Asian Traveller September 2017 by Mediasteps

Vol. 10

No. 12

Pages 36

` 100

US $10 (Overseas)

September 2017

www.asiantraveller.in

Highlights Vol. 10 I No.12 I September 2017

6 Cover Story: The enchanting Tamil Nadu

With its rich cultural heritage, classical arts, music, literature and architecture, Tamil Nadu is a class apart from the other Indian states

Kerala Homestay and Rural Tourism Mart 2017 concludes

Switzerland The new addition to chocolate from Switzerland- Pink Ruby Chocolate

25 12 Capture San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden gems Apart from the exotic locations, there are numerous unique travel experiences to enjoy at San Francisco

City of Peacocks Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam, Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism takes you to Mylapore and the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple

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

ravel broadens the mind by enabling us to understand the world we live in. Meanwhile, tourism acts as an engine for development through foreign exchange earnings and the creation of direct and indirect employment in many developing and underdeveloped countries. Over the decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and has become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. As UNWTO clearly states, “Modern tourism is closely linked to development and encompasses a growing number of new destinations. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socioeconomic progress.” The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day (Sustainable Tourism: A Tool for Development), which is celebrated on September 27, underlines the role tourism plays in the economic well-being of the world. At the same time, unbridled tourism activities would have a negative effect on the society or the region – and could end up killing the goose that lays golden eggs. Being the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, the UNWTO has come out with guidelines to maximise tourism’s socio-economic contribution while minimising its possible negative impacts. The recent approval of the historic document, the UNWTO Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics, is another step in this regard. The Convention, approved at the 22nd UNWTO General Assembly transforms the Code of Ethics for Tourism into an international convention, the first in the history of the organisation. The code is intended to ensure that “tourism development is done with full respect for sustainable development, social issues, local community development, improve understanding between cultures and addresses labour issues.” As rightly pointed out by the chairman of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), Pascal Lamy, “in an interconnected world where the business volume of tourism equals or even surpasses that of oil exports, food products or automobiles, it is important to set out a legal framework to ensure that growth is dealt with responsibly and that it can be sustained over time. Tourism is a power that must be harnessed for the benefit of all.” Let us all work together for that.

Financial Advisor : Sailendranadha Pillai K S

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Cover Story Tamil Nadu Tourism

The enchanting Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu, the South Indian state needs no introduction to travellers. With its rich cultural heritage, classical arts, classical music and classical literature and architecture Tamil Nadu is a class apart from the other Indian states

hennai, Tamil Naduâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital and a metro city is an amazing mix of traditional and modern values. The state is always rated in the top spots when it comes to tourism. Check out its few achievements: In 2014, Best Indian City as rated by India Today, Chennai is one of the top ten cities in the world to

visit in 2015 by Lonely Planet, Chennai is worth visiting and worth living in for a long term notes BBC in 2015, Chennaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food is the second best in the world rated by National Geographic (Chennai was also the only Indian city to feature in the list) and recently Chennai is the ninth-best cosmopolitan city in the world rated by

governors of Madras, the weapons, coins, medals, uniforms and other artefacts from England, Scotland, France and India dating back to the colonial period.

Chennai is among the most visited Indian cities by foreign tourists Lonely Planet. Chennai is among the most visited Indian cities by foreign tourists. It was ranked in the top 50 cities by tourists from all over the world in 2015. It is also credited as the safest city in India. Fort St George, current Tamil Nadu Secretariat is where one should begin the travel in Chennai. The construction of the fort helped British to establish their rule all over South India. You can see how the city evolved around the fortress. Travellers can visit the Fort Museum which contains many relics of the gone era including portraits of many of the former

Get to the Marina Beach situated adjacent to Fort St George. At a distance of total 12 km, it is the longest natural urban beach in the country and the second longest sandy beach in the world. Grab something to eat like salted raw mangoes, boiled chickpeas, whatever available and for a while enjoy the crowd that gathers on the beach. Even after many years, Marine Beach remains as one of the most favourite place to spend time for the city dwellers. Recently it has also been acting as a

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

ground for mass protest against various policies by the people like the bill to conduct Jallikattu, protest against National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and so on. Even when the bathing and swimming is legally prohibited, thousands still visits Marina Beach. It is estimated that during weekends it attracts about 50,000 people a day. It was in 1881, when, Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff, the governor of Madras built Madras Harbour, the beach began to get its charm. In 1884 itself he built a promenade and named it Madras Marina. Later a number of statues were erected in the beach like the Triumph of Labour statue and the Gandhi statue in ‘March to Dandi’ stride, Tamil literature icons like Avvaiyar, Tiruvalluvar, Kambar, Subramania Bharathiyar, Bharathidasan and the Europeans Bishop Caldwell, GU Pope, Veeramunivar, Anna memorial, statues of Kamaraj, Shivaji Ganesan and MGR Memorial. Lately former Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa was also laid to rest here. Several historical buildings and institutions are also located close to the beach like Chidambaram Cricket Stadium, University

September | ASIAN TRAVELLER

of Madras, Presidency College, Vivekananda House, Queen Mary’s College, All India Radio, Dr Annie Besant Park, The Light House are some of the important ones. Another favourite spot for the city dwellers to spend time is Guindy National Park. It has got a few specialities. It is one of the very few national parks situated inside a city and one of the smallest national parks of India with an area of 2.70 sq km. Ample greenery, scrub lands, lakes and streams make it home to 400 blackbucks, 2,000 spotted deers, 24 jackals, a wide variety of snakes, geckos, tortoises and over 130 species of birds. The Children’s Park and play area at the northeast corner

The village has also got a permanent art gallery to hold exhibitions. The artists exhibit their sculptures made of granite, wood, copper, bronze and stone here of the national park with a collection of animals and birds is also a favourite spot for the families to spend with their children. Guindy Snake Park, formerly the location of Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, is next to the Guindy National Park. It houses king cobra, pythons, vipers and other reptiles.

The Cholamandal Artists’ Village

About nine km from Adyar, Chennai is The Cholamandal Artists’

Village which you should definitely include in your Chennai visit for its love to arts and artists. Located in an idyllic place and spread in 10 acres of land, it is India’s largest self-supporting artists’ village and one of the most successful in Asia. As a tribute to the love of Tamilians to art, this beautiful village stands tall. It is truly a magnum opus of contemporary art. It is equipped with all that is needed for an arts village, especially the open-air theatre Bharathi that is used for holding discussions and conferences. It has earned reputation world over and is now, one of the major tourist attractions in the Coastal city. The idea of an artists’

Cover Story Tamil Nadu Tourism

village was of a painter himself- KCS Paniker. His vision on the artists’ village gave contemporary Indian art, a lifeline. Alongside the founding father, many of the painters and sculptors retired from Cholamandal. Nevertheless their accomplishments speak eloquently for themselves and Paniker had inadvertently sparked a legacy that has kept its proud father’s work perpetual. Through an uninhabited stretch of land with casuarina plantations, a visionary led the idea of an artists’ village. They had no funds or support from the government. Yet out of their love to art, they built everything including their houses, studios, gallery, theatre, workshop and kitchen on their own. Most sustained on the small wages as art teachers in schools or designers. Yet they managed to set up their village after purchasing it with their own money. The village is named after the Chola dynasty that patronised arts and crafts. Since artists live as a community, they can pool together their skills and resources. The village has also got a permanent art gallery to hold exhibitions. The artists exhibit their sculptures made of granite, wood, copper, bronze and stone here. For performing artists, there is an openair theatre. For people who are interested in

buying art works also have opportunity to purchase. Even the houses of artists are artworks here. A lot of foreigners also visit the place to learn about Indian contemporary art and also to purchase some rare artworks.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) also known as the Vandalur Zoo located about 30 kms from the city is India’s largest zoo in terms of area. AAZP is spread over an area of 602 hectares including a wide dedicated area for rescue and rehabilitation centre for wild animals. The park houses more than 1,500 wild species, including 46 endangered species. It was in 1985, the zoo was moved to the current place after finding a suitable place in Vandalur Reserve Forest. The zoo area was afforested by the people and authorities by collecting seeds of different trees and caring them. Gradually the scrub jungle area turned out with enough tree cover and suitable place for animals. The rare species at AAZP include monitor lizard, chimpanzees, European brown bear, Muscovy duck, giraffe, Bengal tiger, white tiger, lemur, macaque, vulture, and star tortoises. The safari park for lions, gaur and deer have many takers especially families. The Elephant safari introduced in the zoo in 2008 will allow a ride on elephants around a section of the zoo. The visitors can

walk through the tree-lined paths which covers around 15-20 kms. Battery operated vehicles are also available for rent. In 2008 itself rental bicycles were also introduced.

Nanmangalam Reserve Forest

Located at Medavakkam, some 25 km from city Nanmangalam Reserve Forest has an area of 320 hectares. However, the total area of the forest is 2,400 hectares. The fact is that not many are even aware of the existence of the reserve forest. Earlier it was used as a practice ground for the army. Nanmangalam Reserve Forest is home to nearly 500 species of flora and fauna and over 85 species of birds. Apart from Horned owls, red-wattled lapwing, crested honey buzzard, grey partridge, coucal, Indian eagle-owl, white-breasted kingfisher, pied kingfisher,

southern bush lark and red-whiskered bulbul are seen here. It is also home to some of the rare territorial orchids.

