Asian Traveller November 2016 by Mediasteps

Vol. 10

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November 2016

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Highlights Vol. 10 I No.2 I November 2016

Cover Story: WTM London 2016 concludes Travel industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must-attend event closes on a high note

Seoul

South Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answer to world class cities

Kakkayam

The Ooty of Malabar

19 12 Phillip Island The many wonders offered at Phillip Island, Australia

The architectural marvel of Cholas Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam, Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism on Thanjavur

Cover Photo: Simon Harvey Image clicked at WTM 2016 Exhibition Show Floor of Costa Rica

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

CHEERFUL OUTLOOK FOR TOURISM

Editor & Publisher : Dr. G Biju Krishnan* Chief Mentor : Rajashekharan Nair

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t was the decision of the United Nations 70th General Assembly to observe 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The idea is to promote tourism’s role in inclusive and sustainable economic growth of destinations. It will also uphold the part played by tourism and related activities in addressing issues like social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction. Other key areas where tourism plays a key role, like, resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change, cultural values, diversity and heritage. Tourism also helps in developing mutual understanding and peace between different cultures. This is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the contribution of sustainable tourism to development among public and private sector decision-makers and the public, while mobilising all stakeholders to work together in making tourism a catalyst for positive change, observes a communique by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). As United Nations Secretary-General, Banki-moon rightly pointed out in his World Tourism Day Message in 2015, “With more than one billion international tourists now traveling the world each year, tourism has become a powerful and transformative force that is making a genuine difference in the lives of millions of people.” He also underlined the potential of tourism for sustainable development in the message as one of the world’s leading employment sectors, “tourism provides important livelihood opportunities, helping to alleviate poverty and drive inclusive development.” The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector. Let us all work together in achieving these goals.

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Cover Story WTM

World Travel Mart London

2016 concludes A report on World Travel Mart London 2016, the leading travel event for the travel industry which concluded recently

TM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, the must-attend threeday business-to-business exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry which took place at London from November 6-8, 2016 concluded successfully. World Travel Market London 2016 was the most successful event ever with a joint-record attendance

of 51,500 and the highest number of exhibitor invitees and buyers in the event’s 37 year history. The new-look threeday event with extended opening hours from 10am – 7pm was phenomenally well received by the global travel industry with a 4% increase on last year, reveals unaudited figures. The increase takes total participant numbers back to the level of 2014

ministers’ aides and students) stood at 31,951 – a 5% increase on WTM London 2015.

– a record for the event which launched in 1980. Furthermore, the key benchmark of exhibitor invitees and WTM Buyers’ Club members in attendance were also at record levels. Exhibitor invitees – senior industry executives invited by exhibitors on the first day of WTM London to discuss business deals – were up 9% to 14,140. WTM Buyers’ Club is the leading business club for senior travel industry decision makers with direct purchasing responsibility. The number of pre-qualified buyers from the WTM Buyers’ Club that attended the event stood at 9,714 – a 6% increase on WTM London 2015. Total visitor numbers (excluding press, ministers,

More than 865,500 on-stand connections took place over the three days of WTM London 2016 (from November 7 – 9 ) leading to more than £2.5 billion in industry deals being negotiated and signed. Furthermore, more than 3,000 (3,034) of the world’s media were in attendance – the highest number for more than ten years – making the WTM International Press Centre the largest recurring press operation in the UK. World Travel Market London, Senior Director, Simon Press, said: “WTM London has grown at an unprecedented rate in recent years making it the event where the industry conducts its business. More than £2.5 billion in industry contracts were agreed at WTM London 2016 with more than

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

9,700 buyers conducting 865,500 meetings with 5,000 exhibitors. The record number of participants, exhibitor invitees and WTM Buyers’ Club members is testament to the success of the new-look threeday WTM London and demonstrates all the key decision-makers and those with purchasing responsibility attend WTM London.” WTM London 2017 will take place at ExCeL, London from November 6 – 8. The UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit was one of the highest-profile sessions of the entire event. Now in its tenth year, more than 100 tourism ministers and their aides from around the world were joined by board-level representatives from some of the biggest travel companies. This year’s Summit called on the industry and governments to work together to help destinations cope with the threat of terrorism, which UNWTO Secretary-General Dr Taleb Rifai described as “forces of darkness”. Mohamed Yehia Rashed Tourism Minister Egypt assured delegates that his country has the technology and security measures in place to protect tourists and urged for standard security measures to be introduced globally. Vinod Zutshi, Secretary of Tourism in the government of India – WTM London’s Official Premier Partner – said

countries needed to be more responsible when issuing travel advisories as perception of safety in destinations is a key factor.

Tourism helping to empower women in India Tourism in India is helping to empower women by providing unique employment opportunities, reveals the WTM Global Trends Report 2016, in association with Euromonitor International, released at World Travel Market London. The noticeable trend highlights a more positive attitude to women in the country. Euromonitor International, Head of Travel, Caroline Bremner said: “Tourism is often seen as an ideal entry point for women in India to join the formal economy, by providing access to opportunities and improving quality of life. A growing number of companies are offering women-only services or employing women in roles that were previously largely held by men.” With the safety of female travellers in India in the spotlight, transport companies have started to provide female taxidriver services. Shetaxi, which operates in

November 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Kerala for female-only clients, uses women-only drivers. In a bid to satisfy demand, a project called Women on Wheels has been established to boost the number of female breadwinners in the family by training to become professional drivers. Another project, called Stand Up India, has been launched by the Indian government to supply loans to women to create their own businesses. And, in celebration of International Women’s Day in 2016, Air India Flight 173 flew from Delhi to San Francisco with an all-female crew, making it the longest flight staffed entirely by women in history. There has also been a rise in Indian travel clubs and tours for women, such as Women on Wanderlust and Girls on the Go, which organise all-women trips all over the world. In addition, a number of safety apps

have been developed for women in India, such as Ridesafe, which offer tracking, emergency messaging and route deviation detection. Rural tourism in India can be particularly empowering for women as it has the potential to diversify employment opportunities based on local tourism assets, the report says. WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press, said: “Although travel and tourism in India is still male-dominated, it is good to see this is slowly changing through different initiatives and government support.”

Responsible Tourism @ WTM 2016 The session on Responsible Tourism was opened by Vinod Zutshi, Secretary of Tourism for India, who laid out how responsible tourism is being embedded in his country’s

Cover Story WTM

offical tourism policies. “We have to study the carrying capacity of destinations and ensure there is not too much tourism for a

destination to bear.” he explained, adding that India is also looking at adopting the principle of polluter pays for the industry. Rupesh Kumar, State Responsible Tourism Field Coordinator for Kerala, said villages looking to develop community-based tourism – and the companies that work with them – should be focusing on showcasing activities that are the core part of the villagers’ livelihoods – such as farming – rather than “adding on dedicated and additional tourism experiences such as tiger tours and elephant tourism.” There was also a discussion on Disintermediation and Destination Management.

SpiceJet Airlines wins prestigious award at WTM 2016 Low-cost carrier SpiceJet Airlines has won a prestigious World 8

Travel Market London 2016 World Travel Leaders Award in recognition of its turnaround from a loss-making business into a profitable enterprise. The airline Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh received the coveted award at the WTM World Travel Leaders Award ceremony. A new investor took control of Spicejet Airlines in January 2015, and his vision and innovative leadership have turned around a loss-making listed company into a profitable one. Every quarter of the financial year from April 2015 to March 2016 has been profitable – unlike the previous four years in the red.

