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Vol. XXVIII Issue 21; November 1st fortnight i ssue 2016 A DDP PUBLICATION Pages : 92 ` 50/- ddppl.com TravTalkIndia.com FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 2 07-11-2016 12:02:09 Maya returnsAward to enthral Pix North India The 3rd edition of North India Travel Awards honoured excellence in the travel and tourism industry on October 21, 2016, at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon. The star-studded event was attended by the who’s who of the industry including Om Prakash Singh, Tourism Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Guest for the evening, along with Parvez Dewan, Advisor to the Governor of J&K; Dr. Jyotsna Suri, CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; Sham Nijhawan, Chairman, Nijhawan Group; Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet; Guldeep Singh Sahni, Chairman of Weldon Group of Companies and President, OTOAI; Sarab Jit Singh, MD, Travellite, and Gladrags Mrs. India Dr. Tanushree Pandey. Speaking on the occasion, SanJeet, Mentor, India Travel Awards, said, “The awards are a true specimen of the contribution of various companies/ individuals to take the travel industry to greater heights. India Travel Awards will make a difference to the industry through recognition of regional talent and thereby raising the bar for the industry players.” MICE on MOT radar Vision for the industry To leverage MICE in India, the Ministry of Tourism With the Tourism Policy at a fairly advanced stage, has constituted an exclusive advisory body and Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, will also appoint professional consultants to study Government of India, says the ministry is also the market and chart out an action plan. forming an advisory committee.

initiatives. While the initiatives TT BUREAU PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA are being undertaken and the ICE segment of travel We are going to have a beautiful pavilion, buzzing he Ministry of Tourism, MOT has been aggressively is the fastest grow- with different events andnd many states Government of India, promoting the country, every- Ming and high yielding which will be joining us.s. Being the Thas been working re- one in the industry is waiting segment of tourism which lentlessly to focus on improv- patiently for the Tourism Policy. can act as a means to tide partner country, we haveave certain ing the inbound ﬁgures for over the seasonality of the additional facilities and eventsevents the country. Recently on the When asked about the status tourism industry, feels Vinod sidelines of Kerala Travel Mart, of the policy, Billa says, “The Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of allotted to us. We are tryingrying to Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, Tourism Policy is at a fairly Tourism, Government of India. make the best use of it.t. Ministry of Tourism, talked advanced stage, it has been “India’s efforts in attracting big about the ministry’s various concurred to by all the min- conventions to its shores need Vinod Zutshiutshi to be re-imagined, moving Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,ism, away from the current model Suman Billa Government of Indiandia MOT’s plan for WTM Joint Secretary of supporting integrated Ministry of Tourism, Government of India operators to generate busi- Y Most of the states are participating and some of the states ness to more reserved are sending very high-powered delegation to WTM, some istries. It's been to the Prime oriented framework. In addi- of them being the chief ministers themselves. Minister's ofﬁce and they've tion, pre-and post-leisure ac- Y A hall – Indian Exhibition Centre at the Reed Exhibition approved it too, now we are tivities need to be leveraged upcoming budget, MOT will crore in case of a project. It Centre – is going to be dedicated to India and India-based just waiting for the formal as a way of increasing the val- propose the constitution is unfortunate that not a sin- programmes for the three days of WTM. Some states will process of placing it before the ue of MICE tourism,” he says. of a corpus fund which would gle request was made for also be organising their events which will be supported by Cabinet for formal approval. help bring in big international this grant in my tenure of two the Ministry of Tourism. It’s a process determined by Initiatives conferences into India, in- years. The private stakehold- the cabinet it’s the preroga- The government offers formed Zutshi. “We have a Vi- ers have to realise that such Y A cultural programmes is being organised where India will tive of the Cabinet Secretary various revenue generat- ability Gap Funding Scheme schemes can be availed,” be showcased along with a few other countries. In terms on when he chooses to place ing schemes to help fund which allows us to grant 25 says Zutshi. of branding, a huge amount of work is going on in the it before them.” the bidding process for per cent of funding of the Greater London area. large conventions. In the complete amount up to `50 Contd. on page 17 Contd. on page 17

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 3 07-11-2016 12:02:12 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 4 07-11-2016 12:02:13 BULLETIN 10 years of Responsible Tourism This year’s World Responsible Tourism Day marks two signiﬁcant anniversaries for World Travel Market (WTM) and for the development of responsible tourism across the industry as a whole.

TT BUREAU Vasudevan, Principal Secretary, Kerala Tour- ovember 8th will see the ism, and responsible Ncelebration of the 10th for the state’s develop- anniversary of World Re- ment and promotion of sponsible Tourism Day, held responsible tourism. at WTM in London every year Dr. Auliana Poon, since 2007. Over the last Managing Director of decade this annual occasion Tourism Intelligence has grown considerably, so International, and au- that events now takes place thor of the original not only at WTM in London, South African white but also across WTM's glo- paper. Justin Francis, bal portfolio in Africa, Latin founder of responsib- America and the Middle East. letravel.com and of the annual responsible World Travel Market’s it is 20 years since South To mark this year’s multi- travel awards held at WTM. Senior Director Simon Press Africa published its ground- ple anniversaries, 2016 will see Jane Ashton, Director of Sus- will open the day, assessing breaking White Paper on the the spotlight turned onto some tainable Development at TUI the impact of what has grown Development and Promotion of the pioneers of responsible Group. Adama Bah, Director to become the world's largest of Tourism in South Africa, tourism themselves. of the Institute of Travel and annual event dedicated to re- widely seen as a founding Tourism of Gambia. And Dr. sponsible tourism. As well as document for the develop- WTM has assembled a Harold Goodwin, organiser reflecting on WTM's decade ment of responsible tourism panel of leading figures from of WTM's responsible tour- of commitment to promoting and the first time the principles around the world, all of whom ism programme and for many responsible tourism, Press were committed to by a coun- have long been instrumental years a leading voice pro- will look at the other major try for the development of in developing responsible moting responsible tourism anniversary — the fact that its destination. tourism. They are: Dr. Venu around the world.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 5 07-11-2016 12:02:17 GUEST COLUMN Tapping domestic travel potential In an uncertain environment, the Indian travel industry is coming to realise that VIEWPOINT domestic tourists are and will be their primary audience.

olidaying is fast becoming figure on most of the paying, medical and shopping been packaged as the ‘Dream Ha priority with the Indian ing Indians’ touring list, often purpose, whereas 17.7 per Season’. There are other at- An old winter’s traveller, revealed the 2015 seen as a budget destination. cent wants to travel outside tractions — yoga, Ayurveda, Kuoni-SOTC Holiday Report. But in recent times, this trend their state. Maharashtra had wellness camps — thrown As a result, domestic tourism has changed. maximum movement within in. Tourists prefer to travel to travel trail has increased considerably the state followed by Uttar domestic spa resorts as op- during the last couple of dec- Tourism boards have Pradesh. Considering visi- posed to overseas spas. With inter is finally here and the season ades. Larger income, longer started focusing on domestic tors from outside states, Uttar no visas required, the ease of brings with it travellers from far and holidays coupled with lowered tourists. They have TV and Pradesh was the most visited travel domestically has also W room rates and discounts of- print campaigns for them state followed by Rajasthan. attributed to its appeal. The ru- wide, all keen to experience Incredible India! pee’s travails have also given The onset of winter is perfectly complimented This is by far the largest segment of market On the other hand, for an accidental push to domes- visitor-trips with leading pur- tic tourism. with various activities that keep everyone on with a potential of 20 crore local tourists their toes, starting with the much-awaited poses business, social, religious and pilgrimage, educa- WTM London. This year at WTM, India is a travelling annually. Even if 10 per cent of the (The views expressed population travels outside the native state, it tion and training and others, are solely of the author. partner country and why not, after all, India Uttar Pradesh was the most The publication may or may is now prioritising tourism and is pulling out involves a massive movement of over 10 crore visited state followed by not subscribe to the same.) all stops to woo foreign tourists. Not just that, Andhra Pradesh and Telan- gana combined. These two Indians have also started to look at travel in a fered by hotels, resorts and because ultimately, that’s states had also most visitor different way, little wonder then that the Indian airlines are pushing up the where the volumes lie. This trips from outside states re- outbound industry is a market waiting to be country's domestic tourism. is by far the largest segment vealed a survey conducted tapped by various foreign destinations. Also, Indians are now considered of market with a potential of by NSSO in 2015. as the world’s largest holiday 20 crore local tourists travel- the increase in air routes is now fuelling both bargain hunters. ling annually. Even if 10 per Destinations like Goa inbound and outbound travel. MICE is also cent of the population travels and Kerala always had a sea- a very sought-after sector in the travel world India's travel industry outside the native state, it in- son. Today, ‘Goa in the Rains’ and every country is trying their best to lure is booming and throwing up volves a massive movement of is being sold as a domestic many new trends. There were over 10 crore. package. The state is also this crowd. As much as other countries are quite a few surprises. A few rolling out other attractions wooing the Indian MICE travellers, India, too, years ago, visiting a nearby About 82 per cent of the designed specifically for Indi- foreign country was seen as a population wanted to travel ans. Kerala, too, has a three- Amod Thatte is putting together infrastructure and facilities Head – Products & Innovation to promote itself as a major MICE destination. trend, while India didn’t much within the state for holiday- month monsoon, which is now SOTC Digital India Shorter routes, greater volumes for smart agents Low cost carriers in India have capitalised by flying on shorter routes to the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Among the top 15 countries, accounting for 88 ith the stepping up of facilities and per cent of India's international traffic, 12 are short-haul routes with India. Winfrastructure, India is using technology to usher in tourism opportunities. Travellers today are increasingly using their mobile devices to enrich their experiences. While travel becomes more and more app dependent, agents are also upping their game and making sure that they do not miss out on the technology boom. While digital innovation becomes the name of the game everyone is trying to grab a slice of the pie. And while technology has given rise to more and more DIY travellers, it has also provided an opportunity for small businesses in the travel sector. It’s not just travel, technology has also entered hotel doors and is helping to personalise one’s stay. But being a traditional market the Indian traveller is still increasingly dependent on the travel agent and trusted word-of-mouth recommendations to set their agenda. However, innovation is the buzzword and travel companies have to get smarter and adapt as consumers expectations rise.

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FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 6 07-11-2016 12:02:17 STATES NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 7 Goa aims at 60 lakh tourists by year end With the introduction of amphibious buses in Goa, the state has added another feather to its cap. Nikhil Desai, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, throws light on the special attractions of Goa and informs about the new convention centres coming up in the state.

into a web portal. Very TT BUREAU soon we will be sell- We have grown from a net arrival oa has seen a healthy ing all India packages Ggrowth in tourist arriv- which include Goa of 40 lakh tourists into the state in als. With the launch of the as one of the destina- 2014 to almost 52 lakh tourists in ‘Duck Tour’ amphibious buses tions to the source among other initiatives, tourist markets outside India. 2015. This year we are all set to arrivals in the state is all set to We have also started cross the 60 lakh figure. cross the 60 lakh ﬁgure. Desai AV tourism and bird says, “We had about six per tourism. To promote the Nikhil Desai cent year-on-year growth in same, we are having Managing Director foreign tourist arrivals and over a bird festival in Goa Tourism Development 25 per cent growth in domestic November.” Corporation arrivals. We have grown from a net arrival of 40 lakh tourists into the state in 2014 to almost 52 lakh tourists in 2015. This year we are all set to cross the 60 lakh ﬁgure. This growth I am sure will be sustainable in the years to come as we have added a lot of new initiatives.”

Goa Tourism has increased the room capacity and added new products like heli tourism, sea planes, adventure tourism and AV tourism. De- sai hopes that these initiatives keep up the tourist ﬂow into the state in the years to come.

Projecting Goa as a strong MICE destination, De- sai noted that even though national and international meetings and conventions take place in the state there is an urgent need to expand the infrastructure. “The Gov- ernment has come up with a tender to set up a big convention and exhibition centre at GTDC’s own land at Far- magudi near Ponda. The state government is also working on building a 5000-plus seating capacity convention centre at Dona Paula on its own land," he added.

Goa is one the ﬁrst states in India to have promoted various festivals. Talking about the same, Desai said, “Our festivals are very unique and form an experiential tourism in itself. Festival tourism is reap- ing us rich dividends.”

Goa Tourism has also become the ﬁrst tourism board in the country to not only sell government hotels but also private packages. Desai said, “Our website has been converted

Susegad Verve GTDC will soon be selling all India packages which include Goa as one of the destinations to the source markets outside India A 5000+ seating capacity convention centre will soon come up at Dona Paula Besides Goa Duck Tours, there is heli tourism, sea plane tourism, adventure tourism & AV tourism

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 7 07-11-2016 12:02:19 8 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES Aggressive marketing is imperative Along with innovation in existing tourism products of North India, there is an urgent need for aggressive and focused marketing at international platforms in order to leverage tourism, say key industry players from the region.

TT BUREAU Not just North India but the en- We need more support from the government in order to promote the The majority of sightseeing in tire country is a once-in-a-lifetime, northern region especially a desti- northern Indian itineraries is the dream destination for travellers nation like Amritsar. Amritsar hap- forts, palaces, wildlife products world over, and in spite of the abun- pens to be the 7th most visited city in etc. and since the government dance of tourism products, the the world and yet international and has increased the entrance fee for numbers are disheartening. This is domestic air connectivity remains a monuments, the entire cost of the because, we as a destination need challenge for seamless accessibility. packages has increased, making it to be aggressive in tourism market- Various initiatives have been taken very difficult to sell the product in ing. It’s high time that the Incredible India campaign is revamped and re- to improve the experience of tourists this competitive world. Multilingual S. N. Srivastava Jitender Sohal President & Co-founder at the Golden Temple, a War Memo- guides are also a problem and the launched. India Tourism overseas General Manager Clarks Inn Group of Hotels, offices need to be more professional Radisson Blu Hotel rial has been made at Wagah Border, government’s point of view about India Travel Award winner Zia Siddiqui and visible and as a destination we Amritsar, India Travel the Gobindgarh Fort is being restored &KLHI([HFXWLYH2IÀFHU monuments or regional and nation- Award Winner and light and sound shows are being Alliance Hotels, India Travel al guides is also not clear. Hence, it need to send out a strong message to buyers at all these in- Award winner introduced etc. We offer various tourism products like herit- is very difficult to sell the northern ternational tourism exhibitions and also convince the global age tourism, culture tourism, pilgrim tourism, patriotic circuit Indian itineraries to tourists coming into India. travelling community on safety and security issues. Cleanli- ness is also an imperative issue to be addressed. and food trails that are unique to the destination but aggressive promotional campaigns are imperative.

Indian market has seen a consid- I feel that the major problem that Not only the northern region but erable increase in FTAs and much of we face in selling the northern re- India as a destination has not been it can be attributed to eTV facility and gion is the lack of innovation in our marketed well enough. Product gap ease of doing business in India. Many tourism products. We lack experien- in terms of seamless experience, new tourism products have been re- tial holidays and in order to attract high taxation which makes India an cently launched in the northern re- foreign tourists and also encourage expensive destination, and less mar- gion. I foresee acceptance of these repeat visits, we need to introduce keting leads to loss of numbers. We new products in our travel fraternity newer experiences. New hotels have been marketing India based and "investment tourism" is also get- have come up, infrastructure is be- on Taj Mahal, forts and palaces, ting popular in India. Tourism in 2017, ing built rapidly and even connectivi- Sandeep Bhatt Capt. Swadesh Kumar temples, etc. and have not explored Sanjay Basu will bring better results especially Managing Partner ty is available but the products lacks Managing Director our natural abundance, adventure Managing Director considering the fact that many interna- Eximius Business, India appeal and value addition. There is a Shikhar Travels tourism, heritage which could hit the Far Horizon Tours tional tourism and investments bodies Travel Award winner need for new ideas and good promo- nerve in various segments. However, have allocated fresh and bigger budg- tional activities to market the region better. a new campaign is expected to address these issues. ets for Indian market.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 8 07-11-2016 12:02:22 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 9 07-11-2016 12:02:24 10 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES Singapore will host ITB Asia till 2019 East calls for connectivity & promotion

Singapore will continue to be A step-up in highways, infrastructure and campaigns to highlight the diversity of East and North home to the next three editions of ITB Asia. Messe Berlin, the East India are the need of the hour to sell the region, inform industry players. organisers of the event, have announced the extension of its partnership with the Singapore AHANA GURUNG Tourism Board (STB) from 2017 Things have certainly improved because of the – 2019, as it looks to continue Airline connectivity is by far the biggest chal- reinvented branding campaigns. Most often, for- supporting ITB Asia’s impact lenge we face while promoting East India. Europe eign tourists have a particular notion of India that in the region. This also marks remains the single largest source market for in- rarely goes beyond the Golden Triangle, Kerala or Singapore as the official part- bound tourists and unfortunately there is no direct Goa. This is all because of aggressive branding in ner country for 2017. The next connectivity from Europe to East India ever since global markets. The East has so many things to three editions of ITB Asia will British Airways and Lufthansa have withdrawn serv- offer that it is difficult to sell the region with just take place from October 25–27, ices to Kolkata. Tourism infrastructure in the region one iconic quality. Additionally, we need to sell the 2017, October 17–19, 2018, is not at par with the rest of the country, but that is products, not the destination. For instance, not and October 16–18, 2019. Dr. improving. The addition in the inventory of rooms in many people will know about Kalimpong but the Martin Buck, Senior Vice Presi- Debjit Dutta the first-class category at both Kolkata and Guwa- Face of the Future, India keyword here is Himalayas – this is what needs to dent, Messe Berlin GmbH, said, Suresh Periwal hati are certainly a step in the right direction. Cruise Travel Awards & be promoted aggressively. Yes, there are other is- “Next year, ITB Asia will be Director & CEO, Impression Gallery of Legends, India Tourism is expected to play a vital role in East India sues in terms of connectivity and infrastructure, but momentous as we celebrate Travel Awards & Tourism Services for which cruises are already plying on the Ganges we need to use our limitations to our advantage. the show’s 10th anniversary. Managing Director and Brahmaputra. Visitors, delegates and partners Clubside Tour and Travels can expect a dedicated ‘Corpo- rate Travel Day’ and ‘Hotel Day’, lined up with an exciting full day It is sometimes difficult for us to sell the re- of conference programmes ca- gion to tourists as most are unaware of this re- tered to these fast-growing sec- There have been good efforts to promote desti- gion. Travellers only hear about the political un- tors.” Melissa Ow, Deputy Chief nations in the East and the government has been rest and the natural calamities prevailing in this Executive of the Singapore very pro-active in this regard but there must be an region but the North East is much more than Tourism Board, added, “ITB increased focus on reaching out to the right mar- that – it has a distinctly different culture every Asia has grown well since its in- ket. More leeway for development of infrastructure 17 kms of your travel. You would find hills, snow- augural show in 2008, delivering is required along with the construction of hotels. clad Himalayas, beaches, dense mangroves, strong content and memorable East India has not achieved its tourism potential de- ethnic tribes, ancient Buddhist relics and many experiences for delegates over spite its natural beauty, rich culture and heritage. A more making it a whole platter of different desti- Prabir Sen the past nine years. We look robust module and an effective consultation body nations. Apart from that, the road conditions are needs to be in place for tourism to flourish – tourism Managing Director forward to working with Messe Deepak Gupta also not up to the mark and the connectivity be- Tibet Tours and Travels, Berlin to further entrench it as requires all-year round, genuine effort to be able to CEO tween the states is not so smooth. However, the India Travel Award winner Heat Travels and Tours the leading travel tradeshow in reap its benefits. region is fairly well-connected by train and air. the Asia-Pacific region.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 10 07-11-2016 12:02:26 QUICKBYTES Easy promotion in diversity Tour operators and agents from India’s western region do not think it’s difﬁcult to promote India abroad, but they believe it’s necessary to target the right client with the right products.

TT BUREAU

It is not difﬁcult India is a known to promote India. destination today There is so much di- across the world, and versity that the coun- hence it’s not that dif- try can offer. There ﬁcult to sell it in ex- is something for eve- isting markets. The rybody here, right issues like visa have from culture, herit- been sorted. People age, and experience, Prayag M. Shah from the US and the N.S. Rathor and we are selling all Chairman, Destination UK are coming to In- CEO of this. Tours & Travel Services dia, as the recession Garha Travels is also over in these parts of the world.

The mysticism It is not easy to and charm associ- promote India inter- ated with India works nationally, just the to a certain extent way we are doing it but it’s difficult to now, without enough promote the whole support from our of India together. It Ministry. There are works better to pro- many other reasons mote certain areas behind it as well, in- Ajay Prakash Himanshu Agashiwala cluding bad media Chief Executive such as Kerala and MD Nomad Travels Goa, as people know Columbus Travel & publicity, high cost about them. However, Services of our destination, places like North East India and Chhattis- high taxes, unfa- garh, are difficult to sell due to low aware- vourable policy and lack of incentive to ness. The tour operators need to segment tourism industry. their offerings depending on the niche that they cater to. Japan to bolster presence In an attempt to garner more Indian tourists and promote the destination, Japan is increasing its presence in India with a new tourism office to be launched in New Delhi by the end of the year.

TT BUREAU ate Past President-FICCI, dia, inaugurated the conclave Chairperson-FICCI Tourism where he drew focus to the he inaugural India-Japan Committee, said, “Japan is similarities between the two TTourism Meet was organ- the 10th largest source mar- countries that can be traced ised by the Federation of In- ket for India with around 2.07 back to the sixth century dian Chambers of Commerce lakh Japanese arrivals in when Buddhism was introduced in Japan. He further encouraged Japan to explore opportunities in the hospitality sector for investment and assured them of Indian government’s support.

H.E. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to In- dia, addressed the gathering on the prevailing tourism sce- and Industry (FICCI) in New 2015. India has a very high nario to and from both coun- Delhi from October 24-25 in potential to be one of the fa- tries and observed that mu- New Delhi. Kuniharu Ebina, voured destinations amongst tual tourism has not been as Senior Vice Commissioner, the Japanese tourists, given good as it should be, given the Japan Tourism Agency, was the large number of destina- abundant tourism products. present at the two-day event, tions important from Buddhist While Japan welcomed over held to encourage bilateral interest as well as the bur- 100,000 Indians in 2015, the relations and explore oppor- geoning number of business same year saw 1.13 million tunities through tourism be- tourists coming to India.” Indians visit the U.S, he indi- tween the countries. cated. “The new networks that Dr. Mahesh Sharma, will be built among the par- Welcoming the delegates Union Minister (I/C) of Tour- ticipants today will create new Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Immedi- ism and Culture, Govt. of In- opportunities,” he added.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 11 07-11-2016 12:02:28 12 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 AGENTS The Passage to experiential travel A global business that appoints local experts to design customised destination experiences — Le Passage to India Journeys constantly strives to reshape destination experiences.

