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Highlights Vol. 9 I No.7 I April 2016
Top five attractions for a Family Holiday in the U S.
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From children’s museums to aquariums; to the wildlife offerings - there is plenty to explore in many of the cities across the US.
Tourism Authority of Thailand launches ‘Women’s Journey Thailand’ TAT is launching a special campaign to attract local and international female travellers to enjoy the Kingdom’s major attractions with a wide range of activities.
ATM 2016 opens Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016, the region’s leading travel industry showcase has opened its doors recently for four days of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions, leadership forums, and recognition of 12 months of industry achievement.
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23 Tamil Nadu Traveller The Unparalleled Pondicherry Wide boulevards, seafront promenade, French architecture, awe-inspiring beaches and places of spiritual importance make Pondicherry a destination worthy of being visited.
Three Thai islands top TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice-2016 Awards Three of Thailand’s popular southern islands scored top spots in the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for Islands.
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
CHEERFUL OUTLOOK FOR TOURISM
Editor & Publisher : Dr. G Biju Krishnan*
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What if a tourist destination lacks quality hotels? There is no doubt, travellers will hesitate to plan a trip to such a place. If the recent trend is anything to go by, for today’s tourists, travelling is not all about sightseeing. Equally important is a memorable stay at a luxury hotel or resort, which offers them a number of dining options, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, fitness centres, and wellness services. If one is travelling for business needs he/she may have a different set of requirements, including easy internet access, well equipped conference halls, etc. Gone are the days hotels were regarded as just a place for a little refreshment, or to stay a night or two. On the other hand, demand is shooting up for the hotels that offer travelers a real mood of the destination it is located in and help them enhance the travelling experience. The better the accommodation and dining options a tourist spot provides, the more the location stands a chance to draw travellers in big numbers. And, there is no denying the fact that the growth of the tourism industry of a country is very much dependent on its hospitality sector. Quality hotel infrastructure alone won’t make travellers happy. They are also very much particular about having the finest services and the best culinary experience. To meet these needs, hotels need to employ skilled / trained manpower. The quality of service usually deteriorates in the absence of a qualified workforce. Hence, it is important to churn out skilled manpower in proportion to the growing demand. Any imbalance would surely cost both tourism industry and hospitality sector dearly. And, as far as tourism industry is concerned any nation that takes appropriate steps to address the issue of skilled manpower in hospitality sector will have an edge over other countries.
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COVER STORY Top five attractions in US
Top five attractions for a Family Holiday in the U.S From children’s museums to aquariums; to the wildlife offerings - there is plenty to explore in many of the cities across the USA. Add a wow-factor to your vacation, and experience exciting journeys with your families with a holiday in the United States! Mile High City - Denver, Colorado
A visit to this young, active city at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for a memorable family vacation is a must! Good weather, interesting places to explore, host of outdoorsy options, art, culture, and attractions await you.
Amusement Parks
The Mile High City is filled with thrills – from gravity-defying roller coasters to challenging climbing walls to wet ‘n’ wild waterslides, you’re guaranteed to get your adrenaline fix in Denver. If you are a diehard roller coaster fan then you must visit the Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park – which amongst other rides features the world’s highest free fall swing. The Water World Park is a great way to beat the heat while riding some serious waterslides. You can also check out the Lakeside
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Amusement Park - this family owned theme park is a longstanding Denver institution and features a number of classic wooden rail coasters.
Outdoor Adventures
To experience Denver’s legendary fresh air, take advantage of the city’s outdoorsy options. If you’ve got a skateboarder in the family, head straight to the Denver SkatePark in LoDo. This expansive area, to which admission is free – is one of the most renowned skate parks in the country - and is filled with bowls for all levels of skating skill. Denver is a two-wheel paradise – with 85 miles of bike trails and 300 days of sunshine. Explore the city using Denver B-cycle, the city’s pioneering bike sharing program.Another great way to spend the day outdoors is to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park. It features the Trail Ridge Road - the highest continuous
highway in the world crossing the Continental Divide at over two miles above sea level. One of the only places in America where you can see lion prides and groups of other carnivores living in natural habitats – The Wild Animal Sanctuary, where more than 300 large carnivores roam free - is a must visit for nature lovers! The best view of Denver is from up above! You’ve never really seen the Rocky Mountains until you’ve seen them from a hot air balloon. Enjoy spectacular views of the majestic Mountains as you float high above the Front Range.
Performing Arts
Visit the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and experience the timeless thrill of seeing a musical, a ballet or a concert performed live.
Sports
Denver is a professional sports ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
paradise – whether its basketball, baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, or rugby - Denver’s got it all. You can catch some of the world’s best athletes in action as for most teams the season runs all through summer.
Denver Shopping
Denver is the shopping capital of the Rocky Mountain West. For one-of-a-kind stores with distinctive fashion and exclusive offerings – head to the oh-so-chic Larimer Square. The young fashionistas will love the one-of-a-kind boutiques. Definitely a good spot for mother-daughter retail bonding! Your Denver shopping spree will be incomplete without a visit
to the downtown Cherry Creek Shopping District. The combination of Cherry Creek North and Cherry Creek Shopping Center is more of a shopping experience. Cherry Creek North features the region’s largest collection of independently owned shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and spas, and adjacent to it is the Cherry Creek Shopping Center with no less than 160 brand-name stores! MUST DO: A visit to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a must! From stunning prehistoric fossils to an exploration of outer space, it never fails to astound and amaze people of all ages, with realistic visions
COVER STORY Top five attractions in US
Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
of the past, present and future. Another must-see is one of the most popular zoos in America, the Denver Zoo – it has over 3500 different species with most of living outside of cages, so you can observe them in their natural habitat.
Texas’s big City – Houston
mlk statue.
Houston is the largest city in the state of Texas and the fourth largest in the country, and has endless attractions that appeal to adults and children alike! Plan a visit and treat your family to the city’s funfilled, action-packed adventures that are as entertaining as they are educational.
Cultural attractions
chocolate world.
