TOURISM INDIA DECEMBER 2021 DIGITAL EDITION by TOURISM INDIA

INCREDIBLE INDIA

WONDERFUL WORLD AVIATION ONLINE TECHNOLOGY

DECEMBER 2021 VOL. 24 NO. 08 Pages 60

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IATO ANNUAL CONVENTION KERALA TOURISM STREET PROJECTS SHERATON GRAND PALACE INDORE

B O U N C IN G B A C K ...

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

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DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

Editor’s Note

Looking forward for better days...

nce again the tourism Industry has shaken and the road to recovery is again signalling the red light by the discovery of the new variant Omicron. The hardly hit tourism sector for a whole year in 2020 and now 2021 due to lockdowns and travel restrictions is yet again facing a possible crisis. The new variants’ attack is on the way when the industry is hoping to a return to in person meetings and the ever changing rules and regulations and the travel policies became the biggest challenge in these days. Even though the recent lifting of travel restrictions, such as those in the US had started to reflect an uptick in air travel, boosting confidence from travellers and industry actors alike. Travel restrictions play a major role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 but it place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods of people. Travel bans will continue to have a negative impact on travel and tourism activity which is a need for the Economic Development. Now Cancellations have increased during these holiday season. The tourism sector had started coming back on its feet this holiday season. But the Omicron threat reflects the outbound bookings as they see a fall ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations. And this

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could led to hit the domestic tourism also in the coming days.. The pandemic has altered the way we live, work and travel, and shifted traveller requirements, expectations, and preferences in the process. After a long period of lockdowns and isolation, travellers show interest to travel to unfamiliar destinations among travellers, the Interest to opt to explore secondary destinations and nature. In these days travellers have become more committed to sustainable travel choices. Concepts of the Staycation, Workcations and increasingly stay longer in destinations are the other trends. Continued restrictions have limited international travel and wanderlust remains. Domestic travel has been a key factor in the recovery to date and remains essential, the full recovery of the global economy will 7 require the return of international travel. Looking ahead, one thing is certain travel will recover as people travel again to new or familiar places, and it must do so more inclusively and sustainably. Let us hope for the best to come on the way. Wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Rajani A Editor

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Contents

DECEMBER 2021 VOL. 24 NO. 08

Cover: Village Life Experience in Kerala Photo Courtesy: Kerala Tourism

MANAGING EDITOR Ravisankar K V EDITOR Rajani A EXECUTIVE EDITOR Raadia Mukadam ASSOCIATE EDITOR G. Ajithkumar ART EDITOR N Bhattathiri DIRECTOR - DESIGNS Anand Sankar PHOTOGRAPHERS Vivek R. Nair, Murukesh Iyer EXECUTIVE - DIGITAL MEDIA VAISHNAV RAMAKRISHNAN

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL WILL BE THE FUTURE TREND: WTTC

WTTC CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS TO IMPLEMENT DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

HUGE DESIRE TO TRAVEL GLOBALLY

GUJARAT ALL SET TO HOST IATO’S 36TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

KERALA TRAVEL MARTIN MARCH 2022 AT KOCHI

FORTUNE HOTELS GOES THE PILGRIM WAY

BUSINESS & EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES NEW DELHI D Anilkumar +91 9868123311 MUMBAI K V Satyanath +91 9745598126 KOLKATA Jayasree Singh +91 943306033 BANGALURU Damodaran K Nair +91 8310955261

EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICE TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT. LTD A-29, KUMARA VILAS, ELANKOM GARDENS, VELLAYAMBALAM, SASTHAMANGALAM P.O., TRIVANDRUM, KERALA, INDIA 695010 TEL: +91 471 2315256 MOB: 9847060531 CONTACT US Editorial Enquiries editor@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9847060531 Advertisement Enquiries marketing@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9745598126 Circulation & Subscription Enquiries circulation@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9745598126 Online Edition www.tourismindia.org www.tourismindiaonline.com Digital Edition: https://issue.com/tourismindia No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD. All rights reserved Copyright @2021 Printed and Published by Ravisankar K V on behalf of TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD, A-29, Kumara Vilas, Elankom Gardens, Vellayambalam, Sasthamangalam P.O., Trivandrum 695010 at Aarsha Offset Graphix, Mettukkada, Thycaud.P.O., Trivandrum- 695014 Editor: Rajani A

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

KERALA TOURISM LAUNCHES REVOLVING FUND LOAN PORTAL

KERALA TOURISM ANNOUCES STREET PROJECT FOR EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM

FORTUNE HOTELS GOES THE PILGRIM WAY

IHCL STEPS INTO SIKKIM WITH THE OPENING OF VIVANTA PAKYONG

SHERATON GRAND PALACE INDORE PRESENTS SHAADI BY MARRIOTT

TOURISM INDIA WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022

29 30

ANOOP PETER APPOINTED AS GEN. MANAGER TRIBUTE ROYALE COCHIN UNWIND YOUR WEEKENDS AT SHERATON GRAND PALACE INDORE

A TRADITIONAL CAKE MIXING CEREMONY

CAKE MIXING CEREMONY HELD AT MASCOT HOTEL

USHER IN THE SPIRIT OF GOOD TIMES & HAPPINESS

THIRD WAVE COFFEE OPENS ITS FLAGSHIP STORE IN DELHI

ACCOR RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIGO’S 6E REWARDS PROGRAM

EMIRATES INKS PACT WITH AIR BALTIC

QATAR AIRWAYS FLIGHTS TO TASHKENT FROM JAN 17, 2022

KATINA ATHANASIOU AS SR.VP-SALES OF SILVERSEA CRUISES

SILVERSEA LAUNCHES NEW “WAVE SEASON” PROMOTIONS

BANGKOK RIVERSIDE FEST 2022

VAKKARU MALDIVES INTRODUCES ENHANCED EXPERIENCES FOR 2022 9

50 52

SANTA SPOTTING AROUND THE WORLD WITH ANANTARA FREDERIQUE CONSTANT UNVEILS HIGHLIFE AUTOMATIC SKELETON

54 JET TOWELS GAINING MOMENTUM IN INDIA 56

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TEARFUL FAREWELL TO T DAMU

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL WILL BE THE FUTURE TREND: WTTC T

International spending expected to rise 94% in 2022

rending in Travel, a new report that shows the latest trends in traveller behaviour and future booking patterns was launched by The World Travel &

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Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip. com Group. WTTC has joined forces with Trip.com Group, and its major consumer brands Trip.com, Ctrip

and Skyscanner, to analyse consumer trends shaping the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector. WTTC’s latest projections show

strong growth in international spending for 2022 and beyond, projected to overtake domestic spending in 2022, as more destinations ease restrictions and vaccination rates continue to rise. Following a 69.4% decline (2020), global international spending on travel is set to rise by 9.3% in 2021, and significantly by 93.8% in 2022. According to the report, 70% of travellers in many major countries such as the U.S., Spain, the UK, Canada, and Japan plan to spend more on travel in 2022 than they have in the last five years, including 2019 – one of the best years on record for Travel & Tourism. The report also reveals how severe and confusing travel restrictions around the world drove a significant rise in domestic tourism, with a surge in domestic hotel bookings of more than 200% on Trip.com’s platform this year compared to 2019. Since the start of the pandemic, mobility restrictions have hindered international travel and, although domestic travel will provide a much-needed boost to the sector, WTTC says the return of international travel is critical to rebooting the global economy. The report focuses on booking trends, consumer considerations, and consumer profiles. It also features examples of markets whose resilience has provided a platform for the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector. The report shows how COVID-19 has changed the way people travel; younger travellers are the first to return to travel; increased demand for longer stays; the importance of fee-free cancellations and the demand for high levels of health and safety checks. To avoid travel restrictions, travellers are seeking secondary www.tourismindia.org

Travellers headed to secondary destinations and booking ‘the great outdoors’ in 2021 destinations, away from traditional holiday spots, as their destination of choice. This preference positively impacts local communities and livelihoods. According to Trip.com’s hotel booking data, Abu Dhabi (UAE) Chiang Mai (Thailand), Doha (Qatar), Florence (Italy), and Frankfurt (Germany) were the most popular secondary destinations in their respective countries in 2021. The report goes on to show that, according to Ctrip data, bookings for ‘the great outdoors’ will predominate in the short and medium-term. In China – one of the world’s largest travel mar-

