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Monthly Tourism Newsletter from India |
December 2006 |
| Permanent Feature - GOA | Contest |
| Special Feature | |
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Holiday greetings from lovely Goa!
December always brings joy and generosity of spirit and the tourism industry is giving you a generous helping of both. So while everyone is making a beeline to Goa to partake in the Xmas festivities and herald in the New Year, its ripple effect is being felt all over India too. And more good news for tourists to India – the Centre is granting long-term visas to nationals of 18 countries.
Jet Airways has set it sights on new horizons after being granted the landing rights in the USA. With the government reviewing its overseas flight policy, more airlines can look forward to flying their colours in foreign skies.
The International Film Festival of India in Goa got off to a colourful start, hopped through the glitches and finally closed on a happy note. Thanks to a large star studded appearance throughout the festival.
Wishing you all the warmth of the Xmas season and good cheer in 2007.
Happy reading & See you in India! |
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AIRLINES UPDATEJET AIRWAYS TO FLY TO US: Jet Airways has finally been granted the landing rights in the US and is all set to begin flights from India to the US and Canada. Initially, the airline plans to operate from Delhi and Mumbai to three US cities — New York, Chicago and either San Francisco or Los Angeles. They are also considering routes between Mumbai – Brussels – New York and Mumbai – Shanghai - San Francisco. If the airline decides to operate to Los Angeles, then that flight too will be operated through Shanghai. JET AIRWAYS LAUNCHES CALCUTTA - PORT BLAIR FLIGHT: Jet Airways, as part of its expansion plans in the eastern region will introduce a daily morning service to Port Blair and add a fourth evening frequency to Delhi, with plans to operate a daily flight to Bangkok from January 2007. Effective November 11, Jet Airways started a daily flight to Port Blair. INDIGO COMMENCES OPERATIONS TO JAIPUR AND GOA FROM NOVEMBER 25: IndiGo has added two new destinations – Goa and Jaipur - to their network. The Jaipur route will be Delhi – Jaipur – Mumbai – Jaipur - Delhi and the Goa route will be Mumbai – Goa - Mumbai. For more details, please log on to www.goindigo.in.
JINDAL VIJAYNAGAR AIRPORT: JSW Steel Limited announced the inauguration of its new Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (Air Deccan) on Dec 1 and the laying of the foundation stone of a Heritage Village and a resort hotel (Saraf Hotels Group). The new airport will provide better connectivity and promote Hampi with flights from Bangalore & Goa.
AIR INDIA TO JOIN STAR ALLIANCE: Air India has reached an agreement to join Star Alliance, a leading group of international airlines, as part of its plans to increase its global reach. This will give the airline more than 15,000 connecting flights a day run by other carriers to 840 destinations increasing its load factor by 5-6%.
INDIAN JOINS AMADEUS, GALILEO AND WORLDSPAN: With effect from 17 November Indian (Indian Airlines) tickets are now available on all 3 global distribution systems (GDS), Amadeus, Galileo and Worldspan. Earlier Indian was selling tickets only through Abacus, the Indian arm of Sabre.
AIR DECCAN OFFERS NEW DESTINATIONS AT SAME LOW RATES: Air Deccan is now offering its travellers an attractive online auction booking fare on the Goa - Ahmedabad and Goa - Delhi sectors as also its Great Winter Sales offer on the Goa - Ahmedabad and Goa - Mumbai routes. For more details, please log on to www.airdeccan.net.
AIRLINES TO RESCHEDULE WINTER FLIGHTS: The Civil Aviation Ministry has directed all airlines, including low cost carriers, to reschedule their winter flights in view of foggy conditions that sets in every winter, to ensure a smooth passage. The airlines have also been directed to ensure that passengers are provided refreshments at airports in case of delays. CATHAY PACIFIC TAKES OVER DRAGON AIR: Regional Carrier Dragonair became a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific. Air China will become a substantial shareholder in Cathay Pacific and Cathay will raise its shareholding in Air China. The outcome of the complex ownership changes will create seamless operations between Cathay and Dragonair and provide a wider national network within China. CHINA AIRLINES ADDS 2 WEEKLY DELHI-TAIPEI FLIGHTS: China Airlines has added two weekly flights on the Taipei-Delhi-Taipei route bringing the total number of weekly flights to five. There is a growing demand for air travel from both countries.
TURKISH AIRLINES EXPLORES POSSIBILITIES IN SOUTH INDIA: After getting good response from Delhi and Mumbai leisure market, Turkish Airlines is exploring the possibility of operations from south India. Towards this objective, the airline recently organized road shows in Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore from November 1 to 3, 2006.
