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Monthly Tourism Newsletter from India |
January - February 2004 |
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Warm greetings from sunny Goa in India!! Hope the new year has augured well for each one of you. We are quiet pleased to inform that tourist season is doing pretty well in India as in most of the countries. More so, India is back on the rich tourists map…they are choosing our country, apart from the unmatched attractions, for its world class hotels like Vilas properties of the Oberoi group, magnificent palace hotels in Rajasthan and other parts of India and now the new hotel chain Aman-i-Khas which has started a hotel in Ranthambore besides taking over the Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur.
Kerala of course is doing very well with niche market as well. In fact they have bagged the award of being best state in tourism development for the year 2003.
In the last one year, the number of people travelling to India has gone up 16 per cent to 2.4 million while the number of those flying abroad is virtually doubled—up 18 per cent. Restoring of air, train Samjhauta Express and the bus services between India and Pakistan act as a catalyst.
India’s a destination for families, businessmen, tourists, officials alike. Of late, we are being seen as a major conference centre. There’s no count of the number of seminars and conferences being held here, and the foreign airlines are en cashing this surge in traffic. Since 2001, there has been a 28 per cent increase in seat share of foreign airlines, nearly 44,000 have been added.
New aviation policy which is more liberal, the new charter policy, waiving off the foreign travel tax and Inland Air Travel Tax, removal of service tax on foreign remittance, better maintenance of the tourist monuments, good economy and rising share prices, feel good factor, thawing of estranged relationship between India & Pakistan, etc are all indicators of very good times ahead.
So, isn’t it the time that you planned your trip to India |
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AIRLINES UPDATE
FLIGHTS RESUME BETWEEN INDIA & PAKSITAN: The Pakistan International Airlines resumed its flights to India on 1 January 2004 as a green and white 120-seater Boeing 737 of the Pakistan International Airlines touched on at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Indian Airlines also resumed flights to Pakistan from the 9th January. The PIA will operate on the Lahore-Delhi-Lahore sector on Mondays and Thursdays and 240-seater Airbus-300 for the Karachi-Delhi-Karachi route on Tuesday and Saturday. The IA operates 145 seater Airbus 320 to Lahore-bound passengers. Moreover, the train Samjhauta Express and the bus services between the two countries are also restored.
AIR LANKA TO LAUNCH COLOMBO HYDERABAD FLIGHT 22 FEB: Srilankan Airlines will launch its scheduled Colombo-Hyderabad flight from 22 February. The flight will operate every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The airline already operates, 60 flights per week to India (India, Bombay Madras, Trichy and Trivandrum). Three private domestic carriers of Srilanka; Lion Air, Serendibya, and Ya Lanka, are also preparing to start scheduled operations to smaller Indian cities and Buddhist centers as soon as permissions come through.
Air Deccan to expand beyond south: The airline has planned to start operating on countrywide trunk routes from June 2004, which will bring it in direct competition with Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Air Sahara. To be able to fly on long-haul routes such as Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Bangalore, Chennai-Delhi, Air Deccan has planed to acquire of higher seat configuration than the ATR Turbo Prop it now operates. The airline is about to take four planes for the long-haul operations. The airline will also beef up its current fleet of four ATR to 12 by April 2004. They have good network connecting the cities like Mumbai, Goa, Belgaum, Bangalore, Pune, etc. For more information, please check out www.airdeccan.net
ATC uplink to AAI for real-Time info on flights: The New Year gift to the Airport Authority of India is that from 31 December the Air Traffic Control’s constantly updated flight timing information is being up linked to the AAI's own official website, www.airportsindia.org.in. It makes it possible to keep track of all domestic and international departures, arrivals and delays-fog-related or otherwise online problems. Its biggest advantage is that it works in real-time. The status of flights is updated every few minutes and is automatically fed to flight information displays at airports. Their emphasis is on accuracy and speed. It is based on 'e-initiative' already in place at Hyderabad Airport.
==> Air-India announces 400 fresh crew vacancies ==> Emirates will have in-flight internet facility TOP HOTELS NEWS
Le MeridiEn JAIPUR OPENS, CHAIN WILL HAVE 15 hotels by 2005: The group is planning to open hotels in Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Goa and Chandigarh. The hotels in Ahemdabad and Kovalam are under renovation and will be re-branded and launched soon. The Jaipur hotel is already operational. Facilities and amenities at this hotel include a health club, spa treatment and meditation rooms, sauna and message center and 35-seat amphitheatre. This hotel will have a conference facility to accommodate over 600 people and additional meeting rooms for 50 people and a boardroom.
HOTEL OCCUPANCY IN INDIA – CORPORATES, INFO TECH & DOMESTIC TOURISTS FILL UP ROOMS: Occupancy wise, cities like Indore and Bhopal and Kolkata, were way up in the pecking order at 3rd, 6th and 5th positions, respectively if compared to Delhi & Mumbai. It is understandable though that led by the infotech and knowledge business boom, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai were at the first, second and fourth slots. But what is also surprising is that the growth in hotel occupancy has not come from international tourists but from domestic travellers.