Ms. Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC

kets – nature-related attraction bookings have increased by 265% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. The pause in travel has also heightened consumers’ eagerness to travel more sustainably with more than eight out of 10 (83%) global travellers saying they would make sustainable travel a priority in the future. Reinforcing this long-term trend, since its launch in 2019, the report shows 68 million travellers have opted to book a “Greener Choice” labelled flight on Skyscanner, a comparatively lower-carbon flight choice. Ms. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It is clear people are really looking forward to travelling again. Consumers are curious, they are looking at new destinations, ‘the great outdoors and travel that benefits the places and people they visit. As travel and tourism represent over 10% of global GDP this is good news for jobs and economies. The impact in some countries has been devastating for local communities and this report shows that business is returning in earnest.” Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, said: “Travellers around the world have shown their eagerness to travel, whether limited to domestic travel or able to cross borders, we see a huge amount of pent-up demand steadily being released.“To better evolve with the recovery we must understand travellers, and as the industry adapts to emerging trends.” Latest WTTC research shows the global recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector is picking up pace with the sector’s contribution to global GDP projected to rise by 30.7% in 2021 and 31.7% in 2022. DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / INTER NATIONAL

WTTC CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS TO IMPLEMENT DIGITAL SOLUTIONS F

A simplified and interoperable digital solution is vital to fully achieve the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector

ollowing comprehensive analysis and research, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a new groundbreaking report which provides clear recommendations to governments and identifies four key digital solutions to restore international mobility. The inaugural report provides guidance and calls on governments to adopt a more internationally coordinated response to COVID-19 for the Travel & Tourism sector and implement digital solutions that will facilitate the resumption of safe and stressfree international travel. Following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, WTTC 12

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has identified four of the most widely used digital COVID vaccination certificates (EU Digital COVID Certificate, ICAO Visible Digital Seal, DIVOC, and SMART Health Cards), and urges govern-

ments to accept these major international standards as proof of COVID-19 status, whilst working towards a single global solution. The report, ‘Digital Solutions for Reviving International Travel’, shows how international travellers, whether fully vaccinated or testing negative, would then have a globally recognised digital COVID certificate that would enable them to travel freely and safely anywhere in the world. This critical report addresses the current global challenge posed by the existing patchwork of policies and processes, which are not only complex and unsustainable but also further hinder the recovery of an already

struggling sector. To address this governments should create their own ‘Digital Travel Portal’, allowing travellers to electronically share their digital COVID vaccination or test certificates with their destination before they begin their journey. After booking their trip, travellers would simply go to the online portal managed by the destination, where their digital COVID certificate would be uploaded, verifying the status online and in seconds, avoiding confusing processes and long queues. Ms. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC has been calling on governments to implement a globally coordinated response since the beginning of the pandemic. Today’s report offers the key to harmonising and safely reopening international travel. “It is governments’ responsibil-

Key WTTC recommendations will remove current patchwork of policies and processes ity to ensure there is a safe, secure, simple and digital system in place to restore international mobility. WTTC is recommending a single global portal that recognises the main digital passes currently in use worldwide and acts as a one-stop-shop for travellers and governments. “We can use the pandemic to leapfrog technologies and allow contactless travel with embed-

ded data on vaccination and testing status”. Along with WHO, this innovative report and recommendations also draw on guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD), and commitments made by Governments at the G7 and G20 for solutions to revive safe international travel. According to WTTC’s research, in 2020, when the pandemic brought international travel to an almost standstill, more than 62 million jobs were lost, and the sector’s contribution to the global GDP fell by a staggering US$ 4.5 trillion.These losses have affected the many millions of livelihoods who rely on thriving Travel & Tourism, while also significantly impacting the global economy and development.

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DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

HUGE DESIRE TO TRAVEL GLOBALLY I

The latest findings of a special Covid-19 survey conducted by IPK International on travel plans for 2022 , published by ITB shows a renewed increase in people’s travel intentions

nterest in traveling abroad has increased significantly since the beginning of the year and with the availability of vaccines. Worldwide people are now planning to travel again, although their travel intention varies from continent to continent. Europeans’ intentions to travel abroad are now almost 90 percent of the pre-Corona level, while Americans’ are around 70 percent and Asians’ over 60 percent – but with a strong upward trend in recent months. The latest findings of a special Covid-19 survey conducted by

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IPK International on travel plans for 2022 , published by ITB shows a renewed increase in people’s travel intentions. Currently, 80 per cent of respondents worldwide are planning international trips over the next 12 months. Sun and beach holidays are in demand, but also city breaks and holidays close to nature. Europeans’ preferred destinations are their common favourites: Spain, Italy and Germany. Although more and more people want to travel, the latest findings continue to reflect worries regarding the pandemic. There is also crit-

icism on travel conditions of recent months. Europeans clearly prefer destinations on their own continent for the upcoming travel season, with Spain ranking first, followed by Italy and Germany, as well as France and Greece. The Americans’ favourite destinations are the neighbouring countries USA, Canada and Mexico, as well as destinations in Europe – above all Italy and Germany. In Asia, people are mostly planning to visit destinations on their own continent (Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, China) and in Europe Germany and France would be the preferred destinations. 81 percent of those interested in travel abroad are planning holiday trips over the next 12 months. Since the beginning of the year, intentions for holidays have risen steadily. In contrast, travel plans for visiting friends and relatives abroad have declined (current potential 30 percent) – for business trips abroad, however, they are

stable worldwide at 21 percent since the beginning of the year. As before the pandemic, the focus is on sun & beach holidays (63 percent), followed by city breaks and round trips. For nature-oriented types of holidays, interest remains above the pre-Corona level. In recent months, demand for cruises has also risen worldwide. Despite people being keen to travel abroad, doing so remains difficult. Almost 90 percent of those who have recently made international trips say that travel planning was often difficult and complicated, and 80 percent report Covid-related impairments at their destination. The main issue is not that travellers not accepting relevant measures, but unclear or changing information

Europeans clearly prefer destinations on their own continent for the upcoming travel season, with Spain ranking first, followed by Italy and Germany, as well as France and Greece combined with poor communication on the part of the destinations. Globally, the target group of travellers abroad is already vaccinated or recovered to a high de-

gree (90 percent). Nevertheless, there is still considerable concern about the infection rate. This is also evident when it comes to the question “Destination with low infection rate or favorable travel price?” The overwhelming majority of international travellers would opt for a destination with a low The stated plans for next year clearly show that worldwide a huge desire to travel exists that has now nearly reached pre-pandemic levels. Assuming a high vaccination rate among international travellers along with a willingness to accept reasonable Covid-related travel measures in the future, an internationally comprehensive recovery is possible next year.at least on the demand side.

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DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / DESTINATIONS

GUJARAT ALL SET TO HOST IATO’S 36TH ANNUAL CONVENTION Mr. Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat will inaugurate the annual gala of Tour Operators on December 16th at The Leela Gandhi Nagar

he Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the apex body of inbound tour operators in India, has completed all the arrangement to host their 36th Annual convention at The Leela Gandhinagar from December 16 to 19 which is happening after an interval of two years. The theme of this year’s convention is Brand India : The Road to recovery and expected to see a galaxy of leaders sharing their thoughts and new learning with the delegates. Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO has informed that more than 900 delegates from across the country and abroad are expected for the 3-day event and Gujarat is set to offer a new dimension to the India tourism. The Convention will have as many as 8 business sessions: Brand India - The Road to Recovery for Revival of Business, Hotels in the New Normal, Connectivity: New Frontiers, SEIS: New Policy under FTP 2021- 2026, Responsible Tourism, Automation and Digital Marketing, Preparedness under New Normal and

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Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO

Dekho Apna Desh. The Valedictory session is taking on December 18, 2021. There are state presentations also by Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab and Rajastha Mr. Mehra also said, “Since travel and hospitality industry is going through a very bad time, our prime focus would be to have deliberations as to how we can revive tourism and bring it back to pre-covid level,” while explaining on the details of the first physical get together post COVID-19. The organisers has ensured that all attending the convention delegates will have to submit a copy of the full vaccination certificate and basis that their convention registration will be accepted While elaborating on the dignitaries expected to present and address the delegates at the 36th annual convention, association president Mehra says, “We will have strong participation from the Ministry of Tourism and state www.tourismindia.org

