TI July 2013

www.tourismindia.travel

Vol. 16

No. 03

Thiruvananthapuram

www.tourismindiaonline.com

July 2013

Pages 20+4

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nion Tourism Minister Mr. K. Chiranjeevi has said that safety of tourists, particularly for foreign women tourists, is an area of concern.

Chairing the meeting of National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC), he said that a few recent incidents, where foreign women tourists were sexually assaulted, have generated widespread negative publicity for India. Mr. Chiranjeevi said, “As law and order is a State subject, I have written to all Chief Ministers to take effective steps to create conducive and friendly atmosphere for all tourists”.

The Tourism Minister said the Tourism sector in India has witnessed substantial growth in the last decade. The Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during 2012 have reached 6.58 million. The estimated number of domestic tourist visits in 2012 was 1027 million. He said, “ Although the growth of in-bound tourism in India has been higher than the overall growth in the world, the share of India at 0.64% continues to be low. We have to strive harder to increase this share.”

The Minister was of the opinion that huge size of domestic tourism helps to sustain the Indian tourism industry even when there is negative or low growth in in-bound tourism. He said, “We will, therefore, continue to promote domestic tourism also”.

Referring to religious tourism he said a substantial component of domestic travel is for pilgrimages.

There is a need to enhance amenities and facilities at major pilgrimage centres. Uttarakhand, which is visited by a large number of pilgrims, has witnessed widespread damage in recent floods.

He said, “As you may be aware, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a special financial package of Rs. 100 crore for restoration and reconstruction of the affected Government tourist facilities in Uttarakhand. This will be in addition to the Central Financial Assistance of about Rs. 95 crore already sanctioned during the current financial Contd. on Page 16

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nion Tourism Minister Mr. K. Chiranjeevi has urged the State Governments and UTs to enact the cadre of Tourist Police in one form or other.

Inaugurating the day long National Conference of State Tourism Ministers, he said that this can be done either by borrowing some companies from the Police Department or hiring ex-servicemen or home guards. The Tourist Police can be deployed visibly in places where vicious incidents can happen. The Minister said “If in spite of our best efforts, such incidents occur, we must take immediate action to

bring the culprits to the book and ensure speedy court trials. While doing so, we must show our sensitivity towards the feelings of the victim and respect their dignity and privacy.” Referring to the recent incidents of assault on women tourists which has seriously damaged our image the Minister said “It is not only important that we provide security to the tourists but it is also important that we

must instill a sense of confidence in them.”

Mr. Chiranjeevi said that the second important issue which has become a serious cause of concern and due to which we are losing business to other markets is cleanliness and hygiene. He said heaps of garbage at tourist destinations, open defecation at the beaches, morning soils on the railway tracks etc. discourage the Contd. on Page 16

Contd. on Page 06

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July 2013

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Safety and Security are the Keys in Tourism

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ew initiatives by the Ministry of Tourism for the safety and security of tourists are giving hope to the industry as well as the foreign and domestic travellers. Recent incidents show the lack of adequate security at almost every place in the country where tourist arrivals are significant in number. The Union Tourism Minister has urged the States and Union Territories to enact Tourist Police in major destinations to ensure the tourists are safe and secure in the country.

The recently concluded National Conference of State Tourism Ministers has discussed the issue of security deliberately. This shows the acceptance of the fact that tourists are not safe in the country unless a complete security system like the tourist police is established.

Safety and security of tourists are long debated issues and now it is the time to take it seriously. The implementation of tourist police will alter India’s image in the world market; and this will ensure a good inflow of foreign tourists to the country. Though Kerala has implemented tourist police decades ago, the effectiveness of the force is severely doubted.

The tourist police must not act like guides but guards. Tourist police must function inde-

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oreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism in Rupee terms in June, 2013 rose by Rs. 551 Crore in comparison to June, 2012. Foreign Tourist Arrivals ( FTAs) in June, 2013 was 4.44 lakh which was 4.33 Lakh in June, 2012 with a growth of 2.5%.

The following are some important highlights regarding FTAs and FEEs from tourism during the month of June, 2013: Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): • FTAs during the Month of June 2013 were 4.44 lakh as compared to FTAs of 4.33 lakh during the month of June 2012 and 4.05 lakh in June 2011.

• There has been a growth of 2.5% in June 2013 over June 2012 as compared to a growth of 6.9% registered in June 2012 over June 2011.

• FTAs during the period January to June 2013 were 33.08 lakh with a growth of 2.6%, as compared to the FTAs of 32.24 lakh with a growth of 6.7% during January to June 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs): • FEEs during the month of June 2013 were Rs. 7,036 crore as compared to Rs.6,485 crore in June 2012 and Rs. 5,440 crore in June 2011.

• The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms in June 2013 over June 2012 was 8.5% as

compared to 19.2% in June 2012 over June 2011.

• FEEs from tourism in rupee terms during January to June 2013 were Rs. 50,448 crore with a growth of 15.3%, as compared to the FEE of Rs. 43,760 crore with a growth of 24.4% during January to June 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.

• FEEs in US$ terms during the month of June 2013 were US$1.208 billion as compared to FEEs of US$1.158 billion during the month of June 2012 and US$1.213 billion in June 2011.

• The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in June 2013 over June 2012 was 4.3% as compared to the negative growth of 4.5% in June 2012 over June 2011.

• FEE from tourism in terms of US$ during January to June 2013 were US$9.201 billion with a growth of 8.8%, as compared to US$8.455 billion with a growth of 8.2% during January-June 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.

The Ministry of Tourism compiles monthly estimates of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) on the basis of data received from major ports and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism on the basis of data received from Reserve Bank of India.

pendently to provide quality service.

In addition to safety and security, India is far behind in crisis management. This must be obliterated urgently. The recent Uttarakhand incident has shed light to the fact that the tourism destinations are not prepared to face disasters. It is not possible to take the number of tourists who have lost their life or still missing in the flood. Proper crisis management is essential at situations like this to ensure the safety of citizens as well as the tourists. Appropriate development plans are also needed to put Uttarakhand back to the tourism map of India. The tragedy is the product of anarchic tourism development in ecologically vulnerable destinations. If the government do not regulate the uncontrolled constructions across such destinations, it can result in calamitous tragedies again. The Government must frame policies that promote eco-friendly mode of construction, there by minimising the negative environmental impacts.

he Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme of the Government continues to be popular with foreign tourists. It registered a growth of 22.9 percent during June, 2013 as compared to June, 2012. During the month, a total number of 1,062 VoAs were issued as compared to 864 during June, 2012.

The following are the other important highlights of VoAs issued during June, 2013: • During the period January to June 2013, a total number of 9,328 VoAs were issued as compared to 6,721 VoAs during corresponding period of 2012 registering a growth of 38.8%.

• The number of VoAs issued under this scheme during June 2013 for nationals of the eleven countries were Japan (275), Indonesia (208), the Philippines (171), New Zealand (171), Singapore

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(152), Finland (44), Myanmar (15), Vietnam (14), Laos (5), Cambodia (4) and Luxembourg (3).

• The number of VoAs issued under the Scheme during January to June 2013 were Japan (3,285), New Zealand (1,657), Indonesia (1,281), the Philippines (1,231), Singapore (1,014), Finland (559), Vietnam (96), Luxembourg (71), Cambodia (67), Myanmar (57) and Laos (10).

• During the period January to June 2013, the highest number of VoAs were issued at Delhi airport (5,362) followed

by Mumbai (1,970), Chennai (1,369) and Kolkata (627).

As a facilitative measure to attract more foreign tourists to India, the Government launched the “Visa on Arrival” (VoA) Scheme in January 2010 for citizens of five countries, viz. Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore, visiting India for tourism purposes.

The Scheme was extended to the citizens of six more countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar in January 2011.

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Secretary of Tourism Mr. Parvez Dewan and other senior officials of Tourism Ministry. The Nepalese delegation sought India’s cooperation in the development of Hotel Infrastructure in Nepal. They also suggested joint promotion and development of Buddhist Tourism sites in both the countries. The Indian side suggested joint venture with Nepal in Himalayan and Adventure Tourism.

he Union Ministry of Tourism has agreed to a proposal from the visiting Tourism and Travel delegation from Nepal for joint publicity of India and Nepal as Tourist destinations in other countries. The Ministry has also agreed to a suggestion for joint offering of Tour packages in third countries by tour operators of India and Nepal.

A Business delegation of Tourism and Travel trade from Nepal had a meeting with

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July 2013

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uckland, New Zealand’s ‘City of Sails’, has been confirmed as the halfway stopover port for the gruelling, round-the-world Global Ocean Race in 2014.

Legendary hospitality and an unmatched enthusiasm for sailing in a city known as one of the world’s leading yachting capitals influenced the organisers and the race fleet can look forward to a great reception, says Auckland Mayor Mr. Len Brown. The Global Ocean Race (GOR) starts at Southampton in the United Kingdom on Sunday 21 September 2014, and the teams are expected to be in Auckland from late December through to mid-January 2015.

Nine teams from six countries are currently registered for the event including a New Zealand entry for the solo class from Graham Dalton - the elder brother of Emirates Team New Zealand managing director, Grant Dalton. The Global Ocean Race organisation is working closely with ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) and Waterfront Auckland to showcase the 30,000-mile round-the-world race.

Mayor Brown says the stopover further enhances Auckland’s reputation as one of the world’s yachting capitals. “The America’s Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race and now the Global Ocean Race tell the same story - Auckland is a destination world yachting can’t afford to ignore.”

ATEED chief executive Mr. Brett O’Riley says the organisation is delighted to welcome the fleet, international visitors, officials and spectators to Auckland.

“As a prominent sailing destination, I’m sure teams will be given a warm welcome. We can provide world-class marine services to crews of the GOR as they prepare for one of the most gruelling legs through the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn,” says O’Riley.

Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour has hosted many successful stopovers for major yacht races and facilities continue to be improved according to Waterfront Auckland chief Mr. John Dalzell.

“The Viaduct marina is the natural spectator home for yachting in Auckland

and we are excited to see offshore boats return once again for the GOR stopover.

It’s events like these which help make the Auckland waterfront the vibrant, enjoyable space that it is and I am sure many an enthusiast will jump at the chance to come down to view the boats and meet the sailors,” he said.

GOR race director, Mr. Josh Hall, says Auckland is the prime choice for a stopover. “Auckland’s hospitality for round-the-world race teams is legendary and public enthusiasm for sailing is virtually unmatched. Following the hardships of Leg 2 in the Indian Ocean, our teams will have easy access to expertise in all aspects of offshore yacht racing to repair any damage to sails or gear and prepare fully for the 4,000 miles of the Pacific’s Southern Ocean between New Zealand and Cape Horn in Leg 3,” says Hall.

Around 135,000 boats are registered in Auckland - the highest per capita boat ownership for any city in the world, with one in three Auckland households owning a boat. Formerly a commercial harbour, the city’s Viaduct Basin is an area ringed by apartments, offices and restaurants and is a familiar venue for international sailing events. In 2000 and 2003, the Viaduct Harbour was the base for the America’s Cup. The 30,000-mile round-the-world Global Ocean Race 2014-15 for Class 40 boats with single-handed, double-handed and fully-crewed (four crew) teams will start in September 2014. The start and finish of the GOR will be in England, in the Solent, with the start taking place at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on Sunday 21 September 2014 and finishing in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth Harbour in early May 2015.

Stopovers are Cape Town, South Africa (Leg 1 destination / late October - midNovember 2014); Auckland, New Zealand (Leg 2 destination / late December - early January 2015); Punta del Este, Uruguay (Leg 3 destination / mid-February - early March 2015), and Charleston, South Carolina, USA (Leg 4 destination / late March - early April 2015).

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otearoa New Zealand’s sailing heritage goes back far beyond the arrival of the first European settlers.

Some 800 years ago, New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people arrived on waka/canoes from far off islands of the South Pacific. The ancestors of Maori were among the world’s greatest canoe builders, navigators and mariners. Waka is the Maori word for canoe, but it can also be used to describe any vehicle of conveyance.

Traditional waka are built from the trunks of hardwood forest trees. In Aotearoa New Zealand, waka became predominantly single-hulled vessels, classified by their size, shape, adornment and use. This in turn was determined by the type and quantity of native trees.

The beam of a canoe from the Pacific Islands was limited by the narrow girth of the local trees. A builder would have to construct a narrow hull and build up the sides to raise the freeboard, which created instability. To compensate, he would attach an outrigger float with crossbeams to the hull. When Maori arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand, much of the land was covered in ancient native forests.

This ready supply of wide-girthed trees, such as totara, allowed the construction of different waka types.

Maori developed a variety of vessels for coastal and inland waterways. Each had its special function, from the grand carved waka taua for war parties to handy rafts for fishing.

Waka taua are large war canoes up to 40m in length and manned by as many as 80 paddlers. These large waka, which are usually elaborately carved and decorated, consist of a main hull formed from a single hollowed-out log, along with a carved upright head and tailboard.

For Maori, the waka is a powerful symbol of culture and heritage. Often large waka were ornately carved, visually retelling histories and stories important to the particular iwi/tribe making the waka. Many Maori myths and legends are based around the seafaring vessels.

One Maori legend tells how the ancient ancestor Maui fished from a waka that

was the South Island hauling up his catch - the North Island - from the depths.

