Asian Traveller March 2017 by Mediasteps

Vol. 10

No. 6

Pages 36

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US $10 (Overseas)

March 2017

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Highlights Vol. 10 I No.6 I March 2017

Cover Story: ITB Berlin 2017 concludes Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading travel show ends on a positive note

Explore Madaba Art- Mosaic Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City of Mosaics- Madaba is a novel way to explore a different art form

Soori Bali re-launched under new lifestyle brand The ultimate wellbeing destination

20 11 PATA Asia Pacific visitor forecasts 2017-21 Asia Pacific tourism to grow by 5% per annum

Architectural marvels of Mahabalipuram Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam, Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism takes you through the various stone carved attractions of this heritage site

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

CHEERFUL OUTLOOK FOR TOURISM

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

Group Vice President : Santhosh Kumaar K Editorial Team : R Parameshwaran

Smitha . R

Design : Kailasnath

Regional Head (Hyderabad) : Uma Ram

Director-Finance : K Harikrishnan

AGM-Operations : Krishna Nair

he various challenges that confronted the tourism sector last year did not deter the people from travelling, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. International tourist arrivals grew by 3.9% to reach a total of 1,235 million as Some 46 million more tourists (overnight visitors) travelled internationally last year compared to 2015, says the data released by UNWTO. As a result, 300 million more international tourists travelled the world in 2016 as compared to the pre-crisis record in 2008. By region, Asia and the Pacific (+8%) led growth in international tourist arrivals in 2016, fuelled by strong demand from both intra- and interregional source markets. “Tourism has shown extraordinary strength and resilience in recent years, despite many challenges, particularly those related to safety and security. Yet, international travel continues to grow strongly and contribute to job creation and the wellbeing of communities around the world”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. Recalling that 2017 has been designated by the United Nations the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, Rifai said “we need to work closer together to harness the contribution of tourism to economic growth, social inclusion, cultural and environmental preservation and mutual understanding, particularly when we live in times with such a deficit of respect and tolerance”. Meanwhile, Kerala has registered a 5.71 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in 2016, welcoming 14.2 million visitors to the state. Though the note-ban has affected the domestic tourist arrivals it did not have a large-scale impact on foreign arrivals it seems. The unique tourism products and innovative marketing strategies helped the state to tide over the difficult phase. Overall it is an optimistic beginning to the new season and let us all work together to keep the momentum going.

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Cover Story ITB Berlin 2017

World’s leading travel trade show- ITB Berlin 2017 concludes The last word in travel and trade- ITB Berlin 2017 concludes with a positive note on tourism despite the challenges like terrorism and geopolitical controversies

TB Berlin 2017 maintains its strong appeal with 26 halls fully booked before the event and with the presence of around 10,000 exhibitors from 184 countries and regions. Botswana was the official partner country and ITB Berlin Convention featured the key topics ‘Safety & Security’ and ’Artificial Intelligence’. The event also had discussions on Medical Tourism and Travel Technology which will continue to bloom in the coming years. As the world’s marketplace and the trendsetter of the global travel industry ITB Berlin once again impressively underlined its standing as the world’s leading travel trade show. International trade visitor numbers increased significantly and at 28,000 delegates (an increase of 7.7 per cent) participation in the 14th ITB Berlin Convention reached a new record. However, at

109,000 overall trade visitor numbers were down on last year due to strike action at Berlin’s airports. The event concludes the fact that face-to-face meetings between business partners from around the world have become increasingly important, especially at a time of uncertainty and geopolitical challenges. Digital transition has taken over the business of selling tourism at breathtaking speed. Positive forecasts for the European economy and in particular for Germany as one of the biggest source markets for international tourism have also given the sector a boost. The travel industry’s high expectations for 2017 have been significantly

helped by a resolutely favourable mood among consumers, while unemployment has sunk to historically low figures. One topic that occupied exhibitors and visitors throughout was consumers’ increasing concern for their safety.

They are prepared to adapt to the new situation and bring their personal holiday needs into line with the changes taking place in society. They now carefully think their holiday plans over and afford a great deal of consideration to their personal safety. “

Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin GmbH: “Even in these uncertain times people refuse to be put off from travelling.

From 8 to 12 March 2017, over the five days of the show, more than 10,000 exhibiting companies from 184 countries and regions

ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

displayed their products and services on 1,092 stands to visitors. The global tourism industry exhibited its latest products and trends on an area covering 160,000 square metres. At the 51st edition of ITB Berlin the number of buyers in a decision-making capacity was impressive. The spotlight was on Botswana as the Official Partner Country of ITB Berlin. On the eve of ITB Berlin Botswana hosted a spectacular opening ceremony, whetting the appetites of the tourism industry for more. With its sustainable tourism, safaris and wildlife conservation projects, its impressive flora and fauna and its rich cultural heritage, this fascinating landlocked

country in the southwest of Africa has positioned itself on the market as one of the most attractive holiday destinations on the African continent. As a green destination in the heart of Europe Slovenia, the Convention & Culture Partner of the show, presented sustainable tourism concepts and a wide range of cultural attractions at ITB Berlin. The digital transformation of the entire industry continues to move forward apace. The eTravel World at ITB Berlin attracted even more international exhibitors March 2017 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

and in particular startups from around the world. The increasing presence of payment system providers also underlined the growing importance of travel technology. Representing a new fast-growing market, Medical Tourism celebrated its debut. Among other exhibiting nations, Turkey, Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Poland and Belarus provided a concentrated display of information and the latest medical tourism products at the Medical Pavilion. Featuring 200 sessions and 400 speakers over a period of four days, the

ITB Berlin Convention underlined its role as the world’s leading event of its kind. The latest topics ranging from geopolitical crises and catastrophes to artificial intelligence proved to be a fascinating attraction for visitors. 28,000 visitors (2016: 26,000) attended the 14th edition of the ITB Berlin Convention which took place in eight auditoriums on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. According to preliminary figures, on the weekend around 60,000 participants came to find out about the latest trends on the exhibition grounds. As

in previous years, it was possible to book tours directly at ITB Berlin. Even while ITB Berlin 2017 was under way preparations were gathering pace for the next networking event of the international travel industry: ITB China, which is due to be launched in Shanghai, will build on and strengthen ITB’s market position in Asia. From 10 to 12 May some of China’s leading travel companies will be represented at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Conference Center where the display area is already booked up. A new and successful chapter has already been written by Messe Berlin in another part of Asia. Launched ten years ago, ITB Asia, which takes place annually in Singapore, has established itself as the leading B2B event for the Asian travel market. With just under 800 exhibitors from over 70 countries and around 9,650 participants from 110 countries, this trade show and conference

points the way forward for Asia’s tourism industry. Over 5,000 accredited journalists from 76 countries and around 450 bloggers from 34 countries reported on ITB Berlin. Politicians and diplomats from Germany and abroad were present at the show. In addition to 110 delegations, 72 ministers, 11 state secretaries and 45 ambassadors from around the world visited ITB Berlin. The next ITB Berlin will take place from Wednesday, 7 to 11 March 2018. The event was also the venue to announce the 2017 National Geographic World Legacy Awards winners and finalists. Under the category Earth Changers — (recognising cutting-edge leadership in environmentally friendly business practices and green technology, from renewable energy and water conservation to zero-waste systems and carbon-emission reduction), the winner was Cayuga Collection, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Cover Story ITB Berlin 2017 The committee noted that this innovative hotel collection combines stateof-the art sustainability with experiential travel at eight unique properties in Central America. Reduction and monitoring of energy, water, waste, composting, recycling, and other earth-friendly initiatives inspire staff and guests to make green practices part of their own lives. Innovative practices also include eliminating plastic waste (at Cayuga, even drinking straws are reusable bamboo), and guests join popular behindthe-scene tours to learn how sustainability directly touches their vacation experience.

Among the finalists of this category, India also had a presence. Apart from Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, Ecuador, ITC Hotels, India made it to the final list. Under the category Sense of Place — (recognising excellence in enhancing sense of place and authenticity, including support for the protection of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions), the winner was City of Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. The findings state that the oldest state capital in America considers safeguarding its rich heritage a duty and a passion. The historic downtown and surrounding area protect archaeological sites and cultural authenticity, including the Santa Fe Indian Market, now almost 8

100 years old and still going strong. Santa Fe’s annual festivals and events place Native American, Spanish, and Anglo heritage front and center, while strong sustainability initiatives also bring the past into the future. Adventure Canada, Canada and Awamaki, Peru were among the finalists. Conserving the Natural World, the third category (recognising outstanding support for the preservation of nature, restoring natural habitat and protecting rare and endangered species, whether on land or in the oceans) winner was North Island, Seychelles. “With the Seychelles Islands known as the Galapagos of the East, this luxury eco-resort’s innovative Noah’s Ark project has successfully reintroduced some of the Seychelles’ rarest and most endangered species back to nature as part of their restoration of native habitat on the former plantation island. Biologists on site monitor all aspects of the island’s ecology, contributing to greater global understanding of migration patterns, sea temperatures, and the impacts of climate change in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The finalists included Mark Thornton Safaris, Tanzania and Misool, Indonesia. The winner of next category- Engaging Communities was The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize. The award recognises the efforts for direct and tangible economic and social benefits that improve local livelihoods, including training and

capacity building, fair wages and benefits, community development, health care and education. The findings proved that Belize’s pioneer jungle lodge demonstrates that putting local people first benefits employees, villagers, and its own bottom line. The Lodge provides economic benefits to community projects across the nation, directing 10 percent of all room revenue to support social and environmental programs. They offer annual training and workshops to promote career development, and sponsor an Environmental Outreach Program, a free Eco-Kids summer camp, and scholarships and internships for local students. Andaman Discoveries, Thailand and Chambok Community Based EcoTourism/ Mlup Baitong, Cambodia made it into the final list. The final category Destination Leadership which recognises destination leadership, including cities, provinces, states, countries and regions that are demonstrating environmental best practices, protection of cultural and natural heritage, benefits to local communities and educating

travelers on the principles of sustainability saw Slovenian Tourist Board, Slovenia as the winner. With nearly 60 percent of its land protected, the country of Slovenia has successfully laid the foundation to become one of the world’s most sustainable destinations. The Tourist Board unifies all stewardship initiatives through its Green Scheme, which sets guidelines and provides tools for monitoring sustainability progress, instilling a culture of continual improvement in the country’s tourism efforts based upon benefiting local

communities, protecting cultural heritage and saving nature, including revitalising rural areas and creating authentic travel experiences for visitors helped Slovenia Tourist Board to secure this award. The finalists included the Riverwind Foundation/ Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Wyoming, USA and Segera Retreat, Kenya. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

Around the world

Explore Madaba Art - Mosaic Jordan’s Madaba city houses several masterpieces of art made by nothing else but mosaics of Tourism. The only project of its kind in the Middle East, the Institute trains artisans in the art of making, repairing and restoring mosaics. Several neighboring houses built on Byzantine mosaic floors in Madaba were purchased by the Department of Antiquities to form the core of a museum for the city. The site was opened in 1987.

adaba, “the City of Mosaics”, located in Central Jordan is best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, and is home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. With two million pieces of coloured stone, the map depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta.

