Volume 8 Issue 3 September 2018
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K E R A L A TRAVEL MART
WORLD’S LARGEST BIRD SCULPTURE
Dear Readers, The largest Tourism Buyer-Seller Mart is here. On the special occasion of 10th anniversary of Kerala Travel Mart, we at Metro Mart feel extremely happy to be part of this venture. Metro Mart has been designated the opportunity to be the official media partner for Kerala Travel Mart 2018. Over the decade, KTM has grown up and evolved to be the largest platform for the tourism and hospitality trade in the state and open up new vistas for both large and small entrepreneurs alike. Commemorating the 10th edition of KTM, Metro Mart has published a special edition of Metro Mart. This edition contains several articles by leaders in Kerala’s tourism sector which provides great insights into the strengths and vulnerabilities of Kerala Tourism sector. Post floods in August, Kerala has been undergoing a major shift with prime focus on rebuilding Kerala and reviving its past glory. All the major players at KTM abide by the same objective and innovative ideas to develop Kerala as a sustainable tourism destination are discussed in this edition. Interviews and opinion columns of leaders in Kerala’s tourism and hospitality domain is published in this special edition for Kerala Travel Mart. The KTM Handbook has also been design and published by us. We wish Kerala Travel Mart arise above all as the major player in the rebuilding Kerala drive with key attention to put Kerala as a major tourism destination on the global front.
Foreword
SIJI NAIR
Managing Editor & Director e-mail: sijicn@gmail.com
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Volume 8 - Issue 03 - September 2018
Contents
www.metromartdaily.com Read our e-edition: www.issuu.com/metromart Annual Subscription Rs- 500
Publisher
Hari Shanker
Managing Editor & Director Siji Nair Sijicn@gmail.com Editor
V. Viswanath
Editorial Assistant Ampili Nair Relationship Manager Binoy K.S. Projects Head Raj Nijith Business D evelopment Manager Ratheesh Kumar Asst Manager - Sales & Marketing Jayaprakash RP Creative Head Kiran Mohan Creative Assistant Saviour Peter Manager - Administration Sabu C.N. Manager - Accounts Sindhu R.
10 KERALA TOURISM UNVEILED WORLD’S LARGEST BIRD SCULPTURE
14 KERALA TRAVEL MART LAUNCHES
DESTINATION
MALABAR
Corporate Office:Metromart Thiruvananthapuram MERA 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College P.O. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 011 Tel: 0471 4015593 M: 0091 9995139933 / 9947733339
Published, Edited and Printed by Hari Shanker A.G. and Owned by Haritha Media Pvt Ltd and Printed by him at SB Press Private Limited, Statue, Trivandrum 695 001 and Published from Tharangam, Kodunganoor Post, Trivandrum 695 013
Pune Office:2nd Floor, ARIANA, Above Unnati, Near New Poona Bakery, Wakad, Pune - 411 057 India
Metro Mart reserves the right to use the information published here in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither the Publisher no any of its employees accept any responsibilities for any errors or omissions.
Pune | Kolkata | Bangalore | Kochi
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September 2018
Metro Mart is a monthly journal published from Trivandrum, Views and opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Publishers.
All Rights Reserved
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RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037
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SIHRA CONVENTION 2018 IN MADURAI WORLD’S RAREST FLOWER
NEELAKURINJI BLOOMS IN KERALA’S MUNNAR
Any
CRICKET FANATICS in the city?
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Classic Biriyani @
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REBUILDING KERALA WITH GREEN ENERGY
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WIBON NETWORKS Ensuring Efficient Networking Solutions
Timur Kachi
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COVER STORY
KERALA TOURISM UNVEILED WORLD’S LARGEST BIRD SCULPTURE
D. Santhosh Kumar
I
n a major boost to Kerala Tourism, opening of world’s largest bird sculpture, state-of-the-art cable car service fully manufactured in Switzerland, adventure park and helicopter local flying service will turn the heritage site of ‘Jatayupara ‘as Kerala’s contribution to world tourism map. The second phase of Jatayu Earth’s Center at Chadayamangalam in Kollam houses one of the wonders of the world, the Jatayu sculpture, which will boost the cultural tourism of the State.
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The project, which brings to life one of Kerala’s long-standing dream of having an international tourism spot.The world’s largest bird sculpture is the result of decadelong perseverance of acclaimed film maker and sculptor, Rajiv Anchal. This colossal sculpture situated in Jatayupara around 1,000 feet above sea level can be accessed by stateof-the-art cable car service. The cable car service manufactured completely in Switzerland is the first of its kind in the country. Travelling to thousand
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feet height in cable car will itself be a mind blowing experience for the tourists. Jatayu Earth’s Center emerges as the tourist spot which offers the facility for Helicopter Local Flying. Helipad and corresponding facilities for two helicopters have been set up in ‘Jatayu’ rock. Helicopter service connecting various tourism spots in Kerala is in the offing. Jatayu Adventure Park which offers world class adventure experience in the natural setting of rocks will definitely draw adventure tourists from around the world.
