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E DITOR ’ S NO TE

GLOBALIZATION AND TOURISM

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s tourism is a very sensitive phenomenon, any sensitive happenings or issues affect this industry in a big way.

Since it involves the movement of people rather than products or goods all kind of natural or manmade disasters will affect the tourism inflow of every country.

Most countries marked their International tourist arrivals in growth path for the last few years. The main reason for this growth is considered as a result of globalization and drastic revolution happens in Technology, communication, politics, culture, and social networks. The Technological advancement drives the transportation and communicational improvements which directly facilitated the movement of international tourists. Nowadays, the intensity of interactions between peoples and business firms increased and irrespective of geographical borders and cultures the travelers come to the point to consider the world as a single unit. Since tourism demands face to face communication revolutionized IT sector contributes to change in the management of Tourism businesses. Introduction of computer reservation systems (CRS) and global distribution systems (GDS) are some examples.

Air transport growth makes global travel to shrink in terms of time and distance, Many international companies seek their own way to grow and try to benefit by the economic scale and to achieve dominance at a global level.

As a part of their Transnational corporations (TNC) and Multinational companies (MNC) strategies, they have planned for linkages, vertical and horizontal alliances, mergers, and acquisitions. The globalization phenomena thus contributed to tourism in many ways.

The image of a destination plays an important role in Tourism development. The individually or collectively gathered images about each destination is a result of the sensitive nature of this industry. To attract tourists as well as international investors every country tent to make their image in a positive way.

Every tourist is different and their needs may also vary. In this hyper-competitive world, Tourism industry should have the capacity to provide unique experiences to the tourists to tap the potential of different international markets..

Rajani A, Executive Editor

RNI NO. KERBIL/1998/7642

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TOURISM INDIA MARCH 2019 VOL 21 NO.11 RNI NO. KERBIL/1998/7642 POSTAL REGN. NO. KL / TV (N) / 432 / 2018-20 25TH & 26TH EVERY MONTH

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WILDLIFE SRILANKA MP TOURISM AWARDS ADVENTURE KARNATAKA

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MARCH 2019

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MANAGING EDITOR Ravisankar K V EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rajani A ART EDITOR N Bhattathiri

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Edited, Printed and Published by Ravisankar K V on behalf of TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD, SEKT 52, Tourism House, Thamarakulam Lane, Sasthamangalam P O, Trivandrum, Kerala, India 695010 Printed at Orange Printers Pvt. Ltd, Gandari AMmankovil Road, Trivandrum – 695 001 for Arsha Offset Graphix, Janvilla Lane, Sasthamangalam P.O, Trivandrum 695010 Editor: Ravisankar K V

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SILVERSEA CRUISE’S TALE OF TALES OF THE WORLD’S AUTHENTIC BEAUTY

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FOUR MAGICAL EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN IN NEW ZEALAND

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GLOBAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC IN GROWTH PATH

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37

SALUTE TO STALWARTS

RAJAGOPAAL IYER CEO, UDS HOTELS & RESORTS

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GOAIR FLIGHTS TO MUSCAT AND ABU DHABI TAKES OFF FROM KANNUR

KERALA TOURISM LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN FILM

10 - India and Saudi Arabia for Mutual Tourism Ties 14 - Government Liberalizes the E-Visa Regime 15 - Kerala Tourism Turns Disabled and Elderly Friendly 16 - Heritage Restoration Project to mark 100 Years of Mascot Hotel 18 - Digital Museum, Miyawaki Model Forest coming up at Kanakakunnu Palace 20 - Madhya Pradesh presents Awards for Excellence in Tourism 2018 24 - ‘Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta-Gavi-Vagamonthekkady’ Project 26 - Ntac With Gujarat Tourism to Bring 5 Million Footfalls 28 - Island Tourism in Developmental Mode 29 - Kerala Tourism & Kitts Launches Guides’ Training Programme 30 - First Swadesh Darshan Project in Sikkim Inaugurated 34 - Kerala Tourism holds trade meets in Usa 35 - Appointments 47 - Gopro Hero7 Black Goes White-Hot! 50 - New Branding Mantra ‘So Sri Lanka’ 52 - Tourism Malaysia Mumbai and Kesari Tours & Travel 53 - Japan Travel Seminar 2019 in New Delhi

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INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA FOR MUTUAL TOURISM TIES

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Tourism India March 2019

Kerala’s tourism will benefit from e-visa facilities to Saudi national Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Kerala Tourism Minister welcomed the joint decision of India and Saudi Arabia to extend e-visa facilities to Saudi nationals and also to simplify the travel document procedures of tourists.

The decision, taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in New Delhi would give a huge fillip to Kerala’s tourism, he noted.

The minister said the state’s tourism department had been demanding for the past two and a half years the withdrawal of the biometric visa system introduced by the Union government for the Saudi citizens visiting India.

Besides England and the USA, Saudi Arabia is among the leading countries in

C

abinet approves signing of MoU between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of tourism.

India and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a strong diplomatic and long economic relationship and now signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi .

Exchanging information and

terms of tourist arrivals to Kerala.

Kerala Tourism has been organising several promotional campaigns, including roadshows, in Saudi Arabia. However, the introduction of biometric enrolment visa for Saudi nationals has dealt a major blow to Kerala’s tourism.

“The latest announcement will remove this major irritant,” the minister said.

In this context, Mr Surendran pointed out that the tourists from Saudi Arabia have a special liking for Kerala’s tourism products such as backwaters, hill stations, Ayurveda and monsoon.

On an average, 50,000 Saudi tourists visit Kerala annually.

“A major leap in the arrival figures can be expected because of the introduction of e visa facilities,” he added.

expertise in Legislations in the tourism development, Hotels, resorts and tourist accommodation facilities, Tourism data and statistics, Exhibition events and other tourism activities in States of the Parties, Tourism development, planning and investment; Licensing, operating and marketing tourism facilities, Agricultural Tourism, Desert tourism etc.Exchanging media publications, tourism related films, and encourage exchanging of visits between experts and tourism media representatives in the States of the Parties. Introducing tourism investment opportunities available in the States of the Parties; encourage mutual tourism investment in tourism projects. Encouraging organizing joint tourism events; participate in exhibitions, conferences and seminars held in the States of the

MR. KADAKAMPALLY SURENDRAN Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala.

Parties thus contributing to tourism development and crystalizing a joint tourism vision.Encouraging public and private education facilities working in tourism education and training field in the States of the Parties. Exchanging innovative experiences and technologies in the tourism field, and consultation services, Cooperation and coordinating in international forums and organizations concerned with tourism affairs are the main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Saudi Arabia is one of the potential tourist generating market for India from Middle East.

The signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this source market.

Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and Mr. Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Kingdom of Saudi in New Delhi

March 2019 Tourism India

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KERALA TOURISM PREMIERES NEW CAMPAIGN FILM FOR GLOBAL AUDIENCES HUMAN BY NATURE OFFERS NEW PERSPECTIVE ON KERALAS INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF HUMAN WITH NATURE. KERALA TOURISM GOES BEYOND LANDSCAPES TO SHOWCASE ‘HUMANSCAPES’

Renowned Indian dancer & actress Ms. Shobana along with Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Kerala. Ms. Rani George IAS, Secretary Tourism and Mr. P Bala Kiran IAS Director of Kerala Tourism during the Human by Nature campaign launch at New Delhi

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erala Tourism has held the global premier of a new brand campaign, Human by Nature, which encapsulates the state’s enticing charm in dramatic visuals and offers refreshing insights into the land where people and the bountiful nature are seamlessly fused in an enchanting spectacle.

The three-minute destination campaign film, part of a marketing blitzkrieg to refurbish Kerala’s touristy appeal beyond the Indian shores, not only showcases the state’s signature assets, but also celebrates local people 12

Tourism India March 2019

as heroes as it returns to the real in its new campaign that is drawn from warm, authentic human stories that travellers rummage through this land for a liberating experience.

The global brand campaign was launched by Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Kerala in the presence of Ms. Rani George IAS, Tourism Secretary and Mr. P Bala Kiran IAS Tourism Director of Kerala Tourism at a function at The Lalit hotel New Delhi. The film was unveiled by famed classical danseuse and actress Shobana.

The sleek film, premiered at a gathering of prominent stakeholders of travel and hospitality industry, packs soul-stirring images of the state where life moves at a leisurely pace in tranquil environs, where culture flourishes in syncretic traditions, where tradition complements modernity in the context of everyday life, all strung together in a visual tapestry.

Alongside, it offers a spectacular snapshot of the state – tranquil backwaters, beaches, houseboats, catamarans, Theyyam artistes, hill stations, exotic wildlife, magical

festivals, and scrumptious cuisines, and there is a surreal feel to it that is both real and fantastical for tourists.

In essence, Human by Nature presents Kerala as ‘the courtyard of the world’, where no one is an outsider, not even the traveller; where the land and the people create a fabric of tolerance and interconnectedness; where you speak with no words and listen from the heart; where you can explore Magic in Everyday and Eternity in the Ordinary—all of which can make us human, all over again.

Describing the latest campaign as a powerful multi-media outreach, Mr. Kadakampally Surendran said it would act as a trigger to put Kerala Tourism on a higher pedestal in a competitive global marketplace.

“I am sure it will strike an emotive chord with travellers and position Kerala as an essential fixture on the international travel circuit.

It will appeal to both high spenders and backpackers. Tourism is a major contributor to Kerala’s economy and a significant source of foreign exchange. The increase in footfalls can have transformative effect on the lives of our people,” he added.

The film was conceived and scripted

by Stark Communications, the brand agency for Kerala Tourism for several years, and directed by Vivek Thomas,

Director of Miramar Films. It was shot in the enchanting locations like Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Arthungal, Chellanam, Fort Kochi, Munambam, Wayanad, Kannur and Thaliparambu.

Ms. Rani George said Kerala Tourism keeps reinventing itself with fascinating ideas. “The film is both sophisticated and emotive. It shows Kerala in a wider spectrum as vibrant and welcoming, underlined by a powerful human touch. This will further firm up Kerala’s position in the itinerary of international travellers as one of the most fancied global destinations,” she added.

Mr. P. Bala Kiran IAS said the film is a unique attempt at the makeover of the state through a visual depiction of the way life in Kerala is lived. “It will give traction to the state government’s concerted efforts to rejuvenate its tourism sector by increasing its appeal among foreign tourists several notches up,” he added.

The 360 degree integrated campaign has also a strong

print component, and it was shot by the renowned New York-based Canadian photographer Joey L, who is known for his work that straddles the worlds of photojournalism and commercial photography. He travelled extensively across the state to create a set of stunning portraits that showcase the people and the terrain they live in like never before.

The campaign would run in Kerala Tourism’s key markets, such as USA, the UK, Gulf countries, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.

The premiere also witnessed a scintillating performance by Avial, the alternative Malayali rock band, besides a presentation of the state’s folk art forms Pulikali and Theyyam.

In 2018, the state’s tourism netted record revenue of Rs 36,528.01 crore, clocking an increase of Rs 2,874.33 crore from the previous year, while the number of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals stood at over 167 lakhs.

The film can be viewed on Kerala Tourism’s Facebook page.

March 2019 Tourism India

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GOVERNMENT LIBERALIZES THE E-VISA REGIME MAKING IT MORE TOURISTS FRIENDLY INCREASE IN DURATION OF E-TOURIST AND E –BUSINESS VISA.

