Vol. 08 | No: 6. June 2012
contents june
08 80% Indian and Chinese
travelers to visit UK during Olympics A survey conducted by UK-based professional service firm Deloitte has revealed that 80 per cent of middle class consumers in India and China are more likely to visit
Wares for sale in Batu Ferringhi
Britain as a result of publicity surrounding Olympics 2012.
12 Check on hotels carbon footprint
10
AI, KFA crisis: Emirates grabs lion's share of India's outbound traffic
Tourism Asia | June 2012
14 Cambodia woos more airlines
3
contents june
16
Fresh Procurement Interest With 50% New MICE Buyer and Corporate Travel Manager Registrations
24
ITB Berlin 2013: New invitation to participate in the international competitions TO DO! and TOURA D'OR
The "TO DO!" competition aims to show how important it is for people to be able to have their say and that their role in tourism is not just an economic one.
20 Malaysia introduces spa ratings to build visitor confidence
26 InnerSea Discoveries Adds an Expedition Vessel to
28 Hong Kong announces new marketing campaign for
30 Space Tourism: First Flight Booked 2013
22 Vietnam cities go Wi-Fi
4
Tourism Asia | June 2012
From the editor’s desk Managing Editor
:
Sreekumara Menon
India is probably the ultimate destination of
Group Editor
:
Janeesh Jalaluddin
all kinds of pilgrims following any faith
Executive Editor
:
Kriebel George
around the world. The great religions like
Photo Editor
:
Madhu Menon
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Christi-
Art Editor
:
Dileep
anity and Sikhism are the integral part of
Senior Correspondent :
Subhash Ghosh
Indian culture and heritage whose values
Senior Sub Editor
:
Anish Kumar
and
Editorial Team
:
Anu S
soil and the sky of India.
faiths
are
mingled
with
the
air,
:
Viji V S
Marketing
:
Suresh Kumar S
Legal Advisor
India is the land of gods and diverse religions where lies the
:
Adv. Preeja K S
Financial Controller
serenity of its heritage. India is dotted with pilgrimages. Great
:
Abhilash S P
religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism have originated on the Indian soil. Over 80% of India's population practices
Representatives North India
:
Vinod Chandana
East India
:
Gagan Sarangi
West India
:
S K Singh
Bahrain
:
Shine G Nair
Bangalore
:
Bhagvan Din Kumar
Bhubaneshwar
:
Gagan Sarangi
Chennai
:
Balachandar
Dubai
:
Shinu
New Delhi
:
Annie Chacko
Philippines
:
Cynthia Lim
Pune
:
S K Singh
Qatar
:
Aneena Jacob
Singapore
:
Ajith Menon
Srilanka
:
Prebuddha
Thailand
:
Tae
All communications to: Tourism Asia Ground Floor, ‘Tower House’, Convent Road Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India Phone: +91 471 2470660, Fax: +91 471 2470660
Hinduism, the ancient indigenous religion of India which has a wide variety of forms and expressions. Muslims constitute about 10% of the Indian population. Other significant religious groups in India include Jains, and Christians. Buddhism is almost extinct in the land of its birth, but many exiled Tibetan Buddhists now make their home in India, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama. India's famed spirituality has made it a popular destination for spiritually-inclined travelers.. There are a number of Tour operators in the country that offer various pilgrimage tour packages to tourists. These operators also arrange for the stay, the food and other comforts for the pilgrimage. Any pilgrimage tour in India is sure to make you feel elated. These pilgrimage tours are sure to provide the tourists with peace and tranquility. Pilgrimage tourism as a business has also become big in India in the recent times. There is no denying to the fact that Indians are religious and religion is a part of their life. The boom in the
Email: news@tourismasiaonline.info website: www.tourismasiaonline.info
travel industry has helped tourists to visit these pilgrimage
Regd Office:
world are being attracted to India for its pilgrimage destina-
‘Sreeji Nivas’ , Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram
spots often. A lot of people from across different parts of the tions.
Edited and Published by: Sreekumara Menon For Advertisements: marketing@tourismasiaonline.info The news and Advertisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable. Readers are however requested to verify the facts before making business decisions using the same. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the
V.Sreekumara Menon Editor & Publisher editor@tourismasiaonline.info
publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2010
+91 9447798108
Tourism Asia | June 2012
7
News & Views
80% Indian and Chinese travelers to visit UK during Olympics ing strong bonds with Asian consumers who have driven a large share of luxury sales growth in recent years.
