Travel and Hospitality (TnH) - November 2017

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Travel Hospitality ISSUE 02 | VOLUME IX | NOVEMBER 2017 | `50

PA G E S 5 2

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www.tnhglobal.com

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Travel Hospitality ISSUE 02 | VOLUME IX | NOVEMBER 2017 | `50

PA G E S 5 2

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CONTENTS 14

12

24 16 12 14 24

COVER STORY Sustainable and responsible tourism: need of the hour

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Smart ways to be a responsible traveller

ECOTOURISM Advantages Galore of Ecotourism

FEATURE Pack green If you care about the nature

16

28

32 46

28 32 46

ECOTOURISM Top destinations for ecotourism in India

DESTINATION Romania: a land of stunning natural landscapes

BITE CORNER Pamper your taste buds at The Great Kabab Factory Park Plaza Gurgaon

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FROM THE EDITOR

Green is the New Black

Publisher & Editor Srishti Rai Director Bharat S. Rai Managing Editor Prem Kumar General Manager - Marketing Prem Sagar premsagar@tnhindia.com (M) +91 99106 81111 Art Director Sunny Singh Web Designer Mohit Chaudhary Senior Reporter Archana Sharma Correspondent (Kolkata) Swaati Chaudhury Accounts Chander Shakher Balodi Administration Executive Sarwat Jahan

For any query, write to us at: info@tnhindia.com

www.tnhglobal.com Printed, published and owned by Srishti Rai. Printed at Somsons Printing Works, 1/7, DoctorÊs Lane, Gole Market, New Delhi - 110001, and published at P- 23/90, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110001; Editor: SRISHTI RAI

Taking inspiration from the theme of World Travel Market (WTM) 2017, this issue of TnH is dedicated to creating environmental awareness through interesting and informative articles on responsible travel.

We at TnH believe that travel should be enjoyable, exciting, life enhancing and earth sustaining. Considering the growing popularity of all things green, one could argue that the future of sustainable travel is bright and no doubt we could see the effects of this cultural shift when editing our story 'Top companies for practicing Responsible Tourism' on page 36. It was hard to narrow our list down to just five since so many companies in the travel industry are doing inspiring work in the green space. We are proud to feature our current list and will cover the other companies on our website www.tnhglobal.com. However, while businesses like ITC, Lemon Tree serve as proof that green companies can succeed in a competitive market, one only has to look as far as our some of favorite domestic destinations like Manali to see how far from green we are. The expensive cost or the 'curse' of being a ‘popular’ destination might seem unavoidable but we find that if you

were to take the time and effort to find the right providers, be aware and take care, there are plenty of ways to keep our destinations safe and our dangerous footprints firmly off them. Read our cover story, 'Responsible and Sustainable Tourism: Need of the Hour' on page 16 to understand how imperative it is to promote responsible tourism or suffer losing some of the most beautiful destinations to the ill- effects of mass tourism.

Change does not come through wishful thinking. We propose that all of you personally and professionally begin the process of identifying the impacts of your actions on the environment. Make sure you are mindful of your company's and your own carbon footprint and continuously take steps to evolve to promote sustainability. It's our duty to leave our planet in good shape for future generations and we have presented a series of articles that give you tips and tricks to do the same. Do read 'Smart ways to be a responsible traveller', 'Pack green if you care about the nature' and 'Top destinations for ecotourism in India', on page 12, 24 and 28 respectively.

We hope this issue is able to inspire you to become more involved with a dialogue about sustainability and your environmental impact. As always, we invite all of our readers to write to us so we can discuss ways forward together and keep the dialogue thriving – and of course, like already mentioned we encourage you to take action in your own way.

Srishti Rai Editor

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NEWS

VFS GLOBAL BRINGS THAILAND VISAS CLOSER TO YOUR DOORSTEP Travellers can now apply for Thailand visas at VFS Global

umes of applicants from India.

When applying through VFS

Thailand Visa Application Cen-

Global, applicants will be able to

tres in 13 cities across India

avail of the additional benefits on

VFS Global recently received au-

offer across VFS Global’s Visa Ap-

thorisation from the Royal Thai

plication Centres including serv-

Embassy in New Delhi and its

ices such as SMS updates, courier

Consulates in Chennai, Kolkata

services, online tracking services,

and Mumbai to process Thailand

among others.

visa applications across India. In

Said Vinay Malhotra, Chief Oper-

order to provide convenience to

ating Officer – Middle East and

the travellers from across East,

South Asia, VFS Global, “Thailand

West, North and South India, VFS

has long been a popular destina-

Global has expanded its network

tion for Indian travellers, and a

of Thailand Visa Application Cen-

long-standing partner of VFS

tres to 13 cities.

Global. For well over a decade, we

VFS Global has already been

have proudly served The Royal

Vinay Malhotra Chief Operating Officer – Middle East and South Asia, VFS Global

• Dedicated website to provide

servicing Thailand visas in East,

Thai Embassy and The Royal Thai

information on visa categories,

North and South India, with cen-

Consulate General in India, with

fees and other application related

tres in the cities of Delhi, Kolkata,

nine centres. It is therefore an ho-

details

Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ben-

nour to announce that VFS Global

galuru, Gurugram, Kochi and

has been authorised to expand its

Chandigarh. With the addition of

Thailand visa services across India

operations in Western India, trav-

through its network of visa centres

ellers can now also apply for a

in 13 cities. We look forward to

Thailand visa at any one of the

successful operations in the new

return of visa documents to ad-

VFS Global Thailand Visa Applica-

cities, and to many more years of

dress of choice

tion Centres in Mumbai, Pune,

strong association with Thailand.”

Ahmedabad and Goa. With Thailand emerging as one

Key features of the Thailand Visa Application Centres include:

• Call Centre and email support to answer queries • Online tracking of application status • Convenient and secure courier

Thailand Visa Application Centres in India Ahmedabad | Bengaluru |

of the top destinations for Indian

• Professional and responsive

Chandigarh | Chennai | Goa | Guru-

travellers, VFS Global’s appoint-

staff with local language capabil-

gram | Hyderabad | Jaipur | Kochi |

ment as a service provider will

ity, dedicated to handle visa

Kolkata | Mumbai | New Delhi |

greatly benefit the growing vol-

queries

Pune

IT’S TIME FOR RETREAT IN TAIWAN! Health and wellness have become bywords in India, as people are embracing the benefits exercise offers combined with a healthy

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

lifestyle and good food. Taking cues from the success of the health conscious new wave, Sunny Arora, entrepreneur and Fitness Enthusiast has recently launched India's premium and organized fitness revolution through Fitness tourism. FitZup would be dedicated to introduce and promote natural and healthy alternatives to the health conscious and fitness addicts.

The revolution pledges to revive the ancient techniques and deep-rooted philosophy of Ayurveda, in a more modern and urban avatar to acquaint the new India with the glorious roots of its past.

Retreat Taiwan is the second stop in its International fitness tour -- the core vibe of the tour focuses on the idea of celebratby TNH DESK ing fitness and travel.

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NEWS

NO SERVICE CHARGE ON TRAIN E-TICKET TILL MARCH 2018 The government had waived service charges after demonetisation in November last year to encourage digital modes of booking.

Rail passengers will continue to get service charge exemption on tickets booked online till March 2018. The government had waived service charges after demonetisation in November last year to encourage digital modes of booking. The facility had been extended to June 30 and then September 30. Service charges on booking train tickets online through IRCTC ranges from Rs 20 to 40 per ticket.

In a September 29 missive to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the ticketing agency of the railways, the Railway Board directed that the benefits be extended till March next year. Senior railway officials say that almost 33% of the IRCTC revenue comes from the service charge collected on online bookings.

As per the revenue collection of the last financial year, about Rs 540 crore of IRCTC’s revenue of over Rs 1,500 crore came from ticket bookings. An amount of around Rs. 184 crore has not been realised from passengers on account of service charge and service tax thereon on reserved tickets booked online from November 23, 2016 to February 28, 2017.

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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NEWS

MACAO DESIGNATED AS UNESCO CREATIVE CITY OF GASTRONOMY Macao now boosts of yet another world renowned status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, which is set to bring an array of new opportunities to promote Macao’s unique gastronomic culture and develop a sustainable tourism industry, as the city works to transform itself into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Macao became the third Creative City of Gastronomy in China, after Chengdu and Shunde. UCCN covers seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Music and Media Arts.

The designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy adds a powerful international branding to the city’s portfolio that already includes the listing of The Historic Centre of Macao as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005, and following the inscription of the

collection of “ChapasSínicas” (Official Records of Macao During the Qing Dynasty (1693-1886)) on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Macao is an associate member of UNESCO since 1995.

To celebrate the designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the Macao SAR Government will launch a series of activities locally and internationally, to raise the awareness about the designation. A number of initiatives will also be rolled out in different fronts like enhancing vocational training, organizing international gastronomy forum as an annual event, participate in Creative Cities organized international exchange events, and also the setting up of a management unit that comprises both public and private sector to implement and supervise all the initiatives and projects underby TNH DESK taken, amongst others.

TRAWELLTAG COVER-MORE PLANS FURTHER GROWTH AFTER ACQUISITION BY ZURICH TrawellTag Cover-More reported ongoing strong growth for their business six months after their acquisition by Zurich Insurance Group. In April 2017, Zurich successfully acquired Cover-More Group, a leading global travel insurance and assistance solutions provider and parent company of TrawellTag Cover-More.

According to Dev Karvat, CEO of TrawellTag Cover-More the steady growth and success of TrawellTag Cover-More in India is attributable in part to the ownership by Cover-More Group and the subsequent integration into Zurich’s global travel insurance business.

“The Zurich brand is well-recognised and has an excellent reputation worldwide. We plan to further leverage the association with Zurich to drive more innovation into our business and achieve stronger growth in the travel insurance market in India,” he said.

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

Group CEO of Cover-More Group, Mike Emmett said that Zurich and Cover-More together represent the third largest travel insurance provider in the world and that future growth will follow from the strength of customer value propositions and distribution partnerships. Our business in India is now multi-channel and very well positioned for the ongoing emergence of tech-savvy digital travellers, Emmett said.

According to leading market research company, Finaccord Ltd, the market for travel insurance policies in India is expected to reflect continued trip growth over the period up to 2019, and to grow at a faster rate than previously. Finaccord estimates a compound annual growth rate of 10.6% in outbound trips with gross written premiums expected to grow to USD 235.0 million in 2019, equal to a compound annual growth rate of 20.8% in nominal terms.

