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Monthly Tourism Newsletter from India |
March - May'05 |
| Permanent Feature - GOA | |
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Greetings from sunny & breezy Goa! Temperature hasn’t soared much in Goa and it is enjoyable especially in the mornings and evenings. We await the arrival of monsoon eagerly which would lash most parts of South India within 3 weeks. Meanwhile, nature provides us with lovely summer fruits like mangoes, water melons and pine apple and the small flowers emanating intoxicating fragrance overnight. Some parts of India are reeling under heat wave while there are lovely hill stations and lush & cool places to offer a romantic sojourn and adventure holidays. We are sorry for bringing out this issue this late and it really gets bulky to cover the last couple of months’ news. Airlines are making big news as India has decided to buy over 200 aircrafts in next few years. All of a sudden, there is a splurge on the Indian aviation front. To accommodate rising volumes of incoming traffic to India, new hotels are on the anvil. Though the soaring hotel prices are a matter of great concern and we must take proper steps in this regard by not making India an unaffordable destination. Tour operators are busy planning the next winter’s movements, though summer is already going great. India has also been chosen now as a cruise destination by Star Cruises besides many other touching Indian shores each year. Do contact us if you or your company is planning a trip to India in near or distant future or even if you just need some information. See you in India! |
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AIRLINES UPDATEAir Deccan gets more A320 on lease: Air Deccan took delivery of two new Airbus A320 aircrafts; taking its fleet strength of A320 family to five. The airline has leased these aircrafts from the Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE). In addition to the leased aircraft, the airline plans to purchase 30 more A320 aircraft for a ticker price of $1.8 billion. KINGFISHER AIRLINES STARTS ALL ECONOMY FLIGHT WITH TOP CLASS SERVICE: As Vijay Mallaya took delivery of the first Airbus, he announced a Bombay-Bangalore one way fare of approximately US$ 90 (Rs. 3,900) (apex / advance purchase) and US$ 140 (Rs 5,900) regular. His domestic airline Kingfisher Airlines took off on 9 May from Mumbai - Bangalore. The airline however promises better than business class service. Kingfisher Airlines is run by Kingfisher beer owner. Models work as flight attendants on the airline while its planes have seat-back entertainment systems. "We have extremely attractive and well-trained flight attendants," he added. "We have a brand new fleet of aircraft. We have individual entertainment systems where every single seat has video screen. We will have 11 aircrafts in the air by this year itself and by 2010, we should have 55.” No-frills Air One to take wings in May: The low cost airline segment is all set to witness competition this summer. Air One -another Bangalore based airline is gearing up for operations on non-trunk routes this summer with leased 50-seater Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. While Air Deccan does not provide complimentary meals - the airline generates revenue through food & beverage sales on board and Kingfisher is looking at low-cost operations without cutting frills. Air One has decided in favour of the middle path. The low-cost airline will only serve snacks and cold drinks on board as a complimentary service for which passengers will pay. The airline will operate on non-trunk routes and is looking at Delhi - Thiruvananthapuram services, one of the longest routes in the domestic sector. Magic Airlines to fly by DecEMBER: The airline plans to launch a low-cost, no-frills domestic airline, which will have a fleet of 10 aircrafts in the first year. The carrier will operate under the Magicair brand name. It is already negotiating with both Airbus and Boeing to lease and buy these aircrafts. It plans to connect all big and small metros in the country. SPICEJET SET TO START DOMESTIC FLIGHTS IN MAY: The Indian Railways could soon face increased competition from the domestic aviation sector. The new start up airline, SpiceJet, is to concentrate on various segments of travelers, including the long distance traveler and those using the Indian Railways. Pricing will be a huge force for those wanting to travel. We want to be known as the airline for the common man. The airline will offer low fares and provide an opportunity to the passenger to get from one place to another in time and safely. Besides they will also have the experience of flying in a modern aircraft. AIR Sahara dons national colors before taking to global skies: The airline has put on national colors in search of a new look with strong Indian identity. All the aircrafts of the airline will be painted in the new colors-orange, green, white and blue. The existing color scheme is being discontinued since it is seen as European in flavour. The aircraft flying to London, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur-scheduled this summer will carry the new colors. As they expand their international service they are conscious of their role as the brand ambassador of India. The cabin crew and the ground personnel of the airline are also being given a new look with specially designed uniforms. AIR-INDIA EXPRESS TAKES OFF: The