The fact is that not many are even aware of the existence of the reserve forest. Earlier it was used as a practice ground for the army

An ‘Interpretation Centre’ to educate nature lovers about the rich flora and fauna of the forest is also coming up at Nanmangalam Reserve Forest. Once work completed, the centre will house displays of the commonly sighted birds and animals of the forest. The backlit displays, with a photo of the bird or animal, will provide details of its scientific name, Tamil name and distribution, and a brief. Apart from that a four-kilometre-long walkway for birdwatchers to trek through the forest will be there complete with viewing decks. Closer to it lays Pallikaranai marshland an ideal spot for birdwatching. Environmentalists say that the marshland supports around 335 species of flora and fauna. It is also home to some of the most endangered reptiles such as Russell’s viper and birds such as the glossy ibis and black-winged stilts.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

Nashik Travel Mart

Nashik Travel Mart 2017 Nashik in Maharastra is famous for hosting the world famous Simhasta Kumbh Mela held in every 12 years. This ancient holy city is now keen in promoting its other tourism attractions to tourists ranging from forts to modern wineries

he Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), along with Travel Agents Association of Nashik (TAAN), will jointly organise a three-day Travel Mart from September 7-9, 2017. Aimed at marketing Nashik and its surrounding areas, Nashik Travel Mart 2017 will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. State Tourism Minister Jaykumar Rawal and District Minister Girish Mahajan will also be present on the occasion. TAAN which consists of travel agents, tour operators, travel journalists, travel bloggers, photographers and government agencies supporting Tourism of Nashik expects participation of around 600 travel agents from India and abroad. In addition, around 50-60 media

representatives and travel bloggers will be present. Mayor Ranjana Bhansi, MLAs Balasaheb Sanap, Devyani Pharande, Seema Hiray, MTDC executive director Vijay Waghmare, MTDC joint managing director Ashutosh Rathod and others will be present at the event.

market its historical sites, wineries, forts, mountains, bird sanctuaries, heritage caves and wineries to the travellers and the world. NTM will also host a FAM trip of Nashik for the participants and within the same, arranging sightseeing

can interact under one roof. Gradually Nashik will be linked to other cities to boost tourism. Nashik is keenly promoting tourism in different categories like Agro Tourism, Divine Nashik, Rising

MTDC and TAAN believe that NTM (Nashik Travel Mart) will act as a single platform allowing all travel partners, hotels / resorts & wineries to come under one roof for the purpose of showcasing Nashik as a complete tourism product. Apart from the pilgrimage centres, the district wants to

Out of the total 95 wineries in India, 77 are in Maharashtra and Nashik has got 39 wineries

tours, wine-tasting tours and property visits. The first travel mart held in 2015 had around 400 travel agents attending the event. This year the expected number of travel agents is 600. Next year, the authorities want to take the number over 1,000. They also plan for eco-friendly rain festival on the same days of the event. Apart from this, Nashik and Thane will be declared sister cities, where travel agents, trekking groups and others from both cities

Nashik, Igatpuri Nashik, Magnificent Nashik, Vibrant Nashik, Butterfly Park, and Mysterious Nashik among several others. The participants of NTM will be able to select FAM trips of their choice. Nashik is described as the Wine Capital of India owing to the number of wineries present in the region. Out of the total 95 wineries in India, 77 are in Maharashtra and Nashik has got 39 wineries. In 2016-17, the number of wine tourists to Nashik increased by 11% to 3.6 lakh as against 3.25 lakh in the previous year. ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

Kerala Homestays & Rural Tourism Meet

Kerala Homestay and Rural Tourism Meet 2017 concludes

ith a promise to address the issues faced by homestay entrepreneurs, Kerala Homestay and Rural Tourism Meet 2017 concluded. Speaking at the valedictory function of the three-day Homestay and Tourism Travel Meet in Kochi on September 17, 2017, State Tourism Director P Bala Kiran promised that the problems faced by homestay entrepreneurs will be addressed and will be rectified in coordination with different government departments and agencies. He also shared tourism department’s idea to organise special marketing campaigns for promoting homestays in Kerala. The valedictory function was presided over by Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (KHATS) Director MP Sivadathan. Punjab Tourism Director Shiv

September | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Kadakampally Surendran

Dular Singh Dhillon, Responsible Tourism state coordinator R Roopesh, Kerala Travel Mart former president Abraham George, KHATS district presidents Santhosh Tom, Aby Arakkal, D Soman and David Lawrence spoke. Earlier Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran inaugurated the second edition of Homestays and Rural

The event being organised by Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society in association with the Central and State tourism departments had many visitors including Tourism directors and delegates from across the world

Tourism Travel Meet 2017 at Bolghatty Palace Convention Centre which ran from September 15-17. Speaking on the occasion he said that the revenue from the tourism sector would make up a major share of the country’s GDP in the coming years. Pointing out the fact that around 10.3 lakh foreign tourists and 1.32 crore domestic tourists arrival in Kerala which helped the state to generate a revenue of Rs.38,000 crore, he said if the homestays can tap the opportunity it can take the tourism industry to the next level. KV Thomas, MP who presided over the function noted that it was in 2001, Kerala adopted the homestay system, the first state in the country to adopt so modelling the ‘Bed & Breakfast’ accommodation units in Europe. The event being organised by Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society in association with the Central and State tourism departments had many visitors including Tourism directors and delegates from across the world. Tourism Director of Malaysia Noor Azman Bin Samsudin and tourism expert from Japan Tetsuya Nakatani were also present at the inaugural function. Heibi Eden MLA, John Fernandez MLA, former minister Dominic Presentation, KV Kishore, Baby Mathew

Somatheeram, Mulavukad Panchayat President Viji Sajan, Finance Director K Muralidheera Menon, AgriTourism MD Pandurang Thavara were the other dignitaries present. The event, which is being organised in alternative years had 134 stalls with about 800 buyers from within the country and outside attending. Delegates from countries such as Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand also attended the meet. The last edition held in 2015 featured around 60 stalls and 150odd travel agencies points out MP Sivadattan, Director of Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society. Besides, travel agencies and tour operators from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Jaipur, and Punjab also participated in the meet. Several seminars were held in this connection. Former principal of the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies, B Vijayakumar, led a seminar on the “Role of homestays and serviced villas in promoting rural tourism in Kerala”; Aparna Nair on a presentation on Booking. com; Travel Planner CEO Anish Kumar on “Digital marketing in tourism sector”; Nayana Venukumar on “airbnb” and Abraham Ren on “GST and homestays and serviced villas”. Public were allowed free entry on the concluding day. 11

San Francisco

Capture San Francisco’s hidden gems San Francisco is, of course, famous for its exotic locations but also there are ample of free things to do in this picturesque city. It’s also known for having more green space than any other municipality in the US—with fantastic weather to boot

he first thing which comes into your mind when you hear San Francisco is the giant International Orange-coloured bridgeGolden Gate Bridge. But San Francisco is not this alone. There are numerous more to explore. Like the Golden Gate Bridge which others said as the bridge that couldn’t be built and now considered as the one of the seven wonders of modern world, San Francisco surprises you. Be it the Pier 39 where you can catch literally the view of ‘sea’ of sea lions or the Golden Gate Park stretching around 1000 acres, travellers return surprised from San Francisco.

Interestingly, San Francisco continues to attract Indians very much. “In 2016, 183,000 visitors came from India to see the San Francisco’s attractions, which was 4.7 percent higher than the 2015 figures. This year will see 197,000 visitors from the land of the Taj, making it the 8th inbound tourism source market. By 2020, India will be in the 6th position, said Antonette Eckert, Director, International travel, San Francisco Travel Association. She was in Delhi as part of the Brand USA trade mission. She hoped that the opening of the museum of modern art, next year, after three years, will further boost

the tourist inflow from India. Commenting on the popular enquiry from Indian tourists at San Francisco she noted that more Indian tourists were now taking bike and walking tours to explore the city. According to her the better connectivity has helped arrivals of Indian tourists more to San Francisco. Cruise trips and incentive travel is also picking up, added her. Even so many have the impression that San Francisco is only for the rich. Absolutely wrong! You need not be exactly rich to enjoy San Francisco only that you need a heart to appreciate the beauty which lies around you. A

In 2016, 183,000 visitors came from India to see the San Francisco’s attractions, which was 4.7 percent higher than the 2015 figures few ways which you can explore San Francisco in a wallet-friendly way is down below.

Bundle up at the Presidio

The Presidio was formerly a military post and is now a national park site and recreational paradise featuring spectacular vistas, beautiful trails, and historic and architectural treasures. Come for a hike, a walking tour, a picnic, or to view an exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum, or take a stroll back in time. Yet today you can catch Off the Grid’s popular Twilight at the Presidio campfire party. Every Thursday, from April through October from 5 pm to 9 pm, there are cocktails services, food trucks, fire pits, live music and cabanas illuminated with lanterns that take over the Presidio’s lavish lawn for appreciative crowds.

Learn About the Iconic Cable Car

You can get a free crash course in the lore of San Francisco’s most Instagramable transport system at the Cable Car

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

advised for the best experience; then kick back beneath the stars. You can still catch films like “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Selma,” and classics like “Ghostbusters,” through October 16.

