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Ecuador
a tiny country with immense diversity
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FROM THE EDITOR
Diversification: the way forward
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SRISHTI RAI Editor
t is sad that a country like India with so much diversity is still not a year-long destination. India's tourism sector has mostly been focused on culture and heritage, whereas the country has much more to offer. Foreign tourists visit India mostly during the winter, spanning from October to March. The share of India’s foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in the world’s total international tourist arrivals in 2016 was meagre 0.71%, which also includes non-resident Indians (NRIs). Ideally, visits by NRIs to their families and friends should not be counted as FTAs because these visits hardly contribute to the country's tourism economy. Therefore, if we exclude visits by NRIs, the actual share of India in the world's total international tourist arrivals could be much less than 0.71 %. Even the tiny neighbour like Sri Lanka receives more foreign tourists than India. The government aims to increase India’s share of FTAs to 1% of world’s International tourist arrivals by 2020 and 2% by 2025. In order to achieve this target, India will have to adopt a holistic approach of tourism development. There is need to identify and focus on every aspect of tourism. Simply put, governments and stakeholders will have to diversify the country's tourism basket, by tapping into the incredible diversity of the country. The industry has to look beyond its
traditional attractions and promote products like adventure tourism, eco-tourism, wellness, and so on. Some states are promoting one or other kind of tourism, but the varied tourism potential of the country remains largely untapped. One seasonal tourism that the industry and governments must focus on is the monsoon tourism, which has immense potential to grow in many parts of the country. At present, a few states and companies are promoting this seasonal tourism; the aim should be to promote it in a big way. A formidable marketing campaign to advertise our monsoon tourism should be conducted every year in our source markets, prior to the start of the monsoon. In this issue read, our cover story, 'Monsoon Tourism: a growing fad in India' on page 18. Due to extreme temperatures and deforestation, some destinations are undergoing ecological changes, therefore, it is time to travel to those endangered destinations before they become off-limits. Read our feature 'Travel trend: last chance travel' (page 28) to know about some endangered destinations. The issue carries the exclusive interview of the ambassador of Ecuador to India, H.E. Dr. Patricio Garcés Ramírez, who speaks about the vast tourism potential of his country. Enjoy reading!!
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Publisher & Editor Srishti Rai Director Bharat S. Rai
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Managing Editor Prem Kumar General Manager - Marketing Prem Sagar premsagar@tnhindia.com (M) +91 99106 81111
18 COVER STORY Monsoon Tourism : a growing fad in India
Art Director Sunny Singh
38 DIPLOMAT'S CORNER Ecuador: a tiny country with immense diversity
Web Designer Mohit Chaudhary Senior Reporter Archana Sharma
06 NEWS VFS Global to promote Zimbabwe in India and GCC region
Correspondent (Kolkata) Swaati Chaudhury Accounts Chander Shakher Balodi Administration Executive Sarwat Jahan
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13 NEWS ITH partners with TrawellTag Cover-More
For any query, write to us at: info@tnhindia.com
www.tnhglobal.com Printed, published and owned by Srishti Rai. Printed at Somsons Printing Works, 1/7, DoctorĂŠs Lane, Gole Market, New Delhi - 110001, and published at P- 23/90, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110001; Editor: SRISHTI RAI
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14 NEWS Saawan Weekends in the land of Brij 16 NEWS 2018’s favorite monsoon destinations for Indian travelers 21 NEWS Monsoon tourist trails in East
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22 NEWS This Onam, witness Kerala in all its glory! 26 HOTEL REVIEW Luxury hotel providing glorious insights into traditional Indian culture 28 FEATURE Travel trend: last chance travel
22 33 NEWS '2019: A Monumental Year' for New York City 34 BITE CORNER Delicious and Authentic Nepal Thali
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NEWS
VFS GLOBAL TO PROMOTE ZIMBABWE IN INDIA AND GCC REGION Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has appointed VFS Global to promote Zimbabwe as a tourist destination in India and GCC region.
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n a move to enhance destination awareness and foster market visibility, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has appointed VFS Global to promote Zimbabwe as a preferred tourism destination in both India and GCC region, through a collaborative relationship. As part of the agreement, VFS Global would support ZTA to build a unique identity of Zimbabwe as a potential tourist destination by educating and spreading awareness to tour operators, travel agents, MICE planners and the general traveller based in India or GCC region. Commenting on the new partnership, Dr Karikoga Kaseke, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority said, "We have not been active in the GCC region and our absence has created room for negative perceptions to prevail. However, we are now ready for this market because Zimbabwe is now open for business. Through the appointment of VFS Global as market representatives for Zimbabwe in the GCC region we aim for increased awareness of Zimbabwe and establish destination presence and visibility. We anticipate a rise in arrivals from GCC region to 13500 by 2021 as VFS Global embarks on aggressively
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marketing the country. Zimbabwe has recently targeted India as a primary market due to its potential resulting from the rapid growing disposable incomes in India. India is a huge market for Zimbabwe, hence the modest approach is to target at least 16000 Indian travellers by 2021. This will be done through sustainable destination marketing that will be done by VFS Global." Jiten Vyas, Regional Group COO, VFS Global added, “As a country bestowed with rich cultural heritage, Zimbabwe is strengthening its tourism business and entering its potential markets. We are pleased to partner with ZTA to put this country that has so much of untapped tourism potential on the world map for travellers from India and GCC who can now experience the beautiful nation of Zimbabwe. By promoting Zimbabwe’s tourism, we can positively contribute towards the brand building and the economic development of this country.” A world of wonders, Zimbabwe
prides itself to being home of the Majestic Victoria Falls; one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site that is the biggest curtain of water in the world in the Zambezi River. In fact, the ten reasons for any tourist to visit Zimbabwe are Peace and Tranquility, Safety and Security, Wonderful People and Culture, The Majestic Victoria Falls, Rich History and Heritage, Great Zimbabwe the Grand Medieval Palace, The Mystique of the Eastern Highlands, Pristine Wildlife and Nature, The Mythical Kariba and Mighty Zambezi and the Beautiful Weather. The agreement was officially signed by Dr. Karikoga Kaseke, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority on 14 June 2018 at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Office Boardroom, Harare in the presence of other eminent dignitaries from VFS Global, travel and trade fraternity along with the members of the press. With Zimbabwe recently opening its doors for business by undertaking initiatives to boost air connectivity and enhance investments globally, the initiative to build visibility in key markets like India and GCC region are underway, which is evident from the increase of over 63% in arrivals in 2017 from both locations cumulatively on a year-on-year comparison. by TNH DESK
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NEWS
Ethiopian Airlines to expand operations in India From delivering its 100th aircraft in June to starting Ethiopian Holidays in India, the airline plans sustainable growth for ‘Vision 2025’. Ethiopian Airlines has been a pioneer in African aviation. The carrier has been spearheading aviation technology in the continent for decades, since the first jet service in Africa in 1962. It now contains one of the youngest and most modern civil aeronautics fleets in the world, with an average age of fewer than five years and with examples such as Boeing 787-900 and Airbus A350, the first African B787 Dreamliner and is leading the way again by providing the first African A350 XWB. by TNH DESK
Kerala Tourism to lure more domestic travellers; announces phase-I of trade meets The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, is all set to kick start its five-month long promotional campaign in the high-potential domestic markets. Kerala Tourism has plans to conduct 15 B2B meets across domestic markets in order to attract the maximum number of domestic travellers to its various destinations. by TNH DESK
VITS LUXURY HOTELS UNVEILS 'VITS MANGO BLOSSOM, GURUGRAM' VITS Luxury Hotels has unveiled ‘VITS Mango Blossom, Gurugram’, a luxury corporate hotel located near Udyog Vihar Industrial Hub. Conveniently situated in the heart of Millennium City Gurugram the hotel infuses a perfect blend of sophistication and functionality. Well-connected through railways, road and air to all major cities the hotel offers ease of travel and transit to all the corporate travelers. Announcing the launch, Chandrakant Shetty, CEO of VITS Luxury Business Hotels says, “We are extremely upbeat on the exponential growth prospects in Gurugram
that has fueled demand of upscale mid- market hotels in this region. The city has seen steady growth in inflow of business travelers in the last two decades but there is still acute shortage of upscale mid-market hotel rooms. We are extremely delighted to bridge this gap with the launch of our first property in Gurugram. We believe VITS Mango Blossom with its strategic location, imposing décor, banqueting and host of hospitality will appeal to both leisure and business tourists”. The well-furnished accommodation blends contemporary design with unmatched comfort. by TNH DESK
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INTERVIEW
“Technology inspiring travel is our business mantra and motto” In an exclusive interview with TnH, Ankush Nijhawan, Co-founder of TBO Group talks about the key achievements and latest innovations in his group.
