Safari Plus - 2018 July August

Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • For Online News visit: www.safariplus.co.in • Email: info@safariplus.co.in • July - August 2018 • Vol: 19 Issue: 6

FUN FILLED FAMILY DESTINATION

97690 58991

NEWS FLASH PARENT’S AUTHORIZATION COMPULSORY AKBAR AL BAKER NEW IATA CHAIRMAN The International Air leadership position in the FOR MINORS TRAVELLING TO UAE Transport Association industry is a great The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners-Dubai (Immigration) notified that the minors (18 years and below) will not be allowed to travel to the UAE without an authorization letter from their parents in case they are not travelling with them. The move is effective from June 1, comes following a warning from Dubai Police and other relevant authorities to prevent child trafficking.

As per the advisory - The procedure

!

Y R UR

H

to be followed is that all minors, who are 18 years and below, would need to have an authorization form filled from their parents with relevant details of their address abroad and in the UAE, and information about who would be receiving them in the UAE (in case they are not travelling with a parent). Also, in case the minor is travelling with another family member, an authorization letter from the parents or the guardians is still required.

First 10 Ads for Travel Directory 2019

in Rs 15,000/OMAN VISA ON ARRIVAL SIMPLIFIED Oman has relaxed its visa rules to attract more tourists by granting visa on arrival (unsponsored tourist visa) for the citizens of India who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of these countries – United States of America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan and Schengen States. Oman visa on arrival can also be availed by the spouse (husband/wife) and children of the visa holder of any of these 6 mentioned countries as long as they are accompanying him/her, even if they do not hold a visa from these countries.

Terms and conditions a) The applicant’s passport should valid for not less than 6 months from expiry. b) The applicant shall have a return ticket and a confirmed hotel reservation.

2

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

www.safariplus.co.in

(IATA) announced that Qatar Airways Group C h i e f E xe c u t i v e , H i s Excellency Akbar Al Baker, has assumed his duties as Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term effective from the conclusion of the 74th IATA Annual General Meeting in Sydney Akbar Al Baker, said, "I am honored to be leading the IATA Board of Governors as Chairman. To be nominated to such a prestigious

www.safariplus.co.in

d) The visa shall be granted for a period of 1 month and fee OMR 20 e) The competent authority may prohibit the citizens of these countries who meet the terms and conditions for obtaining a visa from entering the Sultanate if the public interest so requires f) Any person who avails of such a visa facilitation and breached the regulations will be blacklisted and prohibited from entering the Sultanate of Oman and will be compelled to pay fines in accordance with the terms and provisions for the Foreigner's Residence Law and the Executive Regulations thereof Travellers must log on to the website and p r e a p p l y fo r t h e e - v i s a o n https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/visaeligibility

honour, made all the more pertinent in the difficult circumstances in w h i c h Q a ta r A i r w ay s currently operates. I look forward to continuing my work in the coming year for our great aviation industry, connecting safely the peoples of the world, a sector which will only continue to grow in the years ahead, and one in which I am most proud to work and represent one of the world leading airlines."

2019 TOURISM MINISTER URGES CIVIL AVIATION MINISTRY TO PROVIDE BETTER AIR CONNECTIVITY TO TOURIST DESTINATIONS

UDAN SCHEME PROPOSED TO BE EXTENDED TO ALL THE UNDER-SERVED DESTINATIONS The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Shri K. J. Alphons meet the Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhu and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha along with senior officials from both the Ministries regarding providing better air connectivity for tourist destinations.

In the meeting, it was decided that the Ministry of Civil Aviation shall underwrite any loss making route, if it is not already covered under Udan scheme. It was also decided that Udan scheme could be extended to all the underserved destinations at the earliest.

During the meeting, Shri K. J. Alphons requested for daily Air India flights to Khajuraho, better connectivity to Aurangabad for accessing Ajanta-Ellora,

Triangular flight on Kochi-Goa-Jaipur sector, more international flights from Kozhikode, international flights to South East Asian countries from Guwahati Airport, commissioning of Kannur Airport, direct flights from Delhi to Kozhikode, daily flights from Kolkata to Shillong and more flights to Varanasi, direct flights from Ahmedabad and Kolkata to Srinagar and also opening the new airport in Sikkim. It was also requested that more flights be operated to Jindal Vijaynagar Airport to get better access to Hampi.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation assured immediate action in consultation with airline operators to provide better connectivity.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

3

NEWS FLASH PARENT’S AUTHORIZATION COMPULSORY AKBAR AL BAKER NEW IATA CHAIRMAN The International Air leadership position in the FOR MINORS TRAVELLING TO UAE Transport Association industry is a great The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners-Dubai (Immigration) notified that the minors (18 years and below) will not be allowed to travel to the UAE without an authorization letter from their parents in case they are not travelling with them. The move is effective from June 1, comes following a warning from Dubai Police and other relevant authorities to prevent child trafficking.

As per the advisory - The procedure

!

Y R UR

H

to be followed is that all minors, who are 18 years and below, would need to have an authorization form filled from their parents with relevant details of their address abroad and in the UAE, and information about who would be receiving them in the UAE (in case they are not travelling with a parent). Also, in case the minor is travelling with another family member, an authorization letter from the parents or the guardians is still required.

First 10 Ads for Travel Directory 2019

in Rs 15,000/OMAN VISA ON ARRIVAL SIMPLIFIED Oman has relaxed its visa rules to attract more tourists by granting visa on arrival (unsponsored tourist visa) for the citizens of India who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of these countries – United States of America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan and Schengen States. Oman visa on arrival can also be availed by the spouse (husband/wife) and children of the visa holder of any of these 6 mentioned countries as long as they are accompanying him/her, even if they do not hold a visa from these countries.

Terms and conditions a) The applicant’s passport should valid for not less than 6 months from expiry. b) The applicant shall have a return ticket and a confirmed hotel reservation.

2

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

www.safariplus.co.in

(IATA) announced that Qatar Airways Group C h i e f E xe c u t i v e , H i s Excellency Akbar Al Baker, has assumed his duties as Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term effective from the conclusion of the 74th IATA Annual General Meeting in Sydney Akbar Al Baker, said, "I am honored to be leading the IATA Board of Governors as Chairman. To be nominated to such a prestigious

www.safariplus.co.in

d) The visa shall be granted for a period of 1 month and fee OMR 20 e) The competent authority may prohibit the citizens of these countries who meet the terms and conditions for obtaining a visa from entering the Sultanate if the public interest so requires f) Any person who avails of such a visa facilitation and breached the regulations will be blacklisted and prohibited from entering the Sultanate of Oman and will be compelled to pay fines in accordance with the terms and provisions for the Foreigner's Residence Law and the Executive Regulations thereof Travellers must log on to the website and p r e a p p l y fo r t h e e - v i s a o n https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/visaeligibility

honour, made all the more pertinent in the difficult circumstances in w h i c h Q a ta r A i r w ay s currently operates. I look forward to continuing my work in the coming year for our great aviation industry, connecting safely the peoples of the world, a sector which will only continue to grow in the years ahead, and one in which I am most proud to work and represent one of the world leading airlines."

2019 TOURISM MINISTER URGES CIVIL AVIATION MINISTRY TO PROVIDE BETTER AIR CONNECTIVITY TO TOURIST DESTINATIONS

UDAN SCHEME PROPOSED TO BE EXTENDED TO ALL THE UNDER-SERVED DESTINATIONS The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Shri K. J. Alphons meet the Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhu and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha along with senior officials from both the Ministries regarding providing better air connectivity for tourist destinations.

In the meeting, it was decided that the Ministry of Civil Aviation shall underwrite any loss making route, if it is not already covered under Udan scheme. It was also decided that Udan scheme could be extended to all the underserved destinations at the earliest.

During the meeting, Shri K. J. Alphons requested for daily Air India flights to Khajuraho, better connectivity to Aurangabad for accessing Ajanta-Ellora,

Triangular flight on Kochi-Goa-Jaipur sector, more international flights from Kozhikode, international flights to South East Asian countries from Guwahati Airport, commissioning of Kannur Airport, direct flights from Delhi to Kozhikode, daily flights from Kolkata to Shillong and more flights to Varanasi, direct flights from Ahmedabad and Kolkata to Srinagar and also opening the new airport in Sikkim. It was also requested that more flights be operated to Jindal Vijaynagar Airport to get better access to Hampi.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation assured immediate action in consultation with airline operators to provide better connectivity.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

3

EVENT

EVENT 34TH IATO ANNUAL CONVENTION IN VISHAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH The 34th Annual Convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will be held in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh from 6 – 9 September 2018. The venue of the convention is Novotel, Vishakhapatnam.

While announcing the decision of the Executive Committee Mr. Pronab Sarkar President, IATO, said, “Vishakhapatnam was announced as the venue for our convention during our last convention

by Mr. Himanshu Shukla, CEO, AP Tourism Authority and MD, AP Tourism Development Corporation in the month of September 2017. This is a new destination which we want to promote especially as MICE destination as it has lot to offer. Vishakhapatnam, which is popularly referred to as Vizag. Although considered to be an industrial city, Vizag has a rich and vibrant culture and heritage. Blessed with natural beauty, with hill ranges, pristine beaches along its coastline and lush, natural valleys, it thus has lot to offer for the tour operators to promote Vishakhapatnam

as an attractive tourist destination”.

Mr. Pronab Sarkar said “Visakhapatnam is surrounded by many ancient Buddhist sites, most of which have been excavated recently and illustrate the legacy of Buddhism in the region. It can attract lot of Buddhist Tourists from all over the world. Since after the convention, there will be post convention tours for the members, it will be an excellent opportunity for the members to visit these sites to gain firsthand knowledge and thereafter promote the same through their packages globally”.

This convention shall f u r t h e r i n c re a s e t h e international and domestic tourist arrivals to Andhra Pradesh which will boost economic growth and will create new jobs at the places where ever tourism is promoted.

Mr. Rajiv Mehra, Vice President, IATO said, “The

theme and the business sessions of the convention will be finalized soon. We expect over 1200 delegates from all over the country which will be consisting of tourism professionals, press and media and senior officials of centre and state tourism departments. Besides we will also invite state government to exhibit in the travel mart which will be organized coinciding with the 3 day convention.

About 100 members of Travel and trade print and electronic media will be invited to witness the convention”.

GOUR KANJILAL'S 3RD BOOK ON INDIAN TOURISM LAUNCHED Publisher: Shailendra Publication Editor & Publisher: Shailendra Kesari Assistant Editor: Parul Kesari Brand Ambassador: Vyom Kesari Advisory: Gour Kanjilal, Om Prakash Sehgal Marketing Team: Prashant, Dinesh Gupta Correspondent North: Manoj Babbar Correspondent West: Payal Gupta Chaitali Dive

Regd. Office: 155/153B, Samudrik Building, Bhuleshwar Road, Mumbai 400 002

Indian Tourism Through Decades – From Indus to Independence and Beyond penned by Gour Kanjilal and published

by Shailendra Publication, Mumbai was la u n c h ed by Pro f. D r Sa n d eep Kulshreshtha, Director, IITTM, under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

This book explains a chronological development of tourism in India as seen by me since my days with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and being with IATO. Having an experience of 50

Copr Office: Shop No1, B-4, Highland Garden, Dhokali Road, Thane (W) 400 607 Delhi Office: D-708, Chitranjan Park, New Delhi 110 009 Email: info@safariplus.co.in safariplus022@gmail.com Mobile: 97690 58991/ 9969948787 Web: www.safariplus.co.in

SKAL NATIONAL CONGRESS 2018 IN KOLKATA 17 TO 19TH AUGUST Skål International, Kolkata is one of the active Skål Clubs in India having more than 125 members and young Skål 20+ (total strength 145+) who are by and large from top management of some of the leading organizations of the tourism industry in Kolkata such as Airlines, Hotels, Travel Agents & Tour Operators.

Skål International Kolkata will be hosting Skål National Congress from 17 to 19 August, 2018 in Kolkata. The Congress will be the meeting pot to share the thoughts, experiences & views of travel associates & members of Skål club.

Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, Secretary, Skål India, said, “We are pleased to welcome the travel partners from around the world to be the part of Skål National Congress in Kolkata. We

4

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

years, I wanted to put at one place the tourism growth scene focusing on diversification of tourism in India which just started with Golden Triangle DelhiAgra-Jaipur and now embraces all the reasons, all the seasons and all aspects of tourism” said Gour Kanjilal.

“The book will be an interesting reading for all the new entrants who are looking for a career in the tourism business.

Basic knowledge about Indian tourism is a must and that motivated us to go for the printing of the book” said Ms Parul Kesari who took enormous pain to complete the book 'Kanjilal ji is our dearest friend and we had earlier printed his two other books which were well accepted in the student and industry circle” she added.

No false modesty. I always kept confidence in myself and did not wait for outside approval “Carry on

which is what self-actualization is all about.” It is vital to be engaged and passionate about your goal, and it should come naturally told my wife Susmita Kanjilal who recently left for her heavenly journey on March 28th, 2018 and the book is dedicated to her.

Enormous help was given by Manoj Babbar and a full team of Shailendra Publication without whose support this would have remained my dream.

Prof. Dr Sandeep Kulshreshtha was the Chief Guest and he launched the book with a lot of pride and sharing memories

with Kanjilal. Other dignitaries present included Mr Rajesh Mudgill, Hony.

Secretary, IATO, Mr. Prashant Sarkar, Director, Prakriti Foundation and number of Educationists, Dr Seema S h a r m a , P r i n c i p a l & D r. S o n i a Wadhawan, Head of DepartmentTourism, Guru Nanak College, Karnal, Prof (Dr) Kumar Ashutosh of Centre for vocational studies, Delhi University, Prof. host of Media members, his dear friends, Travel Trade Associates, Ministry friends, TV/Media Broadcaster and all other friends from Kolkata, Mumbai, Mathura and NCR.

ITB ASIA SEES RECORD NUMBER OF NEW EXHIBITORS FOR ITS 11TH SHOW IN SINGAPORE

will make sure that through this Gala event, travel industry grows more strong and proactive in this sector by inviting Foreign Direct Investments. We are adapting to the changes to boost our travel sector and it is one step forward to make it happen. Our motive is to show the power of one under a single umbrella irrespective of our location.”

He further added, “Our early bird registration finished in May, with 100 registrations. And 100 FAM trip specially for the first time visitors to West Bengal. Still registration is open and it is expected to turn more than 300+ delegates to the event. So I urge to travel partner to be part of sweetest part of India n rest assure city of joy will give u best ever travel industry business networking opportunity this time.”

ITB Asia, ‘Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, from 17 - 19 October 2018. The show is already exceeding expectations on exhibitor numbers, recording a 20.8% increase in new exhibitors signing up for the show, versus the same period last year. This comes after the enormous success of last year’s 10th anniversary show which saw record-breaking numbers with 113 countries exhibiting at the event.

ITB Asia 2018 has seen a surge in exhibitor demand from National Tourism Organisations (NTO), Regional

www.safariplus.co.in

www.safariplus.co.in

Tourism Organisations (RTO), hotels and travel and technology sectors. Such impressive growth has called for the necessary expansion of the show space to cater for these new exhibitors. The show welcomes new NTO exhibitors from Abu Dhabi, Botswana, Croatia, Mauritius and Papua New Guinea and as well as new RTO exhibitors such as Fukuoka, Kansai, Lviv, Marianas and Rovaniemi. In a bid to strengthen the show’s focus on travel technology, key travel and technology exhibitors including the likes of Klook, Sabre and TripCreator are set to feature during ITB Asia 2018 as well.

Asia continues to be a major growth region for the travel and tourism industry worldwide. Whilst worldwide

outbound trips grew by 3.9% in 2017, Asia is leading this growth figure by a staggering 11%.1 Outbound visitor growth is expected to increase by 4 – 5% over the next year, led primarily by US and Asian travellers.2 In addition to Asian dominance for the show floor this year, Europe will continue to feature heavily during ITB Asia 2018 as well, with participation from Austria, Bulgaria, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Spain. The surge in European presence, which has increased by 13.8% versus the same period last year, is attributable to ITB Asia’s pole position as a key platform for the travel and tourism industry in Asia, during which European exhibitors can

best capture the growing Asia outbound travel and tourism market.

“We are hugely grateful for the ongoing support and commitment from our many exhibitors, who are crucial in driving the growth and success of ITB Asia. Each year we work hard to strengthen our leadership in the travel trade show industry and focus on growing ITB Asia’s success in the coming years” said Katrina Leung, Managing Director, Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia.