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overnment of India has made series of amendments in e-visa regime, liberalizing it further and making it more tourist friendly. The e-Tourist Visa which was introduced in September 2014 with 46 countries has now been made applicable for 166 countries.

Multiple entries among major changes e-Conference & e-Medical Attendant Visas to be new subcategories.

Duration of stay in India of e-Tourist and e-Business Visas is maximum upto 1 Year with multiple entry subject to the stay stipulations and the restriction of allowing foreigner for a maximum of three times has also been removed.

On e-Tourist Visa continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 90 days in case of nationals of all 14

Tourism India March 2019

FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO FALL SICK DURING THEIR STAY IN INDIA CAN NOW AVAIL MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT CONVERTING THEIR VISA INTO MEDICAL VISA. countries who are eligible for grant of e-visa except nationals of USA, UK, Canada and Japan. In case of nationals of USA, UK, Canada and Japan continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days and In all cases no registration will be required.

In case of business E visa Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days in case of

nationals of all countries who are eligible for grant of e-visa and No registration will be required if the stay is for a period of less than 180 days. e-Visa is valid for entry through 2 (two) more designated Airports (Bhubaneswar and Port Blair) raising the total number of such airports to 28. No separate category of Destination Wedding Visa to attend Destination wedding under normal e-Tourist visa or Tourist visa. Foreign nationals who fall sick during their stay in India can now avail medical treatment without converting their visa into Medical Visa. This would take care of sudden medical emergencies. Visa-on-Arrival facility extended to the nationals of Republic of Korea.

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KERALA TOURISM TURNS DISABLED AND ELDERLY FRIENDLY KERALA, THE FIRST STATE TO IMPLEMENT UNWTO’S ‘TOURISM FOR ALL’

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erala Tourism enters into a long-term Cultural Exchange Programme with Manchester City, UK Kerala Tourism has launched the first phase of its ambitious Barrier-free Kerala tourism project, making 70 destinations across the state disabled and elderly friendly, becoming the first state in India to implement UN World Tourism Organisation’s call for ‘Tourism for All. Inaugurating Phase One of the project, Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Cooperation, Tourism and Devaswom said, “Our objective is to make all tourism centres accessible to the differently empowered by 2021.

Special tour packages for differently empowered tourists, both domestic and foreign, are being planned together with Responsible Tourism Mission.”

Kerala has become the first state in India to implement UN World Tourism Organisation’s call for ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility” in 2016, the Minister added. He also released the logo of the Barrier-free Kerala project in the presence of differently empowered persons.

Of the 120 centres envisaged in Phase One, 70 centres have been equipped for the differently empowered with accessible ramps, special toilets, wheelchairs, walking sticks, folding walkers, crutches, special signages, tactile walkways, touch screen kiosks, Braille brochures, audio guides, to name some. The outlay for the project is Rs 9 crore.

Presiding over the event, Ms. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism said, “In foreign countries, we see the differently empowered people visit and experience tourist centres all by themselves, without any help or assistance.”

“Tourism centres in Kerala, which is implementing innovative projects such as ‘Human by Nature’ ,should also grow to that level,” she added even while calling for the participation of private entrepreneurs to make all centres in the state barrier-free.

Mr. P Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism said that all tourism projects henceforth would be made barrier-free. In accordance with ‘The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016’, 261 ramps, 116 toilets, 163 wheelchairs, 170 walking sticks, 958 signages and 159 crutches have been provided in various centres thus far.

The event also saw Kerala Tourism enter into a long-term Cultural

Exchange Programme with Manchester city in UK. The official letter authenticating the Exchange Programme was handed over to the Minister by Mr. Wilson Mathews, Former President, Manchester Malayali Association.

Three artists from Kerala will participate in Manchester Day Parade, one of UK’s major pageantries. The expenses of the artists participating in the pageantry will be borne by Manchester City Provincial Art Council.

Mr. KG Mohanlal, CMD, Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited; Mr. P. P Pramod IFS, Director, Ecotourism; Mr. KV Ravishankar, Kerala State Tourism Advisory Board Member; Mr. K Rupesh Kumar, State Coordinator, Responsible Tourism Mission, Mr. Anish Kumar, MD, Travel Planners and Mr. K.P. Nandakumar, Joint Director, Kerala Tourism spoke on the occasion.

March 2019 Tourism India

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HERITAGE RESTORATION PROJECT TO MARK 100 YEARS OF MASCOT HOTEL MASCOT HOTEL TRIVANDRUM IS THE JEWEL IN THE KTDC’S CROWN IS A PRICELESS TREASURE OF KERALA.

Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala inaugurating the restoration project of the heritage property iconic Mascot Hotel by lighting the lamp in the presence Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, of Minister for Co-operation, Devaswom and Tourism, Kerala; Mr. K Muraleedharan MLA (extreme right); Mr. M Vijayakumar, Chairman, KTDC; Mr. Krishnakumar, Member, Board of Directors, KTDC (second from right); and Mr. Rahul R IRS, MD, KTDC (third from right) are also seen.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala has inaugurated a Rs 25-crore project for the restoration of the heritage of the iconic Mascot Hotel, coinciding with the celebrations of 100 years of the hospitality pioneer. Mr. Kadakampally Surendran Minister for Co-operation, Devaswom and Tourism, presided over the function held at Mascot Hotel.

The comprehensive project, drawn up by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), was unveiled

Mr.

16

Tourism India March 2019

close on the heels of Mascot Hotel bagging the five-star status.

The Chief Minister also unveiled the plaque to mark the historic occasion and opened a month-long exhibition that vividly depicts the 100 years of glorious service of the trail blazer in hospitality sector in the state In his presidential address, Tourism Minister said that Mascot has got the unique distinction of being the maiden five-star hotel in the public sector.

Recalling the history and fame of the institution, he noted “In the hotel map

published by the Bombay-based Indian Hotel Company in 1937, Mascot was one among the four hotels listed from South India. In 1965, it came under KTDC.” The Minister underscored the need to adopt quality service and new marketing strategies in order to compete with private players in the hospitality industry.

Mr. K Muraleedharan MLA was present at the function, where Mr. M Vijayakumar, Chairman, KTDC, delivered a felicitation speech.Mr. Rahul R IRS, MD, KTDC, welcomed the gathering.

MASCOT HOTEL WAS ONE AMONG THE FOUR HOTELS LISTED FROM SOUTH INDIA IN THE HOTEL MAP PUBLISHED

BY BOMBAY-BASED INDIAN HOTEL COMPANY IN 1937

Mr. Vijayakumar said, “Mascot Hotel is a priceless treasure of Kerala. It is the Jewel in KTDC’s crown. The heritage restoration project will be carried out without in any way harming its distinguishing architectural features.”

Mr. Rahul said the project to strengthen and preserve the heritage property will be executed under the leadership of Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS).The Government has already accorded administrative sanction for Rs 5 crore for the project.

Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala takes a look at the month-long exhibition that vividly depicts the 100 years of glorious service of Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram

March 2019 Tourism India

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DIGITAL MUSEUM, MIYAWAKI MODEL FOREST COMING UP AT KANAKAKUNNU PALACE TOURISM MINISTER MOOTS TRAVANCORE HERITAGE PROJECT

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Tourism India March 2019

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n good news to tourists, history enthusiasts and nature buffs, Kerala Tourism has launched projects to set up a digital museum and raise a Miyawaki model forest at the Kanakakunnu Palace in the heart of the state capital.

While launching both the projects at a function at Kanakakunnu Palace , Mr. Kadakampally Surendran Minister for Co-operation, Tourism and Devaswom, mooted the idea of formulating a Travancore Heritage plan, on the lines of the Muziris, Alappuzha and Thalassery heritage projects.

The Minister said Miyawaki model forest, coming up at five cents on the Suryakanthi grounds, will be replicated in all major tourist centres of the state.

The two schemes underscore the state’s policy of promoting tourism by preserving nature and heritage.

In her address, Mrs. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Tourism, said the digital museum will showcase the culture of Travancore and Kerala. Mr. P Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Tourism, said world-class technology has gone into the concept of the digital museum.

Mr. Palayam Rajan, Councillor, Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram, presided over both the functions The Museum is part of works worth Rs 8.94 crore sanctioned to strengthen and preserve the heritage of Kanakakunnu Palace, a bustling cultural hub known for its aesthetically crafted architecture located at the core of a lush green mound.

Even as the central theme of the museum is political and social history of Travancore, it will shed light on the general history of Kerala, its inclusive culture, unique religious traditions and alluring landscapes. It will also

THE MUSEUM WILL TAKE THE VISITORS TO A VIRTUAL TOUR DOWN THE CENTURIES BY AID OF PROJECT MAPPING,

BY WHICH THE HISTORY OF TRAVANCORE IN PARTICULAR AND DIVERSE ASPECTS OF KERALA’S CULTURE WILL BE COMMUNICATED TO THE VISITORS. encapsulate an array of illustrations and descriptions on spices, for which Kerala has been renowned the world over since ancient days, Ayurvedic tradition and the ethnic knowledge of herbs and medicines.

The museum will take the visitors to a virtual tour down the centuries by aid of project mapping, by which the history of Travancore in particular and diverse aspects of Kerala’s culture will be communicated to the visitors.

Other highlights include innovative table-top display that enables visitors to have 3D view of objects, audiovisual zone and laser projection, 4D photographic panel and automated ticketing facility.

The rare audio-visual experience will be topped with a sound-and-light show in all evenings. The Government has given administrative sanction of Rs 4.90 crore for setting up the museum and Rs one crore for its operation and maintenance.

The Government has also accorded administrative sanction for Rs 2.90 crore for the heritage preserving works of the palace. The work will be executed by Uralunglal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS).

Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, of Minister for Co-operation, Devaswom and Tourism, Kerala inaugurating the Miyawaki model forest at Kanakakunnu in Trivandrum by planting a tree. Prof.

V.K. damodaran, Chairman, Green Action, Ms. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, Mr. KV Ravishankar, Tourism Advisory Board Member, Mr. Palayam Rajan, Trivandrum Corporation Councillor, Mr. P Bala Kiran IAS Director of Kerala Tourism and Dr. Rajashree Ajith, Director, KITTS are also seen.

March 2019 Tourism India

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MADHYA PRADESH PRESENTS AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM 2018 MR. SURENDRA SINGH BAGHEL, MINISTER FOR TOURISM, MADHYAPRADESH FACILITATED AWARDS IN 36 DIFFERENT CATEGORIES AT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE BHOPAL

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n order to appreciate the excellence and acknowledge the efforts made by various tourism stakeholders, Madhya Pradesh Tourism has distributed state tourism Awards for Excellence on 1st March 2019 at the International convention Centre “Minto Hall”, Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh tourism prized in 36 selected categories in the travel development sphere with an objective to promote and appreciate the contribution of travel industry in making Madhya Pradesh the most sought after destination in 2018.

The awards were presented by Mr. Surendra Singh Baghel ,Tourism Minister,Madhyapradesh in the presence of Hari Ranjan Rao (IAS), the Principal Secretary Tourism .

Madhya Pradesh tourism has always appreciated the people’s support and acknowledges their efforts in creating new milestones for the State and its offerings.

