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Vol. XXVIII Issue 1; January 1st fortnight i ssue 2016 A DDP PUBLICATION Pages : 64+12 Pages Supplement ` 50/- ddppl.com TravTalkIndia.com FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 2 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout1/4/20163:57PMPage3 is allgeareduptomake tan- New Year withgusto, theMOT many others. inthe Ushering schemes, among PRASAD Swadesh Darshanand draft andformation ofthe the National Tourism Policy ment oftheeTV, releaseof Tourism, suchasthedevelop- taken of by theMinistry several initiatives were under- as industry Indian tourism 2 ors,gvs apreview ofwhatMOT hasinstorefor 2016. Tourism, gives As theNew Year beginswithassurance sector, ofprogress inthetourism the year 2016. expectations andplansfor playersindustry abouttheir finds outfromtourism significant upswing. looks forward toa Year, thetravel industry As we welcome theNew Ushering anewerafortourism MOT’s focusonNationalTourism Policy A HANA moting growth inthe of establishing andpro- 015 hasbeenachapter ddppl.com G URUNG marked new beginningsfor says, “In away, 2015has Secretary, of Ministry Tourism sage, the industry. enhance theoverall focus of view of2016andexpresses hegives apre- Furthermore, initiatives totake off.” ground for work anumber of consolidated anddidalotof play. Itwas ayear wherewe where we putseveral plansin MOT–it was abuild-up phase gible changes thatwill Imparting thesamemes- Imparting Suman Billa international airlines next airlines year.international

TT B Director -SouthAsia,LufthansaPassenger Airlines

UREAU , Joint reforms putinplaceby the ifold thisyear andseveral of passengerstoincreaseman- We areexpecting thenumber further support and nurture the andnurture support further Indian government in2015to growth ofbothdomesticand Contd. onpage10 tourism industry.”tourism change theface oftheIndian by 2016,willdefinitely early most likely tocomeintoeffect The National Tourism Policy, social mediawillsetintoplay. approach topublicity and policyandadifferenttourism “Things suchasthenew about infullswing,” hestates. introduced in2015willcome where alltheinitiatives we stantial changesinthetourism that MOT aboutsub- willbring industry. “2016 willbetheyear Wolfgang Will of theIndiantourismindustry. will definitelychangetheface to comeintoeffectbyearly2016, National Tourism Policy, mostlikely social mediawillsetintoplay. The different approachtopublicityand The newtourismpolicyanda tourism spendinginthecomingyear.tourism Ministry ofTourism Joint Secretary benefit fromanincreaseof areas,rural whichwould major citiesandinmore outside sector, particularly the hotelandaccommodation and infrastructure transport scope for expansion ofboth I believe thereissignificant Suman Billa Managing Director, Udaan

Contd. onpage12 TravTalkIndia.com Rajan Dua JANUARY 1 Suman Billa ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE2016 TRAV , JointSecretary, of Ministry TALK 3 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 4 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 5 BULLETIN State roadshows needed: ADTOI The Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) recently held a meeting where insights were given about religious destinations like Anandpur Sahib and new-age accommodation concepts like BnBnation.

A NUPRIYA B ISHNOI

DTOI conducted its General We are planning to hold the convention by AHouse Meeting on third week of March. State tourism boards December 26 where the top agenda besides taking the asso- are coming forward to help us; we are just ciation forward, was to have trying to narrow down on that and decide informative sessions and presentations for the members. where to hold the convention. Jyoti Kapoor, President, ADTOI said, “The main agenda was to Jyoti Kapoor have sessions and presenta- President, ADTOI tions. We had a session on the Service Tax levied by the government. Also, there was a presentation on Anandpur Sahib boards are coming forward to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh tourism is the backbone of our where members were shown help us; we are just trying to and J&K. In fact these country but we need to regu- how culturally rich the place is. narrow down on that and decide states want to host us. But we late it and we need to have Then we had a presentation on where to hold the convention. are just waiting for the dates to state tourisms to organise BnBnation which is a new age But by January 7 or 10, we get finalised.” mega roadshows because accommodation in India.” should be able to finalise the they have to create a visibility. venue and the date.” He believes that state Domestic tourism still needs to Also the ADTOI tourism boards should promote be branded because Incredible Convention is in the offing. According to Kapoor themselves more to have more India doesn’t talk about Kapoor said, “We are planning state tourism boards have visibility. Kapoor believes that domestic tourism. I believe to hold the convention by third been helpful. He said, “We are domestic tourism is moving for- Incredible India should be pro- week of March. State tourism working with Punjab, ward. He said, “Domestic moted within India.” FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 6 STATISTICS Over 15% growth in domestic air traffic In 2014-15, air passenger traffic in India registered a robust growth compared to previous year. While the domestic passenger traffic registered a growth VIEWPOINT of 15.52 per cent, international passenger traffic witnessed a growth of To a great 2016 6.15 per cent during the same period. Market Share (%) in terms of Domestic Market Share(%) in he National Tourism Policy, likely to be domestic market demand (RPK) terms of passengers carried Tout in June 2016, is the most-awaited development of the year.

eTV led to easing of the visa regime to a Indigo IndiGo 3.6 9.4 great extent as FTAs from January to 15.3 Air India Jet Airways 0.8 16.9 15.4 4.4 1.0 November, 2015, stood at 7.10 million. The 15.5 Jet Airways Air India 9.3 0.3 0.4 growth for many businesses has come from 1.3 SpiceJet SpiceJet 17.3 0.2 18.0 1.8 0.3 the domestic segment. A further rise in Go Air Go Air domestic tourists is expected in 2016. Betting 37.5 JetLite 34.2 Jetlite big on this segment, many State Tourism Air Costa Air Costa Boards are upping their act. They are investing in modern structure and offer a combo of Alliance Air Alliance historic and state-of the-art venues and hotels. Air India Express Air India Express Outbound travel will also increase considerably as many countries are targeting In the year 2014-15 in terms of passenger carried, IndiGo had maximum market share followed by Jet Airways, Air India and SpiceJet. India. Trends for 2016 show that the youth, the Millennials, are keen on travel. Many airports will be upgraded as new airlines will be granted permits to operate from several Indian cities. Though the implementation of Goods & In terms of Passenger Load Factor (PLF), a measure of Service Tax (GST) will remove multiple capacity utilisation of taxation and bring ease of doing business, airlines, SpiceJet registered everyone is a bit sceptical about the rate at the highest PLF of 81.8 per which it will be capped. In addition, these tax cent followed by JetLite rates tend to vary across different states in the (80.1 per cent), IndiGo country. This is affecting the growth of the (79.4 per cent), and GoAir industry in India and India is losing out to other (79.1 per cent). low-cost destinations. GST will offer reprieve to a highly-taxed tourism industry, provided it is capped at a lower rate. After Marriott International bought Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Market share (%) of top 15 scheduled recently, AccorHotels acquired FRHI Holdings operators-International operations, 2014-115 Ltd (FRHI), parent company of Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel chains, consolidating Jet Airways 14.47 the fact that mergers and acquisitions are the Air India 11.93 way forward in the New Year. Out of total 75 scheduled international Operators, 6 Emirates 11.39 The industry must focus on sustainability airlines accounted for 50 per cent of International practices in the wake of the havoc Air India Express 5.23 Passenger traffic. Jet Airways had the maximum share wreaked by the rain and floods in Chennai. A Qatar Airways 4.05 followed by Air India, Emirates, Air India Express, Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria Air Arabia 3.82 Qatar Airways and Air Arabia. for India (STCI) for three major segments of Etihad Airways 3.45 More than half of the traffic to and from India is tourism industry has been launched by the IndiGo 3.18 accounted for by the countries in the Africa & Ministry of Tourism (MOT). The tour operators Saudi Arabian Airlines 3.10 Middle East. approved by Ministry of Tourism have to sign Oman Airlines 2.72 a pledge for commitment towards Safe and The domestic passenger traffic registered a growth of Honourable Tourism and Sustainable Tourism Sri Lankan Airlines 2.68 12.03% (CAGR) over the period from 2005-06 to to fully implement sustainable tourism Singapore Airlines 2.63 2014-15 while International passenger traffic grew at practices. Thai Airways 2.53 9.52% (CAGR) during the same period. Let’s work towards growth in tandem with Lufthansa 2.51 sustainability in 2016! Malaysian Airlines 2.19

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NTO JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 7 Philippines eyes Indian wedding market meets Glen Agustin, Chief Tourism Operations Officer, Market Development Group, Department of Tourism, Philippines, to understand what makes the destination unique and how they are attracting travellers.

A NUPRIYA B ISHNOI FROM THE P HILIPPINES India into Singapore and directly into Davao. For this, we will be The new campaign is different from our older How has the tourism Which new destinations partnering with Cebu Pacific. Of campaigns in a way that people of the Qscenario changed Qare you promoting? course, we are continuing to over the last three years? Davao City, on the south- push for Palawan, but now we Philippines will relate to it better. In the last For the last three years we ern Philippine island of will be promoting other islands three years, the foreign tourist arrivals to have been running a new cam- Mindanao, has been identified of Palawan like Coron, where it’s paign—‘It’s More Fun in the as a luxury destination. more about adventure and the Philippines have moved up. Philippines’. It has a huge fol- However, it’s a little farther from island hopping. Bohol too, will lowing and a lot of impact on the Manila. It takes two hours via now be treated as a luxury des- Glen Agustin travel industry. This campaign is plane to get there. Now, we are tination because the city recent- Chief Tourism Operations Officer different from our older cam- trying to work with Singapore ly witnessed opening of various Market Development Group, Department of Tourism, Philippines paigns in a way that people of Airlines and SilkAir to fly out of luxury resorts. the Philippines will relate to it better. In the last three years, the foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines have moved up. However, there has been a slump because of the natural disaster and calamities, but we are picking up now.

As far as India is concerned there have been challenges too, like that of visa and lack of direct flights. But despite that, there have been some developments, which have secured the regular inflow of the tourists from India to the Philippines. For example, while Philippines Airlines discontinued direct flights, there has been more frequency from other air carriers via some Asian countries. India has overtaken Germany in terms of tourist arrivals to the Philippines, and is now listed at number 12 , while Germany is at number 13.

What are the new ini- Qtiatives to promote tourism? Right now we are focusing on how to drive more families and weddings into the country. This is the new segment we are looking at now. We recently organised a Fam trip for the Indian wedding planners and showcased wedding destinations and venues like Boracay, Cebu and Bohol wherein they got to experience the nuances of how weddings can be organised at various hotels and venues. We are aggressively promoting MICE too. In fact, the success of the Indian arrivals to the Philippines can also be attributed to MICE movements. DOT India has been successful in attracting large numbers of corporate to the Philippines. Earlier this year we had about 500 group arrivals into the country.

New Venues Davao City has been identified as a luxury destination Bohol recently witnessed opening of various luxury resorts FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 8 GUEST COLUMN Change and stay relevant Indian travellers are evolving to become far more demanding so it only makes sense for the tour operators to change with time to remain relevant.

he year gone by was quite wherein they are being pam- and hence it’s very important Tsatisfying with respect to pered the most with a wide to have an appropriate strategy our business growth, customer array of product options, to integrate the smartphone in satisfaction ratings and service extreme convenience and one’s service strategy. excellence achieved by team quirky service by new age com- members at World Travel panies. Indian consumers are • Offline or online: This Studio. Apart from further build- changing and are far more battle will continue. Purchasing ing our dominance in the cus- demanding than before. This will habits of the Indian customers tomised holidays in the B2C continue as they are exposed are changing, but not to the segment, this year we wit- to global content and now extent the way it’s being pro- nessed a huge surge in the demand world-class service jected. With more information B2B business, wherein travel delivery. This means that the available on the net, clients are agents across the country Indian travel companies will doing detailed research. entrusted us to handle VIP have to update their service However when it comes to clients for their customised delivery process to global stan- leisure family vacation they are leisure vacation arrangements. dards. Also, this is actually the still booking offline. That’s best time to travel, thanks to an because they get great value Another highlight was our all-time low price of fuel that has and convenience, when it successful entry into the study made air fares very attractive. comes to investing time and tour segment under a new money in a well-planned cus- brand FLEARN. We also won Here is a list of a few tomised vacation offered by a the Best Tour Operator trends that would influence brick-and-mortar tour operator. Award at the India Travel the travel industry in the Awards - West India for the coming years: • Experiential vaca- second year in a row. tions: Standard sightseeing • BLeisure: With work-life tours are becoming passé and Last year witnessed two balance gaining importance clients are looking at newer very important developments amongst Indians, more and experiences and destinations. in the travel industry – the sale more Indians are now increas- of its travel business by Kuoni ingly clubbing their business trips One of my favourite and the merger of Starwood with leisure family vacations. quotes by Heraclitus goes, with Marriott International. At ‘There is nothing permanent the same time the industry also • Self-drive vacations: except change.’ Hence, it’s very witnessed start-ups set off on This segment is set to explode important to adapt to the the growth path in travel as well with Indians seeking absolute changing environment swiftly as the hotel space. Interesting, flexibility and desire to indulge and stay relevant. isn’t it! in exploratory experiences. Self-drive vacations are Outlook for the year becoming the most preferred Based on the current mode of vacation. economic indicators, I feel growth will continue to be sub- • Solo travellers: With dued. However, I am very changing lifestyles and aspira- hopeful that the economy will tions, this segment is gradually recover faster and the initia- growing in India as well. tives taken by the central government recently should start • Dominance of smart- showing some positive results. phone: These gadgets continue to influence and dominate These are the best times individuals’ time and decision- -The author is Haresh Koyande, for the Indian consumers, making, pre as well as on-tour Founder & MD, World Travel Studio JTB’s English tours to Europe for Indians Europamundo Vacations, value to middle income trav- provide them the best owned by JTB (Japan Travel ellers as well as the travel Price/Quality ratio and flexibili- Bureau), one of the largest agency fraternity in India. After ties that the modern Indian is travel and tourism company in seeing the results, looking at. According to the world, is introducing English Europamundo is now introduc- Europamundo, the decision to guided tours to focus on ing English guided tours with a enter the Indian market is based Indian travellers and their particular focus on Indian on the fact that no other market requirements. requirements. The tours will also is growing at a healthy rate of Europamundo was found- ed over 20 years back and has grown at an average rate of 20 % annually. Europamundo car- ries 125,000 tourists annually from 22 Spanish or Portuguese speaking countries and is one be promoted in other markets 10-12 per cent and the middle of the largest coach tour opera- with an interest in English guid- income group has a desire to tors in the world. ed seat-in-coach tours. see Europe. Riding high on its success The company is looking at In India, Europamundo in Spanish and Portuguese distributing Europamundo prod- will be represented by one dis- speaking markets, Euro- ucts all over India and Sri Lanka, tributor in each region. pamundo researched the Indian and is currently targeting the Depending on demand and travel market to evaluate how its middle income group who opt development, it may engage seat-in-coach product could add for European packages and more distributors. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 9 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 10

10 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 COVER STORY India to ramp up Arrivals grow by 12 to 15 per cent social media presence

