TOURISM INDIA JANUARY 2020

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January 2020, Vol 22, No. 09

JW MARRIOT BENGALURU HYATT REGENCY FIJI ISLANDS INDIGO AIRLINES

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January 2020 Tourism India

Editor’s Note

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Customer trends matters to shape Travel & Tourism Industry

s world become more sophisticated, new ideas and beliefs to live a more connected life have emerged as a part of Online and offline experience and integration.

The world transforms rapidly and powerful global demographic, political, economic and technological forces are impacting the travel and tourism landscape, producing different expectations among consumers, obligations for businesses and policymakers, and opportunities to succeed.

Leaders should need to manage companies that are able to satisfy new customer demands and expectations and to cope up with the next revolution in data capabilities, and heightened business risks.

Increase in Consumers who have a trend to move beyond experiences as social currency to seek shared experiences to deliver meaning, self-improvement and stronger connections.

Millennia’s and Generation Z are little relay on experts and more likely to rely on personal networks. Even these Consumers value technology but they are uncomfortable with over-automation and they are in need to be treated as individuals by companies they can trust in privacy while share their values and provide the authenticity.

The urgent need of travel and tourism industry is to make investments to take advantage of the new realities through enhance their understanding of customers -- present and future -- and ensure to maintain a competitive edge by establish a voice in the arena of global conversation With experiences at the core of the tourism sector has the big potential to design unique meaningful frictionless and unplugged journeys that directly respond to these

changing values. The “gig economy” and “sharing economy” continues the growth of tech-powered economies such as to create new expectations for work, life and culture.

The independent workforce is rapidly going to rise and the structure of people’s lives become more fluid and self-directed, today travel will become more of a lifestyle, mobility will in and service-based, and businesses will need to rethink their workforce.

The power of data will drive a new frontier of innovation and deliver unprecedented ability to better understand and predict outcomes. While over 180 ZB of data is expected to be generated by 2025, consumers remain uneasy when it comes to their security and privacy. These technologies offer tremendous opportunities for the travel and tourism sector, including leveraging data to build a fluid, cohesive travel experience, implementing largescale Internet of Things, facial recognition and use of voice assistants to streamline travel. Businesses will need to lean into brand values to guide their innovation and prioritize transparency with their consumers.

Sustainable business practices and aligning brand stories to sustainable solutions can become the core of a robust growth strategy for the travel and tourism sector.

Safeguarding destinations, environmental leadership and community health will therefore be integral to the customer experience.

Hope the dawn of this new decade will make our world better to love sustainably and peacefully. Dear readers, Have a great 2020.

Rajani A Editor January 2020 Tourism India

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Contents January 2020

VOL 22 NO 09 MANAGING EDITOR Ravisankar K V EDITOR Rajani A CONSULTING EDITOR Bimal Shivaji EXECUTIVE EDITOR Raadia Mukadam RESIDENT EDITOR- NEW DELHI Anil D Menon ASSOCIATE EDITOR G. Ajithkumar ART EDITOR N Bhattathiri LAYOUT DESIGNER Vijayagopalan ONLINE EXECUTIVE Arshad Sulaiman PHOTOGRAPHERS Vivek R. Nair, Murukesh Iyer

BUSINESS & EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES

USA Anand Sankar A +15083743215

UK T Haridas, London +44 7775833754

GERMANY Thomas Kunnenkeril, Berlin +4915124367982

NEW DELHI D Anilkumar +91 9868123311

MUMBAI K V Satyanath +91 9745598126

KOLKATA Jayasree Singh +91 943306033

BANGALURU Damodaran K Nair +91 8310955261

COIMBATORE Biju Thomas +91 9944562027

PONDICHERY Ramasubramanian +91 9894977161 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: 9947160531 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 9947160531 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 @2019 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 Orange Offset Printers Pvt. Ltd. Gandhari Ammankovil Road, Statue, Trivandrum- 695001 for Aarsha Offset Graphix, Mettukkada, Thycaud.P.O., Trivandrum- 695014 Editor: Rajani A

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January 2020 Tourism India

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World Tourism Forum Lucerne showcases Indian innovation in TTL

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Sarovar Hotels in expansion mode

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PATA Travel Mart 2020 @ Leshan

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GVK lounge by TFS as World’s Best Lounge at the WT Awards 2019

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Increase in outbound trips from Germany

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SOTC Travel honoured at 2019 French Ambassador’s Travel Awards

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SOTC Travel Unveils Its New Outlet in Mumbai

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PATA welcomes Azerbaijan as its newest government member

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Bangalore hits the jackpot with Conrad Bengaluru

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First Hyatt Hotel Opens in Himachal Pradesh

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Hyatt Plans to Expand Global Luxury Portfolio

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Urban Oasis Merak Lounge of JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

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IIT Popar installed stone Oasis

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IndiGo enhances connectivity in Uttar Pradesh

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IndiGo strengthens presence in the North-East

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Airports Authority of India (AAI) Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Airport Kitchen in Chennai

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Steps to improve your mental wellness in 2020

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Emirates celebrates Veganuary by its January menus

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Israel Tourism roadshows in Chennai and Bangalore

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Serendipity Arts Festival to foster Art

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Where to Go in 2020: Best Places to Travel in the U.S.

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India-Thailand Networking Seminar Ends on High Note

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Fiji – An Ideal Luxury Destination January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / STARTUPS

By Anand Parthasarathy

WORLD TOURISM

FORUM LUCERNE SHOWCASES INDIAN INNOVATION IN TTL NotOnMap and MeTripping are the two other winners

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Prof. Martin Barth, President & CEO of World Tourism Forum Lucerne with India Startup innovation award winners

he World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL), a global platform for tourism, travel and hospitality, announced its presence in India in December 2019, with a well-attended innovation camp for startups focusing on four Cs: culture, community, conservation and commerce. Entrants were challenged to come up with solutions in 10

January 2020 Tourism India

the four areas that would benefit the tourism and hospitality ecosystem. Over 200 fledgling Indian businesses responded.

Sixteen finalists were invited to a 2-day camp in Bangalore, where they were mentored to fine-tune their pitches before four eventual winners were selected, each reaching a US$ 10,000 prize.

This was the first such startup camp that WTFL held outside its Swiss headquarters and CEO Prof Martin Barth explained why: “India has all the ingredients for success in this arena: a Brand India with 5 Ts: Tradition, Talent, Tourism, Trade and Technology. A niche product portfolio in travel, tourism and hospitality sector in India is expected to

Community: F5 Escapes (www.f5escapes.com): Co-founded by Akanksha Bumb & Malini Gowrishankar, Bangalore-based F5 Escapes is a 6 year old experiential travel company, concentrated on serving women travelers. Their aim: to put India on the global travel map as a preferred destination for women from across the globe. The company offers fixed departure all-women group tours, customized itineraries for families, groups and solo travelers. They also do in-city engagements which include #JustGo travel meetups, workshops to educate women on travel safety, motor biking etc. The company has booked over 230 tours and touched 6000 lives.

Conservation: Quick Ride(https://quickride.in/): Co-founded by KNM Rao, Shobhana Sreeram, Naveen Mamgain and Vishal Lavti, Quick Ride is another Bangalore company whose flagship product is a real-time ride sharing for cars and bikes. It helps to connect daily commuters at one common platform and operates in 9 cities: Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Pune, Kochi, Trivandrum and Kolkata. Since 2015, some 3 million users have shared over 30 million car pools. Corporate clients include TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant and IBM.

Culture: NotOnMap(https://www.notonmap.com/): Based in Chimanoo, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, this is a platform that connects travelers to culturally rich remote villages where it is also restoring houses and training, community members thereby to create an alternative livelihood for villagers Their motto: “We touch lives untouched my technology”.

Students and researchers are encouraged to go on a cultural exploration in rural India and “Live Life As Lived By Locals”. 80% of the revenue goes towards the development of the local people and development of the village.

Commerce: Me Tripping (www.metripping.com)): Founded by Varun Gupta, this is an Intelligent Travel Search platform that helps in making the best travel decisions. It claims to solve this problem by launching a travel search engine that can help users go “from desire to decision” in minutes. Users can figure out everything -- destination, flight, hotel, and activities -- within budget and on their travel dates.

(Anand Parthasarathy is the Bangalore-based editor of IndiaTechOnline) January 2020 Tourism India

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Prof. Martin Barth, President & CEO of World Tourism Forum Lucerne

grow at a rate of 100% by 2028. We believe, organizing the event in India this year gave us an opportunity to come across some very interesting ideas.”

The competition was conducted In collaboration with Tata Trusts, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, Swissnex India and the Global Himalayan Expedition.

For the India contest, WTFL chose 4 areas that would resonate with Indian developers while creating a positive social impact of travel, tourism and hospitality across the globe: Conservation (Of nature and natural resources and assets including green infrastructure, water management, recycling, up cycling) Community (Rural, eco, ethnic and authentic tourism experiences in remote locations that lead to positive economic, environmental and social impact) Culture (Collaborative and inclu12

January 2020 Tourism India

WTFL’s first start-up innovation camp held in India, attracts 200 applicants. Final four take home $ 10,000 each in prize money sive preservation of tradition, local culture and skills including food, and culinary co-hosting and revival) Commerce (An open category for all tech enabled, disruptive, innovative, change making, groundbreaking ideas in the sector) After a round of 16 presentations, 4 winners were announced. The top startups in Community, Conservation, Culture and Commerce were F5 Escapes, Quick Ride, NotOnMap and MeTripping, respectively.

Prof. Barth committed to the startup event returning to India

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, The Indian Hotels Company

next year to unearth more Indian innovation. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) said, “Tourism has been one of the growing economic sectors across the world. IHCL is proud to support WTFL in this great initiative to recognize innovation in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector, which is one of the biggest job creators globally.”

Prabhat Pani, Senior Advisor Partnerships, Tata Trusts, added: “The Travel, Tourism and Hospitality sector has the opportunity to bring about irreversible change in the remotest parts of India, through collective efforts of several institutions and influencers in the society. Tata Trusts believes that wider impact can be achieved through the creation of a collaborative ecosystem that fosters innovation, inclusion, sustainability and entrepreneurship.”

NEWS / HOSPITALITY

SAROVAR

HOTELS IN EXPANSION MODE New openings in Ahmedabad and Dehradun.

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ocated in one of the most iconic trading hubs of the city, Kapasia Bazaar and gives easy access to the commercial and industrial hub Sarovar Portico, Kalupur-Ahmedabad has aesthetically designed deluxe rooms which enhance guest experience. With its gorgeous interiors, Chancellor Court offers the ideal venue spread in 800 sq. ft. for events, conference, social gathering and wedding. Ideal for celebrations restaurant- offers pure vegetarian delicious to the guests and also feature 24-hours room service, valet laundry, conference hall and travel desk.

Sarovar Portico, Kalupur-Ahmedabad will be Sarovar’s sixth hotel in Gujarat and conveniently located minutes away from the Ahmedabad railway terminus and 9km from the Airport. This is Sarovar’s second hotel after Rivera Sarovar Portico in Ahmedabad. The brand has hotels

in Bhavnagar, Gandhidham, Rajkot and Junagadh.

Nestled on the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, Dehradun exudes a sense of serenity and tranquil across mist-clad mountains and greenery. Located on Rajpur Road, Classic Sarovar Portico, Dehradun offering unparalleled experience to its travellers. The hotel has contemporary and classy hotel rooms in Dehradun — each defined by a blend of aesthetic and contemporary designs, and decked out with modern-day amenities and furnishings. These rooms are thoroughly equipped with soundproof windowpanes to keep you at comfort and peace.

