FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout4/1/20152:36PMPage1 Vol. XXVIIIssue7; 1 April ddppl.com st otih i se 2015 issue fortnight A DDPPUBLICATION Pages : 48 TravTalkIndia.com ` 50/- FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 2 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout4/1/20152:36PMPage3 on tourism. toattempt Ourpolicywilltry ing specialemphasisonskillsandalso you working towards this? and tourists’ safety, how are Q applicants and increasing the visa-on-arrival period fromonemonthtotwoapplicants andincreasingthevisa-on-arrival months. period for andnumberincrease inthenumber ofairports ofcountries Tourists Visa-on-Arrival, for double entry eVisa Union HomeMinisterRajnathSinghandthe Tourism collectionatairports, Ministermettodiscussbiometric MoT &HomeMinistrydiscusseVisa h e ors oiywl eluce nMy1,21. speakstoDrLalitPanwar, Secretary, of Ministry Tourism, aboutthefocus pointsofthe policy. The new Tourism Policy willbelaunchedonMay 15,2015. New Tourism Policyeyesjobcreation (Independent Charge) Minister ofStateforTourism Dr MaheshSharma P EDEN talks aboutjobcreation National Tourism PolicyNational Tourism The Prime Ministerhasbeenlay-The Prime ddppl.com D OMA B HUTIA Chairmanship ofAdditional Chairmanship a Committeeunderthe (TVoA) scheme. the Touristto Visa-on-Arrival to discussissuesrelated Singh Union HomeMinister, Dr MaheshSharma (Independent Charge), Civil Aviation andCulture T TT B Singh alsoapproved (Independent Charge), State for Tourism he UnionMinisterof in DelhionMarch25 UREAU designed for manufacturing whichleads ple, Make InIndia,isbasically jobs for ouryouth. Any policyfor exam- willbeonhowThe thrust tocreate a synergybetween skillsandtourism. country. The HimmatappoftheDelhi jobs aspossible for theyouths ofour willbeoncreationofasmanythrust to creationofjobs, soourministry’s Rajnath met the resolve issuesconcerning and will meetperiodically members.Committee This ofCivilAviationMinistry as of Ministry Tourism and ofHomeAffairs,the Ministry from three JointSecretaries (Foreigners)Secretary with Singh assuredthatinstruc- in India, arriving tourists Tourism to atIndianairports of byprinted the Ministry distribution ofwelcome cards promotion. Ontheissueof visa facilitation andtourism Bureau ofImmigration for tak- tions willbesenttothe Q points ofthePolicy? What aretheotherfocus care oftheirsafety andsecurity. andtakerequirements ofthetourist App, whichcanbefine-tunedtosuitthe on Appitmeansappslike theHimmat police alreadyexists, sowhenIstress the HomeMinisterassured areconcerned, ber ofairports number of countries andnum-number ofcountries cerned. Asfar asincreasein as foreign arecon- tourists Tourism willberesolved asfar issue raisedof by theMinistry collectiononarrival.metric The scheme, whichincludesbio- be covered underthe TVoA next oneyear will 150countries it was the suggestedthatduring collectionatairports, biometric in thisregard. action ing urgentnecessary Regarding theissueof tourism as well. tourism two units. Without culturethereisno there willbeasynergybetween these good. We have acommonministerso past isnotgoodthefuturewillbe thepastforpreserve our future. Ifthe so anotherfocus areawillbeonhow to India is a cultural tourist destination India isacultural tourist
Contd. onpage7 TravTalkIndia.com with thetourists. Singhasked are thefirstpointofcontacts should begiven training asthey Bureau ofImmigration officials suggestedthatthe Sharma considerations.the security Dr be examined keeping inview month totwo monthswillalso fromone increasing theperiod forentry TVoA applicants and suggestions regardingdouble shortly.sion very considered intakingthedeci- suggestions willdefinitelybe Tourism Ministerthatthese APRIL Singh alsopromisedthat ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE2015 Matters tourism promotion concerning visafacilitationand concerning members, toresolveissues MoTandMoCAas MHA, 3 JointSecretariesfrom (Foreigners) withSecretary ofAdditional Chairmanship setting upaCommitteeunderthe Secretary, MoT Lalit Panwar The Home Ministerapproved Discussed TRAV TALK considered expeditiously. regard sothatthesamecanbe a proposaltotheMHAinthis the Tourism Ministertosubmit 3 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 4 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/2/2015 11:27 AM Page 5 BULLETIN MoT sanctions ` 50 cr for Puri Yatra Union Tourism Ministry is trying to fulfill all requirements to facilitate the Puri Rath Yatra 2015 including sanctioning ` 50 crore for development of tourist infrastructure in Puri.
TT BUREAU campaigns. The brochure on can be harnessed along with among countries of the group- he Union Ministry of PRASAD scheme was also beach tourism, culture and pil- ing. Noting that India has a TTourism has sanctioned an released by the Minister. grim tourism, all states partic- great potential of promoting pil- amount of ` 50 crore for the ularly coastal states like grim and culture tourism under Nabakalebar Rath Yatra in Developing Coastal circuit Odisha will be benefited,” Dr PRASAD scheme, he said the Puri, Odisha. The Union The union government Sharma said. According to the NDA government is giving Minister of State for Tourism will focus more on promoting minister, India’s new initiative more stress on developing, (Independent Charge), Culture deepening and strengthening (Independent Charge) and relations with the IOR coun- Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh tries which have civilisational Sharma said the funds have links with India. “ been sanctioned under the newly launched scheme ‘PRASAD’ of the Ministry of Sacred Route Tourism. Dr Sharma said that a museum is being set up by Holy city of Puri is the Ministry of Culture at included in the new Lalitgiri. The state will be ben- efitted by the two circuits i.e. ‘PRASAD’ scheme in Buddhist Circuit and Coastal which 12 religious and Circuit under the new scheme holy cities have been of Swadesh Darshan, he included for development added. Puri will also be devel- oped under the HRIDAY In the scheme of scheme of Ministry of Urban theme based tourist cir- Development, the Minister the coastal tourism circuit. to deepen ties with Indian cuits ‘Swadesh Darshan’, explained. Dr Sharma said that “India has a long coastline of Ocean Rim (IOR) countries will the coastal circuit will Orissa will be projected on the 7,500 km which possesses definitely help to promote intra- benefit the coast of Orissa international map through its rich culture and heritage. If this regional trade and tourism FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 6 STATISTICS 18mn Indians travel abroad in 2014 The average length of outbound Indian traveller is expected to increase VIEWPOINT significantly. brings you excerpts of the report titled ‘Insights on the India Tourism Market’ by Canadean Travel & Tourism Intelligence Center... Ringing in the TT BUREAU good times SNAPSHOT India’s economic rise will introduce a new generation of he travel industry stakeholders in our middle class tourists to overseas travel Tcountry have been busy all this while. The month of March started with ITB Berlin, Indians made over 18 million outbound trips in 2014, an economy will spur a rise in leisure and VFR travel to the Middle which has always been a great barometer increase on the 16 million trips made in 2013. Barely two per cent East and Europe over the forecast period of India’s population currently travel overseas but over the past of the global tourism business sentiment. five years the country’s middle classes have increased by over 10 Key destinations include Thailand and UAE, as well as Even this time there was a surge in the per cent. This demographic is set to grow from 32 per cent at pres- increasing visitors to the US. Although outbound tourism is optimism spirit at the event and business is ent to 50 per cent by 2030, making it a major source market with growing, domestic investment could threaten the dominance tourism boards vying to tap into this potential tourist goldmine of international trips getting better. The recent TAAI convention also provided a platform for discussion and India is expected to increase its business travel and tourism Key Statistics of 2014 deliberation on the roadblocks ahead. Both following the election of Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pro-business government in May 2014. However, outbound Total Population 1.23 billion these events opened up the gates for tourism will be challenged by the domestic tourism industry, which networking, relationship building, business is expected to experience a surge in business confidence, shown GDP per capita US$1,564.7 and creating new markets for India. These by its average of nine per cent annually over the historic period GDP growth 5.4% developments clearly indicate more Indian travelers characteristically have been avid business trav- Total outbound trips 18 million elers with 40 per cent of all departures accounted for by business opportunities for the travel fraternity and Total outbound expenditure US$13 billion business diversification. The moral of the trips. While most of this MICE tourism has been consistently to the Asia-Pacific region, TTIC expects that changing trends in India’s story is that constant innovation is the need of the hour for the industry. Hopefully, the coming times will be more fruitful in terms LENGTH OF TRIP of business opportunities. Indian outbound trip length Also, we have more good news for our continues stable growth inbound industry. Fuelled by visa reforms The average length of outbound trips (number of the Indian tourism industry will grow by 7.5 nights) stood at eight nights in 2013, with little per cent in 2015 according to World Travel change since 2012. However, TTIC expects Indian travelers to increase the length of their outbound & Tourism Council (WTTC). In 2014, the trips over the forecast period in line with industry contributed Rs 7,64,200 crore and the potential economic growth cur- 36.7 million jobs to the Indian economy. rently taking place. Consequently, length of overnight stays is forecast Research released by WTTC forecasts that to increase to nine nights by 2019. the industry's GDP contribution will grow by 7.5 per cent and employment by 1.8 per cent this year. This also demonstrates the Domestic travel is sector’s enduring ability to generate threatening to overtake economic growth and create jobs at a faster outbound trips rate than the national economy. Thus, India India is currently experiencing a domestic tourism will be in the spotlight again. boom. The number of domestic trips reached over 1.3 billion in 2014, representing a 14.1 per cent However, India also needs to recognise increase on 2013 figures. This accounts for more its domestic tourism strength and promote than three-quarters of India’s entire tourism market, and develop its domestic destinations more than double the growth rate of outbound depar- tures during 2014. Part of the rise of domestic tourism aggressively. It is time that we go beyond can be attributed to growth of lower middle class depending on just the `Incredible India’ incomes – the type of domestic consumer who can- campaign. The domestic traveller now not afford the flight prices to journey abroad, but who want to turn a religious pilgrimage into a family hol- is looking for new attractions and it is iday. Since 2010, many Indians who once had inten- time we showcase India to Indians in a tions of traveling abroad had their plans curtailed different manner. The Indian states should because of the sharp fall in the rupee, which lost much of its value against the dollar, causing planned start new campaigns to attract this set foreign holiday travel to become too expensive for of travellers. Exploring India in the most many of the aspiring middle classes. Interestingly, cost effective manner should be the this has increased domestic tourism throughout the country with international hotel groups reflecting this next step forward. emerging market as Starwood French Group, Accor Source: Canadean Travel & Tourism Intelligence Center and the Hilton Group all look set to benefit.