A survey conducted by UK-based professional service firm Deloitte has revealed that 80 per cent of middle class consumers in India and China are more likely to visit Britain as a result of publicity surrounding Olympics 2012. Deloitte conducted an online consumer survey of 6,000 adults in six markets including India, China, France, Germany, UK and US. The survey also revealed that out of 6,000 respondents, 60 per cent said that they would like to buy more British products and 77 per cent want to learn more about UK as a whole. The research also shows that 76 per cent of respondents in China and India associate the Olympic Games with UK, a higher proportion than consumers elsewhere in Europe or US. Only UK’s history, universities and its capital city, London, are attributes more closely associated with UK in the minds of Chinese and Indian consumers.
Tourism Asia | June 2012
Graham Pickett, head of travel, hospitality and leisure at Deloitte, said, “London 2012 clearly provides a direct and immediate opportunity for consumer businesses. However, our research shows the potential is there for a longer term benefit too, but only if companies are prepared to exploit the opportunity.”
Simon Oaten, director in the consumer business industry at Deloitte, said, “There has always been a strong underlying demand to visit Britain, but London 2012 is giving the UK a shot in the arm. Given the UK economy’s growth prospects, it is important for consumer businesses to develop relationships with overseas customers, particularly from markets such as India and China. Retailers and hospitality operators in the UK who understand the shifting global demographics will reap the rewards. London 2012 provides the UK with a unique moment, a unique competitive edge over other countries.”
“As the global population is evolving, so consumer spending power is shifting. The emerging middle classes of China and India are increasingly powerful consumers of Western goods – both as visiting tourists and increasingly as strong consumer markets develop in their home countries. This trend will continue to accelerate over the next few years,” added Pickett. Compared to Europe and the US, the emerging middle classes of China and India are more likely to associate Britain with luxury brands (78 per cent in India and China vs. 47 per cent in Europe) and fashion stores. This view reinforces the success British brands have had in build 08
News & Events
AI, KFA crisis: Emirates grabs lion's share of India's outbound traffic Emirates, one of the largest airlines of the Middle East, is currently playing the role of India’s national carrier. As Air India
continues
to
struggle
with
various crises, Emirates is operating 185 flights per week from India, more than any other foreign carrier. It has garnered 20 per cent share of the total outbound traffic over the past year, according to industry sources. Emirates is well ahead of its gateway peers such as Singapore Airlines which is operating 86 flights per week and British Airways, operating only 48 flights per week. Emirates has also overtaken leading German carrier, Lufthansa.
witnessing a huge surge in manpower
Orhan Abbas, Vice President, India &
requirement from India. In this case, I
Nepal, Emirates, said, "India is our larg-
Emirates as gateway carrier, picks
think a no-objection certificate could
est market in terms of operations on
traffic from other countries and routes
have been obtained from Indian indus-
our global network and contributes
through its hub, which is Dubai. Dubai
try as a whole and someone should say
significantly to the overall revenues of
is a major destination in its own right
we
carriers
the airline. The country has a large
and is also ideally positioned for Indi-
before taking such decisions," said
population of global citizens and
ans wanting to catch flights to other
Jitendar Bhargav, a former executive
frequent travellers. It is difficult to say
parts of the world.
director of Air India.
what our market share is, but we are
can't
overlook
Indian
the largest international carrier serving An industry official expressed concern
India."
at what he describes as Emirates' ability "to get what they want" from the
"Our company has registered a 50%
Indian government.
rise in bookings for Emirates over the past three months, which is by far the
"Emirates has always enjoyed govern-
largest jump for any airline during this
ment confidence better than other
period," said, Pratik Mazumder, Mar-
carriers. They have always been able to
keting Head of online travel portal
get what they want from India, in spite
yatra.com.
of the fact that Dubai is no more
10
Tourism Asia | June 2012
News & Views
Check on hotels carbon footprint Green Leaf Foundation will launch its latest version of a certification programme this October, which will include carbon emission reduction in the grading questionnaires.
