December 2016 by whereabouts

RNI No.: DELENG/2014/59308

www.whereabouts.in

Volume III Issue IV DECEMBER 2016

Annual Subscription ` 660

Need to Know

ANDHRA PRADESH

Everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Possible! In-conversation with

Association

Managing Director Aamod Resorts

President ADTOI

Gaurav Jain PP Khanna ASSOCIATION

STATE

AVIATION

NTO

HOSPITALITY

CONTENTS Editor Rajesh Tiwari rajesh@whereabots.in +91 9818525672

Correspondents Jai Kishan Kaparwan Nisha whereabouts.in@gmail.com

Art Director Mithlesh Gupta

Advertising Commercial Director Dheeraj Anand +91 9560444678 dheeraj@whereabouts.in Advertising Manager (North-West) Solomon Saxeana +91 9999810390 solomon@whereabouts.in Advertising Manager (South-East) Santosh K Mishra +91 8447786636 marketing@whereabouts.in Marketing & Events Manager Lakshman Vashisth +91 9911907050

REGULAR UPCOMING EVENT

TRAVEL BUSINESS

ASSOCIATION

AVIATION

STATE 16 NTO

HOSPITALITY

FACT & FIGURE

GUEST COLUMN

APPOINTMENT & EVENTS

Principal Advisor Anil Prakash

Legal Advisor Advocate Brijesh Tiwari

Production & Distribution Production Manager Subhash Distribution Executive Anoop Singh

In-conversation with

Gaurav Jain Managing Director Aamod Resorts

Accounts CA Rishabh Rana

Technical & Web Support Amit Agrahari

All information in Whereabouts is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate and up to date information. All contents of this publication are reserved worldwide. Reproduction in any manner without prior written permission is prohibited. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of component courts and forums in Delhi only. Whereabouts is own, printed & published by Rajesh Tiwari. Whereabouts is printed at Pritika Printers, A-21/27, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase-II, New Delhi 110028 and published from E-8/401, Nehru Vihar, Delhi 110094. Editor Rajesh Tiwari

Need to Know

ANDHRA PRADESH Everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Possible!

EDITOR’S NOTE Whereabouts

Sports in Dubai

24 Check-in

Dear Readers, In this issue of Whereabouts we have included detailed destination features on Andhra Pradesh and Dubai. In our section ‘Need to Know’ you will read about the tourist attractions of Andhra Pradesh. The state is a paradise for visitors, who want to learn about the glorious history of the region, explore the architectural marvels of temples, mosques, stupas and revel in the limitless natural beauty. The rich cultural heritage and the natural wonders of the state are major attractions.

Holiday Season at Six Senses Laamu

Also, we have given a detailed coverage to the upcoming event Jal Mahotsav, which is being organised in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. This one month long event is a good opportunity for the adventure lovers. In an attempt to get the updates from our travel associations; we have interacted with the President of Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India, Mr. PP Khanna. This exclusive interview will be an opportunity for our readers to know his plan of action. Also you will have an opportunity to read about the Eight Big Travel Predictions for 2017 in our facts & figures section. This is a must read for all travel professionals. Look forward for your feedback at rajesh@whereabouts.in On the Cover : Belum Caves, Kurnool

Keep Visiting, Keep updating J ust one click & ent er into the world of information. All the lat est from Tr avel Business be it T ourism, A viation, Hotels, T echnology, Cruise, OT A, Visa & much mor e... Follow us in:

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UPCOMING EVENT

Embark on Adventure with

Jal Mahotsav 15th December 2016 to 15th January 2017 Hanuwantiya, District Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh WH Desk

he second edition of Jalmahotsav a festival of adventure activities is back with a bang from 15 December 2016 to 15 January 2017, at Hanuwantiya District of Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh. The one month long adventure carnival will be a treat for all those who want to seek adventure other than Rock Climbing or Mountaineering. A wide range of water , land and air activities will be available to choose from like Parasailling, ParaMotoring, Hot Air Ballooning, Wind Surfing, Island Camping, Jet -Skiing, Artificial Climbing Wall, Burma Bridge, Night Camping, Bird Watching, Kite Flying and lot more. Renowned as the Tiger State of India, Madhya Pradesh is keen to showcase other facet of tourism. The state is developing water and adventure activities very aggressively. The rich water bodies of the state provide it a potential for exploring possibilities in water sports which would create immense scope for adventure travellers and industry stakeholders. Encouraged with this idea the event, Jal Mahotsav, was planned to showcase the potential and possibilities which Madhya Pradesh holds for investors, travel planners and adventure tourists on the bank of Indira Sagar Dam at Hanuwantiya in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. Jal Mahotsav is a first of its kind event in which air, water and land adventure activities were brought together at a single site at a reasonable cost. The most captivating experience of the event will be the tented city which is being created facing the water body at the bank of the Indira Sagar Dam. Jal Mahotsav was focused on establishing Madhya Pradesh as a surging forth in the national arena of adventure and water tourism. It is an event that adventure activities on one platter which was so far a distant dream in Central India. The activities are brought from specialists in various parts of the country, which ensures cost effectiveness and full security to the participants. The activities are divided as air, land and water activities. Areas are earmarked for each activity at Hanuwantiya.

6 December 2016

UPCOMING EVENT LAND ACTIVITIES

AIR ACTIVITIES

ÂÂBullock Cart

ÂÂScale the heights of the sky and have an aerial view of the water below...

ÂÂVolley Ball ÂÂTug of War ÂÂCycling ÂÂKite Flying ÂÂAdventure Zone

WATER ACTIVITIES ÂÂWind Surfing ÂÂParasailing ÂÂWater Skiing ÂÂJet Skiing Hanuwantiya is a serene destination by the banks of the Indira Sagar Dam- one of the biggest manmade dams and offers unmatched scope for adventure lovers. Hanuwantiya tourist complex has been developed at a cost of about Rs. 10 crore by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation in the backwaters of the dam on Narmada River. Tourists from across the country participate in Jal Mahotsav and visit naturally formed islands in at Narmada backwaters. Tourists described the place as unique, highly beautiful, fascinating and tranquil. Massive storage of azure water gives look of a very big water body. The travellers can experience the bullock cart ride and other adventurous activities such as kite flying, parasailing and water scooting. Cultural programmes that showcase the rich heritage of Nimar-Malwa region are being orgaised daily during Jal-Mahotsav. Indira Sagar is one of the largest manmade dam that provides 950+sq kms of pristine water of the Narmada River with over a hundred islands. The site is as good as any seaside with the advantage of fresh water. This site was zeroed on by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation as the best site for holding Jal Mahotsav, which was organised by AUM event, an opportunity won through the transparent process of tendering.

ÂÂBanana Ride ÂÂWater Zorbing ÂÂMotor Boat ÂÂCruise Boat

ISLAND ACTIVITIES ÂÂWater, Water every where... ÂÂBird Watching ÂÂTreasure Hunt ÂÂTrekking

ÂÂHot Air Ballooning ÂÂParasailing ÂÂPara Motoring ÂÂStar Gazing

ADVENTURE ZONE ÂÂBurma Bridge ÂÂArtificial Climbing Wall ÂÂTyre Swing ÂÂNet walk ÂÂRope drill

CRAFT BAZAAR ÂÂHandloom Centre ÂÂHandicraft ÂÂPot Making ÂÂLac Artist ÂÂHenna (Mehendi) Artist ÂÂExhibition on Simhastha & MP Tourism

ÂÂNight Camping

Package There is a wide range of attractive package to choose from a Tent City to Island Night Camping package to stay in premium / deluxe tent. The tariff ranges from INR 6100/- to 16,000/-. Travelling to Hanuwantiya ÂÂNearest Railhead – Khandwa ÂÂNearest Airport – Indore ÂÂDistance of Hanuwantiya tourist complex in Khandwa district is 130 kms from Indore. It is 150 kms from Maheshwar, 85 kms from Omkareshwar and 48.5 kms from Khandwa. By different routes from Bhopal, distance of Hanumantiya is 300 to 350 kms.

For details log into www.jalmahotsav.com

December 2016

TRAVEL BUSINESS

RoomsXML.com voted World’s Leading Hotel Booking Solutions Provider WH Desk

oomsXMl.com has coveted as the World’s Leading Hotel Booking Solution Provider award at the 23rd Annual World Travel Awards orgaised in a glittering ceremony in Maldives on December 2, 2016. World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel tourism and hospitality industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said, “It has been a real honour to return here to the Maldives. We have seen the best of international tourism recognised here at the resort tonight. More than 1.1 million votes were cast during our Grand Tour 2016, both from members of the public and from within the hospitality industry, and these voices have been heard. My congratulations to all of our winners this evening and I look forward to greeting many of you next year as we begin our search anew.” In 2016, the Grand Tour sees World Travel Awards stage regional gala ceremonies in the Middle East, Africa & the Indian Ocean, Latin America, North America & the Caribbean, Asia & Australasia and Europe. Regional winners then compete head to head in in the

corresponding world categories to decide who will triumph in the World Travel Awards’ world awards – the ultimate accolade in the travel and tourism industry. Prakash Bang, Founder and Executive Chairman, roomsXML said, It’s indeed an honour to receive this coveted award. In 2015 we were adjudged the winner in the category for Asia Pacific. Earlier this year we were the winners from Middle East. And now we are on top of the world. Substantial investments in product development and enriching user experience, I believe, have got us here. I would like to thank our customers, suppliers and the entire team at roomsXML for making this happen.” roomsXML is an online accommodation wholesaler serving travel agents. And because it solely focuses in offering accommodation, it can do so cost-effectively. roomsXML has direct contracting offices and dedicated business units strategically located across the globe. Their local reach combined with global buying power enables them to establish fruitful relationship with hotels. roomsXML has also won accolades at WTM Global Leader Awards; Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, TravelMole UK Awards and India Travel Awards. roomsXML is ISO 9001:2008 certified and has also secured high credit worthiness rating by CRISIL, an S&P Global company.

Yatra.com launches ‘Voice Search’ feature WH Desk

atra.com is now making it easier to search and find flight related information on its Android and iOS mobile application. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Yatra has introduced Voice Search to revolutionize and simplify the user experience while booking domestic and international flights. With smartphone prices crashing and penetration increasing rapidly, the Indian traveller of today is very comfortable making flight bookings via their mobile and the Voice Search feature will go a long way in making the experience a very easy and seamless one. The new Voice Search is extremely simple to use. One can simply tap on the microphone icon appearing at the top right on your mobile phone and speak out the travel details, e.g. ‘I want a flight from Delhi to Mumbai for two adults next Tuesday’. The flight results with all the options will appear instantly. Commenting on the development, Sharat Dhall, COO (B2C), Yatra. com says: “Over the last 18 months, we have seen a significant increase in searches and bookings via mobiles and hence the introduction of a feature like Voice Search to make it easier for the mobile user to search and book flights. We think it will play a transformational role in the way flight bookings are made.

8 December 2016

“Voice searches on search engines are already over 20% of all mobile searches and continue to grow everyday. At Yatra, we have always been at the forefront of technology innovation in the online travel space and the addition of Voice Search is in line with our endeavor to improve user experience and create happy travellers. We think that this will become an integral part of the travel booking experience in the future,” he added.

The biggest challenge our members are facing at the moment is unethical practices adopted by OTAs: PP Khanna PP Khanna has taken over as the President of Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) just a couple of months ago. In an attempt to know his plan of action we have an exclusive conversation with him. Here are the excerpts. Rajesh Tiwari

To start with, kindly throw some light on your short and long term plans for the association/trade fraternity? We have a host of short and long term plans for the betterment of the apex body of domestic tour operators of India and its members. In an attempt to leverage the potential of domestic tourism we are in process to identify new areas and destinations across all the states and Union Territories. New destinations on the list of tour operators will offer more options; that will attract a large number of travellers and create an excitement among them. Apart from this we have a State Specialist Programme for our members in development pipeline. So we are interacting with the state tourism bodies to get it done as soon as possible. Also, being aware with the power of technology we are concentrating on making our association a techno-friendly. We are creating a dynamic and interactive website for our members.

