Asian Traveller (January 2016) by Mediasteps

Vol. 9

No. 4

Pages 32

` 100

US $10 (Overseas)

January 2016

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JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Highlights Vol. 9 I No.4 I January 2016

Himachal Pradesh The mountainous landscape of Himachal Pradesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas, is made up of a series of valleys and snow covered peaks.

Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh, in central India, draws visitors with well preserved remnants of its compelling history. Its many abandoned cities provide an intriguing window to the past, so different to the congested India of today.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a diverse state that attracts visitors with ancient cave temples, forts, mountains, wineries, spirituality, and beaches.

8 12 IHG Launches First Intercontinental Resort in India

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies has launched its first InterContinental Resort in India, ‘InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort’.

Super Enjoyable Safari Destinations from Around the World

The African continent is home to some if not all of the most important safari destinations and game reserves in the entire world.

24 ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2016

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

INNOVATIVE IDEAS IN TOURISM

Editor & Publisher : Dr. G Biju Krishnan*

Executive Editor : Sunny Thomas

Chief Mentor : Rajashekharan Nair

Group Vice President : Santhosh Kumaar K

Photo Editor : Jose Jacob

Editorial Team : Sane K P

Regional Head (Hyderabad) : Uma Ram

Tourists used to be content with just sightseeing around the various places of attraction in the countries they happen to be visiting. With changing consumer demands and heightened industry competition, tourism players around the world are getting more innovative in their business approach. We’ve seen a few fresh tourism themes and concepts sprouting up around the world that deserve special mention: If you’re travelling in Rome, you might want to sign up for “sightjogging” to please the fitness-conscious athlete in you. Sightjogging offers visitors a chance to put on their jogging shoes and take a guided tour of Rome’s main attractions. Multilingual trainers will meet you at your hotel and take you jogging along predefined routes based on your interests -- be it artistic, historic or naturalistic. Jogging not your cup of tea? Then check out “devastation tourism” with bus tour operator Gray Line New Orleans. The company’s new idea is a 3-hour “Hurricane Katrina — America’s Worst Catastrophe” tour of the hurricane devastation of 2005. Tour route includes visits to Canal Street, the Superdome, and some of the neighbourhoods affected badly by the disaster.

Director-Finance : K Harikrishnan

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Jiju K Thomas

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Tel : 00974 55287956

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Administration

Want to visit the Colorado mountain range, but too worried to leave behind the baby? The Colorado Mountain Mamas hiking club is an ideal solution for mommies who want to go hiking with their babies on board. Each hike is led by an experienced guide certified in CPR and trained to take special care of the mom and toddlers. There are also special trail experiences designed to engage babies in the discovery of the outdoors.

Email: info@mediastepsindia.com, w w w.mediastepsindia.com

Indian tourism industry, too, can try fancy ideas that will be in vogue elsewhere. New ideas are often copied, experimented on, and presented in an innovative format. What the rest of the world can do, India can do better. Innovate and prosper!

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The news items and Advertisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable. Readers are however requested to verif y the facts before making business decisions using the same. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the writ ten permission from the Publisher. JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER 5 All rights reserved. Copyright © 2015 *Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

HIMACHAL PRADESH

he mountainous landscape of Himachal Pradesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas, is made up of a series of valleys and snow covered peaks. It’s deservedly favored by adventure lovers but also provides a refreshing escape for those who are craving crisp mountain air. Check out these top Himachal Pradesh places to visit. You’ll find everything from pottery to psychedelic trance festivals there!

Shimla Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj when they ruled India. Now it’s the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. The town sprawls along a mountain ridge, enveloped in oak, pine and rhododendron forests. It’s quite famous for its colonial style buildings and historic railway. Some would stay it’s overdeveloped and crowded these days. However, it still has charm. The old Christ Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows, is one of Shimla’s most prominent landmarks.

Another is the Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill. These can be seen on an historic walking tour of Shimla. There are plenty of adventure sports and short hikes on offer in the vicinity as well.

Manali Manali, with its soothing backdrop of the Himalayas, offers a blend of tranquility and adventure that makes it one of northern India’s most popular destinations. You can do as little or as much as you want there. Located in the Kullu Valley, it’s a magical place bordered by

Andretta

heady pine forest and the raging Beas River, which give it a special energy.

Dharamsala and MacLeod Ganj Nestled a short distance from each other in the Kangra Valley, the towns of Dharamsala and MacLeod Ganj are home to the exiled Tibetan Government. The Dalai Lama resides in Dharamsala, and many Tibetans have followed him there. You can expect to find a strong Tibetan influence in the area, with culture being the main attraction. People flock to Dharamsala and MacLeod Ganj to undertake Buddhist meditation and philosophy courses, Tibetan cooking classes, Tibetan language courses, and to receive alternative therapies. Volunteer work is another popular pastime. Those interested in sightseeing will find some fascinating museums, temples, gompas, and monasteries. Tsuglagkhang Complex, the official residence of the Dalai Lama, is a highlight.

If you’re interested in pottery or art, don’t miss quaint Andretta village, a 20 minute drive from Palampur in the Kangra District. It can be visited on a day trip from Dharamsala. Otherwise, stay at the delightful Mirage Heritage Homestay. The village is said to have been established in the 1920s by Irish playwright Norah Richards, who lived there during the Partition and is credited with the rise of Punjabi theater. Later, noted potter Gurucharan Singh (who started Delhi Blue Pottery), and painter Sobha Singh (who was known for his Sikh religious paintings), settled there. The Sobha Singh Art Gallery, housed in the building where he lived, showcases his paintings and personal belongings. The mud-plastered cottage belonging to Norah Richards can also be visited. Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, a pottery production center, offers three month pottery

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classes for serious students. Alternatively, you can try your hand at the pottery wheel and get a casual lesson. The Society apparently sells its rangolipatterned earthenware to FabIndia in Delhi.

Bir-Billing Go past the turnoff to Andretta from Palampur and you’ll reach one of the world’s best paragliding destinations at the twin towns of Bir and Billing. The 2015 Paragliding World Cup was held there, for the first time in India, in October 2015. The peak paragliding season runs from March to May and October to November. Billing Valley Adventures and Billing Adventures of Himachal offer paragliding, trekking, and camping. Other attractions are tea gardens and monasteries. Serene Palpung Sherabling Monastery offers periodic courses in Buddhist meditation and philosophy. Deer Park Institute offers accommodations along with courses on Buddhist and Indian philosophy. Don’t miss visiting the groovy 4Tables Project cafe and art gallery. They now rent out gorgeous rooms too! Guided walks in the area can be arranged.

