Travel and Hospitality (TnH) - August 2016

www.tnhglobal.com

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Travel Hospitality I s s u e 11 | V o l u m e V I I | a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | ` 5 0

India’s online travel players, who scripted incredible success stories

The truth about the lives of travel bloggers

pa g e s 5 2

Aggressive marketing the need of hour for India's MICE growth

Top travel social media accounts

Relish the splendor of the 06 Monsoon

Top reasons why you should 30 go to Gujarat now!

26 Finding Nemo

32 Foods you must try in Macao

In Conversation with Greesh 35 Bindra, Area General Manager, North India, IHG Best apps to make your travel 47 easy

FROM THE EDITOR

The Digital Takeover

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.tnhindia.com printed, published and owned by srishti Rai. printed at somsons printing Works, 1/7, Doctor’s lane, gole market, New Delhi - 110001, and published at p- 23/90, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110001; editor: sRIsHtI RaI

Today, the Internet is truly everywhere and at this point I think most of us can no longer imagine a world without it. What’s more, just like essentially every other industry it has ushered in a new era in the travel trade. From the rapid rise in travel booking websites that ensure we get the best deals, to the millions of travel apps that assist us with planning and realizing our perfect vacation, to the gazillion travel bloggers that give us first hand destination and hotel recommendations, to the spreading social media platforms that help us connect with out of town peers and share our own travel stories- the digital age has transformed the way we travel!

Today we can plan weeks-long holidays from the comfort of our bed and with just a touch of a button. Indeed this is great because the way I see it we travel best when we are at ease and most of us are at ease when we are in charge.

Fortunately, the best of technology does just that- it gives us control. It helps us

stay organized, on time, and on budget whether we are traveling for pleasure or business.

Of course, like everything else this digital world too has its drawbacks.

Since we have access to our smart devices 24/7, it’s easy to forget to disconnect and unwind even while on holiday.

However, we need to make a conscious effort to distance ourselves from these devices once in a while. Basically we can decide whether technology will helps us or hinders us. But undoubtedly when used right way, it shrinks and expands our world in all the right ways.

So, to celebrate all that is great about the digital era, we have dedicated most of this issue to individuals and companies that are using technology the right way. To read more about them, don’t miss out on our stories: India’s online travel players, who scripted incredible success stories (pg. 40) and ‘Top travel social media accounts (pg. 36). Also, don’t forget to read through our article ‘The truth about the life of travel bloggers’ (pg.34). It gives an authentic insight into this seemingly fun-filled occupation. It helps you understand the struggles of bloggers, what makes some of them stand out and how you can succeed in this field.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Travel and Hospitality! As always, please get in touch with any feedback you have.

srishti Rai editor

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Travel Hospitality

CONTENTS

AUGUST 2016 40 COVER STORY

India’s online travel players, who scripted incredible success stories

06 MONSOON TOURISM Relish the splendor of the Monsoon

20 SPECIAL FEATURE

Aggressive marketing the need of hour to make India a preferred MICE destination

06

20

26

30

32

34

36

47

26 RESORT REVIEW Finding Nemo

30 EXPLORE INDIA

Top reasons why you should go to Gujarat now!

32 EXPLORE THE WORLD Foods you must try in Macao

34 TRAVEL BLOGGERS

The truth about the lives of travel bloggers

36 TRENDS

Top travel social media accounts

47 TRAVEL MANTRA

Best apps to make your travel easy

MONSOON TOURISM

Relish the splendor of the Monsoon Monsoon is the best time in India to escape from hustle-bustle of the city life to some quiet and serene places to enjoy the essence of the nature. It is also the ideal season to unwind and rejuvenate in the lap of nature.

After the scorching summer, comes the Monsoon with its all its beauty and charm,

book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities.

filling lives with delightful bliss. The natural

Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South

landscapes are at their best during the Mon-

India is located in Munnar. Anamudi Peak is

soon, when rivers, waterfalls, lakes and

a perfect spot for trekking. It is located in

forests are on full swing. Also, mountains

Eravikulam National Park, home of the Nil-

are full with lush green trees and beautiful

giri Tahr, also an important attraction in

flowers.

Munnar. Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Chinnakanal,

Monsoon is one of the most beautiful sea-

Anayirangal and top station are some other

sons in India to explore the country, its na-

attractions in Munnar. The hills of Munnar

ture, scenic beauty, rivers, lush green forest

are also South India’s leading tea-growing

and waterfalls. The season relieves you

regions. It is wonderful experience to see

from the scorching heat. During the Mon-

lush green tea gardens here in the Mon-

soon season, the vast lands of the country

soon. Munnar has a glorious legacy of tea

turn into picturesque landscape. It is the

plantations. Its Tea Museum showcases

time to enjoy the splendor of the Monsoon

some of the exquisite and interesting as-

in India and feel the cool gentle winds.

pects on the genesis and growth of tea

Here are some beautiful destinations of

plantations in Kerala's high ranges.

India which you should visit during Monsoon:

Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka Better known as Kodagu, Coorg is only six

Munnar, Kerala

hours away from the busy city of the state of

Munnar is a popular hill station, where

Karnataka. Located in the Western Ghats, it

three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nal-

is a popular getaway during the Monsoon

lathanni and Kundala converge. Munnar

season. In fact, it is one of the places that

was once the summer resort of the erst-

receive heavy rains in India. The rains add a

while British Government in South India.

certain charm to this district, even though it

The Monsoon is a perfect time to visit

experiences a high amount of rainfall be-

Munnar for a quiet holiday. The cloudy mist

cause it is situated on the eastern side of

cloaks the mountains of Munnar in the Mon-

the Western Ghats. Coorg is also famous for

soons and seeing this natural beauty is an

its coffee plantations. Madikeri is the most

amazing experience. During the Monsoons,

sought-after destination in Coorg. Endowed

landscape of Munnar gets covered with lush

with a number of things to do and places to

green plants. The resort destination boasts

see, the drive to Madikeri is not only scenic

of its sprawling tea plantations, picture-

but probably the brightest green you will

6

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

MONSOON TOURISM

Enjoy the hospitality of JW Marriott Chandigarh in the Monsoon For hotel like JW Marriott Chandigarh, Monsoon offers an important occasion to attract tourists. “Monsoon Tourism plays a very important part for Chandigarh and North India as a whole. Chandigarh offers a lot of scenic beauty that is awesome view of the Shivaliks and amazing food options. Also there has been a growth in the domestic leisure sector and people look for options which can give them an ultimate stay experience,” said Anang Chaturvedi, Director of Sales & Marketing, JW Marriott ever see in any part of Karnataka. With

Chandigarh. Being a gateway to Punjab, Himachal and J&K, Chandigarh experiences

freshly flushed coffee plantations on either

a lot of traffic during this season from tourists and MICE. In this season, a lot of

side, the mist of Coorg is likely to call you

tourists visit JW Marriott Chandigarh for stay and wellness options.

once again. Coorg (Kodagu) is also known

JW Marriott Chandigarh is promoting monsoon tourism by providing various last

as the Scotland of India. Therefore, this

minute weekend packages so that people can avail them as per their convenience.

place is quite popular amongst honeymoon-

“As Nature Tourism is an essential part of the tourism in this region, we are offering

ers during Monsoon.

various customised packages where the guests are taken to visit the local areas and see the green environment of countryside. Also as monsoon is associated with well-

Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand

ness, we are offering various Spa services at discounted rates to the guests who

The Monsoon is perfect time to explore

plan to stay with us during this season,” said Chaturvedi. He added, “Many regions

select parts of Corbett National Park. Estab-

in India have already understood the potential Monsoons can translate in terms of

lished in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is

business. Kerala being a gateway to monsoons for example launched a campaign on

India’s oldest national park. Located in

it. Similarly each region in India has something different to offer and can be used as

Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the park has

means to attract foreign tourists to the country.”

been named after Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment. A favorite spot

Sultan of Malwa, Baz Bahadur. Although,

celebrated in Goa is the annual Ganesh

for wildlife lovers, the park has a wide

Mandu attracts tourist throughout the year,

Chaturthi festival. Contrary to popular opin-

range of diverse flora and fauna. During the

but the Monsoon is the best season to visit

ion, a vacation in Goa during the rains is

Monsoon, tourists are allowed only in select

this region of Madhya Pradesh.

sheer bliss! So what are you waiting for?

parts of Corbett Tiger Reserve, home to in-

Plan your holiday to Goa and enjoy your

credible wildlife. Moreover, the Monsoon is

Goa

the only season to enjoy rafting in the River

The Monsoon is ideal time to embrace

way through the place this Monsoon!

Kosi flowing through the Park as the river

natural beauty of Goa and explore this tiny

Leh, Ladakh

does not have sailable depth in other sea-

state beyond its beaches. Famous for its pic-

Visiting Ladakh is an amazing experience,

sons. Avail morning and evening Jeep safari

turesque landscapes, Goa has much more to

especially during the Monsoon season. This

to go inside the forest to explore the exotic

offer than just the sun, sand and surf during

region does not receive rains like other

serene wildlife.

the Monsoon. You can enjoy Goa’s natural

places in India during the Monsoon, which

beauty in a very pleasant weather during

is why it is a perfect time to visit Ladakh.

Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

the Monsoon. Enjoy watching wildlife in

Many Buddhist monasteries and historical

Located in Dhar district of Madhya

Goa during the Monsoon as wildlife sanctu-

monuments are located in Leh, which are

Pradesh in the Malwa region, Mandu is the

aries in the state are open throughout the

very popular attractions for tourists. There is

site of a ruined city, which has a glorious

year. Visit Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary located

an 800 year old Kali Mandir located in the

history. Mandu was founded as a fortress in

in North Goa near Valpoi, which has a larger

heart of the town that houses a fascinating

the 10th century by Raja Bhoj. Later, it was

number of Bengal Tigers. Other popular

collection of masks. The 17th century Leh

conquered by the Muslim rulers. The site is

sanctuaries in the state are The Bhagwan

Palace built in traditional Tibetan style of-

35 km from the Dhar city and 100 km from

Mahavir Sanctuary, Mollem National Park

fers an enthralling view of the town. Leh is

Indore. It is around 283 km away from the

and the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Also,

an ideal destination for nature and adven-

capital city, Bhopal. It is a popular tourist

visit the Dudhsagar Falls located in the

ture lovers. It offers activities such as

destination due to its fine architecture and

Mollem National Park in the southern Goa

trekking trails, white water rafting along the

legends along with its beautiful landscape.

during the Monsoon. You can enjoy the

Indus River and the Shayok River (in the

Mandu is also famous for the love story of

colourful Sao Joao Festival in Goa during the

Nubra Valley), para gliding and hiking.

Rajput princess Rani Roopmati and the last

Monsoon. Another colourful festival which is

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

7

MONSOON TOURISM

Expedia offers up to 40% off on hotels during the Monsoon Monsoon is a perfect time for experiential travelers.

increasing trend of Indian travelers venturing out during monsoons, with a 25% rise over the last year. We at Expedia understand the consumer needs and therefore tailor makes our discounts and deals for them,” said Ahluwalia. He added that

Experience new travel trends during this season and avail

Goa is a favorite with Indian travelers in monsoons and hence

attractive offers.

Expedia offers up to 40% off on hotels in Goa, Shimla, Jaipur,

“Monsoon has always been welcomed with open arms, for

Manali, Coorg and various other destinations. Some of the

the fact that it brings respite from the scorching summer heat.

well-known destinations during the monsoon season include

It can be a great experience because of the soothing weather

Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Mount Abu-Rajasthan, Lon-

and amazing offbeat prices,” says Manmeet Ahluwalia, Market-

avala- Maharashtra, Cherrapunji- Meghalaya, Leh- Jammu and

ing Head, Expedia, India.

Kashmir, Kodaikanal-Tamil Nadu and Munnar, Kumarakom,

The exotic locations leave you spellbound as the travelers can experience the pristine beauty of nature. “We have seen an

GOA HIGHLIGHT ITS MONSOON TOURISM Best known as “Pearl of the Orient”, Goa Tourism is all set to offer a major boost to Monsoon tourism. It is the smallest state with the largest heart. You read it right- It’s a destination for all seasons and the premier state in the country to transform its tourism website into e-commerce portal. According to Nikhil Desai, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), “Goa is the only state to have 750 life guards on the beaches and it is highly safe. All

Allepey, Kochi – Kerala. These destinations should definitely be a part of your monsoon travel itinerary this year.

hotels in the state are running 90 per occupancy during Monsoon. There are a plethora of Monsoon festivals in the Western Ghats. We are tying up with several private players to bring four-star haunts in the state. We are rolling out scuba diving and boosting festival tourism.” The state is emerging as a wedding destination. The US, the UK, Germany and Russia form a large part of the state’s global tourism market.

by TNH DESK

Nikhil Desai MD, GTDC

MTDC INTRODUCES EXCITING MONSOON OFFERS FOR AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2016 Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has recently announced exciting offers to attract domestic tourists to experience the monsoon beauty of Maharashtra with an ease. The tourism board is offering a series of special offers to promote the famous monsoon destinations like Lonavla, Bhandardara, Malshej, Nashik and Shirdi during the rainy season beginning from August till September 2016. MTDC has introduced these special cost-effective packages to cash in on the season and giving the best deals to their enthusiastic travellers. The packages includes round trips like Mumbai-Lonavla Mumbai (2N 3D), Mumbai-Bhandardara-Mumbai (1N 2D), Mumbai Nashik-Shirdi-Bhandardara-Mumbai (2N 3D) and one day tour of Mumbai-Malshej-Mumbai along with transportation, overnight stays at hotel, breakfast and dinner. For travellers’ convenience, the tours are provided with pick up and drop options from key places like Thane and Dadar in Mumbai.

Further to the announcement of these monsoon packages, Shri.

Satish Soni, Joint Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said, “Monsoon is one of the key seasons to expe-

8

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

rience the glory of Maharashtra through its beautiful monsoon destinations. With beautiful and scenic monsoon destinations like Bhandardara, Malshej and Lonavla amongst few we have always experienced a surge in the demand at these places. This package will give an opportunity to more and more people to visit these popular monsoon destinations and experience the serenity of these locations all at a convenient price and a thoroughly managed tour.”

Swati Kale, General Manager, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said, “We have introduced these offers just in time considering the festive period ahead and are aiming to provide a cheerful and inexpensive travel experience to tourists from different walks of life. The tours are specially designed keeping in mind the popularity of these destinations and the fact that large numbers of people are drawn to these places, specifically from Mumbai. People will get an all inclusive deal at the best price.”

These new initiatives are being aggressively promoted at various platforms by MTDC and are aimed at increasing tourist footfalls to

by TNH DESK the state during the monsoon season.

NewS AIRLINE

VISTARA INTRODUCES #VISTARAFLYEARLY TO SAVE YOU TIME! Arrived at the airport early? Take an earlier flight within four hours for just INR1500 FlyEarly fee, with no change fee or fare difference If booked on Vistara’s Flexi Fares, fly early for free – no fee required!

Building on the commitment of valuing your time by being the most on-time airline in India, Vistara, India’s fastest growing full service carrier, today launched a convenient service,#VistaraFlyEarly,for its valued customers. With this feature, Vistara provides its customers the flexibility

of taking a flight up to four hours prior to their original scheduled departure, by paying aFlyEarlyfee of INR1500 per passenger, with no change fee or fare difference. The fee is payable only if the customer is accommodated on an earlier flight, which will be confirmed one hour before the flight’s scheduled departure.

This customer-centric initiative is applicable for all eligible flights across Vistara’s route network and is available for customers travelling in all three cabin classes.

by TNH DESK

INTERNATIONAL

to Dacca starting February 17, next year.

Tourists will fly down from Kolkata and New Delhi to Dacca to attend the event. There will be tourists from Guwahati and Siliguri taking the road trip to Bangladesh. Maitreyee Express runs thrice a week from Kolkata to Dacca and Agartala. We are selecting 5 travel groups each from Guwahati, Siliguri and Agartala and 10 travel operators from Kolkata to host the tour.” In the spate of recent terror attack in Dacca, tourist police have been deployed to facilitate the travellers on a visit to the country. by TNH DESK

INDO-BANGLADESH FRIENDSHIP TOUR IN 2017 The recent terror attack has not deterred Bangladesh Tourism. The country is looking forward to hosting Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Tour in 2017. Bangladesh Tourism has declared the current year as Visit Bangladesh 2016. This is for those travellers who are in search of their roots and share similar culture with Bangladesh. The current year has been declared by Bangladesh

Tourism as Visit Bangladesh 2016. Going forward, Bangladesh Tourism is all set to organize Vishwa Bangla Milan Utsav sometime on February 21, 2017 followed by IndoBangladesh Friendship Tour.

