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Monthly Tourism Newsletter from India |
February 2007 |
| Permanent Feature - GOA | Contest |
| Special Feature | |
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Greetings from lovely Goa! This season an abundance of fairs and festivals around the country has thrown open the fascinating kaleidoscope of India’s cultural heritage to the world. The biggest attraction thus far has been the Ardh Kumbh Fair at Allahabad in January. In the past year, India has achieved a significant growth of around 15 percent of foreign arrivals with a corresponding increase in foreign exchange earnings of about 14.6 per cent. This surge has been attributed to the economic boom in India with the availability of better and cheaper travel options together with attractive package deals for new destinations and revamping of its hospitality infrastructure in terms of upgraded or new airports, additional aircraft and more direct route flights, better ground surface transportation and hotels. Domestic tourism is not lagging too far behind either. Sensing its growing potential the government is now offering special packages to Indian travelers within the country. However, it is also the brilliant packaging of the country under the "Incredible India" campaign that is drawing millions of foreign tourists to the country. The campaign is built around the brand proposition of "India as a path to ananda" ("wellness, bliss and contentment" in Sanskrit). In fact, the hope of reviving the old Indian charm, locomotive steam engines or ‘Chuk Chuks’ are being brought back to the tracks. We moan the passing away of renowned travel writer Rabindra Seth early this year. His literary contribution to Indian tourism has positively influenced the role of tourism in our country. Happy reading & See you in India! |
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AIRLINES UPDATEJET AIRWAYS COMMENCES BANGKOK-CALCUTTA FLIGHT: Jet Airways started operations on the Bangkok-Calcutta route from January 30. The flight arrives in Calcutta at 1020 am and takes off at 1150 am. The airline is offering an inaugural price of Rs 6500 (approx US$ 148) plus taxes, for a round trip. SPICJET’S DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN GOA-CALCUTTA: SpiceJet is also planning to introduce non-stop flights between Calcutta and Goa from the winter of 2007. (ETD 12 noon ETA 1430 hrs) The airline has further announced the launch of the airline’s Calcutta-Hyderabad daily flight from February 4 (ETD 1415 hrs ETA 1615 hrs). A Boeing 737-800 series aircraft with an all economy class, which can seat up to 189 passengers will be deployed on this route. The airline also plans to fly to Jaipur and Ahmedabad from Calcutta in a few months. SPICEJET LAUNCHES WEB CHECK-IN: Low-cost airline SpiceJet has started Web check-in for passengers flying from Delhi. To avail of this facility a passenger would need a valid photo identity such as a passport or driving license. The Web check-in does not entertain cancellation or modification requests once the passenger uses the facility and will not be available to passengers travelling with infants, passengers using wheel chairs and unaccompanied minors. KINGFISHER IMPLEMENTS SABRE AIRLINE SOLUTIONS: Kingfisher Airlines has engaged Sabre Airline Solutions to provide a full suite of more than 20 enterprise applications to enhance its guest processing functions, passenger reservations and departure control systems. Kingfisher Airlines is also among the first in India to offer the latest range of check-in options to its guests, including ''Web check-in'' facilities and ''Roving agents'' that use mobile devices. NEW AIRPORT FOR MYSORE BY JANUARY 2009: Mysore Airport is setting up a new airport which is likely to be ready in a couple of years. To be located at Mandakalli, the airport will initially cater to ATRs but will later be enhanced to handle both Boeing and Airbus aircrafts. Its terminal building will accommodate 200 passengers, two runways measuring 1740 metres and 1350 metres, respectively, a taxiway peripheral road, a boundary wall, a technical block-cum-control tower, a fire station, parking lot and electricity sub station. It would also have night landing facilities. The full-fledged airport when ready would be located in a 511 acre land. AIR INDIA EXPRESS TO START FLIGHTS FROM MUSCAT TO MANGALORE: Budget airline Air-India Express will start flights from Muscat to Mangalore in Karnataka from February 15. There will be two flights a week to Mangalore on Thursday and Saturday. It presently operates flights between Mumbai and Muscat, and Delhi and Muscat, via Abu Dhabi, with Airbus 310s aircraft. The budget airline presently has 55 flights out of Kerala to destinations in the Gulf. INDIAN PLANS TO FLY TO GUANGZHOU, MELBOURNE: The state-owned carrier Indian will provide another direct air link between India and China. The carrier has short listed Guangzhou to start regular operations between the two nations, with its A-320 