Dev Karvat CEO – Emerging Markets, Cover-More Group

Karvat said the India market represented great opportunity for travel insurance providers prepared to focus on customer value and, increasingly, online innovation.

by TNH DESK

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NEWS

VISTARA COMPLETES IOSA ON COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS Vistara has successfully completed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit or IOSA, which has given it the status as one of the world’s safest airlines. The audit confirms Vistara’s compliance with internationally approved aviation safety standards across multitudinous parameters in operational management and control systems. Vistara joined IATA’s IOSA Registry on September 25, 2017.

Commenting on the achievement, Phee Teik Yeoh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vistara, said, “At Vistara, maintaining operational excellence is a business imperative, engrained in our DNA.”

by TNH DESK

GUJARAT TOURISM DECLARES THE FERN GIR FOREST RESORT AS “THE BEST RESORT OF GUJARAT” The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Sasan Gir, Gujarat was the proud recipient of “The Best Resort of Gujarat” at a glittering ceremony organized by Gujarat Tourism held at Ahmedabad on October 3, 2017.

The resort was also declared “The Best Resort in other cities of Gujarat” at the same event.

Tourism Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of Gujarat's tourism industry, including individuals, businesses (industry operators) and partnerships. The event carries a lot of importance as the same is promoted by Gujarat Tourism. The theme for the night was Heritage City Ahmedabad and all the travel and trade fraternity were present there in large numbers.

Tourism Awards is a celebration of success, leadership and innovation in the tourism industry of Gujarat, and to reward those people, places, orby TNH DESK ganizations and ideas.

EFCEE SAROVAR PORTICO BHAVNAGAR AWARDED BEST DEBUT HOTEL AT GUJARAT TOURISM AWARDS 2017

I

n recognition of its superior hospitality, Efcee Sarovar Portico Bhavnagar has been awarded the Best Debut Hotel at the recently held Gujarat Tourism Awards 2017. Offering excellent facilities and services, the hotel has also been recognized with Best Four Star Hotel in Other City award and Best Multi Cuisine Restaurant in Other City award for its all day dining Victoria 23.

Gujarat Tourism Awards 2017 is a celebration of success, leadership and innovation in tourism industry of Gujarat, and to reward those people, places, organizations and ideas that have gone above and beyond to offer travelers superior tourism experiences in Gujarat.

Tourism Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of the Gujarat's tourism industry, including individuals, businesses (industry operators) and partnerships. Efcee Sarovar Portico with 99 keys offers a calm and peaceful oasis for both business and leisure travellers. The elegant and well-appointed rooms and suites, categorized into Deluxe Rooms, Premium Rooms, Executive Suites and Leela Suite, offer contemporary amenities and personalized service. With state of the art meeting and banqueting facilities, it is an ideal venue for corporate and social events, workshops, exhibitions and weddings.

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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FEATURE

Sustainable Tourism: The Future of the East Sustainable tourism has a bright future in the east and promises to bring rich dividends for the holistic development of the local community.

v B SWAATI CHAUDHURY Y

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

Sustainable tourism is the trend

General Manager, The Sonnet

of the tourism world in today’s

Kolkata, “Offering sustainable

era. The adage-“Today’s pain is

tourism packages is one of the

tomorrow’s gain” goes on well

recent trends apart from boost-

when one talks about sustain-

ing local cuisine, culture, handi-

able tourism that is synonymous

crafts, festivals, traditional and

with eco-tourism. Promoting the

folk music of tourist destinations.

environment is one of the

Offering a push to the agricul-

biggest aspects of sustainable

tural products forms a significant

tourism but when a traveller on

role in the sustenance of the in-

his trip makes a positive impact

dustry. When it comes to the

on the environment, economy,

North-eastern region of India,

culture and the society, and then

conserving the environment,

it is referred to as sustainable

protecting wildlife and keeping

tourism.

with the ecological balance are

The introduction of solar-pow-

in vogue. Challenges are a regu-

ered hotels, conservation efforts

lar routine in the prospering

and reduction of carbon foot-

world of hospitality business

prints are the emerging trends of

and to set a benchmark, thrive

sustainable tourism practised in

and sustain in this field, we con-

the hospitality industry. Accord-

sider every challenge as a learn-

ing to Rajib Roy Choudhury,

ing process on the path to

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FEATURE

prosperity.”

Choudhury further said, “Another

In today’s world, the very word

significant practise is the use of

“eco-friendly hospitality property”

non-toxic chemicals. The major

generates a plethora of attractions

hospitality groups in the city are

all over the world. Roy Choudhury

quite focussed in highlighting and

said, “We take up activities in the

sustaining the parameters of sus-

sphere of sustainable tourism as a

tainable tourism like cuisine,

part of our Corporate Social Re-

handicraft and heritage that serve

sponsibility like organizing work-

as a catalyst to enhance the busi-

shops to educate the local

ness environment and this brings

populace on the techniques of en-

a surge in business volume.”

ergy conservation and interacting

Hospitality industry experts feel

with them. Other prominent activi-

that West Bengal can move to the

ties are teaching the children of

next level if sustainable tourism is

the marginalized section, promot-

developed well.

ing the use of organic fruits and vegetables and reducing the usage of pesticides that form our all-time efforts to contribute to the development of the community. Hence sustainability is a robust marketing tool that creates a lot of buzz.”

All leading hospitality groups in Kolkata have an environmental team that looks after solid waste management, fume management, garbage disposal and saving electricity by switching off non-essential lights during lean hours. Roy

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

SMART WAYS TO BE A RESPONSIBLE

TRAVELLER

v B ARCHANA SHARMA Y

With over 1 billion tourists travelling

around the world annually, it is very important to minimize impact of mass

tourism on the natural and cultural treasures of the earth. It has become critical

for us to travel responsibly and practice

sustainable tourism to allow our future

generations to experience our natural and

cultural attractions.

communities.”

The impact on climate change differs extensively from one mode of travel to another. In fact, travelling by coach creates 85% less carbon dioxide per passenger / km than car and air travel. Also, to make travel a fun experience, go for some of coolest public transportation including heritage trams, trains and ferries where you can travel like a local.

Reduce your footprint There are many ways you can reduce your environ-

Tourism brings prosperity to formerly impoverished

mental impact when you are travelling. For instance,

areas of the world and provides locals with a way to

when staying at a hotel, take your own toiletries

make money. However, as travellers, it’s responsible

along and avoid the pre-packaged ones, unplug elec-

of us to be aware of how our presence affects the

tronic devices when not in use, switch off your lights

local communities to which we contact. The basis of

and air-conditioning when you’re not in the room,

responsible tourism is, generally defined as, “con-

and save water by only having your towels washed

cerned with respecting the places you visit, minimis-

every third or fourth day. Also, take along a reusable

ing the impact you have on the surroundings as you

water bottle and stick to designated trails when

pass through, and giving something back to the local

you’re out hiking. Learn how to reuse-reduce-recycle

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

your waste on the go so that you leave less carbon print while you travel.

Opt for sustainable stay There are a number of options available for you when it comes to finding a place to rest and enjoy the destination. Moreover, you can find businesses that actively work with local communities or have practices that help protect the environment, and these kinds of establishments should be rewarded for their efforts. You can opt to stay in homestays to enjoy the local feel of the place.

Practices that makes you a responsible traveller

Reduce your footprint Opt for sustainable accommodation Purchasing only local products Eating local cuisine in local restaurants Offer for lasting support by making donations Volunteer to support sustainable tourism

Buy local and eat local With increasing number of tourists passing through destinations, it is essential to leave as small a trace as possible. As far as having food is concern, always choose to have meal at local restaurants offering delicious local cuisine. When it’s time to pick up a few souvenirs, head to the shops of traditional artisans for locally made products.

Doing so, you’ll be helping to keep traditional crafts alive.

Always favour local products and avoid buying things made from the tusks or horns of endangered animals, or from vulnerable plants.

Volunteer to support sustainable tourism Always ask first before photographing or videoing people. It is rude but also in some cultures, it’s also a violation of their spiritual and cultural beliefs. Moreover, asking them before you click will surely give you a fair chance to strike a friendly conversation and to connect with locals, and that’s what travel is all about, right?

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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ECOTOURISM

Advantages Galore of

Ecotourism vB

Y

PREM KUMAR

cotourism has become one of the fastest growing sub-sectors in the Tourism Industry today because of the multiple advantages it offers. Ecotourism as a form of responsible tourism focuses on sustainability, preservation of natural habitats, empowerment of local communities and preservation of their cultures. The proper development of ecotourism can bring a lot of benefits for destinations and their people. Visits of ecotourists help create employment opportunities for local communities. Ecotourism brings us closer to nature and broaden our worldview.

E

Benefits of ecotourism can be classified broadly into four categories: Environmental Benefits Mass tourism has damaged the natural beauty of many destinations. Promotion of ecotourism can restore some destinations.

Ecotourism has negligible impact on the environment. It promotes a destination without disturbing its natural environment and local culture. Ecotourism can support fragile ecosystems to survive. Ecotourism mainly focuses on preserving the natural environment of a destination from the adverse impact of traditional tourism. Ecotourism focuses on making tourists responsible and eco-friendly travelers. Ecotourism supports preservation of forests and their flora and fauna. Eco-tourism is essentially an idea to keep in check the carbon footprint tourists leave at any place. It is also a collective efforts to preserve natural resources for future generations.

Economic Benefits Ecotourism brings economic benefits to local communities. Revenues earned from ecotourism helps improving the livelihood of the local people. Ecotourism offers opportunity to local artisans to sell their craftwork. Ecotourism brings economic benefits to everyone: local community, government and the industry. It creates jobs and income without degrading the natural or cultural assets. Ecotourism is a form of alternative tourism that seeks to establish rapport between visitors and the local community.

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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ECOTOURSM

These tourists prefer to use or share the services of local people. Ecotourism also generate resources for environmental conservation in the form of entry fees, etc.

Recreational Benefits Recreation is the main purpose of any kind of leisure tourism including the ecotourism. However, the uniqueness of ecotourism is that it offers recreational experience in the lap of nature. Ecotourism brings travelers closer to nature.

Tourists are able to see stunning mountains, lakes, greenery, and breathtaking landscapes. As a eco-tourist, you walk through forests and green reserve so that they can enjoy diverse wonders of nature. Ecotourism is a wonderful opportunity for watching birds and wildlife in their natural habitats. Being in the lap of nature rejuvenates your hearts and soul, and travelling along rural villages, you get awestruck by the simplicity of rural folks and their rich traditions.