The Madaba Mosaic Map covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The church was built in 1896 AD, over the remains of a much earlier 6th century Byzantine church. The mosaic panel enclosing the Map was originally around 15.6 X 6m, 94 sq.m., only about a quarter of which is preserved. In line with Jordan’s commitment to restoring

and preserving its mosaic masterpieces, Madaba’s extensive Archaeological Park and Museum complex encompasses the remains of several Byzantine churches, including the outstanding mosaics of the Church of the Virgin and the Hyppolytus Hall, part of a 6th century mansion. Other mosaic masterpieces found in the Church of the Virgin and the Apostles and the Archaeological Museum, depict a rampant profusion of flowers and plants, birds and fish, animals and exotic beasts, as well as scenes from mythology and everyday pursuits of hunting, fishing and farming. Literally, hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th through the 7th centuries are scattered throughout Madaba’s churches and homes. Close to the Church of the Virgin is the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration, which operates under the patronage of the Ministry

A number of mosaics from Hesban, Ma’in Qastal, and Mount Nebo are on display in the open courtyard of the museum, along with a collection of lonian and Corinthian capitals, and a number of

Byzantine collonettes and altars. The museum also houses several collections of pottery, glass from Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. An important collection of Islamic pottery and bronze vessels found inside a room of the Umm AlWalid was conserved at the Institute of Conservation in Geneva and is now on display in Madaba. There is also a collection of silver Ptolemaic coins from Muraba’ at Musa and a collection of gold Umayyad dinars.

Mosaic sites are found surrounding Madaba at Ma’in, Hesban, Siyagha, Mukhayyat, Masuh, Mukawir, Nitel, Jamil, and, most importantly, at Umm Ar-Rasas (ancient Kastron Mefaa) with its fourteen churches, most of which date to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The most famous, however, is the Church of St. Stephen dated to the Abbasid period (8th century AD).

Umm Ar-Rasas – A UNESCO World Heritage Site To the east of Madaba is Umm Ar-Rasas, a very ancient site that is mentioned in both the Old

and New Testaments of the Bible. The rectangular walled city is mostly in ruins but does still include several buildings, as well as four churches and some beautiful stone arches. The main attraction is outside the city walls within the Church of St. Stephen, which contains a very large, perfectly preserved mosaic floor laid down in 718 AD. It portrays fifteen major cities of the Holy Land from both east and west of the River Jordan. This magnificent mosaic is second only to Madaba’s world famous mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

PATA Asia Pacific

PATA Asia Pacific visitor forecasts 2017-2021 The much awaited PATA Asia Pacific visitor forecasts 2017-2021 is out. The leading voice and authority on travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region, PATA predicts a growth of 5 percent per annum in 2017-2021in Asia Pacific tourism (17.5%) and then Europe (11.0%). While the Pacific had the strongest annual growth rate as a supplier of foreign arrivals (6.1%), this was off a relatively small absolute base of arrivals; the conversion to an actual increase in volume a little over 861,000.

or several decades the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has published forecasts of international visitor demand across a range of destinations within the Asia Pacific region. The report, to be released in April, contains forecasts for international visitor arrivals to 39 destinations within the region for the period 2017 to 2021. It is important to note that the PATA forecasts relate to visitor arrivals as opposed to tourists (overnight visitors). This is done to consider the many near-border flows across the region that have a significant economic impact. Not every Asia Pacific destination is included, mainly because of data limitations or timing. However, the destinations that are covered by these

March 2017 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

forecasts account for around 98 percent of the total inbound foreign arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations, as reported by PATA. The forecasting unit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) has been working for some time with PATAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) to refine and further develop the forecasts to improve accuracy and reliability. It comes as no surprise therefore to note that, over the last several years, when the forecasts have been compared to the actual arrival counts, the difference has been just one per cent. The integrity and robustness of these forecasts at the aggregate level is extremely high.

Expectations for 2016 Based on year-to-date data and the forecasts for

2016, current estimates are that the destinations as covered in the forecast report will return a combined inbound count in excess of 595 million foreign inbound arrivals. This would represent an annual growth rate of 3.4 percent on 2015 results and an annual volume increase of more than 19.6 million additional foreign arrivals. The level of growth differs markedly across each of the Asia Pacific regions, depending on the metric used. Annual percentage growth, for example, ranges from a high of 6.8 percent to a low of 3.2 percent while the annual volume gain is clearly favouring the Asian destinations, as shown in Figure 1. The origin market profile was dominated by the Asian source markets in 2016 (64.2% relative share), followed by the Americas

Asian source markets had both a strong annual growth rate (5.2%) and a large numeric base of arrivals so that the increase in foreign arrivals between 2015 and 2016 equated to more than 19 million. This represents 97 percent of the net gain in additional foreign arrivals between 2015 and 2016. There was significant variation in the dominant suppliers into each of the Asia Pacific regions however, with intraregional flows for example, accounting for 58 percent of arrivals into the Americas (Americas to the Americas), and 82.6 percent of arrivals into Asia (Asia to Asia). In both cases the intraregional flows showed the strongest numeric gains in foreign arrivals in 2016, relative to 2015. The Pacific region breaks this intra-regional dominance trend with the majority of foreign arrivals coming from Asia (37.1%), followed by the Americas (31.1%). Once again, both those origin regions supplied the greatest absolute increase in foreign arrivals into the Pacific in 2016, although the intra-regional gains were 11

PATA Asia Pacific

not far behind those of the Americas into the Pacific. At the sub-regional level it was once again all Asia with intra-regional flows in each of Northeast and Southeast Asia generating significant increases in absolute volume of arrivals between 2015 and 2016 as well as flows from Northeast Asia into Southeast Asia and vice-versa. The European source markets were generally strong into most of the Asia Pacific sub-regions with the obvious exception of West Asia, specifically Turkey. The strongest European numeric growth came from West, North and East Europe into Southeast Asia, but these increases were only just sufficient to cover the loss in arrivals from Europe into West Asia (-7.331 million). The result is that the overall flows from Europe into Asia Pacific were marginal for the year, relative to 2015. The strongest individual European markets in 12

2016 were the UK and the Russian Federation into Southeast Asia, both of which increased their relative arrivals count into the sub-regional destination by more than a quarter of a million. These were followed by Germany, France and Spain which increased substantially their arrivals into Southeast Asia and Central America.

The average annual growth rate of five percent for Asia Pacific destinations is driven largely by the 5.8 percent average growth rate into Asia which, by 2021, will account for over threequarters of all foreign arrivals into the Asia Pacific destinations.

numbering in excess of 300 million in that year.

At this time (2021), Asia will generate more than half a billion of the foreign arrivals into Asia Pacific, constituting more than two-thirds of the total because of its consistently high average annual growth rate between 2016 and 2021.

Southeast and Northeast Asia also see significant arrivals from Europe, especially from West and East Europe.

Over the five-year forecast period to 2021, foreign arrivals into the Asia Pacific destinations are expected to grow at an average rate of five percent per annum, reaching a combined foreign inbound count of close to 758 million.

The Americas and Europe will also be significant generators of foreign arrivals, the former numbering a little under 117 million by 2021 and Europe totalling over 76 million.

By the start of the next decade the Americas (as defined in this report) will be receiving 156 million foreign arrivals annually while Asia can expect to receive over 573 million. The Pacific is forecast to receive over 28 million foreign arrivals annually.

The intra-regional flows within Northeast and Southeast Asia, as well as the bi-directional flows across these two sub-regions, will continue to dominate the growth pattern in 2021 with the Northeast Asia-toNortheast Asia flows alone

Potential for 2021

The origin markets of West, North and East Europe will grow into the Asia Pacific over the forecast period. However, it is West Europe that will lead the way with an estimated volume into the Americas of almost 9.5 million arrivals in 2021. West Asia is expected to see a return to growth in 2021 with West, East and North Europeans in showing substantial volumes into that destination in 2021. (Note: Turkey is the only destination in the West Asia grouping for which forecasts are available).

Dr. Mario Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of PATA, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The importance of the Asia Pacific region, both as a receiver and a generator of international arrivals, has been evident for some time and the momentum certainly appears to be holding over the next five

years. With the maturing of many Asian source markets, destinations beyond the Asia Pacific region are also being increasingly explored. However, these destinations need to be ready to deliver a service that the increasingly sophisticated Asian traveller has already experienced in Asia and is now seeking in destinations further afieldâ&#x20AC;?. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

GO USA

Incredible U.S. Spots to

Stop and See the Stars Gaze the stars at this wonderful locations at USA and satisfy the inner astronomer in you

n absolute darkness, gazing up at the brilliance of the universe can be a humbling, enlightening experience. Yet the volume and intensity of most major cities’ lights make worthwhile stargazing difficult, if not nearly impossible. Here are five U.S. locales, from a tropical island to the arctic wilds, where dark skies and vast star fields await your inner astronomer.

243 kilometers by car from Albuquerque, New Mexico, you’ll marvel at brilliant constellations, planets and galaxies amid pure darkness, Mauna Kea, Hawaii as the site’s Ancestral Puebloan people did 1,000 years ago. Many of the Chaco civilization’s stone buildings were constructed to align with solar and lunar cycles, giving today’s impressive ruins an astronomical tie to the prehistoric past. Evening

Death Valley National Park, California

Mauna Kea, Hawaii

On the Big Island, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico as the island of Hawaii is known in Night Sky Programs include the Pacific Ocean state of a peek through the small Hawaii, the 4,207-meter summit of dormant volcano Chaco Observatory’s 635-millimeter telescope. Mauna Kea is virtually free of light pollution Denali National Park & and crowned with one Preserve, Alaska of the planet’s premier The park’s wild, isolated observatories. It’s also the location, 386 kilometers only place in the U.S. you north of Anchorage, Alaska, can see the entire Southern makes it a fine stargazing Cross constellation. spot. But it’s Denali‘s high Your destination will be latitude that earns it a the Maunakea Visitor well-deserved reputation Information Station at the volcano’s 2,800-meter level. This facility offers a nightly Star Gazing Program that includes peering through public telescopes.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

At this desert archaeological park, located

March 2017 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

as a stellar place to view the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. The colorful phenomenon — curtains of green, red, blue and violet light waving across the night sky — occurs when solar winds mingle with Earth’s magnetic fields and atmosphere to put on a dazzling spectacle. Plan your visit between September and April, when darkness abounds and auroral activity is more frequent, and make sure to pack warm layers.

Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Famed for its fantastic geology and extreme heat, Death Valley also boasts some of the country’s darkest skies courtesy of a remote desert location near the

border of Western states California and Nevada. About 193 kilometers from the casino lights of Las Vegas, you’ll find an expansive horizon and a sky typically clear of clouds. Travelers can lodge at one of the park’s two small tourist developments, Furnace Creek or

Stovepipe Wells, but should drive to dark spots like the Badwater Basin or Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for the best stargazing. From October through April, join a park ranger-guided Moon & Star Program.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

A mere 293 kilometers from the big-city lights of

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, exceptional darkness and a dome of stars envelop this wooded wilderness perched at an elevation of 700 meters. A clearing among the park’s namesake cherry trees, the Astronomy Observation Field attracts telescopetoting star watchers from all over the Eastern U.S. Registration and a fee are necessary to access the field, but the Night Sky Viewing Area, opposite from the field, requires neither. In optimum viewing conditions, the Milky Way galaxy shines so bright as to cast your shadow on the ground. Meteor showers, such as the Perseids in August, and the park’s popular events draw large crowds.

NEWSLINE

CIAL commissioned new international terminal; T3 National High way to the airport and the solar capacity enhancement; the first phase of which was inaugurated on the same day, was done to maintain the power neutrality of the airport, as CIAL is the first airport in the world fully operated on solar power.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated three mega projects at Cochin International airport on Saturday, the 11th March 2017. After opening the new international terminal; T3, newly built 4.3-km road and capacity augmentation of the solar plant, the Chief Minister said Kerala would soon become home to four well-managed international airports. With a peak hour passenger handling capacity of 4000 and 25 lakh SFT parking bay, the sprawling T3 is expected to double the airport’s capacity to operate international flights. The existing road was renovated to four-lane to smoothen the connectivity from

After unveiling the plaque of four-lane road, Chief Minister turned up at the arrival pier of T3, bay no 21, where he was to receive the first passenger. The jet airways flight 9W533, the first one to be facilitated at T3, from Muscat landed at 4.25 pm. As per tradition a 90 minute water salute was give by the ARFF’s Evaco Magirus fire tenders, following which the filght fast docked at the aerobridge. Chief Minister received the first passenger, Mr.Anand and a memento dotting the event was given. All passengers and crew were given a red carpet welcome by CIAL. Following the arrival pier function, Chief Minister unveiled the plaques of solar capacity enhancement and the commissioning of T3 followed by a public function. Chief Minister

Said, in his inaugural address that CIAL had broken the concept of ‘privatising profits and socialising losses’. “As the airport company grew over the years, the local community also benefited. The corporate social responsibility programmes implemented by CIAL is commendable and the Government is really indebted to the company to for helping it to execute many such programmes around the airport “- Chief Minister said. “The Kannur airport is expected to be ready for commercial operation in six months. After maintenance works at the Kozhikode airport completed, the state government requested the Director General of Civil Aviation to grant permission for operation of large aircraft. We are expecting a favourable response from the authorities concerned,” said Pinarayi. “The successful implementation of infrastructure projects by the CIAL encouraged the government to launch more such projects, like the Kannur airport,” he said. The `850-crore international terminal is

envisaged to cater to the needs of air passengers in the next 20 years.The existing domestic terminal will now be shifted to the present international terminal, which in turn will be used for operation of business flights. The new terminal has centralised air conditioning system, 10 escalators, 21 elevators, three moving walkways, 33,000 sqft space for duty-free shops, 3,000 surveillance cameras, 700 fire detectors, 10 aero-bridges and modern baggage handling facility. It has a 100-percent LED lighting system. Capacity of the solar power plant at the CIAL is being augmented by 6MW, considering the additional energy requirement after commissioning of the new terminal. The original capacity of 15.5MW is sufficient only for the two old terminals. The first phase of capacity augmentation of the solar plant will be done spending `30 crore, and is expected to be completed by May this year. The new road and ROB, constructed at a cost of `98 crore, have reduced the distance to the airport from NH by one km.

Aster forays into Sports Medicine with two advanced centres in Kerala Aster DM Healthcare, has unveiled two Sports Medicine Centres in Kerala marking its foray into the burgeoning Sports Medicine services in India. Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar along with Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman & Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, inaugurated the Centre for Sports Medicine & Advanced Rehabilitation at Aster MIMS, Kozhikode and the Centre for Sports Medicine & Advanced Rehabilitations at Aster 14

Medcity, Kochi. Strategically located in the Northern and Central parts of Kerala, these Centres will provide comprehensive, advanced, multi-disciplinary sports medicine facilities. Aster DM Healthcare will cater to elite professionals as well as amateur sportspersons along with people interested in sports for fitness and health, who are seeking specialized attention through these centres. The Sports Medicine industry in India is estimated to touch

USD.554.2 million by 2022 from USD 201.7 million in 2015 (Data Bridge Market Research). This market is only partly served by service organisations like enduser hospitals, orthopedic clinics, ambulatory surgical centers and others.

the art medical equipment and affordable treatment cost. These Centres will support and encourage the emergence of world class sportsmen, nurturing their talent and keeping them fit and healthy as they train to compete in the global arena.

These Centres for Sports Medicine in Aster facilities are the first of their kind in the state of Kerala, equipped with medical professionals regarded to be among the leaders in their respective fields, the latest treatment methods, state of

Comprehensive services provided by these Centres, will cover the entire gamut of Sports Medicine including medical and surgical treatment for injuries and illnesses related to sports and physical activity. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

Further, physical fitness assessments, injury management, injury prevention, performance enhancement, elite athlete assessment, sports behavioural and nutrition analysis will also be provided. These Centres will also work with nonathletes, offering both comprehensive diagnostic and therapy options. Commenting on the launch of Sports Medicine centre, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said, “The efforts of Aster DM Healthcare to invest and develop Sports Medicine centres in two of their facilities in Kerala are commendable. Aster’s holistic approach by including psychological rehabilitation and behavioral analysis to Sports Medicine discipline augurs well for any sportsperson facing an injury or discomfort. The development of Sports medicine centres in this part of the country will reduce the efforts and expenditure for many former, present and budding sports persons and is a great service for the sporting fabric of the nation.” “Sports persons across the country are under served in

terms of their off-field requirements especially during periods of injury and fitness issues. The Sports Medicine Centres in Aster facilities is an effort to partially address this critical gap and encourage our present and budding sports persons. I also believe that our experienced specialists with the latest treatment methods and modern medical equipment will attract sports persons not just from the region but from across the country and beyond,” added Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman & Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare. “The state of Kerala has always been a sporting state and these comprehensive Centres are designed to support and encourage the emergence of superlative talent and keeping the sports persons fit and healthy as they train and compete. As a commitment to support potential talent, Aster DM Healthcare is offering 12 youngsters from Kerala all requisite support in medical requirements as we nurture them into tomorrow’s sports stars,” added Dr. Harish Pillai, CEO of Aster Medcity & Cluster Head, Kerala.

March 2017 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

IITM 2017

Kolkata hosts ‘India International Travel Mart 2017’ India’s premier travel and tourism exhibition India International Travel Mart Kolkata 2017 edition starts with a bright note 1998, is India’s premier Travel and Tourism Exhibition. The forthcoming edition of ‘IITM’ is in its Inaugural year at Kolkata will have over 125 participants from fifteen Indian states and five countries.

he Kolkata edition of ‘India International Travel Mart’ was inaugurated by AB Bardhan IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Govt of West Bengal on March 3rd 2017. The theme of this edition was ‘Summer Holidays’ with the tagline- Travel the country… See the world! With this year’s edition of ‘IITM’ in Kolkata, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., completes 18 years of creating business opportunities for the Hospitality, travel and Tourism industry from India and abroad. ‘India International Travel Mart’, at present is being organised in key source markets of Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Cochin and now at Kolkata. ‘India International Travel Mart’ established in

Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia added “With the present ongoing recession International Arrivals in India has dropped and ‘India International Travel Mart’ provided the right impetus to the Indian domestic tourism industry. The participants from the states and Union Territories as diverse as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Lakshadweep Islands, Bihar & Jharkhand etc and many more destinations will be seen marketing their products”. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travel Media said, “India in spite of the present business environment is fast emerging as one of the most interesting and productive countries for the travel trade industry both for leisure and business travel. A combination of factors is responsible for the growth and demand of travel trends from India.

Dates: 3 – 5 March 2017 Venue: Milan Mela Trade Centre, Opp Science City Timings: 11.00 a.m - 7.00 p.m The visitor profile is on a B2B & B2C format like and will have over 15,000 visitors over three days”. Tourism Studies and Trends indicate that the year 2017 – 18 will see more than 20 million tourists embanking on overseas travel and with the advent of low cost international airfares, holiday packages that are available on monthly installments payable over a period of time, International Travel is no longer a luxury. Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., is India’s leading Travel media companies with established brands for the Indian travel and tourism industry such as ‘India International Travel Mart’ – India’s premier Travel and Tourism Exhibition and ‘Outbound Travel Roadshow’ – India’s only Multi – Destination Buyer – Seller Meet & ‘Business Travel & Meetings Expo’ – The Corporate Travel, Incentive and Conference Exhibition’.

& Andhra Pradesh are the Feature States at the event. •

Other state being represented include Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh Tourism, Punjab, Kerala, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa etc

•

Travel Agent and Hotelier delegation from Jammu & Kashmir are looking at wooing the West Bengal travel market for the coming summer season.

•

Special Packages to over 100 destinations

•

More than 100 hotels and resorts are participating from all over India, making it one of the most diverse ranges of hospitality products in the country on display.

•

Diverse Tourism segments are on display such as Pilgrimage Travel, Adventure, Cultural pursuits, shopping tours, etc.

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More than 20% increase in Exhibitor space.

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Footfalls of over 15,000 discerning Holiday seekers expected.