Relish lip-smacking delicacies at Lazeezmulti-cuisine restaurant that offers a host of Indian, Chinese and continental. For events and meeting, it offers, Summit Hall, well equipped fitness center, complementary

Wi-Fi, travel desk.This is second hotel in Dehradun after Seyfert Sarovar Premiere.

Commenting on the development, Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, said “We are delighted to further expand our presence in northern and western India.

Opening of these two properties boost the company’s strategic efforts to expand our brands even further across the region. With business as well as leisure travel continuing to rise in this region, we aim to grow our presence to meet the demand over the coming years in different markets. Through our distinctively recognized brands, we aim to offer value for money accommodation and superior hospitality to today’s travellers.”

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / TRAVEL EVENTS

PATA TRAVEL MART 2020 @ LESHAN

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The event will be held from September 3-6 in Sichuan Province of the People Republic of China

he Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise PATA Travel Mart 2020 in Leshan, Sichuan, China from September 3-6. The event will be hosted by the Leshan Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau.

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“We are delighted to be returning to Leshan, Sichuan, China for PATA Travel Mart 2020, having previously worked closely with our various partners to organise the PATA Annual Summit 2015, as well as the annual Emei Global Summit,” said

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “With its rich culture and beautiful natural landscapes, tt is the perfect setting for people to access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate

Leshan is a prefecture-level city located at the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers in the Sichuan Province of China. existing business partnerships, and I would like to welcome members and non-members to join us at this very special destination.”

Leshan is a prefecture-level city located at the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers in the Sichuan Province of China The city is located on the south-western fringe of the Red Basin in southern Sichuan, about 120 km (75 miles) from Chengdu.

Leshan is one of the most mature tourist destinations in Sichuan and even China. It annually receives over 25 million visitors. The Leshan Giant Buddha of Mount Emei, a Cultural, Heritage and National 5A tourist attraction, draws worldwide attention due to its profound influence on Buddhist culture and is surrounded by a unique natural landscape. Leshan City is a paradise for leisure and holiday. Other leisure activities in the area include hot springs, skiing and rural tourism.

Travellers can connect to Leshan via Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, then land transfer by car, bus or by speed train from the airport to Leshan city. It takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes by car or bus, and forty minutes by speed train.

KERALA BEST PERFORMING STATE IN TOURISM: ‘STATE OF THE STATES’ STUDY

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espite consecutive floods in the past two years and the Nipah outbreak that adversely impacted Kerala’s tourism, the state netted revenues of Rs 36,528 crore from the tourism sector in 2018-19, registering an increase of Rs 2,874 crore from 2017-18.

In a huge affirmation of its credentials to attract both foreign and domestic tourists, Kerala has emerged the ‘Best Performing State’ in India in the category of tourism, according to the 2019 ‘State of the States’ (SOS) study by India Today Magazine.

Kerala has also bagged top honours in the categories of ‘Environment’ and ‘Cleanliness’, outperforming 28 states that featured in the survey conducted on 12 key development parameters.

The parameters for determining the best state in tourism category included number of domestic and foreign tourists; funds spent on tourism promotion to tourist population; airports and railway stations per 100,000 people; registered hotels and five-star hotels per 100,000 tourists; and crimes against tourists per 100,000 tourists.

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / AWARDS

GVK LOUNGE BY TFS AS WORLD’S BEST LOUNGE AT THE

WT AWARDS 2019

The World Travel Awards was held at the Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman

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he GVK Lounge at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA),

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operated by Travel Food Services (TFS) has been awarded the World’s Best First Class Lounge,

at the Annual World Travel Awards 2019. The World Travel Awards are considered one of the most presti-

ITB INDIA

gious and prominent awards in the industry. The grand finale ceremony for the 26th edition of the World Travel Awards was held at the Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman and witnessed some of the most well-known brands from the sector being recognized and awarded for exemplary service. This gala event was attended by the sector’s key decision makers, figure heads and trade and consumer media.

Gaurav Dewan, COO & Business Head, Travel Food Services said, “It brings great joy and honor to all of us at Travel Food Services to have once again successfully represented the Indian travel sector at a distinguished global platform like the esteemed World Travel Awards 2019. Such accolades continue to motivate us to strive further to create enriched and unique travel experiences for travelers. The GVK Lounge is a prime example of our constant drive in bringing innovative concepts within the market parameters and we cherish such recognition at an International stage”.

Travel Food Services (TFS), India’s leading Travel F&B and Retail Company, manages and operates the GVK Lounge at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSMIA).

The GVK Lounge by TFS Performa offers exclusive state-of-the-art amenities, such as superlative services, and a variety of inter-continental cuisines among other facilities. The GVK Lounge strives to create a luxurious yet hospitable ambience for passengers, ensuring that their experience leaves them with a lingering sense of comfort and contentment.

ALL SET TO DEBUT IN A GRAND STYLE ITB India in Mumbai from 15 - 17 April 202

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he inaugural ITB India is on track to take place in Mumbai from 15 - 17 April 2020 with big support from the industry. ITB India will complete the trio of ITB Berlin, ITB Asia and ITB China, making it a quartet and strengthening the global ITB brand. Messe Berlin and all ITB shows, as well as the tourism industry from around the world are supporting the new ITB India.

Leading minds will take the stage at the ITB India Conference, set to take place parallel to the trade show. During the three-day event, visitors will have the opportunity to be inspired by leaders in the tourism industry and learn from their expe-

riences. Committed top speakers from local and international brands are: Deep Kalra (Chairman & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip), Angel Llull Mancas (Vice President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Booking.com), Prakash Sangam (CEO, redBus), Siew Kum Hong (Regional Director for APAC, Airbnb) and Bhanu Chopra (Founder & CEO, RateGain). Visitors will have the chance to learn from top brands and thought The organizers of ITB India are convinced that India’s outbound market will continue to grow and that ITB India will establish itself as the leading travel trade event for the Indian market.

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / TRAVEL TRANDS

INCREASE IN OUTBOUND TRIPS FROM

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Above-average growth in city breaks – Increase in rail as well as air travel.

espite Germany’s already high volume in outbound trips, the figures have grown by a further two per cent. Following

a slump in recent years, trips from Germany to Turkey recorded double-digit growth. According to the latest findings of the World Travel

Monitor® by IPK International, at eight per cent city breaks were the growth driver in the holiday travel market. The World Travel Monitor®

Ms. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, at CITM 18

January 2020 Tourism India

is based on the results of representative interviews with more than 500,000 people in over 60 countries worldwide. It has been compiled for more than 20 years and is regarded as the most widescale continuous survey of global travel trends.

Growth in trips from Germany During the first eight months of 2019 outbound trips from Germany increased by two per cent, on a par with other western European source markets, but behind current growth rates in eastern Europe.

Outbound trips from Germany witnessed a renewed surge in city breaks, which at eight per cent recorded above-average growth during the first eight months of 2019.

Germany’s dominant position as a leading source market for outbound travel remains unchallenged. After the USA, it is the world’s second largest outbound travel market, and Europe’s largest by far.

Turkey popular again on the Germany market During the first eight months of 2019 the German market’s most in-demand destinations were once again in Europe. Following a downturn in recent years Turkey regained its popularity on the German market. Thus, during the first eight months of the year trips to Turkey reported an above-average rise of 14 per cent, while trips to Spain grew by only two per cent. In

contrast, visitor numbers from Germany to Greece and Croatia were in decline. At the same time, at five and four per cent respectively, trips from Germany to the Netherlands and Poland reflected a noticeable increase compared with last year.

City breaks are booming again As in other European countries, outbound trips from Germany witnessed a renewed surge in city breaks, which at eight per cent recorded above-average growth during the first eight months of 2019. At three per cent, the number of sun and beach holidays increased too. In contrast, at minus four cent round trips recorded a marked decline. Summer trips to the mountains and holidays in the country also attracted fewer outbound trips.

Increase in rail travel As regards transport choice more and more outbound trips from Germany were undertaken by rail, which grew by six per cent. At four per cent, the increase in outbound flights was not as great, although this figure rose too. The growth in rail and air travel came at the expense of car trips.

Positive outlook for 2020 IPK International forecasts outbound trips from Germany rising by two per cent in 2020, and thus a continuation of the market’s positive upward trend which is based on the findings of the World Travel Confidence Index of IPK International, as a part of World Travel Monitor® polls people’s travel intentions for the next 12 months.

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / AWARDS

SOTC TRAVEL HONOURED AT 2019 FRENCH

AMBASSADOR’S TRAVEL AWARDS For its endeavours in showcasing France as a premier tourism destination in the MICE segment.

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he French Ambassador’s Travel Awards was recently held at The Chambers, Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai. The Awards have been established to honour outstanding performers in the travel and tourism industry in India.

SOTC Travel was awarded for its endeavours in showcasing France as a premier tourism destination in the MICE segment. France is a very popular country for travellers, owing to the plethora of dazzling sights, gourmet meals, wine tourism and rich culture. The SOTC India Holiday Report 2019 revealed that Indian travellers are becoming bolder in their pursuits to explore the world, and are open to immersing themselves in the local culture to get the best experience. Today’s corporate traveller is eager to discover France’s multi-faceted destinations, influencing travel companies to incorporate exquisite MICE experiences.

MICE travel has emerged as a significant travel segment in India.

SOTC Travel has made it a priority to enhance every MICE experience for its travellers while diversifying the appeal of French destinations to the discerning Indian traveller.

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France is a very popular country for travellers, owing to the plethora of dazzling sights, gourmet meals, wine tourism and rich culture.

S.D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – B2B, SOTC Travel said, “This award recognition reinforces our efforts in positioning France as a preferred destination and our commitment to creating many more tailor-made travel experiences for our esteemed corporates. Our MICE Team has deliv-

ered world class experiences which makes us the most suitable partner for France”.

The jury consisted of his Excellency, Ambassador of France Emmanuel Lenain, Consul of France, Atout France, Leading hotel chains and was based on the number of passengers in 2019.

KAYAKING LEGEND, SANDY ROBSON VISITING KERALA TO ATTEND MUZIRIS PADDLE

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ellyfish Watersports, the organizers of Muziris Paddle 2020, the one of the major Kayaking event in the country has announced the confirmation of Ms. Sandy Robson’s participation in Muziris Paddle 2020, which is scheduled to start on 4th Jan from Kottapuram Jetty in Trichur and end at Bolgatty Island Kochi on 5th January 2020. The event is sponsored by Muziris Heritage Project as we are jointly promoting a new experience to visitors to the state through our waterways, visit heritage sites and be part of a social cause .

Sandy Robson is an Australian national. winner of adventure of the year in 2017 by Australian National Geographic’s for kayaking from Germany to Australia, she is the only

Australian born Sandy Robson is the winner of NatGeo Adventurer of the year. person who has paddled the entire coast of India and circumnavigated the island of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Kaushiq Kodithodika, founder, Jellyfish Watersports said that it will be great opportunity to Adventure Tourism in India, especially in Kerala in a big way to attract more tourists from Australia and other parts of world, those who love water sports.

According to Dr Venu V IAS, Principal Secretary to Government of Kerala and former secretary of kerala tourism, I think it is a great initiative, to bring a truly world renowned

adventurer to Kerala. I hope Kerala tourism will seize this opportunity, and receive her with honour. Her participation can be used by Kerala Tourism in our efforts to popularize the state as an adventure tourism destination.

