this year over 2011-12. What is

Bengaluru witnessed a 10.7

field and CBD) owing to the lat-

75 per cent is under active de-

ter facing stiff competition from

velopment. With around 4,350

more noteworthy, however, is

per cent increase in supply in

the parallel unbranded hotel

rooms anticipated to enter the

the pace of demand increase

2012-13, and yet, the city's hotel

market. CBD, the best perform-

market in the next two years,

during this period, which grew

market recorded only a mar-

ing hotel micro market in terms

hotels are anticipated to priori-

by approximately 22 per cent in

ginal drop in occupancy, indica-

of RevPAR with the highest

tise occupancy over rates

2011-12 over 2010-11, followed

tive of the strong room night

concentration of luxury and up-

across all micromarkets in the short-to-medium term.

by a 19 per cent increase in

demand that grew at approxi-

scale hotels, maintained its oc-

2012-13 over 2011-12.

mately 9 per cent in 2012-13 in

cupancy over the previous year,

comparison to 2011-12.

though

Growth in Rooms per Day

the

average

Moreover, HVS believes

rate

that the MICE segment will

(RPDs) has, however, come at

The market wide average

recorded a marginal decline.

continue to grow with most of

the cost of average rate, which

rate, on the other hand, de-

Whitefield, on the other hand,

the newer hotels, especially in

declined marginally by 1.4 per

creased by 4.5 per cent in 2012-

cent in 2012-13. Going forward,

13 owing to the entry of budget

the city is expected to witness

and mid market hotels, which

saw a slight increase in occu-

the upscale and luxury space,

pancy and a corresponding de-

anticipated to feature large

an addition of approximately

in turn resulted in similar posi-

1,800 new hotel rooms; of which

tioned hotels lowering their

roundly 700 are expected to

room rates and adopting a vol-

crease in the average rate,

conferencing facilities. In 2012-

owing to limited new supply

13, witnessed moderate de-

entering this region in 2012-13.

clines in both occupancy and

Going forward, with an of-

average rate mainly due to a

fice space supply of around 40

double-digit growth in room

million square feet anticipated

supply (24.1%) as compared to

to be added to the existing

2011-12.

base of approximately 85 million square feet by 2017-18, and overall vacancy rates ex-

Chennai The HVS report expects

pected to remain well under 15

the city to witness growth in

per cent, our outlook for city's

demand in the Commercial and

hotel market remains bullish.

Extended

Stay

segments

ORR South holds a lot of prom-

driven by the IT-ITeS sector.

ise for hotel developments with

HVS also expects hotels lo-

O CTO BER 2013|

Hospitality Report

new hotel rooms over the next

added to the city's inventory

five years that are now under

making further occupancy and

active development. A large

rate pressures imminent. How-

percentage of these rooms (ap-

ever, in the mediumto- long

proximately 3,750) is currently

term, increases to supply are

under construction or ready to

expected to be slow paced; cou-

open in the DIAL Aerocity area.

pled with the continuous pace

In fact, four of the 11 hotels

of commercial development in

planned in this area will be

and around the city, our out-

commencing

operations

shortly. The introduction of

look for Gurgaon remains positive.

these hotels is expected to result in both occupancy and average rate pressures in the

A prominent trend that

short term. However, HVS

emerged in 2012-13 was the

opines that in the medium-to-

rise in transaction activity and

long term, owing to the large-

the increasing number of hotels

scale meeting facilities these

being rebranded. This has

properties will collectively offer,

helped operators cut through

Aerocity is expected to become

the bureaucratic bottlenecks of

a unique destination for con-

developing Greenfield projects,

ventions and events in the

fuelling their expansion in the

country.

country. HVS anticipates this

cated in the CBD and Guindy

2012 become operational with

areas to continue to accommo-

their full inventories coupled

sar) continues to be one of the

ward, evident from the approx-

date project-related demand

with a successive annual addi-

strongest hotel markets in the

imate 7 per cent drop in active

Gurgaon (including Mane-

trend to continue going for-

from the manufacturing hubs

tion of new hotels in the city

country. The city, currently, fea-

future supply in 2012-13 in com-

of Oragadam, Sriperumbudur

and the OMR stretch.

tures approximately 4,500 hotel

parison to the previous year.

Delhi (excluding Gurgaon,

rooms and over the last four

Furthermore, operators with a

and Chennai, since these areas offer very little branded hotel

NOIDA and Greater NOIDA)

years has witnessed a CAGR of

flexible mainstream brand in

rooms. Additionally, the report

has witnessed the addition of

31.2 per cent in hotel room sup-

their portfolio such as 'Hyatt' in

anticipates demand to pick up

several new properties, prima-

ply. Supply increase in 2012-13

case of Hyatt, 'Renaissance' and

in the MICE segment from

rily in the eastern and western

was around 1 8 per cent r e s u

'Autograph Collection' in case of

2014 as the new hotels offering

parts of the city. The opening of

l t in g in b o t h occupancy and

Marriott, 'Four Points' and 'Le

large scale convention fac i l i

these new hotels has resulted

average rate dropping by 5.3

Meridien' in case of Starwood,

t ies es tabl i sh themselves as

in a bottoming out of demand

per cent and 10.1 per cent, re-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mercureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in case of Accor and

destinations for hosting na-

for the older city centre proper-

spectively. While these sharp

'WelcomHotel' in case of ITC

tional and international con-

ties (South and Central Delhi).

drops in market wide perform-

Hotels, stand to gain owing the

ventions and events.

Almost all hotels located in and

ance may paint an adverse pic-

ease with which these brands

The opening of the new do-

around the CBD area of Delhi

ture for the city, demand in

can flag existing operational

mestic and international ter-

have witnessed a decline in

Gurgaon

properties. With more number

continues

minals at the Chennai Airport

RevPAR and this trend is likely

strong, growing by 12 per cent

of existing hotels available to

are also likely to drive demand

to continue in the immediate

in 2012-13.

transact over, this trend is

in the Airline segment as air-

short term. However, if one

Going forward, there are

clearly indicative of a maturing

lines such as Air Asia set up

were to look at the overall mar-

approximately 5,000 new hotel

industry. Moreover, keen in-

their base there. Over the next

ket demand growth, RPDs ac-

rooms planned for develop-

vestors need not limit them-

threeto- five years, HVS ex-

tually grew by 4.7 per cent in

ment in the city of which hvs

selves to acquiring Greenfield

pects continued pressure on

2012-13 over 2011-12.

believe 53 per cent will actually

hotel assets anymore. Enough

be commissioned. In the short

and more existing hotels across

both occupancy and average

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

Future Trends

Going forward, Delhi's sup-

rates as the new hotels that

ply is expected to see an addi-

term, HVS expects approxi-

positioning are now available in

opened in the latter part of

tion of approximately 5,200

mately 1,000 new rooms to be

the market.

by TNH DESK

Hospitality News

The Claridges, Surajkund is now Vivanta by Taj Vivanta by Taj – Surajkund is the latest addition into the portfolio of Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces.

ivanta by Taj –

Surajkund was ear-

lier being operated

and managed as The Claridges, Surajkund. Re-christened as Vivanta by Taj Surajkund, the hotel is all set to embark on a new era of cool luxury nestled in the lap of a forested and tranquil neighborhood.

(L-R) Rajeev Khanna, GM Vivanta by Taj Surajkund, Veer Vijay Singh, COO, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts, Raymond Bickson, MD and CEO IHCL, Arun Khanna & R Krishnan from Claridges Hotels & Resorts

S N A P S H O T •Vivanta by Taj – Surajkund is located in forested area. •It oﬀers a sanctum from the bustle of a megapolis.