Visitors to New Zealand can experience the on-the-water thrill of manning a traditional Mori waka or seeing one in action. At Waitangi, the birthplace of the nation, Waka Taiamai Tours offer visitors the chance to paddle a waka - traditional Maori canoe, and gain an insight into the world of Ngapuhi, New Zealand’s largest Maori tribe. The tribe’s ancient histories and stories are shared with paddlers aboard a 50ft waka taua/war canoe on the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River.

Mitai Maori Village in the thermal wonderland of Rotorua is home to a hand carved waka which was built by the Mitai family. Visitors see warriors by night in traditional dress traveling down the WaiO-Whiro stream on the boat as was done hundreds of years ago by ancestors of the Mitai whanau/family.

Kayaking is a great way to get out on the water and experience some of New Zealand’s stunning waterways and landscapes, and in some places visitors can experience a perfect mix of kayaking with Maori culture.

Te Ara Moana - ‘The Seagoing Pathway’, is a great way to see some of Auckland’s eastern coastline while following in the footsteps of the Maori ancestors. It is one of many routes traditionally paddled by Mori to travel between settlements, carry goods for trade and source food. Learn about Lake Taupo’s volcanic history whilst kayaking across Lake Taupo to the Mori rock carvings. The Maori rock carvings are over 10 metres high and are only accessible

by Boat or Kayak. Sea kayaking allows people to get up close to the carvings with plenty of time to study the detail.

The South Island has New Zealand’s most popular kayaking destination, the Abel Tasman National Park where paddlers are often joined by seals as they explore the forest clad coastline, golden sand bays and sculpted granite headlands.

Kayaking tours can be a few hours or several days, and there are boat trips and water taxis for visitors wanting to explore the park and beyond to the tranquil Marlborough Sounds.

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hen the New Zealand Open returns to Queenstown in early 2014, the year-round South Island resort will play host to the biggest golfing event hosted in New Zealand for many years. The tournament, a tier one event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, will be held from 27 February to 2 March at Queenstown’s The Hills Golf Course and Millbrook Resort. It will include a unique pro-am format played concurrently with the professional tournament following the principles established for the 2013 NZPGA Championship.

The purse for the event will be a minimum of NZ$ 850,000 (this figure will be finalised once current stakeholder negotiations have been concluded).

The Southern Lakes region will provide the perfect backdrop for this high profile event, offering visitors world-class facilities, multi award-winning courses, spectacular lake and alpine scenery, and a diverse range of golfing and non-golfing activity options.

A return to Queenstown is the result of New Zealand Golf (NZ Golf) the PGA of New Zealand (NZPGA) and Michael Hill Tournaments Limited (MHTL) coming to an agreement on the future structure of major men’s golf tournaments in New Zealand. The parties have agreed to pool resources with the aim of creating one truly iconic golf tournament. Under the agreement, NZ Golf has licenced MHTL to organise and take full responsibility for the New Zealand Open for an initial period of three years. In addition, the parties have agreed to continue to stage an annual NZPGA Championship, initially on a smaller scale.

Mr. Paul Fyfe, New Zealand Golf chairman, says this is an important moment for New Zealand’s premier golf tournament. “The New Zealand Open has a rich and diverse 106-year legacy and we are excited by the potential for the event to flourish in Queenstown,” said Fyfe.

“We believe that this will be a world first for a National Open Championship to incorporate a pro-am format and it will be an exciting new era for the New Zealand Open.”

While the new format means moving the event from Clearwater Golf Resort, Christchurch, which has been home to the past two New Zealand Opens, Fyfe noted that “Christchurch remains a wonderful place to host golf events and we look forward to working alongside the city to deliver the New Zealand Women’s Open and other events in Christchurch for years to come.”

Mr. John Hart, the Tournament Chairman on behalf of MHTL, said this was a landmark agreement by all parties involved. “We are thrilled that New Zealand Golf and the NZPGA have taken a ‘whole of golf’ approach and have recognised that New Zealanders will be well served by having one premier golf tournament that can compete on an international scale,” said Hart.

“Specifically, we acknowledge the NZPGA for their foresight in supporting the development of this Pro-Am event over the past two years, and for accepting that this transfer to the New Zealand Open is for the betterment of the game and the provision of pathways for elite players in New Zealand.”

Tournament Host Sir Michael Hill owner of The Hills Golf Club which held the NZ Open in 2007, 2008 and 2010 - says Queenstown has “the ingredients to develop a legendary tournament”. Joining The Hills as a co-host for the 2014 New Zealand Open is the Millbrook Resort.

Millbrook owner Mr. Ishii said: “We are very proud to co-host the New Zealand Open and look forward to welcoming visitors from across New Zealand and overseas to watch some great golfers play at Millbrook.”

The new tournament format will be played across two courses with a minimum

field of 132 professional golfers playing alongside 132 amateur golfers. Concurrent to the New Zealand Open Championship, a 72-hole strokeplay event, each professional will be paired with an amateur playing two rounds, one at each course, in a best ball format. Following the second round, a professional and pro-am cut will see the final two rounds played at the Hills.

The success of the tournament structure at The Hills over the past two years has led to the signing of a milestone partnership agreement between MHTL and the Japanese Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).

“The partnership agreement with the JGTO signed following a visit to Japan was a major step forward in the internationalisation of the event and towards our vision to create the preeminent tournament experience in the Asia Pacific region,” Mr. John Hart said.

“The Japan Tour is one of the most lucrative and respected professional tours in the world and we look forward to welcoming 15 leading JGTO players to play in the 2014 NZ Open. We are delighted that the New Zealand Open will become only the third international tournament outside of Japan to have an association with the JGTO.” The Japanese golfers will join leading professional golfers from New Zealand, Australia and Asia in Queenstown. New Zealand’s premier world ranked player Michael Hendry, who is a two-time NZPGA Champion at the Hills, is excited about the prospect of contending the NZ Open at the Hills and Millbrook. “Queenstown is a great venue for professional golf and the players love coming here,” said the 33-year-old from North Harbour, Auckland.

Financially the tournament continues to grow with New Zealand’s Major Events Development Fund indicating they will increase their commitment

to NZ$9,00,000 for the 2014 event. The existing family of major sponsors for the NZPGA Championship have been retained, and include the Hilton Hotel Queenstown, Michael Hill, Milford Track’s Guided Walks, Rebel Sport, Sky City and Westpac. They are now joined by new sponsor and long-time supporter of Golf in New Zealand, BMW, which has been the naming rights sponsor for the previous two New Zealand Opens at the Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch.

Mr. Hart said that the ongoing support of the Major Events Development Fund, Government and the family of sponsors was crucial to the sustainability of this event.

With a number of public initiatives planned on and off the golf course the event is set to bring a festival of golf to Queenstown. “This is tremendous news both for our local community and also for golfers and visitors who will have the opportunity to watch and play first class golf in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world,” said Queenstown Mayor Vanessa Van Uden.

“I have no doubt that the communities of the Queenstown Lakes District will join with me in celebrating the return of the New Zealand Open to Queenstown’s event calendar.”

Tournament organisers are approaching professional and celebrity players to participate in the New Zealand Open with further announcements to be made closer to the event. For past events celebrities playing at The Hills have included Sir Ian Botham, Hollywood actor Don Cheadle, World No.1 Lydia Ko and a number of sporting icons from Australia, New Zealand and England. The scheduling change to February 2014 means that no New Zealand Open will be held in the 2013 calendar year. There have been three occasions of this in the history of the NZ Open (1990, 1999 and 2008) and all were due to the rescheduling of the tournament dates.

Plans are underway for the NZPGA Championship in 2014 and there will be a further announcement regarding the dates and the venue of that event in the coming months.

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Edward Tracy, President and CEO of Sands China Ltd.; Manuel Pires, Acting Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office; Yoshi Maruyama, Global Head of Location Based Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation.

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he DreamWorks Experience at Cotai Strip Resorts officially launched at Sands Cotai Central, offering members of the press an exclusive preview before its July 1 public opening. Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, the interactive and immerse experience is the result of an alliance between Sands China Ltd. and DreamWorks Animation.

Officiating guests at the launch ceremony included Mr. Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd.; Mr. Manuel Pires, Acting Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office; and Mr. Yoshi Maruyama, Global Head of Location Based Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation.

“The DreamWorks Experience at Cotai Strip Resorts is a milestone development for family-friendly entertainment in Macau,” said Mr. Tracy. “Sands China remains committed to offering high-calibre, diverse

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ndia’s first entertainment theme park, Adlabs Imagica has tied up with travel giant Cox & Kings Ltd. to further increase its reach Pan-India. This partnership is a result of the on-going travel and trade programme run by the company to maximize footfalls and make it a must visit tourist destination in India.

Cox & Kings Ltd., one of the premier travel and tour operators with operations in over 20 countries makes the tie-up a lucrative route to increase ticket sales and introduce customized packages across the country. This association is a part of Adlabs Imagica’s long term strategy to create a strong travel and trade eco system for the brand.

Talking about its extensive marketing programme, Ms. Pooja Shetty Deora, Joint Managing Director, Adlabs Entertainment Limited said, “We are happy to associate with Cox & Kings. The company is one of the market leaders in India and their expertise in MICE along with its widespread network will help us establish a national presence.”

“It has just been over two months since we launched Adlabs Imagica and the response from all our stakeholders has been phenomenal. We have received queries and seen interest from customers across the country eager to experience the park.

This alliance is our gateway to cater to the audiences Pan India and bridge the gap.” added Ms. Deora.

entertainment options in Macau; with the DreamWorks Experience at Cotai Strip Resorts, we continue our commitment to the diversification of Macau’s tourism industry. It’s a great attraction for visitors of all ages, providing fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.”

“This incredible integrated resort city is a world class destination for families and the perfect place for visitors to enjoy the DreamWorks Experience,” said Mr. Maruyama. “The immersive offerings bring our characters to life and will delight fans of all ages at Cotai Strip Resorts Macau.”

Guests at the official launch ceremony were treated to a preview of some of the interactive DreamWorks Experience offers available to visitors, including watching a character parade and sampling Shrekfast – the Dreamworks-themed breakfast which will be available with hotel packages after the opening.

Among the invited guests were approximately 250 low-income families and children with chronic illnesses from Caritas

Adlabs Imagica already works with a network of PSAs that cater to Maharashtra and Gujarat markets. With this association Adlabs is looking at constructing a strong pan India set-up that will further generate business offline.

Commenting on this tie-up, Mr. Yusuf Poonawala, Vice-President, Bharat Deko, Cox & Kings Ltd., said, “We are pleased to partner with Adlabs Imagica which has amazing rides and attractions that appeals to people across age groups.’’

Adlabs Imagica’s PSAs also include Neeta Tours & Travels, Pathfinders Holidays Pvt. Ltd. from Ahmedabad, Bhagyashree Travels Pvt. Ltd. from Pune and Lohanas Tours Pvt. Ltd. from Mumbai among others. All the travel and trade partners of Adlabs Imagica have been provided an API link on its B2B portal and a B2B reselling module which allows travel agents to resell tickets and Imagica packages on a real time basis across the length & breadth of the country Adlabs Imagica recently launched Deep Space - India’s first dark roller coaster and is soon to unveil India’s biggest roller coaster – Nitro. With such interesting attractions to offer, it is not surprising that people from across the country will be eager to embark on a voyage to Adlibs Imagica.

Family Service – the first members of the general public to be part of the DreamWorks Experience at Cotai Strip Resorts.

In a surprise announcement at the launch event, Sands China Ltd. and DreamWorks Animation revealed that DreamWorks Animation’s latest movie, Turbo – the story of a snail who dreams of winning the Indy 500 – will premiere at an exclusive event at the Venetian Theatre July 13.

Beginning July 1, guests and visitors can enjoy the following DreamWorks Experience entertainment: • A meet and greet with some of their favourite DreamWorks Animation characters from Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How To Train Your Dragon in a spectacular themed setting at Sands Cotai Central’s Paradise Gardens • Guests purchasing a DreamWorks Experience package for stays at Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central can enjoy Shrekfast with the DreamWorks Gang! – an interactive environment where they can have breakfast with the beloved characters. Guests staying at Sheraton Macau Hotel, Cotai Central on a breakfast inclusive package can also upgrade their breakfast to Shrekfast with the DreamWorks Gang! for HK$ 100 per person.

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ccording to the ITB Berlin and IPK International analysis on global booking trends in Western Europe, travel agencies are becoming less important.

Great Britain is the league leader for internet bookings while Germany lies mid-table.

In China and Russia, more and more people are making use of the internet to book their trips instead of going to travel agencies.

From 2008 to 2012, the market share of internet bookings in China more than doubled, rising from 19 to 39 per cent, according to a special evaluation of IPK International’s World Travel Monitor, which was commissioned by ITB Berlin. In Russia too, the internet has rapidly become an important medium for booking trips abroad. Over the last five years its market share has nearly quadrupled, rising from nine to 42 per cent. Thus in 2012, for the first time, more trips were booked on the internet than through travel agencies.