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COVER STORY APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 7 MoT for source markets in eVisa list
Contd. from page 3 With the Finance and then on. We’ll be sending out by the Tourism Minister and within two (NBCC), we’ll offer degree pro- How are you working QMinister calling for e- the list in two phases, the first list years the construction will be complete grammes, post graduate degree, doc- Qtowards formulating visas for 150 countries, how has countries which are our top it is being constructed by National torate programmes, anything related the National Tourism is the MoT working on it? source markets the remaining 50 Building Construction Corporation to the culinary science and art. Policy, 2015? We already have 44 countries are countries which are our poten- We had a detailed one-day under this scheme and in the last tial markets. The countries for the workshop where all the top brains three months 90,000 visas have first phase will be declared in the of the Indian tourism industry were been issued. The response has next 2-3 months, probably by end Culture of Tourism there, we had national-level consul- been tremendous and now we’ll be June so that we get good bookings The ministry is brainstorming with tourism veterans on the new tations on tourism. On April 8 we implementing it in two phases, we for the next season. have called all state secretaries of have already prepared a list of tourism policy tourism and we’ll also be meeting countries from where we are With work starting on The Indian Culinary Institute will be ready within two years and the tourism veterans of our country already getting tourists and sent it Qthe Indian Culinary will offer degree and post-graduate programmes. for their suggestions. So, we’ll to the government. We exactly went Institute what can we look have 6-7 rounds of consultation by the percentage of our source forward to? The countries for the first phase of VoA will be declared in the before we begin work on it. markets, starting from the country The foundation stone of the next 2-3 months, probably by end June where we get the maximum tourists Indian Culinary Institute has been laid
MoT workshop on NTP 2015 Tourism Minister Dr Mahesh Sharma addressed participants at a workshop held on the formulation of National Tourism Policy 2015. The representatives from var- ious organizations like Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), FICCI, NASSCOM, FAITH, Travel Agency Corporation of India, Indian Tourist Transporters Authority (ITTA), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), All India Resort Developers Association (AIRDA) and Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) were present among others at the meeting. Dr Sharma said that from now on, a new work culture will be implemented in which a task will be identified and a person be assigned for the task. The timeline will also be fixed and the implementation will be closely monitored. Acknowledging the need for synergy between various ministries of the govern- ment, the Minister appreci- ated the idea of National Tourism Board which is pro- posed as a part of the new Tourism Policy to speed up and promote tourism in the country. The Tourism Minister explained that potential of existing policy of 2002 has not been used fully and the new policy will use the framework of the existing National Tourism Policy of 2002 to make it dynamic and meet the challenges that have emerged in today’s world including technological and global competitiveness. He appreciated the idea of a ‘single window portal sys- tem’ for making information available to tourists. Various issues ranging from infrastructure need for connectivity in remote areas, e-ticketing and safety and security were discussed dur- ing the workshop. The stake- holders related to hotel industry and transport busi- ness demanded tax incen- tives from the government especially in the off season. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 8
8 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NEWS
Platform ticket to cost Rs 10 from April 1 India Travel Awards on Vizag shores The Ministry of Railways has decided to As India Travel Awards now travels to South for its second edition to honour the achievers of upwardly revise the rate of platform ticket to Rs 10 the travel, tourism and hospitality industry from the region, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun per ticket from Rs 5 per ticket. The revised rate Beach is all set to host the mega event. will be charged on plat- form ticket to be issued from April 1, 2015. TT BUREAU etc from the southern region efforts of people who have Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Setting a new bench- Directions have been sent of the country. made the real difference. A this is a great initiative. “I am mark for the hospitality to all zonal railways to fter the grand success of first-of-its-kind formal black tie really happy that we are the industry, the hotel has made print the revised tickets on its first edition, India Sharing more details event, India Travel Awards will choice for the 2nd India Travel preparations galore for the top priority and ensure A Travel Awards is now travel- about the event, SanJeet, make a difference to the indus- Awards in the South. This gives event. Bellmakonda pointed supply to all stations well in time. However, till such ling South to the Vizag shores Mentor, India Travel Awards try by accommodating recog- many an opportunity to travel to out, “We are well equipped to time the tickets are print- this April. The second edition see the hotel and experience host this event with our of the India Travel Awards will our services. Recognition of three USPs. The three USPs honour the achievers of travel, The three USPs of our property are good work always results in of our property are 12,000 sq tourism and hospitality 12,000 sq ft convention hall motivation and better perform- ft convention hall with industry from the region. ance. With the expansion and seven break-away halls Novotel Visakhapatnam with seven break-away network of DDP Publications attached to the convention Varun Beach is hosting the halls attached to the con- increasing every day, I feel this centre; the 225-all sea-facing- first-of-its-kind event on award ceremony is seen in pres- room inventory in the vention centre; the 225-all ed, the existing stock of April 16, 2015. tigious light for all in the industry hotel and another 400 rooms tickets may be used with sea-facing-room inventory in and a great way to give back to available within three the rate corrected with a The award statuette, the travel fraternity,” he opined. km radius.” stamp. Wherever platform Maya celebrates the grandeur the hotel and another 400 tickets are issued through of tourism. It imbibes the best rooms available within SPTM & UTS or other representing the power to machines, their software change the industry. Based on three km radius Mark your calendar may to be modified to col- an online voting system, the lect the revised rate. The winners will be awarded after Madhav Bellmakonda This second edition of the India Travel Awards will Ministry of Railways has a thorough jury analysis of the General Manager, Novotel honour the achievers of travel, tourism and hospitality delegated the power to Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Divisional Railway voting, making the awards fair industry from the region. Managers (DRMs) to and unbiased. Nominations increase the rate of plat- are awaited for various cate- said, “The awards are a true nition for regional talent, there- The event will take place on April 16 at Novotel form tickets beyond Rs 10 gories, which include sectors specimen of the contribution of by raising the bar.” Visakhapatnam Varun Beach to regulate rush at plat- like aviation, domestic and various companies/individuals Based on an online voting system, the winners will forms during specific international tourism boards, to take tourism to a different According to Madhav requirements like fair, hotels and resorts, travel level. These awards are aimed Bellmakonda, General be awarded after a thorough jury analysis of the voting rally etc. agents, technology partners at recognising extraordinary Manager, Novotel FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 9
ASSOCIATIONS APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 9 OTOAI’s new website a hit with members The newly launched website of the association will give OTOAI members a password and login id. Once they log in, they can view all the recent happenings in the industry. says OTOAI president Guldeep Sahni.
password and login id. Once value in it during the course of The launch of the website M EGHA PAUL they log in, they can view all time. The members can send in Delhi also included a briefing etting big on outbound the recent happenings in the messages to us and we can to the members about how they Online Wisdom Btravel and in a bid to offer industry. They will also be able send a direct reply. They will can benefit from the website and more facilities to the outbound to post discussions about the have their own inbox for such all the information available on OTOAI members will also be able to post travel agents, OTOAI has outbound industry here.” interaction. There is also a lot it. The association is also bring- discussions about the outbound industry here launched a new website. of information on destinations ing in two new members to their Elaborating on the fea- and all of the various work- EC committee – Karan Anand, They will have their own inbox for such interaction tures of the website, Sidharth shops and events that happen Head of Global Marketing, Cox Khanna, Head-IT, OTOAI worldwide. We will also have a and Kings and Ankush There is also a lot of information on destinations pointed out, “There is a lot of lot of visa information, training Nijhawan, Co-Founder & and all of the various workshops and events that information on the website and modules and some specialist CEO, Travel Boutique Online, happen worldwide we will be putting a lot of added programs available.” Sahni informed.
Guldeep Sahni President OTOAI
Through our dedicated website, we have seen an increase in engagement of members here
Talking about the new develop- ment, Guldeep Sahni, President, OTOAI said, “The primary concern is to make our association prominent in the online space. We have now
Sidharth Khanna Head-IT OTOAI
We will also have a lot of visa information, training modules and some specialist programs available
geared up to become visible in the social media platform. Through our dedicated web- site, we have seen an increase in engagement of members here. The site has become more interactive now. We have given our OTOAI members a FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 10
10 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 GUEST COLUMN Air Arabia hosts key travel trade in Mumbai Clicking on the digital path Buoyed by rapid growth in technology, the travel and tourism industry is making advancement in customer experience through the digital platform, to give the service provider more footfalls and a destination more happy visitors.
anish poet Hans Anderson a new land on barter and even- and final billings – all in one In our organisation as Donce said, “To move, to tually grew up to becoming touch. Today more people have well, our focus is to constantly breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all world class hotels and accom- smart phones/mobiles than upgrade our services using while you give, to roam the modation services, providing availability of clean drinking technology and giving better roads of land remote, to travel options to everyone at every water; run time decisions on dis- and faster booking and data is to live.” Travel has been a part budget to find a place to stay, tress inventory is being taken on experience to our agent part- of every individual’s living, every eat, relax and rejoice. digital platform for both airlines ners, corporate and direct cus- organisation’s need, and every and hotels resulting in maximis- tomers. Our new travel app has country’s growth story. One The Gen Y of travel and ing revenue and data sharing is been launched recently and we industry that has only evolved hospitality has gone digital and fast and efficient. are seeing significant usage over the vast period of time is how…. not just surfing internet and download of the same. the travel and hospitality indus- to get information, but doing The Gen Now and the try, going hand in hand, pro- actual transaction, getting Gen Next is only going to get gressing day by day. detailed information of every more technology savvy and destination on the itinerary, get- fast. People don’t want to wait Air Arabia, the first and cessful operations in India. Through the age, the way ting reviews on social media, for a travel agent to deliver ticket largest low-cost carrier (LCC) Air Arabia operates over people travel has changed and comparing costs and destina- or hotel to share fares, they in the Middle East and North 112 weekly flights from its the way decisions are being tion, sharing other traveller expe- want it quick and efficient, they Africa and the first interna- hub in Sharjah to the 13 cities made has become simpler, rience and almost getting the want to be in control of their tional low-cost carrier to fly to in India. Air Arabia has a fleet thanks to the simplicity of getting complete picture of the location decisions to travel and living. India is soon to complete a of new Airbus A320 aircraft access to information in their before even stepping in there. decade of operations in India. with a 32 inch seat pitch, palms. It’s the era of Digital Mobiles, tablets, web services Therefore, every To celebrate this milestone, which gives the best leg room Delight and information available and now electronic wearable are advancement the airline hosted a travel of any economy class travel. on click of a button. Traditionally, driving sales and suggestive sell- in customer experi- trade dinner and was attend- The airline also provides visa travel has been a need in search ing, in turn giving returns to the ed by Adel A. Ali, airline assistance to passengers from of food, clothing and shelter and service providers and drawing in ence through digital Group Chief Executive Officer India. With Air Arabia then adding to business, oppor- more consumers. We now have platform is going to and senior management. Air Holidays, the airline offers tunities, leisure and knowledge. Mobile boarding passes, Mobile give the service Arabia raised a toast to the (The writer is attractive packages to a wide Hospitality industry caters to the Room key access, Mobile check continual support extended by provider more footfall Manish Raj, Vice President & range of international holiday need of home away from home, in and check outs in hotels, elec- the travel trade fraternity and a destination, Business Head - Corporate destinations. a concept which started as pro- tronic tickets, restaurant menus resulting in Air Arabia’s suc- more happy visitors. Travel Services, Via.com) viding shelter to the traveller in on tablets/mobiles, order taking FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 11
NTO APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 11 Croatia focusses on MICE groups in 2015 As the latest entrant in the Asian market, Croatia is advancing strategically. It may be a newbie in India but along with Udaan India it has its game plan ready with ‘Namaste Croatia’ as its first move. In the offing is a roadshow and familiarisation trips for agents.
for Croatian visas, having among them – what they like FITs, destination weddings as included business travellers of groups going somewhere H AZEL J AIN processed over 1,000 visas and enjoy the most. We have so well as film shoots. He also and family holidays, the recent else. They were not targeting daily on an average across many things that we know added that July and August appointment of the ambassa- Croatia. But slowly we are n India to promote Croatia India in 2014. Indians will adore, like very are the high seasons while dor in September 2014 will opening Croatia to tourists as Iamong the travel trade, HE good climate, good food, warm anytime from April to speed up better facilitation for a final destination and we are Amir Muharemi, Ambassador MICE groups main focus hospitable people and it is very September can be considered Indian travellers. Croatia is now creating itineraries spe- of Croatia, Embassy of Croatia The main focus areas for clean and safe. I’m very confi- for visiting the country.” also in the process of issuing cially for Indian tourists,” in India, has big plans. His aim 2015 are MICE and organised dent that we will get excellent Schengen visas in the next Muharemi said. Agents will is to bring the destination clos- groups but also leisure groups. response from India,” the Footfalls can only go up six months. soon see roadshows and er to Indians. “Croatia receives “Croatia is so beautiful and Ambassador said. While Croatia has familiarisation trips being almost 12 million tourists from diverse and once Indians dis- observed almost negligible “We are now at the very organised in association cover it, we will observe what Dua added, “Croatia is Indian tourists so far with less beginning. So far we received with the Croatian tourism creates the biggest interest an ideal destination for MICE, than 1,000 visitors in 2014 that Indian tourists who were part board.
HE Amir Muharemi Ambassador of Croatia Embassy of Croatia in India
all over the world. It is already very well known in Europe and now we are trying to spread awareness about it outside of Europe in new Asian markets like India,” he said on the side- lines of a travel trade exhibition in Mumbai.
Visa facilitation company, Udaan India, has partnered up with Uniline, a South East Europe DMC, to launch ‘Namaste Croatia’ initiative. Muharemi said, “With the help of ‘Namaste Croatia’ initiative,
Rajan Dua MD, Udaan India
we will strengthen the already- existing relations but also start a new chapter. In order to facilitate this, I will also be trav- elling throughout India this year to encourage tourism and trade ties between both the countries.”
Rajan Dua, MD, Udaan India, said, “We plan to market Croatia by designing packages specific to Croatia, combining Bosnia and Austria and with the help of our clientele of over 8,000 travel agents. Promotions for ‘Namaste Croatia’ will be done aggressively in the Indian market. We will also be organ- ising road shows in India to sup- port Croatia.” Udaan India will also soon get the official man- date as accredited visa agent FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 12
12 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 VISA Now, visit two nations with one visa! The British-Irish Visa Scheme, launched last month, has been introduced in India and China. Tourism Ireland and VisitBritain recently held a road show in Delhi to officially launch the scheme and promote the destinations. asks Feilim McLaughlin, Ambassador of Ireland to India and tourism officials from both the countries about the development.
