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Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • For Online News visit: www.safariplus.co.in • Email: info@safariplus.co.in • May - June 2018 • Vol: 19 Issue: 5

SNEAK PREVIEW

India’s Inbound and Outbound story in numbers and reviews

Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • For Online News visit: www.safariplus.co.in • Email: info@safariplus.co.in • May - June 2018 • Vol: 19 Issue: 5

SNEAK PREVIEW

India’s Inbound and Outbound story in numbers and reviews

Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • For Online News visit: www.safariplus.co.in • Email: info@safariplus.co.in • May - June 2018 • Vol: 19 Issue: 5

SNEAK PREVIEW

INDIA’S

Inbound and Outbound 2018

An Exclusive Data India’s Travel Fraternity Your Tool to Connect to India Market

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NEWS FLASH Tourism Ministry, Govt. of India considering Night markets, Restaurants to promote Tourism Tourism Ministry is taking many initiative to promote the Tourism sector to 365*24*7 entertainment. With this reference Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Government of India, Shri K J Alphons, said all night open restaurants and night markets are some of the proposals being considered by his ministry to promote tourism. The minister said, “By promoting ‘night-life’ we didn’t mean only ‘night-clubs’ but wholesome entertainment and revenue generation for the tourism sector 24x7. Night clubs are just a small part of the night life that we want to promote. We cannot have tourists go to their rooms and shut their doors at 7 pm”.

The ministry has also taken an initiative to illuminate monuments after dark, he added, "We need to have clean e nte r ta i n m e nt l i ke s h o p p i n g , restaurants that's how you make big money. We cannot just earn through ticketing monuments, we need to have activities around the monuments too after dark" .

Oman Visa on Arrival Simplified

Shipra Residency, Ujjain

Narmada Retreat, Maheshwar

Tapti Retreat, Burhanpur

Malwa Resort, Mandu

Moments of Valour and glory Etched in stone. Love. passion, feasting, divinity... Arrested in the sensitive chisels of master-craftmen. Meandering rivers, lush forests Hills and ravines. The roar of the tiger. Its’s the Magic of a many splendoured land Madhya Pradesh The very heart of India.

Tourist Complex, Hanuwantiya (Houseboat)

Last year Oman relaxed its visa rules to attract more tourists by granting Visa on Arrival (unsponsored tourist visa) for the Citizens of India, China and Russia who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of these countries – United States of America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and Schengen States to enter the Sultanate of Oman. To further facilitate the process, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced that effective 21 March 2018, visas will only be granted electronically via the URL: https://evisa.rop.gov.om and there will be no more hand-processed visas at the airport effective that date. Royal Oman Police, Sultanate of Oman said, “The migration to electronic visas is due to its simplicity and effectiveness, its alignment with modern technology and is in line with the e-government project of the Sultanate. Further, it will save tourists and visitors time so they don’t have to wait in long queues at the airport. The system has been thoroughly

tested and more than 12,000 users have already benefitted from it. The system is considered to be one of the safest and most confidential in the world, having achieved an ISO certification.” The e-visa application explains clearly the process of obtaining visas either individually or collectively such as obtaining a visa through a tourism co m p a ny, i n a s i m p l i f i e d way. Additionally, the application clarifies the visa formalities for various groups of countries. In addition, specialists at ROP are available 24 hours a day to provide support. There is an official account of eVisa system on twitter @OmanEvisa where once can seek assistance. The new e-visa system, coinciding with the opening of the new Muscat International Airport, supports the Oman Tourism Strategy in attracting more tourists and tourism investment into the country, whereby the number of tourists to Oman in 2040 will reach over 11 million by 2040.

SpiceJet Inducts Leh on its pan India network SpiceJet, announced the commencement of operations from Leh starting 1st May, 2018 with the introduction of daily direct flight services on the Delhi – Leh – Delhi route. The flight will be operated from Terminal I D at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Leh is the 46th domestic destination to be added to SpiceJet’s pan India network. To celebrate the launch, SpiceJet has announced a limited period special introductory all-inclusive one-way fare of Rs. 3999/- and return fare of Rs. 7799/- applicable for bookings made on a first come first serve basis. Deploying its Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the route, SG 121 will take off from Delhi at 6.05 am and reach Leh at 7.25 am. The return flight, SG 122, will take off at 7.55 am and reach Delhi at 9.10 am.

Passengers from Leh can conveniently travel to a host of other cities both on S p i c e J et ’s d o m e st i c a s we l l a s international network via multiple onward connections from Delhi. “Leh is a top draw for tourists and one of the most popular cities of India. SpiceJet is delighted to begin services to this beautiful city. Our early morning connections have been planned keeping the convenience of leisure and business travelers in mind.” said Ms. Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Sales & Revenue Officer, SpiceJet.

‘Monument Mitras’ to adopt heritage Sites/ Monuments to provide world class tourist amenities M i n i s t r y o f To u r i s m i n c l o s e collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) launched “Adopt a Heritage Project” to provide world class tourist facilities at the various natural/cultural heritage sites, monuments and other tourist sites to make them tourist friendly, enhance their tourist potential and cultural importance in a planned and phased manner across the country. The project primarily focuses on providing basic amenities that include cleanliness, public convenience, drinking water, ease of access for tourists, signage etc. and advanced amenities like TFC, Souvenir shop, Cafeteria etc. The project envisages that selected public sector companies, private sector companies and individuals will develop tourist amenities at heritage sites. They would become ‘Monument Mitra’ and

adopt the sites essentially under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. They would also look after the operations and maintenance of the adopted site initially for the 5 years subject to review at any time. The project began with 93 ASI ticketed monuments and has now been expanded to other natural and cultural heritage sites and other tourist sites across India. The project was launched by the Hon’ble President of India on 27th Sept, 2017 on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The heritage sites/monuments enlisted are categorized as green, blue and orange on the basis of tourist footfall and visibility. As a part of project guidelines, it is mandatory for Monument Mitra, who is opting for a monument from green category to choose at least one site from either orange or blue category.

Narmada Resort, Omkareshwar

For Bookings: Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation 45, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Mumbai - 400 005 Contact: 2218 7603/ 2218 0654 Email: mumbai@mpstdc.com Web: www.mpstdc.com Tourist Helpline: 1800 233 7777 Sailani Island Resort, Sailani

MAY - JUNE, 2018

Choral Resort, Choral (Indore)

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Oman Visa on Arrival Simplified

Shipra Residency, Ujjain

Narmada Retreat, Maheshwar

Tapti Retreat, Burhanpur

Malwa Resort, Mandu

Tourist Complex, Hanuwantiya (Houseboat)

Narmada Resort, Omkareshwar

MAY - JUNE, 2018

Choral Resort, Choral (Indore)

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 3

EVENT

IT&CM China 2018 The 12th edition of the leading international MICE event, IT&CM China 2018 held from 20 to 22 March, 2018 at Shanghai Exhibition & Convention Center of International Sourcing. The event connected 289 global and domestic destinations and brands to over 500 Chinese and international buyers on over some 14,000 business appointments. The delegates to the event expressed positive experiences across board, with a variety of business and networking objectives met. With over 14,000 business appointments concluded, and engagement activities ranged from business sessions, CTW, coffee breaks, luncheons, dinners, cocktails, FAM trips, media briefings and more. The event also marked a stronger foothold within the Chinese MICE market backed by the support of local endorsing associations, destinations, and brands. And the exhibitors returning

with 50% to 100% larger booths, more domestic sellers represented through independent pavilions, an ideal 80:20 Chinese to international buyer participation, 30 influential local experts helming knowledge sessions, the largest showing of Chinese media participation. 38 Chinese media have registered to attend, joining 12 hosted international media organisations. Cited Darren Ng, Managing Director, TTG Asia Media, “The significant expansion from our international exhibitors recognises IT&CM China’s continued investments in attracting quality MICE

buyers, and deliver education at the highest levels. It shows that TTG understands the unique position of the MICE segments, and how MICE players engage.” The opening session featured illustrious industry leaders Jack Yao, Secretary General of the China Council fo r t h e P ro m o t i o n o f International Trade (CCPIT); Alicia Yao, Vice President of the China Business Event Federation (CBEF); Cathy Yun, Founder of Sourcing China; Roger Wang, President of the Global Chinese Marketing Federation; and Zhang Shijing, President of CTS MICE, are among the highlights that d e m o n s t r a t e I T & C M C h i n a ’s prominence as a leading industry event. Co-located CTW China 2018 saw 234 corporate buyers and top-level industry experts come together at the Meet-YourPeers session, one of the Event’s most successful engagement sessions in attracting local corporate buyers to the show.

Telangana Conclave 2018 Valmiki appointed as Chairman - Telangana Tourism Conclave 2018 Publisher: Shailendra Publication Editor & Publisher: Shailendra Kesari Assistant Editor: Parul Kesari Brand Ambassador: Vyom Kesari Advisory: Gour Kanjilal, Om Prakash Sehgal Marketing Team: Prashant, Dinesh Gupta Correspondent North: Manoj Babbar Correspondent West: Payal Gupta Chaitali Dive

Regd. Office: 155/153B, Samudrik Building, Bhuleshwar Road, Mumbai 400 002 Copr Office: Shop No1, B-4, Highland Garden, Dhokali Road, Thane (W) 400 607

The Federation of Telangana and A n d h ra P ra d e s h C h a m b e r s o f Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI) in association with Global Panorama Showcase Ltd, Nagpur (GPS) is organizing 3 day ‘Telangana Tourism Conclave - 2018’ with the partnership of State a n d C e n t r a l Government. The event is scheduled from 28-30 June, 2018 at Marriott Hotel Hyderabad, India. There will be knowledge sharing seminar on first and second day, and

third day of the event is dedicated exclusive B2B interactions through a trade show wherein about 200 tour operators, agents and other stakeholders are expected to take part.

MAY - JUNE, 2018

minister said, “Jharkhand is still unexplored by tourists and is a hidden jewel. Just 50 km from Ranchi there are several waterfalls. We wish to promote tourism without causing any dent to the way of life of tribals.” "The mart witnessed good interactions between diverse tourism segments. We interacted with more than 100 buyers and are hopeful to welcome more tourists to Jharkhand." said Mr. Siddarth Bharadwaj, Managing Director, Darshanam, a Deoghar based travels and tours company. Mr. Sindhu Shanmugham, CEO, Signature Breaks, said, “Jharkhand was not on my radar but after attending the travel mart. I would now be promoting Jharkhand as there is a lot of potential for eco-tourism apart from spiritual tours to Jain and Hindu temples.”

SKAL International World Congress in Hyderabad during October 2017. Tourism Secretary B Venkataesham along with Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI) President Gowra Srinivas, Global Panorama Showcase Private Limited Chairman Harmaan Deep Singh, Telangana Tourism Conclave Chairman Harikishan Valmiki have launched ‘Telangana Tourism Conclave 2018’ logo and brochure on 19 February, 2018.

TAAI Convention

Delhi Office: D-708, Chitranjan Park, New Delhi 110 009 Email: info@safariplus.co.in safariplus022@gmail.com

Innovation” at the SKICC Auditorium featured subjects of great relevance. The Welcome Dinner and Gala of the 27th March was at the iconic and majestic Lalit Grand Palace; the Theme Dinner of

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Jharkhand Travel Mart With an aim to attract more tourists to Jharkhand, Tourism Ministry of the state organised Jharkhand Travel Mart. The 1st edition of the mart concluded with over 3000 Business Appointments generated from a travel delegation of 125 buyers from across India. The state is emerging as tourist destination with its unique product to attract tourists like fairs n festivals, Heritage Sites, Tribals, Wildlife and National Parks, Rock Art, Religious places, handicrafts, cultural vistas, etc. The state with over 3 Crores domestic tourist is currently ranked 9th in India. The event was inaugurated by Honourable Minister Shri Amar Kumar Bauri for Revenue & Land Reforms, Art, Culture, Tourism, Sports & Youth Affairs Govt. of Jharkhand on the 23rd March 2018. In his inaugural speech tourism

T h e C o n c l av e o f fe rs a u n i q u e networking opportunity to the tourism and travel industry of your State to establish business partnerships with the Telangana Tourism industry players. Mr. Valmiki Hari Kishan is appointed as the chairman for Telangana Tourism Conclave 2018. Valmiki has got 18 years of experience in the Tourism Industry and he was also an active SKAL Executive Committee members who all delivered a successful

28th was on the SKICC Lawns overlooking the dazzling Dal Lake sheltered by the snowy mountains; and the Farewell Gala was held in SKICC Auditorium followed by entertainment and Dinner at the SKICC Lawns.

Jannat-e-Kashmir

The Business Session were a huge success with some of the brightest Industry leaders speaking on occasion. The sessions included Jharkhand Tourism - The Roadmap Ahead with speakers such as Mr. Debjit Dutta, Chairman, West Bengal, IATO, Mr. Rajat Sawhney, Vice President, ADTOI, Dr. Nishikant Kumar, Professor, Dept. of Hotel Management, BIT Mesra and Mr. Rakesh Lamba, Former President, ADTOI. The second session evaluated

the industry and market for Tribal and Cultural Tourism in Jharkhand in which the speakers included Mr. Justin Imam, Virasat Trust, Mr. Amitava Ghosh, Founder, Kalamandir, Dr. Abhinav Kumar Shandilya, HOD, Dept. of Hotel Management, BIT Birsa and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Besra, IAS, Director - Tourism, Govt. of Jharkhand. A scintillating textile show was held showcasing the fabulous traditional hand-woven textiles of Jharkhand.

