trav talk

1. Vol. XXV No. 1; January 1 st fortnight issue 2013 A DDP PUBLICATION Pages: 44 (Excluding cover) ` 50/-
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3. JANUARY 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013 TRAVTALK 1
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India ready with a new approach Seaplanes
to soar in
The new initiative includes developing world-class infrastructure and training manpower. It also Indian skies
includes undertaking aggressive promotional and marketing activities… With extensive
the world-class infrastructure coastlines and
T T B U R E AU Our ministry has prepared a
and manpower and undertak-
numerous lakes
I ncredible India has lined
up a multi-pronged
approach to aggressively
promote tourism in India, said
K Chiranjeevi, Minister for
ing aggressive promotional
and marketing activities. The
recently launched phase two
of Incredible India campaign
indicates a paradigm shift
multi-pronged strategy to
increase India’s share in
World Tourist Arrivals
in several parts
of the country,
State for Tourism with with the focus now being on Maritime Energy
Independent Charge to the consumers. The emphasis is wildlife, breath taking “Tourism is now recog-
global audience that had gath- on the fact that international mountains and vibrant nised as the driver of the Heli Air Services
ered to witness the grand tourists can find their destina- festivals. In fact, India economic growth. It’s also
finale of the World Travel tion or product of desire in bagged three prestigious reckoned as the best tool to
K Chiranjeevi
Minister for State for Tourism
(MEHAIR) plans
Awards in India. India,” said Chiranjeevi. India
offers a wide variety of travel
World Travel Awards (WTA),
namely World’s Leading
promote sustainable develop-
ment and address the inclusive turing, etc. Another unique
to introduce sea-
“Our ministry has pre-
pared a multi-pronged strate-
attractions, which exhibit
our traditional culture,
Destination- India, World’s
Leading Tourist Board-
growth concerns. Tourism has
the potential to stimulate other
aspect of the tourism sector is
that it provides employment
planes in Kerala,
gy to increase India’s share in ethos and modern outlook. Incredible India and World’s economic factors through even to the unskilled and Mumbai and Goa.
World Tourist Arrivals. It Tourism also draws strength Leading Tourist Attraction- its linkages with a host of sec- semi-skilled manpower,”
includes the development of in India from its diverse Taj Mahal. tors like agriculture, manufac- said Chiranjeevi. See full story on page 18
Lufthansa bags WTA
Tourism needs a makeover?
Experts believe that bringing change in orientation of the
tourism industry as pro-poor sector and its ability to generate
jobs will put its genuine demands on a stronger pedestal.
VIVEK SETHI the top decision makers in the Professor Emeritus, London
travel and hospitality industry School of Economics, who
SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications presents the World Travel Award (WTA) to Axel
Hilgers, Lufthansa’s Director-South Asia. The service has been adjudged as the World's
Leading Airline- Economy Class. WTA has capped its year-long search for the most
popular travel and tourism brands in the world with its glittering Grand Finale Gala
T he interactive session
called by the World
Travel & Tourism
Council, India Initiative
(WTTCII) titled ‘Leading
together. The four eminent
panelists included Arun
Maira, Member, Planning
Commission, Parvez Dewan,
Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,
dwelt deep into various possi-
bilities of making tourism a
profitable and priority sector.
Here are the excerpts from the
various expert insights:-
Ceremony in Delhi - NCR, India on December 12, 2012. The decision-makers of the
industry attended the VIP evening, which was officially supported by the Ministry of Tourism Through Turbulent Kapil Kaul, CEO, South Asia,
Tourism, Government of India, and hosted at The Oberoi, Gurgaon. Times’ in New Delhi brought CAPA and Ian Angell, Contd. on page 6

5. BULLETIN
MOT to study tax impact on tourism
The ministry will conduct the study of comparison on the impact of
excessive taxes on tourism viz-a-viz export industry and also with the
competing neighbouring countries.
T T B U R E AU
T he Ministry of Tourism is
now preparing to study
the ground realities, as to
create a more conducive
business environment
in the tourism industry.
K Chiranjeevi, Minister of
State for Tourism with
Independent charge has
IATO team with Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi (third from left)
announced that his Ministry
will conduct comprehensive tries,” said Chiranjeevi, and export industry status is as the export industry is
study on impact of taxation while addressing the dele- given to the tourism industry, exempted from service tax
on the tourism sector. gation of the Indian tourism will go up by at least whereas the tourism industry
Association of Tour 50 per cent in the country. is not. This is resulting in
“The ministry will con-
Operators (IATO) in discrimination not only
duct the study of compari- “Visa-on-Arrival scheme
New Delhi. against the exporters, but
son of the impact of exces- should be extended to all
also against tour operators in
sive taxes on tourism indus- The EC members of tourism-friendly countries. In
the neighbouring countries
try viz-a-viz the export IATO had met the minister in countries where Visa-on-
like Sri Lanka, Nepal etc,
industry and also the com- his office and apprised him of Arrival is not possible, e-visa
who are not paying any taxes
parative analysis on the tax the pertinent issues. Subhash should be issued for travelling
and the business for India
structure on the Indian Goyal, President, IATO to India. Indian tour operators
is being routed through
tourism industry with com- apprised the minister that if are being discriminated
them,” Goyal added.
peting neighbouring coun- Visa-on-Arrival is expanded against the physical exporters

6. STATISTICS
VIEWPOINT 1 bn tourists = 1bn opportunities
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO),
Together in 2013 one billion tourists have travelled internationally in 2012. This is equal
to one in every seven people on the planet travelling the world in 2012,
T he Travel & Tourism Industry is
moving forward on a very positive
note… The policy initiatives launched
up from just 25 million in 1950.
