Express Travelworld March, 2013

VOL 8 | NO. 2 | PAGES 60

March 2013 ` 50

12–14 JUNE, 2013

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Contents March 2013

Vol 8 | No 2 | Pages 00

Chairman of the Board

Viveck Goenka

MARKET

Editor

Golden Chariot set to include Andhra Pradesh in itinerary............................10

Reema Lokesh*

ICPB focused on paving the way for MICE policy soon..................................13

Assistant Editor

A united call for better commissions.............................................................14

Steena Joy Associate Editor

Sudipta Dev CONTENT TEAM Mumbai

Sayoni Bhaduri, Kahini Chakraborty

GNTO to invest 500,000 euros in India market this year................................18 Austria expects steady growth from India market..........................................18 Canada to launch Signature Experiences Collection in India soon..................18 Adlabs Imagica international theme park to open by March end ...................19 Whitefield to serve as feeder market for Marriott’s first address in Bengaluru................................................................................................22 Global travellers want to keep connected: Hotels.com...................................24

Kolkata

Joy Roy Choudhury Advisory Board

MIAL awards F&B contract for new T2 at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport....................................................................................25

Ankur Bhatia, Vijay Chadda,

MANAGEMENT

Saroj Datta, Ashok Fenn,

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh ..............................................27

Subhash Goyal, Cyrus Guzder,

Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa ..........28

Zubin Karkaria, Ashwini Kakkar, Khursheed Lam,

Gir National Park, Gujarat ............................................................................29

Tej Sahni, Alok Sawhney,

Gulf of Mannar Marine, National Park, Tamil Nadu ......................................32

Prem Subramaniam

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka ............................................................33

MARKETING

Sultanpur National Park, Haryana ................................................................34

Deputy General Manager

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal........................................................35

Harit Mohanty

Kaziranga National Park, Assam ..................................................................36

Chief Manager

Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha ............................................................37

Emmanuel Fernandes Manager

Campbell Bay National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands ........................38

Sunil D'costa

Safe, serene and salubrious Sri Lanka ..........................................................39

Deputy Chief Manager

Buddhist heritage of Odisha..........................................................................41

Zahid Ali Khan CIRCULATION

EDGE

Mohan Varadakar PRODUCTION General Manager

B R Tipnis Production Manager

Bhadresh Valia Layout

Ratilal Ladani, Kiran Parker Asst. Art Director

Surajit Patro Chief Designer

Pravin Temble

One call to solve it all ............................................................................

Showcasing the Tiger Capital of India

..................................................

43 46

Senior Graphic Designer

Rushikesh Konka

LIFE

Photo Editor

Sandeep Patil

Express TravelWorld Reg. No.-MH/MR/SOUTH156\2013-15 RNI Reg. No. 15993/05 Printed by The Indian Express Limited 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) Editor Reema Lokesh* Copyright @ 2011

The Indian Express 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.

March 2013

Silver perspectives ................................................................................49 REGULARS

Editor’s Note ..........................................................................................6 Appointments........................................................................................50 Weekend ..............................................................................................57 www.expresstravelworld.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A change is in the air his time of the year always reflects a distinctly active or rather reactive industry as two major events take place, the announcement of the much awaited Union budget of India and subsequently the largest global tourism event in Berlin, namely ITB-Berlin. The budget 201314 brought in its share of hopes and hopelessness, as the industry has felt left out once again with few generic and progressive infrastructure development announcements that will bring in some improvement in the tourism sector. The fast track work on the DMICDC is predicted to garner some benefits for tourism, which is more long term as the short term immediate reaction toward the budget has been that of despair. The service tax issue to other pertinent problems related to the industry has been still kept on the backburner.

T “Though the Indian civil aviation industry is challenged with restrictions, bottlenecks and hurdles that pin its wings, this looks like interesting times for the sector”

Within the tourism trade, the travel agents fraternity in India have been a troubled lot as the fight toward moving back to commissions on airline ticketing is also falling on deaf ears, with the Supreme Court ruling also going against their interest. The agent-airline relationship is passing through what can be termed as a Cold War and one can only wait and watch to see the end result.

Meanwhile, Indian skies are witnessing a new change in the air. I vividly remember my meeting with Air Asia’s chief Tony Fernandes in 2007 and he had then said, “I know I can make money in India.” He has now come into India and with none other than a group which is one of India’s most trusted corporate houses, who are also well versed with the aviation sector. On the other page, the Jet-Etihad proposal is strongly moving towards an interesting partnership as the recent action at Heathrow is clearly indicative of the same. Our local low cost carrier pathfinder the Captain from Mysore is also planning to revisit the business of civil aviation. Though the Indian civil aviation industry is challenged with restrictions, bottlenecks and hurdles that pin its wings, this looks like interesting times for the sector.

Lastly our cover story this issue is dedicated to the wealth of India - our national parks and sanctuaries. A true national pride with such diverse fauna and flora. All we need is a serious and committed will to protect and preserve this legacy for posterity.

Reema Lokesh Editor editorial.etw@expressindia.com

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March 2013

GoDaily Daily Connectivity 21 Cities 100 plus flights #

Our all inclusive fares starting ` 1,445

*

Visit www.GoAir.in or Call 1800-222-111 / 09223-222-111 #

*One way fare subject to availability. Flights per day. Terms & conditions apply.

Market LEAD STORY

Film makers call for film promotion and facilitation board for single window clearance KAHINI CHAKRABORTY - Mumbai

ndia, holding a strong cinema background with over 1,000 films produced annually in several languages, witnessed the 100th anniversary of Indian cinema on April 21, 2012. But even though the country boasts of its cultural diversity and exquisite locations, getting shooting permissions from local and civic authorities has become a gruelling task for film makers. To address these grievances and find solutions to the same, the Film Federation of India (FFI), the apex trade body of Indian film industry, held its first edition of India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC 2013) in Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai. The event was inaugurated by well known Bollywood director, producer and screenwriter Subhash Ghai along with T P Agarwal, producer and Amit Khanna, chairman, Reliance Big Entertainment.

Addressing the gathering, Khanna mentioned that with films holding immense potential to boost tourism of any state and country, the core

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vision of the conclave was to create a national platform allowing international and domestic tourism boards, film commissions and line producers to interact with the Indian film and television industry to promote their countries, locations and services catering to foreign shooting requirements. He added, “The only hindrance has been the absence of a single window clearance system in the country and getting the right facilitator is imperative. However, we are optimistic of soon having a film promotion and facilitation board to solve this problem.” At the conclave it was informed that the information and broadcasting ministry is formulating a policy to set up a film commission which would function as a single window clearance to help film producers to get the requisite permissions for shooting in India. The cabinet note for the same is in process presently. The event saw participation from countries such as Fiji, Cyprus, Oman, Egypt, Korea and Indian states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and New Delhi, apart from

various other line producers and entities related to film tourism.

The panel discussion on 'Films in concurrent list - A prelude to one window clearance' moderated by Uday Singh, managing director, Motion Picture Association, had members like Ravi Gupta, CEO, Mukta Arts; Hiren Gada, director, Shemaroo Entertainment and Kalpana Lajmi, film director. Expressing their views on how beneficial would a single window clearance for the film fraternity and the current challenges and solutions needed for the same, Gupta was of the firm opinion that deregulation is the need of the hour. But at the same time, “I don't see state governments willing to give their powers. In our country, a mere script approval from the information and broadcasting ministry itself takes six months before the entire state government approval comes in. We should be looking for deregulation as this sector brings in employment, forex, and tourism boards promoting their destinations.” It is essential to train individuals to convince film producers and liaison with the govern-

ments to promote film permissions. “It is important to build relationships with the local bureaucracy as getting permission is a task,”he added. Agreeing to this, Gada opined that deregulation was the need of the hour. “About 30-50 per cent is paid on entertainment tax and still the film gets subjected to objectives of regulatory framework,” he rued. Giving a different picture to the conversation, Lajmi added that in the 90s films were based in ethnic backgrounds and she did not have to apply for any clearances. “But since 2000, the scenario has changed and even the local service providers are not trained to handle a film production unit,” she said. After deliberating on the difficulties in shooting films in India, Gupta concluded by stating that if there could be an export promotion council board for the film sector it would be beneficial for promoting Indian cinema internationally as there is so much potential that is waiting to be explored and exposed. “This could help establish our presence and also take up issues of movie piracy, tourism promotion, etc,” he added.

'River cruise, tea tourism and wildlife -major thrust areas of Assam Tourism JOY ROY CHOUDHURY - Guwahati

nternational class river cruise over the Brahmaputra, eco and tea tourism and wildlife will be the major thrust areas of tourism promotion in Assam in the coming years,” Dhruba Hazarika, secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Assam told Express TravelWorld in an exclusive interview, on the sidelines of the International Travel Mart held in Guwahati recently. “We feel that introduction of this luxury cruise will help the north eastern states to bring in more for-

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eign and domestic tourists to the region,” said Hazarika. The river cruise vessel - M V Mahabahu was launched last year at Guwahati in the presence of the then union tourism minister and chief minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi.

The project, envisioned a decade ago, was an attempt to create a unique tourism experience of international standards. The cruise has been developed under PPP mode between Assam Tourism Development Corporation and Far Horizon India at a cost of over `26 crore. Sanjay Basu, managing director, Far Horizon Tours has also

expressed his viewpoint on the initiative and feels that it is a unique experience that is bring offered to the international clientele and also niche travellers from within India.

Speaking on the initiatives of Assam Tourism, Ashish Phookan, managing director, Jungle Travels, India, Assam Bengal Navigation and Diphlu River Lodge felt that the time is come to showcase the north east to the world. According to Phookan, “The recently held International Travel Mart and the ATOAI convention is a positive step in this direction and we welcome the initiative.

The state of Assam has a lot to offer he tourists from cruising, www.expresstravelworld.com

to wildlife, tea garden tourism etc.”

Hazarika further added, “Apart from cruising, we are working with six major tea gardens of the state, where we intend to jointly plan to promote tea tourism in a big way.

“The international and domestic tourists visiting these tea estates will have a feel of how tea leaves are plucked, processed and produced at the tea manufacturing facilities set alongside these gardens. Besides, these gardens will have international class accommodation facilities to accommodate the guests. As these tea gardens are situated on huge plot of

lush greenery, we are also planning to promote golf tourism in these gardens.”

There are 850 big and medium sized tea gardens in Assam. The average holding of a tea garden is 13 sq km.

Hazarika said that no other state offers so much in terms of diversities like Assam, be it rich natural resources, art & culture, fairs & festivals, handicrafts, pristine landscapes, forests and exotic cuisine, wildlife. The state houses 10 wildlife sanctuaries and four national parks. “Our focus would be to promote these national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and the wildlife present here,” he added.

March 2013

Golden Chariot set to include Andhra Pradesh in itinerary The move will complete the entire Southern India Triangle STEENA JOY – Bengaluru

olden Chariot, the luxury train run by Karnataka State T o u r i s m Development Corporation (KSTDC), in collaboration with Indian railways is all set to include Andhra Pradesh in its itinerary.

According to a KSTDC

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source, “Hyderabad was keen to be included in the Golden Chariot itinerary. So KSTDC why not? By entering Andhra Pradesh, the luxury train will now complete the entire Southern Triangle touching all the four southern states Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.”

The project will however take two years to implement

as it has to be done without disturbing the existing routes and railway tracks will also have to be laid.

The Golden Chariot, named after the famous Stone Chariot at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka presently has two routes charted out. The Pride of the South itinerary over 8 days/7 nights begins every

Monday from Bengaluru and traverses through Mysore, visiting Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace, the Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) and continuing to the historical sites of Shravanabelagola, Belur - the 11th century cradle of Hoysala architecture and a World Heritage Site, Halebid, Hampi and thereafter entering into the triangular heritage

site of Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, and finally the beaches of Goa before ending in Bengaluru.

The second route, Southern Splendour of 7 nights/8 days covers Bengaluru - Chennai Puducherry - Tanjavur Madurai -Thiruvananthpuram - Kanyakumari - Kovalam Alleppey and Kochi.

Visit England promotes England as events destination ETW STAFF – Mumbai

ngland is a world class events destination combining an unrivalled reputation for innovation and creativity with superb stateof-the-art facilities and a spectacular range of things to see and experience.

Host to the enormously successful 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, England regularly hosts the world’s most famous sporting and cultural events including British Open Golf, Wimbledon Tennis, Royal Ascot and Premier League Football as well as an array of music, theatre and culinary festivals. Over the next six

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years the country will host two rugby world cups, a cricket world cup and the World Athletics Championships.

As the largest country in the UK, England is one of the world’s most advanced economies with established excellence in the advanced knowledge based sectors such as bioscience and medicine, engineering, environmental technologies, energy, ICT and the creative industries. The country regularly hosts medical association conferences and international corporate events with many of the world’s top companies having bases in the country.

England continues to

invest heavily in infrastructure. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle and London are home to modern arenas and convention centres complementing a varied selection of convention hotels. Liverpool has invested billions in creating a brand new city centre and waterfront. Birmingham continues to undergo significant development with its redeveloped railway station and stunning city library.

Manchester is well known as the epicentre of world football but is also a major cultural centre with modern architecture and plenty of shopping. And London continues to evolve with an

Olympic Legacy that includes the complete redevelopment of the East of London and iconic new hotels and buildings, such as the Shard near London Bridge. The famous historic cities such as Bath, York, Oxford and Cambridge retain the timeless elegance and charm that have made them Europe’s leading tourist destinations.

For corporate events the country offers a range of unique venues such as Old Trafford, home to the legendary Manchester United, a castle or palace such as Warwick Castle in the Midlands or Blenheim Palace just outside Oxford. There are literally hundreds of magnifi-

cent unique venues including historic boats like the SS Great Britain in Bristol, museums like the Beatles Story in Liverpool or the Alnwick Garden outside of Newcastle.

For incentives and team building Visit England recently launched a suite of itineraries including gala dinner suggestions, once in a lifetime experiences, unique ways of getting from A to B and accommodation options.

There are 27 international airports with access from across the world and professional convention bureaux that offer advice and information as well as a range of services in event management.

Industry Reacts to Budget IATO is upset over neglect of tourism sector in budget 2013. Tour operators have little to rejoice about the budget. We expected that the budget will bring some relief to our mounting woes by reducing the Service Tax but this has not happened. The increase in import duty on high end motor vehicles from is also going to impact negatively the tourism industry as for easy movements for tourists we require comfortable cars. The good part is that this budget has some plan allocation for infrastructure which will bring benefits to tourism but we have to see how far all these schemes are implemented as our experience is that most of them only remain on paper.

- Subhash Goyal, president, IATO

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The budget is very pragmatic and stays committed to the path outlined by the Finance Minister towards fiscal consolidation. The GDP growth rate is expected to be substantially better than the decade low rate of 5 to 5.5 per cent achieved in 2012-13. With major tax reforms like DTC and GST on the anvil, we can expect buoyancy in tax revenues in future. The travel industry looks forward to this growth oriented Budget to improve its fortunes in the next year.

feet which do not serve liquor. This would severely impact the restaurant industry throughout the country. Therefore, the government’s plan to increase foreign tourist arrivals from six million to 12 million and to increase employment from the present 53 million to 87 million in the 12th Five Year Plan would indeed be impossible to achieve.

In view of the heavy multiple taxes hotels are subjected in India, they are unable to be compared with other destinations in the region.

- Rajeev Wagle, managing director, Kuoni India

-Vivek Nair, president, FHRAI.

The budget has been extremely disappointing for the hotel industry and instead of scrapping the Service Tax totally, it has been extended to air conditioned restaurants exceeding 2000 square

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We are extremely upset about the budget and our request has not been respected. It is an eyewash budget.

- Guldeep Singh Sahni. president, OTOAI

March 2013

‘India is one of the most critical markets for BA’ Christopher Fordyce, regional commercial manager – South Asia, British Airways PLC, in an interview with Reema Lokesh, spells out the airline’s India initiatives and long term vision related to this market BA has a strong presence in India, is there a specific strategy to reinstate its commitment to the India market?

India continues to be a growth market for us and, after the US, is BA’s second largest market outside the UK. As an airline, BA is committed towards being more innovative to stay ahead of the game, and to really put our customers at the heart of our business. In fact, we have announced a GBP 5 billion investment over the next five years in aircraft, product, service and catering enhancements to improve the customer experience. The benefits to our customers will be tangible. Many of these improvements and new features can already be seen on our flights from India. Key investments include: ● We are heavily investing in technology that enables business customers to quickly and easily check in, access the latest flight details and generate mobile boarding passes through their smartphones. Our apps are available for the iPhone, BlackBerry, Android and Windows Phones to help our customers manage their travel easily while on the move.