We are very excited to launch This is a great initiative. It’s SAMAPTI D AS the Irish-British visa scheme in awesome working together India. It’s a joint visa and one with our colleagues from Tourism Ireland as well as the This is a mutual recognition of the can travel between Britain and Irish Embassy. This has been visa scheme that we have Ireland on either Irish or British in works for a long time and we launched with UK, Ireland’s visa. If someone is going to are happy that this has been neighbour. There is going to be Ireland first then he needs to launched finally by both the one visa that will be valid for both apply for an Irish visa and get governments. India is fortunate- the countries. It’s an enormous into Dublin, finish the tour of ly one of the only two markets globally along with China development for us as we are Ireland and then move on to UK. For all short stay visa where this BIVS scheme has been introduced. working very hard to increase the applications, the visas will be stamped at the bottom as visitor’s numbers into Ireland. BIVS that means British–Irish visa scheme. The year 2013 was a record year for us as we received People in India are not much The percentage of visitors has been growing at around 375,000 Indians. This was a 10 per cent hike com- aware about Ireland being a green and clean destination. I think about between 15-20 per cent on a year to year basis. pared to the previous year. In 2014 also till September, there that it has got a lot of potential in terms of scenery and golf We estimate between 20,000 to 23,000 people visit was a six per cent hike. It was a record of record for us. So, tourism. We are working hard to encourage people to look at Ireland annually. this year we definitely hope to continue the record with the Ireland as a destination that they can add on to their trip to launch of this visa scheme. Huzan Fraser Motivala Britain. It’s only a short hop across the water. Last year we had Representative India, Tourism Ireland Shuja-Bin-Mehdi about 25,000 Indian visitors registering a growth of about 20 B2B Executive-North & East India, VisitBritain per cent. This visa scheme is important for us and it will definitely increase the growth in visitor numbers. SA offers 3-year multiple entry visa to travel agents Feilim McLaughlin In a bid to encourage busi- ellers, including travel agents. red tape to Indian travellers. South Africa for business mul- Ambassador of Ireland to India ness and investment opportu- Announcing this development, The three-year multiple entry tiple times. There is only one nities, South Africa has His Excellency Pule Malefane, visas will be extended only to pre-condition that those avail- announced that it has started Consul General of South Africa individual business travellers ing this facility do not stay in offering three-year multiple- in Mumbai, said, “We want to that includes travel agents as South Africa for an extended entry visas to business trav- offer the red carpet instead of they are required to travel to period of 30 days.” FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 13 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 14
14 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NTO DNSW bets big on trade partners With a long-term plan in mind, Destination New South Wales is keeping it simple and focussing mainly on the travel trade. Sandra Chipchase, CEO, Destination New South Wales, speaks to about activities and plans for its trade partners in India.
honeymooners/couples. We will con- scapes and experiences from coastal H AZEL J AIN We will continue to engage with the trade tinue to engage with the trade cities and drives to pristine rainforests, What kind of numbers are through hosted trade programs and events, through hosted trade programs and mountains and the Outback. The Qyou expecting in 2015 events, training workshops, collateral Snowy Mountains also known as the post the Cricket World Cup? training workshops, collateral support for marketing and partner- Snowies, is just one such famous and Indian visitors to Australia are support for marketing and ship campaigns. We will also contin- popular NSW region. Indian travellers expected to increase from 160,000 in ue to work closely with airline part- know about Sydney’s spectacular har- 2012-13 to 298,000 in 2022-23, that partnership campaigns. We ners that offer connections between bour and the Harbour Bridge, but this indicates an average annual growth rate will also continue to work India and NSW. These include beauty extends beyond our pristine of 6.4 per cent. By then, India will move Singapore Airlines, Air India and waterways to skiing in the mountains from its current ranking of being closely with airline partners Malaysia Airlines. Events such as and our pristine rainforests. We are also Australia’s eleventh-largest single that offer connections Vivid also form part of this focus. promoting touring routes including the source visitor market to eighth. Tourism Legendary Pacific Coast on the NSW from India is also currently worth an between India and NSW Do the India initiatives North Coast visiting Coffs Harbour and estimated $192 million Australian dol- Qcome with an increase in Byron Bay as well as the Blue lars to the NSW economy. The NSW Sandra Chipchase budgets? Mountains and Hunter Valley. government’s goal is to double visitor CEO, Destination New South Wales Over the past two years, expenditure to NSW by 2020. In order Destination NSW has increased to achieve this, Destination NSW is investment in India. Now, we have developing a long-term strategy. gram of targeted trade advertising was tions for 30 key agents from India in increased investment in partnership undertaken as well as trade training partnership with Air India. with the Indian travel trade to under- Quick Fact What activities have you and education on the range of expe- take joint marketing programs to pro- Destination NSW has invested in planned with the travel riences, events, and products on offer. What are the other tactics mote travel to Sydney and NSW. Q a new film ‘Unindian’, which stars trade in India? Destination NSW also conducts reg- Qthat are part of your We have been working with ular familiarisations and training for strategy? Is there any specific rea- former Australian cricketer, Brett trade partners to develop and promote the Indian travel trade to develop new There is a strong focus on part- Qson why DNSW chose to Lee, who plays opposite Indian ‘Jhappi Time’ packages. The Indian programs to promote Sydney and nership campaigns with airline and showcase Snowy Mountains actress, Tannishtha Chatterjee. travel industry has recognized the Regional NSW. In fact, we recently travel trade partners. Priority seg- this year? Directed and produced by potential of the campaign, with seven held our ‘Focus on India’ trade mission ments are adults 25-55 years, earn- An important part of Destination Anupam Sharma, UNINDIAN key partners promoting and selling in Sydney this February which includ- ing 45,000+ AUD per annum, living NSW’s work is to encourage visits to has been filmed exclusively in packages and airfare offers. In addi- ed the largest-ever trade family to in Mumbai, Delhi or tier II cities. Our our regional destinations across New tion to consumer advertising, a pro- Sydney and Regional NSW destina- core focus is on VFR, families, and South Wales, which offers diverse land- New South Wales Experience cinematic Scotland With 23 Bollywood movies that chose Scotland as their backdrop, it is only natural for VisitScotland to choose Bollywood as its selling point. Agents can now use the NTO’s Bollywood toolkit in its training program to lure the dramatic Indian traveller.
ily. It’s a market we want to India sales mission to return in autumn by which TT BUREAU We are looking to work with a num- focus on now,” Lal says. Latest VisitScotland is also time we will have a more ressed in traditional figures of 2013-14 show ber of trade associations such as slowly increasing its interac- extensive training program. DScottish kilt, Vineet Lal, Scotland receiving in excess of OTOAI, TAAI and TAFI and trade part- tion with the Indian travel We can also do it virtually Senior Marketing Manager - 30,000 Indian visitors. But trade. Lal adds, “We are look- through webinars which we Emerging Markets, Visit there are visitors from London ners for our annual travel ing to work with a number of can set up for agents through- Scotland, looks every bit the too and getting an accurate fig- trade fair in Scotland trade associations such as out the country. We are think- part. He was recently in India ure is difficult. OTOAI, TAAI and TAFI and ing of tapping Punjab, on a sales mission visiting which will take place trade partners for our annual Ahmedabad and Pune. We Mumbai and New Delhi with Bollywood Scotland from April 22-23, 2015 travel trade fair in Scotland did go to Bengaluru last year two suppliers from Scotland. Ahead of its 2015 sales which will take place from and hoping to go back next mission to India, VisitScotland Vineet Lal April 22-23, 2015. We want to year,” Lal reveals. “India represents great has created a special online Senior Marketing Manager get our message across to potential for us in terms of the map, Bollywood Scotland, (Emerging Markets) their members and offer them growing middle class. The which highlights dozens of VisitScotland training. We will also conduct numbers coming to Scotland Scottish locations that have familiarisation trips to Beyond Castles from India are increasing doubled up as backdrops for Scotland and our expo is a because Scotland’s products some of hit Bollywood films. great opportunity to bring VisitScotland has created like its landscape, whiskey rated a Bollywood toolkit with showcases 23 Indian films that them to Scotland and make a special online map, trails and castles have a very Lal reveals, “We have 23 banners and buttons into our have been shot in Scotland, them meet the local suppliers. Bollywood Scotland, which good fit with Indian consumers, Bollywood movies shot in online agent specialist program including Dev Anand's ‘Main We are hoping to host about highlights dozens of Scottish particularly the HNIs and fam- Scotland and we have incorpo- ‘Scots Agents’. The agents are Solah Baras Ki’ and Karan 30 agents from India locations that have doubled directed to our website that will Johar’s ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. this year.” up as backdrops for some of have a PDF of the map, itiner- hit Bollywood films aries and suggested Qatar Airways, that has The NTO participated in Year of Food and Drink 2015 Bollywood trails.” sponsored the Bollywood SATTE this year for the first Qatar Airways, that has 2015 is the Year of Food and Drink, a celebration of Scotland’s Scotland map, will be starting time. “Budgets are always a sponsored the Bollywood natural larder and the role that food and drink plays in shaping its The map, along with a daily services between challenge for us so we look at Scotland map, will be economic success. A series of themed months will create an appetite marketing toolkit, will be made Edinburgh and Doha from 1st creative ways of stretching starting daily services for key areas of Scotland’s food and drink industries – from seafood available to the Indian travel May, 2015. This will allow our budgets. We have been between Edinburgh and and whisky to berries and high-quality meat. trade, while consumers can Indians travel options between conducting workshops in Doha from 1st May, 2015 also access it directly. The map India and Scotland. Delhi and Mumbai and hope FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 15 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 16 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 17 NTO Egypt back on tourism map After a long silence from its tourism authority in India, Egypt has restarted dialogue with the travel trade. The NTO has designed an extensive blueprint for the market.
Hyderabad. For Chennai, which ucts like beautiful sea, top diving HAZEL JAIN is a huge pilgrim market for us, destinations in Sharm-el-Shaikh, ood news came along we will be making a separate beautiful landscape in Gwith the successful culmi- campaign dedicated to the Alexandria, MICE facilities, shop- nation of Egypt’s Economic Christians,” Hamid reveals. ping, food, culture, etc that not Development Conference on many travellers know. I want to March 15, 2015 held in Sharm The NTO participated in bring this aspect of Egypt in the El Sheikh. The destination OTM this February as well as forefront,” Hamid states. received commitments of SATTE. Since the new financial investment and long-term year starts from July, Hamid Another important agenda for Hamid is to make the desti- nation packages cheaper to With this initiative, Egypt will be back attract the middle class from India as well. “Since the cost of on the tourism map. We are already see- travel to Egypt is high, it attracts ing good response from India with a mostly high-end tourists by default. My aim is to reduce the 24% increase in Jan-Feb 2015 as com- trip budget and we are doing this pared to the same period last year by introducing more products on Ismail A. Hamid the Red Sea. The hotels are cheaper here so I want the Egyptian Tourism agents to suggest their clients Counsellor and Regional Director to look at Red Sea as their base (India & Far East) and make day trips from there to other places like Luxor or Aswan to bring down the cost loans of more than USD 100 said that they would have more while enjoying water sports on billion from all over the world. concrete and detailed plans the Red Sea,” Hamid reveals. then. “I will be planning for the Giving more information entire year and plans for the The Tourism Counsellor on this, Ismail A. Hamid, next fiscal year will be more is also looking to facilitate char- Egyptian Tourism Counsellor concrete. By then, I would have tered fights and more air con- and Regional Director (India & also understood the Indian mar- nectivity from India. Hamid Far East), General Consulate of ket well,” he says. says, “If we manage to get an A.R.E. says, “A delegation of 45 LCC flying between India and delegates from India was also Change of image Sharm El Shaikh or Hurghada, present. With this initiative, The priority for Egypt now the ticket costs will drop Egypt will be back on the is to change the image of Egypt sharply. We have been talking tourism map. We are already as a country of the pyramids and with some Indian LCC carriers seeing good response from the sphinx. “While Egypt has the but any development will take India with a 24 per cent increase pyramids, it also has other prod- some time.” in January-February 2015 as compared to the same period last year,” he said. His target for Pyramid tourism India now is reaching one million tourists by 2017. Egypt has also Egypt tourism will be conducting road show in re-initiated a lot of activities for April-end in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru and the travel trade. “We are doing a roadshow in April end-May either Kolkata or Hyderabad. For Chennai a separate beginning in four cities. We have campaign will be dedicated to Christians finalized New Delhi, Mumbai Need for LCC flying between India and Sharm El and Bengaluru so far. The fourth Shaikh or Hurghada for cheaper air travel tickets will either be Kolkata or Indian hotelier in UK honoured
Arun Jaitley, Minister of Finance, Govt. of India (L) presents the NRI Foundation Excellence Award to Ramesh Arora, India Travel Awards Winner and Managing Director, Montcalm Hotels, London in the presence of Baroness Verma, Member of Parliament, UK and Ashok Verma, Chairman, NRI Foundation (Extreme right). Ramesh Arora has seen four decades of transformation in the hotel industry. He was honoured as the Tourism Ambassador at the India Travel Awards 2014 held in London. At the helm of the largest privately owned hotel group in London, Arora has been instrumental in managing the group, consisting of three brands, 24 properties and 2400 rooms. With a strong belief in technology and led by consumer insight, Arora embraced the initial online booking trend. Being ahead of the times, undoubtedly paved the way for the group’s enviable growth. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 18
18 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 AVIATION
Nepal Airlines airbus’ IndiGo now flies to Dimapur via Kolkata first flight to New Delhi IndiGo has announced the launch of eight new flights between Delhi, Lucknow The national flag carrier Delhi-Kathmandu routes on of Nepal resumed its com- February 27 this year, and Patna, besides starting new daily non-stop flights on Dimapur-Kolkata mercial operations in India scheduled four flights a route making it the 38th destination on the airline’s list. after two years. The Bird week with A320 aircraft . Group has been awarded the Effective May 1, 2015, RA contract for GSA (Bird will be operating 10 weekly TT BUREAU and new opportunities. It is our Adding Dimapur in our net- constant endeavour to provide ffective from April 15, 2015 work is testimony of our more flexibility of choice for our EIndiGo will launch new customers as IndiGo continues daily non-stop flight on commitment towards con- to offer them on time, hassle Dimapur – Kolkata route which nectivity across the country’s free and always affordable fly- will further operate to Delhi and ing experience.” hence connect Dimapur to corners bringing more Delhi (via Kolkata). and more people closer IndiGo has also to their dreams and launched eight new flights con- With this, Dimapur will be necting Delhi to Lucknow, 33rd domestic and 38th overall new opportunities Lucknow to Patna and Patna destination on IndiGo’s list. The to Kolkata. Effective March 29, Travels) Pan India , as well flights in and out of Delhi. airline will also operate 9th Aditya Ghosh 2015, IndiGo will also com- as for Ground Handling Nepal Airlines has also daily non-stop flight between mence its second daily non- Services (BWFS) at Delhi. announced the Introduction President, IndiGo Delhi–Kolkata and 4th daily stop flight between Delhi and Brand new Aircraft A320 – of new flights and routes ‘Sagarmatha’ of Nepal from May 2015 connecting non-stop between Delhi Indore and fourth daily non- Airlines Corporation (RA) Bengaluru and Mumbai and Varanasi. stop flight between Mumbai started its operation on from Kathmandu . and Indore, while also intro- Speaking on the occa- behalf of the IndiGo team ment in order to connect ducing two new flight timings sion, Aditya Ghosh, President, thank Hon’ble Chief Minister of Dimapur with the national cap- on the Mumbai-Raipur route. IndiGo, said, “The announce- Nagaland TR Zeliang for get- ital will boost trade, business "Having flown over 88 million ment of new flights to and from ting IndiGo to launch and con- and tourism and benefit thou- passengers across the globe, Dimapur is a progressive nect Dimapur on its network. sands of customers. Adding we at IndiGo are determined step and a landmark We are sure that steps taken Dimapur in our network is tes- to provide the best travel expe- occasion for us. I on by the state govern- timony of our commitment rience to all our customers. It towards con- is our constant endeavor to Flying High nectivity across provide more flexibility of Travelling by air is the preferred choice for the country’s choice for our customers as outbound Indians, with over 17 million trips in corners bringing IndiGo continues to offer them 2014, which is expected to increase to 19 more and more on time, hassle free and people closer to always affordable flying expe- million by 2015 their dreams rience,” Ghosh added. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 19 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 20
20 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 INTERVIEW Revamped BritAgent module unveiled With provisional numbers indicating a six per cent increase in arrivals from India in 2014, VisitBritain continues to be a popular choice. Under the new leadership, the first edition of their international workshop ExploreGB received an overwhelming response.