In the great epic Ramayana, Jatayu is characterized as a noble bird of divine origin. One day he happened to hear the plaintive cry of a lady. It was Sitha lamenting for help while she was being abducted to Lanka by the demon king Ravana. Risking his life, he tried his best to save Sitha from her abductor. In time, the rock got the name Jatayupara. This is where the monumental statue of Jatayu is now built. Hence, the Jatayu sculpture uprights as a towering tribute to women’s safety and
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honour. The sculpture of the large bird symbolises woman safety and protection. The colossal statue is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide and 70 feet tall, making it the largest functional bird sculpture in the world with an enter into the Guinness Book of World Records. Jatayu Adventure Park which offers world class adventure experience in the natural setting of rocks will definitely draw adventure tourists from around the world. There is no other world class adventure tourism centre in India which embraces Mother Earth like Jatayu Adventure Park. This tourism venture exemplifies the role expatriates can play in major development projects in the state. Jatayu Earth’s Center has gained relevance for ensuring the participation of local residents and generating job opportunities for many of them. The centre puts forward state government supported responsible tourism model. The venture holds the distinction of being safe haven for tourists with its 3.5 kilometre, 65 acre gated facility with ultra modern security arrangements.
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COVER FEATURE
KERALA TRAVEL MART LAUNCHES
DESTINATION
MALABAR K
erala-God’s own Country is one of the hottest destinations in the global tourism market. The Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), a consortium of stakeholders in the tourism sector and a key player in the travel and tourism industry of Kerala, will hold its tenth fair from 27th to 30th September at Kochi, India. The fair has always served as a global rendezvous for travel trade in Kerala wherein unprecedented access to Kerala’s innovative and diverse tourism products is granted. The event also offers a unique opportunity to interact in person and do business with an unparalleled choice of sellers as well as the entrepreneurs behind them. ‘Destination Malabar’ is adopted as the official theme of the event in keeping with the high focus of the government to put North Kerala on an equal footing in tourism marketing with the rest of the regions. The exhibition will take place at the Samudrika Convention centre on Willingdon Island, Kochi. The inaugural event will be hosted by the Grand Hyatt Hotel at Bolgatty Island on September 27. Pinarayi Vijayan the current Chief Minister of Kerala would be the Chief Guest.
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Exhibitors at the fete include owners and operators of hotels, resorts, houseboats, Ayurveda centres, and speciality hospitals as well as host families and tour operators. The fair sees guests from around the globe. The exhibition offers a communication platform for the key players of Kerala’s tourism industry and an expert gathering of people. The guests get an opportunity to learn extensively about the most recent developments, trends, services and products of various zones of Kerala. The four day extravaganza will present many great networking opportunities and insightful seminar sessions. With an exclusive opportunity to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinions and trends, inbound and outbound tourism professionals from around the world is sure to benefit from this mega event. The fair is also a wonderful space to foster valuable partnerships and new business relationships which are crucial to businesses. It has become a noteworthy platform that creates new opportunities and brings forth 16
September 2018
the scope and expansion possibilities of Kerala’s tourism sector. Kerala Travel Mart Society, the organizers of this B2B fair is expecting a record turnout for its 10th edition. The KTM fair is the largest biennial conclave of tourism stakeholders in the state and the only such gathering in India focusing on a single destination – Kerala, which helps in nurturing the economic prospects of the state. The 2016 edition of Kerala Travel Mart had proposed a boost of income in Kerala’s tourism sector by Rs 5000 crore. The ninth edition witnessed an overwhelming response from buyers and new entrepreneurs. There were ten new countries participating in the event last time. Apart from the traditional European buyers, there was also a big representation from the US, Canada, Australia and China and a whopping 50 percent hike in new buyers. Registrations for this year’s event have already crossed an alltime record of 350 entries from international buyers from 50 different countries. Apart from international buyers, around
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1,000 domestic buyers have also completed registrations already. A tremendous increase in the number of registrations from Nonconventional markets from Europe and the Far East is also a very promising trend of the tenth edition. The Kerala Travel Mart has always maintained a transformational role in shaping the tourism and hospitality sectors in the state. The event strives to showcase the best of the regional and global hotel brands and KTM continues to be the prime choice for many international and regional hospitality brands to improve their position in the regional market space. As one of the leading global platforms that present the newest trends in the industry, the event presents diverse opportunities for all stakeholders to strengthen their businesses. Kerala Travel Mart fair is an excellent venue for business concerns involving tourism products like farm tourism, health holidays,
monsoon tourism, riverside tourism, spice plantation tours, village tourism, etc as it is a one of kind of fair for such businesses and as such an excellent prospect for generating as well as sharing new ideas. KTM has also scheduled pre and post-FAM tours of four to six days of duration for international buyers, to destinations across Kerala and buyers have the option of participating based on their interests as they have been divided into different thematic groups. As a great show to connect and share, Kerala Travel Mart leads by example by putting forward a chance to realize the wealth and diversity that this part of India has to offer to world tourism and enhances Kerala’s place on the global tourism map. KTM is poised to climb stellar heights and puts forward an indication of further development prospects in Kerala’s tourism market on an international scale.