Mr. E.M. Najeeb, Sr. VP, IATO & Convention Chairman

government (s) with presence of Arvind Singh, Secretary (Tourism), Rupinder Brar, ADG (Tourism), Govt. of India, Dr. V. Venu, Chief Secretary (Tourism), Govt. of Kerala, Hareet Shukla – Secretary (Tourism), Govt. of Gujarat, Jenu Dewan, Managing Director, TCGL Rajiv Jalota – Chairman, Mumbai Port Trust and Dr. Abhay Sinh – Director General, SEPC addressing the delegates in business sessions on important topics.” “The senior industry representatives like Nakul Anand, Executive Director – ITC Hotels, Puneet Chhatwal – MD and CEO of Taj Hotels, Anuraag Bhatnagar – COO, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts, addressing the delegates,” he added. DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / NATIONAL

KERALA TRAVEL MART IN MARCH 2022 AT KOCHI T

he 11th edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) will be held at Kochi in March 2022, giving an impetus to the efforts to revive the pandemic-hit tourism sector by attracting visitors around the globe. The event will be inaugurated at Grand Hyatt at Bolgatty, Kochi on March 24, 2022, while the following three days’ proceedings will be held at Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centre in Willingdon Island, As the ensuing edition of KTM is coming on the heels of the launch of the Caravan Tourism project by the State Government, the event will have caravan tourism and adventure tourism as the main themes, even as the internationally-acclaimed responsible tourism will also 18

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KTM will be held at Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres in Willington Island in Kochi from March 25 to 27, 2022

receive prominent attention, said Mr. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Govt of Kerala. KTM 2022will give greater prominence to domestic buyers, given that tourists within the country have resumed travel even as many foreign countries are yet to fully resume travel to India revoking the pandemicinduced restrictions. The meet anticipates the participation of no less than 1,500 buyers, wooing them in much larger numbers compared to the previous editions. Dr. Venu V, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), said KTM has been planned by placing trust on the domestic market, which will help rejuvenate tourism and bring a qualitative change in

KTM Society, the country’s biggest organization in the travel and tourism segment, has been working towards reviving the industry since the spread of the coronavirus in the state since March 2020 the sector. Mr. Baby Mathew, President, KTM, said the strong revival of the entire industry will be made possible through KTM 2022. Mr.V R Krishna Teja, IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism; Mr. Jose Pradeep, Secretary,

KTM; Mr.EM Najeeb, former Presidents of KTM and Mr. Abraham George were also present. The KTM had organized a virtual summit from March 1 to 5 2021, facilitating more than 7,000 business meets that enabled the travel industry to take major strides in overcoming the Covidtriggered economic crisis. Since then, Kerala Tourism had been considering organising a physical KTM to showcase Kerala as a place fast regaining normalcy after the pandemic. KTM Society, the country’s biggest organization in the travel and tourism segment, has been working towards reviving the industry since the spread of the coronavirus in the state 20 months ago.

Mr. P A Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Govt of Kerala announcing KTM 2022 at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram. Dr. Venu V. IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism); Mr. V R Krishna Teja IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism; Mr. Baby Mathew Somatheeram, President, KTM Society; Mr. Jose Pradeep, Secretary, KTM Society; Mr. EM Najeeb and Mr. Abraham George, Past Presidents of KTM Society are also seen. www.tourismindia.org

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NEWS / NATIONAL

KERALA TOURISM LAUNCHES REVOLVING FUND LOAN PORTAL N

Scheme offers interest-free loans upto Rs 10,000 for tourism sector employees

oting that tourism was seriously impacted by the staggered pandemic Kerala Tourism has launched the online portal for submitting applications to avail interest-free loans up to Rs 10,000 from the Revolving Fund set up by the State Government for the employees of the pandemic-hit tourism sector. Mr.Mohamed Riyas ,Tourism Minister ,Kerala said on the occasion that Kerala was the only state in the country to come out 20

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with a loan scheme to give a handholding to the employees in the sector as part of the government’s initiatives to revive tourism. “The pandemic has seriously affected people, who are directly and indirectly linked to tourism sector. No other state in the country has announced a scheme like this for the workers in tourism sector,” the Minister said. Referring to innovative schemes on the anvil to ramp up tourism in the state, he said “Like

Caravan tourism, the government is considering the idea of coming out with more riveting initiatives. Tourism and Culture Departments will join hands to explore the scope of promoting Cinema Tourism in the state.” People would find it amusing to visit the locations of their favourite films even decades after the release. There are lot of picturesque locations that had been featured in popular flicks. The Department of Tourism will explore the project’s

possibility in all districts, he added. Dr. Venu V, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), said the credit for conceiving and implementing this unique scheme to support tourism sector employees goes entirely to the Tourism Minister. “This will be a stimulus especially for small and micro enterprises in the industry,” Dr. Venu added. Mr. V K Prasanth MLA presided over the function. Corporation Councillor Dr. Reena KS and Mr.Baby Mathew President, Kerala Travel Mart Society were present. Tourism Director, Mr.VR Krishna Teja IAS welcomed the gathering and Mr. K Rupeshkumar , Coordinator, State Responsible Tourism Mission, proposed the Vote of Thanks. The Revolving Fund, with an initial corpus of Rs 10 crore, has been set up as

part of a set of government initiatives to reactivate the tourism industry, which provides jobs to hundreds across the state. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries can avail up to Rs 10,000 without furnishing any collateral security. The loan needs to be repaid within two years after a one- year moratorium period. Employees in a range of enterprises or activities related to travel and hospitality industry will be eligible for the loan. Those engaged in units registered under the Responsible Tourism (RT) mission are also entitled for the loan. As per the provisions of the fund, the applicant should be working in an entity which has membership of a recognized tourism sector organization such as the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society and other similar trade organisations. The

recognized organisation to which the business entity is affiliated will ensure that the loans availed by the employees are repaid promptly. The beneficiary will have to repay the loan within two years after the one-year moratorium period. Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society recently entered into an agreement with the Tourism Department in this regard. The fund seeks to support employees in a wide range of businesses like travel agencies, tour operators, tourist taxi services, houseboats and shikara boats, hotels, resorts, restaurants, homestays and serviced villas, Ayurveda resorts and spas, adventure tourism ventures, micro units under RT mission, members of performing and martial arts troupes and licensed tour guides.

Mr. P A Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Kerala launching the online portal for submitting applications to avail loans from the Revolving Fund for the tourism sector employees in Thiruvananthapuram. Mr. Baby Mathew Somatheeram, President, Kerala Travel Mart Society; Dr. Venu V IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism); Mr. V.R Krishna Teja IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism; Mr. V K Prasanth, MLA; Dr. Reena KS, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Councillor; and Mr. K Rupeshkumar, Coordinator, State Responsible Tourism Mission, are also seen. www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / DESTINATION

KERALA TOURISM ANNOUCES STREET PROJECT FOR EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM T

o take tourism deep into the state’s interiors and rural hinterland, Kerala Tourism has plans to launch the ‘STREET’ project in selected spots in seven districts, which would help visitors experience the diversity of offerings in these locales. In the first phase, the project would be implemented in Kadalundi in Kozhikode; Thrithala and Pattithara in Palakkad; Pinarayi and Ancharakkandi in Kannur; Maravanthuruthu and Manchira in Kottayam; Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod; Kanthalloor in Idukki; and Chekadi in Wayanad. The project, conceived by the Responsible Tourism Mission, is inspired by the ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’ slogan of The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The STREET is an acronym for Sustainable, Tangible, Responsible, Experiential, Ethnic, Tourism hubs. Green street, cultural street, village life experience street, experiential tourism street, agri-tour22

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ism street, water street, and art street are the themes that have been planned as part of the project. These streets will be in tune with the peculiarities of each of these locations and would focus on experiential tourism. Mr. P. A. Mohammed Riyas, Tourism Minister said the project offers a huge potential for growth in the tourism sector and would usher in significant changes. “It aims to present the unique identity of our state before travellers. It will foster mutually beneficial organic relationships between tourism development in the state and the ordinary lives of people,” he added. The STREET project would be implemented in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode and would have local bodies and

residents of these locations as stakeholders. Joint venture projects with local bodies have also been envisaged. In every selected location at least three such streets would come up. Dr. Venu V, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, said the project is a model for decentralized tourism development, and it would help bring little-known rural destinations to the mainstream and create more jobs. Mr. V R Krishna Teja IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism said the new product offering would open more avenues of growth for the state. It would also help rural destinations develop their basic infrastructure, he said. These are locations that have so far not entered the tourism

map and are unknown but hold the potential to be developed. Secondly, there are locations close to international tourism centers and have the potential to provide new experiences to tourists and increase their length of stay. Lastly, there are locations where tourism activities are taking place and can be developed in the future as major destinations. The STREET project would have a time frame of four years for implementation. Around 1,000 local units connected to the sector would also be set up as part of the project. Separate projects under the scheme for enterprises by women and other marginalized communities and in sectors like agri-tourism have also been envisaged.

