TripShelf and Abu Dhabi Tourism announce partnership

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` November 2017
Volume V • Issue XI • Pages 72 • 90
A window to
The North East
India towards
the road less travelled
WTM London 2017 The online escapade
10 reasons to visit OTAs, the mandatory travelling lens
THREE HOTELS.
ONE DESTINATION.
Refreshing experiences by the Canal
Presenting three world-class distinct brands and home to 1,600 guestrooms and suites, 3 ballrooms
supported by 28 meeting rooms, 18 restaurants, lounges and a nightclub and the magnificent La Perle
water-themed show by Dragone. Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection is the perfect location for your next
event, right in the heart of Dubai.
For contact and bookings:
[email protected]
[phone]
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Editor-in-Chief Marketing Manager
Dear Readers,
Varun Malhotra Rukhsar Ansari
[email protected] Consultant One of the leading global events for the travel
Director Anindya Malhotra industry, World Travel Market London is the must-
Pranav Khullar Jitin Mann attend three-day exhibition for the industry stalwarts
from worldwide. While WTM London 2016 saw more
[email protected] Art Director
than 51,000 participants, including 9,900 buyers
Director- PR (Middle East & Rakesh Kumar
conducting business worth more than £2.8 billion
South East Asia) Accounts with almost 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and
Sanjiv Chopra Chandan Kumar Jha regions, 2017, on the other hand, is poised to be the a boon or bane for hotels.
Asst. Editor Swati Jauhari most successful yet. This year will have a host of In our inbound section, we give you a window to the North
Gagneet Kaur Admin Head big-name speakers from both inside and outside the East. Tiny on the map, these states will take you many
Senior Reporter R Prem Lata travel and tourism industry. Industry stalwart and months of travelling on road, boat, train and foot to cover
Ankita Jain R Kani Mozhi pioneer Terry Jones is a keynote speaker. This issue just the accessible regions. Further, in our outbound
Business Head - Projects Executive-Circulation has a special focus on WTM, throwing a light on India section, the British Isles pack quite a punch. When visiting
Neha Johri Hari Puri in and out. the United Kingdom, it is easy to be ensnared by the energy
and thrum of London, and not venture beyond. For those
Sr. Marketing Manager Sameer Singh While many of the marvels are known to India, there
who do, the rewards are rich. TravelScapes offers you a
Nidhi Hinduja are also the hidden gems that are quietly tucked away
guide to the top five not-to-be-missed places of UK with an
in various corners of the vast landscape. In order
extra dose of less known spots
to promote the tailor-made niche products to the
Editorial & Marketing Office: Versatile Media: 207, Satya Man- discerning travellers, the State Tourism Boards are This issue brings news and reports about trade, hospitality,
sion, Commercial Complex, Ranjeet Nagar, New Delhi-110008 bracing the change. We spoke to the top decision- aviation and the latest in tourism worldwide.
Contact: 011 - 45530380/83 • [email protected] makers from the states to know the India beyond
Acolln isnifdoerrm raetliiaobnl ien. ITtr aisv eplaSscsaepde osn is t od eoruivr erde afdroemrs swoiuthrcoeust waney re- culture. We value your feedback and suggestions so please do write
sponsibility on our part. Opinions/views expressed by third parties us on [email protected].
in abstract or interviews are not necessarily shared by us. Material With a story on the trending Online Travel Agents,
appearing in the magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in TravelScapes talks to leading OTAs, giving an in-
part(s) without prior permission. The publisher reserves the right to depth study on the challenges, role of technology,
refuse, withdraw or otherwise deal with all advertisements without Happy reading
explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian the hit formula and the future of OTAs in India. While
Advertisement Code. The publisher will not be liable for any loss OTAs represent an important resource for hotels to
caused by any delay in publication, error or failure of advertisement generate revenues and reach new markets, they also
to appear. Varun Malhotra
Owned and published by: Varun Malhotra, Editor & Publisher, represent a challenge due to significant commissions
EB-63, Maya Enclave, Hari Nagar, New Delhi - 110064 and printed and competition for on-line promotion and customer Editor-in-Chief
on his behalf at Royal Press, B-82, Okhla Industrial Area Phase-I, loyalty. Hereby, the story also talks about whether it is [email protected]
New Delhi - 110020
experience the
marhaba effect
THREE HOTELS.