TT BUREAU what we strive for in India as first Destination Management well,” Habig explains. Companies globally to gain t is a matter of pride for Le Ours is a global business that comprises local this distinction. By meeting IPassage to India Journeys experts to design and craft customised destination The company also the extensive criteria for these to have participated in every believes in collaborative standards, we can proudly World Travel Mart since its experiences worldwide. In doing so, we are achiev- strengths. For LPTI, the great re-affirm that we have never inception in 2005. Some of ing and setting stellar industry standards in asset of being part of a global lost track of our philosophy: the core talking points at this DMC business is that it offers to strive for operational excel- year's World Travel Mart for everything we accomplish. the company access to finan- lence by implementing best the company will be on how Mario Habig cial resources – a develop- practices not only from within it creates differentiation and Managing Director once-deploy-multiple-times our global network, but be- exclusivities together with Le Passage to India Journeys advantage, using creative yond, to provide the most reli- its partners for its guests in brainstorming across bor- able operational support and India, how it integrates itself ders and business expertise highest quality to our custom- in a 360-degree experience across the globe. As Habig ers,” Habig claims. management ideal and be explains, “It ensures that we part of its partners’ brand the trade fraternity and In- ting stellar industry standards link in the value chain. We share the best practices not promise, and how it has inno- credible India is the base for in everything we accomplish,” apply this through various only between countries but LPTI optimises vated over the years, and im- future growth for India’s tour- he says. means, i.e. integrated team between the three core client key assets by: plemented tools that will truly ism industry. We hope this is structures or shared content groups we operate: leisure The way it applies client make a difference in servic- also the starting point of ac- Changing the formulae platforms. Second, is our un- clients, corporate clients, and engagement and tries to ing clients and showcasing tive marketing support from The company strives to derstanding of product differ- cruise line clients.” work as closely as possible the diversity of India. the tourism board.” optimise its key assets to be entiation and exclusivities as with its partners both different and unique in being integral to our success. Operational excellence Its understanding of Mario Habig, Managing Defining the company’s destination services. It does We need to create value for Le Passage to India Tours product differentiation and Director, Le Passage to India pivotal role in destination this by the way it applies cli- our partners by providing ac- and Travels Pvt Ltd has suc- exclusivities as integral to (LPTI) Journeys, says, “We management, Habig adds ent engagement and tries to cess to experiences that of- cessfully completed the ISO its success invite the trade to our global that the company constantly work as closely as possible fer them a true differentiation 9001:2015 certification. The Achieving opera- stand GV615 at WTM London strives to reshape destination with its partners. “In today’s potential. Creating access company was officially certi- tional excellence. The ISO this year. We are delighted to experiences. “Ours is a global world, we need to think of to venues like our Mexican fied by BSI Worldwide on May FHUWLÀFDWLRQLV see that Incredible India has business that comprises local this as part of one integrated colleagues do – opening the 2016 for the scope – Provi- one example tied up with WTM as premier experts to design and craft service offering to travellers Chichen Itza for clients well sion of Destination Manage- Collaborative strengths with destination partner. This is a customised destination expe- and guests in our destina- before anybody else can visit ment Services for Inbound & its being part of a global great development because riences worldwide. In doing tion, and not purely under- this iconic monument – is Domestic Tour Operations. DMC business joint active marketing through so, we are achieving and set- stand ourselves as another one such example. This is “This makes us one of the

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 12 07-11-2016 12:02:30 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 13 07-11-2016 12:02:32 14 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 HOTELS Dubai Parks ﬁllip to JA Resorts & Hotels The opening of Dubai Parks in October is going to be a game changer for JA Resorts & Hotels, the only brand to have their property around the new entertainment destination in Dubai.

TT BUREAU

A Resorts & Hotels started Jin 1981, as part of the Dutco Group in Dubai. The 36-year- old company today has a portfolio of luxury hotels, serviced apartment and leisure associated projects not only in Dubai, but also outside.

David Thomson, Chief William Harley-Fleming Operating Officer, JA Resorts David Thomson Group Development Director &KLHI2SHUDWLQJ2IÀFHU JA Resorts & Hotels & General & Hotels, was in India recent- JA Resorts & Hotels Manager, JA Manafaru ly to talk about why the India market is special to them. is the engagement of asso- six minutes away from The to boost the numbers to our “We have realised the poten- We have realised the JA Manafaru is a resort ciates and staff that makes Dubai Parks, and we have properties,” he added. tial of the Indian market and them special as compared to shuttle buses running from how Indians too love staying potential of the Indian on 35 acres of an island. their peers. Fleming said, “JA the hotel to the Parks. Due Speaking on the plans at resorts. We did put our market and how Indi- The property has 50 Manafaru is a fantastic resort to be completely open in De- ahead, Fleming said, “After products in the market earlier on 35 acres of an island. The cember, the Dubai Parks are Seychelles and Maldives, we as well, but it did not work out. ans too love staying per cent water villas and property has only 84 keys, going to be a game-changer are now going into Sri Lanka, However, this time around we with 50 per cent water villas for the resort, particularly for where we have signed our have a great representation at resorts 50 per cent land villas and 50 per cent land villas, this market. It is very close first management contract. partner- Avant Garde, which each of them having private to India and can be a leisure The resort will be called JA has helped us to better tar- pools. In fact, we have a total centre for India. Hence, we Eclipse, which will open in get our offerings. We know of 96 pools at the resort and expect a lot of people to be the middle of 2018. We are that the high-end and hon- ally fly from Trivandrum to William Harley-Flem- seven F&B outlets, which is coming for short breaks to also looking at other opportu- eymoon market will go to the a domestic airport near us, ing, Group Development the USP of our property.” enjoy the parks, and we are nities, including India, prefer- Maldives. The JA Manafaru and enjoy great connectiv- Director, JA Resorts & Ho- going to be the only beach re- ably Goa, as our core busi- is the northernmost resort in ity. We know this factor can tels & General Manager, JA Thomson said that the sort for quite some time, any- ness is leisure. Our focus is to the Maldives, farthest from work for us. Similarly, the En- Manafaru, spoke about the opening of the Dubai Parks where near the park. We are grow in the South East Asia Male, and makes sure that chanted Resort in Seychelles JA Manafaru and said that would also prove to be advan- meeting the travel trade in In- first and we will be looking at the arrival is seamless. would appeal to the honey- not only at this property, but tageous to them in Dubai. “JA dia to showcase our product some gateway cities around However, Indians can actu- moon market.” across all their properties, it Jebel Ali Golf Resort is only offerings and work with them the world as well.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 14 07-11-2016 12:02:34 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 15 07-11-2016 12:02:36 QUICKBYTES Beyond e-Tourist Visa: Next step forward? Electronic Tourist Visa (eTV) has been one of the most successful and publicised initiatives of the Government of India in recent times. TRAVTALK asks industry stalwarts what else can be done to increase inbound ﬁgures.

NISHA VERMA

Tourism falls into the category of infrastructure and services. If we have to become competitive, we have to rationalise things, especially taxes, as well as look into things like sanitation, security of women, cost of hotels and travelling, as well as the total brand image. We should focus on why an international tourist will come to India and not go to Bali or Thailand. The real thing missing in our case is that we are not serious. We are serious about eTV and it is doing well. The day we become serious on other issues, we will do well. R.H. Khwaja Legend in Public Service, India Travel Awards & Former Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India

The Government is doing its best in terms of improving infrastructure, identifying circuits, and investing money. New airports are coming up, roads have improved, and connectivity has increased. In government, both central and state, as well as all stakeholders have to play an important role and everybody has to contribute towards the growth of tourism. There are enough interactions and platforms available where the government is engaging with stakeholders. Things are happening, albeit slowly, but somethings have improved considerably.

Dipak Haksar Chief Executive ITC Hotels & WelcomHotels, India Travel Award winner

The Visa-on-Arrival service was initially miscalculated and not projected as it was supposed to be. It was e-Tourist Visa and not visa on arrival. Hence, it had a bad effect. There are ofﬁces of the Ministry of Tourism outside India, but without a director. Where there is a regional director, there is no power in his hand, since he/she has to take approval from the head ofﬁce for even signing an advertisement. The government is spending money, but I don’t think it is going in the right direction.

Gajendra Singh Panwar Director, Indo Asia Tours

Without the government’s support, nobody can do business. While the eTV is Our government there, the govern- has been very re- ment has also started sponsible and re- their media campaign sponsive towards which is very much our demands. We required. I believe that need to under- the media campaign Sandeep Jain stand that they with various TV chan- Director also have restric- nels and newspapers Special Holiday Travel tions and protocols would deﬁnitely help Rajiv Mehra boost the country's to abide with. The Director country’s image as a tourist destination Uday Tours & Travel image and get hold of has improved, and that is because of our more clientele. Prime Minister. It is on us to encash on this opportunity and showcase the country in a better way.

e-Tourist Visa has had a positive impact. Also in one of its initiatives, Rajasthan Government facilitates change of land use for potential hoteliers. If someone buys a land for residential or agriculture purpose the government helps them in converting it for commercial use. The National Civil Aviation Policy is a great move to increase regional connectivity. Also, roads are getting better in Rajasthan.

Anupam Singh Director, Udai Hotels

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 16 07-11-2016 12:02:38 COVER STORY NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 17 MOT to take up study Advisory committee on the anvil of MICE market Contd. from page 3 but they're fairly eminent houseboat owners, who are crore and projects worth people in their fields.” When able to come and access over `50,000 crore invest- Asked if the ministry is asked if the various heads some of the biggest buyers in ment into India. The event Contd. from page 3 use this platform to promote also forming an advisory of travel and tourism asso- the world, in this way the mart has gained a tremendous all such important events and committee to promote tour- ciations will also be a part of is doing immense service to amount of traction. We will He points out that MOT even the states would make ism, Billa quips, “There is the exercise, Billa replies in small players.” do it every year, and next has sanctioned a huge their presentations. There will an advisory committee that the affirmative. year we’ll most likely host it amount in Khajuraho to be a separate hall, which will we are forming which com- Billa also lauded the in September.” build a convention centre. be used for events, which is prises most of the stake- A regular at the Kerala recently-concluded pro- A similar project has been generally not available. In ad- holders from the industry, Travel Mart, Billa observes, grammes of the ministry like sanctioned in Bodh Gaya dition, we will be representing from the non-governmental “KTM is getting bigger and the Incredible India Tour- which is planned to be even ourselves at the UNWTO and organisations and think better, the 9th edition is look- ism Investors' Summit 2016 Home Run bigger than Khajuraho and WTM roundtable conferenc- tanks. The idea is to have ing much stronger than the , which he dubs as a ‘huge Incredible India Tourism two projects in Jammu and es, which will put us on the a robust think tank which 8th. The important thing is that success’ and informs further Investors' Summit 2016 Kashmir to link eco-tourism, world platform. Tourism Min- will advise the government the mart is able to create a that it’ll now be an annual had over 2000 delegates, leisure tourism with conven- isters and even Chief Minis- and the industry on what it platform for small players to event. “The IITIS was far be- MoUs worth `15,000 crore tions. MOT is also support- ters of many Indian states are is that we need to be doing come and showcase their yond our expectations, we and projects worth over ing Fam trips for interna- likely to attend this year’s and to set the vision. There products here. So, here you had over 2000 delegates, we `50,000 crore investment into India were signed tional conference planners WTM," he adds. is a 20-member strong list have homestays and single signed MoUs worth `15,000 and trying to rationalise business visas.

Way forward An exclusive advisory body will be constituted for MICE tourism with Secretary Tourism as Chairperson. The state governments, public and private sector stakeholders, associations and ICPB will all work in tandem with this advisory body. It will be a neutral body, responsible to chart out ways to push MICE travel to India, the Tourism Secretary informs.

The ministry will also appoint professional consultants who will conduct studies on the MICE market, chart out a roadmap for 5-10 years, deﬁne roles of the stakeholders and provide recommendations which will be implemented as a strategy/ action plan, he adds.

India @WTM India is a partner country at WTM this year. "We are going to have a beautiful pavilion, buzzing with different events and many states which will be joining us. Being the partner country, we have certain additional facilities and events allotted to us. We are trying to make the best use of it," says Zutshi. There will be a session on Incredible India as well. Gujarat Tourism wants to make the Rann Utsav an international event, and they are interested in taking a slot to promote that. "We would

Personalisation in demand According to a survey, 80% of travellers currently purchase H[WUDVZKHQÁ\LQJ² and an overwhelming majority (up to 94%) want to be able to choose the add-ons extras that have value to them as an individual. Travellers no longer want a standard deal.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 17 07-11-2016 12:02:40 18 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES South India presents a sea of potential What does it take to market South India in the international and domestic market? TRAVTALK asks travel industry players their viewpoints on how easy or difﬁcult it is to do business in the region.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA The South India market is growing year-on-year for the last three South India has a lot of potential, people want to visit the region, years. If you see the trend the occu- but the problem here is of guides there are very few multilingual pancy levels are also growing. The guides. We have English-speaking guides, but there are very few segments that are growing and do- Spanish-speaking and Italian-speaking guides. There are a lot of ing well for this market are inbound bottlenecks in many cities, in terms of inventories. Kochi has hotel and MICE. This year between July options unlike places like Periyar, Tanjore and Trichy. We, as a DMC, and August was very good for our have issues in operating larger groups or during season times, as hotel and we are expecting it to go we don’t get enough rooms to sell. up further. Shuvendu Banerjee Vikas Abbott General Manager Managing Director Crowne Plaza Kochi, India Vasco Travel, India Travel Travel Award winner Award winner

Madan Kak COO – Tours Division Minar Travels, India Travel South India presents a great opportunity, we’ve seen a con- Award winner stant increase in our business. The city occupany has also grown, it presents a new flavour and good alternative. Earlier, people South India is emerging first came to North India and then perhaps visited South India a as a very important market second time. A lot of tour operators are now doing a North and for inbound tourism to India. It’s tough to promote some desti- South combined tour which is a good thing, as it’s a longer itin- As far as marketing is con- nations in South India not just in the erary and they spend longer time in the destination. With direct cerned, it’s a mixed bag, as international market, but also within flights we are also seeing a constant rise in domestic business many good properties are Hemant Mediratta India. We have a resort in Vayalar, towards South India. coming up in South India. It but it’s tough to promote it as people Vice President is very easy to sell Kerala Sales (Travel Trade) don’t believe that a five-star resort Oberoi Hotels as there’s a lot of demand can exist in Vayalar, which unlike for Ayurveda in Kerala and Kumarakom or Kovalam is not a the infrastructure is also very well-known place. So, before good in the state. promoting our property we are now Dr. P. Vasudevan Managing Director trying to promote Vayalar as a tour- In terms of marketing, Kerala is doing a superb job, but it’s time Vasundhara Sarovar ist destination. to incorporate other states also in this itinerary, there’s still so much Premiere, India Travel to be explored. We, at RARE, are trying to promote an itinerary Award winner that comes from Tamil Nadu right up to Kerala. We are looking at various options that connect our properties. Tamil Nadu and Kerala combined together make a very good itinerary.

Sowmya R Vijaymohan Partner RARE Destinations

In the years to come South India will see an increase in demand over supply. The number of ﬂights coming into Kochi have increased and so have the number of cruise ships which will lead to increased demand of hotels. Kochi is growing as a MICE destination. The corporate market in Kerala, especially Kochi is growing with a lot of IT set-up coming up. The year 2017 is going to see a shortage of rooms in Kochi.

Kunal Shanker General Manager, Holiday Inn Kochi, India Travel Award winner

Kerala has been focusing on different products on a regular basis and the government has also initiated a different product strategy this time and I’m sure the inbound into Kerala is going to improve over the coming years. There has been an increase in inbound numbers and more focus on different products will surely bring in more numbers for the region. Zacharia George General Manager Ramada Alleppey, India Travel Award winner

The Kerala market has, over a period of time, become more popular. What you get in Kerala, you don’t get anywhere else — you have the backwaters, the mountains and the greenery. The way in which responsible tourism has been adopted by the state government that’s also a big help as it talks about sustainability and we need to sustain whatever we are promoting. The challenge is connectivity; we don’t have enough direct ﬂights coming in to Kerala. Few things like greater connectivity and ﬂexibility on liquor rules will help Kerala market go forward and make it a favourable destination among domestic and foreign clientele. Monica Suri General Manager Le Meridien Kochi, India Travel Award winner

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 18 07-11-2016 12:02:43 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 19 07-11-2016 12:02:44 20 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES 3rd MP Travel Mart sets the bar high The third Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) saw 45 exhibitors come together to showcase their products. Some of the attendees reﬂect on the quality and the way forward for a mart of this standing.

RUCHI J. SINGH FROM BHOPAL I have been here for three years This is a perfectly well-organised in a row. It's definitely bigger and mart. This time the participation is better organised and I see a lot of much higher, both domestic and This is the 3rd MPTM and the suc- new technologies being employed. international and people are now cess of this mart can be best evalu- The number of sellers seems a lit- recognising MPTM as an inter- ated by buyers and sellers, more so tle less. A mart of this magnitude national tourism mart. I can see for the sellers. All the sellers have should be more and more popular. quality booths and a lot of agents been very happy with the planning Quality of buyers has improved. We from Delhi are here too, which is a of this event. Sellers' feedback is that have always supported Madhya good sign. Madhya Pradesh Chief the choice of buyers is very good. Pradesh Tourism and I really want Sobha Mohan Minister is pro-tourism and I hope They feel that buyers are serious, Pronab Sarkar this to become bigger and better; Co-founder other states' CMs also take part in President and they have done their homework and they need to zero in on qual- RARE Destinations tourism growth. MP is also organis- IATO and research. Most of the buyers are ity of buyers. We met a few buyers ing the Investors' Summit to invite Hari Ranjan Rao first-timers, which is a good thing. We who are very cued in about what they want. But mostly the private players and the government will play the role of MD, Madhya Pradesh State have also increased the number of vastness of India can be a little overwhelming. Briefing the facilitator. This is a very good sign and we wish MPT all Tourism Development sellers. Of course, we are not satisfied the best. Corporation agents therefore becomes very crucial. We should hold yet because the scale has to be workshops for foreign agents, too. much larger, but it's the right beginning. MPTM is on an upswing and it is

rd going to be much better in future. This is my ﬁrst time at the mart This is the 3 edition and we With greater opportunities rising in and in my experience it looks very are seeing huge improvements. the ﬁeld of adventure and wildlife well-organised and profession- The improvement is majorly on tourism, at least two or three des- ally done. The quality of buyers the international level. The quality tinations can come up in Madhya and sellers is also better. Hopefully, of buyers and sellers is very good. Pradesh itself. Rather than putting they will continue to improve. The They are very sincere and the a resort or a hotel, Government international presence is impres- people who are attending want to should work on the macro level to sive; we'll see how it goes from do serious business with Madhya develop such a destination on the Sarab Jit Singh here. The sellers could have been Pradesh Tourism. It's the efforts of lines of Genting Islands and Sen- Madhya Pradesh Tourism, both po- India Travel Award winner, more, when compared with the P. P. Khanna & Vice-President, FAITH tosa. Space constraint has kept Lally Mathews quality of buyers, but that's some- President litical and bureaucratic level. Mad- the number of sellers limited, but Hon. Secretary ADTOI hya Pradesh Chief Minister and IATO thing for them to work on in the Madhya Pradesh Tourism should work out a way to make upcoming editions. MPTDC Chairman deserve many it better and bigger. Quality of buyers has improved but congratulations. there is still room for improvement.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 20 07-11-2016 12:02:46 ASSOCIATIONTALK Above the routine with TAAI The TAAI Convention in Abu Dhabi took stock of the current growth of the tourism, aviation and hospitality industry in India and deliberated on the way forward.

on cruise tourism, aviation ANKITA SAXENA FROM ABU DHABI trends, challenges and op- he Convention was in- portunities; growing demands Taugurated by Anood of travel and tourism industry; Khalifa, Asia and CIS Acting technology empowered travel Unit Head, Promotion and etc. The convention also cel- Overseas Ofﬁces Depart- ebrated Aviation Day on Oc- ment, Abu Dhabi Tourism and tober 15, acknowledging the Culture Authority. The India contribution of the aviation in- Travel and Trade Expo (ITTE) dustry to the growth of travel saw participants from tour- and tourism industry in India. ism, hospitality and ancillary services like travel agencies, Along with business hotels and resorts, heli tour Sunil Kumar sessions, exhibition for B2B companies, cruises, destina- India Travel Award winner meetings for travel agents to & President, TAAI tion management compa- transact business, the con- nies, tourism boards, airlines, vention also explored Abu travel technology providers, tine', had a number of verti- Dhabi as a destination to travel insurance providers, air cals on which the speakers be introduced to the Indian charter service providers, for- dwelled and spoke. The as- market. His Excellency Saif eign exchange, amusement pects in focus were areas for Saeed Ghobash, Director parks etc. which travel fraternity must General, Abu Dhabi Tour- be ready, for the evolving ism and Culture Authority, Sunil Kumar, Presi- change in order to sustain said,” The TAAI Convention dent, TAAI, said, “The way success levels.” taking place in Abu Dhabi we kicked off this convention is an honour for us and coupled with the ambience, The business sessions we are humbled by fact entertainment, luxury, the deliberated on topics like that we were chosen as content, speakers and other 'Global tourism-Growth; Im- the venue. It is a demon- services, this is perhaps one pact; Prospects,' discuss- stration of our capabilities of the best conventions we ing the current trends in the of being a good MICE des- have had in 63 years of TAAI. tourism and hospitality in- tination for travellers from The business sessions focus- dustry and also highlighted regions especially which ing on the theme 'Tomorrow the way forward. Other ses- are not farther than four begins now; rise above rou- sions focused on the impact hours of travel.” Make India top MICE charts The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) convention from October 13-15, saw participation of 44 organisations and over 100 Indian and foreign buyers.