The remarkable success of previous years has resulted in the continued partnerships between ITB Asia and Marina Bay Sands as the Official Partner Hotel, as well as Singapore Airlines as the Official Partner Airline.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

5

EVENT

EVENT 34TH IATO ANNUAL CONVENTION IN VISHAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH The 34th Annual Convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will be held in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh from 6 – 9 September 2018. The venue of the convention is Novotel, Vishakhapatnam.

While announcing the decision of the Executive Committee Mr. Pronab Sarkar President, IATO, said, “Vishakhapatnam was announced as the venue for our convention during our last convention

by Mr. Himanshu Shukla, CEO, AP Tourism Authority and MD, AP Tourism Development Corporation in the month of September 2017. This is a new destination which we want to promote especially as MICE destination as it has lot to offer. Vishakhapatnam, which is popularly referred to as Vizag. Although considered to be an industrial city, Vizag has a rich and vibrant culture and heritage. Blessed with natural beauty, with hill ranges, pristine beaches along its coastline and lush, natural valleys, it thus has lot to offer for the tour operators to promote Vishakhapatnam

as an attractive tourist destination”.

Mr. Pronab Sarkar said “Visakhapatnam is surrounded by many ancient Buddhist sites, most of which have been excavated recently and illustrate the legacy of Buddhism in the region. It can attract lot of Buddhist Tourists from all over the world. Since after the convention, there will be post convention tours for the members, it will be an excellent opportunity for the members to visit these sites to gain firsthand knowledge and thereafter promote the same through their packages globally”.

This convention shall f u r t h e r i n c re a s e t h e international and domestic tourist arrivals to Andhra Pradesh which will boost economic growth and will create new jobs at the places where ever tourism is promoted.

Mr. Rajiv Mehra, Vice President, IATO said, “The

theme and the business sessions of the convention will be finalized soon. We expect over 1200 delegates from all over the country which will be consisting of tourism professionals, press and media and senior officials of centre and state tourism departments. Besides we will also invite state government to exhibit in the travel mart which will be organized coinciding with the 3 day convention.

About 100 members of Travel and trade print and electronic media will be invited to witness the convention”.

GOUR KANJILAL'S 3RD BOOK ON INDIAN TOURISM LAUNCHED Publisher: Shailendra Publication Editor & Publisher: Shailendra Kesari Assistant Editor: Parul Kesari Brand Ambassador: Vyom Kesari Advisory: Gour Kanjilal, Om Prakash Sehgal Marketing Team: Prashant, Dinesh Gupta Correspondent North: Manoj Babbar Correspondent West: Payal Gupta Chaitali Dive

Regd. Office: 155/153B, Samudrik Building, Bhuleshwar Road, Mumbai 400 002

Indian Tourism Through Decades – From Indus to Independence and Beyond penned by Gour Kanjilal and published

by Shailendra Publication, Mumbai was la u n c h ed by Pro f. D r Sa n d eep Kulshreshtha, Director, IITTM, under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

This book explains a chronological development of tourism in India as seen by me since my days with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and being with IATO. Having an experience of 50

Copr Office: Shop No1, B-4, Highland Garden, Dhokali Road, Thane (W) 400 607 Delhi Office: D-708, Chitranjan Park, New Delhi 110 009 Email: info@safariplus.co.in safariplus022@gmail.com Mobile: 97690 58991/ 9969948787 Web: www.safariplus.co.in

SKAL NATIONAL CONGRESS 2018 IN KOLKATA 17 TO 19TH AUGUST Skål International, Kolkata is one of the active Skål Clubs in India having more than 125 members and young Skål 20+ (total strength 145+) who are by and large from top management of some of the leading organizations of the tourism industry in Kolkata such as Airlines, Hotels, Travel Agents & Tour Operators.

Skål International Kolkata will be hosting Skål National Congress from 17 to 19 August, 2018 in Kolkata. The Congress will be the meeting pot to share the thoughts, experiences & views of travel associates & members of Skål club.

Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, Secretary, Skål India, said, “We are pleased to welcome the travel partners from around the world to be the part of Skål National Congress in Kolkata. We

4

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

years, I wanted to put at one place the tourism growth scene focusing on diversification of tourism in India which just started with Golden Triangle DelhiAgra-Jaipur and now embraces all the reasons, all the seasons and all aspects of tourism” said Gour Kanjilal.

“The book will be an interesting reading for all the new entrants who are looking for a career in the tourism business.

Basic knowledge about Indian tourism is a must and that motivated us to go for the printing of the book” said Ms Parul Kesari who took enormous pain to complete the book 'Kanjilal ji is our dearest friend and we had earlier printed his two other books which were well accepted in the student and industry circle” she added.

No false modesty. I always kept confidence in myself and did not wait for outside approval “Carry on

which is what self-actualization is all about.” It is vital to be engaged and passionate about your goal, and it should come naturally told my wife Susmita Kanjilal who recently left for her heavenly journey on March 28th, 2018 and the book is dedicated to her.

Enormous help was given by Manoj Babbar and a full team of Shailendra Publication without whose support this would have remained my dream.

Prof. Dr Sandeep Kulshreshtha was the Chief Guest and he launched the book with a lot of pride and sharing memories

with Kanjilal. Other dignitaries present included Mr Rajesh Mudgill, Hony.

Secretary, IATO, Mr. Prashant Sarkar, Director, Prakriti Foundation and number of Educationists, Dr Seema S h a r m a , P r i n c i p a l & D r. S o n i a Wadhawan, Head of DepartmentTourism, Guru Nanak College, Karnal, Prof (Dr) Kumar Ashutosh of Centre for vocational studies, Delhi University, Prof. host of Media members, his dear friends, Travel Trade Associates, Ministry friends, TV/Media Broadcaster and all other friends from Kolkata, Mumbai, Mathura and NCR.

ITB ASIA SEES RECORD NUMBER OF NEW EXHIBITORS FOR ITS 11TH SHOW IN SINGAPORE

will make sure that through this Gala event, travel industry grows more strong and proactive in this sector by inviting Foreign Direct Investments. We are adapting to the changes to boost our travel sector and it is one step forward to make it happen. Our motive is to show the power of one under a single umbrella irrespective of our location.”

He further added, “Our early bird registration finished in May, with 100 registrations. And 100 FAM trip specially for the first time visitors to West Bengal. Still registration is open and it is expected to turn more than 300+ delegates to the event. So I urge to travel partner to be part of sweetest part of India n rest assure city of joy will give u best ever travel industry business networking opportunity this time.”

ITB Asia, ‘Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, from 17 - 19 October 2018. The show is already exceeding expectations on exhibitor numbers, recording a 20.8% increase in new exhibitors signing up for the show, versus the same period last year. This comes after the enormous success of last year’s 10th anniversary show which saw record-breaking numbers with 113 countries exhibiting at the event.

ITB Asia 2018 has seen a surge in exhibitor demand from National Tourism Organisations (NTO), Regional

www.safariplus.co.in

www.safariplus.co.in

Tourism Organisations (RTO), hotels and travel and technology sectors. Such impressive growth has called for the necessary expansion of the show space to cater for these new exhibitors. The show welcomes new NTO exhibitors from Abu Dhabi, Botswana, Croatia, Mauritius and Papua New Guinea and as well as new RTO exhibitors such as Fukuoka, Kansai, Lviv, Marianas and Rovaniemi. In a bid to strengthen the show’s focus on travel technology, key travel and technology exhibitors including the likes of Klook, Sabre and TripCreator are set to feature during ITB Asia 2018 as well.

Asia continues to be a major growth region for the travel and tourism industry worldwide. Whilst worldwide

outbound trips grew by 3.9% in 2017, Asia is leading this growth figure by a staggering 11%.1 Outbound visitor growth is expected to increase by 4 – 5% over the next year, led primarily by US and Asian travellers.2 In addition to Asian dominance for the show floor this year, Europe will continue to feature heavily during ITB Asia 2018 as well, with participation from Austria, Bulgaria, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Spain. The surge in European presence, which has increased by 13.8% versus the same period last year, is attributable to ITB Asia’s pole position as a key platform for the travel and tourism industry in Asia, during which European exhibitors can

best capture the growing Asia outbound travel and tourism market.

“We are hugely grateful for the ongoing support and commitment from our many exhibitors, who are crucial in driving the growth and success of ITB Asia. Each year we work hard to strengthen our leadership in the travel trade show industry and focus on growing ITB Asia’s success in the coming years” said Katrina Leung, Managing Director, Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia.

The remarkable success of previous years has resulted in the continued partnerships between ITB Asia and Marina Bay Sands as the Official Partner Hotel, as well as Singapore Airlines as the Official Partner Airline.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

5

TRADE PLUS MEET THE CELEBRITIES AT INDIA’S MADAME TUSSAUDS Now you have the chance to meet the celebrities from the Bollywood to Hollywood and from Politics to Sports under one roof. Not only you meet them, you can also take the selfie or the action click with them. Yes, you read it right; it is possible - in India's first Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Opened last year in the capital town Delhi and is situated in the iconic heritage Regal Building in Connaught Place.

The Museum is spread on two floors and as you step inside, you see the stars smiling and gazing at you. You are welcomed by the wax statue of Salman Khan riding a rikshaw, then u meet Madhubala, Raj Kapoor the iconic stars of their time. From Bollywood you can spot Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Madhuri Dixit, Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kapil Sharma; from music industry Asha Bhosle, Zakir Hussain, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Sonu Nigam. From Hollywood Angelina

Jolie, Kim Kardashian Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlet Johansson; from Sports Kapli Dev, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Sachin Tendulkar, Marry Kom, Milkha Singh, Marilyn Monroe, Christiano Ronaldo, David Beckham; and some of the politic leaders you can meet are Mahatma Gandhi, Narendra Modi, Sadar Patel, APJ Abdul Kalam, Bhagat Singh. The number of celebrities' wax statues are growing day by day, since it opened in December 2017.

In Making - It has been in the works for the past two years. Made in London, each figure has taken about six months, including research, pictures, paintings, photographs, videos and/or seatings for measurements. The actual models, apparently, take a staggering 350 hours. They involve making life-size clay models, filling plaster moulds with nearly 2,500 lbs of hot wax, painting acrylic

eyeballs and oil colours (for skin) and adding hair - one strand at a time. With

immersive decor, sounds, live actors and special effects, the bill (reportedly) goes up to $186,000-$300,000 a figure.

Mr. Harjinder Singh, Director, 24x7 Travel, Delhi informed that, Madame Tussauds has open different tickets distribution channel for visitor and for tourism industry, and visitor can book tickets online on the various portals or from their travel agents. For B2B discounted tickets 24x7Travels.com has been appointed as official partner to facilitate tour operators & travel agents.

Adding to it he said, “It's good opportunity for tourism industry to ensure that attraction is able to convert good numbers so that success story of Madame Tussauds shall encourage other International brands to invest in Indian tourism market.”

FOUR TRAVEL GIANTS FORMED ‘TOURISM MARKETING ALLIANCE’ TO EXPLORE EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR Tourism Marketing Alliance, formed by four complementing travel companies – Rezlive.com, Island Group, Pearl To u r i s m a n d L e i s u re G ro u p & RailEurope– organized an exclusive networking event to discuss emerging business opportunities in outbound tourism. The event, organized at VITS Hotel Mumbai, turned out to be a huge success, with over 100+ members from UTA participating eagerly to listen to speakers from TMA. Ms. Bela Shah, Manager – Sales & Marketing, Rail Europe spoke in detail about their unparalleled access to an extensive array of rail products from over 50 European train companies, catering to travelers from Americas, Asia, Oceania, India, Middle East and Africa. She said, “Our objective is to help travelers find their own path by guiding

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JULY - AUGUST, 2018

and offering inspiration and tools to travel by train in Europe. For those travelers, who want to explore on their own, our products would suit best.”

For RezLive.com, Mr. Zaheer Jeddy, Country Head – India, spoke about the company's 18 years legacy, its strong B2B hotel booking system with 250,000+ hotels, 45000+ site seeing options and transfers. “For all the popular destinations from India, we have a strong product that would give you a cost advantage. We have invested heavily in our back-end support system to provide best support for your reservations”, said Mr. Jeddy.

Mr. Aman Bhatia, Manager – Director, Island Group, who were pioneers in introducing Maldives to Indian Market 18 years back, spoke about their bouquet of niche destinations and their

specialisation in FIT, GIT, MICE, Movie shoot and Destination weddings. “Over the years, we have added new destinations consistently to our portfolio. We added Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Turkey, Iceland & Greenland and recently launched picturesque and virgin destinations such as Bosnia, Serbia and Ukraine”, said Mr. Bhatia.

Mr. Jayesh Ashar, Managing Director, Pearl Tourism & Leisure Group, spoke about their products in their three main

destinations – Africa, Australia and Europe. His presentation touched upon various activities in South Africa; Safaris in Kenya; Attractions in Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast; Packages for London, Scotland, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Switzerland etc.

TMA plans to organize many such events for small and medium sized travel agencies and the next stop will be at Bhopal and Indore.

www.safariplus.co.in

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JULY - AUGUST, 2018

7

TRADE PLUS MEET THE CELEBRITIES AT INDIA’S MADAME TUSSAUDS Now you have the chance to meet the celebrities from the Bollywood to Hollywood and from Politics to Sports under one roof. Not only you meet them, you can also take the selfie or the action click with them. Yes, you read it right; it is possible - in India's first Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Opened last year in the capital town Delhi and is situated in the iconic heritage Regal Building in Connaught Place.

The Museum is spread on two floors and as you step inside, you see the stars smiling and gazing at you. You are welcomed by the wax statue of Salman Khan riding a rikshaw, then u meet Madhubala, Raj Kapoor the iconic stars of their time. From Bollywood you can spot Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Madhuri Dixit, Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kapil Sharma; from music industry Asha Bhosle, Zakir Hussain, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Sonu Nigam. From Hollywood Angelina

Jolie, Kim Kardashian Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlet Johansson; from Sports Kapli Dev, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Sachin Tendulkar, Marry Kom, Milkha Singh, Marilyn Monroe, Christiano Ronaldo, David Beckham; and some of the politic leaders you can meet are Mahatma Gandhi, Narendra Modi, Sadar Patel, APJ Abdul Kalam, Bhagat Singh. The number of celebrities' wax statues are growing day by day, since it opened in December 2017.

In Making - It has been in the works for the past two years. Made in London, each figure has taken about six months, including research, pictures, paintings, photographs, videos and/or seatings for measurements. The actual models, apparently, take a staggering 350 hours. They involve making life-size clay models, filling plaster moulds with nearly 2,500 lbs of hot wax, painting acrylic

eyeballs and oil colours (for skin) and adding hair - one strand at a time. With

immersive decor, sounds, live actors and special effects, the bill (reportedly) goes up to $186,000-$300,000 a figure.

Mr. Harjinder Singh, Director, 24x7 Travel, Delhi informed that, Madame Tussauds has open different tickets distribution channel for visitor and for tourism industry, and visitor can book tickets online on the various portals or from their travel agents. For B2B discounted tickets 24x7Travels.com has been appointed as official partner to facilitate tour operators & travel agents.

Adding to it he said, “It's good opportunity for tourism industry to ensure that attraction is able to convert good numbers so that success story of Madame Tussauds shall encourage other International brands to invest in Indian tourism market.”

FOUR TRAVEL GIANTS FORMED ‘TOURISM MARKETING ALLIANCE’ TO EXPLORE EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR Tourism Marketing Alliance, formed by four complementing travel companies – Rezlive.com, Island Group, Pearl To u r i s m a n d L e i s u re G ro u p & RailEurope– organized an exclusive networking event to discuss emerging business opportunities in outbound tourism. The event, organized at VITS Hotel Mumbai, turned out to be a huge success, with over 100+ members from UTA participating eagerly to listen to speakers from TMA. Ms. Bela Shah, Manager – Sales & Marketing, Rail Europe spoke in detail about their unparalleled access to an extensive array of rail products from over 50 European train companies, catering to travelers from Americas, Asia, Oceania, India, Middle East and Africa. She said, “Our objective is to help travelers find their own path by guiding

6

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

and offering inspiration and tools to travel by train in Europe. For those travelers, who want to explore on their own, our products would suit best.”

For RezLive.com, Mr. Zaheer Jeddy, Country Head – India, spoke about the company's 18 years legacy, its strong B2B hotel booking system with 250,000+ hotels, 45000+ site seeing options and transfers. “For all the popular destinations from India, we have a strong product that would give you a cost advantage. We have invested heavily in our back-end support system to provide best support for your reservations”, said Mr. Jeddy.