We also announced a new Perfect Day app for iPhones recently, to enable our customers on the move to capture and share their own ideal personalised travel guides and more. ● We are also investing in technology for our crew. The recent introduction of iPads allows our crew to know travellers even better to deliver more personalised, efficient and intuitive service. ● We are revolutionising the inflight dining experience by introducing a host of new onboard menus and drink choices as part of a global multimillion-dollar customer service programme. We launched our new umamibased menus, which promises full-flavoured culinary experiences even at 35,000 feet. More recently, we have announced a refreshed menu, specially designed for our Indian customers in collabo-

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there specific marketing tools for the same?

Currently, our focus remains the five metros in India, which include Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. As mentioned earlier, India remains one of the most critical markets for BA; we are constantly working towards improving our services and in-flight experience for the customers here.

Christopher Fordyce ration with Oberoi Flight Services (OFS) based on customer insights flying Indian routes. ● BA.com has redesigned and launched its new homepage ● We have ordered 12 Airbus A380s and 24 Boeing 787 aircraft. The build on our first A380, to be delivered next year.

What is BA’s long term vision for India?

We have noted that this market is growing much faster than many others. In India, there exists a strong surge for international travel fuelled by the growth of domestic tourism in India and increasing outbound travel from India. More Indians are travelling abroad for leisure and/or business than ever before, primarily from the burgeoning middle class with its massive purchasing power.

As India remains one of the most critical markets for us, we are constantly working towards improving our services and inflight experience for the customers here. As mentioned earlier, last year we launched a special inflight menu designed for our Indian customers as well as have announced a new management team to drive the next phase of our growth in the region.

Is there a specific target market the airline is planning to capture from India and are www.expresstravelworld.com

What according to BA is its USP vis-à-vis competition in its space ?

We have now flown for over 84 years to India and possess a strong heritage and understanding of the market.

We are operating 45 flights a week to London Heathrow from five key cities in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai).

Soon, we will increase the weekly frequency from Hyderabad and Chennai markets to six flights from five flights a week. To cater to our First and Club World customers, BA has created the First and Club Galleries lounge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Additionally, in our endeavour to provide better services to customers, we are constantly introducing attractive offers and bringing forth innovative features.

There is an increasing emphasis on promoting your extensive connections to North America.

Why and what is the expectations out of the India market?

BA has a worldwide route network that covers more than 150 destinations in 75 countries. We have an extensive network to North America and Canada with connectivity to over 200 destinations. We signed a code share agreement with American Airlines last year to further enhance our services and reach to the North Atlantic region. We want to make travel as stress-free as possible for our customers.

Our flights from India connect through Heathrow’s Terminal 5, which ensures

seamless connectivity for travelling on another flight from London. All transfers are made easy, as customers don't need to change terminals. With many such benefits, we believe that BA is a prime choice for Indian customers to travel to the US. Is there a specific commitment to India in terms of offering specialised service on the Indian route?

As an airline, BA is committed towards being more innovative to stay ahead of the game, and to really put our customers at the heart of our business. We ensure to provide the best-in-class onboard our flights from India and keep in mind special dietary requirements.

In this age of commission cuts, how does BA show its solidarity to its trade partners, the travel agents and ticketing agents?

BA has a longstanding relation with travel agents, we have invested heavily in other technologies such as BA 24 hour helpline and online ticketing. The ratio of percentage of business through travel agents in India is high.

It’s more than half. The travel agents are a significant part of our work and they are valuable partners.

The trade partners are our valuable extensions to the Indian market. We have launched several initiatives to further strengthen our relationship as well as create better customer experience. In fact, BA recently hosted an exclusive evening dedicated to its trade partners to celebrate and recognise their unwavering commitment in the past year. The trade event, which was hosted by BA in New Delhi recently, witnessed the airline playing host to a cross section of its partners to express appreciation for their support as well as to recognise efforts of the best performing partners in 2012. We want to give the agents as much knowledge as we can about the product, provide them with some great fares to sell and then help them to sell it.

March 2013

ICPB focused on paving the way for MICE policy soon To organise roadshows in April, work with state governments SUDIPTA DEV - Mumbai

ndia Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) recently launched its Vision Document as a long-term strategy to position India as a preferred MICE destination in the world. The Vision Document takes into account the time span till 2015. “There is no MICE policy by the government of India. We are keeping this as a base document for the policy in the future,” said Chander Mansharamani, vice-chairman, ICPB. ICPB is celebrating 25 years of its existence on May 16, 2013. “We are hopeful that the government comes out with a MICE policy by then,” stated

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March 2013

Mansharamani. ICPB is in the process of creating awareness regarding the financial benefits a city can have when it holds conferences. Roadshows have been planned in a few states that have a lot potential – Mumbai (Maharashtra), Kochi (Kerala), Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and Delhi NCR. “We have chosen these states for roadshows.

We will not only involve the professional conference organisers (PCOs) but the state governments also. We will make the state governments aware of the benefits for the city. All these cities will be covered in the first week of April. The idea is to complete these activities before May 16, 2013. We are making efforts for the MICE

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Chander Mansharamani policy by then,” stated Mansharamani, remembering to add that a few state governments are well aware

of the financial advantages of MICE activities.

The key features of the Vision Document include creating awareness among Indian conference organisers, PCOs to bid for international conferences and making the world aware that India can hold big international conferences.

“We need to go to international roadshows to show the world what India is capable of,” stated Mansharamani.

MICE training programme is an important part of the agenda. As hotel management institutes do not have focused training on MICE, ICPB is trying to work with them to add one/two modules on the subject.

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A united call for better commissions Even though a majority of airline bookings are controlled by the travel agents in India, with new directives being passed by the Supreme Court of India, issues like lack of commission/ transaction fee act as deterrents to their business. With the need for agents to be remunerated fairly for their services, why is it that their issues are not taken to seriously? By Kahini Chakraborty n the wake of the recent order passed by the Supreme Court directing airlines to not charge transaction fee in any form while selling tickets on both domestic and international sectors, the Indian travel associations have decided to approach the apex court shortly to seek a review on the directive. A round table panel discussion recently organised by Express TravelWorld witnessed heads of travel associations voice their opinion on the matter and discuss reasons as to why issues raised by the travel agents' fraternity were not taken seriously by

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L to R: Hector D’Souza, Ajay Prakash, Iqbal Mulla, Heena Munshaw and Karl Dantas the government. The panel discussion on 'Travel agents: A survival story' moderated

by Reema Lokesh, editor, Express Travel World and Express Hospitality had members like Iqbal Mulla, president, TAAI; Ajay Prakash, immediate past president, TAFI; Karl Dantas, president, ETAA; Hector D'souza, president, L'Orient Travels and Heena Munshaw of Beacon Holidays.

The need for unity among travel agents to fight for better commissions was the common consensus among the panelists.

Responding to the question raised on whether the scenario of the travel agents would change in the future considering that a lot of discussions have been seen in the past, Mulla replied, “The existence of the travel agents is at stake as agents are not being remunerated for their services appropriately. This unfair decision needs immediate clarification from the apex court on the directive passed recently. And I am optimistic that we will find a way forward to survive.”

Agreeing to the view, Prakash strongly opined, “Mere talking with the government will not solve the issues on commission/transaction fees. Nobody cares about the travel agent anymore. It is imperative that the travel associations gear

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up and increase their membership and be united if they want to be heard and taken more seriously. I think it is foolish to approach the government to clarify the remuneration issue, as the time for talk is over and more action is needed. A fair remuneration/commission should be asked by the government.”

Supporting Prakash, Carl added, “Why are we blaming the government as it is important to first get our act correct as there are issues within the industry.”

Giving a different perspective, D'Souza said, “Unity is a big thing for the industry. According to certain 2011 reports, about 74 per cent of international bookings were done by retail agents and 60 per cent domestic. If you are looking at statistical facts it has been proven that agents have a higher share, hence it is imperative that we get remunerated fairly. Legalities of the order passed needs to be understood.” Prakash rued, “Unfortunately the government passes orders and then back tracks. The recent order passed by the Supreme Court is on wake of the DGCA circular dating December 12, 2012 which traces back to March 5, 2010 mandates commission as the legal remuneration instead of transaction fee. But the March 2013

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regulator itself failed to enforce and implement their own order. The apex court had directed the DGCA to examine the tariff structure of the airlines in the view of their wide range of base prices for air tickets. Despite the provision to not charge transaction fee, the DGCA failed to enforce its own direction. The airlines cannot charge transaction fee from customers.”

Munshaw pointed out that one platform is the need of the hour for the fraternity to express their issues. “But there should be unity among the members to be heard. A lot of homework is needed to be done to enhance the skills of employees in the travel industry. If one does not take on the responsibility to train staff then there will be undercutting,” she warned.

Ethical practice The industry representatives also discussed the need for professionalism and code of ethics to help enhance, and not undercut each other's businesses. “As everyone is vying for the same pie of profit in the industry today, we are surrendering our weakness to the clients. Forging unity among travel agents will be difficult at this stage as there are few associations in Maharashtra itself.

Everybody wants to be the head of the association,” said Mulla. “Agents themselves need to behave more professionally and there has to be a code of ethics. We are so fragmented, we can't even lobby and nobody is taking us seriously,” added Prakash.

On the change in market dynamics, D'Souza added, “It is only commission that will give us a level play to be at par with the online travel agents as technology is

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changing rapidly, and it is important to be updated with the latest trends. We need to go back to commissions. Consumer behaviour has changed due to inflation, economic slowdown. How do we adjust to this consumer change is the way forward. Travel agents need to realise this and adjust with the changing market trends.”

Agents have been lately looking at diversifying their business offerings. “Travel agents will survive with or without commissions. You can't promote tourism without travel agents. There is a lot that goes into finding the correct travel package as per the needs of the market. We need to bring out the value of the travel agents in the market and take pride on what we do. This is an important aspect that the association needs to showcase,” said Prakash adding that, “As lobbying is essential, it is known that travel associations abroad talk to the governments on a weekly basis to be updated of the current trends and demands. But here since we are so fragmented, we need to put figures in place of who we are for the Indian government to take notice of us.”

As the business cannot survive without travel agents, “Online travel agents cannot provide the personal assistance as what we retail travel agents can provide. In our business there is competition which has a lot of potential. But we have only created consolidators.

However, a reasonable commission needs to be decided upon urgently,” opined Carl.

Summing up the discussion, Munshaw said that it is important to unify if a change is needed and issues need to be heard by higher authorities.

March 2013

GNTO to invest 500,000 euros in India market this year SUDIPTA DEV - Mumbai

erman National Tourist Office (GNTO) had recently organised workshops in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Lufthansa and the spa town of Baden Baden are the recent entrants to Germany India Pool, which now has 18 members. “Germany is the second most visited destination for Indian travellers in Europe after the Great Britain. We have done over 5 lakh over nights in 2012 (January to November), so

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keeping December in mind we should be close to 6 lakh overnights. Germany is growing every year by about five to 10 per cent, and in 2013 we hope that we can double that actually. It is not only for trade fairs but people are looking at Germany for holidays.

The Fairy Tale Route is getting popular in India. The Black Forest has always been popular and will continue to be,” said Romit Theophilus, director for marketing and sales office India, GNTO. “Our investment in India

in 2013 will be close to 500,000 euros. This is something unique. Our partners are also doing campaigns individually for example Berlin Tourism,” he mentioned. For MICE segments Munich, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Stuttgart are all doing well in the India market. The Fairy Tale Route extends from Bavaria to South West Germany. It is one of the themes for this year along with youth travel. The theme of Germany Travel Mart this year will be cars, the Fairy Tale Route and youth travel.

Stefan Burkart represented the Drubba family or Drubba company which is known for its clocks but also offers accommodation and all Black Forest experiences. "We are about two and a half hour train ride from Frankfurt International Airport. What's special about us as Black Forest Highllands is that we have the highest mountain in the area, there is Lake Titisee, it is the birthplace of the Cookoo clock and the cake as well.” The Blackforest Highland Guest Card offers great value to visitors.

Munich is known to be one of the best airports in Europe. Corinna Born, manager PR/ marketing communications, Business Division Aviation, Munich Airport said, "Munich is a convenient and easy airport. It has the most connections in Europe. The airport guarantees minimum connecting time of 30 minutes. There are two separately functionlly terminals on two floors.

We have so much potential for the Indian market. Twothird of travellers coming to Munich are on business trips or on transit.”

Austria expects steady growth from India market SUDIPTA DEV - Mumbai

ustrian National Tourist Office had recently organised roadshows in Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi to showcase Austria as a destination for summer 2013.

“In the last five years the overnights from India to Austria have doubled. This year will be good for Europe as exchange rate has been stable. I am looking at 10 to 15 per cent growth from the Indian market,” stated Christine Mukharji, marketing manager India, Austrian National Tourist Office.

Responding to whether Austria is emerging as standalone destination, Mukharji stated, “The first time travellers will not come to one country. Now we get 60 per cent of first time travellers. Their first choice will be Switzerland, Germany, Italy and then Austria. This fact we are well aware of. We of course want to increase

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their length of stay but this will take time.” She pointed out that the matured travellers are interested in the eastern part of Austria which is Vienna, along with Prague and Budapest.

Besides Vienna the other attractions are Zell am See and the Danube area, while wine tasting is a niche product. Though Austria is the music capital of Europe and a great cultural centre, Mukharji acknowledged that for the majority of the Indian travellers the main attraction is the diversity of the landscape. “For Indian tourists one of the motives of travel is to escape from the heat and the big cities. India itself has thousands of years old cultural legacy so this need is not there, unlike Americans, so what they seek in Austria as a destination is landscape and architecture, not classical music,” she said.

There are also many small villages and unspoiled locations in Austria that can be a great attraction for Indian tourists.

Canada to launch Signature Experiences Collection in India soon The tourism board will continue to focus on FITs along with visa awareness in 2013. “We would be launching Signature Experiences Collection (SEC) this year. SECs are once in a lifetime travel experiences found in Canada and the trade partners can market Canada better with this,” said Tina Singh, assistant vice president, CTC, India. India is a relatively new tourism market for the CTC, but just after four years, it’s already one of the strongest in terms of future growth and investment potential.

The CTC’s strategy in India is focused on building relationships with local travel wholesalers and retailers. Nearly 80 per cent of its budget in 2013 is directed to trade, business events, and helping retailers sell more Canada.

One of the CTC’s biggest business events in India is the Focus Canada India show, which was held in Jaipur this year.

ETW STAFF – Mumbai

anadian Tourism Commission (CTC) recently organised a workshop and orientation experience for its key travel agents in Mumbai. Present at the session were CTC’s key provincial partners - Travel Alberta, Tourism British Columbia and Ontario Tourism along with India representatives.

As per their marketing strategy for 2013, these provinces will be spreading their campaign to newer growth areas of the Tier II cities in India.

In the first phase, they will be targeting Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh. Further, in the second phase, the focus will shift to potential markets of Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Nagpur, Pune, Kochi, Thiruvanathapuram and Guwahati.

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Adlabs Imagica international theme park to open by March end Water park and hotel to come up next, total project investment worth `1650 crore SUDIPTA DEV - Mumbai

he city of Mumbai is finally getting a mega attraction, albeit on its outskirts, that is expected to be a big draw for visitors from across the country. Adlabs Entertainment's international theme park, Adlabs Imagica, will be open to public by the end of March this year. The project is coming up in Khalapur on the Mumbai Pune Expressway after Panvel.

“We are looking at three million people in the first 15 months and after that the number will increase once the water park is added and the hotel comes up,” said Pooja Shetty Deora, joint managing director, Adlabs Imagica. The total investment on the integrated tourism project (theme park, water park and hotel) is `1650 crore, of which the theme park is itself an `1100 crore project.

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March 2013

The theme park is coming up with 21 attractions including one of Asia's largest roller coasters and 4D simulation rides, while the water park will have 14 rides. The total area covers 300 acres. There are spaces for live events also outside the park. The theme park is ready to open with 18/19 rides. “Everything is in place. There is place for more expansion where we can add more attractions in the future as well. We are also building a 300 rooms hotel. It will near completion a year from now. In the meantime because the hotel is not ready we are tying up with a lot of partners around - people can book hotel stay with tickets on the website,” stated Deora, pointing out that the design work for the water park is also complete.

The actual work will start once the first phase of operation is over.

Giving details of the underlying concept of the

for three years.

There is concerted effort on involving the travel trade community. "We are expecting at least 40 per cent of our attendence number to come through this network.

We have got a very positive response from them. For us to feature as an important part of Mumbai travel plan, this is a very important collaboration for us,” stated Deora.

Accommodation and F&B Pooja Shetty Deora theme park, Deora said, “If you look at the underlying theme of Universal Studios it states 'Ride the Movies', in Disney it is about fairy tales and the magic of Disney. Here we are telling you five or six different stories in a format you have never experienced before.

We are loosely allowing you to experience different world themes as well - you will go through zones like the African area, old American area (old Texan mine train which is a roller coaster, a 70s diner style restaurant). We are not staking claim that we are showing you every aspect of Europe or Asia or Africa or America, however you will get a sense of stories and experiences from around the world in a multidimensional format. It is an immersive experience.”