Hike Inside the City Limits

Museum, which houses a trove of cable cars and historic photographs, also you can have a look on their mechanical displays with their free admission. Located in the Washington-Mason powerhouse and car barn on Nob Hill, the Cable Car Museum overlooks the huge engines and winding wheels that pull the cables

for San Francisco’s famous trams. It also features three antique cable cars from the 1870s, photographs, mechanical displays and a fun gift shop.

Catch a Flick, Alfresco

Catch a free film in the screenings that happen in parks across the Bay Area each summer, spanning from the Mission to Napa. Picnic and blankets

When you’ve had enough of hauling it up and down San Francisco’s concrete hills, go for one of the many urban hikes throughout the city. Definitely one of the best, it is the Lands End trail, which begins near the Ritzy Sea Cliff neighbourhood, then winds around the craggy coast along the Pacific, dropping you at the foot of another urban treasure: the Sutro baths.

Scale the City’s Most Scenic Stairway

From Sansome Street, make your way up the Filbert Street Steps which is a steep wooden staircase that meanders through fairytale gardens and past candy-coloured cottages to the top of Telegraph Hill, where you’ll find Coit Tower and a breath-taking 360-degree view of San Francisco and the Bay.

Get a Local Art Fix

the ocean is serenading you.

Sneak into a Giants Game

Well not exactly sneaking, but it is the only stadium in the US that offers a designated space where fans can watch the games for free. Sneak around the ticket office to the promenade on the east side of the building and you’ll find the “hole,” where security guards allow non-paying patrons to catch an inning or two from a ground-floor viewing area.

Catch a Comedy Night

Milk Bar, a small trendy bar in the Upper Haight, hosts a free comedy night every 2nd and 3rd Tuesday with local and national comics. There’s no cover or drink minimum, but that shouldn’t stop you from tossing back a few.

Dance it Out

Crossing the pond to Oakland for many reasons is much worthy, but especially for the monthly Art Murmur event, where you’ll find dozen of local galleries open their doors to the art-curious, while food trucks and street performers take over the streets. It goes down the first Friday of each month, from 6 pm to 9 pm.

The annual People in Plazas festival begins at squares across the city from July to October. During the 4 months festival, more than 140 free lunchtime micro concerts sound off, celebrating music and culture from around the globe that represents the diversity of the Bay Area.

Listen to the Waves

Grove in Golden Gate Park

You may not know about the Wave Organ. Wave Organ is an acoustic metal sculpture that the Exploratorium installed nearly 30 years ago. It is found at the end of a jetty stretching out of the Marina Green. When the tide comes in, the waves push wind through the massive instrument, as if September | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Sneak around the ticket office to the promenade on the east side of the building and you’ll find the “hole,” where security guards allow non-paying patrons to catch an inning or two from a ground-floor viewing area

Probably the best music festival in San Francisco is free to the 750,000 people who attend it. Hardly Strictly Bluegrassis coming up October 2 through 4 in Golden Gate Park, the annual festival sets up multiple stages for three days of totally free musical fun. What would you want more? 13

KTM

KTM gets new management committee

erala Travel Mart (KTM), the largest conclave of tourism stakeholders in the state and the only such gathering in India focusing on a single destination has selected the new management committee for the term 2017-2019. The members are: Sitting (from left to right) Jose Pradeep, Abraham George, Baby Mathew, Riyaz UC, G Gopinathan, Hari Kumar C Standing (from left to right) Ross Masood PM, Scaria Jose,

Mohammed Ansari KA, Gopalakrishnan MR, Rakesh OM, Manoj Babu, Jibran Asif, Shilendran M, S Swaminathan, Jose Mathew KTM, a biennial event is also one of the most looked upon event related to Tourism in Kerala. The last edition held in 2016 had an overwhelming response particularly as ten new countries participated. Apart from traditional buyers from Europe, there had been a big representation from US, Canada, Australia and China. As many as 57 foreign countries

participated in KTM 2016, including 10 for the first time. The new entrants to KTM included China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Georgia, Chile, Greece, Iran and Botswana. Domestic buyers from 20 Indian states also participated in the event. The number of registered international delegates at KTM 2016 was 560 while nearly 1,300 domestic buyers participated. The expo had 265 stalls featuring a range of products, packages and services offered by businesses and entrepreneurs.

The ninth edition of KTM also witnessed around one lakh business meetings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both scheduled and unscheduled. Besides tourism and trade officials from Kerala and other neighbouring states, tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, as well as owners of resorts, houseboats and home-stays participated. The sellers had quality appointments with potential buyers during the Mart. Even the first-timers were excited as the platform helped them improve business volume.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

PATA

PATA celebrates PATA Chapters and Student Chapters in Macao SAR PATA, the not-for-profit membership association that acts a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region that provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, comprising 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 25 international airlines and airports, 108 hospitality organisations, 72 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond celebrates the accomplishments of its chapters

he Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) celebrated the accomplishments of PATA Chapters and Student Chapters this month during the PATA Board Dinner and Chapter Awards Presentation. The event was hosted by the PATA Macao SAR Chapter. PATA CEO Dr Mario Hardy said, “PATA recognises that Chapter and Student Chapter members volunteer their own time and effort to support the Association’s values. Their grassroots activism is fundamental as we strive constantly to fulfill the objectives of the Association. This was the perfect opportunity to showcase those Chapters and Student Chapter that have worked tirelessly towards the responsible development of the travel and tourism industry.” During the evening, PATA presented the 2017 Spirit of PATA Award to the PATA Malaysia

The Spirit of PATA Award is given to the Chapter that best illustrates the aims and objectives of PATA consistently and progressively over a number of years Chapter and Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Tayab, Chairman of the PATA Malaysia Chapter. The Spirit of PATA Award is

given to the Chapter that best illustrates the aims and objectives of PATA consistently and progressively over a number of years.The PATA Award of Excellence was presented to PATA Micronesia Chapter and the PATA Singapore Temasek Polytechnic (TP) Student Chapter for their dedication to the development of travel to, from and within the Asia Pacific region over the previous two years in a manner consistent with the aims and objectives of PATA. Pilar Laguana, Chairperson of the PATA Micronesia Chapter, accepted the award, while three representatives accepted the award on behalf of the PATA Singapore Temasek Polytechnic (TP) Student Chapter, namely Denise Tan, Events Director; Jolyn Lim, Sub-Committee Member, and Chevonne Ng - Sub-Committee Member. The PATA Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals was awarded to the PATA

Nepal Chapter and Chapter Chairman Suman Pandey for their great dedication and contribution in engaging with young tourism professionals in promoting the industry. The evening ended with a PATA Special Award, which was presented to PATA Macao SAR Chapter Chairperson Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. The Special Award recognises her invaluable support for PATA Travel Mart 2017 (PTM 2017) and the PATA Executive Board and Board Meetings that were held in Macao SAR. During PTM 2017 and the PATA Executive Board and Board Meetings, Chapters were present from many nations including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Finland,

The PATA Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals was awarded to the PATA Nepal Chapter and Chapter Chairman Suman Pandey India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (ROK), Macao SAR, Malaysia, Micronesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom & Ireland and the USA. PATA was also pleased to welcome 37 young tourism professionals including PATA Student Chapter members from Canada Vancouver Capilano University, China Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hong Kong Polytechnic, Macao SAR, Nepal, Singapore Temasek Polytechnic and University of Guam.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

fair trade tourism

Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris launches first 100% certified Fair Trade Holiday

pringbok Atlas Tours & Safaris, Southern Africa’s most wellestablished quality tour operator, has become the latest operator to be approved by Fair Trade Tourism, joining the list of nearly 60 operators committed to showcasing Africa’s most responsible tourism portfolio. Announcing the approval, Jane Edge, MD of Fair Trade Tourism, said: “Springbok Atlas carries a wealth of knowledge of South Africa’s tourism industry dating back over 71 years. Its purchasing power, coupled with Fair Trade Tourism approval, represents a major potential boost for Fair Trade Tourism certified products.” Glenn McKeag, CEO of Springbok Atlas, responded: “we are proud

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to be associated with such a worthy segment of the tourism industry and hope we can play a major role in the drive towards responsible tourism and the selection of dedicated products’. Demonstrating its commitment to Fair Trade Tourism, Springbok Atlas this week launched the first 100% certified Fair Trade Holiday in the marketplace. For an itinerary to be

branded a Fair Trade Holiday, at least 50% of bednights in the itinerary need to be in Fair Trade Tourism certified or recognised businesses. The 100% Fair Trade Holiday, which includes Cape Town, the Overberg coastline, Kruger Park and Johannesburg, is being launched on 27 September to coincide with World Tourism Day, while this year is also the UNWTO International Year for Sustainable

Development in Tourism. Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) currently has 195 businesses in its portfolio, all of which are doing exemplary work in social, economic and environmental arenas. FTT directly certifies businesses in South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and recognises businesses certified by equivalent certification schemes in Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Seychelles.