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64th Convention and Exhibition of TAAI successfully concluded in Srinagar, from 27 to 29 March, 2018. The convention was supported by Ministry of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir; Convention Hotels; Hotel Associations; House Boat Owners Association and other travel and tourism associations of J&K. The Convention was inaugurated by Her Excellency, Madam Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir in presence of Mr Tassaduq Hussain Mufti, Minister for Tourism, J&K along with six other ministers of J&K. State Minister for Tourism. TAAI President, Mr. Sunil Kumar, said, “TAAI convention had given Jammu & Kashmir – Visibility; Connect and Opportunity. The manner in which the event was covered by the Media and the industry partners through digital and social media connect, brought in

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extensive visibility that Kashmir is a safe place for tourists and such large MICE events can be held here. It also offered J&K with a huge connect – with the i n d u st r y a n d t h e M e d i a . TA A I convention witnessed over 650 delegates participation from across India and some countries of the world. The Convention brought to the forefront the most outstanding beauty of Kashmir; its serenity; awesome scenic wonder and the warmth expressed by the local citizens who were absolutely courteous to offer the delegates a life-time experience. Travel Trade Expo was held in the most popular SKICC – the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. The Knowledge sessions organized by TAAI on the Convention Theme 'Incredible Tourism – Integration; Inspiration and

Where Nature’s Canvas has its own color-shades A beautiful picture shared by our reader Mr. Bhimeshwar Arya, during his visit to TAAI Convention in Srinagar. “Kashmir was in the mood of welcoming us and truly it made me felt

overwhelmed. The best part about this picture is that Hills, Dal Lake, Blossom Tree, Sun and the Clouds all have given their smiling pose during this shot”, says Mr. Arya about his click.

MAY - JUNE, 2018

EVENT

Regd. Office: 155/153B, Samudrik Building, Bhuleshwar Road, Mumbai 400 002 Copr Office: Shop No1, B-4, Highland Garden, Dhokali Road, Thane (W) 400 607

third day of the event is dedicated exclusive B2B interactions through a trade show wherein about 200 tour operators, agents and other stakeholders are expected to take part.

MAY - JUNE, 2018

TAAI Convention

Delhi Office: D-708, Chitranjan Park, New Delhi 110 009 Email: info@safariplus.co.in safariplus022@gmail.com

Innovation” at the SKICC Auditorium featured subjects of great relevance. The Welcome Dinner and Gala of the 27th March was at the iconic and majestic Lalit Grand Palace; the Theme Dinner of

Mobile: 97690 58991/ 9969948787 Web: www.safariplus.co.in

Jannat-e-Kashmir

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overwhelmed. The best part about this picture is that Hills, Dal Lake, Blossom Tree, Sun and the Clouds all have given their smiling pose during this shot”, says Mr. Arya about his click.

MAY - JUNE, 2018

NUMBER MATTERS Nationality-Wise FTA In India, 2014-2016 Country

Number of Arrivals 2014 2015 2016

% Share % Change Country 2014 2015 2016 2015/142016/15

Number of Arrivals 2014 2015 2016

North America Canada U.S.A Total

3.60 14.73 18.33

4.8 8.5 7.7

12.8 6.9 8.0

0.14 0.24 0.18 0.33 0.89

-3.9 5.4 0.5 0.6 1.3

31.6 3.3 11.7 7.9 10.4

0.38 -2.0 0.43 -2.0 0.28 -10.1 0.21 -3.4 2.71 -6.2 3.02 3.9 0.10 -2.6 0.41 13.8 1.08 -3.8 0.82 -2.3 0.23 0.3 0.62 23.4 0.87 -1.2 0.50 -5.2 0.55 0.8 10.70 3.4 0.07 -29.7 22.97 1.1

-1.7 3.5 2.7 1.3 3.4 7.1 11.9 10.5 8.3 8.6 2.0 22.0 16.2 2.5 4.3 8.6 -4.8 7.6

Central and South America Argentina Brazil Mexico Others Total

9731 19563 13978 26654 69926

9351 20610 14049 26821 70831

12308 21289 15689 28946 78232

0.13 0.25 0.18 0.35 0.91

0.12 0.26 0.18 0.33 0.88

Western Europe Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Netherlands Norway Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland U.K. Others Total

34360 37441 26775 18765 246101 239106 8300 28978 91589 67747 19690 36156 66463 44948 45773 838860 9528 1860580

33670 33089 0.45 0.42 36684 37960 0.49 0.46 24073 24717 0.35 0.30 18129 18371 0.24 0.23 230854 238707 3.20 2.88 248314 265928 3.11 3.09 8087 9048 0.11 0.10 32973 36440 0.38 0.41 88091 95417 1.19 1.10 66181 71840 0.88 0.82 19757 20148 0.26 0.25 44616 54439 0.47 0.56 65694 76342 0.87 0.82 42626 43689 0.59 0.53 46151 48123 0.60 0.57 867601 941883 10.92 10.81 6702 6380 0.12 0.08 1880203 2022521 24.23 23.42

Eastern Europe Czech Rep. 9878 11441 Hungary 6867 7036 Kazakhstan 16736 14506 Poland 25205 26499 Russian Fed. 269832 172419 Ukraine 29281 23098 Others 64479 76052 Total 422278 331051

12932 7961 12979 25706 227749 26753 91906 405986

Egypt 16715 19168 Kenya 46158 46139 Mauritius 27945 32533 Nigeria 28314 24292 South Africa 56246 51922 Sudan 11896 13704 Tanzania 26284 25488 Others 67196 80323 Total 280754 293569

20864 44783 34280 17964 52636 17093 23026 90763 301409

0.13 0.09 0.22 0.33 3.51 0.38 0.84 5.50

0.14 0.09 0.18 0.33 2.15 0.29 0.95 4.12

0.15 0.09 0.15 0.29 2.59 0.30 1.04 4.61

15.8 2.5 -13.3 5.1 -36.1 -21.1 17.9 -21.6

13.0 13.1 -10.5 -3.0 32.1 15.8 20.8 22.6

0.24 0.57 0.41 0.30 0.65 0.17 0.32 1.00 3.66

0.24 14.7 0.51 0.0 0.39 16.4 0.20 -14.2 0.60 -7.7 0.19 15.2 0.26 -3.0 1.03 19.5 3.42 4.6

8.8 -2.9 5.4 -26.0 1.4 24.7 -9.7 13.0 2.7

Africa 0.22 0.60 0.36 0.37 0.73 0.15 0.34 0.88 3.66

Bahrain 13136 Iraq 48321 Israel 49312 Oman 88512 Saudi Arabia 55487 Turkey 24294 U.A.E. 59332 Yemen Arab Rep.34207 Others 41077 Total 413678

14013 42660 50134 103740 63835 25670 55818 20901 40845 417616

17382 48227 59231 105705 61605 29545 67165 19383 44684 452927

Month

0.17 0.63 0.64 1.15 0.72 0.32 0.77 0.45 0.53 5.39

0.17 0.53 0.62 1.29 0.80 0.32 0.70 0.26 0.51 5.20

0.20 6.7 0.55 -11.7 0.67 1.7 1.20 17.2 0.70 15.0 0.34 5.7 0.76 -5.9 0.22 -38.9 0.51 -0.6 5.14 1.0

24.0 13.0 18.1 1.9 -3.5 15.1 20.3 -7.3 9.4 8.5

South Asia Afghanistan Iran Maldives Nepal Pakistan Bangladesh Sri Lanka Bhutan Total

115569 31222 65052 126416 96434 942562 301601 16001 1694857

Indonesia Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Others Total

32215 262026 54631 43240 150731 121362 15132 6468 685805

34933 272941 55341 47912 152238 115860 15341 5732 700298

35084 301961 51376 52692 163688 119663 16728 4676 745868

China(Main) 181020 China(Taiwan) 35857 Japan 219516 Rep.of Korea 106870 Others 3529 Total 546792

206322 36349 207415 102993 2691 555770

251313 42327 208847 111076 2913 616476

114406 123330 1.50 1.43 30774 39184 0.41 0.38 68907 67457 0.85 0.86 154720 161097 1.65 1.93 124924 104720 1.26 1.56 1133879 1380409 12.27 14.13 299513 297418 3.93 3.73 19084 20940 0.21 0.24 1946207 2194555 22.07 24.25

1.40 0.45 0.77 1.83 1.19 15.68 3.38 0.24 24.93

-1.0 -1.4 5.9 22.4 29.5 20.3 -0.7 19.3 14.8

7.8 27.3 -2.1 4.1 -16.2 21.7 -0.7 9.7 12.8

0.44 3.40 0.69 0.60 1.90 1.44 0.19 0.07 8.72

0.40 8.4 3.43 4.2 0.58 1.3 0.60 10.8 1.86 1.0 1.36 -4.5 0.19 1.4 0.05 -11.4 8.47 2.1

0.4 10.6 -7.2 10.0 7.5 3.3 9.0 -18.4 6.5

2.57 0.45 2.58 1.28 0.03 6.92

2.85 14.0 0.48 1.4 2.37 -5.5 1.26 -3.6 0.03 -23.7 7.00 1.6

21.8 16.4 0.7 7.8 8.2 10.9

3.28 0.56 0.05 3.89 0.31

3.33 9.7 0.58 5.4 0.05 4.4 3.97 9.0 0.26 -19.9

11.6 12.7 19.2 11.9 -5.7

MAY - JUNE, 2018

January February March April May June July August September October November December Total

0.42 3.41 0.71 0.56 1.96 1.58 0.20 0.08 8.93

East Asia 2.36 0.47 2.86 1.39 0.05 7.12

Australasia Australia New Zealand Others Total Not classified

239762 263101 42864 45171 3668 3829 286294 312101 30667 24557

293625 50917 4566 349108 23151

3.12 0.56 0.05 3.73 0.40

Grand Total 7679099 8027133 8804411 100.00 100.00 100.00 4.5 9.7 Source : Bureau of Immigration, India

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Foreign Tourist Arrivals 2014 2015 2016 7,57,786 7,90,854 8,44,533 7,55,678 7,61,007 8,48,782 6,90,441 7,29,154 8,09,107 5,35,321 5,41,551 5,92,004 4,65,043 5,09,869 5,27,466 5,02,028 5,12,341 5,46,972 5,68,871 6,28,323 7,33,834 5,75,750 5,99,478 6,52,111 5,09,142 5,42,600 6,08,177 6,68,398 6,83,286 7,41,770 7,65,497 8,15,947 8,78,280 8,85,144 9,12,723 10,21,375 76,79,099 80,27,133 88,04,411

2017 (approx) 9,83,413 9,56,337 9,04,888 7,40,275 6.30,438 6,69,989 7,88,377 7,24,067 7,22,567 8,75,838 10,04,826 11,76,233 1,01,77,248

Percentage Change 2015/14 2016/15 2016/17 4.4% 6.8% 16.4% 0.7% 11.5% 12.7% 5.6% 11.0% 11.8% 1.2% 9.3% 25.0% 9.6% 3.5% 19.5% 2.1% 6.8% 22.5% 10.5% 16.8% 7.4% 4.1% 8.8% 11.0% 6.6% 12.1% 18.8% 2.2% 8.6% 18.1% 6.6% 7.6% 14.4% 3.1% 11.9% 4.5% 9.7% 15.60%

Foreign Exchange Earnings (in Rs. crore)

South East Asia

Form valid till 31 August, 2018

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs)

% Share % Change 2014 2015 2016 2015/142016/15

West Asia

268485 281306 317239 3.50 3.50 1118983 1213624 1296939 14.57 15.12 1387468 1494930 1614178 18.07 18.62

AT A GLANCE Tourism in India 2017

Month January February March April May June July August September October November December Total

Foreign Exchange Earnings (in Rs. crore) 2014 2015 2016 2017 11,664 12,100 13,671 16,135 11,510 11,642 13,661 15,790 10,479 11,133 12,985 14,988 9,179 10,091 11,495 14,692 7,936 9,505 10,260 12,403 8,366 9,564 10,677 13,088 10,284 11,982 14,285 14,986 10,385 11,411 12,553 13,922 9,057 10,415 11,642 13,867 10,041 10,549 12,100 14,354 11,431 12,649 14,259 16,640 12,988 14,152 16,558 19,514 1,23,320 1,35,193 1,54,146 1,80,379

Top 15 Source Countries For FTAs In India During 2016 Country Rank in 2016 1 Bangladesh 2 United States 3 United Kingdom 4 Canada 5 Malaysia 6 Sri Lanka 7 Australia 8 Germany 9 China 10 France 11 Russian Federation 12 Japan 13 Singapore 14 Nepal 15 Afghanistan Total Top 15 Countries Other Countries Grand Total

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FTAs in India (2016) % Share 1380409 15.68% 1296939 14.73% 941883 10.70% 317239 3.60% 301961 3.43% 297418 3.38% 293625 3.33% 265928 3.02% 251313 2.85% 238707 2.71% 227749 2.59% 208847 2.37% 163688 1.86% 161097 1.83% 123330 1.40% 6470133 73.49% 2334278 26.51% 8804411 100.00%

Percentage Change 2015/14 2016/15 2016/17 3.7% 13.0% 18.0% 1.1% 17.3% 15.6% 6.2% 16.6% 15.4% 9.9% 13.9% 27.8% 19.8% 7.9% 20.9% 14.3% 11.6% 22.6% 16.5% 19.2% 4.9% 9.9% 10.0% 10.9% 15.0% 11.8% 19.1% 5.1% 14.7% 18.6% 10.7% 12.7% 16.7% 9.0% 17.0% 9.6% 14.0% 17.0%

Foreign Tourists Arrivals 2016 ! No of FTA in India (Million)