TT BUREAU provides Great British & Irish After the launch, the programme will Balcombe discusses the newly lion inbound visits and tourism tourism suppliers and destina- improved BritAgent online des- spending of £21.7 billion. India ourism is one of the largest tions with an opportunity to be updated by taking feedback from tination education program, ranked 17th as an inbound Tindustries in the UK and meet and do business with up the agents. The objective which will debut at the end of source market with provisional the country’s seventh highest to 261 hosted international March. The goal of the redevel- figures indicating a 6 per cent export earner. The contribution travel buyers from 40 coun- is to put together what is oped program is to increase increase over 2013’s 375,000 of inbound tourism to the UK tries. ExploreGB is a two-day best for the agents and interaction, engagement and visitors. “Our ambition is to wel- economy continued to grow in workshop filled with pre-sched- deliver it after knowing rewards for the trade. There will come 40 million international 2014, with latest provisional uled, one-to-one appoint- be new training models and visitors annually by 2020,” con- figures showing a record 34.8 ments. the requirements of agents will be rewarded for cludes Balcombe. million international visitors the agents in each completing them. She adds, spending a record amount, Balcombe highlighted the “VisitBritain will roll out the £21.7 billion. value of ExploreGB in helping market modified BritAgent Programme Britain boost its tourism. for the travel trade in Modified VisitBritain Taking over this new role, VisitBritain will continue to hold Sally Balcombe March. This new BritAgent Newly improved Sally Balcombe, CEO, the event at venues outside Programme will have addition- CEO, VisitBritain BritAgent online destination VisitBritain is looking to grow London to showcase regional al features, which guarantees tourism and boost marketing tourism. This year the event more rewards for the travel education program will and promotional programs. was held at Ascot, and next ers through the fam trips”. This Great, which focuses on con- agents who participate suc- debut at the end of March
According to Balcombe, year VisitBritain will organise year VisitBritain planned trips temporary British culture and cessfully in the programme. th “Britain is forecasting yet ExploreGB in Liverpool. “First, for 261 buyers on 13 unique city life, covering the full range After the launch, the pro- India ranked 17 as an another major increase in we wanted to give an opportu- itineraries throughout England, of arts, film and TV, performing gramme will be updated by tak- inbound source market with tourism for 2015. The volume nity for U.K. businesses of all Scotland, Wales and Ireland. arts and music. This campaign ing feedback from the agents. provisional figures indicat- of inbound tourism is expected sizes to connect with buyers will be promoted in India by The objective is to put together ing a 6% increase over to be up 2.5 per cent, and and international travel agents Discussing their marketing autumn 2015.” The year will con- what is best for the agents and 2013’s 375,000 visitors. spending is expected to be up in order to reach new markets,” strategy, Balcombe highlights clude with promotional activities deliver it after knowing the by 4.5 per cent preparing for says Balcombe. “To put the that this year’s Countryside is around the much-awaited requirements of the agents in In 2015, VisitBritain plans another record year”. focus on the entire country, the Great campaign is an effort to James Bond film. each market.” trips for 261 buyers on 13 event location will vary each get visitors something different unique itineraries through- A step in the right direc- year to gain regional spread. and focused on rural tourism. Further highlighting the Last year Britain wit- out England, Scotland, tion is VisitBritain’s brand new We also showcase Britain to “This will be followed this fall by importance of the travel trade, nessed its best year for flagship event, ExploreGB. It hundreds of international buy- a new campaign, Culture is especially from India, inbound tourism, with 34.8 mil- Wales and Ireland FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 21 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 22
22 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 AGENTS Discovering the treasure called Britain VisitBritain organised its first flagship event Explore GB. The two-day event provided British and Irish tourism suppliers with an opportunity to meet and do business with 261 hosted international buyers from 40 countries. spoke to a few agents and got their feedback on the show and the destination.
D EVIKA J EET ExploreGB was an event which ExploreGB was a great platform really helped us get in touch with and I think they succeeded in all the various suppliers under drawing our attention to other “The core event of ExploreGB one roof. The biggest challenge destinations and experiences was top notch and intense! You in our business of organizing beyond London and Scotland. meet a lot of suppliers for an initial FITs is having a reliable partner We will soon introduce new prod- introduction in a very time effec- in Britain. This event gave me a ucts as well as further sparkle our tive manner. I have actually come big opportunity of finding the best existing GB product portfolio, back with a list of suppliers whom and most reliable partners across keeping in mind requirements of I know I will work with, closely. Britain. I even got to learn about our clients, who are always in The ExploreGB fam trip was so many other very unique suppliers like Capital Centric who search of new destinations and unique experiences. another highlight which was well would allow you to book a meal for your clients online. planned and executed.” Haresh Koyande Ajay Kurseja India Travel Awards Winner & Founder and Managing Director Munind Shah Director Worldtravelstudio.com Director Fairdeal Travels The Travel Planners
“ExploreGB was an eye opener “Britain is really ‘GREAT’ in terms Britain is a must see destination for me in introducing new prod- of history, culture, food, sports, for all travellers who are looking ucts to the market. As we have and its great attractions all over forward to international travel started self driven tours since the country. It’s not just London, especially from India. Britain is a last year, as UK provides an ulti- that is iconic, but other places like beautiful country blessed with mate environment for travelers Wales, Scotland and Ireland are natural beauty and open sur- who prefer self drive. We have symbolic of their great history and roundings. The weather, although launched an exclusive football cultural heritage. Then there is cold, is not unbearable and there- package in May, which is a the historic link between the two fore, attracts Indian traveller. dream football journey, a seven nations and a prime example is day fully packed exciting journey that would definitely surprise that there are more Indian restaurants in the UK than any other Vijay Mohan Raj travelers with its inclusions, which is gaining popularity in the country in Europe.” Managing Director Uniglobe Sameera Travel & Tours Chennai Market.” Lokesh Chawla Sriharan Balan Director Director – Administration Xtra Mile Travel & Education Services Madura Travel Services
“Britain offers a complete holiday Britain is a perfect blend of history I discovered there's much more experience to the customer. in a modern perspective. From to Britain then what it's famous Cities such as Birmingham offer the lively bustling streets to idyllic for. To start off, one can't shrug vibrancy of a modern metropolis, traditional villages, sandy costal off its history and culture. It was castles like Warwick and Windsor resorts to wildlife, Britain has evident across castles, the offer history and culture. The everything to offer. Easy access famous theatres and universities. Cotswold countryside offers sce- with five international airports Next, the architecture is truly nic beauty, serenity. The ease of and various sea ports and con- breathtaking. The cuisine was finding Indian Cuisine and the venient internal travel options incredible - ranging from friendly people adds to the sense with the global local language of European to Indian. Although, of comfort for Indians travelling across Britain.” English has boosted its value as preferred destination to travel. the weather was chilly, it was pleasant and I would recommend Splendid shopping experience and the global culinary treat February / March to be a good time to visit the UK. Anahita Avari Director adds to the value to visit Britain. Shameem Shaikh TravelOptionz Holidays Sandeep Shetty Assistant Manager – Product General Manager- products and operations, World of Wonders Travel Tours FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 23 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 24
24 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NTO Indian travellers are now going Dutch Amsterdam Marketing, Chief Executive Officer, Frans van der Avert says Indian arrivals to Amsterdam increased by 34 per cent in 2014 compared to 2013 and that they want to work closely with Indian agents to promote the destination among Indian travellers.
PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA from India to Amsterdam. In 2014, Which Indian markets are PR agency here, and we’ll see how How have Indians the Indian hotel stays was the Qyou focusing on? further we can go. For instance even Qchanged the way they How is the Indian strongest climber in Amsterdam. The We are targeting big markets like if we want to concentrate on a market travel? Qmarket responding to numbers might not be a lot, but rel- Delhi and Mumbai, these are the two like Bengaluru we do not have any More and more people from Amsterdam as a destination? atively we see that the numbers are most important markets. We are also direct connectivity from there, so we India are coming to visit and experi- The Indian market is getting steadily climbing up. There has been looking at where people can travel and need to think about how to take ence Europe and are comfortable more and more important for an increase of 34 per cent year-on- where we have good connectivity. This care of that. We have a very big air- with the idea of visiting Europe. And Amsterdam. We have a lot of Indian year. We also have French Italians is for the first time we are venturing port, which is the 4th largest airport in order to cater to them we also companies in Amsterdam so we and Americans coming in but into the India market and we want to in Europe after London, Frankfurt have many Indian restaurants which have a lot of Indian people employed there the percentage increase is see how it works for us, we have and Paris. Connectivity is indeed are only increasing in number. The in these offices, but now we see not so high, this rise in Indian started with Delhi and Mumbai, so this very important and is a major deter- restaurateurs also see plenty of more and more tourists coming in arrivals is huge. is like an experiment. We have a minant for this. opportunities. We are concentrating on the middle class who are now travelling all around and opting for 10-day trips to Europe. We want Amsterdam
Frans van der Avert Chief Executive Officer Amsterdam Marketing
In 2014, the Indian hotel stays was the strongest climber in Amsterdam. There has been an increase of 34 per cent year-on-year
to have a bigger part in that. The visa process is also not very complicated; it is pretty easy getting a visa for Amsterdam.
How do you intend Qto work with travel agents? We want to work very closely with travel agents as well and since this is the first time we are coming to India we want to use this opportunity to build relation- ships with them.
Exploring I amsterdam In 2014, the Indian hotel stays saw an increase of 34 per cent year-on-year Amsterdam has the 4th largest airport in Europe after London, Frankfurt and Paris Not very complicated visa process FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 25
AGENTS APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 25 Off-beat places: Udaan’s new mantra With the completion of 23 years, Udaan India is now gearing up to foray into untapped destinations. Rajan Dua, Managing Director, Udaan India tells about the strategies and roadmap ahead and how essential it is to have a good pan-India presence.
duced Visa-on-Arrival, eVisa escorted & assisted personalised SAMAPTI D AS Namaste Croatia is option to frequent them who have service, strong language capabilities- Tell us about the achieve- one of our new initiatives UK/US/Schengen visas. special Japanese helpdesk etc, Qments of Udaan over the Udaan endeavours to provide best-in last 23 years. and Foreigner Regional Do you think it is going to class FRRO facilitation services. We were focused on our core Registration Offices (FRRO) is Qchange? domain - ‘visa facilitation’ and have Yes, certainly. We have seen a Anything that you would scaled heights in our journey of 23 the domain which Udaan is lot of changes in the span of 23 years Qlike to add years. We started with visa facilitation focusing upon the coming and more changes will come in the I think it is high time that visa at a time when IATA travel agencies future. With globalisation, people and industry should become more organ- used to have runner for visas and the financial year places have come closer and hence, ised and all visa facilitators should number of visa agencies was quite the desire and need for international have good understanding and healthy low. Envisioning the impact of technol- Rajan Dua travel for leisure, business, study etc competition. Rather than just reducing ogy in our lives, Udaan India was the Managing Director, Udaan India has increased. service charges to gain edge over first company to launch its Visa Portal each other, we should face challenges in the year 2000. This gave us a lead- Are there any new initia- together and mutually work on making ing edge over all other visa facilitators Qtives that you are going to it more organised. and made Udaan India a distin- We surely look forward to pro- along with participation in travel fairs, take this year? guished leader in the travel industry. mote new, offbeat destinations. New road shows, e-campaigns etc have Namaste Croatia is one of our Udaan India has always been a trend- things are in the pipeline which will be created a lot of curiosity among peo- new initiatives and Foreigner Regional setter in the visa industry and with this updated as we move forward. ple about Croatia. Registration Offices (FRRO) is the 23 and counting... innovation we pioneered the online domain which Udaan is focusing upon Visa Tracking System. The talents of How easy or difficult is it How has the visa sce- the coming financial year. We will Udaan India has been a the industry coupled with innovative Qto promote such less pop- Qnario changed in India assist foreigners with the following trendsetter in the visa industry and solutions and our pro-customer ular destinations like Croatia? ever since you entered into services-Registration/De-Registration pioneered the online approach help us in delivering quality A lot of efforts are required to business? of Expats, Visa Extension/Resident Visa Tracking System services while ensuring security and promote less popular destinations. But Tremendous changes have Permit Extension, Visa sustainability. people nowadays look forward to go come in the visa scenario. Earlier it Conversion/Entry Conversion/Exit Foreigner Regional Registration to new destinations rather than com- was more manual and the documen- Permit, Address Change/Duplicate Offices (FRRO) is the domain Like Croatia, would you mon ones. You get to explore more in tation was tedious. As Indians are RP/ New Passport Entry, MOHA which Udaan is focussing upon Qlike to tie up with any such destinations. Fortunately a good among the top five travellers in the Clearance etc. With our PAN India the coming financial year other destinations? team and support of Amir Muharemi world, a lot of countries have intro- presence, process driven approach, FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 26
26 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 HOTELS Eyeing better Indian clientele Mashobra welcomes Sarovar Christophe Plantier, General Manager, Constance Le Prince Mashobra Hills will soon be home to Marigold Sarovar Portico, Maurice, Mauritius tells about the USP of the property with 50 rooms and cottages after the company rebranded an and the company’s new initiatives for this year. existing hotel, seen as a leap in the leisure segment.