Amazing Thailand

Amazing Thailand Tourism Y ear 2018

The Land of Smiles, Thailand is the best choice for fun loving tourists in South East Asia. For every traveller there is something- this land never lets anyone disappoint

he tourist friendly country of Thailand really does have something for everyone of every age and every budget. From golden, sandy beaches to lush steamy jungles, bustling busy cities to traditional squat villages, 5 star a la carte menus to roadside noodle stalls, historic Buddhist temples to 21st century sky scrapers Thailand never fails to delight, amaze and captivate all who visit. To captivate the flow of more international tourists to Thailand, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to launch the ‘Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018‘ on 1 November to support the government’s national tourism development plan highlighting a busy calendar of international events. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn said, “The Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 shows how important tourism promotion is to the Royal

The emphasis is on inclusive tourism, based on the government’s 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan and 2nd National Tourism Development Plan that maintains a balance between the economy, environment and benefits for Thai society Thai Government’s national agenda. The emphasis is on inclusive tourism, based on the government’s 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan and 2nd National Tourism Development Plan that maintains a balance between the economy, environment and benefits for Thai society. The Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 once again gives the country another outstanding opportunity to showcase its capabilities during many large events the Kingdom will host in 2017 and 2018.” Thailand events calendar schedule for 2017 and 2018 includes: – International Fleet Review will be hosted by the Royal Thai Navy to mark ASEAN’s 50th anniversary

since its founding. Over 40 modern warships and 10,000 crew members from 30 countries are expected to join the historic fleet display on Pattaya Bay from 13 to 22 November, 2017. Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017 is scheduled from 17 to 19 November, 2017, at the U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport. It will be the only international air race where multiple heats are flown at the same time. 4th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism is scheduled for May 2018 and will help support the TAT’s gastronomy tourism efforts by promoting Thai food and the country’s culinary potential on a global stage. MotoGP World Championship superbike races are coming to Thailand’s Buri Ram’s Chang International Circuit starting from October 2018 after recently signing a three-year contract with MotoGP owner Dorna Sports.

The design combines many iconic Thai symbols associated with the country’s unique cultural heritage including elephants and the Royal Barge

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said that these events will reinforce the perception of Thailand as a good host venue. He added “Amazing Thailand is the country’s most enduring and award-winning tourism promotion. It highlights many new, exciting international events plus cultural elements that make the Thai tourism offering so appealing.” TAT’s competition for an Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 visual identity (logo) received 168 entries with seven selections shortlisted. The winning design features an ‘infinity’ motif that captures the spirit of the Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018. The design combines many iconic Thai symbols associated with the country’s unique cultural heritage including elephants and the Royal Barge. The Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 promotion will focus on seven distinct categories. These include: Sports Tourism, Gastronomy Tourism, Maritime Tourism, Wedding and Honeymoon Tourism, Medical and Wellness Tourism, Communitybased Tourism and Leisure Destinations.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

Maldives

Maldives gears up for the Travel Awards Gala Edition 2017 Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) launched nominations for the Gala Edition 2017 of its annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maldives Travel Awardsâ&#x20AC;?, the premier travel event of the archipelago most romantic resort, leading international carrier and so much more.

he nomination facility for muchawaited Maldives Travel Awards Gala Edition 2017 is now open. Vote for your favourite resort in several categories like leading eco resort, leading CSR program, leading food & beverage resort, leading hotel brand, leading wellness & spa resort, leading liveaboard, leading private island,

Maldives Travel Awards marked the launching of nominations for the Gala Edition

Launched in 2012, Maldives Travel Awards celebrates the leading travel properties, outstanding achievements in service and product innovation 2017, at a corporate evening hosted for Travel Awards sponsors and partners in Anantara Dhigu Resort

Maldives. Launched in 2012, Maldives Travel Awards celebrates the leading travel properties, outstanding achievements in service and product innovation. For the first time in 2017, Travel Awards is being held as three separate editions, the first of which was held on July 13th, recognising ten outstanding personalities in the Maldivian Tourism industry. The Annual Gala, is now marked as the premier edition of Maldives Travel Awards, featuring, tourist resorts, liveaboards, hotel brands and airlines. The premier addition honours outstanding performance in 25 categories in eight key areas. With detailed categories which cover everything from beach to F&B, as well as a wide scope of service experience, brand management and sustainability. This explores the full range of the tourism businesses, and provides comprehensive look at the most exceptional examples of tourism industry in Maldives. There are several categories like Beach & Water, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism, Food & Beverage, Brand Management, Wellness & Spa, Liveaboard, Airline and Product, Service &

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With growing participation of the industry Maldives Travel Awards today is marked as the premier travel event of the Maldives Experience. In addition to above categories MATATO will be presenting 05 awards to recognise special areas of tourism development and sustainability. With growing participation of the industry Maldives Travel Awards today is marked as the premier travel event of the Maldives. In 2016 MATATO received a record number of 243 nominations for the Awards, and the annual gala was attend by more than 300 travel professionals representing the leading travel properties and brands in Maldives. Nominations for Maldives Travel Awards Gala Edition will be accepted until 10th October 2017. Winners will be announced in November at the Annual Gala to be hosted in Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi. The winners for Maldives Travel Awards 2017 will be decided by a collective score based on Traveller reviews and popular vote. 19

singapore

Singapore passion made possible! The story of Singapore is one of triumphs. Smaller than even the smallest state in India, Goa, Singapore in just 720 sq km and has evolved from a colony to a world class city with its own unique identity. Today Singapore is a city fuelled by passion and pride. No wonder, the city often finds top spot in the lists like ‘the most liveable city in Asia’, ‘best place to do business’ and so

verything you see about this city is to admire. Almost a third of the island is draped in green which clarifies Singapore’s claim that it is a ‘city in a garden’. There are idyllic natural reserves and rainforests with indigenous flora and fauna for the travellers to explore. Singapore is much more than the sum of its numerous attractions. It’s constantly evolving, reinventing, and reimagining itself, with people who are passionate about creating new possibilities. It’s where foodies, explorers, collectors, action seekers, culture shapers, and socialisers meet―and new experiences are created every day. If you want the modern twist- Singapore has got it! Travellers chill out or

dance the night away at bars, clubs, beach parties, outdoor concerts, and music festivals. Or enjoy a night of side-splitting laughs at stand-up comedy hangouts. Immerse in distinctive and diverse entertainment and nightlife experiences, and connect with great company. Amazing food is another attraction at Singapore.

From Michelin star food to the street food it amazes you. Singapore is more than just a destination. With that in mind Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Economic Development Board has launched ‘Passion Made Possible’ Brand for Singapore to the Indian audiences. This is the first time that the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) have come together to develop a unified brand to market Singapore internationally for tourism and business purposes. The agencies are taking a bold move to put forth Singapore’s unique attitude

and mindset: a passiondriven, never-settling spirit of determination and enterprise that constantly pursues possibilities and reinvention. Over the last five decades, Singapore has built a strong reputation as a global business and tourism hub, recognised for its quality infrastructure, safety, stability, connectedness and accessibility. However, global competition to attract tourists and investments has intensified,

Almost a third of the island is draped in green which clarifies Singapore’s claim that it is a ‘city in a garden’

GB Srithar, Regional Director - South Asia Middle East & Africa (SAMEA) and Area Director, South Asia, Adrian Kong

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

and the media landscape has become more crowded and complex. Visitors have become more discerning in their travel choices, seeking to immerse themselves in cultures and build deeper connections with destinations, while international businesses want to create new solutions that make a difference. The unified brand thus aims to communicate the country’s value proposition in addressing the needs of travellers and companies, and help Singapore stand out on the international stage. GB Srithar, Regional Director – South Asia Middle East & Africa (SAMEA) of the STB announced the official launch of the brand in India. He said, “With Passion Made Possible, STB and EDB are presenting a brand that can tell a fuller Singapore story beyond just tourism. The brand articulates what we stand for as a country and supports the telling of many stories about this destination and its people. It brings to the international audiences stories from Singapore through the voices of Singaporeans. We are happy and humbled by the fact that Singapore remains a highly popular travel destination among Indian travellers. We

welcomed a record 1.1 million visitors from India in 2016. The unveiled brand will allow us to build a deeper and more personal connection between Singapore and our fans and friends in India, even when they are not actively thinking about travel. It is in line with Quality Tourism as it will appeal to the more sophisticated tourists who are seeking more aspirational value propositions in their travel.” In the development of the unified brand, STB and EDB had embarked on qualitative and quantitative research with close to 4,500 respondents on what Singapore stands for, reaching out to residents, industry stakeholders, and international audiences in Singapore and across ten countries, including India. Passion Made Possible¬

This is the first time that the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) have come together to develop a unified brand to market Singapore internationally for tourism and business purposes was derived to capture the spirit of the nation in a way that builds affinity, affiliation and top-ofmind recall for choosing Singapore as a destination to visit and invest in. Passion Made Possible is the embodiment of the country’s track record and tenacity to fulfil passions and continually create new possibilities.

The Passion Made Possible Campaign in India

Following its debut, Passion Made Possible will be unveiled in various cities worldwide through consumer launches, trade events, industry partnerships, and global marketing campaigns featuring campaign films and visuals to bring to life how Singapore is Passion Made Possible.

