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roadshows inCanadaandtheUSfromsecondweek ofJune. Tourism, Govt ofIndia, says UKisnow ontheirwishlist. HesaysinassociationwithPATA theministry willbeholding TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout6/3/20159:58AMPage1 every ministry torespond. every ministry give atleastthreeweeks to Cabinet by June, aswe have to the Cabinet. We expect togo we willthentakeministries itto we discussitwiththevarious consultations.ministerial After in theprocessofgoingfor inter- and feedback andnow we are good number ofsuggestions public andwe have received a online togatheropinionfromthe Policy comingup? MoT-PATA roadshowsinCanada,US Q With Chinabecomingthe77 Vol. XXVIIIssue11; June1 to 14%from from 12.36% increases tax Service P EDEN National Tourism How iswork onthe We hadputthedraft ddppl.com D OMA June1, 2015 B HUTIA st otih i se 2015 issue fortnight India (TAAI) hasbeeninthe Travel AgentsAssociationof tourism? ing Indianinbound do you seethatimpact- beneficiary, fromthe apart up andwillbethegreatest Delhi-Jaipur-Agra circuit. the Buddhistcircuitwillcatch that withthisannouncement Chinese travellers. We hope announced thisfacility for Minister Narendra Modihas We arehappy thatPrime outbound travellers toIndia. in gettingalotofChinese the eTVlistwillgoalongway A Legal feetopsTAAI expenses Q used judiciously. tokeep Italsotries thebalancecredit-heavy throughitsevents andconventions. TAAI expenses unnecessary underthisheadsothatthemoney canbe tocurtail hasbeentrying H AZEL it totheeTVlist, how China hasnow made China beingincludedin ciations inIndia,the biggest travel trade asso- mong theoldestand J AIN th country tobeincludedintheeTVlistrecently,country LalitPanwar, Secretary, of Ministry Govt ofIndia Secretary, ofTourism Ministry Lalit Panwar not onlybeenbeneficialtoits innovative activities. This has newer,out toundertake more ciation andactively branching the traditional mouldofanasso- seems tohave beenbreaking news for reasons. alltheright It A DDPPUBLICATION try thatwe aremissing.try the UKisonlymajorcoun- makingittotheeTVlist, tries for usandnow with77coun- UK isamajorsourcemarket the UKineTVlistas toinclude the HomeMinistry for eTV? for wish listoftheMoT be promoting? new circuits that you will circuits, arethereany Q Q developing various country onthecountry MoT isworking on Which isthenext We arenow requesting sation, we have built the ury. “Being anon-profitorgani- state oftheassociation'streas- TAAI, talksaboutthecurrent effect isalsohelpingitstreasury. members but asahappy side Marzban Antia , Treasurer, wildlife andGangacircuits. circuit, circuit,tribal desert take updevelopment ofthe presently. Eventually we'll Work will start nextWork monthand willstart and tendershave beenfloated. (NBCC) hasbeengiven thetask Corporation Construction circuits areofhighpriority EastandKrishna the North based circuitdevelopment, Darshan, whichisatheme- Institute comingup? Q Pages : 52 the IndianCulinary How iswork on National Buildingand Under Swadesh

Contd. onpage46 TravTalkIndia.com secretariat officeaswell asthe secretariat daily expenses the ofrunning conventions, ITTE,etc. The for ourevents, roadshows, ofsponsors through thesupport toadecentlevelreserves week ofJune. and theUSfromsecond holding roadshows inCanada association withPATA we willbe onset ofthenext season. In campaigns willbeginbefore the marketing campaign. These paign aswell asadomestic aggressive globalmediacam- after thatwe aregoingfor avery trating onthe Tourism Policy but areas thisyear? Treasurer, TAAI Antia Marzban Q Ministry’s focus What arethe buildings in 18months. they willbecompletingboththe Presently we areconcen- ` 50/- TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 2 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 3 BULLETIN PM likely to unveil PATA Mart 134 buyers from 43 countries and 114 sellers from 66 organisations have already confirmed their participation at the PATA Travel Mar t which will be held from September 6-8 in Bengaluru this year.

Tourism and Karnataka their maintenance and provid- PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA Government. ing facilities there, he added. rime Minister Narendra PModi is expected to attend Tourism Minister Jatinder Singh Taneja, the PATA Travel Mar t. Dr Mahesh Sharma said that Treasurer, PATA India Chapter, Addressing a press confer- the government is making all informed that small and medium ence in Delhi, RV possible efforts to take the enterprises will get an opportu- Deshpande, Minister for share of India in global tourism nity to showcase their business Higher Education and to one percent from the current during the event. The Travel Tourism, Government of 0.64 per cent. It is to this end technology pavilion is also being Karnataka, said the travel that the scheme of e-Tourist set up to promote the use of mart will help boost tourism Visa was launched. He said Jatinder Singh Taneja technology in Tourism sector. Dr Treasurer not just for India but also for that the efforts of the govern- PATA India Chapter Lalit Panwar, Secretary, the entire country. He invited ment to give tourism a place of Tourism, and senior officials of all stakeholders to participate pride are beginning to yield the MoT, and Government of enthusiastically in it. Giving results, and India has jumped tourism. He said that the new Karnataka were also present at out details of the mart, he said up 13 ranks in the WEF Travel National Tourism Policy would the event. that 134 buyers from 43 and Tourism Competitiveness be interactive. countries and 114 sellers Index, 2015. Tentative dates for from 66 organisations have Deshpande said that already confirmed their par- Referring to the impor- Karnataka Government is PATA-MoT roadshow ticipation and it is for the tance of events like the PATA bringing out Tourism and Trade first time that an Investors’ Travel Mart, Sharma said that Facilitation Act and will soon Montreal - June 10 Meet is being organised dur- partnership with all stake hold- set up Tourist Friendly Police or Toronto - June 11 ing the event. The press con- ers, including private organisa- ‘Tourist Mitra’. The State has ference to announce the PATA tions and state governments, also come out with a novel ini- Chicago - June 16 Travel Mart 2015 was organ- is essential to achieve the goal tiative of Adoption of Tourist ised by the Union Ministry of of one percent share in world destinations by Corporate for Houston - June 18 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 4 STATISTICS Indians are honest travellers A global survey from leading online accommodation booking website, Hotels.com, VIEWPOINT reveals what’s on the Indian traveller’s mind. The survey, conducted with 4,700 From afterthought respondents, outlines their favourite amenities and the things they would do away with. into the limelight Free Wi-Fi is Still King Indian business travellers appear to be more reliant on the free hotel Wi-Fi as it stood first on their priority ndia is surely playing on a new pitch with list with (33%), while for leisure traveller’s free breakfast and free Wi-Fi both top the amenities list (33%). IMinistry of Tourism taking the spotlight as it thinks, talks and also walks the talk Leisure Travellers Business Travellers on tourism. Cashing in on the tourist wanderlust to increase the country's share Free Wi-Fi 33% Free Wi-Fi 33% in world tourist arrivals from the present 0.68 per cent to one per cent by 2020, the Free Breakfast 33% Comfortable work 22% Modi government has come out with a Free Parking 11% chair and desk National Tourism Policy draft. As the draft is presented to the Cabinet this June, the Free Parking 11% travel and tourism industry is waiting with bated breath. However, what makes the new policy different from the last one Sticky Fingers already is the hike in tourism products India stood 20th in global ranking with 57% of Indians bragging about not taking anything from hotel being offered, and the concrete roadmap rooms while 29% of them have admitted to pocketing stationary. Meanwhile, Argentina (27%), to achieve that. It calls for putting tourism Singapore (29%) and Spain (30%) lead the sticky fingers list. In contrast, 69% of Colombians and — currently a state subject — into the 67% of Norwegians indicated they have never stolen from a hotel. Concurrent List to help the Centre play a significant role instead of being a mere Global Results accountant disbursing funds. Another interesting development is the 20% 38th PATA Travel Mar t 2015, which will take Stationery place in September in Bengaluru. It is the third Travel Mart that is being organised 12% in India after Hyderabad and New Delhi. And for the first time PTM will feature a Slippers Tourism Investment Forum, to boost the tourism potential of the state. 10% Our country has also climbed the Room key charts in the rankings by ICCA annual statistics for the year 2014. India holds the 35th position in the rankings globally and The End of Minibars Statement showing the total number of passport applications achieved ninth position in the Asia Pacific received and passports issued, total miscellaneous applications region, seeing 116 global business events received and services rendered; No. of passports issued as well as revenue under tatkaal scheme; and total revenue and expenditure in 2014. The major cities which hosted the of passport offices during January 01 to December 2014 events were Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, RPO Total No. No. of No. of Total No. Chandigarh, Jaipur and Cochin. of Passport Normal Tatkal of Passports Hyderabad has emerged as one of the application Passport Passport issued received issued issued (Normal leading metros in India for MICE (Normal+ +Tatkal) destinations, ranking only behind Delhi, Apparently minibar (25%), DVD Tatkal) and is on the fast track to becoming India’s player (25%), trouser press Convention Capital. (25%) and bathroom phones Hyderabad 6,73,886 6,16,314 30,254 6,46,568 Lucknow 6,00,127 5,52,457 22,980 5,75,437 For a sector which was mostly (12%) no longer appeal to the Indian travellers as they are Bangalore 5,07,350 4,53,747 58,477 5,12,224 considered as an afterthought, these new never used. Indian travellers Delhi 4,46,961 3,64,661 64,536 4,29,197 developments will hopefully go a long way would do away with bath robes Ahmedabad 4,05,717 3,96,359 4,938 4,01,297 to get tourism into the limelight. and use of pool, bathtub to Kolkata 4,31,629 3,68,665 25,665 3,94,330 lower the hotel rates (71%). Chandigarh 3,67,126 3,60,680 13,696 3,74,376

Vikramajit Editorial Advertising Advertising (Mumbai) TRAVTALK is a publication of DDP Publications Private Limited. All advice before acting on information contained in this publication The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning any MUMBAI: Suchita Saran Chairman Megha Paul Gunjan Sabikhi information in TRAVTALK is derived from sources, which which is provided for general use, and may not be appropriate material solicited or unsolicited nor is he responsible for 504, Marine Chambers, 43, New Marine Lines, Opp. SNDT College, Devika Jeet Asst. Vice President Branch Manager Mumbai - 400 020, India, Ph.: +91-22-22070129; 22070130 Kanchan Nath Aarti Nagrath Harshal Ashar we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report for the readers’ particular circumstances. Contents of this material lost or damaged. SanJeet Hazel Jain General Manager Deputy General Manager accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any publication are copyright. No part of TRAVTALK or any part of the MIDDLE EAST: Samapti Das Karishma Khanna Priyanshu Wankhade This publication is not meant to be an endorsement of any Editor & Publisher Deputy General Manager Asst. Manager Advertising responsibility on our part. The publisher regret that he cannot contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system Durga Das Publications Middle East (FZE) News-Editor specific product or services offered. The publisher reserves the Z1-02, PO Box: 9348, Saif Zone, Sharjah, UAE Udit Pandey Susan Eapen accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this pub- or transmitted in any form without the permission of the pub- Peden Doma Bhutia Sr. Manager Marketing Marketing Co-ordinator right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all Ph.:+971-6-5528954, Fax: +971-6-5528956 Deepa Sethi Asst. Desk Editor lication, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views expressed lication in writing. The same rule applies when there is a copy- Geetika Pathak Advertisement Designers advertisements without explanation. TRAVTALK is printed, published and edited by SanJeet on behalf Editor-in-Chief Shivani Kaul Manager Advertising Vikas Mandotia / Nitin Kumar by third parties in abstract and/or in interviews are not neces- right or the article is taken from another publication. An exemp- Bharat Chawla sarily shared by TRAVTALK. However, we wish to advice our readers tion is hereby granted for the extracts used for the purpose of All advertisements must comply with the Indian and of Durga Das Publications Pvt. Ltd., printed at Cirrus Asst. Manager Marketing Design: Nityanand Misra Graphics Pvt. Ltd., B-62/14, Phase II, Naraina Industrial Prableen Pasricha Sudhir Mudgal that one or more recognised authorities may hold different views fair review, provided two copies of the same publication are sent International Advertisements Code. The publisher will not be Production: Anil Kharbanda Area, New Delhi - 110 028 and published at Asst. Manager Marketing than those reported. Material used in this publication is intended to us for our records. Publications reproducing material either liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, error 72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi - 110 001 Photographers Naveen Kumar Circulation: Ashok Rana CIN: U22210DL2012PTC230432 Simran Kaur-Delhi Executive Marketing for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific in part or in whole, without permission could face legal action. or failure of an advertisement to appear. Ph.:+91-11-41669575, 41669576 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 5

STATES JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 5 Over 150 buyers at 1st J&K Travel Mart With a tremendous response from the recently held Travel Mart, Farooq A Shah, Managing Director, JKTDC and Director, Tourism Kashmir, Govt of Jammu & Kashmir, shares some more tourism projects in the pipeline which includes night landing facility and International Yoga Centre.