T T B U R E AU • US$ 1.2 trillion in exports nomic conditions, and is key to the power of one
during the last two months of the calendar a year supporting the global economy billion tourists to affect
year 2012 hold promise for more path-
breaking measures that shall be rolled out T he figure establishes
tourism as one of the
world’s largest and fastest
• Six per cent of world trade
• Eight per cent of the
in current challenging times.
UNWTO forecast point-
positive change
making small changes
to their travel behaviour.
by
in 2013. The two new marketing ed to the one-billionth tourist
growing economic sectors. It exports of least developed The campaign, One Billion
arriving somewhere in the
campaigns covering both international and accounts for: countries
world in December. UNWTO
Tourists: One Billion
• Nine per cent of global Opportunities, called on the
domestic markets, followed up by a GDP (direct, indirect and For developing countries,
chose December 13 as the
one billion tourists to make
symbolic arrival date of the
comprehensive study on the fall-out of induced) tourism brings much needed-
one-billionth tourist.
their actions count by saving
excessive taxation and setting up of a foreign exchange and invest- water and energy, using
• One in every 12 jobs
ment. Tourism has also proven To celebrate, the associ- public transport, protecting
regional tourism promotion council in a worldwide (direct, indirect
to be an extremely resilient ation ran a global campaign heritage and more.
and induced)
span of less than two months, further sector, despite uncertain eco- to raise awareness of
strengthens our hopes for 2013.
In 2012, a record one billion tourists crossed international
New Year brings with it a feeling of good 1 out of 7 people travel in 2012 borders in a single year.
will, cheer and relief. One more year has & how they make a difference Another five to six billion are estimated to travel in their own
countries every year.
gone and our business is doing well despite
the global crunch. I don’t want to sound like
a messiah or a doomsday nemesis, but if we
want to reach international standards, then
together as an industry we need to take a
vow for 2013 to carry our business and
this country forward with a feeling of pride
and ownership.
There are plenty of opportunities in India
for it to be sold as a destination, bestowed
with incredible travel offerings that have
Source:@UNWTO:2012
plenty to satisfy the needs of all segments
of travellers. To do this, even the smaller
operators need to organise and work with
a strategy:
1. Five years from now, what is the world
going to look like in which we run our
business? Tourism matters a lot
2. What will be the role of our company in
this changed future?
3. What are the steps we need to take,
starting today, to get there?
We must learn to value our people as
much as we value the opinion from the
other captains of the industry. Ask them
for their views, let them evaluate their
own everyday work and fit it into the
broader discussion of what to achieve in
that time period. This will help us draw
the path of operations, which will help in
Source:@UNWTO:2012
achieving the desired targets five years
from now.
Wishing you all a wonderful New Year, filled
with success and peace of mind.
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7. MOT JANUARY 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013 TRAVTALK 5
Say Namaste, Italia!
Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism at the inauguration of the
exhibition titled - ‘Italia comes to you’, highlighted the need to increase bilateral
efforts to increase the two-way flow of tourists between Italy and India.
VIVEK SETHI counterparts to enhance the by the Indian Tourism 94 per cent from India. We (L-R): Dewan and Bruschini at the exhibition
bilateral flow of visitors Secretary. had received 1,97,000 trav-
“L ike Italy, India has
cities that are world-
famous with great tourist
between the two countries,”
said Marco Bruschini,
Director General, Italian
“India is an important
market for us. Over the last
ellers in 2010 who consumed
an equivalent of 4,61,000
overnights. We aim to further
tions with our Indian travel
and trade partners,” he
added. The National Tourism
the said exhibition in other
BRIC countries successfully
and was now held in Delhi
attractions. However, over State Tourist Board reacting five years, Italy has witnessed strengthen these numbers by Board ENIT, instituted to and Bengaluru in December
2,00,000 Indians visit Italy to the gesture extended a tremendous growth of over also strengthening our rela- promote Italy had conducted 2012 over five days.
p.a. while only half the num-
ber of Italians come to India.
Both countries need to
enhance the bilateral flow of
visitors and explore the true
potential of tourism in both
countries,” said Dewan.
The Secretary, while
discussing the withdrawal of
the mandatory requirement
of the two months gap for
foreigners visiting India
on a tourist visa, stated, “We
need to build awareness
about Indian cuisine and cin-
ema, among many things to
increase the flow of Italian
visitors to India. The with-
drawal of the mandatory gap
for foreigners visiting will
definitely function as an
incentive for our Italian visi-
tors, as well,” he added.
On the other hand, “We
are reinstating our National
Tourism Board’s office in
New Delhi from January. We
will also undertake several
initiatives with our Indian
FTAs grow
by 5.9%
during
Jan-Nov.