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For every tourist visiting Houston, there is something special NASA’s Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of the most famous aerospace institution in the world and still responsible for large missions. No matter how old you are, you’ll be fascinated by all there is to see here:
replicas of spaceships, the training center for astronauts, and the chance to touch a moon rock billions of years old and so much more. You must take the Level 9 Tour because it is the most complete. To experience the more rustic side of Houston, and explore the authentic cowboy traditions of the region, a visit to the George Ranch Historical Park is a must. If you can include the authentic 1930s-era, Texas-style meals held on Saturdays into your plan.
Fun activities
Children’s Museum of Houston, one of the top children’s museums in the USA is an intriguing area that covers everything from pets to superheroes. Hermann Park, located minutes from downtown Houston, is a cultural and recreational hub and has a bountiful assortment of entertainment: a golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a beautiful rose garden, picnic spaces, a butterfly exhibit, and even a museum.
ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
Elitchs
georgia aquarium.
COVER STORY Top five attractions in US
The Houston Zoo, one of the best maintained in the country - is set in a lush landscape right in the middle of Hermann Park and is home to over 3100 exotic animals. Another fun thing to do is visit the SplashTown - Houston’s largest and most diverse water park, featuring 40-acres and more than two million gallons of summer fun.
Shopping
Two places you absolutely must visit are the Houston Premium Outlets and the Houston Galleria. Texas is one of the only states in the country where international shoppers are reimbursed for the taxes on every purchase!
MUST DO: Buffalo Bayou has become a destination for outdoor recreation near downtown Houston. Buffalo Bayou Boat Cruises are a great way to spend the afternoon with your family. Escape from the city and enjoy the cool breeze as you glide along the bayou’s waters. Look for graceful herons, jumping fish, and even the occasional alligator sunning on the bayou’s banks.
Urban Adventures and Fun Attractions - Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has a rich history, and a progressive streak. It has the world’s busiest airport – which means it’s easy to get here no matter where you are coming from! Visit Atlanta to experience the Southern hospitality – expect to be greeted by a smile!
Top Downtown Attractions
A visit to the Centennial Olympic Park, revitalized for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and now a symbol of a diverse and thriving metropolis, is packed with history, architecture, quirky trivia and original music. Fountain of Rings, designed after 10
the famous Olympic rings, displays a dancing water show harmonized with pop music, lights and sound effects. Experience the attraction and mystery of the famous formula at the World of Coca-Cola Museum and taste all the flavors of CocaCola soft drinks from all over the world! A tour of the most iconic brand is a must-see for all ages! Don’t miss the CNN headquarters, where you can take a fascinating tour of the studios to see the daily workings of a global news organization. You’ll get to ride a huge escalator inside the building! It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen! The Georgia Aquarium, which opened in 2005, is undeniably spectacular. This is the largest aquarium in the world with interactive areas that are perfect for anyone fascinated by these diverse displays of sea life. Zoo Atlanta is another great attraction for those who love getting close to nature. Situated in Grant Park, it features more than 1,500 animals and offers upclose encounters with giant pandas, giraffes and African elephants. While at the Zoo you can enjoy interactive wildlife shows and rides To beat the summer heat you can head to Six Flags White Water Park or feel the adrenaline rush on the roller coasters at Six Flags over Georgia near Atlanta. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is a must visit if you wish to learn all about the amazing Civil Rights Leader. Also check out the Atlanta History Centre, where you can learn all about Atlanta’s role in major American events, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement MUST DO: The Buckhead neighbourhood is the jewel
of the city. Known as the “Beverly Hills of the East Coast,” you will find gracious homes, elegant hotels and some of the best restaurants in this charming, upscale area. Also visit the elegant Swan House mansion in Buckhead, known for its beautiful gardens and interiors - it is one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks of Atlanta.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The birthplace of the USA is not only bubbling with historic attractions and exhibits - it is also a great place to have fun and play. With a wide array of family-friendly attractions, Philadelphia offers loads of family fun!
Attractions for Children
The Philadelphia Zoo, set amongst a charming 42-acre Victorian garden, is one of the best laid-out and most animal-packed zoos in the country. It is the first zoo charted in the United States. A new trail experience called Zoo360 — a campuswide network of see-through mesh trails affords more opportunities for animals to roam around and above zoo grounds – is also a first, both at America’s zoos and in the world.
rocky mountains
Please Touch Museum is the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia. The mission of the museum is to enrich the lives of children by creating learning opportunities through play. This awardwinning children’s museum is fun-filled, totally handson, and so delightful that adults are entertained, too. Each nook and cranny has a different theme — from the fantastic to the practical. Sesame Place is the nation’s only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street. Bring the entire family to whirl on rides, splash down slides and hug ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
April 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER
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COVER STORY Top five attractions in US
everyone’s favorite furry friends. A trip to this park is a must before they grow up! Adventure Aquarium is just a few minutes from Philadelphia downtown and is home to the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast, and the only aquarium in the world to exhibit hippos.
Beautiful Outdoors
Explore the outdoors by visiting the Fairmount Park — One of the world’s largest city park systems. With more than 9,200 acres of rolling hills, gentle trails, relaxing waterfront and shaded woodlands – you can spend the day taking a stroll, heading out for an afternoon of softball, organized frisbee or pier-side fishing, or just settling in for a family picnic. Independence National Historical Park, Known as the birthplace of American democracy, this park welcomes more than 3.5 million visitors every year with many of these visitors lining up to see what is the park’s most visited and most famous attraction, the Liberty Bell. A walk around Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia’s most popular town square will take you to the picturesque, tree-lined streets
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surrounding the park where you will find charming townhomes, luxurious spas, amazing eateries, jewelry stores and the highest of high-end fashion boutiques. MUST DO: For all those who love chocolate, it’s worth taking a trip to Hershey - the Chocolate Capital of the USA. Here you can sample the famous confectionary as well as enjoy rides at Hersheypark. Families can enjoy go-karting, bumper boats and mini-golf at this fun entertainment centre. You cannot leave Philadelphia without indulging in east coast’s premier shopping destination the King of Prussia Mall or browsing the high-end shops of Rittenhouse Row.