SAMAPTI D AS For the time being we are tar- is that the hotel is facing TT BUREAU geting the high end clientele. the North and people get the Tell us something We didn’t really market our sun all day long. It is arovar Hotels has Qabout your property. property in India as such. We very sheltered in the winter Ssigned a 50 room Constance Le Prince Maurice have been focussing mostly on season because of the major and cottages Sarovar is a small property located on the European market till now. I wind blowing from the Portico at Mashobra a private peninsula. It is a wild think China, Russia and India Southeast side. We have a big Hills, Shimla. It is a run- piece of land surrounded by are the forthcoming important kids club and two big ning hotel which will be mangroves, almost 60 acres. golf courses. rebranded as a Sarovar It is a private piece of land, Portico by May 2015 surrounded by a lagoon, nei- How was 2014 for this year, or earlier. ther too deep nor too chirpy Qyou? Owned by AB Tools, and perfect for people who are It’s been much better as we the hotel will be named not great swimmers or for kids. have been suffering since the as Marigold Sarovar We do propose a lot of water last four years because of the Portico, Mashobra. This sports facilities here. There are recession in Europe. The development repre- three restaurants and 89 keys business is picking up. The sents an important link with six different room cate- UK market is still strong in in Sarovar’s expansion gories. We have one unique Mauritius alongwith the in the leisure segment. and trekkers. The resort offers acquaint oneself with the coun- floating restaurant which is the French and German market. a platform to its guests to expe- try life in Himalayan Villages. only one on the Indian Ocean. Christophe Plantier We are targeting occupancy The resort offers a virtual rience nature and his real self The wine cellar holds more General Manager of sixty per cent in the forth- bonanza for nature-walk lovers on one hand and on the other The cottages at the than 25,000 bottles coming Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius coming year. resort are made of Himalayan from 17 different countries. We Stone, which are a unique and serve all sorts of food including countries so it is important for Are you taking any Across India and Beyond... specialised specimen of vegetarian, as we know that it us to be able to promote our Qnew initiative this Shimla architecture. Besides, is very important to have veg- hotels to get more awareness year? The company manages and franchises over 70 opera- the hotel will offer all modern etarian food for Indians. We and attract more clientele. The hotel has been refurbished tional hotels in 48 destinations in India and overseas, under facilities including all day din- also have two golf courses and completely two years ago. Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico, Hometel, Radisson, Park ing, restaurant, bar, swimming all guests who stay with us can What is the USP of Eventually we are planning to Plaza and Park Inn brands pool, gym and spa, meeting get access to them for free. Qthe hotel? renovate and expand the kids rooms, banqueting facilities, The hotel is located on the club. So this is probably one of With 12 regional sales & reservations offices located conferencing and destination How important is the Indian East coast that is probably the main targets and we are across India, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest weddings and other market for you? What is the the widest coast of Mauritius. going to be busy consolidating services required for a good and most diverse hotel management companies in India. percentage of Indian arrivals? Another important thing our assets. four-star hotel. Constance hosts Indian travel trade
Christophe Plantier, General Manager, Constance Le Prince Maurice was recently in India on his maiden visit to promote the property and invite more Indian guests. A fun filled get together was organised in New Delhi by Constance Hotels & Resorts which was attended by some renowned faces of the travel trade. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 27 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 28
28 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 HOTELS Le Meridien debuts in Gurgaon With many more Le Meridien hotels opening this year, the one in Gurgaon, Haryana has been launched recently amidst fanfare. Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin and Dilip Puri, MD, India and Regional VP, South Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts tell about the brand which continues to mark its presence around the world.
TT BUREAU destination through With a conversion strategy locally influenced tarwood Hotels & Resorts we also expedite on the design, program- Sopened Le Méridien ming and cuisine.” Gurgaon, following the new properties coming into rebranding of an existing hotel. The hotel fea- In Asia Pacific, Le Méridien is the Le Meridien brand. We tures 285 guest on track to open eight new are going to open around 11 rooms, including 22 hotels this year at vibrant loca- suites, with contem- tions such as Paro, Bhutan; hotels in the world this year, porary furnishings; a Dhaka, Bangladesh; Ho Chi among which four are in India renovated signature Minh City, Vietnam; Putrajaya, dining venue, latest Malaysia and Qingdao and Brian Povinelli recipes; and a new Leshan, China. Global Brand Leader Longitude Bar. Re- Le Méridien and Westin interpreting the lobby “Le Méridien is enjoying into a social gather- a strong growth momentum ing place, the hub worldwide, resonating with cre- ellers who have an affinity for Brian Povinelli, Global Brand experience is ative and curious minded trav- arts, culture and cuisine,” said Leader, Le Méridien and defined by four Westin. “As India’s unique elements: important hospitality large-scale artwork market with tremen- in high impact areas; the sen- open around 11 hotels in the Puri informed that the dous growth potential, sory experience, illustrated world this year, among which next Le Meridian is going to Gurgaon has long through Le Méridien’s signa- four are in India. This is a big open in Mahabaleshwar. A been on our short list ture scent, sound and use of focus for the brand in India.” second hotel will open in Paro of dynamic Indian light and a 24-hour-curated in Bhutan and a large Le cities that share our soundtrack by French Bossa Talking about the potential Meridian is opening in Dhaka brand passions. We Nova band Nouvelle Vague. of the brand, Dilip Puri, towards the middle of the are confident that Le Other hotel amenities include Managing Director, India and year. David Hopcroft, Méridien Gurgaon will 1,600 square metres of confer- Regional Vice-President, South General Manager, Le provide a unique expe- ence and meeting space, cov- Asia, Starwood Hotels & Méridien Gurgaon, Delhi NCR rience, unlocking the ering a divisible ballroom with Resorts said, “It was always a said, “It is an important occa- sion as we welcome our guests to Le Méridien, Gurgaon, Delhi NCR. We look This year we are likely forward to helping our guests to open the largest unlock this unique destination through a redefined, contem- number of Le Meridien porary experience.” hotels in the South Asia region Expanding Dilip Puri Managing Director, Starwood India and Regional Vice-President, Le Meridian is going to South Asia, open in Mahabaleshwar. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Another hotel will open an eight metres tall ceiling and challenge for us to revive and in Paro in Bhutan area of 390 square metres that reposition an iconic global A large Le Meridian is opens to lush green lawns. brand. It has taken time but opening in Dhaka towards today I am proud that almost all the middle of the year. Povinelli added, “In long of our existing Le Meridien term we are very optimistic hotels have either completed or Around 11 Starwood about India. It is going to pick a in the process of completing hotels are opening in the pace. With a conversion strategy some major renovations. This world in 2015, among we also expedite on the new year we are likely to open the which four are in India properties coming into the Le largest number of Le Meridien Meridien brand. We are going to hotels in the South Asia region.” ‘Save the Sparrow’ initiative launched Sterling Holiday Resorts, bers to help in water conser- sciousness among children India’s leading Leisure vation and in maintaining a and their families. We focused Hospitality and Vacation clean environment. Sterling is on the sparrow as its popula- Ownership company, has also actively taking part in the tion is depleting at an alarm- launched a unique edutain- nationwide Swachh Bharat ing rate. The initiative is run ment program at its resorts in Abhiyan campaign through as an edutainment program at an effort to contribute to save monthly cleanliness drives in our resorts conducted through the sparrow from going the vicinity of all its resorts a workshop which includes a extinct. Sterling’s ‘Save the and offices. Speaking on Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kit. The Sparrow’ initiative is a part of the initiative, Ramesh kit comprises of a drawstring the Company’s ongoing effort Ramanathan, Managing backpack, a bird house, a bird to be eco-friendly. Other ini- Director of Sterling Holiday bath and an instruction guide. tiatives include encouraging Resorts said, “Our Save the By doing so Sterling hopes to Sterling’s guests and mem- Sparrow initiative is aimed at help impact the sparrow pop- raising environmental con- ulation positively.” FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 29 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 30
30 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NTO KwaZulu-Natal: New pit stop for movies The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Film Commission, that was visiting Mumbai to participate at the India International Film Tourism Conclave 2015 recently, is set to begin fulfilling its mandate to make the province a film production centre. Carol Coetzee, CEO of KZN Film Commission, speaks about her plans to attract more Indian filmmakers to shoot in KZN province.
H AZEL J AIN This was a successful trip in Have the previous films Currently, we offer 20% rebate that we achieved our objectives, but Qled to an increase in urban has been showcased in a on qualifying spend in South we still have a long way to go. We tourists? Dlot of Hindi and vernacular Indian need to convert the conversations We are currently undertaking movies but there are so many more Africa, if you do post production into actual productions in our research into the impact of film on picturesque destinations in the KZN you get 25%. There is an MOU region. There is a keen interest to tourism and have no doubt that there province. This is what the KwaZulu- explore other regions of the country is a positive influence. Moving forward, Natal (KZN) Film Commission wants with the Indian government such as KwaZulu-Natal which we will be more aggressive and to highlight. In fact, Durban is known and if we get a treaty signed provide fresh and exciting locations. focused on packaging specific prod- as ‘Little India’ because of the large The feedback from various stake- ucts around film tourism. Indian population so the filming crew with India the rebate holders has been very positive with gets a mix of warm South African and increases to 35% excellent referrals from well-known What kind of numbers Indian hospitality. The KwaZulu-Natal Indian filmmakers. Qdoes the KZN province Film Commission is focussed on mak- Carol Coetzee records from India right now? ing the province a film production cen- Are you planning to offer As per South African Tourism's CEO, KZN Film Commission tre. Its mission is to offer support Qmore facilities to encour- report, provincial distribution share of throughout the value chain to the local age film shoots? arrivals for Q4 2013, about 22.7 per and international film industry number of Indians than any other city Aashish Singh, Marijke deSouza, B. We are actively promoting cent of the total Indian arrivals visited stakeholders. outside of India. Attending the India Vijaya Kumar, and Aditya Bhat to investment into new studios to further KwaZulu Natal. International Film Tourism Conclave mention a few. We plan to invest attract productions into the region. What was the agenda of in Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai heavily in marketing ourselves to Currently, we offer 20 per cent rebate Qyour India visit? was a grand experience as we got to ensure that key decision-makers are on qualifying spend in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Film Com- interact with different players in India. aware of our exciting offering. We if you do post production you get 25 Bollywood connection mission's agenda was to meet and We are looking forward to hosting believe that we can gain further per cent. There is an MOU with the build relationships with the key decision- some of them in our province soon. tourists by specifically packaging Indian government and if we get a Some of the popular movies makers in the Indian film industry and those regions and specific locations treaty signed with India the rebate shot in Durban include Race, to promote KwaZulu-Natal as the Did you meet any direc- like hotels, etc where the stars inter- increases to 35 per cent. We have a Welcome, No Entry, Fida, Hera destination of choice. KZN Film Qtors? acted during the production. close working relationship with South Pheri among others. Upcoming Commission recognizes that India is a We had very good meetings with African Tourism in India and with our Bollywood films Aankhen2 and big player in the film industry and as a production houses such as Yash Raj What was the feedback regional body - Tourism KwaZulu- Happy Anniversary are going to province KZN has a number of syner- Films, makers of Dhoom, several Qyou received from the Natal - we explore collaborative mar- gies with India as we have the highest directors and producers including production houses? keting of the region. be shot in Durban FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 31 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 32
32 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 RAILWAYS Children now travel free in Rail Europe Rail Europe has made travelling for families and groups in Europe easier and cheaper this summer. Among the many offers it is offering is free rail travel for children and unbeatable prices on a selection of products.
holder of a Eurail Global allows children 6 to 15 for up to two children TT BUREAU The interactive map on particular country or Pass, Eurail Select pass, years of age to travel free aged 6 to 11 accompa- ail Europe, the leader in the new Rail Europe website region to book the appropriate Eurail Regional Pass and when accompanied by a nied by their parents. distribution of train tickets will help customers select the pass and validity. Pass R Eurail One Country Pass. parent or legal guardian. For several BritRail Pass and rail passes, has country of their choice and holders also benefit from Families traveling with The card is free, simply products, one child aged 5 announced that families trav- the rail passes which best bonuses which are included request one at the time elling with a selection of rail kids under the age of 16 to 15 can travel free with an corresponds to where they in their rail pass. They can get passes to visit Europe now in Switzerland can book you purchase your Swiss adult on a BritRail Family want to go will be displayed. hotel discounts, free have access to free rail travel a Swiss Travel Pass and Travel Pass. Pass. All additional children Customers just need to public travel or ferry dis- for children. This offer is avail- save with the Swiss The German Rail Pass ages 5 to 15 will receive a know the number of days counts, when available. able for Eurail Passes, the Family Card, which offers a free child travel special reduced rate. they are planning to stay in a Swiss Travel Pass, German Rail Pass and BritRail Pass.
