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Highlights Vol. 9 I No.5 I March 2016
VELLIANGIRI
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Velliangiri Mountains is a haven for both the religious as well as adventurers. Known as the Kailash of the South, it is a spiritually charged environment, and is further enhanced by the presence of the Dhyanalinga at the Isha Yoga Center, located at its base
PLAYING HOLI WITH THE WIDOWS Mohammad Azam Bhat, a shutterbug from Kashmir, goes to Mathura to play Holi with the widows of Vrindavan. He shares with us the amazing photos he clicked during the celebration
Jet Airways Launches New Daily Flight From Delhi To Muscat The launch of this new daily flight between Delhi and Muscat will provide greater choice for guests travelling from India to Oman
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TUTC’S LUXURY CAMPS IN LADAKH
Atmantan Wellness Centre I Pune
The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC) returns with the widely popular Chamba Camp at Thiksey and Chamba Camp at Diskit in Ladakh, and introduces what is ‘Glamping’ or luxury camping
Atmantan becomes India’s first International Integrated Wellness Center in Mulshi – Pune
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
CHEERFUL OUTLOOK FOR TOURISM
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It makes no sense in simply reiterating time and again that tourism is an industry that can power economic development in a sustainable manner. However, that is what tourism officials world over often do. Having said enough about improving basic infrastructure and services to propel tourism as a weapon to power economic development and eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, it is high time the tourism authorities realised actions speak louder than words. With international tourist arrivals forecast to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, it is the right time to improve tourism infra, products and services, to provide a quality tourism experience to the travellers and to achieve economic growth in a sustainable manner, in the next two decades. In this context, it is worth mentioning UN’s initiative to help the world’s lest developed countries, to take steps towards more effective tourism development. Given that tourism in one of the few economic sectors through which least developed countries (LDCs) have managed to increase their participation in the global economy, the UN’s move is commendable, as it will help the LDCs to draw a handsome number of international arrivals, which will in turn boost their foreign exchange earnings. With increased foreign tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings for the past couple of months, India has surely shown to the world the need to put in relentless efforts at improving tourism products, services and infra, to stand tall, even in the testing times. However, if the country wants to sustain the growth, it needs to implement the projects that are in pipeline, in a time bound manner.
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Cover Story The Velliangiri Mountains
Velliangiri: Where the Clouds touch the Mountains
The sacred land of India has been witness to the lives of innumerable siddhas, seers, sages, and enlightened beings. The Velliangiri Mountains, situated in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India, are very much a part of this glorious tradition. 6
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he Velliangiri Mountains also known as Thenkaiyalam or Kailash of the South, which is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, can be a feast for both the pilgrim and the adventurer. It is called Velliangiri or White Mountain as it is mist-covered most of the time and is considered to be spiritually important as Mount Kailash.
sacred. Its main feature is that Shiva is worshipped as ‘Swayambu’—that which has formed by itself —on the seventh hill at an altitude of 6000 feet.
Consisting of seven hills, the Velliangiri is part of the western range of mountains. The seven hills correspond to the main seven chakras of the human body and are therefore
Trekking is usually done both by pilgrims and tourists; while the pilgrims call it a ‘yathra’, it is a normal trek for the rest. Thenkailaya Bhakthi Iyyakam (TBI), a volunteer group,
It is one of those mountains whose raw and pristine environment is not touched by modern technology yet, and may be for times to come.
THE TREK
ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
Cover Story The Velliangiri Mountains
organizes yatra every year in the month of Feb to June. It is arranged so, because the weather here is similar to that of Kailash and it is easier to do so during these months. The object of the climb is to reach the highest point of the seventh hill, which is about 6000 ft. above sea level, to have a darshan of the swayambu lingam inside a natural cave. This Linga is surrounded by adjoining four lingas, so it is named “Panchalingas.” Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Panchalingesha along with his consort Parvati as Manonmani Amman. To start with, you have to reach Poondi, which is about 30 kms from Coimbatore city, where You can visit the Poondi temple, popularly known as the Andavar temple. After that one can start the trek. It normally takes 6 to 7 hours before you reach the summit of the seventh hill, and since it takes that much time, climbers usually start early morning and return to the base in the evening. One has to take extreme caution and bring required items including food as the first three hills is covered by forest filled with wild animals. So, one needs to understand that the climb is not easy. Statistics say that pilgrimage to Velliangiri is the third largest in India—annually.