EXPERIENTIAL STREETS TO COME UP IN SEVEN DISTRICTS IN THE STATE IN THE FIRST PHASE www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / HOSPITALITY

FORTUNE HOTELS GOES THE PILGRIM WAY INKS OPE AGREEMENTS IN KATRA & AMRITSAR, ADDING OVER 100 ROOMS TO ITS INVENTORY

ortune Hotels has announced the signing of two individual operating agreements for hotels in Katra (Jammu & Kashmir) and Amritsar (Punjab), thereby strengthening its growth strategy in key pilgrim locations and adding over 100 new rooms to its existing inventory. Speaking about the group’s current business development strategy and new alliances, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Limited, said: “We are pleased to announce our entry into two of the most revered pilgrimage centers of India- Katra & Amritsar. These additions further strengthen our focus on pilgrimage destinations and add 24

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more depth to our existing portfolio of operational and hotels in the pipeline in various locations like Tirupati, Madurai, Haridwar, Dharamshala, Deoghar, Shirdi and Ajmer.” “We thank our new partners for their trust in us and seek to affiliate with more such like-minded Owning Boards to bring the Fortune Advantage to their hotels and our reputed brand to their towns. Fortune Hotels today purvey a very interesting mix of business and leisure hotels, thereby offering a gamut of new experiences to guests who stay with us. We thank our Owner Partners for entrusting us with their hotels,”

he further added. Fortune Park The Atrium, Katra set in the heart of Katra city home to the Holy shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi. This 58-room spacious hotel with a glass pyramid-shaped atrium roof is poised to open in the summer of 2022 with refreshed contemporary interiors, modern facilities and impeccable services that promise to offer homelike comfort to leisure traveller looking to explore this popular tourist destination. The aesthetic property is owned by M/s Swastik Resort. Expressing delight at the alliance, Mr. Nishant Sharma of Swastik Resort said: “This is our maiden venture with a branded hotel chain and we are delighted to bring Fortune Hotels to Katra. With the Indianness, efficient world-class management and

culinary strength they bring, our guests are sure to delight in the renewed us. We hope for new success with the Fortune Team and are certain to become the most preferred hotel amongst business and leisure travelers in the city in our segment.” Fortune Inn Heritage Walk, Amritsar, is a 50-room boutique hotel conveniently located in close proximity to Jallianwala Bagh, just off Heritage Street and a 5-mins walk from the sacred Golden Temple. This gratifying property is undergoing a refurbishment program and is anticipated to open towards the mid of 2022. Highlighting the momentous signing Mr. Inder Pal Singh and Mr. Navinder Pal Singh of M/s Hotel City Park said: “We are delighted to partner with Fortune Hotels for our onward journey.

Their operational acumen, service standards, and warm hospitality backed by the ITC legacy are hidden from none.” Strategically located in their respective destinations both hotels enjoy a distinct positioning and address the growing accommodation demand for branded hotels in these high potential markets by offering quality stay options at an attractive value. With these signings, the premier domestic chain now adds over 100 new rooms across 2 key cities of India, bringing their existing inventory to over 4000 rooms across 46 cities. Convenient locations, excellence of the cuisine, efficient service and competitive pricing have made the Fortune Hotels chain popular amongst discerning travellers.

Mr. Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Limited with Mr. Inder Pal Singh and Mr. Navinder Pal Singh of Hotel City Park www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS/ HOSPITALITY

IHCL STEPS INTO SIKKIM WITH THE OPENING OF VIVANTA PAKYONG

Strengthens presence in the North East

ndian Hotels Company (IHCL) kyong. The stylishly designed ho- ning views of the snow-capped has announced the debut of its tel is set amidst lush paddy fields Himalayas. first hotel, Vivanta Sikkim in Pa- and bamboo forests with stunMr. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL, said, “This opening is in line with IHCL’s strategy of expanding its presence in North East India. Sikkim, with its pristine natural beauty and rich heritage, has tremendous tourism potential. We are delighted to launch Vivanta Sikkim, Pakyong, allowing travellers to discover another one of India’s hidden gems and lesser explored destinations.” The 50-room Vivanta Sikkim, Pakyong is strategically located at a comfortable driving 26

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distance from both, Sikkim’s new airport at Pakyong and the state capital, Gangtok. The hotel’s design is inspired by nature, with the rooms built around cascading courtyards with uninterrupted panoramic views. Mynt, the allday diner, offers a global menu and Sikkimese specialties; while Wink, the stylish lounge bar, offers cocktails and local brews. The hotel also has the award-winning Jiva Spa and a temperature-controlled open-air swimming pool. With over 300 square metres of indoor banqueting spaces and open air lawns, the hotel is ideal for elegant social gatherings. Mr. Sandeep Das, Hotel Manag-

Pakyong is a popular tourist town, which is also an entry point into the beautiful state of Sikkim. It provides the perfect base to explore the region’s mountain peaks, lakes and ancient Buddhist monasteries.

er, Vivanta Sikkim, Pakyong, said, “In the heart of picturesque surroundings, Vivanta Sikkim is close to major tourist attractions. The hotel brings Sikkim’s traditions, culture, architecture and cuisines alive through myriad experiences. I look forward to welcoming guests to Sikkim’s new address.” Pakyong is a popular tourist town, which is also an entry point into the beautiful state of Sikkim. It provides the perfect base to explore the region’s mountain peaks, lakes and ancient Buddhist monasteries. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have eight hotels in North East India including four under development.

www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS/ HOSPITALITY

SHERATON GRAND PALACE INDORE PRESENTS SHAADI BY MARRIOTT

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

haadi by Marriott is a concept by Marriott which provides a one-stop solution for destination weddings in India with exotic venues and meticulous planning. Sheraton Grand being a beautiful property is the best place for weddings. The concept of Shaadi by Marriott is all about grandeur that also defines what Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is all about. The INID Indore Times Fashion Week was held in the property where models from Mumbai walked the ramp adorning designs from Archana Kochar’s collection. Sukriti and Prakriti Kakar opened the show with their melodious songs. The show stoppers – Sangeeta Bijlani and Taher Shabir walked the ramp in a stunning bridal costume along with Archana Kochar and Mr. Rohit Bajpai, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore. A lounge was also set up in the lawn area where people could experience the grandeur of Shaadi by Marriott concept. Mr. Rohit Bajpai, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore was ecstatic and shared that, “Exclusivity is something we provide in every wedding that is planned and conducted at our property. The Marriott Group has a countrywide concept called “Shaadi by Marriott”a wedding crafted to perfection and successfully managed by our skilled planners. Our prime objective of introducing this concept is to create a wedding experience that is superlative in its offerings; be it great food, fabulous venue settings, and above all, the highest service levels. The goal is to give our guests the wedding of their dreams.” www.tourismindia.org

ANOOP PETER APPOINTED AS GEN. MANAGER TRIBUTE ROYALE COCHIN

he Tribute Royale, a new Four Star Hotel in Cochin has appointed Mr. Anoop Peter as its new General Manager. Anoop Peter has over 12 years of experience in the hospitality sector having worked in hotels and resorts across India and the United Kingdom including Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Plus, Ragamaya Resort, and Spa Munnar, Lake Palace Resort Alleppey, and Poetree Sarovar Portico Thekkady. Commenting on his appointment as the General Manager, Anoop Peter said: “It is an honour to take on the role of General Manager and my prime focus is on branding and growth marketing. We ensure that we get hold of the position as a major player in the

hospitality industry while offering our guests the same warm and welcoming award-winning hospitality experience with us. I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities with the Tribute Royale Team.” “Branding and growth marketing should be the prime focus of standalone hotels and resorts that allows them in the difficult times like the current scenario,” he added. Anoop holds two Master’s degrees one in Hospitality Management and another in Business Administration and a PG Diploma in Digital Marketing. Being a seasoned hotelier and out-of-the-box thinker, his early priorities will be branding, growth marketing, digital marketing, and revenue management to bring uniqueness to his management style.