What was the first thing implemented in your new term? Soon after taking over as the president of ADTOI, I have formed 13 committees that will work independently for the benefit of our members as well as for the association. These committees have been assigned the agendas and required authorities to work in their respective areas.

What are the major challenges in front of domestic tour operators at the moment; what action are you taking to deal with it? Challenges are endless and of course these are part of the life. However, the biggest challenge our members are facing at the moment is unethical practices adopted by OTAs (Online Travel Agents) which is killing the small and medium size tour operators. Taking a step forward in this regard, ADTOI has formed a committee on Ethical Tourism Policy and making all our efforts to cope up with this challenge.

Why India is not getting its deserving share in Domestic Segment? As it is concerned to the growth of domestic tourism; it has recorded a 13% growth as per the latest data; however that is not enough as the domestic segment has huge potential of growth. In association with Ministry of Tourism and State Tourism Boards we are working on certain areas to expedite the growth of this segment. I am sure it will be visible in near future. Well due to the political and economic instability at the world across the Inbound tourism is going through a tough time.

What were the most important points in your agenda that might have attracted a huge support from the industry? And who gets the credit for this historical win? Definitely it was a Dream Team effort at large. We had included one woman in our panel to work on Women Empowerment, which has proven as one of the most important points in our agenda. Our initial initiatives after coming in power includes the formation of a Committee on Women Empowerment which will work towards organising special training programmes for our members.

Despite being the apex body for Domestic Tour Operators of India the majority membership of ADTOI revolves around Delhi & NCR (including metro and tier II cities); what are your plans to raise the membership from remote areas of the country?

What message would you like to convey to the members who have shown their faith in your leadership?

ADTOI is the apex body of domestic tour operators which has a wide presence across the country. At this point of time we have a strong presence across the metro cities in terms of membership, and we are keen to strengthen our presence in tier two and three cities as well. Apart from opening of our chapter in Chhattisgarh, we have identified several remote areas to add more chapters in our association; Jharkhand could be the first. We are concentrating on some areas in Northeast as well. And I am happy to share with you that we will launch our 7th Chapter at Rajasthan very soon.

Our members have a lot of expectations from the newly elected team as last term was under turmoil for almost 10 months due to some legal issues. We are trying our best to promote our members and look forward for their survival by revamping our website which shall be connected with the Ministry of Tourism and State Tourism Boards. This connection will provide leads to our members, and help them in generating more business. We shall organise State Specialist Programmes for our members to promote the States and can get business.

December 2016

AVIATION

SWISS to serve five new destinations in Summer 2017 WH Desk

WISS will be expanding its Zurich-based European route network in the 2017 summer schedules with the addition of five attractive new destinations: Bergen (Norway), Cork (Ireland), Figari (Corsica), Niš (Serbia) and Sylt (Germany). Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will be adding five new seasonal destinations to its network in the 2017 summer schedules. For the first time ever, SWISS customers will be able to fly from Zurich to Bergen, Norway’s second-biggest city and the starting point of the Hurtigruten shipping service along the Norwegian coast. Nature lovers with a preference for active vacations, meanwhile, can take advantage of new non-stop SWISS service to Cork in Southern Ireland, the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way. Also new to the SWISS network next summer will be the popular North Sea island of Sylt and Figari on Corsica, both of which offer

fabulous beaches along with a wide range of water sports and rest and relaxation opportunities. The new additions are completed by Niš in Southern Serbia, which will further supplement SWISS and Edelweiss’s already-extensive Balkan route network. Bergen, Cork and Sylt will receive weekly service from June 2017 onwards and twice-weekly service during the peak holiday season of July and August. Figari (from July) and Niš (from April) will also be served by two weekly flights.All the new services can be booked with immediate effect. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is Switzerland’s national airline, serving 102 destinations in 46 countries from Zurich and Geneva and carrying more than 16 million passengers a year with its 94-aircraft fleet. The company’s Swiss WorldCargo division provides a comprehensive range of airport-to-airport airfreight services for high-value and care-intensive consignments to some 130 destinations in over 80 countries.

AirAsia begins daily flight Lufthansa’s Press from Manila to Taipei Office is on Twitter WH Desk

aiwanese tourists arrivals into the Philippines are expected to rise with the commencement of AirAsia’s direct flight from Manila to Taipei today at 11:05pm. Guests on board the inaugural flight Z2 128 from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 got an early Christmas gift wrapped in iconic red and were welcomed on board by Philippines AirAsia executives led by its Chairperson Maan Hontiveros and CEO Dexter Comendador.

Philippines AirAsia CEO Dexter Comendador said: “We have introduced amazing connections for our guests to enjoy and we are aiming to go further across Asia by strengthening AirAsia’s presence in Taiwan.” Taiwanese tourist arrivals in the Philippines have reached 157,517 from January to August this year. Taiwan is currently the country’s sixth top visitor market after Korea, United States, China, Japan and Australia. The AirAsia Group operates direct flight to Taipei from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and now from Manila and Cebu in the Philippines starting November 25. Comendador added, “AirAsia is also launching our maiden flight to Taipei from Cebu in Southern Philippines with three flights every week or every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in less than a week from now and it brings so much pride to be able to provide a worldclass and award winning service to our travellers, Overseas Filipino Workers and Taiwanese tourists.” To celebrate the twin launch Filipino cultural dancers flew from Cebu to perform ‘Sinulog’ dance during the press conference held in Sheraton Hotel in Taipei. Sinulog is an annual religious festival in Cebu, which includes street dancing and group performances with elaborate and colourful costumes.

10 December 2016

WH Desk

he Lufthansa Group’s Corporate Communications team can be found on Twitter at @lufthansaNews (https://twitter.com/ lufthansaNews), which provides Twitter users with news from the Lufthansa Group, such as current statements from the management team, background information on ongoing discussions and facts, videos and photos from the fascinating world of the aviation company. The Twitter account is the quickest source for the latest information from the Lufthansa Group and the Press Office uses it to communicate with followers in both German and English. The Twitter account @ lufthansaNews already has more than 7000 followers. As an additional outlet alongside the existing Lufthansa Twitter accounts, @lufthansaNews is mainly aimed at journalists and bloggers but also offers interesting news and information for ‘aviation geeks’, for example by publishing the latest quotations regarding the trade dispute and by accompanying the first A380 flight to Bulgaria and the last Lufthansa flights on a Boeing 737.

AVIATION

MEGA Maldives Airlines holds India launch party in New Delhi MEGA Maldives Airlines has held its much anticipated ‘India Launch Party’ in Shangri-La, New Delhi recently. In attendance at event were over 350 Delhi-based travel agents, tour operators, and also members of the travel and lifestyle media. WH Desk

EGA also hosted a number of very important special guests at the event including Zoravar Kalra, the celebrity Indian restaurateur and Masterchef Judge, and AshimaLeena, the famous fashion designer. Also attending the event were His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed, Ambassador of the Maldives to India and Abdulla Rasheed, Director of Air Transport at the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. A number of co-sponsors had partnered with MEGA Maldives Airlines in hosting the event which includes JumeirahVittaveli, Shangri-La, Crown and Champ Resorts, Voyagers Maldives, Trans Maldivian Airways, Bird Travels, Group Concorde, Kandima Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll Maldives, Soneva, Maldives Getaway and W Maldives. The event was a huge success for MEGA Maldives Airlines, and was warmly embraced by the travel and trade industry in India. For the first time any airline has operated non-stop flights between Delhi and Male’, paving the way for increasing tourist arrivals from India as well as establishing Maldives as a premier destination getaway without any transits and stopovers.

Furthermore, the enormous support received from Maldives-based tourism industry across is evident in the high-end and wellestablished brands and properties that decided to support and partner with MEGA Maldives Airlines in its foray into India. Speaking at the event George Weinmann, CEO of MEGA Maldives Airlines stated that the airline had acknowledged the enormous potential of the Indian market and had understood why it was important to have non-stop connections between Maldives and cities in India. Hence MEGA had decided to start operations not only to Delhi but to the heart of Bollywood in Mumbai as well. While the first Delhi non-stop service had already commenced on the 17th of November, the non-stop services to Mumbai is due to begin before the end of the year.

Vistara announces strategic partnership with Booking.com Club Vistara (CV) members to earn 2 points for every INR 100 spent on hotel reservations made on Booking.com WH Desk

istara announced its partnership with Booking.com, the global leader in booking accommodations online. The partnership enables members of Club Vistara (CV) - India’s fastest rewarding frequent flyer programme to earn 2 CV points on every INR 100 spent on making accommodation bookings on Booking.com via Vistara’s hotel booking website, hotels.airvistara. com. Customers will now be able to book hotels at their favourite destinations and choose from more than a million properties across the world, while earning Club Vistara points. Commenting on the partnership, Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer, Vistara, said, “We’re committed to delivering the best value to our all our Club Vistara customers for placing their trust in us. The partnership with Booking. com is in line with our objective of providing them with more opportunities

to earn CV points through their travel and lifestyle activities with leading brands and service providers across segments.” David Peller, Director of Strategic Partnerships - Asia Pacific, Booking.com said, “At Booking.com, it’s our passion to connect both business and leisure travellers with the world’s best accommodation options, whatever their budget or preferred accommodation type is. We’re thrilled to be able to provide Vistara’s customers with a massive selection of accommodations, from apartments, 5-star hotels, B&Bs, villas, hostels and more, while helping them earn CV points.” The recently refreshed Club Vistara offers the fastest earn and redemption of points of any Indian airline loyalty program, and also provides the most generous elite tier privileges regardless of class of travel or fare paid. In a short span of less than two years, Vistara has expanded its network to 18 destinations with over 515 weekly flights and a fleet of 13 brand new A320 aircraft, further connecting India with multiple international destinations through its interline partners.

December 2016 11

AVIATION

THAI Smile Airways introduces direct flight between Jaipur – Bangkok WH Desk

HAI Smile Airways introduces new direct flight between Jaipur – Bangkok, exclusively three flights a week, flying Thais to experience the charming of India, while welcoming Indian travellers to Thailand with world-class service standards

passengers from both countries to explore the new travelling experience. Apart from being the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan, with more than 3 million of populations, Jaipur is globally recognized as the “Pink City of India,” he added.

The new flight aims at accommodating those targeted groups who are looking for convenient travelling from a full service airline, while opening a new window of adventure for the Thai passengers to explore the Pink City of India. It also offers exclusive travelling experience for Indian passengers with the best services. The new A320-200 Airbus will fly directly from Jaipur to Bangkok where passengers can continue travel connections to other cities in Thailand conveniently.

On this special occasion, THAI Smile has joined forces with major partners that include Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to organise “Explore Your Smile, Explore Thai Taste” event at Radisson Blu Hotel, Jaipur, India. The purpose is to raise awareness and provide updated information about the tourism and MICE market in Thailand to associated agencies both from government and private sectors, including media, travel agents and the operators of tourism business and seminar organizers in India.

Captain Woranate Laprabang, Acting Chief Executive Officer, THAI Smile Airways, stated that after the launch of Bangkok – Gaya – Varanasi route in early October, we found that the feedback is very impressive. Today we are proud and ready to start operating another route to India that is between Bangkok and Jaipur.” “This is to underscore our aggressive strategy in expanding international routes while encouraging

Turkish Airlines starts flights to Havana and Caracas WH Desk

THAI Smile operates three flights a week from Bangkok to Jaipur, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It also operates three flights a week from Jaipur to Bangkok, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The inaugurate flight from Bangkok to Jaipur starts on 16 November 2016 for two classes; Smile Plus (Premium Economy) and Smile Class (Economy), with prices start at 4,510 baht. Tickets are available at general sales agents, Royal Orchid Plus point can be collected as well. Passengers can travel to other cities in Thailand and other countries with peace of mind through our domestic routes.