COVER FEATURE
POST DELUGE, KERALA TOURISM BOUNCES BACK WITH REINFORCED VIGOUR
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ourism accounts for twelve percent of Kerala State’s economy. With the State having faced the worst floods in over a century with incessant rains, large scale flooding and heavy landslides, apprehensions were mounting that the tourism industry in the State has been hit hard and it might take some time for the tourism sector to regain
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the old glory and vigour. There were some false propaganda also in this regard. True, there were a few cancellations of their Kerala trips by the tourists,which happened before the floods receded, but that was a short lived phenomenon. Dispelling the fears of many, post deluge, the tourism sector of the State is bouncing back with reinforced
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vigour. Such is the attraction that Kerala’s tourist spots offer to the tourists the world over. With the peak tourist season for Kerala beginning in October and the State Government and Tourism Department straining every nerve to ensure an impact full season, a few prominent individuals including Ministers of the central and State
Governments and serving as well as former senior civil servants aired their considered views about the State’s tourism landscape as it unfolds after the floods and its outlook for the days ahead. They all underlined the necessity of leaving no stone unturned in creating a strong impression that tourism in Kerala is back on its trailwith a bang and has fully regained its glory.
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Sri.Alphons Kannanthanam, Union Minister of State for Information Technology, Culture and Tourism expressed confidence about the potential of the State’s tourism sector to overcome the troubled
times. He suggested that Keralites living in the State as well as those abroad undertaking trips to various tourist centres in Kerala alone would make a strong resurgence of the sector. He informed that inclusion of Kerala among the approved Leave Travel Concession (LTC) centres for employees is under consideration by the central government. The central government is planning to give wide publicity to Kerala tourism through social media as well as domestic and foreign media channels. The Minister expressed the readiness of the government to guide and take forward Kerala’s tourism projects through primary funding assistance.
Kerala’s Tourism Minister, Kadakampally Surendran, expressed confidence that even those tourists who cancelled their trips during the midst of the floods would return soon. He said that that Kerala Tourism would implement massive projects giving importance to the security of tourists. Kerala’s tourism sector with an annual revenue of Rs.35000 crores and employing about 15 lakhs people is a model for other countries. The sector would leap to its next phase with the conduct of the Kerala Travel Mart. The Minister said that among its priority areas, Kerala Tourism has areas like shaping of new tourist destinations, giving importance to Helicopter Tourism, encouraging house boat tourism and backwater tourism. The coastal tourist spots in
Thiruvananthapuram like Kovalam, Shankummukhom, Veli and Akkulam would be elevated to global standards.
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Sri.Thomas Issac, Kerala’s Finance Minister emphasized that every Keralite should recognize the importance of responsible tourism (RT) as a need of the times. RT is an innovative and far-reaching concept of Kerala Tourism which completed its phase one program with noticeable milestones. As a pilot phase, this initiative was implemented at four destinations viz. Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady and Wayanad. Among these destinations Kumarakom evolved as the success model for responsible tourism and was honored by Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India for the best Responsible Tourism initiative in Kerala. The Minister said that suitable decisions will be taken in priority areas like availability of drinking water and for spreading a strong message that
the original Kuttanad is back, post floods. Tourism sector would gain new heights through aggressive propaganda. More control measures would be instituted giving utmost importance to pollution control. Strict action would be taken against dumping waste in backwaters. Urgent steps are being taken to nurture Alappuzha as a Heritage Town.
Sri.Balakiran IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism said that with the onset of the Neelakurinji season which is expected to attract over ten lakhs tourists, the industry is expected
to restore its earlier vigour soon. He emphasized the importance of having more public toilets, disposal of solid waste, removal of wastes dumped on either side of the road in some places etc. The official informed that important tourist spots in Kerala would be elevated to international standards with more and more state-of-the-art facilities. Live video promotions, promotions via Indian Embassies etc. would be given more stress. Kerala’s presence would be ensured in the various trade fairs organized abroad. The campaign to promote Kerala tourism will be strengthened in UK, Germany, France, Europe, Middle East and China.
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Sri.Jiji Thomson, former Chief Secretary of Kerala stressed that Keralites should pay better attention to welcoming the foreign tourists and expressing gratitude to them. He underlined the need for promoting sports tourism and exploring the prospects of Golf Tourism in the State. There is need for enactment of strict legislation to deal with the menace of throwing waste in the streets. E-toilets should be popularized more. On the whole, the spirit of the views expressed by the dignitaries was that the concerted efforts being taken in the tourism sector have already started paying off withstanding and overcoming the impact of the floods and that most of the State’s tourist destinations are ready to welcome the visitors from India and abroad.