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Yuemin Li-Misra, Area Director, South Asia (New Delhi) said, “We have lined up a multi-faceted brand promotional campaign to reach out to audiences across India. This includes a comprehensive multimodal media campaign, on-ground consumer and trade-facing events and roadshows, stories by influential Indian public figures experiencing Singapore with our local brand personalities, and collaborations with strategic trade partners to promote brandrelated travel packages to Singapore.” GB Srithar added, “STB has been fortunate in having many travel agent and airline partners collaborating with us over the years to bring Singapore’s offerings and experiences to the Indian travellers. Working closely with these trade friends is an integral part of our tourism promotion work. We are delighted to continue our strong partnership with trade partners to bring Passion Made Possible closer to the hearts and minds of the Indian consumers and entice them to travel to Singapore. Indian travellers will then have their own Passion Made Possible in Singapore stories to share with their family and friends.” 21

Property Scan

The Raj Palace, Jaipur

The Small Luxury Hotels Group has only one property in India and it is located in the Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The Raj Palace Jaipur surely lives it to its expectation- it was a former Maharaja’s palace

ive your dream to live like a Maharaja or a king at the Raj Palace, Jaipur. Built in 1727, it was recreated to match the glory and majesty of the rich heritage. Today, The Raj Palace Jaipur is the only property to be included in the global chain of Small Luxury Hotels. This heritage and award-winning hotel has got superb service, four restaurants, a spa, an exclusive cinema, a beautiful pool and decorative gardens. It is also awarded as the World’s Best Heritage Hotel by the World Travel Awards 2007. Apart from that it was also the winner of the National Incredible India Award for being the Best Heritage Hotel in India by the Dept of Tourism, Govt of India. Truly remarkable! That’s how you will describe

the stay at the Raj Palace, Jaipur. You may find luxury hotels all over the world. But then you will get to live only in a few where the Maharaja’s or the King’s lived. To get the true Indian Royal Palace experience, one must get to Raj Palace, Jaipur. The Palace architecture has reflections of The Taj Mahal in Agra, Fatehpursikri, Mughal Palaces, Noble European and period architecture also find expressions in its unique character which spells the Era of rule that Jaipur has witnessed over 280 years of existence. The hotel has got even a museum with antiques and artifacts dating back to the rule of the Maharajas apart from the many antiques you see in the hotel itself. Beautiful Oriental rugs, crystal chandeliers and

To get the true Indian Royal Palace experience, one must get to Raj Palace, Jaipur rich fabrics in the hotel are some of them. The collection of exquisite 18th and 19th century crockery in the museum is something you must not miss. The restaurant here boasts of one of the biggest chandeliers in India. With impressive arches, ornate wall decorations, pillars and courtyards, not only is the palace spectacular, but the history of the place seems to come alive. The courtyard pool and spa are set in historic decorative gardens true to its royal character. Rise to an early morning swim in the pool which

is surrounded by several beautiful arches, sculptures and beautiful fountains. The Raj Palace Jaipur has got 29 rooms/suites across its four floors and three restaurants for the travellers to stay and to dine.

Accommodation

Heritage Room- Earlier, it was used by the royal family as a recreational room. The Heritage Room at The Raj Palace Jaipur today boasts of the finest materials with rare wooden furniture, silk, brocades and artifacts arranged in taste. The 450 sq ft room also comes with an extended sitting area with a garden view. Historical Suite- Italian marble floors, exquisite Rajasthani artwork and sheer fabrics are some of the things which add beauty to the Historical

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

Suite rooms in The Raj Palace, Jaipur. Earlier they were the rooms used by the wives of the royal family and has got the best view of the surroundings. It still uses some of the original old Royal antique furniture giving the feel of the royal life.

The utmost of the luxury! The Presidential Suite can accommodate eight people in the four floor apartment with a private entrance through the Charbagh and the victory corridor

Prestige Suite- The royal lifestyle is recreated in Prestige Suite. It is exactly how the personal chambers of the royal family looked like with old charming furniture and large windows with the views of Charbagh or Maharani Bagh gardens. The rooms were earlier lived by the heads of the other royal family guests.

courts of the palaces and the Charbagh garden. The double height reception room itself is a marvel. The gold leaf painted walls and stucco adds charms to the suite room.

Palace Suite- With 5000 sq ft comprising of a complete royal apartment block with two bedrooms and seperate spacious living area with butler on call, this is something very special at The Raj Palace, Jaipur. It overlooks the inner

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Presidential Suite- The utmost of the luxury! The Presidential Suite can accommodate eight people in the four floor apartment with a private entrance through the Charbagh and the victory corridor. It even comes with a private elevator to move easily and apart from the four bedrooms it has also got a private roof top terrace with panoramic view of the city

and a Jacuzzi. To experience how the Maharajas lived like, stay at the Presidential Suite.

Dining

There are three restaurants and one bar at the Raj Palace.

Swapna Mahal is the restaurant serving world cuisine. Swapna Mahal which means the palace of dreams boasts of European furniture, chandeliers, mirrors, silk curtains, silver jharokas, coloured glass, and a rich crockery collections. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Kebab Shop is barbeque restaurant serving only dinner. Guests can find a variety of veg and non-veg Mughal delicacies ranging from Kebabs to Biryanis. Specialised chefs in Mughal cuisine prepares the food here to pamper the taste buds of guests. The Royal Lounge is the all day dining and continental restaurant. Apart from the delicious food served here for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, the restaurant has got a royal charm of its own. The royal furniture, mirrors and celebrity museum, arches decorated in pink, green, sand gold all adds to its royal look.

The afternoon tea time is the best time to taste a variety of lip smacking cakes, cookies, sandwiches complimented by the fine selection of signature French press coffees and freshly infused teas.

The Shikarbadi is the bar which also serves lunch and dinner. Shikarbadi refers to the special pavilions in the palaces for recreation and pleasure. Here rare artifacts, trophies, memorabilia and leather upholstered furniture from the west are all included to get the old world charm. It serves the choicest wines, spirits and liquors to get you relaxed.

Destination weddings

The Raj Palace Jaipur is also a favourite place for destination weddings. The Raj Palace is among the top 5 destination wedding in Rajasthan and among the top 10 destination wedding venues in India. Fancy a fairytale Jaipur wedding? This architecturally opulent palace could be the perfect choice. What more, the palace offers a brilliant arrangement of elephants, camels and horse processions including performances by local folk musicians and dancers, puppeteers and Kalbeliyas.

Visit Asean

Visit ASEAN @ 50 Fancy a tour crosses three countries, taking its travellers deep into the region’s history and culture as seen through key cities across Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia? Or for an adventure in Vietnam and Thailand experiencing the best of the exotic East? What about a trip through the Philippines’ natural wonders in Palawan, following on to leisurely stopovers in Malaysia and Singapore?

his could be the right time to explore the Southeast Asian nations as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with several tour packages and deals for the worldwide travellers to experience South East Asia. The opportunity is to enjoy unique culture, architecture and nature in one or more of the 10 amazing ASEAN countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In celebration of this remarkable milestone, the ASEAN national tourism organisations have jointly developed a tourism programme under the theme “Visit ASEAN@50: Golden Celebration” with the objectives of

commemorating the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and embracing ASEAN as a single and united tourism destination. It highlights ASEAN’s best 50 festivals and 50 most unforgettable travel experiences, whereby visitors will enjoy a wide range of ASEAN tourism products through diverse destinations, culinary, events, and engagements with local communities. Special offers and travel promotions with affiliated partners will be rolled out for travellers to enjoy the richness of cultural, heritage, nature, and to feel the warmth of ASEAN hospitality. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on its 50th year of bringing Southeast Asia’s countries and peoples together calls tourists to celebrate a half-century of friendships and fun, using one of these 50 travel packages that run through multiple Southeast Asian countries

and tourism hotspots. Here is one such package exploring the less explored:

Borneo from Village to City

The 5 days/4 nights tour will explore Borneo’s cultural highlights, from the tribes of Sabah in Malaysia to the soaring mosques of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Start at Kota Kinabalu, capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah. Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village, where five different ethnic tribes – the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun – display their cultural traditions for visitors. Hands-on demonstrations of cultural arts – from tattoomaking to blowpipe-making – provide an immersive cultural experience. Across the border to Brunei, travellers will dive right into the action with

a night tour of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital and witness the lights illuminating the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, the glittering presence of the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, and the hubbub of the Gadong Night Market. The Forestry Museum at Sungai Liang Forestry Centre; the Billionth Barrel Monument at Seria Oilfield; the Lumut Brunei LNG plant; and Jerudong Park are other visits. On the last day back at the capital, travellers will tour the rest of Bandar Seri Begawan, covering the Brunei Museum; the Fifth Sultan’s Tomb; the Royal Regalia Centre; and a “water taxi” ride down Brunei River to see Kampong Ayer, a historic water village at the heart of the city.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

Swiss Ruby Chocolate

Switzerland amazes yet again with a new pink chocolateRuby chocolate Swiss chocolate enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. The basis for this sweet success is the consistent orientation of chocolate manufacture towards high quality standards – from the selection and processing of the raw materials, constant improvements in the manufacturing process right down to the training of skilled employees and specialists, who practise their profession with passion and know-how

hen it comes to chocolates, Switzerland always finds a place in chocolate lover’s heart. Considering their rich heritage including the making of first chocolate bar by Francois-Louis Cailler, a Swiss way back in 1819, they are undoubtedly the top. Till then chocolate was a hot beverage. The innovations further added a new variety- milk chocolate. The credit goes to another Swiss- Daniel Peter, sonin-law of Francois-Louis Cailler. With the help of his neighbour Henri Nestle he came up with the idea of adding milk to reduce the costs and make it more palatable. Little wonder, the favourite afternoon snack of every Swiss child become bread and chocolate. Further