TT BUREAU What do you have to say How are you working with Which place has been What do you think about Qabout Bollywood coming Qthe travel agents in order to Qdecided to set up the Qthe ‘Kashmir Calling’ What are your expectations back to Kashmir? promote the state? International Yoga Centre? project? Qfrom the Travel Mart? Bollywood has a deep relation Kashmir is the best destination We have identified Mantalai We believe that Kashmir is the It is definitely going according to with Kashmir. People need not go to which can attract foreign at Patni Top in Jammu to develop crown of Incredible India and we don’t the expectations of the trade and we Europe or Switzerland to shoot their exchange. We have a skiing resort the International Yoga Centre. We have any parallel in the country. The have got tremendous response. We films. We have started the single window in Gulmarg which is at par with are waiting for the Ministry of Chief Minister has asked to provide were expecting only 150 domestic clearance. If any producer or director any European resort. Every tour Tourism to consider the proposal and 40 per cent discount on accommoda- buyers but much more than that applies for shooting permit in Kashmir, operator who promotes inbound are hopeful to be able to do what we tion after July 15. We are also involving turned out. Also foreign buyers have he can apply through this and he will get tourism should promote Kashmir have decided. We keep conducting handicrafts people so that we can pro- a good presence. So we hope that this the permission within seven days. in a big way. fam tours to invite tour operators. mote the off season. mart will boost tourism in the state in a big way.

Please tell us some Qmore about the night landing facility? This is under consideration. The airport authority and the people looking after the security issues are discussing the matter. It will be implement-

Farooq A Shah MD, JKTDC and Director, Kashmir Tourism Kashmir is the best destination which can attract foreign exchange. We have a skiing resort in Gulmarg which is at par with any European resort

ed with the orders of the Chief Minister and will be in the interest of tourism and business. If a businessman goes to Delhi in the morning he can easily return in the evening.

The Chief Minister also Qtalked about connecting Srinagar with other key destinations by helicopter facilities. Which are those destinations? Our Chief Minister has a passion for tourism so he is keen on promoting the lesser-known places in Kashmir. People know Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pehelgam but there are places which have not been promoted yet but are amazing tourist attractions. Like some places in Anantnag district and Kupwara district. We are in the process of starting heli services and I am hopeful that in the next few months the whole infrastructure will be in place. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 6

6 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NTO German red carpet out for luxury travellers Romit Theophilus, Director, Sales and Marketing, GNTO India, says smaller Indian cities act as feeder markets for big cities like Delhi or Mumbai and that they need to educate the travel trade a little more in the smaller cities.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA be it hotels, tour operators and India ranks in the top 5 in the and Bengaluru. Apart from We have a new micro site called smart luxury, transports services — every overseas market. that, our office is making con- What is GNTO con- where we are talking about Michelin- industry related to tourism stant efforts to be present in Qcentrating on in starred restaurants, promoting was there. Which are your smaller cities. We were in India this year? Qsource markets from Nagpur earlier this year as well Keeping in view the rich- beautiful castle stays etc. We How has India been India? and we've been constantly ness of Germany’s traditions have seen that people going to Qfaring as a market We have been doing this going to Pune and Hyderabad. and customs, the German for Germany? for the last six years and con- National Tourist Office has Europe are more evolved trav- India has been growing centrating on many markets — How important are introduced Traditions and ellers and are also willing consistently — anywhere from Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Qthe Tier II and Tier III Customs as its new campaign 5 per cent to 6 per cent over Mumbai, Ahmedabad, cities for you and what theme for 2015. The focus of to spend more. the last few years. India is Lucknow, Jalandhar and many are you doing to edu- this year’s campaign is viewed as one of the major other small places and we'll cate the travel agents in strengthening Germany’s Romit Theophilus markets for the future. We are continue to do that. In these cities? image as a traditional and cul- Director, Sales and Marketing, The smaller tural travel destination, high- GNTO India cities act as feed- lighting the culinary delights, liv- er markets for the ing traditions and arts and big cities like crafts. The campaign will year but we are now targeting what Germany has to offer. We Delhi or Mumbai encourage foreign visitors to the smart luxury traveller. We are also targeting the youth and from our sample Germany's many local have a new micro site called and FITs as well with our research we see specialties, experience tradi- smart luxury, where we are Facebook page and by running that we need to tional festivals and customs in talking about Michelin-starred various campaigns on social educate the travel German regions and cities, restaurants, promoting beauti- networking sites. trade a little more such as the Munich Beer ful castle stays etc. We have in the smaller Festival and the Cologne seen that people going to How was the cities. We do a lot Carnival, and to discover Europe are more evolved trav- QGermany Travel Mart of seminars, we German cultural events and ellers and are also willing to this year in the Thuringia go to their offices festivals, arts, crafts and music. spend more. Therefore, we region? and teach their realised that we need to have GTM was great. We had frontline staff, we What are you concen- some niche products to cater over 11 tour operators with us showcase what Qtrating on in India? to these people. Staying in cas- who had the opportunity targeting 2 million overnights November, we are doing a Germany has to offer to them The Germany India Pool tles, travelling in private jets, to meet more than 400 suppli- from India by 2030. If you look roadshow in four Indian cities and we put them in touch is something we stopped last yachts and luxury cars add to ers from all across Germany, at average spends in Germany, — Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad with suppliers. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 7

TECHNOLOGY JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 7 Sabre acquires Abacus for `2,600 crore Sabre Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Abacus International, the leading global distribution system (GDS) in the Asia-Pacific region.

partners in Abacus, and our large majority of core func- lines and thousands of hotels and other closing conditions, mates its March 31, 2015 TT BUREAU new agreements will provide tions to market, distribute, sell throughout the Asia-Pacific the transaction is expected to net debt to trailing twelve bacus is currently owned benefits and confidence to travel and service travel in the Asia- region. Sabre also will contin- close in the third quarter of months Adjusted EBITDA Aby a consortium of 11 agents throughout the Pacific region,” Webb adds. ue its partnership to provide 2015. The acquisition, includ- ratio would be 3.3x, compared Asian airlines along with Asia-Pacific region for many Abacus will operate as a technology services to INFINI, ing associated working capital to 3.0x as reported. In 2016, Sabre, which has a 35 per cent years to come,” says region of Sabre Travel a local Japanese GDS. adjustments and cash Sabre expects the transaction stake in the company. Sabre Greg Webb, President, Sabre Network, and Sabre expects acquired, is expected to be to increase revenue by will purchase the remaining Travel Network. its expanded Asia-Pacific “Sabre and Abacus have financed through approximate- more than $300 million, to portion of Abacus for net cash direct presence will benefit established the gold standard ly $250 million in cash on increase Adjusted EBITDA by consideration of nearly ` 2,630 “Abacus currently pro- Sabre Airline Solutions and for service and content in the hand, augmented by incre- approximately $50 million and crore ($411 million). vides a broad set of services Sabre Hospitality Solutions, Asia-Pacific region, and that mental net debt of approxi- to be accretive to Adjusted to its customers using a base which already provide mis- only gets better,” Klein says. mately $160 million. Pro forma EPS by approximately “The Asia-Pacific travel of Sabre technology for the sion-critical support to 78 air- Subject to regulatory approvals for the transaction, Sabre esti- $0.05. market is the largest and fastest growing in the world,” says Tom Klein, President and CEO, Sabre. “Acquiring Abacus immediately combines the global capabilities of Sabre with the deep local market expertise of the leading Asia-

Tom Klein President and CEO Sabre

Acquiring Abacus immediately combines the global capabilities of Sabre with the deep local market expertise of the leading Asia- Pacific GDS

Pacific GDS. This powerful combination will give customers even more innovation and service options, while allowing Sabre to accelerate growth globally in a very capital efficient way — and to gain regional synergies in all three of our businesses serving travel agents, airlines and hospitality companies.”

Abacus serves more than 100,000 travel agents across the Asia-Pacific region’s 59 markets and has both global and uniquely local relationships with airlines and hotels, including the leading portfolio of low-cost content and Chinese airline content. Separately, the acquisition includes new long-term distribution agreements between Sabre and the 11 airline owners of Abacus.

“We look forward to con- tinuing our long-term business relationships with our former TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 8

8 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 ASSOCIATIONS OTOAI's new Executive Committee takes charge Rajasthan roadshow in 13 cities

The new team of OTOAI Holidays) for Western India, The newly formed Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) will has come on board. At the Sajan Gupta (Vayuseva helm of affairs is Guldeep Travels) for Eastern India, organise roadshows in about 13 cities including metros, Tier II and III cities. The Singh Sahni (Weldon Manish Kriplani (Baywatch Travels) as the President. Travels) for Southern India federation is also coming up with a new portal to boost tourism in Rajasthan. Riaz Munshi (N Chirag and Vineet Gopal (Engee Holidays) for Northern India. Travels) is the Vice President M EGHA PAUL cation for tourism by 120 per launch its website. Going for- the Department of Tourism, and Shravan Bhalla (Hi Rajeev Sabharwal cent as compared to the previ- ward, we will also look at Government of Rajasthan has Flyers) is the Secretary while (Gaurav Travels) will head oon after its formation, the ous year. “The focus on tourism expanding our membership witnessed a positive response. Gurdeep Gujral (Gujral the Finance with Events SFederation of Hospitality sector has increased manifold base.” FHTR comprises the We have had three to four and Tourism of Rajasthan and the government is also prominent stakeholders from meetings in this short span of (FHTR) is gearing up for new active in addressing serious the tourism industry of time with the Minister and initiatives to oversee tourism concerns,” Randhir Singh, Rajasthan and currently Secretary of Rajasthan Tourism along with routine dis- cussions once in every 15 days to review the ongoing promotions. As we move forward, more and more activities would be included to benefit the members and the industry on the whole.”

Travels) now holds the post Committee. Siddharth of the Joint Secretary. The Khanna (Travel Engineers) new treasurer is Kapil will head the IT Committee. Desert Diplomacy Berera (Astral Travels). The Ranjana Sharma (Trav & Bhim Singh Randhir Singh Sunil Gupta other members of the com- President Senior Vice President Vice President, FHTR and General Tours International) will head FHTR FHTR Manager, ITC Rajputana, Jaipur State Department mittee include Rohit Shorey the Education Committee. of Tourism has (Destination Travels), Ankush Nijhawan will head Ankush Nijhawan (TBO), the Chapters Committee. promotion. “The federation will Senior Vice President, FHTR includes 35 members. The increased the budget Amod Thatte (KUONI), Chitra Bhatia will head organise roadshows in about points out. federation also has the allocation for Himanshu Patil (Kesari the Ladies Wing. The 13 cities including metros, Tier backing and support of other tourism by 120% Tou rs), Sujit Nair (Aquasun) Government & NTO's team II and III cities,” says Bhim Giving more details about associations, hotels and tour as compared to 2014 and Chitra Bhatia is headed by Riaz Munshi. Singh, President, FHTR. the newly formed group, Sunil operators. (Aashman Travels). Ashwani Gupta (Dove Gupta, Vice President, FHTR The association will The new chapter chair- Travels) has been chosen to Realising the potential of and General Manager, ITC Talking about the great soon launch its persons include Mahendra head the Environment the tourism for the state, the Rajputana, Jaipur says, “To response FHTR has received website and expand its Vakharia (Pathfinders Committee. State Department of Tourism, increase our brand presence, till date, Gupta says, “Since the membership has increased the budget allo- the association will soon inception of the association, TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 9 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 10

10 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 STATES Explore Goa beyond sun, sea and sand For 2015-16, the Goa Tourism department has been allotted ` 260.09 crore as against `140.94 crore in 2014-15. Thus, it is now developing a three-pronged strategy to boost arrivals in the state.

boost arrivals in the state, says neurs to pass on the benefits licensing system to carry out M EGHA PAUL Ameya Abhyankar, Director, they receive to the tourists.” events in Goa such as music ooking beyond Russians Goa Tourism. and art festivals. It has been Ltourists and beach tourism The government, he proposed to create an event segment, Goa is developing its Elaborating on the three- informs, is also working on sim- calendar along with city infrastructure to introduce new pronged strategy, he adds, “We plifying the licensing regime branding, which will incorpo- services for tourists. In this are launching three initiatives associated with organising rate existing festivals and add financial year, Goa has signif- in the next eight months. Firstly, such events, and for which, a many new ones. In this budg- icantly increased the outlay for we are looking at replacing the new law will be tabled in the et, ` 5 crore have been put the tourism department. For Tourism Act of 1982. This will coming financial year. “We are aside for year-long festival cal- 2015-16, the tourism depart- be a forward looking act that coming up with an Event endar as well. Abhyankar Management Act.” adds, “Goa Tourism is also working on an integrated Goa Tourism is working on an integrated This will help create a beach management system. de-regulated and hassle-free This has not crystallised beach management system. This has not Fort Aguada, Goa crystallised yet but within four yet but within four years, we years, we are eyeing ISO certi- Seaplane facility in Goa from August are eyeing ISO certification for at least four beaches and fication for at least four beach- Introduction of facilities like seaplanes, heli-tourism and amphibious buses would boost tourist inflow white flag for at least one into the state by over 14 per cent, Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said on the sidelines of the first ever beach in Goa.” es and white flag for at least trial landing of a seaplane in the Mandovi river off Panaji. "It is a novel concept in India, which combines con- one beach in Goa. venience of travel with excitement of water takeoffs and landings. There is no investment by the state gov- Going forward, the ernment for this service; it will be owned and operated by MEHAIR (a private aviation company). We are government is also exploring Ameya Abhyankar only providing them support to facilitate smooth operations," Parulekar said. the possibility of construction Director, Goa Tourism Goa is the second state after Maharashtra to allow seaplanes for tourism. The seaplane routes start of a cable-stayed ropeway from Goa's Dabolim airport to the picturesque Mandovi and Chapora rivers and the popular Coco beach, a system to connect North beautiful bay some distance from Panaji. "The seaplanes will offer joy rides at affordable prices. A seaplane Goa’s beaches for travel and operation anywhere always creates excitement and attracts tourists by tapping into their curiosity and thrill sightseeing. In order to seeking instincts," he said, adding that fares under the public-private partnership (PPP) project would be enhance beach security, ment has been allotted will focus on facilitating busi- worked out in consultation with the company before its formal launch. The 9-seater amphibious seaplane Goa government is also ` 260.09 crore as against ness and offer single window will pick up passengers at Dabolim airport and fly them to the destination, for instance Coco beach, in just creating a territorial tourism ` 140.94 crore in 2014-15. for most clearances in tourism seven minutes. The seaplane will land in the water close to a floating jetty, onto which the passengers will force on the lines of a territo- Thus, it is now developing a projects. The new act will alight. Smaller boats will then ferry them to shore from where they can drive away. rial army that is a part of the three-pronged strategy to encourage tourism entrepre- Ministry of Defence. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 11

STATES JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 11 MTDC to monetise its properties via PPP The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is looking to monetise all its properties and land banks scattered across the state with the help of private players. There’s only one caveat for them: no windfall profits!