The MYTH This mountain also called Thenkailayam or Kailash of the South is because of its association with Lord Shiva. Legends say that, a young maiden of the southern tip of the Indian peninsula wanted to marry Shiva. Her intense devotion and austerities caught the attention of Shiva and expressed her wish that if he doesn’t come and marry her at a specific day and time,
March 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER
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Cover Story The Velliangiri Mountains
she would leave her body. Shiva on hearing it started walking south immediately and was deceived on the way thereby losing time. The lady thereafter leaves her body standing at a place which is now called Kanyakumari. After this, Shiva is said to have spent some time in these mountains and tradition says that whichever place Shiva has spent time is called ‘Kailash.’
Isha Yoga Centre Apart from the hills another important spiritual attraction is the Isha Yoga Centre located at the base of the mountain chain. Founded under the aegis of Isha Foundation by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, it is a powerful space for inner growth. This popular destination attracts people from all around the globe and is unique in its offering of all the major four paths of yoga—gnana (knowledge), karma (karma), kriya (energy), and bhakti (devotion).
The Dhyanalinga The Yoga Center houses the Dhyanalinga, which the founder calls: ‘the meditation machine.’ This main attraction is a unique and powerful energy-form covered by a pillarless 250,000-brick dome structure. At a height of about 14 feet, the Dhyanalinga is the largest mercury-based, live linga in the world and is the first of its kind to be completed in over 2000 years. March 2016 | ASIAN TRAVELLER
The Theerthakunds Before entering any temple it is common to wash oneself; the theerthakunds serves that purpose. There is the Suryakund for men and Chandrakund for women. The tanks contain solidified mercury lingas immersed in it, and an immersion in it makes one receptive to the energies of the Dhyanalinga.
The architecture Every nook and corner of the Centre is a spiritually vibrant and offers a visual treat for the eyes. The structures, designed by Sadhguru himself, exude freshness and uniqueness is one of its kind in the absence of concrete and cement. Especially noteworthy are the Adiyogi Alayam, the Spanda Hall and so on.
Mahashivaratri The Mahashivaratri celebrations celebration which is held at the Centre attracts people from around the world and is a major event. About 6 lakh people attend the event on that day and is increasing by the year. How to Reach: You can take a taxi or public bus (Number 14D) from Gandhipuram, Coimbatore to Isha Foundation (1 hour / 38 kms). Poodi/ Vellingiri is just 2 km by walk from Isha Foundation (direct Coimbatore-Poodi buses is available every two hours usually during festive seasons). 11
My Clicks
Playing Holi with
the Widows Born in 1996 Srinagar, Kashmir, Mohammad Azam Bhat, a perfervid shutterbug got to celebrate his life’s first Holi when he came down to Delhi for his engineering. And what better place to go than Mathura! Azam has been into photography for the past five years and has held various exhibitions in Kashmir and Delhi.
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he chants of Hare Krishna reverberated through the old streets of Vrindavan. They were lined with shops, eateries and havelis that shimmered in heat haze like a scene out of a dream. There was warmness around, though the summer was still far to arrive. “It’s because of them.” My friend pointed out to the long, endless line of women clad in white cotton saris, humming RadheRadhe and heading towards the fifteenth century Gopinath Temple. Their mystical yet melancholy aura made me wonder — perhaps my friend was more accurate than I. It was then that I took my camera out (without any prior-protection) from my bag and began the action – at the risk of sounding corny – which is my second nature.
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ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
IITM EVENT 2016 Chennai 29, 30, 31 July 2016
Pune 25, 26, 27 November 2016
Bangalore 05, 06, 07 August 2016
Hyderabad 02, 03, 04 December 2016
Mumbai 23, 24, 25 September 2016
Kochi 12, 13, 14 January 2017
(Delhi) Gurgaon 30 Sep, 1,2 Oct 2016
Kolkata 24, 25, 26 February 2017
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My Clicks
When we stepped on the lane that lead to the temple, I kept my expectations low, for the complex was hidden behind patched tents like the ones used in weddings. The only structure of temple visible amidst the crowd of people was the tallest tower built over the sanctum sanctorum where Krishna resided. But when we entered the inner courtyard of the temple, the sight I witnessed took me by intense surprise. The enclosed courtyard with myriad arches was filled with white shapes sitting hunched over on the carpet covered ground, fashioning flowers of rose, marigold, and champa into garlands. To my awestruck eyes,
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the widows resembled like the snowbirds. I didn’t start clicking straightaway. I sat under one of the many arches and observed each one of them. Their heads, some shaved, some tied in a bun with wisps of grey hair coiled around, their wrinkled faces — all of which were decorated with chandan tilaka. Hands thin as a stick holding threads and piercing them through the centers of the flowers. They talked as they worked, some speaking in whispers while others out loud with lively expressions. And, their eyes: Those sad eyes hiding behind them a storm of emotions buried years back when their
husbands died. “How many years has it been?” I couldn’t help asking an old lady. “Twelve.” She said in a light tone. “They are angry with me. I am from Kolkata. They are angry with me — lekin koi baat nahi, sab theek ho jaega. Sab theek hojaega.” It’s okay. Everything will be alright. The words were simple yet they shrieked out the story of most of the widows who sat here or anywhere else in the world. Their in-laws considered them to be the cause of their husband’s death, calling them with statements like: Ate her husband. It was her whom I clicked first, for she said, “You all are young. Click our photos as we dance here and play his
favorite festival.” She meant Krishna. The event annihilated the 400-yearold tradition which prohibited the widows to participate in social events. After the pundits said, ‘Holi hai’, a thousand widows – some shunned by their families while others who voluntarily chose the life of ashram – opened their old fists filled with abeer gulal and threw it in the air. And, in that action, it seemed like they’d let go of their pains, too. Petals of rose and marigold flew all around. Mixing with a crowd of young scholars and temple pundits, they smeared colours on each other faces and danced to the tunes of traditional braj holi songs.
