Asian Traveller February 2018 by Mediasteps

Vol. 11

No. 05

Pages 36

` 100

US $10 (Overseas)

February 2018

www.asiantraveller.in

Come. See. Surrender.

DIPR/1085/Display/2017

Highlights Vol. 11 I No.05 I February 2018

10 Rainforest Resort- Where nature meets luxury

Cover Story: Goa- The Land of Sun, Sand and Sea Goa is a kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, blessed with sea, sand, seafood and spirituality

The resort, that faces the Athirapally waterfalls at Chalakudy, is cradled by the green Sholayar rainforest

Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav: A Celebration Of Dance, Music And Literature

The 14th edition of festival presented an amalgam of classical, folk, martial and contemporary genres

22 13 Kamats Restaurants plans expansion nationally The company has mapped out areas of expansion that will be mix of company owned and franchised restaurants

Brihadisvara temple- the first complete granite temple in the world Dr S Bakthavatchalam talks about Brihadisvara temple, the best example of Dravidian architecture

Cover Photo Neelakurinji flowers munnar Photo courtesy: Raghuram.

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

CHEERFUL OUTLOOK FOR TOURISM

he decision of the Indian government to initiate measures to double the number of foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) to 20 million in the next three years could be a step in the right direction. But to realize the goal, we, the stakeholders of the tourism industry should work together. Union Tourism Minister K J Alphons has assured that the ministry was committed to create an environment that is conducive to the visitors and appoint global ambassadors for promoting tourist circuits and sites. The Union budget did not set aside a new corpus of funds for tourism or no additional investment expenditure for the sector has been announced separately. But the budget proposal to develop 10 prominent sites as iconic tourist destinations, upgradation of 100 adarsh monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and creation of frameworks to encourage investment in seaplane sector will attract more investments to the sector. Like everywhere else, tourism is a major driver of economic growth in India “and it has vast potential for generating employment and earning a large amount of foreign exchange besides giving a fillip to the country’s overall economic and social development.”

Editor & Publisher : Dr. G Biju Krishnan* Chief Mentor : Rony Paul Thekkanath Group Vice President : Santhosh Kumaar K Directors : Sai Gayathri B Girish N.M. Manoj K.V. Creative Director : Rasheed Image Technical Directors : Resh Chidambaran Roshin Wilson Senior Sub Editor : Gireesh R G Editorial Team : R Parameshwaran Smitha . R Regional Head (Hyderabad) : Uma Ram Director-Finance : K Harikrishnan AGM-Operations : Krishna Nair Financial Advisor : Sailendranadha Pillai K S Legal Advisor : Adv. Raman Kartha GM-Tamil Nadu : P Deenadayalu Design : Kailasnath Secretary to CMD : Latha Nair USA UK UAE Qatar Kuwait Mumbai Kolkata Hyderabad Kochi Erode Madurai

: : : : : : : : : : :

Jiju K Thomas Abdul Najeeb Santhosh Kumaar K Arun V S Mariam Titus Shikha Bhangadia Sobha Joshi Uma Ram Anurag Baby K L Rajeshhkumar P Deenadayalu

Tel : 00281 709 5433 Tel : 0044 7769940391 Tel : 00971 556317912 Tel : 00974 55287956 Tel : 00965 6236120 Tel : +91 9867505490 Tel : +91 9477406768 Tel : +91 9160006321 Tel : +91 8589008071 Tel : +91 8973545190 Tel : +91 9843129535

Administration Vidhu Krishna, Jaya Rajeshwari All Communications to: Asian Traveller, Media Steps India No.36/651, A-4, Leela Estate, Near Seventh Day School, Provident Fund Road, Kaloor, Kochi-682 017. Tel: 0484 4043016, Mob: 97450 01001/94475 55222, E-mail: editor@mediastepsindia.com w w w.asiantraveller.in New Delhi : Media Steps India, No.312, Vardhaman Sunder Plaza Plot No.12, Sector 12, Dwaraka, New Delhi-100075. Tel: +91 11 45660188 Mumbai : Media Steps India, R R Travells & Tours, Nehru Road, Vile Parle (East), Mumbai - 400 057 HP: 9867505490

Hyderabad : Media Steps India, Flat G8, Block D1, Hemadurga Towers, Opp. Talkie Town, Miyapur, Telangana - 500 049, India. Tel: +91 40 40257231

Dr. G. Biju Krishnan

Editor & Publisher editor@mediastepsindia.com +91 9745001001

Qatar : Instincts Trading WLL C1, #115, Retaj Building, P.O Box 11180, Salwa Road Doha, Qatar, Mobile +974 3337 7429 Email:arun@instinctstrading.com w w w.instinctstrading.com

Reg. Of fice : Media Steps India, TC-27/1915, MBRRA 70, Mathrubhumi Rd, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 001, Kerala. India Edited, Printed & Published by Dr. G Biju Krishnan and Printed at M/s. Safire Of fset Printers, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu for Cristal Printers, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, South India Reg No: KERENG 01910/11/1/2006-TC New Reg No: KERENG/2007/28719 RNI Reg No: 101276

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. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2018 *Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

Cover Story Goa Tourism

Goa- The Land of Sun, Sand and Sea

Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, is a kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, blessed with sea, sand, seafood and spirituality. It has a unique mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture. The multitude of beaches in Goa are all very different and offer something for everyone. There’s nowhere in India quite like it

oa, which is located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India with beautiful beaches and historical sites. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the Goa as Goparashtra or Govarashtra, which means ‘‘a nation of Cowherds’’. It also has rich flora and fauna owing to its location on the Western Ghats range which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot. Famous for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, the state is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. Tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa in the winter to enjoy the climate and in the summer time (which in Goa is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays. The festival of Goa carnival, Shigmo Mel or the Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi are the main festivals in Goa. The Goan population is a mixture of Hindus and Roman Catholics, the distribution being approximately 65% Hindu and 24% Christian. There is also a smaller Muslim

population. Goa, a former Portuguese colony with a rich history, has a more than its fair share of museums, art galleries and libraries. There are many government run museums in Panaji, including the Goa State museum, the Kala Academy, the Central Library and the Goa Science Centre. In Vasco da Gama, you can find the Naval Aviation Museum, a great place to see vintage aircraft. The traditions and culture of Goa are a harmonious mixture of the oriental and occidental world. Dance forms unique to Goa include Corridinho, Mando, Dekhnni, Fugdi, Dulpod and Fado. Classical musicians are highly esteemed in Goa. The Goan Carnival and New Year Celebrations are very famous. The city has produced many famous singers and is the origin of ‘Goa Trance’, a form of music highly influenced by ‘psytrance’.

Goan Delicacies

Go Goa and have the mouthwatering Goan food and drinks, famous Goan cuisine and delicious Goan dishes. Rice, seafood, coconut, vegetables, meat, pork and local spices are

some of the main ingredients in Goan cuisine. Goa is a mix of east meets west, which is not only represented in the Goa culture but also in the style of cooking. Goans have a miscellaneous platter ranging from prawns to sausages, chicken to beef, and numerous vegetarian dishes. Bebinca Cake, Goa’s most famous sweet, is a multilayered cake made from egg, coconut milk, sugar and ghee. Cooking a perfect bebinca is considered an art form and is traditionally served at Christmas. This can be eaten hot or cold. Ambot Tik is a slightly sour and pungent dish. In Konkani, ‘ambot’ means spur and ‘tik’ means spicy. Ambot

The traditions and culture of Goa are a harmonious mixture of the oriental and occidental world

Fish Curry Rice is the staple food for Goans. Due to the presence of chillies and turmeric the curry is usually yellowish-red in color. The tangy and spicy dish can be cooked with a variety of fish, although mackerel is one of the favourites. The dish is served with steamed white rice and is the traditional Goan meal. Goan Feni is Goans local alcoholic drink with strong aroma. The word ‘feni’ derives from the word ‘fenn’, which means froth. When a good feni is poured in a glass it produces a little froth, which is a sign of the superior quality of the product. There are two types of feni, one is made from cashew and the other is made from coconut. The less polpular coconut feni is made from the sap of coconut palms. And the most

Tik is a delicious gravy dish that is usually prepared from dried red chillies, peppercorns and tamarind. Shark or catfish are the fishes normally used and it tastes great with plain steamed or boiled rice. ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

famous cashew feni is made from cashew apples, which are manually crushed and allowed to ferment.

Attractions in Goa

Adventure enthusiasts in Goa are up for challenge and the challenge is what to go for, as there are so many options. If you have always thought of riding a water scooter, visit Goa to feel the adventure. A water scooter can accommodate 2 people at a time. Ride a water scooter and dash through the strong sea waves. As the speed of the water scooter is fast, you can feel the waves hitting your face. Water scooter riders have to wear life jackets. Banana Boat Rides are one of the major attractions in Goa. Goa Banana Boat Rides are one the funniest Water Sports in Goa. An

inflatable boat resembling the shape of a banana is used for Banana Boat Rides in Goa. 4 to 6 people can be seated in one banana boat. This boat is linked to a speed boat. After being thrown into the surf, the passengers pull themselves back into the banana boat and start afresh. All passengers taking Banana Boat Rides in Goa wear a life jacket for safety reasons. Jet skiing in Goa is a water sport custom made for speed lovers. It is counted amongst one of the most exciting water sports activities in Goa. Colva, Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Aguada and Candolim are the ones that are sought quite often by jet skiing enthusiasts. February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Tourist attractions in Goa are abundant and suitable for all ages, interests and moods. Every year, a lot of tourists come allured by the irresistible charm of Goa. Calangute Beach, termed as the Queen of Beaches, is the first choice for every tourist that lands on the soil of Goa. Being considered as the largest beach in north Goa, the beach remains crowded for the most part of the year. The best time to visit the Calangute is between the months of October and March. Calangute beach is well connected via road to the capital city of Panaji. Taxis and buses from Panaji are easily available. The Candolim beach in Goa is a peaceful beach which is located quiet close to the Aguada beach. The scrub covered dunes at the back of the beach and the ship River Princess which is stuck at its shore since draws a lot of attention of the tourists. Besides these, the Candolim beach is famed for its calm and serene environment. Water sports activities, right from water skiing to

parasailing and windsurfing and more, are all part of the Candolim attractions. Candolim beach is perfectly suited for fishing as well. One must visit the beautiful and serene Candolim beach in October and March. This popular beach in Goa is well connected to the capital city of Panjim via road. The nearest bus stand to Candolim is at Mapusa. Resorts and restaurants are available in abundance nearby the popular beaches. The Dudhsagar Falls are located in the eastern border of Goa and Karnataka, 60 Kilometer from Margoa,which is in South Goa. Sightseeing in Goa can never be complete without visiting these falls. The Dudhsagar falls, the ocean of mik as it is often called, is one stunning sight that you will not want to miss if you are in a vacation to Goa. This is the highest waterfalls in