H AZEL J AIN tisements promoting those says. The land bank is estimat- pany will be paying to raise the facilities and destinations. ed to include around 100 plots capital, but not windfall profit,” We will switch to the PPP mode in a big ransferred from the scattered all over the state. Nainutiia says. He indicated that way. This includes monetisation of TMaharashtra Maritime “Simultaneously, we are major hospitality companies will Board just four months ago, also trying to find a formula “We are looking at well- be brought in for the manage- all our properties which we own. Paraag Jaiin Nainutiia, where we can monetise our ness and spas as well for this ment of these new properties. We are also focusing on upgra- Managing Director, huge land banks with the help and it will be done through EoI. Maharashtra Tourism of private players. We have When a private player comes in The MD also added that dation of our existing resorts at Development Corporation finalised the booklet that will be the picture, the government is the new tourism policy will different spots in Maharashtra. (MTDC), is already a busy circulated to potential investors. obligated to ensure that it makes be ready by this year-end and man. His focus for this year is We will have a meeting with a profit that is due — at least will be “one of the best in Paraag Jaiin Nainutiia clear and with that he has them by June 2015 to explain something that is more than the India”. We will just have to wait Managing Director, MTDC defined the area within which and go over things,” the MD bank interest rate that the com- and watch. he wants MTDC to perform – public private partnerships (PPP). He says, “We can do so much within this framework and I will make some policies to achieve this.”

On top priority is the monetisation of all MTDC properties. Nainutiia adds, “We will switch to the PPP mode in a big way. This includes monetisation of all our properties which we own. We are also focusing on upgradation of our existing resorts at different spots in Maharashtra. We should see something concrete by end of this year. Government money will be utilised for this upgradation.”

MTDC has about 85 existing resorts, of which about 20 are run by MTDC while the rest are leased to private companies. Once upgraded, he says, MTDC will put out adver-

MITM update Speaking about the investment that MTDC will be making to make the first edition of ‘Maharashtra International Travel Mart’ (MITM) a success, Nainutiia says, “Money will not be a constraint. I am more concerned about the value that it will bring us for that money.” Supposedly, MTDC has invested close to ` 3.5 crore into it. It will be held in September 27-29 in Mumbai. MTDC also has an elab- orate hosted buyers program for domestic and international buyers. “We will choose around 200 international hosted buyers for this but I don’t want to pay for their private holiday so I will be very careful in choosing them. We will also conduct a familiarisation trip for the international and Indian hosted buyers on our Deccan Odyssey. It will be a complete B2B event with participation of all state tourism boards as well as major hotel players and airlines. We already have our Diamond Partner in place,” he reveals. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 12

12 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 EXHIBITIONS

MEETINGS 2015 NZ looks for MICE boost from India Eighteen regions of New Zealand will talk business when the three-day CINZ MEETINGS 2015 opens in Auckland on June 10. Talking about the Indian participation at the mart, Steven Dixon, Regional Manager - South and South East Asia, Tourism New Zealand, says the MICE sector is a key focus in their Three-Year Marketing plan in India.

P EDEN D OMA B HUTIA variety of requirements of hosted the delegates on a However, it is not uncommon We have seen some sig- MICE travellers. Tourism New fun, adventurous and luxuri- for larger groups of up to 400 nificant results in the incentive What is the strength Zealand is working extensive- ous journey covering passengers to travel to New business to New Zealand from Qof the Indian buyers ly to grow the Business Events Queenstown, Wanaka, Zealand from India. As we India and will continue to at MEETINGS this year? sector by promoting New Terrace Downs and build our profile in the sector increase the focus on the New Zealand’s premier Zealand’s unique meeting, Christchurch. MEETINGS we look forward to hosting incentive market by showcas- business events trade exhibi- conference and incentive trav- provided a platform for the more Indian incentive groups ing our offering at corporate tion, CINZ MEETINGS 2015, el offerings. Over 180 Indian agents to meet the in New Zealand. events to encourage more returns for its 19th year in June, exhibitors, including 20 new New Zealand industry profes- MICE travel to New Zealand. promising bigger business exhibitors will be on show in sionals who specialise in New Zealand is already We will continue to foster our opportunities and an expand- 2015. They will hold more than MICE. Attending and engag- delivering quality incentive relationship with the travel Steven Dixon ed programme. CINZ MEET- 6,000 meetings during the two Regional Manager - South and South ing with the New Zealand experiences for Indian corpo- trade through regular product INGS 2015 will showcase up days of pre-scheduled East Asia, Tourism New Zealand industry has helped the Indian rates and Tourism New updates and training to better to 180 exhibitors from appointments and social net- business events buyers build Zealand is seeking to grow the equip the agents to sell New throughout New Zealand working events. on their product knowledge number of incentive groups it Zealand as the Ideal Business including venues, theming How helpful was the thus translating into business hosts annually. Events destination. companies, hotels, AV compa- From India, there are QIndian presence at for FY16. nies, Regional Bureaux, nine agents — Zenith Leisure MEETINGS 2014? FY14 – We supported a New Zealand not only attractions and activities. Holidays, Thomas Cook India, Tourism New Zealand What are Tourism total of 13 bids with a 60 per provides the ideal backdrop, Hosted in Auckland it show- Cox & Kings, Trail Blazers hosted a group of five Indian QNew Zealand’s cent conversion rate but also has state-of-the-art cases the best of facilities Tours India, Centrum Direct, travel industry professionals, expectations from facilities for business events available in New Zealand for Harvey India Tours & Travels, Thomas Cook (India), Kuoni India's presence this FY15 – While we are in across both the North and the MICE travel segment. FCm Travel Solutions India, Travel India, Cox & Kings, year at MEETINGS? the 4th quarter, we have already South Islands. With Indian Additionally, the event hosts Kuoni Travel India and Neptune Corporate Flyers and TUI The MICE sector is a supported 17 bids with an 82 companies increasingly look- key media from New Travco who will be present at India at MEETINGS 2014. key focus in our Three-Year per cent conversion rate. ing at overseas incentive and Zealand’s emerging business MEETINGS. Singapore The two-day trade exhibition Marketing plan in India. We team-building destinations, the tourism markets. Airlines is the supporting part- aimed to promote the coun- currently host many Indian How is the Indian country offers an array of activ- ner with Tourism New Zealand try's business tourism and incentive groups annually with Qmarket developing ities and experiences that can The sellers at the event to fly these buyers down to events industry. After the group sizes usually ranging for Tourism New be customised to fit every trav- offer unique products for a New Zealand. event, Tourism New Zealand from 50-150 passengers. Zealand? el checklist. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 13 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 14 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 15

EXHIBITIONS JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 15 Africa unites at INDABA 2015 Even as tourism in South Africa suffers amidst xenophobic attacks and Ebola fears, almost all African countries came together to put up a united front at the recently concluded Indaba 2015 held in Durban. It’s business as usual in sunny South Africa!

HAZEL JAIN FROM DURBAN what was on display. This was vital for South Africa since Durban wins INDABA 2016 bid outed as the largest tourism India is its second-largest The pan-African show will be held in Durban again next year with Tmarketing event in Africa tourism source market in the city extending its contract for another year. INDABA has been hosted and one of the top three tourism Asia after China and in Durban for more than two decades now. The current contract ended events on the global calendar, seventh globally. this year. However, the contract has been extended only for one year Indaba seemed to be quieter since SAT is in the process of choosing a strategic partner to organise this year even as it celebrated Quality over numbers INDABA. She added that the next INDABA contract would be for more its 35th anniversary. Held in A quieter INDABA 2015 than four years, possibly a 10-year contract, to assure the new partner. Durban from May 9-11, 2015, could also be attributed to the Thulani Nzima Derek Hanekom INDABA recorded a slight drop fact that there were at least CEO Tourism Minister in attendance with Democratic three travel trade shows South African Tourism (SAT) South Africa also give SAT an opportunity to numbers to South Africa and Republic of Congo, for one, boy- preceding INDABA all held in market it at other shows and today contributes about 10 per cotting the event in the wake of South Africa: WTM Africa, the 2,000-odd hosted buyers focus is not on numbers but take it to the next level. cent to the total GDP – directly the anti-foreigner violence. We Are Africa, Meetings and 1,200 exhibitors. on quality.” and indirectly. We want to focus Africa. Thulani Nzima, Referring to WTM Africa as a Increased budgets on how all the African countries However, it did showcase CEO, South African Tourism competitor to INDABA, he Partner for INDABA Appointed just a year can work together to promote a wide variety of South Africa’s (SAT), said that he was happy said, “Our drop this year is As a precursor to INDABA ago, Tourism Minister Derek the entire continent, improve tourism products and buyers with the number of meetings just under 10 per cent so 2016, Nzima announced that Hanekom experienced his first intra-African tourist flow, easing from India were happy with that took place between we aren’t too stressed. Our SAT will be bringing in a partner INDABA this year. He said that visa requirements and find an for its show next year. “While we from a total budget of 1.6 bil- appropriate balance between have run ‘INDABA’ and lion, he will allocate a large promoting tourism and safety ‘Meetings Africa’ very well, that chunk to SAT. This increase in and security,” Hanekom said. Visa update is not our core business. We budget for tourism is attributed South Africa has now introduced two new legislations for Indians. First is the in-person biometric visa thought it was time we bring in to the fact that the South That said, while the application that will make it difficult for tourists in remote parts of India to get one. The other is the unabridged a third party who can help us African government is looking African continent is undergoing birth certificate with those traveling with children under 18. This will greatly deter families that form a big chunk improve the show whether it is at tourism to resolve some of an upheaval of sorts – some of tourists traveling to South Africa. Nzima said, “Sometimes, the tourism board and the Home Affairs are not in terms of technology, man- its problems, including that of natural, some manmade – it is on the same page. Home Affairs is concerned about the security of the state and protection of children. Our agement or costs,” he said, with- unemployment. trying to put up a brave and job is to market South Africa as a leisure and business destination. So these two specifications became a out revealing any names. united front. This was evident problem for us. The president has asked for a review of these regulations. It’s not a legislation that we welcome. “The last two decades has at this “proudly African trade In fact, one of the things our tourism minister will question is whether there is a need between South Africa Nzima added that bring- outstripped growth in tourism. show” with most countries ini- and India to have visas at all, or perhaps visa on arrival.” He agreed that there might be a temporary dip in ing in an international third Year 2014 showed a growth of tiating dialogue to ease intra- arrivals because of this. party to conduct INDABA will 6.6 per cent in total tourism regional travel. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 16

16 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NEWS New LCC in southern skies Oman’s 4-city roadshow With introductory flights connecting Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram About 12 suppliers from Oman visited India this May to meet travel and Hubli, Air Pegasus plans to operate daily service to other cities agents from four cities starting from Chennai and going onwards to and towns in South India over the next two years. Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai.