NEWSLINE
50 Top Chinese Photographers to join 2nd Thailand Photo Contest photographer from Kunming; as well as Mr. Cao Guo Wei, Chairman of the Guangdong Photographers Association; and Mr. Wang Ji Yan, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Phoenix TV.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has hosted a group of 50 top photographers from the People’s Republic of China who participated in a Fam trip-cum-competition designed exclusively for the Chinese market. The event will generate a treasure trove of spectacular photographs that will be distributed by the lens men through their own portfolios and social-media networks and also be made available for use by TAT in its promotional and marketing material. The invitations to the 2nd Thailand Photo Contest by the Chinese 2016 were coordinated by the TAT’s five China offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming and
Guangzhou. The group of 18 professional and 32 semi-professional photographers were given a choice of six thematic tourist routes: “Scenery”: 1. Bangkok and Kanchanaburi or 2. Trang and Satun; “Way of Life”: 3. Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla and Hat Yai or 4. Chanthaburi and Trat; “Architecture”: 5. Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang or 6. Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Kamphaeng Phet The photographers included Mr. Lu Yuan Min, a famous photographer of humanistic photography from Shanghai; Mr. Bao Li Hui a renowned
The 32 semi-professional photographers participated in a competition for nine prizes; such as, a complimentary Thailand package tour, return air tickets and other prizes designed to encourage them to return for future trips. The competition will be judged by representatives of TAT and the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand with the winners to be announced in China during April 2016. Ms. Runjuan Tongrut, TAT Executive Director of the East Asia Region said, “All the photographers got a chance to see the best of Thailand’s natural, cultural and traditional attractions, and experience the many new products and services. The group also includes 7 female photographers, which will broaden the perspective significantly.” After the tours, the photographers were presented with commemorative plaques and certificates in a ceremony organised on 24 March, 2016, at the Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok. The event was the second of its kind, following on from the earlier one in November 2014.
99 students receive medals at Outstanding Academic Achievements 99 students achieving outstanding results in recent GSCE, IB and A Level exams have been presented with medals at a ceremony held recently in Bahrain recently. 38 of these students were presented with an Award from Pearson, an awarding organization offering internationally accredited qualifications which include the GSCE, A Level and BTEC qualifications. The award recipients have all achieved exceptional academic results, and many have gone on to undertake prestigious courses at some of the world’s leading universities, including Mechanical Engineering
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at Princeton University, Medicine at Ireland’s Royal College of Surgeons, Law at the University of Aberdeen and Architecture at Cornell University. Approximately 300 educators, parents and students attended the ceremony, held at Saint Christopher’s School, Bahrain. Nassim Ershaed, Pearson’s Regional Director in Bahrain said he was delighted to hear of the talent coming out of Bahrain’s schools. “The caliber of graduates on show here today is testament to the standard of education on offer at schools such as St Christopher’s. That these graduates have gone on to undertake arduous degrees at
some of the world’s most prestigious universities is testament to the hard work and determination of these graduates, and the excellent grounding provided by their school and their teachers. On behalf of Pearson, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone receiving an award in this ceremony and I wish them all the very best in their future studies and future careers,” he said. Zain Husain, who undertook A Level qualifications in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, said he was excited about his future after completing the programme. He is currently studying medicine at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
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Jet Airways launches new daily flight from Delhi to Muscat Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, today commenced its daily direct international service linking Delhi, the capital of India, with Muscat, the port capital of the Oman. The addition of this new flight from the airline’s strategic hub in Delhi will further strengthen the airline’s growing international network and enhance flight connectivity from Northern India, SAARC and ASEAN and to the Gulf region. Ahead of the takeoff of its inaugural flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Jet Airways conducted a multi-faith puja and lit a ceremonial lamp to mark the occasion of its inaugural flight to Muscat. The lamp lighting ceremony was led by Chief Guest, H.E. Hamed Saif Ali Al-Rawahi, the Ambassador of the sultanate of Oman to India; Mr. Marcel Hungerbuehler, COO – DIAL; Mr. Mannu Anand – GM, Sales, (Rest of Northern India, Jet Airways); Mr Rakesh Chawla, General Manager – North India Airport Services; Mr. P S Nair, CEO - GMR Group; and Mr. Pradeep Panickar CCO – AERO DIAL.
