Express Travelworld (Vol.11, No.1) February, 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE

Different strokes

2

016 brought with it a certain momentum especially for those associated with the travel trade primarily as travel agents.

The recent discussion organised by Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), on the current IATA Settlement System (ISS) model to be replaced with NewGen ISS, which is said to have far reaching consequences, transforming business modules for travel agents and airlines, was received by the agents with a bit of caution. They are gearing up for the future and hoping that it all shapes up well in their interest.

There is some amount of skepticism but they are open to comprehending what is on offer for the future. Along with NewGen ISS, New Distribution Capability (NDC) is also said to transform the way air products are retailed currently by travel agents to corporations, leisure and business travellers.

NDC will address the industry’s current distribution limitations: product differentiation and timeto-market. NDC will also give access to full air content and transparent shopping platform.

Moving further, to gain a global perspective, TAAI through its participation with United Federation of Travel Agents' Association (UFTAA), has proposed regional co-operation with neighbouring countries. The meeting discussed the

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“TAAI through its participation with United Federation of Travel Agents' Association (UFTAA), has proposed regional co-operation with neighbouring countries”

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practices prevalent in other countries. Subjects included areas such as commissions, settlement norms and other related matters. A government liaison committee is being created by TAAI for more detailed interaction with our government to attempt reforms for the industry.

Apart from talks on what the future holds, there is a group of tour operators who are also aiming to put forth their concerns. With respect to the ongoing price competition between tour operators and online travel portals, tour operators from across India have suggested an 'Ethical Tourism Policy’.

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has announced that its annual convention will be held in Bali from March 17-21, 2016. It is the second country in the ASEAN region to host the delegates from OTOAI. Further, check out our cover story this issue; it is all about what the consul generals have to say on why India is so special for them as a tourism destination. Finally, we all hope that the Union Budget this year will be a winning stroke for the tourism and hospitality sector.

REEMA LOKESH Editor editorial.etw@expressindia.com

BHOPAL Ashwin Kamble The Indian Express (P) Ltd. Business Publication Division 2nd Floor, Express Tower, Nariman Point Mumbai- 400 021 Board line: 022- 67440000 Ext. 527 Mobile: +91 9833666558 Email id: ashwin.kamble@expressindia.com JAIPUR Baljinder Singh The Indian Express (P) Ltd. S2,J-40, Shyam GHP Enclave, Krishna Marg, C-Scheme, Jaipur - 302 001 Mobile: +91 9868848013 Email id: baljinder.singh@expressindia.com

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EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD

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February 2016

CONTENTS MANAGEMENT Vol 11 No 1 FEBRUARY 2016 Pages 44

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Chairman of the Board

Viveck Goenka Sr Vice President - BPD

Neil Viegas Editor

Reema Lokesh* Chief of Product

Prabhas Jha CULTURAL CRADLE WINNIPEG, THE 'PRAIRIE CAPITAL' KNOWN FOR ITS HISTORY IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY AND THE FOUNDING OF THE FUR TRADING POST FORT ROUGE IN 1738, HAS EVOLVED TO BECOME THE CAPITAL OF MANITOBA AND A VIBRANT CITY OFFERING VARIOUS TOURISM ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO VISITORS INTERESTED IN HISTORY

Assistant Editor

Steena Joy Sr. Associate Editor

Sudipta Dev CONTENT TEAM Mumbai

Rituparna Chatterjee Kolkata

Joy Roy Choudhury

DESIGN National Art Director

Bivash Barua Assistant Art Director

Pravin Temble Senior Graphic Designerr

Rushikesh Konka Senior Artist

Ratilal Ladani, Kiran Parker SCHEDULING & COORDINATION

Ashish Anchan Photo Editor

Sandeep Patil MARKETING Regional Heads

Harit Mohanty - East & West Prabhas Jha - North Dr. Raghu Pillai - South Manager

Ashwin Kamble Marketing Team

Debnarayan Dutta Ajanta Sengupta Baljinder Singh Mathen Mathew Ravindra Pawar CIRCULATION

BUILDING BRIDGES BEYOND BORDERS

General Manager

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Tasked with the role of building international relations and promoting the interests of their home countries in India,Express TravelWorld spoke to some of the Consul Generals across the countryto get their perspective on tourism exchange and visa issuance (20-27)

WINGS TO CENTRAL INDIA GLOBAL PANORAMA SHOWCASE EXPANDS ITS REACH PAN INDIA WITH A STRONG FOCUS ON BRINGING TIER II AND TIER III CITIES TO THE FOREFRONT

LIFE

MARKETS

Mohan Varadakar PRODUCTION

EDGE

07

ULTRA-LUXURY YACHT EXPERIENCES ATTRACT INDIAN HNI

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FLORIDA HUDDLE 2016 AIMS TO MAKE FLORIDA THE WORLD’S LEADING DESTINATION

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CAMBODIA LOOKING AT DIRECT AIR CONNECTIVITY WITH INDIA

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BRITISH AIRWAYS LAUNCHES BRAND CAMPAIGN 'FUELLED

BY LOVE'

B R Tipnis Manager

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Bhadresh Valia Express TravelWorld® POSTAL REGD. NO. MCS/163/2016 – 18 RNI Reg. No.MAHENG/2005/15993 Printed by The Indian Express (P) Ltd. and published by Ms Vaidehi Thakar on behalf of The Indian Express Press, Plot No. EL-208, TTC Industrial Area, Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400710 and Published from Express Towers, 2nd Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021.

(Editorial & Administra-tive Offices: Express Towers, 1st Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021)

P03: EDITOR’S NOTE

EMPOWERING YOUTH FOR TOURISM MINISTRY OF TOURISM (MOT) LAUNCHES NEW SKILL INITIATIVES FOR YOUTHS ON NATIONAL YOUTH DAY TO MARK BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI VIVEKANAND

P41 : APPOINTMENTS P42 : WEEKEND

Copyright © 2016 The Indian Express (P) Ltd. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited. *Responsible for selection of news under PRB Act

IN THE NEWS

Amusement park sector revenues to touch `4,000 cr in 2020 Steena Joy Mumbai THE INDIAN amusement /theme park industry is expected to reach new highs with investments to the tune of US$ 1.8 billion and revenue of `4000 crore by 2020.

Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Ajay Sarin, president, Indian Association of Amusement Parks & Industries (IAAPI) said, “For the first time the amusement park industry in India was removed from the negative list and a service tax of 14.5 per cent was levied on the amusement sector which is already paying state entertainment tax ranging from five per cent to 35 per cent across the country. But despite the double

taxation, it is expected that by 2020, approximately 500 new projects worth US$ 1.8 billion are likely to be invested in the Indian amusement park sector. Currently, the amusement park industry is generating a revenue of `1700 crore and is growing at CAGR of more than 17.5 per cent and is expected to touch `4000 crore in 2020.”

Commenting on whether the industry is sophisticated enough to lure Indian travellers who go overseas to visit theme parks, Sarin said, “Yes a lot of Indians do visit overseas theme parks. The success of amusement parks globally is because resorts/hotels are an integral part of the theme park which provides comfort of hospitality coupled with en-

tertainment. Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, USA attract millions of tourists because most of their amusement/theme parks are integrated resorts. In India, Ramoji Film City, Wonderla, Imagica, VGP Universal, World of Wonders, EsselWorld have also developed state-of-the-art amusement parks with new rides, attractions, simulation, adventure and themes that can be enjoyed at a far lesser price as compared to international parks.”

Meanwhile, the 16th edition of IAAPI's Amusement Expo will be held from March 3-5 in Mumbai. This year, the exhibition is supported by the ministry of tourism, Government of In-

dia along with the Government of Chhattisgarh as a partner state promoting Naya Raipur Development Authority as an entertainment hub. Sarin informed, “This year's expo is more promising with an increase in 25 per cent of the floor area as well as exhibitors.

The expo will witness new rides and attractions developed by leading rides and equipment manufacturers from over 100 plus exhibitors from India and across 19 countries including Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Korea, Hong Kong, Italy, Philippines, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Luthuania, Netherlands, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA .”

Ethical Tourism Policy AMIDST the ongoing price competition between tour operators and online travel portals, tour operators across India have suggested an 'Ethical Tourism Policy'. Speaking on the suggestion, Rakesh Lamba, co-chairman, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India, said, "Online travel portals are creating a problem for offline travel agents. Websites are selling travel products on-cost or below-cost, hence eliminating profits. Instead of price war, there should be a service war in the industry. If everyone agrees on this, the industry will be organised and it will be a 'win-win' situation for both, tour operators and online travel portals."

Tour operators have also suggested that hoteliers should have common display rates on the online portals.

Budget ahead: What's in store ETW Staff Mumbai THE EXPECTATIONS surrounding the Union Budget, scheduled to be disclosed by the finance minister, Arun Jaitley, on February 29, 2016, are high this year. From the hospitality industry gaining infrastructure status to the roll-out of the GST to getting a boost in inbound and domestic tourism, the expectations are widely varying among hospitality and tourism professionals across the country.

Sharing his views on this year's Union Budget, Sarabjit Singh, vice chairman, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) opined, “Indian tourism needs to escape from

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Set up one India Haat in every capital city and in the top 20 tourism cities of India. Incentivise adventure tourism by extending 100% import duty exemption on adventure tourism equipment its trajectory of low shares by working on a set of structured Union Budget driven initiatives. On an immediate basis, there is a need to enhance competitiveness of Indian tourism exports and remove service tax applicability on tourism units which are earning in foreign exchange, by removing the place of provision of service clause under rule

6A of service tax rules. Enable setting up of Mega Tourism Zones on the lines of SEZ/national manufacturing zones under the same policy guidelines. Position India as the meeting, conventions hub of the world by setting up a global conventions bidding fund of `100 crore used for bidding and attracting world congresses.”

Speaking about the need for granting infrastructure status to the hospitality industry and boosting domestic tourism, Singh added, “Stimulate domestic tourism by extending an LTC like scheme across all tax paying Indian citizens and also provide 150 per cent weighted deduction on expenditure incurred by corporates on undertaking conferences, conventions and incentive trips in India. Classify hospitality as infrastructure and enable development of soft tourist infrastructure around all our monuments and cultural heritage sites on a PPP. Declare a new class of venture capital instruments for funding tourism businesses of micro, small and medium enterprises. Set up

one India Haat (on the lines of Delhi Haat) in every capital city and in the top 20 tourism cities of India. Incentivise adventure tourism activities in India by extending 100 per cent import duty exemption on adventure tourism equipment and accessories. For the incoming GST regime ensure a GST tourism guidance of lower GST slab or less than 10 per cent whichever is lower.”

Giving his perspective, Sunil Kumar, president, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) stated, “The government should review the taxes especially the ones put on inbound travel because it has been majorly impacted. The GST bill is much awaited by the travel fraternity. I hope it will be implemented soon.”

IN THE NEWS

Ultra-luxury yacht experiences attract Indian HNI Sudipta Dev Mumbai NORWEGIAN company SeaDream Yacht Club has been promoting ultra-luxury sea travel vacations in India.

The company has two yachts M/Y SeaDream I and M/Y SeaDream II that caters to a select and exclusive clientele.

“SeaDream is a brand catering to the elite and luxury driven audience. The last three years of operations in India, we have observed that luxury yachting is still at a nascent stage. Nevertheless, we have witnessed a growth in demand for yachting in the country,” said Sudesh Kishore, president, SeaDream Yacht Club, India.

There are many factors that differentiate luxury yacht experiences from cruising.

Kishore remarked that the expression 'yachting' is not a sentiment about size; it is a statement about lifestyle aboard the small vessels.

“Yachting is slow, relaxed and exclusive. With only 112 guests on each ship there are no crowds onboard. Attire is ca-

sual, the ship travels at its own pace. They visit small intimate ports, which otherwise a large ship would not have been able to travel to. Yachting voyages include overnight ports,” he pointed out, not forgetting to add that cruising is fast, hectic and for the masses. Ships are crowded and their events onboard are programmed.

Attire is ties/tuxes/gowns. The ships can visit large crowded ports only and depart ports once at a given time: 6:30 pm.

SeaDream Yacht Club offers unique experiences and itineraries like the newly introduced, 2016 Wine Voyages. “Unlike cruise liners, yachting delivers a feeling of comfort and privacy which is one of the reasons that most of our loyal guests keep sailing with us,” said Kishore, acknowledging that the Indian HNI segment would love to experience voyages that are unfamiliar and exclusive. “Such experiences are unobtainable in India and an advantage to SeaDream to attract such audiences,” he mentioned.

The company has been focused on educating its luxury

travel trade partners and target media across India about the unique and exclusive sea travel experiences. “Information about our exclusive offers and voyages are shared with the travel trade and media publications. From time-to-time we also interact

with elite guests from our main markets of Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru through interactive sessions,” stated Kishore.

From May-October 2016, SeaDream I and II will sail in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. November 2016 –

April 2017, they will visit the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. In October 2016, SeaDream I will sail throughout the French and Italian Rivieras visiting the most secluded and stunning ports of call in the Mediterranean.

EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD

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February 2016

EXPRESS EXCLUSIVE

'MYDREAM IS TO HAVE ASINGLE WINDOWFOR ALLCLEARANCES FOR INDUSTRY' In an exclusive interview, Swadheen S Kshatriya, chief secretary, Government of Maharashtra, speaks to Steena Joy about what has been chalked out to make Maharashtra the preferred investment as well as tourism destination in the country What is the government’s vision for Maharashtra in the next two years?

The Make in India and Make in Maharashtra week which has been planned from February 13 is to be inaugurated by the Hon Prime Minister of our country. The main event will be an international exhibition, first of its kind and a never before event in Maharashtra. Around 10,000 delegates and 500 MNCs are expected to participate. The exhibition space which is under construction in the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai will be spread over 100,000 sq meters. The heads of state of many countries will be attending the event. Today, the world is looking towards India as an Economic Superpower and one of the strongest economies and Maharashtra is the most preferred destination for investment. This has been vindicated by an ASSOCHAM study, which says that Maharashtra continues to be the most desired investment destination in India. Even traditionally, the state (where the Gateway of India is located) has remained the ‘gateway’ for foreign investment. So we want to use the Make in Maharashtra week to showcase the state as a number one investment destination and as an international financial centre.

The state is also known for the Ease of Doing Business.

We have introduced standard operating procedures (SOPs) for industry so that time required for construction permissions has been reduced from one year to 60 days. The number of permissions that were required earlier have

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been substantially reduced.

My dream in the next two years is to have a Single Window for all clearances for industry. And our promise is an effective Single Window system where the investor will give one common application form and the Government will take the responsibility of getting all the clearances for him in a stipulated time period. So we are going to undertake a massive business process reengineering and the benefit of the same will be passed on to the end user through single window system.

How can Maharashtra leverage on its tourism strengths and how can the government bring in tourism friendly policies?

The state’s potential for attracting tourists is immense.

However we have not been able to tap it to the full extent.

So we have identified that certain policy changes will be required. We have already formulated a tourism policy which has been uploaded on our website. We have so far received 85 suggestions to improve the policy.

We also want to try innovative ideas. There is no adequate Bed & Breakfast accommodation and home stay options in the state. Nagpur and Vidarbha have beautiful forests and rich wild life including Tigers, but the accommodation options are very few. We must build more accommodation options in the buffer zones of Forests like in Madhya Pradesh for example.

We want to encourage such models.

We want to open the tourism sector to the Public

Swadheen Kshatriya

Private Partnership (PPP) model. We have large land assets for tourism projects. So we wish to invite the private sector to invest in tourism.