first flight of Air-India’s Budget Airline, Air-India Express took off from Trivandrum for Abu Dhabi on 29 April. The planes of Air-India Express have a distinctive livery of India’s heritage with colourful camels, elephants and musical instruments etc painted on the tail. Air-India Express will operate 40 services a week from Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut, New Delhi and Bombay to 5 Gulf destinations (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Salalah and Al Ain) the airline has a 3 tier fare structure with ticket prices ranging from approximately US$ 75 (Rs 3250) to US$150 (Rs 6500 for a one way trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. AIR-INDIA TO START NEW CALCUTTA – LONDON SERVICES FROM 4 JUNE: Air-India plans to start a new service from Calcutta to London from 4 June. This flight will also offer a link to Dhaka (Bangladesh). Air-India will offer 3 frequencies a week on this sector. Air-India is also starting Delhi-Amritsar-Birmingham–Toronto service three times a week from 15 May 2005. AMRITSAR AIRPORT BEING UPGRADED: Just a few years ago, it was a one-plane stop. But now, Rajasansi Airport is fast becoming a buzzing hub of international action—and getting a new look, too. Singapore Airline, which landed here four months ago, has been going full—three days a week. And with a new terminal likely to open in October, British Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Phuket Airlines, Tajikistan Airlines, Uzbek Airways and Air-India are also lining up a landing here. With Air-India starting its Amritsar-Birmingham-Toronto-Amritsar service on May 15, the number of flights will go up to 56 a week—a big leap from a mere three in 1997. CATHAY PACIFIC NET PROFIT GROWS THREE FOLD: The mood at Cathay Pacific Airways was upbeat as its Chief Executive Philip Chen reported a three fold jump in net profit thanks to stronger passenger and cargo traffic. The next profit for 2004 was $ 567 million. INLFIGHT CONNECTIVITY TAKES FLIGHT ON SINGAPORE AIRLINES: Work, play, surf, chat online or watch live TV on board Singapore Airlines flights (effective 7 March) Singapore Airlines passengers can stay truly connected, 35,000 feet in the air, as colleagues, friends and loved ones are literally a mouse click away. Singapore Airlines is the first airline in the region to introduce “Connexion” by Boeing, an inflight broadband service that provides passengers with real-time, high-speed and secure Internet connectivity. With this service, passengers with a wireless-enabled laptop can send and receive emails, connect real-time with their corporate virtual private network to stay connected as if they are on the ground. 2004 – THE SAFEST EVER FOR AIR TRANSPORT SAYS IATA: 2004 was the safest year ever for air transport. In real terms the number of accidents increased from 99 in 2003 to 103 in 2004 while global traffic increased in the order of 15%. ATA members significantly outperformed the industry on safety. Over 1.8 billion people traveled safely in 2004. Tragically, however, 428 people lost their lives in commercial aircraft accidents. To put that into perspective, that is a similar number to 1945 when the industry carried only 9 million passengers. Air transport is the safest form of transport but every accident is one too may. THAI AIRWAYS TO FLY CHARTERS FOR BUDDHIST CIRCUIT: Thai Airways’ first ever Charter flight (in over 30 years of doing business) operated on the Buddhist sector in India between 11-13 March and covered Bodhgaya (landing at Gorakhpur), Sarnath and Varanasi (including a boat trip on the holy river Ganges). Indian Airlines to fly Hyderabad-SingaporE: A new link between Hyderabad and Singapore, non-stop services between Hyderabad-Bangkok and Bangalore-Bangkok sectors are some of the highlights of the Indian Airlines’ southern region summer schedule, effective March 27, 2005. The airline would also be offering more seats between Chennai and Bangkok. Lufthansa says Swiss brands will live on: Lufthansa has promised to retain the Swiss name following the long-awaited takeover of the airline by its German rival. The statement was made a day after the two boards and the Swiss government agreed to the largest merger in the European airline industry since last year’s takeover of KLM and Air France. Under the terms of the agreement the German airline will make an initial offer to small shareholders who control 15% of Swiss’ stock. This will be followed by a performance-related payment to the larger stakeholders including the Swiss government, banks and regional authorities, based on the Lufthansa share price following the takeover. Altogether the deal is expected to cost Lufthansa between SFr70 million ($59 million) and SFr460 million. Virgin Galactic to launch spaceships in two years: According to Mr. Branson, Virgin Galactic, set up to offer space tourist flights, will have its spaceships ready for flying in the next two to two-and-a-half years. The company, part of Branson's Virgin Group, was to own and operate privately built spaceships modeled on SpaceShipOne, which had formally won the $10-million Ansari X Prize in October 2004, flying into space for the third time, reaching 3,68,000 feet. It was the first manned private vehicle beyond the earth's atmosphere. COLOURFUL SIR RICHARD BRANSON BREEZES INTO BOMBAY ON VIRGIN’S INAUGURAL: In his inimitable style Sir Richard Branson landed in Bombay on Virgin’s inaugural flight to the city, dressed in a