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / HOSPITALITY

UNWIND YOUR WEEKENDS AT

SHERATON GRAND PALACE INDORE Debuts “A.Shore”, Beach Bar Island’s Newest Hot Spot

reak the monotony of work-from-home and unwind by pampering yourself and your family to a luxurious staycation at the Sheraton Grand Palace Indore. Located across a

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lush expanse of 8.62 acres with striking gardens, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore boasts a plethora of choices when it comes to amenities and food. The property is well-equipped with smart con-

trols and mobile check-in, making the hotel hi-tech to ensure the utmost comfort of the guests. Offering a truly luxurious experience, the guests get to enjoy rich and sumptuous spreads

brimming with delicacies from different restaurants in the property, like S Café (Multi-cuisine restaurant), Ariana (Indian cuisine), Infuse (Bakery), Plunge (Pool sidebar), and Malt that offers a wide selection of single malt and craft beers. The staycation package has been customised keeping in mind the needs of the modern traveller. The package includes Complimentary Breakfast and Dinner for two, Discount on Food and Beverages, Kids up to 12 years of age stay and dine for free (up to two kids), Complimentary Room Upgrade (subject to availability). Adapting to the new safety norms, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore follows a high level of san-

itization protocols to ensure you and your family have a comfortable and safe stay. Sheraton Grand Palace Indore houses 115 rooms & suites and is near both the airport and railway station and the city’s busi-

ness and commercial centers. Experience the touch of royalty in this palatial hotel which is wellequipped with state-of-the-art conference and meeting venues that span over 1,25,000 square feet.

www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM March 2021 TourismINDIA India

NEWS/ HOSPITALITY

A TRADITIONAL CAKE MIXING CEREMONY T

Cake Mixing Ceremony @ Courtyard By Marriott Bengaluru

o spread the cheer of the festive season, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal organized a unique cake-mixing ceremony at the hotel’s premises. As part of Marriott International’s initiative, Serve 360 and in order to give back smiles to the community, the hotel associated with the Living Hope Children’s Home (LHCH) in this endeavour. The ceremony saw participation from children and hotel’s associates that brought great joy and excitement resonating with the good times associated with the

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

age-old tradition of cake mixing. Children from the LHCH and associates of Courtyard By Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal were all adorned in aprons, gloves and chef hats. An assortment of colourful ingredients including raisins, glazed red cherries, and mixed fruits, walnuts, cashew etc. was soaked in a variety of delicious beverages. To the surprise of the young children, the ceremony was followed by a screening of a short movie and lunch that lifted the spirits of all and the entertainment level a

notch higher. Serve 360, guided by their 2025 Sustainability & Social Impact Goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, is committed to creating positive and sustainable impact. On the other hand, The Living Hope Foundation is an organization that works towards the betterment of the underprivileged by providing shelter and education. It also gives them a platform to nurture their talent in the field of sports, art, and agriculture.

Cake mixing ceremony held at Mascot Hotel A traditional Cake Mixing Ceremony was hosted by KTDC at their premium city hotel in Thiruvananthapuram to welcome the festive season

cake mixing ceremony was held at Mascot Hotel Thiruvananthapuram, a flagship property of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. recently, welcoming the Christmas season. The annual cake mixing

ceremony of the hotel was attended by present Mr.P.K. Sasi, Chairman, Mr. Krishna Teja IAS, Managing Director, Mr. Rajmohan, Marketing Manager of KTDC and other special guests. The event saw jubilant participation of the hotel staff and in-house guests

who joined together to prepare the ingredients for this year’s Christmas cakes. As per the sources from the hotel, the cake mix with dry fruits, nuts soaked in wine, honey and liquor will be held in an airtight container for a month with occasional stirring.

www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / HOSPITALITY

USHER IN THE SPIRIT OF GOOD TIMES & HAPPINESS The Cake Mixing Soiree at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel

enaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel hosts a spectacular Cake Mixing Soiree on 13th November 2021. The annual Cake mixing ceremony was unveiled at the hotel’s lobby area followed by grape stomping and hi-tea. The grand event witnessed residence guests, prominent socialites, and corporates in

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

Bengaluru enjoying this elegant event along with the hotel’s associates with great enthusiasm. Guests reveled in the Christmas cheer as they came together to participate in the fanfare adorning aprons, gloves, and chef hats. An assortment of colourful ingredients including raisins, glazed red cherries, and mix fruits, black

currants, dried apricots, walnuts, and cashew were soaked in a variety of exquisite beverages. Executive Sous Chef Karthik and his team showcased high-end cuisine, decadent appetizers, and intoxicating drinks at R Bar that kept the spirits high throughout the evening. The desserts served were created by the talented

www.tourismindia.org

team of culinary experts and were petit and in sync with the enthralling occasion. Mr. Tejus Jose, General Manager, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel expressed “The hotel is known for an ideal atmosphere for an uplifting evening of up-scale hospitality with delicious food and drinks; it gives us immense pleasure to have our guests participate in the annual ritual and create unforgettable memories.” With an elaborate setup, the breath-taking ambiance of the hotel, festive décor, and cuisines to match the festivities made it a perfect blend of the evening filled with panache, excitement, and cheer. Nestled in Bengaluru’s Central Business District, the Garden City hotel offers a wealth of amenities just 500 meters away from the iconic Bangalore Turf Club. DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / HOSPITALITY

THIRD WAVE COFFEE OPENS ITS FLAGSHIP STORE IN DELHI 100 % Arabica beans from 14 different estates

hird Wave Coffee, a premium coffee brand that built a close-knit, loyal community of coffee lovers in Bengaluru since its launch in 2016 has now opened its flagship store in Delhi. With this new cafe, the brand currently clocks a total of 21 cafes in India eighteen in Bengaluru and three in Delhi and Gurgaon and plans to expand to over 300 stores in 20 cities by FY ’23. Third Wave coffee is the brainchild of three young coffee aficionados — Sushant Goel, Ayush Bathwal and Anirudh Sharma — who travelled across several Arabica coffee estates across North Karnataka to find the perfect coffee brew for the Indian palate. Today, the brand sources 100 % Arabica beans from 14 different estates and curates high-quality, ethically sourced coffee accompanied by a thoughtfully put-together menu of savoury and sweet 36

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food products for its band of loyalists across its cafes. The Third Wave Coffee’s GK II outlet offers a personal, inclusive space for its customers that helps foster relationships over a cuppa. “What keeps us going is what

we’d like to call a ‘coffee high! It’s so addictive, we’re gearing up for a rapid expansion spree over the next couple of years. With a median age of 31, India has one of the largest young populations in the world. With

most of these youngsters falling in the high disposable income group that consumes premium brands more frequently, we see a huge demand for a superior, responsibly sourced and authentic product like Third Wave Coffee that also

offers a unique experience to coffee lovers. We aim to serve our exclusive blends in over 300 cafes across 20+ cities by FY ’23,” said Sushant Goel, Founder, Third Wave Coffee. Third Wave Coffee operates its own fully equipped centre where

coffee beans are roasted, brewed, and developed into bespoke blends. The brand has introduced in India, the ‘Third Wave movement’ that is dedicated to providing high-quality coffee brewed to perfection from farm to cup.

www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / HOSPITALITY & AIRLINES

ACCOR RENEWS PARTNERSHIP

WITH INDIGO’S 6E REWARDS PROGRAM A

6E REWARDS MEMBERS CAN EARN AND AVAIL ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS ON SPENDS ACROSS ACCOR PROPERTIES IN INDIA, SRI LANKA, AND MALDIVES.

ccor, the French hospitality group has renewed its ongoing partnership with IndiGo, the country’s largest airline,