Myanmar Airways introduces Yangon – Kolkata - Yangon route WH Desk

ith existing services to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Panama, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Miami and Atlanta Turkish Airlines adds flights to Havana and Caracas as its 16th and 17th destinations in the Americas. Beginning on December 20th 2016, Havana and Caracas flights will be operated three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays in both directions. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Havana -the capital and the largest city of Cuba- starting at 699 American Dollars, and to the Caracas -the capital and the largest city of Venezuela- starting at 699 American Dollars (including taxes and fees). Additionally, for the first six months of operation to these new destinations, there is a special offer for Miles & Smiles members, with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades. To view the flight schedules please visitwww. turkishairlines.com, contact the call center at +90 212 444 0849 or visit any Turkish Airlines sales office.

12 December 2016

ommencing 1st December 2016, Myanmar Airways International will operate two times weekly service between Yangon and Kolkata using Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft. MAI was founded in 1993 as a joint venture company between Myanmar Airways and Singapore base company. Effective from January 2014, MAI is the 100% complete member of KBZ Group, Myanmar National owned private company. MAI has code share agreement with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Garuda Indonesia. MAI currently flies between Yangon and Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Gaya, Guangzhou, and between Mandalay and Bangkok. MAI is the only recipient in Myanmar of the IATA Operational Safety Audit Program (IOSA) Operator. To this date MAI able to keep 100% safety and accident free in aviation history and record book.

December 2016 13

IN-CONVERSATION

I like to supervise how our guests’ needs and expectations are changing, and ensure we keep creating more and more experiences at all our resorts to keep our guests aptly engaged.

In-conversation with

Gaurav Jain Managing Director Aamod Resorts

Rajesh Tiwari

Give us a short background of your journey in this industry? A dream conceived during project work by a team in college stands in brick and mortar in front of us today. I along with my wife Kanchan, had conceptualised a chain of resorts during our college days such as the one in Shoghi today way back in the 1990’s. Post our graduation from IIM, life took us across many countries before I decided to make our dream into a reality. We conceptualised Aamod Resorts, got the team together, built the first resort in Shoghi, Shimla about six years ago, having a consulting background from McKinsey has helped me keep an objective approach towards the planning and launch of the first resort and thereafter. The journey so far has been enriching with Aamod marking its presence across Himachal Pradesh (Shoghi, Dalhousie, Manali), Uttarakhand (Bhimtal and Ranikhet) Manesar, Rajasthan (Sariska and Udaipur) and Goa.

What are some important lessons that you learned from your experience? There is no alternative to hard work. One has to keep going despite the number and magnitude of challenges that threaten to stall you. Building the right core team is of immense importance. The brand building for your company begins from day one of your journey and your biggest brand ambassadors are your guests. Also, your customers are your biggest teachers; we have learnt a lot from customers insights and have always strived to offer more to each patron thereby offering an experience that lasts a lifetime. At all our properties, we take pride in indulging our guests in a little thing like nature trails, village walks, cycle tours, in-house adventure courses etc alongside not limiting our services to a confined area, like we love to set up a table for our guests on a hilltop under a sky full of stars and our guests are happy. Our philosophy is that while quality

14 December 2016

We are taking baby steps to include more and more locations into our bouquet. We are constantly reached out to by resort owners across the country to becoming a part of the Aamod family, and I pursue all such opportunities that come by. The Boutique Club has been one such step in that direction and we look forward to adding more locations in the near future. and comfort are a given, it is the small and innovative things you do for pampering guests and making them feel special, that truly differentiate you – that and not ostentatious splendour, is luxury for most guests.

How do you keep reinventing yourself in your current profile? I love to indulge in creative pursuits across Aamod resorts. The key to our work is, of course, Guest Experience and we stay focussed on how we can better that every day. However, I stay inspired by creating more fulfilling experiences for our guests across all Aamod

IN-CONVERSATION Resorts. I like to supervise how our guests’ needs and expectations are changing and ensure we keep creating more and more experiences at all our resorts to keep our guests aptly engaged. It sounds trite, but the challenge is to keep thinking like a guest and not an operator. We have an excellent team in place to then translate that into actual customer experience. The launch of The Boutique Club, a vacation rental product for boutique properties, has taken up a substantial amount of my time last few months. We are now also selling vacations across the country through The Boutique Club. Through Boutique Club, we are able to offer more properties to our patrons that share a similar philosophy around customer experience as Aamod Resorts at more and newer locations, immediately, without waiting for Aamod to expand into all these locations.

What is the USP of Aamod Resorts? Aamod that means ‘joy’ in Sanskrit, offers its patrons to choose from quick weekend getaways to customised itineraries, full-serviced resorts to curated private villas and rustic bungalows. Aamod Resorts is about comfortable, happy, engaging, satisfying and closeto-nature vacations. All our resorts offer comforts of a resort from the room to the restaurant. There are activities at the resort that allow you to simply unwind and enjoy a fulfilling vacation. Our USP is also about creating personalised experiences. We offer off-the-shelf experiences for individuals, large groups and even corporates who love to experience new things as a part of their vacations / offsite. ‘Aamod’ standard of service and hospitality ensures consistent and quality accommodation, well-appointed and tasteful rooms, impeccable hygiene, modern amenities and painstaking care to create an atmosphere of absolute comfort and the feeling of belonging for its patrons. Each property offers additional valuables such as spa experiences, nature walks, adventure activities, family picnics, tea- tastings, fruit-pickings, fun in-house activities, leisurely pursuits, unique off-site experiences and everything one may aspire during a vacation that will stay in memories forever.

Kindly throw some light on the presence of Aamod Resorts? How has been the performance of all properties? We started with Shoghi near Shimla six year ago, and we have not looked back. Since Shoghi, we have added a bunch to our bouquet. We are planning to add more resorts over the coming months to

be able to offer our guests an itinerary that helps them explore a location fully. Aamod Resorts can now boast of locations with scenic landscapes ranging from different mountain ranges to beaches. The performance has been encouraging with Aamod now present across 10 locations and through the Boutique Club (with partners) in over 20 locations.

What revenue-enhancing strategies have you adopted at the Aamod Resorts? The concept of revenue enhancing is quite a challenging one in this industry. Considering how the occupancy rates waver during the year and are highly season dependent. I believe every resort owner’s biggest challenge is to manage a baseline occupancy level during the year. We at Aamod resorts have always worked on offering more and new experiences. We have activities at all our resorts for our guests. Creating smaller and customised experiences like cookouts, bonfires, musical nights, art and other workshops and other experiences ensure our guests keep coming back for more.

What are some positive changes that you have witnessed in eco-tourism segment in recent years? Government understanding over the past few years has considerably enhanced, support will follow. Many opportunities have opened up for all those who want to seriously contribute to eco-tourism. The discerning guests who value nature over opulence, are increasingly seeking eco-friendly properties and those promoting sustainable tourism. They are seeking local culture, local cuisines and localised experiences set amidst natural surroundings and settings. Along with many opportunities, many challenges have also been faced. Rules and regulations now are stricter for resort owners, which is good for promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Do you have any expansion plan for Aamod Resorts? Yes, of course. Growing and offering Aamod experiences across the country is ambitious to say. However, we are taking baby steps to include more and more locations into our bouquet. We are constantly reached out to by resort owners across the country to becoming a part of the Aamod family, and I pursue all such opportunities that come by. The Boutique Club has been one such step in that direction and we look forward to adding more locations in the near future.

December 2016 15

STATE

Kerala’s Green Carpet initiative to develop 79 tourism destinations Jai Kishan Kaparwan

he two-day Green Carpet workshop aimed at ensuring sustainable development and maintenance of 79 select tourist destinations concluded recently. Managers, Deputy Directors, and District Tourism Promotional Council (DTPC) Secretaries from the selected Kerala tourism destinations attended the workshop at Maria Rani centre, Sreekaryam. The workshop designed a blueprint for 111 short term and long term projects. “The 79 tourist destinations selected for the first phase of Green Carpet initiative will be turned into distinctive tourism friendly centres,” said U V Jose, Director Tourism, Government of Kerala. Prof Raghunandan (IRTC); KITTS Principal, Dr V Vijayakumar; Prof. Saroop Roy; and Responsible Tourism State Field Coordinator Roopesh Kumar headed

the panel discussions on various topics. Tourism Additional Secretary Saraswathy and Green Carpet Workshop Coordinator V Madhoosoodanan spoke on the occasion. “Kerala can be proudly called “God’s Own Country” only when efforts are put in place to ensure security, cleanliness, hygiene, and scientific waste management methods, apart from offering unique experiences,” said Minister for Devaswom,Tourism and CoOperation Kadakampally Surendran. He was speaking at the inaugural function of a two-day workshop held as part of the Green carpet initiative conducted for the tourist officials at Maria Rani Centre, Sreekaryam, said the initiative is a firm step towards achieving these goals. The minister said that there is an imperative need to ensure that tourism activities should not be confined to just a few tourist centres, but should be expanded to other centres as well. Officials of the Tourism Department should use their creative skills

U V Jose Director Tourism Government of Kerala

while carrying out their responsibility. They should be more innovative and experimental rather than being mechanical, he added. “People have various views on hartals being organized in the state. But the Kerala Government’s decision to exempt the state’s tourism belts from hartal has yielded positive results. This was reflected in the latest hartal held in the state,” he pointed out. The inaugural function was presided over by Tourism Director UV Jose.

MoT

Incredible India second most talked about destination during WTM 2016 Jai Kishan Kaparwan

nline analysis on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, forums, news sites, blogs, YouTube and Instagram during the course of the three-day show has revealed, the most talked-about destinations and topics, following research by PR specialist Bell Pottinger. India gained online traction after being named one of the hot spots for 2017 and second most talked about destinations in the world. India Tourism is already showing signs of an upswing by way of growth of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in the current year. When the annual international growth rate is around 4 to 4.5%, India is witnessing double digit growth of 10.5% in the current year. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India participated as Official Premier Partner at WTM London 2016. At this year’s World Travel Market, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Tourism and for Culture (Independent charge), inaugurated the World Travel Market along with Simon Press, Executive Director, WTM London

16 December 2016

and Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. India participated in full strength with 42 co-exhibitors in the India Pavilion comprising State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, tourism stakeholders etc.

December 2016 17

NEED TO KNOW

ANDHRA PRADESH Everything’s Possible!

The state is paradise for visitors, who want to learn about the glorious history of the region, explore the architectural marvels of temples, mosques, stupas and revel in the limitless natural beauty. The rich cultural heritage and the natural wonders of the state are major attractions. Whereabouts brings more on this fascinating destination.

The cities of Guntur and Vijayawada are the major nearby cities to the state capital. The state hosts a number of districts that can attract a large number of travellers from world across. Here are the most fascinating tourist destinations of the state.