The Maharashtra government has given Adlabs Imagica a mega tourism status. Currently 800-1000 people are already employed in the project and the number will finally go up from 1800 to 2000.

The initial focus is the domestic market, as Deora pointed out there is nothing of this scale in India. “Our positioning is to make the theme park an important destination for India, if fact an aspirational destination for every Indian family,” asserted Deora. There will be an all-India marketing campaign that will continue www.expresstravelworld.com

Acknowledging that the hotel industry is a very important aspect of any theme park in terms of financials, events including MICE and weddings are all taken into consideration, Deora stated that the hotel is being built for large conferences and weddings.

“The F&B strategy, the rooms are being planned liked that. The accommodation options will range from standard rooms that are perfect for a two days stay for an average family who want to enjoy the theme park to high-end ones for MICE/wedding clientele.

The 300 rooms give that scale.”

There are six restaurants in the theme park.

Four are already complete, while the other two will be launched in April. The first restaurant on entering the park is Pablos Food Circus - it is a food court with five types of cuisines.

All restaurants are 275 to 300 seaters. Next is is African themed bar and grill. Then there is the boat called Armada, which will initially be a coffee and biscotti place but after getting the liquor license Deora has plans to introduce champagne, beer, wine, etc - it will be a wine and tapas place. There is also the American diner in QSR format. The other two dining options are - a large Indian

buffet restaurant (menu will change according to states), and a high-end 100 seater Italian restaurant. There will of course be food carts and kiosks everywhere with ice creams and sandwiches, candy floss, etc.

The ticket price will be `1500 for all the rides. The visitors have to only pay for food and merchandise. “At this stage we are great value for money product. The inaugural rate for the first few weeks will be lesser,” stated Deora.

The theme park is a vision of Deora's father Manmohan Shetty, founder of Adlabs Entertainment.

She acknowleged that the processes and offerings will get enhanced with time. “It is new as a business, there are no benchmarks,” reminded Deora.

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A P TOURISM

A diverse destination Andhra Pradesh, which was always perceived as an important destination for faith-based tourism is emerging as an important destination that attracts tourists from India and overseas for varied reasons, ranging from MICE to medical tourism.

The state government's proactive initiatives to launch many tourism development projects have led to the growth of the sector

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Hyderabad. Over the last few years, many of ndhra Pradesh occupies the top position these monuments have been renovated and made in getting domestic tourists among all more tourist friendly. Some of them, like the states in the country. This is mainly palaces of the Nizams, have become major talking because of the presence of some of the points throughout the world,” states Khan, holiest pilgrimage sites like Tirupati adding that the state government is aspiring to temple in the state. The state has also place the Qutub Shahi monuments of Hyderabad become globally significant as an important centre in the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites listing. for knowledge-based activities. The state capital, Another important heritage destination is Hyderabad, is now the location for a number of Warangal which was the seat of the Kakatiya Fortune 500 companies. Because of this reason, a Dynasty. Similarly, the monuments of the large number of international visitors come to the Vijayanagar Empire, which are located mostly in city for business purposes. The number of such the Rayalaseema region of the state are worthy of international visitors is growing steadily and a visit.

Andhra Pradesh has become one of the top 10 Visakhapatnam is the hub of leisure tourism states in the country in terms of international visiactivities in the state. Located on the East coast, tor arrivals.

Visakhapatnam is one of the few cities In this context, the Department of in the world where the sea and the Tourism, Government of Andhra hills are in a close proximity. Besides Pradesh has identified a two-pronged the beautiful beaches at Vizag, tourists strategy for further improving the enjoy a visit to the nearby hills called tourism activities in the state. “The Araku Valley, where the natural first of these involve diversifying sceneries can be witnessed in all their domestic tourism to more locations in splendour. “Close to Visakhapatnam the state in addition to the popular pilare the popular river cruise destinagrimage centres. The second strategy is tions on the rivers Godavari and aimed to get more number of internaKrishna. The more popular among the tional tourists, and to motivate the existriver cruise is that on Godavari river ing international business visitors to which starts from Rajahmundry and spend more number of days during Chandana Khan takes the tourists through the hill their visit to the state and to spend a few ranges where the river passes through days purely on tourism activities,” says a narrow gorge. The state is also bestowed with a Chandana Khan, special chief secretary to governnumber of wildlife sanctuaries where there are ment (Tourism & Culture). immense possibilities for eco tourism,” says Khan.

The richness and diversity of tourism locations Another lesser known but a very distinctive in Andhra Pradesh matches the best in the world. aspect of Andhra Pradesh's legacy is its Buddhist Khan points out that besides the well-known pilcircuit. There are over a 100 Buddhist sites dotting grimage centres, the state has an abundance of all over the state, of which about a dozen are very heritage, nature, beaches, water bodies, wildlife, prominent. “The Buddhist sites can be covered cuisine, textiles, handicrafts, etc. “Hyderabad is a through two circuits, namely the Krishnavery prominent heritage location in the entire Godavari Buddhist circuit and the North Coastal country. In fact, the largest numbers of monuBuddhist circuit. Some of the better known locaments after Delhi in an Indian city are in

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tions on these circuits are Nagarjuna Sagar, Amravati, Bavikonda, etc,” adds Khan.

The state of Andhra Pradesh has much more to offer to tourists than pilgrimage sites alone. Khan mentions that the state government has painstakingly developed the required tourism infrastructure at all the important destinations over the last decade or so. The reward for such focused work has been the repeated recognition of the state as one of the best states in terms of tourism infrastructure. “There are now virtually no tourist destinations left in the state where there is a deficiency of connectivity, accommodation units, catering facilities, etc. The state government has also taken up a series of steady promotional activities to make more and more people aware of its riches.

Private investments is also being sought to add innovative tourism products at the existing destinations so that the visitors find the entire experience of their stay worth the visit,” informs Khan.

March 2013

Attracting international visitors The state government is also making its best efforts to become a prominent destination for international visitors. In this regard, what Hyderabad offers to international visitors is being leveraged by the Tourism Department.

Besides the heritage character of Hyderabad, the city is also a modern metropolis. “Hyderabad can easily boast of having the best airport in the country, the best convention centre in the country, the best exhibition centre in India, hotels on par with the best, excellent civic infrastructure, fascinating tourism spots, exquisite handicrafts traditions, mouth watering cuisine, to name a few,” states Khan with apparent pride.

Hyderabad today is the indisputable convention capital of India. “Whenever India has to host a large scale convention event, it is invariably hosted in Hyderabad because of its superior convention infrastructure. Hyderabad is also the only Indian city where a Convention Bureau exists through a partnership between the government and private stakeholder. A large number of international delegates attend these convention events and also patronise the tourism opportunities offered in the city,” adds Khan.

Hyderabad is a prominent destination for medical tourism. The city has some of the best medical institutions in the country and eminent medical practitioners of international reputation.

According to Khan, to professionalise activities in the medical tourism sector, the government is on the verge of constituting a Medical Tourism Promotion Society with the active involvement of all the leading players of medical and tourism sector. This society will offer a single window service taking care off all the requirements of the medical patient and the accompanying escort. On the same lines, Andhra Pradesh is the only state in the country which has a Film Commission to handle all requirements of a film making unit.

Located in Hyderabad are also some of the finest film studios and state-of-the-art post production labs related to special effects, animation, dubbing, etc.

Innovative tourism products Efforts of the Tourism Department of the state to introduce innovative tourism products are showing extremely encouraging initial results.

“The private sector is also responding positively to join hands with the government to complement its efforts. One reason for the encouraging private sector participation is the very modern and competitive tourism policy which the state government has brought out towards the end of 2010. The present policy has a number of features that makes it very attractive for a potential investor. Some of these include the complete responsibility of the state government for land March 2013

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assembly, for getting all permissions and clearances and for complete support in publicity and promotion, besides a host of financial incentives,” informed Khan.

The state has a lot to offer in terms of beach/coastal tourism and water sports. AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) owns the largest water fleet - about 121 small and big boats — for any Tourism Corporation.

The corporation operates leisure based cruises and water sport vessels at different lakes and rivers of the state, which includes parasailing at Hussain Sagar, Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Vijayawada reservoir, Rishikonda and Nellore.

The vessels Khair-un-Nisa, Bhagmati, Bhageerathi, ChamtiSri and VijayaSri are very popular for leisure cruises. Andhra Pradesh Tourism came up with good properties at beaches to cater the needs of tourists.

APTDC presents sound and light shows at two historical forts – Golconda Fort and Chandragiri Fort. These shows have recorded narrations (English, Hindi and Telugu) along with imaginative use of music, sound and light effects – creating a dramatic history of the forts.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism also came up with wayside amenities with minimum facilities of restaurants and washrooms at a number of locations.

Apart from the above, the following are few upcoming projects: ● Laknavaram, Warangal dist.rict - restaurant, cottages, meditation hall, wooden cottages ● Arsavally, Srikakulam district - 43 rooms with restaurant, banquet hall ● Orvakallu Rock Park, Kurnool district ● Idupulapaya, Kadapa district – 16 rooms, restaurant, conference hall, 9 hole golf course ● Development of Eco Park at Nellore district ● Development of Beach Tourism at Baruva, Srikakulam district ● Integrated Development of Adilabad Tourism Circuit – Shamgarh Fort –Battisgarh Fort – Dharamsagar – Pochera Water falls – Kuntala waterfalls. ● Development of Tourism Infrastructure at Ghanpur Temples & Pandavula Guhalu. ● Development of Ramayapatnam as beach destination Prakasham To have an experience of adventure activities and sports, AP Tourism has even provided facilities at major hill stations: Zorbing, Running Bungee, Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Chimney Climbing, Burma Bridge, Horizontal Ladder Earth Quake, Burma Loops, Obstacle Crossing, Rope Climbing, etc.

Among the states which are attempting to position themselves as the foremost secondary destination of the country, Andhra Pradesh today is in a vantage status, and it is only getting better with the passage of time.

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Whitefield to serve as feeder market for Marriott’s first address in Bengaluru STEENA JOY – Bengaluru

ocated an hour’s drive from Bengaluru International airport, right in the middle of the city’s IT hub, Whitefield is Marriott Hotel & Resorts’ first property in the city and its 18th in India, the Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield.

Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Rajeev Menon, area vice president – Indian subcontinent, Maldives and Australia, Marriott Interntional Inc said, “ We have been pretty bullish on India. We call ourselves global citizens. We have learnt a lot from this market and we continue to learn from it. Bengaluru is one of the top five markets in India and Whitefield has got the highest number of Fortune 500 companies located here.

So it made perfect sense to bring the Marriott brand here.” Commenting on the reasons for the delay in entering this crucial market, Menon explained, “For every project we take up, we work with our developer partners very closely. So getting the right partner is very important. It is only then that we work towards finalising the agreement.”

He added, “We want to become the preferred hotel for the local community.

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Rajeev Menon

Mathew Cooper

Nothing is more important for the brand than our culture. In the last five years we have figured in the list of ‘Top 10 companies to work for’. We employ a lot of local staff and local vendors and our menus use a lot of locally available food materials.

We also roll out CSR initiatives that benefit the local community.”

Training is also a core strength. Menon claimed, “We have a strong in house training programme where we hire local talent, train them and give them global opportunities. In fact, 99 per cent of our hotels are manned by Indian associates.” He agreed that a train-

ing academy in partnership with a reputed educational organisation may be a possibility in the future.

The property with 324 keys (including 16 junior suites and one presidential suite) is part of a mixed use project developed by the Raheja family.

The Bengaluru Marriott is expected to break even in five to seven years. Mathew Cooper, general manager of the hotel, pointed out, “The hotel’s 650 sq feet pillarless ballroom with a ceiling height of 7.8 m is the largest in Whitefield.

The property has a mix of business and leisure amenities. Our USP is the local culture and the people.”

About future growth of the hotel chain, Menon projected, “We already have five of our brands in India – JW Marriott (2), Marriott Hotel & Resorts (5), Renaissance (1), Courtyard by Marriott (9) and Marriott Executive Apartments (1). This year we plan to bring our Fairfield brand to India. We expect the Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield brands to grow at a faster pace as they can be placed in the secondary and tertiary markets. JW Marriott properties in Delhi and UB City are expected to open this year. Ritz Carlton also expected to open later this year will of course be positioned as the luxury brand.”

While remarking that it is not uncommon to have more than one Marriott hotel in one city, Menon said, “Every hotel we will bring into the country will be positioned to suit that market logistics. A great product for the right price, this should drive growth in any time period.”

Rubbishing the possibility of an oversupply of rooms, he reiterated, “The current situation is a short lived low.

If the economy bounces back, India has enough pent up demand for more rooms/hotels. Remember, we build hotels for 30-40 year cycles and not five or 10 year periods.”

IHG signs new hotels in India, will create 2,600 more jobs ETW STAFF – Mumbai

nterContinental Hotels Group has signed 13 new hotels in India, boosting its existing pipeline in the country to 47. The hotels six under the Holiday Inn brand, six under the Holiday Inn Express brand and one Crowne Plaza - will open in key cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune.

Domestic demand in India is driving growth in IHG’s midscale brands

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Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express – over 850 million trips were taken by Indians last year. Over 85 per cent of the hotels the company will open in the next few years are focused on the mid market. Today, only 15 per cent of the 125,000 hotel rooms in India are in this segment.

“When a hotel opens it spurs infrastructure development and creates job opportunities. We’ll hire more than 10,000 people over the next few years,” said Jan Smits, CEO, IHG in Asia, Middle www.expresstravelworld.com

East and Africa (AMEA).

“Recruitment is one of our biggest challenges in India.

We’re bringing the experience in international hotel management the country needs as it becomes a prime tourist destination. But we need more local graduates with hotel and tourism management training for the jobs we’re creating. We’re keen to work with universities and colleges in India through our IHG Academy programme to get that pipeline of talented people underway.” The new hotels will create more than

2,600 new jobs for local people in addition to the 3,400 already working at hotels from the IHG family of brands and corporate offices in India The company is working with local educational institutions to deliver training in hospitality through its IHG Academy programme. There are currently nine Academy programmes with IHG hotels that have partnered with schools, universities or community organisations in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune.

March 2013

‘Our hotel ensures today’s busy travellers have everything they need’ Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square is Hilton Worldwide's seventh hotel in Delhi NCR. Rajat Sethi, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square talks about the unique positioning of the upscale mid-priced brand in Gurgaon. By Sudipta Dev Please give some information about your facilities including F&B options

How would you differentiate your property from the other Hilton hotels in Delhi NCR? Being the only Hilton Garden Inn brand in Gurgaon, the convenient location of the property forms the prime differentiating factor. The hotel is centrally located within the quadrilateral of NH8, Sohna Road, Golf Course Road and Golf Course Extension Road and can be approached from either of the roads within four km radius. Secondly, come April and we would have a roof top bar named Hive, which is poised to be Gurgaon’s highest roof top bar. One can enjoy live grills, contemporary cocktails and exotic snacks with the panoramic backdrop of Gurgaon and not to forget the view of the Aravalis.

What is the unique positioning of your property in Gurgaon?

Strategically located near the major corporate, commercial and residential districts and within easy reach of shopping and entertainment, Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon/Baani Square is an upscale business hotel providing all the amenities and services to ensure a guest’s stay is as pleasurable as it is productive. It not only caters to business travellers, but leisure travellers as well by offering various dining options and having an advantage of being conveniently accessible to shopping malls on MG Road and entertainment at the Kingdom of Dreams.

What are your offerings for the business travel / MICE segment?

The MICE market is a very important segment and can by no means be

Each of the 201 guestrooms, including six suites, at Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square features expansive city views, comfortable Serta beds, a spacious working desk with an ergonomic SAYL chair by Herman Miller, and other necessary facilities to serve a business or leisure traveller. Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square offers an array of choices to its guests to savour their taste-buds at the following outlets - Glasshouse (an all-day dining world-cuisine restaurant, which serves an a la carte menu in addition to an extensive buffet of Indian, Italian, Continental and Pan Asian cuisines); Café O’ Lait (the

Rajat Sethi ignored as it contributes to the revenue generation by all areas of the hotel from rooms, food and beverages to conference areas. Being a business hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square strives to ensure today’s busy travellers have everything they need to be most productive on the road. The features at the hotel include the brand’s signature offerings - complimentary internet access, 24-hour complimentary business centre facilities and complimentary remote printing service from the guestroom to the business centre. The 24-hour Business Centre at the hotel is equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual facilities.

The four Meeting Rooms can accommodate from 20 to 150 people. The hotel offers 18,000 square feet conference and banqueting facilities.

patisserie, offers a choice of gourmet sandwiches, breads, pastries, healthy fruit juices and freshly brewed tea and coffee for dine in or take away); Pose (presents a wide selection of fine wines, contemporary cocktails and mocktails along with a range of innovative snacks); Hive (a rooftop bar where guests can enjoy live grills and exotic snacks, accompanied by a selection of premium alcoholic beverages, contemporary cocktails and mocktails). The hotel also boasts of My Korner, an Italian restaurant which is set amidst the majestic décor and chic environs symbolising a sense of tranquility and eclectic mood, My Korner is poised to be the authentic getaway to the best of epicurean’s delight.