TT BUREAU he event was inaugu- Trated by Vinod Zutshi, Secretary Tourism, Govern- ment of India, Suman Billa, Joint Secretary-Tourism, Government of India Chair- man, ICPB, Chander Man- sharamani, Vice Chairman, ICPB, Pooja Joshi, General Manager, Delhi Tourism, Saurabh Bhargava, Honorary Treasurer, ICPB and work and transact business, ventions and events. For this Amaresh Tiwari, Honorary attend business sessions dedicated resources and in- Secretary, ICPB. with industry professionals. novative marketing campaigns The biggest challenge in this are necessary to position India The world market for industry is lack of research.” as an attractive MICE destina- MICE tourism is estimated to tion which we are committed be excess of $280 billion. Of According to International to support in consultation with this, the share of Asia Paciﬁc Congress and Convention As- ICPB,” he added. region alone is $60 billion sociation (ICCA) 2015 rank- and India accounts for $4.8 ing, India’s ranking has gone Billa observed, “The big- billion which is less than two up from 35 to 31 with regard gest bottlenecks for the MICE per cent of the market share to international conference business to come to India is in comparison to Singapore business marking a positive the high level of taxation in the which has 30 per cent of the growth. Meetings, confer- country and GST today offers market share, informed Man- ences, seminars constituted us a historic opportunity to set sharamani. He said, “It is very 41 per cent and trade fairs, that right. If we are able to per- encouraging to see 44 or- exhibitions constituted 29 suade the Ministry of Finance ganisations showcasing their per cent which are the two to bring tourism in the lower products at the conclave, largest MICE subsequent, in- bracket of GST, I think there more than 100 Indian and formed Zutshi. “India has the will be a signiﬁcant amount of foreign buyers participating potential to be one of the top economic competitiveness in in the conclave which will cre- 20 destinations for hosting in- the global marketplace for the ate a good opportunity to net- ternational conferences, con- tourism sector.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 21 07-11-2016 12:02:49 22 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 AGENTS The adrenaline rush is all that counts The young Indian traveller, within the age group of 20 and 40 years, is increasingly moving towards taking adventure trips abroad, exploring new destinations for an exhilarating holiday experience.

looking for soft adventure centage of people travelling TT BUREAU when they travel to the Mid- abroad is increasing. There dventure travel is one of dle East,” he says. has been a major transfor- Athe fastest growing seg- mation in how the travellers ments of the travel industry in The travel industry plan their holidays. Indians India and is enjoyed by any- stakeholders have seen a are keen on traveling to un- one who is looking for more trend that FIT segment is in conventional destinations than just a typical vacation to the age group of 20-40 years, and explore rather than visit- a beach, cruise, or a sight- is very active in taking adven- ing the beaten track. “Oman, seeing trip to a big city. This ture trips from India. “Back- Boracay, Hanoi, Tanzania, includes many trips to desti- packers are also exploring Argentina are some of the nations that offer eco-tourism the unique features of the top destinations in the bucket or special interest expeditions destinations which are yet list of an Indian traveller to- Kulwant Singh Sajan Kumar Gupta Sujit Nair or themes, explains, Kulwant CEO/MD Director, Vayu Seva Tours and Founder and Group Managing untouched and pristine. The day,” says Gupta. Seychelles, Singh, CEO/ MD, Lama and Lama and Carfare Groups Travels, India Travel Award winner Director, Akquausn Holidays India MICE segment, however, is Cebu, Reunion Island and Carfare Groups. “Countries not very actively looking for the Philippines are also some like Italy, Greece, USA, Thai- Skydiving has picked such activities. The average destinations gaining popular- land etc. are very popular in Countries like Italy, Budget travellers budget of travellers for ad- ity among adventure seekers this segment. Some of the Greece, USA, up majorly in the last tend to divide the venture travel is estimated in India. typical tours can include soft 2-3 years. Australia at `7000 per day. Budget adventure activities and cul- Thailand etc. are cost amongst a travellers tend to divide the Identifying the mode of tural experiences like safaris, is popular in this seg- cost amongst a group and booking of such travel plans, sailing, biking, hiking, ﬁsh- very popular. Some group and save on save on accommodation Nair explains that it is not sur- ing, wineries, barging, dude of the tours can in- ment. Also, South Af- accommodation. where they would take up a prising to ﬁnd that in today’s ranches, snorkeling, nature three-star property but spend time, online research plays studies, and much more,” clude soft adventure rica and New Zealand They would take up mostly on the activities,” says a major role for information says Singh. are other attractive Sujit Nair, Founder and and is also one of the fastest activities and cultural a 3-star property but Group Managing Director, growing methods of booking. Sajan Kumar Gupta, destinations Akquausn Holidays India. He “Adventure trips are booked Director, Vayu Seva Tours experiences spend on activities also adds that major travel- online after research on re- and Travels, feels that expo- lers for adventure activities views, blog posts and other sure of the Indian market and from, India are male. social media posts. Some- awareness via the entertain- tivities. “Skydiving has picked Australia. Also, South Africa receives lot of requests for times word of mouth also ment industry has played a up majorly in the last two- and New Zealand are other desert safaris. “Almost 70- The passion of Indian plays stimulus to book a trip major role in generating a three years. The major des- attractive destinations.” Singh 80 per cent of our visitors fall travellers continues to grow to a particular destination,” demand for such leisure ac- tination for this segment is also adds that his company into the category of travellers year on year and the per- he says. Showcasing Naga heritage The Ultimate Luxury Camp has seen a 30% growth in bookings for their Ladakh Camp and is optimistic about the one in Kohima from November 29 to December 12.

TT BUREAU What really draws more and more travellers onceptualised for travel- to embrace glamping is the Clers seeking more than prospect of getting to know the traditional luxury travel the local culture and a hotel stays, The Ultimate whole bunch of adventurous Travelling Camp (TUTC), the experience on a luxury plat- first-of-its-kind luxury camp form to fill in the need of offers guests a journey across discerning travellers. the country’s most beautiful landscapes amidst comfort Sabharwal elaborates, and luxury. "What we aim for our guests is that they do not simply Glamorous camping or Rajnish Sabharwal stay at our camps with good 'glamping' as a concept is COO amenities and services or vis- TUTC rapidly evolving in India which it tourist attractions but rather is clear from the growing re- immerse themselves in the sponse TUTC has received for as 'Asia's Leading Luxury entire experience of the local their Chamba Camp Thiksey Camping Company'. culture and feel a part of it. and Diskit in Ladakh informs Each of our camps celebrates Rajnish Sabharwal, COO. The experience has be- the indigenous culture and "We saw a Y-o-Y growth of 30 come a hit mainly among af- traditions, unique fairs and percent on bookings for our fluent Indians, NRIs and for- festivals. Our Kohima Camp in camps in Ladakh this year," eign travellers. "We've seen a Nagaland coincides with the he says. "This rise in bookings strong response from Indians Hornbill Festival, an annual is proof that India has finally mainly from Mumbai, NCR, melange of cultural displays opened up to the concept of Gujarat and Bangalore. Then from all 16 tribes of Nagaland, luxury camping and shows there are the Non-Residential showcasing their rich heritage the keenness of travellers to Indians who are increasingly in this colourful pageant." The go beyond the ordinary and returning to India to show- idea of glamping in the midst experience the unexplored." case their home country to of tribal festivities is success- TUTC added another feather their second generation fami- fully attracting a lot of travel on their cap as they were hon- lies and finally, foreigners who enthusiasts who wish to be a oured at the 23rd World Travel like to experience this con- part of indigenous culture and Awards 2016 held in Vietnam cept in India." traditions, he adds.s.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 22 07-11-2016 12:02:51 AGENTS NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 23 Small towns with big wedding dreams Destination weddings market from Tier-II and Tier-III cities is booming with increasing number of Indian couples looking at off-beat international and national destinations to celebrate their special day.

key, Maldives, Mauritius, the Marda says the well ANKITA SAXENA Philippines and Sri Lanka for heeled class in cities like Kolk- ith the rising afflu- weddings. Anand points out ata, Jodhpur, Surat, Ahmeda- Wence of Indian middle that for upscale weddings the bad, Raipur and Pune, cannot class, marriages have also popular destinations in India be ignored as travellers from become more lavish and are Rajasthan and Goa while here are keen to go to any the combination of destina- for international destination destination for weddings, just tion weddings and vacation weddings Thailand, Bali and like their Tier I counterparts. is the latest fad. Varender Dubai have done well. “We Gaurav Khandelwal, Global Anand, Director (Weddings have also received queries Head – Tours, ANTA Holidays, and MICE), Upasana Trav- for Greece and Spain. The adds, “Tier II and Tier III cities els, says, “As the $38 billion- top 10 wedding locations at like Agra, Raipur, Jaipur, have Varender Anand Sangita Marda Agarwal Gaurav Khandelwal Indian wedding market con- destinations where people Director (Weddings and MICE) Partner Global Head – Tours witnessed an upward trend in tinues to grow bigger in size, get married are hotels, coun- Upasana Travels Vibrant Holiday Destinations ANTA Holidays destination weddings due to the bridal brigade including try clubs, banquet halls, his- better spending powers.” the bride, groom and their toric buildings, restaurants, respective families, across garden sites, resorts, planta- With increasing brand Thailand, Bali, Tier II and Tier III The wedding group the country seem to have tion sites, personal residenc- awareness amongst Sri Lanka, Dubai, cities like Agra, travelling overseas normally embraced the spending fren- es, and museums,” he says. consists of a minimum of zy with open arms. About a the youth and pur- gained momentum Raipur, Jaipur, 200-400 guests. The cuisine decade ago, the most talked Sangita Marda Agar- is chosen as per the guest about society weddings were wal, Partner, Vibrant Holiday chasing power of the due to proximity, and have witnessed an list and is mostly multi-cui- generally limited to familial Destinations, adds, “Thailand, upper class in Tier II good infrastructure. upward trend in sine though vegetarian food lineages. Times are changing Bali, Sri Lanka, Dubai, gained is preferred. Some of the now and anyone who has the momentum due to proximity, and III cities, destina- Greece, Australia destination wed- guests prefer to carry their required finances is going for good infrastructure and flight own chefs from specialty res- a destination wedding.” connectivity. Greece, Austral- tion weddings are on & South Africa are dings due to better taurants. “Destination wed- ia, South Africa are emerging dings also are being mar- The most popular holi- as newer choices.” the rise here newer choices spending powers keted by a growing number day destinations among of resorts, cruise lines and Indians — Thailand, Bali, The growing trend of destinations — a trend Dubai and Europe — are getting married out of the to the illustrious and afflu- the youth and purchasing and exotic holidays are no that is expanding revenue also popular wedding des- city, or even overseas, has ent families in Tier II and power of the upper class strangers, destination wed- opportunities for agents and tinations. Some also look at caught the fancy of all kinds Tier III cities. “With increasing in Tier II and III cities dings are on the rise here,” choices for their clients,” off-beat destinations like Tur- of people, from metro-savvy brand awareness amongst in India where luxury cars, says Anand. says Anand.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 23 07-11-2016 12:02:53 24 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES The big picture of Bollywood shoots When Bollywood goes on outdoor shoots, it serves the purpose of NTOs, who are looking to market their destinations. They are ready to offer all facilities and incentives to invite production houses to shoot.

NISHA VERMA It makes good marketing sense to In India, feature films reach all capitalise on the current craze and de- types of target audiences and are velop tailor-made packages along with watched by millions of people. This Featuring in Hindi as well as re- some of our preferred sales agents. trend helps in promoting the destina- gional films is a great way of reach- We have seen considerable accept- tion in a big way. ing out to a wide audience base and ance of such initiatives. Facilities: Due to its moderate weath- we are glad to have collaborated with er, shooting in Mauritius is possible established brands of this industry to Facilities: Malaysian Government's round the year. The Government of showcase Australia as an ideal family ‘Film in Malaysia Incentive’ (FIMI) Mauritius provides a subsidy of up to and romantic getaway. provides financial incentive for the 0RKG+DÀ]+DVKLP production of creative content in the Vivek Anand 40 per cent of the costs incurred dur- Facilities: Australia’s competitive Director country. FIMI offers a 30 per cent cash Country Manager ing shoots. The quantum of subsidy is Tourism Malaysia Screen Production Incentives offer rebate on all Qualifying Malaysian MTPA India dependent on the producers spending significant savings. The Federal, State Production Expenditure (QMPE). National Film Development a minimum qualifying amount. Nishant Kashikar and Territory Government each have Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) facilitates all foreign film produc- Movies shot: Bollywood movies like Sorry Bhai!, Kidnap, Break Country Manager a screen production agency that pro- Tourism Australia tion work in Malaysia and offers various technical services and ke Baad, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, have been shot in Mauritius. vides assistance and incentives. facilities. Some South Indian movies have also been shot here. Movies shot: Chak de India, Salaam Namaste, Dil Chahta Hai, Movies shot: Hey Baby, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Singh is Kinng, and Bachna Ae Haseeno. Family soaps Bade Ache Lagte Hain and Pyar ka Kabali, Don, Don II, Roy, and Singham 3. Film Tourism from India has cre- Dard. Song in Shaadi Ke Side Effects shot in Gold Coast. ated a huge impact on choices people make when planning their next travel. Nowadays, movies portray everything Partnering with production houses When films are produced in New about a destination, from a country´s from India increases our chance of Zealand it provides an opportunity beautiful landscapes and locations to attracting more tourists. We have re- for Tourism New Zealand to gain ac- unique experiences that you can have ceived encouraging response from the cess to quality content, marketing in your next travel destination. Indian market, the requests from films opportunities and high impact media Facilities: Spain offers fiscal incen- and television production houses have channels to promote New Zealand as tives for both pure international or co- Ignacio Ducasse Gutierrez been steadily increasing. a tourism destination. production shooting projects. These Tourism Counselor, Em- Facilities: South Africa extends sup- Facilities: New Zealand Prime Minis- incentives may also be combined with bassy of Spain in India and port to various grounds ranging from ter John Key had signed a Film Co- subsidies and sponsorships by local 'LUHFWRU7RXULVP2IÀFHRI Spain in India, Mumbai Hanneli Slabber tax rebates, availability of best quality Production Agreement between New Steven Dixon and regional authorities, on a case-by- Country Manager-India, technical support, no language bar- Zealand and India in 2011, which Regional Manager South case basis. South African Tourism, and South East Asia riers, easy shooting permissions, to India Travel Award winner has boosted the film industries in both Tourism New Zealand Movies Shot: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Vicky Cristina Barce- splendid combination of professional- countries. The agreement encourages lona, The Dictator, Knight and Day, Fast and Furious 6, and ism combined with a dash of African warmth and hospitality. further cooperation between New Game of Thrones Season 5 and 6 have also been shot in Spain. Movies shot: Race, Gandhi, My Father, Heyy Babyy, No En- Zealand and India's film industries by enhancing screen co-in- try, Aankhen, Break Ke Baad, Dhoom 2, Ek Tha Tiger, Aash- vestment, joint creative input, and film crew interaction. In April iqui 2, Cocktail, Dil Ka Rishta, Life Partner, Welcome, Blood 2014 the New Zealand Screen Production Grant was intro- Films shot in Ireland have helped Money and Ghajini. The famous Zoozoo ads of Vodafone were duced, by which international productions can access a 20 per to increase awareness about the des- shot in Cape Town. Other ads of brands like Wrangler (featur- cent baseline grant. A further 5 per cent is available for those tination, to whet the appetites of Indian ing John Abraham), Thumbs Up (featuring Akshay Kumar), that demonstrate wider economic benefits to New Zealand. The travellers who are always on the look- Cinthol (Hrithik Roshan), Scorpio and Pantaloon. Photographer grant is managed by the New Zealand Film Commission. out for new destinations. Atul Kasbekar shot one of his Kingfisher calendars completely Movies Shot: Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, I Hate Luv Stories in South Africa. and Players. New Zealand is popularly known as the Facilities: Tourism Ireland also works destination where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit closely with Irish Film Board (IFB), trilogy have been shot. Northern Ireland Screen (NI Screen) and Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) for Bollywood opportunities and We have collaborated with established brands of this industry to showcase Victoria as an ideal Huzan Fraser Motivala continues to see Bollywood as a key India Representative romantic getaway. Victoria has hosted the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which has named area of opportunity to raise the aware- Tourism Ireland Vidya Balan as its ambassador. ness among Indian consumers. From Facilities: We normally support production houses with on-ground arrangements such as shortlisting January 2015, Ireland's tax incentive for film and television was shoot venues/sites, F&B options and accommodation. Additionally, we also support the production house enhanced, creating a new tax credit programme with increased with the requirement for crew/ staff, if required. Victoria has a dedicated film commission that provides in- rate of relief, expansion of eligible expenditure criteria, and centives to encourage producers to bring their film and television projects to Victoria; offer comprehensive greater flexibility in the application process. location services including detailed, bespoke location surveys, budgets, schedule and logistical research, Movies Shot: Ek Tha Tiger and Teraa Surroor. Star Wars and liaison with local authorities and industry stakeholders on behalf of clients and manage enquiries on a the Game of Thrones series are being filmed on the Wild Atlan- Celia Ho case-by-case basis and assist local production service companies pitching out on projects from India. Regional Manager, South tic Way and Northern Ireland respectively. and South East Asia, Movies Shot: Chak de India; Bhag Milkha Bhag, and television serials like Pyaar Ka Dard. Tourism Victoria

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 24 07-11-2016 12:02:59 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 25 07-11-2016 12:03:01 NEWS Going big with bookings Paytm is fuelling funds to the tune of `300 crore and plans to add new categories like international ﬂights, international hotels, holiday packages, cabs, etc. to its travel marketplace.

travel business sector is AHANA GURUNG what largely drove Paytm’s obile payment and com- foray into travel, he explains. Mmerce platform Paytm “Our reach into Tier II and is fast expanding its footprint III cities puts us in a strate- in the travel segment and gic position to address the has big plans to add more rising demand for online offerings on its travel mar- travel services. This will ketplace following phenom- help us as we work to- enal responses. The mar- wards our goal of building ketplace touched the million the country’s largest cash- mark in flight and bus book- less travel ecosystem.” ings in August and expects As part of Paytm’s expan- Abhishek Rajan twice the growth over the Vice President sion strategy, partnerships next six months. Moreover, Paytm with both offline and online flight bookings have been travel service providers will scaling at a 4x month-on- also be looked into to month growth since its Abhishek Rajan informs, enable their offerings on the launch in May. “We are working towards travel marketplace. launching several new cat- Being modelled as a egories on our travel book- While India’s online trav- marketplace, Paytm has ings platform including inter- el market has been histori- multiple sellers providing national flights, international cally concentrated around various travel services to hotels, cabs, activities and metros like Delhi, Mumbai, customers and allows the holiday packages among Bengaluru, Hyderabad and platform to offer a diverse others. Along with that, we Chennai, the real potential selection at the most com- also plan to offer travel in- for growth lies in the smaller petitive prices. surance, forex, international towns and cities in Rajan’s SIM cards and visa services opinion. He says, “We be- The company is upbeat – we are constantly evaluat- lieve there is a larger op- about its evolution and looks ing other options that have portunity in Tier II and III to invest a whopping `300 strong business proposi- cities and expect the next crore on its travel business. tions.” Banking on the coun- wave of growth to come from Paytm’s Vice President try’s hugely untapped online these areas.” A custom-made holiday Jaal Shah, Founder, Rezlive.com, Group Managing Director-Travel Designer Group, expresses that understanding the requirements of clients and catering to that need is crucial for growth.

TT BUREAU their concerns are is the best way to grow bigger.” Shah lobal B2B online book- elaborates that client feed- Ging system Rezlive.com back is crucial to providing has witnessed steady growth good and instead of offering over the years and continues just the services they have, to expand its global pres- Shah concentrates on serv- ence. Currently boasting of- ices that their clients need. ﬁces in over 19 countries, the organisation which contin- To keep up with the grow- ues its focus GCC countries ing requirements of customers, has also increased its reach Rezlive.com keeps reinvent- in Asia, with the latest ad- ing itself by adding new fea- Jaal Shah dition being Thailand apart Founder, Rezlive.com & Group Managing tures every now and then. The from Philippines, Indonesia Director- Travel Designer Group booking system was upgraded and Vietnam. in terms of UI, architecture We’ve seen strong and technology to provide Speaking on the persist- it’s a plethora of options and ent growth, Jaal Shah, Group growth from North smoother services. Managing Director – Travel India. Over the years, Designer Group, Founder – It now offers 175,000 Rezlive.com says, “This year we have attained hotels and apartment rooms, has been fantastic. We’ve more than 45,000 sightseeing seen strong growth from that maturity where items, over 5,000 tours in 500 North India and the support we have sufficient cities and 5,000 transfer op- continues to increase. Over tions in over 900 airport and the years, we have attained data to understand city locations across the globe. that maturity where we have the customer which sufﬁcient data to understand the customer which helps us helps us personalise New Look personalise our services. We Rezlive.com was upgraded work very closely with our cli- our services in terms of UI, architecture ents and understanding what and technology

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 26 07-11-2016 12:03:05 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 27 07-11-2016 12:03:06 28 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 NTO Turkey rekindles trade ties Fiji's strong Indian 'connect' The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism conducted an With daily ﬂights from Singapore and Hong Kong to Fiji, eight-city roadshow for the trade in India to re-establish the growth in Indian visitors to Fiji will certainly boost, their association with the country and ensure safe travel. says Damend Gounder, MD, Tour Managers Fiji.

TT BUREAU the failed coup attempt, Turkey NISHA VERMA Singapore Airlines connect- was re-stabilised within couple ing Singapore with Fiji, which he ‘Destination Turkey of hours. The airport and air- our Managers Fiji and now gives very good connec- TWorkshop’ was organ- lines started operating again. TMana Island Resort or- tivity for Indian travellers.” He ised in collaboration with None of the touristic destina- ganised cocktails and net- said that with the new con- the Association of Turkish tions got affected. In fact, right working events in Mumbai, nection, there are a total of Travel Agents and Turkish after the incident, Turkish Air- Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai seven flights to Fiji from Sin- Hoteliers Federation, for lines had announced that any for their travel trade part- gapore and Hong Kong. He the travel trade in India, and tourists wanting to leave the ners. “We are the major claimed that the numbers are saw a total of 35 participants country can get their tickets operator out of India for Fiji increasing to Fiji. “If we look from Turkey, including DMCs preponed without any penalty. and have been in the market at the numbers from last year and hoteliers. Speaking at Even the Association of Turk- since 2007. This is our annu- to this year, there has been the event, Özgür Aytürk, Özgür Aytürk ish Travel Agents and Turkish al event and an opportunity Damend Gounder a steady increase of about Coordinator, Ministry of Cul- Coordinator, Ministry of Culture and Hoteliers Federation had an- to meet all our agent friends, Managing Director 5-6 per cent. Hopefully, this Tourism, Republic of Turkey Tour Managers Fiji ture and Tourism, Republic nounced that they would reim- as well as some new agents. increase continues next year of Turkey, said, “We are here burse the money paid by the That’s how we look at oppor- as well.” to showcase the beauties “In different markets, the im- tourists, if they wanted to can- tunities that we have for Fiji The new flight by of Turkey for different seg- pact was different. In India, cel their trip to Turkey or cut for later part of this year and Overwhelmed by the ments like golf, honeymoon, we haven’t seen that much of it short and head back home. the early part of next year,” Singapore Airlines support he received from wedding, FITs, as well as a drop, especially in FITs or However, only two or three per said Gounder. travel agents here, Gounder MICE. We have conducted leisure. However, the MICE cent of the total visitors took gives very good said they will launch special the roadshow in Mumbai, movement was affected to an the offer, and the rest stayed Abdul Kalaam, Sales connectivity to packages for them. “In the Bengaluru, Kolkata, Luc- extent. One of the reasons, we to enjoy their trip. Manager-MICE, Mana Is- first phase, we are just go- know, Delhi, Ahmedabad, are in India is to re-establish land Resort & Spa, Fiji, said, Indian travellers ing to launch a major cam- Hyderabad and Chennai. the association with Turkey “Today, Turkey has recov- “We are a very big island paign in a few weeks with The response was really and connect with our Indian ered and settled down and is with 160 rooms. We did a his team. We are meeting some wholesalers. The next good in all the cities.” friends, because we know that again ready to welcome tour- lot of renovation and spent travel agents in different cit- phase is in December, when just like the rest of the world, ists. In 2015, we had more around $5 million upgrading ies and it was fantastic. We we will launch another set However, in the shadow they too are following interna- than 131,000 Indian travellers the property. But we came were well received and we of campaigns, with another of the recent unrest and at- tional news, which tends to ex- to Turkey. This year, there was back to square one after the see potential in this market.” lot of wholesalers. We have tacks in Turkey, the tourism aggerate things,” he said. a drop, but I believe it would cyclone struck, and we had partnered with Fiji Airways, in the country has received pick up very soon and in 2017, to put everything back to- Gounder agreed, saying, and are investing close to a jolt. Aytürk agrees that they Further revealing about we might see a growth rate of gether. It’s a great event ar- “One of the major emphasis $50,000-$60,000 just on ad- have seen a drop in numbers. the situation, he added, “After over 20-25 per cent.” ranged by Mr. Gounder and and focus is the new flight by vertising the product.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 28 07-11-2016 12:03:10 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 29 07-11-2016 12:03:12 30 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES Incredible India's offerings abound Marts can be the pedestal to push inbound into the country as it helps exhibitors put out the best of offerings on a global platform. TRAVTALK spoke to foreign buyers at the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart to gauge what's popular from India and what's new and exciting on offer.