Jyotirmay Barman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, People’s Republic of Bangladesh said, “There will be nostalgic tours and cycle tour from Kolkata

COMPANY

Thomas Cook India’s Quess Corp debuts on the Exchanges at INR 500, up by 58% premium on its listing price Post record IPO, oversubscribed 147 times,

highest in the past 9 years. thomas Cook India ltd’s subsidiary, Quess Corp

cent over its issue price of INR 317. thomas Cook (India) ltd. acquired Quess Corp (previously IKYa Human Capital solutions private limited), in Feb-

ltd, saw a stellar opening on its first day at the ex-

ruary 2013 by picking up a 74% stake in the human

changes. promoted by ajit Isaac and thomas

capital solutions company. thomas Cook India

Cook (India) ltd, Quess Corp raised INR 400 crore

holds 62.6 percent in the company post issue.

from its Initial public offer (Ipo) which was open

on the occasion, madhavan menon, CmD,

for subscription from June 29 to July 1, 2016. the

thomas Cook (India) ltd, said, “We heartily con-

Ipo was oversubscribed 147 times earlier this

gratulate ajit Isaac and his team at Quess Corp on

month, emerging as the most oversubscribed Ipo

their hugely successful listing today. the over-

in the past 9 years. the shares began listing at INR

whelming response on the listing day, post a record

500 per share, up by an impressive 58 percent on

breaking, oversubscribed Ipo speak highly of the

Nse from its issue price of INR 317 per share;

fantastic organisation and capabilities.”

listed at INR 499 on Bse, a premium of 57.41 per

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

by TNH DESK

Madhavan Menon CMD, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd

GOVT

Lok Sabha Speaker presents ‘National Tourism Awards 2014-15’ National Tourism Awards for the year 2014-15 to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry were presented by the Speaker of Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan at a function organized

by MoT in New Delhi. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture presided over the function. Tourism Ministers of many States, Central and State Government Officials, Members from the Travel and Hospitality Industries, including leading Hoteliers, Travel Agents and Tour Operators and Travel Media attended the function.

The Chief Guest Sumitra Mahajan ex-

Narendra Modi describing the African na-

experience to all visitors and countrymen

tended her heartiest congratulations to all

tionals, who studied in India, as the ‘Alu-

by embracing the highest standards of

the award recipients and wished all of

mini of India’. It is a unique gesture. She

service excellence. The National Tourism

them a most rewarding journey ahead as

also said that Tourist Guides play a pivotal

Awards ceremony recognises the best

they and their colleagues continue to bring

role in Tourism industry as they play an

service providers in each of their service

the tourism industry to greater heights

important role in promoting tourism. She

domains. The objective of recognising and

through your outstanding service and ex-

called for positive news reporting about

rewarding the tourism sector Stakeholders,

cellence. The selection of Awardees is very

our country so that good image of our

State Govts & UTS is intended to set and

perfect and all the persons involved in

country can be portrayed abroad.

consistently raise the standards of what is

Tourism industry are the Flag Bearers of our country.

She said that the continuous strive for

attainable and desirable in the competitive

service excellence is all the more important

global tourism market, thereby helping to

She said that in our childhood, we had

as India’s Tourism Sector is on an upward

raise overall standards in the industry over

read about Gulliver Travels and Vasco De

growth track. She opined that we should

time. The categories of these Awards are

Gama to know about new places of

look to tourism as a way of transforming

being updated from time to time.

Tourism. But now through the spread of

not just the economy, but the lives of its

Tourism industry, it has become very easy.

people, within and outside the sector. The

the world can equal the diversity, exhilara-

She expressed her happiness that the Rural

idea of transformation goes so much wider.

tion, and wonder of our Country’s tourism

Tourism has also been accorded due im-

It is about creating opportunities, through

product. The combination of our land-

portance in this Award ceremony and cited

tourism, for each and every individual of

scape, people, culture, attractions and ex-

the example of rich Rural tourism in

the destination to play a direct role.

periences provide a travel package that is

Konkan region.

Sumitra Mahajan opined that the Tourists

He said that few travel destinations in

Dr. Mahesh Sharma in his address,

hard to match. At the outset it is important

lauded the roles played by various seg-

for us to recognise how much the industry

are the Brand Ambassadors of their respec-

ments of the travel, tourism and hospitality

in India has grown and its many successes

tive countries and Tourism is a mode of im-

industry in our country and said that our

and accomplishments. Our combined ef-

proving the image of their countries

focus is to encourage the tourism industry

forts and hard work is making an impact.

abroad. She quoted the Prime Minster Shri

to deliver positive and unforgettable travel

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

11

NewS AVIATION

TECH

SABRE TO INTEGRATE CHROME RIVER’S LEADING EXPENSE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION INTO ITS NEW MOBILE PLATFORM FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS

AIRBUS WINS $35 BILLION OF AIRCRAFT ORDERS AT FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2016 Reaffirming Airbus’ market-leading position and buoyancy of the industry; Airlines’ upsizing to A321neo – the undisputed ‘middle-market’ champion.

During the 2016 Farnborough Air Show, Airbus won $35 billion worth of business for a total of 279 aircraft, covering by single-aisle and widebody aircraft families. The deals comprise firm orders for 197 aircraft worth $26.3 billion and commitments for 82 aircraft worth $8.7 billion. Sales and commitments at Farnborough of the A320 Family were strong, with business accounting for a total of 269 aircraft worth $31.3 billion. This total comprises 187 firm orders worth $22.6 billion, and commitments for 82 aircraft worth 8.7 billion. Notably the larger A321neo model took a lion’s share of the single-aisle announcements – with firm selections from three airlines for 140 aircraft, reflecting the trend for airlines to upsize to larger single-aisle aircraft. In the widebody segment Airbus won firm orders for 10 aircraft worth $3.4 billion comprising two A330-300s and eight A3501000s. In addition to these new widebody orders, the show also saw the launch order from DHL Express for the A330-300 Passenger-ToFreighter conversion programme, in partnership with EFW and ST Aerospace.

John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer, Customers said: “Our orders this week at Farnborough confirm a buoyant industry in which we have once again surpassed our competitor.

by TNH DESK

12

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

Chrome River becomes a Sabre premier provider for expense reporting.

Sabre Corporation, a leading technology provider to the global travel industry, has selected Chrome River, a leading provider of expense management and supplier invoice processing software, as their expense management launch provider to integrate with Sabre’s recently-announced mobile platform for business travelers. The announcement was made at the GBTA Convention 2016.

Sabre’s mobile platform will offer an intuitive total trip solution from the travel request all the way to employee reimbursement, and will be easily accessed on the web or via a mobile device. The solution will capture expenses made via Sabre virtual payments capabilities or traditional credit cards, and will automatically feed the data into the Chrome River expense management solution. This will provide the corporation with a fully reconciled record of all expenses – ultimately saving valuable time for the traveler and helping corporations more effectively track and monitor travel expenses.

by TNH DESK GOVT

West Bengal Tourism is opening its doors to brighter futures.

v B SWAATI CHAUDHURY Y

In a move to cash in on the aspirations of the footloose travellers of the eastern region and cater to their demands, the 27th Travel & Tourism Fair was held in Kolkata from July 8 to 10.

Inaugurating the tourism fair, Gautam Deb, Tourism Minister, West Bengal commented, “The state is blessed with hill resorts like Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik in Darjeeling hills, several national parks in Dooars, sea beaches in and around Digha and the worldGautam Deb Tourism Minister, West Bengal renowned mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. The state government has initiated a number of exciting projects to showcase the tourist-generating potential of the state in a major way. We are flaunting our cultural festivals across the globe. Darjeeling Hills and Jangal Mahal have by and large, become peaceful. Travellers can visit to enjoy the hospitality of Bengal.”

NewS

Travelport and OYO announce new hotel content deal Travelport-connected travel agencies will benefit from up to 6,000 additional hotel properties in India Travelport, a leading travel commerce platform, and OYO, India’s largest network of hotels, have announced a new agreeSandeep Dwivedi ment whereby 6,000 hotel Chief Commercial Officer, InterGlobe properties offered by OYO Technology Quotient will be made available through Travelport’s Travel Commerce Platform to its travel agency users both in India and around the world.

OYO currently operates in over 180 Indian cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa. The agreement with OYO is the latest example of Travelport responding to the needs of its agents to add the hotel content they need in their local regions. It also responds to the needs of hoteliers by giving them access to the international travel booking industry. Once on Travelport’s Travel Commerce Platform, travel agents globally have access to the hotel content through their normal workflow, eliminating the time-consuming and inefficiency of booking across different channels.

Kavikrut, Chief Growth Officer, at OYO said: “We are pleased to partner with Travelport and take our offerings to a wider audience. Both OYO and Travelport are recognised for leveraging innovative technology capabilities. We are confident in utilising this synergy to unlock new growth areas for both partners.” Niklas Andreen, SVP of Hospitality at Travelport, said: “This is an exciting partnership and one that forms part of our ongoing strategy to extend our hotel offering. Our industry-leading connectivity enables us to directly acquire specific hotel content, as well as requested local hotel chains and individual properties, and we are looking forward to continuing to expand our offering in this area throughout the year.”

Sandeep Dwivedi, Chief Commercial Officer, InterGlobe Technology Quotient, added, “It is a pleasure to partner with OYO, especially for the wide range of hospitality options it has in store for our travel agents. Today’s customer wants more, and with OYO onboard, we will have a wide range of options handy for the travelers ensuring better service delivery in the future.”

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

13

TeCHNOLOGY

Undercutting is not for the long-term The demise of Low Cost Travel As keen observers from the travel world have found out, the €700 million companies (approximately Rs 5,000 crore) travel company “Low Cost Holidays” went into bankruptcy in London on 15 July.

At the time of the insolvency, there were about 27,000 people on a holiday who had booked through the company comprised of a €200 million wholesale arm and €500 million OTA/retail arm. As some holidaymakers are finding out, hotels are calling customers in-house for payment. They are stuck. It’s not the first time in our history that a seemingly invincible travel company has gone broke. Just a few months ago Getway, Belgium went down under. As also was the fate of Transhotel about 2 years ago.

Unfortunately, this will affect travellers and yes, the wholesale arm is one of our suppliers. However, travel agents working with roomsXML need not worry. Says, Prakash Bang, Managing Director, roomsXML, “We have a couple of hundred forward reservations and unfortunately, a few live ones in progress. We have 24 hour rotating shifts continuously working to secure all the bookings by paying hotels directly and switching to other suppliers. In most cases our customers won’t even know.”

Continues Prakash, “We had some hint for last few months that the company was struggling, so we limited the transactions with them by shifting and placed them on a watch list. I spoke with a confidential insider later on who told me that

they owe about EUR 7 to 8 million each to some of their vendors.”

So where to from here?

The larger wholesale companies are going to be Prakash Bang reviewing all of their conManaging Director, roomsXML tracts with all of their supply chain starting immediately. Hotels have already started hassling customers for payment. For aggregators like us, the financial hit is mostly in the several hundred hours of wages reallocating business and communicating with customers that confirmation numbers (but not bookings) have changed. We are the travel agents insurance policy.

It will now be very difficult for the next 12 months for new players to enter the market as everyone gets a little more cautious. As if recent political, terrorism and financial events have not been enough of a challenge to the industry. Consumer confidence in online travel agencies will take a significant hit. It’s now for the travel agents to let their customers know.

Concludes Prakash, “Undercutting, discounting, price gimmicks, cash-backs and the likes are not going to work. Travel agents should realise that there’s no free lunch. It’s in their interest to opt to work with companies that are profitable… these companies are likely to be around when times become tough!”

by TNH DESK

AURANGABAD TO HOST COUNTRY'S FIRST SAARC TOURISM SUMMIT MTDC Plans to promote Aurangabad tourism in a big way.

In a bid to explore opportunities in tourism promotion, the ministry of external affairs has decided to hold the country's first SAARC Tourism Summit in Aurangabad, the tourism capital of Maharashtra in the second week of October.

The announcement of the two-day summit, also being aimed at tapping FDI under Make in India and Make in Maharashtra schemes was made by Smt. Valsa Nair Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra at the Sensitisation Session on Aurangabad Tourism Development Program

14

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

organised by the State Government, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry in Aurangabad on Monday 4th July, 2016.

Highlighting the reasons behind the decision to host the summit in Aurangabad, Valsa Nair Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra said “The Ajanta-Ellora caves have always remained the biggest tourism attraction in the state among foreigners and Indians. The historical silk route and connect of the place with the Buddhist circuit across world, including China, is significant. Ajanta also has one of the world's

best visitors centre with several life size replicas of Padmapani (sculptures of Buddha). All these are reason enough for Aurangabad to be the preferred choice. The conference aims at promoting Aurangabad and other destinations of Maharashtra.”

“The Department of Tourism (DoT) is trying to seek appointment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the event. On the first day, officials from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, would attend the conference.

by TNH DESK

HOSpITaLITY

Lemon Tree in India’s top 10 best companies to work for Also recognized as the Best Company in Workplace Culture Transformation Case Study Competition-2016 The Lemon Tree Hotel Company has been ranked as the 9th Best Com-

An equal opportunity employer, the

pany to Work For in India by the Great Place to Work (GPTW)-Economic

Lemon Tree group believes in hiring

Times Survey-2016. It has also been judged the No.1 Company in Work-

for attitude and training for skills. Cur-

place Culture Transformation this year for successfully implementing and

rently, the group is over 3500 employ-

sustaining a cultural transformation across its 29 hotels in 18 cities of

ees strong, of which 15% are

India.

Employees with Disabilities (EWDs)

Speaking on the achievement, Patu Keswani, CMD, Lemon Tree Hotels,

and an additional 10% are from so-

said: “The spirit and attitude that every Lemon Tree employee brings to

cially, economically and educationally

work each day is unique. I thank all of them for making us one amongst

disadvantaged backgrounds (Eco-

the Top 10 best companies to work for in India. These rankings also rein-

Socs). Lemon Tree Hotels has featured

force our resolve to continue our focus on inclusiveness and equal oppor-

in the Top 100 Great Place to Work®

tunity.”

survey for 6 consecutive years now.

Based on employee feedback and the Company’s HR practices, the

Last year, it ranked 30th in the Great

Patu Keswani CMD, Lemon Tree Hotels

Great Place to Work Institute has recognized Lemon Tree Hotels for its

Place to Work® List and has moved up

unique value system and people policies. The audit highlights the strong

21 paces to now sit on the 9th rank in this coveted list made across in-

sense of respect, credibility, fairness, camaraderie and pride that employ-

dustries. The Great Place to Work Survey was conducted amongst ~800

ees at Lemon Tree Hotels feel towards each other and the management,

organizations to choose the Best Companies to Work for in India, this

thereby making it a Great Place to Work.

year.

by TNH DESK

Hilton in ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ Hilton Worldwide has been recognised among ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For 2016’ in the most prestigious workplaces list released by The Economic Times and Great Place to Work® Institute. Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company, currently operates 15 hotels and resorts under five brands and across 11 cities in India. The brands that have a presence in the country include the luxury ‘Conrad Hotels & Resorts’, the upscale ‘Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ and ‘DoubleTree by Hilton’ and the mid-market ‘Hilton Garden Inn’ and ‘Hampton by Hilton’.

Hilton Worldwide has been ranked 25th in what is acknowledged as the country’s largest and most respected study of workplace excellence and people management practices. This year, nearly 800 organisations across indus-

levels of Trust, Pride and Camaraderie preva-

our guests, our owners, our communities and

tries applied to be assessed and over 155,119

lent in an organisation and an in-depth ques-

each other that makes our company great."

employees were surveyed to identify the top

tionnaire seeking to understand the people

said Andre A Gomez, Head of Operations, Hilton

100 companies to work for in India.

practices, philosophy and values of an organi-

Worldwide – India.