On this special occasion, senior officials of Madhya Pradesh tourism board quoted “We highly appreciate the contribution of tourism industry in various forms and aim to set new national standards in the field of hospitality and services with these Awards. In the presence of senior officials from the tourism board, travel operators, destination management companies, stakeholders as well as millions of travelers who have visited Madhya Pradesh over the years, we 20

Tourism India March 2019

Ms. Bhavna Walimbe, Addl. MD MPTB, Mr. Hari Ranjan Rao IAS, MD, MPTB and Mr. Surendra Singh Baghel, Minister for Tourism, Madhya Pradesh during the award distribution ceremony at Bhopal

BEST HOTEL TO RADISON BLU HOTEL INDORE, BEST HERITAGE HOTEL TO USHA KIRAN PALACE GWALIOR, BEST ECO-FRIENDLY HOTEL TO PENCH JUNGLE CAMP SEONI DISTRICT AND BEST ECO-FRIENDLY FOREST LODGE AWARD TO KANHA VILLAGE ECORESORT MANDLA DISTRICT. feel honored to encourage such talent in our State. Our goal is to ensure that each participant whether buyer, visitor or exhibitor must get the value of their investment and time spent”.

The award for Best Tour Operator (National) and Best Travel Agent

MP will be given to Travel Bureau Khajuraho, Best Travel Agent, Madhya Pradesh award to Historical India Tour and Travels-Orchha, Best Tourist Transport Operator to Madhya Pradesh Travels Bhopal, Best Adventure Tour Operator Madhya Pradesh to Somanipuram Adventure Park and Resort, Indore, Best Tourist Guide Madhya Pradesh to Lakhanlal Rajak of Datia, Best Tourist Guide Archaeological Survey of India award to Sanjay Kumar Khare of Khajuraho, Best Hotel to Radison Blu Hotel Indore, Best Heritage Hotel to Usha Kiran Palace Gwalior, Best Eco-friendly Hotel to Pench Jungle Camp Seoni district and Best Eco-friendly Forest Lodge award to Kanha Village Ecoresort Mandla district.

Similarly, Best Chef Award will be given to Mr.Jivan Singh and Mr.Nathhi

Singh Rawat, Best Convention Centre award to Vision Mahal Hotel and Convention Centre Jabalpur, Best Stand-alone Restaurant to Filfora Bhopal, Best Civic Management City (Municipal Corporation) to Gwalior Municipal Corporation, Best Civic Management City (Municipality) to Chanderi, Best Civic Management City (Municipal Council) to Bhedhaghat and Best District Tourism Promotion

Council joint award to Mandla and Gwalior.

The Best Tourist-friendly National Park award will be given to Satpuda Tiger Reserve, Best Tourist-friendly tourist spot centre to Dadaji Dhuniwala Darbar Khandwa and Best Travel Writer/Blogger award to Ghumo-Phiro sisters.

Madhya Pradesh is an important state of Central India with an

enormous scope for tourism covering heritage, wildlife, cultural, pilgrimage, tribal, rural tourism etc. The sincere efforts of Madhya Pradesh Tourism to manifest such aspect of tourism to the rest of the world so that tourists can come and explore destinations, trace the history, enjoy holidays and return with beautiful memories is the USP of the state.

ASHWANI LOHANI RE-APPOINTED AS AIR INDIA CMD

Ashwani Lohani returns to the post of Chairman and Managing Director of Air India after 19 months since he demitted office. He had earlier headed the organisation for two years from August 2015 to August 2017, during which he helped pilot the organization to a financial operating profit.

The Appointments Committee of

Mr.

the Cabinet has decided to re appoint Mr. Lohani, who recently retired as Chairman, Railway Board, as CMD of Air India for a period of one year or until further orders.

Mr. Lohani will replace Mr. Pradeep Singh Kharola IAS, who has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

Mr. Lohani’s appointment comes at a time when the government has started the process of divestment of Air India’s ground handling agency, Air India Air Transport Services Ltd. It remains to be seen whether Lohani, as CMD will allow that to happen or whether he will succeed in turning around the airline with him at the helm.

Mr. Lohani’s first tenure in Air India was from August 2015 to August 2017, during which he helped pilot the organisation to a financial operating profit.

Mr Lohani, 60, who is an officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), was appointed the Railway Board

chairman in August 2017 and retired in December 2018.

One of his first decisions as Railway Board chairman was to ban gifts and ceremonial welcomes and farewells. He is also the man behind Vande Bharat Express (Train 18), India’s fastest train that will have its inaugural run from Delhi to Varanasi. It will be launched

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15. As the Railways’ most senior bureaucrat, Mr. Lohani brought the prestigious bullet train to India.

As head of both — the Railways as well as Air India — he was able to bridge the gap between his office and employees, using WhatsApp groups mostly, say those who have worked with him.

Mr. Lohani is one of the familiar faces of India tourism industry and was also served as the Chairman & Managing Director of India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC) and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (MPTDC) as well as director of the Rail Museum in New Delhi.

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SCRIPT YOUR ADVENTURE AT

KARNATAKA KARANATAK TOURISM HAS LAUNCHED A NEW BRAND CAMPAIGN; TV COMMERCIAL ALONG WITH A PRINT AD CAMPAIGN AND MARKETING COLLATERALS

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I

ts silks, spices and sandalwood, Karnataka is an experience to remember.

Tourism in Karnataka stands out with its diverse offerings and is unparalleled in terms of touristic offerings. Karnataka is a state of diverse landscapes and experiences, and offers every tourist a unique holiday and lifelong memories.

From ancient temples and monuments, verdant forests teeming with amazing flora and fauna, pristine beaches, romantic hill stations to people undertaking pilgrimage to many of the divine destinations. Thus, making it an ideal place for a traveler with diverse interests. With this in mind and to retain the momentum generated in previous years, Karnataka Tourism has initiated a new theme “Script Your Adventure”.

In lines with the new theme, a new brand campaign TVC along with a print ad campaign and marketing collaterals was launched by Chief Minister Mr. H. D. Kumaraswamy in the presence of Mr. Sa Ra Mahesh, Minister for Tourism along with

Secretary Tourism Mr. Anil Kumar, IAS, Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis, IAS, Director- Tourism, Mr. Vijay Sharma IFS, MD-JLR and Mr. Kumar Pushkar IFS, MD-KSTDC. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mr. H. D. Kumaraswamy said

“I am happy to know Karnataka Tourism, in its endeavor to promote the state has chosen a very novel theme. I congratulate the Tourism Department for conceiving this wonderful film and ad campaigns.

I am sure this promotion will surely help to project positively Destination Karnataka in the international/ national tourism markets and will help us in becoming India’s best tourist state in the coming years”.

Mr. Sa Ra Mahesh, Minister for Tourism said “True to its tagline One State, Many Worlds - Karnataka has something for every kind of tourist. Karnataka has a plethora of rich offerings for you to enjoy; be it Heritage, Culture, Nature, Beaches or Wildlife. All these will help you to script your own unforgettable experience in Karnataka. It is here where you can script your own adventure. I extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the people of Karnataka and wish that you find your adventure here in Karnataka.”

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‘ECO CIRCUIT:

PATHANAMTHITTA-GAVI-VAGAMONTHEKKADY’ PROJECT IN KERALA THIS ECO CIRCUIT PROJECT WAS SANCTIONED IN DECEMBER 2015 FOR RS. 76.55 CRORES. K.J. Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism, Govt of India has inaugurated the project ‘Development of Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady’ under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of Ministry of Tourism in the presence of Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala at Vagamon in Kerala.

This Eco Circuit project was sanctioned in December 2015 for Rs. 76.55 crores. Major works carried out under the project includes Eco Adventure Tourism Park at Vagamon, Cultural Centre at Kadamanitta, Eco Log Huts at Peerumedu, Idukki, Approach Roads, Walking trails, Rain Shelters at Pine Valley Forest, Thekkady, Kumily, Moozhiyar Dam, Penstock and Kakki Dam. Swadesh Darshan scheme is one of the flagship schemes of Ministry of Tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner.

Under this scheme the Government is focussing on development of quality infrastructure in the country with objective of providing better experience and facilities to the visitors on one

Mr.

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Tourism India March 2019

Mr. K.J. Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism, Govt of India inaugurating the Gavi - Wagamon Tourism project in the presence of Mr. M.M. Mani, Minister for Power, Govt. of Kerala, Mr. Joyce George MP, Mr. Sathajeet Rajan, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and Mr. P. Balakiran IAS, Director of Kerala Tourism

hand and on other hand fostering the economic growth. The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 77 projects worth projects for Rs. 6131.88 Crore to 30 States and UTs. 30 projects / major components of projects are expected to be completed during the current financial year, of which 12 projects worth Rs.1024.49 crore, covering the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Kerala and Sikkim have already been inaugurated.

The Ministry of Tourism recognizing the tourism potential of the State has

SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME IS ONE OF THE FLAGSHIP SCHEMES OF MINISTRY OF TOURISM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THEMATIC CIRCUITS IN THE COUNTRY IN A PLANNED AND PRIORITISED MANNER. sanctioned 7 projects in the State of Kerala under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes for an approximate amount of Rs. 550 crores.

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INDIA & MALDIVES FOR MUTUAL TOURISM COOPERATION MR. ALI WAHEED, MALDIVES TOURISM MINISTER MEETS MR. K.J. ALPHONSE, MINISTER OF TOURISM, INDIA

Mr. K.J. Alphonse, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India and Mr. Ali Waheed, Minister for Tourism, Republic of Maldives along with senior officials of Tourism Ministry. Mr. Suman Billa IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, India, Ms. Meenakshi Sharma IA&AS, Addl. Director General, Ministry of Tourism, India are also seen

Ali Waheed, Minister for Tourism, Republic of Maldives had visited India after assuming charge recently and had an official discussion with Mr. K.J Alphons, Union Minister of State for Tourism, India at his office in New Delhi to discuss the mutual cooperation and promotions in tourism between two neighbouring countries to promote, Republics of India and Maldives.

Furthermore, ways and means by

Mr.

which the two countries could work together in strengthening the tourism industry were highlighted during this meeting. There were also discussions on convenient ways to allow Indian tourists to access all of Maldives.

Mr. Waheed was leading a team on an official trip to India to attend 5th Global Summit held in New Delhi from 22nd to 23rd February 2019, along with the Mayors of Addu City, Male City, Fuvahmulah City and the President of Kulhudhuffushi Council.

March 2019 Tourism India

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NTAC WITH GUJARAT TOURISM TO BRING

5 MILLION FOOTFALLS

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he National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC) and other stakeholders met with Gujarat Tourism officials at Tent City, Statue of Unity, Kevadia in Gujarat to chalk out a strategy for bringing five million tourists to the Statue. The Council came to the conclusion that the number of tourists visiting the Statue would touch three million in 2019, taking into consideration the footfall during the last two months. Further, to reach the goal of five million tourists, a detailed proposal for additional facilities which should be created at the Statue of Unity was made by the State Government.