The launch of this new daily flight between Delhi and Muscat will provide greater choice for guests travelling from India to Oman. India and Oman HE Oman Ambassador cutting Ribbon for the inaugural flight along with Jet Airways are linked crew and Airport service team by historical On the return, the flight will leave maritime trade Muscat at 02:30 hrs to arrive at Delhi linkages and the important role of the at 07:00 hrs. Indian expatriate community in the development of Oman. Furthermore, With the launch of the new Oman offers an attractive destination flight, Jet Airways will operate a for travel and tourism. The total of four daily flights between connectivity offered by the new service India and Muscat. This includes will provide greater opportunity for flights from Mumbai, Kochi, and expansion of business and tourism Thiruvananthapuram. traffic between the two countries. The airline will deploy a Boeing Jet Airways flight 9W 598 737-800 aircraft on these new services, duly took off from Indira Gandhi offering Premiere and Economy guests International Airport in Delhi at an in-flight product that is among the 23:15 hrs with a full complement of best in its class, warm service, as well Premiere and Economy Class guests as delectable cuisine and convenient and will arrive at Muscat at 01:30 hrs. schedules.
Thailand to boost profile at ITB 2016 with strong teamwork The delegation for the Thailand Networking Lunch organised at the ITB Berlin 2016, was led by H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, together with the heads of three H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports (3rd left), H.E. Mrs. Nongnuth Phetcharatana, Ambassador of Thailand to Germany (4th right), Mr. Kalin Sarasin, organisations: Mr. Chairman of the TAT Board of Directors (3rd right), Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor (2nd Yuthasak Supasorn, left), Mr. Nitinai Sirismatthakarn, President of Airports of Thailand (left), Mr. Charumporn Governor of Jotikasthira, President of Thai Airways International (2nd right), Mr. Andre Chmilewski, ID Reisewelt, German Speaker TO (right) TAT; Mr. Nitinai Sirismatthakarn, The Tourism Authority of Thailand President of AOT; and Mr. (TAT) is to strengthen its partnership Charamporn Jotikasthira, President of with the Airports of Thailand Public THAI. Company Limited (AOT) and Thai H.E. Kobkarn said, “With the full Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) to enhance the impact support from the government and the integration in working among the of the strategic marketing to promote public and private sectors, including Thailand as a “Quality Leisure Destination through Thainess.” the local authorities and communities, 18
Thailand ended the year 2015 with great success. The Thai tourism industry hit the highest record in our history both in terms of revenue and number of tourist arrivals. Thailand received tourism revenue of 35.2 billion Euros from the international market with growth of 23% over 2014 and visitor arrivals totalling 29.8 million, up 20% over 2014.” The European market is projected to be a key player in achieving the success of the plan to enhance the image of Thailand as a “Quality Leisure Destination through Thainess”. This means growing average visitor expenditure, average length of stay and repeat visitation. This year, Thailand is targeting 60.6 Billion Euros (2.41 trillion Baht) in revenue. Of that total, 39.2 billion Euros (1.56 trillion Baht) will come from international markets and 21.36 billion Euros (0.85 trillion Baht) from domestic travel. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
NEWSLINE
Experience Ladakh in all its splendour with TUTC’s Luxury Camps The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC) returns with the widely popular Chamba Camp at Thiksey and Chamba Camp at Diskit in Ladakh. Introducing the concept of ‘Glamping’ or luxury camping to discerning travellers in a unique way, as they get to closely experience the peculiarities of Ladakhi culture, while enjoying the luxury of glamorous abode. For those looking to explore the unexplored, TUTC has opened bookings for both the camps. One can select and customise their trip from an array of carefully selected itineraries from 1 night, 3 nights, 4 nights and 7 nights packages. Rajnish Sabharwal, COO, TUTC, says: “Our camps in Ladakh are the most popular with
travellers looking for a once in a lifetime experience. Today when travel enthusiasts are looking for newer experiences, they do not want to compromise on the luxury aspect of travel. The essence of this camp is to let them explore a nomadic super luxury camp with variety of experiences in carefully selected exceptional locations in unexplored countryside.” The mobile luxury camp will be operational from 15 May 2016 to 10 October 2016, which is considered to be the most favourable time to enjoy Ladakh. The packages start from Rs. 27,000 per person ( on double sharing) for 1 night/ 2 days package in Diskit and Rs. 84,000 per person (on double sharing) for 3 night/ 4 days in Thiksey.