traditional Indian outfit, flanked by a bevy of beautiful stewardesses and fell down to kiss the earth. He said he had waited 10 years for his airline to fly to Bombay and was delighted he had finally made it. From 1 February Virgin Atlantic flies a daily service between Delhi and London The new route Bombay – London (Heathrow) will operate 3 times a week. Sir Richard created quite a stir when be alighted from a suburban train at Churchgate Railway station dressed as a Dabbawalla (lunch box carrier) signature cap and all, and met the Dabbawallas, tiffin carrier in hand Incidentally two Dabbawallas have been invited by Prince Charles to attend his wedding. Virgin Atlantic first began to operate in India in July 2000 with services twice in a week, with an additional weekly flight added in February 2003, bringing services up to three per week. The Delhi flights were increased to daily from February 1. Continental Airlines to launch non-stop flights on India-US routes: Continental Airlines will launch daily non-stop flights between New Delhi and New York / Newark effective November 1, 2005 (westbound), subject to government approval. Flying times will be approximately 15 hours, 50 minutes westbound and 13 hours, 55 minutes eastbound. BOEING UPBEAT ABOUT DREAMLINER 787 AS AIRBUS FLIGHT TESTS A380 SUPERJUMBO: Even as Airbus Industrie A380 Super jumbo has been flight tested, Boeing has received a spate of orders for its new 787. Korean airlines have ordered 10 of the mid size fuel efficient Dreamliners. Northwest airlines plan to pick up 18 bringing orders to 203 for Boeing. Airbus is planning a midsize rival to Boeing by developing its A350; an updated version perhaps of its A330. Boeing is also planning to strike back against Airbus with the 747 Advanced just as the Airbus A 380 staged its test run. Air Canada also announced plans to buy 96 aircraft including 18 Boeing 777’s and 14 Dreamliner jet 787’s. Air-India also announced it will buy over 50 aircraft from Boeing including Boeing 787 Dreamliner. TOP HOTELS NEWSThe Leela Palaces and Resorts sweeps the Hospitality Oscars: For the first time in India, all three properties of the premium Leela Group of Hotels, in Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa, won the prestigious 2005 International Five Star Diamond Award and Chairman of The Group Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair was the first Indian ever to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Amongst the past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award are Mr. Horst Shulze, President of the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, and Mr. Isadore Sharp, President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Bestowed by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, based in New York, U.S.A, this highly regarded award recognizes commitment towards excellence in performance and service. In-depth evaluations conducted incognito on service delivery, facilities, ambience, attitude, gastronomy, cleanliness and above all, hospitality standards. With this award The Leela joins league with illustrious past recipients Ritz Carlton, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons. In felicitation, the Member of Parliament Mr. Keith Vaz hosted an exclusive dinner for Capt. Nair at 'The House of Commons, London (U.K.)'. Back home, The Leela in association with D’damas, one of the leading retailing diamond jewellery brand in the Middle East and India will celebrate together by rolling out; 'it's raining diamonds at the Leela'. By the hour, some lucky diner at 'Jamavar' - our Indian speciality restaurant across The Leela Group will go home with D'damas Diamond Jewellery. Super Deluxe Hotels by ITC: As part of its major expansion plans, ITC Ltd. will build three super deluxe luxury hotels in Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad at the cost of Rs 1000 crore. These three hotels would be functional in the next two to three years. Second JW Marriott Hotel In India Planned For Bangalore: A second JW Marriott hotel is planned by Marriott International, Inc. for Bangalore, the Garden City, under a management agreement with Gstaad Hotels Pvt. Ltd. The 250-room property is scheduled to open in early 2007 and joins the 358-room JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai as the epitome of service, hospitality and luxury in the Marriott portfolio in India. CGH EARTH (EX CASINO GROUP) OPENING UP A NEW PROPERTY IN GOKARNA, KARNATAKA: The renowned hotel chain with various eco resorts in South India (so far only Kerala and Lakshadweep Islands) is venturing into a new property at this famous but unexplored beach, south of Goa. We shall let you have more updates soon. CHENNAI BEING EYED BY DIFFERENT HOTEL BRANDS: Major international and domestic brands in the hospitality sector are making a dash to develop properties in Chennai as the metro is fast emerging as one of the leading destinations for business travelers and tourists. According to industry sources, Leela is in the process of developing a super deluxe hotel in Chennai. The Chennai property will have a capacity of 220 to 240 rooms. The hotel will also house a commercial complex. The property is slated to go on stream in three years’ time. Similarly, the Washington based luxury hotel chain Marriott International Inc. is setting up a business class hotel in Chennai under the umbrella of its three star brand, “Courtyard” which targets business travelers. The