Compared with other nations, people in Great Britain are the most avid internet users. Among the British, the internet was the booking instrument of choice for 78 per cent of their trips. For the British market that represents a 47 per cent increase in internet bookings over 2008. Only 15 per cent of foreign trips were booked through travel agencies, almost two-thirds less than in 2008. Italy, Canada, Japan, France and the Netherlands also represent travel markets with above-average internet

• A DreamWorks AllStar Parade will be held daily at Sand Cotai Central, featuring characters, dancers, and performers grooving along with visitors!

• Poolside DreamWorks movie nights at both Sheraton Macau Hotel and Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central every weekend The arrival of the DreamWorks characters represents an exciting first for Macau. Guests and visitors will have new opportunities to see and interact with wellknown DreamWorks franchise characters: Po from Kung Fu Panda; Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots from Shrek; Alex the lion, King Julien and the penguins from Madagascar, and Toothless and Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon.

Sheraton Macau Hotel and Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central are each running themed DreamWorks Experience packages for stays from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2013, starting at HK$ 1,498. Holiday Inn DreamWorks Experience packages include Shrekfast with the DreamWorks Gang!, and guests staying at Sheraton Macau Hotel on a breakfast inclusive package can upgrade their morning meal to Shrekfast with the DreamWorks Gang! for only HK$ 100 per person. In addition, DreamWorks merchandise will be available to make every guest’s DreamWorks vacation memorable.

bookings (between 61 and 67 per cent), whereas in Germany the use of this medium is below average, at 53 per cent.

In Western Europe, travel agencies are becoming less and less important. In 2008, an average of one in three trips was booked through travel agencies whereas in 2012 it was only one in five. By contrast, despite the rise in internet bookings, in China and Russia travel agencies have retained a high market share as a medium for booking trips. In China more than half (52 per cent) of all trips abroad are booked through travel agencies, which means that despite their decline they remain the most important place for booking travel. In Russia 36 per cent of trips are booked through travel agencies. Compared with 2008, travel agencies have retained their market share and still account for one in three travel bookings. In China and Russia the market share of travel agencies lies well above that of western Europe, where it averages 21 per cent.

Dr. Martin Buck, Director of Travel & Logistics at Messe Berlin said, “For many years, a trend towards the internet becoming the most important medium for booking trips has displayed in nearly all markets. Above all flights, followed by accommodation but also travel insurance or car hire are booked online. In countries where obtaining a visa is difficult and for long-distance trips travel agencies continue to play an important role.“

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he most expansive resort to date by luxury hotel management group GHM is set to welcome its first guests on the tranquil beaches of Tanjung Benoa at the end of 2013. Occupying 2.4 hectares of pristine coastline on the Nusa Dua Peninsula, the 261-room Chedi Sakala will be GHM’s third property to debut in Bali.

Located on the northern tip of the peninsula, a 30-minute drive from Kuta, The Chedi Sakala will feature 247 suites and 14 private one- and two-bedroom pool villas, two swimming pools, a wellness spa, health club and lagoon bar. A Kids’ Club will cater to youngsters, leaving parents free to explore the destination’s famous coastline, water sports and local attractions.

A capacious ballroom, top-notch catering service and four private dining areas with prime beach front views will be on offer for corporate events and weddings.

Neighbouring the resort grounds is Sakala Bali, a 150-seat contemporary French fine dining restaurant. Already operational, Sakala Bali and its outdoor tapas area maintain direct access to the Benoa beach.

Leading the group’s newest fivestar venture as its General Manager is seasoned Australian hotelier Evan Pavlakis. Pavlakis who was in semiretirement when approached by GHM

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oyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has recently launched the CruiseFly facility, offered

by Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, on its cruises disembarking at Singapore.

CruiseFly is the region’s first sea-to-air baggage transfer service that allows guests an early check-in for flights departing within the same day of the ship’s arrival into Singapore.

Commenting on the CruiseFly service, Ms. Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, TIRUN Travel Marketing, India Representative of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said, “This is an exemplary service designed to provide an effortless travel experience to our guests. The early flight check-in not only eliminates baggage related stress but also provides for a couple of extra hours to explore more activities and attractions in Singapore.” She further added, “This is an exciting year for Indian travellers and cruise enthusiasts as Royal Caribbean International has deployed Mariner of the

to lead this development had previously spent five years as GHM’s Senior Vice-President and served as general manager at The Leela Goa and The Lalu Taiwan.

According to GHM President Mr. Hans R. Jenni, “I have worked with Evan for many years and I am confident that his experience, knowledge and global network of contacts will be invaluable as he spearheads this landmark project.” Pavlakis brings more than four decades of international experience in the hospitality sector to his new post in Bali, including 26 years in General Manager and Vice-President positions with leading five-star hotel groups in locations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and China.

“I’ve managed hotels in some of the most talked-about corners of the globe; but there is an untouched beauty about this stretch of shore that is impossible to resist,” said Pavlakis. “Benoa is Bali at its best.”

The resort follows a well-known precedent set by GHM’s two acclaimed properties on the island, The Legian Bali in Seminyak and The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in Ubud. Also on the Nusa Dua Peninsula, GHM has partnered with Singapore’s Sinni Villas to build the Chedi Nusa Penida in Crystal Bay. The 100-villa resort is scheduled to open in 2015.

“Bali is an irresistible destination, both for travelers and hotel operators,” said Jenni.

“Though we’re currently operating two other hotels on the island, with Sakala to debut at the end of the year, and a fourth to debut soon after, and yet a fifth on Nusa Penida under development, we have yet to fully tap our interest in the Island of the Gods.”

Seas, the largest and most innovative cruise ship to homeport in Asia. This ship will deliver an exciting range of cruises from Singapore later this year.”

CruiseFly is the perfect bridge for a trouble free sea- to- air transfer in Singapore and guests can book online or register onboard at Guest Services prior to the ship’s arrival into Singapore. Once they depart the ship at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre itself, with this service guests can check-in, deposit their bags and collect their boarding passes without having to queue at the airport.

CruiseFly also affords the privilege of arriving at the airport relatively closer to the flight departure time, thereby providing guests with the option of spending more time exploring the many attractions and sights in Singapore.

The CruiseFly service is available on leading airlines like

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he Jordan Tourism Board has announced the launch of its Online Specialist Programme that aims to increase the travel trade’s knowledge, capability, and sales of Jordan as a destination. The Jordan Specialist accreditation will be awarded to individuals who successfully complete the programme and they will be encouraged to utilise the programme in a way that they become experts on the destination with the most up to date knowledge of Jordan.

The program’s website www. academy.visitjordan.com has been designed in various modules that takes you through every step with in-depth information about Jordan and its diverse offerings. From basic information on Jordan, to practical details such as flights, things to do, currencies, visas, weather etc – the programme is a one-stop shop to become a Jordan expert.

As a grand prize, on successful completion of the program, a chosen winner will get a fully sponsored trip to Jordan for two pax inclusive of airfare, 5 accommodation on twin sharing basis, breakfast, taxes and sightseeing.

Participation in the programme provides a number of advantages to the travel trade such as Increased knowledge of Jordan, including each region’s unique selling

points and how to build them into an itinerary; Improved capability to plan, promote and sell quality holidays; A certificate for display, so that customers can see instantly that you have taken time to become a specialist on Jordan holidays; and Knowledge and confidence to up-sell Jordan.

Jordan boasts of year-round sunshine with moderate weather. There are some amazing places in Jordan which are on every traveller’s bucket list. Without doubt, Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction is Petra, a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans. Then there is the mineral rich and unsinkable Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west that gives it an almost otherworldly feeling! Wadi Rum, referred to as the Valley of Moon by the Bedouins, is ideal for adventure enthusiasts as it has various options for trekking, rock climbing, mountain biking and hot air ballooning.

Amman, the capital which is a modern Arab city is a unique blend of the new and the old. Aqaba, a town which is always buzzing – thanks to the beautiful Red Sea with its rich marine and coral life, that makes this resort town ideal for water activities such as deep sea diving and snorkelling.

Jordan is now a major religious and health & wellness tourism hub. Excellent hotels with spa and fitness facilities, as well as archaeological and spiritual sites makes this country enticing to families as well as MICE groups.

Singapore Airlines, Silk Air, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Jet Airways. It is valid on all flights departing post 2:30pm from Changi Airport, on the day of the ships arrival to Singapore and can be availed at US$28.00

per person carrying up to 2 pieces of baggage and US$9.00 for each additional piece of luggage. Excess baggage charges and procedures are applicable based on the respective airline regulations.

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elta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. have detailed a codeshare agreement across 108 routes that offers customers seamless connections to 66 destinations across North America and the U.K. The codeshare announcement coincides with Delta acquiring a 49 per cent stake in Sir Richard Branson’s airline - marking the next step towards a full joint venture between the two carriers. Virgin Atlantic will place its code on 91 Delta routes, including both trans-Atlantic and domestic U.S. routes. Delta will place its code on 17 Virgin Atlantic routes, including the recently launched Little Red domestic U.K. services connecting London to Manchester, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The agreement includes the following customer benefits: • Virgin Atlantic customers will now enjoy a vast network of connecting North American destinations while Delta customers will gain an additional six daily frequencies between London

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irun Travel Marketing, exclusive India Representative of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., recently introduced a bouquet of special MICE and ship charter programmes that are ideal for Indian organizations and keen travellers. They have effortlessly bundled the cost-predictability of an all-inclusive rate with groundbreaking innovations and amenities, award winning ships, amazing onboard experiences, multiple destinations, professional staff including a dedicated onboard Convention Services Coordinator and a shore side support team to ensure fully tailor-made programmes. An ideal solution for planners, these programmes feature immense scope for customizations and offer the most superior value for money.

With travel emerging as a leading option among MICE groups, the Indian incentive travel market is growing and seeking new outlets, and cruising is increasingly seen as a fresh, novel way to motivate staff and reward customers. Cruising offers the highest satisfaction rate of all travel alternatives and an incredible value when compared to landbased hotels and resorts. Unlike land-based incentives, cruises are all-inclusive with few out-of-pocket extras.

Speaking about some of the most exciting developments in this segment, Ms. Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, TIRUN Travel

to New York • SkyMiles and Flying Club loyalty programs that will offer up to 125% tier bonus miles to frequent fliers on all Delta and Virgin Atlantic flights - not just those within the codeshare agreement • Reciprocal Delta Sky Club and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse access at applicable airports for Upper Class and BusinessElite passengers and Flying Club Gold members and SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond members • Priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and additional baggage allowance on all Virgin Atlantic and Delta operated flights worldwide not just those within the codeshare agreement - for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class and Flying Club Gold members as well as DeltaBusinessElite andSkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Diamond members “This is a strategic investment that enhances Delta’s network with greatly improved access to London Heathrow,

the leading marketplace on the trans-Atlantic,” said Mr. Ed Bastian, President, Delta Airlines. “As we unite two leading global airline brands in an innovative partnership that focuses on delivering enhanced benefits and services for our customers, we also become a more formidable competitor across the Atlantic.”

Mr. Craig Kreeger, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, said; “Today is an important day for Virgin Atlantic and our customers in both the U.S and U.K. As new shareholders in the airline, Delta is an important ally in the all-important trans-Atlantic market.

We can stand firm together against the competition and can now offer more destinations, a smoother connecting airport experience and ultimately the best trans-Atlantic on board experience.

Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning customer experience is loved around the world and we look forward to sharing our unique Clubhouse and in-flight hospitality with many Delta passengers over the years.”

The two airlines announced their intention to enter into a joint venture agreement in December 2012. Last week unconditional merger clearance was granted by the European Commission and the U.S Department of Justice closed their review of the transaction. As of today, Delta has successfully completed its acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in Virgin Atlantic. The U.S Department of Transportation is currently reviewing the parties’ application for antitrust immunity relating to the proposed joint venture of the parties’ operations on nonstop routes between the US and the UK. This review is expected to be completed during third quarter of 2013, and the implementation of the Delta/Virgin Atlantic joint venture is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2014. Once implemented, this will deliver further significant additional consumer benefits and vibrant competition to the trans-Atlantic market.

Customers will be able to reap the rewards of the reciprocal codesharing

Marketing said, “New deployments in Asia, like the largest and most innovative ship based in the region-Mariner of the Seas, have opened fresh opportunities for incentive and charter business from our country. Planners now have a choice of more sailing dates and unique itineraries in the region.” Royal Caribbean Cruises calls on approximately 460 destinations on all seven continents and is known for its first-at-sea innovations.

TIRUN Travel Marketing is providing Corporate programmes aboard 34 ships ranging from the world’s largest and most innovative to the most luxurious and intimate.

Round-the-clock personal assistance by the dedicated professional crew, state-of-art equipment and dedicated facilities ensure rewarding incentives, memorable meetings, and successful conferences. These cruises

accommodate everything from small groups, breakfast sessions to lectures and provide spacious lounges with built-in technology for relaxed discussions or creative brainstorming and grand theaters seating 800-1394 persons for more elaborate presentations and special events. Over the years, TIRUN Travel Marketing has conducted several MICE activities for companies across different sectors like- Cement, Paints, Home Appliances, Watches, Electronics, Direct Marketing, Auto, Financial, Mobiles, Pharma, Furniture, Greeting Cards, Rice, Lights, Designer Watches & Jewelery,Mattresses, Insurance and more.

A full ship charter is the ultimate in privacy, exclusivity and customization.