As per the statistics
released by the Ministry
of Tourism, the Foreign
Tourist Arrivals (FTAs)
during the period
January-November 2012
were 58.99 lakh with a
growth of 5.9 per cent,
over the same period in
2011, as compared to the
FTAs of 55.72 lakh with a
growth of 9.4 per cent
during January-
November 2011 over the
corresponding period of
2010. FTAs during the
November 2012 were
6.90 lakh as compared to
FTAs of 6.70 lakh during
the same month in 2011
and 6.08 lakh in
November 2010. There
has been a growth of 3
per cent in November
2012 over November
2011 as compared to a
growth of 10.1 per cent
that was registered in
November 2011 over
November 2010.

8. 6 TRAVTALK JANUARY 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013 NEWS
Priya Paul is new
Chairman, WTTCII
Priya Paul, Chairperson,
The Apeejay Surrendra
takes over from Vikram
Madhok, Managing Director,
Ease taxation: A loud cry
Contd. from page 1
Park Hotels has been appointed Abercrombie & Kent India,
who completed his term at the Arun Maira, Member, Planning Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry
recently held AGM in Delhi. Commission- The travel industry has of Tourism We are willing to work
The World Travel & Tourism a strong case to present to the with the industry to facilitate various
Council, India Initiative government and get most of its measures and try to ease the permis-
(WTTCII) was launched in year genuine demands addressed. But, sion seeking process, so that only a
2000 with a purpose to unite firstly, it requires itself to change its few permissions shall be required for
key players from the industry image and portray itself as a sector various processes, like opening a
to work closely with the that has immense job creation and hotel. But then having said that one
Government and other stake- poverty alleviation potential. The Arun Maira needs to keep the federal set-up of Parvez Dewan
travel industry needs to understand Member our country in mind. Everybody Secretary
Priya Paul that like the tourism and hospitality Planning Commission needs to understand that the central Ministry of Tourism
Chairman, WTTCII government can help them only to a
sector, all the industries want tax
concessions from the government. Here, change in orientation certain extent.
as the Chairperson and Dipak of the tourism industry as pro-poor sector and its ability to
Deva, CEO, Destination generate employment will put its case on a stronger pedestal.
Management, India & South
Kapil Kaul, CEO, South Asia,
Asia, Kuoni Destination CAPA - The aviation sector in India
Ian Angell, Professor Emeritus, had long been selling below costs.
Management has been
London School of Economics- The under recoveries had been
appointed as the Vice
Dipak Deva Excessive taxation is bad. In circum- huge and are contributing to the
Chairman of WTTC, India Vice Chairman, WTTCII
stances where it’s possible for a present position. One needs to
Initiative 2013 at the recently
project to pay for it, the government understand that the Incredible
held Annual General Meeting
should support it to pay for itself India tourism can’t stand without a
of the World Travel & Tourism holders to address issues of
through measures like tax holidays healthy aviation sector. After so
Council, India Initiative concern and advocate policy Kapil Kaul
and other incentives. CEO many years, the demand and supply
(WTTCII) in New Delhi. Paul, directives to support the devel-
South Asia dynamics look favourable to the
who was the Vice Chairperson opment of the Travel & Ian Angell
of WTTCII for the year 2012, Tourism sector. Professor Emeritus Indian airlines.
London School of Economics
‘India, China to lead Aviation this year’
According to IATA, India, China and Latin America would continue to lead the growth next year in the
global aviation industry which would improve its profit from USD 6.7 billion to an estimated USD 8.4 billion.
Excerpts from speech by Tony Tyler during the IATA event.
T T B U R E AU the past year are slots and a priority, the IATA Board of sions to this - cost and avail- concession agreement might
passenger rights. Europe pre- Governors asked us to defend ability. As governments have prevented it. We
W hile Chinese domestic
market continues to
expand ‘very strongly’
sented initial proposals for an
Airports Package of legisla-
the global system. And yes-
terday, we had good news
struggle with tight budgets,
many are looking to the pri-
have seen progress in India
since our protests. The
tion which included some from the European vate sector for help in devel- Minister has directed
despite a slowdown earlier
very positive changes such as Parliament that the corner- oping airport infrastructure. the airports to remove
this year, the Indian market,
the introduction of greater stones of the Worldwide Slot India, for example, devel- airport development fees.
by contrast, went into a
competition for ground han- Guidelines have been main- oped Delhi into a first class That challenge now is to get
‘sharp reverse’ in 2012
dling services at European tained. And it is not just hub airport with the partici- that implemented.
following the problems
airports. But it also proposed Europe. We are working in pation of private partners.
faced by Kingfisher Airlines
changes to the regulation of China, Colombia, India, The facilities are great. But
and the slowdown in
Tony Tyler slots which would have taken Mexico, Poland, the UK the structure of the conces- Taking off
the Indian economy.