Spiti Rudyard Kipling described Spiti as a world within a world. This remote, high altitude area of Himachal Pradesh is tucked away against the border of Ladakh and Tibet. It’s only been open to foreign tourists since 1991, and still remains relatively unexplored. Part of this is due to Spiti being barren alpine desert that’s covered in heavy snow for a high proportion of the year. Getting to Spiti involves a long drive, most popularly from Manali. The constantly evolving scenery is unforgettable and well worth the journey though.

Great Himalayan National Park The Great Himalayan National Park, in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The park has four valleys and covers more than 750 square kilometers. Its remote, rugged and untamed terrain makes it sought after by trekkers but only the fittest and most adventurous reach deep inside the core area. There are a number of trekking routes, ranging from three to eight days, with treks between the spectacular Tirthan and Sainj valleys being popular. In addition, less strenuous day walks exist in the park’s Ecozone buffer area, frequented by day trippers. It’s possible to go on tours to interact with the villagers and learn about their activities. Ecotourism company Sunshine Himalayan Adventures has partnered with Biodiversity Tourism and Community Advancement (a community-based organization, comprised of local villagers) to offer treks and tours. Permits are required for treks. Indians must pay a park entry fee of 50 rupees per day, and foreigners 200 rupees per day. It’s free to enter the Ecozone. Raju’s Cottage, a renowned homestay in Gushaini on the periphery of the park, is an ideal base or stopover. You’ll need to book well in advance though!

Kasol and the Parvati Valley As the season wanes in Goa, the psychedelic trance scene shifts more than 8,000 feet above sea level into the forest around Kasol, in the Kullu District’s Parvati Valley. Festivals take place at Chalal, near Kasol, from late May until October. To get

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there, walk 30 minutes from Kasol, crossing the cable suspension bridge over the Parvati River and then following the picturesque riverside path to the village. The season runs from late May until October. Two of the biggest events are Parvati Peaking and Magica Festival.

Dalhousie Dalhousie is refreshingly less crowded than Shimla and Manali, and the surrounding Chamba Valley is a lesser-explored area of Himachal Pradesh. If you’re after spectacular views, then Dalhousie is the place to find them. Spread over five hills at foot of the Dhauladhar mountain range, the town gets its name from founder Lord Dalhousie and bares the distinct stamp of the British Raj. Its hotels are particularly reminiscent of that era. Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary is located a short drive away from Dalhousie. It’s possible to walk through the sanctuary

but a permit is necessary for a vehicle. Those who dare to venture further into the Chamba Valley will discover fascinating ancient folklore, temples, and tribes.

Himalayan Golden Triangle (Thanedhar, Sangla and Sojha) This off-beat circuit, actively promoted by Banjara Camps, attracts outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature away from touristy areas. It starts in the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s apple country, in Thanedhar (around two hours from Shimla). The Sangla Valley is located 9,000 feet above sea level in Kinnaur District, close to the Tibetan border, and offers trout fishing and trekking (including glacier trekking in March and April). You can also visit Chitkul village, the last village on the old IndoTibetan trade route. Sojha links the Kullu and Shimla districts, and provides more opportunities to venture into the wild mountainous countryside. 7

MADHYA PRADESH

adhya Pradesh, in central India, draws visitors with well preserved remnants of its compelling history. Its many abandoned cities provide an intriguing window to the past, so different to the congested India of today. In further contrast, the national parks of Madhya Pradesh offer some of India’s best jungle lodges and wildlife spotting opportunities. Here are the top Madhya Pradesh tourist places.

one of the top historical destinations in India.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Khajuraho Erotic Temples If you want proof that the Kama Sutra originated in India, Khajuraho is the place to see. There are over 20 temples abounding in erotic sculptures. However, more than that, they show a celebration of love, life and worship. The Khajuraho erotic temples are rated as 8

Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks are among the top national parks in India. Bandhavgarh, while being relatively difficult to reach, and costly to visit, is the best place to see tigers in the wild in India. The park features dense green valleys and rocky hill terrain, with an ancient fort. In addition to tigers, the park has a large array of wildlife including sloth bears, deers, leopards, jackals, and birds.

Jungle Book. It’s rich in lush saal and bamboo forests, lakes, streams and open grasslands. As well as tigers, the park abounds with barasingha (swamp deer) and an extensive variety of other animals and birds. Rather than offering one particular kind of animal, it provides an all-round nature

experience. The park is well regarded for its research and conservation programs, and many endangered species have been saved there.

Gwalior The great thing about Gwalior is that it’s so accessible -- only two hours

Kanha National Park Kanha National Park has the honor of providing the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel, The ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2016

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it’s a convenient base for numerous other side trips.

drive from Agra and the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh. The main attraction is the massive hilltop fort that towers over the city. Reputed to be one of the most invincible forts in India, its history stretches back over 1,000 years. Inside the fort walls are a number of palaces and temples, the highlight being the Man Mandir Palace. At the bottom of the fort is the Old Town of Gwalior, brimming with history and fine examples of Mughal architecture such as the Tomb of Tansen. The Tansen Music Festival is held at the tomb every December.

Orchha Orchha is located on the banks of the Betwa River, a comfortable hour and a half south of Gwalior. It’s another relatively peaceful place, full of well preserved palaces and temples, with a distinctly medieval charm. Three main palaces are enclosed in Orccha’s fortified walls. The Jahangir Mahal is the largest and most impressive, and its upper levels offer some arresting panoramic views. A stay inside the Jahangir Mahal, at the Hotel Sheesh Mahal, completes the experience. Being a government run hotel, it’s not luxurious but it is full of 10

character.

Bhopal Madhya Pradesh’s capital city, Bhopal, is perhaps best known for the tragic poisoning that occurred there in 1984, when a pesticide manufacturing plant leaked a mixture of deadly gases. The city has two main attractions -- mosques and museums. A particularly fascinating museum is the Tribal Museum, which showcases the tribes of the region and their lives. The Taj ul Masjid, Jama Masjid, and Moti Masjid are fine example of the city’s rich Islamic heritage. There are also two large lakes, the Upper Lake and Lower Lake, inside the city limits.

