RNI No.: DELENG/2014/59308
www.whereabouts.in
Volume II Issue XXII JULY 2016
Annual Subscription ` 660
In Conversation
Sandeep
Dwivedi
What does the UK’s exit from the EU mean for travellers?
CCO, ITQ
Civil Aviation Exclusive
National
Policy 2016
Adventure In Sikkim Need to Know
CAPE TOWN South Africa’s Mother City
ASSOCIATION
STATE
AVIATION
NTO
HOSPITALITY
mice
Shopping
Myraid experiences, warm hospitality
Night market bargains to designer labels at a fraction of the cost
nature landscapes
Zipline into new horizons, experiences, that will leave you exhilarated
nightlife
Buzzing nightclubs, scintillating shows par excellence
Taiwan:
Asia’s Best
Taipei
kept Secret! Asia’s beating heart, close to home, is waiting to be discovered...
India
5.5
hou
Taiwan
r-4 387 km
Foodie haven
Soups, noodles & dimsums; Taiwan has it all
Adventure
The new wave of adrenaline pumping action
THinK STRawBERRiES, Taiwan Tourism Bureau india Office: C-41, Gulmohar Park, New Delhi 110049 Tel: +91 11 2653 1733 l Fax: + 91 11 2653 1735 l Email: noel@ttbrep.in Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Singapore Office: 30 Raffles Place, Cheveron House #10-01, Singapore 048622
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
Principal Advisor Anil Prakash
Legal Advisor
REGULAR NEWS IN BRIEF 6 TRANSPORTATION 14 STATE 18 NTO 27 HOSPITALITY 30 CRUISE 36 FACT & FIGURES 37 APPOINTMENT & EVENTS 38
TRAVEL BUSINESS
BREXIT
What does the UK’s exit from the EU mean for travellers?
8
Advocate Brijesh Tiwari
Production & Distribution Production Manager Subhash Distribution Executive Anoop Singh
Accounts CA Rishabh Rana
Technical & Web Support Amit Agrahari
EXCLUSIVE
National
Civil Aviation Policy 2016
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
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EDITOR’S NOTE NEED TO KNOW
Adventure In Sikkim
20
WHEREABOUTS Dear Readers, Well after a long time, the much talked about National Civil Aviation Policy has become a reality. In a significant move the cabinet has approved the new NCAP proposed by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India recently.
CAPE TOWN
South Africa’s Mother City
Apart from three major decisions; capping of fares (on non-established air routes), moving from 5/20 to 0/20 norm and revised Bilateral Traffic Rights; the policy introduces several changes which are expected to encourage more connectivity and enable carriers to expand operations faster. Also, the policy has some changes that should unlock regional connectivity as well as open up opportunities for carriers entering India. It should drive growth in the hugely under-penetrated domestic market and catalyse economic growth in the secondary and tertiary destinations.
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However there are several issues that need more attention and clarification. The Policy is silent on critical aspects of economic regulation such as the rate of return, regulatory asset base, separation of airport assets and costs, etc. It does not provide the sector with the institutional infrastructure required for long-term growth, and not focused on creating structures for managing growth. The long pending structural issue of high sales tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has not addressed properly. And it is silent on formation of an independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Our readers will have an opportunity to know the feedback from industry stakeholders published in this edition. Keep reading…
On tbe Cover: Cape Town with Table Mountain from Milnerton Lagoon
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Insights into the Chinese outbound market
ASSOCIATION
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he 6th PATAcademy-HCD, under the theme ‘100+ Million Chinese Outbound Travellers – Learn How To Increase Your Market Share’, successfully ended on June 15, 2016. The three-day interactive programme took at the PATA Engagement Hub in PATA Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. The programme attracted 18 rising stars from 13 public and private organisations coming from seven destinations. Dr Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA said, “According to our latest visitor forecasts, arrivals from China to Asia Pacific destinations will climb from an estimated 102 million in 2015 to more than 150 million by 2020, dominating the region’s international tourism landscape. Our delegates had the opportunity to gain further insights and best practices on how to increase their market share into this highly lucrative segment.” In addition to the presentations at the PATA Engagement Hub, Local Alike took participants to a half day tour of Talat Noi, one of the oldest Chinese communities in a lesser known part of Chinatown
in Bangkok. Participants were given the opportunity to discover the authentic experience of the local Chinese community and took part in a traditional Chinese food workshop.
ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION
SME’s tour operator organised protest against OTA’s for selling below the cost
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he Small and Medium travel agents/tour operators from across the country organised a peaceful protest against the OTA’s (Online Travel Agents) for selling hotel rooms and tour packages below the cost. The group claims that the OTA’s are following unethical practices which are affecting the reputation and livelihoods of the small and medium travel agents in India. More than thousand SME’s tour operators came together from all over India to protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Speaking at the occasion Subhash Goyal, Immediate Past President, Indian Association of Tour Operators said, “I congratulate the SME’s tour operators for starting the national movement against the unethical practices by foreign funded OTA’s who are buying a hotel room for Rs. 2000 and selling it for less than Rs 1000. With this type of practice none of the small operator can compete and slowly they are going bankrupt. This is a very serious situation and the government and travel associations must look into the matter.”
Ministry of Tourism
MoT organises various activities on International Yoga Day
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inistry of Tourism celebrated the second International Day of Yoga on 21st June 2016 by organising various marketing and promotional activities. The Overseas Marketing Division of the Ministry hosted a FAM tour for a group of 50 foreign delegates consisting of tour operators, travel agents, media professionals, opinion makers and scholars from 20 countries which are source markets and the markets that matter for promotion of Yoga and Wellness.
This group of 50 delegates divided into two groups, which participated in Delhi and Chandigarh on 21st June, 2016, separately. Both the groups followed a tour programme including visit to the wellness and spiritual centres in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Trivandrum, Cochin, Neyyar (Kerala), Pondicherry and Chennai. The Publicity Division of the Ministry organised following activities for publicity and promotion and to market Yoga and its benefits worldwide: ÂÂCreative of posters, Standees etc. to promote International Day of Yoga have sent to India Tourism Offices – Domestic and Overseas for production. ÂÂThe Ministry of Tourism re-printed ‘India – The Land of Yoga’ brochure, the soft copy of which is being sent to the India Tourism Offices overseas for production/ distribution. ÂÂThe Ministry promoted International Day of Yoga through Social Media.
6 July 2016
NEWS IN BRIEF
Travel Boutique Online takes strategic equity in Deyor Camps
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ravel Boutique Online has taken strategic equity in Deyor Camps, India’s first and only chain of branded camps. Deyor Camps was founded by Dheeraj Jain (Redcliffe Capital), Chirag Gupta, Aakaar Gandhi and Gautam Yadav to meet the demands of unorganiSed sector of adventure travel market in India. The teams of Deyor Camps and TBO will work closely to sell campsites offered by Deyor Camps through vast network of TBO. Travel Boutique Online, backed by Naspers is India’s largest B2B travel portal with more than 19,000 travel agents who are actively involved in selling their travel solutions. TBO enables its partners to serve their customers efficiently with the right pricing and inventory. With strategic equity in Deyor Camps, TBO will now create unique advantage for its partners by enabling them
TRAVEL COMPANY
to sell branded campsites at more than 45 locations in India. This will also allow Deyor Camps to further strengthen its leadership position in camping and adventure travel market. Speaking on this, Ankush Nijhawan, MD of Travel Boutique Online said, “We are excited to announce our strategic equity in Deyor Camps, as the value proposition offered by Deyor Camps is unmatched in this market.”
also additional supply by aiding the process of establishing campsites in new locations.
The startup also aims at expanding into the neighbouring South and South-East Asian market to leverage the demand for alternate accommodation. Deyor has signed 3-year exclusive contracts with all over 100 main campsites in 45 locations and additional 75 campsites over the next month. The target is to have 300 campsites by end of the year and
All the campsites are centred around underlying adventure activities, which become the focal point of the site, for example, our campsite in Bir is focussed around Paragliding as the main activity with other adventure activities in and around the campsite including Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking, etc. ASSOCIATION
Praveen Chugh elected as the new President of TAFI
I
n a recent development at Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Praveen Chugh has elected as the new President of the association for the new term. The elections were held during 22nd Annual General Meeting of Members of the association on 30th June 2016 at The Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad. The new team was elected for the post of four Office bearers and Managing Committee Members through secret ballot. TAFI Office Bearers ÂÂPresident - Praveen Chugh ÂÂVice President - Pradip Lulla ÂÂNational General Secretary - Aditi Bhende ÂÂTreasurer - Jayesh Tharani
Managing Commitee Members ÂÂDarshan Shah ÂÂBharat Shah ÂÂRajat Bagaria ÂÂ4. Urvashi Dogra ÂÂ5. Basheer Ahmed
Ministry of Culture
M/O Culture invites proposal for Festivals of India Abroad
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inistry of Culture (MoC) is responsible for conducting Festivals of India (FoIs) abroad as part of focused strategy for strengthening international cultural relations and enhancing India’s soft power. This scheme was revived by the Ministry in 2013. The events in Festival of India generally include Dance, Music, Theater, Films, Food, Literary Festival, Yoga demonstration, Folk Arts, Performing Arts, Exhibitions and workshops etc. It may be noted that the main focus of a FoI is to connect and enhance the perception of India in the minds of the locals. The Festivals of India are organized in various countries through the Indian Missions situated there. In this endeavour, the autonomous
organizations, private institutions/NGOs/Universities/individuals contribute towards making Festivals of India a success. All the agencies, which are desirous of participating in the Festivals of India abroad, are requested to visit M/o Culture Website: http:// www.indiaculture.nic.in/ in this regard and to provide details of the events/performances in the prescribed format within given time to the Festival of India (FoI) Cell in the Ministry of Culture for inclusion of artists/events in Festivals of India abroad. A brief concept paper for each event along with link may also be included. Those artists who have earlier applied and graded by the Ministry need not apply again.
July 2016 7
TRAVEL BUSINESS
What does the UK’s exit from the EU mean for travellers?
BREXIT
Brexit is an abbreviation of British Exit, which refers to the June 23rd, 2016 referendum by British voters to exit the European Union. The referendum roiled global markets, including currencies, causing the British pound to fall to its lowest level in decades. The outcome has prompted jubilant celebrations among Eurosceptics around Europe and sent shockwaves through the global economy. Here is the response from industry stakeholders what does the UK’s exit from the EU mean for travellers. Jai Kishan Kaparwan
Destination Britain To Get Cheaper
shopping will allow significantly better value for the foreign traveller after exchanging their local currency,” he added.
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According to, Aloke Bajpai, CEO and Cofounder of India’s top travel aggregator ixigo. com there could not be a better time to take that dream trip to the UK than now. “Along with the favourable impact of GBP fall and aviation fuel rate drop, the British summer is also expected to hold strong for another two months. We have also seen an immediate impact on a few flight routes between India and UK with about 5-6 percent drop in the fares.”
ravel experts predict that, in the short term, travel between Europe and the U.K. is not expected to change, at least until the breakup is formally negotiated over the next two years. There may be hardly any immediate effect on ease of travel, since there are no changes in aspects like visa processes. It is probably in the next couple of years that any further developments on this front would play out. For those planning a vacation in the future, the exchange rates are expected to provide for 5-7 percent savings in package costs. However, industry experts are already projecting uplifts for the UK’s inbound business due to a weakening pound and preliminary findings by IATA suggest that international arrivals will increase as a weaker pound has raised the attractiveness and affordability of the UK relative to other destinations. Over the past year, Britain has enjoyed a surge in international visitors, especially from the U.S. and Canada. “Regardless of whether you believe that Brexit was a positive or negative move for the UK, there will undoubtedly be repercussions for travellers in light of the decision,” said Ross Veitch, CEO and co-founder of Wego. “The UK Pound has dropped 9.8 percent, with the value of the pound to the dollar at 1.3415 in early trading since the referendum result has become clear, which means a UK holiday is going to be cheaper for most foreign tourists than it has been for about 20 years,” Veitch continued. “In-destination trip costs such as accommodation, dining, entertainment and
8 July 2016
Impact on Incentive Travel Business The Brexit outcome has created a lot of uncertainty and the long-term implications on the incentive travel business are unknown. Members of the Society for Incentive Excellence (SITE) from around the globe share their perspectives on how the decision may impact the industry in the short term. “It is critical that our industry maintain a keep calm and carry on approach in order to minimise any potential impact on incentive travel programs and other business events,” cautioned Paul Miller, SITE Past President and Managing Director, Spectra DMC headquartered in London. “The democratic process has taken place and should be respected regardless of the outcome and which side of the debate you sat. Britain will work through this and will find a way to work with the EU and vice versa. It’s really business as usual and, in fact we are already seeing an increase in RFPs from both the US and Europe.” “The UK is a significant source market for many Asian countries and the referendum results have undoubtedly created a level
Rajeev Kohli President SITE
of uncertainty for the Asian region,” commented Rajeev Kohli SITE President and Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India. He further said “The concerns are the potential shift of outbound British groups away from long haul destinations due to the cost implications brought about by the severe depreciation in the British Pound. There is also the potential impact on suppliers’ bottom line for groups already contracted for the near future. Having said this, we do find that British travellers tend to be very resilient and, after a period of adjustment, we should see a degree of normalcy return.” SITE board member Jennifer Glynn, Managing Director, Meeting Encore Ltd. in Canada shared a similar perspective. “Brexit brings opportunity for some groups to get better value on their programmes due to the exchange rate and the expected economic downtown. As a result it may increase incentive programs considering UK in the near future.”