Contd. from page 3 Delhi Airport gears up for the fog season to ensure continuity of flight mately `1100 crore funds have operations during Low Visibility Period (LVP). I Prabhakara Rao, CEO, Billa comments that MOT been sanctioned for the devel- has also identified several opment of tourism infrastruc- Delhi International Airport (DIAL) and Marcel Hungerbuehler, COO, parameters that need attention ture,” he states. and further enhancement. He DIAL, tell more. says, “We are going to focus on Moreover, he acknowl- a lot of areas that require edges the importance of pro- enhancement such as cruise motion of eTV and says that KANCHAN N ATH crafts with visibility as low as and film tourism, to name a few. its logo will be promoted along 50 metres. We have already started work- with the Incredible India MR Group led Delhi ing on both aspects, especially branding in advertisements on GInternational Airport Talking about the growth, with customs and immigration television, print, etc., to draw (P) Limited (DIAL) along with in terms of the number of pas- to simplify the procedures and focus to eTV. “Nonetheless, it Air Traffic Control (ATC) sengers at the airport, he norms and have assigned a is safe to say that eTV has and MET Department added, “Compared to 2014, on task force as well. For film essentially taken away a announced its preparedness average arrivals have grown by tourism, we launched the single major shortcoming of the for the fog season at the about 12 to 15 per cent. window clearance for film pro- tourism industry,” he adds. Indira Gandhi International Domestic growth has been ducers in Goa in November and “There are larger issues that Airport (IGIA). higher at 22 per cent and inter- I Prabhakara Rao Marcel Hungerbuehler significant results are expected affect tourism in the country CEO COO national is about 17 per cent. in 2016,” he elaborates. like the state of the economy Sharing his advice to DIAL DIAL In 2016, I am expecting a Similarly, he mentions that the and the business scene – travellers, I Prabhakara Rao, growth of six to seven per cent. Ministry is also working on an these are aspects we cannot CEO, DIAL, said, “My funda- Since aviation is doing well, it ambitious digital presence, determine, but we are hoping mental requests to you all, For the first time, runway of parking bays has now been augers for good growth.” especially on social media. for a fruitful year with momen- when you are touching Delhi, 09/27 is equipped with three increased from 21 to 28 for “Soon enough, India will erupt tous changes ahead.” please see weather report first. Runway Visual Range (RVR) different aircraft types. In con- Marcel Hungerbuehler, on the digital platform,” he says. That gives you good informa- devices, which allows flight junction with ATC, DIAL COO, DIAL said, “Over the “We strongly feel that the digital tion and you can plan well. departures upto 400 meters of has also introduced Pre- last 12 months we had 45 mil- age is the future and expect to Secondly, rest assured that this visibility. MET office has installed Departure Sequencing tool as lion passengers using our air- get vendors on board by 2016 Prospects airport is well-equipped to han- 15 RVR devices at Delhi Airport part of Delhi Airport- port and also the numbers February 2016.” dle fog. However, you all need and three new Drishti RVRs will Collaborative Decision of flights have steadily MOT will focus on to understand when it comes soon arrive as reserve RVRs for Making (DA-CDM). increased. We actually had a In terms of building infra- cruise and film to zero visibility; none of us can Runway 10/28. new record with 1116 flights in structure, Billa informs that tourism this year do anything. Please look at the The three runways – 28, one day. This is quite an significant work has already eTV logo will be weather report and when there The operator has also 29 and 11 – at the IGI Airport increase, and the highest begun. “By the end of the promoted along with is an expectation of dense fog, increased the parking bays are certified for CAT III B oper- numbers of passengers in one financial year, funds to the Incredible India brand- kindly try to manage your travel configuration at Terminal-2 ations, which would allow single day, has now exceeded tune of `1900 crore will be ing in advertisements according to that.” Apron area where the number landing of the compliant air- 150,000.” approved. Till date, approxi- FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 11

ASSOCIATIONS JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 11 E-boarding at Hyderabad airport GST will ease doing business Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), Minister for Civil Aviation, recently is the first end-to-end e-enabled inaugurated E-boarding facility at boarding solution. RGIA is the first Rajiv Gandhi International Airport airport in India to have this facility. Goods and Services Tax (GST) will offer reprieve to a highly taxed tourism (RGIA), Hyderabad, for all domestic After getting the approval from passengers. The E-boarding solu- Bureau of Civil Aviation Security industry, provided it is capped at a lower rate. U.K. Joshi, Director, tion fully eliminates the need to (BCAS) under the Ministry of Civil ASSOCHAM, talks about the implications of GST for the tourism industry. manual stamping of boarding cards Aviation (MoCA) in August 2015, even for physical boarding cards GHIAL implemented the E-boarding issued by CUSS (Common Use process for all domestic passengers Self Service) machines or the at RGIA. With this, the airport has KANCHAN N ATH try), and various taxes on few countries also levy high tourists unlike the neighboring check-in counters. Further, it covers embarked on providing a whole transportation. In addition, taxes on tourism activities to countries, where the tax burden end-to-end all the key passenger new experience to the domestic hough the implementation these tax rates tend to vary generate revenue. Talking about on tourists is low. GST regime processes at the airport viz. starting passengers. The innovative end-to- of Goods & Service Tax across different states in the best policy for GST so as not will definitely make doing busi- T from entry to terminal and including end E-boarding process has trig- (GST) will remove multiple tax- the country.” to impede the growth of the ness easier and reduce paper check-in, security check, boarding gered a paradigm shift in air pas- ation and bring ease of doing tourism sector, Joshi says, “GST work for companies, but taxes gate and finally the boarding bridge senger handling process in the business, everyone is a bit As far as tourism is con- will offer reprieve to a highly should be capped at 10 check before entering the aircraft. country, making Hyderabad Airport skeptical about the rate at cerned, the lower tax policy is taxed tourism industry, provided per cent. When the tax rate Developed in-house, the E-boarding a pioneer in the field of technology which it will be capped. Joshi being followed by most of the it is capped at a lower rate. is high, it will negatively Solution by GMR Hyderabad enabled Airports in India. says, “The expected quantum countries across the globe to Currently, the taxes are high and impact the revenue model of of tax between 17 and 27 per promote tourism. However, India has not been able to attract the companies.”

U.K. Joshi Director ASSOCHAM

GST regime will definitely make doing business easier and reduce paper work for companies, but taxes should be capped at 10 per cent

cent will be rather high for the industry. The hospitality sector could be impacted after GST because it would appear that the total cost has gone up. Currently, while service tax at abated rate of 4.944 per cent (5.6 per cent after June 1) and VAT at 12.5 per cent is levied on restaurant bills, after GST, one could see a much higher percentage of 24-25 per cent (whatever the decided rate is) being charged on the bill.”

Travel and tourism in India is a highly taxed industry, which makes India expensive as a tourist destination. This is affecting the growth of the industry in India and the country is losing out to other low-cost destinations. Inbound tourism is the one most affected.

Talking about multiple taxation in the industry, Joshi says, “Various taxes are levied across the entire industry right from tour operators, trans- porters, airline industry to hotels and these include Service Tax, Luxury Tax, tax on transportation, tax on aviation turbine fuel (airline indus- FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 12

12 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES Industry calls for stronger policy

Contd. from page 3 The government plays a pivotal role Indian travel industry faced a tough The Tourism Policy of 2015 projected and should consider reinstating tax time admist worldwide fear of ter- India as a Must Experience and a policy 80HHD under the Income tax rorism and political unrest. It’s very Must Revisit destination. To ensure Act; reduce the taxes on hotels and crucial to have a strong policy from this, it is imperative to seriously con- harmonise inter-state taxes for tourist the government to take tourism for- sider showcasing India as a safe vehicles. This would make the desti- ward in such tough times. Inbound destination. We need improvement nation more competitive compared tourism was on a lower end in 2015, in infrastructure; streamline taxes with other Southeast Asian countries and we really have to work hard to levied on tourism products, which are sometimes levied and make travel industry more lucrative for new entrepre- see the growth in 2016. Strict policy decisions on safety, twice; uniformity in services provided by multiple providers neurs, creating employment and innovation in our industry. cleanliness and easy visa regime must be the priority and have checks in places to ensure all service providers We plan to introduce destinations like Brazil, Peru and for the government and they must market this to the meet basic guidelines. In 2016 we will promote ourselves Argentina for outbound travel. world to make India a safe tourism destination. as a major Destination Wedding company. Vikas Abbot Ravi Gosain Vijay Dadhich Managing Director, Vasco Travels Managing Director, Erco Travels Managing Director, Blue Moon Travels

The National Travel and Tourism New recommendations from the By 2016, about 40 million travellers policy establishes an achievable Tourism Board; critical intervention are expected to visit India. goal of increasing jobs by attracting and support from the government in Corporates are setting up their and welcoming 20 million interna- the form of the eTV and other offices leading to increase in the tional visitors, who we estimate will priority issues; and the successful travel. VFR (Visiting Friends and spend $50 billion annually, by the implementation of policies, will Relatives) is bound to pick up pace end of 2021. India can achieve this strengthen and benefit the industry and increase outbound travel. Not to goal in 2016 and beyond by promoting the country greatly and contribute to making India even more attrac- forget medical tourism on a steady move attracting more better, and enabling and enhancing travel and tourism tive to the world – this is what we look forward to. Our and more people to come to India and undergo treat- to and within India. significant focus will be on contributing to marketing and ments and procedures. Destination weddings add to promoting India as the finest travel and tourism inbound travel in places like Goa. The top 3 destinations Surpal S Deora for 2016 will be Thailand (Krabi/ Phuket/ Bangkok). Director, Maxxfun Holidays destination in the world. Mario Habig Swati Gandhi Managing Director, Le Passage to India Co-founder, BookMyTravel Worldwide

Contd. on page 15 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 13 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 14 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 15

QUICKBYTES JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 15 Better connectivity: route to success

Contd. from page 12

In 2016, the travel industry can In the last couple of years many The online users are on a rise and expect to see an increasing growth interesting travel start-ups have can book air tickets and hotels direct- in mobile users, further strengthen- been launched in the offline as ly. The use of credit cards is gaining ing the need for travel businesses to well as online space across the confidence. Domestic and interna- have mobile responsive sites and country and these would influence tional tourism boards are publishing apps. The need to have travel insur- the industry in a positive manner offers with prices mentioned, which ance is increasingly being felt in 2016. Mergers and acquisitions deprives the travel agent to sell by among the Indian traveller who is more aware about exi- will continue and we will witness further consolidation. adding service charges. Airlines are announcing their gencies that may arise during any trip. Personalised prod- In terms of business growth, based on the cheapest offers, which again are by-passing the agents. ucts and services, perpetual touch points between the current economic indicators, I feel it will continue to IRCTC is another strong competitor to travel agents to service provider and traveller, and frictionless purchasing remain subdued. offer all inclusive domestic tours. The introduction and increase in Service Tax is affecting the trade. will characterize the traveller’s experience in the future. Haresh Koyande Dev Karvat Founder and Mananging Director, World Travel Studio Om Prakash Managing Director, TrawellTag Cover-More India Director, InORBIT Tours

Travel and tourism industry con- The government, in cooperation with We are working towards improving tributes nearly 7 per cent to India’s various state tourisms, is continually infrastructural facilities in Delhi. There GDP and is expected to experience coming up with innovative plans to are many new projects in the coming a growth of 8 per cent in 2016. We cater to this continuing stream of year and initiatives like the ‘Every tourists. Infrastructure still remains the Other Day’ Adventure Park. With the are expecting the government to most important impediment in realising city hosting performers like Zubin bring in vital tax reforms across the the high potential that the tourism Mehta and A R Rahman, we expect country to help tourism, improve cur- industry holds for India. Hopefully in more travellers in the coming year. rent state of economy and position India as a globally 2016, we will surely inch much closer to realising our endeavour to provide reasonably good accommodation options, Kapil Mishra competitive tourist destination. Our main agendas for Minister of Tourism, Delhi 2016 would be to increase awareness about cruise better transport network, more tourist centres and safe and holidays in India with the help of increased number of clean surroundings for tourists. trade partners. Dr. Sumita Misra Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism Kunal Sampat Government of Haryana Managing Director, MSC Cruises

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16 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES Aiming for the sky in 2016

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We are very optimistic about the The year 2016 looks very positive 2016 looks promising for the aviation market’s potential for future growth, for the industry. Year 2015 was phe- industry in India as we expect 2016 particularly as customers become nomenal, though there was huge to carry forward the optimism of more discerning. British Airways competition. The new government 2015. Last year was an important recently launched its state-of-the-art has just established itself which is year as we saw the emergence of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner connecting a big change after 10 years. So some new domestic carriers, which New Delhi and London. British there was a little bit of impact and improved connectivity within the Airways will continue to improve services for customers ups and downs in the market. However, it was quite country. The plans of making India an MRO hub in Asia rolling out more new aircraft across its worldwide network good for our business. is an optimistic step as it will put India on the global MRO as deliveries continue over the next three years. We are map and ensure maintenance of domestic carriers in Sachin Nene constantly evaluating routes across our network and keep Regional Manager - India, Air Arabia India itself. making appropriate changes as the markets demand. Sajid Khan Moran Birger Country Manager, India, South African Airways Regional Commercial Manager–South Asia, British Airways

Due to a clear lack of new and sub- We hope the present political tur- 2015 has seen a few paradigm shifts stantial developments, the moil will settle down and progres- in the tourism industry as a whole. demand-supply ratio is getting sive measures like the GST will be Backpack holidays, increase in last skewed in favour of supply. Apart passed in parliament, as this will fur- minute bookings and budget accom- from some over-supply in markets ther boost the industry. From an modation are amongst the few like Delhi and Bengaluru, we shall inbound perspective, the image of trends that were witnessed this year. see a sharp turn in hotel rates. India has improved overall. India is 2016 seems to be a promising year Adding to this the aggregators who are creating new also fairly peaceful and not in the thick of the terrorism in travel with the government extending e-visas facility markets and demand for more weekend travel with their discussions, so a general sense of safety exists. India to a number of countries. Overall, 2016 has tremendous aggressive prices. The opening of new private airports also has the opportunity to project our efforts and suc- potential especially for the domestic market with the and the trend of PPP in transportation and unlocking cess stories in the sustainable tourism space. increasing number of International travellers on account of land at state levels for industry and development will of the diminishing value of the rupee. lead to higher demand. CB Ramkumar Founder & Managing Director, Our Native Village Amit Agarwal Amit Dholakia Senior Marketing Manager, Hotels.com Managing Director, Orritel Hotel

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18 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES Technology: buzzword for 2016

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To start new ventures in Tier-I and We hope that the coming year is a India is poised for financial harmony Tier-II cities will be our growth model. peaceful one around the globe as and if continues on its current trend Qualitatively, adding facilities to our unforeseen events in any part of it is in an excellent position to attract resorts and targeting specific groups the world affect tourism worldwide. more events with the success of of weekend and women travellers, Japan is great as a destination recent events and constant efforts attracting talent to our human because of the currency ratio of of the government and ministries. resources will be given priority. yen and dollar. Similarly, with India’s Our current trends point out Delhi, Challenges will be to monitor high energy costs by efficient e-visas rules and successful cam- Mumbai and Bangalore as the top use of EMS, by implementation of green practices. To paigns like the Incredible India campaign, it’s safe to three destinations for the coming year. tackle high capital costs, poor infrastructural facilities and say that India is fast becoming the top destination on Davinder Juj scarcity of land for new projects, and issues of safety and tourist’s map. EAM, Rooms and Business Development Eros Hotel, New Delhi security are of permanent importance. Atul Lall Dilip Ray VP Operations and GM EC Member, FHRAI CMD, Mayfair Hotels and Resorts The Claridges Hotels & Resorts

Judging from past trends, 2016 As per a Google report, consumer In 2016, we anticipate higher growth will continue to be an extremely confidence to do online hotel book- in Ludhiana with rising occupancy robust year for the market. Our ings is on the rise in India, with an and Average Daily Rate (ADR) than focus on our tech savvy traveller estimated 8.4 million Indians likely 2015. Restrained supply growth has continues and will be on top pri- to book hotels online by 2016. The helped us in Noida and we expect ority for 2016 facilitating and online hotel booking industry will to be busier and more profitable in encouraging web check-ins. The be worth $ 1.8 billion from the cur- 2016. Like last year, RevPAR growth top 3 destinations for 2016 will be rent $0.8 billion. The growth of will continue marginally. Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. Internet has also opened up new opportunities for Sonica Malhotra Kandhari hotels to market their products through various other Director, MBD Group Ranju Alex General Manager, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa platforms, including their own website, online travel agencies (OTAs), etc. The top 3 destinations for 2016 will be Ladakh, Sikkim and Bhutan. Shashi Razdan Director of Sales & Marketing, Golden Tulip Hotels

At the industry level, prospects look Gurgaon’s hospitality market has With the Pune Government’s focus bright as the vital economic param- demonstrated a strong performance to turn the city into a ‘Smart City’ by eters are stable and showing in the past one year despite addition 2016, we expect speedy growth and upward trend. This augurs well for of more inventories and considering development in the city’s infrastruc- the overall growth of hospitality economic parameters looking posi- ture. In the upcoming year, we also industry. In 2015, new initiatives by tive Vivanta by Taj, Gurgaon expects look forward to stronger implemen- the government like easier loans for a buoyant 2016. With the opening of tation of government policies, such hotel industry, e-visas have been other new hotels in Gurgaon the demand grew at a as GST, which shall nurture the hospitality industry. taken. Consolidation of room aggregators which came healthy pace bu t since the supply growth was relatively However, apart from steady increase in hotel rooms in city, in a big way also helped the cause of the industry though higher than expected it created pressure on room rates. increase in tax structure in terms of Service Tax in June some operators felt differently. We at Lords Hotels and However it didn’t have any large scale impact on us since 2015 followed by Swachh Bharat Cess in November 2015 Resorts established ourselves with e-booking channels our guests belong to the cosmopolitan business segment played a major challenge, as it became difficult for hotels and grew majorly on these by almost 40 per cent. that travel in and out of Gurgaon and are looking out for to justify the same to our customers, especially in the price a strategic location to stay at. driven market like ours. Rishi Puri Vice President, Lords Hotels & Resorts Sumeet Taneja Bandish Mehta General Manager, Vivanta by Taj, Gurgaon General Manager, Novotel Pune