Annual Growth Rate ! No of Non-Resident Indians Arrivals (Million) Annual Growth Rate ! No of International Tourist Arrivals (Million) Annual Growth Rate ! Foreign Tourist Arrivals by Mode of Transport (%) 1) Air 2) Land 3) Sea

8.80 9.7% 5.77 9.7% 14.57 9.7% 84.1% 15.0% 0.9%

WORLD ! No of International Tourists Arrivals (Million) ! International Tourism Receipts (US$ billion)

1235 (P) (+3.9%) 1220 (P) 2.00%

ASIA PACIFIC ! No of International Tourists Arrivals (Million) ! International Tourism Receipts (US$ billion)

308.7 (P) (+8.7%) 366.7 (P) 4.9%

India’s Position in World ! Share of India in International Tourist Arrivals ! India’s rank in International Tourist Arrivals ! Share of India in International Tourism Receipts ! India’s rank in International Tourism Receipts

1.18% 25th 1.88% 13th

(as per RBI estimate)

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NUMBER MATTERS Nationality-Wise FTA In India, 2014-2016 Country

Number of Arrivals 2014 2015 2016

% Share % Change Country 2014 2015 2016 2015/142016/15

Number of Arrivals 2014 2015 2016

North America Canada U.S.A Total

3.60 14.73 18.33

4.8 8.5 7.7

12.8 6.9 8.0

0.14 0.24 0.18 0.33 0.89

-3.9 5.4 0.5 0.6 1.3

31.6 3.3 11.7 7.9 10.4

0.38 -2.0 0.43 -2.0 0.28 -10.1 0.21 -3.4 2.71 -6.2 3.02 3.9 0.10 -2.6 0.41 13.8 1.08 -3.8 0.82 -2.3 0.23 0.3 0.62 23.4 0.87 -1.2 0.50 -5.2 0.55 0.8 10.70 3.4 0.07 -29.7 22.97 1.1

-1.7 3.5 2.7 1.3 3.4 7.1 11.9 10.5 8.3 8.6 2.0 22.0 16.2 2.5 4.3 8.6 -4.8 7.6

Central and South America Argentina Brazil Mexico Others Total

9731 19563 13978 26654 69926

9351 20610 14049 26821 70831

12308 21289 15689 28946 78232

0.13 0.25 0.18 0.35 0.91

0.12 0.26 0.18 0.33 0.88

Western Europe Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Netherlands Norway Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland U.K. Others Total

34360 37441 26775 18765 246101 239106 8300 28978 91589 67747 19690 36156 66463 44948 45773 838860 9528 1860580

Eastern Europe Czech Rep. 9878 11441 Hungary 6867 7036 Kazakhstan 16736 14506 Poland 25205 26499 Russian Fed. 269832 172419 Ukraine 29281 23098 Others 64479 76052 Total 422278 331051

12932 7961 12979 25706 227749 26753 91906 405986

Egypt 16715 19168 Kenya 46158 46139 Mauritius 27945 32533 Nigeria 28314 24292 South Africa 56246 51922 Sudan 11896 13704 Tanzania 26284 25488 Others 67196 80323 Total 280754 293569

20864 44783 34280 17964 52636 17093 23026 90763 301409

0.13 0.09 0.22 0.33 3.51 0.38 0.84 5.50

0.14 0.09 0.18 0.33 2.15 0.29 0.95 4.12

0.15 0.09 0.15 0.29 2.59 0.30 1.04 4.61

15.8 2.5 -13.3 5.1 -36.1 -21.1 17.9 -21.6

13.0 13.1 -10.5 -3.0 32.1 15.8 20.8 22.6

0.24 0.57 0.41 0.30 0.65 0.17 0.32 1.00 3.66

0.24 14.7 0.51 0.0 0.39 16.4 0.20 -14.2 0.60 -7.7 0.19 15.2 0.26 -3.0 1.03 19.5 3.42 4.6

8.8 -2.9 5.4 -26.0 1.4 24.7 -9.7 13.0 2.7

Africa 0.22 0.60 0.36 0.37 0.73 0.15 0.34 0.88 3.66

Bahrain 13136 Iraq 48321 Israel 49312 Oman 88512 Saudi Arabia 55487 Turkey 24294 U.A.E. 59332 Yemen Arab Rep.34207 Others 41077 Total 413678

14013 42660 50134 103740 63835 25670 55818 20901 40845 417616

17382 48227 59231 105705 61605 29545 67165 19383 44684 452927

Month

0.17 0.63 0.64 1.15 0.72 0.32 0.77 0.45 0.53 5.39

0.17 0.53 0.62 1.29 0.80 0.32 0.70 0.26 0.51 5.20

0.20 6.7 0.55 -11.7 0.67 1.7 1.20 17.2 0.70 15.0 0.34 5.7 0.76 -5.9 0.22 -38.9 0.51 -0.6 5.14 1.0

24.0 13.0 18.1 1.9 -3.5 15.1 20.3 -7.3 9.4 8.5

South Asia Afghanistan Iran Maldives Nepal Pakistan Bangladesh Sri Lanka Bhutan Total

115569 31222 65052 126416 96434 942562 301601 16001 1694857

Indonesia Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Others Total

32215 262026 54631 43240 150731 121362 15132 6468 685805

34933 272941 55341 47912 152238 115860 15341 5732 700298

35084 301961 51376 52692 163688 119663 16728 4676 745868

China(Main) 181020 China(Taiwan) 35857 Japan 219516 Rep.of Korea 106870 Others 3529 Total 546792

206322 36349 207415 102993 2691 555770

251313 42327 208847 111076 2913 616476

1.40 0.45 0.77 1.83 1.19 15.68 3.38 0.24 24.93

-1.0 -1.4 5.9 22.4 29.5 20.3 -0.7 19.3 14.8

7.8 27.3 -2.1 4.1 -16.2 21.7 -0.7 9.7 12.8

0.44 3.40 0.69 0.60 1.90 1.44 0.19 0.07 8.72

0.40 8.4 3.43 4.2 0.58 1.3 0.60 10.8 1.86 1.0 1.36 -4.5 0.19 1.4 0.05 -11.4 8.47 2.1

0.4 10.6 -7.2 10.0 7.5 3.3 9.0 -18.4 6.5

2.57 0.45 2.58 1.28 0.03 6.92

2.85 14.0 0.48 1.4 2.37 -5.5 1.26 -3.6 0.03 -23.7 7.00 1.6

21.8 16.4 0.7 7.8 8.2 10.9

3.28 0.56 0.05 3.89 0.31

3.33 9.7 0.58 5.4 0.05 4.4 3.97 9.0 0.26 -19.9

11.6 12.7 19.2 11.9 -5.7

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January February March April May June July August September October November December Total

0.42 3.41 0.71 0.56 1.96 1.58 0.20 0.08 8.93

East Asia 2.36 0.47 2.86 1.39 0.05 7.12

Australasia Australia New Zealand Others Total Not classified

239762 263101 42864 45171 3668 3829 286294 312101 30667 24557

293625 50917 4566 349108 23151

3.12 0.56 0.05 3.73 0.40

Grand Total 7679099 8027133 8804411 100.00 100.00 100.00 4.5 9.7 Source : Bureau of Immigration, India

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2017 (approx) 9,83,413 9,56,337 9,04,888 7,40,275 6.30,438 6,69,989 7,88,377 7,24,067 7,22,567 8,75,838 10,04,826 11,76,233 1,01,77,248

Foreign Exchange Earnings (in Rs. crore)

South East Asia

Form valid till 31 August, 2018

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs)

% Share % Change 2014 2015 2016 2015/142016/15

West Asia

268485 281306 317239 3.50 3.50 1118983 1213624 1296939 14.57 15.12 1387468 1494930 1614178 18.07 18.62

AT A GLANCE Tourism in India 2017

Month January February March April May June July August September October November December Total

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Foreign Tourists Arrivals 2016 ! No of FTA in India (Million)

8.80 9.7% 5.77 9.7% 14.57 9.7% 84.1% 15.0% 0.9%

WORLD ! No of International Tourists Arrivals (Million) ! International Tourism Receipts (US$ billion)

1235 (P) (+3.9%) 1220 (P) 2.00%

ASIA PACIFIC ! No of International Tourists Arrivals (Million) ! International Tourism Receipts (US$ billion)

308.7 (P) (+8.7%) 366.7 (P) 4.9%

1.18% 25th 1.88% 13th

(as per RBI estimate)

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NUMBER MATTERS India to add 10 Million WTTC - India 2017 Annual Research Key Facts Tourism Jobs in the next decade • 10 million jobs in the Travel & Tourism sector by 2028 • Jobs dependent in some form on Travel & Tourism will be 52.3 million in 2028 • India is currently the 7th largest Travel & Tourism economy in the world • Total contribution to the economy was INR15.2 trillion (US$234 billion) in 2017 • Forecast to more than double to INR32 trillion (US$492 billion) by 2028. India will add around 10 million jobs in the Travel & Tourism sector by 2028 according to a major new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC forecasts that the total number of jobs which are dependent in some form on Travel & Tourism will increase from 42.9 million in 2018 to 52.3 million in 2028. India is currently the seventh largest Travel & Tourism economy in the world. Overall, the total contribution of the sector to the economy was INR15.2 trillion (US$234 billion) in 2017, or 9.4% of the economy once its direct, indirect and induced benefits are taken in to account. This is forecast to more than double to INR32 trillion (US$492 billion) by 2028. Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said “Travel & Tourism creates jobs, drives economic growth and helps build better societies. This is particularly clear in India which is forecast to be one of the fastest-growing tourism economies in the world over the next decade adding 10 million jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy by 2028. “There are some extremely proactive

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steps which have been introduced by the Government to increase the number of international visitors and to position itself as a destination of choice among travellers worldwide. Particularly, we recognise the introduction of e-Visa for 163 countries and the launch of Incredible India 2.0 Campaign with major improvement in the marketing and PR strategy. “Looking to the future, India can strategically lead travel facilitation within the SAARC region by introducing a standard technological solution, modern technology and biometrics. This will enhance the travel and tourism economies in the region. The Indian aviation market is expanding with rapid advancement in connectivity within India. Indian airlines have booked 900 plus new aircrafts to add capacity and expand operations over next couple of years. However, airport capacity remains an issue, so we would recommend greater adoption of secondary airports across cities with multimodal connectivity between the existing and secondary ones for better passenger facilitation.”

GDP: DIRECT CONTRIBUTION The direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was INR4,809.8bn (USD71.7bn), 3.3% of total GDP in 2016 and forecast is to rise by 6.9% to INR5,141.1bn in 2017., and to rise by 6.8% pa, from 2017-2027, to INR9,948.5bn (USD148.2bn), 3.5% of total GDP in 2027.

GDP: TOTAL CONTRIBUTION The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was INR14,018.5bn (USD208.9bn), 9.6% of GDP in 2016, and is forecast to rise by 6.7% in 2017, and to rise by 6.7% pa to INR28,491.8bn (USD424.5bn), 10.0% of GDP in 2027.

EMPLOYMENT: DIRECT CONTRIBUTION Travel & Tourism generated 25,394,500 jobs directly in 2016 (5.8% of total employment) and this is forecast to grow by 2.1% in 2017 to 25,925,500 (5.8% of total employment). This includes employment by hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services (excluding commuter services). It also includes, for example, the activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists. By 2027, Travel & Tourism will account for 31,910,000 jobs directly, an increase of 2.1% pa over the next ten years.

EMPLOYMENT: TOTAL CONTRIBUTION In 2016, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry was 9.3% of total employment (40,343,000 jobs). This is expected to rise by 1.8% in 2017 to 41,074,000 jobs and rise by 2.0% pa to 49,868,000 jobs in 2027 (9.6% of total).

VISITOR EXPORTS Visitor exports generated INR1,529.3bn (USD22.8bn), 5.4% of total exports in 2016. This is forecast to grow by 5.4% in 2017, and grow by 6.1% pa, from 2017-2027, to INR2,901.7bn (USD43.2bn) in 2027, 6.8% of total.

INVESTMENT Travel & Tourism investment in 2016 was INR2,284.9bn, 5.7% of total investment (USD34.0bn). It should rise by 4.5% in 2017, and rise by 5.7% pa over the next ten years to INR4,149.0bn (USD61.8bn) in 2027, 5.7% of total. *Source - WTTC 'travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2017 India’

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DOMESTIC NEWS 7th India Heritage Tourism Conclave The Tourism Committee of PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) organized the 7th India Heritage Tourism Conclave The objective of organizing with the theme 'An Integrated approach towards Sustainable Tourism' on 23rd March 2018 at the WelcomHeritage Mani Mansion in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The objective of organizing the Conclave was to promote the heritage sites of India to the wide variety of global leisure and excursion travellers. Ahmedabad in Gujarat was accorded the status of India's first World Heritage City by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The walled city

the Conclave was to promote the heritage sites of India

of Ahmedabad presents a rich architectural heritage and has 28 Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) centrally protected monuments. The Conclave was attended by the officials of the Ministry of Tourism, UNESCO, Indian and Foreign Tour Operators, State & International

Tourism Boards, Embassies & High Commissions, Electronic & Print Media and all other relevant stakeholders. Inaugurating the conference under the aegis of PHDCCI, Mr. Vinod Zutshi (IAS), Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that heritage tourism is prevalent in India since ages.

We have unlimited historic, religious monuments which can be further developed through private sector. Inaugural session witnessed Mr. Vinod Zutshi (IAS), Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; H.E. Mr. Radu Octavian D o b r e , A m b a s s a d o r, Embassy of Romania in the Republic of India; H.E. Mr. Philippe Le Gall, High C o m m i s s i o n e r, H i g h Commission of Seychelles; Mr. Shailesh I. Patwari, President, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Rameshwar Prasad, Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party; Mr. D K Aggarwal, Vice President, PHDCCI; Mr. Mukesh Gupta, ChairmanTourism Committee, PHDCCI.