Director General and CEO Europe away from some basic and the US, among other sion agreement requires the
Following are excerpts from IATA
Europe presented initial
principles of the global best countries, to defend the concessionaire to return 46%
a speech by Tony Tyler, proposals for an Airports
practices which are codified appropriate application of of the top line revenue to the
Director General and CEO, Package of legislation which
(and safety for that matter) is in the Worldwide Slot the global system. government. And this year,
IATA during the event: included some very positive
global standards, the same is Guidelines. Among other after a long process, the reg-
We are also keeping a true for much of the way that things, the use-it or lose-it
Infrastructure ulator approved a 346%
changes such as the introduction
of greater competition for ground
close watch on regulation. the industry is regulated. rule would have been Growth can be facilitat- increase in charge. That’s handling services at European
Just as the solution for avia- Some areas which have been changed to 85-15 from the ed or inhibited by infrastruc- unacceptable for the indus- airports
tion and the environment particularly newsworthy over globally accepted 80-20. As ture. There are two dimen- try. And a more realistic

9. EXHIBITIONS JANUARY 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013 TRAVTALK 7
Witnessing innovations@FITUR 2013
At FITUR 2012 in Madrid, around 1,800 trade appointments took place at different workshops that were
organised within the framework of the fair.
FITUR Know-How & Trade Institute (ICEX). It products and services, and this is a characteristic that and have produced some
T T B U R E AU Export Forum, which seeks aims at promoting the value to buyers from other sets the fair apart from excellent results in the past,
to add a value-added dimen- of expertise and experience foreign markets. other events. in terms of providing access
A ccording to its Ana
Larranaga, Director,
FITUR 2013 promises much
sion to the business and
innovation prospects of com-
within the tourist industry
as a means of boosting inno- Gateway to Latin Exhibitor’s delight
to new markets, strategic
alliances and trade
more, as it has enhanced its
panies operating within the vation and development. America and more These B2B meetings opportunities. These trade
field, is promoted by the fair, Around 30 companies will FITUR effectively serves will take place within the meetings have proven to
legacy of niche B2B platforms
in conjunction with SEGIT- present their potential, as a hub for the Latin framework of the Third be highly effective in
and tools that are made avail-
UR and the Spanish Foreign know-how and experiences, American tourist market Hosted Buyers Workshop previous years.
able to its travel trade part-
ners. This will cater to the
exhibitors’ delight and con-
tribute important perspective
to the industry on pertinent
global developments. The
Ana Larranaga
Director
FITUR
The strong
attendance of
international
tourism
professionals
reflect their
interest in FITUR
director elaborates more on
leading FITUR as the gateway
to the Latin American markets
and more. Excerpts:-
Strategic B2B forums
and tools
Larranaga says that
FITUR is committed to the idea
of innovation, always based on
new trends and new market
needs. In this respect, in addi-
tion to its most important new
initiative on this occasion, in
the form of the business forum
known as FITUR Know How &
Export, the fair will incorpo-
rate a new forum devoted to
wine tourism and hotels, as
well as others that focus on
various areas of interest or of
up-and-coming importance
within the tourism business,
such as tourism efficiency
(FITUR Green), the application
of technology in tourism
(FITURTECH) and the spe-
cialised sections known as
FITUR LGBT, Receptive
Tourism Spain and FITUR
Active. “All of these initiatives,
offer important tools to
tourism professionals and in
this respect, we seek to make
our contribution to the future
growth of the tourist industry,”
she says.

10. HOTELS
Kolkata airport boosts biz
With rise in the number of existing flights, introduction
of new routes and ever-increasing tourists, hospitality
development will also rise. speaks to some
eminent stakeholders to get their views on the same.
M E G H A PAU L league of hotels - the business to be operational by
hotels that will cater exclusive- 2013-14.” The occupancy
T he new Kolkata airport
has been upgraded to
handle 20 million passengers,
ly to the MICE segment, he
adds. With a focus to promote
the East as a potential tourism
will also increase, if the
Government is able to
attract investment to
double the current capacity. hub, CII has been hosting the the city. The success of
Saugata Mukherjee MJ Robertson Marco Saxer
Regional Director - Co-Chairman Tourism Committee - Bengal General Manager
Eastern Region CII Chamber of Commerce & Industry Swissotel Kolkata
The development The new airport Companies
at the airport will will bring more would like to
have positive hospitality showcase the
effects on the business and new airport to
hotel industry in relieve air their colleagues
Kolkata congestion and partners
The initiative of Airports event Destination East, the their efforts will also
Authority of India (AAI) to first B2B event in the region. reflect on occupancy,
transform Kolkata airport into The airport development will he points out.
a hub for South-East Asia will boost this event as well. The
According to Marco
soon be a reality. The new third edition of ‘Destination
Saxer, General Manager,
integrated terminal in the East’ will be organised from
Swissotel Kolkata, the new ter-
upgraded Kolkata airport is to February 8-15 in Kolkata,
minal will help Kolkata to
be fully functional by the first he informs.
achieve greater number of
quarter of 2013. Industry
MJ Robertson, Co- visitors. Not only corporate,
leaders see a big spurt in the
chairman, Tourism but more of transient guests
hospitality development in
Committee - Bengal Chamber will now frequent the city.
the region.