Speaking at the press

Vivanta by Taj – Sura-

Each room has been de-

jkund, is 45 minutes by road

signed to harmonise with

from the international air-

the hotel’s contemporary,

port and from central Delhi.

upscale

ambience

with

It is perched amongst the

state-of-the-art technology

ancient Aravallis, a short

and discreet elegance which

conference, Raymond N

esting installations, signa-

distance from the Tugh-

overarches the guest’s stay

Bickson, MD and CEO, In-

ture restaurants, luxurious

laqabad fort. With 287 plush

experience. Artistic in every

dian Hotels Company, said

rooms and generous confer-

rooms and suites (some ter-

aspect,

with

compelling

“We welcome the newest ad-

encing

banqueting

raced), vast conferencing

views of the central court-

dition to our portfolio. This

spaces, Vivanta Surajkund

spaces and banqueting fa-

yard and infinity pool in

hotel will be the third Vi-

promises the next sanctum.

cilities, a 16,000 sq ft indul-

most of the rooms, bamboo

vanta in the region after the

“Dedicated to continu-

gent and much-lauded Jiva

and African teak wood floor-

recent launch of Vivanta by

and

“

ing, the rooms offer a choice

ence in the National Capital

We welcome the newest addition to our portfolio. This hotel will be the third Vivanta in the region after the recent launch of Vivanta by Taj - Gurgaon, NCR and our contemporary classic address Vivanta Ambassador.

Region and underlines the

Raymond N Bickson, MD and CEO, Indian Hotels Company

chair seating and lanterns

Taj - Gurgaon, NCR and our contemporary classic address Vivanta Ambassador. This is in line with a strategic plan to expand our pres-

company’s

objective

between king or twin-sized beds. The rooms overlooking the central courtyard have their own private balcony

with

bougainvillea

plants, futons, lounge and

ous innovation and the high-

Grande Spa with a baoli en-

and lamp providing soft

achieving growth through

est standards of hospitality,

trance, sun-kissed court-

lighting.

domestic dominance.”

the Vivanta brand is grow-

yards, gurgling aqua bodies,

Oasis, the all-day dining

Deepa Misra Harris,

ing at a rapid pace. With

edge-of-the-plate provincial

restaurant, with its breath-

senior vice president, sales

this hotel, the Vivanta port-

cuisine, the hotel promises

taking ambience offers a de-

and marketing, Taj Hotels

folio is now 28 hotels. We

to be an oasis. The hotel is a

lightful selection of Italian,

Resorts & Palaces, said, “Vi-

look forward to welcoming

“green

intelligent”

Chinese and Indian cuisine.

vanta by Taj - Surajkund

our guests to a whole new

building that combines min-

Spread over 700 sq m, the

and

will be seen in a new avatar

Vivanta twist at Surajkund

imalistic decor, meticulous

restaurant

as the perfect place for both

and am sure our guests will

refinements, creature com-

beautifully landscaped cen-

overlooks

business and leisure. With a

find this new experience ex-

fort, technology and instal-

tral courtyard with al-fresco

18,500 sq ft indulgent and

hilarating.” said Veer Vijay

lation spaces that breathe

seating and exciting water

much-lauded Jiva Grande

Singh, chief operating offi-

rustic chic, appealing to

bodies showcasing an intri-

Spa, sun-kissed courtyards,

cer, Vivanta by Taj Hotels &

both corporate nomads and

cate interplay of water, light

gurgling aqua bodies, inter-

Resorts.

the leisure wanderers.

and music.

by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

Hospitality News

The Metropolitan Hotel: ‘Best Luxury City Hotel 2013’ Having received the prestigious award for being the ‘Best Luxury City Hotel’ by the Time Research Business Leadership Awards 2013, The MET has found itself in the news yet again. ocated in the heart of

the commercial hub of

A fine blend of style and

New Delhi, The Metro-

substance, The MET is al-

totally committed to creating

by its tagline, indeed looks like

politan Hotel & Spa is a five

ready member of the ‘Great

exceptional memories for the

“the future of hospitality” and

star deluxe full service hotel

Hotels of The World, Luxury

guests. We express our grati-

a bright one for that. It houses

which boasts about a luxuri-

Collection’- an international

tude and thank Time Re-

a full service state-of-the-art

ous ambiance and a lush land-

hotel marketing brand. Adding

search Business Leadership

Business Centre, stylish Ban-

scape which is designed to suit

to its shelf of worldwide ac-

Awards for recognizing our ef-

quet Halls and Meeting Ven-

the modern traveler. Unlike

claim is the esteemed award

forts at such a celebrated plat-

ues, Health Clubs and a

form.”

Swimming Pool to offer a

the host of almost factory de-

for the “Best Luxury City

signed hotels; this one wel-

Hotel” by the Time Research

Based on a comprehensive

range of services to make your

comes you to a freshly created

Business Leadership Awards

market research study and

stay luxurious and productive

atmosphere of a stylish yet

2013.

opinion surveys conducted by

at the same time.

minimalistic arrangement.

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

and Modern Science.

In this proud moment,

Worldwide Achievers Pvt. Ltd.,

All in all, the hotel offers

The hotel has 185 guest

Vipul Gupta, Executive Direc-

Business Leadership Awards

you something of everything

rooms along with distinctive

tor at The Metropolitan Hotel

2013 honor the big names in

and accompanies it with a

dining options at its restau-

& Spa said “We are delighted

spectacular style and services.

pleasant ambience, decent

rants and bar. Going by its ob-

with this honor being be-

The award is not only a proof

service and reasonable prices.

jective of providing luxury

stowed upon us. The award is

of credibility and excellent

The award then comes not

with a conscience, its famous

a fitting tribute to the hard

service but a stamp of ap-

only as a proof for the hotel’s

spa, NeoVeda, is based on the

work put in by us and the love

proval of an undying commit-

commitment but also a moti-

Ecological Philosophy of the

of our esteemed patrons. The

ment to business leadership

vation to continue to strive for

hotel inspired from both the

Met has always tried to give

and customer satisfaction.

business leadership and cus-

ancient Indian Vedic Science

the best of the services and is

The Metropolitan, going

tomer satisfaction. by TNH DESK

Hospitality News

Nestled in the secluded

ITC ties up with RP Group to manage hotels Under the agreement ITC Hotels will manage five hotels in India and Dubai.

awarded

prestigious

cant inbound and outbound

backwaters of the Arabian

Green LeafAward, for 9 con-

destinations, for the country.

Sea near Thiruvananthapu-

secutive years. In addition to

The tie-up has been

ram in Kerala is the five-star

state-of-the-art technology

firmed up through a Memo-

deluxe, WelcomHotel Raviz

and best in class services,

randum of Understanding

Resort & Ayurveda Centre

these hotels showcase the

between ITC Hotels and RP

Kollam, a perfect blend of

rich and diverse culinary of-

Groups Hotels & Resorts.

modern architecture,and tra-

ferings from different re-

While the two WelcomHotels

ditional designs of a bygone

gions within Kerala.

are already under a manage-

era. Taking advantage of the

the

Wel-

ment contract and will be

scenic backwaters, the hotel

comHotel brand promise of

Embodying

the

flagged off immediately, the

boasts of 3 luxury house-

efficiency and warmth with

three Fortune hotels are a

boats and 93 exquisitely de-

facilities and services de-

part of the signed MOU and

signed rooms and suites.

signed to cater to the needs

will be launched subsequently.