M EGHA PAUL launch a daily service between Bengaluru International H AZEL J AIN roadshow focused on various Chennai and Tuticorin and Airport. Giving details about tourism products in Oman and engaluru-based low-fare Tuticorin-Coimbatore in Tamil the flights, Thomas says, “We fter seeing a satisfactory the upcoming developments in Bairline Air Pegasus’ maiden Nadu when we get the addition- will operate a daily flight Areturn on investment it has the destination. We wanted to flight took off from Bengaluru to between Bengaluru and Hubli made in India, Oman continues educate the Indian travel trade Hubli in April, flying in the face in the morning. The timings its efforts in promoting the about all that Oman has to offer of concerns about the viability will be convenient to take con- country to the Indian travel in terms of hotels and resorts, of standalone regional airlines. necting flights to other metros trade. It recently conducted a activities, places of interest and Air Pegasus, the third airline and cities from here.” four-city roadshow starting the visa procedure.” The num- to be launched in India in the from May 25 in Chennai and ber of Indian arrivals to Oman past year, after AirAsia The airline has permit to going on to Bengaluru on May Lubaina Sheerazi in 2014 was 2,56,210 and wit- India Representative of Ministry of Tourism India and Vistara, aims to launch service to and from 27, New Delhi on May 29 and Sultanate of Oman nessed a year-on-year focus on South India for now. Its any of the 22 airports across finally touching Mumbai on increase in the arrivals. Oman introductory flights southern India, connecting June 1, 2015. We wanted to has become aggressive in its connect Bengaluru, Tier II and Tier III cities with marketing efforts in the country Thiruvananthapuram and Hubli. metros like Bengaluru, About 12 suppliers were educate the Indian with Indians looking to holiday Ashwin Thomas Chennai and Hyderabad. part of the Oman delegation, travel trade about in newer and unique destina- Talking about betting big Director which was a mix of officials tions. Its proximity to India also Air Pegasus on South India and recognising from the Ministry of Tourism of all that Oman has makes it an attractive the underlining potential in the Oman, DMCs, airline and to offer in terms of short-haul destination. under-served region, Ashwin al three ATRs,” Thomas points Flight Plan hotels. This included represen- Thomas, Director, Air Pegasus, out. With a fleet of three ATR tatives from Al Bustan Palace hotels and resorts, remarks, “Positioning of region- 72-500s, Air Pegasus wants to With a fleet of three ATR – A Ritz Carlton Hotel, activities, places of al airline is not by chance, it is position itself as “a right-cost 72-500s, Air Pegasus Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah by choice.” airline” and plans to offer Resort & Spa, Al Nahda interest and the Image Revamp wants to position itself as all-inclusive fares, with no Resort & Spa, Oman Sail, visa procedure Oman has become Following the launch, Air hidden costs, even providing “a right-cost airline” Atana Hotels, Millennium Pegasus will now look at even- food on board, unlike other low- Resort, Six Senses Zighy Bay, aggressive in its tually operating flights to cost airlines. Air Pegasus will now Bahwan Tours, Tour Oman, Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, marketing efforts Kozhikode, Kochi and look at eventually operat- Zahara Tours and Oman Air. says, “This year we introduced The number of Indian Puducherry. “Kadapa in Andhra Union Civil Aviation ing flights to Kozhikode, a new format in which we invit- Pradesh will be our third desti- Minister Ashok Gajapathi Kochi and Puducherry Giving more details, ed travel agents from the four arrivals to Oman in 2014 nation from Bengaluru as it has Raju flagged off the ATR-72 Lubaina Sheerazi, India cities for prefixed meetings with from Bengaluru was 2,56,210 no air connectivity. We will also turboprop service at the Representative of Ministry of the delegates from Oman. The TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:58 AM Page 17 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 18

18 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 AVIATION Premium Economy seats for SQ flyers With wider seats, ‘Book the Cook’ meal service and a generous baggage allowance of 35 kgs, travellers on the Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy Class can expect business class service at economic pricing. Mak Swee Wah, Executive Vice President Commercial, Singapore Airlines, tells what flyers can expect from the new offering.

SHIVANI KAUL FROM SINGAPORE 35 kgs, will be offered to cus- ditional Business Class, which tomers. Members of the has become more luxurious, ollowing a two-year devel- Sydney, before being intro- KrisFlyer frequent-flyer pro- and Economy Class. “In the tra- Fopment programme and duced to other cities such as gramme will also receive 10 per ditional corporate segments, an investment of about $80 Beijing, Delhi, Hong Kong, cent more miles when they fly in there are different kinds of million, the Premium Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, Premium Economy Class. SIA’s Business Class travellers. Even Economy Class (PEC) seats New York, Shanghai, Tokyo Premium Economy Class seat in the leisure segment, not were displayed for the first and Zurich. and cabin have 38” pitch, 18.5- everybody travels economy; 19.5” seat width and 8” recline. there are those who seek more The seat have been manufac- comfort. So I think the time is This product is on A380 so tured by ZIM Flugsitz GmbH (for right now for us to enter this that’s why it is coming to the A380 and 777-300ER) and class, which is a mainstream Zodiac Seats US (for the A350), offering by many airlines,” Delhi and Mumbai. The roll- and designed by JPA Design. Wah adds. out depends on the planes On the timing of coming He informs that Premium and the trip length. up with this segment, Mak Economy class will be offered Swee Wah, Executive Vice on all Singapore Airlines offer- Mak Swee Wah President Commercial, ing, all A380s, and SQ’s fleet Executive VP Commercial Singapore Airlines, says, “Any of Boeing 777-300 are being Singapore Airlines seat or class depends on a lot retrofitted. In future, the first Wah is confident that SIA has Wah says since the product is of factors. We have to look at the batch of A350 at least will be found the right balance on A380, that’s why it is coming market, flight profile and time of earmarked for long-haul flights, between its seats in Economy to Delhi and Mumbai. “There time on May 21, 2015 at a This new segment will pro- the year. So the price will be at first of which will come in early and Premium economy. “We are no plans to fit it on smaller media launch in Marina Bay vide an extensive range of food a level where customers find 2016 will also have PEC. offer four classes on the A380. planes. So the roll-out depends Sands, Singapore. The and beverage offerings, which value in the product.” He says On 777 we have four classes. on the planes and the trip Premium Economy Class will include the Premium Economy PEC has been around for many On how Singapore We have sized the cabin length,” he adds. be introduced on 19 Airbus Book the Cook service, enabling years and in the last few years Airlines will address passengers according to the demand. We A380, 19 Boeing 777-300ERs advance ordering of a selection because of changing consumer in this segment by offering will also allow for flexibility in On SIA’s investment in and the first 20 Airbus A350s. of main courses. Priority check- trends, industry and product something new, Wah says, case there will be an upsurge Vistara, Wah adds, “We are It will enter commercial serv- in and baggage handling, with a landscape show that a gap has “Clearly there is market seg- in demand in future,” he says. working closely on Vistara. That ice on August 9, 2015 to generous baggage allowance of been created between the tra- ment for PEC. What we are will continue to expand as we go offering is the SIA Premium The airline is targeting to along and build up their network. Economy, which is a product retrofit all A380s by the end of Vistara has Premium Economy, that meets the expectations of this financial year. that’s in relation to narrow body those who want to have the domestic product. It is the first entire experience of the seat, The flight will start this airline to India to have PEC. the food, and the excellent serv- class in Delhi on October 13 What we are offering today is ice that we are very proud of.” and Mumbai on October 21. PEC for long haul.” ‘We need agents in traditional markets’ How profitable do Geographically we are in South has got to click. Different mar- Qyou think Premium Asia, so obviously our strength is kets have different stages of Economy is going to be within Southeast Asian and maturity. So we do work with on the India route? north, west Asian network. On a agents where the markets are Delhi has a very strong much longer haul, subject to the very traditional. Also where the premium market. Even on a price of fuel, connectivity, there is geography is more wide- short flight of four hours from some sort of relative disadvan- spread, the only way to reach India to Singapore, Business tage. At the end of the day overall consumers is through mobile Class and First Class are gen- profitability is important. We are and the Internet. erally quite strong, even the a hub and spoke airline. At the Suites in A380. So for this par- end of the day the strategy has ticular market we want to target to be clear and you got to stick to the SMEs, and smaller compa- what you know, focus on differ- nies, hopefully a lot more entiation and customer experi- leisure travellers, who see value ence. Our customers are willing in upgrading to Premium to pay more as they see value in Economy. We also do very well our product. Those who are very in the Economy segment in tight on pockets they might take India. SilkAir and Tigerair. Do you think that Do you think keep- Tan Pee Teck QBusiness Class trav- Qing travel agents out Senior Vice President Product & el will be hit as people of the picture has affect- Services, Singapore Airlines would opt for PEC? ed business? The Business Class I don’t think so. I think we Any further plans to appears to be fairly stable. It will were certainly not the market Qenhance Vistara continue to grow. Affluent trav- leader in changing the industry operations in India? ellers will continue to be there commission. I think it was prob- Vistara is growing. We in developing countries. ably the right time. Everything just started out and India is is now electronic; there is a doing quite alright. But we got What are SQ’s plans greater resurgence of self to give them more time. Qfor ME and serve. This is the GenY phe- The partnership people will Australian markets? nomenon. But we maintain continue to grow the code- Our policy is not to target good relations with agents. I share and connectivity going anyone. We will have to see think it is still very much collab- forward. We have time to where the key markets are. orative; the whole ecosystem focus on that. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 19

STATES JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 19

Munich Airport MP’s first investor portal for tourism opens 3rd recreation area in T2 To promote Madhya Pradesh as a year-round destination and lure more investments in tourism, the state A third recreation area will float RFP in the next two months. The investment policy will guarantee certain general incentives for has been added to the Munich Airport's Terminal 2. investors across industries, as well as few sector specific incentives as well. With the new recreation area now open close to gates G 43/44, Schengen M EGHA PAUL and hospitality industry, passengers have access to Chouhan also launched a ded- two of these exclusive and s Madhya Pradesh icated investor portal for MP raised $30 bn in investment: DeSa spacious waiting areas with Aobserves 2015 as the tourism in the state. According to Anthony DeSa, Chief Secretary, Madhya Pradesh, MP is one of the most investor- 28 comfortable places to sit “Year of Tourism”, Chief friendly states and has been able to raise $30 billion worth of investments through Global Investors or stretch out and 16 busi- Minister Shivraj Singh Talking to the agents’ fra- Summits. Regarding new strategies being adopted by the state to lure fresh investments, DeSa reveals, ness stations equipped with Chouhan is inviting private ternity, he says, “MP is a year- “MP has identified land banks at key destinations, including the famous Indira Sagar Lake for developing their own power outlets for tourism products like hotels and resorts, with private participation. Request for Proposal [RFP] is being laptops, phones or tablets. finalised and will be floated in the next two months. The investment policy guarantees certain general They also have access to Popularly known as the ‘Tiger State of incentives for investors across industries, as well as few sector specific incentives as well.” Land will be an exclusive reading area, given on lease of 30 years for investors who approach with viable propositions. The lease period can supplied with 600 books India’, MP boasts of three World be extended to 50 years in case of special circumstances, the Chief Secretary adds. Regarding air con- courtesy of the Weltbild Heritage Sites, namely Sanchi, nectivity which was earlier a huge roadblock in boosting tourism in the state, DeSa informs, “There has bookshops in which they been a marked improvement in number of flights coming into key cities like Bhopal, Indore, etc. are welcome to browse as Bhimbetka, and Khajuraho. they wait for their flights. The vision of the government is We are hoping for further improvement Apart from the two recre- with AirAsia starting operations in a ation areas on the to elevate MP as the No.1 state Schengen level, a similar couple of months. The state has also facility has been available for tourism in the country. finalised an agreement with a private on Departure Level H (non- operator, Supreme Aviation, to start internal Schengen) for the past year Shivraj Singh Chouhan operations recently. Agreement has been and a half. All three can be Chief Minister used free of charge. The Madhya Pradesh finalised and operations are expected to special waiting areas were start in a month. developed by T2BG – the The state will offer subsidy to the operator on the basis of Terminal 2 operating com- flight hours.” pany, held jointly by Munich Airport (60%) and investors to come to the state round tourist destination that Lufthansa (40%) – in coop- and look at investment oppor- offers experiences for all kinds eration with the furniture tunities in the tourism sector. At of tourists. Popularly known Bhimbetka, and Khajuraho. Regarding the next Kumbh five crore devotees and would maker Vitra and the Munich a recently held event organised as the ‘Tiger State of India’, The vision of the government Mela at Ujjain in 2016, organise campaigns to pro- design offices "studio PS" by Madhya Pradesh Tourism MP boasts of three World is to elevate MP as the No.1 Chouhan said the state is mote the spiritual spectacle in and "ZTR". for the travel trade stakeholders Heritage Sites, namely Sanchi, state for tourism in the country.” expected to welcome about overseas markets as well. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 20

20 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 NEWS Tailor-made for Indians Tourism in quake-hit Nepal Having years old relation of working with India, RT&T Triple 'S' Travel Employees of Nepal Airlines have collected some updates on the & Tours expects to receive more Indians into Israel. Benny Binyamin, current situation in Nepal. The Himalayan nation is on the road to Owner, RT&T Triple 'S' Travel & Tours, shares the company’s plans. recovery from two major earthquakes and several aftershocks.

TT BUREAU breathtaking scenery as they time for India, and as the Indian TT BUREAU earthquake triggered an ava- caused much damage in that walk through the footsteps of economy continues to develop, lanche on the Everest. area. All hotels and transport What do you think history. There is something in modernise and grow, our aim epal attracts nearly 1 mil- systems are operating as Qabout the Indian out- Israel for everyone, from a spir- is to grow alongside the chang- Nlion foreigners every year According to a local study usual. bound to Israel? itual pilgrimage to enjoying a ing Indian economy. who travel to the country’s conducted by Nepal Airlines, Israel is a modern country ‘sea and sun’ holiday. World Heritage sites, major destinations are still fac- In Dhulikhel, Mirabel and with an ancient tradition and a How has the travel UNESCO monuments, ing landslides, after the quake Himalayan Horizon have shut visit to Israel for Indians is the What are the new Qtrends changed Buddhist and Hindu temples, and its aftershocks have left down due to lack of staff and holiday experience of a lifetime. Qplans that you are since you’ve got into and its majestic mountains, mountains unstable. Most food supplies. It is anticipated When Indians come to Israel, planning to implement business? that Himalayan Horizon this year? There are advances in would open up in next two We are very excited technology today, but our busi- days' time. Staff at Dwarika’s about the next couple of years. ness is still based on a quality Resort and Dhulikhel product and excellent personal Mountain Resort (DMR) said We have been service. However, one of the that they are open with very investing in biggest trends that we see today limited inventory and in- designing is that the Indian tourists have house services. Road traffic ‘tailor-made’ become more sophisticated. is operating as normal there. programmes that What kind of competi- Meanwhile, life has meet the goals of tion are you facing? returned to normal in The market today has Pokhara, where hotels and Benny Binyamin Indian groups. Owner become very competitive due transport systems are oper- RT&T Triple 'S' Travel & Tours We are also developing to the fact that many compa- ating as usual. At Chitwan, new programmes and expand- nies view India as an emerging including the Everest. The hotels at Nagarkot have been situation seems normal as the ing our services to give person- economic power. However, Himalayan nation’s tourism shut down in absence of staff natural calamity did not cause they get a sense of Israel’s diver- al service and maintaining a much of the competition does industry suffered a major blow and shortage of food supplies. much damage in the area and sity. At every turn there is some- quality product. not know or understand the after a 7.8-magnitude earth- Road to and fro in the area are hotels and transport systems thing amazing to see from holy Indian market, and under- quake hit the region on April fine but much damage has are operating as regular. sites to high tech buildings and What is your busi- standing the needs of Indians 25, devastating the country’s been caused to local houses infrastructures. As Indians drive Qness forecast? is Triple “T” Travel’s advantage. infrastructure and killing due to the earthquake. Guests in Valley are safe through Israel they see how Triple “T” Travel’s forecast We have decades of experi- thousands of people. and majority of them are lend- Israel has made the desert for next year is for 20 per cent ence working with India, and Seventeen mountaineers Life in Lumbini is normal ing a helping hand for voluntary bloom. Indians enjoy Israel’s growth. This is a very exciting we speak your language. were also killed after the as the earthquake has not relief work. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 21 MOT India-China ink tourism deal A delegation headed by Chen Wu, Governor of Guangxi Autonomous Region of China, met Tourism Minister Dr Mahesh Sharma in New Delhi, where both parties agreed to promote travel between the two nations.