RUCHI J. SINGH FROM BHOPAL MPTM has been eye-opening. The mart has been good so far MPTM offers a good spread My forte has been religious tourism but the organisers need to work on of hotels and operators. We were and leisure and I got to know about better communication. Currently the looking to ﬁnd out what some of some heritage and religious sites in pilgrimage tours are very popular. the resorts and hotels do for jungle MP. First thing that struck me when Golden Triangle used to be very lodges safari and what is available I landed in Bhopal was the green- popular, thanks to the marketing ef- in Khajuraho and Gwalior. It helps ery and the beautiful lake. Religious forts of Incredible India. Kashmir is us to build a programme because and heritage attractions, especially very popular but tourists are ques- clients coming to India, especially Buddhist, are immensely popular tioning travelling there because of the unrest. I am looking to promote ﬁrst-timers, may have ideas of what Goh Hock Gin among Malaysians. Golden Triangle Syed Mohamed they want but what they want may Managing Director is very popular at the moment. At Mohamed Faizal Leh-Ladakh for Singaporeans, it's Bel Travel & Tours not be the best. On a second visit, this mart, I got to know about Sanchi Operations Executive, the next big thing. When one talks Stuart Miller SJ Holidays about safari, Singaporeans only know Partner we'd like to give them something dif- Stupa that I'll market when I go back. Complete India & Asia ferent. Not just the Golden Triangle I also got to know about opening of the Sikkim area which African but there are Indian versions and Rajasthan, but the tribal circuit holds great potential. also and I got to see so many options that I am going to go and festivals so that they can experience the real India. back and sell.

I am looking for DMCs at this mart. It's my first time in India. It's a I am very happy to be here be- As Americans we think India is all great experience to discover new cause after two months we'll have about the Taj Mahal but it is vast and companies and contacts to pro- direct flights from Baku to Delhi and varied and has a lot of everything. I mote India in Ukraine. Thanks to we hope to send a lot of tourists to just came for the first time and did the the organisers for putting such a India. That's why we should see the Golden Triangle, Cochin, Wayanad & great event together. We mostly sell region of India. I am very excited Mysore and I was hungry for more. I Goa but we are at MPTM to dis- to go on a tiger tour because we have already set up a couple of pack- cover something new since Madhya have nothing like this in our country. ages to bring in groups to India. I am Pradesh is the centre of the country. We'll be travelling to Agra and Jaipur already asking some of the hoteliers Mostly we work with five-star hotels Zhanna Loburak if they'd be interested in other areas Wanda Forden to see more of India. Goa, Delhi for Aysel Mailova and the VIP segment so we are in- Sales Manager to give Fam trips so that I can bring in Travel Specialist leisure and Mumbai is very popular Tour Manager terested in new five-star hotels and Chance private Club Luxury Travel by Wanda for corporates. Caspian Breeze more agents and then they can pro- luxury lodges for our clients. mote India.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 30 07-11-2016 12:03:14 NTO NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 31 Canada paints Delhi red with 350 taxis In a bid to create buzz about Canada in the city of Delhi, Destination Canada in partnership with Air Canada has branded 350 radio taxis and two Hop-on and Hop-off buses in the Capital.

promotions starting in December. really get the message that TT BUREAU We are also startingng ssomeom online Canada is there to be discovered peaking at the launch of this campaigns. We ararere ususinging allall ththee anandd enen- Sinitiative at the High Com- channels like travelavveel trade, online joyedjojoyed.”yed. ” mission of Canada in New Delhi, consumers as wwellell Rupert Peters, Regional Manag- as the offline ing Director, Destination Canada, environ- said, “This taxi promotion gives us ment, such the opportunity to create visibility as the taxi at a really important time in India, branding to especially Delhi, to paint the city red with Canada, particularly with Air Canada launching their direct flights between New Delhi and Vancouver. I believe that it will create a good impact in New Delhi as people take taxis and on average spend 20-30 minutes inside the taxi. We have put leaflets in these cabs, explaining the new direct service with Air Canada to Van- couver as well as their Toronto service from New Delhi. It also mentions about packages with tour operators on what people can do when they come to Can- ada. So it’s a really good opportunity for them to think and read about experiences that Canada has to offer.”

Margaret Skinner, Direc- tor Sales, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, Air Canada, said, “I think it’s a fantastic example of Air Canada working in conjunction with Destination Canada to promote Canada and our new services. We are doing a lot of promotion throughout the year, and I think it’s going to work very well.”

Also present on the occasion was Jess Dutton, Acting High Commissioner of Canada to India, who said, “This promotion is an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Canada and to attract tourists to Canada, British Columbia, Ontario, and the entire country. It is also the opportunity to highlight Air Canada and its two nonstop ﬂights to both To- ronto and Vancouver. These connections are enablers of tours, students, business, and to enable people to visit their families. Thus, these ﬂights are fabulous for the overall relationship between the two countries.”

Peters added that they forecast over 211,000 Indian visitors to Canada this year, which is about a 13 per cent increase over last year. "I think we can double that next year with this new daily service.” In order to achieve that, they are doing a lot of things, particularly in partnership with Air Canada as well as the tour operators in India. “We’ve got radio campaigns going on in New Delhi, and there will be shopping mall

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 31 07-11-2016 12:03:18 32 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES Trade needs better coordination Buoyed by growth and innovation in travel and tourism, the Indian travel trade stakeholders feel that to keep up the pace, India as a destination needs focused marketing, quality infrastructure and co-ordination amongst the industry players.

ANKITA SAXENA FROM ABU DHABI I think the trafﬁc for business The biggest achievement in the class has increased substantially hospitality industry has been the Earlier there used be to only amongst the Indian travellers this acquisition of Starwood Hotels by travel agents, hoteliers and airlines year which means that people are Marriot International. The factor that attending conferences, but now the willing to spend more unlike other India has missed out on is destina- younger generation is coming up economies in the world. Personally tion marketing as we are still con- with such innovative products that for me, entering the charter busi- centrated on few destinations like it signiﬁes the innovative bend that ness is the biggest achievement for the Golden Triangle, Goa and Kerala the industry is witnessing. Our com- us in 2016. The biggest challenge at and not many newer destinations this point in the industry is to under- Ankush Nijhawan have opened up for leisure tourism petency lies in visa facilitation serv- Dhananjay S. Saliankar Managing Director stand the law properly specially with or convention venues. State tour- Regional Director of Sales ices to the B2B market and now we Nijhawan Group, India regard to GST so that nobody is pe- ism boards need to look at more in- and Marketing and Star- are venturing into DMC representa- Travel Award winner Rajan Dua wood Sales Organisation, tions, offering packages, FIT, desti- nalised unnecessarily when moving vestments and opportunities in their Managing Director forward. Also, global terrorism, which is beyond anyone’s states to attract more leisure and South Asia, Starwood Udaan India, India Travel nations, consulting etc. Hotels and Resorts, India Award winner control, is one of the biggest threats to our industry. business travellers. Travel Award winner

The Indian travel industry is going through a rough phase where the trav- We have recently started our The biggest achievement has el agents do not have a permanent Dubai operations as a destination been the growth especially from the source of income. There is no clear management company (DMC). We key markets, predominantly desti- tourism policy in place and heavy tax- would be helping our clients from nations which are within four hours es just make matters worse. Countries South India with best rates and vice of ﬂight distance including the Indi- like Austria and France have different versa. The conventions and meet- an subcontinent and the GCC coun- taxes for various products and tour- ings like this which are being held tries. Dubai Parks and Resorts will ism services which makes them more regularly are an achievement for the change the leisure and entertain- competent. Coordination amongst industry as such conventions help ment landscape of the Middle East. Rajan Sehgal various stakeholders is missing which us meet the travel agents, visit vari- Chairman-Northern Region, Mohammad Ameen ous places to know the demand of Nevil D’ Souza Indians have an afﬁnity towards makes for a haphazard growth model. TAAI and Director Managing Director the market and accordingly plan our Head-Sales theme parks and we hope the Bol- Arrivals Air Services As a company we are venturing into Parveen Holidays, India Dubai Parks and Resorts strategies. lywood Park will be a key attraction for new areas. We will be hosting a vin- Travel Award winner the Indian travellers. tage car rally from February 17-19, 2017. Contd. on page 34

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 32 07-11-2016 12:03:21 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 33 07-11-2016 12:03:23 34 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES It's time to take challenges head on

Contd. from page 32

The government We witnessed a 20 TAAI is already working has been announc- per cent year-on-year towards tackling issues with ing many initiatives growth from the Indian the airlines and creating a to boost tourism but market. What we of- smooth functioning envi- we have not seen fer to the Indian trav- ronment for the travel part- much happening on ellers is a destination ners. In the last few years the practical side. The full of luxury, plethora we have seen the number schemes are in place of unique experiences, of Indian travellers going but execution of the cultural authenticity, aboard has nearly doubled. same is not satisfac- family friendly travel, Indian travellers are in high tory which is why H.E. Saif Saeed Ghobash etc. In addition to that Prashant Madlani Balbir S. Mayal Ajit Singh demand amongst various Director General, Abu Abu Dhabi is also an Hon. Treasurer-Gujarat President Managing Director we have not seen a tourism boards globally Dhabi Tourism and Culture Chapter, TAAI New Airways Travels R.A. Travel Service substantial increase important destination for Authority given their curiosity to ex- in the number of Indian weddings market. plore newer destinations, capacity to spend heavy foreign tourist arrivals to India and especially The TAAI Convention tak- amount of money and also because premium quality There is a sea change in to our region. ing place in Abu Dhabi is a demonstration of our products are gaining popularity amongst the Indian the industry since I first be- capabilities in being a good MICE destination. travellers rapidly. gan my business and I feel it is only those who will be able to adapt with the rapidly changing technology We have seen a lot We are looking to I feel that the big- will be successful and sus- of repeat travellers to capture MICE and gest achievement of the tain in business. I feel there the UAE, upmarket, leisure travel market. tourism and hospitality is a need for more support niche market and lot Along with the corporate industry is the move to- from the government’s end. of people who come facilities, our hotel offers wards technology and its These conferences are ex- for shopping, relaxing leisure activities. The increasing acceptance in cellent platforms to discuss and weekend travel. average spend for large the industry. However it and dwell on way forward We are supporting groups is expected to is important to point out for the industry and also travel agents by pro- be around AED 500 that while a large part of allow fostering relation- viding them dedicated while that for the leisure the travel industry is fast ships over networking. We Nicholas A. Rana Vijay Ladhani user IDs; the website market depends on the Abdul Hadi Sheikh adopting technology solu- Director-Sales and Market- are focused on our level of Director, Shree Siddhivinay- offers them customer seasonality. TAAI has &KLHI([HFXWLYH2IÀFHU tions to give easy access ing, Marriott Downtown, services that we provide to ak Travels and Tours FxKart records with a strong Abu Dhabi played a significant role and real time information the corporate clients and backup system so that in putting out our name about these solutions, that has kept us buoyant they do not need to go back for repeat clients. in the Indian market, which is a key market for us. they have not left out the ‘human touch’ of hospi- despite the competition We are planning to add countries like Turkey and We have opened just a few days ago and TAAI tality to their travellers. This upholds our cultural from OTAs. Sri Lanka in the upcoming months. was the first group we signed and the first event ethos which is highly regarded globally. we hosted was for them.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 34 07-11-2016 12:03:27 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 35 07-11-2016 12:03:30 36 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 HOTELS Irish look to Indian market Expanding in North India Coupled with easy visa facilitation and improved The MGB Group of Hotels is planning to launch at least connectivity to Ireland, the country is educating the three hotels by April 2017 in the cities of Agra, Gurugram, travel trade about its new tourism offerings. Jaipur, and Bharatpur, reveals its MD Manish Bhatia.

and Japan, New Zealand and TT BUREAU TT BUREAU Australia.” He further added hall which seats up to 400 reland witnessed a growth of that Ireland, Scandinavia, GB Hotels Alwar is pax makes MGB Hotels the I20 per cent in the number of Portugal and Spain have Mthe Group's flagship model venue for large busi- visas issued to Indians travel- benefited as safe travel des- property offering premium ness conferences, lavish lers, informs Niall Gibbons, tinations post the unfortunate services to travellers. The banquets or themed din- CEO, Tourism Ireland. Ireland attacks in other European property caters mainly to ners, to suit the client’s lik- recently conducted its annual countries. Ireland is promot- business travellers and ex- ing. The board room com- sales mission in Mumbai and ing the destination through tends modern amenities pliments both causal and New Delhi where Gibbons in- screen tourism. The locations such as Wi-Fi connectivity, formal occasion for up to formed that the destination wit- where Star Wars and Game a fully equipped business 25 to 30 pax. Niall Gibbons nessed 27,500 Indian arrivals &KLHI([HFXWLYH2IÀFHU of Thrones series were shot centre, along with a host of in 2015, corresponding to a 14 Tourism Ireland have been made into tourism other facilities. Its proximity to Sariska per cent increase over 2014. products. Along with these, Manish Bhatia Wildlife Sanctuary allows effects of Brexit, he explains The Wild Atlantic Way, Cause- Bhatia informs that their MD, MGB Hotels guests to indulge in outdoor Tourist arrivals from Janu- that Ireland shares a common way Coastal Route and Ire- upcoming initiative includes India Travel Award winner activity post business, he in- ary to August, 2016, was up by travel area with the UK and land’s Ancient East, are popu- a wider presence in North In- forms. 12.3 per cent with 6.55 million a hard border will affect con- lar products amongst Indians. dia for which new properties properties in Gurgaon, Jaipur, people visiting the destina- sumer confidence to travel to Gibbons says, “While we do will be launched soon. “Our Agra and Bharatpur by April “We even offer custom- tion during this period. “With the region altogether. “We are not offer any tax incentives for vision is to expand our busi- next year.” ised trips to the sanctuary Northern Ireland being a part working on a market diversi- film shooting in Ireland, we do ness in the north and have on request for our guests. of Ireland, we expect to have fication strategy and looking assist film-makers in location Other sites of interest like 10 million visitors by the end of beyond our traditional source recce, hotel deals, visa facili- Our vision is to expand our business in the Bala Quila, Siliserh Lake, 2016 corresponding to a dou- markets. While the UK con- tation and ground services.” Ajabgarh, Bhangarh and ble digit growth. Our traditional tributes almost 40 per cent north and have set a target to launch at least Jaisamand Lake, we bring the source markets are Great Brit- of our visitor numbers and 24 According to Gibbons, three hotels by 2017. We are working to- best that Alwar has to offer ain, North America, Germany per cent of the spend, reports the sales mission is a key el- to both business and leisure and France, comprising 70 per say that the outbound market ement of their promotional wards opening properties in Gurgaon, Jaipur, travellers.” cent of the tourism business,” from the UK has declined by programme in India. “We have Gibbons adds. 2.5 per cent. With the increas- interacted with over 150 opera- Agra and Bharatpur by April next year The group believes in ing outbound from India, Ire- tors companies in New Delhi going ‘glocal’ and balanc- The BIVS scheme has land will be well-positioned alone. We are also investing ing the local fervour with also facilitated many Indian to capture business from this in the specialist programme set a target to launch at least A state-of-the-art board impeccable services and visits to Ireland points out market. We are targeting the for the travel agents and tour three hotels by 2017. We are room, modern conference at par with international Gibbons. Talking about the Asian market including China operators,” says Gibbons. working towards opening centre as well as a banquet standards.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 36 07-11-2016 12:03:32 NTO NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 37 Direct connection to boost Indian arrivals The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines branded 135 radio cabs in New Delhi to raise awareness about the lesser- known places, as well as the popular ones. H.E. Ma.Teresita C.Daza, Ambassador, Republic of Philippines informs of India’s increasing importance as a source market and how MICE movements and incentive travel have been key to its growth.

vealed most likely in the ﬁrst half tives here and the embassy. Of AHANA GURUNG of 2017. course, ‘More Fun in the Philip- The new administration will make a few tweaks How has tourism from pines will continue to be used Q India fared this year? Once a new theme has until the time the new to the campaign for which more details will be There has been a vast been ﬁnalised, it will help in marketing strategy comes revealed most likely in the first half of 2017. growth in tourism from India directing both our representa- into play. as compared to last year. 2015 Of course, ‘More Fun in the Philippines will saw 74,824 Indian arrivals continue to be used until the time the new while between January to July this year, we’ve received about marketing strategy comes into play. 53,498 tourists. There has H.E. Ma. Teresita C. Daza been a growth of 25.41 per cent Ambassador, Republic of Philippines over 2015 and with this, India’s position as one of our source markets has improved to 12th. In July 2016 itself, there were 9202 Indians with an increase of 65.35 per cent in comparison to July 2015. Our target is to achieve the 100,000-mark in 2017.

What has led to the Qgrowth in Indian arrivals? There has actually been a noticeable increase in MICE movements leading to the growth. Around 2,900 people have come to the country for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions and is an increasingly potential segment. We are also encouraging group travel and to foster this, there is an ongoing discussion for visa- on-arrival for groups. Another area that has immense potential is the weddings segment.

What is going to be Qinstrumental in the Philippines achieving the target of 100,000 Indian arrivals? There is no dearth of white-sand beaches in the Philippines but that’s not all we have to offer. There are ample options to suit any kind of traveller, be it a quiet, leisurely holiday or one that’s packed with adventure. Destinations like Manila and Cebu have always been very popular but this year, we are highlighting Palawan, Davao, Boracay, to name a few. There is an active nightlife and the products are as diverse as the country; we even have a rel- atively open visa process. But what we currently lack is direct ﬂights to and from India, which is also in pipeline. Once that is implemented, the numbers are only going to grow since connectivity plays a chief role in attracting tourists.

Tell us about some of Qthe newer initiatives that will be introduced soon? The new government that has recently come to power is keen on reforming several agenda in the country and has been trying to increase peace and order. It is expected that the administration will make a few tweaks to the campaign for which more details will be re-

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 37 07-11-2016 12:03:35 38 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 NEWS Targeting UK market for Goa Ode to Jaisalmer’s heritage Martin Joseph, MD, Freedom Holidays, believes in pro- In spite of its Old World charm, Jaisalkot is equipped moting a destination rather than the company because with modern amenities. Arvind Singh Chauhan, if the destination gets business, everyone else does too. owner, The Jaisalkot, reveals more.