Domestic guests accounted for 76.9 per cent of all guests signing into hotel rooms, of which the domestic business traveller sub-segment made up 37.7 per cent. Bangalore, the IT capital of India, tops the pack with an occupancy rate of 72.4 per cent, followed by Hyderabad with 71.0 per cent. Foreign guests, surprisingly, made up only 22.2 per cent and 18.9 per cent, respectively, of the luxury and heritage hotels market, down from 34 per cent and 17.2 per cent a year ago. Of the foreign visitors, the maximum numbers were from the UK at 16.3 per cent, followed by the US at 13.4 per cent and Germany at 8.1 per cent.
Occupancy has been in the 50-60 per cent range across most hotels. This trend of demand for hotel rooms is expected to increase considering the bullishness in the economy. TOP
Ardh Kumbha Mela began at HARIDWAR: Held after 6 years of the Maha Kumbha Mela which was celebrated in the year 1998, approximately 6 million pilgrims are expected to visit Haridwar for a holy bath in the Ganges. Important dates of the holy bathing are 14.01.2004 – Makar Sankranti, 26.01.2004 -Basant Panchami, 06.02.2004 - Margi Purnima, 18.02.2004 - Maha Shivratri, 20.03.2004 - Chaitra Amavasya, 21.03.2004 - Navsamvatsar, 30.03.2004 -Ram Navami, 13.04.2004 - Mesh Sankaranti Vaishali, 14.04.2004 – Ardh Kumbha and Punyakal, 19.04.2004 – Amavasya Vaishakh, 22.04.2004 – Akshaya Tritya, 04.05.2004 – Vaishakh Purnima, 14.05.2004 – Varsh Sankranti.
GOPIO CONVENTION – 2004: In conjunction with the PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS theme, the convention took place in Delhi on 7 & 8 Jan.
ONCOMING FESTIVALS OF UTTAR PRADESH:
Parmarth Niketan is honored to be the host of this world-renowned celebration of the ancient science of yoga. Delegates, students, teachers and yogis will gather together to learn, to teach, to discuss and to drink of the divine nectar of this sacred wisdom.
INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL MARCH 1-6, 2004: Students learn yogasanas, pranayama and meditation as well as take part in beautiful cultural, spiritual activities
The program will include classes in asanas, prayanama, and meditation, lectures by renowned yogis and masters, reiki, ayurveda, cultural events, yoga demonstrations, discussions, and much more.
· HATHA YOGA taught by Karin O'Bannon, certified Senior Intermediate Level 3 Iyengar Yoga Instructor (one of the highest levels) and the newest, divine addition to the Parmarth Yoga Centre. Previously the Senior Teacher of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles, Karin is now residing full time at Parmarth. · Special meditation class by Swami Veda Bharatiji · Reiki by Reiki Master Rohini Khatri · Ayurveda with Expert Brahmachari Vishwapal Jayanti · Inspiring lectures by revered saints · Jungle walk in the Himalayan forest · Yoga Nidra · Lectures on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali · Cultural Dance performance · Evening divine Ganga Aarti. Set to devotional music, this special light ceremony in the evening, called 'Aarti' is sure to stir your soul and touch your heart regardless, of your religious or cultural background.
SURAJ KUND HANDICRAFTS FAIR (1-15 FEB): The famous Crafts mela at Suraj Kund (just outside New Delhi) is in its 18th year and is being held 1-15 February 2004. The theme state chosen this year is Tamil Nadu. Folk theatre and dance troupes from Tamil Nadu regale the visitors at the famous Chaupal. Crafts from the state such as palm leaf work, woodcarvings, Tanjore paintings and the famous silks and cottons from Kanjivaram and Coimbatore are sure to find many buyers among visitors who eagerly await this annual crafts fair.
WORLD TRAVEL INDIA, MUMBAI (5 – 8 FEB’04): International exhibitors and Government of India state tourist offices have given thumbs up to World Travel India, the international travel trade exhibition and conference. According to Richard Gayle, WTI project manager, "its not surprising at a time when government statistics indicate that tourism generated $2.5 Billion in foreign exchange earnings in the year to date ending September, up 20% on last year. Inbound tourism grew by around 15% with 1.864 m visitors, all positive signs that the sleeping tiger of south west Asia is truly on course for a roaring tourism market." The growing Indian middle class is estimated at more than 300m people. Many now travel overseas for their holidays to a wide range of destinations. The World Travel & Tourism Council rank India as one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world with Indians taking in excess of 6.5 million trips abroad each year". The positive dynamics of the Indian travel market have seeded substantial interest in WTI with support pledged from numerous international destinations in the Far East, Asia and Europe.