A representative from the Green Leaf Foundation, who attended the Thailand Travel Mart Plus,last week, said carbon emission reduction was now a criteria for hotels
seeking
qualification
in
the
programe. The
initiative
Last year, DASTA and its partners introduced the Climate Visualise Tool to hotels on Chang Island as a pilot project. Based
involves
cooperation
between Green Leaf, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration and Germany’s Deutsche Gesellschaft fßr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Climate Visualised Tool, a carbon emission calculation programme. The software calculates and visualises the carbon footprint of a property based on a set of input values such as the electricity use, fuel and the amount of waste. Green Leaf will soon make it available online to hotels so they can use the programme to see how their properties
on field observation the programme is now being offered a wider application in Green Leaf One of the main problems is getting hotels to input accurate data and even obtaining the correct data from their systems that are designed to offer financial related or performance data. There is also a trust aspect as hoteliers have to input genuine information to make it work accurately. Green Leaf admits it is difficult to introduce and to even convince hotels there is
measure up.
value. But in the long-run it will help to
Participating hotels have to draft their
If short-comings are corrected it could be
own detailed carbon offset projects, while Green Leaf will be giving advice on
identify both strengths and weaknesses. used as a marketing tool to attract more guests.
appropriate practices. 12
Tourism Asia | June 2012
News & Events
Cambodia woos more airlines Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism says more airlines should serve the country this year possibly from Japan, Russia, India and Indonesia. Ministry of Tourism deputy director, marketing and promotion, Lor Thoura, told TTR Weekly at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus last week that the Ministry of Tourism was hoping to attract more airlines to the country from emerging tourist markets. “It will require cooperation with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation to move the plan forward,” he said. Even without direct flights, Japan was the fourth top supplier after Vietnam, Korea and China and that positive trend continues with a +6.6% at the end of 2011 and +10.6% at the end of Q1 this year.
Russia is a rising star. By the end of 2011, arrivals almost doubled over 2010, +98.3%, supplying 67,747 vsiits. During January to March this year, the Russian market came in at ninth place (+49.6%,). Arrivals from India are also higher (+12.5% to 15,240 in 2011), but the deputy director said due to the religious influence of Hindu and Buddhism the market has potential to grow much further. Indonesia, a small market
14
at present,
shows impressive growth potential (+25.2% to 15,817) in 2011. Apart from Brunei and Indonesia, all ASEAN countries have air links with Cambodia. Mr Thoura added the government has a project to upgrade Rattanak Kiri Airport in the northeast to facilitate travel to that area. The northeast provinces such as Rattanak Kiri, Kratie and Stung Treng are ecotourism areas, but facilities need to be upgraded.
Tourism Asia | June 2012
News & Views
Fresh Procurement Interest With 50% New MICE Buyer and Corporate Travel Manager Registrations CTW’s increasing popularity and market value is evident through an emerging trend of large multinationals nominating more than one of their travel professionals to attend. Leading organisations like Accenture (Japan, Malaysia, Australia, India and Singapore) Shneider (Indonesia, Singapore), General Electric (Singapore, Malaysia, Italy), Bosch (Asia), MSD Merck (Indonesia, Singapore), are examples of this trend.
Intensive buyer acquisition efforts for IT&CMA and CTW 2012 has attracted close to 800 applications from MICE buyers and corporate travel managers across the world, including new markets such as Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Israel, Lebanon, Mexico and Tanzania. The event also has a reported a 50% surge in registrations from Australian buyers. Noteworthy among the interested buyers this year are American Express, HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, MCI Group, MMCO World and Thomas Cook Business Incentives. The 2012 event aims for a 55% of Asiabased buyers and 45% of international buyers. This aggregate 10% shift in focus from last year ’s 50/50 split is due to the volatility of the business environment in the UK and US. The hosting committee expects a possible reduction in the purchasing power of buyers from these countries, and predicts that Asian buyers will be able to utilize IT&CMA’s three business days to realize business with shorter lead times.
CTW 2012. With the support of our partners, we have introduced a specially tailored conference package which will include air fare, accommodation and conference registration fees for the delegates.”