Goan Feni is Goans local alcoholic drink with strong aroma. The word ‘feni’ derives from the word ‘fenn’, which means froth

India and attracts a steady inflow of visitors every year. The Dudhsagar falls measures a grand 600 meters from head to foot falling at a height of about 2000 feet down the cliff into the forests of the Western Ghats. The perfect season to view of the falls and soak in its beauty is the Monsoon, as this the time when the falls become alive. By road the best way to get to the falls is by a four wheel jeep drive from the railway junction village of Colem. The falls are easily reached through a 2 hour long train journey from Margoa or Vasco. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa, is the most famous Church of Goa. This church has great significance among the Christian community of the World. This church is situated in Old Goa. This church is 16th century architecture and it is the first Minor Basilica in India. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa was built in 1605 and this recently becomes the World Heritage Monument. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is made up of white marble and alter is gilded and furnished with beautiful frescoes. Its unplastered exterior appears at first glance to be inferior as compared to the sparkling facades of churches like the Se Cathedral. Basilica Bom Jesus is a tribute the infant Jesus. The Basilica also contains a modern art gallery with paintings depicting various Biblical scenes. The gallery can be accessed using the stairs near the sacristy. It contains 36 paintings executed between the years 1973 and 1976. It is one of the largest of its kind in 7

Cover Story Goa Tourism Asia. Basilica of Bom Jesus is only 10 kilometers from the Panaji. Chapora Fort, Goa, is constructed entirely of red laterite, is located at a distance of around 22 kilometers from Panaji. The word Chapora is reminiscent of “Shahpura” or the “Town of the Shahs”. The credit for the construction of the Chapora Fort is credited to Adil Shah of Bijapur. One of the notable features of the Chapora Fort is its underground tunnels that ensured a safe getaway in situations of emergency. The best way to access Chapora Fort is from Mapusa. There are frequent buses to Chapora that leave from Mapusa. Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a wellpreserved seventeenthcentury Portuguese fort standing in Goa. Aguada Fort is not a stupendous structure but act as the major tourist draw. It was built in 1609-12 to control the entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. Aguada Fort is situated at a distance of about 18 kms from Panjim. You can access Fort Aguada either from Panjim or from Mapusa. Palolem Beach is a stretch of white sand on a bay in Goa. The beach is great for those people who are simply looking for some peace and solitude. Palolem has plenty to offer from activities for thrill-seekers to an abundance of traditional culture and peaceful beach relaxation. Tourists can visit this beach throughout the year. During the monsoon season the waves become unpredictable. It would be

best to avoid swimming and any other water sports activities during this season. Goa International Airport (Dabolim) is the nearest airport from Palolem Beach, at a distance of 60 kilometer. Canacona Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station from the beach. Anjuna beach is just a perfect choice to grasp the delight in your trip to Goa. There are local markets at Anjuna offering traditional jewelry, handicrafts and souvenirs. Apart from

chilling at the beach, travelers have the choice of hopping in one of the most happening nightclubs of Goa, or to shop in markets like Anjuna Flea Market, Saturday night bazaar etc. Dabolim Airport is at a distance of 29 kilometer from Anjuna Beach. Nearest railway station from the beach is in Thivim, 18 kilometer away. One of the most popular beaches of Goa, Baga Beach is located close to Calangute beach, around 30 Km North

of Panaji. It is visited by thousands of tourists annually. Dabolim (Goa International Airport) at a distance of 41 kilometer is the nearest airport from Baga Beach. It will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cover this journey. Railway station is at a distance of 11 km, and is the nearest station from Baga Beach. Sri Bhagavati Temple worships God Bhagavati or the Ashtabhuja Goddess. Located in Parshem city Goa, the temple is one of

the ancient temples in Goa. There are two Deepstambhas in the Sri Bhagavati Temple Goa and the two festivals which are celebrated over here are Dussehra and annual Zatra. Located in North Goa, Sri Bhagavati Temple is a few kilometers from Morjim. You can either take a bus or drive from the Dabolim Airport. Mayem Lake is a beautiful fresh water lake located at Mayem near Bicholim, in North Goa. This still water lake is the ideal place for leisurely boating in relaxation in calm. You can hire a paddle boat and take around of this lake. The lake is surrounded by

Palolem has plenty to offer from activities for thrill-seekers to an abundance of traditional culture and peaceful beach relaxation small hills and woodlands. Artificial garden and park on the bank make the place more attractive. This lake is 35 kilometer away from Bicholem, Goa then residence of the old Count can also be seen. Cabo De Rama Fort is situated at Canacona taluka in southern Goa. A trip to the Cabo fort will also feature the surrounding Angoda beach and fine lush greenery surrounding it. Legend goes that during the fourteen years of exile, Lord Ram and his consort, Sita, stayed here. The visitors can reach here by availing the local road transport which is quite conveniently available, from any part of Goa. A beautiful example of the historical monuments present in Goa is the Arvalem Caves or the “Pandava Caves”. One of the most ancient structures in Goa, the rock cut Arvalem caves are situated in Bicholim town in the northern part of the state. Another theory says that the Arvalem Caves in Goa are of Buddhist origin. Housing of a huge Buddha statue in its premises strongly supports the statement. Besides admiring the caves, tourists also have the luxury of exploring a Rudreshawar temple and waterfall in its surrounding area. ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

Resort focus

Rainforest Resort- Where nature meets luxury The Rainforest boutique resort, that faces the Athirapally waterfalls at Chalakudy, is cradled by the green Sholayar rainforest. The Resort takes full advantage of its stunning natural surroundings

hrug off the city along with your coat and just soak in the misty sprays of the cascading Athirapally waterfalls at Chalakudy, Kerala. Or simply rest your eyes on the lush green of the pristine Sholayar rainforest. The majestic Sholayar forest reserves practically cradle the Rainforest boutique resort. As a boutique hotel set in 7 acres of virtually virgin rainforest, the clean lines of its architecture being the only clue to this hideaway when seen from a distance. Usually, tropical rainforests are called the ‘jewels of the Earth’ because of the richness of animal and plant life found here. Scientists often find asyet-undiscovered species of reptiles, amphibians and mammals in the secret depths of the mighty rainforest. Often, the rainforest flora consists of rare, medicinal plants and herbs. The experience becomes much more meaningful when you interact with the resort personnel who offer you much more than the best of service; they are wellversed with the features and quirks of the breathtaking

waterfalls and the rainforest that surround them. The Rainforest resort is accessible only by a road that winds through the hills and trees of the ravishing rainforest. Once you are here, you can give up all the cares of civilisation and rewrite the cadences of your life. The experience of living in communion with Nature transports you to a higher

The experience becomes much more meaningful when you interact with the resort personnel who offer you much more than the best of service

Accommodation

Six luxury rooms that draw you in with their chic interiors and prompt services on-demand, be it the stacked mini-bar or the doctor-on-call service. The stylish furniture has a touch of minimalism about it, while being high on the comfort factor. Look out the large windows for more than a glimpse of the forest that surrounds you. You have all the beauty of nature right outside your window and all the comforts of modernity inside your room: special care has been taken to ensure that every room is

insect-and-dust-proof. You may just end up spending more time in the relaxing shower than in the room. Don’t forget to take pleasure in sipping a piping hot cup of coffee while enjoying the misty falls, right from the balcony. If the luxury rooms are swish, the two premium rooms elevate the concept to the next level. Step in, and be prepared to be mesmerised. Just drawing your curtains will provide you with the breathtaking waterfall view right from the living room. The colour

plane altogether. So much so that on your drive back to the airport, you wonder if the Rainforest and its sublime experience was just an hour’s drive away. The entry to the building is opened up to facilitate maximum unobstructed view to the waterfalls with the rooms being tucked in on the floors below. The view of the imposing waterfalls was the criteria in planning the layout of the resort. The resort also bagged ‘The Best Architectural Award 2012’.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

palette of the room’s and their decor have been conceptualised to blend in with the natural beauty surrounding the resort: the white linen offsetting the terracotta floors and dark wood furniture. If you want to refresh yourself before exploring the forest and the falls, just step into the inroom Jacuzzi. Let the water jets massage the fatigue out of your body. The bathroom also looks out onto the magnificent falls. The ambience of the elegant celestial room is designed to suit those who appreciate the finer things in life. The roomy interiors of the suite are laid out in high style. The Celestial room comes with luxuriant add-ons like the walk-in wardrobe and foot massager. Of course, looking out the large windows at the misty

falls is a luxury that beats every manmade one. The tree house here is sure to bring back happy memories. Climb into the tree house, it will surprise you with its airy expanse, not to mention the amenities at hand. So you can lounge in luxury even as you indulge the child in you. The tree house is an exceptional example of the fusion of nature with modern architecture. This design marvel, created by a Swiss architect, has been engineered to allow for the needs of the growing tree. Special care has gone into the design of the tree house to ensure that the tree is February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

unharmed while the tree house remains a safe abode. Standing in your tree house and looking out at the tops of the trees in the rainforest and the thundering waterfall is an exhilarating sight indeed. This one-ofa-kind tree house is unique in Kerala, for the kind of luxuries it offers while being right out there in the wild. Tree House is non AC and only two adults can be accommodated. The Cottage comes with two cozy air conditioned rooms, a large living space and spacious balconies. This is located at an elevated area away for our main block.

This is for large families or for those who enjoy a private space away from our main block. The guests staying at the cottage will only have a partial view to the Athirapally waterfalls. The room service in unavailable for guests residing at the cottage. The maximum occupancy for the cottage is 5 members (including an extra bed).