Cultural Benefits Ecotourism is also beneficial from cultural point of view. Ecotourism supports preservation of cultural traditions of local community living in the vicinity of a destination. Having respect for the ways of living for such communities is an essential feature of ecotourism. Ecotourism also makes tourist understand local culture through interaction with local people. Ecotourism ensures that tourists experience local culture and cuisine without spoiling the same.

Ecotourism has become one of the fastest growing sub-sectors in the Tourism Industry today because of its multiple advantages and responsible and sustainable nature. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists to preserve ecologically fragile destinations for future generations.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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COVER STORY

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: Need of the Hour

Unbridled mass tourism has emerged as key challenge to sustainability of many tourism destinations, and causing huge damage to environment. Unless responsible and sustainable tourism is promoted vigorously, the world will lose some

vB

Y

of the beautiful destinations due to ill-effect of mass tourism.

PREM KUMAR

Tourism is not a new phenom-

enon. Since time immemorial explorers have been undertaking expeditions. In the modern age, people travel for leisure, medical, business, etc. Today tourism is no more considered a luxury.

Due to improvement in air-connectivity, the scale of tourism has increased immensely and many new destinations have

and induced) to the global econ-

emerged. Number of people trav-

omy is over US $ 7.6 trillion in

are aplenty, it also has some

eling inside a country and across

2016. The direct economic im-

negatives . Due to the adverse

the world has been growing.

pact of the industry, including

impact of mass tourism, many

The Industry has emerged as

accommodation, transportation,

natural wonders and historic

one of the fastest-growing in-

entertainment and attractions,

sites are facing threat to their

dustries in the world. According

was approximately US $ 2.3 tril-

existence. Unrestrained footfall

to UNWTO, International tourist

lion last year. Tourism today is

of tourists is taking tall on envi-

arrivals in 2016 grew by about

one of the most important indus-

ronment and culture in the vicin-

4% to reach 1.23 Billion. The

tries for many countries. Coun-

ity of a destination. Natural

year 2017 is also expected to

tries like Thailand, Maldives,

attractions such as lakes, rivers,

record 4% growth in interna-

Mauritius, Macao and many oth-

mountains, beaches, seas, coral

tional arrivals. With a few ex-

ers are heavily dependent on

reefs, etc are in danger due to

ceptions, international tourism

tourism for their GDP. The coun-

overcrowding and irresponsible

has been growing since the

tries which did not focus on

behavior of tourists.

1950s.

tourism earlier, are now realizing

The travel and tourism industry's contribution (direct, indirect

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

While advantages of tourism

Venice, a popular tourist desti-

its importance and prioritizing its

nation in Italy, today receives

development.

around 60,000 tourists per day

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COVER STORY

2017: International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development Responsible tourism offers benefits without disturbing environment WTM launched World Responsible Tourism Day in 2007 Mass tourism adversely impacts cause of sustainability Causes strain on environment and indigenous cultures Sustainable Tourism aims a balance between development & sustainability

ther dying or losing its natural identity to the uninhibited tourism activities. The condition of the famous Dal Lake in Kashmir has been deteriorating over the years. Its size has shrunk considerably. Local environment of popular destinations in India has also been adversely affected by rampant tourism. Res-

(2017 estimate). But overexpo-

ders of the World may not be

idents of destinations like

sure to tourism has put its canal

around for much longer, consid-

Darjeeling, Shimla and Mus-

ecosystem in jeopardy. Worried

ering its deteriorating condition

soorie lament the loss of their

over its plight, UNESCO has pro-

caused by decades of mass

natural habitat due to tourism.

posed to add Venice to its 'In-

tourism.

Danger' list. Elsewhere, in

In our own country, many nat-

Mass tourism also impacts local communities and their

Egypt, the Great Pyramid of

ural attractions such as lakes,

ways of life. Over-visitation by

Giza, the only remaining won-

hill stations are being spoiled

tourists has disturbed local cul-

der of the original Seven Won-

by mass tourism. Lakes are ei-

ture and lifestyles at many

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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COVER STORY

places. First of all, we need to

able Tourism Criteria for India

recognize every destination is a

(STCI) in association with Eco-

unique and sacred place whose

tourism Society of India (ESOI).

uniqueness must be preserved,

Globally organizations such as

and tourism should not destroy

UNWTO and Global Sustainable

their natural and historical

Tourism Council (GSTC) are

uniqueness. In this context, role

working to promote sustainable

of sustainable and responsible

and responsible tourism. The

tourism becomes very signifi-

launch of Responsible Tourism

cant in preservation of the

Day in 2007 by the World

ecology of destinations from the

Travel Market with the support

adverse impact of tourism. Over

of the UN World Tourism Organi-

the years, sustainable and re-

zation, marked a major change

sponsible tourism has gained currency, but its scope is still limited.

Responsible Tourism and Sustainable tourism have many similar goals and principles: environmental preservation, social justice and maximum benefits to local communities. Responsible tourism can be defined as a kind of tourism that make tourism sustainable and ecofriendly, and contributes to the well-being of local community and preservation of environment. Responsible Tourism is about responsible behaviors and action. It is about recognizing local economic, social and environmental issues that matter locally and taking steps to resolve them. It also encourages stakeholders to act responsibly.

Responsible tourism enables travellers, local population and the industry get maximum possible benefits from tourism, without causing any ecological or social damage.

As regards sustainable tourism, UNESCO defines it as a

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

“tourism that respects both local people and the traveller, cultural heritage and the environment.� It seeks to provide people with an exciting and educational holiday that is also of benefit to the people of the host country. According to UNESCO, all tourism activities of whatever purpose should be sustainable.

Sustainable Tourism aims to develop a critical awareness of the ways in which tourism can enhance the welfare of people and protect our natural and cultural heritage.

There have been some efforts to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in India. Many years ago ITC pioneered the concept of Responsible Luxury.

Kerala Tourism is credited for pioneering the concept of Responsible Tourism in India by launching the Responsible Tourism initiative in 2007 in Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady and Vythiri. Last year, the Ministry of Tourism announced the implementation of the Sustain-

of gear. But much more needs to done to create awareness about these two alternative forms of tourism.

Way Forward That tourism is one of the poorly regulated and organized industries in many parts of the world is a given. Mass tourism has emerged as a global key environmental challenge. In order to ensure sustainability of tourism in future, stakeholders need to commit themselves to take more responsible actions. Existing regulations should be upgraded and its compliance should be ensured by competent authority.

Stakeholders must ensure participation of communities in tourism development. In order to minimize the impact of natural disasters like that of Utarakhand's in 2013, tourist movement and construction of infrastructure in ecologically fragile areas should be regulated.

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NEWS

SHARJAH TOURISM BOARD CONDUCTS A 4-CITY ROAD SHOW IN INDIA

The Sharjah Tourism board conducted a 4city tourism promotional roadshow for stakeholders & travel agents in Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Ahmedabad from October 9’ 2017 to October 12’ 2017 respectively. The aim of the show was to increase visibility of the emirate of Sharjah as a cultural, business, leisure & educational destination amongst Indian travelers and to increase engagement with education boards, tourism

sector, policy makers and business community.

The event witnessed huge attendance from travel agents who were seen interacting with DMCs, hoteliers, airline officials and management of Sharjah Tourism board. The roadshow created a platform for representatives of Sharjah Tourism board and other delegates to interact with travel agents based in these 4 cities and how to effectively promote & position Sharjah.

SAROVAR HOTELS & RESORTS SIGNS THEIR SECOND HOTEL IN DAR-ES-SALAAM, TANZANIA KOREAN AIR AND KOREA TOURISM ORGANISATION (KTO’S) JOINT MARKETING INITIATIVE

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n September, 8th & October 13th, 2017, a road show was organized as part of Korean Air and Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO’s) joint marketing initiative. The rally began with 5 Korean Air & KTO branded cabs lined up at the Korean Air office on M.G Road for flag off. The Korean Air team gathered at the venue for a group photograph. The cabs had a 5 Hour road show, and moved at a slow speed to showcase their presence around the busy roads of Gurgaon and MG Road. The first stop was the KTO office on Golf Course Road further

by TNH DESK moving onto Cyber Hub.

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xpanding its overseas portfolio, Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd. announces the signing of its latest project in Africa, Sarovar Portico Dar-EsSalaam. This will be Sarovar’s second hotel in Dar-Es-Salaam, in addition to New Africa Hotel. This development marks Sarovar’s strong focus on the African market with presence in five countries including Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Zambia. The group has over 510 rooms operational in Africa currently.

Owned by Esprit Developers Ltd., Sarovar Portico, Dar-EsSalaam is expected to open in February 2018. With a prime city centre location, the hotel under development has 130Apartment Keys with all modern facilities including restaurants, bars, lounges, conference & meeting facilities, swimming pool, and curio shop.

by TNH DESK

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ECOTOURISM

ECOTOURISM AND ITS HISTORY vB

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The concept of ecotourism in its current form became prevalent in 1980s and ecotourism emerged as a key niche segment of tourism in this decade.

2002 was also a crucial year, which was observed as the International Year of Ecotourism by the United Nation.