July 2016 9
EXCLUSIVE
National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 ÂÂ Focused on Regional Air Connectivity ÂÂ Capping of Fares ÂÂ Moving From 5/20 to 0/20 In a significant move the cabinet has approved new Civil Aviation Policy proposed by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India recently. Apart from three major decisions; capping of fares (on non-established air routes), moving from 5/20 to 0/20 norm and revised Bilateral Traffic Rights; the policy introduces several changes which are expected to encourage more connectivity and enable carriers to expand operations faster. In an attempt to understand the impact of the newly introduced policy Whereabouts interacted with the industry stakeholders. Here are the excerpts…
10 July 2016
EXCLUSIVE Rajesh Tiwari
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his is the first time since independence that an integrated Civil Aviation Policy has been brought out by the MoCA. Elaborating on the policy the Minister of Civil Aviation P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju said, “The centre-piece of the policy is to make regional air connectivity a reality.” According to him, “The policy aims to take flying to the masses by making it affordable and convenient, establish an integrated eco-system which will lead to significant growth of the civil aviation sector to promote tourism, employment and balanced regional growth, enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development and enhance ease of doing business through deregulation, simplified procedures and e-governance.” The growth of airlines has been ensured by introduction of lower fares. The government’s Capping of Fares at Rs 2500 per hour for hereto forth unconnected routes, revamping of airports and air-strips etc. are going to boost the air traffic. Also, the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) created by this rate fixture (Rs 2500 per hour) would be provided by the government to airlines that will fly on these routes. This would further inspire airlines to join hands and provide services on non-established routes. However this needs a clarification whether this capping is applicable for last minute bookings as well. The much talked about point of the policy is Abolishment of the 5/20 norm, where a domestic airline is allowed to operate internationally only after flying for five years domestically and operate at least 20 aircraft. The new formulation allows airlines, both new and old, to commence international operations if they operate 20 aircraft or 20 percent of total capacity, whichever is higher, for domestic operations. This move is very encouraging for the new entrants and ensuring a catalyst effect for travel and tourism as a whole. In response, the airlines have welcomed this step but according to them the 5/20 norm should be completely abolished to ensure that Indian aviation achieves its full potential. The move from 5/20 to 0/20, have effectively translated to 3/20 as it will take at least 3-4 years to have a 20 aircraft fleet. The Bilateral Traffic Rights is another measure that will push the Indian aviation
We are concerned with the way the policy on Hybrid Till was written. While the draft NCAP indicated that ‘tariff at all future airports will be calculated on a Hybrid Till basis’, the final policy states ‘future tariffs at all airports will be calculated on a hybrid till basis,”
Conrad Clifford
industry to yield better. The open sky policy would permit international airline partners belonging to SAARC nations and countries beyond 5000 kilometers radius to land and operate flights within Indian territories. This will increase options for travellers, making the market more competitive and enhancing further lowering of air fares- encouraging the masses to fly internationally often. Reacting to the NCAP International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concerns regarding changes made to the final Policy. “We welcome the fact that the government has responded to some of the feedback from the industry. However, we are concerned with the way the policy on Hybrid Till was written. While the draft NCAP indicated that ‘tariff at all future airports will be calculated on a Hybrid Till basis’, the final policy states ‘future tariffs at all airports will be calculated on a hybrid till basis,” says Conrad Clifford, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific.
According to him, this change will impact the basis for tariff determination for private airports in India, and also signal AAI to switch from the Single-Till approach used currently, to the Hybrid-Till. This makes AERA a toothless entity. Passenger charges in India will increase, making air travel more expensive. And it contradicts one of the stated intentions of the NCAP to make flying affordable. “The NCAP has reduced economic regulation in India to a single bullet point by mandating Hybrid Till as the basis for tariff determination, while being silent on other critical aspects of economic regulation such as the rate of return, regulatory asset base, separation of airport assets and costs, etc. says Clifford. “It ignores the conclusions reached by AERA and the Ministry of Finance after an extensive evaluation that the single till is the most appropriate approach for India, with no explanation given for upturning AERA’s earlier order,” he added.
“India needed an aviation policy which is strategically aligned and supportive of PM’s bold and inspiring vision for the Indian economy. Unfortunately, NCAP does not provide the sector with the institutional infrastructure required for long term growth. Kapil Kaul
July 2016 11
EXCLUSIVE “We do not directly benefits from this move. However, if lower rates mean increased air traffic, then the GDS industry is also in for momentous growth. More air traffic means more seats selling and ancillaries with increased GDS usage, which means more facilitation and thereby increased profit margins. Anil Parashar
According to Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), the National Civil Aviation Policy does not provide the sector with the institutional infrastructure required for long-term growth. Noting that the policy shows a clear missed opportunity and is a significant disappointment given the MoCA spent almost nearly two years in drafting the new policy, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation said it was expecting a more structured and well-thought outcome in the form of final policy. “India needed an aviation policy which is strategically aligned and supportive of PM’s bold and inspiring vision for the Indian economy. Unfortunately, NCAP does not provide the sector with the institutional infrastructure required for long term growth. CAPA was expecting strategic shift given the time and effort spent on the
policy,” said Kapil Kaul, CEO-India Sub continent, CAPA. On the other side, not addressing key and structural issues is a big disappointment. The NCAP is ambitious about growth but has not focused on creating structures for managing growth, said Kaul. “Without a clear infrastructure plan in place – don’t know how job creation can happen,” he said.
GDS Perspective Elaborating on the NCAP as a whole Anil Parashar, President & CEO, InterGlobe Technology Quotient said that in the wake of Civil Aviation Policy getting implemented, it is not hard to predict what the future has in store. Not only will the aviation industry receive a growth boom but the masses of the country also would
By subsidising the shorter domestic routes for the airlines, the government has given a strong push to regional connectivity by capping fares and thereby expanding the market A cap of Rs 1200 for 30 min flights and Rs 2500 for 1 hour flights should really drive growth in a hugely under-penetrated domestic air market. Sharat Dhall
12 July 2016
experience a more convenient way of air travel at affordable prices. Although, the policy requires a significant amount of time and resources to lay down the basic infrastructure, but the intent being in place, the aviation industry is set to receive the required growth momentum. While evaluating the policy from the perspective of GDS industry Parashar says, “We do not directly benefits from this move. However, if lower rates mean increased air traffic, then the GDS industry is also in for momentous growth. More air traffic means more seats selling and ancillaries with increased GDS usage, which means more facilitation and thereby increased profit margins. As per the ministry, the policy is going to drive in 300 million air passengers annually by 2022.” While elaborating on the issues that could be important but ‘failed to see’ in this policy Parashar said that the policy no doubt offers a great impetus for the highly potential Indian aviation market having potential for this colossal move to reach its peak of productivity. However, there are a few unexplained parameters that need to be detailed by the government. “One such question in this context is the capping of fares. Will the capping be applicable for last minute bookings as well? Further, as per CRISIL Research’s Report, the policy does not throw light on the long-pending structural issue of high sales tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and this can be very crucial for long term planning of the industry,” he explained.
OTA’s Perspective The long-awaited new NCAP has some path breaking changes that should unlock regional connectivity as well as open up opportunities for carriers entering the Indian market. The abolition of the 5/20 rule has come as a respite to many of the carriers that have entered the market in the last few years and enable them to expand their services internationally now. By subsidising the shorter domestic routes for the airlines, the government has given a strong push to regional connectivity by capping fares and thereby expanding the market. A cap of Rs 1200 for 30 min flights and Rs 2500 for 1 hour flights should really drive growth in a hugely under-penetrated domestic air market and catalyse economic growth in tier 2 and tier 3 markets,” says Sharat Dhall, President, Yatra.com.
EXCLUSIVE There will be considerable shift to the airlines from the railway and bus passengers. Thus, we see an increase in airline bookings and a spurt in flight movement from the Tier II and Tier III cities. This clearly spells better business opportunities for OTAs as well. Kousik Bhattacharya “The much-awaited National Civil Aviation Policy has been approved and this is a welcome step. This is expected to boost regional connectivity. There will be considerable shift to the airlines from the railway and bus passengers. Thus, we see an increase in airline bookings and a spurt in flight movement from the Tier II and Tier III cities. This clearly spells better business opportunities for OTAs as well, says Kousik Bhattacharya, Head-Marketing and B2C Business, VIA. “The reduction in flight cancellation fees should help boost the trust of consumers and facilitate more airline booking, especially for short-haul destinations where the gap between railway cancellation fees and air cancellation fees has been extremely high till date.”
Intrenational Airlines The Bilateral Traffic Rights is another measure that will push the Indian aviation industry to yield better. The open sky policy would permit international airline partners belonging to SAARC nations and countries beyond 5000 kilometers radius to land and operate flights within Indian territories. This will increase options for travellers, making the market more competitive and enhancing further lowering of air fares- encouraging the masses to fly internationally often.
FEEDBACK The airlines have welcomed Moving From 5/20 to 0/20 norm but according to them the 5/20 norm should be completely abolished to ensure that Indian aviation achieves its full potential. The move from 5/20 to 0/20, have effectively translated to 3/20 as it will take at least 3-4 years to have a 20 aircraft fleet
Welcome Points ÂÂ Capping of Fares ÂÂMoving From 5/20 to 0/20 norm ÂÂRevised Bilateral Traffic Rights ÂÂAviation Security, Immigration & Customs ÂÂMaintenance, Repair and Overhaul ÂÂGround Handling Policy ÂÂAirport PPP/AAI ÂÂAviation Education and Skill Building
Missing Points ÂÂThe Policy is silent on critical aspects of economic regulation such as the rate of return, regulatory asset base, separation of airport assets and costs, etc. ÂÂThe Policy does not provide the sector with the institutional infrastructure required for long-term growth, and Qmanaging growth
“The policy is very comprehensive, covering 22 areas of the Civil Aviation sector. The National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 will transform the aviation sector and greatly benefit passengers. I fully endorse the
ÂÂThe Policy does not throw light on the long-pending structural issue of high sales tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF)
“The National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 will transform the aviation sector and greatly benefit passengers. I fully endorse the Prime Minister when he indicated that the Civil Aviation Policy gives an impetus to affordability, regional connectivity, safety, infrastructure, which is vital for transforming India.
Prime Minister when he indicated that the Civil Aviation Policy gives an impetus to affordability, regional connectivity, safety, infrastructure, which is vital for transforming India,” says Tadesse Tilahun, Regional Director- India Sub Continent, Ethiopian Airlines .
Tadesse Tilahun
ÂÂThe Policy is silent on formation of an independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
“The Government has proposed to take flying to the masses by making it affordable and convenient. Systems and processes which affect this sector will need to be simplified and made more transparent with greater use of technology without compromising on safety and security”, shares Tilahun. The growth in aviation will create a large multiplier effect in terms of investments, tourism and employment generation, especially for unskilled and semi-skilled worker. Enhance ease of doing business through deregulation, simplified procedures and e-governance.
July 2016 13
TRANSPORTATION
Etihad Cargo launches Luxury Car Service for summer 2016 Etihad Cargo, the freight division of Etihad Airways, has launched a unique, new travel offer for guests who want to travel with their luxury car over the summer period. WH Desk
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“We have several years of experience in transporting vehicles for manufacturers to luxury car markets around the world and will aim to provide a first class service for those clients who are looking to take their vehicles with them to Europe during the summer,” he added.
rivers can enjoy up to 20 percent off air cargo rates and their seat, when they book in First or Business Class. The cargo section for the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates is also offering additional services this year, arranging hotel accommodation and having the car delivered straight to the driver’s doorstep.