Initiatives to engage a fresh pool of corporate travel managers have been stepped up through extensive acquisition of databases from partners, associations, confirmed exhibitors, and strong referrals from sources such as media affiliates and focus groups comprising leading travel managers and decision makers in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
This year, the Corporate Travel World (CTW) conference programme plans to woo influential travel managers with its quality content and networking opportunities. Said Mr. Darren Ng – Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, “This year, we have introduced a number of initiatives to capitalize on the increased interest in
Tourism Asia | June 2012
16
News & Views join our to see famous landmarks in and around Bangkok, is expected to drive interest in the tours. This year, the event will focus on drawing corporate participation from new markets that have high potential to procure corporate events in Asia. Participation from these countries including China, Hong Kong, Philippines and Australia, will allow participants the opportunity for balanced exposure and knowledge sharing. Mr. Thongchai Sridama, member of the Board of Directors and Acting President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said, “Thailand is a destination teeming with choices, and we are geared up for all delegates to experience Thailand’s MICE potential and unique products. International buyers, corporate travel managers and media can join our
Tourism Asia | June 2012
post-show tours for experiential interaction with our brand new destination offerings that can be tailored to suit every requirement. Delegates can now plan their itineraries according to the newly released post-show programmes.”TCEB has revealed this year ’s post-show tour destinations to be Chiang Rai, Krabi and Pattaya. From 5th to 7th October 2012, MICE buyers and corporate travel managers will have a chance to visit these popular destinations. The pre-show city tours, which have also been announced, display some of the experience-based highlights that TCEB has planned this year, such as the opportunity to take a Thai cooking class. This novel approach, coupled with the chance travel managers and media can
Engagement efforts are slated to continue next month at the Preview Reception on 6th July 2012, which will be held at the newly inaugurated Sofitel So, Bangkok. The by-invitation-only preview and networking event will give the attending association buyers, MICE buyers and corporate travel managers, an exclusive glimpse into IT&CMA and CTW 2012. About IT&CMA and CTW 2012 2 to 4 October | Bangkok, Thailand IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is The World’s Only Doublebill Event in MICE and Corporate Travel. This year forward, the event will incorporate Luxury Travel in its ambit. IT&CMA is the Asia-Pacific region’s leading international MICE show, offering the largest collection of AsiaPacific MICE suppliers. IT&CMA brings together MICE suppliers and buyers in a 3-day exhibition showcase coupled with intensive business appointments. Exhibition features include destinations, products, services and solutions relating to meetings, incentives, conventions and events. CTW Asia-Pacific is a conference and exhibition on Travel & Entertainment (T&E) management for the Asia-Pacific region. Influencers, planners and decision-makers of Corporate Travel functions in their organisation attend the annual conference to keep themselves abreast of the latest trends and knowledge that enable them to get the most out of their T&E decisions. This 2012 will see the 20th and 15th instalment of IT&CMA and CTW respectively
18
News & Events
Malaysia introduces spa ratings to build visitor confidence
THE MALAYSIAN tourism ministry has
A Tourism Malaysia spokesperson said
implemented a star-rating system for
the rating system will be publicised on
spas in the country to improve the
the website, with further promotion
quality of the wellness industry.
from the Association of Malaysian Spas. istry of Human Resources to offer
As part of this initiative, authorities have inspected 402 spa establishments
The rating will also enable spas to
six-month
spa
therapy
training
nationwide since March. Among the
employ foreign therapists once they
programmes. Graduates will be guar-
147 qualified premises, 69 per cent
receive endorsement from the ministry,
anteed employment in the spa industry
were ranked with three to five stars,
said Ng. The Malaysian spa industry
upon completion, Ng said.
said tourism minister Ng Yen Yen.
currently faces an acute shortage of skilled therapists – foreigners comprise
“Malaysia certainly can develop a
“Spas which did not qualify for rating
60 per cent of the country’s 1,300
unique
will be provided with advice on how to
professional therapists.
country’s Malay, Chinese, Indian and
spa
brand
based
on
the
other therapy traditions, provided we
raise their standards, while those which are illegal will be weeded out with the
To develop the local talent pool, the
do it well. Ultimately it is up to the
support
tourism ministry has jointly established
qualified (spa) players to develop the
the Centre of Excellence with the Min
brand,” she added.
of
local
authorities,”
added.
Tourism Asia | June 2012
she
20
CAMBODIA
JAPAN
MAURITIUS
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
CHINA
KENYA
PHILIPPINES
UNITED KINGDOM
HOLYLAND TOURS
MACAU
SINGAPORE
U.S.A
HONG KONG
MALAYSIA
SRI LANKA
VIETNAM
INDIA
MALDIVES
THAILAND
COMBO TOURS
News & Views
Vietnam cities go Wi-Fi The Thua Thien-Hue Provincial People’s Committee says it will offer free Wi-Fi throughout Hue City to lure more tourists to the former imperial capital. It is now the third Vietnamese tourist destination to make the move to free Wi-Fi. The provincial people committee deputy chairman, Phan Ngoc Tho, said the project aims to develop user friendly access to internet services throughout the downtown districts visited by tourists. “It will help to improve the city’s tourism infrastructure, introduce Hue’s images to international friends and improve tourist service quality as well as help tourists gain free access to the internet.” To cover Hue City with free internet Wi-Fi, the committee has instructed relevant agencies and the Hue City People’s Committee to survey and start the project in tourist areas and public places across Hue using weather protected Wi-Fi routers.