PREM KUMAR

Ecotourism is a kind of respon-

areas that conserves the envi-

sible travel taken to eco-sensi-

ronment, sustains the well-being

tive areas while being conscious

of local people, and involves in-

of local environments and com-

terpretation and education". As

munities. As an eco-friendly

danger to the environment and

human activity, ecotourism aims

nature from tourism grows, the

to minimize negative impact of

relevance of eco tourism is also

tourism on delicate natural areas

growing. Let's look at the history

and local communities. Natural

and evolution of eco tourism as

habitats are the primary eco-

its significance grows.

tourism attractions. Eco-tourists Ecotourism in its current form

are those who are conscious of

History

the environment of the attrac-

In the old age before the advent

was conceived in the 1960 in

tions they are visiting, and con-

of machine-based transport sys-

response to declining environ-

tribute into their sustainability.

tem such as trains, ships and

mental and economic conditions

Ecotourism offers tourists an

cars, etc, travel was completely

opportunity to peek into natural

eco-friendly. In those days, peo-

places such as forests and sanc-

ple used to travel to places of

tuaries and their natural inhabi-

pilgrimage or tourism on horse-

tants of various species, even as

back, in animal-pulled carriages,

instilling an appreciation and

human powered boats or quite

compassion for natural habitats.

simply on foot. This kept the en-

Ecotourism aims to minimize the

vironmental impact of tourism

negative aspects of conventional

and travel extremely low.

tourism on the environment and

Beginning of Ecotourism

enhance the cultural integrity of

In a form different from today’s,

Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people, according to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

local people. Recycling, energy

ecotourism began during Victo-

efficiency, water conservation,

rian times. It was Victorian

and creation of economic oppor-

British travellers who put many

tunities for local communities are

popular destinations on the

throughout the Developing

key practices of the promotion of

tourists’ map and travelled

World. Since its conception,

ecotourism. Ecotourism depends

themselves to exotic natural des-

many governments within the

on eco friendly system that com-

tinations. But these tourists were

Developing World have em-

prises eco-friendly transporta-

motivated by their curiosity

braced and encouraged eco-

tion system and hotels.

rather than the preservation of

tourism as a means of attracting

natural wonders. Then environ-

foreign investment and ex-

Society defines ecotourism as

ment degradation was not an

change. Ecotourism came into

"responsible travel to natural

issue.

relative prominence in 1980s,

The International Ecotourism

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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ECOTOURISM

HISTORY OF ECOTOURISM 1960s

1970s

Environmental degradation emerged as a global issue

In 1980s

The concept of carrying capacity was introduced and ecotourism became more standard

In late 1980s

In 1990s

Awareness about conservation increased

Ecotourism became the fastest growing sector of tourism

Year 2002

Today

Ecotourism emerged from global environmental movement

Was observed as International Year of Ecotourism

Almost every country promotes ecotourism

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

21

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ECOTOURISM

and since then it is considered a vital endeavor to protect natural destinations from perils of tourism. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, tourism experts and academics were of the view that mass tourism was not only damaging the environment, but it was also widening gaps between rich and poor and disturbing local culture and lifestyles. It was Budowski, who in 1976 suggested that conservation and tourism should go hand in hand. Term ecotourism became more prevalent in the and directly experience nature.

1980s, when the concept of car-

• Provide information to visitors

rying capacity was introduced to address the negative impacts of

so that they can experience and

large scale tourism as people

enjoy nature and have greater

started to realize the negative

understanding and appreciation

impacts of mass tourism on the

of it.

environment. A perception was

• Represent best practice in

gaining ground that tourism and

ecological sustainability prac-

the environment can't go to-

tices.

• Contribute to conservation of

gether. Thus, concern for the environment and also for their

natural areas and cultural her-

livelihood in future, tourist com-

itage.

• Provide ongoing contributions

panies and experts designed an

to the local community.

eco-friendly tourism management concept with focus on con-

2002 was a milestone year for

• Respect and be sensitive to the culture/s existing in the area.

servation. This concept came to

ecotourism. The year was ob-

be known as ecotourism, which

served as the International Year

advocates nature-based tourism

of Ecotourism by the United Na-

even as protecting natural habi-

tion. The World Ecotourism Sum-

tats from exploitation and degra-

mit 2002 proposed 8

honestly and accurately so that

dation. In the 1980s, the eco-

fundamental principles of eco-

realistic expectations are formed.

tourism was considered as an

tourism that are still in use. The

environmental friendly approach

formation of these principles was

have been growing continuously

to the development of tourism. It

a significant advancement

since the mid 1980s. Today, eco-

was envisaged that tourism

within ecotourism. According to

tourism is one of the fastest

should be developed in such as

the summit, ecotourism should:

growing sub-sectors in the

way that it did not damage environment.

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

• Have a natural area focus to ensure that visitors personally

• Consistently meet consumer expectations; and • Be marketed and promoted

The concepts of ecotourism

tourism industry.

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FEATURE

Pack

Green If you care about the nature

These days, concerns for the environment are increasing and travellers are becoming more sensitive towards the destination they visit.

Therefore, Ecotourism is on the rise and many of the travellers like to contribute to it through some way or the other. Ecotourism or responsible tourism is not just staying in an eco-friendly resort or reusing your linens in hotel but there are many things you can do to reduce our carbon footprint while you travel. The first thing for it is by packing in smart way. For instance, packing the right products on your trip prevents you from buying harmful items to nature. To help you out, we have listed a few tips for you to pack green for vacation‌

v B ARCHANA SHARMA Y

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

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FEATURE Carry Light Luggage

completing one trip. You can

garbage; you can use these

As per studies, the more weight

buy your own favorite eco-

reusable tote bags. They are

trains, planes and cars carry,

friendly and biodegradable

foldable into small sacks and

the more fuel they use. More-

can fit easily in your purse,

over, it becomes very conven-

handbag or bag pack. Next item

ient to travel with light luggage

is the refillable water bottle.

as you can move your bags eas-

Yes, instead of buying number

ily. The major part of any lug-

of plastic bottles for water re-

gage is clothes so I must

peatedly carry your own

suggest you that instead of

reusable water bottles. Another

carrying piles of clothes try

mandatory item to pack is

to pack less. For example,

Swiss Army Knife, which is of

pack convertible pants,

many uses, including a knife,

quick drying undergar-

scissors, toothpick, tweezers,

ments (if possible) and Mi-

tin opener, bottle opener and

crofibre travel towel.

corkscrew.

Adding more to it, you better take just one or two

Opt for Reusable Utensil Set

universally matching

It is a very important carry

shoes/ footwear.

along item when you are travelling to any destination and

Toiletries and Beauty

intend to be eco-friendly. You

Products

can use them around every-

Travel toiletries are something

where like at lunches, picnics,

that you must try to keep eco-

shampoo, face wash, body

and restaurants with disposable

friendly and natural. While

wash, bamboo toothbrush and

cutlery. I must say, this is a sim-

packing for the trip, always

comb, multipurpose detergent.

carry travel size refillable and

Nowadays, it is known that

reusable bottles with eco-

sunscreen lotion is proving to be harmful for the corals under the sea, so go for an organic sun lotion. However, if you are staying in a sustainable hotel, they will provide you biodegradable toiletries. ple yet beneficial for you to do Pack Reusable Items in the

an extra bit to keep your trip

luggage

green. Bamboo flatware, Com-

Here, you first pack re-usable

pact stainless steel fork, knife,

Tote bags for shopping for gro-

and spoon set with a snap-on

friendly toiletries. These

ceries, food items, souvenirs,

cover and stainless steel straw

reusable bottles can be used

picnic etc. In order to avoid

(to reduce the waste of plastic

again for the next trip after

using plastic bags and reduce

straw) are some of the best

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2017

25

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FEATURE use. Another trending way to save electricity is to opt for solar chargers. They are very light and compact that you can even carry them in your carryon bag.

Also, don’t forget to pack a power converter / adapter which will be very useful for you to connect or charge your electronic items according to

troublesome affair, so in this

the electricity supply.

case technology is the answer.

You just have to invest in a kin-

Don’t Carry Bulky Books and

dle, a device dedicated to e-

Maps

books where you can download

There’s always going to be

as many as books and read

Use Rechargeable Batteries

some dull time while you’re

them on the go. Also, use inter-

and Solar Chargers

travelling. You can utilize this

net to get right navigation and

Despite taking disposable bat-

time by either wandering

updated information on various

teries for alarm clock, cameras

around. But, if you are waiting

websites or apps like TripAdvi-

and flashlight, opt for recharge-

at bus or train station you can

sor.

able batteries. Once they drain

spend the time listening to your

out, you can just plug in the

favourite music or reading

pack your bags for green vaca-

charger of the rechargeable bat-

books. But, while travelling car-

tions and contribute to green

teries to charge them again for

rying bulky books can be a

travel in your own way!

choices of reusable utensils.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM MISSION OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED BY CHIEF MINISTER OF KERALA 1.5 lakh jobs to be created under responsible tourism. The inauguration ceremony followed strict Green Protocol norms.

The Responsible Tourism initiatives in the state woke up to a new dawn, with the Honorable Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayanlaunching the dedicated Mission for it. The world's first Responsi-

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So, take these tips in mind

ble Tourism Mission is all set to lead Kerala Tourism through people-friendly, local community-friendly and environment-friendly, initiatives ensuring rural development, employment opportunities and women empowerment.

Kadakampally Surendran, Honorable Minister of Tourism, presided over the function. K Suresh Kurup MLA and Jose K Mani were the chief guests of the function. Dr Venu V, IAS, Principal Secretary, Kerala tourism delivered the welcome speech and P Bala Kiran, IAS, Director of Tourism presented the Responsible Tourism Mission project. K Rupesh Kumar, coordinator, State Responsible Tourism Mission announced the new Responsible tourism destinaby TNH DESK tions.

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NEWS

VISTARA INTRODUCES‘VISTARA CORPORATE FLYER’, DESIGNED TO MAKE FLYING HASSLE-FREE FOR CORPORATE CUSTOMERS • Enhanced cabin baggage allowance • Preferred seating, including exit rows for no fee • Complimentary Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage-handling • Complimentary VistaraFlyEarly (for same day earlier flight) Vistara has launched ‘Vistara Corporate Flyer’, a program under which the airline will provide its Corporate customers several benefits designed to make business travel hassle-free. The unique program will be available to all eligible customers travelling on Vistara’s corporate fares, regardless of class of travel. With ‘Vistara Corporate Flyer’, all eligible customers will enjoycomplimentary ‘Carry On Plus’ benefits which provide increased cabin baggage allowance of 12 kg for the larger cabin bag that

goes in the overhead bin (which equates to 70% more allowance than the usual 7kg limit), in addition to a smaller item such as a laptop bag that can fit under a seat in the cabin. This is by far the most generous freecabin baggage allowance for any airline in India. Corporate customers travelling in economy class will be eligible for free selection of exit-row seats that provide more legroom, ensuring greater comfort onboard.

Additionally, Vistara’s Top 100 Corporate clients travelling in economy class will receive complimentary priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding across all destinations on Vistara’s network, and can alsochoose a complimentary option of taking a same-day earlier flight by arriving at the airport 45 minutes prior its departure (subject to avail-

ability) under the ‘Vistara Fly Early’ program. All of these benefits come over and above other benefits of being a Corporate customer, which include special fares and free changes and cancellation

by TNH DESK of bookings.

ARSENAL WELCOMES COVER-MORE AS OFFICIAL TRAVEL INSURANCE PARTNER Arsenal Football Club has announced Cover-More, one of India’s leading travel insurance providers, as their Official Travel Insurance Partner. The partnership will run for three seasons.

Cover-More Group, parent of TrawellTag Cover-More, is a global specialist and integrated travel insurance and medical assistance provideroperating in 14 countries including India, New Zealand, UK, Australia, China and the USA, where the group owns Travelex Insurance Services. From December 2017, Cover-More will create Arsenal travel insurance, car-hire insurance and match ticket cancellation insurance solutions for fans attending and travelling to games throughout the season, as well as insurance packages that cover the club’s pre-season tours.