With upgrades and expansions having been made to the passenger fleet, it is possible to move vehicles in the bellyhold of Etihad’s aircraft such as the Airbus 380. This also provides guests with access to The Residence, the world’s first three-room private suite on a commercial aircraft, which is served by a personal Butler.
The offer is now available from Abu Dhabi to European destinations including Amsterdam, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris and Zurich.
For cities such as Dusseldorf and Zurich, guests are able to experience the Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which also features the airline’s highly acclaimed next-generation interiors with Business Studios and Economy Smart Seats.
David Kerr, Senior Vice President of Etihad Cargo, said, “Through our use of a mixed fleet of aircraft, we have a range of options that enable us to transport cars in the hold including some of the new additions to our fleet such as the Airbus 380s.
The number of cars transported has been steadily rising over the last few years and Etihad Cargo carried hundreds of automobiles during 2015. With additional aircraft and supporting services being
added to the fleet this year, the cargo team is aiming to increase those numbers during 2016. The category of cars being transported has included F1 cars, Super Sport cars as well as luxury car brands such as Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. The airline’s links to Formula 1 are extensive and are underscored by the company’s sponsorship of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. To book a flight, drivers can call Etihad on 800 2324 to book their car and flight package together. A customer agent will collect the car and flight details as well as offer an array of services; from door to door delivery to export, custom clearance and hotel accommodation. The special offer is running from now until the 30 September 2016.
flydubai partners with Booking.co Singapore Airlines flydubai is partnering with Booking.com, adding a wide range of hotels and other accommodation options to its website flydubai.com. WH Desk
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otels.flydubai.com is powered by Booking.com and is designed to help passengers find the perfect stay that suits their preference and budget from over 954,000 accommodations world-wide. Passengers will be able to browse other guests’ reviews and book flexibly with a range of payment options. Commenting on this partnership, Ramesh Venkat, Chief Information Officer (CIO), flydubai, said, “With this website, we are able to offer our passengers even more options when travelling with flydubai, making it easier for them to organise their
14 July 2016
holidays or business trips. With Booking. com, we will offer one of the largest accommodation databases in the world and we are pleased to be able to extend these numerous opportunities to our customers.” “Our aim at Booking.com is to connect travellers from all over the world with their ideal stay in the most seamless and enjoyable way possible,” said Bryan Batista, Head of Global Partnerships, Booking.com. “Partnering with flydubai is a great opportunity for us to engage with even more customers flying in and out of Dubai, enabling them to quickly find the perfect accommodation that meets their unique needs, whether they’re travelling for business or pleasure,” he added. flydubai’s website (flydubai.com) will offer a personalised online experience by receiving customised content based on a customer’s location and previous interaction with the site. Passengers can purchase tickets from website, flydubai travel shops or through travel partners. Further information and details of the carrier’s car rental and travel insurance services can also be found on the website.
allows bid for seat upgrade
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ingapore Airlines has introduced a system that would allow a few select passengers to bid online for a seat upgrade a few days before their departure. The city-state’s flag carrier, at its discretion, will invite fliers who have booked economy class seven days in advance to bid for its premium economy class, which offers relatively more comfortable seats, according to the company’s website. Results of the auction will be known 40 hours before the scheduled takeoff. “Invitations are made at Singapore Airlines’ sole discretion based on certain criteria and combination of factors, which are dynamic,” the airline said on its website. The system may be extended to other classes at a later stage, said Harry Chu, a spokesman. Asia’s premium carriers including Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. are facing intense competition from regional low-cost carriers as well as major rivals based in the Middle East. The report was published in Bloomberg.
TRANSPORTATION
IRCTC launches the Tiger Express WH Desk
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iger Express pans to create awareness about wildlife in India and takes you to two of Madhya Pradesh’s bestknown national parks Bandhavgarh and Kanha as well as Dhuadhar Waterfalls. If its wildlife you are interested in, Tiger Express is the train you need to get on to. The new semi-luxury train is part of IRCTC’s latest initiative to promote wildlife tourism in India and, in particular, raise awareness about tigers. Tiger Express will take you to Madhya Pradesh’s most popular national parks Bandhavgarh and Kanha known for their tiger population. The train will also include a stop at Dhuadhar Waterfall in Bedhaghat near Jabalpur. Tiger Express is a semi-luxury train, which means you cannot expect the kind of service you get in, let’s say, Palace on Wheels but it will be a fully air-conditioned train. The Tiger Express package includes a five night-six day tour of the two national parks and the waterfall. The journey begins from and ends at New Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station. Tiger Express will leave at 3 pm from Safdarjung and will chug into Katni railway station at 5.40 am the next day. The semi-luxury train will offer two classes of travel; AC First Class and AC Two-tier Sleeper Class. AC First Class has cabins with lockable doors with two or four beds. Sleeper Class has curtains with four open
beds. What sets Tiger Express apart, though, is the fact that it has shower cubicles and even a dining car. These rates are applicable only to Indian citizens and are inclusive of the hotel accommodation at Mogli Resorts with all meals, water, local transfers, sightseeing costs and safari fees. If you are a foreign national you need to pay Rs 4,000 extra per person to cover the safari charges, which are higher for non-Indian nationals/ You can make you bookings by calling the IRCTC toll free number: 1800110139 Itinerary Day 1: Depart from Safdarjung Railway Station. Day 2: Arrive at Katni. Leave for Bandhavgarh after breakfast and check into the hotel. Head out for an afternoon safari; return for dinner and overnight stay at Bandhavgarh to check in to your hotel. After an afternoon safari, you head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Waterfalls. After high tea, you get on board the Tiger Express. Day 6: Arrival at Safdarjung railway station at 3.50 pm. The Tariff AC First Class: Single occupancy: Rs 49,500 per person Double Occupancy: Rs 45,500 per person Triple Occupancy: Rs 44,900 per person
Day 3: Proceed to your stay in Kanha. Head out for an afternoon safari. Retire for the night.
Child with bed (5-11 years): Rs 39,500
Day 4: After breakfast, head out for a morning safari.
Double Occupancy: Rs 39,000 per person
Day 5: Head to Jabalpur to see the Dhuadar
Child with bed (5-11 years): Rs 33,500
AC Two-tier: Single Occupancy: Rs 43,500 per person Triple Occupancy: Rs 38,500 per person
Super Fares’ by Air India for Unconfirmed Bookings of Rajdhani Express Offers all-inclusive one way fares on select routes at a fare equivalent to that of Rajdhani Express (1A) WH Desk
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ir India brings joy to passengers who are unable to get confirmed bookings on Rajdhani Express with its Super Fares scheme. Under the scheme, passengers can book the tickets 4 hours prior to the flight departure at a fare which is equivalent to that of Rajdhani Express (1A). Passengers can avail an all-inclusive economy class one way fare on select Air India domestic routes starting June 26th, 2016 till September 30th 2016. Currently 21 Rajdhani Express trains run across the Indian Railways Network and
close to 20,000 passengers travel with the train on daily basis. However, thousands of passengers are unable to get confirmed tickets due to non-availability of seats. Air India will bridge this gap as passengers can book the tickets through Air India booking offices or from www.airindia.com and reach their destination at the same cost of Rajdhani Express, but in much lesser time. While booking the tickets through Air India website, customers need to apply promo code ‘SPOT’. Air India to operate direct flights on Bengaluru-Hubli route The national carrier, Air India is set to commence operations from Bengaluru to Hubli on July 20 with an ATR-72-600 aircraft, stated a release. Air India will operate
this service under its ‘Connect India’ programme. Flight AI 9509 on BengaluruHubli shall operate three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flight will take-off from Bengaluru at 1545 hrs and reach Hubli at 1705 hrs. On the return leg, flight AI 9510 will take-off from Hubli at 1725 hrs to reach Bengaluru at 1835 hrs.
July 2016 15
IN CONVERSATION
In Conversation with
Sandeep
Dwivedi The use of Digital wallet is going to redefine the way travel is sold and make it an easier, safer and seamless process. Going cashless for business or fun would be the new way of booking travel. Sandeep Dwivedi The frequent technological innovations have given travel companies numerous opportunities and floated a lot of expectations among them. During last few years, the Indian travel industry has grown exponentially. It has given birth to numerous technological innovations which have, in response, created a milieu of online travel related services. However, keeping pace with technology is the most challenging task as what was great a few years ago, is almost obsolete today. In an attempt to keeping pace with the technology (new entrant or existing) and understand its impact on the entire travel industry, we approached the most advanced technology player - InterGlobe Technology Quotient and had an opportunity to interact with none other than the Chief Commercial Officer of the company Sandeep Dwivedi. Here are the excerpts of this conversation. Rajesh Tiwari
According to you which is the latest technology or software that will leave its impact on the entire travel industry in the year ahead? Is it a new entrant or existing technology that will shape the way for more growth in 2016?
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As per the latest technological developments the most influential change is the introduction of e-Visa. Although, this was introduced in the year 2014, but its expansion to include 150 countries worldwide is causing the desired impact of connecting more and more inbound tourists to the country, thereby benefitting the national tourism sector. Another important evolution in the field of technology is Smartphone penetration and the resultant use of Digital wallet- not only as a travel booker or surfer device, but also as a payer of funds. The 2016 is going to be an important year for online payments in the travel sector. Although, Digital wallet is still making its presence felt in the travel domain, Smartphone penetration is relatively low in India. As per Vserv, India has over 160 million smartphone users and this user base is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 26 percent from 2013 to 2017. The interactions of these smartphone users with their devices is generating vast amount of information. However, this information is not yet being understood and utilised efficiently. The use of Digital wallet is going to redefine the way travel is sold and make it an easier, safer and seamless process. Going cashless for business or fun would be the new way of booking travel.
Innovations in travel technology have floated a lot of expectations among the small travel agents; however where do we really stand at this point of time in terms of reaching to the end users? Although technological innovations have etched a new phase in travel world but making them accessible to travel agents far and wide has become a challenge. Reaching out to the small travel agent needs a cumulative effort of the industry so that these new introductions can be passed on to all travel agents and they can service their customers with the best available options as well as facilities.
IN CONVERSATION For the same purpose, InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ) has introduced numerous initiatives in the past. One such step was the launch of soft skill trainings for travel agents across India, where our trainers trained the travel agents and their frontline staff on various skill development techniques. We also conduct networking sessions where we introduce the latest technologically advanced products that delivers superior quality of services once installed.
What is the current market scenario of travel technology space in India? The Indian travel market has grown exponentially in the recent years. During the last few years, it has given birth to numerous technological innovations which have, in response, created a milieu of online travel related services. Presently, travel market is thriving in the technology area and in order to suffice the necessities of the domain, the GDS sector has also evolved abundantly. It has become more user-focused which has made travel surfing and booking for travel agents a far easier job. The advanced set of features has made GDS smarter with time thereby contributing further in the area of travel technology.
Which are the other countries leading in travel and technology space, and where do we (India) stand? What is the advantage/disadvantage we do have in India? The increased penetration of Smartphone has become the key estimator of adoption in travel technology. In the Asia Pacific, China stands at the highest level of technology adoption as the country hosts the largest population of Smartphone users in the region at present. Its travel and technology space has also emulated the technologically smart version to stay ahead in the present context. But due to the slowing economy it will probably lose its superior position in the coming years. On the other hand, India is booming in the travel and technology space. Multiple measures are being taken up in the regard to make the industry more organised and profitable. As per the India Aviation Report by KPMG and FICCI, India will emerge as the 3rd largest aviation market by 2020. And in order to support this boom, efficient technology should be in place. As a developing country, we have immense potential to make our tourism market grow and flourish.
Have you noticed any latest trend in this space? What role will be played by Smartphone and social media sites? Travel is bought and sold every second of the day, and we see that both online and offline reach out has become equally essential for distribution. However recently with the increase in Smartphone use, everything has become ‘mobile’. Apps, payments, shopping surfing have become a matter of few clicks. We are presently living in an age, where technological innovation has become crucial. As a result of this, ‘smarter’ steps have been initiated to revolutionise products and services in the industry. Today, Smartphone have turn out to be essential tool for booking and surfing travel.
What are the latest initiatives or development at ITQ that you would like to share with us? Launch of skill development initiative in collaboration with CAP foundation has been a big step for us. We have initiated this program to train underprivileged children with skills required to begin a career journey in the travel world. This program would benefit 300 students and help them build a brighter future for themselves. They will be trained in 5 different regions across India and made ready for the travel world. We conduct ‘Student of the Year’ contest every year with an objective to identify the best performing students in the travel domain and give them a chance to begin their professional journey in the best way possible. The entire process of online selection, evaluation and nomination of the top performing students happen through a series of tests that give these students an opportunity to analyze their skills and knowledge. In addition, the exposure they get through this contest is beneficial for them in terms of confidence and professionalism.