TT BUREAU Malaysia as they show a lot of TT BUREAU in place. "We will also focus promise. Our strategy is to do on creating a lot more ‘wow’ How important is the aggressive promotion through he Jaisalkot is an ode to factor around our properties QWorld Travel Market forthcoming travel exhibitions Tthe rich, royal heritage which already reflect in repeat for you? as well as social media. of Jaisalmer. It’s a brand bookings and great consumer This show is very impor- new palace constructed as reviews," he adds. tant for us as well as the des- How has 2016 been per 16th century designs tination. We promote Goa as a Qfor you so far? of the royal palaces. The The hotel is in the destination and it is an abso- By God's grace we have Jaisalkot endeavors to provide process of entering into lute sellout destination among done very well because we a modern viewpoint of a strategic alliances with a lot Martin Joseph Arvind Singh Chauhan British and European tourists; Managing Director worked hard for some of our glorious warrior past which was Owner of DMCs, TMCs, e-commerce they come in large numbers. Freedom Holidays in Goa businesses and we don't sit rich in culture. The Jaisalkot companies, and FTOs. "We WTM is one way in which we and cry over spilt milk, we keep are also looking at high-end are reaching out to the interna- What are your focus on trying all the time. We don't It has 50 tastefully-curated modern and the era gone past destination weddings and tional market. As far as Goa is Qareas for the inbound promote our company but we suites spread over 22 acres for the discerning luxury leisure MICE. The Jaisalkot as a concerned, the English-speak- market for 2017? promote the destination like of land – meant to represent seeker," says Chauhan vision is a product of years ing market has picked up. The Since the UK and Europe- Goa because if the destina- the proverbial oasis in the of planning and passion. It is UK market was number one an markets are a huge source tion gets business we will all desert. "The idea is to provide For 2017, Chauhan plans envisaged as a future synonym get business. Prime Minister a Rajputana experience which to get the STP (Segmentation for the Jaisalmer," says Narendra Modi is like a brand Chauhan. His son Manvendra The UK market was number one a couple of years ambassador for India and this Singh Chauhan has created ago but the Russians came and took that spot. will definitely help in getting the interiors of Jaisalkot. more foreign tourists. Coun- The UK market is now coming back in a strong tries around the world are look- He says the year 2017 will ing at India now and are keen be built on buzz marketing to way and we expect good growth from there on exploring it. introduce the brand ‘Jaisalkot’, closely monitoring and curating perception-based marketing. a couple of years ago but the for us and Goa as a whole, we New Avenues "We will also focus on flawless Russians came and took that have trained our focus on these Freedom Holidays will soon service delivery, end-to-end spot. The UK market is now markets at the moment. We will move to other markets like sales support and maintaining coming back in a strong way soon move to other markets South America, Canada, a fluid position to create the and we expect good growth like South America, Canada, China, Korea, Singapore is second to none; it is to blur Targeting Positioning) right and first consumer-made luxury from there. China, Korea, Singapore and and Malaysia the timelines between the put the distribution channels brand," he adds.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 38 07-11-2016 12:03:38 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 39 07-11-2016 12:03:42 40 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 STATES Air India launches new J&K showcases its MICE offerings App with SITA’s iTravel The priority of Jammu and Kashmir tourism department is to give fillip Air India has launched a new ing from their mobile device, to golf tourism and promote the state as an affordable and safe MICE app to its more than 18-million including selecting their seat, passengers which will take the making changes to their itiner- destination, reveals Farooq A. Shah, Tourism Secretary, J&K. user experience to a new level. ary, buying additional services, Built on SITA’s iTravel platform, choosing their meal and check- the Air India app offers the abil- ing in. The app has also been The vision of our late Chief MICE and golf sector and I From Jammu to Ladakh TT BUREAU ity to book and pay for a flight integrated with Air India’s Flying Minister Mufti Mohammed am sure we will be successful we have a history of 5,000 by quickly and securely scan- Returns loyalty program where ammu and Kashmir is Sayeed was to make the in doing that.” years. Our cuisine is known ning both passport and credit passengers can securely ac- Jevolving as one the biggest state the best tourist destina- as the ‘King of cuisines’. Our card. The new app, developed cess details of points earned or MICE destinations in India tion in the world. We are also Shah claims that the Chief Minister is also the min- by SITA, provides an elevated other updates to their accounts. with world-class convention the most affordable MICE and state has all kinds of tourism ister of tourism and is working mobile experience where pas- The new mobile service will be centres in Srinagar, Pahal- golf destination.” products whether its adven- hard to attract more tourists sengers can easily manage available on Android, iOS and gam, Gulmarg and Ladakh. ture, luxury or leisure. He into the state.” every step of their journey on Windows. This means at check- Shah says, “MICE and golf Shah also says that there says, “Jammu and Kashmir their phone or tablet no matter in, passengers can choose to go together. So, we are inter- are major five star and four is a shopper’s paradise and Talking about promot- where they are.” Passengers receive their boarding pass on ested in coming up with world- star hotels in and around the one of the best shopping ing Ladakh as a Buddhist can fully manage their book- their phone or smartwatch. class golf courses. We are in convention centres. He adds, destinations. The Pashmina destination, Shah says, “La- talks with the government. “Our priority is to promote shawls are world famous. dakh has got tremendous potential. The total population of Ladakh is 1.33 lakhs, whereas number of tourists is more than that i.e. 2.30 lakh. 50,000 foreign tourists from Europe and other parts of the world thronged Ladakh this

Farooq A. Shah Tourism Secretary J&K

Ladakh's USP is the Buddhist sites and the monasteries. We have asked the government to promote the destination as a Buddhist destination. It has a huge potential for heritage and cultural tourism

year. Its USP is the Buddhist sites and the monasteries. We have asked the government to promote the destination as a Buddhist destination. It has a huge potential for heritage and cultural tourism.”

Homestays and eco- tourism sites are also a success in Ladakh. Talking about the recent disturbanc- es, he says, “Kashmir is as safe as any part of the world or India. We had record tourist arrivals this year and we ensure that whoever comes to our state does not face any difﬁculty. Hospitality of our people is our strength and tourism industry provides employment to 70 per cent of our population.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 40 07-11-2016 12:03:45 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 41 07-11-2016 12:03:47 42 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Focus on developing Zip, zap, zoom on Delhi roads connectivity The Department of Besides starting night landing facility Tourism (DOT) at Port Blair airport, Andaman & Nico- Philippines along with Her Excellency bar will get a new terminal in 2017. Ma.Teresita C.Daza, Ambassador, Republic TT BUREAU of Philippines to India,

he Andaman and Nicobar launched 135 branded TAdministration has identi- taxis in New Delhi as ﬁed accessibility as a major part of a promotional hurdle in tourism development. campaign. Amit Anand, Director, Tourism, Andaman and Nico- bar Administration, informed, “Since the major issue is ac- Amit Anand Director, Tourism cessibility to the island, a new Andaman and Nicobar Administration terminal is being developed and will be ready to commence sports. Anand informs that operations next year. Night they are also increasing their landing facility has also been presence in the e-space to launched at the current airport. keep up with the rapidly ad- We are looking at developing vancing penetration of tech- all types of transportation for nology in the travel industry. the convenience of tourists.” “We are in the process Vistara has recently of developing a website for launched a new route con- single-window clearance to necting Port Blair and New facilitate investments and are Delhi via Kolkata with ﬂights also streamlining the system plying daily. A circuit covering for licensing procedure. The Port Blair, Long Island, Bara- easiest way to connect with tang Island and Rangat is be- the world is by going on- ing built for which the admin- line and we are hopeful that istration is actively looking this move will bring about for private players to develop a positive change for us,” the locations for adventure Anand says.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 42 07-11-2016 12:03:59 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 43 07-11-2016 12:04:01 44 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 QUICKBYTES Hyderabad gears up for Skål Congress With participation from seven Skål clubs across the country, Skål National Congress in Kochi was a big success. The next big event is the Skål International Congress to be held in Hyderabad and the Skålleagues are all geared up for it.

It’s been really interesting to This is a very well organised SAMAPTI DAS have the entire Skål India team here congress and I am sure all my fel- in Kochi. This is our second Skål low Skålleagues will agree with me. After a gap of 15 years we have National Congress. It is a wonder- We are also privileged to be able been able to have two successful ful experience to do business with to host the Skål International Con- national congresses; last year in friends. The friendship we have de- gress in Hyderabad next year. We Goa and this year in Cochin. The re- veloped for the past two days and have succeeded against six other sponse has been great and so are the hospitality of ‘God’s Own Coun- countries in getting to host the Con- the arrangements. We wish more try’ has been the most valuable ex- gress. I feel this is the greatest opportunity for India to promote travel members could have come and perience that people will carry with Ranjini Nambiar Vijay Mohan Raj st and tourism as Skål International is enjoyed it. Now it’s up to the club themselves. 1 Vice President, Skål President, Skål presidents and the members attend- International India the apex body globally. International Hyderabad ing the congress to go back and tell Jason Samuel their fellow Skålleagues what this is Director all about so that next time we have Skål International India double the number of attendees. This is the second congress we are having after Goa last year and The congress has been very suc- we hope to have this as an annual I think holding congresses like cessful. After the last one in Goa we feature going forward. We have the this is very important for the nation- won the bid to host the congress World Congress in Hyderabad and al body. It brings the entire fraternity this year. We received about 100 we are all excited about it and will on one forum. We have seen great delegates from across the country work hard and lend our support to initiatives taken over here by the and their guests along with their the Hyderabad team which has national body. They have brought spouses also attended the func- done a remarkable job of bringing together a large delegation. The tion. The presentations were very this platform to India. events and the agenda that they Carl Vaz informative and were jam packed. nd have put together are refreshing 2 Vice President, Skål We are looking forward to the Skål International India Jayan Gopinathan Ranjit Vig and it is good to see the impetus be- President, Skål Interna- International Congress to be held in Treasurer ing put into the forum. tional Kochi Hyderabad next year. Skål International Delhi

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 44 07-11-2016 12:04:05 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 45 07-11-2016 12:04:07 46 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 ATTRACTION Two years in a row, 7M Tours has been awarded the prestigious India Travel Award as Best Destination Management Company in the USA. Universal With a dedicated staff and direct presence in over dozens of cities around the world, 7M Tours ensures exceptional service to travellers and partners. For the 2016 travel season, their numbers have increased fun in Orlando! by 165 per cent growth, compared to 2015.

TT BUREAU bustling and wizarding hub that is Diagon Al- M Tours’ office is located ley; exploring shops and 7at the centre of fun in Or- alleyways just like in the lando, Florida USA, home to books and films. many great attractions, including one of the best places Connecting the two to enjoy blockbuster enter- parks is Universal City- tainment, thrills and excite- Walk – the hottest spot ment: Universal Orlando Re- for great entertainment sort. This famous resort offers – with a mix of themed the opportunity for families to restaurants, shops, really connect with one an- nightclubs and a huge other. The experience starts 20-screen movie theatre. with its two famous theme This 30-acre complex parks: Universal Studios Flor- has something for eve- ida and Universal’s Islands of ryone: enjoy well-known Adventure. Explore Islands of names such as Jimmy Adventure, home to tons of Buffett’s Margaritaville, great attractions. First check Hard Rock Cafe and Bob out Marvel Super Hero Island, Marley’s or one of the where you can enjoy the Spi- many new restaurants – derman, Incredible Hulk and Antojitos Authentic Mexi- Doctor Doom’s rides. Every- can Food, Vivo (serving one knows any trip to a theme delicious Italian food) and park is not complete without & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat barges, ride goes terribly wrong, Cat in the Hat, the High in the Right next door, Uni- CowFish – where burg- a water ride and Islands of which is a fun and exciting putting riders face-to-face Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! versal Studios Florida has ers meet sushi! One of the Adventure has a whole sec- white-water raft ride. Visitors with the gigantic T-Rex. Then and One Fish Two Fish Red an unrivalled list of film and highlights here is definitely tion of the park just for them: can also release their inner – something that the kids will Fish Blue Fish, where riders TV-themed attractions. It’s Rising Star – a karaoke bar Toon Lagoon. Here you will explorer and roar into the be sure to love – the famous can steer clear around obsta- home to attractions such like no other where you sing find Dudley Do-Right’s Rip- Jurassic Park island to en- Seuss Landing, where the cles and squirting fountains. as Transformers: The Ride- with a live band and backup saw Falls, where you’re sent joy the Jurassic Park River beloved books of Dr. Seuss One of the best places to 3D, The Simpsons Ride singers on stage. CityWalk over a waterfall, and Popeye Adventure, where a leisurely come to life in rides like The see at Islands of Adventure is and Springfield, Shrek 4-D, is also home to the famous The Wizarding World of Harry Men in Black Alien Attack, Blue Man Group, which Potter - Hogsmeade, which E.T. Adventure, Revenge is filled with high energy, attracts millions of people of the Mummy and Des- lights, pumping music, and each year. Here you can fly picable Me Minion May- paint! On top off this Uni- above Hogwarts with Harry hem. Recently opened The versal are opening a water Potter and his friends, ex- Wizarding World of Harry theme park! Universal’s perience the tasty delights of Potter - Diagon Alley in- Volcano Bay will open the Three Broomsticks and troduces guests to a new in 2017. It’s a new themed shop at Honeydukes sweet world of wizarding imagi- land that reimagines the store. Those that dare can nation. You can even pass meaning of the term water ride a Hungarian Horntail on through the iconic brick park. This place will offer the intertwining roller coast- wall and board the Hog- radically innovative, thrilling ers of Dragon Challenge. warts Express at a life like attractions, peaceful mo- Just opened this summer, King’s Cross Station! This ments of relaxation and a the incredible new attraction, takes you on a breathtaking totally new experience in- Skull Island: Reign of Kong, journey through the British spired by a postcard-perfect pulls visitors into a powerfully countryside, encountering tropical island. told story where guests are several magical creatures, transported deep into a dark and some of your favorite For more information world to discover creatures characters… but watch and to see 7M Tours’ new of unknown origin and come out for those Dementors. online booking B2B platform, face-to-face with the colossal Fans can also take a one- specific for USA, visit www. Kong himself. of-a-kind stroll into the usatravels.com. Marriott and Sabre come together to launch wholesalers programme

Marriott International together tions, replacing antiquated proc- online. The solution provides sig- with Sabre Hospitality Solutions esses for contracting, accessing nificant value to smaller whole- unveiled a new distribution and inventory and booking hotel salers by removing the need for booking solution, www.Marriot- them to make a technology in- tWholesalers.com, that provides vestment to gain direct, dynamic thousands of authorized whole- access to rates and inventory. salers, destination marketing The solution will make it more companies, and tour operators efficient than ever to distribute access to real time rates and in- Marriott’s inventory to the broad- ventory for more than 4,200 Mar- er leisure package segment. riott properties around the world. rooms. Approved wholesalers Wholesalers can establish or re- The solution is part of Marriott’s can now search real time hotel new access in seven languages strategy to transform the whole- net rates and inventory globally at MarriottWholesalers.com and sale and leisure segment with to create tailor made packages once authenticated, they im- technology and shift to dynamic for their customers. All hotel mediately have access to the rates and automated reserva- bookings are confirmed instantly booking engine.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 46 07-11-2016 12:04:11 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 47 07-11-2016 12:04:13 48 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 EXHIBITIONS Hotelbeds partners with FITUR 2017 for Sustainable Tourism AccorHotels to The trade show will be the stage for the opening ceremony organised by the UNWTO, adhering double bookings to the goals promoted by the UN of extending the contribution of the tourism industry to eco- Hotelbeds has announced nomic, social and environmental sustainability. a strategic partnership with AccorHotels that aims to double sales for the hotel TT BUREAU principal partner of FITUR more than 9,500 businesses, specialised sections organ- through the bedbank over 2017. This Latin American institutions and bodies from ised by the UNWTO itself the next two years. Carlos he International Tourism destination thus joins the the worldwide tourism indus- and the Instituto Tecnológico Muñoz, Managing Director TTrade Fair, FITUR, which initiative launched by the try, will contribute to show- Hotelero, ITH — will be a Hotelbeds – Bedbank, said, is due to be held in Madrid focus of interest in “We are very excited and from January 18 to 22, 2017, sustainability as pleased to confirm that we has been designated by the the only option for and exchanges and others have taken our longstand- UNWTO to be the stage the future of tour- — being made available so ing relationship with Accor for the kick-off celebrations ism. The reality, ac- that businesses, bodies and Hotels to the next level with of the International Year cording to the ITH, institutions can meet the chal- this strategic partnership. of Sustainable Tourism for is that 90 per cent lenge of sustainable develop- This summer’s trial resulted Development declared by of travellers would ment in order to become more in the best ever booking re- the United Nations Organisa- choose a sustain- competitive. The Trade Show sults we’ve seen for the ho- tion and channelled through able hotel and 34 will ultimately be a unique tel. Based upon this we are the Madrid-based World per cent would be opportunity for accessing the already working together on Tourism Organisation. prepared to pay knowhow and expertise that a plan to double the amount more for staying in have been making their way of bookings that AccorHotels FITUR 2017 will thus one. This defines into this field. receives through Hotelbeds make a special contribution an expansion mod- within the next two years.” to the goals that drive this el for the tourism Through these actions As a result of this new initiative, helping through and hotel industry FITUR is again proving to agreement – reached earlier its participants to dissemi- event in 2016 and known as casing the latest solutions based on values of sustain- be a magnificent barometer in the year and trialed over nate and promote the efforts 'FITUR Partner', which offers and advances being devel- ability, also a key factor in its of the situation in the world- the summer months – Ho- the tourism industry is all participants in the trade oped and which are helping competitiveness goals. wide tourism industry and telbeds has recently regis- making in placing its activity show the opportunity of join- to boost economic growth, aspires to renew the trust tered its best ever bookings at the service of a new ing a partnership programme social development, job FITUR 2017 will be of its agents. In fact, the last results from the hotel chain. model of tourism sustain- that gives the guest destina- creation, efficiency of re- the stage on which the new staging set a new record in Hotelbeds is a long-standing ability in the three main tion the broadest possible sources, environmental pro- reality of sustainability for participation, with a total of B2B partner of AccorHotels spheres: economic, sociocul- dissemination and publicity. tection, heritage values and tourism development will be- 231,872 visitors — of whom that embraces its dynamic tural and environmental. cultural diversity. come apparent, with every 124,659 were participating rates through outstanding FITUR, as one of the in- tool — business opportuni- professionals — and the XML connectivity. In this staging, Argen- dustry’s relevant actors and In this context, FITUR- ties, networking programmes presence of 9,605 business- tina will participate as the one which gathers together GREEN — one of FITUR’s promoting new relationships es from 165 countries.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 48 07-11-2016 12:04:16 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 49 07-11-2016 12:04:18 50 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 HOTELS Anantara Kalutara Resort opens in Sri Lanka Regal sojourn in Jaisalmer Anantara Hotels, Resorts & with the now well established In a bid to recreate the success of Chokhi Dhani Resort, Jaipur, the group Spas has announced its sec- Anantara Tangalle on the ond resort in Sri Lanka – the south coast.” has now come up with a new property in Jaisalmer — Chokhi Dhani 141-room Anantara Kalutara The resort will also offer Resort, located along the is- an ideal setting for meetings Palace Hotel & Desert Camp. land’s southwest coast. Only and events. Expected to open 10 minutes from the town of in March 2017, an impres- royal haveli style. The prop- accommodation, with all TT BUREAU Kalutara and an hour south of sive conference centre will erty offers the best of herit- 5-star facilities, allows you the capital Colombo, Anantara be able to accommodate 500 fter creating the epitome age with modern living with to be close to nature, and Kalutara has a unique setting delegates and up to 300 for Aof Rajasthani hospitality a separate dining area, mini Rajasthani culture. Along with Chokhi Dhani Resort in bar, and spacious bathroom with camping, one can wit- Jaipur, Chokhi Dhani Group with Jacuzzi. In addition, the ness the bygone Rajputana is offering the real taste of Chokhi Dhani Palace Hotel era with desert safari, camel Rajputana era at Chokhi Jaisalmer is an apt venue ride, folk dance and musical Dhani Palace Hotel & Desert Camp Jaisalmer that prom- ises unmatched comfort and traditional Indian hospitality.

Mehul Vaswani, Direc- Mehul Vaswani Director Hotels tor Hotels, Chokhi Dhani Chokhi Dhani Group Group, said, “If you wish to between the Indian Ocean and a banquet. An SUV limousine embrace the sublime con- Kalu River and boasts coastal, service is available for jour- tours of ethnic garbs, the deserts, the property evokes river and lagoon frontage. neys between Anantara Kalu- drama of local fairs and the the grandeur of this Golden Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, tara and Colombo’s Bandara- epic tales behind the mag- City, like none other.” Minor Hotels, says, “We are naike International Airport, an nificent Jaisalmer, then visit excited to open Anantara hour and a half drive, and also the royal Chokhi Dhani Pal- Recreating Rajputana for hosting theme weddings, performance as well as au- Kalutara, our second luxury Kalutara South Station just five ace Hotel & Desert Camp. hospitality, and offering corporate meetings and oth- thentic Rajasthani food. Anantara resort in Sri Lanka. minutes away. Set amidst sun-kissed luxurious accommodation in er events or celebrations. With its unique ocean and A range of leisure facilities Vaswani claimed that river front location and its is available for guests to enjoy, Get the best of Jaisalm- the guests can relish a original design by famed Sri whether for romance or quality er with Chokhi Dhani, as you variety of experiences Lankan architect Geoffrey family time. The Watersports stay at the royal haveli and at the property and around. Bawa, we are confident that Centre offers jet skiing, water also go on a desert safari. “Hop on a camel, live in Anantara Kalutara will become skiing and banana rides. There The Desert Camp, situated Rajputana royalty, and one of the ‘must stay’ luxury are two swimming pools – the near Sam Sand Dunes, of- feast on scrumptious, au- properties for discerning trav- lagoon-side pool and chil- fers exotic, enthralling and thentic meal. Chokhi Dhani ellers visiting the island, along dren’s section. exciting desert life. The Desert Camp offers a fully equipped luxury tent fairytale experience.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 50 07-11-2016 12:04:21 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 51 07-11-2016 12:04:25 52 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Starry starry night on Air Canada Air Canada’s inaugural ﬂight from Vancouver to Delhi received a grand reception at the Canada House in New Delhi. Gracing the occasion was a huge delegation from Air Canada, dignitaries from the High Commission of Canada and travel trade partners from India.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 52 07-11-2016 12:04:32 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 53 07-11-2016 12:04:36 54 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 AGENTS Akquasun chimes with Chimelong 2000 agents by 2017 Merakey, a start-up online travel agent launched in July 2016, plans to add over 2000 travel agents to its platform by March 31, 2017.

TT BUREAU ment option with no transac- active agents on the platform tion fees. Our visa division by March 31, 2017. Merakey ill date the company has (Zenith Hospitality Group) supports its travel trade part- Tover 500 travel agents is authorised by Singapore ners with direct sales in differ- using the portal and over High Commission to issue ent cities across India, online 1000 conﬁrmed bookings for online visas. We have our marketing through emailers, hotels and packages. Sanjoy own ofﬁces in Bangkok, Du- digital marketing awareness Bose, Head-Marketing, Mer- bai, London, Singapore and through various social media akey, says, “We are the only Dhaka so we can assure the platforms, he adds. Merakey online travel agent in India best services and prices.” plans to penetrate operations based out of Kolkata with in Tier II and Tier III markets in Akquasun Hong Kong recently hosted a B2B networking evening with Chimelong Resorts in Mumbai that saw a great turnout from the travel trade fraternity with 25 agents. sales, operation and support The company aims to India and will also explore the teams. We offer instant pay- have 7,500 bookings and 2,000 South Asian markets. “The B2B

Sanjoy Bose Head-Marketing Merakey

We have insurance, bus services, cruises, forex, visa, homestays in the pipeline which will soon be other additions to our offerings

products we are offering at present are instant conﬁrma- tion worldwide, hotel accommodation, transfers, sightseeing and packages. We have insurance, bus services, cruises, forex, visa, homestays in the pipeline which will soon be other additions to our offerings,” says Bose.

Elaborating on the growth strategy of Merakey, Bose points out, “In the long run we would like to integrate with all the major Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and wholesalers including channel managers to increase our inventory to offer the best available prices and move to the B2C platform. Today on an average about 40 per cent of travellers plans their travel via mobile devices and we will take full opportunity of mobile technology.”

Services on offer Merakey helps in direct sales, online marketing through emailers, digital marketing awareness through social media

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 54 07-11-2016 12:04:40 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 55 07-11-2016 12:04:41 56 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRANSPORT Get behind the wheels on a holiday Recent years have seen an increasing trend of self-drive outbound holidays. As per Avis, Indians recorded 40 per cent rise in self-drive holidays and 25 per cent rise in IDP issuance. Experts who believe the trend is likely to grow in times to come give some insights.