Chocolate-lovers everywhere are excited by the news that a fourth type of natural chocolate has been created and it’s pink innovations in chocolates by the Swiss resulted in delights such as truffles, pralines, cakes and mousses. To the home of chocolate discoveries, Switzerland presents yet another delight. Chocolate-lovers everywhere are excited by the news that a fourth type of natural chocolate has been created and it’s pink. Or ruby, to give the chocolate its official hue, as created by Zurich-based manufacturer of highquality chocolate and cocoa products, Barry Callebaut. Ruby chocolate was revealed at an exclusive launch event

in Shanghai, China, where it joins the ranks of white, milk and dark chocolate worldwide. The chocolate is made from the ruby cocoa bean, and it has a pinkish hue and natural berry flavour that’s sour yet sweet. It has come about after 13 years of development at the R&D centres of Barry Callebaut, based in France and Belgium. Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany’s also co-operated in the development. They used a process that unlocks the fresh berry flavour and colour tone that is naturally present in the ruby bean, and no berries, berry flavour or colour were added to make the new ruby chocolate. The cocoa beans are sourced from the Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador and Brazil and it is expected that ruby chocolate will be introduced in different product categories. “Consumer research in very different markets confirms that ruby chocolate not only satisfies a new

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consumer need found among millennials – hedonistic indulgence – but also high purchase intent at different price points,” says Peter Boone, Barry Callebaut’s Chief Innovation & Quality Officer. “We’re looking forward to working with our partners on introducing this innovative breakthrough to the market, and making the new ruby chocolate category available to chocolate manufacturers and consumers around the world as the fourth reference next to dark, milk and white chocolate.” And obviously we’re all going to be tickled pink to taste the new ruby flavour.

TAFI

Turkey is the host country for TAFI convention 2017

ravel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has announced Turkey as the host country for its next convention. The TAFI 2017 convention will be held at two amazing cities in Turkey. For the first time, the convention will be a split stay and shall encompass two beautiful unexplored cities of Dalaman and Antalya. The convention dates are 27th October 2017 to 31st October 2017. For the first two nights, delegates will be staying at Hotel Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa, Dalaman and the next two nights at Hotel Rixos Premium Belek, Antalya.

Praveen Chugh

Both the properties are par excellence and equivalent to 7-star categories. Dalaman is a district, as well as the central town of that district, situated on the south western coast of Turkey, in Mugla Province. The Dalaman area has been attracting visitors since ancient times. Back then it was a destination of choice for the Greek Gods like Pegasus and Apollo. Today, the area pulls in more than 2 million tourists a year. The region’s appeal begins with /its beaches. Known as the Turquoise coast, the Dalaman area’s shoreline is a chain of coves, bays and long stretches of sand.

Antalya is a Turkish Resort city with a yachtfilled old harbour and beaches flanked by large hotels. It’s a gateway to Turkey’s Southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise coast for its blue waters. Remnants remain from Antalya’s time as a major Roman port. These include Hadrian’s Gate, built to honour the Roman Emperor’s visit in 130 AD and 2nd Century Hidirlik Tower with harbour views.

24 hours fitness centre, tennis court, 10 pools, 6000 sq m spa centre with steam room, whirlpool, Roman and Turkish Bath, water sports, squash, archery, aqua park, evening shows etc.

TAFI in line with its past destinations, chooses off-beat destinations, to showcase the region to its members. TAFI conventions are meticulously planned and laid out for the members. It will offer great world class business sessions, with speakers from around the world. Entertainment, like what one has never experienced before. And all this at a wonderful starting price of 69,999* per person on twin share basis! (*conditions apply) Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa which is situated 10 minutes from the airport has got 23 resort restaurants and bars featuring international menu items, private beach,

Rixos Premium Belek, Antalya sprawls around 405,000 sq m. The resort is situated 50 kms from Antalya and has got features like 700 m long beach, 700 rooms and suites, magnificent view of the Mediterranean sea, 7 restaurants, 8 bars, spa, water sports, tennis, football, basketball, rixy club for the young ones etc. There is a total of four different departure dates, and the itineraries with each departure are different. The convention will be for 4 nights, with a pre-post tour of 3 nights. Exclusive hotels have been chosen in line with the luxurious convention hotels for the pre-post tours, which offer an all-inclusive package to the delegate. The registration for the TAFI convention is now open. Members must register well in time to be able to get the itinerary of their choice. TAFI is looking forward to welcoming the delegates.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

City of Peacocks Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam

This time around Dr S Bakthavatchalam takes you around through Mylapore (meaning city of peacocks), Chennai and the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple located here

Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism

ylapore is undoubtedly a cultural hub in the southern part of the city. One of the oldest residential parts of the city, Mylapore houses Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Ramakrishna Math, San Thome Basilica among many. It is said that peacocks had been found abundantly here which is quite evident from the several statues in the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and in the San Thome Basilica Church emblem. Mylapore’s relation with music is undeniable. Several music sabhas are organised by musicians here regularly. There are performances by Carnatic music vocalists and artists during December every year. Such a rich heritage Mylapore has got.

It is said that peacocks had been found abundantly here which is quite evident from the several statues in the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and in the San Thome Basilica Church emblem

However our focus is on Kapaleeshwarar Shiva Temple, built during the 7th century CE by the Pallavas in Dravidian architecture. It is believed that the original temple in

The legend behind the temple is that Shiva turned his consort Parvati into a peacock after he got angry with her and asked her to worship him to regain her normal form. Parvati

the seaside was destroyed by the Portuguese and it was after this with more vigour and strength the devotees built Kapaleeshwarar Temple with gopuram, pillared pavilions and a huge temple pond. It is considered that the Vijayanagar rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty gave the current facelift for the temple. The form of Shiva’s consort Parvati worshipped at this temple is called Karpagambal which means ‘Goddess of the WishYielding Tree’.

obeyed it completely. It is believed that the shrine erected just outside the northeast corner of the temple’s central block is the spot where Parvati worshiped Shiva. Among the numerous shrines, the Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal shrines are most important. The Kapaleeshwarar temple two gopurams- one overlooking the street on which the temple sits and the other facing the temple pond. The east gopuram is about 40 m high. The bull, Adhikara nandi, elephant, bandicoot, peacock, goat and parrot are the vahanas at the temple. The golden chariot was added to it later. Statues of the god and the goddess are seated on a vahana or chariot which is brought in a procession around the temple accompanied by devotional music. Devotees gather around the vahanas and

It is believed that the shrine erected just outside the northeast corner of the temple’s central block is the spot where Parvati worshiped Shiva consider it a privilege to pull / lift the God and the Goddess on the vahana. There is also a peacock and a peahen caged inside the temple, to symbolise the tradition that Karpagambal had come in the form of peahen to plead to Kapaleeshwarar. The 10-day Brahmotsavam festival during March / April is a treat to watch and Arubathu Moovar festival is attended by lakhs of devotees every year. The Arubathimooval festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni is also a prominent festival in the temple.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

NEWSLINE

flydubai reports strong passenger growth amidst falling yields flydubai has announced its Half-Year Results for the 2017 financial year and has reported total revenue of AED 2.5 billion (USD 689 million) an increase of 9.9% compared to the first six months of last year and a loss of AED 142.5 million (USD 38.8 million). Historically, the trend for the second half has been stronger than the first half. Passenger numbers increased to 5.4 million; an increase of 10.5% compared to the first six months of 2016. The number of passengers carried per departure saw an increase of 13.7% for the same period. The increase in passenger numbers reflects the strength of flydubai’s network connecting previously underserved markets to Dubai. The number of Business Class passengers carried per departure saw an increase of 22% compared to the same period last year.

Total revenue increased to AED 2.5 billion (USD 689 million) for the sixmonth period Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said, “the demand for travel from the growing number of our passengers remains strong. We will however continue to manage our cost performance and balance this with our longterm view of the potential for air travel in the region. We know that we need to remain flexible to the market dynamics across our network. We will continue our disciplined approach to increasing capacity whilst pursuing our broader goal of firmly establishing flydubai at the centre of the global travel industry.”