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Oyo Rooms is the Platinum Hospitality Partner.

Highlights •

•

The event is being organised in association with ‘West Bengal Tourism’. The event has than 15 state tourism departments participating, making it one of the highlights of the travel industry in the country. Gujarat Tourism is the ‘Partner State’ at the Event. Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra

Special Offers •

Attractive discounts on offer for Spot Bookings.

•

The Visitor Profile is on a B2B & B2C format.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

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NEWSLINE

Thomas Cook India launches unique “Theme Park Tours” to focus on this high potential segment

Kids: The protagonists

its Hollywood and Bollywood theme parks; Korea’s Everland with its impressive parades, rides, gardens and firework displays; and of course the sheer diversity of Disneyland in France, Hong Kong and USA.

Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head Leisure Travel, MICE, Thomas Cook (India) They decide where to holiday Insights from Thomas Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “With children Cook India’s survey also Ltd. India’s leading emerging as clear decision revealed that the influence integrated travel and travel makers in family holidays, of children extended related financial services we were strategic in right from the choice of company announced a selecting Theme Parks as destination/s, to Peer the various strategic focus on children pressure the hero of our series, to experiences included. - India’s powerful new engage and delight India’s segment of holiday decision Theme parks registered children.” Pester power number 1 on their “must-do” makers. To leverage this He added, “Our Theme strongly emerging potential, favourites. Park Tours are a great the company has launched Thomas Cook India’s an engaging series of way for the entire family ‘Theme Parks’ portfolio ‘Theme Park Tours’, a What parents want to cherish wonderful was hence conceptualised unique concept designed memories together. to leverage this high to delight children with fun While a large part of the potential segment and and exciting experiences activities are aimed at kids, features attractions, rides centred around themeamusement parks have now and shows across a range of parks across the globe. evolved into all-inclusive international destinations, including exciting elements holiday destinations with While traditionally hotels, spas and a host like getting up close and it has been parents who of facilities included. We personal with penguins, have played a key role in dolphins or pandas at Ocean believe that the Theme Park holiday plans, it is now Park, Hong Kong; Universal Tours by Thomas Cook the child who is emerging Studios Singapore’s thrilling India will offer a delightful as a protagonist in family Transformers and Battlestar combination of adventure vacations and this fact & thrills while also ensuring Galactica experiences was highlighted by an much needed family or Toyland paradise at internal study conducted bonding time” Legoland, Malaysia; by Thomas Cook India, adrenalin infused rides at indicating that: 1) Families Featured Theme Parks: Ferrari World and family comprise a major share at 55% of Thomas Cook India’s fun at Yas Water World, Abu Singapore Dhabi; a magical experience holiday consumer base 2) Universal Studios – The Parents admit that it is their of re-living your favourite only movie based theme Harry Potter moments or children who now are the park in South East Asia a tour of the Warner Bros decision makers for family Malaysia Studios in London and vacations 3)The combined Legoland Theme Park breakfast with a favourite force of peer pressure and Genting Theme Park character like Scooby-Doo; ‘pester power’, is a powerful Hong Kong Gold Coast, Australia’s driver in holiday decisions. Ocean Park - a marine triple delight of Sea World, 4) Keeping children mammal park, oceanarium, Movie World and Dream engaged is key to ensuring animal theme park and World; Dubai Parks & a relaxed time for family amusement park Resorts’ movie magic via bonding while on holiday.

55%

Kids

Theme park tours

Popular destinations

Hong Kong Disneyland – Covering 7 sections Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land.

Dubai

IMG Worlds of adventure featuring Cartoon Network & Marvel - largest temperature controlled indoor themed entertainment destination in the world. Dubai Parks & Resort, an integrated leisure and theme park destination featuring Motion gate – Largest Hollywood inspired theme park in Middle East offer an immersive, thrilling journey into the world of film including DreamWorks, Columbia Pictures, Smurfs, and Lionsgate. Bollywood Parks - the first theme park in the world dedicated to all things Bollywood!

Abu Dhabi

Yas Island – Ferrari World and Yas Water World

Europe

London - Warner Bros Studios : Harry Potter Experience Paris - Disneyland Brussels -Mini Europe

USA

Orlando – Disney World, Universal Studios, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Sea World

San Diego – Sea World

Los Angeles - Universal Studios Hollywood

Australia

Gold Coast – Movie World with Fire4 hire , Dream World, Sea World with helicopter ride Sydney - Wet’n’Wild Sydney

Korea

South Korea – Everland and Lotte World

ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

NEWSLINE

Aviareps commences operations in Azerbaijan & Georgia AVIAREPS, the global leader in tourism, aviation and hospitality representation, has expanded its international market presence with the opening of an office in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku. The new office is responsible for conducting General Sales Agent (GSA), marketing, PR and trade promotion activities for airlines, destinations, tourism services and other representative activities for both the markets of Azerbaijan and neighbouring Georgia. The Baku office becomes the 61st office within the AVIAREPS group, and extends the AVIAREPS network to 46 countries worldwide. Azerbaijan as an outbound travel market has seen significant growth in recent years and is forecast to grow further. With a population of 9.9

million, Azerbaijan is the 4th largest economy in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In 2016 over 5.1 million outbound trips were taken by Azerbaijanis, making it an attractive emerging market with numerous opportunities for airlines, tourism authorities and retail attractions to increase their arrival numbers and mix, as well as visitor expenditure. Says Edgar Lacker, Chief Executive Officer, AVIAREPS: “Azerbaijan, as a dynamic emerging market, has long been in the sights of our international clients. With our new office opened and specialised team in place, we are extremely proud and excited to become part of the Azerbaijan and Georgia corporate landscapes. Through our new Baku office, we look

forward to not only providing our clients with the professional support and expertise for them to grow in these markets, but also to reach out to Azerbaijani entities and corporations to further expand Edgar Lacker Ayan Zeynalova their international Country Manager is Ms. footprint through the Ayan Zeynalova, who has AVIAREPS global network.” a Bachelor’s degree from Located in the largest the Azerbaijan Tourism and busiest business center Institute and from the of Baku, in the Khatai Krems University in Austria, district, the new AVIAREPS specialised in Tourism office is minutes away from and Leisure Management. the city center and from the Her professional acumen world-famous Heydar Aliyev also includes previous Center. The AVIAREPS positions at the Azerbaijan Azerbaijan office opens its Convention Bureau, where doors already as the General she was focused on the Sales Agents (GSA) for two promotion of Azerbaijan clients, including Singapore internationally, as well as Airlines (starting April 2017) specialising in Meetings, and AVIS Rent a Car. Incentives, Conferences, Heading the AVIAREPS Exhibitions (MICE) Azerbaijan office as development.

Hospitality news

Soori Bali re-launched under new lifestyle brand we designed it, we built it and now, we run it too,” Soo Chan said. “For Ling and I, Soori Bali is as much a state of mind as it is a worldclass resort; it’s a peaceful, spiritual, healing and reenergising place.”

In the first bold move under his new lifestyle brand Soori, renowned architect Soo K. Chan has re-launched his beachfront resort, set between a volcanic sand beach and rice fields in Bali’s Tabanan Regency, as the ultimate wellbeing destination. The re-launch of Soori Bali, which has just joined Leading Hotels of the World, marks the first in a series of major developments to be rolled out under the Soori brand. Soori High Line, a residence opening in New York City’s West Chelsea, and Soori Niseko, a forthcoming ski resort in Japan, will underscore Soori’s philosophy of “living exceptionally well through holistic design”. Each of Soori Bali’s 48 private pool villas and residences are in the midst of refreshment. Soori Bali will soon introduce a new Indonesian restaurant, moored in a traditional wooden Balinese house amid the resort’s rice fields. Late 2017, Soori Bali will expand its vast helipad lawn

on the 10-bedroom Soori Estate totaling 5,250 square metres, culminating in the unveiling of a cantilevered platform jutting over the Indian Ocean. Soori Spa’s offerings are being significantly expanded, in line with the resort’s vision of being Bali’s premier well-being destination promoting a more harmonious and sustainable way of life. A team of onsite practitioners and visiting wellness experts will offer physical alignment and massage therapies, acupuncture, meditation, neurotherapy, and longevity procedures among many other bespoke techniques, while special retreats will be hosted throughout the year by visiting international wellness experts. Designed, owned and operated independently by Soo Chan, founder of Singapore-based SCDA Architects, and his wife Ling Fu, Soori Bali was conceived as the family’s private vacation home. But the setting was so compelling, and the feng shui such an overwhelming experience, they expanded their original vision from a private retreat to a more public experience. “What is unique about Soori Bali is that we own it,

Situated near Tanah Lot Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bali’s most sacred places, the environmentally and culturally sustainable resort melds soothing natural surrounds with contemporary Balinese design elements, polished teak, and intricate terracotta tiles created by local artisans. Soo Chan said Soori Bali’s award-winning architecture drew inspiration from nearby villages and a stunning natural landscape. A dormant volcano, Mount Batukaru, towers in the near distance. Volcanic stone abounds in the region, so much so that Soo quarried light grey stone from nearby sources as the foundation for the resort’s buildings. A product of Soo Chan’s pioneering architectural style, Soori Bali blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. Myriad pools and courtyards open up spaces and promote natural light and crossventilation. The EarthCheck-certified resort minimizes its carbon footprint through its design as well as a host of measures including reduced energy consumption, water conservation, waste management and use of organic products. The hotel’s expansive facilities include an

infinity pool, gymnasium, library, spa, helipad, two gourmet restaurants, leisure concierge and butler service, and roundthe-clock room service. The 10-room Soori Estate comes with its own infinity pool, gym, spa, kitchen, chauffeur-driven car and private butler. Soori Bali will be joined by the opening of Soori High Line. A boutique residence by the famed High Line Park in West Chelsea, Soori High Line is comprised of 31 one to five-bedroom units, marrying crafted luxury with the pleasures of resort style living. Also designed and developed by Soo Chan, Soori High Line will welcome its first residents in early 2018 and will be joined by the forthcoming

ski resort Soori Niseko, currently under design. Set on the edge of the ocean between the Batukaru Mountain and terraced rice fields, Soori Bali is a hidden refuge, rejuvenating and peaceful; it is Bali as it should be. Designed, owned and operated by renowned architect Soo K. Chan and his wife Ling Fu, the resort prioritises environmental and cultural sustainability. Crafted out of local materials, Soori Bali maintains a true sense of place. Keeping things pure, its restaurants use fresh produce from nearby farms and spices from its own garden; the resort’s spa uses only the highest quality organic products. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