Dining

At Foliage, the alfresco restaurant at Rainforest, dining is an experience

to be savoured. The menu is tailored to your needs and you can even try some unusual, native delicacies. The Restaurant’s other speciality is scrumptious continental fare. The

The tree house is an exceptional example of the fusion of nature with modern architecture restaurant opens out to the lawns, which have a panoramic view of the waterfalls. Every mouthful is accompanied by the song of the falls and the wind whispering in the trees. There’s nothing quite like a dinner in moonlight; try it on the lawns at the Rainforest for an experience you will never forget. Sit out on the lawn, sip your favourite beverage and get munching, even as the night plays out around you. It’s the perfect setting for romantic dinners: the muted roar of the falls adds to the allure of the starry sky and the feeling of being by yourselves in the vast wilderness. Taste every mouthful and every moment as time unravels in slow motion.

Other facilities

There’s something about splashing in a pool that brings out the child in us. Take a dip in the salt

chlorinated infinity pool that is surrounded by thick foliage for all the privacy you need. The mighty falls can be glimpsed from the pool as well, taking water therapy to a whole new level. It’s also a great place to hang out with family and friends for some undiluted fun. At night, the poolside mood takes on a surreal charm. The venue also gives you a high as you let your hair down and party away into the night. The lush lawn, at the heart of the Rainforest boutique resort, is the showstopper here. Step out into the lawn and time stands still. Your senses open up to take in the sounds of the falls, punctuated by birdcalls, and the aweinspiring panoramic view of the waterfall. The green lawns and the splendid view are also ideally suited for stylish weddings. It is also an elegant spot for the closing session of a power meet, perhaps.

Getting there

Getting to the Rainforest is an easy task as it is wellconnected to the Cochin International Airport and major roads. Even if your holiday includes sightseeing at other places, the Rainforest is a great stopover for favoured tourist destinations in Kerala like Kumarakom and Munnar. You could spend hours communing with nature, mingling with local tribesmen and just taking it easy. Taking in the sight of the foaming Athirapally waterfalls right from the cosy ambience of your room is a soothing and refreshing treat that transports you miles from the mundane. 11

q&A

Hospitality industry is one of the most dynamic industries and continues to grow year after year: Renjith Renjith Sreekumar, Executive Director, Quilon Beach Hotel & Convention Centre, tells how Quilon Beach Hotel helped in developing MICE tourism in Kerala and how the hospitality industry helped the growth of the service sector in India. Excerpts from the Interview Asian Traveller: You have been in the hospitality industry for the past several years. Could you tell us about your early days? What made you enter the hospitality sector? I did graduate from TKM College of Engineering in the year 2009 as an Electrical Engineer. Then I did my masters in Management from University of Liverpool, UK. Our family business is mainly into electrical engineering sector and we have been running the engineering business for the past 30 years. My father decided to venture into hospitality industry in the year 2004 by establishing The Quilon Beach Hotel & Convention Centre (Previously known as The Beach Orchid) realising the untapped potential of the ancient seaport city of Kollam. I did enter the hospitality industry in the year 2011 as director of The Quilon Beach Hotel & Convention Centre.

AT: What plans do you have for the company? Company plans to expand and venture into smart budget hotels in major cities/destinations in India as we see more demand for the same in near future. We also wish to focus more on MICE and Corporate segment of the tourism market.

AT: How do you see the role of a hotel in developing a destination? What all things can hospitality sector do in this regard? The Quilon Beach Hotel & Convention Centre is the first 5 star deluxe hotel in Kollam, Kerala. It was 12

established in the year 2004 by my father Er. K. Sreekumar with the vision of developing MICE Tourism in Kerala. Realising the importance and potential of MICE Tourism in Kerala, he did come up with the idea of developing a 5 star hotel with a convention Centre facility in Kollam, Kerala. Though the idea was seen as a high investment risk by many experts but it did revolutionise MICE in Kollam and Kerala. Many new convention centres and hotels were established in a short span of time. Kollam did host many major MICE events in short span of time. Consistent and Restless effort from us did pave way for infrastructure and tourism development in Kollam. As a result of it The Sea Port in Kollam was established by the state government and Kollam was declared as a tourism destination.

AT: Would you please share with us the proudest and some of the unforgettable moments in your professional life? The hotel was managed by concept hospitality group until 2010. When they left we were forced to remove the brand name orchid. The hotel was well known as beach orchid hotel in Kerala then. I joined the hotel in 2011 as director operations. With the guidance of Hotel Consultant Mr. G.P Nair and support of then General Manager Mr. Vineeth Nambiar I was able to bring things back on track. Running a business in Kollam has always been very tough due to poor socio-economic conditions. After brining things back on track I took a break from day to day operations of the

hotel from 20132016. During that period I did focus more on research, mentoring new startups, travelling, destination promotion etc. I rejoined back in 2017.

AT: In your career, have you ever worked abroad? What according to you are the advantages of working overseas? I have worked as Hospitality Supervisor at Liverpool Football Club. The main advantages of working abroad is better working environment, better team work, better standards of living, great learning experience and better system.

AT: Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now? An entrepreneur, mentor, leader, visionary and a role model in the hospitality and tourism industry of Kerala.

AT: How do you see the growth prospects of Indian hospitality sector? The hospitality industry is one of the most dynamic industries and continues to grow year after year. The Indian tourism and hospitality industry has emerged as one of the key drivers of growth among the services sector in India. Even when the world economy is showing a sluggish growth with uncertain employment prospects, the fast growing hospitality industry is heralding a pivotal change in career options with an

exciting variety of career choices thereby increasing scope and future prospect of hospitality and tourism industry.

AT: About your family? My father K Sreekumar is an Electrical Engineer and Entrepreneur and mother Salila K is a retired Additional Director of Health Services. Anju Jayakumar, my wife, is a Medical Officer at Kerala Government Health Services. My sister Meenu S K is an Assistant Engineer at KSEB and Brother in Law, Shyamsundar, is AIG of Police at Hyderabad.

AT: Please tell us about your hobbies and other interests? I love travelling, exploring destinations and food. I am also into various social work activities and mentoring.

AT: Which is your favourite destination? Why? There is no particular destination I can point out. Every destination is unique in its own ways and has a story to tell to each tourist. Being a foodie one of my favourite destination is Bangkok. ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

Vidli Kamats Restaurants / Culinary Tales

Kamats Restaurants plans expansion nationally

idli Kamats Restaurants, the Mumbai based restaurant chain which operates under brands “Vithal Kamats Original Family Restaurants” and “Kamats Original Family Restaurants” plans to expand its presence to 30 more outlets this year. Kamat Group presently operates chain of 60 restaurants in the quick-serve format at various locations on national highways, state highways and cities. The company which has been targeting the affordable pure vegetarian restaurant market in

categories of family dining and food mall outlets has now launched Vidli Vada by Kamats Kiosk. Vikram Kamat, Chief Mentor, Kamat Restaurants says, “Kamats, synonymous with healthy and hygienic vegetarian food has emerged as a symbol of quality, originality and trust. A key factor for our success has been variety of world class menu with competitive pricing that caters to a wide market. We are extremely thrilled to expand our presence across Maharashtra while also penetrating in newer territories nationally. Vidli Kamats is the largest Pure Vegetarian chain of restaurants in India and is soon looking at expanding February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

aggressively in international markets as well”. The company has mapped out areas of expansion that will be mix of company owned and franchised restaurants. In the first half of 2018 Kamats will open outlets in Ahmednagar, Khopoli, Satara, Padga, Khandala, Dindoli, Surat, Waghunde, Nipani, Kolhapur, Nanded, Indapur, Vani-Nashik and Nashik-Sinner. The flagship restaurant will also roll out its second outlet in Mumbai at Chakala, Andheri next month. By 2019 Kamats

Restaurants is expected to have total of 150 outlets with key expansions planned in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. Apart from the planned expansion the company is also working on new trends and concepts in the market. Vidli Vada by Kamats Kiosk is the latest format launched by the company

specifically designed for space constraints to serve variety of piping hot Idli’s and Vada’s. Vidli Vada by Kamats will penetrate its reach across leading metros, tier 1 and tier 2 cities offering super hygienic Kiosk at a very affordable price, thereby presenting huge opportunities in the near future. Chandrakant Shetty, CEO, Kamat Restaurants says, “Having captured a huge market space in the family dining category we have now launched Vidli Vada by Kamat’s Kiosk. The latest concept will introduce wholesome and delicious Idli, Vada & dosa that will delight our patrons. VIDLI Vada is a completely flameless ‘fire free’ cooking concept developed by our team of experts. We presently have 40 outlets in Mumbai with the flagship located at Andheri East. With 30 popular vegetarian dishes in just 60 sq ft space VIDLI Vada aims to make South Indian food available in each and every corner of high footfall zones nationally”. Since 2013 Kamats has started expanding its restaurant chain and concentrated on standardizing its products and services through centralized purchasing and training system. The company has captured

a dominant share in the organized vegetarian family restaurant space, growing impressively by the years. Vikram Kamat, Managing Director, VITS Hotels and Kamats Restaurants, has been the pioneer for sales, marketing and advertising for hospitality in India. He became a Crorepati at age 29. Having setup up his own successful mid market hotel brand VITS – Luxury

The company has mapped out areas of expansion that will be mix of company owned and franchised restaurants business hotels at the early age of just 22. He then has gone on to further his success with the Kamats Original family highway restaurants and completed a successful IPO and Listing oversubscribed over 7 times. Both these business’s, compete with domestic and international brands, that made him seek out how to beat the competition. He knew sales, sales and sales was the answer. For three years, he studied and analyzed both his and other top sales performers across industries to distill the secret of their success. Winner of numerous awards till date in various aspects of hospitality, he is constantly improving himself, by improving others. 13

Travel Biz

Thomas Cook India continues expansion drive, targets strong growth potential of South India South India is currently the company’s largest and fastest growing source market and also strengthened its presence across the region with the opening of 8 new outlets

homas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, in a focused initiative to tap the strong potential of South India, has strengthened its presence across the region with the opening of 8 new outlets over the last year. This expansion augments Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in South India to 50 consumer access centers: 23 owned branches and 27 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets. Thomas Cook India’s internal data has revealed significant and growing demand from its South India markets: 28% YoY over the last 3 years, and currently at +32% over the same period of the previous year. What is noteworthy in Thomas Cook’s South India growth story is that this demand is being witnessed across metros, smaller highly viable (yet underleveraged) catchments within metros, as also tier 2 and 3 markets. Source markets of Mysuru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Coimbatore, Madurai, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Kozhikode have been key growth drivers for the company. Thomas Cook India’s consumer insights for South India reveal that South