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / TRAVEL

SOTC TRAVEL UNVEILS ITS NEW OUTLET IN MUMBAI Benefits the Tech Savy Customers

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OTC Travel recently announced the launch of a new outlet in Lower Parel, Mumbai. Located at Urmi Estate, it is centrally situated in one of the city’s reputed industrial belts.

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January 2020 Tourism India

As Indian travellers are increasingly opting for more holidays – both international and domestic, this new outlet benefits the tech-savvy customers by providing greater ease and accessibility for holi-

day decision-making. Through the services offered at the SOTC Outlet, customers can easily explore, plan and create their ideal travel experiences as per their requirements.

Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel, said, “Travel has become a greater priority for Indians today. The newage travellers prefer customised holidays and immerse themselves in local cultural experiences. They opt for short haul vacations, enjoy bespoke adventures and prefer solo tours. With the launch of our new outlet at Lower Parel we look forward to serve better the next generation of Indian travellers.”

German Naima Madlen Diesner (1:23:42.932) and Nepalese Laxmi Magar (1:37:37.490) emerged the topper and first runner-up,

MTB KERALA

WINNERS Canadian Cory Wallace and Iranian Farzad Khodayari rode to victory.

respectively, amid loud cheers from the crowd.

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dapting well to the tropical conditions that stand in high contrast to the winter chill in their countries, Canadian Cory Wallace and Iranian Farzad Khodayari rode to victory at the sixth edition of the Mountain Terrain Bike (MTB) race in Kerala by finishing first and second, respectively, in the men’s international category.The women’s segment of the biggest competitive cycling event of the country, too, wove a similar narrative when German Naima Madlen Diesner (1:23:42.932) and Nepalese Laxmi Magar (1:37:37.490) emerged the topper and first runner-up, respec-

tively, amid loud cheers from the crowd.

Indians Shiven and Kiran Kumar Raju finished third and fifth, respectively, in the men’s international category. Chandigarh-based Shiven (1:53:51.054) and Bangalorean Kiran (1:54:34.258) thus emerged the national champion and runner-up in the national segment. Devender Kumar of Uttarakhand was the second runner-up (national), while Buddhi Bahadur Tamang of Nepal (1:54:03.788) came fourth in the international section.

The MTB’s international and national races were held together, with both spanning the same distance: 38.4 km (eight laps of the 4.8-km track).

A total of 78 men in both the international (14 countries including India) and national segments covered the tough stretch of redearth roads with loose stones, pedalling along the 4.8-km lap eight times. It was five rounds for the 24 women. Among them, Poonam Rana (1:44:53.490) of Uttarakhand, Maharashtrian Priyanka Shivaji Karande (1:49:58.096) and Joysna (2:03:02.868) of Karnataka finished third and fourth, thus making them the topper and runner-up in the women’s national category of MTB 2019. The next four were all from Kerala: Ginimol Joseph Kerala (2:07:26.683), Saisree A P (2:08:58.116), Preethi B K (2:08:58.158) and Binila Mol Giby (2:12:37.902).

January 2020 Tourism India

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AIRLINE NEWS / ASSOCIATION NEWS

PATA WELCOMES AZERBAIJAN AS ITS NEWEST GOVERNMENT MEMBER Azerbaijan is situated at the eastern side of the Transcaucasia on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

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he Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) welcomes the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan as its newest government member. The agency is the executive authority carrying out and regulating the state policy in the field of tourism.

“The State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan understands the importance of the tremendous growth and influence of the Asia Pacific region and, through PATA’s various activities, they now enjoy

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access to our Association’s extensive network of members as well as in-depth research and insights to help them to develop tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Dr. Hardy. “In welcoming Azerbaijan to the PATA family, I encourage our members and industry friends to learn much more about this culturally rich and historic destination.”

Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, said, “It is a great honour to be part of such an

acclaimed global network as the Pacific Asia Travel Association. The Asia-Pacific region is one of the key markets for us as we are observing a significant increase in the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan from this region. Certainly, we are eager to support and contribute to this growth by co-operating with public and private entities in the region’s tourism sector, providing trainings for travel industry representatives and engaging in other capacity-building activities aimed

at strengthening ties in the sphere of tourism between Azerbaijan and the Asia-Pacific region.”

The agency’s mission is to demonstrate a strategy focused approach to create an environment fostering the development of tourism in Azerbaijan through holistic institutional framework supported by research, bringing together all involved stakeholders (strategic partnerships), innovation and unique tourism experiences. Its vision is to develop Azerbaijan as a world class tourist destination, converting it into the most attractive and successful tourism destination in the region.

Azerbaijan is situated at the eastern side of the Transcaucasia ( South Caucasus) on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Historically a part of the Great Silk Road and situated at the crossroads of the geopolitical, economic and cultural interests of many nations and civilizations, Azerbaijan has, since ancient times, aroused the interests of great minds, scientists, travellers and historians. Azerbaijan has an amazing historical and cultural heritage with more than 7500 natural, archaeological, architectural, and historical monuments. Cave drawings at Gobustan, Momine-Khatun and Garabaghlar mausoleums, the Palace of Sheki Khans, the Maiden Tower, the castles of Absheron, medieval manuscripts decorated with magnificent miniature paintings, antique rugs, and works of literature, arts and sculpture – all of this is just a small part of the coun-

try’s rich and priceless heritage.

As an emerging tourism destination Azerbaijan offers a variety of travel experiences and ever-improving standards of service. Given the growing tourist interest, the number of rooms in local and international hotel chains is constantly increasing, while travellers can also overnight in everything from medieval caravanserais to guesthouses and farmstays.

Besides the many cultural and natural attractions and experiences, new tourism products are being developed such as a wine route, including visits and tastings at wineries and vineyards throughout the country, as well as adventure activities, hiking and sports tourism.

Azerbaijan regularly hosts international multi-sport events, including the Azerbaijan Grand Prix which is held every year in Baku, the nation’s capital.

Azerbaijan’s fire worshipping heritage runs deep in the country’s ancient history but also reflects itself in its modern art, culture and even architecture. Dominating the skyline of Baku, the Flame Towers represent contemporary Azerbaijan – a new, ambitious country, developing and progressive, but still loyal to its roots and origins. Another modern architectural gem is the Heydar Aliyev Centre – a cultural hub where visitors can enjoy modern art, learn about Azerbaijani history and culture at permanent and temporary exhibitions and enjoy performances in the fabulous concert hall.

The country is easily accessible

The agency’s mission is to demonstrate a strategy focused approach to create an environment fostering the development of tourism in Azerbaijan through holistic institutional framework supported by research, bringing together strategic partnerships, innovation and unique tourism experiences. with over 40 direct flights across the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, and its new visa-on-arrival offering with a simplified new electronic visa procedure adds to the convenience of visiting. Visas can now be obtained within three days. Since the introduction of electronic visas, the number of tourists coming from European countries has also increased dramatically.

Azerbaijan has set its sights on doubling the number of people visiting the country by 2023. To accomplish this it launched the ‘Take Another Look’ campaign in 2018 which invites travellers to come and unravel the nation’s hidden stories and secrets.

January 2020 Tourism India

25

FEATURE / HOSPITALITY

Raadia Mukadam

BANGALORE

HITS THE JACKPOT WITH

CONRAD BENGALURU Offers Business, Leisure, Banquets, Culinary extravaganzas

C

onrad Bengaluru, opened doors in January, 2018, joining Conrad’s portfolio of 35 hotels across the globe and is the second Conrad hotel in India, the first being Conrad Pune which opened in 2016.

To be honest, in a time when 26

January 2020 Tourism India

the hospitality industry is going through a fair amount of challenges filling up their inventory, I kept hearing that Conrad Bengaluru was doing a full house. So I needed to experience it personally to get a peek into their success formula, and I am glad I did. As my stay pro-

gressed, each hour unfolded a new nook and a new experience the hotel had to offer.

The Hotel is a symphony of old world charm and new age architecture. Centrally located in Bangalore’s Commercial District, offering a panoramic view of the Ulsoor

Lake, stands the 24 storey Conrad Bengaluru. Being a front runner in one of India’s top luxury hotels, I expected a lobby that was grand and ornate, so I was surprised that it wasn’t. What hits you as you first as you enter the hotel, is young and vibrant staff with smiling faces who rush to welcome you with all warmth, like they’ve known you forever. I was escorted to my suite on the 21st floor where the check in formalities was completed. I was then given a tour of the suite and its spanking modern amenities which explains their ‘intuitive rooms and service’ The floor to ceiling glass windows of each of the 285 luxurious

guestrooms including 21 suites, offer a stunning and picturesque view of the Ulsoor Lake. I woke up the following morning to an amazing sunrise and a view to kill. The rooms also sport ‘intuitive motion sensing’ technology, where the curtains open automatically, the air-conditioning switches from energy-saving mode to cool, and the

lights turn on to match the time of the day. I particularly liked the vanity mirror in the bath, which had an in-built television, standing testimony to how the hotel pampers their patrons with unprecedented creature comforts. Smart technology and experience enhancement continues when you go their infinity pool which is temperature - controlled.

Centrally located in Bangalore’s Commercial District, offering a panoramic view of the Ulsoor Lake, stands the 24 storey Conrad Bengaluru: January 2020 Tourism India

27

This is particularly a much appreciated feature as it allows you to enjoy this spectacular pool despite Bangalore’s windy weather. A visit to the 24-hour fitness centre or swim in the temperature-controlled infinity pool followed by one of the signature therapies at the Conrad Spa will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.

Whilst on the subject of bespoke experiences, let me add that Conrad’s team of chefs headed by the very talented Praveen Shetty their executive chef, leaves no stone unturned to take you on a gastronomic journey to different parts of the country and the world at all of their five restaurants. You get to choose from five completely diverse dining options, making the hotel a culinary hotspot in Bangalore. The all-day restaurant Caraway Kitchen and The Lobby Brew are recommended for a high tea experience and at meal times the lobby is fragrant with aromas drifting in from the Caraway Kitchen, and the Indian Durbar which are both at the lobby level.

Caraway Kitchen that presents four open concept kitchens, spoils you for choices with their exhaustive 28

January 2020 Tourism India

buffet spread that try as you might, you cannot do justice to. The Sunday brunch presented by Caraway Kitchen is rumoured to be the longest brunch buffet in Bangalore. I had a special tasting menu which

featured cuisines from Indian to Italian, to Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Japanese and Thai, they have it all. You can indulge completely based on what your mood for the day is. I liked the fact that they had amazing Shawarmas too, which was a great hit with kids and adults alike. The Kiddies section had a plethora of toys and activities supervised by experienced staff. This saw the kids have a splendid time and parents have a relaxing afternoon without having to worry about the kids.

As you set out on your gourmet trail, reserve your table at Tiamo, the poolside-restaurant for the evening. The Mediterranean fare at Tiamo was delectable and the ambience cozy and romantic. Out of the many dishes I tasted, the Butternut squash bisque with textures of prawns and the Homemade

ricotta and spinach ravioli with Parmesan flakes, tomato basil emulsion, I remember had me salivating for more. The next day, I had lunch at Mikusu which is complete with a sushi bar, robatayaki grill and the wok & roll, where I had the pleasure of treating my taste buds to the finest in Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Chef Tenzin Namkha served us with the most crunchy and highly addictive Shrimp Tempura Rolls.

Some absolutely must-try dishes here include the Barbeque chicken dim sum, grilled chicken and leek skewers Yakitori, the Mikusu experience platter with sushi and sashimi featuring fish which I was informed was sourced from tsukiji market in Japan.