Mr. Aman Bhatia, Manager – Director, Island Group, who were pioneers in introducing Maldives to Indian Market 18 years back, spoke about their bouquet of niche destinations and their

specialisation in FIT, GIT, MICE, Movie shoot and Destination weddings. “Over the years, we have added new destinations consistently to our portfolio. We added Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Turkey, Iceland & Greenland and recently launched picturesque and virgin destinations such as Bosnia, Serbia and Ukraine”, said Mr. Bhatia.

Mr. Jayesh Ashar, Managing Director, Pearl Tourism & Leisure Group, spoke about their products in their three main

destinations – Africa, Australia and Europe. His presentation touched upon various activities in South Africa; Safaris in Kenya; Attractions in Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast; Packages for London, Scotland, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Switzerland etc.

TMA plans to organize many such events for small and medium sized travel agencies and the next stop will be at Bhopal and Indore.

www.safariplus.co.in

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JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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GURU MANTRA CHANGING TOURISM SCENE IN INDIA

By Gour Kanjilal When I hear from tourists that new government has certainly energized the country and pro-tourism initiatives of the government has helped to change country’s image; every time they come, there are new infrastructure developments such as airports, or highways, hotels, I feel very positive for the tourism and hospitality industry. It definitely helps in boosting tourist inflow they talked profusely about the introduction of e-tourist visa it is now valid for 163 countries which enabled to get 31.27 lakh tourists between JanMarch 2018 this year which showed a remarkable growth of 9.9% during the same period last year (28.45 lakh tourists arrival) and top key sources markets included USA, Russia, UK, France, Japan, Singapore, Sri lanka, Canada thus there is change in the markets from where improved arrivals visible in 2018. Earlier Bangladesh, Thailand, Afghanistan, Nepal and Srilanka were key markets 2017.

Even tourists find global hotel and restaurant chains here to satisfy their taste of global food along with Indian specialists. New destinations developed

by Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha have helped diversification of tourism experience and additional nights.

Incredible Indian Branding 02 and marketing globally has attracted holidayers. Also India government is taking all necessary steps for cleanliness,

10 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

Security and Skill development to match the need of the growing tourist arrivals.

Private sector is really motivated and making increased investments and government liberal FDI Policy is also very supportive.

A part from key source markets, newer markets are warming up to the new initiative. There is visible growth from Spain, Italy, China, Russia, Malaysia and South Korea and we have seen growth in transient (short stays) E-visa helped to project welcoming image of India across the world. A lot of progressive governments are following

September.

In addition to GST constraints, travel and tourism industry is facing many other challenges given the nature of an ever changing and fragmented market particularly with the rise of the sharing economy and technology’s growing role in the industry.

Physical and Environ mental safety which is fundamental responsibility of the government. But the way the safety part is being taken care, we are really shocked, fire safety concerns have caused carnages, police is only taking care of VIP’s have ‘left Free For All”

the digital route so we too have taken a positive step at least it is boosting transient segments (short stays) specially corporate travelers. However, marked improvement can be seen when some steps are taken for group visas present e-visa norms are not helping tour operators to workout group departures towards India. Even our GST laws hurt tourists as we still remained as a cost prohibitive destination.

Government must help the industry by looking into the practical suggestions given by Hotel and Tour Industry professionals in this regard and sooner the better, a definitive decision is given before tourist season starts in

attitude by irresponsible drivers, string of rape case, robberies, pedestrian paths are given for shops on some premium, No waste management poor handling of dangerous chemicals all these are very disturbing for honest citizens and tourists read them with great mental concern about Safety.

Often tourists and ask our tour operators about Safety part Dengue spreading with deaths, overcrowded roads, even trees are not clipped so lighting on the roads blocked, CCTV’s do not work. There is no urgency to give better service on all these accounts. We need a better Civic governance and we continue to get larger number of tourists

is known such concerns are projected larger than the reality by our Media. But government is doing its best to provide hassle free holiday to visiting travelers in spite of various other priority commitments Media should be a bit responsible in reporting such lacunas as news spread very fast and with any negative news tourism becomes the first causality The tumultuous economic scene in global markets do not give us a picture that global economy will be better but as tourists are getting more value against each US$ spent in India, we can expect them to come in numbers. Also the demand for India is visible. Most of the tourists have been educated by tour operators how variety of options to explore with an interesting mix of cities and what India offers as unique experiences like no other. With its art, culture history all interwoven in the package and thus India is getting attention for Niche Tourism experience.

There optimism towards business travel and so our hotels are bound to see greater occupancies. As far as leisure tourism is concerned, for a long time, we saw that people would go abroad on one big holiday but would rather opt for micro-tripping. As far as domestic travel is concerned, it is seeing a surge. With increased road shows in overseas destinations by Ministry of Tourism with partnership of the travel trade and h o s p i ta l i t y i n d u st r y, a n d state governments, there is a greater awareness and creating larger demand slowly put demand will pick up with tourist arrivals. Government is doing a lot by reassuring people and industry and states are responding with equal vigor. So we are very optimistic about outlook for 2018.

By Gour Kanjilal, Executive Director, IATO and Former, Dy. Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India views expressed are personal

www.safariplus.co.in

GURU MANTRA CHANGING TOURISM SCENE IN INDIA

By Gour Kanjilal When I hear from tourists that new government has certainly energized the country and pro-tourism initiatives of the government has helped to change country’s image; every time they come, there are new infrastructure developments such as airports, or highways, hotels, I feel very positive for the tourism and hospitality industry. It definitely helps in boosting tourist inflow they talked profusely about the introduction of e-tourist visa it is now valid for 163 countries which enabled to get 31.27 lakh tourists between JanMarch 2018 this year which showed a remarkable growth of 9.9% during the same period last year (28.45 lakh tourists arrival) and top key sources markets included USA, Russia, UK, France, Japan, Singapore, Sri lanka, Canada thus there is change in the markets from where improved arrivals visible in 2018. Earlier Bangladesh, Thailand, Afghanistan, Nepal and Srilanka were key markets 2017.

Even tourists find global hotel and restaurant chains here to satisfy their taste of global food along with Indian specialists. New destinations developed

by Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha have helped diversification of tourism experience and additional nights.

Incredible Indian Branding 02 and marketing globally has attracted holidayers. Also India government is taking all necessary steps for cleanliness,

10 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

Security and Skill development to match the need of the growing tourist arrivals.

Private sector is really motivated and making increased investments and government liberal FDI Policy is also very supportive.

A part from key source markets, newer markets are warming up to the new initiative. There is visible growth from Spain, Italy, China, Russia, Malaysia and South Korea and we have seen growth in transient (short stays) E-visa helped to project welcoming image of India across the world. A lot of progressive governments are following

September.

In addition to GST constraints, travel and tourism industry is facing many other challenges given the nature of an ever changing and fragmented market particularly with the rise of the sharing economy and technology’s growing role in the industry.

Physical and Environ mental safety which is fundamental responsibility of the government. But the way the safety part is being taken care, we are really shocked, fire safety concerns have caused carnages, police is only taking care of VIP’s have ‘left Free For All”

the digital route so we too have taken a positive step at least it is boosting transient segments (short stays) specially corporate travelers. However, marked improvement can be seen when some steps are taken for group visas present e-visa norms are not helping tour operators to workout group departures towards India. Even our GST laws hurt tourists as we still remained as a cost prohibitive destination.

Government must help the industry by looking into the practical suggestions given by Hotel and Tour Industry professionals in this regard and sooner the better, a definitive decision is given before tourist season starts in

attitude by irresponsible drivers, string of rape case, robberies, pedestrian paths are given for shops on some premium, No waste management poor handling of dangerous chemicals all these are very disturbing for honest citizens and tourists read them with great mental concern about Safety.

Often tourists and ask our tour operators about Safety part Dengue spreading with deaths, overcrowded roads, even trees are not clipped so lighting on the roads blocked, CCTV’s do not work. There is no urgency to give better service on all these accounts. We need a better Civic governance and we continue to get larger number of tourists

is known such concerns are projected larger than the reality by our Media. But government is doing its best to provide hassle free holiday to visiting travelers in spite of various other priority commitments Media should be a bit responsible in reporting such lacunas as news spread very fast and with any negative news tourism becomes the first causality The tumultuous economic scene in global markets do not give us a picture that global economy will be better but as tourists are getting more value against each US$ spent in India, we can expect them to come in numbers. Also the demand for India is visible. Most of the tourists have been educated by tour operators how variety of options to explore with an interesting mix of cities and what India offers as unique experiences like no other. With its art, culture history all interwoven in the package and thus India is getting attention for Niche Tourism experience.

There optimism towards business travel and so our hotels are bound to see greater occupancies. As far as leisure tourism is concerned, for a long time, we saw that people would go abroad on one big holiday but would rather opt for micro-tripping. As far as domestic travel is concerned, it is seeing a surge. With increased road shows in overseas destinations by Ministry of Tourism with partnership of the travel trade and h o s p i ta l i t y i n d u st r y, a n d state governments, there is a greater awareness and creating larger demand slowly put demand will pick up with tourist arrivals. Government is doing a lot by reassuring people and industry and states are responding with equal vigor. So we are very optimistic about outlook for 2018.

By Gour Kanjilal, Executive Director, IATO and Former, Dy. Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India views expressed are personal

www.safariplus.co.in

V-DISPLAY It is for not for no reason that Telangana is called the jewel of the Deccan plateau.

The youngest state of India is replete with a rich heritage and culture and well endowed with natural beauty and a rich flora and fauna. When we talk about Telangana Tourism, the most a popular choice among Indian and foreign tourists is the city of Hyderabad. The land of the famous Charminar, the

easily accessible from the big city. Home of the Kakatiya dynasty of the 12th century, Warangal has several grand monuments and architectural wonders.

Some must-see places include the Warragal Fort, Siddeshwara Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Bhadrakali Temple and the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also enjoy some bird watching and boating at Pakhal Lake.

Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal historic Golconda fort and the mouthwatering Hyderabadi cuisine, there is something to suit every palate in this city, be it art, architecture, culture, silks, pearls or food. However, Telangana has a lot more to offer other than its most famous city-Hyderabad. Let us explore the depths of the Deccan and discover places that you can visit in Telangana.

WARANGAL The heritage city of Warangal is situated some 145 km from Hyderabad and is

to Lord Shiva that date back to 6th centuries. Alampur is at the confluence of rivers Tungabhadra Krishna and Tungabhadra and has a rich historical as well as religious importance.

NAGARJUNA SAGAR Nagarjuna Sagar constructed on river Krishna is one of the tallest dam in the world and offers a panoramic view, especially in the monsoon where tourists can admire water falling through the 26 gates from a height of over 100 meters. Apart from excellent photography opportunity at Nagarjuna Sagar, you can also do boating at the lake. Tourists can also explore the ancient stupa and other historic monuments there. The Ethipothala Falls, located some 14 km from the dam site is another beautiful place. The water of the Krishna river falls from a height of 70 ft to create this spectacular waterfall.

You can also visit the crocodile breeding centre situated near the falls. Moreover, the largest Tiger Reserve of the country Sri Sailam Sanctuary is also located some 70 km from Nagarjuna Sagar.

MEDAK Another historically significant town in Telangana is Medak. Formerly known as Siddapuram, Medak was ruled by ruled by several dynasties starting Chalukyas, Chodas, Kakatiyas, Velama and Reddy dynasties before the Nizams took over.

Contd. to Pg 16

Warangal was accorded the World Heritage city status by UNESCO. ALAMPUR The historic town of Alampur, also called the Dakshina Kashi is the abode of the famous Jogulamba Temple, one of the 18 Shakti peethas in India. The temple was demolished during the Muslim invasion and was recently reconstructed. Alampur can be easily reached from Kurnool and Hyderabad by road. Another significant monument is the Nava Brahma Temples dedicated

Kerala

Ethipothala Falls

North East

Paradise Tours & Travels Mumbai Off: F 291, Raghuleela Mall, 1st oor, Kandivali (W), Mumbai - 67 M: 8001221234 / 8001332233 Landline no:- 022 49726906 Kolkata Off: Tarun Alo Apartment, (2A, 2nd Floor), Rajarhat, Kolkata- 700157 M: 8001505505 / 9609985853 E: contact@incredibleparadise.com | W: www.incredibleparadise.com

12 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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JULY - AUGUST, 2018 13

V-DISPLAY It is for not for no reason that Telangana is called the jewel of the Deccan plateau.

The youngest state of India is replete with a rich heritage and culture and well endowed with natural beauty and a rich flora and fauna. When we talk about Telangana Tourism, the most a popular choice among Indian and foreign tourists is the city of Hyderabad. The land of the famous Charminar, the

easily accessible from the big city. Home of the Kakatiya dynasty of the 12th century, Warangal has several grand monuments and architectural wonders.

Some must-see places include the Warragal Fort, Siddeshwara Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Bhadrakali Temple and the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also enjoy some bird watching and boating at Pakhal Lake.

Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal historic Golconda fort and the mouthwatering Hyderabadi cuisine, there is something to suit every palate in this city, be it art, architecture, culture, silks, pearls or food. However, Telangana has a lot more to offer other than its most famous city-Hyderabad. Let us explore the depths of the Deccan and discover places that you can visit in Telangana.

WARANGAL The heritage city of Warangal is situated some 145 km from Hyderabad and is

to Lord Shiva that date back to 6th centuries. Alampur is at the confluence of rivers Tungabhadra Krishna and Tungabhadra and has a rich historical as well as religious importance.

NAGARJUNA SAGAR Nagarjuna Sagar constructed on river Krishna is one of the tallest dam in the world and offers a panoramic view, especially in the monsoon where tourists can admire water falling through the 26 gates from a height of over 100 meters. Apart from excellent photography opportunity at Nagarjuna Sagar, you can also do boating at the lake. Tourists can also explore the ancient stupa and other historic monuments there. The Ethipothala Falls, located some 14 km from the dam site is another beautiful place. The water of the Krishna river falls from a height of 70 ft to create this spectacular waterfall.

You can also visit the crocodile breeding centre situated near the falls. Moreover, the largest Tiger Reserve of the country Sri Sailam Sanctuary is also located some 70 km from Nagarjuna Sagar.

MEDAK Another historically significant town in Telangana is Medak. Formerly known as Siddapuram, Medak was ruled by ruled by several dynasties starting Chalukyas, Chodas, Kakatiyas, Velama and Reddy dynasties before the Nizams took over.

Contd. to Pg 16

Warangal was accorded the World Heritage city status by UNESCO. ALAMPUR The historic town of Alampur, also called the Dakshina Kashi is the abode of the famous Jogulamba Temple, one of the 18 Shakti peethas in India. The temple was demolished during the Muslim invasion and was recently reconstructed. Alampur can be easily reached from Kurnool and Hyderabad by road. Another significant monument is the Nava Brahma Temples dedicated

Kerala

Ethipothala Falls

North East

Paradise Tours & Travels Mumbai Off: F 291, Raghuleela Mall, 1st oor, Kandivali (W), Mumbai - 67 M: 8001221234 / 8001332233 Landline no:- 022 49726906 Kolkata Off: Tarun Alo Apartment, (2A, 2nd Floor), Rajarhat, Kolkata- 700157 M: 8001505505 / 9609985853 E: contact@incredibleparadise.com | W: www.incredibleparadise.com

12 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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JULY - AUGUST, 2018 13

V-DISPLAY

V-DISPLAY Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO)

Your Wildlife Holiday Expert!

The Platform of Tourism with Buddhism ABTO - (The Platform of Tourism with Buddhism) is a forum promoting Buddhist Pilgrimage Travel and Tour Industry. Established in 2015 in Nalanda – the land of Dhamma, it is spreading its wings, world wide with the government ministries, departments, chambers of commerce and industry and diplomatic missions etc. It functions as a bridge between the decision makers and the industry, synergizing their common agenda for tourism facilitation. All ABTO members observe the highest standards of professional ethics and offer personalized service to the Buddhist Pilgrimage Travelers.

For wildlife holidays in

India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa, etc.

The advantages of becoming a member of ABTO Membership of the Apex National Tourism Industry Body.

Constant and continuous interaction with Tourism Fraternity.

International access through International Membership base.

Access to the latest information on crucial industry issues.