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was the FY 2017-18 for TBO? What were Q How the key achievements? FY 2017- 18 was a great year for us. TBO as company grew by 40% over the last financial year. There were some new things which TBO launched, for example, we launched our ‘Roamer App’ which is a very neutral app that helps a travel agent to interact with his customers just like a Whatsapp interface. I think this app is very important for our partners to ensure that they serve our customers in a better and more efficient way. TBO also launched the blue screen of Amadeus so, today any travel agent who doesn’t have an Amadeus blue screen can now actually login to the TBO portal and can use the same blue screen which is available through an Amadeus direct monitor. We will soon be integrating Galileo as well. TBO’s first mantra has always been ‘technology inspiring travel’ and that completes our motto. Today, we are present in 93 countries, operate 26 global offices and employ almost 30 different nationalities. There are many languages in which TBO talks to its travel partners such as Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, English and French etc. Our focus this year is to aggressively penetrate Asia Pacific. been a year since GST came into force. Q ItHowhaswas its impact on your business? For me, GST is another name for service tax. There has been more hue and cry about it. The only challenge that people or the whole industry faced a lot was
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Ankush Nijhawan Co-founder of TBO Group
the process of getting used to it. At TBO, we started adopting and building our software much before the GST was implemented. So, when it was launched, we were well-equipped to help our partners and staff internally. will you rank TBO in the B2B online space? Q How How competitive and vibrant is this segment in India? I don’t want to boast about myself. Let the market answer this question. Let them claim on who we are, how do we lead in the B2B space. Well, B2B is here to stay. People still believe into a travel agent. There was a report that stated the millennials today still want to get back to the offline world. Domestic air is a commodity where many people go online and book directly through the large OTAs but the rest still believes in taking help from travel agents. So, there is a lot of
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INTERVIEW/NEWS
customers to access all the essential information and updates about their trips. In a short span of time, Roamer has gained over 8,000 downloads worldwide with 200 bookings pushed to the app on daily basis. The only thing that was missing is TBO App which has been very well-received and acknowledged by the travel fraternity. This app helps our customers to book sitting anywhere in the world. scope left for B2B plus companies like us who are hand holding its travel agents for their survival. are the regions where you see maximum Q What growth opportunity? India is definitely our pole position. We are very strongly established in the Middle East and Africa. The regions which we definitely put a lot of focus in terms of infrastructure, capital and people are Latin America, Asia Pacific and Australian markets which have started shooting some great numbers in 2018-19. are new features you have introduced for Q What your trade partners? Roamer is the latest addition to our innovations. It is the e-travel pocketbook for travel agents and travelers around the world. Roamer makes it possible for users /
will restructuring hotels and packages help Q How TBO to become a leader in this vertical? TBO is by far the leader with large gap but the holiday and packages is the business which is significant. After a lot of discussion internally in the team, we decided to hit the offline market. We are focusing on emerging destinations such as Iceland, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, the Balkans and Scandinavia because these are the places where I think the opportunity is. Offline is something which TBO shied away from because we want to be online player. However, if we have decided to be in offline, we would rather be in a space which is left right now and that is how we want to grow in the next 5 years as these destinations will surely emerge once travelers are bored from the typical European and the far-east destinations.
Lords Hotels & Resorts launches new property in Chotila Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced plans of launching another new resort in the State. Currently under construction, the resort is expected to commence operations in the last quarter of 2018 making it the chain’s 16th property in Gujarat and overall its 29th. To be launched as Lords Resort Chotila, the fortysix rooms resort will offer accommodations to the pilgrimage tourists visiting the popular Chotila Mata Mandir. Being a resort property it will host all kinds of recreational facilities which will serve as great holiday stays for the leisure tourists too. The development is also in line with Lords Hotels & Resorts’ focus on
capitalizing on pilgrimage tourism – a segment which is one of the support pillars of the Incredible India campaign. Chotila is a Hindu temple town located in Chotila Taluka of District Surendranagar near Rajkot. Lords Resort Chotila is a folk theme resort that will appeal to the tastes of both the pilgrimage as well as the leisure tourists. “We are delighted to announce our
P R Bansal COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts
latest venture in Chotila. This will be our eighth property located at a pilgrimage site,” said P R Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts. by TNH DESK
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NEWS
ACTION ON TOURISM SUSTAINABILITY NEEDS EXTRA PUSH, SAYS UNWTO REPORT In line with its vision of advancing sustainability through tourism, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) released its flagship publication ‘Tourism for Development’ in Brussels on 6 June during the European Development Days (EDD), and called for greater awareness of sustainability in tourism policies and business practices as well as in tourist behaviour. ‘Tourism for Development’ provides concrete recommendations on how to use tourism as an effective means for achieving sustainable development. It shows that tourism has a global reach and has positive effects on many other sectors. Not only does the sector spearhead growth, it also improves the quality of people’s lives, supports environmental protection, by TNH DESK champions diverse cultural heritage.
Gir National Park to remain closed for monsoon The Gir National Park, which is popular for being housing more than 500 Asiatic lions, will remain closed for the next four months. Both domestic and international tourists will have to wait till October 15 to plan a trip to this sanctuary. The four month break period will last throughout the monsoon season, i.e., from June 16 to October 15. Referring to this development, Naval Aparnathi, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) informed that the park remains closed during this period every year, as it is the breeding season for lions and other wildlife. Also, the roads become patchy and muddy during monsoon seasons and is considby TNH DESK ered unsafe.
RADISSON LAUNCHES NEW PROPERTY IN NINGBO
Radisson Hotel Group has expanded its upscale Radisson hotels in China, with the launch of Radisson Ningbo Beilun in the thriving port city of Ningbo, Zhejiang province. Radisson Ningbo Beilun is a new-build hotel in the city’s Beilun district, a free trade
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zone, close to one of China’s largest international ports. Scheduled to open in Q3, 2018, the hotel will be part of a mixed development, INSHOW City, a commercial complex that will showcase China’s first nautical theme and largest city light show. The stylish 21-storey hotel is strategically located within proximity to commercial offices, dining outlets, retail malls, parks and a media broadcasting base. Connected to major expressways, the hotel is just a 45minute drive from Ningbo Lishe International Airport, and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport,
major air transportation hubs that offer connections across Asia. Radisson Ningbo Beilun is also easily accessible to attractions including Harbor Land Theme Park, Jiufeng Mountain, Yangshashan Seaside Resort, China Port Museum, Ancient Asoka Temple and other natural and cultural sights in Beilun district. “Ningbo is the perfect fit for the internationally renowned Radisson brand. The city’s emerging industrial sector and the success of the vast Ningbo International Port also make it one of Asia’s dynamic cities and a key business hub. by TNH DESK
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NEWS
Rove Hotels announces Rove La Mer in Dubai Mastercard releases Global Destination Cities Index Punta Cana, Cusco and Djerba lead Global Destination Cities Index: Play International travel continues to grow at an incredible rate, transforming local economies and enabling people to broaden their horizons - whether they travel for work or for play. Building on nearly a decade of insight into international travel trends, Mastercard recently released Global Destination Cities Index: Play, a look at the international destinations with the highest concentration of visitors traveling for relaxation and leisure, not business. Punta Cana leads the list of top ten cities where more than 90 percent of overnight visitor travel in 2017 was for purposes beyond business—such as vacation or family visits. The list includes several lesser-known destinations that cater to eco-tourists, history buffs, beach goers and adventure seekers. With cultures uniquely their own but a common focus on relaxation and fun, the cities are: 1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (99.9%) 2. Cusco, Peru (98%) 3. Djerba, Tunisia (97.7%) 4. Riviera Maya, Mexico (97.5%) 5. Palma de Mallorca, Spain (97.2%) by TNH DESK
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366-room Rove La Mer set in an inspiring lifestyle and leisure environment with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and the iconic city skyline. Rove Hotels has announced Rove La Mer located in the heart of La Mer, Dubai’s world-class beachfront. Set by the Arabian Gulf and with spectacular views of the city skyline, the 366-room Rove La Mer marks the newest addition to
the growing portfolio of Rove Hotels properties in the UAE. Rove La Mer stands out for its central location at La Mer, a destination created by Meraas that benefits from a minimalist and contemporary design. Stretching into the ocean in the Jumeirah 1 neighbourhood, La Mer offers an inspiring lifestyle and leisure environment surrounded by 2.5 kilometres of relaxing by TNH DESK sandy beaches.
Hong Kong's first Airbus A350-1000 comes home Aircraft is the catalyst for Cathay Pacific to launch new destinations and provide an enhanced travel experience. Cathay Pacific welcomed the newest member to its fleet as the first of its 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft prepares to fly from Toulouse, France to the airline’s home of Hong Kong today on a blend of biofuel. Eight of these aircraft will be delivered this year with the remainder to arrive by 2021. by TNH DESK
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NEWS
ITH PARTNERS WITH TRAWELLTAG COVER-MORE ITH has joined hands with TrawellTag Cover-More to offer travel assistance & insurance for corporate travels. ITH is India’s leading travel management company offering bouquet of travel solutions for last 34 years. TrawellTag CoverMore is India’s leading provider of travel assistance &insurance solutions to numerous business houses& corporate giants. TrawellTag Cover-More will provide corporate travel assistance services along with comprehensive medical & personal assistance services to the customer base of ITH. ITH being in the business of corporate travel solutions has allied with TrawellTag Cover-More for the seamless provision expert realtime travel protection. Talking on the partnership, Ajay Kumar – CEO Interna-
tional Travel House quoted, “This Partnership is a joint effort of both the groups to service our customers. TrawellTag Cover-More’s product offering goes beyond traditional travel insurance, we look forward to working with TrawellTag Cover-More.” Elaborating on the collaboration, Founder & CEO – India & Emerging Markets –CoverMore India, Dev Karvat said, “ITH desired for a product that is beyond traditional travel insurance, to serve their frequent corporate travellers. Our products being all-inclusive and concurrent with customers’ travel needs are a perfect fit for ITH’s requirement”.
Scouting for opportunities in tier-II cities Commanding a robust market presence in India, Sri Lankan Airlines is increasing its flight frequencies from major Indian metros. Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka is on an expansion binge in the Indian aviation sector. The airline operates 135 weekly flights and touches down 14 destinations in India. The airline player has
launched double-daily flight services from Mumbai sometime in November, last year and it also has doubledaily flight operations from cities like Tiruchirappalli and Kochi. As of now, the airline is concentrating on expanding its footprints and increasing its flight services in the country. It has the most number of flights from by TNH DESK Chennai.
Dev Karvat Founder & CEO - India & Emerging Markets - Cover-More India
Over the years, TrawellTag Cover-More has been providing expert travel assistance and insurance services to different corporates. With cutting edge technology & advanced infrastructure, TrawellTag CoverMore will continue to offer best services to customer base of by TNH DESK ITH.