But like they say, save the best for the last, and that is exactly what I did. My last night at Conrad Bengaluru, I dined at the Indian Durbar and was made to feel like royalty to the hilt. The restaurant is spacious, yet designed to allow guests privacy. This is probably the most sought after for its time-honoured dishes from 28 Indian states. The taste of the sublime spices of the Dahi Ke kebabs and melt in the mouth Galauti Kebabs served on ulte tawa ka paratha leave you craving for more.

This was followed by the robust

taste of the Mutton Paaya and the Mughlai murgh biriyani prepared by Chef Amrick Singh take you back in time wandering the streets of Lucknow, savouring royal delicacies.

Interestingly, live desserts which were Classic Indian sweets with a modern were prepared on the table.

Gastronomic extravaganzas are not the only reason people are rushing to Conrad Bengaluru, the

hotel boasts of one of the largest meeting and convention spaces in the city. Since Bengaluru is a preferred MICE destination, the hotel is perfectly equipped to host large numbers for conventions, conferences, meetings, social events, and weddings. The monstrous 17,000 square-feet space is fitted with state-of-the-art technology and is divided into a 7,600 square-feet Grand Ballroom, a junior ballroom, six meeting rooms and a boardroom. Each of the dedicated banquet porches allows for customised touches and the Grand Ballroom makes for an elegant space to make your dream event a reality.

To be honest, Conrad Bengaluru which boasts the largest ball room in Central Business District, is so much more than a luxurious stay and warm hospitality, it is truly an experience. As I bid adieu to the staff which had by then become friends, I knew one thing for sure, that I was definitely going to be back sometime soon.

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / HOSPITALITY

HYATT HOTEL OPENS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

FIRST

The opening marks the 12th Hyatt Regency branded hotel in India

H

yatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of its first mountain resort property in India, Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort, in the scenic Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by mountains and lush forests, the resort’s signature Hyatt Regency offerings and insightful service will now be available to travellers visiting the region. The hotel’s opening marks an important step for the growth of the Hy-

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att Regency brand in India, joining 11 other Hyatt Regency properties in country. Hyatt Regency hotels aim to provide a stress-free travel experience for guests by providing seamless access to everything guests need under one roof.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first Hyatt Regency branded hotel in the majestic state of Himachal Pradesh,” said Sunjae Sharma, vice president - India operations, Hyatt. “The resort is in-

spired by the hill station’s unique heritage and culture, and designed to offer a comprehensive range of premium experiences while ensuring guests feel connected to nature. With the popular tourist destination of Dharamshala attracting an increasing number of domestic and international travelers, we are confident the Hyatt Regency brand is the perfect fit to cater to them, providing personalized care and hospitality.”

Spanning over 2,000 square feet of elegant event space, Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort has separate spaces for conferences, weddings, intimate dinners and gatherings.

Spread across 6.5 acres, Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort is situated near the scenic Dhauladhar mountain range. Built to celebrate its natural environment, the resort is ideal for families, individuals and romantic getaways. The resort offers a wide array of experiences for guests, hinged on local arts, craftsmanship and nature. Surrounded by snow peaks and lush green forests, the property is an ode to the mountain state’s spiritual charm and bountiful natural serenity.

Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort has 80 contemporary guestrooms, including ten Regency Club guestrooms and three suites. The resort also features four deluxe villas, ranging from one to five bedroom properties. Each guestroom is well-equipped with modern amenities and provides views of the gardens, cedar wood trees or the snowcapped Dhauladar range of the Himalayas.

Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort offers an elevated drinking and dining experience at its thought-

fully designed bar and restaurant, Thym. The restaurant is open 24-hours and features a delightful spread of wholesome dishes, prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from the hotel’s herb garden.

In the evenings, guests can head to 2082, a modern, cozy bar with a fireplace and library with mountain views. Serving the finest alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, light snacks and afternoon tea, the bar gets its name from its location which is 2,082 meters above sea level. Located at the lobby level, Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort’s signature bakery McLeod & Co. offers sweet and savory delights along with select retail essentials and regional souvenirs.

Spanning over 2,000 square feet of elegant event space, Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort has separate spaces for conferences, weddings, intimate dinners and gatherings. The ballroom features an exquisite, glass-enclosed, treefilled outdoor lawn, along with an attached, open-air terrace, allowing for guests to breathe in pure mountain air and magnificent mountain views. Each of the property’s venues are supported by a team of expert and intuitive planners to curate a memorable event experience.

For guests seeking rest and recreation, Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort offers a host of rejuvenating experiences, including yoga sessions conducted by expert instructors and monks, meditation in a Buddhist temple, guided photography walks and tours to local attractions, and a sunset high tea at Tea Gardens or Sunset Point. To

unwind after a long day of touring the city, guests can head to the Shanti Spa for relaxing massage therapy.

For families traveling with kids, the resort offers Camp Hyatt, a spaced designed for children to enjoy games and fun activities

NEW COUNTRY MANAGER (INDIA) OF TOURISM FIJI

M

r Sunil Menon is appointment as the new Country Manager for India of Tourism Fiji.

In his previous role, Mr Menon championed strategic planning, sales, marketing and enhancements across Tourism Boards, DMC’s in Greece, Jordan, Vietnam, Kenya, Australia and New Zealand, Hotel chains like Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts – Sri Lanka and Maldives and Jumeirah Group of Hotels.

January 2020 Tourism India

31

NEWS / HOSPITALITY

HYATT

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020, with five Park Hyatt hotels is expected to

PLANS TO EXPAND GLOBAL LUXURY PORTFOLIO

open by 2020 in Doha,

With More Than 20 New Hotels and Resorts by the End of 2020

pan; Suzhou,

A

s a part of boosting Hyatt’s luxury portfolio, more than 20 new luxury hotels and resorts are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2020 which includes under the Park Hyatt, An-

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daz, Alila, Grand Hyatt, Miraval and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brands.

The brand is known for an exceptional portfolio of true historic gems as well as contemporary properties

Qatar; Jakarta, Indonesia; Niseko JaChina; and Auckland, New Zealand. with a fascinating past. Each hotel within the collection provides oneof-a-kind experiences attracting independently minded travelers

looking for the extraordinary. Upcoming hotels include distinctive properties like Great Scotland Yard, the location of London’s former metropolitan police headquarters, expected to open December 9; and the majestic Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, the former imperial residence of Napoleon III, which is due to reopen in June 2020 after an extensive renovation.

“With our growth acceleration in the luxury segment, we will have the opportunity to care for more travelers around the globe through a range of differentiated high-end experiences,” said Mark Vondrasek, chief commercial officer, Hyatt.

“We’re excited to expand into new markets and enhance the global footprint of our brands, giving our guests and members additional ways to connect with our luxury offerings in places where they want to be.”

With its world-renowned artwork, sophisticated design, and sought-after dining experiences – with several Michelin-starred restaurants, now totaling three in Europe – the brand caters to discerning travelers who appreciate understated luxury and an intimate, residential stay. Throughout the decades, Park Hyatt hotels have delivered immersive experiences, creating a refined home away from home for guests.

“Across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, as well as Southwest Asia, luxury properties account for over a third (35 percent) of our portfolio,” said Peter Fulton, group president – EAME SWA, Hyatt. “Europe in particular, with its unique and historic architecture, represents

a natural home for The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, and as we expand with our lifestyle and independent brands, we are confident our new offerings will cater to high-end travelers who are seeking an unprecedented stay.”

Expansion of the Alila brand, which delivers world-class service and crafts rare and intimate experiences for its guests, with three luxury resorts is expected to open in Switzerland, Malaysia and Oman. In addition, six Andaz branded luxury lifestyle properties are due to open in Dubai, UAE; Prague, Czech Republic; Bali, Indonesia; Shenzhen and Xiamen in China, and Palm Springs, California, offering distinctively local experiences and creative design

within open, barrier-free spaces.

The Grand Hyatt brand is also set to continue to steadily grow with new openings in Hefei and the Shenzhou Peninsula in China, Kuwait, Gurgaon in India, Jeju in South Korea, and Nashville, Tennessee, along with the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

Known for its bold and vibrant architecture and welcoming service, Hyatt’s largest luxury brand, Grand Hyatt, celebrates the iconic in small details and magnificent moments.

January 2020 Tourism India

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REVIEW / HOSPITALITY

Raadia Mukadam

Urban Oasis Merak Lounge of

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

C

The state of the art Lounge recreates the garden city indoor to help Bangloreans unwind

orona, from the world’s leading brewer Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev), in association with JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru recently unveiled a truly unique urban oasis ‘Merak’, which embodies the brand’s belief that outdoors is where the best version of ourselves shine through. Introduced in India for the first time, Merak

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by Corona encourages its patrons to disconnect from their everyday routine and reconnect with nature.

To this effect, Corona has very creatively redesigned a section of the hotel to mirror the soul of the garden city, with greenery all around including the ceiling. This lounge allows Bangaloreans to kick back and rejuvenate themselves over

bespoke cocktails, a custom-made menu and a distinct tropical atmosphere.

This sensorial experience created has been created by two like-minded partners – Natura and WeCreate and the interiors are inspired by picturesque landscapes with design elements crafted from 100% authentic material. The open

bar setup is surrounded by greenery that helps reinforce the tropical ambiance. A generous mix of old and new furniture from swings to wood blocks, all carved out of natural materials, adds nature in good measure to the ambience and gives it a rustic look and feel.

Commenting on the grand launch, Udit Mediratta, Director Global Brands – South Asia, AB InBev, said, “We are delighted to partner with JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru to offer our consumers a perfect urban escape in the heart of the city where they can embrace the outdoors. Corona personifies outdoor living through all its efforts which inspired us to bring this urban oasis to India for the very first time. We aim to deliver a unique experience to our consumers who wish to take a break from their routine and reenergize in the midst of nature resonating with the brand’s outdoor narrative. While we have launched the first urban oasis in Bangalore, we are constantly looking at ways to replicate this paradise destination and expand our efforts in other key cities in the following year.”

This partnership represents the pioneering spirit of the two brands and their combined synergies will offer an unmatched experience to a wide range of consumers. Speaking about this venture, Reuben Kataria, General Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru said “JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru is known for its superlative F&B offerings and customised guest experiences. With ‘Merak at Spice Terrace’, our latest offering in association with Corona, we are taking a step closer in creating a space that promotes and

encourages people to experience the outdoors in an urban setup. We are very excited to be the first hotel in the country to have a one of a kind restaurant and are confident that Merak will set new industry standards in hospitality and guest experience.”

Being a lounge, the ambience is casual without being ordinary, and the food is curated to suit a lounge theme. You may miss the whole fine dining menu, but bite sized delicacies that are literally a work of art are in abundance to keep you surprised and salivating for more. Each dish I tasted was from a traditional origin, but came with

a modern twist and artistic plating.

The dishes that I had the privilege of tasting were the Cantonese style lobster, Naga chilly mushrooms (which was not very spicy, if you are careful not to put the chiilies into your mouth), Keema aur bun Maska (with a swanky twist), Duck spring rolls, Cajun beef pepper fry and the Asparagus, chestnuts and broccoli.

I washed this feast down with the Southern twist; one of their special mocktails which is an absolute must try.

Next time you are visiting Bengaluru for work or pleasure, put this on your to do list, it is something you will thank us later for.

