Tourism Minister inaugurates Surajkund Mela

NEW DELHI, Feb 1: Union Minister for tourism Subodh Kant Sahai has called for more stress on ethnic tourism in the country. Inaugurating the 25th Surajkund Crafts Mela 2011 at Surajkund near Delhi, he said, fairs like this project the rich cultural heritage of the country in a proper perspective.

The minister also released a special postage cover and a postal stamp brought out by Department of Post on the occasion.

Andhra Pradesh is the theme state in the Mela this year. Participation of Uzbekistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand makes it more colorful and diverse this time.

Tourism Minister Calls for More Cooperation Amongst South Asian Countries to Promote Tourism

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, Jan 28: Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay has called for more cooperation amongst the South Asian countries to promote tourism in the region.

Inaugurating the 18th South Asia Travel and Tour Expo (SATTE) 2011 in New Delhi on Friday, Mr Sahay said it is the opportune time for all tourism organisations and stake holders in the region to get together and address issues that are common and relevant for the growth of tourism in the region.

Union Minister for Water Resources and Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid was the guest of honour.

The Minister said there is a need for secured tourism. He said more trained and skilled tourism professionals are required for the fast developing tourism industry.

The minister said India can offer its training facilities to the people from south Asian countries. He was of the opinion that India has tremendous scope for the growth of eco, rural and medical tourism.

The tourism minister said "we are monitoring and analyzing the global tourism trends to maintain our competitiveness. We are increasing our collaboration and improving information exchange mechanism with the industry, other countries, international organizations and educational institutions."

"Our endeavour remains to exchange data and information on the latest trends and strategies with other countries at regular intervals," he added.

The linkage and cooperation with the industry is going to be the key for the future of tourism growth in the region.

In our efforts to develop inbound tourism to the South Asian region and intra-regional tourism, we should make the industry our major partner and lead player, the minister added.

The tourism minister expressed the hope that the conference will come out with a concrete road map for development of tourism in south Asia.

SATTE plays an important role in showcasing the tourism potential of the South Asian region and provides a platform for tourism stakeholders in the region to interact with buyers from across the world with the objective of promoting tourism to the region.

Chief Co-Ordinator SATTE Navin Berry said “the growing success of SATTE ITB 2011 mirrors the increasing clout of India led travel and tourism and is one of the biggest growth centres for the industry in the world. SATTE is equally the most comprehensive show case of the Incredible India Tourism Product to the World.”

The ceremonial opening and award night of Asia’s biggest Travel and Tourism Exhibition titled SATTE ITB Berlin happened at the Kingdom of Dreams on Thursday night with a special screening of a Bollywood musical “Zangoora”.

India’s Chief Election Commissioner Dr. S.Y. Qureshi was the Chief Guest at the inaugural event that would be attended by captains of travel and tour industry of India and 38 other countries, including the US, Switzerland, Spain, Britain, Poland, Hungary, Malaysia, Iceland, Thailand, Turkey, China, Canada, France, Italy, Australia, Germany and Dubai.

Dr. S.Y. Qureshi honoured the Big Achievers with the SATTE awards.

The three-day SATTE ITB is the only show in the world to be co-branded by the world major ITB Berlin. The credit for putting this grand show on a different pedestal and taking Indian tourism to newer heights goes to Navin Berry, Chief Co-Ordinator SATTE.

New Delhi to host Asia’s biggest Travel Expo from January 27

SATTE ITB 2011 reflect India’s growth story in travel: Navin Berry

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, Jan 26: Asia’s biggest Travel and Tourism Exhibition titled SATTE ITB Berlin opens at the Indian Capital city on Thursday at the Kingdom of Dreams with a special screening of a Bollywood musical “Zangoora” and honouring of the Big Achievers with the SATTE awards.

India’s Chief Election Commissioner Dr. S.Y. Qureshi will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural event that would be attended by captains of travel and tour industry of India and 38 other countries, including the US, Switzerland, Spain, Britain, Poland, Hungary, Malaysia, Iceland, Thailand, Turkey, China, Canada, France, Italy, Australia, Germany and Dubai.

The three-day SATTE ITB is the only show in the world to be co-branded by the world major ITB Berlin. The credit for putting this grand show on a different pedestal and taking Indian tourism to newer heights goes to Navin Berry, Chief Co-Ordinator SATTE.

On Friday, Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai and Union Water Resources and Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid would inaugurate the SATTE ITB 2011.

Speaking to this correspondent, Navin Berry said “the growing success of SATTE ITB 2011 mirrors the increasing clout of India led travel and tourism and is one of the biggest growth centres for the industry in the world. SATTE is equally the most comprehensive show case of the Incredible India Tourism Product to the World.”