Up close with the big beasts amid the beauty of the Black Hills - Custer State Park, South Dakota
If your idea of a perfect family vacation is getting close to untamed creatures in their element – you can do so amid the craggy scenery of South Dakota! This holiday will give you a chance to experience the wild in the real form! Few truly wild places remain in the USA - Custer State Park is one of them. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the park is home to a variety of wildlife and
magnificent scenery spanning 71,000 acres! You can find your adventure in hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or rock climbing along the trails! During the summer season, trout fishing is perhaps one of the most popular recreational activities in Custer State Park. Get set for an old-fashioned hayride that takes you on a scenic drive on Custer State Park’s beautiful backroads to a mountain meadow canyon for a chuck wagon feast. Named a Top 10 US Safari by MSN, 2015, the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour will take you off-road! Trek through Custer State Park in an open-air jeep in search of pronghorns, elk and the noble buffalo. Learn historical and educational facts about the park and wildlife as you go. Rockin R Trail Rides will allow you to experience the spirit of the Old West with a guided horseback ride in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest MUST DO: FLY the Black Hills – A must-do is this amazing one-of-akind adventure in the most beautiful place in the world - fly in a hot air balloon! Soar above the mountains and valleys as you take part in the magic of ballooning. ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
NEWSLINE
Tourism Authority of Thailand launches ‘Women’s Journey Thailand’ The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is launching a special campaign to attract local and international female travellers to enjoy the Kingdom’s major attractions with a wide range of activities. Special offers, discounts and privileges for various products and services, events aimed at women are all set to be arranged in the month of August. Whether travelling alone or with groups of friends, it is assured that you will have great fun. The main activities to be held as a part of the campaign include Lady Golf Challenge, Lady Celebrities to Thailand, Thailand through Her Eyes, 84 Perspectives of Thailand, Lady in Thai Fabric, Lady Products Showcase as well as a Women’s Journey application. Various other special arrangements are being provided to female travellers such as Lady Immigration Lanes, Lady Parking and Lady Airfare. Research has shown that
women travellers enjoy visiting the beach, benefitting from Thailand’s amazing spa opportunities and trying Thai food, but they are perhaps more concerned with safety and privacy than male travellers. With this in mind, TAT is joining hands with airlines, hotels, resorts, spas and tour operators to arrange various activities as well as offer special discounts and privileges throughout the month of August. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “In a way of marking Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 84th birthday, we have designated August 2016 as the ‘Month for Women Travellers’. Our mission is to encourage growth of the global and domestic female traveller segment in conjunct with our strategy to promote Thailand to be a Quality Leisure Destination. Increasingly women are coming to Thailand in groups or as solo travellers
with expectation of finding activities and attractions geared to their needs. So, this campaign will broaden their recognition on how Thailand can cater great experience to female travellers like nowhere else.” Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and America said, “When it comes to planning holidays, it is often the women in the family who makes main decisions. Female travellers are an increasingly strong market for local and inbound tourism to Thailand. The global income of women worldwide has risen hugely and the compound
growth of female arrivals to Thailand has also risen, averaging 11.4 percent from the period 2007-2014.” Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific said ,“In order to promote this initiative and inspire female travellers to visit Thailand, TAT has come up with five different promotional concepts such as Beautiful Look, Beautiful Shape, Beautiful Mind, Beautiful Retreat, and Beautiful Experience, which are all designed to meet the varied needs of women travellers and to boost Thai tourism products and services that are geared towards female travellers.”
Jet Airways and Etihad Airways unveil Global Fashion Week sponsorship
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE has announced a comprehensive new global agreement with WME | IMG to become a major long-term partner to the fashion industry by supporting 17 fashion week events around the world annually.
industry, Etihad Airways will become the official airline of fashion week events in New York, London, Milan, Berlin, Sydney and Mumbai. These are: New York Fashion Week, The Shows, Made Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, London Collections: Men, Milan Fashion Week, Milano Moda Uomo, MercedesBenz Fashion Week Berlin, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia and Lakme Fashion Week (Mumbai).
As per the agreement, which is the first multinational, multiyear airline sponsorship supporting the fashion
Etihad Airways partners, which includes seven airlines in which it holds minority equity stakes will also be party to Etihad
Jet Airways recently announced its plan for partnership with Etihad Airways on a unique new collaboration with the global fashion industry.
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Airways’ agreement with WME | IMG, whose fashion portfolio includes 30+ fashion events around the world and affiliates - IMG Models, Art + Commerce and The Wall Group which manage fashion icons across modelling, photography and styling. Alitalia, Jet Airways, Airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, NIKI and Etihad Regional will help fashion’s insiders arrive, connect and present at the industry’s key moments throughout the year. Gaurang Shetty, Whole time Director, Jet Airways who welcomed the agreement said, “This is an exciting new opportunity
for Jet Airways to partner with fashion weeks, both in India and internationally. It is an ideal platform for the Jet Airways brand which cherishes contemporary Indian style and creativity. We look forward to work with Etihad Airways and WME | IMG on this unique new initiative.” James Hogan, President and CEO, Etihad Airways said, “This is a groundbreaking new partnership for Etihad Airways and for our partners. Together with WME | IMG, we have created a unique marketing relationship that now connects the international fashion community across our key markets.’’ ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
NEWSLINE
Latest Sightings App launches bookings
Latest Sightings.com, a real-time crowdsourcing app (iPhone and iPad app / Android app) which enhances visitors’ wildlife sightings in game reserves, aids in wildlife conservation and research is all about revolutionising. Latest Sightings continuously strives to find ways to improve holiday-makers’ safari experiences. Few months ago, Latest Sightings became a member of SATSA (South African Tourism Services Association) and has launched Latest Sightings Vacations. Nadav Ossendryver, CEO says, “Through our quality partners and years of real-time sighting data, we have been able to gather expert knowledge of exactly where wildlife sightings are happening. Therefore, we are able to guide you in planning your ultimate wildlife vacation.” Why book through Latest Sightings Vacation: • Latest Sightings will help you find the best animal sightings around. • Tell us which animal 16
you want to see and Latest Sightings will tell you where to stay to see it.
network is fit to serve any tour operator sending clients into Southern Africa.
• Latest Sightings has over 4 years of experience in helping people find animals.