Sanchi Some of India’s oldest Buddhist relics can be found at Sanchi, northeast of Bhopal. Most notable is the Great Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka in 262 BC after he embraced Buddhism, as penance for the atrocities he inflicted on the state of Kalinga (in Orissa). You’ll find a number of other stupas, temples, and monasteries there, along with an archeological museum. Sanchi can be visited on a day trip from Bhopal, but it’s worth staying there

Malwa Region Golden Triangle: Mandu, Ujjain, Omkareshwar The Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh is situated in the southwest portion of the state, with Indore as the point of entry. Ujjain, Mandu and Omkareshwar popularly make up its “Golden Triangle”. Ujjain is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, and one of the four locations of the Kumbh Mela. Most importantly its home to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which has one of India’s 12 sacred Jyotirlingams. The abandoned city of Mandu was once the lavish home of the Mughals, who indulged themselves by its many lakes and palaces. Mandu’s crumbling buildings, encircled by a long 45 kilometer (28 mile) stretch of wall with 12 gateways, still hint of its grandiose past. Omkareshwar, an island in the Narmada river, is said

to appear like the symbol “Om” when viewed from above. It’s another of the 12 Jyotirlingam sites, and this, added to the presence of the Holy Narmada, draws generations of devout pilgrims. It’s popular with travelers too, as a place to chill out.

Maheshwar Maheshwar, the Varanasi of central India, is a small holy town dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set along the banks of the Narmada River, it’s said that only Shiva is worshiped where the Narmada flows, as he’s the only god with the inner peace to calm her.

Satpura National Park You’re unlikely to see a tiger at lesser-known Satpura National Park but it’s an excellent place to spend time in nature. Notably, Satpura is one of only two protected forests in India that visitors are allowed to walk through. Other possible activities inside the national park include elephant safaris and canoe safaris.

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MAHARASHTRA

aharashtra is a diverse state that attracts visitors with ancient cave temples, forts, mountains, wineries, spirituality, and beaches. Of course, there’s cosmopolitan Mumbai as well. You’ll find it all at these top Maharashtra tourist places.

Mumbai Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, is the financial capital of India and the home of India’s Bollywood film industry. Also called India’s “maximum city”, Mumbai is known for its extreme standards of living, fast paced lifestyle, and the making (or breaking) of dreams. Stunning examples of colonial British architecture can be found all over the city and make up many of Mumbai’s top attractions. Mumbai also has a pulsating nightlife, with unforgettable bars, live music venues, and traveller hangouts.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are located near Aurangabad in northern 12

Maharashtra, around 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Mumbai. There are 34 caves at Ellora dating from between the 6th and 11th centuries AD, and 29 caves at Ajanta dating back to between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. While the Ajanta caves are rich in paintings and sculpture, the Ellora caves are renowned for their extraordinary architecture. The most incredible thing about all these caves is that they were crafted by hand, with only a hammer and chisel.

Konkan Coast The Konkan Coast in Maharashtra offers a bounty of beautiful beaches, which are amongst the most pristine in the country. Delightfully off the tourist trail, they are devoid of much commercial

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development and many are practically deserted.

Shirdi Shirdi is a small town in Maharashtra that’s devoted to the popular saint Sai Baba. He preached tolerance towards all religions and equality of all people. Devotees flock to Shirdi, as an important pilgrimage place.

Matheran The closest hill station to Mumbai, Matheran was discovered in 1850 by the British during their occupation of India and subsequently developed into a popular summer retreat. At height of 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level, this serene place provides a cooling escape from searing temperatures. However, the most unique thing about it and what makes it so special, is that all vehicles are banned there - even bicycles. It’s a soothing place to relax away from any noise and pollution. Get there by taking the scenic toy train.

Nashik Nashik, approximately four hours northeast of Mumbai in Maharashtra, is a city of

contrasts. On one hand, it’s an ancient and sacred pilgrimage destination with a fascinating Old City. On the other, it’s home to the biggest winery region in India.

Tadoba National Park Overlooked by tourism until recently because it was off the beaten track and lacked accommodations, these days Tadoba National Park and Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best places to see a tiger in the wild in India.

Lonavala Just two hours southeast of Mumbai, and halfway between Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala provides an eclectic blend of hills, history and adventure. It’s a popular misty monsoon destination, and its lush surroundings have been the backdrop of many Bollywood movie song and dance scenes. Attractions include forts, lookouts, lakes, dams, and waterfalls (during the monsoon season). Nirvana Adventures conducts paragliding in Kamshet, close to Lonavala. The ancient rock-cut Karla caves

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are also worth visiting.

Mahabaleshwar For fresh strawberries (as well as mulberries, raspberries, and gooseberries) head to Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghat mountains (known as the Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra). Strawberry season runs from November to March and you can feast on them at Archie’s Farm or Mapro Gardens. Otherwise, go trekking, fishing, boating, horseriding, or take in the views at one of the many sightseeing points and lookouts (there are nearly 30 of them!).

Kolhapur The historical and cultural city of Kolhapur is a lesserknown tourist destination alongside the Panchganga

River in southern Maharashtra. Yet, it certainly has plenty to offer! Its magnificent temples are one of the main attractions, with the Mahalaxmi Temple being the focus. The city has a long line of both Hindu and Muslim rulers, and has been the site of intense confrontations. Prior to India’s Independence, from 1700 it was controlled by the Maratha Empire and the British. The new palace of the Maharaja of Kolhapur, built in 1884, has grandiose Indo-Saracenic architecture. It now houses the Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum, containing memorabilia of Kolhapur’s rulers. Kolhapur also has a couple of interesting claims to fame: the famous Kolhapuri chappals (shoes) originated from there and the city is said to produce the best Kushti wrestlers.

TRAVELOGUE

Super Enjoyable Safari Destinations from Around the World

he African continent is home to some if not all of the most important safari destinations and game reserves in the entire world. Every year, millions of tourists flock to the continent in favor of its wildlife safaris that would help them get as close to the Big Five as they possibly can. So without further ado, here are the top safari destinations in the world that you definitely need to visit if you are a wildlife enthusiast.