India’s new age traveller of today is a clear value-seeker, who looks for “brag-worthy” experiences and exciting new destinations/ locales to explore. Family vacations have topped the company’s leisure travel segment, followed by cruise holidays, honeymoons and extended weekend getaways. The last year has seen significant demand for destinations like Europe (Italy, Switzerland, France, and Austria), Australia, Scandinavia, and Bali; while destinations like Egypt and Japan have also emerged as strong favourites. Thomas Cook India’s unique Kannada, Tamil and Telugu group escorted tours offer its customers a home-away-from-home experience with Thomas Cook’s professional, friendly tour managers who speak the local language; and the added comfort of local Indian meals on tour. The company’s Regional Tours have been a strategic initiative to leverage the strong growth of South India’s 2 and 3 markets. To accelerate its growth momentum, Thomas Cook India continues focus on its organic strategy for South India and recently opened a new Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet at Vadapalani, Chennai. Situated in the heart of Chennai, Vadapalani is a significant catchment area for Thomas Cook India. The new outlet offers consumers end-to-end travel solutions with a bouquet of travel and travel related services,

including International & Domestic Holidays (Group escorted tours, Personalised individual holidays, Regional Tours, Cruises and more) and Travel Insurance Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Leisure Travel & M.I.C.E - Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said “South India continues to power our growth story- it is today our largest and fastest source market, growing currently at 32%. Our strategic focus is to maximise on this market potential via organic expansion and we’ve carefully selected high footfall centres for our new outlets- in prime catchment locations within metros as well as in Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations in South India. Our new outlets in this region give our customers

Family vacations have topped the company’s leisure travel segment, followed by cruise holidays, honeymoons and extended weekend getaways (across families, business travellers, millennials, senior citizens, students and NRIs) access to Thomas Cook’s experts right at their doorstep!” He added, “While we have witnessed a strong demand from cities, smaller catchment areas within these cities, mini metros and tier 2 and 3 markets have also been emerging strongly. We intend to continue to focus and grow in the smaller catchments areas given their high potential for our holidays business. Thomas Cook (India) offers a broad spectrum

of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, and Travel Insurance. The Company set up its first office in India in 1881, and has been providing world-class service for over 130 years. Thomas Cook India Ltd’s footprint currently extends to over 216 locations in 78 cities across India, Mauritius and Sri Lanka and is supported by a strong partner network of 107 Gold Circle Partners and 180 Preferred Sales Agents in over 100 cities pan India. Thomas Cook (India) Ltd has been awarded with the prestigious “Favourite Specialist Tour Operator” award at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2011 and was also conferred with the CNBC AWAAZ - “Best company providing foreign exchange” for the third year in a row. In addition, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd has been awarded the ‘Most Trusted Tour Operator Brand’ by the Times Travel Honours 2011 and also recognized as a “Superbrand” 2011-2012 by consumers for excellence in travel services. TCIL was also accredited the P1 rating which is the highest financial rating given by Crisil. In 2015, Thomas Cook Lanka Pvt. Ltd. (a subsidiary of Thomas Cook India Limited) acquired Luxe Asia Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka, a regional Destination Management Company handling inbound tourists from globally generating markets to its destinations. In the same year, TCIL announced the acquisition of Kuoni Travel (India) Private Limited, a travel operator in India, and Kuoni Travel (China) Limited, a travel operator in Hong Kong. ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

Kerala Tourism

New tourism regulatory authority of Kerala to come up

new tourism regulatory authority of Kerala will be set up by the end of this year, a senior tourism department official said. “The government is about to constitute a Tourism Regulatory Authority as per our new tourism policy. As of now we don’t have mandatory regulations with the Tourism department, and they rests with other departments like health and police department,” K Rajkumar, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Kerala, told reporters. “There will be (new) authority where by a single window clearance will be provided by the government wherein all tourism stakeholders will be roped in. We expect the

new tourism regulatory authority to be set up by the end of this year (Dec 2018),” added Rajkumar. “The new tourism policy announced by the CPI-M led LDF government last year envisages setting a new tourism regulatory authority to oversee tourism activities and check unhealthy trends in the sector. “Backed with a new

tourism policy and tourism products, Kerala tourism expects increase in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals to the state this year as compared to 2017,” he said. “During 2017, we had 1.41 crore domestic tourist arrivals in the state while foreign tourist’s arrival was 10. 91 lakh, generating total revenue of over Rs 33,000 crore. “In terms

of domestic arrivals and for international there is overall increase of tourist arrivals in Kerala in 2017 when compared to 2016,” he said. Speaking after a programme organised to promote Kerala Tourism here, Rajkumar said “this year we are expecting increase of around 10-15 per cent in international arrivals and around 8-10 per cent (growth) for domestic tourists.”

B2B Meets of Kerala Tourism concludes in US

fforts made by Kerala Tourism to attract American tourists have proved to be a hit with the official team from the state tourism department successfully completing B2B meets in the United States. Led by Kerala Tourism Director P Balakiran, the delegation successfully organised three road shows so as to attract tourists from the United States, to Kerala. As many as three shows were undertaken in the three different cities of New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Sandeep Chakaborty, Consul General, presided over the New York road show, while Sandya Haridas, Assistant Director, India Tourism, attended the road shows at San Francisco and Los Angeles. Kerala

Over 92,951 travellers from the US had arrived in Kerala during 2017. This showed an increase of 5.83 percent compared to last year. In 2016, Kerala had played host to around 87,834 tourists from the United States. Tourism also participated in the New York Times Travel Show, where the huge tourism potential that Kerala offers too travelers from around the world, including the US, was discussed. The destination awareness programs and B2B meetings were overwhelming successes.

Hosts of players from the tourism trade in Kerala also were part of the B2B meets organized by Kerala Tourism in the United States. They included C.G.H Earth, Green Routes Hospitality, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Chalukya Grace Tours, Intersight Tours and Travels, Marvel

Tours, Pioneer Personalized Holidays, Spiceland Holidays, Tamarind Global, and The Blue Yonder. The Kerala Tourism events in the US attracted a huge number of buyers too, with San Francisco accounting for 52 buyers, while Los Angeles saw 62 buyers and New York recording 26. Air India also partnered with Kerala Tourism in New York and San Francisco. ‘Go Kerala’, a contest promoting Kerala Tourism served as a major crowd puller at the road shows. Two winners of the contest were presented with free holiday in God’s Own Country. The prizes included two Air India-sponsored flight tickets. Kerala Tourism will be looking to add to the numbers in the coming years.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

Record hike in tourist arrivals in Kerala Last year Kerala registered a healthy increase in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals because of initiatives launched by the state government. “Compared to previous year we have achieved 11.39 per cent increase in domestic tourist arrivals and 5.15 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals in 2017. Domestic tourist arrivals last year was 1.47 crore, while 10.38 lakh foreign tourists visited the state,” Nandakumar K P, joint director, Department of Tourism, Kerala, said during a programme organised to promote Kerala Tourism. To reach out to the domestic market, a string of ‘partnership meets’ are being organised in Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Chennai,

Kolkata, Patna and New Delhi in the first quarter of 2018. “These types of meets provide an opportunity for the tourism trade in the respective cities to interact, establish contact and develop business relationship with a cross-section of tourism industry players from Kerala. State offers the much-needed succor and adrenaline rush to adventure-seeking travellers. Kayaking, trekking, paragliding, river rafting are a few activities that form a part of the Eco-Adventure package,” he said. Nandakumar said Kerala is gearing up to welcome every kind of traveller with the fifth edition of the Kerala Blog Express, a unique social media outreach that brings together international bloggers and influencers. Kerala Blog Express starts on

February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

March 12. The Kerala Travel Mart, scheduled in the middle of this year, is a major B2B event, which has over the years helped showcase Kerala to the world. “The event brings the business fraternity and the entrepreneurs behind Kerala’s unparalleled tourism products and services, on a single platform to network and develop business. The 10th edition of this four-day event begins on September 27, which is also celebrated as the International Tourism Day,” he added. For art aficionados, the state endorses the dreamy lanes of Fort Kochi and a pilgrimage to the Kochi Muziris Biennale, which has changed the landscape

of contemporary Indian art today and has helped make Kochi, the art capital of India, Nandakumar said. There’s the Muziris Heritage Project for history buffs. The remains of a once thriving port offering pepper, gold, silk and ivory, frequented by Arabs, Romans, Egyptians as early as the 1st century BC is today preserved across 25 museums as the largest heritage conservation project in India. The Spice Route Project, another offering in the historical space, rekindles the 2000-year-old ancient sea links and shared cultural legacies with 30 countries, said Nanadakumar.