Family-friendly advan- tages: Rail Europe spring promotions Up to two children In partnership with major European railway companies and Eurail, Rail Europe is lining up several promotions, including between the ages of 4 and 11 can travel for free deals for top sellers like Eurostar, Thalys, France Rail Pass, German Rail Pass and Eurail Global Pass. with an adult who is a Thalys exclusive fares: Eurostar exclusive fares: Travel Free additional days included in the 20% discount for One free day for a selection of First Class - 64 between between London and Paris or Eurail Global Pass German Rail Pass Eurail One Country Passes Paris & Brussels, 74 Brussels for 39£ in Standard Class or Travellers get 2 to 5 additional days of Sales dates: 01 and Eurail Regional Passes Kids Day-out between Paris & 99 in Standard Premier with travel included for free in their Eurail February 2015 – 31 Until 28/04/2015, when book- For several BritRail Pass Cologne, 78 between Eurostar. Global Pass. March 2015 ing a Eurail pass, one free products, one child aged Paris & Amsterdam and Sales dates: until 20/03/2015 Conditions: 2 additional days offered for Travel dates: 01 additional day of travel is 48 between Brussels Travel dates: 02/03/2015 – 27/08/2015 a 15-day pass. 3 additional days offered February 2015 – 31 offered! 5 to 15 can travel free with and Amsterdam. Rail Passes: 20% discount for France for a 21-day pass. 5 additional days May 2015. Sales dates: Until 28/04/2015 an adult on a BritRail Sales dates: 27/03/2015 Rail Pass offered for a 1 month rail pass. Travel dates: Up to 6 months Family Pass. All additional Travel dates: 01/03/2015 Sales dates: Until 06/04/2015 Sales dates: 1 February – 31 March from issuance date children ages 5 to 15 – 30/06/2015 Travel dates: Up to 6 months from 2015 will receive a special issuance date. Valid on 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Travel dates: Pass must be activated reduced rate days within 1 month passes. within 6 month. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 33 NEWS Expedition Voyages launched With the launch of the new company – Expedition Voyages, Cruise Norway is celebrating an exciting phase in the eight years they have operated in India. With this the team looks forward to making exotic and pristine locales easily accessible to the clients.
TT BUREAU 2014 has been a says, “We continue to repre- successful sent Silversea, the Ultra- ruise Norway has carved year for us, with Luxury shipping company, who Ca niche for itself in the sail to over 500 destinations Expedition Voyage sector an overall growth World Wide, including some with over 27 years of in USD turnover new exotic new destinations combined experience in the of 84 per cent as mentioned earlier. Partnering USA and India. With an over- compared with G-Adventures and all growth of 84 per cent in to 2013. Poseidon Expeditions, we offer 2014, and their client’s a wide spectrum of Expedition increasing desire to Revenue margins too voyages to the dedicated explore the remote and exot- have shown a healthy growth adventure seekers, right from ic, they have decided to of 59 per cent over the the North Pole to the position themselves as a previous year.” South Pole.” dedicated operator for
Espen Fjermeros John Ambat Shanthini Manohar CEO Executive Vice President General Manager (Marketing) Expedition Voyages Expedition Voyages Expedition Voyages
Authentic Expedition Voyages Expedition Voyages will He adds, “One of our to untouched lands. continue operations seamless- major strategies is to invest ly. It will remain the oldest trav- substantially on web marketing John Ambat, Executive el partner in India (2007) as through Google ad-word cam- Vice President, Expedition well the GSA for the hundred paigns, besides other forms of Voyages says, “We are year old Norwegian Shipping marketing. Innovative initia- very proud to announce the Company Hurtigruten, whose tives, like purchasing ‘mar- launch of our new company fleet of 12 ships sails to the ketable’ domains, have led to Expedition Voyages. eco-fragile Polar Regions of creating dedicated websites, the Arctic and Antarctic. Ambat which are product specific.”
Thai Airways and Tourism Authority of Thailand support Caddies golf tournament
Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Royal Thai Embassy supported Caddies Welfare Trust Members Charity Golf Tournament that was held at the Delhi Golf Club on the February 27, 2015 to raise supporting funds for medical care of caddies. Thai Airways sponsored a grand prize consisting of two return air tickets sector Delhi/Bangkok/ Delhi and two nights three days stay in Thailand. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 34
34 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS Recognising powerhouse of talent
India Travel Awards supports, promotes and develops the Indian travel and tourism industry by identifying and rewarding excellence in the travel industry. Award winners from all the four regions share their moment of pride with after receiving the award.
Ramoji Film City I am very glad that India Travel Awards has come to South India. It is a big encouragement for any organisation to receive an award. Tourism is a business which certainly requires more boost. As compared to the GDPs of all the countries worldwide, I think we have a lot to learn in India. India Travel Awards will encourage the organisations to put their best to the business. Rajiv Jalnapurkar CEO
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, roomsXML Solutions Mysore India Travel Awards is very encouraging and a big step taken. West I think it's very important because South India is India is a big market which is gradually developing and with awards a key market in tourism whether it is Kerala, being organised specifically for this region, I am sure everyone Andhra Pradesh or Karnataka. All these states here in the travel industry will get encouragement to keep up the are upcoming tourist destinations and I think they good work. all have potential. This award will give a lot of Prakash Bang visibility to our hotel and the kind of facilities that Managing Director we have. It will also boost Mysore as a destination with garden and palaces. Pankaj Saxena General Manager
World Travel Studio.com South Africa Tourism West India has a lot of potential. I think it contributes about We are absolutely moved to get this award. It means something 30 per cent to pan India. With Visa-on- Arrival being when you know that over three lakh people are voting for this launched by the government, tourism will get a big boost. award. It is an encouragement for everyone in the office. We have Similarly, after achieving the India Travel Award, everyone an extremely hard working team for South Africa tourism in India. in the travel industry will get a big encouragement and There is a huge commitment from the head office so, the work harder. confidence that one has on the destination is worth it. Haresh Koyande Hanneli Slabber Founder and Managing Director Country Manager
Centrum Direct Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills All the regions of India have equal potential. We need to It is a great initiative that has been taken to recognise the travel encourage more on that. We need to make it convenient trade in South India separately. Otherwise, we generally see that for the foreign tourists wherever they travel. All facilities most of the awards happen for pan India. Many hotels are coming should be present there. I see a lot of potential in this field up now in each of the regions so they can be recognised and and this kind of awards will encourage us to make it better. encouraged to do better work. It will help us to connect with the travel community and will Rajneesh Malhotra take us an inch forward to know the travel industry better. General Manager Harendra Choudhary General Manager (North & East)
Summit Hotels and Resorts Incentives and Conference Planners I think it is a good thing to have awards to felicitate people I think it is great to have an award ceremony organised specifically who work so hard. This is the first time that I've seen this for East India. I would like to give a ‘Thumbs up’ to this as it is initiative being taken. There are so many people who are recognising the achievements in the travel industry in this region. working in different fields, from village tourism to getting The awareness about a certain region depends on proper tourists to this region from different parts of the country. campaigning and the award will surely lead to the same for East If we can improve the infrastructure, then we will be India. among the best. Sunaina Chatterjee Sumit Mitruka Chief Executive Managing Director
Clubside Tours & Travels It is an excellent idea to organise awards region wise. Each and every region has potential. But East India especially, is a budding market and has mostly been ignored as compared to North or South India. So, I think East deserves to be a part of the travel industry and this award will turn out to be a huge encouragement. Sumit Periwal Chief Executive Officer FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 35 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 36
36 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 AVIATION Etihad’s three-room suite in the air Etihad Airways transformed expectations of commercial air travel by offering The Residence by Etihad. Now as the airline completes a Korean finance lease for its second A380, gets you more details on the aircraft.
D EVIKA J EET cated Butler. Measuring 125 We are delighted to have square feet in total, The 014 was a momentous year engaged so positively with Residence by Etihad is located 2for Etihad Airways and the on the forward upper deck of first quarter on 2015 has con- Korean investors, thereby the A380 and is for single or tinued to be exemplary. The securing strong interest double occupancy. year ended with the launch of from Korean institutions in its new aircrafts A380 and B787 The A380 is also the only taking the skies and welcoming the course of our first Etihad Airways aircraft to offer the much-awaited Residence entry into the the first apartment, which is a by Etihad. “As we have done so complete living space with a Korean market The Lobby, A380 Upper Deck many times in our short history, reclining lounge chair and we are reshaping the landscape James Hogan an ottoman. of modern air travel in our President and CEO, to have engaged so positively Growing Fleet own way. This is a culmination Etihad Airways “With the launch of these with Korean investors, thereby of many years of hard work aircraft, we usher in a new era securing strong interest The much-awaited and tremendous endeavour of unparalleled luxury, comfort from Korean institutions in Residence by Etihad by hundreds of people both The flagship aircrafts Residence by Etihad, the only and service. These innovations the course of our first entry in our airline and outside,” ushered in the New Year with three-room suite in the sky. represent our vision for the into the Korean market, launched along with says James Hogan, President distinctive new livery and all future,” he adds. which we see as a potentially aircrafts A380 and B787 and Chief Executive Officer, new cabin interiors, which “Inspired by traditional fruitful longer term partnership taking the skies Etihad Airways include the ultra-luxurious Emirati design patterns and Etihad Airways has also for us in the future.” facets of our home Abu completed a Korean Finance Ultra-luxurious Dhabi, the bold and exciting Lease for its second new Etihad Airways will Residence by Etihad: the new aircraft livery reflects our Airbus A380 aircraft and is take delivery of four A380s only three-room suite in strong and proud Arabian her- gearing up to add to its fleet. and three Boeing 787-9s in the sky with a dedicated itage in a fresh and modern The transaction, which is struc- 2015. The airline also unveiled butler way,” adds Hogan. tured as a 15-year, fixed a new cabin crew uniform. It’s coupon full-payout finance the first major uniform Etihad Airways has The Residence by Etihad lease, is the first ever Korean re-launch since the airline’s also completed a Korean features a living room, sepa- financing to be arranged cov- formation in 2003 and incorpo- Finance Lease for its rate ensuite shower room, and ering the entire cost of a rates the same colours used second new Airbus bedroom, and as another first brand new A380 aircraft. for the cabin interior and in the airline industry, a dedi- Hogan adds, “We are delighted new aircraft livery. A380 aircraft The Residence A380 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:36 PM Page 37 AVIATION The tussle of the trade The cricket match hosted by Emirates Airlines for its trade partners saw impressive turnout even on a weekend. Even though the winning team took away the tournament trophy, the travel fraternity was the ultimate winner.
TT BUREAU verged as part of 32 teams Cricket Trade Tournament over the weekend at the 2015 in Mumbai. ricketing skills counted the Emirates Airlines’ two-day Cmost on this pitch as 384 cricket match titled ‘Emirates Held at the Police members of travel trade con- Gymkhana Grounds, the match
Marzban Antia Jeetendra Sawhney John Nair Managing Director Managing Director VP and Head (Corporate Travel Fans on Stands Abacus India India), Cox & Kings
There was so Emirates Airline It was a very good much camaraderie tapped into a initiative by on the ground on national passion. Emirates. The those two days What a metaphor cricket match between players. for our space! brought members Everyone forgot Players forget of the trade who they worked who they worked together and what for and just for and it was all better way to do enjoyed the game about team effort this than cricket
started at 9 AM on March 21 with Mumbai Masti emerging as the winners late evening on March 22. Abacus co-spon- sored the Emirates Cricket Trade Tournament including tech gadgets to the Best Batsman, Bowler and Fielder. The main prize was, however, the magnificent Emirates tro- phy that was revealed at a net- working party on Friday.
Never a dull moment After the first day of clashes between the various teams, it all boiled down to two semi-final matches on March 22 for six overs each with Brussels Diamond v/s Mumbai Masti and Amsterdam Magic v/s Rio Rogers. While Mumbai Masti defeated Brussels Diamond by making 52 runs, Rio Rogers won their match with 65 runs in just 5.3 overs. However, Mumbai Masti was the clear favourite and won the final match by 13 runs amidst loud cheering. India’s famous ex-Test Cricket Captain, Dilip Vengsakar was present to give away the final prizes. Winning Team Mumbai Masti emerged as the final winner after defeating the opposing team by 13 runs FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 38
38 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 FAMILY ALBUM Taking centrestage at ITB Berlin
ITB Berlin in Germany this year witnessed an increase in trade visitors, longer duration of stay of trade visitors and exhibitors. The India Pavilion also won the second prize for the Best Stand in the Asia, Australia and Oceania category. Showcasing its cultural heritage at the fair, brand India was projected through marketing ‘Incredible India’ with the help of outdoor media by branding buses and outdoor backlit billboards. Evoking the Buddhist heritage of India, the Pavilion was built with the Sanchi Stupa in the middle and trade partners all around. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 39
FAMILY ALBUM APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 39 Travel trade converge in Berlin
Contd. on page 41 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 40
40 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NTO Easy visas, better connections to Israel With the recently-concluded TAFI convention it is time for Israel to take feedback and work towards making the destination easy for agents to sell in India. Hassan Madah, Director (India), Israel Ministry of Tourism, talks about the measures it is taking for this.