Night Safari, Ropeway between the Dam and Safari, a check dam to be constructed about 10 kms

NIGHT SAFARI, ADVENTURE TOURISM, ROPEWAY AMONG SEVERAL INTERESTING SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED BY NTAC TO PROMOTE TOURISM FURTHER AT WORLD'S TALLEST STATUE 'STATUE OF UNITY' downstream of the Dam so that boating and water sports would be possible for a length of over 10 kms from the check dam to the Statue. Amusement park of global standards, Tribal Museum, State Bhawans to be built at the site, Restaurant complex to be expanded with cuisines from all States, Adventure Tourism, Boat riding in the Dam Large number of mid-segment hotels to be set up on land to leased out by Narmada Valley Development Authority, Regular helicopter service from the Statue to various towns in Gujarat and Seaplanes from the Dam to various destinations are also planned.

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Tourism India March 2019

March 2019 Tourism India

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ISLAND TOURISM IN DEVELOPMENTAL MODE FINAL SITE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT FOR FOUR ISLANDS IN ANDAMAN & NICOBAR AND FIVE ISLANDS IN LAKSHADWEEP.

A

s a part of holistic development of identified Islands in the country by NITI Aayog, the final Site Potential Development Report has been prepared for four islands in Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) namely Smith, Ross, Long and Aves Islands and five islands in Lakshadweep namely Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam and Suheli Islands. Tourism based projects have been identified in Long, Aves, Smith and Neil Islands of A&N and Minicoy, Kadamat and Suheli Islands of Lakshadweep while according priority to air and sea connectivity and the construction of airport at Minicoy in Lakshadweep by the Indian Air Force.

The Ministry of Tourism has also sanctioned a project for Rs. 42.19

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Tourism India March 2019

Crore during 2016-17 for Development of Coastal Circuit (Long Island-Ross Smith Island- Neil Island- Havelock Island- Baratang Island-Port Blair) in Andaman & Nicobar under the Coastal thematic circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of island tourism in the country.

Islands Development Agency (IDA) has been constituted on 1st June, 2017 under the Chairmanship of the Home Minister, Government of India to oversee the comprehensive development of Islands. Further, a Committee has been constituted in NITI Aayog to recommend a road map for harnessing the development potential of Little Andaman and Great Nicobar Islands in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM HAS ALSO SANCTIONED A PROJECT FOR RS. 42.19 CRORE DURING 2016-17 FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL CIRCUIT

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KERALA TOURISM & KITTS LAUNCHES GUIDES’ TRAINING PROGRAMME THE PROGRAMME AIMS AT TRAINING 150 LICENSED REGIONAL GUIDES AND 50 STATE LEVEL GUIDES.

T

ourist guides with a thorough understanding of the destinations and excellent language proficiency are a vital component of tourism industry, Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Co-operation, Tourism and Devaswom said while speaking after inaugurating a programme to train tourist guides launched by the Kerala state Tourism department at the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) Trivandrum.

“Creating infrastructure facilities to properly host the tourists is the responsibility of the Government. However, what makes their stay enjoyable is the service of tourist guides with a thorough understanding of the respective destination and proficiency in languages”, the Minister said.

Dr Shahi Tharoor MP, who delivered the key-note address at the function, said tourism is the key to the development of the state. Availability of welltrained tourists who can tell the visitors about the salient features and history of the place they are visiting is important in attracting tourists in greater numbers, he said.

Mr. P Bala Kiran IAS, Director of Kerala Tourism said tourists are often attracted to a particular place by the history and legends

associated with it. So, good tourists guides have an important role in meeting the demands of the visitors these days, he said.

Mr. E M Najeeeb, Sr. Vice President Indian Association of Tour Operators, Mr. D Chandrasenan Nair, General Convener South Kerala Hoteliers Forum, Mr. Ravisankar K V, Managing Editor, Tourism India and Mr. P K Aneesh Kumar, Executive member ATTOI were present. Dr Rajashree Ajith, Director KITTS, presided over the function. Dr B Rajendran, Principal KITTS, welcomed the gathering.

The course aims at addressing the shortage of well-trained guides to cope up with the ever-increasing flow of foreign and domestic tourists to the state.

The programme aims at training 150 licensed regional guides and 50 state level guides. The Tourism Department will provide 50 per cent of the course fee as subsidy for the candidates.

One of country’s premier training institutes in travel and tourism sector, KITTS offers high quality academic programmers in moulding careers in tourism and hospitality industry for the global market.

Dr Shashi Tharoor MP delivering the key-note address at the function. KITTS Principal Dr B Rajendran, Mr. D Chandrasenan Nair, General Convener, SKHF, Dr Rajashree Ajith, Director of KITTS, Mr. E M Najeeeb, Sr. Vice President IATO and Mr. Ravisankar K V, Managing Editor , Tourism India are seen in the picture.

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FIRST SWADESH DARSHAN PROJECT IN SIKKIM INAUGURATED

T

he development of Tourism in North Eastern Region being prime area of focus for the Ministry of Tourism, several initiatives for growth of domestic and international tourism in the region has been taken by the Ministry. One of the many challenges region faces in development of tourism is the absence of quality infrastructure, services and awareness about the array of tourism products region has to offer.

Mr.. K.J. Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism inaugurated the project “Development of North East

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Tourism India March 2019

Circuit: Rangpo– Rorathang- AritarPhadamchen- Nathang-SherathangTsongmo- Gangtok-PhodongMangan- Lachung-Yumthang- LachenThangu-Gurudongmer- ManganGangtok-Tuminlingee- Singtam” in the presence of Mr. Ugen T. Gyatso, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim in Gangtok, Sikkim. The project implemented under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India was sanctioned by the Ministry in June 2015 for Rs. 98.05 Crores and is the first ever project in Sikkim

under the scheme. Under this project, the Ministry has developed tourism infrastructure facilities like Tourist Information Centre, Meditation Centre, Organic Eco Tourism centre, Log Huts, Zip Line, Flower Exhibition Centre, Walkways, Souvenir Shops, Cafeteria, Rain Shelters, Wayside Amenity, Last Mile Connectivity, Parking, Public Toilets etc,.

Inaugurating the project, Mr. K. J. Alphons appreciated the efforts taken by the state in completing the project and added that Gangtok is incredibly clean that it can match with any city in the world in terms of its level of cleanliness and hospitality. The Minister also commented upon the initiatives of the State Government in promoting home stays in Sikkim which provide jobs to citizens of all segments and also appreciated the State Government’s steps for Sustainable Tourism and Dispersing destinations policy. The Minister added that the Union Tourism Ministry has sanctioned another project in Sikkim under Swadesh Darshan scheme, the work of which is 75% complete.

The ongoing Swadesh Darshan project in Sikkim that the Ministry has sanctioned is “Development of North East Circuit: Singtam– MakaTemi-Bermoik Tokel- Phongia- Namchi –Jorthang- Okharey- SombariaDaramdin- Jorethang- Melli” in September 2016 for Rs.95.32 crores.

The work under the project is in progress.

The Ministry is carrying out number of activities to handle the issues on above fronts. On one hand the Ministry has given great impetus to the tourism infrastructure in the region under its flagship schemes of Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. For development of Tourism infrastructure, the Ministry has sanctioned 16 projects for Rs. 1349.04 crores covering all North Eastern States under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. The

Ministry is actively working with other Central Ministries like Mo/Culture, M/o DONER, M/o Road Transport and Highways, M /o Civil Aviation etc. for development of Tourism in the region.

Swadesh Darshan scheme is one of the flagship scheme of Ministry of tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner.

Under this scheme the Government is focussing on development of quality infrastructure in the country with objective of providing better experience and facilities to the visitors on one hand and on other hand fostering the economic growth. The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 77 projects worth projects for Rs. 6121.69 Crore to 30 States and UTs. 30 projects / major components of these projects are expected to be completed this year. 11 projects have been inaugurated as on date under the scheme.

For promotion of North East region Ministry carries out special promotion in domestic and international markets highlighting regions diversity, tourism products and its rich culture. The Ministry of Tourism has also set up Hotel Managements and Food Craft Institutes for creating skilled manpower in tourism and hospitality sector in the North Eastern Region.

The efforts of Ministry have shown positive results and the Foreign tourist arrivals in the region has shown an upward trend over the years. The region received a total of 1.69 lakh foreign tourist visits during 2017 as against 1.45 lakh in 2016 registering a growth of 16.7% over 2016. The Domestic Tourist Visits reached to 95.47 lakhs in the year 2017 against 77.71 lakhs registering impressive double digit growth of 22.8% over 2016. The increased number of tourists in turn has created better employment opportunity for the local population in the region.

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GLOBAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC IN GROWTH PATH INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC IN 2018 CLIMBED 6.3% COMPARED TO 2017

T

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for 2018 showing that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose by a healthy 6.5% compared to full-year 2017.

Although this represented a slowdown compared to the 2017 annual growth of 8.0%, it was another year of abovetrend growth. Full year 2018 capacity climbed 6.1%, and load factor edged up 0.3 percentage point to a record 81.9%, exceeding the previous high set in 2017.

December RPKs rose 5.3% against the same month in 2017, the slowest year-over-year pace since January 2018 and a continuation of the trend that 32

Tourism India March 2019

saw demand growth decelerate to an annualized rate of 5% over the course of the 2018 second half compared to a 9% pace in the first half.

“2018 was another year of strong passenger demand, as aviation continued to support the global economy. We expect similar, if somewhat moderating performance in 2019. Nevertheless, slowing growth in the second half of 2018, coupled with concerns over issues including Brexit and US-China trade tensions, are creating some uncertainty to this positive outlook,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. International passenger traffic in 2018 climbed 6.3% compared to 2017,

down from 8.6% annual growth the year before. Capacity rose 5.7% and load factor climbed by 0.4 percentage point to 81.2%. All regions recorded year-over-year increases in traffic, led by Asia-Pacific. However, North America and Africa were the only two regions to post stronger demand growth in 2018 compared to the prior year’s performance Asia-Pacific airlines’ 2018 traffic rose 7.3%, compared to 2017, driven by robust regional economic expansion and an increase in route options for travelers. Although this was a slowdown from the 10.5% year-overyear growth recorded in 2017 versus 2016, it was strong enough to lead all the regions for a second consecutive year. Capacity rose 6.4%, and load factor ticked up 0.7 percentage point to 80.6%.

European carriers’ international traffic climbed 6.6% in 2018 compared to the previous year, which was down from 9.4% growth the year before.

Capacity rose 5.9% and load factor increased 0.6 percentage point to 85.0%, which was the highest for any region. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, traffic growth has softened a bit in recent months, likely owing, in part, to uncertainty over the economic backdrop and Brexit.

Middle East carriers’ traffic increased 4.2% last year, down from 6.9% growth in 2017 and Capacity climbed 5.2% and load factor slipped 0.7 percentage point to 74.7%.

The deceleration in growth reflects the impact of policy measures and geopolitical tensions, including travel

restrictions and the temporary ban on large portable electronic devices.

Traffic actually declined 0.1% year-onyear in December, but this may reflect volatility in data.

North American airlines had their full-year traffic rising 5.0% compared to 2017, an increase from 4.7% annual growth in 2017 while capacity climbed 3.7%, and load factor edged up 1.0 percentage point to 82.6%, second highest among the regions.

This may be owing to increasing concerns over the US economic outlook and trade tensions with ChinaLatin American airlines’ traffic climbed 6.9% in 2018, a slowdown compared to 8.8% annual growth in 2017, Capacity rose 7.7% and load factor dipped 0.6 percentage point to 81.8%. Traffic was affected by the mid-year general strikes in Brazil as well as by political and economic

developments in some of the region’s other key economies.