Land will be provided by the government and the private sector can develop it. We want to encourage investment in the tourism sector. Then there is the Adopt a Monument initiative. Historical monuments are always in need of maintenance and we want to involve the private sector in this.

We also have a Single Window proposal for tourism.

Presently, nearly 71 permissions are required for tourism projects; we want to scale it down to a bare 20 permissions.

We want to consider all kinds of investment to make the tourism sector very attractive.

What steps are being taken to improve regional connectivity in the state?

The dream project of our Hon Chief Minister is to have a Super Expressway connecting Nagpur to Mumbai similar to the Pune Mumbai Expressway.

The Pune Mumbai Express-

way has not just reduced the travel time between these two cities but has also contributed to the economic development of the belt. Similarly the expressway from Nagpur to Mumbai will pass through districts like Amravati, Buldhana and other peripheral towns which have tremendous untapped potential for development. Such an expressway will be a game changer. Our road length in 2012 was 2,63,000 km. We have drawn a plan to touch 3,36,000 km of roads in the next ten years. So our plan is twofold – improving the condition of existing roads while building new ones to connect interior regions.

Rail projects are also important. Construction is on for a rail project from Ahmednagar to Parli in Beed district to connect one of the most backward regions of Marathwada.

50 per cent will be funded by Government of India and 50 per cent by Government of Maharashtra. We have provided '250 crore for this project for current financial year.

As for airports, the Navi Mumbai International Airport with capacity to handle 60 million passengers per year will start construction this year.

Phase I with capacity of 10 million passengers will be operational in 2019. Airports are coming up in Shirdi, Nanded, Latur, and Solapur and near Sindhudurg. The Sindhudurg airport is expected to be ready

by December this year while the final MoU for the Nasik airport has been signed.

We will start the competitive bidding process for the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link in March this year. It will connect

Navi Mumbai to Mumbai by 22 km long bridge over the sea.

Apart from this, seven Metro projects have been planned in Mumbai. The Nagpur Metro work is on in full swing and a metro in Pune is also being planned.

Helicopter tourism has already commenced with Mumbai Darshan by helicopter. The state government has signed a five year agreement with Pawan Hans. Rides are expected to cost '320 a minute.

The initiative has already evoked good response and if successful, then we are looking to start flying to Shirdi, Ajanta/Ellora and Elephanta.

Maharashtra has only two institutes under the Hunar Se Rozgar Tak initiative for skill development in tourism and hospitality. What steps are being taken to improve the skill development scheme in the state?

Skill development is an important flagship programme of the Government of India and also of Maharashtra. For the first time in history of the state, a separate department has been created for skill development headed by the Principal Secretary with adequate budget allocation. The Pramod Mahajan Kaushalya Vikas Scheme was recently started.

We will make use of the over 800 Industrial Technical Institutes (ITIs) in the state. We also plan to set up a Multi Skilling Centre in every district and a Centre of Excellence. We will initiate a dialogue with corporate houses and take feedback from them regarding their manpower requirements.

IN THE NEWS FUTURE NEXT / TARUN CHADHA CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, TIRUN TRAVEL MARKETING MY SUCCESS MANTRA I follow the three Fs principle – focus, flexibility and follow through. You have got to have a vision and focus, the flexibility to navigate through everything that comes in your way and ultimately the drive to follow through, come what may!

SMU,Wharton in the US, Peking University in Beijing and ISB in Hyderabad.The experience so far has been very enriching. I believe that the experiences and relations drive an individual's rationale rather than theory and books.

MY DREAM DESTINATION MY BIGGEST LEARNING My biggest learning is that 'change is the only constant'. In businesses and management, you have to adopt policies and frameworks that allow organisations to cultivate these ethos. Don't shy away from trying to do things differently or doing different things.

I have been eyeing the Baltic and Russia, but I would settle for any destination on a cruise.

USP OF TIRUN TAVEL MARKETING

Spending a day with my three-year-old daughter, and with whatever time I have left, playing golf.

TIRUN Travel Marketing pioneered the concept of cruise vacations in India some 23 years ago. Today, we stand as one of the most invested in the cruise category in India and we have the experience of 60 cruise counsellors, some of whom have been with us since our inception. Our USP as an organisation is our passion towards what we do and our ability to make dreams of many Indians come true by providing them unique experiences.

MY FAVOURITE MANAGEMENT BOOK

VISION FOR MY COMPANY

MY BIGGEST INSPIRATION My father, his approach and conviction in himself and life, drives me to achieve my goals.

MY STRESSBUSTER

Currently, I am in the midst of doing an executive MBA from Singapore Management University (SMU), which gets me to travel to

Tarun Chadha

MY ADVICE TO GEN NEXT Dream big and use the three Fs formula.

Our vision is to make cruising relevant to India and become a US$ 100 million company in the next few years.

(AS TOLD TO MOHIT RATHOD)

TAAI initiates regional co-operation ETW Staff Mumbai TO GAIN a global perspective, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), through its participation with United Federation of Travel Agents' Association (UFTAA), has proposed regional co-operation with neighbouring countries. Their first meeting was held on January 30, 2016 in New Delhi, where three association heads and the UFTAA Air Matters Team was also

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February 2016

present. The meeting discussed the practices prevalent in other countries. Subjects included areas such as commissions, settlement norms and other related matters. It was unanimously concluded by all associations present that these subjects be taken forward. Association heads from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Mauritius shared their challenges and also became aware abo ut the practices prevalent in India.

The current team of TAAI will go out to discover ways through which it can forge ahead with more clarity and preparedness.

TAAI's interaction with Mahesh Sharma, minister for tourism and civil aviation, on January 27 is considered a step forward. A government liaison committee is being created by TAAI for more detailed interaction with the government to attempt at reforms to be introduced for the industry.

The meeting discussed the practices prevalent in other countries. Subjects included areas such as commissions, settlement norms and other related matters. It was unanimously concluded by all associations present that these subjects be taken forward

IN THE NEWS

Florida Huddle 2016 aims to make Florida the world’s leading destination

Sudipta Dev Tampa The third edition of Florida Huddle organised by Visit Florida kickstarted in Tampa, Florida on January 26, 2016. The three-day travel trade event this year attracted 675 delegates from 395 companies. There were 217 buyers from 17 countries.

As many as 14,634 appointments have been set up over two days. The premier travel trade event is focused on reaffirming Florida’s position as USA’s leading tourism destination.

As many as 21 per cent of inbound to USA comes to Florida. “Of the 98.5 million total visitors, 15.3 million are international visitors. India and China are emerging mar-

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February 2016

kets for Florida. We strive to be the number one destination in the world and we will get there,” said Paul Phipps, chief marketing officer, Visit Florida. He added that in the future, more arrivals will be witnessed from the emerging markets.

The Tampa Bay area which has been considered as ‘undiscovered treasure’ in Florida, is fast changing the perception with renewed focus on marketing the destination worldwide. “What is great about Tampa and Tampa Bay is that the destination is continuously evolving, it has now become a sophisticated destination.

About a billion dollar investment is being made in an area covering 40 acres around the Tampa conven-

tion centre with entertainment areas, hotels and other attractions,” said Santiago C Corrada, president and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay. He pointed out that there has been sustained efforts to bring international airlines to Tampa and they have been successful.

From being the best beer brewing city in the US to a sophisticated culinary scene with many award winning restaurants, Tampa is fast becoming an epicurean capital. Eco tourism, waterways that are easy to navigate, new hotels are some of the other tourism highlights, along with a hospitable and diverse populace that understands the needs and demands of international visitors from across the world.

Singapore targets women travellers, school students from India Rituparna Chatterjee Mumbai SINGAPORE Tourism Board (STB) is currently tapping new traveller segments like women and school students from India with a view to increase Indian tourist footfall into Singapore. Speaking on the sidelines of STB's recently concluded roadshow in Mumbai, Chang Chee Pey, executive director – Europe, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, International Group, STB, stated, “We want to look at newer segments like women travellers and school students. Last year, we worked with Thomas Cook to create women centric packages. We ran a campaign from SeptemberOctober to promote the packages and in these two months we got about 814 women passengers. This included groups going for bachelorette and hen parties. These packages were segregated according to interest levels. There were experiences like cultural walking tours, cycling tours, etc.

In future, we would want to work with more partners and come up with more unique women centric packages.”

Another segment that STB is focusing on is oversees school trips. Pey explained, “We started investing more in this segment from the last one-two

years. Last year, we worked with Thomas Cook for the Thomas Cook Travel Quest, an inter-school quiz competition, where around 20,000 students participated representing 60 schools from all over India.

We hosted the four shortlisted winning teams in Singapore and they were taken to Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, among others. This time we are doing a series of school roadshows. We have already covered Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar and will now cover Hyderabad, Chennai and other schools down south.”

Meanwhile, STB will continue to focus on incentive groups from India apart from more traditional segments like families. “Last year, we secured more than 60,000 visitor nights from India for incentive. We need to grow our share of the incentive market. Cruise is another important segment for us. India is still the largest foreign cruise market for Singapore,” added Pey. Last year, Singapore received more than one million tourists from India, recording a growth of 7.4 per cent. There are talks of Scoot, a Singapore-based low-cost, long-haul airline, flying to Jaipur. “Hope this will happen soon as this will give a boost to the arrivals,” he concluded.

IN THE NEWS

Cambodia looking at direct air connectivity with India Steena Joy Manila CAMBODIA is looking,at improving air connectivity with India through direct flights.

Speaking exclusively to Express TravelWorld at the ongoing ATF 2016 in the SMX Convention Centre in Manila,

Prak Vuthy, deputy director, marketing and promotion department. ministry of tourism, Cambodia said, “The airport authority of Cambodia is talking to airlines in India to open up this sector for direct connectivity. Though no names can be revealed we hope the talks will come through.”

This year the ministry of tourism Cambodia will organising the first Cambodia Travel Mart from August 1921, 2016 in Siem Reap Angkor. “We expect around 150 buyers and 200 sellers at the Mart” stated H E So Visothy, under secretary of state, ministry of tourism, Cambodia.

HKTB focuses on MICE Indian arrivals set new record Mohit Rathod Mumbai HONG KONG Tourism Board (HKTB) is aiming to strengthen its focus on the MICE and leisure segments from India. Recently, Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK), MICE division of HKTB, honoured top Indian travel agents for their contribution to Indian MICE activities in Hong Kong, through Top Agents Award Programme (TAAP). Peter Hoslin, regional director for Europe and new markets, HKTB, informed that HKTB will conduct Travel Mission, a multi-city promotional event, in August 2016 in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru.

Commenting on MICE activities, Hoslin said, "MICE is very important for us. We had an award ceremony last week, which recognised top Indian

Indian arrivals to Hong Kong has set a new record in 2015, with 53,1770 Indian travellers visiting Hong Kong travel agents that contributed to MICE activities in Hong Kong. We also have a range of rewards and training programmes for travel agents. We have more than doubled the assistance for travel agents in 2015. We have also observed that more Indian travel agents are selling Hong Kong packages."

Hoslin, who has come on a

10-day visit to India, will meet Indian travel fraternity to promote Hong Kong as MICE and leisure destination. Along with rewards, special assistance and training programmes, HKTB currently has a dedicated website for the travel trade, partnernet.hktb.com, which allows travel agents to partner with HKTB. Indian arrivals to Hong Kong has set a new record in 2015, with 53,1770 Indian travellers visiting Hong Kong, bringing India among the top 10 in Hong Kong's inbound tourism and at par with the UK. Speaking on this, Hoslin, said, "2015 was a great year for Hong Kong tourism. We hit a new record of 53,1770 Indian visitors. Our efforts directed towards trade partners and consumers have contributed a lot to this result. We have a strong partnership with the Indian travel trade."

Tourism Australia launches ad campaign to attract Indian travellers ETW Staff Mumbai IN RESPONSE to the growing demand from the India market, and to attract travel into Australia during the upcoming summer season, Tourism Australia has unveiled its latest advertising campaign in collaboration with key distribution partners. The integrated advertising campaign will retain the brand theme ‘There’s Nothing like Australia.’

The campaign, in partnership with Cox & Kings, Mercury Travels, Kesari, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, TUI, Vacations Exotica, Kulin Kumar Holidays and SOTC, will put the spotlight on some of the attractions and Australian experiences.

Advertisements will be featured in leading dailies.

The television commercials will be aired across 25 English entertainment, infotainment, lifestyle, sports, news, as well as select Hindi general entertainment channels. A major focus of the campaign will be on digital, consisting of display ads and content seeding, with destination imagery and creative renditions.

Nishant Kashikar, country manager, India and Gulf, Tourism Australia, said, “Our promotion is a longstanding, flexible campaign that was designed to stay relevant to consumers in today’s competitive global tourism environment. 2015 has been an eventful year

for us, with significant milestones such as crossing the 200,000 arrivals landmark, AU$ one billion spend, and improving our ranking to be the eighth largest inbound market for Australia. In order to keep this momentum going, and to tap into the upcoming summer holiday season, we have launched the next phase of our advertising campaign with packages and fares to Australia.”

“The Tourism Forecasting Committee (TFC) is predicting 245,000 visitors from India for 2015-16, a 12 per cent increase over 201415. We are optimistic that India will play a key role in meeting our 2020 tourism potential, with spend by Indians touching AU$ 1.9 billion, and arrivals reaching 300,000. The innovative communication, marketing and trade initiatives will further maximise existing opportunities available in the growing Indian outbound travel market,” he added.

India has moved up from its position as the 11th largest inbound market for Australia in 2014, to being the eighth largest in 2015.

There were 187,000 visitors from India in the first 10 months of 2015, bringing the total for the year ended October 2015 to 2,27,000; an increase of 18 per cent relative to the same period last year.

For the year ended September 2015, Indian visitors contributed AU$ 1.1 billion to the Australian economy; an increase of 34 per cent over the previous year.

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IN THE NEWS

British Airways launches brand campaign 'Fuelled by Love' ETW Staff Mumbai BRITISH AIRWAYS has launched its brand campaign, a short film titled, ‘Fuelled by Love’, inspired by a real-life experience of a British Airways cabin crew member.

The film follows the story of a young UK based cabin crew member who is flying to India for the first time. On her maiden trip to India, she meets a customer on board with whom she develops a bond, creating memories which resonate with her on every one of her future flights. The film, now live on British Airways’ YouTube channel https://youtu.be/ZFb01yTR9

bA - has been created by SapientNitro and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the director of the Hindi film, Masaan.

Moran Birger, British Airways' regional commercial manager, South Asia, said, “India is British Airways’ second largest market outside the UK and after the US. We are proud of our rich heritage of over 90 years in India and deep understanding of this country. Through this film and the brand campaign, we want to show the actual experiences of our cabin crew members serving customers on our India routes.

Many of them have shared stories of how care and thought that goes into every

part of their journey have helped them connect with our customers and provide a more personal service.”

The short-film will be promoted on British Airways’ social media channels including, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+ and run alongside print, digital, outdoor and social media campaigns in three phases until the end of the month.

The amplification on social media will involve real-life crew stories through short videos and photo essays.

Moreover, British Airways has committed to invest more than £five billion in its products and services. The investment has seen British Airways’ customers benefit-

India is British Airways’ second largest market outside the UK and after the US. Through this film and the brand campaign, we want to show the actual experiences of our cabin crew members serving customers on our India routes ing from new aircraft, new World Traveller economy and World Traveller Plus premium economy cabins, a revamped First cabin and better lounges around British Airways’ network. Funds

have also been allocated to improve catering and new technologies to make the travel experience more comfortable and convenient for customers on the ground and in the air.