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

to offer accelerated 6E Rewards, India, Sri Lanka and selected hoenhanced benefits and discounts tels in Maldives. on spends on stays and dining Through this partnership, Indiexperiences across properties in Go’s 6E Rewards members can

now avail an exhilarating 15% discount, when they book directly with Accor and earn up to 6% 6E Rewards as feature partner on any spends across Accor properties in India, Srilanka & participating hotels in Maldives with brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure ibis and ibis Styles. These offers are also valid at the newly launched Accor properties – Raffles Udaipur, Novotel Chandigarh Tribune Chowk and most recently launched ibis Mumbai Vikhroli. Special Welcome benefit vouchers for 6E Rewards members at Accor hotels in India & Srilanka hotels only: • Flat 30% discount on room nights when booked through Accor and IndiGo booking page • INR 1000 discount voucher for spends on Food & Beverages www.tourismindia.org

across Accor Hotels, Restaurants & Bar Through this partnership, Accor and 6E Rewards will be putting forward exclusive offers to members in addition to the other benefits across hotel stays, dining and events. 6E Rewards members can also earn additional Reward points on hotel stays and dining by signing up on to Accor’s ALL - Accor Live Limitless - loyal39 ty program. Jad Doumet, VP Partnerships, India, Middle East & Africa and Turkey adds, “We are thrilled to renew Accor’s partnership with IndiGo as it relays our intentions of providing the best hospitality service to guests across the nation. Accor operates an extensive portfolio of properties across the country- ranging from the economy to midscale, further to the premium & luxury segments,

thus quenching our grail to cater to, and extend our offers to a larger audience. With our recent additions to our loyalty program — Accor Live Limitless - we now provide a range of extended offers on social gatherings as well as business events. This partnership consequently aligns our collective vision to provide our guests a memorable experience.” William Boulter, Chief Commercial Office, IndiGo adds, “We believe in opening access to extraordinary experiences and benefits through our 6E Rewards program. Accor has been a valuable partner, as we share the commitment to providing a memorable and hassle-free experience to our customers. We are pleased to extend our partnership with Accor to offer enhanced benefits, as we strive to offer the best service to our customers every single day.” DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS /AIRLINES

EMIRATES INKS PACT WITH AIR BALTIC Emirates currently has codeshare agreements in place with 22 airline partners and two rail companies

o offer the customers enhanced connectivity to/from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Finland, Emirates has signed a codeshare agreement with AirBaltic The codeshare partnership will open new travel opportunities and offer Emirates’ customers convenient access to the Baltic Sea region. airBaltic customers’ will also benefit from seamless access to Emirates’ extensive network, via Dubai. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re very pleased to announce a new partnership with airBaltic, the leading airline in the Baltics, which enables us to offer Emirates customers even more travel choices and connectivity in the Baltic region. It will also open up Emirates’ exciting network of global destinations to more travellers from the Baltics. We look forward to the start of a successful partnership.” Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “Emirates is a truly global connectivity provider, and we are excited to start a new partnership alongside direct flights between Riga and Dubai which we commenced in September. The new partnership will enable our passengers to reach new exciting destinations in Asia, Australia and beyond.” The codeshare agreement will offer customers from key markets across the Middle East, West Asia, 40

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Far East and Australia, greater access and connectivity to the Baltic States. Emirates will place its “EK” marketed code on airBaltic flights operated between: Dubai - Riga (Latvia); Riga - Tallin (Estonia); Riga - Vilnius (Lithuania); and Riga - Helsinki (Finland). airBaltic will also place its “BT” marketed code on Emirates’ routes between: Dubai - Bangkok (Thailand); and Dubai - Jakarta (Indonesia). The partnership will also offer customers added travel benefits including seamless booking with a single-ticket, competitive fares and one baggage policy. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, online travel agencies and local travel

agents. Customers can book flights for travel starting 29 November 2021.* Emirates currently has codeshare agreements in place with 22 airline partners and two rail companies. The airline also has an interline agreement with over 115 airlines and rail companies. Emirates has resumed passenger services to more than 120 destinations via Dubai. The airline has led the industry with its innovative products and services, including a comprehensive set of health and safety measures at every step of the journey, contactless technology at Dubai Airport, generous and flexible booking policies, and an industry-first multi-risk insurance cover.

www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS /AIRLINES

QATAR AIRWAYS FLIGHTS TO TASHKENT FROM JAN 2022

Twice weekly flights to the capital of Uzbekistan start early next year

atar Airways will add Tashkent, the capital of Usbekistan to its global network with twice-weekly flights. The first flight from Doha to Tashkent will take off on 17 January 2022, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class. The new service will enable passengers flying to and from Tashkent to enjoy seamless connectivity to over 140 destinations, including

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, and the U.S., via Hamad International Airport in Doha. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We see tremendous growth potentials in Central Asia, and this new service to Tashkent will serve to boost trade opportunities and attract tourists wanting to discover this beautiful destination. Passengers from Tashkent will now have access to more than 140 des-

tinations when travelling with the World’s Best Airline via the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport.” Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan lying at the core of the ancient Silk Road, will become Qatar Airways’ newest destination in 2022 and the latest addition to its network in Asia. It is the largest city in Central Asia, offering visitors panoramic views, varied cuisine, and plenty of places to see and discover.

KATINA ATHANASIOU AS SR.VP-SALES OF SILVERSEA CRUISES

ilversea Cruises has appointed cruise industry veteran Katina Athanasiou as Senior Vice President of Sales, effective December 1, 2021, reinforcing the cruise line’s long-term commitment to growth. As SVP Sales, Athanasiou will drive Silversea’s sales strategy in the Americas across all channels, reporting to Mark Conroy, Silversea’s Managing Director, The Americas. With an illustrious career in the cruise industry that spans 21 years, Athanasiou is perfectly placed to apply her wealth of experience and expertise to the boutique approach of the leading ultra-luxury cruise line. The talented executive most recently served as Chief Sales Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, where she developed, implemented, and led profitable business development strategies while nurturing the long-term success of travel partners and leading high-achieving teams through her focus on performance and culture. “We are thrilled to welcome Katina Athanasiou to Silversea Cruises,” says Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises. “Athanasiou has a proven record of developing strong partnerships to www.tourismindia.org

deliver successful sales strategies, which will prove invaluable as we continue on our ambitious growth trajectory as part of the Royal Caribbean Group.” “I am delighted to join Silversea Cruises during this exciting period, as we optimize all channels towards the company’s long-term growth,” says Athanasiou. “With its aggres-

sive shipbuilding program and leadership position in luxury and expedition cruising, this is an incredible time for our guests and travel advisor partners. I am thrilled to return to the luxury cruise space and look forward to engaging with all internal and external stakeholders to deliver and unlock deep, meaningful experiences in luxury travel.”

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / CRUISELINES

SILVERSEA LAUNCHES NEW “WAVE SEASON” PROMOTIONS S

Silversea’s Refund and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19 applies to both rates and benefits new bookings made on sailings through April 30, 2022

ilversea Cruises is expanding its all-inclusive offerings in time for the upcoming Wave Season, providing guests

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

with increased flexibility, additional savings and a limited-time reduced deposit of just 15%. The new promotional “Port-to-Port”

fares provide travel advisors with additional options to tailor a more personalized program that is suited to the preferences of their

clients, particularly those who wish to have their own pre-and post-cruise travel arrangements curated by their travel advisor. Already among the most robust all-inclusive offerings available in cruising, Silversea’s popular Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares now feature a 15% refundable reduced deposit (normally 25%) on all worldwide voyages sailing through March 31, 2023, if booked between December 6, 2021 and February 28, 2022. Appealing to travelers who prefer to make their pre-and postcruise travel arrangements independently – including their air, hotel, and transfers – the new Port-to-Port All-Inclusive lower fares are now available on selected itineraries and departure dates and offer on average about 25% savings compared to Doorto-Door fares. These lower fares

offer a great value without sacrificing luxury as guests will enjoy included shore excursions* and all of Silversea’s renowned onboard amenities and services. The Portto-Port fares, which are subject to availability and offered for a limited number of Vista and Veranda suites on select voyages, will be revised from time-to-time starting on February 28, 2022. These fares require a non-refundable 15% deposit.. Those who wish to benefit from these fares are encouraged to book. “In anticipation of Wave Season, we have enhanced our all-inclusive offering with the addition of a reduced deposit and our new Portto-Port All-Inclusive promotion, designed specifically for those guests who may prefer to design their own pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements,” says Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial

Officer, Silversea Cruises. “This gives our travel advisor partners greater ability to create the perfect travel experience for their clients — whether those clients are seasoned luxury travelers or new to Silversea — and thus increase their sales during Wave Season.” Silversea’s Refund and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19 applies to both rates and benefits new bookings made on sailings through April 30, 2022. Under this policy, guests booked with either fare option may cancel their booking and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit or a 100% refund for the total cruise fare paid to Silversea if the guest is prohibited from traveling to the vessel due to a governmental travel restriction, or should the guest or a member of their travelling party test positive for COVID-19 within 30 days of embarkation.

www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / DESTINATIONS

BANGKOK RIVERSIDE FEST 2022 T

To Celebrate the Best of Thai Art, Music, Food and Fun

he Bangkok Riverside Fest returns in 2022 with the announcement of new dates from 25th – 27th February. The event promises unforgettable evenings of music, art, food and fun by the banks of the Chaopraya River next to Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. An extensive variety of family friendly, high quality entertainment is promised over the event.