NEWSLINE

Fun times await at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore Let your next family holiday inspire your children with the Fun Times Await package by Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Available from 1 March to October 2017, the package includes accommodation in one of the hotel’s wellappointed City Suite rooms, an exclusive baking class by our award-winning pastry chefs and an exciting learning experience at Singapore’s latest indoor theme park for children, located on the island resort of Sentosa. Parents can relax while the children learn to make delectable pastries with a pastry chef at the patisserie counter of Melt Café. On completion, the pastries will be beautifully packaged to be enjoyed with the whole family. End the day on a high note with a leisurely trip to KidZania Singapore which promises a fun-filled adventure for all. Here, children are encouraged to dream big. Combining interactive activities with realistic role-playing, younger fans can independently explore this child-sized city and be whoever they want to be – a

Chef, Pilot, Banker, Surgeon or even a Firefighter. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is one of the world’s foremost luxury hotels. It is the only hotel in the city that has been awarded Five-Star status for both accommodation and spa in the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide for five consecutive years (2012 to 2016). This awardwinning property has a prime location, close to the financial hub with easy access to luxury boutiques and entertainment venues, and minutes away from Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. The hotel features an impressive atrium lobby with 527 rooms and suites. There is a premium Oriental Club Lounge, an indulgent and intimate spa, extensive meeting and banqueting facilities, five renowned restaurants and two lounges overlooking the spectacular Marina Bay. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and

residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 29 hotels and eight residences in 19 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development, with the next hotel opening planned in Doha. Mandarin Oriental is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group. The Fun Times Await family package includes: •

Two nights’ accommodation in a luxurious City Suite inclusive of two rollaway beds

•

Delicious welcome chocolate in-room amenity

•

International breakfast delights at MELT Café

for two adults and two children aged 12 years and below •

An exclusive baking class for two children aged 7 to 17 years

•

Admission tickets to KidZania Singapore for two adults and two children aged 4 to 17 years

Valid for a minimum of two nights’ stay from 1 March to October 2017, room rates start at SGD 1,250 per night for double occupancy. For room reservations and enquiries, please visit www. mandarinoriental.com, e-mail mosin-reservations@ mohg.com or call +65 6885 3030. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government tax.

Hong Kong Tourism Board honours top MICE Agents in India Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) – the dedicated MICE division of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) honoured the top MICE agents in India, who contributed to bringing meeting and incentive groups to Hong Kong in year 2016. The awards were given in three categories i.e.,

Top 10 M&I Producers, Best New Comers and Best M&I Year-on-year Growth. MEHK had announced its Hong Kong Top Agent Award Programme in January 2016 with an objective to acknowledge the contribution of its valued trade partners in promoting the M&I segment and in total 16 agencies were recognised on the night. Cox & Kings topped the list alongside Thomas Cook and Akbar Travels in the Top 10 M&I Producers category and the

awards were given away by Peter Hoslin, Regional Director – Europe and New Markets, HKTB at a function hosted by HKTB in Delhi. On the occasion, Peter congratulated agents for their support in bringing both MICE and Leisure travel to HK, said that “India is one of the important source markets for Hong Kong and witnessed an increase in MICE arrivals to the tune of 54,719 pax, 10.9% over last year.” “Hong Kong is one of the leading MICE destinations connected to 6 Indian cities with nonstop flights. We are sure

that India will be one of the growth engines for MICE tourism in Hong Kong for years to come” he added. The Top 10 M&I Producers are in order: Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook, Akbar Holidays, SOTC, Zenith Holidays, Shah Travels, Orbit Tours, T4 Initiatives Pvt Ltd, Kesari MICE and Cats & MICE. The Best New Comers are Uniglobe ATB, Leisure Corp and Travel Clinic. The Best M & I Year-onyear Growth are FCM Travel Solutions, International Travel House and Travel & You.

Kerala Tourism

Kerala Tourism to introduce river cruise

odeled on the highly successful backwater cruise at Alappuzha and Kumarakom, the Tourism Department of Kerala is planning to introduce river cruise. The move is in view with a focus to Northern Kerala covering the rivers and backwaters of Kasargod district. This could boost the inflow of tourists into here with the upcoming international airport at Kannur. A theme-based ‘Malanadu Cruise’ is what’s in the mind of Tourism Department and links eight rivers and backwaters of Kannur and Kasargod districts. It will be a novel way to explore North Malabar’s traditional arts, culture, heritage, cuisine, martial art forms, rustic life and scenic beauty.

The Department aims to tap the tourism potential of these locations. The project worth Rs.400- crore also aims to develop a new niche tourism product for Kerala Tourism. Destination development along the 270km cruise route, generating employment to the local people and promoting handicrafts and handloom are the other aims. The 11 theme-based cruise has been chalked out based on the Chandragiri, Tejaswani, Perumba, Kuppam, Valapattnam, Anjarakkandy, and Mahe rivers and the backwaters of Valiyaparamabu and Kavvayi. The cruises — Yakshagana, River bathing and Water sports, Coastal Village, Handicraft, Mangrove, Theyyam, Malabari (Muthappan), Birds and Agri Cruise, Pazhassi Raja and Martial Arts — have been aptly named based on the unique 22

features, art forms, culture, heritage and cuisine around these rivers and waterbodies. Yakshagana and Theyyam performance and visit to Muderikadavu bird sanctuary, Ayirampara Pokkali fields, mangroves figure among the itinerary

worked out for cruise rides. Specially designed vessels with the latest safety features have also been proposed for rides. The longest cruise route of 37 km is from Munambukadavu to Valapattanam (Malabari cuisine cruise) and the Birds and agri cruise from Munderikadavu to Valapattanam, both along the Valapattanam river. The shortest 15-km cruise is from the Thekkil bridge to Thalangara along the Chandragiri tiver (Yakshagana cruise) and Martial arts cruise from Peringathur to Mahe along the Mahe river. The attempt is to take back the holidayers to the rich tradition and culture and showcase them through the novel Malanadu cruise, says architect Madhukumar who has worked out the concept. The project will be a big impetus to the tourism and infrastructure development of North Malabar and for generating employment, says Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran. The preliminary works have commenced and

Kottapuram is to be the hub of operations. Tourism planners are trying to rope in local bodies, involve peoples’ representatives and get the financial assistance from the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism.

Two new boat services allowed in Thekkady The Forest Department has given permission to the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation to operate new 120-passenger capacity boats in Thekkady. Earlier, KTDC had sought the forest department permission to

renew the lease agreement of forest land and launch two new boat services in Thekkady. Chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden have recommended to the government to give permission to start two boat services and limit their number to three with a maximum capacity of 360 seats per trip. The government granted permission to the KTDC to assemble the newly-built vessels at the boat landing area in Thekkady and make a trial run. The order also says that the lease deed should be renewed within six months. Boating is the main

attraction in Thekkady and lack of it was badly affecting the tourism sector there.

Kochi to host tourism technology meet from June 8 The International Conference on Tourism Technology (ICTT), being organised by the Association of Tourism Trade Organisation - India (ATTOI) in association with Kerala Tourism, will be held in Kochi from June 8 to 10 at Hotel Le Meridien. Experts from seven countries - Andre Chow from Singapore, Billy Taylor from New Zealand, Christopher Tock from Malaysia, Donna Moritz from Australia, Lauren Cleland from the US, Nicky Kriel from the UK and Pierre Marechal from Belgium - will be attending the conference. “Technology is all around us, and the travel and tourism sector is no exception. Using technology, such as social media platforms, tourism operators can engage with their customers and enable them to share their experiences. So, it is high time all stakeholders adapted to the changes in the sector,” said ATTOI President Anish Kumar P K. ICTT-2017 aims to help tourism operators stay abreast with latest technology through the effective use of digital platforms. Technology will help them reach out to people across the world and make their presence noticed. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

NEWSLINE

Match of Champions illustrates importance of sports tourism to Qatar

The first-ever Match of Champions attracted thousands of football fans, and is estimated to have brought over 5,000 international visitors to Qatar – particularly from the neighboring Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – and to have generated an estimated QAR 9.6 million* for the local economy. The large number of football fans that visited Qatar to attend the Match of Champions illustrates the value that sporting events can have for the tourism sector in Qatar, according to a senior Qatar

Tourism Authority (QTA) official. Commenting on the friendly between FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli SC, which took place at Doha’s Al Gharrafa Stadium on December, Rashed Al Qurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority said, “The hosting of this Match of Champions is testament to the growing strength of Qatar’s position as a destination for global sporting events and its potential to significantly contribute to the growth of the tourism sector and overall economy.” Supporters of Saudi Arabia’s Professional League champions, Al Ahli SC and Spanish giants, FC Barcelona, were able to benefit from enticing travel packages including air

travel, accommodation and match tickets created by the match host, Qatar Airways, and QTA. Identified as one of the four priority tourism sub-sectors in the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), sports tourism is defined as that which takes individuals temporarily out of their home communities to participate in sport and recreational activities, whether by competing, watching, or visiting sports associated attractions and facilities. Sports tourists also travel for sport education and sport-related business events, as well as to improve their health and well-being. Al Qurese continued, “We recognise the unique power that sport has in bringing people from around the world together in celebration of athletic excellence. With Qatar hosting a great number of

world-class competitions across a multitude of sporting disciplines, we are working closely with our partners to attract international sports tourists to visit Qatar.” Qatar also hosted the Italian Super Cup (Supercoppa Italiana) final between Juventus and AC Milan. The match, which took place on Friday 23 December at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium brought an additional boost to visitor arrivals this month, with over 3,000 tickets sold to international fans even before the match dates. The match marked the second time that the Italian Super Cup being played in the Qatari capital after Juventus took on Napoli in 2014 at the same stadium. (*This initial QAR 9.6

million estimate is based on 5,000 international visitors spending an average of 1.5 nights in Doha & QAR 1,280

each.)