Incredible India to shine better A survey of 1,145 UK holidaymakers, found that a fifth (20%) would be interested in visiting India in the future. India is WTM London 2016’s Premier Partner as it aims to build on its tourism success, with a focus on luxury travel and cruises. The Minister of State for tourism in India, Dr Mahesh Sharma who inaugurated the Incredible India pavilion at WTM London later discussed how the country is aiming for more than 13 million visitors a year by 2020. India expects foreign tourist arrivals to rise

10% year-on-year in 2016, taking visitor numbers to a projected nine million. In the last 18 months, India’s government has invested more than U$300m on developing tourism infrastructure around the country. Also helping promote the country during WTM London will be Harry Potter movie star and TV actor Miriam Margolyes, who featured in the hit BBC2 series The Real Marigold Hotel, set in India. India’s most popular destinations are The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur); Rajasthan, Goa; Kerala; Kashmir and the North East, but other “hidden gems” and sectors are also being developed, such as coastal tourism and eco-tourism. It uses the ‘Incredible India’ branding to highlight the quality and variety of experiences available for tourists. There were 870,000 UK visitors to India last year and the UK market is seeing strong growth – numbers over the past three years have risen by almost 100,000. New flight routes from Manchester and increased airlift from Birmingham will enable more UK travellers to reach India in 2016 and 2017. Next year, India expects more success with its e-Tourist Visa (eTV), which was introduced to 113 countries in August 2015.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

international

Seoul - South Korea’s answer to world class The many attractions Seoul offers to travellers in its progress from a war torn nation to world class city

outh Korea’s capital Seoul has become one of the most visited cities of the world. Situated on the banks of Han river, Seoul is also popular among gadget lovers as the headquarters of Samsung, LG and major car manufacturers Hyundai. One of the best modern cities in Asia, Seoul has got it all- high rise buildings, boutiques, department stores, world class shopping malls, restaurants all which make it a perfect holiday sport. Literally, the world witnessed South Korea rising up out of the ashes like a Phoenix bird with Seoul (till World War II, Korea was under Japanese rule and later partitioned as North Korea and South Korea).

Gangnam Perhaps, with Psy 10

Gangnam style, Seoul’s exclusive neighbourhood Gangnam is known to the whole world. Gangnam is also one of the most expensive avenues in the world. A street in Gangnam is known as Celebrity Street as the possibilities of spotting a celebrity here shopping is high. The largest underground shopping and cultural complex in Asia- COEX is situated at Gangnam. It is said that you can fit in 14 Olympic Stadiums in it. The aquarium inside COEX is the first theme aquarium in South Korea and has got 90 exhibition tanks containing over 600 species of fish besides stingrays, sharks and polar bears.

Hongdae Hongdae is Seoul’s live-wire district of music and art. There are

numerous clubs and other entertainment venues and Hongdae is the perfect place to explore urban arts and the indie music culture. The streets, walls and roads reflect the youth energy with graffiti and installation arts. Besides a street art festival is also held here every year. Street walls get decorated with new arts with this festival.

Itaewon Itaewon is a paradise for expats in South Korea accepting different cultures and religions from all over the world. With world class restaurants and shopping facilities, nightlife that cater to diverse tastes of foreign tourists, Itaewon is also known for its flavour of traditional fare. Korea’s kimchi, a spicy cabbage traditionally fermented in huge jars dug into the

earth is something every tourist tries during their visit to South Korea. The district is also known for its high quality leather and fur goods, luggage and handbags, jewellery, antique furniture, trinkets and souvenirs. It boasts of 100 antique stores on a single street.

Cheonggyecheon Cheonggyecheon is an 11-km long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Starting from Cheonggye Plaza, a popular cultural venue, Cheonggyecheon provides many attractions along its length. Spring Tower and Candlelight Fountain are perhaps the two main attractions. Spring Tower is a sculpture by a Swedish pop artist and Candlelight Fountain is a two-layered waterfall that flows into

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

The Seoul City wall consisted of eight gates which were originally built between 13961398, but only six remain today. The North, South, East, and West gates of the wall are known as the “Four Great Gates” (Sukjeongmun, Heunginjimun, Sungnyemun, Dongeuimun), while the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southwest gates are known as the “Four Small Gates” (Changuimun, Hyehwamun, Gwanghwamun, Soeuimun).

Seoul City Tour Bus The Seoul City Tour Bus provides organised shuttle tours to the city’s most popular attractions. For the price of just a single ticket, you can spend all the stream which would be brightly illuminated at night with multiple light colours. Of Cheonggyecheon’s many attractions, the eight most beautiful are officially recognised as the ‘Cheonggye 8 Views.’ They are Chenonggye Plaza, Gwangtonggyo, Banchado of King Jeongjo, Fashion Square, Historic Laundry Site, Wall of Hope, Old Expressway Ruins/ Tunnel Fountain and Beodeul Wetland.

with international visitors and fills with Japanese and Chinese tourists during the holiday period known as “Golden Week” which takes place in spring and is called golden week due to the week-long holiday period that takes place in Japan and China. Part of Myeong-dong’s popularity stems from relatively affordable prices here, especially compared to the other shopping meccas of Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong.

Myeongdong

Seoul City Wall

Myeongdong means ‘bright tunnel.’ A must see for tourists, Myeongdong is where you can find everything from high fashion to casual attire. It is also a hub of commerce, banking and culture with a daytime population of 1.5-2 million. There are many Korean cosmetics stores offering highquality products at competitive prices here. The place is very popular

The Seoul City Wall was originally built in 1396, surrounding Hanyang (present-day Seoul) during the Joseon Period (1392-1987). The wall stretches for 18.6km along the ranges of Bugaksan (Mt.), Naksan (Mt.), Namsan (Mt.), and Inwangsan(Mt.), and stands at average height of 7 to 8m. Today there are several daily excursions along the wall ranging from 1 hour to 3 hours.

November 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

is nothing else but the double decker bus. For those lovers of heritage, there is Trolley bus service available for the Seoul Panorama Course and Night Course as well. The Traditional Culture Tour uses only open, double decker buses and takes travellers to major historic sites including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Jongmyo

day hopping on and hopping off the bus (night courses run without stops) as it follows a circular route connecting Seoul’s top sightseeing destinations. For first-time visitors, there is no better way to discover the city. Travellers can chose from a variety of routes divided by different themes like Downtown Palace Tour with 22-stop covering Seoul’s historic royal palaces and popular tourist destinations. Seoul Panorama Course which has got 14-stop takes you to some of the scenic spots of Seoul. The 1&2- Story Bus Night Course is the other option to spend a romantic evening cruising around the city. The 2-Story Bus

and Sungnyemun Gate. For shopaholics it also goes to Namdaemun, Dongdaemun and Myeongdong. There is also a Gangnam City Tour for city tourists to explore on a bus. The “Pink Line” takes from Gangnam Station to Apgujeong, while the “Blue Line” takes you from Apgujeong to COEX. There is also the “Around Gangnam City Tour” course which combines the Pink and Blue Lines. 11

Phillip Island, Australia

Visit Phillip Island and witness the Penguin Parade Australia’s Phillip Island has got something for every traveller from wildlife to family adventure, gourmet experience to breweries, and is a destination to fall in love with

amed after Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, Phillip Island is 26 km (16 mi) long and 9 km (5.6 mi) wide, with an area of about 100 km2 (40 sq mi). Philip Island with a 97 km (60 mi) of coastline forms a natural breakwater for the shallow waters of the Western Port. A tourist destination visited by around 3.5 million people annually, the biggest attraction at Phillip Island is the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Park. Here are a few reasons on why tourists from all over the world flock to Phillip Island.