H AZEL J AIN Also, when you have profession- Is the budget for India The Ministry is offering a safety Kolkata, Cochin, Vadodara and al speakers and an interesting sched- Qlikely to increase this net agreement to the companies and Nagpur have shown good potential. Any takeaways from the ule, people will attend and you will year? we are trying to convince Indian car- QTAFI convention? have a fruitful convention. The conven- The final budget for this year is riers to fly to Israel. It’s a financial deci- Can you share details The convention was successful tion was an eye-opener for the agents still unknown because of the election sion and we claim that if it is econom- Qabout your specialist pro- despite all the obstacles especially the where they saw with their own eyes that happened on March 17. We are ically worth it to ELAL to fly all these gram? weather challenge in Istanbul airport how safe the country is, even safer now waiting for the coalition to be years, then it should be worth it for So far, more than 720 agents formed and the budget to be others as well. have registered just two months after approved. Till then, we will work as per its launch. We will soon announce the We are expecting to reach last year’s budget. According to plans, What activities have you winners of the tickets. We will come up the budget will increase during the Qplanned for the agents with a second program in the near 50,000 this year with more years and we will invest in projects this year? future with more information about the MICE and leisure travellers. We after we evaluate them. We will conduct roadshows and destination. We are promoting the pro- cultural events in different cities. We gram with our media partner who is dis- think that it will be 45 per cent What kind of visa relax- have also increased our budget for tributing more prizes for agents who pilgrimage, 35 per cent leisure Qations is Israel looking at? joint promotional activities. register and complete the program. Israel has facilitated the visa Familiarisation tours will also happen and 20 per cent MICE process in India in recent years and for those who are keen to invest in the the visa is done through VFS. business along with corporates for the Hassan Madah Regarding group visa which is done MICE segment. Discover Israel Director (India), Israel Ministry of Tourism by the DMCs in Israel through the Interior Ministry in Israel, we want to What kind of numbers are Israel has facilitated the visa reduce the number of members from Qyou expecting this year? process in India in recent years and 10 to five people. We are working on We are expecting to reach the visa is done through VFS. and the heavy snow and rain in the than their own cities, and how modern that and hopefully it will happen soon. 50,000 this year with more MICE and Regarding group visa which is done region a few days before the conven- and developed with well-maintained leisure travellers. We think that it will by the DMCs in Israel through the tion. We realised that we should have attractions Israel is. They also saw What is the ministry be 45 per cent pilgrimage, 35 per cent Interior Ministry in Israel, chances a plan B, which we did and because how Indians were welcomed in Israel. Qdoing to improve air con- leisure and 20 per cent MICE. The are the number of members may be of that we succeeded in holding the The impact is greater when people nectivity between India and cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, reduced from 10 to five people convention as per plans. experience it for themselves. Israel? Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, TrawellTag forays into non-risk products The company is planning to integrate a lot many specialist travel-related non-risk products that Cover-More already has in its current offerings. Among them are products like the Cover-More Global SIM card that is currently being tested in India.
TT BUREAU partners and understand the has specialist travel-related about six to 12 months’ time. We Indian market.” We are looking to part- products like medical assistance are in the testing phase right n India to officiate the opening ner with Indian airlines and Cover-More Global SIM now,” Karvat added. TrawellTag Iof TrawellTag Cover-More’s Global SIM for India card. These are the products is currently focused on the B2B second office in Mumbai, Revealing plans for the and are already in discus- that we would look at to be inte- platform and committed to its Group CEO of Cover-More, India market, Dev Karvat, MD sion with a couple of them. grated into our current offerings.” travel agent partners. “We are Peter Edwards said that of TrawellTag Cover-More, India, not thinking of going B2C and Cover-More will grow opera- said, “The agenda with There are about four airlines “The Cover-More Global have been conducting our travel tions in India to tap into the CoverMore coming in is not to in India and we would SIM card has been running very agents engagement program growing outbound travel vol- expand in terms of offices but to well in the Australian market so quite successfully. We complet- umes and continue investing in bring in more specialised prod- like to work with all we are in the process of testing ed eight cities last year and the Indian business, without ucts – risk and non-risk both – four of them the same thing in India and cre- we plan to cover another 15 revealing any figures for this. within the travel insurance ating the right infrastructure to cities this year, engaging He said, “My aim was to visit space. There are a lot of prod- Dev Karvat actually start selling that product. those who actually sell travel Mumbai and Delhi to meet key ucts that we want to launch. On MD, TrawellTag Cover-More, India We don’t have a timeline in place insurance across the counter,” existing and potential business the non-risk side, Cover-More at the moment but I would say Karvat said. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 41
FAMILY ALBUM APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 41 Berlin plays host to tourism fraternity FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 42 ATTRACTIONS 6 must-visit places in Thailand APRIL 2015 Exotic, yet cultured and historic with spectacular islands, Thailand attracts NATIONAL many tourists round the year. features a quick review of top 6 places 9 Mumbai MICE Roadshow, Korea Tourism Organization you must experience while in the kingdom. 14 Jaipur Best of Australia, Tourism Queensland & Tourism Victoria 15 Chandigarh Best of Australia, Tourism TT BUREAU Queensland & Tourism Victoria 16 Visakhapatnam South India Travel Awards 17 Indore Best of Australia, Tourism Amphawa District Queensland & Tourism Victoria Amphawa is 63 km west of Bangkok and it makes 19-21 Jaipur Great Indian Travel Bazaar a day trip destination. It is home to floating market which 21 Coimbatore Best of Australia, Tourism cuts through Khlong (canal) Amphawa and a small com- Queensland & Tourism Victoria munity of vintage cafés, restaurants and wooden shop- 21 Bengaluru Tourism Ireland- Visit Britain houses selling artsy souvenirs, books and Thai sweets. Besides the floating market, the riverside scenery, laid- INTERNATIONAL back ambience reminiscent of a past era and a lineup 14-16 Beijing China Outbound Travel & of waterfront boutique guesthouses are the reason for Tourism Market its popularity. 14-16 Shanghai IT & CM China 2015 15-17 Cape Town WTM Africa 22-24 São Paulo WTM Latin America Resort Bann Amphawa Resort & Spa at Samut MAY 2015 Songkhram NATIONAL Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa offers a retreat on the bank of 8-10 Cochin Hoteltech Kerala the Mae Klong River which blends traditional Thai houses with contemporary Thai luxury to create a haven of historical elegance 25 Chennai B2B Roadshow, Oman Tourist Office among the lush tropical landscape. It invites to get close to the river of life with the comfortable and relaxing privacy home-like 61 27 Bengaluru B2B Roadshow, Oman Tourist Office units in traditional Thai house. Each unit is placed in tropical garden creating the perfect hideaway from the crowd. 29 Delhi B2B Roadshow Oman Tourist Office
INTERNATIONAL 4-7 Dubai Arabian Travel Mart 9 - 11 Durban Indaba 2015, South African Wat Khanon Temple Tourism More than 300 Nang Yai puppets are well preserved in this temple near 21-23 Dhaka Bangladesh International Tourism Amphoe Photharam. Nang Yai is an old form of Thai entertainment with shadow Fair (BITF) play puppets. The performance involves manipulating puppets made of cowhide 26- 29 Ontario Rendezvous Canada 2015, in front of a backlit white screen with musical and narrative accompaniment. Canadian Tourism Commission It prompted master craftsmen of the Royal Court to create a set of Nang Yai puppets which they called Phra Nakhon Wai, or Shaking the City. The puppets JUNE 2015 were used for royal functions and special occasions. NATIONAL 1 Mumbai B2B Roadshow, Oman Tourist Office 10 Kolkata Why Spain? – Presentation & Networking Dinner for Travel Trade Ractchaburi’s local factory of Dragon Earthen Water Jars 10-12 Bengaluru India International Travel Mart Ratchaburi used to be the hub for ceramic wares. For 11 Ahmedabad Why Spain? – Presentation & years, they used water jars and slowly due to the Thai people’s Networking Dinner for Travel Trade changing lifestyle, the jars started to diminish. Ratchaburi’s 11-13 Pune India Hospitality Expo ceramics ware market was also affected by world economic cri- 12 Pune Why Spain? – Presentation & sis. The demand in ceramics ware had decreased by 30-40 per Networking Dinner for Travel Trade cent. At present most of the jar makers, including small-scale ones, are wiped out by this wave of lifestyle changes. There are INTERNATIONAL some surviving handful ones in Ratchaburi. 21-25 Melbourne Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE)
JULY 2015 Sampran Riverside Resort NATIONAL Sampran Riverside, formerly known as Rose 13-14 Mumbai Kiwi Link India workshop, Garden Riverside, is a family-run property near Tourism New Zealand Bangkok. Visitors can experience authentic Thai 13 Goa Learn South Africa way of life here. It is a 70-acre riverside property 14-15 Ahmedabad Learn South Africa which is more like a community rather than a typ- 16 Jaipur Learn South Africa ical resort. The facilities in the property include a 17-19 Chennai India International Travel Mart four star hotel with 160 rooms, six Thai houses 20 Jalandhar Learn South Africa around a lake, Arusaya Spa, four restaurants, 10 20 Kolkata Thailand Road Show meetings rooms and a 10-acre Organic Farm. 22 Lucknow Learn South Africa 22 Delhi Thailand Road Show 23 Kolkata Learn South Africa 24 Mumbai Thailand Road Show Farmer’s Market (Talad Sukjai) 24 Mumbai Learn South Africa Sampran Riverside got engaged with the local 24-26 Hyderabad Travel & Tourism Fair community to open a weekend farmer’s market 25 Pune Learn South Africa called ‘Talad Sukjai’ in November 2010, for those 27 Hyderabad Learn South Africa who practice organic farming. Regular tests are car- 28 Chennai Learn South Africa ried out every two weeks to ensure toxic chemicals 29 Trichy Learn South Africa are not used and monthly workshops related to 30 Chennai Learn South Africa organic farming and holistic health are provided to 31 Bengaluru Learn South Africa visitors. The community market has its own direct 31–Aug 2 Kolkata Travel & Tourism Fair entrance and is open every Saturday and Sunday For more information, contact us at: [email protected] from 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 43 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 44 AGENTS Byke Group to add more hotels in 2015 A fast-emerging name in the hospitality sector with luxury resorts and boutique hotels under its banner, The Byke Hospitality is leveraging its years of experience to expand and add more properties to its portfolio.
TT BUREAU standards. We employ a team Our aim is to grow in the of highly-trained staff that dis- quipped with years of expe- metros where there is a plays efficiency and compe- Erience, Mumbai-based The tence, while extending warmth Byke Hospitality now owns and vacuum of good hotels to all our guests.” manages eight hotels across in terms of quality categories ranging from three- All properties of The Byke star to four-star properties in accommodation facilities takes pride in serving vegetar- popular tourist destinations. with customized budget ian, multi-cuisine dishes Having perfected the art of enriched with natural and Mihir Sarkar authentic flavours. “Our chefs Vice President delight in using the finest of The Byke Hospitality ingredients to excite the palette Growth Story of all our patrons,” Sarkar says. Byke Hospitality owns and manages 8 Revealing the demogra- phy of its clientele, Sarkar says hotels across categories hospitality, the hotel company of Wight in the coming few that the religious and tourist ranging from 3-star is now about to launch two months,” he revealed. sectors have been the group’s to 4-star properties more properties. stronghold for a long time. “As in popular Explaining the strategy far as the metros were con- tourist destinations Speaking about the new for promoting these properties, cerned, we have generally expansion plans is Mihir Sarkar adds, “Our aim is to stayed away from them. But The hotel company is Sarkar, Vice President, The grow in the metros where there now with new properties com- now about to launch two Byke Hospitality. “We will be is a vacuum of good hotels in ing up, we want to tap that mar- more properties adding two more properties to terms of quality accommoda- ket as well. We will therefore our fold this year. The first one tion facilities with customized venture to cover major metros. Religious and tourist will be a business hotel in budget. Each of our properties We are currently looking at sectors have been the Thane in Mumbai and the sec- harnesses the best-in-class destinations of touristic group’s stronghold for a ond one will be our first inter- technology in tune with global importance like Lonavala, long time national resort in the United trends so that we can deliver Mahabaleswar, Agra and Kingdom. This will be in the Isle service as per international Shimla,” he states. The Residence: Home away from home The Residence by Cenizaro offers guests a new online experience to explore the group’s four luxury hotels. Represented in India through Outbound Konnections, it is aggressively tapping the India market.