Designed to reflect the

of the business and leisure

architectural splendour of

traveller, the WelcomHotel

As part of its expansion

the mystical Malabar region,

Raviz Kollam and the Wel-

drive, ITC Hotels proposes to

(L) RAVI PILLAI, CMD, RP GROUPS HOTELS & RESORTS NAKUL ANAND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ITC

the WelcomHotel Raviz Re-

comHotel Raviz Kadavuare

add several managed hotels

ITC Hotels has tied up

sort & Ayurveda Centre Ka-

committed to creating new

to its brand portfolio. On the

with RP Group Hotels & Re-

davu, a five star resort on the

benchmarks in hospitality.

anvil are an ITC super-pre-

sorts to manage five hotels in

banks of the Chalayar river

India and Dubai, under ITC Hotels’ 5-star ‘WelcomHo-

In addition, on the anvil

mium luxury hotel in Maha-

in Calicut, is set amidst a

is Fortune Raviz Calicut and

balipuram, a WelcomHotel in

sprawling 10-acre coconut

two Fortune Raviz hotels in

Jodhpur,Patna and Chandi-

tel’brandand the group’s

grove. It houses the famous

Dubai.Both

garh, and more than 30 ho-

mid-market to upscale ‘For-

Kadavu

Dubai

tune’ brand.

Centre,which

Mayfair Group takes off to newer horizons

tra, Executive Director, Mayfair

Hotels

Hotels and Resorts, the luxury

S N A P S H O T

appoint high-end travellers. The five-star hospitality group is conspicuous with its prominent presence in the eastern

The USP of Mayfair Lagoon : Providing high-end comfort in the cradle of nature. art works focus on Buddhism, sand stone carvings and pattachitra.

including

with Kalinga style of art and

The five-star resort pro-

lends an ethnic touch to Odis-

vides high-end, stylized comfort

han art and craft. Sprawling

and living in the cradle of green

over

nature. Mayfair Group has

lush

greenery

Bhubaneswar, the luxury re-

drawn up ambitious expansion

sort surrounds a lagoon and is

plans including setting up a

Bhubaneswar, Puri, Darjeeling,

Resort and Casino at Gangtok.

done up with lush cottages,

five-star deluxe property in

Rourkela and Gopalpur-on-sea

Bhubaneswar’s Mayfair La-

soothing interiors, ethnic spa

Kolkata by the end of 2015, a

and has evolved more of a hos-

goon is well-known as a Peace-

and exhibits true warmth of

second luxury resort in Puri

pitality brand of its own.

ful haven amidst a bustle city. It

hospitality from the Eastern re-

this year and a business hotel

flaunts contemporary designs

gion of India.”

in Siliguri.

Mayfair Group is synony-

O CTOBER 20 1 3|

Resorts hospitality

group has made a maiden ven-

hospitality chain will never dis-

Souvagya Mohapatra Executive Director, Mayfair Hotels & Resorts

and

“Our

tels in Sikkim with Mayfair Spa

India

Fortune by TNH DESK

fair Lagoon in Bhubaneswar.

Bhubaneswar’s Mayfair

the

Informs Souvagya Mohapa-

ture in the world of luxury ho-

states

under

brand.

deluxe resort in Odisha- May-

tels

setting up the premier five-star

Swaati Chaudhury comes

possessimmense

tourism potential as signifi-

and enjoys the distinction of

Limited, it

been

and

mous with luxury hospitality

Centrally located Mayfair Lagoon in Bhubaneswar has made a mark on the hospitality scene in the east with its eco-tourism mantra and high-end luxury. hen

Ayurvedic has

Kerala

Hospitality News

Accor’s budget hotel ‘Formule1’ opens in Bengaluru Whitefield Accor, the largest hotel operator in Asia Pacific recently launched Hotel Formule1 in Bengaluru Whitefield. he hotel’s first opening

opening of our third Formule1

in the South of India

hotel. This hotel is set to rede-

follows successful openings in

fine the budget accommodation

the North and West, and posi-

sector in India. Bengaluru has

tions Formule1 as India’s best

great potential and Formule1

value stay budget hotel. Strate-

promises travellers a great

a whimsical twist of designer

Florian Kohli, GM of the

gically located amidst the busi-

night’s sleep with the best value

graphics, Formule1 creates a

hotel, said, “Hotel Formule1

ness and IT hub of Whitefield,

in its class.

new atmosphere that brings life

Bengaluru Whitefield aims to

and fun into the spaces.

cater to corporates and busi-

the hotel is aimed at the budget

The Formule1 hotel design

and quality conscious traveller

concept steers away from con-

Hotel Formule1 offers trav-

ness travellers in Whitefield.

seeking accommodation at an

ventional budget hotels, which

ellers a great sleep and shower

The hotel is at a very conven-

affordable price.

are usually very basic. The gen-

experience, complimentary Wi-

ient location at ITPL and is very

Speaking about the brand’s

erous use of natural materials,

fi, 24/7 security with express

close to various corporate hubs

debut in Bengaluru, Philip

fresh colours and attractive

check-in and check-out, and re-

and shopping malls”.

Logan, Vice President, Hotel

lighting takes Formule1 a step

liable technology-driven facili-

Formule1, India says, “Ben-

above traditional budget hotel

ties

galuru is a key focus market

models. Using contemporary

accessibility to city centres and

and we are excited with the

furnishings, clever layouts, and

business districts,” he adds.

Clarks Inn forays into the city of Taj Clarks Inn Group of Hotels forayed into Agra by the signing a 58-key property in the city. The new property will open next month.

quality accommodation from cated just 6 km from India’s internationally most acclaimed

to leisure traffic from both

Mahal, with the signing of a 58signed hotel Clarks Inn Agra is a new-built property currently under advanced stage of devel-

S N A P S H O T •Clarks Inn Agra is property of the Group. •The new property has 58 rooms. •The hotel is located only 6 km from the Taj Mahal. •The group aims to have a portfolio of 100 hotels by 2015.

opment and it is slated to open its doors for guests next month.

by TNH DESK

the business travellers. Lo-

the hotel is also eyeing to cater

key property in the city. The

bathrooms, flat screen TVs.

and will cater to the growing

tels, one of leading

recently announced its first

The Hotel features modern, soundproof rooms with en suite

demand of reasonably priced

hotel chains of India in the

foray in Agra, the city of Taj

easy

corporates and business hub

tourist site of the Taj Mahal,

budget and economy segment,

with

close proximity of Agra’s key

larks Inn Group of Ho-

along

India and overseas. Calling the latest addition

tels by 2015, S N Srivastava,

erty slated to open doors next

Executive VP, Clarks Inn

month we are confident to

Group of Hotels, said, “The

cater to that demand.”

addition of this property in

The hotel boasts of contem-

Agra is a proud moment for us

porary design with state-of-the-

and we have waited for long to

art modern-day facilities that

have our presence in this city.

can seamlessly cater to the de-

In the last few years we have

mands of business and leisure

witnessed a huge demand for

travellers. The hotel offers a

reasonably priced quality ac-

variety of accommodations,

commodation, from both busi-

restaurants of Indian and for-

The hotel is strategically

vital to company’s growth plan

ness and leisure travellers, in

eign cuisines, gym, swimming

located in the city-centre, in

and its vision to open 100 ho-

Agra for long. With this prop-

pool, among others. by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

Spa News

The Leela unveils unique Spa and Spiritual Journeys Luxurious ESPA Spa Therapies and Enchanting Local Experiences Come Together in Historic Udaipur

OCTOB ER 2 0 13 |

Spa News

he Leela palaces, Hotels and Re-

a unique balance of daily spa treatments and out-

sorts recently announced the

door spiritual pursuits spread throughout the day,

launch of Spa and Spiritual Jour-

making these journeys a lot more than just a holi-

neys that blend award-winning

day.