January 2020 Tourism India

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AIRLINE NEWS APPOIMENTS

RAVI DHANKAR APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF PRIDE HOTEL CHENNAI

P

ride Group of Hotels has appointed Mr. Ravi Dhankar as General Manager for Pride Hotel Chennai.

Mr. Dhankar is a Hotel Management Graduate with over 14 years of hands-on experience in Hotel Operations, Client Relationship Man-

agement, Industry Engagement and Corporate Liaisoning with a blend of Sales and Marketing.

Prior to Pride Hotels, he had also served with the brands like Leela Palace, Taj, Lemon Tree and Sarovar Group of Hotels

Dr. KUSHAL BACHANI AS THE SPA MANAGER SHERATON GRAND CHENNAI RESORT & SPA

S

heraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa appoints Dr. Kushal Bachani as the Spa Manager for Shine Spa for Sheraton. He comes with over 14 years of experience and brings with him diverse expertise in wellness retreats and medi-spas.

In his new role, Dr. Kushal will be

responsible for managing overall spa operations, training spa therapists, ideating and executing new therapies that will cater to the evolving needs of the guests. His appointment will strengthen resort’s existing offerings and enhance overall guest experience in spa, health & wellness.

Mr. YASIN SHAIKH

PRACHI CHATURVEDI

AS REGIONAL MANAGER REVENUE & DISTRIBUTION, ABSOLUTE HOTEL SERVICES INDIA

AS CORPORATE MARKETING HEAD OF PRIDE GROUP

M

M

r. Yasin Shaikh is appointed as Regional Manager - Revenue & Distribution Mr. Yasin has over a decade of intense exposure in hotel operations, entry point being Front Office, subsequently moving to Reservations and further on to Revenue and Distribution.

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January 2020 Tourism India

s. Prachi Chaturvedi has joined as Corporate Marketing Head of Pride Group of Hotels. As Corporate Marketing Manager, she will be responsible for Marketing Communications & Brand functions for all Pride hotels and Resorts in India.

January 2020 Tourism India

37

NEWS / DESTINATION

IIT POPAR INSTALLED STONE OASIS Tallest stone-carved panel in India

S

tone Oasis has designed and installed four 12m (41ft) high monumental pillars for a project commissioned by IIT Ropar.

The project, supported by the Archeological Survey of India, serves as homage to the intellectual progress and excellence achieved in the land of Rupnagar, which houses the new IIT campus and stands over the roots of the great Indus Valley

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Civilization. The pillars, which took over a year to complete, mark a list of firsts that includes being the tallest stone-carved panel in India, and one of the largest works employing bas relief carving outside the sphere of temple carvings. The visually commanding installation spreads over 1,600​m​2 of area and consists of four 12m (41 ft) high pillars with 16 facades in total.

The installation was supported by efforts from the Archeological Survey of India, Director of IIT Ropar Professor S.K Das and the CPWD team.

Each facade carries bas relief carvings depicting a unique story built around central figures unearthed from the ancient Indus civilisation; such as the iconic​Dancing Girl (pictured left in The National Museum, New Delhi and above right on the pillar) or the figure often referred to as P ​ ashupati, likely the earliest depiction of Hindu god Shiva. The labour-intensive carving on the pil-

lars is inspired by the narratives and techniques used by this ancient civilisation. These seemingly ancient pillars, however, fashion a metallic molecular structure on top of each of them, highlighting the fusion of contemporary knowledge with the ancient site.

The installation was supported by efforts from the Archeological Survey of India, Director of IIT Ropar Professor S.K Das and the CPWD team. It was executed completely in-house by the Stone Oasis team (pictured below) with the assistance of several Jaipur-based master craftsmen and artisans as well as architects and art historians.

“Our initial plan for the pillars was mosaic work with motifs from the Indus Valley Civilisation. However, there was a proposal to also explore

the alternative of stone. We looked at the option suggested by Amit Sharma from Stone Oasis, we decided that stone carving was more apt for the location as it reflected the timelessness of the wisdom of the land that it sits in and also the craft performed by the people of the earliest civilisation known to man. Amit and his team did a very thorough job in their research and execution of the project. I think that the juxtaposition of the carved pillar with the molecular forms on top gives an impression that ‘On the base of a great civilisation we’re building modern science’ which is a unique statement for an IIT. This could possibly be the largest work of art undertaken in a university campus!” Professor S.K Das, Director of IIT Ropar.

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / AVIATION

INDIGO ENHANCES CONNECTIVITY IN

UTTAR PRADESH

N

IndiGo to operate between Gorakhpur and Prayagraj exclusively under RCS

ew flights are designed to cater to business and leisure travellers who are constantly travelling between Gorakhpur and Prayagraj in UP. IndiGo already operates daily direct flights connecting Gorakhpur with Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

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January 2020 Tourism India

in-line with its vision of increasing point-to-point connectivity across Tier II and III cities. Theairline will be exclusively operating these flights under the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) on its ATR fleet. IndiGo currently operates daily non-stop flights connecting

These flights will enhance point-topoint connectivity between the two cities, increasing mobility and accessibility within the state Gorakhpur with Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

The inaugural ceremony at Gorakhpur was graced by Honourable MLA Shri Radha Mohan Das Aggarwal, Gorakhpur District Magistrate Mr. K. Vijan Pandiyan, City Magistrate Mr. R. K. Srivastav, Mayor

Mr. Sitaram Jaiswal and SSP Dr. Sunil Gupta, along with other AAI officials. The maiden flight to Prayagraj departed at 11:40 am on January 10, 2020.

Mr. William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “We are delighted to inaugurate flights between Gorakhpur and Prayagraj in line with the government’s RCS scheme. We are confident that these flights will enhance pointto-point connectivity between the two cities, increasing mobility and accessibility within the state. It is our constant endeavour to provide flexibility of choice to our customers while offering on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free flying experience always”

INDIGO

STRENGTHENS INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIVITY FROM

EAST INDIA

Direct flights connecting Kolkata with Doha and Dubai.

D

aily direct flights connect- traffic from India on 6E network in ing Kolkata with Dubai and 2019, and these new connections Doha, effective February 16 will help us cater to and stimuand March 01, 2020 respective- late demand for outbound travel ly has been announced by Indigo . to and from Kolkata. Over the last Kolkata also known as the ‘City of few years, Kolkata has emerged Joy’, witnessed the highest growth as awell-known tourist destinaof 13.3% in foreign tourist arriv- tion, witnessing domestic as well als (FTA) between April-December as international tourist growth.

2019, among all These flights will Effective from the metro cities not only promote in the country. economic growth February 16, 2020, These flights will and social cohe6E to connect Kolkata further strengthsion but are also en connectivity with Dubai and from a step towards from the city to creating corriMarch 01, 2020, 6E the Middle-East dors of connecand cater to the tivity from the to connect Kolkata growing internaMiddle-East to with Doha tional traffic to South-East Asia, and from Kolkata. with Kolkata as Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Exec- the gateway”. utive Officer, IndiGo said, “We are Mr. Dutta further added, “We will pleased to announce new non-stop continue to rapidly expand our netflights connecting Kolkata with work as per the sectoral demand, Dubai and Doha to strengthen our while offering an affordable, onconnectivity between Middle-East time, courteous and hassle-free and Asia. Dubai as a destination, flying experience to all our customwitnessed the highest outbound ers”.

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / AVIATION

INDIGO STRENGTHENS PRESENCE IN THE NORTH-EAST Announces Aizawl as its 62nd domestic destination.

I

n a bid to strengthen connectivity within North-East India, IndiGo, India’s leading airline, announced Aizawl as its 62 nd domestic and 85th overall destination. Mizoram will be the sixth amongst the eight north-eastern sister states to be connected by IndiGo to it large domestic and international network.

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The airline already operates flights to and from five North-Eastern states including – Assam (Guwahati), Nagaland (Dimapur), Manipur (Imphal), Tripura (Agartala), Meghalaya (Shillong).

The airline has launched 15 new flights including operations on 6 new RCS routes with 4 of them ex-

clusive to IndiGo. The routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme include Gorakhpur-Prayagraj (exclusive), Prayagraj-Gorakhpur (excl usive), Aizawl-Agartala (exclusive), Agartala-Aizawl (exclusive), Varanasi-Bhubaneshwar and Bhubaneshwar-Varanasi. The new routes will be serviced by ATR aircraft.

CONTRASTING TRAVEL TRENDS ON THE AMERICAN CONTINENT Effective February 29, 2020, 6E to connect Aizawl with Guwahati and Agartala; Aizawl-Agartala will be exclusively operated and between Gorakhpur-Prayagraj (exclusive to IndiGo) and Varanasi-Bhubaneshwar respectively will be effectivefrom January 10, 2020 and February 29, 2020 Mr. William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “In our mission to promote trade and tourism through increased mobility, we are delighted to add Aizawl as the 62 nd domestic destination in our network. These flights reflect our relentless commitment to further strengthening the network within the north-eastern corridors of India, while enabling the Government’s “Act East” vision. These flights are a step towards strengthening pointto-point connectivity from various states in the north-east, increasing mobility and accessibility in the region. We will continue to expand as per the sectoral demand, while offering an affordable, on-time, courteous and hassle-free flying experience across our unparalleled network”.

T

Positive outlook for 2020

wo divergent travel trends marked the American continent. In the first eight months of 2019 outbound travel from North America grew with 4.5% higher than the global average, while at minus three per cent outbound trips from Latin America witnessed a relatively strong decline. Overall yearon-year figures reveal a 3.5% increase in outbound travel from the Americas as a whole. Destinations in Europe were clearly more in demand than trips to Asia. City breaks are still displaying above-average growth. For 2020 the World Travel Monitor® forecasts a continuous growth, at 3%. The World Travel Monitor® is based on the results of representative interviews with more than 500,000 people in over 60 countries worldwide.

In the past the American continent benefited from Latin America’s outbound travel boom. Initial results for 2019, however, display a completely different trend. While the North Americans’ outbound trips increased at an above-average rate of 4.5%, the Latin Americans’ outbound trips virtually collapsed with minus 3%.

At 7%, travel to Europe is showing strongly above-average growth overall. Europe not only achieved the highest growth rate among North Americans, but was also up among Latin Americans. Trips to Spain and Italy were particularly in demand. These countries registered strong growth in visitor numbers, at 11&10% respectively.

Even the UK, which recently suffered a drop in visitors, was able to attract more visitors from America.

Compared to trips to Europe, outbound trips within the American continent, however, increased at a much lower rate of 3% . Trips to Asia also only achieved 3% growth.

As regards reasons for travelling abroad, holiday trips are becoming more popular on the American continent. Compared to the previous year period the holiday segment grew by 5% and now occupies just over 60% of the market. In contrast business trips fell by 1%.

A look at the various holiday types shows different trends. At 10%, city breaks once again reported aboveaverage growth. Holidays in the country also recorded a strong growth, at 9%. At 6%, the cruise market likewise witnessed a very positive development, followed by round trips, which increased by 5%.

In contrast, sun & beach holidays suffered a decline in popularity among Americans, falling by 1% compared to the previous year period.

IPK International expects outbound trips from North America to grow by 3% in 2020, slightly less than in 2019. As far as outbound trips from Latin America, the market is expected to recover in 2020 by reaching 1% growth.

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NEWS / AVIATION

AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA (AAI)

LAUNCHES AIRPORT KITCHEN IN CHENNAI The kitchen brings international standards to India.