TT BUREAU China. Last year 6,76,000 beauty and an interesting Indians have visited China, coastline. He requested he agenda of the meeting while only 1,74,000 Chinese Sharma to work towards pro- Tbetween the two leaders had visited India in the same moting tourism to Guangxi. He was to promote tourism year, which shows a huge gap also mentioned that The between India and Guangxi, between inbound and out- Tourism Expo on May 29, this China. The visit coincided with bound tourist flow between year in Guilin, which can pro-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China and the PM Modi in China signing of a bilateral agreement on tourism between India The Union Cabinet, to tourism. and China. chaired by Prime Minister O To encourage cooperation Narendra Modi entered into between tourism stake- an agreement between India Also, this year is being holders including hotels and China for strengthening observed as a Visit India Year and tour operators. cooperation in the field of in China. The various develop- O To establish exchange ments in tourism will also help tourism. The agreement will programmes for cooper- encourage the people from help both countries in creating ation in Human Resource China to visit India, the Minister an institutional mechanism for Development. said. India will be happy to host enhancing cooperation in the the tour and travel operators of tourism sector. The main O To invest in the tourism China to India during the Visit objectives of this agreement, and hospitality sectors. amongst other things, are: India Year in 2016, who can O To participate in travel visit here and explore the O To expand bilateral coop- fairs / exhibitions in each potential of India as a eration in the tourism other’s country. tourist destination as well as sector. O To promote safe, promote the tourist destina- O tions of China, he added. To exchange information honourable and sustain- and data related able tourism. The other members of Chinese delegation included the two countries. Sharma vide India a platform to promote Mo Gongming, Secretary- also mentioned that India tourism. Dr Sharma said that General of the People’s is in the process of developing the government will surely put Government of Guangxi various circuits out of Guangxi on the tourist map and Zhang Autonomous Region which Buddhist Circuit and help promote tourism to the and Yao Jing, Minister Himalayan Circuit can be region. The Minister said India Counselor, Embassy of China of great interest to the values its relations with China and senior officials of Tourism Chinese tourists. since both countries share a of Guangxi among others. long history of tradition in the Chen Wu said that they world. China is also a good The Minister said that will make efforts to promote the example of preservation of its there is a huge gap between Chinese tourist flow to India. He natural resources and beauty the inbound and outbound said that Guangxi is a beautiful and can act as a role model for tourist flow between India and region with a unique natural India, he added. Dragonair adds sixth flight on Kolkata-Hong Kong route

Dragonair has added an additional flight service from Kolkata to Hong Kong bringing the total numbers of flights between the two cities from five to six flights per week. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 22 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 23

NTO JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 23 Vietnam to sign 5-yr agreement with TAAI With current Indian arrivals hobbling at just 27,000 per year, Vietnam has stepped on the promotion accelerator and will soon sign a long-term agreement with TAAI. It is also talking to two airlines to improve air connectivity.

its first tourism promotion Vietnam will also be source markets followed by Vietnam via Thailand. While Vietnam Airlines. VietJet Air H AZEL J AIN workshop in Mumbai jointly signing a long-term agree- Japan, the US and Korea. they are direct, they have a has agreed to start charter very year, Vietnam with the Travel Agents ment with TAAI. Thuy reveals, stop in Bangkok and so it flights as long as we have Ereceives nearly eight mil- Association of India (TAAI) on “This will include agent famil- Vietnam is also looking to takes almost a day to travel. good numbers. lion international tourists but Vietnam tourism on June 5, iarisation trips to Vietnam this invite trade and investment A non-stop, direct flight will only 27,000 of this are from 2015 for its members. “So far year, bringing a Vietnamese from India. “Indian tourists bring the travel time down to They are looking at a India. Compare this with the we have done this only in New delegation of tour operators don’t know Vietnam at all. only six hours. minimum of 150 pax per total outbound figures from Delhi. We had planned a road- and agents to India for a We need to tackle this first,” charter flight, per week on India of 16 million Indians show along with the workshop roadshow. We want to the CG said. “We are looking at getting their 180-seat aircraft and every year and it looks minis- but it has now been postponed increase Indian arrivals to at a non-stop direct flight then increase the frequency — cule. But it also shows to September when we will least five per cent of eight Currently, there are 40 from India to Vietnam and are make it daily maybe,” immense opportunity and that also celebrate our National million which is 4,00,000.” flights per week from India talking to two airlines in Thuy concludes on a is what Vu Son Thuy, Consul Day,” Thuy says. Currently, China is its top (Mumbai and New Delhi) to Vietnam — VietJet Air and positive note. General of Vietnam, Mumbai, and a lifetime ambassador, wants to focus on.

Discussing various reasons for the lack of interest

Vu Son Thuy Consul General of Vietnam Mumbai

We want to increase Indian arrivals to at least five per cent of eight million which is 4,00,000...Indian tourists don’t know Vietnam at all. We need to tackle this first

in Vietnam, he says, “The main reason is the lack of convenient air connectivity. The second reason is the lack of Indian and vegetarian food available there. Almost 98 per cent of Vietnamese are non-vegetarian. Moreover, the Tourism Authority of Vietnam does not have an office in India yet. It’s a question that needs to be asked.”

In a first, though the Vietnam Consulate organised

Vietnam has two of the world’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ha Long Bay and Hang Son Doong cave TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 24

24 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 AGENTS INDABA sends good vibes to India The hosted buyers from India returned enlightened from Tourism INDABA that showcased not just South Africa, but most of the African continent. They share their feedback about the event and their experiences:

H AZEL J AIN FROM D URBAN I was very impressed with the INDABA 2014 was our first INDABA set-up. Even though I time here and we loved inter- Africa has lot to offer and this have been in the industry for the acting with our African part- was apparent at this INDABA. past 30 years, I have been pro- ners. This year, we came here Whether it is adventure, self- moting South Africa only since with more experience, and drive tours, or wine tours, the last two years and I think it although we were not hosted, South Africa has a lot to offer has huge potential. The only we were certainly treated as to the Indian market. It was a problem was that some booths old and valued friends! We did pleasure connecting with sell- had multiple smaller booths – close some business deals. ers from Botswana, Zambia, sometimes going up to 20 – And yes, we found some good products. But most impor- Zimbabwe, etc. INDABA is a and it was very difficult to search for them as their numbers tantly, we were able to solidify our personal relationships well-organised event and we weren’t clearly visible. with our African partners. look forward to be a part of it next year also. Neerja Arora Smita Srivastava Rohini Christie Director, Flag holidays Director, Chalo Africa Tours AGM (Product Development), TBi

This year’s INDABA though This year’s INDABA was good This was my first INDABA and it smaller than the previous years but slightly disappointing as the was a great learning experience. (I have been attending for five event used to be way bigger in I loved the vibe of the entire fair. years now) was of better quality the past. Many sellers have I was happy to meet luxury as it was quieter and had fewer moved to either WTM or brands and discuss ideas with people. This gave us a chance WeAreAfrica which also hap- them. I appreciate the fact that to complete appointments pens more or less at the same they were very open to feed- uninterrupted and stay com- time. We as a buyer expect all back. South Africa is one of the pletely focused. I preferred this of them to be present under one hottest selling honeymoon INDABA to the previous ones. I think a day more would roof as it is impossible for us to attend all these trade events. destinations and I would love to attend again to gain more help as it used to be earlier. Sanchit Ahuja knowledge on premium products that it has to offer. Shantanu Chand Director, Aerospace Holidays Aayushi Kothari CEO, GoBeyond Honeymoon Crafter, A Travel Duet TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 25 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 26

26 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 EXHIBITIONS Agents buoyant as ATM goes grander One of the biggest travel industry showcases in the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2015, witnessed over 400 exhibitors and over 23,000 visitors. speaks to some participants of the show, that has grown by seven per cent since last year.

M EGHA PAUL FROM D UBAI

The Middle East’s $72 billion travel market is set to grow further. The Indian market is important for us. Thus, we are focussing on We are predicting online travel bookings will represent 36 per certain markets in India. We have realised it is important to have cent of all bookings in the region by 2017, as opposed to 25 not just distribution channels but face-to-face interactions in India. per cent currently. Revenue for the sector is expected to reach So we established an office in Delhi, Mumbai and now in $35 billion. As for offline sales, revenue will increase from $54 Bengaluru. We are also looking at coming up in Chennai. Each of billion to $63 billion within the next two years. The Middle East these regions has different booking patterns. Recently, we have travel industry is buoyant and poised for growth. also developed a toll-free line out of India. Post this development, Indian market has seen a rise of 74 per cent in business. Rabih Saab President & Managing Director-Africa Russel Sharpe Middle East and South Asia, Travelport COO- Hotel Division, Citymax Hotels

The Middle East region has delivered an outstanding perform- ATM is getting bigger and bigger as the years go by. This is ance due to demand for this market for inbound and outbound because of the growing economy of the developing and emerg- travel. Our successful expansion plans in the MEAPAC region ing markets such as India, China, the GCC and Middle East. is supported by a strong focus on localisation and customisation, From the transaction point of view, it’s becoming heavier than which has allowed the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands the other travel shows of the world. We have been really busy to remain as the fastest-growing region with over 40% growth. at this year’s ATM and all days have been very good. UAE, UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Paris, Turkey and Singapore were the most visited countries by our agents. Ankush Nijhawan Managing Director, Nijhawan Group of Companies Jaal Shah Group Managing Director, RezLive.com

This is the second time we are exhibiting at ATM. We had been This is the 2nd year we are exhibiting at ATM. Among the coun- establishing a trend line for ATM for nine years. The response tries in the region, the UAE reported the most rooms under con- this year has been fantastic. This market has grown in relevance struction with 21,893 rooms in 76 hotels. We are currently rep- as a key feeder market to multiple destinations where we have resenting 150 properties across three collections — hotels, our member hotels, especially Western Europe and United boutique and residences — and offer reservations, marketing States - East and West Coasts. We are happy with the response and promotions for independent hotels enabling them to reach we are receiving. a global audience in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Saurabh Rai Rahul Arora Area Managing Director-South Asia and Middle East, Preferred Managing Director, Luxury Hotels Group (LHG) Hotels & Resorts

ATM is one of the best places to be at. It has been giving us a ATM has been very productive for our company. Going forward, great response for the last six years. This year has been bigger, we are looking at having a booth next year in ATM. Currently, we and I have seen more people coming in from the region. It has want to promote ourselves as one stop travel shop in the Middle been a great opportunity for us to interact with potential cus- East. We have been in the business for about three years now tomers. We saw more GCC and Arab buyers. There were also and mainly focus on inbound travel to the Middle East region. quite a lot of Indian buyers this year. The meetings have been India is one of our key source markets. Now we are looking at the very productive. We have been very happy with the response high-end clientele and getting more premium travel products. that we have got. It has given us a good start to the season. Sabir Shaikh Gaurav Chiripal Managing Director, Clover Travel & Tourism CEO, Quadlabs TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/8/2015 11:07 AM Page 27

TECHNOLOGY JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 27 Africa & Europe on RezLive’s radar RezLive.com, the global B2B travel wholesaler, has anticipated growth in excess of 40 per cent on its Global Sales for the fiscal year 2015. RezLive participated for the 6th year in a row at ATM this year.