Speaking about this Ms. Chadha added, “Ship charter is an exciting domain that is being explored by smart companies and individuals across India. It is the most indulgent format of group travel and optimizes team building and bonding like none other.”

Such programmes allow personalization at all levels and bring immense value. They ensure blissful celebration and are ideal for

beginning 3 July 2013 when travel across the routes begin. Flights can be booked from 29 June 2013. In the future, corporate and travel agency customers of both airlines will also benefit from an aligned sales effort on both sides of the Atlantic.

Full details of the codeshare announcement can be found at www.virgin-atlantic.com and www.delta.com As part of a $3 billion investment in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities, all of Delta’s flights between the U.S. and London-Heathrow feature fully flat-bed seats offering direct aisle access in the Business Elite cabin.

These flights also offer Delta’s popular Economy Comfort seating in the forward section of the economy cabin. Economy Comfort offers four additional inches of legroom and 50 per cent more recline compared to standard economy seats.

All cabins offer in-seat audio and video on demand with a broad range of inflight entertainment options. Delta also will begin introducing in-flight WiFi service on international flights beginning in 2014.

Virgin Atlantic completed a £150m upgrade programme, including a new Upper Class cabin across its Airbus A330 aircraft in 2012 – with features including the longest fully flat bed in the sky and a redesigned on board bar. Brand new Clubhouses opened at both JFK and Newark airports in the past year and have received awards for innovation and design.

The airline launched its domestic service; Virgin Atlantic Little Red in March 2013 and is now flying 26 daily frequencies to Manchester, Edinburgh and Aberdeen from Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic achieved record levels of on time performance in 2012 and is the number one airline in punctuality performance at Heathrow on the majority of its routes and out-performing its key competitor in 11 out of 12 months. hosting private functions like weddings, anniversaries or birthdays and corporate activities like meetings or conventions, Product launches, Consumer promotions, Incentive programmes, Tradeshows and Corporate anniversaries.

These ship charter programmes offer an unmatched experience allowing customization of the itinerary, shore excursions, onboard events, in-suite amenities, state room television & public area broadcasts, dining room menus, corporate décor throughout the ship and brand logo on food & beverage items, photos, Daily Program, Sea Pass Cards amongst others.

Beach Olympics, Scavenger hunts, Private cocktail & theme party, Floral arrangements, State room decorations, Pre-paid onboard credits and interesting competitions for Rock climbing, miniature golf and more may be organized.

Royal Caribbean Cruises offer a very vast array of onboard amenities and activities ranging from an onboard surf simulator, zip line, ice skating rink and rock climbing wall to full sized sports courts, a mini golf course, fitness center and sports deck. Many of these ships have unique themed neighbourhoods and concepts like Boardwalk or Royal Promenade are very effective. There is plenty in way of entertainment and dining options from Broadways, DreamWorks Experience, musical stage productions, aquatheatre, comedy shows to 24-hr rooms service, chef demos, multiple specialty restaurants and café. The Casino is extraordinary and the Day Spa, multiple whirlpools and adults only solarium allow deep relaxation.

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ourism New Zealand and Auckland Airport have welcomed the announcement from Malaysia Airlines to increase the number of flights from six to seven per week during the peak season. These services will be valid from November 24, 2013 to January 27, 2014. The announcement will see the Kuala Lumpur to Auckland service provide an extra ten flights in total to the schedule during the peak travel time.

In the past Tourism New Zealand has been collaborating with Malaysia Airlines to promote special travel deals, allowing visitors to explore the many great destinations New Zealand has to offer. Indian arrivals to New Zealand have been on a consistent rise and there has also been an increase in bookings of Indian travellers flying to the country on Malaysia Airlines.

Thus, India continues to remain an important market for both Tourism New Zealand and Malaysia Airlines.

Commenting on the new announcement, Mr. Azahar Hamid, Regional Vice President - South Asia & Middle East said, “India remains in the top 5 Asian countries for tourist arrivals to New Zealand and we are hoping that with this collaboration, we can increase the potential of tourists considering travelling. New Zealand continues to be an important destination for Indians and Malaysia Airlines is a major player in the market. With Tourism New Zealand’s support, we are hoping this new strategy will be successful

to attract more holiday seekers from India.”

Tourism New Zealand’s acting Chief Executive Mr. Justin Watson says the enhanced connectivity and increased capacity will support the organisation’s new three-year strategy and its focus on growing arrivals from South and South East Asian markets, particularly those from India.

“This focus is shared by Malaysian Airlines and Auckland International Airport,” says Mr Watson. “By adopting a collaborative approach to marketing and trade engagement, we are confident of an increase in travellers from the target markets of India and Malaysia.”

Mr. Glenn Wedlock, Auckland Airport General Manager Aeronautical Commercial, says this is a fantastic outcome that reflects the hard work and collaboration of Malaysia Airlines, Auckland Airport and Tourism New Zealand to deliver sustainable growth on the Auckland – Kuala Lumpur route.

“Our collaboration is aimed at targeting key market segments for New Zealand as part of our Ambition 2020 Asia strategy,” says Mr Wedlock. “This additional capacity will continue to support the growth from High Opportunity Target (HOT) markets, such as Malaysia and India, where we have seen an increase in arrivals at Auckland of 66% and 13% respectively in May 2013 compared to May 2012.”

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as low as RM2,199 for an all-inclusive return journey.

Bookings start from 8 to 28 July 2013 for the travel period of 1 September 2013 till 31 May 2014. Meanwhile for Darwin, fares start from only RM1,399 for an all-inclusive Economy class return travel. Business class starts from as low as RM 3,199 for an all-inclusive return journey. Bookings start from 8 to 28 July 2013 for the travel period of 1 November 2013 till 31 May 2014.

Malaysia Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said, “Malaysia Airlines needs to grow in tandem with the growth of the region. This means investing in our fleet, in the quality of our product and services. As the national carrier, we have decided to operate to these three cities, Dubai, Kochi and Darwin to introduce Malaysia to new markets and we are happy to reinstate Dubai and Darwin into Malaysia Airlines’ network to extend our reach and strengthen our offering to customers.”

“Besides that, we have also been actively increasing frequencies to various regional destinations,” Mr. Ahmad Jauhari added.

On 1 June 2013, flights between Kuala Lumpur and Phuket have been increased to 26 times weekly with the introduction of one new daily service as well as its frequency between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu from five times weekly to seven times weekly. Flights between Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai have been increased to 12 times weekly on 3 June 2013 with one additional service to its current daytime schedule.

Effective from 1 August 2013, the airline will be operating four times daily between Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar. The additional flight, MH867 departs Kuala Lumpur at 11.30 pm and arrives in Denpasar at 2.30 am.

It returns as flight MH866 departing Denpasar at 4.35 am, arriving Kuala Lumpur at 7.30 am.

alaysia Airlines will be adding two new destinations to its expanding network after Dubai. Beginning 1 September 2013, the national carrier will be introducing flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kochi daily in both directions as well as reinstate flights between Kuala Lumpur and Darwin five times weekly effective 1 November 2013, after the airline ceased services to the Northern Territory of Australia in 2002.

The Kuala Lumpur-Kochi-Kuala Lumpur flight is available daily. Flight no. MH118 starts from Kuala Lumpur daily at 10.30 pm and arrives Kochi at 12.01 am; and flight no. MH119 starts from Kochi at 12.50 am and arrives Kuala Lumpur at 7.40 am.

The Kuala Lumpur-Darwin-Kuala Lumpur flight is available five days a week. Flight no. MH253 starts from Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10.35 pm and arrives Darwin at 5.10 am; and flight no. MH252 starts from Darwin on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 6.00 am and arrives Kuala Lumpur at 9.20 am.

Both routes will be operating on the new and improved 160-seater B737-800. The B737-800 aircraft with a configuration of 16 business and 144 Economy seats, provides premium travel experience with on-demand inflight entertainment system at every seat.

This is following the airlines’ re-introduction to Dubai which will take effect on 5 August 2013. The Kuala LumpurDubai return service will be mounted daily via MH162 and MH163 using the B777-200 aircraft that offers a total capacity of 282 seats in each flight, equivalent to 3,948 seats weekly.

In conjunction with the introduction of service to Kochi, Malaysia Airlines is offering super attractive promotional fares that start from only RM1,099 for an all-inclusive Economy class return travel. Business class starts from

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he Gion Matsuri, familiarly known as ‘Gion-san,’ is a festival held at Yasaka-jinja Shrine, and the highlight is the splendid pageant of some 30 floats called yamaboko proceeding along the main streets of Kyoto on the 17th of July.

Each float, two-storied and about 6 meters tall, is topped with a long pole shaped like a spear. Adorned with exquisite craftwork such as woven fabric, dyed textiles and sculptures, these floats are so gorgeous that they are sometimes even described as ‘mobile art museums.’

During the parade, children wearing make-up and musicians playing the flute, drums and bells are seated on the second level of the floats. Some floats have dolls propped up on the second level.

This festival is believed to have started 1,100 years ago when floats were made and paraded in the town to appease the deity of plague and illnesses. Moreover, between the 14th and 16th, the Yoiyama festival is held at night preceding the main attraction on the 17th. Floats displayed in the town are lit up with dozens of lights, and the festive music known as Gion-bayashi can be heard almost everywhere in the town streets. During the festival period, people go and visit each of the floats, where they can buy omamori (good luck charms) made from sasa bamboo grass for warding off evils.Although only limited

to the Yoiyama days, the local residents open their homes to the public, exhibiting their valuable art collections, a customary event known as the Byobu Matsuri or the ‘Folding Screen Festival.’ This is a precious opportunity to actually visit and observe traditional Japanese residences of Kyoto.

Please remember, however, that this is not a visit to an art museum, so be sure to observe etiquette when visiting the homes of its citizens.

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ndhra Pradesh Continues to be Most Popular Destination Among Domestic Tourists While Maharashtra Most Favoured State of Foreign Tourists The number of domestic tourist visits (DTVs) to States/UTs registered an increase of 19.87% during the year 2012 over 2011 as compared to an increase of 15.6% in 2011 over 2010. According to the latest statistics on tourism in India released by the Ministry of Tourism, during the year 2012, the number of domestic tourist visits to the States/ UTs was 1036 million as compared to 865 million in 2011 and 748 million in 2010.

The top ten States in terms of number of domestic tourist visits (in millions), during 2012, were Andhra Pradesh (206.8), Tamil Nadu (184.1), Uttar Pradesh (168.4), Karnataka (94.1), Maharashtra (66.3), Madhya Pradesh (53.2), Rajasthan (28.6), Uttarakhand (26.8), Gujarat (24.4) and West Bengal (22.7). The contribution of these States was about 84.5% to the total number of domestic tourist visits during 2012.

Andhra Pradesh has occupied the first rank in terms of DTVs in 2012, whereas

Tamil Nadu, which was at third rank in 2011, has moved to the second rank. Uttar Pradesh which was at first rank in 2011 has moved down to third place. Though the top ten States in terms of DTVs in 2012, remained the same as those in 2011 the rank of some to the States, changed slightly (by one place).

The number of foreign tourist visits (FTVs) to States/UTs registered a growth of 6.33% during the year 2012 over 2011 as compared to a growth of 8.9% in 2011 over 2010. The number of foreign tourist visits (FTVs) to the States/ UTs was 20.7 million in 2012 as compared to 19.5 million in 2011 and 17.9 million in 2010.

The top ten States in terms of number of FTVs (in millions) during 2012 were Maharashtra (5.1), Tamil Nadu (3.6), Delhi (2.3), Uttar Pradesh (2.0), Rajasthan (1.5), West Bengal (1.2), Bihar (1.1), Kerala (0.8), Karnataka (0.6) and Himachal Pradesh (0.5). The contribution of these States was about 90.1% to the total number of FTVs in the country during 2012. The top ten States in terms of FTVs in 2012, remained the same as those in 2011.

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he 7th chapter of CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards 2013 presented by MTDC held in the presence of Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Mr. Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra along with the television stars like Vivan Dasena, Miss India 2010 Neha Hinge. The award was presented in 38 categories.

According to World Travel Tourism Council (WTTC), the contribution of travel and tourism in India in 2011 was 6.4% of total GDP. By the end of 2012, this is projected to increase to 7.3%. The investment made in this sector in 2011 was Rs. 1,254 billion, approximately 5.1% of the total investment in the country and is expected to rise to 12.3% by the end of 2012.

The travel and tourism sector is undoubtedly one of the most competitive sectors in India. With accelerating competition between tourist destinations, tourism promotion boards, and hundreds of allied services to entice consumers, it becomes imperative to institute benchmarks. In addition to rewarding the best in class travel destinations, CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards’13 also recognized ancillary services of the tourism industry like transport, hospitality, tour operators and travel portals among others.

Commenting on CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards 2013 Mr. Sanjay Pugalia, Editor-in-

The winners of ‘CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards 2013’ are: Sr. No Category 1 Most Responsible Tourism 2 Best Restaurant - Indian Cuisine 3 Best Restaurant - International Cuisine 4 Best Boutique Tour Operator 5 Best Hotel - Architecturally 6 Best Luxury Train 7 Best Business Hotel 8 Best Travel Insurance Co. 9 Best Travel Portal 10 Best Tour Operator - Inbound 11 Best Tour Operator - Outbound 12 Best Managed Airport

13 Best Destination For Domestic Travelers 14 Best Domestic Airline 15 Best Luxury Cruise Line

16 Best Wildlife Experience

17 Best Airline - Low Cost 18 Best International Airline

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ver fancied a short break or a longer holiday in a hideaway tucked away in a beautiful part of Mid Wales that has no electricity and relies on gas for cooking and water heating. Lighting in Straw Cottage is provided by candles and lanterns, rechargeable gaslights and a solar light.

