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Vol. XXVII Issue 10; May 2nd fortnight i ssue 2015 A DDP PUBLICATION Pages : 40 ` 50/- ddppl.com TravTalkIndia.com TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 2 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TTLayout5/18/20152:31PMPage3 USA shouldreciprocateeTVfor Indians France Estonia El Salvador Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominica Costa Rica Chile Cayman Island Canada Bolivia Belize Barbados Bahamas Antigua &Barbuda Anguilla get 31 morecountries Germany 9.75% ddppl.com 36.5% Others eTV 9.75% Russia 7.31% France facility 14.63% Canada Seychelles St.Kitts &Nevis Paraguay Nicaragua Montserrat Montenegro Macedonia Lithuania Liechtenstein Latvia Honduras HolySee (Vatican) Haiti Grenada Georgia 21.95% USA to Indian tourists. brings you brings resultsofapollconductedon “Which e-Tourist to Indiantourists. like must USA,UK,Russia,CanadaandGermany reciprocateandgrant thefacility As Indiaexpands itsdatabaseofe-Tourist Visa enabled countries, Indiantravel trade feels countries Visa enabled countyshouldreciprocateandgrant e-Tourist Visa facility toIndians?” New Zealand,Singapore, Japan, SouthKorea andLuxembourg. them for thee-Tourist Visa facility toIndiansincludeBrazil, Israel, Mexico, asking agentsfor theirchoiceofcountries. suggestedbyThe othercountries and economicpressures; ofpoliticalunrest the storms opportunity; hasweathered demandand shift intourism has undergoneyet another UNWTO Forum, theregion the two years sincethelast intheopeningsession.part “In exhibitors, including113new Exhibition Director, ATM, took the firsttime. companies exhibiting for A welcomed morethan23,000visitors. four days, Convention attheDubaiInternational andExhibitionCentre, The MiddleEastregion’s largesttravel exhibition andtourism spanningover ATM M GAPU FROM PAUL EGHA Simon Press 4-7, 2015,hosted2,700 (ATM), heldfromMay rabian TravelMarket D , Senior UBAI gets bigger and better gets biggerandbetter Reed TravelReed Exhibitions Divisional Director Nick Pilbeam ATM Senior ExhibitionDirector Simon Press TravTalkIndia.com MAY 2 ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE2015 Contd. onpage36 TRAV Press said. sustainable vision,” tourism designed tofulfilalong-term light tomulti-million dollar ingivingthegreenstrides significant and madefurther Exhibitions UKin2014. to ChiefExecutive ofReed whowas promoted Mortimore, first time. Hereplaced Richard this year, oversaw ATM for the Reed ExhibitionsinJanuary Divisional Director– Travel by appointed tothepositionof infrastructure projectsthatare infrastructure

TALK Nick Pilbeam

 3 , whowas TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 4 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 5 BULLETIN 31 more nations are eTV enabled The Ministry of Tourism has extended e-Tourist Visa facility to 76 countries till date. The scheme has given a boost to the Indian tourism industry with a total of 75,859 tourists arriving through eTV, during January-March 2015.

TT BUREAU Montenegro, Montserrat, enabled by Electronic registering a growth of Nicaragua, Paraguay, St.Kitts Travel Authorisation) on 1198.7 per cent. he Government of India & Nevis and Seychelles. November 27, 2014 to 45 Thas extended its e-Tourist countries from nine designated The percentage share Visa facility to 31 more coun- With the above addition, Indian Airports. of top 10 source countries tries from May 1, 2015. The the total number of countries for eTV in India during nations added to the list of eTV under the scheme will go up to March 2015, were: enabled countries are Anguilla, 76. The scheme will be extend- USA (33.25%), Germany ed to more countries in a phased manner. The Indian government wants to extend

Germany Canada During March 2015, a Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, total of 25,851 tourist arrived France Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Seychelles by eTV as compared to Canada, Cayman Island, 1,958 during March 2014, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, registering a growth of (14.64%), Russian Federation Dominican Republic, Ecuador, the scheme to 150 countries by 1220.3 per cent. During (13.13%), Australia (8.37%), El Salvador, Estonia, France, the end of this financial year. January-March 2015, a Republic of Korea (6.39%), Georgia, Grenada, Haiti, total of 75,859 tourists Ukraine (4.21%), Mexico HolySee (Vatican), Honduras, The government had arrived by eTV as compared (2.93%), Japan (1.99%), Latvia, Liechtenstein, launched e-Tourist Visa (earli- to 5,841 during the New Zealand (1.91%) and Lithuania, Macedonia, er, Tourist Visa-on-Arrival same period last year, Israel (1.68%). TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 6 STATISTICS Top travel trends this summer

HolidayIQ has identified some interesting travel trends this summer based VIEWPOINT on the information shared by Indian travellers, highlighting insightful summer Magic number travel pattern in India. brings you excerpts from the report. • Shorter trips have emerged as for eTV up to 76 Trip Budgets - Metros the most preferred type of travel among travellers in India. Currently, close to 75 per cent of all the trips planned are under hirty one more countries make it to the three days TeTourist Visa list this month, whew, that’s no mean feat! The Ministry of Home • An increase of 11 per cent has been recorded in the last two Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism are years on the holidays planned at working on it with full gusto. This time newer destinations like heritage, waterfront, desert etc. While 39 around the list includes countries like per cent of travellers opted for Canada, Germany and France from jungle, desert destinations in where we have seen a steady inflow of 2013, 50 per cent in 2015 are exploring these destinations tourists. This now takes up the number of eTourist Visa-powered countries to 76, Budget Comparison • Indian travellers show more interest in off-beat and within six months of its announcement. adventurous destinations, especially new-age young With the Indian government taking up parents in Bengaluru, Mumbai such a bold initiative to boost tourism, it and Delhi, explore activities remains to be seen how many of these such as trekking, paragliding among others. Manali and countries reciprocate the favour and grant Gangtok have emerged as most simpler visa processes to the discerning preferred adventure spots for Indian traveller. family vacations Top 5 The Ministry’s draft Tourism Policy Trips Getting Shorter aims to attract 2 per cent of the global Adventure Activities share of tourists by 2025 and India is surely gearing up for the increasing number of tourists. The FTA between January and April 2015 has already grown by 2.7 per cent. Not just that the Top Adventure Destination Types hospitality industry is also gearing up to welcome the increased number of tourists. Newer Types of Realising the potential of tourism as a Destinations picking up major revenue earner, states like Jammu and Kashmir are now trying their best to woo tourists and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, who is also the Top Cities from where Tourism Minister of the state, is travelling Adventure Holidays are planned with the state tourism board to welcome people to the Valley. The recent devastation in Nepal is Famous Adventure however a cold reminder of how man is Sports from families helpless in the face of nature. The earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, took more than 8000 lives (still counting) and reduced some of the most beautiful heritage sites to ruins. FTAs grow by 2.7% during January-April, 2015 We shudder to think how an  Foreign Tourist Arrivals 2015 over April 2014. FTAs 2015 among the top 15 Japan (2.91%), China earthquake of this magnitude would affect (FTAs) during the Month of during the period January- source countries was highest (2.88%), Canada (2.72%), India and urge stakeholders to practice April 2015 were 5.40 lakh as April 2015 were 28.21 lakh from Bangladesh (15.66%), Singapore (1.89%) Pakistan compared to FTAs of 5.37 with a growth of 2.7%, as followed by USA (12.55%), (1.83%), Nepal (1.82%) and responsible tourism. lakh during the month of April compared to the FTAs of UK (10.32%) Sri Lanka Russian Fed. (1.75%). These 2014 and 4.51 lakh in April 27.47 lakh in January-April (3.99%), Malaysia (3.27%), top 15 countries account for This is the way forward for India 2013. There has been a 2014. The Percentage share Australia (3.14%), France 70.63% of total FTAs during Shining! Get, set, go… growth of 0.5 per cent in April of FTAs in India during April (2.95%), Germany (2.95%), April 2015.

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STATES MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 7 ‘Lights, Camera and Action!’ in the Valley Calling on the Indian film fraternity to shoot more and more movies in Kashmir, which will result in tourism boost, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, says he has plans to make travel to the state safe and convenient.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA helicopter services to these Proud of the rich culture attention of tourists, he reiter- tourist destinations. of Kashmir he talked about ated the statement of Haseeb ourism has a multiplier hosting cultural events at Drabu, Finance Minister, Teffect and the charm of Doing away with the tourist attractions like Char- Jammu and Kashmir, who Bollywood can bring tourists concept of long holidays, Chinar, Son lankar and Mughal had earlier said that the state back to the Kashmir Valley, spread over weeks, he said Gardens.In a bid to promote would start flying chartered feels Mufti Mohammed the Valley would also cater to tourism in Jammu, he said the planes with a fixed price of Sayeed. While addressing the tourists who have flown in state government wants to about Rs 5,000 to put prices press in Delhi recently, Sayeed, from cities for the weekend open an International Yoga of other airlines under check. who is the Chief Minister as and would fly back to join Centre to woo foreign tourists. He also talked about opening well as the Tourism Minister of work. He said the government the doors of his own official Jammu and Kashmir, said was also looking at a possibil- Talking about various residence — Hari Nivas — to he wants ‘Ghar Wapasi’ of ity to have night landing facil- ways in which the state gov- make it a venue for destina- Haseeb Drabu, Finance Minister, J&K (left) with Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Bollywood to boost tourism ity at Srinagar airport. ernment is trying to catch the tion weddings. Chief Minister, J&K in the state.

Spelling out measures to win back the trust of tourists,

Greener Pastures

Making locations in the Valley available for film shoots Night landing facility at Srinagar Airport Helicopter services to major tourist destinations Opening of Hari Nivas for destination weddings An international yoga centre at Jammu for foreign tourists Organising a corporate meet in Gulmarg on the lines of the annual event in Davos

the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister talked about organis- ing a corporate meet in Gulmarg on the lines of the annual event in Davos. “A meet with Indian corporates, some- what similar, though not of the scale of the Davos meet, is something that we want to ogranise next year. We will invite the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister as well,” Sayeed said.

The event also had some of the prominent tour operators of Delhi in attendance. The Chief Minister admitted that the security issue is a major deter- rent for tourists visiting the Valley. He said there is an urgent need to change the per- ception about security in the Valley and urged those present to visit the region for a personal recce, instead of relying on news passed on by TV channels.

Listing the initiatives to boost tourism, Sayeed said that to make areas like Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam more accessible, the state would also start TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 8

8 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 STATES Tourism boost through PPP route The state announced its ambitious ‘Visit Kerala 2015’ campaign in April and shifted its focus on improving the state’s infrastructure. Young and dynamic Anupama TV, IAS, Additional Director General, Kerala Tourism, sheds more light on the state’s tourism plans.