Compiled by WH Desk

Vizag is a port city, located along the shores of Bay of Bengal and is headquarters to the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Although considered to be an industrial city, Vizag has a rich and vibrant culture and heritage. The city is blessed with natural beauty, with hill ranges, pristine beaches along its coastline and lush, natural valleys. The city is surrounded by three hills, Sri Venkateswara Konda, Ross Hill and Dargah Konda. Each hill is home to a shrine, dedicated to three different religions. The Venkateswara Konda is home to the Vekateswara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva; Ross Hill houses the Church of Virgin Mary; and the

ndhra Pradesh is a popular destination for visitors not just from around India, but also from world across. The rich heritage and diversity that the state has to offer is unique selling point. Amaravati is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the southern banks of the Krishna River in Guntur district, within the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region. The foundation stone for the planned city was laid on 22nd October 2015, at Uddandarayunipalem area by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Vizag

Araku Valley Andhra

Dolphin Nose Vizag

Dargah Konda is home to the tomb of a Muslim saint called Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah. ARAKU VALLEY: Located at a height of 3,200 feet in the midst of the hills of Anantagiri, Araku Valley is a beautiful and enchanting hill station. The salubrious climate, musically gurgling streams, the rainbow-creating waterfalls and lush green landscape can offer a memorable escape from the city life. The valley is located about 112kms from Visakhapatnam. Araku Valley is home to 19 indigenous tribes and offers a wonderful opportunity to get insights into the lifestyle of these tribes and their culture and traditions. Dhimsa dance, a kind of folk dance, is a major attraction for its rhythmic beats and colourful costumes. Itika Pongal is a popular festival that is celebrated in the region and is worth experiencing. BORRA CAVES: These caves are located 1,400metres above sea level in Visakhapatnam’s Anantagiri area. The caves are famous for their beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations. Borra Caves have both religious and historical significance. The locals flock to the caves to worship a Shivalinga and an idol of Kamadenu, the divine bovine goddess of Hindu mythology. KAILASAGIRI HILL: The hill station of Kailash Giri is a popular tourist destination and getaway. It offers an awe-inspiring view of the Bay of Bengal and is home to the beautiful Rushikonda Beach and Rama Krishna Beach. The surrounding hills are lush and green and offer a wonderful respite from the concrete jungle of Visakhapatnam. One of the attractions of Kailash Giri is its huge park called the Floral Watch. RAMAKRISHNA BEACH: Located along the coast of Vizag, Rama Krishna Beach is known for its pristine sands and crystal clear waters of the Bay of Bengal. It is adjoining the Lawson’s Bay Beach and offers awe-inspiring natural views and vistas. The beach is perfect for catching mesmerising sunsets and sunrises. The beach is home to the Kali Temple, VUDA Park, a submarine museum and several roadside eateries and restaurants. SUBMARINE MUSEUM: The city of Vizag offers so many creative and unique attractions that visitors will often be overwhelmed by them. One of the innovative attractions of the city is the submarine museum. Located on the Ram Krishna Beach, this museum is housed inside a real submarine. INS Kurusura is a Soviet-built submarine which was decommissioned on February 28, 2001 after serving the nation for 21 glorious years.

18 December 2016

INS Kurushura Submarine Museum Vizag

DOLPHIN’S NOSE & THE PORT: Dolphin’s Nose is a huge rocky headland, around 174metres in height. It is located in the southern part of Vizag. The rock gets its name because of its resemblance to a dolphin’s nose and is located 358metres above sea level. It projects majestically out into the Bay of Bengal and is a natural formation that attracts many visitors. On top of rock formation is a huge lighthouse, which is renowned for its powerful beam.

Rajahmundry

Cultural Capital and Born City- Rajahmundry

ajahmundry has the distinction of being the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is claimed that the Telugu language originated in Rajahmundry. The poet, Nannaya, was responsible for coming up with the Telugu script, which transformed it into a language. DINDI: The tranquil and panoramic village of Dindi is about 80kms from Rajahmundry. This village is renowned for its virgin backwaters that ooze of charm and splendour. The serene palm-fringed canals, lakes, lagoons and rivulets offer the perfect place to enjoy a soothing houseboat cruise. The quaint villages nestled amidst coconut groves have pristine beauty that can leave one mesmerised. Dindi is the place where visitors can count the twinkling stars in the ink-blue sky at night, while the moon rays shimmer enchantingly over the surface of the water bodies. ISKCON TEMPLE: The ISKCON Temple, also referred to as the Gowthami Ghat, is very popular with visitors to Rajahmundry. The temple lies over an area of two acres, making it the second largest ISKCON Temple is South India. This temple lies on the banks of Godavari River and was constructed by the ISKCON followers. GODAVARI RIVER: The Godavari River flows a distance of 1,465kms, making it the second longest river in India, after the Ganges. The town of Rajahmundry is located on the banks of Godavari River and the river is the widest at this point. Its width is about 5kms from Rajahmundry to the other side, where Kovvur is located. This mighty river is one of the main attractions of Rajahmundry.

December 2016 19

NEED TO KNOW

Dolphin Nose Vizag

INS Kurushura Submarine Museum Vizag

Rajahmundry

Cultural Capital and Born City- Rajahmundry

December 2016 19

NEED TO KNOW

Tirupati

Tirupati Spiritual Divinity

ocated in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is a temple town that is revered by Hindus. Each year millions of devotees and believers come to the town to pay homage at the Sri Venkateswara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This amazing temple is located on top of the Tirumala Hill, while the town of Tirupati is situated at the foot of the hill. Tirupati is a fascinating town for people, who want to find out more about Hinduism, or those, who want to exercise their religious beliefs. The numerous temples in the town and its vicinity give a tranquil and serene ambience to Tirupati. Waking up to the temple bells and hearing the chanting of the temple priests and devotees can be a rejuvenating experience that can soothe the mind and soul. The town is also famous for its wooden toys, which are made from a type of red wood. Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Tirupati

AKASA GANGA: Located on the hill of Tirumala, near the temple of Sri Venkateswara is a beautiful waterfall, which has been there since time immemorial. The devotees believe that the water of the cascade flows from the feet of Lord Vishnu. The Akasa Ganga waterfalls are considered holy because the water is used for the daily maintenance of the temples and shrines.

Vijayawada

he moment you mention Vijaywada to locals, they will talk about beautiful springs, mouthwatering sweets and juicy mangoes. Also, known as Bezawada, this city is located on the banks of Krishna River and overlooks the Bay of Bengal. The Indrakeeladri Hill forms a spectacular backdrop to the city on the west. The name of the city translates to ‘place of victory’ and it holds and important position in South India because it is home to the region’s largest railway junction. The city name has mythological connections, as it is claimed that Arjuna was blessed by Lord Shiva at the top of the Indrakeeladri Hill and after that Arjuna created Vijayawada. According to another myth, Goddess Durga rested here after killed a demon and that is why the place got its name. AMARAVATI: Amaravati is a small town located on the banks of Krishna River. It is about 33kms from Vijayawada and has historical importance. It used to be the site of an ancient Buddhist settlement, which was known as Chintapalli. The stupa at this site was said to be bigger than the one at Sachi. This stupa was built in the 3rd century BC during the reign of King Ashoka.

TIRUMALA VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE: The king of all temples lies in Tirupati, which is located in the Chittoor District. The town is located at the foothills of Tirumala Hills, which is home to one of the most ancient and holy temples of India. This temple attracts millions of devotees each year and is called Sri Venkateswara Temple. It is claimed that the temple get more pilgrims than Mecca and Jerusalem. Tirupati is surrounded by seven panoramic hills, which are home to perennial waterfalls, lush valleys and verdant forests. Besides the Sri Venkateswara Temple, other shrines located in the region include the Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple, Sri Kondandaramaswami Temple, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple and the Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple. CHANDRAGIRI FORT: This fort was built on a massive rock in 1000 AD. It is located at a height of 183metres and is a testimony of the outstanding architectural expertise that prevalent during the Vijayanagar Empire. The exquisite stucco work, natural light and ventilation is the hallmark of this fort. The fort hosts a daily sound and light show twice a day in English and Telugu which attracts many visitors. HORSLEY HILLS: Located at an altitude of 4,100 feet, Horsley Hills is about 144kms from Tirupati and offers a wonderful escape. The road leading to the town is extremely scenic and panoramic, with Mahogany, Jacaranda, Sandalwood, Gulmohar and Eucalyptus trees lining the road in the form of a dense and verdant forest. The town is a paradise for adventure sports lovers, as they can experience the thrills of zorbing, rappelling, rock climbing and trekking.

20 December 2016

BHAVANI ISLAND: It is a place to rest, relax and enjoy oneself with its mangroves, well-manicured gardens, pristine woodlands, rolling meadows and shimmering water bodies. Bhavani Island is a popular picnic spot, where children can run around carefree while adults can enjoy the energising and refreshing ambience. There are great boating facilities, which allow visitors to explore the river. The swimming pools on the island are well-maintained and clean. Visitors, who do not want to spend time in the pools, can opt for other water sports or try their hand at fishing and angling. PRAKASAM BARRAGE: The Prakasam Barrage is built across the Krishna River and is imposing in appearance. It stretches 1,223.5metres across the river, over a lake and is the largest barrage in Asia. The barrage also serves as a road-bridge. The barrage was built in 1855 and was enhanced in 1957.The three canals that run into the barrage traverse Vijayawada to give the city a Venetian look. The barrage makes a wonderful place to walk leisurely and enjoy the shimmering lake and balmy breeze. Prakasham Barrage Vijayvada

NEED TO KNOW UNDAVALLI CAVES: The Undavalli Caves date back to the 7th century BC and are prime example of rock-cut architecture. The caves are about 8kms from Vijayawada and offer a unique perspective into ancient religious practices. The caves are carved out of sandstone on the side of a hill. While there are many caves, the largest is the one that is most popular for its huge monolith of Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture. KUCHIPUDI: The ancient hamlet of Kuchipudi is renowned as being the birthplace of one of the most popular dance forms of South India, the Kuchipudi dance. This beautiful and serene village is about 60kms from Vijayawada and is home to the Kuchipudi dance school. According to the locals, Siddhendra Yogi, the founder of Kuchipudi dance, used to live in this village.

Kurnool

Buddhism and Jainism of Kurnool

he District of Kurnool is located in the western central part of Andhra Pradesh and its capital is the town of Kurnool. This is the perfect town for people, who enjoy exploring ancient architecture and historical monuments. Kurnool has plenty of them. There are ruins of a mediaeval fort that was constructed during the reign of Vijayanagar Empire. These ruins have inscriptions in Arabic and Persian. The other places of interest are the mausoleum of Abdul Wahab, the remains of the palace belonging to the last Hindu king of the region and the Kondareddy Buruz. There are even important temples in the area, such as Nagereswarswami Temple and Peta Anjanyeswami Temple. BELUM CAVES: Belum Caves, running a length of 3,229metres, are the second longest caves in India and are popular for their stalactite and stalagmite formations. The caves have long passages, fresh water galleries, siphons and spacious chambers. These caves have been formed naturally due to constant flow of underground water. MAHANANDI: The picturesque village of Mahanandi is located east of Nallamala Hills, near Nandyal, in Kurnool District. The village is enveloped by dense verdant forest. About 15 kms from the village are nine shrines to Nandi. Mahanandi is one of the nine shrines. The other eight are Shivanandi, Vinayakanandi, Somanandi, Prathamanandi, Garudanandi, Suryanandi, Krishnanandi (also known as Vishnunandi) and Naganandi. ORAVAKALLU: Orvakallu is a natural landscape of regal rock formations around a long, meandering body of water. It is located about 25kms from Kurnool, on National Highway 18. It is relatively easy to find. These natural rock formations are perfect for trekking, as visitors can climb up the rocks, which are of multitude shapes and sizes. On reaching the highest point, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the water body that has wide open spaces and clear blue skies as its backdrop. ROLLAPADU SANCTUARY: Spread over an area of 614sqm, the Rollapadu Sanctuary is located in Kurnool District, about 60kms from the city of Kurnool. It is teeming with wildlife and deciduous Belum Caves, Kurnool

forests. The Sanctuary is situated along the Eastern Ghats and is home to many different species of birds and animals. Visitors can spy black bucks, bonnet macaques, Indian bustards, Indian rollers, sparrows, myna, Russellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vipers, Indian cobra, wolves, foxes, jackals and many other creatures that call this sanctuary their home.