Is there any new technology/updated version that may hit the Indian market in near future from your end? We are in the process of upgrading Travelport Smartpoint. The latest version would further add to the technological evolution thereby making the process of travel booking even more seamless for our travel partners. The modified version will offer a futuristic interface that will deliver exceptional travel business experience across boundaries. It will be an one-stop shop travel booking platform that will continue to offer updated content, ancillaries, images of cabins and seats in a single window, accurate product description, ancillaries provided within the fare and much more. In the age of automation, Smartpoint will continue to offer exceptional services.
The important evolution in the field of technology is Smartphone penetration and the resultant use of Digital wallet- not only as a travel booker or surfer device, but also as a payer of funds. The 2016 is going to be an important year for online payments in the travel sector.
Sandeep Dwivedi
Kindly throw some light on Travelport Rich Content & Branding? Why is it attracting more and more airlines?
Also technology has offered an innovative way of experiencing travel without moving an inch through virtual reality. Many organisations have come up with ideas to push the reality a bit farther and helping travellers to explore the pleasure of being in a faraway land, without being present there in reality. And the remarkable thing is this trend is gaining more and more acceptance with time.
More than 150 airlines have selected Travelport Rich Content and Branding within a short span of two years. This favoritism is because Rich Content and Branding addresses certain key challenges the travel industry faces today. It is a ground-breaking technology product that enables airlines to display and market their fares, ancillaries and brand proposition to travel agents as they would on their own websites.
Social media has become the medium of estimation and presentation, now-a-days. A common man’s rich resource of information who zeroes-in on a location based on the reviews on social media channels. Needless to say, social media has also become a strong advertising platform where travelers get their information on trips and exclusive offers.
This provides airlines with greater control on how their content is visually presented. With rich product descriptions and graphics, the platform is designed to allow airlines to implement sophisticated retailing techniques that align with their product branding in order to drive sales of core fares, ancillary products and optional services such as seats with extra legroom.
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STATE
Karnataka appoints Tourist Guides & Tourist Mitra WH Desk
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he Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, issued Guide Licence and ID cards to new ‘Tourist Guides’. The new ‘Tourist Guides’, who have completed the Comprehensive Guide Training programme at various universities, will be available at various tourist destinations in the state to provide information to tourists. They play a very important role in promoting the destination and thereby, act as the ambassadors of the state and country. The Department of Tourism tied up with five universities across the state to provide comprehensive guide training programme. The 111 students completed the training programme successfully and were handed over the guide licence and ID card on the occasion.
Under this training programme the selected candidates are taught about tourist places, with good communication skill and friendly behaviour. Apart from history of the places, students are also trained in soft skills and any one foreign language like French, Russian and German for seamless communication with respective foreign tourists. The designated Tourist Guides will be given uniforms bearing the new ‘Tourist Guide’ logo. The ‘Tourist Guides’ will help the tourist in understanding the rich culture and history of the places. TOURIST MITRA On the occasion, the second and third batches of ‘Tourist Mitra’, consisting of 298 home guards were also inducted. 84 female Tourist Mitras were part of this induction ceremony. In the second batch a total of 174 Home Guards out of which 66 female home guards were trained and
From Left: G. Sathyavathi, Vijay Sharma, Amar Kumar Pandey, Dr. Rajkumar Khatri, Asagodu Jayasimha, Chairman, JLR, R.V. Deshpande, Hon’ble Minister for L & M and Tourism, S.A. Hussain, Sampath Kumar, M.S.Raghavan, Samad Prantiya and Krishna D. Udupudi.
in the third batch 123 home guards out of which 18 female home guards were trained under this programme.
a total of 472 tourist friendly home guards are deputed to provide proper safety and security to the visiting tourists.
‘Tourist Mitra’ is a programme by the Department of Tourism and the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) along with the Home Department, Government of Karnataka. The first batch of 174 ‘Tourist Mitras’, covering 13 districts were deputed in November 2015 at selected tourist destinations;
The 174 Tourist Mitras trained in the second phase are deployed in the following 12 districts: Belagavi, Kalburgi, Koppal, Dharwad, Chamrajnagar, Gadag, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Tumkur, Davanagere, Ramanagar and Chickmagalur. The third batch of Tourist Mitras will be deployed in the remaining 5 districts.
Uttarakhand Tourism Board signs MoU with OYO OYO will leverage its expertise in transforming and standardising hospitality realestate units and make local homestays better equipped to suit the need of visitors and tourists. WH Desk
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he partnership is geared to develop tourism-related hospitality ecosystem in the state. In first phase of this alliance, OYO has already standardised 15 homestays registered with UTDB. The standardisation process, will be followed by listing and marketing these properties on OYO’s well-established channels. Shailesh Bagauli, CEO, UTDB said, “Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is happy to partner with OYO, the leading brand of hotel-networks in the country. We are confident that OYO’s expertise in standardizing
18 July 2016
key towns like Dehradun, Nainital, Mussoorie, Haridwar and Haldwani. Unlike typical homestays, these properties are equipped with standardized OYO amenities to provide a predictable experience to visitors. So, visitors can check-in with the assurance of flat-screen TV, free wi-fi and complimentary breakfast as well as CCTV cameras for their security.
and marketing large inventories to customers in different parts of India will drive immense value to this partnership. We look forward to our joint efforts contributing to increased tourist influx and a better stay experience for visitors to Uttarakhand.” Commenting on this development, Abhinav Sinha, CEO, OYO said, “We are very proud to partner the efforts of the Uttarakhand Government in building a tourism-friendly infrastructure while sustaining local communities. The pace of our efforts is aligned towards ensuring that while infrastructure is upgraded and standardized, the local ecosystem is not disrupted. OYO has built deep expertise in standardizing amenities and guest-experience in the unbranded hotels segment. This tie-up gives us the opportunity
Shailesh Bagauli CEO Uttarakhand Tourism
to transfer these skills and learnings to the state of Uttarakhand.” Uttarakhand is not only a preferred destination for families and adventuretravellers, but also a focal point for pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra. OYO-standardized homestays are located in
Using the OYO app, travelers can create bookings in as little as five seconds and three taps. With a large network of 6000 hotels present across 180 cities in India, OYO also enjoys strong supply channels. It will connect homestay owners with vendors and facilitate the procurement of best in quality products at a reasonable price, making the standardization process more cost-effective.
STATE
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has announced the 3rd edition of the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart from 14-16 October, 2016 at the Hotel Lake View Ashok in Bhopal.
Third edition of MPTM will be held from 14-16 October
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he mart will be inaugurated by Honourable Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with other dignitaries from Madhya Pradesh and special invitees from other states. The three-day event in Bhopal will promote the diverse offerings of the state to international buyers from some of the top source markets such as Europe, South East Asia, Eastern Asia, the United States, Canada, Australia, Middle East, South America, and South Africa. Top Indian buyers are also invited to attend the event. Elaborating on the event Hariranjan Rao, Managing Director, MPSTDC said, “The show promises to provide an opportunity to tap into this market by bringing a forum of exceptional one-to-one business
Hariranjan Rao Managing Director MPSTDC
Tanvi Sundriyal Additional Managing Director MPSTDC
meetings.” “The mart aims to create a platform that will offer the perfect environment for the like-minded people to interact and do business together. Our goal is to ensure each participant, whether its the exhibitor, buyer or visitor, gets value for their investment and time spent,” he added.
and MICE. The event offers opportunity to meet, network, and share expertise with professionals who want to learn about various products.”
Speaking on the same lines Tanvi Sundriyal, Additional Managing Director, MPSTDC said, “The objective of this event is to reinforce Madhya Pradesh as a world-class destination for Wildlife, Nature, Heritage, Pilgrimage, Adventure
The B2B Exhibition at MPTM will have some of the top exhibitors from Madhya Pradesh’s Wildlife Segment, Hotels, Destination Management Companies, Conference Venues, Car Rentals, Tour Operators, Heritage Hotels, and Wildlife Parks etc. There will be post event FAM Tours for the buyers and media which will be organised by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
The event hopes to enlist the support of major travel – trade and hospitality association in India such as ‘Association of Domestic Tour Operators Association of India (ADTOI), Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI), etc. Madhya Pradesh is India’s second largest state which is amongst the most travelled destinations in the country. Madhya Pradesh is home to some of India’s biggest tourist attractions. From UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural pursuits to the greatest diversity of wildlife after Africa offering discerning tourists a fascinating range of touristic experiences. Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh and is India’s 17th largest city, home to numerous institutions and installations which are of national importance.
Tamil Nadu to attract over 15cr tourists by 2023 achieve this target, under the Vision-2023 document, for promotion of tourism, various development activities at tourists’ spots have been undertaken.” He revealed that in the year 2014, the state had been placed first for wooing a large number of tourists.
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ccording to a report published in Deccan Chronicle, the state of Tamil Nadu aims to attract unprecedented number of tourist to the state under the Vision 2023. Elaborating more on this Vellamandi N. Natarajan, Minister for Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu said, “More than 15 crore tourists are expected to visit Tamil Nadu by 2023, bringing revenue of INR 10 crore. To
Vellamandi N. Natarajan Minister for Tourism Government of Tamil Nadu
Further elaborating on this, Natarajan said the Chief Minister had been interested to promote tourism, particularly for providing infrastructure facilities for Yelagiri Hills, considered ‘Poor Man’s Ooty’.
He said he would take up with the Chief Minister the proposal to convert the Andiyappanur dam into a tourist spot. Dr Nilofer Kafeel, Minister for Labour Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, in her speech said that the Chief Minister had ordered to undertake various development works for the promotion of tourism. She said the Yelagiri Hills comprised a boathouse, besides a waterfall and temples for Lord Shiva and Muruga.
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NEED TO KNOW
Adventure In Sikkim Travellers embarking on a journey to Sikkim will have an opportunity to discover a mystical wonderland of spectacular natural beauty. The panoramic perfection of the snow-capped Himalayas, the heady scent of flower-bedecked meadows, the vibrant culture and joyous festivals, the infinite variety of its flora and fauna makes it a holiday that is at once fascinating and challenging. The crowning glory of Sikkim Mt. Khangchendzonga; the third highest mountain in the world, River Teesta and Rangeet makes the state paradise for the adventure lovers. This edition of Whereabouts brings more on this fascinating state of India. Compiled by WH Desk
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ikkim has much to offer all her visitors. From popular home stays where one can get a firsthand experience of rural Sikkim to endless possibilities for adventure sports, from ancient monasteries and flamboyant festivals to all the amenities of the modern world. The State is naturally gifted having all sorts of destinations and circuits required for the tourists. Tourism in Sikkim have impressive varieties of products, some of them are Eco & Wildlife, Village Tourism, Adventure, Wellness, Health, Yoga, Herbal and Medical, Religious, Culture, Heritage, Pilgrimage and many more.
Must Do Activities in Sikkim
River Rafting From gentle rides through amazing mountain landscape to thundering rapids that only the most experienced rafter can navigate, river rafting on the Teesta can be the most adrenaline pumping adventure ever. Meandering down the rough and rugged mountain river is a great way to enjoy both nature and adventure. The riverbanks have deep forests, with some
20 July 2016
patches of terraced cultivation, and small villages. Plenty of white sandy beaches exist, offering good campsites. Rapids of classification two to four are interspersed with placid floats, making rafting an enjoyable experience. A trip down the river also allows you to take in the beauty of the countryside. Beginners as well as experienced adventurers can seek
the assistance of the Department of Tourism and travel agents for arranging river rafting trips. Prices are generally reasonable, and will include food, equipment, lifejackets, helmets, an expert guide, and accommodation. Most of these have good riverside camps, and are well-frequented by organised rafting groups during peak season.
NEED TO KNOW routes offer landscape to ride through. Currently there are a number of new routes that have been introduced in Sikkim: ÂÂGangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- TemiDamthang- Rabong- Kewzing- TashidingYusum- Pelling- Dentam- RinchenpongSoreng- Sombaria- Jorthang- NamchiRangpo ÂÂGangtok- Phodong- Rangrang- Dikchu Makha- Sirwani- Temi ÂÂGangtok- Rumtek- Sangh- Sirwani- TemiNamchi- Jorethang- Melli ÂÂGangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- TemiNamchi- Namthang- Rangpo Other Mountain biking routes in Sikkim:
Trekking Sikkim offers some of the finest trekking experience in the Himalaya. The state’s vast unspoiled mountain range is a trekker’s delight and its Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary passes through forests of silver fir, hemlock, magnolia and rhododendron with a view of Kangchendzonga peaks in the background. The Dzongri- Goecha La Trek is the most popular trek in Sikkim and famed for
getting clearance from Defense, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. Some of the popular and recommended trek routes in Sikkim are; Monastic Trek, Rhododendron Trek, Khangchendzonga Trek, Coronation Trek, Khedi Trek, Singalila Trek, Samartek Trek, Rinchenpong/Soreng Trek, Himalayan Trek (South Sikkim), Tosar Lake Trek (North Sikkim) and Tendong Hill Trek.