Dr. Prem A multi-faceted man, Dr. Prem is an acclaimed speaker, global traveller, successful entrepreneur, chartered consultant author and publisher. Utilizing his vast global experience and diverse knowledge, he has written and published a series of life improvement guidebooks, which intend to improve all aspects of our life and has a well-insulated network of 50 websites that are popular with readers and prominent search engines.

Kenya – Masai Mara National Reserve Considered to be Africa’s most popular safari destination, the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya is famous for its wildebeest and zebra migration that takes place between the months of July-October. Tours will take you as close to the herds as possible so that you can get a fantastic view of the migration that involves millions of these animals.

South Africa – Kruger National Park Your chances to see the Big Five in action would increase manifold if you opt to visit the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Boasting of housing the most diverse range of wildlife species on the planet, the park also offers you the unique experience of opting for a self-driven safari and is very well maintained.

Botswana – Chobe National Park The highlight of the Chobe National Park in Bostwana is that the park covers four different eco-systems, meaning it has one of the highest concentrations and most diverse range of wildlife in the continent. Another highlight of the park is the sheer number of elephants you can find here (over 120,000). Along with this, you can spot herds of buffalos, zebras, wildebeests and giraffe crossing the Savuti marsh between April and October. 14

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Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve A trekking tour of this amazing forest reserve would get you the chance to enjoy very close encounters with menacing looking but gentle mountain gorillas. You can find over half of the world’s gorilla population in the reserve, which is also home to a diverse range of bird species. The trekking tours would also take you past jagged valleys, misty waterfalls and dormant volcanoes. So don’t miss this one out.

Namibia – Etosha National Park Make it a point to visit the Etosha National Park in Namibia to see the tallest African elephants in their natural habitat. In addition to enjoying wonderful views of these majestic animals, you can also catch glimpses of over 91 species of animals, including the endangered black rhino. Try to plan your visit during the dry season as this would be the time all the animals in the park start visiting the waterholes, offering you plenty of photographic moments. You can also opt for a self-drive safari, which would let you enjoy close views of animals like giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and cheetahs.

Tanzania – Serengeti National Park Visit the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania if you want to enjoy a firsthand experience of a classic African wildlife safari. The area is world famous for the annual migration of millions of zebras and wildebeest making across the plains in gigantic herds. What’s best about the Serengeti is that it is mostly grassland, therefore giving you fantastic views of the migration as well as the lion kills that occur frequently in between.

Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park Home to over 105 different kinds of animals, including elephants, lions and giraffes, the Hwange National Park is a must visit for those who love wild dogs. The park houses one of the highest wild dog populations in entire Africa. Better yet, it is located quite close to the stunning Victoria Falls as well as the electrifying Devil’s Pool. JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

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Hospitality Professionals of Kerala Tourism Industry celebrated Xmas in all its Pomp & Splendor. The party was held on the 22nd DEC 2015 at Casino Hotel, Wellington Island.132 members of the Kerala Tourism Industry attended the function.

Hospitality Professionals of Kerala Tourism Industry Celebrated Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mas

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TAMILNADU TRAVELLER

A Haven for Globetrotting Aves

Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam

Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism

In many parts of the world, birding or bird watching is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Venturing out to spot and listen to various species of birds in a locality can be an ameliorating and unwinding experience. Dust off those binoculars and join Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam as he takes you to, one of the smallest and oldest bird sanctuary in the country with a unique history.

attracted a variety of birds because it was dotted with small lakes that acted as feeding grounds for the birds.

Vendanthangal in Tamil language means â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hamlet of hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This area was favourite hunting ground of the local landlords in the early 1700s. The region

The sanctuary has age old tradition of the people actively protecting birds coming to the area since time immemorial. The local people understood the relationship between birds and the productivity of their crops even before the concept of wildlife conservation gained prevalence. They knew that the bird droppings in the water created guano which

ne of the very oldest in India, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary spans over a 30-hectare (74acre) protected area located in the Kancheepuram District of the state of Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is about 75 kilometers from Chennai on National Highway 45, south of Chengalpattu.

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acted as fertilizer. According to forest department records, Vedanthangal was first developed as a bird sanctuary by the British as early as in 1798. It was formally established as a sanctuary in 1858 by the order of the collector of the then Chingelpet district (now Kancheepuram). Later, Vedanthangal Lake was declared a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, by the Union environment and forests ministry. Over 40,000 birds, including 26 rare species, from various parts of the world visit the sanctuary during the migration season annually. One of the first birds to arrive at Vedanthangal are Openbilled Storks and breed twice during the same season before leaving the sanctuary. Egrets, Eurasian Spoonbill, Asian Openbill, Painted Stork, Spot Billed Pelican, Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Darter, Black Headed Ibis, Grey Heron, Purple Heron and Great Egret are seen in large numbers.

ringed plover, curlew etc., and arboreal birds like parakeets, babblers, mynas, barbets, bee-eater, rollers, cuckoos onoles, drongos etc., and raptors such as black winged kite, brahminy kite, short-toed eagle, pariah kite etc, are seen at Vedanthangal. The rain fed Vedanthangal tank is dry through much of summer. An earthen embankment along its western precincts impounds the water when the tank begins to fill in August. The Barringtonia trees at the edges and the center of the tank, supports the nests and are scenes of hectic activity. If the monsoon is heavy, these trees can be partially submerged. Their crowns, looking like leafy green islands in the water serve as nesting platforms and perch-sites. The area had a compact grove of more than 500 Barringtonia trees earlier. An additional 100 trees were planted in 1973 and over 1,000 were planted in

Some of the other commonly seen waterfowls are the white ibis, night heron, darter and pond heron. Ducks like comb duck, pintails, common teals, dabchick, shoveller, black-winged stilt, little stilt, red shank, sand piper,

Over 40,000 birds, including 26 rare species, from various parts of the world visit the sanctuary during the migration season annually.