COOKPAD in Hindi

MakeMyTrip & Flipkart

The world's largest recipe sharing platform is now available in Hindi for its Indian users

Announce Strategic Partnership

W i t h o ve r 6 . 8 m i l l i o n re c i p e s worldwide, Japanese online recipe sharing platform Cookpad, which forayed into India in 2016 launched their Hindi platform on website. Cookpad's primary motive is to encourage cooking in the confines of your home by providing you with cookable recipes. They have been making cooking fun since 1997 and are currently available in a bevy of countries including UK, Spain, Indonesia, Lebanon, Brazil, Taiwan, Hungary, Greece and Russia among others. “With over 22 official recognized languages being spoken across cities, India is a culturally diverse market for us. We are elated to launch our Hindi platform as a large segment of our user base are primarily out of Tier II and Tier III cities. The option of using the platform in Hindi will benefit us by catering to larger audiences and shall definitely help us evolve as a brand.” said

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Mr. Shriniwas Mutnure, Lead- India Operations, Cookpad. Cookpad also announced that they will be launching Hindi in their mobile application in the upcoming weeks. Cookpad is looking to launch their website in other regional languages post the success of their Hindi website. Mr. Tomoya Yasuda, Global Head, Cookpad said “Cookpad started 20 years ago with a mission of making everyday cooking fun. We believe that by making every day cooking less laborious, we are advocating a healthier lifestyle. We are thrilled to be launching the first of many Indian languages and shall constantly strive to localize our patrons' experiences on our platform. By the end of 2018, Cookpad intends on being present in 5 major vernacular languages in India” https://cookpad.com/in Hindi : https://cookpad.com/in-hi

M a ke M y Tr i p a n d Flipkart, announced a strategic partnership in t h e t rave l s e r v i c e s segment. MakeMyTrip’s multiple brands, including MakeMyTrip, Goibibo and redBus, will leverage the large customer base of Flipkart platform to drive online bookings in travel services. The new partnership will start with a roll-out of domestic flight bookings in the next few weeks, followed by Hotels, Bus and Holidays bookings. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Deep Kalra, Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip Ltd. said, “Flipkart is one of the most exciting companies of our times and we are delighted to partner with them to catalyse the massive online travel opportunity in India. This partnership will help us reach out to an

even wider consumer base and further open up the online travel market in a significant way” Mr. Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO, Flipkart said, “Flipkart and MakeMyTrip have played a defining role in shaping the consumer internet ecosystem in India and bringing millions of people online. This strategic partnership helps us make travel booking a seamless experience for customers, even those in the farthest regions, while also furthering our goal of being a one-stop destination for all digital transactions online,"

MAY - JUNE, 2018

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the Conclave was to promote the heritage sites of India

COOKPAD in Hindi

MakeMyTrip & Flipkart

The world's largest recipe sharing platform is now available in Hindi for its Indian users

Announce Strategic Partnership

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MAY - JUNE, 2018

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GURU MANTRA

INCREDIBLE INDIA SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES Incredible India 2.0 Launched to Promote Tourism The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Incredible India 2.0 campaign, during the financial year 2017-18 to promote various destinations and tourism products of the country including spiritual, medical and wellness tourism in important and potential source markets overseas. The Incredible India 2.0 campaign aims at a s h i f t f ro m ge n e r i c p ro m o t i o n s undertaken across the world to market specific promotional plans and content creation with thematic creatives on different niche products including spiritual, medical and wellness tourism. The “Incredible India 2.0” Campaign, aims at moving to the next level of promotion and marketing with a shift from generic promotions across the world to market specific promotional plans, content creation and use of thematic creatives. The Ministry, as part of its on-going activities, annually releases global print, electronic and online media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas, under the ‘Incredible India’ brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country, including the cultural heritage. Promotions are also undertaken through the website and Social Media accounts of the Ministry.

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The continuous positive growth in international tourist arrivals, since the beginning of the year 2018 is very encouraging but economic slowdown in our major traffic generating markets is equally affecting us. But one good thing our foreign exchange earnings is growing better and our foreign exchange earnings from January- February 2018 were Rs.35,132 crore with a growth of 10.0%, as compared to the FEE of Rs.31,925 crore in January-February 2017, still volatility in currencies and uncertainties’ clouding global economy pose a big challenge, Ministry of Tourism should be complimented for pro-active approach in diversifying tourism products, infrastructural development schemes, global marketing campaigns resulting in the positive trends in international tourist arrivals. Bilateral agreements with many overseas countries provided much needed boost to tourism. Various promotional schemes have been taken up to get stake holders involvement MDA scheme revised as also norms for hospitality scheme in the interest of travel partners, e-tourist visa has been re-oriented with multiple entry and more countries added on e-visa facilitation. The GST has been roll out and hope that all concerns expressed by the industry are addressed on a top priority. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been regularly taking up projects to develop wayside amenities. Wayside amenities would act as a support infrastructure to facilitate larger tourist segment moving across the road network even for lesser known locations or destinations. There is also a special focus for Cruise tourism and that is going to make a marked difference in international tourist arrivals. India has the second largest diaspora in the world with nearly 25 million people spread across every major region in the

world. This community has presence in industry and various professional sectors, thus constituting an important part in economics of their adopted countries and have greatly contributed to local economy and culture. These hard working and highly entrepreneurial Indian diaspora are keen to invest in India, their home land which they left for their own betterment but feels to do something for the country of origin for a greater common good. Ministry of Tourism Government of India is holding Investment meet, attracted them for investments in tourism sector and they have invested in hotels, hospitals and other infrastructural development areas. Our new International Airports are visible example. India is still grossly under roomed and new hotels are required at tier-two/tier-three cities and lot of investments are expected for this s e c t o r. Eve n fo r Re g i o n a l a i r connectivity programme, lot of investments are needed. In view of this, a greater emphasis is there in the Ministry of Tourism for investors meet in collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce. It is very heartening to see how the states are promoting tourism aggressively. It is good to see the display of solidarity in promoting tourism, each service provider of the destination and its local people enthusiastically contributing in making the visitor experience rich, memorable and appreciable. This is reflected in the implementation of Swachch Bharat project of Hon’ble Prime Minister. Tour Operators are promoting special interest tours encompassing niche areas which are most sought after as these are more experiential and give deeper insight into a destination. Thus clients destination preference is changing from the traditional circuit to regions that capture the real feeling of India.

By Gour Kanjilal Incredible India Campaign has been g i v e n a re - o r i e n t a t i o n b y t h e government. By having Incredible India 0.2 Campaign, we are not only creating a brand value, we want to tell our customers that we are here with a certain commitment in terms of quality, business dealings and ethics. We are going to produce products which meet certain parameters that India is known for. This has proved to be successful as visible without pouring of public and trade support. New website of the Ministry is user friendly and proved to be a store house of knowledge on India. Global participation in exhibitions have also increased where trade is always there as co-partners. This provides opportunities to interact with overseas tour operators on a one to one basis, educate them on India new products and all that happening under one roof. Hon’ble Minister of Tourism leading the delegation makes more impact oriented. All these efforts have revamped the market towards India, awareness is much positive and the help in boosting international tourist arrivals. India’s tourism scene thus continues its success story and we are confident that the year 2018 would be very positive for tourism. By Gour Kanjilal, Executive Director, IATO and Former, Dy. Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India views expressed are personal

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 11

V-DISPLAY

GURU MANTRA

10 MAY - JUNE, 2018

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 11

With the summer vacations round the corner, the regular tourist spots in and around Tamil Nadu must be quickly getting booked. If you are a traveler who likes the peace and quiet, away from the regular hustle of crowded tourist destinations, then we bring to you some of the coolest offbeat destinations to get rejuvenated this season. Come, let us explore the unexplored lands of enchanting Tamil Nadu before the crowd does!

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Text by: Aditi Bhattacharjee

Valparai Located amidst the pristine Annamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, Valparai is a unique hill station of Tamil Nadu. Located some 3,500 feet above sea level, it is easily accessible from all major cities in Tamil Nadu by road while the nearest airport and train station is Coimbatore. The only hill station in the world to have 12 dams and hydro electric stations, Chinnakallar in Valparai is also the second wettest place in the world after Mawsynram in Meghalaya. Valparai has something to appeal all kinds of travelers: nature lovers can e n j o y t h e A a n a m a l a i W i l d l i fe Sanctuary, Manompally Forest Reserve and the mesmerizing Grass Hills. The wild Athirapally Falls, the Monkey Falls and the Iraichal Parai Falls is a must

experience. You can even enjoy a picnic at the Aaliyar Dam. Do visit the enchanting Nallamudi Viewpoint, and also explore the vast tea plantations. The Balaji Temple at Valparai is considered very sacred by the locals. Hotels and home stays are available in all range for tourists.

Javadi Hills

Discovered by a French citizen Henri Le Fanu, Javadi Hills is located on the Eastern Ghats in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu. Javadi sunset can be breathtaking when the entire hills is clothed in a purple hue reflected from its granite peaks. Some must-see places at Javadi Hills are Beemanmadavu Waterfall, Amrithi Forest ,Komutteri Lake and Yelagiri.

Javadi is a paradise for trekkers and the trail from Jamanamarathur to Amrithi Forest will surely make your adrenaline rush. The nearest airport is Chennai though the place is well-connected from all major cities of Tamil Nadu. No hotels are available in this region, though home stay is an option else the nearest town to stay is Vellore.

Dhanushkodi The ghost town of Dhanushkodi, some 20km away from Rameshwaram, is a dream destination for every explorer. This place is not a part of a tourist map and quite difficult to reach and that probably that adds to its charm. The train journey over the famous Pamban Bridge with the captivating view of the Palk Strait that connects India and Sri Lanka is by itself is memorable experience. Dhanushkodi was a flourishing port town during the British rule with beautiful churches, railway station, banks till 1964 when a cyclone devastated everything, leaving behind just ruins and old memories. This place also has a historical significance in that this is believed to be the place from where Lord Ram had ordered Hanuman to build the Ram

12 MAY - JUNE, 2018

Setu so that he can rescue Sita from Ravana. Now the only inhabitants are a fishermen community but nevertheless for a traveler it is more than a quaint ghost town. A combination of history, myth, mystery, and nature adds to the allure of Dhanushkodi. Do make a trip to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and Pamban Island while you are there.

Theni Nestled in the heart of the Western ghats, Theni is a dream destination for nature lovers: cascading waterfalls, green rolling hills contrasted b y s t e e p ro c k y fa c e s , beautiful blue skies, lush tea plantations abounds. Not yet popular in the tourist map, Theni is well connected by roads. Madurai is its nearest airport. Theni is the home of the Meghamalai Hills famous for its tea and spices. The Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit. Explore the historic town of Bodinayakkanur to know its British heritage and check out the Suruli Falls and Kumbakkarai Falls. Andipatti is also a famous textiles town. The ancient Vellappar Temple,

Kamatchi Amman Temple and the Arulmigu Balasubramanya Temple are sure to appeal to your spiritual senses. Stories go that the stream arising at Vellappar cure the most incurable diseases. There are few hotels in Theni, so be prepared to book ahead.

Hogenakkal Falls Often referred to as the 'Niagara falls of India', the Hogenakkal Falls is a spectacular waterfall on the Cauvery River located in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. Easily reachable from both Chennai and Mysore, Hogenakkal Falls is a tourist's delight. The water is believed to have medicinal properties and the carbonatite rocks around it are one of the oldest in the world. This beautiful waterfall has about 14 channels with drops ranging from 15 to 65 feet. Experience the roar of the cascading waterfall as you approach it in a boat. You can also enjoy coracle riding, allowed only in winter and early

monsoon. For the more adventurous, there are swimming and trekking options near the waterfalls too. Hogenakkal is essentially a half day trip and Dharmapuri is the nearest place to stay. The best time to visit is from July to October

Sirumalai

It takes 18 hairpin bends to reach the peaks of Sirumalai Hills and visitors swear that the journey with its panoramic landscape and blue skies is worth it. Situated some 25 kms from Dindigul, this place has many small hills, covered by dense green forests. Some of the tourist attractions of Sirumalai are Annai Velankanni Church, Sirumal Lake,

Sanjeevani Hills, Silver Hills, Agastya Puram, Khandige Estate and the Vellimalai Murugan Temple. Sirumalai offers several trails for trekking too. It is said that Hanuman brought Dronagiri Hills for Sanjeevani Booti while returning he dropped a piece of hill here and so it is known as Sanjeevani Hills (part of Sirumalai Hill).

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 13

TAMIL NADU

T A E B O FF nation Desti

Javadi Hills

12 MAY - JUNE, 2018

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Text by: Aditi Bhattacharjee

Sirumalai

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14 MAY - JUNE, 2018

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 15

14 MAY - JUNE, 2018

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HOSPITALITY

DOMESTIC NEWS Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Ferry Services in Goa Mormugao Port Trust and Drishti Marine’s ambitious inland ferry ser vices was inaugurated by Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Hon. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in the port city of Vasco in Goa. The inaugural plaque was unveiled at the newly constructed Airport Ferry Terminal (AFT) at Baina beach. The ferry service is aimed at adding yet another layer of quality experience to

tourists visiting the coastal state, as well as locals, looking to travel to their

respective destinations from the airport or to the airport from different parts of Goa. Drishti Marine undertook this project and constructed the modern, fully dismantleable and environmental friendly floating jetty and terminal at Baina Beach. The jetty and AFT is located 5 km from the Goa airport in Dabolim. Drishti Marine, plans to connect all major tourist destinations and beaches in Goa with similar state of the art jetties thereby unlocking the

potential of tourists, boat owners and commuters to move between any two destinations in Goa using the inland water ways. Tickets for ferry services can now be booked online through an easy userf r i e n d l y p r o c e s s o n www.drishtiferry.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the time of boarding at the ticketing counter at the Airport Ferry Terminal on Baina beach, Vasco. The ferries depart and dock at an especially designated terminal in each of the jetty pick-up and drop-off points.