aircraft. The airline is also looking at the possibility of operating flights to Melbourne later this year. Initially, they will operate four times a week and increase the frequency to a daily service when the airline receives more aircraft. MORE FLIGHTS FROM SRILANKA: Srilankan Airlines hopes to launch 100 flights per week to India, creating an India centric focus with double daily flights to Mumbai from February. The double-daily service will allow passengers rapid connections in Colombo to Europe, Middle East, Far East and the Maldives. The airline is also looking at raising the number of flights to 10 major cities in India by 94 flights per week. These will include a daily flight to Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad and two flights to Goa. QATAR AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES HUGE EXPANSION IN INDIA: Beginning April 2007, Chennai and Ahmedabad will join Qatar Airways’ Indian network. Chennai and Ahmedabad, will each be served with seven flights a week from the start of the Summer 2007 flying season. With immediate effect, the Doha-based carrier has been granted rights by the Indian government to increase capacity to Mumbai and Trivandrum with its bigger, state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraft – almost doubling the number of seats on both routes, each served daily. The Cochin and Hyderabad flights will see frequency increase by two and three flights, respectively, to give both cities a daily operation. The airline will now serve India with 49 flights a week. SINGAPORE AIRLINES VOTED THE BEST AIRLINE TO THE FAR EAST AND PACIFIC: Readers of a leading German travel magazine Business Traveler Germany have voted Singapore Airlines as the “Best Airline to the Far East and the Pacific (Overall)”. The Airline was also voted as the winner in the following categories: Safety, Cabin Crew, Cabin Comfort, Cabin Appearance, and Catering. CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES DIRECT SERVICE TO NEPAL: China Southern Airlines has launched twice weekly, direct services between Kathmandu, Nepal and Guangzhou. This service will be operated every Monday and Friday from the new Guangzhou International Airport and Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), with a Boeing 757-200 aircraft. ITALY’S EUROFLY STARTS ROME-DELHI-ROME SERVICES: Eurofly has commenced its Rome-Delhi- Rome services from 15 January. The Italian Ambassador hosted an evening to showcase the airline in Delhi. TOP HOTELS NEWSTHE CLUB AT THE LEELA PALACE IN GOA: One of the most beautiful beach resorts opened in December 2006 at Goa. A walled palatial haven on 75 landscaped tropical gardens. The Club is situated in an enclave adjacent to the main resort property, and features 15 one-bedroom suites, six with a private plunge pool. Each suite provides a spacious living room and bedroom, with lifestyle interior design creating an open environment, a 25 meter swimming pool and separate beach area, as well as personal butler service for each suite. Amenities in each suite include a Jura Espresso Machine, Bose CD player, LCD and flat screen television, cable programming and a DVD player. A full mini-bar and Club beverages, breakfast in the suite or at The Club lounge, afternoon tea and snacks, evening cocktails, plus daily dry cleaning and laundry service and two-way airport transfers are all provided without charge. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL TO OPEN THREE HOTELS IN PUNE: Marriott International will manage three hotels representing 833 new luxury deluxe and upper-moderate quality guest rooms in Pune, which are scheduled to open over the next three years. As per the plans, a 153-room ''Courtyard'' by Marriott West will open in 2008 at Pune in the upper-moderate Tier, while a 250-room ''J W Marriott'' Hotel is being planned in the luxury segment scheduled to open in 2009. Besides, a 430-room Pune Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in the upscale, deluxe Tier is scheduled to open in 2010. JW Marriott Hotel Pune would be a part of 13 acres, mixed use project, that includes four office towers while the Pune Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre & Courtyard would have office and retail space.
TAJ HOTELS, RESORTS AND PALACES TAKES OVER RITZ: Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, part of India’s premier business house, the Tata Group, with 76 luxury hotels worldwide, unfurled its distinctive white-and-gold flag over the 80-year-old classic Beaux Arts hotel facing the Boston Public Garden. The 273-room hotel officially became the Taj Boston at the ceremonial handover.
BERGGRUEN HOTELS TO LAUNCH A CHAIN OF BUDGET HOTELS IN INDIA: Berggruen Hotels, a new hotel venture backed by Berggruen Holdings, will launch their new brand of boutique budget hotels, ‘Keys’ in India, Berggruen Hotels will build a minimum of 38 hotels in the next five years in India. Twenty four sites are in active negotiation, and the launch of the first hotel is scheduled for June 2008.