1996. Officials of the State forest department have laid a concrete pathway running to a length of 1.4 km in the sanctuary to enable birdwatchers to take a closer look at the birds. Besides, visitors can also avail the free binoculars on offer. The Vedanthangal Lake has also been desilted and deepened to hold more water to help birds stay longer. There is a watchtower in the sanctuary equipped with a powerful field glass. From the watchtower we can have an uninterrupted view of the entire sanctuary. Several steps have been taken by the Government of Tamil Nadu to protect the area. Water channels have been built by the Public Works Department to facilitate water supply to the sanctuary from neighbouring lakes. The best time to visit Vedanthangal is from November to February when the temperature varies between 16 degree and 27

JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

degrees. This is the nesting season, the ideal time to visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. Vedanthangal experiences tropical climate, with level of mercury rising high during the summer season. The summer months are hot, whereas the winter months are pleasant and mild. During the summer season, from March to July, this place is extremely hot and temperature varies between a minimum of 29 degrees and a maximum of 40 degrees. The monsoon season arrives pretty late and stretches from August to October. During this season, Vedanthangal experiences heavy showers, so better avoid visiting this place during this season. One can reach the sanctuary by taking a city bus or local train via Tambaram to Chengalpattu, the nearest town. From Chengalpattu there are regular buses which ply to the sanctuary. The best way is to arrange oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own transport. 19

NEWSLINE

Philippines Witness Mumbai’s GVK Lounge Crowned World’s Best the airport not merely as a stop, but as The GVK Lounge at Terminal 2 40% Surge in Arrivals of Chhatrapati a destination in itself.” Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) in Mumbai has been from India Gaurav Dewan, Chief Operating The Philippines has recorded a growth of 40.54 per cent in visitor arrivals from India in October 2015, a remarkable surge over the previous year. The Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines, has confirmed that there were 6590 visitor arrivals in October 2015 against 4689 in October 2014. During January-October 2015, 61,155 Indian tourists travelled to the Philippines, recording an increase of 24.13 per cent. The Indian market continues to be one of the important contributors of international visitors to the Philippines. India has jumped up to the 12th position for tourist arrivals in the Philippines in September 2015 and is consistently maintaining the position in the top 12 markets. SanJeet, Tourism Attaché, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office India, has attributed the showing to be in line with DOT’s plan of achieving 100,000 Indian tourist arrivals by 2017. He said that the double-digit growth in arrivals can also be attributed to major metros as well as feeder markets. “One of the main reasons is the increase in disposable income for leisure and travel related pursuits amongst middle and affluent class travellers. There has also been a steady increase in MICE movements as well as FITs and small groups travel from India,’’ he said. Travel agents credited continuous efforts made by the Philippines Tourism Marketing Office for increase in visitor arrivals. Samina Munshi, Director, N Chirag Travels said, “We have seen an increase in demand and more people are willing to visit the Philippines as a holiday destination. Due to the increase in awareness, we get many queries on a daily basis. We are quite hopeful that 2016 would definitely double the visitor arrival numbers for the Philippines.” Agents also mentioned that there is a definite requirement of new destination matching features such as sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, friendly, economical and safety. Shailendra M Mishra, Director, Shaan World Travels, opined that the Philippines is the answer to all these requirements. 20

selected as the ‘World’s Leading Airport Lounge – First Class 2015’ at the recently concluded World Travel Awards in Morocco. The GVK Lounge qualified for nomination in the world category by virtue of winning the award for ‘Asia’s Leading Airport Lounge’ at the ‘World Travel Awards – Asia and Australasia’ in Hong Kong on October 29, 2015. The GVK Lounge is operated by Travel Food Services Limited (TFS) and Performa.

GV Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director, Mumbai International Airport, said, “The GVK Lounge blends the finest of Indian hospitality with luxurious, world-class design and amenities. It embodies our commitment to delight our guests and provide them with every comfort during their stay at the airport. We are setting new global benchmarks in hospitality within airports and we will keep raising the bar in the years to come. Our efforts should guide us towards a time in near future when passengers will look at

Officer, TFS, said, “The GVK Lounge was designed to offer essential facilities with a lavish touch – a restful, luxurious experience that would help passengers unwind from travel-induced stress. It is the perfect gateway where they can engage in work or indulge in culture, cuisine or pleasure, as their disposition may be. The World Travel Awards are regarded as the Oscars of the tourism industry and we could not have hoped for a better endorsement of our efforts and services.” Beat Ehlers, Managing Director, Performa, said, “We are elated at being recognized for the unrivalled premium customer experience we have created by working with our partners GVK and TFS. The GVK Lounge concept is based on personal interaction, warmth and deep understanding of the mind-set of our guests. The award is a toast to the success of the ideas and insights that went into making the lounge.”

Jetprivilege Partners with Heel & Buckle JetPrivilege, the loyalty and rewards management programme of Jet Airways, has partnered with luxury brand Heel & Buckle to offer members an unmatched level of style and elegance through their multibrand concept store for handcrafted footwear and accessories. Members of JetPrivilege, the airline’s frequent flyer programme, will earn 10 JPMiles on every INR100 spent at Heel & Buckle exclusive stores and on their website. Manish Dureja, Managing Director, JetPrivilege said, “JetPrivilege has always endeavoured to offer its members exceptional value and an enhanced lifestyle experience with partnership tie ups across a wide range of categories. The introduction of Heel & Buckle as a JetPrivilege programme partner is yet another step in that direction. I am confident that the partnership with Heel & Buckle will provide an unmatched and a

rewarding shopping experience for our members and it will complement our rich array of retail and lifestyle partners.” Heel & Buckle offers global trends and brands for a discerning clientele, being exclusive retailers of international brands like Church’s, Magnanni, Pazzion, amongst others. Marking their foray into manufacturing, they have extended their gamut of operations to launch their first line of men’s footwear and accessories, Heel & Buckle London. On this partnership, Dhiraj Bathija, Managing Director, Heel & Buckle said, “Heel & Buckle aims to give their customers an extraordinary experience through finely crafted products. With JetPrivilege, Heel & Buckle has found a partner ideally suited to help us deliver a more luxurious comfortable shopping experience for our customers.” ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

NEWSLINE

Las Vegas Gets 42 Million-Plus Visitors in 2015

Tourism industry continues growth in Las Vegas with luxurious hotels, award-winning restaurants, world-class shows and unique ‘Only in Vegas’ attractions. Las Vegas continued its historic visitation growth, setting another new record by surpassing 42 million visitors for the first time. This breaks last year’s record of 41.1 million, which was the first time the destination had ever topped 40 million. “Las Vegas couldn’t have reached this achievement without the support of our resort partners and the dedicated workers who make the Las Vegas experience what it is,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/ CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “Whether a first-time visitor or a returning Las Vegas enthusiast, the destination continues to astonish travelers from all over the world with luxury resort experiences, world-class dining and exciting entertainment.” Boosted by several new nonstop flights, increased convention attendance throughout the year, and several other factors, Las Vegas will surpass 42 million visitors by the end of the year. The previous record was set in 2014 with 41.1 million visitors. Official visitation numbers will be announced in early 2016. Tourism is the lifeblood of the Southern Nevada economy and the Las Vegas Valley generating more than $50 billion annually and supporting 366,000 local jobs, which represents 43 percent of employment within Clark County. 22