VFS Global expands service network for Czech Republic, launches Visa Application Centre in Kochi The Embassy of the Czech Republic and VFS Global have launched the eleventh Czech Republic Visa Application Centre in Kochi, India, bringing access to visa application facilities for residents of Kochi in a spacious and comfortable environment. The centre was inaugurated by Mr. Martin Smolek, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and H.E. Mr. Milan Hovorka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in India and, Mayor of Municipal Corporation of Kochi, Hon. Ms. Soumini Jain on 03 March 2017. The inauguration was also attended by other key members from the Embassy and VFS Global. 24

This new centre in Kochi is centrally located at 1st Floor, Coastal Chambers (Manoj Tower), M G Road, Ravipuram, Kochi 682015, Kerala. In the last one year, Kochi is the eleventh city in India where VFS Global has launched a Visa Application Centre for the Czech Republic, to provide for the growing demands for visas to the country among Indian tourists. A day earlier, on 02 March 2017, a new Czech Republic Visa Application Centre was also launched in Jaipur, India. At the launch, HE Mr Milan Hovorka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India, said he cherished inaugurating such a centre in yet another major city in India where people can submit

their Schengen visa applications for travel to the Czech Republic by visiting VFS Global centres. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Mr Martin Smolek said he was glad to have the opportunity to inaugurate this centre. He said, “Indeed, we continue to deliver on our promises and aim to strengthen our relationship by encouraging more and more people to travel to the Czech Republic. This is not yet the end of our endeavors as we will announce the opening of additional Czech Visa Applications Centres soon.” The setting up of a eleventh visa application

centre in India in less than a year since commencement of services for the client government in India, signifies the company’s strengthening association with the Embassy of the Czech Republic. Before these centres, applicants earlier had to travel to Mumbai or Delhi to apply for Czech Republic visas. Mr Vinay Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East and South Asia, VFS Global was also present. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

NEWSLINE

UAE promotes landmarks and tourist services at OTM exhibition in India An official delegation from the UAE is participating in OTM – India’s largest travel trade show – running from Tuesday, February 21, 2017 until February 23, 2017, in Mumbai, India – under the umbrella of the Ministry of Economy. Members include representatives of various tourism departments and agencies in the UAE. The UAE is participating in the annual exhibition for the second year in a row. Its expanded pavilion is organized under the theme ‘Visit UAE’ and showcases the most popular tourist destinations across all the emirates. It also promotes tourism services and facilities, sheds light on the best options for tourism and business, shopping, therapy and cultural tourism landmarks, among others, and provides adequate tourist information to facilitate easy access to top attractions. OTM is a major regional and global event that gathers more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 60 countries. It promotes tourism cooperation and expanded access to opportunities in new and promising tourist markets, from India and various other countries participating in the show. Mohammed Khamis Al Muhairi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Adviser to the Minister for Tourism, said that after last year’s successful participation, the UAE has broadened its presence to include the various government bodies responsible for tourism in all the emirates as well as private sector representatives involved in tourism. Al Muhairi added that the UAE Pavilion is situated March 2017 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

in one of the main wings of the exhibition, further noting that like last year, the UAE was chosen as a ‘Focus Country’ due to its world-renowned tourist attractions, facilities and infrastructure. He also noted the diversity of the country’s tourism options and the development of services, as well as the presence of facilities provided for tourists from the moment they enter the country until their departure to ensure that they have a rich experience and consequently help promote Emirati tourist destinations regionally and globally. He also pointed out that India is one of the UAE’s top tourism patrons, saying that the number of Indian visitors rose by 9 per cent over 2015 to 2.3 million last year, accounting for 8.5 per cent of the UAE’s total visitors. Al Muhairi pointed out that the UAE’s selection as a ‘Focus Country’ for the second consecutive year has drawn significant attention from exhibition participants and visitors alike and contributed to a substantial increase in the number of visitors between India and the UAE. This, he said, highlights the importance of the state’s active participation in major tourism exhibitions, and push towards universal experience on other shows soon. For his part, Abdullah Al Hammadi, Director of the Tourism Department of the Ministry of Economy said, “The parties involved with the Ministry’s Pavilion include the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai), the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the Ras Al

Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority, the Ajman Tourism Development Department, Emirates Airline, and representatives of various hotels, tour companies, and the UAE’s tourism departments.” Al Hammadi added that the UAE pavilion occupies 352 square meters and that its strategic location facilitates easy access from all entrances. This will help receive several visitors to the wing, who will be provided extensive information on the country’s excellent tourism services, offerings and attractions. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to taking part in the OTM travel trade show as part of the UAE delegation under the umbrella of the Ministry of Economy. The Authority’s participation in the event showcases Sharjah’s tourism offerings, continued H.E. Al Midfa, and allows it to communicate with influential stakeholders in the tourism industry. This strengthens the Authority’s strategic ties with the Indian market and allows it to benefit from the great momentum that this market can offer, as India is considered a key source market for Sharjah’s tourism sector. H.E. Saeed Al Semahi, Director General of the Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority, said, India is a very important tourism market for the UAE in general and Fujairah

in particular; increased by around 50 per cent from 2015. This growth is the result of promotional workshops and heightened cooperation among the UAE’s tourism authorities and departments. We appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Economy’s Tourism Sector in supporting and energising this vital sector.” H.E. Faisal Al Nuaimi, General Manager of the Ajman Tourism Development Department, added “Our participation in OTM 2017 is driven by our keen interest in creating a strong presence in the world’s biggest tourism market. Our recent statistics show that the number of tourists and visitors from Asia, particularly India, has increased considerably; this comes in line with the strategic vision of Ajman 2021 and meets our objective of increasing the number and cultural variety of tourists. We invite all the visitors at the exhibition to learn more about the tourist attractions in the Emirate of Ajman, and we encourage them to spend an exceptional holiday in our beautiful city.” Haitham Mattar, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “The event is a key platform for us to raise awareness on the destinations we offer, particularly those serving the leisure and MICE segments.” 25

AIRLINE NEWS

Jet Airways and Fiji Airways announce codeshare agreement services, which connect with Jet Airways’ flights, we look forward to welcoming more Indian travellers to our home, Fiji, one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.”

Jet Airways, India’s full-service premier international airline and Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, announced a codeshare partnership which offers guests travelling on both carriers convenient and seamless connectivity between India and Fiji via Singapore and Hong Kong. The codeshare agreement, a first-of-itskind between the airlines of the two countries, will address the growing demand for travel between India and Fiji. Jet Airways will place its ‘9W’ code on Fiji Airways’ flights from Singapore and Hong Kong to Nadi, and Fiji Airways will place its ‘FJ’ code on Jet Airways’ services between Singapore and Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai as well as between Hong Kong and Mumbai & Delhi. All codeshare flights will allow through check-in to the final destination of any journey. What’s more, JetPrivilege members will also be able to accrue and redeem JPMiles on the codeshare flights operated by Fiji Airways flights; and the accrued miles will count towards their tier status as well. 26

Codeshare bookings are now open for sale for travel effective March 09, 2017. Gaurang Shetty, Wholetime Director, Jet Airways said, “Our codeshare agreement with Fiji Airways reflects our continuing commitment to the travelling public, to offer the best possible connections to more and more destinations around the world which now extends to the beautiful paradise of Fiji. Ties between the people of India and Fiji can be traced back over a 100 years and with the governments of both countries making focused efforts to further strengthen trade, tourism and cultural ties, we believe this codeshare partnership will play a pivotal role in these endeavours by enabling seamless connectivity between both countries.” Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways’ Managing Director and CEO said: “This is a very significant achievement for both airlines. Demand for travel from Fiji to India for tourism, medical treatment, education and family reasons keeps growing and our codeshare agreement will boost this even further. And with our convenient Hong Kong and Singapore

Speaking on behalf of the Fijian Government – the majority shareholder of Fiji Airways – the AttorneyGeneral, Minister for Economy and Minister in charge of Civil Aviation, Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum described the new codeshare agreement as a major boost to relations between the two countries. “The seamless connectivity that this offers for travellers between Fiji and Jet Airways destinations on the Subcontinent and beyond opens up all sorts of possibilities for tourism and trade. Fiji is especially keen to attract more investment from India and the other countries serviced by Jet Airways and this makes the journey in both directions that much easier”, he said.

Jet Airways is India’s premier international airline which operates direct flights to 66 destinations, including India and overseas. Jet Airways’ robust domestic India network spans the length and breadth of the country covering metro cities, state capitals and emerging destinations. Beyond India, Jet Airways operates flights to key international destinations in South East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Europe and North

America. The Jet Airways Group currently operates a fleet of 112 aircraft, comprising Boeing 777-300 ERs, Airbus A330-200/300, Next Generation Boeing 737s (700/800/900) and ATR 72-500/600s. Jet Airways, together with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Airways, Etihad Regional operated by Darwin Airline, and NIKI, participates in Etihad Airways Partners. Etihad Airways is part of the Etihad Aviation Group, which also holds minority investments in each of these airlines. Founded in 1951, Fiji Airways Group comprises of Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline and its subsidiaries: Fiji Link, its domestic and regional carrier, Pacific Call Comm Ltd, and a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi. From its hubs at Nadi and Suva International Airports, Fiji Airways and Fiji Link

serve 69 destinations in 15 countries (including codeshare). Destinations include Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. The Fiji Airways Group brings in 64 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji, employs over 1000 employees, and earns revenues of over FJD$815 million (USD $390m). Fiji Airways rebranded from Air Pacific in June 2013. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

AIRLINE NEWS

SWISS welcomes Canton Vaud aboard SWISS will be offering its premium guests culinary delights from Canton Vaud in Western Switzerland for the next three months. In the latest chapter of its awardwinning “SWISS Taste of Switzerland” inflight foodservice programme, the airline is featuring meals specially devised by chef de cuisine Thomas Neeser from the Grand Hôtel du Lac in Vevey. SWISS will also be celebrating the local Cully Jazz Festival on board between 29 March and 11 April under its “SWISS Traditions” feature. SWISS First and SWISS Business guests on long-haul flights from Switzerland in March, April and May will enjoy

tasty delights from the Grand Hôtel du Lac in Vevey on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva in the country’s Canton Vaud. Thomas Neeser, chef de cuisine at the hotel’s “Les Saisons” gastronomic restaurant and member of the Grandes Tables de Suisse, puts a strong accent on classic French cuisine, seasonal ingredients and local produce in his culinary creations, which have already earned him a Michelin star and 16 GaultMillau points. SWISS First customers will enjoy such delights as a smoked fera trout mousse with crayfish cocktail,

followed by a veal fillet with shallot crust and black bean sauce. And for dessert Thomas Neeser has conjured up a coconut mousse with grapefruit, accompanied by a raspberry and violet sorbet. SWISS Business travellers can look forward to a quail galatine with green pea purée, followed by a char fillet with lemon sauce and couscous and rounded off with a fennel seed financier with elderflower mousse and strawberry and rhubarb compote. Not far from Vevey is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lavaux vineyards, whose wines are famed well beyond the canton’s and indeed Switzerland’s

borders. For the next three months SWISS will be serving its First Class customers a Clos du Boux white and a Mersyca Grand Réserve red that are both from the region. Business Class travellers can enjoy a local Château de Vufflens Grand Cru white or a Domaine Grange Volet red along with their meal. The SWISS culinary flight to Canton Vaud is rounded off with

selected cheeses from the region including a L’Etivaz and a Le Praz, which are available in both classes of travel.