African airlines saw 2018 traffic rise 6.5% compared to 2017, which was an increase compared to 6.0% annual growth in 2017 while Capacity rose 4.4%, and load factor jumped 1.4 percentage points to 71.0%. The strong performance took place in spite of the mixed economic backdrop of the continent’s largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa. Domestic Passenger Markets Domestic air travel climbed 7.0% last year, which was unchanged from the rate in 2017. All markets showed annual growth, led by India and China, which both posted double-digit annual increases. Capacity rose 6.8% and load factor was 83.0%, up 0.2% percentage point compared to 2017.

India’s domestic market posted the fastest full-year domestic growth rate

2018 CAPACITY CLIMBED 6.1%, AND LOAD FACTOR EDGED UP 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT TO A RECORD 81.9%, EXCEEDING THE PREVIOUS HIGH SET IN 2017. for the fourth consecutive year, with an 18.6% annual demand increase.

Domestic demand is underpinned by robust economic expansion and increasing numbers of city pairs.

Australia represented the opposite picture, as annual traffic rose just 1.4%, although this was a slight increase over the rate of 2017.

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KERALA TOURISM HOLDS TRADE MEETS IN USA

USA IS THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR KERALA TOURISM AFTER EUROPE

I

n an aggressive bid to cement its position as a top international destination, Kerala Tourism held a string of trade meets in major cities of USA, showcasing its signature assets before leading stakeholders of travel and tourism industry that drew an enthusiastic response in American markets.

New Jersey, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles were the four American cities where Kerala Tourism held trade meets during February.

“USA is the second largest market for Kerala Tourism after Europe. The four trade meets that were conducted there were part of a concerted campaign to tap the full potential of American travel market. In particular, the campaign was aimed at tapping the premium segment of travellers from USA,” said Kerala Tourism Minister Mr.Kadakampally Surendran.

“We also wanted to send out a strong message to American travellers and prominent stakeholders of travel and hospitality industry that Kerala has fully overcome the impact of last year’s floods and is ready to receive the guests with an array of new products and fascinating destinations,” he added.

Tourism Secretary Mrs. Rani George, who led the trade meets, said Kerala may be a long-haul destination but its touristy charm has remained undiminished for travellers from America.

There has been a consistent uptick in the number of American travellers visiting Kerala. In 2018, the number 34

Tourism India March 2019

of tourists from USA visiting God’s Own Country was pegged at 96,522 compared to 75,773 in 2015. The number of total international arrivals to Kerala in 2018 was 10, 96,407.

This was the fourth trade meet of Kerala Tourism in USA which was aimed at attracting high-spender tourists from that country. The number of attendees at B2B meets during the trade meets were 40 at New Jersey, 58 at Chicago; 56 at Houston; and 63 at Los Angeles.

“The trade meets generated a very positive and good response. Kerala Tourism unveiled new destinations and tourism products during meetings with tour operators to woo American travellers and make them aware of magnificent holiday options in the state which provides not just a vacation but also a lifetime cultural experience,” she added.

The chief guests at the trade meets in USA were Mr. Shatrughna Sinha, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of India in New Jersey;Mrs. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General in

NEW JERSEY, CHICAGO, HOUSTON AND LOS ANGELES WERE THE FOUR AMERICAN CITIES WHERE KERALA TOURISM HELD TRADE MEETS DURING FEBRUARY. Chicago; Dr Anupam Ray, Consul General, Houston; and Mra.i. Rohit Rathish , Deputy Consul General, San Francisco.

India Tourism also joined in all the trade meets and extended their unconditional support. As part of the trade meets, ‘Go Kerala Contest’ was conducted where Air India provided two airline tickets per city to the winners for a FAM trip to Kerala.

Kerala Tourism has chalked out a series of trade meets in international markets in a bid to substantially to increase footfalls in the state. Earlier this year, it held trade meets in Rome (January), Vienna (January), Zurich (February) and Prague (February).

SRIJAN VADHERA

SAHARSH VADHERA

General Manager, Conrad Bengaluru

Director of Sales And Marketing, Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru

The international hotel major Hilton’s contemporary luxury brand, Conrad Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Srijan Vadhera as General Manager of Conrad Bengaluru.

Srijan is responsible for the operation, management and growth of the prestigious 285 room luxury hotel catering to business and leisure travellers. As a driven and passionate hotelier, Srijan comes with nearly two decades of experience with expertise in all departments of hospitality and an avid interest for Sales and Marketing.

Conrad Bengaluru, is the second Conrad hotel in India, the first being Conrad Pune which opened in 2016.

Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Mt. Saharsh Vadhera as the Director of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Saharsh will head the hotel’s sales, events, revenue management, reservations and marketing divisions. His key responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of hotel sales and marketing strategies, optimising the hotel’s revenue and market share.

In his previous role as director of sales, Saharsh has been instrumental in making significant contributions to cross-functional teams. At Shangri-La Bengaluru, he will continue to train and manage the hotel’s sales team in maximising revenue opportunities and further promoting the property.

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March 2019 Tourism India

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NEWS / AIRLINES

GoAir FLIGHTS TO MUSCAT AND ABU DHABI TAKES OFF FROM KANNUR 3 WEEKLY DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN KANNUR AND MUSCAT & 4 WEEKLY DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN KANNUR AND ABU DHABI

G

oAir flight from the newly opened Kannur International Airport in Kerala to Muscat became a reality with the flagging off the maiden flight on last day of February. GoAir welcomed the passengers on aboard its G8 055 flight to Muscat and prior to take off, officials initiated the customary lighting of lamp and a cake cutting ceremony was observed by media and travel industry professionals. Upon arrival in Muscat, the aircraft has received a grand water cannon salute, followed by warm welcome by Muscat International Airport and Oman Aviation Services authorities.

Subsequently GoAir flight G8 053 from Kannur to Abu Dhabi has welcomed passengers aboard andupon arrival in Abu Dhabi an elaborate welcome ceremony has arranged by 36

Tourism India March 2019

senior officials of Abu Dhabi Airports Company which operates several airports in the UAE. Commenting on GoAir’s entry into the Middle East, Mr. JehWadia, Managing Director, GoAir said: “Close on the heels of successfully launching Male and Phuket sectors, I am happy to see GoAir touch the skies of Middle East and reach out to Muscat and Abu Dhabi. Both these markets are important milestone for us – they will act as a springboard for GoAir to launch newer sectors in the region. The overwhelming response has validated our strong belief that there is huge potential between Kannur – Muscat and Kannur – Abu Dhabi. There is a pent-up demand and I am happy to see GoAir being able to provide smart solution. I congratulate the first set of passengers for choosing to Fly Smart. I

take this opportunity to thank Kannur International Airport for their deep support.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. V.Thulasidas IAS (Retd), Managing Director, Kannur International Airport said, “Kannur International Airport is proud to partner with India’s fastest growing airline GoAir. It is our pleasure to see two international flights taking off in as many days – Muscat and Abu Dhabi. Kannur has been on the forefront of cultural and economic development since time immemorial.

Kannur Airport was built with a vision to fortify our economic presence in Kerala and in the country. Our vision to make Kannur an aviation hub and a gateway to prosperity is being strengthened with today’s inaugural flights. We expect more flights to take off in the days to come. Stay tuned.”

S A LU T E T O S TA LWA RT S

Mr. Raja Gopaal Iyer, CEO of UDS Hotels & Resorts and celebrity chef is one of the most outstanding, hardcore and flamboyant hospitality professional in India with his innovative ideas, tireless efforts, corporate social responsibility programmes, world record-breaking events, and turnaround strategies.

He won numerous awards including Best Hotel Manager award from Kerala Tourism and World Luxury Travel Awards.

Mr. Iyer talks to Tourism India editorial team about his life, profession, passion and future plans. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

PASSIONATE ATTITUDE & CHARACTERISTIC TEAM WORK. OUR WAY TO SUCCESS; Raja Gopaal Iyer CEO, UDS HOTELS & RESORTS

March 2019 Tourism India

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S A LU T E T O S TA LWA RT S

YOU NEED TO BE INNOVATIVE, YOU MUST BE A RISK TAKER AND OPTIMISTIC, ABILITY TO TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY AND COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION WITH THE TEAM MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES ARE THE BASIC TO EXCEL IN A HOSPITALITY CAREER.

When did you start off your career in the hospitality industry and how did you come to choose this line of work ?

It all started when I passed out from the school in Delhi 1982. My first dream was to get into a Cricket team but later focused on Modelling but my dad disagreed with my choices as he wasn’t fond of the glamorous industry.

Leaving behind my dreams, I started working for a Charted Accountant as an Accountant in a Fabric exporting company.

Once I was invited for a very rich man’s son’s wedding in one of the best 5 star hotels, ITDC Ashok in Delhi, with a Bollywood theme where the actual Bollywood stars like Mr. Rakesh Roshan, Mr. Jithendra etc were present and it made me realize that the hospitality industry also had a glamorous side to it and made me believe in myself to achieve my dream and I decided to apply for the IHMCT PUSA . I was not so fortunate on paying my college fees as my dad was clear to see that I did it on my own.

Then as an oath to myself, I gave up distractions and leisure in life. Attending classes in the morning, evening at Bhagath Sing College and working in a hotel named Oberoi at night for three years without a break and I moved on with an eye for my goals, setting a clear schedule to achieve my dreams. Being a Tamil Brahmin it was an unbearable phase of my life, handling and cooking meat, making me even vomit. But through step by step, I mastered the lessons of cooking, even nonvegetarian. I am confident to cook any dishes under the sky deliciously, but being a man of principle, like my father, I have never consumed a non-vegetarian dish or even alcohol till date.

“Chala the hero ban ne magar waiter ban gaye” – “Aimed to become a hero but became a waiter” is exactly the life I went through in the hotel industry at the initial stage.

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Upon completion of my management course facing lots of challenges, I became an assistant manager in Banquet in Taj Palace. My commitment and smart work made me excel and was placed in various Taj properties for about 6 years.

Oberoi and Taj were my thresholds.

Oberoi taught me professionalism and Taj taught me how to work in challenging situations. When my friends were still studying and playing cricket I was a step closer to living my dream job.

After 3 years I started feeling the passion for the industry and my dreams evolved and I decided to continue with the hospitality industry.

I feel I live and die with it. It was merely an accident that I joined the hospitality industry, but this accident has changed my life.

Today I am asking my second daughter to join the industry as I have found that she also has the same passion as I have and she will excel. Truly, this is an amazing industry. But any job you choose in the world, you need to have the passion, commit to hardworking, and then excelling the job is an art by itself.

Tell us about your experience in the hospitality industry

After joining Oberoi and Taj Group Hotels, totally 9 years I took over as General Manager of Kodai International Hotel, Kodai Kanal in Tamil Nadu.

Got married and took over a rundown property at Kottayam in Kerala and developed the property for 2 years and later moved on as a General Manager for Sealord hotels in Kochi and then Sangam Trichy as General Manager.

Created another great property in Tanjore and supported them for 2.5 years.

I had done a project in Guruvayoor called Sopanam Heritage and from there I took over UDS Kovalam with 32 rooms and then worked for it 8 years

and handed over the property with 208 rooms and left to start my own venture called Raj Hospitality Management consultants based at Banglore. 5 years I ran a property near Bangalore Bangalore called La Classic Attibele and then took over other few projects in Tamilnadu, Kerala, and Gujrath.