KIAB welcomes its 100 millionth passenger Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) today greeted its 100 millionth passenger at the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB), reaching another historic milestone in less than eight years of operations. This achievement ushered in multiple celebrations at the airport. The 100 millionth passenger Mr. Vinay Kulkarni arriving from Mumbai on Jet Airways 9w394 and was greeted by the airport’s management. BIAL determined the 100 millionth passenger after it created an algorithm that was based on actual passenger numbers from the start of airport operations in May 2008 to March 2016. KIAB is India’s third busiest airport with the highest passenger traffic in South India. Surpassing the 100 millionth passenger milestone is a validation of the airport’s reputation as being the region’s largest hub. This record further establishes the airport’s position as the emerging ‘Gateway to South India’. In March 2015 KIAB was 20
classified as a mid-sized airport when it clocked 15 million passengers. The airport further experienced a positive growth in 2015 with 18.1 million passengers transiting through the airport at the end of the calendar year. This consistent growth of the airport is a demonstration of KIAB as an airport of choice. On an average, approximately 52,000 passengers transit through KIAB every day. KIAB started operation in May 2008. The airport is envisioned to meet the growing aviation needs of the city through the development of a passenger-friendly and well-operated
airport. The master plan ensures that the size and capacity of the airport’s facilities are in line with passenger traffic forecast and projected cargo growth. The new T1 began operations in February 2014 and has the capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually. Currently, the existing facility is undergoing expansion to accommodate the growth till the first phase of T2 is completed. KIAB has a healthy mix of business and tourist traffic served by 44 airlines to 67 destinations in India and globally. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
NEWSLINE
Thailand projects rise in Indian weddings and honeymoons Thailand is forecasting a huge growth in the number of Indian weddings and honeymoons following an annual fam trip organised for wedding planners from major Indian cities. A total of 17 planners from Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Bangalore were invited for this year’s trip, which covered Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Lak, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Rayong and Pattaya. It was the third such trip organized in as many years. The visit from 21-27 March, 2016, ended with a briefing symposium and tabletop opportunity for business networking between the Indian wedding planners and 31 Thai hotels together with 23 wedding service and attractions keen to cater to the market. Indian wedding planners find that Thailand is perfect for the growing number of destination weddings thanks to airline accessibility, great Thai hospitality, affordability of luxury, strong cultural connections, and products and services that deliver the highest standards of excellence and attention to detail. Thailand hosts about 300 weddings from India every year, or roughly one event every two days. Each wedding party comprises between 100-600 people, covers three to six days, with budgets ranging from 10 million Baht to 50 million Baht per event. Mrs. Srisuda Wannapinyosak, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific – of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “This is still only scratching the surface of the market potential. An estimated 15 million weddings are held in India every year with an overall expenditure of US$60 billion dollars. With the vast majority of the Indian population still in their 20s, many more weddings will come up in the years ahead.” Thailand has an extremely good image in India as the perfect place for destination weddings. It also received the “Best Wedding Destination” award in the readers’ poll conducted by Travel & Leisure India & South Asia magazine for consecutive four years (2011-2014).” The TAT’s India offices will be stepping up their marketing in India’s second- and third-tier cities, and also expand the events from weddings and honeymoons to anniversaries, birthday parties and family reunions.
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Asia Spa Readers Choose Thailand as Favourite Destination size, philosophy or Asia-based location. The AsiaSpa Awards were the first in the region to offer a comprehensive lineup of awards, which fully encompass everything that sets a standard in the spa industry. As the industry has grown; Supakan Yodchun, Assistant Director, TAT Mumbai accepts the award for Favourite so have the awards. Spa Destination (Asia) at the Asia Spa India Reader’s Choice Awards 2016. Starting with 10 categories in 2005, Amazing Thailand has emerged the awards categories now span 24, as Favourite Spa Destination in reflection of changing trends in Asia for Asia Spa’s readers in and developments in the industry. the 11th annual AsiaSpa Awards. The awards created by the AsiaSpa magazine in 2005 to give recognition and thanks to the sensational spa industry of Asia; it soon became the benchmark for quality and innovation for spas in the region.
This time Thailand’s Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa, Koh Samui has won the Spa of the Year (Southeast Asia & the Pacific) for the year 2015. Whereas, Japan’s Aman Spa, has won the Spa of the Year for North & West Asia region.