ESPA spa therapies with enchant-

The Spa and Spiritual Journeys offer many at-

ing local experiences at The Leela Palace Udaipur,

tractive features and services. It offers daily con-

a modern palace that encapsulates the magic of

sultations with our Spa Journey Advisor and Chef

Udaipurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s royal past. Located on the banks of the

of Spa Cuisine to customize your experience. Daily

pristine Lake Pichola, this luxury hotel is the per-

holistic and ayurvedic spa treatments from the Hot

fect destination to invigorate the mind, body and

Stone Total Body Care therapy, Aromatherapy

soul while discovering one of Rajastanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most ex-

massage and Abhyanga treatment to the ESPA

otic and picturesque lands, historic Udaipur.

Signature four-hour Royal Knights and Royal

Spa and Spiritual Journeys are three wellness

Princesses of Rajasthan ceremony, amongst oth-

programmes based on achieving total balance and

ers are available here. As part of the programme

restoring natural energy over three, five or seven

a traditional ritual ceremony is held at the 150-

days. The programmes combine ancient ayurvedic

year old Lord Shiva heritage temple on the prop-

and modern western spa treatments in the ESPA

erty. Early morning private yoga and meditation

tented spa suites with private plunge pools over-

session is conducted daily at the lakeside Guava

looking Lake Pichola, tranquil yoga and medita-

garden or the Yoga Tent. Session with the as-

tion sessions in lush Guava gardens and daily

trologer is organized to know more about the sci-

healthy spa cuisine with private guided visits to

ence and your future. Spiritual tour is conducted

the ancient forts and temples of Eklingji, Nagda,

with a personal guide to the ancient temples of

Nathdwara and Jagdish temple. The holy Jain tem-

Eklingji, Nagda, Nathdwara and Jagdish temple.

ples at Ranakpur and the historic Kumbhalgarh

As part of the Spa and Spiritual Journeys, guest

fort are experienced in the longer programmes.

will visit to the City Palace, Crystal Gallery and

The days begin with a traditional ritual ceremony

Durbar Hall with a personal guide, followed by a

at the 150-year old Lord Shiva temple and are

camel ride is organized. Guest also visit to the fa-

ended with serene sunset boat cruise on tranquil

mous Ranakpur temple, the historic Kumbhalgarh

Lake Pichola.

Fort and a trek to the famous Karnee Maata Tem-

The programmes, spread over three, five or seven days, have been thoughtfully crafted to bring

ple are experienced in the longer seven-day sojourn.

by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

International

nese culture; its National

TTB plans educational seminars for the travel trade Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) is planning a number of educational seminars for the travel trade and other corporate entities in the coming months.

Palace Museum is listed as

highlighting various aspects

one of the five top museums in

about the destination, espe-

the world,” Tien added. “Tai-

cially the easy availability of

wan also offers a year-long se-

the Taiwanese visa to the In-

ries of exciting festivals such

dian traveller. “We are de-

as Lantern Festival, the Mazu

lighted that our company

(Goddess of the Sea) Culture

Think Strawberries has been

he educational seminars

Taiwan is a year around MICE

Festival, Ghost Festival, Abo-

chosen as the India represen-

are being planned to fur-

destination thanks to its tem-

rigine Harvest Festival and

tative office for TTB the sec-

ther disseminate the knowl-

perate climate, excellent infra-

countless others. These events

ond time,” said Saxena.

edge to the consumers in

structure,

convenient

provide many opportunities

TTB has noticed a steady

India. Taiwan has become an

transport and high quality

for joyful participation, and in-

increase in MICE traffic from

important and exciting MICE

communication services. Also

finite chances to learn about

India to Taiwan, a trend that

destination for the Indians.

Taiwan has a large MICE in-

Taiwan’s

obser-

will continue on the upward

TTB is currently working on a

frastructure, hotel inventory,

vances and living practices. If

trajectory in the coming years.

number of MICE Incentive

Indian restaurants and much

you like culture then Taiwan is

Taiwan is expecting large

Plans with increased benefits

more to welcome the different

the perfect destination for

movements in MICE traffic

which will facilitate MICE

segment of MICE groups to the

you,” he further said.

from India as awareness

movement to Taiwan. These

country.”

religious

Talking about gourmet ex-

include: Exclusive FAM trips

about the destination increases. With the motive to in-

for MICE publication and

crease the Indian visitors to

MICE organizers and Unique

Taiwan, TTB has come up

Itineraries for FAM trips

with a special incentive plan

“Our plan is to educate the

that will facilitate MICE oper-

travel media fraternity on how

ators in India in organizing

to promote Taiwan in India to

MICE groups to Taiwan. It has

the individual holidaymaker

specific MICE incentives for

as well as group movements

groups travelling to Taiwan.

(MICE). We want to reach out

TTB are offering number of

(L-R) Sophie Chang, Visa Officer, H.E. James Tien, Noel Saxena

to the B2B segment and the

special activities, free gifts,

B2C market this year with out-

Chung Kwang Tien, Rep-

periences in Taiwan, Tien

etc. depending on the number

door advertising and aggres-

resentative, Taipei Economic

said, “Taiwan offers the finest

of pax. There are many

sive promotion in mainline

and Cultural Centre in India

Chinese cuisine, the booming

schemes, which include: Wel-

newspapers to educate the po-

said, “Taiwan once created an

development of foreign restau-

come gifts complimentary of

tential Indian traveler. We are

economic

rants, and unique dining op-

the Taiwan Tourism Bureau;

also reaching out to the Tier 2 markets such as Kolkata through roadshows which are planned for later this year,”

miracle

that

Welcome Banner, Cultural

Key points

performance or a unique Tai-

2013-2014 promises to be Year of Taiwan in India! Taiwan registered a 15.74 % growth in leisure travelers in 2012

said Noel Saxena, Country

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

sive presentation on Taiwan

wanese cultural performance, Administration

Assistance

and Distribution of souvenir

Head, Taiwan Tourism Bu-

aroused the admiration of the

portunities in establishments

gifts of current season prod-

reau, Representative Office in

world, and now 3C products

serving

ucts.

India, addressing media per-

like HTC, Acer, Asus are sold

snacks.”

sons at a press conference re-

throughout the globe including

At the press conference

tion’ in Taiwan with a profu-

cently organized by TTB in

India.” Taiwan is known as

the Taiwan Tourism Bureau

sion of events built around

New Delhi. He added, “The

Ilha Formosa or Beautiful Is-

Representative Office in India

various themes such as Love,

destinations in Taiwan which

land. “Taiwan has world-class

also announced the success of

Food, Culture, Shopping, Eco-

we are promoting from the

natural landscapes such as

its

plans

Tourism and Nature being

MICE point of view are Taipei,

the awesome Taroko Gorge; it

through 2012-2013. On the oc-

promoted by TTB for the In-

Kaohsiung, and Taichung city.

is the repository of true Chi-

casion Saxena made an exten-

dian market.

local

activities

Taiwanese

It is the ‘Time for Celebra-

and

by TNH DESK

International

STB ‘INSPIRE’ Indian incentive travel

employee feel rewarded for the

dian travellers are still new to

hard work and contribution.

the concept of cruising and with

tured Stuart Crighton, CoFounder & CEO, Cleartrip.com;

Through INSPIRE, we are tar-

Rajeev Wagle, MD, Kuoni India;

geting the group which is look-

Mohit Gupta, Chief Business Of-

ing at that unique experiences

ficer, Holidays, Makemytrip.com

which we have customised and

and Madhavan Menon, MD,

developed with our partners.