Great Place To Work® Institute's assessment

sation. "Our Team Members are the heart of

includes an employee survey that measures the

our business. It is what Team Members do for

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

15

INTeRNaTIONaL

South African Consulate and Smile Foundation celebrated ‘Mandela Day’ in Mumbai The foreign diplomats and children of Smile Foundation painted the classrooms of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad School at Dharavi in Mumbai.

“Education is the window and mirror in

dela was born the UN joins a call by the Nelson

weapon that can be used to change the world;

which you can look at the world”, “Education is

Mandela Foundation to devote 67 minutes of

we at Smile Foundation share the same ethos

the key, seize the opportunity”, “Education is

time to helping others, as a way to mark Nel-

and are working towards his belief of a better,

the most powerful weapon which you can use

son Mandela International Day. It would be re-

educated society. We are humbled to be a part

to change the world”, these and many more in-

called that for 67 years Nelson Mandela

of this celebration to commemorate the legend

spiring quotes of the great philanthropist Nel-

devoted his life to the service of humanity.

called Nelson Mandela and would also like to

son Mandela adorned the walls of the

Maropene Ramokgopa, South African Consul

request people to join this movement to make

classrooms of Dharavi based minority school,

General shared, “We are urging every Mum-

the world a better place, shared Santanu

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad School to mark the

baikar to do something good or every day

Mishra, Executive Trustee and Co Founder,

celebrations of ‘Nelson Mandela International

spend some time which would make a differ-

Smile Foundation.

Day 2016’ this year on 18 July in Mumbai. This

ence in the life of somebody. We really had a

year the South African Consulate in partnership

good time with the Smile Foundation children.

with other South African State entities, Busi-

We simply intended to spread some happiness

nesses and Partners spent time with under-

and love amongst the less fortunate”. The UN

privileged children of ‘Smile Foundation’ in

General Assembly has been celebrating this

Mumbai. The Consulate called upon others to

day as the “Nelson Mandela International Day”

take up this challenge too and joined hands to

globally in recognition of his contribution to

helping those less privileged in India. “Take

justice, freedom & democracy since 2009.

Action. Inspire Action. Make Every Day a Man-

“Nelson Mandela is a universal symbol of

dela Day” was the slogan to mark the celebra-

freedom and sacrifice, an icon representing the

tions!

triumph of the human spirit. Nelson Mandela

Every year on 18 July, the day Nelson Man-

16

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

believed that Education is the most powerful

by TNH DESK

NewS INTERNATIONAL

GOVT

Macao to witness the 14th Wushu World Championship this August 2016 Wushu World Championship will be a four day long extravaganza that starts from 11th -14th August, 2016.

Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government and Wushu General Association of Macao has organized ‘14th Wushu Competition’ in Macao this August with an aim to promote ‘Wushu’ which is a traditional Chinese martial arts that is praised and acknowledged around the world. Co-organized by Macao Government Tourist Office, Cultural Affairs Bureau, and Cultural Industries Fund and supported by International Wushu Federation, Wushu Federation of Asia, Chinese Wushu Association and various Macao governmental organizations, this sport is one of the traditional cultural heritages of China with a long, well-established history and development in Macao.

STAYZILLA SIGNS MOU WITH UTTARAKHAND TOURISM Stayzilla has signed MoU with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board for promotion of Homestays in the region.

Under this agreement, Stayzilla will support verification procedures and jointly boost homestays across Uttarakhand. All homestays registered with UTDB will receive technological and operational support to run the homestays.

Stayzilla & UTDB will jointly conduct education and training sessions for UTDB registered homestays on best practices such as online usage, content management, operations and expense management.

Stayzilla, a leading aggregator for verified homestays in India, earlier signed MoU with MPSTDC for joint promotion of Homestays

by TNH DESK

Conducted over a span of four days, the 14th edition of the Wushu World Championship is a large scale event which is all set to draw in Wushu champions from all over the world to participate in the competition. This exciting four-day event comprises of great variety of Wushu activities, traditional Wushu performances, demonstrations and teaching, lion dance demonstration and experience, Wushu forum, Chinese and Western Wushu Masters extravaganza and Taolu competition among others.

The event’s highlights include the spectacular Lion and Dragon Dance and Championship, Chinese, Western Masters Sanda Championship, Wushu Parade featuring Wushu characters and eyecatching opening and closing ceremonies. The activities will be held in several popular spots in Macao, such as the Tap Seac Square, Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion, Senado Square, Amizade Square, Iao Hon Market Garden and more.

The 14th edition of the Wushu World Championship is all set to engage the participation of local residents and tourists alike, resulting in a celebration of sports, tourism and culture this August 2016.

by TNH DESK

AIRLINE

FLYDUBAI ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF DOUBLE DAILY FLIGHTS TO BANGKOK Airline’s network expands with new route set to launch on 29 November 2016.

Dubai-based airline, flydubai, today announced the launch of a double daily service to Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, which is set to launch on 29 November 2016. Bangkok is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, offering holidaymakers a variety of attractions and experiences, including adventure, sport tourism and health & wellness retreats. Commenting on the announcement of the new route, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Bangkok is an extremely popular destination and the launch of double daily flights reflects the increasing maturity of the flydubai network and operation.

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

17

NewS

HOTEL

MEININGER HOTELS TO OPEN A HOTEL IN LEIPZIG Cox & Kings owned MEININGER Hotels will open a hotel in close proximity to Leipzig's main station at the beginning of calendar 2017. The former ibis Hotel from the Accor Group will be converted in accordance with MEININGER standards and will ultimately have 404 beds available in 126 rooms.

The hotel is located in the centre of Leipzig and is the perfect starting point from which to explore the city. Numerous places of interest, such as the opera, the Gewandhaus concert hall and the publishing district are in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. There is also an enormous range of shops. The important shopping streets Petersstraße, Grimmaischer Straße and Hainstraße are just a short walk away. Owing to its proximity to the main station, the hotel can be easily reached on public transport. The existing building and the former ibis Leipzig City will be developed in accordance with MEININGER standards. The hotel was closed in March 2016 and, after a thorough refurbishment, it will re-open as a MEININGER hotel.

by TNH DESK RAIL TOURISM

AIRLINE

and leisure travellers. the benefits from this distinct co-branded travel credit card will be

Deccan Odyssey rolls out its Attractive Companion Offer

tiered depending on travel preferences of customers and their travel frequency. the card

Book before September 30th and companion

Axis Bank and Vistara unveil co-branded credit card axis Bank and Vistara launched the contactless axis Bank Vistara Credit Card on the VIsa network platform to cater to the increasingly sophisticated needs of both corporate

comes in three variants: Infinite, signature and Basic with embedded benefits of the car-

gets a 50 % discount!

Deccan Odyssey, the award-winning luxury

rier's Club Vistara frequent flyer programme. speaking on the occasion Rajiv anand, executive Director, axis Bank said, “at axis

train operated by Cox & Kings, the outsourced

Bank, we are constantly innovating to deliver more value to our customers. We are de-

partner of The Maharashtra Tourism Develop-

lighted to partner with Vistara to bring to market a very compelling proposition for our cus-

ment Corporation (MTDC), in India has an-

tomers. travel is a key spend category for credit cards and the axis Bank Vistara range of

nounced its exclusive Companion Offer for

cards will help us further strengthen our travel product suite, as it addresses both the

Indian citizens who are resident in India for the

business and leisure traveller segments.”

new set of journeys commencing October 2016.

by TNH DESK

Book a cabin and avail 50% discount for your companion. It is time you let yourself immerse in opulence. Visit the iconic symbols, India's architectural wonders, World Heritage sites and relish secret recipes of the royal kitchen. by TNH DESK

18

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

SpeCIaL feaTURe

Having developed sufficient MICE infrastructure, India needs to aggressively market its MICE capacity to emerge as a preferred MICE destination.

v B PREM KUMAR & SHAYAN MALLICK Y

capturing every big hotelier’s attention.

MICE Industry is a big and growing sector across the world. It is the fastest growing segment in the travel and tourism

are not reported or captured.

The MICE segment is witnessing higher

GLOBAL SCENARIO

growth than any other segment of tourism,

The Meeting & Conference business has

says Chander Mansharamani, Vice Chair-

industry. MICE has been gaining traction

emerged as a big business segment for

man, Indian Convention Promotion Bureau

increasingly amongst the destination mar-

many countries. Suman Billa, Joint

(ICPB). “Currently, conference business is

keters for its better yield potential and also

Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government

witnessing highest growth among all the

for its capacity to boost tourism as MICE

of India points to an ITB study that says

segments in MICE, but in future exhibition

visitors are more likely to visit the destina-

that 52 per cent of all travel happens be-

will take over others. Globally, the US is

tion as tourist in the coming years. It is es-

cause of MICE. As per the latest estimate

the top destination for Meetings & Confer-

timated that a MICE traveller visiting a

of ICCA (International Congress & Conven-

ences,” he added. Dubai, Singapore,

foreign destination for a conference or

tion Association), a record number of

China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand

convention spends four to eight times

12,076 rotating international association

are top conference destinations in Asia.

more than a typical leisure traveller. Many

meetings took place in 2015; the largest

These countries have been aggressively

countries, especially mature tourism desti-

number of association meetings collected

marketing its MICE facilities.

nations, have dedicated office to grow

in the year after the meetings took place

their share of MICE pie and those who

ever, and 571 additional meetings com-

INDIA’S MICE POTENTIAL

have not are opening such offices. It

pared to 2014. These numbers reconfirm

Amid the global economic gloom, India is

caters to various forms of business meet-

the consistent growth pattern in the asso-

considered a bright spot in the world

ings, conferences and conventions, events

ciation meetings market. There are nu-

economy. Riding on the fastest GDP

and exhibitions and is slowly but steadily

merous meetings and conference which

growth at 7.3 per cent in 2015, India’s

20

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

SpeCIaL feaTURe

Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore, MP

Business Travel spending recorded a ro-

destinations like Malaysia, Chinese Taipei,

facilities. The inventory of hotel rooms has

bust 11 per cent growth in 2015. Driven by

South Africa, countries it had trailed in

increased with the entry of leading inter-

the ‘domestic business travel spending’,

2014. India ranked 35th internationally

national brands into India. This has cre-

this is further forecasted to grow at double digit growth of 10.7 per cent in 2016 and 10.2 per cent in 2017 reaching $ US 36.1 billion, and eventually catapulting India amongst the top six business travel markets by 2019. India is currently the 10th largest business travel market in the world, moving up five spots since 2000.

This was revealed in the latest GBTA BTI™ Outlook – India report.

There is also good news for MICE tourism in India. India’s MICE appeal, particularly the ‘association meetings market’ has just received a shot in the arm as the country has climbed four places in the re-

“The challenge for us is that there are too many players who are playing individually rather than collectively. We at ICPB are working on how to get all the stakeholders around in a destination. There is need of bodies like the Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau. It works beautifully because it has got hoteliers, got convention centres and all the service providers down the line.”

Suman Billa Joint Secretary, Tourism, GoI

ated visibility for India overseas. “We have large meeting and conference spaces in India. The government is also supporting promotion of Indian MICE industry and has recently accorded approval to design and develop a world-class Integrated Convention – cum – Exhibition Centre,” said Anand.

The inbound MICE segment is on the upward curve, growing at 15 to 20% annually. India attracts top corporates, film production houses and destination wedding planners across the globe, who are keen to explore newer destinations and the myriad of experiences that the country

cently released the ICCA Ranking Report

last year with as many as 116 events. Ac-

offers. Many international corporations

for the year 2015. The number of events

cording to Karan Anand, India is fast

have their base in India creating a huge

that India hosted has recorded a substan-

emerging as one of the favoured destina-

market for MICE business. In domestic

tial increase with as many as 132 events,

tions for meetings and conferences. It has

market, metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi

an increase of 16 events, coming to India

a selection of world-class hotels and

and Bangalore contribute to majority of the

in 2015, propelling the country ahead of

palace resorts with the latest state-of-art

business. New destinations such as Kochi,

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

21

SpeCIaL feaTURe Chennai, Bhopal and Indore are also

to attract a large number of MICE events,

catching up.

probably less because of fewer infrastruc-

Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director,

leaves more to be desired. Billa said that

of SITE says that India does have great

the country has significant amount of in-

opportunity in the MICE segment. Over

frastructure built out already and that the

the past few years, India has been getting

challenge is that we have not really con-

more active in the associations meetings

nected the dots. So we are not able to

market.”

make a sensible pitch to be able to attract

“MICE in India has vast potential and it is growing very fast. There is a lot of in-

Suman Billa Joint Secretary, Tourism, GoI & Chairman, ICPB

business.

The country has been a late entrant in

terest amongst global players to do their

the global MICE play. There is a lack of

events in India. More and more interna-

awareness about India’s existing MICE ca-

tional organisations and associations are

pacity. There has been very little effort to

looking India as there next MICE destina-

market India as MICE destination. The

tion,” said Amaresh Tiwari, Hony Secre-

MICE is promoted as part of many tourism

tary, ICPB.

products under ‘Incredible India!’ cam-

As an important emerging economy in the world, along with its rich cultural and natural diversity, the country has great

paign, rather than promoting it as separate tourism product.

Addressing the first edition of ‘Global

potential to emerge as key MICE destina-

MICE Travel Mart’ held recently in New

tion in the world. In recent years, the

Delhi, Billa, who is also the Chairman of

country has seen the development of a

ICPB, said that India offers world-class

large number of world class hotels and

MICE facilities across the country and

the state-of-art convention centers to

there is a need for creating awareness

cater to the demands of MICE industry.

about the segment and providing end to

However, the country’s MICE industry is

end solutions.

still at a nascent stage. Its journey to-

Chander Mansharamani Vice Chairman, ICPB

ture facilities but awareness definitely

Creative Travel, who is also the President

“India is very well positioned to emerge

wards becoming a leading MICE destina-

a very strong and credible MICE destina-

tion has been very slow and tardy. There

tion. We have great meeting facilities for

is no systematic study or survey to esti-

event up to 1000/2000 people across the

mate India’s share in global MICE indus-

country. We have many stand alone ven-

try, however, the share is considered to

ues across the country; we have hotels

be very modest as compared to big play-

with very competent meeting spaces. So

ers. There are some efforts led by the in-

we are very qualified to be a meeting

dustry as well as by the Ministry of

destination,” said Kohli. “Yes, there are

Tourism to boost India’s image as a MICE

challenges in hosting mega conferences of

destination internationally. MoT promotes

multiple thousands, but that that is not a

India as MICE destination as a part of the

big deterrent because majority of meet-

‘Incredible India!’ campaign.

ings all over the world are smaller than 1,

There are states, albeit few, who are

000. So we can easily grab share in the

also showing interest in promotion of

Global MICE market. So I think India is

MICE. However, these efforts are either

ready to bring MICE in. We have the abil-

little or half hearted. The country has to

ity to get in a larger share of this segment,

go a long way to become a key player in

much more than our share in general

this segment, and catch up with big play-

tourism. It is just a matter of creating right

ers.

plans to market India in the global market.” Kohli further said, “When we see

Amaresh Tiwari Hony Secretary, ICPB

22

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

INDIA’S MICE PREPAREDNESS

countries like China, Thailand, Dubai and

India is way behind in its preparedness

South Africa, they all have very clear and

SpeCIaL feaTURe clearances from organisation like ITPO, Ministry of Home and Ministry of External Affairs, Fire Department, Traffic, Police, etc.

When foreign delegates come to India, they have to go through many processes.

It takes delegates 3 to 4 months to get visa to attend conferences. There are so many processes to go through,” said Mansharamani.