TT BU REAU region with over 40 per cent front of the travel trade during extends the facility to book growth. UAE, UK, Thailand, ATM by Manas Ranjan Indian hotels online. Our ith an online inventory of Malaysia, Paris, Turkey and Pattanaik, Director – India detailed itineraries and Wover 125,000+ hotel and Singapore were the most visit- Tourism (Ministry of Tourism package module allows apartment rooms worldwide, ed /preferred countries by the Govt. Of India) and IRV Rao, International travel partners to 45,000+sightseeing items and agents of Rezlive.com during Assistant Director – India send their booking requests over 500 tours in 500 cities the year 2014 and the trend Tourism. Both the dignitaries online and customise their and 5,000+ transfer options in continues to be the same for were full of praise after looking packages and inclusions over 900 airport and city loca- the year 2015. at the brochure and applaud- through ‘book your own tour’. tions, the company plans to ed the team on the concept With innovation of technology, reach above $102 million Group Managing and the way whole India was Designer Indya has huge sales (Total Transaction Value) Director, RezLive.com, Jaal covered in the Designer Indya online presence, attracting in this fiscal year surpassing Shah commented, “These fig- brochure through different large traffic of B2B as well as their previous year figures. ures clearly showcase that our Itineraries. retail consumers, looking for The company additionally efforts towards innovation and customised Indian holiday expects to deliver double-digit diversified inventory, are allow- Shah further highlighted, experience.” growth across all its regions ing us to maintain solid growth “The key importance of product in 2015. in all our regions and penetrate like Designer Indya in UAE emerging markets. Our aim is market and how the local travel The Middle East region to continue to consolidate our agents can utilise the services Highlight delivered an outstanding per- expansion into international offered and make the experi- formance due to demand for (From L-R) Manas Ranjan Pattanaik, Director – India Tourism (Ministry of markets, especially in Africa ence of their clients more Designer Indya Brochure Tourism Govt. of India) with Jaal Shah, Group MD, RezLive.com, and IRV this market for inbound and Rao, Assistant Director – India Tourism, Dubai and Europe, while maintaining memorable with their travel to was launched in outbound travel. These current growth in our home markets of India and neighboring coun- front of the travel trade trends were presented by the was held in Dubai from tomised service to the Middle East and Asia. We will tries. At Designer Indya, we during ATM by Manas company at Arabian Travel May 4-7, 2015. Middle East market clients. also continue working to give promote Luxury Inbound Market (ATM). RezLive.com RezLive.com’s successful our valued partners extra ordi- Indian Holidays to the interna- Ranjan Pattanaik, presented 6th year in a row at The company has been expansion plans in the MEA- nary support service and diver- tional markets. With a dedicat- Director – India Tourism ATM, which is considered one strengthening its proposition in PAC region is supported by a sified inventory.” ed team, Designer Indya is (Ministry of Tourism of the biggest industry event in the Middle East with a new and strong focus on localisation catering to the needs of travel Govt. of India) and IRV the region in order to increase bigger office in Dubai (JLT) and and customisation, which has The event became more partners all across the globe its footprint in the MENA region with a large team of dedicated allowed the Middle East, Asia, memorable when the wonder- and also empowers Rao, Assistant Director – and connect with local clients multilingual professionals to and the Pacific Islands to fully crafted Designer Indya RezLive.com with 1600 + India Tourism. and suppliers. The trade show ensure that it delivers a cus- remain as the fastest-growing Brochure was launched in Indian hotel allocations and TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 28

28 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 HOTELS Club Med on a branding overdrive A pioneer of the all-inclusive concept globally, Club Med will go into a branding overdrive with a roadshow across India in order to educate the agents about its proposition that is an exact match to the Indian holiday-maker’s mindset.

TT BUREAU products that need to be sold He claims that the com- What more does an agent We will be conducting orienta- the right way. We want to tell pany has seen double digit want?” Upadhyay says. He ver since it initiated its tions and training workshops the agents that Club Med is an growth in India this year over adds that while Club Med is not EPreferred Partner program all-inclusive product on land the last financial year. “We actively looking at expanding last year, Club Med India has for the travel trade along with and is set as per the Indian have not yet covered the entire its current portfolio of preferred seen promising results. It now our preferred partners pan- consumers’ mindset. It’s market so there is a lot of partners, they are open to works with 11 trade partners not a regular assembled prod- scope and opportunity. Until we receiving interests from agents located in key markets pan- India starting mid-July. uct with zero hidden costs,” cover all corners of India, I can that understand the Club Med India and will be conducting he adds. safely say that we will see con- philosophy. joint training workshops Manoj Kumar Upadhyay tinued growth over the next with them as soon as this Head of Sales for India Another important point three to four years. Our aim is season gets over. Club Med on the agenda for the road- to reach out to all the top travel show is to dispel myths that agents in India,” he says. Club Members Manoj Kumar agents have about Club Med. Upadhyay, Head of Sales for to them and highlighting our Upadhyay adds that Upadhyay says, “A lot of Club Med is happy with Club Med works with 11 India, Club Med, gives more USPs. We have realised that these training sessions will agents think that we are about its current business model of trade partners in key details. “We will be conducting awareness about Club Med give confidence to the travel timeshares, memberships, working only with its set of pre- markets orientations and training work- and our unique all-inclusive agents. “It will show them that even about medical tourism! ferred partners that look into shops for the travel trade along proposition is lacking. We are we want to work with them. They are not aware about our sales, bookings and opera- It will continue to work with our preferred partners looking at metros as well as The problem in India is that brand. So we want to position tions. “Our partners in turn are with its set of preferred pan-India starting mid-July. We Tier II cities, as recommended everything is sold as per a set our brand correctly through the happy as they get happy partners will be introducing our product by our partners,” he says. trend. There are so many workshops and roadshow.” clients as well as referrals. Tranquility amidst the lake Betting big on the concept of boutique luxury hotels, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts is expanding across the country. The group is eyeing leisure locations to drive business this year, says Rohit Katyal, Head of Sales & Marketing – NCR, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts.

TT BUREAU offer value and opportunity, so, was acquired by the group ellers travelling via Boondi, Kota from Delhi – Mevar Express and market a reasonable number of we are actively pursuing these about two years ago, Katyal or Ranthambhore. On the other Chetak Express. And with Delhi clients from Germany, France, ccording to Katyal, the markets, especially in informs, “Set in the middle of a side, people travelling from just 500 kms away, we are tar- Italy travel to Chittorgarh Acompany is in the process Indore, Lucknow, Nagpur, private lake and surrounded by Delhi/ Jaipur to Udaipur are also geting travellers from the city in and these form our source of expanding its footprints in Ahmedabad, etc.” eighty acres of land and abun- in for a treat. There are two trains a big way. In the international markets as well.” dant wildlife, Lake Nahargarh Palace in Chittorgarh is sur- The key attraction of the resort rounded by Aravalli Hills. It is a is that it is situated in the mid- small luxury hotel in the middle of the lake as replica of the dle of a man-made lake and is Lake Palace close to about 20 kms from the famous Chittorgarh. It is a seven-year old resort with 40 spacious living fort of Chittorgarh. rooms overlooking the lake with five suites.” Rohit Katyal Head of Sales & Marketing – Talking about the key NCR, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts clients that the property is targeting, Katyal adds, “The key attraction of the resort is that it the leisure destinations. “Our One of the best hotels in is situated in the middle of a focus in Rajasthan continues. its portfolio is Lake Nahargarh man-made lake and is about 20 We are also looking to move Palace, Chittorgarh - jüSTa kms from the famous living fort into Himachal Pradesh and Hotels and Resorts. Throwing of Chittorgarh. It is one of the Uttarakhand. Tier II towns also more light on the property that best destinations for leisure trav- TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 29

FAMILY ALBUM JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 29 Seychelles on agents’ minds

Destination Travel Services in collaboration with Banyan Tree Resort, Sainte Anne Resort, Constance Lemuria & Masons Travel, organised a Seychelles familiarisation trip with key agents to promote the destination. The fam was hosted keeping in mind the objective to showcase the breathtaking destination, luxurious hotels and the warmth of the country. Seychelles is considered only as a honeymoon destination. This showcase, changed the mindset of the agents about Seychelles. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 30

30 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 STATES Walking Tours in Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) has signed an MoU with India City Walks (ICW) which through its innovative walking tours will offer options to explore Chhattisgarh environs like never before.

TT BUREAU activity to enhance destination According to Bansal, the awareness and quality of activities and increase visitor On Foot ‘Walks’ is ICW’s core product. visitor experience opportuni- very walk designed by numbers to Chhattisgarh from “We offer walking tours ranging ties,” says Bansal. EIndia City Walks (ICW) will regional and international ICW offers walking tours from one hour to four hours offer the best of a locale and markets. and full day experiences “The Memorandum of embrace the city’s daily life. ranging from 1hour to 4 across cities. The Chhattisgarh Understanding will support The Memorandum of ICW will offer walking hours and full day experi- offering will includes themes CTB efforts for the growth and Understanding was signed by tours and trails across ences across cities such as art, architecture, spir- future sustainability of Santosh Mishra, Managing Chhattisgarh clubbed with the ituality, nature, eco-tourism, Chhattisgarh tourism,” he adds. Director, CTB, and Sachin outstanding experiential Walking tours will be heritage, food, bazaars and Chhattisgarh Tourism Board is Bansal, Chief Explorer, ICW. opportunities like eco, clubbed with experiential more. Our extension is into responsible for infrastructural The five-year MoU will see the spiritual, outdoors, among opportunities developing the interest driven and institutional development, Santosh Mishra organisations formalise their other things. concepts as well as enhancing investment in facilities & hotels, Managing Director CTB

The Chhattisgarh offering will includes themes such as art, architecture, spirituality, nature, eco- tourism, heritage, food, bazaars and more

wayside amenities and above all aggressive marketing & promotion for the comprehen- sive development. It offers immense opportunities for Eco-Ethno, Adventure and Cultural tourism.

India City Walks (ICW) is a flagship brand of YEXPLORE and is into experiential travel offerings. ICW is a pioneer of walking tours in India and offer engaging interactions with local cultures. ICW focuses its efforts strictly on organising walking tours and interest-driven experiences of Indian cities thereby reaching a clear and targeted market.

Biometric data for German visa soon

Michael Siebert, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai, has announced that Germany will soon require visa applicants who want to travel to Germany to provide biometric data. "It has been mandatory for all Schengen countries to do so now and we will begin taking biometric data from travellers by the end of 2015 at all our VFS centres. This will be in time for the 2016 season. It will be valid for 59 months," he said. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 31 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 32

32 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 HOTELS

New lounge for Cathay Pacific at Emaar Hospitality launches Rove Manila Airport Emaar Hospitality is coming up with a new brand Rove, got in touch with Seema Pande, Cathay Pacific Airways has opened a new lounge Corporate Director of Sales & Partnerships, Emaar Hospitality Group, to find out more. for passengers travelling out of Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) KANCHAN N ATH we all work as a team, even hotel. We are very interested to are The Address Boulevard, the fountain, it’s the same thing Terminal 3. Located at Level though there is competition. go to India, to the US and the The Address Fountain View, as when you go to Istanbul. 4 near Gate 114 in Manila Kindly tell us about UK but as you know about and The Address Sky View NAIA Terminal 3, the lounge QEmaar Hospitality? What are your hotels, it’s finding the right which will be in the downtown How much business adopts the new Studioilse Emaar Hospitality has Qexpansion plans? place at the right time in the area. We would have also Qdo you hope to get design template first used different brands, we have got At the moment we are right location. We are hoping to opened 10 Rove hotels. Vida from ATM, Dubai? in the airline’s lounge at the Address Hotels and going to be in Istanbul, Turkey. do that; as such expansion is a hotels I feel many years back Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Resorts, under which we have In Istanbul we are building a huge part of our growth. are also going to develop most exhibitions were focused The Manila lounge meas- five hotels including the miniature downtown area. their residences. on signing contracts and get- ures 650 square metres Palace Downtown Dubai. We There is going to be a shop- So just as DTCM is gear- ting some business done then which is almost twice as are also looking at expanding ping complex and hotels, there ing up for Expo 2020, all of us What sets you apart and there. A lot of this used to large as the previous in various other markets which Qfrom other hotel happen because there were lounge at Manila Airport will come as we go along. brands? no emails. You could not do it Terminal 1, and can seat Meanwhile in March of next The Rove brand is going to be very I think the biggest thing over the telephone, so you see approximately 135 people. year we plan to open the exciting because it’s going to be a that sets us apart is that we are ITB used to be all about con- The brand-new lounge Address Boulevard which is a lifestyle brand and we are not tracting for the next season. offers a comfortable envi- part of the collection of hotels brand affordable for everybody. standalone hotels, so to speak. Now ITB is about talking about ronment and understated in the downtown area. Since it has the Emaar name All our hotels are mixed-use the rates for the next season luxury for First and hotels, which is a trend fast and business contracts go out Business Class passengers The first hotel of the behind it, it will be the perfect catching up across the world. on email. The same thing hap- to relax before their flight. Rove Brand opens in blend of what we look for in an Our hotels have a resident pens with ATM. ATM is a time With a greater focus on December of 2015. We are to component to it. The Address to renew contracts, build new food and beverage servic- open 10 of these hotels before affordable hotel. becomes a place where you partnerships, ATM is also a es, the dining area features the World Expo 2020. We live, where you work, where time to discuss what more we Cathay Pacific’s signature have identified seven areas Seema Pande you party, where you eat; not would like to do with our part- Noodle Bar, a popular facil- already. The Rove brand is Corporate Director of Sales & just a place to stay when you ners. The follow-ups happen ity at the airline’s world- going to be very exciting Partnerships, Emaar Hospitality Group are in Dubai, it’s a full experi- through emails later on. It’s renowned lounges at Hong because it’s going to be a ence. One of the main things also a great time for finding Kong International Airport, which offers a selection of brand affordable for every- for Address hotels is that it is new markets, every single Asian noodles including body. Since it has the Emaar is going to be a lifestyle ele- our doing our bit. If you notice very location specific. Location year, there are people coming dandan mien and wonton name behind it, it will be the ment attached to it. There are there is a lot of room inventory is one of our big brand attrib- in from Mexico, Brazil, noodle soup, freshly pre- perfect blend of what we look talks on in Saudi, there is Cairo that’s come in the market. By utes. It’s about the downtown Australia is a big market now, pared by a chef. for in an affordable hotel. The where Emaar is already pres- 2020, we will have three more area, shopping, F&B, you’ve so it’s also about making these good thing about Dubai is that ent but we have yet to open a Address hotels open. These got the tallest tower, you’ve got new connections. This time for Africa! The three-day Tourism INDABA 2015 organised by South African Tourism in Durban from May 9-11 brought together more African exhibitors than any other show worldwide despite the fear of Ebola and xenophobia threatening to play spoilsport. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 33 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 34

34 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 FAMILY ALBUM Inbound focus at GITB 2015 Towards targeting potential consumers of tourism products from across the globe and India, the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organised the seventh edition of The Great Indian Travel Bazaar at JECC Sitapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 35

NTO JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 35 Ecuador’s tax sops for travel agents Underlining tourism as a priority, Ecuador is looking at to bring in investments from India. Pro Ecuador is offering huge incentives to the travel trade who might be interested in setting up in the Latin American country.