Boiler Plate:
• Latest Sightings has over 450,000 happy community members. As a SATSA member, Latest Sightings must adhere to a strict code of conduct that guarantees high standards of service, good quality tourism services and product - in the end, the highest level of quality. Any party that chooses to use a SATSA member as a supplier can be assured the highest level of service and the eradication of malpractices in any transaction. These members are bonded with third party indemnity, ensuring financially sound relationships while using them as suppliers. SATSA members offer a wide range of services and products including tourism activities, accommodation and transport. This
Latest Sightings, United Nations World Summit Award Winner: Culture and Tourism 2015 is the world’s largest wildlife crowdsourcing site. Nadav Ossendryver, founder and CEO of Latest Sightings is an accomplished young entrepreneur who used 21st century technology to develop the Latest Sightings app in order to inform visitors about national parks (as well as enthusiasts worldwide) where interesting animals and birds have just been spotted. The Latest Sightings Kruger YouTube Channel is the most watched South African channel with over 266,000 subscribers, and over 307,000,000 views worldwide. As a result of the success of the Latest Sightings YouTube channel, in 2014 a Film & Earn partnership programme was implemented. From all the amazing videos that are sent in, the best
are selected and uploaded to the YouTube channel. Those uploaded have a good chance of going viral, in which case Latest Sightings shares the earnings 40/60 with the contributors. Latest Sightings also has a loyal community on Facebook with over 160,000 fans; Twitter with approximately 16,800 followers; and Instagram with nearly 10,000 followers. The Latest Sightings Android and iTunes app has over 70,000 users. To assist this community Latest Sightings through their expertise have also developed long standing partners in order to assist with safari holiday bookings to national parks. Through the app, Latest Sightings has become an integral part of wildlife research. For example, by teaming up with KNP Wild Dog Project, Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Leopard Identification Project, the Latest Sightings community has been instrumental in saving wildlife. ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
NEWSLINE
ATM 2016 opens Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016, the region’s leading travel industry showcase has opened its doors recently for four days of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions, leadership forums, and recognition of 12 months of industry achievement. In its 23rd year, the 2016 edition, which took place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 25 to 28 has welcomed 423 main stand holders representing 86 countries, with more than 26,000 visitors attending the Middle East’s longest running and largest trade event. The show has added an extra hall for 2016, with over 2,800 exhibiting countries, 64 national pavilions and over 100 new exhibitors making their ATM debut. “The region faces a triple challenge in attracting leisure and business travellers with the triumvirate of service, experience and value - keys for developing sustainable tourism economies in an increasingly diversified sector. This has been the catalyst in focusing our attention on mid-market tourism this year, as Middle East destinations look to diversify their source markets and attract a larger volume of visitors as well as look to increase the loyalty quotient in an extremely competitive
market environment,” said Nadege Noblet Segers, Exhibition Manager, ATM. The Mid-market Strategies session, held on April 26 was designed specifically to identify who the midmarket traveller is, where they come from and what they want. Panelists included Mark Nogal, Regional Head, Focused Service Brand Management, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide; Dr. Amine Moukarzel, President, Louvre Hotels Group MENA; Karim Elguanaini, Senior VP of Product Marketing, Miral Asset Management, and Ali Abu Monassar, President, The Vision Destination Management. Other new features at this year’s event includes the ‘Wellness and Spa Lounge’, a dedicated space for 25 exhibitors designed to connect Middle East wellness and spa buyers
with international suppliers; and the launch of the ‘Travel Agent Academy’, which took place on the final day of the exhibition. The Annual show favourites made a return with the Travel Tech Show and Travel Tech Theatre seminar sessions promising an educational and insightful four days of knowledge sharing; and the New Frontier Recovery Awards, recognising the efforts of those nations that have suffered devastating economic and human losses in the last 12 months, as a result of natural disasters. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the show has grown to become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world.
Industry salutes Togo’s Best Five Star Hotel Togo’s top internationally branded five-star hotel has opened, providing delegates to the forthcoming Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Lome on June 21-22 with a prime example of achievement in a continent often perceived as being difficult for developers. The Radisson Blu Hotel 2 Fevrier is the fruit of a private-public partnership between the hotel developer, Groupe Kalyan and the management company, Carlson Rezidor, and the government of Togo. It took 18 months to develop and is the kind of project encouraged by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. The success in developing the hotel so quickly will form the basis of a April 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER
case-study discussion at AHIF taking place on June 21 and 22 in Lome. The session entitled, ‘Lessons from a hotel development success story’ will explore how a highly-specified 320 room conference hotel was able to be completed in double quick time in a market which has a reputation for slow infrastructure development progress. The panel will consist of all the main protagonists who will explain what they did to bring the project to fruition. Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of Bench Events which organizes AHIF said, “This is a great example of how to get things done in the hotel sector and another good reason why people can be optimistic about investing in Africa. We welcome this hotel opening and of course, its timing will provide a great focus for one of our many discussions at AHIF.”
The new hotel fulfills many of the criterias set down by UNWTO which promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. Bernadette Essossimna Legzim Balouki; Minister of Commerce, Industry, Private Sector and Tourism, Togo said, “This new luxury hotel will give a much needed boost to our country’s tourism industry which is already going from strength to strength.” Ashok Gupta, Managing Director and CEO, Kalyan Hospitality Development, Togo said, “This is a landmark hotel development which marks a new era for Togo and we are proud that it was achieved through a successful collaboration with Togo’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Private Sector and Tourism.” 17
Movie review
THE JUNGLE BOOK
The much awaited Disney Production movie ‘The Jungle Book,’ with its live action-animation, enthralls audiences of all age-groups. The American fantasy adventure film, directed by Jon Favreau, is based on Rudyard Kipling’s collective works. Though the movie has a nod to the 1967 classic, it is entirely different in mood and texture.
movies like Avatar and Life of Pi, creates a fascinating experience that is both realistic in texture and fabulous in feel. As far as the performances go, Neel Sethi steals the show with his boyish charm and innocence as ‘Mowgli’. Neel is the only real person being portrayed in the film, and the rest of the cast is in the form of voiceovers.
What it’s about
The movie has a splendid cast: Ben Kingsley is impressive as Bagheera; Sacarlett Johansson astonishes as the scheming python, Kaa; Idris Elba is menacing as Shere Khan; Christopher Walken as the grotesque king of the monkeys is awe-inspiring; and Bill Murray with his bubbly tone of the bear, Baloo is mesmerizing.