Thomas Cook India while the

The Indian travel industry has

panel was moderated by Neeta

already started showing their

Lachmandas, Assistant Chief

ith an aim to make

support for this program and we

Executive, STB.

Singapore

pre-

are positive to receive excellent

ferred incentive destination for

response from the corporate

role of digital technology in

Indian

travel sector.”

shaping consumer behaviour as

Singapore Tourism Board recently organised India Travel Forum to share knowledge about the latest trends in online travel platform. Anand Shah

groups,

Singapore

Tourism Board (STB) launched

With the dollar soaring high,

– INSPIRE, a reward program

Indians are opting for short-

which is specially customised

haul destinations for interna-

with unique experiences for

tional travel and STB has yet

MICE

one more reason to be positive

launched by STB in partnership

about this market. Adding on

groups.

INSPIRE

with seven other Singapore

this Chee Pay said, “Singapore

based travel partners – Changi

is a perfect destination for every

Airport Group, Gardens by the

segment of traveller with every

Bay, Resorts World Sentosa,

size of budget. This works well

Sentosa Leisure Group, Singa-

especially during times when In-

pore Airlines, Singapore Turg

dian currency is not performing

Club and Wildlife Reserves Sin-

so well as compared to USD.”

gapore.

The discussion explored the

He also informed that Singa-

On the sidelines of the

pore and Indian government

launch, Chang Chee Pey, Exec-

has recently signed a new air-

utive Director, South Asia, Mid-

agreement granting additional

dle East and Africa, STB

10 per cent air rights between

well as the impact on Indian Chang Chee Pey Executive Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, STB

travel companies as business continue to innovate and ex-

Know about INSPIRE INSPIRE has categorized incentive groups according to three tiers – basic, value and premium. To qualify for INSPIRE’s basic tier, a group must travel to Singapore before December 31, 2014 and book a minimum of 1,000 room nights. For Value and premium tier, group needs to book 1,500 and 1,800 room nights respectively. Indian groups accepted and registered into the INSPIRE programme by STB will receive USD 16 shopping voucher per visitor for Singapore Changi Airport. Other rewards include a guided tour to the Singapore Turf Club Parade Ring and a trackside marquee dinner, a New York Street Party dinner at Universal Studios Singapore, a specially chartered zoo tram expedition at the Night Safari, reserved seating at Jurong Bird Park’s new High Flyer show, and premium seating for Sentosa’s Songs of the Sea show, trip to Gardens by the Bay and many more.

informed that India’s outbound

both the countries. Also, in as-

MICE market has grown signif-

sociation with Asia Cruise Asso-

icantly pegging in range of USD

ciation,

550-600 million in 2011. He said,

organised

and

excellent cruising facilities; we

plore ways to leverage digital

“India is becoming an important

training sessions on cruise

intend to promote cruising holi-

platforms in order to drive

STB

had

recently

educational

source market for business

tourism for travel agents and

days in Singapore among Indian

growth. The panel discussion

travellers to Singapore. In fact,

operators in New Delhi and

travellers. For the same, we will

underlined the challenges faced

just within first three quarters

Mumbai. Informing about the

continue to educate travel

currently by the Indian online

of 2012, approximately one third

same, G B Srithar, Area Director

agents and tour operators about

travel sector – limited infra-

of the 607,000 Indian travellers

South Asia Marketing, STB

cruising facilities and services

structure, high cost of internet

in the coming months.”

usage, low user engagement

to Singapore had visited for

said, “Singapore is currently

business. Off the booming MICE

acting as a major hub for cruise

travel market, incentive travel is

tourism for Indians with popu-

one of the most exciting and po-

lar cruise liners like Star

On the sidelines of INSPIRE

Travel Organisation) latest re-

tential segment. Incentive is

Cruises starting their voyage

launch, STB also organised a

search, Asia-Pacific region’s

and unfavorable business enviIndia Travel Forum

ronment. As per WTO (World

growing as companies are in-

from Singapore. Here, STB can

India Travel Forum to discuss

travel industry is expected to

centivising their employees for

further enhance cruise potential

on the topic – ‘Online Travel

grow at five to six per cent a

performance. Also, these com-

from India by bringing the

Trends in India – Crossing the

year as compared to the global

panies are looking for unique

cruise liners together and look

technology edge to drive busi-

average of three to four per

experiences to further make the

at cruise tourism as a whole. In-

ness growth’. The forum fea-

cent.

O CTO BER 2013|

International

Brand USA Successfully Concludes Second India Travel Mission Brand USA, the United States of America’s first-ever nationally coordinated tourismmarketing organization recently concluded its second India Travel Mission in New Delhi and Mumbai. resentatives and tour operators. Additionally, a dedicated media day was organised in New Delhi on September 26 with leading travel trade and consumer media. In the last couple of years there has been a steady increase in numbers of Indian arrivals to the USA. As per the latest figures released by the U.S Department of

Visit California continues to build presence in India Through Interactive sessions with Indian tourism representatives during the recent Brand USA India Mission, Visit California promoted leisure travel. Through its participation in the Brand

Commerce, India ranked 12th amongst the top 20 tourist

Jay Gray, VP, Global Partnership Development, Brand USA at India Mission

he mission witnessed the participation of 47 del-

generating countries for the US with 724,433 arrivals, an

USA India Mission 2013 took place in Mumbai

increase of 9.2 per cent over the previous year. In 2012

and New Delhi, Visit California promoted in-

Indian visitors also ranked 10th in the world in terms of

creased travel to California through focused

money spent, with a total spend of $4.9 billion - an in-

meetings of the visiting California delegates

crease of 11 per cent over the previous year.

with Indian tour operators, hospitality profes-

egates, representing 31 organizations from var-

Seeing the tremendous response generated by the

sionals, travel agents and members of media.

ious U.S. destinations, attractions, hotels and

mission, Jay Gray, Vice President, Global Partnership

India is amongst the fastest growing

destination management companies. The travel mission

Development, Brand USA said, “We thank our travel in-

travel markets for California, and Visit Cali-

included two interactive business sessions in Mumbai

dustry partners for their overwhelming support for yet

fornia has been actively promoting in India

(September 23) and New Delhi (September 25) that pro-

another successful India Travel Mission. Such events

since 2009. California had a projected 208,000

vided an opportunity for US delegates to develop and

augment our efforts in building positive awareness of the

visitors from India in 2012, up 7 per cent over

strengthen co-operation with their Indian counterparts.

United States as a travel destination, and inviting more

2011. This growth outpaced the 3 per cent

The invitees included major stakeholders from the In-

Indian travelers to experience the boundless opportuni-

growth rate projected for overseas visits to

dian travel trade, airline representatives, hospitality rep-

ties that our country has to offer.”

California as a whole.