ONE DESTINATION.
Refreshing experiences by the Canal
Presenting three world-class distinct brands and home to 1,600 guestrooms and suites, 3 ballrooms
supported by 28 meeting rooms, 18 restaurants, lounges and a nightclub and the magnificent La Perle
water-themed show by Dragone. Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection is the perfect location for your next
event, right in the heart of Dubai.
‘marhaba’ means ‘welcome’ in Arabic. And a warm reception is exactly what we offer, easing airport arrivals and departures with
smiles and assistance.
For contact and bookings:
marhaba’s range of ‘meet & greet’ services at Dubai and Bahrain International Airports can make a huge difference to any trip—
[email protected]
whether it’s providing peace of mind for an elderly relative, ensuring VIP treatment for an important client, or getting a family
[phone] holiday off to a smooth start.
From handling paperwork to helping with transfers and baggage, marhaba ensures an easy passage through the airport—while
offering an oasis of calm within the exclusive lounges. With bronze, silver, gold, and family services, there’s something for everyone.
So why not treat your family, friends or clients? Or try marhaba yourself and feel the difference.
Call [phone]
[email protected]
Sales distribution partner
meet & greet | family packages | marhaba lounge | citystop | transfer service | corporate services
CONTENT
LONDON
Special Issue
NOVEMBER 2017 VOLUME V | ISSUE XI
Cover Story
pg-12
INDIA TOWARDS THE ROAD
LESS TRAVELLED
TRAVELSCAPES
India, being the world’s seventh-largest country stretching from the high
Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, is a potpourri of cultures
HAILED THE BEST AGAIN perfectly blended with modernity. While many of the marvels are known,
there are also the hidden gems that are quietly tucked away in various
corners of the vast landscape. In order to promote the tailor-made niche
CONFERRED WITH THE “BEST TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATION”
products to the discerning travellers, the State Tourism Boards are bracing
AWARD AT 33RD ANNUAL IATO CONVENTION IN the change. We spoke to the top decision-makers from the states to know the
BHUBANESHWAR, ODISHA, THIRD TIME IN A ROW India beyond culture
MOT
WTM INDIA CONTEXT
8 Paryatan Parv
A COUNTRY-WIDE CELEBRATION
18 Central Ministries and 31 States/UTS participated in Paryatan Parv which was
held from 5th to 25th October, crossing five lakh footfalls
SPECIAL FOCUS WTM
16 10 reasons why WTM London 2017 is a must-visit
One of the leading global events for the travel industry, World Travel Market
London is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the industry stalwarts from
worldwide.
18 Digital Influencers growing strong in WTM
22 Tourism Minister 24 Secretary, Ministry of
A series of sessions looking at how destinations and travel brands can work with Alphons Kannanthanam Tourism, Rashmi Verma
digital influencers will take place on the Global Stage at this year’s WTM London
POLISHING TOURISM EXPERIENTIALPRODUCTS ON
TO STAND OUT IN THE THE ANVIL
HOTEL FEATURE INTERNATIONAL MARKET
The government is revamping its
Come to more than thousand tourist strategy to market India as a preferred
36 W Goa attractions and the grand dynasties, destination for both foreign as well
SEEK YOUR SENSES India is fast-growing as a favoured as domestic tourists, with an eye on
destination for the travellers. doubling traffic from both the segments.