“We are learning from the example of Hoi An that has already embarked on a free Wi-Fi service,” the deputy chairman said. Currently, Hoi An and Halong Bay are the two other tourist destinations offering free Wi-Fi for visitors, but they have started a trend that will hopefully force hotels at all tourist destinations to offer free Wi-Fi instead of charging exorbitant fees. By 2015, Quang Ninh province home to the famous World Heritage Halong bay will provide free Wi-Fi service at economic and tourist hub cities such as Uong Bi, Cam Pha, Van Don and Mong Cai. Tourists welcome the service as it saves them the expense of paying for internet access at expensive resort hotels. Guest houses and homestays were the first to offer free Wi-Fi in Hoi An. But as a general rule the higher the category of hotel accommodation the less likely it will be prepared to offer free Wi-Fi to guests.
22
Tourism Asia | June 2012
News & Views
ITB Berlin 2013: New invitation to participate in the international competitions TO DO! and TOURA D'OR The "TO DO! – Competition for Socially Responsible
Tourism"
has
been
announced throughout the world for the 18th time in 2012 by the Study Group for Tourism and Development (Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung e.V.). The competition is open to companies as well as to public or private institutions whose tourism activities meet the interests and needs of the local population in an exemplary manner. The "TO DO!" competition aims to show how important it is for people to be able to have their say and that their role in tourism is not just an economic one. Many different factors can contribute to starting the self-determined, sustainable development of destinations. To achieve this goal, tourism concepts must be worked out, opportunities and risks weighed up and development issues linked with environmental aspects and social responsibility.
Entwicklung e.V.) and is aimed at producers, directors, editors and the commissioners of films related to tourism – whether professionals or amateurs. The German Human Rights Film Prize (Deutsche Menschenrechts-Filmpreis) has been secured as an additional cooperation partner of "TOURA D' OR". After selection by a panel of judges, prizes are awarded to productions which champion socially responsible, environmentally compatible and therefore sustainable tourism. Entries are accepted for films in German or English which have been completed between the beginning of 2010 and the end of 2012. Productions available on the Internet are being accepted for the first time. The "TOURA D’OR" awards ceremony takes place during ITB Berlin 2013 and is also supported by ITB Berlin.
The "TO DO!" winners will be chosen by a panel of judges that also includes a representative of ITB Berlin. The world's leading travel trade show is supporting this competition. The winners will be honoured after an on-site inspection at ITB Berlin in March 2013. The international "TOURA D´OR – Film Contest for Sustainable Tourism" has been organised every other year since 1990 by the Study Group for Tourism and Development (Studienkreis für Tourismus und
24
Tourism Asia | June 2012
News & Views
InnerSea Discoveries Adds an Expedition Vessel to Hawaii in 2013 InnerSea Discoveries’ 76-guest expedition vessel Wilderness Explorer begins active adventure cruising among the Hawaiian Islands in fall 2013. The boat joins the line’s 36-guest upscale yacht Safari Explorer offering island explorations from the sea. From November 2013 through April 2014, the Wilderness Explorer will sail seven-night AdventureBound Hawaii cruises between Oahu and the Big Island and reverse. The itinerary visits Ka’ena Point State Park, Wai’anae Harbor, Maui, Lana’i, Honomalino Bay, Opihihali and Kailua-Kona. Guests will also enjoy scenic cruising and searching for whales and dolphins in the wildlife-rich Humpback National Marine Sanctuary.
“We
are
sending
the
Wilderness
platform for easy access to water
yoga on deck and massages for a fee.