GVK appoints Zaha Hadid Architects for The Navi Mumbai International Airport The GVK led Navi Mumbai International Airport (P) Limited (NMIAL), announced the appointment of the globally renowned firm, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to design the Navi Mumbai International Airport's Terminal 1 and ATC Tower. The London based ZHA was selected on completion of a challenging and intensive 12 week fast track design co m p et i t i o n a m o n g st t h e b e st international architecture firms that were shortlisted by GVK. ZHA is a world renowned firm established in 1979 and

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is known for its dynamic, innovative and iconic architecture with a portfolio of over nine hundred and fifty projects spread across forty four nations. The firm has designed Beijing's new Daxing airport terminal of 700,000 sq.m. which is currently under construction. Their other landmark projects include the Olympic Aquatics Centre in London, the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, the MAXXI Contemporary Arts Centre in Rome, the Guangzhou Opera House in China, Al Wakrah Stadium for the 2022 World

Cup in Qatar and many more. This will be ZHA's first major project in the Indian subcontinent. Commenting on the occasion, Dr GVK Reddy, Founder and Chairman, GVK and Chairman NMIAL, said, “Our vision is to establish one more landmark airport that would exceed the benchmarks that GVK had set through MIAL whilst creating Terminal 2 at Mumbai airport. We are committed towards bringing the best global

Pride Hotel and Convention Centre in Indore Pride Group of Hotels launched the Pride Hotel and Convention Centre in Indore. Pride Hotels have entered into a tie up with the HRJ International Pvt. Ltd. for the Management. The inauguration happened in a unique way. Supporting social causes for the betterment of the society organised wedding of 31 couples along with lunch of 3000 persons at the Pride Hotel & Convention Centre. The couples were from the less privileged stratum of the society. The Pride Hotel & Convention Centre Indore offers a choice of Deluxe, Suite rooms & 10 Luxury Villas, Gym, Business Centre & Swimming Pool. Tiffany Blues – the All Day Dining Multicuisine

restaurant. A Fuel Bar offers a wide variety of spirits, choicest of rare malts and Armagnac's or on an innovative cocktail. Its an ideal venue for Conferences, Get Togethers & Social Gatherings at the HRJ Grand HALL, 1, 2 & 3 HALL which can accommodate upto 900 to 1000 persons at the HRJ Grand a larger-than-life banqueting space for the most important occasions of your life. With an area of 10,000 sq. ft. and additional pre-function area of

4500 sq. ft. HRJ Grand undoubtedly is the ideal venue when to hold

conventions, events and social gathering in a grand way. There is a separate Grand ceremonial entrance, an exclusive pre-function a r e a w h i c h m a ke s Indore's biggest banquet hall even more special and spacious. The halls can also be customized into three different venues. The Hall and Greens Lawn can celebrate wedding function for 4000 to 5000 persons with an ample parking for more than 750 to 1000 cars.

Ginger Hotels expands its footprint in Goa

practices from the industry to design, engineer and build this most awaited airport project in India and hence we decided to go with ZHA, a firm known for its path breaking and remarkable architecture. It also has the expertise of delivering a world class airport design through a highly professional team.”

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Ginger Hotels, announced the opening of their second hotel in Goa with the launch of Ginger Goa, Dona Paula. The move is in line with Indian Hotels Company Limited’s (IHCL) focus on increasing its footprint across segments to meet the consumer demand at various price points. Perched on a hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea, Ginger Goa, Dona Paula enjoys a prime location and is situated between the Dona Paula beach and the Vainguinim beach. The hotel is within a

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forty-minute drive from the International Airport and is near Panjim city center as well as the Karmali railway station (Old Goa). The hotel houses 24 beautifully designed spacious rooms with a choice of a private terrace or a balcony. With a committed and caring team, this spotlessly clean hotel features a multicuisine restaurant, fitness center, swimming pool, efficient meeting facilities and seamless complimentary Wi-Fi. Ginger Hotels are a smart choice

for today’s value conscious and discerning travelers, given the wide array of facilities the hotel offers. IHCL’s commitment to Goa has been long-standing with the group boasting of one of the earliest luxury resorts in the state with the iconic Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa and Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa. Having three Taj Hotels, one Vivanta and now, two Ginger hotels; Goa represents the right mix of multisegment growth as per the group’s expansion strategy.

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HOSPITALITY

tourists visiting the coastal state, as well as locals, looking to travel to their

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4500 sq. ft. HRJ Grand undoubtedly is the ideal venue when to hold

Ginger Hotels expands its footprint in Goa

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HOSPITALITY

VERSAILLES HOTEL

Some More feathers to CHAS Group

By RAVIZ

It started as a dream in 2006, when Chairman, Dr. Ravi Pillai acquired a two star property Versailles Hotel and transformed it into a three star Hotel to enter the Hospitality business, has now been transformed into a Hotel Group with three hotels in Dubai and five 5star Hotels in Kerala, India. Following the total refurbishment of the

85 Rooms and Suites and re-branding of the Hotel to Versailles by Raviz, the Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has given it a four star classification. Centrally located in the commercial and business area of Al Rigga in Deira, the hotel has a boutique feel to its rooms, and restaurants. A mere fifteen-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Trade Centre

Exhibition Halls. The two metro stations are close by - Al Rigga and Union providing seamless connectivity to the Hotel. With bright shades to give the public spaces a sense of brightness roundthe–clock, Versailles Hotel by Raviz is now the trendsetter in quality accommodation and unparalleled

of the inaugural Dubai Green Awards in 2010. It is the endeavor of the hotel to give a cleaner world for the next generation by using green practices. The Hotel has an excellent multicuisine, all day Dining restaurant, Flavours by Palm

services in Dubai. The 85 rooms and suites have been designed keeping the needs of both business travelers and tourists to Dubai. And all the rooms are equipped with central air conditioning, international TV channels, mini bar, direct dial telephone and elegant furniture. Versailles Hotel By Raviz is continuously adopting green practices in all the areas of hotel operations and stood Runner up

Court that is o p e n roundt h e clock to p rov i d e t h e guests the finest International Cuisine. To tickle the taste –buds of both in house guests and Dubai residents, the fine dining Oriental Restaurant serves far – eastern delicacies for lunch & dinner. The Zodiac Room caters to Conferences and Social Events for Dubai Corporate and residents. The Hotel has a fully equipped Gymnasium and a roof-top Outdoor Swimming Pool to keep guests

refreshed. The Seven Senses Spa & Wellness Centre located on the Second Floor soothes frayed nerves with trained masseuses from India, Thailand and Philippines. Tourist Landmarks such as Al Ghurair Shopping Mall, Twin Towers Shopping Mall, Reef Mall, Abra Ferry Station are just a short walk away from the Hotel. Other attractions include Deira City Centre Shopping Mall, Govt & Business Offices, Spice Souk, Gold Souk, Nasser Square Shopping Area, etc. The Versailles by Raviz Hotel believes in providing guest services that are both personalized and beyond compare because we believe when our guests choose us, they do so because “With Us, You are Always at Home”.

Connections Hotels And Allied Services Pvt. Ltd. (CHAS Hotels Pvt. Ltd.) has ventured into the hospitality industry in the year 2015 by establishing a chain of hotels in North Bengal and neighboring s t a t e s . C H A S H OT E L S provides a conducive spot to take a break from busy schedule and blend comfort with luxury and exquisite services. Recently the group has added some more properties in their chain. The first venture of the group is in Siliguri, Hotel Rajdarbar and Bawarchee Restaurant. Centrally located in the heart of the town, the hotel is ideal for travelers and corporate guests. It comprises of 33 well equipped A/c rooms, a conference hall, 24 hrs front desk service, modern restaurant, roof top lounge for hosting birthday parties and wedding ceremonies.

Jukaso Journeys Group adds 5 new properties

One of the dominant player in the Indian Hospitality Industry, Jukaso Journeys recently acquires 5 properties Jukaso Sai Palace Udaipur, Jukaso Jim Corbett, Jukaso Seven Heaven Bhimtal, Jukaso Mrikula Cottage Manali, Jukaso Palace Dharamshala. The acquisition adds to the growth of

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The company has also established two very renowned hotel in Darjeeling. CHAS SIAN and RESORTS is a premium property nestled in the foothills of Darjeeling town. Equipped with all modern amenities and a panoramic view of entire town and mighty Kanchenjunga. The hotel comprises of well furnished 41 view rooms, Wi-Fi connectivity, a banquet hall, a restaurant to pamper taste buds, bar with good music, spa to rejuvenate tired

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Jukaso Journeys in tier II cities. Jukaso Journeys is planning to expand and hence aims to open 15 properties by the end of 2018. T h e p ro p e r t i e s w i l l o ffe r extensive facilities for guests with well-appointed rooms and international service standards as well as an all-day dining restaurant and lounge. Mr. Yajush Khanna, CEO, Jukaso Journeys said, “We are excited about expanding our footprints in India and the signing more properties. It is a great opportunity to enter the new market as we are trying to cover and mark our p re s e n c e i n t h e m a j o r to u r i st destinations. We intend to strengthen our upscale brand in the country.”

souls, gym for fitness lovers, travel desk for travelers, a souvenir space, magnificent lounge which has become a popular marriage destination and corporate get together and parking facilities. Because of its services and location, it is one of the most sought property in Darjeeling. CHAS SANDERLING is another hotel located in the midst of the town. The hotel is ideal for travelers exploring areas in and around Darjeeling and comprises of well furnished 21 rooms. The company has expanded its wings in Gangtok and Sikkim with its maiden p r o p e r t y C H A S N A R AYA N I CONTINENTAL. With 22, well furnished rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant, Wi-Fi facilities and top class services, the hotel has already gained popularity among travelers and travel

portals and has been able to gather excellent reviews from guests. Sharing the future goals of the CHAS, Mr. Rajesh Saraf, Managing Director, CHAS Hotels Pvt. Ltd, said, “We are working hard to ensure top class services which will help us to achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. We intend expanding CHAS HOTELS PVT. LTD. to neighboring states and countries in days to come. We also ensure that our guests leaves with u n fo r g e t t a b l e e x p e r i e n c e s a n d memories that will make them want to come back to us again and again. ” He further added, “We believes in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity to our esteemed customers. The company firmly believes that the values will help drive the business to enviable heights and help attract guests all throughout the year.”

Kamats Restaurants open new outlet at Nashik - Sinnar Kamats Restaurants unveiled its new outlet at Nashik Sinnar, in the Pune N a s h i k H i g h w a y. T h e restaurant offers pure vegetarian, delicious food that is served in hygienic surroundings. It is ideal place for travelers to take a quick bite and choose from wide of variety of quality food, fresh ingredients and distinctive flavours. The popular multi-cuisine restaurant serves delicious South Indian, Punjabi, Snacks, Mughlai as well as Maharashtrain delicacies. Kamats delights its customers with authentic food cooked fresh, at affordable prices and served in quick speed. Kamats,

synonymous with healthy and hygienic vegetarian food has emerged as a symbol of quality, originality and trust. Since 2013 Kamats has started expanding its restaurant chain and concentrated on standardizing its products and services through centralized purchasing and training system.

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HOSPITALITY

VERSAILLES HOTEL

Some More feathers to CHAS Group

By RAVIZ

Jukaso Journeys Group adds 5 new properties

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

HOSPITALITY

World Travel & Tourism Council's latest Economic Impact Report says

RADISSON

Globally Travel & Tourism sector grew at 4.6%, creating 7 million new jobs worldwide

Aims For 200 Hotels In South Asia By 2022

A recent World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual Economic Impact Research, says that, Travel & Tourism was responsible for the creation of 7 million new jobs worldwide. The report also shows that 2017 was a bumper year for the global Travel & Tourism sector, which grew at 4.6%, 50% faster than the global economy as a whole (3% growth during 2017). Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said “Travel & Tourism creates jobs, drives economic growth and helps build better societies Globally, 2017 was one of the strongest years of GDP growth in a decade. Our sector now supports one in ten jobs on the planet and contributes 10% of global GDP. Over the past ten years, one in five of all jobs created across the world has been in the sector and, with the right support from Governments, nearly 100 million new jobs could be created over the decade ahead.”

North Africa Overall Travel & Tourism growth in North Africa was 22.6% in 2017, more than three times faster than any other world region and five times faster than the world average of 4.6%. Driving this growth was an excellent recovery in Egypt, where tourism's contribution to GDP grew by 72.9% compared to 2016; and a strong but more muted recovery in Tunisia of 7.6%. In Turkey, tourism's contribution grew by 17%. Overall in 2017, Travel & Tourism generated US$21.1 billion of GDP in Egypt (11.0% of total GDP), US$5.7 billion of GDP in Tunisia (14.2% of total) and US$ 98.4 billion in Turkey (11.6% of total); and Travel & Tourism accounted fo r 8 . 5 % , 1 3 . 0 % a n d 7 . 4 % o f employment in each country respectively.

United States The US' Travel & Tourism generated US$1.5 trillion for the US economy in 2017, more than any other country in the world. US tourism ranks no 1 in the world for GDP contribution, and visitor exports (international tourism spend in the country). In 2017, Travel & Tourism supported nearly 14 million jobs and over US$200 billion in exports. The data also shows that tourism in the US grew by 2.3% .