Cover-More Chief Executive Officer Mike Emmett said: “We aim to protect the

individual Arsenal fan experience when they want to go to a game, whether they’re travelling from Islington or India, Sydney or San Francisco.

“We will employ technology to customise our proposition for each fan and use geolocation to offer them meaningful types of protection products.

by TNH DESK

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ECOTOURISM Chilka Lake

vB

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Top Destinations for Ecotourism in India

Sundarbans National Park

NEHA KIRPAL

Of late, ecotourism has become quite the buzzword in the travel space. Whether it is by using local guides, staying at eco lodges, supporting backwater kayakers, visiting lesser-known bazaars, bicycling to villages or eating at small family-owned restaurants… there are various ways in which travellers are indulging in immersive local experiences in order to preserve the ancient heritage, art, traditions and culture of a region, promote local livelihoods and protect the environment.

We handpicked some of the top destinations where you can head to if you’re keen to take a “guilt-free” ethical holiday.

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal: Boasting of the world’s largest natural delta and mangrove forest, the Sundarbans are also famous for being home to the Bengal tiger. The region, which consists of 54 deltaic islands, is also a shelter to several bird, reptile, invertebrate species and amphibians.

Kaziranga national park

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The park is a haven for endangered species like the saltwater crocodile, river terrapin,

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ECOTOURISM

olive ridley turtle, Gangetic dolphin, ground turtle, hawks bill turtle and mangrove horseshoe crab. Since it is located on the confluence of many distributaries of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, the park receives several unique geographical features.

Chilka Lake, Odisha: India’s largest coastal lagoon and the world’s second largest, the Chilka Lake is home to various migratory birds as well as animal and plant species. The region comprising a group of small islands has been declared a wetland of international importance. The Irrawaddy dolphin, green sea turtle, dugong, blackbuck, spoon-billed sandpiper, limbless skink and fishing cat are some endemic species that can be found here. The milk fish, Indo-pacific tarpon, ten pounder, bream, hilsa and mullet are some of the aqua fauna; greater and lesser flamingos, Goliath heron, grey and

Andaman and Nicobar Island

purple herons, egrets, spoonbills, storks and black-headed ibis are some of the migratory birds.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam: A World Heritage Site that is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is one of the finest national parks in the northeast. Due to its proximity to the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, the park consists of fertile and alluvial soil and has some distinctive geographical features, such as sandbars, beels and chapories. The sanctuary is also one of the largest homes to reptiles like the reticulated python, rock python and king cobra.

The tiger, leopard, hispid hare, fox, jackal and bear are often sighted at the park. Among the birds, the great Indian hornbill, wreathed hornbill, old world babbles and vultures are major attractions.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Andaman and Nicobar Island: A treasure trove of exotic flora and lush green tropical

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ECOTOURISM

town is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri tahr, grizzled giant squirrel, Nilgiri wood-pigeon, elephant and gaur. Among the avifauna, the Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar whistling thrush, orange-crowned warbler, Nilgiri pipit, scarlet minivet and broad-tailed grassbird can be spotted here. Further, there are a number of national parks around Munnar, including the Eravikulam national park, Mathikettan Shola national park, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Anamudi Shola national park, Kurinjimala sanctuary and Pambadum Shola national park.

Munnar

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya: Located in the midst of the rich diversity of the East Khasi hills, Mawlynnong is considered to be one of

rainforests, the Andamans are the perfect embodiment of nature's bounty, fringed as they are by splendid beaches and fascinating coral reefs. Blessed with an amazing variety of timber, foliage and blooms, the Andaman paduk, the yellow hibiscus, the while lily, the pandanus as well as a striking array of orchids, mangrove forests, palms and evergreen creep-

Asia’s cleanest villages. The area surrounding the charming Mawlynnong village is a basket of abundant natural beauty, comprising an evergreen forest that is shelter to a large number of animal and bird species, the intriguing living Root Bridge at Riwai, the boulder that balances on a rock, waterfalls and natural caves.

ers, a holiday to these islands is as green and memorable as it comes.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra: The oldest national park in Maharashtra, Tadoba inhabits a variety of wildlife, the most prominent of which is the tiger. Covering the Chimur, Moharli and Kolsa ranges, Tadoba has a thriving ecosystem of animals, like the tiger, leopard, deer, jungle cat and marsh crocodile.

The lake within the reserve is a paradise for bird lovers, having about 195 species of birds.

Further, the Taru tribe also still lives in the forest.

Munnar, Kerala: Covered with extensive forests, grasslands and tea orchards, Munnar is the ultimate hideout for eco travellers. Located in Idukki district in the Western Ghats, the

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Mawlynnong

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NEWS

BELARUS APPOINTS SALVIA PROMOTERS AS ITS INDIA TOURISM OFFICE Key objectives are to create greater awareness about the country in India and increase Indian tourist arrivals to Belarus.

One of Eastern Europe’s most exotic destinations, Belarus has appointed Delhi based Salvia Promoters, a destination marketing company, as its tourism representation office in India. A country of pristine nature and rich wildlife, Belarus’ appointment of Salvia as its India tourism office is aimed at growing its share of India’s burgeoning outbound travel market. The current share of Belarus in Indian arrivals are about 2000 visits a year, with an estimated 75 per cent of these visits comprising business travel.

An MoU in this regard was signed in the presence of Vladimir Semashko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, in New Delhi recently on the sidelines of the state visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenku to India

in september marking 25 year of diplomatic relation between the two countries this year. The agreement was signed by Filipp Guly, Chairman of Belarusian Touristic Union and Prashant Chaudhary, Managing Director, Salvia Promoters, representing Belarus Tourism and Salvia respectively.

Commenting on the appointment of Salvia Promoters as Belarus Tourism’s India office, Guly said, “With close to 23 million annual overseas visits, India as a tourism source market is already huge

and is recording strong growth year-onyear. Besides Indian travellers are big spender and a major contributor to tourism economy of the host destination.

It was high time we established our presence in India and this could not have come at a better time as the two countries celebrates 25th anniversary of diplomatic relation this year. Going forward we are looking at considerably increasing our promotional activities in India in order to create greater awareby TNH DESK ness about Belarus.”

LOUVRE HOTELS GROUP ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ITS SECOND PROPERTY GOLDEN TULIP ESSENTIAL JAIPUR Louvre Hotels Group, a major player in the worldwide hotel sector has announced the launch of Golden Tulip Essential, an upscale smart hotel in Jaipur. With this property, Louvre Hotels Group has strengthened its presence in Jaipur. Golden Tulip Essential Jaipur is an upscale hotel with spacious

rooms and suites; each room dramatically designed with vibrant interiors keeping in mind the luxury and comfort of modern day traveller. Golden Tulip Essential is a full service hotel that houses an all day dining, multi-cuisine restaurant 14 Tables, aesthetically designed Gulp bar to relax. by TNH DESK

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DESTINATION

Romania: a land of stunning natural landscapes A country endowed with amazing nature and rich heritage, Romania is a destination of myriad attractions. Romania's natural landscapes are quite diverse and fascinating. In an interview to TnH, H.E. Mr. Radu Octavian Dobre, Romania's Ambassador to India, spoke about the various facets of his country as a tourist destination.

vB

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PREM KUMAR

With its natural diversity and rich history, Romania is a complete world. The country's stunning natural landscapes and historical grandeur will leave you mesmerized forever. "Our country is full of diversity. We have beautiful nature, sea, mountains, rivers, lakes, forest, wildlife, stunning countryside and monuments. Besides, we have good infrastructure, airports all over the country, good highways, wayside amenities, 4 and 5-star accommodations and all the modern amenities that a discerning tourist needs," says Mr. Dobre. He added that the

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country has made huge investment in its tourism sector. A member of the European Union, Romania shares many similarities with its neighbors, but its wealthy Latin heritage gives it a unique identity.

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is one of the most happening capitals in the Eastern Europe. The animated city, known to never sleep, is open 24x7 for eating, nightlife and shopping. There are many beautiful monuments and sites to visit in the capital.

Ecotourism Located on the western shores of

the Black Sea, Romania is an ideal destination for ecotourism because of its natural diversity. The country is home to the largest part of the Carpathian Mountains that are located across the Central and Eastern Europe. It is the second-longest mountain range in Europe, which forms a semi-circle around Romanian region Transylvania and comprises 40.1% of the country’s total area.

The Carpathians have one of the largest undisturbed forests in Europe, and natural attractions like hills, lakes, valleys, wildlife and birds. The Mountains are home to

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DESTINATION

H.E. Mr. Radu Octavian Dobre Romania's Ambassador to India

400 unique species of mammals including the largest number of European brown bears, lynxes and wolves. “The Carpathian Mountains offer vast opportunities for ecotourism. It is one of the preferred places for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. These mountains are ideal for tourism activities in summer," said Mr. Dobre.

The Carpathians offer opportunities for tourist activities such as hiking, trekking, fishing, boating etc.

Rural Tourism Rural Tourism thrives in the Ro-

manian Carpathians and other parts of the country. According to Mr. Dobre, Romania has over 20 minority communities, and most of them live in the countryside. Each minority community has its own unique way of life. Some of amazing attractions in the countryside of Romania include picturesque traditional villages located in valleys and on hillsides, pastel houses, vegetable gardens, ancestral castles, ancient Saxon citadels, old fortresses, monasteries, ancient churches and rural handicrafts. Transylvania, Bu-

covina and Maramures are some of the important places to explore rural tourism in Romania.

Maramures is known for its traditional villages and timeless tranquility, where you can see many women in colorful traditional attires and many more unique enduring traditions. Accommodations such as private homes, monasteries and guesthouses offer more authentic experience of rural tourism.

Danube River & its Delta Flowing across the Central and Eastern Europe, the Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe after the Volga River. Starting from its source in Germany, the Danube passes through many countries including Romania before entering the Black Sea."The mighty Danube River offers great opportunity for cruise tourism. You can enjoy cruise

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DESTINATION

think nowhere will you find this kind of facilities other than Romania." Many resorts and spas in the mountains, offering such therapies, remain open throughout the year.

Romanian seaside is also known for its mineral springs, spas and wellness tourism.

A country with rich history and 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Romania's landscapes are dotted with spectacular historical sites, all beautifully preserved. As many parts of the modern Romania were previously under the Roman occupation, well-preserved and intriguing remains of the ancient Roman cities are found in Romania. There are plenty of castles in Romania that

ship starting from Romania and going to countries such as Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Germany.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Danube Delta, Europe’s second largest and best preserved Delta, is home to incredible flora and fauna. With its bigger part located in Romania, the Danube Delta is a fascinating natural gem. "The Danube Delta is a fascinating place to visit. It is sanctuary for many wildlife animals and birds. You can spend days and weeks here exploring and enjoying the delta's natural diversity. All tourist facilities are there to make your stay hassle-free and fulfilling," stated Mr. Dobre.