GMG AIRLINES STARTS OPERATIONS FROM DHAKA TO DELHI AND KOLKATA: GMG Airlines has commenced daily flights between Dhaka and Kolkata (in addition to the existing three flights weekly between Kolkata and Chittagong) and three flights per week between Dhaka and Delhi from November 9, 2006. GMG plans to operate twice daily to Kolkata and increase the frequency of the Delhi flights to daily instead of thrice a week. An introductory offer of ‘Buy two tickets, Get one Free!’ is open to passengers, which is valid up to December 31 for both Dhaka-Delhi and Dhaka-Kolkata routes.
DELHI AIRPORT TO HAVE ANOTHER TERMINAL BY 2010: Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd (DIAL) recently unveiled a master plan for the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to be implemented before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The new terminal will have the capacity to cater to 37 million passengers per annum. A new runway with A380 compatibility would be completed by March 2008. AIRBUS EXPANSION IN INDIA: Airbus is to take advantage of India's rapidly expanding aviation market by investing heavily over the next decade. Its plans involve setting up a training school for pilots and an engineering centre, both of which will be based in India's hi-tech centre, Bangalore. A majority of these aircrafts - 935 - will be for passengers, while the remaining 165 will be for cargo. NEW TERMINAL BUILDING INAUGURATED AT PATHANKOT (PUNJAB) AIRPORT: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) recently inaugurated a new terminal building and associated facilities, which was constructed by them at Pathankot to facilitate the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and to help ease the increased flow of tourists to Dalhousie and Dharamshala. The Airport is spread over an area of 3850 sq. mt. with a peak hour passenger capacity of 300 passengers and an aircraft apron for 3 AB-320 class of aircraft.
LIMITED OPEN SKY POLICY FROM NOV 15 TO JAN 31: The Government announced a limited open sky policy effective from November 15 to January 31. In the past, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic from and to India, the Government has followed a two-phased open sky policy strategy. During the first phase extending from November 15 to February 28, international airlines are allowed to operate larger aircraft on the existing routes. In the second phase that extends from mid-December till the end of January, the airlines are allowed to operate as many flights as they require.
GOVT. TO REVIEW NORMS ALLOWING DOMESTIC CARRIERS TO FLY ABROAD: The government is reviewing the prevailing norms to allow domestic carriers to fly abroad (in the next fiscal year). It would take into account the number of international sectors available, the number of flights already being mounted by designated Indian carriers, the fleet position of various airlines and the market dynamics and sustaining power of new airlines which could be designated to fly abroad.
DOMESTIC AIRLINE BOOKINGS NOW ON HUTCH PHONES: Hutch has entered into an alliance with Flightraja.com to book domestic airline tickets and access flight information through SMS. The service can be availed in 3 easy steps. Send an SMS to 6858 to get instructions, receive comparative information on almost real time basis and a Flightraja customer service executive calls back to complete the booking. Payments are through VISA or Mastercard. The entire transaction is encrypted and the fully automated system makes it safe.
CAFE RITAZZA LAUNCHED AT AIRPORTS: Radha Krishna hospitality and European Select Service Partner (SSP) have gone into partnership to set up eateries at airports and railway stations in the country. Initially Café Ritazza will be launched at the airports. SSP, which owns the Café Ritazza brand, has a presence at 120 airports across 23 countries. TOP
HOTELS NEWS
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS TO HAVE A SECOND CROWNE PLAZA IN NEW DELHI: InterContinental Hotels Group has signed an agreement with the Eros Group to manage the new Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar New Delhi, scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2009. This latest signing reflects Crowne Plaza's growing brand strength and presence in the Indian subcontinent. GINGER HOTEL UNVEILS IN PUNE: Ginger Hotels has started operations at Pimpri Chowk, Pune. This 100-room hotel in Pune is the latest addition to the growing chain of Ginger Hotels across the country, which includes Bangalore, Haridwar, Bhubaneshwar, Mysore and Thiruvananthapuram. By the end of this current financial year, Ginger hotel will also be unveiled in Nashik and Durgapur. THREE OBEROI HOTELS AMONG TOP 10 IN ASIA - SAYS CONDE NAST TRAVELER: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur has been ranked 5th, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra and The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur have been rated 7th and 8th best hotels in Asia, respectively. The Oberoi, New Delhi has also featured in the list. These awards were announced by Conde Nast Traveler, USA, among the world’s leading travel magazines. SAROVAR GROUP TO PROMOTE BUDGET HOTELS: The Sarovar group is promoting a string of budget hotels under the Hometel brand. The group has planned to develop around 10 properties under the 3 star, 4 star and budget category, Sarovar Premier, Portico and Hometel. Sarovar’s first Hometel offering limited service is now operational in Bangalore while the second one is slated to come up in Madras by 2008.