The awards, whose goal is to recognize the spas and properties that push the boundaries and advance the industry is now in its 11th year, and has become known for its uncompromised independence, transparency, and objectivity. They are also the most accessible awards in the region, being completely free and open to all spas and hotels, whatever their
Other winners included Randeep Hooda – Wellness Icon of the Year award, Mr. Ajay Bijli – Wellness Icon of the Year Corporate, Beauty Diva Rekha – Spa Diva Award, Shilpa Shetty – Wellness award female, Sushmita Sen – Woman of Substance, Tiger Shroff – Fitness Icon of The Year, and Bipasha Basu – Fitness Icon of The Year Female.
India’s first International Integrated Wellness Center in Mulshi – Pune Atmantan is a sanctuary of supreme wellness; an international integrated luxury destination, nestled in the lap of the majestic Sahyadri Range. Spread over 40 acres of awe-inspiring valley, overlooking the Mulshi Lake, Atmantan’s holistic wellness concept is summed up in the name “atma” meaning soul, “man” meaning mind and “tan” meaning body. The resort features 106 luxurious guestrooms and villas, all with balconies or private sit-out gardens, and with views of land or lake. Atmantan Spa features 23 treatment rooms including a Hammam, in addition to a 6525
sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness facility.www.atmantan.com
ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
NEWSLINE
Executive Pastry Chef wins 2016 PATA Face of the Future The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announces Mr. Danny Ho as the recipient of the most prestigious honour for young tourism professionals in Asia Pacific – the 2016 PATA Face of the Future award. A native of Malaysia, Danny is the Executive Pastry Chef at Hotel ICON in Hong Kong SAR where he oversees all pastry and bakery operations at the hotel, which also acts as an extension of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM).
hospitality. His team took a chance with the introduction of Durian, an authentic fruit from Malaysia, as the main ingredient for their signature desserts. After launching the first Durian dessert the customer response was overwhelming - leading to the development of more Durian creations. The Durian is imported directly from local farmers with the hotel as the largest importer of the fruit. Many other luxury hotels have followed this trend. As they have look to source local producers more businesses are generated, thus increasing the standard of living standard for local communities and facilitating the development of the agricultural industry - especially in Malaysia where poverty is still a major issue.
Danny and his team at Hotel ICON value unique experiences that demonstrate fresh Asian
With the success of their creative desserts, Hotel ICON’s reputation has steadily increased and now training
courses are being organized to provide quality education to those wishing to enhance their skills in pastry. Obsessed with creating the perfect dessert, Danny loves to banter with guests to perfect his culinary tales. He is known for his mastery of French pastries, with experience gained from the Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Cova Pasticceria & Confetteria and The Mira Hotel. His sugar showpieces have won the Gold with Distinction Awards in Pastry Professional Showpiece in the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic 2011, the Gold Award in Pastry Display in the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic 2007, and Medallist in Pastry Showpiece. Danny’s desserts focus on the combination of ingredients and technique. Influenced by seasonal produce and best ingredients, this philosophy remains a driving point of his desserts today.
Launch of dedicated Wellness & Spa Lounge at ATM 2016 This year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is shining a light on the burgeoning wellness tourism sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which has been identified as the second fastest growing market in the world for spas after Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the 2014 Global Spa and Wellness Economy Monitor report by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the value of wellness trips across MENA has reached US$7.3 billion, with health-focused tourists sending 130% more than regular travellers. To capitalise on opportunities, ATM’s new Wellness & Spa Lounge will provide up to 25 exhibitors representing some of the world’s most recognised health and wellness hospitality destinations with an ideal platform from which to target this high profile, high spend market segment. “In our research we found that across all markets, wellness tourism is exceptionally popular. This is confirmed by the report, which shows over a 9% year-on- year growth forecasted for the next two years, which is a staggering 50% faster 24
than overall global tourism,” said Nadege Noblet-Segers, Exhibition Manager, Arabian Travel Market, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, on 25-28 April 2016. “This prompted us to design a dedicated space with seminar sessions focused exclusively on industry topics. ATM Wellness & Spa Lounge will be working in association with Spafinder Wellness 365™, the leading consumer resource for wellness travel and the largest marketing and incentives company for the wellness industry, to offer suppliers an exclusive and convenient platform to meet new contacts and conduct business,” she added. “There are more than 1,000 spas in the Middle East region and the UAE has more than 500 spas divided between hotel spas, medical spas and stand-alone establishments, so there is huge potential for the spa business,” said Sayed Salem, Spa Manager, The Palace Downtown Dubai, who recently took part in the ATM Wellness & Spa Roundtable in Dubai. “We have seen a significant
shift among consumers for wellness and preventative health. They are expecting a more proactive approach from the spa in addressing primary health concerns. Guests are willing to pay for quality, however, wellness guests will continue to seek out discounts over the next 12 months, therefore we should deliver new and innovative promotions and other ways to ensure guests will return.” The spa and wellness theme is only a part of a packed agenda being developed for ATM 2016. The main theme is mid-market travel, but other highlights include, technology, halal tourism, business travel, technology, responsible tourism, shopping, aviation, culture and heritage, and adventure travel. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
NEWSLINE
ASEAN-China Tourism Photo Contest 2016 China tourism shot by ASEAN photographers • ASEAN Tourism through China Lens: Photos representing ASEAN tourism shot by Chinese photographers Entry period: Contest closes on May 16, 2016 (13:00 Beijing Time) Entry method: Entries are accepted only via the internet. Complete the application form at http://www.dongnanya. travel (in English or Chinese) and transmit the image via the form provided. Images may also be emailed to photocontest@qq.com. Awards and Prizes Awards for each Group respectively
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) invites entries for the ASEANChina Tourism Photo Contest 2016. This competition is being organized in collaboration with China National Travel Magazine (CNT), a cultural travel magazine published monthly by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Entries will be judged by a committee of prominent photographers from authoritative organizations such as the China Photographers Association and CIC Photo Portal.