Have special facilities like issuance of Airport passes, participation in Government Tourism delegations. Ÿ Facility of assistance under the MDA Scheme, participation in Trade events. Ÿ Have a national level forum for addressing Important Issues with the Government, Media and Foreign Missions. Ÿ Grievance handling cell. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

For membership please contact Dr. Kaulesh Kumar (M.A. & PH.D. in Buddhist Studies) Secretary General, ABTO Hans Plaza, Hans Tola, Block Road, Rajgir, NALANDA (Bihar) Pin-803116 INDIA, M: +91-9472309246 | WhatsApp: +91-9199467609 Email: sangha@abto.co.in | iabto2016@gmail.com Website: www.abto.co.in

14 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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Stripes Holidays

www.safariplus.co.in

www.stripesholidays.com info@stripesholidays.com +91 - 9977853263

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 15

V-DISPLAY

V-DISPLAY Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO)

Your Wildlife Holiday Expert!

The Platform of Tourism with Buddhism ABTO - (The Platform of Tourism with Buddhism) is a forum promoting Buddhist Pilgrimage Travel and Tour Industry. Established in 2015 in Nalanda – the land of Dhamma, it is spreading its wings, world wide with the government ministries, departments, chambers of commerce and industry and diplomatic missions etc. It functions as a bridge between the decision makers and the industry, synergizing their common agenda for tourism facilitation. All ABTO members observe the highest standards of professional ethics and offer personalized service to the Buddhist Pilgrimage Travelers.

For wildlife holidays in

India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa, etc.

The advantages of becoming a member of ABTO Membership of the Apex National Tourism Industry Body.

Constant and continuous interaction with Tourism Fraternity.

International access through International Membership base.

Access to the latest information on crucial industry issues.

Have special facilities like issuance of Airport passes, participation in Government Tourism delegations. Ÿ Facility of assistance under the MDA Scheme, participation in Trade events. Ÿ Have a national level forum for addressing Important Issues with the Government, Media and Foreign Missions. Ÿ Grievance handling cell. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

For membership please contact Dr. Kaulesh Kumar (M.A. & PH.D. in Buddhist Studies) Secretary General, ABTO Hans Plaza, Hans Tola, Block Road, Rajgir, NALANDA (Bihar) Pin-803116 INDIA, M: +91-9472309246 | WhatsApp: +91-9199467609 Email: sangha@abto.co.in | iabto2016@gmail.com Website: www.abto.co.in

14 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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Stripes Holidays

www.safariplus.co.in

www.stripesholidays.com info@stripesholidays.com +91 - 9977853263

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 15

V-DISPLAY Contd. from Pg 12

Some of the attractions of Medak are the Medak Fort, Wargal Saraswathi Te m p l e , E d u p a y a l a Te m p l e , Nelakondapalli, and the Singur Dam. The Medak Cathedral, located here is the largest church in Asia. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary named for the nearby Pocharam Lake that attracts a lot of

Medak Cathedral tourists. Well connected by bus and railway, Medak is only 2 hours drive from Hyderabad.

ADILABAD The land of waterfalls, Adilabad is blessed by Nature with plenty of dense forests, beautiful valleys and numerous rivers. Located 300 km from Hyderabad, Adilabad derives its name from Yusuf Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur. The popular tourist places in Adilabad include Kuntala Falls, Pochera Falls,

Gayatri Falls, Kanakai Falls, Kadam Dam, and the Basara Saraswathi Temple. The rivers Godavari, Penganga and Pranahitha flow through Adilabad.

Apart from natural beauty and being a temple town, Adilabad is also famous for stone and wood carved handicraft.

BHADRACHALAM The pilgrimage town of Bhadrachalam, situated on the banks of Godavari River, some 300 km from Hyderabad is renowned for the famous 17th-century temple devoted to Lord Rama. According to mythology, the town was part of the Dandakaranya forest, which Rama, Sita and Lakshmana visited during their exile. The idols at the temple are believed to be swayambhu.

Parnasala, some 32 km away from the temple is believed to be the place where Lord Rama built a hermitage and it is from here Sita was believed to be abducted by Ravana, the king of Lanka.

There is a beautiful display of some of the vanvasa scenes at Parnasala.

Another popular place nearby is Yetapaka, significant in history as the place where the bird Jatayuvu, tried to obstruct Ravana when he was

Mallela Theertham proceeding to Lanka on a chariot after kidnaping Sita. Around 5 km from Bhadrachalam is Gundal, a place famous for its hot spring. Folk stories go that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara dipped in the holy water here during the winter season.

Sree Rama Giri, Venkatreddipeta, and Gannavaram are other places of tourist interest in this region.

many sages meditated on the banks of this waterfall. The best season to visit the Mallela Theertham waterfall is from October to February Telangana, immensely gifted with history and heritage apart from natural beauty and wildlife, therefore, a must-visit tourist destination for every traveler.

MALLELA THEERTHAM Mallela Theertham is a spectacular waterfall located in t h e d e n s e Nallamala forest, some 173 km from Hyderabad. With a height of 150feet, the water directly cascades downs on a rock formation that resembles Shiv Lingas. It is believed Parnasala

India, Nepal, Bangladesh Tibet, Bhutan & Srilanka

www.spiritofindiaholidays.com

16 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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JULY - AUGUST, 2018 17

V-DISPLAY Contd. from Pg 12

Some of the attractions of Medak are the Medak Fort, Wargal Saraswathi Te m p l e , E d u p a y a l a Te m p l e , Nelakondapalli, and the Singur Dam. The Medak Cathedral, located here is the largest church in Asia. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary named for the nearby Pocharam Lake that attracts a lot of

Medak Cathedral tourists. Well connected by bus and railway, Medak is only 2 hours drive from Hyderabad.

ADILABAD The land of waterfalls, Adilabad is blessed by Nature with plenty of dense forests, beautiful valleys and numerous rivers. Located 300 km from Hyderabad, Adilabad derives its name from Yusuf Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur. The popular tourist places in Adilabad include Kuntala Falls, Pochera Falls,

Gayatri Falls, Kanakai Falls, Kadam Dam, and the Basara Saraswathi Temple. The rivers Godavari, Penganga and Pranahitha flow through Adilabad.

Apart from natural beauty and being a temple town, Adilabad is also famous for stone and wood carved handicraft.

BHADRACHALAM The pilgrimage town of Bhadrachalam, situated on the banks of Godavari River, some 300 km from Hyderabad is renowned for the famous 17th-century temple devoted to Lord Rama. According to mythology, the town was part of the Dandakaranya forest, which Rama, Sita and Lakshmana visited during their exile. The idols at the temple are believed to be swayambhu.

Parnasala, some 32 km away from the temple is believed to be the place where Lord Rama built a hermitage and it is from here Sita was believed to be abducted by Ravana, the king of Lanka.

There is a beautiful display of some of the vanvasa scenes at Parnasala.

Another popular place nearby is Yetapaka, significant in history as the place where the bird Jatayuvu, tried to obstruct Ravana when he was

Mallela Theertham proceeding to Lanka on a chariot after kidnaping Sita. Around 5 km from Bhadrachalam is Gundal, a place famous for its hot spring. Folk stories go that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara dipped in the holy water here during the winter season.

Sree Rama Giri, Venkatreddipeta, and Gannavaram are other places of tourist interest in this region.

many sages meditated on the banks of this waterfall. The best season to visit the Mallela Theertham waterfall is from October to February Telangana, immensely gifted with history and heritage apart from natural beauty and wildlife, therefore, a must-visit tourist destination for every traveler.

MALLELA THEERTHAM Mallela Theertham is a spectacular waterfall located in t h e d e n s e Nallamala forest, some 173 km from Hyderabad. With a height of 150feet, the water directly cascades downs on a rock formation that resembles Shiv Lingas. It is believed Parnasala

India, Nepal, Bangladesh Tibet, Bhutan & Srilanka

www.spiritofindiaholidays.com

16 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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www.safariplus.co.in

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 17

INTERNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL PATA’S NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced Dr. Chris Bottrill, Director, International and Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Capilano University in North Vancouver, Canada as Chairman of the Association’s Executive Board. He replaces Ms. Sarah Mathews, Head of D e st i n at i o n M a r ke t i n g A PAC – TripAdvisor, Hong Kong SAR. During the PATA Annual Summit 2018 in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Korea (ROK), PATA also elected a new Executive Board comprising Dato Haji Azizan Noordin, Chief Executive Officer Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director - Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao, China; Mr. Bill Calderwood, Managing Director - The Ayre Group Consulting, Australia; Mr. Jon Nathan Denight, President & CEO - Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam, USA; Mr. Shahid Hamid,

18 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

Executive Director- Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort, Bangladesh; Mr. Luzi Matzig, Chairman - Asian Trails Ltd. Thailand; Mr. Benjamin Liao, Chairman Forte Hotel Group, Chinese Taipei; Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO - Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal; Mr. Mohamed Sallauddin H.j. Mat Sah, General Manager Marketing - Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Malaysia, and Mr. Gerald Perez, Managing Director - Leading Edge, Guam, USA. Mr. Peter Semone, President & Founder - Destination Human Capital Ltd, Ireland and Mr. Soon-Hwa Wong, CEO - Asia Tourism Consulting Pte, Ltd, Singapore have been appointed to the Executive Board as non-voting members. Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas, President - MATATO and PATA Face of the Future 2018, joins the PATA Executive Board as a non-voting member and observer for a one-year term at the invitation of the PATA Chairman.

RADISSON HOTEL GROUP TO LAUNCH ITS UPPER- MIDSCALE CONCEPT IN MALAYSIA

Radisson Hotel Group, has unveiled exciting plans to launch its first Park Inn

by Radisson hotel in Malaysia. The Group has signed a management agreement for Park Inn by Radisson Putrajaya - a new-build hotel currently under development in De Centrum City, close to Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya, and just 20 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur.

Owned by Protasco Berhad, this bright, vibrant hotel will become a key element of De Centrum City, an impressive MYR10 billion (US$2.56bn), 40-hectare mini-city that will feature a s h o p p i n g c e n t e r, r e s i d e n t i a l apartments and offices, adjacent to the existing campus of the Infrastructure University of Kuala Lumpur (IUKL).

Park Inn by Radisson Putrajaya will offer 191 contemporary rooms, all

featuring comfortable beds and guestfriendly facilities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, TVs with international satellite channels, ergonomic working areas and modern bathrooms with power showers.

Guests can enjoy local and international cuisine throughout the day at the hotel's stylish restaurant, or grab a quick coffee, tea or snack at the lobby lounge. Business meetings and other events can be organized, supported by the latest audio-visual technology, and guests can keep up their fitness routines at the hotel's gym.

Park Inn by Radisson Putrajaya will also feature ample on-site parking – ideal for guests traveling to the hotel via the main North-South Expressway which connects Kuala Lumpur with Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

www.safariplus.co.in

IIFA AWARDS TO BE HELD AT SIAM NIRAMIT THEATRE, BANGKOK The the biggest celebration of Indian Cinema - 19th Edition of NEXA IIFA Awards styled by Myntra, to be held at the reputed Siam Niramit Theatre in Bangkok on 22nd & 24th June.

To reveal some of the exciting details about the highly anticipated NEXA IIFA Awards Styled By Myntra, Bollywood's talented actors, Varun Dhawan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Bobby Deol, and leading actress Kriti Sanon were joined by the legendary superstar Rekha at the IIFA Mumbai Press Conference at J.W. Marriott, Juhu.

Commenting on the occasion, Rekha said “Coming back to IIFA and performing on the grandest stage of all in the beautiful city of Bangkok feels ethereally wonderful. IIFA 2018 is going to be an unforgettable, magical and once-in-a-life time experience for Indian Cinema fans worldwide.”

Speaking on the association, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand shares, “We are extremely pleased to host the prestigious IIFA awards for the second time in Thailand. IIFA 2018 works as greatest platform to showcase the country's unique experiences to the rest of the world. I would like to thank the Academy for presenting us with this wonderful opportunity once again.”

www.safariplus.co.in

2018 Bangkok is decking up for one of the biggest events to come to our country to ensure we convert experiences into everlasting memories. The 2008 awards ceremony received an overwhelming response and we hope to have yet another amazing IIFA in Amazing Thailand.”

Commenting on the association, Khun Pannin, Founder, Siam Niramit said “Indian Cinema has grown continuously over the years to attain its current status as a top player in the world film industry. IIFA has grown with it, producing ever more

exceptional events at amazing venues throughout the world. This year, Siam Niramit is honored and delighted to welcome IIFA back to Bangkok as we play host for the second time in 10 years. We are very excited to collaborate with IIFA to bring this extraordinary world event to our country.”

Commenting on the association, Mr. Nishant Pitti, CEO & Founder Ease My Trip shares, "By associating with IIFA for the second time, I am very positive that EaseMyTrip is going to make its bond with the entertainment world stronger through this event."

An Exclusive Data India’s Travel Fraternity Your Tool to Connect to India Market

+91-97690 58991

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 19

INTERNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL PATA’S NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced Dr. Chris Bottrill, Director, International and Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Capilano University in North Vancouver, Canada as Chairman of the Association’s Executive Board. He replaces Ms. Sarah Mathews, Head of D e st i n at i o n M a r ke t i n g A PAC – TripAdvisor, Hong Kong SAR. During the PATA Annual Summit 2018 in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Korea (ROK), PATA also elected a new Executive Board comprising Dato Haji Azizan Noordin, Chief Executive Officer Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director - Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao, China; Mr. Bill Calderwood, Managing Director - The Ayre Group Consulting, Australia; Mr. Jon Nathan Denight, President & CEO - Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam, USA; Mr. Shahid Hamid,

18 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

Executive Director- Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort, Bangladesh; Mr. Luzi Matzig, Chairman - Asian Trails Ltd. Thailand; Mr. Benjamin Liao, Chairman Forte Hotel Group, Chinese Taipei; Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO - Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal; Mr. Mohamed Sallauddin H.j. Mat Sah, General Manager Marketing - Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Malaysia, and Mr. Gerald Perez, Managing Director - Leading Edge, Guam, USA. Mr. Peter Semone, President & Founder - Destination Human Capital Ltd, Ireland and Mr. Soon-Hwa Wong, CEO - Asia Tourism Consulting Pte, Ltd, Singapore have been appointed to the Executive Board as non-voting members. Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas, President - MATATO and PATA Face of the Future 2018, joins the PATA Executive Board as a non-voting member and observer for a one-year term at the invitation of the PATA Chairman.

RADISSON HOTEL GROUP TO LAUNCH ITS UPPER- MIDSCALE CONCEPT IN MALAYSIA

Radisson Hotel Group, has unveiled exciting plans to launch its first Park Inn

by Radisson hotel in Malaysia. The Group has signed a management agreement for Park Inn by Radisson Putrajaya - a new-build hotel currently under development in De Centrum City, close to Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya, and just 20 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur.

Owned by Protasco Berhad, this bright, vibrant hotel will become a key element of De Centrum City, an impressive MYR10 billion (US$2.56bn), 40-hectare mini-city that will feature a s h o p p i n g c e n t e r, r e s i d e n t i a l apartments and offices, adjacent to the existing campus of the Infrastructure University of Kuala Lumpur (IUKL).

Park Inn by Radisson Putrajaya will offer 191 contemporary rooms, all

featuring comfortable beds and guestfriendly facilities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, TVs with international satellite channels, ergonomic working areas and modern bathrooms with power showers.

Guests can enjoy local and international cuisine throughout the day at the hotel's stylish restaurant, or grab a quick coffee, tea or snack at the lobby lounge. Business meetings and other events can be organized, supported by the latest audio-visual technology, and guests can keep up their fitness routines at the hotel's gym.

Park Inn by Radisson Putrajaya will also feature ample on-site parking – ideal for guests traveling to the hotel via the main North-South Expressway which connects Kuala Lumpur with Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

www.safariplus.co.in

IIFA AWARDS TO BE HELD AT SIAM NIRAMIT THEATRE, BANGKOK The the biggest celebration of Indian Cinema - 19th Edition of NEXA IIFA Awards styled by Myntra, to be held at the reputed Siam Niramit Theatre in Bangkok on 22nd & 24th June.

To reveal some of the exciting details about the highly anticipated NEXA IIFA Awards Styled By Myntra, Bollywood's talented actors, Varun Dhawan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Bobby Deol, and leading actress Kriti Sanon were joined by the legendary superstar Rekha at the IIFA Mumbai Press Conference at J.W. Marriott, Juhu.

Commenting on the occasion, Rekha said “Coming back to IIFA and performing on the grandest stage of all in the beautiful city of Bangkok feels ethereally wonderful. IIFA 2018 is going to be an unforgettable, magical and once-in-a-life time experience for Indian Cinema fans worldwide.”