of Commerce & Industry MICE and smaller meetings
Saugata Mukherjee, opines, “The new airport will will be held in Kolkata as many
Regional Director - Eastern not only bring in more hospi- companies in Kolkata would
Region, CII feels, “An increase tality business, but will also like to showcase the new air-
in international flights is antic- relieve the considerable con- port to their colleagues and
ipated, as Kolkata is the only gestion presently seen at the partners, he comments. The
gateway to all of eastern India. existing airport. It will also General Manager expects a
Also, with the increase in provide the much-needed rise in occupancy from the
inbound footfalls from ASEAN support to the airlines to existing 76 per cent to over 80
and the Far East, expand operations in the per cent. The ARR should also
destinations in this region eastern sector.” witness some growth of
have also been growing. almost 20 per cent. To cash in
Hospitality growth can never Regarding the boost to on the new airport, the hotel
happen in isolation and these the hospitality sector, will tie-up with the local cor-
developments will surely affect Robertson says, “There are porate houses and airlines.
the hotel industry in Kolkata a number of hotels coming “We have teamed up with
positively.” Also, with more up on the connecting road airlines flying to Kolkata and
number of MICE travellers that from the airport. Big-ticket have optimised the search
might visit the city now, operators are in the fray engine for our hotel on
Kolkata will witness a new and the hotels are all slated the web,” he adds.
1 lakh footfall in Kite Festival
A two-day Delhi lakh footfall on both the days. ture this festival in its regular
International Kite Festival was According to GG Saxena, extravaganza. Going forward,
organised by Delhi Tourism & Managing Director and CEO, Delhi Tourism will bring back
Transport Development Delhi Tourism & Transport the successful and much-
Corporation (DTTDC), in asso- Development Corporation awaited food festival - Dilli Ke
ciation with the Delhi govern- (DTTDC), Delhi Tourism plans Pakwaan. The festival will be
ment on December 8-9. The to promote more of these old held at Baba Kharak Singh
festival witnessed around one fading traditions and will fea- Marg from December 24-30.

11. NEWS JANUARY 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013 TRAVTALK 9
Gujarat gets ready with ITTHE 2013
As an integral part of the Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show, TAFCON is organising the International Travel Tourism
Hospitality Expo (ITTHE) 2013 under the aegis of the Government of Gujarat from January 8-13.
T T B U R E AU nated government cam- end break or longer holiday 25 countries. ITTHE 2013 all over the world showcase bound tourism. It will also
paigns to promote to their trip. Foreign tourists will be an ideal platform for a diverse range of tourism see tourism professionals
G ujarat is one of the most
proactive states when it
comes to taking initiatives in
‘Incredible India’.” Owing to
the booming IT and out-
sourcing industry, a growing
spend more in India than
almost any other country
worldwide, he added.
both national and interna-
tional tourism organisations
to meet, collaborate and dis-
products. The Expo presents
a perfect platform for both
local and international trav-
from India and around the
world showcase a diverse
range of accommodation
the tourism segment. Adding number of business trips are cuss inbound and outbound el and tourism organisations options, breathtaking
another feather to its cap, made by foreigners to India, The expo is expected to tourism. It will help the to collaborate and discuss tourism attractions and new
there is another interesting who will often add a week- have participation from over tourism professionals from inbound, domestic and out- airline routes.
initiative coming up. At the
IITHE 2013, hoteliers and
other stake holders can
explore new market products,
services and destinations,
sign long-term deals, meet
M L Wadhwa
CMD
TAFCON
India’s tourism
industry is
experiencing a
strong growth,
driven by
burgeoning
Indian middle
class, rise in
high-spending
foreign tourists
and government
campaigns
top international buyers and
generate sales leads. Besides
this, they can meet existing
customers and channel part-
ners, recruit new agents and
distributors and launch new
products and packages at
must-visit show of the year.
Talking about the
much-awaited event, ML
Wadhwa, CMD, TAFCON
pointed out, “India’s
tourism industry is experi-
encing a strong period of
growth, driven by the bur-
geoning Indian middle class,
growth in high-spending
foreign tourists and coordi-
Meeting Point
ITTHE 2013 will be an ideal
platform for both national
and international tourism
organisations to meet,
collaborate and discuss
inbound and outbound
tourism

12. HOTELS
Moving ahead with caution
Saurabh Rai Bhatnagar, Regional Director (South Asia),
Preferred Hotel Group, talks about commitment to
consolidate the existing portfolio along with the future
growth in key business and leisure cities in India.