“It is business forums like SATTE that have proved both the potential and the opportunity for Public Private Partnerships. These are best driven by the private sector but must enjoy the resources and patronage of the Government,” added Navin Berry.

He said "with 30 countries exhibiting and some 25 states creating their umbrella pavilions, the industry at large is represented here under one roof. This is truly a show of both national and international dimensions, with over 6,000 sq meter net exhibition space, making it one of the biggest tourism events in all of Asia."

The 18th edition represents the biggest ever SATTE ITB and gives South Asia an exhibition of global standards. The mart will be held on January 28 and 29 at six halls in Pragati Maidan here.

Buoyed by the response, the organisers have created a back to back two-day companion event in Mumbai from February 1 for the first time. Mumbai West will enable exhibitors to cover two cities in one single effort.

In recent years, India has emerged as a major player in the travel and tourism sector as a destination and as a leading generator of travel.

India’s growth story as a strong travel and tourism generator is beginning to unfold with an increasing number of countries coming to recognize the consistent growth in the market. India’s hunger for Holiday Travel is increasing proportionately given the rise in disposable incomes across every segment.

The single biggest component among these is weekend travel, built around neighboring attractions. Hill and Beach Tourism, Spas and recreational resorts are all catching up with the Indian Traveller.

A major feature this year is the SATTE Knowledge Forum that will be a learning curve for delegates. Two of the seminar sessions are being organized under the banner of ITB Berlin. These are “Responsible Tourism: the way forward” and “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: a new growth segment”. Other Sessions are on “The Emerging Power of the Indian Traveller”, “South Asian Tourism Potential” and “Indian Aviation: Trends”.

Year after year, the SATTE Awards night has turned out to be a landmark component of the mart. Its prestigious lifetime achievement award has been bestowed upon such doyens of industry as P R S Oberoi, Y C Deveshwar and Captain CP Krishnan Nair. Praful Patel, Rahul Bhatia and Dr. Vijay Mallaya have been recipients of SATTE Awards under different categories.

This year, 20 SATTE Awards would be conferred upon players and individuals under different categories like Lifetime Achievement Award, Young Achiever Award, Intach Awards, Industry Benchmark Awards etc. This also includes best state awards under various categories. Consumer electronics major Samsung would be SATTE’s partner at the awards event.

Tourist Visa on Arrival Scheme Extended to Nationals of Myanmar and Indonesia

NEW DELHI, Jan 25: India has extended `Tourist Visa on Arrival` scheme for the citizens of Myanmar and Indonesia. In order to promote tourism, the Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) scheme was introduced for the nationals of five countries, namely, Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg and New Zealand with effect from January 1, 2010. The scheme was extended for the nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Philippines with effect from January 1, 2011.

The scheme has been found to be useful by the foreign nationals. Up to December, 2010, 6569 nationals availed the facility of TVOA.

The TVOA is allowed for a maximum validity of 30 days with single entry facility by the Immigration Officers at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata Airports on payment of a fee of US $ 60 or equivalent amount in Indian rupees per passenger (including children).

TVOA is allowed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year to a foreigner with a minimum gap of two months between each visit. TVOA shall be non-extendable and non-convertible.

The foreigners of the above mentioned countries may also avail of TVOA for up to 30 days for medical treatment, for casual business or to visit friends/relatives, etc. The TVOA facility is not applicable to the holders of Diplomatic/Official Passports. Further, TVOA shall not be granted to the foreigners who have permanent residence or occupation in India. Such persons can visit India on normal visa, as applicable.

The Canadian Tourism Commission Million Race

MUMBAI, Jan 25: The “Canadian Tourism Commission Million Race”, sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is to be held at Mumbai’s elite Mahalaxmi Race Course on February 13.

Restricted to horses, both colts and fillies, of no more than three years of age the “Canadian Tourism Commission Million Race” carries a prize of one million rupees (Rupees ten lac) along with the prestigious Canadian Tourism Commission Million Trophy.

This exclusive event promises to bring together 500 of Mumbai’s finest celebrities, prominent industrialists and business people, the who’s who from the travel trade, managing members of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) and distinguished visitors from the Canadian Consulate for an afternoon of excitement, glamour and of course sheer horsepower. Mingle with Mumbai’s glitterati over cocktails and hors de oeuvres.

Watch closely as thoroughbreds, both human and equine battle it out on the race course. It is important to be seen here and seen at your smartest. So slip on your designer sunglasses, pick up a glass of champagne and get set to cheer your favorite horse.