FORTUNE PARK BELLA CASA OPENED ITS PROPERTY IN JAIPUR: Fortune Park Hotels, the wholly owned subsidiary of ITC, now has a splendid new property at Jaipur - Fortune Park Bella Casa. Located near the commercial hub of Jaipur, it is part of the prestigious Cityplex Building, which also houses the First Cinema and the Mall. Designed to cater to today’s discerning global travelers, Fortune Bella Casa, offers 56 well-appointed rooms in two categories – Standard and Fortune Club. ATRIUM HOTEL & CONFERENCING OPENS ITS SURAJKUND PROPERTY: Atrium Hotel and Conferencing has opened its property in the majestic surroundings of Surajkund on the eve of world famous Surajkund Mela. Atrium caters to the needs of both business class and the leisure holiday seeker. The hotel has 100 rooms. GUPTA GROUP - HILLWOOD JV FLOAT INOVOA HOTELS AND RESORTS: The Gupta Group, developers of Choice Hotels India, Asian Hotels and Edenpark Hotels, has announced the launching of a new company, Inovoa Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with US-based real estate company – Hillwood. The joint venture will exclusively develop and promote the Clarion brand of Hotels in India and will initially develop three 150-room Clarion Hotels in Bangalore, Pune and the NCR-Delhi. THE MBD GROUP LAUNCHES MBD ZEPHYR, A MIX-USE LIFESTYLE DESTINATION, IN BANGALORE: The MBD Group, enriched by a diversified portfolio of publishing, hospitality, real estate, Mall development and management, is all set to launch MBD Zephyr, a mix-use lifestyle destination entailing luxury hotel, luxury and premium retail and entertainment at Whitefield, Bangalore. By launching MBD Zephyr, the group amalgamates three distinct entities — hospitality, retail and entertainment — into one unique destination. TOP “JALLIKATTU”: RUNNING OF THE BULLS IN MADURAI (TAMIL NADU) DURING PONGAL: On the outskirts of Madurai in Palemedu challengers came forward to tackle raging bulls during the start of the Jallikatu festival on 16 January. Jallikatu is an ancient sporting event of Tamil Nadu which takes place during the festive season of Pongal and rivals the running of the Bulls in Pampalona (Spain). The best known venue is Alanganallur (Madurai district) where many get gored by the bulls. This year a 2 tier barricade in the village square separated the viewer’s gallery, making it a tame affair. SURAJ KUND MELA 1-15 FEBRUARY TO HAVE ANDHRA PRADESH AS THEME STATE: The 21st Suraj Kund Craft Mela was held just outside Delhi as usual from 01-15 February where the theme focus was on Andhra Pradesh arts craft, cuisine and culture. KUMBH MELA AT ALLAHABAD: About 70 million Hindus converged in Allahabad between 11 -17 January for a dip in the holy Ganges River for the Ardh-Kumbh. The event called the ''Ardh Kumbh Mela'' or the Half-Pitcher Festival falls midway between the ''Maha Kumbh Mela'' - the Great Pitcher Festival, celebrated once every 12 years. Hindus believe bathing in the Ganges during the festivals cleanses them of sin, speeding the way to the end of reincarnation in this world and the attainment of nirvana, or the afterlife. KUMBH PILGRIMS TAKE HOME DIGITAL MEMORIES: In addition to ‘Gangajal’ vermillion and photo albums, digital keepsakes are becoming increasingly popular with the pilgrims. At least 15 different VCDs, which unfold glimpses of Ardh Kumbh 2007 as well as narratives of the journey of Goddess Ganga from Gomukh to Gangasagar, have turned best-sellers among the pilgrims. ARUNACHAL CELEBRATES SIANG RIVER FESTIVAL: The Siang River, known as the Tsangpo in Tibet and Brahmaputra further down in Assam, is one of the largest rivers in the world. The Siang River Festival was held at various locations along the Siang Valley at Tuting, Yingkiong, Pasighat, Aalo and Mechuka. Besides River rafting, angling and kayaking there was a mountain marathon and traditional sports. Folk Dances, an orchid show and a food festival spiced up the festivities. UNIQUE PHENOMENON IN SOUTH BANGALORE TEMPLE EVERY MAKAR SAKRANTI: The Sankranti (14/15 January) “Sunbeam” is an annual occurrence at the ancient Gavi Gangareshwara temple in South Bangalore. On Sankranti a beam of sun rays passes through the 2 windows to the south of the cave facing the temple and slides down through the horns of the statue of Shiva’s Nandi bull and touches the lingam. Then the sunbeam fades away. The sun’s rays do not enter the temple on any other day in this way but only around the winter solstice. THE ANOINTING OF LORD BAHUBALI IN RATNAGAIRI HILLS: The ritualistic extravaganza of Mahamasthakabhishekha (anointing) of Lord Bhaubali began at the Ratnagiri Hills Temple town Dharmashala on 1 February with 504 “kalash” (pots). The Mahamasthakabhishekha takes place once every 12 years, to pray for world peace and communal amity and cleansing of soul and