“SWISS Traditions” brings jazz aboard

Every year at the end of March and the beginning of April, the winegrowers of the Vaud village of Cully open up their cellars for the traditional Cully Jazz Festival. The event is truly unique, with visitors strolling from one cellar to another and enjoying jazz from worldclass musicians and newcomers alike, along with culinary delicacies. This year, the Cully Jazz Festival will be taking to the skies as well. In the latest “SWISS Traditions” feature running from 29 March to 11 April, Business Class travellers on longer European flights to Switzerland will be served a main course of fillet of beef with shallot crust and gratin Vaud style, and a dessert of a Chasselas sabayon with rhubarb compote.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is Switzerland’s national airline, serving over 100 destinations in 46 countries from Zurich and Geneva and carrying more than 16 million passengers a

year with its 95-aircraft fleet. The company’s Swiss WorldCargo division provides a comprehensive range of airport-to-airport airfreight services for highvalue and care-intensive consignments to some 130 destinations in over 80 countries. As “The Airline of Switzerland”, SWISS embodies the country’s traditional values, and is committed to delivering the highest product and service quality. With its workforce of 8,564 personnel, SWISS generated total operating income of CHF 5 billion in 2015. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group, and is also a member of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline grouping.

AIRLINE NEWS

Airlines celebrate International Women’s Day for all bookings as long as at least one of the travellers is a woman. (*Booking period March 08-13, 2017. Conditions Apply)

Major airlines pay ovation to women on International Women’s Day by operating flights with an all-female crew. On the eve of International Women’s Day, Jet Airways, India’s full-service, premier international airline, announced a series of external and internal initiatives that recognise, promote and celebrate the contribution of women towards its business.

flight dispatchers, duty managers, counter staff, security officers and cargo personnel, highlighting the professionalism and capabilities of its women employees.

Demonstrating the confidence and pride in its women employees, the airline spread the International Women’s Day celebrations pan-India, by operating four flights staffed exclusively by an all-woman cockpit and cabin crew, on Wednesday, March 08, on four separate sectors. It included flight 9W 361 between Mumbai and Delhi; flight 9W 465 between Mumbai and Chennai; flight 9W 332 from Delhi to Mumbai; and flight 9W 807 between Delhi and Bengaluru. To add a special touch to the occasion, women guests travelling onboard these flights will be given presents to mark the day.

Jet Airways is an equal opportunities employer and women comprise more than one-third of its workforce. The airline, as part of its ‘Jet Viva’ initiative that celebrates womanhood, is also supporting two non-government organisations (NGO) working on a range of women’s issues - the Mijwan Welfare Society that promotes education, employment, self-reliance and sustainable development of women and Save the Children India - Women Empowerment Wing, which is dedicated to the education and development of adolescent girls. Jet Airways will conduct a fundraising drive onboard all its domestic flights between March 6th and 20th, 2017, with all proceeds raised being donated to the two NGOs.

Jet Airways also had allwomen teams to manage every aspect - technical / non-technical / operational, of these four flights, right from engineering and ground operations to cargo, ramp and airport services, covering women aircraft engineers, technicians,

For its women guests, Jet Airways has outlined a special scheme which rewards women travellers with a flat 10% savings* while booking flights across its entire network via its website (www.jetairways. com) or the mobile App. The special fare offer is valid

Moreover, the airline will also engage with women flyers on the occasion, in an effort to make their experience truly special. On the anvil additionally, are a host of activities for its women employees including Style & Image Workshops, Panel Discussions, and a Q&A session with women leaders of the organisation. Rahul Taneja, Chief People Officer, Jet Airways, said, “Jet Airways employs women in an extensive

range of roles across the organisation and they have played an instrumental role in our growth and success. The International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us, to take a moment to recognise and commend the remarkable role that women play all around us and at Jet Airways and thank them for their hard work, dedication and commitment.”

flydubai celebrates International Women’s Day

flydubai celebrated International Women’s Day with an all-female crew operating flights FZ001/ FZ002 between Dubai and Doha. Captain Isabel Gonzalez from Spain and First Officer Vaidehi Chavhan from India were

joined by Cabin Crew from Korea, Moldova, Morocco, Tunisia and Zimbabwe in welcoming flydubai’s passengers on board this special flight celebrating women in aviation. A group of flydubai’s female employees from across different departments welcomed the flight crew upon their return to the company’s headquarters in Dubai: leading women from the airline’s Commercial, Commercial Systems, Engineering, Flight Operations, Human Resources, Inflight Services, Legal, Maintenance, Materials, Network Control,

Network Planning, Revenue Management where represented. “We celebrate women empowerment every day at flydubai and I am proud of all of our more than 1,400 female professionals who contribute to the growth and success of the airline. International Women’s Day is a great occasion to thank the female workforce in the airline for their hard work and dedication”, said Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at flydubai. More than a third of the 3,770 employees at flydubai are female with more than 1,000 female Cabin Crew members and more than 30 female Captains and First Officers. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

architectural marvels of mahabalipuram Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism

an you imagine an ancient historic town and a bustling seaport during the 1st Century CE? Imagine it was the most depended port where ancient Indian traders sailed to countries of South East Asia. Rulers of the later period constructed sanctuaries carved out of rock there not with just one or two sculptures but with hundreds of them. In time, sea took most of the town including its beautiful temples. When you step out to a lovely beach, have you ever thought of what’s beneath your feet and sand? Well, at Mahabalipuram, located around 60 km from Chennai thread carefully for you don’t know what lies beneath! The devastating Tsunami of 2004 which shook Indian coastal line unearthed several artifacts from Mahabalipuram buried by the sea. Further excavations unearthed several new findings. A submerged temple can be actually seen during low tide time. Little wonder the ancient mariners called Mahabalipuram as the land of “Seven Pagodas” alluding to the Seven Pagodas of

March 2017 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

This time around Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam takes you a historical place that combines mystery as well as faith. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram with its richly carved sculpture work is a must visit for all those history lovers Mahabalipuram that stood on the shore. Only one Shore Temple, survives today. This coastal town has got a fascinating history and relics underneath it. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram had also been under the rule of Pallavas. The Pallava kings ruled Mahabalipuram from Kanchipuram; the capital of the Pallava dynasty from the 3rd century to 9th century CE, and used the port to launch trade and diplomatic missions to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. The group of monuments was created in the later centuries. Rathas, mandapas, giant open-air rock reliefs and Shore Temple and numerous sculptures carved out of rock stands as a testimony to time. The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architectural grandeur of temples and sculptures of Mahabalipuram is something aweinspiring. The temples of Mahabalipuram, portraying events described in the Mahabharata, were built largely during the reigns of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman. The city of Mahabalipuram was largely developed by the Pallava king

Narasimhavarman I in the 7th century AD. The mandapa or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots are hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, is built from dressed stone. What makes Mahabalipuram so culturally resonant are the influences it absorbs and disseminates. The Shore Temple includes many reliefs, including one 100 ft long and 45 ft high, carved out of granite. The 40 sanctuaries of Mahabalipuram gained UNESCO World Heritage site distinction in 1984. The Pallava Period sites include: the Pancha Rathas of Dharmaraja Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Draupadi Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and also Ganesha Ratha; several cave temples of Mahabalipuram including Varaha Cave Temple, Krishna Cave Temple, Mahishasuramardini Mandapa, Panchapandava Cave Temple; structural

temples including the Shore Temple and the Olakkannesvara Temple; and the Descent of the Ganges, one of the largest open-air bas-reliefs in the world. Mahabalipuram is known for its architectural grandeur. The unique monuments in Mahabalipuram present a fusion of religion, culture, and legends, all related to the Hindu religious pantheon. The exclusive Dravidian style of architecture, imbibing

the art and culture of Tamil Nadu can be found here. It has widely influenced the architectural style in the later period especially the architecture of the rock-cut temples through out South India. Even the temples in Cambodia, Annam and Java have the influence of this architecture and style. 29

NEWSLINE

Tourism Malaysia promotes sustainable tourism at SATTE 2017 Tourism Malaysia is promoting sustainable tourism and niche tourism products at the 24th edition of the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE 2017) from 15 to 17 February. The three-day programme will be held at the Pragati Maidan convention centre, and will be an opportunity for buyers and sellers to network with each other and develop new tourism products and packages. SATTE 2017 was jointly launched by the Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Govt. of India Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Minister of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, here today. Held annually, SATTE is one of India’s leading travel trade events. This year, it is expected to attract more than 750 participants from over 35 countries and 28 Indian states, and

about 20,000 visitors. The Malaysia delegation is led by Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Tourism Malaysia, state representatives and members of the Malaysian travel trade fraternity. A total of 32 participants with 16 organizations comprising state tourism promotion boards, travel agencies, hotel, airlines, tourism product owners and a healthcare travel council are taking part in SATTE at the Malaysia Pavilion. Speaking at SATTE, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri said, “Sustainable tourism development is no longer just a mere cliche, but has become a major contributor to a more environmentally sustainable economy. With the right investment, tourism can be a lead change agent in the move to a green economy by driving economic growth and job creation. At the same time,

it simultaneously improves resource efficiency, minimises environmental degradation as well as raises environmental awareness among travellers.”

At SATTE, Tourism Malaysia will also organise various programmes for travel trade players to meet up and network among themselves, providing Malaysia’s tourism industry

UNWTO has designated 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development” and Malaysia is keen to promote its four UNESCO Heritage Sites, namely, Kinabalu Minister for Tourism & Culture of Malaysia Dato Nazri & Tourism National Park in Minister of India Mr Mahesh Sharma Sabah, Gunung players the opportunity to Mulu National Park in strengthen ties with their Sarawak, Melaka and Indian counterparts. George Town cities and the archaeological heritage site India is the sixth top of the Lenggong Valley. tourist generating market for Malaysia with a total With niche tourism on 722,141 Indian visitors the rise, Malaysia is also recorded in 2015. Last year, pushing its special interest from January to October, packages for premium Malaysia received a total shopping, luxury travels, of 540,530 Indian tourists. sports tourism such as Malaysia hope to achieve golf, and Malaysia as a 1 million arrivals from the wedding and honeymoon India market this year. destination.