NEED OF THE HOUR “The challenge for us is that there are too many players who are playing individually rather than collectively. We at ICPB are working on how to get all the stakeRajeev Kohli Joint MD, Creative Travel & President, SITE

holders around in a destination. There is Karan Anand Head, Relationships, Cox & Kings

need of bodies like the Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau. It works beauti-

definite plans for marketing their MICE.

business. We need to focus on the 86 %,”

fully because it has got hoteliers, got

We do not have that. Our challenges lie in

said Mansharamani, adding that at least

convention centres and all the service

positioning India as MICE destination and

10 cities in India have good conference

providers down the line,” said Billa.

telling the world what we have.”

venues, yet, the country has not able to at-

According to Mansharamani, India has

According to Kohli, India must have a

tract much conference business. This is

single marketing, positioning and funding

good infrastructure to hold conferences.

because of lack of awareness in the world

plan for MICE segment, which is lacking

We are capable to host small to medium

about India’s MICE capacity. “Our market-

presently. “There is very little focus by the

size conferences. “Worldwide more than

ing efforts have been extremely inade-

Centre and the State Governments on

86 % of conferences are attended by less

quate. There is no single window

MICE. Today, the MICE is considered as a

than 1000 people. So there is no need to

clearance facility for MICE. To organise in-

part of general tourism, therefore hidden

bother about 13 % of total conference

ternational events in India, you need to get

in everything else. That is the big prob-

TGB Palace Indore

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

23

SpeCIaL feaTURe

India Expo Center and Mart, Greater Noida

lem,” said Kohli. To increase its share in

and convention planners and to trade fair

Global MICE business, India needs a sepa-

organizers. We have to do aggressive

rate strategic plan for marketing MICE.

marketing to showcase what all we can do

“MICE needs it own separate strategy,

to the world at large,” said Tiwari.

own funding, own marketing and own

India still has to go a long way in the

plan because it is completely different seg-

MICE area. If India needs to succeed, it

ment, having completely different buyers

needs to put money in marketing and po-

and buying behaviour so the MICE cannot

sitioning India as MICE destination. The

be marketed the way we market general

segment needs a lot more government

tourism, and until we realise this, nothing

support in making bids for global events.

will change ,” said Kohli.

Kohli said that India does not have any

Agreeing with Kohli, Mansharamani said

concrete support policy or destination sup-

that India needs to market its MICE ag-

port package in place. The MoT and pri-

gressively. “An aggressive marketing of

vate sector should work on that.

MICE facilities should be the top priority to

Mansharamani said that to resolve visa

ernment is aware that e-visas would en-

the government. The MICE needs to be

problem being faced by delegates, the

able MICE tourism to thrive.

marketed separately and exclusively. Our

government should extend e-Tourist visa to

overseas tourism offices should conduct

foreign delegates coming to India. “I think

tracting big conventions need to be re-

exclusive roadshows to create awareness

the government is working on this. Single

imagined, moving from the current

about our MICE facilities. MoT’s media

Window Clearance should be there to pro-

model of supporting individual operators

plan should focus on MICE as a separate

vide all kinds of permissions for MICE

to a more result oriented framework. The

and key tourism segment, not as part of

events,” he added. Tiwari also feels that

country also needs to improve its infra-

our overall tourism. The government

visa for attending conference needs to be

structure in terms of quality of roads, in-

needs to allocate fund for promoting MICE.

smoothened as there are lots of hurdles

ventory of rooms in non- metros and

Only then we will be able to attract con-

today for conference visa. He feels need to

modern convention facilities to attract

ference business,” said Mansharamani.

have Single Window Clearance for all

more MICE business. The tourism boards,

Tiwari also feels need have aggressive

Mukesh Ambani at Global Investors Summit 2014 at BCC Indore

According to Anand, India’s efforts in at-

NOCs. Speaking at GMTM 2016, Billa had

airlines, hotels, transporters and tourist or-

marketing. “Attracting major events re-

said that e-visas for conference delegates

ganizations—all need to work together to

quires aggressive marketing to meeting

would soon become a reality as the gov-

reach out to the MICE clients.

24

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

SpeCIaL feaTURe

Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre

that India needs to have parallel halls, ex-

ues,” said Tiwari adding that the Govern-

hibition areas, venues for evening cultural

ment should bring out incentive scheme

programmes along with conference ven-

for MCIE Industry like most of the develop

ues. “India needs larger convention ven-

countries are doing. “All said and done,

ues in at least four big metro cities.

why are we stressing on MICE, because it

Demand is growing for bigger venues in

has power; power for business, power of

India. Delhi certainly needs bigger venue.”

more revenue, power to change the whole

Tiwari also agrees that India needs

economy and contribute to nation growth,”

world-class MICE venues in our major

Tiwari concluded.

cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai

Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje at Stone Mart 2015 at JECC

Having conference halls for 1000 people is not enough, said Mansharamani, adding

Combined with its natural and cultural

and Bangalore. “Infrastructure growth is

diversity, India can be a very formidable

very much needed along with supportive

and competitive MICE destination, and

policies of both Central and state govern-

emerge as a leading MICE destination,

ment. We have to compete with interna-

provided policymakers and stakeholders

tional convention industry, so we need to

put their best foot to achieve this goal

have more convention and exhibition ven-

ICCA Ranking Report 2015 Serial No. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Global Ranking 64 182 191 207 276 335

India Ranking 1 2 3 4 5 6

Number of events of all other Indian cities put together: Total No. of Events:

City New Delhi Mumbai Bangalore Hyderabad Goa Chennai

No. of Events 41 14 13 12 8 6 38 132

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

25

ReSORT ReVIew

Andaman beach

Finding Nemo v B MANDIRA RAI Y

I had many questions to ask myself as I

ever and the coral sand never gets too hot.

The hotel offered a variety of non-motorized

pulled out of The Andaman in the lush is-

water sports, which I later realized was in-

land of Langkawi. How often did I get to stay

tentional, so as not to damage the coral.

in a resort flanked by a 10 million-year-old

To be honest, I found it quite strange that

rainforest on one side and the Andaman Sea

we barely drove 30-minutes from the resort

on the other? Was this really my first time in

and suddenly all beaches turned muddy,

a resort that had dedicated itself to conserv-

murky and almost non-swimmable.

ing an 8000-year-old coral reef on its shores, badly damaged by the Tsunami? Had

Nurture Nature

I ever really had a massage before in the

The beach aside, my family’s favourite part

Andaman Coral Nursery

company of animals? Were the kids and I

of the hotel was the coral nursery – truly

ever going to have a private snorkeling ses-

one of a kind. As a part of its coral conserva-

sion in a coral nursery again? Was it likely

tion efforts, The Andaman has built a coral

the hotel’s Marine Life Laboratory. This

that junior was ever going to be a marine bi-

nursery to rescue and rehabilitate corals.

newly opened lab is home to a number of

ologist in the future? It was only when the

Every morning guests enjoy a private guided

aquariums housing a variety of marine life. It

answer to everything was no, did I realize

snorkel of this nursery. Guests are fitted with

is also equipped with microscopes, maggy-

that I was leaving someplace very, very spe-

a life jacket and float on the surface while

lamps and other equipment.

cial.

being taken around by a guide. One of the

There are family-friendly hotels and then

Another one of the ‘firsts’ for me here was

The lab encourages children to participate

most fascinating journeys that I have ever

as ‘Young Marine Biologists’ by coral trans-

there are those that will just pull out all the

taken, you will witness many beautiful

planting, aquarium and coral nursery keep-

stops when it comes to families. The An-

species of coral and varieties of fish includ-

ing, understanding coral reef ecosystems,

daman belongs to the latter category. And

ing my children’s favourite clown fish (better

coral clearing, guided coral reef walks and

the part of the hotel that all members – big

known as Nemo). My 3-year-old loved his

other related activities. Certificates are given

and small - of all families throng to here is

snorkeling session! The best part – it’s free!

at the end of the programme.

the beach – it is stunning, to say the least.

The daily fish feeding at the coral nursery

Shallow, warm and clear waters extend for-

26

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

was a lot of fun too.

Still can’t get enough of nature? Indulge in guided nature walks every morning and

ReSORT ReVIew

Andaman Sea view

Andaman water slide

Andaman kids club

evening with resort naturalist to learn (and

had a gorgeous sand floor, where guests

bird watching, junior yoga, nature collages

spot) the fascinating plant and animal life

were only allowed in with their shoes off! To

etc. He loved the slide, play house, little

that surrounds the resort in this 10 million-

be very honest, we didn’t much care for the

bikes and the other play equipment. My

year-old rainforest. There were drongos,

food at other restaurants at the hotel and

older one was hoping to lay his hand on

great hornbills, dusky leaf monkeys, flying

had most of our meals here.

gaming consoles like X Box or PlayStation

lemurs, macaques, geckos and over 300 species of butterflies to spot.

And nature was there yet again, that too

And last but by no means the least, the kids’ club – Young Explorer’s Club – was a

and was disappointed not to find these.

Though in the need of refurbishment, this

real hit with my younger son. This kid-

luxury resort was such a treat for the entire

when I least expected it! I had not one but

friendly facility is stocked with toys, games,

family, especially the kids, who finally found

two monkeys sit by either side of my head,

puzzles and books, including an entire col-

their Nemo…

watching intently, as my skilled therapist

lection by my favourite author Enid Blyton.

ironed out all my kinks at the spa. One of the

All activities here revolve around nature and

our columnist Mandira Rai on

many pleasure of open-air spa pavilions!

exploration. These include butterfly hunts,

withmandy.com.

Read more on family-friendly hotels from

Room with a View We absolutely loved our super familyfriendly ground-floor pool suite which came with a private plunge pool, cabana daybeds and a little sand pit too. Plus, a little door connected it directly to the gorgeous beach – such a bonus!

Family Favourites The hotel has a number of other familyfriendly touches the kids (and the kid in me) loved. The swimming pool had a fun slide and even a little wading section for toddlers.

Andaman Pool Suite - Exterior

Just off the beach, seafood restaurant Jala

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

27

HOSpITaLITY

Club Med Premium All Inclusive Holidays: A perfect way of Holidaying About 2500 Indian customers experienced Club Med All Inclusive Holidays in 2015.

Club Med Premium All Inclusive Holidays is

ate a soulful, happy and worry-free environ-

an ideal product for Indian Leisure travelers as

ment for all its esteemed guests. Today, Club

it offers them a relaxed, hassle free and multi-

Med is the world’s 10th largest ‘hotel chain’

cultural experience full of fun and energy, said

employing over 200,000 staff globally and

Manoj Upadhyay, Head Sales, Club Med India.

2,700 in Asia Pacific alone. Club Med is pioneer

He added, “India is a highly potential market as

in launching an All Inclusive holiday experi-

every year there has been a continuous growth

ence.

of outbound leisure travelers from India.”

Around 2500 Indian customers experienced

Club Med Premium “All Inclusive Holidays”

Manoj Upadhyay Head Sales, Club Med India

includes accommodation, meals, unlimited bev-

with ample benefits since it provides stress

Club Med All Inclusive Holidays in the year

erages, daily entertainment shows, kids club

free way of holidaying in multicultural environ-

2015. Around 60% of the bookings were for

and various land and water sports and recre-

ment with inclusions of premium quality of

Kani Maldives, followed by our family resorts

ational activities. The Premium All Inclusive

services which are essentially required by a

Bintan, Bali, Phuket and Cherating (Malaysia).

concept comes with ample benefits since it

Holiday/ Leisure travelers. Club Med Premium

“We also had few Indian guests who experi-

provides stress free way of holidaying and

All Inclusive Holidays offers hassle fee holidays

enced our recently opened new Luxury Collec-

every component of the holiday is taken care

thus giving more time to their guests to enjoy

tion Finolhu Villas in Maldives,” said Upadhyay.

giving the customer gets more time to enjoy

their holidays with Club Med GOs hospitality.

The new luxury property opened in February

the holiday with everything planned in ad-

Honeymooners, Couples and Family travelers

2015.

vance.

are the target segments of travelers form the

Club Méditerranée, commonly known as Club

Speaking about Club Med’s business strategy

target segment of Club Med.

Med is a French corporation offering premium

vis-à-vis India and the challenges it faces in

all inclusive holiday experience to its valuable

India, Upadhyay said, “The major challenge in

around the globe. Out of 67 resorts 42 are Sun

customers at their Sun or Ski Resorts. Club Med

Indian Market is about brand awareness. Be-

Resorts and 25 Ski resorts located at various

is a worldwide leader in upscale personalized

cause of the name there is a wrong perception

destinations in Asia Pacific and China, Europe,

holidays. The company has 67 resorts at 26

of brand considering it as Time Share or Mem-

Africa, North America, Caribbean and South

countries across the globe. The company was

bership product or related with Medical

America. “Club Med definitely has expansion

started in 1950 by former Belgian water polo

Tourism. Club Med is a French brand and pio-

plans to come up with more resorts in coming

champion, Gérard Blitz. All the resorts have a

neer in launching an all- inclusive holiday con-

future and it would be as per corporate expan-

Trident rating that ensures the same level of

cept.”

sion plans and strategy to identify new loca-

high quality everywhere in the world and cre-

Club med albion, mauritius

28

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

The Premium All Inclusive concept comes

Club med Bali

Club Med is French brand but have resorts

tions,” said Upadhyay.

Club med Kani

by TNH DESK

HOSpITaLITY array of banquet facilities it can cater up to 2000 guests and are committed to becoming the best venue for events in the city. With an in house event management team, the guests can rest assured their needs are taken care through impeccable service and attention to detail.

Jasmine – A multi- purpose activity hall that can accommodate 30 guests at a time and is fully equipped with modern audio and video facilities to make meetings hassle free.

Silver Oak – A smart Banquet hall with fine décor to suit all occasions & gatherings, and can accommodate 250 guests and hold big

Signature Club Resort launched at Brigade Orchards Signature Club Resort is first-of-its-kind club resort concept in Bangalore.

meetings and in-door events.

Silver Oaks Lawns – A plush landscape of 3500 sq.ft that provides world class banqueting experience in a surreal surrounding. Custom made buffets and banquets set-ups can be designed and catered with cuisines from all over the world. The Silver Oak lawns can hold

BCV Developers Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture of

a floating crowd of 1000 guests.

Brigade Enterprises with Classic Group and Valmark, recently launched its latest lifestyle club ‘Signature Club Resort’ at Brigade Or-

Restaurant & Café

chards, a 130 acre smart township in Devana-

Tamarind – The all day dining, 64 seated

halli. The resort will be managed by Brigade

global cuisine restaurant offers a unique culi-

Hospitality. Signature Club Resort offers 45

nary experience with Indian and Continental

spell binding Executive and Suite rooms to

dishes from across the globe. The chef en-

meet the needs of varied segments of travel-

thralls with his well-crafted menu and live

ers. The resort is a heavenly escape from the

cooking to tangle the taste buds with an array

hustle bustle of the city offering its customers

of well-crafted dishes for your palette. Signa-

a “Green Carpet Experience”. This pristine en-

ture Club Resort also serves sumptuous buffets

vironment is maintained because of the re-

ancient India. The restaurants are strategically

on weekends to attract transit customers and

sort’s commitment to conserve and sustain the

located with beautiful settings and green

weekend travelers.

environment through many eco-friendly prac-

views of the Orchards.

tices like rain water harvesting, solar powered

Signature Club Resort satisfies the urge of

Courtyard Café – This alfresco style café offers short eats, snacks, desserts and refreshing

lights, smart waste disposal and fresh planta-

sport fanatics with two badminton courts,

hot and cold beverages throughout the day for

tions. The Signature Club Resort is also a boon

lawn tennis court, billiards and pool tables, a

leisure and business travelers. Courtyard café

to air travelers as it is located just 15 minutes

Squash court and a six lane swimming pool.

sets the ideal ambience – a constructive day to

away from BIAL.

The Club Resort provides solutions for health

ponder and brainstorm or a lazy evening to

conscious travelers with its ultra-modern gym-

simply sit back and relax.

Aesthetics of Signature Club Resort

nasium which is equipped with almost all the

The uniqueness of Signature Club Resort’s

latest fitness equipment and also throws a lav-

fers an international selection of liquors,

ish space for aerobics too.

liqueurs and mocktails in a classy ambience.

design is its attempt to replicate the traditional Mangalorean house. The lobby opens up to a

Pavilion Bar – A world class lounge bar of-

The patio – an open air section of the bar

beautiful two tier veranda which resembles

Banquet Events

brings one right under the stars and is a per-

tree branches crafted in metal and Manga-

Planning a team retreat, international con-

fect place for a romantic date with the

lorean tiles. The Veranda opens to a beautiful

ference or board meeting? The facilities at Sig-

alfresco area on both sides and an ancient

nature Club Resort transform employee into

well which was a part of every household in

teams over retreats and off-sites. With an

beloved.

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

29

expLORe INDIa

Top reasons why you should go to Gujarat now!

If Garba, Thepla, Dandiya and Bandhni were not motivation enough, we give you a list of reasons why you should make Gujarat your next holiday destination...and what you must see while there.

v B NEHA KIRPAL Y

From beaches to deserts, temples, wildlife and history...this vibrant state has something in store for everyone. A single trip may just not be enough to experience its rich diversity and culture— Gujarat is certainly India's pride.

sweets, street food and farsans (steamed items served as snacks, starters or accom-

with the highest number of operating airports in the country.