mind. The grandeur of anointing with 1008 “Kalash” was witnessed on 2 and 3 February. A Cultural program and a Poet’s Meet were also held during the festival. MAHABALIPURAM DANCE FESTIVAL: The Dance Festival in the town of the famous Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram started 29 December 2006 and ended on 28th January. Being performed at the site of “Arjuna’s Penance” performances took place only on Fridays Saturdays, Sundays and Government holidays. INDIA CELEBRATES LIFE SUSTAINING HARVEST WITH FESTIVALS GALORE: Lohri (13 January) was celebrated all over Punjab, Haryana and Himachal with bonfires, music and dance. Gujarat and Rajasthan celebrated the moving of the sun to the northern hemisphere – Uttarayan, on Makar Sankranti (15 January) with gifts and flying of kites. The people of Uttar Pradesh celebrated “Khichri” by taking a dip in the holy rivers on this day. The Ardh Kumbh Mela in Allahabad saw a record of 3000000 persons brave the cold to take a dip. On Makar Sankranti, Bengal held a mela at Ganga Sagar where the Ganges meets the sea. Andhra and Tamil Nadu, celebrated the rice harvest with Pongal (15 January) as a three day festival. Maharashtra celebrated with sweets made of “til” (sesamee seeds) and the tribals of Orissa celebrated Makar Sankranti as their New Years day and Assam celebrated it as Bhogali Bihu. NATIONAL FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL LOK TARANG HELD IN JANUARY 2007 IN DELHI: A six-day National Folk Dance Festival – Lok Tarang organized by the Ministry of Culture was held on 24th January and inaugurated by the President of India at the Taalkatora Indoor Stadium. Forty two folk dances from twenty nine states and two union territories with approximately 800 dancers performed at Taalkatora Stadium and other places in Delhi till 29th January. The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of lamps to invoke the Agni (fire). The festival witnessed dances by male and female artistes separately as also folk dances relating to martial arts, the tribal dances, drum dances, mask dances and fire dances. TEA AND TOURISM FESTIVAL, COONOOR: A two-day ''tea and tourism festival, 2007'' got underway at the open air stadium near the government botanical gardens on February 3 at Coonoor. ''Romance with tea'' was the festival theme. Tea stalls were set up where tourists could taste and buy different flavours of Nilgiri tea. One lakh (100000) Nilgiri tea sachets were distributed free of cost to visiting tourists. Besides, several entertainment and cultural programmes were held. TOP NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (India)REPUBLIC DAY PARADE ON 26 JAN (58th anniversary), NEW DELHI, SHOWCASED THE COUNTRY’S VIBRANT CULTURAL HERITAGE: Kaleidoscopic images of India's rich cultural diversity and its military might unfolded at the majestic Rajpath as the nation celebrated the 58th Republic Day with President A P J Abdul Kalam taking the salute from marching contingents. The annual extravaganza was watched by the Chief Guest, Russian President, Vladimir Putin and other dignitaries. The cultural pageant, comprising tableaux of 18 States and eight ministries, depicted themes varying from natural beauty to traditional crafts and festivals. Our little heroes who won the national bravery awards arrived riding on elephants. INCREDIBLE INDIA VISA GREAT BREAKS PROGRAMME: The Ministry of Tourism launched Incredible India Visa Great Breaks programme in collaboration with Visa International to promote India as preferred travel destination. The programme would provide tourists with direct access to merchants thereby helping them to plan their visit more effectively. KERALA TOPS THE LIST WITH THREE NATIONAL TOURISM AWARDS: The Union Ministry for Tourism and Culture, on the eve of Republic Day gave away the National Tourism awards to the travel industry’s top players. Awards were given for 23 categories besides awards for meritorious students of Institute of Hotel Management and the Indian Institute of Travel & Tourism Management. Meanwhile, Kerala Tourism topped the list of awardees by bagging three awards. The three awards being Best State, Best Innovative Use of Information Technology and Best Rural Tourism Project, which it shared with Orissa. PATA TO LAUNCH 'TOTAL TOURISM INDIA' REPORT IN NEW DELHI ON FEBRUARY 22: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will be launching the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre's ‘Total Tourism India’ report on February 22, 2007 at New Delhi. To coincide with the report launch, a ‘Total Tourism India Seminar’ will focus on India's inbound, outbound and domestic tourism flows. RAJ TRAVELS AND GRAY LINE TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF ROAD TRAVEL FOR TOURISTS: Providing comfort and high