H AZEL J AIN envisaged in many phases. We have more than 200 projects all trade. We have done website How are you pro- What is Kerala The first stage is already com- integration of our database of Qmoting ‘Visit Kerala QTourism focussing pleted and the second stage going on simultaneously as we accredited operators. We 2015’ abroad? on this year? is on. So there will be a proj- have so many destination. We are also incorporating We will continue to do We are focussing on ect completed in Kasalkod, agents in our marketing roadshows and participate in completing our infrastructure the next day it will be in have a few PPP projects but a plans for the year especially trade fairs. But this year, we projects. We are following a Trivandrum, etc. At least one majority of them is done by for ‘Visit Kerala’ campaign. have decided to expand to new master plan that we have or the other project is getting We concluded a roadshow markets in Asia, Central and developed for all major tourist completed every day. Kerala Tourism Development that saw 56 suppliers Eastern Europe in addition to destinations. We already have Corporation. from Kerala meeting buyers the existing ones. We are plan- eight master plans for major How many projects from various cities. In Mumbai ning to come up with new destinations like Kovalam, Qare included in these Anupama TV they met about 180 buyers, themed campaigns for which Kumarakom and Thekkady. master plans? Are these IAS, Additional which is a very good number. talks are going on. The hospi- There was a little unplanned projects all under PPP? Director General We do 20 domestic cities tality industry has agreed to development in the past. But We have more than 200 Kerala Tourism every year in two phases – partner with us with better pack- with our 30-year Advanced projects all going on simulta- one from August to ages for travellers visiting Kerala Vision Master Plan, we are neously as we have so many September where we visit 12 from April onwards. more focussed. destinations. Our notified des- always request for cleaner about 10 months for construc- Tier II cities and another from tinations alone come to around destinations. We spend close tion, Kerala gets only about eight January to March where we What is the status 50. We have a few PPP proj- to ` 5 crore every year on because of which there is visit eight metros plus Pune Qquo of these master ects but a majority of them is waste management alone. always a spill-over to the next and Nagpur which are also Initiatives plans? done by Kerala Tourism year. It is always a matter of key cities. The achievement of the Development Corporation. Are there any urgency as we have only a Kerala spends close to final target will be over 10-15 Qspecific challenges month after monsoon before the How can they `5 crore every year on years. But we have already Kerala is also that Kerala faces? season starts. Qbenefit from ‘Visit waste management started the first phase of our Qworking on waste There is a small disadvan- Kerala 2015’? alone master plan this year. To talk management. Kindly tage with respect to infrastruc- What activities have Already more than 50 about completed projects is elaborate? ture planning in Kerala since we Qyou planned with accredited hotels and tour It has more than 200 tricky because the projects Yes, we are building have a very long, heavy mon- the trade? operators have partnered with projects all going on are in different phases of waste treatment plants which soon season during which all Kerala Tourism has a us for this. We will be marketing simultaneously for completion. For example, the are really important for us civil construction is completely very good relationship with their discounted products nearly 50 destinations Spice Route project has been because foreign tourists halted. So while other states get the travel and hospitality through this campaign. TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 9

ASSOCIATIONS MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 9 Joint bank guarantee scheme for agents After a successful convention in Israel, the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) is now getting ready to push for the joint bank guarantee scheme for its members at the upcoming Agency Programme Joint Council meeting with the airlines.

H AZEL J AIN of mid and small-sized agents. now trying to give our mem- regularly to reflect member So in order to bridge this gap, bers more value through our information, upcoming events Next Step ith an impressive turnout we are trying to conduct work- membership card by getting in all chapters and major Wof about 550 delegates shops where we can involve the more and more establishments announcements. We are also An app will be used to disseminate information about and a selection of fine speak- airlines, and maybe even hotels like hotels and restaurants into in the process of revamping the association, news alerts, details of the managing ers, including international and DMCs,” Lulla adds. TAFI the fold and extend discounts our website to make it more committee, chapter details, contacts, membership ones, the Travel Agents recently conducted its Managing to our members.” dynamic and interactive.” The Federation of India (TAFI) Committee meeting in Mumbai. portal, too, will have informa- details, etc. annual convention in Israel Talking about TAFI’s tion on events, exhibitions and managed to deliver inspiration More value for members major foray into the realm of workshops organised by This will be for its members as well as non- in sufficient amounts to its Adding on TAFI’s agenda technology, Lulla adds, “We destinations and other members and will not require a log-in. It is available members. Next on the associ- for this year, Lulla says, “We have developed a mobile app trade partners. It will also have on iOS and Android. ation’s agenda is the issue of are revitalised and ready to get which was unveiled at the con- industry news to keep the joint bank guarantee scheme into the thick of things. We are vention. It will now be updated members updated. for its members.

Revealing the associa- tion’s plans is Pradip Lulla, National General Secretary, TAFI. “We will be pushing the joint bank guarantee scheme at the upcoming Agency Programme Joint Council [APJC] meeting. This will be in

Pradip Lulla National General Secretary TAFI

We will be pushing the joint bank guarantee scheme at the APJC meeting. This will be in lieu of insurance for which all members currently pay a premium

lieu of insurance for which all members currently pay a premi- um. The joint bank guarantee will be in effect next year so that the members can subscribe to it and gain from having a lower bank guarantee by giving a col- lective bank guarantee in this scheme,” he says. The airlines have not yet announced a date for the APJC meeting.

The association also wants to improve and encour- age dialogue between its mem- bers and the principals. “At the moment, connect between the airlines and the agents is weak. Most airlines are only dealing with a few consolidators while our membership consists mainly TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 10

10 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 ASSOCIATIONS

Ramayana, Jain and Sufi circuits Educating agents on destinations on the anvil  The Union Ministry of With renewed focus on education and knowledge enhancement for its members, TAAI Tourism plans to develop Jain, Sufi and Ramayana is in the process of collaborating with a series of destinations to conduct training workshops circuits in the country in addition to the existing cir- pan-India for its members and their frontline staff. cuits already being devel- oped by the Ministry. This H AZEL J AIN Destination Workshops that TAAI is only an outbound MoU with Zanzibar creating packages in information was given by (EDW) in the respective des- association. We have According to its MoU such a manner that it’s well- Minister of State for Tourism he Travel Agents tinations. TAAI has done members doing inbound, with ZTPC, TAAI will promote suited for the Indian market,” (Independent Charge), TAssociation of India (TAAI) similar workshops in the outbound, ticketing – basically bilateral tourism between Bhatia asserts. The TAAI Culture (Independent has renewed its focus on edu- past with New Zealand, everything depending on India and Zanzibar. “Zanzibar Managing Committee mem- Charge) and Civil Aviation, cation for its members from this Thailand, and Dubai. Bhatia the season.” has a lot of Indians with roots bers will soon travel to Dr Mahesh Sharma in year. The association is looking in India, especially in Gujarat. Zanzibar for a recce. reply to a starred question to tie-up with a number of inter- We want to increase tourism in Rajya Sabha. Replying to national tourism boards to con- movement both ways and for Meanwhile, TAAI is supplementaries, he said TAAI is looking to duct educational workshops for this we will conduct intensive busy revamping its website that end-to-end tourism will its members and their frontline tie up with destinations workshops with Zanzibar and upgrading it to allow its be provided on the Buddhist staff. It will be announcing this DMCs and hotels to educate members to access more circuit and GPS-enabled like Vietnam, South soon once it receives formal our members about the information and do more vehicles will be run to Africa, Malaysia, ensure the safety of confirmations from them. destination jointly with things on it. tourists. He said that the Georgia in Europe and Zanzibar. For now, it wants to Buddhist circuit has been Jay Bhatia, Chairman, several others. focus only on western India,” allotted ` 120 crore and the Tourism Council, TAAI, and Bhatia explains. work on it has started. Director, says, “We have been Discovering Jay Bhatia Similarly Krishna circuit, talking to a lot of tourism boards TAAI will also be Zanzibar which includes Mathura and and will be announcing a lot of India Travel Award Winner and making recommendations for Vrindavan, is also being joint initiatives with them Chairman, Tourism Council, Zanzibar visa facilitation developed and a sum of soon. TAAI is looking to TAAI and better air connectivity. TAAI will assist Zanzibar ` 120 crore is being tie up with destinations like “We will also assist them with Tourism in creating allocated to it. Vietnam, South Africa, contacts wherever required. packages well-suited for An amount of `100 Malaysia, Georgia in Europe Awareness about Zanzibar is the Indian market crore has been allocated for and several others.” The associ- adds, “This will give our He adds that some very low. People think that the 12 religious cities select- ation recently signed a MoU with members a platform to countries want to reach out to being an East African TAAI will conduct work- ed under the PRASAD Zanzibar Tourism Promotion interact and network with agents only in certain regions country it has only safaris. But shops with Zanzibar Centre India (ZTPC). the DMCs and the local that are key for them. For in actuality, it has much scheme and ` 600 crore has DMCs and hotels to been provided for the players in these destinations. instance, South Africa wants more. We will now sit with Swadesh Darshan scheme Educational workshops We want to promote outbound to do it pan-India while them and discuss budgets, educate TAAI members for the current year. in India will be followed as well as inbound. A lot of Vietnam will only touch activities and other details. about the destination by TAAI’s Educational people have a false notion western India. We will assist them in TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 11 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 12 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 13

NTO MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 13 Linking Germany with India’s travel trade Representatives from the Indian travel trade toured the Thuringia region recently to participate in the Germany Travel Mart 2015. The mart helped them to understand products and services provided by Germany as a destination.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA FROM ERFURT GTM was helpful The experience GTM was a in terms of at GTM was very good plat- As a buyer, knowledge of absolutely out- form, it was GTM helps us new products or standing. I informative and meet suppliers, existing products loved the loca- educative. And both old and which we largely tion and the since at Red new, discover lack awareness effort taken by Carpet Tours new products of. Some of the the Thuringia we do a lot of and destina- takeaways from tourist board in MICE activities, tions and expe- the event are showcasing I got to meet rience some of new products which can be used for leisure their region. The exhibition is split by region many transporters, hoteliers and represen- them first hand. travellers, in fact we have recognised a and product and provided me with the tatives of major sightseeing facilities. I also The exhibitors were very enthusiastic and probable new market segment, which we unique opportunity to discover new products got introduced to new destinations and all from an Indian stand-point, extremely will- can target. and develop existing contacts. this has translated into business for us. ing to extend a hand of partnership. Neil Almeida Supriya Kandhari Gurpreet Johar Devesh Khanna Head of Products, Outbound Holidays, Yatra Managing Director, Chrysalis Holidays Director, Red Carpet Tours Head – Retail, B2B, Franchisee & Airports, MakeMyTrip

The 41st Germany Travel Mart GTM was a fantastic event, the GTM has helped me a lot in terms created a valuable platform for us mart provides an amazing plat- of getting the right knowledge to meet suppliers and Tourism form for products and knowledge. about a lot of unexplored places Boards from Germany. The exhi- People have great passion for and small towns in Germany. I bition provided the opportunity to tourism. We at Hi-Times will soon now have a good idea of what itin- olearn trends, product presenta- be signing MoUs with intercity eraries to promote and sell. I met tion and educational programs of transport companies, car rentals with a lot of good hoteliers and the German tourism industry. and new DMCs in Germany. DMCs, so overall the experience was very helpful. Sandeep Bhardwaj Harkamal Singh Gill Managing Director, Aeronet Travtour Managing Director, Hi-Times Akshay Chitkara Manager -Tours, UniglobeMKOV Travel TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 14

14 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 AVIATION Mumbai to Beijing on Air China soon Air China will be doubling its capacity and starting direct flights between Mumbai and Beijing from this October, during the time of Diwali. On the cards are more trade workshops across India and joint promotions with the China National Tourist Office.