hotel will have 180 to 200 rooms. Marriot already has a presence in Chennai with their Ramada brand. Taj GVK Hotels is developing a 212 room five star hotel in Chennai. Manhattan NRI Chatwal plans dream hotels IN INDIA: The hospitality industry will have one more contender to deal with soon. Mr. Sant Singh Chatwal, one of the most influential Indians of Manhattan and known to be close to the Clintons and the Democratic Party, is bringing his boutique hotels to India. His hautel couture range of hotels, christened “Dream” is slated to come up in three locations- Jaipur, Mumbai and Amritsar. Though Mr. Chatwal was primarily here to accompany US Senator Hillary Clinton, the hotel venture was also on the agenda. Part of his $70 million Hamshire Hotels and Resorts chain, which has a presence in the US, Canada and the UK, the first Dream Hotel is slated to open near Jaipur in 2006 at an investment of about $15 million and will herald his entry into the “new land of opportunity”. THE OBEROI RAJVILAS AND THE OBEROI AMARVILAS NAMED AMONG TRAVEL LEISURE’S BEST: The readers of Travel & Leisure magazine have voted Oberoi Hotels & Resorts among the “world’s best hotel values”. The March 2005 issue includes this year’s winners of the annual “World’s Best Awards,” a survey in which the magazine’s readers were asked to rate hotels specifically for value, among other criteria. In the hotel category of “Top 10 Hotels for Value Overall,” The Oberoi, Rajvilas in Jaipur is ranked third. It is the only hotel in India on this list. In the “Worth the Splurge” category of hotels with rates averaging more than $400 per night, it is also ranked as the number one hotel in Asia that is “Worth the Splurge”. The Oberoi Amarvilas also made the splurge worthy list, ranking fifth in Asia. ACCOR HOTELS RETURN TO INDIA AFTER A DECADE: The French hospitality major Accor which “Checked out” almost a decade ago is returning to the Indian market and setting up two joint ventures with InterGlobe for developing and managing economy hotels across India and South Asia as well. This is the first FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) by an international chain in the hospitality industry. With the travel economy in India on the upswing Accor feels it is a good time to target the middle class by entering the economy segment. The first Ibis hotel will be operational by June 2006.
“INDIONE” ROLLS OUT IN TEN CITIES: After the success of its first budget indiOne hotel in Bangalore, Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL) today announced the rollout of indiOne in 10 additional locations; Pune, Nashik, Mysore, Haridwar, Panjim, Bhubaneshwar, Varanasi, Trivandrum, Jamshedpur and Durgapur. Scheduled to be unveiled within the next 10 months, the construction of these hotels will commence within two months. The identified towns are a combination of strong urban markets as also secondary and tertiary towns where an offering like indiOne holds tremendous potential. Each hotel will have 100 rooms.
Le Meridien Expands In India As Economy Booms: Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts will double the number of hotels it manages in India and the sub-continent within three years, and could increase that figure by 100 per cent again by 2015 according to a senior official at the global hotel group. TOP
RAJASTHAN FESTIVAL CELEBRATED FROM 21 – 30th MARCH: Coinciding with the festival of colours Holi and the Elephant festival, several cultural and folk programmes were organized in Jaipur. SPECIAL OLYMPICS: The late U.S. President John F Kennedy’s nephew Timothy Shriver chairman Special Olympics International was in India to help promote Special Olympics. His aim, to increase the present 1,00,000 participating special athletes in India to at least double the number by special Olympics 2007 in Shanghai, China. India will hold the Special Olympics 2011 by which time he hopes at least 500,000 special Indians will participate. For more details log on to www.specialolympics.org Indiatourism launcheD night bazaar FROM 27 MARCH - 25 APRIL: Indiatourism launched night bazaar in Delhi at Ashok hotel. The main purpose of the bazaar was to showcase different cultures of India. The variety at the bazaar ranged from crystals to terracotta products. Earlier attempts at the Hauz Khas and Old fort met with opposition from conservationists. Visitors had a chance to shop for crafts and up market designer ware from 7 p.m. till midnight. Food was available in plenty with week end food festivals planned. MADURAI CELEBRATED CHITHRA FESTIVAL 13-26 APRIL: The temple city of Madurai famous for the Meenakshi Temple (Temple of the fish eyed goddess) celebrated its most important festival. This year devotees were asked to vote for this shrine to make it one of the wonders of the world through an internet polling website. The highlight of the festival is the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and her consort Sundaresvara (Shiva). Thousands of visitors converged at Madurai for this festival which has been celebrated for over a century. TOP NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (India)POSITIVE SIDE OF TSUNAMI: Indian divers have found more evidence of an ancient port city, apparently revealed by December's tsunami. Stone structures that are "clearly man-made" were seen on the seabed off the south coast, archaeologists say. They could be part of the mythical city of Mahabalipuram, which legend says was so beautiful