Speaking on the association, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand shares, “We are extremely pleased to host the prestigious IIFA awards for the second time in Thailand. IIFA 2018 works as greatest platform to showcase the country's unique experiences to the rest of the world. I would like to thank the Academy for presenting us with this wonderful opportunity once again.”

www.safariplus.co.in

2018 Bangkok is decking up for one of the biggest events to come to our country to ensure we convert experiences into everlasting memories. The 2008 awards ceremony received an overwhelming response and we hope to have yet another amazing IIFA in Amazing Thailand.”

Commenting on the association, Khun Pannin, Founder, Siam Niramit said “Indian Cinema has grown continuously over the years to attain its current status as a top player in the world film industry. IIFA has grown with it, producing ever more

exceptional events at amazing venues throughout the world. This year, Siam Niramit is honored and delighted to welcome IIFA back to Bangkok as we play host for the second time in 10 years. We are very excited to collaborate with IIFA to bring this extraordinary world event to our country.”

Commenting on the association, Mr. Nishant Pitti, CEO & Founder Ease My Trip shares, "By associating with IIFA for the second time, I am very positive that EaseMyTrip is going to make its bond with the entertainment world stronger through this event."

An Exclusive Data India’s Travel Fraternity Your Tool to Connect to India Market

+91-97690 58991

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 19

INTERNATIONAL

PARADISE VILLAGE Beach Resort, Goa

BERNADETTE ROMULO PUYAT MATATO HOSTS MALDIVIAN NIGHT NEW SECRETARY OF TOURISM, PHILIPPINES The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines officially welcomes the new Secretary of Tourism, Bernadette Romulo Puyat.

Prior to this appointment, she was Undersecretary in the Department of Agriculture. She has been serving under the Agriculture Department since the administration of the former President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Romulo-Puyat, said that she would retain the 'It's More Fun in the Philippines' brand campaign, as it is very successful and has been effective in attracting tourists to the country. She also said that she would in all likelihood keep the career officials at DOT as she has worked with them in previous collaborations like the Madrid Fusion Manila event.

Puyat is an economist and has taught at the University of the Philippines. She

has obtained her masters in economics from the premier state university and was invited to the Ph.D program, which is open only to those who have graduated with high grades.

A destination showcase for Maldives was hosted in Mumbai, India, on 11th May 2018, branded as Maldivian N i g h t , o r ga n i ze d b y M a l d i v e s Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators MATATO. More than 200

travel professionals from the two countries attended this exclusive event, hosted at the Four Seasons, Mumbai.

Maldivian Night was presented in part as a business networking event, where Maldivian hoteliers and Travel agents had the opportunity to meet with

more than 150 prominent travel agents and tour operators from India. 08 Maldivian companies took part in the business networking. The event was concluded with an entertainment evening, to promote and feature Maldives Travel Awards.

Organized as part of destination marketing efforts by MATATO, this event marks the 03rd Travel Trade event lead by MATATO in India in 2018 alone.

“We are really excited about having stepped up Destination Marketing efforts this year. And we look forward to continuing on this branding of events at major travel markets for Maldives. is year so far we have been very loud in our marketing activities in Asia Pacic region especially in India” said Abdulla Ghiyaz Riyaz, President of MATATO. This is the first ‘Maldivian Night’ organized by MATATO in India, a similar event is scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka before the Maldives Awards Gala.

20 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

www.safariplus.co.in

The Ultimate Wedding Destination of Goa Even before cricket superstar Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma tied the knot in the picturesque town of Tuscany, Italy, destination weddings has been trending in India. While destination weddings have been popular in the past, mainly among the rich and the famous, it is gaining popularity among all sections of society at present. And why not? Every

equipped to cater to every wish and fancy of the bridal party with its state-of the-art facilities, unparalleled hospitality, an array of catering options and 2 lakh sq feet of outdoor banqueting space. Apart from weddings, this resort is a preferred destination for corporate events and offsites, social functions but it is the most sought after venue for weddings,

couple would want to usher in their special day away from the humdrum of their city lives and enjoy in some interesting location with their close family and friends. Goa with its perfect blend of Indian and Portuguese culture, scenic beaches, blue seas and an amazing food scene has been a tropical heaven for all and it more than fulfills all the criteria for a perfect wedding destination in India.

One can be spoilt for choices in Goa: be it a solemn ceremony under the bright blue skies or a proper traditional glittery wedding, Goa has everything to offer to its revelers.

Among the top wedding destinations of Goa is the Paradise Village Beach Resort. A complete Mediterranean style villa resort located on the very popular Calangute beach in North Goa is serving as a dream wedding destination for many years now.

Awarded by Indian online travel giant, Yatra.com as one of the premium beach resorts in Goa, this 95-room beach resort is spread across 10 acres of beautiful property, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Additionally, this resort, a mini Utopia in itself is also the recipient of the Holiday IQs's coveted 'Yes Couple Resort Award' in Goa. The proximity to the Calangute and the Baga beaches as well as the grandeur of the property makes this an ultimate destination for all celebrations.

Noted among the best resorts of Goa, Paradise Village Beach Resort is well

says Mr. Rishi Dandona, owners and Managing Director of Paradise Village Beach Resort, Goa. “Our USP lies in its location in on the beach and the unique Spanish style Villa accommodation that not just provide a feel of luxury living with its own exclusive private terrace and garden but also creates a home away from home setting”, he elaborates.

A new addition to the Paradise Village Beach Resort is the spectacular Princeton Villa, a perfect blend of class, grandeur, elegance, and luxury.

Comprising of luxurious eight bedroom villa, it reflects the good life with landscaped gardens around, aesthetic décor and private balconies with tall elegant French windows, and lavish ensuite bathrooms equipped with bathtubs.

The bedrooms feature king-sized beds, 32-inch flat screen TVs and a minibar among other facilities. The lobby with high ceilings and comfortable seating arrangement is designed keeping in mind the comfort of the guests.

The Pearl of Paradise Banquet Hall located in the resort is aesthetically renovated to reflect a modern taste and can accommodate up to 200 guests. The newly done hall comprises of a new backdrop with a well lit LED-studded stage, beautifully laid up plush carpets, modern lights and fixtures. The chief attraction is the sparkling chandelier to

www.safariplus.co.in

add on to the magical atmosphere.

Apart from the banquet hall, Paradise Village also has to offer multiple outdoor venue options with a spectacular view of the turquoise beaches of the Arabian Sea. The outdoor banquet area stretches over 2 Lakh sq feet and you will be spoilt for choices. You can choose between Sunset Boulevard Beach Shack, the Outdoor Patio Area, Rodeo Grill and the poolside for your special day. The entire ground has a capacity to accommodate around 600 - 800 guests.

With more than 10 weddings already planned for this season and more inquiries coming in, the resort is geared up with its exquisite wedding venues, tailored menus, dedicated banquet team and well-trained service personnel. The exceptional wedding planners are experts in planning your entire beach wedding to every minute detail. The catering team at the resort is well equipped to handle cuisines from all parts of the world and is adept in managing the entire schedule of serving meals to over hundreds of guests in accordance to the wedding rituals and special tastes. In case our guests require customized menus to be served at the wedding, a

Paradise Village not just strives to pamper the adult palate but is equally dedicated to keeping the children happy at its premises. The owner believes that for a vacation to be complete, every guest, be it young or old, needs to be happy and taken care of. Therefore, he has taken a lot of care to make this resort into a family friendly one: large family suites with a separate living area, big lagoon-shaped swimming pools, landscaped beachfront, beautiful and safe kids' playgrounds and a lot of activities for children wait to greet our guests. The managing director reiterates that in the near future he hopes to expand further and bring in new development to make Paradise Village synonymous to the ideal Goan wedding destination. Our perfect beach wedding package includes a 2-night stay for 200 guests, complimentary use of Sunset Boulevard Beach Shack, Banquet Hall or poolside, gala reception dinner for your guests, various décor options for the reception, and an exquisite complimentary honeymoon suite and spa for the couple.

Located in Calangute, one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa and only a 20 minute drive from Panaji, the capital of

team of excellent personalized chefs too. The hotel can also arrange beach and barbeque parties, theme parties like Goan carnival, Barbeque under the stars, Arabian night as per our guests' desire.

“We are here to ensure that your wedding is truly a memorable one and you leave with beautiful memories of a Goan wedding”, says Dandona.

Goa and well connected by flights and trains with the rest of the world, and filled with options of water sports, shopping, pubs and restaurants, Paradise Resort makes an ideal beach site for a perfect wedding destination. So if destination wedding is in your mind, be sure to book into Paradise Village Beach Resort to enjoy a fairy tale wedding.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

21

INTERNATIONAL

PARADISE VILLAGE Beach Resort, Goa

BERNADETTE ROMULO PUYAT MATATO HOSTS MALDIVIAN NIGHT NEW SECRETARY OF TOURISM, PHILIPPINES The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines officially welcomes the new Secretary of Tourism, Bernadette Romulo Puyat.

Prior to this appointment, she was Undersecretary in the Department of Agriculture. She has been serving under the Agriculture Department since the administration of the former President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Romulo-Puyat, said that she would retain the 'It's More Fun in the Philippines' brand campaign, as it is very successful and has been effective in attracting tourists to the country. She also said that she would in all likelihood keep the career officials at DOT as she has worked with them in previous collaborations like the Madrid Fusion Manila event.

Puyat is an economist and has taught at the University of the Philippines. She

has obtained her masters in economics from the premier state university and was invited to the Ph.D program, which is open only to those who have graduated with high grades.

A destination showcase for Maldives was hosted in Mumbai, India, on 11th May 2018, branded as Maldivian N i g h t , o r ga n i ze d b y M a l d i v e s Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators MATATO. More than 200

travel professionals from the two countries attended this exclusive event, hosted at the Four Seasons, Mumbai.

Maldivian Night was presented in part as a business networking event, where Maldivian hoteliers and Travel agents had the opportunity to meet with

more than 150 prominent travel agents and tour operators from India. 08 Maldivian companies took part in the business networking. The event was concluded with an entertainment evening, to promote and feature Maldives Travel Awards.

Organized as part of destination marketing efforts by MATATO, this event marks the 03rd Travel Trade event lead by MATATO in India in 2018 alone.

“We are really excited about having stepped up Destination Marketing efforts this year. And we look forward to continuing on this branding of events at major travel markets for Maldives. is year so far we have been very loud in our marketing activities in Asia Pacic region especially in India” said Abdulla Ghiyaz Riyaz, President of MATATO. This is the first ‘Maldivian Night’ organized by MATATO in India, a similar event is scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka before the Maldives Awards Gala.

20 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

www.safariplus.co.in

The Ultimate Wedding Destination of Goa Even before cricket superstar Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma tied the knot in the picturesque town of Tuscany, Italy, destination weddings has been trending in India. While destination weddings have been popular in the past, mainly among the rich and the famous, it is gaining popularity among all sections of society at present. And why not? Every

equipped to cater to every wish and fancy of the bridal party with its state-of the-art facilities, unparalleled hospitality, an array of catering options and 2 lakh sq feet of outdoor banqueting space. Apart from weddings, this resort is a preferred destination for corporate events and offsites, social functions but it is the most sought after venue for weddings,

couple would want to usher in their special day away from the humdrum of their city lives and enjoy in some interesting location with their close family and friends. Goa with its perfect blend of Indian and Portuguese culture, scenic beaches, blue seas and an amazing food scene has been a tropical heaven for all and it more than fulfills all the criteria for a perfect wedding destination in India.

One can be spoilt for choices in Goa: be it a solemn ceremony under the bright blue skies or a proper traditional glittery wedding, Goa has everything to offer to its revelers.

Among the top wedding destinations of Goa is the Paradise Village Beach Resort. A complete Mediterranean style villa resort located on the very popular Calangute beach in North Goa is serving as a dream wedding destination for many years now.

Awarded by Indian online travel giant, Yatra.com as one of the premium beach resorts in Goa, this 95-room beach resort is spread across 10 acres of beautiful property, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Additionally, this resort, a mini Utopia in itself is also the recipient of the Holiday IQs's coveted 'Yes Couple Resort Award' in Goa. The proximity to the Calangute and the Baga beaches as well as the grandeur of the property makes this an ultimate destination for all celebrations.

Noted among the best resorts of Goa, Paradise Village Beach Resort is well

says Mr. Rishi Dandona, owners and Managing Director of Paradise Village Beach Resort, Goa. “Our USP lies in its location in on the beach and the unique Spanish style Villa accommodation that not just provide a feel of luxury living with its own exclusive private terrace and garden but also creates a home away from home setting”, he elaborates.

A new addition to the Paradise Village Beach Resort is the spectacular Princeton Villa, a perfect blend of class, grandeur, elegance, and luxury.

Comprising of luxurious eight bedroom villa, it reflects the good life with landscaped gardens around, aesthetic décor and private balconies with tall elegant French windows, and lavish ensuite bathrooms equipped with bathtubs.

The bedrooms feature king-sized beds, 32-inch flat screen TVs and a minibar among other facilities. The lobby with high ceilings and comfortable seating arrangement is designed keeping in mind the comfort of the guests.

The Pearl of Paradise Banquet Hall located in the resort is aesthetically renovated to reflect a modern taste and can accommodate up to 200 guests. The newly done hall comprises of a new backdrop with a well lit LED-studded stage, beautifully laid up plush carpets, modern lights and fixtures. The chief attraction is the sparkling chandelier to

www.safariplus.co.in

add on to the magical atmosphere.

Apart from the banquet hall, Paradise Village also has to offer multiple outdoor venue options with a spectacular view of the turquoise beaches of the Arabian Sea. The outdoor banquet area stretches over 2 Lakh sq feet and you will be spoilt for choices. You can choose between Sunset Boulevard Beach Shack, the Outdoor Patio Area, Rodeo Grill and the poolside for your special day. The entire ground has a capacity to accommodate around 600 - 800 guests.

With more than 10 weddings already planned for this season and more inquiries coming in, the resort is geared up with its exquisite wedding venues, tailored menus, dedicated banquet team and well-trained service personnel. The exceptional wedding planners are experts in planning your entire beach wedding to every minute detail. The catering team at the resort is well equipped to handle cuisines from all parts of the world and is adept in managing the entire schedule of serving meals to over hundreds of guests in accordance to the wedding rituals and special tastes. In case our guests require customized menus to be served at the wedding, a

Paradise Village not just strives to pamper the adult palate but is equally dedicated to keeping the children happy at its premises. The owner believes that for a vacation to be complete, every guest, be it young or old, needs to be happy and taken care of. Therefore, he has taken a lot of care to make this resort into a family friendly one: large family suites with a separate living area, big lagoon-shaped swimming pools, landscaped beachfront, beautiful and safe kids' playgrounds and a lot of activities for children wait to greet our guests. The managing director reiterates that in the near future he hopes to expand further and bring in new development to make Paradise Village synonymous to the ideal Goan wedding destination. Our perfect beach wedding package includes a 2-night stay for 200 guests, complimentary use of Sunset Boulevard Beach Shack, Banquet Hall or poolside, gala reception dinner for your guests, various décor options for the reception, and an exquisite complimentary honeymoon suite and spa for the couple.

Located in Calangute, one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa and only a 20 minute drive from Panaji, the capital of

team of excellent personalized chefs too. The hotel can also arrange beach and barbeque parties, theme parties like Goan carnival, Barbeque under the stars, Arabian night as per our guests' desire.

“We are here to ensure that your wedding is truly a memorable one and you leave with beautiful memories of a Goan wedding”, says Dandona.

Goa and well connected by flights and trains with the rest of the world, and filled with options of water sports, shopping, pubs and restaurants, Paradise Resort makes an ideal beach site for a perfect wedding destination. So if destination wedding is in your mind, be sure to book into Paradise Village Beach Resort to enjoy a fairy tale wedding.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

21

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS TCEB CERTIFIES 114 ADDITIONAL MICE VENUES IN THAILAND Thailand Convention and Exhibition B u re a u ( TC E B ) a n n o u n c e d t h e certification of 114 MICE venues with a combined total of 349 meeting rooms in Bangkok, MICE Cities, and other high potential cities across the Kingdom of Thailand. The venues were certified in line with the Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS), which MICE operators believe plays a vital role in helping raise confidence and attracting international MICE organisers to choose Thailand as their business events destination. TCEB has this year built on the success of the nationwide MICE venue standardisation programme by introducing a new TMVS – Special Event Venue Category in response to the growing business

demand for new and exciting venues for business events. Creation of the new category aims to upgrade special event venues to meet internationally recognised standards, helping position Thailand as a premiere MICE destination with a wide variety of choices on offer.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB (Public Organization) stated that the Bureau has put in place strategic plans to develop the competitiveness of the Thai MICE sector to be in line with international best practice.