KERALA TRAVEL MART BRINGING BACK FOCUS TO TOURISM IN KERALA
K
K E R A L A TRAVEL MART
Baby Mathew
President Kerala Travel Mart Society
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erala Travel Mart is focused on increasing the tourist footfalls to Kerala. In Kerala around 15 lakh people get direct employment and about 10 lakh indirectly through the Tourism industry. The turnover from tourism operation in Kerala is around Rupees 34000 crores. The endeavour of KTM is to increase the employment potentials and gather momentum for these businesses. Business to business meetings are held at KTM, wherein international buyers meet up with sellers from the local businesses. Kerala is ready to receive tourists. Government, tourism and other voluntary groups have taken up cleaning and maintenance of the destinations; while private owners, have done their own arrangements at their properties to facilitate tourists. Mobility is not an issue, however, roads need to be maintained better so as the tourists feel more safety. Tourism fraternity has asked the minister for this and initiatives are being taken. Hopefully by the time of Kerala Travel Mart it would be completed. To expedite the growth of tourism in Kerala, various initiatives could be taken up by the government. Infrastructure at destinations needs to be further revamped. Separate projects has to be developed for waste management. Right from the school level, it should be taught that tourism is a major sector in our state and proper waste management is a factor in that. This aware creation would lead to the state being more tourism friendly and in turn assure the sustainability of tourism sector. We need to restart tourism clubs in schools and colleges. Further, every Keralite can take pride that we are from God’s Own Country and be a perfect host by being responsible to our nature and environment.
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TOURIST FOOTFALLS SET TO INCREASE IN KERALA
K
erala is a state where within a short number of days tourists can experience a wide variety of attractions – be it wildlife, hill stations, beaches, heritage, backwater, pilgrimage, etc. The State became a preferred destination for tourists due to this. Kerala Travel Mart provides a platform for international and local buyers and sellers to get together and do business. KTM also showcases the distinct tourism destinations in Kerala to a global audience. Kerala Travel Mart is one of the biggest Marts in the world. The event is run in a professional manner, keeping in mind the requirements and necessities of every stakeholder. Across the globe Kerala Tourism would regain its prime spot through Kerala Travel Mart 2018. Tourism department and governmental bodies are working in tandem for the upliftment of tourism sector in Kerala. Implementation of advanced technologies would ensure progressive reconstruction of infrastructure. The private and public partnership in Kerala is strong. This works well for the tourism industry as well as society as a whole. Heralding a new tourist season, bookings have started for the coming month onwards. The regular visitors to Kerala would find the refurbished and redeveloped properties in destinations to be refreshing. For the new tourists, Kerala – God’s Own Country – is ever ready to welcome.
K E R A L A TRAVEL MART
Jose Pradeep Managing Partner Hotel Yuvarani Residency Hon. Secretary & Chairman Exhibition Committee KTM 2018
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EACH ONE OF US HAS TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY IN REBUILDING KERALA What is your expectation of Kerala Travel Mart? I feel that KTM will make Kerala stronger and give a feel that the destination is safe to travel.This time we are expecting to meet new tour operators, both domestic & international. I would also like to mention that our new property at the Alleppey backwaters is ready to occupy and will be introduced. We expect that KTM is the right platform to uplift the destination and to spread a positive message and hope that more tourists will be attracted in the coming days.
Raja Gopalal Iyer
Chief Executive Officer Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Resort & Spa, Trivandrum
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How do you think Kerala Travel Mart would be beneficial to Kerala? The benefits toKerala through the Kerala Travel Mart will be plenty. To begin with, every small to big hoteliers and agents gets benefitted in showcasing their products, which most of them upgrade every year. It is a great chancefor both the international and domestic buyers to showcase the kerala tourism service providers under one roof. Secondly, as of now, due to the present situation after flood, we can prove that there are no issues as such in the state and we are back on our toes . The new business will begin and everyone gets opportunities to talk on the business. And I strongly feel that KTM has come a long way and can be an annual event. Kerala Tourism department is taking up several activities to promote tourism in Kerala. Apart from that, in your opinion, what more should be done by them to enhance the tourism scenario in Kerala? The benefits to Kerala through the Kerala Travel Mart will be plenty. To begin with, every small to big hoteliers and agents gets benefitted in showcaing their products, which most of them upgrade www.metromartdaily.com
every year. It is a great chance to showcase Kerala tourism service providers under one roof to both the international and domestic buyers. Secondly, as of now, due to the present situation after flood, we can prove that there are no issues as such in the state and we are back on our toes . The new business will begin and everyone gets opportunities to talk on the business. And I strongly feel that KTM has come a long way and can be an annual event. With the current floods, what do you think should be the modus operandi to rebuild Kerala? Each one of us has to take the responsibility in rebuilding Kerala. But it is clear many have already forgot about the same due to their busy business or work schedules. The government also does not have a clear master plan on the same and still many of us do not know the magnitude of the damage that has actually occurred. The big corporate companies have to be invited for
the discussion and given areas to work on. The elected members of government should go to areas from where they are elected and work for the changes to be brought in. They should work with the master plan of the government and keep addressing the issues and find solution and rectify the same too. For example take the case of Alleppey. If there is MLA or a minister elected, he should be responsible to work in his areas. Kerala should be an example for other States by showing their strength acan be overcome with a better disaster management. Without this, if something goes wrong, things will not be appreciated. We need to work as a whole team and show the strength. Strikes and Bundhs have never given any benefits on any of the issues. The recent strike and bundh in Kerala at least was surely a waste of time and energy. If all thebeen appreciated by all. I am sorry I forgot their white costume may get dirty.