Later I took over as CEO of UDS group of hotels in 2016 again to develop it to a better form; from Kovalam to Trivandrum, UDS flight catering, Backwater resort in Alleppy, Hill station project in Wagomorn and then the Catering College and the Convention center in Trivandrum.

During my 36 years of experience, I have had a few achievements of mine which I always say we need to think out of the box, Tallest sandwich in the world, Tallest Christmas cake in the world.,150 heart shape desserts, Elephant Wedding, Elephant Buffet, Underwater CEO Conference, Blue Ramp for Physically challenged kids, celebrity Chef for 5 years are some of them. I wrote a few books on management and cookery.

I have done My MBA in 2006 and keep doing something different and try out the uniqueness in everything I do. Won many awards for excellence and also an honorable doctorate in Bangalore.

What is the biggest challenge as a CEO for a group of a reputed hotels and resorts chain ?

Continuously changing Consumer demands is a big challenge.

Understanding the customer need is a key factor in the Hotel industry. We have to be flexible depending on the trends which have made customers be more value oriented than brands oriented.

Competition within the Hotel industry and alternatives like Airbnb and online consolidators are other major challenges.

Improper and ineffective marketing

effects sales and brand recognition.

Even though old marketing practices are still effective to an extent, to achieve a competitive edge, digital platforms are undeniably vital. Efficient energy management along with social and environmental sustainability is the other major concern of the hotel Industry. Shortage of trained personnel, lack of expertise and poor customer satisfaction are also will be the challenges in the future.

What do you like most about the industry ?

It would be better off asking me to define the purpose of life or explain astrophysics because there is no clear and certain answer to that question.

The hospitality industry allows you to develop yourself – professionally and as a person. With time and commitment, you learn others due to the variety of colleagues, clients, and situations that will put you to the test.

Probably the most important matter is that you – literally – take care of people. This is debatable, but my experience tells me it takes empathy and commitment to put another person’s needs and desires ahead of your own – while keeping a smile on your face.

I am truly excited even today as every day I feel I have the opportunity to do better and better and I have been given another day by God to prove my caliber. The sky is the limit to show your talent and you can keep excelling yourself.

Finally, the reason why I love hospitality so much is simple: its fun – as in enjoyable. All the dynamics, shifting with different responsibilities and the feeling you have when you start training and end up in a managing position, it’s more than satisfactory at the end of the day. And it does not stop with the customer-facing part of the hotel, you have the opportunity to meet and socialize with people March 2019 Tourism India

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S A LU T E T O S TA LWA RT S representing a wide range of nationalities, in an even wider range of places all around the world.

To what strategies do you attribute to success

FFor me, the success has been always my dream and I keep seeing the dream every day from the last 36 years and maybe till my last breath I want to do what others dare to even dreams.

Attitude, Passion, Character, Capacity, Team Work are my attributes.

To determine a person’s attitude, you need to see how he or she deals with adversity.

A person with passion is better than 99 people with interest. Passion brings a level of energy that infects the team and inspires everyone to achieve better results. To help determine people’s capacities, consider: Do they have the skills and training to achieve the goal? I am a team player. I make sure the credit goes to the team and associates who put their best efforts.

A successful entrepreneur knows calculated risks are the cost of doing business.

When it comes to human capital, a careful evaluation of prospective partners will minimize your risk, allow you to move forward with confidence, and reap the greatest reward in business: Building new relationships with like-minded, motivated people.

Various soft-skills such as organization, communicating or working in a team; to more technical competencies such as serving, revenue management, accounting and facilities 40

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management are required for working in a hotel.

In your opinion, what are the skills required for a professional in the hospitality industry, especially when it comes to your position ?

Any individual who aspires to become a CEO, rising from the working ranks to a lower executive position into the highest levels, must have certain key attributes that distinguish them from other employees.

You need to be innovative A C.E.O. must ideally be able to anticipate the future and design a set of strategies that effectively combat change and result in profitability in the long terms.

You must be a risk taker A CEO should be able to take risks, although the risks must not jeopardize the survival or the profitability of the company.

You must be optimistic The individual must be able to think outside the box and design strategies that can effectively combat the threats faced by the organization, while inspiring others to keep a positive attitude and work hard to get through bad times.

Ability to take action immediately However a CEO must not be impulsive, and any course of action must be constructed after careful analysis.

Coordination and Communication with the team members and associates A CEO must be open-minded to the ideas or strategies put forward by staff members rather than focusing on strategies that are designed by him or herself.

Individuals might sometimes be born with these skills, and be

termed as natural leaders that motivate others and lead a team towards success. However, others might be required to develop these skills over a period of time.

What obstacles did you face in trying to achieve your goals of managing the Hotel ?

Obstacles are of many but that’s what makes us stronger and helps us move on. Challenges like less business, competitor’s achievements, and lack of qualified staff, misleading forecasts and insufficient funds for facility upgrade are some of the many challenges that are quite often. But obstacles are stepping stones to success; it gives us experience, knowledge, strength and better judgment.

Being a CEO achieving my goals was a tough task as I have to depend on my team and subordinates. Miscommunication and misunderstandings may lead to adverse results. And sometimes the team may lose focus from the goals and I may have to pressurize them even more to achieve the goals.

Is there any memorable incident occurred in your career that you would like to mention ?

There are plenty and very interesting ones. But the one that I always remember is when I was going through my training in Taj Delhi. My senior

Captain used to trouble me as I am a Tamil. How much ever hard I work he was never satisfied and forced me to do even more. It was almost like he enjoyed seeing tears from my eyes.

Running away was my first solution, but then I thought to myself, how far will I run? I stayed and gave it my all regardless of the troubles I had to face. And the day came when I was promoted as an Assistant manager and then he had to report to me. But I always made sure that I never treated him the way he treated me or take any revenge, I was always nice to him.

One day he approaches me with tears and asked why I was so kind to him after all the torture he had made me go through. I like to leave past where it belongs. I always make sure to take care of the newcomers and treat them good so they feel proud to work in the organization.

There are many incidents that are personal and professional. I have done the Silver Service to the then president Mr. Gyani Jail Singh. I have provided service to the cricket legends like Mr. Gavaskar and Mr. Vishwanath and Jordan prime minister of 1984 Mr. Ahmad Obeidat, Ms. Smitha Patil, an actress who was very close to me. Mr. Kamal Hassan, Mr. Amithab Bachan, Ms. Rekha, and many others. I have also taken care of Shri Karunanidhi and Ms. Jayalalitha. I have always excelled at my work and given the best to my clients and that makes them happy.

TALLEST SANDWICH IN THE WORLD, TALLEST CHRISTMAS CAKE IN THE WORLD.,150 HEART SHAPE DESSERTS, ELEPHANT WEDDING, ELEPHANT BUFFET, UNDERWATER CEO CONFERENCE, BLUE RAMP FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED KIDS ARE THE BRAINCHILD OF RAJA GOPAAL IYER A word to aspirants/new entrants in the hospitality industry ?

You might not associate hospitality with opportunities to exercise your creativity, but those who excel in the industry know how to add special touches to really wow their customers.

Banquet managers dream up memorable events, chefs plan exquisite meals, and front desk agents think outside the box to solve customer issues.

When you make it to the management ranks, there’s a certain prestige in handing out business cards with Marriott, Serena, or Radisson Hyatt printed across the top. They’re popular brands that most people recognize and often love. Of course, I feel proud to put UDS logo in the top as it is also a well-recognized brand in the travel and hospitality industry.

If hopping on a plane and exploring a new country excites you, then hospitality could be your calling.

International chains will often send employees to other countries for training or transfer them to a hotel in another part of the world.

For any job, you need hard work, passion and willingness to change.

Photos by Murukesh Iyer

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D E S T I NAT I O N / F E AT U R E S

C FOR COURAGE, C FOR CHADAR FROZEN ZANSKAR-CHADAR TREK

LADAKH

CHADAR TREK IN LADAKH IS LIKE NO OTHER TREK IN THE HIMALAYAS. WALKING ON A FROZEN THICK GLASS LIKE RIVER, WITH DRAMATIC MOUNTAINS ON BOTH SIDES, IS AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME.

By MALAVIKA S MENON

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A

s the flight began its descent, the view outside was pristine.

Snow clad mountains spread about as far as the eye could see, and from an aerial view, it looked more serene than daunting. We were a group of 19, including our team lead and we’d all come as part of LetsGoForACamp.

This was the riskiest trek to be undertaken by the group yet, and each and every trekker was prepared and focused for it. We all came from diverse backgrounds, and it was truly spectacular to watch us become a close knit unit. As soon as we landed, we all tucked into our gloves and woollen

caps, not knowing how exactly a negative temperature would feel. Our initial prognosis was that it could be tolerable, but we soon changed our minds. As part of the training for the Chadar Trek, we took on three days of acclimatization, and in those days we shivered, some sobbed and many of us shopped. Leh’s market was vibrant, despite the weather and the people were as warm as the winds were cold.

and Khambir. We took a minute break from our acclimatization to mingle and make jolly, and marvelled in the Ladakhi folks ability to be merry even through the harshest of winters. As we approached the date of the medical check up, the difficulty of the trek truly began to dawn on our minds. We had all known this was no easy feat and we’d taken on small prep tactics as part of our daily schedule to make ourselves

The sun rose quick on day one of our trek, and we clambered aboard the vehicle which would drop us to our start point. The mood was energetic and lively within, and no doubt we were all reminiscing on the journey that we’d come for and our motivation for having made it that far. As we reached ShingraGongma, the winds made us all a bit frantic to begin our walk. We met our support team for the

We joined into the spirit and kept ourselves busy and engaged with the beautiful culture around us. A lovely addition had been a visit down to the Choklamsar village where we were the special guests of Mr. Angchuk and his family. They served us a traditional ladakhi style meal of Momos, Chutaki

more fit. But yoga, morning jogs, cold showers and pranayama were a matter of the past as we stood to get ourselves medically cleared.It was a moment of sheer joy when the entire group passed the test! One hurdle complete, we went to bed anticipating the next day’s adventure.

very first time, and their happy smiles, perfectly piped black tea and hot maggi for lunch endeared them to us quickly.

And so we walked on ice for the very first time. In the exhilaration of the beginning, we laughed collectively at those who slipped, helped each other up and reached Shingra in very jolly March 2019 Tourism India

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D E S T I NAT I O N / F E AT U R E S

AT ONLY 11150 FT ALTITUDE CHADAR TREK ALMOST FEELS LIKE AN EXPEDITION TO THE NORTH POLE, WHERE THE TEMPERATURES DROP DOWN TO -30 DEGREES AT NIGHT, THE RATION IS TRANSPORTED ON SLEDGES, YOU FIND REFUGE IN CAVES AND LIFE BLOSSOMS ON SURVIVAL INSTINCTS, MAKING IT AN EMINENTLY ‘DO BEFORE YOU DIE’ TRIP.

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spirits. We were given soup at 6:30 and we whiled away the time till dinner by playing a comical game ofanthakshari.

Night time however, was the most daunting task. The temperature would further drop, and the sleeping bags while warm invoked a sense of both claustrophobia and breathlessness. Yet, the team shouldered through the first night to make it to another day.