Anantapur

District with Second Lowest Rain Fall in India

nantapur lies at the westernmost part of Andhra Pradesh. It is located along the National Highway 7. The town of Anantapur has embraced modernity, but has not forgotten its historical past. The town is home to many ancient temples, monuments and forts that give a glimpse into the rich historical past of the region. At every corner of Anantapur and its surroundings, there is something to stop and admire. Some of the major attractions in Anantapur and its surroundings are the beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Lepakshi, the birthplace of Sri Satya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, the ancient and massive banyan tree at Gutibayalu, Chintala Venkataramana Temple at Tadipatri and the popular Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Kadri. The region is also well-known for its booming silk and cotton weaving industry. The ancient religious legacies left behind are visible in Penna Ahobilam, Gugudu and Alurkona. DHARMAVARAM: Dharmavaram is well-known for its silk and cotton weaving industry. It is about 47kms from Anantapur and is world famous for its intricate and exquisite silk sarees. The place is also renowned for making puppets out of leather. The beauty of the silk sarees from Dharmavaram is renowned. LEPAKSHI: The village is famous for its three shrines, which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Veerabhadra. The Veerabhadra Temple was constructed by two brothers, Viranna and Virupanna. The temple is built in the Vijayanagar architectural style and has beautiful sculptures adorning the walls. PUTTAPARTHI: Puttaparthi is a small town located in the Ananthapur District of Andhra Pradesh. It was the home of spiritual guru, Sathya Sai Baba. The town is located on the banks or Chitravathi River and is surrounded by undulating hills. While the small town does not have much to offer in terms of natural splendour and beauty, it is a popular religious destination.

Reaching Here Air: Andhra is well connected to other parts of the world though airports at Tirupati, Vishakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Vijaywada. Railways: With about 5,085 kilometer of the railways route covering the state of Andhra Pradesh, how to reach Andhra Pradesh can never be a problem. Out of the total rail route about 4, 362 km is broad gauge, 686 kilometer is meter gauge and 37 kilometer is narrow gauge. Bus: The bus services offered by AP Tourism are of the highest standards, keeping in mind the safety and comfort of the visitors. AP Tourism Department is the first tourism department in the country to introduce Benz and Volvo buses to get travelers quickly, comfortably and safely to their destinations. These luxurious buses make it very convenient to visit places of attraction not just in the state, but also neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

December 2016 21

STATE

Chhattisgarh Tourism to develop Gangrel Dam site as Eco-Ethnic Destination WH Desk

he Chhattisgarh Government will soon be developing the area around Gangrel Dam in Dhamtari district of the State as an eco-ethnic destination. It may be recalled that the Chhattisgarh government will also be creating an ‘eco-ethnic’ tourist destination near the world famous Chitrakot water falls in Bastar region of the State. Notably, Chhattisgarh exchanged MoUs worth Rs12 crores for development of world-class tourist facilities during ‘Incredible India Tourism Investors’ Summit (IITIS)- 2016’ organised by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry and the Tourism Finance Corporation of India from September 21 to 23, 2016 in New Delhi to promote investments in Tourism sector in India. Chhattisgarh is among only two other states which had sent a proposal last year to the Union Ministry of Tourism for its themebased ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme for development of eco-tourism infrastructure in the State. The proposal by Chhattisgarh is for ‘Integrated Development of Eco Tourism’ circuit in Rajmergarh– Kabir Chabutra-Achanakmar Tiger Reserve- Kurdar-Sirpur-Kodar Dam-Gangrel Dam-Kanger Valley National Park.

where three national parks, 11 wildlife sanctuaries, more than 30 significant waterfalls, abundant caves and untouched natural topography , the CTB seeks to promote tourism in the State at an international level through its ambitious future plans, it stated.

In 2014-15, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) had drawn up ambitious plans to develop India’s biggest ‘Eco-tourism hub’ in the State, an official press release issued last year had stated. The press release had stated that CTB had already received Rs 113.5 crores project prioritisation go ahead from the Union Ministry of Tourism to take its plans forward.

The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) will also be aggressively promoting Home Stays segment for tourists, officials informed. CTB had earlier also has decided to offer special concessions to the travel agents and tour operators for further boosting tourist traffic in the State. Officials stated the Board will now charge an amount of Rs1000 for three year registration from these agents in order to provide services to the tourists.

The CTB, under the aegis of the Chhattisgarh Government had created a blue-print of future tourism plans that will help establish Chhattisgarh as India’s biggest ‘Eco-Tourism hub, it had stated.’ Based on the fact that Chhattisgarh is blessed with 80% bio-diversity and a melange of natural abundance tops in natural tourism

Earlier, one year registration and validity charge amounting to Rs1000 was fixed for travel agents by the Board. The Central government has put up the anticipated timeline for completion of the Tribal Tourism Circuit in Chhattisgarh to be 2019-20. (Based on the news published Pioneer, Raipur)

Assam Govt ties-up with Stayzilla to promote tourism and Homestays WH Desk

maximum financial assistance of up to 80% of prescribed limit, these homestays will conform strictly to the high qualities and standards set by ATDC.

ith this association, Stayzilla becomes the first aggregator to associate with governments in the East, the company claims. Under this agreement, Stayzilla will lend its expertise to Assam Tourism Development Corporation to conduct verification procedures and jointly boost homestays and unique stay experiences within Assam. Also, Assam will be one of the first state tourism bodies to launch a model Rural Homestay scheme providing financial incentive for development and standardization of new Homestays in Assam.

All homestays registered with the Tourism Board will receive technical support in the form of inventory management and software applications to ensure seamless booking procedures, from Stayzilla. The Tourism Board & Stayzilla will also jointly conduct educational and training sessions for registered homestays on best practices such as online usage, content management, operations and expense management. Stayzilla team will also be involved in imparting Hospitality and Skill Training to all the new homestays under the ATDC scheme.

This partnership will also enable verification and training of these new homestays being developed right from the start. Stayzilla’s team in the North East, headed by Regional Office of Kolkata, will be part of the Service and Quality Assurance Committee under ATDC. With a plan to open 200 homestays within one year and with a

Stayzilla has recently signed MoUs with Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) and the Chhattisgarh Tourism Department thereby enabling locals to participate in tourism, by opening up homestays in these states. (Based on the news published in ETtech)

22 December 2016

December 2016 23

WHEREABOUTS

Zumairah Beach Hotel Dubai

Sports in Dubai Well renowned for its souk districts Dubai has been nicknamed as the Shopping Capital of the Middle East. The city draws a large number of travellers from Indian subcontinent, Europe, Africa etc for an amazing shopping experience. Apart from shopping, leisure, culture and high end luxury tours; sports tourism is picking up rapidly in Dubai. Whether you want to play Golf, Polo, Tennis, Squash or indulge in Skating, Camel or Horse Racing, Dubai is an ideal sports tour destination. Whereabouts brings more on this emerging segment of tourism. Compiled by WH Desk

24 December 2016

Tennis & Squash: Hit the Courts in Dubai Host to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships that see world’s greatest talent and home to state-of-the-art academies, clubs and an upcoming underwater tennis complex, the city is a great spot to enjoy a friendly game. Whether you are a squash pro looking for a new challenge or looking to release your inner Federer, you can take your game up a level during your stay in Dubai.

Golf: A Guide to Golf in Dubai Home to the world’s greatest golf courses, Dubai is the place to channel your inner Tiger Woods and watch your favourite players in action at the MENA Golf Tour and the Dubai Desert Classic. The pleasant weather from September through May, coupled with outstanding facilities including the region’s only night golf at the Emirates Club, offers a truly memorable experience. The fully-floodlit, 18-hole Faldo Course lights up the night sky every day of the week for enthusiasts, scripting the city’s golfing success story.

WHEREABOUTS

Camel Racing in Dubai

Camel & Horse Racing: Prepare for the Races With horses and camels being such an integral part of Dubai’s history, it’s no surprise that they are equally a part of its present. Every year, Dubai World Cup draws the equestrian elite of the world, fashion aficionados and Dubai’s sophisticated society to the Meydan racecourse to back their favourite stallion at the most important event of the global racing calendar. Likewise, from October to March spectators can watch camels reach speeds of up to 40 km/h as they thunder along the sandy tracks, cheered on by excited crowds. Set your pulse to the city, and witness the unbridled passion that pumps through Dubai during the year’s biggest races.

Polo: Time for a Chukka While polo around the world may have a royal image, the game takes a democratic form in Dubai, where anyone can attend or

even try their hand at the famed equestrian sport. All levels, from the complete novice to advanced riders, are welcome to take lessons and participate. Interested in seeing how the professionals play? Attend one of the regular games played on the green fields of the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club or at the Dubai Polo Club during the polo season that runs from October through May.

Get to the Great Indoors Dubai is a year-round sports enthusiast’s playground with indoor running and cycling tracks and venues for sporty pastimes like ice skating, skiing and sledding. You can even try winter sports in the mall at the Dubai Ice Rink and Ski Dubai, the perfect place for both wobbly beginners and experienced skiers to hit the slopes.

Dubai Creek Golf

December 2016 25

WHEREABOUTS

Winter Sports in Dubai Dubai Ski Club Stop by Ski Dubai’s ticket counter at the Mall of the Emirates, where you can learn more about joining the Ski Club and getting involved in social skiing, snowboarding, race training, races etc. The club has over 1,400 members and meets at 6pm on the last Saturday of every month. You will get many membership benefits on the slope pass and when purchasing tickets, plus special offers on equipment, clothing, accessories and holidays.

Queen of Ice World Everyone, from tiny tots to experienced skaters looking to jump, spiral and dance are catered for in classes run by the Queen of Ice World School at Al Nasr Leisureland. The school is also the biggest supplier of skating equipment and clothing in the Middle Polo in Dubai

East, and organises a popular summer skating programme. Outside the rink, there is a cafe and a sweet shop, while Al Nasr Leisureland’s outdoor entertainment will also keep little ones amused.

Skate The Ice Rink at The Galleria Take a break from the desert sun at the Ice Rink at the Galleria. Located at the Hyatt Regency, this winter wonderland was the first rink to open in Dubai, and remains a great place to practice your icy moves. Whatever your skill level, you are certain to find your groove at the Ice Rink. Free skate, take classes with the professionals, or arrange for a great time with the facility’s birthday party packages and Disco Nights. When you start running out of fuel, recharge with food and refreshments at Frosty Cafe.

Learn Indian Dance At Maayavi If you love dancing for fitness, as a stress-reliever, or even as a career, consider giving the techniques and traditions of Indian dance a try. Since its founding in 2011, the Maayavi Dance Drama and Concepts Company has taught a style that combines Indian classical dance and elements of world dance. And founder Bhakti Harish, who studied for many years with Bollywood legend Hema Malini, most noted for her fame, in addition to several rewards for theatre, musicals, and dance productions in Dubai and beyond. Because of its contemporary approach to traditional techniques, the Maayavi dance style is especially appealing to the young,

26 December 2016

WHEREABOUTS

Ski Dubai Slope

urban audiences found in cities like Dubai. Here on business or holiday? The company offers individual classes to accommodate visitors.

Travelling to Dubai Convenience, speed, and new, modern facilities are just some of the advantages offered at Dubai International airport and Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central. With over 7,000 weekly flights operated by 125 airlines from 260 destinations on every continent (except Antarctica), you have a wide range of options to choose from when flying to Dubai. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to find a carrier to fit any budget or itinerary. Emirates: The official airline of Dubai, Emirates is an award-winning airline with an extensive, modern fleet offering daily non-stop flights from 140 destinations to Dubai. Visit emirates.com to learn more and to book a flight. Flydubai: Looking for low-cost, flexible fares and a great flying experience? Check out flydubai.com. Flydubai flies to and from more than 80 destinations with new ones added all the time.