Island Tourism Festival Port Blair 05 -18 Jan’04): During this festival, many cultural evenings were organised. Programme by more than 300 popular folk/classical dancers from different parts of India sponsored by South Zone/East Zone cultural centre and song and drama division took place.
Besides coconut tree climbing competition at Corbyn’s Cove, humorous skit competition, Quiz competition, Fancy Dress Competition, Painting Exhibition, Cycle Race, Flower Show, Baby Show, Floating Restaurant, Adventure Water Sports show, Painting Competition for children were also organized.
REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA CELEBRATED ON 26 JAN: The highlight of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi is performances by school children, folk dances and of course the tableaux from various States. The Tourism Department had a tableau showing the rock caves of Bhimbetka in Bhopal, whilst Nagaland’s tableau showcased the Hornbill festival. Meghalaya depicted a unique feature of the Khasi and Jaintia tribals of building bridges across streams from secondary roots of trees – a unique bioengineering feat. Very few of these “root bridges” exist today, the most famous being the Jingkieng Deingjri (the root bridge of the rubber tree) of Cherrapunjee (the rainiest place on earth).
SARASWATI PUJA (FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO THE GODDESS OF LEARNING 26 Jan): Basant or the advent of spring was celebrated the same day as the Republic Day this year (January 26 as per the lunar calendar). On this day people generally wear yellow hued clothes and eat food, which is also colored yellow by turmeric or saffron. Children and grown ups flew kites. In Bengal it was the day of goddess Saraswati the Goddess of learning.
HERITAGE WALKS IN DELHI TOO: Delhi Tourism celebrated it over 2 days (25th and 26th). It started with a heritage walk on the 25th followed by films on Basant and Sufi music at Nizammuddin Aulias Tomb. It was the mystic Sufis who made the festival popular amongst the Muslims. On the 26th the festival venue shifted to the Qutab Minar with a crafts bazaar and kite flying contests.
DESERT FESTIVAL OF JAISALMER (4-6 FEB): The sand dunes of the Thar, the Indian desert, reverberated to the sounds of ankle bells of folk dancers and the string instruments of the folk musicians; the Langas and Manganyars. The colours of the turbans and women’s lehangas (skirts) were vivid and the mood, one of gay abandon. Camel races and acrobatics, Camel polo, moustache competitions and turban tying competitions were the order of the day. Snake charmers were much sought after, as were the puppeteers. Handicrafts were on sale and dune rides were enjoyed by the visitors. As the sun set, bonfires were lit, with barbeque meals and dance and music adding to the fun.
KOLKATA CARNIVAL: A fortnight of programs entitled “UK and Kolkata” brought colour, vibrancy and perhaps a touch of madness to the once Imperial capital of the British Raj. On 14 December the Chief Minister of West Bengal and the British High Commissioner inaugurated the festival at Millennium Park with the Kolkata Karnival parade stealing the limelight. Singing and dancing with colourful costumes the parade stretched all the way from Esplande to Victoria Memorial. The Calcutta festival was a sequel to the spectacular show stopper – the Thames Festival held in London in September. The U.K. partnership will help development of the river front with the old warehouses cleaned up and restored to house shops, restaurants and boutiques etc.
TAJ FESTIVAL & 350th ANNIVERSARY OF TAJ MAHAL: India is synonymous with the Taj Mahal so it is only fitting that its 350th year be celebrated in style. The Tourism Department of the State has declared 2004, as “International Taj Year” and festivities will go on all year. The yearlong festival will showcase the indigenous culture of the Braj region, which was once Lord Krishna’s territory. From music to dance to special food Agra is pulling out all the stops. Tourists will be lucky to visit during this period. Sahara Airlines has plans to link Agra to the major metros of the country to make movement of tourists easier. The Taj Mahotsav (festival) generally held in March will be a spectacular event this year
INTERNATIONAL CONCLAVE ON BUDDHISM AND SPIRITUAL TOURISM (17-18 FEB): An International conclave on Buddhism and Spiritual Tourism is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism from 17 to 18 February in the capital. It will be inaugurated by the President of India. Ministers, spiritual Buddhist leaders from several countries and Buddhist Monks from India will share their experiences of the architectural heritage and literary wealth of Buddhism. Discussions will be held on the complex truths of life so brilliantly enumerated by the Buddha 25 centuries ago. The conclave in Delhi on 17-18 February will be followed by the dedication ceremony of the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya on 19 February.
CULTURAL CARNIVAL, BANGALORE: The five day “Bangalore Habba” (festival in Kannada) akin to the Goan carnival had the Corporates all pitching in to help the local arts. The city came to life with 45 live performances of traditional folk art forms being held at different venues from Cubbon Park, MG Road to the Palace grounds etc. The Habba was free of charge so that all could enjoy the dying art forms, which saw a revival. While artisits lined the side walks on MG Road involved in sketching, Cubbon Park hosted live performances. The shop keepers on Brigade Road illuminated their shops to give it all a festive look. It is proposed to make the “Habba” an annual event.