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What happens when you have the strikes and bandh happens. By and large, there is very little evidence that strike “works� in the sense of leading to any lasting redressal of grievances. If anything, many governments tend to respond to riots by enacting more draconian laws and beefing up the budgets of those charged with suppressing trouble. When governments do respond, it is usually just with temporary solutions designed to pacify the protesters and get them off the streets. Vague promises of redressal, government-sponsored reforms, or temporary subsidies (particularly in the case of food or fuel strikes) will often mollify the crowds, but seldom lead to any lasting improvement in the quality of life of the people.
The Bottom Line Strikes and Bundhs are almost never the cause or start of a problem, they are almost always the end of the story and an expression of frustration that the government is not meeting the needs of the people (whether those needs are realistic or not). That said, they can have serious long-term consequences. Investors do not want to place their money in harm’s way, and businesses steer clear of areas where the safety of their capital, their employees and their customers is at risk. All in all, strikes benefit no one but the demagogues who often egg them on, and there can be some serious economic repercussions, as well as the unacceptable cost of human lives.
REBUILD KERALA DRIVE FOR A BETTER STRONGER KERALA Kerala Travel Mart holds a vast potential for the tourism sector and acts as a great platform to unite and send a positive picture of Kerala to the outer world. During the unprecedented floods, we did an outstanding job in our rescue efforts & now we are entrusted with a larger goal of rebuilding Kerala. We showed the world that humanity and compassion for each other still exists. KTM will enable us to portray a renewed picture of Kerala - God’s Own Country. The event brings togetherness. Along with all the stakeholders of Kerala, thousands of well-wishers from all over the world unite and once again to celebrate humanity & compassion. Over the years Kerala
Tourism jointly with stakeholders has emerged as an outstanding role model for the whole world. The strength of Kerala Tourism is the strong bond between the Tourism Department and its stakeholders. With support from each other, we are doing a marvellous job in rebuilding Kerala and eventually rebuilding Kerala Tourism. The best way to enhance is to strengthen this bond further. Each stakeholder in Kerala is assisting their local community in bringing them back to a normal life. Through this, we are being a part of Government of Kerala’s Rebuild Kerala Drive for a better stronger Kerala. The Kerala government is functioning full-fledged and we should support this noble cause by all possible means and efforts. And the day is not far when we will emerge as a better, stronger & compassionate KERALA - A true God’s Own Country.
KTM-INEVITABLE FOR REBUILDING KERALA KTM is one of the most important integral parts of Kerala Tourism. The 10th edition of Kerala Travel Mart will serve as a significant rendezvous for business meetings, especially with overseas buyers. The results of Kerala Travel Mart will benefit all tourism fraternity directly and which 32
September 2018
in turn will assist the whole of Kerala. Post floods, this is an appropriate time to focus on the rebuilding of a new Kerala. All marketing activities in traditional markets like the UK & Europe need to be strengthened, and new markets need additional emphasis on all different platforms. It is essential to offer confidence to every individual organisation within and outside our country and also send out a positive image. Incentive-based activities will also be needed especially during coming winter.
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KTM-NEW VISTAS FOR KERALA
Scaria Jose
ChairmanE-Marketing Committee
Kerala Travel Mart over the decade has evolved to be the largest Tourism Buyer-Seller platform in India. KTM exemplifies a successful public-private partnership model in Kerala tourism industry. Over the years, KTM has been instrumental in showcasing Kerala as a branded tourism destination to the global tourism. For the 10th edition of the mart , we have record buyer registrations from across the globe. This year we are very fortunate enough to have new buyers from America other than the usual Europe market. Kerala as a tourism destination, still lack many big names or Internationally acclaimed brands as investors in Kerala. The Kerala Travel Mart provides a great opportunity for all players specially small and medium size investors like independent hotels, resorts, houseboat operators and homestays to create awareness of their products in the global front. KTM will open up new investment vistas for major players in the tourism and hospitality sector and prosper the tourism aspects of Kerala. Post the unprecedented floods, there arise an immediate need to rebuild Kerala and revive it’s past glory. The rebuilding process should be undertaken with sustainable development as an objective. We should think of a green Kerala. As responsible entrepreneurs and individuals of the tourism sector, we should adhere by the phrase, “Charity begins at home” and help the government build “New Green Kerala”. We should move from using single use plastic, manage waste responsibly and use renewable energy sources for a cleaner, better future. All these efforts will help revive the face of Kerala as a tourist destination on the global front.