Generation Boeing 737800 aircraft receiving one aircraft in February and a second aircraft in April. The average age of the fleet is 4.0 years and this underscores flydubai’s strategy to operate a young and modern fleet. flydubai also started twice-weekly flights to Sylhet on 15 March 2017 increasing to six flights per week in May. For the first time, flydubai launched flights for the summer season to Batumi in Georgia, Qabala in Azerbaijan and Tivat in Montenegro. Due to the popularity of direct flights to these new holiday destinations services have been extended to October. The previous investments in product and services are

fourth quarter providing greater flexibility, reliability and efficiency to its fleet. flydubai has been operating flights to Russia since 2010 and will further expand its network to 10 destinations. Twice weekly flights from Dubai to Makhachkala and Voronezh will operate from the end of October 2017. In addition, flights from Dubai to Ufa, operating

flydubai contributed 19.4% to the total growth at Dubai Airports compared to the same period last year three times a week, will re-launch on 31 October. The airline is building a new headquarters office located

In addition, flydubai contributed 19.4% to the total growth at Dubai Airports compared to the first half of 2016. During the first six months of 2017, flydubai contributed 12.4% of all traffic in Dubai. The demand for travel on flydubai remains strong and the airline has seen its overall market share grow. These factors have, however, been offset by the price performance determined by the market. The airline also faced comparatively higher fuel expenses during the reporting period with fuel costs accounting for 24.8% of operating costs compared to 23.5% in the previous reporting period. In addition, the airline added 8 aircraft to its fleet since July 2016. The closing cash and cash equivalents position including pre-delivery payments for future aircraft deliveries, remained robust at AED 2.1 billion. September | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Arbind Kumar, Senior Vice President, Finance of flydubai, said, “during the first six months of this year, we have seen pressure on both yield and cost. We continue to focus our efforts on three key areas: improvement in our cost performance, a broadening of our distribution and optimisation of our network. Knowing that we have faced a similar seasonality and trend in previous years, we will move ahead cautiously but strong in the knowledge that there remains much untapped opportunity.” During the first half of 2017, flydubai took delivery of the last of the Next-

Increase in passenger numbers to 5.4 million during the reporting period; an increase of 10.5% returning results as well as enabling flydubai to retain and attract new passengers. The airline has embraced new technologies with the aim to improve costs through dynamic yield management and using realtime data to enhance the customer journey.

A new model aircraft

flydubai is the first airline in the region to take delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The airline is set to receive six new aircraft by December 2017 with entry into service during the

on the Emirates Road and is expected to be available for occupation from 2019. This investment will support the airline’s continued growth. Ghaith Al Ghaith, looking towards the year ahead, said, “during the next six months we will see the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft bring greater operational efficiency to our fleet, we will open up previously underserved destinations on our network, see more passengers travel with us and continue to invest in the future growth of the airline. Potential for flydubai is high as part of the UAE’s aviation hub and a key driver of the sustainable development of the trade and tourism industry.” 29

NEWSLINE

Qatar Tourism Authority opens representative offices in China Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has announced the opening of representative offices in China, with headquarters in Beijing, and supporting locations in Shanghai and Guangzhou. The offices will be operated in partnership with PHG Consulting, a division of Preferred Hospitality Group; the premier global provider of representation and consultancy services for tourism boards, destination management companies, airlines, and hotel brands. The opening comes as Qatar has officially been awarded Approved Destination Status (ADS), allowing it to receive tourists from China and to promote Qatar as a tourism destination within China. “Qatar has become an increasingly accessible destination for Chinese travellers, especially after Qatar waived entry visa requirements for Chinese citizens,” commented His Excellency Sultan Salmeen Al Mansouri, Qatar’s Ambassador to China. “Chinese visitors to Qatar no longer need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multientry waiver is issued to them

Offices to be headquartered in Beijing, with supporting locations in Shanghai and Guangzhou

free-of-charge at the port of entry. At the same time, the Chinese outbound tourism market has been growing exponentially, making the time ripe for Qatar to establish a presence in China and actively engage with the domestic travel and tourism market.” The QTA office in China will aim to greatly enhance the organisation’s onthe-ground presence and capabilities, introducing and developing awareness and knowledge about Qatar as a quality destination through pro-active marketing to tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality partners and media, as well as consumers. According to Rashed AlQurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at QTA, Qatar’s marketing campaign in China will cover a wide range of promotional initiatives, including workshops, sales visits, travel agents destination training through QTA’s online TAWASH programme, partnerships with tour operators, familiarisation trips, media campaigns and a variety of innovative activities to raise Qatar’s profile as a destination among Chinese tourists. “China has risen rapidly as a major source of outbound tourists in the world and we have identified it as key source market for future growth, among both leisure

and business visitors,” said Al Qurese. “Qatar has been developing its assets in both areas, and we look forward to working with our partners at the China National Tourism Administration and PHG Consulting to raise awareness of our unique tourism offering. Our on-the-ground presence in China will enable us to actively promote Qatar to Chinese consumers, and develop relationships with members of the Chinese travel trade who will sell Qatar as a destination.” He continued, “Now that Qatar has been granted ADS, our work can begin immediately, and will culminate in a major campaign that will kick off in January 2018, which will include advertising in major publications, key outdoor locations and familiarisation trips for media to experience Qatar first hand.” Chinese travellers interested in Qatar will also have easy access to information about the destination’s tourism offerings, hospitality options and key tourism events online, with its official website (www.visitqatar.qa) now available in Mandarin. Additionally, Visit Qatar will establish a presence across the most prominent Chinese social media platforms in the coming months. “As demand for unique,

Opening comes as Qatar awarded Approved Destination Status by China exciting, and experiencerich destinations continues to grow among Chinese travellers, we are excited to embark on this multi-year partnership with QTA. We look forward to working together to achieve Qatar’s ambitions of generating great awareness and demand for the destination’s compelling tourism offerings among China’s booming outbound travel market,” said Ken Mastrandrea, Chief Operating Officer of PHG. QTA’s office in China is in the third to open in Asia and the ninth globally. It joins an international network currently covering the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, the United States of America, the GCC markets and South East Asia. QTA officials anticipate the opening of additional offices in Russia and India before the end of the year. Qatar is home to the award-winning five star airline Qatar Airways. The national carrier flies directly to 6 destinations in mainland China, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Hangzhou.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

NEWSLINE

Qatari delegation to participate in UNWTO General Assembly in China

A delegation led by Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) Chief Tourism Development Officer, Hassan Al Ibrahim is heading to Chengdu, China to attend the 22nd Session of the United Nations World Travel Organisation’s (UNWTO) General Assembly. The delegation, comprised of members from QTA’s executive team and representatives from the International Cooperation section, will take part in the UNWTO Commission for the Middle East where they will present the latest updates on the preparations underway to host the official World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrations on 27 September in Doha. The delegation will also present a report on the latest developments in Qatar’s tourism sector, which has witnessed significant growth over the past two years. The General Assembly will also feature a high-level forum around tourism’s role in achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals set for 2030.

As the UN had proclaimed 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the official WTD celebrations being held in Doha this year will be held under the theme of ‘Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development’. The full-day event, which is set to attract numerous high-level officials from the international tourism industry, will witness the launch of the Next Chapter of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030. Al Ibrahim commented on the occasion saying, “Our participation reflects the important role Qatar plays in the UNWTO’s activities and programmes, giving us a chance to stay up to date with and benefit from other countries’ experiences as we continue on our journey to achieve sustainable development for the tourism sector and the national economy.” The delegation will also be holding several meetings on the sidelines of the Assembly with tourism ministers and industry representatives from both the Middle East region and Asia, to discuss avenues of collaboration. Expected to gather over 800 delegates from

UNWTO Member States, the private sector and academia, the Assembly will discuss tourism’s ability to foster inclusive development and social transformation. Countries will also cast votes to select the country that will host the official WTD celebrations in 2018.

Visa-on-arrival extended to visitors from Morocco and Algeria

Earlier this week, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) announced that visitors from Morocco and Algeria will be issued visas-on-arrival in Qatar provided they hold valid residence permits or visas from the United Kingdom, or the United States of America, or Canada, or Australia, or New Zealand or the Schengen countries, or the Gulf Co-operation Council countries. The new system, which is set to take effect on 15 September 2017, will allow eligible visitors from Morocco and Algeria to obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by completing a simple online application on www.qatarvisaservice.com at least 48 hours prior to travelling to Qatar. Applicants will be required to provide proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel booking) and details

September | ASIAN TRAVELLER

of their return (or onward) travel, in addition to a copy of their passport with a minimum validity of six months. Eligible travellers from Morocco and Algeria will obtain a visa-on-arrival to Qatar, which will permit visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days during a single visit. The visa can be extended for 30 additional days to be used during the same visit. If the visitor leaves the country and wishes to return, they will need to apply for a new ETA 48 hours before travelling to Qatar. This development comes as part of a series of measures that Qatar has taken to facilitate visitor access to the country. Last month, Qatar waived visa requirements for nationals of 80 countries. In July, Qatar launched an e-visa platform, which allows visitors of all nationalities to apply for a tourist visa through a seamless and transparent process. In November 2016, Qatar introduced a free transit visa which allows travellers transiting in Qatar for more than 5 hours to stop over for 96 hours (four days). This has resulted in a 40% increase in the number of stopover visitors in the first half of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.