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irports Authority of India (AAI) has recently launched a first of its kind Airport Kitchen equipped with state-of-theart-facilities at the Chennai International Airport. This unique and mammoth kitchen is fully equipped with the latest applications, high-

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end equipment, and cutting-edge technology. Spread across approximately 15000 sq. ft., it will be operated and managed by Travel Food Services (TFS).

The kitchen brings international standards to India, whilst completely adhering to FSSAI norms.

It also boasts of VRV for air-conditioning, hydro pneumatic systems for domestic water supply, and fire suppression systems. The modern and expansive kitchen houses thirteen cold storage facilities, with the total capacity of over 20,000 liters, food automation machines

Spread across approximately 15000 sq. ft., it will be operated and managed

by Travel Food Services (TFS).

for frying, grilling, roasting and so on; high capacity ventilation equipment, and elevators to name a few.

Furthermore, it is equipped with appliances that include — cooking centers to conduct various cooking jobs such as stewing, braising, deep-frying and boiling, along with blast-chillers to get the temperature of hot food from over 75 degrees to below 5 degrees (danger zone) within 2 hours. In order to significantly improve the efficiency and output, it also has automated LPG-operated cook-woks with a capacity of 80kgs, vegetable cutters, rice washers, coconut scrappers, high-pressure jet washers, and refrigerated vehicles for dispatch.

AAI and TFS are extremely particular about consistently maintaining high quality and hygiene standards, thus, the kitchen also includes key

processes like — segregation of dairy, fruits and vegetables, and butchery post receiving them, vegetable washing and sanitisation of fruits and vegetables (especially perishable ones), and all quality checks, stringently conducted by various departments at various stages of food production.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Arvind Singh, IAS, Chairman, Airports Authority of India said, “We are extremely delighted to launch one of the India’s largest first-of its-kind airport kitchens at the Chennai international airport. AAI is committed to bring the World Class technology and innovation. The kitchen is testimony of this advancement. With the latest equipment, automation technology and processes in place, we are looking at serving an ever-increasing customer base with better ser-

vice, skills, speed and the highest quality standards. We are delighted that our human touch on ground has also seen growth with Speech and Hearing Impaired (SHI) community’s service at our Coffee Box outlets.”

With all of this and more, the kitchen not only ensures good practices and consistent hygiene, but also increases efficiency in terms of time taken to prepare a meal.

Travel Food Services (TFS) is India’s leading travel F&B and Retail Company, with over 300 outlets and 19 lounges across travel-hubs including Airports, Railway Stations and Highways spread across 18 cities. Founded by one of India’s leading hospitality giants, K Hospitality Corp in 2009, TFS is backed

by K Hospitality Corp’s 47-year-old expertise across the F&B industry.

With major concessions across key airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, TFS is transforming the travel experience for over 90 million travelers through a variety of cuisines across its diverse formats of restaurants, cafes, bars, food courts, and lounges.

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FEATURE / WELLNESS

STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL WELLNESS IN 2020 Make your travel experience exceptional and unforgettable

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f you’re going to make a resolution for the new year, it may as well be about improving your mental health.

Feeling anxious and overwhelmed is not surprising in the 21st century. The year 2020 started under the cynical shadow of political unrest, international security threats, a run of hate crimes and whatnot. Not to forget about the vile expectations you allow ourselves to go through on an everyday basis: become richer, lose weight, be a better person, think positively and more - the urge to meet such expectations, obligations, and duties are so high that you often end up crumbling under them.

As Dr Ramon Llamba, PhD in Quantum Physics and the founder of Golden Age Transformation puts it, “The greatest barriers to living a better life are your self-created, overgrown expectations.”

She pens down some strategic steps that you should take for a more mentally-healthy new year.

Give yourself Priority Self-care is the new empowerment. While we grapple with the growing mental health crisis, it is high time that we prioritize self46

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love and self-compassion. As most of the psychology studies attest self-love along with compassion is the key to strong mental health.

Practicing self-love is not about being self-absorbed or being narcissistic, it is like following a subtle way to get in touch with your inner self, your happiness, and your well-being. It is basically the act of looking after yourself, both physically and mentally, so you are able to push through your limiting beliefs and live a life that truly shines.

So, do yourself a favor, just take a deep breath, give yourself a little hug and start practicing the art of self-love.

Take a break (Vacation) No matter how many lists you make or goals you set, things are still going to get stressful and busy.

It is scientifically proven that hitting the pause button in your life has some incredible health benefits that far outweigh anything you think you might miss out on.

Trust us, you’ll feel refreshed which will ultimately double your productivity. That said, if you still can’t take time out to fly on a vacation, there are things you can do even in the most jam-packed days, like incorporating mindfulness. Try to absorb the idea of being in the present by taking a break from all the distractions with a kind heart and an open mind. You can incorporate mindfulness in your daily activities by bringing a wave of awareness and compassion to the things that you are already occupied with, such as during your commute or gym-time or even while eating a meal. Devoting a few moments to fully focus on a task at hand (mind you, you have to put all other thoughts away) can work wonders for your mental health.

You can try beginning each day with a five-minute mindfulness

meditation session. If you find it helpful and want to go further then you can choose to opt for therapy to unravel a lifelong pattern, hire a personal trainer, or make time for reading.

Exercise Exercising may be the last thing you want to do when you’re on your downer or feeling overly stressed, but experts agree that exercising is one of the finest yet most powerful ways to boost your mental health.

It is imperative to exercise for 15 to 30 minutes, three days a week in order to manage stress and anxiety.

Sure, working out can be timeconsuming, but your chosen form of exercise doesn’t necessarily have to be physical, it can be an emotional and spiritual one too. When people think of exercise, they only consider going to the gym or doing some in-house cardio. Be that as it may, the way to mental wellness is to establish a mind-body connection: be sure to pay attention to your spiritual, mental, and emotional counterparts, too.

Your mental health is dependent on all these four counterparts, together. Try to understand this in the form of trickle-down effect: The physical body is often affected by the sudden play of emotions, our thoughts are directly proportionate to how we feel, and it is our energy level which sways our mind and ultimately our thoughts.

You can fully access the spiritual aspect of your being by maintaining a daily connection with your soul and religion.

Tell yourself something Positive An adjustment to your everyday

vocabulary, both in your thoughts and out loud can very well improve your mental health. It may sound trite to you but looking on the bright side of everything really does matter. Instead of always focusing on the negative side, flip your dialogue towards positive outcomes. In addition to keeping up with positive mental health, it will also keep you motivated. For example, rather than saying, ‘If I bag that job’, switch to, ‘When I bag that job.’ These small changes in your language will do the deal for you and change your mindset to a glass half full instead of glass half empty. Understand this as a fact that when you perceive yourself and your life negatively, you end up viewing experiences particularly in a way that confirms the very same notion. When you start using positive words instead, you are more likely to promote feelings of selfworth and personal power.

Prioritize Mental Well Being So, yes. Mental health awareness is good. It’s important to be aware of something that affects nearly a quarter of the population of this world. Basically, someone experiencing a mental health problem or going through a mental crisis may not even realise this and may need help and assistance to even accept they have an issue that requires dealing with. There is no shame in seeking professional help in times of need. You can find yourself a therapist who is variably proactive to patiently listen and give you tools that will help.

It is time that you be accountable for prioritizing your mental well-being.

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NEWS / AVIATION

EMIRATES CELEBRATES VEGANUARY BY ITS

JANUARY MENUS

First time Emirates include a readily available vegan option on its menus.

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ith the rising popularity of vegan meals amongst its customers, Emirates is celebrating Veganuary on board by including an additional plant-based option on its menus for the month of January.

While vegan meals can be prebooked on all flights and classes, this is the first time Emirates is in-

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cluding a readily available vegan option on its menus. The plant-based meal is available as a fourth main course option in First and Business Class menus on flights from Dubai to USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Addis Ababa.

Due to popular demand, Emirates is also offering a vegan option in Economy on flights to Addis Ababa this

month. Veganuary is a worldwide movement, to encourage veganism especially in January.

Last year, Emirates served 345,000 special plant-based meals to customers on board. The airline has over 170 vegan recipes in its kitchen and for January will be serving some new dishes such as: Tofu Jalfrezi – a spiced tofu and

A special vegan cheese was also introduced in Economy Class and the airline has a vegan option as part of its gourmet chocolate programme in premium classes. vegetable stir fry served with steamed wild rice and tandoori broccolini; Shitake Ravioli served with coriander pesto and edamame Ancho three bean chilli – a spiced vegan stew of peppers and beans served with corn cakes, chimichurri and tofu aioli.

Shitake fried rice served with sautéed asparagus and oyster mushrooms and Marmite sauce. Misir Wat – an Ethiopian style spicy red lentil stew, served with sauteed spinach and spiced potatoes and carrots

On all other routes and across all classes, customers can continue to request vegan meals, along with other special meals, 24 hours before departure.

Emirates’ vegan meals are created by its team of chefs and nutritionists and come complete with vegan desserts. A special vegan cheese was also introduced in Economy Class and the airline has a vegan option as part of its gourmet chocolate programme in premium classes.

For customers who are less inclined towards a plant-based diet,

Emirates’ regular menus are also whipped up by award-winning chefs. The airline serves over 110 million meals on board each year, with the same attention to detail given to creating delightful dishes in Economy, Business or First Class. Catering for more than 55 million dine-in guests a year travelling to and from over 140 cities across 6 continents, no one understands global culinary trends better than Emirates as it serves destination-inspired cuisine on board the world’s largest flying restaurant.

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OUTBOND DESTINATIONS

ISRAEL TOURISM ROADSHOWS

IN CHENNAI AND BANGALORE Mr. Sammy Yahia led the Israeli delegation

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srael Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) has conducted a roadshows in Chennai and another in Bangalore to enhance commercial ties with the Indian travel trade fraternity in South India. In an effort to encourage growth momentum of Indian

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arrivals to Israel, the team interacted with over 300 key travel and tour operators, MICE providers and up-market leisure operators in both cities. The events commenced with a presentation leading to an interactive session with the IMOT team.

The roadshows included an interactive workshop to aid trade members in planning itineraries and responding to customer queries. Mr. Sammy Yahia,the newly appointed Director of Tourism for India & Philippines markets,led the Israeli delegation.

Ms. Dana Kursh, Consul General of Israel to South India and Dr. Shai Moses, Consul for Trade & Economic Affairs were also addressed the gathering in Bangalore.

Sammy is responsible to lead the tourism board’s initiatives in India while overseeing the development of policies and strategies to strengthen Israel’s reputation as a world-class tourism and travel destination. He brings great expertise and know-how to the role with extensive and holistic experience in tourism marketing, strategic government relations and investment facilitation.

Commenting on the roadshow, Mr. Sammy Yahia said, “The arrivals from India have exceeded expectations in the last few years and we have seen the same trend in 2019.

India currently stands third in Asia among the top source markets for Israel. While keeping the current momentum going, the idea is to aggressively work towards increasing connectivity between India & Israel

The roadshows included an interactive workshop to aid trade members in planning itineraries and responding to customer queries. by introducing new airlines to service the route. I am thrilled with this new position and foresee ample opportunities for us to push boundaries to attract the dynamic Indian traveller”.

Israel Ministry of Tourism participated in various trade fairs and exhibitions this year including APEX, MILT, EXITO and SATTE to showcase the dynamic offerings of

the destination to the travel trade community thereby luring travellers to consider Israel for a leisure holiday. Alongside, Israel has also quickly become Middle-East’s newest business tourism destination, gaining popularity with the Indian corporate and MICE segment. MICE travel to the country is booming at a steady pace as a YPO delegation travelled in September this year while a 25-person delegation from Aries Agro Limited also visited Israel in September. A massive MICE movement was the CREDAI 19th NATCON 2019 hosted by CREDAI Telangana & CREDAI Andhra Pradesh in August that witnessed over 850 attendees.

