TAAI's Travel Awards on Aug 6

By Deepak Arora

MUMBAI, July 23: The two-day India Travel Trade Expo (ITTE 2010) will kick start in Mumbai from August 6.

Organized by the country’s largest travel association, the Travel agents Association of India (TAAI), the expo will showcase all segments of this sector including outbound and inbound tourism.

The TAAI Travel Awards, Oscars of the travel industry will be given away on the first day recognizing the contribution made by the airlines, hotels Spas, etc.

According to Mr Iqbal Mulla, Chairman- ITTE 2010, the expo would be a golden opportunity to establish new customer contacts, create vital space for strategic partnerships and build a long term business relationships.

The expo will hold a CEO’s conclave on the opening day, followed by sessions on inbound and outbound tourism. The sessions will discuss challenges faced by the industry and the inputs from these would be submitted as a WHITE PAPER to the Central Government highlighting the operational problems like Service tax and airline commissions. B2B exhibition, MICE, Medical tourism and other infrastructure related activities will form the basis of the meet.

The second TAAI travel awards, in 12 categories, will be awarded to the best in the fraternity. Launched in Dubai last year, this event will have newer awards across the airlines and hotel industries, said Mr Sunil Kumar Chairman, TAAI Travel Awards.

TAAI has over 2800 members in its association in the country whose role indeed would be befitting in honoring the worthy, Mr Kumar said.

Govt giving special attention to Hotel and Hospitality Sector: Sultan Ahmed

NEW DELHI, June 30: Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed has said that tourism plays an important role in most developing as well as developed countries. He said, the sector accounts for 11% of the GDP and 8% of employment globally. Leading Tourism Organizations, including World Tourism Organization and World Tourism and Travel Council, have declared Indian tourism as the fastest growing at a rate of about 8%.

He was speaking today at a function organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi for the presentation of cheques to the two charity organizations- Plan India and PHD Family Welfare Foundation (PHDFWF).

Ahmed said, India’s performance in tourism sector has been quite impressive. During the period 2002 to 2009, India witnessed as increase in the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) from 2.38 million to 5.11 million. Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism increased from 15,064 crore in 2002 to 54,960 crore in 2009. The minister said, not only this, during 2009, the number of domestic tourist visits to the States/ Union Territories was 650 million as compared to 563 million in 2008 and 527 millions in 2007.

He said, Hotel and Hospitality sector plays an important role in the growth and sustainability of tourism sector in the country. Indian Ministry of Tourism is paying special attention to this sector.

Ahmed said, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved broad basing hospitality education. Vocational schools, polytechnics, universities and colleges would be involved to meet the growing demand of trained manpower in hospitality sector. Revised guidelines for the Scheme of Assistance to Institute of Hotel Management and Food Craft Institutes have also been issued. He said the Ministry intends to set up 19 State IHMs and 25 State FCIs in the 11th Plan Period.

He said, the combined training capabilities currently available in the country are able to provide only 12000 trained personnel for absorption in the Hospitality industry. The existing demand is far higher at 2 lakh personnel annually. To bridge this demand–supply gap, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Hunar Se Rozgar” programme. The programme envisages creation of employable skills in hospitality sector under the Capacity Building Scheme. It targets the youth of weaker sections of Society who are interested in joining the hospitality industry. The programme is being operated simultaneously in the Institutes of Hotel Management and Food Craft Institutes across the country. Linkages forged with the Industry have ensured that successful candidates are now finding appropriate placements in the Hotels and Restaurants.

French Ambassador proposes Bollywood love story in picturesque settings of Pau Pyrenees

Pau Pyrenees Tourism enters Indian market; Appoints OM Tourism as representative

By Deepak Arora & Pix By Noyanika

NEW DELHI, June 1: If you want to discover the French way of life, history, culture, nature, mountains and sea, then the right place to visit is Pau Pyrenees in the South West of France. “All these experiences and more like Golf, Fox Hunting, racing, skiing, rafting, canoeing and biking et al are available in the radius of one hour of car drive,” says Didier Brisset, Chief of the Pau Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Pau, the capital of the region, was also the capital of Henry IV, the King of France, and that’s why it is referred to as the land of Kings.