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Opens in Delhi The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts has announced a new addition to the group’s luxury portfolio with the reflagging of Ambience Group’s five-star deluxe hotel in East Delhi. Renamed The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, the 480room property offers one of the largest conference and event space in India. With the newest addition, The Leela group now operates three unique properties in the Delhi-NCR totalling over 1,150 rooms, further enhancing its brand appeal and market penetration. Rajiv Kaul, President, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts said, “The addition of The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi to our portfolio further consolidates our presence in the Delhi-NCR region and underscores our asset light growth strategy. The hotel is designed to offer a seamless experience for large conferences, weddings, exhibitions,

product launches to guests from here and overseas. As India emerges as a significant destination for world-class banqueting, conventions and events, this property shall further assist in making Delhi a preferred upscale MICE destination.” The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi is strategically located near the historic Old Delhi as well as the central business districts of Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida. It offers 70,000 square feet of multi-purpose meeting and banqueting space, including a pillar-less ballroom with pre-function area in excess of 30,000 square feet, with the capacity to host more than 6000 guests reception style and 2,500 seated theatre- style. The property is helmed by Jaideep Anand, an experienced hotelier with over three decades with leading hotel groups.

Bawadi Mall Hosts Fashion Show Bawadi Mall. “We showcased winter and spring 2016 season collections to the delight of visitors who warmly welcomed the event as it gave them an idea of the general fashion trends and cuts for the upcoming seasons,” he added.

Bawadi Mall, the largest in the city of Al Ain, hosted a series of fashion shows presenting the Winter and Spring collections of several international brands, to mark the end of a very successful year for the mall. Families and tourists enjoyed a great experience viewing the offerings of various fashion stores on a single platform. Brands participating in the fashion shows included M&Co, Marks and Spencer, New Look, Koton, BHS, PROMOD and GUESS. “The festivities in Bawadi Mall were fashion-focused,” said Bassam Saleh, Marketing Manager of

“Bawadi Mall has always been a destination for fashion lovers, hosting prime brands available in the UAE, and has distinguished itself by introducing many new brands to the Al Ain fashion scene in recent months,” further added Saleh. Bawadi Mall is considered the ultimate shopping, dining, and leisure destination in the city of Al Ain. The mall boasts over 400 shops, representing international and regional brands, and a range of highstreet and designer names, a food court and many casual dining outlets. Bawadi Mall estimate that the year 2015 saw record number of visitors, and the exact number will be unveiled in the annual report soon. ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

NEWSLINE

IHG Launches First Intercontinental Resort in India

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies has launched its first InterContinental Resort in India, ‘InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort’. Set near the UNESCO world heritage site of Mahabalipuram, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort features world-class accommodation with ocean front suites and rooms, and three dining experiences including a specialty Chinese restaurant. The opening was marked by IHG’s Shantha de Silva, Head of South West Asia and Bryan Gabriel, Director of Commercial, South West Asia, who joined Vijai Singh, General Manager of the Resort and Arindam Kunar, Area General Manager, South India, for an inaugural address. De Silva said, “Mahabalipuram forms part of South India’s glorious history and InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort encapsulates authentic aspects of the soul of Madras. With an encouraging response from local and global markets since the soft-opening in October 2015, we started out what promised to be a successful first year of operations. We take tremendous pride in the Resort, which is the latest addition to IHG’s revamped resort collection.” Vijai Singh, General Manager, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort said, “We are thrilled to welcome guests from India and around the world to a truly special East Coast luxury resort experience. We promise to offer our guests personal connect and unparalled service. The Resort is the owning company’s second partnership with IHG since the agreement with their sister hotel brand Crowne Plaza in Chennai in 2015.” 24

Greece’s Island of Crete Forays into India Market Realising the potential of the India market, The Island of Crete, Greece recently organised a travel trade meet in Mumbai to showcase its composite tourism profile to the Indian market. Crete is the largest island in Greece with a coastline of 1046 km.

Speaking on the occasion, Michailis Vamiedakis, Commissioner of Tourism, Region of Crete said, “India is an evolving market with a rapidly growing middle class. As of now the arrivals from India is very small. We want to aggressively tap this market and create awareness about our destination. In 2016, we will organise more meetings with the travel trade in other major Indian cities. Also we will participate in major tourism fairs and exhibitions to increase our presence in India.” This island, having enjoyed over 40 years of tourism development is still a destination not so popular amongst the Indian travellers. The island holds the distinction for possessing around 30 per cent of all 5-star beds in Greece, and 40 per cent of visitors being repeat guests. Vamiedakis added, “As of now we are targeting the FIT’s, groups, incentives and wedding segment. We have a decent number of rooms on our

island to cater to large groups. Also, we will surely provide certain incentives for the big groups. To further enhance the visa process, we are in touch with the Ministry of Tourism to increase the number of visa centres in India.” Earlier this year, the Greece debt crisis had impacted almost all the different sectors, but tourism was one segment which experts felt won’t be affected. Vamiedakis says that tourism has played a major role in stabilising the economy in the Island of Crete. He added, “Tourism is one of the largest revenue contributing sectors in our nations GDP. Despite the Greece debt crisis, tourism has been leading its path independently and to an extent has helped in softening the crisis. The number of visa applications has not witnessed a downfall.” In 2016, the Island of Crete plans to tap other Indian cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, apart from Mumbai. Speaking about the first ever experience with the Indian travel trade, Vamiedakis stated, “It has been an absolute pleasure to visit India. We have been overwhelmed with the response that we have received from the travel trade. We look forward to be back soon and welcome Indian guests to the magnificent Island of Crete.”