Unique Wildlife Phillip Island is home to some of Australia’s

most unique and special wildlife. In fact, they have the largest colonies of Little Penguins and Australian Fur Seals in the whole of Australia right here on the island. Seal Rocks is home to approximately 35,000 fur seals and can be seen through the telescopes at the Nobbies Visitor Centre, or up close on a fantastic Eco-Boat tour. The Penguin Parade has many different viewing options to see the world’s smallest penguin, including the new Penguins Plus and Underground experiences which offer the closest possible viewing of penguins in Australia. You can see koalas up close from the elevated boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre, and you may even see some wallabies and echidna there as well.

Pristine Natural Environment Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, yet Phillip 12

Island feels like a world away. Beautiful blue skies and crisp clean air, pristine sandy beaches and spectacular rugged cliffs, native woodlands and lifegiving wetlands all come together to make up this natural escape from city life. You can explore many of Phillip Island’s hidden secrets and natural environments on one of the many easy walking trails. A quick ten minute stroll will take you over the dunes to a spectacular sandy beach and the beautiful rock formations of Forrest Caves. For those wanting a little longer in this pristine natural environment, perhaps a walk to the Cape Woolamai Beacon offers unforgettable views of the whole island. These and many other unspoiled locations are all waiting to be explored. Phillip Island and the surrounding regions also provides some of the most fertile land in Victoria and as a result, many gourmet producers have established their operations here, giving visitors the opportunity to sample some epicurean

delights and unique experiences.

Gourmet Local Produce On the way to Phillip Island, why not stop in at Bassine Specialty Cheeses for some handmade artisan farmhouse cheeses including feta, brie, haloumi and ricotta, with all milk sourced from their own herd of 180 Holstein cows.

Dining Out The Cape Kitchen waterfront restaurant is one of the island’s newest eateries, and offers guests an indulgent menu, sourced from the bountiful harvest of local fresh produce. The location provides sensational views over the scenic and untamed south coast.

Wineries The island’s climate is perfect for cool climate wines, so the Purple Hen Vineyard and Phillip Island Winery each grow a variety of grapes suitable to the region. The Purple Hen’s cellar door is open every day of the year while the Phillip Island Winery opens its

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

Philip Island, Australia door to the public during the warmer months.

Breweries Taking its name from the colour of beer, Rusty Water

Brewery and Bar is home to a selection of small batch, hand-crafted ales like Koala Pale Ale, Chicory Stout and Shipwreck IPA. There is no better place to be on a cool winter’s day than sitting in front of the log fire with a tasting paddle of their fine creations.

Uniquely Australian Food Imagine fishing for rainbow trout at a picturesque tree-lined lake, and then having the chef transform your catch into a magnificent meal. At Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm you can catch your own lunch and wander the 1.2km Bush Tucker trail, showcasing 27 different species of native foods.

Authentic Farm Experiences

Bimbadeen is a 340 acre farm in the heart of Phillip Island offering authentic experiences like farm tours and paddock to

plate barbecues. You can even enjoy a farm retreat and stay in their secluded eco-friendly, self-contained accommodation with peaceful rural views and

participate in as much or as little of farm life as you would like.

Family Activities

captivating landscape and stunning wildlife along the journey from Phillip Island through to Antarctica. The journey’s climax is an unforgettable, state of

the art augmented reality experience which puts you right in the heart of the action. Stand on an ice floe

For family Adventure, Phillip Island opens up many possibilities. The exciting new ‘Antarctic Journey’ attraction at the Nobbies Centre will take you on a virtual journey to the world’s most extreme continent – Antarctica.

Experience the freeze in the Antarctic Chill Zone, comparing a penguin’s thermal image with their own, and selecting a seafood meal at an interactive dinner table. A large multimedia installation within the exhibition will tantalise the senses as it showcases the

and pat a penguin, stroke a seal or marvel at a whale within arm’s reach. The Koala Conservation Centre at Phillip Island has got unique tree top boardwalks and close viewing areas allow visitors to see how truly amazing koalas are. Get exceptional koala viewing and amazing views of a beautiful natural wetland area. Catch a glimpse of this year’s koala joeys, as they take their first adventures out of the mother’s pouch, learning to climb, find food and meet each other. Exceptional

photo opportunities abound! Promoting koala conservation, this ecotourism attraction has been essential for saving Phillip Island’s koala population and natural bush environment. The new close viewing area plays host to a special koala breeding program over the next year, ensuring it remains a key player in the conservation of these important animals. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a ranger-led ‘Koala EcoExplorer Tour’ which provides them with the chance to discover behind the scenes information about one of Australia’s favourite icons.

Unlike a zoo, the Koala Conservation Centre is really unique as visitors get the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, living as they would in the wild. Another spectacular area is the woodland walk. Wandering through natural bush, amongst hundreds of different species of Australian wildlife, (including wallabies, possums, echidnas and snakes) visitors can try to spot the koalas themselves. The Koala Conservation Centre also features a visitor interpretation centre with gift shop and educational displays.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

Hospitality news

Atlantis, The Palm and Fly High Dubai launches luxury chopper chauffeur

The Fern opens its new hotel in Mumbai

Fans going to the F1 next weekend will be able to skip the traffic between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and start the event in style with a luxurious chopper chauffeur. Through a partnership with Atlantis, The Palm and FLYHIGH Dubai Helicopter Services, on the 25th, 26th and 27th of November a luxurious charter to Yas Island will cost a mere AED2,500 per person each way.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has announced the opening of the Fern Goregaon, an upscale business hotel located approximately 1km from Bombay Exhibition & Convention Centre off Western Express highway. The hotel is designed on the theme of Mumbai and its culture. The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proximity to Western Express highway, important business and entertainment hub, exhibition centre makes it an ideal location for business traveller.

Offering a door to door experience, the fleet of VIP Agusta 109 choppers can seat up to six guests with the usual lengthy journey to and from Abu Dhabi, taking a swift 30 minutes. Running every hour from 08.00AM until 02.00AM over the three days, the choppers leave Atlantis, The Palm Helipad in Dubai and arrive on the Yas Island, helipad located few hundred meters from the entrance

of Yas Marina Circuit. There are also hourly return journeys available or for those that want to enjoy a couple of hours in Dubai before returning to Abu Dhabi. In addition a shuttle service by car will be connecting the helipad to the gates and entrances for an even smoother service. For a sharing helicopter prices start at 2,500 AED per person each way, whilst a luxury experience with exclusive use of the chopper costs 14,670 AED per flight each way. For Bookings and Reservations contact Alpha Destination Management at www. alphatoursdubai.com

The hotel offers 89 well appointed rooms, an all day dining restaurant cum coffee shop and range of facilities such as banquet hall, roof top swimming pool, fitness centre and many more. The Fern Goregaon is located strategically off Western Express highway in Goregaon East, just 1km away from Bombay Exhibition and Convention Centre, 7kms from International airport, 7.5kms from domestic airport. The unit is owned and promoted by IJB Hotels Pvt Ltd and is managed by Concept Hospitality Pvt Ltd.