On the move to grow as a multi-faceted tourist hub With heritage as its forte, the department of tourism, Puducherry is expanding its horizon with beach tourism. Best-known as a spiritual and heritage destination in the country, the bygone French colony of Puducherry is all set to emerge as a popular beach destination in the coming times. by TNH DESK
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NEWS
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NEWS
Saawan Weekends in the land of Brij
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onsoons have a long drawn affair with Govardhan. Centuries ago Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Mountain to protect the people of Govardhan from the fury of heavy rain that lashed the place. Though it does not rain like this anymore, Govardhan’s love affair with Monsoons continues. Devotees look forward to rains as it restores the pristine glory of the Govardhan Mountain as atmosphere gets mesmerising with dancing peacocks, sound of bansuri playing in the background and flowers spreading their fragrance. This apart, visit during monsoons is considered highly auspicious. Keeping this is mind Shri Radha Brij Vasundhara Resort & Spa has introduced a special monsoon weekend package named “Saawan Weekend”. The package will be available for a period
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of two months from July 1 to August 31. Available on the weekends, the package provides for traditional welcome with Chandan Teeka and Tulsi Mala followed by Panchamrit (welcome drink) and appetisers from the cuisine of Brij. Specially designed décor-Phool Bangla in the lobby zone which will give feel and look of Saawan décor from Brij temples. In the evening at the club garden there will be special Rasleela programme performed by local artists followed by phoolon ki Holi. The package also entails besides complimentary breakfast, a Brij special Buffet Dinner at Matki restaurant. Besides guest will be provided with memobralia, a guest photo in a Matki. This apart, the guest can always take a dip in all weather indoor swimming pool and gymnasium. Considering the privileges on offer, the package is reasonably priced with one room luxury cot-
tage (for 2 persons) available for a weekend night just for ` 5,000/plus taxes only. The same package goes up to ` 8,000/- plus taxes for two bedroom luxury cottage for 4 persons. In addition the guest can avail huge 50 percent discount on spa packages. According to Tanya Agrawal, Director, Shri Radha Brij Vasundhara Resort & Spa, “Monsoon leads to spike in tourist inflow in Govardhan and lot of them come in during weekends. This package which has been designed keeping in mind their needs, and will be an added incentive for them to consider staying with us”. Brij Vasundhara built at the feet of the sacred Govardhan Parvat (Hill) redefines luxury in this divine land. Idyllically located at the basis of the pious Govardhan Parikrama, this spectacular resort brings you closer to the God. by TNH DESK
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NEWS
Oman simplifies Visa-on-Arrival for Indian travellers
Monaco welcomes Japanese Ikebana Ikenobo, the oldest and most prestigious school of Japanese ikebana, to visit Monaco and offer free ikebana demonstration of the traditional art form. Ikebana flower arrangement is one of the representative aspects of Japanese traditional culture and was established by the Ikenobo more than 555 years ago. Like a poem or painting made with flowers, Ikenobo's ikebana expresses both the beauty of flowers and the beauty of longing in our own hearts. Ikenobo's spirit has continued to spread around the world, with local chapters in major cities and the hosting of exhibitions both across Japan and abroad. Ikenobo hopes to draw the world’s people together through their art. As Honorary Consul of Iceland, Headmaster Designate Senko Ikenobo has continuously contributed to fostering international friendship, for example through a flower offering ceremony with wishes for world piece which was conducted in 2013 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. by TNH DESK
Oman has relaxed its visa rules to attract more tourists by granting visa on arrival (unsponsored tourist visa) for the citizens of India who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of these countries – US, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan and Schengen States to enter the Sultanate of Oman. Oman visa on arrival can also be availed by the spouse (husband/wife) and children of the visa holder of any of these 6 mentioned countries as long as they are accompanying him/her, even if they do not hold a visa from these countries. Terms and conditions to apply for Visa on Arrival in Oman • The applicant shall hold a passport valid for not less than six months from the date of expiry • The applicant shall have a return ticket and a confirmed hotel reservation in order to be granted the visa • The applicant for the Omani Tourist visa shall be a resident in or holding an entry visa to one of the following countries (Unites States of America, Canada, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom and Schengen States) provided that his/her residence or visa in these countries. by TNH DESK
The UN Conference on the Aviation Industry’ to be held in Korea The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has selected Korean Air as the host of next year's annual general meeting. The annual general meeting
(AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), socalled ‘the United Nations Conference on the Aviation Industry’, will be held in June next year in Seoul. The 74th Annual General Meeting of IATA was held in Syd-
ney, Australia for four days (2-5 June 2018) and chose Korean Air to host next year’s IATA AGM. by TNH DESK
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monsoon
NEWS
2018’s favorite destinations for Indian travelers
Hotels.com has revealed Indians' monsoon travel hotlist for 2018. Eternal Summer travel pick Goa has emerged as the most popular choice with six locations in the state making it to the top slots. New international destinations emerge on the radar for Indian travelers.
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onsoons usher in the much needed respite from sultry Indian summers. While travel during monsoons was long viewed as challenging, Indian travelers are seen stepping up to the challenge -albeit in different ways. Some escape the monsoons by travelling to interesting foreign locales and others make the most of the monsoons by exploring destinations in their home country. Though traditionally not considered a preferred travel period, monsoon travel has significantly grown in popularity and now has a permanent place in the annual tourism calendar. As the monsoon winds make their presence felt, Hotels.com reveals the top destinations Indians are jetting off to. Hotels.com analyzed the hotel searches made by its rapidly growing Indian consumer base for the period of July 2018 to August 2018 –India’s 2018 monsoon travel hotlist has been developed based on this. The list calls out the top 10
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international and domestic destinations on the Indian travelers’ monsoon bucket-list. The top international destinations feature the immensely popular London-Paris-New York trinity. These regularly frequented, high fashion destinations continue to catch the fancy of Indians. This interest can additionally be attributed to the vast number of Bollywood movies shot in these destinations. Queen bought Paris back to the limelight, while English Vinglish brought to life the beautiful neighborhoods of New York. On the short-haul front – Bali, Singapore, Pattaya, Dubai and Bangkok steal the thunder. The fact that there are 5 short-haul Asia Pacific destinations on the top 10 list only corroborates the growing trend of travelers preferring to take short but multiple holidays in a year. The top growing destinations bring to light some refreshingly new locations like Florence, Mykonos and Legian –showing that Indians are steadily moving
Top 10 Most Searched Domestic Destinations for Indian Travelers during the Monsoon Season (July – August 2018)
away from the tried-and-tested holidays and are hungry to explore fresh destinations offering new, unique experiences. The small yet scenic state of Goa is the uncontested winner in the top growth destinations category. Colva, Arpora, Dona Paula and Cansaulim see a staggering 156%, 153%, 105% and 57% increase in searches (respectively) vis-à-vis 2017. Goa, best known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe, is a huge hitespecially amongst the younger Indian traveler segment. Calangute and Candolim have also emerged as the top searched domestic destinations for the upcoming monsoon season in Goa. by TNH DESK
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COVER STORY
MONSOON TOURISM: A FAST GROWING FAD IN INDIA v B PREM KUMAR
Monsoon Tourism is a growing trend in India, with hotels and travel companies offering attractive packages. Travel during the monsoon season can become more popular through policy measures and better infrastructure.
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ndoubtedly, the monsoon is a fascinating season in India, which arrival brings relief and joy in many parts of the country reeling under the scorching heat of the summer. The monsoon season is traditionally viewed as a positive force and people eagerly await its arrival. Many destinations become more attractive and pleasant during
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the monsoon due to clear air, cool breeze and cloudy sky. The monsoon season in India generally covers four months from June to September. The arrival of monsoon also marks the start of the festival season in the country, and such festivals bring an ethnic charm to the respective destinations. The idea of the monsoon tourism is gaining ground in India over the years. The state of Kerala was probably the
first state in India to recognize the tourism opportunity during the monsoon and started to promote this tourism. With its beautiful landscapes and wellness products, Kerala converted its monsoon season into a tourism season, thus becoming a year-round destination. Destinations like Wayanad, Kovalam, Athirappilly, Munnar, Thekkady and Kumarakom have become popular among tourists in the monsoon.
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COVER STORY Kerala has smartly included its Ayurveda into the monsoon tourism. It is said that the Monsoon is the best time to optimize the benefits of Yoga. Goa, otherwise popular winter destination, has also realized the potential of Monsoon Tourism. The state known for its scenic beaches is gradually becoming a popular monsoon destination as well, for its seasonal rains and green environment. The state saw 60 % rise in tourist arrivals during the last monsoon season. As the monsoon season is not the peak season of tourism, demands for accommodations and other travel services are low, making travel less expensive. Those who could not have holidays during the winter and summer, or those who want to travel during extended weekend, the monsoon tourism offers a great chance to travel. This time around, many hotels and travel companies offer huge discounts and attractive packages. At present, the monsoon tourism is more popular
among the domestic travellers, but gradually the number of foreign visitors is also increasing. According to FCM Travel Solutions, monsoon travel and getaways have seen a significant uptake and are holding a permanent place in the annual tourism calendar of Indian travellers. Rakshit Desai, MD, FCM Travel Solutions - Indian Subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group, Australia, says that traditionally a lean period, monsoons have become the most awaited travel time of year in India over the years. "Travellers
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COVER STORY who wish to avoid peak summer holiday season and enjoy the lucrative off-season deals often prefer to travel during monsoons. We have observed rising interest in queries for destinations such Goa, Kerala, Andaman, Darjeeling, Mysore, Ooty, Kodaikanal and more. The locales offer refreshing mid-year breaks into the lap of nature and truly enhance the flavour of monsoon. This year we have seen a steady uptake of 28% in monsoon bookings over last year. Additionally, the rise in bookings can be appropriately attributed to various promotional deals offered by airlines.” The monsoon tourism offers the Indian tourism industry an opportunity to make the country a yearround destination and increase overall arrivals to the country. Although some state tourism boards have come up with their plans to promote monsoon tourism, India's Ministry of Tourism should also take adequate steps to promote monsoon tourism. State Governments and the centre should incentivize travel during the monsoon by offering tax rebate, increasing number of paid holidays for employees and through any other incentive. During the monsoon, some parts of the country see heavy rains and flooding that creates a perception that travelling in India is not safe during the monsoon, whereas the truth is that only a few parts see heavy rains and the most parts of the country remain safe and pleasant to visit. In order to dispel this misconception, the central tourism
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SOTC Travel introduces special monsoon travel packages SOTC Travel has launched their annual monsoon travel packages to provide best value deals to customers on their bookings for the season. Despite being a traditional off season, SOTC Travel has witnessed a significant increase in queries and demand for Monsoon 2018. The delightful combination of value-for-money packages together with an assortment of breathtaking Indian and global destinations makes these packages a great option for travellers. These deals are available across SOTC’s Omni-channel network – its online platforms (mobile & website), call centers & extensive offline outlets. Speaking on this seasonal offer, Amod Thatte, Head Product, Contracting & Innovation, SOTC Travel said, “The Monsoons offer Indians time for rejuvenation & relaxation, a mini-break from work routines. In our constant effort to give our customers the best deals, SOTC Travel has curated incredible deals to a series of destinations. We see an impressive growth in the number of India’s working millennial opting for these getaways in addition to families.” He added, “We have designed special itineraries offering great value for money for our price sensitive consumers and these packages are extremely popular with customers with Air Inclusive Holidays starting at INR 38,000 for International Travel and INR 31,900 for Domestic Travel.”