Mamaia Resort Nestled between the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol, near Constanta city and the Danube Delta, Mamaia resort is Romania's most beautiful seaside resort. What makes this resort so popular is its lush green vegetation and serene beaches. "The resort area is one of the most hap-

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pening places for tourists in Romania during the summer from June to September. Many clubs and restaurants of Bucharest open their branches here during the summer.

You can enjoy here many activities such water sports, nightlife etc."

Wellness Tourism Romania and its Carpathians abound with many therapeutic natural resources such as thermal and mineral waters, salt water etc.

These natural resources are used to cure many diseases and make Romania a popular wellness destination, helped by its rejuvenating atmosphere in its mountainous terrain.

Talking about wellness tourism in his country, the ambassador said that Romania is an ideal destination for this kind of tourism because of its therapeutic natural resources.

"Many diseases are cured with our mineral water, salts, mud etc. These treatments are offered at various spa resorts across the country.

There are four-five places in Romania ideal for wellness tourism. I

will take you back in time. Some of these castles are also used for wedding and conferences. Peles Castle was the former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family, Bran Castle is famous for its resemblance with the Dracula’s Castle from the Bram Stocker movies and Hunedoara Castle is so spectacular that appeared in many movies including the Indian one named Sing is Bling.

There are many medieval monuments, churches and monasteries in Romania.

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NEWS

CLARKS INN 9TH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2017 India’s leading hotel chain Clarks Inn Group of Hotels recently organised its 9th Annual Clarks Inn Leadership Summit at Khajuraho. The annual calendar event was attended by Clarks Inn’s corporate team along with the General Managers of all its units from across the country. The event serves as a platform where Clarks Inn’s key managers and unit heads get together to evaluate performances and growth, learn from each other, chalk out strategies and the future course of action as well as unwind and relax.

The coveted ‘GM of the Year’ was bestowed on Rabindra Kumar Singh, GM of Clarks Inn Moradabad. Rajesh Chander, GM, Clarks Exotica Zirakpur and M. Praveen, Resident manager, Clarks Inn Badami, were the Ist and IInd Runner up respectively.

In operation since 2006, Clarks Inn has emerged as the fastest growing hotel company in India in the budget market segment. The hotel company boasts of a portfolio of over 80 hotel properties including over 40 hotels currently under operaby TNH DESK tion.

SEYCHELLES TOURISM BOARD CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF THREE-CITY ROAD SHOW Seychelles Tourist Office, India organised a 3-city roadshow in India, in Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai churn out some of the highest numbers of visitors each year to Seychelles and comprise of travel trade that facilitates

most number of travellers from north and western parts of India. The highlight of this roadshow was its format. For the first time since commencing operations in the India market, Seychelles Tourism Board adopted a new format for its roadshow – the Round Robin format, which ensured pre-scheduled meetings between the partners and trade and was strictly by invitation. Our partners got a chance to present their product and interact with the top sellers of Seychelles in the three top performing cities of India. The roadshow kick started with meetings in Delhi on 18th September followed by Ahmedabad on 20th September and concluded with Mumbai on 22nd Sepby TNH DESK tember.

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

The Blue Yonder Photographer: Ajay Menon

vB

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TOP INDIAN TRAVEL COMPANIES PRACTICING RESPONSIBLE TOURISM NEHA KIRPAL

efined as tourism that

D

tive economic, environmental

pletely family run and managed

creates better places for

and social impacts of tourism. We

outfit, the company showcases

people to live in and visit,

picked some of the top Indian

the region’s vast history, diver-

indigenous tourism has caught

travel companies that are pro-

sity, peoples, cultures, religions

on in India in a big way over the

moting responsible tourism.

and lifestyles. The company

past few years. The trend is

meets a strong three-pronged

driven by the need to protect

ExplorIndya: This company spe-

criterion of the responsible travel

local environments - whether

cializes in planning and conduct-

standard: economic (conserving

physical, cultural, historical and

ing personalized road trips

native handicrafts, local

social—and minimize the nega-

through south India. A com-

teashops, tribal guides); environ-

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

mental (planting trees, eco-friendly resorts/homestays, paperless business practices) and social (fundraising for infrastructure projects in villages, promoting regional talent/skills, reviving ancient art forms).

The Blue Yonder: A pioneer in sustainable travel, this travel company based in Puducherry, helps design culturally immersive and experiential products and services. By cocreating authentic travel encounters that provide meaningful encounters with local communities, the company works in areas rich in history,

ExplorIndya- The Toda Landscape of the Nilgiris

culture, age-old heritage, and character. Their various initiatives cover a broad spectrum—rivers, music, forests, textile, arts and crafts—and are aimed towards empowering n

local communities with an alternate source of income that would generate not just a livelihood but also a sense of pride among them.

Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT): With poaching still a serious threat in the country, it is vital to support conservation efforts through tourism. TOFTigers leads strong campaigns for responsible

The Blue Yonder Photographer: Ajay Menon

The Blue Yonder Photographer: Ajay Menon

tiger tourism in India. It works with both the state and federal government agencies and departments to plan and integrate nature tourism into conservation efforts through various training courses and workshops. TOFTigers has also developed a rating system that measures the ‘footprint’ of individual lodges

The Blue Yonder Photographer: Ajay Menon

and hotels in India’s wilderness regions, called the PUG Rating.

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Indiahikes: This Company, also known as the country’s largest community of trekkers, has a unique programme called Green Trails. Simply put, it is the company’s mission to revolutionize trekking in an eco-friendly and sustainable way such that the impact on the environment is minimal. Through the initiative, the company endeavours to reduce participants’ carbon and ecological footprints while trekking. The company is making conscious efforts in this direction by following simple green practices such as collecting garbage, segregating waste, con-

TOFTigers PUG auditors inspect a lodge in Bandhavgarh

ducting awareness programmes, composting organic waste, facilitating reuse and recycling, generating biogas, using solar energy and rainwater harvesting, and partnering with local governments to aid in addressing these problems at a larger scale.

Chinkara Journeys: This central India based travel company is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive and eco-friendly wildlife and culture tours to one of India's least known, yet most diversely attractive regions. The company's close relationships with local guides and

Chinkara Journeys

communities enable them to put money back into the local economies. The company's vehicles also comply with strict Euro IV emissions or Bharat Stage III control regulations set by the European Union and Indian Environment Ministry.

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Chinkara Journeys

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NEWS

SOUTH AFRICA'S ROBBEN ISLAND 8TH ADTOI ANNUAL CONVENTIONMUSEUM GOES GREEN CUM-EXHIBITION 2017 AT NOVOTEL, VARUN BEACH R obben Island, the prison-turned-tourist-attraction that held Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment amidst the apartheid struggle, has moved to solar energy. The move will reduce Robben Island’s carbon emissions by almost 940 tons.

Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa handed over a solar power plant to the Robben Island Museum (RIM) as part of the Department of Tourism’s mandate to support sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

The solar power plant on Robben Island is part of a broader departmental pilot initiative implemented in collaboration with the management authorities of government-owned tourism attractions in South Africa to retrofit facilities with solar energy generating systems.

Minister Tokozile Xasa said, “Preserving our environment and reducing our carbon footprint is critical to the susby TNH DESK tainability of the tourism industry.

ADTOI is organising its 8th ADTOI Annual Convention-cum-Exhibition 2017 with the theme – DOMESTIC TOURISM: ‘EXPLORE INDIA – ONE COUNTRY, MANY WORLDS” with the support of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority as State Partner on 17th/18th November 2017 at Novotel, Varun Beach, Visakhapatanam. The Convention is also supported by Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, Gujarat Tourism, and support is also expected from MP Tourism, Kerala Tourism, West Bengal Tourism, Odisha Tourism, J & K Tourism, Telangana Tourism and other Stake holders of the Industry.

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NEWS

VOTING KICKS OFF FOR ADVENTURES OF MALDIVES (DHIVEHI AAHITHA) VIDEO COMPETITION Voting has officially kicked off for the Adventures of Maldives (Dhivehi Aahitha) Video Competition organized

by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) in association with Six Senses Laamu. To vote, simply watch the videos and give a like

to your favorite video.

The videos can be found as video playlist titled Adventures of Maldives Video Submissions the Videos section of the official Facebook Page of Visit Maldives https://www.facebook.com/visitmal-

SOUTH AFRICA'S ROBBEN ISLAND MUSEUM GOES GREEN Robben Island, the prison-turned-tourist-attraction that held Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment amidst the apartheid struggle, has moved to solar energy. The move will reduce Robben Island’s carbon emissions by almost 940 tons. Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa handed over a solar power plant to the Robben Island Museum (RIM) as part of the Department of Tourism’s mandate to support sustainable and inclusive tourism development. The solar power plant on Robben Island is part of a broader departmental pilot initiative implemented in collaboration with the management authorities of government-owned tourism attractions in South Africa to retrofit facilities.

by TNH DESK

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dives/.

"Voting has commenced from 1700 hours, 22nd October 2017 (Maldives time/GMT +5) until 1400 hours on 5th of November 2017 (Maldives time/GMT +5). The most liked and viewed/watched videos will be judged by a panel who will select the winner and the top 10 videos of the competition."

HYATT REGENCY DELHI LAUNCHES AN EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS CLUB - THE COUNCIL Hyatt Regency Delhi has recently launched a by-invitation, members-only business club for leaders of the industry, catering to a network of entrepreneurs and professionals from across the business world.

Speaking on the occasion, Aseem Kapoor, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Delhi said, “Increasingly we have guests who desire an exclusive space outside their office environment for conducting their business productively in a comfortable and luxurious setby TNH DESK ting.

by TNH DESK

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NEWS

MADHYA PRADESH TOURISM WINS HALL OF FAME AWARD State tourism bagged three consecutive National Awards for Best Tourism. Also wins 10 other national tourism awards.

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country which has bagged the Best Tourism State National Award since three consecutive years. Madhya Pradesh Tourism was conferred the Hall of Fame Award in New Delhi on the 27th September 2017. The award was given by the President Ramnath Kovind at a grand ceremony organized at Vigyan Bhavan to Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) Surendra Patwa, Chairman of State Tourism Development Corporation Tapan Bhoumik and Secretary Tourism Hariranjan Rao. The award carries a trophy and a citation.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Information Technology K.J. Alphons was also present on the occasion.