Day two began on a somber note.

One team member decided to call it quits. The path further would not prove easy and perhaps she made a wise choice. 18 of us set off ahead to Tibb Cave, and this journey, longer than the previous one proved to be the happiest of them all. Trekking pole fights, snowball fights and terrible singing accompanied our trek across the icy river and the cold did nothing to freeze the glowing heat in our

hearts. We reached Tibb Cave and realised that we may need to make a small tweak to our initial itinerary. Our plan to hit Naerakvillage was a bit of a strenuous journey and we had begun to hear word that the chadar would not hold for us to make the whole journey. We thus decided to trek to the frozen waterfall in Nerak camp, which was to be the highlight of the walk and make our way back to Tibb cave. Each and every one of us had known the limitations that such a trek would bring about, yet the absence of amenities was ebbing energy from us.

That was a night of contemplation and we needed to tap to the very core of our souls to derive the strength to go on.

We awoke very early the next day to trek to the waterfall. Joyfully, we abandoned our backpacks for a day as we intended to return and set off on the path. Here, the river Zangskar betrayed us. Only 3 kms into the

March 2019 Tourism India

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D E S T I NAT I O N / F E AT U R E S

THE BEST TIME FOR CHADAR TREK IS FROM MID-JANUARY TO MIDFEBRUARY, THAT IS WHEN THE ZANSKAR RIVER FREEZES AND YOU GET TO WALK ON MASSIVE SLABS OF ICE SPREADING FOR MILES AND MILES. walk, the river had entirely unfrozen with no way ahead. After noting every possibility, we had to decide to turn back. In all honesty, there wasn’t much dejection in the group, for by now we had all realised that the true joy and purpose of this trip was not the destination but the journey. And

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oh boy, was the journey anything but dull! We get back to Tibb cave to face the worst temperatures of our whole trek. It hit -30 degrees that night. Not a single one of us managed a wink of sleep.

Day four marked us retracing our original path. The dipping temperatures managed to shake us now, like we hadn’t been before. Yet we marvelled in the cracks we saw upon the chadar, the mini waterfalls, some frozen some not, and especially the grooves upon the cavern which the river flowed in. At some points, the distant roar of a helicopters blade could be heard, and a somber mood would fall upon the group. A chopper nearby could mean only one thing, someone was in danger. In this state of mind, we arrived back at Tsomo for our last night out in the open. We huddled about the

campfire, desperate for a sliver of heat.

A bonfire was less of an activity, and more about survival at this point of time. And thus, we retired to our tents, our last night in the green traps of our sleeping beds.

We woke up on Republic Day, and after breakfast had the honor of raising the flag and singing our national anthem upon the ice. Spirits were on a high, the gruesome journey was nearly complete. However, our return journey was tougher than we expected.

The chadar had not kept steady, there were times when we waded through water hoping desperately that none of it ended up in our boots. Skidding across ice and stepping across rocks finally had us at the end of our journey.

A tearful goodbye ensued, the support staff had been remarkable and lovely to us, and if not for them, we would not have successfully completed our expedition. We huddled into the vans quickly and set back to the guesthouse.

The rest of the time seemed to slip by in a wink. Before we knew it, we were awake again and on our way to the airport. As I stood on the tarmac, I took a look around one last time, at the land that gave me life’s biggest adventure till date, and I wondered whether I would ever feel this restless and sated all at once again. That, remains a question for another day and another adventure.

NEWS / PRODUCT LAUNCH

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL GoPro HERO7 BLACK GOES WHITE-HOT! GoPro’s NEW LIMITED-EDITION HERO7 BLACK CAMERA IN DUSK WHITE

W

hat’s white, but not quite, and black all over? A brand GoPro in the block! Some exciting news from GoPro to make International Women’s Day even more special this year!

GoPro’s new limited-edition HERO7 Black camera in Dusk White is now available in India. This is the first time GoPro has released a special colorway of its flagship camera, which means you get all the goodness of the award-winning HERO7 Black while earning bonus points for limited-edition style. Today, as an increasing number of people across the globe turn to GoPro as the perfect storytelling tool . This special limited edition of the GoPro HERO7 Black in Dusk White that not only looks super cool but also packs in all the great features of the GoPro HERO7 Black!

And it also makes for the perfect blank canvas to wrap your GoPro in

color on the days when you’re feeling a little more funk!

And for those looking to wear their adventurous spirit on their sleeves, a new special edition Valentino Rossi sleeve in neon yellow emblazoned with Rossi’s race number 46 makes for the perfect pop of colour to represent the GoPro athlete’s love for adventure that is synonymous with GoPro. GoPro changed the game for incamera video stabilization with its HERO7 Black standout feature, HyperSmooth. HyperSmooth takes the shake out of videos, making even the bumpiest, gnarliest adventures look buttery smooth. HERO7 Black packs a serious punch with additional video and photo modes including TimeWarp Video, which transforms longer activities into sped-up, magic-carpetride adventures, and SuperPhoto, which analyzes a scene to automatically capture the best photos.

GoPro CHANGED THE GAME FOR IN-CAMERA VIDEO STABILIZATION WITH ITS HERO7 BLACK STANDOUT FEATURE, HYPERSMOOTH.

March 2019 Tourism India

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NEWS / CRUISE INDUSTRY

SILVERSEA’S TALE OF TALES CONTINUES TO UNLOCK THE WORLD’S AUTHENTIC BEAUTY USA IS THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR KERALA TOURISM AFTER EUROPE

S

ilversea’s guests continue to enjoy a range of enrichments aboard the Tale of Tales World Cruise 2019, including a range of enrichment events—both onboard and shoreside— including fascinating lectures from the voyage’s esteemed ‘Tale Tellers.’ Pico Iyer, Saroo Brierley, Harold Koda, and Laksmi Pamuntjak have each joined the Tale of Tales for one segment so far, delivering insightful talks, socialising with guests, and contributing a chapter to the Tale of Tales anthology. Currently unlocking deep travel experiences for guests on the World Cruise’s fourth segment between Bali and Tokyo, Silver Whisper continues to foster a convivial atmosphere in which guests are enjoying immersive travel experiences while cruising in ultimate comfort.

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Pico Iyer was the first to join the Tale of Tales World Cruise 2019, embarking in San Francisco at the start of the voyage and travelling as far as Papeete in Tahiti. Referred to by some as “arguably the world’s greatest living travel writer,” Pico Iyer delivered a well-received lecture entitled ‘The World We Seldom See,’ adapted from one of the author’s three TED Talks, which was followed by a Q&A session with guests. A relaxed social event in the Panorama Lounge followed, in which guests were able to interact with Iyer over cocktails. The Oxford and Harvard graduate also hosted dinners with guests, the Captain, and Senior Officers.

Next, on board between Tahiti and Sydney, Tale Teller Saroo Brierley shared his remarkable childhood

experience with guests. A born storyteller, Brierley boarded a train in India at the age of five and lost his family for two and a half decades. First portrayed through a novel, Brierley’s incredible story was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film—Lion.

Guests were enthralled by the Tale Teller’s visceral account and took the opportunity to learn more in a Q&A session. Subsequently, the blockbuster film was screened in Silver Whisper’s Venetian Lounge, and guests again took the chance to pose their questions

to Brierley. A book signing was also held.

Joining the World Cruise from Sydney to Bali, Tale Teller Harold Koda delighted guests with a lecture entitled ‘Inconstant Beauty: Allure Across Cultures’ in the ship’s Venetian Lounge. The world authority on costume studies shared insight into how we communicate through fashion and gave global examples, before interacting with guests at length.

A social event was also held in the Panorama Lounge, which enabled guests to personally meet the Tale Teller in a relaxed environment. Koda was also available for table hosting with guests, the Captain and Senior Officers, as guests sampled fine cuisine from sailed destinations.

Tale Teller Laksmi Pamuntjak is

currently sailing aboard Silver Whisper, having embarked in Bali. An awardwinning Novelist, Poet, Food Writer and successful Journalist, Pamuntjak shared her thoughts on ‘Poetry, History, and the Sea,’ in a talk that guests thoroughly enjoyed. Guests also relished the opportunity to meet the Tale Teller after the event.

Soon joining Silver Whisper for the Tale of Tales World Cruise 2019, Tale Tellers Steve McCurry, Jeremiah Tower, Paul Theroux, Sophy Roberts and Tahir Shah will also share their unique, creative insights with Silversea’s guests to enrich the cruising experience.

In addition to a hugely successful pre-voyage gala dinner, Silversea’s world-cruising guests have enjoyed a varied range of deep travel experiences as part of an immersive enrichment

programme. Both on board Silver Whisper and in sailed destinations, guests have witnessed cultural performances that reflect the authentic beauty of the world. In Marquesas in French Polynesia, local performers wearing traditional dress put on an indigenous cultural show for guests, which included the iconic Aparima and Haka dances; At the Musee de Tahiti, another cultural performance entitled ‘Greeting the Tahitian Gods’ showcased the talents of local performers; and at the famous Sydney Opera House, guests enjoyed an operatic performance of La Boheme, followed by bespoke entertainment.

“With our guests in mind, we have crafted a truly enriching range of enhancements for the Tale of Tale World Cruise 2019,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “From tailored events at the iconic Sydney Opera House to intimate performances on remote islands in the South Pacific, and beyond, the variety of experiences on offer for our guests captures the essence of immersive travel. And the feedback has been as strong as we had hoped for; our guests are taking great pleasure from these exclusive deep travel experiences. The concept of the Tale of Tales has proved to be effective and the value added by our illustrious Tale Tellers has been incredible.

March 2019 Tourism India

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N E W S / I N T E R NAT I O NA L

NEW BRANDING MANTRA

‘SO SRI LANKA’; IT’S A FEELING MORE THAN JUST A DESTINATION WILD GUIDES: SRI LANKA’S LOCAL WILDLIFE ENTICES TRAVELLERS TO VISIT IN NEW FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND FILM

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he Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has engaged an award-winning team of nature documentary filmmakers* to create a first-of-itskind three-minute film capturing the irresistible island of Sri Lanka, from the perspective of the country’s rich and diverse wildlife.

The SLTPB released the film to evoke the essence of its new branding – ‘So Sri Lanka’ – which encapsulates the fact that Sri Lanka is more than just a destination, it’s a feeling.

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To entice experience-seeking travellers to visit Sri Lanka – named

by Lonely Planet as the best country in the world to visit in 2019 – the film captures Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture from the viewpoint of the country’s most extraordinary inhabitants: its wildlife. The film includes ‘up close and personal’ footage shot with (and by!) some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic residents – including elephants, turtles, leopards, blue whales and fishing cats.

The filming and production team

why we wanted to tell our story from the viewpoint of our amazing wildlife.

Sri Lanka is one of the best Safari destinations outside of Africa, and we also have many other pleasures for visitors to discover; our beaches enjoy sunshine all year round, our people are warm and welcoming, and our food is abundantly flavourful. Sri Lanka must be felt to be believed, and we welcome all travellers to our country for an experience like no other.”

The new ‘So Sri Lanka’ branding, developed by J. Walter Thompson and Landor, was revealed at the World Travel Market in London in November behind the film all have extensive experience working with the BBC’s Natural History Unit, collectively responsible for some of its most spectacular series including Blue Planet II, Africa, Human Planet and Our Blue Planet, the digital campaign around Blue Planet II. The captivating three-minute film takes us on a wild journey across the island nation’s stunning landscapes.