ÂÂRangpo- Rhenock- RongliBarapathing- Pakyong- RanipoolGangtok-Rumtek-Sang- Temi-RavangTashiding-Pelling-Khechopalri Lake-Yuksom-Rabong-Dikchu-ManganLachung-Yumthang and back.
Yak Riding Yak Riding is another popular and exciting experience in Sikkim. Around 35 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,310 ft is the ethereally beautiful Tsomgo Lake. Colourfully decorated Yaks with woolen knitwear over the horns and forehead and strings of bells around the necks are ready to take you for a ride around the lake or go up the mountain. The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department as well as private travel agencies on prior booking also organises Yak Rides in Dzongri, in West Sikkim, a popular trekking point.
Bird Watching
great mountain views, a floral spectacle in summer, bird and views of pristine forest. The trek to Green Lake, the base of Mt. Kangchendzonga on the Zemu glacier in the North Sikkim is the most enchanting of all treks in this area with a variety of flowers such as rhododendrons, primulas and blue poppies. Trek to this route needs a trekking permit from Tourism Department after
Mountain Biking Mountain Biking is another adventure that has been recently introduced in Sikkim and the state is fast becoming a favourite destination for mountain bikers. There are a number of mountain bike routes throughout the state. While some are ideals for a technical mountain biking experience, other
Sikkim is rich in avifauna and is considered to be a birdwatchers paradise. Its avian population extends to almost 550 species. The climate varies between the tropical heat of the valleys and the alpine cold of the snowy regions. The altitudinal zones of vegetation range from tropical, sub tropical, temperate to Alpine. In some places only 10 Kms in a direct line separate the warm valleys from perpetual snow. The telescoping of terrain has created marked altitudinal zones in the humidity, rainfall, climate and vegetation. This factor is responsible for the great variety and abundance of the resident bird life, making this area arguably one of the richest areas of its size anywhere in the world. State’s BirdWest Sikkim offers great birding opportunities. Barsey, located at 3300 m, on a massive ridge covered with
July 2016 21
NEED TO KNOW
protected forests of Silver Fir, hemlocks, magnolia, and Rhododendrons is one of the best birding areas in Sikkim. Around Pemayangste and the nearby village of Pelling there are several excellent birding sites and hikes. Some important species like the Maroon-Backed Accentor, Redfaced Liocichla etc are found around these forests.
Cuisine in Sikkim
The state’s cuisine is very popular across the country. Dishes like Thukpa and Momo have become preferred street foods in other parts of the country. But Sikkimese cuisine is much more than just Momos and Thukpa, with every community having their own special way of cooking, using ingredients typical to them. This results in a wide variety of dishes, each with a unique taste and flavour. Kinema, a fermented soybean food, rich in protein and with a unique flavour is eaten with rice while Gundruk and Sinki are two traditional fermented vegetable products which are sun dried after fermentation and stored for consumption. These are later used for soups, curries and pickles. Chhurpi, a fermented dairy product prepared from cow milk with a mild sour taste is used for making soups and Achar. It is often used with Ningro, a wild fern to make a most exotic combination. Accompanying the food often is Chaang, a fermented cereal-based alcoholic beverage. It is sipped from a bamboo receptacle using
22 July 2016
a thin bamboo pipe. The receptacle which has millet in it is topped with warm water a few times until the millet loses its flavour. No visit to Sikkim is complete till you try this atleast once.
Entry Formalities Foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. These can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrates Office of Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Rangpo on the strength of an Indian Visa. The 30 days duration Permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of the passport and visa along with two pass port photos of the applicants are made available. The permissible duration of the stay for foreign tourists is 30 days initially. For those interested in going for trekking in the interior region of the state, the Tourism and Civil Aviation issues Protected Area Permit (PAP) at Gangtok which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of two or more foreigners subject to condition that the trekking programme is arranged through a registered travel agency.
Do’s & Dont’s DO’S ÂÂAlways travel with a guide ÂÂVegetation is fragile; follow route ÂÂRespect local culture by taking permission before taking photographs ÂÂBe aware of the customs and manners and culture of the local people ÂÂIt is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction DON’TS ÂÂDon’t disturb wildlife or its habitat ÂÂDon’t buy endangered species or antiques ÂÂDon’t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places ÂÂDon’t pluck plants or flowers
Reaching Here Sikkim is well connected by airways, railways and roadways. In spite of being a hilly state, transportation of Sikkim is comfortable and more frequent to enjoy the ride on the world’s most beautiful valley. Airways: The airport located nearest to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport of West Bengal which is only 124 Kms away from Gangtok. India’s national carrier, Indian Airlines including almost all other domestic airlines such as Jet Airlines, Air Deccan run regular flights from the important cities of India such as Kolkata, Delhi etc. Bagdogra is connected with Gangtok by daily helicopter service operated by Sikkim Tourism development Corporation and it will take only 20 minutes to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra. This helicopter service is subjected to the weather conditions. Railways: New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are the two rail stations nearest to Sikkim located in West Bengal. NJP is 125 Kms and Siliguri is 114 Kms from Gangtok and is well connected to all the major cities. Ticket reservation facilities are available from Sikkim Nationalised Transport office in all working days. Roadways: The lifeline of Sikkim, which is National Highway 31A connects Gangtok with Siliguri and this picturesque highway runs through the lush green forests along the bank of river Teesta on one side and sky touching mountain ranges of Eastern Himalaya on other side.
Sikkim Helicopter Service Height of Luxury: For the more discerning travellers, Sikkim Tourism presents the Sikkim Helicopter Service from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport and back. The five-seater Helicopter offers an exclusive mode of transport not merely enabling connecting flights, but also to see Sikkim from an entirely new view.
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CAPE TOWN
South Africa’s Mother City Beautifully tended with breathtaking beauty Cape Town blazes with colour from the brightly painted facades of the Bo-Kaap, the contorting singing musicians at Victoria and Albert Waterfront to the city’s lovely manicured hotels and the natural contrast of the greengrey Table Mountain rising majestically against a vibrant sky and a cool blue coast. This South African metro is alight with possibilities for the visitor in search good clean fun. This edition of Whereabouts brings more on this fascinating City of South Africa. Compiled by WH Desk
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ape Town is home to the world-famous Table Mountain and Robben Island. With an international airport and busy port, the city is a bustling metropolis that is particularly popular with international travellers for its cultural mix, urban sophistication and stunning scenery.
A top attractions itinerary for the Mother City ought to include a trip up the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain, a New 7 Wonder of Nature; a boat trip to Robben Island, where worldrenowned humanitarian Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years; a tour of the Winelands in Durbanville or Stellenbosch; a sightseeing trip along Chapman’s Peak Drive; a relaxing afternoon at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront); and a drive to Simon’s Town, where a breeding colony of African penguins lives on Boulders Beach. Cape Town is the ideal prelude to a South African itinerary, lying as it does only 40km from the Cape of Good Hope. The soaring contours of Table Mountain, dominates the skyline and infuses the city with a sense of glowing optimism. Nothing quite prepares you for Cape Town’s beauty and this is where one can feel perfectly in tune with the new South Africa. Here, one strongly feels the pulse of the past though young by Indian standards this over 360-year-old city has a number of historic buildings and sites such as the oldest synagogue, the oldest continuously occupied building (The Castle of Good Hope) and the oldest garden (The Company Garden) in South Africa. There are many art galleries, museums, restaurants and bars that add to its charm and vibrancy.
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Must-Visit, See and Do Discover Cape Town in Unique and Interesting Ways ÂÂTake the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain for a bird’s eyeview of the city. For outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, you can even hike up to the top. ÂÂWhile atop the majestic Table Mountain, don’t take the beaten path back down. Instead, you can abseil off or take a ride down the zip line. ÂÂA heliflip over Cape Town is an exciting option and offers stunning aerial views of the city, where the bustle of city-life is perfectly juxtaposed with the magnificence of nature. ÂÂEnjoy an open-air experience of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula while being chauffeured around in a vintage World War II motorbike with a sidecar, wearing cool retro biking gear. ÂÂUnder the looming Twelve Apostles and Lions Head, with views out across the turquoise-coloured sea, Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s chic and undeniably pretty suburbs. Incidentally, another recommended trek is to the summit of Lion’s Head, particularly on a full moon night. ÂÂSwim, surf, sunbathe, play a sport or simply hang out at the Blue Flag beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay.
WHEREABOUTS
Art, Culture, Heritage & Nature Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in art, be steeped in nostalgia or simply allow yourself to be taken over by the colourful vibe in the city, Cape Town offers you the apt setting. Not far from V&A Waterfront is Nobel Square where larger-than-life statues of South Africa’s four Nobel Prize winners including Nelson Mandela are great photo opportunity for visitors. The Two Oceans Aquarium at the Waterfront is a magnet for kids. Explore City Bowl, Cape Town’s commercial heart, burrow into the leafy Company’s Gardens and check out the Victorian and Art Deco architecture. People from all walks of life come together at the Old Biscuit Mill to share experiences, enjoy art, food and hearty laughter at this market. There’s even some great distractions for kids including Two Oceans Aquarium at the Waterfront; Ratanga Junction which a theme park with thrilling rides and a sense of fun, and the MTN Science Centre that makes science fun and accessible to kids.
Apart from all of these attractions you have events taking place around the year, which you should definitely check out for on your trip. Food and Wine Festival will be underway in Hermanus in early August and in early October will kick-off the Two Oceans Whale Festival there. While September will see Cape Town celebrate Creative Week, Cape Town International Kite Festival will take-off from 31st October to 1st November.
Nightlife in Cape Town Cape Town’s energy is unrivalled and the day does not end at sunset. Revel in some of the most happening party places across the city. From old school bars and beerhouses to new cool sports bars and comedy clubs, Cape Town has it all. If you are looking to pull an all-night party, Long Street is the place to be. There are bars, restaurants, jazz lounges, clubs – you name it, everything is available on Long Street which is at the heart of the Capetonian’s passion for food and partying. Camps Bay sports some of the trendiest places in Cape Town to see and be seen at. Victoria Road in Camps Bay is Cape Town’s sunset capital where on a breezy summer evening you can perch yourself at one of the tables out on pavements and platforms in restaurants, and sip on cocktails while witnessing a spectacular view of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. If you want the merriment to keep going even after the last of the parties have winded down, then make your way to the Grand West Casino.
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WHEREABOUTS Shop Till You Drop Cape Town shopping and its suburbs can be an exciting experience. For the international tourist, shopping in Cape Town is relatively inexpensive due to the favourable exchange rate and comparatively low production costs. Shop till you drop at the well-designed malls such as the Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, The Cape Quarter at Green Point, The Cavendish Square in Claremont and Tygervalley Shopping Centre. You can also get the best of your Jewellery designs here as many of South Africa’s most artistic goldsmiths and Jewellery designers reside in Cape Town. Antique shops, craft markets, flea markets and art galleries thrive in Cape Town. Pan African Market in Long Street brims with trinkets and artifacts from across the continent.
The Test Kitchen is Africa’s best restaurant and has made it to various World’s Best lists. Owner and head chef, Luke Dale-Roberts applies his inventiveness to bring Nouvelle Latin cuisine reimagined with a South African touch. La Colombe is yet another widely acclaimed and wildly popular restaurant nestled in the Western Cape. Set in the tranquil luxury of the Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, La Colombe is a must visit experience.
Accommodation Being one of the world’s prime leisure destinations, Cape Town has a wide range of accommodation available. Luxury Hotels in Cape Town ÂÂThe Taj, Cape Town ÂÂThe One and Only Cape Town ÂÂCape Royale Luxury Hotel ÂÂThe Table Bay at Waterfront ÂÂThe Westin ÂÂManna Bay, 12 Apostles Budget Hotels in Cape Town ÂÂThe Fritz Hotel
Eating Out South African food rejoices the country’s rich cultural heritage and the natural bounty of plants, seafood and meat; the cuisine is rich in colour, flavor and taste. The country has mastered the art of serving delectable cuisine that suits every mood and palette. Majority of the restaurants in Cape Town will serve vegetarian and vegan food keeping in mind the growing Indian tourist arrivals in the country. Eating out in Cape Town is a pleasure as it is known as one of the world’s finest culinary capital. Stroll down Kloof Street, the beachfront at Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront and Parklands where you will come across multi cuisine restaurants from Middle Eastern, Mexican, Italian, Thai, Continental, Sea food and Indian.