Jet Airways to introduce in-flight wireless streaming service ETW Staff Mumbai JET AIRWAYS has announced the introduction of an in-flight entertainment (IFE) streaming service. The service enables wireless streaming of movies, TV programmes, music, games and children’s programmes directly onto smartphones, tablets and laptops. The airline has developed the new system in collaboration with Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE).

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The service will be introduced on the Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft starting from the second quarter of 2016. The airline further plans to upgrade from a streaming service to a full broadband satellite connectivity in the future. Once the service is fully rolled out, guests will be able to enjoy audio/video content, 3D flight tracker, interactive games, and have access to a range of destination information.

Gaurang Shetty, senior vice president – commercial,

Jet Airways, said, “Jet Airways has constantly innovated to adopt new age technologies to enhance the guest experience. This initiative will provide entertainment and communication options to guests and we are confident it will set new benchmarks by delivering high quality, global entertainment content to guests’ personal devices.”

Wale Adepoju, chief commercial officer, GEE said, “GEE is honoured to expand its long-term partnership with Jet Airways. By deploying

The service will be introduced on the Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft. The airline further plans to upgrade from a streaming service to a full broadband satellite connectivity in the future GEE’s Airtime IFE streaming solution across its fleet, Jet Airways can deliver a broad range of entertainment con-

tent to passenger’s personal devices with an eye on full blown satellite connectivity aboard future flights.”

IN THE NEWS

Tourism New Zealand focuses on drawing more MICE groups from India Rituparna Chatterjee Mumbai

Israel attracts outbound tourism from Bengaluru ETW Staff Mumbai ISRAEL CONTINUES to gain popularity as an emerging outbound destination among Indian travellers. Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) recently organised a travel trade interaction in Bengaluru, which has been identified as a key market for leisure and MICE for Israel.

Dov Segev-Steinberg, acting counsul general, Consulate General of Israel, Bengaluru was present at the event.

Travel professionals from Bengaluru attended and interacted with the IMOT team for understanding the offerings and developing new

products for Israel. The country has witnessed a 12 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from India in January to November 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014.

Hassan Madah, director, IMOT, said, “Israel has significant growth from the India market. Bengaluru being one of the mature markets in South India, we endeavour to consolidate Israel’s growing popularity in the city. The destination offers tourism aspects to suit the needs of all kind of groups and appeals to experiential Indian travellers.”

Dead Sea is among the biggest attractions of the country. Eilat is another

favourite with both, water adventures and desert activities.

Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offer a mix of historic and modern attractions, along with nightlife. Other cities and regions like Haifa, Acre, Massada, Negev Desert and Mountains of Galilee have some historic attractions and markets. Israel also offers gastronomic delights and is known for world’s best vegetarian food.

The country meets MICE needs with hotels for business visitors, event halls, convention centres, exhibition halls, multimedia equipment and capabilities, and has one of the finest communication equipment and advanced transportations.

TOURISM NEW ZEALAND is focusing on attracting more MICE groups from India. Speaking on the sidelines of the recently-concluded '100% Pure New Zealand' campaign in Mumbai, Steven Dixon, regional manager – South and South East Asia, Tourism New Zealand stated, “We are looking at attracting the MICE segment from India since New Zealand is becoming a popular MICE destination among big groups. In November 2014, under the Tourism Industry Partnership, Tourism New Zealand signed a MoU with Immigration New Zealand and six key travel partners from India. The MoU aimed to attract business event visitors through faster processing time and reduced paperwork to the destination.”

Presently, New Zealand is able to cater to events for 2,000-2500 people. In 2019, the New Zealand National Convention Centre will be opening in Auckland, which will seat over 3000 delegates. “Five star hotels are also being built in Auckland since we know that delegates who come for the convention will stay back to explore different parts of New Zealand,” explained Dixon.

Apart from MICE, Tourism New Zealand is also focusing on other tourism

segments from India like VFRs, tech-savvy solo travellers, adventure travellers, Bollywood among others.

“VFR is a big segment for us.

We have around 150,000 Indians living in New Zealand, which is a substantial number considering we have a population of four million. India is one of our top markets for adventure. That doesn't mean that Indians pre-book a package to go bungee jumping, etc. When they get to New Zealand, they drive along and stop at little towns and try out the activities there. Tech-savvy solo travellers are our other important market. We would like to have a Bollywood movie shot in New Zealand since we have the landscape and the accessibility to the landscape.”

Sharing the figures of Indian visitors last year, Dixon stated, “We finished 2015 just under 46,000, a 23 per cent up from 2014. We have doubled our growth over the last five years. In the next three years, we believe we will get upto 90,000 Indian tourists.”

Indians travel to New Zealand during April-MayJune and the honeymooners during November-December and February-March. “India is one of our top 10 source markets and Indians are one of the highest spenders, spending around NZD 3500.

Our biggest source market is Australia, followed by China, US, UK, Europe, Canada,” he mentioned.

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IN THE NEWS

TAAI Eastern Region looks to increase membership in 2 years Joy Roy Choudhury Kolkata THE TRAVEL AGENTS Association of India (TAAI), Eastern Region is looking at increasing its membership strength in the coming two years. Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Vikas Sarawgi, hon secretary, TAAI, Eastern Region said, “Our main focus would be to increase the membership strength of the Eastern Region chapter. Many of our members have left us due to several reasons. So our objective would be to bring them back into our fold and tap new areas in the region. In order to strengthen our efforts, we would be soon moving out to cities in the east like Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi and the NorthEast, where our numbers are few. There we plan to meet the IATA accredited travel agents and explain what is TAAI presently doing for its members and would want to do for them in the coming days. The second important thing which we are concentrating upon is interacting regularly with the consulates, deputy high commissioner offices, representative offices located in the east.”

He added, “As approval and issuance of visas is a major issue in outbound, we are regularly communicating with the foreign offices of different countries based in Kolkata like the US, UK, France, Italy, Thailand, Japan, China,

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Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Recently, we invited representatives of VFS Global to interact with our members and help them solve their visa related queries and issues.”

TAAI, Eastern Region also plans to approach West Bengal Tourism to jointly promote 'Brand Bengal' at international forums. Mihin Lanka, the national low cost carrier of Sri Lanka, recently started 'thrice-a-week' direct flight between Colombo and Kolkata. “So we have urged our members to see that substantial business is created for the airline, failing which the service will be stopped, which will be a major blow to us.

Many of the European airlines have stopped their operations from the city. At present we are left with few like DrukAir, Emirates, Etihad, Biman Bangladesh, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air Asia and Mihin Lanka.”

Speaking about promoting the eastern and northeastern states of India, Sarawgi said, “We felt that despite its tremendous potential, the eastern and northeastern states of the country have failed to come up on the global tourism map. So our efforts would be to promote and market the tourist destinations of the east and the northeast, globally as well as in other parts of the country. We are planning to approach states like Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura to jointly promote them; they have di-

Vikas Sarawgi

rect connectivity with Kolkata and Guwahati”.

The TAAI, Eastern Chapter is also focusing on human resource development. “We are in the process of tying-up with IT partners to provide our members training on Advanced Document Management System (ADMS) and other latest IT software and tools to increase our operational efficiency. Besides, we would pursue capacity building exercises for the travel and tourism industry to meet the demand-supply mismatch,” he opined adding, “Lastly, we would like to further strengthen our relations with the airline companies.

Besides, taking up regular issues like agents' commission, there are several issues like service tax, parity with online transactions and other issues on which we plan to work closely with the airline companies.”

IITT2016 highlights travel industry issues Mohit Rathod Mumbai INDIA International Travel and Tourism fair (IITT), held from January 11-13, 2016 in Mumbai, had focused itself on activities such as workshops, training sessions and panel discussions, along with travel trade interactions. The event was inaugurated by H E Erdal Sabri Ergen, consul general of Turkey, Turkish Embassy; Philip Saunders, chief compliance officer, Kuwait Airways; Subhash Goyal, president, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); Guldeep Singh Sahni, president, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI); Jay Bhatia, tourism council chairman, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI); Jyoti Kapur, president, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); Bharat Malkani, president, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) and Mohit Mewani, exhibition director, IITT. The event highlighted several issues pertaining to the travel industry through panel discussions, which were held across two days. Panel discussions at IITT 2016 involved topics such as prospects for India in online travel, promotion of tourism amidst terror, strategies for tour operators, emerging wedding destinations, and startups' impact on travel.

One of the discussions highlighted strategies tour operators should adopt when dealing with an informed cus-

tomer. The panelists included Sahni; Ankush Nijhawan, managing director, Nijhawan Group; Karan Anand, president, Cox & Kings; Anand Kumar, joint secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Ashish Kishore, country head, Dnata.

Speaking on the topic, Kumar said, "The internet is an important tool. The existence of tour operators is theatened with customers getting direct access to products through the internet. Even travel agents need to create their online presence. Travel agents also need to ensure that the information they give is latest and accurate. Also, travel agents need to be of consultative nature."

Speaking on the sidelines of the fair, Mohit Mewani said, "IITT is in its third year now and have grown two folds since we started. We have taken a lot of new initiatives, such as IITT Connect, IITT Workshop, IITT Training Academy and IITT Conference. Our biggest initiative has been IITT Connect where corporates and exhibitors can meet and discuss business. This year, we have grown by around 30 per cent.” Commenting on the fair, Judah Samuel, director of marketing – India, Israel Ministry of Tourism, said, "The turnout is better than last year and the event is more organised. This is a good platform for us, because it brings B2B under one roof.

There is scope for everyone; small operators can have access to a larger base."

IN THE NEWS

Pearl Travels to tap B2C segment in 2016 ETW Staff Mumbai FOUNDED in 1992, Pearl Travels plans to tap the B2C segment in 2016. Traditionally, the company has been offering hotel rooms, airport transfers and city excursions booking facilities in Europe to the travel trade only.

Jayesh Asher, managing director, Pearl Travels informed Express TravelWorld, “We plan to offer our services to the end consumer too. This will be done in a manner that protects the travel trade's interest in our products too. It is not our intention to undercut our peers and B2B clients. However, as the India market is on the

Jayesh Asher

verge of expanding in a huge way it makes business sense

to tap the end consumer directly too. The B2C segment will be tapped through other brands that we are developing like a holiday club, an inbound direct sell brand and high profile retail outlets offering an unique travel and leisure product buying experience to the consumer. The retail outlets will be expanded by way of a franchise programme. To support the above plans we plan to implement speed information technology platforms and a comprehensive training programme for team members and franchisees.” The inbound brand Heritage India Tours will be leveraged through extensive marketing in selected overseas markets.

Talking about the company's core business, Asher added, “Concentrating on the B2B business only we have expanded our destinations to include Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Middle East, Far East and India(inbound and domestic). During this stage we have aimed at introducing away from the beaten path itineraries. Currently, we have more than 400 different itineraries for worldwide destinations along with unique programmes.” In 2013, the company launched its soft adventure brand called Adventure Bike Tours offering initially three itineraries covering Australia, South Africa and Oman. The company offers products for

destinations like Cuba, Borneo, Zanzibar, Mozambique and Malta (to be launched soon).

When asked about the business revenue expectations in 2016, he stated, “We aim to double our sales revenue every year. However, if we are able to find the right partner to put our full expansion plan into action we expect to touch more than `500 crore by 2021. We understand and appreciate that a lot of planning, hard work and cost will be involved. The benefit with Pearl Travels group is that the basic infrastructure, IT platform and domain knowledge have been developed over the last 24 years of existence.”

NewGen ISS to replace IATA’s current ISS Mohit Rathod Mumbai THE CURRENT IATA settlement system (ISS) model will be replaced with NewGen ISS which is said to have far reaching consequences, transforming business modules for travel agents and airlines. Along with NewGen ISS, New Distribution Capability (NDC) is also said to transform the way air products are retailed currently by the travel agents to corporations, leisure and business travellers.

NDC will address the industry’s current distribution limitations: product differentiation and time-to-market, NDC will also give access to full air content and transparent shopping platform.

The announcement was made at the meeting of TAAI Western region at Mumbai. Yossi Fatael, chairman, aviation and IATA’s Matter’s Committee, and vice president of United Federation of Travel Agents' Associations

(UFTAA) addressed travel agents about the pros and cons through a presentation.

Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Fatael said, “First of all, Indian travel agents need to understand the whole structure.

The field is changing. The agency programme itself is going to change. This is a historic phase for us. The whole arena of reservation and aviation is going to change totally. Until now, GDS was the centre for airlines, agents, OTAs; everybody was coming and going out of the GDS. Airlines will be allowed a direct access to the databases through NDC.” “The new model for accreditation will create a situation where many small agencies will be able to come back to IATA. This is one of the strategic aims of IATA; they want more accreditated agents. We see more and more global players coming to local markets. The major changes for travel agents are

new models for accreditation and credit limit. However, there are some tools like the EasyPay card. The NewGen ISS will take at least two years to be implemented. It is a major issue for IATA and we are already on the way,” Fatael added. Sunil Kumar, president, TAAI, commented,

“One of our committments to our members was that before we ask them to change, we must convey to them the scenario. We would be already late if we aren’t aware about what’s going to come in the next three years. So I requested Yossi to address our members in the Western and

Northern region about the NewGen ISS and NDC – two revolutionary concepts introduced by IATA. One of the reasons behind the NewGen ISS is the surrendering of travel agents from IATA. But IATA has different plans, they want to multiply the number of accreditated agents.”

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IN THE NEWS

Haveus Aerotech India signs MoU with Air India ETW Staff Mumbai HAVEUS AEROTECH INDIA, chosen by Dubai World Central (DWC) to build the first and most advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, has signed a MoU with Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), a subsidiary of Air India, to set up engine MRO facility to cater to the burgeoning demand for engine maintenance, repair and overhauling services in the Gulf region.

H R Jagannathan, CEO, AIESL, said, “AIESL has vast aviation and engine experience which we will deploy to

provide Haveus Aerotech India with all necessary support in terms of provision of skilled manpower and quality certification related to the facility.”

As per the MoU, AIESL will provide experienced engineers, skilled manpower and technical personnel to Haveus Aerotech India to build and operate MRO facility at Dubai. AIESL will provide the required support to Haveus Aerotech India in procuring 145 certifications to establish an engine MRO at Dubai. Haveus Aerotech India can use the AIESL facilities and manpower for engine overhaul of CFM56/CF6 series and any other engine or APU in India till Haveus

Aerotech India facility is operational in Dubai. AIESL will also work in unison with Haveus Aerotech India and will provide any surplus work generated to the latter.

Talking on the significance of the MoU, Jagannathan said, “This significant development of the MOU signed between Haveus Aerotech India and AIESL will help AIESL to gain inroads into the world aviation market. The MoU will be beneficial for the two companies witnessing the massive expansion in aviation field. A new revolution in the field of skilled manpower by India is coming wherein AIESL can meet the huge demand of

skilled people worldwide.”

H E Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) signed an exclusive contract with Anshul Bhargava, managing director of Haveus Aerotech India, to build and operate eco-friendly and ultramodern CFM56-7B/5B MRO facility in the whole of Gulf region at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport.

Bhargava said, “Haveus Aerotech India’s ultra modern, technologically advanced MRO facility in Dubai involves an investment of over US$ 100 million. It will be spread over 9000 square metre area and will cater to the burgeoning demand of

Aircraft engine overhaul of CFM56-7B and 5B fitted on Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 family aircraft in the Gulf, Far East, Asian and the adjoining regions.”

“The MRO facility will be able to service 100 engines in a year. Haveus Aerotech India will also be responsible to co-ordinate project buildup, marketing, training, purchasing, providing of technical services, manpower sourcing and securing of requisite certifications besides a whole lot of other day-to-day activities involved to efficiently run the MRO with the battery of most experienced aviation professionals,” added Bhargava.