TCEB also certified 7 certified exhibition venue operators (with a total of 17 venues) under the Thailand MICE Venue

QATAR TOURISM AUTHORITY OPENS OFFICE IN MUMBAI Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has opened a representative office in Mumbai, India.

Rashed AlQurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at QTA commented, “The rapid growth of India's outbound tourism market in recent years, coupled with QTA's intensified efforts to diversify and grow visitor source markets makes it the right time to establish our onthe-ground presence in India.” He added, “The steps taken to make accessing Qatar easier are particularly targeted at visitors who are seeking to experience our country's luxury hospitality and unique cultural offerings, a l l w h i l e b e n e f i t i n g f ro m t h e convenience of relatively short flights.”

QTA's representative office in India will oversee a wide range of promotional initiatives, including workshops, sales visits, travel agent destination training t h r o u g h Q TA ' s o n l i n e Ta w a s h programme, partnerships with tour operators, familiarisation trips, media campaigns and a variety of innovative activities to raise Qatar's profile as leisure and business tourism destination among Indian tourists.

Qatar has become an increasingly accessible destination for Indian travellers, especially after Qatar waived entry visa requirements for Indian citizens last year. In the first quarter of 2018, Qatar welcomed more than 110,000 visitors from India. The country's award-winning national carrier has 100 weekly direct flights connecting the capital Doha to thirteen major cities across India. These are matched with another 67 weekly flights on board Indian airlines Indigo Airlines, Jet Airways and Air India Express bringing the total to 167 flights a week.

For more infor on Qatar’s destination, tourism offerings, hospitality and tourism events visit www.visitqatar.qa.

Standard – Exhibition Venue Category. These i n c l u d e s i x Ty p e 1 (minimum 5,000 sq.m.) venues, and one Type 2 (minimum 1,000 sq.m.) venue. The certified MICE venue operators (exhibition venues) in Bangkok and MICE Cities include Queen Sirikit National Convention C e nte r, Pa tta y a Exhibition Hall, Royal Paragon Hall, Centara Grand at Central World, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, IMPACT Muang

Thong Thani, and Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport.

KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES ITS INDIA WEBSITE Korea Tourism Organization New Delhi Office launched its I n d i a w e b s i t e www.visitkorea.in as a part of its marketing plan for the year 2018.

The website mainly caters to the travel industry and individuals seeking tourism related information specific to the Indian outbound travelling requirements. The website provides a quick access of everything an Indian traveller would like to see and do in South Korea. Regular updates on offers and announcements, will keep the visitors apprised of what's happening.

Visually attractive, the KTO India website features - visa i n fo r m at i o n , c u r re n t l y ava i l a b l e S o u t h Ko re a packages, Incentive program details, Indian food available i n S o u t h Ko re a , m a i n destination and attractions for Indians to enjoy etc.

According to Mr Jong Sool Kwon, Director, KTO, New Delhi, “The usual practice of

prospective tourists and travel agents was to find a local travel agent partner, get information from brochures or wait for the tourism board to organize training sessions for updates about South Koreafrom Indian traveler's perspective. Although the global website was available for all to access information about South Korea, however, it has been so difficult for tourists to find India centric information about the destination. Giving visitors an easy way to enjoy the beauty and variety of our destination spots has been my main concern.”

DUSIT INTERNATIONAL TO MAKE VIETNAM DEBUT WITH THE OPENING OF DUSIT PRINCESS MOONRISE BEACH RESORT

Dusit International, one of Thailand's foremost hotel and property development companies, will make its Vietnam debut this month with the opening of Dusit Princess Moonrise

22 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

Beach Resort on the country's largest island, Phu Quoc.

Located in the South of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a fastgrowing tourist destination known for its

long, sweeping beaches, rich coral reefs, fresh seafood, pearl farms, and dense, tropical rainforest.

Operating under Dusit's upper midscale Dusit Princess brand, the new four-star resortis centrally located on the island's west coast overlooking the stunning Bai Truong beach, a 20-plus kilometre stretch of sand also known as Long Beach. Phu Quoc(PQC) International Airport and Duong To town centre are only a short drive away.

The resort comprises 108 wellappointed contemporary guest rooms (ranging from 32sqm Deluxe Rooms to 90sqm Suites), most of which offer pristine ocean views.

The resort's dining options include an all-day-dining restaurant, a lobby

lounge, a swim-up pool bar serving Thai, Vietnamese and Western cuisines; and Soi14, a stylish beachfront bar and lounge where Thai Chef Somnuck Attawornuses premium ingredients to put a contemporary spin on Thai street food favourites.

“Perfectly equipped to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, this is a stunning property in a beautiful location with gorgeous sunsets almost every day,” said Markus Lohenstein, General Manager, Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort.

The Ministry of Tourism aims to attract at least 500,000 foreign tourists to Phu Quoc Island this year through strategic promotions and the development of attractive tourism products.

www.safariplus.co.in

'DUBAI CRUISE TERMINAL' APPROVED AS THE MAIN HUB FOR CRUISE TOURISM IN DUBAI His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that mega projects being implemented in the UAE are reinforcing the country's profile globally as a model for sustainable growth driven by diversification, innovation and productive partnerships with the private sector.

His Highness also said, “We welcome visitors from across the world and provide them with an exceptional tourism experiences. We want them to leave with lasting memories that they can share in their countries and communities. The continuous development of infrastructure has enabled our country to be a destination of choice in the region. Supported by the talent and creativity of our people, I am confident that we will be able to establish global leadership in several sectors. The UAE will continue to be a symbol of progress and prosperity,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

His Highness also attended the signing ceremony of a strategic partnership agreement between Meraas and Carnival Corporation & plc that aims to transform Dubai into a major regional maritime tourism hub.

Dubai is set to become central to Carnival Corporation's operations in the region. The agreement mandates Carnival Corporation to assist Meraas in ensuring the cruise terminal meets the highest international standards of the cruise industry, while the relevant authorities will be responsible for security, immigration and customs.

According to the Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA), more than 40 million people worldwide will travel on cruise ships annually by 2030, marking a 40 percent increase from 26 million passengers in 2017. At a local level, the maritime tourism sector is expected to contribute more than AED1.5 billion to Dubai's economy by 2030.

New routes and exclusive destinations Carnival Corporation will launch new cruises from “Dubai Cruise Terminal” and aims to attract new source markets from India and China. The cruise terminal is designed as a strategic maritime centre, providing easy access to and from the city, while offering passengers an unparalleled view of iconic landmarks, such as Ain Dubai and the upcoming Dubai Lighthouse, as well as the Dubai's stunning urban skyline.

Unique addition to Dubai's tourism offering Launched in January 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Harbour will be located on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street in the Mina Seyahi area and is set to span 20 million square feet.

The development will feature a shopping mall, luxury residential units, restaurants, cafés, hotels and a yacht club, as well as Dubai Lighthouse, a 135metre high architectural masterpiece with

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a viewing platform offering stunning panoramic views of Dubai.

In addition, Dubai Harbour will boast the largest yacht marina in the Middle East and North Africa with 1,100 berths capable of accommodating some of the world's largest yachts up to 150 metres.

Its diverse infrastructure will include an extensive road network, as well as marine and air transportation facilities, a monorail line, a bridge to Bluewaters and water taxi stations.

The project is being developed in phases and will create synergies with some of Dubai’s other iconic projects located in the area, including Bluewaters.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 23

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS TCEB CERTIFIES 114 ADDITIONAL MICE VENUES IN THAILAND Thailand Convention and Exhibition B u re a u ( TC E B ) a n n o u n c e d t h e certification of 114 MICE venues with a combined total of 349 meeting rooms in Bangkok, MICE Cities, and other high potential cities across the Kingdom of Thailand. The venues were certified in line with the Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS), which MICE operators believe plays a vital role in helping raise confidence and attracting international MICE organisers to choose Thailand as their business events destination. TCEB has this year built on the success of the nationwide MICE venue standardisation programme by introducing a new TMVS – Special Event Venue Category in response to the growing business

demand for new and exciting venues for business events. Creation of the new category aims to upgrade special event venues to meet internationally recognised standards, helping position Thailand as a premiere MICE destination with a wide variety of choices on offer.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB (Public Organization) stated that the Bureau has put in place strategic plans to develop the competitiveness of the Thai MICE sector to be in line with international best practice.

TCEB also certified 7 certified exhibition venue operators (with a total of 17 venues) under the Thailand MICE Venue

QATAR TOURISM AUTHORITY OPENS OFFICE IN MUMBAI Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has opened a representative office in Mumbai, India.

Rashed AlQurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at QTA commented, “The rapid growth of India's outbound tourism market in recent years, coupled with QTA's intensified efforts to diversify and grow visitor source markets makes it the right time to establish our onthe-ground presence in India.” He added, “The steps taken to make accessing Qatar easier are particularly targeted at visitors who are seeking to experience our country's luxury hospitality and unique cultural offerings, a l l w h i l e b e n e f i t i n g f ro m t h e convenience of relatively short flights.”

QTA's representative office in India will oversee a wide range of promotional initiatives, including workshops, sales visits, travel agent destination training t h r o u g h Q TA ' s o n l i n e Ta w a s h programme, partnerships with tour operators, familiarisation trips, media campaigns and a variety of innovative activities to raise Qatar's profile as leisure and business tourism destination among Indian tourists.

Qatar has become an increasingly accessible destination for Indian travellers, especially after Qatar waived entry visa requirements for Indian citizens last year. In the first quarter of 2018, Qatar welcomed more than 110,000 visitors from India. The country's award-winning national carrier has 100 weekly direct flights connecting the capital Doha to thirteen major cities across India. These are matched with another 67 weekly flights on board Indian airlines Indigo Airlines, Jet Airways and Air India Express bringing the total to 167 flights a week.

For more infor on Qatar’s destination, tourism offerings, hospitality and tourism events visit www.visitqatar.qa.

Standard – Exhibition Venue Category. These i n c l u d e s i x Ty p e 1 (minimum 5,000 sq.m.) venues, and one Type 2 (minimum 1,000 sq.m.) venue. The certified MICE venue operators (exhibition venues) in Bangkok and MICE Cities include Queen Sirikit National Convention C e nte r, Pa tta y a Exhibition Hall, Royal Paragon Hall, Centara Grand at Central World, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, IMPACT Muang

Thong Thani, and Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport.

KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES ITS INDIA WEBSITE Korea Tourism Organization New Delhi Office launched its I n d i a w e b s i t e www.visitkorea.in as a part of its marketing plan for the year 2018.

The website mainly caters to the travel industry and individuals seeking tourism related information specific to the Indian outbound travelling requirements. The website provides a quick access of everything an Indian traveller would like to see and do in South Korea. Regular updates on offers and announcements, will keep the visitors apprised of what's happening.

Visually attractive, the KTO India website features - visa i n fo r m at i o n , c u r re n t l y ava i l a b l e S o u t h Ko re a packages, Incentive program details, Indian food available i n S o u t h Ko re a , m a i n destination and attractions for Indians to enjoy etc.

According to Mr Jong Sool Kwon, Director, KTO, New Delhi, “The usual practice of

prospective tourists and travel agents was to find a local travel agent partner, get information from brochures or wait for the tourism board to organize training sessions for updates about South Koreafrom Indian traveler's perspective. Although the global website was available for all to access information about South Korea, however, it has been so difficult for tourists to find India centric information about the destination. Giving visitors an easy way to enjoy the beauty and variety of our destination spots has been my main concern.”

DUSIT INTERNATIONAL TO MAKE VIETNAM DEBUT WITH THE OPENING OF DUSIT PRINCESS MOONRISE BEACH RESORT

Dusit International, one of Thailand's foremost hotel and property development companies, will make its Vietnam debut this month with the opening of Dusit Princess Moonrise

22 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

Beach Resort on the country's largest island, Phu Quoc.

Located in the South of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a fastgrowing tourist destination known for its

long, sweeping beaches, rich coral reefs, fresh seafood, pearl farms, and dense, tropical rainforest.

Operating under Dusit's upper midscale Dusit Princess brand, the new four-star resortis centrally located on the island's west coast overlooking the stunning Bai Truong beach, a 20-plus kilometre stretch of sand also known as Long Beach. Phu Quoc(PQC) International Airport and Duong To town centre are only a short drive away.

The resort comprises 108 wellappointed contemporary guest rooms (ranging from 32sqm Deluxe Rooms to 90sqm Suites), most of which offer pristine ocean views.

The resort's dining options include an all-day-dining restaurant, a lobby

lounge, a swim-up pool bar serving Thai, Vietnamese and Western cuisines; and Soi14, a stylish beachfront bar and lounge where Thai Chef Somnuck Attawornuses premium ingredients to put a contemporary spin on Thai street food favourites.

“Perfectly equipped to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, this is a stunning property in a beautiful location with gorgeous sunsets almost every day,” said Markus Lohenstein, General Manager, Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort.

The Ministry of Tourism aims to attract at least 500,000 foreign tourists to Phu Quoc Island this year through strategic promotions and the development of attractive tourism products.

www.safariplus.co.in

'DUBAI CRUISE TERMINAL' APPROVED AS THE MAIN HUB FOR CRUISE TOURISM IN DUBAI His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that mega projects being implemented in the UAE are reinforcing the country's profile globally as a model for sustainable growth driven by diversification, innovation and productive partnerships with the private sector.

His Highness also said, “We welcome visitors from across the world and provide them with an exceptional tourism experiences. We want them to leave with lasting memories that they can share in their countries and communities. The continuous development of infrastructure has enabled our country to be a destination of choice in the region. Supported by the talent and creativity of our people, I am confident that we will be able to establish global leadership in several sectors. The UAE will continue to be a symbol of progress and prosperity,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

His Highness also attended the signing ceremony of a strategic partnership agreement between Meraas and Carnival Corporation & plc that aims to transform Dubai into a major regional maritime tourism hub.

Dubai is set to become central to Carnival Corporation's operations in the region. The agreement mandates Carnival Corporation to assist Meraas in ensuring the cruise terminal meets the highest international standards of the cruise industry, while the relevant authorities will be responsible for security, immigration and customs.

According to the Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA), more than 40 million people worldwide will travel on cruise ships annually by 2030, marking a 40 percent increase from 26 million passengers in 2017. At a local level, the maritime tourism sector is expected to contribute more than AED1.5 billion to Dubai's economy by 2030.

New routes and exclusive destinations Carnival Corporation will launch new cruises from “Dubai Cruise Terminal” and aims to attract new source markets from India and China. The cruise terminal is designed as a strategic maritime centre, providing easy access to and from the city, while offering passengers an unparalleled view of iconic landmarks, such as Ain Dubai and the upcoming Dubai Lighthouse, as well as the Dubai's stunning urban skyline.

Unique addition to Dubai's tourism offering Launched in January 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Harbour will be located on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street in the Mina Seyahi area and is set to span 20 million square feet.

The development will feature a shopping mall, luxury residential units, restaurants, cafés, hotels and a yacht club, as well as Dubai Lighthouse, a 135metre high architectural masterpiece with

www.safariplus.co.in

a viewing platform offering stunning panoramic views of Dubai.

In addition, Dubai Harbour will boast the largest yacht marina in the Middle East and North Africa with 1,100 berths capable of accommodating some of the world's largest yachts up to 150 metres.

Its diverse infrastructure will include an extensive road network, as well as marine and air transportation facilities, a monorail line, a bridge to Bluewaters and water taxi stations.

The project is being developed in phases and will create synergies with some of Dubai’s other iconic projects located in the area, including Bluewaters.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 23

AVIATION

AVIATION RAS AL KHAIMAH LAUNCHES NEW JET AIRWAYS CONNECTS ‘EASY AIRPORT CHECK-IN’ WITHIN HOTELS ALLAHABAD TO LUCKNOW & PATNA Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, has announced the opening of ‘easy check-in services’ at hotel Double Tree

by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, in line with Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to provide ease of travel for its visitors. This new service is the first of its kind to become available for travellers in the UAE and will be rolled out soon in other prominent hotels and commercial venues across the Emirate.

The new easy check-in service will allow passengers to check-out from their hotel and directly check-in to their flight before leaving the hotel lobby. All the check-in services provided at airport will be available for passengers at the hotel reception, including boarding passes and baggage transporting to the airport.

After completing the check-in process, passengers will report straight to Immigration desk at Departure terminal making their journey even smoother and more relaxing.