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SIHRA CONVENTION 2018 IN MADURAI
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he South India Hotels & Restaurants Association (SIHRA) is all geared up to hold the SIHRA Convention 2018 in Madurai from October 4-6. This year the event has its prime focus on the theme “Together for a better tomorrow” and Unity is Strength. Bringing together the southern states of India and providing profuse opportunities for the growth of the hospitality industry, the convention serves as a platform to showcase the up to date trends, cutting-edge technologies and international best practices in the rapidly growing hospitality industry. The event provides a fascinating platform for hoteliers & Restaurateurs from the whole of South India to meet up and
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take up fruitful discussions on the current trends and opportunities. SIHRA has always been instrumental in connecting all the South Indian states to bring about varied opportunities in exploring the hospitality and tourism domain in the country. This convention looks forward to bring together individuals from various sectors and aims at providing a rendezvous for the common areas of interests within these industries. The sectors in focus for this year’s convention are emerging trends, culture & culinary arts, new trends in the beverage industry, women leadership in hospitality, etc. Cultural events and gala dinners have been arranged for all days at the Courtyard by Marriott,
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the iconic Gateway Hotel and The Fortune Pandiyan Hotel. The business sessions over the three
days will be delivered by eminent speakers from the industry will be both educative and motivating. The sessions have been planned to ensure a perfect mix of technology, emerging trends in the beverage and food industry, and innovations in hotel projects, accompanied by a session on women leadership in the hospitality sector, amongst others. SIHRA 2018 is sure to provide a forum to create synergies and educative opportunities for the key players in the sector and to identify strategic business opportunities and explore new avenues for trade & commerce as well.
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DESTINATION
WORLD’S RAREST FLOWER
NEELAKURINJI BLOOMS IN KERALA’S MUNNAR
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unnar: After 12 years, the Munnar Hills seem to be bathed in a dreamy shade of blue with the blooming of Neelakurinji (strobilanthes kunthiana) as the flower, rarest of the rare, does not grow in any other part of the world. • The Neelakurinji flowers bloom once in 12 years between July-October • Kerala Tourism expects increase in tourist footfalls during this time period to Munnar It is during these months that the Neelakurinji flowers will blossom after 12 years across the hills of Munnar in Idukki district. Neela in local parlance translates to the colour blue and Kurinji is the local name for the flower. Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana), commonly found across the Western Ghats, blooms in all its glory unleashing a visual extravaganza once in every 12 years. The decade-long blooming cycle of the flower is what makes it a rare spectacle. Last time, the flower had flourished in 2006.
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Munnar has the largest concentration of the Strobilanthes out of the 46 varieties found in India. The mass flowering of Neelakurinji will begin in July for next three months, and will paint the hills blue. Talking about the Neelakurinji blossom season, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said there is no better time to visit Munnar than the time when Neelakurinji plants bloom enmasse. As many as 628,427 tourists had visited Munnar in 2017 with an increase of 34.31 percent as compared to 467,881 vacationers in 2016. Though Tourism Department expects a growth of 79 percent in tourist arrivals to Munnar this year, the incessant rains causing floods in August affected the tourist inflow. This unique lifecycle of the plant makes the hills a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts. The majestic Nilgiri Tahr, the
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endangered mountain goatendemic to these hills can also be spotted. Tour planners and adventure clubs will be organising trekking in these hills during the Neelakurinji blooming season. Some of the nearby attractions include Anamudi Peak, the tallest in South India that has best trekking trails in the country and Eravikulam National Park, the first of its kind, where the endangered Nilgiri Thar is protected. The EravikulamNational Park is the main Neelakurinji flowering area and nearly 2,750 tourists are allowed every day. The authorities would allow additional 40 % visitors during the flowering season. Enticingly perched at a height of 1600 m above sea level, and nestled in between the confluence of the cool Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala streams, Munnar is one of the most sought-after leisure travel destinations in India.