Didier Brisset, along with his five-member team from Pau Pyrenees Airport, Lourdes Tourism Office, Pau Tourism Office and Congress Centre, were here to promote the South West region of France to the discerning Indian travelers.

French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont said Pau Pyrenees is an excellent location for a Bollywood movie. The love story would begin when she meets her love in the breathtaking mountains of Pyrenees. The love between the two would deepen in the settings of the legendary Gaube Lake, the exquisite surroundings of St-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz coast that is referred to as the surf capital of France and picturesque and romantic settings of innumerable castles and forts.

This is the first time that a French regional tourism office has established its presence in the Indian market.

Xavier Borg, Director General of the Pau Tourism Information Office, said a five minutes drive from the Pau airport one can taste Jurancon and Madiran, one of the finest French white and red wines respectively. These wines were favourites of the Kings and are called King of wines.

Borg said a 35-minute drive can take you to Oloron St Marie, an ancient and medieval town, that is like little Venice.

Claudie Cheyroux, Marketing Manager of Pau Pyrenees Airport, said “the airport is gateway to the region. It is our endeavour to encourage more tourists to fly into Pau and experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of the region. The airport is strategically located with easy access by road and train to key destinations in the region.”

Cheyroux said the region can easily be accessed from Paris by air, rail or road. Air France and Ryanair have three flights each daily from Paris-Roissy CDG airport to Pau Pyrenees. It is also connected by air from London and Brussels.

She said the visit to Le Gers and Auch takes one to the famous land of Musketeers. She said one can find warm and hospitable accommodation ranging from three to five stars.

Franck Delhave, Director of Lourdes Tourism, said Lourdes is Mecca of world spirituality. Here one can rediscover one’s essence and feel serenity. Millions of people go for a pilgrimage to this holy town where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

He said the Holy Betharram caves are one of the biggest caves in Europe. In this holy town one feels good about oneself and at peace with the other people.

Lourdes is a cosmopolitan town that proudly displays its origins. The XIth Century Fort, classed as a historical mountain and its Pyrenean museum as well as the Pic du Jer remind us of its key position at the entrance of the valleys of the Midi-Pyrenees.

Didier Brisset also announced the appointment of New Delhi based OM Tourism as the official India representative office for Pau Pyrenees Tourism.

Praising the economic growth of India, Brisset said “for us coming to India is a very important step as we believe India has a great potential and the Indian travellor is always interested in visiting and experiencing new destinations.

Xavier Borg said of the 250,000 Indian that visit France, about 20,000 Indians visit the Lourdes. “We hope that our efforts would show an increase of 20 per cent in tourists’ arrivals from India this year.”

Thibault Cheneviere, Chief of Staff of the Pau Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the region is also famous for its gourmet cuisine and wines. “As everywhere else in
France, the people here love their wine and food and the region is world renowned for its vineyards and exotic French cuisine.”

Jagdis Singh Rishiraj, Advisor to the Pau Chamber of Commerce and Industry, had gone to Pau for higher studies a few years ago. He has been captivated by Pau’s serene and beautiful environment. He calls it “land of Angeles”.

Sanjay Sondhi, President, OM Tourism, said “it is our honour to represent a region that has a rich historical background as also brings out the best in hospitality and has breathtaking surroundings.”

Raman Mohan, Chief Executive Officer, said the region has a rich heritage of castles and museums and would make an interesting and popular tourism place for the Indians in the months to come.

Mohan said OM Tourism works as a specialist tourism and travel representation company offering a complete range of services such as public relations, media handling, marketing, communications, brand positioning, event management and tourism research services.

Besides India, the region receives tourist traffic from France, the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Spain.