M E G H A PAU L alliances owing to the diffi-
cult financial conditions as
C hicago-based Preferred
Hotel Group is targeting
an increase in its clientele to
these are anyways niche
products.” The group typical-
ly works on a five-to-seven
35 hotel members in India by year contract with the hotel;
the end of April 2014. “Over which is relatively shorter
the next 18 months, we plan given the average duration of
to have 35 member hotels. I management contracts of
am very confident that we the hard brand operators.
will achieve these numbers,” “However, despite having a
Bhatnagar said. shorter term contract, we
Saurabh Rai Bhatnagar
South Asia Regional Director have over 95 per cent reten-
The company currently
Preferred Hotel Group tion rate,” he revealed.
has 29 hotels, including New
Delhi-based Imperial and Confirming that the
The Leela Palace New Delhi of hotels in the market, we OTAs are a fundamental part
as its members. In its are fully committed to deploy of online travel, Bhatnagar
10-year old operations in the our existing infrastructure for emphasised, “We consider
India market, the member our long-time partners by them as partners and we
hotels are present in all six adding to their competitive would like to ensure that we
brands, from five-star luxury strength,” he added. will continue our regional
Preferred Hotels and Resorts channel management. For
Going forward, the
to four-star Sterling Hotels retail, an OTA will pull in an
group will also look at
and Sterling Design. “We are entire inventory of the hotel,
reassessing its relationship
looking at both business and henceforth, we have
with member hotels. He
and leisure destinations to tied up with over 140 key
pointed out, “Our prime
expand our portfolio of Online Travel Distribution
objective is to increase the
travellers,” he revealed. (OTD) companies around
brand presence of the hotel
the world.”
In the changing sce- and its profitability. So even
nario, where hospitality busi- if one of these get realigned,
ness has been hit worldwide, it is important to reassess the Future Talk
the group is moving cautious- relationship. While hotel
ly in India as well. According owners are riding through It is of utmost importance that
to Bhatnagar, growth in India choppy waters, it would not utility of the existing hotels
cannot just be defined by be surprising if owners are ought to be maximised
numbers. “In our business pushed to take some harsh While hotel owners are riding
proposition, it is of utmost decisions such as selling their through choppy waters,
importance that utility of the hotels or letting it go to owners may be pushed to
existing hotels ought to be another operator. We do take some harsh decisions
maximised. With new supply anticipate changes in such as selling their hotels
Visit Finland adds X-Mas fervour
Visit Finland invited travel trade to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and mood of the coming New Year
with Santa from Lapland in New Delhi, which was very well attended by its travel trade partners.

13. STATES JANUARY 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013 TRAVTALK 11
Uttarakhand lays out the welcome mat
The Nanda Devi Raj Jatt is going to be held after 12 years in 2013 and the
state tourism board is ready to attract visitors, especially during this festival.
Focussing on religious tourism, Uttarakhand is also promoting adventure.
Himalayas and the Reserve, Corbett National years who come to
T T B U R E AU revered Ganges. Park and Rajaji National visit Gangotri, Yamunotri,
Park. The national parks are Kedarnath and Badrinath, the
D omestic tourist visits to
Uttarakhand increased
from 1.9 crore in 2007 to
Uttarakhand has 65%
forest cover and thus is home
ideal for those seeking the
call of the wild. Till now,
four most holy pilgrimages
know as the Char Dham.
to the ‘Valley of Flowers’, the Uttarakhand has welcomed Now, the government is also
2.66 crore in 2011, repre-
Nanda Devi Biosphere pilgrims for thousands of promoting ‘village stays’.
senting 4.1% growth. The
foreign tourist visits
increased from 96,000 in
2007 to 1.14 lakh in 2011
showing a 0.73% increase.
For 2012, the tourism board
expects these numbers to rise
further and is going all out to
attract more tourists.
The State recorded good
growth in the tourism sector
and has prioritised this indus-
Poonam Chand
Regional Tourism Officer
Uttarakhand Tourism
try due to the festival. Efforts
to get Uttarakhand recog-
nised worldwide as a tourism
destination are underway.
In 2013, the tourism
board is going all out to pro-
mote Nanda Devi Raj Jatt, an
important spiritual and cul-
tural festival of Uttarakhand,
which takes place after every
12 years. This legendary
yatra will take place for the
first time after the State’s
formation. It would take
place from August 29 to
September 16, 2013 and
will witness hundreds of
thousands of devotees
and enthusiasts from across
the world. It will cover a
long trek of about 280 kms
with 18 halts on the way
at an altitude of 3,960
metres in 18 days.
Uttarakhand is seen as
fount of spiritual energy.
Everyone cherishes coming
to the hilly state to rejuve-
nate oneself by the virtue of
its pristine beauty, wildlife,
natural environs and places
of religious and pilgrimage
importance. It is ideal for
tourists seeking peace and
tranquillity, along with
leisure and adventure activ-
ities. The State has a perfect
blend of spiritual, adventure
and nature. The charm of
meditation, spirituality, yoga,
rural tourism, skiing,
trekking, rafting amidst the
fascinating views of mighty

14. HOTELS
The Address Hotels & Resorts
India shining for Dubai Address
The discerning Indian traveller has made it to the top list of The
Address Hotels & Resorts, a Dubai-based five-star premium
hotel of Emaar Hospitality Group with an average of 3-5 nights.
T T B U R E AU about deriving true value for ations in India for The Address
money. With our portfolio of Hotels & Resorts over the last
I ndia is among the top five
markets for us. This has set
an all-new definition for glob-
The Address Downtown
Dubai, The Address Dubai
Mall, The Address Dubai
three years. “We have success-
fully extended our reach in
Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru
al standards in luxury hospi- Marina, The Address through our Indian partner.
tality, says Seema Pande, Montgomerie Dubai and The Going forward, we look for-
Group Director, Sales and ward to strengthening our
Marketing of The Address reach in Chennai and
Hotels & Resorts. Ahmedabad,” said Pande.