There is luxury and there is W Goa. Stuck by the vast expanse of green on one
side and the misty Arabian Sea on the other, this hotel has brought to life the
very meaning of luxury REGULAR UPDATES
WHAT’S TRENDING
10 .......................................................................................................................................MoT
20 ....................................................................................................................................Trade
48 The online escapade
26 .........................................................................................................................Association
ONLINE TRAVEL AGENTS EMERGING AS THE MANDATORY 32 ..........................................................................................................................Hospitality
TRAVELLING LENS FOR TRAVELLERS 52 ............................................................................................................................Outbound
There was a time when people queued outside the offices of multiple travel 64 ................................................................................................................................Aviation
agents to plan their vacation but now the time has seen a major shift.
66 ......................................................................................................... Events & Galleries
70 ...................................................................................................................Appointments
6 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2017
SPECIAL FOCUS
OUTBOUND
IN CONVERSATION 44 K D Singh, Founder &
President TravelBullz
56 Yash Sharma, CEO, Quick
Forex HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL FOR
With not just foreign exchange, Quick THE BOOKERS
Forex deals in anything and everything TravelBullz wolfs down the
one requires to travel. requirements to match the right deal
WHERE BUSINESS
MEETS PlEASURE
40 EXOTIC INDIA
A WINDOW TO THE NORTH
EAST
An integrated part of India brewing with
culture, adventure thrills, raw nature
and nestled in the North East corner of
India are eight states- ‘the seven sisters
and one brother’.
Stay at Our Attractive Hotel near the Khajuraho Temples
The Radisson Hotel Khajuraho is an ideal place to stay when visiting Khajuraho, 1.5
Kms from the western group of temples a UNESCO World Heritage site and less
than 2 kms from Eastern& Southern Group of Temples. Other major attractions are
Panna National Park, famous for its tigers Pandav Falls, Raney falls, Kallinjer Fort.
After a day of travel, schedule a pampering massage at the on-site Temple Spa.or
to play a game of chess in the recreation area. You can also soak in the sun by our
scenic outdoor swimming pool or take the kids to watch a puppet show during
dinner. Enjoy the Famous International Dance Festival during the evening in the last
58 GLOBE TROTTER week of February
WOLFING DOWN THE UNITED Hotel Amenities & Services. Additional amenities and services include:
KINGDOM • Restaurant and bar
• Car hire service
For their small size, the British Isles • Concierge and currency exchange Radisson Jass Hotel Khajuraho
• Fitness centre By Pass Road, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
pack quite a punch. When visiting
• Valet parking Contact: [phone], 1-800-1800-333
the United Kingdom, it is easy to be • Business centre Email: [email protected]
ensnared by the energy and thrum of • Wireless broadband Internet access in all public areas
London. https://www.radisson.com/khajuraho-hotel-in
TravelScapes_Feb-2017.indd 29 2/2/2017 11:55:55 AM
UPDATE MoT
A country-wide celebration
18 Central Ministries and 31 States/UTS participated in Paryatan Parv
which was held from October 5 to 25, crossing five lakh footfalls
Three week long Paryatan Parv, a nation-wide celebration of Tourism
organised by Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with other Central
Ministries, State Governments and Stakeholders from 5th to 25th
October 2017 concluded on a positive note. Addressing a Press
Conference on the conclusion of Paryatan Parv, Rashmi Verma,
Secretary Ministry of Tourism said that the Parv was organised with the
objective of drawing focus on the benefits of tourism, showcasing the
cultural diversity of the country and reinforcing the principle of “Tourism
for All”. She informed the media persons that a total of more than five
lakh people participated in Paryatan Parv event across the country.
Secretary, Tourism informed the media persons that the three
component Paryatan Parv focused on: -
Dekho Apna Desh: To encourage Indians to visit their own country.
There were several activities organised across the country like
photograph and blog competitions of sites visited during the event,
stories of India through travelers’ eyes, on social media, tourism related
quiz, essay, debate and painting competitions for students. The general
public has shown tremendous response and shared their activities on handlooms, guided heritage walks and more.
MyGov platform.