Pau Pyrenees Gala Evening

Selja inaugurates Himachal Haat

SHIMLA, June 1: Himachal Pradesh today rolled out its first public private partnership (PPP) tourism project — the Himachal Haat — and an innovative scheme “Har Gaon Ki Kahani” (every village has a story) to bring diversification in the tourism sector and linking the culture, livelihood and untold legends of the hills to visitors.

Union Minister for Tourism Kumari Selja, who flew here this morning, drove to the Destination, a private luxury resort on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway to launch the Haat set up with an investment of Rs 23 lakh.

“This is a novel experiment in the PPP mode, which I believe go a long way in attracting tourists, both domestic and foreigners, to Himachal Pradesh. Since it is a demonstrative project, there is scope for more such ventures in the state,” she said.

A significant number of top Congress leaders were present during the inaugural show. Veteran Congress leader and leader of the Opposition Vidya Stokes, former Speaker Gangu Ram Musafir, MLA Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Cabinet ministers Rajeev Bindal (Health) and Mohinder Singh Thakur (Housing and Transport) were present at the function.

Bangkok hotel Chaophya Park wins top SKAL Ecotourism Award

CEBU, June 1: The first-ever Skal Asia Ecotourism Award 2010 has been won by the Chaophya Park Hotel & Resort, Bangkok. The hotel's general manager, Mr. Andrew J. Wood, received the Skal Asia Ecotourism Award 2010 from Skal Asia, with president Gerry Perez and Skal International VP and director of development Tony Boyle at the 39th Skal Asia Congress in Cebu, Philippines from May 27 to 30. Two other awards were also given during the conference - Skal Asia Club of the Year went to Skal Intl Singapore, and the Skal Asia Personality of the Year went to Skalleague Patrick Fiat.

The award will be offered each year to the Asian Area Skålleague, or teams of Skålleagues, who have, through practical example, undertaken an environmentally-responsible project that has benefitted the community at large.

The Skål Environmental Award for Asia is given to any Skålleagues that, in the opinion of the judges, best exemplified the following criteria. The benefits may be numerous and should include as many of the following criteria which will be evaluated and marked by the judges:

1. Reduces waste and emissions and energy use.

2. Uses the principle of 4 R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replace) in a practical and successful project that has deemed to be positive to the community.

3. Protects and conserves the cultural heritage of the destination and its peoples.

4. Shows excellent examples of education and sharing of best practices with the community at large and with employees, customers, and their children.

5. Receives recognition for Skål International and its environmental principles.

6. The project has potential to be sustainable and self supporting.

7. The project provides job enrichment and job opportunities that were not available prior to the commencement of the project.

8. The project is well documented and accurately records all tangible benefits and cost savings and benefits.

Skal Asia is proud to be part of SKAL International, the largest association of tourism professionals uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. Skal Club #13 in Jakarta, is Asia's oldest and first "Skal Club" established outside of Europe in December 1934.

With more than 2,600 members in five national committees and 44 clubs, SKAL Asia's growth in recent years is a reflection of the area's vibrancy despite a difficult business environment. From the small island of Guam, to Japan, Hong Kong, SE Asia, India, and West Asia, to the far reaches of Bahrain and Jerusalem and the Middle East, to Mauritius and many countries in between, SKAL is perhaps the most diverse Area Committee to be found in the world of SKAL International.

The Skal Asian Area president, Mr. Gerry Perez, commented: "We are a non-political organization. However, our members are managers and executives who can make a difference through contacts with local, national, and international leaders on matters that affect tourism."

"Our industry is one that accounts for 10 percvent of the world's GDP and nearly 900 million travelers around the world annually. And as the financial contagion normalizes in the years ahead, we can expect Asia's tourism growth to be significant. The 21st century has ushered phenomenal growth in Asia, and the prospect for membership growth is full of promise. The challenge for us all is to assert our leadership roles in the communities we serve and to harness the goodness of peace and friendship while alleviating poverty, exercising proper stewardship of tourism resources, and inviting others to join our cause,"said Skal Asia president Perez.

Protests are over, but Thai tourism still seeing red

BANGKOK, June 1: The Red Shirt anti-government protesters have gone home, but Thailand's tourism industry is still seeing red.