Malindo Air early bird gets the deal promo domestic flights and flights to Singapore, Australia, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Malindo Air, CAPA 2016 Asia Pacific Regional Airline is delighted to announce that the airline will be offering exclusive fares to Business and Economy Class travellers during the Malindo Air Early Bird Gets the Deal, to fully enjoy a premium service. The promotional fares

are available from 27 Feb until 5 March 2017, and is valid for all purchases made online, over the counter at all Malindo Air ticketing offices and through travel agencies. Travel validity is from 1 April 2017 until 30 November 2017.

CEO of Malindo Air, Chandran Rama Muthy, said “The Early Bird Gets the Deal is our biggest sale yet for 2017 with over 1,000,000 seats up for grabs. As this sale offers super value deals on both domestic and international routes, we are very optimistic that it will be a great success. We are certain our guests will be very excited over the affordable fares that come with our premium service of extra legroom, on board meals, in-flight entertainment and 30kg baggage allowance.”

The attractive fares are available for Malaysian

Malindo Air is a Malaysian airline with main

hubs at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the convenient KL downtown city airport Subang Skypark in Selangor, Malaysia. The airline took to the skies in March 2013 with domestic flights and has since grown to operate routes to all major airports in Malaysia and across the continents of Asia, Australia and Middle East. The fleet itself has grown exponentially to 18 ATR72600 and 29 Boeing 737NG as of February 2017. Today, the airline operates over 800 flights weekly across a continuously growing network of about 42 routes in the region. More recently, the airline won CAPA’s 2016 Asia Pacific Regional Airline of the Year. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

NEWSLINE

More plastic than fish in the sea by 2050, says Ellen MacArthur As part of CSR activity Uday Samudra in association with Bond Safari, (Scuba divers) Kovalam organised under water & beach cleaning campaign on 17th Feb 2017.

up from an estimated 5% today. Plastic production has increased twentyfold since 1964, reaching 311m tonnes in 2014, the report says. It is expected to double again in the next 20 years

Just by being at UDS, the stresses start to flutter away; the landscaping has its own serenity, a harmony of a defined architecture, spacious lawns, blue water pools and soaring coconut

this aim in mind, Bond Safari has partnered with companies who have been operating across the world with revolutionary adrenalin pumping yet absolutely safe adventure

The slogan of the campaign was “DID YOU SEA THE PLASTIC?” The main aim of this campaign was to bring awareness among the public, local vendors, hoteliers, restaurants & other organisations, to stop dumping and polluting this beautiful ocean and beaches with plastic bottles and other plastic materials. The campaign also aimed to create alertness among the public to save this blue planet and sea life for the coming generation.

and almost quadruple by 2050.

grooves all set in four tranquil acres by the sea.

Despite the growing demand, just 5% of plastics are recycled effectively, while 40% end up in landfill and a third in fragile ecosystems such as the world’s oceans. Much of the remaining plastic is burned, generating energy, but causing more fossil fuels to be consumed in order to make new plastic bags, cups, tubs and consumer devices demanded by the economy.

As a record-breaking sailor, Dame Ellen MacArthur has seen more of the world’s oceans than almost anyone else. Now she is warning that there will be more waste plastic in the sea than fish by 2050, unless the industry cleans up its act.

One refuse truck’s-worth of plastic is dumped into the sea every minute, and the situation is getting worse.

Uday Samudra Leisure beach Hotel is an upscale and luxurious 4 Star hotel brand which appeals to distinguished and discerning travellers. The UDS’s philosophy of combining the best elements of the incomparable lifestyle with the convenience of today’s modern world, through exceptional standards of luxury, elegance and service, together with ISO 9001 - 2000 standards and impressive management tools, is set to create a powerful presence in the hospitality sector.

tourism products and bring them to appropriate Indian market. Bond Safari Kovalam has got a professional, courteous, and fun loving dive team. Come snorkel, dive, swim, sail or get suntanned with Bond Safari Kovalam. No matter what water activity you choose, Bond Safari Kovalam have all the quality equipment and supplies to help you get the most out of your vacation.

Uday Samudra Leisure beach Hotel located at the famed beaches of Kovalam, just 15 meters from the sea, is an exclusive leisure beach hotel - a destination by itself. The setting, facilities, people, spa, cuisine and its whole philosophy - is dedicated to the personal wellness in a luxurious environment.

Bond Safari Kovalam is a team of adventurist and experienced Indian businessmen, partnered with Cool Divers SL from Spain to bring state of the art diving experience to India. The goal is to develop state of the art adventure tourism products in India through innovative and exciting ways. It is with

According to a new Ellen MacArthur Foundation report launched at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, new plastics will consume 20% of all oil production within 35 years, 32

The Diving center of Bond Safari Kovalam have a quality rental equipment and a fully stocked retail shop where you’ll find diving and snorkeling gear, dive computers, wetsuits, rash guards, goggles, and just about anything you need to make your experience in beautiful tropical waters of Kerala. It also endorses safe diving practices and considers environmental conservation during all dives. Zero Contact Rule in relation to the flora and fauna is in effect in all dives. ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017

NEWSLINE

OTM 2017 set to be the largest ever global travel trade show in India Widely recognised as India’s leading travel trade show, OTM is all set to be the meeting place of the largest ever number of global sellers and buyers of tourism industry. OTM 2017 was held in Mumbai, the largest source market for leisure and MICE travel in the country, from 21–23 February, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre.

Mumbai is the biggest source market for the outbound and domestic tourists in India. Together with its hinterland markets in the West & South India, it commands 60% of the total outbound tourists from India. It is also the strongest market of Business, Luxury and MICE travel for international as well as domestic segments.

More than a 1000 sellers from 50 countries exhibited at the OTM 2017. These include National and State Tourism Organisations, Hotels, Airlines, Destination Marketing Companies and other suppliers serving leisure as well as MICE markets. 5447 qualified buyers and travel trade visitors had registered for visiting OTM 2017 even before the dates. There were 814 fully and partly hosted buyer registrations, which is the largest number of hosted buyers in any travel trade show in India. The hosted buyers were matched with the sellers and appointments were scheduled in advance for face to face meetings during the show. The total number of visitors crossed 10,000, as in previous years.

Countries at OTM 2017 include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Fiji, Greece, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and country representations from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Peru, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam, Zimbabwe.

According to data published by India’s Ministry of Tourism, 20.38 million Indians took foreign trips out of India in 2015 (11.1% higher than 2014). The number of domestic trips within India was a whopping 1432 million (11.6% higher than in 2014). In contrast, the number of foreign tourist arrival was 8.03 million (4.05% higher than in 2014). OTM caters to all of these markets. According to UNWTO, the number of Indian outbound travellers will grow to approximately 50 million in 2020, contributing $28 billion in expenditure. March 2017 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

An officer of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, who has one of the largest pavilion in the OTM commented, “We have been attending OTM for seven years. Every year we are expecting more tourists from India. We are also promoting Turkey as a wedding destination.” The Director of Thailand Tourism in Mumbai said: “We are delighted to be associated with OTM, which is one the biggest B2B trade fairs in the tourism industry.” The Egyptian Tourism Counsellor in Mumbai said: “OTM is one of the most prominent travel trade events in India and this year I can see even more interest from the Egyptian private sector to participate at the show.”

Indian destinations are not far behind their international counterparts with Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Telangana and state representations from Delhi, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu confirming their participation to showcase India at its best. The Director of Goa Tourism who is a regular participant at the OTM said: “Platforms like OTM give us an opportunity to interact with various travel and trade operators and we are hopeful that such participations will surely help us showcase our unique Goan products and services.” OTM 2017 shall be colocated with the Mumbai edition of BLTM - India’s definitive show on Business Travel, Luxury and MICE segments, where qualified hosted buyers meet the sellers by appointments. Fairfest was the first mover in India in the space of travel marts. It was established in 1989. Its OTM is now India’s largest travel trade show on the

basis of number sellers as well as buyers. OTM is supported by Incredible India, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI), Maharashtra Tour Operators Association (MTOA), Travel Agents Association of Pune (TAAP), Travel Agents Association of Nashik (TAAN), South Gujarat Association of Travel Agents (SATA). President of OTOAI endorses: “The quality of suppliers that OTM brings along with new products attracts OTOAI to bring in quality buyers who have demonstrated quality and quantity in outbound tourism industry.” President, IATO says: “Every year the travel trade fraternity looks forward to OTM because it has an exceptional ability to bind the tourism industry under one roof.” President of ADTOI says: “OTM is one of the sought after travel marts where buyerseller meets take place and generate good business for the industry players.” 33

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 108 1. Where is the famous ‘Chocolate Hills’ located? 2. Name the currency of Malaysia? 3. The capital of Botswana? 4. Name the Indian state famous for its amazing living root bridges?

Ahmed Issa

appointed as General Manager of Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.

Jean-Paul Dantil

appointed as the General Manager at The RitzCarlton, Bahrain.

Ashraf Ramez

appointed as Rooms Division Manager incharge of Operations at Ayla Bawadi Hotel in Al Ain.

5. The Great Banyan Tree in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden, Kolkata holds a credit to its name. What makes it so famous? 6. The national bird of Mauritius has become extinct. Name the bird 7. Charles Darwin developed his theory on evolution on the Galapagos Islands based on his observation of what animals? 8. Name the longest place name in the world and where is it located? 9. The largest rainforest

Shinoj Joseph

appointed as General Manager at Royal Orchid Suites, Bangalore.

Dennis Wu

appointed as VP Operation at Glocal Junction.

Harinder Jeet Singh appointed as COO at Foodlink Service India Pvt. Ltd.

10. The birthplace of America’s favourite sundaeBanana Split Send in your answers to editor@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC 108 in the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month.

Answers to TYKC - 107

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1. Museum of Toilets 2. Resort offers Underwater hotel room 3. Haenyeo is the term referred to the female divers in the Korean province of Jeju who do so without any diving apparatus and can stay underwater up to two or three minutes 4. Assam 5. The Sacred Sulaiman-Too mountain is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site listed from Kyrgyzstan. 6. The Palacio de Sal in Bolivia is constructed almost entirely of salt. 7. The highest cricket ground in the world is at Chail in Himachal Pradesh, India. 8. Mawsynram in Meghalaya State 9. The Millau Viaduct, a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Tarn River Valley in southern France. 10. Macau

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ASIAN TRAVELLER | March 2017