H AZEL J AIN capacity is that we have very Working with trade turnout from sub-agents due to but we are looking at a 10-15 ir China announces non- good connectivity to Japan In lieu of the develop- them being located close to the per cent growth this year. The Astop flights between with 12 cities, which is second ments, Air China is offering the trader markets. “If you see our government has already Mumbai and Beijing from this only to Japan’s national carrier. travel trade plenty of deals that BSP [Bill Settlement Plan] announced 2015 as ‘Visit October, just in time for So we expect huge demand are listed on its Facebook report, it will show that we have China Year’. Even the Indian the Diwali season. This, from travellers going onward page. It also conducted trade multiple agents who issue sin- government is looking to will double its current capacity to Japan as well. The demand approve eTV for Chinese from Mumbai. for north China is also tourists so things will only very huge so we may look We are looking to replicate this in improve.” He however did not “Air China will be increas- at increasing capacity there divulge investment figures for ing its capacity from Mumbai as well.” Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi India for this year. from October 2015 and Xia Baohui and Nasik in June-July. We want to launching non-stop Mumbai- General Manager Air China sees huge traf- Air China, Mumbai Beijing flights four times a fic flying to Hangzhou and create awareness about the new route Soaring Non-stop week. Most of the traffic from Yiwu from India. The airline and check the response for it the western and southern part We have seen currently flies four flights Air China will ramp up of India is business travel as weekly on the Mumbai- Asif Naqvi, Sales Manager, Air China, Mumbai there are a lot of traders who numbers grow Chengdu-Shanghai route and the number of travellers travel to China. From the north, more than four weekly flights on the from Mumbai from 117 there is more of onward traffic,” New Delhi–Beijing-Hangzhou workshops this April in gle tickets but translate to more to 250 says Xia Baohui, General double. India- route. “The flights from Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, business for us. We are starting Manager, Air China, Mumbai. China is not a Mumbai have a capacity of Goa, New Delhi and Jalandhar. from the grass-roots level and It has also conducted The new flights will be on sys- 117 passengers including “We are looking to replicate training them,” he adds. very predictable trade workshops in tems from June or July. business class. We are taking this in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, market but we that to 250 altogether and Chennai, Kochi and Nasik in Growth in traffic The airline also held changing the route to Beijing June-July. We want to create In its third year of opera- Pune, Goa, New Delhi nationwide workshops for are looking at a directly. Once we introduce awareness about the new tions in India, Air China has and Jalandhar agents in India. Asif Naqvi, 10-15 per cent Beijing, we will have a lot of route and check the response seen traffic grow over the last Sales Manager, Air China, connectivity to the interiors of for it,” Naqvi says. two years. Baohui elaborates, Air China is offering the Mumbai, who conducted the growth this year China and to North Asia, “We have seen numbers grow travel trade plenty of deals trade workshops, says, “One especially with good connec- He informs that most of more than double. India-China on its Facebook page more reason for increasing tivity to Japan,” Naqvi says. the workshops saw huge is not a very predictable market TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 15 AGENTS Experiencing East Africa Nairobi-based Safari Trails is keen to enthuse the Indian market about East Africa and is aggressively reaching out to the trade to update them about its new luxury products in the Ebola-free region.

H AZEL J AIN available here and we want to launching two flights a day promote some of them. That is from March 29 from | n order to wipe away the thin why we have a special offer Mumbai to Nairobi directly Ilayer of dust that seems to available only to agents who and Ethiopian Airways’ have settled on Africa after the work with us,” he says. double dailies. unwarranted Ebola scare, Destination Management Company Safari Trails is doing There are so many high-end its bit to revitalise the Indian products and brands available footfalls into the region. here and we want to promote Rajay Thethy, MD, Safari some of them. That is why Trails, who was on a sales mis- sion to India recently, says, we have a special offer “We have been present in India available only to agents for the last 10 years and it is one of our primary source mar- who work with us. kets. My sole purpose of visit- ing India is to create aware- Rajay Thethy ness of both the destination Managing Director and our products among our Safari Trails trade partners. We have planned a busy season ahead for them.” Speaking about one of “MICE to East Africa is them, he adds, “Our strength on the decline because of the Specialising in the East has been a fleet of special 4x4 shortage of yellow fever vac- African region that includes vehicles that have Wi-Fi, cine. We are trying to get our Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and fridges, reclining seats, and government to engage the the Indian Ocean islands of experienced qualified guides. Indian authorities to waive this Mombassa, Malindi, Lamu Our seat-in-coach pro- Yellow Fever requirement and Zanzibar, Safari Trails gramme, usually a very because it is not required. It is will conduct workshops and expensive product, which we only mandatory in India. The familiarisation trips in multiple are running for this is available governments of America, UK cities soon. at a very affordable price to or Australia don’t require it

Trade activities Thethy will be back in India this June to conduct education- al workshops on various products for its trade partners in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai. The work- shops will continue in October 2015 in partnership with its airline and land operator partners.

In-between, Safari Trails will also conduct help agents sell. So we are then why is the Indian govern- familiarisation trips — one for taking a risk and running a ment asking for it? It’s just its category A partners in June minimum of two pax.” bureaucracy. They need to cut with eight agents, second in the red tape and tone it down October with 10 agents fol- This is not all. Safari Trails from mandatory to advisable. lowed closely by a third one in is taking this a notch The last instance of Yellow November with 12 agents. higher and also offering Fever was 40 years ago and agents charter planes at the tourist circuit is now free Thethy adds, “There are affordable rates. Instead of of it,” he says. a lot of regions where we are doing transfers from one not present but want to be — park to another by road, like in Tier II and III cities of which takes five to six hours, it Punjab like Chandigarh and is now is now offering Moving in style Ludhiana and even Central SkySafari by Elewana. “This India, especially Nagpur. luxury product becomes afford- Safari Trails has a fleet of We want to partner with the able to our partners because special 4x4 vehicles that trade in these areas and are we are operating with minimum have Wi-Fi, fridges, open to dialogue.” two people occupancy and reclining seats, and charging one price so we take Special luxury deals the risk of filling up the seats,” experienced qualified A third-generation Indian Thethy says. guides Kenyan, Thethy is keen to pro- mote luxury travel in East He is happy that the It is also offering agents Africa. “There are so many connectivity has now charter planes at high-end products and brands improved with Kenya Airways affordable rates TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:31 PM Page 16 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 17

AVIATION MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 17 Qatar Airways wants stake in IndiGo India is a strategic market for growth and expansion for Qatar Airways. The Doha-based airline, which Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, has led since 1997, has become one of the fastest-growing commercial airlines in aviation history. India is the carrier’s largest single market in terms of destinations served and it is bracing for expansion, he says.

MEGHA PAUL FROM DUBAI Talking about his plans Airways have only reinforced launching the first freighter on frequency on existing routes Kochi and Ahmedabad. atar Airways is planning for the India market, he said, the commitment between May 4. As you can see, India is to offer passengers greater Apart from Indians who have Qaggressive expansion “Qatar Airways is committed both countries.” a highly important market for choice. Qatar Airways will started travelling overseas for this year, after adding 12 to India. In fact, India is its both Qatar Airways' passenger continue its aggressive business as well as leisure routes last year, with more largest single market in terms Throwing more light on and cargo operations.” expansion. As Indian from these cities, there is a lot acquisitions on the radar, par- of destinations served. Over its India operations, Al Baker aviation prepares for its of interest in international ticularly in India. “We will look the years, the bilateral rela- said, “Last year alone we Charting out its game next phase, it will witness tourists. Moving forward, we at holding equity in other air- tions between Qatar and expanded our cargo opera- plan for the India market, he increasing demand from plan to seek more capacity in India have strengthened and tions to Delhi by starting our opined, “Our strategy is to upcoming metro cities. That is India, increase frequency on the numerous routes second freighter service to the expand our footprint in the why we have daily connec- existing routes and recruit operated to India by Qatar city, just two months after country as well as increase tions to Amritsar, Goa, more people from India.”

Akbar Al Baker CEO Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is committed to India. In fact, India is its largest single market in terms of destinations served

lines,” Al Baker said. “Why I always talk about IndiGo is because it is the best run, most successful Indian carri- er. If there is any opportunity for taking equity stake in IndiGo, we will be very inter- ested,” he pointed out. Al Baker was speaking at the Arabian Travel Mart recently where he announced the launch of the Doha-Dubai Shuttle and unveiled the new brand identity of the airline’s in-flight entertainment.