Insight Vacations GKN Aerospace qualifies 10% partners with Uniworld lighter windshield for Airbus Boutique River Cruise The company has also ETW Staff Mumbai

ETW Staff Mumbai TWO OF THE Travel Corporation’s sister brands, Insight Vacations and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, have partnered to create a new collection pairing Insight’s escorted journeys with Uniworld’s boutique river cruises. Titled ‘Europe’s Finest’, the brochure features 10 itineraries throughout Europe. Departures begin March 2016 and guest bookings by February 25.

Evon Ler, president, Insight Vacations Asia, said, “Insight and Uniworld have collaborated on several itineraries before, and they were so successful that we recognised more were needed in

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the marketplace. Expanding our partnership to include multiple itineraries with multiple departures is a win for our travel agents and consumers.”

Guy Young, president, Uniworld, said, “We have ensured that these journeys highlight the best of both companies.

Guests can expect Uniworld’s luxurious suites and staterooms and our all-inclusive offerings – including personalised shore excursions, unlimited premium wine and spirits and all gratuities onboard and onshore – as well as Insight’s signature experiences, hand-picked scenic and central hotels, business-class legroom and personalised service from tour directors.”

FOLLOWING a comprehensive three-year design and certification programme with Airbus, GKN Aerospace has qualified a new, 10 per cent lighter, higher performance, main pilot (No 1) windshield for the Airbus single aisle aircraft family (A318 /A319/A320/A321).

GKN Aerospace achieved the 10 per cent weight saving by manufacturing the window from chemically-toughened CE120 glass, replacing the heavier, thermally-toughened glass of previous generations of the window. The company has also incorporated modifications to the detailed design of the windshield that will extend its performance and simplify its manufacture. The new windshield will be fully inter-

incorporated modifications to the detailed design of the windshield that will extend its performance and simplify its manufacture changeable with existing windshields making it available to operators of all Airbus single aisle aircraft – over 6000 of which have been manufactured to date.

In addition, by combining this new windshield with the company’s established No 2 and No 3 cockpit windows, GKN Aerospace can now offer, from a single source, the lightest complete cockpit window set on the market for single aisle aircraft.

Gavin Wesson, senior vice president, GKN Aerospace Special Products Group, said, “Our transparencies team has developed this window through a collaborative and highly productive development and qualification programme with Airbus. We are proud to be a part of the A320 family success story and the new GKN Aerospace windshield delivers real weight savings and performance benefits to Airbus customers.”

IN THE NEWS

12th ATOAI annual Taj Safaris looks convention to showcase to promote Hanumantiya, MP Voluntourism ETW Staff Mumbai ADVENTURE TOUR Operators Association of India (ATOAI) will be holding its 12th annual convention from February 12-14, 2016 in Madhya Pradesh. Keeping the tradition of organising ATOAI conventions at activity based locations, this time the venue will be at Hanumantiya, located on the banks of the Indira Sagar Dam. Speaking about this year's convention, Tejbir Singh Anand, convention chairman and immediate past president, ATOAI stated, “It was a delightful decision to choose Madhya Pradesh as the convention venue. Keeping in accordance with the times and creating new products as the ultimate way forward, Madhya Pradesh Tourism has proven to be a pioneer in this field. The state of Madhya Pradesh has taken the travel industry very seriously and has fulfilled all promises made. They have shown utmost sincerity and loyalty towards our industry and have walked the talk. In the past 10 years, Madhya Pradesh has achieved great milestones and has made it easier for the travel stakeholders to trust this state's tourism and invest in this destination.”

The Indira Sagar Lake at Hanumantiya is a virgin and unknown hamlet in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. It is spread over 61,600 sq km. A resort has already been inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Tourism to kick-start this destination. Explaining the objective behind conducting the convention at this location, Anand opined, “We want to showcase it to the

ETW Staff Mumbai

Tejbir Singh Anand

Akshay Kumar

travel trade stakeholders and potential investors, while experiencing the potential and magnificence of this new destination. Indira Sagar Lake has over 100 islands within which there is a lot of wildlife. All islands are accessed by speed boats, which take over 45 minutes for a one side journey.”

Anand added, “The travel trade is witnessing rapid changes in technology and dynamics which constantly poses a challenge to our tourism industry to maintain compatibility and match its pace. Changing dynamics hint at innovations and hence investments. The convention will offer a mix of activities along with a lot of brainstorming sessions, which may answer a lot of questions which arise on a day-to-day basis. Today’s business challenges need to be addressed jointly and understood in collaboration. The convention will be a one-stop-shop which no one can afford to miss. Visionary speakers, true success stories from peers and genuine bonding time will make it an impressive experi-

ence. The convention will offer a plethora of adventure and other activities to make it a memorable experience such as - climbing an artificial wall, obstacle course, beach volleyball, cycling, community service and hiking, cruise boating, banana rides, parasailing, island overnight camping, stargazing, tree plantation activity, hot air ballooning, paramotoring, bird watching, etc.”

Akshay Kumar, president, ATOAI, said, “The adventure travel industry in India has witnessed an unprecedented growth in the past few years.

As the domestic Indian traveller matures and looks forward to exploring India's hidden treasures, the industry has jumped on this opportunity to provide investment to set up infrastructure to support the increasing demand. At the same time our inbound traveller is gradually realising the scope for adventure sports in India and the numbers are looking better than ever before. The evisa regime has also gone a long way in helping to move numbers.”

FURTHER to practising responsible tourism, Taj Safaris is working on creating unique products for promoting the Voluntourism concept in India. Elaborating on the new initiative, Mridula Tangirala, director – operations, Taj Safaris said, “Through this initiative, guests will be encouraged to involve themselves in working with women and children of the local village communities. Depending on the guest's area of expertise they could teach certain languages and skills; assist in health and education camps, or assist in the installation of solar panels and smokeless stoves and much more.”

Taj Safaris along with &Beyond has undertaken development programmes to engage neighbouring communities in projects around the four lodges of Pashan Garh (Panna Tiger Reserve), Mahua Kothi (Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve), Banjaar Tola (Kanha Tiger Reserve) and Baghvan (Pench Tiger Reserve). Talking about the conservation practices, she informed, “Taj Safaris practises responsible tourism by keeping a small inventory and only covering two-five per cent of the land.

The 200 acres at Panna and 90 acres in Kanha have become mini sanctuaries in themselves. Taj Safaris practises a stated policy of training up locals to empower them to hold front-line jobs.

Mridula Tangirala

Until now we have trained 230 locals and have set up two food craft course centres at Khajuraho and Kanha Until now we have trained 230 locals and have set up two food craft course centres at Khajuraho and Kanha.

These locals in turn will be infusing around `two crore per annum in the local economies.” The company has also launched Mahua Kothi, a conservation lesson programme, run by the lodge's naturalist experts, to teach local children.

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BUILDING BRIDGES BEYOND BORDERS Tasked with the role of building international relations and promoting the interests of their home countries in India, Express TravelWorld spoke to some of the Consul Generals across the country to get their perspective on tourism exchange and visa issuance

20 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

(

( THE MAIN

THE MAIN FOCUS

FOCUS

MARK PIERCE, AUSTRALIA

NAT PINYOWATTANACHEEP, THAILAND

MICHAEL SIEBERT, GERMANY

MARTIN BIENZ, SWITZERLAND

SEOK-GU JANG, KOREA

FREDRIKA ORNBRANT, SWEDEN

RAMAVTAR GOENKA, KENYA

GEOFFREY VAN LEEUWEN, THE NETHERLANDS

SAUT SIRINGORINGO, INDONESIA

DAVID AKOV, ISRAEL

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MARK PIERCE Consul General Australian Consulate General, Mumbai India-Australia ties Australia and India are both committed to broadening and deepening their strategic partnership. Our two countries have decided that we need to open the batting together more often.That kind of partnership means a commitment across the board, and for the longer term. It means that we are actively seeking out new ways to work together, new means to come to know each other better and new paths to co-operate together in our region and in the world.The work programme for that strategic partnership is openended; we want to keep on adding new subjects and fields for co-operative endeavour.We are now working systematically together on Indian Ocean issues (especially the health of our ocean), strategic and security matters, science collaboration, water basin management,

Antarctica, regional economic integration, agricultural productivity, and many such matters.

People-to-people links through education are fundamentally important, whether they are developed through the experiences of the tens of thousands of Indian students in Australia, or through Australia’s New Colombo Plan (which is bringing more Australian students to India). Indian students in Australia, like the Australians studying in India, are making a personal investment not only for their own future but also for our future together in the region we share.Tourism links have been an enormous success.

Numbers in 2015 have been boosted by Australia’s hosting of the Cricket World Cup. Nonetheless, even discounting that one-off effect, the number of Indian tourists coming to Australia is growing rapidly

and consistently.They come for extended periods, and are now moving outside the traditional itinerary of Sydney and the Gold Coast, and are coming back for return visits as well.Those Australians who were born in the smaller states (and I am a sixth generation Tasmanian) are especially lucky that Indian tourists are discovering the charms and joys of places where we have grown up.

Role in tourism promotion We at the Australian Consulate General are honoured to be able to support and assist Tourism Australia in

promoting the remarkable range, beauty and diversity of Australia.We are also happy to showcase the exceptional food (including especially vegetarian food) and wine which Australia has to offer tourists.As representatives of Australia, we know our country well and love Australia deeply and passionately.We want Indians to come to know and love Australia in their own ways as well, certainly not as much as they do India itself, but enough to begin planning a return visit.

Growth in visa issuance Australia’s Tourism Forecasting Committee (TFC) is forecasting 245,000 Indian visitors for 2015-16, up by 12 per cent over 2014-15.This would make India Australia’s eight largest inbound market.The top five Aussie attractions that appeal to Indian travellers are beaches, iconic landmarks, wildlife, food and wine, and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)

NAT PINYOWATTANACHEEP Consul General Royal Thai Consulate-General, Mumbai natural links that can get our people closer to each other and will help strengthen our cordial bilateral relations.

India-Thailand ties Even though this year marks the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relation between Thailand and India, these two countries have been enjoying, what we can call 'natural ties' since 1000 years.We share so many similarities in terms of culture, language, literature and food. In fact, these ties have been and will be the

22 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

Role in tourism promotion Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Many people know Thailand as the 'Land of Smiles' where they can always find smiles on Thai people’s faces under most circumstances.

Thailand has also been one of the most favorite foreign destinations

for Indian travellers since a couple of years.This is the reason why many Indians have already been to major cities in Thailand, especially Bangkok and Pattaya.Through the Discover Thainess campaign,Thailand has been promoting 12 new tourist destinations to offer new experiences to repeat travellers.

These hidden gems are Lampang, Phetchabun, Nan, Buri Ram, Loei, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Trat, Chanthaburi,Trang, Chumphon, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.We’d like to attract more high income groups to Thailand from segments like the big fat Indian weddings, honeymooners, golfers,

and even big bikers. In addition to the Discover Thainess campaign, we are trying to promote Thai tourism through our cuisine.

Growth in visa issuance 2012 was our best success in terms of quantity as there were more than one million Indian visitors (or more precisely 1,015,865 persons).This year, we expect to repeat that figure.

However, the growth of visa issuance by the Thai missions in India can’t be the only factor to measure the growth as we also offer Visa on Arrival (VOA) for last minute Indian travellers .You can even apply for VOA when you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

(As told to ETW)

(

MICHAEL SIEBERT

SouthWest Germany tourism. Germany has something for every taste and budget.Apart from Frankfurt airport which every Indian knows, the trend is to travel to the south of Germany, I'm more from north of Germany where there are less discovered cities like Berlin, Hamburg which has a harbour festival celebrated for 827 years, and wonderful landscapes.

Consul General Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mumbai

India-Germany ties It is along standing, very broad and intense relationship, which encompasses all the different walks of life.

Politically, we have a strategic partnership, every two years there are governmental consultations, many ministers with the prime minister / chancellor travel to the other country.We talk about bi-lateral relations and also global affairs, from cyber security to Afghanistan to our bid to become members of United National Security Council to climate policy.We have more than one billion Euros which is annually going into cooperation with India, spe-

cially in high-tech areas.There are more than 1800 German companies in India, 750 in Maharashtra alone.Trade is 18 billion Euros.The EU is biggest trade partner for India and Germany is the number one.

Student exchange is another important aspect with around 12,000 Indian students in Germany – the biggest group in any non-English speaking country.We also have an increasing exchange with highly trained professionals (for instance IT, scientists).

Role in tourism promotion We have many specialised institu-

tions that work with the Embassy in Delhi and the Consulates. German National Tourist Office (GNTO) is an important part of promoting Germany as a tourist destination in India and we as a consulate work in close cooperation with them. Our role is to promote German politics, economy, investing in Germany, attracting bright minds to work and also attracting tourists. We try to attract Bollywood location scouts to Germany, we have good production facilities and nice places to shoot.

We work with the media, bloggers, and through Facebook.There are also regional organisations like

Growth in visa issuance Tourism has increased a lot, over the last 10 years. Increase in overnights

by Indians in Germany has been between five per cent and 27 per cent .

Last year it saw almost nine per cent increase.The overnights of Indians is now almost seven lakh. I see a lot more potential. Last year we gave out almost 144,000 visas from all our five missions, almost 50,000 from Mumbai alone.The bulk is business and trade fairs, tourism is one-fifth and increasing.

(As told to Sudipta Dev)

MARTIN BIENZ

India-Switzerland ties Switzerland and India have enjoyed long lasting and friendly relations.

Switzerland opened its Consulate General in Mumbai back in 1915 and a number of celebrations took place in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the official Swiss presence in the city. In 1947, Switzerland was the first nation to sign a Treaty of Friendship with India.This treaty is still in place and is the cornerstone of our bilateral partnership in various areas. Currently, Switzerland is among the top 10 foreign investors in the country and about 220 Swiss companies are operating in India, many of them in the manufacturing sector.The Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce with offices in ZĂźrich and Mumbai (and four chapters throughout India) is an important private sector partner in fostering the business relations between the two countries.

In 2011, Switzerland opened its

THE MAIN FOCUS

Consul General Consulate General of Switzerland, Mumbai

second Consulate General in India in Bengaluru, which hosts Swissnex, the exchange platform for science, education, art and innovation.The official Swiss representations in India are currently organising the Year of Swiss Innovation in India. In connection with the innovation initiative, a travelling exhibition dedicated to the famous Swiss architect, ur-

ban planner and artist Le Corbusier, is currently touring through several cities all over India.An area of rapidly growing significance is tourism. Switzerland has become a very popular destination for Indian travellers and the numbers are growing fast.

Role in tourism promotion Switzerland Tourism with its India office in Mumbai, are mandated to promote tourism to Switzerland.

They are conceptualising marketing measures and are partnering with the Consulate General on selected events and activities. Right now one emphasis is on promoting Switzerland as a first class winter destination to Indian travellers.

Growth in visa issuance Growth in visa issuance for 2015 was quite significant, with an increase of around 20 per cent of the number of Schengen visas issued by the Swiss representations in India.

(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)

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cover )

SEOK-GU JANG

the youth of India. So exposure to these events has helped in a long way to boost tourism to Korea. This directly reflects in the number of tourists which has significantly increased over the past few years.