• It is also the safest state in India, with the lowest crime rate (8.2).

• Gujarat has excellent roads—possibly one of the best in the country. So driving from one city to another is never exhausting!

• The Gujarati thali is to die for! It’s a balanced diet containing all four components (cereal, pulses, vegetables and rice) with supplements like pickle, chutney, papad, buttermilk and salad.

• It’s also known for the yummiest

30

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

The landscape of this state has something

paniments). Some famous ethnic food items

for everyone—beautiful beaches, deserts

are Bhajiyas, Khaman and dhokla.

and mountains…there’s never a dull mo-

• The Sasan Gir wildlife sanctuary is the

ment in Gujarat!

only abode of the majestic Asiatic lion. The chinkara, antelope, nilgai, jackal, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, peacock, rab-

• With a total of 17 airports, it is the state

here.

bit, wild cat and buffaloes can also be seen

Pilgrimage places: Dwarka is one of the principal pilgrimages of Hinduism. It has the Nageshwar

expLORe INDIa

Shiv temple as well as the exquisitely

temple with its imposing architecture, a 50-

where Mahatma Gandhi was born in 1869.

carved 12th century Rukmini temple. The

meter high tower, intricate carvings and

It houses a Gandhian library, prayer hall,

legendary Dwarkadhish temple, which is

many holy images and idols.

museum and picture gallery.

also here, has two ‘dwars’ (doors)—‘Swarg

While in Porbandar, don’t miss the Su-

dwar’ (door to heaven) for pilgrims to enter

damapuri temple, associated with a popular

and ‘Moksha Dwar’ (door to salvation) to

tale of Lord Krishna and his dear friend Su-

exit. Located at the ‘sangam’ (confluence) of

dama.

the Gomati river and the Arabian Sea, this

The Somnath mandir, Geeta mandir, and

temple has been submerged six times and

the Bhalkatirth temple (where Lord Krishna

resurrected from ruins. The evening aarti

died) in Veravel are also worth a visit.

here is a memorable experience!

Somnath is a pilgrim place for followers of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The most important temple here is the Kailash

Industrial hub: Jorwar is the village from where Dhirubhai Ambani hails. It has his house, which has now been converted into a museum.

Veravel is an important centre for fisheries (processing and storing) as well as the shipping (ship making and building) indus-

A peep into history:

try.

A must-see place in Porbandar for history

Jamnagar is famous for its bandhni (tie-

buffs is Kirti Mandir, the three-storey house

and-dye) fabrics. The Reliance oil refinery located here is the world’s largest grassroots refinery.

Jetpur is another city famous for its textiles.

Beach destination: Diu is a beautiful beach town consisting of a Fort, St. Paul’s Church and Nagoa beach.

Dwarka is also a pleasant spot for a beach holiday.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

31

expLORe THe wORLD

lords bakery

i Chan Kong Ke

Margaret's Cafe e Nata

Foods you must try in Macao Macao represents a blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture, which is reflected in many places of historic interest and scenic beauty. Apart from visiting the historic old Portuguese buildings, forts and museums, Macao is also famous for its delicious foods available at popular streets and restaurants. In this article, TnH suggests some popular foods that you must try!

v B ARCHANA SHARMA Y

For Portuguese Egg Tarts

café is located away in one of Macao’s lively

Lord Stow’s Bakery

pedestrian back alleys. Situated close to St

Lord Stow’s Bakery is synonymous to the

Price: MOP7 each (Approx RM3 / USD1)

Paul Ruins & Senado Square Margaret’s Cafe is

For Roast Black Pepper Duck

best Portuguese egg tarts in Macao. The deli-

well known for its Portuguese egg tarts. In

Chan Kong Kei

cious buttery flaky pastry shell and rich cus-

comparison to Lord Stow’s egg tart, Margaret’s

This place has a history of more than 50

tard filling makes Macao’s version differs from

egg tart has much more flaky crust and buttery

years of serving one of Macao’s best roast

other egg tarts sold elsewhere. It is recom-

content.

duck which is marinated in special homemade

mended to eat steaming hot egg tarts straight

Address: Edif. Kam Loi, Nam Van Area

black pepper sauce. The duck served here has

from the ovens of Lord Stow’s Bakery, because

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday –

a distinct flavour and the juiciness of the meat

they taste twice as nice when piping hot. We

6.30am to 8.00pm, Sunday – 9.00am to

makes it different from the other ordinary

guarantee that if you miss it here, you will re-

7.00pm, Closed on Wednesday

roasted duck. We bet you that after a single

gret. It is a must try food item while visiting Macao!

Address: 1 Rua da Tassara, Coloane Island, Macao Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 22:00, except Wednesday 07:00 – 18:00 What to ask for: Portuguese egg tart Price: MOP7 each (Approx RM3 / USD1) Margaret Cafe e Nata Another place to have mouth-watering Portuguese egg tarts is Margaret Cafe e Nata. This

32

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

What to ask for: Portuguese Egg Tart

bite, you won’t be able to resist it for more.

Hu

ung Pun

expLORe THe wORLD

rnando

Restaurant fe Kei

durian ice cream

Address: Rua Do Dr. P José Lobo 19

clams, roast bacalhau (bacalhau is salted cod-

At present, the facility offers frequent air

Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 9pm

fish) and roast shrimp are also quite famous

transfers between Taiwan, Mainland China,

What to ask for: Roast Black Pepper Duck

amongst visitors.

Hong Kong, Korea and several south-east

Price: Below USD8 / RM25 per person For Beef Brisket Noodles Hung Pun Kei

Address: 9 Pantai Pasir Hitam, Lidao Road

Asian entities via Air Macao, the airline com-

Opening hours: 12pm–9:30, daily

pany that dominates a large chunk of aviation

Average price per person: 165 yuan (about

services in the region. Other operators are Air

MOP$ 204)

With serving beef brisket noodles for more

Asia, Jetstar Asia Airways, Thai Air Asia and Tiger Airways. These flights usually connect to

than 10 years, this place has earned a name

For Durian Ice Crean

major cities in Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea,

for its specific dish. It is a small eatery because

Mok Yi Kei

and other countries in South-East Asia.

it’s frequent by many locals. One of local fa-

A unique Chinese snack bites – gelatin

By Bus

vorites is a mixture of all parts of beef includ-

dessert cake with a variety of delicious

ing intestine, blood, liver is not for the faint of

flavours. The most famous flavour which you

companies, namely, Transportes Urbanos

heart. Still you will immediately notice almost

can try is King of the Fruits – Durian Ice Crean.

Macao (Transmac) and Sociedade de Trans-

every table orders it. Once here, you must

This dessert is very famous and can be a de-

portes Colectivos de Macao (TCM). As the driv-

order for the Beef Brisket Noodles.

lightful experience for people who sweet

ers usually speak only Cantonese, it is

teeth.

advisable to have a local guide with you.

Address: 58 Rua Correia da Silva, Taipa Opening Hours: Daily 12:00pm to 7:00 pm

Address: 9 A, Rua do Cunha, Taipa

What to ask for: (Beef Brisket Noodles), (Mix-

Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 am to 11:00 pm

ture of all parts of beef) Price: Below USD4 / RM13 per person Restaurant Femando

What to ask for: Durian Ice Cream, Serradura

Macao is served by two operational bus

By Water Macao is connected by sea from Hong Kong and Mainland China through a network of

Pudding, Coconut Juice with Sago, Mango

ferry terminals virtually operating 24 hours a

Pudding

day by several service providers. Ferries from

Price: Below USD5 / RM15 per person

The restaurant is located nearby the sea,

Hong Kong's Macao Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan operate every 15-30 minutes by day and

serving unique and delectable dishes. The

How to reach Macao?

every hour at night and the ferry ride takes

owner of this place is a Portuguese who can

By Air

about 60 minutes. Ferries to Macao are less

Macao International Airport is located on

frequent from Hong Kong International Airport

speak a little language of many countries. The most popular dish of this place is the roast

Taipa Island, which is only a ten minute drive

and the China (HK) Ferry Terminal that’s on

sucking pig, while roast chicken, stir-fried

to the Peninsula via the Macao-Taipa Bridge.

Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

33

TRaVeL bLOGGeRS

The truth about the lives of travel bloggers which means that they are forced to stay at

v B NEHA KIRPAL Y

budget accommodation whenever they

If you thought that travel blogging is a dream job, then think again. Read on to find out the reality behind the seemingly exotic lives of travel bloggers.

travel.

Further, since the profession is so new, blogging is still considered ‘new media’—it is changing and evolving every single day.

And so, there is yet no clear cut answer for

Do you eat, sleep and drink travel? Do you

how to do it right. Similarly, there is no

love to share your stories of travel and ad-

clear description for a travel blogger’s job in

venture with the world? Are you passionate

a given day, as the definition can vastly dif-

about encouraging and inspiring others to

fer from one week to another.

do the same?

Undoubtedly, it is a competitive space in

If you love to travel and love to write, it’s

which you have to make sure that you are a

indeed possible to turn your hobby into a

cut above the rest—so that companies are

career—as a professional travel blogger.

convinced enough to invest in sponsorships

When we think of travel blogging, the

and funding for you. You need to constantly

image that immediately comes to mind is

network with other travel bloggers and read

that of exotic tropical beaches and five-star

everything you can about the industry.

hotel rooms. Based on the endless list of

There is already a lot of general informa-

cool things that travel bloggers are always

tion available on the internet about what to

up to, their globetrotting lives seem ex-

see and do in a place. You need to share

tremely awesome (and enviable!) from the

your own personal voice and opinion. And

outside.

for that you need to be truthful, honest, and

But dig a little deeper and you will find

working long hours with no guarantees of a

creative. You need to find your purpose and

that travel blogging isn’t exactly the ‘dream

steady paycheck that you would find in a

become an authority on something so that

job’ that it’s made out to be—on the con-

regular office job. It means taking responsi-

people trust what you say.

trary, it’s actually quite a challenging gig

bility for and running a business all by

whichever way you look at it.

yourself regardless of your strengths and

There are professional travel bloggers of

So do you want to be a travel blogger?

Remember that it’s certainly not every-

weaknesses. There’s also a lack of work-life

one’s cup of tea—so if you’re contemplating

all kinds. Some are digital nomads who

balance, as travel can often be erratic and

to live the life of a travel blogger, think

travel from place to place constantly work-

requires a lot of time commitment.

again. It requires investing a tremendous

ing on the road. Then there are others who

Moreover, saving money for travel be-

have a home base and return from trips to

comes very important when you are a full-

unpack and catch up on work.

time professional blogger. Most bloggers

Being a full-time travel blogger means

34

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

take a long time to earn a good income,

amount of work, time and effort before you see any real returns or benefits.

You have to keep at it and don’t give up.

And of course, enjoy what you do.

INTeRVIew

‘Our winning ways make us a high-performing organisation’ Greesh Bindra, Area General Manager, North India, IHG leads the strategic growth of IHG in the northern and western India and oversees the performance of its 10 hotels under different brands in the two important regions of the country. He is based in Crowne Plaza Greater Noida. In an exclusive interview with TnH, the veteran hotelier Bindra talks about the performance, plans and strategies of IHG in India, and the current state of the Indian hotel industry. Excerpt:

v B PREM KUMAR Kindly tell us about the performance Q of IHG hotels under its different

since many affected areas are heavily reliant

brands in the last one year? How was it in

increasingly choosing destinations in part on

the northern region?

the perceived level of risk. Meanwhile, as for

All of our brands within the northern region

growing global uncertainly on safety and secu-

become one of the very best companies in the

are performing well for past 12-18 months. IHG

rity, travellers have more concerns from the

world. The five components of our ‘Winning

hotels are engaged with our ‘Winning Metrics’

aviation safety to religious or non-religious ter-

Ways’ are: Do the right thing, Show we care,

programme. Winning Metrics is a scorecard

rorism. We clearly understand that govern-

Aim higher, Celebrate difference, and Work

that not only includes financial measures such

ments are increasingly trying to manage risks,

better together. Our ‘Winning Ways’ provide a

as profit and revenue, but also measured by

but unfortunately it impacts a country’s tourism

strong sense of shared purpose, and are critical

employee engagement, guest satisfaction and

infrastructure, this includes the ongoing turmoil

to driving our business performance forward,

loyalty factors that also have a positive impact

in European region, and even in our neigh-

as well as making us a great, enjoyable place

on the longer term success of a property. I must

bouring countries, such as recent Dhaka attack.

to work. They make us a high-performing

Y

The implications are profound, especially on tourism for economic vitality. Travellers are

say most of my hotels are on 10/10 ratings for past couple of months. Also, hotels under my patch have grown phenomenally well over the

Greesh Bindra

organisation that helps deliver our company’s

Q

How do you look at the current state

core purpose – ‘Great Hotels Guests Love’. The

of the Indian hotel industry? Is it

heart of our company has always been our

past 6 months. With guest satisfaction index

better than what was a year ago?

people. It is our people who bring our brands

scores are progressing by 30% from same time

The Indian hotel industry has seen a signifi-

to life for our guests.

last year and total revenue figures have grown

cant growth in room inventory across cate-

by more than 25% from last year.

gories from upscale luxury to limited services and boutique and budget hotels. The occu-

Q

What are the issues and challenges

pancy and the room rates have seen continued

the hotel industry faces in the north

gains both from the domestic and the interna-

India?

Hotel Industry is ever evolving, ever chang-

tique hotels, green hotels, and healthy hotels

How has been the performance of Greater NOIDA Crowne Plaza since its

launch?

The Greater NOIDA Crowne Plaza is the

tional travellers in both business and leisure

largest Crowne Plaza brand property within

segments.

Southwest Asia. It features 398 of the city’s

ing not by its nature but due to the need of an hour. New and progressive concepts like bou-

Q

best designed yet spacious rooms. Boasting of

Q

What is your strategy to retain the

inspired, technologically equipped rooms with

loyalty of your customers in the com-

seamless connectivity, it offers a great work

have emerged in the market with time, leading

petitive environment?

and sleep experience. With a pre-emptive

to the evolution and growth of new trends in

IHG brands are world renowned brands, we

world-class facilities, over 40,000 sq.ft

the hotel industry. The most recent ones would

have a good mix of international and domestic

banqueting space with 16 breakup rooms, an

be havoc form natural disaster and growing

clientele, and our IHG® Rewards Club is the

ideal venue for MICE and corporate business or

global uncertainly about safety and security.

hotel loyalty programme that enables guests to

for a destination wedding. The hotel has been

Whether a long-term trend from global warm-

earn points. IHG’s ‘Winning Ways’ help the

performing extremely well within the brands,

ing or part of a long-term cycle, natural disas-

brands within the group to train and to ensure

10/10 in the winning metrics. Between 2015

ters appear to have become more frequent in

how we behave every day – a set of behav-

and 2016, the hotel has seen a financial

recent years.

iours based on our values that are helping us to

turnover of 28.34% above budget.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

35

TReNDS

Top Travel Social Media Accounts Read on to find out which are the 10 most popular travel social media accounts that have transformed how the world is looking at travel.

madicmatt/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fabiolacirilo/mur

2. Murad Osmann: Some of the most

ad-osmann/

beautiful travel pictures you will find on Instagram are from Moscow-based photogra-

3. Bruised Passports: London-based

pher Murad Osmann’s account. Hand in

“urban gypsy” couple Savi and Vaid started

transformed the way we travel. With Twit-

hand with his model girlfriend (now-wife),

Bruised Passports in 2015. The travel pho-

ter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest be-

Natalia Zakharova, Osmann has been ex-

tographer and travel writer duo save money

coming household names, travellers from

ploring the world—from the Taj Mahal to the

to travel whenever they can, and have so

across the globe are able to share their pre-

Eiffel Tower and everywhere in between.

far visited 65 countries—driven with zebras

cious moments and advice with people from

The pictures are all captured in his signa-

in South Africa, been caving in Austria, ca-

Over the past decade, the Internet has

all over the world. We have compiled a list

vorted with Bedouins in the Sahara, be-

of some of the 10 most incredible travel so-

friended soldiers in Israel, and partied in a

cial media accounts that are sure to tickle

nuclear bunker in the Czech Republic.