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DINING
Any
CRICKET FANATICS in the city? Head on to Cricket Shack & be mesmerized! P.J. Sam Alex
C
onventional restaurants, with dingy lighting and lackluster interiors, are a thing of the past. Sports cafes are the new hangout spots for the youth these days. And the latest addition to this is Cricket Shack. A vibrant cafĂŠ developed and maintained by a group of friends, who hold cricket in their hearts, Cricket Shack is developing a new sense of food culture in the capital city. When an idea of a startup arose among these pals, they had no doubt what their sole idea should be based on. Such deep passion do they carry for cricket and thus Cricket Shack was born. The cafĂŠ had its soft launch in the first week of May and have been garnering mounting reception from different walks of life ever since. 40
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Cricket Shack stays wholly true to its name. It’s a new dining haven for cricket fans and others who enjoy scrumptious burgers, steak, lobster, and the list goes on. For the youth, it’s a hideaway from the maddening crowd and the new manner of relaxation. Foodies are greeted by an interesting illustration that depicts the history of the cricket bat. The evolution of cricket bat from 1720 through the years is vividly exemplified at the entrance with interesting write-ups. Once you enter the café, the atmosphere of a unique cricket museum sweeps in. On the right lies a collage of photographs that show the glorious milestones in the history of the mighty Indian cricket team. The originals of these photographs are well arranged in the café on the other side. To the left of the entrance is a small area packed with books and a comfy waiting area for guests looking for takeaways. The interiors of the café are so magnificently designed with a sheer emphasis on their theme and do complete justification of the name. A marvelous display of authentic collectibles related to the game is put up in the
main hall. One wall is dedicated to framed photographs that show idols of cricket in their iconic postures. Authentic bats, t-shirts etc carrying signatures of players and other icons of the game are also put on display. The main hall also features an open stage where live gigs of budding music bands like Chumadu Thangi are arranged for, in the weekends. Much to the awe of cricket fans, an artwork of the Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar made from nails and copper wire by a group of artists is put up on the wall as the backdrop for the stage. What about a monster burger with coldpressed juices? Or are you a sandwich person? Regardless of the kind of burgers and sandwiches you want, Cricket Shack has become the place that can deliver them all. The menu card titled Playground tells us how inclined these friends are towards cricket and Lobster Thermidor - boiled lobster served in creamy white sauce, fries and grilled garden fresh vegetables is the new Kid on the Playground! You can choose between a Square Cut, In Swingers, Golden Duck, Boomchickawawa, Super Sixer, Tail www.metromartdaily.com
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Enders or even take a Strategic Timeout. They make it a point to adhere to a fresh food policy which may require longer serving times than usual. So, if you are in a hurry, cricket shack isn’t the place for you. Head into the shop in the evenings and catch a glimpse of the sunset from the extended rooftop and you will certainly be enthralled. Needless to say, the place, which opens in the afternoon, is packed all through the evening and closes only at 12 o’ clock midnight. Cricket shack aims to provide a pleasant dining experience with ambient music, lighting to friends, couples, and families. Against the typical norms of restaurants and cafes, the café also provides a smoking area for the customers. They are planning to extend their space to develop a party space adjacently. The entire shop is wifi enabled. The shack also boasts of a green environment, an open deck with a lovely ambiance which features vertical gardens, a perfect mood setter for hanging out with your group, a widescreen & in-house projector for screening the matches. So, if you are in Trivandrum and looking for the perfect spot to spend your evenings with friends or family, this is your place. Ultimately, Cricket Shack is all about cricket and happy vibes.
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DINING
Classic Biriyani @
Timur Kachi
D
eriving its name from the Turk-Mongol conqueror, Timur and the Kachi biriyani is the Timur Kachi Restaurant in Kochi, wherein Kachi Biriyani is the speciality. The authenticity of the Kachi Biriyani is maintained at this restaurant with adequate care being given to the preparation as well as the ingredients. It is sure to tickle the taste buds of non-veg loving foodies. The dum pukht way of cooking means the meat is layered with raw rice in a thick bottomed pot and cooked. The traditional method is used so as
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the originality is not lost. The establishment of Timur Kachi stemmed from the interest of Bindu Pauly in cooking. Her husband Pauly Antony during one of his visits to Mongolia ate a biriyani there, which was delicious and they decided it to be the signature dish at Timur Kachi. And after an extended search they found Mohammed – the Payyoli based chef to make this delicious biriyani. Apart from the signature dish, the offers at Timur Kachi include Chicken Fry, Brain Fry and Mutton Fry. The variety of fruits and
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vegetables juices to choose from makes it a delicious lunch and dinner for the customer. For dinner, the restaurant also features classic Keer Noor Chicken Biryani and Keer Noor Mutton Biryani. Perfectly spiced meat in all its succulence is enveloped in real biryani rice and cooked on a slow dum process. The aroma retained makes the dish even more enticing. Timur Kachi Restaurant also serves as an ideal location to celebrate events. Be it weddings, receptions, or corporate events, the restaurant handles it right from set up to clean up. The more than 50 corporate events and around 200 wedding and reception celebrations held at Timur Kachi Restaurant stand testimony to their being able to set benchmarks in value and quality. For those who require onsite catering can relax, Timur Kachi Restaurant is equipped to deliver that too. Timur Kachi Restaurant won two awards at the Metro Food Awards