Consul General Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Mumbai India-South Korea ties The ties between India and South Korea dates back to 48AD, when according to a legend, Queen Suro or Princess Heo Hwang-ok, travelled from the Kingdom of Ayodhya in north India to Korea. In the modern era the ties were relatively limited, although much progress arose during the past three decades and since the formal establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1973, several trade agreements have been reached including - Agreement on Trade Promotion and Economic and Technological Co-operation in 1974; Agreement on Co-operation in Science & Technology in 1976; Convention on Double Taxation Avoidance in 1985; and Bilateral Investment Promotion/Protection Agreement in 1996. The trade has increased exponentially, from US$ 530

million during the fiscal year of 1992-1993 to US$ 17.6 billion in 2013. In 2007 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two cities of Busan and Mumbai, they now share the title of sister cities. Moreover, Maharashtra and South Korea's Gyeonggi province signed a pact for mutual cooperation in industries, trade, cultural activities and tourism which has opened the doors to various Korean companies to set up and develop their products in India and Maharashtra.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which was signed in 2009 and the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Korea has further improved the ties which will only become stronger and strategic and I look forward to further enhancing trade in the coming years.

Growth in visa issuance

Role in tourism promotion The consulate along with the Korean Tourism Board in India organise various functions like the K-pop music talent show, Korean food festivals, national day events in Mumbai and Pune, and Korean film festivals, and we also participate in various culinary gatherings to promote Korean cuisine. This has helped the Indian citizens to understand the Korean culture, music, cuisine and movies much better and also appreciate it as well. If you see the kind of response we get for the all India K-pop event you will be overwhelmed by the level of singing and dancing by

Over the past few years visa issuance has tremendously increased here at the Mumbai Consulate mainly due to the efforts of the Korean Tourism Board, and with Indian movies being filmed in South Korea the people here are more aware of the beauty and heritage of our country. At the same time a lot of Indian companies have tied up with the Korean ones which has also increased the flow of business travel to Korea. Looking forward, these numbers are set to increase with the government allowing more foreign investment into India especially with the opportunities provided by the two governments.

(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES India-Philippines ties India-Philippines relations have seen much progress in recent years with greater engagement on different fronts. High-level visits have become the norm between the two countries, helped no doubt by India’s 'Look East/Act East Policy' and India’s robust relations with the ASEAN. Both countries are committed to democratic values and both are comfortable with the English language. The strength of the relations has been enhanced by shared concerns on peace and security of the region, as well as

24 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

by increasing people-to-people exchanges. The big presence of Indian companies in the Philippines has contributed to a better appreciation of the Philippines not only as an investment destination but also as an ideal country for living and for tourism for Indian expatriates, their families and friends. Recent years have also seen increased number of Indian students coming to the Philippines for quality medical, human resource education and aviation.

Overall, we see Philippines-India ties continue to strengthen as engagement deepens.

Philippines and visa requirements and cultural notes on the Philippines.

Growth in visa issuance

Role in tourism promotion The embassy as well as the Philippine honorary consulate generals in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata play very important roles in promoting tourism. They provide invaluable source of information regarding travel to the

We have experienced rapid growth in the issuance of visas for the past several years. In 2015, the total number of visas issued stood at 31,072, up 10.26 per cent compared to last year’s 27,884. The growth has been on an upward trend since 2008.

(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)

(

THE MAIN FOCUS

FREDRIKA ORNBRANT Consul General Consulate General of Sweden, Mumbai

India-Sweden ties Sweden and India have always had a good relationship. Our first Ambassador to India,Alva Myrdal, was a close friend of Jawaharlal Nehru, and Swedish companies have been in India for over a hundred years.

Sweden gave a lot of development assistance to India until end of 2013, which gives an indication how much we valued India.We still do of course, but today India is much stronger economically, so it makes sense that we have phased out our development assistance. It actually makes us more equal partners.The ties between our two countries are still strong.Trade is increasing.The number of student exchanges is increasing, as well as the number of Indian tourists to Sweden.

Last year, we saw a 24 per cent increase in Indian commercial bed

nights in Sweden. People looking for something exotic should absolutely visit. Go trekking in the mountainous Lapland, or spend a night in the Icehotel. Explore Stockholm from a roof guided tour or Visit Skåne with its coastline and old castles.

Swedish cuisine has got an upswing in recent years with many chefs winning prestigious awards.

Role in tourism promotion We are trying to create awareness about Sweden as a tourist destination together with Visit Sweden – Sweden’s official tourism agency.As mentioned above, there are really many opportunities for Indian tourists in Sweden. Spend a few days in the capital of Stockholm, try out its restaurants and shop Swedish designed clothes, while rounding off the day with a “fika”. Or,

experience the vast calmness of the North, trek its mountains and fish salmon in its rivers. Or set up a business conference in Stockholm or Göteborg with a visit to the Nobel Museum included in the program.We are using traditional media as well as social media to get through with our message.We have also done match making between Indian travel agencies/agents and Visit Sweden plus Swedish companies in the travel business.

In 2014 we had 1,55,203 bed nights spent by Indian travellers, Given the rapid growth of the market it might be a bigger market in the future.VisitSweden has a partnership with VisitNorway and VisitDen-

mark for their marketing efforts in India to create better impact, as we are aware that the Indian traveller likes to do round-trips and the three Scandinavian countries are a perfect combination.

Growth in visa issuance The Consulate General does not process visas here in Mumbai.The application process happens through VFS .The total increase of incoming applications in 2015 is 19 per cent compared to 2014.

(As told to Sudipta Dev)

RAMAVTAR GOENKA

Honorary Consul The Republic of Kenya in India

India-Kenya ties Kenya Vision 2030 is the national long-term development policy that aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrialising, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure environment.

Kenya’s economic growth could be the highest in sub-Saharan

Africa over the next 15 years, according to a new World Bank report. Kenya’s economy was expected to grow at 5.4 per cent in 2015, recording an improvement over the 2014 growth rate of 5.3 percent, states a recent World Bank economic report.The growth rate in 2016 is projected to be 5.7 per cent.

A large number of Indian companies are present in Kenya including Tata Group, Reliance Industries, Essar, Bharti Airtel, public sector banks like Bank of Baroda, Bank of

India and insurance companies. In fact, GIC and other public sector insurance companies are having 60 per cent shares in KenIndia, one of the largest Kenyan insurance companies. Recently, Mahindra & Mahindra set up a new business unit to focus on the continent and be present as 'One Mahindra' in Africa.

India emerges as the largest tourism source market for Kenya, having registered a 26 per cent growth in Indian arrivals in 2013.After witnessing a remarkable growth in tourism from India, our office has participated in various roadshows arranged by Kenya Tourism Board

in Mumbai to promote the destination.The number of international tourist arrivals in Kenya was 1,434,000 in 2013.

Role in tourism promotion During my tenure, I arranged several high level exchanges between Indian and Kenyan counterparts and conducted trade, tourism and investment promotions jointly with the Indo-African Chamber of Commerce under the guidance of the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya; the High Commission office is based in New Delhi.

(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)

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cover ) India-Netherlands ties The Netherlands is India’s fifth largest trading partner in the EU and one of the top five investors of FDI into India. Concurrently, India is the fifth largest source of FDI into the Netherlands. India’s economic interests in the Netherlands as a key trade partner include cooperation in areas such as: infrastructure, transport and logistics, science and technology, water management, environment, agriculture and food processing.

Dutch multinationals like Phillips, DSM, Shell, Unilever, Rabobank, etc., have a growing and successful presence in India. Dutch SMEs with niche technologies and world-class expertise are also actively looking at the India market.There are over 180 Indian companies that have set up their base in the Netherlands which include major IT companies such as TCS,Wipro, HCL, Infosys,TechMahindra. Other prominent companies include Cipla, United Phosphorus Limited, Kirloskar Brothers.

GEOFFREY VAN LEEUWEN Consul General Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mumbai

Besides, our national carrier, KLM operating direct flights from New Delhi to Amsterdam, this March,Jet Airways will launch its daily nonstop services between India and the Netherlands making Amsterdam its new European gateway.This in turn will facilitate further growth in business and tourism between the two countries.The Netherlands has the largest community of Indian diaspora in Continental Europe, next only to UK.

Role in tourism promotion At the consulate, we focus on pro-

moting trade and business between India and the Netherlands while highlighting Dutch innovations.The Netherlands as a tourism and education destination are also a part of the events we organise. In fact, last year when the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, had visited India we had hosted a week long series of events in Mumbai under the banner Holland Meets Mumbai across themes of sports, culture, art, business, etc.The idea was to introduce the people of Mumbai to the Netherlands - a Holland Village complete with windmills, Dutch houses, Dutch food, clogs, music was put together for the general au-

dience.This year, we turn our focus to Pune and Puneites should expect a few events there!

Growth in visa issuance The Embassy of the Netherlands reported that they had received over 50,000 applications in 2015 from across the nation and a 14 per cent growth in application numbers. I’m sure these numbers would be on the rise this year too, especially in light of the two new direct flights being introduced by Jet Airways which makes it even easier to reach the Netherlands.

(As told to Sudipta Dev)

SAUT SIRINGORINGO Consul General Indonesian Consulate General, Mumbai India-Indonesia ties We have many things in common; inter influence among both countries is one of them. The prospect is very good. More B2B contact should take place between India and Indonesia, and I will ensure it happens by putting my best efforts. I had a unique programme two months ago, where eight to nine-year-old students had requested to meet me. I felt that these students should know what Indonesia is, so I gave them a piece of paper with information about Indonesia, and 10 minutes to read it, then I asked them questions about

26 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

Indonesia. Each one of them raised their hands and provided authentic answers; It was a good thing for me. There is a very natural feeling in each of us.

Role in tourism promotion I travel a lot; I covered eight states in West and South and two union territories.Just one week ago, I went to Pune where I visited four universities, conducted exclusive interviews with journalists, I visited Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj and also the chamber of commerce for trade and economy. I tried to explore everything and tell people that

I am their brother. I sang a Arjit Singh song in front of them because I like Indian songs.When I sang, people were surprised.This is the way to interact with each other, I will show that I love this country and I am not here for just business. I have been to Poland, Canada, Madagaskar; I had learned their language in one-two years, because I interact with people.This is how we work at the consulate general to improve the relations, so that tourism can be promoted. In the

next three years here, I will do more of such activities.

Growth in visa issuance The exchange of visas between the two countries is increasing very much. I will do my best to facilitate more growth in the future.

(As told to Mohit Rathod)

(

DAVID AKOV

India-Israel ties Israel is a safe, welcoming and a vibrant nation.The people-to-people connect between India and Israel is rather unique and filled with admiration. India and Israel are strong partners in trade and every year this relationship gets strengthened especially in the field of agriculture, water management, technology and cyber technology, healthcare amidst others. Israel in the recent times has been recognised as the 'start-ups' nation of the world. Israel has a lot to offer in the technology domain and leading technology companies from India have already set base in Israel.Apart from the Israeli expertise in technology, be it in the cyber or agricultural space, we would also like to introduce Israel's food and hospitality offerings in the India market. Israeli wines are a specialty and it would be interesting to introduce the same in India.We are also keen to invite Indian cuisine experts to set up a high profile fine dining restaurant in Tel Aviv, as the city caters to a global palate.We also firmly support the 'Make in India' ini-

THE MAIN FOCUS

Consul General Consulate General of Israel, Mumbai

tiative and the recent visit of Sushma Swaraj, minister of external affairs of India, to Israel has proved to be highly positive for India-Israel relationship.

Role in tourism promotion Israel is a friendly country with a number of museums, archaeological sites, and modern attractions to explore. Each region of Israel has something unique to offer. Dead Sea,Jerusalem,Tel Aviv, Eilat, Nazareth, Haifa,Akko, Massada,

Negev Desert are famous tourist attractions.The country offers picturesque locations, colourful markets and distinctive excursions for an exciting holiday. Highlighting the above offerings, the Israel ministry of tourism (IMOT) hopes that 2016 will be a positive year for Israel tourism from India. Israel is an emerging tourist destination in India and has witnessed a phenomenal growth of 13 per cent last year. 2015 saw approximately 40,000 Indian tourists visiting Israel compared to around 35,000 in 2014. December 2015 alone has seen a growth of 52 per cent over last year.The country attracted over three million visitors

globally in 2015.Witnessing the growth and potential from India, my office has provided complete support to the IMOT team in Mumbai headed by Hassan Madah, director, IMOT India, along with Judah Samuel, director of marketing, IMOT India.The recent visit of Amir Halevi, director general, IMOT along with David Maimon, CEO, ELALairlines, goes to emphasise our faith in the India market.The IMOT team clearly stated that Israel has been gaining popularity in India.This propelled the department to triple its marketing budget for India in 2016.

IMOT is also in talks with the civil aviation ministry and airlines in India for direct flights to Israel from India.

(As told to Reema Lokesh)

SAROJA SIRISENA Consul General Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Mumbai India-Sri Lanka relationship The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is one of the oldest each has with another country.Apart from cultural relationship, we have very old trading and economic relationships, along with people to people contact. India is an important market for us in terms of trade and tourism. India accounted for quarter of a million tourists to Sri Lanka in 2014 and this number has increased. Sri Lanka is one of the best connected countries to India. From Mumbai itself there are three flights a day. India and Sri Lanka are naturally comfortable partners because we are so similar.The differences are very subtle between India and Sri Lanka, which means people are

comfortable visiting each other and doing business with each other.

Even for people to visit for a weekend there is no cultural shock, no adjustment time.That makes for very attractive destination both ways. Sri Lankans visit India for Buddhist circuits and places of Hindu and Christian pilgrimage.

Role in tourism promotion The consulate takes part in travel shows and also engages with the travel trade.We keep close contact with the travel trade.We cooperate very well with Sri Lankan airlines, and the tourism board even though they are not present here are always in close contact with us.We try to include our other products like tea in-

volved in promotions. Many of our tea gardens are tourism attractions.The olden bungalows there have been converted into boutique hotels, and promote tea and gastronomy. Sri Lanka is a country which does not need promotion as such - it has so much of natural beauty, it is self evident.We do a bit of cultural promotion and tourism goes along with it.Another segment that we focus on is MICE tourism.

We are an old tourism destination we started promoting tourism from 70s, so we have good quality roads, hotels and human resources are trained.We are now introducing ex-

periential tourism like adventure, beach,Ayurveda, etc.

Growth in visa issuance We have a robust e-visa system.We have a visa on arrival but it takes a bit longer and is slightly expensive so we encourage people to take evisas.The consulate issues business visas, stay permits, employment visas. In the past 12 years there has been an increase of 18 to 20% growth in arrivals from India.

(As told to Sudipta Dev)

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DESTINATION WATCH

Cultural cradle Winnipeg, the 'Prairie capital' known for its history in agricultural economy and the founding of the fur trading post Fort Rouge in 1738, has evolved to become the capital of Manitoba and a vibrant city offering various tourism attractions and activities to visitors interested in history, arts and culture

By Kahini Chakraborty

M

anitoba, where Canada's heart beats, is a small treasure trove of untouched natural beauty and urban elegance woven out of historical and cultural incidences.