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In the past five years, the growth of With increasing economic growth, Indian tourist arrivals to Korea has we are expecting a potential growth increased by over 70 per cent. in domestic, leisure and MICE travel Korea is now becoming India’s top in the coming year which will in turn priority in terms of a new destina- boost revenue from a tourism stand tion. With flight operations increas- point and help propel India’s econ- ing to 19 times from a mere six omy. We also believe that the times a week, the frequency of flights operating between government is making the right moves and announce- the two countries will triple, thereby bringing about a ments like eTV facilities which will help the tourism indus- drastic change for airline business. We look forward to try flourish. seeing an increase in tourist arrivals from India in 2016. Deepika Arora Byungsun Lee Regional Vice – President, Eurasia Wyndham Hotel Group Director, Korea Tourism Organisation

The tourism industry has grown leaps I feel eTV has been one of the and bounds in 2015. Recognising the biggest achievment for the travel and industry and its stalwarts through tourism industry in India. In 2016, we establishment of regional awards is should enhance our top source mar- also very inspiring. Number of Indian kets like the US and visit larger parts travellers to Canada has been on the of the US and identify the markets rise. We hope to achieve double digit where work still needs to be done. growth by popularising Canada as a great leisure and MICE PATA organised Indian Tourism Business meets in various destination. The simpler visa processing under the CAN+ destinations like Montreal, Huston, Chicago and Canada. program and direct connectivity between Delhi and Toronto In Europe destinations like Zurich need attention, where will also encourage more travellers to Canada. as Frankfurt and Vienna have been good. In 2016 we should focus on business development. SanJeet India Representative, Destination Canada Runeep Sangha Executive Director, PATA India Chapter

India is a promising market for not only Munich but also incoming for Germany The year 2015 has been a great one as India is one of the faster growing for us as the market saw a positive markets. Munich Tourism continues to growth with a rise in occupancy lev- record a consistent upward growth, els and ADRs. The overall market year-on-year and saw growth in the has seen a 10 per cent growth in number of visitor arrivals from India terms of occupancy. The bifurcation during Jan–May, 2015 recording a 22.4 per cent increase of the state has also gone a long over same period in 2014. The upsurge and double-digit way in increasing occupancy levels. The Goods and growth validates that Indian tourists are looking at exploring Services Tax (GST) bill as and when introduced is Munich and hopefully the outbound market from India will expected to help the hospitality industry favourably. continue to grow for the benefit of many destinations. Madhav Bellamkonda Ashish Saran General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Account Head, Munich Tourist Office, India Sharjah targeting family tourists & MICE Sharjah is working towards promoting itself as a family-friendly destination to attract more travellers from India, which is its one of the top two markets.

TT BUREAU ital of Arab culture. In 2014, we each of them offering some- became the capital of Islamic thing unique. Travellers can see ounting India among the culture and in 2015 the League seven different destinations Ctop two markets with the of Arab States made us the cap- with a single visa. We are not most potential after China, ital of Arab Tourism. So we are a very commercial but we are Sharjah has been consistently complete family destination. increasing our marketing investing increased effort and efforts. This will be our third money in the market. Having “The emirate has seen roadshow within a year, conducted many annual multi- double-digit growth in the last five because we want to be present city roadshows in India, the last years. In 2014, we recorded 41 in India round the year,” one concluded in December per cent increase in terms of Midfa said. 2015, the Sharjah Commerce & H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa numbers of Indian hotel guests Tourism Development Authority Chairman at 123,000. So there is huge The recent four-city road- (SCTDA) has made it clear that SCTDA scope. We already get a lot of show was conducted in asso- it is looking to attract families traffic from VFR and business ciation with Air Arabia to devel- and MICE. Development Authority travellers and now we want more op a closer relationship with (SCTDA), said, “Sharjah has a families and MICE,” he added. key members of the travel H.E. Khalid Jasim Al lot of culture and heritage to industry and promote both the Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah offer. In 1998, UNESCO “All seven emirates airline and the destination's Commerce and Tourism announced Sharjah as the cap- complement each other with tourism offerings. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 21 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 22

22 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Canada hosts Mumbai trade partners

Destination Canada organised a dinner reception at the InterContinental Marine Drive Hotel to thank the trade for their continuous support and to introduce Destination Canada's new Regional Managing Director Rupert Peters. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:57 PM Page 23 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 24

24 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Philippines: Perfect for great Indian weddings

In an initiative to promote Philippines as a preferred wedding destination, the Department of Tourism Philippines India (DOT) organised a Fam trip for Indian wedding planners. The objective of the Fam was to offer the wedding planners an opportunity to view and experience the Philippines as a perfect wedding destination. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 25 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 26

26 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 EXHIBITIONS GPS 2016 takes the green route The Global Panorama Showcase (GPS) will now cover a total of five cities starting with Nagpur and reap the benefits of being the first show of the year. It will also showcase the global launch of a product–an international cruise liner.

H AZEL J AIN are in touch with both our workshops of about 45 min- interact with the local buyers their products. Buyers will also airline partners.” utes each for various tourism and the second day will have get a goodie bag worth agpur-based Jagsons boards and others who are corporate meetings along `3,000 for registering in NTravels is setting the stage This year will see a host interested. “We are expecting with a networking evening,” advance, we will have lucky for a bigger Global Panorama of pre- and post-tours to about 500 attendees in Nagpur Anand clarifies. draws and lots of prizes that Showcase (GPS) in 2016. Pench, Kanha, Tadoba, and have been aggressively can be won during the show,” Starting from just one city in its Navegaon and Nagzira that promoting the event through Green expo Anand says. first edition, GPS 2016 offer excellent sightings. Anand regular mailers, online and The format for this edi- has grown to cover five cities, added that this year will also social media creatives, adver- tion has also been tweaked. “The central India region starting from Nagpur from see the global launch of a tisements in media, and of GPS has rebranded itself this needs a lot of exposure and January 8-10, 2016 and then product–a cruise liner, which travelling to Coimbatore is almost double the size of Harmandeep Singh Anand (South) on July 14-15, followed Star Cruise Virgo. “We are MD Jagsons Travels Jagsons to announce NGO Tourism at GPS by Kolkata (East) on July positioning ourselves as an 21-22, Chandigarh (North) on event that can do global Harmandeep Singh Anand, MD of Nagpur-based Jagsons Travels, that organises and pro- July 28-29 and finally launches. This will be unique We are planning to motes Global Panorama Showcase (GPS), has said that his company will announce the launch Ahmedabad (West) on August to GPS. TravTalk is our premi- of NGO Tourism. “There are many Indians, specially NRIs and PIOs, who want to return to India 4-5, 2016. um media partner along with have an equal and contribute to the welfare of their countrymen. Even foreign tourists want to come here and TravelTV. Starwood will again number of want to work with an NGO. To cater to this segment we plan to launch a unique concept of NGO Harmandeep Singh be our global hotel partner, Tourism which is probably the first of its kind in the world, at this year’s GPS 2016 on January 8 Anand, MD, Jagsons Travels, Centrepoint Hotel will be our exhibitors as last morning in Nagpur. This is the first time that anyone will be focusing on this niche tourism,” says, “We are at an advan- venue partner, and Lavasa will year at 100-plus. Anand said. tage this year as GPS 2016 be present as well,” he adds. will be the first event of the We will also host year. It offers great opportuni- Hosted buyers 150 buyers course word of mouth. The year with a new logo in olive that is what we are trying ties for exhibitors as well as He expects good partici- other four cities will have select green. This, Anand says, is to to do with GPS. The number buyers. We are planning to pation from South East Asia bringing them exhibitors with a ratio of 1.5:2 showcase that the event is of agents in Nagpur has have an equal number of and the Middle East in the in terms of buyers that we will gradually going green. So grown to more than 300 and exhibitors as last year at 100- fourth edition of GPS from from feeder cities host. These buyers will be from there will be no standees this provides a lot of opportu- plus. We will also host 150 DMCs and local operators. by tying up with surrounding areas of the and no brochures or nities to not only DMCs and buyers bringing them This edition will not have any respective cities like Patna, leaflets. “We are in talks representations but also from feeder cities by tying presentations or business ses- coach companies Bhubhaneshwar, Darjeeling with a company to offer hotels and large tour opera- up with coach companies. sions on B2B days but January and Gangtok for Kolkata. The tablets to our exhibitors that tors who have fixed depar- For international buyers, we 7, 2016 will see about five first day will allow exhibitors to they can use to showcase tures,” adds Anand. A promising long-haul market Cyprus seeks trade ties Scandinavian Tourism Board organised the annual three- Cyprus is looking to work with major Indian tour operators for city Scandinavian Seminar, which included a delegation promotional activities. January 2016 will see a delegation of 20 Scandinavian partners. from Cyprus Tourism Organisation for an orientation.

A HANA G URUNG Norway, says, “Norway has 13 H AZEL J AIN quality and quantity. Thomas 2,000 in 2014. India has been different UNESCO heritage Cook has already covered neglected for too long so we n a bid to engage the Indian sites to offer and is blessed he Mediterranean island some distance and we are have trained our focus here. Itravel trade and provide a plat- with a plethora of natural won- Tof Cyprus has not been happy with their strategy. They While we don’t have any form to network with ders such as fjords, archipela- very active in the Indian mar- direct flights at the moment, air Scandinavian professionals go, the famous northern lights, ket but it wants to remedy that connectivity is not too bad from Denmark, Sweden and the midnight sun, and a variety in the new year by collaborat- with many connecting flight Norway, the annual three cities of Nordic cuisine that would ing with major tour operators options. We are working on Scandinavia Seminar 2015 took definitely appeal to the Indian to promote itself as a tourism improving this, of course,” place in full-swing in Delhi, market,” he says. and MICE destination. It has Theophylactou said. Mumbai and Chennai. The del- Mohit Batra already tied up with Thomas egation at the seminar included India Representative Lotta Thiringer, Cook with whom it will create He reveals that while national tourism boards, region- Scandinavian Tourism Board Regional Director Growth and packages. Demetrios A. Cyprus works together al tourism boards, hotel chains, Development Markets, Visit Theophylactou, High with Israel, Egypt and Greece museums, airports, cruise and Scandinavian region at large– Sweden, says that bednights Commissioner at Cyprus High to promote combined voyage companies, along with but also raising awareness of in Sweden are rapidly increas- Commission, reveals, “In our packages in other parts of DMCs, who travelled to Delhi, what each individual countries ing. “India is the third biggest effort to market Cyprus in Demetrios A. Theophylactou the world, it has not done Mumbai and Chennai to help of Denmark, Norway and long-haul market for Sweden, India effectively, we have to High Commissioner it in India as yet. “We will Cyprus High Commission boost the number of Indian Sweden have to offer,” he said. after the US and China,” she create some partnerships with work with both Egypt and tourist arrivals to the region. He further added, “Denmark this says. “We expect to see a min- major tour operators here. So Israel in India soon. We want year has witnessed an increase imum 15 per cent increase in we have partnered with will be entrusted to market to have a trilateral co-opera- Mohit Batra, India of 30 per cent on overnights the number of Indian tourists Thomas Cook and are Cyprus in India by focusing on tion,” he says. Representative, Scandinavian from India, and Sweden approx- arriving by the end of next exploring other opportunities specific profile of travellers Tourism Board, comments, “The imately 15 per cent on an year,” she added. as well.” such as corporate and HNIs,” seminar received participants already higher overnight base. he adds. Cyprus Tourism that included members of senior Norway is not yet taking account Flemming Bruhn, He adds that Cyprus is Organisation will pay an orien- Looking Ahead management, product man- of the Indian overnights but the Director, Visit Denmark also not looking to attract the mass- tation visit in January 2016 to Cyprus received about agers, business owners and growth seems to have been said, “We witnessed an es but instead tap select seg- study the market first hand. 2000 Indian travellers in front line executives. There was exponential,” he says. increase of 30 per cent of ments like MICE and special 2014 an opportunity to explore possi- Indian tourists in 2014-15. I interest tourism like sports, “Visas are the least of the ble business alliances, new Speaking at the occa- think we will see very good adventure and film shoots. “We problems. Our focus is to There are no direct product development and sion, Per Hotle, Market figures next year as well are open to tying up with other increase numbers through flights to Cyprus but renewing past relations. Our aim Director Tourism, Asia and and expect at least a 20 per tour operators who can provide quality tourists. The current fig- there are many con- is to raise awareness of the New Markets, Innovation cent growth.” sufficient numbers in terms of ures are too low – around necting flight options FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 27 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 28

28 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Neptune Foundation's charity polo match

Neptune Foundation, an NGO committed to the cause of the girl child and the aged, hosted a polo match at Jaipur Polo Grounds, New Delhi. This was the 6th edition of the annual event. The Chief Guest for the noble event was Ratan Watal, Finance Secretary-Government of India, and Sanjana Jon, renowned fashion designer and social activist, was the Guest of Honour. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 29 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/5/2016 2:31 PM Page 30

30 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES A fascinating tale of grit and glory

In commemoration of Bansi Lal Nijhawan’s extensive contribution to the travel Credit for this occasion goes to Ankush since it was his idea. After working hard for years, today industry, the Nijhawan family organised a gathering and launched his biography I have no regrets because I have achieved what ‘Bansi Lal ka Jahaaz’ on December 13, 2015. The event was attended by the I wanted and through this biography, I want to who’s who of the travel industry from across the country and abroad. Penned share my experiences with all of you. I am extremely proud to have children who are taking by Mrinalini Patwardhan Mehra, the biography is an account of B.L. Nijhawan’s it to greater heights. journey to success –from his life in the Royal Air Force during the Second World BL Nijhawan War, to transitioning into a thriving businessman. The book recounts the Founder, Nijhawan Group experience of his days in the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), now British Airways, with various anecdotes that he deems important in shaping his life, and the trials and tribulations in his career which eventually led to success and expansion. Here are what various industry leaders have to say about the man who pioneered the overseas-travel industry:

My father is a person who sets rules I’m delighted to know about the con- for himself and believed that everything tribution that B.L. Nijhawan has made under the sky was achievable for him to the travel industry since 1946. His – nothing is impossible. He has always deep-rooted commitment to bring been someone who puts importance integrity, discipline and setting of high on evolving with the changing times standards are commendable. I send and always stuck to his decisions. He my best wishes on the book launch says set your goals, work hard with with his experiences penned down discipline and you will achieve them, maybe a little later but that will be a great guide for others in the industry. you will always get there. His simplicity and love for work is Letter from Dr. Mahesh Sharma his driving factor. Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation Sham Nijhawan Chairman, Nijhawan Group

When I had just joined Bansi is humble and the tourism industry, I hardworking, and a had no idea how to good human being. run a travel business. Being straightforward, B.L. Nijhawan was the he would meet every first person who visit- travel agent himself to talk about business ed me in my office to and offer help. Even see how I was doing and offered help, if I ever the agents knew that when it comes to busi- needed any. He gave me his blessings ness, Bansi is the person to speak to. That is and since then, he has always tracked the kind of reputation he has in the industry. my progress. Kapil Bhatia Guldeep Singh Sahni Executive Chairman, InterGlobe Enterprises Managing Director, Weldon Tours and Travels

I first met B.L. It has been a privilege Nijhawan in Jalandhar working with B.L. and he was represent- Nijhawan. Even at the ing British Airways dur- age of 90, he has so ing the time. I have meticulously provided always been inspired minor details and dates by his honesty and of his life with such integrity and he’s clarity. His passion for worked very hard to build an empire for learning never ends – even now, he has been himself and his successors. attending classes on how to use smartphones and laptop; that’s Mr. B.L. Nijhawan for you. Subhash Goyal President, IATO Mrinalini Patwardhan Mehra Author

Currently, we don’t The idea of document- have a proper frame- ing his life came from an work in the industry aunt sometime in late where we can docu- 2014. It struck as a very ment the achieve- good one since how ments of stalwarts in a many people can say structured manner, so they have actually lived I think it was a brilliant move to get this done. to observe so many changes in the industry? Such documentation is important to record It took almost a year to complete this and I the contributions of various leaders so that think the wait was worth it. the next generation learns from them. Ankush Nijhawan Kapil Kaul Managing Director, Nijhawan Group CEO – India and ME, CAPA FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 31

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TECHNOLOGY JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 35 Redefining travel commerce solutions Addressing some of the latest innovations from InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ), Anil Parashar, President and CEO, talks to about ITQ’s top priorities and gives an outlook on the tourism industry.