WORLD SOCIAL FORUM BROUGHT COLOUR TO BOMBAY 16-21 JANUARY AND OVER 30,000 DELEGATES FROM OVERSEAS: The six day annual World Social Forum was held in Bombay from January 16 to 21 January 2004, for the first time outside Brazil and that too in an Asian country – India. The forum was anti globalization in its focus. The Forum in Bombay attracted some 100,000 delegates from India and 30,000 from overseas, all anti globalisation activists, from Winnie Mandela to tribals, peacemakers, labour rights leaders and intellectuals from around the world including the Nobel Laureates Mr. J. Stiglitz (USA) and Ms. S. Ebadi (Iran). For six days Bombay was a swirl of colours, music, dance, protests and demonstrations against the Iraq War, WTO, IMF and MNC in general.
FESTIVE JANUARY: The northern states of India in the grip of a cold winter, celebrated Lohri on 13 January with bonfires and offerings for a bountiful harvest. The Southern states celebrated Pongal with rice offerings. Many families got together to collectively cook 1500 kilos of sweet pongal (sweet rice) to enter the Guinness Book of Records. The prayers and celebrations included “bull fighting a la Tamil Nadu.” Groups of young men grappled with their bare hands with raging bulls. Hundreds of young men risked their lives to win handsome prizes if they succeeded in taming the bulls in the “Jalllikathu” festival. In Assam (famous for tea), Bihu was celebrated with song and dance.
7th SPICE CONFERENCE: It was spices that drew the English, the French, the Dutch and the Portuguese to India over 300 years ago and they decided to stay. From January 29 to 31 it is the Seventh World Spice Congress to was held in Hyderabad that brought delegates from all over the world but this time to discuss and deliberate on the future of the Indian Spice Industry. The Congress: ‘Spices – flavours and beyond” saw over 400 delegates from 28 countries. TOP
NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (India)
INDIA RANKS AS FOURTH MOST POPULAR DESTINATION: The Lonely Planet guidebook online survey has ranked India the fourth most popular destination in the world. Thailand ranked first followed by Italy, Australia and then India. The Incredible India campaign seems to be working. Tourism to the country grew at 15.3% with additional foreign exchange earnings up 23% to US $ 3.75 billion (stagnant at US $ 3 billion in each of last three years).
RESTORATION OF SYNAGOGUES IN KERALA: The restoration of the first of Kerala`s five historic synagogues in Cochin and on the Malabar coast will be completed by February as part of a state government tourism plan to attract Israeli and Jewish visitors to the cradle of India`s 2,000 year old former Jewish communities. The work to repair the dilapidated roof, walls and ceiling of the disused Chennamangalam Synagogue was started in June 2002 and will be followed by a refurbishing and restoration of its once exquisite interior, reproduced from archival materials.
Next in line may be the Parur synagogue, which had been sold to an Indian buyer and was recently redeemed in relatively good condition by the local Association of Keralite Jews. The remaining synagogues and adjoining Jewish cemeteries are located in Kavaumbagum, Mattancherry and Mala. When fully restored, they will become visible reminders of India`s Jewish cultural history, Keralite. Some 3,000 of the 30,000 Israeli tourists in India each year visit Cochin and its showcase synagogue in Ernakulam
RED FORT, DELHI HANDED OVER TO MINIISTRY OF TOURISM: On December 22nd 2003 Red Fort was handed over to the Ministry of Tourism & Culture and the Archeological Survey of India for its restoration work after fifty-six year of independence. The fort, which was taken over by the Indian army as a military garrison, was vacated to facilitate inclusion in the list of World Heritage sites. Now various measures will be taken for full restoration, conservation and environmental up gradation of the entire Red Fort complex and to move the UNESCO for its inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites"
AIRPORT TAX ABOLISHED: The Governments initiative to abolish the Indian Air Travel Tax (IATT) and Foreign Travel Tax fulfilled the long-standing demands of the tourism industry. However, the IATT has been abolished only for Indian nationals as of now.
SIX NEW TOURISM PROJECTS FOR TAMILNADU: Six new tourism projects have been sanctioned for Tamil Nadu for the current year at a cost of Rs. 8.34 crores. A sum of Rs. 2.45 crores has been sanctioned to Pondicherry for a tourism project in the current year, according to a Press information Bureau release. The Archaeological Survey of India has plans to improve the ambience around historical monuments by creating gardens and with landscaping. In Tamil Nadu, the Thanjavur Brahadeeswara temple, the Bharathiyar Park and Fort at Vellore, the Shore temple, Arjuna’s Penance, the Mukund Nayanar Temple and Five Rathas of Mamallapuram and the Iravatheswarar Temple, Darasuram near Kumbakonam, have been selected for the landscaping project this year.