Hospitality news

Preferred Hotels & Resorts signs first hotels in Saudi and Bahrain Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest global provider of sales, marketing and distribution services to independent luxury hotels, continues to expand its Middle East portfolio with the addition of two new five-star hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and another five-star hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain. New additions to the brand’s LVX collection include three properties across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia; brings total Middle East portfolio to 22 hotels. The three additions consist of a duo of ultraboutique properties in the Saudi capital Riyadh, namely the Vivienda Residences and Vivienda Granada, along with independent luxury leader, The Domain Hotel & Spa, in Manama, Bahrain. All three properties join the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection of refined and globally sophisticated hotels and resorts and represent the company’s debut in these two key regional markets. “This is a milestone moment in the development of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand in the Middle East. We are making great strides in the region’s dynamic hospitality market, which is synonymous with luxury global and regional brands as well as unique independent hotels

and provides strong synergy with Preferred’s exacting brand values,” said Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President, Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Effective immediately, all three properties have the opportunity to capitalise on Preferred’s 48-year tourism industry pedigree, with access to its innovative sales and marketing expertise and network of sales professionals located in 35 offices worldwide. In 2015, Preferred showcased the value it brings to its hotel partnerships by generating more than US$1 billion in collective reservations revenue for its member properties around the world. Thus far in 2016, the brand’s success in supporting independent hotels has continued to be strong, producing a 19% increase in reservations revenue for member properties globally from January through August 2016, compared to the same time period in 2015. According to hospitality research firm STR, in Q2 2016, hotels in Saudi Arabia experienced nearly flat occupancy (-0.5% to 64.8%), but a double-digit rise in ADR (+14.2% to SAR816.60) which drove

a double-digit increase in RevPAR (+13.6% to SAR528.86) compared with the same period in 2015. The market is also experiencing exponential growth, reporting the most rooms ‘in construction’ among the countries in the Middle East and Africa, with 35,770 rooms in 81 hotels. Riyadh alone has 6,657 rooms in 30 hotels under construction. Given the Saudi government’s diversification strategy, the extra rooms will be needed. Economic analysts expect that by 2020 the number of tourists visiting the Kingdom will increase from 200,000 to 1.5 million. Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman has rejuvenated the Kingdom’s tourism sector as the strategic plan aims to increase the revenue generated from tourism to 18% of GDP in the next 14 years. To put that into perspective, in 2015 oil revenue alone accounted for more than 70% of overall government revenue. The highly soughtafter Vivienda Residence, which is comprised of 12 stunningly designed and furnished private villas offering 134 to 634 square metres of living space, is close to the iconic Kingdom Tower. The gated residence

features a pool, gym, all-day Italian restaurant and is about to unveil its own popup concept with a calendar of visiting Michelin-starred chefs. Sister property, the 48room Vivienda Granada, is also an all-villa property, with a collection of threebedroom residences located in the new financial district of Al Shohada, just a 30-minute drive from the international airport and set within 33,000 square metres of landscaped grounds. A leading independent property in Manama, The Domain Hotel & Spa offers 131 guestrooms and suites and is located in the upscale, and popular, diplomatic area of the Bahrain capital, and just seven kilometres. The hotel is also a popular choice for corporate and social events with a suite of conference facilities. Other recent additions to Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ burgeoning Middle East portfolio include the soon-to-be-opened DUKES Dubai and a number of hotels under the Katara Hospitality portfolio in Qatar such as Simaisma, A Murwab Resort. A total of 91 new properties joined forces with Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2015, and an additional 55 properties have been welcomed into the brand portfolio thus far this year.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

Gulf news

Apply for UAE visa on your phone, anytime, anywhere Customers of Emirates Airline flying to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can now apply for a visa using their mobile devices. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in visa application, applicants anywhere in the world can use the mobile app, launched by Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC), to complete the entire visa application process for an UAE visa using mobile devices. The user-friendly transactional app involves one-time profile creation, and allows data and document upload, payment and service delivery. Smartphone and tablet users can download the free DVPC Mobile App from Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Customised versions of the app are available

for iOS and Android devices. Through the app, passengers can apply for the 96-hours, 30-days or 90-days single entry visas, based on their Emirates itinerary. Customers may apply up to 4 international working days* in advance of their Emirates flight departure date. For last-minute applications, customers may apply using the Express visa service** as late as 2 international working days prior to flight departure.

Visa Application Centre or website •

Easy-to-navigate transactional app

•

Real-time visa application

•

Modern, intuitive and convenient

•

One-time profile creation

•

Upload and save documents

•

Convenience for subsequent applications

•

Hassle-free credit or debit card payment options

Key features of the app: •

Anytime, anywhere applications of UAE visa, globally

•

Accessible via handheld devices to travellers of multiple nationalities

•

No need to visit a Dubai

•

Optional Express visa service** available on the app

Speaking about the innovation, Mr Essa Sulaiman Ahmad - VP (India & Nepal), Emirates, said, “The launch of the

Mobile App will allow our customers in India an even more convenient way to apply and complete their entire visa process through their phones.” Launched by VFS Global in 2002, DVPC is an exclusive facility of VFS Global for Emirates Airline and Government of Dubai for processing UAE Visas. DVPC also promotes the airline and Dubai as a destination of choice. Since inception, DVPC has processed over 2 million UAE visa applications. (*Subject to documentation being in order & UAE immigration approval. International working days are factored taking into account UAE immigration holidays. **Terms and conditions apply)

Gulf news

Ferrari world wins the “Leading Tourist Attraction Award” Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi has been awarded as “Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction” for the second consecutive year at the World Travel Awards Gala event. The theme park is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster and added several new family-friendly rides and attractions in the past two years, including a triple-record breaking roller-coaster, Flying Aces, as part of its all-new entertainment offering that gives guests exceptional Park experiences. Flying Aces created a lot of hype in the region and has become a top-of-mind attraction for thousands of thrill-seekers and themepark enthusiasts.

Commenting on winning the award for the second time, Jesse Vargas, General Manager at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, said, “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the World Travel Awards as it reaffirms our dedication towards offering our guests an exceptional Park experience. Having Ferrari World Abu Dhabi named ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ for the second consecutive year is not only a remarkable victory for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, but a testament to the world-class entertainment offerings provided on Yas Island and the United Arab Emirates. I would also like to thank our colleagues at the Park for spreading our Ferrari spirit so effortlessly and creating smiles for our guests, one at the time.” The first Ferrariinspired theme park in the world,

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is an amusement park located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opened its doors to fans in 2010 and is currently the largest indoor theme park in the world. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi celebrates the spirit of the legendary marque. It is home to numerous thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, state-of-the-art simulators, entertaining live shows as well as popular seasonal festivities that bring together extraordinary performances from around the globe. With its gigantic expansion and ongoing reinvention, the iconic red roof will be adding several record- breaking rides in addition to the

world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, and the latest triple record breaking ride, the biplane-themed coaster Flying Aces. The unique experience on offer at the theme park caters to visitors of all ages in a climate-controlled environment, all year round. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s largest ‘Ferrari Store’ and the ‘Past and Present Store’, a replica of Enzo Ferrari’s first garage. The stores offer exclusive Ferrari collectibles and racing memorabilia for visitors to take home. Visitors can choose amongst various restaurants available at the Park which celebrate authentic Italian culinary traditions, making it the place to live the true Ferrari story.