A HANA G URUNG off, since it is linked to the air- seems promising. “India We are increasingly focusing on the development of port systems; and Travelport’s has the youngest population, nil Parashar is jubilant Rich Content and Branding— high disposable income, trade and giving back to the fraternity. For this purpose, Aabout their accomplish- a solution provider that allows and while the middle ments in 2015, which range airlines to effectively market class is bound to double close to 300 young women are being trained to become from bagging awards to cele- and retail their offering to trav- in another five years, travel experts and counsellors and are also promoting brating the first anniversary of el agencies around the world; the industry is in the cusp of Travelport’s Rich Content are actively contributing in major growth. Strategies skill development with the assistance of vari- and Branding. redefining travel commerce. such as Make in India ous trade associations across the country. and Swachh Bharat, In focus Point of view are contributing to the devel- Anil Parashar So, what will be ITQ’s In Parashar’s opinion, the opment of the industry in a President and CEO, InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ) top priority in 2016? “Our Indian tourism industry’s future major way,” he concludes. focus on developing technology will continue and we will definitely provide some new products,” says Parashar. “We will continue to bring Interglobe synergies by value- addition in different businesses that we are in, get them together, and offer customers services beyond GDS.” One of the initiatives ITQ is giving key importance to, is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by the company. Parashar elaborates, “We are increasingly focusing on the development of trade and giving back to the fraternity. For this purpose, close to 300 young women are being trained to become travel experts and counsellors with the help of NGOs and are also promoting skill development with the assistance of various trade associations across the country. In brief, we are mainly concentrating on the development of the less fortunate for their benefit, as well as the industry,” he says.

Technology talk Of late, talks of a new payment solution for airlines called eNett VANs using Travelport Smartpoint have been making the rounds. “Virtual Account Numbers (VANs) is a payment forum supported and owned by Travelport,” says Parashar. “It is a very convenient tool for travel agents and the travel fraternity. It provides a secure payment mode at a lower cost and reduces the risk of fraud since a unique number is used for each new booking or payment transaction,” he adds. VANs are automatically generated MasterCard numbers that agents can use to make secure payments. “At the moment, it is not available in India but it is only a matter of time before it is,” he clarifies. “The fact is that such innovations will give an impe- tus to other partnerships to build such products and bring ease of travel to the customers. Technology will bring new dimensions of development.” Other products like ITQ’s Trip38—a travel app that guides you at every stage including when your phone is FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 36

36 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 AGENTS Tier-II, III: promising markets RezLive’s new avatar Anubhav Bhan, Director of Sales & Marketing, Radisson To provide a better booking experience, RezLive.com has Blu Hotel Indore, talks about the hospitality market in the gone through a makeover and added a variety of new city and the new initiatives by the property. features, inventory and interface.

management and power con- to optimise search, quotation TT BUREAU TT BUREAU servation project. This enables templates, option to compare adisson Blu Hotel Indore is us to control our costs as well ith offices in 19 countries hotels, larger inventory with Rcurrently the only interna- as continue to work towards Wand over 15 years of mapped information, coupon tionally branded 5-star hotel in energy conservation pledge.” experience in the industry, codes, agent dashboard ana- the city and this remains the RezLive.com, the global B2B lytics, multi-currency payment hotel’s biggest strength and Indore, historically has online booking system has gateway, apart from many oth- USP. Bhan says, “Apart from not been a leisure destination, taken a leap forward and made ers. Now, travel partners being the only internationally thus, demand from travel trade drastic changes in UI, architec- can register free of cost and branded hotel in Indore, our din- sector has always been limit- ture and technology to provide with a larger inventory, global ing options, which offer options ed. “In the era of online travel its users the best B2B online Jaal Shah travel needs will be met between a multi-cuisine buffet, Anubhav Bhan agencies, increase in invest- booking system. It now offers Group Managing Director, Travel Designer throughout the year. What’s Director of Sales & Marketing Group and Founder, RezLive.com specialty Indian dining experi- Radisson Blu Hotel Indore ment by the tourism ministry 175,000 hotels and apartment more, assistance from a mul- ence, fine dining Chinese expe- to promote tourism in the state rooms, more than 45,000 tilingual team and real-time rience or a cozy atmosphere of over last few years there has sightseeing items, over 5,000 We consistently online booking confirmations our lobby bar remain our USP. We are working been a steady growth in the tours in 500 cities and 5,000 at competitive wholesale rates provide the best The hotel’s rooms are the most towards better segment. This will especially transfer options in over 900 air- are some of the additional luxuriously and tastefully be visible during Simhastha port and city locations across and biggest benefits of the upgraded designed rooms in the city. The waste 2016. We are forecasting a the globe. RezLive.com. hotel also retains the position as management growth of 12 -15 per cent in inventory to the a preferred venue for any MICE leisure segment for the year Speaking on the initiative, travel partners requirements in the city, due to and power 2016. The majority of this Jaal Shah, Group Managing availability of flexible and ample conservation growth will be via religious Director, Travel Designer globally, by Upgraded Inventory convention space.” project tourism due to Simhasta, prox- Group and Founder, sourcing them RezLive now offers imity of Mandu and RezLive.com, said, “We have 175,000 hotels and In Indore, there is a huge Maheshwar to Indore etc. This been consistently providing the through multiple apartment rooms, more gap between demand and sup- segment primarily moves best and biggest inventory to suppliers than 45,000 sightseeing ply, with supply outstripping The initiatives for 2016 of through travel agencies either the travel partners globally, by items, over 5,000 tours demand by almost 50 per cent. Radisson Blu Indore, would online or traditional agencies. sourcing them through multiple in 500 cities and Bhan says, “As the economy of revolve around two subjects – Thus, hotel’s team enjoys very suppliers and collaborating 5,000 transfer options the city is fast growing, there is enhanced service levels and healthy relations with most of with hotel chains across the Some of the innovative in over 900 airport and growth in every sector, pharma- conservation of environment. the major operators of the city globe. We give our travel part- features that have been includ- city locations across cy, manufacturing, agriculture, Bhan says, “We are currently and India in travel trade seg- ners the platform to create their ed in the new system are the globe FMCG, sports, automobiles etc.” working towards better waste ment,” adds Bhan. future and prosper together.” express search option, filters FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 37

SPECIAL FEATURE JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 37 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 38

38 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TECHNOLOGY Getting familiar with Fiji Time to get tech-savvy Spokespersons at the Travelport e-volve Middle East Summit, at the Shangri-La Bosphorus hotel, in Istanbul, Turkey, highlight trends in the industry.

KANCHAN N ATH iklas Andreen, Senior VP N& MD, Hospitality Commerce, Travelport, spoke about redefining hospitality. He said, “As travel agencies evolve, whether there are OTAs or traditional travel agencies, more and more hotel business is becoming impor- Niklas Andreen Allison Bell tant for them; also rental cars Senior VP & MD Director, Sales, Mobile Travel to provide a seamless experi- Hospitality Commerce, Travelport Technologies (MTT) ence to guests. So, we at Travelport have dedicatedly much ahead of Europe as well actually is engaging with a cus- added on more hotels in the as the USA.” tomer through mobile. It’s about space. For every 100 airline how you use the technology and tickets that we sell, we have 48 Giving few trends to better have an instant way of commu- hospitality bookings or seg- business for agents, she said, nicating with the end customer, ments. 63 million hotel nights “Payments are a big thing, mak- the traveller.” is going to be booked by our ing payments as easy as possi- travel agencies through our ble and as integrated as possi- system this year. ble is definitely at the top of Changing Landscapes everybody’s agenda, because Allison Bell, Director, you want to get that conversion Travel agencies relying Sales, Mobile Travel rate up. It’s about looking at big on hotels and cars to Technologies (MTT), elucidated data, looking at understanding grow business on redefining mobile. “India is an the customer, and predicting extremely interesting market. It analytics; trying to build a story Shopping behaviour in is moving from e-commerce to around what is that the cus- hotel space is moving mobile commerce. It has a lot tomer going to want next. It’s from lowest price to Tourism Fiji with Fiji Airways recently hosted eight travel agents from five different cities for a Fam trip of mobile utilisation penetration. about how a supplier, how an value of hotel property to Fiji. The group travelled to different regions and islands in Fiji and stayed at properties popular in the India has had some very inter- airline, how a travel manage- Indian market. Apart from site inspections, the itinerary included various cultural activities and experiences and location that sets Fiji apart from other beach destinations esting payment aggregations, ment company, or how an OTA, Wellness in the wild Kanha Village Eco Resort will increase working with travel agents and increase its online presence.

TT BU R EAU Owner, Kanha Village Eco Resort. anha Village Eco Resort is Kan eco-friendly, semi-luxu- Guests can enjoy, relax ry wildlife lodging facility, situ- and rejuvenate in natural sur- ated in the village Boda roundings by doing jungle Chhapri in the buffer zone of walks, yoga, meditation and Kanha Tiger Reserve. Keeping healthy food along with jungle in mind the philosophy of sus- safari. We have a games room, tainable and socially responsi- conference hall (for 40 people), Navneet Maheshwari ble tourism, the property has Owner TV lounge, library, massage been developed in ethnic style, Kanha Village Eco Resort room, souvenir shop, swim- with locally available bio ming pool, etc. to cater to degradable materials. The national market. Responsible tourists, he adds. hotel is the only resort in eco-tourism guidelines are fol- Kanha preserve which offers lowed to its best in working of Maheshwari notes that ethnic dwellings with all the resort. Along with wildlife the resort has seen increased required modern amenities. safari we arrange jungle walk, online booking through bird watching, village visit, OTAs. "Safari booking is “We are focusing on cre- Yoga/ Meditation programme, done 90 to 100 days in ating awareness on eco-wildlife etc., as per interest of guests," advance so we suggest tourism in domestic and inter- says Navneet Maheshwari, travel agents dealing in wildlife tours to plan well in advance," he says.

Maheswari cites inbound, young generation as a growing market. However, he empha- sises on more exposure to wildlife and eco-friendly tourism. "We need options to market eco and wildlife tours and eco friendly properties exclusively as it is a niche market," he adds. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 39

INTERVIEW JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 39 Industry needs to capitalise on PM visits Indian tourism industry has a new supporter in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose overseas trips are bringing the country’s attributes into focus. It’s now up to the industry to maximise this favourable situation. M.P. Bezbaruah, Permanent Representative (Hon.), UNWTO, puts things in perspective.

that will lead to a quantum request the PM to accord them INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA jump in tourist arrivals. higher priority, and to mention Such visits and the positive response he tourism more prominently in Would you agree that Would India’s emerg- his speeches. Moreover, he Qthe Prime Minister’s has been able to elicit everywhere will Qing status as a busi- should portray tourism as a foreign visits have done create more interest about India. Naturally ness centre help generate business opportunity. good for Indian tourism? tourism? While the Prime Minister there will be a spin-off for tourism as well. We can see that the PM’s The Ministry and the (PM)’s overseas visits are use- focus has been on business, industry have to jointly mount ful, until now their value has M. P. Bezbaruah investment in India and the like. intensive publicity campaigns been somewhat limited. During Permanent Representative, (Hon.), UNWTO India is again seen as a rising and media briefings etc in this year, foreign tourist arrivals economic power and with great those countries, synchronising to India have actually declined, investment potential. As a with the 1visits. They should take which underscores the fact that result there certainly will be advantage of the tremendous tourist arrivals require much increase of business travel. But goodwill created by the PM's more than high profile visits. that will also be marginal. capacity to reach out to the Also, it’s clear that the impact of people. Like the industry such visits may not be seen What follow-up steps and business delegations that immediately and need time to How important have United Nations Headquarters. The most striking parts Qhave to be taken in either accompany the PM, or fructify. An excellent start has Qthe visits been for And he’s addressed other of some of the visits have order to capitalise on the visit coinciding with the official been made, but one has to build Indian tourism? forums overseas. These events been the PM’s interaction with visits? visit, tourism industry delega- on it. There’s no doubt about the That depends on a num- must have created greater the NRIs and his ability to Tourism is not high on tions must be part of the entire fact that Mr. Modi's visits have ber of factors like what the PM awareness and interest about excite and motivate them focus in the Prime Minister’s planning. This would provide a been more extensive and more is focussing on, how important India. There will be follow - up about India. The response visits. That is rather unfortunate huge boost. high profile than perhaps any the countries visited are in visits resulting from such inter- has been phenomenal. From because he is known as a other Prime Minister we can terms of their outbound tourism, ests. But the impact will be only a tourism point of view NRIs patron of tourism. The Ministry The situation is clear! The remember. Such visits and the and what focus the local media marginal, because tourism is are a major part of the of tourism and the industry PM’s overseas visits and positive response he has been in those countries are giving to not central to his interactions. inbound tourism segment. could leverage these visits to speeches have provided Indian able to elicit everywhere will cre- the visits. All these factors plays However, if the PM could per- great advantage. They have to tourism with a potent weapon. ate more interest about India. a key role. The PM has spoken Where do you see the suade each of the NRIs to become more pro-active so How much dividend is gained Naturally there will be a spin - off to Parliamentarians in the UK. Qmaximum gain from influence at least five of his that they find a place in the will depend on how this weapon for tourism as well. He has spoken eloquently in the these visits? foreign friends to visit India, scheme of things. They must can be exploited. 92,000 unique properties Meant for leisure roomsXML.com has introduced 11 innovations that have Ivy Kwan, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Asia Pacific, set it distinctly apart from its competitors since its launch One&Only Resorts, explains the brand’s portfolio and in 2007. The innovations are market driven and developed reveals its plans in this region. to enhance user experience, efficiency and profitability. TT BUREAU and that is unique to every sin- TT BUREAU “As we do not work to achieve Kindly explain the gle of our resorts. set sales targets, we invest in Qportfolio of One&Only. alking about the USP of product innovation and Kerzner International is How many Indian Tthe company, Prakash support systems. With that in our parent company, and with- Qguests do you get Bang, Managing Director, place, more revenues in the portfolio, we now have each year? roomsXML Solutions, says, come our way. We introduce nine resorts. We started in The number of Indian “We are totally concentrated time bound, destination 2002, and it grew with desti- guests varies across each on B2B engagements and are specific deals every now nations in Mauritius and market. In locations such as accommodation-centric.” Bang and then for our travel Dubai, that’s where our global Dubai and Mauritius we see a explains that the year 2015 trade partners.” office is located. We also have Ivy Kwan higher percentage of Indian has been excellent for the resorts in Bahamas, Mexico Vice President, Sales & Marketing guests. However, in locations Asia Pacific, One&Only Resorts company and says, “Despite a Prakash Bang In 2016, roomXML plans and South Africa. We recently like Bahamas and Mexico, we little slowdown at a global level, Director to continue to enhance its re-opened One&Only Palmilla get a smaller percentage of roomsXML Solutions roomsXML.com has been products. Elucidating the in Mexico and the iconic make our level of investments. Indian clients. growing steadily. Our year on same, Bang says, “We are not One&Only Ocean Club has Then, we also need to ensure year for the last three years is says, “The response to our introducing any new products commenced renovations. It’s the unique locations that How closely are you work- at 55 per cent. The inventory company from the industry has in the coming year but will be important for us to grow our One&Only resorts is known for, ing with travel agents? that we offer has been at the been more than overwhelming. working on product develop- portfolio but it's equally impor- which are also there in India. We are working very highest level. Currently Standing testimony to this is ment and user-experience tant for us to choose the loca- closely with travel agents. They roomsXML.com offers 92,518 the fact that we do not offer any enhancement. We are tions that are unique. Who are your are our lifeline. Without our unique properties across the credit facilities neither do we looking at more product inno- Qclients? trade partners, we wouldn’t be world. These properties are sell our inventory below cost. vations and sustainable When will India have a We basically are dealing where we are today. The trade genuinely unique as each hotel Our growing revenues prove growth in 2016.” QOne&Only property? with the leisure market. We have partners in the Indian market or apartment appears only that travel agents are backing I would love to be in India. couples celebrating anniver- are an integral part of the busi- once due to the uniqueness of our system which signifys their Expressing the expecta- We love this country, and I saries and birthdays and fami- ness landscape. It is important our system’s de-duplication trust in our product and serv- tions from the tourism think it is a natural progression lies are huge for us. We have a for us to secure the distribution. technology.” ices that we offer.” industry Bang says, “We hope to be here. India has some special thing called Kids Club Now that we have them, there that the travel and tourism beautiful spots in the world. We where, across all our resorts, we is the part of educating them of Discussing the response Talking about the spe- industry will work on are essentially a management offer an entire day of activities to what One&Only is all about so to the company from the travel cial deals for travel trade making travel safe and company. We look for owners the kids. There is an educational that they, in turn, can articulate and tourism industry, Bang partners, Bang explains, enjoyable for all.” who love quality and who can component to the experience what the brand values are. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 40 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/12/2016 10:15 AM Page 41

TECHNOLOGY JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 41 Bringing travel consultancy to the forefront spoke to U Gary Charlwood, Board Chairman & CEO, Uniglobe Travel and Ritika Modi, Regional President, Uniglobe Travel, to find out more about the company’s growth story.