France Tourism concludes its annual B2B Workshop India Atout France- France Tourism Development Agency along with its 24 partners recently concluded its annual B2B Workshop in New Delhi and Mumbai.

by TNH DESK

agents were also organized in both cities for cer-

Champagne-Ardenne Tourism, Dijon Tourist Of-

tain members of the delegation.

fice, Auvergne Regional Tourist Board, Rhone

Acknowledging the completion of 100 years of

Alpes Tourism, Chamonix Mont-Blanc Tourist

Indian cinema, a Bollywood tour was organized

Board, Mondoramas Incoming, Nice Convention

for some members of the delegation in Mumbai,

and Visitors Bureau, Cannes and St Tropez, Pont

acquainting them with studio visits and other

du Gard, Lourdes and Carcassonne, Pau Pyrénées

facets of the movie making industry. Informal networking soirees held in Delhi and Mumbai gave the delegates a chance to casually

and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Globus Family of Brands.

interact with members of the trade and press. The

Sharing her thoughts, Catherine Oden, Direc-

restaurant Cheri in New Delhi played host to the

tor Atout France India observes, "Our attempt this

he format of the annual B2B workshop ti-

delegation and invitees from the trade and media.

year has been to diversify the format of the work-

tled ‘Rendez-vous in France’ consisted of

A relaxed ambience and the presence of good food

shop by including new activities on the agenda of

interactive sessions between the visiting French

and wine enhanced the festivities of the evening.

our delegates. The objective was for the visiting

delegation and travel trade professionals in both

The workshop comprised of delegates repre-

professionals to gain a broader perspective of the

cities. These sessions provided many opportuni-

senting Air France, Rail Europe India Pvt Ltd,

Indian market and provide them with many more

ties for the French professionals to update them-

Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, Accor Ho-

platforms for networking with members of various

selves on existing trends and develop business

tels, Bateaux-Mouches, Disneyland Paris, Fraser

domains. We certainly hope that this endeavour

partnerships for the future. In an attempt to fur-

Suites, L'Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe

will help the positioning of India as a potentially

ther cement business relationships, personalized

- Paris, Deauville Tourism, Lisieux-Tourism and

and rapidly emerging important tourist market for

sales calls and training sessions with select travel

Spirituality in France, La Baule Tourist Office,

France".

O CTOBER 20 1 3|

by TNH DESK

Society News

Celebrated author Namita Gokhale speaks at a GLOW Eminent author Namita Gokhale, who has organized mega literary shows like the Jaipur Literature Festival, came to speak at a GLOW (Global League of Women) event sponsored by Metropolitan Hotel and TnH magazine.

amita Gokhale’s prolific literary output in-

cludes several novels and short stories. She

is also a reputed publisher and festival director. The Jaipur Literary Festival is the most awaited gathering in the literature world. In fact, it has been dubbed as the 'greatest literature festival in the world'. It brings the best of Indian and International authors, poets, publishers, artists, journalists and book lovers together. She started the afternoon by narrating her journey as a novelist with the audience of high profile women. She talked about her novels and spoke of the struggles of being a powerful woman in India even today. She advocated Indian model of feminism and said that role of novelist is to document changes happening in the society. The inspirational and motivational speech by her was followed by snacks and tea and coffee arranged by the hotel. It was a power packed session where the women spoke about many issues pertinent to the modern Indian women. Event like this is a small step towards bringing awareness to the plight of working women even today. Metropolitan Hotel and TnH are proud to have made the event possible.

Life & Works of Namita Gokhale Born on January 26, 1956 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Spent her childhood between New Delhi and Nainital Married to Rajiv Gokhale at age of 18 A celebrated writer, she writes in English Published the film magazine ‘Super’ from Bombay in 70’s Literary works include novels, short stories & other several works Paro: Dreams of Passion, 1984 was her first literary work by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

World Tourism Day

tourism sector.

India can convert water bodies into tourism destinations, say experts At a function organized by Amity University to celebrate World Tourism Day, experts opined that India can convert its water bodies into tourism destinations.

tourism in India but what is

While presenting data of

ailing is only 0.6 per cent of

tourism sector, J. B. Singh,

foreign tourist arrival. We

said that tourism industry pro-

have to achieve 1 per cent i.e.

vides 8 million jobs in India

12 million of foreign tourist ar-

and our country is the fastest

rival by year 2016.

growing destination in world.

Dr. Manohar Sajnani ex-

Around one billion tourist al-

pressed his gratitude towards

ready travelled last year

the esteemed guests and said

worldwide and it contributes 9

that the main objective of the

per cent of world GDP with 1.3

celebration of World Tourism

trillion US Dollar of exports.

Day is to foster awareness

Singh said that when per

amongst the International &

capita goes up, tourism indus-

National Community of the im-

try also grows. In 2011 India

portance of Tourism and

recorded 0.1 trips per capita

Water and in order to under-

G G Saxena, MD & CEO, DTTDC presenting award to winner of the debate competition

mity Institute of Travel

and Tourism organized

tion Information Centre said

‘10th Annual Convention’ to

that she is extremely delighted

mark the celebration of World

to be part of the World Tourism

Tourism Day. The theme iden-

Day Celebration at Amity and

tified by the UN World Tourism

announced that Amity Insti-

Organization for this year’s

tute of Travel & Tourism has

World

become the first Indian Insti-

Tourism

Day

was

‘Tourism & Water: Protecting

tute to receive UN World

our Common Future.’

Tourism Organization – TED

Kiran Mehra Kerpalman lighting the lamp to inaugurate the event

The convention witnessed

Qual (Tourism Educational

and our industry is 12th in the

line Tourism Responsibility

World.

and needed commitment in

the presence of travel and

Quality) Certification which

tourism industry stalwarts

aims to improve the quality of

Ashok K. Chauhan, said

preserving the World Most

from various organizations

the tourism education, training

that India is the best tourist

Vital Natural Resource Water.

who threw light upon the

and research programmes. It

destination in the world. Our

He advised the students, fu-

aforementioned theme. The

involves thoroughly assessing

country hosts every type of

ture tourist promoters, to

corporate giants made the stu-

the five parameters of an Insti-

tourism like Medical tourism,

think about developing water

dents aware of the immense

tute including internal and ex-

heritage tourism, adventure

bodies and Rivers into famous

potential of travel and tourism

ternal

the

tourism, education tourism

and appealing tourist destina-

industry.

Programme: the coherence of

etc. However there is need to

tions such as Kumbh Mela,

Kiran Mehra Kerpalman,

the plan of studies; infrastruc-

develop transport, skilled man-

rivers of Orissa and many oth-

Country Director, United Na-

ture and pedagogical support;

power, safety, hygiene condi-

ers and helps promote tourism

tion Information Centre, J. B.

policies, tools and support

tions and infrastructure so

in India.

aspects

Singh, President & CEO, Inter-

mechanisms for administra-

that anybody who visits India

On the eve of World

globe Technology Quotient, G.

tive management; the exis-

feels happy and contended. Dr.

Tourism Day Convention, a

G. Saxena, IAS, MD & CEO,

tence

transparent

Chauhan said that very soon

Debate Competition on the

Delhi Tourism & Transport De-

mechanisms for the selection

India is going to be education

theme ‘Can tourism be blamed

velopment Corporation and Dr.

of the faculty and favourable

and tourism hub for the world.

for the over exploitation of

Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder

conditions for their profes-

Our country will witness brain

water resources at the desti-

President, Amity Groupinau-

sional development; and the

gain instead of brain drain.

nation?’

gurated the convention with

relevance of the content of the

G. G. Saxena said that al-

wherein 22 teams from vari-

the lighting of the lamp.

programme of studies with re-

though government of India is

ous colleges of India partici-

spect to the needs of the

doing lot of efforts in boosting

pated.