Oman ranked among top ten travel destinations Oman has been ranked eighth in the world among top countries to visit in 2017 by the Lonely Planet travel guide. The ‘Best in Travel 2017’ list by the travel guide features Oman in the annual list for the first time since 2009 and is the only country from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that made it to the list. It also ranks Oman third after Nepal and Mongolia, among the four Asian countries featured in the list. The ‘Best in Travel

2017’ also features top cities, regions and valued destinations. Oman has been the ace in Arabia’s pack for a while, but with more flights than ever before and several high-end hotels opening soon, the country looks ready to give its GCC counterparts a tough competition. Luxury accommodation including the award-winning duo of Six Senses on the Musandam Peninsula and Alila in the Hajar Mountains

has long had a foothold here, but glitzy properties from Anantara, Kempinski and other high-end names are also slated to open soon.

The burst of construction continues with the US$120million Majarat Oman, a futuristic theme park for families set to debut in 2017.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

KERALA TRAVELLER

Kakkayam: The Ooty of Malabar

If you are on the look out to explore one of the best tourist destinations of ‘God’s own country,’ Kakkayam is the right choice for you. Teeming with exotic wildlife, this beautiful tourist spot offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities

akkayam is situated in Kozhikode district of Kerala. It is 70kms away from the town and its noisy environment. This haven of Malabar offers tourists not only a reservoir and its enchanting beauty, but also an amazing chance to enjoy the trekking and the breathtaking scenic beauty of evergreen forest and grasslands. The journey through thick forests punctuated by quaint waterfalls can be described as nothing short of surreal. Most of these waterfalls can be accessed only via the wild jungle streams that tumble over the rocks along the forest trails. A boat ride in Kakkayam Dam Reservoir will unveil to you the Ambalapara Waterfalls. The boating services are part of the Hydel Tourism Project under the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre (KHTC), a subsidiary of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). If you want relief from the crowded city environment and seek a place which is untouched

by the tourist crowd, make a visit to Kakkayam for a mesmerising holiday vacation with your family or loved ones. The greenery and spontaneous natural extravaganza makes it a place worth visiting for!

Special features of Kakkayam: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Southern ghat section Dam situated on a hill Virgin forest Trekking spot Kakkayam valley Cool atmosphere throughout the year Power house Many small and large waterfalls Reservoir and greenery Boating in the river Variety of rare species of insects, birds and animals Swimming and camping

Sightseeing in Kakkayam: Surrounded by various hills, brooks, and forests, Kakkayam provides enjoyment and pleasure for the tourists from different parts of the world. For sightseeing, it is the best place because of the natural vegetation and various

November 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

waterfalls. Sightseeing destinations of Kakkayam includes: Urukkuzhi waterfall, Kariyathan rock, Chuttikuzzhi, and Chadikkuzhi. The enchanting place is not only a popular tourist destination, but also the best movie shooting destination in Kerala. The place is a heaven for travellers who love to enjoy a panoramic view of hills and forests. It seems like time has untouched this place leaving it a virgin.

Trekking in Kakkayam: The wonderful site of Kakkayam offers a great extent of trekking and rock climbing in the forest and the hills. It is a must visit place for the adventure seeker who would like to trek through dense forests. Trekking through the natural vegetation of this place will help you to know much more about this place. The dam site here is a great place to trek; but, it needs additional permission from the Forest Protection Board. The best way to explore this place is by taking a guide from the local clubs who will let you through

the most thrilling trekking experience of your life.

Flora and Fauna in Kakkayam:

The International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has selected the bio diversity zones of Kakkayam as one of the best due to its wide variety of flora and fauna. There are several endangered flora and fauna which include elephant, deer, black monkey, medicinal herbs, wild orchids, rare butterflies, and birds. The evergreen forest helps to conserve all these rare species.

How to Reach:

By Road: Kakkayam is

connected to the major cities nearby by road. Tourists can come through the Calicut-Balussery road, Thalayad-Perambra road, or Koorachundu-Kallunode road.

By Railway: The nearest

railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station.

By Air: Nearest Airport

is Karipur International Airport. Tourist vehicles are always available from the airport and railway station. 19

Trade Events

Urban planning and city tourism need to go “hand in hand”, concludes UNWTO Summit The 5th UNWTO City Tourism Summit in Luxor, Egypt gathered around 400 experts from 40 countries to discuss the theme ‘Cities: Local culture for a global traveller’. The event, organised by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Ministry of Tourism of Egypt, concluded on the importance of ensuring urban planning and city tourism development are fully coordinated. Authenticity, local culture, the engagement of local communities and the use of technology were pointed out as key success factors for city tourism. Participants discussed city tourism trends including new business models, such as the socalled “sharing economy”,

management. The Minister of Antiquities of Egypt, Khaled El-Enany, Minister of Tourism Mohamed Yehia Rashed, Governor of Luxor Mohamed Sayed Badr, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organisations of Egypt, Hisham Badr, UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai and the President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), David Scowsill, addressed the meeting. “Holding this event in Luxor shows how Egypt and its people are committed to tourism and is a very positive sign that Egypt will recover to be the leading

confidence in Egypt’s tourism recovery, recalling that holding such an important meeting in Luxor displays the trust of the international tourism community in the destination. The High-Level Panel of the Summit, moderated by BBC Travel Show presenter Rajan Datar, stressed the importance of placing tourism high in the urban agenda and creating mechanisms of coordination and joint planning. Issues of congestion management, safety and security, and engagement with host communities were also discussed.

the importance of millennials, emerging niche markets, how to build authentic cultural experiences and engage local communities, safety and security, and congestion 20

tourism destination it has historically been,” said Minister Rashed. UNWTO SecretaryGeneral Taleb Rifai expressed the Organisation’s full

“We should never fear the growth of the tourism sector; it is the way we manage it that makes the difference,” said Mr. Rifai during the panel. He stressed that “a city that does not serve its citizens will not serve its visitors, thus the importance of engaging local communities

and tourists”. Participants also stressed the need to maximize the resources generated by tourism for heritage preservation and renovation, the roles of gastronomy and creative culture in attracting and engaging tourists; and how the 270 million young travelers of today demand new authentic products and connectivity twenty-four seven. The closing keynote was delivered by Egyptian archaeologist Mr. Zahi Hawass, who shared his exemplary experience During the Summit, UNWTO presented its City Tourism Network Action Plan as well as a new initiative – ‘Mayors for Tourism’ – that will see mayors and cities’ decisionmakers collaborate on tourism issues. The 6th UNWTO Global Summit on City Tourism will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December 2017.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