KANCHAN N ATH turnover of all these agencies is of the corporate accounts we’ve she said, “If I look at the Global However, there has been a little travel spend as compared to currently over 3000 crore and I added. When it’s the downturn, Business Travel Association bit of restraint and cost cutting previous years." Global Business Travel believe that the number will be we look at the opportunities we (GBTA) study, I see that the total in terms of the number of trips Trends more than double in the next can get out of that situation and travel market for India is 25 bil- that they would make. But this Talking about the chang- five years.” She added, “We as I believe that it’s this time when lion. So there are lots also means that we have to pick Fact File ing trends of business travel, a group have grown by more we can go and talk to cus- of corporations, which are up more corporate accounts on Charlwood said, “Technology is than 16-20 per cent internation- tomers and show them how growing. I believe there have the other side. So we have seen Uniglobe has over 40 at the foot of all this. Business ally. In domestic we have grown better we could help manage been certain number of corpo- that the Uniglobe system is agency owners at 55 travellers can research the mul- by about 10 per cent in terms of their travel spend.” rations that are looking to travel. growing in terms of number locations in South Asia tiple avenues of how they con- the volume of business that They may have downsized, for and volumes. However, attrition Gross annual turnover duct their travel. There was a we’ve done. And it may not have Rupee fluctuation example in the class (instead of is always there, which is of these agencies is time when the corporation been because of the same With reference to the travelling first; they may now be normal. But a lot of corporations over 3000 crore made the decision, but now the generic business but because fluctuating value of the rupee, travelling business class). have also reduced their individual wants to have the flexibility of making his/her own decision, which is a problem for the corporation from the cost perspective. So, one of the roles

U Gary Charlwood So, one of the roles of the Board Chairman & CEO Uniglobe Travel travel agent is to make sure

of the travel agent is to make sure that they blend both these opportunities to the satisfaction of both the individual and the corporation and technology facilitates that.”

Ritika Modi Regional President Uniglobe Travel

Bringing expertise to the table The demand for expertise in any field is growing and the trend seems to be consistent with business travel as well. Ritika Modi, Regional President, Uniglobe Travel said, “Business travel in India is changing dramatically. Mostly corporate companies are not looking at just order takers, but more at consulting and expertise. And they want people to analyse and guide them better. So travel consultants have to be better prepared and move away from being order takers.”

Uniglobe growth story Currently Uniglobe has 40 plus agency owners with more than 55 locations in South Asia. Modi added, “The gross annual FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 42 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 43

NTO JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 43 Manoharan bids adieu Saying goodbye is never easy, especially after 15 years. But Manoharan Periasamy, Director of Tourism Malaysia in Mumbai, is leaving by end of 2015 with fond memories of India and the people he met here, specially the travel fraternity.

H AZEL J AIN considered me a foreigner; good idea to have a plan many of them even spoke to me B because it is difficult for peo- The trade, especially the travel How does it feel to be in Hindi. Their acceptance level ple to say they don’t associations, have given their Qleaving India? was very high and that made know something. But I always It is difficult for me to say my journey here very smooth tell expatriates that if you whole-hearted support to Malaysia and goodbye to India after 15 years and easy. come here thinking that you assured its inclusion in their packages. of calling it my home, to wake can’t trust Indians, they can’t up one day and not find myself Any advice you want expect to be trusted by them. Manoharan Periasamy in Mumbai but in Kuala Qto share with the The new person will also Director of Tourism Malaysia in Mumbai Lumpur. It still has to sink in incoming director? take over as the Chairman because there is a lot of attach- I have learned that one of ASEAN Promotional ment. I have worked only nine needs to massage people’s Chapter for Tourism (APCT)– years in the head office but 15 ego here. Also, it is a India Chapter. years abroad. It’s a different culture back home – more bosses and bureaucracy. Here, I was free to do a lot of things while referring to the head office. So fitting in with the local culture in Malaysia will be a challenge.

How was your experi- Qence here? People ask me how I sur- vived here for so long. It was very difficult for me initially, with setting up the India office. But I told myself that somebody needs to do this job and take one day at a time. Just enjoy the stint here and do your best. So in order to make things easier and be accepted by the people, I decided to dance along with them – whether it is bhangra, Kathakalli or the lungi dance! And it worked. I was accepted by the travel industry wholeheartedly.

How was it working Qwith the trade here? The relationship I have built with the trade over the years is based on trust and both sides honour that trust. The trade, especially the travel associations, have given their whole- hearted support to Malaysia and assured its inclusion in their packages. I am extremely grate- ful for this. For instance, in 2003 during the SARS threat, we saw a lot of cancellations. TAAI was on the verge of cancelling their convention in Malaysia but they still went ahead. Hats off to the industry for the confidence they have shown in me. They never Global Hospitality Conclave dates announced Global Hospitality Conclave will take place on 8th January 2016 at The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel & Residences. The conclave would serve to be a useful lever and a strong platform for participants to project their capabilities and opportunities to the industry elite from across the global hospitality spectrum. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:58 PM Page 44 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:59 PM Page 45 AVIATION Now book charters online The new online marketplace for private charters by Baron Aviation allows agents and tour operators to offer a new value-added service for their clients.

TT BUREAU rently stands at ` 1,800 crore umbai-based Baron and expected to grow to ` 5,000 MAviation has launched an crore by year 2020. We already online platform called have 12 operators with 40 air- BookMyCharters to book private crafts right now and will be jets and helicopters that inte- bringing onboard five more grates about 12 operators cur- operators with 10 aircrafts in rently who have listed 40 aircraft. total. We will have pan-India This allows travel agents and presence and operational in all tour operators to offer a new seven hubs,” he said. The com- Rajeev Wadhwa service to their clients. Rajeev Chairman and CEO pany also plans to reach out to Wadhwa, Chairman and CEO, Baron Aviation mature markets like America Baron Aviation, said that it will and Europe and emerging mar- reach out to segments like el agents soon as they provide kets like Africa in the coming celebrities, politicians, corporate, access to a ready market. “This years, either directly or by HNIs and inbound traffic through is a user-friendly and quick tool engaging partnerships with various channels including tour to book a private jet that auto- local players. Some of the key operators and tie-ups with mates several manual process- features of BookMyCharters hotels. “This new initiative will es and crunches multiple vari- include — option to select air- bring aircraft owners and users ables through our advanced craft, book and pay online, con- on a single platform. We have algorithms to reduce the entire firmed bookings, assigned dedicated dashboards of aircraft process of searching and quot- concierge post booking, and owners and operators, making ing an aircraft in as much time 24x7 availability. us the only platform to have this. and ease as it takes to book an BookMyCharters has a live feed airline ticket online,” he said. about availability with instant Key Features quotes – not estimates. The por- BookMyCharters expects tal is mobile-friendly and there to grow the existing market by Option to select aircraft, is no charge for registration.” 30 per cent, bringing in new book and pay online, customers especially from non- confirmed bookings, He added that the compa- metro cities and inbound traffic assigned concierge ny plans to tap end travellers that can book and pay online. post booking, and 24x7 through tour operators and trav- “The total charter market cur- availability ICPB’s new governing board elected at 28th AGM

Chander Mansharamani of Alpcord Network Travel & conferences Management Company, was elected as the new Vice-Chairman of India Convention Promotion Bureau, at the 28th Annual General Meeting at Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri, on December 21, 2015. Amaresh Tiwari from A T & Seasons Vacations Travel, is the new Honorary Secretary of ICPB. The Immediate Past Vice-Chairman Chander Mansharamani Amaresh Tiwari was Captain Swadesh Kumar Vice Chairman Honorary Secretary of Shikhar Travels (India). The India Convention Promotion Bureau India Convention Promotion Bureau election for the governing board of ICPB happen every alternate year, and this year it was held under the supervision of D. Venkatesan, Assistant Director General (TT) as Returning Officer. ICPB is a management oriented organisation that has been promoting and establishing India as a preferred MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) destination. The Chairman of ICPB is automatically the Joint Secretary, Tourism, Government of India – Suman Billa. The rest of the members in various categories are as follows: Active Category: Hotels: Saurabh Bhargava from Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces Airlines: No valid nominations were received Travel Agents: Gunjan Suri from Thomas Cook India and Naveen Chibber from Orient Express Tour Operators: Ajay Vinayak from Palomino Hospitality and Vineet Batra from Eastbound Tours & Travels Private Limited Congress/Convention Centres: Sudeep Sarcar of India Exposition Mart Ltd (IEML) Pro fessional Congress /Convention Organisers: Amit Saroj of Attitude Events Professional Exhibition Organisers: Sanjay Soni of Incredible Design Allied Category: Avinash Browne of Sun Business Machines Pvt. Ltd. and Ripudaman Singh Chauhan from Translink Express FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:59 PM Page 46

46 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 AGENTS Industry’s take on single window clearance Relaxed event licensing norms in Delhi and Mumbai are a win-win situation for the events and experiential marketing industry. The announcement assures all the permissions required from the state government through one window only. spoke to industry experts to find out how worthy this move is for the travel fraternity.

VAISHALI D AR Single window is a major step ahead, with far This is definitely a positive step towards mak- reaching benefits for all parties concerned. ing both the cities – Delhi and Mumbai very With the state Single-window licensing process will bring in attractive destinations for events. This will governments in benefits in terms of effectiveness and value. It provide structured and time bound process Delhi and will bring in greater transparency, cost effective- to obtain approval from nodal agency – Mumbai becom- ness and equal opportunities for companies, avoiding last-minute stress and uncertainties, ing aware of the bringing direct benefit for clients also. It will also which usually deter most of the large event difficulties and take care of red tapism, stringent licensing companies undertaking quality events in problems faced process and corruption. This empanelment will cities since international clients are increas- by events and make events an organised line of business for Delhi and Mumbai in the ingly requesting suppliers to offer guarantees in the areas of deliverables entertainment longer run and may also attract substantial inbound event business. and compliance. industry in getting Syed A Asim Amit Aggarwal clearances and with the assurance that they Executive Director, Bonton Holidays Managing Partner, Wish Bone India will set up a single window clearance system, it is a welcoming move and step that will bring events and shows of international standards We welcome the stand taken by EEMA to cre- Holding large scale events in big cities like to the two metros. It will also attract interna- ate a single-window licensing process for Mumbai and Delhi was a big hassle before tional companies to hold events. We also events and are delighted to know that the as the taxation policies for these events had expect the fear of last-minute cancellations, Government is supporting them in this initia- a tedious and a lengthy process. Hence, cor- due to police clearances, to be taken care of. tive. This is a good initiative that will be bene- porates always preferred doing their events in smaller cities. But now the goverment of Guldeep Singh Sahni ficial for both the public and private partners. President, OTOAI & Managing Also the change in the entertainment tax these cities have joined hands and done a Director, Weldon Tours & Travels depositing framework for EEMA members is collaboration with Event and Entertainment a big boon to the industry and number of tick- Management Associations (EEMA) to solve eted and corporate events in the city will see an increase. There will also and resolve these issues, lot of these problems have been rectified by be a drastic change in the cost that will be incurred in organising events. streamlining the process, by starting the ‘single window licensing. It is a win-win situation for the companies and travel agents handling events. S D Nandakumar Head Special Interest Tours, Tour Operating- Kuoni India Rashmi Pisal Associate Director MICE & Leisure Travel, Harvey India Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd Room aggregators reach out to agents Online accommodation reservation services like OYO Rooms, ZO Rooms and Room on Call are changing the face of the online hotel booking segment of the Indian hospitality industry. finds out their association and benefits for the travel trade.

A NKITA SAXENA room booking facility using network, Dharamveer Singh agents benefit as we have a agents who sell an added clocking an occupancy of over technology. Chouhan, CEO and Co- vast network of 30,000 rooms inventory. Chouhan explains, 95 per cent in better-perform- he Indian hotel industry is founder, ZO Rooms, says, “We spread across 140 cities, “We provide our agents with ing pockets and over 80 per Testimated to touch $1.8 Travel agents form an liaison with travel agents to across various categories. A best commission rates and cent overall.” Kavikrut adds, billion by 2016, up from a cur- important sales network for all have a robust outreach and large inventory is offered to they in turn, value the trust “Hotel partners typically see rent total size of $800 million, budget hotel room aggrega- incentive programs are in place them and easy availability of and business quality offered their occupancy increase from according to a report from tors. Discussing the associa- for them. We engage with the rooms ensures a hassle-free to them. We offer them the as low as 20 per cent to as ICRA. The share of online reach and product quality high as 90 per cent post the hotel bookings is 16 per cent which helps them acquire partnership. While this auto- of the total hotel bookings cur- more and more customers.” matically increases the rev- rently and is expected to Kavikrut adds, “We have excit- enue flow, we also enable reach 25 per cent in 2016 ing offers and deals running, them to earn alternative which implies that around 8.4 at regular intervals, for travel revenue streams.” million Indians are likely to agents and for corporate com- book hotels online by panies doing bulk bookings The hotel room aggrega- 2016, up from 3.5 million with us like an exclusive tors target different segments in 2014. ‘Bangkok Chalo’ offer for travel of the hospitality industry. agents booking bulk room Pradeep Sajjan, CEO, Room The deepening penetra- nights with us through which on Call, explains, “There is a tion of Internet usage and Kavikrut Dharamveer Singh Chouhan Pradeep Sajjan if travel agents met a certain huge inflow of foreign trav- Chief Growth Officer CEO and Co-founder CEO smartphones has led to OYO Rooms Zo Rooms Room on Call criterion we gave her/him a ellers in India who come for increased booking of hotels free trip to Bangkok.” medical and leisure tourism to through online portals and India. We have marketing ini- applications in recent times. tion with agents, Kavikrut, agents through regular meet- booking process even in the Discussing the marketing tiatives which are planned in Online accommodation reser- Chief Growth Officer, OYO ings, conferences; arrange case of bulk bookings. OYO plans and initiatives to increase different languages according vation services like OYO Rooms, says, “We have tied up demo and property showcase assigns them an account man- occupancy and RevPar, to the countries.” Chouhan Rooms, ZO Rooms, Room on with more than 2000 travel rounds with them.” ager which is the single point Chouhan says, “We work adds, “As we cater to all kinds Call are gaining popularity. agents and consider the net- of contact for everything relat- towards revenue maximisation of travellers, our target groups These budget hotel room work an important source of Talking about the benefits ed to bookings.” of each property, and use tech- vary in demographics. In case aggregators are revolutionis- corporate, leisure, and pilgrim to agents and hotels which niques like dynamic pricing. We of Zostel, almost 80 per ing low-cost accommodation travellers." Adding to the partner with the aggregators, Attractive commission see the average price and cent of our consumers are in India with on-the-go importance of the travel agent Kavikrut explains, “Travel rates are an incentive for demand elasticity and are international.” FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:59 PM Page 47 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:59 PM Page 48

48 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 YOUNGLEADERS Face of the Future: Dev Karvat Not one to shy away from a challenge, Dev Karvat, Founder and CEO, TrawellTag Cover-More, India, aspired to build a unique and innovative business, which led him to start a travel assistance services company.

ence to as many lives as pos- H AZEL J AIN sible. My aspiration enabled Two mantras that me to come up with the idea of worked for me starting a travel assistance To hit the road leading to services company, which was lovely success, one has to be driven a very nascent concept back people of by a clear sense of purpose then. Also, hailing from an this industry. and passion. Also, I believe insurance dominating family that one cannot take this jour- background gave me the I enjoy my work ney alone. Hence, having a cul- opportunity to understand the because… ture of collective ownership in travel the team and converting your insurance business in a better vision into the group's vision is light and evolve it to suit today’s extremely crucial. requisites. Message to the youth I learned early in my career that it's not only the desire to suc- How I got into this My struggles ceed that drives you toward your goals but it's the hard work business It has been a journey of and commitment that takes you to the next level. I would like There were basically two discovery and learning. Like to urge the younger generation to never let success get on to things that really inspired me any other business, we have their head because if you think you have achieved your greatest to get into this business—one had our share of highs success, you clearly have decided to stop pushing yourself. was to build a unique and an and lows. The chal- innovative business and the lenges were enor- other, to make mous like any tance has propelled our The travel industry is fas- protection products, which is a dif- growing business growth and goodwill. I feel cinating and colourful. Travel exciting. It brings us a sense of fer- had to face, right very fortunate to have makes people’s dreams come achievement when we see from the percep- been part of this ever true. So being in this industry TrawellTag Cover-More launch tion of the cus- evolving industry for the enables us to be the caretakers a fantastic new offering into the tomer to the last 15 years and to have of travellers. We are constantly market. With this in mind, I can operational been accepted by all the developing new and innovative say that I don’t have one issues that favourite aspect of my line of emerged from work – I have many. time-to-time. We have grown from a My biggest motivation small enterprise of a When you are following mere 10 people in a your passion, you actually single-office to a full- don't need a better motivating fledged MNC with factor to keep you going. As for staff strength of 500 in people, my biggest motivation across 57 branches in has been my beautiful wife India over a period of and my entire team who have 10 years. Our part- stood by me like a rock in nership with Cover- this long but exciting roller- More, world’s lead- coaster ride. ing dedicated provider of travel Dev Karvat won the Face of insurance and the Future Award at the 2014 medical assis- West India Travel Awards Fitur 2016: sustainably renewing tourism The Fitur Green 2016 Forum will feature success cases, initiatives, projects and real experiences to show how the tourism management of the destinations, from a perspective of sustainability and local development, leads to an improvement in their inhabitants’ quality of life and favours economic stimulus.