Armed soldiers, smoky streets and looted stores were the sad finale to two months of street protests seeking to force new elections. Those images have lingered in many minds, especially for tourists, a little over a week since the protests ended.

Thailand now has the challenges of repairing its image and its tourism industry.

The number of visitors dropped significantly since the protests closed down Bangkok's main shopping and tourist district in early April. Forecasts for this year were revised to 12 million visitors, down from 15 million, according to the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations.

The political standoff and the subsequent violent clashes caused losses of about 60 billion to 70 billion baht ($1.9 billion to $2.2 billion) in tourism-related revenues, according to Atthachai Burakamkovit, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The government is talking with trade organizations to pinpoint the exact amount of the losses.

"Different trade associations have their own estimates to serve their own purposes," said Atthachai.

Already, the government has earmarked 5 billion baht ($154 million) to help tourism-related businesses affected by the turmoil and rioting. The package is awaiting the Cabinet's approval.

"Using government funds to help private companies is always a difficult situation. And I don't think anybody will hold their breath while this occurs," said Bill Heinecke, chairman and CEO of Minor International, which operates 16 hotels in Thailand, including the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok.

The Four Seasons, on the front lines of the protests, was forced to close for seven weeks and expects to lose at least 100 million baht ($3 million) as a result. Several other nearby up-market hostelries were also shuttered.

"In my 40 years in the hotel industry, I haven't seen anything this bad," said Prakit Chinamornpong, president of the Thai Hotels Association.

The number of guest check-ins indicates a dire situation. Prakit said Bangkok's occupancy rate for May dipped to about 10 percent. The hotel association wants the government to help loan repayments, fixing the interest rate at a 3 percent for at least a year, and to help workers.

During the turmoil, major travel agencies suspended tours to Bangkok, and that had a ripple effect on other destinations in Thailand. JTB Group, Japan's largest travel agency, only resumed ticket sales to Thailand on May 27, after a month's stoppage. Japanese made up the second-largest group of inbound tourists to Thailand in 2009, with almost 1 million visitors.

Prakit said the situation was worse than the 1997 financial crisis, the bird flu epidemic and even the occupation of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport in 2008 by the People's Alliance for Democracy, the Red Shirts' ideological rivals.

"It took us five months to recover from PAD's 9-day airport closure. But this time it'll be at least six months — or even more," said Prakit.

As the result of the airport closure, the total number of inbound visitors in 2009 fell to below pre-crisis projections. The 12 million arrival forecast for this year would see Thailand return to pre-2006 figures.

Any previous efforts by the government to drum up confidence abroad since has been futile.

"It doesn't matter how many times the prime minister went to Japan to boost the country's image earlier this year, we've got to start all over again," said Prakit.

Bangkok's Montien Hotel saw its occupancy tumble from a February high of 80 percent to 3 percent as of May, said resident manager Somsak Akaktanond. Last week only 10 of its 475 rooms were occupied, and they were regulars.

"There are no new customers. And many have canceled their bookings for the next couple of months," said Somsak.

For the short term, hotels are now trying to attract Asian tourists, believing that they are more understanding of the situation.

"Memory is very short-lived. We've seen events like the tsunami (which killed about 5,000 people in Thailand in 2004) and other incidents like the Bali bombing ... They pass very quickly," said Heinecke.

The Thai tourism industry has managed to recover from the past recent crises.

"The fundamentals of Thailand are still extremely strong," said Heinecke. "I don't think Thai people have changed. I don't think Thai food has changed. And I don't think the destination has changed."

Shimla's summer fest begins Wednesday

SHIMLA, May 31: The summer festival of dance and music, a major event to boost tourism in this Himachal Pradesh capital, would begin Wednesday.

'The five-day International Shimla Summer Festival would begin June 2,' Shimla Deputy Commissioner and chairman of the event organising committee J.S. Rana said. He said local artistes would dominate the festival this time.