Winnipeg, the capital and largest city of the province, is home to the famous Sir William S Stephenson, the man called 'Intrepid', and considered by most people as the real-life inspiration for James Bond. A historical tryst through a guided tour session around the Manitoba Legislative Building on York Street, which has the life-sized bronze statue of Stephenson in military aviator uniform, is a sure treat for all James Bond lovers. Ian Fleming himself once wrote, “James Bond is a highly romanticised version of a true spy. But the real thing is... William S Stephenson.� During the tour, one can get a chance to live through the experiences of the man who was born on January 23, 1987 at Point Douglas, Winnipeg. And if you want some more information, the guides are more than happy to narrate the entire story revealing information about this Canadian soldier, airman, businessman, inventor,

28 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

spymaster, and a senior representative of British intelligence for the entire western hemisphere during World War II. As head of the British Security Coordination, Stephenson handed over British scientific secrets to Franklin D Roosevelt and relayed American secrets to Winston Churchill. In addition, Stephenson has been credited with changing American public opinion from an isolationist stance to a supportive tendency regarding America's entry into World War II. Stephenson is also known to have played a key role in the creation of the CIA. It was in 1997 that a new public library was built in Winnipeg which was named after him. On November 15, 2009, Water Avenue in downtown Winnipeg was renamed as William Stephenson Way. Opposite to this landmark monument is the 77 metres tall Manitoba Legislative Building, that even Dan Brown would be at a loss trying to decipher all the meaning enlaced in this building. This neoclassical building which was completed in 1920 was designed and built by Frank Worthington Simon and Henry Boddington III, along with other masons and skilled craftsmen.

The grandiose interior of this ode to Olympus is studded with hieroglyphics, freemasonic symbols and numeric codes. Hence a visit to this building, either through guided or self-guided tour, is a must for travellers interested in history and culture.

Known as the Canadian Signature Experience Hermetic Code Tour, the building is famous for the Golden Boy, a gold covered bronze statue based on the style of the Roman god Mercury, or the Greek god Hermes, at the top of the domed ceiling. Each of the four corners of the copper dome supporting the Golden Boy has stonework grouping which represent the four elements of nature-earth, air, fire and water, which are understood as agriculture, science, industry and art. The statue was installed in 1919, originally called as Eternal Youth and sculpted by a Parisian artist, Georges Gardet.

A book was also published in 2007 titled The Hermetic Code

by Frank Albo, which describes the details of Masonic and classical history incorporated into the building. Understanding the art and vision behind the construction of this marvellous architecture gets more intense

once you enter into the building and come across the Grand Staircase. The staircase has three flights of steps each with 13 steps and is flanked by life size North American bison made of solid bronze. According to legends, the bison is a symbol of the Province of Manitoba, and is meant to represent the sacred bulls which guard temple entrances. Above the south entrance to the legislature lobby is Medusa's head and over the

north entrance facing Medusa is the bust of Athena, the Greek goddess of war and protector of the cities. Around the perimeter of the room are 14 lion heads and eight cattle skulls at the edge of the ceiling. All across the second floor balcony there are lamps that rise from the balustrades, each having 13 bulbs.

In the middle of the Rotunda is an Italian marble balustrade about 13 feet across surrounding the Pool of the Black Star on the

DESTINATION WATCH

building allows sounds from all over the building to be caught and heard in the circular room and the echoes can be heard by speaking in the room.

Tryst with the past

floor of the level below, which is a representation of the altars of the ancient Greeks. The diameter of the circle above the balustrade is also 13 feet and both align with the Golden Boy which has been placed on the dome. In the doorway to the Manitoba Assembly is a mural

by Frank Brangwyn depicting World War I. The centre of the painting has a man in tattered rags with his left chest and arm exposed, being helped along by

a comrade, and above all the men there is a faint depiction of The Madonna and Child. On the level below-the Pool of the Black Star has four entrances and is marked with three steps forming a circumference of the room.

The room is circular with a radius of 27 feet. The centre of the floor is an eight pointed black marble star, which is in alignment with the dome of the building on which the Golden Boy is mounted. The design of the

The capital city, Winnipeg, is located near the centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red river and Assiniboine river. The name 'Winnipeg' was derived from the western Cree words for Lake Winnipeg, referring to muddy waters. The region was a trading centre for aboriginal people long before the arrival of the Europeans. The city, also known as the 'Gateway to the West', is the railway and transportation hub with a diversified economy. Lying at the confluence of the Assiniboine river and Red river of the north, 'The Forks', which is now a bustling market, was initially the crossroads of canoe routes which was travelled by First Nations before the European contact. The Forks market was created with the two adjacent horse stables, which were meant for competing rail companies in early 1900s, which was joined together by a courtyard and bridges. This market offers a multitude of shops to browse for a wide variety of specialty items and souvenirs. Near to the market is the Oodena Celebration Circle, which pays homage to the 6,000 years of the aboriginal people in the area. Oodena, Cree for 'centre of the city', features ethereal sculptures, a sundial, interpretive signage, a naked eye observatory and a ceremonial fire pit. This makes it an important venue for cultural celebrations. A tour of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which has been designed by architect Antione Predock, provides an opportunity for an im-

mersive experience of 11 powerful interactive and inspiring exhibits that can take you on a personal human rights journey looking at Canadian and global issues of the past, present and future. Through these exhibits the museum is looking at fostering dialogue and promoting change for a better world. At the top of the pinnacle is the Tower of Hope which provides a stunning view of the entire city.

The Esplanade Riel and Provencher Bridge have become iconic to Winnipeg and connect the downtown area to SaintBoniface, the French Quarter.

This area has been the home of Franco-Manitobans in the province and has many historic buildings - city hall, fire station and post office. The Saint Boniface Cathedral is the Roman Catholic basilica and an important building in Winnipeg. The basilica, which is in the centre of the city, was the first church founded by Fr Norbert Provencher, a priest and future bishop who ordered the construction in 1818 in the form of a small log chapel. In 1832 Bishop Provencher built the first cathedral but on December 14, 1860, the first building was destroyed by a fire breakout. It was in 1862 that Bishop Alexandre Antonin Tache rebuilt the cathedral in stone. On July 22, 1968, the 1906 cathedral was damaged in a fire, destroying many features including the rose window. Only the facade, sacristy, and the walls of the old church remained. In 1972, a new smaller cathedral was built behind the 1906 facade. Behind the cathedral, a few blocks away is the Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum which has many FrancoManitoban and Metis artifacts.

It is also believed that the museum is haunted – visitors have

heard sounds of monks chanting, children running and choir of women singing, doors opening and closing along with other paranormal activities. Apart from the museum there are many other locations in Winnipeg which are believed to be haunted, like the famous Fort Garry Hotel's second floor room 202; The Burton Cummings Theatre; the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba; Elmwood Cemetery; La Barriere Park; Manitoba Legislative Building; Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and many more.

The other must see attractions in the city include the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, and The Manitoba Museum, which showcases the natural history of Manitoba through life-size displays and artifacts. The Exchange District is one of Canada's architectural marvels; this 30-block district boasts of North America's most extensive 20th century buildings. A walk through the city reveals some of its trendiest spots and restaurants, vintage and antique shops and the best it has to offer in coffee and cafe culture. A good example of this is the refurbished Bawlf Block, which was originally built as an office space and is twin to the Benson Block, what is now the Red River College's bookstore. This was once a commercial space for the building's early wholesale and retail tenants. After all the walking around the city, you can soak away your stress at the newly opened US$ 11 million Scandinavian-style spa Therrmëa by Nordik Spa-Nature. This luxury spa is open year round, completely surround by nature. Hot and cold pools, saunas and relaxation rooms allow guests to reach true bliss.

A trip to Winnipeg cannot be complete until you visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo to do the 'Journey to Churchill' tour experience with the much loved polar bears. Watching these majestic mammals dive, swim, and frolic above you through the exhibit’s glass dome will definitely thrill you. The zoo also features uber-rare animals, like red pandas and snow leopards, along with over 200 other species.

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EVENT ROUNDUP

An 'amazing' showcase The 36th edition of the Thailand Tourism Festival 2016 not only highlighted the common spectacle of colourful festivals and vibrant local fairs from the five major regions – North, South, East, Central and Northeast – but also underlined the Thai way of life and its hospitality.

By Joy Roy Choudhury

S

howcasing the various facets of Thai art and culture, major landmarks, religious traditions and the cuisines of the different regions of the Kingdom, was the recently concluded 36th edition of the Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) 2016, held from January 13-17, 2016 at Lumpini Park, Bangkok. The theme for TTF 2016 was 'Discover Thainess Enjoy Amusement of Siam'. TTF provides a platform to boost domestic travel, income distribution, and raise awareness of preserving traditional cultures and indigenous practices driven by the unique identities of each region.

This year, the festival kicked-off with a street parade portraying the cultural traditions of the five major regions of the country - North, South, East, Central and Northeast, which was followed by song and dance performances highlight-

30 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

ing the cultural heritage of Thailand and its way of life. Post this, the festival was inaugurated by HE air chief marshal Prajin Juntong, deputy prime minister of Thailand and HE Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, minister of tourism and sports, ministry of tourism and sports of Thailand.

Other dignitaries present during the inauguration included Kalin Sarasin, chairman, TAT; Yuthasak Supasorn, governor, TAT among other senior officials.

Highlighting the potential of the India market, Wattanavrangkul said, “India is a big market for us and we would continue to pay more attention to Indian tourists this year. Last year, one million Indian tourists visited Thailand and this year we are hoping for a growth of eight-10 per cent in arrivals. Besides India, we would also focus on the ASEAN region. The European market, specially Russia

is expected to improve significantly this year, while new markets such as Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan would be tapped. We expect the ASEAN tourist arrivals of seven million this year since the ASEAN tourist market has a huge potential to grow due to the increase in the number of middle class in the region.”

Stressing on developing the quality of Thailand's product offerings, she added, “Our main focus would be to develop the quality of our product offerings significantly. We would market the places, their cultural heritage, food and architecture since we want quality tourists to stay in Thailand for a longer duration and spend more.” In another major development, she said in the coming days TAT would be working closely with its ASEAN neighbours (Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) and will focus on offering a

EVENT ROUNDUP

combined package to tourists.

Speaking about TTF, Supasorn, said, “The 36th TTF is Thailand’s largest domestic travel fair where Thai and international visitors can learn of various aspects of the Thai culture, traditions, folk wisdom and local ways of life from every region of the Kingdom. Under the ‘Discover Thainess’ concept, the event aims to promote domestic tourism in order to help disseminate tourism revenue to local communities

across the country, as well as engage everyone in the conservation of Thailand’s cultural heritage. This event also marks a great beginning for Thai tourism in 2016.” He added, “TAT has been successful in creating an image of the event as Thailand’s most important and largest domestic travel fair.

TAT plans to elevate TTF to an international level and develop a further understanding of environmental mindfulness among Thai tourists.” This year

TTF drew more than 600,000 visitors.

Segments like spiritual tourism, wellness and spa tourism, and maritime tourism will be promoted in the future.

The '12 Hidden Gems' project introduced by TAT will be further promoted this year with the focus to attract more tourists to the 12 lesser known provinces. These 12 destinations comprise of two or three provinces each from the five regions of Thailand. These places

include Phetchabun, Lampang and Nan in the north. In the north-east there are the two provinces of Buriram and Loei.

Representing the east are Trat and Chanthaburi. In the central

plains, the two provinces are Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi. In the south, Trang, Chumphon and Nakhon Si Thammarat are the major focus areas for tourism promotion.

STABILITY, PROSPERITY AND SUSTAINABILITY TOURISM FORUM 2016 The Stability, Prosperity and Sustainability Tourism Forum 2016 was organised by TAT as part of TTF 2016 in Bangkok Thailand is focusing on developing community-based tourism in sync with the Royal Thai Government's National Tourism Development Plan and as part of the ministry of tourism & sports of Thailand's efforts to attract more quality visitors to the Kingdom.The 'Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability Tourism Forum 2016', organised by TAT as part of TTF 2016 in Bangkok recently formed part of the many activities under the Ministry of Tourism & Sports of Thailand and TAT to educate the industry and encourage greater participation in promoting community-based tourism in order to achieve stability, prosperity and sustainability for Thailand's tourism.

nationwide as well as build a better quality of life for the local people, thereby strengthening the communities, and promoting the preservation of Thai culture and traditions.All these will lead to the conservation of our natural resources and the sustainability of the country's tourism industry as a whole."Supasorn said, "Community-based tourism is a global trend.Today, travellers are in search for tourism products and services that take into account environmental, economical, and social sustainability.This is a new aspect of tourism that TAT will be gearing towards for future tourism development of Thailand."

The theme of the forum was 'Community-based Tourism as a Global Trend'. More than 200 travel and tourism operators, private and government organisations from across the country attended the forum. Inaugurating the forum, HE General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, deputy prime minister of Thailand, gave a broad overview of the national, social and development priorities and delved on the important role played by the tourism department in fulfilling the goals. He promised full government support to the tourism industry to achieve its targets.

The forum included speakers like Robert Basiuk, executive director, Borneo Adventure in Malaysia, who outlined how community-based tourism is becoming a global trend. Peter Richards, a sustainable tourism expert with Thailand's Community Based Tourism Institute (CBT-I), provided a more detailed account on how Thai communities are catering to the tourism sector, both domestic and foreign. Basiuk lauded Thailand as a model destination that adopts strategies and practices towards sustainability tourism. He said that in order to achieve sustainability for the development and promotion of community-based tourism, which helps disperse income to all parts of the society, the initiative would require cooperation from all involved, especially the private sector.While Richards

Wattanavrangkul said, "Under the Royal Thai Government's National Tourism Development Plan for 20162017, we plan to disperse income to local communities

added,“Community-based tourism is popular among European travellers as they look for memorable quality travel experiences. Community-based tourism means something simple but with a unique identity and story, and offers a new and insightful experience of the local way of life of the people in that particular community."

The forum ended with a panel discussion titled 'Power of Communities: Best Practices and Models for Implementation', where new generation entrepreneurs who have created new forms of activities and products shared their valuable insights. Ayu Chuepa, co-founder, Akha Ama Coffee; Somsuk Boonkham, founder and CEO, Local Alike; Kawee Kokiatkun, founder, Maajaidum, a local whisky brand; Sukajit Daenghai of Mae Teeta, an organic textile and clothes brand; and Chayanich Thamparipattra, co-founder, Hivesters participated in the panel discussion.

Hosted by TAT, the Stability, Prosperity and Sustainability Tourism Forum 2016 was organised to promote community-based tourism knowledge and to help various stakeholders identify new business opportunities.

The event was also set to provide opportunities for participants to establish networks with the entrepreneurs who had successfully implemented a community-based tourism platform.

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EVENT ROUNDUP

Building an ASEAN community The recently concluded 35th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Manila, Philippines saw a concerted effort by the 10 ASEAN states to create linkages to each other’s tourism strengths and offer a combined yet diverse tourism product

By Steena Joy

W

hen President Benigno Simeon Aquino III of the Republic of Philippines threw open the 35th ASEAN Tourism Forum in Manila recently, he set the tone for the building of an ASEAN economic community that would sustain itself. At the opening ceremony in the Philippine International Convention Centre, Aquino III declared that the success of ASEAN tourism will depend on sustainability.

“ASEAN tourism is something we have to build together. We are not competitors but partners in inclusive tourism,” he stated.

And ATF 2016 was all about partnerships and the exchange of ideas and initiatives for rejuvenating tourism in these economies and leveraging on their tourism strengths. A significant component of the ATF programme is the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a series of businessto-business meetings between foreign buyers and ASEAN sellers of tourism products and services. The exhibition area spread over 9,130 sq metres at the SMX Convention Centre, had nearly 1,000 exhibitors from all the 10 member states and around 457 international buyers.

India had a strong representation at ATF 2016 with 23 hosted buyers participating in the event. India along with Germany and the USA had the largest contingent of buyers (six per cent each). This is especially significant as the Department of

32 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

Tourism (DOT) Philippines is looking at India and the Middle East as the new target markets for growth and is looking at increasing marketing spend in these markets.

Based on the theme, Community for Sustainability, the 35th edition of the forum witnessed the launch of the new ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016 – 2020. The plan will work towards not only the development and growth of the region’s tourism, but also in ensuring that this growth is grounded on responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.