India on its mind

India is a highly important market for both Qatar Airways' passenger and cargo operations

Qatar Airways open to acquire equity stake in IndiGo The airline plans to seek more capacity in India, increase frequency on existing routes and recruit more people from India TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 18

18 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 ASSOCIATIONS Guest Column Industry works to ease visa process Social media’s impact TAAI’s Western Region is taking up issues that pose a hurdle for its on travel marketing members and Number 1 on the list is easing visa process with the help of Matt Hulen, Head, Travel & Financial the Consulates of the respective countries. Services, Southeast Asia, Facebook, H AZEL J AIN while Pradip Madhavji (2001- tells us how social media is We are working on ironing out some issues 03) holds the post of Hon. CG fter its successful annual that our members are facing with regards of Colombia. impacting travel marketing. Aconvention in Bali, the Travel Agents Association to client visas. For this, we are talking to The event was the first of ere’s a look at the three sonalised. Consumers are of India (TAAI) Western the Missions — the Consul its kinds that saw participation Hmost important travel mar- increasingly using apps within Region is gearing up for a busy from the Diplomatic Corps of keting goals and how social the context of large, people- year ahead. One of its initia- Generals — from a few coun- the various Missions, VFS per- media impacts each of them: based digital platforms tives is aimed at taking up tries, primarily the Schengen sonnel, senior managers of air- over searching on mobile issues that restrain the travel lines, heads from the hotel Inspiration browsers with 86 per cent of agents from conducting countries.We are sharing our industry, heads of national and Large, people-based mobile activity generated via smooth business. problems with them. international tourism boards, platforms offering social con- apps. This underscores the DMCs, insurance companies, text, such as Facebook, give importance of a mobile app On top of the list is easing Sampat Damani foreign exchange providers, marketers more ways to inspire strategy for any business in the of visa processes. Sampat Chairman, Western Region and CRS systems. consumers. The dreaming travel industry. Marketers Damani, Chairman, Western TAAI phase of travel is now more have to do more than just build- Region, TAAI, says, “We are TAAI will soon go into shareable, and 42 per cent of ing an app and hope con- working on ironing out some election mode as its four Facebook users did just sumers will use it issues that our members Regions and 17 Chapters that in 2013, sharing at are facing with regards to Esprit De Corps dees including presence from start their election process. least one travel story with Loyalty client visas. For this, we are After successfully organ- about 50 Consul Generals Damani says, “We will start their friends and family. Lastly, there is retention, talking to the Missions — the ising its first-ever networking alone, which is very rare.” He getting ready for our elections Through inspiring people, which can be broken down Consul Generals — from event for all the senior execu- adds that TAAI had from June-end, July-begin- marketers are helping to into three parts: Customer a few countries, primarily tives from the travel, airline and approached the Consular ning. We will conduct create memories, and motivat- Relationship Management the Schengen countries. hospitality industries titled Corps to assist in reaching our Managing Committee ing them to continue booking (CRM), brand, and mobility. There is so much at stake ‘Esprit De Corps’ in Mumbai out to all the Consul Generals meeting on May 12-13 in when travellers book a holiday this March, the TAAI Western in Mumbai. Mumbai where the details but get their visas denied or India Region plans to make this including the dates for elec- The dreaming phase of travel delayed. We have been a regular event. The association also tions will be decided.” All chap- is now more shareable, and meeting a lot of Consul honoured three of its past pres- ter terms will end by June 42 per cent of Facebook users did Generals and sharing our Damani reveals, “We idents at the event – MK 2015. The Chapter and problems with them.” want to make it an annual or a Sanghi, Pradip Madhavji and Region-wise elections will just that in 2013, sharing at least biennial event because we Cyrus Guzder. MK Sanghi take place at least 21 days one travel story with their friends The TAAI team from the want to create a spirit of com- (1980-82) is now the Hon. CG prior to the national elections. Western Chapter is meeting radeship and enthusiasm of Kazakhistan, Cyrus Guzder All results for the region-wise and family more and more Missions on an among all the stakeholders. (1985-87) is presently the Hon. elections will be announced ongoing basis for this. There were at least 500 atten- CG of the Republic of Ireland, by July 30. trips. People’s natural tenden- Digital technology and the cies to share their travel expe- abundance of data now avail- riences in real time play an able open up massive oppor- important role in helping others tunities for managing cus- in their network discover what tomer relations and the lifecy- Gearing up to host more tourists matters to them. Now, travel cle of customers. Instead of companies no longer have to transactional relationships push generic messages to that ebb and flow, marketers The hospitality industry in Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to meet the surging domestic and consumers and hope that they can now reach consumers at result in action. all the right points in time to international tourist inflow. Hotels in the City of Nawabs–Lucknow–are renovating their form longer, more valuable Conversion relationships. To maximise existing properties to accommodate visitors and provide them with world-class facilities. Conversion is imperative reach and its efficiency, to any business but the path to businesses can marry Pavilion also don a new look. purchase is complex as the any data they have with that A NIL M ATHUR Sharma points out that consumer experience is now on Facebook. uoyed by the increasing Lucknow gets a significant omni-channel. Technology has Binflow of tourists to Uttar share of pharmaceutical, med- changed efficiency, and As travel continues to be Pradesh, the hospitality indus- ical, films and business trav- marketers need to reach a key sector focus for try in the state is leaving no ellers. Besides this, famous the right travellers at the right Facebook, travel marketers stone unturned to make both Chikankari work also attracts time, on the right medium that are starting to leverage domestic and international many designers and exporters. drives action. people-based targeting to tourists experience the state’s drive personalisation at timeless history and heritage. Gemini Continental in 70 per cent of digital scale, and mobile to reach The trade is very positive about Hazratganj is also under reno- users now access the Internet customers at every point of the prospects and potential of vation, confirms Nikhil Sethi, across both mobile and PC – their journey. Lucknow, for business as well Rtd. Col K K Manglik Rahul Sharma General Manager of the hotel. Vice President General Manager up from 63 per cent a year ago as leisure tourism, with focus Hotel Clarks Avadh La Place Sarovar Portico The hotel room inventory in – due to consumers’ increased on domestic traffic and also Lucknow is set to get a big comfort moving across a num- hopes to boost international boost, with several hospitality ber of devices to stay connect- arrivals to the City of Nawabs. hotels in the city, has invested cessful conclusion of Uttar chains and other hotels due to ed and consume content. To a in renovating two floors, giv- Pradesh Travel Mart. open doors and start work consumer, the messages are This is also reflected in the ing the rooms a new, modern soon. Ramada Hotel, that coming from the brand, and not new upcoming hotel projects as look, and state-of-the-art La Place Sarovar Portico houses a large convention the channel. No matter where well as existing properties facilities, points out Rtd. Col has also embarked on a reno- centre, is coming up near the or when they are touched by a undergoing renovations in the K K Manglik, Vice President, vation and upgrading drive for airport with 200 keys. Hyatt message, each of the com- capital city of UP, with an aim to Hotel Clarks Avadh. Many of its 50 rooms. Rahul Sharma, and Radisson hotels are set to bined touches have an influ- provide world class facilities. It the rooms in the hotel offer a General Manager, La Place foray soon. Cygnete, a relative- ence on their purchasing is estimated that in 2015-16, grand view of the Gomti Sarovar Portico, says that the ly new hospitality chain, and behaviour. As such, marketers Lucknow would boost the room River. Manglik is confident rooms will be redone in stages Jameson Inn also plan to open must now integrate content into inventory by about 500 rooms. that in the coming days so that the guest flow is unaf- doors in Lucknow sometime the moments that matter to Lucknow will get a larger fected. Fifteen rooms are being soon. Ranjee’s (64 rooms) will consumers, and ensure that Matt Hulen The iconic Hotel Clarks share of business and leisure taken up for renovation at a start receiving guests from Head, Travel & Financial Services this content is relevant and per- Southeast Asia, Facebook Avadh, one of the oldest travellers, following the suc- time. The Terrace Grill and the June this year. TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 19 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 20

20 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 MOT Draft National Tourism Policy goes online In the process of formulating the new National Tourism Policy 2015 for development and promotion of tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) had sought suggestions from the public and had uploaded the draft policy on the ministry’s websites.

TT BUREAU field of Tourism India as a ‘Must Experience and development in tourism — social fora under SAARC, ASEAN, O A concrete ‘Action Plan’ forms a Must Re-visit’ Destination media, mobile applications, Wi- IBSA, BRICS and others. O he Ministry of Tourism, part of the Policy Setting up of ‘National Tourism Fi connectivity at tourist centres, Develop and promote common O Government of India, is in the Focus of the Policy on Advisory Board’ under the chair- GIS technologies, etc. packages with SAARC and T O process of formulating a National Employment Generation and manship of Union Tourism Focus on promotions in ASEAN nations on themes that Tourism Policy 2015 for development Community Participation in Minister, with Tourism Ministers established source link the countries such as the and promotion of tourism in the coun- tourism development of States / UTs and domain markets and Buddhist Circuit, Ramayana try. A draft Policy, based on inputs and O Stress on development of tourism experts as members potential Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, suggestions received from stakehold- in a sustainable and responsible O Setting up of ‘National Tourism markets, Heritage Circuit, etc. ers, eminent personalities and experts manner Authority’, with representation O Highlights the in the field of Tourism, state govern- O An all-encompassing policy from the trade and industry and need for ments and Union Territory administra- involving linkages with various interconnected departments/ prepar- tions was uploaded on the official ministries, depart- agencies to execute the policy ing websites of the Ministry of ments, states/ laid out by the Ministry Tourism – www.incredibleindia.org Union O Includes aspects of and www.tourism.gov.in for inviting Territories and Swachhta comments or suggestions from the gen- stakeholders. (cleanliness), eral public on or before May 10, 2015. O The Policy Suraksha (safety) enshrines the and Swagat Some of the highlights of the vision of devel- (welcome) Policy are: oping and O Development O Re-visiting National Tourism position of core infra- Policy 2002 structure (air- O Rounds of consultations held ways, railways, to obtain inputs for the roadways, waterways, etc.) as which are contributing significant- vision documents / annual market Policy with overseas well as Tourism Infrastructure ly to global tourist traffic, with tar- intelligence reports on top source tour operators, (Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, geted and country specific cam- markets which would form the stakeholders, Buddhist Circuit, etc.) paigns basis for Government and indus- state govern- O Emphasis on skill development O Online training programmes for try activities. ments and across all segments — setting up international tour operators to O Develop a common methodology Union Territory of a dedicated university for create “India Specialists” for measuring footfall of interna- administrations tourism and hospitality education. O Play a more pro-active and deci- tional and domestic tourists for and experts O Emphasis on technology enabled sive role at multilateral tourism use by states and UTs. and veterans in the Air China touches base with agents Air China recently held a get-together for its top travel agents in New Delhi to thank them for their association and seek continuous support in the upcoming years. The event was held at the Park Hotel. Air China showcased the airline’s two new routes being started for India. About 50 to 60 agents and people from the travel fraternity were present. TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 21

STATES MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 21 Reviving tourism after natural disasters The International Conference on Sustainable Destination Excellence: Rebuilding from Crisis and Disasters, held at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, was relevant in the context of recent events in Kashmir Valley and Uttarakhand, which had an adverse effect on tourism in the North Indian states.