Rajasthan Kick Starts New Tourism Campaign Rajasthan has kickstarted a multiyear, multi-modal, multi-narrative and multi-crore global campaign to galvanize tourism in the state with a view to raise the annual tourist arrivals past the 50 million mark by 2020. The campaign will play an important role in the Government of Rajasthan’s vision of doubling the annual footfall of International Tourists from 1.5 million to 3.0 million by the year 2020. In the same period, the Government also aims to increasing the Domestic Tourist traffic from the present 33 million to 50 million tourists annually. Speaking on it, Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister, Rajasthan, said, “Tourism is the world’s biggest industry and Rajasthan with its rich heritage is poised to fully exploit the opportunities the state offers. Tourism has a huge multiplier effect by way of creating direct and indirect jobs, which improves the economic status of people across the state. Our plan for tourism is nested

within the broader Rajasthan model of development, which has three pillars - job creation, social justice and effective governance.” The state has also launched a new logo and brand identity for the campaign. The campaign also includes a new website and an advertisement Print, TV and Outdoor spots which are aimed at attracting both the seasoned traveler and the youth to explore Rajasthan in a whole new way. The campaign also focuses on highlighting Rajasthan as a favored tourism destination not just during peak periods but throughout the year. This campaign will also spread awareness about the lesser known destinations that the state has to offer. In the last two years the Government of Rajasthan has focused on strengthening the tourism infrastructure - not only through upgrading existing circuits but also by developing new circuits ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

NEWSLINE

Tourism Australia Unveils New Advertising Campaign

Rwanda Tourism Lures Indian MICE Segment Rwanda Development Board’s Tourism and Conservation Department is all set to target Indian MICE business in the New Year. RDB’s Meetings Planners Guide 2016 was launched at a function held at Fortune Exoctica Hotel , Vashi in Mumbai, to co-incide with the award ceremony for women achievers organised by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, Navi Mumbai Chapter. The Indian Merchants’ Chamber ( IMC ),a 108 year old Premier Chamber of Commerce and Industry, headquartered in the commercial capital city of Mumbai, will be collaborating with the Rwanda Development Board ( RDB ) to enhance trade, tourism and

Tourism Australia has unveiled its latest advertising campaign, in collaboration with its key distribution partners to woo Indian travelers into Australia during the upcoming Indian summer holiday season. The integrated advertising campaign will retain the brand theme ‘There’s Nothing like Australia’ to provide further impetus to the growing visitor arrivals from India, and will run between Jan to Apr 2016. The tactical campaign, in partnership with nine agents including Cox & Kings, Mercury Travels, Kesari, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, TUI, Vacations Exotica, Kulin Kumar and SOTC, will put the spotlight on some of the very best attractions, and uniquely Australian experiences using a mix of print, television and online media vehicles. During this quarter, Tourism Australia will also be collaborating with its key airline partners on a cooperative advertising campaign across various media vehicles, to launch special fares for travel into Australia. Tourism Australia witnessed record arrivals from India this year, making it the 8th largest inbound tourism market for the country. For the month of November 2015, Australia welcomed 20,300 Indian visitors, recording a growth of 15% over November 2014. Total arrivals for the year ended November 2015 stood at 230,000; an increase of 18% over the previous year. 26

investments into the country. Clarence Fernandes , Representative, Rwanda Development Board said, “We are indeed very pleased to partner and collaborate with IMC to enhance India’s footprints in Rwanda. We are working very closely with the various travel bodies like the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), and all others to showcase Remarkable Rwanda’s rich tourism potential as well as investment opportunities in the tourism sector. This will open up a new and exciting destination to the Indian Outbound Travel Market.”

South African Tourism Flags off Its Annual Roadshow South African Tourism kick-started the 2016 edition of their biggest travel trade engagement initiative - 13th Annual Roadshow. The roadshow will be held in four cities, starting with Kolkata on 18 January, and thereafter moving to Delhi (19 January) and Hyderabad (21 January) before culminating in Mumbai on 22 January. This interactive program is planned to increase destination awareness among travel planners in India. The roadshow sees an annual participation by over 50 exhibitors with first timers Southern Africa 360 Luxury Holidays, Go Garden Route & Klein Karoo, Earth Explorer Tours & Travel, Ascot Golf Tours, Amrho Tourism PTY Ltd, African Eagle. South African suppliers have always found the Indian market to be an open and accepting market. Encouraged by the potential of the Indian market and the tremendous growth opportunities it offers, many South African suppliers have shown keen interest and have started business operations across various regions of the country. The Tourism Board will lead the 50 member delegation of South African traders. Commenting on the roadshow in India, Margie Whitehouse, Chief

Marketing Officer, South African Tourism said, “We have always witnessed an overwhelming response from the Indian trade and are excited to see how this roadshow is going to contribute to the Tourism of South Africa. We aim to work in unison to mutually benefit each other with increased promotions and offer multiple trade options in the country. India is such an incredible country and we look forward to their continued support to present tourism with a larger platform in both countries.” Monika Iuel - General Manager: International Marketing, South African Tourism said, “Our synergy or partnership with the Indian trade has reached new heights both in terms of execution and depth of engagement. Our partners have always been an integral part of our marketing efforts in the country and that has been the contributor to the effectiveness and success of our campaigns.” ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

NEWSLINE

Philippines Tourism Gujarat CM Inaugurates Rann Utsav 2015 Chief Minister Anandiben under the light of the rising Sun, is brands Radio Cabs & PatelGujarat something one must see just once in inaugurated the 2015 edition of Best Buses in Mumbai Rann Utsav at the tent city of Dhordo. their lifetime. As a part of its marketing development strategy, Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines has recently branded 100 radio cabs in Mumbai. Rajshree Birla, Consul General (A.H.), Consulate General of the Republic of Philippines inaugurated the campaign early this month. 100 BEST buses in Mumbai were also branded with the Philippines logo in partnership with Kesari Tours. Navritu Rai, Account Director, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office, India, said, “DOT is focusing on consumer promotions in 2015 and 2016 and we feel that branding taxis and buses is an appropriate method to promote Philippines as a fun destination with cover print as well as mobile form of advertising. This increases number of eyeballs and awareness and presence of the Philippines in the Indian market.” The year 2015 was phenomenal and DOT’s marketing campaign, ‘Visit the Philippines Year 2015’ (VPY 2015) which is an invitation to experience “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” was a big hit. The Indian market has continued to be one of the important contributors of international visitors to the Philippines. India has jumped up to the 12th position for tourist arrivals in the Philippines till September this year, with over 22.40% more Indians choosing the country as their preferred travel destination. The month of February in 2015 showed the impressive growth of arrivals to almost 40%. The growth in arrivals could be attributed to the marketing efforts and participation of the country in international travel fairs as well as tourism infrastructure development being undertaken. India’s growing outbound tourist markets are an important source of visitors to the Philippines. We want to leverage on our tourism product offerings and attract the Indian traveller to achieve our target of 100,000 tourist arrivals by 2017. In addition, Indian travellers holding any of the valid and current AJACSSUK visas (US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore and UK) are allowed visa free entry into the Philippines for a period of 14 days, informed Rai. 28

Rann Utsav is a festival of music, dance and culture. The festival offers people the opportunity to watch folk dance performances by more than 32 cultural troupes from across Gujarat, listen to live music and watch artisans and crafts of NGOs.