quality in over 200 countries across 6 continents, Gray Line Worldwide has now come to India. In a tie up with Raj Travels and Tours, Gray Line is set to provide the same level of comfort and quality to tourists in India using Volvo buses with trained tour guides. The tour service (priced at $20) has already commenced operations in Delhi Bangalore and Bombay and will shortly commence operations in Cochin, Chennai, Agra, Jaipur and Goa. THAR EXPRESS LIKELY TO RESTART BY MID-FEBRUARY: The Thar Express is likely to restart its run by mid-February after the train's movement between India and Pakistan was disrupted since August due to rain waterlogging in Barmer district. BUDDHIST SPECIAL TRAIN TO START ON MARCH 28: After the success of the Bharat Darshan special trains, the Indian Railways will now commence a Buddhist special train (Bodh Pari Karma Train), the Mahaparinirvan Express on March 28, 2007, from New Delhi, to attract Buddhist pilgrims across the country, It will commence its journey from New Delhi and visit several places of historical importance like Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Gonda, Agra and then return back to New Delhi. During its fortnight-long trip, pilgrims will also have an opportunity to visit the famous Buddhist place Lumbini in Nepal. The train will be fitted with 18 berths in AC first, 92 in AC second and 256 in AC three-tier and will offer Special packages at Rs 5,280 ($140 in AC First), Rs 3,960 ($98 in AC Second) and Rs 3,520 ($80 in AC Sleeper) respectively, per day. The package would include plush accommodation in hotels, well catered meals, road transport by luxury buses and guides during visit to these places. ANOTHER PALACE ON WHEELS COMING UP IN RAJASTHAN: Tourists headed for Rajasthan can look forward to yet another royal train ride, Palace on Wheels-2, by October this year. This could be a far classier fare with exclusive facilities ranging from dance floor to a massage centre and conference halls. It will run on the same route as the existing one, covering Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Udaipur and Agra, on a seven-night tour starting and ending in New Delhi. The 21-coach train would also have special suites, foreign exchange counters, exclusive kitchens, mini bars, a gym, channel music and steam bath. In its three exclusive suites, every window has been designed in the form of a viewing gallery. Its security system will include fire alarms and close-circuit TVs. RAILWAYS INCREASE RESERVATION TIME LIMIT: With effect from March 1, 2007 the Railways have decided to increase the advance reservation period from 60 to 90 days (excl. date of journey) for three months on an experimental basis. However, there will be no change in case of certain daytime express trains like Taj Express and Gomti Express, where lower time limits for advance reservations are presently in force. Similarly, there will be no change in the case of the limit of 360 days for foreign tourists. STEAM ENGINES MAKE A COME BACK IN CAPITAL: New Delhi will soon see the re-introduction of steam engines. Delhi Tourism will deploy some 15 steam locomotive engines known as ‘Chuk Chuks’ which will ferry tourists in and around Delhi under specially designed packages. One train that will be introduced between Delhi and Alwar is the Fairy Queen. Built in 1855, the train holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's oldest train in working condition. WAXWORK OF ACTOR SHAH RUKH KHAN FOR MADAME TUSSAUDS HALL OF FAME: Come April, a wax figure of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan will be added to Madame Tussauds wax museum repertoire of Bollywood stars. The wax work of “King Khan” as he is called will stand in its Hall of Fame. AJEET BAJAJ FIRST INDIAN TO REACH NORTH POLE: Ajeet Bajaj is the first Indian to ski to the North Pole in a 14-day expedition. Ajeet was accompanied by three Americans and a Swiss national. He has also earned the distinction of being the first Asian to have rafted and kayaked some of the most challenging rivers in six continents of the world. He has won a bronze medal in the national games for kayaking and one silver and two bronze medals in international rafting competitions in Switzerland and Siberia. He has captained an international team at the world whitewater championships in Turkey and has a lot of first descents of Indian rivers to his credit. FIRST WORLD CONVENTION ON SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY 14 JANUARY: The 1st World Science and Spirituality Conference and 4th International Vedic Convention was inaugurated on 14 January by the Ministry of Tourism together with the internationally renowned “chicken soup for the soul guru” Dr Deepak Chopra in Delhi. India is not only offering information technology to the world but “soul curry” as well with yoga and ayurveda becoming increasingly popular. TWELVE WOMEN TREK ACROSS 2000 KM IN THE THAR DESERT: In an “Operation Desert Storm” with a difference, 12 women led by mountaineer, Bachendri Pal are trekking across 2000 km in the Thar Desert on a 36 day safari. It will be a first for Indian women. The safari, entirely on foot, began in Bhuj (Gujarat) on 14 January and will travel through the Ranna of Kutch, the Thar Desert, through the Plains of Punjab and will end at Wagah on 20 February. KASHMIR TO EMULATE HOLLAND AND PLANT TULIPS ALONG DAL LAKE: In a bid to attract more tourists, over 3.5 lakh tulips have been planted on the banks of the Dal Lake in a park running into several acres which should be in full bloom by next year. MAKING AGRA’S SERVICE PROVIDERS TOURIST FRIENDLY: Dhaba owners, and rickshaw pullers, coolies and policemen in the Taj Mahal are being imparted lessons by trained hotel personnel, in hygiene and hospitality to provide a more tourist friendly service. Over 30 owners or ''dhabas'', or local roadside eateries, attended a daylong programme where they were taught basic cleanliness and hygiene lessons by chefs and front office managers of reputed hotels. The training programme, an initiative of the tourism ministry, was held at the Yamuna View hotel. KERALA NOW BEGGAR FREE: Capping on a year long campaign by the government and voluntary organizations, Thiruvananthapuram has been declared Kerala’s first city free of child beggars. These children have been rehabilitated where state appointed agencies are providing them with food, shelter and education. The government has planned to set up child help lines in four districts immediately and take the campaign to other major cities in the State. PHOTO GUIDE ON CALCUTTA’S BIRDS RELEASED: A serving railway officer, J.M. Garg, has created a comprehensive guide to the Birds of Calcutta using almost 70% of the photographs taken by him. It is a collection of 112 species. The book is a labour of love and a non commercial venture. TOURISM AUSTRALIA TO OPEN OFFICE IN INDIA: Tourism Australia will open a new office in Mumbai to take advantage of increasing tourism opportunities. A dedicated office will ensure that continuing marketing efforts will capture larger segments of Indian tourists. BRITISH TOURISM OPENS OFFICES IN BANGALORE AND BOMBAY: Besides in Delhi, the British Tourism Authority, now renamed VisitBritain (VB) has opened representative offices in Bangalore and Bombay. The focus will be on wooing tourists from these areas. TOP NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (International) SUNITA WILLIAMS SETS SPACE WALKING RECORD: Indian American astronaut, Sunita Williams, created a world record when she became the world’s most experienced woman space walker this January with a total of 4 space walks. She also has the distinction of being the first person of Indian descent to take a stroll in space. Williams is a flight engineer with NASA. OLAF VAN CLEEF DISPLAYS HIS ART IN CALCUTTA: Olaf Van Cleef spent 26 years dabbling in jewellery for the famed house of Cartier in Paris. He subsequently turned to painting and is displaying 55 of his works in Calcutta. He has made 43 trips to India and is a self-confessed Indophile. THE 26TH EDITION OF WILDSCREEN INAUGURATED ON 19 JANUARY IN THE CAPITAL: The 26th edition of the Wildscreen film festival was held for the first time in India on 19 January. After 3 days in Delhi, the festival travelled to Calcutta, Madras and Pune. Award winning filmmakers who have worked on the BBC’s Planet Earth series also visited during the festival. The renowned primatologist, Dr Jane Goodall, was in the capital as part of the delegation of the world’s leading primatologist. HANCOCK AND SHORTER BRING ALIVE MAGIC OF JAZZ: Part of Miles Davis’s legendary quintet Herbie Hancock (piano) and saxophonist Wayne Shorter seemed to bring the 60’s into the auditorium where they played on 16 January in New Delhi. Anoushka Shanker (Sitarist Ravi Shanker’s daughter) surprised the audience when she walked in and accompanied the musicians. ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU RECEIVES GANDHI PEACE PRIZE: Archbishop Desmond Tutu who played a key role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa was awarded the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize by President Abdul Kalam on January 31. The award carried a cash prize of Rs. 1 crore (US$ 227273) and a citation was also conferred on him. RENOWNED LATINO POP SINGER RICKY MARTIN FASCINATED WITH JAIPUR: On a visit to the Pink City to perform for a wedding in early February, Latino Pop sensation Ricky Martin was fascinated with the historical sites of the city. He visited the famous Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jaigarh Fort.