“India has pleasantly
“We value all our B2B
surprised us with a fabulous
partners and are always acces-
increase in the numbers of
sible to all our, small, medium
top-end business in leisure,
and large travel partners. We
FIT, corporate and MICE
are fortunate to have an equal
front. With increase in the
balance of corporate and
family travel from India, we
leisure travellers and the
have witnessed an impres-
weekdays are as good as
sive growth in Indian wed-
weekends. Even though we
dings and engagements at
Seema Pande have multiple teams taking
our properties. The Indian Group Director, Sales and Marketing care of various travellers, we
families with members The Address Hotels & Resorts
remain accessible and value all
spread all over in USA, UK,
our small, medium and big
Europe and other parts of the
Palace Downtown Dubai, we B2B partners,” she stated.
world, find Dubai to be an
expect to close our 2012 year
easily accessible destination
with over 10-15% growth
with adequate air connectiv-
from the Indian market. We
ity and a welcoming visa
are also looking at expanding India Market & Address
regime,” informed Pande.
our presence in key destina- India is among the top five
“The Indian visitors tions in the Middle East, North markets for us
spend on an average of 3-5 Africa, the Indian subconti-
nights and are among the top nent, South Asia and Europe,” We expect to close our 2012
spenders. Indians are willing she added. The Nijhawan year with over 10-15 per cent
to spend on premium products Group has been taking care of growth from the Indian market
only when they are convinced the sales and marketing oper-
Jumeirah set to enter India
The Group signs the first management agreement for
a Mumbai property. They are also involved in advance
negotiations on potential projects.
A N I TA J A I N our group properties, with
room night occupancies
I n February 2012,
reported the interest of
Dubai-based luxury hotel
improving by close to 50 per
cent year-on-year. We have
set our sight on city centres
management group - and resort destinations like
Jumeirah Hotels, Resorts & Mumbai, New Delhi,
Residences to enter the Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa
Indian hospitality sector. In a and Kerala.
latest development, the
group has recently signed its The need for five-
first management agreement star hotels in India
for a five-star property in Gerald Lawless
Lower Parel area of Central
President & Group CEO has been growing
Jumeirah Group
Mumbai. The property is and we are happy to
expected to be launched by
worldwide. At the macro
have initiated the
2017 and will house about
level, Jumeirah will adhere to first phase of our
470 spacious rooms, suites
and apartments along with
its core business in India; expansion in India
managing luxury and five- with our first
wide range of banqueting and
star hotels and resorts using
F&B services. The name of
an asset light approach.
project in Mumbai.”
the property, investment
details and additional facts Gerald Lawless, The group currently
will be disclosed by mid President & Group CEO, operates 20 luxury hotels
2013. The group's operating Jumeirah Group said, “India and serviced apartments,
model is expansion through is one of the major players in including 10 in the UAE,
the acquisition of manage- the global hospitality and seven in Europe, seven
ment contracts in both key tourism industry, particularly in the Maldives and 1 in
gateway cities and aspira- Asia. It is currently the third China with 15 additional
tional resort destinations fastest growing market for under development.

15. HOTELS JANUARY 1 ST FORTNIGHT ISSUE 2013 TRAVTALK 13
Bengaluru gets its The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
first Marriott Hotel
Marriott Hotel Whitefield,
Bengaluru city’s first Marriott
sits atop the newest mall
IT hub in India and also has
a GDP growth four times that
of Bengaluru city.
Adding value to the Valley
Inorbit. It has one of the
largest ballrooms in the city
Although the city has a lot
of hotels but in Whitefield
The new Gulmarg enterprise will aim at converting hordes of tourist day
with 2,500 sq metres of area, there is yet a dearth of trips to Gulmarg into overnight stays and more.
outdoor space. The hotel rooms. There are no interna-
has 324 rooms, including 17 tional five-star hotels in this
T T B U R E AU year, the growth story
area at this given point and
of increasing footfalls only
time. Whitefield not only
houses most of the Fortune
500 companies but also has a
W ith peace prevailing in
Kashmir, tourism has
now got a boost in the Valley.
got better. However, now the
problem that still looms
large is the issue of
steadily growing residential With an unprecedented 10.73 accommodation.
population. The area itself is lakh tourists till September
about 18km from the heart of Addressing this dilem-
the city. The city roads ma is The Khyber Himalayan
are choc block almost all Resort & Spa in Gulmarg.
through the day, and residents The resort opened its doors
Matthew Cooper prefer to stay in Whitefield on December 21 last year.
General Manager
over the weekend, constantly The 85-key resort is
Marriott Hotel Whitefield
Gulmarg’s first luxury resort
looking for places to go to.
and is spread over seven
There are also plenty of com-
suites. The executive lounge panies around the hotel and
acres and located at an eleva- time and return to Srinagar “We are eyeing
tion of 8,825 ft in the at night. Thus, the objective the inbound
on the 15th floor offers the view these companies have ample Pir Panjal range of the of the hotel is to convert the
of Whitefield and is available Marriott Rewards members Himalayas while overlooking day trips to overnight trips.” market, specifically
to guests staying on the exec- who are currently staying the Affarwat peaks. the travellers
utive floor to conduct business elsewhere. Given this “Right from its opening
and meetings. scenario, the hotel is bound Alex Koshy Supporting the desti- on December 21, the hotel who visit Gulmarg
Talking about the to do well.”