FESTIVALs

Bigger Than Ever: the Taunggyi Hot Air Balloon Festival in Myanmar In a remote field in the mountains in mysterious Shan State in Myanmar a yearly tradition is about to become bigger. The whole country celebrates Tazaungdaing, the Festival of Lights in the middle of November. Festivities in Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State, will be more spectacular than ever, according to the organising committee. Huge papier-mâché hot air balloons in different shapes and sizes are launched in the afternoon from the festival grounds near Taunggyi from 8 to 15 November 2016. At around 8pm each evening it’s time for the best spectacle when the fire balloons are launched. Once the balloon reaches a height of about 20 metres the fireworks attached to the balloons

explode in all directions. It’s a fun and fascinating festival which everybody should see at least once while in Myanmar. Myanmar Tourism Marketing confirmed that there will be special areas for foreign tourists to watch the launching of the balloons from a safe distance. Walking around the festival field is also fun, as thousands of Shan people join in for food, drinks and games.In a country where 84% of the households have no electricity, it’s no surprise that many activities at the festival run without electricity. A man-powered Ferris wheel is one example. The festival has been running for many decades and the Shan people are keen to keep the balloon tradition alive. When the

balloons are lit up it’s a magical sight, unlike any other firework display you’re likely to see. If you’re not in the Taunggyi area (which is near the famous tourist destination of Inle Lake) in November, it’s still a great time to travel in Myanmar. The monsoon rains are gone. Their legacy is lush greenery all over the country. It’s the time that yellow robes and many other accessories are offered to monks around the country. During the days before the festival you will see bamboo poles with donations (including

banknotes folded in beautiful shapes) around towns and villages. During the festival, hot air balloons are launched throughout the country, although at a smaller scale than Taunggyi. Most temples organise weaving competitions. It’s a good time to be in any upcountry town in Myanmar. Not being able to book your flight to Myanmar in time to visit this year? The dates for next year are already announced: 29 Oct– 3 Nov 2017.

Experience a new twist on holiday celebrations at Florida Whether its surfing Santas or sipping Santas, there are plenty of events and activities that can make even the Scroogiest spirit come alive this holiday season at Florida.

the Conch Train. Local business owners show their support by offering plenty of deals and discounts on merchandise to experience Florida-themed holiday shopping.

No city throws a party quite like Key West. The vibe may be laid back, but there’s plenty of action on this island paradise. Hot Pink Holidays, held the first 3 weekends of December, brings visitors and residents together to celebrate the LGBT community through activities like caroling with the “Bubbas” and a late night ride aboard

This December 4, 2016 sports fans won’t want to miss the Snowball Derby stock car races in Pensacola, Florida. Here, some of the biggest names in NASCAR racing can be found competing in this 300 lap course along Florida’s Panhandle. Don’t be fooled by the name though – the only “snow” to be found is via a machine at the annual WinterFest,

November 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

held in historic downtown. Enjoy reindeer games with Santa’s reindeer, while sipping away on gourmet hot chocolate. From November 3, 2016 to January 8, 2017, make a wish at ‘South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree’ at Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami. At the world’s largest holiday theme park, visitors will find more than 100 rides, shows, games and attractions, including those with the man himself – Santa Claus. Be sure to stay after the sun goes down, as the park is lit up with three million twinkling white lights and a special spot to

kiss under the mistletoe. December 11, 2016 will be a special day for all ‘The Beach Boys’ fans , the day to reminisce the good old harmonies of the 90s, when Bruce Johnson and Mike Love perform the Holiday and Hits in the illumined town of Sebring at Alan Jay Wildstein Centre for Performing Arts, Avon Park (entry by advance booking only). For a truly unconventional Christmas, head to the Cocoa Beach, Florida to witness hundreds of surfing Santas something which you can see only on Christmas Eve at Sunshine State.

Trade Events

Rhätische Bahn organises a sit-down dinner for travel trade in Mumbai Leading travel trade agents from Mumbai gathered at the Magazine Street Kitchen to an event hosted by Rhaetian Railways. A close-knit dinner, it was attended by thirty-five travel trade partners, including the Consul General of Switzerland, Mr. Martin J. Bienz. The guests were greeted with fine European wine, a wide range of home-made cheese and freshly baked bread, hand-picked by celebrity Chef Alex Sanchez of ‘The Table’, who also curated a special menu for the event. The venue was a walk-in kitchen where the guests could interact with the chefs and watch them wield their way through the pot and ladle; at the

same time the guests kept networking with each other. Later in the evening Chef Alex addressed the guests, taking them through the menu and explaining each course. Special care was taken that every element at the evening had a Swiss connect, as Rhaetian Railway is a Swiss mountain railway network, operating the well known Glacier

express and Bernina express in the Graubünden regions. As per the theme of the evening, the tables were divided into the Glacier and Bernina express and guests were handed train-tickets to their seats. The guests thoroughly enjoyed each course of the meal and were in for a pleasant surprise, as they were greeted by a delicious set-up of chocolate fountain fondue on their

way out. Speaking on the occasion Ms. Sonal Salian, Market Manager India, Rhätische Bahn said “We are extremely grateful to our travel trade partners who have supported us all through the year; this event was a token of appreciation and also to give everyone an experience of Swiss opulence and precision which is synonymous with the brand.”

PATA appoints Young Tourism Professional Ambassador continuing commitment to the development of young tourism professionals. In her new role Miss Wong reports to PATA’s Director – Human Capital Development Mrs Parita Niemwongse.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has appointed Miss Jie Cheng (JC) Wong as Young Tourism Professional Ambassador effective January 1, 2017. This new role has been created as part of the Association’s 22

“The development of human capital is one of our industry’s biggest challenges and it is vitally important that we engage and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “JC joined our organisation as an Associate Intern before accepting a full-time position as

Communications and Marketing Assistant. She is the perfect candidate to connect with dynamic young industry professionals and I am sure that she will revel in this new role as our Young Tourism Professional Ambassador.” PATA has established a new membership category exclusively for young tourism professionals and Miss Wong’s activities will centre upon the launch and development of a programme of youth-centric activities throughout the year.

She will also manage and further develop the network of PATA student chapters, working closely with the Association’s events team to ensure that students and young professionals are given the opportunity to attend and participate at PATA events. “We want tomorrow’s tourism industry leaders to have a platform today to share their views. PATA is committed to providing that platform and we look forward to creating many opportunities for positive engagement with this influential group,” added Dr. Hardy. ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

A. B. C. D.

NEWSLINE

Qatar receives more than 2 Million Visitors in First 3 Quarters of 2016

Qatar welcomed 2.18 million visitors in the first nine months of 2016, including 1,087,846 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, according to Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) Tourism Performance Summary for the third quarter (Q3) of 2016. Saudi Arabia remains the largest source market and is also responsible for the bulk of the growth recorded in the number of GCC visitor arrivals, up 7% from 2015. A total of 746,598 Saudi visitors arrived in Qatar between January and September 2016; an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. Substantial growth also was evident from the United Arab Emirates (17%), while arrivals from Bahrain 24

and Kuwait showed an increase rate of 3% and 2% respectively. According to the report, visitor arrivals growth during the third quarter (Q3) of 2016 has increased in comparison to Q1 and Q2. This reflects, in part, the impact of the two Eid Celebrations in Qatar events and the Qatar Summer Festival that took place through the whole month of August, helping to attract visitors in a typically off-peak season for Qatar. Upward trends in visitor arrivals in recent months tend to reflect optimism as a further growth rate is expected in the final quarter of the year. This will be driven in part by the beginning of the cruise season - which will bring

approximately 30 ships to Qatar’s ports between October 2016 and April 2017. Additionally, QTA’s collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Qatar Airways to facilitate visitors’ entry to Qatar is expected to further improve arrival trends in the near future. Meanwhile, hotel occupancy and average room rates were lower compared to the same period in 2015 with an average of 61% across all hotels and hotel apartments through the end of Q3 2016. The decline comes after a 7.1% net increase in the number of available rooms. Average room rates (ARR) across all hotels and hotel apartments was 491 QAR, and revenue per available room (RevPAR)

was 300 QAR. Consistent with usual trends, the highest ARR and RevPAR levels continue to be recorded by the 5-Star and Deluxe Hotel Apartment segments. QTA is continuing efforts to attract regional and international visitors, through placing special emphasis on working with investors and partners to diversify Qatar’s tourism products. Efforts include broadening QTA’s international presence, particularly in markets that are expected to increase the arrivals to Qatar in the coming years. In this past quarter, QTA has opened representative offices in Istanbul and New York, bringing the total number of QTA’s international offices to eight.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