Singapore Tourism

With Passion, Forging New Possibilities: Singapore Tourism Board connects with travel trade in three cities 2017 was a record year for Singapore Tourism Board - India jumps to third largest source market for visitors into Singapore

ndia has moved up to the third position from the fourth in terms of visitor arrival to Singapore along with a double digit growth of 17% growth until October 2017 and it continues to be the third largest tourism receipts generating market for Singapore. To deepen this relationship with the Indian travel trade, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) organized a two-city roadshow in Mumbai and Jaipur and set up a Singapore: Passion Made Possible pavilion at SATTE New Delhi 2018. The first road show was flagged off in Mumbai on 23 January followed by Jaipur on 25 January and wrapping up in Delhi with SATTE from 31January – 2 February 2018. 2017 was a landmark year for STB with strategic associations with a major Bollywood movie ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’, participation in cruise forums, travel trade conferences such as SATTE, partnerships with airlines, launch of the Vegetarian Food Guide, penetration in the regional markets such as Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, etc. and the unveiling of a new brand identity, Singapore: Passion made Possible. Taking this forward, this year will be centered around the theme ‘With Passion, Forging New

Possibilities.’ The roadshows featured stakeholders from Singapore representing hotels, airlines, integrated resorts, attractions, Destination Management Companies (DMC) and cruise operators interacting and networking with STB’s travel and trade partners in India. The delegation was led by G.B Srithar, Regional Director (SAMEA) for Singapore Tourism Board, Adrian Kong, Area Director (South Asia) for Singapore Tourism Board. Joining them was Lynette Ang, Chief Marketing Officer, Sentosa Development Corporation. GB Srithar, while addressing the audience, spoke about deepening existing partnerships and fostering new ones with the travel trade partners. He emphasized the need to bring

unique and evolving travel experiences in Singapore to the Indian audience. He said, “India has always been a key source market for Singapore. We are happy to have already crossed 2016’s full year 1.1 million visitor arrivals mark from India as at end October 2017. We humbly thank all our travel and trade media fraternity for their support in bringing our destination promotion messages to our audiences. Through our roadshows and participation at SATTE Delhi 2018, we seek to renew our ties with the travel trade, entrench existing

2017 was a landmark year for STB with strategic associations with a major Bollywood movie ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’, participation in cruise forums, travel trade conferences etc partnerships and forge new ones through creative promotions, and in the process, ensuring meaningful results for both our Singapore stakeholders and the local travel trade. With overall tourist outbound from India on the rise, we look forward to another successful year of Indian visitorship to Singapore.” The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a statutory

board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore. It champions the development of Singapore’s tourism sector, one of the country’s key service sectors and economic pillars, and undertakes the marketing and promotion of Singapore as a tourism destination. Tourism plays an essential role in reinforcing Singapore’s status as a vibrant global city that is a magnet for capital, businesses and talent. It also enhances the quality and diversity of leisure options for local residents and helps to create a living environment that Singaporeans can be proud to call home. It continues to market Singapore’s multi-faceted appeal as a premier business and leisure destination, and offer empowering and customised experiences. STB also aims to facilitate the sharing of experiences, expertise and resources among industry players to raise industry capability and competitiveness, maximise business opportunities and forge long-term win-win partnerships. Strong support and active participation from Singapore residents are also imperative to the tourism sector as they are an integral part of Singapore’s identity and appeal.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

Hospitality news

Saudi hospitality sector to grow 13.5% per annum to 2022 Reforms and investment to drive hotel, travel and tourism sectors in KSA over the next five years according to new report commissioned by Arabian Travel Market According to a new report, issued ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2018, recent reforms in Saudi Arabia – not to mention widespread investment in the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism industry – will drive growth in the hospitality market of 13.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), higher than the established markets of the UAE (10.1%) and Oman (11.8%). Commenting on the findings of the report, Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25, said “Following recent reforms and the relaxation of visa regulations, Saudi Arabia is poised to capitalise on these factors as it nurtures a vibrant leisure and entertainment sector, supported by a new generation of hotels.” Saudi Arabia is expected to see a vast expansion of its hotel and resort inventory, along with a steep increase in airport passengers, as Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman continues to drive economic and social reforms, including direct investment in tourism. The study produced by ATM’s research partner Colliers, found that religious tourism in the kingdom is still driving demand, with 30,000 rooms opened during 2017, with a further 40,020 guestrooms in 89 projects currently under construction – compared to 35,050 rooms in the UAE. Last year, Saudi Arabia set the stage for this to expand to leisure tourism, as it pursues targets of 30 million visitors annually by 2030. As a result, 2018 will see the first tourism visas granted to international travellers and, for the first time, women aged 25 and older will now be able to obtain a single entry,

30-day tourist visa without a male chaperone. The kingdom has announced a series of leisure projects in recent months, including the creation of a Six Flags theme park in Riyadh by 2021 and a Red Sea resort built on 100 miles of sandy coastline and backed by investment from Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson. Featuring hotels, residences and a transport hub, the project will create 35,000 jobs, adding SAR15 billion to the economy. Aligned with the vision, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) ploughed SAR10 billion into entertainment ventures in 2017 and, under

ATM 2018 has adopted Responsible Tourism as its main theme and this will be integrated across all show verticals and activities, including focused seminar session, featuring dedicated exhibitor participation the National Transformation Programme (NTP) the kingdom has invested SAR171.5 billion in tourism development. 1,671 visitors from Saudi Arabia attended the ATM event in 2017, a 14% year-onyear increase compared with the 1,471 who visited in 2016. Saudi Arabian exhibitors at ATM 2018 will include the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, Saudia, Makarem Hotels, Saja Al Madinah, Mansard Hotel, Aljomaih Auto Rentals, ITRIP,

February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Zeeyarah.com, Choice Hotels International and Al Tayyar Travel Group. The report, forecasts that five-year air passenger numbers will increase 8% at King Khalid International Airport Riyadh and 6% at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah. This is compared to 8% at both Muscat and Dubai International and 7% at Abu Dhabi International. Press added “These higher visitor arrivals will support jobs, investment opportunities and economic diversification, in line with the kingdom’s plans for its future. In terms of regional tourism, these are game changing developments, completely unprecedented, and something few expected.” ATM 2018 has adopted Responsible Tourism as its main theme and this will be integrated across all show verticals and activities, including focused seminar session, featuring dedicated exhibitor participation. ATM – considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, welcomed over 39,000 people to its 2017 event, including 2,661

exhibiting companies, signing business deals worth more than $2.5 billion over the four days. Celebrating its 25th year, ATM 2018 will build on the success of this year’s edition, with a host of seminar sessions looking back over the last 25 years and how the hospitality industry in the MENA region is expected to shape up over the next 25. Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2017 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, agreeing deals worth US$2.5bn over the four days. The 24th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the largest ATM in its 24year history. The Travel Tech Show is a ‘show within a show’ at Arabian Travel Market showcasing the latest technology products and services to the world. Arabian Travel Market first opened its doors in 1994 at the Dubai World Trade Centre with 52 nations, 300 exhibitors and 7,000 trade visitors. 19

Resort Scan

Discover the Andaman Islands with the opening of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andaman Taj adds yet another iconic resort destination to its portfolio. First luxury resort debuts on Andaman Islands

ndian Hotels Company Limited, South Asia’s leading hospitality company, announces the opening of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans and introduces India’s newest beach destination. Set in relatively undiscovered Havelock Islands, the resort is located on the crescent shaped Radhanagar Beach, reputed to be one of the best beaches in Asia. Taj has taken great care to construct a 72 villa world-class resort in46 acres of forest and mangroves while preserving the fragile eco-system of the island. Speaking about the new addition to the iconic Taj portfolio, Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, Indian Hotels Company Limited said, “Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a milestone launch for us. Taj has been instrumental in developing India’s tourism potential in Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa and putting them on the global map. With the opening of this resort, IHCL’s position of pioneering destinations and having the largest network of leisure hotels gets further strengthened. Known for its virgin white sand beaches and tropical forests; Andamans is poised to be one of the top places to

travel to in 2018. The hotel has been enveloped in the island habitat with focus on sustainability to create minimal footprint on the natural ecosystem. We look forward to extending the legendary Taj hospitality to our guests in the Andamans.”

Accommodation and Sustainable Design Not a single tree has been felled during the construction of the 72 beach villas that pay homage to the style of the indigenous Jarawa tribe’s pitch-roof stilted huts. The lobby built on stilts will greet guests

The hotel has been enveloped in the island habitat with focus on sustainability to create minimal footprint on the natural ecosystem to spectacular beach views and a 50-meter infinity swimming pool. Given its commitment to the region, Taj has set up an onsite bottling plant eliminating the use of plastic bottles, a waste disposal systemconverting wet waste to gas and compost and a sanitation treatment plant to limit its carbon footprint.

Talking about the resorts unique offerings Abnash Kumar, General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans said “From elevating the local cuisine to empowering locals through employment - the all new Taj Exotica Resort & Spa will offer guests a culturally and environmentally uplifting experience. I am looking forward to welcoming our guests to this spectacular new resort with its exclusive villas, secluded beaches and immersive culinary experiences.” Commenting on the development of the project he added “We have constructed this resort on the land leased to us by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) who have provided unstinted and wholehearted support in creating a world-class beach resort located on Radhanagar beach, voted as one of the beach in Asia”.

Regionally Inspired World Cuisine The restaurants at the resort tell tales of the land. While The Settlers offer dishes inspired by the settlers who’ve made the Andamans their home in a fine dining set-up, Shoreline presents coastal curries from the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The Turtle House will offer global grills including Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine. 20

Island adventures The in-house Naturalist will help navigate the exotic island with experiences ranging from snorkeling, scuba diving and night time kayaking through the mangroves with its fascinating nocturnal world of bioluminescencephytoplankton.

Getting there

Located 69 kilometer from Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport, Radhanagar beach on Havelock Island is accessible by air and a 150-minute ferry ride followed by a 30 minute drive to the resort. The expanded network of flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad make it easy to reach from key cities across India. The inaugural offer on Deluxe Villas starts from INR 25000 a night. The iconic Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris, established in 1903, is Indian Hotels Company Limited’s (IHCL) brand for the world’s most discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences in luxury. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, worldclass service and modern luxury. The unique portfolio comprises 100 hotels across 62 locations around the globe . ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

Travel survey

Wheelchair Users prefer travelling to Goa and Kerala for its Accessibility - Survey A report by Enable Travel reveals travel related mind-sets, concerns and requirements of People with Disabilities

survey commissioned by Enable Travel - India’s Premier Accessible Holiday Specialist, interviewed 90 people with disabilities across Wheelchair Users (30), Deaf (30) and Blind (30), from Mumbai and Delhi. Key factors highlight that people with disabilities have a deep desire to travel like everyone else. However, they have specific requirements and travel related barriers that need a differentiated approach. The survey gauges the travel interests, decisionmaking process and areas of concern faced by people with disabilities, at the same time offers an insight to various tourism stakeholders to consider their interests in travelling and involve them as part of tourism activities. Debolin Sen, Head, Enable Travel said, “The need to explore the travel requirements of people with disabilities has been largely ignored. It is time that we as a society stop overlooking the choices and desires of this segment and help them break free from the various physical, social, and attitudinal barriers they face as individuals. The survey to an extent highlights the need to explore the interests and attitudes of this segment of travellers and create awareness about the different barriers they face while travelling, through a focussed approach”. The survey interviewed individuals who have taken at least two holiday trips in the past one year and highlighted different needs of people with different disabilities.