HERITAGE SITES IN THE LIST OF ENDANGERED SITES: Four Indian heritage sites, The Darbargarh in Bhuj (Gujarat), Dalhouise square Calcutta, Osmania University College for women Hyderabad and the 300 year old Quila Mubarak in Patiala (Punjab) have been included in the World Monument Fund’s (WMF) list of 100 most endangered monuments in the world. INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) had written to the Washington based WMF to include Quila Mubarak and Bhuj Museum in its list. It would make it possible to attract international funds for restoration of the sites.
FAIRY QUEEN RECOMMENCES OPERATION: From 24thJan, the oldest working mainline steam locomotive in the world (1855) and a Guinness Record holder started operations taking tourists from Delhi to Alwar. It will operate on fixed days through to March 15 and then resume its run from 23 October to February 26, 2005. The two day itinerary takes visitors to Sariska Tiger Sanctuary with an overnight stay at the Tiger Den Hotel in the sanctuary. For more details contact us. Or visit http://www.railmuseum.org
OLYMPIC TORCH IN INDIA: Since Modern Olympics began in 1896 the Olympic torch relay has never passed through India. This is set to change. On June 10, 2004, the torch will arrive in Delhi and the torch relay will begin at the Qutab Minar and cover a distance of 40 km (24 miles) lasting 6 to 8 hours using 100 torchbearers. It will go past Delhi’s historical monuments such as Humanyun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Parliament House and India Gate before coming to the National Stadium. The flame, has the theme “Pass the flame, unite the world”. Before arriving in Athens for the 28th Olympiad in August 2004 the torch will also pass through South America and Africa reaching Greece in July. Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar’s pupil, 38 year old Gaurav Mazumdar will play Ravi Shankar’s composition with the American composer Philip Glass ensemble at the inaugural ceremony of the Olympics.
WORLD CELEBRITIES IN INDIA: Material girl, Madonna arrived in Rajasthan on a private visit according to media reports, ostensibly to unwind. Pop star Sting was a visitor to Jaiselmer a short while before. He also visited the Capital with his family and stayed at the Imperial hotel. The famous writer Salman Rushdie was on a private visit to India with his friend Padma Lakshmi (the model) and is contemplating making a Bollywood movie based on his short story “Firebird’s nest”. David Rockefeller (grandson of America’s first billionaire) was touring South India with his grand children. He traveled through Munnar and the Alleppey backwaters of Kerala but was most impressed by the temples of Tanjore. On 7 February Bryan Adams performed in the Capital. He will also give a concert in Bangalore. Many celebrities including Nobel Laureates were also in India for World Social Forum in Bombay.
CRUISE TOURISM: With a longish coastline on the east and west and a number of all weather ports, India is all set to promote cruise tourism with the Union Ministries of Tourism and Shipping joining hands to identify it as a thrust area. At any given point of time, about ten to 20 ships are cruising in Indian waters and with the arrival of Queen Mary this year, the identified ports, both on the western and eastern coast, are being refurbished to receive such cruises. In spite of advantages, India’s presence in cruise tourism segment is not felt.
UPDATE ON VESSELS IN ANDAMAN SEA: We are glad to inform you that there is a notification by Andaman & Nicobar Administration in Chennai about departure of vessel m. v. Swarajdweep v.210 on the 22nd instant at 13.00 hours subject to change of schedule without notice. Embarkation of passengers will be between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs. Passengers reporting after 12.00 hours will not be permitted to board the vessel. Government buses will be available during the embarkation and disembarkation days only. During the course of embarkation, the C.I.S.F personnel will carry out security check. Ship tickets are issued to the general public and government servants from 19-12-03 onwards. There are four types of accommodation and one way fare will be as under:-
Deluxe Class Rs.5252.00 First Class Rs.4332.00 Second Class Rs.3432.00 Lower Class Rs.1340.00
MORE INCOMING BRITISH TOURISTS: The Indian tourism industry is expected to receive many more British tourists following New Delhi's decision to scrap the surcharge on holidaymakers and encourage charter flights. This will bring down the cost of a holiday in India by hundreds of pounds, trade analysts say. One tour operator predicted that prices would fall by an average of £200 per person and in some cases by as much as £600. The reductions mainly apply to holidays that include charter flights. Previously, India required charter passengers to spend up to $350 on hotels and services during their stay, adding about £200 to package prices.
SRINAGAR – MUZAFFARABAD ROAD IN KASHMIR: Jammu and Kashmir has drawn up a plan to create tourist facilities on its side of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road the Indian government wants reopened as part of confidence-building measures with Pakistan.