NEWSLINE

Odisha Tourism gearing up for Odisha Travel Bazaar 2017 exclusive B2B event of hosted buyers and sellers where 56 stakeholders from the state are taking part in the event as sellers. Odisha Tourism is redefining its strategies to promote its destinations by inviting more tour operators, travel agents, travel writers, TV team, etc through its hospitality programmes to educate them about the state and promote it. The Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha in association with Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is organising the Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) from 15th – 17th October 2017 at Bhubaneswar. The venue of the event is Hotel Mayfair Hotels & Resorts. The basic objective of Odisha Tourism is to create adequate infrastructure within the state, attract more tourists and lengthen their

stay in Odisha and promote and market its products in the source markets as a preferred destinations. With that objective in mind multiple events have been lined up like IATO Annual Convention in September 2017 (7th -10th) and Odisha Travel Bazaar in October 2017. About 40 Foreign Tour Operators, 20 Inbound Operators and 10 Domestic Tour Operators and selected air line operators are likely to participate. This is an

To promote this event nationally one Road show had been successfully organised at New Delhi on 22nd August and one more also will be held in Mumbai. They have also launched a dedicated website (www. odishatravelbazar.com) and a logo for the Odisha Travel Bazaar 2017 to brand the event nationally and internationally. Earlier this week, the department had also conducted the Award Festival

ceremony of 23rd OMC Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Award Festival. This year the “NALCO Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award 2017” was presented to Guru Dhruba Charan Biswal in the field of Dance and Smt. Shyamamani Devi in the field of Music. “NALCO Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Pratibha Samman 2017” presented to Sri Lingaraj Pradhan (Bhubaneswar) & Smt. Namrata Mehta (Mumbai) for Odissi dance, Smt. Jyotsna Jagannathan (Bangalore) for Bharatanatyam and Sri Jateen Kumar Sahoo (Mumbai) for Odissi music. The dignitaries who graced the occasion were Shri R. Balakrishnan, Development Commissionercum-Additional Chief Secretary, Odisha; Shri Ashok Kumar Tripathy, Former Member Board of Revenue; Smt. Leela Venkatraman, Dance Critic and Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra, Director, Srjan.

Thailand’s tourist arrivals and revenue continues growth in 3rd Quarter of 2017 Thailand expects to enjoy continued growth both in tourist arrivals and tourism revenue during the 3rd quarter of this year. International visitor arrivals are expected to grow by 5% to 8.7 million with tourism revenue increasing by 10% to 460 billion Baht (US$13 billion). Arrivals from ASEAN grew by 7% to about 2.5 million tourists, while North East Asia remains the top inbound source market with 3.7 million visitors (2% increase). Visitors from Europe totalled 1.3 million tourists (up 8%), with arrivals from the Middle East (+14% to 340,000 tourists), South Asia (+11% to 390,000 visitors) and the Americas (+9% to 280,000 tourists); all showing strong growth. 32

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “The positive outlook is based on many favourable factors, including a surge in travel demands from the short-haul markets during school holidays and the month of Ramadan. A Chinese market recovery that started from May onwards also had a positive effect on Thailand’s overall tourism arrivals. At the same time, long-haul markets including the United States and Russia continue to grow steadily.” New air access from Taiwan, Indonesia, China and Turkey is considered among the favourable factors contributing to the growth. This includes new flights from Taipei, Bali and Shenzhen to Bangkok; from Guangzhou to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai; from Changsa to Chiang Rai and

from Istanbul to Phuket. Thailand also ranked among ForwardKeys’ top destinations with a 4% share of overall future bookings. It measures future bookings based on the highest number of airline reservations secured during the months of June to August 2017. Yuthasak said, “TAT’s aggressive tourism marketing activities are also playing an important role in Thailand being marked as a preferred destination among international travellers.” TAT received positive results from its ‘Thailand Shopping & Dining Paradise 2017’ campaign (formerly known as the Amazing

Thailand Grand Sale) organised from 1 June to 31 July. A ‘Women’s Journey Thailand’ followed in August for the second consecutive year, offering privileges and deals for women travellers alongside many special activities. In the first half of this year, Thailand welcomed 17.3 million tourists, generating 876 billion Baht (US$ 25 billion) for the Thai economy. TAT targets Thailand to finish 2017, earning 1.81 trillion Baht (US$ 50 billion).

ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017

NEWSLINE

AirAsia Group CEO inspires at the PATA Youth Symposium in Macao SAR

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes inspires the next generation of tourism professionals at the PATA Youth Symposium in Macao SAR, hosted by the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT). The Symposium welcomed more than 250 local and overseas students and academia, as well as industry professionals. Organised by the Association’s Human Capital Development Committee, the Symposium took place on Wednesday, September 13 with the theme ‘Enabling Travel and Managing a Complex Future’. In the opening address Dr. Fanny Vong, President of IFT, said, “On behalf of IFT, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to MGTO, PATA, AirAsia, ITB and all the partner organisations who joined hands with us to make this event happen today. IFT has been committed to nurturing local tourism and hospitality talent since its establishment. In 2017, IFT became the world’s first higher education institution to pass International Quality Review (IQR) from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). We were also ranked by the “QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017” as the second best higher education institution in Asia in the field of hospitality and leisure management and the 18th best higher education institution in this field in the world. Besides, the Institute has twice been recognised with the Gold Award in Education and Training by PATA. Rest assured that September | ASIAN TRAVELLER

IFT will continue to work closely with PATA to provide an international platform for academics, industry professionals and students to exchange ideas and transfer knowledge, so that together we contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism industry for the benefit of the destinations’ communities.” During the plenary talk on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Automation in the Tourism Industry: Is C3PO taking our jobs?’, PATA CEO Dr Mario Hardy challenged the participants by asking, “Every month do one thing you have never done before. It can be extreme or simple, like reading a book you have never read before or learning a new skill. I would like you to think how will you positively impact a billion people?” Rika Jean-François, Commissioner ITB Corporate Social Responsibility, Competence Centre Travel & Logistics, ITB Berlin presented on ‘Where Does Responsible Travel Fit in our Future?’ and said, “Endless growth on a finite planet is impossible. There have been revolutionary developments before and this could happen to sustainability. Technology has made it so much more possible to feel like ‘we’ in this world. Everything is closer, we know more about what is happening in the world so we might also feel a greater responsibility towards each other and our world.” PATA Young Tourism Professional Ambassador, Ms JC Wong, who informed the audience about PATA’s Young Tourism Professional programme and activities, noted that, “21st century companies are looking for

those who are innovative, adaptable, flexible and are problem solvers.” Fernandes presented on the topic of “Enabling Air Travel for All: How Air Asia has Become the World Leading Low Cost Carrier”. The event also featured an informal chat with him as well as as interactive roundtable discussions on ‘What opportunities and challenges do you see in enabling greater volume of travel?’ and ‘What role do human’s play in managing a responsible industry in the future?’ moderated by Dr Fanny Vong and Dr Chris Bottrill, Chairman of the PATA Human Capital Development (HCD) Committee and Dean, Faculty of Global and Community Studies at Capilano University. During his inspirational presentation, Fernandes said, “Live your life like it is the last day of your life. It is in your heart, whether you want to be the best or want to live a mediocre life. I have failed so many times but you need to fail before you get where you are.” Dr Bottrill, who help guided the development of the programme, said “We had a terrific day at the IFT hosted Youth Symposium where students from over 15 countries participated. As is usual in the symposiums we held break out groups to engage students in the topics presented and provide their insights. With regards to the issue of enabling greater travel in the future, students saw opportunities high speed transportation, virtual reality, and visa-free travel, they also noted the challenges of overtourism and the need to distribute travel and benefits more effectively, plus emphasized the need to retain the sensory elements of travel that VR and other technologies may limit. They also shared their insights on the roles

that humans will play in the industry of the future and noted the need to retain and celebrate the creativity of the human mind, communicate challenges and act responsibly in future development and CSR activities, protect cultures for the enrichment of tourism and protection of our human treasures, plus focus on the wellbeing of humans through tourism as a means to cultivate understanding and respect. Yet again, students provided clarity for our industry on the issues that really matter.” The events also provided opportunities for students to discuss and exchange their ideas during the roundtable discussion on “What opportunities and challenges do you see in enabling greater volume of travel? And What role do human’s play in managing a responsible industry in the future? The PATA Human Capital Development Committee has organised successful educational events at various institutions including UCSI University Sarawak Campus (April 2010), Institute for Tourism Studies (September 2010), Beijing International Studies University (April 2011), Taylor’s University, Kuala Lumpur (April 2012), Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manila (September 2012), Thammasat University, Bangkok (April 2013), Chengdu Polytechnic, Huayuan Campus, China (September 2013), Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai Campus, China, (May 2014), Royal University of Phnom Penh (September 2014), Sichuan Tourism School, Chengdu, (April 2015), Christ University, Bangalore (September 2015), University of Guam, USA (May 2016), President University (September 2016) and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (May 2017). 33

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 112 1. Name the district and state where Bekal Fort is located? 2. The famous hill station of Lonavla is part of which Indian state? 3. Which Indian state recorded the most number of foreign tourists in 2016?

Shruti Gandhi Buckley appointed as the Global Head of the Hampton by Hilton

Alejandro Bernabé

appointed as the Vice President of Operations at Avani Hotels & Resorts

Craig Dezern

appointed as the Vice President of Brand Communications at Hilton

4. Name the famous beach, part of Andaman & Nicobar Islands which ranked among the top 10 beaches in the world 5. The capital of Sikkim 6. Sundarbans National Park is a part of which Indian state? 7. Which beach holds the record for world’s longest beach? 8. Name the district and state where Vijaydurg Fort is located? 9. Which Indian state hosts the famous Pushkar Camel Fair?

Hans Schiller

appointed as the cluster General Manager at Hilton Abu Dhabi and Hilton Al Ain

Malek Safa

appointed as the Executive Assistant Manager, Sales and Marketing at Grand Hyatt Dubai

Tejus Jose

appointed as the General Manager of Le Meridien Kochi

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ASIAN TRAVELLER | September 2017