Not all mod cons are missing, however, as there is a hot shower, flushing WC, wood burner and comfortable beds.

Two large sofas, a Welsh dresser, a butler’s sink and a large wooden dining table with candelabra above all help to give the Straw Cottage a welcoming and

Winners Rainbow Cruises Mahesh Lunch home Juhu Le Cirque - The Leela - New Delhi Ven Tours Vivanta by Taj - Gurgaon Deccan Odyssey The Leela Palace New Delhi Tata AIG General MakeMyTrip.com Kuoni India Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. Indira Gandhi International Airport Maharashtra Jet Airways M.V Mahabaahu Brahmaputra River Cruise, Assam Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh IndiGo Airlines Singapore Airlines

authentic feel. Nestling in a wooded glade on Ty Gwyn Farm, less than three miles from Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells, Wales, this is no ancient cottage refurbished for tourists. The cottage was built as recently as this winter by Anthony and Margot Porter on their 130acre organic beef and sheep farm using centuries old building methods. As the name suggests, the walls are made of straw bales and then coated with lime mortar inside and out. The roof insulation is sheep’s wool and the roof is covered with cedar shingles.

Chief, CNBC AWAAZ, said “CNCB Awaaz is mostly recognise as a Business Channel but I would like to say that it is not only a business channel but it’s also a consumer and citizen channel. India has the potential to become the hot spot in Adventure Tourism.

Maharashtra has the potential to become the best destination; government has to take special efforts on their tourism side. Tier II cities are becoming most favorite destinations for tourist so special efforts on the infrastructure and other aspects have to be developed keeping the foreign tourist in mind. It will defiantly help to boost the foreign exchange ultimately it will also have an impact on the economy.”

CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards honor the best in class organisations, destinations, infrastructure and service providers based on an objective, robust and comprehensive study conducted by CNBC Awaaz with over 10,000 responses. This study is backed by an eminent panel of experts with Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO & MD – DMICDC and Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, MD – Show Leopard Adventures. These awards are aimed at bringing to the forefront emerging trends and the best in India’s tourism. The trends across leisure, medical, adventure, heritage tourism are putting India on the world map today and these awards will serve as a platform to felicitate the best in the industry.

19 Best Company Providing Foreign Exchange 20 Best Managed Destination 21 Indian Holistic Health Resort 22 Best Resort For Health And Rejuvenation 23 Best Medical Value Tourism 24 Best Luxury Hotel

25 Best International Travel Destination 26 Best Dining Experience 27 Most Romantic Resort 28 Best Managed Historical Monument 29 Best Travel State 30 Best Beach Destination 31 Best Budget Hotel

32 Best Religious Destination 33 Best Mountain/Hill Destination 34 Best Brand Marketing Campaign 35 Best Travel City 36 Best Adventure Tourism Destination 37 Best State Tourism Board 38 Best Wildlife And Nature Destination

Anthony’s inspiration, the cottage is now ready to welcome holidaymakers seeking an authentic country break.

Sleeping four in two bedrooms, there is also plenty of space for children to camp outside, making it ideal for two families to share. Tourists from across the world can experience living far away from the madding crowd, surrounded by nature, with their own piece of land, where children can play and explore or even build a den. The aim was to provide comfortable and cosy accommodation where couples and families could relax and enjoy a lifestyle of a bygone era but with some modern comforts.

For children, there are plenty of animals

Cox & Kings Puducherry Kalari Kovilakom Neeleshwar Hermitage Narayana Hrudayalaya Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad Thailand China XO - The Leela - Chennai The Tamara - Coorg Hampi (Karnataka) Kerala Havelock Island, Andaman Roots Corporation Limited (Ginger Hotels Vaishno Devi Dharmshala Madhya Pradesh Udaipur Jammu & Kashmir Gujarat Gir National Park & Sanctuary (Gujarat)

to see – sheep, cows, horses and dogs.

They can play rounders or cricket in the meadow, pond dip in the stream, take part in a treasure hunt around the farm or try their knowledge at an entertaining countryside quiz. Off the farm, there are plenty of other places to visit in the area.

Llandrindod Wells has supermarkets, shops and restaurants, a 13-acre lake and the National Cycling Museum. Further afield there is a variety of small market towns, attractions and events for both adults and children.

The Straw Cottage is open all year round for weekly and short break lets.

Prices start at £340 for a three night break and £500 for a week’s stay.

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eaWorld Parks & Entertainment announces a multi-park celebration to commemorate a key event in the company’s history. The original SeaWorld park opened its gates for the first time in March 1964 on Mission Bay in San Diego.

SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will feature a Sea of Surprises starting March 21, 2014.

SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Florida and San Antonio will share the excitement throughout an 18-month celebration that highlights some of the most memorable SeaWorld experiences.

For nearly five decades, SeaWorld has surprised and amazed guests with unique entertainment, thrilling rides and up-close encounters with marine animals. During SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration visitors will be invited to take part in the celebration through new interactive experiences, shows and pathway performances, even more up-close animal encounters throughout the park and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating guests with prizes every day.

Just a few weeks ago, SeaWorld Orlando opened Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, an all-new realm that combines 30-degree temperatures, upclose encounters with more than 250 penguins and an all-family adventure ride to create the coldest theme park attraction in Orlando and a thrilling, chilling experience of a lifetime.

SeaWorld Orlando will continue to make news later this year when the park announces what’s new for 2014. Details will be shared this fall.

Sea of Surprises Highlights • SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate 50 years with a new interactive entrance plaza. The area will be called Explorer’s Reef and will open in March for the celebration kick-off. The 16-month construction project will transform the existing front gate area through sculptural and design elements inspired by waves crashing over a reef, as well as up-close encounters with marine life.

The new front gate concept will replace existing ticket booths with a beachthemed, concierge-style ticketing area that will provide guests with a single location to purchase admission, as well as sign up for tours, animal interactions and dining experiences.

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park, guests can connect with the sea through multiple touch pools featuring shark pups, stingrays and cleaner fish. Explorer’s Reef encompasses more than three acres, including new and innovative retail and culinary opportunities for guests. The multimillion dollar renovation effort will not only make entering the park faster and more efficient, but will significantly enhance the arrival experience.

As part of SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration, there will be more surprise encounters with animal ambassadors throughout the day. A pair of Magellanic penguins, a lemur, or even a parade of flamingos could surprise guests at any moment at all three SeaWorld locations.

What’s a celebration without surprises?

The SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” will roam the SeaWorld parks giving away prizes and special gifts. Guests could receive exclusive access to rides or behind-the-scenes experiences, celebration t-shirts or Shamu-themed merchandise, reserved show seating and more.

SeaWorld is known for amazing animal shows and each park will have something new for the 50th celebration. Even park pathways will come to life with spontaneous entertainment at unexpected moments, including performers with seainspired costumes and props, a bubble brigade and splash mob.

To underscore SeaWorld’s commitment to the environment and passion for protecting the ocean, a series of giant sea life sculptures will be displayed throughout the parks. SeaWorld commissioned environmental art group Washed Ashore for the large-scale art created from ocean debris. The works serve as a reminder that our animal friends need healthy environments.

As part of its continuing commitment to new technology that enhances the guest experience, SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will include new ways for fans to connect to the parks and each other though digital devices.

The parks will be launching a variety of enhancements, from interactive apps that provide fun new ways to experience the park to new games and video content.

National Tourism Ministers’ Conference was held in New Delhi to discuss the future strategies for realising the full tourism potential of the country.

The Conference was chaired by Union Tourism Minister Mr. K. Chiranjeevi. State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities were represented in the conference either through their Tourism Ministers and/or senior officials.

This meeting assumed a significant importance as Indian Tourism has recently been hit by natural calamities and some incidents. “At such a time, we should all put our heads together and work out the best possible ways and strategies to develop and promote Indian tourism in the most effective manner. Tourism development, being a residuary subject in our Constitution, is our collective responsibility. We all know and we all understand that tourism plays an important role in the economic development of the nation and for the employment generation in the country.

We are all aware, that this critical sector helps in mainstreaming the remote areas and weaker sections of the society. Having said that, I appeal to all stakeholders to join hands with the Ministry to meet the challenges that Indian Tourism is facing today,” said the Union Tourism Minister in his opening remarks.

During the conference while an exchange of ideas took place between the Ministry of Tourism and various State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities, interaction between the State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities and industry stakeholders also took place. 22 National Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Industry Associations also attended the conference through their senior office bearers. Delegates attending the Conference laid stress on the safety and security of tourists, particularly women.

The Conference launched a new campaign “I Respect Women” with Ministry of Tourism issuing badges in Hindi and Ten international languages.

The Conference deliberated on various agenda items, which included the safety and security of tourists, Campaign Clean India to improve cleanliness at important tourist destinations, rationalisation of Taxes to make Indian tourism products competitive, bringing uniformity in the structure of Road Taxes and promote seamless travel, the timely implementation of tourism infrastructure projects, the time bound issue of licences and no objection certificates for various tourism related services, the provision of single window clearance for film shootings and MICE activities, promoting accessible and sustainable tourism and improving coordination between various State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for promoting Intraregional Tourism.

After due deliberations, the Conference adopted the following resolutions: • The Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will work for ensuring the safety and security of tourists, especially women; the Departments will consider setting up of a special force such as a Tourist Police, where it does not exist at present, either by taking few companies on deputation from the Police Department or by engaging ExServicemen or Home Guards.

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ensure that immediate action is taken to investigate the crime and undertake speedy trials to bring the culprits to book.

In the case of any unfortunate incident of assault on any tourist, the Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will ensure immediate post-traumatic help to the victim respecting his/her privacy and showing utmost sensitivity to the feelings of the victim. The “service recovery” will be of the highest order.

The Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will sensitise all stakeholders including the community through various electronic and print campaigns towards the need of being sensitive to the needs of tourists and being helpful.

The Departments will take necessary steps to inculcate proper values in children by arranging at least one lecture each every year in every class on the importance of sensitivity to tourists and the cleanliness of public areas.

The Departments will run a mass awareness campaign called “I respect women”.

The Departmentswill work to ensure cleanliness at various tourism destinations, inter alia, by ensuring the removal of garbage at regular intervals, declaring polythene and garbage free zones and providing toilets to stop open defecation.

The Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will try to establish proper toilet facilities along roads leading to important tourist destinations utilizing the existing infrastructure like petrol pumps, dhabas, panchayat and other public buildings by utilizing services of unemployed youth.

The Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will set up a coordination mechanism with the concerned municipality / local body to monitor the state of cleanliness at various tourist destinations on a regular basis.

The Departments will work towards making tourism destinations and traffic crossings beggar free, by making help zones nearby.

The Departments will work towards keeping their States and UTs clean, inter alia, by involving various corporate houses, public sector undertakings and non-governmental organizations as partners for ensuring the upkeep of various destinations.

The Departments will work towards imparting working spoken knowledge of a foreign language to every member of their staff that deals with the foreign tourists.

The Departments will work towards rationalizing the tax structure to make various tourism destinations competitive and also for enabling seamless travel.

The Departments will work towards providing the necessary licences/no objection certificates for various tourism services in a time bound manner.

The Departmentswill endeavour to make various tourism destinations accessible to differently-abled tourists.

The Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will assess the carrying capacity of various tourism destinations, especially religious places, on the basis of the principles of environmental sustainability and take immediate remedial measures to avoid any untoward incident.

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August 2013 iami Spice Restaurant Program (Aug. 1- Sept. 30) If you’re visiting during August or September, don’t miss a chance to savor some of our area’s most spectacular cuisine. Greater Miami and the Beaches’ top restaurants offer mouth-watering meals at incredible savings.

Brazilian Film Festival of Miami (1825) The Inffinito Festival Circuit arrives in Miami for the 16th edition of the Brazilian Film Festival of Miami. The Competitive Screening takes place once again at the Colony Theatre, with short and feature films competing for the Cristal Lens Award, the most prestigious award in Brazilian cinema outside the country.

September 2013 Xviii International Ballet Festival Of Miami - Aug 30 - Sep 08 2013 The Festival, the only one of its kind in the State of Florida, is responsible for bringing to Miami-Dade County the works of over 200 artists from more than 20 ballet companies representing countries from Europe, Asia, Latin America and North America. The festival incorporates film, art, literature and live performances to provide an event that serves the diverse audience of Miami-Dade County. The festival will take place at six different venues across MiamiDade County including: Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater, Lehman Theater at Miami Dade College North Campus and Colony Theater.

October 2013 Miami Attractions Month (1-31)

Experience Greater Miami and the Beaches’ many unique attractions during October and enjoy special discounts on admission to Miami’s top attractions.

Miami International Wine Fair 19 - 20 October 2013, Miami, United States Miami Beach Convention Center, Art Deco District/South Beach The Miami International Wine Fair is open to wine producers from around the world, importers and/or distributors eager to increase their sales in the US market.