A NIL M ATHUR the tourism industry role in meeting the manpower needs to have fore- needs of the tourism industry. he conference served to sight and proper Thighlight the need for planning to deal with Vikrant Kuthiala, caution on the development such situations. Chairman, J&K Committee, front, meaning whatever is Naeem Akhtar, PHD Chamber of Commerce being done in the name Education Minister, and Industry, suggested a of progress should be Jammu and crisis management plan so sustainable, so that future Kashmir, called for that tourism does not generations can enjoy what we awareness among suffer during a crisis. have inherited. tourism stakehold- ers. The community VK Sehgal, Chairman, The meet, held on March should be sensitised Tourism Promotion Council, 20-21, also focused on what on preservation Jammu and Kashmir, suggest- the travel and tourism industry and protection of ed that more attractions of the stakeholders can do to lessen resources, he region should be developed, so the negative impact of any nat- added. RD Sharma, that at times of crisis tourism ural calamity on the industry. disasters, and have alterna- Dr Kalsom Kayat, ered, she said. Kayat asked Vice-Chancellor, Jammu does not suffer. The message that came tive marketing plans. Also, Director Research and the stakeholders to pose the University, called for a roadmap out loud and clear from short-term gains must not Innovation Centre, Universiti question — does tourism help to implement the suggestions Dr Devesh Nigam, the convention, attended by stand in the way of long term, Utara Malaysia, Malaysia, in environment and mitigate the made at the conference. Reader, Bundelkhand young and experienced imaginative plans, which can her keynote address, set the potential negative impacts? University, Jhansi, felt that sus- policymakers and practitioners, be and should be implement- ball rolling by emphasising “We cannot just look at prof- Keshav Sharma, Dean, tainability is not a concept academicians and resear- ed. Parikshat Singh that what was needed was not itability,” she added. Faculty of Business Studies, which can be implemented chers, was that better coordi- Manhas, Director, SHTM and just growth, but use of said that in view of the alone or within only one sector: nation and efforts are required conference convenor, spoke resources in a sensible man- Farooq Ahmed Shah, recent floods, the conference it needs understanding on at all levels. of the fragile nature of tourism ner, so that the needs of the Director, Kashmir Tourism, was timely. social, economic and environ- and of globalisation of the present are met, without com- called for special funds for pro- mental and cultural issues of One important takeaway tourism industry. He also promising the future. While tection of environment, adding Sunil Sharma, Minister, tourism as well as other areas for the travel and tourism praised the resilience of the developing destinations, the that preservation of destina- State Revenue and PWD, of development. Tourist satis- industry was that it should be industry to recover from crisis economic, social and environ- tions is important. The Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir, asked faction and sustainable tourism better prepared for crisis and and disasters. ment goals must be consid- floods were an eye-opener and the universities to play a pivotal go hand in hand, he said. TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 22

22 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 FAMILY ALBUM Emaar Hospitality holds 3-city roadshow Seema Pande, Corporate Director-Sales and Partnerships, Emaar Hospitality Group, recently headed a high-level delegation of General Managers and Directors from The Addresss Hotels and Resorts, Armani Hotels, and Vida Hotels and Resorts represented by Nijhawan Group in India. The roadshows were conducted in New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai.

Uttarakhand travel agents Lords Inn Jodhpur opens doors Lords Hotel & Resorts is expanding at a fast pace. The group aims to get their own association open 49 properties by the end of 2016. Rishi Puri, Vice President, Lords Hotels & Resorts, tells about the new hotel in Jodhpur.

TT BUREAU ple travel to Jodhpur for busi- ness as well. So we sense ords Hotel & Resorts tremendous potential and have Lannounces the launch of accordingly opened a property its property, Lords Inn Jodhpur in Jodhpur.” in Rajasthan. It is a business hotel which offers all the luxu- The group follows the ries associated with star motto of ‘True Value Hotels’. It hotels at budget property offers almost all the frills which prices. The 50-room guests require for a comfort- hotel is the third property of able stay, at the most compet- Lords Hotels & Resorts in the itive prices. Puri adds, “We are Rishi Puri state with other two in Jaipur. Vice President ‘glocal’ in approach — having The hotel, owned by Lords Hotels & Resorts a global concept with local best Kuchaman Hotels & Resorts, practices”. He informs that 70 offers rooms designed to The Group presently per cent of their guests com- suit the needs of both owns and manages 23 hotels prise of domestic tourists and domestic and international in various cities across India the rest are foreigners. He also travellers alike. covering business, leisure and adds that the group is looking religious destinations across to expand aggressively with The hotel facilities include India and operates under four target of opening 49 properties 50 well-furnished rooms brands viz Plaza, Inn, Eco Inn by the end of 2016. including suites, a multi-cuisine & Resorts to suit the needs of restaurant — Blue Coriander, wide and varied guests .The business centre with round the chain has aggressive expan- clock high speed Wi-Fi facility, sion plans with five more prop- in-house laundry, and a ban- erties in different parts of the quet with a capacity for 150 country to be brought under its pax. A roof top restaurant — folds in next six Lime Tree — is also located months. Puri adjacent to a swimming pool says, “Jodhpur, Tourism industry experts from Uttarakhand recently came together under the flagship banner of Uttarakhand Tourism and a health club would be over the years, Professionals Meet 2015. The response was overwhelming as about 80 professionals attended the meeting. The operational a week after has become a agents will now look at forming an association of Uttarakhand tourism professionals based in Delhi to explore the launching. Specialty spa — major tourist underlying opportunities within the industry. The interim committee has been formed with 15 members headed by Aleenta further adds to the destination. Ravi Gosain of Erco Travels. charm of the property. Besides, peo- TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 23 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 24

24 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NEWS Canada calling Peace through tourism in India for Rendez-vous

 The 39th edition of Rendez- Some of the world’s most The International Institute for Peace through Tourism - India Chapter has launched vous Canada (RVC), influential travel buyers its Educators Network Forum and inaugurated its office at a Mumbai-based Canadian Tourism check out innovative new Commission’s (CTC) interna- Canadian Tourism offerings, management institute to encourage the trade as well as the youth to join their cause. tional tourism marketplace, broker deals and close will take place from May 26-29 sales generate impressive revenue for Canadian H AZEL J AIN businesses. “Rendez-vous he International Institute for TPeace through Tourism Canada is the (IIPT) India Chapter has made biggest showcase serious headway since its for destination launch in New Delhi in January Canada with this year. It recently launched an Educators Network over 500 Forum (ENF) and also SanJeet India Representative Canadian sellers inaugurated its office inside Canadian Tourism Commission and 400 buyers. Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of RVC is a must Management Studies & at one of Canada’s iconic des- attend for Research (SVIMS) in Mumbai. tinations— the Scotiabank all serious Indian Started by two founding Convention Centre, Niagara buyers,” Valsa Nair Singh, Secretary Tourism, Maharashtra Government, inaugurating IIPT office in Mumbai Falls, Ontario. RVC is a proven directors — Ajay Prakash and and efficient event produced says SanJeet, India Kiran Yadav — IIPT India aims conduct Global Awards at ITB devote one hour per week to is any occasion in which you by CTC for the Canadian Representative, Canadian to engage with the youth. It has 2016 for honouring women our work. We seek commit- would require governmental Tourism industry. Tourism Commission. therefore introduced the con- achievers. Also present at ment, not money. We are look- support, we will be very cept of peace through tourism the event was Valsa Nair ing for corporate, individuals as happy to extend it.” IIPT had At Rendez-vous Canada is the dream in the SVIMS curricula. Singh, Secretary Tourism, well as sponsors.” also initiated the twinning Canada, 24,000 face-to-face destination for millions of According to Prakash, tourism Maharashtra Government, and of Jalgaon in Maharashtra business appointments will international travellers and can be the first peace industry Dr Sitikantha Mishra, Singh, who was the chief and Pietermaritzburg in take place in over four days. RVC makes it easy for in the world and global tourists Chairman (Board of Tourism & guest at the event, said, “It is South Africa. The institute is It is designed to facilitate buyers to export these dreams can be the ambassadors for Hospitality Studies), AICTE. invigorating for me to address now associating with the contacts and sales for for their clients. Canada’s Canadian Tourism operators tourism industry has peace. IIPT India is supported and meet youngsters. Some Maharashtra government that who want to distribute in incredible economic growth by ASSOCHAM. Urging the travel trade of the objectives outlined here has formally approved the international markets by potential and RVC showcases and students to join the move- are praiseworthy and we twinning of cities. showcasing the country’s that opportunity for the It will organise its first ment, Prakash said, “We want would like to partner for a few latest and most authentic benefit of hundreds of IIPT India Peace Awards for more people to join IIPT. There of these like the educational To this effect, Singh said, tourism products for buyers small, medium and large Indian women in the travel and is no membership fee; we only awareness campaign “It is a small step but when you from over 25 countries. businesses. hospitality industries in ask for you to sign the credo of because our objectives in talk about peace tourism it can September 2016. It will also the peaceful traveller and tourism are similar. So if there be a big leap.” More direct flights on Frankfurt’s wish list Annette Biener, Manager, International Marketing, Frankfurt Tourist & Congress Board, says that direct air connectivity is most important to popularise the destination in India. She says that while tourists from India are essentially business travellers, they have also improved on the leisure market for Indian group travellers and FITs.

P EDEN D OMA B HUTIA popularise the destination in India is leisure, business, or birthplace of poet Johann Wolfgang of the Messe Frankfurt Convention direct flight connectivity from India to honeymooners? von Goethe, the Old Opera House. Centre and the Frankfurt fairgrounds. How important a market is Frankfurt/Germany. Besides Mumbai Our main travellers are essen- The headquarters of almost 300 inter- There is also a new eco conference QIndia for Frankfurt and Delhi, the other Indian cities tially business travellers, the ones who national banks are located here; the centre: Kap Europe, which is located tourism? Please share your where we are focusing on are come here to attend trade fairs and city also has an energetic nightlife and at the trade fair. arrival figures for 2014 as great shopping facilities. For kids there against 2013. is a zoo here and honeymooners can The Indian market is a very go visit the romantic Christmas mar- important future market for In the first two months of 2015 kets here or opt for a romantic cruise Frankly Speaking Frankfurt/Main and greater area (January and February) the on the Main River. Rhine-Main. The overnight stays from Overnight stays from India in India in 2014 were 75,129, which is overnight stays from India was What are the MICE 2014 were 75,129 an increase of 13.58 per cent com- 20,194 which is an increase of Qfacilities that Frankfurt More than 70,000 confer- pared to last year. In the first two offers for Indian business ences and congresses are months of 2015 (January and 23.05 per cent compared to the travellers? February) the overnight stays from same period last year. Frankfurt am Main, conveniently held in Frankfurt every year India was 20,194 which is an increase situated in the heart of Germany, is one More than 8,000 hotel rooms of 23.05 per cent compared to the Annette Biener of the world’s busiest traffic and trans- are available within a one- same period last year. port hubs. Its airport ranks amongst the International Marketing Manager mile radius of the Messe Frankfurt Tourist & Congress Board largest in Europe and is only 11 min- What are the ways in utes from the city centre by train. Frankfurt Convention Centre Qwhich you are planning to Known as the “Gateway to Europe,” and the Frankfurt fairgrounds promote the destination in Frankfurt is the ideal destination for In 2015 (January and India? Which Indian cities do Bengaluru, Hyderabad and congress. In the past 10 years, our international congresses requiring you want to focus on? Ahmedabad. We also hope that, like company — Frankfurt Tourist and highest possible standards. More than February) the overnight stays We took part in the Indian Pool before, Frankfurt will soon have direct Congress Board — has also improved 70,000 conferences and congresses from India was 20,194 which of the German National Tourist Office. flight connectivity with Kolkata. on the leisure market for Indian group are held in Frankfurt every year, nearly is an increase of 23.05 per We are also attending the workshops travellers and FITs. The city has a lot a quarter of which are internationally cent compared to the same of the GNTO and the roadshows of What is the clientele that to offer in terms of German/European oriented. More than 8,000 hotel rooms period last year OTR. What’s most important for us to Qyou are focussing on — culture and lifestyle — we have the are available within a one-mile radius TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 25 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 26 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 27

NEWS MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 27 MEHAIR spells out expansion plans Mumbai-based Maritime Energy Heli Air Services (MEHAIR) is looking for funding from private companies and banks to boost its expansion plans in India . They aim to get at least five seaplanes operational by year end.