ACCOR - FIFTY FORMULE 1 HOTELS, NOVOTEL AND IBIS HOTELS ANNOUNCED: Accor is set to become one of the largest international hotel companies in India with up to 5,000 rooms opening in the next five years. Accor has signed the first of a number of significant partnership agreements that will see the group expand its network across the full spectrum of India’s hotel market, including budget Formule 1 hotels, economy Ibis hotels, mid-market Novotel hotels and deluxe Sofitel properties. TOP
PURI BEACH FESTIVAL BEGINS: The five-day Puri Beach Festival got off to a throbbing start here on Nov 25. Odissi dance ballets and folk dances presented by artistes from Bhubaneswar, Puri and Ganjam took the spotlight on the inaugural night after the festival was declared open with the blowing of the conch shells. This was followed by 'Chadheiya' and 'Ranappa' folk dances as also a captivating Sambalpuri dance recital. This year's event featured the famous 'Ghoda Nacha' or horse dance and other traditional dances of the State. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Goa, Rajasthan, West Bengal and other States also showcased their traditional dances at the event. SABARIMALA PILGRIMAGE IN KERALA: The famous Sabarimala Pilgrimage commenced on November 17 and will conclude on January 15. This pilgrimage takes place in Kerala where pilgrims make a visit to Lord Ayyappan at a hill temple. The temple is situated in a mountainous range and is accessible only by foot and open only to the male populace. A 41 day intense penance precedes the pilgrimage. MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL HAS COMMENCED IN CHENNAI: The annual festival of classical music and dance - The ‘December Season’ - takes place in the South Indian city of Madras. That is because the concerts are held in December right through January! It is the Tamil month of Margazhi, a devotion to the dawn of the Gods. Worship incorporates the traditional bhakthi, or devotion and music.
TOURISM MINISTRY AND UNDP PROMOTE RURAL CRAFTS: The Ministry of Tourism, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are to jointly promote the crafts of 12 rural tourism destinations, which will give local artisans an opportunity to showcase their talents to tourists.
WORLD HERITAGE WEEK BEGAN WITH MUSIC AT OLD FORT, DELHI: The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a week long celebration at the World Heritage site with a cultural evening at Purana Quila (Old Fort) from 22 November. The Audience enjoyed a Sarod performance by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and a Kathak dance.
MEGA SNOWFEST IN GULMARG IN FEBRUARY 2007: Jammu & Kashmir Tourism is planning a mega Snow Festival at Gulmarg in the first week of February 2007. Night skiing, ice skiing and iceskating together with cultural programs will be the highlights of the festival. An early snowfall in Gulmarg usually heralds a good ski season.
RAJASTHAN FOLK ARTISTS ENTHRALL LAHORE: Rajasthan folk artists mesmerized the Lahore audience. Presented by Routes 2 Roots an NGO took the artists to Pakistan as Rajasthan folk culture is similar to that of Sindh.
WHITE WATER RAFTING AND KAYAKING CHAMPIONSHIP RISHIKESH 21-23 NOVEMBER: The All India Open White Water Rafting and Kayaking Championship 2006 from Shivpuri to Rishikesh took place from 21 to 23 November. Organized by Uttaranchal Kayaking Canoeing and Rafting Association the competitions were open to all teams including tourists. TOP
NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (India)
CENTRE GRANTS LONG–TERM VISAS TO TOURISTS FROM 18 COUNTRIES: On November 30, the Centre announced the introduction of long-term visas, with a multiple entry facility, for nationals of 18 countries which include France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Vietnam. The visas will have a validity of 5 years with a stipulation that continuous stay in the country will not be more than 90 days.
CEMETERY TOURISM COMES TO INDIA: There is a rush from Britons to see cemeteries of their forefathers dating back to the British Raj. Next year is the 150th anniversary of the 1st war for Independence (Sepoy Mutiny) 1857. British tour operators are planning to send tourists to see graves of Britons buried in the garrisons, cantonments and towns in Northern India.
ARUN NANYAR & LIZ HURLEY TO TIE THE KNOT IN UDAIPUR IN FEBRUARY: British actress. Elizabeth Hurley, will marry Indian businessman, Arun Nayar in February next year at the 18th Century Devigarh Fort Palace in Udaipur. The wedding is expected to involve camels, elephants and exchange of vows at a specially erected Mandap.