ministry should disseminate right information in India's source markets. It should be aggressively highlighted that India is a big country and while many places in the country see normal rains, very few parts have serious problems of flooding. So it is quite safe to visit India during the monsoon.
In conclusion, the Monsoon tourism has immense potential to grow and this potential can be fully tapped through proper policy measure and plans.
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NEWS
Monsoon tourist trails in East With travel bugs biting Indians off season, monsoon destinations in eastern states of India have caught the fancy of travellers.
v B SWAATI CHAUDHURY Y
C
ome monsoon and it’s time to set off on a much-awaited trip to the pilgrim resort of Puri, the land of Lord Jagannath for the devouts to catch glimpses of the annual Rath Yatra or the chariot festival to be held on July 14, this year. During the days of the chariot festival, the pilgrim resort is overflowing with legions of visitors jostling to have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath. The hospitality properties in the pilgrim resort run full occupancy and without advance reservations, it’s impossible to check into any hotels. The sea beach is overcrowded and there are a slew of special trains introduced to bring tourists to the pilgrim resort.
Besides Puri, there are a number of prominent tourist destinations in Odisha that have a steady flow of tourists during rains. Odisha Tourism sources put forth that touristy places like Konark, Chilka, Nandankanan and Gopalpur-on-sea have emerged popular with monsoon tourists since the state is well-developed with transport facilities. Bhubaneshwar-bound travellers head to Nadankanan, Konark, Chilka and Gopalpur while there are tourists visiting Balasore to head off to
Chandipur, the virgin sea beach of Talsari and the revered Panchalingeshwar shrine (27.7 km) in the vicinity of Nilagiri hill. Tourists are also on the way to Taptapani around 50 km from Berhampore. The pilgrim resort of Puri had nearly 12 lakh devotees last year and there will be 15 lakh arrivals this year. West Bengal is also featuring as a popular monsoon tourist destination and one such amazing place has been Dooars in North Bengal. Once upon a time, tourists never thought of embarking upon a trip to Dooars during rains but today it has emerged as a popular monsoon destination. There are a number of fascinating tourist points in Dooars including Bengal Safari Park and Gajoldoba Wetlands, a cherished project of the department of tourism, West Bengal. continued on page 23
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NEWS
habali pleaded with Vamana to take his final step over him in order to spare the earth and surrendered his life. However, the gods granted him his last wish to visit his land for one day each year. Onam commemorates the annual return of Mahabali.
This Onam, witness Kerala in all its glory!
I
t’s the time when, after the monsoons, nature looks radiant in her fresh green garb. It's also the season of plenty when the fields are harvested, the cellars are full, and even the air takes on a festive feel with a gentle, soothing breeze laden with the sweet smell of flowers. Onam is not just the biggest festival of Kerala, but also the most colourful and the most extravagant. It's the festival of homecomings, a tribute to peace and harmony, and a celebration of the true spirit of God's Own Country. The legend of Onam The legend of Onam evokes nostalgic memories of an era of peace and prosperity. An era ruled by the great king Mahabali or Maveli. It is believed that under his reign, peace and happi-
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ness ruled the lives of men. Mahabali's growing power and popularity made the gods envious and they feared that humans would attain godliness. To destroy Mahabali's supremacy on earth, Lord Vishnu in the guise of a dwarf, Vamana, approached Mahabali and requested three paces of land to which the King agreed. The dwarf then assumed his full capacity and with his first step took the celestial world, and the world of the demons in his second. Ma-
Saying it with flowers Elaborate festivities mark Onam that starts formally on the day of the Atham asterism and goes on for ten days. A key highlight of the Onam celebration is the Athapookalam or floral carpets that adorn the front yard of homes to give king Mahabali a glorious welcome. A feast fit for kings Onasadya, the traditional feast is another important part of the Onam celebrations. Served on a plantain leaf, the Sadya is a sumptuous spread of vegetarian delights and rice, along with payasams - a sweet porridge garnished with dried fruits and nuts. The popular saying'Kanam vittum Onam Unnanam' (which loosely translates as ‘One must have the Onam lunch even if he is forced to sell his property’) says much about the importance of Sadya. Today, almost all the resorts and hotels offer tourists a rich and delicious sampling of the Onasadya. A splendid spectacle Another not-to-be-missed Onam festivity is the Thripunithura Athachamayam, a splendid procession that marks the beginning of the Onam festivities. Celebrated with a lot of fanfare on the day of Atham at Thripunithura in
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NEWS
Ernakulam district, the highlights of the event are folk dance performances, dance recitals by renowned artists, musical ensembles and caparisoned elephants. (15th August 2018) Grand Prix on the Great Backwaters The most fascinating and vibrant of the Onam celebrations is the Vallamkali or Snake boat races. Scores of snake boats, manned by 100-125 oarsmen, participate in this event, regarded as the largest team sport in the world. Head to the backwaters of
Alappuzha to witness the spectacular Nehru Trophy Boat Race (11th August 2018). Onam Week Celebrations in the capital Though celebrations are held across the state during Onam, the Tourism Week Celebrations held in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram by Kerala Tourism is the biggest and most colourful. A wide range of programmes including food festivals and art festivals are held during the week that concludes with a grand procession. (24th-30th August 2018)
Tiger, tiger burning bright A common sight during Onam is the Pulikali, a 200-year-old folk art performed by trained artists. The dancers, painted from head to toe to resemble feisty tigers, indulge in a cat-and-mouse session with gun-wielding hunters, in rhythmic steps, to the music of ethnic drums such as thakil and udukku. Take part in the Pulikali in the Swaraj Grounds, Thrissur, and get ready for the wild side of Onam! (28th August 2018)
continued from page 21
Monsoon tourist trails in East Opened seven months ago, Bengal Safari Park in the district of Darjeeling is around 7 km from Siliguri and has gone down well with tourists. For wildlife buffs and nature lovers, attractions galore like Garumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park and Chilapata forest in Dooars. Lataguri, a Dooars’ destination is the place to head for visiting Garumara and Jaldapara National Parks. According to Diprajyoti Chakravorty, Proprietor, Panchavati Forest Resort at Lataguri, “Sprawling over 32 sq.km of land area, one can enjoy tiger safari at Bengal Safari Park and there is Medla watchtower in Garumara National Park that has opened around three years ago. Garumara National Park stretches over 86 sq. km of land area and has Chapramari forest inside the national park. Lataguri has
around 42 resorts and most of these resorts have been reserved. Travellers are booking tourist bungalows in Chapramari forest. There are a host of swift-flowing rivers criss-crossing the land of Dooars like Neora, Jaldhaka, Raidhak, Raimatang, Sankosh, Moorti, Mal, Leesh and Gheesh in Dooars and during rains these rivers are overflowing. It is the sheer beauty of these rivers and the verdant greenery of forests that lure travellers to Dooars during monsoon.”
Tourists on their way to Bhutan also visit Dooars. Chakaravorty said, “There has been a rise in leopard and bison population in Garumara National Park. Tourists also enjoy the thrill of elephant rides in Jaldapara National Park. With 25 per cent rise in monsoon tourists this year, the popular tourist trails are Jayanti, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Garumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park and Chilapata forest.”
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NEWS
RezLive.com receive awards RezLive.com Awarded with 'Certificate of Excellence', 'The CEO Magazine & India’s Most Preferred Travel & Tourism Brands', UBM - 2018. The B2B Global Reservation System, RezLive.com (A Product of Travel Designer Group) has been back to back awarded with 'Certificate of Excellence' award, facilitated
by The CEO Magazine and 'India’s Most Preferred Travel & Tourism Brands' award facilitated by UBM in a ceremony held in New Delhi. Both the Awards honor the best in travel and tourism industry and RezLive.com (A Product of Travel Designer Group) is delighted to receive the same. Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director - RezLive.com, says “Thanks to the efforts of my team at RezLive.com (A Product of Travel Designer Group), we were honored with the two said awards. When awards come in, they do encourage by TNH DESK us to strive harder.”