15, 2015. Verma reveals, “This Chas Kaman Dam that are Dam which is close to H AZEL J AIN will be at Gangapur Dam in close to Talegaon, MIDC. "It is Meherabad and Shirdi and Charting Road map our-year old, Mumbai- Nasik and at Dhoom Dam in a big industrial area with a lot takes a total flying time of 15 Fbased seaplane operator Mahabaleshwar. We have of international companies minutes. Verma added that it Andhra Pradesh: It also has an MoU with APTDC. MEHAIR is now looking at signed a three-year MoU with based here. This service will has already finished a trial Talks are on with the AP govt to launch seaplane services attracting investments to the MTDC wherein we will start cut travel time to 15 minutes," landing at Ganpatipule and is off Visakhapatnam coast tune of ` 75 to ` 100 crore seaplane services in various Verma adds. looking to do trial landings at over the next year and a half. regions of Maharashtra to pro- Tarkarli soon. “We have Gujarat: It is in touch with a couple of companies This, Siddharth Verma, mote tourism.” MEHAIR currently oper- already finished our first trial to for contracts for Bhama Asakhed and Chas Kaman Dams Director and Founder, ates flights from Juhu airport Girgaum Chowpatty. We need Uttarakhand: MEHAIR has approached Uttarakhand MEHAIR, says, could be MEHAIR is also looking to Pavana Dam in Lonavala to do one more trial there in a to start seaplane services from Jolly Grant airport accrued through debt, equity to launch two new services to and to Aamby Valley lake. It month or so as soon as we get to Tehri dam or a combination of both. “We Bhama Askhed Dam and also connects Juhu to Mula the permissions,” he adds. will start approaching banks

Siddharth Verma Director and Founder MEHAIR

We are hopeful of initiating dialogues with private partners — someone with the similar vision as us, but not necessarily from the aviation sector

from April-end, 2015. We are hopeful of initiating dialogues with private partners for this soon — someone with the sim- ilar vision as us, but not neces- sarily from the aviation sector,” he elaborates.

The target is to get at least five seaplanes within this year. The funds will be towards acquiring the asset plus basic infrastructure, pilot training, etc. Each aircraft is between ` 15 crore and ` 40 crore, depending on the size and make. Verma is also hopeful of getting into partnership with state tourism boards under the PPP model. He says, “I have been in touch with a fairly large number of state governments to start seaplane services in their state but they all talk about revenue-sharing. MEHAIR’s plan is to expand across India in the next five years. The company’s vision is to have 25 seaplanes by then. Starting is easy. The challenge is sustaining it.”

The Company plans to launch two new seaplane serv- ices in Maharashtra from May TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 28

28 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 FAMILY ALBUM Showcasing India to the world@GITB

The 7th edition of Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) was supported by national and regional associations like Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), and Hotel & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR). The exhibition, held from April 19-21, 2015, witnessed the who's who of the travel trade.

Contd. on page 34  TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 29 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 30 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 31

CRUISES MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 31 A smooth sail with Bollywood Vivek Jain, MD, Griffon Cruises, says that with their tie-up with the movie — Dil Dhadakne Do — they intend to educate Indian travellers about cruising and life aboard a cruise ship.

TT BUREAU What were the reactions of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara did for Qthe actors to the cruise ship? Spain? What was the intention The actors and other members This is what we are hoping and Qbehind the tie-up with the of the Dil Dhadakne Do team had a are also very confident that this movie Dil Dhadakne Do? wonderful time on the ship. At times will happen. Having heard the Bollywood is one of the when they were not shooting or on story and seen them work/shoot the most effective media for their break days, they were enjoying film, I am very sure this movie can be marketing new destinations and cruising and other facilities of the ship. a bigger hit than ZNMD. We can only holiday options. We, therefore, In fact, they had a great work and hol- hope for it. planned to use this media for iday experience. promoting our cruise brand What is the strategy of Pullmantur and also for educating Do you think that this movie QPullmantur Cruises for 2015? Business in 2014 was nice and We are expecting good growth in the Indian travellers about cruising and life Qcan do for cruises what How was 2014 for business? 2015 has already shown good growth. second half of 2015 and also in 2016. aboard a cruise ship.

How do you plan to Qpopularise cruise tours in India — among travel agents and among the travellers? We are doing various marketing activities besides this Bollywood movie. Some of

Vivek Jain Managing Director Griffon Cruises

We planned to use Bollywood films for promoting Pullmantur and also for educating Indian travellers about cruising and life aboard a cruise ship

the other activities are special promotional packages, private viewing of this Bollywood movie and familiari- sation trips for travel agents, among others.

Almost 70-75% of the Qmovie was shot in your cruise ship, how was the experience? Experience aboard the ship was great. The Bollywood team was able to shoot in all the possible venues of the ship. As the shooting was being done during our normal sailings, we had a lot of Indian cruise travellers also aboard the ship during the shooting period and they had a great time watching the film being shot. The entire Bollywood team was aboard the ship for six weeks. TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:32 PM Page 32

32 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS South shines bright, yet again!

With the second edition of South India Travel Awards being held in Visakhapatnam this year, the awardees are more than excited and expect business to grow and expand in this part of India in the coming years.

WelcomHotel Raviz Ashtamudi Resort Parveen Travels and Ayurveda Spa, Kollam Best Transport Company Best Luxury Resort We were really surprised to know about this award as generally This is an opportunity for us to showcase ourselves all such kind of events happen in North. So we are really happy nationally. As a new destination we need visibility. This that India Travel Awards has come to South with this big event. award is helping us to get visibility not only in India but These are the things which keep us encouraged. As the industry also worldwide. If people know about a new destination is going through a turmoil, this award will give us the boost to keep they like to visit it. going with the effort. Ravindranath. M A. Afzal Brand Manager Chairman and Managing Director

Novotel Chennai SIPCOT Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hyderabad Best Corporate Hotel Best Debut Mid–Market Hotel Visakhapatnam has a lot of potential. It is not only a tourist We opened this property in December 2014. We are very glad destination but also a big PSU hub and headquarters of to receive this award within just four months of operation. This the Eastern Naval Command. The South India Travel is a huge honour for us and we thank South India Travel Awards Awards will help promote the destination in a better way. for it. Shoeb Mohammed Ranganath Budumooru General Manager General Manager

Marasa Sarovar Premier Tirupati Ramoji Film City Best City Hotel Best Luxury Wedding & Mice Destination I would like to thank India Travel Awards for organising this We are very glad to be a part of this event and we are very happy ceremony. It is a great moment for us to have won the award for as Ramoji Film City has been recognised as one of the world’s ‘Best City Hotel’ within just three months of opening. I believe that largest film cities. We would like to thank DDP Publications for our hotel is one of the best so we truly deserve this. bestowing us with this prestigious award. Rishu Roshan Pavan Kartheek General Manager Front Office Manager

Hyatt Place Hampi Tigerair Best Leisure Hotel Best International LCC Airline It is a great experience and as we have won this for the second We are happy to have this award especially in South India. For time, this doubles our happiness. It is a great opportunity to meet us the South India market is really good and we are growing a lot of people and get us known in the market as the hotel is further. We have innovative products coming up for all our just two and a half years old. So, following this award, we expect customers which give them the opportunity to have a seamless a lot of business as well as leisure guests. transfer out of Singapore from India without any hassles. Safety Rohith K and quality make us stand out among all other airlines which Director of Sales made us win this award. Surya Kuchibotla Assistant Manager Marketing Sales and Marketing

Clarks Exotica Resort and Spa, Bengaluru Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Mysore Best Luxury Wedding & MICE Resort Best Business Hotel Since the last two years Bengaluru is shaping up in Receiving this award is amazing. I think DDP is doing a great job. a different way and has emerged as a MICE This is the second time that this award is being organised by them destination. Our property started as a transit in South India and it is great to see so many hotels including ours property but gradually we developed and now receiving the awards. It gives encouragement to promote the it has also become a destination for destination and the hotel. The team gets a lot of encouragement wedding and MICE. This award is the and excitement after winning the award. result of our hard work. Thank you India Pankaj Saxena Travel Awards. General Manager Balaji CEO TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:33 PM Page 33

INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 33 India Travel Awards on Vizag shores

After a grand success with its first edition, India Travel Awards recently travelled south to Vizag shores this April. The second edition of the India Travel Awards honoured the achievers of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry from the region. Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach hosted the first-of-its-kind event.