Thanks to the Wine Fair’s innovative Buyers Program, exhibitors are guaranteed meetings with pre-qualified buyers interested in their products. Over 1,900 meetings were organized last year alone resulting in estimated sales of 460,000 9L cases of wine.

The Wine Fair is always a great platform to find new importers and distributors in the United States, but with wine sales growing rapidly throughout the Americas, you should expect to see an increasing number of buyers (importers) coming from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America as well. Finally, in order to better serve the needs of the thousands of local restaurants and retailers attending the show, we created The Florida Room, a subsection within the Wine Fair dedicated exclusively to wineries with distribution in the state of Florida.

Spirits, gourmet foods, wine tour operators and wine accessory companies are welcome and always present, but typically 85% of our exhibitors are wine producers, importers and/or distributors.

Miami/Broward One Carnival (13) With over 20 masquerade bands and 6 steel bands parading and competing for “Band of the Year” bragging rights, the streets of Miami Gardens will be adorned with beautiful, colorful and intricate costumes along with the infectious musical sounds of soca. Enjoy live concerts throughout the day, Caribbean food and drinks, parades and much more!

The International Caribbean Village will showcase goods and services from the Caribbean.

November 2013 Miami Live Music Month (1-30) To celebrate Greater Miami’s live music scene, Miami Live Music Month promotes the area’s diverse live music venues and the great musicians that play in them.

NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend (15-17) A three-day championship tradition unlike any other, where NASCAR crowns its champions in all three of its top national divisions-the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts NASCAR during Ford Championship Weekend for the 10th consecutive year featuring five-time Champ Jimmie Johnson, South Florida resident Juan Pablo Montoya and fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. racing for NASCAR’s biggest prize: the Sprint Cup Trophy.

Miami Book Fair International (17-24) One of the nation’s finest and largest literary gatherings treats book lovers to more than a week of cultural and educational activities,

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The fam was escorted by Visit Florida, Account Director Seldon Tenzing and was initiated with the objective of enhancing awareness and updating the participants on Florida and its offerings to discerning Indian travellers. The group visited Miami for three nights, had a one night stop at Cocoa Beach with a day visit to the Kennedy Space Center and three nights in Orlando. The trip included visits to

exciting theme parks such as Sea World, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World in Orlando, other attractions in Miami such as the Bayside Cruise and Jungle Island along with world-class shopping and unique dining options throughout the trip.

The trip received overwhelming response from all the participants and the agents are determined to promote the destination with even more dedication & conviction ever than before.

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n order to further strengthen its presence in the Indian Travel Trade Industry Visit Florida, recently organised a first ever experiential visit to prominent cities of the Sunshine State like Miami, Space Coast and Orlando. The top five trade players in India, Thomas Cook, Mercury Travels, Kesari Travels, Sal Tours International and Vacation Exotica participated in the 7 -day Familiarisation (FAM) trip.

including author readings, book signings, the Evenings With series, the IberoAmerican Authors program, the popular Street Fair on the actual closed streets of downtown Miami surrounding the campus, Children’s Alley, and much more.

South Florida International Auto Show (Nov. 8 - 17, 2013 Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach - Art Deco District/South Beach Serving as a venue for national product introductions, the auto show showcases more than 1,000 new car, truck, van and SUV models from more than 40 of the world’s leading manufacturers - a sight auto enthusiasts wait all year to see. Big changes are in store this year for fans of this signature South Florida event, including new exhibits. Make sure to check out: Eco Experience and its indoor electric vehicle test track, Topless in Miami’s display of convertible cars in a picturesque Miami environment, and Havana Classics, a spinoff of Memory Lane celebrating nostalgic moments from the 50s. Ride & Drive events, including Camp Jeep will also return to Convention Center Drive.

December 2013 Art Miami (3-8) This premier fair celebrates its 22nd anniversary as it kicks off the opening day of Art Week. Worldfamous for its extraordinary variety, outstanding quality and its stylish gallerylike decor, Art Miami showcases the best in modern and contemporary art from more than 100 international art galleries and prominent art institutions. An Art Basel satellite event.

Art Basel Miami Beach (5-8) Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design.

Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival (DEC. 2013) The annual gathering of the Miccosukee Tribe takes place during the last week of the year. The objectives of this Festival are to celebrate and share the cultural creativity of the Native American Indian Tribes, while simultaneously raising funds for educational programs and the development of our youth.

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FHRAI Annual Convention: September 19-21, 2013

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he 48th Annual Convention of Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) will be held from September 19 to 21, 2013 at Le Meridien, Kochi. The decision was unanimously taken during the Executive Committee meeting of FHRAI in New Delhi on April 20, 2013. The theme and business sessions of the Convention will be decided in the due course of time.

“For the first time FHRAI Annual Convention is being held in Kerala. Being the President is from Southern region, the Convention was supposed to be held in South India and hence Kerala was chosen as host state. With tourist flocking from all around the world, Kerala has set an example of sustainable and responsible yet competitive tourism. The participation

from the local community has really helped to boost the tourism in the state,” said Mr. Jose Dominic, Joint Honorary Secretary, FHRAI. “Being on the greener and safer part, Kerala has set a tone for the upcoming Convention. The Convention will talk about world class yet indigenous and sustainable tourism. The delegate participation this year will break the records of all earlier Conventions so far.

I am hoping that hoteliers will have a pre and post convention tours and enjoy and experience the beauty of the backwaters and the famous Kerala Ayurveda Spa. Also we are looking at having the exhibition simultaneously with the Convention so that the suppliers can interact and connect with hoteliers” Mr. Dominic added.

IATO Annual Convention: September 08-11, 2013

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he 29th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will be held from 8 to 11 September, 2013 at Le Meridien, Kochi in Kerala. The theme of the convention is ‘Tourism – Innovations & Partnerships’.

“Kerala has set an unprecedented growth in tourism. With IATO’s support most of the states where we had our earlier conventions achieved a blistering pace of development. We usher the state into a future of progress and prosperity.

This has been a reality in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Gujarat & Maharashtra where we had our previous conventions” said Mr. Subhash Goyal, President, IATO. Mr. Arun Anand, Convention Chairman said “every year, we try to promote a new state and work for an integrated growth.

We have also earlier been to Kerala and this year, Kerala was in our mind from very beginning for our annual convention due to sea change in the tourism scene in Kerala.

In view of the overwhelming response and support from the state Government and also from the travel industry, we had

Chiranjeevi Stresses the Need to Enhance Facilities at Pilgrimage Centres year for developing tourism infrastructure in the State”.

Referring to the role of private sector the Minister said, “We need active involvement of the Corporate Sector , to adopt important tourist sites and monuments under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

To set a precedent, The ITDC has come forward and adopted the Qutub Minar.

Now ONGC has come forward to adopt 6 monuments, namely the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Elephanta caves, Ellora caves, Chiranjeevi Calls for Setting up of Tourist Police in States and UTs tourists. The Minister said, “The problem is serious and if we fail to tackle it now, it may be too late. I suggest that all States and UT Administrations must declare various tourist destinations as plastic free, ensure regular removal of garbage, build proper toilets to check open defecation and sensitise the community about the need to keep the destinations clean.”

Expressing concern over high tax structure on tourism products the Tourism Minister said that collective taxes like VAT, Service Tax and Luxury Tax on tourism related services range between 20 to 30 per cent in India as compared 5 to 10 percent in the neighbouring countries. He said, “I have opened a dialogue with the Finance Ministry to rationalise the central taxes.

I would request you also to take up the issue of rationalisation of State taxes with your counterpart in Finance Department of your State.”

Referring to the recent tragedy in Uttarakhand as very unfortunate the Minister said while developing tourism destinations, we must keep in mind the principles of sustainability and carrying capacity. This must be done especially for

Mahabalipuram, and the Golconda Fort.

Steps are being taken for formalizing these arrangements. Of now, we have identified about 120 Monuments across India, that can be given for adoption.”

Appreciating the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, the members gave wide range of suggestions on various topics including, cleanliness and hygiene at Tourist sites, safety of Tourists, particularly women tourists, skill development in Tourism and Hospitality sector and wayside amenities.

no hesitation to go for Kerala. Kerala with its infrastructural developments holds lot of prospects and potential for inbound tourism.”

Mr. E.M. Najeeb, Co-Chairman of the Convention and Chapter Chairman of IATO Kerala Chapter has mentioned that unique tourism potential, of Kerala with its beaches are being developed in a big way. “Kerala Trade is deeply involved in all respects for the development of Kerala in an integrated manner. Post convention tours have been drawn up to give a real experience of Kerala. These are being given final touch. Our members must take advantage of the Post Convention tours covering Kumarakom, Thekkady, Munnar, Kovalam, and Wayanad and workout enchanting package for their clients overseas.”

Goyal invited the members of IATO to join in numbers with families & friends.

He also requested IATO members to make investments in hotels and resorts. “We must develop long term relationships and Kerala Govt. will extend all possible help for such ventures,” he added.

Contd. from Page 01 Summing up the discussions Mr. Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Tourism said that his Ministry has been working in close cooperation with the private sector for development of tourism in India. He expressed the hope that views emerging out of the discussions held today would help the Ministry as well as the hospitality and travel industry to take longer strides in achieving our common goal of positioning tourism as an engine of economic growth.

NTAC is a ‘Think Tank’ constituted by

the Government and comprises experts from various fields, representatives of industry associations like CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHDCCI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, TAAI, ITTA, ADTOI, ATOI, IHHA, ICPB as well as Ministries of Finance, Railways,Culture, External Affairs, Urban Development, Road Transport and Highways and Planning Commission and advises the Government on various aspects of tourism with the objective of promoting domestic and foreign tourism in the country.

Contd. from Page 01 the religious places where large number of pilgrims congregates at a given time. He said, “It is our responsibility that we must immediately assess the carrying capacity of various tourism destinations and address the sustainability issues. In case, some remedial measures are required, they must be taken before any disaster happens. Uttarakhand has been a warning to all of us”.

Responding to the concern raised by some states on the release of Central Financial Assistance (CFA) the Tourism Minister said last year, the Ministry could not release CFA to the States and UTs which failed to submit utilisation certificates for the advances given to them up to 31 March 2011 or refund such advances. He said the outstanding advance is a matter of concern to the Central Government. While many States and UTs were able to liquidate the advances up to 31 March 2011, some are yet to do so. “This year after 1September 2013, Ministry will not be able to release any CFA unless the State Governments and UTs submit utilisation certificates for the advances given to them up to 31 March 2012 or refund such advances” the

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r. K. Chiranjeevi, Union Minister for Tourism after holding discussions with Mr. G. K. Wasan, Minister for Shipping and Mr. Milind Deora, Minister of State for Shipping, Communication and Information Technology has agreed to provide Central Financial Assistance for the development of heritage lighthouses as tourist destinations.

Out of fifteen heritage lighthouses having historical importance, in the first phase, Konhoji Angere lighthouse in Maharashtra will be taken up for development. The Ministry of Tourism plans to support construction of a boat jetty and passenger terminal at Konhoji Angere lighthouse. The Konhoji Angere island is situated nine nautical miles away from the Gateway of India, Mumbai.

Once the jetty is built, Mumbaikars and the domestic as well as international tourists will get a new day-trip destination.

The three Ministers were of the opinion that the novel idea of development of heritage lighthouses will not only protect our national heritage but also help in developing new tourism destinations. The development of lighthouses will evince new interest among youth about maritime history and development. The effort of developing heritage lighthouses into tourism destinations will also give a new impetus to development of cruise tourism in the country.

The two Ministries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the subject very soon. Various stakeholders in the Tourism and Maritime industry have hailed this decision of the Government.

Minister added.

Mr. Chiranjeevi urged the participants to put their heads together and work out best possible ways and strategies to develop and promote India tourism in

most effective manner. He said Tourism development being a residuary subject in the Constitution is our collective responsibility.

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eru Cabs, one of India’s largest and favorite radio taxi services, announced the launch of their operations in the pink city of Jaipur with the tagline Padhariyo Thare Des. Ms. Neha Dhupia, Bollywood Acter graced the launch with her presence along with MD and Founder Mr. Neeraj Gupta and CEO, Mr. Siddhartha Pahwa. The world-class metered radio cab service is completely technology and systems driven and will offer Jaipurians a travel experience that is reliable, safe and comfortable.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Neeraj Gupta, Founder and Managing Director & promoter of V-link stated, “We launched the premium “metered taxi” business for the first time in Mumbai in April 2007, followed by Hyderabad, Delhi and Bangalore. In response to the exceptional consumer demand for Meru Cabs the company now expands its footprints in the tier 2 cities as well with Jaipur being the first city.”

Mr. Siddhartha Pahwa, CEO, Meru Cabs stated, “Having successfully operated Meru Cab services across 4 cities, we are delighted to bring this state-of-the-art travel experience to Jaipur. We aim to provide our customers world class transportation backed by best-in-class customer service, high end technology and transparency in billing that will provide customers a significantly better travel experience.