Galleria Dallas Ice-Rink ppl

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NTO

Switzerland Tourism launches new campaigns for winter & summer 2017 The campaign launched in presence of the tourism partners of Switzerland – Geneva, Lake Geneva, Glacier 3000 and Gstaad hopes to further increase and sustain the double digit growth of 16% seen in 2015-2016. WH Desk

witzerland Tourism announced the launch of its Winter Campaign for 2016 and ‘Nature Wants You Back’ campaign for summer 2017. The Winter campaign will focus on all the action and adventure that can be explored in one of nature’s most artistic canvases – Switzerland, with the tagline ‘You can... But You Don’t Have To’. The summer campaign Nature Wants You Back, to be led by Brand Ambassador Ranveer Singh was also launched. The campaign tag line is the perfect expression of how one chooses to be ‘#INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND; have an adventurous adrenaline filled vacation or a leisurely, relaxed trip whilst taking in the beauty of the breath-taking nature, scenery and serenity of the country. With an initial focus on the winter tourist, Switzerland Tourism will showcase the multiple options like skiing, sledging and snowboarding for the active traveller and Christmas markets, open air hot springs and igloo stays for the more relaxed visitor looking for pure white relaxation in winter. The summer focus for the campaign too, will be packed with an array of activities such as sky-diving, wakeboarding, canyoning etc. combined with Switzerland’s best touristic and nature highlights.

Claudio Zemp, Director – India, Switzerland Tourism, said: “In India we see people getting more adventurous these days. They do not only want to take a cable car up a mountain and take pictures but also want that thrill and rush which one gets while doing adventure sports.” “With a versatile and energetic personality like Ranveer Singh on board, we would like to showcase that Switzerland is not only about scenic beauty but also has many activities and adventures to offer to the more experiential Indian traveller. Winter is coming up and is an absolutely beautiful time to visit Switzerland. One can enjoy various winter activities and explore their hidden passion for adventure with sports such as skiing, snow-shoe trekking, tobogganing,” he added. Ritu Sharma, Deputy Director, Switzerland Tourism India said: “Our new campaign is all about telling people that holidays in Switzerland can be anything that you want – there are lots of options for adventures and activities both in winter and in summer but if you would rather have a more relaxing holiday that’s absolutely possible too. Although Indians love to go on a vacation during the summers, we do hope for a change after this campaign. Apart from the picturesque natural beauty, Switzerland is also a complete package for families and honeymooners who are not only looking at a relaxing vacation but also crave some adventure.” The must-visit places in Switzerland are the attractions of Gstaad, which is known for its Bollywood movie spots where most Indians

Claudio Zemp, Director – India, Switzerland Tourism with Ritu Sharma, Deputy Director, Switzerland Tourism India at the event

love to go and pose. 25mins away from the Gstaad centre is Glacier 3000 where you have snow throughout the year and has the highest situated toboggan run in the world. Lake Geneva is a very family friendly place with museums such as Chaplin’s World, Alimentarium and The Olympic Museum. The Winter Lounge at La Reserve Genève boasts of an open-air skating rink, lounge and festive evenings wherein one can relax. And of course, the Red Cross Museum and the United Nations are always a great attarction in Geneva. To have a fun-filled spellbound vacation, Switzerland is the place to go to.

MTPA-India & Air Mauritius organises seminars WH Desk

auritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)-India, in association with Air Mauritius organised seminars for travel agents in Trichy, Madurai, Jaipur, Kolkata and Amritsar. The events saw participation from India offices of Orange Tourism, My Value Travels, Akquasun, Shanti Maurice, InterContinental, Constance and Beachcomber Hotels. The product presentation was conducted by Vivek Anand, Country Manager, MTPA India and Vinit Gupte,

28 December 2016

Manager India & South Asian Subcontinent, Air Mauritius. The DMCs and Hotels also gave product presentations to share information about their offerings. Around four hundred travel agents were present, across all cities, at the seminars, which are an ideal platform to learn more about the destination. The objective of the seminar was to update the travel trade partners about the latest developments in Mauritius.

NTO

Yas Winterland Festival celebrates the best of the festive season at Yas Island The Island is being completely transformed into a magical winter wonderland as several Yas Island attractions get set to offer winter-themed activities, events and special offers, from December 9th 2016 to January 7th 2017.

shows available at the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, including Bjorn the Polar Bear, a colourful tree lighting ceremony, a spectacular ice skating show, a gigantic snow slide and much more.

WH Desk

Timings of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi during Winterfest:

16 to 21 December: 10:00 – 20:00 22 December to 3 January: 10:00 – 22:00 4 to 7 January: 10:00 – 20:00

as Island, the UAE’s premier entertainment destination, is set to host the first ever ‘Yas Winterland Festival’ for an entire month of family-friendly events, activities and offers to celebrate the festive season. For the inaugural edition of the festival, many activities will take place like Yas Marina’s ‘Let It Snow’ celebrations, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s ‘Winterfest’, Yas Mall’s Festive Season, du Forum’s ‘Winterland Carnival’, and a spectacular midnight fireworks shows to ring in the New Year. Additionally, Coldplay’s sold-out New Year’s Eve ‘A Head Full Of Dreams’ live show- presented by du Live!, brought to you by FLASH Entertainment and in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and Yas Island, will draw a close the winter festivities on Yas Island. “Yas Island is all about exciting experiences. The month-long Yas Winterland Festival captures the best of what Yas Island has to offer in terms of events, entertainment and leisure, with a fun winter theme. Our visitors will be able to create ever-lasting memories as they celebrate the cheery, festive winter season among their loved ones, friends and family,” said Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral. Commenting on the addition of the Yas Winterland Festival to Abu Dhabi’s vibrant events programme, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority said: “Abu Dhabi is a leading family leisure destination full of captivating experiences, and the addition of these festive offers and activities across Yas Island provides even more compelling reasons for visitors to enjoy the emirate’s year-round appeal.” Among the numerous activities being held as part of its first ever ‘Let it Snow’ festival, Yas Marina will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony, while the seven restaurants and lounges will be offering their own spin on the holiday season with weekly and festive promotions. For the fourth consecutive year, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be transformed into a Winner’s Wonderland for the alltime favourite festival, Winterfest. Families can celebrate the magical festive season in style from 16 December 2016 to 07 January 2017 and enjoy the exciting line-up of activities and

From 16 – 26 December and to the delight of all its visitors, Yas Mall will host a daily line-up of live entertainment from the creators of the hit ‘Jungle Cirque’ for awe-inspiring acrobatic performances. Guests will be invited on a journey through a wonderland of excitement with the Toymaker himself as he discovers the Sugar Plum Fairy, Tap Dancing Penguins, the thrilling Jack-in-the-box acrobats, and finally culminating with a spectacular magical snow storm finale to be held in Town Square. By far the most exciting part of the festive celebrations will be the Snow Fight Zone, where visitors of all ages are invited to come and take part in the time-honoured Christmas tradition of playing with their friends and families in the snow. The snowball fight zone is open daily from 10am to 10pm. The fun doesn’t stop here; Yas Mall will also feature incredible performances and international acts for New Year’s Eve with the ‘Evolution of Dance’, showcasing the various dance celebrations of different cultures from around the world, getting everyone in the mood to welcome the New Year. The event will start from 5:00 pm – 1:00 am.

Kenya Tourism Board appoints new CEO

r. Betty Radier is the new Kenya Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Radier’s appointment by the KTB Board of Directors is the result of an extensive recruitment process. Announcing the appointment, KTB Chairman Jimi Kariuki said the Board was confident that Dr. Radier had the right qualifications to steer KTB and the country’s tourism sector into great new frontiers. She brings on board vast leaderships skills complemented with expertise in Strategy. On Betty’s appointment, the Chairman further explained that a thorough selection process saw Betty come tops. “We are glad that Dr. Radier is taking the leadership of KTB as we continue

to make progress in the tourism recovery journey. I have no doubt that she is the right person to take the helm at KTB as the corporation celebrates its 20th anniversary next year,” said Jimi Kariuki. In a handover ceremony held at the KTB offices, Jacinta NziokaMbithi, who had been serving as acting KTB CEO warmly welcomed Dr. Radier as she officially took office. Nzioka had been appointed early this year by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala during this transitional period and shall now continue to serve as KTB’s Marketing Director.

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NTO

Christmas together at Harbour City WH Desk

Tourism Australia hosts the Great Airfare Sale

In partnership with eight airlines, Tourism Australia is set to drive more visitors down under with attractive airfares starting from just Rs 23,000.

arbour City’s annual outdoor Christmas lighting display is one of the Hong Kong’s must-see attractions and the classic gathering place for locals and tourists to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends together. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Harbour City. Hence Harbour City has set up outdoor Christmas lighting display and launched an online campaign with the theme of“Christmas Together” this year and invites everyone to bring their family and friends to enjoy the festive season together in Harbour City. Christmas at Harbour City this year brings a warm and lovely little snowman, called Snowie to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Ocean Terminal will be transformed into the ‘Christmas Party of Snowie’ from November 11, 2016 to January 2, 2017. Although there is no white Christmas in Hong Kong, you can still find

WH Desk

your own ‘Snowie’ in Harbour City, together with your family and friends to have a warm and happy Christmas! Moreover, Harbour City has raised funds for the “Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation” for 15 consecutive years since 2002. Harbour City proudly invites the Finnish illustrator Rami Niemi from the hometown of Santa Claus, Finland, to create the unprecedented designs of Santa Claus and Christmas decoration at Gateway Arcade and on Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal from December 2016.

Skip ticket lines at Southern California’s best attractions WH Desk

isitors to Orange County come for the sun, but also for the world’s best family –friendly theme parks, all located within an easy drive of one another. And with one easy-to-use CityPASS, visitor’s will get a combination of the very best attractions at a great savings. 2017 CityPASS e-tickets and cards for use or after January 1, 2017, are now available for purchase. Visitor who arrive at the theme parks, with CityPASS ticket don’t need to wait in ticket lines. They just need to show the e-ticket or admission card at the turnstiles, along with a valid ID and that’s it. And with CityPASS there is absolutely no need for anyone to immerse themselves in brochures and city guides, CityPASS makes sure you stick to the best and don’t go wrong. Southern California CityPASS is valid for 14 consecutive days, including the first day of use giving everyone plenty of time to truly experience the region and make lots

30 December 2016

of memories to take. There is a lot to see and experience in Orange County therefore tourists can visit the theme parks in any order as they wish during that 14-day validity period, unless the CityPASS voucher or e-ticket is purchased from another website. CityPASS provides a combination of best Southern California theme parks at a $142 savings or more per person. So with all the money and time saving, visitors can spend more on shopping, taste local cuisine and get out on the town.

ourism Australia, in partnership with eight airlines, has launched an exciting campaign to encourage travel Down Under – the Airline Market Place. The Airline Market Place features top airfare deals from eight airline partners (Air Asia, Air India, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Qantas), offering customers the chance to fly to Australia at attractive, return economy fares starting from just Rs. 23,000. The campaign will run from 21 November 2016 to 11 December 2016, and the fares will be valid for travel up to 30 September 2017. The campaign will be advertised in print, digital and television media during the three-week period. “I strongly believe that aviation access is a key to the success of a destination, and the increasing strength of connectivity from India to Australia is a big contributor to the rising numbers travelling Down Under. There is no better way to encourage and entice Indians to embark on an Australian holiday than to host an airfare sale, said Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, India & Gulf, Tourism Australia. “Our airline partners, who are also amongst our strongest supporters, have come on board to offer travellers competitive fares to Australia, as a part of this Industry-first initiative. Our key distribution partners and over 5,000 Aussie Specialist Agents will be encouraged to launch and sell packages at great prices. We look forward to a great sale period,” he added. For the month of September 2016, Australia welcomed 19,500 Indian visitors, recording a growth of 21% over September 2015. Total arrivals for the year ended September 2016 stood at 249,200; an increase of 9.6% over the previous year.