This thrilling film tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy abandoned in a jungle, who is raised by a pack of wolves. Thus, he is referred to as a ‘man cub,’ and is watched over by Bagheera, the kind panther. Life was good for Mowgli until the terrifying tiger — Shere Khan—plans to eat him. Mowgli is forced to run, but along the way he meets some wonderful characters like Kaa, Ballo, and King Louie. The plot of the film is more or less the same as that of previous animated movie, with a slight change in the ending.
Positives
Jon Favreau makes his film incredible with its spectacular characters in the dense jungle, which anyone would believe is real. The main highlight of the film is in its Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and talking animals, which emote and enact realistically. Favreau, much like earlier
18
Negatives
The movie is released in India in four languages —English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. And, since it comes without subtitles, those watching it in other languages may miss out a dialogue or two.
Verdict
The Jungle Book is a mass entertainer, portraying little Mowgli’s adventures in the jungle. It is assure that the movie will fascinate kids and also revive childhood memories in adults. Don’t miss the fabulous movie!
ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
NEWSLINE
Abhibus announces second edition of ‘Ashok Leyland India Bus Awards’ Nominations close on May 31, 2016 Abhibus.com, India’s fastest growing online bus ticket booking portal is all set to host the second edition of India’s most coveted and prestigious ‘Ashok Leyland India Bus Awards 2016’. The award ceremony will be held on July 05, 2016 at Grand Hyatt, Goa. The Ashok Leyland India Bus Awards’ have been instituted by Abhibus.com to honour and recognize excellence and spirit of innovation in the bus Industry. It is
fleet operators, both private and state transport undertakings, bus manufacturers and bus body builders across sixteen categories.
the only and most credible, respected award in the bus industry. The process of inviting nominations for India Bus Awards’ 2016 has begun and the last date for receipt of the nominations is May 31, 2016. The awards will be conferred among
The award is based on the philosophy that successful businesses are not always based on turnovers, rather on excellence, providing a level-playing field to all companies. Ernst & Young, LLP are the official tabulators for the awards to validate the awards processes, bring in transparency and credibility.
‘‘Spice Up’’ campaign to boost Thai Tourism Abhibus.com, India’s fastest growing online bus ticket booking portal is all set to host the second edition of India’s most coveted and prestigious ‘Ashok Leyland India Bus Awards 2016’. The award ceremony will be held on July 05, 2016 at Grand Hyatt, Goa. The Ashok Leyland India Bus Awards’ have been instituted by Abhibus.com to honour and recognize excellence and spirit of innovation in the bus Industry. It is the only and most credible, respected award in the bus industry. The process of inviting nominations for India Bus Awards’ 2016 has
begun and the last date for receipt of the nominations is May 31, 2016. The awards will be conferred among fleet operators, both private and state transport undertakings, bus manufacturers and bus body builders across sixteen categories. The award is based on the philosophy that successful businesses are not always based on turnovers, rather on excellence, providing a level-playing field to all companies. Ernst & Young, LLP are the official tabulators for the awards to validate the awards processes, bring in transparency and credibility.
Surat Thani Trade & Tourism Association hosts maiden India mission Best known for its idyllic islands – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao – the province of Surat Thani treated Indian travel agents to a showcase of its tourism products in Mumbai recently. The roadshow, which brought in a delegation of 19 sellers was part of a larger mission by the Surat Thani Trade and Tourism Association,
which also involved trade and industry led by the province’s Governor, Wongsiri Promchana. With the goal of giving Mumbai’s travel trade a quick, yet deep insight into Surat Thani’s tourism and cultural appeal, the roadshow included a Muay Thai Chaiyya performance and a presentation by the Chief of the Koh Samui
April 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER
Tourism Coordination Centre, besides several hours of B2B meetings and deal-making. The Surat Thani province boasts a host of attractions that could appeal to a wide variety of Indian market segments – from highend luxury seekers (in line with TAT’s overall strategy in India), families, youngsters, couples and niches like divers. 19
NEWSLINE
ATM honours Taiwan Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the region’s leading travel industry showcase has named Taiwan as the recipient of the New Frontiers Recovery Award 2016 at a special presentation that was also
maintaining and growing its tourism industry, particularly when it comes to targeting travellers from the Middle East region,” said Noblet Segers. “We are pleased to receive this award. We have
Jean Chang, President of Golden Foundation Service Group bagging the award from Nadege Noblet Segers on behalf of Arthur Hsieh, Director, TTB Singapore Branch, Taiwan Visitors’ Association with ARN presenters from The Ticket Mark Lloyd and Stef Burgon.
broadcast on ARN radio on the final day of the annual event. “We wanted to recognize Taiwan not only for its swift physical rebuilding, but for the way the country has maintained its optimistic outlook with regards to
managed to recover swiftly from the earthquake as our infrastructure is so strong. The rebuilding has now been completed and we want people in the Middle East to know that Taiwan is renowned for its national parks and scenic areas full of flowers, fruits and
greenery. You can see the mountains and the beach in one day and travel from north to south in just 90 minutes, thanks to the 300 kmph bullet train,” said Arthur Hsieh, Director, TTB Singapore Branch, Taiwan Visitors’ Association. The island nation, which has long been a popular tourism destination was hit by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake in February 2016 causing the worst death toll in the country’s history since 1999. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Taiwan’s government was swift to react, allocating US$1 billion in aid to address building safety and agricultural land soil concern. Around 2,000 schools have since been retrofitted for quake safety. Taiwan was shortlisted along with Nepal and the Philippines, which also experienced natural catastrophes that caused significant human and
economic losses in the last 12 months. Nepal suffered a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in April 2015 that flattened large parts of the capital Kathmandu and caused devastation across the entire nation. Philippines was hit by a typhoon in October 2015 displacing half a million people and directly affecting over 1.24 million Filipinos. Now in its 12th year, the New Frontiers Recovery Award was created in 2005 to recognize outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity, supporting the chosen destination by donating exhibition space at the event to the value of US$10,000. Previous award recipients include Nepal; Phuket, Thailand; Cancun, Mexico; Sichuan, China; Baluchistan, Pakistan; Central Visayas, Philippines; and Northern India.