ÂÂProtea Hotel Cape Castle ÂÂAdderley Hotel ÂÂHoliday Inn Express ÂÂLady Hamilton Hotel ÂÂTsogo Sun Waterfront
Need to Know Best Time to Visit: The very best time to visit Cape Town is during the summer, when the weather’s great and there are activities and events galore. Winter is less crowded with visitors, and there is still plenty to do. Get Around: Self-drive is a good option and hiring a vehicle will give you the freedom to move around at will. However, additional transport options (buses, trains, taxis, minibuses) are available. What to Pack: Cape Town is hot and dry (and sometimes very windy) in summer (November to February). In winter, the rainy season, make sure you take rain-resistant gear, and warm jerseys or jackets for the evenings. Getting Here Cape Town is a popular long-haul destination and there are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport from numerous overseas destinations. The Mother City is well-serviced by domestic fights. You can also drive to Cape Town on good roads from South Africa’s other cities.
Contact Cape Town Tourism Information Tel: +27 (0)21 405 4500 Email: info@tourismcapetown.co.za
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Think Strawberries celebrates anniversary along with rapid growth, client retention and market expansion Think Strawberries is a leading travel representation company offering sales, marketing, public relation and media services in India and the Middle East. Jai Kishan Kaparwan
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he company is a uniquely positioned, dynamic venture of some of the finest, most high profile travel professionals, along with a talent pool of handpicked senior achievers from the top corporates. It’s aim is to provide a differentiated edge, aligned to cross-industry best practices, as its the only company offering 360-degree travel representation services. The company also offers digital marketing and planning, communication and creatives, travel trade events and exhibitions and overall brand development services. Think Strawberries was founded with the combined vision and idea of its cofounder, Amit Kishore, and a board of international travel experts to create a new kind of enterprise; one dedicated solely to be a market and thought leader in the travel representation business. Over the last 10 years, digital, social, and mobile technologies have changed how and how much people travel. The result of this transformation is a new era in travel where India has become the global travel giant. India is currently the world’s fastest growing outbound market and in absolute numbers it is second only to China. It is predicted that India will account for nearly 30 million outbound tourists by 2018. “We built Think Strawberries to channel the India outbound market which is on an upward surge. Tourism boards, theme parks or hotels, are all looking to invest in India’s outbound traffic and we are there to define their business and its opportunities in the Indian market. Our goal and vision is finding shape thanks to our customers and partners, who, like us, seized the opportunity to put Think Strawberries on top of the pile. The vision of our company is to continue to innovate and grow in the travel space,” says Amit Kishore, co-founder, Think Strawberries. Munnmunn Marwah, COO, Think Strawberries, comments, “Our success is testament to Think Strawberries innovation, client-centric philosophy, which is supported by outstanding teams for sales, marketing and PR. In the structure of people,
Amit Kishore Co-founder Think Strawberries
Munnmunn Marwah COO Think Strawberries
process, and technology, we have become the leader which have provided critical foundation to our future successes.” THE THINK STRAWBERRIES SUCCESS STORIES Think Strawberries has been representing Taiwan Tourism Bureau since 2011, and Taiwan has shown a tremendous growth from 18,000 passengers in 2011 to 32,000+ passengers in 2015. This has resulted in more China Airlines flights between India and Taiwan. Jordan Tourism Board has been with Think Strawberries since 2014, and till April 2016 the numbers have been very positive. Maldives is another success story – they have signed with Think Strawberries for the third year consecutively in 2016, and
the numbers to Maldives are registering a 14-16% growth year on year. Yas Island and Ferrari World are with Think Strawberries since 2015 and continue to be best-sellers in the Indian market. “We deliver where it counts, if you are a destination, your numbers will increase; if you are a hotel, we promise increase in room nights and if you are a theme park, we will increase your ticket sales. We believe in hard-core sales and all our marketing and PR activities tie in with this ultimate goal. The company has succeeded in positioning itself as a model for the travel industry in India and the sub-continent, as well as in expanding its operations to several other parts of India and abroad; and in consolidating a world class corporate culture,” says Marwah.
New Discovery in Petra
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his discovery was recently reported by archaeologists Sarah Parcak and Chris Tuttle in a study published in The Journal of American Schools of Oriental Research (BASOR). Lina Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities stated, “The historic discovery of something this monumentally significant brings us to a state of pride, joy and awe. The fact that technological advancement has given us a glimpse into our history is a sign that we must further invest in the future to be able to see and uncover our past.”
Elaborating on this she further said, “This discovery brings us closer to our heritage and tounder standing the prosperous civilization of the Nabateans. With that said, we’re proud to further look into drone technology, satellite imaging and excavation ventures in hopes of bringing more of Jordan’s hidden treasures to light. We’re also very excited to see the enthusiasm with which this amazing finding was welcomed globally, hoping it bodes well for Jordan’s tourism industry.”
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South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival starts from July
New riverbank development enhances accessibility in Adelaide
One of the most popular summer festivals of South Korea will be held on the west coast at Daecheon Beach Mud Plaza in Boryeong begins from 15th July for ten days.
The $6bn redevelopment of the Adelaide Riverbank precinct which includes the Bio-Medical City, Adelaide Convention Centre and Adelaide Oval projects is about to enter its next phase with works to commence in August on the 25,000sq metre Festival Plaza development.
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he Boryeong mud, which is rich in mineral component is collected from the yellow sea. The mud has elements, which prevent skin aging. Every year, this festival attracts youth from different parts of the world. The side events like mud bath games, mud wrestling, swimming in the mud mega tub and the vibrant music nights offer the visitors to have fun. Visitors feeling particularly energetic can try the marine mud-training course, whilst those looking for something more chilled can relax in the mud massage zone. In the evening, music and fireworks continue the party on the beach. According to Byungsun Lee, Director, Korea Tourism Organization, India, “The
WH Desk Boryeong Mud Festival is one of the offerings from the land of festival, South Korea. It attracts the biggest number of foreign visitors during the season. I would like to invite the Indian visitors to experience this enjoyable and exciting mud experience in South Korea this summer.” The admission tickets to experience zone range from INR 450 - INR 600 approximately. The Festival is open to all from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm at the Daecheon Beach and Downtown area. The beach is easily commutable through train and intercity buses or car from Seoul.
Balboa Park extends summer hours and offerings WH Desk
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rom pandas and koala bears at its iconic zoo, to a remarkable collection of museums and gardens, this oasis in the heart of the city has been a vibrant part of San Diego culture for a hundred years. First and foremost, Balboa Park is a horticultural marvel: the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden alone has more than 130 varieties of roses. This summer Balboa Park museums come alive after 5 p.m. Adding to the evening bustle of organ pavilion concerts, dance and theater performances, and restaurant activity, numerous institutions
in the park will offer extended hours on select evenings till Sept. 2, 2016. The following museums will stay open until 8 p.m. on Fridays: Japanese Friendship Garden, Mingei International Museum, San Diego Art Institute, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego History Center, San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego Natural History Museum, and The San Diego Museum of Art. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center may begin extended hours July 1. The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) will continue to offer extended evening hours on Thursdays. On Fridays from May 6 through Sept. 2, 2016, four or more food trucks will park in Balboa Park’s centrally located Plaza de Panama from 5 to 9 p.m. The park will offer additional entertainment, photo booths, games and other activities, some on a discounted basis. The Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park and San Diego Public Library will host a series of public events related to First Folio.
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he project site, located a oneminute walk east of the Adelaide Convention Centre will see the entire Riverbank region linked to become the most connected and easily accessible business, events and entertainment precinct in Australia. All Riverbank facilities as well as 3,500 hotel rooms are situated within 5 minutes’ walk of the Adelaide Convention Centre situated in the heart of the Riverbank Precinct. This new phase will include a $220m redevelopment of the plaza around the Festival Theatre - transforming one of the city’s most important public spaces into Adelaide’s premier meeting and entertainment hub including an expansion of the existing green space in response to public consultation. Wide promenades will connect major city streets to the plaza, the Adelaide Oval footbridge and through to the Convention Centre. In addition to the Riverbank precinct development, the Adelaide City Council in conjunction with the State Government has announced a $15m upgrade to the laneways connecting the Riverbank to the famous Adelaide Central market. In a move that further enhances the accessibility and ease of movement around the city, the largest undercover fresh food market in the Southern Hemisphere offering fresh local produce as well as international delicacies and an array of dining options will be linked with a pedestrian and cycle friendly pathway through 5 laneways to the Riverbank. Speaking on the development, Damien Kitto, CEO, Adelaide Convention Bureau said, “Adelaide’s Riverbank precinct will surprise and delight those new to the city and those who have not visited in some time. It is nationally unique in its ease of accessibility and walking distance proximity to key city attractions and venues as well as a multitude of boutique bars, restaurants and major hotels.”
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New York City to host IGLTA’s 2019 Annual Global Convention WH Desk
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YC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, and the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) announced that New York City will host IGLTA’s 2019 Annual Global Convention, the premier educational and networking event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender tourism industry. More than 600 participants are expected to attend the three-day convention in spring 2019. “In 2019, New York City will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and IGLTA has chosen to share this celebration with the global LGBT travel industry,” said IGLTA Board Chair Juan Julia. “Our members will be able to attend a great conference and also experience New York City’s incredibly vibrant LGBT community. Rich with history and the cachet of being the city that never sleeps, there’s never a shortage of things to do in New York City, whether you’re looking
Australian High Commission grants 150,000th visitor visa WH Desk
for theater, film screenings, museums, restaurants or world-class gay bars and clubs.” The announcement comes on the heels of New York City’s annual Pride celebration, which took place June 19-26 and is among the most popular in the world. Each year, millions of people participate in events including The March, PrideFest, Dance on the Pier, and The Rally. “We are thrilled that in 2019, just months before the 50th anniversary of the historic events at Stonewall, New York City will be home to IGLTA’s Annual Global Convention,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “We look forward to showing IGLTA’s membership exactly what makes New York City the most vibrant and welcoming LGBT destination in the world.”
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ndia is becoming one of the fastest growing markets for Australian tourism and visitors. The Australian High Commission in New Delhi has granted a record 150,000 Visitor visas during the 2015-16 program year. Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Harinder Sidhu, said, “It is a landmark achievement. This is the first time ever that we have reached the 150,000-mark in visitor visa approvals in India for a year.” “One hundred fifty thousand visitor visas is a sign of the growth of the relations between our two countries. I welcome it as a positive milestone. The achievement underlines the fast expanding links between Australia and India.” “More and more Indians are travelling to Australia for business, tourism and to study in our universities, as well as visit family,” Sidhu said.
Taiwan remains a must-visit destination for young travellers Taiwan remains a youth magnet for the new generation willing to understand and uncover the gem that resides in its geography. The dazzling metropolis of Taipei is home to a number of experiences - both youthful and cosmopolitan. WH Desk
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he exotic country of Taiwan is adventurous and offers a mosaic of scenic beauties to fulfill the quest for travelling pursued by young travellers. Young educated youth with an easy access to technology and available information find the Taiwanese cities fascinating to travel and engage in a plethora of youthful activities. Explore the iconic landmark of Taipei 101, shop in the bustling night markets or go clubbing in the sprawling clubs to soak in the infectious vibe of the city that never sleeps. Taipei 101 Mall features a world class shopping destination to shop for luxury goods, fine dining and fashion.
Steeped in tradition and culture, Taipei is home to famous monuments, landmark sites and premier centers for performing arts. Moving further away from Taipei, Hsinchu, Hualein, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Puli and many other destinations offer a myriad of experiences. A land of rugged mountainous terrain with abundant rainfall, for experienced mountaineers and hikers, it is the most sought after destination to go for mountain adventure. Young travellers oozing with the passion to explore the hidden gems of nature can participate in outdoor activities that include: The underwater adventure in the tropical surface, hiking in the foothills close to the city or climbing the roof of Taiwan, Mt. Hade at nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, the highest mountain in Northeast Asia. Economical stays and warm hospitality of the locals makes it very convenient for youngsters to travel to Taiwan where adventure never seems to end.