that the gods sent a flood that engulfed six of its seven temples. Other relics were revealed when the powerful waves washed away sand as they smashed into the Tamil Nadu coast. The Archaeological Survey of India launched the diving expedition after residents reported seeing a temple and other structures as the sea pulled back just before the tsunami hit. The new finds were made close to the 7th Century beachfront Mahabalipuram temple, which some say is the structure that survived the wrath of the gods. "They're perfect rectangular blocks, arranged in a clear pattern." Other discoveries made at Mahabalipuram earlier this month include a granite lion of a similar age to the temple that experts believe had been buried for centuries before the tsunami shifted the sand. Archaeologists have been working at the site for the last three years, since another diving expedition discovered what appeared to be a submerged city, including at least one temple. SOURCE: BBC GoM moots visa-on-arrival for select countries: In order to encourage tourist inflow, the Group of Ministers on tourism Industry and Trade has recommended visa-on-arrival for selected countries on an experimental basis in Delhi and Mumbai. The group has also recommended increase in air seat capacity to key source tourism markets for India and allowing foreign airlines to operate during the peak period ‘without any commercial agreements’. Tourists have to pay cess to visit HP’s hot spots: The Himachal Pradesh Government has taken a decision to change maintenance fee from tourists visiting the popular destinations in the State. The proposed cess would be initially introduced in Rohtang near Manali, Kufri in Shimla. Khajjiar near Dalhousie and McLeodganj in Dharamsala and could be eventually extended to other tourist places. The scheme would help keep these stations often and ensure the proper upkeep. Both local and foreign tourists blight the beauty of these places by littering polythene bags, leftovers of eatables and pointed out that imposition of cess would help keep these tourist destinations clean. The fee would also be used for providing essential services like ambulance and basic amenities to visiting tourists. The exact amount of fee is yet to be decided but it would not be unreasonable considering the services that would be made available to the tourists. Kerala plans 250 highway motels to woo tourists: The Kerala Government has launched ‘Vazhioram’, a scheme to develop 250 highway motels all over the State. The Government wants people who own land along highways to participate in this scheme. The design for the motel would be given by the Tourism Department. The Government is also setting up a facility in Alapuzha to accommodate the 600 houseboats there. With the increase in the number of houseboats, waste disposal has become a challenge in this small town. Two waste management systems would be set up at an investment of Rs. 35 lakh each. These systems would ensure that the waste is not discharged into the backwaters. The Government recently introduced a Bill to create four special tourism zones, which are Munnar, a hill station; Kovalam a beach resort; Kumarakom, a backwater getaway; and Fort Kochi, a heritage destination. There was a need to put these rules in to regulate sensitive zones such as Kumarakom as there was a danger of over-development. TAKE A “HERITAGE RIDE” IN OOTY: The former Maharaja of Mysore has converted his properties into heritage hotels, in Ooty in the Nilgiris. He has plans to offer “heritage rides” in his numerous horse drawn carriages. So if you wish to be a Maharaja for a day you will soon be able to ride a royal horse drawn carriage, ranging from a Queen Victoria carriage to a Postillion Landau. IRON PILLAR AT QUTAB GIVES SCIENTISTS NEW INSIGHT: The 4th century BC iron pillar at the Qutab Minar has long intrigued scientists as it hasn’t rusted despite being exposed to the elements for centuries. It stayed ductile and corrosion resistant, qualities important for iron used in the construction industry. Scientists have discovered that the iron pillar at the Qutab used an iron – phosphorous alloy which made it permanently corrosion free, a lesson for science from history. RAJASTHAN SAW 50% INCREASE IN FOREIGN VISITORS IN 2004: Rajasthan is bent on promoting itself as a round-the-year destination. Foreign tourists, drawn by Rajasthan’s forts, festivals, colour and heritage, recorded a more than 50% increase in 2004 while domestic tourists increased by 28%. The State wants to enlarge its tourism product by adding new segments of tourism such as health, rural, adventure, pilgrim and eco-tourism. SPLENDOUR SOUTHERN TO BOOST TOURISM IN SOUTH: `Southern Splendour’, a luxury train connecting important tourist places in South India, would be ready by the end of next year. With its very competitive tariff structure, the new initiative covering all five southern states (Pondicherry, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnatakka & Andhra Pradesh) will become a major tourist landmark in the country. 3 new Rajasthan tourism circuits: In an effort to promote tourism in the State, the Rajasthan government has worked out three new travel circuits. While the Alwar, Bairath and Bharatpur road network would be developed under the National Capital circuit, the Kota-Bundi-Agra route would form the Hadauti circuit and Ajmer-Pushkar-Srinathji-Srimahaveerjee-Nathdwara the religious pilgrimage circuit.
RENOVATED FORT
ST.