China’s HNA Tourism Group acquires Carlson Hotels China-based HNA Tourism Group and Carlson Hospitality Group have entered into an agreement for the acquisition of Carlson Hotels, Inc and the speculation is that the firm was considering sale options earlier this year. The latter owns the Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inns, Suites by Carlson brands and the Club Carlson, global hotel rewards’ programme. ‘‘We look forward to work within HNA Tourism Group, a greatly respected global enterprise which will be an exciting new chapter in the history of Carlson Hotels. As part of HNA Tourism Group,
Carlson Hotels will have an opportunity to advance our commitment to provide guests with hospitality world-wide,’’ said Carlson Hospitality Group CEO, David P. Berg. Under terms of the agreement, HNA Tourism Group will acquire all of Carlson Hotels, including its approximate 51.3% majority stake in Rezidor Hotel Group AB; Carlson Hotel’s master license based in Brussels; with hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the second half of 2016. Berg will remain as CEO
of the new organisation; and HNA Tourism Group has pledged to maintain Minnetonka, Minn. as its headquarters. ‘‘Hospitality is in our hearts, which made this a difficult decision. We strongly believe that selling our hotel business to HNA Tourism Group, a company that fully recognises its value and heritage is the best way for us to position it for success and to be true to my grandfather’s legacy in the long term,” said Diana Nelson, Carlson Board Chair.
a great respect for the Carlson family and a deep appreciation for its history and special culture,” said Bai Haibo, HNA Tourism Group board member, HNA Hospitality Group Chairman and CEO. The acquisition follows the Accor Hotels-FRHI and Marriott-Starwood acquisitions in the last few months.
“We have ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
NEWSLINE
Three Thai islands top TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice-2016 Awards visitor reviews and feedback. Recommended is Phuket’s Baba Wedding Festival hosted in the island’s old town during a Phuket holiday. Three of Thailand’s popular southern islands scored top spots in the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for Islands. Phuket gained the second spot in Asia and 8th in the global ranking. The awards identify the top 10 island destinations globally and by region. In the citations for each of the winning destinations, TripAdvisor states that Phuket musters 1,086 things to do based on its
Two other Thai islands, Samui and Tao bagged third and fourth places in the Asia rankings respectively. TripAdvisor identifies 475 things to do while visiting Samui, the third place island in the Asia rankings and recommends a booking in May to catch the spectacular Samui Regatta at Chaweng Beach, during 21 to 28 May. Reviews of Ko Tao, a world-class dive destination identifies 156 things to do. TripAdvisor
recommends a visit in June to capture the ambience of the ecotourism event, ‘‘Save Ko Tao Festival’’ scheduled to be held on 18-19 June. TripAdvisor said it highlights the world’s top islands based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide gathered over a year, as well as traveller booking interest registered on TripAdvisor. Ms. Barbara Messing, TripAdvisor Chief Marketing Officer said,“With common traits like breathtaking beaches, exciting activities, popular hotels and restaurants, the Travellers’ Choice Islands are favourites of the TripAdvisor community. While most of these islands
have year-round appeal, TripAdvisor booking data shows that bargain hunters can save on their hotels while staying at the top islands during the shoulder season rather than the peak.” Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications commented, “We are glad that our destinations continue to be among the top choices for a great island vacation. Phuket has some of the best beaches in the world and a huge range of attractions, while Samui and Ko Tao with their warm seas and nearby marine parks allow visitors to enjoy a combination of stunning scenery and friendly local culture.”
Jet Airways’ JetEscapes Holiday offers attractive summer getaways Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline has introduced all-inclusive holiday options under JetEscapes Holiday. Guests seeking a vacation in India or to select international destinations on the airline’s network can access many attractive, allinclusive offers that start at INR 15,620 which includes travel on Jet Airways. Guests can enjoy a three-night, four day beach holiday package to Goa. With this offer, guests can experience life around the beaches of Goa, savour Goan and international cuisine at popular beach shacks as well as participate in watersports like parasailing. The four-night, five day ‘Golden Triangle’ holiday includes inspiring and historical tours of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. 22
JetEscapes’ four-night, five day ‘Magical Kashmir’ holiday showcases the abundant natural beauty of Srinagar and Gulmarg. Guests can visit picturesque Sonmarg and the tour includes Gulmarg – known as ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Shankaracharya temple, Mughal Gardens, and Shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake. Local handcrafted items that are typical of the Kashmiri region are available on sale from local artisans.The six-night, seven day ‘Himachal Experience’ includes a breathtaking tour of Shimla, Manali and Chandigarh. A five-night, six day ‘Fascinating Ladakh’ holiday package includes a sightseeing tour of Leh’s picture-postcard beauty, Nubra Valley and Pangong. At Leh, guests can take a trip to Shanti Stupa which was built by Japanese
monks to promote world peace or find solace at the eye-catching Sankar Gompa monastery. Lastly, guests can experience traditional Tibetan architecture at the Leh Palace. Gaurang Shetty, Whole Time Director, Jet Airways said, “Our special JetEscapes Holidays are curated to offer our guests an energizing travel experience. Jet Airways’ all-inclusive JetEscapes Holidays are tailored to suit specific needs and make the travel experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible. The holidays offer exceptional value and make ideal getaway options this summer.” Jet Airways has also created theme-based international holidays for its guests. Some of the attractive international JetEscapes packages include four-night, five day holidays to Bangkok and Pattaya in
Thailand; six-night, seven day holiday packages to Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal; three-night, four day holiday to Singapore and Sentosa Island; twonight, three day holiday package to Macau; threenight, four day holiday to Amsterdam; and a fournight, five day holiday to Paris. While in Singapore, guests can experience the vibrant mix of tradition and modernity that is thoroughly Singaporean. An island of fun and festivities throughout the year, Singapore offers sophisticated nightlife, gourmet food, great shopping and sightseeing. Explore Macau’s charming fortresses, churches and food of its former colonial masters— the Portuguese on one hand, and Vegas-style casinos and hotels on the other— a truly unique fusion of East and West. ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
Tamil Nadu Traveller
The unparalleled
Pondicherry
Promenade Beach.