Gallery of Legends DDP Trailblazer

EM Najeeb, Chairman and Managing Director, ATE Group joins the ‘Gallery of Legends’. He is felicitated by Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Neerabh K Prasad, Principal Secretary Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sindhura Kaviti, Miss Vizag, and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group Vallurupalli Prabhu Kishore, Chairman, Varun Group and Owner of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach receives the ‘DDP Trailblazer’ Award from Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Neerabh K Prasad, Principal Secretary Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh

DDP Game Changer

Face of the Future

On behalf of G V Sanjay Reddy, Vice Chairman, GVK and Managing Director, Bial, Raj Andrade, Vice President Business Development Marketing & Strategy, Bangalore International Airport Limited, receives the ‘DDP Game Changer’ Award from Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Neerabh K Prasad, Principal Secretary Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sindhura Kaviti, Miss Vizag, and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group Rajeev Kumar G, Founder, Managing Director and CEO, Mystifly Consulting (I) receives ‘The DDP Face of the Future’ Award from Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Neerabh K Prasad, Principal Secretary Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sindhura Kaviti, Miss Vizag, and SanJeet, Director, DDP Group TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:33 PM Page 34

34 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 FAMILY ALBUM 277 foreign buyers come calling@GITB

 Contd. from page 28 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:33 PM Page 35

HOTELS MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 35

IHG announces Looking beyond the Russia market first Crowne Plaza in Chennai Alila Diwa Goa brings a refreshing resort experience to Gonsua Beach in Majorda. On his recent  The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has visit to Delhi, Siddharth Savkur, General Manager, Alila Diwa Goa, spoke to about how announced the signing of the 286-room Crowne Plaza the hotel is now capturing the growing MICE market to offset the loss from Russian market. Chennai Adyar Park with Adyar Gate Hotels Limited. The hotel, which IHG is now managing, will be re-branded A NUPRIYA B ISHNOI so my drop was to that extent. The as Crowne Plaza Chennai rest of the segments like British and Adyar Park, marking the Tell us about the features The Russia-Ukraine German are doing fine. We were able to entry of the company’s of your property that find the replacement for the business Q conflict has had an impact. Crowne Plaza brand into the differentiate it from other that we lost by picking up corporate key Indian city. The hotel joins It was a wake-up call because MICE, weddings, and encouraging hotels/resorts? Holiday Inn Express Chennai One, of course, is the design ele- now Goa has realised it’s more domestic holidaymakers. Smaller Mahindra World City, making ment which has local influences from not good to put all your hotels in Goa depend cent per cent on it the second IHG hotel in the Portuguese past of Goa. Also the Russian market, so their business really Chennai. Located in the city’s resort has a Bali-esque pool facing eggs in one basket. took a beating. central business district and paddy fields. These among others are taking the site of the existing very peculiar design elements that are Siddharth Savkur Tell us about your upcom- Sheraton Park Chennai, the exclusive to our resort. General Manager Qing property in Rajasthan? hotel bears additional signif- Alila Diwa Goa Alila Fort Bishangarh is located icance for IHG as it was orig- What is also important for us from 60 kms from Jaipur. The construction inally the site of the compa- a brand perspective is that when a guest is happening in full swing and the ny’s first Holiday Inn to comes and stays with us, we don’t think property will be opened in the first open in India in the 1970s. that the best they can do is to stay with quarter of 2016. Just 10 km from Chennai us; we would encourage the guest to Russia affected hospitality So you agree that the Goan International Airport, the experience the destination. A lot of market in Goa or your hotel Qhospitality relied too much hotel features a wide array of our energy is focussed on how a particularly? If yes, how are you on the Russian travellers? excellent dining options guest can go back with a better sense combating this challenge? The growth of Russian market in Under Influence which include Dakshin, of the destination itself. The season that just went by last Goa was happening on its own. Nobody Cappuccino, the 24-hour all winter was an eye-opener for Goa in chased one particular market, but when The Portuguese past of Goa day dining restaurant and How many foreign tourists many ways. This is because in the last that particular market started rising, of has an influence on Alila The Residency which boasts do you get every year? five years the Russian market was the course, everyone reaped the benefits. global culinary delights Q Diwa’s design Foreign tourists make up 30-35 single largest overseas market that was Guests can also enjoy evening drinks and bar per cent of our annual numbers. coming to Goa. The Russia-Ukraine How much business has been The resort focuses on letting conflict has had an impact. It was a affected depends on how they snacks at The Westminster guests experience not just the Goa gets the largest chunk wake-up call because now Goa has were exposed to Russia. For me, specif- bar overlooking the pool; and Qof its tourist inflow from realised it’s not good to put all your eggs ically, in the winter season my property but the destination too round up the night at Gatsby Russia. Has the conflict in in one basket. exposure was 30 per cent of all guests 2000, the hotel’s night club. Vietnam eyes a piece of Indian pie India’s untapped potential was the main reason why Nguyen Van Tuan, Chairman, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism visited India recently along with a delegation of top travel agents from Vietnam. The roadshow in Delhi organised by the Embassy of the SR of Vietnam, in association with OM Tourism was also attended by Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and allowed the delegation from Vietnam to meet travel agents in Delhi. TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:33 PM Page 36 TECHNOLOGY Smart businesses moving on to mobile MAY 2015 Google India along with TNS recently conducted a research study on ‘Understanding INTERNATIONAL the Indian Hotel Buyer,’ sampling 3,716 people in the age group of 18-54 years. 21-23 Dhaka Bangladesh International Tourism Fair (BITF) Vikas Agnihotri, Industry Director, Google India, tells more about the report 26- 29 Ontario Rendezvous Canada 2015, and the future of the hospitality industry. Canadian Tourism Commission NATIONAL 25 Chennai B2B Roadshow, KANCHAN N ATH have an online presence. Oman Tourist Office The purchase consumption habits We need to get a lot 27 Bengaluru B2B Roadshow, How is mobile more companies and India Oman Tourist Office Qusage essentially online are increasing. The first step for the businesses online. Then 29 Delhi B2B Roadshow going to influence e- industry should be that they they should facilitate online Oman Tourist Office commerce in India? transaction. That is where You already have about should have an online pres- the audience is moving. As 300 million people who are ence. Then they should a strategy they have to have JUNE 2015 accessing the Internet in an online presence and INTERNATIONAL India. Out of that about 170 facilitate online transaction. provide a great experience for 9-11 Chicago IBTM million people access the That is where the audience the consumer. Internet through mobile 21-25 Melbourne Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) phones. As many as 126 mil- is moving. Please name five NATIONAL lion people out of that access Qtravel trends that the Internet through smart- Vikas Agnihotri will really influence the 1 Mumbai B2B Roadshow, Oman Tourist Office phones. There are about 5 Industry Director market in 2015 and 10 Kolkata Why Spain? – Presentation & billion Android shipments Google India 2016. Networking Dinner for Travel Trade that happen on a month-on- More and more Indians 11 Ahmedabad Why Spain? – Presentation & month basis, so we expect today want to take shorter hol- Networking Dinner for Travel Trade this number to grow, 50 to 60 Another thing in terms of In light of the idays. With shorter holidays 11-13 Pune India Hospitality Expo million more users will be the role that smartphones QGoogle report con- they want to increase the fre- 12 Pune Why Spain? – Presentation & added over the year from the are playing in the travel cerning direct bookings quency of holidays. 64 per Networking Dinner for Travel Trade android platform itself. ecosystem is that almost by customers, what cent of people interviewed in 25 Kolkata East India Travel Awards 38 per cent of the last-minute strategy do you think our survey said that they want Another thing that we bookings that happen travel agents need to to take shorter holidays. 53 have seen from a Google spe- across the space, i.e hotels, employ? per cent of the people said JULY 2015 cific viewpoint is the huge airlines, etc., are actually Like any marketer, travel they want to take more than growth in travel which we happening through smart- agents need to focus on what one vacation. Queries are NATIONAL are seeing on queries phones. Across the industry consumers are doing. More going mobile. More than 50 10 Delhi VKonect MICE : B2C trend that are coming from a quarter of the total and more consumers are per cent of people have 10 -12 Bengaluru India International Travel Mart travel. From 2011 to 2014, the bookings that are actually doing research online and try- shown intent over the next 11 Delhi VKonect MICE: B2B numbers of queries have happening are happening ing to figure how they can pur- 12 months to actually go 13-14 Mumbai Kiwi Link India workshop, grown 30 times. In 2014, the through mobile phones chase on the web. The pur- and research online. As Tourism New Zealand number of queries that are today. Mobile phones are chase consumption habits a trend online will become 13 Goa Learn South Africa coming from smartphones has here to stay and the online are increasing. The first the go-to place for the people 14-15 Ahmedabad Learn South Africa grown by about 147 to story is only going to become step really for the industry who want to travel, and plan 15 Mumbai Tourism New Zealand Frontline Training 150 per cent. bigger and better. should be that they should their vacations. 16 Delhi Tourism New Zealand Frontline Training 16 Jaipur Learn South Africa 17-19 Chennai India International Travel Mart 17 -19 Kolkata Tourism Expo India 20 Jalandhar Learn South Africa 20 Kolkata Thailand Road Show Kerala’s big pull at ATM 2015 22 Lucknow Learn South Africa 22 Delhi Thailand Road Show  Contd. from page 3 destination or product of their is on show during the ATM. Kerala Tourism finds a promi- 23 Kolkata Learn South Africa “Arabian Travel Market is desire in India. Total 26 representatives from nent space. Seetharam also 24 Mumbai Thailand Road Show an important and strategic India participated in the India visited the Kerala stand and 24 Mumbai Learn South Africa event in Dubai’s bid to wel- There has been a consis- Pavilion set up by the Ministry interacted with the trade part- 24-26 Hyderabad Travel & Tourism Fair come 20 million visitors annu- tent and positive growth of of Tourism, Government of ners from the state. A delega- 25 Pune Learn South Africa ally by 2020,” revealed Nadege Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) India. The theme chosen this tion, led by PL Sheik Pareeth, 27 Hyderabad Learn South Africa Noblet-Segers, Exhibition year by Ministry of Tourism for Director, Kerala Tourism, and 29 Trichy Learn South Africa Manager, ATM. Last year, ATM 2015 was "Find what you Ali Asgar Pasha, Managing 31 Bengaluru Learn South Africa there were 2,343 exhibiting seek”. One of the highlights of Director, Kerala Tourism 31–Aug 2 Kolkata Travel & Tourism Fair companies, including 120 new the “Incredible India” showcase Development Corporation exhibitors. In 2013, as many as at ATM 2015 was the depiction (KTDC), represented the state AUGUST 2015 2,730 exhibitors, including 111 of India as a multi-faceted in the four-day fair. new companies participated. tourist destination for luxury, INTERNATIONAL Noblet-Segers said the contri- wildlife, and wellness. India has “Considering tourist bution of 113 new companies evolved as a round-the-year arrivals to Kerala from the 5-7 Beijing CIBTM and an additional hall space destination and all efforts are Middle East, Saudi Arabia is NATIONAL this year shows the event is still being made to develop niche the main market followed by 1 Cochin Learn South Africa growing. This year’s exhibition products like Wellness and the UAE, Oman and Kuwait,” is being billed as the “biggest Nadege Noblet-Segers Medical Tourism; Adventure said AP Anil Kumar, Kerala 3 Mumbai Learn South Africa Exhibition Manager 4 Nagpur Learn South Africa of all,” according to organisers. Arabian Travel Market and Wildlife Tourism; Film Tourism Minister. “In 2014, Tourism; Monsoon Tourism; there were 48,346 tourists 4 Kolkata Tourism Authority of Thailand B2B Roadshow India eyes ME market Golf, Polo and Sports Tourism from Saudi Arabia, 17,475 India expects a double- from the region to India over the and MICE Tourism, while at the from the UAE and 17,239 4 Bengaluru Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority B2B Roadshow digit growth in foreign tourist last three years. In 2014, the same time adding value to the from Oman, who visited the arrivals from Middle Eastern total FTAs to India stood at cultural and heritage products state. From the Middle East 5 Delhi Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority B2B Roadshow countries this year and the 7.46 million. Talking about the of the country. alone, we have more than region is an important market current targets, he said, “We one lakh visitors.” 6 Mumbai Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority B2B Roadshow for the country. This was expect 10-12 per cent growth The Ayurveda-themed 6 Lucknow Tourism Authority of Thailand B2B echoed by top officials of from this region.” pavilion of Kerala Tourism “The Middle East is like a Roadshow Government of India on the welcomed Arab travellers. TP second home to many 7-9 Vadodara Holiday Expo second day of ATM. As part of its participation Seetharam, Ambassador of Malayalees and there is a 14 -16 Aurangabad India International Travel Exhibition According to Manas R under the “Incredible India” India to the United Arab great opportunity to network 17 Jaipur VKonect & Let's Network Pattanaik, Director-India banner, the immense tourism Emirates (UAE), inaugurated with tourism trade here,” said Tourism, India offers a lot to potential of the country — both the 310-square- metre India G Kamala Vardhana Rao, For more information, contact us at: [email protected] tourists as they can find the business and leisure travel — Pavilion at the fair, in which Secretary, Kerala Tourism. TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:33 PM Page 37