Israel offers a plethora of things to do and see to cater to the discerning traveller. From the historical city of Jerusalem to the beach city of Tel Aviv; from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, to the marvellous underwater marine life of Red Sea in Eilat, Israel is truly a dynamic destination.

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AIRLINE ART CULTURE NEWS

SERENDIPITY

ARTS FESTIVAL TO FOSTER ART Across 1 ​ 2 iconic venues ​in Panaji.

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ollowing a huge turnout of lakhs of people a ​ cross venues during the festival the 2019 edition of Serendipity Arts Festival ends with a big note. ​Over 100 dynamic projects showcasing the visual, performing and culinary arts,​ across ​12 iconic venues i​n Panaji, Co-Presented by Havells and Powered by HDFC ERGO & GMR, the festival has transformed the city into a

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vibrant cultural space with multiple exhibitions, performances and immersive art experiences involving over 1500 regional and international artists. One of the key objectives of this year’s Serendipity Arts Festival was to continue being a catalyst for cross-cultural exchange, fostering a sense of unity across disciplines and artforms whilst also erasing regional divi-

sions in the country. Offering equal opportunities to artists, artisans, indigenous and folk art forms, performers and other creative practitioners from all over India, the event aims to foster the development of thriving artistic communities across India by making the arts inclusive, educational and accessible. The Goan public and culture enthusiasts visiting the city from

programmes include visual arts exhibitions, large-scale photography and craft installations, music performances, panel discussions, film screenings, culinary workshops and theatre performances across venues. across the world were treated to an impressive array of programming including visual arts exhibitions, large-scale photography and craft installations, music per-

formances, panel discussions, film screenings, culinary workshops and theatre performances across venues including the ​Adil Shah Palace, Old GIM, Old GMC, Old PWD

Complex, Children’s (Art) Park and the Institute of Menezes Braganza hall ​as well as dance and music performances in the evening in S ​ AG Ground and DB Football Ground.

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OUTBOND DESTINATIONS

WHERE TO GO IN 2020: BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN THE U.S. Make your travel experience exceptional and unforgettable

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f to see the world is your resolve for the new year, then make sure to begin with the United States of America! Why, you ask? America is a place of splendid beauty and extraordinary diversity that will make your travel experience exceptional and unforgettable!Here’s a list of destinations that will enchant, inspire and delight you!

Santa Fe, New Mexico As soon as you set foot in Santa Fe, you will realize it is unlike anywhere else. With its rich history and heritage that includes Native American, Spanish, Mexican, cowboy, artistic and modern U.S. cultures, Santa Fe is among the nation’s most unique cities.

Centrally located in the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico, Santa Fe has attracted artists, hikers, seekers, skiers and writers to its temperate climates and abundant scenery. The nation’s second-oldest

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city and its oldest and highest-elevation state capital (2,200 meters above sea level), New Mexico’s oldest city retains a sophisticated feel – its Santa Fe Style.

Willamette Valley, Oregon Picture a place where you can pull up a chair at a winemaker’s table and sip wine from grapes harvested right outside the door. Imagine a meal crafted from ingredients that were still in the ground this morning. Envision a land of rolling hills, meandering roadways, historic towns and rushing rivers, framed east and west by forested mountains. This unforgettable spot has a name, the Willamette Valley.

This is a place that beckoned to pioneers who trekked 2,000 miles to put down roots in this verdant land.

Today, the spirit of those stubborn dreamers lives on at more than 250 wineries where winemakers craft award-winning pinot noir; at craft

breweries, small distilleries and artisan cheese shops, where resident experts accept nothing less than the finest in food and drink; and out in the fields and forests and waterways that beckon to daring souls.

Scottsdale, Arizona Scottsdale, Arizona is luxurious.

It’s a known sanctuary for the rich and famous, home to more destination spas per capita than any other U.S. city. One of the top-rated art festivals and the former winter estate of Frank Lloyd Wright hint at the city’s cultural prowess.

With a nickname like “The West’s Most Western Town” and a college where you can train to be a real cowboy, Scottsdale is also rugged. And when you set foot in the expansive Sonoran Desert – the most biologically diverse desert on the continent blanketed in desert brush, wildflowers and the iconic saguaro cactus – you’ll discover

that Scottsdale is a desert unlike any you’ve ever imagined.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Curious about life in the modern Midwestern USA? Look no further than this cool city, laced with walkable streets, authentic neighborhoods full of character, positioned where three rivers meet and on the shores of Lake Michigan. A mix of old and new, Milwaukee preserves – and celebrates – its historic German roots while making way for trendy shopping and dining, an admirable beer scene and all the outdoor recreation an urbanite could want. Stay for Summerfest, the world’s largest outdoor music festival, or visit during winter, when ice skating and downtown carriage tours make the most of the snowy season.

No matter what time of year you visit, Milwaukee is an accessible, wallet-friendly city with plenty of year-

A mix of old and new, Milwaukee preserves – and celebrates – its historic German roots while making way for trendy shopping and dining, an admirable beer scene and all the outdoor recreation an urbanite could want

round culture and natural beauty to explore.

Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore’s claim-to-fame may be that it was the birthplace of America’s National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but its determined, down-to-earth spirit makes it a truly American city. With a dynamic Inner Harbor – the best view of which is from atop Federal Hill – that was as busy in the 18th Century as it is today, Baltimore is a city of contrasts. This center for cultural and heritage travel also is known for its quaint neighborhoods and thriving culinary scene.

Tour the important landmarks like the first Washington Monument or first Catholic cathedral in the United States, but don’t miss seeing the vintage row houses and meeting proud, friendly locals.

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OUTBOND DESTINATIONS

INDIA-THAILAND NETWORKING SEMINAR ENDS ON HIGH NOTE At ITC Gardenia Hotel, Bengaluru

T

hai Trade Center, Mumbai.

Royal Thai Consulate – General along with the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand successfully held a Business Matching Event & Business Seminar Event in Bengaluru at ITC Gardenia Hotel, Bengaluru, which was presided over by the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Commerce, Thailand – H.E. Jurin Laksanawisit, Mr Bose Nair, Vice President, World Trade Centre Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai along with other dignitaries from Thailand.

Other leading partners such as Crescendo Worldwide, Pune; World Trade Center Bengaluru; Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce and Indo-Thai Chamber of Commerce were responsible for the success of this exclusive Business Networking Event. Participation from around 34 Thailand companies and over 100 Indian companies who indulged in B2B meetings from the sectors of Food, Fruits Modified Starch, Rubber Wood, Rubber, Construction Materials, Furniture, Interior Design, A4 Paper, Stationery, Cosmetics, Bio-Plastics, Bio- Fer56

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MOUS for the: cooperation between Indian Rubber Wood and Thai Furniture Association, and the beginning of cooperation between Bigbasket and Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion were signed. tilizers, Lubricants to name a few. It turned out to be a wonderful platform to test various Thai& Indian products and an initiative to attract the Indian Companies to invest in Thailand and also do business jointly with the Thai Companies.

Honorable Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Commerce, Thailand – H.E. Jurin Laksanawisit addressed the gathering and spoke about various benefits that will be given to Indian Companies by the Thailand government helping the Indian Companies in Investing in Thailand.

The visit of Deputy Prime Minister is the second time after his success of trade connection in Mumbai and Chennai. The meeting led to signing of many MoUs, namely cooperation between Indian Rubber Wood and Thai Furniture Association, and the beginning of cooperation between Bigbasket and Thailand’s Department of International Trade

Promotion. This visit also presented an apt opportunity to build bilateral relation between South India & Thailand both in terms of mutual trade and investment.

A panel discussion on “Potential Business Creation & Opportunities between India and Thailand in the Hospitality & Smart Building Solutions focusing on sectors like Architecture and Technology Trends in 2020; Residential/Real Estate; Hotel Industry; Construction Industry & Services; Infrastructure (Urban Infrastructure) also met with great enthusiasm and appreciation from the attendees.

This visit also helped to build bilateral relation between South India & Thailand, both in terms of mutual trade and investment, especially to utiilize the existing benefits from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Both countries share two FTA’s, the first FTA being the Early Harvest Scheme, under which there are 83 items for which there is zero duty when importing to India from Thailand. The second FTA is the ASEAN Agreement which is between India and ASEAN Countries, under this Scheme there are more than 5,000 items that can be imported to India under reduced tarriff, and some products can be imported even duty free. The duty rates are being reduced year by year for various products until the import duty for all products are reduced to zero duty rates. Hence, there is a huge opportunity for mutual business growth and there have been four high-level visits from Thailand during these twelve months.

January 2020 Tourism India

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NEWS / AVIATION

MORE STABILITY AND RELIABILITY FOR

LUFTHANSA GROUP CUSTOMERS

Revolutionary system for airline operations

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light delays, rebookings due to missed flights and extreme weather conditions are some of the many factors that can disrupt a flight schedule.To return to a stable flight plan as quickly as possible, Lufthansa Group has therefore chosen Google Cloud as a strategic partner to further improve its operational performance and minimize the impact of irregularities on its passengers. The aim is to build a platform that will suggest scenarios to return to a stable flight plan in the event of an irregularity so that

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Lufthansa Group selects Google Cloud as strategic partner to optimize operational performance. passengers still arrive at their destinations as punctually and comfortably as possible. This will be done by merging data from various processes that are relevant for sta-

ble operations (for example aircraft replacement and maintenance as well as crew scheduling).

“By combining Google Cloud’s technology with Lufthansa Group’s operational expertise, we are driving the digitization of our operation even further,” said Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Executive Board of the Lufthansa Group. “This will enable us to identify possible flight irregularities even earlier and implement countermeasures at an early stage.”

“Through this collaboration, we have a significant opportunity to revolutionize the future of airline operations,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO for Google Cloud. “We’re bringing the best of Lufthansa Group and Google Cloud together to solve airlines’ biggest challenges and positively impact the travel experience of the more than 145 million passengers that fly annually with them.”

A joint team of operations experts, developers and engineers from the Lufthansa Group and software engineers from Google Cloud will be developing and testing the appropriate platform. The test launch will take place in Zurich with SWISS.

DAZZLING NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN

MONACO Sprinkled magic on festivities

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nce again, the heart of Monaco has shined bright during the end of year celebrations. To welcome the New Year, the Principality has picked a special theme: “Luck takes us higher”. Stars were raining down on the establishments of the Principality. From the luxuriant stays at the palatial hotels to the legendary parties, from festive dining to a sparkling shopping experience, Monaco is the place to be! Many special performances and galas are offered throughout the Principality on the New Year’s Eve including parades, concerts and activities for children. To celebrate the desire to rise and celestial luck, this year the Place du Casino has welcomed an exceptional arrangement with 4 hot air balloons and their baskets filled with gifts, lighted up a forest of silver firs. An extravaganza of mini-balloons were adorned the facade of the Cafe de Paris, as well as the entrance to the Patio at the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the One Monte-Carlo quarter, the Jardin des Boulingrins and the Monte-Carlo Shopping

All the establishments in the Principality of Monaco were celebrated the yearend festivities and guarantee a night to remember.

Promenade where 50 shops has been decorated with sparkling decorations. A delightful homage to the Montgolfier brothers.

Monaco never ceases to dazzle!