Explorer to Hawaii to add another
sports equipment and entry into the
Cabins feature a flatscreen TV/DVD
option for travelers seeking an active
water. A specially built kayak launch
player, iPod dock and eco-friendly bath
island adventure at a moderate price.”
platform comfortably launches four
amenities. In the lounge, guests will
said Tim Jacox, executive vice president
kayaks at once. Guests enjoy included
find a selection of games and a library
of sales and marketing. “It’s a tremen-
water sports activities such as kayak-
of books and DVDs. For luxury adven-
dous value when you add in all the
ing,
tures in the Hawaiian Islands, the line’s
included activities and the ability to
boarding, skiff explorations and swim-
36-guest Safari Explorer sails seven-
explore multiple scenic islands.” High-
ming. Guests may also take a spin on
night cruises between Hawaii, the Big
lights of the new itinerary include snor-
the innovative human-powered water-
Island and Lana’i with two days of
keling at Molokini’s undersea volcanic
craft powered by two peddlers and up
activities on Moloka’i. Guests making a
crater, a night snorkel with Giant Pacific
to six paddlers.
new reservation on the yacht by
snorkeling,
stand
up
paddle
Manta Rays, watching whales and
September 30, 2012 receive a $500
dolphins and guided hikes exploring
On board, innovative meals are served
travel credit per couple for cruises
scenic areas on all four islands. Expert
buffet style to accommodate a flexible
November 2012-April 2013. Cruise
naturalists provide interpretation on
schedule of adventure activities. A
fares on the Wilderness Explorer start
guided excursions ashore and at sea.
wellness program includes a sauna,
at $2,495 based on double occupancy.
The Wilderness Explorer has a swim
fitness equipment, complimentary
26
Tourism Asia | June 2012
News & Views
Hong Kong announces new marketing campaign for India Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced its flagship marketing campaign for the FY 2012-2013 to boost tourism promotion in India. For the innovative promotional campaign, HKTB has tied up with India’s leading television network, Network 18 for its channels CNN-IBN and CNBC TV18. Riding on the promotional campaign, HKTB will further collaborate with travel agents to launch ‘value for money’ Hong Kong summer leisure packages bundled with popular theme park offers and special shopping and dining privileges offered by Harbour City and Times Square. The promotional campaign will be divided in two phases targeting the summer and winter holidaying season in India. Targeting the Family for Phase I, young crowd
and Couples for Phase II, the campaign will roll out through a travelogue giving a firsthand experience about the destination. The objective of the travelogue is to showcase Hong Kong as Asia’s World City with highlights on its vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle along with its unique fusion of East and West as well as great diversity of attractions. Anchored by Bollywood actress Sandhya Mridul, the travelogue will kick-start with an exciting half-hour programme where she will take viewers around Hong Kong re-visiting and showcasing her favourite spots during her stay and also discovering new attractions in the city The first episode of the show will be aired on 16th and 23rd June on CNN-IBN and CNBC TV18 respectively. The second capsule is scheduled to broadcast in the winter season and is targeted towards the young working segment and couples. It will showcase Hong Kong as a romantic destination. The second episode will also feature the Hong Kong’s popular Canto Pop singer and actor Aarif Lee.
28
Tourism Asia | June 2012
News & Events
Space Tourism: First Flight Booked 2013 A front row window at the west end of Pall Mall has the words “Space is Virgin Territory” in it. This is the new headquarters of the Virgin Galactic lead by Richard Branson who aims on taking tourism on a whole new level. The space inside will show visitors a picture of its launch base in New Mexico with its space craft taking off.
described to be stomach-churning. As the rocket engine will ignite, the passengers will be rammed back in their positions and the space vehicle with rocket its way outside the earth at the speed of 4,000 km/h. The passengers will see the sky turn from blue to black as they travel into space.
According to the company’s commercial director, Stephen Attenborough, they are hoping to replace those photographs on the wall with the real thing because everything is going well as planned. Branson spent more than £162m along with innovative and striking technology in the design and production of the WhiteKnightTwo mother ships alongside a SpaceShipTwo planes which is a smaller one. These are expected to bring space tourists 100 kilometres above the earth which is already outside the earth’s atmosphere.
A 90 second mark will cue the pilot to pause the engine and the tourists on board will experience weightless silence.
The earth’s curve will be very visible amidst the dark background of outer space. Passengers will be given about seven minutes to literally float inside and take pictures. Afterwards, the wings of the giant ship will point upwards and then the shuttlecock will go back to earth. Once back to an altitude of 15km, the wings will return to their initial position and it will be ready for an airport landing. So far, Virgin Galactic has received £64m in deposits from about 520 customers. The first flight is scheduled 2013. Soon, Branson will have competitors in this business venture as a European conference for space tourism will be held
According to Attenborough, this activity was claimed dangerous and was under the governments control for over 50 years. There is a big gap from what his been done before to what they are going to attempt to do.
Each space place is able to carry two pilots and 6 passengers which will be then strapped into a mother ship. The launch is 30
Tourism Asia | June 2012