It may not be Ascot; but Mumbai’s select Mahalaxmi racecourse is as close as you’re likely to get with high society fillies and thoroughbred stallions rubbing shoulders with serious racing fans and hardcore punters.

In fact, many high profile visitors including the erstwhile Shah of Iran, the King of Saudi Arabia and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (herself a horse lover, owner and breeder) have not hesitated to express their appreciation for the course and its management, words of praise indeed for the club and its archives.

But there’s more to a day at the races than backing a horse and cheering a winner, especially when there are exciting prizes to be won. So if you’ve had enough of the full throttle excitement on the track, do remember to listen for your name as the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is also sponsoring a lucky draw for the audience and 2 fortunate guests will win air tickets with a free five night stay as well as passes to the prestigious Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2011 to be held in Toronto, Canada from June 23 to 25, 2011.

Weren’t quite lucky enough in the lucky draw? Well, if you happen to be a Hindi film aficionado, a purveyor of Indian Art House Cinema or simply a Bollywood buff you might consider making your way to the Toronto IIFA awards 2011, anyway you won't be disappointed.

Expect a star-studded extravaganza with reel life glamour, glitzy sets, larger then life performances by the most popular film stars and enough wattage to set the red carpet aflame. Catch the latest in glamorous Bollywood fashion, rub shoulders with your favorite celebrities and prepare to watch them match step for step to the hottest filmy numbers.

For the more serious film enthusiasts, the International Indian Film Academy plans to work closely with the Toronto International film festival; with Illuminato, the Toronto Center for Arts and with the Rogers Center to organize a plethora of cinematic events including a world wide premiere, numerous film screenings, a trade and business forum, film and media workshops and various free community activities slated to take place at different locations around the city leading up to the official awards presentation to be held at the Rogers Center.

Expected to attract 500 visitors from the Indian film industry alone, another 40,000 tourists and a television audience of 350 million, the awards promise to be a dazzling celebration of everything to do with Indian film.

The Canadian Tourism Commission Million Race is sure to be a thrilling experience for the participants and spectators alike.

‘Definitely Dubai’ tourism campaign launched

MUMBAI, January 14: The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has revealed that the number of hotel guests in Dubai, between January and September 2010, touched approximately six million (5,991,660 guests), reflecting a 6 per cent increase compared to the 5,640,703 guests during the corresponding period in 2009.

Meanwhile, DTCM has also launched an international campaign to promote the “Definitely Dubai” initiative, aiming to market the Emirate’s tourist attractions across the world in collaboration with major international tourism companies.

This follows a joint meeting between representatives of various hotels and tourism companies which was presided over by DTCM Director General Khalid A. Bin Sulayem, last week in the presence of a number of DTCM managers and executives, and other representatives of the two groups and government entities.

Bin Sulayem said that the latest increase in tourism figures follows the 9 per cent increase achieved during the first half of this year. He added that such an increase was possible due to the extensive marketing efforts of DTCM, and the diverse promotional programs it introduces across the global tourism market, in addition to the Department’s cooperation with private sector organizations locally and internationally.

Further, Bin Sulayem expressed his gratitude to the private sector representatives for their sincere efforts and constant cooperation with DTCM to achieve a common goal of boosting Dubai’s tourism sector.

Statistics also indicate that the number of tourist reservations for the first three quarters of 2010 reached 18,731,478 compared to 16,378,422 during the same period of 2009, marking a 14 per cent increase.

Also, the number of hotel rooms and hotel apartments increased during the first three quarters of 2010 by 16 per cent; from 59,372 rooms and hotel apartments in the first three quarters of last year to 68,654 this year. Hotel occupancy rates were steady for the first nine months of this year and were almost identical to the occupancy rates achieved during the same period last year.

The number of hotel facilities currently active in Dubai reached 565 compared to 533 in the same period last year, marking a 6 per cent increase.

On the other hand, hotel revenues amounted to AED 9,238,795,000 compared to AED 8,705,775,000 realized during the same period last year, reflecting an increase of 6 per cent.

The occupancy rate for hotel apartments increased by 2 per cent during the first nine months of 2010, reaching 66 per cent compared to 64 per cent for the same period in 2009.

During the joint meeting, DTCM also demonstrated international tourism market trends and their affect on the Emirate’s tourism sector, especially with regard to the operation of direct flights between Dubai and other countries across the world.

Further, the audience was introduced to the “Kate” program, launched by the Community Development Authority which aims to educate, guide, qualify and employ people with special needs. The program was introduced by Ms. Amal Al Qasem, senior volunteer development executive with the Authority.

The meeting concluded with Bin Sulayem honouring DTCM’s partners from both the private and public sectors who significantly contributed to the success achieved by Dubai’s tourism industry this year.