H AZEL J AIN will also help in promoting the they will have the support of be extended. It will host three including Mumbai-based Latin and organize meetings and Indian company once it is set that company. of the biggest travel compa- Aventuras and Benchmark. It visits to Ecuador. The spotlight ourist arrivals from India to up. We have public channels of nies in Ecuador next year to has also received interests in the coming decade will be TEcuador — located on the marketing at our disposal in To extend the avenues of India to participate in a trade from hotels such as the Taj on Latin America. To effectively western coast of South Ecuador which will be offered bilateral trade and investment, show in Mumbai and meet Group and Ramada Hotels. penetrate the South American America — haven’t been very 100 per cent free for one the President of Ecuador will Indian companies as well. markets it would be wise to high. But its India office — Pro year.This will help it establish be visiting Indian Prime While figures of 2014 are not Atul Parekh, owner of have a base in one of them Ecuador — that opened three itself in the market.” Minister Narendra Modi in yet out, in 2012, Ecuador five-year old Latin Aventuras and Ecuador is positioned per- years ago has been trying hard New Delhi this November. recorded 3,770 Indian arrivals that sells bespoke packages to fectly for this. It is eager to grow to pump up the numbers. So These incentives are not Currently, Indians do not which went down a little in South America only, says, “Pro swiftly and hence do not com- while it has been promoting the extended to companies that require any visa to enter 2013 at 3,364. Pro Ecuador Ecuador is a very pro-active plicate procedures.” Parekh is destination for tourism, it is now get into a joint venture with a Ecuador and every visit is has received interests from government body. They con- preparing to make a visit to looking to approach the man- local travel company because valid for three months that can about five to six companies nect relevant industry partners Ecuador this year. date from a different angle: through investments from the Indian travel trade.

Jorge Diaz, Trade Officer, Institute for Export & Investment Promotion, Pro Ecuador, explains, “We are identifying Indian companies in the tourism industry who may want to start something new in Ecuador, either by way of joint

Jorge Diaz Trade Officer, Institute for Export & Investment Promotion, Pro Ecuador

We are identifying Indian companies in the tourism industry who may want to start something new in Ecuador

ventures or direct investments. We are also in talks with a lot of hotel companies for this.”

He adds that to encourage this, the ministry of tourism of Ecuador is offering Indian companies huge incentives for directly investing in their country. “For medium-sized companies, we are offering 100 per cent deduction on expenses incurred by the company for technical training, research and innovation, and setting up high-quality infrastructure on ground for one whole year,” Diaz says.

The tourism ministry will also facilitate 100 per cent tax refund paid in the first year of operations to Indian companies who have set up office in Ecuador. This is not all. Diaz adds, “We know our market is competitive. That is why the Ecuadorian tourism ministry TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 36

36 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 FAMILY ALBUM ATM takes centrestage

The 2015 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) marked the 22nd edition of the annual industry showcase and once again boasted a packed programme that explored the broad spectrum of regional and international travel. This year’s event included 400 exhibitors and over 23,000 trade visitors.

Contd. on page 38 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 37 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 38

38 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 FAMILY ALBUM It's all about business @ATM 2015

Contd. on page 40 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 9:59 AM Page 39 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 40

40 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 FAMILY ALBUM Meetings galore at ATM 2015 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 41 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 42 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 43 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 44 NEWS roomsXML’s new booking feature JUNE 2015 With the belief that innovation is the key differentiator for any company, INTERNATIONAL roomsXML.com has launched an interesting feature that promises to prevent 9-11 Chicago IBTM 21-25 Melbourne Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) heartburns for travel agents’ customers.

NATIONAL TT BUREAU when the travel agents or “Innovation is the key differen- 1 Mumbai B2B Roadshow, Oman Tourist Office their customers call up the tiator. That's what keeps us 10 Kolkata Why Spain? – Presentation & oomsXML.com introduced hotel to double check their leading the pack. Till date, we Networking Dinner for Travel Trade ryet another feature that's booking — a mismatch in the have introduced 10 specific 11 Ahmedabad Why Spain? – Presentation & first in the online accommoda- room type cause heartburns. features that are the industry's Networking Dinner for Travel Trade tion segment at the From a travel agent's per- first – and many of them are 11-13 Pune India Hospitality Expo recently concluded ATM spective this feature not yet to be emulated by others 12 Pune Why Spain? – Presentation & 2015 in Dubai. The company only removes the guess in the line!” Networking Dinner for Travel Trade has invested thousands of dol- work whilst booking a room, 25 Kolkata East India Travel Awards lars and man-hours in building but also keeps their cus- this feature that displays the tomers happy!” room types exactly as per the Prakash Bang What’s New hotel's very own room names. Managing Director roomsXML.com is an JULY 2015 roomsXML.com accommodation wholesaler Over 400 travel agents NATIONAL Each hotel has their own catering exclusively to the visited the 10 Delhi VKonect MICE : B2C nomenclature to name a room. Over 400 travel agents travel trade. It was estab- roomsXML.com booth 10 -12 Bengaluru India International Travel Mart But hotel booking systems visited the roomsXML.com lished in 2007 and since then during ATM 11 Delhi VKonect MICE: B2B hardly retain the original name. booth during the show in has gradually entered 13-14 Mumbai Kiwi Link India workshop, So instead of calling a Dubai and learned about this various global markets roomsXML.com has Tourism New Zealand ‘Rainbow Tower Ocean Front new feature. Prakash Bang, successfully. The company introduced 10 specific 13 Goa Learn South Africa Corner Room’, other systems MD, roomsXML.com, says, ranks amongst Dun & features that are the 14-15 Ahmedabad Learn South Africa find it safe in showing the room “Each one of them was fasci- Bradstreet's Leading 100 industry's first 15 Mumbai Tourism New Zealand Frontline Training simply as a ‘Corner Room’. nated with the demo because SMEs of India. Bang adds, 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 One-stop shop for travellers 22 Lucknow Learn South Africa 22 Delhi Thailand Road Show 23 Kolkata Learn South Africa Travel & Telecom synergize to enrich customer experience, offer value for money 24 Mumbai Thailand Road Show 24 Mumbai Learn South Africa experience and extend multi-travel solutions under one roof to international travellers. 24-26 Hyderabad Travel & Tourism Fair 25 Pune Learn South Africa oreign destinations have From both personal and partnering with telecom serv- NEFT/RTGS, Credit/Debit 27 Hyderabad Learn South Africa not only attracted business- professional perspective, we ice providers to bundle cards etc. 29 Trichy Learn South Africa F men with a plethora of all want — we all need — to a variety of services so 31 Bengaluru Learn South Africa opportunities, but have be connected to our respec- that necessary arrangements The mobile technology 31–Aug 2 Kolkata Travel & Tourism Fair become a major attraction tive networks nearly 24 hours can be made before they has made everything among leisure and MICE a day. Hence, international travel abroad. possible on our fingertips. AUGUST 2015 market. An exponential The advent of mobile apps increase in international trav- has become a one-stop- INTERNATIONAL ellers has opened avenues for While everything is possible on solution for travellers 5-7 Beijing CIBTM the travel and hospitality sector smartphones nowadays, both the to book tickets; make NATIONAL to serve more number of trav- payments; check in online; ellers, every year. sectors are working together to make hotel reservations and 1 Cochin Learn South Africa offer a travel package which is so on. Similarly, the telecom 3 Mumbai Learn South Africa With immense opportuni- companies enable customers 4 Nagpur Learn South Africa ties available, the travel com- powered by a telecom solution to select, buy and recharge 4 Kolkata Tourism Authority of Thailand B2B panies are looking at bundling to enable round-the-clock their SIM with the click Roadshow their products with value-add connectivity for travellers going of a mouse. 4 Bengaluru Mauritius Tourism Promotion services such as insurance, Authority B2B Roadshow forex etc. which help them earn to distant destinations While everything is pos- 5 Delhi Mauritius Tourism Promotion ancillary revenue streams for sible on smartphones Authority B2B Roadshow their business and offer a bou- mobility solutions such as How Technology Helps nowadays, both the sectors 6 Mumbai Mauritius Tourism Promotion quet of services under one roof voice and data SIM cards are Over investment in are working together to Authority B2B Roadshow to delight their customers’ trav- also at a huge demand, while infrastructure and compre- offer a travel package 6 Lucknow Tourism Authority of Thailand B2B elling experience. planning for overseas travel. hensive CRM software is which is powered by a Roadshow enabling international SIM telecom solution to enable 7-9 Vadodara Holiday Expo How bundling is beneficial companies to provide opti- round-the-clock connectivity 14 -16 Aurangabad India International Travel Exhibition for customers mum solutions with complete for travellers going to 17 Jaipur VKonect & Let's Network • Make All Travel transparency to ensure con- distant destinations. 17 Ahmedabad VisitBritain’s 'Great Tourism Week' Benefits of Roadshow Arrangements In One Go venience, clarity and credibil- 18-20 Delhi Incentive Travel & Conventions bundling • International SIM ity for travellers. Meetings India Cards Allow You to Make all travel arrange- 18-20 Surat Travel & Tourism Fair Stay Connected During They are even entering 19 Lucknow VKonect & Let's Network ments in one go Travel into agreements with • Buy Bundled Products at other travel and forex compa- 19 Mumbai VisitBritain’s 'Great Tourism Week' International SIM Roadshow Cost Effective Rates nies. In the last decade 20 Coimbatore VKonect & Let's Network cards allow you to • Enjoy Additional there have been major 21 Hyderabad VKonect & Let's Network stay connected Discounts when Buying technological innovations 21 Pune VisitBritain 'Great Tourism Week' during travel Multiple Products adapted by telecom and trav- Roadshow el domain to improve 26 Kolkata VKonect & Let's Network Buy bundled products Entering into Strategic travelling experience. The 28 Chandigarh VKonect & Let's Network at cost effective rates Partnerships companies enable travellers 28-30 Mumbai India International Travel Mart The companies offer to buy and pay online Enjoy additional dis- 31 Kolkata VisitBritain’s ‘Great Tourism Week’ value to the customers at a from anywhere and Roadshow counts when buying price they can afford. Many anytime by using different Gaurav Dhawan Executive Director For more information, contact us at: [email protected] multiple products large companies are also payment modes such as Clay Telecom TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 45 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 46 NEWS Connecting outbound industry Starting off 2015 on a busy note, Outbound Konnections is ecstatic. It has added three more products to its portfolio, which means more choice to the travel trade.