TT BUREAU and who is no longer content hotels, the potential for with receiving a quality service change’; ‘The business return he International Tourism but is also interested in having of sustainability: the domino TFair, Fitur, the Instituto their stay make the least pos- effect’; and ‘Renewables as Tecnológico Hotelero (ITH) and sible impact on the environ- the sustainable driving force the World Tourism Organisation ment. This is why sustainability of tourism.’ (UNWTO) are organising a new is an issue in which the edition of Fitur Green, which will different tourism agents In addition, during its take place as part of Fitur from have to become involved, staging, Fitur Green will hold January 20 to 22. Under the both in the public and in the pri- the ‘2nd Meeting of the Thinktur banner of ‘Innovative and sus- vate sphere. / ITH Club for Trends in tainable management: a com- Sustainability and Energy mitment to the tourist,’ the sev- All of these issues Efficiency,’ which will attract enth staging of this forum will will give shape to the Fitur the presence of the heads of have as its keystone subject the Green 2016 programme, the sustainability and energy renewal of tourism according to Directing the tourism reducing the environmental businesses to enable them to which will be divided into the- efficiency area of hotel criteria of sustainability and industry towards sustainability impact of their activity but also meet the needs of a tourist pro- matic areas, one for each ses- chains, hotel SMEs and inde- social responsibility. is a necessary step not only in in positioning destinations and file that is increasingly aware sion: ‘Nearly-zero-energy pendent hotels. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:59 PM Page 49

AGENTS JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 49 Outbound travel gains momentum The winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year at the West India Travel Awards, 2015– Aparna Basu Mallik, CEO, Club7 Holidays shares the latest trends in the industry.

TT BUREAU ference activities usually in visas. Domestic destinations demand? are becoming increasingly People are considering long-haul international What is your agenda It all depends on the des- popular. Hyatt and Marriott travel like Paris, East Europe, etc. International Qfor 2016? tination. A lot of people are continue to be the favourite Club7 Holidays will con- quite keen on shopping, mas- brands for corporate events. travel seems to be the best reward for performing tinue to have its standard sage, spa and nightlife. People are considering long- employees for most companies. Hence, this group departures and other haul international travel like products across leisure and Please share the new Paris, East Europe, etc. trend is gaining momentum. MICE with a few popular addi- Qhappenings in MICE/ International travel seems to be tions in terms of new itiner- travel industry? the best reward for performing Aparna Basu Mallik aries, new upcoming destina- Thailand continues to see employees for most companies. CEO, Club7 Holidays tions and newer attractions. an increase in inbound num- Hence, this trend is gaining bers because of the ease of momentum. Tell us about the USP Qof Club7 Holidays? We believe in honest and transparent prices. Club7’s biggest forte is customer care. Our passengers have grown year on year. There is always a sense of loyalty.

What are the factors to Qchoose top destinations in 2016? As far as the factors to choose the destinations are concerned, a sense of security is involved. Also the cost of currency, diverse products offered, shopping and experiential travel, shall contribute to top destinations in 2016.

What are your expec- Qtations from NTOs in terms of packages and destinations? NTOs should continue with destination trainings, Fam trips, Corporate Fams and other marketing support activities as these help us in working closely with the organisations.

What are the leisure Qactivities or post con-

Top outbound destinations in 2016 Canada and USA are becoming popular and people are more open to long haul destinations for MICE. Spain, Greece and South Africa have also gained popularity. The Philippines, Thailand and Singapore continue to be among the top destinations because of ease of visas, prices and other things.

Delhi in Demand In the span of one year, Delhi airport catered to as many as 40 million passengers, who flew to 58 domestic and 62 international destinations. That’s equivalent to Argentina’s total population and nearly four times the population of Greece. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:59 PM Page 50

50 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Agents get together for common ‘goal’

Emirates Airlines recently organised its ‘Emirates Football Tournament 2015’ in which BCD Travel emerged as the champion team. Held at Hotful Arena in Mundhwa, Pune, the tournament had 16 teams competing with each other. Earlier this year, Emirates had also hosted a two-day cricket match for its trade partners. The tournament was co-sponsored by Amadeus and Star Cruise in association with along with two leading travel associations–The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI). FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 3:59 PM Page 51

NTO JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 51 Philippines brands BEST buses in Mumbai To create more awareness among the growing Indian outbound travellers, the Department of Tourism of Philippines recently conducted a marketing campaign of branding 100 BEST buses in Mumbai in association with Kesari Tours.

TT BUREAU ing workshops will help. be achieved. We will definitely Speaking about how pop- “Another thing that has worked promote the destination with the ular Philippines is for MICE, s part of its marketing devel- for other international destina- support of the tourism board,” Chaubal says, “Corporates are Aopment strategy, the tions is promoting itself through she adds. looking for newer destinations Department of Tourism, a big-budget Bollywood movie. beyond the usual. Philippines is Philippines, has branded 100 The Philippines has the poten- The year 2015 turned out a good option. To promote any BEST buses in Mumbai in asso- tial to be popular among Indians to be quite positive for DoT destination, a direct flight and ciation with Kesari Tours. — it has beaches, adventure, Philippines, and its marketing ease of visa are key ingredients. Navritu Kaushal Rai, Account snorkelling, scuba-diving, campaign, ‘Visit the Philippines Philippinesis gaining popularity Director, Philippines Tourism nightlife, shopping, good infra- Year 2015 (VPY 2015)’, which and quick visas — which could Marketing Office, India, said, structure, and Indian food. We is an invitation to experience ‘It’s come in three working days — “The Philippines offers its visitors have done a few small groups More Fun in the Philippines’, will help to promote the a wide variety of attractions and but real breakthrough is yet to was a big hit. Philippines.” activities for a perfect vacation.

Navritu Kaushal Rai Account Director, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office, India

This initiative of branding BEST buses is in accordance with our current market development strategy. We are promoting the Philippines as a luxury, MICE and wedding destination and our focus is on consumer-driven

Zelum Chaubal Director (Kesari MICE) Kesari Tours

campaigns. The BEST buses ride all over Mumbai and there- fore branding bus-backs gives us visibility and a high number of eyeballs. Our joint partnership with Kesari Tours for this campaign reinforces our commitment and support towards our travel partners.”

Speaking on this marketing initiative, Zelum Chaubal, Director (Kesari MICE), Kesari Tours, said, “This joint campaign will create more awareness and curiosity for the Philippines as a travel destination. The main purpose of this campaign is branding and awareness about the destination.”

Sharing her perspective on other ways in which the Philippines can create a stronger brand recall, she adds that increasing visibility through travel partners, hoardings, advertisements, talks, and train- FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 52

52 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 ATTRACTION Destination CANADA CANADASomething for everyone Get the aerial view of the Niagara Falls, experience the thrill of Edgewalk at CN Tower and shop local delicacies at Ottawa Farmer’s Market—Canada packs the right punch for everyone this winter.

KARISHMA K HANNA FROM C ANADA NIAGARA FALLS Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that join the international border between Canada and the United States. From largest to smallest, the three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls lie mostly on the Canadian side. Hear the wall of roaring water that was perfectly carved during the ice age more than 12,000 years ago and feel its spray as it rushes by. Travellers can experience the grandeur through Journey Behind the Falls. The elevator takes the visitors 150 feet down through bedrock to tunnels behind the falls and visitors stand in Clifton Hill the mist and witness the natural spectacle of the falls around them. One can also ride into the heart of the falls aboard the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. The view is dotted with multiple rainbows making it all the more spectacular. Get onboard one of the Niagara Helicopters, which take visitors on a flight with awe-inspiring views. These seven-seat helicopters fly over just about every major site in Niagara. The wonder of the falls is not limited to only daytime as you can view the falls at night with various colour changing light displays. The journey at Niagara Falls does not end right there. One can visit Clifton Hill for eclectic fun. From a giant skywheel to a Dinosaur Adventure Golf; there is something for everyone. Movieland Wax Museum, House of Horrors, and Wax Hands Emporium are some of the attractions there. Also visit the Bird Kingdom, which is a large indoor free flying aviary; go to Inniskillin Winery for a tour and wine tasting. Finally, end your trip with shopping at the Niagara Falls Outlet Collection with great offers. TORONTO Clifton Hill Toronto sits on the northern shore of Lake Ontario and has a shoreline stretching 43 km featuring sandy beaches, TTAWA marinas and working ports. For that only-in-Toronto experience, there are must visit places to find the essence of the O city’s past and present. You can take a city tour and shopping tour through Yorkville, Queen West and Kensington for A short flight from Billy Bishop Airport will take you vintage foods, organic coffee, and gourmet cheese shops. A must-visit is atop the CN Tower. One can book a lunch or to the city of Ottawa. It is a cosmopolitan city on the dinner reservation at the 360 Restaurant, which features delicious food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Ottawa River. One should visit the Ottawa Farmer’s Toronto more than 1,151 feet below. It also has access to the LookOut and Glass Floor levels of the CN Tower. Stroll Market at Lansdowne Park for a fresh produce of local along the highest sidewalk at the CN Tower’s Edgewalk. Being the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 5 feet fruits, vegetables, meat, arts and crafts. Visit the Glebe wide ledge encircling the top of the Tower’s main pod, 1168 feet (116 storeys) above the ground; visitors walk in small Neighbourhood to experience the village life. A must-see groups, while attached to an overhead safety rail via a trolley and harness system. The Royal Ontario Museum is a site is the Parliament Hill. The buildings are home to museum of art, world culture and natural history in Toronto, Canada. Another must to visit place is a One of a Kind Canada’s federal government. A guided tour of the Show featuring work of artisans. One must also go to the Christmas market, which takes place at the Distillery Historic premises takes you through the chambers and also to the District in Toronto from November 20 to December 20 every year. It recreates the magic of traditional European working library which is most spectacular unit inside the Christmas markets and features family-friendly entertainment, food and merchandise from around the world. For building. You can also walk down to the Royal Canadian history and art lovers a must visit site is the Aga Khan Museum. Mint, which houses the collector’s coins and view the art of gold and silver coin making. While in Ottawa, you must try the Beaver Tails pastry — a real Ottawa delicacy. While in Ottawa one can stay at the historic Lord Elgin Hotel, centrally located to many downtown attractions. To unwind and reenergise at the end of the trip visit the Nordik Spa–Nature.

Toronto skyline Library at Parliament Hill FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 53 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 54

54 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS New Year brings good cheer

North India Travel Awards 2015 held in Jaipur concluded the year on a high note. finds out from the winners what it feels like to be appreciated for hard work and how they plan to change the face of the industry in the New Year.

The award ceremony is an excellent boost to the morale. An award like this is very encouraging for all. Rajasthan has been one of the focal points of tourists coming to India. Rajasthan is the epicentre of culture and colours and no journey is complete without experiencing this state. The private enterprises are doing good work with so many travel partners and organising fairs in the state that it is bound to increase exposure and travel to this destination in 2016. Gajendra Singh Khimsar Minister of Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, DMIC & NRI, Government of Rajasthan

Gallery of Legends DDP Game Changer The policies in travel and tourism industry are still underway and we It is a great feeling to be recognised by the industry, which motivates are eagerly awaiting them to come into function. We have launched us to work harder. In 2016, we are hoping that the upward string con- a ‘Women in Aviation’ India Chapter, which is the chapter of the US tinues and there is stability in all sectors of tourism. In the coming year International Body. I believe that in our industry, the number of women we hope that adventure tourism will increase more as the notion that in aviation is limited to the pilots and stewardess. There are so many this form of tourism is unsafe, is changing. There are more than two opportunities with new government in place, which will open new million adventure tourists. Almost 73 per cent of the Himalayan range avenues for ladies in this industry in 2016. is in India, which opens amazing opportunities for nature and adventure Radha Bhatia travellers. We are working very hard with the government and states Chairperson to bring out this form of tourism better. Bird Group Ajeet Bajaj Founder and Managing Director Snow Leopard Adventures

DDP Traiblazer Best Tour Operator Outbound The India Travel Awards is a great initiative and the fact that it has hap- The award ceremony is an exciting experience and great platform pened in Jaipur, will create more publicity for this city. The inbound seg- which recognises the good efforts of the industry. In 2016, I feel, we ment of tourism came down considerably in 2015 but domestic tourism need to be more professional, bring in more products, and digitise our segment did well. Rajasthan Tourism, is working on improving the infra- products to meet the demand and competition of technology. I am pos- structure in the state and with Resurgent Rajasthan and signing of itive about the growth of the tourism industry but at the same time I feel MoUs worth ` 3,000 crores, it is going to generate more awareness there will be a demand of non traditional products and destinations in and reach to various sectors of travel and tourism. the coming year. Bhim Singh Samina Munshi Managing Director, Rajasthan Tours and President, Federation of Director, N. Chirag Travels Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan

Best Car Rental Company Best Travel Management Company 2016 looks like a promising year. Inbound has been slow and low in Travel has become a trending industry especially with the Prime Minister 2015 but will surely catch up and do well in the coming year. The domes- travelling to various countries. It is a step in marketing India in the global tic tourism segment has done very well in the last year and outbound market. The India Travel Awards is an event, which enables networking travel is on a growth trajectory and this will continue in 2016. and recognises the achievers. We feel very encouraged and motivated Sunil C. Gupta and these awards are an inspiration for us. Director Pradeep Agarwal Travel Bureau Regional Sales Head, B2B Bonton Holidays

Best Customised Tour Operator Best Visa Facilitation Company These awards are an inspiration for us. We hope to come out stronger Since travellers like to explore their options, newer destinations will and improve ourselves in 2016 and become the best travel company. come up in 2016. The offbeat countries have done exceptionally well. The competition from the industry acts like a push to perform better In 2016, it is expected that Eastern Europe will come up in a big way and do good work. because till now there is no need for a biometric visa which is seen as a problem by a few. Unstable factors affecting tourism are expected to Anish Munjal settle down in the coming year. We are promoting Croatia in a big way, Director India Loves Holidays like conducting a Fam for 75 to 90 potential tour operators of the MICE and FIT segment of tourism. Rajan Dua Managing Director Udaan India

Best Luxury Resort Best Business Professional The award ceremony at Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road is a brilliant The India Travel Awards is like the Oscar award for the travel and opportunity to showcase this new property and the city. With the econ- tourism industry and most key players look forward to this ceremony. omy getting a boost, the tourism industry will grow in 2016. Factors like With a population of 1.3 billion in India, there is a huge potential for FDI in tourism and Make in India are initiatives that are way forward. travel to grow as more people have started travelling and there is so Tourism is on the growth trajectory. 2016 will see a boost in business much untapped potential for consideration. and leisure travel. The supply has been enough but demand has been Sandeep Bhatt little less in the previous year, which shall catch up with economy Managing Partner opening up in 2016. Eximius Business Nikhil Vahi Senior Vice President Hospitality Operations & Development, DS Group FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 55

JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 55 for travel industry leaders

Best Luxury Train Best B2B Travel Portal Travel from and in India has increased over the few years. The number 2015 started pretty well, but in the later part of the year with terrorist of outbound travellers is expected to reach 50 million in the next 10 activities in France and Russia, the outbound tourist figures from India years in comparison to 20 million right now. However, this is still less would certainly be affected. However as it is said that human memory as compared to China, which stands at 120 million. Outbound tourism is short and on the way forward, people are still going to travel in 2016. is going to grow. The focus area will continue to be Europe and America I hope factors like oil prices and global terrorism are controlled for the apart from newer destinations. We are launching exclusive packages tourism industry to grow. The fundamentals of outbound tourism in for the customers. With our 170 offices in India, we are trying to reach India are very strong and the numbers should grow in 2016. out to the inner circuits of Tier II and Tier III cities. Ankush Nijhawan Sanjeet Joher Managing Director, Nijhawan Group and Co-Founder & CEO Vice President, Combined Buying Group Asia Pacific and Travel Boutique Online Middle East, The Deccan Odyssey by Cox and Kings