ATF 2016 saw many other new initiatives. Visit ASEAN@50 is the new ASEAN tourism cam-

of the ASEAN as one destination might seem 'undoable' because of the region's archipelagic nature. “But getting the industry to package tours covering three or more countries and involving land, sea and air transport could be the most exciting and attractive proposition a tourist could get,” he pointed out.

This is the fourth time the Philippines has hosted the ATF and the second time in Manila.

Speaking on the MICE initiatives in the country, Art P Boncato Jr, assistant secretary, DOT Philippines, said, “MICE is very important for us. We plan to develop Manila, Cebu and Davao as potential international MICE destinations. These destinations are ideal as they have good airports, they are good gateways, and have good roads, existing hotels and excellent meeting facilities so they are ready for international MICE. We also have plans for training a more sophisticated workforce to meet the requirements of the MICE segment.”

10 countries, 9 themes

paign commemorating ASEAN’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The campaign will promote ASEAN as one destination and highlight the region’s iconic tourism products. ‘Cruise’ the new cruising brand for the ASEAN region was also un-

veiled with its logo in the shape of waves to denote the vibrancy of the region.

Benito C Bengzon Jr, ATF 2016 Philippine host committee chairman and DOT tourism development undersecretary, said that promoting all 10 members

The 10 member national tourism organisations of ASEAN (ASEAN NTOs) revealed a combined ‘ASEAN for ASEAN' campaign under nine different themes, to promote travel within the ASEAN region and intra-regional tourism cooperation.

Under the campaign, each NTO has taken on a specific task with the effort to drive internal

EVENT ROUNDUP regional tourism through 2016, as well as to generate awareness of the ASEAN tourism brand as well as a combined logo ‘Southeast Asia - Feel the warmth’. The beauty of Southeast Asia lies in its enchanting DNA of warm and hospitable people, culture, language, religion, cuisine and geography and the new logo is representative of that.

Zulzalani Osman, acting head of marketing and promotion centre from ministry of primary resources and tourism, Brunei Darussalam, and chairman of ASEAN tourism marketing and communication working group said, “Although many ASEAN people are quite familiar with their neighbouring countries, there are still plenty of unique tourism attractions in each ASEAN member state yet to be visited and experienced.

We want the people of ASEAN to be fully aware, appreciative and proud of the great diversity of tourism assets in the ASEAN member states.”

While Brunei Darussalam will promote community-based tourism via trade shows, official website and print media, Cambodia will promote ASEAN culture and heritage tourism through its official website, trade shows, national festivals and local TV and magazines, likewise with Myanmar. Indonesia will endorse ASEAN spa and wellness via websites, participation in local trade shows and development of promotion videos; LAO PDR advocates naturebased tourism through the NTO's website, brochures and other marketing collaterals; Singapore will promote cruise tourism, especially the infrastructure and itinerary development in the region, the Southeast Asia Cruise branding project and the collective participation of ASEAN member states at cruise shows; Vietnam will focus on river-based tourism by marketing and promoting it through print media, while Malaysia will promote ASEAN adventure travel by having developed an e-book, which is available on www.aseantourism.travel. Thailand will run the #ASEANPhotowalk social media campaign.

Philippines, on the other hand,

will promote MICE by organising international events such as the ASEAN MICE Leaders Congress, ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Youth Summit, ASEAN Friendship Run, ASEAN Festival. The effort also includes featuring the ASEAN tourism brand at the NTO's pavilions in trade shows and in its promotional collateral.

Statistics boast of a record number of intra-ASEAN visitor

BUYERS' SPEAK Jayshree Negandhi, CEO, Classis Travel and Tour, Mumbai said, “This is my first time at ATF.The event was well organised. I got a better knowledge of ASEAN destinations. I got to see good products and new niche products.”

Vijaymohan Kanneganti, MD, Holiday World from Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh said,“ This time the buyer-seller meeting is genuinely happening.

Appointments are well organised and on time.All 17 provinces displayed their products and we got a lot of insight into Philippines also.”

numbers that account for half the total of international tourist arrivals. Intra-ASEAN visitor arrival represented 46-48 per cent, the largest share of the total international visitor arrival in the region in the past years.

India tourism ministerial meeting The Fifth Meeting of ASEAN and India Tourism Ministers was held in conjunction with ATF 2016. The meeting was cochaired by Benito Jr Bengzon, undersecretary, Department of Tourism of the Philippines, and Vinod Zutshi, secretary, ministry of tourism, Government of India. India was lauded on the increase in tourism exchange between the two governments.

ASEAN tourists into India reached 0.7 million in 2015, up by two per cent vis-a-vis 2014. Indian visitors to ASEAN was 3.57 million, an increase of 9.9 per cent. India has e-visa for nine ASEAN states - Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam. Laos, Indonesia and Philippines. The evisa for Brunei will be included soon. The meeting also lauded India’s support of visiting faculty/teachers of ASEAN hospitality institutes to India.

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February 2016

CORPORATE FILE

A special touch Continuing to provide thousands of tour programmes, this 82-year old Kolkatabased company, Kundu Special has established its name and fame not only in the region but has also spread its popularity in various states of India

By Joy Roy Choudhury

T

he inception story of this 82 year old Kolkatabased Kundu Special started in 1933 when late Sripati Charan Kundu, a businessman with business interests in railways, hired an entire train of the then Bengal – Nagpur Railways (BNR) to take a group of elderly Bengali couples around India on a 56-days tour, after much persuasion. Besides, a team of managers, late Sripati Charan Kundu also had onboard with him a chef, bearer, medical expert, barber and a person adept in writing post-cards to communicate with the family members of the couples back home. Reminiscing about the beginning, Soumitra Kundu, the grandson, and director of Kundu Special says, “This was the first such organised tour arranged by a tour operator. My grandfather took onboard a Bengali chef because he felt that despite their excitement for discovering new destinations, at the end of the day Bengalis want their favourite Bengali cuisine when they sit down for lunch or dinner.” Since then, the company has been organising 'railbased' tourism.

“Earlier, many of our tours were on 'special' trains that were entirely reserved by the company for our clients. These trains were not only staffed with chefs and bearers but also had paid medical staff on board to help the 200-300 passengers who would be part of such a tour. We have been continuing this practice of taking a specialised chef and his team for all our tours. For the last eight decades we have tried to provide quality Bengali cuisine to

34 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

Soumitra Kundu

our customers no matter where in India they have been,” he elaborates.

Presently, the company has 300 staff members and organises more than 200 domestic tours every year across the country with around 8,000 tourists. Its clientele comprise of the middle-class and uppermiddle-class Bengali families.

“If you travel with us once, you will continue coming back to us.

That's our guarantee because of our personalised services and care, which leading tour operators cannot match,” he boasts of adding that, “You will find the mention of Kundu Special in films made by world-renowned

film directors like Satyajit Ray and Tapan Sinha. Several leading Bengali novelists and travel writers like Buddhadeb Guha, Saradindu Bandyopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Shankar, Nabaneeta Dev Sen, Narayan Sanyal, Shanku Maharaj, Probodh Sanyal have also mentioned our name in their writings.”

Changing patterns Over a period of time there has been a change in the way the company has been organising tours. Elaborating on the same, Kundu, says, “We can no longer hire the entire train but we take smaller groups comprising of

35-40 people. During the tour, travellers are taken to the destination by train, provided food during the journey, then on arrival at a particular destination they are put up at good quality budget hotels. Sightseeing and all other transport arrangements are taken care of by us.

Personal luggages are carried by our bearers.” Earlier, Kundu Special organised tours to the West when the Kundus themselves accompanied the travellers to Europe and the US. These tours, although now not a part of the Kundu Special itinerary, were successful and introduced the Bengali community to travelling in the West. “Bengali's

have faith and confidence in us because of our meticulous tour planning, hassle-free transportation and sightseeing, quality food and accommodation that we offer,” proudly states Kundu.

For the further growth of the company, he is looking at upgrading the products and incorporating new features as and when necessary to provide a better experience to their customers. “We would strive harder to improve our services and the personalised care we are providing for the last eight decades so that we can set new benchmarks and make every customer's experience unforgettable,” he says adding that they are thinking of starting online bookings as well. “People from outside Kolkata and the districts of Bengal often criticise us after they fail to make it to our office within the stipulated time on the opening day. Hence, we may think of such an option in the coming days and earmark a specified number of the total number of seats for online bookings.”

SPOTLIGHT

Transformational tourism N Chandrababu Naidu, chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, clearly defined the tourism road map at the recently held CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam.

From infrastructure to skill development, the state has promised to roll-out realtime projects in record time

By Reema Lokesh

I

ndia's newly bifurcated state is raring to go. The recently held CII Partnership Summit, spelt out the vision of the state's chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, in clear terms. From agriculture to IT development, from telecom to tourism, from food processing to healthcare, the state has laid the tracks for a series of projects across industries. However, what was interesting to note at the event was Naidu's vision for the tourism sector, as tourism seldom gets its share of priority when placed on a broader canvas. Naidu addressed the tourism session tilted, 'Tourism in Andhra Pradesh An Economic Change Agent', wherein he spoke about the state's commitment to bring in transformational tourism.

"I am clear that in the near future Andhra Pradesh will be recognised as a world class tourism destination and we are committed to fulfill this vision. Inclusive development is the key and my team is here to provide the right environment for business. The work force of Andhra Pradesh is proactive and skilled. The state is blessed with tourism specialities such as beaches, summer resorts, hill stations, culture, heritage and more and the state is a prosperous ground for investment. I have to think of doing work innovatively and not traditionally. I firmly believe in resolving issues by talking and my state is committed to deliver."

High profile delegates both from India's public and private sector were present at the recently held CII Partnership

36 EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD February 2016

Summit in Visakhapatnam.

Like most investment summits, the state has promised single window clearance for projects, but has chosen to speak the language of inclusive growth and welfare for the masses.

Naidu clearly stated that he made a mistake in his past tenure and was probably moving too ahead of his time. He was candid to agree that though the trickle down effect of development does have merit, however, welfare development is what truly works.

Andhra Pradesh aims to be among the top three states in India by 2022 and a developed state by 2029. With the second longest coastline of 974 kms in the country, a rich historical and cultural heritage, ancient and spiritual temples, serene valleys and

hills, the new state of Andhra Pradesh with 13 districts holds vast tourist potential.

Tourism talk The tourism panel had industry thought leaders speaking about the way forward for tourism in the state. Headed by the union minister for civil aviation, P Ashok Gajapathi Raju from the government sector, the private sector was represented by Nakul Anand, chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism and executive director, ITC; Manav Thadani, chairman, HVS Asia Pacific; Vivek Nair, chairman and managing director, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts; Sarajbit Singh, vice chairman, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH); Dr Sub-

hash Chandra, chairman, Essel Group and ZEE; and investor S D Krishna Kumar.

The union minister for civil aviation spoke about the future of aviation in Andhra Pradesh and how the state can compete on the ATF issue in terms of its pricing. Raju, spoke about the development of three modern airports in the state. He said that the state has gone through a painful rebirth but he is ready to move ahead stronger. He also highlighted the importance of the ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission and its benefit for the country in the long run and especially for the tourism sector. Anand shared a quick word on the importance of tourism and its universal benefits and how it has a positive impact on local communities

and the society at large. He also spoke about the progressive approach of the state government towards development and also its commitment to build eco tourism assets in the state, provide a toll free number for tourists and providing electricity to the hospitality sector at industrial rates.

Dr Chandra, was strong in his views on the tourism sector and how this sector needs an orbit shift in its working and functioning. He also highlighted the need for tourism to be given infrastructure status.

Nair emphasised on the possibilities and opportunities in the area of coastal tourism and resort development. He spoke about the coastal regulation zone from sea and from cliff tops and edges. Sea planes are also a worthy tourism product that can be introduced, he further added.

Thadani shared with the delegates the need to have more hotel rooms across categories and spoke about building a destination through hospitality investments. Singh spoke about the need for water sports facilities as a tourism option, while Kumar, spoke about how he took the risk and went ahead with his plan to set up tourism infrastructure in the state. Neerabh Prasad, principal secretary, tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said that the state is ready to work as a catalyst for tourism growth.

They expect the private sector to take up the development of tourism in the state as he firmly believes that it is best for the government to

SPOTLIGHT

provide support rather than run tourism establishments.

Tourism policy statement In 2013, 152.1 million domestic tourists visited Andhra Pradesh, which was about 13.3 per cent of the total domestic tourism market. The state offers nine major tourism themes: 1. Beach and water-based 2. Eco tourism 3. Buddhism 4. Religious 5. Heritage 6. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and infastructure development 7. Recreation/Adventure 8. Spiritual/Wellness 9. Medical These nine major themes are further categorised into 42 sub-themes.

Mission-based approach to developing tourism The Government of Andhra

Pradesh (GoAP) has envisaged a mission-based approach to firmly set Andhra Pradesh on the path of sustainable development and growth. Seven missions have

been identified to provide support in managing externalities and enhance inter-departmental synergy for improving outcomes and reducing delays. The Service

MOUS SIGNED IN TOURISM 1. Total No. of MoUs signed – 27 2. Total Investment committed – `5242 crore 3. Employment generation potential – 17840 Nos. Theme

Committed investment in ` crore

Employment potential

Adventure

150

120

Amusement Parks

170

850

Beach Resorts

175

650

Cycling Trails

50

75

Hotels

3764

12380

MICE

500 + 75

250

River Cruises

77

450

Sea Cruises

108

250

Wayside amenities

169

295

Wellness

4

20

Grand Total

5242

15340

Sector Mission would focus on enhancing job opportunities and providing further fillip to sectors such as tourism, construction, hospitality, financial services, education, IT and other allied activities.

The tourism sub-mission will work under the ambit of the Service Sector Mission. The tourism sub-mission will primarily focus on two key aspects: 1. Theme-based development: It will focus on developing tourism projects under themes of beach and waterbased, eco tourism, Buddhism, religious, heritage, MICE and infrastructure development, recreation/adventure, spiritual/wellness and medical.

2. Destination-based development through Hub & Spoke model: It will focus on developing tourism circuits on a Hub & Spoke model. The emphasis will be on developing five important tourism hubs (Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Rajah-

mundry-Kakinada and Srisailam-Nagarjuna Sagar) by 2020, and all other district headquarters as tourism hubs by 2029. Through this policy, GoAP endeavours to make the state more conducive and attractive for potential investors and provide an impetus to the tourism sector.

Policy targets In line with the objectives, the following targets have been set: 1. To be the most preferred state in India for domestic tourist arrivals and among top 12 states for international tourist arrivals.

2. To facilitate investments in the tourism sector to the tune `10,000 crore and contribute seven per cent to the state GDP by 2020.

3. To facilitate creation of five lakh additional jobs in the tourism sector.

The policy will be valid from the date of notification till March 31, 2020.

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EVENT ROUNDUP

Wings to central India Global Panorama Showcase expands its reach pan India with a strong focus on bringing Tier II and Tier III cities to the forefront

By Mohit Rathod

G

LOBAL Panorama Showcase (GPS), a brainchild of Nagpur-based company, Jagsons Travels, recently concluded its fourth edition.