Their social media handles journal their

your wanderlust, and take it to an entirely

travel and fashion adventures with high-

whole new level! Read on…

quality photographs and information about the best cafes, luxury accommodations, local

1. Nomadic Matt: Author of the New York Times best-selling book “How to Travel the

culture and fine dining. They also provide

World on $50 a Day”, Matt has been travel-

itineraries and suggestions on unique ho-

ling the world since 2006. He recalls

tels, unforgettable street food as well as tips

his first trip overseas—to Costa Rica—

for long-term travel.

Facebook:

as one that changed his life. He “experienced other cultures, got lost in a

https://www.facebook.com/BruisedPass-

jungle, saw real poverty, conservation

ports/

projects in action, and met people

Twitter: @bruisedpassport

from around the world”. And there

Instagram: bruisedpassports

was no looking back after that. Soon

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bruisedpassport/

after, he quit his full-time job and travelled around the world for 18

4. The PlanetD Travel: After feeling

months. Today, he has travelled to over 80 countries and territories and learned multi-

trapped by their desk jobs, the intrepid pair

ple languages.

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil decided to step out of their comfort zones and travel

Matt’s social media handles have all the travel hacking information you need, includ-

around the world. Their first journey was to

ing expert travel advice, exclusive tips and

Ireland in 2008 and their colourful social media handles have documented their ad-

money saving deals. He covers diverse travel topics such as couchsurfing, cheap

ture style, with his hand stretching out after

ventures since. Today, they have visited 100

flights, travel credit cards, solo female travel

his beautiful girlfriend who is leading the

countries and all seven continents.

and gay travel. He has also released a series

way. Today, he has attracted 3.8 million fol-

of budget travel guides for various cities. His

lowers, and recently his work has led to a

glimpse into some of what they've seen and

motto is to “travel better, cheaper, longer.”

book deal, advertising contracts and a num-

been inspired by, showcasing vivid images

ber of magazine articles.

of famous landmarks, festivals, travel gear,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nomadicmatt Twitter: @nomadicmatt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murad.osmanov

Instagram: nomadicmatt

Instagram: muradosmann

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/no-

Twitter: @MuradOsmann

36

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

Their 74 boards and 1,817 pins offer a

and everything in between. Their motto is that adventure is for everyone.

The couple’s popularity rose as they were named a top Instagram account (126,000+

TReNDS

followers) by USA Today, Yahoo! Travel, Forbes and others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePlanetD

With over 4 million followers, their Pinterest board is a storehouse of information on the general (beaches, accommodations) to

https://www.facebook.com/backpackwithprat/ Twitter: @pratulkrjain

the more specific (beer, seafood). Their 9. Everything Everywhere: In 2007, Gary

Twitter: @theplanetd

Bucket List board could easily fuel all of us

Instagram: theplanetd

to start going to striking destinations that

Arndt sold his company and house to travel

Pinterest:

might currently be off our travel radar.

the world for a year. What started as a year-

https://www.pinterest.com/theplanetd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yTravelBlog

long experiment turned into a lifetime adventure! He has travelled to all seven

Twitter: @yTravelBlog

continents and 180 countries and territories

Shivya Nath went to Singapore to study

Instagram: ytravelblog

around the world.

after school, where she landed a job with

Pinterest:

5. The Shooting Star: Dehradun-based

the country’s tourism board. It was here that

https://www.pinterest.com/ytravelblog/

In 2014, he was named the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Travel Photographer of the Year. With over 60,000 fol-

she started following the journey of travel

lowers on Instagram, Gary’s award-winning

bloggers. She then took a two-month sab-

7. Be on the Road: In 2009, Bengaluru-

batical in which she went “flash-packing”

based Sankara Subramanian C quit his cor-

photography takes you on a virtual tour

across western Europe with a friend, and

porate sales and marketing career in the IT

through some of the many UNESCO World

then volunteer-travelled by herself in the

industry to become a professional travel

Heritage Sites he visits from around the

Himalayas. Those two months were the

blogger. Today, he is not just a travel pho-

world.

defining moment for her, as she saw, expe-

tographer and consultant, but also one of

rienced and lived more than she ever had in

India’s top travel bloggers.

her life. At the age of 23, she quit her cor-

Be on the Road is a one-stop resource for

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverythingEverywhere

porate job to travel the world. Nath likes to

everything to do with travel—be it food,

Twitter: @EverywhereTrip

get under the skin of a place, talk to natives

fashion, technology, or finance. Its primary

Instagram: everythingeverywhere

and experiment with the local cuisine.

focus is on experiential travel, covering off-

In July 2014, her story was featured by

beat themes like wildlife walks, spiritual so-

BBC Travel. In 2015, she was voted the Best

journs, birding holidays, and motorcycle

Indian Travel Blogger by Vogue India. Apart

adventures.

from stories of her travel, her social media handles routinely post advice on funding

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BEONTHEROAD/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/everywheretrip/ 10. Budget Traveller: Named as the UK’s Travel Blogger of the Year, Kash Bhattacharya is constantly travelling the world.

one’s adventures, starting a travel blog, and

Twitter: @sankaracs

Follow his informative social media handles

staying safe while travelling alone. She also

Instagram: sankaracs

if you’re looking for a lesson on travelling within your budget—without compromising

writes about eclectic travel topics such as the joy of slow travel and the vegan travel lifestyle.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshootingstar-

8. Backpack with Prat: The brainchild of ex-designer Pratul Jain, Backpack with Prat organizes trips for groups of people.

style or luxury.

You’ll find everything you need to know from which luxury hostel to stay at to where

Jain has himself done a diverse mix of

to find the best street food in a city. Destina-

things in his life—from going on road trips,

tion and accommodation reviews, travel tips

Instagram: shivya

living in ashrams, volunteering with NGOs,

and cheap eat guides—you’ll find them all at

Twitter: @shivya

skiing courses, and deep-sea diving. Back-

Budget Traveller!

Pinterest:

pack with Prat is his endeavor to make all

Twitter: @BudgetTraveller

these experiences available to a wider audi-

Facebook:

blog/

https://in.pinterest.com/theshootingstar/

ence. Apart from providing information on 6. @yTravelBlog: Australian travelers Caz

backpacking routes and short courses in

and Craig are the founders of yTravelBlog,

various parts of the country, he also gives

an excellent resource for all globetrotters. A

advice on the art of packing, as well as use-

must-follow for all family road trippers, it is

ful pointers when travelling in India and

packed with travel stories, photos, tips and

abroad.

planning information.

https://www.facebook.com/BudgetTraveller Instagram: budgettraveller Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/budgettraveller/

Facebook:

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

37

INTeRNaTIONaL

MAURITIUS PROMISES THE VERY BEST OF MICE FACILITIES The only island destination in the Indian Ocean with exceptional MICE facilities and rare adventure wonders.

The island nation of Mauritius ranks as the most popular MICE destination providing the largest and new-age convention facilities among all islands in the Indian Ocean.

Vivek Anand Mauritius Tourism and Promotion Country Manager, MTPA-India Authority (MTPA) is determined to make the destination appeal to all tastes of Indian tourists. Vivek Anand, Country Manager, MTPA-India informed, “We are trying to popularize Mauritius as the most preferable destination for high-end Indian luxury tourists, MICE segment, wedding planners, honeymoon couples and adventure buffs in the current period. Besides, making our presence at trade, wedding and MICE fairs, we are sponsoring polo and golf tournaments.”

The destination prides in having sound connectivity with Air Mauritius flying down to Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai.

Anand said, “The island destination is well-geared to host MICE events all round the year. There is the Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre at Pailles that can seat around 5,000 guests for convention purpose. There are a host of MICE venues like International Conference Centre at Grand Bay and Freeport Exhibition at Mer Rouge. Most of the luxury hospitality groups in Mauritius have conference facilities with a seating capacity of 800 guests.

by TNH DESK

NEW THAI RETREATS If the sea is calling out to your soul, Thailand has a host of exciting new beach retreats, some of which are unexplored.

In a first-of-its-kind, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is all set to take the school students of India to visit the enchanting destinations of Thailand.

Isra Stapanaseth, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand informed, “We are planning to organize destination familiarization trips for students and teachers of reputed schools of India. Nearly 500 students across the country and about 100 students from Bengal will be selected to travel to Thailand this September. We would be partnering with leading Indian travel companies to sponsor the trip. Both India and Thailand share historic ties owing to Buddhism that took its birth in India.”

While Pattaya, Phuket and Krabi are hot-selling beach destina-

38

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

INDIAN TOURISTS FOOTFALL SURGES IN TAIWAN With the dollar getting dearer and the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the European world, Taiwan is the destination to lust for travel-crazy Indians.

Taiwan has become an emerging holiday destination for outbound Indian tourists. India is a huge tourist source market for Arthur Hsieh Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Taiwan and in its recent initiative, Director, Singapore Branch Taiwan Tourism Bureau hosted 2016 Taiwan Tourism Workshop and B2B Session in Kolkata.

Arthur Hsieh, Director, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Singapore Branch explained, “A growing number of Indian travellers are flying out to Taiwan since it is highly safe, value-for-money destination, provides stunning landscapes, shopping facilities and vibrant nightlife. Also visa is no longer an issue for prospective tourists looking to visit Taiwan. We have started introducing group visas for Indian travellers since December, last year. With the tourist market in Kolkata growing for us, we do not want to give up this sector. Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru have the highest number of Indian visitors setting out to Taiwan.”

Taiwan had around 40,000 Indian visitors with a large chunk of leisure travellers last year. Hsieh said, “We are looking for more than 15 per cent surge in Indian travel in the current year. Eva Air, the national carrier of Taiwan will fly to New Delhi connecting Taipei this year. With the Indian economy undergoing a major facelift, the corporate sector is looking at Taiwan as a preferred MICE destination.”

by TNH DESK

tions, there are a slew of beach resorts in Thailand that are in demand for new-age travellers. Stapanaseth explained, “We are popularizing Khao Lak that is barely an hour’s drive from Phuket on the eastern coast of the country and Koh Chang in Trad Province is a well-known adventure, wedding and under water destination. Besides, we are boosting the hill resort of Lampangh in the vicinity of Chiang Mai and showcasing the ethnic lifestyle of tribes residing in the northern Thailand.”

The land of Siam prides in its colourful cuisine, festivals and ecotourist resorts. Stapanaseth said, “We are concentrating on medium to high-end Indian travellers and enticing more number of wedding planners and honeymoon couples to fly down to Thailand.

There are around 200 golf courses in the country and we are promoting golf tourism in a big way. The Indian tourists footfall in Thailand has been around 1 million last year and we are currently looking for 10 per cent surge in tourists arrival.”

by TNH DESK

INTeRNaTIONaL

MALDIVES LOOKS AHEAD TO WELCOME INDIAN VISITORS With the advent of Visit Maldives Year 2016, MMPRC is positioning itself to pull tourists from tier-II cities of India.

In an attempt to provide a major impetus to Visit Maldives Year 2016 in India, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation(MMPRC) made its presence at the One World Travel Mart (OTM) 2016 held in Mumbai sometime in February, this year. The island destination emerged as the winner of the world’s prestigious leading beach destination at the annual World Travel Awards held in Morocco last year. Hussein Lirar, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maldives commented, “We are plan-

ning to hold road shows in tier-II cities of India to boost Visit Maldives Tourism Year.” Most Indian tourists setting off on a visit to Maldives are honeymoon couples. Lirar informed, “Privacy, harmony and tranquil ambience are the motivating factors that prompt the Indian tourists to choose Maldives as the highly preferred beach destination. Based on Maldives Visitor Survey carried out in February, 2014, nearly 61 per cent Indian travellers visiting Maldives were honeymoon couples while about 72 per cent Indian travellers to Maldives are in the age bracket of 25 to 34 and they plan for short breaks.”

by TNH DESK

Hussein Lirar Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maldives

Tourism Ireland looks for Indian intellectual class

Beena Menon Representative India, Tourism Ireland

The launch of British Irish Visa scheme will make Indian tourists visit both the United Kingdom and Ireland on a single visa.

Considering the fact that India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tourist-generating markets and given the rise of rapidly disposable income and the growing willingness of middle-class keen to travel abroad, Tourism Ireland intends to cash on the current trend

and come up with a three-pronged strategy to tap the Indian tourist market. Beena Menon, Representative India, Tourism Ireland informed, “Our focus is on the travel trade, consumers and the media with an eye on the highly cultured segment of tourists. We are looking to boost British Irish Visa scheme that will enable Indian travellers to travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland on a single visa.”

by TNH DESK

PROMISING TO FLAUNT THE BEST OF AUSTRALIA With unlimited travel options, Tourism Queensland is touching new frontiers in travel for Indian tourists.

For those travellers who want to have a good time catching glimpses of kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, wild dolphins, whales and penguins, the most favourable option would be to head to Queensland in South Australia.

Ryna Sequeira, Country Manager-India, Tourism and Events Queensland explained, “We are working closely with Singapore Airlines to offer attractive fares for Indian flyers setting out to Brisbane and Cairns from 11 major cities of India. We are partnering with Thomas Cook India Private Limited, TUI of New Delhi and Bengaluru’s Travel Tours. Our three major travel trade groups are MakeMyTrip, SOTC and Thomas Cook India. With

a focus on tier-II cities, we are hosting road shows across eight Indian cities like Lucknow, Ludhiana, Pune, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Coimbatore.”

Maharashtra and National Capital Region have the most number of Indian travellers visiting Queensland. These days, a growing number of MICE travellers are flying off to Queensland. Sequeira said, “Gold Coast and Cairns are popular MICE hotspots and we are pushing the Great Barrier Reef, one of the wonders of the world for MICE travellers. Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Cairns, Tangalooma Island, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane are quite a rage for Indian visitors.” Gold Coast has the newest conference centre for MICE tourists.

by TNH DESK

Ryna Sequeira Country Manager-India, Tourism and Events Queensland

“Gold Coast and Cairns are popular MICE hotspots and we are pushing the Great Barrier Reef, one of the wonders of the world for MICE travellers.”

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

39

COVeR STORY

India’s online travel players, who scripted incredible success stories Yatra, TBO, EaseMyTrip, Ixigo and Rezlive are among the leading online travel companies in India. Their success stories are epitome of inspiration for those venturing into online travel business.

v B PREM KUMAR Y

Yatra was launched with a mission to change how people book travel Launched on 1st August, 2006

change the mindset of the Indian audiences and gain their trust to start booking online. Also a major challenge that they faced was hiring the right talent. “Getting people to apply for a job was very difficult since,

as an online portal to book flight

no one wanted to work in a start-up in 2006. So, the co-founders

tickets, Yatra.com has come a

made a few of their friends join them and they helped kick start their

long way. The joint effort and

venture. Moreover, the infrastructure at that point in time was not ideal

shared vision of three people:

to start an online company, since, majority of the people were access-

Dhruv Shringi, Manish Amin and

ing Internet over a dial up. Airlines, too, were wary of online travel

Sabina Chopra, led to the launch

distribution since they weren’t sure of how this would impact their

of Yatra.com. They wanted to es-

business. Hence, gaining their trust was another challenge,” said Dhall.

tablish an online portal to cater

On the technology front, while the international airline information

to end-to-end travel solutions.

was available on the global distribution platforms, some of the recently

“Great things rarely do happen

launched Low Cost Carriers at that time were on their own platforms

over drinks but in Yatra’s case, it was exactly that! Post Dhruv Shringi’s stint with e-bookers, he

which made integrating into them very challenging. Also, a lot of the Sharat Dhall President, Yatra.com

hotels did not have any technology for distributing their inventory online in a real time manner hence; there was a lot of engineering effort

was catching up for a few drinks in a pub in London with some of his

that went into creating platforms for the smaller budget hotels to be

ex-colleagues when in that moment of ‘Dutch courage’, they decided

able to manage the online distribution of their rates and inventory.

to start an online business in India,” said Sharat Dhall, President,

“When the co-founders started this business they were just about 20

Yatra.com. “Essentially the conversation revolved around the difficulty

people who had set out to achieve a dream of providing the best on-

in travel planning in India and the opaqueness of the market and how

line travel booking experience and they managed revenue of a little

they could leverage their combined past experiences to solve for this.

less than USD 1 Million in the first year. Now, with 2,000+ employees,

The next morning the idea still made sense and they went about put-

having ticketing volumes in excess of USD 1.0 billion I think they have

ting together a business plan and from there onto raising capital...

somehow managed to achieve that dream,” said Dhall, adding,

That’s how the idea of Yatra came into being; the rest as they say is

“Though there is still a long road ahead of us, but they are sure with

history.”

their constant endeavor to understand and deliver what our customer

Yatra.com started with a mission to change how people book and perceive their travel. Prior to starting this venture, the trio was working

wants, they will achieve greater heights.”