As this year marks the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations and the first full year of the ASEAN Economic Community, the ASEAN-China Tourism Photo Contest 2016 aims to highlight developments in ASEAN-China tourism through the art of photography as well as raise the public’s awareness and understanding of the natural scenery and human landscape of ASEAN countries and of China.
• Entries captured not only by cameras, but by any digital imaging device, including smart devices and camcorders, will be accepted
Entry requirements: • Any professional or amateur photographer from the ASEAN countries and China, regardless of age or gender, may participate
Entry categories: • China Tourism through ASEAN Lens: Photos representing
• 1st prize: RMB 2,000 (1 winner) • 2nd prize: RMB 1,000, (2 winners) • 3rd prize: One-year subscription to CNT magazine (15 winners) • Memorial award: ACC gift Judging and Announcement of Winners Entries that pass the first stage of judging will be exhibited on the http://www.dongnanya.travel website and the LoveASEAN Weibo/Wechat scheduled in May 2016. The winner of each award will be selected from entries that pass this first stage. An awards ceremony and photography exhibition will be held on May 26, 2016 at the ASEAN-China Centre in Beijing.
Connections crowned Best Trade Show at the Eventex Awards UK-based travel industry event organiser Connections has been named Best Trade Show at the prestigious Eventex Awards. The awards are held as part of Eventex 2016, a global events showcase which took place recently at the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Connections’ invitation-only events enable senior MICE travel executives, luxury travel buyers and suppliers to gather at five-star locations across the world to build relationships and stimulate ideas for their businesses’ futures. 26
Judges said, the Connections Events team stood out for their performance in each of the criteria: design, crisis management, marketing strategy, innovation, participant engagement and planning to meet objectives. The other shortlisted shows in the category were Microsoft Future Decoded by Momentum Worldwide, and Conventa by Toleranca Marketing. Connections is part of Europe’s leading travel trade media company, Travel Weekly Group. The brand was
founded in 2014, with the inaugural Connections Luxury event taking place in Hampshire, England. The Eventex Awards are the only global annual awards honouring meeting and event professionals for their work in producing valuable and engaging event experiences. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
NEWSLINE
Cinnamon TBCAsia 2016 aims to boost tourism to Sri Lanka
Branded budget hotel chains drive online hotel bookings In a report compiled by looking at the search trends for both domestic and international travel sector for the upcoming holiday season, Google India today revealed that in the domestic hotel industry, branded budget hotel chains are driving the growth of hotel bookings online. With over 300M Indians online and growing rapidly, hotel providers have been slow to catch on the digital bandwagon, with only 20% of total hotel inventory available online. Seizing this massive opportunity, several players including new and established players are focused on bringing quality budget accommodation online across the country.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, together with the Sri Lankan national carrier SriLankan Airlines, will be hosting Cinnamon TBCasia 2016 from 2-7 June 2016: a mega destination event that brings together 60 of the world’s best travel bloggers to Sri Lanka in a global conference that will explore and evaluate the impact of travel blogging in the global tourism industry today. Blogging has also become a powerful tool in influencing consumer decisions and creating a strong appeal for any business or company in the current travel sphere. By the means of international exposure by sponsors and international media, Sri Lanka can greatly benefit from activities such as the Cinnamon TBCasia that garner mileage on online and digital space whilst reaching massive global audiences in a very short span of time. The top travel bloggers visiting Sri Lanka will be
hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts on a pre-conference tour of the country, which will be followed by the full day conference on 7th June 2016. The tour is organized with four unique itineraries for the bloggers to explore all popular tourist locations on the island. Apart from hosting an incredible group of bloggers, Cinnamon TBCasia will also welcome many industry experts and social media gurus to speak at the conference.