CLIPBOARD MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 37 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:33 PM Page 38

38 TRAVTALK MAY 2ND FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 MOVEMENTS

Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Pacific Asia Travel Association Associations of India Bangkok New Delhi Wallace Wong has been appointed as the new Regional Director Parita Niemwongse has been promoted as Director – Human Amitabh Devendra has been appointed as the – Asia, at PATA. With more than 10 years of experience in the Capital Development by PATA. Niemwongse’s primary focus Secretary General by FHRAI. A Certified Hotel airlines and travel industries, Wong was is to initiate HCD programmes and activities Administrator (CHA), he has nearly four decades most recently the Regional Business for members of the Association including of experience in the industry. An English grad- Development Director of Asia Pacific at PATAcademy-HCD, PATA Youth uate from Delhi University, Devendra has done Travelport GDS in Hong Kong SAR and Symposium, and the PATA Intern and his Hotel Management from the Oberoi School Singapore. In his new role based in Associate Programme. In addition, and General Managers Programme from Cornell Bangkok, Wong will be responsible for Niemwongse will also be responsible for University. An academician himself, he was the PATA’s commercial and industry devel- PATA’s Capacity Building Programme, guest faculty at the School of Hospitality Business opment, as well as bridging the relation- University and Tourism College relation- at Michigan State University, USA, and the ship between the public and private travel ships, as well as the continued man- FHRAI Hotel School, Greater Noida. He is sectors in the Asia Pacific region. His agement of the PATA Gold Awards the owner of Karma Hotels & Hospitality territorial responsibilities will and PATA Face of the Future. She Consultants. include all of Asia with the joined PATA in 1999 in the exception of mainland China. Communications department.

The Leela Palace Taj Group British Airways Chennai Mumbai Gurgaon KM Chengappa has been appointed as General Manager of The Chinmai Sharma has been appointed as Chief Revenue Officer, Moran Birger has been appointed as the new Regional Commercial Leela Palace Chennai. He has been long associated with The Leela Taj Group of Hotels. In this role at Taj, Sharma’s responsibilities Manager for South Asia and will be based at the airline’s South Asia Group and was previously the Resident would entail overseeing brand management, headquarters in Gurgaon. Birger will be respon- Manager at The Leela Palace Bangalore. In public relations, customer analytics, loy- sible for all sales and commercial activity for his new role, Chengappa will oversee the alty, digital strategy, global sales and the region, including India, Sri Lanka and 326-room Platinum Leed certified Palace revenue management. Sharma comes Maldives. Prior to this, in 2013, Birger was hotel. Prior to his appointment, with nearly two decades of hospitality appointed as the Commercial Manager in Chengappa was an integral part of the experience in the fields of Strategic Ghana for British Airways. Birger has also pre-opening team of The Leela Marketing, Revenue Management and held the position of Commercial Palace Bangalore, which, among other Electronic Distribution. Prior to this role, Agreements Executive-Revenue Management accolades, is the only hotel in the city con- Sharma was with Starwood Capital for British Airways looking after the carrier’s ferred the World Travel Award for Group, based in Paris, as the Global head relationships with a broad portfolio of key leading business hotel for of Revenue, Distribution and eCommerce European airlines. He began three consecutive years. for Louvre Hotels Group’s portfolio his career with British of six hotel brands. Airways in 2011.

Hyatt Regency JW Marriott Mumbai TSI-Yatra.com Chennai Juhu Gurgaon Madhav Sehgal has been appointed as General Manager of Hyatt Bjorn Thomas Fernandes has been appointed as the Director of Shashikant Jugran has been appointed as General Manager and Regency Chennai. Sehgal joined Hyatt in 2010 as Director of Rooms Sales for JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Fernandes comes with an expe- Head-Cash Sales & Partner Network, TSI-Yatra.com. He comes with at Hyatt Regency Delhi before moving to Hyatt rience in the field of marketing and sales two decades of experience in the travel Bangalore as General Manager in April within the hotel industry since 2007. He technology vertical, and possesses rich 2013. Before joining Hyatt, Sehgal held has previously worked with Marriott understanding of corporate strategy, various positions in Rooms in Canada and International to strengthen Marriott development and implementation. India. He has been associated with the hos- brands. At Marriott Hotels India, Previously, he held the post of Vice pitality industry for over 15 years and pos- Fernandes has also been involved President-Operations at Reznext. sesses a diversified experience panning in the process of preparing across India. A true industry veteran, Sehgal business plans, analysing them and has been associated with Hyatt International implementing pricing strategies along with for over a decade and has been a part of designing special offers and promotions Hyatt’s iconic properties in India. to boost restaurant sales. He has also worked with the Taj Hotels in the past.

Sumit Kant, Vice President and General Manager, Four Rahul Sharma, General Manager, La Place Sarovar Portico, Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai, Vashi says he works Lucknow, has a keen interest in ‘Graphology’—the art and out regularly to de-stress. “I de-stress by doing science of analysing handwriting. A great nature love, Sharma yoga and exercising regularly. wishes to explore the hills of However, vacations with my Himachal Pradesh, and family are the biggest stress plans to visit the town of Harjeet Wasan, Vice President, Tux Hospitality, is a fitness busters for me, which is why Kaza in the remote Spiti freak and goes for morning walks daily. "I love spending time my most memorable holiday Valley in Lahaul and with my family as they act as the best moment so far is when I went Spiti district. Being a stress-busters. During my free time, to Kerela with my family in connoisseur of fine I watch cricket matches. I enjoy 2010. Internationally, I wine, Sharma wants to listening to music, especially old prefer holidaying in Thailand, travel to France. His classical songs," says Wasan. especially Bangkok. Also I favourite Indian "Whenever I’m holidaying, I prefer have always wanted to take up destination is Kerala, to go to Singapore. Singapore is my music seriously. Maybe someday where he would go to favourite destination because it is I will,” Kant adds. unwind and rejuvenate in vibrant and full of life. Back home, the backwaters. one can find Wasan spending time in Mussoorie as well. "It remains my all-time favourite domestic destination. I also love to read books," he adds.

Talking People is a special dedicated corner, created as a sounding board for who’s who of the Indian and International travel industry. With Talking People, it is our endeavour to bring you face-to-face with people.Contributed by: Anupriya Bishnoi and Megha Paul TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:33 PM Page 39 TRAV TALK_MAY-2ND-2015:TT Layout 5/18/2015 2:33 PM Page 40

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:15-05-2015 Investor-friendly Andhra Pradesh

In a bid to make tourism the growth engine to spur economic growth of the new Andhra Pradesh, a mission document is under preparation as part of the tourism policy of the state. This was revealed by Neerabh K Prasad, Principal Secretary—Tourism and Culture, Andhra Pradesh.

M EGHA PAUL Tapping Buddhist sites rasad says, "The new PTourism Policy is ‘most The Andhra Pradesh Government is investor-friendly’ and entrepre- neurs are assured of speedy keen on exploiting the untapped tourism clearances. A ‘hub and spoke’ potential of the state, especially the numer- model will be adopted to devel- ous Buddhist sites, and generating employ- op the tourist circuits in AP." ment on a large scale, according to Ganta Giving more details about Srinivasa Rao, HRD Minister, Andhra the Policy, he adds, Pradesh Government. "Visakhapatnam already has Referring to the large number of an international airport and information on places of tourist Buddhist heritage sites in the region, Rao interest like Buddhist heritage says these sites would be showcased to Bojjannakonda Caves, Sankaram, AP sites, ancient temples, beach attract both domestic and resorts and other attractions in international tourists by he says, "The Andhra the region would be show- developing them as a cir- Pradesh Government has cased to the tourists on arrival cuit. Amaravathi, the new decided to develop the pictur- at the airport.” capital of the state, is also esque and heritage-rich port the oldest Buddhist stupa city of Visakhapatnam and The Vijayawada and the district as a tourism hub. Tirupati Airports would be in South India. He adds made tourism hubs to there were plans to set up The state government had promote places of a Disney World in the city already started work to attraction in the respective and ropeways at Arakuand develop beaches between regions and Srisailam and Paderu in the district. Bheemili and Visakhapatnam Nagarjunasagar would be Talking about developing Ganta Srinivasa Rao at a cost of ` 50 crore, which promoted through the HRD Minister will be completed soon." Hyderabad Airport as they tourism in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Government were closer to Hyderabad. The target is to achieve

Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma The new Tourism Policy is ‘most announced a sum of ` 50 investor-friendly’ and entrepreneurs are crore for the development of tourism in Nellore over the assured of speedy clearances. A ‘hub and next five years. The Union gov- spoke’ model will be adopted to develop ernment gave financial assis- tance to the tune of ` 10 lakhs the tourist circuits in AP. Information on for organizing Flamingo Buddhist heritage sites, ancient temples Festival in Nellore district in January, 2015, according to and beach resorts would be show- Sharma. Similarly, develop- cased at the airport. ment of Kakinada-Hope Island-Konaseema as World Neerabh K Prasad Class coastal and Eco Principal Secretary—Tourism and Culture Tourism Circuit in Andhra Andhra Pradesh Pradesh is also being support- ed under the new Swadesh Darshan Scheme of MoT. A ` 10,000 crore in the next five sidering forming a Special During a recent sum of ` 10,811 lakh has been years through products and Police Force for the safety and visit to the Indian Institute sanctioned by the Union services like sea cruise, water security of tourists in the state. of Travel & Tourism in Ministry of Tourism for 13 sports, hotels and resort. A "The force would have special Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, the projects during the year 2014- detailed plan has been police stations for tourists, Union Minister of State 15 for Andhra Pradesh. A sum worked out to attract private apart from a round-the-clock for Tourism (Independent of ` 1,253.4 lakh was released investors, he pointed out. call centre and a guidance Charge), Culture (Indepen- for these projects during the Andhra Pradesh is also con- centre," Prasad informs. dent Charge) and Civil year 2014-15.