GEORGE
MUSEUM, CHENNAI: The renovated museum at Fort St. George will be formally
declared open on May 18 on the occasion of International Museum Day. A mini
auditorium is being constructed with provision for liquid crystal display. A
touch screen will be installed with pages on the history and
Arrangements are being made
for specially challenged visitors. The museum literature will be prepared in
Braille script and low showcases will be erected for easy viewing by
physically-challenged persons. A children's gallery will be established and to
instill greater interest in them on archaeology, educational programmes will be
organised by way of interaction with experts and screening of films on culture
and heritage. Indian outbound crosses six-million mark in '04: The number of Indian travellers going abroad has for the first time crossed the 6 - million mark to 6.2 million travellers, a growth of 17 per cent in the calendar year 2004. Travel from India has been mostly to destinations such as US, UK, Middle East, Singapore, Malaysia and Switzerland. In the recent past, travel to France, Italy, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand too has topped the charts for Indians. The statistics released by the department of tourism reveal that the outbound travel market in India has grown by over 25 per cent in the last two years (from 4.9m travellers in 2002 to 5.3m in 2003 and 6.2m in 2004). AMARNATH YATRA (PILGRIMAGE) TO START ON 21 JUNE: The annual Yatra to the holy cave of Amarnath in Kashmir is to begin early on 21 June. It will last for 2 months, unlike for one month in earlier years. The pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters will end on Rakshabandhan day on 19 August. This summer Kashmir has seen a record number of tourists. Hotels and houseboats are enjoying 100% occupancy. DELHI TO APPLY FOR UNESCO HERITAGE CITY STATUS: UNESCO agrees that Delhi has the potential of joining the famed list of World Heritage cities like Athens, Bath or Edinburgh. Delhi’s oldest settlement dates back to 1000 BC with remains of painted grey ware excavated in the Old Fort. After that Delhi was the capital of seven major dynasties with the British shifting their capital to Delhi in 1911. So Delhi has been the site of seven cities, with each one leaving its architectural footprint in different parts of the present city which is Lutyen’s Delhi. Delhi saw the rise and fall of seven dynasties and is next in importance as a historical city, to Athens and Alexandria. Delhi will make a bid next year as only one nomination a year can be sent. TOP NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (International) KERALA’S KALARAIPAYATHU MARTIAL ARTS IN JACKIE CHAN FILM: Jackie Chan’s film to be shown at Cannes, “The Myth”, will have a lot of Indian flavor. An Indian actress plays Jackie’s love interest, part of the film was shot in Hampi (World Heritage site) in Karnataka, Six Kalaraipayathu practitioners played security guards of a temple when General Men Yi of the Qin Dynasty (3rd century BC), played by Jackie Chan, comes to visit. The Kalari warriors speak in Malayalam in the film. Even Jackie uses some Malayalam words such as “Shamiku” (forgive) and “Mappu” (sorry). BELGIAN ROYALS TO THE RESCUE OF HAMPI AND TIPPU’S PALACE: Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium were in India recently. While in Delhi they rode the metro and took in all the sights with the Prince even putting his arms behind the iron pillar at the Qutab Minar. The Royal couple was present when the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and Janssen Pharmaceuticals signed an agreement for the maintenance, conservation and preservation of Hampi and Tippu’s Palace (Srirangapatanam) in Karnataka. Research will be jointly conducted to treat the bio-deterioration of the monuments. Janssen has world class expertise with archeological projects, having worked with China on the famous “Terracotta army” in Xian to develop a solution for mold which threatened it. GURUVAYUR TEMPLE ELEPHANTS STARS OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SPECIAL FEATURE: The Krishna Temple in Guruvayur has the largest number of captive, trained elephants. They take part in temple festivals as they have all been gifted by devotees. Members of Granada TV (Britain) were in Guruvayur filming for the documentary “Anakotta” which will portray the elephant’s relationship with man. Steve Gooder, the Producer and Director was awestruck as he had not seen such a large number of trained elephants anywhere in the world.
KATHMANDU
– LHASA BUS SERVICE:
Direct bus to
Lhasa begins on a dignified
tinge
First international resort opens in Sri Lanka after tsunami: First new resort opened in Sri Lanka's since the tsunami. In its continuing efforts to woo tourists back to Sri Lanka, Amanresorts opened its second property in Sri Lanka – Amanwella – on March 15, 2005. Sited within a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent shaped beach near the town of Tangalle in southern Sri Lanka, this contemporary beachfront resort joins a sister property in Galle, Amangalla.
Star Cruises selects homeport as Mumbai; to call
Lakshadweep:
Global cruise
liner Star Cruises is to add new cruise vessel SuperStar Libra to its fleet
which will be homeported in Mumbai from September. SuperStar Libra will arrive
in Mumbai on September 25 and commence regular operations from October two.