REZLIVE.COM IS NOW A SUPERBRAND Following a closed-door meeting of the UAE Superbrands Council, Rezlive.com has been voted as a Superbrand in UAE for 2018 in the B2B travel industry. RezLive.com is awarded the Superbrand status by the UAE Superbrands council in the B2B travel industry. The Superbrand status is awarded only to most outstanding brands in a field and RezLive.com is one of the very few brands to gain this recognition in the B2B travel industry. The Superbrand status is a crown jewel for RezLive.com, an awardwinning brand that, over the years, has received twenty-seven awards for the excellence of its product, service, technology and brand value. Participation in Superbrands is only by invitation and the brands are evaluated by a council of emi-
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nent personalities based on several criteria that measures a brand’s value, heritage and positioning. Only exceptional brands make into the final list of Superbrands and RezLive.com is one of them in the UAE region. For all stakeholders, who work with RezLive.com, it is a proof that they are associated with a top brand in the B2B travel industry. “Our recognition as a Superbrand is the result of our exceptional product, backed by strong customer support, robust technology and the trust that our customers have on us”, emphasized Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, RezLive.com. “The Superbrand status reinforces the belief our customers have on us and will help us to excel further”, he added. RezLive.com is a B2B global
UAE’S CHOICE 2018
reservation system that offers accommodation, sightseeing and transfer services to travel agents, tour operators and wholesale travel companies across the globe. The system provides access to 250,000+ hotels and hotel apartments worldwide, 45,000+ sightseeing attractions and private transfers in over 900 cities. by TNH DESK
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HOTEL REVIEW
Luxury hotel providing glorious insights into traditional Indian culture It is unmissable to lose any opportunity of staying at Pride Plaza Hotel Ahmedabad, the premier five-star haunt of the city with its impeccable service and eclectic menu. v B SWAATI CHAUDHURY Y
Visiting Gujarat or the “Land of Legends” and The Heritage City of Ahmedabad in particular and getting soaked in the luxury ambience is a dream of luxury travellers. Life becomes happier when luxury becomes your passion and if you are one of those travel-freaks who have a passion for high life and planning a tour itinerary of Ahmedabad, then there’s no better hospitality group than Pride Plaza Hotel Ahmedabad that beams with pride and has the vibes and energy of the
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land of Saurashtra. You read that right. Call it a stroke of luck when I flew down to the Heritage City of Ahmedabad to have a date with luxury. It was indeed a refreshing experience for me to get immersed in an ambience that exudes a luxurious feel with stunning food. Nestling in a cosy corner of Judges Bungalow Road at Bodakdev, the nine-storied Pride Plaza Hotel Ahmedabad took shape way back in November, 2004 and is inciden-
tally one of the tallest structures in the hospitality scene of the city. With 164 luxury rooms, the hotel is barely 18 km from Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport and around 15 km away from the railway station. It boasts of the largest number of banquet venues in the city and the banquet is wellknown as Imperial. The interiors of the property are well laid out with handicrafts and paintings illustrating the lifestyle of Saurashtra. The lobby overlooks the atrium reaching up to the 9th floor. With music wafting in the lobby, there is a live display of Hindustani classical music. Since the hotel provides sound views of traditional handicraft of Gujarat, I could stumble upon the art works along the corridor. According to Binay Kumar Thakur, Associate Vice President, Pride Hotels Limited, “Lying in the business hub of the city, the hotel is a perfect MICE address flaunting cosmopolitan Indian culture.” The hotel is well geared with a large swimming pool, gym and Ekantaa spa that provides well-
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HOTEL REVIEW
Verdict: The luxury property is a highly preferred destination for MICE travellers and all those who are interested to get steeped into traditional Indian culture and get glimpses of Saurashtra art, get set go to the hospitality property. ness therapy. Fitness is the next big thing that is catching up fast with the city residents. Besides, Swedish, Thai and Balinese therapy, the spa focuses more on Abhyanga therapy for the holistic well-being of an individual. Amit K Singh, General Manager, Pride Plaza Hotel Ahmedabad commented, “We have nine banquet halls with a seating capacity of 10 to 1,000 guests. It is the proximity of our hotel from the airport, railway station and bus stand and our personalized service as well that makes it one of the favourite haunts for MICE tourists. We take care of our MICE travellers right from their accommodation to organizing conferences.”
Ahmedabad has a robust presence of pharmaceutical players that form a large part of the corporate group hosting conferences and meetings in the hotel. Singh said, “The hospitality industry in the city is witnessing constant growth and there is healthy competition among the players.” The hospitality property stands tall with two fine-dining restaurants including Angare and Cafe Treat- an all-day dining outlet. For foodies intending to savour the authentic delights of Saurashtra, this
is the place to be in. The city of Ahmedabad has around 25 luxury hospitality players and the scenario is hotting up. So what makes Pride Plaza Hotel stand off from others. Singh further said, “When we discuss about any luxury hospitality property, the hotel itself is a reflection of the city and depicts the prosperous growth of the state. The hotel revolves around five norms of a traveller- Bhumi (land), Bhesh (attire), Bhasha (language), Bhojan (dining) and Bhajan (music). Our hotel highlights the glorious tradition of our country, the traditional Indian culture, the handicraft of Saurashtra and the music that has become its lifestyle.” The luxury player has expansion plans on the horizon. Singh added, “There are plans to open business hotels in the name of Pride Biznotel in places like Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot in a couple of years’ time. We do have plans to come up with an exclusive South Indian restaurant called Simply South that will be defined by five South Indian states, culture and languages but million flavours and tastes.”
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FEATURE
Dead Sea
Venice
TRAVEL TREND: LAST CHANCE TRAVEL With some destinations undergoing major ecological changes like extreme temperatures and deforestation, people are in a hurry to explore these endangered destinations before they become offlimits. While earlier the mantra was to see top places “before you die,” the new trend is to see these unique natural wonders “before they vanish”.
v B NEHA KIRPAL
Glacier National Park Montana
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Some of the top destinations for last-chance travel include the following: Dead Sea: A landlocked salt lake bordered by Jordan, Israel and Palestine, the Dead Sea is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. The sea is roughly 8.6 times saltier than the ocean, which makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish—hence, its
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name. Reportedly, the Dead Sea, the lowest point of the earth, is gradually shrinking under the heat of the Middle Eastern sun. So, tourists are in a rush to see it before it completely recedes. Venice: Climate studies warn that Venice could disappear in a hundred years’ time. That’s probably much more than your or my lifetime, but travellers want to leave
no stone unturned, and so have made it a part of their travel bucket list. According to reports, the global sea rise could sink the Italian city. The Mediterranean is expected to rise by up to five feet before 2100— an effect of global warming—due to which Venice and much of Italy's north Adriatic coastline will be swallowed by water.
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FEATURE
Glacier National Park, Montana: The 37 glaciers remaining at the Glacier National Park are vanishing. In the past half century, some of the ice formations in Montana have lost 85% of their size, and the average shrinkage is 39%, according to a study. Tourists all over the world have woken up to these statistics, and many have decided to pay the park a visit before it’s gone. Maldives: A vanishing paradise, the over 1,190 coral islands of the Maldives are expected to be swallowed by the ocean in the near future. None of the islands have mountains or rivers, and the islands are merely two metres above sea level, making them the world’s lowest country in elevation. It’s hard to imagine that this destination most popular for honeymooners may be gone forever within a span of 80 years or so. Great Barrier Reef: According to scientists, 93% of the Great Barrier Reef has been devastated by coral bleaching. Climate change—an increase in the temperature of the ocean and its acidity—threaten its existence. If they continue to rise at the present rate, the reef will be gone within decades. While the Reef attracts 1.9 million tourists
Great Barrier Reef
Maldives
per year, the number will only rise given this news. Kiribati: Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean has 33 coral islands. The water here is rising at a fast pace. Authorities warn that the islands could be submerged before the end of this century. Several of its 100,000 inhabitants have already been shipped off to New Zealand. If you haven't added this to your list of must-see places, then do so soon!
Kiribati
Columbia Glacier Alaska
Glacier, Alaska: Descending from mountains on Alaska's southern coast into bays of the Gulf of Alaska, this is one of the world's greatest glaciers. Unfortunately, it has been shrinking at a very rapid rate. Mini iceberg fleets have spilled into the adjoining bay as the glacier reduces in size. Scientists predict it will be just 26 miles long by 2020, and a shadow of its former size. Watching polar bears in the Arctic: The world's largest land predator, the polar bear, faces huge
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FEATURE
Polar bears in the Arctic
challenges if the northern hemisphere’s sea ice continues to melt. Already their patterns of behaviour are changing, as they reach land earlier in the summer. The melting ice will also make it more difficult for the bears to find seals, their main source of food. The future generation may never be able to experience watching them in the Arctic. Columbia Icefields, Canada: According to research, 90% of the more than 17,000 spectacular mountain glaciers in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia may vanish by 2100. The
Everglades Florida
tourists don’t plan to leave anything to chance.
Columbia Icefields Canada
region includes the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, visited by more than 1 million people every year. It’s hard to imagine that such huge land masses of lands may never be there again, but
The Everglades, Florida: One of the most unique natural resources in the world, the Everglades have an abundance of wildlife. But it is slowly disappearing, and has been for more than a century. Today, it's half the size it once was. Much of the damage has been caused by humans through water diversion, population pressures and agricultural run-off. There are also more subtle forces at work, including the growing effects of climate change.
Maldives
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NEWS
Monaco sets paradigm with sustainable & MICE tourism The second smallest nation across the globe is determined to practise sustainable tourism with an effort to ensure that the principality meets the target of environmentalfrendly tourism. Promoting the cause of sustainable tourism themed-“Green is the New Glam” is the new tourism buzzword of the
government of Monaco in the current year that has rolled out many forward-looking initiatives in order to ensure that the resources are conserved. Rajeev Nangia, India Director, Monaco Government Tourist Bureau said, “The country has many firsts to its credit like having the largest number of organic farms
Flavours of Thai lifestyle in Kolkata A range of Thai delights were the high points of the Thai Festival Week in Kolkata. With an effort to pull a large chunk of tourists from Kolkata and its adjoining areas and to offer a taste of Thai culture and Thai way of life to the gourmets lovers of the city, the Royal Thai ConsulateGeneral, Kolkata came ahead to host Thai Festival Week that exhibited a blend of travel, culture and trade promotion activities in the city. Held in close association with Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand and five-star hospital-
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ity groups like ITC Sonar, J W Marriott Kolkata, The Lalit Great Eastern, The Oberoi Grand and The Park Kolkata, the weeklong Thai Festival Week was on from June 1 to 7. The event marked the presence of luxury hospitality groups and travel companies from the city.
TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | JULY 2018
by TNH DESK
and vegetable gardens on rooftops, installing of beehives at the four-star Novotel Monte Carlo and the landmark Fairmont Monte Carlo’s entire heating and air-conditioning system is powered by underground heat pumps that forms a renewable energy source using heat from the sea. by TNH DESK
Rajeev Nangia India Director Monaco Government Tourist Bureau
Volotea offers flights from Munich to Montpellier and Zaragoza The Spanish airline, Volotea now operates two weekly flights with a Boeing 717 from Munich to Montpellier in the south of France and to Zaragoza in north-eastern Spain. The Montpellier service departs on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the flights to Zaragoza on Mondays and Thursdays. Other destinations already served by Volotea from Munich are Bordeaux, Mykonos and Asturias. The new flights will serve three enchanting cities: At the center of Montpellier is the carfree historic town center, lined by splendid mansions, and the Place de la Comédie, with by TNH DESK the opera house.
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NEWS
'2019: A Monumental Year' for New York City New large-scale developments, hotel and venue openings, attractions, dining, retail and culture set to drive visitation to NYC this year. NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, has presented '2019: A Monumental Year' to an audience of more than 150 New York City media and travel partners. The new global communications initiative is designed to spotlight New York City as a mustvisit destination in 2019 when several large-scale developments and openings are set to debut along with new hotels, attractions, dining, retail, culture and more. In June 2019, New York City will also play host to WorldPride, the first time the big event will be held in the United States. The LGBTQ celebration coincides with the historic 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement. A promotional effort to showcase 2019 as a ‘Year of Pride’ was re-
vealed alongside a colorful new creative design, promoting New York City under the banner ‘Pride. Uncontained.’ Press conference held at The Museum of Modern Art, was hosted by NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixonand Senior Vice President of Global Communications Chris Heywood. They were joined by Glenn D. Lowry, Director, The Museum of Modern Art, and Sarah Suzuki, MoMA’s Director, Opening of the new Museum, who provided an update on the museum’s significant expansion, projected to open in the summer of 2019. “With an abundance of blockbuster openings across New York City and the historic 50th anniversary of Stonewall, 2019 will truly be a monumental year,” said Dixon. “We encourage travelers to
plan ahead now and put New York City on their must-visit list for next year.” For the first time ever, WorldPride will come to the United States with New York City hosting the month long event June 1–30, 2019 (the majority of events will be held June 25–30). NYC & Company’s new “Pride. Uncontained.” promotional effort uses vibrant colors and fresh designs to promote the City’s unwavering spirit of pride. New promotional artwork was unveiled at today’s press conference, which will be used in the lead-up to next year’s historic 50th Anniversary of Stonewall and WorldPride. by TNH DESK
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Bite Corner
KHAJA SET
DELICIOUS AUTHENTIC
DAL BHAT TARKARI - TRULY ASIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
AND
v B PRADEEP CHAMARIA
ORGANIC SALAD - TRULY ASIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Nepal Thali
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ne of the very famous sayings goes like: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” And when applied to Nepal - it means, “Dal Bhat power, 24 hours.” Nepalese cuisines comprise a variety of cuisines based upon ethnicity, soil and climate relating to Nepal's cultural diversity and geography. But, Dal Bhat is what fuels Nepal. You can have it throughout the day, and never get bored. And if you do get bored you can also try the Khaja set. Dal Bhat is truly the life savior in mountains; it’s filling, abundant and available everywhere. Nothing can beat the delicious sumptuous flavor of Nepali Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat does not mean plain dal and rice, but it comes with lots of other side dishes; Tarkaris. Dal normally is a soup made of lentils and spices
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served with boiled rice; Bhat along with other dry vegetable, potatoes and vegetable curry; Tarkari. Freshly prepared spicy pickle, lemon slice, green chilli, yoghurt, and Papad are also served with the thali. At times and depending on the availability, poori or chapati is also served. The best part of dal bhat is this that every place serving you dal-bhat adds on a different flavour, taste and style. The types of tarkari served, condiments or supporting eatables – all differ. Also in modern day restaurants (even though they are supposed to be traditional and authentic) you will find a menu serving you starters, drinks, before the actual dal bhat. At one such place, Bhojan Griha, you will be served the following items; Badam Sandheko (garnished peanuts), Bhuteko Makai (Pot baked corn), Aloo Tareko (Potatoes fried Nepali style), Momocha (meat filled dumplings), Kwatti ko Surwa
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Bite Corner DAL BHAT TARKARI BHOJAN GRIHA
SIKARNI
NEPAL BEER
KWATTI KO SURWA (SOUP)
MOMOS
(Soup) before they actually serve you dal bhat. And the dal bhat (Sada Bhuja) comes with Jhaneko Mas Ko Dal (Split black dal flavoured with Jimmu), Machha Tareko (fish fry), Kukhura ko Mashu (Chicken curry), Jeera Palungo (Spinach with cumin), Mismas Tarkari (Mixed vegetable) and Moushami Tarkari (Seasonal vegetable) followed by a super delicious dessert Sikarni (Sweetened yoghurt creme). You can get all this at a mere USD20/- at Bhojan
Griha in Kathmandu who are trying to showcase traditional Nepali food. Incidentally Bhojan Griha is housed in an age old building which is a piece of architectural beauty. Even five star hotels like Hotel Annapurna, Kathmandu also serve authentic Nepali food accompanied with lively Nepali folk dances. And guess what? It’s again the Dal Bhat. The servings at Hotel Annapurna are slightly more lavish, you get cocktails and other drinks along with starters and in the main course you get Roti. Other servings are more or less the same though with slightly different tastes and flavours. A final tryst with Dal Bhati can be had at one of the so many boutique hotels in Kathmandu. One such hotel is Truly Asia which serves a really well prepared and tasty affair. For me, it was the tastiest Dal Bhat I had in Kathmandu during my last visit. I mentioned that if you get bored with Dal Bhat, or are not in a mood for a full meal, you can go for the Khaja, a bunch of Nepalese snacks all on one plate. The Khaja set normally contains chewy beaten rice (chirua), Bhatmas (soy beans), Chilli Paneer, Samosa, Selroti, mini Protha, aloo ko achar (a Nepalese spicy patato salad) and a side pickle dish. And the non veggie version has mutton/ chicken and egg (omlet or poach as per choice). And the best you can get in Kathmandu is at Origin Café, Thamel. It won’t be a complete entree as khaja is meant for snacks only, but you will be glad to have tried it. In fact the food eaten between two meals is khaja. Sometimes khaja refers to the snacks or casual foods eaten during work break. Khaja is light food and most of the time it does not have regular meals items such as rice or roti in it. We loved the Dal Bhat Tarkari sets and Khaja set so much that all the while we were at Kathmandu, we feasted on the Dal Bhat Tarkari sets and Khaja set at different places. And if you are soon going to visit Nepal, we have only one recommendation as far as food is concerned – “Do whatever you do while you are in Nepal, but don’t miss the famous Dal Bhat Tarkari. Its super good and tasty”. And the best sets are available at Bhojan Griha and Truly Asia Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.
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RDA Group Travel Expo Cologne July 3-4, 2018 Location: Cologne, Germany
The RDA Group Travel Expo is the leading international trade fair for coach and group tourism and the industry event for companies in the European coach market. It is held once a year in late summer in Cologne and is only accessible for trade visitors due to the fact that is a pure B2B trade fair. Core theme of the fair is the group business that has diversified more and more in recent years and makes necessary new and more versatile offers. Service providers from all tourism sectors present their ideas and products for tomorrow's business and thus provide a complete cross-section of product ranges.
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TTF Kolkata July 6-8, 2018 Location: Kolkata, India
TTF Travel & Tourism Fair in Kolkata is India's leading exhibition for the travel and tourism industry. It provides an annual opportunity for organisations from India and abroad to showcase their products and services. Visitors can interact with tour-operators, travel agents, hoteliers and airlines to gather information and make national and international travel plans. TTF & OTM presents an unparalleled marketing opportunity for exhibitors to connect directly with the largest gathering of prospective travellers and members of the travel industry.
TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | JULY 2018
Global Travel Marketplace July 12-14, 2018 Location: Florida, USA
Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) is an elite appointmentonly event that connects the most influential travel advisors in North America with global travel suppliers in face-to-face meetings and Boardroom sessions. This boutiquestyle event provides a professional platform for the best sellers in the industry, encouraging them to expand their supplier portfolio and grow their global book of business. It connects topproducing travel advisors with global travel suppliers. GTM provides a platform for attendees to enhance product knowledge, strengthen supplier partnerships and build new ones.
IITM Bangalore July 27-29, 2018 Location: Bangalore, India
India International Travel Mart Bangalore (IITM) is a leading platform for the international travel community to come together and showcase existing products as well as introduce new ones to audiences from across the country. IITM stands as the leading platform for the international travel community to come together and reveal existing products as well as introduce new ones to audiences from across the country. To connect and forge business ties with top travel company executives around the world, and global key players in the travel community, this is the apt place to do so.
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DIPLOMAT’S CORNER
ECUADOR: A TINY COUNTRY WITH IMMENSE DIVERSITY A small county in South America, Ecuador is a land of immense diversity, and tourism is the third largest source of income for the country. In an exclusive interview with TnH, H.E. DR. PATRICIO GARCÉS RAMÍREZ, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, said that the tourism potential of the Indian market is yet to be exploited by Ecuador. "Now we are interested in promoting Ecuador among different segments of the Indian population, especially our adventure destinations as well as the honeymoon destinations. Excerpts:
v B PREM KUMAR Y
How important is tourism Q for your economy? Tourism is the third largest source of income for Ecuador. The country's total income from tourism was more than USD 1.5 million in 2015. The production of banana is the largest source of
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H.E. DR. PATRICIO GARCÉS RAMÍREZ Ambassador of Ecuador to India
income in the country, followed by shrimp. How many tourists does
Q your country receive annually? Which are key source markets? 1, 617,914 tourists arrived in Ecuador in 2017, representing a growth of 14% compared to 2016. The countries of the origin are mainly the US, the European Union, Japan, and the neighbouring countries of South America. Between January and September 2017, USD 1,204.5 million entered Ecuador in the form of spending by the visiting foreign tourists.