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: Express Towers, Nariman Point Mumbai 400021.

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: Ms. VAIDEHI THAKAR : Yes : Express Towers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

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5. Editor’s Name Whether citizen of India Address

: Reema Lokesh : Yes : Express Towers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

6. Name and address of individuals who own the newspaper

: The Indian Express Limited Express Towers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

AND Shareholders holding more than One per cent of the total capital

: Indian Express Holdings & Entp Limited Express Towers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 : Mr. Viveck Goenka & Mr. Anant Goenka Express Towers, Nariman Point Mumbai 400021 : Mr. Shekhar Gupta & Mrs. Neelam Jolly C-6/53, Safdarjung Development Area New Delhi 110 016

I, VAIDEHI THAKAR., hereby declare that the particulars given above are true and to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date : 1/3/2013

March 2013

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sd/VAIDEHI THAKAR Publisher

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Global travellers want to keep connected: Hotels.com

ETW STAFF - Mumbai

lobal travellers are looking for a homefrom-home experience when they stay in a hotel, according to the latest research from Hotels.com.

Topping the list of must-have hotel amenities are free Wi-Fi and free food and beverages, with caffeine being a must.

Thirty-four per cent of global travellers said free Wi-Fi is the number one factor in choosing a hotel even on leisure stays.

While 56 per cent of the global respondents said free Wi-Fi was their number one musthave when travelling for business. 66 per cent global travellers indicated free Wi-Fi is the amenity they most wish would become standard at all hotels in 2013.

Free Wi-Fi trumps both free parking and complimentary breakfast when it comes to choosing a hotel for both leisure and business travel, showing that access to the online world is a necessity for modern-day travellers with over a third still looking to stay connected whilst on their holidays. In fact 11 per cent of

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global travellers said they would be willing to pay for Wi-Fi when staying in a hotel.

Among Indian travellers, 26 per cent consider Wi-Fi as an important amenity while looking for hotel accommodation during leisure travel. The demand for free Wi-fi doubles to 55 per cent for business travellers. “With an increase in airlines and airports offering free Wi-Fi, tech-savvy travellers expect the experience to continue upon arrival at their hotel. They are using their tablets, smart phones and laptops to plan activities, stay connected to family and even order a delivery meal straight to their hotel room, so it’s no surprise they require free and fast Wi-Fi,” said Zoe Chan, senior PR manager APAC, Hotels.com.

The survey further states that the technological comforts of home are also high on the priority list for travellers with 23 per cent of global respondents choosing highend coffee makers as their top modern in hotel room amenity. Totally wired rooms which are completely controlled by one remote for any need took www.expresstravelworld.com

20 per cent of the vote. Guests also indicated they would like to enjoy that much-wanted free Wi-Fi on hotel-provided tablets for guest information, room service and local guides (15 per cent). But for Indian travellers the preferred ‘modern’ in room amenity is massage chairs or foot massagers (36 per cent) and 25 per cent of them would like to have totally wired rooms which are completely controlled by one remote.

Keeping hydrated when travelling is important to hotel guests globally with 43 per cent choosing complimentary bottled water as the most appreciated simple amenity.

Sharing the same sentiment, 42 per cent of Indian travellers too appreciate complimentary bottled water. Only respondents from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Brazil rated free power adaptors above bottled water. Free breakfast ranked as the favourite (31 per cent) non-tech item global travellers want to see become standard at all hotels in 2013. Happy hours, wine tastings or any other time with free food and drinks is 42 per cent of global

travellers’ favourite newly offered hotel service amenity, with international breakfast options coming in second (19 per cent). Global travellers cite unlimited free food and beverages as their most (23 per cent) missed comfort from home when travelling.

Another 14 per cent said they miss access to cooking in their kitchen the most. 48 per cent of Indian travellers would like to see complimentary breakfast to be standard offering at all hotels in 2013. While 19 per cent travellers would like to enjoy the items in their room refrigerator without being charged for it.

Also 26 per cent of global respondents said that their favourite amenity while staying at a luxury hotel is the high end fitness centre and/or spa, while designer toiletries also rank highly (21 per cent).

While travellers across the world enjoy their time living the highlife, the promotion of bath menus/bath butlers (26 per cent) and turn down service (24 per cent) as amenities simply aren’t of interest according to survey respondents. More than half of global respondents (54 per cent) chose the complimentary use of a Rolls Royce Phantom as the 'outrageous' luxury hotel amenity they’d most like to experience. The surreal car ride beat out access to a tea sommelier (nine per cent), inroom mixologist (nine per cent), and fragrance butler (five per cent) among other lesser desired extreme amenities. Designer toiletries ranked the highest among favourite amenities while staying at luxury hotels for Indian travellers (31 per cent) while High end fitness center and spa was the second choice (29 per cent) Thirty seven per cent Indian travellers voted Goa as the best destination for hotels with good facilities.

Metropolitan business cityMumbai was the second choice among Indian travellers(18 per cent). Other destinations popular among Indian travellers for good hotels include Jaipur, Hyderabad, Shimla and Kochi.

March 2013

MIAL awards F&B contract for new T2 at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport ETW STAFF - Mumbai

umbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL), managed by GVK-led consortium, that operates the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) in Mumbai announced the award of the food and beverage concessions to both Lite Bite Food and Devyani International Limited to operate at the all new Terminal 2 at CSIA. Package 1 comprising a total of 21 outlets which includes the International Security Hold Area (SHA) Food-court along with the domestic SHA departure non-food court outlets was awarded to Lite Bite

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Foods. Package 2 comprising a total of 23 outlets which includes the Domestic SHA Food court along with the International SHA non-food court outlets was awarded to Devyani.

Meanwhile, Package 3 comprising a total of nine outlets located pre– SHA and at arrivals (primarily catering to meeters and greeters) was awarded to Lite Bite. Each package has been awarded for a period of 11years.

With a total area of around 4600 sq metres, the F&B brand mix at T2 is described as “a fusion of Indian and world cuisine in a wide range of food options to cater to every palate”.

Moreover with the extensive planning and customer research carried out by

MIAL, the assortment promises to be exceptionally creative and engaging with national and international brands being introduced for the first time at any Indian airport. This will include a mix of both gourmet and fine dining options.

Announcing the award of the contract, Rajeev Jain, CEO, MIAL said “Our primary consideration in awarding the contract has been to provide passengers with a food and beverage experience of a breadth and high quality standard that we believe will create a new benchmark for dining at any international airport in India. This is in line with our vision to provide best-inclass services and both Lite Bite and

Devyani have proposed strong marketing and innovative strategies in order to meet passengers’ expectations and deliver a unique and exciting offering to future passengers of the new T2.”

MIAL is committed to providing the highest-quality commercial environment, offer and service at T2. The customer service offering at the new terminal is designed to give passengers a world-class experience. Accordingly aspects such as technology enabled applications, charging points, delivery to gates have been meticulously planned to ensure personalised service while tasting and promotional programmes promise to tickle passengers’ palates.

Business travellers are social on the road: Four Points by Sheraton survey ETW STAFF – Mumbai

oday’s business travellers are surprisingly social on the road, according to a recent survey by Four Points by Sheraton. Aside from sleeping, for instance, survey respondents indicated that enjoying the hotel bar or restaurant with colleagues or business partners was their number one activity during free time, outpacing time spent in the gym, spa, shopping or catching up with local acquaintances.

In addition, business travellers are good networkers, with nearly twothirds of those surveyed reporting that that they have kept in contact with someone they met on the plane or at the hotel while travelling on the road.

About that flight, though: business travellers draw the line with their own colleagues, as more than 60 per cent indicate that they would prefer to fly alone rather than with a business associate.

These are among the results of a 2012 hotel business travel study commissioned by Four Points that polled a total of 6,000 business travellers globally – 1,000 each from the US, the UK, China, India, Germany and Brazil.

The first phase of the survey, released in August, explored the use of mobile technology to stay in touch while travelling, while the second phase focused on leisure activities.

“Business travellers have a real need to connect on the road – both virtually and in person,” said Brian

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McGuinness, Starwood’s senior vice president, specialty select brands.

“Our survey results reveal that road warriors are social, preferring to network or to relax in the company of colleagues rather than just enjoying solitary pursuits.”

Among key survey findings: • During their waking hours, business travellers frequent the hotel restaurant or bar with colleagues more than other activities. Aside from sleeping, which, not surprisingly, is the activity that occupies the largest share of travellers’ time at a hotel, hanging out at the hotel bar or restaurant with colleagues or business partners is the top ranked activity on the road. The largest share of respondents (42.88 per cent ) named this activity, outpacing other pursuits such as going to the gym (38.97 per cent) or spa (37.54 per cent) or shopping (34.16per cent ).

• By a wide margin, business travellers confirm they stay in touch with contacts whom they’ve met on a flight or at a hotel. 64.42 per cent of respondents indicated that they had stayed in touch with someone they had met on a plane or at a hotel while travelling, vs. 35.58 per cent who said they had not.

• Business travellers prefer separate flights. They may be happy to toss back a brew with a co-worker once they arrive at their hotel, but the majority of business travellers (61.13

per cent) report that they would rather not share their flight with a colleague.

Differences by nationality: • According to the survey, Americans are the most frequent business travellers. American business travellers hit the road more often than their international counterparts, with more than a third (36.36 per cent) reporting that they average more than 10 trips per year for business.

Conversely, Chinese travellers were the least likely to average more than 10 annual trips with only 7.07 per cent of respondents at that level.

• Chinese and Indian business travellers socialise more. Chinese

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business travellers are the most receptive to sharing a flight with a co-worker (49.5 per cent), and a full 70 per cent have stayed in touch with someone they met on the road.

Indian road warriors are the most likely to hang out with colleagues at a bar or restaurant (61.05 per cent) and the most likely to catch up with friends who live in town (52.63 per cent).

• Brazilians go it alone. At 31 per cent, Brazilians are the least open to travelling with a colleague, with 53.62 per cent reporting that they don’t want to have to worry about anyone else. They are also the least likely to hang out with colleagues at a bar or restaurant (30.93 per cent).

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Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh art of the Project Tiger initiative, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is named after the highest hill Bandhavgarh. The region is flanked by the Vindhyan Hill range and the Stapura Hills in Shahdol and Jabalpur districts. Rivers Johilla and Son flow on the eastern boundary, river Umrar passes through western fringes and the Bandhavgarh hill, which is visible from as far as 30 km. Atop the hill is the Bandhavgarh Fort ruled upon by the Rewa state. Post independence the forests underwent degradation; seeing this Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa, proposed that an area of 105 sq km should be declared as a national park which was sanctioned in 1965. The area of the park was increased to 448.84 sq km in 1982. Bandhavgarh was included in the Project Tiger Network in 1993. The adjoining Panpatha Sanctuary too was declared as a part of the Reserve.

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Wildlife attractions Apart from the tigers, other fauna sightings include, Spotted deer or Chital, Sambar, Barking deer or Muntjac, Chausinga or Four-horned antilope, Nilgai or Blue bull, Indian Gazel or chinkara, Leopard, wild dog or Dhole, Wolf, Hyena, jackal, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Common Langur, Rhesus monkey, etc. Bird species include 242 species. Commonly seen are Peafowl, Red Jungle fowl, Grey Hornbill, Common Teals, Red Wattled Lapwing, Crested Serpent Eagle, White Breasted Kingfisher, Lesser Adjutant Stork, etc.

Permits

Accommodation

A park permit is required. The number of vehicles allowed in the park from October 2012 – Tala zone – 40; Maghadhi zone – 40 and Khitauli zone - 31.

Tiger Trails Resort, Samode Safari Lodge, Mahua Kothi.

When to visit

Air: Nearest airport is at Jabalpur (164 km).

Rail: Jabalpur (164 km), Katni (102 km), and Satna 120 km) and Umaria (35 km).

February to June. The park is closed from July 1 to September 30 because of the monsoon.

How to reach

Road: State and private transport buses ply between Katni and Umaria and from Satna and Rewa to Tala (Bandhavgarh). Taxis are available at Satna, Jabalpur,Katni, Umaria, Bilaspur (300 km) and Khajuraho.

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka art of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur National Park was set up in 1973. About 80 km south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty Road elephants take the lead role in the reserve. Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja’s private hunting ground. Some of the other fascinating elements of the park include a temple atop Himvad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the Bandipur range.

Bandipur is flanked by Karnataka’s Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) to its northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its southwest.

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Wildlife attractions Apart from elephants other worthwhile sightings include tiger, leopard, gaur, sloth bear, Asiatic wild dog, striped hyena, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, mongoose, and the slender loris. Over 230 species of birds have been identified. Some of the most notable ones are the heron, stork, egret, kite, eagle, falcon, peafowl, lapwing, sandpiper, woodpecker, drongo and the warbler.

Permits

Accommodation

Information can be gathered from The Field Director, Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Windflower Resort and Spa Bandipur, Country Club Wildlife Resort, The Serai Bandipur, Bandipur Safari Lodge.

When to visit

How to reach

March to June and September to November.

Air: Bengaluru International Airport Rail: Mysore Road: Mysore -80 km, Gundlupet -20 km, Bengaluru -220 km, Ooty -60 km.

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Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa he small state of Goa is home to the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park located along the north east border of the state. Jointly the two cover 240 sq km of land covered with forests varying from moist deciduous to evergreen types on the Western Ghats and its valleys. It is the biggest of the three sanctuaries of Goa. Besides flora and fauna, there are geological and historical features in this sanctuary – Dushsagar falls and Devil Canyon. Also part of the park is the Mahadeva Temple situated at Tambdi Surla is about 13 km from Mollem.

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Wildlife attractions

Photo credit: PKhun

Black panther, barking deer, Bengal tiger, Leopard, bonnet macaque, common langur, civet, flying squirrel, gaur, malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer, pangolin, porcupine, slender loris, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar and wild dog. are prominent animals but the sightings are poor. The sanctuary is home to some bird endemic to the Indian Subcontinent. Some popular birds sighted include Drongo, Emerald dove, Fairy bluebird, Golden oriole, Greater Indian hornbill, Indian black woodpecker, Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Grey-headed myna, Grey jungle fowl, Large green barbet, Paradise flycatcher, Racket-tailed drongo, Rubythroated yellow bulbul (the Goa state bird), Shrikes, Three-toed kingfisher, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Wagtails.

Permits

How to reach

Entry fee `10 per adult, `five per child and `three per student.

Air: Dabolim Airport Rail: Collem and Carambolim Road: One and half hours from Panaji (60 km)

Accommodation The national park can be reached from all locations and accommodations in Goa.

Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh overing an area of 614 km, Dudhwa National Park is located on the Indo-Nepal border in Lakhimpur-Kheri district. The area is the last remnant of the Himalayan Terrai ecosystem.

Established initially as a wildlife sanctuary for the swamp deer in 1958, it was declared a national park after two decades. In 1988 the park got the status of tiger reserve along with Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Besides the grassland and swamps, Dudhwa has one of the best Sal (Shorea robusta) forests in the country. A large number of rare and endangered species including the tiger, swamp deer, Hispid hare, Bengal Florican can be found here.

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Wildlife attractions The Big Five attractions of Dudhwa are - the tiger, rhinoceros, Barasingha, crocodile and Bengal Florican. A protected tiger reserve, as many as 100 big cats have found home here. The almost extinct Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros has been successfully reintroduced here due to Project Rhino. Among the most famous inhabitants of Dudhwa are the swamp deer or the Barasingha, which are almost synonymous with the grasslands. As many as 1800 of these majestic animals live in the protected reserve today as a consequence of the focused effort that has gone into their conservation. In fact almost half of the world's total population of Barasinghas are found in Dudhwa. The other wildlife attractions are sloth bear, ratel, civet, jackal, the lesser cats like the leopard cat, fishing cat and jungle cats. Pythons and monitor lizards inhabit the river banks. The wetlands of Dudhwa are also the winter home to lakhs of migratory water birds.

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Permits

When to visit

How to reach

Entry permits can be obtained from the director of the park, district headquarters, Lakhimpur-Kheri.

Mini buses and jeeps can be hired from the national park office at Dudhwa for travelling inside the park. Elephants are also available for wildlife viewing.

The best time to visit Dudhwa is October to April.

December to February can be extremely cold.

Air: You can fly to the state capital Lucknow which is 238 km away and then drive to Dudhwa.

Rail: Dudhwa is connected via Mailani to Lucknow and Nainital.

Road: State and private buses ply frequently from the nearby town of Palia (10 km) to Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Delhi, etc.