Italy Tourists in Italy spent €39.6 billion in 2017 an increase of 6.5% - more than 50% higher than the world average growth of 4.3%, according to the

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research. Overall, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to the Italian economy was €223.2 billion in 2017, once all the direct, indirect and induced benefits were taken into account. This means that 13% of the entire Italian economy is dependent in some way on Travel & Tourism. Highlights of the report! Travel & Tourism supported 3.4 million jobs in 2017 (14.7% of total Italian employment) ! By 2028 almost 4 million jobs in Italy are forecast to be dependent on Travel & Tourism ! The travel sector grew by 2.7% in 2017, compared to growth of 1.6% in the wider economy ! Italy is the 6th largest travel economy in the world

Saudi Arabia The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to the Saudi economy in 2017 was SAR240.9 billion, once all the direct, indirect and induced benefits were taken into account. This represented an annual rise of 4.6% against GDP growth of 1% for the wider economy. Highlights of the report! Travel & Tourism supported 1.2 million jobs in 2017 (9.1% of total employment) ! By 2028 over 1.5 million jobs in Saudi Arabia are forecast to be dependent on Travel & Tourism ! Travel & Tourism contributes 9.4% of the total GDP of Saudi Arabia

South African WTTC forecasts that the sector will contribute ZAR 424.5 billion to the overall economy in 2018, a rise of almost 3% on 2017, and the highest since WTTC forecasts began. Highlights of the report! Travel & Tourism supported 1.5 million jobs in 2017 (9.5% of total employment) ! By 2028 almost 2.1 million jobs in South Africa are forecast to be dependent on Travel & Tourism ! Travel & Tourism contributes 9% of the total GDP of South Africa, once all the direct, indirect and induced benefits are taken into account

represented an annual rise of 3.4% against growth of 1.6% for the wider economy. Highlights of the report! Travel & Tourism supported 4.2 million jobs in 2017 (6.4% of total Japanese employment) ! By 2028 over 4.5 million jobs in Japan are forecast to be dependent on Travel & Tourism ! Japan is the 4th largest travel economy in the world

Indonesia 2017 was a record year for Indonesian Travel & Tourism with the sector contributing IDR787,100 billion to the nation's economy, more than any other year on record. Overall, the Indonesian Travel & Tourism economy grew by 6.4% - faster than the 5.1% recorded for the wider economy. Highlights of the report! Travel & Tourism supported 12.2 million jobs in 2017 (10% of total Indonesian employment) – the 4th highest of any country in the world ! By 2028 almost 17 million jobs in Indonesia are forecast to be dependent on Travel & Tourism ! Travel & Tourism is forecast to grow by 6.4% on average every year for the next decade – the 7th highest in the world

France Tourists in France spent €44.3 billion in 2017 an annual increase of 6.4% - 50% higher than the world average growth of 4.3%. Overall, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to the French economy in 2017 was €204.3 billion, once all the direct, indirect and induced benefits were taken into account. This means that 8.9% of the entire French economy is dependent in some way on Travel & Tourism. Highlights of the report! Travel & Tourism supported 2.8 million jobs in 2017 (10% of total French employment) ! By 2028 over 3.3 million jobs in France are forecast ! France is the 8th largest travel economy in the world

Japan

Germany

Japan's Travel & Tourism sector grew at more than twice the rate of the wider economy in 2017. The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to the Japanese economy in 2017 was JPY37,136 billion, once all the direct, indirect and induced benefits were taken into account. This

Germany has retained its position as Europe's largest Travel & Tourism economy. The research shows that Germany's Travel & Tourism sector contributed €348.1 billion to the country's economy in 2017. This was ahead of the United Kingdom, France,

Hotel Group

Italy and Spain. Highlights of the report! In total Travel & Tourism supported 6.1 million jobs in 2017, rising to over 6.5 million jobs by 2028, representing 15% of all German employment ! The travel sector contributed €348.1 billion to the German economy in 2017 ! Germany is the 3rd largest travel economy in the world ! The travel sector grew by 1.7% in 2017

The newly rebranded Radisson Hotel Group announced its expansion plans at Hotel Investment Conference South Asia (HICSA) 2018. The company aims to expand its portfolio to more than 200 hotels in operation and under development by 2022 in South Asia, where it is already a dominant international player.

United Kingdom WTTC's latest annual research, in conjunction with Oxford Economics, shows the United Kingdom's Travel & Tourism sector contribution to GDP grew by 6.2% in 2017, higher than the global average (4.6%) and more than four times faster than the UK's economy as a whole (which grew by 1.5%). This growth translated into GBP 214 billion contribution to GDP, 4 million jobs, and GBP 29 billion in exports. Key research highlights: ! 1 in 8 UK jobs depend on Travel & Tourism ! 5.8% YoY UK domestic travel increase ! 7.9% YoY spending increase by international tourist visitors to the UK ! 2017 UK Travel & Tourism sector grew more than four times faster than UK economy

Canada Canada's Travel & Tourism sector grew 50% faster than the wider economy in 2017. The total contribution to the Canadian economy in 2017 was CAD$138.8 billion, once all the direct, indirect and induced benefits were taken into account. This represented a rise of 4.5% against growth of 3% for the wider economy. Highlights of the report! Travel & Tourism supported 1.6 million jobs in 2017 (8.6% of total Canadian employment) ! By 2028, almost 2 million jobs in Canada are forecast to be dependent on Travel & Tourism ! Canada is the 13th largest travel economy in the world

Australia 2017 was a record year for Travel & Tourism in Australia with the sector contributing AUD197.5 billion to the economy. Highlights of the report! Travel & Tourism supported 1.5 million jobs in 2017 (12.2% of total Australian employment) ! By 2028 over 1.7 million jobs in Australia are forecast to be dependent on Travel & Tourism ! The travel sector grew by 2.3% in 2017, compared to growth of 2.2% in the wider economy ! Australia is the 12th largest travel economy in the world

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NILAYA SPA recently opened at RADISSON BLU PUNE HINJAWADI Nilaya Spa has recently opened at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjewadi. The Nilaya Spa offers a wide selection of holistic healing practices, modern rejuvenation and well-being techniques, which relieves the mind, body, and spirit. To welcome into the new season and to refrain from the party sluggishness, Nilaya Spa recommends their signature therapy that would essentially be everyone's need of the hour. The therapy titled Nilaya signature Bodyworks massage- banishes the fatigue and sluggishness that sets in after the post party. The signature massage helps the mind and the body to

de-stress and it soothes the senses, restore vitality and revive the spirit Drawing on the best of Eastern and Western techniques, this oil massage also combines soothing strokes and st re tc h i n g to l o o s e n muscular tension, encourage lymphatic flow to balance the internal system and coax your body to respond positively to the caring language of touch. This therapy can be done in any aroma oil fragrance depending on your choice.

The therapists at the Nilaya Spa are wellversed in the art of massage and guide you through elevating experiences that result in reduced stress, skin revitalization, and ultimate relaxation.

The group has already signed Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam, Radisson Panipat City Centre and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Agra in the first quarter of 2018. Radisson Gwalior opened last month and the group is on track to open another eight more hotels in India this year. “This is a most exciting period in our company's long history,” said Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group. “With the rebranding of our company and many other initiatives in the pipeline, we are positioning Radisson Hotel Group for a bright future. One of the new giants of the global economy, India has been a key market for us for many years. We look forward to working with hotel investors, o w n e rs , d e ve l o p e rs a n d o t h e r stakeholders across the country as we accelerate the expansion of our portfolio and introduce exciting brand concepts such as Radisson Collection to India,” added Giannouka. “We excitedly continue the momentum on our growth and signings in 2018. I am delighted that India is leading the way in Asia Pacific with a total of seven global brand offerings which will further strengthen our business in the region,” said Raj Rana, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. The group is focused on enhancing profitability, ensuring brand standard compliance and uplifting guest experience while aiming to open landmark hotels in strategic locations and growing its mid-scale brand footprint. The group has also recently added Radisson Collection, a premium collection of exceptional hotels to its brand portfolio. Radisson Collection Agra, located on Taj East Gate Road, with 239 rooms and suites, will join a global list of 13 other hotels to be launched as Radisson Collection. This takes the group's brand portfolio to a total of seven brands in India where it already operates Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson brands. There are 90 hotels operational under Radisson Hotel Group across the country which is expected to reach 100 hotels by the end of 2018.

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 21

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

HOSPITALITY

World Travel & Tourism Council's latest Economic Impact Report says

RADISSON

Globally Travel & Tourism sector grew at 4.6%, creating 7 million new jobs worldwide

Aims For 200 Hotels In South Asia By 2022

Italy Tourists in Italy spent €39.6 billion in 2017 an increase of 6.5% - more than 50% higher than the world average growth of 4.3%, according to the

20 MAY - JUNE, 2018

Japan

Germany

Hotel Group

www.safariplus.co.in

The therapists at the Nilaya Spa are wellversed in the art of massage and guide you through elevating experiences that result in reduced stress, skin revitalization, and ultimate relaxation.

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 21

AVAITION

INTERNATIONAL NEWS NIYAMA, Maldives ‘Dream Destination’ by Private Jet

With the Maldives’ Dhaalu Airport now open to private jets, Niyama Private Islands Maldives is closer than ever and accessible 24 hours a day. Soar over droplet islands floating in jewel-toned ocean hues. Breeze through the VIP

lounge before speedin g across t h e waters f r o m Dhaalu t o Nature’s Playgro und, a mere 10 minutes by speedboat. Step into your private playground, a quintet of overwater pool villas fanning out over the ocean in stunning isolation. Accommodating up to 22 persons, The

Crescent is designed for luxury living, with a team of butlers, private chef and housekeeperon hand to cater to your whims. Private dining adventures are limited only by your imagination. Barbequed seafood at water’s edge then a movie under a canopy of stars. Champagne breakfasts six metres below the ocean’s surface, parrotfish and the occasional Hawksbill turtle gliding by. Time is yours to revel in as you like on twin islands Chill and Play. Cruise into the sunset on board a dream dhoni of billowing ivory sails. Seabob through the

water at 20 kmph or shoot for the sky with a Superman jet pack. Surfers in the know head to Niyama where the waves break directly on shore. Bring your board for adventures near and far with our resident Surf Guru. Head out by seaplane to tap off-thebeaten-track rippable walls. Relax afterwards with surfers’ massages at Drift Spaor in the privacy of your villa. Niyama offers the luxury of choice, and is the perfect destination for private jet getaways. To know more - www.niyama.com Or mail - reservations@niyama.com

are already recording further progress from the Indian market since the turn of the year.” Talking to Safari Plus, Mr. Bejan D i n s h a w , C o u n t r y M a n a g e r, Department of Culture and Tourism said, “India is potential market for us and we are also looking to promote MICE and Wedding segment. On the ongoing process of the promotions in India Market, we will continue having the joint promotion with the trade partner and at the same time we will conduct 'consumer program' engaging the

consumer directly as we did last year. Projecting Abu Dhabi as a family destination, we can say we offer an affordable luxury to the tourists. Yas Island is an entertainment destination in itself attracting lots of Indian families. To add on a theme park by Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi will be open this summer.” He added “We have excellent air connectivity, with 282 flights a week to Abu Dhabi from 13 Indian destinations, meaning it has never been easier to come and visit the emirate.”

Abu Dhabi Launches 4 city Roadshow to India The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism as part of its mandate to promote Abu Dhabi as a destination concluded the roadshow in India. The delegate was led by Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions and Overseas Offices, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi along with partners - Rotana Hotels, Yas Experience, Royal Arabian Destination Management, Royal Rose Hotels, Etihad Airways, Jet

Airways, Lama Tours, Air Travel Enterprises, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, and Holiday Inn Hotels. The roadshow targeted Mumbai and a l s o t i e r 2 c i t i e s C h a n d i ga r h , Ahmedabad and Pune. Last year more than 360,000 Indians stayed in Abu Dhabi's 162 hotels and hotel apartments, an increase of more than 11% compared to the previous year. India is currently the emirate's second largest international source market behind China. Mubarak Al Nuaimi, said, “India is a vital market for us which is providing more and more hotel guests for us each year and helped us reach a record 4.9 million numbers of guests last year. In 2017 we recorded spectacular doubledigit growth from India and we

Indian Tourist Boom Bound Le Tour de France comes to for New South Wales Thailand - L'Étape Thailand Sydney and regional NSW are set for an influx of Indian visitors thanks to the NSW Government's 2018 Focus On India workshop. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said, “The 2018 Focus On India workshop, is all about tapping into this market and putting NSW in the global spotlight by inviting 30 key India-based travel agents to NSW to meet one-onone with some of our best export-ready tourism businesses.” “India has been our state's fastest growing inbound tourism market for the past five years and it shows no sign of slowing. With the size of India's middle class rapidly expanding and Indian millennials seeking to travel more than previous generations, the market presents a lucrative opportunity for our tourism industry.”

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Mr Marshall added that over the past five years, the number of Indian visitors to NSW has grown by 120% while visitor expenditure nearly doubled. “There's no denying that our hard work is paying dividends – the results from the latest International Visitor Survey show that NSW received the highest number of Indian visitors on record in the year ending December 2017, which contributed $337 million in visitor expenditure to NSW,” Mr Marshall said.