Tourism & Governance: Interactive sessions and workshops with
Tourism for All: Tourism Events at sites across all states in the country stakeholders on varied themes were organised across the country.
were organised. The activities at these sites included illumination in Some one of the sessions were on skill development in tourism sector,
and around the sites, cultural programmes of dance, music, theatre, innovation in tourism, developing rural tourism in locations near
storytelling, sensitisation programmes for stakeholders around the established destinations and many more.
sites, tourism exhibitions, showcasing culture, cuisine and handicrafts / Each day of the “Paryatan Parv” organised by the Ministry of Tourism
8 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2017
MoT UPDATE
in collaboration with other Central ministries, state governments and Tourism walk & Run.
stakeholders from October 5 to 25, 2017 was full of activities. Paryatan India Tourism, Chennai in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Tourism
Parv received a very enthusiastic response from other central ministries Department, organised “Absolute India Travel Bazaar” where
and state governments, who had come forward in organising various “Importance of Tourism” was conveyed to the large gathering of
activities and events and based on reports received, the event which 1500 people which included State Tourism Departments, Airlines. In
spread to all regions of the country has been received very well and has Hajipur the students and faculty of the Institute of Hotel Management
attracted participation in large numbers. participated in the “Rally on Tourism” from IHM Hajipur to Gandhi
Chowk and back to IHM Hajipur for a symbolic distance of about five
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT: kilometers to celebrate “Paryatan Parv” (Tourism Festival) . The events
‘Paryatan Parv’ activities began with the flagging of the cycle rally for the day culminated with the first ever ASEAN-India Music Festival
by Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism from India Gate, Purana Quila in New Delhi.
New Delhi to Qutab Minar. Tourism awareness Walk and Run were The day started with “Yoga Demonstration” organised by India tourism, Mumbai
organised in Shillong , Bhubaneswar , Kovalam (Kerala), Hajipur and Kaivalyadham (Yoga Institute) at the Priyadarshni Park, Nepean Sea Road,
(Bihar), Gurudaspur, Chennai, Guwahati, Mumbai, Ahmedabad , Jaipur, Mumbai. There were over 30 yoga demonstrators who demonstrated the
Imphal, Lucknow, Agra, Hyderabad , Gwalior, Bhopal, Panaji(Goa), common yoga practice to over 300 early morning joggers. Ministry of Culture as
Delhi. Hundreds of student from Institute of Hotel Management in the a part of ‘Paryatan Parv’ had organised ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav’ under the
said cities and local stakeholders enthusiastically participated in the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat matrix in Gujarat.
NOVEMBER 2017 travelscapesonline.com 9
UPDATE MoT
India targets 100 million jobs
through tourism in five years
14.4 mn international tourists visit India annually,
with foreign exchange earnings of 1.56 lakh crore
NEWS DESK
Kerala officially launches the
India aims to create 100 million
jobs through tourism and attract 40
Responsible tourism mission
million foreign tourists annually in
the next five years, Union minister K
J Alphons said Monday. The minister The Responsible Tourism initiatives in the state woke up
also said that at present, 14.4 million to a new dawn, with the Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan
international tourists visit India launching the dedicated Mission for it. The world’s first
annually, he said, adding the annual Alphons Kannanthanam Responsible Tourism Mission is all set to lead Kerala
foreign exchange earnings (through Tourism through people-friendly, local community-
tourist spends) is about Rs 1.56 lakh (industry) feel the taxes are too high. friendly and environment-friendly, initiatives ensuring
crore. “We have set an aim of providing We would certainly bat for the industry rural development, employment opportunities and
100 million jobs through the tourism and request the finance ministry to women empowerment.
sector and (attracting) 40 million bring down the tax rates so that there Kadakampally Surendran, Minister of Tourism,
foreign tourists annually into India will be much better acceptance,” the presided over the function. K Suresh Kurup MLA and
in the next five years. Today, we are minister said. Jose K Mani were the chief guests of the function.