Best Rail Tour Operator Best International Airline With the new government in place, there are so many new initiatives 2015 was not very good as per our expectations. Economic being taken for the travel and tourism industry to grow. The marketing growth of the country and the promotion of the country in other source of the country is going to be crucial in getting more business in the markets will definitely impact the number of tourists coming to India in year 2016. 2016. We hope to cover our losses from this year with better Mainish S Saini business in the New Year and definitely hope for some new initiatives Director from the industry. Worldwide Rail Journeys Surendra Sharma District Sales Manager Oman Air

Best Travel Technology Provider Best Debut Travel Portal Despite the tourism industry experiencing a dull overall, we have India Travel Awards is like the Filmfare or Grammy award for the travel fortunately not had a slow down. In fact we saw a 30 per cent growth and tourism industry. 2015 has been a good year with its share of ups in business. With our UAE office, 2016 will be a year focussed on and downs. We are expecting a good growth in the coming year espe- international business for the company. cially with the backing from the new government. Inbound tourism in Rajan India will grow better and outbound tourism, which is anyway doing Director-Sales well, will continue to grow. Despite the rupee fluctuation or the Paris Zillious Solutions terror attacks, people will continue to travel. Sucheta Nagpal Director Travstarz Holidays and Destinations

Best Business Hotel Best MICE Operator With the Modi government, the enhanced visa facilities have devel- In 2016, I feel, with the ease of visa facilities and new circuits coming oped business but we are hoping that the coming year is going to in various destinations, we will see better growth in inbound and MICE be better with more tourist influx. A lot of international hotels are tourism segments. We are also focussing on the incentive tourism investing in India and with so many chains coming to India, compe- market, which has huge potential. tition will increase. We are targeting secondary and tertiary markets Chetan Kapoor like Hampi and get more clientele to the city. General Manager-Sales and Marketing (Inbound) Sumit Kumar Wish Bone India General Manager Hyatt Place Gurgaon Udyog Vihar

Best Hotel in the Middle East Best Luxury hotel India is one of the biggest markets for us. In 2016, it is expected It is a pleasure to be here. It is interesting to meet the industry under that we will witness more rate wars. The challenge that the one umbrella and I thank the organisers for such a great event. In 2016, hotel industry may face is more concentrated on fares than the factors of growth will be concentrated on the fact that with a stable struggling for occupancy. government at the centre and the state, tourism industry is getting its due share of importance and diligence. The foreign tourists coming to Sona Rawal India will pick up and with the right perspective, tourism industry is Director- Sales JW Marriott, Deira, Dubai bound to grow better. R Murali General Manager ITC Rajputana Jaipur

Best Travel Agency Best Software Solution Provider 2015 was not the best year ever, but we have been pushing forward. We are enhancing our technology and upgrading mobile applications. India is the best destination to go to, especially North India. The eTV We are increasing suppliers on the portal and shifting to digital mar- will help in generating more number of tourists coming to India in 2016 keting. 2016 will be a year which focuses on technology and digitisation and many new initiatives are expected to flow in the New Year. of tourism products and the need of the hour is that the tourism industry Maud Le Bars embraces the change happily. General Manager Meenu Sachdeva Shanti Travel Managing Director and Co-Founder TI Infotech FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 56

56 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM A story of perseverance

The Indian travel fraternity assembled to raise a toast to Bansi Lal Nijhawan, the founder of the Nijhawan Group, in honour of his widespread contribution to the industry. In commemoration, his biography ‘Bansi Lal ka Jahaaz’, penned by Mrinalini Patwardhan Mehra, was officially launched at the exclusive event which was attended by the crème de la crème from the travel trade sector. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 57 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 58

SEPTEMBER National TBA Gurgaon India International Travel Mart* 11-13 Ahmedabad TTF Event Talk 18-20 Surat TTF 24-26 Mumbai TTF April Contd.... JANUARY 4-6 Cape Town, International Luxury Travel Market International South Africa Africa (ILTM Africa) National 7-9 Jakarta, Indonesia PATA Travel Mart 6-8 Cape Town, World Travel 8-10 Chennai Travel & Tourism Fair 8-10 Ho Chi Minh City, International Travel Expo South Africa Market Africa Vietnam 14-16 Kochi India International Travel 7-9 Baku, Azerbaijan Azerbaijan International Mart Cochin 15-16 Moscow, Russia International Trade Fair for Tourism Fair (AITF) Luxury Travel 15-17 Mumbai India International Travel & 12-14 Beijing, China China Outbound Travel Tourism Exhibition Tourism Mart (COTTM) 18-21 Europe Connections Meetings 15-17 Bengaluru Travel & Tourism Fair 14-16 Siberia SITT (TOURSIB) 20-21 Paris, France MAP Pro Le Monde A Paris 22-24 Coimbatore Holiday Expo 21-24 Moscow, Russia Meetings Industry & Business 17-19 Stuttgart, German Travel Mart Travel RUSSIA 22-24 Nagpur India International Travel Exhibition Germany 22-25 Tokyo, Japan JATA Tourism Expo Japan 29-31 Delhi SATTE New Delhi 20-22 Almaty, Kazakhstan International Kazakhstan Tourism Fair (KITF) 24-27 Chengdu, China World Routes International 22-24 Xian, China CXSRITE 26-29 Riviera Maya, ILTM America 20-24 Madrid, Spain FITUR 23-26 Knakow, Poland Routes Europe Mexico 28-31 Istanbul, Turkey EMITT 24-27 Montreal, Canada Rendezvous Canada 27 Kiev, Ukraine Luxury Travel Mart 25-28 Dubai, UAE Arabian Travel 27-29 Bangkok, Thailand Corporate Travel World FEBRUARY Market (ATM) Asia-Pacific National 29-31 Sao Paulo, Brazil World Travel Market 29-1 Oct Astana, Kazakhstan Astana Leisure Latin America 4-6 Kolkata India International Travel Mart 30 Almaty, Kazakhstan Luxury Travel Mart 6-8 Chandigarh India Travel Mart MAY 12-14 New Delhi TTF & OTM International OCTOBER 18-20 Mumbai Outbound Travel Mart 6-8 Shanghai, China Corporate Travel World National 21-23 Agra Uttar Pradesh Travel Mart 7-9 Durban, Indaba Expo TBA Pune TTF* 26-28 Vijaywada IITE South Africa 19-22 Shanghai, China World Travel Fair International International 10-13 Rotorua, Trenz 4 Moscow, Russia Luxury Travel Mart Autumn Edition 9-11 Abu Dhabi, UAE IBTM Arabia New Zealand TBA Moscow, Russia PIR Hospitality Industry* 11-13 Milan, Italy BIT 29 May Malaga, Spain Connections Meetings 13-14 Brisbane, Australia Travel Expo 1-Jun TBA Kiev, Ukraine Tour Expo* 17-19 San Juan, Routes American 5-7 Kiev, Ukraine Ukraine International Travel Market Puerto Rico JUNE 5-7 Tashkent, Tashkent International Tourism Fair 21 Adelaide, Australia Travel Expo International Uzbekistan 9-12 Seoul, Korea World Travel Fair 23-24 Melbourne, Asia Pacific Meetings and 13 TBA Australia Incentive Expo (AIME) South Korea Emirates Awards* 24-25 London, UK TTE 15-17 Chicago, USA IBTM America 16-19 Rio de Janero, Connections Luxury Brazil 24-25 London, UK BTS 16-19 Hong Kong, International Travel Expo SAR China 18-20 Las Vegas, USA IMEX America 19-22 Phuket, Thailand Connections Luxury 19-21 Singapore ITB Asia MARCH 24-26 Beijing, China BITE 20 Birmingham, UK Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show National 30 May Shanghai, China International Luxury Travel 3-5 Mumbai IAAPI Amusement Expo 2 Jun Market Asia (ILTMA) 21-23 Montreal, Canada International Tourism & 4-6 Kolkata IITM 31 May Dhaka, Asian International Trade & Tourism Travel Show 11-13 Raipur Indian International Travel Exhibition 5 Jun Bangladesh Expo (IITE) NOVEMBER TBA Ahmedabad Gujarat Tourism Mart* JULY National National International 23 TBA India Hospitality Awards - 6 Darwin, Australia Travel Expo TBA Hyderabad Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF)* North & East 6-8 Manila, Philippines Routes Asia TBA Kolkata Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF)* 24 TBA India Cargo Awards - North & East 9-13 Berlin, Germany ITB International 25 TBA India Travel Awards-North 10 Singapore AHDA, Asia Hotel Design Award 11-12 Melbourne, Australia Travel Industry Exhibition TBA Guwahati Travel & Tourism Fair Guwahati* 10-11 Moscow, Russia Luxury Travel Mart Spring Edition 18-19 Sydney, Australia Travel Industry Exhibition 23-26 Moscow, Russia Moscow International Travel and International Tourism Exhibition (MITT) AUGUST TBA Taipei, Taiwan Taipei International Travel Fair* 29 Feb Tokyo, Japan International Luxury Travel 2-Mar Market National 4-6 Bremen, Germany Reiselust 30 Mar Kiev, Ukraine UITT 3TBA India Hospitality Awards - 1-Apr West & South 7-9 London, UK World Travel Market (WTM) 4TBA India Cargo Awards - West & South 7-9 Shanghai, China FHC China-Retail & Hospitality 5TBA India Travel Awards - West APRIL 29-Nov Barcelona, Spain IBTM World National 8-9 Mumbai SATTE Mumbai West 1 Dec TBA Mumbai India International Travel Mart * 8 TBA India Travel Awards-South & East DECEMBER International International 7-8 Beijing, China China Incentive Business International 1-3 Cape Town, S. Africa Cape Getaway Show Travel Market (CIBTM) TBA Shanghai, China Marintec China* 3-6 Sicily, Italy Connections Luxury 30-Aug Miami, Florida La Cita 1-3 Chengdu, China CITE April Contd.... 1-Sept

For more details, contact: [email protected] * TBA: To Be Announced The dates shown on the annual event calendar are subject to change. Please refer to Event Talk in TravTalk to track the changes in dates FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 59 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 60 OPPORTUNITY

November blitz by Akquasun

Agents from Delhi and Jaipur experienced the hospitality of Akquasun Group and com- fort of Sri Lanka Airlines on a familiarisation trip organized to Sri Lanka and Maldives. Akquasun Lanka and Akquasun Maldives jointly designed a relaxed but informative itinerary for these agents. The accommodation in Colombo was at OZO Colombo and The Kingsbury hotels. In Maldives, the stay was arranged at the Paradise Island Resort Maldives and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 61

CLIPBOARD JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 61 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 62

62 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 MOVEMENTS

Department of Tourism, Goa Jet Airways Thomas Cook India Goa Mumbai Mumbai Sanjeev C. Gauns Dessai has taken over as the new Director of Jet Airways has announced that Gaurang Shetty, whole-time Madhavan Menon has been redesignated as Chairman and the Department of Tourism, Goa with effect from December 15, Director of the carrier, will be the acting CEO of the Managing Director by Thomas Cook India. Menon has steered the 2015. He replaces Ameya Abhyankar, IAS. company after Cramer Ball, resigned from his company as Managing Director since 2006. He Dessai will oversee the department’s role post as CEO. The new appointment will be holds bachelors in business from George in the maintenance of the state’s effective from February 29, 2016. Shetty, Washington University, USA, and MBA, beach cleanliness, beach safety, tourist who has over 35 years of industry expe- Finance & International Business, George policing, master plan and all other rience and has been with the company Washington University, USA. He comes tourism policies. for over 19 years. Shetty is a Bachelors with an experience of over 33 years. His in Science and joined the company in previous assignment prior to joining TCIL 1996 as General Manager - Marketing was as Chief Operations & Administrative and was promoted to Vice President - Officer of Birla Sunlife Asset Management, Marketing in 2004. Prior to joining the Citibank and ANZ Grindlays Bank. His company, he was with British expertise spans over Banking, Airways as its Marketing Finance and Travel-related Manager - South Asia. Foreign Exchange Management.

Kuoni Group WelcomHeritage Hotels Hyatt Raipur Dubai New Delhi Raipur Dhiren Savla, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of VFS Global and SVP Sunil Gupta has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer of Tushar Garg has been appointed as Director Sales & Marketing at & Head of Global IT (Shared Service Centre) for Kuoni Group, has WelcomHeritage Hotels. He brings along an experience of 30 years Hyatt Raipur. He holds a diploma in Hospitality and Tourism been appointed as Group CIO of Kuoni Group. In this in the hospitality industry and is associated with ITC Hotels since Management from Australia and completed Hotel Management from role, he is responsible for providing strategic lead- 1995. He has served at various positions at Glion Hotel School, Switzerland. Garg started ership to the IT function and strengthening the ITC Hotels in the span of 20 years. For the his career as a Management Trainee in one company’s global IT delivery model across past 7 years, he was the General Manager of the Preferred AAA Diamond Ski Resorts geographies. He will be based in Dubai and at ITC Rajputana, Jaipur and after this rich in Vermont USA. Upon completion of the will concurrently continue in his current VFS tenure he has now been appointed as the same he worked in India with Jaypee Global role. In the past, Savla has held various CEO of WelcomHeritage Hotels. Vasant Continental Hotel, New Delhi as leadership positions within Merrill Lynch, Duty Manager, later he moved to The Lalit G.E. Shipping and IL&FS in as Duty Manager. Garg held the post of India. He is a graduate Director of Sales and Marketing at the Park from the University of Inn by Radisson, Gurgaon before Mumbai with a joining Hyatt Raipur. degree in Engineering.

India Exposition Mart Jameson Inn Hotel Fraser Suites Greater Noida Kolkata New Delhi Sudeep Sarcar has been promoted as Vice President of India Sandeep Basu has been appointed as General Manger at Jameson Erum Khan has been promoted as the Manager Marketing Fraser Exposition Mart Limited (IEML). Sarcar joined India Expo Centre & Inn Hotel at Kolkata, managed by Cygnett Group of Hotels. Basu, an Suites, New Delhi. She is a marketing specialist with 12 years of Mart as General Manager in 2011. With more Hotel Management graduate from NIPS experience with leading companies. She has than 21 years of extensive global experi- School of Hotel Management & Post previously worked with Political Express ence; he has successfully brought Graduate Diploma in Marketing (Newspaper & Magazine), the Indian Greater Noida on international conven- Management has had a notewor- Institute of Corporate Affairs, and tion and exhibition industry map. With thy career spanning 17 years in Bureaucracy Today Magazine. Apart from big ticketed events such as Auto Expo- the hospitality industry. He started marketing, she is skilled at events man- the Motor Show, FDI World Annual his career with The Park Hotels agement, PR and office administration. Dental Congress and India Handicrafts and was mostly associated Khan holds a Master's Degree in English and Gift Fair series, he has converted with ITC. Literature from Kanpur University. Greater Noida as one of the most sort after MICE destination in India and Asia.

Anuraag Bhatnagar, General Manager, St. Regis Mumbai Vijayan Gangadharan, General Manager, Four Points by Nasir Shaikh, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Pune and Area General Manager India, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Pune, is a wine lover and enjoys exploring new Chakan, believes nothing energizes him more than spending says when he gets time off work he likes to catch up on cultures and cuisines. “I like interacting with people and quality time with family. “Whenever I get time to rejuvenate movies. “I am fond of cinema and try to watch new films at engaging them in conversation, learning their culture, food and recharge, there is nothing that works for me better than the theatre or classics at home.” A few and travel habits. I truly enjoy swirling spending time with my son Ayaan and times a year, Bhatnagar plans on my tongue a nice full bodied wife Farheen. It brings instant energy holidays with his family. “I bid a red wine and trying out new and positivity. Other than this, farewell to all hotels in my region wines.” Gangadharan also expressing myself on the canvas for a holiday with my family. With likes watching and playing is something that helps me to a heavy heart I leave the hotelier in sports like football, cricket chill. I am spiritual at heart and me behind and travel for the sheer and hockey. “I look forward I do like to meditate and joy of the experience. I favour to when I get quality time to connect with God in my ‘me’ London for its constant activity and immerse myself in a good time.” He strongly agrees with the Paris for its spectacular food. read. I love Kashmir, Manali, Dalai Lama when he says, “Once With so many trips, mountainous northern Italy, a year, go someplace even my family Dusseldorf, you’ve never members have their Huan Hin, been own list of Goa, and before.” recommendations Malaysia.” and personal favourites in these cities,” he 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 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 63 FINAL_JANUARY-1ST-2016:TT Layout 1/4/2016 4:00 PM Page 64

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:30-12-2015 J&K promotes adventure, MICE Farooq A. Shah, Secretary Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir and Managing Director, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC), plans to promote adventure, spiritual, golf, heritage and rural tourism in the state.