Nagpur is considered as one of the emerging markets among the Tier II and Tier III segment. Increase in disposable income, the urge to explore world class destinations, and Qatar Airways' recent launch of operations from Nagpur, are some of the drivers of growth in tourism activities in the region. With the theme 'GPS on the move', the travel trade platform will be marking its entry into four more cities for the first time Coimbatore, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

The event, held at Hotel Centre Point, was inaugurated by GPS co-founders, Harmandeep Singh Anand and Rishiraj Singh Anand; Jagjit Singh Anand, founder of Jagsons Travels; Gulshanpal Singh Anand, chairman of Jagsons Travels; Jatindra Nakade, chairman, TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India) Nagpur Chapter; Ajay Bhatnagar, Kirti Vyas, managing director of Vyas Travels, Raipur; Naresh Rawal, vice president, Star Cruises and Rajiv Duggal, CEO, Lavasa Corporation, among other dignitaries.

Around 100 exhibitors and over 95 hosted buyers from Central India participated in the event. Raju Akolkar was announced as the CEO of GPS 2016 and the new logo of GPS was also unveiled.

The first day of the event

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February 2016

Growth potential

focused on B2B interactions between buyers and exhibitors, along with presentations by Starwood Hotels, Tourism Malaysia, Singapore Tourism, Destination Canada and Philippines Tourism.

Focus on social initiatives The major announcements at GPS 2016 were introduction of NGO tourism in and around Nagpur region and mine tourism.

Caring Friends, a Nagpur-based NGO, intiated the concept of 'Voluntourism', where travellers to the Vidarbha district will be able to interact with local heroes who serve the society. Harmandeep also pointed out that five per cent of the total revenue generated from GPS 2016 will be contributed to NGOs. Mine tourism is already part of a discussion with

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and may take another quarter to commence.Elaborating on mine tourism, Manohar Roy, who is a part of the discusion with MTDC, said, "It is a concept where we will take tourists to open-cast and underground mines in the

Vidarbha region. We will coordinate with MTDC, Western Coalfields (WCL) and Manganese Ore India (MOIL). MOIL and WCL have 13 and 20 mines in the region respectively. The scope of this tourism product is enormous and will boost tourism in this region."

Talking about rebranding of GPS and presence in new cities, Harmandeep stated, "We are positioning ourselves as the premier travel trade interaction platform. In comparision with our previous events, this year's GPS has got wings. Around 40 per cent of the exhibitors have participated for the first time in GPS 2016. Even in the case of repeat exhibitors, the partners are new. From July, we will move away from the brochure concept. We are encouraging tourism boards to adapt the idea of presentations, because presentations reach out to more people at a time. One of the domestic exhibitors had done business of `12 lakh on the first day itself. The cruise segment is rapidly growing; people in smaller cities want to experience cruises, so GPS serves as a platform for Tier II and Tier III cities to get informed about the products that interest them. We are discontinuing the B2C interactions from 2017," he added.

GPS 2016 will be held in Coimbatore from July 14-15, followed by Kolkata (July 2122), Chandigarh (July 28-29) and Ahmedabad (August 4-5).

Happy with the response to GPS this year, Harmandeep said, "The numbers have been overwhelming, so the growth potential is high. People came from all the eight districts in Vidarbha. We saw buyers from Amravati, Wardha, Chandrapur, Akola, Jabalpur, Latur, Satara, Nashik, Pune, Aurangabad, Indore, Bhopal

EVENT ROUNDUP

EXHIBITORS’SPEAK Cathydja Patel, sales representative, India market, Reunion Island Tourism Board, said, "This is the first time that we participated in GPS. It's like an experiment for us. The response from buyers has been good. If all goes well, we will participate next year too."

Paramjit Bawa, country manager – India, Destination NSW, said, "We have participated in GPS for the second time. Nagpur is an important market for us. Even if we wouldn't have attended GPS, we would have done our own workshop here. We decided to participate in GPS, because the cross section of travel agents that come here is good. Many tourism boards focus just on the major cities, but we believe that there is a lot of people travelling from Tier II and Tier III cities such as Nagpur, Ludhiana, Rajkot, Surat, Coimbatore, Kochi, etc. What differentiates Nagpur from the other cities is the presence of a lot more disposable income, there's money to be spent. We have also experienced that travellers from Nagpur want to have upper quality travel experience."

Rajiv Duggal, CEO, Lavasa Corporation, said, "We have been participating in GPS since its inception. A huge difference in this year's event is the quality of appointments. We met totally different buyers on day one and day two. That makes a lot of sense; we haven't seen this in any other fair. We had around 540 buyers in just two days."

Vikas Sharma, assistant vice-president - sales, travel trade, The Oberoi Group, said, "Our focus was to enhance our reach and distribution to this region and the objective has been met well. Number of buyers and responses are growing each year, which is why we participate at GPS every year. We met a lot of quality buyers and also did good business. Tier II and Tier III cities provide higher revenues, due to more business opportunities."

year. We are not denying that agents are not there, but out of 500 of them, only 10-15 can afford to attend the top trade shows; there will be an imbalance in the industry. GPS is not a trade show, it is an interactive platform for the travel and tourism fraternity. Empowering and educating is its the first goal."

Sharing the same views, Madhu Saliankar, director, EntReps Solutions, stated, "Information is available on the internet, but Tier II and Tier III cities are not driven by it. The agents still want a personalised approach. We are starting trade surveys in Coimbatore, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Amhedabad, so that GPS can serve these cities as efficiently as Nagpur."

BUYERS' SPEAK Mukesh Agrawal, owner of Lakshya Holidays in Gondia district of Maharashtra, commented, "I have been attending GPS since 2013. This is a good platform for tour operators from smaller cities. They can interact with big domestic players and international tourism boards, which was earlier possible only for the travel fraternity based in metro cities. I am glad that GPS has identified the growth potential from Tier II and Tier III cities."

Madhuri Deo, owner of Nagpur-based Soma Travels and past chairperson of TAAI Nagpur Chapter, opined, "GPS is a great opportunity, not just for Nagpur, but for the entire Vidarbha region. This year's event has seen more participants, there are numerous products. I appreciate the ideas of NGO tourism and mine tourism; they will definitely boost tourism in the region if they are conceptualised well.”

Somesh Bagdia, managing dirctor of Jalna-based Somesh Travco, said, "Travel agents from smaller cities find it tough to access major trade shows, but GPS is providing us a good opportunity to interact with tourism boards, DMCs, travel companies, etc. I have been coming to GPS since its beginning and this year too, I had lucrative interactions here."

Intensive trade focus

and from across central India. Travel agents from Tier II and Tier III cities are working with big players in metro cities. By introducing them directly to the suppliers, we are removing the long middle chain which is not

required in this industry."

Speaking on the Tier II and Tier III markets, he expressed, "Not just Nagpur, but all Tier II and Tier III markets are neglected, which is why we have decided to move to other cities also this

The second day of the event consisted of B2B interactions and presentations by Jordan Tourism and Trawelltag.

Harmandeep informed at the press conference that it is crucial to educate the travel fraternity of Tier II and Tier III cities and get them look beyond commissions, by making them aware about

new tourism products and the business that can be generated around them.

Dream Cruises, a premium cruise brand first announced in November, was promoted as a MICE preference. Expected to start her maiden voyage in midOctober this year from

Germany, the cruise liner will stop by Mumbai in the beginning of November. On departure from Mumbai, the ship will visit Colombo, followed

by Singapore andGuangzong, China. GPS will conduct a B2B interactive session onboard Dream Cruises in Mumbai.

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SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Empowering youth for tourism Ministry of Tourism (MoT) launches new skill initiatives for youths on National Youth Day to mark birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand

I

ndia's Ministry of Tourism (MoT) recently launched new skill initiatives on National Youth Day to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand in order to improve the sectoral service standards, which is one of the pre-requisites for attracting tourists in larger numbers. The initiatives include the following: A sensitisation programme for the existing service providers at Varanasi It will target boatmen, rickshaw pullers, pandas, porters, shopkeepers and street vendors (in and around the ghats and temples). Each course will be of four days duration and the trainees will be compensated for the wage loss. The programme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM).

The primary objectives of the programme will be to eventually achieve an improved tourist specific service ambience and to further the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. The first course/ batch was held in January.

A programme to groom young persons interested in home delivery service as an occupation It will target persons who are at least matriculates and in the age group of 18-28 years. Each course will be of six days duration. The programme will be implemented by IITTM, Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs)

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and Food Craft Institutes.

The programme will prepare the trainees to deliver food at home with skill, style and civility.

The first course/ batch was held at IHM Pusa.

traits and knowledge among the trainees to enable them to act /work as Tourist Facilitators (Paryatak Mitra ). The first course/ batch was held in January at Varanasi.

A programme of training to bring up “Paryatak Mitra” It will target college students including those enrolled with the NCC and NSS, in the age group of 18-28 years. Each course will be of 10 days duration. The programme will be implemented by the IITTM, first at destinations identified under the PRASAD scheme of the MoT. The programme will attempt to inculcate appropriate tourism

A training programme to bring up tourist facilitators in the north east It will target 10+2 pass-outs in the age group of 18-28 years.

Each course will be of 30 days duration. The programme will be implemented by the IITTM. The primary objective of the programme limited to the North East, will be to achieve better tourist satisfaction in terms of availability of skilled tourist fa-

POTENTIAL OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE YEAR 2022 Sub Sector

Employment in 2022

Hotels

2.30 million

Restaurants

10.49 million

Travel Agents and Tour Operators

0.66 million

cilitators. The programme will be advertised soon.

As per the report of National Skill Development Corporation on Human Resource and Skill Requirements in the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Sector (2013 -17, 2017 – 22). the sub – sector – wise break – up of employ-

ment is given in the table above.

The Annual Plan Outlay for the year 2015-16 for the Scheme of Assistance to IHMs/FCI/ IITTM/NCHMCT was `165.00 crore and that for the Scheme of Capacity Building for Service Providers was `88.05 crore.

MOVEMENTS Airbus Group India Airbus Group India has appointed ASHISH SARAF as vice president, industry development, strategic partnerships and offsets. Saraf will drive the group’s existing ‘Make in India’

ble for leading marketing activities across all Yatra.com business lines and group entities.

While focusing on strengthening Yatra’s brand equity in the travel category, he will be responsible for driving the marketing and communications strategy to sup-

working on creating marketing campaigns to capture the 18 to 35 market. Morrah joined Contiki in its New Zealand team in 2013 where he began working as a sales executive, before joining the sales team in Australia the following year. He previously managed the biggest trade sales region in Australia. He consistently grew sales in the New Zealand and Australian market, and in 2015 achieved the highest number of passengers globally.

Skal – Asian Area

Ashish Saraf

Vikrant Mudaliar

initiatives and conceive new ones for all the businesses of Airbus Group India with the aim to increase its industrial footprint.

Prior to joining Airbus Group India, Saraf was the India head of the Tata Sikorsky joint venture since 2010 and led Sikorsky’s industrialisation and strategic partnerships in India.

An industry veteran with experience in offsets, industrial relations, greenfield start-up development and strategic partnerships, Saraf started his career with Dassault Systems and Deloitte Consulting.

port the company’s overall strategic objectives. The role will also have him responsible for all traffic and consumer marketing initiatives across web and mobile platforms and driving customerengagement and loyalty. Mudaliar previously served as chief sales and marketing officer at Lenskart.com. He has also worked at Tata Sky as vice president of brand marketing.

Kuoni Travel India VISHAL SURI has been appointed as managing director of Kuoni Travel India, by Thomas Cook India. Prior to this appointment, Suri headed the outbound portfolio as CEO – tour operating, Kuoni India. Suri has an experience of over 22 years across industries like telecom, internet, and office automation; including over a decade in running travel businesses.

Contiki Contiki has announced SAM MORRAH as its new sales and marketing director for Asia. In this role, Morrah will be responsible for ensuring sales growth in the key markets of Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, and also India, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Sam will also be

Yatra.com VIKRANT MUDALIAR has been appointed as chief marketing officer of Yatra.com. In this role, Mudaliar will be responsi-

ROBERT SOHN has been appointed as president of Skal – Asian Area. Sohn is president and CEO of Promac Partnership and serves as chairman for Association of National Tourism Organisation Representatives (ANTOR) in Korea. He is also the Korean representative for Tourism Western Australia.

Sohn served four years as vice president, East Asia on the Skal Asian Area board. He was also the chairman of the organising committee that hosted the 2012 Skal World Congress in Incheon and Seoul. He has been a Skal member in Seoul since 1994.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has announced three key appointments to its executive team.

ANDREW WALLER, CWT's current president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, will be executive vice president, global business transformation. In this role, Waller will focus on driving efficiency and organisation effectiveness, reshaping CWT’s business model for the future.

Waller will be based in Paris and London. KELLY KUHN, CWT's president, Asia-Pacific, will take the role of president, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Global Partners Network, based in London.

KAI CHAN, currently general manager, Southeast Asia, CWT, will become president, Asia Pacific, and part of the global executive team. Chan will be based in Singapore. All three positions are effective from February 1, 2016.

Kelly Kuhn

Kai Chan

United Airlines United Airlines has appointed JAMES T OLSON as senior vice president of corporate communications. Olson will join United Airlines on February 1, 2016 and will report to Michael Bonds, executive vice president of human resources and labour relations. Olson currently serves as vice president – global corporate communications at Starbucks Coffee. Prior to Starbucks, Olson was vice president – corporate communications at US Airways where he led the airline’s internal, external and crisis communication functions, which included managing the response to the 2009 Hudson River emergency water landing of Flight 1549.

Carnival Corporation Sam Morrah

Carlson Wagonlit Travel

Carnival Corporation has ap-

pointed ROGER CHEN as chairman in China. Chen will be based in Shanghai and will lead all government relations and port development, while supporting Carnival’s joint ventures in China. In this new role, Chen will have responsibility for representing all of Carnival Corporation’s brands in China to continue growing the company’s presence and scale in the region.

Chen will report directly to Alan Buckelew, chief operations officer for Carnival Corporation. Chen’s experience includes several senior positions where he led strategic efforts in China for multi-national corporations, including General Electric, Microsoft, Volvo Group and Alcatel.

Most recently, Chen served as China president for Volvo Group.

Flight Centre Travel Group Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has appointed LAURA KERN as director of global product for corporate procurement in Northern America.

Kern will be responsible for managing and strengthening FCTG’s partnerships with its North American supplier partners, and will lead the development of corporate product offerings as well as delivery and distribution, marketing, promotion, incentivisation and training via FCTG’s corporate sales, business development and account management teams. Kern has knowledge of the business travel industry, having worked in a range of consultant and leadership roles since joining FCTG in 2000.

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weekend

E V E N T S

ADVENTUROUS ROLE #KenyaLive, the latest campaign from Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism ended with the cabinet secretary for tourism (minister), Najib Balala, officially marking his arrival into his new role with a skydive onto the beach in Watamu

ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE Hanneli Slabber, country head, South African Tourism (SAT) India; Monica Iuel, general manager, international marketing, SAT; and David Frost, CEO, SATSA at SATs 13th annual roadshow held across Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai

TARGETING MICE Rwanda Development Board’s Meetings Planners Guide 2016 was launched during a function held at Fortune Exoctica Hotel, Mumbai coinciding with the award ceremony for women achievers organised by Indian Merchants’ Chamber, Navi Mumbai Chapter

LUXURY CRUISING Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar (fourth from right) launched Monarch Cruise at a ceremony in Mumbai

CELEBRATIONS GALORE

The Creating Synergy amongst Travel Fraternity (CSTF) party was recently held in New Delhi

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REGD.WITH RNI NO. MAHENG/2005/15993,POSTAL REGD. NO. MCS/163/2016 – 18,PUBLISHED ON 11TH EVERY MONTH, POSTED ON 12TH,13TH,14TH OF EVERY MONTH, POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE,MUMBAI – 400001.