FIRST WOMEN CONDUCTORS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH: Himachal Pradesh is set to become the second state in the country after Goa to recruit women conductors for state-run buses. TOP
NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (International)
THAILAND AS A TOP TOURIST DESTINATION: Tourists from 134 countries across the world have voted Thailand their number one tourist destination in the prestigious Lonely Planet magazine. Not only did visitors to the Lonely Planet website put Thailand at the top, ahead of Italy, Australia, India and New Zealand, they also praised the kingdom for the warm welcome it extended to its visitors. Thailand emerged as being particularly popular among young backpackers in the 18-34 age range, while marginally older tourists plumped for India.
UNDERWATER WEDDING CEREMONY, THAILAND: The Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony was held for the first time on Valentine's Day in 1996. Initiated by Thai Airways International as a novel concept to promote tourism to Trang in Southern Thailand, the Millennium Underwater Wedding Ceremony in Trang attracted 30 participants from 28 countries and set a new Guinness World Record. The amazing feat attracted much international attention. Footage of the underwater wedding extravaganza was seen on international television networks as well as in print media.
Everest Base Camp among best tourist destinations in the world: The Everest base camp, blessed with the beauty of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, has entered the list of top tourist destinations in the world. Situated at an altitude of 5,400 m above the sea level, the camp attracts some 20,000 to 30,000 tourists, many of whom aspire to scale the world’s highest peak, every year. A study conducted by UK`s `Observer` magazine has rated the camp as the seventh best destination in the world. A visit to the place has also been listed among the 20 best "journeys of a lifetime”. It is the only South Asian destination that has been included in the list. Those who plan to scale the 8848 metre Everest usually spend two to three months at the base camp to acclimatize themselves before embarking on their expedition.
Space tourism firm offers honeymoon for US$40 million: Despite banning marriages in space, Russia is offering newlyweds the chance to swap Venice or the Niagara Falls for a cosmic honeymoon romance by buying a US$40 million ticket to space, officials said yesterday. Russia's Rosaviakosmos space agency is proposing together with US firm Space Adventures for couples to fly together to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Russian Soyuz space craft. Under the contract with Space Adventures there is an option for sending two space tourists at once on a Soyuz. So theoretically, young married couples could make use of this possibility.
The asking price for a 10-day visit to the ISS is around US$20 million (16 million Euros), a sum only two space tourists -Californian businessman Dennis Tito and South Africa Internet millionaire Mark Shuttleworth -have so far been willing to pay.
Candidates, who would travel on board one spaceship accompanied by a professional astronaut, would have to show they are in a good health and undergo eight 10 months of training, the official said. The Russian space official did not specify whether sex would be permitted for the space-bound honeymooners. Astronauts are banned from having sex in space because of the possible risks to the embryo if a female cosmonaut became pregnant.
SHOPPING FESTIVAL, DUBAI (15 JAN – 15 FEB): “On sale” for a month from 15 January to 15 February 2004 and “shopaholics” are invited to come and buy some of world’s best Brands at the best prices ever. If raffles and prizes are not enough to draw crowds, then surely the 200 events planned during the month long festival are. The events include “Dubai Fashion 2004”, an extravaganza to draw top class world designers and music by some 80 Jazz bands. New addition this time is the “Night Souk” where people can shop all through the night. A cricket event played by movie stars is also on the cards. The “Global Village” will have 38 countries participating this time with Germany and Brazil the new entrants.
TAIWAN’s LANTERN FESTIVAL (05 – 15 FEB): Taiwan’s first major event of its “2004 visit Taiwan Year” will be the Taiwan Lantern Festival February 5 to 15. The theme lantern will entertain visitors with a sound and light. show every half hour at the Bancio stadium. The theme lantern always focuses on the Chinese zodiacal animal each year, so 2004 will have the monkey as its focus. With it exterior fashioned of perforated stainless steel plates and 22.5 meters tall it will be an anthropomorphic technology monkey clothed in modern high tech vestment carrying a backpack symbolising “2004 visit Taiwan year. TOP
Deccan Odyssey Itinerary: The seven day itinerary includes several exotic destinations covering the expanse of Maharashtra on Mumbai-Konkan-Goa-Pune-Aurangabad route, returning to Mumbai via Nashik.
Day seven, the final leg of this novel journey brings its passengers to Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. Passengers may witness glimpses of a rich and ancient past. Sightseeing encompasses trips to the Gateway of India, built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary and an excursion to the Elephanta caves. Certainly, the Deccan Odyssey assures an extravagant vacation option exploring a land with abundant facets while living life Kingsize.
Deccan Odyssey, which promises tourists a luxury experience while chugging down the tracks, boasts of an air-conditioned suite car, 11 air-conditioned cabin cars, a conference car, two restaurant cars with bar attached and a health gar, beauty salon and a yoga centre.
Soft white curtains, with intricate wood work ceilings, aesthetic paintings, muted lighting, plush interiors with ayurvedic massage room, lends the rail a five-star-hotel feeling with its painstakingly done up decor. The tourist train also aims at helping professionals mix business with pleasure by offering a well equipped conference car.