Under the concept of homeport, the cruise liner would position on a particular
port in India and would return to the same port after calling at various
destinations. Hong Kong airport rated world’s best: Hong Kong International Airport has been named best airport in the world by an industry survey. It was a close run contest with Seoul's Incheon and Singapore's Changi close behind Hong Kong in the final vote count. Hong Kong and Singapore also rated first and second in the best airports handling 25 million-plus passengers per year. The 2004 survey of 40 major airports around the globe was conducted by the Airports Council International and the International Air Transport Association. In Europe, the leading airports were Copenhagen, Helsinki and the new Athens airport. Dubai was voted the leading airport in Africa/Middle East ahead of Cape Town. Mansovar released in UK: Award winning film Mansarovar got released in UK’s prestigious Glasgow film theatre on February 27 (first ever an Indian film) - the most respected theater in Scotland for Independent Films and offbeat films. It is an indicator of the fact that Indian Independent films have a market both in India and abroad. Manasarovar has also been selected for the Fukuoka International Film Festival in September 2005. Fukuoka is the best film festival in Japan and Manasarovar will be one of the 20 plus films selected from Asia. Till now, the film has won several awards like Aravindan Puraskaram for Best Debut Director in India, Gollapudi Srinivas National Award for Best Debut Director in India and Best Film and Special Jury Prize, International Film Festival of Mumbai, 2005. Switzerland’s Valentine for Bollywood: The Consul General of Switzerland, Josef W Eisele in association with Switzerland Tourism celebrated the spirit of love synonymous with Switzerland by hosting a Valentine Day Party for Bollywood Producers and Directors. Present on the occasion were, Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai, Vashu Bhagnani, Mukesh Bhatt, Shakti Samanta, Rattan Jain and several others. The ambience at the pool side party was distinctly reminiscent of love with the Swiss colours Red & White used subtly in the decor. Over the years, the films shot in Switzerland have enthralled the nationwide audience Switzerland’s picturesque snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, lush alpine meadows covered with flowers are being used as backdrops for romantic love songs and dramatic scenes. Speaking on the occasion Josef W Eisele, Consul General of Switzerland said, “Switzerland’s association with Bollywood dates back to Raj Kapoor’s hit film Sangam, followed closely by Shakti Samanta’s An Evening In Paris to the latest Yash Chopra mega hit Veer-Zaara. Switzerland landscape spells romance and Valentine’s Day is all about love. Thus there could be no better way Switzerland could pay a tribute to Bollywood than by celebrating Valentine’s Day”. The President of Switzerland, Joseph Deiss recently felicitated several Bollywood producers.” BIMSTEC nations to set up tourism fund: At the three day meet of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries’ Tourism ministers decided to set up a “tourism fund” for joint publicity and promotion of tourist destinations. There is also a plan to establish a tourism information center in India for producing and updating publicity and collateral material. The proposed fund will be created with an initial annual contribution of $10,000 by each BIMSTEC country, while the Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide technical and financial support to help BIMSTEC develop and promote tourism sector in South Asia. Nepal hikes tourist levy: In a bid to rationalise tax collection and shore up funds to promote tourism in the country, the Nepalese government has decided to charge a one-time fee of Nepali Rs. (NR) 565 from each tourist at the airport. This will go towards the Tourism Service Fee (TSF) that is collected by the government to promote tourism in the country. Earlier the inland revenue department of the government used to raise TSF through a 2% levy on all tourism-related expenditures in hotels, restaurant, travel, trekking and rafting. This will now be clubbed with Passenger Service Tax -popularly regarded as the airport tax – whose rates have been hiked to NRs 790 from NRs 700 for tourists travelling from the SAARC countries. Tourist from other nations will have to shell out NRs 1,130. TOP INTACH PREPARES GUIDE ON LODHI GARDENS: Delhi’s Lodhi gardens were in the news recently as Time magazine’s “best urban oasis in the world”. INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) is all set to bring out a 4 page booklet (priced at Rs 10/-) which will be a complete guide on the monuments, birds and trees of the complex. Mr. S.K. Misra, Chairman, INTACH was confident that the “guide” would be well received by grown-ups and children alike helping the young ones learn more about their heritage. INDIAN SCIENTIST WORKS WITH LADAKH VILLAGERS TO SAVE SNOW LEOPARD: An Indian scientist Dr. Charudutt Mishra has worked in a village south of Ladakh to save the snow leopard. He convinced the locals to be more tolerant of this threatened animal (only 1000 remain in India and 5000 in 12 countries). As its habitat, at over 10,000 feet shrinks, it preys on domestic animals, much to the chagrin of villagers. Mishra set up a simple insurance scheme among communities whose livestock fell prey to the snow leopard in order to reduce the number of big cats killed in retaliation. Since this scheme started no snow leopard has been killed by the villagers. For this unique project he recently won a UK conservation prize set up by Edward Whitely. Asiatic black bears back to the wild: For the first time in India, two female Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) were released to the wild after undergoing rehabilitation for more than two years at the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) at Pakke in the north eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Read More... River dolphins in Ganges stretch double: The number of fresh water dolphins, an endangered species, has doubled to 40 in the 165-km stretch of Ganges, thanks to the efforts of the World Wildlife Fund in India. Fresh water dolphins is an extremely significant species as it indicates the health of aquatic environment. Increase in numbers of the mammal is a good sign for the ongoing campaign to save it through spreading awareness among the villages and school children. Dolphin is one of the endangered species in IUCN’s (World Conservation Union) red list. At present, the population of these dolphins across the country is about 1,800, down from about 5,000 in the 1980’s. The campaign was also supported by actor Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter, Shweta Nanda. More lions in Gir: There are 359 lions in Gir, known as the “last abode of the Asiatic Lion,” according to the latest census, an increase of 32 since the last one four years ago. The break-up is 89 adult males, 124 adult females, 72 sub-adults Read More.... WWF DECLARES NORTHEAST FORESTS “SECOND RICHEST IN THE WORLD”: The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has said in its report that the forests in the Northeast are the “second richest in the world”, especially as recently a new species of macaque and the rare rusty throated wren warbler were found in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. About 14,000 sq km of the Himalaya foothill north of the Brahmaputra River has been described as “extraordinary” and “a jewel in the crown of Indian forests.” TOP South Goa Port GETTING Ready To Boost Cruise Tourism: Keen to tap the growing inbound cruise market, Goa Tourism has earmarked a South Goa port for the development to the extent that will make it capable to handle cruise ships docking with it. Sector 10, a bay located at the Mormogoa Port Trust is set to be upgraded with international class arrival and departure lounges and a duty free shopping centre, forex counter and restaurants. According to Travel and Tourism Association Of Goa (TTAG) president, Charlers Bonifacio, the facility should be ready to receive cruise liners by June. "There are not many cruise companies that have been using Goa as a port of call. There were only eight cruise vessels that docked at Goa ports in 2004. Recently, Star Cruises have forged a tie up with SOTC as a result of which Star Cruises will have its ships dock in Goa. Bonifacio also announced the government's plans to develop a hitherto absent golf tourism market. An international consultancy company, Mckensie has been contracted for the development of a golf course in Verna, an 18-course golf course. Another golf course in South Goa is on the anvil and the land for the same has already been acquired. IFFI 2005 OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED FOR 2005: Goa is going to be the venue for the International Film Festival of India for 2005 as well, that is officially confirmed. TWO NEW 5 STAR HOTELS DUE TO OPEN: Two five star properties in Goa are to open. One of them called Vainguinim Valley Resort near Panjim will open as soon as 18 May already. The other one called The Beach at Benaulim beach in South Goa would be ready by October or so this year. We shall keep you updated on both the properties. THAILAND PRINCESS VISITS TAJ EXOTICA GOA: The Princess of Thailand, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, recently stayed at the Taj Exotica Goa from 7th to 9th March, 2005. She was in Goa as part of the ten-day goodwill visit to India. Her Royal Highness was accompanied on this visit by a 21-member delegation comprising of dignitaries and media officials from Thailand.
WINE
CELEBRATIONS IN GOA (06 – 08 MAY):
In what is described as a
very "Viva la different" festival, chefs from star hotels engaged gourmet lovers
and housewives how wine is used for cooking, summer fashion show for the women
as experts from the different consulate offices in Goa and select invitees
engage in wine tasting.
Just Answer Five Simple Questions to win a book:
1) Star cruises has included which Asian country on its itinerary recently? a) India c) Myanmar b) Pakistan d) Sri Lanka
2) Lufthansa which now owns Swiss International, will soon be starting its operations to which city of India? a) Jaipur c) Cochin b) Trivandrum d) Amritsar
3) Bhimbetka is a world heritage site in India, famous for what? a) Drawings in cave c) Wildlife b) Frescos d) Old temple
4) Who said, “There are two types of people on this earth – ones who have seen Taj Mahal and the other ones who haven’t!” a) Putin c) Bill Clinton b) Rajiv Gandhi d) Max Mueller
5) When does usually monsoons hit the coast of Goa ? a) 7 Jun c) 29 Jun b) 25 May d) 20 Jun
LAST DATE: 31 May’05 to send your entries at the email address pmaurya@vsnl.net
ANSWERS OF LAST CONTEST:
1) How many World Heritage Sites does India have ANS: b. 26 2) Karaikal falls in which state of India? ANS: b. Pondicherry 3) Manas wildlife sanctuary borders which neighbouring country? ANS: a. Bhutan 4) Which sanctuary in India reported almost no tiger in the recent census? ANS: b. Sariska 5) Delhi is host to which international tourism event in April’05? ANS: a. WTTC
WINNER OF LAST CONTEST: Mr. Saleh of Netherlands has won the prize this time by sending all correct answers. TOP
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NOTE: This newsletter is currently being sent to about 22000 select tour operators, individuals, friends, tourist offices, 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 |