With the availability of this new inventory online, the report reveals that Internet users in the country are lapping up the budget hotels online, which is evident in the growth of Google search queries. Branded budget hotel queries in India are growing at 179% YoY in comparison to just 36% YOY growth in generic budget hotel queries. The overall queries for ‘accommodations’ as a whole, are growing at 37% YOY. Further analysis of the type of queries for budget hotels category reveals a strong preference for distinct brand queries i.e., users are going online looking for branded budget hotel chains. Budget hotel queries already account for 35% of total accommodation queries and a large share of 47% of search queries are for the brands providing budget hotel inventory online.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts initiated Asia’s first ever travel blogger conference in 2014; followed by its success, Cinnamon TBCasia 2016 has evolved into a significant event with its novel element of an award ceremony. With all of the above in store, Cinnamon TBCasia 2016 will be a much awaited event amongst travel bloggers from around the world as well as travel and hospitality industry professionals.
In terms of top destinations searched for accommodation during March to June period of 2015, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Delhi-NCR are the most searched destinations. Majority of these States capture business or work related travelers, indicating that leisure destinations will be the next growth driver for branded budget hotel category as today out of the top 50 domestic destination searched, only 30% of destinations represent leisure travel. In terms of outbound data (International) compiled basis Google search queries Between January to September 2015: 25% of search queries are for International air tickets growing at 43% YOY 18% of search queries are for International accommodation growing at 25% YOY 22% of search queries are for International holidays growing at 30% YOY The United Arab Emirates, the United States and Thailand take the top positions for most searched international destinations with a healthy growth rate of over 35% YOY. Honeymoon and Romantic packages are the fastest growing packages for holiday bookings growing at over 42% YOY, followed by vacation packages growing at 35% YOY. Adventure packages although a small category, is showing healthy growth with search queries growing over 22% YOY.
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ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016
JET AIRWAYS COMMENCES OPERATIONS TO AMSTERDAM FROM MUMBAI, DELHI AND TORONTO board its modern Airbus 330-300 aircraft. Ahead of the departure of the first flights to Amsterdam, a multi faith puja and lamp lighting ceremony was performed at both the Mumbai and Delhi airports. The Ambassador of Netherlands to India, His Excellency Alphonsus Stoelinga graced the occasion at Delhi airport while the Consul General of the Netherlands Mr. Geoffrey van Leeuwen was present at Mumbai airport. Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline today commenced daily non-stop services to Amsterdam, its new European gateway. The airline’s first flights to Amsterdam departed from Mumbai and Delhi with a full complement of Premiere and Economy guests on
Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways, said: “Today marks the start of our new service connecting three continents, together with our codeshare partners KLM and Delta Air Lines. We are happy to operate daily flights to Amsterdam from Mumbai, Delhi and Toronto, thereby providing greater choice and connectivity to
our guests and facilitating trade and co-operation between India and the Netherlands. Through Amsterdam our new European gateway and along with our code-share partners, we will now offer seamless connectivity to over 30 destinations in Europe and 11 destinations in the United States and Canada to our guests.” Guests flying from Amsterdam will be able to access Jet Airways’ network of 48 destinations within India as well as destinations in the Indian subcontinent and Asia via Mumbai and Delhi.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 97 1. Which is the largest milk producing country in the world? 2. Which place is known as the ‘Roof of the World’? 3. Mogao Caves, also known as ‘Caves of the Thousand Buddhas,’ is located in which country? 4. India’s first Spice Museum will be opened in which city of India? Mr. Dhananjay Kumar
appointed as the new General Manager, The Suryaa, New Delhi
Alejandro J. Leo Cupulis
as the new Director of Spa and Recreation, Grand Hyatt, Goa
5. ‘Dadaab,’ the world’s largest refugee camp is located in which country? 6. Tony Cozier was a renowned cricket commentator of which country? 7. Which state tourism of India has won the Lonely Planet Group’s Best Indian Destination for Wildlife Award for the year 2016? 8. The term ‘‘Green Zone’’ is related to which country? 9. The ‘Agrasen ki Boali’ is situated in which city of India?
Arun Nanda
appointed as the new Chairman of Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council
Karan Kohli
appointed as the Chef De Cuisine, Alila Diwa, Goa
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ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2016