TCEB with Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Phang Nga province announced a signing ceremony of “L'Étape Thailand by Le Tour de France” in Thailand for three years. Phang Nga is the chosen host city of the world-class event from 19 – 21 October. “L'Étape by Le Tour De France is an organised mass participation cyclosportive event that allows amateur cyclists to face the same challenges and to ride in the same conditions as on a Tour de France stage. L'Étape by Le Tour De France is one of the most popular events by Tour de France that has been held in 11 countries in five continents (United States, Australia, England, South Korea, Colombia, Brazil and many others). In 2017, there were about 50,000 participants” said Mr. Santi Pawai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism & Sports . Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB stated, “TCEB is the main organization that championed

organising L'Étape Thailand by Le Tour de France, as we envisioned how the event could generate economy to the country to meet government demands. L'Étape Thailand is considered a perfect combination of sports, tourism, and business, which will draw cycling industry players to participate in onsite activities and is expected to draw more than 20,000 of public participants and a large number of cyclists from around Asia, other world cyclists, business operators, investors, and media related to sports from around the world.”

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Domestic passenger traffic to Vietjet announces direct flight grow by 18% in FY2018 connecting India and Vietnam The Indian Aviation Industry would continue healthy performance, driven by buoyant domestic passenger traffic growth, which is estimated to grow by ~18% during FY2018. This not with standing the moderation in capacity growth due to various factors like technical glitches, delays in delivery of aircraft and focus on international operations. The domestic passenger traffic growth remained healthy backed by improvement in core growth drivers like economic environment and increasing tourism demand. The strong demand has pushed the passenger load factor (PLF) to an all-time high of 86.5% in the current fiscal and India remains one of the best performing key domestic aviation markets in the world in terms of PLF. The estimated passenger traffic growth remains broadly in line with ICRA's previous estimates of 15-17%. On international routes too, the Indian airlines continued to outperform the industry during the current year. The international passenger traffic growth from India is estimated to be ~10% in FY2018, while the Indian airlines are expected to report a growth of 13.5% during the same period. Increasing

capacity deployment by Indian airlines on international routes and growing tourism demand are the key growth drivers. Resultantly, the market share of the Indian airlines on international routes has remained at an all-time high during the current fiscal. According to Anand Kulkarni, AVP and Associate Head, Corporate Sector Ratings, ICRA, “The Indian aviation industry demonstrated a resilient performance during the year in spite of the uptrend in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The average ATF prices increased by 10% during FY2018; however, some of the key airlines were able to expand the profitability during 9m FY2018 through higher PLFs, resultantly improving yields and cost efficiency measures. Increased revenue base also helped the profitability performance of the industry. The ATF prices continue to remain 11.6% higher Y-o-Y in Q4 FY2018; however, the industry profitability is expected to be adequate considering current pricing discipline.”

According to Airbus’ latest India Market Forecast, India will require 1,750 new passenger and cargo aircraft over the next 20 years to meet an exponential rise in both passenger and freight traffic. To help meet this growth, Airbus forecasts that India will need 1,320 new single-aisle aircraft and 430 widebody aircraft valued at US$255 billion. While much of the air traffic growth is expected to be driven by the fast expanding economy, rising wealth and urbanisation, ambitious governmentbacked regional connectivity programmes are also set to enhance demand for air travel. By 2036, Indians will each make four times as many flights as today. As a result, traffic serving the Indian market is forecast to grow 8.1% per year over the next 20 years, almost twice as fast as the world average of 4.4%.

Domestic Indian traffic is expected to grow five-and-half times over the next 20 years (2017-2036) reaching the same level as U.S. domestic traffic today, making it one of the world’s fastest growing markets, according to Airbus’ latest India Market Forecast for the period. "Make in India is at the heart of our strategy. Airbus has the largest footprint in India of any international aircraft manufacturer, nationwide across all aircraft programmes. Our sourcing volume has grown 16 times over the past 10 years and it is currently at more than US$550 million annually,” said Srinivasan Dwarakanath, President – Airbus Commercial Aircraft in India. India is set to become the world’s thirdlargest aviation market by 2019/2020 and Airbus is well positioned to partner its growth with backlog orders of over 530 aircraft to date.

At Vietnam-India Business Forum, Vietjet announces its plan to operate direct route connecting Vietnam and India in order to serve travel demands. The announcement which was witnessed by H.E Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang and senior leaders of Vietnam and I n d i a , m a r k s breakthroughs on the 45th anniversary of Vietnam – India diplomatic relationship and 10th anniversary of strategic partnership between Vietnam and India. The first route is planned to connect Ho Chi Minh City with New Delhi on a basis of four flight per week. The airline says it

will launch four flights per week in the third quarter of 2018. The introduction of the new route will present Vietjet with an opportunity to not only tap into the growing tourism market but also facilitate trade integration and exchange between Vietnam and India.

Jet Airways strengthens’ North East presence with Airbus Forecasts India to Need 1,750 New Aircraft Over Next 20yrs Guwahati as regional gateway

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Jet Airways, announced its plans to expand its presence in the North East and make Guwahati its regional gateway to/ from the region. The initiative forms a part of Jet Airways’ strategy to further strengthen its domestic footprint of 45 cities in the country, complementing its three hubs at Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. As part of the endeavour beginning this summer, Jet Airways will deepen its presence in select Indian cities in response to the rising demand for air travel. Under its summer schedule, Jet Airways increases the number of weekly flights between the North Eastern region and the rest of the country to 184 – adding 30 new flights weekly. The new

schedule features a combination of nonstop services – several of them on unique, pioneering routes being introduced for the first time in the industry, as well as direct, one-stop services between new city pairs in the airline’s existing pan-India network, bolstering it further. Strengthening connectivity between the country’s capital and the North Eastern region, Jet Airways introduces non-stop services including thrice-a-week flights to Aizawl and Jorhat and four times-aweek flights to Silchar from New Delhi. The airline also resumes its operations from Imphal, the capital of Manipur and an important city in the North Eastern region, commencing four times-a-week non-stop service to Imphal from Delhi.

Flight No. Sector Frequency Type Dep. Time Arr. Time INDUSTRY FIRST, NON-STOP SERVICES TO/FROM THE NORTH EAST 9W 852 Aizawl - Delhi Mon/Wed/Fri Non Stop 15:30 18:35 9W 851 Delhi - Aizawl Mon/Wed/Fri Non Stop 11:05 14:05 9W 991 Delhi – Silchar Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun Non Stop 11:00 13:50 9W 992 Silchar – Delhi Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun Non Stop 15:30 18:30 9W 956 Delhi – Jorhat Mon/Wed/Fri Non Stop 11:00 14:00 9W 957 Jorhat – Delhi Mon/Wed/Fri Non Stop 15:20 18:20 INDUSTRY FIRST, DIRECT SERVICES TO/FROM THE NORTH EAST 9W 935 Mumbai - Imphal Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun Direct 10:10 15:00 9W 842 Imphal - Mumbai Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun Direct 14:35 19:15 9W 921 Mumbai - Jorhat Mon/Wed/Fri Direct 10:10 14:50 9W 936 Jorhat - Mumbai Mon/Wed/Fri Direct 14:35 19:15 9W 917 Delhi - Jorhat Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun Direct 9:20 13:10 9W 918 Jorhat - Delhi Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun Direct 14:20 18:55 9W 982 Imphal - Pune Mon/Wed/Fri Direct 15:30 23:35 9W 358 Delhi–Tiruchirappalli Daily Direct 9:00 14:10 9W 311 Tiruchirappalli- Delhi Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/FriDirect 14:40 20:20

MAY - JUNE, 2018 23

AVAITION

INTERNATIONAL NEWS NIYAMA, Maldives ‘Dream Destination’ by Private Jet

22 MAY - JUNE, 2018

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Jet Airways strengthens’ North East presence with Airbus Forecasts India to Need 1,750 New Aircraft Over Next 20yrs Guwahati as regional gateway

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 23

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India’s Outbound INDIA is emerging as the fastestgrowing outbound travel markets in the world. The number of Indian National departures from India, during 1991 was 1.94 million which rose to 21.87million in 2016 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.17%. The number of Indian national's departures from India during 2016 registered a growth of 7.3% over 2015 and the approx number for year 2017 is estimated that 25 million Indians traveled overseas, according to the

growing travel overseas as observed by the Destination Promotion Offices o r N TO s . H e n c e I n d i a g a i n s prominence and recognition in global market of Travel & Tourism in a big way. We are sharing some numbers of India Traveller given by the NTO's who have their presence in India Market.

Singapore Tourism Board Indian Visitor Arrivals in 2017 was 1.27 Million (16% growth over 2016) ! Total Arrivals – 17.4 Million (6.2% growth over 2016) ! India's ranking – 3rd !

Speaking about the positive growth, Mr. Hassan Madah, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism India & Philippines said, “2017 has been outstanding and by far the best year for Israel tourism in India and worldwide. With over 20 million outbound tourists a year, India has been an important market for us and I am pleased to say that we have witnessed constant growth in the arrivals from the Indian market over the last 4 years. Introducing initiatives, including easing of the visa process, and with Air India and El Al providing direct connectivity from Delhi and Mumbai respectively, I am confident

Australia Tourism Indian Visitors in Jan-Dec 2016: 262,300 Jan-Dec 2017: 302,200 ! Growth: +15.2% ! This makes India the 8th largest inbound market for arrivals for the year ended December 2017. Sharing the key highlights during 2017, Mr. Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, Tourism Australia India and Gulf said, “India achieved its 2020 target of 300,000 arrivals, three years ahead of its target date. And has emerged as the fastest growing !

India’s Outbound well as free entry to 500 museums including the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Chateau Chillon in Montreux or St.

towards harnessing the true potential this market has to offer. We are also fo c u s i n g o n c u s t o m i z i n g o u r

promote Indonesia in India, will be to connect the consumers through promotion campaigns, food festivals,

with consumers by participating in Radio, TV campaigns and Mall promotion. The Indonesian

Mr. Claudio Zemp, Director India, Switzerland Tourism

Ms. Christine Mukharji, Director, Austrian National Tourist Office India

Ms. Alpa Jani, Acting Hub-Head MEISEA South African Tourism

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions & Overseas Offices, Dept. of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi

engagements and product offerings to suit the unique requirements from each of our target regions within India.”

Tactical promotion. We plan to organize more FAM Trips for media, tour operators, and wedding planners to showcase diverse offerings of the destination. We will be focusing on Digital/Social, Print and Electronic media. We will also participate in key Travel, MICE and Wedding Fairs in India. We will also increase interaction

government has set a numbers of strategic initiatives for the improvement and promotion of destinations beyond Bali including continuous supports in the development of new venues. We have identified and are promoting various cities beyond Bali that are called 10 new Bali's.

Gallen's Abbey Library.”

Austrian National Tourist Office

Mr. GB Srithar, Regional Director SAMEA, Singapore Tourism Board

Mr. Hassan Madah, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism India & Philippines

Ms. Soraya Homchuen, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai

Mr. Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, Tourism Australia India and Gulf

statistics data available with the Ministry of Tourism. Countless, Indian travel and spend in foreign currency. And the travel of an average Indian has risen by an average of 11% on an annual basis. While traveling abroad, Indian tourists are among the world's highest-spenders. Their spending power has been estimated to be four times that of the Chinese and Japanese tourists. With the growing desire to travel, economic stability (with double income in each family) and emotional connect between travel and the urge to live a quality of life is the driving force behind travels internally and internationally. The emergence of a new and educated middle class in India has showed undying interest in travelling overseas at any given point in time. More than 28 millions are the passport holders in the country, those are accounted as potential travellers. Not only metro cities but also tier II and teir III cities are emerging as important source markets for outbound travel. The UN Wo r l d To u r i s m O r g a n i s a t i o n (UNWTO) has predicted that India will a c c o u n t f o r 50 million outbound tourists by 2020, this basically indicates that the number would double from current numbers within two years of time. These are the paramount reason of

Commenting on Mr. GB Srithar, Regional Director - SAMEA, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “We are happy that Singapore continues to be perceived as one of the must-visit destinations. This year, STB will focus on deepening and expanding our partnership with our travel trade partners and promoting our new brand creatively and effectively. We will continue to showcase Singapore's diverse offerings and connect with key audience segments including families, early and established careers, cruise travelers, meetings and incentive groups and travelers from the key metro and secondary cities. With overall tourist outbound from India on the rise, we look forward to another successful year of Indian visitorship to Singapore. We warmly welcome them to live up their passion for exciting travel experiences in our city. India also continued to be the top source market for VA in the cruise segment for Singapore. 127,000 cruise passengers from India sailed out of Singapore's shores in 2017, a year-on-year increase of 25% from 2016. ”

that this growth will help us achieve 1 lakh Indian arrivals in 2018.”

inbound market for Australia during 2017, with arrivals and spend increasing by 15.2% and 26% respectively. December 2017 recorded the highest-ever visitation in any given month, with 34,100 Indian tourists visiting Australia, an increase of 16%.” He further added, “Sustained marketing and PR activities over the years have increased Australia's awareness and attractiveness among Indians travelers. Robust Friends of Australia and influencer management program: Advocates such as Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Harsha Bhogle and Parineeti Chopra's visits have helped to enhance Australia's appeal among their fans and followers.”

24 MAY - JUNE, 2018

Israel Ministry of Tourism ! Israel witnessed a 31% growth in Indian arrivals to the country in 2017. Around 60,000 Indian tourists visited Israel in 2017 ! India's ranking in top 15

Tourism Authority of Thailand ! India Visitor Arrivals in 2017 was 1,294,790 (+20% growth compare to 2016) ! India ranks among the top 5 in terms of visitors to Thailand after China, Malaysia, Korea and Laos. Ms. Soraya Homchuen, Director, TAT, M u m b a i s a i d , “ T h a i l a n d welcomed over 35,381,210 international visitors in 2017 showing an increase of 8.77 percent over 2016 and earned 1.82 trillion Baht in tourism revenue. India ranks in top 5 list of highest number of visitors to Thailand. TAT is initiating many unique activities and projects t h i s ye a r t h at w i l l fo c u s o n promoting women, family and first time traveller segments for the Indian market. The new campaign 'Open to the New Shades of Thailand' aims to give more attention to unique local experiences and inclusive tourism, reflecting Thainess and the Thai people's warmth in welcoming visitors. Within this, there is a focus on specific customer segments; such as, gastronomy tourism, luxury, weddings and honeymoons, families, female travellers and Gen Y.”