February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

The wheelchair users said:

the respondents said that they gathered information about a destination through social media posts and travel blogs. Sixty percent of the respondents said they prefer visiting beach destinations like Goa and Kerala for its easy accessibility.

The survey interviewed individuals who have taken at least two holiday trips in the past one year and highlighted different needs of people with different disabilities

The vision impaired/blind said:

Ninety percent of the respondents said they do not have access to other hotel services like restaurants, garden and swimming pools. Seventy percent said they want to stay in hotels with

spacious bathroom with adequate turning radius. Ninety two percent of the respondents agreed there is lack of information in hand when deciding on the mode of transport. Seventy seven percent agreed that they face difficulty due to the placement of switch boards and emergency bell inside the hotel rooms. All the respondents said they want restaurants with steps to make provision of ramps at the entrance. Seventy seven parcent of

Seventy percent of the respondents said they face difficulty accessing websites for information on destination and bookings. Ninety percent of the respondents said that Word of mouth was their major source of information in choosing a destination. Seventy percent said that they are unable to chalk out the food menu without braille formats and eighty percent of the respondents said that buildings should make provision for grab/ hand rails to help climb stairs. All the respondents said that hotels must have Braille and tactile markings on the elevator control buttons.

The deaf said:

Eighty nine percent of

the respondents said that most hotels had no visual signal alert to detect knock on the door, recognise telephone ring or alarm clock. All the respondents said that their main source of information for choosing a destination is through social media posts. All the respondents said that quality hotel accommodation and ease of commute are important factors while deciding on a destination. All the respondents said that Hotels, Museums and tourist sites should provide Deaf Friendly Tour Guides. All the respondents said that Hotels need to be equipped with necessary visual alert devices in case of emergencies. Powered by Cox & Kings, Enable Travel is India’s Premier Accessible Holiday Specialist with a national and global footprint covering 85plus destinations. Made by the disabled for the disabled, Enable Travel hosts attractive curated holiday experiences that are customised for the unique needs of the wheelchair user, the deaf and speech impaired and the blind. 21

Odisha Tourism

Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav: A Celebration Of Dance, Music And Literature The 14th edition of Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav, organised by the tourism department in association with Odisha Dance Academy and Art Vision, presented an amalgam of classical, folk, martial and contemporary genres

kaleidoscope of performances in classical and martial art forms regaled the audience at the three-day Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav. The three-day mega event which began on February 9, culminated on February 11. Many art and culture lovers of the state, eminent artistes and tourists congregated at the foothills of Dhauli to celebrate rich cultural tradition and witness several classical art forms at the 14th Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav. After a colourful inauguration ceremony on the opening day, instrumental music fusion by Shivagni, Bhubaneswar captivated the music lovers present during the event. The festival was a unique confluence of more than 500 artistes belonging to various art forms of Indian dance and a celebration of diversity. Manipuri Dance by Priti Patel and group and Chhau Martial Arts by Subhashree Mukherjee and group were other attractions on the inaugural evening. Subhashree Mukherjee and group presented Panchabhuta - five elements - visualised through different choreographic patterns that were shown in their original and harmonious state with earth signifying

solid, water as liquid, fire as heat, wind as prana and ether as space. The presentation was conceptualised and choreographed by Ileana Citaristi with music composed by Shantanu Mohapatra and Niranjan Bhol. A poetry recitation by Devdas Chhotray and Bharatnatyam dance by Leela Samson and her group were also appreciated. The second evening was equally entertaining with poem recitation by renowned academician and poet Devdas Chhotray. Bharatnatyam performance ‘Nadi-The River’

by Leela Samson and group was another treat for visitors. The last programme of the evening was martial dance of Odisha Mallakhamb (PaikaShai Jatra) by Gyana Ranjan Mohanty and Group. Their presentation was Mu Buxi, the king Mukund Dev, his

Prime Minister Jayarajguru surrendered before British. But with help of conspiracy British took Jayarajguru to a remote place at Medinpur. They tied Jayarajguru in banyan tree and stretched out him into two pieces. Then after ten years of Jayarajguru’s death Buxi strongly raised his voice against British rule. He gathered the young generation from village to village and trained them to fight against the British. He made secret training camp at forest (Barunei Hill) and attacked British soldiers. They became defeated before

The festival was a unique confluence of more than 500 artistes belonging to various art forms of Indian dance and a celebration of diversity Buxi. But the British soldiers arrested all the members of Buxi’s family though Buxi surrendered himself and was imprisoned at Cuttack Barabati Durga. But he started sowing the seed of Paika revolution in the jail. His immense effort opened

The dignitaries who graced the occasion were U. N. Behera, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Odisha; Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, Odissi Exponent; Manoranjan Panigrahi, Commissionercum- Secretary, Culture Department; A. Sundararajan, Dr. N. B. Jawale, Director, Tourism; Guru Aruna Mohanty, Secretary, Orissa Dance Academy. The programme was compared by Dr. Srinibas Ghatuari and Meghna Das. Organized since 2003 in association with Orissa

the path of independence of India. The Mu Buxi story exhibiting in Maalkhamb dance extraordinary skill and talent much to the joy and ecstasy of the audience. During the festival, ‘Buddha Samman’ was conferred on Padma

Vibhushan Sonal Mansingh, for her lifetime contribution to dance. This Samman carries a citation and cash award of Rs. 1,00,000. Bhavan’s Centre for Communication and Management vice-chairman S.K. Tamotia, Odia lyricist, actor and scriptwriter Atulya Mahakud, Odissi mardala exponent Dhaneswar Swain and Odissi dress weaver Bhagirathi Das received the Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Smruti Samman for their contribution to Odissi.

Dance Academy, on the foot hills of the heritage site, Dhauli, the Mahotsav, has created a place for itself in the cultural map of the country. As a Buddhist heritage site, Dhauli serves as an ideal place for celebrating India’s legacy of cultural coexistence.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

Photo album

Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran inaugurated the Trivandrum chapter of SKAL SKAL International Trivandrum was inaugurated on 16 February at hotel Taj Vivanta Trivandrum by Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran. The minister said that SKAL having reach in 85, countries would help increase the vicinity of Kerala in all the 85 countries. “One of the main objectives of SKAL is ‘business among friends’ which clearly shows the potential of increasing tourism in Kerala,” the minister said. SKAL Asia Vice President Jano Mouawad,

Mario Sequeira, President, SKAL International India, SKAL Kochi Chapter President Sijo Jose, E M Najeeb, Chairman of ATE Group and Anish Kumar PK, President of ATTOI were also present at the function. Alex Jacob and Premkumar have been selected as the President and Secretary of SKAL Trivandrum chapter respectively. The member of the SKAL Trivandrum unit were given badges and certificates. Here Asian Traveller shares some best moments captured from the function.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Aviation news

Air Arabia delivers record 2017 net profit of AED 662 million, up 30% Airline BoD’s proposes a cash dividend distribution of 10 fils per share Fourth quarter net profit increased 177% and 21 new routes added to the airline group network

ir Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia has recently announced full-year financial results for 2017 as the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier once again delivered high levels of profitability and growth across the breadth of its operations. Air Arabia’s net profit for the full year ending December 31, 2017 was AED 662 million, a 30 per cent increase compared to AED 509 million registered in 2016. Turnover for the full year 2017 was in line with the preceding 12 months reaching AED 3.74 billion. More than 8.5 million passengers flew with Air Arabia in 2017 and the average seat load factor – or passengers carried as a percentage of available seats – in 2017 stood at an impressive 79 per cent. Following its solid full year 2017 performance, Air Arabia’s Board of Directors proposed a dividend distribution of 10 per cent of share capital, which is equivalent to 10 fils per share. This proposal was made following a meeting of the board of directors of Air Arabia and is subject to ratification by Air Arabia’s shareholders at the company’s upcoming Annual General Meeting. Air Arabia added 21 new routes to its global network in 2017 from its five operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. The carrier took delivery of 4 new aircraft and ended the year with a fleet of 50 Airbus A320 aircraft

operating to 140 routes across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia said: “Air Arabia has enjoyed consistent and sustained growth in 2017 driven by its network expansion strategy and cost control measures helping us to once again deliver a strong set of results. While political and economic challenges continued to impact the performance of the aviation sector in 2017, we have focused more keenly than ever on ensuring the highest level of operational efficiency and appealing product offering”. He added “Air Arabia’s ability to continue to report sustained profitability and achieve solid growth margins across our network reflects the strength of our business model and the carrier’s management team”. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED 26 million, an increase of 177 per cent compared to a net loss of AED 33 million registered in the last quarter of 2016. Turnover for the three months ending December 31, 2017 was AED 858 million, an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to AED 814 million in

the same period in 2016. Air Arabia flew over 2 million passengers in the final quarter of 2017 at an impressive seat factor of 78%. “The solid operating metrics and high seat load factor that Air Arabia achieved in the fourth quarter were positively impacted by improvement in yield margins and capacity rationalisation that the market have seen in the last quarter” Sheikh

Air Arabia added 21 new routes to its global network in 2017 from its five operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani continued: “We are extremely confident about the long-term fundamentals of the aviation sector in the region which is driven by the underlying demand for air travel, major investments undertaken in aviation infrastructure in the region as well as the region’s hub position on the global map”. He concluded “We believe Air Arabia has the right business model, operating base and infrastructure in place to continue delivering innovative value driven

services to our customers. We will continue to explore opportunities and enter into new ventures that will best serve the airline’s ambitious growth plans and at the same time provide highest returns to our shareholders”. Air Arabia continues to be recognized, locally and internationally, for its strong performance and community efforts. In 2017, Air Arabia won “Outstanding Performance – Robust Performance and Community Initiatives” by the Aviation Achievement Awards 2017 at the Aviation Annual Gala Evening 2017. The carrier’s corporate social responsibility program “Charity Cloud”, which aims at providing sustainable education and healthcare initiatives in underprivileged communities across the world, embarked on 10 new projects spread across Kenya, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Sudan, Egypt and Jordan. Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a total fleet of 50 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving some 140 routes from five hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-formoney air travel. ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