CAMEL MILK ICE CREAM LAUNCHED IN RAJASTHAN: Camel milk ice cream in Kesar (saffron) and Strawberry Vanilla flavors is now available in Rajasthan. An Italian researcher Tommaso Sbriccoli said it compared favorably with Italian gelato.
ADVENTURE ISLAND OPENED ON 14 NOVEMBER, DELHI: Adventure Island, a part of the Rohini Amusement Park project opened to the public on 14 November with an array of brand new international rides. Spread over 62 acres, it is Delhi’s first theme park. Designed by Toronto based architects the park will have a fairy tale look. The rides are being supplied by the same manufactures who supply to Disney, Universal Studios and Six Flags.
RAILWAYS TO START OFF 6 LUXURY TRAINS: Now that Rajasthan’s Palace on Wheels is a sell out with tourists, the Railways are planning to start 6 more luxury trains. In the south, the Southern Splendor will cover Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala tourist spots in a 10-day trip. A Karnataka luxury train will cover Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan, Hospet, Hubli, and Goa. The north will have the Punjab Palace on Wheels and a Delhi-Simla luxury train. A luxury train from Bombay to Calcutta via Jaipur, Agra and Gaya will take 12 days.
IMPROVED TRAIN TRAVEL IN INDIA: The Indian Railways is planning to launch a fully air-conditioned service covering the Buddhist circuit to target visitors primarily from South-East Asia in Jan’06. These trains will be more affordable, based on the concept of tourist trains like Palace on Wheels. The train will cover shrines like Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Rajgir, Sanchi, Ajanta and Ellora on its weeklong tour originating in Delhi. TOP
NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (International) NAVY’S SKI TEAM SET TO CONQUER SOUTH POLE: “Mission Dakshin Dhruv” was flagged off by the Naval Chief. A team of 10 Indian Navy adventurers have set out in early December for the South Pole and will return to Delhi on 10 January 2007.
INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN JAIPUR FILM CITY PROJECT: International firms are evincing an interest in setting up a film city on the outskirts of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Film production companies from Australia, Singapore and Los Angeles are amongst those who have put forth their proposals. The project is likely to be completed in 3 phases which will include studios, animation and gaming facilities, an art and media college, five/three star resorts, a convention center, theme parks, recreational centers, historical and nature museums and preservation archives.
CHINA’S FIRST COUPLE TAKE IN THE SIGHTS OF DELHI-AGRA: While President Hu jin Tao went about his official talks during his India visit, First Lady Liu Yongquing visited Rajghat, Qutab Minar and the National Museum to see the Buddhist and Chinese exhibits there. Besides Taj Mahal in Agra, they stopped to visit the Kotnis family in Mumbai. Dr Kotnis, a brave doctor saved the lives of many Chinese soldiers during the Japanese invasion of China 1937-45 and is gratefully remembered by China.
SCION OF GERMAN CAR COMPANY MAYBACH MET A 1936 MAYBACH: Over a century after it first made its mark in the motoring world, a scion of the famous car company Maybach came face to face with another Maybach, this one on wheels. Ulrich Schmid saw the 1937 six cylinder Maybach SW 38 in Ahmedabad, only one of 150 of which remains today. It was designed by his grandfather Karl Maybach. San Francisco based Ulrich’s great grandfather, Wilhelm Maybach, was Mercedes Benz’s chief designer, who created the first Mercedes car in the early 1900s. TOP LUCKNOW YOUNGSTER PLAYS 7 FT LONG FLUTE: A 15 year old boy, Salkeen Ahmed Khan, from Lucknow has made it to the Limca Book of Records for his skills as a flautist on a 7-foot long windpipe flute. Naming his flute ‘Krishna Murali Missile’ because of its missile shape and his dedication to Lord Krishna, Salkeen has now set his eyes on the Guinness Book of World Records. TOP WATER DIGEST AWARDS: NGOs Planet Kerala and Enviro Vigil bagged the prestigious Water Digest Awards for its work on revival of water resources and water education. The award is instituted by the international magazine “Water Digest” in collaboration with UNESCO.
KAZIRANGA’S RHINO FIGHTS BACK WITH VILLAGER’S SUPPORT: The rhino in Khaziranga National Park is getting a new lease of life. The 430 sq km park is now home to the single largest population of one-horned rhinos in the world. A series of anti-poaching awareness camps, set up by the Park authorities, have won over the villagers to this cause. Intensive protection mechanisms and better intelligence network and support of the villagers have reduced poaching to a large extent.