Kiran Mehra Kerpalman,

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

Country Director, United Na-

was

organized

by TNH DESK

Cruise News

Royal Caribbean offers on Cruises exclusively for Indian travellers Royal Caribbean International has announced exciting offers on Cruises from Singapore exclusively for Indian travellers.

Suite Category at the price of

most innovative cruise ship in

Superior Balcony Category

the region, we are now pleased

and to Superior Balcony at the

to bring more opportunities for

price of an Ocean View Cate-

WOW! closer to home for our

gory, on select 3-nights sailings

Indian guests. We believe these

from Singapore in November

offers will offer substantial

and December 2013. The 50

value to our Indian guests

Royal Caribbean International

per cent saving offer allows

looking for a short and exciting

has announced special offers –

guests to avail 50 per off on the

3, 4 and 5 night sailings from

complimentary Upgrades and

second guest booked in the

Singapore to popular destina-

50 per off on second guest, ex-

same stateroom on select Jan-

tions

clusively for Indian travellers

uary and February 2014 sail-

Malaysia.”

onboard the largest cruise ship

ings.

At 138,000 gross registered

sailing

Commenting on these value of-

tons (GRT), Mariner of the

Mariner of the Seas. Both

fers for the Indian travellers

Seas can carry 3,807 guests

these offers are valid on 3-5

Ratna Chadha, Chief Execu-

and stretches more than a

night sailings from Singapore,

tive, TIRUN Travel Marketing

thousand

between November 2013 and

- India Representative of Royal

Mariner of the Seas, Designed

February 2014 and will be ap-

Caribbean International, said

for WOW, brings 15 decks of

plicable on new bookings made

“Over time we have seen a sub-

activity, first-at-sea innova-

from

Singapore

Thailand

feet

and

length.

by 31st October 2013. With

stantial increase in demand for

tions, luxurious staterooms,

Complimentary

Upgrades,

cruises from Singapore and by

entertainment and dining op-

guests can upgrade to Junior

positioning the largest and

tions.

by TNH DESK

O CTO BER 2013|

Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Party

SKAL New Delhi Meet Members of SKAL New Delhi recently met over sumptuous food and drinks at Shangri-La New Delhi. While enjoying the meeting, they also discussed various issue of mutual concerns. Sunil ghadiok

Rajan Sehgal, Neeraj Malhotra, Sanjeet, Rajji Rai, Rajiv Vij

Pramod Swahney, Rajeev Nangia

Mr. Dumasia, Rajinder Nath, Ashok Bhat Nagar, Homa mistry

Neeraj Malhotra, Rajat Kumar

Rajeev Nangia, Vikram Dhawan, Subhash Verma, Bejan Dinshaw, Nikhil Dhodapkar

Sajid Mahmood, Sheema Vohra, Tekla Maira

Suresh Nair, Partho Picture credit : Mukesh Naugain

O CTOBER 20 1 3|

Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Party

SKAL New Delhi Meet Renu, Dr. Saran

Ranjeet Vig, Sanjay Datta

Sanjeev Tyagi, Sajid Mahmood, Rajji Rai, Ranjeet Vig, Guest

Rajan Sehgal, Sheema Vohra, Jaideep Pasand, SD Khanna, Subhash Verma

Ramesh Marwah, Mandeep Lamba

Sanat Suri, Aneesh Mahajan, Guest, Dr. Devaki

Mandeep Lamba, Vilas Pawar, Yogesh Dhawan, Sanjiv Tyagi, Sanjay Dutta Picture credit : Mukesh Naugain

O CTO BER 2013|

In Conversation

‘No challenge is big enough to stop our daily progress or long term goals!’ Barun Jolly, general Manager of Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla has successfully been spearheading the operation of this hotel since its launch in 2010. in Conversation with , he talks about his career and life. Prem Kumar A day in his life

companies and get more business secured.” Barun also spends time looking at training plans for his people. “This is a

On a typical day Barun gets up at

time-consuming task, but we are really

6:15am. “Rise and shine! Make coffee,

looking forward to being able to use the

head to for morning walk, get ready and

skills and talents we have to help people

go! This is the way I start my day,” says

in need get on their feet! Afternoons also

Barun. He reaches his office at Crowne

allow time to follow up on leads, return

Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla between

calls, and respond to emails,” Barun says.

8:45am and 9:30am and immediately after

Talking about his evening hours,

“Achievement and enjoyment are two sides of the same coin. Striking a right balance between the both help me lead a smooth, successful and comfortable life.” reaching the office, the first thing Barun

Barun says, “My evenings (4pm to 9pm)

does is to take time to connect with each

are always uneven. Sometimes I have to

of his staff and check for reservations and

check on sales trends and tie up any loose

go over any specific details for key func-

ends. Lobby and restaurant presence,

tions of the day. Talking about his hours at

meeting our guests and delivering seam-

his office, Barun says, “In the first half of

less service are how my latter part of the

the day from 9:30am to 2pm, I manage the

evening is spent!”

floor, expedite service to our customers

At 9pm Barun realises with a great

and do the easiest, most enjoyable and

sigh of satisfaction that “It has been a

most important part of my job that is to

long, but really good day. This is time to

visit with our guests!” Keeping your finger

clean up and go home—tomorrow is on its

on the pulse of the hotel is vitally impor-

way!” Barun believes that achievement

tant.” He adds, “My afternoons (2pm to

and enjoyment are two sides of the same

4pm) vary from day to day. As a manager

coin, and striking a right balance between

of not a very old property, it is critical for

the both help him lead a smooth, success-

me to get out a couple times a week and

ful and comfortable life. “I make efforts not

canvass local businesses, engage new

to mix up personal life with professional

Barun Jolly, General Manager Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla

O CTOB ER 2 01 3 |

In Conversation

life. I strongly believe that money is not everything. Money is essential for survival and for having comforts,

High points of his career

but too much emphasis on money is like losing so much

What Barun regards as high points of his career is

for so little,” says Barun. He adds, “I plan and execute

his association with the openings of many hotels. “It is

my tasks as per my schedule to avoid any stress. It is

the hotel openings that give me a high. I have been as-

necessary to strictly demarcate all the activities as per

sociated with four hotel openings in my career so far:

schedule and follow accordingly.” Barun also pursues

Grand Hyatt Delhi, Hyatt Regency Kolkatta, Crowne

reading and travelling which he enjoys the most to

Plaza Gurgaon and Crowne Plaza Okhla,” says Barun.

keep himself rejuvenated at all times. His positive at-

He adds, “My real high point in career was opening the

titude helps him strike the right balance.

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, as we were the only hotel to open on time for Commonwealth Games.