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

Including live music concerts from Thailand’s top bands and DJ’s, fire work displays every night, kid’s arts and crafts and fun fair rides and a wide selection of pop ups from Thailand’s top restaurants. This year, browse an endless array of collections at our curated market from Instagram’s best designers selling one off fashion pieces and quirky items. Showcasing the best of Thai

culture, the 2022 Fest also features dragon boat races on the river. Eight teams will paddle uniquely Thai designed boats decorated with artistic elephant themed sculptures with tails inspired by traditional fish motifs. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to support the welfare of Thailand’s wild and captive Asian Elephants..

www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / HOSPITALITY

VAKKARU MALDIVES INTRODUCES ENHANCED EXPERIENCES FOR 2022 From a state-of-the-art padel court to a range of immersive dining experiences, the new offerings are designed to further enhance the guest journey on the private island sanctuary

ecently voted the Indian Ocean’s ‘Leading Resort’ in this year’s World Travel Awards, Vakkaru Maldives is excited to unveil a series of new experiences and upgraded facilities for 2022. From a state-of-the-art padel court to a range of immersive dining experiences, these new offerings are designed to further enhance the guest journey on the private island sanctuary, and will be rolled out in time for the upcoming festive season. To keep sports enthusiasts on their toes, Vakkaru will add a padel tennis court, which opens this December, to their extensive repertoire of sports and exercise facilities. This popular racket game is guaranteed to give a full48

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body workout and is perfect as a serious workout for two or as a family bonding exercise. Meanwhile, budding tennis champs can improve their serve and game on Vakkaru’s upgraded tennis court, recently resurfaced by the professional team responsible for the Australian Open tennis court. By mid-December, those seeking to balance their overall wellbeing can practice their downward dog and develop their breathwork at the brand-new, sunset-facing yoga pavilion on Vakku beach. Emerge from a relaxing yoga class feeling calm and refreshed, before heading over to the resort’s overwater Merana Spa for a pampering treatment. They say food is the ingredient

that binds us together, a belief which Vakkaru firmly stands by. This November, the resort’s popular Lagoon Bar will add some sizzle and flash to its menu with the addition of a new teppanyaki table that can seat up to 10 guests. The best sunset watching spot on the island and popular for sushi, sashimi, and signature cocktails, Lagoon Bar will have a chef slicing and searing right before your eyes, serving up steak, fresh-of-the boat seafood, and organic vegetables straight off the iron griddle. Another culinary adventure also awaits guests in the resort’s Organic Farm, which continues to evolve into a lush tropical island garden and a location of din-

ing events. Encircled by coconut trees, the farm produces some of the freshest fruits, herbs and vegetables for our restaurant and bar, from lemongrass, Maldivian chilli to water spinach. Here, a newly installed dining table seating up to 10 guests provides a tranquil space for a sociable back to-nature dining experience. Guests can come together for an authentic Farm-to-Table experience, where they are invited to pick their own herbs and vegetables for salads whilst the chef prepares freshly caught seafood from the Indian Ocean. Speaking of these new developments, Vakkaru’s General

Manager, Iain McCormack says, “At Vakkaru, we are committed to enhancing the guest experience by continually responding to ever-changing industry trends and consumer demands. We look forward to welcoming guests to our

paradise island to experience these exciting new initiatives which have been rolled out just as the Maldives prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee Year of Tourism in 2022.”

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DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / HOSPITALITY

SANTA SPOTTING AROUND THE WORLD WITH ANANTARA E

Santa spotting around the snow globe with Anantara Hotels which are eagerly anticipating the arrival of everyone’s favourite red suited man.

njoy a dose of festive cheer this Christmas, as Santa Claus gets creative with his arrivals at your favourite Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas around the globe. Having

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made his list and checked it twice, Santa has been sighted at Anantara in Mozambique, Oman, Thailand and the Maldives ready to make dreams come true on Christmas morning.

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort Dashing through the sand, surfing on a board, o’er the dunes he goes, laughing all the way! Santa visits families in Mozam-

bique in a totally unique way on the archipelago paradise of Bazaruto island, carving up the powdery white dunes at breakneck speed in a bucket list worthy dune board experience. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Forget shimmying down chimneys, Santa is swinging into the festive spirit by abseiling through the majestic natural wonder that is Oman’s Grand Canyon, stopping to soak up the incredible views in the spot where Princess Diana once stood. The Jabal Activity Wall is an unmissable experience and certainly one to add to the Wish List of every self-respecting adrenaline junkie. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Journeying through the mountains of Thailand, Santa can’t pass by without paying a visit to his other four-legged friends, the elephant residents of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation. Here guests will wake up to not only presents at the foot of their bed, but elephants grazing outside their window at the world-famous Jungle Bubbles. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort Father Christmas makes a pit stop in the tropical paradise of the Maldives, swapping his iconic sleigh for a jet ski to zip through the turquoise lagoon at Anantara Dhigu Maldives. You better not pout we’re telling you why, his sack full of presents will certainly be waterproof! Niyama Private Islands Maldives Before setting off to deliver presents in the rest of the world, Santa Claus takes a well-deserved break to sample a taste of the high life at sister hotel, Niyama Private Islands. With twin islands for Chill and Play, Niyama is a tropical winter wonderland in the heart of the Indian Ocean. www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / PRODUCT LAUNCH

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT UNVEILS HIGHLIFE AUTOMATIC SKELETON Frederique Constant is Swiss watchmaking manufacture located in Geneva, Switzerland

ot quite everything is on the show… but almost. It became a standard of Frederique Constant in a few short months and now the Highlife collection is showing itself in a new light. The focus of its unique interplay between light and dark? A globe. Finely crafted in the centre of the dial, it is one of the aesthetic hallmarks of the collection. The Highlife Automatic Skeleton lets you journey to the centre of the Earth. Laid bare through skilful skeleton work, strong lines reveal the inner workings of the Swiss Made FC-310 movement inside. A twofold challenge This skeleton work presents a technical and aesthetic challenge. Technical, as the calibre is updated through tiny openings as numerous as they are delicate and created without the use of any sharp angles, in keeping with the curvature and harmony of the Earth. 52

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

Aesthetic, as skeleton work is a rare watchmaking practice that does not traditionally focus on the dial alone and the centre even less so. It is a daring style that Frederique Constant has mastered perfectly, and thanks to this very principle of aesthetic ingenuity that the Manufacture brought the iconic Heart Beat collection to life over 25 years ago. What Frederique Constant has created here is a daring and unique new interpretation that should stand it in good stead for the next quarter of a century. Mechanical ballet The new Highlife Automatic Skeleton is in the same vein. The highly original cut-out of the Earth at its centre reveals the beating heart of the movement: at 12 o’clock, the balance wheel; between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock, the barrel, wound by the wind-

ing stem found at 3 o’clock. The openwork Earth allows you to see something, but not everything. In a complex play of light and shadow, between the hidden and the exposed, the Highlife Automatic Skeleton brings to life a modern vision of skeleton work and mechanical watchmaking. Those who are especially curious will appreciate the open case back, which showcases the mechanical workings of the piece and the finishes prized by the Geneva-based manufacturer. Two very limited series These new Highlife Automatic Skeleton watches are not part of the collection but will be available as two series of 888 pieces each. The first incorporates the Highlife collection’s much-loved colour combination: steel case and strap with blue dial. The piece comes with a second interchangeable

strap in navy blue rubber, accentuating its sporty look. The second variation is a first; a steel version with anthracite grey titanium PVD coating – again supplied with a strap in the same material, as well as another in the rubber of the same shade. In the 41mm case containing an automatic movement with a power reserve of 38 hours, the Highlife Automatic Skeleton exhibits a beautifully crafted, mysterious and modern look, on which it is already building for the future. Frederique Constant is Swiss watchmaking manufacture located in Geneva, Switzerland. creates, develops, assembles and controls a wide variety of mechanical, quartz and connected timepieces at the same time within its 6,200 m2 Manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates (GE).