Commenting on the introduction of the services, Sanjay Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport said; “I like to think that travel – be it business or leisure – is about collecting memorable experiences. It’s about understanding the audience mind-set and determining what will truly enhance their overall experience. We are constantly looking to delight our visitors with services and offers that they can only experience in Ras Al Khaimah and our new easy checkin service is a great example of this.”

All passengers travelling Enter Air, Travel Services, Smart Wings, Ural Airlines and Red Wings, will be able to access this service free of charge.

Jet Airways commenced its services under the Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN by linking the holy city of Allahabad with the state capitals of Lucknow and Patna.

Of the 7 sectors that Jet Airways has been awarded in the second round of bidding under the UDAN scheme, the airline is launching 5 this week, including Lucknow-Allahabad-Lucknow, PatnaAllahabad-Patna, Nagpur-AllahabadNagpur, Indore-Allahabad-Indore, and Delhi–Nashik-Delhi. Services on the remaining two routes viz.

Lucknow–Bareilly–Lucknow and DelhiBareilly-Delhi are expected to be launched in the coming days, once necessary clearances and approvals have been received for the Bareilly airport.

Jet Airways will deploy its 72-seater ATR aircraft on the RCS routes that connect Allahabad with various other

destinations in its network. Operating thrice a week, the new routes will offer Allahabad a 6 day/ week connectivity, complementing the existing connectivity to/from the city.

The new flights will offer two-way connections to Mumbai from Allahabad via Nagpur/Indore/Lucknow. Similarly, the flights offer two-way connections to B e n ga l u r u f ro m A l l a h a b a d v i a Indore/Patna. Guests also have the choice to connect to Pune and Ahmedabad from Allahabad, via Indore.

Likewise, the flight will also connect to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur and Abu Dhabi from Allahabad via Lucknow, allowing guests to connect through Abu Dhabi over Lucknow to multiple international destinations in Europe, North America, Africa, Middle East and the Gulf, enhancing the global connectivity from India’s emerging metros.

INDIGO ANNOUNCES JORHAT & DHAKA ADDS 16 NEW FLIGHTS TO ITS NETWORK 6E will also operate its 4th daily flight between Kolkata and Patna.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “It gives us immense pleasure to add Dhaka, Bangladesh to the ever expanding 6E network, and we are equally pleased to announce Jorhat as our new UDAN destination after Tiruchirappalli and Tuticorin. With the addition of 16 new flights connecting various cities within India, we will now be able to extend our on-time, courteous and hassle-free service, and low fares to everyone, that IndiGo is synonymous with. IndiGo will continue to expand its network to meet the requirements of both business and leisure travelers wherever they demand it.”

For more infor - www.goindigo.in

IndiGo, is further enhancing its customer experience with the launch of J o r h at a n d D h a ka a s i t s n ew destinations. Under the UDAN scheme, Jorhat will be the 54th destination on IndiGo's network. Furthermore, Dhaka will be the 55th destination. Both new services start on August 01, 2018.

To provide more enhanced connectivity across India, IndiGo has announced the addition of 16 new flights to its network.

Effective August 2018, 6E will operate its first daily flight between Bengaluru and Raipur. Additionally, the airline will operate a 2nd daily flight between Kolkata - Nagpur, a 3rd daily flight between Bengaluru and Nagpur, and 4th daily flight between Bengaluru and Jaipur, and Bengaluru and Vizag respectively.

GARUDA INDONESIA CONNECTS MUMBAI TO DENPASAR Garuda Indonesia started new direct service from Mumbai to Denpasar. This service will offer variety of connection flights to Indonesia for Indian tourists as the airline has served Jakarta – Mumbai route since last 2016.

President & CEO Garuda Indonesia Pahala N Mansury said that the opening of Mumbai - Denpasar route is part of Garuda Indonesia's international n et wo r k d eve l o p m e nt p ro g ra m particularly in the South Asia region - as the number of Indians visiting Indonesia is projected to grow to 500,000 in four years compared with 262,000 in 2015, according to Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism.

Pahala said, “Our new service will provide seamless connection between Mumbai to Denpasar. And India traveler

also will seamlessly connected to other exotic tourism destination in Indonesia including Banyuwangi, Labuan Bajo, and Lombok".

The Mumbai - Denpasar route will be served twice a week (Monday and Thursday) and will be increased to three times a week on May 2018 (Monday, Thursday and Saturday). The flight will be served by GA 814, leaving Denpasar at 15.40 Local Time and arrive in Mumbai at 20.25 Local Time. On the return flight GA 815 will depart from Mumbai at 21.50 Local Time and will be arrive the nextmorning at 07.55 Local Time in Denpasar. The flight served by Garuda's Airbus A330-200 aircraft with a two-class cabin configuration featuring its globallypraised Business Class service concept and the World's Best Economy Class .

NEW INFLIGHT MENU ON INDIA - ZURICH ROUTES Swiss International AirLines announced the launch of a new inflight menu for its India - Zurich routes.

Starting June 07, 2018, a range of authentic Indian dishes curated by Oberoi Flight Services along with a selected variety of international meals will be available for First, Business and Economy Class passengers flying from India to Zurich.

The new SWISS inflight menu For SWISS First Class guests, the menu offers a selection of several starters such as Samosa with Mint Chutney; Lobster Slice with Beetroot Mayo and a choice of three main courses that include Roast Lamb leg Forestier with Parsley Baby Potato, Carrot Batons and Creamy spinach; Pan Seared Seabass with Grilled Zucchini, Herb Rice and Chunky Tomato Sauce; Mattar Badam Ki Tikki with Olive Kofta, Methi Gajar, Rainbow Pulao, Dal Tadka, Raddish Anar Raita and Gobhi Parantha. For dessert, they can relish on Ice Cream (in house) with Fresh Fruit Compote and Berry Sauce SWISS Business Class travellers can enjoy authentic Indian starters and snacks such as Khandavi on a bed of Fruit Salsa on Banana Leaf; Chana Pindi Wrap and Smoked Pumpkin Soup. For dessert, they can have Beetroot Halwa and Fruit Tart to choose from.

The meals in SWISS Economy Class comprise a selection of warm starter like Chicken Stroganoff and Makhani Veg wraps. The main course offers Mysore Masala Dosa with Carrot Green Peas Upma and Mini Uttapam. Western meals comprise of options like Cheese Omelette with Spinach in White Sauce, Cocktail Sausage and Potato Cutlet.

In all classes, there will be a selected variety of international meals as well.

24 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

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INDIGO ADDS TUTICORIN UNDER THE UDAN SCHEME Further spreading its wings under the UDAN scheme through ATR operations - India’s largest low cost carrier, IndiGo, has added Tuticorin to its network. A city of over 411,000 population in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, Tuticorin, will be the 53rd destination on IndiGo’s network. IndiGo with its 10th ATR aircraft will operate three daily non-stop flights between Chennai and Tuticorin. The low cost carrier will also operate a second daily non-stop flights between Chennai and Calicut.

These new flights will be operational effective July 26, 2018.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Commercial Flight 6E 7183 6E 7184 6E 7185 6E 7186 6E 7187 6E 7188 6E 7189 6E 7191

Origin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Calicut

Destination Tuticorin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Calicut Chennai

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JET AIRWAYS TO CONNECT MUMBAI AND MANCHESTER

Officer, IndiGo said, “Just like Hubli, Tuticorin is a key market for IndiGo and is fast gaining prominence as a crucial industrial hub. With rising business and tourism stemming from the southern cities, IndiGo is determined to provide the best travel experience to all those who wish to fly to these destinations.

We are providing affordable fares on these new routes for 6E travellers. It is our constant endeavour to provide more flexibility of choice to our customers as IndiGo continues to offer them on-time, courteous and hasslefree service, and an affordable flying experience always.”

Departure 5:50 7:55 10:25 12:35 14:40 16:40 18:55 21:00

Arrival 7:30 9:30 12:05 14:15 16:20 18:15 20:35 22:40

From Fares- INR 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2100 26-Jul-18 2250

Jet Airways announce that beginning 05th November 2018, it w i l l l a u n c h i t s f i rs t n o n - s t o p s e r v i c e b e t w e en Mumbai and Manchester, thus further strengthening its connect to the United Kingdom (UK).

This new service is the first nonstop service connecting India, via its economic capital with Manchester, the 3rd largest city in the UK. Jet Airways will deploy its wide body A330-200 with 254 seating for the service, which will operate for four days every week including Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The launch of this new service will provide seamless connectivity to several domestic destinations to a n d f ro m I n d i a w h i c h i n c l u d e Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bhuj, Bhopal,

Bengaluru, Kolkata, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Aurangabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Nagpur, Rajkot, Raipur, Udaipur, via the airline's HUB, Mumbai.

Similarly, quick connections to beyond points on Jet Airways' international network such as Bangkok, Colombo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dhaka and Kathmandu, will now be available.

Jet Airways' flight 9W 130 will depart from Mumbai at 0230 hrs (Local time) and will arrive in Manchester's Terminal 2 at 0755 hrs (Local time). The return flight, 9W 129 will depart from Manchester at 0935 hrs (Local time) and arrive in Mumbai's Terminal 2 at 0040 hrs (Local time).

Jet Airways' A330-200 aircraft with 254 seats including 18 in Premiere will operate on the new sector.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

25

AVIATION

AVIATION RAS AL KHAIMAH LAUNCHES NEW JET AIRWAYS CONNECTS ‘EASY AIRPORT CHECK-IN’ WITHIN HOTELS ALLAHABAD TO LUCKNOW & PATNA Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, has announced the opening of ‘easy check-in services’ at hotel Double Tree

by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, in line with Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to provide ease of travel for its visitors. This new service is the first of its kind to become available for travellers in the UAE and will be rolled out soon in other prominent hotels and commercial venues across the Emirate.

The new easy check-in service will allow passengers to check-out from their hotel and directly check-in to their flight before leaving the hotel lobby. All the check-in services provided at airport will be available for passengers at the hotel reception, including boarding passes and baggage transporting to the airport.

After completing the check-in process, passengers will report straight to Immigration desk at Departure terminal making their journey even smoother and more relaxing.

Commenting on the introduction of the services, Sanjay Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport said; “I like to think that travel – be it business or leisure – is about collecting memorable experiences. It’s about understanding the audience mind-set and determining what will truly enhance their overall experience. We are constantly looking to delight our visitors with services and offers that they can only experience in Ras Al Khaimah and our new easy checkin service is a great example of this.”

All passengers travelling Enter Air, Travel Services, Smart Wings, Ural Airlines and Red Wings, will be able to access this service free of charge.

Jet Airways commenced its services under the Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN by linking the holy city of Allahabad with the state capitals of Lucknow and Patna.

Of the 7 sectors that Jet Airways has been awarded in the second round of bidding under the UDAN scheme, the airline is launching 5 this week, including Lucknow-Allahabad-Lucknow, PatnaAllahabad-Patna, Nagpur-AllahabadNagpur, Indore-Allahabad-Indore, and Delhi–Nashik-Delhi. Services on the remaining two routes viz.

Lucknow–Bareilly–Lucknow and DelhiBareilly-Delhi are expected to be launched in the coming days, once necessary clearances and approvals have been received for the Bareilly airport.

Jet Airways will deploy its 72-seater ATR aircraft on the RCS routes that connect Allahabad with various other

destinations in its network. Operating thrice a week, the new routes will offer Allahabad a 6 day/ week connectivity, complementing the existing connectivity to/from the city.

The new flights will offer two-way connections to Mumbai from Allahabad via Nagpur/Indore/Lucknow. Similarly, the flights offer two-way connections to B e n ga l u r u f ro m A l l a h a b a d v i a Indore/Patna. Guests also have the choice to connect to Pune and Ahmedabad from Allahabad, via Indore.

Likewise, the flight will also connect to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur and Abu Dhabi from Allahabad via Lucknow, allowing guests to connect through Abu Dhabi over Lucknow to multiple international destinations in Europe, North America, Africa, Middle East and the Gulf, enhancing the global connectivity from India’s emerging metros.

INDIGO ANNOUNCES JORHAT & DHAKA ADDS 16 NEW FLIGHTS TO ITS NETWORK 6E will also operate its 4th daily flight between Kolkata and Patna.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “It gives us immense pleasure to add Dhaka, Bangladesh to the ever expanding 6E network, and we are equally pleased to announce Jorhat as our new UDAN destination after Tiruchirappalli and Tuticorin. With the addition of 16 new flights connecting various cities within India, we will now be able to extend our on-time, courteous and hassle-free service, and low fares to everyone, that IndiGo is synonymous with. IndiGo will continue to expand its network to meet the requirements of both business and leisure travelers wherever they demand it.”

For more infor - www.goindigo.in

IndiGo, is further enhancing its customer experience with the launch of J o r h at a n d D h a ka a s i t s n ew destinations. Under the UDAN scheme, Jorhat will be the 54th destination on IndiGo's network. Furthermore, Dhaka will be the 55th destination. Both new services start on August 01, 2018.

To provide more enhanced connectivity across India, IndiGo has announced the addition of 16 new flights to its network.

Effective August 2018, 6E will operate its first daily flight between Bengaluru and Raipur. Additionally, the airline will operate a 2nd daily flight between Kolkata - Nagpur, a 3rd daily flight between Bengaluru and Nagpur, and 4th daily flight between Bengaluru and Jaipur, and Bengaluru and Vizag respectively.

GARUDA INDONESIA CONNECTS MUMBAI TO DENPASAR Garuda Indonesia started new direct service from Mumbai to Denpasar. This service will offer variety of connection flights to Indonesia for Indian tourists as the airline has served Jakarta – Mumbai route since last 2016.

President & CEO Garuda Indonesia Pahala N Mansury said that the opening of Mumbai - Denpasar route is part of Garuda Indonesia's international n et wo r k d eve l o p m e nt p ro g ra m particularly in the South Asia region - as the number of Indians visiting Indonesia is projected to grow to 500,000 in four years compared with 262,000 in 2015, according to Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism.

Pahala said, “Our new service will provide seamless connection between Mumbai to Denpasar. And India traveler

also will seamlessly connected to other exotic tourism destination in Indonesia including Banyuwangi, Labuan Bajo, and Lombok".

The Mumbai - Denpasar route will be served twice a week (Monday and Thursday) and will be increased to three times a week on May 2018 (Monday, Thursday and Saturday). The flight will be served by GA 814, leaving Denpasar at 15.40 Local Time and arrive in Mumbai at 20.25 Local Time. On the return flight GA 815 will depart from Mumbai at 21.50 Local Time and will be arrive the nextmorning at 07.55 Local Time in Denpasar. The flight served by Garuda's Airbus A330-200 aircraft with a two-class cabin configuration featuring its globallypraised Business Class service concept and the World's Best Economy Class .

NEW INFLIGHT MENU ON INDIA - ZURICH ROUTES Swiss International AirLines announced the launch of a new inflight menu for its India - Zurich routes.

Starting June 07, 2018, a range of authentic Indian dishes curated by Oberoi Flight Services along with a selected variety of international meals will be available for First, Business and Economy Class passengers flying from India to Zurich.

The new SWISS inflight menu For SWISS First Class guests, the menu offers a selection of several starters such as Samosa with Mint Chutney; Lobster Slice with Beetroot Mayo and a choice of three main courses that include Roast Lamb leg Forestier with Parsley Baby Potato, Carrot Batons and Creamy spinach; Pan Seared Seabass with Grilled Zucchini, Herb Rice and Chunky Tomato Sauce; Mattar Badam Ki Tikki with Olive Kofta, Methi Gajar, Rainbow Pulao, Dal Tadka, Raddish Anar Raita and Gobhi Parantha. For dessert, they can relish on Ice Cream (in house) with Fresh Fruit Compote and Berry Sauce SWISS Business Class travellers can enjoy authentic Indian starters and snacks such as Khandavi on a bed of Fruit Salsa on Banana Leaf; Chana Pindi Wrap and Smoked Pumpkin Soup. For dessert, they can have Beetroot Halwa and Fruit Tart to choose from.

The meals in SWISS Economy Class comprise a selection of warm starter like Chicken Stroganoff and Makhani Veg wraps. The main course offers Mysore Masala Dosa with Carrot Green Peas Upma and Mini Uttapam. Western meals comprise of options like Cheese Omelette with Spinach in White Sauce, Cocktail Sausage and Potato Cutlet.

In all classes, there will be a selected variety of international meals as well.