Favourite 4 Car: aston Martin Vanquish Destination: spain Cuisine: Chinese Hotel: interContinental Hong Kong

It was so exciting because I got to work with owners who were very supportive of my vision of the hotel and IHG as company who provided me with all support to open a benchmark hotel on time and with very well trained resource.” Challenges

Education and Career

As regards challenges in his career, Barun philo-

Barun did his hotel management from Institute of

sophically replied, “There is no challenge big enough to

Hotel Management (IHM) Jaipur, and after that he did

stop our daily progress or long-term goals, and yet a day

MBA from Symbiosis, Pune in Sales and Human Re-

is full of challenges in every decision we take. I take

sources. Speaking about his foray into the hospitality

them in my stride as a daily aspect of my work and my

industry, Barun says, “I joined the hospitality Industry

team works together so that we overcome it and there

as I believe it is the best way to meet diverse people

is no memory of that challenge hanging over us the next

and the best way to travel, and here the world travels

day.” Many people have positively influenced Barun’s

to you. No two days are the same.”

career. “A lot of people have positively influenced my ca-

Barun is very passionate about his profession and

reer, but some I will always owe my success to are Kapil

enjoys it truly. When asked what prompted him to join

Chopra, Patrick Hardy, Pierre Jochem and Sanjeev

the hospitality industry, Barun says that there are

Sethi,” says Barun.

many reasons. “First, you make people’s day: whether you are a concierge in a hotel or a kitchen porter working behind the scene or you are involved in the man-

Hobbies Barun enjoys reading in his spare time. “Reading

agement of a hotel, every time you come into work, you

comes as the most useful activity for me to see this won-

make someone’s day a little bit better. Second, it is cre-

derful world through others' eyes. It offers me the scenes

ative: apart from being a people-oriented industry, hos-

of all over the world. It has the ability to change my life

pitality is creative. You are creating a product — be

and help develop a sense of creativity,” Barun says.

that food, drink or an experience — and there is al-

“Books provide the reader with so much information

ways scope to dream up new ways of making it more

and facts. They have certainly helped me in my daily life.

enjoyable for your customers, and finally, it opens a

I believe it is simply a great way to unwind at the end of

door to the world: every country in the world has a hos-

a stressful day and enjoy my own imaginations.” Barun

pitality industry and the skills you learn here are read-

also loves to travel and places where he likes to go are

ily transferable, meaning that a career in hospitality

crowded markets, historical momentums, lonesome

can very easily be the key to discovering new coun-

beaches, high hills and many more. He says, “The world

tries, new culture and new people. In addition, rubbing

is so big and there are so many places to visit. Each has

shoulders with celebrities and gourmet meals are

a different beauty, culture, specialty, language, history,

some of the other great perks you can enjoy in this in-

and weather, etc. Travelling for me is truly enduring the

dustry.”

beauty of God's creativity and skill fullness.”

O CTO BER 2013|

Appointment News

Tarun Sharma Regional Manager, North & East India Emirates Airline

Vijay Gopalan Chief Financial Officer AirAsia India

arun Sharma

ijay Gopalan

Ahmad Nasruldin Ahmad Mahayuddin GM, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh Malaysia Airlines

Mohamed Sathik Ali Mohd Meera GM, Western India Malaysia Airlines ohamed

hmad

pointed by Emi-

pointed Chief Fi-

Mohd Meera has

Ahmad Mahayud-

rates Airline as its

nancial Officer of

been

din has been ap-

Regional Manager

AirAsia India. He

as GM – Western

pointed as GM of

for

and

is a Chartered Ac-

India,

Malaysia

Malaysia Airlines

East India. Tarun will oversee the

countant with over a decade’s experi-

Airlines. His role includes rolling out

for the Karnataka and Andhra

Passenger, Cargo, Airport, Engineer-

ence from Chennai as well as a holder

and

Pradesh region. In this role, Ahmad

ing, Finance and Administration ac-

of Advanced Diploma in Marketing

Malaysia Airlines’ expansion plans.

will oversee development of sales and

tivities for Emirates’ Commercial

and Sales from the National Institute

Earlier Mohamed was attached in

distribution strategies to increase par-

Operations in North and East India.

of Sales. Prior to AirAsia, Vijay was

Bangalore as GM for Karnataka and

ticipation and revenue. Before taking

He will support Emirates’ operations

attached to the Compass Group India,

Andhra Pradesh, having returned

up the new role, Ahmad was previ-

in India, Tarun will be based in New

as well as Ernst & Young and has

there after a two-year stint as GM

ously Area Manager of South America

Delhi.

worked in the US and the UK.

for North India based in New Delhi.

based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Manish Kakkar Hotel Manager ibis Jaipur

Latha Nair, Director of Sales DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore

has been ap-

North

Mike Kistner Chief Executive Officer RezNext

has been ap-

Kanchan Rizvi Director of Sales & Marketing The Claridges Hotels & Resorts

ike Kistner

Nas-

Sathik Ali

ensuring

anchan Rizvi

the

appointed

success

a n i s h

atha

Nair

has

ap-

has

been

appointed

pointed as the Di-

been

appointed

pointed as Direc-

CEO of RezNext.

rector of Sales

Hotel

Manager,

tor of Sales of

The appointment

and Marketing of

ibis Jaipur. Ear-

DoubleTree

of Mike Kistner

The

Claridges

lier Manish was

Suites by Hilton

signals RezNext’s strong focus on

Hotel and Resorts. In her new role

the Operations Manager at ibis Gur-

Bangalore. She joins the as a pre-

the hotel distribution business. Mike

she will be responsible for driving

gaon and Revenue Manager in Novo-

opening member of the first Double-

is a hospitality industry veteran and

revenue and marketing strategies for

tel

Tree Suites in Asia Pacific. Latha

was most recently Chairman and

The Claridges group which includes

International Convention Centre.

brings to the hotel 20 years of indus-

Chief Executive Officer Pegasus So-

The Claridges New Delhi, Atrium

Manish has over 14 years of experi-

try expertise having had associa-

lutions, Inc. Mike had accepted the

Surajkund, The Claridges Nabha

ence in Front Office Operation,

tions with established hotel brands

position of board member RezNext

Residence Mussoorie and other up-

Sales, Revenue Management and

like The Park, Accor and Hyatt Inter-

earlier this year.

coming projects.

Reservation.

national Hotels & Resorts.

Neeraj Rawoot Executive Chef DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore

Jitin Neol Head of Sales ibis Jaipur

Rajesh Sudan General Manager Hive Alwar

Akhil Arora, Director of Rooms Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Centre

eeraj Rawoot

has been ap-

r u l d i n

itin Neol has

pointed by Dou-

pointed Head of

has been ap-

been

ap-

Kakkar has

Hyderabad

and

Hyderabad

ajesh Sudan

khil Arora is

pointed as the new

appointed Direc-

has been ap-

the recently

bleTree Suites by

Sales, ibis Jaipur.

GM of Hive Alwar

tor of Rooms of

Hilton Bangalore

His first associa-

recently.

Hive

Renaissance

as its Executive

tion with Accor

Alwar is a modern

Mumbai Conven-

Chef. He joins as the pre-opening

India began in 2008 supporting the

international standard hotel in Alwar.

tion Centre Hotel. In his current role

member of the first DoubleTree

launch of ibis in India. Jitin comes with

Rajesh, with 21 years of experience in

he oversees all areas of the Rooms

Suites by Hilton in Asia Pacific.

over 8 years of experience and hails

Hospitality Sector brings with him an

Division which include Front Office,

Neeraj brings with him 16 years’ of

from International Institute of Man-

extensive pool of experiences from im-

Reservations,

experience in the hospitality industry.

agement Technology, Gurgaon (IIMT).

plementing new F&B concepts to

Housekeeping, Laundry and Spa.

Airport

services,

He would be responsible for opening

Jitin has earlier worked with Country

building strategic alliances with vari-

Additionally he is primarily respon-

the hotel’s all day dining and Pan

Inn & Suites by Carlson, Jaypee Hotels

ous key figures and corporations in

sible for the overall guest satisfac-

Asian destination-Asia Alive.

and Radisson Edwardian Hampshire.

the hospitality industry.

tion levels of the hotel.

OCTOB ER 201 3|