Yatra has always been abided by their motto of “creating happy

with a company called ebookers at a time when the adoption of the

travellers” and all their energies are focused on curating offers and

internet to make online bookings was seeing a growth. The idea allied

services to maintain a happy customer base. Yatra is a one stop-shop

with the founders’ experience, background, and the key skill set each

for all travel related queries and services designed to make business

of them possessed helped Yatra become a reality. The three stalwarts

and leisure travel easier.They provide information, pricing, availability,

continue to be with the company since inception and have taken a

and booking facility for domestic and international air travel. Yatra has

three member team to over 2000 people in 10 years. With values such

one of the largest inventory base with over 60,000 hotels available

as Integrity and trust, Continuous Innovation, Team Work being at the

across the country to choose from. Holiday packages that can be cus-

center of the company’s business, they believe that the Yatra experi-

tomized to one’s own itinerary and bus and railway reservations are

ence is a combination of great deals as well as a great user experience,

also available on the portal. Recently, tehy have expanded upon our

and that has helped them maintain strong loyalty despite a very com-

services and offer cruise packages as well.

petitive OTA landscape. Yatra believes in the concept of “Creating

Yatra is focused on expanding their hotels and holiday side of the

Happy Travellers” and the mantra has always helped us remain on the

business. They are currently the largest aggregators of hotels amongst

growth path.

OTAs having more than 60,000 hotels in India and over 4, 00,000 in-

According to Dhall, in the initial days, the biggest challenge was to

40

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

ternationally. Their objective is to create a platform which caters to the

COVeR STORY

needs of every kind of traveller whether a deal seeker, adventure trav-

ginning, today we employ almost 600 people. So, we have witnessed

eller or the one seeking unique experiences. They have already taken

many ups and downs, but we overcome them with our patience,

a step in this direction by creating a market place for holidays that en-

courage and sustained hard work, and finally we became mature and

ables other travel companies to also sell their product on our platform.

stronger,” said Nijhawan. “I strongly believe that that success does not

They are also looking to continue innovating and expanding our offer-

come easily. It requires tremendous efforts and patience and I always

ings on the mobile platform. They will strive and do all it takes to

value the people who standby in tough times,” he added.

make this the perfect one stop shop for travel.

Along with Ankush Nijhawan, the co-founder Gaurav played a key role in the success of TBO. “We believe that 1+1 is 11 and we had a

'Our vision is to become the largest global B2B online travel player’

great leadership team who had actually found TBO and build TBO

TBO was founded in 2015. “In

build company abiding to the culture and follow he vision of their

group across India and in other parts of the world,” said Nijhawan. “I think my company is built by its people and not by fancy offices/location/infrastructure or best computers and so on. It is the people who

early 2005, I thought if we did not

leaders. I am lucky that I have rockstars in my company who have ac-

go online, we would eventually

tually build TBO along the last 10 years,” said Nijhawan.

perish. That was the time when

Elaborating on his success mantra, Nijhawan said, “Our seamless

we decided to adopt technology

service, strong relationships with our people and travel partners and

and grow in scale. It was also the

our cutting-edge technology have been the key to our success. I highly

time when I fortunately met Gaurav

value my relationship with my team and partner agents. I also ensure

Bhatnagar who is the co-founder of TBO. We together founded TBO in 2005 and printed the first ticket on

that our partner agents serve their customers with utmost care and Ankush Nijhawan CEO, TBO

humbleness. Besides, I am strong believer in power of technology, which is the game changer. We work constantly to bring the best cut-

1st January, 2007,” said Ankush Nijhawan, Chief Executive Officer,

ting-edge technology to the table. We are committed to offer the best

TBO. Since then there has been no looking back. Today TBO is the

technology to our partners.”

largest B2B travel company in India selling both air tickets and hotel

TBO’s USP is that it is completely a B2B company and has a great

rooms. The OTA operates in 330 cities in India and almost 19, 000

mix of hotel and flight inventory. It does not have any penetration in

travel agents work with it on daily basis. In the last 5 years, TBO has

the corporate market or into B2C. “We are the only company in India

made big stride. The company expanded globally, and became very

that works entirely into B2B and this is something that our all travel

active in GCC, Africa and Brazil. “Today, we run 14 international offices

partners should feel secure that we are not hitting the direct market

and are very much active now in 55 countries. We are planning to

and not competing with them rather empowering and enabling them

open our offices in the Asia Pacific starting from Hong Kong, Philip-

to further compete with large OTAs or the large TMCs,” said Nijhawan.

pines, Vietnam to many more countries in the fourth quarter of 2016,” informed Nijhawan.

Talking about vision behind its foundations, Nijhawan, said, “When Gaurav and I met, our vision was to be the largest B2B online travel

Personal difficulties faced by founders led to founding of ixigo Launched in 2007 in Gurgaon by

player in India. Today, we are very proud to say that we are leaders in

Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar,

this business. Now, the vision for us should be that from 5 years later

ixigo is India’s leading travel

we should become the largest global online B2B player. We are looking

search marketplace, connecting

to penetrate Europe, Australia and North America.”

over 80 million travellers with

Today TBO is globally recognized as big online B2B travel player.

content & deals from over 30,000

“The long list of awards that we have won over the years is testimony

online and offline travel & hospi-

of our success. Our cupboard is full of awards that we received from

tality businesses.

airlines, hotel suppliers and other organizations. Both, Gaurav and me

The inspiration behind the in-

were recognized as a great leaders and TBO was recognized as great

ception of the brand comes from a

brand in India, Middle-East and Africa by PWC,” said Nijhawan.

personal story involving its co-

Success is never achieved without facing challenges. They had

¬founders. During their stay in Aloke Bajpai CEO & Co-Founder, ixigo

sleepless nights while working to build TBO and faced challenges in

France, they planned a trip around

this fast changing competitive environment. Challenges were both ex-

Europe, during which they faced a

ternal and internal. “I can recall those days when we started our office

lot of difficulties getting around. From booking tickets and hotels at the

from a small room in South-Extension. From 30 employees at the be-

right price to simply figuring out the best places to visit and things to

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

41

COVeR STORY

ixigo. ixigo works towards giving travellers a one ¬stop¬ shop to get

‘Our USP is the experiences that we deliver to our customers’

all their travel related answers. Right from choosing your travel desti-

EaseMyTrip was launched by

do, it all seemed like a challenge. This is where they got the idea for

nation and getting bookings for your flights, hotels, cabs & trains in

Nishant Pitti and his younger

order, to nitty-gritty like what to see, where to eat, where to stay, tips

brother Rikant Pitti. When they

and trivia, you can plan all elements of your perfect trip here. We’ll be

found that their travel agent was

your friend, philosopher and guide with reliable information for every

making lots of money by booking

trip you undertake, with online tools and mobile apps making your

flight tickets for them, they be-

lives simple and stress-free.

came very keen to save that

Co founded by IIT Kanpur batch mates of 2001, Aloke Bajpai (CEO)

money. Both of them were very

and Rajnish Kumar (CTO), ixigo set foot into the travel space with

young that time. “I was in first

flights in 2006 as those were the days when many new airlines were

year of college while Rikant was

coming up. The traction was good and ixigo reached 100k users in the

in high school. The saving made

first 6 months. They persevered but things didn’t really work out and

us famous in the family and family

the situation was looking murky financially. Aloke started to look at

friends. We started making good

other avenues and got in touch with William Klippgen who had sold

pocket money through charging

his company to Yahoo! for half billion dollars. The vision aligned and

some amount over the price of the flight tickets,” said Nishant Pitti,

the whole deal was closed within a week! ixigo now had decent cash

CEO, EaseMyTrip.com. However, the seeds of entrepreneurship in

and expanded the team size from about 6 people to 20 people. Traffic

them started taking its shape and they ended up co-founding a

had grown to 200k unique visitors a month and they had enough

travel agency, which was rebranded as EaseMyTrip.com after a cer-

money to last a year and a half. A well reputed fund offered a $5 mil-

tain interval.

lion series A round. ixigo accepted the offer and modulated its plans aiming for a rocket growth instead of a steady one.

Nishant Pitti CEO, EaseMyTrip.com

EaseMyTrip.com has received several prestigious awards and recognitions. To mention a few: in 2010, the company received

The traffic was surging and things were going good but the invest-

‘Franchisor of the Year’ award from Franchise Awards. In 2013, the

ment took time in coming. After more than 4 months of confirming the

company was recognized ‘Best Online Travel Company of the Year’

offer and the everlasting ‘due diligence’, the firm withdrew the offer.

by Business Leadership Awards. It was recognized ‘Most Outstand-

Things needed to be rethought and ixigo learnt that the money hasn’t

ing B2B Online Company in 2014 by TnH magazine.

been raised till it is sitting in the bank. They downsized the team to

Speaking about the challenges they faces in the initial days, Nis-

an extent but then all the employees came to a unanimous decision¬.

hant Pitti said, “The biggest challenge for us was our age. Agents

All the employees decided to work for half their pays till the times im-

were not taking us seriously as I was of 19 years and Rikant was 17

proved. The founders came down to zero and all employees took a

years old that time. It was difficult for them to rely on teenagers.”

50% cut and this continued for 9 months! This act of unity brought

Another big challenge was the rising competition in the travel busi-

ixigo together and is a moment that binds them till date. This was a

ness market. All travel agents were talking about cheap deals and

turning point in ixigo’s journey.

discount on holiday packages. “The survival became difficult for us.

Every person involved since the beginning of ixigo’s journey has

So, we reduced commissions and made flight tickets and packages

played a key role in its growth and success. Realizing or not realizing,

more affordable for customers. Some challenges are still there but

we have seen people stand up to the time and play a crucial role

we are moving due to our hard work and vigilance,” said he said.

whenever it was required of them.

About their success mantra, Bajpai said: our success mantra has

Rikant Pitti is the COO of EaseMyTrip.com. His systematic knowledge about every vertical of travel industry and its integration with

been empathy for our users, transparency with our partners and driv-

e-commerce has made EaseMyTrip a brand among the sophisticated

ing a culture of ownership among our employees.

travel enthusiasts of India. “Taking my company to this extent

Being a travel search marketplace, ixigo compares over 150+ travel

would have been impossible if I was not having the constant sup-

companies / OTAs for a user query and let them know about the best

port of my elder brother Prashant Pitti,” said Nishant Pitti, adding

offer for their travel plan. ixigo also has a very large base of 10 million

that his elder brother is the advisor of the company and has a bril-

registered users spread evenly across the country.

liant aptitude for various e-commerce sectors. “His excellent mar-

Ixigo’s mission is to simplify the lives of travellers by building apps

keting skills and creative ideas have helped a lot in the success of

that make their travel search and planning hassle free. ixigo’s vision

my company. With his key expertise of classifying the requirements

is to be the most reliable personal travel assistant for Indian travellers

of the market and clients, we successfully made a strong base for

with the most comprehensive selection of OTAs, airlines etc. for users

our customers,” he said. Apart from that, their parents (Mr. Anil Pitti

to compare offers and choose from.

and Ms. Renu Pitti) have also played a vital role in making this company what it is at present. “I also can’t deny the dedication and

42

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

COVeR STORY

skills of my employees who are very determined and believe that

tries. One of the top B2B global reservation systems, RezLive.com

their growth lies in the expansion of their company,” said Nishant

has been awarded with 17 awards in the last three years.

Pitti.

RezLive.com has always maintained double digit growth. It has a

Nishant firmly believes that his each achievement or success is a step forward taken towards achieving better growth of his business

global team of more than 250+ employees.

Speaking about initial challenges, Jaal Shah said, “When we

and life. “I never think about luck and believe in hard work and

started off, the biggest challenge was our ideology as we wanted to

dedication. I work with clarity keeping outcomes of every initiative

serve our travel partners by providing them innovative products

taken by me in mind. This is the reason, I don’t regret of taking any

with cutting edge technology and Innovative features, best in class

step for my business or life,” says Nishant.

customer support and best net rates and all across the globe inven-

Many players have come into travel sector but the basic products

tory.” Shah added, “Fortunately, we made a great enthusiastic team

and services offered by all of them are similar. “Our USP is the ex-

who was and is passionate about their work and who believed in

periences that we deliver to our customers. With a team of industry

what we are trying to do. It is all because of these individuals we

experts, we endeavor to provide unparalleled travel experience to

are what and where we are today, a pioneer in the industry!”

our customers. Along with this, we offer guaranteed lowest airfare

Shah said that every individual working with us is playing a very

by charging no hidden or convenience fees on flights. However, our

key role in the overall growth and development of the product/or-

USP is to deliver the customers personalized services unlike other

ganization. “We have people who have been associated with us

OTAs” said Pitti.

from start and we always thank them for believing in us and mov-

Nishant Pitti’s vision is to make EaseMyTrip number one travel company of India. He informed that his company is planning to expand our business in Tier – II and Tier – III cities of the country

ing together for a better future. Together we have created history and this I just the beginning of the success story,” said Shah.

He says that he always believed in one thing: “Whatever you can

through establishing franchises. They are also going to open EMT

do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and

Holiday Hubs in all metro cities to increase our revenues from non-

magic in it.”

air products like hotels and land packages.

RezLive.com is a 100% B2B product, which provides travel partners the option to book hotel, sightseeing and transfers through their respective accounts/logins. “When travel agents get connect

‘The idea was to make the booking experience of our travel partners simpler and fruitful’ RezLive.com, a leading B2B

with us they get access to our vast mapped inventory all across the world. This is important and is one of our many USPs,” Shah. We also have a dedicated 24*7 service support team that work round the clock to offer post booking services to our travel partners. “Our

global reservation system was

greatest achievement is in our product development and service

launched in the year 2007 and

standards. The features that we have introduced are industry first

soon achieved newer heights

and still considered as the benchmarks. We are the only one from

with continues innovation, excel-

the segment to be recognized as being an Innovative 100 Company

lent post sales services, constant

by Inc. magazine,” said Shah.

support and cooperation of our

As far as USP is concerned, there are many features that make

travel partners.

RezLive.com stand apart i.e. Mapped Inventory, XML connectivity,

“The idea to make the booking

Quotation option, Responsive site, VIP Desk, 24*7 service support,

experience of our travel partners

TripAdvisor Reviews, Store Last 5 Bookings, Search and Quotation

simpler and fruitful, as the tradi-

Details, Option to Book Last 5 Searched Bookings, Option to Com-

tional way of making booking was lengthy and required lot of

Jaal Shah Founder – RezLive.com

pare Hotels, Option to Search Apartment Only, Map View, Multi-Currency Rate Display, Local Support and Local Currency Offering, to

man hours, motivated me to come

name a few. “We as a company always believed in consistent

up with a product like RezLive.com, said Jaal Shah, Founder – Re-

growth by taking calculative steps and adhering to the policies that

zLive.com, and GMD – Travel Designer Group. RezLive.com came as

we have created for us. As far as numbers are concerned, we are

a solution and provided travel agents, the much required access to

growing in terms of employee base, year on year growth has been

make bookings on their own by getting regular support from its

in the range of 40-50%, and acquisition/alliances will be on cards

team. With RezLive.com, they can check live availability and book it

to expand in territories where we don’t have presence,” said Shah,

on their own and keep a track on their overall account.

adding, “At the same time, we will be adding more and more quality

RezLive.com has become a valuable brand all across the globe and everyone would like to get associated with it in some way or

inventory from time to time basis all across the globe in order to give more options to our travel partners at competitive prices.”

the other. RezLive.com is a global brand with presence in 22 coun-

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

43

feSTIVaLS aROUND THe wORLD

This August is going to be a thrilling month for travellers who love to experience colorful festivals / carnivals. From the grand Kandy Esala Perahera celebration (in Sri Lanka) to the famous La Tomatina festival (in Spain), here are some of the best festivals / carnivals which a traveller must enjoy!