Switzerland Tourism Mr. Claudio Zemp, Director India, Switzerland Tourism, said, “The love affair between Indian holidaymakers and Switzerland continues. In 2017 we saw an increase of 23.4% in overnights generated out of India and we remain the 8th most important source market for Switzerland.” He added, “Interesting fact is that more and more guests travel individually using the products of the Swiss Travel System, the world's best public transport system, to explore all of Switzerland by train, boat and bus. The Swiss Travel Pass now includes mountain excursions to Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Rigi free of charge, as

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! Austria total arrivals in2017: 3,24,400 overnights (+20% from 2016) ! Indian arrivals were 1,77,700 tourist (+20.5% from 2016) !India's ranking- 35 Ms. Christine Mukharji, Director, ANTO India, said, "The Indian Outbound Market is growing leaps and bounds. Indians are travelling more than ever and including a foreign destination in their yearly holiday plans more frequently. Also Indians while travelling stay in good 4 stars and above categories. This makes their spends high, they are also avid shoppers and take a large number of tours while on holiday. All this put together makes India a very important market to target for Austria. Austria saw a 20.5% increase in arrivals of Indian tourists to Austria in 2017 and we are all geared up to keep up with this growth for 2018.”

South African Tourism ! India Visitor Arrivals in 2017 - From January to November 2017, a total of 89,882 Indians ! Total Arrivals - South Africa welcomed 9.2 million tourists from across the globe between January and November 2017, recording a 2.4% y-o-y increase. ! India ranks 8th largest source market Ms. Alpa Jani, Acting Hub-Head MEISEA – South African Tourism, said, “We have always recorded an outstanding response from the Indian travellers and are eagerly looking forward to seeing the growing Indian traveller traffic to South Africa in 2018. India is undoubtedly a significant market for us and all trade and consumer efforts are directed

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Abu Dhabi, Department of Culture and Tourism ! 360,000 Indian visitors in Abu Dhabi with 11% year on year increase ! Total Arrivals – 4,875,499 total guests ! India is the 2nd largest overseas source market for Abu Dhabi Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions and Overseas Offices, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “India is a vital market for us which is providing more and more hotel guests for us each year and helped us reach a record 4.9 million numbers of guests last year. In 2017 we recorded spectacular double-digit growth from India and we are already recording further progress from the Indian market since the turn of the year.”

Indonesia India Visitor Arrivals in 2017 was 4,85,314 with the growth rate of 28.80% ! India ranks 6th !

Ms. Shelly Chandhok Country Manager Visit Indonesia

Our marketing strategy for 2018 to

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 25

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Singapore Tourism Board Indian Visitor Arrivals in 2017 was 1.27 Million (16% growth over 2016) ! Total Arrivals – 17.4 Million (6.2% growth over 2016) ! India's ranking – 3rd !

India’s Outbound well as free entry to 500 museums including the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Chateau Chillon in Montreux or St.

towards harnessing the true potential this market has to offer. We are also fo c u s i n g o n c u s t o m i z i n g o u r

promote Indonesia in India, will be to connect the consumers through promotion campaigns, food festivals,

with consumers by participating in Radio, TV campaigns and Mall promotion. The Indonesian

Mr. Claudio Zemp, Director India, Switzerland Tourism

Ms. Christine Mukharji, Director, Austrian National Tourist Office India

Ms. Alpa Jani, Acting Hub-Head MEISEA South African Tourism

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions & Overseas Offices, Dept. of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi

engagements and product offerings to suit the unique requirements from each of our target regions within India.”

Gallen's Abbey Library.”

Austrian National Tourist Office

Mr. GB Srithar, Regional Director SAMEA, Singapore Tourism Board

Mr. Hassan Madah, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism India & Philippines

Ms. Soraya Homchuen, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai

Mr. Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, Tourism Australia India and Gulf

that this growth will help us achieve 1 lakh Indian arrivals in 2018.”

24 MAY - JUNE, 2018

Israel Ministry of Tourism ! Israel witnessed a 31% growth in Indian arrivals to the country in 2017. Around 60,000 Indian tourists visited Israel in 2017 ! India's ranking in top 15

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Indonesia India Visitor Arrivals in 2017 was 4,85,314 with the growth rate of 28.80% ! India ranks 6th !

Ms. Shelly Chandhok Country Manager Visit Indonesia

Our marketing strategy for 2018 to

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 25

INTERNATIONAL Tourism Authority of Thailand hosted ‘Mega Fam Trip’ For Indian (Trade & Media) to Thailand’s Eastern Region The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted leading members of India’s travel trade and media (92 travel agents, 47 media) on a ‘Mega Fam Trip ‘to Thailand’s Eastern region that explored the TAT ’s latest ’ Amazing Thailand’s ‘Open to the New Shades’ concept. The trip focused on exploring Thailand

from new experienced-based perspectives in five main areas: Gastronomy, Arts and Crafts, Nature and Beaches, Way of Life, and Culture. The TAT trip used these destinations to help spread tourism income and create a balance for Thailand’s tourism sector, letting India travel professionals test products and services in Bangkok and the Eastern

region. Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for the Marketing Communications, said, “The market briefing and Bangkok table-top exercise gave travel agents from India the chance to meet Thai partners for face-to-face discussions and learn about the ‘Open to the New Shades’

concept in detail.” “Then trips around the Eastern region has allowed Indian agents and media to experience first-hand why emerging secondary destinations; such as, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat are so vibrant and sellable to the growing India outbound travel sector.” In Bangkok, the 139 - strong Indian

delegation from Mumbai and New Delhi met with 88 Thai suppliers (44 hotels, 29 entertainment venues, and 15 travel companies) for the TAT’s ‘Trade Meet and Table Top Sales’ event. The next day they departed on four different routes: ! Bangkok-Chanthaburi- Rayong (Ko Samet)-Chon Buri (Pattaya) for 44 travel agents from TAT’s New Delhi Office; ! Bangkok-Trat (Ko Chang)-Chon Buri (Pattaya) for 48 travel agents from TAT’s Mumbai Office; !Bangkok-Chanthaburi-Rayong-Chon Buri (Pattaya) for 23 media from TAT’s New Delhi Office ! Bangkok-Chanthaburi-Rayong (Ko Samet) - Chon Buri (Pattaya) for 24 media from the TAT’s Mumbai Office. The India Mega Fam trip is expected to assist Thailand to attract a bigger slice of the fast-growing Indian outbound sector. In 2016, 21.9 million Indians travelled abroad to visit foreign countries, with that figure expect to more than double to about 50 million by 2020. The trip also cultivates Thailand’s good image in India as a preferred destination among Indian travellers through first-hand experiences of the participating travel agents and media members.

26 MAY - JUNE, 2018

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Thailand is one the most sought-after travel hub of Southeast Asia. Tourists love to make Bangkok the base and do the circuit around Southeast Asia. This time we had experienced the Thailand’s Eastern part en-route Bangkok - Chanthaburi - Rayong - Chon Buri sector. The region with its generous share of lush forests, luxurious white sand beaches, world class diving, incredible food, a rich history and friendly people is a must visit for you. Let us discover some of the highlights of this trail.

perfect balance of heritage and contemporary living. The street by the Mae Nam Chanthaburi riverfront to the Chanthaburi Cathedral is lined with restored colonial houses and you can see elderly residents chatting of old times. Years ago, a trading centre, the Waterfront today boasts of art galleries, coffee shops and the best street food in Chanthaburi. So if you are a tourist who can do without swanky shopping malls, glass faced buildings and fast nightlife, Chanthaboon Waterfront will surely appeal to you.

Suan Lamai

Boat tour to Ko Samet

Known as the Kingdom of Fruit on the Mountain, the beautiful garden of Suan Lamai is located amidst the mountains and valleys, some 65 km north of Rayong. Built over a period of 10 years, Suan Lamai is aesthetically planned and cultivated series of fruit farms and citrus groves spread across the foothills. There is also a sheep farm and you are allowed to feed the sheep for a price. Agro Tourism is at its best at Suan Lamai. You will be spoilt for choices with the varieties of fruits available ranging from rambutan, mangosteen, pomelo, rose apple, longan, Zalacca, dragon fruit, langsat, starfruit, sweet yellow Marian plum and grapes. You can

Named after the beautiful 'Samet' trees that are found abundantly in this island, Ko Samet is a paradise for tourists with its turquoise seas, pristine white beaches, quaint cafes serving exotic

even go f ru it p ickin g a n d get photographed with your favourite fruits. Green and beautiful, Suan Lamai is worth a visit for all fruit lovers. The garden is open from 08.00 AM - 05.00 PM

Chanthaboon Waterfront Called the Chum chan rim Chanthaboon in Thai, the Chanthaboon Waterfront is a

Ramayana Water Park Located some 1.5 hours drive from Bangkok and 15 kilometers south of Pattaya City, Ramayana Water Park is the biggest water theme parks in Southeast Asia with an area of 184,000sqm and has the capacity to host 2 million guests annually. Catering to all age groups, this aquatic playground boasts of 50 slides and attractions and it sure to add excitement in your Bangkok visit. Rides done,

food and a throbbing nightlife. The best way to reach the hidden beaches of Ko Samet is through a 45 minute boat ride from Ban Phe Pier on the mainland. There are several beaches and you are spoilt for choices. Do try to catch the sunset from the western beaches. If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling or simply lazing in the sun, Ko Samet is the place for you. Put in a lunch barbecue or an exotic Thai meal and your day is perfect. You can also take a tour to the fish farm located in the island itself and feed the fishes and turtles. Hotels to suit all budgets are available in the island and do book ahead as it is one of the most popular tourist destination in Bangkok.

Yom Jinda Walking Street Yomjinda Walking Street is a picturesque street in Rayong that is steeped in historical charm. Located within the city of Rayong, it is well connected by buses and rickshaws. It was the first street to be built in Rayong and was the commercial hub in earlier times. Stroll down the Walking Street and get a

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feel of how the town bustled around a century ago. Apart from exploring the architectural grandeur of teak wood houses of the old world, you can also enjoy the activities set up by the local people ranging from food, crafts, music, dance and puppet shows. Best visited in the weekend evenings when the street is closed for vehicles, the Yomjinda Walking Street is sure to appeal to the traveler in you. You can also take a look at the antique objects and vintage vehicles displayed by the local people. Lose yourselves in history in Yom Jinda Walking Street and we promise, you will not be disappointed.

you can also explore the massive pools and dozens of other activities available there. Take a plunge on the Freefall Slide to feel the rush of adrenaline or chill while you cool off in the Lazy Wavy River, the opportunity is immense, so are the activities. Remember to treat your taste buds to local Thai food and international cuisines available in the waterfront restaurants. The park is open from 10:00 - 18:00 daily.

class technology that is sure to leave you spellbound. This 75 minutes duration show, performed by around 90 actors in a state of the art superior audio visual system is based on classic Thai literature like Ramayana, Pra Apai Mani, Krai Thong and many more. What impress the viewer are the projection techniques that illuminate an area of 1,500 square meters and the spectacular 8-metre-tall animatronics robot that takes you through the show. The show timings are from Tuesday through Sunday at 17:30 hrs and 2 rounds for Saturday at 17:30 hrs and 20:30 hrs.

Underwater World, Pattaya Ocean in a nutshell? That's the experience you will have at the famous Underwater World in Pattaya. A huge 105 meter-long walk through aquarium highlighting more than 2,500 marine animals, both from the region as well as overseas is one of the chief attractions of Bang Lamung. The tunnel is well p la n n ed wit h sections like Touch Pool (where you can actually touch marine creatures like sharks and seahorses), Reef section, Shark and Ray Zone, and Shipwrecks. Apart from the exhibits, you can enjoy live feeding sessions and pick a souvenir or two at the local tourist shop there. Apart from an aquatic park, Underwater World is also an important education and marine conservation hub. Open from 09:00 - 18:00 hours, Underwater World is located in Sukhumvit Road, Jomtien, Pattaya and you can book tickets both online and on site.

KAAN Show the newest show in Pattaya While in Pattaya, be sure to book your tickets and choose the best seat for the cinematic live performance of the KAAN Show. A spectacular hybrid show is a combination of live action and cinema, stage performance and world-

MAY - JUNE, 2018 27

26 MAY - JUNE, 2018

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Suan Lamai

Boat tour to Ko Samet

Named after the beautiful 'Samet' trees that are found abundantly in this island, Ko Samet is a paradise for tourists with its turquoise seas, pristine white beaches, quaint cafes serving exotic

even go f ru it p ickin g a n d get photographed with your favourite fruits. Green and beautiful, Suan Lamai is worth a visit for all fruit lovers. The garden is open from 08.00 AM - 05.00 PM

Chanthaboon Waterfront Called the Chum chan rim Chanthaboon in Thai, the Chanthaboon Waterfront is a

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MAY - JUNE, 2018 27

Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • For Online News visit: www.safariplus.co.in • Email: info@safariplus.co.in • May - June 2018 • Vol: 19 Issue: 5

SNEAK PREVIEW

INDIA’S

Inbound and Outbound 2018

An Exclusive Data India’s Travel Fraternity Your Tool to Connect to India Market

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