NEW CHARTER POLICY: The New Charter Policy cleared by the Cabinet opens a new chapter in the growth of tourism in the country. The highlights of the New Charter Policy announced are as follows:
3. Indian passport holders will also be permitted to travel on inbound charters.
In the next six months air traffic to Goa will be streamlined in such a way that it can provide landing and take off facility to any number of aircrafts. Various initiatives are being taken by the Ministry like airport modernisation at Delhi and Mumbai, allowing of photography at air terminals and use of telephone within the aircraft till the time of take off will make the air travel more comfortable. TOP
MUNNAR (KERALA): Situated at a four hours drive from Cochin (135 km), Munnar is cool, the tea-planters are friendly and the old Munnar Club is as delightful as a woodcut: trophies on the walls, a `Men-Only bar’ and an excellent golf course.
Driving out
of the valley, where serene-faced cows chew the cud, visitors can trek down to a
stream-threaded glen where trout are bred to stock the waters of Munnar. Tea
planters love outdoor activities like golf, tennis and fishing. Still further
out of the valley, the trees stay behind and the hills are covered in grass and
dotted with a few, dramatic, black boulders. This is the Eravikulam National
Park, home of the handsome Nilgiri Tahr, a goat in dire need of the protection
given by the State Forest Department and the company which owns the tea estates
in Munnar. Thanks to the dedicated care of these people, the chances of visitors spotting tahr on or just off the road are very high.
Trekking: Munnar offers a mildly challenging 3 hour trek, through tea-covered slopes, to the peak of the highest mountain in South India, the 2,689 metre high Anaimudi, the Elephant's Head. The estate where the trek starts is Nyamakad.
The drives
out of Munnar are pretty, particularly the one leading to Top Station where the
planters have an annexe to their club in the valley. Thirteen kilometer on this
route is Mattupetty where there is a dam and the Indo-Swiss Dairy Project.
GULMARG GEARS UP FOR WINTER FUN: Encouraged by the increase in the number of tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley, the State Government has been organising a series of events to showcase Gulmarg. The State Tourism Department is offering special packages, such as those for students and honeymooners, and is also working on promoting Kashmir as a destination for tourists in the winter months.
The Tourism Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir, said: “We want to tell the tourists that the valley is as beautiful in the winter months as it is in summer.” Moreover, the high altitudes of Gulmarg are an attraction to those who like adventure. “The snow adds to the beauty and that is what we want to tell the world. We have never claimed that complete normalcy has returned to the Valley but we strongly believe that it is a safe destination for tourists.” In addition to the 1.55 lakh pilgrims who visited the holy cave of Amarnath, a record number of 1.75 lakh tourists visited the State in 2003. The winter programmes in Gulmarg began with the Christmas Night on December 25 followed by special events on New Year eve. A number of tournaments, including a skiing competition, were organised. These will be followed by the National Winter Games in February. “Over 500 skiers from around the country are expected to participate in the games. Gulmarg is the cheapest place in the world for skiers.” TOP CROCS INVADE CORJUEM RIVER IN GOA: In what can aptly be described as a visual delight, residents of Corjuem are a witness to a spate of crocodiles at the Corjuem river. Crocodiles as long as 5 to 10 feet are seen moving frequently in the river and can be seen by the residents here while commuting in the ferry. As transportation of mineral ore through this route has been stopped, crocodiles are having a field day for breeding activities. Fishermen, however, are alarmed over this situation as it has directly affected their cache of fish.
SIBERIAN CRANES TO BE TRAINED TO RETURN TO BHARATPUR: The Siberian cranes were VIP tourists, expected every year at the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary but in 2002 only 2 came. It is feared that they have been shot down in Afghanistan, Pakistan or Uzbekistan. A novel plan based on the movie “Flyway home” has been devised where the Siberian cranes will be aided to fly more than 6000 miles from Uvat in Central Russia to Bharatpur, guided by a hang – glider. Both the pilot and the hang – glider will be dressed up in crane costumes to give the migratory birds the feeling that they are following their own leader. In the movie this techniques was used to fly orphaned geese to their home. The first fleet of Siberian cranes from a captive breeding population will be trained to fly from central Russia first to Iran and then to Bharatpur.
LATEST IN DE-STRESSING - MASSAGE THERAPY FOR PACHYDERMS: If life gets stressful for humans can animals be far behind. A massage feels good after a hard days work whether you are a human or an elephant. The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has invited Elke Rusterer, a massage therapist from the US to distress captive elephants. She is working on them in the elephant colony using Tellington Touch Therapy, massaging their muscles in small concentric articles and whispering in their ears. She has earlier used her therapy on horses, snakes, dolphins, tortoises, giraffes and rhinos.