providing about 43 million jobs,” the Besides, Alphons said, the ministry Dr Venu V, IAS, Principal Secretary, Kerala tourism
Minister of State for Tourism said at a was in advanced stages of a proposal delivered the welcome speech and P Bala Kiran, IAS,
press conference. to provide infrastructure status to the Director of Tourism presented the Responsible Tourism
After meeting the CEOs of tourism industry for projects up to Rs Mission project. K Rupesh Kumar, coordinator, State
companies investing in the sector and 50 crore and will soon approach the Responsible Tourism Mission announced the new
deliberating upon how to maximise its union Cabinet for its approval on the Responsible tourism destinations.
potential, Alphons asserted he would same. “With the infrastructure status, Welcoming the gathering, Dr Venu V IAS Principal
“strongly recommend” to the finance possibly the lending rates would come Secretary Kerala Tourism said that it’s a proud moment
ministry for a reduction in the GST rate down, states would be able to give for all of us. Responsible Tourism that started off in
for five-star hotel rooms attracting land on much better terms to the hotel Kumarakom is now a world renowned concept and a
a tariff of Rs 7,500 and above. “They industry,” Alphons pointed out. point of discussion across the globe. It’s definitely a
proud moment for us to be a pioneer in setting up this
concept so effectively. Within a span of nine years, 16
18.8 per cent growth in FTAs in crores is the profit Kumarakom could gain through
tourism. Around 1.16 crore revenue is generated by
the localities. The reason behind this growth is the
September 2017 over last year involvement as a group by the communities around. The
aim of RT is to create 1.5 lakh jobs in the future, said Dr
Venu V.
71 per cent growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals on With a bunch of new projects under the new mission,
the state aims at expanding Responsible Tourism across
e-Tourist Visa in Sept, 2017 over last year
the state by incorporating a set of new destinations.
Currently it is carried out only in seven destinations
NEWS DESK in the state, viz. Kumarakom, Thekkady, Vythiri,
Ministry of Tourism compiles monthly FTAs during the period January- Ambalavayal, Kumbalangi, Bakel and Kovalam. Kerala
estimates of Foreign Tourist Arrivals September 2017 were 71.20 lakh with has bagged countless national and international awards
(FTAs) and FTAs on e-Tourist Visa on a growth of 15.5 per cent over same and recognition for these projects. Kadakampally
the basis of Nationality-wise, Port- period of previous year, as compared Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Government of
wise data received from Bureau of to the FTAs of 61.63 lakh with a growth Kerala, bagged six National Tourism Awards 2015-16
Immigration (BOI). The following are of 9.8 per cent in January- September from The President in New Delhi out of which one was
the important highlights regarding 2016 over January- September 2015. credited for the Best Responsible Tourism Initiative for
FTAs and FTAs on e-Tourist Visa The percentage share of Foreign ‘Kumarakom’.
from tourism during the month of Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during The Mission takes Responsible Tourism to all 14
September, 2017. September 2017 among the top 15 districts. The government plans to create 1, 50,000
The number of FTAs in September, source countries was highest from employment opportunities in the tourism sector
2017 was 7.23 lakh as compared to Bangladesh (29.65 per cent) followed alone through the Responsible Tourism Mission, in a
FTAs of 6.08 lakh in September, 2016 by US and other countries. span of five years. he scheme is being implemented
and 5.43 lakh in September, 2015. The During the month of September, with the primary objective of ensuring extra income
growth rate in FTAs in September, 2017 total of 1.18 lakh tourist arrived and livelihood for agricultural laborers, traditional
2017 over September, 2016 is 18.8 on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 0.69 industrial workers and marginalised communities in
per cent compared to 12.1 per cent lakh during the month of September these areas and to give equal importance to the social-
in September, 2016 over September, 2016 registering a growth of 71.0 per environmental parity.
2015. cent.
10 travelscapesonline.com NOVEMBER 2017