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Accommodation Forest Rest House, Dudhwa, Forest Rest House, Sathiana,Tharu Huts, Dudhwa, Forest Rest House, Bankatti, Bharat Lodge, Palia, etc www.expresstravelworld.com

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Gir National Park, Gujarat he Gir forests of Gujarat are the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. The sanctuary has the distinction of saving the endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) from the brink of extinction. The Asiatic lion once occupied an area that ranged from northwest India to Arabia. Hunted widely during the British regime their numbers dwindled dramatically. It was the efforts of the Nawab of Junagadh and subsequently the forest department that has now revived the population of this majestic animal. The sanctuary covers an area of 1412 sq km of which the core area comprises 258 sq km. The topography of the area is rugged – ravines, plateaus and rocky hills. There are many human settlements in the sanctuary. The lion is known to be tolerant of human settlements. Gir, in fact, is the home of the Maldhari community of cattle herders who have a symbiotic relationship with the lion.

Gir is also home to 300 species of birds. Celebrated ornithologist Dr Salim Ali believed that had it not been for the Asiatic lion, the area would have taken its rightful place as one of the foremost bird sanctuaries in the country. The famous Somnath temple is just 55 km away from the sanctuary and among the must-see itinerary, of visitors to Gir National Park.

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Wildlife attractions Besides its most famous inhabitant -the Asiatic lion - there are many other wildlife attractions in Gir - rusty spotted cat, pangolin, ruddy mongoose, civets, paradise flycatcher, etc. The list of avian attractions is also wide and varied - Malabar whistling thrush, orange headed ground thrush, paradise flycatcher, black naped fly catcher, Indian pitta, tawny eagle, etc.

Permits

Accommodation

Permits are required to enter the core area of the national park. Permits can be obtained from Sinh Sadan Orientation Centre.

Gir Forest Lodge, Maneland Jungle lodge, Sinh Sadan Guest House.

When to visit

Air: The nearest airport Rajkot is 165 km via Junagadh. Gir National Park is 60 km from Junagadh.

While mid October to mid June is the season, the best time to visit is from December to April.

How to reach

Rail: The nearest railway stations are Sasan Gir and Veraval. Sasan Gir is 415 km from Ahmedabad.

Road: Buses ply from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendard. Volvo buses are available from Ahmedabad to Junagadh, from where a mini bus can be take to Sasan Gir.

Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh ne of the newest national parks in India, the Great Himalayan National Park lies in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. It covers an area of 754 sq km that mostly comprises coniferous forests. The terrain is marked by snowcapped mountains, river valleys and cliffs. The national park is a great trekking destination – in particular Sainj and Tirthan valleys. Camping in the alpine forests is an unforgettable experience for most visitors. Four rivers originate from the glaciers in the park. The Himachal Wildlife Project established the boundaries of the park in 1984. The park has a five km buffer area, earmarked for conservation. The national park is considered an important site for community based biodiversity conservation.

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Wildlife attractions This area has many important wildlife species of western Himalayas, like musk deer, brown bear, goral, thar, leopard, snow leopard, bharal, serow, monal, kalij, koklas, cheer, tragopan, snow cock, etc.

Permits

Accommodation

Permits can be obtained from the office of park director at Shamsi, or the range officers at Larji, Sairopa and Sainj.

Accommodation within the park is limited. There are many forest rest houses in the park and also in Aut, Sainj, Sairopa and Shangarh.

When to visit

How to reach

April to June and September to November are the best months.

Air: The nearest airport is Kullu which is just 60 km from the park.

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Rail: While there is a small station of Jogindernagar nearby, the major railhead is Chandigarh.

Road: Kullu is well linked by bus service to Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi and Ambala. For reaching the park, you can take a vehicle from Kullu to Gushaini or Neuli. From there you need to walk as no vehicles are allowed inside the park.

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Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu he Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is the first marine biosphere reserve in Southeast Asia. It covers an area of 10,500 sq km. The core area of the marine national park is of about 560 sq km from Rameswaram to Tutucorin. The destination includes the coast of Rameswaram, Tutucorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. The biosphere reserve comprises 21 islands with estuaries, mudflats, beaches, forests of sea grasses, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves. These islands are one to 21 km away from the mainland coast.

The coastal areas of the biosphere reserve are dotted with 125 villages, mostly comprising of the Marakeyars community who are primarly fishermen. Conservation has been one of the concern areas here due to the large human population base along with destruction caused by mechanised fishing boats, dynamite fishing and other environmentally adverse activities.

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Wildlife attractions Of the 3600 flora and fauna species found here, the endangered ones include the sea cow (Dugong dugong) and six mangrove species. The Dugong is the flagship mammal of the marine national park. Some of the other best known inhabitants are - Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, finless porpoise, green sea turtle, spinner dolphin, common dolphin. Sea-horse, sea-cucumber, seaanemone are also found common here. There are many endangered marine turtle species like Green turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Leatherback turtle and Loggerhead turtle. As many as 510 fin fish species inhabit the waters including many coral ornamental fishes.

Permits

Accommodation

Tourists can hire glass bottom boats from Mandapam. Visitors are not allowed on the islands.

There are many hotels in Manadapam.

When to visit

Air: Madurai (150 km) is the nearest airport.

Rail: The nearest railway stations are at Mandapam and Tuticorin.

Road: Buses are available from Ramanathapuram and Rameshwaram.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a year-long destination.

How to reach

Hemis National Park, Jammu & Kashmir emis National Park is one of the largest national parks not only in India but in fact the whole of South Asia. Covering an area of 600 sq km in Ladakh, Jammu Kashmir, the national park includes Markha and Rumbak catchment areas and part of the Zanskar mountains. A high altitude protected area, it is the home of its most famous denizen - the snow leopard. The only national park north of the Himalayas, the topography of the national park includes mountains regions and high altitude desert. The climate here varies between sub arctic to arctic.

The 400-year-old Hemis Monastery is a popular tourist destination and the Hemis Festival attracts a lot of visitors from India and overseas.

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Wildlife attractions There are many endangered species of mammals that can be found in this national park that lies 3000 metres above sea level. Topping the list are the snow leopards (Panthera uncia), which are mostly found in the Rumbak catchment area. The other animals are ibex, Shapu (ladhaki urial), bharal, wolf, argali, red fox, Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel, Himalayan snowcock, Himalayan mouse hare, Eurasian brown bear, etc. The national park is also a haven for bird watchers like the Golden Eagle, the Lammergeier vulture, and the Himalayan Griffon vulture. Many bird species here cannot be found anywhere else in India. Streaked Rosefinch, Tibetan Snowfinch, Himalayan Snowcock, Fork-tailed Swift are to name a few.

Permits

Accommodation

How to reach

Permit is needed from the chief wildlife warden before entering the park.

No hotels are available inside the park, however homestay facilities are available in the six villages that fall within the precincts of the park: Rumbak, Kaya, Sku, Shingo, Urutse and Chilling. This apart, the Hemis Monastery also gives out rooms to tourists.

Air: Leh airport is the nearest. There are flights from Delhi, Srinagar and Chandigarh.

Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead.

Road: The city of Leh is just 10 km away from the park. Leh-Manali Highway, and National Highway 1D (from Srinagar via Kargil) border the park.

When to visit The best time to visit is from mid-June to midOctober. Late winters are the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the snow leopard.

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Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka eriving its name from two Kannada words, 'Nagar' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams, this national park is situated in the Kodagu district and Mysore district in Karnataka. This national park was declared as the 37th project tiger reserve 1999. The park boasts of rich forest cover, small streams, hills and waterfalls as well as is home to tigers, Indian bisons, elephants, leopards, gaurs, muntjacs (barking deer), wild dogs, bonnet macaques and common langurs. True to its name, there has been a few serpentine streams fork through rich tropical forests of the park. Set up in 1955, the national park's area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest reserve. The park was also once an exclusive hunting ground for the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore. It has been recently renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

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Wildlife attractions Photo credit: Jayanand Govindaraj

The national park's carnivorous animals include tiger, leopard, wild dog (dhole or Cuon alpinus), sloth bear and the hyena (Hyaena hyaena). The herbivores are spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), gaur (Bos gaurus), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and elephant. The park also is home to the southern population of Gaur (jungle Bison). Other animlas spotted in the park include the common langur (Presbytes entellus), Bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata), jungle cat, slender Loris (Loris tadigradus), leopard-cat (Felis bengalensis), civet cat (Viverricula indica and Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), mongoose (Herpestes fuscus and Herpestes vitticollis), common otter (Lutra lutra), giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista), etc.

Over 250 species of birds are also found besides a variety of woodland birds.

Permits

Accommodation

Entry to the national park is free and does not require any permits. The only way to tour the park is on a bus tour which costs `25 per person from 6-8 am and 4-5 pm.

Nagarhole Forest Guest house: Bookings can be made in advance with the Forest Department in Mysore. Machaan Resorts in Churikad, K Bagada Village, Kabini River Lodge, Karapura Jungle Inn.

When to visit

How to reach

March to May and November to January

Air: The nearest airport to the park is Mysore (96

km) and Bengaluru (236 km around 5 hours from the park).

Rail: The major railhead closest to Nagarhole is Mysore, 80 km.

Road: The nearest town is Kutta 7 km way. And other major towns are Madikeri (93 km), Mysore (80 km) and Bangalore (236 km). The state transport buses and taxis are available.

Pench National Park, Maharashtra amed after the river Pench, this is the 19th project tiger reserve in India and was declared so in 1992. Nestled in the lower southern region of the Satpura hills, the Pench National Park is located in southern Madhya Pradesh, bordering Maharashtra, in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara, about 102 km from Nagpur. Pench National Park, comprising of 758 sq km, out of which a core area of 299 sq km of Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park and the Mowgli Pench Sanctuary and remaining 464 sq km of Pench national park is the buffer area. The area of the present tiger reserve has a glorious history. A description of its natural wealth and richness occurs in Ain-i-Akbari. Pench Tiger Reserve and its neighbourhood is the original setting of Rudyard Kipling's most famous work, The Jungle Book. Over 1200 species of plants have been recorded from the area including several rare and endangered plants as well as plants of ethno-botanical importance. The area has always been rich in wildlife favouring a high population of Chital and Sambar. Pench tiger reserve has highest density of herbivores in India (90.3 animals per sq km).

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Wildlife attractions The area is especially famous for large herds of Gaur (Indian Bison), Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Dog and Wild Pig. The key predator is the tiger followed by Leopard, Wild Dog and Wolf. Other animals include Sloth Bear, Chousingha, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Jackal, Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Porcupine etc.

Permits The Pench National Park is open to the visitors from October 1 to June 30 and is closed during the rainy season. Visiting hours are 6 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 6 pm.

When to visit There are three distinct seasons. Summer March 2013

(February to middle of June), monsoon (from mid-June till Octobe) and winter starts in October with low temperatures in December/January. The best time to visit is from February to April.

Accommodation Pench Jungle Camp, Tiger Corridor Resort, Jungle Home Pench, Tiger Valley Resort, etc. www.expresstravelworld.com

How to reach Air: Nearest airport to Pench is Sonegaon airport at Nagpur, placed at a distance of 132 km from Pench.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Seoni Railway Station, which is about 30 km from the Pench and Chhindwara railway station.

Road: Nearest bus junction is at Seoni.

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Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan ocated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park in Northern India. It is named for the historic Ranthambore fortress which lies within the national park. Covering an area of 392 km the park is known for its tiger population and is one of India's project tiger reserve. Ranthambore is also known as the famous heritage site because of the pictorial ruins that dot the wildlife park. A visit to the national park is a treat for every wildlife and nature lover.

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Wildlife attractions The national park has huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles within it. Primarily the population consists of tigers, leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose.The park also has large number of marsh crocs reptiles which include: Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, etc. Due to its varied terrain and abundance of water bodies, the park also has some of the most important birds like Graylag Goose, Woodpeckers, etc.

Permits

Accommodation

How to reach

Travellers need to pay only for usage of video-camera. There are only two safari visiting hours per day.: the 6 am safari and the 2.30 pm safari.

From high end accommodation like Vanya Vilas and Aman I Khas to luxury hotels/resorts like Sher Bagh, Dev Vilas, Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, Nahargarh, Khem Vilas. Standard hotels like Ankur resort, Raj Palace Resort, Sanctuary resort, Jungle view resort are also available.

Air: Jaipur and Kota is the nearest airports.

Rail: The easiest way to reach Ranthambore is to take a train to Sawai Madhopur. This town is well connected with trains to/from Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi.

Road:Apart from Madhopur, Kota to Ranthambhore can be covered in 1.5 hours easily.

When to visit From October to June.

Sultanpur National Park, Haryana nown as a popular getaway from New Delhi, Gurgaon, Fairdabad and Noida, Sultanpur National Park is located 15 km from Gurgaon, Haryana. This bird sanctuary has been declared as national park by the Haryana government. The sanctuary is home to approximately 250 species of birds some of them resident, while others come from distant regions like Siberia, Europe and Afghanistan. Every year more than 100 migratory bird species arrive at Sultanpur in search of feeding grounds and to pass the winter.

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Bird attractions

Permits Entrance fee is `10 per head. Still cameras are allowed for `50.

When to visit The ideal period for bird watching is during winters when a large number of migratory birds come to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Sultanpur has the typical

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North Indian climate of harsh summers and cold winters. Rainy season is short, from July - August.

Accommodation The Haryana Tourism Department runs a resort within the park area. Other nearby hotels include Ibis Gurgaon, Saab Guest House, Courtyard By Marriott Gurgaon, Royal Plaza, Hotel Crossroads. www.expresstravelworld.com

Photo credit: J M Garg

Some of the resident birds of the sanctuary include Common Hoopoe, Paddyfield Pipit, Purple Sunbird, Little Cormorant, Eurasian Thick-knee, Gray Francolin, Black Francolin, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Spot billed Duck, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Black headed Ibis, Little Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, India Crested Lark, Red vented Bulbul, Rose ringed Parakeet, Red wattled Lapwing, Shikra, Eurasian collared Dove, Red collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Spotted Owlet, Rock Pigeon, Magpie Robin, Greater Coucal, Weaver Bird, Bank Mynah, etc. While in winter the migratory birds seen at the sanctuary include Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Ruff, Black winged Stilt, Common Teal, Common Greenshank, Northern Pintail, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Northern Shoveler, Rosy Pelican, Gadwall, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, etc.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary has birds in summer too, About 11 species of migratory birds such as Asian Koel, Black crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Comb duck, etc. It takes one and half hours to cover visiting Sulanpur Bird Sanctuary on foot.

How to reach Air: Sultanpur is 47 km from Delhi Rail: It is 16 km from Gurgaon and travellers can conveniently reach by using the Delhi Metro Rail Network.

Road: Bus service from Delhi to Gurgaon are also available, however it is better, to hire a taxi from Delhi to Sultanpur or to drive down.

March 2013

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal ome to around 250 tigers, the Sundarban national park is located in the Sundarbans delta in the Bangladesh division of Barisall. Well known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sunderbans comprises of a vast area covering 4264 square km in India alone.

The Indian Sunderbans forms the largest tiger reserve and national park in India. The aqua fauna of Sunderbans include a variety of fishes, red fiddler crabs and hermit crabs. There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks. The national park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. The present Sundarbans National Park was declared as the core area of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1977.

On May 4, 1984 it was declared a national park. The park area is divided into two ranges, overseen by range forest officers. Each range is further sub-divided into beats.

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Wildlife attractions The endangered species which can be found within the Sundarbans include Royal Bengal Tiger, Saltwater Crocodile, River Terrapin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Gangetic Dolphin, ground turtle, Hawks Bills Turtle and mangrove horseshoe crab. The Royal Bengal Tigers who have developed a unique characteristic of swimming in the saline waters, and are famous for their man-eating tendencies. Tigers can be seen on the river banks sunbathing between November and February.

There is an incredible variety of reptiles also found in Sundarbans, which includes king cobra, rock python and water monitor. The endangered river Terrapin, Batagur baska is found on the Mechua Beach, while the Barking Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans.

Permits Visitors can enter the park anytime between 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. A boat trip through Sunderbans outside the sanctuary requires no prior permission. Permits are necessary to visit the estuarine delta area, and can be obtained from the office of the Field Director, Port Canning, 24 Parganas. For foreigners, permits are available at the Forest

Department in the Writer’s Building, Kolkata.

on Bali Island run by Help Tourism Group.

When to visit

How to reach

Best to time to visit is from December to February.

Air: The Park is 140 km far from Kolkata Airport.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Canning Railway station.

Road: The Park is well connected through Kolkata – Basanti highway.

Accommodation Lodging is available at Sunderban Tiger Camp on Dayapur Island and at Sunderbans Jungle Camp

Valmiki National Park, Bihar anking fourth in terms of tiger population, the Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. The name of the district derives from two words Champa and Aranya – meaning Forest of Champa trees. Total forest area comprises about 900 km, out of which the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary is 880km and spread of the National Park is about 335km area. The Government of Bihar, in 1978 declared an area of 464.60 sq km, which now forms the Reserve, as wildlife sanctuary and a national park in 1989.