SOUTH AFRICA TOURISM ORGANISES ROAD SHOWS IN INDIAN CITIES: South Africa Tourism organised a road show in Delhi recently to facilitate meetings between the travel fraternity of South Africa and India. Four out of nine provinces of South Africa participated in the road show, but their aim was to promote South Africa as a single destination rather than promoting their individual provinces separately. Prior to the Delhi show, SAT had similar shows in Chennai and Mumbai also. TOP KERALA PARK IN MEMORY OF STEVE IRWIN TO HOST RARE CROCODILES: Set up over one hectare, a Park, in the memory of Australian Conservationist, Steve Irwin, is coming up at the Neyyar Dam in Trivandrum district. It will have an initial population of 45 mugger crocodiles and a rare estuarine variety, which were rescued from a beach near Varkala in 2006. The Park will have an open enclosure for the inhabitants to live in natural conditions. JUNGLE DRUMS: Junglemantra at Bandhavgarh National Park held its first ‘Operational Christmas’ in December 2006, with an emphasis on eco-Christmas. A little Lime tree decorated with painted egg-shells held place of pride as the organic Christmas tree. Guests there enthusiastically helped to make a papier mache nativity set from old news papers. MEDICAL WORKSHOPS: In an effort to educate the villagers on medical issues, Junglemantra is now offering a flat 10% discount to Indian Doctors on their gross bill amount in lieu of which they donate a couple of hours of their vacation time to hold workshops on health & hygiene, first aid, basic mother and child care. AN OLD AGE HOME FOR CATS & DOGS: An animal lover in Chennai has set up an old age home cum permanent shelter for abandoned cats and dogs at Injambakkam. The home has an area of about 4000 sq ft and presently houses 80 dogs and cats, with separate enclosures for both. There is also a pet cemetery. It also acts as a temporary shelter for dogs and cats whose owners have to go away for a short while. This old age home follows on the heels of a temporary shelter ‘Benji’s Dog Academy’ he had set up eight years ago. ORISSA’S OLIVE RIDLEYS TO BE FITTED WITH TRANSMITTERS: About 70 Olive Ridley sea turtles at three major nesting sites in Orissa – Gahirmatha, Devi and Rushikulya- are soon to be fitted with platform transmitter terminals. While these transmitters will act as a safety net by keeping a track of their movements, it will enable scientists to carry out research on various aspects of the turtles for the next three years. ORISSA’S CRAFTSMAN RAISES AWARNESS ABOUT OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES: In a bid to create awareness amongst the people to save the Olive Ridley turtles, famed craftsman, Sudarshan Patnaik together, with his Golden Sand Art Institute students, crafted hundreds of turtles on the beach, to highlight the importance and need of these sea creatures in our environment.
CAMERAS TRAP ELUSIVE CATS IN VALMIKI: Researchers have installed about a dozen hidden camera traps, in the past two years, in the reserve to study animal activities which will help them to take conservation steps. The camera works on a simple principle – as soon as the heat sensor in the camera registers a temperature difference - due to the movement of objects in front - the shutter of the camera clicks - trapping the image on a 35 mm colour film. Besides a tiger and her two cubs, a leopard, sloth bear, large Indian civet, porcupine and a variety of deer species, were recorded by the camera traps. Valmiki, the 18th tiger reserve was opened in 1990. The Chitwan National Park in Nepal forms the northern boundary of the reserve – famous for the Great one-horned rhino. Rhinos have been known to migrate into the reserve from across the border. TOP THREE JHARKHAND ‘STAR GIRLS’ FIND PLACE IN UNICEF CALENDAR: Three tribal girls – Laxmirani Manji (international archer), Jyoti Rose Tirkey (news reader with State Doordarshan) and Suryamani Bhagat(a social activist protecting rights of the tribals and promoting their culture) feature in the World UNICEF calendar titled ‘Star Girls’. Born in the backwaters of Jharkhand, they managed to rise above their poverty to educate and establish themselves in different fields, thereby breaking the myth that tribal girls could only work as domestic help outside the state. They stand as an inspiration and beacon of hope to the other tribal girls of Jharkhand and the country at large. Nine girls from other states, viz. Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh also feature. TOP FAMED MUSICIAN REMO AWARDED PADMA SHRI: Internationally renowned Goan musician and singer and songwriter, Remo Fernandes, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri by the President of India for his tremendous contribution to different genres of music on an international platform. FONTAINHAS FESTIVAL OF ARTS 09 – 12 FEB: The Fontainhas Festival of the Arts 2007, in the precincts of the Mala Fontainhas – heritage zone, was thrown open by a performance by internationally renowned Goan singer, Remo Fernandes. The festival will have 67 artists including one each from Gujarat and Kerala, displaying their works of art along the lanes and streets of the Latin Quarter of Panjim and also in some of the heritage houses. The festival will also include regular public art lectures and interactive sessions and cultural shows every evening showcasing Goa’s folk and tribal dances. GRAPE ESCAPADE - WINE AND CUISINE FESTIVAL ON 13 FEB: A three-day wine and food festival opened at the Inox Courtyard in Panjim on February 13. The festival brings together international wine-makers and local patrons, hoteliers, entertainment professionals, fashion and food all under one roof, with a total of 12 wine stalls and eight food stall which participated this year. The festival will feature Australian and Argentinean wines alongside Indian spirits and wine-tasting sessions will be the highlight of the festival. Goan tribal and folk dancers and musicians performed during the three-day festival. PORTUGUESE PRESIDENT VISITS GOA: The President of the Republic of Portugal, Prof. Anibal Cavaco Silva visited Goa on January 12 on a State visit. He paid a special visit to the Old Goa church complex.