Wide boulevards, seafront promenade, French architecture, awe-inspiring beaches and places of spiritual importance make Pondicherry a destination worthy of being visited. Dr. S Bakthavatchalam takes you to this magnificent place which leaves an indelible imprint in travellers’ hearts.
Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism
T
he city, which was once a French colony, now features an amalgamation of Indian culture and European styles. The places to visit in Pondicherry offer glimpses of an era gone by. With a unique blend of French culture, Dutch colonization, British style and Indian heritage, this is a must-visit destination of the country.
1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
One of favoured tourist places in Pondicherry, Sri
Aurobindo Ashram is where people come to seek spiritual harmony and enlightenment. The place is popularly known for being the abode of spiritual guru, Sri Aurobindo.
Opening timings: From 8 am to
12 noon & 2 pm to 6 pm
2. Auroville
Referred to as ‘The city of Dawn’, Auroville is a universal town where men and women of any country can live together to progress harmony and realize human unity. The place, named after Sri Aurobindo is a strategically
planned, experimental township that aims to develop India through the idea of peaceful co-existence.
Opening timings: Mon to Fri
(9:30 am – 12:30 pm & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
3. Promenade Beach
Promenade beach is the pride of Pondicherry and stretches for approximately 1.5 kms. It is a wonderland for travellers and has some of the most magnificent landmarks
Tamil Nadu Traveller
Auroville.
like the War Memorial, statue of Joan of Arc and the heritage town hall situated on it. Additionally, one can also spot the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, old lighthouse, the remains of the old pier, Dupleix statue and the old customs house located on the Promenade Beach.
Opening timings: All days of the week (12:00 am – 12:00 pm)
4. Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar temple
The temple is popularly known as the ‘Villianur Temple’. It has a huge 15 meters tall temple chariot that is normally taken out on a procession during the Brahmotsavam, which is basically the annual festival of Pondicherry.
Opening timings: All days of the week (5:00 am – 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
5. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Located at the South Boulevard, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was consecrated on December 17, 1907. The structure of this church is 50 meters long, 48 meters wide and 18 meters high and is held by 24 columns. It is also known as the Parent church for Catholic diocese for Pondicherry and Cuddalore. This is one of the best place you can visit in Pondicherry.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
24
Opening timings: All days of the week except Sunday (7:00 am – 6:30 pm) ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
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NEWSLINE
DM Foundation announces National Level Winners of First Aster Media Awards reporting, specifically in GCC countries and Regional reporting in Kerala. Winners in these two categories that offer cash awards of UAE Dirham (AED) 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh respectively will be announced soon. Manoj Sharma
Two journalists have shared the inaugural Aster Media Awards India for their news reports that had a significant impact in shaping public awareness and driving action on socially relevant issues. Manoj Sharma, Assistant Editor, Hindustan times (HT); and Sarika Malhotra, Senior Assistant Editor, Business today are joint winners of the Rs 10 lakh cash award, one of the biggest prizes in Indian journalism, instituted by healthcare charity DM Foundation. Mr. Manoj Sharma won the award for his news story on resilience and hope among street children that ‘showcases how capacity building among the youth can have a longterm impact’. Ms. Sarika Malhotra’s well-researched
Sarika Malhotra
Aasheesh Sharma
report on child labour in India was judged as ‘likely to have a long term impact in terms of public awareness’. Mr. Aasheesh Sharma and Mr. Asad Ali came in for a Special Mention for excellence in journalism and quality of reporting for a news story published in the HT Brunch magazine. Mr. Aasheesh Sharma, Associate Editor at the Hindustan Times and Mr. Asad Ali, who currently works for Catch News were appreciated for their news report on two women shooters from UP that ‘straddles two key areas of education and women empowerment’ and were noted by the panel as having the ‘potential to be made into a documentary’. The winners this year were chosen by a jury
Asad Ali
chaired by Diplomat and Scholar Mr. Venu Rajamony, Press Secretary to the Honourable President of India. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in New Delhi later this year. The award jury also included Ms. Shahnaz Pakravan, Founder - SP Productions, Dubai, former journalist with the BBC World and Britain’s Channel Four; Mr. Rajrishi Singhal, Senior Fellow – Geoeconomics Studies, Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations; and Mr. Rahul Sharma, President - Rediffusion Communications, former journalist and public affairs expert. The Aster Media Awards also recognize excellence in journalism in two other categories: International
The Foundation, a charitable project of healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Azad Moopen, the founder Chairman and Managing Director of the Dubai-based Aster DM Healthcare, works with people from poor and deprived backgrounds globally, and has decided to annually honour media persons in India and the Gulf nations whose works have made visible positive impact on communities. Dr. Azad Moopen said, ‘’ The awards will encourage more journalists to put the spotlight on development, growth and sustenance of communities. We hope by instituting the Aster Media Awards more journalists will take up areas of reporting which can produce social impact and highlight issues to provide actionable information that will help bring about socio-economic transformation.”
Ras Al Khaimah signs agreement with Cox & Kings Ras Al Khaimah has signed an agreement with Cox & Kings Ltd, the leading tour operator from India to strengthen its relationship and expand its presence in the Indian market, which is one of the fastest outbound markets in the region. This agreement will focus on promoting the various aspects of Ras Al Khaimah and popularize it in the Indian market. The agreement, which was signed recently 26
at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is aimed at increasing tourism arrivals to Ras Al Khaimah from India. The partnership, which will take effect from May 1, 2016 will introduce Ras Al Khaimah to the Indian market through specially created itineraries, creation of stand alone tourism products for the Emirate and market the destination via a series of campaigns and training programmes for Cox & Kings staff.