The national park consists of moist Sal bearing forests, dry sale bearing forests, moist mixed deciduous forests without Sal, cane and tropical seasonal swamp forests containing reed beds and wet grasslands. The one – horned rhinoceros and Indian bison often migrate from Chitwan to Valmikinagar.

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Wildlife attractions Tiger, black buck, sloth bear, wolf, various species of deer, leopard, python, peafowl, chitals, sambars, nilgais, leopards, hyenas, Indian civets, jungle cats, hog deer and wild dogs.

One-horned rhinoceros and Indian bison often migrate from Chitwan to Valmikinagar.

Permits

Accommodation

How to reach

Jeep, elephant and bullock cart safaris are available.

Valmiki Tiger Reserve, the accommodation available at the Valmiki National Park. There are forest rest houses located in the different places throughout the park. Alternatively tourists can use the rest house by the Irrigation Department.

Air: The nearest airport is at Patna at a distance of 295 km.

Rail: The nearest railhead Valmiki Nagar is five km from the park.

Road: There are bus services from Valmiki Nagar to Bettiah (80 km) the nearest town.

When to visit The best time to visit is between October and June.

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Kaziranga National Park, Assam ocated in central Assam, mainly along the southern floodplains of the Bramhaputra river, Kaziranga National Park spans an area totalling almost 860 sq km. The grassland dominated landscape is defined by marshes, and perennial water bodies called ‘beels’. Tropical forests also form part of this setting. The large flatlands are quite fertile due to the silt deposits by the river, and dense vegetation abounds with characteristic expanses of elephant grass thickets that grow up to towering heights. Over 32 species of flora are to be found within the park.

Wildlife sighting, including birdwatching, is the mainstay tourism activity in the park. For administrative purposes, the park is divided into four ranges – Kohora (central), Baguri (western), Agoratoli (eastern) and Ghorakati (Burapahar). Assam being synonymous with tea, excursions to tea gardens/estates in nearby areas are also availed of by visitors to Kaziranga.

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Wildlife attractions This landscape makes for an ideal home to a complex ecosystem comprising a diverse range of plant, bird and animal and aquatic life. The most famous inhabitant of the Kaziranga National Park is the one-horned Indian rhinoceros. Once an endangered species with only a few dozen left in existence in the early 1900s, active conservation efforts have seen their numbers grow healthily. Kaziranga National Park is also very popular with wildlife enthusiasts for its varied population of wild elephant, wild buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, sloth bear, fox, jackal, gibbon, python, leopard and the Royal Bengal tiger. There are abundant sightings for birdwatchers too, with an estimated 480 species of migratory and resident birdlife.

Permits Guided elephant and jeep safaris across various designated zones are available to visitors.

Trekking or hiking through the park is not allowed.

When to visit The best time to visit Kaziranga is between

November and April. The park is closed to visitors during the long monsoon period due to large portions of the park being largely inaccessible.

Accommodation Diphlu River Lodge, Infinity Kaziranga Wilderness, Dhanshree Resort, Jupuri Ghar, Wild Grass Lodge, Kaliabor Manor Resort, Aranya Forest Lodge

How to reach Air: The nearest airports are Guwahati (240 km) and Jorhat (95 km).

Rail: The nearest rail head is Furkating (75 km).

Road: Transport options are available from Guwahati, Jorhat and Furkating. Park entrances are located just off NH37 that cuts right through the Kaziranga National Park.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Andhra Pradesh ahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is home to the endangered black buck – the state animal of Andhra Pradesh. The deer park is located at Vanasthalipuram on the outskirts of Hyderabad city and covers an area of 14.59 sq km. It was earlier a property of the Nizam of Hyderabad and is managed now by the forest department.

The national park got its name in 1975 in commemoration of the 250th birth anniversary of the great Jain saint, Lord Mahavira. The vegetation in the park ranges from dry deciduous to grasslands. Sandal wood, teak, ber and flame of the forest to name a few of the plant species.

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Photo credit: Raja Purohit

The main wildlife draws here are – the panther, black buck, cheetal, wild boar, civet, porcupine, peacock are commonly found here besides 30 species of reptiles including monitor lizards and snakes. The park is reportedly inhabited by 400 black bucks, 500 cheetals and large herds of wild boar. It is also a birdwatchers' paradise. There are more than 120 species of birds like partridges, qualis, lapwings, sun bird, egrets, ducks, peacocks, doves and birds of prey like kites, vultures, etc. The short-toed Eagle is among the rare species that nests in the park. As many as 80 species of migratory birds frequent the park around the year.

Permits

Accommodation

Guided tours on shuttle buses enable the visitors to see the animals at a close range. There are observation towers also for visitors.

There are many guest houses near the national park where visitors can stay for a night or two. Alternately, day trips from Hyderabad is a good option.

When to visit

How to reach

This is a year round destination.

Air: Hyderabad airport.

Rail: Hyderabad railway station is the nearest.

Road: The national park is 15 km by road from Hyderabad city.

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March 2013

Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha he wetland is represented by as many as three protected areas, namely Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.

Bhitarkanika is a unique habitat of mangrove forests criss-crossed with numerous creeks and mud flats located in Kendrapara district of Odisha. One of the largest mangrove eco systems in India, Bhitarkanika is home to diverse flora and fauna.

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Wildlife attractions Bhitarkanika National Park is a prime habitat of leopard cat, fishing cat, jungle cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, porcupine, dolphin, salt water crocodile including partially white crocodile, python, king cobra, water monitor lizards, terrapin, marine turtle, kingfisher, wood pecker, hornbill, bar headed geese, brahmany duck, pintail, white bellied sea eagle, tern, sea gull, waders and a large variety of resident and migratory birds. Bhitarkanika is a hot-spot of biodiversity. It's home to the largest population of giant salt water crocodiles in India. Also home to more than 215 species of avifauna including an amazing eight varieties of Kingfishers.

Gahirmatha is known to be one of the largest rookery for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. The sanctuary is the home for all the three species of Indian monitor lizards including giant specimens of India's largest lizard, the water monitor lizard Varanus salvator, Python Python Molurus.

'Bagagahana', the heronry provides nesting and living space to about 80,000 resident and local migratory birds. During winter, migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia arrive here and Olive Ridley turtles leave the sea and make their nests on the beach of Gahirmatha.

Permits Bhitarkanika has been re-opened for day visit only from January this year. Khola and Gupti are the two main entry points where one has to collect the entry permit. Photo identity proof is mandatory.

When to visit Bhitarkanika is approachable only through water-

ways, so rains make the routes difficult to navigate.

However, the period between October to March is the best time.

Accommodation Sand Pebbles Bhitarkanika Jungle Resorts, Riverine Resort, Nature Camp, Bhitarkanika Village Retreat, Arnaya Niwas at Chandbali, etc.

How to reach Air: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar.

Rail: The nearest railway stations are Cuttack and Bhadrak.

Road: By road it is Bhubaneswar to Rajnagar - 130 km; Cuttack to Rajnagar - 110 km; Bhadrak to Chandbali - 55 km.

Journey by powerboat varies from 1½ to 4 hours.

Eravikulam National Park, Kerala ravikulam National Park is located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala.

A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of south India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious), the Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan devan hills. A protected area, the sanctuary is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area - Rajamalai - the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam.

Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of Himalayas, stands in the core area of the Park.

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Wildlife attractions

Permits Six mini-buses are operated by park staff as part of the visitor-management programme as well as a pollution-control measure. Private vehicles are not allowed within the Park.

When to visit The Park is usually closed at the time of calving March 2013

of Nilgiri Tahr which is usually during the early months of every year. The best season to visit this park is from September to November and from April to June.

How to reach

Photo credit: Arun Suresh

Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr, estimated at about 750 in number. The other ungulates are Gaur, Indian Muntjac and Sambar Deer. Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild dog, Dhole, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Some little known animals such as Nilgiri langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, small clawed otter, Ruddy Mongoose, and Dusky palm squirrel are also found. Around 132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like Kerala Laughingthrush. Endemic butterflies confined to the shola-grass land ecosystem like the Red Disk Bushbrown and Palni Four wing are among the 101 species in the park. The frontline staff of Eravikulam National Park has observed newly born Tahr calves in the tourism zone and many of the female Tahrs in pregnancy. As newly born Tahr calves are highly vulnerable to disturbances, the Park has been closed for visitors from February 4 to April 4, 2013. about 150 km.

Rail: The nearest railway station, Kottayam, is about 142 km from Munnar.

Road: Eravikulam National Park is about 15 km from Munnar, 135 km. from Kochi and 148 km from Kottayam.

Air: The nearest airport Madurai (Tamilnadu) is about 142 km; Kochi International Airport is www.expresstravelworld.com

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Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal orbett National Park is the oldest national park not only in India, but mainland Asia.

It was declared a national park way back in 1936, and was then called Hailey National Park. At that time Sir Malcolm Hailey was the governor of United Provinces. Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter who turned into a wildlife conservationist, played a key role in the conservation efforts here. The reserve was later called Ramganga National Park (in 1954–55), and a year later was renamed as Corbett National Park.

Geographically located between the Hiamlayas and the terai region, it lies in the districts of Nainital and Pauri, covering an area of 521 sq km. If you take into account the nearby Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and the reserve forest areas then the whole area spreads to over 1288 sq km. The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the most famous resident of Corbett National Park.

Project Tiger conservation programme was in fact launched from Corbett in 1973.

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Wildlife attractions Corbett is home to the Bengal tiger and the Asiatic elephant. The leopard is the other large cat found in here. The four species of deer that are sighted in the park are - chital, para or hog deer, sambar, kakar or barking deer. Hanuman or common langur and rhesus macaque are the primates commonly found in the park. Wild boar, Asiatic jackal, different species of otters have also made home here. Crocodiles are also found aplenty in the waters of Ramganga river.

Permits

June 15. It is closed during the monsoons.

For day visits permits are obtained at the respective entry gates. However permits for night halts are issued at the CTR Reception Office at Ramnagar.

Walking or trekking inside the park is not allowed.

When to visit The Park is open for visitors from November 15 to

Accommodation There are tourist complexes located at Dhikala, Gairal and Bijrani. Visitors can also stay at Forest Rest Houses at Lohachaur, Rathuadhab, Halduparao, Mundiapani, Morghatti, Sendhikhal and Dhela.

How to reach Air: Delhi airport from where you can drive to Ramnagar, which is the gateway to Corbett.

Rail: There are direct trains from New Delhi to Ramnagar. There are also trains from Lucknow.

Road: Ramnagar is well connected to Delhi, Haldwani and Moradabad by state transport buses.

Campbell Bay National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands ampbell Bay National Park is located in the Great Nicobar island, which is the largest of the Nicobar Islands. Spread over an area of 426 sq km, it forms a part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. One of the major tourist highlights of the region, it was declared a national park in 1992. The park is famous for its orchids and different categories of flowering plants.

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Wildlife attractions

Photo credit:Drew Avery

The fauna found in this national park is primarly crab-eating macaque, megapode, giant robber crab and Nicobar pigeon. It is also a great location for bird watching. Visitors can watch various species of birds from the watch towers in the forest.

Permits

Havelock Island are Jungle Resort from Barefoot and Dolphin Resort.

Great Nicobar island is a restricted area, only Indian citizens are allowed.

When to visit March to October is the best time to visit.

Accommodation There are some lodges in the area and also camping spots. Some options in

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How to reach Air: Port Blair is the only airport in Andaman and Nicobar Island, and has direct flights from Chennai and Kolkata. There are also chartered flights.

Pawan Hans helicopters fly to Campbell Bay. Sea: Passenger ships are available from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair. Ferry services are available to the national park.

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March 2013

M|A|N|A|G|E|M|E|N|T DESTINATION OUTBOUND

Safe, serene and salubrious Sri Lanka As a destination Sri Lanka has varied offerings for different segments of tourists – from spiritual to adventurous to wellness. Without spending too many hours on the road you can travel from one location to another and enjoy divergent experiences. By Sudipta Dev

s a destination, Sri Lanka has come a long way in the last few years with peace returning to the island nation and opening up of new areas for tourists. The focus has also shifted from the traditional European tourists to the emerging Asian markets of India and China. Indians too are discovering the varied attractions of one of its closest neighbours as never before – from honeymooners to the elderly and school children on education trips. While for some the sun and the surf are the greatest attractions, for a majority of visitors it is the profound experiences of visiting the many Buddhist sites that remains the highpoint of a trip to Sri Lanka.

The cities of Kandy, Polnnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Sigriya, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, top the list.

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Royal remnants Sigriya, which means the lion's rock in Sinhalese, is among the most fascinating tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Sigriya is located near Dambulla, in Matale district. King Kashyapa (477 to 495 AD) had shifted his capital from Anuradhapura to Sigriya. The area around the rock continues to indicate the grand palace complex that once occupied the location, the moats and terraced gardens. After the defeat of King Kashyapa once the capital shifted back March 2013

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to Anuradhapura, Sigriya became a Buddhist monastery and remained so for several centuries. The remnants of the rock fortress continue to lure the visitors long after the palace has fallen to ruins. For any visitor on first glance the climb to the top of the rock might look like a daunting task, but the beauty of the view as one keeps climbing higher keeps driving you to take the next flight up. The highlights at Sigriya are the mirror walls and beautiful frescoes of women. The paws of a lion dominates the terrace before you can take some more steps up to reach the top of the rock that once housed the palace. The view is breathtakingly beautiful and you can look out into the horizon to Anuradhapura and beyond.

Dambulla in fact is a great location for exploring the nearby city of Anuradhapura, which is in fact the first and the second

capital city. Visitors staying in Dambulla can make day trips to all the major Buddhist highlights, even Kandy which is just 72 km away. Dambulla is itself famous for its cave temple complex. Kandy is the second largest city in the country after Colombo and is considered as the last capital of the ancient kings. Kandy is home to relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The royal family was considered the protector of this important relic. The last king was Sri Vikrama Rajasinha who was deposed by the British. The capital was shifted to Colombo which is a port city and was thus considered important by the British.

The main tourist attraction in Kandy is not surprisingly the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is housed within the Royal Palace complex. The palace is located on the north of the temple.

Lankatilaka Temple and Gadaladeniya Temple are the EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD

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M|A|N|A|G|E|M|E|N|T other important places of religious interest in the city.

The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is another important tourist attraction.

Covering a total area of 147 acres, the gardens are as famous for the collection of orchids as the giant king coconuts growing on parallel rows of trees.

Kandy is a picturesque town with a lake at the centre of the city. The hills, the lake and the interesting amalgam of the ancient and modern make Kandy a unique destination. The upper lake drive gives a bird's eyeview of the city's scenic vista. If you are lucky enough to stay in one of the hotels atop the hills, then you can also see one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises of your life.

Colonial charm Approximately four hours drive from Kandy in the central highlands of Sri Lanka is the town of Nuwara Eliya. It is the home of tea production in the country and tourists are always welcome in its many estates for tea tasting. Nuwara Eliya is also known as Little England as during their regime the British wanted to develop it as a quintessential English village. The colonial influence is apparent in the architecture and most of the high-end hotels in the town reflect the same. Nuwara Eliya is also a preferred destination for golf tourism. Boating, fishing and horse racing are a few popular activities. For Indian tourists one of the greatest attractions is the Sita Eliya temple on the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya. It is believed that Sita was held captive here

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by Ravana. According to mythology, it is one of the eight places in Sri Lanka where she was taken. Locals will show you the giant holes on the boulders behind the temple where Hanuman had stood.

Most European tourists stay in Nuwara Eliya and make day trips to the Horton Plains National Park and its favourite attraction – The World's End. Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka has emerged as another favourite destination for European tourists, particularly after the end of the war. From April to September surfers come to this fishing village which is fast becoming a surfing hotspot. Nearby the shallow waters of Pottuvil is a perfect location for swimming. The other interesting new locations are Pigeon Island National Park, which is one of the two marine national parks in the country and famous for its coral formations.

Balapitiya near Colombo is yet another destination that would be of interest to the new age Indian traveller. The river Maadu that flows in the area has 64 small islands.

Activities here include boat trips in the river to few of the islands, visit to centuries old temple, fish hatchery and trip to cinnamon estate.

For Indian travellers there is a lot that awaits in Sri Lanka that they have hitherto not explored before.

With adventure activities and eco tourism getting popular among a section of the new age traveller who seeks off-the beaten track experiences, there are many places in Sri Lanka that are perfect getaway locations.