NTO

Charson Advisory Services awarded at ITCTA WH Desk

on’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti awarded Charson Advisory Services with ‘Excellence In International Destination PR and Brand Management Award’ at 4th International Tourism Conclave & Travel Awards (ITCTA) held in Jammu on the 12th November 2016. Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh; Minister of State for Tourism Priya Sethi; Secretary Tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah; Director Tourism Sushma Chauhan, senior officers of state administration and a host of industry stakeholders were present on the occasion. Commenting on the award, Carl Vaz, Chairman & CEO, CASPL, said “It is an honor to receive a citation from Honorable Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh. This award belongs to the entire team at Charson Advisory and the network of travel agents, tour operators, OTAs and members of the travel fraternity that we work with in building our clients profile in India.” Vaz further added, ”Jammu and Kashmir is one of India’s premier tourism destinations and at Charson Advisory we are committed to working with the J&K Tourism, the State machinery and private sector to further enhance the destinations prominence within India and abroad.” This B2B-Travel & Tourism Exchange ITCTA was held in association with Jammu & Kashmir Tourism. Leading Travel Trade Associations

i.e Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) and Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), India Travel Mart, Travel Mail and supported this mega event. ITCTA has come out as a golden platform in terms of Cross Cultural exchange, a new chapter in Tourism co-operation, as the world will come together to promote tourism. This conclave will take the Tourism Industry to new heights, increase its awareness & bring it to the forefront amongst all its stake holders. This conference provides a better opportunity to the entire tourism sector to meet each other at one place and exchange their business ideas.

MMPRC shines in 2016; looks for a brighter 2017

n the year 2016 Maldives Marketing & Public Relation Corporation (MMPRC) took part in the renowned World Travel Market, London 2016, the tourism body took the opportunity to make the most of the platform and made various announcements. Also, MMPRC signed as associate partner for the first travel trade show in Maldives. MMPRC becomes partner of Travel Trade Maldives MMPRC announced that it has signed a contract with Maldives Getaways Pvt Ltd, to become the associate partner of Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the first travel trade show to take place in Maldives. TTM 2017 will be organised in July 2017 in Dharubaaruge, Male. The event will provide a platform to connect the travel trade community of Maldives to a global network of travel agents and facilitate the tourism industry of the Maldives. The annual TTM will be a vibrant business-to-business event, presenting a diverse range of accommodations and attractions to local and international travel professionals. More than 300 hoteliers, suppliers, related industries and travel professionals from the Maldives and around the world are expected to attend TTM 2017 to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinion and trends in the Maldives. New Properties in Maldives MMPC also divulged about various new luxury resorts in Maldives that have come up in end of 2016. A large number of resorts are also coming up in 2017. The introduction of these new resorts is expected to expand the product offering in Maldives.

Maldives Wins 23 Awards at 10th World Luxury Hotel Awards 2016 MMPRC won 23 awards at the 10th annual World Luxury Hotel Awards which was held at the St. Regis Doha in Qatar on in October 2016. For the past decade, the platform has been recognized as one of the most prestigious award ceremonies, as it acknowledges the accomplishments of hotels in the global Luxury Hospitality Industry. Maldives Shines Bright at Annual World Travel Awards Maldives shone bright at the Grand Final of the 23rd Annual World Travel Awards (WTA) held at Sun Siyam Irufushi this evening winning a staggering 12 awards. WTA is considered as the Oscars of the travel industry. Maldives won three prestigious categories; World’s Leading Beach Destination 2016 World’s Leading Dive Destination 2016 World’s Best Spa Destination 2016 Additional 9 awards won by the Maldives Tourism are; World’s Leading Airport Resort 2016 World’s Leading Boutique Cruise 2016 World’s Leading Boutique Villa Resort 2016 World’s Leading Dive Resort 2016 World’s Leading New Resort 2016 World’s Leading Private Island Resort 2016 World’s Leading Underwater Hotel Restaurant 2016 World’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2016 World’s Most Romantic Resort 2016

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HOSPITALITY

StayWell Hospitality Group enters Goa with Park Regis StayWell Hospitality Group, the Australian Hotel Management Company has officially opened its door for its fifth property in India with Park Regis Goa. This is the largest property under the umbrella of StayWell Group in India. WH Desk

pread over an area of five acres in Arpora, Park Regis Goa boasts a magnificent location featuring 96 rooms and suites each spread across 5500sqft with modern-décor, soothing warm colours, plush duvets, international standard mattresses and high quality bathroom amenities. Luxurious comfort with expansive lavish spaces, a private bar and private balcony over-looking the plush greens. Simon Wan, CEO & Managing Director, StayWell Hospitality Group, has commented that the opening of Park Regis Goa is just the tip of the Group’s expansion in the region. “With four properties opened and an additional six under development, the growth opportunities for StayWell in India are extremely positive and exciting,” he added. The 96 room resort-style hotel is located in a prime position north of the main city of Goa, within close proximity to Goa’s iconic attractions Baga, Calangute and Anjuna Beaches. Boasting a large outdoor alfresco pool bar, cafe, restaurant, conference facilities, pool and gymnasium, Park Regis Goa will become a new class of accommodation in North Goa. Guest rooms are spaciously designed offering lavish inclusions such as handcrafted amenities, oversized bathtub and a private balcony overlooking lush surrounds. This is the second Park Regis hotel to open in India following the launch of Park Regis Jaipur in July 2015.

Rohit Vig, Managing Director for India, adds that StayWell’s strategic plan is targeting an area of the Indian market with the biggest growth opportunities. “Ultimately, we are targeting India’s domestic travel segment. With a rapidly growing middle class with disposable income, the market is huge. We are actively targeting tier I and II cities as well as looking at tier III cities. Of the 50 hotels we plan to launch in India, seventy percent will be branded under our upscale Park Regis brand whilst the other thirty percent will be branded under our midscale brand, Leisure Inn,” he said. Located in North Goa, the hotel is in close proximity to many local tourist attractions like Baga, Calangute, Anjuna Beach; famous markets like Ingos Saturday Nite Bazaar, the largest shopping and entertainment event in the city.

Lords Hotels & Resorts Ascott’s new Lyf brand signs up hotel in targets 10,000 units Bharuch by 2020 WH Desk

ords Hotels & Resorts, a mid-market luxury hotel chain, has signed up its 26th property in the city of Bharuch. To be branded under the Lords Eco Inn banner, it is scheduled to commence operations from December, 2016 making Lords Hotels & Resorts the largest hotel chain in the state of Gujarat. Located between the two major cities of Surat and Vadodara, Lords Eco Inn – Bharuch serves as an ideal stopover destination. The company claims that with a 48-room inventory Lords Eco Inn offers luxurious accommodations and full-service at viable prices for the discerning business and leisure traveller. “The addition of this hotel to our chain of hotels marks a significant milestone and one that is unique for us. From the first hotel back in 2007, which was set in this very state in 2016, we have gone on to become the largest chain of value hotels in Gujarat. Today, our hotels dot the entire region. Our endeavour is to offer services across the spectrum and symbolize Indian hospitality in all that we offer,” said PR Bansal, CMD of Lords Hotels & Resorts.

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WH Desk

he Ascott is unveiling its newest brand, Lyf, designed for and managed by millennials. Lyf is a unique accommodation tailored for this demographic, including technopreneurs, startups and individuals from music, media and fashion. With the rising trend of co-living and co-working, Ascott aims to have 10,000 units under the Lyf brand globally by 2020. Speaking on this Lee Chee Koon, Ascott’s CEO, said: “Ascott is on the lookout for sites in key gateway cities for Lyf and is open to both investment and management contracts to meet the growing demand for such co-living spaces. “As we scale up to achieve our global target of 80,000 units by 2020 through Lyf and our other brands, our guests can easily take their pick from our wide-ranging portfolio across the world. We will continue to test new concepts to seize market opportunities and raise the bar in our customer experience to ensure that Ascott retains its leading edge in the industry,” he added.

HOSPITALITY

Lemon Tree Hotels bags the Overall Winner Trophy WH Desk

emon Tree Hotels was declared the joint-overall winners of the 2016 World Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM London sponsored by Belize in a special ceremony held during World Responsible Tourism Day, last week. Lemon Tree Hotels was chosen from 13 worldwide finalists in five categories. The 3rd largest hotel chain in India also won ‘Gold’ in the ‘Best Accommodation for Responsible Employment’ category with its core programme designed to provide opportunity-deprived Indians (those with either a physical or intellectual disability, and those from socially-excluded groups) a route to employment. Speaking on the occasion, Rattan Keswani, Deputy Managing Director, The Lemon Tree Hotel Company said: “It is indeed gratifying to be recognised for our responsible tourism practices and equal opportunity initiatives on the world stage. Hiring Employees with Disability is central to our ethos. This award motivates us to continue with our endeavors. We thank the jury and congratulate all winners in other categories for inspiring change.”

Lemon Tree Hotels is an equal opportunity employer and hires differently abled staff across its 39 hotels in 23 cities of India. It currently has strength of 4000 employees of which ~13% are Employees with Disabilities (EWDs) and an additional ~15% are from socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds (EcoSoc).

Hyatt Regency Chandigarh Sarovar Hotels signs hosts grand finale of Hyatt new property in Culinary Challenge Dalhousie WH Desk

o emphasize Hyatt’s focus on its rich culinary heritage, Hyatt Hotels in India hosted the third season of the ‘Hyatt Culinary Challenge-people cooking for people’ last month across select locations in India where Hyatt hotels are present. The preliminary rounds of the season2016 were started off across Hyatt Hotels in Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune and Raipur. The preliminary rounds were a runaway success with senior representatives from the corporate world coming together with enthusiastic young partners from the SMILE Foundation, Nirdosh and El Shaddai NGO to create culinary masterpieces.

Speaking on the occasion, Harleen Mehta, VP, Sales Operations, Hyatt South Asia said: “The Hyatt Culinary Challenge was conceptualised three years ago to encourage corporates to explore their passion outside the boardroom and make a difference to the community while doing so. We are delighted with the overwhelming response over the years – this also reinstates our purpose of caring for people so that they can be their best in everything they do. Our winner in 2016 will win an all-expense paid holiday to Andaz Tokyo and the runner-up will win a stay at the soon to open Andaz Delhi” PuneetBaijal, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Chandigarh said: “We are delighted to host the Grand Finale of the third edition of Culinary Challenge and look forward to fostering connections and creating energizing experiences for all our participants and friends.”

WH Desk

arovar Hotels & Resorts has signed a new 60-room property, called the Presidium Sarovar Portico, in Dalhousie. It is expected to be operational by the end of 2018. With this move, the group, which currently has over 75 operating hotels across 50 destinations in India and Africa, is working towards strengthening its presence in the leisure hotels segment. It currently has presence in leisure destinations such as Vayalar, Thekkady, Mashobra, Goa, Palampur, Gangtok, Srinagar, Puducherry, Port Blair, Agra, Jaipur and Jodhpur. Speaking on the development, Ajay Bakaya, Executive Director, Sarovar Hotels said: “It is an important location for us and a significant addition to our portfolio. This hotel is equipped with all amenities required by a modern day traveller and is set to be the finest in the region.” Owned by Vikram Seth of Holy Heart Presidency School Amritsar, Presidium Sarovar Portico Dalhousie is Sarovar Groups’s third hotel in Himachal Pradesh. The other two hotels are located in Mashobra and Palampur.

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CHECK-IN

Holiday Season at Six Senses Laamu Six Senses Laamu is the perfect destination for everyone seeking an out of the ordinary tropical holiday escape. Special celebrations and experiences for guests of all ages are planned between December 23, 2016 and January 3, 2017. WH Desk

ix Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, deep in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a beautiful coral house reef. Most of the villas and facilities are built overwater, however beach villas and on-land dining is an option. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the Ocean and Maldivian nature. Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisines from around the world, a swimming pool with a sunken bar, an ice cream parlor, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both over water and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.