24 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

www.safariplus.co.in

INDIGO ADDS TUTICORIN UNDER THE UDAN SCHEME Further spreading its wings under the UDAN scheme through ATR operations - India’s largest low cost carrier, IndiGo, has added Tuticorin to its network. A city of over 411,000 population in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, Tuticorin, will be the 53rd destination on IndiGo’s network. IndiGo with its 10th ATR aircraft will operate three daily non-stop flights between Chennai and Tuticorin. The low cost carrier will also operate a second daily non-stop flights between Chennai and Calicut.

These new flights will be operational effective July 26, 2018.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Commercial Flight 6E 7183 6E 7184 6E 7185 6E 7186 6E 7187 6E 7188 6E 7189 6E 7191

Origin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Calicut

Destination Tuticorin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Tuticorin Chennai Calicut Chennai

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JET AIRWAYS TO CONNECT MUMBAI AND MANCHESTER

Officer, IndiGo said, “Just like Hubli, Tuticorin is a key market for IndiGo and is fast gaining prominence as a crucial industrial hub. With rising business and tourism stemming from the southern cities, IndiGo is determined to provide the best travel experience to all those who wish to fly to these destinations.

We are providing affordable fares on these new routes for 6E travellers. It is our constant endeavour to provide more flexibility of choice to our customers as IndiGo continues to offer them on-time, courteous and hasslefree service, and an affordable flying experience always.”

Departure 5:50 7:55 10:25 12:35 14:40 16:40 18:55 21:00

Arrival 7:30 9:30 12:05 14:15 16:20 18:15 20:35 22:40

From Fares- INR 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2999 26-Jul-18 2100 26-Jul-18 2250

Jet Airways announce that beginning 05th November 2018, it w i l l l a u n c h i t s f i rs t n o n - s t o p s e r v i c e b e t w e en Mumbai and Manchester, thus further strengthening its connect to the United Kingdom (UK).

This new service is the first nonstop service connecting India, via its economic capital with Manchester, the 3rd largest city in the UK. Jet Airways will deploy its wide body A330-200 with 254 seating for the service, which will operate for four days every week including Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The launch of this new service will provide seamless connectivity to several domestic destinations to a n d f ro m I n d i a w h i c h i n c l u d e Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bhuj, Bhopal,

Bengaluru, Kolkata, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Aurangabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Nagpur, Rajkot, Raipur, Udaipur, via the airline's HUB, Mumbai.

Similarly, quick connections to beyond points on Jet Airways' international network such as Bangkok, Colombo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dhaka and Kathmandu, will now be available.

Jet Airways' flight 9W 130 will depart from Mumbai at 0230 hrs (Local time) and will arrive in Manchester's Terminal 2 at 0755 hrs (Local time). The return flight, 9W 129 will depart from Manchester at 0935 hrs (Local time) and arrive in Mumbai's Terminal 2 at 0040 hrs (Local time).

Jet Airways' A330-200 aircraft with 254 seats including 18 in Premiere will operate on the new sector.

JULY - AUGUST, 2018

25

Resorts World Genting The shangri-la of luxury and entertainment, Resorts World Genting is one of the world's most premier holiday destinations. Over the last three years, the entire resort has undergone a mammoth metamorphosis to evolve into an outstanding arena of premium hotels, lifestyle malls, luxury spas, sophisticated cable car network and world-class restaurants and retail outlets. A favorable weather, fresh mountain air and a powerhouse of entertainment makes Resorts World Genting to be in a league of its own and has something to offer for both adults and kids alike. Also on the cards is the world's first Twentieth Century Fox World theme park that is expected to increase footfalls by manifolds.

Easily accessible from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, there are two ways to get to AwanaSkyCentral - by bus or by car.

For tourists driving down, there is a wellplanned parking facility spread across eight levels. The car park is connected to the Awana Station and tourists can use the magnificent cable car system called the Awana Skyway that will take them up the peak, a journey of 2.8 km and an ascent of 620 meters. The bus terminal for Resorts World Genting is equally modern and has 27 bays to facilitate the arrival and departure of tourists. The Awana SkyWay has a fleet of 99 gondolas, out of which 10 are fitted with a glass bottom that allows

Perhaps the chief attraction of Resorts WorldGenting is the 1.4 million sq feet, five-storey shopping mall, SkyAvenue, which is fully equipped with 168 retail outlets, 160 brands of which 70 are food and beverages and 98 retailers comprising of all the world famous brands. The lower ground level is chiefly dominated by the trendy RedTail Bar and more outlets are set for the near future.

The first floor is a heaven for foodies and will leave you spoilt for choices. Apart from the very famous Burger & Lobster, the first branch in Asia to Motorino, Food Factory, Rajawali Restaurant, Spice Garden, Coffee Terrace, Sri Pandi Curry House, Medan Selera and Terminal 2 at the First World Hotel, there is also the Malaysian Food Street with the best local food Malaysia has to offer. The second and third floors are for shopaholics where the high street fashion and luxury brands are located. One can check out the Sephora and Uniqlo outlets apart from Mr. Shailendra Kesari, Editor, Safari Plus; Mr. Rocky Too, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Resorts World Genting; & Ms. Katherine Chew, Vice President Resort Communications & Public Relation Resorts World Genting H&M, Thomas Sabo, Pandora, Kiehl's,

visitors to get a panoramic view of the rainforests below. The ride starts from the AwanaSkyCentral and takes around ten minutes to reach the SkyAvenue lifestyle mall. Passengers also have a choice of alighting at the Chin Swee Caves Temple and enjoy the beautiful sky-reaching spires and pagodas.

At Resorts World Genting you have seven interesting hotels to choose from.

The First World Hotel with its bright colourful exterior and the twin towers with 7,351 rooms holds the Guinness World Records for the largest hotel in the world in terms of the number of rooms. The First World Hotel also has the distinction of having the largest laundry plant in Malaysia, with an impressive 76 units of best quality machinery imported from the US and Europe and covering an area of 26,000 sq ft. Other splendid hotels are the Maxims Hotel and the Genting Grand Hotel which received a

26 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

recommendation accreditation and a four-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide 2018, respectively, the grand five-star Crockfords Hotel, the Awana Hotel, the Resort Hotel and the funky Theme Park Hotel. The Awana Hotel is a must stay for golfers as it is equipped with the best 18-hole golf course in Malaysia.

Bath & Works, Joy & Peace, Shizen, L'Occitane and HLA located there. There is also the Bona Cinemas with state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos surround sound system.

The fourth floor holds a special appeal to children with its Jungle Gym, where one can have a great time in free play. The incredible Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium holds a 400 odd bizarre and wacky pieces not just from around the world but also from the universe at large. The Zombie Outbreak is another experience that is sure to bring out your screams in fear! Jurassic Research Centre was a wonderful and informative experience for visitors who can learn about the dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. The Alive Museum, a world of engaging optical illusion art is also worth a visit. The walls covered with murals, commissioned by South Korean artists offer plenty of photo opportunities too. If you want more fun, you can also

www.safariplus.co.in

check out the Snow World and enjoy some snow frolicking too.

the best part is it is lot more affordable than other spas in five-star properties.

If digital entertainment is your forte, the mall's Times Square is where you should head. The spectacular SkySymphony free to public show on Level 1 of SkyAvenue showcases 1001 winch kinetic balls, the largest show of its kind in Asia. SkySymphony showcases three different shows- Forest, Urban Symphony and The Goddess plus recently added a brand new show, Ocean Groove with Maestro Ning, it is the perfect amalgamation of audio, visual and motion graphics. Another must-see here is the SeniKomePĂŠngHÄ“ng, a beautiful cultural attraction, on level 3 of First World Plaza that displays the visual and performing arts from the east coast states of Terengganu, Pahang, and Kelantan.

For all nature lovers, there is jungle trekking to explore the beautiful Awana Bio Park where you can walk through the lush green 130-million year old Malaysian rainforest and admire the local flora and fauna amidst jungles, streams, and waterfalls.

Apart from SkyAvenue, you can also visit the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets for some retail therapy. Situated at the mid-hill the Outlets with over 150 retail brands including all the top brands of the world like Adidas, Aigner, Coach, Furla, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Moschino, Polo Ralph Lauren, Superdry, Tumi and many more. With regular deals and sales, this outlet draws in of shopaholics every day.

If you travel for leisure and relaxation, you must make a trip to M Spa located at the Lobby floor of the five-star Genting Grand Hotel. It is a perfect blend of pampering, relaxing and quality as highly trained and the certified therapists helped you choose packages from a wide range of massage, facial, skin and body treatments. The spa is equipped with excellent Steam Room, Jacuzzi and Sauna facilities, some of which are complimentary for room guests and patronage. The treatment is sure to leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. And

www.safariplus.co.in

Another landmark in Genting Highlands that is worth considering a grand convention is the Genting International Convention Centre. The centre boasts over 150,000 square feet of space. The Grand Ballroom, located within is Malaysia's largest column-free hall which can host over 6,000 in theatre-style seating.

The much-awaited Skytropolis Indoor Park is another upcoming attraction

at the Resorts World Genting that is scheduled to open its doors to visitors soon. This Indoor Park with 24 rides is surely going to attract both kids and adults alike. Skytropolis and its famous counterpart, the upcoming 20th Century Fox World Malaysia Theme Park is all set to add more glitter and glam to the Genting experience.

Therefore, it is not without reason that Resorts World Genting is one of the leading leisure and hospitality corporations in the world. With more than 10,000 rooms spread across the seven hotels, theme parks, shopping malls, entertainment packages, multi-cuisine restaurants, international shows and business convention facilities, it is indeed a destination that is sure to appeal tourists from all walks of life.

Come, let's experience Resorts World Genting !

For more info - www.rwgenting.com

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 27

Resorts World Genting The shangri-la of luxury and entertainment, Resorts World Genting is one of the world's most premier holiday destinations. Over the last three years, the entire resort has undergone a mammoth metamorphosis to evolve into an outstanding arena of premium hotels, lifestyle malls, luxury spas, sophisticated cable car network and world-class restaurants and retail outlets. A favorable weather, fresh mountain air and a powerhouse of entertainment makes Resorts World Genting to be in a league of its own and has something to offer for both adults and kids alike. Also on the cards is the world's first Twentieth Century Fox World theme park that is expected to increase footfalls by manifolds.

Easily accessible from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, there are two ways to get to AwanaSkyCentral - by bus or by car.

For tourists driving down, there is a wellplanned parking facility spread across eight levels. The car park is connected to the Awana Station and tourists can use the magnificent cable car system called the Awana Skyway that will take them up the peak, a journey of 2.8 km and an ascent of 620 meters. The bus terminal for Resorts World Genting is equally modern and has 27 bays to facilitate the arrival and departure of tourists. The Awana SkyWay has a fleet of 99 gondolas, out of which 10 are fitted with a glass bottom that allows

Perhaps the chief attraction of Resorts WorldGenting is the 1.4 million sq feet, five-storey shopping mall, SkyAvenue, which is fully equipped with 168 retail outlets, 160 brands of which 70 are food and beverages and 98 retailers comprising of all the world famous brands. The lower ground level is chiefly dominated by the trendy RedTail Bar and more outlets are set for the near future.

The first floor is a heaven for foodies and will leave you spoilt for choices. Apart from the very famous Burger & Lobster, the first branch in Asia to Motorino, Food Factory, Rajawali Restaurant, Spice Garden, Coffee Terrace, Sri Pandi Curry House, Medan Selera and Terminal 2 at the First World Hotel, there is also the Malaysian Food Street with the best local food Malaysia has to offer. The second and third floors are for shopaholics where the high street fashion and luxury brands are located. One can check out the Sephora and Uniqlo outlets apart from Mr. Shailendra Kesari, Editor, Safari Plus; Mr. Rocky Too, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Resorts World Genting; & Ms. Katherine Chew, Vice President Resort Communications & Public Relation Resorts World Genting H&M, Thomas Sabo, Pandora, Kiehl's,

visitors to get a panoramic view of the rainforests below. The ride starts from the AwanaSkyCentral and takes around ten minutes to reach the SkyAvenue lifestyle mall. Passengers also have a choice of alighting at the Chin Swee Caves Temple and enjoy the beautiful sky-reaching spires and pagodas.

At Resorts World Genting you have seven interesting hotels to choose from.

The First World Hotel with its bright colourful exterior and the twin towers with 7,351 rooms holds the Guinness World Records for the largest hotel in the world in terms of the number of rooms. The First World Hotel also has the distinction of having the largest laundry plant in Malaysia, with an impressive 76 units of best quality machinery imported from the US and Europe and covering an area of 26,000 sq ft. Other splendid hotels are the Maxims Hotel and the Genting Grand Hotel which received a

26 JULY - AUGUST, 2018

recommendation accreditation and a four-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide 2018, respectively, the grand five-star Crockfords Hotel, the Awana Hotel, the Resort Hotel and the funky Theme Park Hotel. The Awana Hotel is a must stay for golfers as it is equipped with the best 18-hole golf course in Malaysia.

Bath & Works, Joy & Peace, Shizen, L'Occitane and HLA located there. There is also the Bona Cinemas with state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos surround sound system.

The fourth floor holds a special appeal to children with its Jungle Gym, where one can have a great time in free play. The incredible Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium holds a 400 odd bizarre and wacky pieces not just from around the world but also from the universe at large. The Zombie Outbreak is another experience that is sure to bring out your screams in fear! Jurassic Research Centre was a wonderful and informative experience for visitors who can learn about the dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. The Alive Museum, a world of engaging optical illusion art is also worth a visit. The walls covered with murals, commissioned by South Korean artists offer plenty of photo opportunities too. If you want more fun, you can also

www.safariplus.co.in

check out the Snow World and enjoy some snow frolicking too.

the best part is it is lot more affordable than other spas in five-star properties.

If digital entertainment is your forte, the mall's Times Square is where you should head. The spectacular SkySymphony free to public show on Level 1 of SkyAvenue showcases 1001 winch kinetic balls, the largest show of its kind in Asia. SkySymphony showcases three different shows- Forest, Urban Symphony and The Goddess plus recently added a brand new show, Ocean Groove with Maestro Ning, it is the perfect amalgamation of audio, visual and motion graphics. Another must-see here is the SeniKomePĂŠngHÄ“ng, a beautiful cultural attraction, on level 3 of First World Plaza that displays the visual and performing arts from the east coast states of Terengganu, Pahang, and Kelantan.

For all nature lovers, there is jungle trekking to explore the beautiful Awana Bio Park where you can walk through the lush green 130-million year old Malaysian rainforest and admire the local flora and fauna amidst jungles, streams, and waterfalls.

Apart from SkyAvenue, you can also visit the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets for some retail therapy. Situated at the mid-hill the Outlets with over 150 retail brands including all the top brands of the world like Adidas, Aigner, Coach, Furla, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Moschino, Polo Ralph Lauren, Superdry, Tumi and many more. With regular deals and sales, this outlet draws in of shopaholics every day.

If you travel for leisure and relaxation, you must make a trip to M Spa located at the Lobby floor of the five-star Genting Grand Hotel. It is a perfect blend of pampering, relaxing and quality as highly trained and the certified therapists helped you choose packages from a wide range of massage, facial, skin and body treatments. The spa is equipped with excellent Steam Room, Jacuzzi and Sauna facilities, some of which are complimentary for room guests and patronage. The treatment is sure to leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. And

www.safariplus.co.in

Another landmark in Genting Highlands that is worth considering a grand convention is the Genting International Convention Centre. The centre boasts over 150,000 square feet of space. The Grand Ballroom, located within is Malaysia's largest column-free hall which can host over 6,000 in theatre-style seating.

The much-awaited Skytropolis Indoor Park is another upcoming attraction

at the Resorts World Genting that is scheduled to open its doors to visitors soon. This Indoor Park with 24 rides is surely going to attract both kids and adults alike. Skytropolis and its famous counterpart, the upcoming 20th Century Fox World Malaysia Theme Park is all set to add more glitter and glam to the Genting experience.

Therefore, it is not without reason that Resorts World Genting is one of the leading leisure and hospitality corporations in the world. With more than 10,000 rooms spread across the seven hotels, theme parks, shopping malls, entertainment packages, multi-cuisine restaurants, international shows and business convention facilities, it is indeed a destination that is sure to appeal tourists from all walks of life.

Come, let's experience Resorts World Genting !

For more info - www.rwgenting.com

JULY - AUGUST, 2018 27

Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • For Online News visit: www.safariplus.co.in • Email: info@safariplus.co.in • July - August 2018 • Vol: 19 Issue: 6

FUN FILLED FAMILY DESTINATION

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