The event was first floated as a concept by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2006 and has already attracted a record number of tourists. Tourism officials have indicated that bookings for tents are already full till the end of December.

Speaking at a function to mark the inauguration of newly constructed Bhunga, traditional houses with thatched roof, in Kutch for tourists attending the Rann Utsav, she said the winter festival started in 2005 in the vast stretches of white sands near the Great Rann of Kucth has become world famous.

Speaking about the new tourism policy CM Patel said, “Gujarat is home to numerous historic, religious and cultural sites for tourists. The tourism policy pursued by the state government for the last ten years has created jobs. The new tourism policy of 2015 has made it more affordable for senior citizens, housewives, farmers and students.”

The ‘White Rann’ the vast landscape on which the festival is held is one of the world’s largest seasonal wetlands and when inundated with water in the monsoons, turns into a salt-impregnated flat land in winter. The sight of the White desert under the light of the full moon and

Tourism Minister Saurabh Patel added that the State Government has for the first time accorded industry status to tourism under the leadership of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, as part of her slogan for Gatisheel Gujarat.

TATA, Lufthansa Join Hands Tata Consultancy Services has been selected by Deutsche Lufthansa AG to provide testing services and help improve the quality of services of their technology operations. The deal is part of Lufthansa’s IT-transformation initiative to accelerate speed to market, improve customer experience and enable innovation and continuous improvement. TCS will pioneer and manage the enterprise testing services by setting up a test factory model across Lufthansa to streamline and standardise their testing processes, reduce CAPEX and implement next gen services. TCS has emerged as a clear partner of choice for leading airlines looking to reinvent themselves and transform their technology landscape to a digital estate. Roland Schütz, chief information officer, Lufthansa German Airlines said that he has always maintained that Lufthansa’s success has been built on collaboration and key strategic

partnerships. “We have a history in collaborating with global market experts, such as Tata Consultancy Services. TCS’ deep domain knowledge in the aviation business as well as their ability to demonstrate thought leadership had a significant impact on our decision to team up with them. We look forward to further enable our business through TCS’ innovative and intelligent solutions,” he added. The company’s central European operations are serving over 85 clients in Germany and Austria and have been rated market leader in customer satisfaction in Germany by more than 100 CXOs evaluating over 300 unique IT outsourcing contracts as part of the largest survey undertaken of the industry in Europe. ASIAN TRAVELLER | JANUARY 2016

NEWSLINE

Kenya Introduces New Incentives to Boost Tourism Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced a range of new incentives to encourage tourism in the nation. Speaking at the opening of Kenya’s first luxury yachting marina (English Point Marina) in Mobasa, the President unveiled the initiatives including the Charter Incentive Scheme, changes to Kenyan visa regulations, and reduced costs on park fees. As part of the US$11.7m Charter Incentive Scheme, charter airlines which travel to the coastal cities of Mombasa and Malindi, will now be able to land without any cost. Charter airlines will also be further incentivised as the Ministry has announced that they will be subsidised by US$30 per passenger brought to the region. The scheme will continue until June 30, 2018. Tourist fees have also been revised as the Ministry of Tourism builds upon last year’s new and simplified e-visa process, by wiping the usual US$50 fee for visa applications of children under 16 – this will be effective from February 1, 2016. Additionally, the original

JANUARY 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

KWS park fees of US$90 will now be reduced and capped to US$60, with a complete removal of VAT charges on national park fees.

without using the ferry; and Kenya Ferry Service to buy and operate two new ferries for the Likoni Channel crossing

The President also announced a number of coast infrastructure improvements that will ease travel to and around the Kenyan coast, saying, “We continue to invest heavily in our infrastructure in the knowledge that quality roads and services are critical to the socio-economic transformation that we all desire.”

The President further thanked the governments of the United States, United Kingdom and France for lifting their travel advisories on the coast saying, “International governments recognise that security here has vastly improved and there is much to be gained by partnering with Kenya and the East Africa region. We must not allow that momentum to be lost.”

Improvements include; Expansion of JKIA and Malindi airports to handle greater numbers of visitors; Construction of the Port – Reitz Mombasa Road and the DongoKundu Bypass that will allow tourists to travel to the South Coast (Diani)

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 95

Wissam Tarabay

appointed as Hotel Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh

Shejin S Varghese

appointed as Front Office Manager Flora Hotel, Nedumbassery

Mohammad Abuharba appointed as Area General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group

Mike Vroom

appointed as Executive Assistant Manager in charge of Rooms, DUKES Dubai

Khalid Yousuf Al Balushi appointed as HR Manager, Millennium Resort Mussanah

Thomas Abraham

appointed as General Manager, Park Hyatt Hyderabad

1. New Hampshire’s Squam Lake was featured in what film? 2. Every year, __________ are dumped into Lake Havasu in California and Arizona to form artificial reefs. 3. Which Michigan Lake inspired a series of short stories by Ernest Hemingway? 4. What lake was briefly named the sixth Great Lake in 1998? 5. What is the highest alpine lake in North America? 6. What does the name of Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago mean in Algonquin? 7. How many research facilities, including seasonal and permanent, operated in Antarctica in 2010? 8. What is the average yearly temperature at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, one of the three U.S. stations in Antarctica? 9. What is the name for the heavily insulated boots U.S. scientists are required to wear as part of their “extreme cold weather” clothing while travelling in Antarctica? 10. If you wanted to visit the Black Forest, which country would you visit?

Inge Bouwmans

appointed as Front Office Manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

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