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Dream Hotel Group announces expansion plans with eight hotels in new destinations WH Desk
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ream Hotel Group took the opportunity to announce $200 million in properties in India at Goa and Jaipur and another $1.5 billion in new hotel development, including Doha and five other locations, all with independent hotel development partners. Future U.S. locations include Nashville, Dallas, Palm Springs, and two additional New York properties in Times Square and Long Island City. “We are thrilled that the Dream brand of hospitality, marked by vibrant nightlife and dining opportunities, has resonated so widely,” said Jay Stein, CEO, Dream Hotel Group. “These new developments double the footprint of our founding brand and give our loyal guests many more options to explore the other side of themselves.” The new locations mark a thrilling new chapter for Dream Hotels, the group’s founding luxury lifestyle brand positioning them as international hospitality innovators. The Dream Hotels brand is on track to have five hotels operating in renowned U.S. cities by early 2019, with an additional opening in Doha, Qatar, Dream Hotels’ first foray into the Middle East. India development will begin this year and the properties are expected to be ready by 2019-20.
“We will be announcing additional properties in the coming months, continuing to solidify our burgeoning portfolio,” added Stein. “The expansion stands as testimony to the passion that the Dream team shows me every day in bringing rich experiences to our guests.” “We always believed in the Dream brand, but it’s exciting to see so many of our development partners believing in the same dream and turning it into a reality,” noted David Kuperberg, Chief Development Officer, Dream Hotel Group. Dream Hollywood will be a driving force in the ongoing revitalization of Hollywood. The hotel features 179 guest rooms and suites, five dining and nightlife venues in or adjacent to the property, and a spacious 11,000-square-foot rooftop. The property is expected to open in September 2016. Dream Nashville will be located in the heart of the city’s historic downtown featuring 169 rooms. The property is expected to open in mid 2018. Opening in the second half of 2018, Dream Dallas will be a 260 room Dream Hotel Group development. Slated to open in 2018, Dream Palm Springs will have 175 rooms. The first of two planned New York openings for the group, Dream Times Square
will open in the second half of 2018. The 239 room property will be located in New York’s iconic entertainment destination. Dream Long Island City will see the lifestyle hotel group’s foray into the city’s underutilised Queens Borough, a gallant follow-up to the celebrated Dream Hotels properties in Midtown and Downtown. The 254 key property is expected to open in 2019. Dream Doha, a development with Al Alfia Holdings with design by Meyer Davis, will open in late 2019. The ambitious 325 room property, featuring nine dining and nightlife venues, is the first Middle Eastern development for the brand and a pivotal step in the expansion strategy.
Wyndham Hotel Group unveils strategic global transformation across 16 brands WH Desk Wyndham Hotel Group unveiled its vision for the democratization of travel, bringing the hospitality industry one step closer to providing great value and quality experiences at every price point. WHG’s roadmap for the strategic transformation of its iconic brands is aimed at elevating the travel experience for millennials and the diverse global middle class. The product of an 18-month study focused on 50 recognised hotel brands along with the primary decision drivers of thousands of business and leisure travellers around the world, WHG’s global transformation will reposition and revitalise its 16 economy, midscale and upscale brands to meet the needs of travellers regardless of their budget or traveling style. From rejuvenated interiors and refreshed marketing campaigns to
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enhanced perks targeted to the kinds of travellers each brand welcomes, guests will begin to see changes throughout WHG as early as summer 2016. “We believe travel is about creating lasting memories, but given what’s currently available in the market, travellers are forced to compromise enriching experiences because of price,” said Josh Lesnick, WHG’s Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s time for the hospitality industry to get democratization right – it’s not just about value for money, it’s about the freedom to explore your world the way you want. Wyndham Hotel Group’s transformation enables that freedom.” WHG’s transformation is unlocking the untapped opportunity to serve the everyday traveller, whose needs and preferences are often more nuanced than the existing ‘economy’ options available to them. Travel
and tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, with its contributions to the global GDP expected to rise from $7.2 trillion to $11 trillion over the next decade as the global middle class more than doubles from 2 billion to 4.9 billion. With its powerhouse portfolio of nearly 8,000 hotels worldwide in the economy, midscale and upscale segments, WHG is well-poised to meet these demographic tailwinds and lead the hospitality industry in empowering guests to have great experiences at a great value. “We are transforming at a time when the $7.2 trillion global travel and tourism industry is growing faster than the global economy, fueled largely by millennials and an increasingly travel-curious middle class,” said WHG chief executive officer Geoff Ballotti.
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‘OYO for Business’ now live on app WH Desk
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YO has announced the availability of its self-serve platform for business travellers on its mobile app. Called ‘OYO for Business’, the platform offers rooms to cater to the needs of corporate travellers. Amenities include air-conditioned rooms equipped with flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and 24x7 customer-care support. Speaking on this launch, Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO - OYO, said, “OYO has ushered in an era of reliable customer experience in the highly fragmented and unpredictable category of unbranded hotels in India. We are thrilled to extend our brand promise to business travellers across India’s premier corporate, SMEs and start-ups. We are confident that business travel in India will become more rewarding and hassle-free once booked through OYO for Business.” The platform offers ease of creating bulk bookings via the web and mobile app along with the added convenience of travel-expense management. Companies that enrolled in the pilot phase include
WH Desk
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arlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, has appointed K.B. Kachru as Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, South Asia, effective July 1, 2016.
Ritesh Agarwal Founder & CEO OYO
corporates such as Citibank, Sony, E-value serve, Ranbaxy, Capgemini and L&T and start-ups including Zomato and Snapdeal. Since launch, more than 4500 corporate have come onboard with OYO for Business with recurring demand from 1500 of them. Top clients include ITC Limited, Bharti Airtel, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Ernst & Young, Bennett Coleman & Company, AMW Motors, Hitachi and start-ups such as Delhivery, Grofers and IndiaMart.
Hotels.com integrates Uber into mobile app Hotels.com announced the integration of Uber into its mobile app, enabling customers to book an Uber to take them directly to their hotel at the touch of a button. WH Desk
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his integration is powered by Button, the mobile economy app, so customers using the Hotels.com Android app can now book an Uber in 30 different languages and in all countries that Uber operates in. Dan Craig, Senior Director, Mobile, Hotels. com explained, “At Hotels.com we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of mobile technology developments in the travel industry, so being one of the first OTAs to offer this Uber service is fantastic news. Like us, Uber are technology leaders in their field and together we’re making it easy for travelers to get to their hotel in a hassle-free way, so they can start their trip sooner. We are always looking for ways to enhance our in-stay mobile offering, so watch this space for more exciting features coming soon.”
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K.B. Kachru appointed Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor, Carlson Rezidor
Customers staying at any of the properties available through Hotels.com will see an Uber Button appear in their app on the day their hotel stay begins, both on the homepage and in the reservation section. When a user taps the ‘Ride there with Uber’ button, their current location and hotel address is automatically pre-populated within Uber’s application, making the entire experience seamless. Button is the marketplace behind the integration and offers a simple and efficient way to scalably build partnerships on mobile; that add complementary services and drive revenue, all with a great user experience. “Button continually proves that the best way to build monetisable experiences is to think about the user first,” said Michael Jaconi, CEO & Co-Founder, Button. “By giving users access to the things they want when they need it most - in this case, a quick way to hail an Uber, and get to your hotel faster - Button opens up a revenue channel that delivers value for all parties involved including, and above all, the user.”
In his new capacity, Kachru will continue to be on the board of the Group’s South Asia
K.B. Kachru Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, South Asia
business entities, serve as an outstanding ambassador and represent the company at industry forums and governmental affairs, while enabling strategic growth opportunities. Kachru has been instrumental in building the business in India since 1998. Most recently, he was Chairman and a Mentor to Raj Rana, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, of the Group, since 2013. Prior to that, Kachru served as Executive Vice President, responsible for the overall strategy, hotel development, management and functional support of key markets within South Asia, overseeing Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s joint venture companies in India. “K.B. has made outstanding contributions in building and growing Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s South Asia business from strength to strength in the past 20 years. India is our fortress market in Asia Pacific and we remain not only committed, but accelerated and invested in this market. I wish him great success in his new role as we continue to leverage his industry standing, strong owner relationships and goodwill to reinforce our lead position in the country,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
HOSPITALITY
Treebo Hotels earns 2016 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for 9 Properties WH Desk
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reebo Group of Hotels, the Bangalorebased chain of budget hotels has announced receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 9 of its properties for 2016. In its sixth year, the achievement upholds hospitality businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Urs Regency (Bangalore), Orchard Suites (Bangalore), Natraj (Delhi), Turtle Beach Resort (Goa), Woodsvilla Suites (Jaipur), Raya Inn (Jaipur), Hummingbird (Mumbai), Archana Residency (Mumbai) and Urban Oasis (Mysore) are the recipients of this recognition for delivering quality customer experience under the auspices of Treebo Hotels.
Sidharth Gupta, Co-Founder of Treebo said, “This award recognises our efforts in consistently delivering the best service
and experience at our properties for travellers. This recognition is special to us as it is based on the reviews by our guests. Receiving such positive feedback is quite encouraging and we endeavour to constantly guarantee memorable experiences for our existing as well as future guests.” “With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honours hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travellers”, said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travellers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travellers feel more confident in their booking decisions.” The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recent reviews
Sidharth Gupta Co-Founder Treebo
submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
ExperienceTshampua, an ancient Indian massage at V Resorts WH Desk
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Resorts focuses on introducing the harried Indian traveller to unexplored, sublime destinations in the country. And so they aim to curate holiday experiences that are novel, memorable and extremely unique. Experiences around the undiscovered facets and destinations, the local gems of India are at the centre of this. Keeping in sync, V Resorts offers Tshampua, an age-old tradition of dry massage still practiced in the rural parts of the country.
A nearly-dry (essential oil can be used on request), head and foot massage, it involves kneading and applying friction to give relaxation. A head and foot massage in trueblue desi style brings immense relaxation and relief from stress related symptoms. Mentioned in Ancient Indian texts too, the Tshampua is known to invigorate and stimulate the muscles and firm up the skin. Tsampua is our attempt to revive the age-old technique of relaxation. As with the advent of more and more spas and fancy therapies, the head started to get increasingly ignored.
Ironically, it is the head, along with face, neck and upper shoulders that accumulates most stress.
Link @ Sheraton Happy Hours
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ave you been eyeing on that delicious slice of cake at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel? If yes, you are in for a treat as Link @ Sheraton is offering products at half the price From 7pm to 10 pm daily, treat yourself to half-priced breads, pastries and cakes Honestly one of the best deals in town! Relish an assortment of irresistible baked goods at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, Gachibowli.
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Djubo crosses 1000 Indian hotels client mark in a span of 9 months WH Desk
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JUBO is a fast growing hotel tech company that has made its presence known in more than 150 cities in India and has over 1000 Indian hotel clients within a span of 9 months of funding. They are managing daily bookings worth 1.1 Cr every single day which amounts to approximately 1 percent of the entire hotel industry in India. Managing 3300 room night transactions every single day is quite a big feat as compared to some OTAs. For practically every single client they have increasing online revenue in a very short time. In today’s Indian hotel landscape, only 20 percent of hotel inventory is visible online in spite of all the OTAs and Aggregators present. The biggest challenge faced by Hoteliers was that using SAAS products only gave efficiency gains in terms of time
but their revenue gain was not increased. Since only 80 percent of hotels are utilizing either very little or no technology, more than 90,000 hotels in India are missing out on the internet and OTA bandwagon. The hotel tech products that are currently in the market today are not well equipped to solve the Indian hotelier’s major pain points, but are more focused to helping hoteliers in other developing countries. Tarun Gulati from DJUBO said, “Early mentors had warned us against starting a SAAS business in the Indian SME space citing poor payment collections especially in the hospitality sector. They had wanted us to look outside India. But, we felt that the Indian hospitality industry was in need of a revamp. In order to ease the hotel industry into the online market, we came up with a 360° sales platform.”