In the third quarter of 2017, the number of jobs in accommodation and food services was 498,385, which represents 6.4% of the total number of employees in the economy, placing these activities among the six economic industries that make the greatest contribution to the national employment. about connectivity beQ What tween India and Ecuador? The most flights from India to Ecuador are through Amsterdam and Madrid since both cities have several direct flights to Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
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DIPLOMAT’S CORNER
is the visa process for Q What Indians? Indian citizens do not require visa to travel to Ecuador for a stay up to 90 days. The citizens of India can obtain the on-arrival permission of subcategory T-3 at all the International Airports of the Republic of Ecuador. It is free of cost. To avail this facility, travellers must have following requirements to show at the Indian and Ecuadorian airports and to airlines officials: 1.) Original passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure, 2.) Yellow fever vaccination card is mandatory while travelling to Ecuador, and 3.) Travel health insurance. How many Indians visited Q Ecuador last year? What are the reasons for Indians to visit your country? The number of visitors from India has been very low, with a high fluctuation in recent years. Many visits are linked to commercial activities, which involve the export of Indian products. active has Ecuador Q How Tourism been in the Indian market? The tourism potential of the Indian market has not been exploited by Ecuador, despite the fact that there is a significant flow of travellers to Peru, a country with which we share a border. Surely it's because some Bollywood movies were filmed there. Now we are interested in promoting Ecuador among different segments of the Indian population, especially our adventure destinations as well as the honeymoon
tions of stability that favour the development of tourist activities.
"Presence of the huge diversity in a tiny country like Ecuador is one of the best selling points for our tourism." destinations. Presence of the huge diversity in a tiny country like Ecuador is one of the best selling points for our tourism. In size, Ecuador is only about 60 per cent of Japan. The country consists of four distinct regions: Andes, Amazon, Galapagos Islands and Pacific Cost. How do you see current enviQ ronment from tourism perspective? The political and economic situation of Ecuador is quite stable, in addition to the fact that the whole of Latin America presents condi-
What are the current global Q factors affecting the crossborder movement of tourists? In Ecuador, we believe in human mobility as a right of humans, and that is the reason you do not need a visa to enter Ecuador as tourists. There are no restrictions or limitations for the entry of Indian citizens into Ecuador, up to a period of 90 days stay. During the last three years, the number of tourists that travelled to Ecuador has significantly increased, however, the destinations of origin are the same, and we strongly believe that this number of tourists can be increased by attracting increasing number of Indian travellers. Every year more and more travellers are interested in exploring other experiences and new destinations, which fits well with the tourist offering of Ecuador.
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NEWS
Vistara receives 21st Aircraft, becoming eligible to fly overseas
Goibibo announces partnership with PhonePe
Vistara recently received its 21st aircraft, an Airbus A320neo powered by CFM engines. The new aircraft landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 0336hours on 14th June. With this addition to its fleet, Vistara becomes eligible to start international operations. The new aircraft will be deployed to further strengthen the airline’s domestic network. Leslie Thng, CEO, Vistara, said, “There’s great excitement amongst all of us at Vistara, as we prepare ourselves for taking the next leap in our journey to fly international. The arrival of our 21st aircraft makes this phase even more special. It enables us to strengthen our network further, which gives us the opportunity to offer more choices in terms of frequencies to ourever-growing base of loyal cusby TNH DESK tomers.”
• Launches the ‘Goibibo Hotels’ microapp on the PhonePe platform • The microapp provides a hassle free travel booking experience to over 100M PhonePe users Goibibo announced its partnership with PhonePe. This app-in-app partnership will provide a unified login and payments experience to over 100 million PhonePe users while making their hotel bookings. As a part of this partnership, Goibibo will be live with their ‘Hotels’ store (microapp) on the PhonePe app. Leveraging mutual synergies, the alliance brings together a streamlined travel booking experience through Goibibo, and assured reliability and integrity of payments through PhonePe. by TNH DESK
OYO HOTELS VENTURES INTO CHINA OYO Hotels, announced its foray into China with a strong focus on strengthening its hotel chain in the country. With this launch, OYO Hotels is all set to substantiate its leadership in the market while working towards its mission of bringing great living spaces in the country in the form of well-designed small ho-
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tels while introducing best-inclass training and education in the sector. Its current chain comprises of over 11,000 exclusive franchised or manchised - rooms in 26 cities including Hangzhou, Xian, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Kunming among others. Commenting on the develop-
ment, Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO – OYO said: “After our successful overseas expansion and operations in Malaysia and Nepal, we are thrilled to offer OYO hotels hassle-free and standardized stay experience to by TNH DESK guests in China.”
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NEWS
Royal Caribbean International announces the arrival of Spectrum of the Seas in Asia in 2019 The award-winning cruise line deploys a brand new ship to homeport in Asia for the 2nd time, underlining the growing popularity of cruise travel in the region
award-winning cruise line’s shipSpectrum of the Seas and its inaugural season in Southeast Asia in May 2019. As the ship readies to homeport in Asia, Royal Caribbean International has once again upped the yardstick for cruise holTIRUN Travel Marketing, the ex- idays in the region.While the clusive India representative of cruise line has been introducing Royal Caribbean International, has innovative ships to the continent announced the arrival of the for over a decade now, this is the
ETIHAD AIRWAYS PASSES AGAIN IATA SAFETY AUDIT Etihad Airways has once again passed the biennial IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). The Abu Dhabi-based airline met all required standards – with the highest possible result of zero findings and zero observations – after the IOSA team examined more than 800 of the airline’s safety procedures and processes in detail. IOSA seeks to ensure that airlines are compliant with safety requirements. by TNH DESK
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second time that it has deployed a brand new ship for homeporting in Asia, underscoring its confidence in the ever-growing number of cruise enthusiasts from the region. The first of the Quantum Ultra Class segment of ships, Spectrum of the Seas has a total capacity of accommodating 5,622 guests and is 1,139 feet long. by TNH DESK
EMIRATES HOLIDAYS LAUNCHES THE BIG HOLIDAY SALE Emirates Holidays has launched The Big Holiday Sale, with excellent value offers to exciting destinations around the globe. Each week, Emirates Holidays will reveal a carefully selected list of high quality, tailor-made package holidays which are available for booking at a discounted price for a limited time. To kick off the campaign, Emirates Holidays has come up with some fabulous offers in Dubai - the top destination for Indian travellers. by TNH DESK
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NEWS
ETIHAD AIRWAYS TO INTRODUCE BOEING 787 ON CAIRO ROUTE
Address Downtown opens doors to hotel guests Address Downtown features 220 rooms and suites with high-end features, innovative restaurant choices and the world-class The Spa. Address Downtown, the flagship hotel under Emaar Hospitality Group’s premium lifestyle Address Hotels + Resorts brand, has opened its doors to hotel guests, marking the arrival of Dubai’s much-loved destination, popular among visitors from across the world. Address Downtown has opened with several innovative features including new restaurant concepts, additional rooms and suites, The Spa at Address Downtown, and a brand-new interior design. With 220 guest rooms and suites, several of them opening to spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, Address Downtown will add additional features in the coming days. by TNH DESK
Etihad Airways will introduce a 299-seat nextgeneration Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its daily mid-morning EY653/EY654 schedule from Abu Dhabi to Cairo, effective 28 October 2018, Etihad Airways will operate four daily services, the most frequent number of flights operated by any UAE airline to the Egyptian capital, offering greater choice and optimised timings to benefit business and leisure customers travelling point-topoint between the two cities. The convenient sched-
ules also provide seamless East-bound connections through Abu Dhabi onto the airline’s network to the Gulf, Indian Subcontinent, North and Southeast Asia and Australia. Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways Executive Vice President Commercial, said: “Etihad Airways has been serving Cairo since 2004 and today it is one of the largest point-to-point markets on our global network, bolstered by the hugely important historic, economic, and cultural ties existing between the UAE and Egypt. by TNH DESK
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FESTIVAL CORNER
Popular festivals around the world to see in August San Diego Spirits Festival 2018 August 25-26, 2018 Location: San Diego, CA
San Diego Spirits Festival is the major Cocktail Culinary and Cultural extravaganza celebrated annually each summer on San Diego Bay. The goal of the San Diego Spirits Festival is to advance the industry and all that it encompasses via market launches, industry advancement and exposure, product innovation, education, and of course, a good time filled with entertainment camaraderie and just good fun. We are proud to claim that the San Diego Spirits Festival has been ranked as one of the top cocktail festivals in America by Fodors.
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Edinburgh Festival Fringe August 3 – 27, 2018 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, taking place most of August each year, packing theaters, pubs, and streets making a massive canvas of human creativity. It was established in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival, it takes place annually in Scotland's capital in the month of August. It is an open access performing arts festival, meaning there is no selection committee, and anyone may participate, with any type of performance.
CREAMFIELDS 2018 August 23- 26, 2018 Location: Daresbury, United Kingdom
Creamfields is one of the largest outdoor electronic music festivals in Britain attracting the crème de la crème of dance acts from around the world. It is a dance music festival featuring DJs and live acts, held annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend in Daresbury, England. The festival began as an offshoot from Liverpool's Cream nightclub, which headlined the band Crème every year. Today, the success of Creamfields in England has spawned more than a dozen other Creamfields festivals around the world.