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DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / PRODUCTS

JET TOWELS GAINING MOMENTUM IN INDIA L

Since technology has advanced with time, consumers have witnessed a number of significant innovations that make everyday life easier. For Instance, Jet towels have innovated the way we dry our hands. They are efficient, smart, and ease the process of hand drying.

eading electrical and electronics manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric provides various solutions to consumers in different segments. Amidst COVID-19, many Mitsubishi Electric products gained popularity. Especially, Jet Towels saw considerable usage in commercial spaces such as shopping malls, restaurants, airports, and corporate set-ups. In 1993, the very first high-speed hand dryer in the world was introduced by Mitsubishi Electric and since then the company has a keen focus on coming up with innovative technological advancements in Jet towel – hand dryers to provide convenience and hygiene to its users. Jet Towel, as the name suggests is a hand dryer that uses jet blasts of air on a person’s hand to dry them off. Before the arrival of this product, wiping the hands meant using a towel or a tissue, or a traditional hand dryer. But with the advent of Jet Towels, the 54

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way we dry our hands after using the restroom has changed for good. The smart and efficient range of Jet Towels Mitsubishi Electric offer adds a luxurious touch to the public restrooms due to its key features like quiet operation, lesser hand drying time, and sleek design. Since the range of Jet Towels Mitsubishi Electric offers is certified by National Sanitation Foundation, they have become available in the public washrooms of almost every commercial space. However, few people have been hesitant to use Jet Towels as they believe single-use paper towels are more effective and a better hygienic alternative to dry the hands-off after washing. But many people are opting for Jet Towels due to the various benefits they provide to the environment. Unlike paper towels, Jet Towels combat mess and are claimed to

be a renewable source that promotes sustainability. Listed below are the key advantages of Jet Towels over paper towels:

Eco-Friendly

We all know the fact that paper is produced from trees and using paper towels constantly burdens

the environment even more. Adding to this, the paper towels that produce waste needs to be recycled or harm the environment when burnt; they produce a lot of greenhouse gases. On the other hand, Jet Towels are a much better choice as they are quite environmentally friendly. There’s no waste generated from daily operation. So, keeping the environmental aspect in mind, using a Jet Towel is a better option.

Cost Effective

From a long-term perspective, Jet Towels could become more cost-effective as the only running cost one has to pay is for electricity consumption. Mitsubishi Electric offers an exquisite range of Jet Towels that are energy-efficient and save power bills which directly reduces the running cost. Additionally, the high-speed Jet Towels have a faster drying speed and are more efficient in terms of power consumption. With all these advantages, Jet Towels prove to be the more viable option when compared to traditional Paper Towels.

Wet skin possesses a much larger possibility of bacteria transmission as compared to dry skin and therefore, it is extensively important to dry our hands properly for better health and hygiene. The introduction of Jet Towels has uplifted the standards of the healthcare industry to a significant level.

56g of gas emissions whereas their counterparts are way better with emissions between 9g and 40g.

Washroom management

Jet Towel is a smart choice that provides ease and comfort by eliminating the requirement of paper dispensers and reordering or storing towels. It also wipes away the worry about overflowing water receptacles, replacement of tissues, and emptying of dustbins over time. To sum it up, despite the traditional believes of some, Jet Towels are rapidly gaining momentum in India. If we talk about the restroom amenities, high technology innovation is yet to arrive in the coming years to escalate time of disposal. According to the user experiences and the instatistics, paper towels, on av- vention of Jet Towels is a good erage, are responsible for about step towards it.

Hygienic in nature

Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to protect people from various bacteria & viruses, especially in the COVID-19 outbreak. Using those traditional paper towels from the same roll in toilets and urinals, the risk of cross-contamination increases manifolds. However, Jet Towel helps to maintain hygiene by offering a completely touch-free operation which reduces this risk. So, one can consider Jet Towel as the best option, keeping hygiene in mind especially in public places.

No Carbon Footprint

Paper towels tend to increase carbon footprint because they require recurring logistics cost while re-stocking. Furthermore, they also pose a problem at the www.tourismindia.org

DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA

NEWS / OBITUARY

TEARFUL FAREWELL TO T DAMU The face of Taj Group of Hotels & Resorts in Kerala, Author, Management, Hospitality and Public Relations expert

r. T. Damu (78), the face of Tata Group in Kerala, author, and Journalist passed away in Trivandrum on December 02, 2021.

TOURISM INDIA DECEMBER 2021 Tourism India

T. Damu hailing from Thalassey in North Kerala has had more than five decades of experience in varied fields such as administration, advertising, journalism, and

public relations. He was served as the Vice- President (Corporate Affairs) of Tata Tea Limited. He was also the Vice-President (Corporate Affairs-South), Taj Group of Hotels, and continues to be associated with Tata Tea as Special Advisor after his retirement. Mr. T. Damu was a doyen in the Public Relations domain in India and the founder President of the Public Relations Society of India. He was very close to the Tatas and their Top brass throughout his carrier. His initial ‘T’ was synonyms with Tea and Tourism. He started his career as a Journalist and later handled the Public Relations Department of Keltron when Mr. K. P. P. Nambiar mooted the idea to create a worldclass modern electronic manufacturing unit in Kerala. He was instrumental in branding Keltron TV and Traffic signals as the best products in the country in their respective category during the early 1970s and 1980s. His close proximity to Mr. Krishnakumar of Tata Group brought him to Tata Fold in 1988 and joined Kannan Devan Tea in Munnar as Public Relations Manager. He played a pivotal role in launching Taj Hotels

in Kerala in the 1980s with the support of Mr. Krishnakumar. He was also instrumental in forming the PPP between Taj Group of hotels and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd under the Government of Kerala. He has authored four books in Malayalam and two in English including the “The Tale of Tea” and “Munnar Rekhakal”, which depicts the History of Kannan Devan Hills in Munnar. He has received several awards for his outstanding contributions in various fields such as media, management, and public relations. Travel Agents Association of India has bestowed him with the Best Travel Writer Award in September 2002. He has also written a couple of literary books like ‘Lanka Parvam’ under the pen name, T. D. Vadakkumbat. His famous book, “Munnar Rekhakal” was an insider’s account of times past and present

in Munnar. The book cover with the hero or anti-hero of 2009, the JCB, is a telltale one, and it is an attempt to put down on paper the history of the beautiful hills and how tea plantations came to stay there. The social and political history is intertwined with the efforts of the Tata group and the tribals from the place to keep the environmental balance in place. With the support of documents that were dug out from among the records kept in the Tata offices, right from the early days, along with newspaper cuttings, Damu presents a portion of recent history too, when Munnar was lately in the news. “When I joined the group in 1988, in the regional office, all land matters came under me. Since I was passionately interested in history, I took a keen interest in the early land records that were in the possession of the company, so I knew a lot about

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the hills,” said Damu, while interacting with media persons during the launch of the book. He was a founding member of the Kerala Travel Mart Society also. Mr. Jose Dominic of CGH Earth Hotels and Founder President of KTM Society, recalls how Mr. Damu, contributed to the initial formation of the KTM society in many ways and how he was the face of the Taj Group in Kerala for a long period. “I had so many interactions with Mr. Damu and he played a key role to create world-class tourism infrastructure in Kerala – God’s Own Country in its budding stage.” Mr. T. Damu has a good and cordial relationship with the Tourism India group. His monthly column in Tourism India since our launch issue in May 1998 on various facets of the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality industry in India, especially in the Southern region got wide acclaim. Team Tourism India pays our humble tribute and homage to the Departed Soul. DECEMBER 2021 TOURISM INDIA 57 DECEMBER2021 Tourism India

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