KANCHAN NATH travelling abroad. On gen- Mendes says, “Hertz is avail- eral terms what we observe able through various distribu- ighlighting the trends is that self-drive is most tion channels to the agents, Hof self-drive outbound preferred if your purpose of even a simple web interface holidays growing from India, travel is leisure as compared accessible via www.hertza- Shawn Mendes, Director, to business. Avis India is al- gent.com. For agents/OTAs Discover the World-India, the ready selling international that have API capability, we GSA for Hertz Rent A Car, self-drive through our exist- can directly plug into their says, “In 2015, it was estimat- ing website, corporate rela- website and for agencies ed that the car rental market tionships and travel partners. that would like to create a size was close to $73 billion. There is a rapidly growing package, we have package Albeit, the percentage con- desire for Indians to use rates bookable in INR in In- tribution from source market self- drive cars while travel- Shawn Mendes Sunil Gupta Jay Hasler dia. Travel partners can seek Director Managing Director & Chief Director, International Sales India is less than 10 per cent, ling abroad and so we plan Discover the World ([HFXWLYH2IÀFHU$YLV,QGLD Asia, Enterprise Holdings more information by writing and the outbound holiday to engage with travel agents, to our at hertz@discover- segment approximately 25- tour operator and travel man- theworld.co.in.” 35 per cent of the total India agement companies who many years and continues (iii) Destinations that can be routes in over 30 countries,” contribution. Though there have a strong focus on out- to grow.” explored by an experien- he adds. The top self-drive The main challenges has been a steady increase bound travel.” tial traveller by road. destinations for Indians is and positives for interna- in the last few years due to For the driving enthu- the US, UK, Ireland, New tional self drive holidays for rising disposable incomes, Jay Hasler, Director, siast, as well as first-time “Some of the most ex- Zealand, Australia, Swit- Indians are, Hasler con- the maturity of the Indian International Sales, Asia, explorer, the experience re- plored routes for the Indian zerland, Spain, South Af- cludes, “The ability to travel traveller, familiarity to the Enterprise Holdings, says, volves around the route and traveller are the Pacific High- rica, Scotland, Mendes at your own pace, and see destination and enhanced “Overall the trends are very the destination follows suite, way 1 (California, USA), the says. Hasler adds, destina- what you desire to see are road infrastructure in most of positive, as we are seeing says Mendes. Great Ocean Road (Victoria, tions such as Europe, Aus- some of the main benefits. the holiday destinations.” more and more Indians se- The choice of destina- Australia), the North Island tralia, New Zealand and The positives are many! lect self-drive as they travel tion to undertake self drive Beaches and Geothermal Thailand have always been There are no real challenges Sunil Gupta, Managing abroad. As more people be- is based on: Route (New Zealand), Eng- popular. North America is in taking a self-drive holiday. Director & Chief Executive come aware of the benefits (i) Destinations visited by a land Country Side & Wales also a great destination for As long as the customer has Officer, Avis India, adds, “In that are offered by self-driv- matured FIT traveller, Castle Route, and the Grand self-drive. a valid driver’s license and the last few years more and ing we see the opportunities (ii) Destination that creates Tour (Switzerland) – to name credit card, you can take a more Indians are taking self- as endless. Growth has been self-drive opportunities a few. Understanding the Talking about what self-drive holiday on your drive options while they are in the high double digits for for Indian drivers, same, we have chalked out Hertz offers to travel agents, next trip!”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 56 07-11-2016 12:04:45 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 57 07-11-2016 12:04:47 58 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Spanish salsa spices up the night The Tourism Ofﬁce of Spain recently concluded a three-city roadshow in Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru that was attended by 17 suppliers from Spain and included hotel chains, tourism boards and DMCs. A lucky winner in each city got two free tickets on Air India with four-night stay at Melia Hotels International and Palladium Hotel Group.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 58 07-11-2016 12:04:59 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 59 07-11-2016 12:05:01 60 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM China Southern forays into new markets China Southern Airlines hosted an evening of cocktails and dinner for its trade partners in New Delhi to launch its new connections from Guangzhou to Adelaide and Toronto respectively. Starting December 7, 2016, the double daily ﬂights would offer further connections for Indians travelling to these destinations, especially with a great frequency on the airline between Delhi and Guangzhou.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 60 07-11-2016 12:05:07 AGENTS NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 61 Dhruv Shringi to head Customised packages for India FICCI’s Online Travel M. Jawed Khan, Managing Director, Holiday Konsepts, believes that customisation helps companies deliver the level of service that is and Technology Committee Keeping pace with the MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip closest to the expectations of the client. rapid penetration of internet and various other key and mobile, FICCI has stakeholder and knowledge TT BUREAU Customisation helps de- How has 2016 been tion experts, who did not initiated the Online Travel partners from the online liver services to the closest Q for you so far? leave any stone unturned and Technology Committee travel sector. What will be your focus level of expectation of client. Things were a bit slow to deliver the best and has- which will function under the “The Committee Qfor the international They don’t need to adjust or in the ﬁrst quarter. But they sle-free services. We also aegis of the existing FICCI has been formed for market next year? compromise to their require- improved Q2 onwards. have good response from Tourism committee. outlining the roadmap Having established our ments as the package is For outbound market, our our South Africa market for The Committee will for a robust regulatory business only last year, this customised according to their focus and expertise lie inbound. Even the Indian be led by Dhruv Shringi, policy for the online travel year’s focus will be on tap- requirements and prefer- with destinations like Eu- domestic market responded Co-Founder & CEO, industry and to encourage ping new prospective areas ences. Also, companies that rope, Australia, New Zea- well to us in terms of MICE Yatra Online while the innovation in travel & of business. We will be pro- can keep pace with consum- land, South Africa and group and college/school Committee will comprise of tourism sector,” informed Dr. moting some different pack- er expectations will always Dubai where our FIT team group movement. In all, it’s key stakeholders of online A. Didar Singh, Secretary ages that showcase the es- have a better chance of did really well. We have a been encouraging and moti- travel companies including General, FICCI. sence of India such as the being successful. team of energetic destina- vating for us.

M. Jawed Khan Managing Director Holiday Konsepts

We are in touch with our overseas partners and we will soon come up with our DVVRFLDWHRIÀFHLQ Nimes in France

lifestyle in Indian villages with a taste of ethnic cuisine and many more. Based on this concept, we already have business from the South Af- rica market this year. For the new year, we have ﬁrm plans to represent ourselves in France. We are in touch with our overseas partners and we will soon come up with our associate ofﬁce in Nimes in France.

What is your strategy Qto achieve your target for 2017? We are travelling in unexplored areas of India and pre- paring new packages keeping in mind the basic needs of a traveller. We will be promoting the packages round the globe through focused marketing i.e. advertisements in international magazines, websites and other social media platforms. We are sure that people will like the same and feel the true es- sence of India and will help us in achieving our goals.

Customisation of Qpackages is your core strength that you offer to clients. Why do you think it is important today?

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 61 07-11-2016 12:05:09 62 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Thai Smile takes off with Bird Help at hand for VAT reclaim The airline is the first to connect Bangkok with VAT reclaim is a potential segment for businesses to Gaya and Varanasi from Oct 1, Jaipur from Nov 15 and improve cost efficiency. Clay Business Group explains Lucknow from Dec 1, with three flights per week. how companies are saving on VAT paid abroad.

TT BUREAU TT BUREAU borne by its employees in the countries such as the Euro- hai Smile Airway has ap- hile companies col- pean Union, United Kingdom, Tpointed The Bird Group Wlaborate with ideal Australia, Canada, Taiwan, as its General Sales Agent partners to make arrange- South Korea and Japan. “We (GSA) for the Indian market. ments for the travel, telecom act as cost management The organisation will handle and forex requirements of consultants who provide as- the airline’s sales develop- their employees, they over- sistance in saving money on ment, bookings, and ticketing look the potential to save on overall international travel services within India as well VAT paid abroad. Individuals including telecom, forex and as conduct direct marketing pay approximately 10 per VAT for our partners”, says and service support to Indian cent to 25 per cent VAT while Aditya Joshi, Chief Operating travel agents. Gaurav Bhatia Isra Stapanaseth buying goods and services Gaurav Dhawan Officer, Clay Business Group. Executive Director Executive Director Director abroad. This amount can be Tourism Authority of Thailand Clay Business Group Gaurav Bhatia, Execu- Bird Travels reclaimed by enterprises in While businesses are tive Director, Bird Travels, accordance to the tax laws of looking for cost-saving meas- stated, “The Bird Group is from November 15 and Luc- trades will be benefited. With the country of travel. ures in the volatile economy, very pleased and excited know from December 1 with this direct connectivity, we We are enabling they shouldn’t miss an oppor- to be associated with Thai three flights per week. The are very positive that it will There are VAT experts businesses to tunity to reclaim up to 100 per Smile Airways as their GSA flight will operate with A320 boost the tourism from these working with Indian companies cent VAT paid (which is about in India. We are also hon- aircraft which will offer a Pre- cities to Thailand in the near such as Clay Business Group save their money 25 per cent of their total ex- oured to have been selected mium Economy Class (12 future." that can make the entire proc- by reclaiming VAT penditure) on their interna- by an ambitious, reliable and seats) and Economy Class ess of reclaiming VAT easier for tional travel. dynamic carrier like Thai (154 seats) and host of fea- Furthermore, Captain the enterprises. These experts amount paid abroad Smile to consolidate its brand tures for passengers. Woranate Laprabang, Act- verify the invoices that are eligi- in the Indian market and to ing Chief Executive Officer, ble for VAT reclaim and initiate their money not only by offer- VAT to do increase sales through tar- Isra Stapanaseth, Di- Thai Smile Airways, added, a VAT reclaim application on ing customised international Collect all original invoices geted, effective, and proac- rector of Tourism Author- “We consider these connect- behalf of their clients. SIM cards and attractive forex Do quality check & tive actions.” ity of Thailand (TAT) at New ing flights as one of our stra- rates, but also by reclaiming compliance Delhi Office said, "Thai Smile tegic destinations in Indian “It is a huge opportunity VAT amount paid abroad,” says Fill claim forms & complete Thai Smile Airways has makes it more convenient region. Thai Smile Airways for businesses to reclaim up Gaurav Dhawan, Executive documentation started online operations to and effective in terms of is undertaking an ambitious to 100 per cent VAT on eligible Director, Clay Business Group. Submit to tax authority Gaya and Varanasi from Oc- tourism; segments like wed- growth programme to de- invoices as per tax regulations tober 1 and would be starting dings, corporates, family, lux- velop network and ensure of a particular country. We are An enterprise can reclaim Transfer the reclaim VAT in online operations to Jaipur ury travellers and commercial international connectivity.” enabling businesses to save within a year for the expenses your bank Heartfelt gratitude to trade partners SriLankan Airlines held its annual Agents Awards Night on September 30, 2016, at St. Regis Hotel, Mumbai, to commemorate it travel agent partners in India for their support.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 62 07-11-2016 12:05:15 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 63 07-11-2016 12:05:17 64 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 GST: Much-awaited game changer The Goods and Services Tax, in terms of a new regime, will come with teething problems but it will be an important step towards simplifying the multi-layered tax structure in the tourism and hospitality sectors, say India Travel Award winners.

TT BUREAU SilkAir — Best Airline International Kashish Holidays — Best Customised Tour Operator (QKDQFHLQYHVWRU·VFRQÀGHQFH Travel no more a luxury Jagdish Ram Bhojwani, General Manager-India, SilkAir, lauds the Government’s efforts to have a unified and streamlined tax regime. “The draft bill is still at a nascent stage According to Ravi H. Malpani, Managing Director, Kashish Holidays, GST will be the single and its impact on the industry will be clearer, closer to its implementation in 2017. biggest game changer in tourism. He feels that tourism is overtaxed and the industry is paying However, this bill is expected to enhance the confidence amongst international investors high double-digit taxes at various levels. “If the government wants tourism to be a high driver and facilitate the growth of the Indian of growth, then tourism and travel cannot economy,” he says. SilkAir has recently be perceived as luxury anymore. Unlike launched an all-time favorites menu, the time of service tax introduction, we offering Business Class customers a hope there will be clarity in understanding specially-curated selection of meals to the GST bill from both the travel trade and choose from when travelling on flights the consumer's; point of view as they may leaving from Singapore that are three have to pay more for travel in a short term hours and above. The airline has also when GST is implemented, but in the long launched a new mobile app which offers run they will benefit following removal of travellers greater travel convenience from duplication of tax incidences on hotels booking to boarding. “Designed to be and airlines,” he says. Kashish Holidays is fast and intuitive, the mobile app aims under the process of sharing new franchise to provide users with a functional and module in didifferentff zones in Surat and seamless user experience. Key features of the mobile app include flight booking, exclusive thethe same wwouldou be initiated in early 2017. He adds, “We are keen on starting franchise as a fares and itinerary management,” informs Bhojwani. customised traveltr agency unlike the group tours companies in different zones of Gujarat over next the threethre years.”

Xtreme Destinations — Best Adventure Tour Operator NNexTourismex — Best Business Travel Agency, Best Destination MManagementana Company Organise the unorganised travel sector SimplifySim tax structures Hemant Shah, Director, Xtreme Destinations, says, “GST would bring about teething problems for the travel and tourism industry as it is not very organised. Many small travel and SaurabhSaur S. Sanghavi, Director, NexTourism, feels that introduction of GST will tour operators may initially find it difficult to do business as earlier no tax was levied by them be healthy for all industries including the tourism and hospitality sector. He says, as most transactions were done in cash only. GST would help organise that. I would only “Uniformity“U in taxes is essential. Though GST may increase the burden on the industry request the government that the GST by a small percentage it will be instrumental in reducing the complications of the tax tax rate should be not more than two structurestr in India in a big way.” per cent as this would help the industry TheTh company has extended grow faster and also reduce cash itsits operations in the Gulf transactions.” Xtreme Destinations saw (Dubai).(D Sanghavi adds, “We a good growth over the last 2-3 years no longer believe in vendor and the company has striven to add management.ma By the end of newer and more interesting products for 2017,20 we are expected to have their clients. “We have managed to pitch ourour own branches at Bangkok, our favourite holiday destination – New SingaporeSingap and in the European Zealand – in a very different manner to market.”market. He points out that the our clients. Every year we find newer upwardupward graph of the performance of and better adventures spots in New thethe tourismtou industry is testimony to Zealand and we are able to convert almost 97-98 per cent of the enquiries into confirmed the grgrowtho of the industry. “Travelers Xteme Departures. We have also ventured into group tours and our first group tour – are nowno exploring new places with luxury on mind. Budget is no more a barrier for the Xtreme Adventures is coming up in May 2017 which would be a specialised adventure Indian travellers. The average spending ratio of every family on travel and hospitality has travel-only tour. alreadyalready taken a leap and this trend will only continue,” says Sanghavi.

MahindraMah & Mahindra — Best Integrated Travel Practice Hyatt Place Goa, Candolim — Best MakeMak GST a fair game Debut Hotel VijayVijay NNair, Vice President-Employee Relations and Administration, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reform multiple tax structures feels ththat GST in going to be an interesting game changer and a potential source of cost ssavingsa for corporates. “It needs to be seen how would GST be implemented to Sanjay Patti, General Manager, Hyatt Place Goa/Candolim,dolim, variousvarious divisions across industries like high taxes on rooms and food would deﬁnitely says, “The travel, tourism and hospitality industry has a multipleultiple bring reduction in spend. We need tax structure currently but with the implementation of GGSTST to see how it would get drilled to there might be a possibility of a single tax structure uniformorm liquor consumption during banquet to all. This I believe would have to go through many foldsolds events. However, it could also work though.” He further explains that the hospitality and tourismrism as a dampener in terms of taxes in India and especially in Goa is ever booming and has bbeeneen on air tickets in case it is levied at one of the key drivers of growth in the service sector.r. “In the existing structure,” says Nair. the last year itself we have seen so many new hotels open He points out that the government in North and South Goa. The biggest achievement inn my has to make GST a fair game which opinion is the new dimensions that tourism brings in termserms would turn out to be a win-win of economics, employment and overall beneﬁts,” adds PPatti.atti. situation for all.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 64 07-11-2016 12:05:22 FAMILY ALBUM NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 65 Sabre’s travel technology exchange Sabre recently hosted nearly 550 travel agents, airline and supplier representatives and members of the APAC travel industry in Beijing, China. Organising their ﬁrst-ever Travel Technology Exchange for the APAC region, they helped facilitate discussions about breakthrough technologies making waves at the intersection of travel and technology. Sabre also revealed its newest product, the Red workspace.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 65 07-11-2016 12:05:33 66 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 NTO Bishkek rolls out red carpet for trade A Bishkek-based LCC, Air Manas along with the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, hosted tourism stakeholders from India for an Incredible India evening in Bishkek on Oct 7. The event showcased India's tourism offerings and gave an opportunity to travel trade from both the countries to interact over cocktails and dinner.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 66 07-11-2016 12:05:39 STATES NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 67 Rajasthan scores home run at IITIS Rajasthan signed a total of 56 MoUs worth `922 crore during the recently-concluded Incredible India Tourism Investors’ Summit in New Delhi. MICE, heritage and adventure tourism score high in the list.

TT BUREAU Rajasthan is blessed with massive land parcel available, light & sound show, and laser sis. “We are already in touch She revealed that they plenty heritage tourism prod- which we are now going to de- show. Now we are thinking of with the aggregators in this work with a number of B2B xuding confidence on the ucts, which are a good invest- velop in a focused manner.” doing fairs and activities on a sector. We can work innova- partners and are trying to Esuccess rate of the signed ment catch. Pednekar, said, routine basis, since Sambhar tively with them and ensure widen their network as well. MoUs, Ashutosh A.T. Ped- “The USP of Rajasthan is Pednekar revealed that has a very strategic location, that our hotel capacity is uti- Pednekar added, “We’d want a nekar, Director-Tourism & heritage, and we have put up the Central Government has being situated between Ajmer lised properly, gets augmented good trajectory of growth, both Managing Director, Rajasthan a number of heritage proper- given funds to Rajasthan Gov- and Jaipur. There is a huge and is available online as well. in terms of domestic tourist ar- Tourism Development Corpo- ties for investment. Apart from ernment for investment in the scope for niche areas like wed- For medical tourism, we have rivals and foreign tourist arriv- ration, said, “The best thing is that we have identified very long pending Sambhar Lake dings, medical and wellness created some projects around als. Also we’d like the average that these are all firm MoUs, important land sites for MICE project. “We have already tourism,” he added. Jaipur, Pushkar, and Ajmer. tourist spend in the state to which means that land is tourism as well as adventure started spending money in that In Shekhawati area, one pri- increase, and that would hap- available for all these projects. tourism. There are also up- area. We are already develop- Homestays is another vate player is coming up with pen if the average tourist stay Thus, success rate of all coming destinations like Sam- ing rail track, temples, lake fa- area on which the Rajasthan a project centred only around in Rajasthan would increase in these MoUs is going to be bhar Lake, where we have a cilities, cycle track, camp sites, Government is laying empha- wellness,” Singh says. terms of duration.” extremely high. We had presented around 103 investible projects, worth around `3,000 crore, for which we have invited investment. We have actually seen a great response in the field of MICE, heritage and adventure tourism.”

Ashutosh A.T. Pednekar Director-Tourism & Managing Director, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation

We had presented around 103 investible projects, worth around `3,000 crore. We have actually seen a great UHVSRQVHLQWKHÀHOG of MICE, heritage and adventure tourism

Rajasthan Tourism has also extended full support to the private sector for investing in the state. Roli Singh, Sec- retary-Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, said, “We have the Rajasthan Investment Pro- motion Scheme, and we have also upgraded our tourism policy with a very specific tourism unit policy that offers a wide range of definition of tourism units, right from spa, resort, boutique hotel, heritage hotel, convention centres, adventure sport, eco sport, eco tourism, and everything related to tourism. So under that definition, we have the incentives which we are showcasing to the investors, including relaxations, so that land conversions take place in time; no duties for change in land laws and a number of waivers.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 67 07-11-2016 12:05:41 68 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 AGENTS Lemon Tree opens new Thomas Cook focuses on agent training hotels in Goa Having partnered with many an NTO, Thomas Cook India's Centre of Learning will now and MP look at getting more states onboard after its successful stint with Madhya Pradesh Tourism

Lemon Tree Hotels has an- recently, to create training modules as well as to conduct them. nounced the opening of two new hotels – the Lemon Tree Leena Karkera, former HAZEL JAIN Hotel, Candolim in Goa and Resident Manager in Mum- the Lemon Tree Wildlife Re- he Centre of Learning's We have been awarded training in 20 cities bai, Madhya Pradesh State sort, Bandhavgarh in Madhya T(COL) ‘Train the Travel across India for MP Tourism and the timing of Tourism Development Cor- Pradesh. Agent’ programs are devel- poration (MPTDC), who had The Lemon Tree Ho- oped on behalf of several the training has been kept in accordance with spearheaded the training tel Candolim is the group’s tourism boards and delivered festive seasons like Diwali, Dusshera, with COL said, “Thomas second property in Goa. to the travel fraternity across Cook’s COL travelled to The hotel offers 34 rooms, India. According to Smeeta and Christmas. all 20 cities we had identi- with base category rooms Gulvady, Vice President & Smeeta Gulvady fied to train the agents. We measuring around 27 square Head (Centre of Learning), Vice President & Head (Centre of Learning), TCI also took them on a famil- meters. It also features an TCI, the centre has thus far iarisation after the training to all-day dining restaurant, a trained travel agents on be- show our properties.” Since terrace-top bar, a rooftop half of Switzerland Tourism, then, Ashok Arora has taken swimming pool and a confer- Tourism Authority of Thai- over as MPTDC’s Resident ence room of approximately land, National Israel Tour- The COL had also re- agents and is looking for- making efforts to harness Manager in Mumbai. 800 square feet. ism Office in India, Canada cently tied up with Madhya ward to more such trainings. the tourism potential in the The Lemon Tree Wild- Tourism Commission, Czech Pradesh Tourism which was Its focus was on products country. However, it is im- life Resort, Bandhavgarh is Tourist Authority, Egypt Tour- its first ever tie up with any – from its UNESCO World perative to create an aware- located in close proximity ism Office, and Vienna Tour- state tourism board. “Earlier Heritage Sites, national ness programs. Trainings at Curriculum to Tala Gate, the most tiger ist Board. all the tie-ups we had done parks, sanctuaries to other our centre are focused and Thomas Cook's Centre of inhabited zone of the Band- were with international tour- natural attractions besides interactive where we edu- Learning has recently tied up with Madhya Pradesh havgarh National Park, and “In fact, we are partner- ism boards. We have been the village circuits. cate agents and tour opera- Tourism marks the group’s entry into ing with Switzerland Tourism awarded training in 20 cities tors on diversified products the wildlife resort segment. for the fourth year in a row across India for MP Tourism She adds, “The aim of available within the destina- Under the tie-up, COL will hold training sessions for Spread over five acres, the now. Similar trainings will be and the timing of the training this initiative was to make tion.” The COL has also tied hotel features 11 cottages launched shortly for other tour- MP Tourism in 20 cities has been kept in accordance people think of Madhya up with Tourism Authority of across India measuring approximately 34 ism boards and service provid- with festive seasons like Di- Pradesh when they think of a Thailand. It has completed The training will focus on square meters, an all-day din- ers. While we have a few col- wali, Dusshera, and Christ- holiday. New agents can also the first phase with six cit- ing restaurant, a swimming laborations in the pipeline, we products from its UNESCO mas,” Gulvady says. The get enrolled for the training ies and is now working on World Heritage Sites, pool and a 480-square-foot cannot divulge the information centre completed training in programs. It is encourag- launching the second phase national parks & sancturies conference hall. as of now,” she adds. 10 cities with more than 300 ing to see the government of the training. Fiji says a big thank you to agents

Fiji-based specialist Destination Management Company, Tour Managers, held a networking night to appreciate the support extended by the travel trade in Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata. The Fijian company is represented in India by IrisReps.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 68 07-11-2016 12:05:49 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 69 07-11-2016 12:05:51 70 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 AVIATION Korean enters new markets Delhi-Vancouver on Air Canada To apprise the trade of new Delhi-Seoul flight, and Air Canada’s inaugural flight from Vancouver arrived destination Korea, Acumen Overseas, Korean Air's in Delhi on October 22, 2016 with a huge delegation GSA in India, organised a networking event in Delhi. of government officials and corporate executives.