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NEWSLINE

QTA leads Qatari delegation to World Travel Market in UK Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) led the Qatari delegation consisting of 21 local industry partners for the 37th Qatar’s Largest European Source Market World Travel Market (WTM) at Qatar’s Largest European Source Market London.

UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM

The delegation’s participation comes as part of QTA’s efforts to shed light UK Visitor Arrivals in 2016 natural, (to 30 Sept) on Qatar’s cultural and historic landmarks and to promote the country as a tourism destination among travel professionals and tourism industry leaders in the United Kingdom.

UK Visitor Arrivals in 2016 (to 30 Sept)

9.4% Leisure Visa

6.0% Business Visa

93,662 93,662 6.0% Business Visa

0.1% GCC Residents &

Companions Visa

The UK is Qatar’s largest visitor source market in Europe, accounting for close to a third of European visitors to Qatar in 2015.

84.5% Joint Qatar-Oman

A year on from the international unveiling of the Qatar destination brand at WTM 2015, QTA has sustained and built interest in Qatar as

Tourist Visa

5 Years of Growth UK Arrivals to in Qatar No. of UK Media Hosted Qatar 2011-2015 by QTA in 2016

3 3

No. of UK Media Hosted in Qatar byto QTA in 2016 Trips Qatar Organised for travel trade groups in 2016

Trips to Qatar Organised for

industry representatives travel trade groups in 2016 5 Years of Growth featured on the Qatar stand UK Arrivals to Qatar 2011-2015 (ME100) at WTM this year 140,000 were Amari Doha, Best 130,000 140,000 Western Plus Doha, Century 120,000 130,000 Hotel, Concorde Hotel 110,000 120,000 Doha, Discover Qatar, Doha 100,000 110,000 Marriott Hotel, Double Tree Hilton by Hilton Doha Old 100,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Town, Grand Hyatt Doha, 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Intercontinental Doha, Roadshow InterContinental Doha through U.K. to Roadshow The City, Melia Doha, Retaj train travel UK Travel Agents Registered Edinburgh through U.K. to Glasgow agents and to become certified ambassadors of Hotels and Hospitality, Sharq train travel UK Travel Agents Registered Edinburgh introduce press Glasgow Qatar through Tawash online platform agents and Village and Spa, Sheraton to become certified ambassadors of to Qatar introduce press Qatar through Tawash online platform Doha Resort & Convention to Qatar Centre, Katara Hospitality, Manchester Qatar Airways, Qatar Manchester Registered Qualified International Adventure, Bristol Regency Travel and Tours, Registered Brighton Qualified Bristol Brighton The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Sand Dunes and Travel Designer.

950 648950 648

a premium destination through its year-round promotional efforts, particularly those targeting UK travelers. Over the past year, QTA has actively sought to engage British travel agents through an informative roadshow in five key cities in the UK (Manchester, Bristol, Brighton, Glasgow and Edinburgh), as well

as Dublin in neighboring Ireland. The rising interest in Qatar as a distinctive tourist destination is evident in the increasing number of UK travel agents – reaching nearly 1,000 - who have signed up for QTA’s Tawash online destination training program, where 60% of them have successfully graduated as qualified experts in Qatar’s tourist

attractions. On the sidelines of the threeday exhibition, QTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Georgian Department of Economic Development. The MoU opens channels for cooperation in the areas of planning, development, investment, marketing, promotion and education for the respective country’s tourism industries. The

Since launching Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), Qatar has welcomed over 7 million visitors, and achieved an average annual growth in arrivals of 11.5% between 2010-2015. The economic impact of the tourism sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with 2014 estimates showing a total impact on Qatar’s total GDP of 4.1%.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

Newsline

Visit ASEAN@50 Campaign announces its 50 Travel Experiences for 2017 The VISIT ASEAN@50 Golden Celebration 2017 campaign has revealed 50 cross-border travel experiences in Southeast Asia that will showcase the region’s rich diversity and promote multi-destination travel within ASEAN. This will contribute to raising international tourism arrivals to the region from 109 million in 2015 to 121 million by 2017. The campaign, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is being supported by private sector giants such as Mastercard and AirAsia. Fifty special travel experiences, ranging from two to 26 nights, have been created by leading tour operators and cruise lines in Southeast Asia to entice travellers to visit Southeast

Lumpur, Singapore, Ipoh, Penang and Langkawi, to name a few. AirAsia has pledged to support the year-long campaign. The airline will implement an extensive multimedia awareness campaign across all its operating markets and include the VISIT ASEAN@50 logo in multiple marketing campaigns. AirAsia will also promote its ASEAN Pass, which allows guests to enjoy flights at fixed rates, to encourage travellers to explore its network of more than 100 routes across the region. AirAsia will also run monthly tactical campaigns with special low lead-in prices. Mastercard will embark on its largest travel campaign to date for the ASEAN region and will work with tourism partners and

tour packages, the Chairperson of the VISIT ASEAN@50 campaign, Mr Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, told the media that no collection of 50 trips could definitively represent Southeast Asia, but the 50 chosen by ASEAN’s national tourism organisations were a “very good start”. “We worked closely with the national tourism organisations of ASEAN member states,” he said. “Together, they selected 50 experiences that were cross-border, accessible to mainstream tourists, were culturally respectful and represented core themes that the NTOs were pleased to be associated with. All 10 ASEAN member states have been included,” said Mr Wardi. The 10 ASEAN members include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Asia for the first time, as well as encourage repeat visitors. Sample trips include a 8D/7N tour to Bagan, Inle, Pattaya and Bangkok; a 13D/12N cruise from Singapore to Yangon; a 6D/5N tour from Bali to Kuala Lumpur and the Genting Highlands; a 4D/3N tour from Brunei to Miri in Sarawak; a 12D/11N Coastal Paths tour from Myanmar to Thailand; and a 12D/11N Wellness and Nature trip to Kuala

the global Priceless Cities programme to promote travel to consumers across different countries, languages and cultures. Mastercard will work with issuers and merchant partners to amplify the campaign globally and will use its Priceless.com platform to drive travel to and within the ASEAN region.