Kandy Esala Perahera Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka Dates: August 8 - 18, 2016 The Kandy Esala Perahera (the Esala procession of Kandy - Kumbal Procession, Randoli Procession and, Grand Randoli Procession) is a grand festival celebrated with elegant costumes and is held in July and August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

A unique symbol of Sri Lanka, the procession consists of many traditional local dances such as fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandyan dances and various other cultural dances, in addition to the elephants who are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional diya-kepeema ritual, a water cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River at Getambe, Kandy.

Boom Festival Location: Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal Dates: August 11 - 18, 2016 Celebrated every two years close to the border of Spain and Portugal, the Boom Festival is a culmination of art, music, culture, and spirituality. It is a biennial transformational festival in central Portugal featuring a variety of music performances, art exhibits and holistic workshops. In this festival's own words, it is not only a festival; it’s a state of mind. Inspired by the principles of Oneness, Peace, Creativity, Sustainability, Transcendence, Alternative Culture, Active Participation, Evolution and Love, it is a space where people from all over the world can converge to experience an alternative reality. Boom is totally free of corporate sponsorship and is funded by ticket sales alone. There are no VIP areas, no special treatments, everyone here is a VIP!

Burning Man Location: Black Rock City, Nevada, United States Dates: August 28 - September 5, 2016 Burning Man is an annual gathering that takes place at Black Rock City, a temporary community erected in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The event is described as an experiment in community and art, influenced by 10 main principles, including "radical" inclusion, self-reliance and self-expression, as well as community cooperation, gifting and de-commodification, and leaving no trace.

The Burning Man organization bring experiences to people in grand, awe-inspiring and joyful ways that lift the human spirit, address social problems and inspire a sense of culture, community and personal engagement. In short, it is the quintessential art and culture festival. Over 65,000 free spirits trek to the Nevada desert to create an ephemeral city. One can find great solace in this communal experience!

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

feSTIVaLS aROUND THe wORLD

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Dates: August 5 - 29, 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, taking place most of August each year, packing theaters, pubs, and streets making a massive canvas of human creativity. It was established in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival, it takes place annually in Scotland's capital in the month of August. It is an open access performing arts festival, meaning there is no selection committee, and anyone may participate, with any type of performance. The official Fringe programme categorises shows into sections for theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. Whether you're into concerts, plays, and ballet; or opera, synchronized pyrotechnics, and improve comedy, there's something on the schedule for a visitor.

Notting Hill Carnival Location: London, England Dates: August 28 - 29, 2016 The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event that has taken place since 1966 on the streets of the famous Notting Hill, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England, each August over two days (the August bank holiday Monday and the preceding Sunday). It is led by members of the British West Indian community, and attracts around one million people annually, making it one of the world's largest street festivals, and a significant event in British culture. In 2006, the UK public voted it onto the list of icons of England. In succinct, it is a mix of family-friendly events like kids’ costume contests and parades, and more adult-fare with skimpy costumes and truck-mounted DJs.

La Tomatina Location: Buñol, Valencia, Spain Dates: August 31, 2016 La Tomatina is a festival that is held in the Valencian town of Buñol, a town located in the East of Spain, in which participants throw tomatoes and get involved in this tomato fight purely for entertainment purposes. Since 1945, it has been held on the last Wednesday of August, during the week of festivities of Buñol. Usually, the fight lasts for an hour, after which the whole town square has been covered with tomato paste. Fire trucks then hose down the streets and participants often use hoses that locals provide to remove the tomato paste from their bodies. Some participants go to the pool of “los peñones” to wash. Rules of the festival: the tomatoes have to be squashed before throwing to avoid injuries, no other projectiles except tomatoes are allowed, participants have to make way for trucks and lorries.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

45

EVENT WATCH

An Evening of Camaraderie Members of Skal New Delhi recently met at Tamasha, KG Marg, New Delhi. Tamasha is one of the most happening places in Delhi and a great place to unwind.

Members present on the occasion had a fun-filled evening. They enjoyed Happy Drinks, Pulsating Music along with sumptuous dinner.

46

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

TRaVeL MaNTRa

Best apps to make your travel easy Whether you are planning your first trip away from home or you are a frequent flier, there are many travel apps available for Android or iOS based smartphones / devices that will help you find the best flights, hotels and good rides. They will also help you learn new languages, and acquire much more information about your desired destination. Here are some of the best ones:

v B ARCHANA SHARMA Y

Skyscanner (to book flights and hotels)

driver’s GPS position in real time while you

app that lets you plan your route and gives

Skyscanner is one of the best apps for

wait for it.

you directions to help you get there. It even has indoor maps for large places for exam-

searching the cheapest flights to anywhere you want to go. By downloading it on your

LiveTrekker

ple, airports, stadiums, and malls etc. It will

phone, you can book flights directly from

This app makes a digital journal of all

even tell you where the nearest restaurants

the app, and also search for as well as book

your travels so you can look back on your

hotels. Just pick a location you wish to

trips on an interactive map. It tracks you as

travel to and the app will quickly find flights

you go, marking a red line along a map on

and stores are based on your location.

Expensify Whether you are a budget traveller or

to that location and sort them by the cheapest price. Skyscanner is very simple to use

business traveler, Expensify (Android, iOS

and lets you quickly get the information you

compatible) is will be able to manage your

want.

expense report. It allows you to manually track expenses, keep photolog receipts and even import purchase info from your credit

Google Translate Though no translation service is per-

Skyscanner

card for IRS validated eReceipts. Possibly

Google Translate

fect, but Google’s comes close. Just

the best feature of this app is Smart Scan,

type or speak a phrase into your

which allows users to photograph a re-

phone, and the app will deliver a

ceipt and have it read by computer to au-

translation. Google Translate is com-

tomatically generate as an expense. In

patible with about 81 languages (in-

Tripit

Uber

addition to receipt scanning, Expensify includes input options for travel mileage,

cluding those that are character-based), and downloadable

time and rate based expenses, along with

packs are available for offline use (on An-

automatic currency conversion.

droid only). You can download it from: translate.google.com. This translator can be

Google Maps

LiveTrekker

TripIt Last but not the least, another interesting

a useful tool to let you learn language, but

app for easy travel is TripIt (suitable for An-

reasonably, it’s most useful on a practical

droid and iOS). It cuts back on your travel

level quickly translating day-to-day words you come across on your travels. For in-

the exact route you take. Also, this app

hassles by consolidating travel plans into a

stance, you can hold your camera up to text

monitors your speed and altitude that makes

simple, convenient itinerary. Viewable on-

– such as a sign or a menu and Google will

it great for adventure travellers, though it’s

line and synced to your cell phone, you can

translate it for you instantly.

just as fun to look back at your route around

also share itineraries with your contacts.

a city. Moreover, you can add pictures,

You just need to link your email account to

Uber - Get a Ride Anywhere

video, audio and text along the way, creat-

TripIt, and the service will automatically dig

A well known cab booking app, Uber is

ing a kind of multimedia travel diary which

through your inbox for reservation confirma-

you can share with your friends and family.

tions and other forms. Using that data, it

an e-hail car service is now available in

builds an organized itinerary of your flight

over 35 countries and in cities large and small. With this app, you can instantly book

Google Maps

a taxi, black car or SUV, and pay with a

You probably already have Google Maps

credit card / cash or online apps. The most

installed on your device, but if for some rea-

special thing about this app is that once

son you don't, you can download it from

your booking is done, you can watch your

Google Play store for free. It is a great map

boarding times, hotel check-ins and more.

So, for your next trip try these apps and make your travel memorable.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

47

MOVING ON

Jaykumar Rawal Tourism Minister, Government of Maharashtra Jaykumar Rawal has been appointed the Tourism Minister of Government of Maharashtra on July 8, 2016.

Shri. Jaykumar Rawal took oath as Cabinet Minister and will also be handling the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) in Maharashtra in his portfolio. Rawal holds a degree in Bachelors of Commerce from Symbiosis University, Pune and degree in Business Management from Cardiff University, England.

On the appointment as the Tourism Minister, he said, “It gives me immense pleasure to accept my new role in the Ministry. Tourism is one of the key industries which contribute significantly to the economic growth of a nation. Therefore, my key focus would be to advance the current tourism scenario in Maharashtra through implementation of new policies aimed towards tourism growth and skill development.”

Dr. N. Manjula, IAS Director for the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka Dr. N. Manjula, IAS has joined as The Director, Department of Tourism and Government of Karnataka. Dr. N. Manjula, an IAS officer from Batch 2002 had earlier held the posts of Director, Municipal Administration; District Collector, Chikkaballapur; CEO, Zilla Panchayath, Mysuru.

Shuvendu Banerjee General Manager, Crowne Plaza Kochi Shuvendu Banerjee has been appointed as General Manager, Crowne Plaza Kochi. He was previously Executive Assistant Manager of Crowne Plaza Gurgaon. Astute and results-driven professional equipped with experience in managing all aspects of a hotel. With over 15 years of experience spanning the entire gamut of hospitality industry. In past he has performed diverse roles in different hotels in IHG Group, Carlson Group, ITC, Jaypee Hotels etc. His contribution has lead to optimisation of output, delivery and service. Shuvendu likes to travel, read, cricket and socialize. Also loves sports that make one’s adrenaline rush.

Ravinder Pal Singh Chief Information Officer, Vistara Vistara, India’s fastest-growing full service airline, announces the appointment of Ravinder Pal Singh as its Chief Information Officer. Ravinder Pal Singh (Ravi), in his new role, will lead Vistara’s IT and Innovation functions. He will consolidate, identify, acquire, evaluate and incubate the right technology to support the airline’s IT and digital platforms. He will also be responsible to induce innovation as core to Vistara’s culture thereby creating communities and co-creation projects to realize ideas as true business differentiators.

Prior to joining Vistara, Ravi served as the Global Chief Information and Technology Officer at one of India’s leading providers of aviation maintenance repair and overhaul, Air Works.

Manali Jain Deputy Manager, Marketing Communications, The Lalit Chandigarh Manali Jain has been appointed Deputy Manager for Marketing Communications at the Lalit Chandigarh.

A young dynamic communications professional with over 6 years of experience, Manali brings with her a strong background in hospitality and media management.

In her new role, Manali will be responsible for managing the marketing and public relations department, developing brand awareness and securing national/ trade press. She would also ensure that the brand message is consistent, timely and relevant. Manali’s core strength of developing and maintaining effective and strong communication with the media has been beneficial to the organization she has worked with.

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

MOVING ON

Asghar Ali Group President, The Claridges Hotel Group The Claridges Hotel Group has announced the appointment of their new Group President, Asghar Ali. With over three decades of top management experience in major industrial sectors, he comes equipped to lead The Claridges Hotel Group as varied in its contributions as he is.

Ali’s career began with the Thapar Group in 1980, he worked his way through Eicher International Ltd., Ashok Leyland Ltd., and finally, as President External Affairs to the global conglomerate – Punj Lloyd Group reporting directly to the chairman, Atul Punj. An asset to The Claridges Group, Ali will leverage and enhance the ongoing and future work of the company. The Claridges Hotel Group is pleased to welcome Ali as his immense knowledge and experience across various fields will be a great asset to the company.

Ravi Khubchandani General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced the appointment of Ravi Khubchandani as the hotel’s new General Manager. Ravi, with his extensive experience and domain expertise in hospitality industry, will steer the hotel to scale greater heights of success. In his new role, Ravi will focus on enhancing overall guest experience at Novotel Hyderabad Airport, bringing about stellar growth in revenues, and develop a talented and committed team to manage the hotel operations in a fast evolving business environment. Ravi Khubchandani holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Wellington Institute of Technology, New Zealand. He was also part of AccorHotels’ prestigious International Hospitality Management Program (IHMP), run by Academie Accor – Singapore.

Neeraj Mishra General Manager, RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Neeraj Mishra as the General Manager of RS Sarovar Portico, Palampur. A focused and analytical hospitality professional, Neeraj holds a solid career spanning over 15 years in the industry with expertise in Operational Management, Sales & Marketing, Project Launches, F & B Operations and Quality Control. Neeraj holds a three year Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from Indian Institute of Hotel Management in Patna. Prior to joining Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd., Neeraj had worked as the General Manager of The Fern Residency Rajkot and The Hype Saiva Continental Dehradun. His other assignments include roles at various capacities with Four Points by Sheraton Dehradun, Radisson Hotel Kandla Gujarat, ITC Welcom Heritage Agra and Holiday Inn.

Ashutosh Garg Food & Beverage Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad Ashutosh Garg has been appointed as the Food & Beverage Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad.

An industry veteran with having more than 11 year of experience, Ashutosh has been associated with some of the best hotel brands in the country, including Le Meridien, Jay Pee Palace Agra, IHG Delhi, Radisson Noida, and Four Points by Sheraton.

In his new role, Ashutosh will be responsible for the overall operation & management of the entire specialty restaurant, Bar and banquet events. He will also play a key role in concept creation, business plan, budgeting, staff recruitment, training, vendor development, marketing & F&B positioning. His operational duties will involve revenue generation, customer satisfaction, employee engagement and corporate compliance.

Vaijayanthi Kari India Representative, Tourism Fiji Global Destinations has appointed Vaijayanthi Kari as India Representative, Tourism Fiji. Prior to joining Global Destinations, Vaijayanthi worked in the field of Public Relations for a period of three years. She will be based out of the Mumbai office of Global Destinations. Speaking about the appointment, Pranav Kapadia, Founder, Global Destinations says, “Tourism Fiji is looking at steadily increasing their footprint in India and we would like to welcome Vaijayanthi to the team at this exciting stage. She will be responsible for all trade, marketing communication and public relations related activities for the tourism board in India.”

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

49

HOT NewS

AIRLINE

INDIGO BECOMES 1ST AIRLINE TO CONNECT CHANDIGARH TO DUBAI • IndiGo has expanded footprint in Gulf market.

• Effective September 26, 2016, 6E flight to operate its new daily non-stop flight between Chandigarh and Dubai at an all-inclusive return fare of ` 9,999 • IndiGo becomes the first airline to start international operations from Chandigarh; The new flight will be open for sale effective today, 31 July, 2016 IndiGo is further enhancing its customer

experience with the introduction of new flights in its network. Effective September 26, India’s favorite on time performer will bring Chandigarh closer to Dubai. These flights will give more choice to business and leisure travelers who are constantly on the lookout for new and affordable flying options. These new services will further consolidate IndiGo’s position as the fastest growing airline in India flying daily 812 flights connecting 40 destinations across the

nation and in international skies.

Speaking on the launch to Dubai, Aditya Ghosh, President, IndiGo said, “We are very excited about the introduction of new launch

by TNH DESK from Chandigarh to Dubai.

HOTEL

AIRLINE

Virgin Atlantic celebrates 16 years of flying from Delhi to London Virgin atlantic celebrated 16 years of flying from Delhi to london and beyond! since the launch on 05 July 2000 the airline has now flown over 2 million passengers. the airline’s joint venture with Delta offers connections to over 200 destinations via london Heathrow.

Exclusive Hyatt Gold Passport Offer: enjoy wining and dining at Hyatt

Virgin atlantic has invested in newest aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner on all flights between India and uK to ensure customers travel in comfort, style and with the latest on board technologies. offering a distinct blend of British – Indian culture on flights from sourcing local food to offering a selection of Bollywood blockbusters to personalised service from local Indian crew, the airline continues to stay committed to serving Indian market.

Delighted by this achievement, Nick parker, Head of India and middle east for Virgin

25% discount for Loyalty Programme Mem-

atlantic said, “We are incredibly proud to have flown millions of customers on their adven-

bers at Hyatt restaurants across India and

tures, holidays, and business trips over the last 16 years. Being an innovative British air-

Nepal.

line and a successful business with an extensive network we continue to delight our

Hyatt Hotels in India announced today the

customers delivering irresistible service for our customers, and a secure future for our

launch of an exclusive offer for Hyatt Gold

business and people”.

Passport® members, rewarding them with a

by TNH DESK

25% discount at restaurants across Hyatt Hotels in India and Nepal. Hyatt Gold Passport members can enjoy this offer from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016. As a part of the regular policy of the programme, members can also earn 5 points per eligible dollar spend at all dining and Spa services*, including stay at Hyatt Hotels.

“We are excited to launch this promotion, which offers our members great value and the opportunity to experience the world-class food and beverage at Hyatt across India and Nepal,” said Jeff Zidell, senior vice president, Hyatt Gold Passport.

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TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | AUGUST 2016

by TNH DESK