Brihadisvara temple- the first complete granite temple in the world Brihadisvara temple is one of the few temples that have Ashta-dikpaalakas (Guardians of the directions) idols. The temple along with Airavatesvara temple and Gangaikonda Cholapuram is known as the ‘Great Living Chola Temple’ and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dr S Bakthavatchalam

isiting Thanjavur doesn’t make you feel you are in a place whose existence came into being a thousand years ago. Thanjavur, the center of architecture art and religion of South India is also home to the grand Brihadisvara Temple. The Brihadisvara, or the ‘Big Temple’ as some folks lovingly call it, is dedicated to Shiva. The temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I. The construction was completed in 1010 which it means that the temple is more than 1000 years old. The structure is a proof of wealth, artistic expertise and power of the Chola kingdom. According to the inscriptions present in the temple, Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perumthachan was the engineer and architect of this famous temple. The best example of Dravidian architecture, the temple represents the ideology of Tamil civilization and Chola Empire. The temple has the world’s tallest Vimanam (temple tower) and its Kumbam (the structure on the top) weighs approximately 80 tons. The temple has a huge statue of Nandi (sacred bull) at the

entrance. The statue is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 20 tons. The Lingam inside the temple is 3.7 meters tall. Brihadisvara is a Sanskrit composite word composed of Brihat which means “big, great, lofty, vast”, and Ishvara means “lord, Shiva, supreme being, supreme atman (soul)”. The name means the “great lord, big Shiva” temple. Locally, the temple is called the big temple, while in historic inscriptions it is also referred to as the RajaRajeswara, Rajarajeswaram and Peruvudayar temple. Its traditions, art and architecture prove to be an irresistible magnet for both the faithful and the curious and visitors always fill the temple town, peaking during festive occasions. Brihadisvara temple is one of the few temples that have Ashtadikpaalakas (Guardians of the directions) idols. Chola frescoes adorn the wall of the temple and these frescoes depict Shiva in different poses.

Brihadisvara temple is the first complete granite temple in the world. Around 60,000 tons of granite is said to be used to build the temple. The temple, spread over nearly 3 hectares of land, takes hours to explore. A visitor who spends time at the temple would find himself rewarded by observing the changing moods of the place. From elderly people to mothers with new-borns, from school children to selfie-seekers, different times of the day bring in varied sets of visitors. As the shadow of the temple’s huge upper portions changes with the sun, different parts of the complex look shining. The temple complex integrates a large pillared and covered veranda (prakara) in its spacious courtyard, with a perimeter of about 450 metres (1,480 ft) for circumambulation. The

temple faces east, and once had a water moat around it. This has been filled up. The fortified wall now runs

around this moat. The two walls have ornate gateways called the gopurams. These are made from stone and display entablature. The main gateways are on the east side. The first one is called the Keralantakan tiruvasal, which means the “sacred gate of the Keralantakan”.

The temple has the world’s tallest vimanam (temple tower) and its Kumbam (the structure on the top) weighs approximately 80 tons The main temple-related monuments and the great tower are in the middle of this courtyard. Around the main temple that is dedicated to Shiva, are smaller shrines, most of which are aligned axially. These are dedicated to his consort Parvati, his sons Subrahmanya and Ganesha, Nandi, Varahi, Karuvur deva (the guru of Rajaraja Chola), Chandeshvara and Nataraja. You can see the flowersellers, garland-threaders and toy-maker outside the temple. When you move to town, veena makers are hard at work, continuing traditions alive since Rajaraja’s days. The Nayaka palace in town, but it draws few visitors in comparison to the temple. The Brihadisvara Temple is located in the city of Thanjavur, about 350 kilometres southwest of Chennai. The city is connected daily to other major cities by the network of Indian Railways, Tamil Nadu bus services. The nearest airport with regular services is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 55 kilometres away.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

NEWSLINE

SpiceJet CMD Ajay Singh named ‘EY Entrepreneur of the year 2017 for Business Transformation’ award belongs to each and every SpiceJetter who has worked with such great passion and dedication in the last three years,” said Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet.

SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh, widely acknowledged as a turnaround specialist, was named ‘Indian Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 for Business Transformation’ by Ernst & Young (EY), the leading consulting firm, at a grand awards banquet held in Mumbai on 15th February 2018. Ajay Singh has scripted one of the most remarkable turnaround stories of recent times. SpiceJet was on the verge of shutting down in December 2014, having cancelled hundreds of flights, when Ajay Singh stepped in and gave it a new lease of life. From staring at an imminent

closure to achieving 12 quarters of profit and a load factor of over 90% every month for 33 months in a row (a global aviation record), SpiceJet’s turnaround story under the leadership of Ajay Singh, has been one which probably has no parallel in the aviation world today. The SpiceJet stock has emerged as world’s best-performing aviation stock. “I feel humbled and honoured to receive this award, which is a testament of the hard work put in by Team SpiceJet. We have achieved what very few airlines in the world have managed and this has been a magnificent journey. This

A distinguished ninemember independent Jury Panel, led by Dilip Shanghvi, Managing Director, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, selected the finalists. The other jury members included Jalaj Dani, Copromoter, Asian Paints; Harsh Goenka, Chairperson, RPG Enterprises; Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson, Max Financial Services; Meher Pudumjee, Chairperson, Thermax; Renuka Ramnath, MD and CEO, Multiples Alternate Asset Management; Vijay Sankar, Deputy Chairman, Sanmar Group; M.K. Sharma, Chairman, ICICI Bank; and Romesh Sobti, MD and CEO, IndusInd Bank. The winners were carefully handpicked from a pool of 250+ outstanding nominations. The finalists were felicitated in Mumbai. Under Ajay Singh, SpiceJet

— India’s second biggest budget carrier —today flies more than 400 daily flights. With the grand scheme of making every Indian fly, he has been on a constant pursuit to unlock the growth potential of Tier II and Tier III towns in the country. Building the country’s regional air connectivity, backing PM Narendra Modi’s UDAN scheme, exploring opportunities for seaplane operations, Mr. Singh’s novel and out-of-the-box ideas have not just earned him global recognition but he is today the face of the Indian aviation industry. EY Entrepreneur of the Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, EY Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in 60 countries.

Ed Fuller to receive HSMAI lifetime achievement award The Orange County Visitors Association (OCVA) announced recently that its president and CEO, Ed Fuller, will receive the Albert E. Koehl Lifetime Achievement Award from HSMAI, the hospitality industry’s leading advocacy organization. Previously awarded to industry icons such as Bill Marriott, Executive Chairman Marriott Hotels, Chris Nassetta, CEO of Hilton Hotels and Roger Dow, CEO US Travel Association, the HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards honor individuals whose careers 30

have significantly contributed to the betterment of the hospitality and travel profession.

Marriott, and the United States Army where he received the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.

“Along with my fellow OCVA board members, I am proud to acknowledge Ed Fuller’s pivotal role in transforming our organization and to applaud HSMAI in their decision to honor his legacy of service to our industry,” said Jay Burress, OCVA Board Chairman and President/ CEO Visit Anaheim.

In addition to his current role at OCVA, Fuller is the president and cofounder of Laguna Strategic Advisors, a consortium of independent hospitality business consultants. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of California Irvine, where he is a Trustee of the University’s Foundation and former Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Merage School of Business, and at California State Universities, where he serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Hospitality Management and Tourism Advisory Board and a director

He has previously been recognized with awards by the Hotel Investment Forum India, China Hotel Investment Summit, International Hotel Investment Forum Berlin,

of the University’s San Marcos Foundation. As president and managing director of Marriott’s international lodging division, a position he held for 22 years, Fuller played a pivotal role in the company’s international growth into 72 countries, during which time the division achieved $8 billion in annual sales, developed comprehensive global crisis response initiatives, and implemented multiple international environmental, youth, and educational programs. His efforts there resulted in the creation of 80,000 new jobs worldwide, the formation and operation of 555 hotels in 73 countries.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

NEWSLINE

Welcome Fans by AccorHotels launches its pop-up Suite 467 in the heart of the AccorHotels Arena

Stamping your feet in anticipation in the pit, jostling your way through the crowd to get a better view of your idol, jumping up and down until you can’t feel your legs... these are all hallmarks of a fan’s experience! But what if serenity, luxury and delight also formed an integral part of the live performance? Welcome Fans is offering a totally new experience by combining the intensity of a concert with the intimacy

of a hotel suite, having completely remodeled one of the dressing rooms in the AccorHotels Arena into a suite right in the heart of the venue. For a chance to win their key to the Suite 467, fans are invited to visit the dedicated page of the welcome.fans website between February 1 and 25. Designed as a search engine for hotel breaks, the event’s page lets visitors enter the date of their choice and select up to 14 friends they would like to invite to the suite and share the concert with. On the evening of the concert, seated comfortably

in a 50m2 modern space with a warm ambience, the fans and their guests will enjoy an exceptional view of the stage. Throughout the evening, dedicated teams will provide a bespoke service and assistance, allowing guests to live their dream in a truly unique setting. And the end of the concert doesn’t have to mean a miserable journey home: fans will be invited to spend a night recovering from the excitement, before waking up to enjoy a must during any hotel stay, the unmissable breakfast. Suite 467 is a fresh illustration of the commitment of the Welcome Fans program to offer all fans luxury experiences and new opportunities to live their

dreams to the full. With the Welcome Fans program, Accor Hotels is enhancing the range of services that has been offered for more than 30 years to spectators, sportspeople and artists who attend or take part in the leading musical, cultural and sporting events of which the Group is a partner. The AccorHotels Arena is one of the world’s leading arenas, along with Madison Square Garden in New York City and the O2 in London. The historically busy schedule of the 20162017 season (135 days of programming) and the 2017-2018 season (136 days of programming already confirmed) testify to the success and attractiveness of the AccorHotels Arena.