TT BUREAU Overseas, also claimed that boosts connectivity to West TT BUREAU there is a lack of knowledge Coast and Australia. Korean orean Air’s newly launched in the market about Korea as Air network is very large, peaking after the landing of Kfive times a week flight from a destination, and that would and with the Mumbai flights Sthis flight, Kevin Howett, Delhi to Seoul would certainly be the main focus for them being in operation already, Senior Vice President, Region- boost the traffic between the as well. “This flight, which we can do a lot of tailor- al Markets and Government two destinations. Prithviraj will fly five times a week, is made products.” Relations, Air Canada, said Singh Chug, Director, Acu- that they are very excited about men Overseas, GSA of Korean the service as well as about the Air in India, said, “Korea has Indian market. “There is a lot of long been a corporate travel excitement around the new market, but we are focusing on flight, with respect to the opportunities associated with the Kevin Howett Margaret Skinner Korea as a new holiday desti- Senior Vice President, Regional Director, Sales new route between Canada Markets and Government Relations, EMEAI nation and also promoting both Air Canada Air Canada Korea and Japan together. We and India. There are a lot of are giving connectivity to 11 opportunities for investment cities in Japan and also trans- between both countries. This Canada started with direct the results so far, and we pacific destinations, where we flight is step two in our three- flights to India only recently. are hoping for some more have excellent connections.” pronged strategy that we have Margaret Skinner, Director, success here. We’ve had fan- with respect to the Indian mar- Sales – EMEAI, Air Canada, tastic support from the travel Prithviraj Singh Chug Choong Hee Lee The new flight is going Director, Acumen Overseas Regional General Manager ket for Air Canada. Last year, said that they have been trade as well and they seem Korean Air to start in December, reveals GSA of Korean Air in India we introduced our services planning to come to India to love our service.” Choong Hee Lee, Regional between Toronto and Delhi for a long time. “India has GM, Korean Air. “The Indian and now we are moving it to a been on Air Canada’s plan Howlett added, “The market is growing, but it isn’t also going to help Koreans to Prithviraj Chug added, “. daily service from November 6, for quite some time. With the Dreamliner 787-900 has the case with Korea, where it’s come to India. It would bring We are giving very good in- 2016. On July 1, 2017, we will economy opening between been designed for long haul been steady for years. We are a lot of possibilities to earn flight services and flat beds for start our service from Toronto both the countries, and also missions like that. It has an sharing the load with other air- foreign exchange for Indian Business Class. We are talking to Mumbai. Needless to say, with our new Dreamliner incredible set of econom- lines. Thus, we need to prepare companies or businessmen. to big travel partners and we we are quite optimistic about 787 aircraft, it makes sense ics. Also, our airplane offers for more service compared to Secondly, this connection, are convincing the end cus- the Indian market,” he added. to start the connections. It’s 3-cabin configuration — other airlines,” he added. the way it has been worked tomer to actually shift its focus the right aircraft on the right Business, Premium Economy upon, offers immense oppor- from Europe or Middle East, A lot of VFR traffic trav- route and hence one can see and Economy, which covers Pukhraj Singh Chug, tunities for Indian travellers and actually try new destina- els between India and Can- us expanding to this market. the requirements of all kinds Managing Director, Acumen overseas. The new flight also tions like Korea and Japan.” ada for a long time, but Air We are very pleased with of travellers.”

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 70 07-11-2016 12:05:53 NTO NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 71 JW Marriott opens SA Tourism bullish on India 1st hotel in Kolkata Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager - India, South African Tourism, feels JW Marriott Hotels & Re- tion to 38,370 square feet of in- that India’s growth as one of the fastest-growing outbound markets in the sorts continues to expand its door and outdoor event spaces luxury portfolio with the open- measuring, the hotel offers five world warrants heavy investment. ing of its eighth hotel in India, intimate studios for meetings, SA Sojourn JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata. This each one equipped with cut- TT BUREAU rica in February 2017. Apart amount of tourist traffic is Marriott International’s first ting-edge facilities. The hotel from that, our annual road- to South Africa. What South Africa Tourism an- hotel in Kolkata and East India is also home to India’s largest What is your strategy show will be held in Janu- is however extremely nual roadshow will be held and is located in the heart of in-built video wall measuring 32 Qfor the coming year ary 2017 where all our trade encouraging to observe is in January 2017 the city, minutes from the old feet x 18 feet and comprising for India? partners will get a chance to the upward rise in numbers The ‘Fastest 50’ Campaign central business district. Com- 64 LED panels. “The opening Over the years India interact with South African from Tier II and Tier III for SA Tourism trade prising of 281 rooms, JW Mar- of the first JW Marriott hotel has emerged as one of the service providers. cities. Also, while leisure partners will culminate with riott Hotel Kolkata, boasts the in Kolkata marks a great mile- fastest-growing outbound travel has traditionally been 20 of them winning an all- largest ballroom in the city and stone for Marriott International. #P[URGEKſEEKVKGU expense paid trip to South features a unique bridal room, It was a matter of time before tourism market. According to a trend centric to South Africa in February 2017 our arrivals statistics of Au- Q that have performed and West India, we have offering brides an exclusive, we presented one of our luxury India is the eighth long-haul gust 2016, India is the eighth well? seen this gaining popularity private space available for pre- brands –JW Marriott – to the tourism source market for wedding preparations. In addi- city of Kolkata. long-haul tourism source India’s major metros quite rapidly in the northern South Africa market for South Africa. have been driving significant region as well. Keeping this in mind, we are investing heavily in this market and constantly adapting to the changing consumer interests and customising our offerings.

We will continue to focus on deepening our en- gagements with our trade partners by introducing innovative ideas to promote the

Hanneli Slabber Country Manager - India South African Tourism

We are currently running the ‘Fastest 50’ Campaign for our trade partners which will culminate with 20 of them winning an all-expense paid trip to South Africa in February 2017

destination and help them get a better understanding of the 60,000-plus regis- tered products for Indian travellers.

Can you share details Qof the activities that you have planned for the travel trade for 2016-17? Earlier this year, we announced the launch of ‘Cha- lo South Africa’, a portal designed for our Indian travel partners to feature their best packages at no additional cost. We are currently running the ‘Fastest 50’ Cam- paign for our trade partners which will culminate with 20 of them winning an all-expense paid trip to South Af-

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 71 07-11-2016 12:05:55 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 72 07-11-2016 12:05:57 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 73 07-11-2016 12:06:00 74 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM 670+ delegates throng Abu Dhabi Over 670 delegates attended the 63rd TAAI Convention held in Abu Dhabi from October 14-16. The event focused on strategies for the future and the way forward to not just survive the changing times but to perform and thrive in business.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 74 07-11-2016 12:06:06 FAMILY ALBUM NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 75 for 63rd TAAI Convention

Contd. on page 76

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 75 07-11-2016 12:06:16 76 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Planning for future, breaking the routine

Contd. on page 78

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 76 07-11-2016 12:06:29 HOTELS NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 77 Disinvestment only a policy decision: ITDC India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) completed 50 years and is focused on diversifying into different avenues while putting disinvestment woes behind.

NISHA VERMA areas, and in that regard, only sky is the limit for ITDC.” he corporation celebrat- Ted its Golden Jubilee Narula added, “The disin- during a grand event at its vestment is going on and it’s not flagship hotel The Ashok, happening for the first time for New Delhi. Present at the ITDC. We have gone through glittering ceremony were one phase and we have come dignitaries from the travel out of that much stronger. We and tourism industry, govern- have made all the disclosures ment officials and ITDC staff to the stock exchanges. I would members. Speaking at the not like to focus on it too much event, Vinod Zutshi, Sec- because there are so many retary, Tourism, Government opportunities, as we have built of India, said, “ITDC has had up our strength in many other a glorious past, and the way verticals. There are some ar- things are going, I wish it’d fied into travel and tours and of this moment and as ITDC casion to meet our industry ing to do well during the latter eas we are doing very well and have a more glorious future. event management as well. It is an extended family of the friends, partners and clients, part of the year as well.” we will focus on them, includ- When ITDC was set up in is one of the two pillars of the tourism ministry, we are cel- who have supported us for ing tours and travels, events, 1966, there was little infra- travel and tour arrangement ebrating this occasion.” the last 50 years.” However, there have and hospitality education. We structure about hotels, and regime of the government been talks of ITDC’s disin- are also looking at many other Umang Narula, Chair- He also insisted that vestment. Zutshi clarified, “I areas and grow in those fields India is going to be a partner country at WTM, man & Managing Director, ITDC has been recording have seen ITDC’s perform- as well.” and ITDC will be part of the MOT delegation. We ITDC, said that they had profits for the last couple of ance this year, and from April started the Golden Jubilee years. “We’ve been doing till August this year, we have He added that ITDC is have many products to showcase there and we celebrations last year. “We pretty well for the last three done `19 cores of net profit, trying to grow The Ashok had a small internal func- years. We’ve been giving as compared to four crores in Travels and Tours division will be doing B2B meetings to get more business tion last year and throughout dividends to the government. the corresponding period last and venture into new ar- for the company. this year, we have been do- Last year, we had a profit of year. Disinvestment is only a eas. “We have launched ing some activities related roughly `33 crore and over policy decision of sharing the a new set of tour pack- Umang Narula with the celebration. We are the last 50 years, we have units by leasing or giving it to ages recently and are also Chairman & Managing Director, ITDC offering various kinds of dis- given dividends over `130 other stakeholders. However, updating our portal. We are counts, incentives to custom- crore. Even this year, our first it is not going to affect the mo- also trying to get into the lo- today not only it is an icon along with Balmer Lawrie ers and stakeholders, and quarter results have been re- rale if ITDC staff, as we are gistics and cargo business,” in hospitality, it has diversi- Tours & Travel. We are proud this celebration is a good oc- ally good and we are expect- going to diversify into other he revealed. Sharjah on a roadshow drive Sharjah Tourism successfully concluded its 4-city roadshow in Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh and Bengaluru. Sharjah considers India as a potential market. Both the countries share a great cultural history. For Sharjah the main trade has always been India for the past 500 years. With partners like AirArabia beside them, the nation is hopeful to attract more tourists from India.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 77 07-11-2016 12:06:34 78 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Travel agents let their hair down

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 78 07-11-2016 12:06:44 AGENTS NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 79 Experiential Aitken Spence appoints Nijhawan Group as India representative

Aitken Spence Travels, a through Aitken Spence Travels.” travellers on the rise leading DMC in Sri Lanka, has Suranga Ratnayake, As- appointed the Nijhawan Group sistant Vice President, Aitken The Globus family of brands’ as its Indian representative with Spence Travels, says, “With an an aim to increase their en- estimated annual inbound vol- budget friendly division Cosmos gagement in the Indian market. ume of 130,000 tourists, Aitken plans to add offbeat destinations Announcing the part- Spence Travels is backed by nership with Aitken Spence a reputation of being the most like Vietnam, Mexico and Cuba, Travels, Ankush Nijhawan, professional in the business. Managing Director, Nijhawan The company is fully diversi- among others to its list. Group, says, “Nijhawan Group fied into every aspect of tour- Ankush Nijhawan Suranga Ratnayake has been the representing ism related activities namely; Managing Director Assistant Vice President Nijhawan Group Aitken Spence Travels dates and prices is un- partner for Aitken Spence leisure, eco, adventure, MICE, TT BUREAU matched and we will continue Hotels, Sri Lanka since 2013 shore excursions for cruise lin- the ISO 9001:2008 certifica- travel excursions are made with he Globus family of brands to focus on providing value to and this initiative has been ers and luxury tours.” Ratnay- tion and its operations conform friendly service equipped with Thas been providing travel our travellers and that would taken in order to further ake further informed that Aitken to 14001:2004 environmental tourist board approved chauf- services for decades, under- mean the best experience strengthen this collaboration in Spence Travels is the only des- standards in compliance with feur guides who operate a large standing and growing as per at the least cost possible,” India and to maximise the num- tination management company Carbon Neutral status. “Aitken fleet of luxury vehicles in the the needs of the evolving adds Chopra. bers from India to Sri Lanka (DMC) to be accredited with Spence Travels's unique country,” says Ratnayake. traveller. The group has four different categories to suit the requirement of every type of tourist – a luxurious Globus journey, budget-friendly Cos- mos vacation, Monograms travel package for independ- ent travellers and the all- inclusive Avalon Waterways river cruise.

Speaking about its budget travel wing, Varesh Chopra, Regional Director for South Asia and the Middle East, explains, “Cosmos tar- gets experiential vacations to adventurous clients who love to learn and delve into new

Varesh Chopra Regional Director, South Asia and the Middle East, Globus family of brands

cultures and unique destinations. They represent a new breed of savvy travel enthusiasts who appreciate more immersive experiences in the company of fellow international travellers,” he informs. Cosmos’ 2017 list additionally includes new destinations like Vietnam, China, Japan, Mexico and Cuba, unique destinations that have been overlooked for many years.

The group boasts a high repeat clientele factor. “A majority of our guests are repeat customers – around 60 per cent keep coming back to their favourite way of travelling,” he says. In return, repeat travellers also get very attractive loyalty discounts which adds up to help agents and sellers effectively retain clientele, whilst ensuring they have a superlative experience.

For the coming year, the Globus family of brands will continue to focus on value. “Our choice of itineraries, destinations, travel styles, the length of stay, travel

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 79 07-11-2016 12:06:46 80 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Trade throngs Madhya Pradesh mart Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation successfully concluded the 3rd edition of Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart, from Oct 14-16, at Hotel Lake View in Bhopal. About 70 international buyers from 28 countries, 135 domestic buyers and 45 sellers were part of the 3-day exhibition.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 80 07-11-2016 12:07:00 CRUISE NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 81 Adventure travel at sea 1st Chedi in India at Lake Powai in Mumbai General Hotel Management Powai region, an area where tion centre, an art auditorium, Hurtigruten, the Norwegian exploration cruise line, (GHM) has joined hands with infrastructure developments, cultural plaza, residences and plans to add two new hybrid powered expedition Rajesh LifeSpaces, Mumbai- connectivity and social ground- offices. These, coupled with based real estate company, work have laid the foundation the fact that The Chedi Mumbai ships, due to be delivered in 2018 and 2019, which is to bring The Chedi brand to for the growth of a diverse is close to both the domestic the hospitality market in India. expatriate community. It is and international airports, and expected to revolutionise adventure travel at sea. Hans R. Jenni, Director and also an increasingly favoured is supported by a comprehen- President, GHM, expressed residential precinct among the sive network of highways and restaurants with menus now offers voyages to his optimism for the project, locals and the burgeoning dis- roads, assure travellers of the TT BUREAU reflecting local flavours and Greenland, Iceland, around “We have always wanted to trict is becoming an enclave for ease of commuting and road- he new ships are ex- destinations. A special pool Spitsbergen and from 2017 plant a GHM flag in India and the who’s who in society. way connectivity between the Tpected to be the first deck will include infinity to Arctic Canada. In the being able to establish The The strategic location of northern and southern parts expeditionary ships sailing pools, Jacuzzis and bars. southern hemisphere, it Chedi brand in the thriving this iconic hotel is also not far of the city. When viewed from fully electric with sustain- 2018 and 2019 itineraries takes guests to the waters city of Mumbai is an honour as from Bandra Kurla Complex: these various perspectives, able hybrid technology. “We for Roald Amundsen will be around Antarctica along both well as a challenging opportu- this ambitious development The Chedi Mumbai is truly a are combining Hurtigruten’s announced in November. coasts of South America nity my team and I are eager is set to be an emerging hub testament to the owner’s vision more than 120 years of The ships can carry 530 and from 2017, will also sail to face.” for work and leisure outside of for it to become a destination know-how with cutting-edge guests and has 265 cabins. to the Amazon rainforests, The Chedi Mumbai is situ- South Mumbai and will house in and of itself, the epicentre of technology and design, and In the Arctic, Hurtigruten added Skjeldam. ated in close proximity to the a new convention and exhibi- this metropolitan city. a strong commitment to sustainability, to offer the modern-day adventure traveller unprecedented experiences,” says Daniel Skjeldam, Chief Executive Officer, Hurtigruten.

The latest innovative, environmental-friendly technology will allow for a total

Daniel Skjeldam &KLHI([HFXWLYH2IÀFHU Hurtigruten

We are combining Hurtigruten’s more than 120 years of knowhow with cutting-edge technology and design

reduction in fuel consumption

and hence CO2-emissions by 20 per cent, informed Skjeldam. The new exploration ships will be named after the two most inﬂuential Norwegian polar pioneers – Roald Amundsen and Fridt- jof Nansen – from the era when the company itself ﬁrst started offering adventure travels, points out Skjeldam

Elaborating on the various facilities that the ships will offer, Skjeldam explains that the new ships are designed by Rolls- Royce, in collaboration with the Norwegian yacht designer Espen Øino. The ships will have large observation platforms on several decks for guests to get up-close to nature and wildlife. Six out of 10 cabins will have their own balcony; two out of 10 will be suites. The vessels will have three

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 81 07-11-2016 12:07:02 82 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Trafalgar showcases products for 2017 Trafalgar successfully completed its 2017 V.I.P Consumer Product Launch in four major cities of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Pune. Guests who have travelled with Trafalgar were invited for these events in which all products for 2017 were showcased along with exclusive deals to celebrate the 70th year anniversary. Guests had a great time with cocktail, dinner and a live band to entertain them.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 82 07-11-2016 12:07:14 AGENTS NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 83 Insuring success Hahn Air awards top agents across Kolkata TrawellTag Cover-More’s strategy now is to be a step ahead and equip itself to better serve its customers and travel agents through partnerships, customisation and cutting-edge, technology-driven tools.

TT BUREAU results, he adds that travel lers from India would buy agents are gradually realising travel insurance, but in recent he focus this year for that providing their customers times there has been a shift TTrawellTag Cover-More with the right protection ulti- in people’s attitude towards will be on e-commerce, data mately enhances their serv- buying travel insurance. analytics, technology and ed- ice standard. Also, offering Several insurance compa- ucation by experience which personalised travel solutions nies and ancillary service it believes are inter-related. It with unique beneﬁts are man- providers are now investing recently partnered with com- datory and no longer a frill in educating people on $FURVVWUDYHODJHQFLHVLQ.RONDWD:HVWHUQ%HQJDO+DKQ$LUUHFHQWO\GLVWULEXWHGDZDUGVDQGFHUWLÀFDWHVWRLWVWRSSHUIRUPLQJ petitive online travel engines beneﬁt for vacationers. “Until the importance of being agencies for the year 2015. The top agency was Riya Travel & Tours, while Akbar Travels of India came in second and Globe and airlines to deliver custom- a few years ago, less than 20 protected while travelling,” Forex & Travels came in third. Sanjay Shrivastava, Hahn Air’s Director Global Account Management for Northern and Eastern ised travel protection for their per cent of outbound travel- Karvat adds. ,QGLDSUHVHQWHGWKHDZDUGVDQGFHUWLÀFDWHV customers that is backed by real-time data analysis, thus enhancing their travel offering and also providing them a model for optimising revenue.

Dev Karvat, Managing Director, TrawellTag Cover- More, adds, “Foraying into the e-commerce and data analytics space will be just one aspect of our future of-

Dev Karvat Managing Director TrawellTag Cover-More

ferings. Our primary focus has always been and will be to enable the travel agents to adapt to new business models and capitalise on travel ancillary services in order to evolve their revenue models. We also constantly strive to innovate our products based on their feedback.”

To increase awareness about travel insurance and the protection it provides, TrawellTag Cover-More is implementing several initiatives with its partners. Karvat reveals, “We provide marketing support to our trade partners, particularly travel agents, so that they can talk to their customers about why travel ancillary services are important. One of our biggest initiatives is our ‘Travel Agent’s Engage- ment Programme’, which reaches out to travel agents across India to enhance their knowledge of travel insurance and enable them to up-sell.” The company has successfully completed this programme in 12 cities across India and it is looking to roll it out in 20 more cities in 2017.