Madhya Pradesh has bagged 10 awards simultaneously on the occasion of World Tourism Day today. The State bagged the Most Innovative Tourist Product award for ‘Hanuwantiya Jal Mahotsav’ and Best State for Adventure Tourism. While Chanderi was adjudged the Best Heritage City, the Best Tourist Friendly Railway Station award went to Ujjain Railway Station and Best Civic Management of a Tourist Destination of

by TNH DESK India was awarded to Khargone.

SABRE OUTLINES STRATEGY TO INNOVATE THE NEXT LEVEL OF TRAVEL DISTRIBUTION AND RETAILING

OMAN RELAXES ITS VISA RULES TO ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS FROM INDIA Citizens of India, China and Russia nations will be allowed to obtain a nonsponsored tourist visa for Oman.

Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has announced the revised terms and conditions issued by the Omani authorities on the granting of non-sponsored tourist visa for the Citizens of India, China and Russia who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of the these countries – United States of America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and Schengen States to enter the Sultanate of Oman.

The issued statement indicated that the visa shall be granted for a period of one month for a fee of OMR 20. An additional circular from OAMC added that the spouse and children of the visa holder would also be allowed to enter the Sultanate while accompanying them. Applicants must also have a return ticket and confirmed hotel reservation in order to be granted the visa.

Speaking about the recent development, Salim Adi Al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotion, from the Ministry of Tourism in Oman said, “We are extremely pleased with the recent development of facilitating non-sponsored tourist visa for

by TNH DESK the Citizens of India, China and Russia.”

Sean Menke, president and CEO of global travel technology leader Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), told senior executives gathered at an industry conference in Dallas that the continued growth of low cost carriers (LCCs) and downward pressure on airline pricing are driving factors of the new technology landscape. Menke emphasized that Sabre is committed to leading on the development of next generation distribution and retailing solutions that leverage the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) New Distribution Capability (NDC) in ways that will benefit airlines, travel retailers and consumers.

Menke said that the development of

NDC standards was just the first step in a series of changes that will impact the way airlines market their services and how travel agencies retail those services to consumers. But there are a host of other implications, including airline revenue management, ticketing fulfilment and servicing and other back-office functions that travel agencies provide in support of airlines – most especially travel management companies that support business travellers. “Sabre has a history of bringing together the interests of travel suppliers and travel retailers and finding ways for technology to move the industry

by TNH forward.”

DESK

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NEWS

LUFTHANSA AND VEREINIGUNG COCKPIT SIGN LONG-TERM COLLECTIVE LABOR AGREEMENTS Lufthansa and the pilot trade union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) signed a new collective labor agreement (CLA) on all previously open issues. The signed contracts correspond to the agreement reached in March. The CLA is subject to approval of the trade union members in form of a ballot. Among others, the parties have agreed on a framework collective agreement and a new remuneration agreement as well as agreements on pension and transitional payments lasting until at least June 2022. The parties have thus reached a long-term collective bargaining agreement and correspondingly long-term

stable labor relations. The new contracts will result in a structural overall cost saving of 15 percent of staff costs in the cockpit – before wage increases to be paid in the future. At the same time, the agreement allows for the hiring of junior pilots at the abovementioned airlines. “With the collective bargaining agreement, we have created a foundation for a new social partnership with the VC,” says Dr. Bettina Volkens, Chief Officer Corporate Human Resources and Legal Affairs.

“We are jointly creating a sustainable collective bargaining peace until 2022.

This compromise opens up career

prospects for our pilots and makes an important contribution to the competitiveness of our company.”

Pension and transitional payments The pension scheme will be changed from a system of defined benefits to a system of defined contributions, as already agreed with ground and cabin staff.

by TNH DESK

THE RESIDENCE BY CENIZARO EXPANDS ITS PORTFOLIO The Residence Bintan opens February 2018 Having established hugely successful properties in the Indian Ocean and North Africa, 2018, will see the Cenizaro group make their first foray into Indonesia with an exciting new opening in Bintan. Located on the east coast of Bintan Island, a short

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boat-ride from Singapore, The Residence Bintan will open in winter 2018 amongst lush tropical greenery and breath-taking views of the South China Sea. The hotel will be the fifth resort by The Residence by Cenizaro brand – joining properties in the Maldives, Mauritius, Zanzibar and Tunisia.

Each property within the group represents the overarching philosophies of au-

thenticity and sense of place – at The Residence Bintan, this will be most clearly evident in the design and layout of the resort.

The 127 villa property has been built in harmony with the natural landscape, blending seamlessly into the tropical surroundings and incorporating local materials and furnishings throughout.

by TNH DESK

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EVENT WATCH

S KAL D ELHI M EET As the festive season sets in, Skal International Delhi recently organised a funfilled night for its members at Four Points by Sheraton, New Delhi. Members present on the occasion had great time along with sumptuous foods.

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FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD

Popular festivals around the world to see in the next month Upcoming month brings a lot of festivity with many colorful and music festivals for a traveller. There are many festivals happening around the world like Junkanoo Parade (in Bahamas) and Sunburn Festival / Sunburn Hills (India). Here are some of the popular festivals / carnivals which a traveller must witness!

December 5, 2017 Location: Klagenfurt, Austria

Klagenfurt Krampusnacht Festival Krampus is Saint Nicholas’s horned mythical companion of Alpine folklore who punishes naughty children during the Christmas season.

Krampusnacht Festival is celebrated on the eve of St. Nicholas’ Day and sees people dressed as devils and demons capering through the streets in celebration of the holiday season. This raucous party also has a number of Christmas markets and no shortage of gingerbread or mulled wine to keep you warm as you enjoy all the festivities. Nothing says welcome to the holiday season like Krampusnacht, an alcohol-fueled race where the contestants consist of a thousand alpine joggers dressed as child-kidnapping furry devils.

December 7-10, 2017 Location: Miami, Florida, United States

Art Basel Miami In this show, leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa show significant work from the masters of Modern and contemporary art, as well the new generation of emerging stars. Sculptures, paintings, installations, photographs, films, and editioned works of the highest quality are on display in the main exhibition hall. Ambitious large-scale artworks, films and performances become part of the city's outdoor landscape at nearby Collins Park and SoundScape Park. The original fair was first christened in Switzerland in 1970, has created such an art ecosystem full of diversity that there’s something for just about everyone at this four-day spectacle that takes over Miami. It attracts a sophisticated international crowd of gallerists, artists, collectors, and glitterati to the sands of South Beach and beyond.

December 26, 2017 - January 1, 2018 Location: Nassau, Bahamas

Junkanoo Parade Junkanoo is the greatest cultural event of the Bahamas. It is a kind of street carnival which occurs on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day (January 1). The main event happens in Nassau. This street parade features music, dance, and costumes of Igbo origin in many towns across the Bahamas. The largest Junkanoo parade happens in the capital New Providence. There are also Junkanoo parades in Miami in June and Key West in October, where local black American populations have their roots in The Bahamas. Dances are choreographed to the beat of goatskin drums and cowbells. The original Junkanoo is the strongest remaining African tradition in the Bahamas. In the times of slavery, Christmas time was the only free time the slaves had, so they used this time for celebration.

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FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD

December 10 - 17, 2017 Location: Konya, Turkey

Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Since Rumi's death in 1273, the Mevlevi Order has been commemorating him with this festival that brings even observers closer to a sense of the divine. Men dressed in whites robes and tall hats spinning in circles doesn’t sound as exciting as running with the bulls or dancing at Rio’s Carnival, but the chance to watch the Whirling Dervishes will change you in a way you’d never expect. You might come here to marvel at the whirling, but this festival will teach you more about modern Islam than you ever imagined. In 2008, UNESCO confirmed the "The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony" of Turkey as amongst the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The Mawlaw'īyya are also known as the Whirling Dervishes due to their famous practice of whirling as a form of dhikr (remembrance of God).

December 28 - 31, 2017 Location: Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Sunburn Festival / Sunburn Hills Sunburn Festival have been moved from Goa's Vagator Beach in 2016, the festival now takes place in the hills of Kesnand, to the north east of Pune. This electronic dance music (EDM) attracts over 3, 50,000 people and hundreds of artists every year. After years of being held on Vagator Beach in Goa, it has shifted its venue to the hills of Pune and rebranded itself to Sunburn Hills.

The event celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2016, and in 2017, is set to captivate the masses with their electric vibe and spectacular performances by some of the greatest names in this genre like Martin Garrix, Hardwell, David Guetta and Armin van Buuren. Pune is all set to usher in the New Year with some great music, dance and food.

December 30, 2017 - January 1, 2018 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Hogmanay Celebration From December 30th through January 1st, tradition sends many Scots to clean their houses and settle debts, all in the name of getting a fresh start. When night falls, however, the Hogmanay celebration is in full swing with fireworks, parades and performances, all with a Scottish twist. Three days of spectacular events, incredible bands and amazing crowds from every corner of the globe. You can see Shetland Vikings bearing firelit torches, hear beautiful choral singing in St Giles' Cathedral, enjoy birling to traditional Scottish music in the Old Town, and watch top stars and incredible fireworks from Princes Street Gardens. Secular celebration has a happy, friendly note, which attendees take to heart; friends and strangers share hugs. Edinburgh's Hogmanay shows the world how to party!

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BITE CORNER

Pamper your taste buds at

The Great Kabab Factory Park Plaza Gurgaon

vB

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PREM KUMAR

The Great Kabab Factory (TGKF) is a leading Indian

bience and well-lit space for lunch and dinner, es-

restaurant chain known for its delicious and exten-

pecially for Kebab lovers. This restaurant is located

sive range of kebabs. A contemporary and stylish In-

at a walking distance from Gurugram's Huda City

dian specialty restaurant chain, TGKF launched its

Center Metro Station.

first restaurant at hotel Radisson Delhi in 1996. It specializes in art of making Kebabs once dined by the Mughals.

Like every TGKF, the Park Plaza Gurgaon has a rotating menu for each day that contains both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variety. Guests have many

I was recently at TGKF Park Plaza Gurgaon to have

vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and they can

my lunch. TGKF Park Plaza offers kebabs of great

enjoy unlimited servings of whatever kebabs they

quality along other food items. A mid-size restaurant

like.

designed in the Mughal style, it offers a peaceful am-

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BITE CORNER

The Great Kabab factory serve top of the line bev-

Barra

erages including classic mocktails and cocktails. To start with, you can chill and energize yourself with a mocktail of your choice from multiple options.