UNIQUE MOBILE CLINICS FOR ELEPHANTS: A Project – free health check-up for captive elephants, conceptualized by a team of vets, have set up a mobile health clinic in Kerala, to perform all relevant lab tests which are otherwise not possible in field conditions. A health card is issued for each elephant. The success of this project is now evincing interest in elephant owners in neighbouring states. HORSE ON SALE AT PUSHKAR FOR RS. 2.5 MILLION: The Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan this year had a unique feature – the sale of ‘Sultan’ – a stallion, which was put on sale for Rs. 2.5million (approx. US$ 57000). Sultan is said to have all the nine parameters expected in an ideal horse. Sultan is 70 inches tall, has beautiful eyes, hair and a stately walk which have all made him a Bollywood favourite. TOP GOA GOVT TO DEVELOP BACKWATER TOURISM: In order to give a boost to the state tourism industry, four steel jetties on piles with wooden flooring, of the kind which is constructed behind the Kala Academy for IFFI, would be erected around the state, including one each in the city and at Old Goa. These jetties would largely help the yachts and sailing boats which travel along the Goan coast for a stopover and rest. The present jetty behind Kala Academy has a ramp length of 61 meters and that of the jetty 38 met. with a minimum draft of 2 meters. INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA, GOA (23 Nov - 03 Dec): The 37th International Film Festival of India got off to a grand and glitzy start at Campal, Panjim, Goa with a carnival parade and air display. Inaugurated by Shashi Kapoor, the function was graced by the presence of several national and international film personalities. The festival showcased 200 films from India and abroad in various categories, with China bagging the first prize in the competition section. A Documentary Film Festival is likely to be held between February-March 2007 and a Competitive Children’s Film Festival is also likely in 2008. GOVT. LIKELY TO DEVELOP FILM CITY: As an offshoot of the IFFI, the Government of Goa has plans on the anvil to develop a Film City in Goa and make the State an entertainment hub and as a focal point for offshore work in the film entertainment space. ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S FEAST ON 03 DEC: Thousands of devotees, Christian and non-Christian thronged to Old Goa to pay tribute to Goa most revered saint, St. Francis Xavier on December 3, 2006, whose remains are at the World Heritage site - The Bom Jesus Basilica. A large fair surrounding the premises of the Basilica added to the festivities. GOLDSHIELD TO OPEN WELLBEING RESORT IN RAIA: Goldshield Group Plc, Britain has laid the foundation stone for a health resort in Raia. The resort will comprise a luxury hotel, medical center and spa for people who want to combine their well being needs with a luxury holiday. Wellbeing has two medical centers in India, one in Mumbai and the other in Ahmedabad with plans for a Wellbeing Hospital to come up in South Goa.TOP
Just Answer Five Simple Questions to win a book on India:
1) Which airline has recently been granted the landing rights in the USA? a. Sahara Airlines b. Jet Airways c. Kingfisher Airlines d. Indian
2) Where is the Goldshield Wellbeing resort coming up? a. Chennai c. Kolkatta b. Ahmedabad d. Raia, Goa
3) Where was the International Film Festival of India held this year? a. Goa c. Madurai b. Delhi d. Bangalore
4) Which mobile company in India has commenced SMS airline bookings? a. Airtel c Reliance b. Idea d. Hutch
5) What is the Indian name of the ‘horse dance’ held at the Puri Festival? a. Kunbi dance c. Godha Nacha b. Ranappa d. Chadheiva
ANSWERS OF LAST CONTEST:
1) Who is the new owner of Air Slovakia? c. Harjinder Singh Sidhu
2) Where is the Pet Club ‘Bow Wow’ being opened c. Gurgaon
3) Where is the Arab Dhow (‘URU’) being made popular in India? a. Kerala
4) Where is India’s 100% Eco Resort located? b. Hessarghatta
5) Which is the third highest mountain in the world? d. Mt. Kanchenjunga LAST DATE: 10 JAN’07 to send your entries at the email address pmaurya@vsnl.net or pmaurya@indiainvites.com WINNER OF LAST CONTEST: There were quiet a few all-correct answers, however is the lucky winner out of the lot is Dr. Anita Govindjee, USA! Warm congratulations! The other people with all correct entries are: Ms. Goh Li Yong Doreen, Singapore and Mrs. Damiana Fili, Italy. We thank all of you for your participation – better luck next time!!! TOP |
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DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is currently being sent to about 4500 select tour operators, individuals, friends, tourist offices, hotels and other organizations. The news contents of this are compiled through various resources, newsletters, magazines, newspapers, books, etc and are being customized to suit our needs of balanced information in tourism and its related field. The newsletter itself does not carry any commercial value and the sole purpose is to increase the awareness and disseminate the available information in a fast manner to the people concerned in the trade. We try to provide the news as authentic and correct as possible, however, there might be errors sometimes. TOP |