Experts at Six Senses Spa Laamu recommend kick starting your day with sunrise or laughing yoga and enjoying the special family and couples packages available over the season. Dr. Jitendra invites guests to discover the Six Senses Integrated Wellness Programmes. A variety of classes and workshops have been added to the extensive range of signature treatments. Six Senses Spa is also delighted to have Dr. Gopal at the resort, a naturopathic doctor and yoga expert from India, who specialises in Ayurveda and Wellness. Chef Martin and his team will be taking guests on various culinary journeys for this season from a special steak house featured in LEAF restaurant to a spice festival, where

curries and spices from all over Asia complement the perfect sunset beach dining setup. For those seeking a more refined experience, wine and chocolate pairing, sparkling wine discovery and special sunset aperitif sessions will be available. For the little VIPs, a variety of creative, educational and sports activities are organised for children of all ages, along with a pirate snorkeling adventure. Many island adventures are also planned such as treasure hunts, a night exploration and a flashlight scavenger hunt. DJ Cayetano will be on the decks of Chill Bar this season, creating magical sunset moments every evening. Des Mitchell will be spinning his tunes at Chill Bar on Christmas Eve and hosting the New Year’s celebration on the beach on December 31, inviting everyone to dance the old year away and to welcome a prosperous new year. For those seeking to explore more of what the Maldives have to offer, there are plenty of off-island excursion options available. Whether this be hopping on a boat to experience life on a nearby local island or having a deserted island to yourselves for a day, the boat captains are ready to take you there. It is a great time for families to get together and spend some quality time. But guests don’t have to always stay on land. The underwater world on the surrounding reefs can be discovered during snorkeling and diving excursions. Guests can experience a variety of water sports and will be also challenged in water-polo and volleyball games by the resort’s hosts. At Six Senses Laamu the clear and starry skies away from the city lights are truly spectacular. Guests who are fascinated by the universe with its stars, planets, comets and moon can join Astronomer Dr. Parag for stargazing sessions on sunset beach in the evenings.

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December 2016 35

FACT & FIGURES

Eight Big Travel Predictions for 2017 Inspired by a wealth of data, traveller endorsements, reviews, preferences and insights as well as industry leading understanding and innovation in e-commerce travel technology the experts at Booking.com shed light on 8 major travel predictions for 2017. Read on to find out what holiday makers and business travellers can expect to experience in the year ahead. WH Desk Instant Gratification 2.0 Technology is fuelling a more demanding and impatient traveller. In fact 44% of travellers already expect to be able to plan their holiday in a few simple taps of their smart phone and over half (52%) expect their use of travel apps to increase in 2017. The coming year will see this expectation addressed in an unprecedented way. From finding the nearest ATM or available Wi-Fi to queue jumping at top attractions and getting on-the-go advice on how to get over jetlag, meaningful functionality in palm-based technology will abound. And with all of the exciting new developments in machine learning and AI, our favourite go-to apps will go beyond mere functionality and evolve into real companions—travel besties, if you will, capable of predicting our own unique needs and catering to them before we even have to ask. Getting to Business The ‘bleisure’ boom is well and truly underway, and 2017 will see a further upswing not only in the blurring lines between leisure and business travel, but in the value we attach to workplace travel opportunities. Of the 40% of global travellers who journeyed for business this year, 46% think they will travel even more for business in 2017.More than business suites and PowerPoint presentations, 49% of business travellers already extend their business trips to further enjoy the destination, while three quarters (75%) intend to do so the same or more in the coming year. In fact 30% of travellers would even accept a lower paid job if it meant they could travel more for work. Appetite to Discover The discovered world has many undiscovered places and 2017 promises to see travellers unleashing their inner explorer like never before. 45% plan to be more adventurous in their choice of destination in the coming year, while 47% would like to explore corners of the globe that none of their friends have been to. 56% of travellers would like to do more independent travel in 2017, a trend particularly prevalent amongst those from Brazil, India, the United States, China and Thailand. Top destinations where Indians

can indulge their pioneering spirit include Indonesia, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines. Mind, Body and Soul Almost half (48%) see going on holiday as a moment to reflect and make better lifestyle choices. The coming year will see many travellers prioritising health conscious trips that promise harmony for the mind, body and soul - particularly those from India, China and Thailand. 44% are interested to experience spa/relaxation travel and 38% in a health/wellbeing travel experience in 2017. The days of leaving paid holidays on the table at the end of the year are fading even in the most demanding work cultures, with over half (51%) intending to take more of their annual leave in the coming year than this year. Accommodations across the world are upgrading their offerings to match this growing demand. Go Green or Stay Home The coming year will see over a third (36%) of travellers planning to choose more eco-friendly travel options than they did in 2016 and nearly 2 in 5 (39%) interested in an eco-tour travel experience. This mirrors the way in which people are increasingly finding ways to fulfill their aesthetic travel needs while maintaining cultural and environmental integrity by taking longer, more scenic routes and modes of transport. As the year progresses we will likely see increased discussion around economic incentives such as tax breaks for eco travellers (41% of travellers would be in favour), introduction of an international standard for sustainable accommodation (41% in favour) and transport providers giving travellers more information about carbon offsetting (26% in favour). Simple Pleasures If fact, 58% of travellers plan to prioritise spending on experiences rather than material possessions while they are on holiday in 2017. Travellers are also becoming less interested in fancy embellishments and more interested in the small moments and simple pleasures of a journey. Only 10% of travellers said that a butler/concierge service was essential to enjoy their travel experiences in 2017. The Human Touch The 42% of travellers assert that they wouldn’t stay in an accommodation without friendly/helpful staff, while accommodations such as B&Bs and Ryokans look set to continue as the most highly rated by visiting travellers. Our reliance on those who’ve gone before remains undiminished with 40% of travellers confirming that they would not stay in an accommodation with more than three negative reviews. 2017 travellers are starting to understand that human touch is irreplaceable and crave this human interaction to make their holiday memorable. Fly Me to the Moon In fact, 44% of people see a future where we’ll be holidaying in far flung corners of the galaxy or deep under the ocean, which may not be as far off as one might think. The merging of technology with the increasing desire to travel into the unknown is leading to many innovations and travel advances in 2017.While space tourism remains a work in progress, trips to some of the darker recesses of earth’s oceans are well underway. High-speed rail continues to advance and is scheduled to connect travellers to the remote corners of northern Africa.

36 December 2016

GUEST COLUMN

Latest trends in Urban Mobility – End of the Car-owning Era:

Indians outgrowing automobiles and opting for alternate means to commute Rajiv Vij

he ingenuity of human beings has always managed to push against the tides of risk and doubt to satisfy basic needs, making us one of the most advanced species on planet Earth. Our ancestors have been credited to pave the way for future advancements, sometimes quite literally. It is quite evident that our predecessors were very innovative in terms of making our lives easier, with some significant contributions that changed the way people perceived certain things. Take an example of the way we commute or travel from one place to another.

Technological Advancement Nowadays, many automobile manufacturers have begun to utilise cutting-edge technology in their prototypes, which have been specifically developed to improve and augment their usability. Furthermore, with an increasing focus on sustainable development, several industry leaders have begun to modify their production capabilities to roll out various eco-friendly models. This sudden shift in perception has given rise to a new trend, viz. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). The SUMPs are a set of correlated action plans which have been developed to look after the mobility requirements of both individuals and organisations in a viable manner.

A Brief Insight on the Challenges faced by Indian Demography According to a report by UBI, India’s urban population growth rate is up by almost 3 percent per year within just two decades. It is projected that over 38 percent Indian citizens will be settled in metropolises by the year 2026, while the urban population density may reach up to 534 Million. While these numbers are just an estimate, it also puts focus on several other issues. The report states that most urban Indian cities are already facing severe congestion, declining air quality, and increasing emissions of Green House Gas from the transport sector. Additionally, increasing incidence of road accidents due to negligent driving are becoming a major cause of worry, causing many policy makers to take stringent action in this department.

Indian Automobile Industry’s Performance in FY 2015-16: Facts & Figures In one of its recent reports, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) presented a review on the automobile industry in our country – the stats, growth, and its current set-up. The report states that this industry produced an overall 23, 960, 940 automobiles, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, quadricycle, and two & three wheelers in the 2015-16 fiscal year, recording a 2.58 percent growth since the previous fiscal year, i.e. 2014-15. Additionally, this industry also registered a growth rate of 7.24 percent in domestic sales, with a 7.87 percent growth rate of passenger vehicles, and 11.51 percent growth rate in overall sale of commercial vehicles. Furthermore, the Indian automobile industry’s total export grew by almost 1.91 percent.

On Demand Transport Aggregators: Urban India’s go-to Solution for Commuting In the past couple of years, we have witnessed the arrival of several techenabled ventures that are specifically aimed at facilitating commuting / travelling options for people from all walks of life. The massive success of these aggregators has even compelled many individuals to ditch their private vehicles, and opt for such shuttling services instead. This is quite a progressive move as most of these services utilize ecofriendly automobiles, resulting in reduction of pollution levels to a certain extent.

Cab services, Bike taxis, Self-driven/ Car Rentals, Shared cabs, and Shuttle services – End of the Carowning Era? Fact: The Indian population is spoilt for choice. They have a host of different services at their disposal – enabling them to lead a better and stress-free lifestyle. Among the growing number of service providers, one that has gained significant momentum is that of highly efficient commuting facilities. We can now choose to travel in any way that suits our desire.

Rajiv Vij Managing Director & CEO Carzonrent

Cab services for hassle free commute between places that may not have public transport facilities; Bike taxis that facilitate last-mile commuting solutions; Shared cabs or Shuttle service which facilitate transport for more than 2 passengers, and lastly, car rental services – a type of commuting option that allows individuals to rent a car for a specific period of time.

With so many options to choose from, it highlights an important question: Can these services completely, or at least to a certain extent, put an end to the era of owning a personal vehicle? The answer is No. Although these services certainly help in making our lives easier, they cannot replace an individual’s desire for indulgence. A large chunk of Indian population comes from a middle-class background. They have been taught about the value of money and the joy of being able to afford something which most people might consider a luxury. Being the owner of a car, no matter how big, small, or expensive, can significantly boost an individual’s level of confidence in themselves, and in their capabilities. In a developing nation like India, many people still believe that owning a car is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Conclusion We are very lucky to be around in such progressive times. Our lifestyle is significantly better than the ones led by our forefathers, or the generation before them. We have the benefit of choice, something which most people can only dream of. Be it owning a house or owning a car, both are things which can give an individual the power to hold their head high within society. Therefore, it can be concluded for now that the era of owning a car may not see its end anytime soon.

December 2016 37

APPOINTMENT

Pankaj Wadhwa Director of Sales & Marketing Hyatt Regency Pune

Hyatt Regency Pune has appointed Pankaj Wadhwa as Director of Sales and Marketing. He was earlier director-sales and marketing at Novotel Mumbai, Juhu Beach. Having spent a large portion of his 16-year career with the Hyatt Group of Hotels, he has also been associated with multiple Hyatt properties across Delhi and Mumbai, including, Hyatt Regency Mumbai, Intercontinental, The Grand Mumbai and Grand Hyatt Delhi. In his new role, Wadhwa will direct the function of sales, marketing, catering and events divisions at the property, providing strategic guidance to the team and the hotel.

Prabhash Prabhakaran Executive Chef AlilaDiwa Goa

AlilaDiwa Goa has appointed Chef Prabhash Prabhakaran as Executive Chef to helm its kitchens at their awardwinning restaurants. Chef Prabhash’s 20 years of experience, vast culinary knowledge and his cheerful attitude to life is reflected in his cooking. His international exposure and a combination of authentic home cooked flavours translates into refined global cuisines that he brings to the table. Growing up in Kerala, Chef Prabhash was always fascinated with cooking and quickly learned the finer nuances of the art from a famous chef in his life – his mother.

Chef Salvatore Salis Italian Chef The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi

Chef Salvatore Salis has been recently appointed as the Italian Chef and will be leading the culinary team at Prego, Westin Gurgaon’s signature Italian restaurant. Born and raised in Sardinia, Italy. With over 10 years of rich experience and having worked in places such as The Romanos Resort, The Luxury Collection in Greece and other luxury hotels in Europe, Salvatore’s ease in the kitchen comes naturally. This coupled with hands-on operational training; Salvatore has explored various culinary operations including Menu development and design, quality control, outdoor catering and more.

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