APPLE BRANDY CALVADOS COMES TO GOA:World's premier apple brandy, Calvados, will soon be available in India after an agreement was reached between the Tonia Agencies of Goa and the Calvados Christian Drouin Blends of Normandy, France. Calvados is produced by distilling apple and pear ciders and has to be aged in oak casks for at least two years. It is one of the most versatile spirits.
MONTE MUSIC FESTIVAL IN GOA JAN 27 – FEB 04: Conceived to bring together two great musical traditions that meet in Goa - Indian and Western - the Monte Music Festival concentrates on the highest musical forms produced by these two traditions - Classical Western and Classical Indian. The courtyard of Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte (Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount) makes a romantic setting for sunset performances. The festival featured fusion music and dance recitals by both local and Indian performers and a special performance by the Trinity College of UK. SATURDAY NIGHT BAZAR & APACHE INDIAN: Come Saturday and the traditional Saturday Night Bazar at Arpora in Goa comes alive with a flurry of activities. This weekly fare is a melting pot of cultures and is regarded as the right place where one can find a wide range of multi - coloured hammocks, shoes, bags, beads and T-shirts, multi cuisine stalls and antiques, but more importantly it caters to the varied palettes of music lovers who come from various parts of the country and world to enjoy holidays. CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA: The four-day carnival extravaganza, which precedes 40 days of Lent will kick start in the Capital City with the traditional float parade in on February 17. This parade will be subsequently held at the other cities of Goa up to February 20. Various fetes, fairs and dances will be organized. TOP
Just Answer Five Simple Questions to win a book on India:
1) What does the abbreviation I.A.T.A stand for? a. Indian Air Travel Association b. International Air Travel Agency c. International Air Travel Association d. International Air Traffic Association
2) Which route does the cruise liner ‘Ocean Odyssey’ take? a. Silk Route b. Emerald Route c. Down the River Nile d. Spice Route
3) The Zulus are a tribe from? a. Central India c. South Africa b. Australia d. Central America
4) Bachendri Pal is the first woman in the world to… a. Scale Mt. Kilimanjaro b. Swim the English Channel c. Conquer Mt. Everest d. Fly solo across the world
5) A park in memory of Steve Irwin is coming up at? a. Delhi c. Kerala b. Goa d. Rajasthan
LAST DATE: 10 MAR’07 to send your entries at the email address pmaurya@vsnl.net or pmaurya@indiainvites.com
ANSWERS TO THE LAST CONTEST:
1) Where is India’s first private hill station coming up? ANS: Pune 2) What will be the length of Delhi’s new runway, when completed (slated to be the largest in India)? ANS: 4430 metres 3) Rail Ratna is…. ANS: Railway budget hotels 4) Which domestic airline has floated the ‘Seat of Fortune’ contest? ANS: GoAir 5) Which of these is the national bird of India? ANS: Peacock WINNER OF LAST CONTEST: We received a good response and there were quite a few all-correct answers, however the lucky winner out of the lot is DAVID GILLBANKS, THAILAND! Warm congratulations! The other participants with all correct entries are: Damiana Fili, Italy; Talwar Yoginder, India; K. Venu, Goa; Rajan Kumar Das, New Delhi and Lubov Dimova, Bahrain. 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 (e.g. Travtalk, BBC, India Travel Online) 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 |