Stroll through the pretty streets of Monaco and discover the Principal-

ity festooned with decorations and lights were one of Monaco’s sumptuous settings for an unparalleled New Year experience.

The Casino Cafe de Paris has offered a festive evening complete with adrenaline, jackpots and an electric atmosphere to enjoy all night long Monaco is known for its glittering reputation, be it the shine of the supercars to the shimmer of the Mediterranean Sea via the many luminaries residing here. It’s a starry sort of place but this New Year’s Eve, the Principality has literally lit up in a celestial blaze. Decorated streets hotel facades with twinkling galaxy of stars has created an immersive and spectacular experience.

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OUTBOND DESTINATION

MACAO EMERGES AS A SHORT-HAUL DESTINATION FOR INDIANS Visa free destination for Indians

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ndian travellers are constantly on the lookout for offbeat destinations to spend their breaks. In an effort to cater to this demand, SOTC Travel, recently announced holiday

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packages for travellers to explore the Vegas of China – Macao.

Macao uniquely known for its extraordinary culture has a fusion of eastern and western lifestyles

that is reflected in every element of this beautiful destination. Right from the architecture and age-old monuments to its flavourful cuisine. For the Adventure-Seekers,

53% of Gen Z, 59% of Gen Y, 50% of Gen X and 32% of Senior Citizen travellers prefer taking multiple short breaks in a year· 59% of Gen Z, 50% of Gen Y, 42% of Gen X and 27% of Senior Citizen travellers find Exploration and Adventure as a priority while picking holiday destinations· 82% of Gen Z, 76% of Gen Y, 72% of Gen X and 56% of Senior Citizen travellers wish to sample both Indian and Local cuisine while on holiday.

Macao brings with it the world’s highest commercial bungee jump, along with the Skycap cable car, which commences its journey from the foothills of the Machicang Mountain. For the Family Memory Builders, the Panda Pavilion located in Coloane is a must-visit hotspot. Travellers and their loved ones can enjoy making remarkable memories through the enthralling sight of playful and adorable giant

pandas at the Seac Pai Van Park.

The anomalous cuisine of Macao is a combination of Portuguese and Cantonese flavours, that seamlessly blends together to present an unforgettable experience.

Macao is rapidly becoming an extremely popular short-haul destination, especially because of their visa-on-arrival facility. The newage Indian Traveller has an evolved set of preferences, and is focussed on creating magnificent memories with their loved ones.

Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “With the emerging travel trend towards short travel breaks, there has been a tremendous increase in travellers opting for short breaks and destinations that offer visas on arrival have emerged most popular. From experience-seeking millennials to travellers who wish to spend time with family and

friends, Macao is an exciting destination that offers immense possibilities of adventure, sightseeing, shopping and more. At SOTC Travel, we have curated attractive tour packages to suit our traveller segments imbibing vibrant festivities and sights that Macao is known for. And with our On-The-Go feature, our travellers have the choice of picking unique experiences that they wish to witness, and include it in their itineraries while on holiday.”

Arzan Khambatta, Head, MGTO India said, “With excellent air connectivity, world-class luxury and availability of Indian food, Macao is a perfect short-haul destination for Indian travellers. It is also a visa free destination for Indians making it an ideal getaway. We hope that partnering with SOTC will further encourage more Indian travellers to visit and experience the opulence of Macao” January 2020 Tourism India

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AIRLINE NEWS OUTBOND DESTINATIONS

FIJI – AN IDEAL LUXURY DESTINATION The Fijian islands offer every unimaginable indulgence

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iji is known for its exclusive resorts and luxurious private islands, but what makes for a memorable holiday here is the exhilarating activities just outside your beach villa. Adrenaline junkies will adore the diving, snorkelling, surfing and kayaking. Inland, there’s white water rafting, skydiving from a light aircraft or bouncing through

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rugged jungle terrain in a buggy.

Nature lovers can explore rainforests, mangrove forests, river gorges, waterfalls and cool swimming holes, and spot birdlife, reptiles and rare endemic species. Over 200 marine parks are home to a huge array of marine life, including five of the world’s seven sea turtles and pods of spinner dolphins. Visit a vil-

lage to experience and learn more about the locals and what makes up the Fijian culture. Or experience sustainable eco-tourism at many of the island resorts, where flawless service, unlimited personal attention and pure luxury make for an unforgettable stay.

Spend a Luxuriant Vacay in Fiji Taking the heights of luxury to expanse of the sea, the Fijian islands offer every unimaginable indulgence. An archipelago of 333 breath-taking isles drenched in golden sunshine, Fiji is a destination that is pure dream in its effect.

Away from the two major islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, there are hundreds of smaller islands covered in lush tropical jungle and palm-fringed shores. Discover islands still uninhabited by humans, snorkel a rainbow of soft corals, laze on white sand beaches or catch a wave at a top surf break.

A LUXURIOUS LIFE Escape to a private, white-sand, tropical island for a day. Charter a helicopter or seaplane to reach the most deserted atoll on the planet and touch down for an intimate champagne beach picnic for two.

Charter a private yacht and sail off into the sunset, with a crew navi-

gating you to secluded beaches and unforgettable sunsets. Bliss out at a lavish spa. Chill in an overwater bure with a butler on call to tend your every need (or want). Befitting the ultimate place to escape, indulge and recharge, Fiji features some of the world’s most luxurious five-star resorts. Taking the islands famous tradition of hospitality to unthought-of levels, Fiji’s luxury resorts present a sophisticated level of service, extraordinary cuisine and indulgent amenities – in nature’s finest surroundings. Rated one of the world’s best sandbetween-the toes experiences, guests arrive at exclusive, privately owned Laucala Island by plane and shown to their villa with private pool amongst coconut plantations and jungle. The three luxurious villas on Vatuvara, a speck in the Lau chain, are also reached by private plane.

At this adults-only retreat there’s a range of activities which gives you the ultimate fun filled holiday. Be it golf, spa, or just relaxed swimming.

Splash out and buy out an entire island: with only 16 villas, Royal Davui is perfect for an exclusive and intimate wedding, birthday or special occasion. Dolphin Island Resort also provides the ultimate in luxury and seclusion. Located on a private island off the tip of Viti Levu, the resort is only available on an exclusive use basis, with room for up to just eight guests. There are only a handful of overwater bure resorts in Fiji, including Vanua Levu’s Koro Sun and the Fiji Marriott Resort at Momi Bay. Resorts like the Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a unique romantic haven of relaxed refinement for couples only. Situated on Malolo Island 25km from Nadi Internation-

al Airport, 10 of its 45 rooms are overwater bures. If you prefer a private, floating resort, charter a luxury yacht or catamaran. Wake up refreshed from your stateroom to explore a deserted sand cay, snorkel pristine reefs, game fish or dive before enjoying a gourmet meal on deck.

SPA AND WELLNESS Nothing says ‘Relax’ like a spa treatment. Most resorts have their own spas, set within tranquil surroundings and offering luxurious amenities and renewing body treatments. Qamea Resort & Spa is an intimate resort in Taveuni, catering to maximum 34 adults, with luxu-

Befitting the ultimate place to escape, indulge and recharge, Fiji features some of the world’s most luxurious five-star resorts. rious bures nestled among coconut palms and tropical gardens. Jagged volcanic mountains soar behind; in front is a private 1km white-sand beach. Named the best luxury destination spa in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Qamea’s Jungle Spa is perched deep in the rainforest and offers the ultimate Fijian body therapies and French facial therapies to rejuvenate, revitalize and renew mind, body and soul. Indulge at Namale Resort and Spa’s Valeni Sasauni Spa Sanctuary is a leading luxury spa in Fiji, offering a wide range of indulgent treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions. Also pamper yourself in large hydrotherapy room featur-

ing aromatherapy pools, waterfall massage, hot tub, cold plunge, and sauna.

The Bebe Spa at Outrigger Resort on the Coral Coast houses eight treatment rooms which overlook the main resort, each with private open-air balconies and ocean views. Four balconies provide hydrotherapy tubs, and all have “showers in the sky”. Not all wellbeing experiences are solo and take place in the surroundings of an exclusive resort, however. Health and therapeutic tours include a rainforest trek to a waterfall and a dip in warm therapeutic mud pools - far more fun when you’re in a group.

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AIRLINE TECHNOLOGY TRAVEL NEWS

Anand Parthasarathy

NEW TRIP TYPES ARE TRENDING IN 2020

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6 percent trips in 2020 likely to be more eco friendly

or some years, the most popular stimulus for travel choices was social media. Tourists checked their Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter feeds, checked out TripAdvisor and YouTube to see what was trendy -- activity or destination-wise. Then they followed the trend.

This is no longer the case. According to the APAC TRAVEL TRENDS 2020 just published by travel aggregator Skyscanner, trips inspired by social media, which was amongst the top motivators for travel in 2018, recorded the biggest drop in 2019, down by 44%.

Instead some new Trip Types are emerging and are expected to sustain in 2020: Sustainable Tourism The fastest growing travel trend is Sustainable Tourism, with 6% of trips in 2020 likely to be more

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The Asia Pacific Travel Trends report from Skyscanner is an amber light for tourism and travel agencies: new categories of tourists are coming. eco-friendly, an 82% increase from 2019. The Sustainable Tourist selects Greener Choice flights, offsetting carbon emissions, and only visits destinations that are culturally and environmentally responsible.

He or she prefers public transport, and walking or cycling. The study finds that 9% of Indians prefer ecotourism .. the highest number for Asia Pacific countries after South Korea ( 11 %)

JOMO (or the ‘Joy Of Missing Out’) Tourism: This means choosing to enjoy your trip instead of worrying social media, escaping the hustle of popular spots, , opting to travel off-season to alternative destinations, with less crowds. 15% Indians are likely to go JOMO in 2020, compared to 12% in 2019 Slow Travel These tourists prefer a more leisurely way of living. Whether it’s one week or once-budget-runsout, Slow Travellers take long walking tours and non-scheduled activities, may be a health and rejuvenation package. 16% Indian seem set to travel slowly in 2020, up from 11% in 2019.

Tour operators and tourism agencies: It is time to re-examine your offerings and ensure that you cater to these 3 new travel types.

Courtesy: Invis Multimedia www.invis.com

VOICE OVER WIFI, A BOON FOR TRAVELLERS voice calls using Hotel WIFIS

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n a move that will help tourists and business travellers in India in a big way, leading mobile phone service providers Airtel and Reliance Jio have launched VoWiFi or Voice over WiFi calling and are rapidly extending it across the country. This is a technology that uses a nearby WiFi network for making voice calls, rather than using your prepaid or postpaid subscription.

Tourists these days can find free WiFi in many hotels , as well as public places like airports, bus and railway stations. In such situations they can use the WiFi hotspot to make voice calls or even video calls if they have the required app.

Most recent handsets have the technology built-in.

Go to “Settings” and “WiFi”. If there is an option titled “WiFi Calling”, turn it on -- and Airtel and Jio subscribers can straight away make calls using the nearby hotspot. This will obviously save on

Leading Indian service providers have launched new technology which lets you make voice calls using hotel WiFi rather than your mobile data plan.

your phone’s data plan -- which can be a considerable gain when roaming.

Another advantage for businesses like hotels. Staff like housekeeping, who are on the move and use their cellphones for internal communication, can now use the hotel WiFi to make calls instead of spending from their individual plans. This will save the hotel a large expense on staff mobile phone subscriptions.

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TOURISM INDIA

Vol 22, No. 08

January 2020

Rs 100/-

RNI No. KERBIL/1998/7642