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FESTIVAL CORNER
La Tomatina August 29, 2018 Location: Buñol, Valencia, Spain
BURNING MAN August 26 - September 3, 2018 Location: Black Rock City, Nevada, United States
La Tomatina is a festival that is held in the Valencian town of Buñol, a town located in the East of Spain, in which participants throw tomatoes and get involved in this tomato fight purely for entertainment purposes. Since 1945, it has been held on the last Wednesday of August, during the week of festivities of Buñol. Usually, the fight lasts for an hour, after which the whole town square has been covered with tomato paste. Fire trucks then hose down the streets and participants often use hoses that locals provide to remove the tomato paste from their bodies. Some participants go to the pool of “los peñones” to wash.
Burning Man is an annual gathering that takes place at Black Rock City, a temporary community erected in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The event is described as an experiment in community and art, influenced by 10 main principles, including "radical" inclusion, self-reliance and self-expression, as well as community cooperation, gifting and de-commodification, and leaving no trace. The Burning Man organization bring experiences to people in grand, awe-inspiring and joyful ways that lift the human spirit, address social problems and inspire a sense of culture, community and personal engagement. In short, it is the quintessential art and culture festival. Over 65,000 free spirits trek to the Nevada desert to create an ephemeral city.
Notting Hill Carnival August 26 – 27, 2018 Location: London
The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event that has taken place since 1966 on the streets of the famous Notting Hill, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England, each August over two days (the August bank holiday Monday and the preceding Sunday). It is led by members of the British West Indian community, and attracts around one million people annually, making it one of the world's largest street festivals, and a significant event in British culture. In 2006, the UK pub-
lic voted it onto the list of icons of England. In succinct, it is a mix of family-friendly events like kids’ costume contests and parades, and more adult-fare with skimpy costumes and truck-mounted DJs.
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NEWS
IATA urges caution on airport privatization The International Air Transport Association's 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) urged governments to take a cautious approach when considering airport privatization. In a unanimously passed resolution, IATA members called on governments to prioritize the long-term economic and social benefits delivered by an effective airport ahead of the short-term financial gains provided by a poorly thought-out privatization. “We are in an infrastructure crisis. Cashstrapped governments are looking to the private sector to help develop much needed airport capacity. But it is wrong to assume that the private sector has all the answers. Airlines have not yet experienced an airport privatization that has fully lived up to its promised benefits over the longterm. Airports are critical infrastructure. It is important that governments take a long-term view focusing on solutions that will deliver the best economic and social benefits. Selling airport assets for a short-term cash injection to the treasury is a mistake,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Currently about 14% of airports globally have some level of privatization. As they tend to be large hubs, they handle by TNH DESK about 40% of global traffic.
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Etihad Airways Paris flights to go all-Airbus A380 Effective 1 October, 2018, Etihad Airways will operate the Airbus A380 on its second daily service linking Abu Dhabi and Paris Charles de Gaulle. This will transform the airline’s operation between the UAE and French capitals into a year-round all-A380 service, joining London Heathrow as the second European destination enjoying daily multiple visits by Etihad’s by TNH DESK award-winning double-decker aircraft.
Etihad Airways to launch new service to Barcelona • New flights between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona effective 21 November 2018 • Starting with five weekly flights, service to increase to daily from 31 March 2019 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways has announced the introduction of a new scheduled service linking Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, and Barcelona, Spain, effective 21 November 2018. The route will initially be operated five times a week by a two-class Airbus A330-200 before becoming a daily operation from 31 by TNH DESK March 2019.
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MOVING ON
Cornelis Vrieswijk Chief Executive Officer, GoAir Cornelis Vrieswijk (Cor) has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of GoAir. He is reporting to the Chairman, Managing Director and the Board of Directors of GoAir. Cor is a seasoned global executive and a consultant with over 25 years of experience in aviation and travel industry. Cor is a management graduate from Catholic University Nijmegen. He has rich experience in driving ventures, transitions, turnarounds and largescale projects for diverse and multifaceted organizations with emphasis in aviation/travel and aircraft maintenance industry on a European Stage. His has significant expertise in international business development, operational streamlining, aircraft engineering & maintenance and process automation.
Samrat Datta General Manager, Taj Palace, New Delhi Taj Palace, New Delhi has appointed Samrat Datta as its new General Manager. An established leader in the hospitality industry, Samrat brings more than 20 years of hotel experience to Taj Palace, New Delhi – a hotel with luxurious accommodations and unrivalled service. In his new role, Samrat will be responsible for the continued success of the hotel, overseeing the day-to-day operations and providing exceptional guest service at one of India’s most lovedhotels’ in the Nation’s Capital city. Samrat is a company veteran having spent over 20 years at Indian Hotels Company Limited.He moved to this role from Taj Bengal, Kolkata. Prior to that he was the General Manager at Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur when under his leadership the hotel won the Ministry of Tourism's Incredible India award in 2010 India's Best 5 Star Hotel. He has also worked in global markets with some renowned international brands.
Rahul Maini General Manager, The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat Rahul Maini has been appointed as the new General Manager of The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat. His remarkable ability to nurture and grow a business while evaluating opportunities, risks and also deliver innovative new solutions has been his secret of success. In a career span of over 20 years, Rahul Maini has proved his impeccable performance across all the properties he’s been associated with, and has thus become a name to reckon with in the Hospitality Sector. Always leading from the front, he started his career with The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (Mumbai) while pursuing his Diploma in Hotel Management. Rahul holds a Diploma in Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Nutrition from the National Council of Hotel Management (New Delhi). In his pursuit of excellence, Rahul joined the Marriott Executive Apartments and Renaissance (Mumbai), in March 2001.After having worked there for over three years, he handled fine food & beverage operations at the most premier Taj properties- Taj Palace Hotel (Dubai),Taj Mahal Hotel (New Delhi) and later at Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur).of his team.
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MOVING ON
Pushparaj Srinivasan Director of Sales & Marketing, Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi has appointed Pushparaj Srinivasan as Director of Sales & Marketing. He comes with 12 years of experience at International Hotel Brands. He had worked at Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai in his previous assignments. He is very excited to begin his new tenure in Pune. Pushparaj has proved his proficiency in handling Unit hotel’s Sales & Marketing, Cluster Sales & Marketing, National & Global Sales Office’s Performance & Management. His areas of expertise lie in Sales Strategy & Planning, Forecasting, Business Development, Customer Relations, Brand Building, Marketing, Training & Performance Improvement. At Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, he will be crucial for the development and implementation of business strategies for the Hotel which are aligned with Brand’s overall mission, vision values and strategies.
Hitesh Sangwan Director – Food & Beverage, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences Hitesh Sangwan has been appointed the new F&B Director at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences. Hitesh joins us with over 6 years of managerial experience, which he will use to primarily focus on the quality of service in our Food & Beverage department and find new ways of making our restaurants popular. An alumnus of IHM, Kolkata, Hiteshtopped the 2006 batch in the F&B Service. After completing his rigorous 22 weeks of industrial training at The Park, Kolkata; he acquired the Certificate of Excellence in banquet operations and started his career as a Management Trainee with Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces. After training in various departments of the hotel for thorough understanding of operations, he moved on to Vivanta by Taj, MG Road Bangalore (erstwhile Taj Residency), a hotel known for its award winning restaurants, dynamic F&B and high banquet occupancy.
Karanbir Singh Gulati Director Food & Beverage, Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel Karanbir Singh Gulati has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel & Lakeside Chalet – Mumbai, Marriott Executive Apartments. He comes with more than 10 years of experience at some of Finest Luxury, Business & Leisure hotels and restaurant chains. His demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry has seen him lead rich cross-functional roles across F&B Operations, Business Planning, Profit Center Operations, Vendor Management, Market Communication, General Administration and People Management. In his previous stints, Gulati has worked in Starwood’s (Now Marriott) Luxury Collection properties like ITC Maurya, ITC Maratha, ITC Grand Central, Park Sheraton and managed internationally awarded restaurants like Bukhara and Dumpukht. He has also been associated with Accor’s Flagship 670 Room property Pullman- Novotel Aerocity as the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage.
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TECH CORNER
AMAZON ANNOUNCES ALEXA FOR HOSPITALITY Online retail giant Amazon has announced the launch of Alexa for Hospitality. A new experience offered by invitation to hoteliers, Amazon hopes the new service will bring the simplicity and convenience of Alexa to hotels, vacation rentals, and other hospitality locations. by TNH DESK
AMADEUS PARTNERS WITH ADOBE FOR NEW AIRLINE SOLUTIONS Amadeus is partnering with Adobe to bring improved capabilities to airlines. The combination of Amadeus solutions and Adobe Experience Cloud will enable airlines to deliver new digital experiences to travellers across any device and by TNH DESK throughout the entire journey.
MARRIOTT CARIBBEAN LAUNCHES NEW AUGMENTED REALITY APP Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Resorts has just launched a brand new iOS app that leverages augmented reality to present a spectacular glance at the region’s various dynamic destinations permitting consumers to check out properties at the swipe of a hand. The new app can be utilized to preview eight of Marriott’s properties in the Caribbean and Mexico. by TNH DESK
Alipay partners with Merlin in London Alipay is partnering with Merlin Entertainments in a deal designed to allow Chinese tourists to use their Alipay lifestyle app across all of Merlin’s London attractions. These including the Coca-Cola London Eye, London Eye River Cruise, Madame Tussauds London, Sea Life London and the London Dungeon. This will include making payments in their home currency to purchase both tickets and by TNH DESK souvenirs.
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Airbnb partners with Century 21 to enable Parisians lease their homes Airbnb is seeking new places to list in Paris to ensure a consistent growth in this part of the world. With an aim to maintain its popularity here this brand has recently announced partnership with Century 21, a real estate in France as per Les Echos and different French media. Airbnb is presently in an awkward position in France. by TNH DESK
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DL (ND)-11/6167/2017-18-19 | DATE OF POSTING: 5-6 OF MONTH | RNI NO.: DELENG/2010/33723 | DATE OF PUBLISHING: 4 th OF THE MONTH