However, beverages are not part of ‘fixed meal package' that The Great Kabab Factory has on offer.

The non-vegetarian 'fixed meal package' is priced at Rs 1399 whereas vegetarian package costs Rs. 1299. Advantage of the 'fixed meal package' is that you pay a fixed price and eat as much as you want.

The menu for the day includes a set of 6 kebabs (either veg. or non-veg.) chosen from hundreds of

Burra Kabab

varieties of kebabs beside a few other north Indian options and dessert. Some of the kebabs which are recommend to be tried here are Galouti Kabab, Rogani Murg, Macchi Tikka Hyderabadi, Murg Tikka Kalongi and Burrah Kabab. I especially liked Galouti Kabab served along with Ulta Tawa Paratha (a perfect combination) and Macchi Tikka Hyderabadi. Once you are done with kebabs, you can also try Gosht Biryani and Gosht Nihari along with Roti, Naan or Lachha Paratha. The vegetarian kebabs are equally tempting that include Subz Galouti, Lahori Paneer Tikka, Aloo Anardana, Kaju Matar ki Seekh, Peshawari Broccoli and Makai Methi Ke Kabab.

Moving from the main course to dessert, I tasted Moong Dal Halwa, Kulfi and Paan Ice-cream, which I liked the most. Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla are also

Galouti Kabab with Ulta Tawa Parantha

offered as part of dessert.

Verdict TGKF Park Plaza Gurgaon is an ideal place for discerning kebab lovers. Non-vegetarian kebabs are remarkably mouth-watering. Galouti Kabab can aptly be described as king of all kebabs for its incredible deliciousness and softness. Meals are reasonably priced. If you are a kebab-lover and live in or visiting this part of the NCR, you must visit TGKF Park Plaza Gurgaon.

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MOVING ON

Rupam Das Regional Director, Clarks Inn Group of Hotels Rupam Das has been transferred and promoted as Regional Director – Operation & Business Development at Clarks Inn Group of Hotels. In the current profile Rupam will be responsible to bring in increased efficiency in hotel operations, enhanced brand visibility as well as oversee growth of the company’s hotel portfolio through new acquisitions across its various brands. Additionally he is also heading Clarks Holidays, a vacation ownership offering by Clarks Inn that seeks to redefine leisure experiences of discerning holiday travellers, both in India and overseas. Rupam joins Clarks Inn’s corporate office from his previous role as Area Director – Operations, South & Western India at Clarks Inn where he was heading operations & business development across Southern and Western India and has played a leading role in establishing Clarks Inn’s strong footprint in the Southern state of Karnataka. Rupam brings with him an excellent track record of 21 years of experience in hospitality sector working with leading Indian hotel brands like Fortune Hotels, Ramada, Ramoji Hotels, among others.

Garima Nagpal Head - Quality, OYO Garima Nagpal, a seasoned hospitality professional with over four decades of experience has joined OYO. In her new role as Head of Quality, Garima will be responsible for network-wide upgradation of OYO hotels to ensure highest levels of quality, including hygiene and ambience. The appointment is in line with OYO’s commitment to solve supply-demand imbalance and offer beautiful and quality living spaces. Of her extensive hospitality career, Garima has spent nearly 30 years as the Head of Housekeeping across several hotel chains. She has worked with marquee brands including The Oberoi, Taj, Hyatt, Le Meridien and India Habitat Center. A pre-opening expert associated with opening some of the finest hotels across India, Garima’s skill-set complements OYO’s expansion plans for both its categories - OYO Rooms and Townhouse.

Garima joins OYO from The Imperial Hotel where she was the Executive Housekeeper for 9 years. Prior to that, she was at Aman hotel and The Shangri-La. In 2001, she was hand-picked by the Taj Mahal, New Delhi to help improve the hotel's guest experience scores.

Prateek Kalra Director, Food and Beverage, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has appointed Prateek Kalra as Director of Food and Beverage. Bringing over 12 years of rich experience in the F&B and hospitality industry to the role and backed with unrivalled knowledge and skill set, he will lead the hotel’s F&B operations. After graduating from the Institute of Hotel Management in Mumbai, Prateek started his career with the Taj Management Training Program. He began his journey in the Food and Beverage space, and worked across various markets during his stint with the Taj Group. Prior to his current appointment with JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, he was the Director of Food & Beverages at Taj Coromandel, Chennai. He has an enthusiastic persona and keeps himself abreast with the latest innovations in the hospitality industry.

His experience with the Taj and Starwood properties, has given him great exposure in handling multi-faceted roles. His noteworthy leadership skills, insightful knowledge and zeal to learn has helped him built a strong operational background in the Food and Beverage sector.

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MOVING ON

Alessio Banchero Italian Chef de Cuisine, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity has appointed Chef AlessioBanchero as the Italian Chef de Cuisine at K3, the all-day dining restaurant. Chef Alessio comes with more than two decades of experience in kitchen operations and management. He started at a young age, working as Commis de Cuisine across different restaurants and hotel kitchens in Italy and France while attending the culinary school. His passion for the cuisine led him to become Chef de Partie at Ristorante la Terrazza at Hotel NovotelGenova in 1995 and later joined as Sous Chef at RistoranteIlVeliero in 1997 before finishing his studies in 1998. Chef Alessio joined Zeffirino, a fine dining Italian cuisine restaurant in Genova in 2000 as a Sous Chef where he got a chance to work with Executive Chef and the Ambassador of Italian food in the world GianpaoloBelloni. In 2004, he moved to Zeffirino at the Venetian, Las Vegas where he managed a team of 25 chefs and took take charge of trainings related to food.

Shamsher Ahmed Chef de Cuisine, Sofitel Mumbai BKC SofitelHotels & Resorts has appointed Shamsher Ahmed as Chef de Cuisine for their flagship property in India, Sofitel Mumbai BKC. Chef Shamsher Ahmed brings to Sofitel, over 20 years of hospitality experience and enjoys mentoring his team as much as he likes crafting delicacies.

Originally from Kanpur, Chef Ahmed will create delicacies from the North-West Frontier Province of the country at the hotel’s signature restaurant Jyran – Tandoor Dining & Lounge. The food at Jyran reveals a real mastery of flavours and textures that can be sensed in the delectable Raan Al Jyran, Mutton Awadhi Biryani, Tandoori Jhinga,the luscious Chooza Makhni and more. For the vegetarian taste-buds, there are special items such as Kofta Subz Bahar, the sumptuous Subz Miloni and a variety of other dishes. A not-to-be missed delicacy is the Chef’s recommended dessert, Tabhakh Jamun – stuffed cottage cheese dumplings stewed in sugar syrup and topped with honey and dry fruits.

Ian John Thomason Executive Chef, Banyan Tree Phuket Banyan Tree Phuket has appointed Chef Ian John Thomason as its new executive chef.

The winner of TV show ‘Iron Chef Thailand’ brings in innovation and culinary expertise to the resort’s dining outlets. Chef Ian is no stranger to Laguna Phuket as he plied his trade at the erstwhile Sheraton Grand Laguna Luxury Collection Phuket managing as Executive Sous Chef.He started his journey in the capital, Bangkok at Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel as an executive Sous Chef back in 2008. His penultimate stop before the Banyan Tree was asExecutive Chef at Luxury Collection, Naka Island, Phuket for over five years. Chef Ian graduated from Stafford, England in the UK before embarking his career at the famous Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland before he went on to cook in some of London’s most renowned kitchens including The Savoy, where he served as Senior Sous Chef, and at the Sofitel London St. James, where he worked as Executive Sous Chef under the legendary Chef Albert Roux.

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NEWS

SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO BOOST F&B SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES Singapore Airlines has committed to significantly enhancing sustainability practices in its in-flight food and beverage offerings. Under the new initiative, a “From Farm to Plane” concept will be introduced to promote environmental sustainability and support local farmers’ communities.

Current efforts in Singapore Airlines’ sustainability strategy includeusingfish from fisheries certified by the Marine Stewardship Councilfor their sustainable fishing practices, and obtaining produce from localfarms in countriesthe Airline serves.

With the“From Farm to Plane” concept, Singapore Airlinesintends to use more sustainable and meatless ingredients, as well as local produce, in its in-flight meals. The Airlinewill work with partners overseas and in Singapore to source for such ingredients.

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In addition, Singapore Airlines’ International Culinary Panel (ICP) of world-renowned chefs will createin-flight menus usingmore sustainable ingredients and local produce from farms at the Airline’s destinations, such ascherry tomatoes, pumpkins,green beans and lettuce.The new menus will initially be introduced to Suites customers on selected routes from later this year, and will progressively be made available to customers travelling in other classes.

LEMON TREE HOTELS EXPANDS PRESENCE IN PATNA AND ALWAR

EMAAR HOSPITALITY GROUP’S ‘VIDA HARBOUR POINT’ TO OFFER EXCEPTIONAL WATERFRONT LIFESTYLE BY THE HISTORIC DUBAI CREEK

Lemon Tree Hotels, India’s largest hotel chain in the midpriced hotel sector as of June 30, 2017 (according to Horwath HTL India), announced the formal opening of its two refreshing hotels, Lemon Tree Premier, Patna and Lemon Tree Hotel, Alwar, marking their entry into these historic cities.

Signaling the group’s focus on Bihar, and their overall expansion plans across India, Rattan Keswani, Deputy Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels and Director, Carnation Hotels said, “We are delighted to bring the Lemon Tree brand to Patna and Alwar. These hotels are a first for us and present an exciting branded alternative to the city residents as well as our existing customer base. Both cities imbibe a rich cultural heritage and attract business and leisure travelers alike.”

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties, is offering an exceptional waterfront lifestyle with spectacular views of the Dubai Creek, the Downtown Dubai skyline and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, with its upcoming Vida Harbour Point hotel.

The seventh upcoming hotel project in the UAE under Vida Hotels and Resorts, an upscale lifestyle hotel and residences brand, Vida Harbour Point is located in The Island District of Dubai Creek Harbour, a 6 sq km mega-project developed as a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding.

Located by the banks of the historic Dubai Creek and overlooking a worldclass marina, Vida Harbour Point is the second hotel project by Emaar Hospitality Group in Dubai Creek Harbour, having recently unveiled Address Harbour Point, a premium lifestyle hotel and serviced residences to be operby TNH DESK ated by Address Hotels + Resorts.

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DL (ND)-11/6167/2017-18-19 | DATE OF POSTING: 5-6 OF MONTH | RNI NO.: DELENG/2010/33723 | DATE OF PUBLISHING: 4 th OF THE MONTH