Meru Cabs is well established in the radio taxi space and given our expertise in understanding commuter requirements, we are confident of offering Jaipurians an unparalleled travel experience. “ Over the years, one of the most important aspects of Meru Cab services has been to provide a safe and reliable commuting experience to customers through the continuous tracking of cabs via the GPS and GPRS system. Based on

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ourism Flanders & Brussels (Belgium), in its continuous efforts to promote Flanders in growing and promising Indian market, has expanded its marketing activities to target secondary cities in India. The local office recently hosted “Fabulous Flanders” educational seminars for the trade and corporate partners in Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Kolkata.

this system, Meru recently launched the ‘Trip Tracker Service’ an SMS based service through which an appointed person or family member of the commuter gets regular updates of the cab location and journey details. This feature is necessary to give the much needed safety assurance especially to women passengers & senior citizens traveling alone at odd hours. A first of its kind initiative, it is an opt-in service and will be available free of charge to all Meru customers in Jaipur.

Present on the occasion, Ms. Neha Dhupia said, “Meru is the first name that comes to one’s mind when one thinks of metered radio cabs. It is a great initiative and we have seen how successful the brand has been in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. A trusted service, I have turned to Meru many times and they have always proved completely

reliable and comfortable.”

In addition, Meru Cab services offers various other cutting edge facilities like an automated audio-visual speed alarm, ensuring the safety of the customer as well as the driver, the convenience of booking a car through a 24x7 Call center or Website & automated e-bill at the end of the journey.

For this purpose, Meru has own central dedicated call center for the city of Jaipur which can be reached by dialing 4422442.

Of course, customers can always hail a cab on the streets if it is not occupied.

Meru follows a stringent driver selection and training process at “Meru Training Academy” thereby ensuring well groomed & courteous drivers. A viable option for commuters to feel safe and comfortable while travelling, Meru is consistently distinguishing itself as a provider of superior quality transport, expanding its footprint across India.

As part of the Belgian delegation led by Mr. H.E. Pierre Vaesen, Ambassador of Belgium, Tourism Flanders participated in a seminar titled “Doing Business in Belgium – Your Gateway to Europe” in collaboration with the PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industries (PHDCCI) in Chandigarh. Another presentation was made during the launch of the Gujaratchapter of Indo-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Ahmedabad.

The Embassy of Belgium has also launched a visa application center in Chandigarh in association with VFS Global to boost tourism and trade from the region.

Belgium has now extended its network of visa application centre services across nine Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune.

Flanders is the northern region in Belgium that offers a diverse range of tourism products – from artisan chocolates to over one thousand varieties of beer, highest density of Michelin-star restaurants, contemporary fashion scene to worldfamous diamonds from Antwerp, loads of family fun and a rich heritage of comics (Tintin and the Smurfs).

For more about Flanders, visit www.visitflanders.in

These seminars were organized to update the travel trade community about the latest destination developments and product offers in Brussels and Flanders.

Besides reaching out to the travel agents in the respective cities, Tourism Flanders also made a presentation to the local business leaders on the sidelines of two seminars held in Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

www.tourismindiaonline.com www.keralatourismmagazine.com www.brandkerala.biz

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Mr. Harrod Goodwin and other panelist during the conference

r. Harold Goodwin, a professor at Leeds Metropolitan University and the director of the International Center for Responsible Tourism, said it is time to turf out “freeloaders” who add no value to the places they visit; and attract people who contribute something to the community by way of employment and revenues, cause the least pollution, contribute to the conservation of heritage and who will enjoy, repeat their visit and recommend it to others. He was speaking at the International Conference on Responsible Tourism, held at Kumarakom.

The inaugural function of the conference was followed by a plenary session on the conference theme: “Responsible Tourism: Looking back. Moving ahead” with speakers from India and abroad recounting RT experiences and evaluating possibilities.

At the International Conference on Responsible Tourism (RT) being organized in Kumarakom, experts said travellers and destinations hosting them are growing increasingly aware that tourism is not just about taking photographs, enjoying hospitality and taking back memories; it is about putting something back into conservation efforts and into local communities.

The aims of RT must include sustainability, improved living standards of local people, lower carbon emissions

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and animal welfare. The goals for achieving the triple bottom line – economic, social and environmental – should be set locally with the complete involvement of the local people, said Mr. Goodwin. “Kerala has managed to achieve so much in responsible tourism in so short a time due to the strength of its local bodies, the Panchayats. he said while speaking on the challenges of achieving RT. “While Kerala has made a lot of progress in the Economic development of villages through responsible tourism, it is time to set a ‘stretch target’ and take it to the next level and replicate the success of Kumarokam in other destinations,” he added.

Dr. Adama Bah, the Travel Foundation project for The Gambia and founder of the Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET), explained about the RT campaign in the West African nation to protect the interests of small, local businesses and ensure that they benefit from tourism. He said members of ASSET are mainly craft market vendors, local guides, fruit and juice sellers on the beach, small guest houses, tourist taxi drivers etc, who have now been classified by the Gambian government as formal businesses and given operational licenses.

Other support measures include training, micro finance, product development, linking of horticulture with tourism that has benefited women farmers,

are also integral characters peaking at the International Conference of Responsible Tourism.

Treatment of labourers on Responsible Tourism, is an area which is an held in Kumarokam, State Planning Board member integral part of Responsible Tourism and a protocol on Mr. C. P. John has said that even though the state has standardisation of labour can address the issue to a allocated Rs 4,000 crore large extend. for local self-government bodies, they do not have He also focused on the need for the local government any guidelines for spending on tourism. To address to play a bigger role in the this issue, tourism will be development of tourism Mr. C P John included in the local government plan destinations in a sustainable manner. guideline starting next year. Mr. C.P John Furthermore, tourism should be used as a also suggested about declaring local bodies platform to improve the standard of living in tourism destinations as Destination conditions of people in the rural areas.

Local Bodies, so that the funds for tourism He added that the move will allow development from various quarters current destination panchayats to subsidise including that form the local government and provide other incentives to tourism can be pooled together and be utilised in oriented projects and facilitate their a more effective manner. transformation from simple vacation spots The failure to manage plastic waste form to RT destinations. “It will institutionalise tourism destination is still a challenge for the interface between the tourism industry the Government said Mr. John. The reasons and local self-government bodies,” said for the failure have to be investigated to Mr. C P John while speaking at a discussion find a long term solution for the malice. on Local Self Government and Civil Society Social and Environmental responsibilities at the conference.

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ccording to the experts who attended the International conference of Responsible tourism at Kumarokam, the RT initiative in Kumarokam is a great success. Achievements of RT over the past five years have included enduring partnerships between Panchayats, Self-help groups, the Local Communities and the Industry; a new tourism policy focused on RT; the RT classification system; and demonstrable and measurable benefits going to local communities.

Prof. Harold Goodwin, Director of ICRT said in his closing remarks that, the Kumarokam initiative was a good start and there was much that could be done and advised the state government to focus on measuring, reporting and looking at the yield and not just the number of arrivals. “It is not the number of people but the amount of profit that is made from each visitor that matters. Don’t worship numbers, it is about the value tourism brings to the local economy,” he said.

According to Mr. Mason Florence,

Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), Kumarokam has marched a long way ahead in terms of Responsible Tourism initiatives.

Dr. Karma Tshering, the Chief for Nature Recreation and Eco tourism in Bhutan was pleased to see the tangle benefits of tourism to the local economy.

Dr. Adama Bah, the Travel Foundation project for The Gambia and founder of the Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET), said that there were many common traits in the way RT was implemented in his country, but was all praises for the government and KITTS for co-ordinating the RT initiatives coordinated the initiatives with the hotels and resorts.

The hard work of Mr. Rupesh Kumar and Mr. Saroop Roy was acknowledged by the international and national delegates alike.

improved access to markets and promotion of indigenously made products.

Dr. Karma Tshering, the Chief for Nature Recreation and Eco tourism in Bhutan, spoke about the Himalayan kingdom’s change of tourism policy from “High value, Low volume” to “High value, Low impact” and a revenue generation mechanism that ensures relatively high earnings per tourist arrivals. Every international tourists visiting Bhutan has to spend a minimum of $250 per day (Excluded for Indian citizens). He said Bhutan’s tourism policy has enabled in attracting socially responsible tourists and has helped preserve the pristine natural landscapes, culture and traditions unique to the region, at the same time generating revenues and employment.

According to Mr. Srilal Miththapala, an expert in tourism and hospitality industry from Sri Lanka, the experience in his country has proved that tourism is an Industry of peace. The exponential increase in tourist arrivals after the cessation of the war has proved the point. Explaining the models of

RT followed in post-war Sri Lanka, Mr. Miththapala, said Responsible Tourism development helps to attract high spending tourists and therefore made good business sense. He also voiced his concerns regarding the over exploitation of resources and the negative impact of tourism on the island nation blessed with abundant natural resources. Sri Lanka has now drafted policies that aimed at regulating exploitative practices, involving local people in tourism and its hotels are increasingly adopting sustainable practices.

Mr. Mason Florence, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), explained the positive influence of RT along the Six-nation Greater Mekong Sub-region.

Member nations of Mekong Tourism – Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – have benefited greatly from the common marketing of travel experience along the stunningly beautiful river.

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normally excluded from the decision making process and that should be able to achieve as a consequence of joined endeavour of all of us, said Ms. ValsalaKumari Responsible tourism in Kumarokam has benefitted the poor people to earn a decent livelihood according to Ms. K B ValsalaKumari. To maintain the sustainability of tourism destinations Kerala should target more responsible travellers, who act responsibly in the destinations and contribute to the destinations they visit. Furthermore local community should ensure pleasant and memorable stay for the tourists.

Ms. K B ValsalaKumari warned about the dangers of unbridled constructions taking place in ecologically fragile Western Ghats, and the dumping of waste form the house boats to the lakes and the pollution from the engines of house boasts.

T should graduate to participatory tourism where the local people are involved in planning, implementation and evaluation stages. Not only that there should be decentralisation of power, control and transfer of skill and knowledge to those

Ms. K B ValsalaKumari

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he Department of tourism, Government of Kerala is working on the criteria for classifying resorts, hotels, houseboats, homestays and serviced villas on the basis of the sustainability, social responsibility and environmental responsibility. The present star classification of accommodation services will continue as usual, while the new Responsible tourism (RT) classification can help accommodation providers in promoting their businesses,

Mr. U.V. Jose, Addl. Director (Planning) of Kerala Tourism department

especially in the international market. It is not a mandatory classification, but a voluntary one.

The RT classification is based on Global Sustainable Tourism Classification (GSTC). The classification will be based on a point based system with points split across categories ranging from Sustainable Management (200), SocioCultural Responsibility (250), Economic Responsibility (250), and Environmental Responsibility (300). Out of the total points of 1000, min 500 points are required for qualification. Each of these four categories requires a minimum 30% points to be considered for classification as a Responsible Tourism (RT) service provider.

There are Silver (500-599), Gold (600-749) and Platinum classes (750-1000) in RT classification.

Customer satisfaction, Truthfulness of promotional materials, etc. are evaluated during the RT classification.

RT classification is for a period of 3 years and any organization can request to be re-evaluated every year by paying a nominal fee ranging from 500 to 10000, depending on the existing category of the hotel. The detailed method of classification was explained in the International Conference on Responsible Tourism by Mr. U V Jose, Addl. Director (Planning & Projects) Department of Tourism.

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he transformation that happened in Kumarokom as a result of the Responsible Tourism(RT) movement is nothing short of a miracle according to Mr. Jose Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth . It is thanks to the civil society that, tourism has grown to this level in Kerala. “Red has made Kerala green”, in other words, communist influence has limited the growth of polluting industries and kept the state unpolluted and green to a large extent.

Responsible tourism is a people movement. For a destination to be develop in a sustainable way there need to be rebellious tourists who care about the places they visit and revolutionary locals who can influence the development in the local area and work as a monitoring agent. Kumarokam has become a world class tourism destination without any FII, FDI and it is also thanks to the local people and the unknown soldier called the local entrepreneur.

Tourism developed in Kerala as a result of innovative entrepreneurial ideas and the drive of the small entrepreneurs.

Therefore government must provide an enabling platform for the small and startup businesses to come up with innovative tourism products. It is lacking in the present scenario.

Mr. Jose Dominic also proposed the idea of a “mentor-ship clinic” where industry experts could come, hear out ideas from entrepreneurs wanting to set

up micro enterprises, and provide them with advice on how to start the business.

He said sustainable and innovative ideas such as “eco-camping” could be promoted.

“This requires very little land, maybe an acre and a half. Guests can come with their own camping gear. All you need to do is provide them with basic facilities like water, toilets and some lights; attach Kudumbashree to that and maybe they can provide a simple meal too,” he said.

Mr. Jose Dominic MD, CGH Earth Hotels

July 2013

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ayanad has gained its own prominence and status. Since the last decade, when it comes to tourism of the state, the name of Wayanad would crop up in all tourism talks and nobody fails to mention about Wayanad, its scenic beauty as tourism potential of the state. In the last couple of years, Wayanad is competing with Munnar and any other domestic destination of the state. In ‘Emerging Kerala 2012’ summit tourism potentials of Wayanad was a highlight. KTM 2012 also saw Wayand as the talk of the mart. Entrepreneurs, tourism officials and tour operators, who participated in these meet, reiterated the significance and role of this sleepy district in the tourism map of the country.

Things were rather dim and bleak just a decade ago. Wayanad and its jungles only hit the headlines for wrong reasons such as farmer’s suicide or wild elephant attack or crop loss. The place was counted as the backward districts of the state, thanks to under development, remote accessibility, lack of good educational institutions and fine accommodation facilities.