India has already cemented its position as one of the Emirate’s leading source markets with an 80% increase in visitors’ year-onyear (2014-2015). ‘‘Following our revised strategies and vision to reach one million visitors by the end of 2018, we will be announcing a number of partnerships such as this. Air India Express has already launched new routes to the Emirate and our agreement with Cox
& Kings will ensure we are making the destination as accessible as ever. We are proud to begin a long relationship with such an established travel company within one of our top source markets. India offers an important contribution towards our overall visitor figures and we keen to progress this opportunity to target Indian travellers even further,’’ said Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
NEWSLINE
Movenpick boss exclusively reveals RAK plans Talking to Hotelier Middle East at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) recently, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts COO, Andreas Mattmuller exclusively revealed the brand’s plans for a new RAK property. ‘‘The group’s target for the wider Middle East is 45 operational Movenpick hotels by 2020. The group currently has 30 operational hotels in the region,’’ Mattmuller said. ‘‘A new Movenpick beach resort in Ras Al Khaimah(RAK) is among the group’s plan for new projects in the UAE. The new RAK property will be Movenpick’s first UAE hotel outside of Dubai,’’ Mattmuller added. “We are going to announce a project very shortly in RAK. It is a large hotel on the beach. It is going to be signed very soon. We are in the final stage,” Mattmuller further added. Mattmuller estimates that the new hotel would offer 550 keys, including hotel rooms as well as serviced residences.
“Ras Al Khaimah has very nice beaches and there is going to be a destination created there, with several hotels. Sometimes it is more difficult for a hotel to be alone on the beach, when you have a destination with lots of attractions, restaurants and hotels. We used to say, if you want to
be on the map you need 3,500 rooms in one destination, which will really help you to promote the destination. And that is what is happening in Ras Al Khaimah. We like to be associated with other brands, because each brand has a different network of distribution,’’ Mattmuller continued.
Going Myles with Sakshi Vij Myles, India’s first self-drive service was founded by Ms. Sakshi Vij in 2013. Sakshi, a successful entrepreneur with rich insights on marketing strategies and distribution networking, is also the CEO of Myles. In her role, Sakshi is responsible for spearheading the product strategy, business development as well as the overall management operations of the organisation. The company is steadily changing in the way the Indian consumers approach car ownership by delivering greater flexibility, convenience and lower financial burden through the most tailored self-drive automobile solutions. The idea for Myles 28
came about when the Founder, Sakshi identified a massive opportunity in the burgeoning Indian transportation industry. Having seen an increasing preference for an alternate mode of private transport, she launched Myles to offer a simple car sharing/ self-driving solution that connects a car to users through Telematics technology and a Mobile and web based application. The USP for Myles undoubtedly lies in its reach and bandwidth of offerings – the company has options ranging from e2o, Swift, Innova, XUV500, Fortuner to Mercedes available at the most costeffective prices. Through Myles, users can book self-driven cars from a few hours to upto three months.
This ensures that greater flexibility, convenience and affordability are made available to any individual looking to buy a car, without having to deal with the hassles of actually owning one. It is a measure of the company’s brand value that has led to over 40,000 users having driven more than a million miles through its platform. Myles was felicitated ‘NCR – Top 50 Hot Brands’ award by Paul Writer.
Having started with 14 cars in 3 locations, Myles is currently present in more than 250 locations in 21 cities and operating with a fleet of over 1200+ cars. The company also has a comprehensive global footprint with operations in 145 countries through strategic partnerships with international service providers such as autoeurope and rentalcars. com. Myles is planning to expand its self-drive fleet by adding 5000 more cars in the next 4 years at an investment of INR 400 crore and is looking forward to expand its operations to 50 cities across 5000 locations within India. ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016
NEWSLINE
Madrid’s Prado Museum to host Temporary Exhibitions The Prado Museum Gallery in Madrid has the most complete collection of Spanish paintings from 11th-18th centuries and numerous masterpieces by great universal artists such as El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Bosch, Titian, Van Dyck and Rembrandt.
1450-1516), the most comprehensive exhibition ever held on the Dutch master is celebrated. The important group of paintings that are conserved in the Prado has outstanding borrowed artwork as the Triptych of the Temptations of San Antonio of the National Museum of Ancient Art of Lisbon and works from important institutions such as the Albertina and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in
The Prado Museum has recently launched a series of measures to adapt their offer to the public demand, needs of the travel agents and they are currently offering the following temporary exhibitions that you can visit in Prado Museum, Madrid:
May 31 to September 11, 2016 El Bosco : The Hundred-Year Old Exhibition In commemoration of the fifth hundred year of death of El Bosco (c.
Vienna, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Polo Museale Veneto Venice among others. A unique exhibition that brings together more than 75% of small series of paintings and drawings are now preserved by Bosco.
February 23 to June 12, 2016 Georges de La Tour The Prado celebrates an exhibition on Georges de La Tour (1593-1652) composed of thirty-one paintings, an exceptional number considering their very low work preserved. Forgotten for more than two centuries, La Tour was recovered in the early years of the twentieth century which is now being considered with Poussin, the most important seventeenth century French painter. The artist of Caravaggesque matrix, known for his nocturnal paintings of violent contrasts of light and popular physical types: beggars, buskers and old quarrelsome pointing a striking contrast with its delicate religious scenes. The Prado Museum regularly exhibits two paintings by this artist.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 98
Madhav Sehgal
appointed as the new General Manager, Hyatt Regency Chennai
Nitin Upadhyay
appointed as the Executive Pastry Chef, JW Marriott, Pune
Bjorn Thomas Fernandes
appointed as the new Director of Sales, JW Marriott Mumbai
Debanjan Kundu
appointed as the Director of Sales and Marketing, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore
Reema Dhawan
appointed as the new General Manager, The Suryaa, New Delhi
Mohd Iqbal Qureshi appointed as the new Executive Pastry Chef, Grand Hyatt Goa
1. Prime Minister of which country recently resigned from his post after his name was revealed in Panama paper leak? 2. The world’s first mass dengue vaccination programme has been launched by which country? 3. India’s first Aadhaar enabled ATM has been launched by which bank? 4. Which is the highest literary award of the world? 5. Which body of UNO gives advisory opinion on legal matters to the bodies and special agencies of the UNO? 6. When was Mandela inaugurated as first black President? 7. Which Indian Bank has the maximum number of branches? 8. Where is the sports stadium, Green Park, located? 9. Which of the following agencies related to the United Nation was in existence before the Second World War? 10. Which is the associated sport of Bombay Gold Cup?
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ASIAN TRAVELLER | April 2016