VAISHALI D AR Our government has announced The Pahalgam Club is a complete many models to improve our holding destination, constructed at a cost of ` 24 Tell us about the important tourism capacity. The cabinet has approved the crore, and can accommodate about 270 Qcircuits in Jammu & Kashmir. policy and we are hopeful to upgrade our people. It has a banquet hall with an audi- There are a number of tourism cir- infrastructure. With high-end hotel brands torium, multi-cuisine restaurant, a coffee cuits starting from Jammu, Vaishno Devi, and private stakeholders in the hospitality shop, a four-lane bowling alley, swimming Patnitop, Bhadarwah, Kashmir, Pahalgam, sector investing in a big way to improve pools, gym, a beauty salon, a library cum Sonamarg, Srinagar, Kokernag, Verinag, Aharbal and Kargil, Pangong and Nubra in Ladakh. The government is also working on developing products such as orchard With high-end hotel brands and private tourism; education with a special empha- sis on IT and skill development and food stakeholders in the hospitality sector technology, as these sectors can be pro- investing in a big way to improve the moted outside the state and in turn pro- tourist footfall, we are hopeful to have a mote the tourism circuits. cascading effect on related sectors What is the state government like handicraft and hospitality. Qdoing to promote tourism? We plan to publicise our convention Farooq A. Shah centres in a big way as MICE is an important Secretary Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir sector for the state. We also support and Managing Director, JKTDC Fam trips. A helicopter service at `10,000 to the resorts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg from Srinagar Airport gives you the thrill of an aerial view of destinations like Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gulmarg. Such the tourist footfall, we are hopeful to have reading room and 21 luxury suites. services will also promote heli-skiing, a cascading effect on related sectors like With such spaces, we invite large adventure tourism, golfing, and incentive handicraft and hospitality. corporate houses to hold their confer- and conference tourism. With state-of-the- ences every year. art venues like Pahalgam Club, Sher-i- What are the provisions for safe- Kashmir International Conference Centre Qty of tourists in the state? What are the issues and chal- (SKICC), and five-star chains like Starwood, We are keen on planning a complete Qlenges in MICE industry? Hyatt, ITC and Radisson eyeing the valley safety policy which is an important aspect We would like to emphasise on will help in boosting tourism. We are creating for all our investors. Safety measures with skilled manpower where guides, drivers waiting lounges at the gondola stations and the provision of dedicated security person- can be well trained to enhance tourism post-event activities in the city. We need to nel and life-guards at major tourist desti- culture. We are also going to introduce change the perception and focus on domes- nations are very important. programmes in colleges with special fac- tic market. We want to create J&K as no off- ulty to train manpower and manage skill season destination of the country. What are the lean period strate- based enterprises in the state. Qgies of the state? Has eTV facility helped in Winter, especially December What is the state tourism’s agen- Qincreasing the number of onwards, is a lean period for us. We want Qda for 2016? tourists coming to the state? to utilise Gulmarg during this period and We will ensure that tourists get the Yes, it has really helped the city and have also announced winter and New Year best of facilities. Be it pilgrim, golfing, her- increased tourist footfall in the state. packages, national skiing championships itage, shopping, cuisine or destinations, and ice skating. We also want to promote we are looking to improve our infrastruc- Are there any special packages Patnitop as a winter sports destination. ture in the next 2-3 years and be the best Qfor travel agents that the state destination as far as infrastructure is con- offers? What are the strategies to mar- cerned. Our main focus will be on the We have announced a number of Qket the state in the international development of entertainment parks, light packages for travel agents from the market? and sound shows, air safaris, river and Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Corporation Every year we see about two crore lake cruises. We also plan to focus on new (JKTDC) to book properties. For high-end people travel outbound, but our domestic products like eco-tourism and rural customers, we can customise packages market is quite huge. We want people to tourism. The local resorts have tied up with as per their requirement and give the most visit the state and we are keen to tap the five-star chains to improve high-end affordable packages in the country. domestic market first. tourism in the valley. Hopefully, 2016 should be a good year for us as we want Are you looking at any PPP mod- Tell us about the states conven- to promote adventure tourism, golfing, pil- Qels to boost tourism in the state? Qtion facilities and centres? grim tourism in J&K and Ladakh. ST A DDP PUBLICATION JANUARY 1 Fortnight issue 2016 TravTalk 1 ddppl.com TravTalkIndia.com Maya in North honours achievers The best known faces and brands of the travel industry gathered to commemorate the achievers of North India Travel Awards on December 8, 2015. The awards ceremony was held at Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road.

Winners of North India Travel Awards with their trophies at Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road

TT Bureau recognises and applauds glitzy, glamorous and was graced by the true leaders of the the who’s who of the travel industry. ajendra Singh Khimsar, Cabinet fraternity, to acknowledge India Travel Awards is supported by Minister of Industries, DMIC, NRI, the emerging leaders. We the Government of India, Ministry of GSports & Youth Affairs, Govern- are proud to have been Tourism and is now hailed as one of ment of Rajasthan was the Chief Guest instrumental in helping it the most esteemed awards in the for the evening. The black tie event flourish, and will continue tourism industry of India.These brought together more than 120 attend- with our endeavours.” awards are also braced by esteemed ees for an exciting evening celebrating trade bodies like Pacific Asia Travel tourism excellence. Radha Bhatia, Chair- Association (PATA), Association of person, Bird Group, joined Domestic Tour Operators of India Jaipur was chosen for the awards the Gallery of Legends, (ADTOI), Outbound Tour Operators because it is an enthralling historical city while Bhim Singh, Man- (L-R): Dr. Tanushree Pandey, Mrs India 2015 and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group, Association of India (OTOAI), Travel and the gateway to India’s most flamboy- aging Director, Rajasthan unveiling the special edition on North India Travel Awards at the event Agents Federation of India (TAFI) ant state. The city’s colourful, chaotic Tours and President Fed- and IATA Agents Association of streets ebb and flow with a heady brew eration of Hospitality and Tourism of India Travel Awards supports and India (IAAI). of old and new. SanJeet, Mentor, India Rajasthan, was declared the DDP Trail- promotes the Indian travel and tourism Travel Awards said, “These awards sig- blazer. DDP Game Changer was Ajeet industry by identifying and rewarding India Travel Awards runs and gov- nify the growth of the industry, which Bajaj, Founder and Managing Director, excellence, and inspiring its practition- erns a comprehensive programme has developed immensely in the last Snow Leopard Adventures, while Mittu ers to continuously raise the standards across a range of awards developed to few years. Encouraged by the enormous Chandilya, CEO and Managing Direc- of their products and service offerings. recognise the industry’s most vital sec- success of India Travel Awards in other tor, AirAsia India, was announced as the Based on a unique system of jury judg- tors and product offerings. Awards are regions, we wish to continue with this. Face of the Future. Pankaj Nagpal was ment and voting, these awards are fair presented across four regions—South, India Travel Awards is a platform which pronounced the Entrepreneur of the Year. and unbiased. The formal ceremony was East, West, and North. 2 TravTalk JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 NORTH INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS

Gallery of Legends

DDP Trailblazer

Radha Bhatia, Chairperson, Bird Group joins the ‘Gallery of Legends’. She is felicitated by Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister of Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, DMIC & NRI, Government of Rajasthan, Tanushree Pandey, Mrs India 2015 and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group

DDP Game Changer Bhim Singh, Managing Director, Rajasthan Tours & President, Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan becomes the ‘DDP Trailblazer’; he is felicitated by Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister of Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, DMIC & NRI, Government of Rajasthan, Tanushree Pandey, Mrs India 2015 and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group

DDP Face of the Future

Ajeet Bajaj, Founder & Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures, is the ‘DDP Game Changer’. He is felicitated by Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister of Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, DMIC & NRI, Government of Rajasthan, Tanushree Pandey, Mrs India 2015 and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group

Entrepreneur of the Year

Mittu Chandilya, CEO & Managing Director, AirAsia India was named the ‘DDP Face of the Future’. The award was received on his behalf by Suhail Bhalla, Manager-Sales & Distribution, and Pawan Nagpal, Commercial-Sales & Distribution and given by Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister of Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, DMIC & NRI, Government of Rajasthan, Tanushree Pandey, Mrs India 2015 and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group

The award was given to Pankaj Nagpal, Managing Director, Travstarz Holiday & Destinations by Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister of Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, DMIC & NRI, Government of Rajasthan, Tanushree Pandey, Mrs India 2015 and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 TravTalk 3

Best Business Professional

Chief Guest Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister of Industries, Sports The award was given to Sandeep Bhatt, Managing Partner, and Youth Affairs, DMIC & NRI, Government of Rajasthan being Eximius Business honoured with Pearl Trophy ‘Maya’ Best hospitality sales & Best Hospitality Professional marketing professional

The award was given to Tekla Maira, Director, Global Sales India, The award was given to Dhananjay Saliankar, Regional Director, frhi Hotels & Resorts Starwood Sales Organisation, South Asia

Most Enterprising Hospitality Professional Best Inbound Travel Professional

The award was given to Amit Rana, General Manager, Holiday Inn The award was given to Khalid Khan, Executive Director, Le Passage Chandigarh Panchkula to India, Tours & Travels & President, Rajasthan Association of Tour Operator (RATO)

Best B2B Travel Portal Best Budget Hotel Brand

The award was given to Travel Boutique Online and was received The award was given to Clarks Inn Group of Hotels and received by by Ankush Nijhawan, Managing Director, Nijhawan Group & Sahil Bhargav, General Manager, Clarks Inn Jaipur, Rahul Banerjee Co-Founder & CEO, Travel Boutique Online AVP Operations, Clarks Inn Jaipur, and Nitin Srivastav General Manager Sales & Marketing, Clarks Inn Jaipur, 4 TravTalk JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 NORTH INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS

Best Corporate Travel company Best Software Solution Provider

The award was given to Dnata and received by its Head-Human The award was given to TI Infotech and received by its Senior Vice Resources, Joseph Fernandes and Business Head, Special Project & Presidents, Ajay Arora, Darshan Sharma and Managing Director & Partner Management, Nippun Juneja Co-Founder, Meenu Sachdeva

Best Hotel in the Middle East Best Global Distribution System (GDS)

The award was given to JW Marriott, Deira, Dubai and received The award was given to Travelport Galileo and received by its Regional by its Director Food & Beverage, Bhavesh Rawal and Director-Sales, Head North, Anoop Tewari and Chief Commercial Offices, Interglobe Sona Rawal Technology Quotient, Sandeep Dwivedi

Best Wedding and MICE Hotel Best Travel Agency

The award was given to Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road and received The award was given to Shanti Travel and received by its by its General Manager, Ashwani K Goela Chief Relationship Officer, Neeraj Kumar and General Manager, Maud Le Bars

Best LCC Airline Best Luxury Train

The award was given to AirAsia and received by its Manager-Sales The award was given to The Deccan Odyssey by Cox & Kings and & Distribution, Suhail Bhalla and Commercial-Sales & Distribution, received by its Vice President, Combined Buying Group Asia Pacific Pawan Nagpal and Middle East, Sanjeet Joher JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 TravTalk 5

Best Emerging Travel Portal Best Business Hotel

The award was given to Hotel Expertz.com and received by its The award was given to Hyatt Place Gurgaon Udyog Vihar and Directors, Raman Kehar and Rajan Kehar received by its General Manager, Sumit Kumar

Best NTO Best International Airline

The award was given to Destination Canada and received by its The award was given to Oman Air and received by its District Sales Sr Manager Sales, Sonia Prakash and Account Director, Richa Chopra Manager - Jaipur, Surendra Sharma

Best Mid-market Hotel Best Rail Tour Operator

The award was given to RK Sarovar Portico, Srinagar and received The award was given to Worldwide Rail Journeys and received by its by its Managing Director, Saddam Zaroo and General Manager, Director, Mainish S Saini Shafiul Alam Ishaque

Best Travel Management Company Best Luxury Resort

The award was given to Bonton Holidays and received by its The award was given to Namah, Jim Corbett National Park and received Regional Sales Head B2B, Pradeep Agrawal and Executive Director, by Senior Vice President, Hospitality Operations & Development Sayed A Asim DS Group, Nikhil Vahi 6 TravTalk JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 NORTH INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS

Best Destination Management Company Best Travel Technology Provider

The award was given to STHI Holidays India and received by its The award was given to Zillious Solutions and received by its Technical Director Operations, Paras Arora and Director-Sales & Operations, Associate, Nishant Gupta, Senior Technical Associate, Payal Kumari Gagan Kumar and Director Sales, Rajan Excellence Award for Best Food & Most Versatile Company-Aviation & Travel Beverage in the Middle East and Africa

The award was given to Eximius Business and received by its The award was given to J W Marriott, Deira, Dubai and received Vice President-Business Initiatives, Raman Kapoor and Vice President, by its Director-Sales, Sona Rawal and Director Food & Beverage, Corporate Affairs, Ajay Bhadwal Bhavesh Rawal

Best Innovative Technology Product Best Luxury Tour Operator

The award was given to Travel Boutique Online and received by The award was given to Terra Ignota Tours and received by its Ankush Nijhawan, Managing Director, Nijhawan Group and Co-Founder Managing Director, Nitin Sambhi & CEO, Travel Boutique Online

Best Visa Facilitation Company Best Debut Mid-market Hotel

The award was given to Udaan India and received by its Managing The award was given to Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Agra and received Director, Rajan Dua by its General Manager, Lokesh Kumar Upadhya JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 TravTalk 7

Best Debut Travel Portal Best Heritage Hotel

The award was given to travelrezonline.com and received by its The award was given to Ajit Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur and received by Managing Director, Travstarz Holiday & Destinations, Pankaj Nagpal its General Manager, Ajay Upadhyay

Best Boutique Tour Operator Best Mid-market Hotel Chain

The award was given to Go Explore and received by Director, The award was given to Mansingh Group of Hotels and received by its Far & Beyond Journeys, Shishir Parab and Managing Director, Managing Director & CEO, Bharat Kumar Shalini Dugar, Go Explore

Best Tour Operator Outbound Emerging Hotel Chain

The award was given to N. Chirag Travels and received by its Managing The award was given to DS Hotels & Resorts and received by Director, Riaz Munshi and Director, Samina Munshi its Senior Vice President, Hospitality Operations & Development DS Group, Nikhil Vahi

Best Customised Tour Operator Best Heritage Resort

The award was given to India Loves Holidays and received by its The award was given to WelcomHeritage Khimsar Fort & Dune and Director, Anish Munjal received by Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister of Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, DMIC & NRI, Government of Rajasthan 8 TravTalk JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 NORTH INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS

Best GSA Best City Hotel

The award was given to Group Concorde and received by The award was given to Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue and Navneet Sharma, Regional Manager, China Airlines and Payal Mehta, received by its General Manager, Divakar Shukla Business Manager, Group Concorde

Best MICE Operator Best Luxury Hotel

The award was given to Wish Bone India and received by Assistant The award was given to ITC Grand Bharat, Gurgaon and received General Manager-Sales & Marketing (Inbound), Chetan Kapoor by Sales & Marketing Manager, Suvarna Mani Pradhan and General Manager, ITC Rajputana Jaipur, R Murali

Fastest Growing Travel Technology Provider Best Car Rental Company

The award was given to e-care Technology Labs and received by its The award was given to Travel Bureau and received by its Associate, Co-Founder and VP-Technology, Harish Sharma Suyash Gupta and Director, Sunil C. Gupta

Best Tour Operator Best Experiential Tour Operator

The award was given to Travel Care and received by its Managing The award was given to Journey Sutra and received by Shishir Parab Director, Arun Choudhary Director, Far & Beyond Journeys, and Shalini Dugar Managing Director, Go Explore JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 TravTalk 9

Best Airport Hotel Best Corporate Hotel

The award was given to ibis Delhi Airport and received by its Director The award was given to Ramada Jaipur and received by its Director of of Rooms, Anuj Chaudhry Sales, Anmol Narang and General Manager, Harsh Kumar

Best Travel Retail Store Best Boutique Hotel

The award was given to Craft House, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa The award was given to Flute Boutique Hotel, Jaipur and received by and received by Monisha Gupta its Director, Rachna

Hospitality Partner Airline Partner

The award was given to Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road and received The award was given to AirAsia and received by its Manager, by its General Manager, Ashwani K Goela Commercial-Sales & Distribution, Pawan Nagpal

Beverage Partner

The award was given to Aspri Spirits and received by its Assistant Manager-Trade Marketing (North and East), Prateek Vijay Pandey 10 TravTalk JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 NORTH INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS North celebrates crowning JANUARY 1ST Fortnight issue 2016 TravTalk 11 of travel & tourism stars