General Manager
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
nation with the hotel, Alex was sold out for the first two for skiing
choice of location for the The hotel property is also Koshy, General Manager, weeks,” he adds. during winters
The Khyber Himalayan
hotel, Matthew Cooper, banking on the MICE segment
30 in 2011, it seems that the Resort & Spa said, “All Being the best skiing
while during
General Manager, Marriott to boost their occupancy, since summers, we will
love for Kashmir has been tourists include Gulmarg in destination in India, the hotel
Hotel Whitefield, says, the hotel houses a large func-
“Bengaluru’s business hub is tion space. The hotel estimates
rediscovered. This is a first, their itinerary. However, is targetting skiing enthusi- eye the domestic
as it is the highest number of owing to the dearth of good asts all over. “Domestic travel tourists,” the
clearly moving to micro-mar- the business mix to be about
tourist arrivals in the state, hotels in the region, they is still at its peak during the
kets. Whitefield is the largest 80:20 in the initial period. over the past 25 years. Last visit Gulmarg during day- summers in India.” GM reveals.

16. NTO
More than just stop-overs
For the first time, Turkish Hoteliers Federation hosted
a 5-city roadshow in India to focus on the varied
destinations such as Istanbul, Cappadocia and Antalya.
T T B U R E AU
I n 2011, Turkey received
31.4 million foreign
tourists of which 74,000
were from India. In 2012,
from January to September,
the arrivals from India
reached 66,700. In a bid to
hard-sell itself as a business
and leisure destination in
India, the country is now tar-
getting a 30 per cent growth Emin Cakmak Ozgur Ayturk
Founding Chairman Culture and Tourism Counsellor
to get more than one lakh Turkish Healthcare Travel Council Turkey
Indian arrivals by 2013.
This is the first time the The motive for Turkey has
Turkish Hoteliers Federation
has organised a roadshow in this roadshow planned
India. Emphasisng on wed- is to convert workshops and
ding, golf and honeymoon des-
tinations such as Istanbul, this transit joint marketing
Cappadocia and Antalya, Emin
Cakmak, Founding Chairman, business events with
Turkish Healthcare Travel into overnight leading Indian
Council pointed out, “India
is one of the key markets for stays tour operators
us and the positive growth rate
of Indians visiting Turkey
has strengthened our
Turkey has planned 2013, we have also increased
confidence in the market.
media and ad campaigns apart our promotional budget, which
Currently, a chunk of Indian
from workshops and joint mar- has been earmarked for US$
travellers visit Turkey only as
keting events with leading two million. We will be spend-
a transit destination. The road-
Indian tour operators. Revealed ing nearly US$ 1 million for
show is to convert these
Ozgur Ayturk, Culture and media and advertisement cam-
transits into overnight stays
Tourism Counsellor, Turkey, “In paigns as well.”
in the country.”
VisitBritain ups promotion
In a strategic initiative, it announced partnership with
Yatra.com in New Delhi. Both entities will work on
promoting new itineraries via a 3600 media campaign.
T T B U R E AU the end of December. The through our TSI-Yatra initia-
print campaign will kick-start tive. It has over 3,000 B2B
I ndia remains one of our
most important inbound
markets,says Patricia Yates,
in mid of January to be fol-
lowed up by an intensive
online campaign. The idea is
partners, which will help us
make the strategic alliance
into a successful partner-
Director - Strategy and to create various new itiner- ship,” Dev Added.
Communications,VisitBritain. aries spread across 5-12 days.
Yatra.com has already
“This partnership will help They can cost anywhere
done successful joint cam-
us to broaden our appeal as between ` 90,000-2,25,000,
a special destination and
promote all that is great
about Britain, as to capitalise
on all the positive mega cov-
erage after the London
Olympics. Indian tourists can
very well choose from a tour
of Buckingham Palace, see-
ing the sunrise at
Stonehenge or watching a
cricket test match to name a
few,” she says. (L-R); Neeraj Singh Dev, Patricia Yates & Shivali Suri
which can be customised fur- paigns with other destina-
The joint promotional
ther and they will deliver on tions such as Thailand and
initiative is estimated to be
the Indian aspiration to visit Malaysia. According to Dev,
over £ 100,000 and will be
tourist attractions beyond Yatra.com has seen growth in
beamed across electronic,
London.” its visitor arrivals to Britain
print and B2B channels.
by over 50 per cent.
Here, Neeraj Dev, Head- “The B2B players in
VisitBritain on the other
Outbound Product, Yatra.com India will also be able to ben-
hand, has set an ambitious
added, “We aim to utilise the efit from our strategic
target of welcoming over
star power of Salman Khan to alliance, as they can sell the
5,00,000 Indian visitors
engage with the audience. various itineraries that will
by 2012.
The first TVC will go on air by be a part of our campaign