BIO VILLAGES IN UTTARANCHAL: This state is being promoted for its organic farms. The excursion package, aptly called “Bio-village excursion of the Himalayas” plans to capitalize on the craze for organic farming sweeping the world. Last year a group of tourists came and lived with the villagers. Organic farming enthusiasts from Europe are visiting various farms to experience living close to nature.
DUDHSAGAR RAIL TOURS: Eco tourism in the State is set for a big boost with the rail tour to Dudhsagar Waterfalls started by Goa Tourism Development Corporation from January 31. The train departs from Vasco Railway Station at 6.40 in the morning and arrives at Margao station at 7.25 a.m. The train makes halts at Sanvordem, Collem stations, before reaching Dudhsagar at 9.15 am. The train returns from Dudhsagar at 2.30 p.m. The introduction of the tour train facilitates tourists and Goans, particularly students from schools and colleges, besides other institutions for excursions. The carrying capacity of the coach is 108 seats. The fare is fixed at Rs 400, which is inclusive of breakfast and lunch.
CHARTER POLICY TO BENEFIT EXPAT GOANS: India's new charter tourism policy could have fallouts for Goa, including for expatriate Goans who continue to hold Indian passports abroad and will now be entitled to use these lower-cost direct-to-Goa flights. This policy, details or which were available only recently after it went up on the government of India's web site, has been closely watched by expats of Goan origin abroad, including by electronic publications like Goan Voice-UK www.goanvoice.org.uk, which networks expats based in the UK.
FONTAINHAS FEST (10-17 Jan), PANJIM: Heritage fest to light up Goa's Latin quarter Organisers of the Fontainhas Festival of the Arts hope to revitalize Panjim’s 200 years old Latin quarter and put the spotlight back on Goa’s neglected architectural legacy. Part of the bustle of everyday city life, Panjim's quaint Latin quarter at Fontainhas will be under the spotlight once again, when the weeklong Fontainhas Festival of the Arts took off in January.
It is patterned very much
on the lines of
Lisbon’s Bairo Alto, which has a Moorish tone to it, therefore
its classification as the
Latin quarter. I have seen similar quarters in France as well,
says Mr Noronha. With single-storeyed houses interrupted only by narrow
lanes, Fontainhas Iberian ambience makes it an attractive proposition for
tourism promotion. A number of houses in the area have already been
converted into pousadas (small heritage hotels).
UPDATE ON PANJIM TOWN: With the city of Panaji undergoing major changes, various events are being held in the city’s public spaces that have been spruced up and opened for the people for pleasure and recreation, and that the changing colours of Panaji will be reflected in the colourful kites in the sky, during the event. Proper care is being taken by the Corporation to maintain the cleanliness of the beach at all times and people are requested not to litter the beach. The old buildings are being renovated and repainted besides the beautification along the road and the roundabouts.
CHARTER POLICY TO BENEFIT EXPAT GOANS: India's new charter tourism policy could have fallouts for Goa, including for expatriate Goans who continue to hold Indian passports abroad and will now be entitled to use these lower-cost direct-to-Goa flights. This policy, details or which were available only recently after it went up on the government of India's web site, has been closely watched by expats of Goan origin abroad, including by electronic publications like Goan Voice-UK www.goanvoice.org.uk, which networks expats based in the UK.
HUNGARIANS HUNGRY FOR GOA: Goa welcomed tourists from yet another Central European country with the arrival of 101 Hungarian travel agents on Jan 18 morning. Aeroviva, Hungary's fourth largest travel company, flew in its top agents to explore Goa for themselves. Aeroviva's Director of Sales and Marketing, Andras Foldvari said, "It is absolutely vital for these people to see what Goa has to offer. Goa is a relatively unknown destination. It offers a fantastic blend of cultures and can serve as an example for Europe specially places like Yugoslavia where there are ethnic clashes."
Just Answer Five Simple Questions:
1) If you are visiting Bondla wildlife sanctuary, you are in which state of India? a. Delhi b. Karnataka b. Maharashtra d. None of the above 2) Auli is famous for which sports activity? a. Ski c. Hockey b. Diving d. Football 3) Shigmotsava festival falls around which popular festival, celebrated widely in Goa & Maharashtra a. Diwali c. Holi b. Dussehra d. Christmas 4) Air Sahara started to fly out of India recently. To which destination did they fly? a. Colombo c. Kathmandu b. Karachi d. Bangkok 5) Ghoom monastery is situated in which state a. Sikkim c. Jammu & Kashmir b. West Bengal d. Himachal Pradesh
LAST DATE: 25 Feb’04 to send your entries at the email address pmaurya@vsnl.net
ANSWERS OF LAST CONTEST: · Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Indian poet, received the Nobel Prize in which year? o ANS: · Which Indian movie was nominated for Oscar awards last year? o ANS: Devdas · Garden of Five Senses is situated in which city of India? o & |