'The organisers have decided to give local flavour to the festival by inviting budding artistes from the state alone.'

'Since inviting big names from the film industry was an expensive proposition, we have decided to invite local budding artistes only,' he added.

The Himachal Pradesh tourism department is expecting an increase in the arrival of tourists during the festival.

'We are expecting additional 20,000 tourists from other states this weekend due to the festival,' Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) general manager Yogesh Behl said.

'The reservation in most of our hotels is almost 90 percent due to influx of tourists from the northern plains to escape the heat wave,' he said.

The town has more than 450 hotels, restaurants and guest houses.

Superintendent of Police R.M. Sharma said special parking lots have been created to cater to the tourist rush during the summer festival.

According to tourism industry representatives, Shimla is getting 20,000-25,000 tourists every weekend on an average.

Bangkok Big Cleaning to Restore Normalcy

BANGKOK, May 27: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has organized a Big Cleaning Day for the capital Bangkok. More than 4,500 people including foreigners volunteered to help restore normalcy in the tourism sector.

On Sunday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) organized a Big Cleaning Day for Bangkok after the over-two-month long rally ended on 19 May 2010.

After a thorough safety check by the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES), several areas in central Bangkok were returned to the BMA for rehabilitation.

The cleaning was aimed to heal the public well-being and also bring the tourism sector back to normality.

Over 4,500 volunteers cooperated with the concerned authorities including staff of the Department of Environment, Department of Drainage and Sewerage and Department of Public Works to clean the areas on six main routes.

The BMA also hosted a merit-making ceremony for the city in the Ratchaprasong area on Wednesday (May 26).

As of Monday (May 24), most of the business sectors, shopping areas and schools have re-opened as usual.

Mass transportation services have also resumed. Public bus services were back in operation on 21 May. The elevated BTS Skytrain and the MRT Subway system resumed service on Sunday.

With the exception of Zen, Central World, Isetan and Big C Rajdamri, all other department stores and shopping malls in Bangkok and around Thailand have not been affected.

Life in all other areas of Bangkok and in the provinces continues as normal with tourist attractions not affected in any way.

Munnar voted second best Asian destination

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, May 12: The results are in and travelers worldwide have spoken. The serene hills of Munnar in Kerala, has been honored as Asia’s second best in Trip Advisor’s 2010 Traveler’s Choice Destination awards. Asia’s top destination is Tokyo, followed by Munnar at second spot with the third rank going to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

“Millions of travelers rely on TripAdvisor for travel inspiration. So we are thrilled and humbled that Munnar has been honored by travelers this year,” said Dr Venu, Secretary, Kerala Tourism. “The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards are particularly meaningful, as they are determined by real travelers.”

From stunningly beautiful locales to hot spots with amazing attractions, the 2010 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Award winners are truly incredible places that travelers love. The winners were determined by a combination of travelers' destination comments, favorite places, and overall destination popularity on TripAdvisor.

Munnar’s sprawling tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains and cool air have long been a favourite with both Indian honeymooners and foreign tourists. In recent years, this beautiful landscaped hill station has been attracting adventure travelers, who are enamored by the area’s stunning topography, which is ideal for paragliding, trekking and rock climbing. Nature lovers usually make a beeline for Eravikulam National Park, which is home to colorful wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), ruddy mongoose and 120 bird species.

Eight other Indian destinations also made it to the top 25 Asian destination choice list, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 6th spot, Manali (7), Hampi (8), Goa (9), Udaipur (12), Gangtok (19), Bangalore (20) and Dharamsala (22).

Mr M Sivasankar Director Kerala Tourism said that destinations honored in The TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Destination Awards earn their distinction from those who know them best.

“With 15 million registered members, more than 34 million monthly visitors, and 30 million traveler reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor is no doubt the world’s most popular and largest travel community. So we are delighted and thrilled to learn that Munnar has rated so well with such an esteemed audience of travelers”.

Now in its eighth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best destinations. Unlike any other awards program, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions about destinations on tripadvisor.com and content from across the Web.