Wyndham Hotel Group is the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China 2018 Hotel industry giant, Wyndham Hotel Group announces that it has become the official partner hotel of the second edition of ITB China, which will take place from 16 to 18 May 2018 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Conference Center. A corresponding agreement was signed on 7 February 2018 by Leo Liu, President of Greater China Wyndham Group and David Axiotis, General Manager ITB China. The hotel group will have a strong presence on the show floor of ITB China, the three-day b2b-show, connecting brand new products and innovative services of tourism with the best industry experts in one place. With becoming the official hotel partner of China’s new marketplace for the travel industry, February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

the Wyndham Hotel Group Greater China further solidifies its position as a leading international hospitality company. By December 2017, Wyndham Hotel Group was operating 1400 hotels in China, with the number of guest rooms reaching 138,787. The group has been steadily expanding brands that are already on many preferred lists, such as the award-winning Wyndham Grand, Wyndham, and Ramada. As part of the partnership, ITB China’s hosted buyers coming from all over China to attend ITB China in Shanghai will be accommodated in Wyndham Hotels during their stay. In addition, the hotel group is offering special accommodation rates for all attendees of ITB China 2018 in Wyndham hotels. 31

NEWSLINE

Royal Orchid announces the opening of group’s newest hotel in Nashik Royal Orchid Hotels, the fastest growing hospitality chain in India announced the opening of its new hotel in Nashik named ‘Regenta Resort Soma Vine Village’. Nashik popularly known as the wine capital of the country has gained immense popularity among the tourist in India. Regenta Resort Soma Vine Village, with 32 rooms offers boutique accommodation with varied dining and banquet facilities. The glorious property will give travelers a mesmerizing experience and contemporary luxury. On-site amenities at the hotel include a completely refreshed restaurant, a winery, a state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor pool, as well as a business centre, and spa services. The hotel has a wide range of facilities that let the guests choose from various room categories designed in keeping the touch of the city

with elegance and relaxing atmosphere. Located in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra, Nashik is developing as a lively city with a blend of the ancient and modern touches attracting tourists from across the country. The city has numerous forts, temples, historic sites as well as a home to industries. The city offers green pastures, mountains and tours of the wine yard.

hotel provides to its patrons. Chander K. Baljee, Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels said, “The hotel is the perfect complement to our recently refreshed Regenta portfolio of hotels across India. We are taking continuous steps towards expanding our presence all over India. The new hotel in Nasik is one such move towards achieving our aim. The government push toward tourism sector is giving us the much needed enthusiasm to go aggressive in adding new properties to our bouquet. Going forward we will continue to add more properties to both-explored and unexplored tourist destinations”

The most important attraction of the city includes Vineyards and Hindu temples situated in and around Nashik. May it be an important corporate event or a business meet or a simple getaway to explore nature and feel the essence of spirituality, Regenta Resort Soma Vine Village allows enormous options to its guests. The guests can experience the beauty and culture of Nasik just by availing one of the several facilities that the

By now we have added eight properties – Mysore, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, Kanpur, Dwarka, Indore, Pushkar and now Nasik in the current fiscal year taking the number to 49 hotels. We will continue our efforts in expanding our presence all over India”.

visit.brussels appoints aviareps as market representative in Brazil, China, India and Russia visit.brussels, the communication agency for tourism in the BrusselsCapital Region, has appointed AVIAREPS as its marketing representative in Brazil, China, India and Russia. The appointment, which came into effect from January 1st, 2018, is part of visit.brussels’ plan to strategically, and meaningfully reach out and engage with large, dynamic and emerging markets across the globe with a continued representative presence. EDAN1307_Patrick BontinckSays Patrick Bontinck, Visit Brussels: “As the capital of 500 million Europeans, Brussels offers visitors an eclectic cosmopolitan experience that celebrates the arts, cuisine, design, history, modernity, luxury and urban lifestyles. 32

our commitment to these markets possible and we look forward to the increased engagement and visitation from Brazil, China, India and Russia to Brussels, in the months and years to come.”

As we commence 2018 we are thrilled to bring those messages and offerings to a very divergent group of growing and exciting markets with an ongoing in-market presence. AVIAREPS’ international network of industry experts has made this action and

Brussels welcomed a total of 3.00 million visitors in 2016, and while only data up until October 2017 is currently available, the total number of visitors in 2017 has already reached 2.92 million visitors. This demonstrates a robust increase of 20% when compared to the number of visitors welcomed in the first ten months of 2016. The results are even more impressive when looking at the visitor figures from the emerging markets targeted; with visitors from China experiencing an increase of 23% for the first ten months of 2017, India an increase of

28%, Russia an increase of 41%, and Brazil an increase of 64%. Thomas Drechsler, Chief Operating Officer Tourism, AVIAREPS said that “We are honoured to represent visit. brussels in what are four of our most dynamic markets. This appointment classically demonstrates how AVIAREPS can help destinations expand their international footprint, outreach and brand to very divergent and complex markets all at once, due to our international network of tourism marketing and public relations professionals that embody international best practice with local expertise and know-how. We look forward to elevating and continuing the popularity and success of destination Brussels in Brazil, China, India and Russia.”

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018

NEWSLINE

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug felicitated as the ‘Best Wedding Destination Hotel of The Year’ Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug, part of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, has been felicitated as the ‘Best Wedding Destination Hotel of The Year’ at The Wedding Awards 2018 presented and hosted by The Stars Group at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Acknowledged for high quality personal attention, creative planning, dynamic support, innovation and proven customer satisfaction, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug, has been recognised as an increasingly popular wedding designation in the country. The property has also been recognised for its range of offerings like availability of rooms options, appearance, flexibility of the venue, etc. that are best suitable for both large and small-scale weddings. Speaking of the occasion, Vishal Jamuar – General Manager, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug, said, “We are extremely honoured for this acknowledgement of our efforts. It talks length for all

the hard work and dedication our team at Radisson Blu, Alibaug puts in to make a wedding memorable for our guests. We strive daily to offer 360° hospitality experience to our guests – the most pampering, gracious and efficient services in our setting”. The Wedding Awards 2018 identifies and rewards key companies - from individuals and independents to high street favourites and designer brands - who help make the journey from just-engaged to married couples as fun and

magical as possible. Part of the Carlson Reizdor Hotel Group, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug is an ideal weekend destination for a family to unwind. This beautiful resort, which is strategically located between Mumbai and Goa, is accessible by a picturesque 110 kms ride from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), and is one of the few destinations that are accessible by an exhilarating 45-minute catamaran drive from the Gateway of India.

Radisson Blu Resort &amp; Spa Alibaug boasts of seven exquisite accommodation categories to choose from, in a combination of rooms, suites, Duplex villas, Spa Villas and Top Suites with all rooms offering complimentary highspeed internet facility. The amenities in the Superior and Deluxe rooms have been upgraded with more entertainment options while the Spa villas have undergone a complete refurbishment with the Mechanical, Electrical and (MEP) service.

Cyprus visa services now closer to home for Goa residents state to submit their applications. The centre in Goa was inaugurated by His Excellency Demetrios A. Theophylactou, High Commissioner of Cyprus to India, in a ceremony held on 16 February 2018.

Residents of Goa planning a visit to Cyprus can now apply for their visas at the new VFS Global Cyprus Visa Application Centre in the city of Panjim. The centre brings Cyprus visa services closer to home, eliminating the need for applicants from Goa to travel to a neighbouring

His Excellency Demetrios A. Theophylactou, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to India, said, “It is a pleasure to inaugurate the Cyprus Visa Application Centre in Goa, operated by VFS Global. This is one out of 16 VFS Global centres serving Cyprus in India, and the 15th Centre that is being formally inaugurated. The

February 2018 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

opening also signifies a steady increase in visa related queries. Consequently, this centre would further expand and enhance visa services and promote people-to-people contacts, thus contributing to our bilateral relations. Goa, like Cyprus, is a major tourist destination; therefore, the centre fulfills a vital service with respect to the provision of information and guidelines to applicants who intend on visiting Cyprus, not only for tourism but also for business or study purposes. The centre would work in close cooperation with the Consular Section of the High Commission to achieve the goal of timely and efficient issuance of visas.” Vinay Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and South Asia, VFS Global said, “VFS Global has

served the Government of Cyprus in India since 2015, and the expansion of our services on their behalf to 16 cities in India is a testament of their faith in our ability to offer applicants best in class visa services. We are pleased to be bringing this expertise to the residents of Goa, and offering the applicants here, a smooth and seamless visa application experience.” VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. With 2469 Application Centres, operations in 129 countries across five continents and over 161 million applications processed as on 31 December 2017, VFS Global is the trusted partner of 58 client governments.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 116 1. Who was the founder of the Satvahana Empire? 2. In which State ‘Guru Shikhar Peak’ is located? 3. On which river is the world’s largest river island, Majuli situated?

Erine Louis

appointed as General Manager at The Residency Towers Chennai.

Ashish Seth

appointed as Managing Director at Puratos Food Ingredient Pvt. Ltd.

Karim Nahas

appointed as General manager at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation.

4. Victoria waterfall is located in which of the following countries? 5. Where is Rancho Mirage located? 6. Theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener in which year? 7. How many central Asian republics are there? 8. Which country is the largest oil importer in the world? 9. Which country has banned the import of milk powder from New Zealand?

Matthijs Stinnissen appointed as Head Chef at Mediterranean restaurant & bar Boca.

Olivier Belliard

appointed as the executive chef at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi.

Ta Van Ninh

appointed as the new chef de cuisine at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.

10. Who had estimated National Income in India first? Send in your answers to editor@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC 116 in the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month.

Answers to TYKC - 115

SUBSCRIPTION FORM Yes! I would like to subscribe Asian Traveller (Tick your choice)

Selangor, Malaysia

2. Denmark 3. New Zealeand 4. Gatineau Park, Canada 5. Oymyakon, Russia 6. Belgium

Name: Mr. / Ms. / M/s..................................................................... Company:........................................................................................ Address:..........................................................................................

7. Mount Fuji 8. Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

......................................................................................................

9. Thailand

Country......................................................PIN...............................

10. Fansipan

Tel.......................................Mobile................................................. Email.............................................................................................. Cheque/DD No............................................Dated.......................... Drawn on...............................Bank for (amount).............................

in favour of MEDIA STEPS INDIA, payable at Ernakulam Mail the subscription form along with Cheque / DD to:

MEDIA STEPS INDIA

No.7/710 D, 1st Floor, Mavelipuram, Reccaa Valley Road, Kakkanad, Kochi, India- 682 030 I Ph:+91-484-2423647, 2423657 info@mediastepsindia.com, www.mediastepsindia.com www.asiantraveller.in 34

ASIAN TRAVELLER | February 2018