for the best restaurant. Bindu Pauly receives total support from her family consisting of her husband Pauly Antony, and children Antony Pauly and Anna Pauly. Devoid of synthetic flavours and artificial ingredients, the dishes at the restaurant offers a healthy and tasty option for lunching or dining in Kochi. The ambience and the sensible pricing makes it attractive and value for money. Want to taste classic biriyani? Have it @ Timur Kachi. For ordersContact: 09061882244 Pallimukku, Ernakulam
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ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Kerala government officials meet to set a new initiative in motion
REBUILDING KERALA WITH GREEN ENERGY Undeterred by the recent floods, Kerala is on a drive to modernise its energy infrastructure with sustainable solutions at the core
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Kerala has always been among the most progressive states in India. With the southern state topping every social index there is, it has set the benchmark for the nation’s development. Even after the recent floods, the state is being lauded globally for its resilience and the public-government partnership in the rehabilitation efforts. In an effort to set another benchmark, the state government has been making massive efforts to promote renewable energy. The two-pronged approach towards the objective, includes creating an enabling ecosystem for renewable
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energy growth and promoting renewable energy systems (focusing on solar power) to the public, driving a cultural shift to favour green energy. The efforts are channeled through the government Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT). Its immediate goal of setting up 1000 MW of solar power stations through the Urja Kerala Mission by 2021 will open a market worth approximately INR60bn (approx. $8.2m); in 1000 MW, 500 MW is intended through roof-top solar systems. ANERT has already restructured its programmes for achieving this. The initiatives include: l www.buymysun.com –An e-MarketPlace for renewable energy systems and devices l Souraveedhi –A mobile app for field verification of renewable energy systems, with geo-tagging l A portal for workflow and programme monitoring related to multi-agency approvals for installing renewable energy systems, including subsidy release l Established Renewable Energy Repair & Service Centres in all legislative assemblysegment level (140 numbers), linked to atollfree helpline/CRM cell l Census of renewable energy installations during the last five years, by requesting registration through a mobile app; and incentivising registration by providing free one-year insurance to such systems
l Arrangements with local selfgovernments for providing subsidy to the needy l Partnerships with banks for providing financial support to install renewable energy systems l Promotion of the renewable energy industry in Kerala through facilitating technology partnerships, business networks, etc. for new technology demonstration, including energy storage. ANERT is also taking steps to promote new business models for implementing renewable energy projects including RESCO, third-party leasing, community/ co-op investment, solar power pack on rental, etc. With strategic planning and effective execution, the government of Kerala has laid a strong foundation that encourages global businesses to invest in Kerala’s clean energy drive, while also ensuring that the public understands and supports the plans. Further information www.anert.gov.in
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TECHNOLOGY
WIBON NETWORKS Ensuring Efficient Networking Solutions
T
he technological advances in the field of information technology is moving on a fast pace. Service providers have to be on their toes to keep themselves updated and transition these on to their customers. Adhering to this practice is one of the reasons that helps Wibon Networks stand tall among the several other service providers. The range of services offered by Wibon is diverse enabling them to cover the requirements of businesses from a wide range of industries. Cutting edge technologies are used keeping their clients’ businesses in mind at all times. The provision of Wi-Fi Internet
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Access for customers has become a primary factor in the hospitality industry. The regulatory laws and the necessity for online protection demands the requirement of an efficient network control system. Wibon Networks offers the Secure and Smart Wi-Fi Hotspot Solution which incorporates high end technology. The clients can assign individual and global access provisions as well as maintain logs for the system usage. The features of this easy-to-use smart Wi-Fi solution includes creation of prepaid accounts and voucher tickets, customization of login pages, and remote operation. Wibon Networks provides a
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complete Wireless Management solution for various sectors. This product is compatible with ADSL and leased lines and has customizable access policy plans. Infrastructure deployment and support is offered by Wibon along with maintenance and future upgradation of software. Data and Network monitoring offered by Wibon ensures efficient and cost effective management of data centers and IT infrastructure. The IT support services of Wibon facilitate instant logging and tracking of support requests providing highest priority resolution to raised tickets. It could be also used as a first point of contact to handle technical specifications, login page and support calls related to network infrastructure devices such as Access points, Gateways, Web Server, Routers, or software related issues. Wibon Networks offers AMC
services with a resident engineer to provide onsite support. Products from Wibon Networks include WiFi Authentication Gateway, CCTV Surveillance, Security Alarm System and custom made Telecom Solution for voice, data, audio and video communications. They also design, supply and install all types of Wired & Wireless Networking and IP Communication Solutions, CCTV Surveillance Systems, SEO, Digital Branding and Social Marketing & Promotions etc. Wibon Networks has a broad spectrum of clients from hospitality, education, healthcare, shopping malls and other industries as well as individual apartments, coffee shops, and other Enterprises. Over the years, Wibon Networks has retained its status of reliable service provider with its advanced technologies, efficient customer support, smart and customizable solutions.
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Photographed by Ms. Smitha Prasad
PICTURE Page
The