Monsoon offerRomance in style at One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
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his monsoon surprise and delight your partner and enjoy the wonder and romance of Old Arabia amidst the splendor of One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. Breathe in the moments to be remembered forever, from playing in the sea and indulging at the award-winning spa to dining on fabulous cuisine and dancing barefoot in the sand. Starting from AED 1,440 (INR 27,000 approx.) onwards per room per night, reserve your stay for minimum 2 nights to enjoy the package. The package includes: ÂÂComplimentary breakfast in bed ÂÂOne romantic dinner for two per stay in any of the 7 restaurants ÂÂ2 for 1 on Traditional Oriental Hammam or One&Only Spa Experience Booking period: Book by 30 September 2016 Valid for travel: Till 30 September 2016
Cambodia Joins the Six Senses Assemblage of Amazing Destinations WH Desk
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he portfolio of inspiring destinations that create the settings for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is to expand to an exciting island location in Cambodia, a country steeped in history and reemerging onto the world stage of exotic destinations. Six Senses Krabey Island is scheduled to premiere in 2017. From its beginnings in 1995, Six Senses quickly became recognized as the hospitality industry’s pioneer of sustainable practices, demonstrating that responsibility can be successfully wedded to uncompromised high-end facilities. Six Senses Krabey Island further reinforces this dedication to the environment and the community. Located on the island of Krabey, the resort is comprised of 40 pool villas set around the naturally landscaped 30-acre island, with its highest point being 137 feet (42 meters) above sea level. Guests arrive at the mainland reception before the short water transfer to the island. Sihanoukville Airport is less than a 10 minute drive from the mainland jetty, Phnom Penh International
34 July 2016
Airport is a three-and-a-half-hour drive and Siem Reap International Airport is a scenic eight and a half hours. Sihanoukville Airport has domestic as well as international flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and also has the capability to facilitate international private jets and helicopters. “We are delighted to add this gorgeous gem to our portfolio of island escapes,” said Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas President Bernhard Bohnenberger. “It is a great pleasure to align with a like-minded and committed owner when it comes to sustainability and wellness. RPB Investment company based in Cambodia has taken careful steps to preserve and protect the island of Krabey and is also employing thoughtful and conscientious design into the project’s building practices. We are eager to offer an enticing holiday option and new destination to travelers bound for Cambodia and Southeast Asia.” The resort’s private pool villas exemplify Six Senses’ commitment to using sustainable material while embracing modern technology for total guest convenience and comfort. Living rooms will include a day
bed that can be adapted to an additional bed, minibar and working desk. The master bedroom will feature a bed with a netting canopy while the bathroom includes a generous bathtub. Some villas will also feature outdoor showers. All units include a private plunge pool and decking ideal for sunbathing and al fresco poolside dining. The resort will offer the Sleep with Six Senses experience which includes Naturalmat mattresses and dedicated sleep ambassadors to guide guests in achieving the very best night’s sleep. Retreat and Reserve villa categories will offer mini wine cellars. An all-day restaurant will serve a fresh breakfast buffet and a la carte selections, a la carte casual lunches and seasonally themed dinners.
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CRUISE
Costa Group Asia Partners with Hello Kitty to Offer Themed Vacations in China WH Desk
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osta Group Asia and Sanrio Company Ltd. will enter into a two-year strategic partnership to launch the first ever Hello Kitty design tailor-made for a cruise liner Costa Group Asia together with Sanrio Company Ltd. announced the launch of the first Hello Kitty designed specifically for use on a seagoing vessel, providing exceptional cruise vacations for Chinese passengers in the upcoming summer Under a two-year strategic partnership agreement, the specially designed Costa Hello Kitty will be introduced on three of Costa Group Asia’s China-based vessels -- Costa Atlantica, Costa Serena and Costa Fortuna -- pairing the much loved Hello Kitty with the ships’ elegant Italian style to deliver a unique cruising experience. Passengers will enjoy Hello Kitty-themed cabins with walls and doors featuring the image of Hello Kitty and her dolls. The iconic image will also be presented on soft sheets and fluffy pillows
In 2006, Costa Group Asia became the first international cruise company to enter the China market. The innovative spirit and intuitive understanding of what Chinese passengers desire comes naturally to the brand, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in China this year. Appealing to Chinese children and adults alike, this joint effort will further cultivate the “cruise is the destination” concept and create a new cruise holiday experience for passengers of all ages. “Over the past decade, Costa Group Asia has understood the market in China better than any other player and we will remain committed to providing the most innovative and high-quality cruise products for our Chinese passengers,” said Buhdy Bok, Costa Group Asia president. “Costa Group Asia is dedicated to making strong partnerships with leading brands across diversified fields. Together with Sanrio Company Ltd., we hope that we can combine our Italian style cruises with the image of Hello Kitty to provide special voyages full of happiness and joy for our passengers.”
NTO
Tirun brings Weekend Special offer
DISCOUNT & OFFERS
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he first time ever Tirun Travel Marketing brings a short sailing opportunity to make the leisure time precious and memorable for you. Get ready to make your weekend valuable with the quick and refreshing journey to Italy and France. This Voyage takes you from Rome and back – just enough time to explore the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Coliseum. Then it’s off to Saint-Tropez, France, a charming old world French Riviera town. A day in Portofino, Italy, presents the perfect photo opportunity as the ship approaches the Multi coloured homes built into the side of the hills overlooking the water. And Back to Rome, because one day is just never enough. Sailing Date: August 19, 2016 Ship: Azamara Journey Itinerary: 3 Night Weekend Departing from: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Sailing To: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Saint-Tropez, France, Santa Margherita (Portofino), Italy, Price: $709* per person
Tourism New Zealand announces Kiwi Link India 2016 New Zealand along with showcasing new products and services that are available.
Tourism New Zealand’s annual travel trade event, Kiwi Link India, is scheduled to take place from July 11-13, 2016 in Mumbai.
Speaking about the event, Kevin Bowler, Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand, said, “ Having a well-informed travel trade is critical to converting interest into bookings. This event provides an ideal platform for us to strengthen relations with our stakeholders in the Indian travel trade, supporting their ability to sell travel to New Zealand, particularly during the shoulder seasons.”
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he event will include full day workshops on July 11 & 12 and a frontline training for travel trade agents in Mumbai on July 13, 2016. The event will provide the opportunity for the Indian travel agents, product managers and planners to interact with New Zealand operators and understand the new developments in the tourism sector. Kiwi Link India 2016 will be seeing participation from 35 operators from New Zealand, 4 Airlines, Immigration New Zealand and 80 Indian delegates. Tourism New Zealand will also be hosting key buyers from around India in Mumbai for the first two days of the event. Throughout the three-
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Steven Dixon Regional Manager-South & South East Asia New Zealand Tourism
day Kiwi Link event, Tourism New Zealand aims to connect New Zealand operators with Indian travel agents to strengthen trade relations between the two countries. The event helps travel partners highlight the destination’s unique range of offerings from
Steven Dixon, Regional Manager-South and South East Asia, Tourism New Zealand, said, “Tourism from India to New Zealand is on a rise and we are very confident to keep this momentum going for our new financial year as well. The experiential nature of Indian travellers has also put the country at a high rank for New Zealand operators. In a pre-budget announcement during TRENZ 2016, the Prime Minister John Key confirmed an additional USD 8 million over four years for Tourism New Zealand to target visitor growth opportunities in the USA and India.”
FACT & FIGURES
Improving Flight Operations Delivers Green Benefits While aviation looks to the upcoming ICAO Assembly for a global market-based measure for carbon emissions, environmental improvements in daily operations continue apace Fuel efficiency is improving about 2 percent a year, well ahead of the average 1.5 percent improvement targeted through 2020. IATA presented a detailed report. Here are the excerpts. WH Desk
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nd though a global offsetting scheme needs to be agreed at the forthcoming ICAO Assembly, if aviation is to achieve the next milestone of carbon-neutral growth from 2020, operational and technological enhancements that drive fuel efficiency will continue to play a significant role in the industry’s environment strategy. Better operational practice and new technology are two of four industry pillars on climate action, alongside positive economic measures and improved infrastructure. Last year, the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) worked with IATA and other associations to publish a set of efficiency case studies by the industry, Aviation Climate Solutions. “The case studies show the wide variety of climate action across the sector,” says ATAG Executive Director, Michael Gill. “Carbon emissions reduction projects by over 400 organisations in 65 countries are represented. But this is only a snapshot of the projects underway. The most impressive realisation is the sheer amount of collaboration between industry partners, helping to drive efficiency. Action is taking place in all parts of the world: not only at large organisations, but also through partners in emerging economies.”
Airline Innovation Many roads lead to better fuel efficiency. Lufthansa and Israel Aerospace Industries have developed the TaxiBot aircraft tug, for example, that gets an aircraft to its departure position without using the main engines, saving fuel, noise, and emissions. It has been in regular operation at Frankfurt Airport since February 2015. Meanwhile, Croatia Airlines aligned its potable water use with demand resulting in annual fuel savings equating to about 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per A319/A320 while cabin reconfigurations have similarly reduced aircraft weight and fuel use, cutting CO2 by 80 tonnes per year per aircraft. South African Airways takes fuel efficiency seriously, according to Tlali Tlali, Manager of Media Relations. “We remain keen to implement new measures aimed at promoting more fuel efficient methods in our operations,” he says. Singapore Airlines notes several fuel efficiency projects in its 2014-2015 Sustainability Report. Its A380s have adopted new operational procedures at London’s Heathrow Airport and it has also instigated tailored arrivals and continuous descent approaches elsewhere; measures that are saving fuel while maintaining safety. It has also been working with its OEM partners to tweak engine performance, lessen aircraft drag, and minimize aircraft weight.
Nasa Technology Electric vehicles on the ground, new generation aircraft in the air— the day-to-day business of flying has scrutinized and tweaked just about every aspect of performance. The next phase of development continues this exciting progress. The EU’s Clean Sky Joint Undertaking (CS JU) program recently demonstrated an ‘all electrical aircraft’ (AEA), for example, using an ATR 72 prototype. The technologies used on the AEA were jointly developed by ATR’s shareholder Finmeccanica, Liebherr, and Thales as well as other CS JU partners. Meanwhile, NASA has completed its Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project, that could help cut airline fuel use in half. Jaiwon Shin, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Research has claimed that the technologies identified by ERA could amount to $255 billion in operational savings between 2025 and 2050. Eight integrated technology demonstrations were completed by ERA researchers, including tiny embedded nozzles that blow air over the surface of the vertical tail fin. This proved aircraft could fly with smaller tails, reducing weight and drag.
Partnerships As the manufacturers’ work on engine development illustrates, airlines cannot maximize fuel efficiency on their own. As has been the case from the outset of the industry’s environment strategy, the aviation value chain has important contributions to make. Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) typifies the widespread collaboration. Information sharing should cut down on such delays as unnecessarily long taxiing times or extended waits at the runway for take-off. It is estimated in the European Aviation Environment Report 2016 that A-CDM could save 12–36kg of fuel in the taxiing phase per flight.
Global Offsetting Scheme Update ICAO’s global aviation dialogues (GLADs)—a series of regional outreach and education sessions—took place in March 2016 as negotiations continue toward the adoption of a global climate agreement for air transport. Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) Executive Director, Michael Gill, says that the GLADs were a vital tool to help build consensus among governments. “The development of a global carbon offsetting scheme for aviation is crucial if aviation is to meet its climate obligations, while also continuing to meet the economic and connectivity growth desired by many countries around the world,” he notes.
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APPOINTMENT & EVENTS DOMESTIC Kerala Travel Mart KTM September 27 - 30, 2016 Kochi, Kerala Travel & Tourism Fair September 16 - 18, 2016 Mumbai, India Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart October 14-16, 2016 Bhopal Madhya Pradesh
INTERNATIONAL Shul Ambwani Director of Rooms Hyatt Pune
With a rich experience of over a decade by his side, Ambwani will continue to shape the hotel with his rich insights. His forte has always been maintaining excellent guest relations in some of the best hotels in India. He started his career in 2005 with Taj Banjara, Hyderabad and this was followed by his association with brands including Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, and Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre where he advanced as Front Office Manager.
Sascha Lenz Executive Assistant Manager F& B Grand Hyatt Goa
With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sascha has been associated with hotels such as the Sheraton and the Mandarin Oriental, prior to joining Hyatt, in the year 2007. Originally from Germany, Sascha started his career in 1999 after which his impressive food and beverage knowledge; as well as managerial skills have taken him from his home country to the United States of America, Hong Kong, Russia and then to United Kingdom
Simmi Sood Marketing Comm. Manager Hyatt Regency Gurgaon
PATA Travel Mart September 7 – 9, 2016 Jakarta, Indonesia
Simmi comes with over 15 years of experience in the Media and Marketing space, and a strong background in communication and marketing. In her new capacity, she will develop, drive and oversee the marketing and communications functions of the hotel .She is responsible for developing and implementing marketing and public relations strategies to drive the positioning of the brand, business and performance goals. She started her career with a media group and then moved to hospitality industry.
JATA Tourism EXPO Japan September 22 – 25, 2016 Tokyo, Japan HICAP October 19 – 21, 2016 Hong Kong World Travel Market (WTM) November 7 – 9, 2016 London, England ILTM December 5 – 8, 2016 Cannes, France
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