Explaining how this programme has shown positive

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 83 07-11-2016 12:07:16 84 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 FAMILY ALBUM Italian bonanza for travel trade The 53rd edition of TTG Incontri was held in Rimini, Italy from October 13-15, 2016 and was attended by over 70,000 travel trade professionals. This is the biggest B2B travel trade fair in Italy and is amongst the top 5 in Europe.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 84 07-11-2016 12:07:25 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 85 07-11-2016 12:07:27 86 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 NEWS Upbeat on domestic market Top of the corporate ladder For A. Arif, Director, Parveen Travels, the domestic The Suryaa, New Delhi, is focusing on the corpo- market has huge potential and they are ready to serve rate sector to position itself as one of the leading that market with their transport inventory & PPP model. corporate hotels in the city.

no other company has such property is the F&B options TT BUREAU TT BUREAU an inventory available. "We there. “For food and beverage, arveen Travels has have an inventory of more he Suryaa, New Delhi, is we try to tap the local clientele. Popened its new office in than 1200 vehicles, which Tcreating its own niche in We are in the posh location of Dubai as a Destination Man- are for different segments the capital, as new properties New Friends Colony and Ma- agement Company, and is on like inbound, outbound, staff, in the city are mushrooming harani Bagh, with about 10,000 an expansion spree in India. cargo and logistics, or point to every day. “We are focusing people residing close by. Apart Not only are they roping in point operations. We are the on operations, excellence, from F&B we try to get them newer vehicles in their con- only company in South India controlling the wastage and to stay with us for weekends voy, but also ready to work which can provide all tourism expenses. We are concentrat- at very attractive prices. This with the government under related needs, right from in- ing on the corporate market, works very well for us, because PPP model for hop-on hop- bound, outbound, domestic or and focusing on such ac- being a corporate hotel, on off buses in Chennai. transport. We have launched counts. Our team is working Saturday and Sunday the oc- A. Arif a new office in Dubai. It will be very hard to get more corpo- Dhananjay Kumar cupancy goes down.” Director, Parveen Travels, General Manager, The Suryaa, New Delhi, “While everybody is talk- India Travel Award winner a DMC and would be an ex- rate business, and we have India Travel Award winner ing of bringing hop-on hop-off tension of our business in the been able to crack about Claiming that the success buses in South India, we had Middle East,” he said. 137 new accounts, which of the property is because of first brought this concept in is a good achievement for :HDUHWKHÀUVWKRWHO their team, Kumar insisted that 2005. Unfortunately, we were Today, if the gov- While focusing on in- us. In addition, travel trade training of staff is of utmost im- not able to do it due to many ernment is open to bound is a good thing, people has been a great support as to be considered portance, and a great responsi- restrictions, and at last the forget that there is a much well,” said Dhananjay Ku- when there is an bility is there on the employer’s government had taken it up a PPP model, I am bigger market available, mar, General Manager, The shoulders to get the right talent. and did initially well. However, willing to support which is the domestic mar- Suryaa, New Delhi. expo in Greater “There are a number of hospi- later they had to shut down ket, he added. “India is not tality colleges in India, which those operations. Today, if the the government as a poor country. People have However, the competition Noida. The brand is are coming up at every nook government is open to a PPP a lot of money, especially in in Delhi is only increasing. Ku- very well established and corner. We shouldn’t just model, I am willing to support a private stakehold- South India. There are those mar added, “The hotel is very depend on colleges, because the government as a private er, and would like who travel a lot and spend a well-positioned. The location they produce volumes, and stakeholder, and would like to lot and they need tours, as is just right. We are very close in Greater Noida as well. The do not ensure quality. Our hir- run the hop-on hop-off opera- to run the hop-on not everyone has seen the to the city centre, monuments, Suryaa brand is very well es- ing philosophy is that people tions in Chennai,” said A. Arif. entire India. In fact people liv- as well as the corporate hubs, tablished in the city.” learn basics in the college; we hop-off operations ing in Chennai have not seen all of which is within 5-10 kms hire them for attitude; and train Arif claims that they have in Chennai the entire Tamil Nadu, and of radius. We are the first ho- They try and promote the them for skills. If they have the brought in new kinds of luxury that’s where one should focus tel to be considered whenever hotel in many ways, and one right attitude, one can mould vehicles, and in South India, on,” he said. there is an expo happening of the biggest strengths of the them the way they want.”

IATA seeks Raising a toast to camaraderie OBITUARY subsided rate of Sylvester Thomas *67RQÁLJKWV Global airlines’ body IATA has sought an abated rate of GST on flight tickets, saying the tax burden on the aviation sector was already high and the GST regime should conform to global standards and principles. Main- taining that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has been ‘working closely’ with the Goods and Services Tax Managing Director (GST) Secretariat here to ad- Around the World Travel and Tours dress some issues of concern to airlines, Director General of Sylvester Thomas, Managing Director, Around the World IATA, Alexandre de Juniac Travel and Tours, passed away on October 10. Widely known said, “The GST regime needs as the father of Christian Missionary Travel, 78-year-old to adhere to international stand- Thomas had been ill since July 2016. Thomas also served ards and principles. We have as Vice President of Travel Agents Association of India called for a zero-rating for inter- (TAAI) from 2004-05. He is survived by his daughter and son. national flights when the GST TAAI has extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt comes into effect next April. This sympathies to Thomas’ family, his loved ones and colleagues. seems unlikely. To limit its dam- “After being the Chairman of TAAI Southern Region, he rose age to the sector’s competitive- to become the member of the Management Committee and ness, we would at least hope for he was an automatic choice to become the Vice President abatement in the rate.” of TAAI. His in-depth knowledge of the trade and his He said the airlines in In- mastery of the articles and memorandum of the association dia faced “an onerous tax bur- helped him to guide TAAI in several amendments that were den, including the imposition of made effective from time to time. His role in bringing about service tax to services rendered the agents insurance scheme that has benefitted all the abroad, including those for over- members across the country cannot be forgotten. He has flight charges, global distribu- groomed many of the members and was always ready tion systems and international and willing to extend any help to clarify matters involving tickets.” This, he said, was “in the airlines or rules of IATA,” said Hema R.V. Chander, contravention of international Chairperson-Southern Region, TAAI. principles established by governments” through the UN body Travel Designer Group hosted a networking event in Hot Mess, New Delhi, in appreciation of the never-ending support from Members of Southern Region, TAAI, met on October 25, International Civil Aviation Or- their travel partners. The evening also provided a platform for feedback from the local travel trade and to explore 2016 at Chennai to pay respects to the departed soul possible mutual business opportunities. ganisation (ICAO). of Thomas.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 86 07-11-2016 12:07:30 CLIPBOARD NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 87

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 87 07-11-2016 12:07:32 ASSOCIATIONTALK Celebrating 50 years of UFTAA The newly appointed CEO of UFTAA, Ramesh Marwah, plans to work NOVEMBER 2016 towards retaining conﬁdence of travel agency associations in UFTAA and Rann Utsav Bhuj 1also make it a one-stop platform for knowledge sharing and networking.

5th Global Summit on City Tourism Luxor, Egypt 1-2 TT BUREAU hospitality industry, informed of associations, share vast Marwah. He says, “Turk- reservoir of knowledge and Luxury Travel Fair London 3-5 arwah aims to better ad- ish Airlines, Turkish Tourism information on best practices, Mminister UFTAA and offer and TÜRSAB (agents’ as- and offer solutions for day Taipei International Travel Fair Taipei City 4-6 regular support to its members. sociation of Turkey) are ex- to day problems that affect “I am very excited and proud to tending all possible support our members. WTM London 7-9 be a part of UFTAA – the illus- to ensure that this Golden trious global federation which Jubilee Congress at Istanbul Dedicated and continu- CITM Shanghai 11-13 is also celebrating its golden is a ‘not to be missed occa- ous efforts towards achieve- jubilee this year. Every ini- sion’ which will set unmatch- ment of all that has been Phocuswright Conference Los Angeles 14-17 tiative will be in the direction of able benchmark for all times stated above, as also ensur- retaining confidence of travel to come.” ing that 'values and benefits' Asia Corporate Travel Innovation Summit Singapore 15 agency associations in UFTAA; of being members of UFTAA making UFTAA a global Ramesh Marwah Marwah points out that are visible all around.” Mar- &,,+HDOWK :HOOQHVV7RXULVP²9LVLW.HUDODThiruvanathapuram 15 platform for knowledge, learn- CEO, UFTAA there are many challenges wah feels that it is indeed a ing and networking and also in the travel and tourism good time for non-members Switzerland Tourism trade show Mumbai 16 maintaining free flow of com- UFTAA is celebrating industry that hinder smooth to consider being members munication to ensure UFTAA its Golden Jubilee Congress functioning and affect the daily of UFTAA and participate in TTR Romanian Tourism Fair II Bucharest, Romania 17-20 remains first point of con- in Istanbul from November livelihood of travel agents. the Golden Jubilee Congress tact when any issue props 25-26 and it is expected to “UFTAA's endeavour has been at Istanbul and avail free Switzerland Tourism trade show Bengaluru 18 up in any part of the attract the largest participa- and will remain to optimise return travel to Istanbul on industry worldwide.” tion from the tourism and on the combined strengths Turkish Airlines. Best of Australia workshop Ludhiana 18 PHD Aero Expo New Delhi 18-19 Focus on digital marketing Best of Australia workshop Lucknow 20 Based in South India, the Association of Tourism Trade Organisations, Switzerland Tourism trade show Hyderabad 21 India (ATTOI), has taken up quite a few initiatives to promote tourism in *OREDO(FR$VLD3DFLÀF7RXULVP Australia 21-23 Conference 2016 and out of India.

Switzerland Tourism trade show Kolkata 22 TT BUREAU At present, over 500 tour honeymooners despite hav- operators are reviewed ing some of the best palaces Switzerland Tourism trade show New Delhi 23 ith a major focus on by 300 travellers.” and resorts. “We need to Wtechnology, ATTOI has target this segment of peo- Spanish Experience (MICE) New Delhi 25 started a few projects to ben- ATTOI is also organising ple by highlighting the most efit industry stakeholders. the second edition of Interna- romantic destinations of Ker- PATA New Tourism Frontiers Cox’s Bazaar, 23-25 One such project is www. tional Conference on Travel ala, Karnataka, Goa, Agra, Forum 2016 Bangladesh mytourreview.com. Speaking Technology India (ICTT In- Rajasthan and Himachal on the same, P. K. Anish Ku- dia). Talking about the event, Pradesh,” added Kumar. India International Travel Mart (IITM) Pune 25-27 mar, President, ATTOI, said, Kumar said, “It’s an educa- “There was no online reputa- tional event for tourism stake- He insisted that there Germany Tourism roadshow Mumbai 28 tion management available holders to beat competition is a need to focus on dig- for the tour operators across by adapting the latest travel P. K. Anish Kumar ital marketing to promote the Germany Tourism roadshow Chennai 29 the world, while TripAdvisor technologies and social me- President, ATTOI products on offer in India. was meant for hotels. Tour dia. Leading speakers and “India has the largest number Germany Tourism roadshow Kolkata 30 operators lost clients just be- experts are coming for the because we couldn’t increase of social media influencers cause there was no bench- second edition of the ICTT to the market size. India gets 70 and we need to use these marking of tour operators or be held from June 9, 2017.” per cent of the tourist arrivals social celebrities to promote there was no way to gauge from less than 15 countries. our culture, rich heritage, the quality of services by the He feels that despite We need to increase the mar- nature, and diversified tour- DECEMBER 2016 users. Thus, ATTOI crated having a positive image world ket size by targeting emerg- ism products to the new gen- Travel Turkey Izmir Tourism Fair Izmir, Turkey 1-4 this platform, and without over, Indian tourism has ing markets and segment of eration travellers. Focused any promotion this platform not got the desired share of travellers below 50 years.” online marketing strategies & Conference has been emerging as the foreign tourist arrivals. List- for non English speaking global network platform for ing the reasons behind the He also said that the source markets should be Chengdu International Chengdu, China 2-4 tour operators and travellers. same, he said, “It’s mainly country is not favoured by given priority.” Tourism Expo (CITE) India International Travel Mart (IITM) Hyderabad 2-4 TAFI launches new logo for image revitalisation ITLM Cannes 5-8 Armed with a new logo, the in blue depicting the sky. Our where we can integrate our Brussels Travel Expo Brussels 7-8 Travel Agents Federation of tagline is ‘The Way Forward’. members. The Managing Com- India (TAFI) is keen on renew- This would be the right way to mittee is working on the details Travel Business Show Delhi NCR 17 ing its image as an association express our objective for the of the digital platform. We have with vigour which, it hopes, association. The logo starts already identified the plat- Travel Experiential Show Delhi NCR 18 will be emphasised by its in- with a dark shade of blue slow- form but basic implementation creased presence on a new ly fading into a lighter blue that needs to be firmed up. It will be digital platform by 2017. signifies moving from darkness confirmed by early next year.” The Travel Agents Federa- to light. This depicts our aim to The symposium, he re- tion of India (TAFI) is getting a empower our members.” veals, will discuss on how to im- JANUARY 2017 make-over. It recently launched Pradip Lulla Speaking about activities provise on its existing Joint Bank Vice President, TAFI FITUR Madrid 18-22 a new logo in New Delhi, do- for the coming year, Lulla adds, Guarantee program. The con- ing away with the five-year-old “We will have symposiums vention details will be divulged Global Panorama Showcase Nagpur 19-21 red in exchange for a fresh, Pradip Lulla, Vice President, starting next year over and by March 2017. Lulla adds that trim look. Introducing the new TAFI, said, “We wanted to get above our annual convention. TAFI is also looking at new ways logo to members of the West- a new look and this objective One of our main objectives of educating its members on For more information, contact us at: [email protected] ern India region in Mumbai, is achieved with the new logo is to get on a digital platform how to do business better.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 88 07-11-2016 12:07:33 CLIPBOARD NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 TRAVTALK 89

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 89 07-11-2016 12:07:35 90 TRAVTALK NOVEMBER 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2016 MOVEMENTS Sabre Le Royal Meridien Chennai Country Inn & Suites By Carlson US Chennai Mysore Sabre Corporation has appointed Alfred de Cárdenas as Chief Sumit Kant has been appointed as General Manager, Le Royal Vivek Chowdhary has been appointed as Director of Sales & &RPPHUFLDO2IÀFHURILWV7UDYHO1HWZRUNRUJDQLVDWLRQ:LWKPRUHYHO1HWZRUNRUJDQLVDWLRQ:LWKPRUH Meridien Chennai. He has over 25 years of experience across Marketing at Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Mysore. Chowdhary than 28 years of commercial sstrategy,trategy, operatiooperationsnss multiple brands. Before Joining Le Royal brings with him over 18 years of expertise and executive management experience,experience, De Meridien Chennai he was with Sheraton in the hospitality industry having started Cárdenas will be responsiblee for leading of India at Vashi, Navi Mumbai. He his career in 1998. He is responsible for global sales, sales operations and business is an Alumni of IHM, Hyderabad pioneering sales avenues, delivering greater development initiatives. Dee CárdenasCárdenas and started his career with the Taj SURÀWVLPSOHPHQWLQJLQQRYDWLYHDQGFUHDWLYH will lead a team of seasoned seseniornior vivice-ce- Group of Hotels and moved on to strategies for marketing, media planning and presidents and vice-presidents.nts. Prior to work with the Jehan Numa Palace market research with dynamic approach. He joining Sabre, he was presidentent of global Hotels, Tulips Group and Ritz Hotel had worked with various brands pan-India, sales and customer service fforor SSyniverseyniverse EHIRUHODXQFKLQJWKHÀUVW)RXU3RLQWV and has studied Hotel Management & Catering Technologies, a cloud-based/SaaSsed/SaaS E\ 6KHUDWRQ +H KDV D FHUWLÀFDWLRQ Technology from IHM, Meerut. mobility services company. on hotel administration from American Hotel and Lodging Association.

The Raviz Ashtamudi Resort & Spa Crowne Plaza Pune City Centre Experiential Travel Journeys Kollam Pune Delhi Vrushali Kummar has been appointedpp as Director of Sales and Monika SinSinghgh Rawat has jojoinedined EExperientialxperientia Travel Journeys as Kerala MMarketingarketing at CrowneCrowne Plaza Pune CCityity Centre.Centr Kummar, already a its Private Travel Designer and Director. SShehe comes with over a RakeshRakesh PParameswaranarameswaran has been appointed as General Manager ppartart of the CrowneCrowne PlazaPla family in Bengaluru decade of experienceexperience wworking mainly in the ofof TheThe Raviz Ashtamudi Resort & hhasas an experience ofo more than 16 years. luxury private travel leisure segment, her SpaSpa KKollam, Kerala. He comes with IInn this role, shshee will be in charge of last assignment for eight years was overover 14 years of experience in the ooverseeingverseeing businessb operations wworkingorking with AAbercrombie & Kent hospitalityhos industry having worked supportingsupporting ththe functions of sales, IIndia.ndia. SShehe holholdsd a PG Diploma in withwit The Residency Group of marketing,marketing, reservations and Tourism and sspecialises in crafting Hotels,Hot Mahindra Holidays & revenuerevenue and will cover all aspects bespoke journeysjourn for discerning ResortsRes India Limited, Le Meridien, ofof marketingmarketing including branding, high-end clienclients.t She will contribute BangaloreBang among other brands. He distribution,distribution, public relations, to ETJ's businessbusin ethos of offering graduatedgradua from the WelcomgGroup socialsocial medimedia,a sales and talent life-enrichinglil fe-enriching experiences to those GraduateGraduate School of Hotel Administration. development.develop seekingseeking inspirationalinsp journeys to ParameswaranParamesw began his career as destinationsded stinatio worldwide. managementmana trainee with The Leela PalacesPala & Resorts.

Berggruen’s Keys Hotel Hyatt Regency Pune Mumbai Pune Ramchander Bishnoi hasas been aappointedppointed as Director of Keys Hotels, a brand by Berggruen hotels, has appointed Nimesh Hyatt Regency Pune has appointed Suveer Sodhi as Director of eCommerce, at Keys Hotels,s, a brand by Berggruen Hotels. He will Waghela DV +HDG ² 0DWHULDOV DQG 3URFXUHPHQW :DJKHOD ZLOO Operations. Suveer brings with him a rich experiencep of over 10 participate in the developmentent and execution oversee all activities related to materials, years in the hospitality industry, havinhavingg of strategic and tactical businesssiness plans procurement and annual contracts previously worked with bbrandsrands such with other members of thehe team.team. which will include standardisation of as the Shangri-La Hotels aandnd Resorts, Further, Bishnoi will manageage the procurement policy, implementations Aman Resorts, Dusit Hotelsotels & DLFDLF user experience of the website,website, of cost effective procurements, Restaurants to name a fefew.w. PPriorrior ttoo including site navigation, content forecasting and supply chain joining Hyatt Regency PPune,une, SSodhiodhi development, checkout funnelnel and management, budgetary controls, was Director of Food and Beverage at promotional campaigns. HHoldingolding institutional tie-ups, in accordance Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel, NewNew Delhi. Masters in Business Administrationstration with applicable state laws. Prior to from UPES, Bishnoi has worked joining Berggruen Hotels, Waghela with Air Pegasus, Global Vectraectra HelicoHelicorprp has worked with Ramee Group of Ltd., Sabre Holdings, Air DDeccaneccan and Hotels, Inox Leisure Ltd. and .LQJÀVKHU$LUOLQHV Skygourmet Catering

Bipan Kapur, MD, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali Despite her 32 years in the industry, Leena Karkera, Srijan Vadhera, the newly appointed General Manager and Bali International Convention Centre, considers Resident Manager, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism of Fairmont Jaipur, is a gadget freak and loves to play himself fortunate to be living in Bali. “One needs to Development Corporation (MPTDC), still feels that PS4 in his free time. "As a GM, frankly, I have little just stand at the edge of the beach and take in the there is a lot to learn. She lives byy the motto: live free time.time. In my spare time I like to make sure that I natural beauty and the stress just andand let live. When asked to pipickck sstaytay busy in different ways.ways.. melts away,” says Kapur. He oneone place in Madhya Pradesh I am a Hog Rider and has bungee-jumped from the that would be her favourite,favourite, like to ride My Fat Bob same spot where the sport sheshe says, “All“All destinations wwheneverhenever I get time. I RULJLQDWHG².DUDZD%ULGJH in Madhya Pradesh are my aalsolso enjoy spending in Queenstown that is 43m favourite.favourite. But outside of itit,, it time with my family," high! “In India the train is the Dead SSeaea in Israel that hhee adds.adds. Vadhera'sVadhera's journey from Mumbai to Goa I love to visit. It is something ffavouriteavourite destinationdestination that I took a few decades ago different;different; there’s a wow is SingaporeSingapore and on was just magical,” elementelement ttoo it.it.”” his wishlist are SpainSpain he adds. & GGreece.reece.

FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 90 07-11-2016 12:07:42 FINAL_TT_NOVEMBER-1ST_WTM-2016.indd 91 07-11-2016 12:07:44 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: 30-10-2016 Amritsar-Toronto on Air India Air India will start direct operations between Delhi and Madrid from December 2016 and is also planning to connect Amritsar-Toronto and Delhi-Washington DC next year. Pankaj Srivastava, Director-Commercial and Board Member, Air India, elaborates on the turnaround of the airline and its future plans.

ANKITA SAXENA The new connection of Amritsar-Toronto via Birmingham will How has Air India performed serve the huge population of Indians living in Toronto city, who’d Q in 2016? After few years of dull period for Air like to use a direct connection. I agree that there India, we are yet again emerging as a are other airlines plying to Toronto as well, but vibrant carrier. We have posted profits worth `105 crore for the financial year I believe that the market is very big and it will 2015-16. From October 15, the flight ZRUNIRUXV7KHÁLJKWVKRXOGVWDUWDURXQG which connected Delhi and San Fran- cisco via the Atlantic route will begin February 15, 2017, and we will be offering a operations on the Pacific route and re- good package closer to the date. turn on the Atlantic route, making it the only flight that will go around the world. Ashwani Lohani We have grown considerably in the Eu- Chairman & Managing Director, Air India ropean market. Today we connect eight destinations directly with Delhi. We have four flights into Heathrow everyday and besides that we operate a daily service We have ordered on lease turbo props orders we have to join the fleet in the to Birmingham, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, which will connect the Tier III with Tier IV market, is going to change the trend and Milan, Vienna, among others. cities very soon. reduce the imbalance considerably. The rapidly changing and dynamic environ- What new can we expect from What has led to the turnaround ment in India is also a challenge for the Q Air India? Qof the airline in the last one airline. The technology movement is From December 1, we would be year? very fast and other stakeholders need to connecting Delhi with Madrid. Most Team Air India is the reason behind keep pace with. of the passengers travelling to Spain the turnaround that we have witnessed. were dependent on one-stop carriers All of us have put in our efforts and our What according to you will and can now avail non-stop service on deeds have been much focused. The Q be the impact of GST on the this connection reducing the lapse time connections that we have been providing aviation industry? considerably for the passengers. We on the international network are actually The effect of GST on airfare is a are expanding our networks in 2017, helping us to turn the table around. challenge. While ATF has been kept out connecting Delhi and Washington DC of the GST purview, the airline services on a non-stop flight. We are also plan- What are the challenges of the will be subjected to GST which is nearly ning to connect India with Toronto on a Qaviation industry in India? 7-8 per cent higher than service tax that flight from Amritsar to Toronto via Bir- There is a gross imbalance of trade the airline industry is already paying. mingham. Keeping in mind the white which means gross imbalance between I expect an upward movement of spots in Europe where there is no con- the number of seats we import into In- fares out of India. nectivity, we will also try to connect the dian and the number of seats which we What trends do you see in the Q Indian aviation sector? From December 1, we would be connecting India has a population of 1.34 bil- Delhi with Madrid. Most of the passengersengers lion people out of which only one per cent avails air services. We are expect- travelling to Spain were dependent onon ed to grow at an approximate rate of one-stop carriers and can now availl eight per cent annually which also makes us one of the fastest growing non-stop service reducing the lapsee time aviation markets in the world. If this one considerably for the passengers. per cent availing air services increases to five per cent then we will need Pankaj Srivastavaa nearly 2,500 more aircrafts to cater Director-Commercial & Board Member, Air India to that demand.

The middle class income group is estimated to be $350 million out of the Scandinavian countries with India. With export. This imbalance is largely due to total population with an average age the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) the inability of major carriers including Air of 35 years. The disposable income is the government has given impetus to re- India to mount services to various destina- high in this segment and thus we have gional connectivity and we at Air India tions in the world. However new carriers seen a tremendous growth of outbound have jumped on to encash this segment. have emerged and the kind of aircraft travel from India.

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