TT BUREAU talks about how it promotes the weddings and the events holidays and honeymooners product in the growing luxury segments. are the trend and they are nspired by a mission to enrich outbound market in India. seeking luxury getaways. Ievery guest experience, one “Mainly operating in the B2B 3-city roadshow Indians are now more person and one moment at a market, we promote the The company recently focussed in terms of choosing time, The Residence collection resorts in the traditional and concluded a three-city road- the destination they want to is renowned for creating relax- emerging markets through show in New Delhi, Mumbai travel to, and from the desti- ing environments that reflect road shows, trade fairs, and Nagpur and hosted agents nation the right products they over cocktails and din- want to experience. The ner to thank them for Residence being a luxury Indians are now more their support. “The product has huge potential response was very in this changing Indian focussed in terms of good as The Residence market,” she adds. choosing the destination brand is well estab- lished in the market Lokhandwala says that they want to travel to, and now. Nagpur is an destination-wise there is an from the destination the emerging market for us. increase of almost 20 per cent This year, we have in terms of Indian arrivals. right products they want planned familiarisation “These numbers look to dou- to experience trips for the trade. We ble up in the coming season,” also plan to reach out to she predicts. Anjum Lokhandwala tier II and III cities and Founder and CEO conduct product train- Slated to expand the Outbound Konnections ing. We are looking at collection further are four new substantial growth as openings: a resort on the the market is now famil- island of Bintan in Indonesia, the destination, complemented tele-marketing, co-branding, iar with the brand and its serv- a second resort in Maldives, by bespoke hospitality that direct sales through ices,” Lokhandwala adds. and two in Tunisia – one will makes every guest feel as if meeting B2B agents and famil- be a desert resort in they belong. iarization trips.” Observing some trends Douz which is the gateway to in the market, she says that the Sahara, while the other Anjum Lokhandwala, She adds that while the India is now a mature luxury will be a historical gem Founder and CEO, Outbound focus has always been the market and the number of in the UNESCO World Konnections, that represents leisure market, they will now high net-worth traveller’s are Heritage-protected The The Residence luxury hotels, also target the incentive, growing at a fast pace. “Family Medina of Tunis. FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 45
CLIPBOARD APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 45 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 46
46 TRAVTALK APRIL 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 MOVEMENTS
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group ITC Hotels Hyatt Regency Gurgaon Gurgaon Chennai Gurgaon Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Zubin Saxena as Vice Anil Chadha has been appointed as Area Manager South & General Roger Wright has been appointed General Manager of Hyatt President, Development, South Asia. Zubin is based in Carlson Manager for ITC Grand Chola. In his new capacity, Chadha will over- Regency Gurgaon. He joins the 451-room Hyatt Regency Gurgaon Rezidor’s Gurgaon office in the National see the hotel’s operations and also provide with over 30 years of international hotel Capital Region. In his new role, Zubin is insight about the nuances of the ITC Grand experience. Wright has led twelve 5-star responsible for driving development in Chola Dynasty, its Responsible Luxury and and 5-star deluxe business and leisure South Asia and growing its hotel portfolio to elevate the hotel to a world class luxury Hyatt and internationally branded hotels through management and franchise hotel. In addition to this he will also oversee across the Asia and Pacific Region. His opportunities. Zubin has over 15 years operations of other ITC Hotels in Bengaluru, knowledge of hotel operations, positioning, of experience and expertise in real estate Kerala, Hyderabad and Chennai. With over financial and strategic focus will play a vital finance, development and strategic plan- 22 years of hospitality experience, Chadha's role in further developing the hotel. A native ning and operations in the hospitality previous roles spans successful terms with New Zealander, Roger first joined Hyatt as pre- sector. Prior to joining other ITC Hotels including ITC Maurya, opening Director of Rooms of the Hyatt Regency Carlson Rezidor, he held the New Delhi, ITC Gardenia, Fiji, moving on to various Hyatt Regency role of Director, Bangalore, ITC Windsor, properties including the Hyatt Development, Southwest Bangalore, ITC Mughal, Agra Monterey in California. Asia at IHG. and ITC Sonar, Kolkata.
JW Marriott Hotel, Aerocity Aakar Lords Inn, Saputara New Delhi Gujarat Dilpreet Singh Bindra has been appointed as Director of The 523-room JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity has appointed Aakar Lords Inn, Saputara, Gujarat, has appointed Prabir Chaki Operations at JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity. Bindra started his Ashish Nehra as the Food and Beverage Manager at the hotel. as Operations Manager. He brings with him more than 14 years career as a management trainee in 1996 at Ashish Nehra started his career with the of experience in the hospitality industry with Taj Mahal Palace and Towers Mumbai and Oberoi Group at The Oberoi, Amarvilas, specialisation in F&B Operations. Prior worked as Assistant Manager In Food Agra as a Front Office assistant from to his new role, he served as Executive and Beverage operations at the hotel for February 2004 to May 2006. Graduating Assistant Manager at The Duke Retreat. two years. Following a long stint at Taj from Oberoi Center of Learning and He is a Hotel Management graduate Palace, he became the GM at The Development in 2008, he joined The from IHRM, Kolkata. In his new assign- Gateway Resort, Damdama Lake in Feb Oberoi, New Delhi from July 2008 to ment, he will be independently respon- 2014, opened the new resort and December 2011 and held various respon- sible for the entire operations and F&B worked there for 6 months sibilities as the Assistant Manager Food of the hotel. before he left Taj group to and Beverage. In December 2011, he moved join J W Marriott, Aerocity to Wildflower Hall, Charabra, Shimla as as Director of Operations in the F&B Service Manager before November 2014. moving to The Oberoi, Udaivilas, Udaipur in August 2013.
The Orchid Mumbai The Ramada Plaza JHV Kesari Tours Mumbai Varanasi Mumbai Raj Panda has joined The Orchid Mumbai as the F&B manager. Sandeep Bhatnagar has been appointed as General Manager at Pramod Dalvi has been appointed as VP, Public Relations at Before joining Orchid he was working in the same capacity at The Ramada Plaza JHV, Varanasi. In his new role, Bhatnagar will be Kesari Tours. He will be responsible for co-ordination with Ramada Gurgaon Central, Gurgaon. His key responsible for creating high standards, engag- tourism boards, airlines, government bodies, skills include pre-opening of various restau- ing experiences for guests and foster inno- cruises, DMCs, conducting lectures once rants, administration and operations of food vation to create differentiating guest expe- a week at the academy, value addition to and beverage, staff training, troubleshoot- riences. He comes with over 15 years of C&C department, managing social media, ing and implementing improvement pro- experience in setting up operational CRD, future plans, assisting HR and cedures as well as documenting operating excellence and key deliverables across admin for manpower selection, co-ordi- procedures and financial management. Raj cross-cultural teams. Prior to this, nation for road shows, and overseeing the started his career at Marriot Bhatnagar was with The forex department. He has more than Welcom, New Delhi. He Grand, New Delhi as 40 years of experience, having also worked for Soy, EAM rooms division, worked with Thomas Cook Dubai as an assistant The Jai Mahal Palace India, Carlson Wagonlit manager. as Front Office manag- Travel, Korean Airlines er, among others. and FCH Centrum.
Anne Busfield, General Manager, Holiday Inn Golden Though this was his first visit to India, Christophe Plantier, Mile Hong Kong, says she loves to go for hiking in General Manager, Constance Le prince Maurice, jokingly says Hong Kong whenever she is not that he is mostly working all the time working. Anne says she also loves but when he is not he escapes to to travel in India to experience its India. He says, “I am mostly rich culture. “The best thing working but if I am free I love Vijay Wanchoo, Sr Executive Vice President & GM, The about Hong Kong is you can go doing a lot of water activities like Imperial New Delhi says he is a hill-lover. “I love heading out in the wilds and go hiking, out kite surfing, wind surfing, diving to lesser known spots. Having roots in Kashmir, in the vegetation, in the fresh and water skiing.” Plantier loves hence for me Srinagar is a heaven, truly. air. One can take a bus or tram visiting South Africa and I am a mountains person and Shimla upto The Peak, which is Singapore, especially for is an equally attractive destination the highest point in shopping. He also loves going as my grandfather and father lived Hong Kong. Also, back to Europe but not very often there for many years,” he says. A travelling comes as he believes that after 20 years vegetarian by choice, Wanchoo says, with my job but I of work experience, “It is quite difficult to find your love to travel to he is now more choice of cuisine in many countries India. This is Mauritian than but it’s always a memorable because of its rich French. experience, each time I travel history and the abroad.” In his free time, friendly nature of Wanchoo likes to people here. So follow up on sports, every time I am here specially cricket, and I long for extended surf the net. trips,” she says.
Talking People is a special dedicated corner, created as a sounding board for who’s who of the Indian and International travel industry. With Talking People, it is our endeavour to bring you face-to-face with people.Contributed by: Anupriya Bishnoi and Samapti Das FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 47 FINAL_TT_APRIL-1ST-2015:TT Layout 4/1/2015 2:37 PM Page 48
Postal Reg. No.: DL(ND)-11/6044/2015-16-17; WPP No.: U(C)-178/2015-17 for posting on 1st-2nd and 16th-17th of the same month at New Delhi PSO, New Delhi - 110001, RNI No.: 53492/1991 Date of Publication:30-03-2015 Mega desert circuit @ ` 50 crore Talking about the focus areas for promotion of tourism in 2015, Principal Secretary Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, SK Agarwal says they are looking at better air connectivity, developing new circuits, and the launch of the revised Tourism Unit Policy.
P EDEN D OMA B HUTIA Indian Travel Bazaar, will be once again ments. Adequate arrangements are being held in Jaipur. The year 2015 will finally made for security. The Sound and Light In his budget speech the see Rajasthan becoming an all-important Show is already operational at Amer Fort, QFinance Minister mentioned tourism hub. There will be development Jantar Mantar, Kumbhalgarh and Akbari providing resources to in new circuits, infrastructure, and increase Quila in Ajmer. More monuments will soon Kumbalgarh and other hill forts in in night tourism, creation of more rooms have this facility. the state. What is happening in and the launch of the revised Tourism that direction? Unit Policy. We are also hoping for improved The Archaeological Survey of Kumbhalgarh and other hill forts like air connectivity in cities like Kota, Udaipur QIndia is planning to open the Amber, Chittorgarh, Gangron, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur. 5,000-year-old Kalibangan site and Ranthambore have been declared for tourists. How are you planning World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. The What is the tourist influx that to develop the site? state government will be doing the needful Qyou are looking at this year? Since ASI is opening the Kalibangan to develop these hill forts. That the Union Have you developed any new cir- site, the state government will surely look Budget has earmarked funds for its devel- cuit for promotion this year? into how the area can be developed and opment is surely a welcome step. We are There has been an increase of 9% its connectivity improved. also making efforts to enlist fresco paint- on the arrival of tourists in the financial year What are the MICE opportuni- Qties that you plan to tap? The state is developing the mega desert We will be pitching Rajasthan as an ideal destination for MICE. In fact, a large circuit (Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bikaner- number of hotels have been successfully Sambhar-Pali-Mount Abu) at the cost of organizing prestigious international con- ferences and conventions. The newly- ` 50 crore. The state is also planning developed Jaipur Exhibition & Convention new circuits on ‘handicrafts’, Centre (JECC) at Sitapura near Jaipur has become a popular venue for MICE ‘birding’ and ‘spirituality’ events. Jaipur’s Birla Auditorium is known SK Agarwal pan-India for its prestigious and interna- tional conferences. Principal Secretary, Tourism Government of Rajasthan How has swine flu affected Qtourism in Rajasthan? ings of Shekhawati region and step wells 2014-15. With concerted efforts both in There has been negligible effect of of Abhaneri, Bandikui and Bundi in the marketing as well as development of infra- swine flu in tourist arrivals in the state. The UNESCO heritage list in the future. structure and new circuits – it is hoped that situation is under control. increasingly more tourists will visit How is the Central Financial Rajasthan. The state is developing the What are your expectations QAssistance of `10,781.01 lakh mega desert circuit (Jaisalmer-Jodhpur- Qfrom Rajasthan Divas 2015? given to the Rajasthan Govt. Bikaner-Sambhar-Pali-Mount Abu) at the The expectations are that the event during 2009-14 being utilised? cost of ` 50 crore. The state is also plan- becomes a popular annual draw for the vis- The funds are being used to develop ning new circuits on ‘handicrafts’, ‘birding’ itors and tourists. We are hoping that the tourism infrastructure, new circuits, upgra- and ‘spirituality’. Rajasthan Festival will attain the same dation of museums and monuments. dimensions as the Jaipur Literature For the first time, forts and Festival in terms of popularity. What are your focus areas for Qmonuments will Qpromotion of tourism in 2015? remain open at There are a number of focus areas for night. What was the Rajasthan, among them are MICE, spiritual, tourists’ reaction? Tourism Oasis health and wellness, adventure, wildlife and Well, we have Efforts being made to enlist fresco paintings of wedding. It would be appropriate to mention recently begun night here that in the latest budget the state tourism with the Amer Shekhawati region and step wells of Abhaneri, Bandikui government has given high priority to the Fort. The response has and Bundi in the UNESCO heritage list tourism sector. For instance, there is a 68% been encouraging with ` 35 crore has been earmarked for the development of hike in allocation for tourism art and culture over 200 tourists and vis- tourist destinations while ` 20 crore has been earmarked for in 2015-16 vis-à-vis the last financial year. A itors each evening. The sum of `35 crore has been earmarked for number is gradually the development of various museums and panoramas the development of tourist destinations while increasingly. In times to The Sound and Light Show is already operational at another `20 crore has been earmarked for come Night Tourism will Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, Kumbhalgarh and Akbari the development of various museums and also be introduced in Quila in Ajmer panoramas. The travel mart, Great other forts and monu-