The 50 tours include cruise, a hassle-free and value-for-money holiday option to visit multiple ASEAN countries on a single

trip. Special cruise packages were created by cruise lines for VISIT ASEAN@50. These packages include exclusive promotions on sailings to discover a wide variety of destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang, Langkawi, Phuket, Bangkok, Yangon and many more. The cruises lines participating include Royal Caribbean International, Star Cruises and Coral Expeditions. The 50 packages are also on www. visitASEAN50.com VISIT ASEAN@50 will be officially launched at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Singapore on 18 January and will run until 31 December 2017.

Speaking at a press conference at the World Travel Market in London 8 November to announce the

November 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

The architectural marvel of Cholas

Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism

This time around, Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam takes you to Thanjavur known for its Great Living Chola Temples

rt, architecture and religion mark Thanjavur prominent in Tamil Nadu’s tourism map. With the Great Living Chola Temples, Thanjavur is a prominent place of pilgrimage for Hindu devotees. The Great Living Chola Temples are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments and most of them are located in and around Thanjavur. Apart from that Thanjavur also contributes a major share in the agricultural economy of the state and is known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. The most famous and visited temple in Thanjavur is undoubtedly Brihadeeswarar Temple. Also known as Thanjavur Periya Kovil or Raja Rajeswara Temple, it is one of the largest temples in India. Built during the Chola period, it prominently displays the Tamil architecture of that time. It is believed that Rajaraja Chola I, the then emperor built this temple upon an instruction he got in a dream. The temples built during that period are considered to be also expressions of emperor’s wealth, power and artistic expertise. The temple tower of Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of the tallest in the world at a height of 60m. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) weighs around 80 tons. There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred

bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about 5m long and 4m high at the entrance. The entire temple structure is made out of granite.

Commemorative stamps and coins were also released by the Postal Department and Reserve Bank of India respectively to mark the occasion.

The temple consists of many sub shrines, a sanctuary, an assembly hall and the main temple. The prime deity is Shiva. There are also many temple deities inside. Brihadeeswarar Temple is also one of the rare temples which have idols for Ashtadikpaalakas (Guardians of the directions). There are also various murals on the walls around the sanctum sanctorum depicting Shiva.

To appreciate the artistic sense of people of that time, a visit to the Art Gallery will be really helpful. The Thanjavur Art Gallery was established in 1951 and it encompasses the Saraswati Mahal Library and the Sangeetha Sabha or Music Hall. The art gallery has fabulous collection in bronze icons. The Stone Sculptures are unique and of priceless quality. The art gallery is divided into three sections; Pooja Mahal, Indira Mandir and Rama Chowdam Hall, the private audience hall during the rule of the Nayaks. There is a display of a selection of

In September 2010, Brihadeeswarar Temple turned 1000 years old which was celebrated with different cultural events.

glass painting of Thanjavur, covered with gold sheets, pearls and other gem stones that were a part of the royal patronage. Most of the artifacts and relics in the art gallery dates back to the Chola Dynasty, Nayak Dynasty and the Pallava period. Many of the artifacts were buried in the sand to possibly avoid the threats and recovered by the ASI. The adjacent Saraswathi Mahal Library is one among the few medieval libraries that exists in the world containing rare and valuable collection of manuscripts, books, maps and paintings. The Encyclopedia Britannica in its survey of the Libraries of the world mentioned this library as “the most remarkable library in India”.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016

Newsline

“BHM Asia Secures 6th Hotel Deal in Vietnam” Since entering the Vietnamese market last year, BHM Asia has been gradually expanding its presence. The company has now signed its 6th hotel management contract, with properties in Danang, Hoi An, Halong Bay and Viet Tri. According to company CEO, Anthony McDonald “the properties are a mix of hotels, resorts, branded villas and residences, with a combined count of over 850 keys.” He said “that the company has been successful, where larger international groups have struggled, due to the company’s philosophies and Asian culture. Having been born in Asia, the company understands the way to do business here and the importance of long term personal relationships”. The projects range in size from 60 to over 230 keys, with a combination of hotels, villa developments and branded residences.

Most projects carry the design hotel brands of the company, X2 CrossTo and X2 Vibe, renowned for its “Luxury by Design” ethos and appeal. This brand has proven to be a hit with style and designconscious developers, looking for a unique brand that stays relevant to today’s ever-changing trends. The company’s other brand “Away” is also proving of interest to investors of retreats and wellness-focused resorts, where a relaxed resort with international presence is what they are looking for. The first property launch of “New Hoi An City” will be “X2 Vibe Hoi An Residence”,

scheduled to open its doors in the 2nd quarter of 2017. These 230 residential units will set new standards in the Danang - Hoi An beachfront scenery with large comfortable one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments and villas that are perfectly styled and designed. BHM Asia’s Vietnam Country Manager, Mr. Simon Jinks has confided

that “We are building a team to support the new openings planned over the next 12-24 months.” The expectation is that the group will have over 10 projects under development by the end of the year, and 16 by the end of 2017. “We are very confident with the Vietnamese market, and developers and investors see great value in our brands and what value we can bring to their projects” he added.

Kuchipudi dancers mesmerise audiences at WTM London interacted with Mr. Girija Shankar MD APTDC.

Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Tourism and Culture (I/C), Government of India, inaugurated the Incredible India pavilion at World Travel Market London 2016, along with Vinod Zutshi, SecretaryTourism, Government of India, and Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister of State for Tourism & Culture, Government of Odisha. Dr. Sharma also visited A.P. Tourism booth and

During the two day event this week, Dr. N. Srikant Secretary Tourism Go AP met Tour Operators & Travel Agents, Key Tourism Hotel Groups & Tourism Investors of UK, Tourism Specific Association & Indian/ NRI/ PIO Associations in the UK, Travel Writers of UK, to highlight the potential of Andhra Pradesh as a tourist destination. Secretary, Tourism Go AP along with MD, APTDC also had meetings with Tourism officials of Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka to promote the Buddhist sites and to invite them to Amaravati,

November 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Andhra Pradesh for FAM tours to experience the rich culture and traditions. The state has contributed immensely in defining the cultural heritage of India. Its rich culture is discernible in its mellow music, dazzling dances, delicious cuisine, aboriginal arts &crafts, pious people, religions, and fairs & festivals. Today, it stands as one of the most desirable states in the country. Andhra Pradesh has a large bouquet of tourist attractions. Its diversity has always attracted both foreigners and locals to explore its mirth and gaiety. To showcase the traditional dance form Kuchipudi to the world, there were Kuchipudi artists at the booth and

they also performed at the inauguration of the India Pavilion to showcase the “Sunrise State of Andhra Pradesh” as part of the country’s popular ‘Incredible India’ program. Dr Srikant Nagulapalli (IAS), Secretary, Culture & Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said “Andhra Pradesh state has a unique mix of tourism destinations that include beautiful beaches, lush green valleys, pristine backwaters and several important forts and heritage sites.” At WTM 2016 the state tourism board promoted AP Tourism based on the themesHeritage & culture, the new back waters of Incredible India – Konaseema and the religious circuit. 29

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appointed as General Manager, Time Oak Hotel & Suites.

Leonardo Baiocchi

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Mark Griffiths

appointed as Regional Vice President and Managing Director at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi.

Martin Michael Fabiano

appointed as General Manager at Time Grand Plaza Hotel.

Sam Jones

appointed as Director of Sales for Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre’s Meetings and Incentives Business.

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ASIAN TRAVELLER | November 2016