TT BUREAU movements from Tier II Indian this changing Indian market,” tourist is experiential, adven- markets enabling deeper pen- she adds. ture-seeking or a first-timer, his year kicked off on a etration,” she says. there is always something new Tgood note for Outbound Sharing her perspective to experience. Konnections. The addition of Speaking about the on the current scenario of the Chimelong International potential of luxury travel in Indian travel industry, “The country is setting a Ocean Resort in Zhuhai path for a better per capita (China), TUI – Life Time income, so disposable income Experience Products and We can see that the Indian outbound market in middle-class families and Select Travels from Philippines upwards is increasing too. The to its portfolio has added that is growing rapidly. Even today, there is continu- size of the Indian middle class much more variety and broad- ous growth in the tourism traffic currently stands at approxi- ened its service offerings. mately more than 350 million, coming in as well as going out with India ranked as one of the Anjum Lokhandwala, of India, thus giving a reason top five countries for potential Founder and CEO, Outbound for us to go on with more outbound travel. Add to this, Konnections, says, “Of course, the number of Indians travelling we will be making further addi- determination. overseas which is set to rise tions to the current list as the from nearly 17 million at pres- year goes on. Alongside this, Anjum Lokhandwala ent to 50 million by 2020. we would also be working on Founder and CEO, Outbound Together with wanderlust, some path-breaking and out- Konnections this makes India an attractive of-the-box strategies for our outbound destination,” clients so that they will have a Lokhandwala adds. symbiotic growth with us.” India, Lokhandwala, says that Lokhandwala says, “In this age India is warming up luxury of globalization, India has Lokhandwala adds that products. “India is now a emerged as a major tourism the next step for Outbound mature luxury market and the revenue generating destina- India’s Potential Konnections is to make sure number of high net-worth trav- tion. We can see that the Indian that the travel trade is regularly ellers are growing at a fast outbound market is growing India ranked as one updated on its service offerings pace. Family holidays and hon- rapidly. Even today, there is of the top five and client services through eymooners are the trend and continuous growth in the countries for potential information via mailers, road- they are seeking luxury. tourism traffic coming in as well shows, online sessions, train- Indians are now more as going out of India, thus giv- outbound travel ing and the likes. “At the same focussed in terms of choosing ing a reason for us to go on The number of Indians time, we are devoting consid- the destination they want to with more determination.” travelling overseas erable effort into diversifying travel to, and from the destina- our services, focus more on tion the right products they She feels that as always, which is set to rise capturing the pace of the new- want to experience. TUI – Life more and more new destina- from nearly 17 million age Indian, tap the unexplored Time Experience Products tions are entering India to at present to 50 million areas, etc. Besides major hub being an out-an-out luxury reach out to the outbound by 2020 towns, we are expecting good product has huge potential in Indian traveller. Whether the

India ninth best MICE Destination Curtailing legal costs

in APAC Contd. from page 1 Unfortunately, it is the legal expenses region:ICCA association are well-monitored International Congress and and budgeted every year by the which form a major part of the expenditure, Convention Association’s Managing Committee along followed by the TAAI secretariat (ICCA) annual statistics for with the support of our Chapter 2014 on the number of rotat- office bearers,” he says. expenses and meeting expenses of ing international association the Managing Committee and so on meetings hosted by countries Outlining the main and cities were released sources from where TAAI fills its Marzban Antia recently indicating overall sta- treasury, he reveals, “The mem- Treasurer, TAAI bility in the MICE business. bership fees are a bare mini- Paris, France retained its top mum and do not even help in city ranking alongside the US meeting our fixed costs. cate the members and the trade agents back into force as a form winning the top country rank- Sponsorships for all our events as a whole are on the cards and of a financial guarantee to IATA. ing in the latest ICCA annual and the Convention/ITTE held we have received fantastic sup- This is one of the first and only ratings. In the city rankings, during the year assist in building port from a lot of tourism bodies global schemes of its kind which Vienna swapped places with our treasury. Unfortunately, it is as well as hospitality partners,” is tried and tested in the past and Madrid, moving up from three the legal expenses which form states the Treasurer. The treas- has been a huge success for our to two, and Berlin and a major part of the expenditure, urer is happy that the associa- members,” he says. Barcelona swapped places followed by the TAAI secretariat tion has admitted several new from four and five respective- expenses and meeting expens- members under its active and/or th ly. India holds the 35 position es of the Managing Committee allied categories. “By the efforts in the rankings worldwide and and so on.” of this committee, we are Cutting Losses achieved ninth position in the endeavouring to gain more sup- Asia Pacific region, seeing To keep a healthy bal- To keep a healthy balance, port of the trade to join TAAI so 116 global business events in ance, TAAI has tried to TAAI has tried to curtail unnec- as to obtain continuous educa- 2014. The major cities which essary expenses of legal fees, tion, benefits and knowledge curtail unnecessary hosted the events were Delhi, which is a major account head, through regular updates of all expenses of legal fees, Hyderabad, Mumbai, which is a major Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and has been brought under that is happening in the industry. Goa, Chandigarh, Jaipur and control. “An initiative by this com- TAAI also has once again account head, and has Cochin. mittee is to have more road- through APJC got the Joint been brought under shows and workshops to edu- Bank Guarantee for the IATA control TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 47

JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 TRAVTALK 47 OPPORTUNITY TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 48

48 TRAVTALK JUNE 1ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2015 MOVEMENTS

Taj Krishna Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield Myra Vineyards Hyderabad Bengaluru Mumbai K Mohanchandran has been appointed as the Area Director – Vimal Bhat has been appointed as Associate Director of Sales Myra Vineyards announced the elevation of Sachin Bhamri to Hyderabad and General Manager at Taj’s iconic hotel Taj Krishna. In of Bengaluru Marriott Whitefield. He comes with nine years of Head of Sales and Marketing, Maharashtra and Goa (except his new role Mohanchandran will be responsible experience in the hospitality industry. Bhat com- Mumbai). Bhamri was previously responsible for overseeing operations and business of all menced his journey with the Marriott family for the sales and marketing of Myra, in Goa. Taj Hotels across Hyderabad. With over 25 six years ago and was one of the pioneers Bhamri, who joined Myra Vineyards years of experience in the hospitality indus- that Marriott had in the Bengaluru as a part towards the end of last year, has been try, Mohanchandran’s strength lies in his of NSO team. After a very successful stint instrumental in accentuating Myra’s brand thorough knowledge of the industry. Prior to in the NSO, he moved to Marriott Whitefield presence across all relevant platforms and being appointed in his current role, he was in 2012 as the Sales Manager and played a outlets in Goa. Key highlights over the past the General Manager at the Taj Lake Palace in critical role in the successful opening and few months includes presence at the Udaipur, Taj Wellington Mews in Mumbai, positioning of the hotel. Sunburn Festival, VH1 Supersonic After Party Blue - A Taj Hotel in Sydney, and most dovetailed with key tie-ups with over 30+ recently Taj Bengal Kolkata. restaurants, 200+ supermar- kets, and presence across leading five star hotels.

Shakun Jaipur Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort Park Inn by Radisson Gurgaon Bilaspur Jaipur Goa Gurgaon Shakun Jaipur has appointed Anand Soni as its new General Accor has announced the appointment of Rohan Sable as the Arvind Shenoy has been appointed as General Manager of the Manager. He brings with him an experience of over 13 years in General Manager, Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort. Sable brings Park Inn By Radisson Gurgaon Bilaspur. Shenoy comes with over hospitality sector. Soni began his career with with him over 16 years of experience in the hos- 20 years of experience in the hospitality indus- Moevenpick Hotels in Geneva. A graduate pitality industry. He joined Accor in February try. He works with new and existing prop- from Marriott Management Programme, he 2013 and was the General Manager of IBIS erties, combining cost controls with tran- has worked with leading hotel brands like Mumbai in his earlier role. In his new role sitional and long-term team building to The Oberoi hotels, Taj hotels, Hilton and Sable will be responsible for the overall man- maximise advantages. Shenoy is a 1994 Marriott in Europe, USA and India. He holds agement, strategic direction and lead the graduate from The Welcomgroup an MBA in Marketing & Human Resources hotel to continually delight guests with Graduate School of Hotel Administration, and diploma in Hotel Management from Les the Grand Mercure hospitality. Manipal. He has served in various oper- Roches Hotel School, Switzerland. Sable has numerous years ating capacities, for franchises including of experience in the various Tulip, Carlson Rezidor hotels and various hospitality disciplines, other single unit hotel companies. from F&B to Operations to Sales and Marketing.

Yatra.com Hilton Chennai The Claridges New Delhi Chennai New Delhi Himanshu Verma has been appointed as Chief Technology Officer Hilton Chennai recently announced appointment of Achal The Claridges, New Delhi has announced the appointment of Sahil by Yatra.com. He comes with two decades of diverse experience in Agarwal as Executive Chef. With more than 15 years of expe- Sabhlok as the Executive Chef. He comes to The Claridges, New the technology industry and the last ten rience in the hospitality industry, Agarwal has Delhi with over a decade of experience in the hospitality and years have seen him in key leadership worked with chains like Taj Hotels, restaurant industry with an aim to make the roles with some of the biggest names Resorts and Palaces, The Leela hotel an epicurean hub with his experi- in the e-commerce and Internet Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and ence across diverse cuisines. He will be industries. In his new role, Verma Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He was instrumental in planning, implementing will lead technology development associated with award winning and overseeing the diverse and unique for all businesses and products of Japanese restaurants like Sakura, menus across all our restaurants. Yatra. In this role, Verma will be Wasabi and Megu. Most recently Sabhlok will lead a team of talented engaged in growing the mobile busi- he was in charge of the kitchen young chefs, allowing each ness, which is now touted as the team at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. specialty restaurant to future of the travel industry. retain its core premium focus, leading them into a new era.

Surya Bhan Singh, Chairman, Galaxy Tourism, is one of Saurabh Rai, Area Managing Director, South Asia and the youngest chairman in the Tourism Industry. Singh was Middle East, Preferred Hotels & Resorts Rai travels grounded and practical and worked his way up the success extensively due to his work portfolio. Father of a two- ladder with perseverance, devotion year-old daughter, luxury for him, and commitment, all of which is time with his family – and as reaped a beneficial result in a team they enjoy unwinding by Avijit Chaturvedi, General Manager, Fortune Select Dasve, the form of Galaxy Tourism. the ocean resorts in Thailand. Lavasa, likes writing Hindi and Urdu poetry in his free time. He did not for once give into Road trips within India, up to He is also a photography enthusiast. Chaturvedi has been the naysayers or the people the hills or into the interiors of associated with an amateur theatre group for more than who said that this cannot Rajasthan are a big hit. “The 10 years. “I enjoy listening to semi- happen. He had faith connotation of travel has classical and classical Hindustani in his abilities and he focused altered since the arrival of my music." he says. His preferred on his strengths, he took daughter. We recently went travel destinations are failure and defeat in his snorkelling in Maldives and Ngorongoro National Park stride and tasted that’s been added to my list Tanzania & Masai Mara, true success. of favourite things to Kenya and Kaziranga do,” he says. National Park, Assam, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Talking People is a special dedicated corner, created as a sounding board for who’s who of the Indian and international travel industry. Talking People is our endeavour to bring you face-to-face with professionals. Contributed by: Hazel Jain, Peden Doma Bhutia & Megha Paul TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 49 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 50 INTERVIEW UP Travel Mart from Feb 22 next year After a five-year agreement with FICCI at the travel mart in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh has now secured `1,600 cr from the World Bank to develop its tourism circuits. Om Prakash Singh, Tourism Minister, Uttar Pradesh, talks to .

R UCHI J SINGH These people are duty-driven and disciplined which makes What would you call their job very easy and of QUttar Pradesh’s USP highest quality. They are cur- in terms of tourism? rently deployed at Mathura, We have an abundance Lucknow and Varanasi. I am of heritage and that’s our USP. proud to say that we haven’t We may not have oceans and had any incidents that could mountains but the state tarnish UP’s image as a makes up for it in terms of reli- tourist destination since its gious and heritage sites of the formation. As of now we have highest repute. We have the only one woman officer in world’s oldest city, Kashi, and Tourist police unit under Lord Rama’s birthplace, SSP Agra, but we are looking Ayodhya, which see massive to add more. domestic tourism. We are No. 2 in India when it comes to What’s up and com- domestic numbers, and No. 4 Qing on the UP for foreign tourists. The Taj Tourism front? Mahal alone saw up to UP Tourism grew at 12 per 60,72,263 visitors from cent in the past year. Our January 2014 to December renewed focus on heritage- 2014, out of which 6,94,467 based tourism has revived many were foreigners and Om Prakash Singh, Tourism Minister, Uttar Pradesh 53,77,796 Indians. Berlin and is mighty impres- How has e-ticketing sive. We want to implement Taj remains UP’s crown jewel Qfor the Taj Mahal this at other popular sites fared? as well. The response has been hugely positive. We have had Will UP Travel Mart 4,04,133 visitors in total who Qbe an annual event? booked through e-ticketing If yes, please share the from December 2014 to dates for 2016 edition? April 2015. Out of these Yes, seeing the response 2,77,126 were foreigners and in Lucknow, we plan to hold the 1,27,007 Indians. Taking it travel mart every year. It’ll forward, we want to make it come back to Lucknow from systematic — something on February 22-24, 2016. We also the lines of Berlin Tower. The agreed on a five-year agree- 60,72,263 visited the Taj Mahal from January-December 2014 ticketing system is impecca- ment with FICCI which is a 4,04,133 booked their visit to the Taj Mahal through e-Ticketing from ble at this landmark in great achievement. December 2014 to April 2015 Agra leads the state with 44.1% hotel occupancy

Up and coming Congratulations on small areas/monuments/events Qreceiving the aid which were regionally renowned 2000 tourists in total from October 2014 to April 2015 from the World Bank. but lacked national exposure. What are the investment Some such events are the took the Chambal Safari through the infamous ruins of projections? Mangla Aarti, Dev Diwali and Chambal once called home by numerous dacoits We are thrilled to have Bharat Milap in Varanasi, secured 1,600 crore from the Ramnagar Fort, Shahi Taalab in Sound and light show at Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort ` World Bank. Out of this, ` 441 Lucknow. We organise light and Chunar Fort being refurbished crore will be allotted to sound show in Jhansi and Mathura, Ayodhya and Kashi Sarnath, Varanasi, and a musi- `640 cr assigned to cleaning and beautification of Buddha circuit. cal show for the aficionados River Gomti in Lucknow called Subah-e-Banaras. UP How has the con- Tourism seeks the support of all 31 canals flowing into Gomti being restored Qcept of Tourism media associated with the travel Police materialised? trade to highlight the wonders of A museum in Ghazipur district on Mughal history We have recruited ex- this state and to dispel the neg- military men to serve as ative coverage in the main- A gallery based on the events of 1857 mutiny tourism police in the state. stream media. TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 51 TT_JUNE-1ST-2015_FINAL:TT Layout 6/3/2015 10:00 AM Page 52

Postal Reg. No.: DL(ND)-11/6044/2015-16-17; WPP No.: U(C)-178/2015-17 for posting on 1st-2nd and 16th-17th of the same month at New Delhi PSO, New Delhi - 110001, RNI No.: 53492/1991 Date of Publication:30-05-2015