March 2013

M|A|N|A|G|E|M|E|N|T EVENT ROUNDUP

Buddhist heritage of Odisha The recent International Buddhist Conference on Odisha highlighted the state's Buddhist heritage and discussed how it can leverage on making its many Buddhist circuits to draw in the tourist numbers

Maheswar Mohanty, tourism & cultural minister, Government of Odisha inaugurating the International Conference on Buddhist Heritage of Odisha at Toshali Udayagiri Convention Centre in Jajpur he department of tourism and culture, Government of Odisha in association with Utkal University of Culture and Odishan Institute of Maritime and South-East Asian Studies organised three-day event called International Conference on Buddhist Heritage of Odisha: Situating Odisha in the Global Perspective at Toshali Udayagiri Convention Centre near the historical Buddhist heritage site of Udayagiri in the Jajpur district of Odisha.

Maheswar Mohanty, tourism and cultural minister, Government of Odisha inaugurated the three-day event and A K Pattanayak, vice chancellor, Utkal University of Culture presided over the function.

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Tourism director Harishankar Upadhyay, Jajpur MP Mohan Jena, Barachana legislator Amar Prasad Satapathy, Mahanga MLA Pratap Jena, eminent US historian Prof T E Donaldson, Arizona University Professor Chitta Baral, tourism and culture principal secretary A K Tripathy were also present.

Twenty international delegates from seven countries (i.e. USA, Sri Lanka, Poland, Nepal, Japan, Bhutan and UK) and 65 national delegates participated in the conference. A total of 1,547 domestic and 66 foreign tourists attended the meet as well.

Mohanty also inaugurated a photo-exhibition showcasing the Buddhist heritage of Odisha. A book titled 'Buddhist Heritage of

A K Tripathy, principal secretary (tourism & culture), Government of Odisha felicitating a Buddhist monk

Odisha' penned by Prof Sadasiba Pradhan of Utkal University was also unveiled on the first day of the conference.

On the second day, technical sessions witnessed scholars from India and abroad presenting their papers on four different subjects of discussion i.e.

Buddhist philosophy and school of thought, Buddhist remains of Odisha, Buddhism for international peace and relevance in 21st century and Buddhist art, iconography and architecture. The technical session was followed by a cultural programme where artists performed Odissi and Chau (a martial art) dance along with classical songs.

The first half of the third day was dedicated for a presentation by hoteliers and tour

operators on how to draw tourists into Odisha and make the Buddhist circuit of the state a global tourist destination. The session was chaired

by Tripathy.

The valedictory ceremony was initiated by governor of Odisha, Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare .

Prof Himanshu Prabha Ray, chairperson, National March 2013

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Monuments Authority, Prof K T S Sarao, department of Buddhist studies, University of Delhi along with eminent scholars from Sri Lanka Prof Anura Manatunga and Prof Daya Edirisinghe from University of Kelaniya made valedictory speeches on prominence of Odisha in shaping the Buddhist history of the world.

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Getting high on tea Twinings has launched a new tea for British Airways, specifically designed to work at altitude

he British Airways signature blend tea will take to the skies from February 2013 for passengers in all cabins. With research to prove that taste can be reduced by up to 30 per cent at 35,000 feet, the airline commissioned Twinings to come up with a teabag that would taste as good in the sky as it does on the ground.

Kate Thornton, head of product and service, British Airways says, “British Airways has decided to lead a campaign to improve tea in the air. With an incredible number of teas available from around the world, there is a real opportunity to create innovative new flavours, perfect for flight. At British Airways we serve 35 million cups a year and we are proud to have what we believe is the best traditional British cuppa in the air.”

The airline conducted

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The reduced air pressure and humidity affect the functioning of the tastebuds, making things taste different.

In addition, it was important that the new blend worked well with and without milk tastings on the ground and in the air with a panel of 19 customers, cabin crew and experts including Twinings www.expresstravelworld.com

senior blender Mike Wright who says, “Water on board an aircraft boils at around 89 degrees centigrade, not the ideal 100 degrees for making black tea. The reduced air pressure and humidity affect the functioning of the tastebuds, making things taste different. In addition to this, it was important that the new blend worked well with and without milk. The new British Airways blend is balanced to create greattasting tea at 35,000 feet.”

Wright, adds that they had to develop a blend that satisfies and performs for a global audience with perhaps a British 'background' flavour. "After extensive in flight testing we found that a combination of Assam tea for body and roundness of cup, Kenyan for briskness, refreshment brightness of cup and high grown Ceylon for flavour and lightness.

When combined, these flavours produced a fantas-

tic cup. We also found that a particular type of tea manufacture known as 'cut tear and curl' used in the Kenyan and Assam tea gave a fast and efficient extraction at altitude."

The new tea is thus a blend of Assam, Kenyan and high grown Ceylon tea and has been specially created for British Airways in three-pint bags to enable cabin crew to serve the new blend straight from the pot.

In First Class, customers are also being treated to a selection of speciality teas from the Twinings Whole Leaf Silky Pyramids range which includes English Breakfast; Earl Grey; Mint Humbug; Jasmine Pearls; Red Berry Fool and Honeycomb Camomile.In Club World, customers have a choice of Cranberry and Elderflower, Camomile and Peppermint infusions as well as Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Green Tea. March 2013

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T H E C U T T I N G E D G E I N T R AV E L T R A D E

TECH TREND

One call to solve it all Travel anxiety might be just a syndrome but almost everyone is afflicted with it when it comes to securing personal belongings like wallets, mobiles and travel document. OneAssist Consumer Service Solutions provides solutions which can make a traveller's life a little less complicated. By Sayoni Bhaduri he frenetic pace of life is often too much to handle for many, and loss of personal belongings like wallets mobiles just becomes the beginning of a nightmare.

And if such a situation occurs during a vacation the nightmare takes an all new direction. Enter OneAssist. “We are aspiring to become a onestop assistance company. All our services can be activated on one call,” Subrat Pani. cofounder and director, OneAssist Consumer Service Solutions says. He further adds the idea came about with premise that Indians are not ‘do it yourself’ savvy but more ‘do it for me’ and they will be comfortable with helpline numbers.

Pani explains further,

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“We conducted a consumer research based on the criteria what worries a consumer the most. It was an anxiety mapping exercise.” The survey brought out six set of worries – commuting, household related, health and medical career progression, finance and wealth and loss or theft.

OneAssist’s focus area is on the loss and theft aspect. The theft aspect spanned, documents, passport, bank cards, mobile, online fraud, etc. In their first phase of development, they have introduced four assistance products – WalletAssist, MobileAssist, EverydayAssist and TripAssist. Based on a subscription format, consumers can subscribe to any of the four products, which allows them to place just one call to

OneAssist ties up with MakeMyTrip OneAssist Consumer Solution has partnered with MakeMyTrip to offer its ‘assistance and protection’ products to MakeMyTrip customers. OneAssist’s EverydayAssist and TripAssist are particularly designed for travellers to secure their wallet and smartphone data against loss or theft and protect them from worries related with such incidents.

MakeMyTrip customers can avail of these products at the time of booking their tickets or holiday packages online. The offer is now live for International travellers and will soon be extended to Domestic travellers. Gagan Maini, co-founder, OneAssist Consumer Solutions, said, “Our products provide comprehensive 24x7 solutions which we believe would add significant value to MakeMyTrip travellers.”

March 2013

Gagan Maini and Subrat Pani OneAssist OneAssist who will then deactivate, block, apply for renewal for any of the lost items.

For the Wallet Assist, the one call will block all bank cards, help in re-application and facilitation for PAN card and driving license. In case the client is travelling, there is provision to pay off the hotel bill and the return flight ticket; within India the company will also provide emergency cash with a payback in 28 days. “Post that one call that the client makes, he has no liability. We even offer a seven days pre reporting loss cover upto `two lakh, if the loss of the wallet hasn’t been detected and fraudulent activities have been noted on the cards,” says Pani.

He guarantees that the information with OneAssist associates are limited.

A customer with an OneAssist account has a digital vault – Docusafe accessible only to him, where he can save copies of www.expresstravelworld.com

documents and data. “The data is encrypted and masked,” he adds. The data is stored in company's own server and not on a cloud system which offers an additional back up.

If a customer is stranded in another city, OneAssist facilitates hotel check-out and return flight ticket.

Within India, they also offer emergency cash with a payback in 28 days. “We have tried to plug all the gaps that might occur in a scenario of losing wallets and mobiles and, offer immediate relief,” says Pani. He adds that their speed and a one-stop approach is what differentiates them.

The MobileAssist activates at the loss of a mobile phone which often contains data of a more personal nature. “The loss of the handset is the least of the worries, the two important t h i n g s which are more worrisome are the loss of contacts and net-

works and, access to personal information,” says Pani.

With the MobileAssist, there are two apps which assure mobile security and data backup which is stored in the OneAssist's digital vault.

Apart from this, the SIM card is immediately blocked, there is also a SIM misuse insurance cover upto `3000. The device is remotely locked, any data on the mobile – handset and the memory card - is erased. A temporary handset is provided for seven days. “This doorstep service is currently available in 25 cities and we are looking at increasing this to 40 cities,” he adds. Emergency SMSs is possible to near and dear ones and if necessary emergency calls can also be made.

“We are looking at adding handset insurance,” Pani says.

TripAssist is a customised product offered for 30 days which covers wallet, mobile as well as passport and other trip essential. Apart from the combination of WalletAssist and MobileAssist, there is a language interpreter on demand with 200 languages.

“In case of a lost passport we facilitate and guide the customer to the local embassy and required forms that need to be filled in,” explains Pani.

The service only activates during the start of the travel.

“The value is in the holistic end-to-end services that we provide,” says Pani. Their model of growth currently is a B2B2C where OneAssist is tying up with B2B partners who offer these services to their clients as a value added services on a revenue sharing basis. Currently they are working with three banks as well as mobile retail stores in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. They have recently tied up with MakeMyTrip to sell and promote TripAssist. With 100,000 customers across different products, OneAssist plans to extend their services in financial assistance and theft protection.

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KERALA TOURISM

Kerala: The wellness destination Of all the places on earth there is just one that is literally shaped by a tradition of ayurveda which goes back to thousands of years. In Kerala, some of the world's most experienced practitioners open up the healing secrets of ayurveda every day

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erala can easily be called the only place that has an unbroken tradition of Ayurveda. Here, this 5000 year old system of healing continued to thrive over the centuries - thanks to the land's geographical isolation. For centuries, ayurveda was sought-after by the people as a prime option for healing almost every ailment.

The Vaidyas (traditional practitioners) – especially the legendary Ashtavaidyas renowned for their magical healing touch -played a key role in strengthening the tradition of ayurveda in the state.

Ashtavaidyas, traditional physicians who are experts in the eight branches of ayurveda, as laid out in Ashtangahridayam, (the user-friendly treatise on the science) have contributed much to Kerala's rise as a prominent centre for a thousand-year-old tradition.The unique Ashtavaidya tradition is said to have evolved as a result of the centuries-old interaction between text-based ayurveda practices and regional folk medical practices utilising Kerala's rich medicinal flora. Of the original 18 Ashtavaidya families, a few still remain in practice in the state.

Kerala's deeply-rooted Sanskrit heritage which enabled practitioners to interpret the original ayurvedic Sanskrit teachings was another significant factor that led to the land's supremacy in this natural system of science.

The home of ayurveda There is perhaps no other place in the world that provides the perfect natural setting for ayurveda's healing touch. Kerala's tropical forests are home to over 900 different ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants, and Agasthyakoodam, a peak in the south-

ern part, nurtures some of the rarest varieties - most of them endemic to the region.

The mountain and the surrounding Western Ghats constitute a hotbed of bio-diversity with over 700 medicinal plants.

Kerala's many sacred groves or kavus are also rich preserves of herbal wealth.

What's more interesting is that every herb in Kerala is more potent than that found elsewhere in the world – the rich alkaloid content in the soil adding to the potency. This makes the formulations derived from them extremely effective. Even the classic preparations have been proved to be superior in effect. With herbs available across every season, Kerala ensures the continuity and consistency that ayurveda demands for making treatments effective.

Long before the world woke up to ayurveda, it was a way of life in Kerala connected to almost every aspect of daily life. An oil massage was customary before the daily morning bath and every home grew herbs that went into making simple homemade ayurvedic remedies. The monsoon season of Karkidakam (July-August), considered as the ideal time for ayurveda,

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was kept aside for rejuvenative massages and diets.

Even the elephants in Kerala enjoy an ayurvedic diet during monsoon and massages have long been customary for Kalaripayattu (Kerala's traditional martial art) artistes to increase flexibility of the body. Many seasonal rituals and religious ceremonies in Kerala also echo the tenets of ayurveda.

Ayurvedic traditions find expression in Kerala's cuisine too. Sadya, the traditional meal of the state, for instance, follows the ayurvedic principle of shad rasas and features six flavours ranging from sweet to sour, aimed at harmoniously blending acidity and alkalinity to aid digestion.

Qualified healthcare Some of the most effective ayurvedic processes and protocols that have emerged during the last few centuries owe their existence to Kerala. Here, generations of ayurvedic practitioners have dedicated their lives to re-interpreting the theories of this age-old science - adapting them into effective healing systems for everyday life. It is in Kerala that Kashaya Chikitsa (treatment using concoctions) became a standardised protocol and the Panchakarma treatment, which is mostly a detoxifying phase, became a curative process. The Kerala Vaidyars have also made great strides in toxicology March 2013

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and in the treatment of fractures, arthritis, jaundice etc.

The latest immobilisation techniques and hundreds of kizhis (herbal powders tied inmuslin bags) were found here. Today, a new generation of physicians, consisting of more than 12,000 ayurvedic doctors carry forward this tradition of excellence.

Trained in modern diagnostic techniques, they practise ayurveda as a scientific discipline - backed by research and contemporary anatomical findings.

The Kani tribes of Kerala knew the healing power of many herbs like arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus). For many years, when allopathic medicines failed to cure critical liver diseases, people turned to a concoction called malamarunnu (literally, medicine of the mountain) that the Kani elders pre-

pared from arogyapacha.

More than 100 government-run ayurveda hospitals with over 2700 beds, several private health centres, around 750 dispensaries, over 800 registered Ayurveda medicine manufacturing units gives Kerala one of the world's best ayurvedic healthcare infrastructure. Home to some of India's oldest ayurvedic institutions, several premier ayurvedic centres, ayurvedic ashrams, clinics, resorts and spas are located here.

Kerala also saw India's first ayurvedic college started in 1889 at Thiruvananthapuram. Today, the state is India's most important hub for ayurvedic studies with 16 colleges that offer graduate and post graduate programmes. Affiliated to universities in Kerala, these colleges play an important role in moulding a new generation of professionals who are well-equipped to heal the world.

To showcase the riches of Kerala to his superiors, the then Dutch Governor of Kerala, Van Rheede produced a tome in 12 volumes called the Hortus Malabaricus (The Garden of Malabar). In this treatise on 780 rare plant species found in Kerala, Rheede points out that many valuable drugs used in European cities, were actually made from medicinal plants of Malabar.

An authentic wellness experience The popularity of ayurveda has today led Kerala Tourism to take stringent measures in sustaining the quality of the products and services offered. A certification system has been introduced by the state government to classify centres into Green Leaf and Olive Leaf categories based on the quality and standard of services and products. The classifications ensure that the treatments and therapies are offered only under the supervision of a qualified physician with a recognised degree in ayurveda and that all masseurs have sufficient training from recognised ayurvedic institutions. The therapeutic and rejuvenative programmes offered by these centres are also approved by a special committee and measures are taken to ensure that the medicine used is from an approved and reputed firm. The ayurveda centres in Kerala are graded based on the quality of technical personnel, medicine, health programmes and equipment. Only those centres which are classified/approved are promoted by Kerala Tourism.

Acclaimed as one of the fifty must-see destinations of a lifetime, Kerala blends wellness with leisure. Thanks to the ease and affordability of international travel as well as the improved standards of care, every year thousands of travellers from across the world arrive in this 'Mecca of Ayurveda', to refresh and rejuvenate themselves.

With ayurvedic institutions, resorts and spas located in some of the most scenic locations of the state, visitors can move from one to another in a matter of hours - to enjoy a holiday by the backwaters, beach, hill station or forests. â—?

Courtesy: keralatourism.org

March 2013

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E|D|G|E EVENT ROUNDUP

Showcasing the Tiger Capital of India Declared as the Tiger Capital of India as it connects many tiger reserves in India to the world, Nagpur lies precisely at the centre of the country with the Zero Mile marker indicating the geographical centre of India. It was therefore the perfect setting for Showcase Jagsons, central India’s first B2B event for the travel trade fraternity. By Steena Joy

agpur in central India, the gateway to three world renowned tiger sanctuaries – Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh, also nicknamed the Orange City because of its abundant orange orchards, was recently the venue of the region’s first ever B2B platform for the travel trade fraternity in India Showcase Jagsons, a private initiative by Jagsons Travels was attended by about 28 trade partners and associates of the Nagpurbased tour operator showcasing more then 60 different products and variable interests. Over two days, nearly 160 travel agents not only from Nagpur but also from far flung areas like Pune, Jalna, Beed. Gondia, Bilaspur, Akola, Amravati, other cities of Vidarbha as well as the neighbouring bordering states of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh attended the event held at Hotel Centre Point in Ramdaspeth, one of the oldest hotels in Nagpur.