While Kerala Tourism campaigns and advertisement were centering Kovalam, Kumarakom, Cochin, Thekkady and Munnar, a decade ago, Wayanad and its verdant beauty were nowhere in the tourism map of the state. Now, gentle slopes and mist-clad mountains and gurgling rivulets of Wayanad command unique place in the tourism map of the country.

With its unique Natural beauty, climate along with unity among entrepreneurs, those who are competitors in business, but friends and colleagues in destination marketing.

The role of one entrepreneur Mr. Jose Kynadi, Managing Director of Vythiri Resort stands apart in the image makeover and the transition of this sleepy district in

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yurveda with the monsoons making a grand entry into Kerala, tourist resorts and Ayurvedic spas are all ready with rejuvenating health packages. The rainy season, experts say, is the best time for Ayurvedic treatment. Although Ayurveda evolved centuries ago in India, it is only in recent years that it has become a huge selling point for Kerala’s tourism industry, especially in the June-August period. According to Ayurveda specialists, the monsoon season is the best season for treatments as the atmosphere remains dust free and cool, which helps open the

the north Kerala to a sought after destination in the country as “Destination Wayanad”.

He played a key role to start the first resort in Wayanad and leads the later entrant in the industry with the formation of its umbrella organization Wayanad Tourism Organisation. He talked to Kerala Tourism about his journey in the last two decades to make Wayanad and Vythiri Resort a major player in the hospitality and tourism sector in the country. “When we opened this resort in 1994, term like ‘tourism’ and ‘hospitality’ were strange to the people of Wayanad and it is unimaginable to start a venture like this in the hilly district. It was a challenge for us. However, we managed to create a niche market here and in some way or other helped the growth of Wayanad as a major tourism destination,” said Mr. Jose Kynadi.

Nearly two decade after the humble opening in the woods of Vythiri with 6 Rooms, the property now has 3 Pool Villas, 6 Honeymoon Villas with Private Plunge Pools, 10 Jacuzzi villas, 12 Serenity cottages, 4 Habitat rooms facing natural streams and 5 Specialty Tree Houses. Vythiri resorts, rated as one of the best resorts in the state, changed the image of the district and catapulted it in the tourism map of the state for more than a decade after this.

Vythiri resorts created a yardstick for others who join the long line of hoteliers and entrepreneurs who invested in the tourism and hospitality sector in the state.

Stay in the tree huts overlooking the misty hills and tea plantation is an absolutely stunning experience to the visitors. Natural brook meandering through the property and rope bridge across it gives the resort a unique close-to- the nature- feeling.

“Location is our USP, here we guarantee the visitors a real natural experience which I believe nobody can offer better like us. We decided to maintain this eco-friendly resort till the very beginning and we continue to manage it”, adds Mr Jose, who is a nature-lover and also a successful planter. Multi cuisine restaurant, Ayurveda centre, Spa, swimming pool are the other facilities in the resort. Man of innovative ideas, Mr Jose Kynadi also has plans for expansion of this property to promote farm tourism “A project is underway to start a resort exclusively for farm tourism and

construction of skywalk at Muthanga is in the pipeline. I believe in the ‘slow and steady ’concept then only one can grow and sustain in the industry. Tourism is not business to make quick money. There should be commitment, dedication hard work, and innovation.” he said.

He also speaks about Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO), umbrella organization of Tourism Entrepreneurs in the district, which was started as a club (Non ProfitOrganisation) by nine members to promote Wayanad as a destination as we were quite unheard of in those days. The main objective of the WTO was to streamline marketing initiative with a combined and professional approach, which would benefit all tourism stakeholders in the region, by way of reducing expenses and at the same time showcasing the destination in the right way. “Now we have more than 40 members and we are playing a key role in the promotion of North Kerala, especially Wayanad. Initially we started to participate in the KTM and domestic travel fairs and road shows and later we hosted many events of our own in major metros to promote Wayanad. In the initial days itself we realized that unless we have strength in numbers, the destination or our properties will not survive. Unity is our strength now.

We proved it that we are not competitors, we are fellow travelers.” Also those were days when the Malabar was still to wake up and Wayanad was a speck on the tourism map of Kerala. “We realised that unless we have strength in numbers, we would not be successful.”

He also emphasized the new facilities and infrastructure of the destination to market Wayanad as MICE Destination in the coming days. “Now we have a state of the art convention centre at Vythiri Village with a capacity of 2000 pax with South India’s largest LCD projection and inbuilt audiovisual system. Also we have more tan 1000 quality rooms in Wayanad to host any International convention. We are offering all types of experience to a tourist from Home stay and farm stays to luxury spas and Five star rooms along with quality budget hotels in various towns in Wayanad.”

He thanked the Kerala Tourism department and government for their unstinted support in the growth of tourism in this hill destination. Even District Tourism promotion Council played a major role here. Kerala Tourism’s support in the success of conducting Splash the Monsoon Festival, which were organising in the last four years during the Monsoon months to promote Wayanad as a major destination is unexplainable. “We faced many hazards and struggled to conduct Splash in the initial years, now it is a major marketing event of Kerala Tourism. But, still more effort has to be put for the event

more successful and convert more business through this unique event of Kerala. Now we are concentrating on that and decided to not embark on any new initiative, before that is on put- on track. We are sure with our unity we can do wonders to make Wayanad an unforgettable experiential destination in the country for serious tourist.”

He also stressed, “we are very keen on to protect our environment and climate to sustain the growth of the destination and we are actively participating in the Responsible Tourism initiative of the Kerala tourism department and WTO is already took the responsibility of Keep Kerala Clean Campaign of Kerala Tourism.

The local people and culture are our pride and we are committed to preserve and honour that. They are all played a major role in the growth of Destination Wayanad.”

pores of the body to the maximum. This makes the body more receptive to herbal oils and other Ayurveda medicines.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. It is considered a natural way to refresh oneself by eliminating all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain

good health. C. J. Naveen, a physician at the SomatheeramAyurvedic Health Resort, Kovalam, said that the resort was all geared up for the monsoon rush.”We cater to tourists who come especially for treatment and not just for sightseeing. For those who have a time constraint, we get their medical files early and study their problems in detail even before they arrive. So the treatment protocols are ready when they come here,” he said.

Ayurveda offers excellent treatments for skin problems, ailments related to stress and joint pains. The numerous

resorts in the state have drawn out specific plans ranging from a few days to three weeks.

“For skin problems, we generally ask patients to stay back for 28 days. And for people, who don’t have much time at their disposal, we give them medicines that they can carry with them and we have constant interaction with them,” said Naveen. And for those who are on a short holiday, a general oil massage is sure to put the spring back in their step, he added.

Five years back, the Ayurveda tourism industry in Kerala saw a mere 5% occupancy during the monsoons but in most resorts, it is expected to cross 70% occupancy this season. Almost all resorts, big or small, now boast of an Ayurveda spa. And they all have separate vegetarian kitchens, as vegetarian food is considered a must during the treatment period.

Mr. Jose Kynadi Managing Director Vythiri Resort

July 2013

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Minister for Tourism Mr. A P Anil Kumar said Kumarakom has made remarkable progress on socio-economic fronts since it was chosen as one of four destinations in the state to pilot RT practices. He said when it was decided to elevate Kumarakom to an international destination on the pro-poor RT model, steps were taken to mobilise informal sectors like self-help groups, farmers groups and homestead farmers to produce, procure Mr. SitharamYechuri MP and Chairman of Tourism standing committee inaugurating the RT International conference at and supply goods and Kumarakom. Mr. A.P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, Kerala, Mr. Vijayan Thomas, Chairman, KTDC, , Mr. SumanBhilla services needed by the tourism industry.

IAS, Seceatray- Tourism, Kerala and Mr. Anand Kumar IAS Joint Secretary, India Tourism are also seen A video message on he International Conference on Tourism said in his welcome address Responsible Tourism from Mr. Taleb D. Responsible tourism was held on that there is a demand and appreciation Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO, the shores of the Vembanad lake in the worldwide for the model that has been was aired at the inauguration. Mr. S Backwater ripples Resort, Kumarakom evolved in Kumarakom. “The UNWTO Harikishore, Director, Kerala Tourism, from June 27-29, 2013. The theme of has identified two destinations which will presented a report and Mr. A P Anil Kumar the conference was “Looking Back, be the global observatories for Responsible released a brochure on the Kumarakom Moving Ahead”. It was a sunny morning and Sustainable Tourism – the first of Life Experience by handing over a copy to that welcomed the delegates to the which will perhaps be Kumarakom,” Mr. Mr. E. M Najeeb, President of CKTI International conference. The chairman Billa said.

Mr. B K Saroop Roy, State Project Coof the Parliamentary standing committee Mr. SitaramYechury, Chairman ordinator, Responsible Tourism Initiative, on Tourism, Transport and Culture, Mr. Parliamentary Standing Committee KITTS, who summed up the discussions at a SitaramYechuri; State Tourism Minister, on Transport, Tourism and Culture session held on Friday on the environmental Mr. A P Anil Kumar; National Tourism inaugurated RT conference by lighting the responsibility of RT, said experts, specialists Advisory Council Member, Mr.Jose lamp. He said all debates on Responsible groups and organisations must come Dominic; Mr. E M Najeeb President of tourism(RT) over the past decade have forward and contribute ideas on carrying CKTI; Founder Director of KIITS, Mr. recognized that RT cannot be achieved out reliable impact assessment of tourism Anand Kumar IAS; Tourism Secratary, without sustainable development and andcarrying capacity studies on destinations Mr. SumanBilla IAS; Director of Kerala Kumarakom is an example of successful – an exercise that is vital for planning Tourism, Mr. Hari Kishore IAS; PS. to RT implementation in that it has created strategies for Sustainable and Responsible Union Minister for Tourism, Dr. SaiPratap a better place for people to live in and a tourism. There is also a need to develop best IPS; MLA of Kottayam constituency, better place for tourists to visit. practice guidelines for tourism construction, Mr. Suresh Kurup; Additional Secratry Union Minister of State for Tourism he said.

Planning, Mr. U.V Jose; Chairman, KTDC (Independent Charge) Dr. K Chiranjeevi, The inclusion of RT as part of the Hotels and Resorts, Mr.Vijayan Thomas; in his message to the delegates , which curriculum or as an extra-curricular Direcror of KITTS, Dr. RajashreeAjith; was read out by his private secretary activity carried out through tourism P r e s i d e n t o f K u m a r a k o m G r a m a Dr. SaiPratap IPS, said that while India clubs in schools and colleges was an idea Panchayat, Ms. DhanyaSabu are among today can boast of an unparalleled range supported by a number participants at the prominent personalities who spoke at of destinations and products, it has much the conference. Mr. Roy said KITTS will the inaugural function of conference. to do in developing these in a responsible soon introduce a certificate course in RT Mr. SumanBilla, Secretary, Kerala manner. specifically for practitioners.

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A number of similar suggestions were put forward at the session focused on economic responsibility. The lead speaker, Dr. B Vijyakumar, Principal, KITTS, said there was a need for support mechanisms for micro enterprises started by women in RT destinations. Also, existing marketing strategy for RT had to be strengthenedso that small businesses linked to it could earn a sustainable income. “Innovation should be linked with RT initiative, particularly in developing niche products and entering into niche market areas. Such innovators must be given support,” he said.

Among other major recommendations were public-private partnership in promoting investment at the local level; and ensuring public health, safety and security systems at tourism destinations for sustainable growth.

The issue of “restructured ethnicity”, the cultural adaptation for the purpose of tourism, was a major discussion point at the session on the socio-cultural aspect of RT. As a result of this adaptation locals lose their individual and cultural identities and it causes the public to become annoyed with tourism, said Mr. M S Venugopal, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism.

Mr. U V Jose, Addl. Director (Planning and Projects) said the Department of Tourism was fully supportive of ecofriendly projects. In Kumarakom the Department plans to develop six kilometers of cycling track along the canals this year, he informed. “We have identified the locations and it is a testament to the strength of responsible tourism that the local people are happy to open up their land for this initiative,” he said.

Delegates participated actively in the conference’s open forum on Friday with suggestions including focus on “geriatric tourism” as part of RT in view of the changing demographics around the globe; encouraging group travel to reduce pollution and training for RT guides.

Dr. Rajashree Ajith, Director, KITTS, delivered the welcome address at the valedictory function.

An exhibition was held along the sidelines of the conference featuring handicraft and indigenous products made at RT destinations across the state.

The conference concluded on Saturday with site visits by the delegates around Kumarakom.

The three-day International Conference on Responsible Tourism (RT) at Kumarakom concluded on Saturday, a number of suggestions emerged on how the industry could move towards achieving the triple bottom line of environmental sustainability, economic growth and sociocultural conservation.

Edited, Printed and Published by Ravisankar K.V. for Tourism India Publications Pvt. Ltd., Printed at Arsha Offset Graphix Sreehari, TC 9/2519-1, Janvilla Lane, Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram 695 019 and Published from TC 9/1785, Anandam, Pattanikkunnu Lane, Sasthamangalam P.O,Thiruvananthapuram-695010. Editor: Ravisankar K.V.

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