Footage includes following a newly hatched sea-turtle’s journey to the sea on the endless white-sand beaches of the south coast, to getting a soaring “eagle”-eye view of the spectacular ancient Sigiriya rock fortress; and watching the world’s largest elephants travel in their home in the sprawling Udawalawe National Park, as well as witnessing doves waking with the vibrant sunrise over Colombo.

Director and producer of the short film, Nicola Brown, said: “Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country with incredible wildlife and we thought a great way of telling its story visually would be from the perspective of its animals. To achieve this, we utilised natural history filming techniques and technology to capture an immersive view of Sri Lanka that would put the viewer in their world. We also had an opportunity to put the cameras in the

animal’s world – literally. Cheeky toque macaque monkeys in Polonnaruwa quickly learned how to unscrew our camera rigs and even ran away with our kit!”

SLTPB Chairman, Kishu Gomes, added: “Sri Lanka is like nowhere else in the world. We wanted to visualise what travellers can do, see and feel when they visit Sri Lanka in a way that is as unique as our country – which is

2018 and marked the start of Sri Lanka’s fresh approach to destination marketing.

The film, which brings the new branding to life, is being shown tomorrow at ITB Berlin, and can be watched here: www.Srilanka.travel or on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.

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N E W S / I N T E R NAT I O NA L

TOURISM MALAYSIA MUMBAI ASSOCIATED WITH KESARI TOURS & TRAVEL TO CONDUCT A 4-CITY PRODUCT BRIEFING SEMINAR IN SURAT, INDORE, NASIK & PUNE

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ourism Malaysia Mumbai in association with Kesari Tours & Travel today announced their 4 cities Product Briefing Seminar to be held in Surat on March 11th, Indore on March 13th, Nasik on March 15th & Pune on March 16th 2019.

The Product Briefing Seminar aims to highlight, Malaysia as a value for money destination for its various product offerings & attractive packages. An update on Visa Documentation will be the key feature of this Seminar.

MR. MOHD HAFIZ HASHIM

Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai

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Product partners of Tourism Malaysia i.e Resorts World Genting, Star Cruises, Legoland & Lexis, Swiss Hotels & Ipoh, Malindo Air & Desaru Coast will also be present to showcase their attractive offers.

Mr Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai said, “we are happy to announce our 4-cities Product Briefing Seminar in Surat, Indore, Nasik & Pune. We look forward for a very fruitful association with Kesari Tours & Travel to boost Indian tourist to visit Malaysia.

Malaysia is a bio-diversity country with rich tradition & culture. Our natural environment surrounded with rich flora & fauna, pristine beaches, theme parks, adventure activities, nightlife are very appealing for the any Indian tourist. Luxury enjoyed at affordable price is what Malaysia is and will be�.

N E W S / I N T E R NAT I O NA L

JAPAN TRAVEL SEMINAR 2019 IN NEW DELHI THE SHINKANSEN- MAKE YOUR WAY THROUGH JAPAN WITH A HIGH-SPEED TRAIN.

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he land of the rising Sun, Japan is a sovereign island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies off the eastern coast of the Asian mainland and stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and China in the southwest, with dense cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples.

International High speed Rail Association (IHRA) and Embassy of Japan in India in collaboration with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), conducted a Japan Travel Seminar 2019 recently. The Shinkansen- Make your way through Japan with a high- speed Train at The Lalit, New Delhi was with an objective to promote Japan tourism in India and help Indian travellers to know about the rich cultural heritage of the country and for travellers to explore it through the high-speed train.

The opening ceremony was kicked off by welcome greetings by Mr. Masafumi Shukuri, Chairman, IHRA; Mr. Kenko Sone, Minister, Embassy of Japan and Mr. Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, Minister of Tourism, Government of India and was followed by a brief presentation by Mr. Mamoru Kobori, Executive Vice- President, JNTO and Mr. Akihiko Tamura, Former Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner.

“The Shinkansen, commonly known as high-speed train, is the safest and

the most reliable mode of transport within Japan. The aim of the highspeed train is to shorten the time people spend on traveling from one destination to another. The high-speed train may change the way tourists travel, leaving more time for them to enjoy the destination. It plays a very prominent role in the country’s economy and lifestyle. Even India has decided to have its own high-speed rail between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which will help us build a better relationship between the countries,” said Mr. Masafumi Shukuri, Chairman, IHRA. Mr. Kenko Sone, Minister, Embassy of Japan said, “India is a key market for Japan. Recently the 3rd Meeting of India-Japan Tourism Council summit was held in India in early January 2019 to improve our relationship with India.

We have decided to promote Japan in South India and are planning to start direct flights from Chennai and Bangalore as well to Japan, very soon.”

Mr. Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, Minister of Tourism, Government of India thanked the gathering and commented that he was looking forward to the inauguration of the high speed rail in India. He also expressed his sincere wish that the relationship between India and Japan should continue to flourish and grow.

Mr. Mamoru Kobori, Executive VicePresident, JNTO made an extensive presentation on the JNTO website, its

TO PROMOTE JAPAN TOURISM IN INDIA AND HELP INDIAN TRAVELLERS TO KNOW ABOUT THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE COUNTRY AND FOR TRAVELLERS TO EXPLORE IT THROUGH THE HIGH-SPEED TRAIN. navigation and features. He also spoke about The Japan Specialist Program, key visuals of Japan and requested the attendees to enrol in the same.

The final presentation was by, Mr. Akihiko Tamura, Former Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner who said, “The Shinkansen is the most effective mode of transport within Japan as it cuts down the travel time immensely. The high speed train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will play a major role in Indian economy and lifestyle as well.”

Several senior officials attended the seminar from the Tourism and Urban Planning and Transportation department of India and Japan.

Tokyo, Japan is 3 hours and 30 minutes ahead of India and to visit Japan, Indians have to apply for a tourist visa or short term visa or Temporary visitor visa for sightseeing without guarantor. A short term visa allows a stay period of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. There are several flights that connect Japan to India either directly or with a stopover.

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D E S T I NAT I O N / F E AT U R E S

FOUR MAGICAL EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN IN NEW ZEALAND NEW ZEALAND IS FULL OF WONDER FOR YOUNGER VISITORS.

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hether it’s a stroll through a unique world of bubbling mud and towering geysers or hunting evil trolls lurking in dark underground caves, there’s no shortage for adventures for the little ones.

How about letting the mind be tricked by some astonishing optical illusions or dive behind the scenes of Wellywood’s movie magic.

Go on a troll hunt in a cave in Waitomo!

With its extensive underground caves filled with myriads of glowworms, Waitomo is a magical place. Adults and children alike are fascinated by the dark canopy covered with living lights. But for youngsters seeking thrills, there’s the Troll Cave.

Located close to the famous glowworm grottos and the multitude of adventure options for grownups and older children (including blackwater rafting and caving), there’s one cavern

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which is the home of something big, ugly and mean - Tom the troll.

“Children help us to look after and manage Tom by going on Troll Patrol,”says Waitomo Adventures director Nick Andreef.

The young adventurers take an elevator down into the purpose built artificial cave to find Tom. “There’s lots of weird stuff down there for the kids - rooms flood, walls collapse and basically anything terrible that a child could imagine happening in a cave,”Andreef explains.

He says that the experience can be a bit scary.“Kids feel the fear but take on the mission anyway and push their own personal boundaries.” Many children find themselves outside their comfort zone, but once they draw on support from their family and friends they accomplish their quest.

The Troll Cave experience is interactive, and the guides help to dial

the fear factor up or down depending on how the children react.

Be baffled at Wanaka Puzzling World The Puzzling World in Wanaka has been messing with people’s heads since 1973. Children love to get lost in the great maze, solve problems in the puzzle centre and enjoy optical illusions that appear to defy gravity, physics and common sense.

The smallest members of the family suddenly seem to be taller than ‘dad’ when they go into a room which uses a technique featured in The Lord of The Rings to create both tall and tiny people. This Alice in Wonderland type experience is a magical family favourite. Puzzling World’s countless holograms, puzzles and illusions provide an unforgettable combination of education and entertainment.

“It’s an attraction that promotes teamwork within family and friends,” says Operations manager Duncan Spear. “It’s a movement away from devices and back towards communication in problem solving, strategies and seeking a common goal.”

Even the cafe and the toilets are filled with games and discoveries. In the Illusion Roman Toilets, visitors are told “Don’t be shy, take a seat alongside our ‘Romans’ and snap yourself within the scene - pants on please!”

Bubbling mud and fearsome warriors at Rotorua’s TePuia A stroll around Rotorua’s TeWhakarewarewa Valley in TePuia is almost as bewildering as a trip to the

moon. Children can watch the worldfamous Pōhutu Geyser catapult water 30 metres into the air. A little further along there are bubbling mud pools, steam rising from the ground and the distinctive smell of rotten eggs fills the air.

TePuia is also the home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute which houses the national schools of wood carving, weaving and stone and bone carving. Tamariki (children) can watch master carvers and weavers at work, and hear the guides share stories passed down from their ancestors.

In the evening visitors are invited to a feast which begins with a traditional welcoming ceremony (pōwhiri) by fierce warriors followed by a rousing concert, where kids can join the

giving visitors reminders to stay behind fences.

Go behind the scenes in Wellywood’s Weta Cave Wellington’s Weta Cave is the stuff of big dreams for small kids. Tiny film fans can go on a journey from Middleearth to Thunderbird’s Tracy Island and beyond. Guests can snap a photo with life-sized statues and find souvenirs to take home. But the movie magic doesn’t end there!

The Weta Workshop studio tour reveals secrets behind the making of much loved films such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia. The tour allows visitors to get up close to the artistry behind 20 years of Weta creativity, whilst learning about the processes

A STROLL AROUND ROTORUA’S TEWHAKAREWAREWA VALLEY IN TEPUIA IS ALMOST AS BEWILDERING AS A TRIP TO THE MOON. CHILDREN CAN WATCH THE WORLD-FAMOUS PŌHUTU GEYSER CATAPULT WATER 30 METRES INTO THE AIR that turn imaginary worlds into reality.

“Weta tours reveal the creativity that lies behind movie magic and are a great opportunity for kids to get dressed up. We quite often see Thunderbirds costumes on our Miniatures Stage Tour,”Weta’s Lauren McCafferty says.

The Thunderbirds tour is an interactive adventure filled with colourful props, miniatures and models, which is a lot of fun for children as young as three years old.

Kids and parents can enjoy the rare opportunity of a photo in a purposebuilt Thunderbirds Are Go set, made

by Weta Workshop exclusively for the tour.

The Weta Cave Workshop tour is a cool opportunity for creative kids of any age (recommended age 6+) to see costumes, creatures, and handle props.

“There is an added photo-op bonus with cave trolls Tom, Bert and William outside, who are no strangers to selfies,”McCafferty says.

performers on stage to learn the haka (Māori dance) or poi performance, where a ball of flax is swung rhythmically on a string.

The unique combination of geothermal wonders, live kiwi, native bush and Māori art, craft and culture make TePuia a very special place to visit. Parents don’t have to worry while the family explores TePuia. Geothermal areas are sectioned off using wooden barriers and there are plenty of signs March 2019 Tourism India

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