The event saw the launch of the first dedicated online portal for Maldives, Jfly.

The portal will be managed by a consortium formed between the Island Group, Sand Destination Consultants and Jagsons Travels.

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An idea sees fruition Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Harmandeep Singh Anand, managing

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director, Jagsons Travels, said, “The idea was conceptualised three years ago by me and my brother Rishiraj.

We thought, why not educate the agent and create an opportunity for us to grow as a B2B player? Finally this year we decided to give it a go. Looking at the overwhelming respose, we are definitely at making this an annual event. Maybe on a larger scale and around the third week of January every year. Reaching out to all our select 180 agents across India who we have been partnering with. This is a long term investment for us.”

Highlighting the USP of Showcase Jagsons, he added, “This is the first time a wholesaler has come out openly to showcase his partners. We wanted to change that mindset. They work with us and when they grow, we definitely grow with them. We foresee a larger participation in 2014 and we even plan to make the 2014 event an eco-friendly one. Initially we will hold the annual event in Nagpur but gradually if we feel that it has become bigger then we will take the concept to other cities as well.”

Explaining the main aim of the initiative, Anand said, “With the changing environment just now, the main aim of Showcase Jagsons is to showcase to our partners that they need to look beyond just ticket-

ing. There are hundreds of options for the agent to earn revenue. The exhibitor profile we have at this event is varied. The participants are offering a whole bouquet of services – from airlines and visa services to hotels to sports tourism, mobile sim card, insurance, GDS, MICE and even tourism boards are participating. Tourism Malaysia, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, The Oberoi Group, Marriott Hotels India, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Accor, Taj Tours, Glacier 3000, Outbound Marketing and Saltours International were some of the participants.

Jfly is a really unique portal, for tracking a destination specific live inventory.Though we are Nagpur based, with technology today we don’t need franchises or branch offices. We have our partners. We just need to connect with them which is what Showcase Jagsons is all about.”

About Nagpur, Anand explained that as there are many domestic flights from the city’s international airport, it is well connected to most metros. “Being an industrial belt, there is good amount of money available in the market with a good number of HNIs, so there is plenty of opportunity in the regional market as well as many feeder markets bordering the city.

These are the markets we want to reach into. The region has nearly 35 TAAI members and around 250 agents in Vidarbha region alone,” he informed.

Commenting on Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation’s (MTDC) role in the state's tourism development, Anand believes that though the organisation is doing its work, there is lot of scope for improvement. “Roads need to improve and infrastructure needs upgradation. We also need to promote our tiger reserves. It is sad that many people do not even know that Rudyard Kipling’s famous work, Jungle Book, was conceived in the Pench National Park!”

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E|D|G|E Nagpur has added a lot of room inventory recently with Radisson Blu, the latest to join the other brands in the city like Tuli, Pride Hotels and Sun N Sand, with the possibility of a Taj property coming here soon.

“With the Boeing MRO (MIHAN) coming up here, there are a lot of employment prospects which means need for more rooms.

Currently, on a rough estimate there are around 700800 rooms in the four-star and five-star category, and 1500-2000 rooms in the twothree star and budget segment. “As the demand is seasonal – full occupancies during the Winter Session of Parliament or during a cricket match - the current inventory is just adequate.”

A perfect platform Aman Bhatia, partner, Island Holidays, expressed his belief that there is a huge market for travel in and around Nagpur. “There is at least one booking per day from here to Maldives. We see a lot of large groups going to USA and Canada.

Being the richest city in Maharashtra, there is also a lot of demand for Europe as well,” he informed. He was very appreciative of this debut effort by Jagsons. “A buyer-seller meet of this kind is usually organised by only tourism boards. So it is a great initiative by a private tour operator for the growth of the trade.”

Arun Raghu, director, Fans On Stands Sports, “While travel trade as always boomed in major metros in India, reach and support to agents/trade partners in this part of the country has been limited.

They are heavily dependent on the travel eco system in Mumbai. With an event like Showcase Jagsons, local travel trade gets a perfect platform to engage with the global travel eco system for better and bigger opportunities in their home circuit. It is a great initiative by Jagsons and we hope to be back here next year.”

Revealing his thoughts on the sports tourism market in the country, Raghu said, “Sports as a category is driven by passion whether its a participant or the audience.

The sports tourism and ticketing industry is growing because of the growth of sports as well as the expansion of the tourism industry.

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tourism industry is having a positive impact on the sports based tourism and ticketing industry. While in India the sports tourism and ticketing market is still nascent, it is growing rapidly both within the consumer and corporate sectors.” As for Nagpur, he added, “In the beginning sports tourism as a category was believe to be very metro centric.However, recent trends indicate that Tier II markets like Nagpur also have huge requirements.

We’ve had people travelling to events like Singapore GP, FIFA World Cup 2010, Euro 2012, English Premier League, Wimbledon from this region.”

His learnings from Showcase Jagsons? “We don’t have to market sporting events as people are already aware of them. The need of the hour is to educate them about the 'Dos and Don’ts' around sporting events, the right channels and process to procure tickets and merchandise etc,” he opined.

Raju Akolkar, Destinations Travel & Vacation Planners, was all praise for the Jagsons team.

“An excellently organised show, keeping in mind the minutest requirement. It has covered almost all the areas of travel industry. Right from visas to hotels, destinations, DMCs, travel planning, tourism boards, sports tourism, etc. Undoubtedly a timely event for the travel fraternity of this part of the country,” he said.

On his learnings from the event, he said, “I must say that it was an eye-opener from so many angles. An excellent platform for networking and interaction between travel agents and the suppliers. The response was so huge that it really helped the travel agents of central India and vice versa.

Numerous offers, new products, promotions, education, deals and also one-to-one interactions were the highlights of the show. Two bags full of product brochures and promotional material to take back home was the icing on the cake!” Offering his insights on the Nagpur market, he opined, “The customer out here is very price conscious. It's not that he doesn't have the a money to spend, but the attitude is typical. The popular destinations are Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Sri Lanka. Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Australia- for some premium

clients. Europe, of course is the ultimate travel dream of travellers. But, the actual travellers to Europe are very few. Domestically, Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Golden Triangle, Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir are some of the popular destinations of Nagpurians. Air Arabia flies from Nagpur to Sharjah four times a week, the only international flight.”

Nandini Mulay, director, 3A Travels felt that the show was a very informative and enlightening experience. “I learned that to increase my business I can have direct tie-ups with hotels and how I can make my own packages instead of being dependent on other tour operators and agents. Such events should be held often for the travel agents awareness and increase in business.”

Based in Nagpur, Mulay feels that the market has grown tremendously in the last few years. “It is a mature market now and there are families and groups asking for new destinations for their holidays.

Last year destinations like Tashkent and South Africa did very well. There are a lot of families taking European destination packages instead of the usual Far East ones. There has also been an increase in families going to Dubai/Sharjah since there are direct flights from Nagpur. So the packages to UAE are popular. Nagpur market has great potential not only for business travel but leisure travel as well”.

First timers to the Nagpur market, Gopi Motwani - senior manager – operations, Dubai Visa & Marhaba Services, said, “The event was indeed helpful to us from a reach prospective.

The turnout was really good and people were excited about the event since it was the first of its kind in the central India market. We did learn that we had underestimated the potential of the Vidarbha region and yes it has changed our prospective about it.”

He too agreed that it is a very mature market with a lot of scope for development.

“It will take a couple more of such events to educate the travel fraternity here. I definitely see more potential for all hoteliers and airlines in this market. With the growing economy and a little help from the aviation industry we should be able to develop this market in a big way over the coming years,” he forecast.

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Glimpses of Showcase Jagsons 2013

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March 2013

Travel

Life

ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCES

Silver perspectives Recognising the importance of mind-enriching experiences for luxury cruise guests, Silversea Cruises has again signed up an impressive array of renowned names for its enrichment programme this year ans of the hit television series Downton Abbey will be pleased to know that British royalty expert Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, OBE, a consultant to the programme (which airs on ITV in the UK and PBS in the US), will be returning to Silversea Cruises this year as a Silver Perspectives host.

The Silver Perspectives programme includes lectures, informal talks and demonstrations to enrich a guest's understanding of the lands he visits, and the people who live there, discovering fascinating aspects of the local lifestyle – past and present – as celebrated guest speakers, noted historians, celebrity chefs, bestselling authors, destination consultants and world affairs experts share their special insights into areas of the world they know intimately.

Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas, says, "We are honoured to feature such a distinguished group of international guest speakers as part of our enrichment programme this year. They will offer insights into a wide range of topics, and their talks just might inspire our guests to see the world from a whole new perspective." Following is a small sampling of guest lecturers and their respective voyages in 2013: Silver Spirit - Voyage 5311 (Monte Carlo to Venice) Wendy Leigh: The New York Times bestselling British author of Prince Charming: The J.F.K. Jr. Story, The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy - also a play, which premiered in the US - and

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True Grace: The Life and Times of an American Princess. She is also coauthor of Life with My Sister Madonna.

Silver Shadow - Voyage 3320 (Vancouver to Vancouver) William Gurstelle: Named to Wired magazine's Smart List, Gurstelle is a bestselling author, engineer, and professional speaker. The author of Backyard Ballistics, Absinthe and Flamethrowers, and seven other books, he is recognised for his particular talent for making science and technology accessible, intriguing, and – most of all – fun to all readers and audiences.

Silver Spirit - Voyage 5322 (Venice to Athens) Leeza Gibbons: She is currently co-host of America Now, the nightly syndicated TV news magazine, and the TV show My Generation (on PBS stations). Gibbons also served as executive producer

of her talk show, Leeza, which debuted on NBC in 1994 and continued nationally through 2000. She garnered 27 Daytime Emmy nominations, including both Outstanding Talk Show and Outstanding Talk Show Host, and won three.

Silver Cloud - Voyage 1323 (Southampton to Monte Carlo) Brian Hoey: This author and broadcaster has written 26 books about the British royal family, including the official biography of Princess Anne and the official history of the royal yacht Britannia.

He also wrote the first guide to Buckingham Palace when it opened to the public in 1993. He was the first host of the BBC Wales TV news programme Wales Today in 1962 and he was also a television commentator at the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales in 1969.

Silver Whisper - Voyage 4322 (Copenhagen to www.expresstravelworld.com

Stockholm) Tim Hughes, PhD: Hughes has been a consultant to the BBC since 1994, working as an advisor on national elections, Zimbabwe and Nelson Mandela in particular.

A member of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) since 1989, he has written a book on South Africa's foreign policy in the postapartheid period, and is the editor of some 22 publications on Africa.

Silver Spirit - Voyage 5329 (Athens to Istanbul) Patricia Schultz: She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. A veteran travel journalist with 25 years of experience, Schultz has written for guides such as Frommer's and Berlitz and periodicals including The Wall Street Journal and Every Day with Rachael Ray. Silver Spirit - Voyage 5335 (Barcelona to Fort

Lauderdale) Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, OBE: A descendant of Robert the Bruce, he is the author of numerous books on British royalty and a commentator for Britain's Sky News and the BBC. He is also a documentary filmmaker and was historical advisor to recent award-winning films such as The Young Victoria and The King's Speech, as well as the ITV/PBS television series Downton Abbey.

Silver Cloud - Voyage 1332 (Barbados to Rio de Janeiro) Rick Senat: A 40-year film industry veteran, Senat was a London-based senior business affairs executive for Warner Brothers for 25 years.

He has worked with many prominent filmmakers and is associated with several important movie projects including Harry Potter, Greystoke, Batman and Superman films.

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HolidayIQ.com

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Visit Orlando

HolidayIQ.com has appointed Sushant Sreeram as vice president – product marketing. In his new role, Sreeram will play an important role in the growth and profitability of the business through scaling the company’s product marketing initiati ves. He will also be responsible for identifying underlying shifts and emerging opportunities in India’s travel space to further strengthen the HolidayIQ.com brand among travellers in the country. Prior to this, Sreeram was heading acquisition marketing at eBay India

Visit Orlando has named George Armando Aguel president and chief executive officer. Aguel brings more than 35 years of executive-level experience in sales and marketing. Most recently as senior vice president of Global Corporate Alliances and Operating Participants at The Walt Disney Company, he led worldwide management for the company’s strategic corporate alliance agreements across all business units of the company.

Aguel also served as senior vice president of Worldwide Sales and Services for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for 22 years.

Finnair

Rolls-Royce

Finnair has appointed Peter Gabrielsson as vice president, inflight customer service, effective March 2013. Gabrielsson has several years of aviation experience with Finnair and Qatar Airways. Previously he headed Finnair Revenue Management and Pricing.

Gabrielsson will also join Finnair’s Management Board, which comprises company management and personnel representation.

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has confirmed that Ian Davis will succeed Sir Simon Robertson as chairman.

Davis spent more than thirty years with McKinsey & Company, including six as chairman and worldwide managing director.

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Carlson Rezidor

PATA

Hawaiian Airlines

Carlson Rezidor has promoted K B Kachru to chairman of the hotel group in South Asia, and appointed Raj Rana to succeed him as chief executive officer. Kachru and Rana will both report directly to Simon C Barlow, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, who is based in Singapore.The changes will take effect on July 1, 2013.

PATA has appointed Daniela Wagner as PATA European coordinator. From 1998 to 2003, Wagner was vice-president, corporate affairs for the World Travel & Tourism Council. For seven years in the 1990s she was executive director of European Tour Operators Association.

Hawaiian Airlines has appointed Michael Chock as director of Alliances and Airline Partnerships.

In his new position, Chock is responsible primarily for developing business relationships with codeshare and interline partners that will help enable Hawaiian to expand its reach to a broader base of customers in domestic and international markets.

Ahn Luh Ahn Luh, a Chinese hotel management group has appointed its first CEO. Akira Moreno, currently the vice president of development and pre-opening services for GHM, takes on the new responsibility while maintaining his duties at GHM which partnered with Beijing Tourism Group and Great Ocean Group, to form Ahn Luh.

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Kingston Holdings

Kingston Holdings has appointed Patsada Satthacharoen as its new director of marketing communications. Patsada is responsible for the marketing and public relations operations of Kingston’s six properties in Bangkok.

The Oberoi Group

Kapil Chopra has been appointed as president, The Oberoi Group. Chopra will be responsible for all The Oberoi and Trident Hotels in India. An alumni of The Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development (OCLD), Chopra’s experience as a hotelier spans over 19 years. Most recently, he was the executive vice president of the Group and was instrumental in opening the two flagship properties -The Oberoi and Trident in Gurgaon.

March 2013

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Express TravelWorld Business Avenues

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Happy Anniversary!

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Loyally yours

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) recently celebrated its first anniversary in New Delhi

Macau calling

Dr D Y Patil, director, BVIMSR (left) and Stuart Evans, general manager, UK, ICLP (right), presenting the 6th Loyalty Award 2013 in the 'Best use of Customer & Data Analytics' category to Kaushal Satam, head-JetPrivilege, Jet Airways (centre)

Way to go Wego!

MGTO (Macau Government Tourist office) in association with HKTB (Hong Kong Tourism Board) organised a familiarisation trip for 40 agents from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai

Young minds

Wego opened its Middle East and North Africa headquarters in Dubai Internet City recently. Seen in the picture are Wego co-founders Ross Veitch and Craig Hewett with managing director Middle East, Mohamad Ibrahim Masri (centre)

Spicing up China

Master Reshan from Sankara Vidhyalaya School, holds the winning trophy for The Young Scientist - Tamil Nadu - 2013 while Dr S P Vishwanathan, director KGS Designs (ex-chief Bell Helicopters), Science teacher Sankara Vidhyalaya School, US Consul General Jennifer Melntyr, Prof Dr Kaliraj VC anna University and Srimathy Kesan, director, Space Kidz India look on

MBA mantra

Neil Mills, SpiceJet CEO (second from right) at the inauguration of the SpiceJet office at the Foreign Economic & Trade Mansion in Guangzhou, China March 2013

Co-founder and director of Ecomantra, Ravi Goel, addressing MBA students from Kashmir on tourism, its scope and the career opportunities it offers at an annual program called ‘Udaan’, organised by CII and Godrej

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Trafalgar training

Barefoot on the beach

India’s inaugural beach soccer tournament, Barefoot Fest 2013 kicked off amidst much fanfare at Calangute beach in Goa recently

Trafalgar recently conducted a product presentation for travel agents across major cities in South India that included Trivandrum, Kochi, Hyderabad and Chennai. The seminars were led by Darshan Maheshwari, country manager – India, The Travel Corporation

Buddhist trail in Odisha

Delegates at Ratnagiri monastery

Toshali Udayagiri Convention Centre, the venue of International Conference on Buddhist Heritage of Odisha

SKAL nite

SKAL International Bombay organised a dinner in Mumbai recently which was attended by important members of the travel trade fraternity

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